Smile! Lily's Back!

People seem to be strongly on one side of the fence or the other when it comes to Lily Allen. Me? I thinks she's wickedly funny, supremely talented, and I can't wait for her second album, It's Not Me, It's You to come out Feb. 10th.

Until then, enjoy this little fame fable, or perhaps, parody...."The Fear."

RIP Delaney

I was so sad wake up to the news yesterday that Delaney Bramlett passed away after complications from gall bladder surgery.

The Mississippi-born artist contributed mightily to blues rock, but his, and his first wife Bonnie's influence on George Harrison (he taught him slide guitar that later surfaced on "My Sweet Lord"), Leon Russell (he co-wrote "Superstar" with him) and especially Eric Clapton, whom he is credited with encouraging to sing, is probably his most profound legacy.

His laid back "Friends" sessions led to the modern-day concept of "unplugged" sets.

Delaney Bramlett was 69 years old.



Here's a clip from the 60's TV show "Shindig," which Delaney was a part of...

Top 89 Songs of 2008

1. "I Will Possess Your Heart," by Death Cab for Cutie

2. "Viva La Vida," by Coldplay

3. "Sex on Fire," by Kings of Leon

Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.

4. "Time To Pretend," by MGMT

5. "Strange Overtones," by David Byrne/Brian Eno

6. "Sequestered In Memphis," by The Hold Steady

7. "Say Hey (I Love You)," by Michael Franti and Spearhead

8. "You Don't Know Me," by Ben Folds/Regina Spektor

9. "I’m Amazed," by My Morning Jacket

10. "I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You," by Black Kids

11. "You Are The Best Thing," by Ray LaMontagne

12. "White Winter Hymnal," by Fleet Foxes

13. "A-Punk," by Vampire Weekend

14. "Girls In Their Summer Clothes," by Bruce Springsteen

15. "Chasing Pavements," by Adele

16. "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," by Vampire Weekend

17. "Freeway," by Aimee Mann


Support Radio for Music People


18. "I Feel It All," by Feist

19. "Silver Lining," by Rilo Kiley

20. "Grounds For Divorce," by Elbow

21. "Always A Friend," by Alejandro Escovedo

22. "Hold It In," by Jukebox the Ghost

23. "Boots of Chinese Plastic," by The Pretenders

24. "Supernatural Superserious," by R.E.M.

25. "Please Read The Letter," by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

26. "Business Time," by Flight of the Conchords

27. "15 Step," by Radiohead

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28. "Cath…," by Death Cab for Cutie

29. "Crying," by TV on the Radio

30. "Strange Times," by Black Keys

31. "Foundations," by Kate Nash

32. "Borneo," by Firewater

33. "Acid Tongue," by Jenny Lewis

34. "Violet Hill," by Coldplay

35. "Trashcan," by Delta Spirit

36. "The Righteous Path," by Drive-By Truckers

37. "The Step And the Walk," by The Duke Spirit

Support Radio for Music People


38. "Something Good This Way Comes," by Jakob Dylan

39. "Rocky Took A Lover," by Bell X1

40. "Frankie’s Gun," by The Felice Brothers

41. "Old Enough," by The Raconteurs

42. "Lay Back Down," by Eric Lindell

43. "If I Had Eyes," by Jack Johnson

44. "Sausalito," by Conor Oberst

45. "Maybe Tonight," by Nicole Atkins

46. "Warwick Avenue," by Duffy

47. "27 Jennifers," by Mike Doughty

Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
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48. "Peace, Love and Happiness," by G. Love and Special Sauce

49. "Mercy," by Duffy

50. "Something Is Not Right With Me," by Cold War Kids

51. "L.E.S. Artistes," by Santogold

52. "New Soul," by Yael Naim

53. "Hollow Man," by R.E.M.

54. "There's More True Lovers Than One," by Jonatha Brooke

55. "Orphans," by Beck

56. "It's Alright," by Dar Williams

57. "Be OK," by Ingrid Michaelson


Support Radio for Music People


58. "Orange Blossoms," by J.J. Grey and Mofro

59. "Hologram," by Katie Herzig

60. "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

61. "The Stoop," by Little Jackie

62. "Ottoman," by Vampire Weekend

63. "You Can't Count on Me," by Counting Crows

64. "Life, Love and Laughter," by Donavon Frankenreiter

65. "Listen," by Amos Lee

66. "Don't You Evah," by Spoon


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67. "Crazy," by Brett Dennen and Femi Kuti

68. "Sister Lost Soul," by Alejandro Escovedo

69. "It'll All Come Around," by Back Door Slam

70. "Baltimore," by Caleb Stine and Saleem

71. "Two Silver Trees," by Calexico

72. "Transliterator," by Devotchka

73. "Shaken," by Jackie Greene

74. "Rumors," by Josh Ritter

75. "Lost Coastlines," by Okkervil River

76. "Always Where I Need to Be," by The Kooks

77. "Dying is Fine," by Ra Ra Riot


Support Radio for Music People


78. "Sometime Around Midnight," by The Airborne Toxic Event

79. "Being Here," by The Stills

80. "Ten Dead Dogs," by Wild Sweet Orange

81. "Staying with Me," by Los Lonely Boys  

82. "Scare Easy," by Mudcrutch

83. "Dirty City," by Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton

84. "Funplex," by The B-52s

85. "Sweeter than the Rest," by Joan Osborne

86. "I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory," by Kathleen Edwards

87. "Electric Feel," by MGMT

88. "Human," by The Killers

89. "My Sweet Indecision (Go to Hell),"by David Ford

The First Thursday favorite captivated everyone in Mt. Vernon Park with his one-man-band performance in July, and his custom, yellow promotional tape has adorned our office door ever since.

WTMD is listener-supported radio from the campus of Towson University.

Good Old War performs "Window" Live at WTMD

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The Philadelphia-based trio Good Old War stopped by WTMD for an in-studio performance of songs from their debut album, Only Way to be Alone.

Good Old War performs "Tell Me" Live at WTMD

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The Philadelphia-based trio Good Old War stopped by WTMD for an in-studio performance of songs from their debut album, Only Way to be Alone.

Good Old War performs "Coney Island" Live at WTMD

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The Philadelphia-based trio Good Old War stopped by WTMD for an in-studio performance of songs from their debut album, Only Way to be Alone.

"This Song is Dedicated to Everybody . . . Especially You."

A late-afternoon Ravens game--and a strict "no drinks in the auditorium" policy--limited the number of people who ventured beyond the Lyric Opera House's lobby before Wilco headlined a 2 1/2 hour, double-encore show on Sunday night.

But everyone who took their seats early enough to catch D.C.-based Benjy Ferree was treated to a tight set of rockabilly songs infused with a punk sensibility.

Backed by a quartet that included a cellist and Benjy's fiancee on drums, Ferree and company tore through a solid setlist that was prefaced with a few whistling introductions and some rapid-fire stage patter. (Between declarations of "peace and love," Ferree asked a woman near the front if he once served her a drink in D.C., and later declared, "This song is dedicated to everybody . . . especially you.")

It all made for a fun, raucous start to the night.
Unfortunately, if you were there, you probably missed it...

Benjy Ferree hosts a record release party at the Black Cat on February 28, 2009.

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.

Indie Bands in the Strangest Places

Bandstand Busking, a British-based Web music series, frees artists from the cramped confines of studios and nightclubs for impromptu performances in and around aging London bandstands.

Recent highlights include Of Montreal in Regent's Park



and We Were Promised Jetpacks taking a spin in a teacup

Adele - "Melt My Heart to Stone" Live at WTMD

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British singer Adele stops by the WTMD studio on her way to Saturday Night Live and performs "Melt My Heart to Stone" as part of an upcoming Morning Sessions.

Adele - "Right as Rain" Live at WTMD

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British singer Adele stops by the WTMD studio on her way to Saturday Night Live and performs "Right as Rain" as part of an upcoming Morning Sessions.

Adele performs "Chasing Pavements" Live at WTMD

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British singer Adele stops by the WTMD studio and performs "Chasing Pavements" as part of an upcoming Morning Sessions.

An 80's Zoo For Keane

Keane's third record Perfect Symmetry drops today. For 80's suckers and U2 fans like me, you gotta love songwriter/keyboardist Tim Rice Oxley's recall, especially on the single, "Spiralling."

Some of the record seems to embrace, or perhaps send up the fame they've been known not to crave- kind of a Zoo TV vibe, the video hints at.

And after his rehab issues, singer Tom Chaplin seems eager to put those golden pipes to grand use.

That's the thing about Keane- they always have something big to say, and it's just three guys and a lot of cool keyboard efffects that do the talking.

Ringo Says No More Autographs after October 20th

Ringo Starr has a very peaceful and loving message for all you fans out there

WTMD on MSNBC.com

Contributing writer Tony Sclafani provides an overview of music sites in his article "Listen up! Music is everywhere on the Web," including WTMD:

"The problem is that for music buffs, terrestrial radio usually doesn’t offer much, unless you happen to be lucky enough to live near cool stations like eclectic indie mainstays KEXP in Seattle or WTMD in Maryland. Then again, you could just click on those links no matter where you are and hear everything from the Black Kids to the Gourds to the new Kings of Leon, served up by knowledgeable DJs. For free."

Check out the rest of the article while you're listening live at wtmd.org.

Fiction 20 Down perform "Gossip & Gunplay" on Baltimore Unsigned

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Fiction 20 Down (http://www.myspace.com/fiction20down) join us in studio for an episode of Baltimore Unsigned. Here they perform "Gossip & Gunplay" from their session.

 For more information visit www.baltimoreunsigned.org or www.f20d.com.

Phish Will Reunite

According to phish.com in a video posted by the guys they will be reuniting for 3 shows in Virginia at Hampton Coliseum playing their first public show in 4 years, 6 months, 19 days on March 6...They plan on adding more dates

Watch the Announcement Video Here

Cake Frontman (and Ticket Giveaway) on the Eco Tour

Tune in to the Eco Tour at 6 and 8 a.m. Wednesday, October 1st, as Andrew Lovett speaks with Cake frontman John McCrea about recording the band's new album in his solar-powered studio.

Also, listen for a special announcement after each Eco Tour broadcast to win tickets to see Cake at Pier Six Pavilion on Thursday, October 2nd.

Good Morning Maryland comes to WTMD

ABC 2 News Good Morning Maryland hosts Megan Pringle and Jamie Costello stopped by the studio on Wednesday to chat with Erik, Here's a video of the interview.

Corey Chisel: Midwest Magic

When Appelton, Wisconsin native Corey Chisel sings, something captivating, yet familiar happens.

The warmth and familial nature of his voice brings to mind like-minded heartland songwriters such as Peter Himmelman and maybe Greg Brown, when he's in a good mood.

But, the way he starts a song with a church organ (his Dad is a preacher), adds an electric jangle here, a clarinet there and blends his raw, wide-open-with-possibilities voice with female counterpart Adriel Harris, a hymnal, anthemic song takes flight and just doesn't come down.

I haven't been able to get any of the songs off his new EP, Cabin Ghosts out of my head since it landed on my desk. He recorded several of the songs live in front of a hometown crowd.

Corey Chisel might get stuck in your brain once you see the video for "See It My Way." Notice the added chorus of a pooch!

Kings of the Night

A grand statement, but Kings of Leon should make a pretty big impression on tonight's Saturday Night Live!
The will be playing music from Only By The Night which comes out next Tuesday, but I think this family band (3 brothers & their cousin) could be even more.
They've put together 23 home videos of their everyday antics with a dash of in-studio performances and honestly I think the guys are hysterical an should be in some skits on SNL, but tell me what you think from this Kings of Leon video.

Pretenders / Hold Steady Ticket Giveaway

The Pretenders, The Hold Steady and All Mighty Senators play an all-ages show at Sonar on Friday, September 19th.

Tune into the Morning Show from 7 to 10 a.m. Thursday, September 18th, and listen for a song from The Pretenders' new album, Break Up The Concrete. (Listen live at the new WTMD.org.)

Erik will play a new song each hour, and the first listener to call into the station when each song plays (410-704-8936) wins a pair of tickets to the show and a copy of the new album.

Bob Sima performs "Map In My Lap" LIVE at the 8x10

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Bob Sima joined us for a live taping of Baltimore Unsigned at the 8x10. Here he performs "Map In My Lap" off of his new album Periphery.

 For more information, visit www.wtmd.org or www.baltimoreunsigned.org.

Phish - Wedding Singers

They've got a new profession ahead of them if they want it!
Check out this video of all 4 members of Phish playing "Julius" at their former managers wedding this past weekend.

Kaki King on Dave Grohl's "Rock Star Moves"

So Kaki has been touring with the Foo recently and at the Outside Lands Festival she spoke with Rolling Stone about his cheesy rock n roll moves. Link to the Rolling Stone Article to See Video

Now the two have also been joining the stage together for Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners...an instrumental Dave Grohl wrote for the miners involved in the Beaconsfield Mine in Australia Colapse. He learned one of them was a Foo Fan and wrote the song prior to a meeting with the miner. The song is on their latest album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, Kaki King appears on the album version as well.Just a tid bit of knowledge for those who are curious.

Anyways, watch the two of them perform at O2 Arena in London on November 18, 2007

American Wins World Air Guitar Championships

Okay first off who has heard of this championship? Not me, until now...American Air Rocker Hot Lixx Hulahan...I'm hoping thats a stage name, beat 20 other contendors to become the 2008 World Air Guitar Champion, the Championship is in it's fifth year now.

Well we've all jammed on our air guitar during our favorite rock and jam solos. If you haven't you might be lying, but that's okay. I'll shamelessly admit I also sing in my car and play drums on my steering wheel or desk or lap or you, but nobody seems to play air guitar like this American...maybe you can get ready for next years championship! By the way have you seen the Air Guitar Shirt? Make your fantasy a reality, that video is below this one.

What's your favorite song to play air guitar on?



Air Guitar Shirt

One Fantastic Performer

With 3 names. That's David Andrew Smith who plays on Baltimore Unsigned tonight at 8pm. The Ellicott City native usually features a full band, but he goes solo this evening with excellent results! Check it out for yourself on this track called "Wit's End".

Covering the New River

Okkervil River, that is. As they get ready to release their new album The Stand Ins the band got all creative. Or rather they made their friends get creative and cover all the tracks from the album that will be out on September 9th.
Rather than making a whole new album of the covers these songs are available on Okkervil Rivers YouTube Channel.
Lead singer Will Sheff pairs up with A.C. Newman of the New Pornographers for this version of "Lost Coastlines."



So tell me what you think, I mean, is this a cool way for the band to share their upcoming songs or do you think they should be sharing the original versions first?

Pier Six Ticket Giveaway

WTMD welcomes The Avett Brothers and Drive-By Truckers to Pier Six Pavilion on Sunday, September 21st.

Register through Monday, August 25th, to enter a drawing for a pair of tickets to the show, courtesy of WTMD. (View the contest rules.)

Here are the Avett Brothers performing "Will You Return" in the back of their tour bus.



And the Drive-By Truckers performing "Never Gonna Change."

Saxophonist LeRoi Moore 1961-2008

Dave Matthews Band Saxophonist LeRoi Moore passed away yesterday afternoon suddenly of unknown complications. LeRoi was injured in an ATV Accident on June 30th while taking a break in between shows at his farm, his last show was June 28, 2008 at Nissan Pavilion. For those who were there, it will be one to remember. This message was posted on the Dave Matthews Website last night:

"We are deeply saddened that LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. LeRoi had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program."

Jeff Coffin, Saxophonist for Bela Fleck has been filling in since July with the band and LeRoi was expected to make a full recovery. Despite the loss, the show went on last night in Los Angeles and will go on for the remaining tour playing again tonight in Los Angeles at the Staple Center. During the show Dave Matthews Band and Fans expressed their love for LeRoi:

"We all had some bad news today," Matthews told the sell-out crowd. "Our good friend LeRoi Moore passed on and gave his ghost up today and we will miss him forever." Fans then shouted Moore's name in tribute.

I had a chance to see Jeff Coffin on sax for the band at the Mile High Music Festival in Colorado and he brings a new sound and energy to the band. Most notably playing two sax's at once and frequently running around on stage. However I already began to miss LeRoi, who often stood still with his sunglasses on due to stage fright. Although in recent tours he had begun removing his sunglasses.

I invite you to share your memories of LeRoi, if you have pictures I'll post them on here for you e-mail them to alovett@towson.edu

RIP LeRoi, September 7, 1961 - August 19, 2008.

A Fan Tribute Video

Australian, Scottish & American

No, it's not the Olympics; although I have been enjoying watching other people exercise while I sit and critique their performance. But THIS is about the MUSIC!

Australia has Xavier Rudd, Amy MacDonald representing Scotland & the Americans are Ra Ra Riot. Erik will be judging their performance... Or rather talking about their latest albums on the New Music Sampler tomorrow at 6 & 8am on the WTMD Morning Show.

To get you psyched up for the sounds here's a preview of some songs.

Radiohead in Camden NJ

I still am taking in everything i saw tuesday night at the susquehanna bank center in camden NJ. After Grizzly Bear finished their set, the countdown to Radiohead had begun. A beautiful evening, much unlike the show at nissan where flooding caused many concert goers to miss the entire set. Tickets to tuesdays show were given to many of the fans that were un-lucky enough to miss the nissan show. For me, the two hour drive to camden NJ, the 45 minute wait to park, 8 dollar beers, and packed house were all well worth it as Radiohead took the stage and opened up with "15 step" from In Rainbows. Their entire set plus double encore was nothing short of amazing. They played a bunch of songs from In Rainbows, as well as older tunes like Kid A and many others. Here is a clip of the amazing light show and one of my favorite songs "Climbing up the Walls".

Jeb Loy Nichols to Headline September's First Thursday Concert

A musician, visual artist and member of the Fellow Travellers in the 1990s, Jeb Loy Nichols eventually set off on his own and released six albums as a solo artist, including Now Then (2005) and Days are Mighty (2007).

(He was also a featured vocalist on Groove Armada's 2007 album, Soundboy Rock.)

Jeb stopped by WTMD in June for an episode of Morning Sessions.
Listen to the interview.

And sample some of his recent songs at:
http://www.jebloynichols.co.uk/sound.htm

Songwriter Ben Taylor opens the show in support of his forthcoming album, The Legend of Kung Folk.

Jeb Loy Nichols and Ben Taylor will have CDs and other merchandise at the concert.
And be sure to stop by the WTMD Tent to say hello and grab a bumper sticker.

More information is available at:
http://www.towson.edu/wtmd/first_thursday.html

In the meantime, here's Jeb Loy Nichols performing "Days are Mighty" in New York City.

Learn Guitar From Rod and Gab

I still get chills when thinking about the performance by Rodrigo Y Gabriella at this year's Virgin Mobile Festival. Their music is absolutely groundbreaking! Who else have you heard that can take two acoustic guitars and turn them into melodic, machine-gun-fast stadium rockers- acoustic guitars that get as loud of a reception as any plugged-in rock band I've ever seen ?!

So, I'm sure the question everyone who has had the privilege of seeing them live is...."how do they do it?" Radio wasn't exactly the perfect medium for a guitar lesson, but below, you can see Rod and Gab reveal their magic tricks for budding guitarists.

Virgin Mobile Festival

Some more of what you may have missed or maybe just want to relive....

STP


Bob Dylan


Foo Fighters

Oh the Sweet Sounds!

Wanted to give you some of this incredible music from DC songstress Laura Burhenn taped at the WTMD studios. You can check out some of her Baltimore Unsigned interview in b tomorrow and hear songs Tuesday night at 8pm on 89.7 WTMD. And to get you psyched up for what’s to come here is Laura tinkling the ivories on this brand new song called “Not Your Fault”.

A little more Virgin couldn't hurt!

How incredible was Virgin Mobile Festival? So much so that we’re STILL taking it in the day after.
The WTMD crew’s field trip to Pimlico Race Course included a little bit of work - our Morning Show host Erik and producer Andrew checked out backstage to bring out artist interviews. Tough job, right? We’ve got your link to interviews - like KT Tunstall, Dan from The Black Keys, Rodrigo y Gabriela and more - right here.

Erik also acted as our roving reporter, checking out the service organizations that took place in the weekends’ merriment. But I have to ask, while you were at Virgin Fest, did you talk with Oxfam about poverty solutions or find out about Oceana’s stance on pollution in our local waterways? In essence, did the social causes at the festival make an impact?

Virgin Mobile Festival 2008

The Fighters of Foo played an amazing set on the south stage saturday night, throwing out old songs as well as newer material and even a few acoustic songs from their acoustic album, "Skin and Bones". The set was a crowd pleaser no matter who you were. Here is a peek....

Sunday School for Saints and Sinners for August

This month we look at suicides, untimely mass deaths and bridge jumpers. Plus Little Jackie is the newest sinner on the block. Check iTunes for an iMix of most of the songs we played this month.

Hour 1

Everytime I Feel the Spirit
Rev. James Cleveland & The Tabernacle Choir
The Great Voices of Tabernacle

Be With Me Jesus
The Soul Stirrers
The Soul Stirrers: Collector's Edition

The Long And Winding Road
The Beatles
1

I Wanna Be Free
The Monkees
The Monkees Greatest Hits

Ode to Billy Joe
Bobbie Gentry

Breaking Us In Two
Joe Jackson
Live 1980/86 (Disc 2)

Get the Message (2006 Remastered UK 7" Single Mix)
Electronic
Get the Message - The Best of Electronic

Invisible
Alison Moyet
Singles

Madam Butterfly (un bel di vedremo)
Malcolm McLaren
Fans

Set The Fire To The Third Bar
Snow Patrol Feat. Martha Wainwright
Eyes Open

Drops In The River
Fleet Foxes
Sun Giant [EP]

Paint
Galactic
W Hotels Warmth of Cool-Overture

Reason To Leave
Duke Spirit, Trevor Menear, And Neimo
Welcome to Shangri-La Music

Lesson 2 (James Brown Mix)
Steinski
What Does It All Mean?: 1983-2006 Retrospective

Finale: I Will Follow Him (Chariot)
Deloris & The Sisters
Sister Act

Hour 2
Stand Out
Tye Tribbett & G.A.
Stand Out

I Almost Killed You
Billy Bragg
Mr. Love & Justice

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Gordon Lightfoot
Summertime Dream

Wreck Of The Carlos Rey
Los Lobos Feat. Richard Thompson
The Ride

New York Mining Disaster 1941
Bee Gees
Their Greatest Hits: The Record [Disc 1]

Cemeteries Of London
Coldplay
Viva La Vida
Don't Let It Bring You Down

Annie Lennox
Medusa
Something The Boy Said

Sting
Ten Summoner's Tales

Your Own Worst Enemy
Bruce Springsteen
Magic

The World Should Revolve Around Me
Little Jackie
The Stoop - Little Jackie

Saints Medley: Just a Little Talk With Jesus, By and By, When the Saints Go Marching In
Gladys Knight
Many Different Roads

Mighty High
Mighty Clouds Of Joy
In the House of the Lord: Live In Houston

The Mighty Mighty Duke Spirit

Just got finished talking with Leila Moss of The Duke Spirit- they're playing the Ottobar tonight and they were kind enough to let us plug into their sound check for this Friday's Morning Sessions.

Their second album Neptune brings the melancholy and wetness of London (water is a recurring theme) to the Mojave Desert, where they layed down tracks. It's a thrilling paradox!

But, despite some subtle touches on some of the more ballady numbers- on "Wooden Heart," you can almost hear the dew glistening off guitar strings- Leila, Ollie, Luke, Dan, and Toby tear it up with their mystical, meaty rock. Leila Moss could have stood in for the Doors or the Cult, the way she lays it out- with her sensual "ooohs" and that commanding tambourine (have you ever heard of someone commanding a tambourine?) doesn't hurt either.

I wish you could have heard them sound checking, but you still can Friday at 9am!

Check out the brass on "Lassoo."

A New Look for Vampire Weekend

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

You Need a Free WTMD Bumper Sticker

Show your support for Radio for Music People while concealing that unsightly bumper, window or blemish. (It's a lot cheaper than fixing it.)

Get a free bumper sticker >>

Enter to Win Tickets to G. Love and Special Sauce at Pier Six

G. Love and Special Sauce visit the Pier Six Pavilion on Sunday, August 17th, in support of their new Brushfire Records release, Superhero Brother.

Visit WTMD.org through Monday, August 4th, to register to win a pair of tickets to the show.

Rothbury Festival goes off with a Bang!!!!

So..... Its been a few weeks since the first ever Rothbury Music Festival in Rothbury Michigan, but then again its taken me that long to recover. The festival, which spanned 4 days over July 4th weekend, included headlining acts The Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, and Phil Lesh & Friends, as well as many other incredible acts such as The Disco Biscuits, 311, Modest Mouse, and a surprise 3/4 Phish Reunion on Sunday afternoon. This trip was nothing short of amazing. For a first year festival you would think they had been doing this for years. I could not tell you a show i saw that didn't amaze me. The Sound at every stage was amazing, the stages looked so cool, and there was a forest completely lit at night with black lights and other various psychedelic lighting. I could never imagine picking my favorite performance, they were all amazing, but i will never forget Sound Tribe Sector Nine performing at The Ranch late Saturday night into Sunday morning. I don't know if it was the amazing set played, the hundreds upon hundreds of glow sticks thrown, or if it was the FREAKIN FIREWORKS!! being set off from the middle of the audience, but i do know this was one show I'll never forget!!! Here is a clip i found of these shenanigans....

Back Door Slam, Ten Out of Tenn and Matt Costa In Studio on Friday, July 25th

Great performers appearing around town translates into a full day of in-studio performances on Friday, July 25th.

At 9 a.m. with British blues trio Back Door Slam on Morning Sessions.

Davy, Ross and Adam won over the crowd at Artscape on Saturday and you'll have a chance to hear an exclusive acoustic performance and interview with Erik in the nine o'clock hour.

At 12 p.m. Rich Levinson hosts Erin McCarley, Matthew Perryman Jones and Katie Herzig from the Ten Out of Tenn tour, a traveling showcase of singer-songwriters based in Nashville that touches down at the 8 x 10 later that evening.

And Matt Costa joins Mike Matthews at 4 p.m. for a special session of Altered Fridays. Matt will perform on the air before headlining at the Recher Theatre.

Listen Live >>

Win Tickets to Matt Costa at the Recher Theatre on Friday, July 25th

Matt Costa is coming to the Recher Theatre on Friday, July 25, in support of his new album, Unfamiliar Faces, featuring the single "Mr. Pitiful."

Register through Monday, July 21st, to win a pair of tickets to the show, courtesy of WTMD. (For complete contest rules, please visit: http://wtmd.org/contestrules.htm.)

Enter to win >>

Mike Doughty on Thursday Night Mixtape: 8 p.m. July 17

Prior to taking the stage at Artscape this weekend (7 p.m. Saturday on the Saturn Stage), Mike Doughty shares his Thursday Night Mixtape with Tyler.

Tune in 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, to hear the playlist and the artist behind it. (Listen Live)

And then see if you can match Mike with your own mixtape submission.
(Why should Tyler have to do all the work?)

In the meantime, here's Mike's latest single, "Fort Hood."
Let the sunshine in...

FEIST on Sesame Street!

How could you possibly resist?

A Kate Bush Anniversary

When you turn 40, as I begrudgingly have this year (like I had a choice), other notable benchmarks- save for the day you were born- often get overlooked.

Just for kicks today, I almost instinctively searched YouTube for Kate Bush's performance of "Wuthering Heights" on Tops of the Pops (having spent some impressionable time over in the novel's setting, Yorkshire) and realized that song which, despite my lack of interest in Bronte novels, came out thirty years ago! And Kate was the first woman in UK chart history to write and perform a song that topped the charts.

As a kid, I had know idea who Heathcliff was or why Kate/Cathy would want climb through his window, but somehow, while watching the late TOTP, her operatic voice and sincerity (or was it self-parody?) spoke to me...and still does.

Do you notice a striking resemblance to Regina Spektor?

Tune In for Virgin Mobile Festival Weekend: July 12-13

Tune in Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13, as we gear up for next month's Virgin Mobile Festival at Pimlico Race Course by:

• showcasing artists from this year's lineup;


• rebroadcasting interviews from last year's live broadcast;


• entering new members in a drawing for a pair of Two Day General Admission passes to the show.*

* No pledge is necessary to enter the drawing.
(View the pledge form for additional information.)

First Ever National Arts and Environment Summit

If you've been listening in recently, you've heard about WTMD's Eco Tour. This week Terre Jones, President and CEO of Wolf Trap joined us. We talked about the first ever National Arts and Environment Summit being held this Monday.

Wolf Trap invited "Americans for the Arts, The Aspen Institute, Reverb, Booz Allen Hamilton, and NPS Climate Friendly Parks Program; Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO, Terre Jones, will host an intimate gathering of environmental and arts experts, along with government, community, and business leaders at the Corporate Headquarters of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. For over six hours, attendees will operate as a collective think tank of sorts, with the end goal of outlining a list of strategies and solutions for fully engaging performing artists and performing arts presenters in environmental stewardship." (Wolf Trap Blog)

On Sunday they'll be demonstrating their efforts to go green, details here. Want to get involved? The last hour of the seminar will be online allowing you to provide input and ask questions on how the performing arts industry can be more environmentally friendly. Click here to register for the Webinar.

I'll be in attendance Sunday and Monday with intentions of informing you on what the Performing Arts Industry is doing to help save the environment.

Tune in Wednesday mornings at 6 & 8 on the WTMD Morning Show, this Wednesday we learn about simple changes made around the house that make sense economically and help the environment.

Exclusive David Simon Interview on WTMD: Thursday, July 10

Only a few months after cutting The Wire, Baltimore-based author, journalist and writer-producer, David Simon returns to HBO at 9 p.m. Sunday, July 13, with Generation Kill.

The seven-part miniseries follows one of the first Marine units into Iraq at the start of the war. I recently had the chance to chat with David extensively about the show based on the book by Rolling Stone reporter Evan Wright.

Highlights from the interview will air at 7:40 a.m. Thursday, July 10, on the TMD Morning Show, and the full conversation (nearly 30 minutes) will be available on http://www.wtmd.org/ later that morning. is available here.

Here's a sample:

ERIK: One thing that we all can't help but notice with The Wire, and for those who have read the book Generation Kill and learning about some of the soldiers, is that some of them DO stand up to authorities and the incompetence of bureaucracy. It seems like that's one of the themes...

DAVID SIMON: It's funny, everybody's going to attribute that to me! It seems symbiotic with a lot of the Wire's themes. And, of course, I had nothing to do with this book. I didn't know Evan Wright when he wrote it [in 2003]. Evan Wright didn't know The Wire . . . .

He is just experiencing the bureaucracy that is First Recon Battalion as it exists and he's reporting with great clarity on a day-to-day basis . . . . Yes, a lot of the same institutional dynamics were present in Generation Kill that are present in The Wire—completely unrelated to my take on the world . . . . I guess the best I can say for myself is that Ed Burns and I, we got some things right on the nature of bureaucracy and that it applies to military culture as well.

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