Madison Music Review

Check out our new site

2009-12-30T15:04:00.002-06:00

Did you know that we have created a new Madison Music Review website? Check it out!http://madisonmusicreview.com/We will delete this site soon.

Photos: Jason Isbell + The 400 Unit :: November 21, 2009

2009-11-22T10:03:00.003-06:00

Modern Skirts / Skybox at Project LodgeFriday, Nov 20 2009 - 7:30pm

2009-11-19T07:42:00.003-06:00

Have you been to Project Lodge (817 East Johnson)? If so, you know what an intimate music environment it provides. This bill looks to be a lot of fun.Modern Skirts is out of Athens GA. Pop-flavored tunes with catchy hooks, nice vocal harmonies, and interesting changes. I think this will be a fun group to see at the Lodge.Opening will be Skybox from Chicago ... "careening from Bowie glam to

Photos: Old Crow Medicine Show :: November 8, 2009

2009-11-09T11:12:00.012-06:00

Upcoming Show: Old Crow Medicine Show - The Barrymore 11/8

2009-11-05T11:40:00.006-06:00

Nashville, Tennessee old-time string band Old Crow Medicine Show makes their way back to Madison's Barrymore Theatre. Last time they came through town I was there and it was SOLD OUT. The crowd hung on to every single note and applauded every down home instrumental jam - can't forget to mention the Wagon Wheel sing along. Ketch Secor (Fiddle, Harmonica and Vocals) and the boys always manage to

Preview: The Fiery FurnacesComing to Majestic Theatre, Nov 13, 2009

2009-10-23T15:17:00.011-06:00

The Fiery Furnaces will be returning to Madison on November 13, 2009 to play the Majestic Theatre.The Fiery Furnaces is a musical vehicle for Eleanor and Matthew Friedberger. These siblings are originally from my own hometown - Chicago, but are now based in New York City. Joining them in this incarnation of the band is Jason Loewenstein on bass and Robert D’Amico on drums, which is the same

Pretty Lights!

2009-10-20T11:30:00.005-06:00

Regular visitors to Madison Music Review know how much we enjoy Pretty Lights. He had the High Noon jumping when he was in town last June. We saw him again at 10KLF with his new and ultra-cool LED background... And we are very excited to see him again at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday October 24.Curious about the music? Well he has continued his tradition of providing free downloads of his

Review: Built To Spill - There Is No Enemy

2009-10-15T09:40:00.003-06:00

The dominant meme in the rock press when discussing Built to Spill is: DOUG MARTSCH -- INDIE GUITAR GOD. It’s true Martsch can conjure some wonderfully melodic cliché-free solos, and nobody is more deft when it comes to creating texture through the layering of guitars. Nonetheless, it’s always been songs that set Built to Spill apart from the pack. In the 90’s when the band were creating

Tom Waits - Free Tracks from "Glitter and Doom Live"

2009-10-15T08:08:00.004-06:00

Preview of the new Tom Waits album, Glitter and Doom Live, arriving November 24th. Check out the first 8 songs for free, including a roaring version of “Get Behind the Mule” and a slinky reinvention of “Singapore,” and if you love the album as much as we think you will, you can pre-order it HERE.

Review: The Flaming Lips - Embryonic

2009-10-09T17:50:00.010-06:00

"I wish I could back...back in time" - are the words in which Wayne Coyne passionately pleads on the track Evil and this is what The Flaming Lips accomplish with Embryonic. They manage to find their psychedic roots; what they did and still do best. This comes off like it was released somewhere between Transmissions From The Satellite Heart and Clouds Taste Metallic. Don't get me wrong , I

Dinosaur Jr. @ The Majestic - 10/13 8PM

2009-10-07T14:12:00.008-06:00

In 1991 a discovered Dinosaur Jr.'s, fourth album, Green Mind (on Blanco y Negro/Sire). I was initially captured by the cover; a stunning photograph, called "Priscilla", from 1969, by Joseph Szabo and taken from his book of photographs Almost Grown. At first listen I was blown away at the amazing guitar work and song craft of J. Masics. This happened to be the band's first release after bassist

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW Coming to the Barrymore 11/8

2009-10-05T09:17:00.001-06:00

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOWSunday, November 8, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.Tickets: $26.00 Advance/$28.00 Day Of ShowOld Crow Medicine Show (OCMS) have come full circle playing their own brand of American roots music with a rock and roll attitude. The quintet met in New York in 1998 and hit the road, traveling city to city in a van and busking in the streets. They eventually settled for a year in North Carolina,

Almost Time for The New Standards

2009-09-26T14:33:00.011-06:00

I'm really looking forward to seeing The New Standards on Friday night (Oct 2 2009) at Restaurant Magnus. This happens to be one of my favorite restaurants in Madison, and I've had many wonderful music-filled evenings in their intimate lounge. I also have a fond regard for The Suburbs from some hot shows in Madison back in the day, so it will be good to see Chan Poling once again."To those who

Forward Music Festival Review: The Antlers 9.19.2009

2009-09-22T06:36:00.008-06:00

Needing to care for my 12-week puppy dog kept me from fully immersing myself in the Forward Music Festival this year. But over the three days, I still managed to see Richard Buckner, A Night in the Box, Gentleman Loser, El Valiente, Collection of Colonies of Bees, Cougar, This Bright Apocalypse, Maps & Atlases, Low and The Antlers.The highlight for me was certainly the show at the High Noon

The Stones Roses - Waterfall

2009-09-20T08:35:00.001-06:00

If you havent heard already, The Stones Roses have just remastered their 1989 classic self titled release. It sounds "cleaned up", with more mids in the mix - the audio levels have been lifted up to 2009 standards but not where they are too compressed. The bass line on 'I Want to Be Adored' is now mixed to the front where it should have been. This video is a great version of 'Waterfall'. Be

Flaming Lips on Colbert tonite!"Embryonic" News

2009-09-16T12:37:00.007-06:00

We get a lot of press releases. Sometimes they are interesting. This one is particularly timely. Attendez-vous!The Flaming Lips will appear on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report on September 16th, which airs that night at 10:30 p.m. Central. The LIPS’ brand-new double-album, EMBRYONIC will be available online in its entirety for a limited-time only at http://www.colbertnation.com/ immediately

Forward Music Fest: Saturday

2009-09-15T16:46:00.006-06:00

I'm very excited to see Low at the High Noon Saloon on Saturday (6 pm) as part of the Forward Music Festival.Low was formed in 1993 and is an originator of what has come to be called "slowcore." In the face of post-punk grunge, Alan Sparhawk wondered what would happen if they turned down the volume. Low's arrangements are spare but intense. Their harmonies are haunting. And they can take a

Forward Festival Kick-Off: Thursday Plans

2009-09-14T20:41:00.006-06:00

I'm kicking off my Forward Music Fest experience this year with Richard Buckner and Blake Thomas at the Majestic Theatre on Thursday Sept 17th, starting at 7pm.I first saw Richard Buckner at the High Noon Saloon in early 2007 backed up by The Six Parts Seven. I became an immediate fan of both that night.Earlier this year, Richard returned to the High Noon Saloon for a solo show. He basically

Forward Music Festival Schedule

2009-09-06T07:15:00.005-06:00

I had a really great time last year at the inaugural Forward Music Festival. I spent my time bumping on foot between the downtown venues on Friday night and saw lots of bands that I had not heard before. And that's what is so sweet about music fests. One ticket provides access to lots of music. You can't really go wrong.In this case, it's a low cost ticket at that - single day passes are only

Monte MontgomeryComing to High Noon SaloonSaturday, October 17, 2009

2009-09-06T06:44:00.005-06:00

I hadn't heard of Monte Montgomery before, but when I watched this video I knew I had to get to this show. Hendrix' Little Wing has always been a favorite of mine, and this "acoustic" version is pretty amazing. Monte was named by Guitar Player magazine in 2004 as one of "The Top 50 All-Time Greatest Guitarists." He also won the "Best Acoustic Guitar Player" award at the SXSW Festival’s Austin

Circulatory System - Signal Morning (2009)

2009-08-25T09:16:00.011-06:00

Coming soon is an album that I have been anticipating for about 8 years now...seriously. It is by the band, Circulatory System. As some of you already might know most of the members of the band used to be in Olivia Tremor Control; another amazing band that ended in 2000. Those members created Circulatory System in 2001 and have not put out a release since then. Signal Morning is the second

R.E.M. Live at the Olympia

2009-08-24T18:45:00.003-06:00

R.E.M. will release Live At The Olympia in Dublin on Oct 27, 2009 (Warner Bros.) The two-CD set features 39 songs from the band’s “working rehearsals” for their 2008 album Accelerate.The material was tested over five nights before capacity Dublin crowds, and this release presents different incarnations of the songs before the final Accelerate versions. The band also performed many fan favorites

Photos: 2009 Madison Roots Festival

2009-08-23T05:31:00.006-06:00

The weather was perfect for the third annual Madison Roots Festival, held this year at Capital Brewery... We arrived a bit late, but still in time to catch the set by Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons.When I last saw Bettye Lavette, she was on a side stage at the Madison Blues Festival. She almost stole that show. However, Al Green was the headliner ... and he was incredible.Bettye has been

Pretty Lights

2009-08-04T05:45:00.004-06:00

Pretty Lights just announced his Fall 2009 tour plans. We last caught him at 10KLF and he just tore the place up... A favorite set for many! Derrick Vincent Smith will be joined on this tour by live drummer Cory Eberhard as well as the sweet new video and lighting rig. Catch him, if you can... 08.29.09 – The National – Richmond, VA09.02.09 – Lyric Theatre – Oxford, MS *09.03.09 – The Sky Bar –

Decemberist Fans - Take Note!

2009-07-02T06:07:00.003-06:00

Due to strong demand, THE DECEMBERISTS show scheduled at the Orpheum Theatre on August 5 has been moved across the street to Overture Hall.Everything else remains the same. Tickets are general admission, $26 advance, $28 day of show. Doors are at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:30 with an opening set by Heartless Bastards.Tickets are available at the Overture Center Box Office, charge by phone at

Remembering Cafe Montmartre

2009-06-30T08:02:00.007-06:00

According to a press release sent out last night by True Endeavours, Cafe Montmartre is closing. The bistro and music club on East Mifflin has long been seeking a buyer that would also take on the venues hundreds of thousands in debt.Madison Music Review crew witnessed some great shows there. Check out the links of artists below to view photos and reviews from a couple memorable Momo shows...

Wilco - Live Webcast Tonight

2009-06-27T05:30:00.001-06:00

Wilco is webcasting tonight's show live from the sold-out Greek Theatre in Berkeley. It'll be available in Quicktime on http://wilcoworld.net and via the iPhone app. Tune in around 10 pm cdt tonight.

Dinosaur Jr. coming to Madison on 10/13

2009-06-24T09:22:00.004-06:00

October 13th Fuzz-rock giants Dinosaur Jr. will play the The Majestic Theatre with opening act Lou Barlow and the Missingmen. This one will sell out.Besure to sport a pair of these to the show!

Purplish Rain - Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Purple Rain

2009-06-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

I can remember having a sixth grade "date night" to to see Purple Rain. The movie was o.k. but the soundtrack was great. And now Spin is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Best Movie (and Soundtrack) Ever Purple Rain with Purplish Rain, a song-by-song tribute to Prince's classic soundtrack album. Of Montreal cover "Computer Blue"Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings cover "Take Me With U", Greg

DJ Vadim at Majestic Theatre, June 19, 2009

2009-06-17T07:23:00.000-06:00

TORTOISE - Free Song Download - Prepare Your Coffin

2009-06-16T19:39:00.002-06:00

Tortoise are back and if this week's free song download of is any indication, their first new album in five years, Beacons of Ancestorship (which hits stores on Tuesday, June 23), is going to be a post-rock rocker. Album anthem "Prepare Your Coffin" gives Battles a serious run for their money, with drummer John Herndon leading the charge while guitarist does some serious shredding on top. Stay

Dirty Projectors :: Bitte Orca

2009-06-11T08:14:00.012-06:00

Every once in a while an album comes out of nowhere and blows me away. This is the case with the new Dirty Projectors long player titled, Bitte Orca. It is so fresh; unlike anything I've heard. Sure there are elements of David Byrne (THeads) and Afro-pop interwoven in the fabric but it is their own unified brand of music which is all the more glorious for its strangeness. The vocal harmonies

The Big Surprise Tour

2009-06-09T11:22:00.002-06:00

Not happening around these parts...but definitely worth traveling to see this "big surprise".... From The Felice Bros:PROUDLY ANNOUNCING THE BIG SURPRISE TOUR AN OLD FASHIONED REVUE FEATURING OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE (FEAT. GILLIAN WELCH), THE FELICE BROTHERS, AND JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE Born out of a deep running comradery built on countless tours and ties between a host of

Radiohead's version of Ceremony (New Order/Joy Divison)

2009-06-05T21:51:00.002-06:00

This was always one of my favorite New Order songs. I just had to revisit this one again and post it up on the Chautauqua. I will go out on limb here and say this is the best cover of Ceremony.Check it out:

Starlight Mints with Evangelicals :: Annex :: Tues JUN 09

2009-06-04T12:41:00.003-06:00

Evangelicals who will be performing with the Starlight Mints at The Annex on June 9. Both Evangelicals and Starlight Mints are from Norman, Oklahoma a scene made famous by the Flaming Lips. However, The Flaming Lips are not the only band that is adept at zany highly theatrical psych pop, as both of these bands will prove. Below is a download of some songs from Evangelicals last album -The Evening

DAVID BOWIE & KLAUS NOMI - TVC15 & BOYS KEEP SWINGING [1978]

2009-06-03T12:17:00.005-06:00

Bowie in a dress with Klaus Nomi. Apparently Bowie hired them as performers and back-up singers for his appearance on Saturday Night Live which aired on December 15, 1979. The band performed "TVC 15", "The Man Who Sold the World", and "Boys Keep Swinging". During the performance of "TVC 15", Nomi and Arias dragged around a large prop pink poodle with a television screen in its mouth.

Marquette Waterfront Warmup: Mad Eastern European Dance Party

2009-06-03T08:00:00.012-06:00

Marquette Waterfront Warmup: Mad Eastern European Dance Party Thursday, June 11 High Noon Saloon $8 cover 9 pm Veseliyka (ve-se-LEE-ka), Balkan Folk 10 pm Reptile Palace Orchestra (PAL-ass), Balkan Lounge Funk 11 pm Yid Vicious (vih-SHUHS), Klezmer MayhemAs Madison gears up for the 20th Anniversary Marquette Waterfront Festival, three powerhouses of local dance action team up for a midsummer

Mulatu & Heliocentics

2009-05-10T00:05:00.002-06:00

The third in Strut’s Inspiration Information studio collaboration series brings together a pairing between one of Africa’s great bandleaders, Ethiopia’s Mulatu Astatke, and Malcolm Catto’s Heliocentrics collective. This album features select covers from Astatke’s landmark 1970s albums and 45s released on the Ethiopian Amha imprint and later compiled on the Ethiopiques series and original songs

Women: Memorial Union - Terrace - Friday, May 8; 9:30 PM FREE

2009-05-08T13:44:00.008-06:00

Are you looking for a great band to check out on Friday night?Women (Jagjaguwar) are from Calgary, AB and released their self-titled debut album late last year. They've been steadily getting serious attention with various critical sources. They played at Fader Magazine's party at SXSW and will be performing at the Pitchfork festival in July. It is very hard to describe their sound but what comes

Del the Funky Homosapien"The Funk is on the House"

2009-03-23T07:16:00.002-06:00

Check out Del's stimulus plan... You can get your funk stimulated by Sir DZL when the FunkMan Tour hits Madison at the High Noon Saloon on May 9th. Also performing: Mike Relm, Bukue One, Serendipity Project

Congrats to THE FLAMING LIPS!

2009-03-12T06:14:00.003-06:00

Last week, The Oklahoma State Legislature voted to name "Do You Realize??" by THE FLAMING LIPS as "The Official Oklahoma State Rock and Roll Song."This honor is the culmination of a nearly two-year process. Nominations for the rock song were collected from February to July 2008. More than 2,498 nominations were submitted for 458 songs.Hey, there's more good news! ... THE FLAMING LIPS are

Retribution Gospel Choir at Stage Door at The Orpheum Theatre

2009-02-26T14:44:00.005-06:00

March 6, 2009; 8PMSongwriter Alan Sparhawk (guitar and vocals) leads an indie rock outfit from Duluth, Minnesota call Low. However, those of you familiar with (or fans of) Low will be in for a bit of a surprise. [READ MORE]

New Beatles outtake discovered?

2009-02-24T11:05:00.001-06:00

New Beatles outtake discovered?by Steve GuttenbergBritain's NME reported on Monday that unreleased Beatles material has surfaced online. An audio-only YouTube video, right, is claiming to be an unreleased take of the song "Revolution." It's take 20, and it starts out sounding like "Revolution 1" from the band's "White Album."The 10-minute, 47-second running time is 7 minutes longer than "

Dan Auerbach solo debut - Keep It Hid

2009-02-07T09:49:00.006-06:00

The Black Keys are known and loved for their “two-man stomp,” as Dan Auerbach calls it. But on his solo debut, Keep It Hid (due out Feb 10 on Nonesuch), Dan is taking a different approach - working with a full band and tackling a wide variety of instruments himself. “I just wanted to do the things I loved.” For Auerbach, that means combining elements of bluegrass a la the Stanley Brothers,

New Felice Brothers Album - Due April 7th, 2009

2009-02-03T10:20:00.005-06:00

THE FELICE BROTHERS - YONDER IS THE CLOCK (Release Date: April 7, 2009 on TeamLove)1. The Big Surprise2. Penn Station3. Buried In Ice4. Chicken Wire5. Ambulance Man6. Sailor Song7. Katie Dear8. Run Chicken Run9. All When We Were Young10. Boy from Lawrence County11. Memphis Flu12. Cooperstown13. Rise and ShineI cannot wait for this one to drop. Looking forward to seeing them come through Madison

Deerhoof: Live From Juan's Basement

2009-01-29T20:37:00.007-06:00

It is truly amazing to witness Deerhoof live. I was fortunate enough to catch them a couple years ago down at the Union (Madison, WI). These guys are such excellent musicians - Please take a few minutes to check out the video. -fS

The Winter DubtacularMajestic Theatre

2009-01-22T11:52:00.003-06:00

The Winter Dubtacularw/ The Drastics, Roots Collective & The TakebacksJanuary 24th, 2009 - 8pmThe Winter Dubtacular will transport you from the frigid Wisconsin tundra to a tropical paradise of sea and sun. Providing entertainment will be Chicago's leading Dub crusaders THE DRASTICS. Assisting with the musical heatwave will be Madison's ROOTS COLLECTIVE and THE TAKEBACKS. WORT's Tropical Riddims

10,000 Lakes Festival Line-up Announced

2009-01-22T06:37:00.003-06:00

The 10,000 Lakes Festival has announced Dave Matthews Band, two nights of Widespread Panic, and Wilco as headlining artists for four days of music and camping at the 7th annual music festival held at the Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota July 22 - 25. The 10,000 Lakes Festival's artist lineup will feature over sixty acts performing on the festival's four stages. The first round of

Animal Collective :: My Girls link and Turner Hall Ballroom Show info

2009-01-21T20:09:00.005-06:00

Animal Collective has a sweet little visual gem for you to check out (Click the image below). This is from their amazing new release called Merriweather Post Pavilion. Tickets for Animal Collective's May 19 show at Turner Hall Ballroom, which starts at 8 p.m., are $20, and are available starting at noon Friday at the Pabst and Riverside theater box offices, www.pabsttheater.org, and (414) 286-

Vic Chesnutt with Elf PowerHigh Noon Saloon - 01.31.2009

2009-01-05T06:47:00.005-06:00

Review: Bon Iver w/ The Tallest Man on Earth

2008-12-20T22:42:00.006-06:00

December 19, 2008; The Barrymore TheaterBelieve the hype! Bon Iver (aka Justin Veron) and The Tallest Man on Earth was another top notch show. Playing to a sold out crowd at The Barrymore Theater, Bon Iver played a majority of the critically acclaimed For Emma, Forever a Ago as well aa a couple from the upcoming EP titled Blood Bank (soon to be release on CD) [MORE...].

Photos/Review: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings w/ Menahan Street Band

2008-12-05T16:18:00.001-06:00

At last night’s Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings Show at the Barrymore in Madison we indulged in our nation’s finest soul groove revivalist band. The Dap-King Crew served up a long and tasty hot bowl of old school, hambone funk, while Sharon head-chefed...[READ MORE]

The Afromotive at Der Rathskeller - Free!

2008-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

The AfromotiveFree Show at Der Rathskelleron Saturday, December 6th9pm - All agesAre you ready for some Afrobeat music? (. . . Always!) Well the Afromotive promises to satisfy your need to get dancing, when they bring their funky afro-beat to Madison on Saturday, December 6th for a free show in Der Rathskellar in the Memorial Union.They are a nine piece ensemble based in Asheville, NC and

Upcoming Show: Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings A Must See Show!

2008-12-01T15:33:00.006-06:00

FriendsIn all the years I have been at the Barrymore I have never done this. I am sending an email out to all of you, to specifically alert you to one show.This coming Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 pm the Barrymore has Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. If you don't already know who she is, you should. If you don't come to the show, you'll wish you had. This is the Barrymore's show of the year, and

Upcoming Show - JJ Grey & Mofro

2008-11-21T06:42:00.003-06:00

Sunday, November 23, 2008 - Majestic Theatre, Madison - 8:00 pmLearn more and buy tickets

Upcoming Show: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings w/ Menahan Street Band

2008-11-19T15:16:00.000-06:00

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings w/ Menahan Street Band December 3, 2008; The Barrymore Theater; 7:30 PM Buy Tickets

Photos: Deerhunter and Times New Viking at High Noon Saloon :: Novemeber 16, 2008

2008-11-17T13:19:00.006-06:00

Click image to view more photos from the show.-fS

PortisRadio ::The Rip

2008-11-10T23:18:00.005-06:00

One of my favorite bands performing a hauntingly beautiful cover of "The Rip" from Portishead's Third. Take some time to check this out and even purchase Portishead's newest release. -fS

Rachael Yamagata et althe hotel cafe tour 2008

2008-11-03T20:04:00.004-06:00

TIME: 9 pmCOST: $21 - 18+This looks quite interesting to me. . . The Hotel Café in LA was chosen by Paste Magazine as one of the 40 best music venues in the nation. It also has a reputation as one of the premier singer/songwriter venues and as a place that breaks artists. On any given night, well known musicians share the stage with up-and-comers - playing both as solo artists and as a

Upcoming Show: Stephen Malkmus +the Jicks w/ Blitzen Trapper

2008-10-21T09:38:00.004-06:00

Once again Madison brings in another artist from this summer’s Lollapalooza festival. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks will be hitting the High Noon Saloon on October 30th with Blitzen Trapper.Take a listen to some choice tracks:Malkmus fronted one of my favorite bands (Pavement) 20 years ago and since then, has put out some of indie rocks best albums. His guitar work since breaking away from Pavement

Photos: Broken Social Scene :: Oct. 11, 2008; Memorial Union Theater

2008-10-12T11:32:00.004-06:00

All Photos FJ Simani

We've got free tickets for you!

2008-10-11T06:28:00.005-06:00

Do you want a pair of tickets to any of these upcoming shows?Alejandro Escovedo - Oct 16 - High Noon SaloonJennifer O'Connor - Oct 19 - Cafe Montmartre. . . courtesy of True EndeavorsYael Naim - Oct 25 - Wisconsin Union Theater. . . courtesy of Atlantic RecordsYou should! Send an email to tickets@madisonmusicreview.com.Winners will be notified by email at least 24 hours before the show.For show

Upcoming Show: The Broken Social Scene - Oct. 11, 2008 - Memorial Union Theater; 8PM

2008-10-06T13:11:00.013-06:00

The Broken Social Scene, the award winning Canadian indie supergroup will be making their way though the Madison area on October 11 performing at the wonderful Wisconsin Union Theater. BSS is characterized by a very large number of sounds, grand orchestrations featuring guitars, horns, woodwinds, and violins, unusual song structures, upbeat tempos and an experimental, and sometimes chaotic

Upcoming Show: Jennifer O'Connor - October 19; Cafe Montmartre; 9PM

2008-10-06T12:44:00.012-06:00

Jennifer O'Connor's most recent album "Here With Me" has received critical raves!She is seemingly always on the road, most recently for a spell on the west coast with Damien Jurado. Next she will head homeward (she now calls Brooklyn, NY home) for some east coast dates, leading to the midwest, and then back to the east coast, veering south for some dates supporting Amy Ray!"Here With Me" is out

The Rumble Strips at Der Rathskellar; Oct. 25th 2008

2008-10-05T19:00:00.004-06:00

The Rumble Strips (English band from Tavistock, Devon) Have a very eighties feel to the music - but not like everyone else is putting outright now. When I listen to them it brings to mind Supergrass, Belle & Sebastian with a touch of Adam & The Ants (remember those cats?) - I dig the brass section. Nevertheless, this is catchy, energetic brit-rock that seems like it will stick around.Three time

Photos: Dr. Dog at High Noon Saloon - Oct., 1st, 2008

2008-10-02T10:10:00.011-06:00

Playing to a packed house on a Wednesday night, Dr. Dog once again captured us all up in their nostalgic net. Anyone who has experienced this band in a club setting knows that the energy level is intense and the performance is always tight. Throughout the night the band mostly picked from the Fate and We All Belong song catalog and for the encore brought out the band members from Delta Spirit (

X MAS on Mars - Flaming Lips Movie in Madison, WI

2008-10-01T11:07:00.003-06:00

See Xmas On Mars In Theaters!See the movie in the Theaters in Madison, Wisconsin at The Orpheum, October 21-24The film tells the story of the experiences of Major Syrtis during the first Christmas on a newly-colonized Mars. Coyne has described the film as "Maybe Eraserhead or Dead Man crossed with some kind of fantasy and space aspects, like The Wizard of Oz and maybe A Space Odyssey, except done

NPR.org - Exclusive Preview: Bob Dylans Tell Tale Signs

2008-09-30T09:04:00.005-06:00

Dylan fans, check it out...Exclusive Preview: Bob Dylans Tell Tale Signshttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95047293&sc=emaf Listen (in full) to Tell Tale Signs from Dylan's Bootleg series.

Upcoming Show: Dr. Dog w/ special guests Delta Spirit and Hacienda

2008-09-25T15:31:00.015-06:00

It is almost time to visit the doctor again. I was just listening to Fate (an instant classic) and building myself up to see Dr. Dog again. Last time I saw this Philly quintet was at Lollapalooza 2008 in Chicago. It was a huge crowd and I was thinking just how great it will be to catch them at the High Noon Saloon this time around. Last time they were in Madison they open for Wilco at the

Dear Science - TV On The Radio

2008-09-22T13:40:00.013-06:00

I just picked up Dear Science from TV On The Radio and so far it is completely amazing. Great grooves, horns and strings - different than their other releases. I expect it to be one of this years best releases. Check it out - released tomorrow 9/23/08. So far see what the critics are saying:AbsolutePunk.net (88%) linkAllmusic linkEntertainment Weekly (A-) linkThe Guardian linkMusicOMH

Shuffled to The Wall

2008-09-22T13:16:00.006-06:00

My ipod shuffled it's way along to a Pink Floyd song from The Wall...made me think of this. Check it out.An Explanation of The WallBroadcast in 1980

Upcoming Show: Chris Trapper of Push Stars; Sept. 26

2008-09-22T04:45:00.005-06:00

Boston singer-songwriter Chris Trapper, frontman of The Push Stars, will be performing at The Majestic on Friday the 26th at 7 PM. All ages show. $10 cover. In addition, donations will be accepted at the door for the Joel Marino Music Scholarship Fund through the Madison Community Foundation. Madison is the first stop on Chris' fall tour promoting his new CD, "Til the Last Leaf Falls". He will

Dylan Hits The Riverside (Milwaukee) on Nov 6th

2008-09-19T20:36:00.012-06:00

Bob Dylan is coming back through the state on November 6th at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, WI. So far he has not announced a Madison date. Stay tuned...eMembers Pre-Sale:Starts Thu., 09/25 @ NoonEnd Thu., 10/02 @ 8pmTickets: $65, $75 and $85reserved seats • all agesLink to Dylan Riverside page.**If you cannot wait for Dylan to come to Madison or would like to book him for your next

Photos: The Walkmen at The Barrymore

2008-09-17T13:28:00.003-06:00

Photos: The Walkmen Sept 14, 2008; The Barrymore Theater (Photos by FJ Simani)

Upcoming Show :: The Walkmen at The Barrymore Theater on 9/14/08 @ 8PM

2008-09-11T14:53:00.012-06:00

The Walkmen are an indie rock band from New York City. They will be here in Madison sharing the bill with Okkervil River at the Barrymore.The members of the Walkmen grew up together in the Washington, D.C., area and have played in the same bands since the fifth grade. The Walkmen can be classified as sounding like such diverse bands as the Pogues, Joy Division, Springsteen, early U2, New Order,

Do you realize that you should vote for the Flaming Lips!

2008-09-08T22:07:00.002-06:00

Make the official song for Oklahoma a Lips tune! The good people in the state of Oklahoma, the hometown of The Flaming Lips, are looking for a new official state song, and they have seen fit to include "Do You Realize?" as a possible contender! But they're up against some stiff competition, so they need your votes to hit the highwater mark! Clickhere to vote, and pass it on!flaminglips.com

Dale Watson with Pupy Costell & His Big City Honky TonkClub Tavern, Sept 4 2008; 9pm

2008-09-02T19:25:00.005-06:00

My buddy Ed Larson - guitar player extraordinaire and member of the Big City Honk Tonk - has been telling me for years that I "MUST SEE" Dale Watson. For one poor reason or another - it hasn't worked out for me during Dale's last two appearances.This time the stars are all properly aligned and it looks like I'll finally get to see what all the fuss is about. Dale is a singer/songwriter/

Upcoming Show: SoCo Music Experience - The Black Keys

2008-08-31T09:58:00.006-06:00

Upcoming Show: The Black Keys at SoCo Music Experience (7:15 -8:15 PM) Willow Island; Sept 6, 2008; Gates open 2pm; FREE - by F. SimaniSee html post The Black Keys, consisting guitarist-vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney will be in town on Sept. 6th with The 2nd annual SoCo Music Experience. If you have never heard them live

UPCOMING SHOW: NO AGE :: 11-17 Madison, WI - Club 770

2008-08-29T14:56:00.004-06:00

No Age will be coming to Madison on November 17th at Club 770. This is another show which should not be missed if you dig that noise pop, Experimental and Punk sound. I do, and I am there. -fS

Coming up soon! SoCo Music Experience - GZA

2008-08-29T14:51:00.011-06:00

I’ve been looking forward to this years SoCo Music Experience for some time now because last year’s festival was a blast - culminating with a fantastic performance by the Flaming Lips. Oh, yeah - and it’s free. SoCo Music Experience is a great music party sponsored by Southern Comfort. Of course, they are hoping that everybody will drink and enjoy some SoCo while we are

Quick Review - Eef Barzelay

2008-08-09T12:30:00.006-06:00

I had such a good time at the Eef Barzaley show the other night. His powerful performance in the living room like intimacy of Cafe Montmarte made this a “show of the year” contender for me. The sound at Momo was quite good – apparently Eef had truly been striving to get “everything perfect” as he wryly and ironically suggested.You should know that anytime a band introduction includes the phrase

Tinariwen: groove on them

2008-07-17T23:34:00.001-06:00

Who's the world's hottest band at the moment? I have to say that it's Tinariwen, from Mali, in the Southern Sahara. Their style of music being affectionately known as "Berber Blues". Haunting, trance-inducing and deep...it will put a chill through your spine. Robert Plant described their music "Like dropping a bucket into a deep well". Here's their backstory from the BBC. And a great YouTube

FREE MUSIC! Extra Golden and Fleet Foxes - 07/18

2008-07-17T12:51:00.003-06:00

Extra Golden and Fleet Foxes July 18, 2008; 6:00PM; FREE SHOW TO HEAR SOUNDS FROM THESE TWO ARTISTS CHECK OUT THE LINK: http://madisonmusicreview.com/Artists/ExtraGolden-FleetFoxes/ExtraGoldenFleetFoxes.html We are fans here at MMR of Fleet Foxes, and very much enjoyed their recent appearance at High Noon

The Prolific Joseph Arthur July 12, 2008 - by Mister Bill

2008-07-12T18:06:00.001-06:00

My old friends know that I'm "ga ga" over Joseph Arthur's artistry. I saw him give an incredible performance last year at the High Noon Saloon with his band, the Lonely Astronauts. Were you there? You can read my post-show comments (...here) .Anyhow, Joseph is in the midst of a creative flurry that I find staggering. He has just completed releasing a series of four solo EPs since Spring and is

Coming Soon - Immortal Technique July 20, 2008 at High Noon Saloon

2008-07-12T17:00:00.001-06:00

I'm fortunate to have two children - young adults now - that both have good taste in music, and they both like hip-hop a lot. They've turned me on to many hip-hop/rap artists over the years, but one of my favorites is Immortal Technique - particularly his fantastic recording "Revolutionary Vol. 2." He'll be performing at High Noon Saloon on July 20th together with DJ GI JOE, Poison Pen, Da Circle

Photos: Thievery CorporationLive at Summerfest, July 3, 2008

2008-07-09T21:17:00.005-06:00

Thievery Corporation's set at Summerfest was fantastic as expected. Were you able to make it?

Phil Lesh and FriendsLive at Summerfest - July 4, 2008

2008-07-06T18:00:00.007-06:00

Well, those of us going to 10,000 Lakes Festival in northern Minnesota later this month got a delicious taste of things to come. Phil Lesh and Friends put on a great couple sets at Summerfest on July 4th. I like this line-up of Phriends a lot. . . Phil came out playing one of the wildest looking bass guitars I've ever seen. They opened with one of my favorites - Shakedown Street. Here's the

Thievery Corporation Coming to SummerfestJuly 3, 2008

2008-07-01T21:55:00.004-06:00

My Summerfest experience this year will start on Thursday night with a performance by Thievery Corporation. I'm driving in to Milwaukee after work, and for the first time we're staying overnight in Milwaukee for the fest - and I'm kind of excited about it. I've loved Thievery Corporation since I first heard them - which was just a few years ago... I now have seven of their albums.Thievery

Sea and Cake - Alarm (release Oct 21, 2008)

2008-07-01T08:16:00.001-06:00

New Album: Sea and Cake - Alarm (release Oct 21, 2008) The Sea and Cake are pretty laidback guys, but they've picked up their one-album-every-three-years pace for the follow-up to last year's Everybody. Rather than spending time between records on various solo and side projects, the members of Sea and Cake stuck together and plowed straight ahead. The

Photos: Orchestra Baobab June 29, 2008; The Barrymore Theater, Madison

2008-06-30T12:21:00.001-06:00

Photos: Orchestra Baobab June 29, 2008; The Barrymore Theater, Madison

Phil Lesh and Friends - Summer Tour

2008-06-28T11:39:00.005-06:00

June 27, 2008 - Mister Bill Phil Lesh and Friends will soon be hitting festivals in our region with their Summer Jamboree tour. Phil's shows are really entertaining - daringly improvisational; and with fluid, yet tight performances. And he always plays with a fresh cast of incredible musicians. The current line-up of phriends includes Jackie Greene, Larry Campbell, Steve Molitz(Particle) and

Celebrate the Season at Summerfest

2008-06-25T06:19:00.004-06:00

We just celebrated the Summer Solstice, so that means it's almost time for Summerfest. Eleven Days - Twelve Stages - One Million Attendees - "The Big Gig" they call it. Have you attended lately? If not I encourage you to find a date where the side-stage acts interest you, and go enjoy live music. It's a lot of fun - a carnival atmosphere - inexpensive - and right here in our backydard.I rarely

... And we have a 10KLF winner!

2008-06-18T22:03:00.003-06:00

We're starting to get really pumped up for the upcoming Ten Thousand Lakes Festival - July 23 - 26, 2008 in northwest Minnesota. But I know one guy who's probably even more excited than me: Adam Simcock of Madison is the winner of our 10KLF ticket contest. For the price of one email, he's snagged $320 worth of tickets. Not bad! . . . Thanks to all who entered. The stage schedule was recently

RECORD GIVEAWAY! :: Verve//Remixed 4 (2xLP)

2008-06-18T11:44:00.001-06:00

RECORD GIVEAWAY! :: Verve//Remixed4 (2xLP) The Verve//Remixed 4 discs are the latest to emerge (remixed) in the Remix series from the legendary record label. The new album re-imagines a classic array of R&B, soul, latin and jazz standards and rare gems with

Movement 08 - Another Great Year at DEMF

2008-06-10T23:02:00.004-06:00

Well it’s been a busy couple weeks since we returned from the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. Among other things, Ankur closed on a house purchase and I moved my home office and switched platforms from Windows to Mac OSX. Chaos ensued of course, but it’s beginning to clear up. But not to worry - we’ve got lots of review content coming for DEMF! (We took over 3,000 photos.)Based on last

Tani Diakite and the Malian Blues Band - 2008 Marquette Waterfront Festival

2008-06-10T23:00:00.001-06:00

Live at the 2008 Marquette Waterfront Festival featuring local musicians Tony Castañeda from the Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Sextet and Andy Ewen from Honor Among Thieves.

Bo Diddley dead at 79

2008-06-02T14:37:00.001-06:00

I saw Bo Diddley when I was living in Colorado at a small club in the foothills in 1997. The show was completely insane exactly what I expected from this legend...RIP.-fS----- (CNN) -- Bo Diddley, the musical pioneer whose songs, such as "Who Do You Love?" and "Bo Diddley," melded rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll through a distinctive thumping beat, has died. He was 79.

Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog - Hot New Music Release!

2008-05-30T09:20:00.007-06:00

From Fieldwork Records:We are writing to let you know that our next release: Party Intellectuals, the debut recording from guitarist Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog, will hit the streets on June 24th. Ribot is a widely recognized original on the guitar, with influence across multiple genres of music, including rock, jazz, punk, Latin, soul, 80s No-Wave, avant-garde and noise. He is joined by bassist

10KLF Stage Schedule Announced

2008-05-22T04:44:00.006-06:00

Jambase now has the stage schedule online for 10,000 Lakes Festival - http://www.jambase.com/festivals/10KLF/. One of the great things about the venue for this event is that the two largest stages - Main and Field - face each other and the music is scheduled so that these acts do not compete. So it is very easy to catch all the main acts on these stages, if you wish.If you haven't bought your

Movement 08 - Just Days Away!

2008-05-20T19:30:00.000-06:00

Well the boys and I are already really excited about heading out to the 2008 Detroit Electronic Music Festival. You know the one. . . I've been raving about it since last year - as has everyone in our party from Movement 07.This year the crew has grown. We've got a couple of hotels rooms at the super convenient Leland Hotel and have already purchased our afterparty tickets.As always, DEMF