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!

You never know where you'll find a Pietaster!

I'm down in Key West on vacation and the most amazing thing happened! Our guesthouse has a nightly happy hour. It's a friendly house, a small hotel really, and we've been coming here for about 10 years now. The happy hour bartenders tend to change from year to year so it's always a great time to meet new people. This year brought a great surprise.

Steve-the new bartender- hails from Ellicott City and grew up in the Baltimore DC Area. We got to chatting and come to find out, he was one of the original Pietasters. Actually, if I am remembering this through the haze of a couple Martini's correctly, he was with the band just before they took the Pietaster's Name.

Steve did a stint in the corporate world and now he and his family have gone the way of Jimmy Buffett down here. He's still a great music fan.

Well, back to Hog's Breath for a morning Bloody Mary and Conch Chowder! Not to Mention a Cheeseburger! I'm on vacation--so I'll try to stay out of their webcam view

Altered Friday Old School Segment Live @ Sonar Friday The 8th : The Underheard Synchronicity

The Most Talked About & Anticipated Tour Of the Summer And They Stop In Baltimore
For The Virgin Music Fest.

July 15th: The Day Internet Music Dies!

On July 15th, public radio station's streaming music could start to go dark. Like Don McLean proffered, it could really be the day the music died. Public Radio stations around the country are joining together to encourage our listeners to email their Congress People in support of HR 2060, the Internet Equality Act.

Links to give you More Information and a way to make your voice heard:
Tell Them Public Matters
Radio and Internet Newsletter
Save Net Radio


This Act would ensure that public radio can continue to do what we do best--bring you a wide variety of music that other radio stations just won't play...and to bring to you on line without cost.

The fees the Copy Right Royalty Board wants to impose on public radio will force many of us, including possibly WTMD, to turn our streams off. Please contact your Congressperson Today. Here is a list of Cosponsors--if your Congress person isn't on this list, please email them and ask to help save Internet Music by Co-sponsoring this bill


It's a big issue and our friends at KCRW have produced a very informative podcast to help us all understand what could happen. The Wall Street Journal has also printed an informative story on the situation. Please click on the tags below to see our other posts on Internet Music.

Steve Yasko
General Manager

Shakin' and Bacon at the Inner Harbor

If you're a fan of DINER, the wonderful Barry Levinson home grown coming of age film, you might want to make your way down to the Inner Harbor's West Shore Park on July 15th. That's when one of the stars of the film, Kevin Bacon, kicks off a musical celebration of the 25th anniversary of DINER, along with his brother Michael. The BACON BROTHERS are part of a Netflix sponsored concert series where actor/musicians who were in the BIG EASY (Dennis Quaid) and ARMAGEDDON (Bruce Willis) perform in the cities the films were shot. The show starts at 7pm, so you can get a degree closer to Kevin. Have you ever played THAT game, BTW?



Michael and Kevin have been quietly making solid, heartfelt roots music-based records for ten years. Hope you get a chance to celebrate them, and a slice a Baltimore movie heritage.

From the Horse's Mouth

Baltimore musicians Hanna Badalova and Jared Fischer—vocalist and lead guitarist for the playful post-punk act Mr. Moccasin—are making their television debuts tonight! That is, their voices are, as animated clay horses in the first episode of Creature Comforts.

This is the American version of the British show by Aardman Animations, the same folks who created Wallace & Gromit. The show airs tonight at 8 PM Eastern on CBS. If you'd like a sneak peak at what the Mr. Moccasin members look and sound like as stop-motion animals, you can check out minutes :30-:15 of this clip:

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!