Fleeting Blues

2008 marked the release of one of the most beautiful albums I've heard (dare I say ever?) in quite some time. Fleet Foxes' self titled release has been in my rotation since then and I have been patiently waiting for more music from these guys.

Finally my wish has been granted!

The boys are set to release their new album "Helplessness Blues" in early May and I can't be more excited. Also, in conjunction with the new album they are going out on tour and have promised to "go everywhere [we] they are wanted".

Listen/Download the title track/first single and check out their tour dates below!
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop

04.29.2011The Vogue Theatre / Vancouver, BC

04.30.2011The Vogue Theatre / Vancouver, BC SOLD OUT!

05.01.2011Crystal Ballroom SOLD OUT!

05.02.2011Moore Theatre / Seattle, WA On Sale Now

05.03.2011Moore Theatre / Seattle, WA SOLD OUT!

05.05.2011Fox Theater / Oakland, CA

05.06.2011Spreckels Theatre / San Diego, CA

05.07.2011Hollywood Palladium / Hollywood, CA

05.08.2011Rialto Theatre / Tucson, AZ

05.10.2011Stubb's Waller Creek / Austin, TX

05.11.2011Palladium Ballroom / Dallas, TX

05.13.2011Ryman Auditorium / Nashville, TN

05.14.2011The Tabernacle / Atlanta, GA

05.15.2011DAR Constitution Hall / Washington, DC

05.17.2011Orpheum Theatre / Boston, MA

05.18.2011The United Palace Theatre / New York, NY SOLD OUT!

05.19.2011The United Palace Theatre / New York, NY

05.21.2011Tower Theatre / Upper Darby, PA

05.25.2011Astra / Berlin, Germany

05.26.2011Dachau Summer of Music / Munich, Germany

05.28.2011Primavera Sound / Barcelona, Spain

05.30.2011Bataclan / Paris, France

05.31.2011Hammersmith Apollo / London, UK SOLD OUT!

06.01.2011Hammersmith Apollo / London, UK

08.11.2011Oya Festival / Oslo, Norway

08.12.2011Way Out West / Gothenburg, Sweden

Ripoff Song of The Day #1

I wanted to do this a while back with a few other songs but I never did and now forget what most of them were.

Anyway, I know artists have influences and similarities and so forth and there are reoccurring musical themes throughout tons of music but I think it's fun to point out when you hear those similarities and influences.

Here's my first installment.

Australian band Cloud Control and Seattle based Fleet Foxes.

I mean outright RCRC LBL had this to say about the Austrialian band:

Like less-hairy, less-afraid-of-distortion version of Fleet Foxes, Sydney's Cloud Control have the innate ability to make you feel like you're in the woods, sitting cross-legged, painting your face with dirt and wondering why you live in a city and not out here, where things are slow and quiet and naturally beautiful.

Have yourselves a listen:

1.




2.


3.


I see it as kind of a combination of the music and harmonies of "English House" and the singing style of "Oliver James"

Anyone?

J. Tillman at The Church

Last evening I had the pleasure of paying a visit to the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, not for a service (well, not exactly), but to see J. Tillman perform in the Church's intimate side chapel. Let me start by saying I have never been in a Church for a concert, or really anything "non-religiously" affiliated (well, again...not exactly).

Why do I keep saying "not exactly"? Well, because some people can certainly argue that (some) music can be considered a religious experience. I can't argue against it. Okay, moving on!

Now let me REALLY get started by saying this little chapel only holds about 50 people in it, which made the experience all the better. I got to the Church pretty early and after waiting around a bit for the doors to open, I entered the tiny room, sat down in the front pew (yes a pew), and waited anxiously for the show to begin.

Soon after, the opener, "Pearly Gate Music", who happens to be Tillman's younger Brother Zach (who also plays bass for him) came out to perform a few songs of his own. I would consider his music sort of lo-fi-super-reverbed-emo-folk, but if that turns you off, I must say it was pretty good. Zach sang with a true passion that can only come from the heart and although he was a little too much for me at times, he had a solid voice, and a realness to his music.

After Zach's performance I was good and ready (that sounds a little too sexual) for the elder Tillman. A few minuets later, he emerged from the side door of the Chapel with the rest of his 5 piece band (acoustic guitar,electric guitar, drums, bass, and pedal steel). Right from the get go I thought they were great. Tillman's hushed vocals and softly strummed guitar fit perfectly with the setting we were in. While some songs possessed the vocal harmonies fans of his other work with Fleet Foxes, certainly appreciated, others had louder blues/gospel and louder rock sensibilities. Also, for claiming no religious affiliation, (at one point he mentioned he "liked everything and nothing"), many of his songs had a very Christian undertone (maybe even overtone?) to them. Nonetheless, his lyrics, music, and overall performance were extremely passionate and heartfelt.

I had a great time and was extremely pleased at my decision to check out this show. Also I got the chance to shake Josh's hand and thank he and the band for the great performance. I now see he certainly has a hell of a lot more too offer than just being the drummer for Fleet Foxes (he's actually been making music since before joining the band). I highly suggest to any fans of folky,woodsy, acoustic, blues rock, americana type music to check this guy out. You shouldn't be disappointed.

Also, it definitely won't be the last time I catch a show at "The Church". Thanks R5 Productions for giving me the heads up about this show.

Check out a few tunes

1.


2.


3.

Update: End of June Through July Concert Schedule

06/19/09: Friday
Harlem Shakes
Kung Fu Necktie

Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Johnny Brenda's

06/20/09: Saturday
Conspirator
Big Gigantic
Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)

Jimmy Buffett
Susquehanna Bank Center

Celtic Woman
Mann Center for the Performing Arts

Average White Band
Tower of Power
George Clinton
War
West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival

06/22/09: Monday
Celtic Woman
Mann Center for the Performing Arts

06/23/09: Tuesday
Ozric Tentacles
Igor's Egg
Johnny Brenda's

Cheap Trick
Def Leppard
Poison
Susquehanna Bank Center

06/24/09: Wednesday
The Fray
Jack's Mannequin
Richard Swift
Susquehanna Bank Center

Gary Burton Quartet Revisited
Gary Burton
Pat Metheny
Antonio Sanchez
Steve Swallow
Keswick Theatre

06/26/09: Friday
Boz Scaggs
Michael McDonald
Mann Center for the Performing Arts

Mason Porter
Tin Angel

Femi Kuti
World Cafe Live

06/27/09: Saturday
The Slip
World Cafe Live

06/28/09: Sunday
Swift Technique
Wale
Theater of Living Arts (TLA)

06/30/09: Tuesday
311
Ziggy Marley
Festival Pier @ Penn's Landing

07/02/09: Thursday
The Wallflowers
Keswick Theater

Sonic Youth
The Entrance Band
Electric Factory

07/08/09: Wednesday
Matisyahu
Umphrey's McGee
Electric Factory

07/09/09: Thursday
The New Mastersounds
World Cafe Live

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
The Piazza at Schmidts

07/11/09: Saturday
Younger Brother
Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)

07/20/09 : Monday
Tortoise
First Unitarian Church

07/21/09: Tuesday
Green Day
Wachovia Spectrum

07/25/09: Saturday
They Might Be Giants
Pete Yorn
The Hold Steady
Hoots & Hellmouth
American Babies
John Gorka
The Bacon Brothers
Peace Creeps
Illinois
Katie Herzig
Sharon Little
Yeasayer
The Low Anthem
Steve Wynn
Zee Avi
XPoNential Music Festival Camden, NJ

Blind Boys of Alabama
Mann Center for the Performing Arts

Paolo Nutini
Matt Hires
Erin McCarley
Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)

07/26/09: Sunday
Donna The Buffalo
Guster
Steve Forbert
Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Aimee Mann
Serena Ryder
Peter Bjorn and John
John Wesley Harding
Andrew Lipke
Gillian Grassie
John Gorka
Pete Yorn
Shemekia Copeland
XPoNential Music Festival Camden, NJ

07/28/09: Sunday
Yes
Asia
Tower Theater

07/29/09: Wednesday
Gordon Lightfoot
Keswick Theatre


The Builders and the Butchers
Illinois
Johnny Brenda's

Three Legged Fox
John Brown's Body
Passafire
North Star

Neko Case
Jason Lytle
The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts

07/30/09: Thursday
Billy Joel
Elton John
Citizens Bank Park

Fleet Foxes
Electric Factory

07/31/09 :: Friday
Lil' Wayne
Young Jeezy
Soulja Boy
Drake
Susquehanna Bank Center

El*A*Kwents
Inkwell The Biologic
Roots of Creation
Bodega
Digital Frontier
Euphonic Brew
Jimkata
MJ Project
Sci Fi
Segway
Slowave
The Green Light Society
The Grey Area
The Groovement
Existor
Codename
Igor's Egg
The Dirty Drop
Swift Technique
Snipes Farm Morrisville, PA

Dream Theater
Zappa Plays Zappa
Beardfish
Pain of Salvation
Tower Theater

Mix For Carrot Creative

(originally posted on What's Protocol?)

So for the past .

Every since graduating.

…Since the beginning of time, I have been searching for a job. A real job, a good, fulfilling, enjoyable, meaningful job that I can call a real career. Maybe it’s a pipe dream, but I have convinced myself that I am going to find a job that I’m going to completely love. One of those “not your ordinary workplace” type of jobs in a cool environment with smart, funny, progressive thinking, coworkers working together to create, market, produce, advertise, cook, bake, build, make, design…whatever it is that they do.

I’ve come across a few of these companies/businesses in my search but it wasn’t until about a week ago that I found out that Carrot Creative was hiring. ThisBrooklyn, NY based full service social media agency exudes all of the qualities of the type of company I dream of working for. Progressive, different, Smart, with enjoyable atmosphere. You know “hip” and “cool”. Well, I’m hip(?), I’m cool (?), (right?).

Since they are quite progressive and forward thinking, their hiring process is quite different from your average “send us your resume and cover letter and if you happen to know somebody who works here maybe we’ll get back to you” type of business. Right on their website they say they get lots of applications, and if you want to “stand out from all the noise, figure out how to get our attention”.

So Carrot Creative. That’s what I’m doing. I’m calling you out!

HEY GUYS LISTEN TO ME. HEY HEY. OVER HERE.

I LOVE music. And I LOVE sharing it (that’s why I’m here, duh) so I scoured, searched (stalked?) many of your Twitters, Blogs, personal websites, etc to try and figure what kind of music you all enjoy. Then I combined that with what I enjoy, and realized it’s not all that different! (how bout that!)

So, the following mix was created completely with you in mind, you little Carrots you.

I hope you enjoy it. And maybe possibly hire me, or at the very least, call me for aninterview? Be friends? Commission me to make you monthly mixes? ___(insert exceptional, fantastic, and wonderful opportunity here____

———————————
Link to Mix: IS RIGHT HERE (don’t worry it’s not a virus, I uploaded it myself from my spankin’ new MacBook-Bro )

——————————–
Track List:

XCPR - Hoop Dreams
High School Lover - Oregon Bike Trails
Battery Kinzie – Fleet Foxes
Two Timer - Pappy
Tell Her No – Tennis
Romantic Streams – SLEEP ∞ OVER
Truth – Top Girls
The Zone – The Weeknd
Ask For - CHLLNGR
Steven McQueen – M83
Now That I’m Real – Chad Valley
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1 - The Flaming Lips
Wildcat – Ratatat
On On - MillionYoung
Give Me Every Little Thing – The Juan Maclean
You’re So Gangsta – Chromeo
Into The Night – Azari & III
Butt - StewRat
How Will I Copulate? (Moranis Mashup feat. Whitney Houston) – Star Slinger
Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson

—————————-
You can reach me personally at :danbonomo@gmail.com
LinkedIn
Twitter: @Dannybfunk

Some Videy-Yahs To Start You Off

In my opinion, two pretty damn good musicians (John Scofield and Jaco Pastorius) playing a pretty damn funky tune.



Also in my opinion, Miles is the man.



Buckethead is a sick. A lot of the time he just shreds and a good amount of his material sounds similar but I feel this song shows his versatility.



I think this is pretty awesome. Check out their music video for this too. Oh yeah and the band's name is Holy Fuck (not very commercially friendly but i think they are cool)



Some Old School Roots



Biggie Freestlye



Les Claypool is a wild man.



If you have the time, watch all of these videos from Bob Dylan's 1965 press conference. They are great.



Ohhhh The Dead.



Who would have thought?



These guys (Fleet Foxes) are finally getting the recognition they deserve. I'm happy for them



Vampire Weekend is another band i can't stop listening to.



Myself. White Castle.



I think this is going to take off in a few years. It's getting there with the iPhone, all the other touch phones, and the new touchscreen computer that just came out. Also I think it was CNN who had that touch screen map they used the night of the Presidential Election.



This thing on the other hand..I don't know what the hell Microsoft is doing. I know this is a parody but the Songsmith program is real.

I Love Spinning Cabinets!

So for a while I was really into indie, folky, country, singer songwriter stuff. Stuff like Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, A.A Bondy, Monsters of Folk type stuff.

Also for a while (like a 7 year while) I have be extremely into Ropeadoope Records. They have always been a great label that I've looked at for putting out great music. (like Charlie Hunter's "Right Now Move", Medeski Martin and Wood's "Uninvisble", the fantastic Philadelphia Experiment, and newer releases like Greg Hester's "Hustlers, Killers, and Thieves," and Drive If You Must's "Circles". All of these albums share the quality jazzy,funky, or experimental type music that I've Ropeadope to put out. Surprisingly though, a few newer releases have strayed out in quite a different direction.

Releases from the band Cabinet and more recently The Spinning Leaves have captured that folky country sound I had gotten so found of. Cabinet's self titled release is an upbeat country joyride containing some great danceable, fun, and beautifully written bluegrass tunes. I can't say I dislike any song on the entire album although Elizabeth, The Tower, and The One are a few of my favorites.

The Spinning Leaves' release "Love" is, as Bruce Warren WXPN's Executive Producer has said:

acoustic music with air and warmth and vibrancy. This ain't your old folk. It's new folk steeped in tradition for the modern world.

This is really some great music from both bands, and you don't have to listen to me ramble on about them to figure it out. Just give them a listen below.

Get to it!





Cabinet Live from the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA on November 28, 2009.