Steve Reynolds performs "Dear Rose" Live at WTMD

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Singer-songwriter Steve Reynolds returns to WTMD to performs songs from his new album, The Carnival Papers.

He also performed the 'TMD favorite "Dear Rose" from his album Exile.

Watching the Spectacle

Elvis Costello is not one to sit on his hands. This year he released "Momofuku" on vinyl and digitally and has dueted with both Lucinda Williams and Jenny Lewis for their 2008 albums. Now he's ready to debut his latest project "Spectacle." The 13 episode show has him talking with Lou Reed & James Taylor, Jenny Lewis & former President Bill Clinton. The shows also feature live music between Costello and his guests.
The first episode airs Wednesday at 8pm on The Sundance Channel. The first "Spectacle" guest is Elton John and here's an idea of what's to come on the new show...

Emiliana Torrini: Icelandic Charm

A name that easily rolls off the tongue, strangely, isn't a household name....yet.

But, the daughter of an Italian restaurateur in Reykjavik has garnered hobbit-sized notice for "Gollum's Song," her soundtrack contribution to Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and for writing one of Kylie Minogue's more interesting tunes "Slow."

But, Me and Armini solidifies her talent for jazzy, confessional, confident acoustic and trip-hop songs that go from whimsically curious to even getting in the mind of criminal.

The childlike skip of "Big Jumps" puts a refreshing spring in the voice of an artist, who, like her fellow countrywoman, Bjork, never gets over-precious and continues to disarm discerning listeners.

A late entry into my list of the best albums of 2008. We'll feature it tomorrow, on New Music Tuesday.



...and and old TMD favorite from 2005's Fisherman's Woman ("Sunny Road.")

Middle Distance Runner perform "Naturally," Live at the 8 x 10

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Washington, D.C.'s Middle Distance Runner perform "Naturally" during a live taping of Baltimore Unsigned at the 8 x 10.

The Bridge performs "In Dreams" Live at WTMD

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Baltimore band The Bridge stops by WTMD to perform selections from its latest album, "Blind Man's Hill."

The Bridge perform Old White Lightning 95 Live at WTMD

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The Baltimore band The Bridge visits WTMD for a Morning Sessions performance and performs tracks from its latest release, Blind Man's Hill.

Michael Franti and Spearhead Live at WTMD

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Michael Franti and Spearhead visited WTMD to perform for Morning Sessions and speak with host Morning Show Erik Deatherage.

The band performed the songs "Say Hey (I Love You)," "Nobody Right Nobody Wrong" and "I Got Love For You" from their new album All Rebel Rockers. In the interview, Franti discussed his trip to Baghdad, his son leaving home and his new album.

For more information, visit www.wtmd.org.

Wye Oak in Deutschland

Congratulations to Jen and Andy for landing a spot on Dr. Dog's European tour which heads to Cologne, Germany today.

Too bad they weren't in the back of a Jetta for this sweet little rendition of "I Don't Feel Young." Check out Andy's shade switch-a-roo, mid-song.

Viel gluck!

The Christmas Lights! perform "Walk Like A Human" LIVE at WTMD

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The Christmas Lights! came in for a Baltimore Unsigned taping after being our Artist of the Month for October. Here they perform "Walk Like A Human," the title track from their debut album.

For more information, visit www.baltimoreunsigned.org.

Matthew Sweet performs "Byrdgirl" Live at WTMD

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Matthew Sweet visits the WTMD studio to perform and performs "Byrdgirl" from his new album, "Sunshine Lies."

Vote Wilco

As Wilco prepares for a tour with Neil Young--as well as a sold-out, headlining show at the Lyric Opera House on December 14th--Jeff Tweedy and company are hitting the polls and handing out free downloads to promote everyone's civic duty.

Stop by Wilco's voting page to pick up a free download of the Wilco and Fleet Foxes' cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released." And then send them photos of your polling place for an upcoming web feature.

The Flaming Lips "Chime In"

Get this: NBC is recruiting the B-52's, BB King and The Flaming Lips to record an eight-second version of their famous "bing-BING-bing" chimes, in celebration of the network's 75th anniversary.

The Lips seem to have a fondness for network television. Check out this video blast from teen tv past (OK, I was adult when I watched it).

An Old Joni Mitchell Performance

A friend of mine was kind enough to share this video and quote with me, I now share it with you...
"I play for free. I've played for money and it never amounted to anything really significant even though I made a lot of money. Playing for free is the best pay off/gift you can get or give and I don't play an instrument"

WTMD's uncut interview with Alejandro Escovedo

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John Mathews interviews the Real Animal Alejandro Escovedo for an Afternoon Drive. Here is the full, uncut interview for your enjoyment.

 For more information, visit www.wtmd.org.

Tracy Chapman Transcends Time

A song that, unfortunately, could still be made today is Tracy Chapman's "Across the Lines."

I played it this morning for the first time in awhile and it struck me how, even though this song is 20 years old, it has relevance and resonance, now.

It also brought up the memory of attending the Amnesty International's "Conspiracy of Hope" tour at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

Man, I miss that place! I saw my best U2 show there, and seeing Tracy, Sting, Peter Gabriel and Bruce Springsteen that day and coming away very inspired to do something, is something I'll never forget. I still have a t-shirt from that show (doesn't fit)!

She's got a new one coming out November 10th called, Our Bright Future. Let's hope so.