It’s my birthday today and I’ve gotten a lot of well-wishes from friends and family on the phone, text, email, Facebook, and MySpace…thanks to all!  I also found this hilarious track about what it means to be a Taurus, from 1967’s The Astrology Album, maaaan.

Here’s the blurb that Audiodrome at the Groovy Fab Forum posted with the album…

THE ASTROLOGY ALBUM (Columbia CS 9489) 1967

This LP, a pet project of producer Gary Usher, featured “Your horoscope and character analysis in music and narration.” Along with the psychedelic instrumental jams, it also featured brief comments on astrologyastrologyastrology is like, ya know… so far out. It’s just there… yeah.” It should be pointed out that the Libra, Virgo and Pisces tracks were used as B-sides for the first three Usher-produced Sagittarius singles. without being high as a kite, unlike virtually everyone else interviewed on this record, who essentially all say, “Yeah, man… from various stoned-out hippies and stoned-out Columbia recording artists, including David Crosby and John Merrill (of the Peanut Butter Conspiracy). Chad & Jeremy manage to give their comments about astrology without being high as a kite, unlike virtually everyone else interviewed on this record, who essentially all say, “Yeah, man… astrology is like, ya know… so far out. It’s just there… yeah.” It should be pointed out that the Libra, Virgo and Pisces tracks were used as B-sides for the first three Usher-produced Sagittarius singles.

Click here to hear Taurus.

As a supplement to our most recent Best Band You’ve Never Heard In Your Life featuring the band, MAN, here’s a Muxtape MAN mix to get you fully turned on to MAN’s sound.  Dig it this weekend, for it will soon expire.  And report back on your findings.  Happy Weekend!!!

Original Best Band post on NewmRadio

Best Band on Blog Critics

Link from our friends at Hidden Track

Touch and Go (1980)

Which Alice Cooper LP had flammable panties?

I’ve already told you about how great this band is and how excellent the album is… now Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears’ Flight of the Knife album is the editor’s choice at iTunes and it’s going for a mere $5.99 this week only, so get it now, and support killer new music!  Do yourself a favor…

Link to the album on iTunes

Think Queen meets Sparks meets Alice Cooper meets ELO meets Ben Folds meets your mom!  Dig.

Phish was honored at the Jammys a week or so back, and I saw this amazingly crisp video of Trey playing Beatles with The Fab Faux, and had to post it.  I love to hear Trey play and completely wail on this song, and it’s great to see him clean and sober and back to doing what he does best… jam!

(Oh yeah, and I’m pretty sure that’s Will Lee from Letterman’s band, and Jimmy Vivino from Conan’s band.  I didn’t realize they were part of the Fab Faux.)  Dig…

Thanks to Hidden Track for the vid find
 

Hey all, I just had another piece published over at Blog Critics blog and it looks good if I get some clicks over there…and some comments. So do me a favor and check out the piece over here (it’s the same as the piece posted below), and it’s about a really good band that I can’t believe I haven’t heard until 2008! It just goes to show, there’s always music out there perfectly suited to your tastes just waiting to be discovered, so go find it!

MAN: The Best Band You’ve Never Heard In Your Life on Blog Critics magazine

The Welsh band, MAN, is certainly one of the Best Bands You’ve Never Heard In Your Life. Much like their Welsh peer band, Budgie, MAN has managed to have a loyal cult following since the ‘70’s, but just never was able to break through to major radio hit success like their fellow Welsh band, Badfinger. But then again, if you’re familiar with the fate of Badfinger (suicides of 2 of their primary members), MAN is probably not envious. In fact, MAN was a band that seemed to embrace the underground spirit of their music.

Radio hits or not, they certainly can hold their heads high, as they’ve left behind some of the most interesting rock music of the 70’s… and that’s saying a lot! Although mostly remembered as a progressive rock band, MAN did progressive in a way that was completely original from most other progressive bands, blending together the best elements of psychedelia, blues, vocal harmony, and West-coast style jam-driven rock and roll. Very much in line with such opinion-polarizing counter-culture bands The Grateful Dead and even Phish, MAN were praised for their live shows, which were never the same twice. But MAN’s jamming was less loose and laid-back than the Dead and a bit more gritty, thereby actually sharing more an affinity with Phish, especially in their use of the occasional silly lyric…“I like to eat bananas, because they got no bones…I like marijuana, ‘cause it gets me stoned” (from their live show staple, ‘Bananas’).

But comparisons with those bands are more in the way that fans felt about their live shows. And I would be remiss to make any further comparisons, especially without mentioning the influence of the heavily touring, dual-lead guitar West-coast band, Quicksilver Messenger Service, one of the most well-respected live acts of the late 60’s. Not only that, Quicksilver guitarist John Cipollina even joined MAN in 1975 and can be heard on MAN’s 1975 live album Maximum Darkness, but they never recorded a studio album with “Chippo”. But just a year later in 1976, after 8 years of intense gigging, we would see the end of the golden era of MAN as they called it quits, as if they could foreshadow the future musical landscape turning to punk and disco…a landscape that probably would not have been a friendly one for such a tried and true progressive rock band. Remember, this is the era that chewed up and spit out Yes, the most popular prog rock band of all time. And by this time, the band had weathered many personnel changes and the instable membership of one of two primary singer/guitarists, Deke Leonard.

So where to start with such a band that has been completely off your radar all your life? Well, MVD Entertainment has a unique MAN retrospective, Sixty Minutes With MAN, that will definitely give you an excellent introduction to the band. One of the coolest things about this compilation is that the majority of the songs are vinyl-sourced! And they sound amazing! It’s like they’re meant to be heard that way. And if you thought you could never sit through a 15-minute song, try resisting the live cut, “Bananas”. Packed with favorites like “C’mon” (also live), “Romain”, and “Many Are Called But Few Get Up”, the only downside with this compilation is that it’s not long enough. So if it leaves you wanting more, then you can start checking out their original releases from the late 60’s and early 70’s.

Then when you become a true MAN fan, you’ll be chomping at the bit to see MAN, Live at The Roundhouse, which documents MAN’s farewell show in 1976. It’s sort of a Last Waltz meets This Is Spinal Tap. There’s plenty of juicy live footage which reveals just how much fun these guys had onstage. And there are interviews with the band, the manager, and even the roadies. It’s certainly not High-Def in any way, but it is a nice intimate look at the bands final 70s run in the raw form that it was originally shot in.

So, if you’re ready to become a MAN fan, take a look and listen below to “Angel Easy” on YouTube, and start checking out one of the Best Bands You’ve Never Heard In Your Life.

What movie did the song “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, come from?

Stephen Malkmus is the big daddy here, and a lot of bands I haven’t heard yet. It’s always worth the bike ride down with Paul, regardless of the over-crowdedness!

Busy weekend ahead; Mets game, new guitar, 2 stories to write, new nephew to visit, Mayim Rabim, and Mother’s Day… but I’ma do a little blog jammin’ here before the big weekend rush starts.  Cool?

Neil Young’s upcoming archival release on Blu-Ray DVD looks a-fuckin-mazing judging from this cool trailer. My only question…can I play Blu-Ray discs on my regular DVD player?!

Trey A. made a triumphant return to the stage at the Jammys

Speaking of Trey, do you need to add some shows to your collection?  Well dig in, bro…

Check out this funny Mayer/Apatow video

Still not excited about a new Beck album really, even if it is Danger Mouse-produced and spur of the moment!  The last couple albums left me a little empty, I must say.

Bob Lefsetz on stealing music.  I’ve been digging this guy’s commentary.

Maybe Bloomberg was thinking it was the New York City Police he was celebrating.

Poor Winehouse.  No link or anything.  I’m just sayin’.

Well it seems it’s sh*tty time and this one was inspired by Bob Lefsetz’s Lefsetz Letter blog.  Bob recently gave us a breakdown of his 20 most-played songs in his iTunes with a little explanation of each.  Many were lost on me, but I could totally get behind the case he made for Boston’s “Hitch A Ride”.  It’s easy, and popular these days, to show disdain for Boston, but c’mon, they have some doozies…and “Hitch A Ride” is very much one of said doozies!

Well, since we’re not as bright a bunch, and we have jobs to work and people to see and noses to pick and walls to stare at, let’s just do the most-played top 10 of our iTunes or iPods instead of 20, k?  Just sort either one in the iTunes window by Play Count and rattle off your most-played top ten below.  It’s up to you if you feel like you have to justify them with comments or whatever.  So read on below to see mine and to post yours!

Here’s my 10 most played tunes in my iPod, keeping in mind I’m usually always on shuffle…

10. O Katrina! - Black Lips (I love this band!)

9. Satta Amasagana - The Abyssinians (classic reggae)

8. The Logical Song - Supertramp (always like this one)

7. Instant Club Hit - Dead Milkmen (really??)

6. Egyptian Tomb - Mighty Baby (fantastic song, totally makes sense)

5. I Want More (Fingertips) - Group 1850 (can’t even tell you how this one goes)

4. Janis - Focus (I guess I dig the flute more than I knew)

3. If You Love Somebody Set Them On Fire - Dead Milkmen (again, really??)

2. One Light Then - Eyeless In Gaza (a dreamy, transportive 12.5 minute song that always sounds good)

1. Mrs. Toad’s Cookies - Klaatu (completely infectious…instant good mood song)

And as a matter of fact…here’s a Muxtape of all those songs (except one of the Milkmen songs that I was unable to upload).

Now yours… oh yeah, and keep in mind, iTunes only counts plays that play through the song from start to finish.  Let’s see ‘em..

How did Supertramp get their name?

Welcome to the world, Ryan Christian, a 9.5 lb boomer!  Congratulations to Chris and Jackie!

What was the last song recorded by The Beatles?

Here’s a fun one, that seemed much more innocent in the 80’s, as did everything else…probably because I was still in grade school.  Anyway, grab yourself a burrito and fix up a chelada and enjoy yourself…that’s what the Mexican’s would do!  I wonder what Lou Dobbs thinks of this video…

Here’s some great albums around town you should grab whilst you can…

Rockrula’s got The Yardbirds’ Little Games

Head to Recessed Filter for The Best of Gregory Isaacs

Turn yourself on to the band If, over at Musicology

Massive UFO sighting at DUDU2doVINIL

Bootleg Paul McCartney tracks at MusicNews

Dig it and dig in!

Just wanted to give you some info about one of my favorite newer bands who knows how to bring it live, Howlin’ Rain. The Crowes and Howlin’ Rain sounds like an amazing ticket to me! Check ‘em out if you get a chance. Here’s the press release:

Greetings all,

Just a heads up that SF psych rockers Howlin Rain will be joining the Black Crowes for two legs of their fall 2008 tour this September and October (scroll down for complete dates) and have confirmed an appearance at Bonnaroo for Friday, June 13 @ 1:30AM (technically SAT, June 14). Featuring Comets on Fire co-founder and lead singer Ethan Miller and Drunk Horse’s Joel Robinow, the band has been touring for their acclaimed Birdman/American release, Magnificent Fiend, and will be hitting the UK and Europe in May for a series of dates and festivals, including All Tomorrows Parties. Check out Howlin Rain live here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikr8OovhsNs&feature=related or listen at www.myspace.com/howlinrain

RECENT UK PRESS FOR THE BAND:

“�an impeccably pitched, retro-rock joy.” - The Guardian 4 stars (out of 5)

“Freed from the side project straitjacket Miller has pushed Howlin Rain to the forefront of the West Coast cosmic rock pulpit, right alongside his former outfit.”

- Uncut 4 stars (out of 5)

Their sun-baked, lyrically feverish chooglin’ is more textured and melodic on these addictive new jams�”- Mojo 4 stars (out of 5)

Click on through for tour dates with and without the Crowes…

TOUR DATES

May 1 2008 Belfast, Ireland @ Aunt Annie’s

May 2 2008 Tower Records Dublin, Ireland - In-Store appearance

May 2 2008 Dublin, Ireland @ Whelan’s

May 3 2008 Cork, Ireland @ Pine Lodge

May 4 2008 Salford, Manchester UK @ Sounds from the other city at the Kings Arms

May 5 2008 Birmingham, UK @ Custard Factory

May 6 2008 London, UK @ Luminaire

May 7 2008 Cornwall, UK @ Miss Peabody’s

May 8 2008 Cardiff, Wales @ Clwb Ifor Bach

May 9 2008 Camber Sands, UK @ All Tomorrow’s Parties

May 11 2008 Bristol, UK @ The Croft

May 12 2008 London, UK @ Scala

May 24 2008 Santa Cruz, Highway 9, CA @ Brookdale Lodge

May 28 2008 Arcata, CA @ Jambalaya

Jun 6 2008 Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn

Jun 8 Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree

Jun 7 2008 Boone, NC @ Black Cat

Jun 9 Nashville, TN @ The End

Jun 10 Off Day

Jun 11 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506

Jun 12 2008 Knoxville, TN @ The Pilot Light

Jun 13 2008 Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo 1:30AM (technically SAT June 14)

Jun 23 2008 Ardenal, Norway @ Hove Festival

Jun 25 2008 Gronigen, Netherlands @ Vera Club

Jun 26 2008 Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso

Jun 27 2008 Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Merlyn

Jul 19 2008 Big Sur, CA @ Henry Miller Library

Jul 23 2008 Visalia, CA @ Howies

*ALL SHOWS OPENING FOR THE BLACK CROWES

Sep 10 2008 Arcata, CA @ Van Duzer Theater*

Sep 12 2008 Santa Rosa, CA @ Wells Fargo Center*

Sep 13 2008 Las Vegas, NV @ the Joint*

Sep 14 2008 TBA

Sep 16 2008 Mesa, AZ @ Ikeda Theatre (Mesa ARts Center)*

Sep 17 2008 Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theater*

Sep 19 2008 Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara County Bowl*

Oct 7 2008 Richmond, VA @ The National*

Oct 8 2008 Richmond, VA @ The National*

Oct 11 2008 Albany, NY @ the Palace theater *

Oct 12 2008 Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theater*

Oct 17 2008 Boston, MA @ Boston Opera House*

Oct 18 2008 Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom*

Oct 28 2008 New York City, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom*

Ashes To Ashes (1980)

I found this recent article about the current resurgence of vinyl, relatively speaking, as we watch CD sales decline drastically year after year.  As I’ve said before, CD’s just aren’t sexy…at all.  Have you ever gone to a used CD store and had an enjoyable experience?  No, CD’s just aren’t fun to flip through and look at.  When CDs first came out, they were tauted as the indestructible medium of the future, but we’ve all found that a CD skip can just about render a CD unplayable.  As a guy with tens of thousands of mp3’s, hundreds of CD’s, and hundreds of vinyl albums, I can objectively say that the CD is the weak link.  You’ve heard me say it before… record companies: start selling records again with a code for the digital files to redeem online.  There is no need for a CD any longer!  Some record companies are hearing me and I even have an album by a new band called Pride Tiger (EMI) sitting here in my work studio with the digital files code inside AND a silk-screened poster created by the band.  Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!

Here’s the recent WIRED article on vinyl’s resurgence.

What do you think?  Are you tied to CD’s?  Do you have a turntable?  Am I a geek?

What group was banned in Britain in 1980 due to violence in their act?