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.

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: 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.

Wow! What a day for music in general yesterday! I must say, Jack White III (of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, and feature film It Might Get Loud) is a brilliant man. Not only is his music hip and interesting, his marketing campaigns are off the chart original and so fun to participate!

Yesterday was day one of three for a Los Angeles based pop-up shop replica of his Third Man Records & Novelties Store in Nashville, TN. An old abandoned theater in Downtown Los Angeles was taken over by Jack White III’s new label and to kick off the three day life-span of the shop, his new group The Dead Weather performed a free show in the standing room only theater. It started at 10 AM when the store adjacent to the venue opened up with lots of goodies and crates full of both common and rare vinyl records from the Third Man label, of which I purchased a sweet poster and a couple 45′s.

Then after about a half hour delay, which is understandable for an impromptu venue, The Dead Weather hit the stage and killed a twenty minute power set of their hottest tunes! Great energy from both the band and the enthused fans! I heard the capacity of the place was 700, and it was packed full and quite hot as well- (air conditioners don’t exist in abandoned theaters). But it was so worth the heat, the wait in line, and the trip to Downtown early in the morning to be a part of this music movement in it’s budding stages.

And to add to the depth of White III’s creative business style, he started this “Vault Member” program of which if you join for a reasonable fee, you get a monthly vinyl LP or 45, a T-shirt, other surprises and perks. Well, one of the perks for the “Vault” members, was priority admission to the store and venue. I, however am not a member (yet). So, I waited in line with all my fellow non-vault, common folk. I left after the performance, but at The Dead Weather’s second show of the day at The Mayan Theater show last night, a fellow fan was talking about a second special performance at a surprise Reverse Third Man Store opposite to the original store front adjacent to the venue.

Jack White III dressed as “Little Jack” Lawrence (Bassist for The Dead Weather), and “Little Jack” posed as White III. White III played bass with a long black wig, and Lawrence played piano and sang with a tight red shirt and some white makeup playing and singing the tune, “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground.” The whole room was reversed. Instead of the Third Man logo being the usual yellow, black, and round figures, it was blue, white, and with square figures. They even sold rare opposite Vinyl LPs and 45s with everything printed in reverse.

I was bummed that I missed it, because I thought the event was over. I would have loved to get at least one item in reverse because I know it’s a limited run, and anything limited by Jack White III always seems to fetch a high price on online auction sites. I’d much rather get it in person for the normal price than try and bid on a dear one! But I have a feeling he’s not done coming up with awesome events and marketing stunts! I’ll be on the alert as I plan to join the “Vault” program next time it’s available to join. And if you’re interested, check it out yourself and get in on the action with this living legend!

The 10th annual Latin Alternative Music Conference held in New York was an amalgamation of styles ranging from rock, reggae, cumbia and pop to more forward looking sounds which incorporated trance, ambient, crunk, zouk, and grindcore. Here is a quick overview of some of the standouts from the LAMC.

Juana Molina is amazing. Her hypnotic sound incorporates ambient loops with low-key vocals. “Un Dia” and “Vive Solo” are standouts, but realistically, the quality is so high, that it’s hard to leave any of her songs out.

Los Hollywood hail from Los Angeles and San Diego, California. Think 80’s powerpop, Blondie, The Motels, with a hint of Pat Benatar style rawk. Not necessarily nutritious, but not overly sugary either.

Bomba Estereo from Columbia play danceable reggae, with dub and cumbia. The infectious singing and rapping of Liliana Saumet is a real pleasure. Dancing is the main focus with Bomba Estereo. Don’t just sit their, get off your butt and move!

Natalia Lafourcade from Mexico has a great poppy sound with a desirable influx of the quirky. Hints of Kate Bush and Bjork inform her work.

RH+ from Chile clearly show the widest range of pop influences. With a mixture of electronic sounds and indie rock and just a trace of stadium rock thrown in. Their musicianship is impressive.

The Domino Saints from Puerto Rico are pretty much straight up reggae with a hint of ska. Giselle Ojeda’s spirited vocals along with some nice James Bond style twangy guitar make for good sonic fun.

Monareta from Bogota and Brooklyn play Electro /Tropical / Breakbeat. Or as their MySpace listing states: EXPLOSIVO//EXOTIC//TRONCHO//DANCEABLE//[[with some hiss and glitches]] Monareta comes to the party with a wide ranging sound palette. An emphasis on dance grooves with some b-boy rapping make for a good time.

Obviously, this is a quick run down of Latin Alternative music. Do yourself a favor and check out the links. A treasure trove of excellent music is out there for your listening pleasure.

photo credit: duziem

At first I saw Yoko Ono as a slightly nutty artist who had attached herself to a Beatle. I’ll admit that what initially drew me to her were her caterwauling shrieks on the song “Don’t Worry, Kyoko (Mummy’s Only Looking For Her Hand In The Snow)”, the b-side to John Lennon’s “Cold Turkey” a song on many a jukebox in the early 70’s. Being the obnoxious teenage twerps that we were, nothing was more fun than to go to our favorite pizza place and harass the other diners with Yoko’s collection of shrieks and screams.

Then, a funny thing happened. I realized what Yoko was attempting had honesty, bravery, and commitment. Whether fighting for woman’s rights with “She Hits Back” and “Woman Power” or melding the avant garde with rock in “Mind Train” and “Why” or calling for peace and understanding with “We’re All Water” and “Starpeace.” A readjustment of my viewpoint was in order.

By the early 80’s artists Lene Lovich and the B-52’s with a nifty Ono impersonation on “Rock Lobster”, were showing a clear indication that they too were listening to Yoko. Coupled with tributes from Sonic Youth and Elvis Costello, something new was in the air. Yoko Ono was commanding respect on her own terms.

In April 2003, a remixed version of “Walking on Thin Ice” went to number one on the dance charts. She followed this with “Everyman…Everywoman…” which also topped the charts as did “No No No”, and “I’m Not Getting Enough.” February 2007 saw the release of “Yes, I’m a Witch,” a collection of remixes and covers by artists including The Flaming Lips, Cat Power, Antony, DJ Spooky, Porcupine Tree and Peaches. Another compilation “Open Your Box” followed in April of the same year.

An invitation to the 2009 Meltdown Festival in London saw the unveiling of the new Plastic Ono Band which features her son Sean as well as Cornelius and Yuka Honda. A new Plastic Ono Band collection “Between My Head And The Sky” is due for release in September of 2009.

On June 11th, 2009 Yoko was honored with the Mojo Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. At the presentation, MOJO editor Phil Alexander commented:

“Yoko Ono helped change music as we know it, first by introducing avant-garde sensibilities to her husband and secondly, just as significantly, by continuing to push the boundaries of what was deemed the normal way after that. She is a huge influence on modern music and this award recognizes her inspirational qualities and ongoing questing.Yoko Ono is unique and we are thrilled to commemorate her lifetime on the front line.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself.