Cure for the Mondays: Kate Nash - "I Hate You This Christmas"

Kate Nash - " I Hate You This Christmas"

We're just trying to fit in a little more Christmas before the New Year.



The always amazing Kate Nash has brought her bold voice and keen sassiness to the Holidays with the release her "Have Faith with Kate Nash this Christmas" EP. Joining her in this endeavor is the West London female buzz-pop trio the Tuts. A great mix of beautifully rendered traditional songs with a few new originals to round off the record. This EP is a great acquisition to finish off this Christmas season and to enjoy for years to come.

Living Room Performance: Mel Washington - "A Chorus of Hallelujahs

Mel Washington - "A Chorus of Hallelujahs"
November 17th, 2013
Cleavland, TN



This lovely mash up of Leonord Cohen's "Hallelujah" and the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah makes for a breathtakingly beautiful song and a unique but fitting addition to Mel Washington's Christmas EP Celebration. Known for his bluesy soulfulness, Washington has created a wonderful holiday album with the help of Sarra Sedghi that blends finely rendered classics with uniquely altered versions of other well known songs including this one.
It might be too late for this year, but pick it up a copy to enjoy it for next Christmas. It quite easily could become a new holiday tradition.    

From the Shelf: Ghost & Goblin - SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND (2013)

Ghost & Goblin
SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND
Self-released

One truly unique album, SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND has the feel of a jazzy synth nightmare. With a sound that falls somewhere between a Bowie concept album and a Rocky Horror Picture Show for a new generation. New York’s Ghost & Goblins latest record is a moody masterpiece.

Filled with boldly interesting songs, this album's tracks range from the weighty concussivness of the mostly instrumental freak-out of “Fleshcraft/The Transfiguration” to the loungey madman’s rant of "Rust Golem". Ripe with atmosphere these 11 songs are dark little gems perfect for a stormy night or a dreary afternoon.

Easily my favorite underdog album of the year, SUPERHORRORCASTLELAND is a 2013 album that shouldn’t be missed. So check them out and order it on some sweet colored vinyl. 

Living Room Performance: Joe Bonamassa w/ Beth Hart - "I'll Take Care of You"

Joe Bonamassa w/ Beth Hart - "I'll Take Care of You"

The Beacon Theater

November 5th, 2011



Known to surround herself with some of the best guitarists on earth Beth Hart has the sass to keep them on their toes. With the voice of an angry angel she can transition from dirty rock to graceful soul with out batting an eye. While Joe Bonamassa is some what of a guitar savant, and has been providing just the right six-string canvas for Hart to belt her songs. Their latest collaboration Seesaw, released this pass May, has earned them a Grammy Nomination and with any luck a little gold statue come January 26th.

Something fun for a great cause.

Dinner & A Movie Presents
A Christmas Story Screening and Silent Auction

Sunday December 8th
McMenamins' Mission Theater
1624 NW Glisan St.
Doors: 1PM /Show: 2PM
Tickets $5

Are you looking for something to get you in the Holiday mood while helping others in need have a better Christmas, here's your chance. Dinner & A Movie, a local non-profit that mentors impoverished families, is hosting a fun holiday event for families. Kick off the holiday season by seeing this classic film and do a little
Christmas shopping at the SILENT AUCTION. All proceeds will be used to provide Christmas gifts, meals and activities for the impoverished families D& M works with.
So this Sunday afternoon come have a little fun and make a difference while doing it. I double dog dare you!

10 Questions: The Black Whisky Union

LA's The Black Whisky Union was fittingly born in a dive bar in Burbank called the Tin Horn Flats. With just a tinge of Hollywood seediness their jazzy rock 'n' roll  is infectiously fun. Bold and powerful, this talented three piece is fronted by the stunning Brit Sheriden who might look familur from her work in front of the camera as a model and actress in shows like Supernatural.
Set to release part three of their EP trilogy in early 2014 the band had a lot to talk to BLS about.

BLS:  To get started, why don’t you tell us a little about the band. How did you guys come together? Where did you derive your name from? What made you choose it?

Jim: We met at this dive bar in Burbank called Tin Horn Flats... Brit was a waitress and Michael, and myself we patrons looking for a singer.  As we were started writing songs, we would drink a bit... Brit would have her Irish Whisky, I would have my Scotch Whisky, and Michael would have his tequila or Jager... Aka Mexican Whisky/German Whisky.
Combine the 3 whiskers and you get Black... The Union is our bond as friends and partners.

Brit: I had been looking to form a band for a long time and when I met Jim and Wess I knew we were gonna create something awesome. We all clicked from the beginning when we met at good ole Tinhorn Flats. Every writing session we would reward ourselves with a drink of our choice. Which all of our drinks combined makes up the Black and being from the South I love my Whisky. The Union to me is what means the most. We all have so much respect and love for each other. We are a little family.

BLS: From instrumental phrasing to vocal delivery, your music holds a lot of Jazz elements, how does this speak to your influences as both a band and as individual musicians?


Jim: For me it's Steely Dan... They have always spoken directly to my soul. So I typically incorporate major and minor 7th's on just about every song I write. I think blending jazz chords over rock progressions and grooves helps to separate us as a band from the normal.

Michael: For me I would not consider myself a jazz drummer/player. I’m more of groove orientated rock drummer but I feel this blends well with the other styles in the band to help create our unique sound and I’ve also always been a fan of major and minor 7th’s in songs.

Brit: A lot of my inspiration comes from country and old rock music. It is what I grew up listening to. Coming up with the vocal lines for me is so much fun. I love creating something people can groove to and sing along with.

BLS: For music, LA is a complex environment being one of the main hubs of the industry. As a band what are some of the benefits of being located in LA?


Jim: The industry is down the street and lots of amazing musicians! 

Michael :Having the opportunity to have the industry here, meet people and get your music heard. You never know who you’ll run into, where they work, and how they can potentially help with getting your music heard.


Brit: There are so many benefits. We all moved here to follow our passion. I love that this town is so full of opportunity. I dreamed of getting the chance to play at some of the places I am getting to play now.


BLS: On the flip side, LA has also become known as a crowded Mecca of struggling bands and Musicians. What are some of the obstacles you face in such a saturated market?

Jim: Well.. I never think of this as a competition... We just do what we do, and if people like it... So be it.


Michael: No matter where you are major city wise there’s obviously competition. For us we really try to concentrate on good song writing, lyrics and melody. You’d be surprised how many bands don’t focus on that down here. I feel we pride ourselves on these things and helps set us apart.

Brit: In this industry you have to have tough skin. You have to believe in yourself and keep on going. 

BLS:  You’ve been sticking close to home, are there any plans in the works for more extensive touring?

Brit: We would love to. We have not had the opportunity as of yet but I have a really good feeling that is about to change.

BLS: Brit, you’ve had some great success in acting. Which came first the music or the acting?

Brit: The Music has always come first. I begged my parents for a piano at age 5 and started singing at age 8. I always loved performing though. Something about being on that stage. I didn’t get the acting bug till I was a little older and came out to LA for the first time. 


BLS: You all have individual efforts outside the band. With your busy schedules how do find time to put the work into your music? Is it hard at time to balance both?


Jim: Nights and weekends... You squeeze every ounce out of everyday.

Michael
: You find the time whenever you can. Whether it’s song writing or rehearsing. We love playing together as well so we make the time for it.


Brit: I consider music a full time job as well. It is where my heart is and I want to make a career out of it. Any time I have to dedicate to the band and music I do it. 

BLS:  As a band you have released 2 EPs in a 3 part series. Why did you choose to release your music in this format versus a long play album? When can we expect Part 3?


Jim: Well having EPs released over time meant that we could concentrate on just those 3 songs... And the audience gets us in small doses. Breaking it up into 3 parts just seemed to make the most sense. Expect part 3 in Jan... Followed by the entire collection on CD with bonus songs. 

Brit: We wanted to do something different. Not a lot of bands release their EP’s out this way. We thought it would be fun for our fans and also a great way for us to concentrate on only a couple at a time. 

BLS: From your show posters to your website, there seems to be a lot of emphasis the design of your band. Is this a conscious effort? If so why is this important to you as a band?

Jim: I think there are so many bands who don't put the effort into the details... But to create posters that look as big as signed bands... To create band ass imagery. It just all seems to fit what we are all about... The whole package.

Michael: I agree with Jim and I also feel the posters are something not only for image but also nice to look back at and see all the places you played around town.

Brit: I think it is important to have to have an image for the band. Through our posters and designs it is a way of expressing ourselves and showing who we are.

BLS: Name 5 bands you love but who few people have heard of?

Jim: Jellyfish, Dan Reed Network, Tommy Spase, Hayley Gaftarnick, King Washington.

Michael: The Shore, Doves, The Joy Formidable, Remy Zero, Dan Reed Network as well -

Brit
: The Head and The Heart, The Royal Concept. Josh Abbot Band, Ben Rector, Ryan Keen

Tuesday Double Feature: The Black Wisky Union "Little Lady London" & Celleste "Superstar (By Myself)"

This weeks Tuesday Double Feature has two videos staring strong leading ladies.

The Black Whisky Union - "Little Lady London"



The jazzy rock 'n' roll of LA based The Black Whisky Union was born out of a mutual love of music in a dive bar in Burbank. With a story like that how can you not expect something good out of this band. Set to release part 3 of their EP trilogy early in 2014, the band has great things ahead of them. To find out more check out our interview with the band.  

Celleste - "Superstar(By Myself)"



The booming powerhouse of Montreal's Celleste delivers her bluesy pop with keen attention to her musical strengths. Following up last year's Join the Infestation album Celleste has released an EP of acoustic versions of some of Infestation's more defining tunes. In addition to her own music, Celleste is also hard at work with her own record label Mighty Music. Hopefully with the new year she'll be able to find time for touring.  

Cure for the Mondays: Klischée - "Sometimes"

Klischée - "Sometimes"

Just a little something to get you out of your Turkey Weekend stupor.



If the groovy Electro Swing of Switzerland's Klischée doesn't have you nodding your head it might be more than L-tryptophan that's got a hold of you. Set to release their latest album in early February the band has provided us with a little taste. Enjoy and hope that your Monday isn't too bad.

Living Room Performance: Ben Nicholes - "I'll Just Fall"

Ben Nichols (Lucero)- "I'll Just Fall"

May 25th, 2012

Robert Child's Guitars


Lead singer of the band Lucero, Ben Nichols has done it all. With the song writing ability of a southern poet, and the rock 'n' roll heart of a biker gang him and his band are making some of the best music out there. As always the boys are on the road with dates throughout the north and south-east. Touring in support of their latest release the Texas & Tennessee EP, it shouldn't bee too long until they make it back to our part of the world.