Root Down in the Shadow

With the high temperatures this last week culminating over the weekend, I chose to limit my inaugural visit to the XPoNential Music Festival in Camden, NJ to one band per day. There were other solid acts to see, but I didn't want to overdo it with Newport Folk Festival just 1 week away. Ted Leo @ XPoNential Music Festival On Saturday, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists took the river stage in 100 degree heat, but fortunately there was a breeze. The heat was nearly enough to keep me away, but I was determined to see the band. As it is 10 years since the release of the Tyranny of Distance, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists played the album in its entirety.  I had hoped his was kidding, when her first started, but I had my doubts as I had read previously of an anniversary show.  Why, when at a festival, and not everyone is a Ted Leo fan, would he not put his best hits out there?  But this was a 45 minute set and it did fit nicely.  I would give it a shot, if that's what they wer

Welcome back everyone! I've got a lot on my mind, but little time to do it/write it.  Here goes: LAST CONCERT: Amy Correia graced NJ during one of her limited concerts in support of You Go Your Way. Great Show, but I need to get a blanket for outdoor concerts!  Check out the review linked at her name NEXT CONCERT(s) : XPoNential Music Festival live from Camden, NJ July 22 - 24, 2011 at Wiggins Park on the Waterfront!   This is a 3 day fest, you can buy for all 3 days, or purchase individual days.  There's even a discount for xpn members.  I am thrilled as I finally get to see Ted Leo and the Pharmacists after a walking away from a venue nearly 3 years ago. I am heading out for Saturday's show on my own.  In support of The Brutalist Bricks Ted & co, take the stage @ 5:15 followed by Booker T . Booker T, is solo now, without the MG's.  He is a lifetime achievement Grammy awardee and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  If I'm lucky enough

10. Bonnaroo Turns 10! What a line up! I'm not going, but my next favorite activity after thinking about what to do with lottery winnings that I haven't won, is thinking of bands I would see at festival that I can't afford to go to. THURSDAY: Hayes Carll, Freelance Whales, Best Coast, Sleigh Bells & Deerhunter FRIDAY: Jessica Lea Mayfield, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones (the original lineup), Freelance Whales, the Decemberists, (and I would be in two places at once to also see Ray Lamontange), Florence + the Machine, Primus, Arcade Fire, and to cap off the night Big Boi! SATUDAY : the Low Anthem, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Portugal the Man, Mumford & Sons, the Black Keys, Buffalo Springfield, Eminem, Scissor Sisters **EDITOR NOTE** how effing cool is it that A. Eminem is playing Bonnaroo, but that the Scissor Sisters go on after? What a party!!!!!!!!! ******** SUNDAY: The Head and the Heart, G Love & Special Sauce, Nicole Atkins & the

I had a blast doing the precursor to this post Free Music 2010 Best of . It was a load of fun finding out more of these bands and getting to share it. I absolutely fell for Buke & Gass, the #1 from 2010, and I'm really hoping to find some gems for 2011 worth checking out their albums. Keep an eye out for these posts, anything under the Free category above or the Tools to Enjoy Music category. I will keep trying to profile all the awesome places to get new and free music available for the masses; that is, if we all know where to look! 1. Those Dancing Days 'Fuckarias from Daydreams & Nightmares : I downloaded with a CMJ March 2011 sampler. It is still free from the band's website. 'Fuckarias' from Those Dancing Days on Daydreams & Nightmares Check out their whole album on their site Thanks to alaniaegon who posted on YouTube an explanation of the song title: "'Fuckarias' pronounced in Swedish sounds somewhat like “fooh-kah-R

If I didn't have that old, job, family & responsibility thing. I'd be down in Austin this weekend for the South by SouthWest festival.  But since I do, I'll settle for a free sampler.   Follow this link to download this for your self at iTunes. EDITOR NOTE: THE OFFER HAS SINCE EXPIRED!! Enjoy!