From Raging to Watching

Tom Morello is...the Nightwatchman, an observant, acoustic guitar-strumming character that you might find in a coffeehouse singing songs that Billy Bragg could have penned. It's a different image than the buzz-sawing guitar slinger behind Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
He's not raging quite as boisterously as in years past, but the Harvard-educated social and political activist puts a quieter brand of protest on ONE MAN REVOLUTION. Sam and I chatted with Tom yesterday. We'll share that conversation with you on the TMD Morning Show next week. Find out if that Rage reunion at Coachella was a one-time event.


More later on an amazing talent with quite a moving back story: Raul Midon. Peace for now.


Erik

Where Has Paula Gone?

That's the question many music fans have been asking for years. Paula Cole's talents and intentions have always moved me personally. When I worked out west in the 90's, I started spinning her debut HARBINGER right away. It's her unwavering honesty in lyrics that take anybody whose awkward teenage years that give songs like I'M SO ORDINARY and BETHLEHEM such resonance for any generation. Then, of course, there's the often misunderstood cowboy song that got her the Best New Artist Grammy and that tune that a certain teen tv show played during every episode. But Paula disappeared from the music scene for eight years. We'll find out why Thursday at 9am on the TMD Morning Show. Tune in. Hope the weather is going to be fantastic for Preakness. Peace.

Erik

PS. More on The Nightwatchman later.

Tom Waits' Nanny and More...

Hey music lovers!

Had a chance to take in an artist you may be hearing about more in the near future. Her name is Jesca Hoop. She writes non-linear, emotionally wrought songs that may bring to mind what would happen if you took Kate Bush's voice and mixed it Tom Waits' delivery. No wonder, Jesca actually was a nanny for Tom Waits and his wife and songwriting partner, Kathleen Brennan. Tom and Kathleen slowly mentored her and helped get a copy of one of her songs in the right hands (Nic Harcourt). Hear my chat with Jesca next week on the TMD Morning Show.

Also, be on the listen for Keller Williams, Martin Sexton and Paula Cole. Yes, Paula! It's been eight years and its good to hear her play music again.

Peace for now.

Erik

Greetings From Louisville

Hey everybody! Just got into Louisville for the big Non Commercial Radio Conference and it didn't take long to run into an old friend. Yeah, Brett Dennen! He's hanging out here charming the socks off radio people around the country as he undoubtedly has, you. Brett's still buzzing about the response to last weekend's show at the Recher- but today, he's got on a buzz of a different kind: bourbon. Kentucky, of course, is famous for whiskeys of all kind. Brett and I had a chance to partake in a few beverages of that ilk in the lobby bar of the famous Brown Hotel. Thumbs up from Brett! All in moderation, of course, as this is a work trip for both of us.

Speaking of work...good work...I got a chance to chat with Sarah Borges, Massachusetts bred musician who has the cowpunk sensibilities of X. And it's no wonder she covers the band on her new album DIAMONDS IN THE DARK. She also closes the record with a sweet cover of Tom Wait's BLIND LOVE. But, it's HER songwriting and fronting of the band the BROKEN SINGLES that stand out nicely. It's twangy with a punk rock attitude. Plus, Sarah is one of the most articulate and intelligent individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting. Listen for more next week on the TMD Morning Show.

Peace for now.


Erik