This above video is a project of the Playing for Change project that benefits music education around the world. Bono sings on this Marley cover, which I think fits the mood of all of us this morning, who have Haiti in our heads and hearts.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Mark The King's 75th in DC
We can only imagine what The King would look like, would sound like if he were alive today on this, his 75th birthday.
Would he play the Super Bowl halftime show in February? Would he and Paul McCartney do a Face 2 Face tour of their own (with guitars instead of pianos)?
One thing that IS possible, though, is to head down to the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery from now through August and catch, “One Life: Echoes of Elvis."
The one-room exhibit (chich opens today) is devoted to the evolution and influence of Presley’s image after his death and features portraits, images from Graceland and tons of Elvis memorabilia.
Long live The King!
Would he play the Super Bowl halftime show in February? Would he and Paul McCartney do a Face 2 Face tour of their own (with guitars instead of pianos)?
One thing that IS possible, though, is to head down to the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery from now through August and catch, “One Life: Echoes of Elvis."
The one-room exhibit (chich opens today) is devoted to the evolution and influence of Presley’s image after his death and features portraits, images from Graceland and tons of Elvis memorabilia.
Long live The King!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
From Americana to Electronica: Lissie
Lissie Maurus hails from Rock Island, Illinois and makes rustic, yet soulful Americana music on her debut cd, Why You Runnin, which was produced by Band of Horses bass player Bill Reynolds.
She plays the 930 Club tonight (1/7/10) with City and Colour.
But, her first taste of noteriety came from her guest vocals and video appearance on "Why You Runnin' " by electro-house DJ, Morgan Page.
Check it.
She plays the 930 Club tonight (1/7/10) with City and Colour.
But, her first taste of noteriety came from her guest vocals and video appearance on "Why You Runnin' " by electro-house DJ, Morgan Page.
Check it.
Labels:
89.7 WTMD,
Lissie,
Morgan Page,
The Longest Road,
Why You Runnin'
Dave Matthews Band's Joy
...of making music is gloriously shared in this video for You & Me with some friends.
I also think Leroi's spirit is summoned and that, maybe, just maybe, the lyrics are imagined from his point of view, singing to a loved one.
One of Dave Matthews Band most moving tracks. Just enjoy!
I also think Leroi's spirit is summoned and that, maybe, just maybe, the lyrics are imagined from his point of view, singing to a loved one.
One of Dave Matthews Band most moving tracks. Just enjoy!
Labels:
89.7 WTMD,
dave matthews band,
leroi moore,
You and Me
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
WTMD's Senator Theatre Proposal Video
Here is the video we played at the public meeting at the Senator Theatre. It details the history of this beloved landmark, reactions from residents, listeners and business people to our proposal, and what you might hear on the WTMD airwaves to tell folks about whats happening at the Senator.
We welcome your comments and questions and hope to see you .....At the Senator.
We welcome your comments and questions and hope to see you .....At the Senator.
Rock on, baby.
At WTMD, we really enjoy music. Babies are cool, too. When the two come together, as they did for our TMD 5,000 Fund Drive with our youngest member Chloe, we tend to giggle around the office and click Replay numerous times.
Here, this youngster takes a break from nap time for some fist-pumping, head-bashing, rocking-out. Enjoy.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Baltimore Unsigned's Top 30 of 2009
Once again, Baltimore musicians had a great year of releases. With a handful of bands getting signed to major labels this year, including Beach House, Double Dagger and most recently, J. Roddy Walston & the Business, Charm City is further establishing itself as the next big scene in the country for music.
1. Vandaveer – “Divide & Conquer”
2. Tommy Tucker – “Keep Good Time”
3. Wye Oak – “Dance My Pain Away”
4. Beach House – “Norway”
5. The Oranges Band – “Ottobar After Hours”
6. Middle Distance Runner – “The Unbeliever”
7. Double Dagger – “No Allies”
8. The Everlove – “You’re the Sun”
9. Title Tracks – “Every Little Bit Hurts”
10. Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddies – “Church on Saturday Night”
11. Justin Jones And The Driving Rain – “California”
12. Sticky Mulligan – “Recipe”
13. Nelly’s Echo – “Young Man”
14. Young Sir Jim – “Stick Shift”
15. Laura Brino – “The Biggest Meteor I've Ever Seen”
16. ellen cherry – “1864: A Civil War Bride”
17. Caleb Stine – “Comes From the West”
18. Ms. Sara and the Help – “Try”
19. Jason Dove – “Big Red Truck”
20. Dan Deacon – “Get Older”
21. Jagged Hearts – “Merlequin”
22. The Seldon Plan – “Lost and Found and Lost”
23. Paul Masson – “My Girl Baltimore”
24. Can’t Hang – “Strangers at Your Funeral”
25. DNA – “Take Your Time”
26. Jah Works – “Twisted”
27. Shook – “Feel Alright”
28. Earthtone – “Old Manhattan”
29. John Mancini Band – “Don’t Go Easy”
30. SoulStice --- “Bird’s Eye View”
1. Vandaveer – “Divide & Conquer”
2. Tommy Tucker – “Keep Good Time”
3. Wye Oak – “Dance My Pain Away”
4. Beach House – “Norway”
5. The Oranges Band – “Ottobar After Hours”
6. Middle Distance Runner – “The Unbeliever”
7. Double Dagger – “No Allies”
8. The Everlove – “You’re the Sun”
9. Title Tracks – “Every Little Bit Hurts”
10. Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddies – “Church on Saturday Night”
11. Justin Jones And The Driving Rain – “California”
12. Sticky Mulligan – “Recipe”
13. Nelly’s Echo – “Young Man”
14. Young Sir Jim – “Stick Shift”
15. Laura Brino – “The Biggest Meteor I've Ever Seen”
16. ellen cherry – “1864: A Civil War Bride”
17. Caleb Stine – “Comes From the West”
18. Ms. Sara and the Help – “Try”
19. Jason Dove – “Big Red Truck”
20. Dan Deacon – “Get Older”
21. Jagged Hearts – “Merlequin”
22. The Seldon Plan – “Lost and Found and Lost”
23. Paul Masson – “My Girl Baltimore”
24. Can’t Hang – “Strangers at Your Funeral”
25. DNA – “Take Your Time”
26. Jah Works – “Twisted”
27. Shook – “Feel Alright”
28. Earthtone – “Old Manhattan”
29. John Mancini Band – “Don’t Go Easy”
30. SoulStice --- “Bird’s Eye View”
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Top 89 Songs of 2009
1. The Avett Brothers, "I And Love And You"
2. One Eskimo, "Kandi"
3. Animal Collective, "My Girls"
4. Phoenix, "1901"
5. Sea Wolf, "Wicked Blood"
6. Blitzen Trapper, "Black River Killer"
7. Silversun Pickups, "Panic Switch"
8. Wilco, "You And I"
9. Langhorne Slim, "Say Yes"
Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.
10. Grizzly Bear, "Two Weeks"
11. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, "Home"
12. Monsters of Folk, "Say Please"
13. Gomez, "Airstream Driver"
14. Regina Spektor, "Eet"
15. Will Hoge, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
16. Portgual. The Man, "People Say"
17. Ben Harper and the Relentless7, "Shimmer and Shine"
18. Company of Thieves, "Oscar Wilde"
19. Rosanne Cash, "Sea Of Heartbreak"
20. Guggenheim Grotto, "Fee Da Da Dee"
Support Radio for Music People
21. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, "40 Day Dream"
22. The Avett Brothers, "Kick Drum Heart"
23. M. Ward, "Never Had Nobody Like You"
24. K'Naan, "Waving Flag"
25. Charlie Mars, "Listen to the Darkside"
26. Neko Case, "This Tornado Loves You"
27. Brandi Carlile, "Dreams"
28. Erin McKeown, "Santa Cruz"
29. Serena Ryder, "Little Bit of Red"
Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.
30. Guggenheim Grotto, "Her Beautiful Ideas"
31. Elliott Brood, "WIADFY"
32. Fleet Foxes, "Mykonos"
33. 7 Worlds Collide, "Hazel Black"
34. Ingrid Michaelson, "Maybe"
35. Bob Schneider, "40 Dogs"
36. Umphrey's McGee, "Cemetery Walk"
37. Wilco, "Wilco (The Song)"
38. Wilco, "You Never Know"
39. Levon Helm, "When I Go Away"
Support Radio for Music People
40. Imogen Heap, "First Train Home"
41. Rodrigo y Gabriela, "Buster Voodoo"
42. Vandaveer, "Divide and Conquer"
43. Lisa Hannigan, "I Don't Know"
44. Brett Dennen, "Heaven"
45. Brendan Benson, "A Whole Lot Better"
46. Passion Pit, "The Reeling"
47. Neko Case, "People Got a Lotta Nerve"
48. Andrew Bird, "Fitz and the Dizzyspells"
49. Dan Auerbach, "My Last Mistake"
Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.
50. Joshua James, "Coal War"
51. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, "Nikorette"
52. Miike Snow, "Animal"
53. Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons, "Born Again"
54. Bell X1, "The Great Defector"
55. Chuck Prophet, "Let Freedom Ring"
56. Depeche Mode, "Wrong"
57. Heartless Bastards, "The Mountain"
58. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "Gunpowder"
59. The Noisettes, "Never Forget You"
Support Radio for Music People
60. Metric, "Help I'm Alive"
61. The Decemberists, "The Rake's Song"
62. Camera Obscura, "French Navy"
63. Bat For Lashes, "Daniel"
64. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "Sugarfoot"
65. Vampire Weekend, "Horchata"
66. Tegan and Sara, "Hell"
67. Death Cab for Cutie, "Meet Me on the Equinox"
68. Phish, "Backwards Down the Number Line"
69. Pearl Jam, "The Fixer"
Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.
70. Dave Matthews Band, "Funny The Way It Is"
71. Wye Oak, "For Prayer"
72. Great Northern, "Houses"
73. Cage the Elephant, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked"
74. Swell Season, "Low Rising"
75. Lily Allen, "The Fear"
76. The Felice Brothers, "Penn Station"
77. Chris Isaak, "We Let Her Down"
78. Jupiter One, "Flaming Arrow"
79. Derek Trucks Band, "Down in the Flood"
Support Radio for Music People
80. The Big Pink, "Dominos"
81. Death Cab for Cutie, "Little Bribes"
82. Sara Watkins, "Long Hot Summer Day"
83. Phoenix, "Lisztomania"
84. Cold War Kids, "Audience"
85. Matisyahu, "One Day"
86. Bruce Springsteen, "Working on a Dream"
87. Monsters of Folk, "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)"
88. The Dead Weather, "Hang You From The Heavens"
89. Manchester Orchestra, "I've Got Friends"
2. One Eskimo, "Kandi"
3. Animal Collective, "My Girls"
4. Phoenix, "1901"
5. Sea Wolf, "Wicked Blood"
6. Blitzen Trapper, "Black River Killer"
7. Silversun Pickups, "Panic Switch"
8. Wilco, "You And I"
9. Langhorne Slim, "Say Yes"
Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.
10. Grizzly Bear, "Two Weeks"
11. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, "Home"
12. Monsters of Folk, "Say Please"
13. Gomez, "Airstream Driver"
14. Regina Spektor, "Eet"
15. Will Hoge, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
16. Portgual. The Man, "People Say"
17. Ben Harper and the Relentless7, "Shimmer and Shine"
18. Company of Thieves, "Oscar Wilde"
19. Rosanne Cash, "Sea Of Heartbreak"
20. Guggenheim Grotto, "Fee Da Da Dee"
Support Radio for Music People
21. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, "40 Day Dream"
22. The Avett Brothers, "Kick Drum Heart"
23. M. Ward, "Never Had Nobody Like You"
24. K'Naan, "Waving Flag"
25. Charlie Mars, "Listen to the Darkside"
26. Neko Case, "This Tornado Loves You"
27. Brandi Carlile, "Dreams"
28. Erin McKeown, "Santa Cruz"
29. Serena Ryder, "Little Bit of Red"
Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.
30. Guggenheim Grotto, "Her Beautiful Ideas"
31. Elliott Brood, "WIADFY"
32. Fleet Foxes, "Mykonos"
33. 7 Worlds Collide, "Hazel Black"
34. Ingrid Michaelson, "Maybe"
35. Bob Schneider, "40 Dogs"
36. Umphrey's McGee, "Cemetery Walk"
37. Wilco, "Wilco (The Song)"
38. Wilco, "You Never Know"
39. Levon Helm, "When I Go Away"
Support Radio for Music People
40. Imogen Heap, "First Train Home"
41. Rodrigo y Gabriela, "Buster Voodoo"
42. Vandaveer, "Divide and Conquer"
43. Lisa Hannigan, "I Don't Know"
44. Brett Dennen, "Heaven"
45. Brendan Benson, "A Whole Lot Better"
46. Passion Pit, "The Reeling"
47. Neko Case, "People Got a Lotta Nerve"
48. Andrew Bird, "Fitz and the Dizzyspells"
49. Dan Auerbach, "My Last Mistake"
Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.
50. Joshua James, "Coal War"
51. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, "Nikorette"
52. Miike Snow, "Animal"
53. Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons, "Born Again"
54. Bell X1, "The Great Defector"
55. Chuck Prophet, "Let Freedom Ring"
56. Depeche Mode, "Wrong"
57. Heartless Bastards, "The Mountain"
58. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "Gunpowder"
59. The Noisettes, "Never Forget You"
Support Radio for Music People
60. Metric, "Help I'm Alive"
61. The Decemberists, "The Rake's Song"
62. Camera Obscura, "French Navy"
63. Bat For Lashes, "Daniel"
64. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "Sugarfoot"
65. Vampire Weekend, "Horchata"
66. Tegan and Sara, "Hell"
67. Death Cab for Cutie, "Meet Me on the Equinox"
68. Phish, "Backwards Down the Number Line"
69. Pearl Jam, "The Fixer"
Great music on WTMD is made possible by support from listeners.
Pledge now to become a member.
70. Dave Matthews Band, "Funny The Way It Is"
71. Wye Oak, "For Prayer"
72. Great Northern, "Houses"
73. Cage the Elephant, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked"
74. Swell Season, "Low Rising"
75. Lily Allen, "The Fear"
76. The Felice Brothers, "Penn Station"
77. Chris Isaak, "We Let Her Down"
78. Jupiter One, "Flaming Arrow"
79. Derek Trucks Band, "Down in the Flood"
Support Radio for Music People
80. The Big Pink, "Dominos"
81. Death Cab for Cutie, "Little Bribes"
82. Sara Watkins, "Long Hot Summer Day"
83. Phoenix, "Lisztomania"
84. Cold War Kids, "Audience"
85. Matisyahu, "One Day"
86. Bruce Springsteen, "Working on a Dream"
87. Monsters of Folk, "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)"
88. The Dead Weather, "Hang You From The Heavens"
89. Manchester Orchestra, "I've Got Friends"
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Bono and Buds Deliver X-Mas Surprise
Can you imagine if you went for a stroll on Christmas Eve and saw....BONO....busking with Damien Rice and Glen Hansard?
Well, that's exactly what happened to some lucky holiday revelers in Dublin.
The three musicians along with pal Mundy put out the hat for Simon Community, a charity that helps the homeless of Ireland.
The performed U2's "One", "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, and "Falling Slowly" from Glen's movie ONCE.
Well, that's exactly what happened to some lucky holiday revelers in Dublin.
The three musicians along with pal Mundy put out the hat for Simon Community, a charity that helps the homeless of Ireland.
The performed U2's "One", "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, and "Falling Slowly" from Glen's movie ONCE.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Top Songs of 2009: TMD Volunteer Edition
Volunteers make an incredible contribution to WTMD throughout the year. They help out around the office, represent the station at area events, and keep us sane during pledge drives.Volunteers also share some of their favorite music with TMD staffers. (We're looking at you, Fletcher.) A few of our favorite volunteers weigh in on the Top Songs of 2009 below.
Check out the lists, vote for your own top songs by 12 p.m. Monday, December 21st, and then sign up to volunteer in 2010. We'd love to see you at the station.
Laura Beavers, Volunteer for 5 Years- Wilco, "You and I"
- Bob Dylan, "Here Comes Santa Claus"
- Rosanne Cash and Jeff Tweedy, "Long Black Veil"
- Neko Case, "People Got A Lotta Nerve"
- Tom Petty, "Breakdown" (Live)
The Beltways playing "Ring of Fire" at my wedding.
Pam Cohee, Volunteer for 3 Years- U2, "Moment of Surrender"
- Matisyahu, "For You"
- Assembly of Dust, "Second Song"
- Trevor Hall, "Where's the Love"
- Eric Lindell, "Turnin' It Out"
Seeing Trevor Hall at the Sound Garden music store with my kids. Trevor played a free show, for about an hour for maybe 30 people!!
The sound that these 3 musicians produced was unbelievable and Trevor's voice and message are just beautiful. Thanks, WTMD for introducing us to Trevor Hall!

Bridget Cooper, Volunteer for 3 Years
- Passion Pit, "Sleepyhead"
- Devendra Banhart, "Baby"
- The Avett Brothers, "January Wedding"
- J.J. Grey and Mofro, "Orange Blossoms"
- Blitzen Trapper, "Black River Killer"
Seeing Ghostland Oberservatory--as well as many other fabulous bands--at the Austin City Limits Festival.

Beth Lacey Gill, Volunteer for 1 Year
- Animal Collective, "Summertime Clothes"
- St. Vincent, "Actor Out of Work"
- Regina Spektor, "Laughing With"
- Phoenix, "Listzomania"
- Tyrone Wells, "More"
Actually, one of my favorite moments was volunteering with WTMD for one of their fund drives. It's so easy to find common ground when you look around a room, and see everyone singing along to the lyrics of "Lisztomania." Plus, I left with more than just a good feeling from volunteering. I also made some new good friends and got a few live pointers on some killer music before it was ready for the air. So, so cool.
Cindi Jansohn, Volunteer for 6 Years- Creed, "Time"
- Enter the Haggis, "DNA"
- Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam, "Tear Down the Walls"
- Cheryl Wheeler, "Underbrush"
- Will Hoge, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
Seeing Victor Wooten up close and personal at Rams Head Tavern and seeing him perform with his kids. They were awesome!!!!

Chris Killam, Volunteer for 1 Year
- Snow Patrol, "Just Say Yes"
- Ingrid Michaelson, "Maybe"
- Imogen Heap, "First Train Home"
- Vampire Weekend, "Horchata"
- Lisa Hannigan, "I Don't Know"
Going to see Ingrid Michaelson at the Recher.
Fletcher McNeill, Volunteer for 7 Years- Portugal. The Man, "The Home"
- Wye Oak, "For Prayer"
- Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "I'm Broke"
- Heartless Bastards, "The Mountain"
- The Bowerbirds, "Ghost Life"
Hearing Wye Oak play new songs that would become "The Knot". It was amazing to hear these songs and know that they had really matured in both production and songwriting.
Elizabeth O'Shea
- Levon Helm, "When I Go Away"
- The Avett Brothers, "I and Love and You"
- Levon Helm, "Stuff You Gotta Watch"
- Cage the Elephant, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked"
- Neko Case, "This Tornado Loves You"

Jen Raffensperger, Volunteer for 1 Year
- Gomez, "Little Pieces"
- Spoon, "Got Nuffin'"
- Caleb Stine, "Eyes So Strong and Clean"
- Will Hoge, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
- Mike Doughty, "(I Keep On) Rising Up"
From the Young Dubliners in the TMD studio in February to the simply spectacular weather--and show--for Guggenheim Grotto at First Thursday in July.
2009 was a year of real ups and downs for me, but music was a constant comfort.

Randy Schreffler, Volunteer for 1 Year
- Ingrid Michaelson, "Maybe"
- Langhorne Slim, "Say Yes"
- Vandaveer, "Divide and Conquer"
- Guggenheim Grotto, "Fee Da Da Dee"
- One Eskimo, "Kandi"
Ingrid Michaelson concert at the Recher. Walking in, I was not sure what to expect. Ingrid put on one heck of a show. The band came out after the show to say hello to fans and stuck around to take pictures, sign CD's and just get to know their fans. Very cool band and one that I will remember for a long, long time.
Mary Zajac, Volunteer for 4 Years
- Passion Pit, "The Reeling"
- Phoenix, "1901"
- Roman Candle, "Why Modern Radio is A-OK"
- Vetiver, "Everyday"
- The Duke & The King, "If You Ever Get Famous"
I was fortunate enough to attend some fabulous shows this year: Butch Walker at the 930 Club, Elvis Perkins and Blitzen Trapper both at the Ottobar, the Hold Steady at the Recher, the Duke and the King performing at a house concet (my first). A great year for music.
Labels:
89.7 FM WTMD,
black joe lewis,
heartless bastards,
phoenix,
Top Songs of 2009,
Trevor Hall,
u2,
volunteer,
Wilco,
Will Hoge,
Wye Oak
WTMD and the Senator in the News
Last month we promised to keep you posted on developments related to the WTMD's proposal for the Senator Theatre.
Two articles about the proposal appeared this week in the Towson Times and Current, a newspaper that covers public broadcasting.
Also, the Baltimore Development Corporation has scheduled a public hearing at the Senator Theatre at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 5th.
Please join us that night to learn about all of the proposals for the Senator's future. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions, and we look forward to seeing you . . .
at the Senator.
Two articles about the proposal appeared this week in the Towson Times and Current, a newspaper that covers public broadcasting.
Also, the Baltimore Development Corporation has scheduled a public hearing at the Senator Theatre at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 5th.
Please join us that night to learn about all of the proposals for the Senator's future. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions, and we look forward to seeing you . . .
at the Senator.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Irish Bands Named After Planes Top '09
Given the speedy evolution of digital music and the devolution of cd's, for maybe just a little while longer, we can take a look back at the year and pick our favorite full-length albums.
In the future, we'll probably debate which was the best mp3 of the past twelve months. But, for at least a sense of future nostalgia, I submit to you, my Top 5 Albums of 2009 and why I picked 'em.
1. Bell X1- Blue Lights on the Runway
- An aviation inspired band name and album title, clever lyrics, inventive new wave hooks go right for the gut, but Paul Noonan's sincere, yet almost deadpan delivery will keep the songs in my brain receptors for years to come.
2. Neko Case- Middle Cyclone
- As fearless and compelling as a record can get, the red headed siren gets savagely revealing on these boundless songs made all the more so by jazz-like tempo and idea shifts and killer lines like "the next time you say forever, I will punch you in the face." Hurts so good!
3. Cotton Jones- Paranoid Cocoon
- Michael Nau and Whitney McGraw, the Cumberland duo who used to front Page France, go from child-like pop wonderment, to darker, psychedelic harmonies that would be perfect cure for a fever in a Western Maryland cabin.
4. U2- No Line on the Horizon
- This was a very slow burn for me. But, then again, so was Achtung Baby and this record, if you can believe it, actually tops it! Like the Berlin-inspired 90's opus, this collaboration with Eno and Lanois was dying in the Moroccan desert until Bono, Edge, Larry, and Adam came together around a magical song about addiction, called "Moment of Surrender." What resulted after that, is a living-on-the-grid gospel album that would sound right pouring out of a minaret or a church.
Watch Eno talk about that song.
5. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion
- Every year, I look for a record that doesn't sound like anything else; that doesn't faithfully beg, borrow, or steal, from anything.... that has no equal. The Boys from B'more deliver that kind of album, a sonic extravaganza that's intense, sexy, psychedelic, harmonic, pulsating, and sometimes, moving. Put this one in the time capsule!
We'd like to know what your favorite songs are for the year. Click here to vote and listen back on 12/20!
In the future, we'll probably debate which was the best mp3 of the past twelve months. But, for at least a sense of future nostalgia, I submit to you, my Top 5 Albums of 2009 and why I picked 'em.
1. Bell X1- Blue Lights on the Runway
- An aviation inspired band name and album title, clever lyrics, inventive new wave hooks go right for the gut, but Paul Noonan's sincere, yet almost deadpan delivery will keep the songs in my brain receptors for years to come.
2. Neko Case- Middle Cyclone
- As fearless and compelling as a record can get, the red headed siren gets savagely revealing on these boundless songs made all the more so by jazz-like tempo and idea shifts and killer lines like "the next time you say forever, I will punch you in the face." Hurts so good!
3. Cotton Jones- Paranoid Cocoon
- Michael Nau and Whitney McGraw, the Cumberland duo who used to front Page France, go from child-like pop wonderment, to darker, psychedelic harmonies that would be perfect cure for a fever in a Western Maryland cabin.
4. U2- No Line on the Horizon
- This was a very slow burn for me. But, then again, so was Achtung Baby and this record, if you can believe it, actually tops it! Like the Berlin-inspired 90's opus, this collaboration with Eno and Lanois was dying in the Moroccan desert until Bono, Edge, Larry, and Adam came together around a magical song about addiction, called "Moment of Surrender." What resulted after that, is a living-on-the-grid gospel album that would sound right pouring out of a minaret or a church.
Watch Eno talk about that song.
5. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion
- Every year, I look for a record that doesn't sound like anything else; that doesn't faithfully beg, borrow, or steal, from anything.... that has no equal. The Boys from B'more deliver that kind of album, a sonic extravaganza that's intense, sexy, psychedelic, harmonic, pulsating, and sometimes, moving. Put this one in the time capsule!
We'd like to know what your favorite songs are for the year. Click here to vote and listen back on 12/20!
Labels:
89.7 WTMD,
Animal Collective,
Bell X1,
Cotton Jones,
Neko Case,
u2
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Top Songs and Albums of 2009
So, what were the Top Songs and Albums of 2009?The WTMD staff weighs in below.
Join the debate by submitting your votes for the Top Songs by 12 p.m. Monday, December 21st.
We'll have it all figured out in time for the Top 89 Songs of 2009 Countdown on Wednesday, December 30th.
----
Top 10 Albums
- Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
- The Avett Brothers, I and Love and You
- Siversun Pickups, Swoon
- Dan Auerbach, Keep It Hid
- Joshua James, Build Me This
- Metric, Fantasies
- Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is
- Umphrey’s McGee, Mantis
- Eels, Hombre Lobo
- Camera Obscura, My Maudlin Career
- The Swell Season, "Low Rising"
- Silversun Pickups, "Panic Switch"
- Phoenix, "1901"
- Joshua James, "Coal War"
- The Avett Brothers, "I and Love and You"
- Camera Obscura, "French Navy"
- Passion Pit, "Little Secrets"
- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, "Home"
- Neko Case, "This Tornado Loves You"
- Tegan and Sara, "Hell"
Erik Deatherage, Morning Show Host
Top 10 Albums
- Bell X1, Blue Lights on the Runway
- Neko Case, Middle Cyclone
- Cotton Jones, Paranoid Cocoon
- U2, No Line on the Horizon
- Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion
- M. Ward, Hold Time
- Maia Sharp, Echo
- Robyn Hitchcock and Venus 3, Goodnight Oslo
- Sea Wolf, White Water, White Bloom
- Roman Candle, O Tall Tree in the Ear
Top 10 Songs
- Neko Case, "This Tornado Loves You"
- Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "Gunpowder"
- Company of Thieves, "Oscar Wilde"
- Charlie Mars, "Listen to the Darkside"
- U2, "Moment of Surrender"
- Lily Allen, "Everyone's At It"
- Derek Trucks Band, "Down in the Flood"
- Wye Oak, "For Prayer"
- Erin McKeown, "Santa Cruz"
- Guggenheim Grotto, "Fee Da Da Dee"
Frank Diller, Online Services Manager
Top 10 Songs
- Phoenix "1901"
- Joshua James, "Coal War"
- The Hold Steady, "Atlantic City"
- Tommy Tucker, "Keep Good Time"
- Death Cab for Cutie, "Little Bribes"
- Sleigh Bells, "Ring Ring"
- Ben Harper and the Relentless7, "Shimmer & Shine"
- Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "Sugarfoot"
- Neko Case, "This Tornado Loves You"
- Wilco, "You Never Know"
Matt Galler, Weekend Host
Top 10 Albums
- Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavillion
- Sea Wolf, White Water, White Bloom
- Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest
- Joshua James, Build Me This
- Pearl Jam, Backspacer
- The Dead Weather, Horehound
- Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
- Peter Bjorn and John, Living Thing
- Death Cab for Cutie, The Open Door EP
- Wilco, Wilco (The Album)
Top 10 Songs
- Grizzly Bear, "Two Weeks"
- The Avett Brothers, "I And Love And You"
- Death Cab for Cutie, "Little Bribes"
- Animal Collective, "My Girls"
- Sea Wolf, "Wicked Blood"
- Manchester Orchestra, "I’ve Got Friends"
- Regina Spektor, "Eet"
- Joshua James, "Coal War"
- Tegan And Sara, "Hell"
- Fleet Foxes, "Mykonos"
Ryan Glaeser, Operations Manager; Stuck in the Jam Host
Top 10 Albums
- Phish, Joy
- Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
- Portugal the Man, The Satanic Satanist
- Silversun Pickups, Swoon
- Passion Pit, Manners
- Heartless Bastards, The Mountain
- Umphrey's McGee, Mantis
- Ben Harper and the Relentless7, White Lies for Dark Times
- The Doves, Kingdom of Rust
- Monsters of Folk, Monsters of Folk
Top 10 Songs
- Phish, "Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan"
- Wilco, "Wilco (The Song)"
- Phoenix, "1901"
- Phoenix, "Lisztomania"
- MGMT, "Kids"
- Tegan & Sara, "Hell"
- Cage the Elephant, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked"
- Death Cab for Cutie, "Meet Me on the Equinox"
- Silversun Pickups, "Panic Switch"
- Passion Pit, "Little Secrets"
Nick Jackon, Baltimore Unsigned Producer
Top 10 Albums
- Langhorne Slim, Be Set Free
- The xx, xx
- The Avett Brothers, I And Love And You
- Wale, Attention Deficit
- Bat for Lashes, Two Suns
- White Rabbits, It's Frightening
- fun., Aim & Ignite
- Regina Spektor, Far
- Vandaveer, Divide & Conquer
- Sunbears!, Dream Happy Dreams
- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. “Home”
- The Avett Brothers, "Kick Drum Heart"
- Andrew Bird, “Anonanimal”
- The Decemberists, “The Rake’s Song”
- Umphrey's McGee, “Cemetery Walk”
- Animal Collective, “My Girls”
- Conor Oberst, “Nikorette”
- The Dead Weather, "Hang You From The Heavens"
- Vandaveer, "Divide & Conquer"
- Manchester Orchestra, "I've Got Friends"
Melissa Lauren, Weekend Host
Top 10 Albums
- Monsters Of Folk, Monsters Of Folk
- Wilco, Wilco (The Album)
- Miike Snow, Miike Snow
- Heartless Bastards, The Mountain
- Wye Oak, The Knot
- Silversun Pickups, Swoon
- Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Tell 'Em What Your Name Is
- Avett Brothers, I and Love and You
- Florence and the Machine, Lungs
- Lily Allen, It's Not Me, It's You
Top 10 Songs
- Wye Oak, "For Prayer"
- Miike Snow, "Animal"
- Heartless Bastards, "The Mountain"
- Florence and the Machine, "Dog Days Are Over"
- The Noisettes, "Never Forget You"
- Bat For Lashes, "Daniel"
- Joshua James, "Annabelle"
- Brendan Benson, "A Whole Lot Better"
- The Avett Brothers, "Kickdrum Heart"
- Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "Sugarfoot"
Tyler Laporte, Mid-Day Host
Top 10 Albums
- Ben Harper & Relentless7, White Lies For Dark Times
- Wilco, Wilco (The Album)
- Phish, Joy
- Dan Auerbach, Keep It Hid
- Mos Def, The Ecstatic
- Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavillion
- Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest
- Avett Brothers, I and Love and You
- Dave Matthews Band, Big Whiskey & the Groo Grux King
- Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is
Top 10 Songs
- Animal Collective, “My Girls”
- Cold War Kids, “Audience”
- Passion Pit, “The Reeling”
- Monsters of Folk, “Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)"
- Silversun Pickups, “Panic Switch”
- Neko Case, “This Tornado Loves You”
- La Roux, “Bulletproof”
- Grizzly Bear, "Two Weeks”
- Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, “Get Yo Sh&T”
- Brendan Benson, “A Whole Lot Better”
John Mathews, Afternoon Host
Top 10 Albums
- Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard, One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Music From Kerouac's Big Sur
- Robben Ford, Soul On Ten
- Derek Trucks Band, Already Free
- Brand New Heavies, Live In London
- Monsters Of Folk, Monsters Of Folk
- Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Levitate
- Joe Louis Walker, Between A Rock And The Blues
- Del McCoury, Celebrating 50 Years Of Del McCoury
- Alice In Chains, Black Gives Way To Blue
- Heartless Bastards, The Mountain
Top 10 Songs
- Heartless Bastards, "The Mountain"
- Robben Ford, "Indianola"
- E. Joseph & The Phantom Heart, "The Ghosts Around You"
- Green Day, "Know Your Enemy"
- Derek Trucks Band, "Days Is Almost Gone"
- Mike Zito, "Time To Go Home"
- Eric Roberson, "Borrow You"
- Monsters Of Folk, "The Sandman, The Brakeman And Me"
- Dead Weather, "Hang You From The Heavens"
- Foo Fighters, "Wheels"
Top 10 Albums
- Jay Farrar and Benjamin Gibbard, One Fast Move and I'm Gone
- Brandi Carlile, Give Up the Ghost
- Gomez, A New Tide
- Kasabian, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
- Muse, The Resistance
- Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
- Wolfmother, Cosmic Egg
- Ben Harper and Relentless7, White Lies for Dark Times
- Rodrigo y Gabriela, 11:11
Top 10 Songs
- Vandaveer, "Divide and Conquer
- Muse, "Uprising”
- Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, "Born Again”
- Gomez, ”Airstream Driver”
- Kasabian, ”Fast Fuse”
- One Eskimo, ”Kandi”
- Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar, ”California Zephyr”
- Sara Watkins, ”Long Hot Summer Days”
- Silversun Pickups, ”Panic Switch”
- Death Cab For Cutie, “Meet Me on the Equinox"
Top 10 Albums
- Joshua James, Build Me This
- The Avett Brothers, I and Love and You
- Good Old War, Only Way to Be Alone
- Portugal. The Man, The Satanic Satanist
- Rodrigo y Gabriela, 11:11
- Neko Case, Middle Cyclone
- M. Ward, Hold Time
- Sara Watkins, Sara Watkins
- Andrew Bird, Noble Beast
- Pink Martini, Splendor in the Grass
Top 10 Songs
- Andrew Bird, "Fitz and the Dizzyspells"
- K'naan, "Waving Flag"
- Joshua James, "Coal War"
- The Avett Brothers, "Kick Drum Heart"
- Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, "Sugarfoot"
- Portugal. The Man, "People Say"
- The Very Best, "Warm Heart of Africa"
- Noisettes, "Never Forget You"
- One Eskimo, "Kandi"
- Langhorne Slim, "Say Yes"

Steve Yasko, General Manager
Top 10 Albums
- Chris Isaak, Mr. Lucky
- Bruce Springsteen, Working on a Dream
- Robbie Williams, Reality Killed the Video Star
- Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
- The Young Dubliners, Saints and Sinners
- Portugal the Man, The Satanic Satanist
- The Rurals, Rural Disco Vibes, Vol. 1
- Rosanne Cash, The List
- Monsters of Folk, Monsters of Folk
- Ingrid Michaelson, Everybody
Top 10 Songs
- Chris Isaak, "We Let Her Down"
- Bruce Springsteen, "The Wrecking Ball"
- Phoenix, "Lisztomania"
- Depeche Mode, "Wrong"
- Rosanne Cash, "Sea of Heartbreak"
- The Avett Brothers, "I and Love and You"
- Brett Dennen, "Heaven"
- Chuck Prophet, "Let Freedom Ring"
- One Eskimo, "Kandi"
- Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, "Sugarfoot"
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Let's Help John Mellencamp Stop Smoking
Hey everyone.
Speck, John Mellencamp's son, is trying to get his dad to quit smoking. So he made a bet with his dad, as kids are oft to do. If 1,000,000 people join the Facebook Group Speck set up then John will quit.
We know it's hard. And we know it's easier when you're accountable to your family and when your friends are rooting for you. So lets Show John WTMD listeners care. Here is a link to the Rolling Stone Story about the group.
Here is a direct link to the Facebook Group.
Here are some John Videos to watch while you join the group
Speck, John Mellencamp's son, is trying to get his dad to quit smoking. So he made a bet with his dad, as kids are oft to do. If 1,000,000 people join the Facebook Group Speck set up then John will quit.
We know it's hard. And we know it's easier when you're accountable to your family and when your friends are rooting for you. So lets Show John WTMD listeners care. Here is a link to the Rolling Stone Story about the group.
Here is a direct link to the Facebook Group.
Here are some John Videos to watch while you join the group
Monday, November 23, 2009
WTMD and the Senator Theatre
Dear Friends,I have some news to share with you. Over the last several months you may have read about the financial troubles surrounding the Senator Theatre and the subsequent auction that placed this beloved landmark’s future in the hands of Baltimore City.
Recently, the Baltimore Development Corporation issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) on behalf of the City. This RFP is seeking ideas that will renovate and rejuvenate the Senator into an active and vibrant center for the community.
WTMD and Towson University have submitted a proposal that would transform the Senator into a multi-use film and concert theater that would also house the WTMD studios and offices.
We envision a space where film retrospectives, gala premiers and themed movie festivals are showcased in the same space as the musical artists you hear on WTMD every day. We want to fill the halls of this beloved palace with children’s programming, fundraisers for community groups and even showcase the multi-media work done by Towson University students. Our goal is to make sure the Senator is alive all day, every day.
The Senator has created countless memories for anyone who has gone on a date or brought their families to see a film in this historic setting. We believe we can continue that tradition by bringing events to the Senator that encourage communication and civility centered around film, music and community.
It will be a long process between now and when the doors to a new Senator might open, no matter who is chosen to renovate this landmark. But I wanted you to learn about our submission from me. We’ll be sure to keep you informed as the process moves ahead.
We have a reverence for the building and our belief is that as times change, buildings like the Senator must continue bind generations together.
We’d like to hear about your thoughts and memories of the Senator. Please take a moment to comment below and share your thoughts and stories.
Please feel free to tell us about a date you might have had there, a movie that touched you, or just how you feel about the building itself. Because, after all, all good things happen . . . At The Senator.
Sincerely,
Stephen Yasko
General Manager
Labels:
89.7 FM WTMD,
The Senator Theater,
Towson University
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