The primarily instrumental group, Unwed Sailor, will be stopping by the Hi Tone tonight for the first stop on their "fall" tour. If you would like to get a feel for their music, the media section on their site has a fair share of mp3's from the back catalog as well as a few from their last release, The Marionette and the Music Box. There is even a clever section on the site that takes each track from the Marionette and sets it to the paintings of Jamie Hunt, which help illustrate the album's conceptual fantasy storyline. A new album titled The White Ox is expected to be released the beginning of next year. And of course, they are on Myspace. Check that out here.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Thank You Brandon!
A very special thanks goes to Brandon Robertson for helping out with the playlist today on the Beat!
However, my mom did bring it to my attention that we didn't play any EP during Dead Elvis Week. Oh my God, she's right! (I did, however, play my mom's favorite song, Booker T and the MG's "Green Onions")
Monday, August 15, 2005
The Answer!
Okay, so the answer to my riddle was the 80's flick The Ice Pirates. Which means my special guest on the Memphis Beat is Brandon Robertson, the bass player for both The Pirates and Snowglobe. I'm excited to hear what Brandon has in store for our listeners today. Tune that radio dial to 89.9FM from 1-2pm to find out! And remember, you can also listen online.
The Wait Is Over - It's Here!
I am very pleased to announce that WEVL FM 90 is webcasting again! Yep, I know, I could just about cry too! I have been looking foward to this day since I started at the station. And I know there a lot of folks there that have been waiting even longer. Anyway, stop reading this post and make your way on over to the webcast info page so you can start listening right away! And for all those who played a part in making this possible, I thank you, thank you, thank you...
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Memphis Beat - Special Guest Programmer
Princess Karina, precious water, lost father, Templar, eunuchs...
If these jumbled words scream 80's flick to you than you've got enough information to figure out two bands that our guest plays bass guitar for around town. Good luck!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
The Lovers' Album of the Week
Holopaw Quit +/or Fight
While listening to Holopaw's new release Quit +/or Fight, I am reminded of the excitement I first felt after listening to the Fruit Bats' 2003 release, Mouthfuls. Perhaps Mouthfuls wasn't a revolutionary record (heck, who wants that responsibility?) but its strong hooks, beautiful harmonies, and overall good nature was a breath of fresh air, and as a result, the Fruit Bats were my driving buddies on more than one occasion. And while the Fruit Bats have a new one out, Spelled In Bones, that record hasn't evoked the same feelings that Quit +/or Fight is doing right now. I am almost embarrassed to mention that I wasn't even aware of Holopaw until their new release found its way into my WEVL mailbox, especially since they are on Sub Pop and have even released a previous album (in 2003, no less). Oh well, better late than never I suppose. So what's so great about Holopaw? Because truth be told, the Holopaw sound is one that has been emulated to death: the folk singer/songwriter who wants to rock out as well as dabble with his country heart. What makes Quit +/or Fight (and Mouthfuls for that matter) work is the sheer fidelity behind it. At no point do I believe I'm being force fed to feel a certain way. When it works, there is no reason for trickery. A large reason for this is John Orth's crushingly fragile voice that trembles long after the verse is over (a vocal style similar to that of Brad Bailey of the The Glass), especially on "Shiver Me," a song that is begging to be named the most beautiful song of the year. Of course, the fact that the rest of the band is able to create such tender, playful melodies doesn't hurt matters. I can imagine that there are numerous bands out there attempting an album like Quit +/or Fight, but unlike the vast majority of them, they will fail because Holopaw's record doesn't succeed because of talent, but because of honesty.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Oneida Play The Hi Tone!
Last night, the Brooklyn trio Oneida rolled into town to perform their unique blend of explosive rock, trippy jazz, and dancehall breakdowns. At the unset of the show, keyboardist Bobby Matador (aka Fat Bobby) called for the small but eager crowd to move closer to the stage to rock with the O Team. From there, Fat Bobby conjured up the spirit of Ray Manzarek (oh wait, he's still alive!) and hammered his keys to the point that he had to make a "surgical" repair a few tunes down the playlist. Along with vocalist and bass/lead guitarist Papa Crazy and manic drummer Kid Millions, those Brooklyn boys left us good ol' Southerns satisfied with a show that like their records was never predictable. Or as Tommy Pappass from The Glass so elegantly shouted, "That was so fantastically amazing!"
(Earlier that night, I had fallen asleep at 9pm and didn't wake up until around 12:30am. So, unfortunately, I missed seeing one of Memphis' best local groups, The Color Cast. Which is a shame because I always look forward to seeing them. Sorry guys!)
Thursday, August 11, 2005
The Music Lovers playlist for 8/11/05
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Oneida Are Coming To Memphis
Brooklyn's own Oneida will be making a stop in Memphis this Thursday night at the Hi Tone. Their newest release, The Wedding, is a mesh of pop/rock/electronic (much like the Lovers) that most resembles a young child that can't sit still. And that's a good thing! Yonder your way on over here to listen to some mp3's.
Also, Memphis' favorite The Color Cast will be opening up!
Monday, August 08, 2005
The Lovers' New Toy (Sounds Dirty, Huh?)
Friday, August 05, 2005
Thursday, August 04, 2005
The Music Lovers playlist for 8/4/05
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Have I Played Your Band? Check below:
Alphabetical Order, Angel Sluts, Antique Curtains, Arma Secreta, Augustine, Automusik, Big Ass Truck, Black Sunday, Bloodthirsty Lovers, Harlan T. Bobo, Cory Branan, Andrew Bryant, Shelby Bryant, Jason Cimon, Circuit Benders, The Clears, The Coach and Four, The Color Cast, Blair Combest, Compulsive Gamblers, The Cool Jerks, The Country Rockers, Delorean, Dixie Dirt, Melissa Dunn, Dutch Masters, El Dorado and the Ruckus, The Entertainers, Final Solutions, Gibson Bros., The Glass, Great Depression, Alex Greene, Greg Oblivian & the Tip Tops, The Griftera, Halfacre Gunroom, Drew Holcomb, The Hometown Nobodies, In Association with the Administration, The King Khan & BBQ Show, The Limes, Loggia, The Lost Sounds, Lucero, Midnight Sound Service, Mouserocket, Natural Kicks, New Car Smell, Noise Choir, North Mississippi All Stars, The Oblivians, Original Three, Organ Thief, The Oscars, Paper Plates, Pawtuckets, Brad Postlethwaite, Tim Prudhomme, The Reatards, Reginald, Reigning Sound, River City Tanlines, Satyrs, Scandaliz Vandalistz, Secret Service, Simple Ones, Six String Jets, Snowglobe, Lamar Sorrento, South Filthy, Spin Room, Staff, Staynless, Strapping Fieldhands, Paul Taylor, The Tearjerkers, This Is Goodbye, Lorette Velvette, Vending Machine, Viva L'American Death Ray Music, Walkie Talkie, and David Weatherman
If I haven't played your band it might be because I don't have your music!
(For a complete list of the tracks played, visit the Myspace page.)
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Memphis Beat - Summer School Class Dismissed
The Hometown Nobodies
Brad Postlethwaite
Andria Lisle
Luke White
Ron Hall
Ed Porter
and Jason Cimon
Next week, I will resume the normal format with tunes from South Filthy, Hedgecreep, The Glass, and many more...
Ed Porter (founder of Loverly Music) strikes a pose during the Beat's last Summer School Session.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Memphis Beat - Summer School Concludes
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Okkervil River Plays Memphis
Okkervil River at the Hi Tone.
Along with spirited performances from Tim Regan and Dixie Dirt, the Austin based Okkervil River played their first show in Memphis last Thursday night. Throughout the night, the fellas contiuned to express what an honor it was playing a show in our fair city with its rich musical history. They even covered Big Star's "O, Dana". If you haven't heard their fabulous new album Black Sheep Boy you can check out the Pitchfork review here. Or better yet just judge for yourself by listening to a few mp3's on their site.
Tim Regan and friends (Luke White, Brandon Robertson, Nahshon Benford, Jeff Hulett)
Friday, July 29, 2005
Blues on the Bluff - The Volunteers
As always, Nancy Apple (Car Tunes) did a fine job as Stage Manager.
Joyce Cobb (Voices/Songs for My Father/Pressure Drop) and Dee "Cap'n Pete" Henderson ( Blues Cruise) take time for a photo-op backstage.
Steve Auterman (The Deep Blues Show) and Doug Golonka (Hi Fidelity) had the important job of keeping the thirst-quenching folks (de) hydrated.
John Beifuss (Welcome to the Working Week) and Eddie Hankins (Down in the Alley) showing off their similar fashion sense.
Joyce Cobb dancing to the Daddy Mack Blues Band.
Steve Jacobson and friend make sure everything sounds amazing!
Brian Craig (Program Director) and Kenya Bland-Anthony (WEVL Office Assistant) amuse me long enough to snap a picture of `em.
Tiffany Jacobs (WEVL Off-Air Volunteer) eating a turkey leg (courtesy Central BBQ) that was nearly as big as her head!
Dee "Cap'n Pete" Henderson and Jessie Mae Ayres just relaxin'.
Tim Ward (WEVL Off-Air Volunteer) was the fellow you met at the entrance if you arrived after 9pm.
Tiffany Jacobs and Apryl Cox (WEVL Off-Air Volunteers) working at the WEVL Booth.
As I said, this is only a small sample of folks that helped out last Saturday at Blues on the Bluff. Hopefully, we will see all of you again for Part 2 on August 20.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
The Music Lovers playlist for 7/28/05
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Blues on the Bluff - The Fans
Check back this week for photos of our amazing volunteers along with some of your favorite WEVL programmers!
Blues on the Bluff Part 2 on August 20.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Memphis Beat - Thank You Jason Cimon!
Jason Cimon's playlist:
1. Back To Dixie Unfortunately
2. Honey Tightroper
3. Variations On A Bird
4. To Distances (In A Mix)
For more information on Jason Cimon, click here.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Memphis Beat - Substitution Jason Cimon!
But don't fret because we have an excellent substitution in Jason Cimon.
Jason is an amazing musician from North Mississipi whose strong yet fragile voice reminds me of a Southern Jeff Buckley. Check out his Myspace page to learn more about the fella and listen to his music.
Tune in this Tuesday (7/26) from 1-2pm as Jason Cimon performs his unique folk stylings.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Blues on the Bluff Was A Great Success!
Cap'n Pete and Joyce Cobb introducing the Daddy Mack Blues Band
Thanks to everyone who showed up to Blues on the Bluff Saturday night. It was a great success! We would also like to thank all the volunteers who made the whole event possible. Listen to WEVL this week to hear your name recognized on air.
Here are few more photos from Saturday night (check back this week for more):
The Daddy Mack Blues Band
Burnside Exploration
More photos to come this week!
Siren's Muse playlist for 7/24/05
Saturday, July 23, 2005
The Lovers Sub for Siren's Muse
Friday, July 22, 2005
Blues on the Bluff Is Tonight!
Okay kids, if you want to show your support for WEVL Radio and have a good time doing so then make it down to the 17th Annual Blues on the Bluff concert located on the grounds of the National Ornamental Metal Museum this Saturday (7/23) from 6 - 11pm.
Here is the music schedule:
6:30-7:15pm - Sid Selvidge
7:30-9:10pm - The Burnside Exploration
9:25-11:00pm - Daddy Mack Blues Band
For more information about the event click here.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
The Music Lovers playlist for 7/21/05
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Radio Odyssey playlist for 7/19/05
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
The Lovers Sub for Radio Odyssey
Memphis Beat - Luke White performs!
Luke White's playlist:
1. Hearts and Arrows
2. 1st First Then Reverse
3. Little Ole Wine Drinker Me (Jennings, Mills)
Bonus - Girl Arms Remix by Luke White
The Memphis Beat Summer School - Week 5
Tune in today (7/19) from 1-2pm on WEVL89.9FM
Monday, July 18, 2005
Intonation Music Festival Ends
Out Hud gets the indie kids to shake and move despite the heat during the last day of the Intonation Music Festival in Chicago.
Look forward to a review of the festival later this week.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Intonation Music Festival - Day 1
Day 1 of Intonation Music Fest ended with a strong performance from Chicago's own, Tortoise.
Four Tet laying down some nasty beats in that summer heat!
The highlight of the day went to The Go! Team who recruited a mass of children swimming next door to join them on stage for a grand finale of "Ladyflash"!
More photos tomorrow!
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Intonation Music Festival
I'll try to post some pictures when I can...
Friday, July 15, 2005
Thursday, July 14, 2005
The Music Lovers playlist for 7/14/05
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Memphis Beat Playlist for 7/12/05
1. Flash and the Casuals - Uptight, Tonight
2. Tommy and the Counts - Stormy Weather
3. Merits - Please, Please Little Girl
4. Ole Miss Downbeats - Geraldine
5. Yo-Yo's - Leaning On You
6. Percussions - Your Love
7. Breakers - Don't Send Me No Flowers
8. Goodees - Condition Red
9. Memphis Nomads - I Wanna Be
10. Rapscallions - Land of Soul
11. Castels - Save A Chance
12. Village Sound - Sally Got A Good Thing
13. Joe Frank and the Knights - Can't Find A Way
14. Los Angeles Smog Division - Blue Green
- Special thanks to Ron Hall for sharing with us a very special time in Memphis music history detailed in his book Playing For A Piece Of The Door: A History of Garage and Frat Bands in Memphis 1960-1975.
Monday, July 11, 2005
The Memphis Beat Summer School - Week 4
A History of Garage and Frat Bands in Memphis, 1960-75 is an amazing candid history and discography of over one hundred garage bands who recorded at least one record in Memphis from 1960-75. Great pictures to boot! Ron Hall researched and wrote this definitive account of the garage era in Memphis. Indispensable!
Tuesday (7/12) 1 - 2pm on WEVL 89.9FM
The Music Lovers playlist for 7/7/05
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
This Week on the Lovers
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
The Best of 2005 - So Far
2/27 - M. Ward Transistor Radio
3/04 - Eluvium Talk Amongst the Trees
3/11 - Flaming Lips/Various Artists LateNightTales
3/18 - Devin Davis Lonely People of the World, Unite!
3/25 - The Decemberists Picaresque
3/31 - Yo La Tengo Prisoners of Love
4/08 - The Books Lost and Safe
4/08 - The Dirty Projectors The Getty Address
4/15 - Dr. Dog Easy Beat
4/29 - Madvillain/Four Tet Four Tet Remixes EP
5/06 - The Russian Futurists Our Thickness
5/13 - Headphones Headphones
5/20 - Animal Collective Prospect Hummer EP
6/10 - Minotaur Shock Vigo Bay EP
6/17 - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
7/02 - Architecture In Helsinki In Case We Die
- Perhaps you have noticed that I have stopped writing reviews for my picks of the week. Since I am not a writer they were becoming a bit tiresome to write, and I doubted if they were actually read. But they are fun to look back on so I might try to start them back up.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
The Memphis Beat Summer School - Week 3
For a complete schedule for the rest of the month of July, click here.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
It's Always Something playlist for 7/1/05
1. Art Brut - Good Weekend from Bang Bang Rock and Roll 2. The Monks - The Boys Are Boys And Girls Are Choice from Black Monk Time 3. The Red Krayola - Say Hello To Jamie Jones from God Bless the Red Krayola and All Who Sail With It 4. Lewis (Lou) Redd - Merry Go Round from All Tomorrow's Dance Parties 7" 5. The Monkees - Your Auntie Grizelda from More of the Monkees 6. The Plastics - Last Train To Clarksville from Forever Plastico 7. The Who - Little Billy from Odds & Sods 8. Cyndi Lauper - The Goonies 'R Good Enough from The Goonies Soundtrack 9. Elvis Presley - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Laughing Version) from Elvis Aron Presley (Box Set) 10. The Soft Boys - We Like Bananas from 1976 - 81 11. Shelby Bryant - Fluxogen/Neverthing from Cloud-Wow Music 12. Faith No More - Annie's Song from Introduce Yourself 13. Andrew Thompson - We're In Business from Egad! 14. Young Marble Giants - Wurlitzer Jukebox from Colossal Youth 15. Bob Dylan - Talkin' Bear Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues from Bootleg Series, Vols. 1 -3 16. Sun Yama - Subterranean Homesick Blues from Subterranean Homesick Blues 7" 17. They Might Be Giants - Minimum Wage from Flood 18. Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet - You Spin Me Round '86 from Savvy Show Stoppers 19. Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (Sessions) from Good Vibrations: Thirty Years of the Beach Boys (Bonus Disc) 20. The Rolling Stones - I Am Waiting from Aftermath 21. The Unicorns - Child Star from Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone? 22. The Soft Boys - That's When Your Heartaches Begin from 1976 - 81 23. Fern Jones - Strange Things Happen Everyday from The Glory Road 24. William Shatner - Ideal Woman from Has Been 25. Lou Reed - America from Between Thought and Expression: The Lou Reed Anthology (Box Set) 26. The Statesmen - God Loves American People from Gospel Masters: The Statesmen 27. May God Bless America Again - Loretta Lynn from Just A Closer Walk With Thee 28. The Beach Boys - Spirtit of America from Little Deuce Coupe 29. Danielson Famile - A No No from Tell Another Joke at the Ol' Choppin' Block 30. Gus Vant Sant - Ladies' Day from 18 Songs About Golf 31. Red Pony Clock - Singing in the Shower from Red Pony Clock 32. Smog - I Am Star Wars! form Julius Caesar 33. Half Japanese - Firecracker from Greatest Hits 34. Daniel Johnston - Joy Without Pleasure from Songs of Pain 35. My Big Hands (Fall Through the Cracks)/Big Blue Plymouth (Eyes Wide Open) - David Byrne from 3 Big Songs
Thursday, June 30, 2005
The Music Lovers playlist for 6/30/05
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
The Lovers Sub for It's Always Something
Monday, June 27, 2005
The Memphis Beat Summer School - Week 2
Also, the Beat will debut new material from the new album by the Glass!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
The Music Lovers playlist for 6/23/05
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
The Glass CD Release Party - Date Change!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Memphis Beat Summer Schedule
6/21 - In-studio performance from The Hometown Nobodies
6/28 - Discussion with Andria Lisle who co-wrote the book Waking Up In Memphis with Mike Evans
7/5 - In-studio performance from Brad Postlethwaite (Snowglobe) with special guests
7/12 - History of Memphs Garage and Frat Bands
7/19 - In-studio performance from Luke White (Coach and Four, The Pirates)
7/26 - History of Loverly Recordings
- a possible final show on August 2 about Memphis Field Recordings TBA
A Random Lyric
But so what?
Stranger things have happened
Stranger things have been loved
"Yeah, I'm In Love With An Android"
from Say Hi To Your Mom
Friday, June 17, 2005
Thursday, June 16, 2005
The Music Lovers playlist for 6/16/05
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Playing Games Is Fun!
Monday, June 13, 2005
Andrew Thompson's "We're In Business" Lyrics
Robot: Hey Andrew!
Andrew: What's up Robot?
Robot: I love you!
Andrew:I know you do
Robot: Hey Andrew!
Andrew:What's up Robot?
Robot: I love you!
Andrew: I know you do
Robot: Hey Andrew!
Andrew:What's up Robot?
Robot: I love you!
Andrew: I know you do
Robot: Hey Andrew!
Andrew:What's up Robot?
Robot: I"M GOING TO KILL YOU!
Andrew: OH MY GOD!
Never trust a robot(s)
Never trust a robot(s)
You might think that they are your friend
They'll only kill you in the end
Never trust a robot(s)
Never trust a robot(s)
Don't leave them with your kids
Don't invite them to play bridge
Chorus:
Andrew:If you're a human being, we're in business
Andrew:If you are not a machine, we're in business
Robot: If you are not me?
Andrew:We're in business. We're in business
Don't take them along for trips
They might posion your bag of chips
Never trust a robot(s)
Never trust a robot(s)
Don't take them with you to work
They just might go berserk
Robot:Hey Andrew!
Andrew:What's up Robot?
Robot: I love you!
Andrew:I know you do
Robot:Hey Andrew!
Andrew:What's up Robot?
Robot: I love you!
Andrew:I know you do
Robot:Hey Andrew!
Andrew:What's up Robot?
Robot: I love you!
Andrew:I know you do
Robot:Hey Andrew!
Andrew:What is it Robot?
Robot:YOUR ASS IS MINE!
Andrew:OH MY GOD!
Chorus:
Andrew:If you're a human being, we're in business
Andrew:If you are not a machine, we're in business
Robot: If you are not me?
Andrew:We're in business. We're in business
Robot: Come on outside! I brought you a lollipop. Oh, what? This? It only looks a laser gun that kills people! Hahahaaaaa!
Andrew Thompson "We're In Business"
