Just saw this video for the Saturday Knights’ song “Count it Off.” It’s set up with a clear Sesame St. theme, right down to the puppets and the counting. They’ve got some very excited kids there to sing along and mess with the group. The song’s great and the video’s a ton of fun.

[Read more →]

For whatever reason, tonight’s Beach House show in Lexington has been moved to Al’s Bar. I guess the Hop Hop just wasn’t ready or up to code. But I’ve been told that there’s an improved sound system at Al’s, so get ready for an elbow-rubbingly intimate show with Beach House. Their SXSW performance was fantastic; [...]

[Read more →]

It seems like Of Montreal already covered this song, right? Well, unless my 80+ collection of Of Montreal covers is overly lacking, we’ve yet to get a recorded copy of one. But thanks to Of Montreal fan Christine, we’ve finally got something to hold on to. MP3: Of Montreal – Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie) Of [...]

[Read more →]

What a great discovery right before I have to head off to work. Stephen Malkmus stopped by the Daytrotter studios to record a session that includes, among his own songs, a cover of the James Gang’s classic “Funk 49.” You might remember that video of him playing it with Blitzen Trapper, but this is a [...]

[Read more →]

Looks like our summer in Kentucky just keeps getting better and better. Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley, if you needed the context) will be playing Headliner’s in Louisville this July with Heartless Bastards. I love Jenny’s solo record, her work with Rilo Kiley and her song from Bolt. I’m going to resist the urge to [...]

[Read more →]

ROD Thomas… not ROB Thomas. Just getting that out there early so it’ll clear up things in your RSS readers. Rod Thomas was one of my SXSW takeaways, but it’s odd because I never actually saw him play. My friend Brad introduced me to Rod while we were hanging out in Austin and then I [...]

[Read more →]

In way sad news, I found out via Singing Lamb that Canadian pop act The Bicycles are going on indefinite hiatus. Most of the band will still be playing actively as a part of Gentleman Reg, Born Ruffians and Sebastien Grainger’s band, but that might be it for the Bicycles. I was actually shocked that [...]

[Read more →]

WFMU posted mad genius Captain Beefheart’s 10 Commandments of Guitar Playing. As you might expect, it contains nothing about notes, scales, rhythm or solos. It does, however, include bits of advice like this: 3. Practice in front of a bush Wait until the moon is out, then go outside, eat a multi-grained bread and play [...]

[Read more →]

Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head was the last band I saw at SXSW. Shortly after their set I copped out and wound up getting a ride back to my hotel with Matt, the Ice Cream Man. But before hopping in the ice cream truck I saw a very sweet show by NPSH. I only knew one [...]

[Read more →]