Friday, March 29, 2019
Cool, New Indie Playlist April 2019: "New" Marvin Gaye, Son Volt on Reality Winner, Arthur Brown Goes Viral
Cool, New Music for April 2019
Alex Van Pelt Tum Tum
Andrew Bird My Finest Work Yet
Better Oblivion Community Center (feat Conor Oberst & Phoebe Bridgers) "Little Trouble" (single)
Calexico & Iron & Wine "Father Mountain" (single)
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown "Fire" (1968 hit goes viral in wake of New Zealand attack)
The Doors Transmission Impossible (3 CD collection of concert, radio, and TV performances.
The Drums Brutalism
Finn Andrews One Piece At A Time
Jenny Lewis On The Line feat "Red Bull & Hennessy"
Marvin Gaye "You're The Man" lost follow-up to 1971's What's Going On finally sees the light of day... and it's fantastic!
Mikal Cronin "Undertow" (single)
Modest Mouse "Poison The Well" (single)
Renny Conti The Horse (EP)
Sad Planets "Yesterday Girls" (single) The Black Keys' drummer Patrick Carney hooks up with John Petkovic for this cool, new project. The Black Keys have a new single out, "Lo/Hi", their first in 5 years; part of a new forthcoming album.
Son Volt Union feat "Reality Winner". Americana icon Jay Farrar (many of his old Uncle Tupelo bandmates went on to form Wilco) returns to form with a partisan political album "ripped from the headlines" yet speaking to the same deeper truths as Woody Guthrie and Joe Hill (a Farrar "collaborator" on "Rebel Girl" here - Farrar put new music to lyrics written by the activist who was murdered by The State in 1915).
Spiral Stairs We Wanna Be Hyp-No-Tized. The *other* guitar genius from Pavement releases an eclectic new blend of sounds. A good solid album from Scott Kannberg AKA Spiral Stairs
Ty Segall Deforming Lobes (live) Produced by the legendary Steve Albini, the songs were recorded at three live shows in L.A. in January 2018 (feat Mikal Cronin on bass). It's monstrously awesome.
Various Artists A Celebration of The Songs of Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit) feat Craig Finn, Julien Baker, Kevin Devine, Ben Gibbard & Aaron Dessner. Free download
The Yardbirds Live And Rare
Special Mention: Straight Outta Thailand: RAP AGAINST DICTATORSHIP - ประเทศกูมี #RapAgainstDictatorship #ประเทศกูมี (Subtitles) As seen on Hasan Minhaj's Patriot Act, the video that is rocking the hell out of Thailand at the moment, with an amazing 60,000,000 views!
Cool, New Song "Reality Winner" by Son Volt Supports Whistleblower & Political Prisoner (Audio)
Those that seek the truth will find the answers...
Son Volt, fronted by Jay Farrar (Uncle Tupelo) has a new album coming out. It features the song "Reality Winner", calling for the release of Reality Winner, the whistleblower and political prisoner pictured above. #FreeRealityWinner
Paste Magazine: Power to the People: Son Volt's Jay Farrar Gets Back to His Roots
“It started with her name, which stands out,” Farrar says. “She leaked information for all the right reasons and is doing hard time right now. I hope the song brings awareness to her plight.” from St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Son Volt addresses political climate and more on new album 'Union'
You can learn more about Reality Winner at StandWithReality.org:
Today is Reality's 664th Day behind bars.
Who is Reality Leigh Winner?
Reality Leigh Winner is a 25-year-old veteran who has dedicated her career to serving the United States. Prior to becoming a federal contractor, she served in the Air Force for 6 years, including as a language analyst — Winner speaks Pashto, Farsi, and Dari.
She was honored with the Air Force Commendation Medal, for members who have “distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement and service.” The award noted that she “provided over 1,900 hours of enemy intelligence exploitation and assisted in geolocating 120 enemy combatants.”
She has no criminal history. Her stepfather described her as “a patriot.” Her mother Billie Winner-Davis said, “She loves children. She loves animals … She’s not a threat to anyone.”
Outside of her work, she is a yoga instructor and dedicated social justice advocate who speaks out in defense of racial justice and human rights on social media.
Six years in the Air Force
Made it to E-4 Rank
With the Ninety-Fourth Intelligence Squadron
Awarded a medal of commendation
On this election interference
The intel report was plain and laid bare
For this job with the NSA
The intel was there, just couldn't look away
What have you done, Reality Winner?
Reality Winner, what have you done?
What have you done, Reality Winner?
Reality Winner, what have you done?
This jail is a stone-cold answer
The biggest mistake of a Texas lifetime
In this ballad of the commander-in-chief
Is there any mercy for this standing belief?
Felt like gaslighting, not something to just accept
Proud to serve, just not this President
Those that seek the truth will find the answers
Those that seek the truth will find the answers
What have you done, Reality Winner?
Reality Winner, what have you done?
What have you done, Reality Winner?
Reality Winner, what have you done?
What have you done, Reality Winner?
Reality Winner, what have you done?
What have you done? What have you done?
What have you done? What have you done?
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Cool, New Song: "Yesterday Girls" by Sad Planets (John Petkovic & Patrick Carney of The Black Keys)(Video)
Sad Planets is a new project from singer/guitarist John Petkovic (best known for his work with Death Of Samantha, Cobra Verde, and Guided By Voices) and Patrick Carney (the drummer from The Black Keys).
Additional guest guitar on the album is provided by Dinosaur Jr's J Mascis, who also plays with Petkovic in Sweet Apple.
This video features Patrick and legendary Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome playing pool at Springwater Supper Club & Lounge, the famed dive bar in Nashville.
Akron, Ohio, the debut album from Sad Planets, is out April 19 on Tee Pee Records.
You can pre-order the album here...
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Straight Outta Thailand: RAP AGAINST DICTATORSHIP - ประเทศกูมี #RapAgainstDictatorship #ประเทศกูมี (Subtitles)
Straight Outta Thailand: RAP AGAINST DICTATORSHIP - ประเทศกูมี
As seen on Hasan Minhaj's Patriot Act, the video that is rocking the hell out of Thailand at the moment, with an amazing 60,000,000 views!
RAP AGAINST DICTATORSHIP - ประเทศกูมี #RapAgainstDictatorship #ประเทศกูมี
Mikal Cronin Releases New, Cool Single "Undertow"
Mikal Cronin, has a new single and is working on a new album. Besides having three well-received solo albums, he's also known for playing bass with Ty Segall.
In 2017, Mikal teamed up with Sonic Youth icon Kim Gordon as Self Esteem to record "War/Golden God", an anti-Trump screed part of the 100-track collection Our First 100 Days:
ThisSmallPlanet.com Original Live Concert Videos of Mikal Cronin:
Monday, March 25, 2019
Cool, Free Download of Tribute to Scott Hutchinson (Frightened Rabbit) feat Julien Baker, Craig Finn, Aaron Dessner, Ben Gibbard, Kevin Devine
The late Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit last December 5 was honored at a New York City tribute concert by friends such as The Hold Steady's Craig Finn, Boygenius' Julien Baker, The National's Aaron Dessner, and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie/The Postal Service).
Here is a statement from the surviving members of Frightened Rabbit:
This night was not a night of mourning or a night of sadness but a celebration of an extremely special person and the music [Scott Hutchison] created. Scott inspired everyone who met him, heard his lyrics or saw his art. We feel his loss every day but we are all in this together and we carry on strengthened by the support of the people involved in this recording and those around the world who have been affected by Scott‘s passing.
A huge thank you goes out to Ben Gibbard, Craig Finn, Aaron Dessner, Julien Baker and Kevin Devine for their support, love and kindness in being involved. We want to encourage people who listen to this to laugh, cry, hug and sing in your worst Scottish accent at the top of your lungs and keep the spirit of Scott alive in all our hearts and all our voices. While we’re alive let’s all make tiny changes to Earth.
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Spring Equinox 2019 Cool New Music; Indie Rock Playlist For A Doomed Nation
COOL, NEW MUSIC - SPRING 2019
Alex Van Pelt Tum Tum
Andrew Bird My Finest Work Yet
Better Oblivion Community Center (feat Conor Oberst & Phoebe Bridgers) "Little Trouble" (single)
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown "Fire" (1968 single)
The Doors Transmission Impossible (3 CD collection of concert, radio, and TV appearances)
The Drums Brutalism
Ex Hex It's Real
Fat White Family Serf's Up!
Finn Andrews One Piece At A Time
Foals Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part I
Foxygen "Living A Lie" (single)
Jenny Lewis On The Line
Karen O & Danger Mouse Lux Prima
Meat Puppets Dusty Notes
Paul Weller Other Aspects, Live At The Royal Festival Hall
Rory Gallagher Live At The Beat Club (video)
Spiral Stairs We Wanna Be Hyp-No-Tized
Stella Donnelly Beware Of The Dogs
Steve Earle & The Dukes Guy (Tribute To Guy Clark)
Tom Petty The Best Of Everything 1976 - 2016
Alex Van Pelt Tum Tum - very catchy indie pop from this talented Frenchman
Andrew Bird My Finest Work Yet - very good new album
Better Oblivion Community Center (feat Conor Oberst & Phoebe Bridgers) "Little Trouble" (single) - Video of "Little Trouble" live at San Luis Obispo, California, March 11, 2019
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown "Fire" (1968 single). Arthur was shocked to learn the New Zealand shooter wanted to use his song "Fire" as the theme song of his murder spree last week which he live-streamed on Facebook for 17 minutes before authorities blocked it.
The Doors Transmission Impossible (3 CD collection of concert, radio, and TV appearances)
The Drums Brutalism
Ex Hex It's Real
Fat White Family Serf's Up!
Finn Andrews One Piece At A Time
Foals Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part I
Foxygen "Living A Lie" (single)
Jenny Lewis On The Line
Karen O & Danger Mouse Lux Prima
Meat Puppets Dusty Notes
Paul Weller Other Aspects, Live At The Royal Festival Hall
Rory Gallagher Live At The Beat Club (video)
Spiral Stairs We Wanna Be Hyp-No-Tized. Pavement's "other" singer/songwriting guitarist strikes again!
Stella Donnelly Beware Of The Dogs
Steve Earle & The Dukes Guy (Tribute To Guy Clark)
Tom Petty The Best Of Everything 1976 - 2016
Friday, March 22, 2019
Arthur Brown Reclaims His Psychedelic Classic "Fire" (1968) From The New Zealand Shooter
In the middle of last week's murderous madness in New Zealand, eagle-eyed producer and rock historian Martin Lewis noticed the mosque shooter had chosen The Crazy World of Arthur Brown's 1968 British psychedelic classic "Fire" - which begins with the dramatic spoken declaration "I AM THE GOD OF HELLFIRE!!!" - as the apparent theme song of his Facebook live-streamed killing spree.
Martin Lewis contacted the now 77 year-old Brown who was in Austin for SXSW.
Arthur was horrified and had this to say:
“As co-writer and performer of the song ‘Fire’, and creator of ‘The God of Hellfire’ persona, I would like to express my horror and sadness in the use of ‘Fire’, in an act of terror in New Zealand. My heart goes out to all the victims and families of victims of this atrocity – and to all the communities affected. I should like to say that I support no group or individual that uses terrorist tactics and killing as a means of dealing with other beliefs than their own.
I believe that all religions reach for the same root in the human being. I believe all people of all colours and all races deserve equal respect. I also believe that all people have a duty of care towards each other and all creatures on this earth.”
Martin Lewis, who produced The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979) concert & film (feat Billy Connolly, members of Monty Python, Pete Townshend, and Tom Robinson) for Amnesty International, added:
“I think Arthur did remarkably well. He is a truly creative man. He defines that phrase ‘ahead-of-his-time’. He never reaped the full rewards of being a pioneer of that style of music. That success fell to other artists. But we must recall that it’s 50 years since he was at the center of the media vortex. To suddenly have your famous creation usurped and traduced into an anthem for a massacre by a vicious white supremacist was just paralyzing to Arthur. It took him time to process and respond. I give Arthur major props for navigating this crisis with such grace and dignity. His statement speaks volumes.
“Now we music fans have a role to play. There was a famous moment in 1987 when U2 covered ‘Helter Skelter’ and Bono introduced it by saying ‘This is a song Charles Manson stole from The Beatles. Well we’re stealing it back.’ For all those of us who admire Arthur Brown, the many artists he influenced and the power of Arthur’s song ‘Fire’ – it is up to us to steal ‘Fire’ back from white supremacists – and restore it to its place in the pantheon of great rock songs. Don’t let ‘Fire’ become an anthem of hate. I suggest that contemporary artists should perform the song live as a show of support. And fans should express their views too. Hashtag: #ReclaimFire”
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Woodstock 50, Watkins Glen, NY., August 16/17/18, 2019: Santana, John Fogerty, boygenius, Courtney Barnett, Dead & Company, The Raconteurs (feat Jack White), Gary Clark, Jr., Hot Tuna, Robert Plant, Melanie, John Sebastian, The Black Keys, Brandi Carlile, The Zombies, Pussy Riot, Canned Heat, Cage The Elephant...
Monday, March 18, 2019
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Spring Has Sprung! New Cool Indie Rock Playlist for March 2019
New & Good
Alex Van Pelt Tum Tum
Conor Oberst & Phoebe Bridgers Better Oblivion Community Center. Great new album; currently on tour... good excuse to check out Phoebe's 2017 debut Strangers In The Alps and her 2018 collaboration boygenius.
Ex Hex It's Real
Fat White Family Serf's Up
Foals Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part I
Foxygen Seeing Other People
Karen O & Danger Mouse Lux Prima
Meat Puppets Dusty Notes
Paul Weller Other Aspects, Live at the Royal Festival Hall
Sun Kil Moon I Also Want To Die In New Orleans
Stella Donnelly Beware Of The Dogs
Steve Earle & The Dukes Guy (Tribute to Guy Clark)
Susanna Garden Of Earthly Delights
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers The Best Of Everything 1976 - 2016
Y La Bamba Mujeres
Eagerly Anticipating
Marvin Gaye You're The Man. The lost follow-up to What's Going On finally sees the light of day.
Archival
Sam Cooke Rare Songs
Curtis Mayfield: Stunning video on YouTube of an appearance on German television in 1972. Starts with a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)"....
Heavy Rotation
Albert Hammond Jr., Filthy Friends, Johnny Marr, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Bob Mould, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Stephen Malkmus, Mark Sultan...
Friday, March 15, 2019
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
ThisSmallPlanet.com Review: Conor Oberst & Phoebe Bridgers Bring Better Oblivion live to San Luis, March 11, 2019; Debut New Song "Little Trouble" (Videos)
ThisSmallPlanet.com Live Videos:
Conor and Phoebe dropped the Better Oblivion Community Center album unexpectedly, then appeared on Colbert and CBS This Morning Saturday Sessions before starting this US and European tour.
The opening act, Sloppy Jane, caught a lot of people by surprise and put on a hell of a show.
There was also a brand new Better Oblivion song "Little Trouble". Conor explained it was meant to be available as a 7" on tour but hadn't arrived in time:
Conor and Phoebe both seemed relaxed and in fine form, performing for an appreciative young audience.
Set List for Better Oblivion Community Center feat. Phoebe Bridgers & Conor Oberst, Fremont Theater, San Luis Obispo, California, Monday, March 11, 2019:
More ThisSmallPlanet.com Videos:
It was a great show. A come back for Conor and a triumph for Phoebe. I'm sure there is much more to come from our friends at The Better Oblivion Community Center...
One of my favorite songs...
"Lua"
ThisSmallPlanet.com live videos of Conor appearing as Bright Eyes at the Fox Theater, Oakland, April 12, 2011:
Phoebe's side project: boygenius. An indie supergroup consisting of Phoebe, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker. They released an EP in 2018. Here they are live at KEXP:
On February 13, 2019, The New York Times published an article which documented serious allegations of abusive and manipulative behavior against rocker Ryan Adams by several female artists, including Phoebe Bridgers. Phoebe later issued a further statement on Instagram as a caption on a boygenius photo:
Many fans think Phoebe's breakthrough album Stranger In The Alps contains numerous thinly-veiled references to Adams.
"Here's a song about somebody I hate..."
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Cool, New Song (First In 5 Years!) from The Black Keys: "Lo/Hi" (Audio)
I was a fan back in the day and was pleased when they became successful... then I started to feel they got over-played...
But they've been gone for 5 years now; we can listen with fresh ears, and this new song is pretty cool...
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Classic 1972 Aretha Gospel Documentary Out in April For The First Time (Trailer)
We've long loved the album Amazing Grace that Aretha Franklin recorded with a gospel choir in L.A. in 1972.
Next month, for the first time ever, we will be seeing the video documentary footage, also called Amazing Grace, that was shot at the time the album was recorded.
By all counts, it is as amazing as the album. Here's the trailer. The film will be out in April.
Cool, New Song "Come Get Me" by Stephen Malkmus (Video)
From the new album, Groove Denied out March 15 on Matador.
Pre-order the album: here...
Stephen Malkmus, guitarist extraordinaire, best known for his work with Pavement and The Jicks, emerges with a new solo album.
Although advertised as "electronica" it goes well beyond typical dance club fare and often inhabits territory very familiar to Malkmus' past fans.
There are several strong songs here, a few of which would have fit perfectly on a Jicks album. But overall he's trying to do something different here. Kudos for working outside the box.
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Jim James, Sean Lennon, and Les Claypool of Primus Announce 2019 Tour
Jim James of My Morning Jacket and The Claypool Lennon Delirium (featuring Sean Lennon and Les Claypool of Primus) announce a summer co-headlining tour:
JUNE
21 - Salt Lake City, UT - Eccles Theater
22 - Bonner, MT - KettleHouse Amphitheater *
24 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox
25 - Vancouver, BC - The Commodore Ballroom
27 - Portland, OR - Oregon Zoo Amphitheater
JULY
2 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
3 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
5 - Paso Robles, CA - Vina Robles Amphitheater
* = w/ Built to Spill