Last night I saw Martha Wainwright at the Highline Ballroom. She has an incredible voice (runs in the family, right?), except everything was insanely loud. Other than that, it was a great show, and Rufus and their mom performed with her during the encore, so that was cool.

Read my Billboard.com review here.

After attending many shows at the legendary Madison Square Garden for the past year or so, I knew on my drive down to NYC, that the Highline Ballroom was obviously going to be smaller. Now I love the Garden don’t get me wrong, love the energy but I was so pumped for a smaller venue and knowing that I was going to see my new favorite band, (I know.. I have a new one every week), Shinedown, just put me over the top. I had never been to the Highline and while walking down 16^th street after crossing 9^th Avenue; I was getting nervous that I had the wrong address. I saw a “Western Beef” supermarket- I worked there many years ago with my uncle- and just assumed I was on the wrong block. But wait, right next to or on top of Western Beef, was the Highline Ballroom. Talk about old school- the guy at the door actually ripped part of my ticket off and gave me the remaining part. I can’t remember the last time that has happened. And then there it was as I walked up the stairs; I had flashbacks to Le Balloon in Brooklyn when we use to go see live bands (or the Lion’s Den). As I reached the top step and saw the entrance, I could already see the members of Black Stone Cherry seemingly right there in front of my face, creating havoc for the crowd. Then I made my way through the standing only crowd to get my position on the floor.

Now as you all know, I love many types of music but you can probably tell I’m partial to the heavier stuff. The Highline Ballroom seems to fit about 750 people tops and I loved every moment. Heavy bass lines pounding in your chest like your heart is going to burst right through, the crashing sound of cymbals (when is the last time you actually heard cymbals crashing at a show?) and the lead guitar ripping your ears off. I felt like I was in someone’s basement watching these bands. And talk about hot? Just picture yourself on a NYC subway platform waiting for the # 3 train to pull into 14^th street on a day like yesterday.I was in my element. I needed this night; I needed loud guitars and driving heavy music because it has been a while since I have had that.

Knowing that I made the mistake of showing up late when Shinedown played with Zombie and Godsmack a few summers ago, I was not going to blow off the two other bands: Black Stone Cherry (BSC) and Theory of a Deadman. (TOAD) So I showed up right at 7:00 as BSC was playing their first song. These guys are from Kentucky and I have to say these guys are pretty good. Their set was full of energy and the one thing I will say is towards the end of their set I think they were trying too hard to be rock stars but overall a good way to start the night off. Highlights were “Rain Wizard” “Lonely Train and “Hell and High Water.” At one point they brought out a high school choir from Orange NJ to help on the background vocals and the ironic part is all the members of BSC were singing for this one song (and they had not done that in the prior songs), so you could hardly hear the choir. I figured the rest of the band would not sing background and let the kids do it but….

Then the second band to take the stage was Theory of a Deadman. They are from Canada and were signed to 604 records by Chad Kroeger- lead singer for Nickelback. These guys kicked butt. Their lead singer, Tyler Connolly, had an Elvis Presley hairdo that never moved throughout their set. Now I think the reason I liked them so much, (and I mean no disrespect to their fans) but they remind me of Puddle of Mudd (the “Come Clean” Puddle). I loved their first album and it was weird how similar the songs are as well. For instance, “Bad Girlfriend” or “I Hate My Life” struck a chord with me with the Mudd song “She Hates Me.” And tell me “So Happy” doesn’t take you back to “Bring Me Down” by POM? These guys are talented and their set was tight!! The highlights were “Santa Monica” and “So Happy.” Keep an eye out for these guys. Great sound.

By the time TOAD was finished, I was saturated (and for the people who know me, you could picture the puddles of sweat). I was warmed up and the anticipation for Shinedown to take the stage was killing me. I couldn’t wait. The crowd was mixed- some kids and some older dudes like me- same with the women- yes there were women there. I could tell the crowd was there for Shinedown and when I heard the snare drums piped in over the speakers as the beginning of “Devour” started, I was jumping out of my skin. The speakers for their set was almost as tall as the room and then there was a blast as the lights came on and there here is the man, Brent Smith, seemingly larger than life up at the front of stage and singing the opening lyrics “Take it and take it…” I felt an adrenaline rush and thought my ears and chest were going to explode off of my body it was so loud. And about a little more than 2 minutes into the song when you hear the bass by itself, I was so out of my mind that I wanted to take the stage and sing along with Brent as he wailed “diving down, round and round…” As the song ended I knew I was in for a nice ride. As the blaring guitars introduced “Cry for Help” the crowd was in a controlled chaos. No mash pit, which made me happy. I will admit at times, Smith’s vocals were hard to hear but their enthusiasm more than made up for it. And I was impressed that the fans knew all the words to the new songs and we all helped Brent wail the chorus “You better pray there’s another way out, you better pray someone’s listening now..” The frantic pace kept up with another new song- “Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide.” And it was great because all the words I knew were the chorus and again in unison the crowd chanted, “White… Lights… Train…. Wreck” The guitar work in this song and the breaks in the song were flat out phenomenal. Then it was on to my new favorite song of the week: “Sound of Madness”… “Hola here we go…” Talk about a head banging start out of the gate? I was “air-guitaring” and “air-drumming” all over the place; I couldn’t believe how good the show was at this point. (And it was maintained to the end).

The first song not from the new album was “Heroes” off of Us and Them (a friggin’ great CD) and this time the whole audience participated in singing the vocals for Brent. Hey they might have been playing for a “block party” type atmosphere but everyone was having a blast. Brent addressed the crowd and was pointing out that he never thought he would write a love song but his recent marriage changed this. And I knew what song it was before he even said it- “If You Only Knew”- the one song I told all of you to download a couple of weeks ago. It’s impossible to not like this song and to hear it live already was the icing on the cake for me. This will be their “staple” at every one of their shows going forward. I predict this song will top “I Dare You” as a fan favorite. He then explained to the crowd that they were going to play many songs from the new album; hey no complaints from me- I was prepared.

The setting was intimate and for “The Crow & the Butterfly” Mr. Smith explained that this was the toughest song he ever had to write. He said finding the right words took him a while-it is worth the wait. This is another fantastic song and “epic-like” where you get lost in the sweet melody. His voice is perfect for the song. Then at one point in the show, it became real serious as Brent was describing the song they were about to perform, “Second Chance.” He told everyone to “just be yourself”, be a good friend and live your life the way you want to. He described his seemingly hard upbringing by his parents. Seemed like they weren’t too happy that he wanted to be a singer and he insinuated that he was also hit while living under their roof. The song is directed towards them and the chorus states “Tell my mother, tell my father I’ve done the best I can to make them realize this is my life…” Powerful song & lyrics.

Shinedown continued to please the crowd as they performed some songs from “Leave a Whisper” with the highlight being “45.” As the show ended, Brent informed the crowd that it was the last song and even I assumed they were coming out for an encore but they didn’t. I heard a lot of complaints as the crowd was itchin’ for “Simple Man.” And the crowd did hear Simple Man- the original version over the speakers as they exited the Highline Ballroom. So what you didn’t hear “Simple Man”- I was more upset about not hearing more of their own songs. But not to the point that it made me not like the show- no way- the show was a blast and I can’t wait to go see them again. Next time I’m taking you with me!!!

Since I'm not reviewing, you can read these reviews:

F Yeah Fest Tour

Hot Water Music, Thursday, Paint it Black

Monotonix, Crystal Antlers

Monotonix are insane. Nothing strikingly original or unique, but an amazing live show. I've never seen a drummer crowd surf before...with his kit.

Matt and Kim aren't that amazing, but their smiles are. Every time I see them its so inspiring to see how happy they are on stage.

I hadn't seen Dillinger Four in a few years, but they were a lot of fun. Paddy is one of those front men who manages to be pretty funny without getting to annoying.

Circle Jerks were fun too, but there was definitly an old-ness factor to them. Sitting backstage next to Greg Hetson and Keith Morris was kind of intimidating.

Hot Water Music were great. We cabbed it up from the Circle Jerks show to catch them in their second song.

After HWM, we went back downtown to catch Monotonix again (their shtick is impressive but grows old) and then Crystal Antlers who are going to be huge.

Friday night in Manhattan at the small Highline Ballroom, with its impressive soundsystem and functional, comfy vibe, Dizzee arrived about 10 mins before showtime -- my concertgoing companion, the lovely Leyla, spotted him entering, with a posse of two and trademark Cap Back.

Bouncing on stage, with DJ Aaron LaCrate and his backup singer, Dizzee gave props to the proper authorities in an RUN DMC black t-shirt and smoking red-and-black hightop Nikes.

He tore into the trademark high-energy highspeed lyrics of Where's Da G's, and the show was heavy on more material from his third album, Math + English, including Bubbles, Wanna Be, GHETTO, and a joyous Flex, which got a number of the ladies doing exactly that.

Dizz's relation to the crowd was a lot more relaxed and playful than that at his May 08 show, just two months ago at Webster Hall.

Probably cuz the crowd at Highline was
1) a lot more knowledgeable bout his music
2) a lot more British (he shouted out to 'the Brits' on several occasions, to massive response from at least 1/2 the crowd)
3) a lot more mixed, in age, race, and style
4) a lot better dancers.

Dizz's formidable intelligence (c'mon, those lyrics are INSANELY smart) is balanced by is impressive confidence and knowledge of and true respect for his forebears. Midway thru the show, a blistering rendition of his first US hit, Fix Up Look Sharp, got good response, but it was his show closer, Dance with Me, that brought down the house. (He was accompanied on stage for the last two songs by three mysterious eminence grise of rap -- old guys, one with massive flash and a fine, fine, silver skull-headed cane. Wish I knew more! any IDs from the more knowledgeable are welcome.)

Was a privilege to hear what has topped the British charts for the last 5 weeks, cuz Dance with Me is Dizzee's mega hit -- it got the girls flexing, the bodies bumping, and the Brits cheering.

The crowds don't show up in NYC for Dizzee like they should - but we're lucky to get him in small venues. We'd never get near him in Britain!

Friday at Prospect Park - The Band:. BRAZILIAN GIRLS WITH CHICHA LIBRE AND TICKLAH. Doors open at 7pm, Admission: $3.

The Brazilian Girls are guaranteed to be hot and put on a good show, just check out the sample above.

This evening will mark the second ticketed concert out on Governors Island. The Dark Star Orchestra (DSO), a Grateful Dead tribute band, will be playing this evening from 7 to 11! The band is known for their perfectly oriented stage presence as they precisely replicate Grateful Dead concerts. On occasion, Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzmann (former Dead band members) have jumped up on stage and played with them. In 2004, DSO celebrated their 1000th concert, and having them come out to the Island is very exciting.

The concert, presented by the Highline Ballroom, will be opened by Tea Leaf Green. Tickets can be purchased online, or at the slip upon arrival to Governors Island. If you can't make it this time, please join us for The Saw Doctors on August 23rd!

Delhi, Kolkata, Banglore, New York City, San Francisco, Toronto all soared this past weekend. Pride.

A young, queer student of mine had this as her Facebook status message on Friday, kicking things off rather existentially: "is there anything to really be Proud about?...but ill b there anyway...see yall in the vill."

Hell yeah. Pride is to queer folks what the weekend is to everyone else. It's our time of year to show the rest of y'all how its done. Our time to shine. And we are. Just so. Shiny.

Some of my Pride. This past weekend I saw, in live-amongst-the-tall-green-trees-concert, Chubb Rock, Masta Ace and EMC crew, DJ Premier, OC, Jeru the Damager, Elvis Perkins, the Cold War Kids; I danced epic go-getta style at the Leela Lounge and the Highline Ballroom; I marched up and down Christopher Street as much as my golden sandaled and new-nod-to-the-c-c-c-olors Nike clad feet could take; I feasted with a troop of Desi Dykes; I random conversated with mad queer folks on the subway, because in the City, pride leaks down into the underground; sketched and drew with fellow women to the beat of a live model and nearby book club watching Junot Diaz on You Tube in Spanish Harlem; read deeper into The Tipping Point and The Biography of Paul Robeson; rode my bike to Coney Island, where I quenched, sank my body into salt, spread out to dry on the sand, and arose to the tune of lightening, the color of thunder, rode back home in a torrential summer downpour, soaked and biking. Just like monsoon season. India, I miss you.

And I'm so proud of and inspired by your fabulous Pride march debuts. (!!!)

There's no beginning or end to Pride, not really. So, Happy Pride forever.

And read my Pride poems, bitc*es.

There's three for you. One on Pride in the village with the visage so amazing and cops closing us out in the hundreds. Cavalry, SUV's, scooters. The other two are on dancing in the Pride filled clubs. I heart gay boys.

I'd like to send these poems out to India, my students (you know who you are) and Mondays.

***

pride

cascade/rain drenched

reign/bows

clenched/fists

closeted wish

summer went somewhere

when out of nowhere

pride

the visage

opens a stone walled place inside

a nation of millions

creative children

bending colors

contorting hedgemony

vaulting social control

careening gender roles

pride

poured out pier

backwards looking

cop in his rear/view

see/who

which one of you

thinks this is funny

barricades slapped on the crowd

the worlds most lucrative consumer base

only gets

un-caged/out loud

one weekend a year

never will we forget

that this is Our Pier

pride

*

*

***

dancing

dancing/freely

dancing/heal me

dancing/billy club

dancing/my drug

of sweat/choice

*

*

***

gay boys

gay boys

brown and black

cowboy boots and daisy dukes

all knees and elbows

curves and necks/posed/up

gay boy

dance close/for good/luck

and good measure

i promise i won't take my eyes off you

as long as you watch me too

gay boy

pressed against/our hip bones blue

*

*

***

thanks for tuning in to: "on pride." stay tuned folks, there's more where that came from in two and two.

peace,

roopa singh/n

Here are grunge rockers Mudhoney, who performed at The Highline Ballroom on June 7th. Lead singer, sometimes guitarist, Mark Arm is a werewolf. You can tell because his werewolf toes have ripped through the tops of his shoes. Werewolves go through more shoes that way. The rest of the band are various zombie animals.

Mudhoney played during the horrible heatwave of 2008. For some reason it was hotter inside the Highline than outside. And outside it felt like walking around in an oven. The crowd was made up of a bizarre group of strange people, most of whom were wearing band shirts, and none of the shirts were for bands formed after 1996.

Mudhoney played a great and very energetic show, with Mark Arm jumping around the stage like a lycanthropic Iggy Pop. The set list was a mix of old and new material, but unfortunately they didn't play "Into Your Shtick" (my favorite). So here it is! Enjoy!

[audio http://www.zodmagazine.com/into.mp3]

Moe fans on Governors Island

The Highline Ballroom brought Moe and a lot of happy jam-band fans to Governors Island this weekend.

It was the first of three evening concerts in the Highline Ballroom's Governors Island Concert Series. Darkstar Orchestra is coming out on Friday, July 11 and the Saw Doctors are scheduled to pay a visit on Saturday, August 23. Because these concerts start and/or end after the Island's free public ferry stops running, the ticket price includes the cost of transportation to the Island. Visit http://www.govislandconcerts.com for tickets and info.

Sunday is believed to have been the first time Governors Island had been allowed to stay up late (11pm!) on a school night since the Coast Guard's going away party in 1996.

Since I can't seem to get to that Amy Winehouse local show (apparently she's been too busy making home videos of her whacked-out moments), I was determined to see Adele in concert.  

It was an intimate show at the Highline Ballroom, where you are actually able to connect with the performer. Adele was totally dressed down and came out onto the stage, feeling real nervous. Half way into the first song though, she was taking full control.

There is something about her presence that is so simple and tranquil. Listening to her sing felt like having a deep late-night conversation with a good friend. Yes, her voice is that amazing. Pick up her album, and let me know if you think otherwise. 

"Tired"

"It's been a while since we've played New York. As you can see, I've grown a lovely head of hair since then." -Cee-Lo

Gnarls Barkley at The Highline Ballroom on April 10, 2008. Here is their new album The Odd Couple which I actually like more than the previous St. Elsewhere. So there!

Also, Dangermouse's drink was actually brown liquor in a tumbler. And Cee-Lo kept drinking it.

Santogold opened for Gnarls Barkley at The Highline Ballroom - April 10, 2008. She is the girl in the middle. Her excellent self titled debut can be found at insound!

Toms River Fest 2008 featuring Carrie Underwood, Lifehouse, Push Play and more at the Toms River North Campus in NJ on Sat. Aug. 2 at 2:00 pm. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $35 - $75

Toms River Fest 2008 featuring Daughtry, Collective Soul, Live, Avril Lavigne and more at theToms River North Campus in NJ on Sun. Aug. 3 at 2:00 pm. Tickets on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. $35 - $75.

Sheryl Crow at the Mohegan Sun on Sat. July 26. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. $45 - $60.

Tina Turner at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ on Wed. Nov. 28 and the Nassau Coliseum on Wed. Dec. 3. Pre-sale tickets on sale through tonight at 9:00 p.m. via the Oprah Winfrey show which gave a password. General public tickets on sale Mon. May 19^th at 10:00 a.m. $59.50 - $135.

Projekt Revolution featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell& The Bravery at Jones Beach & PNC Arts Center on Tues. & Wed. July 22 and 23. General public on sale is Sat. May 17 at 10:00 a.m. $30 - $80.

Third Day, Switchfoot, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and Jars of Clay at PNC Arts Center on Thurs. Sept. 13. This is a tour to benefit for the Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity. Tickets on sale next Fri. May 16 at 10:00 a.m. $24 - $119.

My Bloody Valentine at Roseland Ballroom on Mon. Sept. 22. Tickets on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m.$52

Smoking Popes at the Blender Theater on Sat. July 5. Tickets on sale today at noon. $16

Kittie & Dope at the Blender Theater on Tues. July 8. Tickets on sale today at noon. $20

Jakob Dylan at the Blender Theater on Tues. June 10. Tickets on sale Sat. May 10 at 10:00 a.m. $26

The Fratellis at Webster Hall on Fri. June 13. Tickets on sale today at noon. $25

Mindless Self Indulgence at Terminal 5 on Fr. June 27. Tickets on sale today at noon. $25

Hot Water Music at Terminal 5 on Sat. July 12. Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon. $22

Chaka Kahn and Musiq Soulchild at Nokia Theater on Tues. Aug. 12. Tickets on sale today at noon. $55 - $70.

Daryl Hall at the Highline Ballroom on Tues. July 10. Tickets on sale today at noon.

Other items:

Bon Jovi will apparently play a free show at Central Park on Wed. July 9. The show will be sponsored by Major League Baseball. (3 days before the All-Star game which will be hosted by the Yankees)

Donna Summer is back and her new album Crayons will be in stores on Tues. May 20. Back in March she released a single called “I’m a Fire” and it is currently #1 on billboard’s hot club dance chart. She also released another single on April 22 called “Stamp Your Feet”. Both songs are worthy of a purchase and I give both a thumbs up. She’s touring this summer all over the Tri-state area, including Atlantic City now. She will be performing at Bryant Park in NYC for the concert series for the “Today” show on Friday May 30.

Speaking of the concert series for the Today show, Mary J. Blige performs this morning at Bryant Park. The B-52’s will perform Mon. May 26.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters have released a new album called “Momofuku” and I-Tune listener’s are giving it an average rating of 4.5 stars. Listening to the 30 second samples, I have to say it didn’t sound too bad. If you like him, you’ll like the sound.

The Offspring will release their first CD in 5 years with “Rise & Fall, Rage & Grace” will hit on June 17. The first single “Hammerhead” was released this past week. Sounds pretty good. You’d be surprised by how many songs these guys have. Check out their greatest hits album. Solid effort.

Pearl Jam is starting work on their 9^th studio album and it will be produced by Brendan O’Brien- first time since 1998’s “Yield” CD. That CD is really good- a must have for PJ fans.

Candlebox (remember them?- “Far Behind”) will release their first album in 10 years. “Into The Sun” will be the name and the first single is “Stand” and can be heard on their “My space” page.

Rihanna has hooked up with Maroon 5 and have re-recorded 5’s hit from their second album “If I Never See Your Face Again.” Available on I-Tunes now, I picked it up. Rihanna is already “big” and is poised to become a superstar. Maroon 5 are super solid.

My younger son told me to get with it and download “Wall to Wall” by Chris Brown and I have to admit I like it. He also turned me on to Natasha Bedingfield’s “ Pocket Full of Sunshine.” I like both of these tunes. I returned the favor by playing “God’s Got It” from the Black Crowes, off of their Warpaint CD, and he loved it and put it on his I-POD. That made my day- A 10 year old liking the Black Crowes, how psyched am I?

I’m “luke-warm” on the new single from Weezer- “Pork & Beans.” Turns out they were pissed off that their record company wanted a “hit” and they recorded this. Sounds OK.

New favorite song of the week is “Give It To Me” from Madonna off of her new CD “Hard Candy.” A definite hit-mark my words.

This past week I was listening to a heavy dose of Kiss on my I-Pod and as many of you know I am a huge Kiss fan. Now I know for many people, they really don’t take them seriously. Now for all you Kiss fans please don’t freak out from what I’m about to say: My favorite album from them is “MTV Unplugged.” Now don’t get me wrong I’m ‘rightthere’ with their debut album, ‘Hotter Than Hell’ and ‘Dressed to kill.’ I love all of those albums from top to bottom. Also love ‘Rock N Roll Over’ and ‘Love Gun.’ But hear me out. MTV Unplugged showcases their musical talents (which most don’t give them credit for) and it will also pull in the people who say they are not fans of Kiss.

For the people who say they don’t like Kiss, please- just listen to this CD once (put it out of your head that it is Kiss- and listen) and I’ll bet you’ll play it for your friends. That’s what happened with me, I played it for my brother but did not tell him who it was and I believe it is now one of his favorites as well. This CD hits all the “Kiss-story” from their beginning to another one of my favorites- “Revenge” (which came out in 1992). Back on Aug. 9, 1995 Kiss performed at the MTV studios for this un-plugged session and the buzz back then was that the original band was getting back together for a reunion tour (which is still going on). This was the only time that Peter Criss and Ace Frehley-original drummer and lead guitarist- shared the same stage with Bruce Kulick (lead guitarist in 1995) and Eric Singer (drummer in 1995-who is now back with the band after Criss & Frehley were kicked out). The show starts off with “Coming Home” from Hotter than Hell (their 2^nd album) a song written by Paul Stanley & Ace. From the “opening bell” you can tell that they were on their game. Singer’s drumming is tight and Kulick’s guitar strumming is on target and you’ll be bopping and weaving your head to this one. Tune #2 is from Love Gun and “Plaster Caster” rocks the house with an upbeat tempo that will have you turning up the volume.It slows down a bit with another one from Hotter than Hell with “Going Blind” and I have to say Gene’s vocals are spot on; it’s a sing-a-long song. Then it kicks up with Stanley’s “Do You Love Me?” from ‘Destroyer.’ I know the lyrics are kind of silly but the song rocks and the volume will be up again on this one. Track # 5 “Domino” is a cool cut from ‘Revenge’ and Gene’s lyrics deal with his favorite topic- women. (Again I like the music). Kulick’s guitar solo is phenomenal.“Sure Know Something” from “Dynasty” will surprise you and you will not believe this is a song that Kiss would do. This is one of the songs that will pull you in. Track # 7 –“A World without Heroes” is an obscure song from one of their most unknown albums “The Elder” but again Gene’s vocals are spot on for the softer side of Kiss. The beginning of “Rock Bottom” stays soft in the beginning and then as Paul states “now it gets rough” and it kicks in and the volume has to be at full force as they blast their way through this “Dressed to Kill” classic.Track # 9 is another sing-a-long song with “See You Tonight” which is the “new” song performed that night.

Track # 10 “I Still Love You” from Creatures of the Night is the gem from this CD and Stanley’s passion pours through this song, the guitar and his voice on this song will mesmerize you.Then it’s on to my favorite track of the disc and that is “Every Time I look at you”- I know a sappy commercial love song but I love it. This is another song that you probably would not believe it is Kiss, if you didn’t know it. The last 4 songs is where they bring out Peter Criss and Ace Frehley and they jam to the cover of the Rolling Stone’s “2000 Man” off of “Dynasty”. A side note on this one is that when Ace came out, supposedly they had to do this song over and over and Stanley was pissed because Ace couldn’t get it right. And if you listen closely you can hear a little screw-up in the song- but you have to listen closely!!“Beth” – the classic from Peter Criss sounds like the original from “Destroyer.” Another side note- I saw Kiss for their 1996 reunion tour and Criss was suppose to do this song for the encore but the music started too early for him so he refused to sing the song. Weird just the music with no vocals- but they’re all here on this one.“Nothing to Lose” from their first one has everyone chipping in on vocals and with both drummers and two guitarists- this is the best version of this song period!! You have to like this song. The disc ends with the incomparable “Rock and Roll All Nite” and no matter how many times you hear this song- it never grows old- especially this version. This song is a “blast out- back yard” party song for this summer and any other summer. There’s no denying their space in music history. It may be a small part for many… but a huge part for the Kiss Army- a dedicated army to say the least. \m/ \m/

Coldplay will tour this summer into the fall and will stop at the I-ZOD center on Sun. Rocktober 29. Ticket info to follow.

Happy Birthday to Billy Joel, who turns 59 today. Other having a birthday today are Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield / Poco (64) and Tommy Roe turns 66 (“Dizzy”).

Back on this day in 1998, Puff Daddy performed with Jimmy Page on Saturday Night Live to do his song “Come to Me” which borrows heavily from “Kashmir.” Collaborations are cool and this one is a great song.

Gnarls Barkley pulled out all the stops at a intimate performance at NYC's HighLine Ballroom. In what had to be one of his fiercest costume's yet, frontman Cee-Lo rocked a full pompadour with a ruffled shirt. Rollingstone got the full rundown..

Gnarls Barkley never did get to play their sold out show at Highline Ballroom last night, because Santogold melted the venue with her fucking hotness.

I’m kidding.

As amazing as Santogold was for her near 40 minute set, Gnarls was even better. Cee-lo, that sexy soul-singing monster, sexually harassed the microphone for much of the night. His stage presence was too overwhelming for the small crowd, who all keeled over and died somewhere between “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul” and “Just a Thought.” I’m kidding again.

Dressed in snazzy white suits (complete with an Elvis wig on Cee-lo who managed somehow to “grow a full head of hair” for the show), a backing band in Buddy Holly glasses (including the chick on the bass), and a guy who spazzed out in the back while occasionally hitting some notes on the keyboard, Gnarls Barkley was as impressive visually as they were musically.

Pounding through some of the best tracks from both albums, including the song that “made them rich and famous," the mega-duo played a relatively short and compact set. Though everyone seemed to have already had their fill of “Crazy” for one lifetime, the crowd was almost as energetic as the band for most of the show...almost.

Danger Mouse sat at the piano silently, drinking hard liquor and occasionally handing a glass to Cee-lo for a swig. The Beck producer assisted in creating every nuance of the album on stage, and the songs translated live with even more punch than the records.

All in all, it was one of the coolest places to be anywhere in music this year, and it was, um…crazy (sorry).

Setlist: (in no exact order)
Charity Case
Run
Gone Daddy Gone
Surprise
The Boogie Monster
Just a Though
Crazy
Storm Coming
Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
Going On
Whatever
A Little Better
Blind Mary
Smiley Faces

More mediocre pics with my cheap camera:

From the moment Cee-Lo took the mic, he transformed into the "Soul Machine" with his voice slicing through the Danger Mouse arrangements at a surprisingly powerful level. The band struggled at first to match his intensity on the offerings from the new album but once they broke out the Violent Femmes cover and crowd favorite "Gone Daddy Gone" they found their groove and the show was about to truly take off and not look back.

Mixing strong new offerings like "Run", "Who Will Save My Soul" and "Going On" with "Just a Thought", "Boogie Monster" and their megahit "Crazy" (which Cee-Lo introduced as "the song that brought me all my fame and riches" with all the excitement of a man waiting to get a root canal) from their debut "St.Elsewhere", Gnarls kept the crowd on it's toes throughout the performance. Even though this show was the band's first since the release of "The Odd Couple" it didn't ram the new songs down the crowd's throat but actually played a pretty balanced set which was much appreciated by those who might not have had a chance to truly appreciate the recent release.

After a quick retreat backstage so Cee-lo could remove his tux and his increasingly Don King-like wig, Gnarls returned to entertain the crowd with the infectious british invasion infused jam "Blind Mary" before finishing off the evening with the high energy "Smiley Faces". A song which was the perfect end to a very good show and one in which Cee-Lo showed much more enthusiasm in his delivery than he had earlier while performing "Crazy".

Having seen Gnarls perform before, I expected a good show going in but was truly surprised by Cee-Lo and his voice. Where last time it seemed to be an accompaniment to the music, this time his vocal was the main attraction and it more than lived up to, if not surpassed the billing. I would definitely recommend catching Gnarls on tour later this summer should you get the opportunity.

Photos: Jason Bergman @ Brooklyn Vegan

From the Highline Ballroom Blog:

HUGE thanks to everyone that came out to support a good cause. The first batch of photos are up in the photo gallery. More coming...

Anyone unable to attend can still contribute here.

I hope the rumors about another one or two benefits I am hearing are true.

I had a blast and this is definitely a worthy cause

Just a last minute reminder to anyone that has not yet purchased tickets for the Scotty Hard Trust Benefit show tonight, tickets are moving fast and the show is almost sold out. I have heard word that there might be more of these in the works but nothing definite yet.

Should be a great night of music, see you there.

Doors are at 8, show starts at 9 PM. Many artists who are long time friends and have worked with Scotty over the years are scheduled to appear including:

John Scofield
John Medeski
Billy Martin
Bill Laswell
Eric Krasno
Neal Evans
Marco Benevento
Joe Russo
Antibalas
Sex Mob
DJ Logic
John Ellis
Michael Blake
Vijay Iyer
Tommy Hamilton
Kevin Kendrick

info and logo courtesy: www.highlineballroom.com

OMG! I went to the uh Huh Her concert last Thursday at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan. They were so amazing. If you don't know who they are, you should definitely check them out on Itunes. The girl on the left is Camilla Grey and the girl on the right is Leisha Hailey. Leisha also plays Alice on The L Word.

All hale Janelle Monae!!!! This young chick is a new phenom. I went to see her showcase at the Highline Ballroom in the Chelsea last night. I didn't know what to expect from this girl who has a major following behind her without having a major release or any radio play but, I was pleasantly surprised at this girls level of talent. I had never heard any of her material and I thought she was gonna do a little dancing and some half-baked vocals but, oh no she is sooo much more than that.

She opened the show up with the hype, bass-heavy, futuristic crunk Violet Stars Happy Hunting. She's ferocious but still remains sweet. She shakes that bang (hair) right on out and keeps it moving. She reminded me of Andre 3000's lil sister but, Janelle can really sing. She convinced me of her star-power when she sang a slow song that floored myself and I think a lot of the audience. Her voice is strong, controlled with jazz, classical, gospel influence intwined

She is a new signee to Bad Boy Records. Diddy, who was there to introduce her says that he discovered her on Myspace and fell in love with her and her music. He made some calls and signed her right away. I hope with some of the ups and downs of Bad Boy, they allow her to be herself, untampered with and pure. Janelle is a part of the Wondaland Arts Society which is a group of tuxedo donning, artistic, forward-thinking movement that are here to "save" the world from conforming to our boring lives. I love their ideas and word-play that influence imagination.

Diddy introducing Janell

Janelle will be releasing a Suite record this Summer, followed by a full LP this September. In the meantime get to know Janelle's music through her Myspace page. I am expecting more from her and the Wondaland clan.

JanelleMonae

-Ken Marcelle