Is Joni Mitchell's "River" the Ultimate Bad Mood Christmas Song?

Christmas is about being happy, but today I’m just not feeling it. Maybe it is a mixture of my bad mood and disdain for the holidays—but I can’t stop listening to this song.

Joni Mitchell is one of folk music’s most unique artists, and “River” takes the unsurpassed lead for the best song on Blue, her best album (in my opinion). Everything is so tranquil yet sad, from the beginning Jingle Bell chords to the river I secretly wish I could also skate away on. This is, perhaps, the ultimate bad mood Christmas song.

I remember first hearing “River” in Almost Famous. It wasn’t on the soundtrack but was one of the hidden gems embedded in the film, and only played for a short minute. Looking it up was definitely worth it. Below is a posting of the video, and just for a visual, here are the lyrics too.

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals.

It’s coming on Christmas

They’re cutting down trees

They’re putting up reindeer

And singing songs of joy and peace

Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

But it don’t snow here

It stays pretty green

I’m going to make a lot of money

Then I’m going to quit this crazy scene

Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I wish I had a river so long

I would teach my feet fly

I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I made my baby cry

He tried hard to help me

You know, he put me at ease

And he loved me so naughty

Made me weak in the knees

Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I’m so hard to handle

I’m selfish and I’m sad

Now I’ve gone and lost the best baby

That I’ve ever had

I wish I had a river I could skate away on

Oh, I wish I had a river so long

I would teach my feet to fly

I wish I had a river

I could skate away on

I made my baby say goodbye

It’s coming on Christmas

They’re cutting down trees

They’re putting up reindeer

And singing songs of joy and peace

I wish I had a river I could skate away on

The Most Underrated Band in America: Guster

Photo Credit: guster.com

It bothers me how many people are missing out on what I dub the “Guster Experience.”

I’ve known of Guster for a while, but I wasn’t hooked until I saw them perform live at the DMB Caravan two years ago in Atlantic City. Since then, I’ve been enamored. 

Front man Ryan Miller was hilarious, and his high-pitched voice aesthetically complimented co-front man Adam Gardner’s deep and more hollow sound. Not to mention drummer Brian Rosenworcel, who played his bongos with his bare hands.

You can’t describe Guster’s music as simply happy or sad. Their songs are layered like an onion and never at one extreme. You have to almost literally peel through their albums to get in touch with what subtle implications they are trying to convey.

But nonetheless, their music is a mastered marriage of both feminine and masculine qualities—something many bands cannot achieve without entering into the realms of “too-much-pop.” Perhaps this is a result of the harmonious clash between Miller and Gardner’s voices.

I love Guster, and you should too. So start listening to them now… or else.

"One Man Wrecking Machine"

"The Captain"

"Demons"

"Manifest Destiny"

"Diane"

"Satellite"

"Keep It Together"

"Fa Fa"

"Happier"

"Either Way"

My Weekend: Global Festival 2012

Photo Credit: joonbug.com

This weekend I joined 59,999 other spectators in the Central Park sensation known as Global Festival, a free concert promoting the elimination of global poverty.

I may have missed K’naan’s and Band of Horses’ acts, but they were the least of my concerns. The Black Keys, Foo Fighters and Neil Young and Crazy Horse absolutely blew me away. Let’s take a step back and start at the beginning.

I walked through the gated path to the sound of John Legend covering John Lennon’s “Imagine.” I knew they said there were going to be special guests, but Legend was far more than just simply “special.” His soul monsooned with each and every word, capitulating what Global Citizen deserved with a song so appropriately chosen.

Among other special guests were Olivia Wilde and Selena Gomez. I don’t know why they were there. Their ignorant ramblings on “women’s inequity in India” and the likes were a distraction to what the show was largely about. Speaking as a woman myself, Olivia Wilde is a beautiful face and she should remain that way; the stereotypical liberal jargon vomiting from her mouth annoys me, as does Disney star’s Selena Gomez. Is that too harsh? I don’t really care.  

My first ultimate surprise of the night was the Black Keys. I knew they were an amazing band, but I really didn’t expect a live show like the one they executed this weekend. It will never cease to astound me how a band composed of only two musicians, a guitarist and a drummer, can sound like a full out blues band (despite their newly formed backing band, of course). Not to mention I was very pleased that they didn’t just reiterate El Camino all night, as I personally favor their older material. But regardless my favorite song of the night was "Little Black Submarines". There is nothing like getting tricked by a slow song’s lull, only to be cascaded into a stunning guitar riff by no other than Dan Auerbach.

Speaking of, anyone else suddenly in love with him after watching him perform live?

Next were the Foo Fighters, who met up to my expectations perfectly. I didn’t expect anything less from Dave Grohl and his motley crew. Who did shocked me, however, was drummer Taylor Hawkins. Though not the band’s main dude (that’s Grohl), Hawkins mastered his drumming, creating an exhilarating and frantic ambiance for rock fans everywhere. Sadly, the band announced this would be their last show (at least for a while), but it’s pretty cool to say that I saw the Foo Fighters’ last live gig. “Learn To Fly” was definitely my favorite there.

Ending the night was Neil Young and Crazy Horse. It disappoints me that my fellow concertgoers disliked his set for the sole reason that they knew far too few of the songs he played. But he’s Neil Young, he can rock out to whatever he wants to and would still remain godly. And that is an understatement. For example, check out his Americana album, who else could possibly pull that off? Sure, I was disappointed I didn’t hear “Heart of Gold,” “Everybody Knows This is No Where,” or even “Ohio,” but what I did hear was an awesome jam session from one of the purest of rock stars. That is something that angers me about Global Festival that others were pleased about.

When I go to a concert, I want to hear something I can’t find online or in an album. I want to hear impromptu solos, wild strings of improvised musical politics. That is where Neil Young did not disappoint me. While the Black Keys and the Foo Fighters tried to rush through each song, aiming to play as much as possible, Young lead each track as if it were a whole production. To my peers, he wasn’t great, but he was by far my favorite.

Unfortunately I left for this, but listening on YouTube of him and all predecessor bands perform “Rocking in the Free World” is phenomenal.

I had good times at Global Citizen Festival, and I hope to see another show at Central Park soon. There is nothing like sharing a great big open field with people who love the same music as you.

Here are some pictures I took at the event. I know they're far away, trust me I know. But it was the best I could get.

Grohl, Young and Auerbach. Photo Credit: neilyoungnews.thrasherswheat.com

Dan Auerbach

John Legend

Introducing Japandroids

Perhaps you haven’t heard of Japandroids yet? They haven’t necessarily lodged their way into the mainstream since their 2006 formation, but they are steadily building a mature audience in an inspiring David and Goliath fashion.

Before they were Japandroids, they were Brian King and David Prowse, two college students from Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. At the time, Vancouver wasn’t hot on live shows, forcing King and Prowse to take matters into their own hands. And an experimentation with a more do-it-yourself method commenced. With no backing or no signing from any label, big or small, the pair set off, securing their own performance venues, renting PA equipment, making their own backdrops and posters and leaving the rest to their friends.

They finally were able to record their own debut album, Post-Nothing, on their own. Although without the support of a label, they didn’t see their group getting anywhere. King and Prowse decided that they would release the album, perform their last two shows at Pop Montreal in Montreal and CMJ Music Marathon in New York City, and that would be the end of Japandroids. After hearing of their doubts, a small Canadian label, Unfamiliar Records, offered to sign them, despite their negativity. No one is sure if it was the help of the label, or the band’s purest of musical talents, but Japandroids was instantly recognized.

Pitchfork Media, a music website, loved their sound that was neither punk, rock or indie, but a marriage of the three. They helped skyrocketed the virtually unknown band to recognition with their single, “Young Hearts Spark Fire,” which won their Best New Music award. This helped Japandroids reach audiences outside of their homeland Canada.

With the success of Post-Nothing, the duo dropped Unfamiliar Records and moved on to the more advanced Polyvinyl Record Co. in June 2009. After touring throughout North America, Japandroids rarely heard a negative review. It was almost like a revival of the punk-rock days, where the live performances were so energetic and lively that listening to a studio recording was out of the question. They gradually took hold of their audiences’ ears, minds and hearts.

Keeping up with their previous do-it-yourself method, Japandroids wanted to test out some new material before setting off to the recording studio once again. They joined forces with Bass Drum of Death in touring rather small, more intimate venues, rather than larger stadiums. They wanted to hear the audiences’ reaction to the new material rather than race to release their sophomore album.

Celebration Rock, was eventually released May 29, 2012 in Canada and June 5 internationally. Whether it was their hearty yells, demented drums or rebellious guitar riffs, they received critical acclaim. Spin Magazine even scored their album with a 9 on their 10 scale album rankings.

Where are Japandroids now? Touring (click here and scroll down for tour dates), and most likely resting until their next studio appearance. If we’re lucky enough, maybe we’ll hear some new material soon. Until then, here are some Japandroid singles. Which one do you like best?

"The House That Heaven Built"

"Fire's Highway"

"The Nights of Wine and Roses"

"Evil's Sway"

"Wet Hair"

This article will soon appear on Dualshow.com

 http://dualshow.com/

Drake vs Chris Brown: The Rematch

Digressing from my steady articles fueled with classic-and-modern-rock interests, here is something I stumbled upon today that had me laughing.

Most have already heard about the infamous “Night Club Brawl” between pop artists Chris Brown and Drake earlier this summer. Not many, however, have heard of their physical comeback—a rematch.

Rumors circulated this weekend that the pair booked the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas on September 22 for the most epic of epic battles, and they even were going to send the proceeds to charity! But Brown, always the source of damning news, called the reports a “sad attempt at PR.”

Nevertheless, we still have faith.

Celebrity boxing promoter Damon Feldman revealed a billionaire digital media entrepreneur, Alki David, who is interested in capitalizing on this supposed rematch. He was reported saying that they will each receive $1 million for their efforts, and will further give another $1 million to charity. Feldman told the New York Daily News that, “Obviously they have a grudge. It [would be] just three one-minute rounds. No one will get seriously hurt.”

What do you think? Would this be the match of the century? The newest Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier? I just think it would be funny watching Jimmy from Degrassi fight the guy who beat up his girlfriend. Hate to be blunt, but hey, it’s the truth.

Here's some pump up music for the big match. "We Will Rock You/ We Are the Champions" by Queen.

Revealed: Rock Album Art Locations

I saw this online the other day and thought it was just too cool. Popspotsnyc creator Bob Egan (real-estate agent by day turned rock and roll detective by night) has uncovered some of rock's most iconic album art locations. Enjoy!

Simon & Garfunkel's Wednesday Morning, 3am album was shot on the lower platform of Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street in New York City, where the outbound E and F subway lines run.

Bob Dylan's Freewheelin' album was shot down the corner of Jones Street and West 4th Street in New York City.

Steely Dan's Pretzel Logic was shot on Fifth Avenue and 79th Street in New York City, where the cart remains just above the 79th Street Transverse near the "Miners' Gate."

Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited was shot on the steps of 4 Gramercy Park West in New York City.

The West Side Story Original Broadway Cast Album was shot in Hell's Kitchen, outside 418 West 56th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues in New York City.

Neil Young's After the Gold Rush was shot on the northwest corner of Sullivan Street and West 3rd Street in Greenwich Village.

The Who's The Kids Are Alright album was shot on 116th St. and Morningside Drive in Morningside Heights, New York City. You can see part of the Carl Schurz Monument in the background.

Bob Dylan's video for "Subterranean Homesick Blues" was shot behind London's Savoy Hotel at a dead end at the intersection of Savoy Hill Road.

This iconic Bruce Springsteen photograph was shot by Joel Bernstein while working on The River. The picture was taken in Hell's Kitchen, on 10th Avenue and 53rd Street. The playground in the background belongs to P.S. 111.

Bo Diddley riding a motorcycle through Brooklyn in front of 368 Livingston Street.

My Morning Jacket's Acid Trip

Drugs.

Yes, drugs. They are everywhere: at the pharmacy, in your food, at school, on the television and even in your music. Drugs are an inevitable factor in life, but it is up to you whether to participate or not.

My Morning Jacket encourages listeners to get it “Outta My System” in their new drug fuelled video. And when I say drug fuelled, I mean I feel like my brain is in another dimension after watching it, really.

“Outta My System,” which was featured in their 2011 album, Circuital, stars an animated Jim James, the band’s front man, in what appears to be a fashionable replica of Nicki Minaj’s fuzzy boots. James travels through an animated extra-terrestrial dimension, meeting one-eyed owls, skulls and even meat grinders floating in space. Most impressive is Zach Galifianakis as the powerful wizard in the trippy cartoon world.

The ode is peaceful and dreamy, urging that James had to “learn to know how it feels, but that it ain’t real.”

James Frost, who has also worked with Radiohead and OK GO, directed the video. Check it out below, and make sure not to float off too far while viewing.

Foo Fighters, Black Keys and Neil Young Headlining NYC Charity Concert

The Foo Fighters, The Black Keys and Neil Young with Crazy Horse are joining forces with Band of Horses and K’naan in Central Park’s Global Festival.

This September 29^th at the park’s Great Lawn, Global Poverty Project is hosting this charity concert to defeat global poverty. But don’t jump to buy your tickets just yet.

GPP is holding a lottery of 54,000 tickets that concertgoers could join and work to earn points by signing up for the Global Citizen website or phone app. Earning points is as easy as signing petitions, making posts on your social media or even making charitable donations. After earning your points, you are in the running for winning two free tickets to the show.

The goal is to move more than 50,000 people to fight deep poverty and to generate at least $100,000 to the cause from charities, businesses and governments. Rumors circulate that The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Sumner Redstone Charity Foundations are largely footing the bill, along with groups such as UNICEF and Rotary International, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.

This benefit concert is a golden bridge to connect with the United Nations, who will be in town that particular day. “I think what’s exciting is all the world leaders are going to be in [New York City] that week for the United Nations meeting,” said Hugh Evans of GPP. “And this concert and the associated campaign will give us the opportunity to ask these world leaders to make a practical and tangible monetary commitments to the world’s poor and to achievement of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.” Evans also noted that the concert is a “crescendo” to fighting poverty with the upcoming UN meeting so nearby.

All the participating bands are experienced with charitable work, and often perform for free for certain worthy events. “We are very proud to be lending a hand to such a creative, important event and are looking forward to adding to the noise in the big park and helping an effort toward reducing the global shame of deep poverty,” said the Foo Fighters to Rolling Stone.

Are you looking to get involved? Why not see some of America’s hottest acts while doing so. Check out the Global Citizen website now to get started for free!

Misquoted Bob Dylan Book Taken Off Bookshelves

In every writing class I have taken, the number one rule has always been “do not plagiarize or fabricate material.” It seems as if even professional journalists sometimes neglect the most basic of ethics.

The New Yorker staff writer and best selling author Jonah Lehrer resigned yesterday after being rightfully accused of misconstruing quotes by Bob Dylan in his latest novel Imagine: How Creativity Works, which details how neuroscience explains creative genius.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Lehrer’s publisher, will pull the book from bookshelves worldwide, as well as on the e-book market.

“It’s a hard thing to describe. It’s just this sense that you have something to say,” was a concocted quote from the book, where Dylan was supposed to be explaining the writing process on hit song “Like a Rolling Stone.”

The misquoted information was brought to the attention of Michael Moynihan, editor of Tablet, an online magazine. After he publically questioned Lehrer, the plagiarizer was un-wittedly found in the limelight.  

“The quotes in question either did not exist, were unintentional misquotes or represented improper combinations of previously existing quotes,” explained Lehrer. “But I told Mr. Moynihan that they were from archival interview footage provided to me by Dylan’s representatives.” 

He claimed to have had publicly inaccessible archives from Martin Scorsese’s 2005 documentary No Direction Home, among other sources. This is not the first time Lehrer has been accused of writing fabrications.

Well, sucks to suck, Jonah Lehrer. My journalism teacher would be very disappointed in you. Until then, here are some Dylan songs to enjoy.

"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright"

"Tangled Up in Blue"

"The Times They Are A-Changing"

"Mr. Tambourine Man"

"Ballad of a Thin Man" with the Grateful Dead. Great lesser known hit.

Remembering Jerry Garcia

Today would have been Jerry Garcia’s 70^th birthday.

The Grateful Dead was not just a band—they were an experience. I remember my dad telling me a story about his first Dead experience. As a young boy in 1973, he convinced his parents to let him take the car to a music festival. The Dead, of course, was the headlining act, along with two other bands. Once they arrived, they found themselves lost in a sea of cars, thousands and thousands of cars, waiting for the gates to open. They couldn’t gain access to the venue until the next morning, so my dad, together with his friend and their two dates, joined in with the agony of the wait.

It was late at night, and the crowd was restless. My dad wanted to sleep, hoping that time would slowly fade into morning. However, when he heard that familiar screeching sound of a guitar plugging into an amp, his head popped up.

Jerry Garcia was standing on a poorly built stage, with Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and the rest of the group behind him. They were the only ones willing to put on a free pre-show for their awaiting and loyal fans. Something many bands, back then and today, would never dream of doing.

The Grateful Dead wasn’t just a band, they were an experience, and Jerry Garcia was their chief spokesperson. Since the Dead’s birth in 1965, they have endlessly toured for three decades, playing 2,314 shows. Jerry has been revered as one of the world’s greatest guitar players (Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him at lucky number 13!). His sound is a mix of bluegrass, country and early rock, and has enabled his band to skyrocket to the top of the psychedelic San Francisco scene.

In addition to his Dead feats, Garcia headed side projects, most famously The New Riders of the Purple Sage and The Jerry Garcia Band (great Beatles covers- he admitted "Dear Prudence" was one of his favorite songs). He worked as a solo artist and even collaborated with other bands. He helped Jefferson Airplane with their Surrealistic Pillow album, where he is named as their “spiritual advisor.” Garcia is remembered for being the first to truly cover Motown music in the early 1970’s, and is the most prolific Bob Dylan coverer (he also helped Dylan with a few albums as well).

Garcia died only 8 days after his 53^rd birthday. He had been struggling with his weight in addition to a severe addiction to heroin and cocaine. He died of a heart attack in a California drug rehabilitation facility on August 9, 1995.

In celebration, NCM Fathom Events will screen “The Grateful Dead Movie” at select movie theaters nationwide tonight only. Check out participating theaters here. 

The Grateful Dead were virtually the leaders of the San Fran Hippie Revolution, and continued to spread their free-spirited message around the world. Now all we have left are the recordings and memories.

Happy birthday, Jerry Garcia. We certainly do miss you. Take a listen to some great songs below, and please note that they are all live, as that is the only way you can listen to the Dead.

"New Minglewood Blues" - this blog's namesake

"Shakedown Street"

"Touch of Grey"

"Franklin's Tower"

"Dark Star"

"Jack Straw"

"Sugar Magnolia"

"Ripple"

"Good Lovin'"

"St. Stephen"

"Friend of the Devil"

"Casey Jones"

"Uncle John's Band"

"Bertha"

"Terrapin Station"

"Estimated Prophet"

"Fire on the Mountain"

"Scarlet Begonias"

"Me and My Uncle"

"Alabama Getaway"

"Eyes of the World" - one of my favorites

"Truckin'"

"The Golden Road"

"China Cat Sunflower/ I Know You Rider"