popwreckoning updates

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• Zee Avi @ First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia
• Atom & His Package tribute show at National Mechanics tomorrow night!
• ROTHBURY, Day 4
• ROTHBURY, Day 3
• Interview with: Dan Black

Zee Avi @ First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia Posted: 02 Aug 2009 02:11 PM PDT Taking a night off from touring with Pete Yorn, Zee Avi stopped through Philadelphia last week to play the chapel at the First Unitarian Church. The petite Malaysian singer songwriter, who reminds me of so many of the best aspects of my favorite female musicians (think: Basia Bulat, Mirah, Regina Spektor to name a few) Watch a video of Zee performing a cover of Interpol’s “Slow Hands”: In addition to a smattering of stellar original songs, Zee also played a fantastic cover of Morrissey’s “First of the Gang to Die”. We’ve fallen hard for Zee and we’re sure you will, too. Head to Popwreckoning’s YouTube page to see more of Zee at the First Unitarian Church. Zee Avi: website | myspace | @ webster hall Zee Avi Price: USD 10.99 28 used & new available from USD 5.99 Thumbnail photo: Dese’Rae Stage Related Posts July 31, 2009 — Photo Essay: Pete Yorn @ Webster Hall, NYC (0) July 27, 2009 — Paolo Nutini with Matt Hires and Erin McCarley @ 9:30 Club, Washington DC (0) November 8, 2008 — Tobias Fröberg, Ane Brun @ Tin Angel, Philadelphia (2) September 22, 2008 — Basia Bulat @ Tin Angel, Philadelphia (1) July 23, 2009 — Jack’s Mannequin @ Kegs and Eggs, Kansas City (0) July 22, 2009 — Sugar Ray covers Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Nite” (0) July 21, 2009 — MP3 Minute: The Horse’s Ha (0) July 20, 2009 — Better Than Ezra @ The 40 Watt, Atlanta (2) July 16, 2009 — Tori Amos, Sinful Attraction Tour @ WAMU Theatre, Seattle (0) July 16, 2009 — Under Cover – Michael Jackson Tribute (”Man In The Mirror”) (2)

Atom & His Package tribute show at National Mechanics tomorrow night! Posted: 02 Aug 2009 01:10 PM PDT Tomorrow night, The Zambonis, featuring Golden Bloom’s Shawn Fogel, will be playing at National Mechanics in Philadelphia’s Old City section along with several other bands who appear on Up End Atom: A Tribute to Atom & His Package. Atom himself will be there to join the bands and all proceeds from the show go to Diabetes research. Monday, August 3rd National Mechanics 22 South 3rd St. 21+ // 9:00 PM The Zambonis Math the Band The Emotron and more TBD The tribute charity show also marks the official release for the new Math The Band record. Steinbeck – “Possessions (Not the One By Danzig” The Zambonis: website | myspace Up End Atom: website S/t Price: USD 11.95 10 used & new available from USD 7.72 Related Posts May 7, 2009 — Up End Atom: A Tribute to Atom and His Package (0) May 1, 2009 — Golden Bloom’s debut LP “Fan The Flames” due August 18th (0) March 24, 2009 — Golden Bloom 7″ Giveaway and Philly show! (3) March 4, 2009 — mp3 Minute: Golden Bloom’s “Your Minute of Fame” (0) June 26, 2009 — Michael Jackson: A Memorial (12) June 25, 2008 — New Shawn Fogel Song! (0) July 27, 2009 — Ray LaMontagne Fall Tour Dates! (1) July 27, 2009 — The Octopus Project on tour, new mp3 “Wet Gold”! (1) July 23, 2009 — MP3 Minute: Lightspeed Champion “Heavy Purple” (0) July 21, 2009 — MP3 Minute: The Horse’s Ha (0) This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

ROTHBURY, Day 4 Posted: 02 Aug 2009 12:53 PM PDT read all about ROTHBURY Day 1, ROTHBURY Day 2, and ROTHBURY Day 3! Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band with Tony Rice // Ranch Arena Having grown fairly accustomed to bongos, fireworks, and loud hippies until 5AM, then the early risers from 6AM on, I managed to sleep in on Sunday, making it to the festival grounds in time to catch the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band with Tony Rice. Most notable in the jaunty and wildly entertaining set were the literary references, namely those referencing Poe. I was impressed that such upbeat music could associate itself with the dark writing of Edgar Allan Poe. Toots and the Maytals // The Odeum I didn't stick around Ranch Arena for Peter Rowan long – I didn't want to miss any of Toots and the Maytals at the Odeum. My boyfriend introduced me to the Toots, which surprised me because his taste is dominated by electronica. I had to make sure I saw Toots and the Maytals, not only to rub it in to boyfriend that I caught them, but because I was genuinely interested in seeing their live show after hearing their lively recordings. I did arrive to the stage after they'd started, and I walked up to hear the band covering John Denver's "Country Roads", putting the Toots lively reggae rock touch on it, and making it just as much fun as the Me First and the Gimme Gimmes version. Sam Roberts Band // Sherwood Court Canadians Sam Roberts Band stormed the Sherwood Court stage with a very rock and roll sound that held the audience rapt. Their motherland following is wildly loyal and enthusiastic as displayed by many shirtless dudes running around draped in the Canadian flag, or other accessories adorned by the red maple leaf. It's no wonder, with how energetic and tight that Sam Roberts Band is, that their fans would follow them to the States for ROTHBURY. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals // Sherwood Court A friend of mine went to college with Grace and clued me into how amazing this woman is years before I'd ever heard of her. I was beyond stoked to catch the sizzling blonde at ROTHBURY and was impressed by her masterful, jazzy piano work and sultry vocal work. Her sexy stage presence is enough to seduce you just halfway into the first tune. The Hold Steady // Ranch Arena I've never caught on to the Hold Steady craze. I don't dislike the band, I just haven't gotten swept up in the Hold Steady mania. I'm pretty sure many other ROTHBURY attendees are in my same shoes: they performed to a modest crowd on the Ranch Arena stage, though I would have pegged them for a Sherwood Court band, since that stage seemed to feature the less jammy, more rock or experimental outfits. Either way, I stuck around for the entire set and was impressed with their performance. I was pleasantly surprised to find accordion, harmonica and keyboard played Franz Nicolay killing it after I'd caught his solo show last Fall and had to leave halfway through the set because I found it to be that unbearable. The Hold Steady's set was a mix of songs from both of the band's records and I had a lot of fun taking in what the Hold Steady was dishing out. Matisyahu // Sherwood Court I missed out on Matisyahu's performance as I stuck around for all of the Hold Steady and moved right on to Willie Nelson. By chance, I did get to see Matis as he hung out with his son and entourage in the media area, his son playing some kiddie instruments that were in a basket next to the Ice Cream Man's truck. It was just adorable! Willie Nelson & Family // The Odeum Willie Nelson is a legend. He was soft-spoken, though jaunty in his music, playing classics like "On The Road Again", "Hey Good Lookin'" and "Georgia On My Mind" to an adoring audience. Performing for more than 50 years, at a healthy 76, Willie Nelson isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Matisyahu, over on the Sherwood Court stage, was so loud it almost overpowered Nelson's unusually quiet set, but this had no effect on Nelson's solid performance. Ani DiFranco // Sherwood Court I once told a friend that I'd never listened to Ani DiFranco and she, without a moment's hesitation, told me, "That's because you're not a lesbian." I was taken aback by the answer, but took it and laughed, unsure of what to make of it. Needless to say, I was intrigued to see what the lovely Ms. DiFranco was actually like and was afforded the opportunity to do so while at ROTHBURY. I was delighted to find her sweet, folky sound wonderful and confused as to my friend's aforementioned answer as to why I wouldn't have ever listened to Ani before. So maybe I just don't get it, but I'm solidly pro-Ani. Bob Dylan and His Band // The Odeum When I'd seen Bob Dylan at last summer's Virgin Mobile Festival, I was disappointed with the performance. Dylan is a legend, and with that comes wild expectations, which just weren't met last summer. Thankfully, Dylan's ROTHBURY performance this summer was a knockout. I hadn't been expecting too much, considering last year's let down, but there was no way I was going to miss another chance to see this living legend. The passion exhibited in his performance was amazing to see, especially at the ripe old age of 68 and 50 odd years of performing. It was clear in his voice that he still means every word of “Spirit on the Water” off 2006’s Modern Times as he sang, "You're always on my mind…I can't sleeeeeeep." His scratchy vocals were precise and emotion filled. Amongst the expected classic Dylan songs played was a slow and jazzy version of "Blowin' In The Wind", a very impressive rendition thanks to the arrangement of His Band. Dylan didn’t allow any photography for his set, but check out a bootleg video of “Tangled Up In Blue” here. You can also check out some shots of Dylan by a guy who had a great telephoto lens and was really close to the front here and watch “Thunder on the Mountain” below. “Thunder on the Mountain” On the whole ROTHBURY was an amazing time. Here's to ROTHBURY 2010. ROTHBURY: website | interview with Photos: Jon Gitchoff Related Posts August 2, 2009 — ROTHBURY, Day 3 (0) July 14, 2009 — ROTHBURY, Day 2 (1) July 9, 2009 — ROTHBURY, Day 1 (3) June 17, 2009 — Bonnaroo Update Day 2: Friday, June 12 (2) June 6, 2009 — Interview with: Rothbury Festival (3) June 4, 2009 — Interview with: Matt Abbott of Skint & Demoralised (1) January 10, 2009 — Franz Nicolay – Major General (1) August 21, 2008 — New American Music Union – Recap (1) August 2, 2009 — Interview with: Dan Black (0) July 31, 2009 — Interview with: Adam Schlesinger of Tinted Windows (0)

ROTHBURY, Day 3 Posted: 02 Aug 2009 12:18 PM PDT read ROTHBURY Day 1 and ROTHBURY Day 2 Son Volt // Ranch Arena Able to boast a former member of Uncle Tupelo (which boasted Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy) Son Volt entertained hundreds at the Ranch Arena Stage with their great alt country/folk rock sound that would fit in perfectly on adult contemporary radio. They played many songs off their new record, American Central Dust, which was released on July 7th of this year. Railroad Earth // Ranch Arena I only passed by Railroad Earth, also playing Ranch Arena, briefly, but was impressed with what I'd heard. If it weren't for Zappa Playing Zappa just minutes later at Sherwood Court, I would have undoubtedly stuck around for these guys. Their roots/Americana jam is something worth hearing. Zappa Plays Zappa // Sherwood Court My father, typically a few beers in, likes to talk about Frank Zappa and his experimental music and goofy lyrics, most typically quoting “Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow”; "Watch out where the huskies go / and don't you eat that yellow snow." After a lifetime of hearing about him, though admittedly never pursuing the curiosity that arose with each of my father's mentions, I knew I had to catch Zappa Plays Zappa at ROTHBURY. Zappa Plays Zappa is just that: Frank Zappa's son Dweezil Zappa (he named his other children Moon Unit, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen. Uh huh.) travels with a touring band covering some of his pop's best and most memorable material. As previously mentioned, I couldn't compare what I heard to the originals, but I was absolutely blown away by the band's musicianship. My interest in both generations of Zappa has been renewed and I fully intend on immersing myself in all that Hot Rats has to offer. Next time I'm able to catch Zappa Plays Zappa, I will be well versed in all things Frank. The Black Crowes // The Odeum I once walked by Chris Robinson on the street in New York's Tribeca neighborhood. It was a hot early summer day and he was dressed head to toe in black complete with signature beard. Until ROTHBURY, this had been my only live experience with the Black Crowes. Needless to say, ROTHBURY blew that experience out of the water. In keeping with the M.O. of the weekend, the Black Crowes' set was solid, bluesy and jam-tastic. Les Claypool // Sherwood Court I hung back in the media tent just behind the Sherwood Court stage where Primus‘ Les Claypool rocked it, but I heard it all crystal clear due to my proximity. I can only assume that Claypool wowed the crowd with his funky licks. The Dead // The Odeum My mother incorrectly assumed that I would miss The Dead. Moms. Well I proved her wrong, not just because these headliners didn't have any competition (no was one was allowed to play during the same time slot), I even went so far as to show up to the main Odeum stage early to secure a decent spot and prepare myself for what was in store. I don't think I'd ever seen so many individuals in an altered state as I had before and during The Dead's set. The Dead's following is one of the most devout I've ever come across – many of the people I'd met at ROTHBURY were Dead Heads through and through, following their idols across the country and back, despite ROTHBURY being their only summer performance. While I'm generally completely disinterested in jam bands, I was digging hard on The Dead; they're simply classic. If you're ever lucky enough to experience The Dead, do so. While the days of Jerry are before my time, I can't see how a band could get any better. Thoroughly exhausted by this point, I skipped out just a touch early from The Dead's second set and made my way back to camp, a bit altered myself. Stay tuned for the final day of ROTHBURY. ROTHBURY: website | interview with Photos: Jon Gitchoff Related Posts August 2, 2009 — ROTHBURY, Day 4 (2) July 14, 2009 — ROTHBURY, Day 2 (1) July 9, 2009 — ROTHBURY, Day 1 (3) June 20, 2009 — Bonnaroo Update Day 3: Saturday, June 13 (3) June 6, 2009 — Interview with: Rothbury Festival (3) May 5, 2009 — The Laurel Canyon Syndrome (1) February 5, 2009 — 2009 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival Confirmed Artists (0) November 19, 2008 — New Seven Worlds Collide Project (0) July 28, 2009 — Interview with: Nightmare of You (0) July 3, 2009 — The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Announces North American Tour (0)

Interview with: Dan Black Posted: 02 Aug 2009 11:50 AM PDT Englishman turned Parisian transplant Dan Black is an electronic artiste. He’s said adamantly that he doesn’t want to be lumped into the general genre of electronica. And rightly so. He’s a songwriter, musician, sampler, musical arranger, and producer that can’t be put neatly into one box. Indeed, based on the variety of melodic dance rhythms and engaging electro-noise on his first solo effort, Un (released last month in the UK), we definitely wouldn’t want that at all. Dan spends a lot of time shuttling between London and his adopted hometown in France, so I asked him if he wouldn’t mind, during one of his many journeys back and forth through the Chunnel, answering a baker’s dozen of questions for us about his musical upbringing and what makes him tick. If you haven’t heard of him yet, I hope this will serve as a good introduction to Monsieur Noir and his music. Mary Chang, PopWreckoning: Tell me about your upbringing. What part of England are you from? Do you feel that has affected the kind of music you make? Dan Black: I grew up in a tiny village in the country near London. I don’t know if the area really influenced my music directly. It certainly made the rock ‘n’ roll cliche of escaping the mundane to the bright lights of the city an extra appeal! MC: Was music a big part of your life growing up? Did you naturally gravitate towards certain sounds, singers, bands, etc.? DB: My Dad is a massive music fan, so I was always around a passion and reverence for music. He has extremely broad taste, so I got to know very well everything from the Beatles and [Bob] Dylan to Miles Davis and Mahler. As I got older, I found things that I liked, early hip hop, Jane’s Addiction, the Velvets [ the Velvet Underground], Bjork … MC: When I first heard “Yours” last fall on BBC Radio, I thought to myself, “wicked groove. I need to find out more about this guy.” So after some trawling through Google search results, I learned that from the late ’90s to the end of 2007, you fronted an alt-rock band called the Servant. Besides the obvious difference in sound, how does your solo work differ from the material you wrote while in the Servant? Are there similarities? DB: When the Servant began, it was just me on my own with a computer, trying to do something not dissimilar to what I do now. But as I got guys in to help me play it live, it slowly changed into more of a traditional band thing. So my going solo was more a return to my original desires than a new change. MC: You’ve been signed to A&M and Polydor – some major labels. With the sheer number of people and bands out there, it’s getting harder and harder to break and get a record deal, I think. How were you discovered as Dan Black the solo artist? DB: I made sure I had songs and ideas in place I really liked and believed in. I then just put some things up on my MySpace and people just seemed to find me. You keep trying things long enough, sooner or later a little luck comes your way! MC: Going back to “Yours”…the chorus is a monster, but I also adore the lyrics “by saying nothing / you take control / passive aggressive / daily routine / and you pollute / even my dreams.” It seems all very psychological and frankly, I’m scared of this woman! So I have to ask: what and/or who inspired you to write it? DB: It’s about people I have been in bands with, as well as a girl I was once embroiled with…! I like that it could mean either in that song. MC: You did a cover of Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize” that I understand was supposed to be on your debut album but then you ended up having to rework into your current single, “Symphonies”. As a songwriter and musician, that must have been really frustrating. Can you tell me what happened? DB: It’s a long story, but basically on the night before the video shoot for “HYPNTZ”, which was to be a single, we received sudden word that Notorious B.I.G.’s estate had refused the use of his lyrics. But it was music I had put together, so I decided to write my own words and to take the frustration of the situation as inspiration. I really love the lyrics I come up with, but it was a pretty ghastly process! MC: The orchestration makes “Symphonies” lush and swirly – I really like what you’ve done with it. The video for the song appears to be a nod (or maybe a spoof?) of trailers of classic films like Godzilla. How did you come up with the concept for the video? DB: I do all my visuals/videos with a company in Paris called Chic & Artistic. They wanted to something where I wandered through different classic film opening titles and then between us we found different films and genres we wanted to try to recreate. MC: You’re an Englishman who now finds himself in Paris. Is it true what I heard on your 6music Hub Session with George Lamb earlier this month that you were “lured” across the English Channel? What do you love most about living in Paris, and what do you dislike? DB: Lured is maybe a little misleading, I was pretty complicit in the ensnarement! I love the beauty and history of Paris. People seem to value having a good quality of life a little more than in London, but I do miss the craziness of there and, obviously, friends. MC: Do you have a favorite electronic gadget or gizmo you use when you’re recording music? And if so, which is it and why? DB: I guess the computer itself. It’s just ridiculous what power it offers now. So much can be done virtually it’s obscene. For me to be able to realize most of what my little brain can imagine, and a lot more, is a genuinely wonderful thing. MC: On Saturday, July 11, you played London’s Roundhouse with La Roux at the iTunes Festival. Set the stage for us not lucky enough to be there: what was it like? How was the vibe? DB: It was a cool night. Great, great venue. Young, up for it crowd. Sometime London crowds can be a bit too cool to get loose, but that night was an exception. MC: And here’s a related question: who would be your dream co-headliner, and what’s the strangest act you’ve been put together with on a bill? DB: Harry Houdini would be a fun co-headliner! I just did a big dance festival in the UK, and there were us and loads of techno DJs, which was bit odd. MC: In an industry partial to the drama of black, you wear white a lot. Is it part and parcel of the mystique surrounding Dan Black? DB: I’m not sure I get this question…er…yes, let’s say that it is! MC: Are you planning to bring the live Dan Black experience to America anytime soon? DB: Absolutely! It’s at the top of my to-do list, up on my fridge! Dan Black’s first solo album Un was released in the UK on July 13. Dan Black: website | myspace Un Price: USD 23.98 13 used & new available from USD 17.40 Photo: Laurent Julliand Related Posts May 21, 2009 — Keane with the Helio Sequence and Mat Kearney @ DAR Constitution Hall, Washington D.C. (0) July 21, 2009 — Mercury Prize Nominations Announced (0) June 27, 2009 — Interview With: Gaslight Anthem (0) June 4, 2009 — Interview with: Matt Abbott of Skint & Demoralised (1) February 5, 2009 — Interview with: Kevin Devine, pt. I (2) December 29, 2008 — The Delicious – The Delicious The Delicious (0) September 24, 2008 — Monolith Music Festival @ Red Rocks, Denver – Sunday, Sept. 14 (4) August 2, 2009 — ROTHBURY, Day 4 (2) July 31, 2009 — Echo and the Bunnymen Announce New Album Details, North American Tour Dates (0) July 27, 2009 — Arctic Monkeys to Stream Special Gig Including New Album Tracks (0)

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