The Gentle Waves

Isobel Campbell's New Project (Belle & Sebastian Fame)

Oasis and Jamiroquai follow Radiohead's lead

By now I'm sure you've heard that you can purchase Radiohead's new album online for as much as you're willing to spend. Well Oasis and Jamiraquai just announced that they will be doing something very similar, providing the album for free digital download. Following these announcements page views skyrocketed on the websites. (What a great way to grab attention of the public)

If you're like me, you are wondering where am I going to pay more for getting this free music? Well the bands plan on making their money in concert tickets and other merchandise, afterall this is where bands make their loot these days.

Another issue brought up in this idea of free downloading is CD sales have plummeted and it's not that necessary for a band to be backed by a record label if they can produce their own cd, release it free on the internet then tour and make a lot of money doing so. Cut out the middle man. I'm starting to like this idea...more bands might jump on this trend, meaning we can enjoy music at home and on our iPods and all that good stuff and then go see them live knowing what we are supporting.

Let's see what happens, in the mean time enjoy this new video from Oasis, Lord Don't Slow Me Down

Celebration - Sweet Gloom Baltimore Style

Dark, apocalyptic and cryptic, CELEBRATION paints music that might make Bauhaus, PJ Harvey and TV On The Radio fans, well, celebrate! In fact, David Sitek, of TV on The Radio produced one their earlier albums and assisted them in hooking up with the infamous 4AD records.

The husband and wife team of vocalist/percussionist Katrina Ford and multi-instrumentalist Sean Antanaitis front the band that....get this....is from right here in Baltimore! They'll be back in the area to play a show at DC's Rock and Roll Hotel Oct. 24th.

Their new album THE MODERN TRIBE add in a little gospel, jazz and more melody to their wild instrumentation. TVOTR and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs lend guest support. Check out the carnival organ swirl on this tune, EVERGREEN.

Clapton Gets Ready To Release Autobiography/CD Compilation

On October 9th Eric Clapton releases his life in a book and in a 36 song compilation of CD's. Being a people person I'm excited to dive into the life of Clapton, if you are interested in Clapton as well or even if you are not enjoy this emotion filled trailer. The CD/Book compilation not only goes into details about the musical world of Clapton but hits on his personal life as well including his drug and alcohol issues, the death of his son and his failed marriage. Should be a good read and listen.

Has Clapton impacted your life? How So?

Tokyo Police Club With Maple Leaf

Just wanted to let you in on this quirky, Canadian indie band that's had the festival circuit buzzing this year. They've also shared the stage with Cold War Kids- and even sat in with them for a performance of St. John at the 930 Club. TOKYO POLICE CLUB recently inked a deal with Conner Oberst's Saddle Creek Records. Check out the claymation on "Cheer It On", from Tokyo Police Club...



Tokyo Police Club- Cheer It On

When Rock Stars Get Political

I haven't finished watching the whole Bruce Springsteen concert from the Today Show yet. I'm finding watching it in pieces extends the Bruce-phoria a bit!.

But I came accross this part of it on You Tube and it sparked an often debated subject in my home with some of my friends. Muscians using the stage to make political statements. For me, I think most music is political and makes social comments. I don't see the difference between singing about your beliefs from the stage and talking about them from the stage. After all, if you disagree or don't think politics and music mix, no one twisted your arm to buy the ticket or listen to the music. With Bruce, you know what you're getting.

Many of my friends disagree, saying that they are paying for the music and not the commentary. The artist should respect that and just sing, letting the music speak for itself.

I think the public is most surprised when the artist making the statement isn't known for politically themed music. I think that is one element that contributed to the Dixie Chicks' debacle; Few expected it.

What do you think?

Here is what Bruce said on the Today Show:

The Sundays Take A Few Too Many Off

I am so ready for THE SUNDAYS to come out of retirement! The band, made up principally of jangly, Johnny Marr-esque David Gavurin and the angel-kissed voice of Harriett Wheeler, pretty much have been on an indefinite hiatus since the release of Static and Silence in 1997- and for good reason, I suppose, as David and Harriett chose to devote their life to raising their two children. Understandable, but lots of devotees miss those dreamy, ethereal songs from Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, Blind and Static and, for certain, would welcome a comeback with open hearts.

Now, while Harriett and David have kept mum for ten years, bassist Paul Brindley has been quite vocal, when it comes to issues facing the digital music world. In fact, he co-founded the industry publication Music Ally AND he served in former Prime Minister Tony Blair's cabinet.

So, the bat signal is out: The Sundays- please, please record and tour again. I'm sure we can arrange some babysitting!

Baltimore Unsigned Video Footage

Our Guest this past monday evening was local veteran musician E. Joseph. E.joseph is the nom de plume of songwriter Ed Neenan, founder/co-founder of bands such as Fiction Bridge, Sunday Cannons, 360 Loose, Bunny and Von Stella. Hes also been a touring and studio "gun for hire" for major indie label power-poppers Splitsville and Mryacle Brah. While driving his various band projects throughout the late 80s and most of the 90s, Neenan supported many noteworthy and musically influential touring artists from The Church, The Lucy Show and The Connells to Throwing Muses, The Soup Dragons, Dumptruck, Tommy Keene, and The Judy Bats. Albeit a bit less pop in nature, e.joseph delves into somewhat more introspective themes in songs like Low Flying Aircraft, The Necessary Evil, and Aint Life Grand? Recorded and co-produced at Invisible Sound Studios with Dave Nachodsky, "Absinthe Minded" is at its sonic best when e and studio band members Joe Klompus (Jack Drag, Blake Hazzard) and Dave Buckner (Rocket Transfer Warehouse) lift the songs out of alt-folkdom and make a valid case for a strong mid-tempo rock recording that deserves an engaged listen. Here is a little video footage shot in the WTMD Studio by David Daniel, This is a song called Antenna.

Dee Dee Ramone

Remembering The Ramones Bassist On What Would Have Been His 55th Birthday.
Simply Great Rock N Roll.

The Teenage Prayers Find Heavenly Help

Check out this exciting band out of New York known for combining meaty, hedonistic rock, sprinkling it with a lot of soul…and adding something mystical to the mix…-- the kind of music Elvis would swivel his hips to, make Morrisson stick out his tongue with glee and inspire Solomon Burke to give up his crown as King of Rock and Soul. Well, maybe not give up the crown, but at least The Teenage Prayers borrowed it for a time- Solomon was so impressed with a performance by the Prayers, that he invited the band to record with him! Pretty royal stuff!

The Teenage Prayers have a new album due out soon….and they got a pretty big name to help them make it: Steve Wynn of the Dream Syndicate.

Watch the softer of side of the Teenage Prayers with this duet with Quincy Coleman (covering Buck Owens' "Crying Time.")

A Wonder Summer's Night

I feel SO lucky! I got to see Stevie Wonder last night and it was incredible, inspiring & electric. You could feel all the joy from the audience to the stage and in return an unforgettable show.
With massive applause from the moment he stepped on-stage, the crowd would erupt into more as Wonder played so many classic tracks over the span of the 3 hour NON-Stop show at Pier 6 Pavilion.
On a tour that was put together to Wonder's specifications in a matter of weeks, Baltimore was one of 14 cities chosen for the first tour the timeless pianist had undertaken in more than a decade.

Some lasting memories from this Stevie Wonder show:
*A Country-fied version of 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered'- with audience
participation
*Wonder climbing up on top of his piano to the surprise of not only the
audience, but also his manager and crew who ran over to help him as he sang an
entire song on top of a baby grand piano!
*Hearing 'Living for the City' into 'Master Blaster'

Keeping my fingers crossed that Wonder keeps the pledge he made last night to come back to Baltimore for 2 nights.

Did you miss the sold-out show last night? Well here is a video of what Stevie's been up to during this once in a lifetime tour, this clip is from Lake Tahoe.

Wendel Patrick and Salim

The guys did some video in the WTMD studios when they came in for Baltimore Unsigned.

Okkervil River- A Compelling Mystery

What do you get when you combine the anthemic grandeur of the Arcade Fire, with vivid, mysterious songwriting that brings to mind John Roderick (of the Long Winters) and a voice that recalls the attitude of Rhett Miller? It might sound something like Will Sheff and OKKERVIL RIVER- a band from New Hampshire that now calls Austin, TX home.

Lou Reed is a big fan of this clever band- you've gotta check out their tune "Plus One," which makes reference to numerical songs like "99 Luftbaloons" and "Eight Miles High" from their new one, THE STAGE NAMES.


It's high-end indie rock; a garage band with strings- and possibly, one of the most interesting listens of the year.

Hokies Unite!

Tonight I had the pleasure of going to "A Concert For Virginia Tech" Featuring Phil Vassar, Nas, John Mayer, and my personal favorite, Dave Matthews Band. The cars on I-81 all had VT Magnets on them. I had my music blasting getting pumped up for the show and felt the Hokie love for the next 175 miles. So I roll into Blacksburg, meet up with a friend and walk over to Lane Stadium.

Maroon and Orange clothing is worn by almost everyone, "Hokies Unite" cover the shirts. In between Vassar's and Nas' sets "Let's Go Hokies" was chanted repeatedly, this would end up continuing throughout the entire night, even when Dave Matthews would pause between songs. Emotions ran high the entire night, Mayer serenaded the crowd and dedicated "Gravity" to the Hokies. Dave Matthews Band, the headliner, came on at 8:30 and would not walk off the stage until 11:15PM, taking a 5 minute break and encoring with "Ants Marching."

In all the concerts I've seen in my short life of 22 years this one tops the charts, including the DMB show I saw on the one year anniversary of 9-11. Dave pulled out some old songs, and had the whole crowd singing "Every Little Things, Gonna Be Alright" from Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds", This would go on about 5 minutes, with the band and then crowd only, you could feel the emotion, even Dave was fighting to hold back tears. I'm still taken in the event and wish VT Students and College Students around the world, a great year!

Check out Dave's full setlist here: AntsMarching.ORG

The Greatest Tenor of His Generation

By now, you've probably heard news of the passing of the legendary Luciano Pavorotti. A voice who had the ability to touch music lovers of all generations and genres, the maestro got together with U2 and Brian Eno a few years back to record a song that juxtaposes beauty amidst the ugliness of war.