Grassies.com Email Newsletter
Vol. 1, Issue 2
2007-07-30
In This Issue:
- Open Mic Competition! Club Car in Auburn
- Jam4Joshua Review
- Upcoming Events and Services from Grassies.com
- Change in Tempo
- Know Your Music: Burning Airlines Block Black Light Syndrome
- This, That, and the Other Thing
- August 18th
- 6:00 p.m. to about 10:00 p.m.
- The Club Car Restaurant and Bar
- 836 Lincoln Way, Auburn
- 530.887.9732
- "Deluxe War Baby" from the 2001 "Burning Airlines" album "Identikit"—formed four years before their name would become permanently politically incorrect, the band's "Deluxe War Baby" is a fine example of what loud rock can achieve when it's arranged well. Dynamics (as in using both loud AND soft) play a huge part, with the opening plunky sounding guitar and Dylanesque vocals eventually puncuated by crunchy drums, bass, and more guitars, just before the time signature switches to 3/4 time (yes, that's a waltz.) This ain't no waltz, though. When lead vocalist J. Robbins wails "Never have I felt so well policed; why should I be anything but pleased?" the discordant rumble of multi–layered guitars makes the sarcasm bite harder. Even if edgy rock isn't your cup of whiskey, "Deluxe War Baby" is worth a listen. "We're all headed west, whatever we think we believe . . ."
- "Rhinoceros" from the 1996 Block" album "Lead Me Not Into Penn Station"—I like Jamie Block's sense of humor. Lyrically and musically, it's a fun song. "My lawyer said, 'Hey Jamie, think poppy; think catchy'; okay . . ." A simple bass line alternating with sandpaper rhythym electric guitar and a not-too-difficult chorus ("Rhinoceros" [x4]) make this one of those catchy tunes you'll find it difficult to put out of your head. Interesting jungle-fever-bird/chattering monkey guitar licks near the end. Also available on the "Blast from the Past" soundtrack, where it has some impressive company which we'll discuss later.
- "Spiral" from the 2000 "Black Light Syndrome" album "Situation Dangerous"—Hmmmmm . . . where does one begin? Tony Levin (bassist for Peter Gabriel, Yes, King Crimson, Paul Simon, Carly Simon, Lucy Simon, Warren Zevon, Tom Waits, James Taylor, Livingston Taylor, Ringo Starr, Pink Floyd, Nanci Griffith, Judy Collins, and a bazillion others join Terry Bozzio (Missing Persons, Frank Zappa) and Steve Stevens (Billy Idol, grammy for "Top Gun") to form a power trio not unlike a new millenium "Cream" with a twist. "Spiral" is not their usual black thunder, though. Beginning slowly, almost pensively, Stevens' classical guitar becomes more and more complex and fiery, joined by ever intensifying percussion of every kind. Behind it all, swirling, dancing, now echoing, now countering, is Levin's bass, never in the same place twice. A journey of epic proportion which never fails to bring a smile to my face; whether you love classical guitar, progressive rock, or something in between, I defy you not to be captivated.
Open Mic Competition! Club Car in Auburn
Join us saturday August 18th at 6:00 p.m. at The Club Car in Auburn for the next Grassies Open Mic Competition. Oh, and Sarah and Marcello are having a raffle for a $100 Club Car Gift Certificate to be given away just before we announce the Open Mic winner—come down and enter! The Club Car is a gorgeous venue, and this second competition will be an evening event, so come down and play a set, then stick around and have dinner and drinks. We'll be on hand to video the finalists and Winner's Gig, and we'll have a makeup team on hand to help you look your best in front of the camera. Read all the details at Grassies.com—here's the general info:
Jam4Joshua Review
The Jam4Joshua was loads of fun, and even raised some money. Good cause, good food, and of course, great music. Read all about it right here:Grassies.com
Upcoming Events and Services from Grassies.com
Watch Grassies.com for information on SoundCheck–sponsored Open Mic Competitions in other areas, an upcoming Battle of the Bands, the spectacular cutting edge online 'Music Map', the Grassies Workshop Series, artist profiles and CDs for sale at GrassieBaby.com, and an online musicommunity to connect musicians to bands, bands to venues, and venues to fans and customers.
Did we forget to mention video services? We'll have to tell you more in our next newsletter . . .
New at GrassieBaby
Phillip Flathead's debut CD 'four track mind' is now available for purchase at GrassieBaby.com—get your copy of some thought-provoking folk rock (he's been compared to Dylan, Van Morrison, and Thelonius Monk) before they're sold out!
Want your CD sold on GrassieBaby.com? Give us a shout: GrassieBaby.com
Change in Tempo
Tempo, the music newsletter of Grass Valley, Nevada City, and beyond, is in for some big changes. More on that as the details are finalized.
Know Your Music: Burning Airlines Block Black Light Syndrome from KnowYourMusic.com
Burning Airlines Block Black Light Syndrome
Yup; it almost spells 'babbles' and that's how we'll pronounce it, okay?
Quick jaunt through three songs you may not have heard, but should:
This, That, and the Other Thing
If your business is interested in sponsoring events or bands to help promote grassroots music in northern California, let us know by using the contact form at Grassies.com
Thanks for reading!
The Grassies/p>
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