Album Reviews A Great Big World & Honeychain

Listen to more and get Is there Anybody Out There?



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Editor's Note: Robert apologizes for incorrectly saying Honeychain’s Hillary Burton was in the Masticators.

 

Album Reviews: The Young Dubliners, The Feeling, Solander

The Young Dubliners. Photo credit: David Safian

By Robert Kinsler

There have been a number of early 2014 releases catching my attention. Here is a roundup of three of my favorite recent LPs worthy of any discerning modern music lover…

Artist: The Young Dubliners

Title: Nine (Young Dubliners)

You might like if you enjoy: The Alarm, the Fenians, the Pogues

Tell me more: No other Southern California-based outfit has continued to carry the torch for Irish music rock as powerfully as The Young Dubliners have since forming in 1988. On the Celtic rock quintet's aptly-titled ninth release Nine (set for release on March 4), singer-guitarist Keith Roberts and company have delivered a masterwork courtesy of their first-ever independent release. From the Alarm-styled anthem "We the Mighty" and cascading rocker "Say Anything" to the thrilling Celtic-flavored instrumental "Abhainn Mor" and gorgeous Irish ballad "Rain" with its acoustic guitar and mandolin textures, Nine is an album that will ring true on St. Patrick's Day and every other day of the year. Information: YoungDubliners.com.

Artist: The Feeling

Title: Boy Cried Wolf  (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Coldplay, Keane, Travis

Tell me more: The Feeling's fourth full-length album Boy Cried Wolf finds the five-member British troupe continuing to mine new territory, playing everything from piano- and guitar-anchored ballads to decidedly heavier material. Highlights include the hard-edged melodic rocker "Fall Like Rain", the infectious Britpop-styled "Rescue," the sweeping "Blue Murder" and ambitious Blur-meets-Oasis rocker "Boy Cried Wolf." While The Feeling isn't as well known in the U.S. as in its native England, discerning listeners in America will patently love The Feeling's rapturous sound. Information: TheFeeling.com.

Purchase 'Boy Cried Wolf' here

Artist: Solander

Title: Monochromatic Memories (A Tendervision Recording)

You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Color Theory, Sigur Rós

Tell me more: The perfect fusion of artful electronica, indie Americana and heartfelt folk-rock, Sweden-based Solander's Monochromatic Memories boasts an immersive experience across its fast-moving 10-track run. While the disc features textures and sounds that recall a wide range of artists including Moby, Sigur Rós and Sufjan Stevens, there is the simple fact that each of the songs on Monochromatic Memories is embedded with a richness and authenticity that shines on its own. The haunting "The Woods Are Gone," intoxicating "All Opportunities" and glorious "Black Rug," the latter with its swirling mix of acoustic guitar and symphonic lushness, are a celebration of both sound and song. Information: www.solander.se. 

Buy "Monochromatic Memories" here

Doheny Blues Festival 2014 announces additional artists: Gregg Allman, James Cotton, John Németh with the Bo-Keys, more!

Breaking news for a Friday! Nice...I can't wait to catch Gregg Allman, James Cotton (who I reviewed when he performed in Costa Mesa last year) and the incredible John Németh this year in Dana Point.

Bob Margolin, left, with James Cotton
in performance on  March 13, 2013.

More Artists Announced for 2014 Doheny Blues Fest! 

GREGG ALLMAN 

Gregg Allman is one of the most acclaimed and beloved icons in rock and roll history, and it's been a whirlwind couple of years for him. Gregg recently shocked the music world by announcing that The Allman Brothers will retire at the end of 2014, and that his life story will be told in the upcoming biopic "Midnight Rider" starring John Hurt. On January 11, Gregg was honored in a live concert "All My Friends" with a star-studded cast of artists: Eric Church, Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, Dr. John and Sam Moore, amongst others. Allman's critically acclaimed tell-all memoir,

My Cross To Bear, was a New York Times Bestseller and his most recent album "Low Country Blues" was nominated for a GRAMMY Award, his first solo release in 13 years.

 

JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND and very special guests! 

2014 marks James Cotton's 70th year as a professional musician... and what a year he's having!  

James' 2013 album "Cotton Mouth Man" was nominated for a GRAMMY Award and he has received 5 nominations for the upcoming Blues Music Awards. Special guests on this legendary record include Gregg Allman, Joe Bonamassa, Warren Haynes, Ruthie Foster and Keb' Mo' - so you don't want to miss Cotton's set at Doheny Blues!

  

Soul man John Németh. Photo credit: Pat Johnson

JOHN NEMETH with THE BO-KEYS  

Soul man John Németh has teamed up with The Bo-Keys for the upcoming March 25 release "Memphis Grease," a 13-track album slathered with fatback soul and blues done the Memphis way; tight horn lines, whirling organ with John's soaring voice and wicked harp playing front and center. The Bo-Keys are a group of veteran Memphis players that made their names backing the likes of Al Green, O.V. Wright and Rufus Thomas. Németh nabbed 5 Blues Music Award nominations in the past 2 years, and he's worked with Robert Cray, Elvin Bishop, Junior Watson.

  

SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK BAND and BNOIS KING

Joe Kubek was raised in Irving, Texas, and while still a teenager was playing guitar in the band of the original Texas Cannonball, Freddie King. Influenced by the hard-rocking blues of the '60s and '70s, Kubek's guitar playing smolders with the same fire that burned in the styles of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Johnny Winter, earning him the well-deserved nickname "Smokin' Joe." Bnois King is a native of Monroe, LA and his musical influences come from a generation earlier than Kubek's, with the smoother sounds of T-Bone Walker and B.B. King. Together this unlikely pair forged a musical bond that has not only lasted the test of time, but continues to flourish. Joe's hard-edged guitar provides the perfect counter-balance for the jazzy guitar and deep blues vocals of Bnois. 

GREGG ALLMAN  *  THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

GOV'T MULE  *  KEB' MO'  *  JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND & FRIENDS 

VINTAGE TROUBLE  *  CHARLES BRADLEY & THE EXTRAORDINAIRES

RUTHIE FOSTER  *  JOHN NEMETH & THE BO-KEYS  

SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK BAND & BNOIS KING  *  NIKKI HILL
... and many more artists to be announced!

Doheny Blues Website  *  Doheny Blues Facebook Page

Inbox update: GRAMMY® Festival At Sea: Women Who Rock to set sail Nov. 4 - 8, 2014

GRAMMY® Festival At Sea: Women Who Rock to set sail November 4 - 8, 2014

Heart at the Beacon Theater in New York City, 2012
Photo credit: Mick man34 at English Wikipedia 

Hot on the heels of the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards^®, The Recording Academy^® (internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards) and marketing and travel company Sixthman are partnering to produce the first GRAMMY^® Music Festival at Sea, which will set sail Nov. 4 – 8, 2014, in conjunction with Norwegian Cruise Line, the official cruise line of The Recording Academy. Departing out of Miami on Norwegian Pearl, the GRAMMY^® Festival at Sea will offer guests the opportunity to celebrate GRAMMY-winning and/or -nominated women who rock, while sailing to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau. Joining guests at sea will be Shawn Colvin, Estelle, Skylar Grey, Emmylou Harris, Heart, and Indigo Girls, with more artists to be announced throughout 2014.
 
In addition to all of the activities and entertainment offered aboard the GRAMMY Festival at Sea, guests will take advantage of Norwegian Pearl's 13 bars and lounges, 19 dining experiences, outdoor pool, hot tubs, expansive spa and fitness center, and so much more. In addition, guests can test their strength on the outdoor rock climbing wall, bowl a few frames in the ship's bowling alley, or try their luck in the Pearl Club Casino. Norwegian Pearl features a wide range of stateroom categories to fit all lifestyles and budgets, from the perfectly appointed inside staterooms to luxurious penthouse suites in the Haven.
 
Pre-sale signups for the GRAMMY Festival at Sea: Women Who Rock will begin Feb. 19. Guests wishing to sail onboard this exciting event can reserve their spot for as little as $200 per person for an Interior or Oceanview, and $300 per person for a balcony or suite. This highly anticipated music experience goes on sale to the general public on Feb. 28. For additional information, please visit www.grammyfestivalatsea.com.
 
About Sixthman 
Sixthman, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, creates festivals at sea designed to set the stage for moments that make life rock. Since 2001, they have been pioneering themed cruise experiences for bands, brands, and their fans and are proud to be celebrating their 11th year and the accomplishment of executing 56 full ship charters, hosting more than 110,000 guests for more than 500,000 days on vacations at sea with world-class artist and brand partners such as KISS, Kid Rock, John Mayer, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alabama, Train, 311, Zac Brown Band, Lyle Lovett, Barenaked Ladies, Sister Hazel, Turner Classic Movies, VH1, along with engaging festivals such as The Rock Boat and Cayamo. Inc. magazine recognized Sixthman as America’s fastest growing travel company and the 87th fastest growing company across all segments on the Inc. 500 List.
 
About The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.
For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

Sights and Sounds: Julian Lennon, The Milk Carton Kids, The Smiths

Here is a short (but notable) roundup of today's top music news notes...

Singer-songwriter Julian Lennon Set to Release 14 Everything Changes Music Videos

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Julian Lennon takes the term visual artist to new heights by releasing 14 Everything Changes music videos throughout 2014. An Album, Acoustic and Lyric-In-Vision video will be released for each track off the critically acclaimed project. Preview the videos here and stay tuned as Julian revels more breathtaking visuals!

Connect with Julian Lennon 

julianlennon.com

twitter.com/julianlennon
facebook.com/julianlennonofficial
youtube.com/julianlennon
soundcloud.com/julianlennon

The Milk Carton Kids set to appear on 'CBS This Morning: Saturday'

Duo to tour in support of  latest album 'The Ash & Clay'

The acclaimed Los Angeles-based duo The Milk Carton Kids will be appearing on the national morning show CBS This Morning: Saturday this February 22^nd.The group will be performing songs from their Grammy Nominated album The Ash & Clay.

In past months, The Milk Carton Kids have generated some well deserved attention with notable appearances on both Austin City Limits and Prairie Home Companion. The duo were also featured in the Showtime documentary Another Day / Another Time: Celebrating the Music of "Inside Llewyn Davis, a film documenting a benefit concert held last September celebrating the music of the Coen Brothers' film, "Inside Llewyn Davis."

The New York Times Magazine recently reviewed their sold out performance at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series in The Allen Room writing, “There is something almost unnatural about the mellifluous harmonies of The Milk Carton Kids, something freakish. It’s hard to believe that two people can sync to each other like that” and proclaiming that the duo's “guitar virtuosity” and “gentle blended voice and their puckish banter” “projected a kind of old-fashion authenticity in an Auto-Tune world.”

The Milk Carton Kids will be touring North American this Spring in support of their album The Ash & Clay. The tour will begin in Nashville, TN on April 14 and extend through June 23, where the duo will perform in Phoenix, AZ at the Musical Instrument Museum. For more information, visit: http://www.themilkcartonkids.com/ 

The Smiths at 30; Panic! At The Disco on tour

Check out this article on the Billboard site that tackles The Smiths' legacy at 30 by providing a track-by-track review of the quartet formed back in 1984. 

Speaking of Billboard, the music site has an article that asks "What's it like to be a member of Panic! At The Disco on their 2014 headlining tour?" There's plenty of glamour and attention, a little day-to-day drudgery, and sometimes, a ping-pong match with a lucky fan. 

Billboard's cameras were treated to intimate backstage glimpse when the tour hit the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater on Feb. 8.

"Getting along with people on tour is one of the more important things," says frontman Brendon Urie. "Our crew and us, we get a long really well. We're all the same degenerates, so it works out."

Full article: www.billboard.com/articles/news/5915472/panic-at-the-disco-on-tour-video-behind-the-scenes-performance-interview

Beck to release 'First In-Store Listen' of new album at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®

Here is an interesting item for fans of Beck, as well as those who love to hang out at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®...

Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Beck has teamed up with FILTER Creative Group and The Playlist Generation, one of the nation's leading curated in-store music companies, to bring fans a first listen of his new album, Morning Phase. The album will be streamed on Sunday morning, Feb. 23 at 180 company-owned The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® locations across Southern California and Arizona from 9 a.m. to noon PST.

Morning Phase is Beck's twelfth studio album and is set to release February 25. The album is a companion piece to the 2002 album Sea Change.This first-of-its-kind in-store listening party from a major recording artist is the joint brainchild of FILTER Creative Group and The Playlist Generation.  The Playlist Generation provides curated music programming for company-owned locations of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. Artwork and additional information about Beck and Morning Phase will be displayed on the in-store screens simultaneously as the album plays throughout the store via their sound system.

"Beck is a musical visionary and a natural fit for the sonic identity of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and we're thrilled to have partnered with FILTER to give fans an exclusive in-store first listen to Beck's new album," said Michael Smith, chief executive officer, The Playlist Generation. "Artists are looking to new distribution channels and alternative ways to meaningfully reach fans. We believe this combination of great coffee & tea and great Music is a natural synergy and come next Sunday morning, The Coffee Bean® customers and staff are in for a real treat."

"The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is the perfect canvas for the exclusive in-store first listen as we are home to many discoveries," said Diane Kuyoomjian, vice president of marketing, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. "From innovating new beverages to groundbreaking music, we strive to bring exciting, new experiences to our customers. We're thrilled to bring Beck's latest album directly to our stores for our customers to preview."

To find a participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® location, please visit CoffeeBean.com

About The Playlist GenerationMusic is a vital part of the brand experience. Since 2005, The Playlist Generation has established itself as one of the nation's leading curated music branding firms. Their team of DJs, music supervisors and curators have constructed sonic identities for top global brands such as Jaguar, Ferragamo, ABC Network and currently provides background music for 3,500 locations in over 30 countries for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, PF Changs, Intermix, Drybar and hundreds of other industry leading companies. For more information please visittheplaylistgeneration.com.

About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®  Born and brewed in Southern California since 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is the oldest and largest privately-held specialty coffee and tea retailer in the United States. Embodying a passion for connecting loyal customers to one another with carefully handcrafted products, the company is known for sourcing and providing the finest ingredients and flavors from around the world. For 50 years, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®has demonstrated a passion for product innovation epitomized by The Original Ice Blended® beverage. The company has grown to be an international icon and currently has more than 959 stores in nearly 30 countries. Please visit CoffeeBean.com for more information.

About FILTER Creative GroupFILTER Creative Group is a fast-growing entertainment and lifestyle-marketing agency devoted to championing quality music, fashion, film, products, and services of substance. FILTER has implemented marketing and advertising campaigns for numerous major companies, including Toyota, Macys, Dickies, Nike, Universal, Warner Brothers, Capitol Music Group, Interscope Records, Columbia Records, Spotify American Rag, SONY, Guitar Center, Landmark Theatres, Converse, and many others. FILTER Creative Group also has a publishing company that produces the international music magazine, FILTER. For more information please visit FILTERcreativegroup.com.

Inbox Update: Nickel Creek, Bayside, Kurt Cobain, Bonnaroo, Bruce Springsteen

Happy Thursday (ever closer to the weekend works for me). Here is a roundup of music news from around the Web!

Nickel Creek is back! Read news on the return of the popular Americana trio on George A. Paul's Music Minded blog here.

Music Minded also features an update on the release of Bayside's sixth album Cult. Read here for more details.

Today marks what would have been Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's 47th birthday. In honor of the occasion, hear an apt version of Dead Stars' "Old Age." Click here.

Elton John, Blur frontman Damon Albarn, Vampire Weekend and Jack White will be among the featured artists at this year's Bonnaroo. Also slated to appear are the Avett Brothers, Phoenix and Phosphorescent. Read more here!

Finally, Bruce Springsteen covered one of my favorite INXS songs at a concert in Sydney, Australia! Watch the video and read more here.

Live From Daryl's House on Palladia with Johnnyswim

JOHNNYSWIM's performance at the Taylor Guitars booth at NAMM in Anaheim was one of the music industry show's highlights last month. Now the genre-bending duo is going to join forces with Daryl Hall on an upcoming episode of Live from Daryl's House. I can't wait to catch that episode. Here is the official media release...

LIVE FROM DARYL'S HOUSE ON PALLADIA UNEARTHS "DIAMONDS" AS HUSBAND-WIFE DUO JOHNNYSWIM GETS DOWN WITH DARYL HALL   ON 65TH EPISODE JOHNNYSWIM' with Daryl Hall. Photo credit: www.ianjphoto.com Daryl Hall and JOHNNYSWIM feel right at "Home" for newest episode, premiering Feb. 20 on Palladia, March 15 on LFDH.com, featuring classics "Adult Education" and "Do What You Want, Be What You Are" on last-ever show at old house

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2014--Live from Daryl's House never felt more like home, as the show welcomes the now L.A.-based husband-wife team of JOHNNYSWIM for its 65th and latest installment, the third new show of 2014, following Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons. The latest episode premieres on Viacom's high-definition music channel Palladia on Thursday, February 20, on the VH1 App on February 28 and then will be available on March 15 on Daryl's dedicated LFDH.com website, the final show at Daryl's old home, which has since been sold. Married couple Abner and Amanda-Sudano Ramirez join Daryl and the band for a six-song set that includes a pair of Daryl Hall and John Oates classics, including the Top 10 single, "Adult Education," one of two songs recorded for the 1984 compilation Rock and Soul Part 1, and "Do What You Want, Be What You Are," the song from their 1976 album, Bigger Than Both Of Us, which was also the title of their 2009 Sony Legacy four-CD box set. The group then joins forces on four JOHNNYSWIM originals, including "Diamonds," the title track from their full-length debut, produced by Abner and slated for release April 29 on their own indie label Big Picnic Records, as well as "Home," a Creedence Clearwater-styled swamp-rocker that perfectly captures the Live from Daryl's House setting. There are also performances of the title track from their critically acclaimed Heart Beats EP, and a soulful rendition of "Annie." In the regular cooking segment, chef Eric Blomberg of New York's Blue Ribbon Restaurants provides a meat-eaters' special, demonstrating for Daryl and JOHNNYSWIM how to prepare the bone marrow of a cow with oxtail marmalade. The duo called the opportunity to play on Live from Daryl's House "a highlight of the year for us... We've been watching the show for years and it was a dream come true to get to see it in person, play with Daryl and the band, and be a part of the legacy it's creating. Not to mention the house, food and hang we're epic. It was like being part of a family. Let's do it again!" Daryl was duly impressed with the pair. "What a day. That is one fantastic duo, and I love duos. They were so prepared, and such good musicians. They just jumped right in. I love their songs, especially 'Annie.' The band and I had a great time." Amanda was exposed to music at a young age, while Abner studied music at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in his native Jacksonville, FL. The two met in 2006 in Nashville and started collaborating musically after discovering their similar influences of folk, soul and rock. Since then, they've relocated to Los Angeles, released two critically lauded EPs and performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and the Today Show. The duo has toured extensively, including stops at SXSW, Spoleto Festival, Bonnaroo and a support slot for Emeli Sandé.  They were chosen as VH1's first-ever "You Oughta Know" artists and have performed on the network's The O Music Awards and Do Something Awards shows. Vogue called their music "infectious," Entertainment Weekly raved, "As lovely as they are talented," and Paste said of the duo, "one of a kind." JOHNNYSWIM are scheduled to play at SXSW in Austin (March 12-14), the New Orleans Jazz Fest (May 2) and the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, DE (June 19). The past seven years have marked a steady stream of superlatives and recognition for Live from Daryl's House, with Hall receiving a Webby Award for Best Variety series from more than 10,000 entries at the 14th annual ceremony at N.Y.'s Cipriani Wall Street before garnering an O Music Award from MTV. Live from Daryl's House executive producers are Hall and manager Jonathan Wolfson. The 64 previous episodes of Live From Daryl's House have featured a mix of well-known performers like Gavin DeGraw, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, Jason Mraz, The Voice's Cee Lo Green, Shelby Lynne, Joe Walsh, Booker T and the MGs, Blind Boys of Alabama, Rob Thomas, Train, Smokey Robinson, The Doors' Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek, Toots Hibbert, Nick Lowe, K.T. Tunstall, Todd Rundgren, Keb Mo, Dave Stewart, Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik and Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump, along with newcomers such as Grizzly Bear, Rumer, Allen Stone, the Dirty Heads, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Mayer Hawthorne, Chromeo, Matt Nathanson, Parachute, Plain White T's, soul diva Sharon Jones, Diane Birch, L.A. neo-R&B party band Fitz & the Tantrums and Neon Trees. Palladia, Viacom Media Networks' high-definition music channel, launched in January 2006 and features original music-based programming for a variety of music genres, including hip hop, rock, country, pop, contemporary, classic rock, alternative rock, soul and more, as well as HDTV acquisitions and original content from Viacom Music Group's MTV, VH1, and CMT family of services. The channel has grown to 32 million households and is available on major U.S. carriers including Comcast, Cox, Verizon FiOS, Time Warner, Dish, DIRECTV, Charter, AT&T u-Verse, Cablevision and Insight.