Julian Velard Does It Alone

First Thursday alum Julian Velard returns to WTMD for a special in-studio performance on Morning Sessions at 9 a.m. Friday.  

Velard's piano pop single "Do It Alone" celebrates the freedom of getting out of a failed romance. But it can also be read as his musical mantra.

"If I were to describe my music to anybody, it's kind of like a birthday party for one," he says. "I'm like that sad kid in the corner with his birthday hat and his cake; he's having a good time, but he's lonely!"

Last year Velard ducked out of the major label party early, leaving EMI without releasing an album. His independent "major label" debut, The Planeteer, arrived a few months later on his own terms.

The album's self-effacing piano pop garnered a CD of the Week feature earlier this year--and proved that Velard can certainly do it alone. Brass sections add a bit of showy flair to some tracks. And a a toe-tapping rhythm invokes the pizzazz of contemporaries, such as Jamie Cullum or Harry Connick Jr., while adding a New York state of mind. 


Julian Velard opens for Marc Broussard at Rams Head Tavern on June 16 and 17.

Honey Island Swamp Band's Mix Tape

Although environmental disasters may pummel the Gulf Coast, they can never eclipse the joyous music of New Orleans.

Honey Island Swamp Band formed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when veteran New Orleans musicians Chris Mule and Aaron Wilkinson found themselves displaced in San Francisco.

Now based back in the Crescent City, the band is touring in support of its new album Good To You. Mule and Wilkinson stopped by the studio to showcase some of their favorite songs and celebrate the resilient spirit of their hometown.

The mixtape incorporates many aspects of New Orleans' musical fabric, featuring songs from Dr. John, Lee Dorsey, and Taj Mahal. They also play Earl King's "Let The Good Times Roll," which Mule says, "sums up what New Orleans music is all about."

The New Orleans sprit even extends across the pond. Mule and Wilkinson wrap things up with a block of classic British rock n' roll, with songs from George Harrison, The Faces and the Rolling Stones.

"You can't have a show about rock n' roll without the Rolling Stones," Mule says before previewing “All Down the Line,” a track from the recently re-released Exile on Main Street. "If you are in a car while this is on, try not to speed."

Check out The Honey Island Swamp Band's mix tape tonight at 8 p.m.

Honey Island Swamp Band performs at the Federal Hill Jazz and Blues Festival on Sunday, June 6.

Did Hold Steady Rip Off Mother Teresa?

Witness lyricist/singer Craig Finn and guitarist Tad Kubler of The Hold Steady get queried over the origins of the new album title, Heaven is Whenever. And after Stephen Colbert questions Finn's Catholic credentials, enjoy one of the funniest quotes you'll hear this side of Betty White's baking skit on SNL!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Hold Steady
http://www.colbertnation.com/
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Backyard Tire Fire Help Blow Out 7 Candles

Thanks to Backyard Tire Fire for helping WTMD celebrate birthday numero seven! The Illinois band rocked heavily with infectious tunes from their latest, Good to Be .

You can see why their crunchy, homespun tales play so well in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, as they did in Towson Saturday night. Thanks again guys!

And thanks also to Sandy Asirvatham and Nelson Emokpae for warming things up on the Recher Patio (even though it was a tad bit chilly outside) and to Caleb Stine continuing to support TMD!

Check out this video of Backyard Tire from the big night!



And most importantly, thanks to everyone who came out for the party! First Thursday is coming soon. Tyler will have the band lineup at noon today!

The Bridge Rock TMD's Lucky Seventh!

A million heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to the Recher Saturday night to celebrate seven years of WTMD!

WTMD couldn't have come this far without your love of this one-of-a-kind music and support of the station's mission.

I really want to send out a special thank-you to The Bridge, for putting on a show, I know I'll never forget. (photo by Rich Barnstein)

It's no wonder they're now working with Steve Berlin! Like Los Lobos, The Bridge fire on all cylinders live, and there's really nothing like experiencing a band that you just KNOW is on the verge of something big. You can just feel the chemistry between Cris, Kenny, Dave, Patrick, Mike, and Mark when they play. And while there were plenty of improvisational moments Saturday night, the songs were performed flawlessly. Can't wait to hear more of that new tune, "Colorado Motel." And talk about a dream-jam, with the Bridge and Caleb Stine performing Paul Simon's "Gumboots?" Sweet soul music, guys. Thanks!

Good news! If you missed it, you can still catch it here. Enjoy!

Beach House Gets Kids' Chorus Treatment

They're baaaa-ack! The indie rock-covering kid's chorus from PS 22 in Staten Island, New York wasted no time learning this dreamy song from Victoria Legrand and Alex Scalley.

These talented and expressive children previously covered "Litzstomania" by Phoenix and appeared on Passion Pit's latest. Millions have viewed their videos.

Check out another wish-you-had-a-music-teacher-like this moment with this super version of this Beach House's "Zebra!"

According to Spinner, Legrand wrote on Beach Houses's Facebook and Twitter page, "This is one of the best things ever to happen to us!"

A Trucker's Deep Fried Home Remedy

Who knew that fried chicken had healing qualities for a bass guitar?





Shonna Tucker and her Drive-By Truckers bandmates play a sold out show at the Recher Wednesday night. DBT's new one The Big To-Do rocks with Southern storytelling at its novel best! Big highlights include Patterson Hood's courtroom drama, ala City Confidential, "The Wig He Made Her Wear, " and Mike Cooley's character study "Birthday Boy." Shonna steps up her songwriting and singing, sounding like a 70's-era Emmylou on "You Got Another." Cooley will join me for Morning Sessions next Friday.

New Scissor Sisters Album Announced!

And an advance track!
click here!

Important News About the Senator Theatre

Today I would like to share with you an announcement about our proposal to occupy and operate the Senator Theatre. It comes from Towson University's Vice President of Finance and Administration, James Sheehan:

"As many of you know, WTMD and Towson University responded to the Baltimore Development Corporation’s call for proposals to acquire and restore the Historic Senator Theatre in Belvedere Square.

Due to the continuing economic pressures faced by the State of Maryland and thus Towson, we have determined that it is best not to take on this complex new venture. With the added uncertainty of the economic climate that we will face the remainder of this year, we must concentrate on the needs of our students at this time.

We were pleased to be considered among the BDC's finalists and are bolstered by the outpouring of support from the community and the WTMD listeners. The enthusiasm for WTMD's proposal only reinforced what we have always known; WTMD radio is a treasured and valuable asset. We appreciate your continued support as we forge ahead with our search for the most viable option and best possible venue for WTMD."

I know this news about the Senator comes as a surprise to many of you. I want you to know that WTMD and everyone at Towson University fully believes in the station's mission, music and the need to find a new home for the station.

For now, we will focus on increasing WTMD's value in the community and we look forward to seeing you at WTMD's 7th Birthday Party and at First Thursdays Concerts in the Park.

Steve Yasko
General Manager, WTMD

Was Sinead's Challenge Prophetic?

Sinead O'Connor's infamous ripping of a papal photo during a 1992 re-worked version of Marley's "War" on Saturday Night Live, left many aghast to say the least.

But, despite seemingly near unanimous condemnation of the Irish singer's challenging, and some say, blasphemous performance, her graphic confrontation of the Catholic Church for the alleged sexual abuse of children, may be getting a little revisionist history.

O'Connor re-visited that incident and explained her relationship with the Catholic Church in a Washington Post editorial that appeared yesterday.

Whatever your feelings were then and now, there's no denying that Sinead O'Connor is an artist who challenges conventional thoughts and even taboos.

Here's my favorite from Sinead, "Black Boys on Mopeds."

RIP Alex Chilton

The world lost a trail blazer in two influential rock genres: blue-eyed Memphis soul and power-pop.

Alex Chilton died in New Orleans at the age of 59 after an apparent heart attack. He was scheduled to play South By Southwest on Saturday.

Most likely Alex didn't have the money for the upkeep of the old ticker. Such is a cult musician's life. As we even say sometimes in public radio, "If praise paid the bills...."

And praise Alex had in spades. As the teen leader of the R&B flavored rock band The Box Tops, he brought the kind of urgency to "The Letter" that made you want to cough up the very hard earned dough in the day for a plane ticket. And though he didn't write that, and songs like, "Cry Like a Baby" himself, he sold it so well, he just made you believe what he was singing was pouring out of his gut.

Later, as the front guy for Big Star, he co-wrote "In the Street," which later became the theme to That 70's Show. Records like #1 Album and Radio City (produced by the late great Jim Dickinson) were on a lot of top LP's of all time lists. Bands like R.E.M. and the Gin Blossoms have cited Big Star as an influence. And so profound was Alex Chilton musicianship in the mind of Paul Westerberg, that he named a song after him on The Replacements "Pleased to Meet Me."

Chilton's solo career was hit and miss, but I kind of liked his 90's release, A Man Called Destruction. I got a bang out of "Devil Girl" and "Sick and Tired" from it.

Alex Chilton is survived by his wife Laura and son Timothy.

Official PHISH Tour 2010

So here they are... The Official Phish dates this summer. They dates are up on www.Phish.com and mail order ticketing is underway right now. Mail order ticketing ends on friday so be sure to get your requests in soon!!!

6/11 Chicago, IL Toyota Park

6/12 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center

6/13 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium

6/15 Portsmouth, VA nTelos Pavilion at Harbor Center

6/17 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre

6/18 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre

6/19 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center

6/20 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center

6/22 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center

6/24 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center

6/25 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center

6/26 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion

6/27 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion

6/29 Canandaigua, NY CMAC

7/1 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion

7/2 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

7/3 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless @ Encore Park

7/4 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless @ Encore Park

8/5 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre

8/6 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre

8/7 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre

8/9 Telluride, CO Telluride Town Park

8/10 Telluride, CO Telluride Town Park

8/12 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center

8/13 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center

8/14 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Theatre

8/15 East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Theatre

8/17 Wantagh, NY Nikon Theater at Jones Beach

8/18 Wantagh, NY Nikon Theater at Jones Beach

Here is a video from MSG last year:

Search for user pryan on youtube for more great clips.

AVAM, Ham and Fred Schneider

Fred Schneider of the B-52's may be from Georgia, but his love of Waters-esque Baltimore kitsch has been on display for years, so it's no wonder that he's coming to one of his favorite haunts, the American Visionary Arts Museum for a benefit concert and dance party.

Fred Schneider and the Mastergators play AVAM April 9th from 7pm to Midnight. There's a VIP Happy Hour with Fred from 6-7pm. That oughta be a hoot! The Mastegators, BTW, feature former Scissor Sister Paddy Boom and Rodney Henry of Dangerously Delicious Pies!

If you need any more evidence that Fred kinda digs Baltimore, check out the video to this song, which was inspired, in part, by TV Meat pitch woman Paula Deen and an incident in which she got bonked in the head by a can of ham. Avid vegetarian Fred shot the video at....can you guess where?




Oh, and a special shout-out to organizers of the Uncorked 2010 Table Design Competition, which I helped judge at AVAM last night, along with Chef Duff and other catering experts. One of the music-inspired tables that really got our attention was based on the B-52's "Love Shack". Hurry up and bring your jukebox money April 9th!

Kids Chorus Covers Phoenix

The following video from Staten Island school PS22 proves why music education is so important in our schools and how listening to a radio station like TMD in the car with your kids can lead to great things. Enjoy this waaaay-too-adorable cover of Phoenix's "Lisztomania" by the same young chorus you hear on those Passion Pit songs.

One Degree Closer to Hendrix

There's a Baltimore and even a WTMD connection to the just-released, long sought-after, posthumous Hendrix collection, Valleys of Neptune.

John Vondracek, son of WTMD volunteer (and extremely knowledgeable music head, I might add) Bob Luh runs a video-design company called The String Theory. They developed a video for the title track based on a couple of paintings by Hendrix, that were used as covers for the album and single.

Previously, John has developed video that played during a Roger Waters concert.

Enjoy the swirling colors of John's amazing work!