Root Down in the Shadow

Certain times of year are for certain types of music.  I only listen to holiday music between Thanksgiving and a few days before New Years Eve!  Same goes for Vince Guaraldi,  I just can't listen to his work without a chill in the air.   I would prefer the lights to be out and the bass to be up, when listening to Portishead! Summertime comes with the sun shining(longer & brighter), less clothes to be worn, and a greater sense of freedom all around.  Summertime is also the best time of year to listen to Ska or Reggae.  Whether it's punk, hip-hop or alternative infused.  Ska or Reggae of any type is best in the summer with the windows down.  Sublime(with or without Rome), Reel Big Fish, Michael Franti, Bob Marley, Skastifarians, Save Ferris, No Doubt, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Matisyahu are all better in the Summertime. Check out any of these videos.  I can't imagine any of them with snow.  'Simmer Down' by the Migh...

Dave Matthews & Co stole a page from the Perry Farrel book of festivals (Lollapalooza) and did him one better.  This year, Dave Matthews Band is hosting four three day weekends of music across the U.S. Rather than tour across the country and only get to have one or two openers, he's bringing the country to him and sharing the stage with many deserving acts.  The A.C. and Chicago dates are completely booked up with the bands, the Governors Island NY & the Gorge (George, WA) shows are still being filled out.  Both Chicago and Atlantic City have G. Love, Ray LaMontange, Dave Matthews Band 3x, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Michael Franti & Spearhead, O.A.R, Amos Lee, and David Gray. Atlantic City seems to be the bigger party, with Fitz & the Tantrums, Guster, Damian Marley, Dr. Dog and Carolina Chocolate Drops,  While also having a folk side with the Head and the Heart, Delta Spirit, and Lisa Hannigan, However, Chicago seems to have the heavy...