DeadJournalist.com's the (almost) daily blog

Live and in Beta (WE'RE MOVING!)

2009-10-05T20:41:00.001-04:00

DeadJournalist.com V3.3 is live and in Beta!

DeadJournalist.com has been redirected to www.deadjournalist.com/DJdc as I've moved the (almost) daily blog to WordPress.

So here's the deal, I needed a new platform that offered more flexibility, a fresher look, etc., so after a couple of months of toying around with a few different looks (including a radical redesign that I loved but wasn't as practical) here we go, with V3.3.

New features:

Search! With almost four years of content - including 71+ interviews - this was long overdue.

RSS! Finally, an RSS that works! (I hope).

New look! It's the same color, but a nice little facelift.

Coming:

Contributors! I'm lining up some West Coast contacts and hope to add a few more on the East Coast to focus on new contact and hopefully live show reviews.

The site is in Beta, so some functionality isn't complete and some item may change, but I'm happy to release it for the masses.

Chuck
DJdc

New Site; New Interviews

2009-10-04T20:30:00.002-04:00

I'm working on V3.3 of DeadJournalist.com which may transition as soon as this week.

Also, interviews with White Rabbits and A.A. Bondy should be up this week. It will be a busy week and I do owe a few more interviews out to artists that I think you'll be happy to hear from.

Chuck

Exclusive Deer Tick Interview

2009-09-30T23:11:00.002-04:00

It�s been a whirlwind summer for the guys of Deer Tick, the whiskey and beer rock band out of Providence, Rhode Island. Buzz around the band�s second album, Born On Flag Day, began late in 2008 and by the time the Summer of �09 had ended the band was continuing its non-stop touring; had been interviewed by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams (who confessed to being a big fan of the band); released its sophomore album; added a new new guitarist; and to top it off, the band�s lead-singer asked Nikki Darlin of Those Darlins for her hand in marriage.

And you thought you had a busy summer.

From a musical perspective, the band�s album crossed country, folk and rock to appeal to a fan base who cherished whiskey and dirt and a lack of pretentiousness in their music. Much like Lucero did in there early days, Deer Tick became the band people who didn�t listen to � that kind of music� listened to � and loved.

Four months in the making, here's DJdc's exclusive interview with Deer Tick: DJdc Exclusive Interview with Deer Tick is up: http://www.deadjournalist.com/interviews/20090930deertick.htm

Video of the Day: Deer Tick - "Can't Hardly Wait" (live, Replacement's cover)

2009-09-30T22:08:00.001-04:00

New Interviews

2009-09-30T17:23:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to announces that DJdc exclusive interviews with Deer Tick, White Rabbits and A.A. Bondy are in and will be going up shortly. My most recent interview with Alan Semerdjian went up Monday.

Make sure to check out these, and any of the other 70 DJdc exclusive interviews I've conducted in the Exclusive Interviews section of DeadJournalist.com
Thanks,
Chuck

Video of the Day: Phoenix "Litszomania" live at Criminal Records

2009-09-30T14:32:00.003-04:00

Taken by DJdc today at Criminal Records.

Live Review: Phoenix live at Criminal Records - Atlanta

2009-09-30T11:24:00.002-04:00

I made it to the Phoenix live in-store at Criminal Records in Atlanta today for a Noon show. The Atlanta faithful turned out in full support of the band; and the band reciprocated by performing six songs (including "Lisztomania" twice) and also signing autographs for those who stuck around.

I happened to get there just as the band was unloading - kudos to them for a great performance even though it was quite early for them. Judging from their reaction, them seemed genuinely please and maybe even surprised at the turn-out and reaction of the Atlanta fans.
(photo by me)

Video of the Day: Langhorne Slim - "Back to the Wild"

2009-09-29T20:59:00.000-04:00

Langhorne Slim - Back to the Wild from Kemado Records on Vimeo.

Lover! US Tour Dates

2009-09-29T20:51:00.000-04:00

Lover! has announced Fall tour dates.

Tour Dates
Oct 3 - Empty Bottle with Pierced Arrows - Chicago, IL
Oct 15 - The Crocodile with Jay Reatard - Seattle, WA
Oct 17 - Scion/Vice Garge Fest - Portland, OR
Oct 27 - Cafe Bourbon St - Columbus, OH
Oct 28 - Gooski's - Pittsburgh, PA
Oct 29 - 941 Theatre - Philadelphia, PA
Oct 30 - Cakeshop - New York, NY
Oct 31 - TBA - New York, NY
Nov 2 - The Union - Athens, OH
Nov 3 - Lager House - Detroit, MI
Nov 4 - Louie's - Kalamazoo, MI
Nov 5 - Cactus Club - Milwaukee, WI
Nov 6 - Medusa w/ France Has The Bomb - Minneapolis, MN
Nov 7 - The Aquarium - Fargo, ND
Nov 10 - The Fun House - Seattle, WA
Nov 11 - The East End - Portland, OR
Nov 13 - The Hemlock - San Francisco, CA
Nov 14 - The Redwood - Los Angeles, CA
Nov 15 - Bar Pink - San Diego, CA
Nov 16 - Yucca Tap Room - Phoenix, AZ
Nov 17 - Burt's - Albuquerque, NM
Nov 18 - 3 Kings - Denver, CO
Nov 19 - The Replay - Lawrence, KS

Port O'Brien New Album, Tour Dates

2009-09-29T20:48:00.000-04:00

Port O'Brien's new album threadbare will be out October 6, 2009 on tbd records.

Tour Dates
September 28 Omaha, NE - The Slowdown*
September 29 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry*
September 30 Milwaukee, WI - Mad Planet*
October 1 Chicago, IL - Schubas Tavern*
October 2 St. Louis, MO - The Billiken Club*
October 3 Indianapolis, IN - Radio Radio*
October 4 Cincinnati, OH - Southgate House*
October 5 Rock Island, IL - Barn Show "Daytrotter Presents" +
October 7 Columbus, OH - Wexner Center for the Arts*
October 8 Pontiac, MI - Verner's Room at the Crofoot+
October 9 Toronto, ON - Sneaky Dee's*
October 10 Montreal, PQ - Il Motore*
October 12 Northampton, MA -- Ironhorse^
October 13 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club*
October 14 New York, NY - The Mercury Lounge*
October 16 Brooklyn, NY - Union Hall*
October 17 Philadelphia, PA - North Star Bar*
October 18 Baltimore, MD - The Talking Head Club*
October 19 Washington, DC - DC 9*
October 21 Chapel Hill, NC - Nightlight Bar & Club*
October 22 Knoxville, TN - Pilot Light+
October 23 Atlanta, GA - Criminal Record Instore
October 23 Atlanta, GA - The Earl*
October 24 Nashville, TN - Exit In*
October 26 Houston, TX - Rudyards+
October 27 Dallas, TX - The Cavern*
October 28 Austin, TX - Emo's Jr. *
October 30 Phoenix, AZ - Modified Arts*
November 2 La Jolla, CA - The Loft @ UCSD+
November 4 Santa Barbara, CA - Muddy Waters+
November 5 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill+
November 6 Sacramento, CA - Luigi's+
November 7 Santa Cruz Mountains, CA - Folk Yeah Presents @ Brookdale Lodge+
November 24 London, ENG - Scala+
* with Sea Wolf
+ Port O'Brien headlining date
^ with Grand Archives

Art Brut Tour Dates

2009-09-29T20:45:00.000-04:00

A reminder that Art Brut will be on tour starting in October.

Tour Dates
10/16 - The Middle East (Downstairs) - Cambridge, MA
10/17 - Maxwell's - Hoboken, NJ
10/18 - Black Cat - Washington, DC
10/19 - Cat's Cradle - Carrboro, NC
10/20 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA
10/21 - Club Downunder - Tallahassee, FL
10/22 - Bottletree - Birmingham, AL
10/23 - Spanish Moon - Baton Rouge, LA
10/25 - Mohawk - Austin, TX
10/28 - Casbah - San Diego, CA
10/29 - The Glass House - Pomona, CA
10/30 - Caf� Du Nord - San Francisco, CA
11/2 - Neumos - Seattle, WA
11/3 - The Biltmore - Vancouver, BC
11/5 - Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
11/6 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO
11/7 - Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS
11/9 - Triple Rock - Minneapolis, MN
11/10 - Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL
11/15 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY

Pretty Lights New Album (for free) and Tour Dates

2009-09-29T20:41:00.000-04:00

Pretty Lights' third album, Passing By Behind Behind Your Eyes, will be available for free download starting October 6 via PrettyLightsMusic.com.

Tour Dates

10.01.09 � Fox Theatre Boulder � Boulder, CO
10.02.09 � Aggie Theatre � Ft. Collins, CO
10.03.09 � Ogden Theatre � Denver, CO
10.12.09 � Belly Up Tavern � Solana Beach, CA
10.14.09 � Key Club � West Hollywood, CA
10.15.09 � The Independent � San Francisco, CA
10.16.09 � Nocturnum � Eureka, CA
10.17.09 � Nectar Lounge � Seattle, WA
10.18.09 � Crystal Ballroom � Portland, OR
10.21.09 � The Varsity Theater � Minneapolis, MN
10.22.09 � Miramar Theatre � Milwaukee, WI
10.23.09 � Park West � Chicago, IL
10.24.09 � Majestic Theatre � Madison, WI
10.25.09 � Bluebird Nightclub � Bloomington, IN
10.27.09 � Headliners Music Hall � Louisville, KY
10.28.09 � Exit/In � Nashville, TN
10.29.09 � The Valarium � Knoxvile, TN
10.30.09 � The Orange Peel � Asheville, NC
10.31.09 � Ann Street Shed � Charleston, SC
11.03.09 � Crowbar � Tampa, FL
11.04.09 � Vagabond � Miami, FL
11.05.09 � Engine Room � Tallahassee, FL
11.07.09 � House of Blues � New Orleans, LA
11.10.09 � Granada Theater � Dallas, TX
11.11.09 � La Zona Rosa � Austin, TX
11.12.09 � George�s Majestic Lounge � Fayetteville, AR
11.13.09 � Newby�s � Memphis, TN
11.14.09 � The Masquerade � Atlanta, GA
11.17.09 � Cat�s Cradle � Carrboro, NC
11.18.09 � 9:30 Club � Washington D.C.
11.19.09 � Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza � New York, NY
11.20.09 � The Note � West Chester, PA
11.21.09 � Paradise Rock Club � Boston, MA
01.03.10 � Jam Cruise 8 � Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nouvelle Vague New Album - 3

2009-09-29T20:37:00.000-04:00

Nouvelle Vague, the French band who is so adept at covering other artists songs they almost make you forget that it is a cover, will be releasing their third album, 3, on October 20, 2009.

This album will feature a number of duets including one for �Master & Servant� (with Martin Gore), �Road to Nowhere�, �All My Colours (with Ian McCulloch), �Blister In The Sun�, �Our Lips Are Sealed� (with Terry Hall) and �God Save The Queen�, �Parade� (with Barry Admanson).

DJdc Exclusive Interview: Alan Semerdjian

2009-09-28T21:06:00.001-04:00

Calling lifelong New Yorker Alan Semerdjian a singer-songwriter - while accurate - would be limit his artistic prowess. As a poet, he's been complement on his work by noted poet Michael Klein. He was called a "Songwriter and Poet to Watch" by Newsday. Combined, he has performed more than 1,000 shows has a poet and singer.

HIs talent is apparent to anyone who has read, or listened, to his work. As a musician, Semerdjian released the album The Big Beauty on September 1, 2009. The album, which was recorded with Matthew Cullen (My Morning Jacket, Ray LaMontagne) at The Clubhouse Studios in Rhinebeck, NY, was produced by longtime friend and collaborator producer Michael Bloom, who has performed with Rilo Kiley, The Elected and Rachael Yamagata.

Also performing on the album are musicians Franz Nicolay from The Hold Steady, Djivan Gasparian Jr. on duduk, Chris Kuffner (Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor) on bass, Dave Diamond (Zen Tricksters, Shanna McNally) on drums, and multi-instrumentalist Philip A. Jimenez (Wheatus).

In addition to the album, Semerdjian most recent boo, In the Architecture of Bone, will be be released in October 2009 via GenPop Books.

Semerdjian, as an artist and lyricist, evokes hope in the process - matching dedication to his craft with the gift of storytelling.

DeadJournalist.com brings you this exclusive interview with Alan Semerdjian.

Video of the Day: "Can't Wait" by Alan Semerdjian

2009-09-28T16:51:00.003-04:00

El Perro Del Mar Tour and New Album Details

2009-09-28T11:41:00.001-04:00

El Perro Del Mar, formally known as Sarah Assbring, will release her new album, Love Is Not Pop, on October 20, 2009 via The Control Group.

El Perro Del Mar will be playing a number of dates with Peter, Bjorn and John as well as a couple of headlining shows.

MP3 - El Perro Del Mar - Change of Heart

Tour Dates
10.20.09 - Other Music Free In-Store Performance (8pm) � New York, NY
11.07.09 - 9:30 Club � Washington, DC
11.08.09 - Theater of Living Arts � Philadelphia, PA
11.09.09 - Joe�s Pub � New York, NY
11.10.09 - Terminal 5 � New York, NY
11.11.09 - Phoenix Theatre � Toronto, ON
11.12.09 - Metro � Chicago, IL
11.13.09 - Gargoyle Club � St. Louis, MO
11.14.09 - House of Blues � Dallas, TX
11.15.09 - La Zona Rosa � Austin, TX
11.17.09 - Rialto Theater � Tuscon, AZ
11.18.09 - House of Blues � San Diego, CA
11.19.09 - Great American Music Hall � San Francisco, CA
11.20.09 - Great American Music Hall � San Francisco, CA
11.21.09 - Club Nokia � Los Angeles, CA
11.23.09 - Hotel Cafe � Los Angeles, CA

Atlanta: Deastro and Max Tundra (Tour Dates)

2009-09-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

Deastro and Max Tundra will be playing Atlanta on 11/16 at Drunken Unicorn. More details coming ...

11.05 Chicago @ Schubas - Max Tundra HL
11.07 Detroit @ Magic Stick - Deastro HL
11.08 Toronto @ The Drake - Max Tundra HL
11.09 Montreal @ Lambi - Deastro HL
11.10 Boston @ Great Scott - Max Tundra HL
11.11 New York @ Mercury Lounge - Deastro HL
11.12 Washington DC @ DC9 - Max Tundra HL
11.13 Baltimore @ Metro Gallery - Deastro HL
11.14 Philadelphia @ Kung Fu Necktie - Max Tundra HL
11.16 Atlanta @ Drunken Unicorn - Deastro HL
11.18 Austin @ Mohawk - Max Tundra HL
11.19 Dallas @ The Cavern - Free Energy HL
11.20 Kansas CIty @ Czar Bar - Max Tundra HL
11.21 Denver @ Larimer Lounge - Deastro HL
11.22 Salt Lake City @ Urban Lounge - Max Tundra HL
11.24 LA @ Echo - Deastro HL
11.25 San Francisco @ Bottom of the HIll - Max Tundra HL
11.27 Portland @ Doug Fir - Deastro HL
11.28 Seattle @ Nectar - Max Tundra HL
11.29 Vancouver @ Media Club - Deastro HL

Video of the Day: The Grates "Burn Bridges"

2009-09-26T23:00:00.001-04:00

Video of the Day: Cory Chisel "Angel of Mine" Live on KEXP

2009-09-26T22:53:00.003-04:00

Video of the Day: Lucero "Johnny Davis"

2009-09-26T22:50:00.001-04:00

Johnny Davis from Lucero on Vimeo.

Flood is a Four Letter Word

2009-09-23T07:52:00.003-04:00

the atlanta flooding and subsequent fall-out has kept me from updating the site in the last few days. it will most likely be a few more days before time allows. but at least we have running water again (even if we will have to boil it for a week).

This isn't the beach, this would be I-20 East and West just West of Atlanta (at one point four major Interstates in and around Atlanta were shut down). This make one's drive to work kind of difficult.

For a point of reference, here's Six Flags - about four miles east of the above shot of I-20.

20 inches of rain and BP - this ia about five miles north of Six Flags:

It is hard to actually put into words the amount of destruction the on the West-side near Atlanta. Yes, having a commute that is hours longer than normal is a major inconvenience, but when all you have to deal with is traffic and no running water, it is relatively nothing compared to the thousands who lost everything.

To make matters worse, the majority of the flooding happened in areas that were not in flood plains - which means almost no one had flood insurance. Like 99.9-percent of the rest of the country, those who work just to make ends meet saw their lives destroyed.

The best story I saw in the coverage was that of a soon-to-be 90 year-old woman who owns a small farm in now suburban Cobb County - one of the areas hit hardest by the flood. She was almost defiant in her attitude, unwilling to let the flood stop her.

Take a step back and put it all in perspective ...

All photos via AJC.com

News and Notes

2009-09-20T11:24:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it, here are a few highlights from last week (and it has a very '90s feel):

Pavement has reunited for four shows in New York
Morrissey will be releasing a new B-side compilation of tracks from his last four albums and announced UK tour dates
Smashing Pumpkins have begun releasing 44 tracks for Teargarden by Kaleidyscope - all for free
Meat Puppets have added dates with Stone Temple Pilots on their upcoming tour
Yourself and the Air will be co-headlining a tour with The Republic Tigers
Happy birthday to Mrs. DJdc!

White Lies Announce Tour Dates with Kings of Leon; Live "Death" Video

2009-09-19T21:58:00.000-04:00

White Lies has announced Fall 2009 tour dates, including dates in opening for Kings of Leon.

September
25- Webster Hall- New York, NY
26- Phoenix Theater- Toronto, ONT
28-Target Center- Minneapolis, MN*
29-Metro- Chicago, IL
30-Scottrade Center- St. Louis, MO*

October
3-OK Ford Center- Oklahoma City, OK*
4-Austin City Limits- Austin, TX
6-Toyota Center- Houston, TX*
7- American Airlines Center-Dallas, TX*
9- Phillips Arena- Atlanta, GA*
10- Rupp Arena- Lexington, KY*
12- Mid America Centre Council- Bluff, IA*
13- Sprint Center- Kansas City, MO*
15- BJCC- Birmingham, AL*
16- Sommet Center- Nashville, TN*
*With Kings of Leon

Twin Tigers Announce Fall Tour

2009-09-19T21:38:00.000-04:00

Twin Tigers Tour Dates
Sep 27- New Brookland Tavern w/ Colour Revolt- Columbia, South Carolina
Sep 30- 40 Watt w/ Colour Revolt- Athens, Georgia
Oct 1- the Masquerade w/ Colour Revolt - Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 9- Next Big Nashville- Nashville, Tennessee
Oct 30- Wow Hall w/ Minus the Bear- Eugene, Oregon
Oct 31- The Boardwalk w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers- Orangevale, California
Nov 1- Downtown Brew w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers- San Luis, California
Nov 2- Belly Up Tavern w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers- Solana Beach, California
Nov 3 - Glass House w/ Minus the Bear & the Antlers - Pomona, California
Nov 4 - Orpheum Theater w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers- Flagstaff, Arizona
Nov 6 2009 0The Door w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers- Fort Worth, Texas
Nov 7-Fun Fun Fest- Austin, Texas
Nov 8- White Rabbit w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers-San Antonio, Texas
Nov 10- Workplay Theater w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers- Birmingham, Alabama
Nov 11- Firestone w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers- Orlando, Florida
Nov 12- 40 Watt w/ Minus the Bear & The Antlers- Athens, Georgia
Nov 13 - Cat�s Cradle w/ Minus the Bear- Carrboro, North Carolina
Nov 14- The Note w/ Minus the Bear- West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nov 15- The Crazy Donkey w/ Minus the Bear- Farmingdale, New York
Nov 17- Westcott Theater w/ Minus the Bear- Syracuse, New York
Nov 18- Port City Music Hall w/ Minus the Bear- Portland, Maine
Nov 19- Pearl Street w/ Minus the Bear- Northampton, Massachusetts
Nov 20- Mr. Smalls Theater w/ Minus the Bear- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nov 21- Otto�s Nightclub w/ Minus the Bear- Dekalb, Illinois
Nov 22 -People�s Court w/ Minus the Bear- Des Moines, Iowa
Nov 23-Granada Theater w/ Minus the Bear- Lawrence, Kansas

Video of the Day: Jump Clubb - "Rather Be Played"

2009-09-19T20:55:00.001-04:00

Beverly Hills band Jump Clubb, has released the "Rather Be Played" video in advance of the band's debut album "The Love of No Dance" on October 6, 2009.