Jueves 11 Dic 2008, 21:56

This year I learned the titles of and artists behind many songs that have been replaying in my mind since my youth. I also spent a lot of time in the car and away from computer (oh noez!) so my charts aren't all that accurate. I've also had tons of computer issues. I've switched over my music library about three times and still haven't fully integrated it to my spiffy macbook. Hell, I'm still having issues with my machine.

Previous years: 2007 • 2006 • 2005

The musical act that dominated my ears and thoughts in 2008 would have to be The Eppard Brothers. I've been a huge fan of Josh Eppard and Joey Eppard separately for years. I listened to old bootlegs from when they used to perform together, but caught on too late to witness it for myself… until their live musical reunion on March 22nd.

What I knew would be a historic event turned into something I couldn't have ever in my wildest dreams fathomed. Josh used his acoustic kit and the Vic Firth Hot Rod sticks. Maaan it was better than the Evening With Coheed and Cambria show I saw at Irving Plaza in 2005… and that show was nearly impossible to top. Josh is such an incredible drummer. His ability to find grooves is way beyond the cage of solely focusing on one musical project. Joey's singing, songs, and guitar work reminded me that I have no business touching a guitar. That pair is unstoppable. If that wasn't enough, Billy Riker (electric guitarist in 3), Chicken (aka Robert Burke who recorded bass, drums and percussion on Stranded in a Treetop on Been to the Future; produced, recorded and mixed "Stranded in a Treetop" and Static; mixed and produced a majority of Summercamp Nightmare; among many other things), Dave Daw (owner of Darkworld Studio, bass player in Counterfeit Disaster) and Dave Parker (Recording, engineering and production credits on Friends and Nervous Breakdowns, keyboard player in Weerd Science, guitar player and writer of Counterfeit Disaster, Darkworld Studio Engineer, live keyboard player in Coheed and Cambria from Sept 2005 to Dec 2006) joined the brothers for a few songs (You've Been Shot, Earth and Sky, Lay Down the Law, Endless Alibi, Bedroom in Hell, Stranded in a Treetop). It was quite the family gathering. The love filling the packed restaurant was so great that the dudes played freely and didn't quite stick to the setlist. They jammed like crazy. Then at some point someone told Joey that Chris Bittner was in the house. Joey called him up to the "stage" and they took about 2 measures to get right into the groove of Earth Rotates (one of my all-time favorite grooves). Dude probably hadn't even heard the song since 1997! It was an experience, that's for sure. I never thought I'd ever be able to see the original 3 line-up on stage together! Chris, Joey, Josh and Billy then went into Wrongside. Chris tried to remember a few more and hung around for a few songs. Then at some point Billy and Josh tried to remember Box of Hammers. It turned into an instrumental full band version… absolutely amazing! I wish I could remember more. The show began around 10:30 and ended around 2:30… only because Josh broke all his sticks from playing like a monster! The place was so packed, 50+ people were left outside in the cold. Even Joe Stote and Gartdrumm were shut out! I was then fortunate enough to catch the next 3 special Eppard Brothers performances which featured Daniel Grimsland (of 3), Jimmy Eppard!, and Mic Todd. They were all truly genuine and unique experiences. I just hope there's some time in 2009 for another slamming magical musical get together! And some more wicked poster art by Daniel Root. He designed the most incredible posters for the first and last Eppard Brothers shows. They were soo good the first one was turned into a t-shirt that I proudly rock wherever I can.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/neeshaleigh/22330165552.jpg | http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/neeshaleigh/22787534346.jpg
(make sure to click the images to see their full beauty)

Personal Highlights of 2008
Portugal. The Man - Censored Colors
The Mars Volta - The Bedlam in Goliath
Dr Manhattan - Dr Manhattan
Britney Spears - Circus
Kaki King - Dreaming of Revenge
3 - The End is Begun (Special Edition)
N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds
Lettuce - Rage!

I dig
The Breeders - Mountain Battles
Davenport Cabinet - Nostalgia in Stereo
Nada Surf - Lucky

Not bad, but I probably won't rock it often
Guns N Roses - Chinese Democracy (Should be relabeled: Axel Rose + Friends)
Judas Priest - Nostradamus
Metallica - Death Magnetic
Opeth - Watershed

Wish I Spent More Time With
Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow
Thievery Corporation - Radio Retaliation
Kid:Nap:Kin - Hush Now
Frost* - Experiments In Mass Appeal
Roman Klun - Kingsway
Steven Wilson - Insurgentes

Wanted to Check Out, but Never Got Around to It
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)
Immortal Technique - The 3rd World
Kayo Dot - Blue Lambency Downward
Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I–IV
Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fungus
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - Minor Cuts and Scrapes in the Bushes Ahead
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - Old Money
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez & Jeremy Michael Ward - Omar Rodriguez-Lopez & Jeremy Michael Ward
Portishead - Third
Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
TV on the Radio - Dear Science

Wish I enjoyed, but just didn't quite do it for me
Anthony Green - Avalon
Cinematic Sunrise - A Coloring Storybook and Long-Playing Record
The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Ocean and The Sun

Tunes that rocked my (y)ear
Kenna - Say Goodbye to Love
The Pixies - Cactus
Geez Louise - The Trouble With Love
Dr Manhattan - Big Chomper, Big Chomper
M.I.A. - Paper Planes
Portugal. The Man - Created
The Mars Volta - Ilyena
3 - See Emily Play (Syd Barret era Pink Floyd cover)
The Breeders - Bang On
Roman Klun featuring Anni Krueger - More Than This
Britney Spears - If U Seek Amy
Weerd Science - Unfinished Track 09
Nada Surf - The Fox
Power Station - Some Like it Hot
Tom Green - I Like Hooters
Rush - Tom Sawyer
Dream Theater - The Dark Eternal Night
Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution - Here's To Life
Counterfeit Disaster - Kingston, NY 12401
Cacophonic FM - Wake Up Call
Joey Eppard - Demo 03
Terror Fabulous - Action
50 Cent featuring Justin Timberlake - Ayo Technology
No Doubt - Sinking
Can't Face the Falling - Cha Cha Skeet Time
Dream Theater - Act I / Scene Three: II. Fatal Tragedy
Rush - Limelight
Lachi - We Can Fly

Looking forward to in 2009
3
As Tall As Lions
Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution
Brand New
The Dear Hunter
Dredg
The Get Up Kids reunion
Glassjaw
Imogen Heap
Kiss Kiss
Lachi
Porcupine Tree
Portugal. The Man
Pure Reason Revolution
Streetlight Manifesto
Weerd Science

Pleasantly surprising
bands I either caught live opening for someone else or heard about through the grapevine who truly rock and blow me away… These artists are forward moving with a classic sensibility… worth checking out
• Consider the Source - 3 piece Progressive/Psychedelic/Jam Band from NYC. These guys surely are a sight to see. They're composed of Gabriel Marin on Fretless Guitar, Fretless Chaturangui (22-String Indian Slide Guitar – dude never whips out a straight up guitar), John Ferrara on 4&5 String Basses and Justin Ahiyon on the drum set, percussion, samples. These dudes had me absolutely mesmerized.
• Jolly - 4 piece mellow, melodic progressive rock band in the vein of Porcupine Tree. I heard their demo/ep and immediately felt like it's exactly what my ears have been searching for.
• Back Door Slam - 3 piece Blues Rock band from Isle of Man. They're each 21, but have incredible chops. They're currently on tour with Gov't Mule. They are Davy Knowles (vocals, lead guitar, mandolin, lap steel), Ross Doyle (drums) and Adam Jones (bass).
• Sam Kininger Band - Funk/jazz/hip-hop based around alto-saxophonist Sam Kininger - who is best known for his work with Soulive. Sam is from Boston and is a Berklee alum. He's also performed with Dave Matthews and Wyclef Jean. He performs with a keyboard player, bassist and Nikki Glaspie on drums. Nikki is incredible. She is also a Berklee album and recently has been drumming on tour for Beyonce. I see her face from time to time in drummer magazines.
• Pete Levin Band - 3 piece Freeform jazz covers of classic music lead by the very talented brother of King Crimson bassist Tony Levin. The musicianship of Pete Levin (keyboard – has also worked with Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius and John Scofield), Harvey Sorgen (drums), John Cariddi (guitar)
• Sampson and the Folkadelics - 5 piece Funk/Hip-Hop/Reggae band from NY. They play super unique, tight, and completely danceable cover songs with a focus on vocal harmonies. One guy plays guitar, beatbox and contributes vocals. Another guy plays the fucking MANDOLIN (wah-wah style) and contributes vocals. Then there's the main vocalist. Drummer. Bass player.
• Earl Greyhound - 3 piece Rock band from NYC in the vein of 1970's rock/soul. Very visually stimulating. The three members are: a super skinny long-haired white dude who reminds me a lot of early David Gilmour (he plays guitar and sings), a super skinny black chick with a sizeable afro (she plays bass and sings - the harmonies and contrast of the two voices is really something), and a medium sized groovy black dude (he tears up the drums)
• Heavy Hand - 3 piece Rock band from Philadelphia in the vein of 1960's and 1970's rock

Why the hell didn't I start listening to this earlier?
• The Breeders - Kim Deal of The Pixies' band formed in 1988. Her twin sister, Kelley Deal, is also part of the project. They had a huge hit in 1993, Cannonball. I'm sure you've heard it.

• Lettuce- 7 piece modern funk/jazz band with clear influences of the forefathers of funk. They originally formed in 1992 when all 7 members met as teenagers at Berklee's Summer Music Program. Lettuce is: Eric Krasno (Soulive – has also worked with Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, The Fugees, Dave Mathews, The Rolling Stones, Norah Jones, Talib Kweli, Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, The Beatnuts, The Roots, John Scofield, Joshua Redman, Derek Trucks, Robert Randolph) on guitar, Erick "Jesus" Coomes (he has worked with BRITNEY SPEARS (Ooh Ooh Baby), DUFFY, SEAN KINGSTON, NAS, BUSTA RHYMES, KANYE WEST, SNOOP DOGG, THE GAME, HI-TEK) on bass, Adam Deitch (John Scofield, Average White Band and has produced for Jurassic 5, D.J. Green Lantern, Anthony Hamilton, Black Rob and Cam'ron) on drums Adam Smirnoff- Guitar, Neal Evans- Keys, Ryan Zoidis- Sax, Sam Kininger- Sax, Rashawn Ross- Trumpet, Nigel Hall- Vocals
• Muse
• Ojos de Brujo - nine-piece hip-hop/flamenco/rock band from Barcelona, Spain
• Roy Orbison - a legend who doesn't receive his fair recognition. Probably because he wasn't a visually stimulating man. Before he died in 1988 he was part of the pop super-group, The Traveling Wilburys, along with George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan.

• Thievery Corporation- last.fm describes this DC-based duo as, "downtempo/electronica with influences of dub, acid jazz, Indian classical and Brazilian styles fused together with a lounge aesthetic." I describe them as an eargasm.
• The Ventures - I swear you've heard all of their songs. You just didn't stop to think about who the artist was. They formed in 1958. Were among the first bands to really mess with distortion. They're still making music, creating their own unique instrumental covers.
• Yes - British Prog band from 1968… still rockin' to this day
• Dream Theater - Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory (1999) - talk about a concept album! This is a fucking masterpiece… and I'm not into super pretentious over-the-top technical shit. I couldn't digest Dream Theater until I heard this record from start to finish.
• Mastodon - Blood Mountain (2006)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

R.I.P. The Beat Goes On…
Rick Wright
Mitch Mitchell
Isaac Hayes
Bo Diddley
Merl Saunders

Best Show Line-Up
- Roman Klun (with Anni Krueger, Daniel Grimsland, Billy Riker, Daniel A. Weiss), Joey Eppard, Pete Levin Band at Colony Cafe on 11/15/08
- 3, Kiss Kiss at Keegan Ales on 11/28/08 (they performed in the special brewery room that's pretty much never open to the public)
- Sampson and the Folkadelics, Consider the Source, Lachi at the backyard on 06/21/08
- "Pieces of 3" Threez Louise (Tom Benton, Joey Eppard, Billy Riker, Chris "Gartdrumm" Gartmann), Joey Eppard at The Colony Cafe on 02/09/08

Favorite Show
- The Eppard Brothers at Mariner's Harbor on 03/22/08
- The Eppard Brothers, DENT (Joe Stote & Gartdrumm), Astronauts at BSP on 04/18/08
- The Eppard Brothers, DENT, Dead Unicorn, Instant Asshole (John Eppard's band. Despite a gruesome skateboarding accident uncle John the Baker still performed!) at The Basement on 06/08/08
- The Eppard Brothers (with special guest Mic Todd) at Mariner's Harbor on 08/29/08

Dream Tour
3, Portugal. The Man, Kiss Kiss, The Dear Hunter

Shows I Made It Out To
February
• "Pieces of 3" Threez Louise (Tom Benton, Joey Eppard, Billy Riker, Chris "Gartdrumm" Gartmann), Joey Eppard at The Colony Cafe on 02/09/08
• 3, ciano, Codename: Morocco, signal for silence at The Nyack Center on 02/17/08
• Counterfeit Disaster, Joey Eppard at Keegan Ales on 02/23/08

March
• Dreamer Driver, Unchained, Z02, Judas Rising at The Chance on 03/01/08
• The Eppard Brothers at Mariner's Harbor on 03/22/08
• Lachi at Bowery Poetry Club on 03/28/08

April
• Geez Louise (Tom Benton, Joey Eppard, Billy Riker, Josh Peni), Joey Eppard, Shapes & Stars at The Colony Cafe on 04/05/08
• 3, Countess of Persia at BSP on 04/17/08
• The Eppard Brothers, Dent, Astronauts at BSP on 04/18/08
• 3, The Pride Awake at BSP on 04/19/08

May
• Dream Theater, Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, 3 at Washington Avenue Armory on 05/18/08
• Dream Theater, Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, 3 at Terminal 5 on 05/21/08
• Anadivine, Drag The River at The Basement on 05/25/08

June
• "Baller BBQ: Summer Solstice" Sampson and the Folkadelics, Consider the Source, Lachi at the backyard on 06/21/08
• The Eppard Brothers, Dent, Dead Unicorn, Instant Asshole at The Basement on 06/08/08
• Fish, 3 at BB Kings on 06/18/08
• Dreamer Driver at Starland Ballroom 06/21/08

July
• 3 at Orange County Fair on 07/19/08
• Todd Rundgren, Joey Eppard at Bearsville Theater on 07/28/08

August
• Sam Kininger Band at The Hudson House on 08/14/08
• The Eppard Brothers (with Mic Todd) at Mariner's Harbor on 08/29/08

September
• The Mars Volta at Hammerstein Ballroom on 09/17/08
• 3, Frankie and His Fingers at Bearsville Theater on 09/19/08
• 3, Kiss Kiss, Ophelia, Margan And The Red Lions at Valentine's on 09/25/08

October
• Drop Dead Sexy at Thirsty Turtle on 10/18/08
• Coheed and Cambria at Terminal 5 on 10/23/08
• Heavy Hand at Olive's on 10/31/08

November
• Portugal. The Man, Earl Greyhound, Wintersleep at School of Rock on 11/1/08
• Roman Klun, Joey Eppard, Pete Levin Band at Colony Cafe on 11/15/08
• Sam Kininger Band at Hudson House on 11/21/08
• R.C. Holmes & The Yaktown Representativz at Hudson House on 11/26/08
• 3, Kiss Kiss at Keegan Ales on 11/28/08

December
• Good N Loaded at GW's Tavern on 12/06/08

Here's to much less overuse of auto-tune in popular music in 2009!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RiJMZQXa2ohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLipHoBSbJY