BONNAROO

Whats happenin... So i actually made it back from the mass gathering of hippies, rockers, Music lovers, and Musicians they call BONNAROO... For this long weekend the small town of Manchester Tennessee had become one of the most populated cities in Tennessee. With crowds ranging from 70 to 100 thousand people Bonnaroo is sure to bring the party. We knew the twelve hour drive was coming to an end when every car we saw had "Bonnaroo or Bust" or "ROO???" written all over their windows with paint. As we approached the site we found ourselves in a ten mile long line on the shoulder of the highway. Ten miles of cars, buses, rv's, and everything else all waiting for one of the biggest music festivals of the summer. Four hours later.. we entered the field .. a sea of cars and tents for as long as you could see... As we pulled into the small rectangular plot of fried grass that would become our home for the next 4 days we knew that we were finally there.

The Fratelli's Kicked Off My Return to CD Stores

I went searching for Costello Music by the Fratelli's this week in a CD store, not iTunes and I'm loving every second on the CD. If you've heard Henrietta or Flathead on the air you probably find yourself singing the chorus to Flathead from time to time...I'm no longer whistling Young Folks...that much.

Flathead has taken over my cellphone as well...there was a little pamphlet in the CD case about purchasing Fratelli's ringtones, I was stoked from the minute I saw that. Sorry Citizen Cope, the Son will Rise another day.

I've been debating iTunes over CD's recently because I purchased the Coconut Records album off iTunes last week so that I could enjoy "West Coast" and the rest of the music while mowing the lawn but when I burned the CD for my car, the quality seemed lost in the making. However, with my Fratelli's CD I imported it into iTunes and now I have great quality wherever I play it. Being a producer I'm a sound freak, everything has to be near perfect, I feel that iTunes doesn't do that for me anymore.

I do listen to my music maxed out on the volume knob because when I like it I love it. So this Fratelli's CD may have kicked up my trend of purchasing CD's not MP3's. The gas and extra $ it costs at the store is worth the CD quality that I feel iTunes may lack in some aspects...especially when it's a great album. Plus, CD's come with cool stuff inside these days.

Cary Brothers mentioned before Morning Sessions about his album artwork, if you're going to put the effort of going out and buying the album, I'm going to put the effort in making the album appealing on the outside as well.

My question to you is what is your overall preference, downloaded MP3s or the CD, and more importantly why?

Enjoy this Fratelli's Music Video:

Great Northern Exposure

If you're like me, you're always on the prowl for the next great vivid, orchestral album. I just love music that serves as a soundtrack, one that allows you to fill in the spaces and create your own movie- think Joe Henry, Luna, Lush, Jesus and Mary Chain, Low- music that, metaphorically anyway, sets the stage for your very own Sopranos ending.

I think I may have found a new band that fills the mold perfectly. The name GREAT NORTHERN conjures up Lynchian images of pine forests and intriguingly ambiguous people. Their music on their debut TRADING TWILIGHT FOR DAYLIGHT takes you on journey with luxurious chimes and some of the most intricate harmonies you'll ever hear serving as a colorful backdrop.

The vocals of guitarist/composer Solon Bixler and keyboardist Rachel Stolte build intensely to some beautiful crescendos, most notably on TELLING LIES and BABIES.

Hogs Breath for Great Music

One last post from Key West.

Hogs Breath is the legendary eating, drinking and live music venue in Key West. The night we went...all 9 of us... I think the duo was Bruce and Red. Yeah, great bloodies and cheap beer...and the best oysters I had in a while. Bruce and Red kept the drinking songs and 70s classic rock covers thick as bbq sauce on the ribs.

Best part is they have the "eve of radio stickers" around the front bar. You'll see stickers from legendary stations from around the country plastered, much like the patrons, just above those patrons head. Many of you know I work pretty much 24/7, but I just don't carry WTMD bumperstickers with me everywhere I go...when I am out of state. So I had to sacrifice my member card!

Please! If you go to key west and Hogs Breath...bring a TMD bumpersticker for their wall and pry the tape off and bring my card Home!

The Best Jukebox for TMD Listeners in Key West

Key West is a classic rock/Buffett/pop town. And while there is a ton of live music here, most of it is cover bands ready to inspire another round of beers and tequila.

But the Green Parrot is where I would tell folks to settle in for happy hour. It has the best Blues and Soul filled Jukebox on the island. Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, Hobex, North Mississippi All Stars and more. And the best part is you get 5 songs for a buck!

The Parrot also hosts a lot of live music at night too. Check out their webcam as well a list of bands playing soon. And remember...No Snivelling Allowed!