Ciao My Shining Star:The Songs of Mark Mulcahy is a tribute to acclaimed Miracle Legion, Polaris front man, and Connecticut indie legend Mark Mulcahy, in memory of his wife Melissa who passed away in 2008. The interpretations of alternative songwriter Mulcahy’s music by Thom Yorke, Michael Stipe, Dinosaur Jr., Mercury Rev, The National, Frank Black, Josh Rouse, The Butterflies Of Love and many others will ease Mr Mulcahy’s financial burden of raising a family as a single parent. This collection of new music is available in three configurations: a 21-track CD, a 21-track digtal download, and a 41-track deluxe download on iTunes. I would strongly urge you to pony up the extra money and buy the 41 track download which has terrific not to be missed performances by The Gravel Pit, Dumptruck, Laura Veirs, and Buffalo Tom among others.

On Sunday, September 20th, 2009 there was a benefit for Mark and his family at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th St, Brooklyn, NY. Guests included Mark’s former Miracle Legion bandmate Ray Neal along with Frank Black, the late Vic Chesnutt, The Autumn Defense, David Berkeley, Chris Harford, The Butterflies of Love, BP Helium, The Gravel Pit, Winterpills and many more. Also on the bill was the World Premiere of the Thom Yorke music video “All For The Best.” There was also readings by Graphic Novelist Ben Katchor.

Metavari – Be One Of Us And Hear No Noise – CD – Crossroads Of America Records

Hmmm. First and foremost we gotta punch some kind of ear tag through the lobe of this release. How’s about “Indie-neo-folk-instru-tronica”. That actually works.

These fellows have some moments that may remind of other bands like Maserati (minus some of the ‘rock’ vibe) and Six Parts Seven (but with a hint more electronics going on) and Explosions In The Sky (just not on as much cough syrup). But they are not clones and have a definite sound that is Metavari.

Movie soundtrack bites mix in with lap-top beats and stir it up with instrumental overtones. Not all synth. Not all band. But a decent blend. Very atmospheric and flowing like water. Not a sense or sound of same-ness with slight mix-ups that keep the shit moving and avoiding the “stale-ies” (The track ‘Cerulean’ is a straight-up pop tune that does it pretty well amidst all the slightly more ethereal tracks). As Chef Boy-Ar-Dee has said; “Eet’s-a nice-a relaxin’ leesten.”

Michael Jackson’s new song, “This Is It,” is set to haunt us with it’s release on October 12 through Sony Music Entertainment. There is gonna be an alternate version with background vocals by Mr. Jackson’s brothers. Also, there will be old songs as well as previously unreleased tracks including a Spoken Work Poem by Michael, “Planet Earth” on the new disc intended to support the comeback tour.

Taylor Swift, age 19, won her first video music award at the MTV VMAs, and when she was about to address the crowd with an acceptance speech, Kanye West, age 32, rudely interrupted her saying, “Yo Taylor, I- I’m really happy for you, I’m-a let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time… One of the best videos of all time!” With a shrug of his shoulders, he handed the microphone back to a confused, horrified, and speechless Taylor Swift. The entire crowd felt so bad for her, they began cheering for the poor girl as the cameras soon cut to commercial break.

Beyonce, later in the evening, won for video of the year and she brought Taylor Swift up to the stage saying, “I remember being 17 years old, up for my first MTV award with Destiny’s Child, and it was one of the most exciting moments in my life. So, I’d like for Taylor to come out and have her moment.” Taylor began her second acceptance speech, “Maybe… Maybe we could try this again…” The crowd went wild and the incident was resolved by Beyonce’s class.

The next few days, Kanye apologized several times, several different ways to Taylor, her mom, and her fans, and she publicly accepted his apologies on ABC News Radio. She also appeared on The View and recounted the events as they unfolded in a humorous way saying, “I think my overall thought process went something like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I won. This is awesome. Don’t trip and fall. I’m going to get to thank the fans. This is so cool. Oh, Kanye West is here. Cool haircut. What are you doing there? And then ouch. And then, I guess I’m not going to thank the fans.’ ”

Since then, all youtube videos of the incident have been quickly removed due to a ” copyright claim by Viacom International Inc.” but I found one that’s still out there. (has advertisements in front of it, but that’s the internet for ya!) Video here.

So, what did we all learn from this? I’m not sure, but I’m glad to see that there are still some stand-up people in the pop world. Any thoughts or comments?

photo credit: RazingCulture

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
-Shakespeare

Ah, the elusive band name. Every musical outfit has the “what are we going to call ourselves ” moment. The Beatles solved it with a twist on Buddy Holly’s backing band, The Crickets. The Rolling Stones named themselves after a Muddy Waters song. Nirvana? What could be better than “a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality.?” Let’s take a brief look at the names of our musical muses.

My Bloody Valentine – Named after a 1981 Canadian slasher film. While we’re on the subject of blood I should mention that the sheer volume of this band may cause your ears to bleed.

New York Dolls – Sassy, trashy, and in yer face. God love ‘em.

Wu-Tang Clan - Taken from Wu Dang mountain in China, which was associated with Taoism, martial arts and medicine.

The Trashmen – When you’ve recorded the worlds trashiest song,”Surfin’ Bird,” then you deserve this name.

Bad Brains – I love this name. No explanation necessary.

The Sex Pistols – Originally called QT Jones and the Sex Pistols. There’s a lot to be said for brevity.

Sonic Youth – Combines the nickname of MC5’s Fred “Sonic” Smith with reggae artist Big Youth. They may have topped it with their one off tribute to Madonna – Ciccone Youth.

My Morning Jacket – Worst indie music band name ever. Guess all the good names were taken. Does not work on any level.

? and The Mysterians – From a Japanese sci fi movie. Lead singer Rudy Martinez legally changed his name to ? – really!

The Velvet Underground – Taken from the title of a kinky book. After all is said and done, it is SEX, drugs, and rock n’ roll that we’re talking about here.

Devo - Shorthand for de-evolution or the dumbing down of our world. True prophets.

Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes – Perfectly captures the hedonism of the 70’s. Their singer was a hairdresser named Monti Rock III.

Kraftwerk – German for Power Station. Although I like to think of their music as being very “krafty.”

De La Soul – When you’re known for masterful wordplay, rapping, and music it follows that you have a great name.

Gang of Four – A leftist political faction composed of four Chinese Communist Party officials who were subsequently charged with a series of treasonous crimes. The band was sorta political too.

Hootie & the Blowfish – Taken from a Bob Dylan song, “Only Wanna Be With You.” I guess Bob’s lyrics can’t all be as good as “Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat.”

U2 – Inclusive, embracing, just like their rock music anthems.

ZZ Top – A sly reworking of BB King. When you consider their clever wordplay and singular take on da blooz, this name makes perfect sense.

Lothar & The Hand People – Taken from a dream in which an enslaved race called the Hand People are saved by a hero named Lothar. A name like this could only have happened in the 60’s.

Got yourself a favorite  band name? Then by all means, drop a line.

photo credit: TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³

I love music. I love movies. And I go absolutely nuts for a great movie soundtrack. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.

Blow Up – Herbie Hancock + The Yardbirds, Tomorrow.

Great score by Herbie. Music ranges from cool Organ Lounge, to Jazz Combo, to full blown Free Jazz. The Yardbirds cut is great, while the Tommorow cuts, featuring future Yes-man Steve Howe, are pretty forgettable.

Barbarella – Bob Crewe

Very cool. Futuristic Lounge music with a Rock twist from the vastly underrated Mr. Crewe.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E – Hugo Montenegro

Awesome Spy music from the great Hugo Montenegro. Blaring horns, twangy guitars, and Bossa Nova influenced chill out music for the discerning listener.

Trouble Man – Marvin Gaye

Excellent Soul-Jazz workout. What film noir sounded like in the 70s. The title track is absolutely mesmerizing.

Breakfast At Tiffanys – Henry Mancini

The hardest part about selecting a Mancini soundtrack is deciding which one to leave out. A sappy “Moon River”, which is infinitely better when sung by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, gives way to ultra cool Latin, Big Band, and Easy Listening heaven.

Shaft – Issac Hayes

The Grandaddy of funk inspired soundtracks. The baddest wah-wah intro ever on the title track, and those lyrics! Outrageous. “Bumpys Lament” is also a real standout.

La Dolce Vita – Nino Rota

The movie that got me seriously listening to what was happening behind the dialogue. Beautiful themes and orchestration by Mr. Rota.

I Want To Live - Johnny Mandel, Gerry Mulligan

Hands down one of the best Jazz soundtracks ever. Great work by Johnny Mandel and terrific playing from baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan.

A Hard Days Night – The Beatles

What can you say? Lennon-McCartney at their pop peak. The best Rock/Pop Musical ever.

Twin Peaks – Angelo Badalamenti

Ethereal, cool, passionate, gorgeous. Julee Cruise’s hypnotic vocals are also a wonder to behold.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Ennio Morricone

Spaghetti Western music at its best. Atmospheric, bold, with the feel of the wide open spaces of the old west.

A Tribute To Jack Johnson – Miles Davis

Miles, the musical chameleon, comes up with another winner. No holds barred Rock n’ Roll meets blistering Jazz-Funk. Dig John McLaughlin’s incendiary  guitar work.

Goldfinger – John Barry

Is there anything cooler than the James Bond theme? No. Shirley Bassey delivers a first rate vocal on the title track to this glamorous spy-fest.

photo credit: C G-K

Cover Bands. I’ve done it. It’s a fairly noble thing to give the people what they want. Bar Bands do it, Jazz Trios do it, and Symphony Orchestras also do it. Let’s go to  YouTube for some Neil Diamond covers by amateur musicians and give out grades.

Solitary Man – Bradford and Lasso

Halfway decent. They’re proficient on their instruments, vocal is okay. Stick around for the nice instrumental ending. B-

Sweet Caroline – Elvis Elite

Neil is sometimes known as the Jewish Elvis. Elvis Elite takes Caroline away from Neil’s Brooklyn roots and out to Memphis. A reasonable Elvis facsimile, although, some king-style karate moves would’ve definitely spiced things up. B

I’m a Believer – Fawzia

Beautifully strange and peaceful. There is something about Fawzia’s vibe that really gets to me. Not much in the way of stage presence, but who cares. B+

America – The War Ponies

I get it. As a matter of fact, I got this shtick about 5 seconds into it. If you can bear to wade through  5:27 of this dreck, than you are a better person than me. D-

Play Me – Zach

The kid is good. Nice finger picking, sweet voice, and well played. Slow tempo songs can really expose your faults. No problem here, Zach holds up nicely. A

Sweet Caroline – Jonas Bros

Horrible. You thought I was only talking about amateurs, right? This footage pretty much confirms that remark. A quick Stub Hub look up found JB tickets priced at anywhere from $20 – $5000. All of the marketing and all of the pro backup musicians in the world cannot disguise one basic fact. These guys suck. F

America – The Castillo Kids

Wow! This has everything. Good playing, amazing energy, and an absolutely fantastic ending. Take that, Jonas Bros! A+++

photo credit: porcupiny,

Not since the early days of Kraftwerk have synthesizers been so cool, thanks to Au Revoir Simone. The synth is usually seen as an accessory to the stock guitar-bass-drum lineup, however, ARS embrace the technology of synthesizers and leave the rest of the band at the music store.

Hailing from Brooklyn, ARS are Erika Forster (vocals/keyboard), Annie Hart (vocals/keyboard), and Heather D’Angelo (vocals/drum machine/keyboard). With their mixture of ethereal dreamy soundscapes, which may put you in mind of Stereolab or Air, along with childlike infectious vocals, and beguiling song lyrics, ARS have brought something special to the indie music scene. Or as huge ARS fan David Lynch has stated “Innocent, hip, and new.”

From the quirky and sweet “Verse Of Comfort” (2005), through the more assured yet understated “The Bird Of Music” (2007), to their current collection, the poppy Brian Wilson/Phil Spector influenced “Still Night, Still Light” (2009), ARS have steadily broadened their sound as well as their fan base. Unique and engaging music videos, my favorite being “Falling Snow”, have also helped to spread the ARS magic.

Currently wrapping up their summer tour dates in Europe, ARS are making a splash in the continental music news while winning new fans everywhere they play. The big question is what’s next for ARS? Is it possible that they have peaked? Or are the next big thing? Based on what I’ve heard they certainly deserve all of the success in the world.

Nearly two years of diligent video editing along with superb audio mixing and mastering, it’s finally here! Well… almost. Steve Vai, commonly believed to be one of the best guitarists to walk this earth, is releasing his highly awaited live DVD (also available on Blue-Ray and audio CD) of his String Theories Tour Live in Minneapolis: Where The Wild Things Are on September 29. But you might not have to wait all the way ’til its release to see it, if you’re gonna be in town the day of the premier…

For those of you in or near the Los Angeles area on September 15, you are invited to the premier viewing of the DVD’s HD concert footage and surround sound on the big screen at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood with an introduction by Steve Vai himself. All proceeds benefit Hollywood Arts an organization of which Vai has been a member of the board of directors since 2007. “I’m thrilled to be sponsoring this event in support of such a vital organization as Hollywood Arts. I have personally seen how this institute has mended broken spirits and changed the quality of people’s lives while cultivating them to become valuable contributors in building a healthier society.” says Vai.

Along with the screening, there will be a silent auction to further raise money for Hollywood Arts with many donated, rare items from fellow musicians and celebrities. Also, there is an Ebay auction as well with many items being listed in the next few days leading to the event. List of Items and Details of Event…Here.

Tickets for the event are $25 for general admission. If you are a student of MI, the tickets are $15. Now, if you want to participate in the “Evo-Experience,” a private Q and A with Steve Vai prior to the event and limited to only 100 attendees, the admission is $199.

Also, guest appearances will include most of the musicians in the touring band, including myself (I played a bit of lap steel here and there). So, I hope to see you there for a great night out in support of a good cause!

The newest Postmarks collection, Memoirs at the End of the World, trades in the low-key atmospherics of their 1st release for the big sound of the cinema. While the self titled debut took it’s cues from Bossa Nova, Bacharach, and the baroque pop of the late 60’s, Memoirs has upped the ante with arrangements, courtesy of band members Jonathan Wilkins and Christopher Moll, that recall the film scores of Lalo Schifrin, Henry Mancini, and John Barry. This is good news. It sets The Postmarks apart from the pack of Ivy /Softies/ Camera Obscura clones while daring Postmarks fans to ascend to a new level.

Key to the album are the beguiling vocals of Tim Yehezkely. In an age where American Idol Shriekathons pass for singing, it’s a pleasure to hear the intimate and sophisticated vocal work of lead singer/songwriter Yehezkely. Whether it’s the Bondish “Thorn In Your Side” or the driving “For Better Or Worse,” the spooky “Run Away Love,” which could have been an outtake from Rosemary’s Baby,  or the sassy pop of “Go Jetsetter,” The Postmarks grand cinematic gesture connects on so many levels. Bombastic, sweet, romantic, or elaborate, The Postmarks, like the soundtracks they emulate, have all of the moods covered. A great 2nd effort. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.