Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Article: Pressed to the Edge: Why Vinyl Hype is Destroying the Record

I was just talking with someone about this… where the big guy comes in and steps on the little guy - and a whole industry can pay the price. 

"But there are indicators that the majors are actively trying to secure substantial vinyl production capacity at the remaining pressing plants. How? By paying in advance. There might even be presses completely reserved for certain companies. That techno EP can wait – Led Zeppelin can’t. In the course of researching this article, we received emails that confirm such requests by the majors.

If this is the case – and the pressing plants are denying it – it would mean that the majors are attempting to buy their way into an industry that they played a significant role in destroying. And they are attempting once again to starve the indie labels, the very labels that never gave up on vinyl. On Record Store Day, when the shops are full of specially-made vinyl records and customers wait in line for these limited editions, the pressing plants have already had many hard weeks of work leading up to it. Who knows how many machines were quickly patched-up in lieu of a proper repair? Nobody has time to take a breath. The next releases are already on standby, and the machines continue to run at a furious pace."

(Via Pressed to the Edge: Why vinyl hype is destroying the record.)

Monday, December 28, 2015

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Let’s get this last week of 2015 started off right.  Teen angst is displayed on a gorgeously shot backdrop by CHVRCHES on Empty Threat.  Miike Snow goes Matrix with his Heart is Full.  Lastly is a beautiful video by Tuskha with The Program.

Bonus:  Panda Bear goes kaleidoscopic with their trippy new video for Crosswords.

Columbia House - Then & Now

With Columbia House in the news lately, announcing their vinyl initiative (details below) - I was reminded of this film I wanted to share about the height of their CD business!  What a superb look into a bygone world.

"Filmmaker Chris Wilcha captured what it was like working at Columbia House during this boom time in a low-key, first-person documentary called The Target Shoots First. Wilcha—who started off in the marketing department as an assistant product manager and was soon promoted to product manager—took a camcorder to work and captured the absurdity and mundanity of the company at that moment in time. He filmed scenes not just in the company’s New York offices, but also at the massive Terre Haute, Indiana, manufacturing, customer service, and distribution center (which employed 3,300 people in 1996) as well as an amusing Aerosmith in-store appearance and a trade-show rendezvous with David Hasselhoff."

(Via Four Columbia House insiders explain the shady math behind “8 CDs for a penny” · Expert Witness · The A.V. Club.)

 And then going forward… 

NewImage

"To put it mildly, Columbia House has seen better days. The mail-order service went bankrupt this summer, and it's hard to see the allure of regularly buying movie discs when downloads and streaming are within easy reach. The company thinks it has an answer, however: it's restarting the Columbia House Record Club with a focus on vinyl records. It's betting that the resurgence of the old format and the popularity of subscription services (think Birchbox or Lootcrate) will draw in a younger audience. Columbia hasn't nailed down the launch details yet, but it'd return to the outlet's roots with membership and steep discounts."

(Via Columbia House hopes you'll come back for vinyl records.)

Monday, December 21, 2015

Video Day #tzachill

This new Tame Impala caught me by surprise, with it’s smooth groove and sexy video for The Less I Know the Better.  Eleanor Friedberger has a great new song and video for He Didn’t Mention His Mother.  Saintseneca performed in a Columbus drainage tunnel for How Many Blankets Are In The World?

 

 

Bonus:  Laura Cantrell is back with a Rolling Stone premiere for her new Bewitched-inspired video for Can’t Wait.

Article: How Indie Rock Changed the World

Cleaning up some older articles I wanted to share - this one with a Cleveland reference!

"Unlike hip-hop, that other Gen X art form, which originated in New York and later developed regional variants, indie got its start in emphatically local and often unlikely settings. Its fertile crescent was provincial American cities and college towns. Indie rock took off in places such as Athens, Georgia; Olympia, Washington; and my own hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, though most big cities also had a scene, and each had its own distinctive ecosystem. In Cleveland and New York City, for instance, where thrashy, locomotive hardcore music had a long reign, white boys predominated and girls were scarce. In Olympia, as in Boston, there were sympathetic college radio stations, more women, and more of an art-school atmosphere to the enterprise."

(Via How Indie Rock Changed the World - The Atlantic.)

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Video Day #tzaupbeat

NEW ROBYN with La Bagatelle Magique for Love is Free ft. Maluca (and the video was directed by SSION!).  Missy Elliott finally presents WTF with Pharrell, and Grimes gets weird with Flesh without Blood/Life in the Vivid Dream.

 

 

Bonus:  Peaches tears it down with I Mean Something

Article: Cleveland Museum of Art Wins Award for ‘Adventurous Programming’

Great stuff happening over at the Cleveland Museum of Art (glad I’m a member!).

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"Throughout the year, the Cleveland Museum of Art presents a slew of terrific music and arts-related performances. Several exotic groups play its annual Summer Solstice party, and the museum regularly brings avant garde groups to perform at the Transformer Station in Ohio City.

All that additional programming hasn’t gone unnoticed. The museum has recently won the 2016 Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. According to the press release announcing the award, the annual awards recognize ‘U.S.-based professional ensembles and presenters for distinctive programming of music composed within the past 25 years.’ "

(Via Cleveland Museum of Art Wins Award for ‘Adventurous Programming’ | Scene and Heard: Scene's News Blog | Cleveland Scene.)

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Video Day #tzachill

The Tallest Man on Earth shows off some of his moves in the Darkness of the Dream!  Saintseneca has some Bad Ideas in this new video.  Jon and Roy bring the vintage winter for Come Again. 

Bonus:  With 

Sunday, December 6, 2015

PWR BTTM (12/5/15)

This would be the third show, in three nights, in three cities that weren’t Cleveland.  This show was worth the drive, though a stop at Fat Heads Brewery helped.  Opening was Joey Nebulous from Chicago, though from his interaction with the crowd - I feel like he was of local kin. 

Joe Nebulous (12/5/15)

PWR BTTM has been a recent favorite - from the moment I started listening to Ugly Cherries. Their last-minute announcement of their show was pretty exciting, and seeing it in Oberlin topped off the night. Their post-gay punk pop sound is refreshing.  

PWR BTTM (12/5/15)

PWR BTTM (12/5/15)

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas (12/4/15)

Same said Columbus friend also had recommended Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas a while back - but I wasn’t able to make it until this past Friday at Musica.  What a stunning performance by a power house band.  Jessica has an out of body on stage energy that you can’t help be be mesmerized - and forced to dance.  Superb.

Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas (12/4/15)

Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas (12/4/15)

Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas (12/4/15)

Woody Pines (12/3/15)

A quick work trip to Columbus for work meant I was able to spend the night with some friends.  They had an excellent night planned with live music and some superb coal fired pizzas.  This place called Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza and Live Music operated somewhat like the Music Box Supper Club where you’re served dinner with the music - and they’re serious about their music with a full of performances.  We got to see some great bluegrass, and Woody Pines really put on a great show.  Check them out:

Woody Pines (12/3/15)

Michael Glabicki (11/25/15)

My friend in Kent had seen Michael Glabicki (the lead singer of Rusted Root) before, and had high praises for his performance.  It was the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving - so why not, I love a good night out in Kent.  A great dinner at Rays beforehand, we showed up and really were able to pick whatever seats we wanted in the venue (eek).  Overall - I enjoyed the Rusted Root songs, which has looking forward to their upcoming show at the House of Blues!

Michael Glabicki (11/25/15)

Michael Glabicki (11/25/15)

!!! (11/20/15)

You couldn’t have asked for a better show for a Friday night in Cleveland.  !!!’s last show at the Beachland was a total dance party - and expectations were high for this one.  Opening was local DJ called p.stoops who was quite good!  Would love to catch him around town again!

p.stoops (11/20/15)

!!! did a short opening set as a Stereolad, which was basically the band covering Stereolab songs - which was entertaining.  But this really heated up when they got down to their own business.

!!! (11/20/15)

!!! (11/20/15)

Dan Deacon (11/18/15)

Dan Deacon is quite the frenetic performer, with dense, luscious electronic music.  A great performance.  Check it out:

Dan Deacon (11/18/15)

Dan Deacon (11/18/15)

Lily & Madeline (11/14/15)

I’ve been loving everything that Lily & Madeline has been producing, and this was my first chance to see them headline a show (I saw them open for Over the Rhine).  Luckily I got there a little early, because they took the middle lot of the night.  Their simple folk harmonies are captivating… Check them out:

Lily & Madeline (11/14/15)

Video Day #tzaupbeat

MO’s new song Kamikaze is great, the video… well, judge for yourself.  Not too dissimilarly, Chairlift has a new song & video for Ch-Ching.  Painted Palms has dark video for Refractor.

Bonus:  Big Freedia has a new video for Crazy.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Video Day #tzaupbeat

I thought the Future Would Be Cooler too Yacht, who proves they’re the most technologically advanced band out there today.  Wild Bell goes a bit more analog with their dance-tactic video for Giving Up On You.  The dancing continues with Bloc Party’s The Love Within.

  

 

Bonus:  I’ve been a fan of Bomba Estéreo for some time, so I was a little surprised to see this hyper-produced collaboration with Will Smith.  meh.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Lakota Middle School Fall Concert 2015

In my attempt to document all my live music experiences on this blog - I now present you with my Nephew’s middle school band performance!  :-) 

Lakota Middle School Fall Concert

Lakota Middle School Fall Concert

Lakota Middle School Fall Concert

Nikki Lane (11/8/15)

I got to see Nikki Lane earlier this year, when she opened up for Shakey Graves in the Ballroom.  Her coming back to the Tavern to headline was a no-brainer.  Love her authentic, alt-country sound, particularly in the Tavern.

Nikki Lane (11/8/15)

Video Day #tzaupbeat

New Beat Connection video for Illusion, off their upcoming release "Product 3” on Oct. 23rd.  PWR BTTM has a retro fitted video for 1994.  Major Lazer is hanging out in one of the coolest restaurants around in Too Original.

Totally enjoyed this song and video for Miley from SWMRS.

Tomorrow: !!! @ Beachland Tavern

Tomorrow night is going to be a PARTY.  It was the last time that !!! (chk chk chk) came to the Beachland Tavern, and I’m expecting more of the same tomorrow night.  Their new album is superb, and you should be ready to dance!

The Audiophile Chk Chk Chk 0003

Also - if !!! is a bit much for your taste, you can slow things down with The Black Lillies show in the Ballroom - great americana/country music.

Big Freedia (11/6/15)

Big Freedia’s come a long way since her last time here back in 2013.  Now on the third season of her reality TV show, I’ve really gotten to learn much more about her whole team, including the dancers.  So watching this show was more about engaging with her burgeoning brand, than it was about going for the music.  It was great to see everyone on stage, though I can’t imagine how tiring it must be to put on a high energy show like this night after night.

Big Freedia (11/6/15)

Big Freedia (11/6/15)

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Telekinesis (10/27/15)

Telekinesis came back yet again, and this was my third time seeing them.  Once again, a fun and upbeat show… 

Telekinesis (10/27/15)

Telekinesis (10/27/15)

Indigo Girls (10/23/15)

After a great showing for Indigo Girls back during the Gay Games, they returned with Lucy Wainwright Roche opening (yay!).  While they definitely played some of their hits (see videos below), they also dusted off some of their deep cuts - and I think the crowd would have loved anything they would have done that night.  You could tell how energized this audience was, by how well it was received by the Amy & Emily.

Indigo Girls (10/23/15)

Indigo Girls (10/23/15)

The Stray Birds (10/14/15)

After a stunning performance by The Stray Birds down in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I knew this show at the Beachland Tavern was going to be special.  What’s funny was to see a glimpse into the struggle of being a band with only a single microphone.  Still, they sounded amazing.  Check them out.

The Stray Birds (10/14/15)

The Stray Birds (10/14/15)

Shamir (10/10/15)

I knew the first minute I heard Shamir’s On the Regular, I was an instant fan.  Since that popular video & song, Shamir’s popularity has shot through the roof - most recently appearing in Apple Music’s ad.  When I saw he was going to be coming to Oberlin - I knew I was in for a treat.  It’s always interesting going out there to see a show, but it’s always a lovely time.  On this night, I do think Shamir’s popularity and schedule may have gotten to him, because he wasn’t very high-energy - but he still put on a great show.  He definitely got the kids moving… 

Shamir (10/10/15)

Shamir (10/10/15)

Tom Brosseau House Concert (10/7/15)

My best house concert yet!  Tom Brosseau was so kind, gentle, and has such a smooth voice.  I couldn’t believe that I was even able to pull this one off. His next stop was going to be Prairie Home Companion!  I’m hoping to be able to post the whole concert on my YouTube channel soon.

Tom Brosseau (10/7/15)

Tom Brosseau (10/7/15)

Hingetown Hoedown 2015 (10/3/15)

I was so glad to support this great event through their Kickstarter campaign - and despite the weather, the event was excellent.  This little hingetown layout is great for these types of little festivals.  I’m already ready for next year.

Hingetown Hoedown 2015

Hingetown Hoedown 2015

Hingetown Hoedown 2015

Cleveland Orchestra (9/24/15)

It’s not often that I make it to see a Cleveland Orchestra performance, but it’s always a treat when it happens.  This performance of Mozart - Symphony No. 41 (“Jupiter”) and Strauss' An Alpine Symphony was superb, with the stage packed full for this performance.  Of course Severance Hall itself is as much a part of the experience as is the music.

Cleveland Orchestra (9/24/15)

Cleveland Orchestra (9/24/15)

Heights Music Hop 2015

Another great Heights Music Hop on Lee Rd. in Cleveland Heights.  Last year I was able to bring my Sister, this year it was my Father and his girlfriend.  What a great way to show off your neighborhood to visitors!  As usual, The Wine Spot was ground zero for me.

Heights Music Hop 2015

Heights Music Hop 2015

The Bottlehouse Brewery was the closing party destination (again) and was packed and vibrant.

Heights Music Hop 2015

Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche (9/17/15)

Any show with Lucy Wainwright Roche is superb, but there’s something special about her performing with her mother - one of the sisters from The Roches.  The stories and music were both touching and fun.  These are some classy ladies.

Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche (9/17/15)

Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche (9/17/15)

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Video Day #tzachill

Boy & Bear have a playful (and kinda freaky) new video for Walk the Wire.  Brick + Mortar with a moving video for Hollow Tune.  My favorite Canadian folksters have a new album and video out for Ripples.

Braids is continuing to make some waves, particularly with this (classy) NSFW video for Taste.

Horse Feathers (9/16/15)

Going back to September to get caught up... ouch.  I feel a new years resolution coming on.  In the meantime, I don’t have a lot to say about this show.  I’d seen them before and it was pretty good, and it’s pretty much the same for this night.  However, their recorded stuff has really started to grow on me.  I enjoy it enough that I’ll probably keep coming back to see these guys.

Horse Feathers (9/1/15)

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Disclosure’s new album is a treat, and this video for Magnets with Lorde is just a taste.  Commandeur is a new face that I randomly stumbled upon, but love the sound - and will be looking forward to a full release soon.  Hot Chip is hot as ever, with Dancing in the Dark.

Bonus (NSFW):  Once again, Ejecta thrills us again, with her great voice and electronics - and her tatas.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

The Dø - Miracles (A Short Film)

This is amazing.  The Dø has been one of my favorite alt-pop bands for quite a while.  Well, they seemed to have packaged much of their album (in clips) into a single video / short film.  It’s only 12+ minutes, and trust me - it’s worth it.
0602 TheDo

Monday, October 5, 2015

New Music Venue in Tremont!

A new music venue is coming to Tremont on October 16th!

Coda graffiti wall

"The club will be open Thursday through Monday, with various nights devoted to certain musical genres – think Blues Sunday or Friday Night Rock. Those shows will be supplemented by some ticketed, private-invite concerts with high-profile special guests. Todd Rundgren has already signed up for one. There will be no deejays, only live music. On Sundays, before the main act, Boccuzzi might roll out an all-ages show. "

(Via With Coda, Dante Boccuzzi Advances his Live Music Agenda | Scene and Heard: Scene's News Blog | Cleveland Scene.)

Friday, September 25, 2015

Video Day #tzachill

A new tour video from Brandi Carlile for Wherever is Your Heart!  I don’t know much about Troye Sivan other than he just put out this sweet video for WILD.  Ibeyi has a touchy new video for Stranger / Lover.

Bonus:  I would have not expected to put a Stromae video in the “chill” video day post, but this is a low key, creepy, and quite impactful video about cancer.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Video Day #tzaupbeat

A new video for Shamir, for In for the Kill (the song is better than the video) - and who’s tickets go on sale this morning for his show in Oberlin!  Disclosure just released another video for their soon-to-be released new album.  And Duke Dumont released this (lyric?) video for Ocean Drive.

 

Bonus: Last week was Miley, this week Taylor - the two big stories from the recent VMA’s (anyone watch it?).  I’m a sucker for super sweet pop music when it’s well-produced - which this is, like it’s video.

Tonight: Horse Feathers @ Beachland Tavern

I don’t even remember seeing Horse Feathers back in 2010, but thanks to my blog memory I can see they were the  first band I “reviewed” under this newest blog moniker.  As usual, I didn’t write a whole lot, but enough to remind me that I should probably go to this show on Wednesday (Beachland Tavern / $14).  Besides, it’s been quiet on the concert front around here lately (it’s both our faults…) - so I’ve been itching for some shows.  I’ve been listening to their new stuff and it should be a really good show!

Monday, September 14, 2015

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Let’s get this week started on an upbeat note.  This Macklemore & Ryan Lewis song and video for Downtown is good enough to re-watch multiple times (and is now the reason I’m in love with Eric Nally). This Sylvan Esso is not so much a new video - but I missed it the first time around and it made me realize how good these guys are.  Ezra continues to tug at my heart strings with Lousy Connection.

Bonus.  I know everyone is hating on Miley, but I’m kinda enjoying this ride she’s taking us on.  This video is grossly intriguing.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Motley Crue (8/18/15)

Finally caught up with my concerts, and it’s hard to believe that this was the last show that I saw!  But the concert scene has been a little quite lately, and I’ve been quite busy celebrating my 40th.  This concert plays well into my birthday however, because Motley Crue was the first (real) concert I ever went to, and was my first with my sister.  So when I heard this was going to be their last tour ever - I called my sister up and said let’s go!

It was quite the spectacle of a show, which was great.  We were so far up though, the sound was mediocre.  Still - one last time with the Crue was worth it.

Motley Crue (8/18/2015)

Motley Crue (8/18/2015)

Motley Crue (8/18/2015)

 

"Yeah, Tuesday was what could be dubbed 'the second annual farewell tour show'' by Lee and his Motley Crue bandmates – vocalist Vince Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars – and was 'officially'' the last date here by Motley Crue."

(Via Motley Crue goes out with a bang -- maybe (photos, concert review) | cleveland.com.)