Dispatch Returns

To all those Dispatch fans that thought they were catching their last ever reunion tour last year… you weren’t. Dispatch is back, and this time, exhibiting a little more rock and roll than before.

The band opened up to Rolling Stone Magazine on June 26 about their first album in 12 years, Circles Around the Sun, which won’t be released until August 21. The single and title track is a catchy, upbeat, head-bobbing tune. It still holds true to the band’s intensely mellow vibes, but still, you can hear something not found in most other Dispatch songs. Something a little more rock.

According to the band, the album was not produced to shock fans, despite the revolutionizing sound. Instead, it is meant to tell a story.

“’CATS’ is the legend of our friend, Larry Perry, who passed away this year,” said bassist and vocalist Chad Urmston to Rolling Stone. “In the early 1960s the space race had captured America. Looking to outdo the Soviets without putting their necks on the line, NASA, in an unprecedented, controversial move, took a very disabled young man away from his family to ready him for space flight. Both the USSR and USA had sent dogs and chimps into space, but the USA wanted more. Larry cannot walk or speak, but was in perfect health and, more importantly, in the eyes of the government, expendable.

“Unbeknownst to them, from a very young age, Larry had always been an adrenaline junkie, and the scientists and government officials were actually fulfilling the biggest adventure he could ever dream—to be launched into space. To everyone’s surprise, Larry returns from space triumphant and smiling.”

You know, it is amazing what the government keeps from their people. After reading this article, I took the time to research Larry Perry, the accidental astronaut, and found absolutely nothing. Unbelievable.

Regardless, the single is out, make sure you download it! Or, just take a listen below with some other tracks from the new album.

In addition, Dispatch will venture on an American tour this fall. As always, they will donate $1 to their charity, Amplifying Education, for each ticket sold. Not only do you get to listen to bangin’ music, but you can concurrently support a great cause.

Make sure to check out their website to pre-order the album, and to donate to Amplifying Education.

Ah let’s send him where no one else has gone

And after all he can not speak or walk

Let’s send him out to the moon, do circles around the Sun

"Circles Around the Sun"

"Not Messin"

"Josaphine"

Introducing Morning Parade

The best part of an internship, hands down, is the experience you gain and the people you meet. I have been writing for Dualshow since late March and already have had the opportunity to briefly meet artist Brian Batt, actor James Franco and now, new British band, Morning Parade.

I was fortunate enough to have a (roughly) 20-minute conversation with lead singer and guitarist/pianist Steve Sparrow. Although it was difficult to decipher his muddled British accent (which I loved), I still got a wicked inside scoop of life on tour and what it's like to break through the music industry’s sturdy barriers, which they have successfully done so overseas.

Morning Parade is new and virtually unknown in America, but after being signed by EMI Music’s Astralwerks Records this past year, that is about to change.

EMI is an impressive label; they father sensations such as Kylie Minogue and Coldplay. Morning Parade actually has a very similar sound to the latter, in the sense that their music is neither pop nor rock, but a solid in between with an additional mixture of trippy, chime-like guitaring and soothing vocals.

I hate to be blunt, but just like Coldplay, I fell in love with half of their songs and thought the other half were trash.

Sparrow tuned me into the band’s musical interests, some funny touring stories and the future of the band.

Let’s start with the first note there. Just like any good band, it is important to have an eclectic array of influences to call for a more musically invigorating and dynamic sound. Some of their favorites include Radiohead, Muse, Jeff Buckley, Biffy Clyro and Sigur Rós. Another inspiration is the Kooks, who they performed with a few months back in New York City’s Terminal 5. Probably an ideal location for the two bands: small and acoustically stimulating.

Like I said, it was hard to understand Sparrow’s accent, but I did hear enough to find myself laughing at what appears to be the band’s typical touring antics. For example, he told me a rather embarrassing story of one of his band mates (not sure which one, oops!). He apparently snuck off with a girl late at night, and then woke up the next morning mysteriously wearing a pair of fuzzy slippers. It turns out they belonged to an affluent, and scary, CEO who caught him red-handed.

“We woke up and we thought we were definitely getting dropped,” said Sparrow, laughing. “But he was very cool about it.”

Although Morning Parade is a relatively new band, you can expect a lot from them over the next few months, in America and Europe. They are embarking on a worldwide tour this summer, with stops in both continents, and are particularly excited for their participation in the Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Relay (performing across England’s Midlands and London’s Hyde Park with a multitude of other British performers).

To break through in America is to break through worldwide. Says Sparrow, “Our hopes and ambitions lie here in America, it’s such a big place.”

If you like what your hear (from the videos below), check out a complete list of their summer shows, and make sure you look out for their self-titled album which was released June 19.

Also click here to see my Dualshow Morning Parade article for more quotes and information from Steve Sparrow.

Let me know which songs you like... or don't like.

Cheers!

"Headlights"

"Under the Stars"

"Us & Ourselves"

"Close to Your Heart"

"A&E"

Jimi Hendrix vs Jimi Hendrix

Can you tell who is who?

Does the Jimi Hendrix Estate feel the upcoming Hendrix biopic, All Is By My Side, is not giving their beloved full justice?

Experience Hendrix, LLC, released a statement earlier this month condoning the production of the film, stating that it “has made it known many times in the past that no such film, were it to include original music or copyrights created by Jimi Hendrix, can be undertaken without [the company’s] full participation.”

I wonder if that would even matter in this particular biopic. The film depicts Hendrix early London years, spanning from 1966-1967, before he reached his pinnacle of fame, focusing mainly on his sudden rise to the top.

According to BET, “Experience Hendrix CEO Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister, and the EH have not ruled out a biopic in the future, though producing partners would, out of necessity, have to involve the company from the inception of any such film project if it is to include original Jimi Hendrix music or compositions.”

Was that a nudge at director John Ridley for not consulting with the estate before proceeding with the film?

Nonetheless, Andre ‘3000’ Benjamin, one half of OutKast, does hold an uncanny resemblance to Jimi Hendrix (as seen above and below). Supporting him are Hayley Atwell and Imogen Poots, both popular British actors. The former is playing Linda Keith, Keith Richard’s then-girlfriend and the woman who helped boost him to the spotlight.

Although the idea of All Is By My Side sounds legendary, especially the scenes utilizing-- albeit minimally-- authentic archival footage, I don’t know if it could become a thriving success without the consent of the Hendrix Estate. Truthfully, whether the songs are used or not may be a moot point, the film does take place before he was thrown into the mainstream. But for a film accounting the triumphs of Jimi Hendrix, it needs more. I don’t understand how you can not show any shows or live recordings, what he is most renown for. All I can say is this movie will be a hit or a miss, and I hope it is a hit.

Hendrix died in 1970 from a drug overdose at his girlfriend’s house in London. He is a member of the 27 club.

All Is By My Side will be released next year. Will you see it?

Adre showing off Hendrix's psychedelic style

Atwell playing Linda Keith

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Can't Stop" Releasing Singles

The early days: Slovak is on the far right.

In light of the anniversary of Hillel Slovak’s death, original guitarist and founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I would like to dedicate this post to RHCP and the music they will share with us in the very near future.

In case you live under a rock, you may not know that the Chili Peppers have been touring their tenth studio album, I’m With You, worldwide. I got to see them at the Prudential Center this past May and despite their age, they put on quite a rockin’ show. Literally, I couldn’t have been more pleased.

What fans may not know, however, is that in addition to the 14 songs originally released on the album, the RHCP are expected to release 18 new tracks over the next six months. So far all we know is that “Strange Man” and “Long Progression” will be released August 14, “Magpies” and “Victorian Machinery” will be released September 11 and “Never is a Long Time” and “Love of Your Life” will be released October 2.

Each track will be available either digitally or on a 7-inch vinyl. To add to the excitement, the Chili Peppers hired folk artist Kelsey Brookes to work on the nine 7-inch covers. If you purchase all of them (respectively as they are released) you can combine each album cover to create a larger piece of artwork.

Also in the works, since their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, is a covers EP. They already started covering songs by rock gurus Neil Young, the Beach Boys and even Iggy Pop and the Stooges. I would love to hear that last one!

I have to admit that I am not overly familiar with their new album, but here are some of my favorite Chili Pepper masterpieces. 

"Can't Stop"

"Show Me Your Soul"

"Animal Bar"

"She's Only 18"

"I Like Dirt"

"Emit Remmus"

"Cabron"

"Blood Sugar Sex Magik"

Also: "Under the Bridge," "Suck My Kiss," "They're Red Hot," "Throw Away Your Television," "Warm Tape," "Venice Queen," "Road Trippin'," "Parallel Universe," "Scar Tissue," "Otherside," "Californication," "Porcelain," "This Velvet Glove," "Purple Stain," "Breaking the Girl," "Higher Ground," "Fortune Faded," "Save the Population," "Me & My Friends," "Fire," "Get Up and Jump" and "Johnny Kick a Hole in the Sky."

Enjoy!

My Opinion on the Holographic Show Craze

Jimi Hendrix burning his white Fender Stratocaster at the Monterey Jazz Festival on June 18, 1967.

John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Freddie Mercury, George Harrison and Jimi Hendrix.

What do all those names have in common? They are all dead. Do I wish I were able to see them perform live? Of course! Do I want to see a hologram version of them on stage? Absolutely not.

These hologram shows are getting way to out of hand. It is an excuse for the overly business fraction of the music industry to exploit famous, and infamous, rock star’s images for money. Also, don’t you think it is a little disrespectful? They are all already resting in peace, why rouse their spirits (or their holographic spirits, more likely).

I have recently written an article for Dualshow accounting Marilyn Monroe’s and Elvis Presley’s future holographic performances. In addition, I have heard rumors of a possible Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix hologram in the works. Hell, even Usher is using holographic back up dancers in his latest tour!

What is going on these days? Yes, technology is so advanced lately that we can just use holograms whenever we want, but how could anyone feel comfortable watching a performance by someone who has been dead for the past 40 years?

Tupac was a huge success at this year’s Coachella Music Festival in California, but this is suitable for a one-time spectacle.  Let’s bring holograms forward in a different platform. I wouldn’t say no to a holographic computer, for example.

I am begging the music world to stop this madness. It only depresses me thinking of the futile attempts at emulating the fire these musicians brought forth with their every performance. That, my friends, is something a hologram cannot imitate.

I have compiled a list of live performances you would have only been able to see with the real rock stars. Let’s ditch the holograms and let real film footage take us through time. 

The Who performing "My Generation" on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1967. This is the famous performance where (hilarious) drummer Keith Moon detonated explosives in the bass drum. Rumors circulated that Pete Townshend received permanent damage to his hearing. This performance reiterated the Who's reputation as a pioneer of the "instrument destruction stage show."

Before the Doors were set to perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1967, show executives approached Jim Morrison, requesting he change the "Light My Fire" lyric from "girl we couldn't get much higher" to "girl we couldn't much better." Of course, scandalous Morrison did not, and Ed Sullivan proclaimed he would never invite the Doors back to his show. Morrison's reply? "So what. We just did the Ed Sullivan Show."

This is live footage from the 1969 Woodstock Festival, where Jimi Hendrix was the headlining act. During his two hour long set (the longest in his career) he played an electric rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner." There is high speculation as to whether this was fashioned to be anti-American or a statement on the unrest in American society at the time. Regardless, it was a salient highlight of his short career.

I think it is quite obvious why I included the Beatle's Ed Sullivan performance of "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Even my grandparents can recall where they were for the 1964 spectacle and the widespread worldwide reaction they received. The Beatles were the new "it band" and would hold that title until the band's end in 1969.  They calmed post-Kennedy America, and henceforth brought a change to the world's musical landscape.  

Here is the Rolling Stones playing "Sympathy for the Devil" at their infamous Altamont concert in 1969. This free concert brought forth one death and perhaps the beginning of the end to the freewhellin' sixties. The Stones hired the motorcycle gang, the Hell's Angeles, to act as security guards during the free gig. Rather than monetary compensation, the Angeles received beer. Slightly drunk, a gang member got into a scuffle with 18-year-old Meredith Hunter while she attempted to climb up onstage. Needless to say, she was stabbed and died. A blip in the Rolling Stones career, this performance will be in the books for years to come. 

Flaming Lips to Break Guinness World Record

Flaming Lips performing in 2011

The Flaming Lips practically ooze coolness. I was lucky enough to see—or to substitute that with a more appropriate word—experience them last summer performing the entire Dark Side of the Moon album. Needless to say, my mind was blown. 


I have to admit though, I cannot sit through all their songs, as they are perhaps one of the most psychedelic bands out there today. It is a toss up as to whether I can even understand their lyrics or sit through an entire ten minute track. But needless to say, there are no other words to describe them other than utterly cool.

The Flaming Lips are embarking on a road trip this June 27. Not just any road trip; a Guinness World Record breaking one. How, you may ask?

November 18^th, 2006, rapper Jay-Z scored the record officially titled Most Live Concerts in 24 Hours (Multiple Cities). He performed in seven cities—Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas—to promote his album Kingdom Come.

To one up him, the Lips are planning an eight-city extravaganza in a 24 hour period in America’s southern region. Instead of flying, like Jay-Z, the Lips are hitting it old school, touring the day in a bus. They plan to start up in Memphis, Tenn. at Handy Park and will end with their eighth show at New Orlean’s House of Blues.

“Like when the Sex Pistols did their one and only American tour, the weird mid-south [Memphis to New Orleans] has something very absurd about it when contrasted with radical visionary musicians,” said frontman Wayne Coyne. “I’ve accepted the job of, not DRIVING, but commandeering the Magical Mystery Merry Prankster bus.”

Looks like we got some Magical Mystery Tour- Electric Acid Kool Aid Test in there. Maybe they are calling in the spirit of Ken Kesey and John Lennon to join?

The record-breaking-day-long-tour will coincide with MTV’s O Music Awards, a ceremony honoring the digital music culture. MTV is also breaking a record as they are airing the world’s first 24-hour awards show, where the Lips will be streaming their gigs live.

Make sure you check ‘em out! If you aren’t familiar with the Flaming Lips, here are two good songs to begin with. They not very avant-garde but still sum up that ultra Lips spirit. 

Enjoy!

"Yeah Yeah Yeah Song"

"Do You Realize"

My Summer Playlist 2012

Today is the first day of summer, and if you live in northeastern America with me, you’re experiencing our first truly über-scorching days. Perhaps we can turn up the AC a little out there, huh?

In honor of the world’s most revered season, here is a playlist you can enjoy whilst soaking up those UV-rays by the pool. Me? I’m sitting in my office typing away on my computer, trying my best to multi-task. How I wish summer vacation was still blithely carefree.

Cheers!

“Welcome to Jamrock” by Damien Marley

Perhaps you are more familiar with Damien’s father, Bob? Well, nevertheless, Marley is here to carry on the family tradition acting as a spokesperson for crime, poverty and political corruption in Jamaica. Or, as he emblematically refers to it, Jamrock. Despite the song’s deeper meanings, this 2005 reggae hit melodically flows in tune with the summer’s heat waves.

Out in the streets, they call it muuuuuurderrrrr

“Rodeo Clowns” by Jack Johnson and G. Love

I don’t think there is anyone in America who can accurately portray those burning summer vibes as well as Jack Johnson. In fact, the singer lives full-time in Hawaii, where the snow never falls and the ocean is endless. A friend of mine claims her family friend is Johnson’s neighbor. Oh? I’d love to visit! This song is different from your average Jack Johnson song because it has just a tinge of rap thanks to musician and personal friend, G. Love. If you like this song, check out the acoustic version too.

Pick me up when you’re down, yeah, yeah

“Amber” by 311

Do you like that muted guitar in the beginning? That sound is oh, so soothing to my sweet and sweaty (this is summer, remember?) ears. Amber is one of the few songs I love, and actually even know, by 311. It reminds me of a sweet escape, and along it’s slight reggae tone is why it scored a spot on my summer playlist. Nick Hexum, the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist, wrote it for his then-fiance, Nicole Scherzinger.

Amber is the color of your energy

“Sunshine” by Atmosphere

Atmosphere is one of the few rap groups I can actually listen to and thoroughly enjoy. What differentiates them is not their subject matter, but how they portray it. They are so lyrical and poetic; each song gives a vivid description of what they are trying to say, rather than masking it in curses and tales of murder and sex. Plus, this song makes me so happy, I only can listen to it on sunny days. Have a listen and tell me if you agree.

Sunshine, Sunshine it’s fine. I feel it in my skin, warming up my mind

“No Rain” by Blind Melon

Even though Shannon Hoon, lead vocalist, passed away in 1995 after an overdose, his band’s legacy still lives on. How can it not? “No Rain,” their debut single, reached a startling #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 list after its release in 1992. Take a peep at the lyrics and you’ll see why I added it to my summer playlist. Maybe it would remind you of your unemployed self, too.

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain. I like watching the puddles gather rain

“Too Much” by Dave Matthews Band

Once summer hits, I try to scheme how many Dave shows I can fit in, and afford, in those short four months. Dave Matthews is one of my favorite modern rock-jam bands and I am beyond grateful that he is so reliant with his touring. Even last summer, when he said he was going to “take a break from touring,” he somehow managed to sneak in four three-day-long caravans. Talk about dedication to his fans! 

Oh, traffic jam, got more cars than a beach got sand

“Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay

 The epitome of summer, “Strawberry Swing” has the trippy guitar, happy-go-lucky melody and the happily endearing lyrics. I was introduced to this song in the summer and will always connect it to those smoldering hot days. I may have to perhaps recognize this song as my pick for an all-occasions summer tune. Blast it as loud as you can and heck it out on Viva la Vida or Death and All his Friends.

It’s such, it’s such a perfect day

“One More Time” by Mike Pinto

It’s fitting that I discovered this song before heading of to my first year of college. To me, the song is about friends, family and ever-lasting connections. It’s a song about leaving a place, not knowing if you will ever return to see the familiar faces you grew up with and the world you were once accustomed to. I’d like to think of this song as an appropriate alternative to “Graduation” by Vitamin C. It really nostalgically tears me up.

One more time for old times sake. I’ll always give you my, my hand to shake

“Stealing Time From the Faulty Line” by Phish

I have to admit, all Phish songs really remind me of summer, this is just one of my favorites. The band endlessly jams as if there isn’t a frickin’ care in the world, and that is what I love about it so much. It embodies the visage of summer, the season of relaxation and beauty. If you like this song, you can also check out Tweezer, Bathtub Gin and Down with Disease. I couldn’t decide which to add!

Got a blank space where my mind should be

“Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

If you ever saw the movie Dazed and Confused, you would understand. This song resembles the winding down of stress and anxiety that rots in your mind throughout the working seasons. I love this song, especially, because it always reminds me of the end. Nothing specific, just “the end.” The end of school, the end of worries, the end of life as we know it. It urges you to just flow with the wind. If you haven’t seen it, watch Dazed and Confused, it is most definitely worth it. Or Happy Gilmore, which also ends with “Tuesday’s Gone.”

Tuesday’s gone with the wind, my baby’s gone with the wind

Willie Nelson and Pearl Jam Learn to "Just Breathe"

The worlds of soft rock and country collide once again with Willie Nelson’s rendition of the Pearl Jam ballad, “Just Breathe.” And his cover is not half bad.

Willie Nelson released the music video just this past weekend, about a month after the release of his album Heroes. In the video he adventures on a road trip with his son, Lukas, an up-and-coming country star himself.  The song is very similar yet different from the Pearl Jam original: Nelson’s short Southern draw contrasts with Eddie Vedder’s raspy tone, and his harmonica adds a well deserved touch, as well as Lukas’ guitaring towards the end.

That is not the only cover song making an appearance on Heroes. Nelson also covers “The Scientist” by Coldplay, which was previously heard on a Super Bowl commercial aired last year. It generated so much buzz he decided to include it. The song is also great, almost toppling the original; once again just a basic cover that sounds very similar to the original, only it replaces Chris Martin’s rather winey voice with Nelson’s country southern drawl.  

Heroes is out today for purchase.

Also, if you like Willie Nelson’s coverings as much as I do, you may find this pretty cool as well. In 2007, he released a cover of Dave Matthews’ “Gravedigger.” 

Happy 70th Birthday, Paul McCartney!

I was fortunate enough to see Paul McCartney perform last summer at Yankee Stadium, and despite his seasoned age, he literally rock-n-rolled my socks off.

The concept of time is very perplexing. I remember only six years ago singing, “When I’m 64,” obviously in reference to and honor of McCartney’s 64^th, but now the Rock God has quickly reached the big 7-0. And he’s still killin’ it.

If you know me at all, you know that the Beatles are, and will always be, the number one band in my heart. Without them even knowing, they have helped me through some hard times and, at risk of sounding overtly sensitive, I couldn’t be more grateful for them. I can recall the song “Strawberry Fields Forever” carrying me through various funerals. Even if that was a Lennon original, I consider every late Beatles song a collaborative effort (even if they really weren’t.)

I have to admit, however, that I am not much of a post-Beatles McCartney fan. Wings never did anything for me, and especially his more recent solo albums, such as his Firemen run at Electric Arguments and his album Memory Almost Full, weren’t too spectacular. There were, however, sporadic hits on each, including “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,” “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Dance Tonight.”

McCartney’s songs were always more melodic and upbeat than Lennon’s. He was clearly the optimist in the group and enjoyed spreading love to his avid listeners. The only sad song I can think of off my head, “Yesterday,” was a lament on the sorrows of losing his mother to breast cancer at an early age. It was eradicated, however, with “Let It Be.” McCartney claimed he saw his mother (Mary, obviously) in a dream, urging him that no matter what issues his band was facing, to just Let Them Be.

Today, in honor of Paul McCartney’s 70^th birthday, I have compiled a list of my favorite McCartney originals. I encourage you to click through the links to have a listen, to enjoy the YouTube clips and I highly recommend researching the songs I did not link. They are all good, and to me, they are very special.


Make sure to check him out at this summer's Olympic opening ceremony. He will be "opening the closing." For more, take a peak at my article on dualshow.

Cheers, Paul McCartney! Happy birthday.

"Live and Let Die"

"Band on the Run"

"Jet"

"Let Me Roll It"

"Martha"

"Hey Jude"

"Helter Skelter"

The Abbey Road Medley- Last few songs of the album

Also: "Blackbird," "Here There and Everywhere," "And I Love Her," "Eleanor Rigby," "I Saw Her Standing There," "Lovely Linda," "I've Just Seen a Face," "Penny Lane," "Got To Get You Into My Life," "For No One," "Michelle," "Lovely Rita," "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (both)," "Paperback Writer," "The Long and Winding Road" and "Lady Madonna" among many others.