This coming Thursday, December 24, I'll be playing a selection of Christmas/winter/holiday tunes on my show from 3 to 5 p.m. I won't be playing the usual songs you've been hearing 24/7 on other radio stations for the past month, however. You'll hear covers and original songs from the likes of Yo La Tengo, Daniel Johnston, and The Flaming Lips, as well as songs by local groups including Megafaun and Schooner. So, tune in this Thursday, Christmas Eve, from 3 to 5 p.m. for a set of Christmas tunes you aren't tired of hearing
**As a side note, you can download a new cover of "I Saw Three Ships" from Megafaun for free over at the Hometapes website.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Noobhammer's top 10 metal albums of 2009
Greetings metal community, the Noobhammer here again with my top 10 albums which smashed open the gates of Hell with a hammer full of steel. This was no easy choice mind you. In a year where I almost went broke trying to buy all the good albums this year, it was not easy to pick my favorites. It was like trying to pick which video games you would save in a burning fire. That being said, here are my picks for a year during which some of the best albums came out.
10. God Forbid - Earthsblood
It's hard to describe God Forbid. They are one of those really unique metalcore bands. I thought it would be almost impossible to top the juggernaut that is Constitution of Treason, but these guys did it, and with gusto. A truly remarkable band, who can only go anywhere but higher as they show the metalcore scene how to write an album.
9. Swallow The Sun - New Moon
Words can't even begin to describe the feeling I got when i first heard that riff and that melancholic voice whisper those words in my ear, just before everything kicks in and blows you away. Another brilliant album from these Finns who have perfectly blended melodic death metal and doom metal, and even now on this latest album, incorporated some black metal. With guitars that seem to wail in the night, it seems that these guys could swallow the sun with their music.
8. Epica - Design Your Universe
Epica didn't really impress me too much with their last album. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but just not great. Their latest album however is a totally different story . This album, and god I hate to have to use this, is epic. It is truly a work to behold. With powerful and blazing guitars and drums, mixed with the death vocals and Simone's gorgeous voice, makes this one hell of an album.
7. Insomnium - Across The Dark
I had never heard of these guys before this album, and they won me over instantly with their brand of doom metal. The guitars and keyboard just meld together perfectly and just wash over you in a wave of sound. When you add the singer's voice his mix of clean vox and growls, just makes this album catchy but also heavy as hell. The riffs are easy to comprehend, but the layers to them speak volumes about the music.
6. HORSE The Band - Desperate Living
Once again, another album that thoroughly surprised me. I was disappointed after their last album, but this one totally makes up for it. All the emotion that was lacking on the last one, is back on here in full force. All these songs seep with the struggle of touring and keeping a band together. A great evolution that keeps them true to their roots while evolving at the same time. A gem, and perfect album that describes emotions we all go through.
5. Pelican - What We All Come To Need
This album is a true piece of musical art. From the crunchy guitar riffs to the melodic bridges, even to the vocalist on the last track. This album is musical bliss where we can sit back and just relax enjoy what is running through our ears. The biggest surprise though was the vocalist on the last track, showing that this band can do more than just write crunchy guitar riffs.
4. Between The Buried And Me - The Great Misdirect
Maybe I'm biased because these boys are from North Carolina. No matter what you think about the band, you cannot deny that these boys can play their instruments. Returning again with another technical masterpiece, the boys in BTBAM raise the bar for musicianship and song composition. Once again this album is essentially one long song, pushing the band even farther into prog, Rush-esque realms.
3. Isis - Wavering Radiant
Goddamn. That is all that I can say about this album. It is a brilliant piece of work, sublimely beautiful yet at the same time crushingly heavy. These boys can write some damn fine music which border on the serene then immediately shift to crushing steel hammers. Aaron Turner has outdone himself again with his latest album, and I cannot wait to hear what they do next.
2. Mastodon - Crack The Skye
This was a very close contender for album of the year. The work that the band put in this album is staggering. All the songs held within the album are masterpieces in their own right. They are beautiful and moving and just downright amazing. Every song being dedicated to Dailor's late sister. It is a truly fantastic album that is worthy of all it's recognition.
THIS IS IT!!! MY ALBUM OF THE YEAR!!! IT IS……
1. Devin Townsend Project - Addicted
My god. Seriously. This album is essentially crack in music form. I have barely stopped listening ever since I got it. Devin Townsend is a god. He is once of the greatest musicians to ever live. His sheer musicianship as well as his ability as a lyricist allows him to write some of the best albums ever. Be they in Strapping Young Lad, or even his solo band, The Devin Townsend Project. His greatness cannot be denied, and this album fully showcases all his abilities, from his rage to his serenity. It is the work of a world class musician, and one who is not afraid to embrace his emotions, nor to experiment with sounds and different ways of making music. That is why this is my metal album of the year.
Honorable Mention
Jesu - Opiate Sun
This is the only time I have done a honorable mention. I couldn't include it on the list because it is only an EP, so it's not technically an album. However this is one stunning piece of work. The guitars drone out Justin Broadrick's voice so it barely audible, but it makes clear all the pain that he sings about, making this a very emotional album that seeps with pain, and makes me excited to hear his next full release.
10. God Forbid - Earthsblood
It's hard to describe God Forbid. They are one of those really unique metalcore bands. I thought it would be almost impossible to top the juggernaut that is Constitution of Treason, but these guys did it, and with gusto. A truly remarkable band, who can only go anywhere but higher as they show the metalcore scene how to write an album.
9. Swallow The Sun - New Moon
Words can't even begin to describe the feeling I got when i first heard that riff and that melancholic voice whisper those words in my ear, just before everything kicks in and blows you away. Another brilliant album from these Finns who have perfectly blended melodic death metal and doom metal, and even now on this latest album, incorporated some black metal. With guitars that seem to wail in the night, it seems that these guys could swallow the sun with their music.
8. Epica - Design Your Universe
Epica didn't really impress me too much with their last album. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but just not great. Their latest album however is a totally different story . This album, and god I hate to have to use this, is epic. It is truly a work to behold. With powerful and blazing guitars and drums, mixed with the death vocals and Simone's gorgeous voice, makes this one hell of an album.
7. Insomnium - Across The Dark
I had never heard of these guys before this album, and they won me over instantly with their brand of doom metal. The guitars and keyboard just meld together perfectly and just wash over you in a wave of sound. When you add the singer's voice his mix of clean vox and growls, just makes this album catchy but also heavy as hell. The riffs are easy to comprehend, but the layers to them speak volumes about the music.
6. HORSE The Band - Desperate Living
Once again, another album that thoroughly surprised me. I was disappointed after their last album, but this one totally makes up for it. All the emotion that was lacking on the last one, is back on here in full force. All these songs seep with the struggle of touring and keeping a band together. A great evolution that keeps them true to their roots while evolving at the same time. A gem, and perfect album that describes emotions we all go through.
5. Pelican - What We All Come To Need
This album is a true piece of musical art. From the crunchy guitar riffs to the melodic bridges, even to the vocalist on the last track. This album is musical bliss where we can sit back and just relax enjoy what is running through our ears. The biggest surprise though was the vocalist on the last track, showing that this band can do more than just write crunchy guitar riffs.
4. Between The Buried And Me - The Great Misdirect
Maybe I'm biased because these boys are from North Carolina. No matter what you think about the band, you cannot deny that these boys can play their instruments. Returning again with another technical masterpiece, the boys in BTBAM raise the bar for musicianship and song composition. Once again this album is essentially one long song, pushing the band even farther into prog, Rush-esque realms.
3. Isis - Wavering Radiant
Goddamn. That is all that I can say about this album. It is a brilliant piece of work, sublimely beautiful yet at the same time crushingly heavy. These boys can write some damn fine music which border on the serene then immediately shift to crushing steel hammers. Aaron Turner has outdone himself again with his latest album, and I cannot wait to hear what they do next.
2. Mastodon - Crack The Skye
This was a very close contender for album of the year. The work that the band put in this album is staggering. All the songs held within the album are masterpieces in their own right. They are beautiful and moving and just downright amazing. Every song being dedicated to Dailor's late sister. It is a truly fantastic album that is worthy of all it's recognition.
THIS IS IT!!! MY ALBUM OF THE YEAR!!! IT IS……
1. Devin Townsend Project - Addicted
My god. Seriously. This album is essentially crack in music form. I have barely stopped listening ever since I got it. Devin Townsend is a god. He is once of the greatest musicians to ever live. His sheer musicianship as well as his ability as a lyricist allows him to write some of the best albums ever. Be they in Strapping Young Lad, or even his solo band, The Devin Townsend Project. His greatness cannot be denied, and this album fully showcases all his abilities, from his rage to his serenity. It is the work of a world class musician, and one who is not afraid to embrace his emotions, nor to experiment with sounds and different ways of making music. That is why this is my metal album of the year.
Honorable Mention
Jesu - Opiate Sun
This is the only time I have done a honorable mention. I couldn't include it on the list because it is only an EP, so it's not technically an album. However this is one stunning piece of work. The guitars drone out Justin Broadrick's voice so it barely audible, but it makes clear all the pain that he sings about, making this a very emotional album that seeps with pain, and makes me excited to hear his next full release.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
WKNC Daytime DJs select best albums of '09
The year 2009 has undoubtedly been a fantastic one for music, from the techno tones and spaced out beats of Animal Collective's "Merriwether Post Pavilion" to the satisfying and deep "Tarpits and Canyonlands" from Bombadil. We were moved by new albums by old favorites like in Yeah Yeah Yeahs "It's Blitz" and we were introduced to new acts that leave us wanting more like in Florence and the Machine's beautiful "Lungs." After knowing the huge amount of great releases that this year has left us with, I asked the daytime DJs at WKNC to complete a job that's a lot easier said than done. Below is a list of the top five albums as completed by many of the DJs you know and love. Enjoy!
DJ Danger Tape
1. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
2. Bowerbirds - Upper Air
3. M. Ward - Hold Time
4. The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
5. Japandroids - Post-Nothing
Just John
1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
2. Fever Ray - Fever Ray
3. A Sunny Day in Glasgow -Ashes Grammer
4. Yacht - See Mystery Lights
5. Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic
May Day
1. Bowerbirds - Upper Air
2. M. Ward- Hold Time
3. Discovery - LP
4. St. Vincent - Actor
5. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career/The Love Language - The Love Language
DJ Elly May
1. Luego - Taped-together Stories
2. Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club - The Beautiful Untrue
3. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Up From Below
4. Lonnie Walker - These Times Old Times
5. Gossip - Music For Men
Hot Tamale
1. Florence and the Machine - Lungs
2. Passion Pit - Manners
3. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Matt & Kim - Grand
5. Discovery - LP
DJ Kligz
1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
2. Florence and the Machine - Lungs
3. Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
4. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
5. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
Riff Raff
1. Regina Spektor - Far
2. Passion Pit - Manners
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz
4. The Temper Trap - Conditions
5. You and Your Effects - Wire Sharks/Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard - One Fast Move Or I'm Gone
Audity
1. Sonic Youth - The Eternal
2. U.S.E - Loveworld
3. Regina Spektor - Far
4. Metric - Fantasies
5. Veelee - Three Sides/Various Artists - Here Here Compilation
DJ Ones
DJ Matticus Rex
1. Do Make Say Think - Other Truths
2. Pelican - What We All Come to Need
3. Bon Iver - Blood Bank
4. Caspian - Tertia
5. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
Chuck
1. The Antlers - Hospice
2. Megafaun - Gather, Form & Fly
3. Various Artists - Dark Was The Night
4. Antony and the Johnsons - The Crying Light
5. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Mick
1. Bombadil - Tarpits & Canyonlands
2. Cotton Jones - Paranoid Cocoon
3. Megafaun - Gather, Form, & Fly
4. Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains
5. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Up From Below
DJ Ray
1. Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns
2. Brazos - Phosphorescent Blues
3. Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic
4. Grouper - Cover the Windows and the Walls
5. The Low Anthem - Oh My God Charlie Darwin
Tommyboy
1. The King Khan and BBQ Show - Invisible Girl
2. Megafaun - Gather Form and Fly
3. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Telekinesis- Telekinesis
5. The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa
Spaceman Spiff
1. Bowerbirds - Upper Air
2. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
3. Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
4. Harlem Shakes - Technicolor Health
5. The Temper Trap- Conditions
DJ Danger Tape
1. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
2. Bowerbirds - Upper Air
3. M. Ward - Hold Time
4. The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
5. Japandroids - Post-Nothing
Just John
1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
2. Fever Ray - Fever Ray
3. A Sunny Day in Glasgow -Ashes Grammer
4. Yacht - See Mystery Lights
5. Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic
May Day
1. Bowerbirds - Upper Air
2. M. Ward- Hold Time
3. Discovery - LP
4. St. Vincent - Actor
5. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career/The Love Language - The Love Language
DJ Elly May
1. Luego - Taped-together Stories
2. Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club - The Beautiful Untrue
3. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Up From Below
4. Lonnie Walker - These Times Old Times
5. Gossip - Music For Men
Hot Tamale
1. Florence and the Machine - Lungs
2. Passion Pit - Manners
3. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Matt & Kim - Grand
5. Discovery - LP
DJ Kligz
1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
2. Florence and the Machine - Lungs
3. Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
4. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
5. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
Riff Raff
1. Regina Spektor - Far
2. Passion Pit - Manners
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz
4. The Temper Trap - Conditions
5. You and Your Effects - Wire Sharks/Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard - One Fast Move Or I'm Gone
Audity
1. Sonic Youth - The Eternal
2. U.S.E - Loveworld
3. Regina Spektor - Far
4. Metric - Fantasies
5. Veelee - Three Sides/Various Artists - Here Here Compilation
DJ Ones
1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz
2. Florence and the Machine - Lungs
3. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Animal Collective - Merriwether Post Pavilion
5. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
DJ Matticus Rex
1. Do Make Say Think - Other Truths
2. Pelican - What We All Come to Need
3. Bon Iver - Blood Bank
4. Caspian - Tertia
5. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
Chuck
1. The Antlers - Hospice
2. Megafaun - Gather, Form & Fly
3. Various Artists - Dark Was The Night
4. Antony and the Johnsons - The Crying Light
5. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Mick
1. Bombadil - Tarpits & Canyonlands
2. Cotton Jones - Paranoid Cocoon
3. Megafaun - Gather, Form, & Fly
4. Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains
5. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Up From Below
DJ Ray
1. Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns
2. Brazos - Phosphorescent Blues
3. Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic
4. Grouper - Cover the Windows and the Walls
5. The Low Anthem - Oh My God Charlie Darwin
Tommyboy
1. The King Khan and BBQ Show - Invisible Girl
2. Megafaun - Gather Form and Fly
3. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Telekinesis- Telekinesis
5. The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa
Spaceman Spiff
1. Bowerbirds - Upper Air
2. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
3. Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
4. Harlem Shakes - Technicolor Health
5. The Temper Trap- Conditions
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
It's always better in a Christmas sweater
Trekky Yuletide Orchestra and local friends took the stage at the Cat's Cradle on December 15.
Last evening, DJ Nicole and DJ Cioffi, made the voyage to Chapel Hill to see some of the greatest acts take the stage to pay homage to the greatest holiday ever, Christmas. Hosted by the able bodied host Billy Sugarfix, we were delighted to see not only The Trekky Yuletide Orchestra, but Dexter Romweber, Stuart McLamb and Missy Thangs (of The Love Language), Des Ark, Whatever Brains, Organos, Veelee, Birds and Arrows, Mount Weather, and the last minute addition to the lineup, Lonnie Walker.
In the 4th annual Christmas at the Cradle, each band gave their interpretation of classic Christmas carols, as well as performed their own Christmas compositions. All acts were outstanding. Their songs ranged from classic ballads such as "Silent Night" performed in a distorted fashion by Lonnie Walker as well as the hilarious rendition of the holiday song, "I'm Gettin' Nuffin' For Christmas" which was performed by Organos. The bands' songs Veelee covered, all featured stand-up drummers. So, for Christmas at the Cradle, Veelee's Ginger performed standing up. The stand-up drumming was of great value and made us happy.
All in all, The Christmas at the Cradle show exceeded our expectations and filled our hearts with Christmas cheer.
Hope you will join us next year at the fifth Christmas at the Cradle.
Enjoy our pictures!
Last evening, DJ Nicole and DJ Cioffi, made the voyage to Chapel Hill to see some of the greatest acts take the stage to pay homage to the greatest holiday ever, Christmas. Hosted by the able bodied host Billy Sugarfix, we were delighted to see not only The Trekky Yuletide Orchestra, but Dexter Romweber, Stuart McLamb and Missy Thangs (of The Love Language), Des Ark, Whatever Brains, Organos, Veelee, Birds and Arrows, Mount Weather, and the last minute addition to the lineup, Lonnie Walker.
In the 4th annual Christmas at the Cradle, each band gave their interpretation of classic Christmas carols, as well as performed their own Christmas compositions. All acts were outstanding. Their songs ranged from classic ballads such as "Silent Night" performed in a distorted fashion by Lonnie Walker as well as the hilarious rendition of the holiday song, "I'm Gettin' Nuffin' For Christmas" which was performed by Organos. The bands' songs Veelee covered, all featured stand-up drummers. So, for Christmas at the Cradle, Veelee's Ginger performed standing up. The stand-up drumming was of great value and made us happy.
All in all, The Christmas at the Cradle show exceeded our expectations and filled our hearts with Christmas cheer.
Hope you will join us next year at the fifth Christmas at the Cradle.
Enjoy our pictures!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sessions@KNC: Death to the Details
Death to the Details is part from Durham, part from Chapel Hill. Its members play rock music. They'd probably like you to think it's that simple.
Realistically, guitarists Brian and Betty are almost always playing something completely different. Justin is probably playing some really sweet riff again and again and again on the bass. And John is always looking for new ways to use his drums as a sonic weapon, pulling the group through each track without fail.
Mike Alston and I had a blast recording these folks, as you can see below. You'll also see some pictures of us nearing the end of the session, doing...gasp... OVERDUBS! Yes, this is one of the few times when we wanted just a few extra vocal tracks to thicken things up, so you will hear both Brian's live vocals and the extra overdubbed parts stacked on top of each other in this session. Check out the powerful doubled vocals on 'Eternities of Fraternities'.
As usual, you can download each of the four songs in this session for free below the photos. Our friend Matt Moore deserves a huge "thank you" for making it out to take some excellent photographs. Hold onto your ears; this session was both played and mixed LOUD!
Again and Again and Again
Eternities of Fraternities
Comet Chasing Child
Twenty Something Miles
Realistically, guitarists Brian and Betty are almost always playing something completely different. Justin is probably playing some really sweet riff again and again and again on the bass. And John is always looking for new ways to use his drums as a sonic weapon, pulling the group through each track without fail.
Mike Alston and I had a blast recording these folks, as you can see below. You'll also see some pictures of us nearing the end of the session, doing...gasp... OVERDUBS! Yes, this is one of the few times when we wanted just a few extra vocal tracks to thicken things up, so you will hear both Brian's live vocals and the extra overdubbed parts stacked on top of each other in this session. Check out the powerful doubled vocals on 'Eternities of Fraternities'.
As usual, you can download each of the four songs in this session for free below the photos. Our friend Matt Moore deserves a huge "thank you" for making it out to take some excellent photographs. Hold onto your ears; this session was both played and mixed LOUD!
Again and Again and Again
Eternities of Fraternities
Comet Chasing Child
Twenty Something Miles
DJ Ones Interviews The Whigs
Recently I got the chance to interview Tim Deaux of The Whigs. The Whigs are currently touring the east coast, with upcoming show at the Local 506. We talked about upcoming release of the band's third full length album, "In the Dark," and we discussed the process behind the creation of the upcoming album. This is Tim's first full length album that he has recorded with the band, and since the release of their previous album "Mission Control" he has taken the role as the band's full time bassist. For those of you who missed the live interview, here it is in its entirety.
The Whigs
Live music is the best holiday entertainment
Gonna be in town over the winter break? Entertaning guests? Wondering what to fill all that free time with?
Go with live music, of course!
Below are my recommendations for shows between December 17 to January 11 (N.C. State's Winter Break)
December 17:
Who: Sea Legs & Old Bricks
Where: WKNC's Local Beer Local Band atTir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh
I must say it, these are actually two of my favorite local bands. Both bands are new to the scene but I predict they will have quite a name for themselves by this time next year. Catch um while their new so you can be the cool guy who knew them when they were the little people.
December 18:
Who: Fin Fang Foom, Free Electric State, Gray Young
Where: Pinhook in Durham
If you haven't yet been to the Pinhook, this is your excuse. Not only is it one of my favorite places to drink, they have a killer patio, these local bands are all worth seeing.
December 19:
Who: Holiday Honky Tonk and Burlesque Show
Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill
Say whhhat? I get to see The Whiskey Smugglers, The Pneurotics and Gambling the Muse all while Miss Mary Wanna puts on a burlesque performance.... I'm sold.
December 20:
Where: Nightlight in Chapel Hill
What: Nightlight Holiday Craft Fair from 2 to 6 p.m.
Okay, so it's not music. Think of it this way though, its local art and any local art that is presented to me will get a moment of my time. Stop by, especially if you haven't checked everyone off your shopping list yet.
December 21 to 24:
It's my birthday week so I would love to celebrate with some tunes! Unfortunately, the world seems to shut down around these dates, I'm not sure why. If YOU want to serenade me happy birthday feel free to find me at one of these shows!
The Cave in Chapel Hill is holding an all day open swap December 22 and 23. You can buy and trade your doodads. Sounds like fun!
December 25:
Where: The Pour House in Raleigh
You can celebrate Christmas day along with Terry Anderson, who will be celebrating his birthday as well. He brings his band, The Olympic Ass Kicking Team to the Pour House. You know there isn't much to do after the family is done opening gifts and eating food so bring them to sing along!
December 26:
What: The Merch Holiday Party
Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill
The Merch is a local screen printing and design business whose logos are plastered all over the triangle. They are huge supporters of local music and we love that! Not sure what the night entails but it should be something great! The party starts at 10pm
December 31st:
Downtown Raleigh
First Night Raleigh
Ring in the new year right! Surround yourself with the amazingness this town has to offer. First Night is offering performances by The African American Dance Ensemble, Crucial Fiya and the Annuals (plus a million other amazing things to see and do). While your downtown don't forget to stop by Slims to see A Rooster for the Masses.
OR
New Years Eve Party at Local 506 in Chapel Hill
Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, The Love Language and the Dirty Little Heaters share the stage to help you ring in the new year!
January 1:
HAPPY NEW YEAR! there isn't much going on this week so make sure to rest up for next week because it is jam-packed with shows to witness!
January 6
Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh
Who: The Ex-Monkeys are spinnin in downtown Raleigh this night. Great to see if you're in the mood for a different kind of electronic music to dance too.
January 7
Where: Tir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh
IT BEGINS! RALEIGH UNDERCOVER STARTS TONIGHT!!
This a weekend all local music lovers should look forward too! Your favorite bands will cover the bands that have inspired them. Last years performances included Valient Thorr covering Parliament Funkadelic, Hearts and Daggers covering The Beastie Boys and Embarrassing Fruits as Pavement. Make sure to be there for at least one night this weekend!
January 8:
Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh
Who: Your favorite local artists Lonnie Walker, Megafaun and The Rosebuds are all joining together to put on one amazing show. The night will be a prom theme and fun for everyone! If you can't make it out on the 8th, no worries, Megafaun and The Rosebuds will be performing again, same place same time, only this time the amazing Hammer No More the Fingers will be joining them.
January 9:
Where: The Nightlight in Chapel Hill
Who: Midtown Dickens takes the stage with Joe Romeo and the Orange County Volunteers. Midtown Dickens is a group that consistently keeps a smile on my face. They are a joy to watch and with this year's release of Lanterns, you wont be let down.
Also right down the street North Elementary will be playing at The Local 506. A classic local group that is worth the short walk!
That is it for now!
The new year seems to be starting out well here in the Triangle!
Go with live music, of course!
Below are my recommendations for shows between December 17 to January 11 (N.C. State's Winter Break)
December 17:
Who: Sea Legs & Old Bricks
Where: WKNC's Local Beer Local Band atTir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh
I must say it, these are actually two of my favorite local bands. Both bands are new to the scene but I predict they will have quite a name for themselves by this time next year. Catch um while their new so you can be the cool guy who knew them when they were the little people.
December 18:
Who: Fin Fang Foom, Free Electric State, Gray Young
Where: Pinhook in Durham
If you haven't yet been to the Pinhook, this is your excuse. Not only is it one of my favorite places to drink, they have a killer patio, these local bands are all worth seeing.
December 19:
Who: Holiday Honky Tonk and Burlesque Show
Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill
Say whhhat? I get to see The Whiskey Smugglers, The Pneurotics and Gambling the Muse all while Miss Mary Wanna puts on a burlesque performance.... I'm sold.
December 20:
Where: Nightlight in Chapel Hill
What: Nightlight Holiday Craft Fair from 2 to 6 p.m.
Okay, so it's not music. Think of it this way though, its local art and any local art that is presented to me will get a moment of my time. Stop by, especially if you haven't checked everyone off your shopping list yet.
December 21 to 24:
It's my birthday week so I would love to celebrate with some tunes! Unfortunately, the world seems to shut down around these dates, I'm not sure why. If YOU want to serenade me happy birthday feel free to find me at one of these shows!
The Cave in Chapel Hill is holding an all day open swap December 22 and 23. You can buy and trade your doodads. Sounds like fun!
December 25:
Where: The Pour House in Raleigh
You can celebrate Christmas day along with Terry Anderson, who will be celebrating his birthday as well. He brings his band, The Olympic Ass Kicking Team to the Pour House. You know there isn't much to do after the family is done opening gifts and eating food so bring them to sing along!
December 26:
What: The Merch Holiday Party
Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill
The Merch is a local screen printing and design business whose logos are plastered all over the triangle. They are huge supporters of local music and we love that! Not sure what the night entails but it should be something great! The party starts at 10pm
December 31st:
Downtown Raleigh
First Night Raleigh
Ring in the new year right! Surround yourself with the amazingness this town has to offer. First Night is offering performances by The African American Dance Ensemble, Crucial Fiya and the Annuals (plus a million other amazing things to see and do). While your downtown don't forget to stop by Slims to see A Rooster for the Masses.
OR
New Years Eve Party at Local 506 in Chapel Hill
Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, The Love Language and the Dirty Little Heaters share the stage to help you ring in the new year!
January 1:
HAPPY NEW YEAR! there isn't much going on this week so make sure to rest up for next week because it is jam-packed with shows to witness!
January 6
Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh
Who: The Ex-Monkeys are spinnin in downtown Raleigh this night. Great to see if you're in the mood for a different kind of electronic music to dance too.
January 7
Where: Tir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh
IT BEGINS! RALEIGH UNDERCOVER STARTS TONIGHT!!
This a weekend all local music lovers should look forward too! Your favorite bands will cover the bands that have inspired them. Last years performances included Valient Thorr covering Parliament Funkadelic, Hearts and Daggers covering The Beastie Boys and Embarrassing Fruits as Pavement. Make sure to be there for at least one night this weekend!
January 8:
Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh
Who: Your favorite local artists Lonnie Walker, Megafaun and The Rosebuds are all joining together to put on one amazing show. The night will be a prom theme and fun for everyone! If you can't make it out on the 8th, no worries, Megafaun and The Rosebuds will be performing again, same place same time, only this time the amazing Hammer No More the Fingers will be joining them.
January 9:
Where: The Nightlight in Chapel Hill
Who: Midtown Dickens takes the stage with Joe Romeo and the Orange County Volunteers. Midtown Dickens is a group that consistently keeps a smile on my face. They are a joy to watch and with this year's release of Lanterns, you wont be let down.
Also right down the street North Elementary will be playing at The Local 506. A classic local group that is worth the short walk!
That is it for now!
The new year seems to be starting out well here in the Triangle!
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