Ray, Gray, and Red Rocks Aug 30, 2010
It's difficult to write a review and not come off as a superfanclubpresident. But there are a few telltale signs that I might be biased. I JUST saw Ray LaMontagne and David Gray one week before in Atlanta (with the rest of the Fab4 girls: AudreyAmandaJillian) Fifth time seeing Ray live (in 3 different cities) Aaaaaand travelled all the way from Atlanta to Morrison, CO to see Ray at acoustically perfect Red Rocks Amphitheater Here are some wild cards about the night: I don't really like David Gray's music (have seen him 3x in 3 different cities - don't ask) After seeing both artists a ...
Arrested Development Interview 2010: Still All About The Black And Brown?
MAN, I REMEMBER MY AWKWARD HIGH SCHOOL DANCES LIKE THEY WERE YESTERDAY. Once the DJ pressed play and you heard the first few scattered drum beats and the whisper "Tennessee" blare through the speakers, all of my hormone-infested classmates went CA-RAZY dancing like it was 1999 (for reals)! Of course, no boys wanted to dance with me so I spun around on my own. Loser. Anyway, Arrested Development is a ground-breaking uplifting Afro-centric hip-hop band that exploded onto the scene in the early 90’s. Thanks to the brainchild of Speech (born Todd Thomas) and a creative army of musicians with a vision of uplifting ...
Grace Potter Live is like Rock and Roll Porn: A Review
WHAT Grace Potter does onstage should be illegal. Feeling a little embarassed watching Grace violently fling her head back and smile in ecstacy during her entire performance, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals rocked Atlanta's Variety Playhouse last night (7/23/2010). Known for her grainy voice, swamp-rock blues and gospel music influence, Grace's sexual energy could have inspired the sold-out crowd to collectively start smoking. Opening band Blues and Lasers sounded like a foghorn of straight-up 70's rock and roll and ultimately, three members of that band make up The Nocturnals. Grace ignited the stage by popping out in a little rock-n-roll peek-a-boo dress and went straight to ...
Tony Lucca: THE interview
The first time I heard the song "Darlin' I," I thought I had been punched out. It's the quintessential driving song courtesy of touring singer/songwriter Tony Lucca. After putting the song on a Mix CD (yes, I still make them) for my girlfriend, Amanda Brown, here's how the conversation went: AB: OMG. Just heard that Tony Lucca song AR: It's awesome, isn't it? AB: I cried. It's not even a sad song! Diving deeper into his music collection, this man's got an ocean of soul and has a breadth that goes from introspective relationship woes to straight up rockin' jams. Tony Lucca writes like you feel. On stage, it's a mind-blowing experience. The whole ...
The Phantom Reveals 5 Fox Theatre Secrets!
I was Christine Daae when I was Fifteen Years Old. When I discovered my favorite play, Phantom of the Opera, I would belt the leading lady's high notes with gusto (I'm SURE my voice was A-mazing, too) and was cast under the Phantom's hypnotic spell. Oh wait...no, I wasn't on stage, but I wished I was and I was captivated. The mystery of The Phantom. Who was he really? What went on underneath that stage? What most people don't know is that Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre has its very own phantom lurking in the catacombs and shadows of the theatre. JOE PATTEN is known as The Phantom of the Fox. He is ...
Music Mogul reviews Gareth Asher’s new album “Between the Smiles and Tears”
Me do a review for Gareth's new CD? Since I've interviewed Gareth Asher and mentioned him here and here and here - I have as much credibility as Justin Bieber recommending Usher's latest drop. Yup, I just compared myself to Justin Bieber. Anyway, It's been three years since Gareth Asher's last album I Am The Earth, so when Gareth asked me to do a review on his new album, Between the Smiles and Tears, I knew I had really whip up something creative. Since a review from me or any of his fans would end up sounding like a screeching high-pitched Superfanclubpresident, I needed to find the following: someone decidedly ...
TV’s Biggest Unknown Star: An Interview With Greg Laswell
Remember on the Season Finale of last season's Grey's Anatomy when Izzie AND George were dying? Whoa! What an intense cliffhanger and a perfect song to capture the drama. Remember that song that was playing? Yup, that's Greg Laswell singing "Off I Go." He's the biggest TV Star you don't know. You may not know his name, but if you've flipped a TV on in recent years, you definitely know his music. Singer songwriter/Producer/recording engineer Greg Laswell has more featured songs on episodes of Grey's Anatomy than temperamental Katherine Heigl's acted in. :) Musicians today are dying to hit the promotional jackpot of getting their music featured on ...
Can RadioPotato.com Interview the band RUSH? I say YES!
"No one follows someone who sits on the sidelines. Never." -Bob Lefsetz I woke up this morning to find this phrase in my e-mail inbox, courtesy of Bob Lefsetz e-mail subscription. Popular musical ranter, Bob Lefsetz' blog was recommended to me by social media/music business mastermind, Tony Caporale. This particular phrase hit home. Let me explain why... If anyone remotely knows me, they will know that I am a huge Rush fan. I mean...HUGE. Why do I love the legendary progressive rock band, RUSH aside from them being a ridiculously killer band? Here are 3 good reasons: First concert ever. Roll the Bones tour. Madison Square Garden. ...
Slow Runner Interview: Darth Vader’s Dreams Sounds Like This
I can't say I've often wondered what Darth Vader's dreams sound like - but after marinating on indie-pop band Slow Runner's tagline for their new EP Ghost Rendition announcement video, (Ghost Rendition: It Sounds Like Darth Vader's Dreams, I'm thinking maybe Darth Vader's musical tastes lean toward the "lyrical pop music shot out into space" variety. Paste Magazine honored Slow Runner as one of their choices for 2008's Best of What's Next. Their music runs the spectrum of rich polished sounds like the big organic strings and electronic musings found on the song "Rainyface" all the way to songs that are completely deconstructed and simple like "Trying to Put Your Heart Back Together." Listen to Slow Runner's new single "Rainyface" ...
The Civil Wars Interview: War of the Roses
THE MUSIC WORLD is having a full-on identity crisis. As much as people are drawn to the spectacle of the flashing lights and over-the-top over-produced music (long live Lady Gaga), there also seems to be a movement of music lovers seeking a more exposed and honest sound. That stripped, under-produced simplicity of a well-crafted song is a refreshing change from the music found on Top 40 radio. No bells, no whistles...just naked. Beauty, bruises, and all. Back in my early blogging days (um, last October), I interviewed singer/songwriter Matthew Mayfield. He recommended a duo that I needed to listen to called The Civil Wars and wrote it on ...
Ray, Gray, and Red Rocks Aug 30, 2010
Share It’s difficult to write a review and not come off as a superfanclubpresident. But there are a few telltale signs that I might be biased. I JUST saw Ray LaMontagne and David Gray one week before in Atlanta (with the rest of the Fab4 girls: AudreyAmandaJillian) Fifth time seeing Ray live (in 3 different cities) Aaaaaand travelled all the way from Atlanta to Morrison, CO to see Ray at acoustically... [Read more]
Ray LaMontagne’s DIVA Behavior Cuts Show Short
Share RUMOR HAS IT THAT Ray LaMontagne cut his early set short last Monday at Atlanta’s Chastain Park due to chatter in the open amphitheater, reports a venue insider. Ray and his band performed several cuts off of his new album God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise with his band to a largely noisy crowd and clocked roughly an hour. Since this is a co-headline tour with David... [Read more]
Arrested Development Interview 2010: Still All About The Black And Brown?
Share MAN, I REMEMBER MY AWKWARD HIGH SCHOOL DANCES LIKE THEY WERE YESTERDAY. Once the DJ pressed play and you heard the first few scattered drum beats and the whisper “Tennessee” blare through the speakers, all of my hormone-infested classmates went CA-RAZY dancing like it was 1999 (for reals)! Of course, no boys wanted to dance with me so I spun around on my own. Loser. Anyway,... [Read more]
Hot August Nights: Top 5 Songs for 2010
Share Summer is winding down. Kids are starting to go back to school. But be not depressed, my friends! There’s still more sunlight, blazing heat, and some kick-ass songs to help get you through. These songs were so good they picked themselves! You’re going to love it! As always, there’s a continuous music player below and please VOTE for your favorite of the Top 5... [Read more]
July’s Top 5 Sizzling Summer Songs 2010
Share The sweltering heat boiling our globe means that the temperature is rising for these hot new acts, too. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVE in July’s Top 5 Summer Songs at the bottom of the post. As always, there’s a nifty little Grooveshark playlist so you can listen to all the songs continuously. 1. “Pretenders” – Lesands – Man, this band is catchy. Remember that... [Read more]
Grace Potter Live is like Rock and Roll Porn: A Review
Share WHAT Grace Potter does onstage should be illegal. Feeling a little embarassed watching Grace violently fling her head back and smile in ecstacy during her entire performance, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals rocked Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse last night (7/23/2010). Known for her grainy voice, swamp-rock blues and gospel music influence, Grace’s sexual energy could have inspired... [Read more]
REVIEW: Tony Lucca’s “Rendezvous with the Angels”
Share Photo by Max Roper I’ve been dipping my toes as a contributor to the online music magazine, The Silver Tongue. The site is dedicated to delivering breaking music news tending to weigh towards the rock and metal genres. Given creative freedom, I thought I’d Folk it up and tip the scales towards the lighter spectrum. So exciting! Tony Lucca released his sixth studio album on July... [Read more]
Rockstars: Do NOT Go To Therapy!
Share In a recent interview with Elvis Costello for Sundance Channel’s “Spectacle” show, Bruce Springsteen made a bold statement. He said “Musicians are always bothered! Something bothers GOOD musicians every single day” so they can keep writing those great songs (paraphrasing). He’s so right! Since the majority of love songs are so often break-up songs, it’s... [Read more]
Help Wanted: Sugarland
Share I have a secret. And I think I let it slip out this weekend. And it was NOT pretty. I got a chance to spend some time with people I met through Twitter and ultimately, RadioPotato.com last night. Three super-cool girls that are REALLY into music and v-e-r-y into Sugarland. Maybe because I have interviewed Eddie Owen from Eddie’s Attic and Jennifer Nettles had previously owned the venue... [Read more]
Tanning Butler: Man. Myth. LEGEND.
Share I heard of this fabled Tanning Butler thanks to Melissa Carter’s hard news report on Atlanta’s Q100 popular morning show, The Bert Show. South Beach’s high-end legendary hotel, The Ritz-Carlton is home to the world’s one-and-only tanning butler. According to Melissa’s news feature, the tanning butler goes around applying suntan lotion to the guests at the Ritz-Carlton... [Read more]
