0 [GREAT NEWS] The Moondoggies to Play Bonnaroo Festival!!

Photo courtesy: ©2009 Palmer Sather

I must say that even though I am predominately a metal and punk fan, and mainly choose to focus on harder edged music on SRG. I have a huge soft spot for a few local bands outside that realm that have not only made timeless records in recent times, but continue to amaze me live in concert. It's also not often you are in the right place at the right time, like in the case of the Moondoggies. I can say with certiantly that I was actually there from the beginning. Thanks to some ties from high school I was one of only a handful of witnesses to the Moondoggies' humble beginnings at multiple of those now legendary Blue Moon shows. The rest is an awesome story of record deals, sold out shows, local festival appearences, critical acclaim, and now a US Tour that I am thrilled to have been apart of thus far.

The saga of the Moondoggies only gets better as today the Bonnaroo Festival announced its Cafe Stage lineup, and guess who will be on the farm this June? Our very own Moondoggies!! Congratulations guys, such great news!! See for yourself here.

0 [BUMMER] RIP Jay Reatard 1980-2010

I wanted to wait and be sure that the rumors plastered all over the internet were true, and sadly it seems they are. I saw Jay Reatard 4 times over the past few years, and each show was more manic and defeaning than the next. The Jay Reatard show at the Croc back in May '09 was specially awesome, as a visiably drunken crowd came together into a pretty wild mosh pit. It was the first time I had scene crowd surfing at the Croc new or old ever. He was a talented dude, and both of his recent solo records 'Blood Visions' and 'Watch Me Fall' are totally rad. Sucks.

Courtesy of jayreatard.com:

Jimmy Lee Lindsey, Jr. died in his sleep on Wednesday morning. He was 29 years old.

He is survived by his mother Devonna May, his father Jimmy Lindsey, and his sisters Leslie Lindsey, Stephanie Duncan and Gara May. He’ll be missed by music fans all over the world.

With 22 full-length albums and over 100 releases, Jay dedicated his life to music. He played nearly one thousand shows in over 20 countries around the world. He was incredibly grateful for all the support his fans gave him over the years.

Download: Jay Reatard – Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle

0 [NEWS] Machu Picchu Mother Future Release "Space Mountain Forever" Sessions

An improvised night in the studio by 11 musicians and three bands including Souvenier's Young America, Conifer, and Seattle's own Lesbian resulted in what sounds like some wickedly heavy stoner jams. The collective known as Machu Picchu Mother Future have deemed the sessions "Space Mountain Forever" and they are now available on red vinyl split LP with Year of No Light via musicfearsatan.com.

Here's the real story:

While on an east coast tour in November of 2007, Conifer (Important Records) and Lesbian (Holy Mountain) drove to Richmond, Virginia arriving at 5a.m. and ended up crashing at the Sound Of Music recording studio for two nights. There to play a show with Souvenir’s Young America (Crucial Blast) at the Nara Sushi, all three bands (11 members total in one live room) entered the studio on very little sleep and recorded roughly two hours of improvised music... very loosely structured and minds somewhat altered... These sessions birthed what will be known as "Space Mountain Forever."

Conifer:
Sean Hadley
Leif Sherman Curtis
Nate Nadeau
Zachary Earl Howard
Souvenir's Young America:
Jonathan Lee
Ken Rayher
Graham Scala
Lesbian:
Arran McInnis
Dorando Hodous
Daniel La Rochelle
Benjamin Thomas-Kennedy

0 [NEWS] Stream New High on Fire

Here's the new High on Fire track "Frost Hammer" and it rules! "Snakes For The Divine" is out 2/23 via E1 Music. I'll keep watch for tour info and let you know as soon as it's made available.

"Snakes For The Divine" tracklist:

01 "Snakes For The Divine"
02 "Frost Hammer"
03 "Bastard Samurai"
04 "Ghost Neck"
05 "Fire, Flood & Plague"
06 "How Dark We Pray"
07 "Holy Flames Of The Fire Spitter"
08 "Mystery of Helm"

1 [GREAT NEWS] A Frames Regroup and Announce West Coast Tour

On the same day that These Arms Are Snakes dealt a blow to fans, another kick ass Seattle band announced plans to come out of hibernation, and regroup for a west coast tour. This comes as a pleasant surprise due to the fact that the members of A Frames are on the verge of releasing a record as part of AFCGT.

Also involved with the tour is Australian cult punk act X (not to be confused with John Doe and crew), and it kicks off the right here in Seattle at everyone's favorite punk establishment the Funhouse. See you on May 21st, it'll be a party.

Confirmed Tour Dates:

Fri May 21st Seattle,WA
Sat May 22nd Portland,OR
Sun May 23rd Sacto
Mon May 24th San Fran,CA
Tuesday May 25th L.A.
Wed May 26th DRIVE
Thurs May 27th Austin,TX
Fri May 28th Denton,TX
Sat May 29th Marfa,TX
Sunday May 30th Las Cruces,NM
Mon May 31st Pheonix,AZ
Tues June 1st San Diego,CA
Wed June 2nd Bakersfield,CA
Thurs June 3rd L.A.
Fri June 4th Oakland,CA
Sat June 5th San Fran,CA

0 [BUMMER] These Arms Are Snakes Break Up

This wasn't exactly how I wanted to start my day but, the official word finally came confirming the speculation that Seattle's These Arms Are Snakes have broken up. TAAS were a no show at a gig back in December leading to the rumors. Here is the official word that landed in my inbox today:

From the band:

"It's with a heavy heart we tell you that These Arms Are Snakes is no more. It's been a great run and we'd like to send out a very hearty "Thank You" to everyone that we've worked with or anyone that we've toured with; anyone that lent us a floor, towed our van and / or trailer, lent a van, given us a listen, downloaded our records prior to their coming out, bought our shit, or asked us where our band name came from; everyone who cooked us food, made habanero-infused tequila, had a safety meeting with us, let Steve gyrate all over you, had to live with any of us, made us pay shitloads of money to get off your punk label, got us into LOST, found Steve drunkenly wandering the streets of Tokyo alone, played Madlibs in the van (plural nouns), lost money promoting one of our shows, took Chris to the hospital, put up with our drunken sorry asses, got into a fight with us, etc. etc."

This band could not have been possible without all of you. We sincerely thank you.

Much love,

TAAS 2002 - 2009

0 [SHITTY NEWS] Slayer/Megadeth Show Postponed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BACK SURGERY SCHEDULED FOR SLAYER'S TOM ARAYA,

BAND'S TOUR PLANS POSTPONED THROUGH APRIL

Slayer Camp Working Hard to Reschedule Dates for Later This Year

Los Angeles, CA - Thursday, January 7, 2010 — "Tom gave various medical treatments more than a fair shot," said Slayer's manager Rick Sales, "but they just haven't handled the problem, so he's biting the bullet and is scheduled for back surgery at the end of this month."

This difficult decision made by the band's bassist/vocalist Tom Araya means the cancellation of Slayer's immediate tour plans that include the American and Canadian Carnage Tour dates that were set to kick off on January 18, as well as the band's UK/European tour scheduled for March and April. Booking agents for both Slayer and Megadeth are already hard at work to see if these dates can be rescheduled, so those holding tickets are asked to sit tight as more info will be announced as progress is made.

The headbanging Araya, known for aggressively swinging his long mane of hair while performing, began experiencing back problems while on the band's Australian/New Zealand/Japanese tour last October. In spite of his rapidly increasing pain and discomfort, he carried on with the tour, but immediately upon returning home saw an orthopedic specialist who diagnosed a Cervical Radiculopathy. The rocker initially did not want to take the major surgery route, so the specialist recommended a series of minimally-invasive procedures. While those procedures have resulted in some improvement, Araya continues to deal with intermittent bouts of severe pain, numbness and muscle spasms. The surgical procedure that Araya will undergo, called an Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion, is a relatively routine practice and the recovery rate is excellent.

Sales added, "As unfortunate as this is for so many people - the Megadeth and Testament camps, the concerts' promoters, and, of course, the fans - Tom's health is the number one priority, and this has to happen."

1 [RANDOM NEWS] High on Fire Release New Album Artwork

Oakland, California-based power trio HIGH ON FIRE will release its long-awaited, fifth studio album, "Snakes for the Divine", on February 23 via E1 Music.

The "Snakes for the Divine" album artwork, which can be viewed below, was brought to life by longtime HIGH ON FIRE cover artist Arik Moonhawk Roper.

God damn, I can't wait for this record to come out! Even my turntables are salivating!

0 [NEWS] Soundgarden Reunion in 2010!!!!!

The rumors are true!! When Krist Novoselic wrote a couple weeks ago that he had good information the Soundgarden reunion was not happening. I just kicked the air and went back to my life, it seemed all hope was lost. WRONG!!

Soundgarden will reunite this year. Yes, you read correctly. Wasting little time to be the first big music news of 2010, singer Chris Cornell confirmed the reunion on his Twitter account at the stroke of midnight EST.

"The 12 year break is over & school is back in session," Cornell's Tweet reads. " Sign up now. Knights of the Soundtable ride again!"

On the Soundgarden website, a similar message is posted along with a video of the band at their grungiest as they blast through Get On The Snake from 1989.

I'm still in shock over the actual confirmation. I guess the Tadgarden performance did make Chris a little jealous. Which is great cause he is in dire need of some redemption following his recent horrific descent into a very busted solo career as a pop artist.

SOUNDGARDEN in 2010!! Man, that feels good to say!

Happy New Year!!

http://www.soundgardenworld.com/

So the rumors are true. I just received a confirmation email from the Showbox at the Market stating that indeed popular nineties post-grunge Seattle band Green Apple Quick Step are playing a show December 20th or this Sunday to be exact. The bummer deal is it's a private party for Cafe Vita, so unless you slang coffee at their local coffee shops or work in the front office chances are you'll be shit out of luck. The set will consist of tunes from their first two records, Wonderful Virus (1993) and Reloaded (1995), and marks the first time in 12 years the songs will be played live.

A crazy amount of great post-grunge Seattle bands have made their way out of retirement since 2007 to play shows in the area and even release records. I have had the opportunity to check out Sweetwater, Seaweed, Love Battery among others and its been great since I spun their records with reckless abandon when I was in middle school. This event may bode well for future endeavors and possible few reunion shows in 2010, so lets keep our fingers crossed.

I just sent off an email to Cafe Vita asking if they wouldn't mind a straggler hanging out at their party. Yes, I'm a nerd, but I don't want any of their food or booze. Just a little "Dirty Water Ocean" would be fine, and maybe a cup of joe.

Check out the initial semi-announcement by former GAQS drummer and current Duff's Loaded drummer Geoff Reading at Weekly Volcano.

http://weeklyvolcano.typepad.com/spew/2009/12/w.html#more

Read more »

0 RANDOM NEWS: John Garcia to Perform Kyuss Songs at Roadburn 2010

Of course this news has no immediate baring on anything remotely close to Seattle, but it is still great news. One of my favorite bands of all time is Kyuss, and it only has 1/4 to due with Josh Homme. Another 1/4 is definitely John Garcia. I have always loved his unique voice, and so pumped to see what comes out of this down the road. John has been busy in the last decade with Hermano, a band that leans heavily on Kyuss's stoner rock defining roots. Check'em out!

PS. Anyone want to loan me money for a trip to Holland?

Here is some info courtesy of roadburn.com:

As the legendary frontman of Kyuss, JOHN GARCIA really needs no further introduction, but here’s one anyway. The incredible emotional content of Kyuss is due in large part to the vocals of JOHN GARCIA. Deeply rooted in blues and baked solid by the searing desert sun, his powerful contributions to the classic Kyuss records Blues for the Red Sun, Kyuss (aka “Sky Valley”) and Circus Leaves Town cast the mold for a legion of imitators.

Backed by a band of highly accomplished musicians, JOHN GARCIA will perform an entire set of Kyuss songs at Roadburn Festival 2010.

0 RIP John Lennon (1940-1980)

On December 8th, 1980 John Lennon was hastfully gunned down on the streets of New York. I've always put John Lennon up on a pedestal that very few musicians get to hang out on. He keeps good company with Neil Young, Joe Strummer, and Eddie Vedder in my book, just to name a few. Though he was murdered only a few months after I was born, his music has played a huge part in my life and for that I'm forever grateful. Without the outspoken legacy of John Lennon who knows where music would be today.

RIP John Lennon, you are missed

2 RIP Dimebag Darrell (1966-2004)

I was driving home from work on December 8th, 2004 crossing the Fremont Bridge when Jolene from KISW broke the crushing news. I was stunned and saddened much like everyone else who cranked Pantera on a regular basis. The weird thing about this was just a couple weeks earlier my buddies and I had ventured up to the Showbox to see Damageplan, Shadows Fall, and The Haunted tear it up, and we were met with a canceled sign. Shadows Fall and The Haunted still ended up playing, but at Studio Seven instead and totally kicked ass. Little did we know what would unfold later on during that same tour.

I was lucky enough to see Pantera on two occasions, once at Ozzfest 2000, and another at the Tacoma Dome as part of the Extreme Steel Tour with SLAYER, Static-X and Morbid Angel. I also saw Damageplan on their first appearance in Seattle at El Corazon. It was a mad house that night and Dime and Vinny drank behind the bar with us fans prior to the show. What cool mutherfuckers they seemed to be. I think I might have to choke down a 'Black Tooth Grin' at tonight's Marduk show in his honor.

RIP Dime, you are missed!

0 Download Yeasayer's "Ambling Alp"

As mentioned in an earlier post, Yeasayer will be releasing their new album Odd Blood on the 9th of February 2010. Although it's not 2010 yet, you can download the first single 'Ambling Alp' as a free mp3.

Tracklist:
01 The Children
02 Ambling Alp
03 Madder Red
04 I Remember
05 ONE
06 Love Me Girl
07 Rome
08 Strange Reunions
09 Mondegreen

[MP3] Yeasayer - ‘Ambling Alp’

0 Great Book Recommendation from EV

I saw this on PJ's website and thought it was cool. Not only does the book sound interesting, but the fact that EV wrote not one but two Leatherman songs should be a point of interest for fans.

Courtesy of PearlJam.com:

Dear Listeners,

I was recently sent a book that I thought some of you more hardcore folks might find interesting.

It’s called The Old Leather Man written by Dan DeLuca. It is a detailed historical document all about this intense character who roamed the northeast on foot in the mid to late 1800s.

About twelve years ago on a winters day hike my friend Tim R., his kids and I stumbled upon one of his old caves. That night I was inspired to write not one but two songs about the man (the second, not so creatively titled "Leatherman II" was never released…definitely the more somber of the two).

While this book offers up his life and times in the most complete manner as possible, the mystery of Leather Man remains intact.

It’s also interesting to note the parallels between the Leather Man and Chris McCandless who we got to know through Into the Wild.

Just thought I’d pass it on…

Ed

0 Stream the Them Crooked Vultures Record Now

Josh Homme. Dave Grohl. John Paul Jones

You can now stream the new record from rock supergroup Them Crooked Vultures via the band's YouTube channel. After doing a quick flyby listen, there seems to be some solid stuff. The track that initially caught my ear "Dead End Friends" has been posted for your enjoyment below. Go here to hear the rest.

0 Sasquatch 2010 Presale Tickets Available Now

To many people’s surprise the initial announcement for Sasquatch 2010 came on Saturday, with pre-sale tickets going on-sale already as well. It was some nice but interesting news since the year before we had to wait until I believe February when the lineup was announced.

The big news/rumor reported by many seemingly in the know online music blogs such as Pitchfork and Stereogum is that a reunited PAVEMENT will headline one of the nights of the festival. While surely that would be totally amazing and worth a good deal of the again increased 3-day ticket price, there has been no official announcement by the Sasquatch camp to confirm the accusations.

Random thought, but I started the blog only a few weeks after Sasquatch 2008, which sucks because I would have had tons to talk about after spending the 3 full days catching well over 30 bands. Oh well, maybe I’ll post some of the kick ass photos of the Murder City Devils I took down the road.

By the way, just an FYI...I bought tickets for my wife and I, and it set us back $369.85, not including camping. WTF!

Here is the press release sent to my mailbox:

SASQUATCH! MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 29-31 (MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND) AT THE GORGE

DISCOUNT 3 DAY FESTIVAL PASSES ON SALE NOW

COMPLETE LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED FEBRUARY 16

Following early sellouts and rave reviews the past several years, and hailed by SPIN as “a pick-your-poison selection for your party at the edge of the earth,” the Sasquatch! Festival returns for its ninth year May 29-31 (Memorial Day Weekend), 2010 at The Gorge in Quincy, WA. For the first time, a special discounted 3-day festival pass will be available in time for the holiday gift season on Saturday, November 7 at 10:00 A.M. (PST) via sasquatchfestival.com. There are a limited number of discount passes, which will be available through December 31, 2009. The festival’s complete lineup will be announced February 16.

Festival creator Adam Zacks founded Sasquatch! in 2002 with the aim of constructing an event that catered to the eclectic tastes of voracious music enthusiasts. Zacks personally curates the lineups for each Sasquatch! Festival, hand-picking the diverse array of artists. “It’s our goal each year to present a fresh line up that reflects the independent spirit of the Pacific Northwest, respects the artists and audience, and celebrates the grandeur of The Gorge.”

The Sasquatch! Festival has established a tradition of presenting critically acclaimed emerging artists alongside established headliners. Previous lineups have spanned a broad spectrum of genres from rock to hip-hop, electronic to singer-songwriters; past performers include R.E.M. Coldplay, Kanye West, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Wilco, The Flaming Lips, The Cure, Björk, and M.I.A. The festival also has a history of incorporating comedy including performances by Flight of The Conchords, Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, and many more.

Known for its bucolic location as well as its programming zeitgeist, the Sasquatch! Festival marks its ninth year at The Gorge, a concert venue built in the Columbia River Gorge and offering spectacular views of the river canyon.

0 Free Live Pixies "Doolittle" EP

Hey cool! A live Pixies EP is now available, and it's free by entering your email in the widget below. The EP was announced today and made available via a tweet from the Pixies camp. The live tracks are from an October 16th gig in Paris and act as nice sample of what's to come when they take over the Paramount Theater November 12th-13th to play "Doolittle" in its entirety each of the two nights.

Track List:

1) “Dancing the Manta Ray”
2) “Monkey Gone to Heaven”
3) “Crackity Jones”
4) “Gouge Away”

0 "Beyond and Back" Streams Live Today From 3-5pm

My good buddy and soon to be new SRG contributor QuitterDan has recently starting scratching an itch that has been lingering for awhile by signing up and creating his own online radio show.

“Beyond and Back” features an awesome and sometimes obscure mix of 70’s Rawk n Roll. Though the show premiered on Wednesday, he’ll be back on the air again today from 3-5pm, spinning the heavier side of the 70’s.

QuitterDan will make his SRG debut as soon as I get my shit together and write the intro he deserves, but until then if you are looking for a Friday checkout to end your work day.

“Beyond and Back” will stream live today from 3-5pm. RAWK!

Tune in here: http://quitterdan.listen2myradio.com/

If you were wondering about the picture above...yes that is the fucking Ramones and QuitterDan is the dude to the far right. It was taken during his former band the Overwhelming Colorfast's '92 Tour with the punk legends.

0 TOUR RUMOR: Not Quite Big 4, But Surely Mind Blowing

SLAYER, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT and HIGH ON FIRE are rumored to be teaming up for a U.S. tour starting in February 2010. It should be noted, however, that this information has not yet been corroborated by an official source.