The Scottish are Coming: We Should Be Ecstatic! Glasgow’s ‘Kizzy Star’ Plan World Domination With Their Fresh Sound and Charm.
September 30, 2009 by Barbara Pavone · Leave a Comment
With their well-crafted songs that will have you coming back for more, Kizzy Star is not just any old indie band. Thanks to their unique fusion of powerpop, rock, and just the right amount of The Killers-esque mood and style, the Glasgow, Scotland quartet seems to be on a mission to revive the sometimes glum, and bland, music scene. There’s something indescribable, something hard to pinpoint, which makes their sound infectious, and listeners can’t get enough.
Having released their official debut single, Out of Control, in March of this year, and having just wrapped up a national tour of the U.K., they seem to be garnering rave reviews everywhere they turn, and it’s no surprise.
With so much promise and talent I couldn’t help but track the guys down for some interview time and Vocalist Tony and Drummer Mick graciously obliged to chat about everything Kizzy Star. (Note: the group is rounded out by Guitarist Martin and Bassist Lee, who must not have been feeling talkative on interview day.)
S.F. EXOTIC EROTIC BALL CELEBRATES ITS 30TH WITH MUSIC
September 30, 2009 by Mark Boudreau · 1 Comment
Perry Mann’s San Francisco Exotic Erotic Ball, celebrating its 30th Anniversary October 23 and 24, 2009, Cow Palace Arena, announce live musical performances including DJ Skribble, Missing Persons, Coolio, The Frail, LZ Love, Mini-Kiss, and the return of the most outrageous band to ever grace the Ball’s stage – The Impotent Sea Snakes. The winners of the Third Annual Sonicbids “Perform at the Ball” Contest are Super Geek League from Seattle and CR Gruve from Portland Maine. For all details, see http://www.exoticeroticball.com/.
Book Review: Garage Band by S.F. Lynch
September 30, 2009 by Tink · 3 Comments
Know your subject and write about what you know. It’s basic Writing 101 and pounded into your brain without you realizing it. Those essays you wrote in school every September, “What I Did On My Summer Vacation” weren’t assigned because your teachers were sadistic. OK, maybe a little, but that’s not the point. Writing about how you spent those last three months gave the reader a window into your mind…how it worked and what your skill levels were.
And so it goes for S.F. Lynch. Having written about music for years, contributing to cold-drill, Coe Review and Thought Magazine among others, it’s a subject he knows inside and out and the inspiration for his book Garage Band. The plot and characters are well drawn from real life as any one that’s ever been in a band or known friends that are in one can tell you. So the rule of thumb has served him well.
POLICY SUMMIT IN DC: THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
September 29, 2009 by Mark Boudreau · Leave a Comment
On Oct. 4-6, Georgetown University in Washington, DC, will host a summit to examine the music ecosystem and where it will take us. With keynote speakers from all sides of the realm, including politicians, musicians and employees throughout the industry, this will be an event worth attending. For additional details, go to Music Policy Summit.
NEW NOISE SANTA BARBARA MUSIC CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL
September 29, 2009 by Mark Boudreau · Leave a Comment
The first ever New Noise Santa Barbara Music Conference and Festival will take over the streets of the American Riviera for three nights and two days, October 8-10, 2009. Promising live music during the evening and stimulating discussion about the convergence of music and technology during the day, New Noise is expected to draw hundreds of locals and out-of-towners alike. See www.newnoisesb.com. For more info, contact Jeffrey Theimer, president, New Noise Santa Barbara, 805-979-9673. Email: info@newnoisesb.com
CD Review: “My Life As A Secret Agent” from Shabby Rogue
September 29, 2009 by Intense Nick · Leave a Comment
Check out Shabby Rogue at www.myspace.com/shabbyrogue. And be quick, This jumping single is available as free download via www.artrocker.tv throughout September. This is the first single from Shabby Rogue second album By Hook and by Crook due for release in early 2010. I am eagerly awaiting this release, on the basis of this I shall be playing it a lot.
“My life as a Secret Agent” is like a fine clock spring unwinding once released, rapidly building up tempo initially when released then smoothly an rapidly unwinding progressively until the end where the tension of the rhythms rapidly but progressively diminishes. It has echoes of old time 60’s greats such as Bob Dylan and Arthur Lee while incorporating so many more modern ones in true style. It has a classic rocking rythyms revolving around a truly catchy bassline and backbeat. There are great guitar chords in the choruses and some heavy hillbilly riffs, this single is short and sweet and just so much fun.
The Rock and Roll Report Band Of The Week “The Crossing”
This week I am stoked to bring you a band that has Done so much for my Taste In Music.
Not Only do they Rock as Friends but their tunz’s are something that keep you coming back for more.
I love how they have a Style of their own and have Taken music to a different place in my head……Enjoy them as I do guys and here is what they had to say ……
Hi ! We are THE CROSSING, a rock act out of Chicago. Thanks for checking us out. The band manages this site personally and we have really enjoyed meeting all of you these past few months. Your friendship and consideration is much appreciated.
Musical Overdose: Ken Stringfellow Talks About His Numerous Projects, Sounds and Onstage Personas
September 28, 2009 by Aaron Kupferberg · Leave a Comment
Ken Stringfellow is best know for his work with The Posies, but is also a key player in the re-formed Big Star, as well as a respected solo artist. Over the years he has also been a part of many other influential bands such as R.E.M., The Minus 5, and The Orange Humble Band, to name a few. Currently living in Paris and working on his newest project, The Disciplines, Stringfellow granted The Rock and Roll Report a rare interview.
Q: I know you’ve lived in France for about 5 years now, do you feel like a native at this point?
KS: No, I don’t feel like a native. You have to be one – especially in France. I don’t have an absolutely perfect command of the language by any means. French culture is very particular. When you are in France, even if you speak the language very well, people always can tell. There’s always a “Hmm, you’re not from around here” kind of thing. I enjoy living here and I’ve gotten used to the fact that I’m kind of always a fish out of water in one way, but I have a great life here. It’s not a bad situation to be in.
Rock and Roll Report TV Episode 4 – Dirty Vegas Returns!
September 25, 2009 by Mark Boudreau · 1 Comment
On this episode of Rock and Roll Report TV, The Rock and Roll Report’s Allegra talks to Dirty Vegas at the 2009 Winter Music Conference in Miami as she catches up with the band on their triumphal reunion and world tour.
Pigshit By Gary Pig Gold – DENNIS DIKEN and his BELL SOUND – “Late Music”
September 25, 2009 by Gary Pig Gold · Leave a Comment
Discriminating consumers of only the best in rock ‘n’ pop have long revered Dennis Diken as drummer with those rightfully legendary Smithereens. Yet did you know that in between making Jersey beat, Dennis has penned some of my all-time favorite liner notes (The Beach Boys’ Lost and Found collection, for example), hosted some of my favorite radio shows on mighty WFMU-FM, written on and about anything and everything from Otis Blackwell to Allen Funt, and even popped up recently in reverent celebration of Ringo Starr’s 69th birthday within the pages of USA Today ?
Now, having lived as I have in the New York City vicinity for nigh on twenty years, one cannot help but cross frequent musical paths with Dennis and his drums, accompanying Bill Lloyd one moment, Mary Weiss the next. But even all of the above totally failed to prepare me for the track which appeared circa 2001 in answer to my request for him to be part of a Gene Pitney tribute disc I was compiling: A wholly, perfectly roller-rink rendition of “Only Love Can Break A Heart” that featured Dennis on not only percussion, but vocals as well! Who knew?!!
