In my opinion, Kevin Devine is among the best modern singer/songwriters of our generation, and his newest album, Brother’s Blood is a success that exhibits just why this is the case. The best way to describe this album is to quote Kevin himself as “The end of days, a dead dog and his sailor master, hallucinogenic fever dreams, sexual infatuation, vividly imagined infidelity, Irish women, Irish Spring, baby boomers, cold feet, getting responsible, life on life’s terms.” And this all makes perfect sense. Basically, this album can’t be lumped into a category, only poetry; heartache and musical brilliance.

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Lucas Kane is one of those rare performers who will not compromise when it comes to heart and emotion. This is very evident while listening to his debut EP, Stars and Blue, a near-flawless and laid-back work of acoustic song craft and poetry. He is self reflective and compelling yet breathtaking and powerful at the same time.

The Australian native’s first track, “Tomorrow” is extremely upbeat and a great song to wake you up in the morning. The lyrics, “Today will do, I don’t know what tomorrow will bring”, make a procrastinator like me feel almost downright shameful (almost). As an opener, it does hook with you with a burst of energy, but, as you will see, it is a departure from the rest of the album.

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local brooklyn peeps chowing and boozing

So I have checked out the talented old school/dancehall DJ Juice E at Barrette, one of my local spots in Brooklyn.  She has a regular residency on Thursdays at Barrette and Sundays at Habana Outpost, but this Saturday is not to be missed.  From 12PM to 12AM on Saturday, 5/9/09, Habana Outpost is taking over South Portland Ave from Fulton to Lafayette in Fort Greene for a huge block party.  You can expect a mix of live music, DJ sets, fashion shows, and local cratsmen selling their wares.  DJ Juice E is spinning from 5-10PM.  For more details, here is the official press release.  Check it out!  See you out there….

Brownen Exter at Rockwood - photo by bob hyland

At some point tonight, I will find myself at Rockwood Music Hall for a great lineup starting at 8PM with an all-star jazz/lounge-influenced group called Hey Sailor! featuring Misty Boyce, Jamie Leonhart, Brownen Exter, and Saskia Lane - all excellent in their own right.  I am excited to see what they are like together.  After that set, stick around for Jesse Harris at 9PM and Dan Torres at 10PM.  See you out there…

You could describe the Brooklyn based band, Longwave, as “Synth, Rock…Stylish and Atmospheric” or just simply “Awesome”. The band is back with a cohesive, symphonic sound that makes you wonder why you may not have heard of them before. Sure I could go into moribund details about how they used to open for the Strokes, had tons of personal squabbles and a disparaging encounter with RCA—but what’s the point. Just listen to their album and be appreciative that you do, know them now.

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By Jordan Noel, March 2009

OK, so after Free Beer Friday at Slane and In Flight Radio at Fontana’s, rush right over to the Bowery Ballroom for Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band’s set at 10PM.  It is a record release show for his latest effort, Brother’s Blood, which we will be reviewing shortly on MNL.  

I have seen Kevin play at smaller places like Pianos as well as Bowery, and while the intimate show was special, Bowery is his favorite room to play.  So I suggest you get on over there.  The show is sold out, but there are always people selling tickets in front of the venue.  Kevin is an great singer-songwriter with both catchy and insightful lyrics.  My favorite song, shockingly enough (not really), is “Brooklyn Boy”. 

The well-received opening acts are Brian Bonz & The Hot Dongs and The New Numbers.  Check them out tonight!  See you out there…

It is going to be over 80 degrees on Satuday people.  So air cast and all, I am going to be outside, damnit.  I found out that my friends’ band Bugs in the Dark is playing this outdoor music festival that the NY Magpies (Australia Football Club) throw every year in honor of the “diggers that tragically lost their lives in pursuit of their country’s freedom”. 

$25 in advance or $30 at the door gets you 6 bands, a bbq from Outback Steakhouse, and the option to indulge in various Aussie foods and drinks (yes please!).  

The sun, of course, is free.  All this goes down at Pier 66 on Saturday 4/25/09 from 1PM to Midnight.  See you out there…

So one of my favorite rock bands, In Flight Radio, is playing the 9PM set at Fontana’s on Friday as part of the New Music Friday series.  The other band on the bill is The MLMs at 8PM.  This is a perfect place to go after Free Beer Friday at Slane from 6-8PM.  See you out there…

As of late, the music scene has become quite devoid of Funk and Soul. Leave it to Laura Cheadle’s Live On to reignite the sound and hopefully redefine the music landscape. Blessed with Laura’s soulful voice and accompanied by superb instrumentation, this album will get you grooving.

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One of my favorite local NYC bands, Carlon, will be one of the featured bands at the Green Apple Music Fest this week at The Bowery Poetry Club in Noho. Check ‘em out and i’ll tell you I told ya so.

Click the link for more details!