Category Archives: Rock

11.02.10
by

James McCartney Is Ready To Rock


James McCartney’s father is one of the most influential figures in rock and roll, so it’s no surprise that he is trying his hand at the genre that his father affected so heavily.

What is surprising is that his debut effort is so darn…good. Taking inspiration from the Beatles (duh), Nirvana, and Radiohead, James has released a 5-song EP (Available Light) that blends his velvet pipes with electric guitars, mandolins, piano and bass. All of which he recorded himself. Holy crap.

James explains that “it is basically rock n’ roll, clean sounding and vocal.” The songs were written over a 10-year span, which makes sense considering he had to learn every instrument ever made.

You can find Available Light on Enigma Records in stores (or browsers) now. Feel free to check out the song “Angel” right here first.

James McCartney – “Angel” by wiredset

10.29.10
by

NYC’s Weekend Show Roundup!


Cloud Cult, Fort Wilson Riot @ (le) poisson rouge

VHS or Beta (DJ Set), Das Pop @ Brooklyn Bowl

The Chain Gang of 1974, Sigmund Droid, Yanqui @ Glasslands

Devo, The Drums, The Neon Trees @ Hammerstein Ballroom

DOM, The Smith Westerns, Yellow Fever, Total Slacker, Sweet Bulbs @ Station 171

Frightened Rabbit, Plants and Animals, The Phantom Band @ Terminal 5

Allo Darlin @ The Rock Shop

Local Natives, The Ruby Suns, The Union Line @ Webster Hall

Delicate Steve, Golden Ages, Crinkles, Lawrence Welks and Our Bear To Cross @ Cake Shop

The Dresden Dolls @ Irving Plaza

Robbers on High Street (as ELO), Black Dragon, Blue Album Group, Gross Relations @ Mercury Lounge

The Felice Brothers, Adam H. Stephens of Two Gallants @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Das Racist, The Beets and more! @ Ridgewood Temple

10.14.10
by

Trivett Wingo Quitting The Sword

Shortly after the cancellation of their European tour, The Sword announced earlier this week that they’ll be canceling the remainder of their scheduled US dates due to the departure of their drummer, Trivett Wingo.  The split is amicable and both Trivett and the rest of the band wish each other the best of the luck with their respective plans.  The Sword are already working diligently to reschedule their European and US dates.

Says Trivett of the split:

“It is with deep sadness that I am announcing my departure from The Sword.  After nearly seven years and some of the most amazing adventures of a lifetime,  I have arrived at a place where I am physically and emotionally unable to continue on as part of The Sword.  If I could go any further, I would as I love the music and JD, Bryan and Kyle are people that I deeply respect, but I have reached a point where I just can’t do this anymore.  I would like to thank the wonderful people who made this experience what it has been:  the fans, the people that I have worked and all of the bands and musicians that have inspired me over the years.  I thank you and apologize for any disappointment that this may cause anyone, not least of which The Sword.”

And, here is an official statement from The Sword:
“We wish Trivett nothing but the best, and it is with heavy hearts that we bid him farewell.  He is a phenomenal musician and has been an integral part of this band’s success.  He helped to lay the foundation that we will continue to build upon, and we wouldn’t be where we are without him.  We wish he could continue the adventure with us, but we understand that the life of a touring musician is not for everyone.  It’s been a hell of a ride, and we’re sad to see this part of the journey end.  The show must go on, though, and will be back on the road as soon as humanly possible.” – JD, Kyle & Bryan

10.08.10
by

Purling Hiss Touring Soon

Mike Polizze, of Philly jam-punks Birds of Maya, is taking another one-off vacation with Purling Hiss, a more song-oriented approach than previous releases. Hiss’ album, entitled Public Service Announcement, will see release on October 26th. But, a week before that Purling Hiss will hit the road for a nationwide tour. Dates are down below.

Upcoming Tour Dates

10/19 Charlottesville, VA Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar *
10/20 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 *
10/21 Atlanta, GA The Earl * ^
10/22 Birmingham, AL The Nickw * ^
10/23 Nashville, TN Mercy Loungew * ^
10/25 Toledo, OH Mickey Finn * ^ !
10/26 Covington, KY Mad Hatters * ^
10/27 Columbus, OH Skully’s * ^
10/28 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig * ^
10/29 Indianapolis, IN White Rabbit Cabaret * ^
10/30 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle * ^
10/31 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle * ^
11/01 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock * ^
11/04 Seattle, WA Neumos * ^
11/06 Portland, OR Berbatis Pan * ^
11/09 San Francisco, CA Rickshaw Stop * ^
11/11 Los Angeles, CA Echoplex * ^
11/13 San Diego, CA Casbah * ^
11/14 Tempe, AZ The Trunk Space *
11/17 San Antonio, TX The Korova *
11/18 Austin, TX Emo’s (Inside) *
11/19 Dallas, TX Club Dada *
11/21 Memphis, TN Hi Tone *
11/24 Washington, DC Black Cat (Backstage) *
11/26 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s *
12/03 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory *

* = w/ Kurt Vile
^ = w/ The Soft Pack
! = w/ Jaill

10.05.10
by

Rooftop Vigilantes Skip Cross Country

Kansas’ own Rooftop Vigilantes just performed at last weekend’s free Scion Garage Festival on Saturday. The event, taking place at Liberty Hall, sawthe band playing alongside Times New Viking, Best Coast, The Raveonettes, The Oblivians, The Clean among others.

This month the four-piece will pony up with friends Baby Birds Don’t Drink Milk for a short jaunt that will bring both bands to the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC. Check out the specifics of that show and more, down below.

ROOFTOP VIGILANTES TOUR DATES:
10/09 @ The Ghost Parlor, Manhattan, KS *
10/14 @ Replay Lounge, Lawrence, KS
10/15 @ White Lightning Wherehouse, Iowa City, IA *
10/16 @ Cal’s Bar, Chicago, IL * (w/ Blasted Diplomats)
10/17 @ Contemporary Art Institute, Detroit, MI * (w/ Swimsuit, Lord Scrummage)
10/18 @ The Happy Dog, Cleveland, OH *
10/19 @ SMOG @ BARD College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY * (w/ The Great Valley)
10/20 @ Butcher Shoppe, Boston, MA * (w/ Girlfriends, Free Pizza)
10/22 @ Cake Shop (CMJ Day Party), New York, NY
10/23 @ Bruar Falls (CMJ Day Party), Brooklyn, NY
10/23 @ Cake Shop (CMJ), New York, NY

* with Baby Birds Don’t Drink Milk

09.24.10
by

Travis Barker Teams With The Cool Kids For Free Song

Travis Barker and the Cool Kids have teamed up to bring you a brand new single!

“Jump Down” is available to download for free right here (just give them your email address).

If you want to hear it before downloading, we’ve got you covered. You can check out the song here too.

Travis Barker — Jump Down by John Grimley

The second part of the giveaway is that for anyone who downloads the demo (and gives them a mailing address) will get some free 3D glasses! Cool, right?

You can then use those 3D glasses to watch the music video for “Jump Down,” which will be premiering October 11th.