Concert Review: Red Fang @ Underground Arts - Philadelphia, PA 12/02/16

The song The Sound of Muzak, written by Steven Wilson, speaks of music being engineered to fit demographics to optimize sales while at the same time dulling critical thinking and homogenizing society. Lately this doesn't seem like a too far fetched sci-fi horror. Bands like Red Fang come from the proud heritage that down to Earth and down and dirty rock intended to be hand delivered to a ready audience on the level of the ones creating the music.

Concert Review: Cult Leader @ Union Transfer - Philadelphia, PA 11/15/16

I've never heard Cult Leader before November 15th. I beg the pardon of Cult Leader and their following for my ignorance of the genre they represent. I'm going to open this post to the possibility for discussion on this genre (Metal Core, Grind Core, Death Metal) and similar genres. You can all thank Cult Leader for this opportunity to discuss.  I've heard the YouTube personality Tempo talk about the subtlety of the vocals and guitar sound that define these differences. I always thought it all sounded the same and was really kind of boring. My first exposure to the ultra grinding sound was a band called Death from the 80's. Blazing fast, demonic sounding vocals, intensity but who gives a shit when it all sounds the same!!! I've been curious about the subtlety but remembering what Death sounded like I never could drum up the patience to investigate. This night I would get my chance ready or not!!!

Concert Review: Coheed and Cambria @ Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ 10/15/16

I've never been to the Starland Ballroom any less than packed to max capacity. They have a kick ass sound system and a cool vibe and is way off the beaten path. Coheed and Cambria was sold out, and I wasn't the least bit surprised.

Concert Review: Birds in Row @ The Voltage Lounge - Philadelphia, PA 10/11/16

This show was yet another I agreed to take with no prior exposure to the band or venue.  It's like a blind date, for me anyway, I've never been on a bad one. It's not always a love connection or even a physical attraction but every one was a great time for one reason or another.

Concert Review: Russian Circles @ Union Transfer - Philadelphia, PA 09/29/16

Stars can frighten...   

Concert Review: Bryan Ferry @ Verizon Hall - Kimmel Center - Philadelphia, PA 07/21/16

So this was supposed to be a really easy write up.

Bryan Ferry is the icon for  jaded, cool, remote and aloof. I really like his portrayal of this character. I am happily ignorant to his personal life and most musicians I admire. It allows me to build a kind of legend on a personal level and helps me create a visual narrative and nostalgia to their music. I imagine Ferry always jet setting around always impeccably dressed, swiping his hair. Always an air of secrecy, tending to things that seem trivial but left untended would lead to ripples of stupifycation and confusion somehow. Women, women always waiting in quiet desperation. Stringing out an Aston for all the bastard is worth on a winding, coastal road along rocky beaches leaving a trail of lavender scent into the night. Suave.

Photo by Fran Chismar

Concert Review: Francis Dunnery @ Tin Angel - Philadelphia, PA 05/07/16

I've been listening to Francis Dunnnery since Tall Blonde Helicopter was released. It's strange to me that I can't recall the song Philadelphia's Public Radio Station, WXPN, was playing at the time. He was a guest on their afternoon show World Cafe'. He seemed to project a magnetic personality, even over the radio.

Concert Review: Blue Healer @ Milkboy - Philadelphia, PA 05/05/16

When Fran offered this set to me, he described the line up; keyboards, an upright bass (a real bass) and drums. I was already interested.

Concert Review: Mutoid Man @ Underground Arts - Philadelphia, PA 04/27/16

I'm a pretty unhip guy. I make it a point not to look too deep into an artist I respect. I've done this in the past and I will do it again but only if there's something I can gain insight to or synthesize somehow. There has to be something undeniable.  Enter Mutoid Man.

Photo by Fran Chismar

Concert Review: DREAMERS @ Milkboy - Philadelphia, PA 03/29/16

I would like to start by saying, thanks to Fran for the opportunity to write for this blog. Its an interesting experience  to write about a band I've never heard before. This is the best way to be introduced to any band for that matter. You get a glimpse into what the band is about and what makes them tick. The songs are presented as they where written, and there can be a HUGE difference in how the song is written, what is intended, how it gets treated during recording and wHAT GETS HEARD (yes clever reader! that was my fIREHOSE reference).

Rediscovered Albums: Hüsker Dü / Candy Apple Grey

Perception, expectation and a psychotic break down....

Touring, Influences, and New Music: An Interview with Bishop and Jake of Crobot

When we heard that Crobot would be able to take time out of their grueling tour schedule to sit backstage with My Music, My Concerts, My Life before their show with Clutch at Philadelphia's Electric Factory, we jumped at the chance!

Concert Review: Clutch with Crobot @ The Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA 12/28/15

"Let me have men about me that are fat, sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much; such things are dangerous."

Photo by Fran Chismar

Concert Review: The Struts @ The TLA - Philadelphia, PA 11/17/15

   Theatrics and deception are powerful allies Mr. Wayne...