Balt-Country --- Guest Starring...

Got a chance to see June Star, Caleb Stine & The Brakemen & Among Wolves at the 8x10 last Thursday and each band was on top of their game. And 3 Baltimore bands is a good time in of itself, but there were extras to keep everyone inticed.
June Star's Andrew Grimm never disappoints with the witty banter, but Caleb Stine was a draw for me, because I had never gotten to see him live! Caleb has a way of connecting with his audience that works so well in an intimate club.
Along with his tight group The Brakemen, Caleb had along pedal steel player Dave Hadley. Dave can be regularly seen with Shane Gamble, but MAN, was he an incredible addition!

Opening up the show was Among Wolves, headed by lead guitarists and vocalists
Billy Tiedeken and David Godman. The guys have a rotating cast of characters that play on drums, bass, organ and more. But this past week they also had a little vocal backing from
Kelly Grochmal, a tiny woman with a VERY big voice! With her lead Among Wolves took on "These Boots Are Made For Walkin"and I have to say Kelly was even better than
Nancy Sinatra.

Have you caught any fun and surprising shows around town? Love to hear about your experience!

MySpace tributes Smashing Pumpkins

I've been debating the MySpace scene for about a year now and everytime I think it's time to pull the plug on it something happens where I want to keep my free membership. My reason for staying on there this month is to the tune of Smashing Pumpkins.

Ben Kweller covers "Today" and The Bravery, The Academy Is..., Panic at the Disco and other artists pay tribute to the return of Smashing Pumpkins as well via their MySpace page. Check out Ben Kweller's cover of "Today" here http://myspace.com/benkweller Also Kweller is doing a three night show in NYC this summer where he'll play an album a night...sounds fun!


While your at it, catch the first 2007 tour video from the Smashing Pumpkins

Help Save Internet Radio Including WTMD's Web Stream

Gang
As you know from other posts, Internet radio is in grave danger of going dark. A recent decision by the Copyright Royalty Board would significantly raise the fees public radio stations pay for the rights to stream music. It's a very complicated issue. Please visit Tell Them Public Matters for more information on how you can let your voice be heard on this issue. Here is some more information previously posted.

NPR is currently trying to help Internet radio stay alive, but a July 15th Deadline Looms! Read the story in today's Washington Post.

Thanks for taking the time to read these sites and, if you are moved, for contacting your Representatives to let them know how you feel about this issue. Here is a list of Cosponsors for HR 2060 please check to see if your Congressperson is on the list, if not, please send them an email asking them to become a cosponsor.

Steve the GM

The Autumn Defense- A Great Band Within a Great Band

I'm starting to count the days till the Wilco show at Merriweather Post (6/21). I cannot wait to hear Jeff and the boys play the new songs from SKY BLUE SKY- Jeff has said how absolutely happy he is with the finished product and that this album has been more of a band effort, a collaborative process, than previous Wilco records. And its no wonder. With the avant garde edginess of Nels Cline on guitar, the subtle thunder of Glenn Kotche's drumming and heavy contributions from multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone and longtime bassist John Stirratt...Jeff has surrounded himself with the most talented players since he worked with Jay Farrar in Uncle Tupelo. Pat and John recently put out their third album as the THE AUTUMN DEFENSE- a project that pays homage to sunny and meditative 60's and 70's rock. It's California sunset music and it's one of my favorite albums this year, so far (alongside Wilco, Vietnam, Tim Finn and ALO). Check out this acoustic performance of WINTERLIGHT. That's Pat Sansone on the left and John Stirratt on the right.

It Must Be Summer

Most people like upbeat summer songs, but if barbecues leave you melancholy, The Onion A.V. Club has you covered with its "Inventory: 12 Truly Sad Summer Songs." WTMD's CD of the Month artists Fountains of Wayne came in at #2 for Utopia Parkway's "It Must Be Summer."



Got a favorite sad summer song? Or a favorite upbeat one? Do tell!