Fall Concert Line Up

One of my favorite things to do is to attend concerts. This Fall I have a few MUST SEE shows on my list that I'm super excited about. I didn't see a whole lot of bands this past Summer (le sigh) but I definitely plan on stepping up my game this season. Here is what is on the list so far:

• The Roots & The Hold Steady - September 29th
• Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - September 30th
• The Walkmen - October 16th
• Blitzen Trapper - October 26th
• The Kooks - November 17th
• Deer Tick - November 20th
• The Real Esate - November 23rd
• The Cure - November 25th, 26th or 27th *Who knows maybe all 3

Any great concerts that I'm potentially missing? Let me know!

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces Nominees



Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

 This morning the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced 15 new nominees for the 26th induction ceremony which will take place on April 14th at the Cleavland Convention Center. (Road Trip Anyone?!)

Nominees include:

• Heart
• Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
• Rufus
• Guns 'N Roses
• The Cure (THANK GOODNESS)
• Eric B. & Rakim *if they make it in they would be only the 3rd hip hop act inducted
• Freddie King
• The Spinners
• The Small Faces
• Beastie Boys
• Donovan
• Red Hot Chili Peppers (Much Deserved)
• War
• Donna Summer
• Laura Nyro

In order for an artist to be nominated for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years must have passed since their first album or single is released. The hall will induct at least five of the artists that will be announced in November.

Happy Birthday to the Boss

Today is the One and Only - Bruce Springsteen's - birthday. I am a huge, and I mean HUGE fan of the boss's, (I'm getting tattoos of his lyrics soon obsessed). So I wanted to dedicate today's post to him.

Happy Birthday to the King of Rock and Roll, Mr. Bruce Springsteen...

City Melody Mix Up

So I decided 10 minutes ago recently that I'm going to shake things up a bit with City Melody. Now I realize that I have started this blog like 5 minutes ago (actually like over a month ago but Po-Tay-toe/Pot-A-toe) but I want to include some quirky antidotes about living in NYC and just life in general.

My blog is named City Melody after all and they say that: every life is like song (NAME THAT TUNE). I digress... tomorrow is my birthday, and I'm turning 24 (ugh yikes, I don't care if you don't think its old I do) and well I'm having a mini-semi-almost there-quarter life crisis people! So I made a list of things I would like to accomplish during the "Year of 24" as I will be referring to it as. One of those things is to truly try and write more. Writing is something I have always enjoyed, creativity in general is something I'm a fan of, and since I'm not Katy Perry (womp #Wanna-beRockStar) I've found alternative outlets aka writing. I'm hopeing I can really take this blog somewhere, and people really embrace the idea of hearing from a struggling 24 year old just trying desperately of making it in the city.

I realize there's other people out there just like me so if you want to comment or inspire or make suggestions feel free!

And Away We Go.....

Music News Update

Just a few things that have been in Music News lately...

• R.E.M. Broke Up - yes it seems the day has actually come. This iconic band has called it quits after 3 decades of making music together. You can check out their statement here.
• Lou Reed & Metalica's Album Posters Banned in London - The underground counsel or whoever runs this kind of nonsense in London says the posters look too much like graffiti so cannot be posted. WTF.
• Radiohead comes to NYC - I'm sure you've heard this one already but, Radiohead is about to descend on NYC this weekend (I know I'm pumped too). They'll be the musical guests on the season premiere of SNL and will also be appearing on the one hour Colbert Report special. Not only that but they'll be playing at Roseland the 28th and 29th. SO. HAPPY.

Jam of the Day: Amy Winehouse

Today's jam of the day: He Can Only Hold Her, Amy Winehouse 

Nirvana 20 Years Later - Still the Best

Nirvana

The 20th Anniversary of Nirvana's album, Nevermind, is quickly approaching. This generation defining album is being celebrated with a never-before-seen Nirvana concert movie titled: Live at the Paramount. The concert was shot on Halloween of 1991 and will air on VH1, VH1 Classic and Palladia on September 23rd at 11pm. I clearly will be hosting a viewing party.

Nevermind was easily the best album of the 1990's and overshadowed any other album that came out around that time. It helped forge alternative rock into the mainstream and made grunge cool. No album since has been able to define a complete generation the way Nevermind did. It was both produced and written perfectly and was not at all over-done like some rock albums can be. It's dynamic musical twists and turns from soft to heavy and back to soft again were incredibly simple yet completely amazing and compelling.

This Diamond Certified album not only was the BEST of the 90's but has been ranked in the top 20 on numerous 'Best of All Time,' lists. If you are really going to try and claim you don't like Nevermind or Nirvana then you are really trying WAY TO HARD to be cool and different. Nevermind and Nirvana have earned something you never will.

Follow the City Melody

So there's this site that I'm being told about called BlogLovin... Use it to keep track of my music Updates. Click the Juke Box below to follow City Melody...

Reviews In: Blitzen Trapper

Blitzen Trapper

Earlier this week Blitzen Trapper released their newest album: American Goldwing, which is simply put a nostalgic tribute to classic Rock 'n' Roll. Think of an Allman Brothers/Lynyrd Skynyrd mash-up that is led by the one and only Bob Dylan. It's a humble, simple and clean reflection rooted by southern rock and poetic lyrics.

Singer Eric Earley, I'm sure has received the Dylan comparison for most of his career and American Goldwing only further exemplifies it. With Earley's raspy tone, story telling capabilities and undeniable talent it is only natural (and impressive) that he gets compared to Dylan. His inspired lyrics can't help but capture the attention of an audience, and when you take a moment to really listen to the words you get an overwhelming sense that he truly put his heart and soul into each song. A feat not only amazingly respectable but truly lacking in much of today's music industry.

The album itself is full of fun, freewheeling, catchy tunes. Songs like, "Might Find it Cheap," "Street Fighting Sun," and "Stranger in a Strange Land," define Blitzen's love for rock 'n' roll and the pure joy that comes from doing what you love. The harmonica, crazy guitar solos, old school piano and drawn out pedal steel heard throughout sealed the deal for me and American Goldwing.

Blitzen Trapper's traditionalism and classic approach has caused me to fall in love with this album. It's hard to find a band that can turn mountain music sound into a poignant yet blissful compilation of melody and harmony, yet somehow Blitzen accomplishes just that. So for the next few hundred days or so my favorite track off the album, "Love the Way You Walk Away," will be on repeat.

To listen to the American Goldwing in it's entirety visit Paste, where it will be streaming live for the next week. Also if you're in the NYC area they'll be playing at Webster Hall, October 26th.

New Found Glory Preview

New Found Glory will be releasing their newest album, Radiosurgery, on October 4th. Check out the first single of the album, the title track, Radiosurgery...

Happy Birthday Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse would have been 28 today. While you may have your own opinions about Miss Winehouse her incredible gift was undeniable. She had a voice that comes along once in a generation, and her sound was a delightful throw back to a time in music history where the blues and jazz were on top.

So again think what you want about how she lived her life, but everyone should respect the amazing talent she possessed. Here is one of her last recording sessions with Tony Bennett....

Spotlight: Sam Roberts Band

Sam Roberts Band

This past May Sam Roberts released his fourth album Collider, which consists of 14 tracks of mid-tempo pop-rock rhythm with a few afro-punk beats thrown in. Collider is an album you can't help but tap your foot along to as you close your eyes, sit back, relax and take in the music magic.

Sam Roberts released Collider under the moniker, 'Sam Roberts Band.' Roberts wrote the album back in his basement in Montreal. Each song is eloquently expressed with lyrical composure and conviction that tells a story you can't wait to hear the ending to. While the songs may have been written in Montreal, Sam Roberts Band, crossed the border to downtown Chicago to record the album. The reason for the move was partly to work with producer Brian Deck.

Deck helped take Collider above and beyond and you can hear his hand on each song. Along with Deck guest contributors, Ben Massarella & Stuart Bogie from the band Califone, aided in making this album one of the best of 2011. Massarella & Bogie kicked Sam Roberts Band up a notch on the scale of funkiness and helped morph the overall style of the band. Collider understands the power of subtle guitar and rhythm, which shined a much bigger spotlight on them, the the previous guitar solos and power performance. It is definitely an album everyone should check out.

Sam Roberts Band- The Last Crusade by MMMusic

Spotify

So for being a music person I'm probably way behind the curve with this one, but I have recently signed up for Spotify. When I say signed up I mean currently am waiting for an invitation (what the hell).

Any way I have heard some great things about Spotify as a way to listen to music, listen to your friend's music, stranger's music what have you. I'm constantly on the look out for new bands or old ones that I just haven't discovered yet. I'm hoping that Spotify helps me consume even more music then before. If you're a user tell me a little more about it so when I finally get my invite I can be ahead of the game again!

Thanks!

Get to Know - Wilco

Wilco

While Wilco is a band that's been around for roughly 15 years - I feel as though the general public doesn't know much about this Chicago born band. Their sound is an alternative rock/alternative country mash up, even though most people would try to classify them as indie. I just think that is wayyy to narrow of an approach for this band. They're a modern throwback to the classic 60's & 70's and you should get to know them...

Wilco's lineup may have changed roughly 10,000 times over the years but the solid Jeff Tweedy (singer) has remained. (Important side note* John Stirrat has been around since inception as well). They rose from the ashes of a band - Uncle Tupelo - and have been rising up through the musical ranks ever since. Having released 7 studio albums and with number 8 - The Whole Love - set to be out September 27th Wilco is at the top of their game.

While album number 4 - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - and album number 7 - Wilco (The Album) - may have brought them the most recognition Sky Blue Sky I think has the most talent on it. This particular album brought a tons of mixed reviews. Journalists thought that it was incredibly masterful but felt it was just lacking something that they couldn't put their finger on. I can't help but disagree this album is great in every sense of the word.

For now though I will anxiously away September 27th for  The Whole Love and will continue to spread the word about this amazing band. Take a listen to a few songs and hop on the bandwagon.


07 Wilco - Country Disappeared (Wilco) by GDPR1


Wilco - I Might by weallwantsome1

Lana Del Rey - Where you been?

So on numerous sites today there is talk of the lovely New Yorker Lana Del Rey, who describes herself has 'gangsta Nancy Sinatra' (strange interesting).

My question is WHERE HAVE YOU PEOPLE BEEN?

Lana Del Rey uploaded her song/video 'Video Games' back in May - way to arrive to the party fashionably late ladies and gentlemen. Any way I'm glad you're finally here! While Lana Del Rey's music is reminiscent of the 1960's pop error she has found a way to reinvent it which is not easy to do. This classic beauty is finally kicking up dust and getting noticed and I couldn't be happier about it. While Video Games may be the song that she first got attention with you should check out Kinda Outta Luck....

What do you think about this singing beauty?

Song of the Day

Just thought I would share my jam of the day with ya...

                           Dire Straits - Romeo & Juliet



The Art of the Sad Song

Everyone has that song that reminds them of a loved one lost, an ex boyfriend/girlfriend or just a rough time they had - you see where I'm going with this. Most people say you shouldn't listen to a sad song when you're going through a sad time, wanna know what I say? EFF YOU. I think the sad song can bring comfort in a sick way. It helps you connect to someone whether it be the person who wrote the song or the artist that is singing the song - you know that someone out there gets it - even if its just on average for 3 minutes or so. So I would like to toast to the art of the sad song, and those that sing them.

Cheers - to getting it. Now to continue with the sad/pity fest here are some of the ultimate sad songs:

Drugs or Me - Jimmy Eat World

Adam's Song - Blink 182

Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley

Freshman - The Verve Pipe

Everybody Hurts -  REM

With or Without You - U2

The Tide - The Spill Canvas

Two Beds and a Coffee Machine - Savage Garden

Whiskey Lullaby - Allison Kraus & Brad Paisley

Strange Fruit - Billie Holiday

The Scientist - Coldplay

Reviews are in - INCUBUS & Young the Giant

Brandon Boyd

Sunday night I attended one of the best concerts I've seen this summer - INCUBUS. This is a band I've wanted to see live for sometime now & as an added bonus Young the Giant - one of my unknown favorites - opened for them.

Young the Giant

99.9% of people attending a concernt rarely make it in early enough to catch the opening act, especially when the main event is a band like Incubus. Even though Young the Giant was playing to a minimal crowd they still rocked it out and were everything I hoped they would be live - Passionate, Electric & Fun. They even joked with the crowd asking, "so who here actually knows who we are?" But they played like they were standing in front of a crowd of thousands - intensely, impetuously & heartfelt. They closed with their single, My Body,and with that song you could see that these guys have a great future ahead of them.

Then the main event hit the stage - Brandon Boyd stepped out onto the stage with the rest of the incredible band - Mike Einziger, Jose Pasillaz, Ben Kennney & Chris Kilmore and Musical Magic ensued. They kicked off the show with Megalomaniac off the 2003 album, A Crow Left of Murder. I was so glad to see that they would be playing their older tunes instead of strictly off the new album (which is AWESOME), but its always great to hear the songs that made you a fan in the first place. They even followed it with Wish You Were Here - at that point I don't think there was a soul in the audience that wasn't singing along, and it was only song number 2. (See the full set list here)

Promises, Promises

A few songs later the piano was wheeled out and when Mike Einziger sat down & started playing Promises Promises that's when I had my - Holy F*ck these guys are amazing moment. Firstly, this song is by far my favorite of their new album & 2nd-ly anything Einziger does makes me swoon - he is so genious when he plays it almost leaves me without words. Whether it is guitar or piano or whatever I fall in love everytime. I know 90% of Incubus fans are 100% devoted to front man, Brandon Boyd, & believe me I don't think Incubus would be Incubus without his incredible voice & body for that matter - BUT -  Einziger carries them way more than he is accredited with. He is WITHOUT QUESTION one of the best guitarists playing today.

Concerts like Incubus are my favorite kind though - not just because of the incredible musical talent that is displayed but it's the type of show that you can feel the elelctricity running through the audience. Everyone was captivated by the musicality & appreciation that Incubus played with. You can tell that even after almost 20 years (yikes) Incubus still plays with passion and sincerity - as though they were playing together for the first time every time. It is like a part of them still cannot believe that there are hundreds and thousands of fans there for them. After the platinum albums and all of the acclaim they still play with graciousness and put everything they have into their music and its all for their fans. For instance when Are You In was played - Brandon held out the mic for the audience - who in turn sang every word. In that moment he couldn't have looked happier/more grateful for where he was and what he was doing. It's rare that you see a band that still displays such gratitude at a live show.

All and all I will definitely be attending an Incubus show in the future - You clearly should too!

A Match Made in Heaven? Lou Reed & Metallica

Lou-tallica? Maybe?

Lou Reed & Metallica will be putting out an album together on November 1st. I realize this is semi-old news, but I finally got around to thinking about it today so chillax... especially since I learned that the album cover art has been completed - it's weird check it out here.

Any way... for those of you who are wondering - Who is Lou Reed? - Let me bring you up to speed - even though this should be unnecessary. If you don't know who Metallica is I CANNOT help you, and you shouldn't be reading this, but I digress. Lou Reed is probably most famous for his time spent with the Velvet Underground <- again if you don't know what that means stop reading here. He went solo in the 70's and put out a sweet song called Take a Walk on the Wild Side, which happens to be a favorite of mine.

Now that we got the background details done, I must say I'm surprised this combo hasn't been tried earlier. Apparently the idea sparked in 2009 when they played together at MSG for the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary concert (which was awesome). There hasn't been much news on the album other than it's happening. I'm interested in what this duo can produce together. With both of their histories I'm sure it will be a gem. What do you think?

Joseph Gordon Levitt Channels His Inner Nirvana

For those of you who don't know - A) I have a HUGE CRUSH on Joseph Gordon Levitt and B) He runs a super great/cool/awesome project called: HITRECORD.ORG. HITRECord is a "professional open collaborative production company," according to the site. Basically it's a awesome forum for those with the creative juice to collaborate with others that are looking for an outlet. It's not about uploading your own junk and trying to have people admire it - it's about working with others to make some great stuff - Music, Poetry, Art you name it. SO recently at a HITRECord at the Movies event - Mr. Gordon Levitt (swoon) performed the Nirvana Hit Lithium (double swoon). This made me love him even more....

Spotlight: Adele

I've been on a bit of an Adele UHB-SESSION lately so here's a little spotlight on the UH-MAZING singer....

Since the release of Adele's album, 21, her career has truly taken off here in the U.S. I have been a fan of Adele's since her debut album, 19, which was released in 2008. I remember the first time I heard the single, Chasing Pavements, I thought who is this girl she's incredible. No one like her was really on the scene - she was new, fresh and incredibly effing talented. I wasn't the only one who thought so - 19 hit the UK charts at #1 (UK per usual ahead of the game), and she won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2009 - this was clearly a sign of things yet to come...

While her album 19 was incredible - 21 simply blows it right out of the water, this girl can do no wrong. Every song hits an emotional chord and her voice is pure magic, full of heartbreak and promise all at once. You can't help but feel chills everytime you hear her sing. This was proven last week on the VMA's where the whole star-studded audience sat entranced by this young talent, and more than one person commented that they felt chills during the performance. With 21 being only her 2nd full length album - this is clearly just the beginning for Adele, she has the makings to become a legend and is on her way to the top.

ADELE One and Only by Jesliz