eMusic is apparently getting into an indie rock frame of mind according to eMusic to relaunch MP3 subscription service. They plan on “helping people find their way through the often-confusing independent music world” which, if effective would be a real boon to those of us who listen to a lot of music from indie rock labels. The service will be subscription-based though which I am still not crazy about but we shall see how it all pans out. At least the MP3 files won’t be encumbered by any kind of digital rights management (DRM) software. It sounds like a promising service that should differentiate itself from download services by Apple, Microsoft and Napster.
Interestingly enough on the same day I read this piece I also read in The Register that 9 out of 10 people prefer CDs to downloads. This shouldn’t shock anybody. I have always maintained that I would prefer a physical CD with a cool booklet over some file on my computer that might or might not work on any given day and may very well disappear if my hard drive craps out (trust me it happens!). I think most people have a problem with the quality of music, not so much the format that it is in.
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I have been an R.E.M. fan for years and they never fail to disappoint. Some may argue that they should have hung up their guitars and mics when Bill Berry quit but I have always believed that as long as a musician is making music solely for the joy of making music then they should continue on until it is they themselves who decide to pull the plug. Luckily R.E.M. have decided to keep going for a while longer. For the new album “Around the Sun” they have partnered with My Space.com to present a free preview of the album for the next two weeks. You do not have to be a member to listen and it is a great way to get a feel for the album, the 13th of their career. And if you are a tad concerned that they have foregone rockers for more of the softer, mid-tempo songs espoused on “Up” and “Reveal” you can relax. Sure “Around the Sun” is slow to mid-tempo but they have announced that they already have half an album’s worth of stuff for their next album in the can and they guarantee that it is going to “rock”! Enjoy.
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For sheer versatility, it’s hard to beat Maria Muldaur as a song stylist, and on “Waitress in a Doughnut Shop,” she serves up a diverse smorgasbord of tasty musical delights that includes helpings of blues, jazz, rock, a bit of twang, some south of the Rio Grande flavor, and even an a cappella gospel number.

Released shortly after her self-titled album that included her biggest hit, “Midnight at the Oasis,” “Waitress in a Doughnut Shop” thoroughly showcases Muldaur’s clear, sweet voice with the superb backing of a mind-boggling roster of some of the best musicians of the day. A partial list of the luminaries who contributed their considerable instrumental and vocal chops includes: Paul Butterfield, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Lowell George, Jim Gordon, Dave Grisman, Dr. John, Plas Johnson, John Kahn, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Linda Ronstadt, and Doc and Merle Watson. Much of the credit for the artistic success of this album also belongs to Muldaur’s regular collaborators at the time, guitarist Amos Garrett and vocalist/arranger, Greg Prestopino, who was responsible for putting together some wonderful background harmony arrangements.

While Maria Muldaur might not have the most extensive vocal range, she more than makes up for it with an intuitive flair for interpreting her material with exceptional feeling and subtlety. On “Waitress in a Doughnut Shop,” she wails on the down home country stylings of “Honey Baby Blues,” and the New Orleans flavored numbers “If You Haven’t Any Hay” and Allen Toussaint’s “Brickyard Blues.” She warbles and trills in English and Spanish on “Gringo in Mexico,” and gets in your face with brass and sass on Leiber and Stoller’s rockin’ “I’m a Woman.” She also demonstrates that she can carry a torch song like nobody’s business on “Sweetheart” and “Squeeze Me;” mellow, jazzy tunes with beefy horn sections that evoke images of swanky, smoky 1940s nightclubs. In the same vein, she gets downright saucy with “It Ain’t the Meat, It’s the Motion,” cooing and purring her way through it with such playful sensuality that any straight male with a pulse will find it impossible to refrain from thinking impure thoughts while listening to her.

While Maria Muldaur hasn’t had a big hit for a long time, it hasn’t been because she’s been sitting at home twiddling her thumbs. In the years since “Waitress in a Doughnut Shop,” she’s put out numerous recordings encompassing a variety of genres, including children’s songs. She’s also been active on the stage, appearing in productions of “The Pirates of Penzance” and “Pump Boys and Dinettes.” On a personal note, I had the good fortune to catch her set at the renowned Mississippi Valley Blues Fest in Davenport, Iowa a few years ago and can testify that she’s still got it! If you’d like to know what she’s done and what she’s been up to lately, her web site (http://www.mariamuldaur.com) provides everything you need.

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I have recently been listening to a bunch of heavy metal records (that’s right, records) from the ’80s. Bands like Quiet Riot, Ratt, Riot, Iron Maiden (their first album), Def Leppard, Motorhead, Fastway and in particular The Scorpions. Don’t ask me why but it’s been fun. It got me thinking about what is happening in Metal these days so I started googling for sites. One of the ones that I discovered and have been reading over the last couple of days is Metal-Rules.Com. A very extensive and well written site that will get any Heavy Metal maniac excited, Metal-Rules.Com had me listening to some new stuff in no time. If you miss those days of Flying Vs and spandex (thank you Michael Schenker!) then check it out and relive the power.
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I have recently been listening to a bunch of heavy metal records (that’s right, records) from the ’80s. Bands like Quiet Riot, Ratt, Riot, Iron Maiden (their first album), Def Leppard, Motorhead, Fastway and in particular The Scorpions. Don’t ask me why but it’s been fun. It got me thinking about what is happening in Metal these days so I started googling for sites. One of the ones that I discovered and have been reading over the last couple of days is Metal-Rules.Com. A very extensive and well written site that will get any Heavy Metal maniac excited, Metal-Rules.Com had me listening to some new stuff in no time. If you miss those days of Flying Vs and spandex (thank you Michael Schenker!) then check it out and relive the power.
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With music described as “true, raw psychedelic blues” and a sound that is “basic, crude and savage and almost gothic in its grandeur” Rosetta West play some really great stuff that immediately brings to my mind “When the Levee Breaks” or “Bring It On Home” by Led Zeppelin. Very powerful and raw in a good way, Rosetta West play some great blues infected rock and roll with feeling. Check out The Flag and Children for a sample of what they have to offer.
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If you are ever in Malaysia and are desperate for a rock and roll fix with a burger and fries then head out to Melaka and Mark Ruffin’s Rock and Roll Blues Cafe. Run by American ex-pat Mark Ruffin who coincidentaly has his own band called Mark Ruffin and the Boneshakers, this sounds like just the place for worn out North Americans needing a breather from the incredibly exotic yet foreign none the less Malaysian culture. Mark even has a bunch of MP3s of his band for your downloading pleasure. Sounds like a fun place to me!
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If you are looking for some ideas for a Halloween costume this year, check out the Top 10 Most Ridiculous Black Metal Pics of All Time at Ruthless Reviews for some excellent suggestions. Those of you with children be afraid, be very afraid. Have a great weekend everybody!
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This is a great idea. Conceived by Canadian label Endearing Records, the Intercontinental Pop Exchange is a series of split CD-EPs whose purpose is to “introduce music fans to great artists from different countries, scenes, and even continents.” An absolutely fantastic idea for those of us who are looking for something a little different, a little more global perhaps. Hats off to Endearing Records for pulling it off. Of course, before ordering your CDs you can get more information on the bands in question as well as some samples on their website but heck, that might just spoil the surprise! Great idea, great music.
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The name alone is worthy of inclusion here at The Rock and Roll Report but Buzzgrinder is more than just a cool name. Featuring “fresh cut music news and useless opinion” Buzzgrinder is just plain fun to read. So much rock and roll, so little time to read about it much less listen to it but Buzzgrinder is becoming a regular.
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For a taste of some rock and roll (ahem) raunch, check out Sleazegrinder. “Rock talk, reviews, hot chicks and sleazy rock and roll action” is what they promise and my oh my do they deliver! You might want to think twice about checking this site out at work but when you get home let ‘er rip! Very cool and very original. Trust me when I tell you to check out their review section as there are some labels putting out CDs that they review that I had never heard of and for that I say thanks!
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This is what you’re going to do. Go to the website of New York City record label Howler Records, click on the link to their “Manifesto” and watch Pete Townsend beat the crap out of his guitar! No long-winded multi-paragraph verbal diatribes about saving rock and roll. No siree bob, just good ol’ Pete smashing the shit out of his guitar which pretty much signifies what Howler Records represent. Featuring personal faves Bad Wizard as well as The Witnesses and Alice Donut, Howler Records is a very cool and very rock and roll record label that you should definitely check out. Each band has some streaming tunes you can listen to to get you in the rock and roll groove so don’t delay, visit them today!
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I have mentioned the great roadie website Roadie.net before but if you haven’t visited in awhile you should definitely go back and check out their Top 10 Roadie Recommended Books. Most of these books I have never heard of and even if you are not an aspiring roadie, these all look like they could be a great rock and roll read. Check it out and order through their site if possible since they are an Amazon affiliate. Looking at the list, I have no idea how much this is eventually going to cost me!
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THE CHARMS: Charmed, I’m Sure Debut cd from Boston’s garage-glam sensation, The Charms. Hook rock with burning guitar leads, 60s farfisa organ.

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Johnny Ramone passed away yesterday after a five year battle with cancer. Thanks for the music Johnny.
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My wife was watching some Canadian chat show the other day and as I walked by thinking of something else I heard a band playing on the TV and the words “inspired by the Beatles” and “sophomore album” so I stopped to see who they were talking about. They were talking about Winnipeg band The Waking Eyes and, despite the fact that this was the first time I had heard them I was hooked. Another great Canadian melodic rock and roll band who are currently in the middle of a Canadian tour, these guys are great. Download the single Combs For The Clouds from their latest CD “Combing The Clouds” and enjoy. Then go see ‘em if you can.
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I have always made my preference known for seeing bands play in small clubs. To me it is the ideal way to experience rock and roll. That said, after witnessing Rush in concert last month on their 30th Anniversary Tour I’ve decided that you have to give yourself a treat once in a while and attend a well produced “big rock show.” You can love ‘em or loath ‘em but Rush but on an incredible 3 hour plus rock and roll extravaganza that skimped on nothing. From the incredible light show (lasers! When the hell was the last time I saw lasers at a concert?) to the incredible visuals on the back screen, to the excellent (and loud!) sound to the well thought out selections from Rush’s vast repertoire of songs this concert was truly a delight to experience. The mixing “board” located front of house looked like Mission Control at NASA for crying out loud! Obviously with ticket prices approaching $100.00 you must choose your big show wisely, and in this case if you hate Rush no light show will change your mind but I am starting to consider these big arena and stadium shows as something akin to those Andrew Lloyd Weber Broadway spectaculars. You wouldn’t want to go to them exclusively and miss out on the excellent theatre that is perhaps not so in your face but going to see one once in a while can be quite a fun and enjoyable experience. Take them for what they are, enjoy and then get back to the clubs where you belong! (Disclaimer: I will be seeing two more “big rock shows” in R.E.M. and The Tragically Hip and honesty look forward to the experience. It’s all part of rock and roll after all!).
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If you have ever wanted to journey off to somewhere remote and exotic, check out Crosby, Stills, Nash and Me Take a Train as author Paul Mansfield fulfills a lifetime dream and takes a trip on the famous Marrakech Express from the CSN song of the same name. Makes you want to just drop your things and hop on board yourself.
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After a six month hiatus, Rocking Radio is back on the air, streaming over the Internet playing a hard hitting, driving blend of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal ranging from classics like Iron Maiden and Slayer, to young up and comers like Chimaira and In Flames. With the motto “None of the hits, all of the time” Rocking Radio has made a conscious choice to play a strong mix of well known bands, as well as a deep roster of underground metal bands that drive the heavy metal culture that the station promotes. On top of that, a large proportion of the music they play are on indie rock labels who have allowed the station to play their bands’ tunes without having to pay webcasting royalties, a move which both gives the label publicity as well as allowing Rocking Radio a chance to put their money where it is needed most, such as paying for things like bandwidth. I love this quote from station owner DJ Harley:

“We’re just trying to have a little fun here. This is a station that’s all about more metal, and less hair. We try to play the stuff that doesn’t get played anywhere else, while staying away from the lipstick wearing pansy bands that nearly killed the industry in the late 90’s. It’s hard driving, no gimmick music.”

Nice to see that someone cares. Check it out. Rock on!
(Thanks to Barbara at Flaskaland for the tip.)
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If you find yourself wandering the streets of LA looking for the Rainbow, you might just want to check out The Los Angeles Rock and Roll Road Map. Whether you’re on the Sunset Strip, staggering around Hollywood or out in the Valley, this map will set you straight on all those cool LA rock and roll landmarks like the aforementioned Rainbow, the Capitol Records building and the former site of Nudies, cowboy suit maker to the stars.
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OK, you have zero musical talent but dammit you want to look like John Lennon circa Shea Stadium 1965 but you don’t know where to start. Well start at Beat Wear direct from the source, Liverpool England where you can get your sweaty palms on authentic Beatle Boots and Beatles clothes, including that famous Shea outfit. Now all your friends can see how fab you really are!
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We now go from famine to feast with the legendary Smile album by Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. You can now listen to the Smile album streaming over the Internet at http://www.smilethealbum.com/index.php. They will add a new song a day so consider this your “daily smile!” Enjoy.
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I don’t know anything about the rock and roll scene in Israel (another country where further rock and roll research is required) but I recently read a publicity blurb about Israeli rock band RockFour and I just had to give them a listen. RockFour is a “psych pop quartet” from the Tel Aviv suburb of Holon and they have only recently (and apparently controversially) started singing in English. Their latest album is Nationwide and you can listen to these two MP3s (Honey, Nationwide) for a taste of what they have to offer. A great band from a fascinating part of the world, which only goes to prove once again that rock and roll is a universal art form. Check them out this September and October as they will be touring the UK and North America. Enjoy.
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The New York Times has an excellent article called No fears: Laptop D.J.’s Have a Feast (registration required) which points out some great sources of legally downloadable music that will keep you busy for years. I have added most of them to the “Download Sites” section of The Rock and Roll Report for your convenience. Hope you have a fast Internet connection!
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This will make you feel real old. The grudge match of the century: iPod vs. The Cassette. Let’s get ready to ruuuumble! Have a great weekend everybody!
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