"Now that she's back in the atmosphere...drops of Jupiter in her hair..."
Those lines are going to be in my head for days now...I'm definitely not complaining. Today's FAN was Train, the Grammy-winning rock band out of San Francisco. Formed in the late '90s and subsequently placing a good portion of their work on the charts (especially modern adult alternative), the band took a hiatus in 2006.
After three years, the original three members of Train are back and rocking. Their latest release (Save Me, San Francisco -- a call to the band's roots?) has been called focused yet reaching. It's a something of a pop endeavor with anthemic hooks and beats that will can easily traverse more than one chart and more than one genre.
And today at World Cafe, they pulled out material from the new album and from all across their decade-long career. Great setting, excellent on-stage presence, and awesome music. Another spectacular lunch break.
Bekah Larsen UPenn Intern
Set List:
1. Save Me, San Francisco
2. Meet Virginia
3. Cab
4. Hey, Soul Sister
5. Goin’ to California
6. Calling All Angels
7. Parachute
8. Drops of Jupiter
Blog Entry:
Hey everyone – We’re psyched to be back in Philly performing on XPN today! We’re currently on tour with Uncle Kracker to support our new CD, Save Me, San Francisco. You guys are making “Hey, Soul Sister” a big fat hit!...Thanks! So, come out and see us on tour. It’s our biggest, best show ever! Hope you enjoyed our acoustic World Cafe Live performance…
After playing drums for a number of NYC bands Jessie Torrisi has stepped out on her own with a wonderful debut album called Bruler Bruler (pronounced broo-lay broo-lay which means burn burn in French). The now based in Austin, Texas (with former roots in Philly) Jessie wields a guitar and a downright rocking set of tunes filled with swagger and sexiness that finds Jessie at a cool crossroads between the country and indie-rock worlds. If there was ever a female counterpart to Ryan Adams to come along, Jessie would get my vote.
This week Pete Yorn is taking over the XPN blog. Here's the third installment. Pete Yorn on: The Demos.
Demos are nothing new. People have been making them for years...usually crude sketches of what a song could become. Over the past few years with home recording systems becoming more available and powerful, "demos" are sounding better and better. I've started calling them "versions" of a song. I never really like the word "demo" anyway. Many times with me, although it may not be technically perfect, the first attempt at spitting out a song really captures a moment of inspiration. I love the character in that...the flaws...the human-ness. The feeling I get after I just recorded a new "version" of a song is liberating. It represents freedom. That is the reason I started writing songs in the first place as a young boy. I record pure "versions", because that is what I live for. They may or may not be the fullest and finest realization of a song...but they are prized to me because they are pure inspiration and light.
Eventually, the time comes when I need to share them with my record label and they usually say...these are cool...they have potential....go record them "for real" now. So I have 2 choices....go and try to recreate a magical moment in time in which I color by numbers to the "demo" version (usually impossible), or try to create a new moment with a different approach that is equally as inspiring to me. Sometimes the new approach takes the song over the top and sometimes there's just no beating the "demo". All for the sake of progress I guess...but this is the process we must go thru.
I look at it as seeing a band live on different tours and getting to experience how they interpret songs in different ways. For me as a fan of music...this is an exciting prospect because I get to hear and witness what kind of development or "de-velopment" happpens when attempting different versions of a piece.
That said, I'd like to take this opportunity to make available some of my "demo versions" of songs that ended up on Back & Fourth.
I hope you enjoy them and I encourage you to compare them side by side with the "for real" versions in order to get a glimpse into the creative process. And if you like these, we've only begun to scratch the surface. There's plenty more where these came from.
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Rocker and singer-songwriter Pete Yorn has been a favorite of XPN listeners since Pete released his debut album. His recent album, Back And Fourth was released this year in June and he performed at this year's XPoNential Music Festival. Pete's collaboration with Scarlett Johansson Break Up was released in September. Pete returns to Philly performs tonight at the Electric Factory.
Pete Yorn Blog Takeover #2: Pete Yorn on... Shampoo
This week Pete Yorn is taking over the XPN blog. Here's the second installment. Pete Yorn on: Shampoo (or "The Evolution Of George Roundy")
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I wanted to make an entire record based on the George Roundy character from Hal Ashby's classic film Shampoo (1975). I settled for one song, appropriately titled, Shampoo. George, played by a strapping Warren Beatty, is a straight hairdresser who, due to his profession, has endless access to beautiful women. He enjoys relationships and sexual encounters with many of his female clients and it all seems like a wonderful fantasy. Until the end of the movie, [SPOILER ALERT] when he ends up crying and alone on a Hollywood hilltop. Where did it all go wrong for George Roundy?
Twenty-four hours earlier he not only had an adoring model girlfriend (played by Goldie Hawn), but two mistresses (a stunning former flame in Julie Christie, and a bored and wealthy housewife played pitch-perfectly by Lee Grant) and a seemingly endless supply of fresh new options. Things get complicated, though, as he admits infidelity to his girlfriend (who ultimately dumps him) and when his "true love" (Christie) ditches him for a rich older man who she feels will better provide for her. Basically all of the women are fed up with George's swinging lifestyle and have learned better than to put their trust in him as a choice for a monogamous relationship in which to build a future. In the end, he winds up alone and seemingly miserable, as if he knows he really blew it. This is where Mr. Ashby leaves us as the picture ends. A complete downer of an ending.
I'd like to pitch this idea....a sequel: Shampoo 2: Electric Boogaloo! Perhaps George is sad for a little while, but what goes unsaid is perhaps this time he will learn from his ways, having grown from the experience and understanding what it is like to take a good thing for granted. Perhaps he will carry with him this new knowledge and understanding of pain and loss and bring that into his next relationship...when he's ready to take a chance again.
Or maybe he'll have gained greater insight into his own self and decide he is who he is and accept his limitations. This could enable him to be more forthright with his girlfriends in the future, thus sparing them from any surprises. Perhaps the sad and lonely ending of Shampoo that now stands as a life warning for many a modern playboy isn't so sad and lonely after all....because at the end of the day...life goes on. We learn from our experiences. George Roundy will live to love another day...stronger, wiser and perhaps a better partner with whom to build a life.
********************** Rocker and singer-songwriter Pete Yorn has been a favorite of XPN listeners since Pete released his debut album. His recent album, Back And Fourth was released this year in June and he performed at this year's XPoNential Music Festival. Pete's collaboration with Scarlett Johansson Break Up was released in September. Pete returns to Philly performs this Thursday night, November 5th at the Electric Factory.
Here's a great video of Brandi Carlile covering Gary Jules's version of the Tears for Fears song "Mad World." It's a cover of a cover and we'll take it! It was recorded at the Schnitz in Portland, Oregon on October 22.
One of XPN's faves The Low Anthem cover Mr. Dylan. Check it out (via Magnet) They are returning in Philly to the TLA on Wednesday December 2 w/ Josh Ritter, which should make for a pretty amazing double bill.
For the next several days Pete Yorn is taking over the XPN blog. Here's the first installment. Pete Yorn on: The Cover Song
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The reason I ever picked up an instrument in the first place was to learn other peoples' songs. As an impressionable kid in Jersey, hearing Keith Moon attack the drums or Morrissey sing about things I hardly understood made ME want to do it too. Even as a 7 year old, I would sit in on my older brothers' basement band jams, taking it all in. Kevin (vox), Rick (drums) and their high school cronies tore through songs by everybody from Iron Maiden to Judas Priest to UFO and later u2, The Clash and The Jam. Watching my brothers up close as they sang and performed songs by these future legends was my introduction to rock n roll.
When I was away at summer camp in the Catskills, some kid showed me two chords on the guitar: the G and the C. This wasn't so I would "know" these chords, it was so I could play "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" by Poison.
Now this is where a lot of kids would stop: being content to learn other peoples' songs. Others branch out and start writing their own material with varying degrees of success. For me, after I learned a few chords for the sole reason of being able to play music written by others, I naturally began to write my own stuff. I don't know why or how it started but i remember never really having to give it much thought; it was just the natural progression for me. I had already been messing around on the drums for a few years, so when i finally learned guitar, the chance to explore melody was very exciting. Let's fast forward...
So yeah, I wrote a bunch of songs and here I am today… but my love for the cover song endures. I've never been shy about showing my influences because I enjoy paying homage to an artist who inspires me in some way or helps me make sense of my life. I think that the trick to doing someone else's song is to somehow make it your own. Put your stamp on it. Let your personality shine through. People ask why i choose to cover the songs that I do, and i think sometimes the answer is as simple as loving a melody. But more often it's about the lyrics. I'm inspired by what the artist is saying and how it relates to my life at that moment. Sometimes the cover is serious in tone ("Dancing in the Dark"), sometimes it's playful ("Panic") and sometimes it's ironic ("Young Folks") but more often than not, the choice of song reveals something about me.
A few days ago Phish performed their wonderful ritual of covering an entire record on Halloween. In the past they've done Loaded by The Velvet Underground and The White Album, among others. How fun to dress up as a different classic record for Halloween. It's always exciting for me to watch my favorite bands show their roots and pay homage to their influences. You can watch Radiohead on YouTube covering the Smiths. How cool is that?
During my live shows, I've covered an array of my favorite songs by The Boss, The Cure, Junior Kimbrough, Guns N Roses, The Smiths, New Order, The Replacements, Iggy Pop, The Association, The Beach Boys, and The Velvet Underground, to name a few. And then there was that summer everyone kept asking me if I was gonna do "Young Folks," thinking I had written it (I do love that song).
Without cover songs I would never have graduated to the originals that i write. But more importantly, sometimes somebody else articulates a feeling I've had so perfectly, that I feel I must express it myself. Covers add color and context to an original catalog and if you listen to the words closely, they can often reveal more about a performer's current state of mind than their own material.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rocker and singer-songwriter Pete Yorn has been a favorite of XPN listeners since Pete released his debut album. His recent album, Back And Fourth was released this year in June and he performed at this year's XPoNential Music Festival. Pete's collaboration with Scarlett Johansson Break Up was released in September. Pete returns to Philly performs this Thursday night, November 5th at the Electric Factory.
Philly Local Pick of the Day 11/3/09: The Swimmers
Every weekday at 1 PM listen up for the Philly Local Pick of the Day, an especially rockin' sample track from the plethora of hot new tunes Philadelphia has to offer.
The Swimmers have a new album out TODAY, November 3rd. Their newest, People Are Soft, comes to us just in time for today's local pick. After the success of their first album, Fighting Trees, they have come back and self- recorded this album, already receiving recognition from newspapers up and down the east coast.
Check out the music video for "What This World Is Coming To", a song off People Are Soft!
The Swimmers are having a record release party this Friday, November 6th at Kung Fu Necktie. Be sure to get out and see them!
Long Beach, California's Avi Buffalo are releasing a full length on Sub-Pop in 2010 and are releasing a 7-inch single in early December. Avi Buffalo is the working band name of singer and songwriter Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg and with a musical nod to The Shins, Neil Young circa Cripple Creek Ferry, and the reverbed acuity of Beach House, we're down with the A-side of the forthcoming single.
Hailing from Coventryville, Tin Bird Choir appropriately names their album Barn Rock, for that's what they are. The band consists of husband-and-wife duo Eric and Heather Hurlock and musicians Josh Sceurman and Ellen Houle. They were finalists in the World Cafe Live's Philly Rising competition and they played live in our studio with with Gene Shay.
Eric & Heather worked with Grammy Award-winning producer & engineer Glenn Barratt. Special guests on this new album Adam Flicker, Zach Djanikian, Lizanne Knott and John Conahan ...just to name a few!
They have two CD release parties coming up and one holiday show!
Monday November 9th, Bob Dylan will be in Philadelphia at the Liacouras Center. Here's a great video of Dylan performing "Just Like a Woman" with George Harrison, Leon Russell, and Ringo Starr live!!
In honor of his visit we are playing covers of his music all week long!
as we go Undercover Weekdays in the 11 am hour Have any covers you'd like to hear? Call in at 215-573-WXPN and request a song or post it on our Facebook page.
A member requested I Dig Deeper into Tim Easton's current Album "Porcupine". The California native Tim Easton is on the blog today for his songs "Broke My Heart" and "Burgundy Red". He's been recording since his first album, Special 20, in 1998. He's worked with musicians such as Kenny Vaughn and producer Brad Jones. This pairing is bound to make a great album! While a few songs stick to the acoustic side of Easton, he said there are a few more rock n' roll songs than he usually has. "Burgundy Red" and "Broke My Heart" are two of them. Check out an artist that has many fans in Philadelphia!
The Heavy hail from the UK and caught our attention at SXSW in 2008 with an explosive set of soulful rock - or rocking soul - that blew our minds. They won a lot of new fans with those shows in Austin all on the strength of their debut album Great Vengeance and Furious Fire which contained the slamming tune "That Kind Of Man."
The band are back with a new album called The House That Dirt Built. It's a sophomore release that is a huge step forward for the band that blends hip-hop and blues influences with the band's steady (and heavy) rock & soul moves. Currently on tour, they play at World Cafe Live tonight with one of our favorite local bands Illinois. This show is guaranteed to be hot. Just like their front man & this new song from their new album -
Major new female voice of the year to knock our socks off is Rock Island, Illinois' Lissie. EP on Fat Possum called Why You Runnin' was produced by Band of Horses bassist Bill Reynolds. Lissie's last name is Maurus, if you're curious. Did you miss Lissie's Daytrotter session from almost 11 months ago? Hope not. Pastoral, bluesy, intimate soulful stuff.
Join WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay as he celebrates the 5th year anniversary of the new building. Hear him discuss the event with performers Ricki Lee Jones, and Rosanne Cash; as well as some of the members in attendance.
Wilmington natives, The Sky Drops with their psychedelic rhythm and indie lyrics. Rob and Monika have a new White Stripes meets the Pixies meets Elliott Smith-like vibe . Not sure you can quite envision this? Check it out:
Their newest album, Bourgeois Beat, was released this past August and is doing well both over here in the States and overseas! Self-managed and self-booked, they have played with Cold War Kids, Chairlift, Lights, The Dirty Projectors, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Spindrift, amongst many. Their DIY method has gotten them far and it looks like there's no turning back now!
November 21st @ The Spot, Wilmington, DE December 4th @ The Fire, Philadelphia
One of the best parts of music is hearing your favorite artist or band cover a classic. That is why for today's Under Cover set, we are bringing you artists who have perfected the art of covering a song. _____________________
"Hello It's Me" is the ever popular Todd Rundgren hit single. Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs, two favorites here at WXPN, have also covered this tune! Check out Rundgren performing the original!
Mutlu grew up here in Philly listening to artists like Hall & Oates and The Roots. Now, he has had the opportunity to join Hall & Oates on stage in concert. His new album was produced by T Bone Wolk (longtime bassists with H & O) He has been on "Live at Daryl's House".
You've probably heard the name in a magazine article or heard background music that catches your ear. Today's Digging Deeper focuses particularly on the Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack.
Just in time for Halloween, this vampire love story has a soundtrack that would make any blood sucker hungry for more. Two of its features artists, Death Cab for Cutie and Thom Yorke, are some of our favorites, and they've recorded some awesome tunes specifically for this soundtrack.
If you were around in the 90's then you probably know who Thom Yorke is! Front man for the legendary band, Radiohead, Yorke has been doing a lot of solo work recently. "Hearing Damage" single is receiving praise from Twilight and Radiohead fans alike. The British music mogul has been around for years and still manages to make music to be talked about for years. Check out "Hearing Damage" in this video:
Death Cab For Cutie began as a solo project for Ben Gibbard back in 1997. The band soon evolved after Gibbard received backing from a label. They offically formed in Washington (also the setting of the Twilight saga!) and started making hits from day one. The band has since won Grammy's and have done a project with PETA. "Meet Me on the Equinox" was written about Gibbard's personal life yet it seems to fit into the film perfectly. Take a look for yourself here:
Other tracks on the album include songs from some of our artists such as:
Lykke Li Band of Skulls The Killers Muse Sea Wolf Grizzlybear Bon Iver The Editors
Today’s Digging Deeper featured two songs, “American Man” and “Let Freedom Ring,” by Chuck Prophet. A native Californian, Prophet got his start in the 80s band Green on Red, but in the decades since then, he has established himself in other circles. He’s done guitar work for artists as diverse as Aimee Mann and Cake, released his own solo material, and performed on Letterman and Last Call with Carson Daly with his band. He’s also contributed songs to True Blood. His most ambitious project to date is ¡Let Freedom Ring!, a political album released yesterday, which he recorded in Mexico City with a diverse cast of collaborators. A documentary film team went south of the border with the musicians, capturing the successful creation of a rock and roll album. Check out the trailer for ¡Let Freedom Ring!
Once upon a time San Diego's Soft Pack used to be called The Muslims. Okay, so they traded in one interesting name for another, but their sound remains the same. They rock. Here's a taste of a new song from a forthcoming album - their first as The Soft Pack. 2010 is going to be a big buzz year for these guys. Listen to this and place your bets.
One of the best parts of music is hearing your favorite artist or band cover a classic. That is why for today's Under Cover set, we are bringing you artists who have perfected the art of covering a song. _____________________
Nellie McKay loves covers almost as much as we love her. Her new album, Normal As Blueberry Pie [A Tribute to Doris Day], minus one original song, is all covers of her favorite songs. "Do Do Do" is her cover of the George and Ira Gershwin original. McKay self-produced the entire album with her mother. She believes this is her best album yet and I can't say we disagree with her. The New York Times and Vanity Fair seem to agree as well.
"Do Do Do" is from Gershwin's musical Oh, Kay!, which opened on Broadway in 1926.The plot revolves around the adventures of the Duke of Durham and his sister, Lady Kay, English bootleggers in Prohibition Era America. Kay finds herself falling in love with a man who seems unavailable. This song is performed by Kay (Gertrude Lawrence) and Jimmy Winter (Oscar Shaw). We can see why McKay picked it!!
Philly Local Pick of the Day 10/27/09: NEW PHILLIES SONG
Every weekday at 1 PM listen up for the Philly Local Pick of the Day, hot new tunes Philadelphia has to offer. ____________
Pick of the Day 10/12/09:
"Unstoppable" by Guerrilladelphia (G-Love , Kuf Knotz & Don McCloskey)
produced by Chuck Treece
Today's pick, as new music Tuesday, is a special themed Phillies song written by a bunch of Philly favorites! Here's the link to the song that you can listen to and download for FREE as we spread the Phillies love!!
Milwaukee At Last!!!, his latest album, was recorded August 27th, 2007 at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during a show there. Today we featured his single "Rules and Regulations," originally from his album Release the Stars. His colorful performances are popular amongst all ages and his personality certain shows through in this song.
Here's a video of Rufus performing "Complainte de la Butte" in Milwaukee:
My Morning Download 10/27/09 - Blind Boys of Alabama feat. Toots Hibbert
Soulful and spiritual, one can never go wrong with The Blind Boys Of Alabama who have a new album out today called Duets. Featuring, um, duets with Susan Tedeschi, Dan Zanes, Ben Harper, Lou Reed, Timothy B. Schmidt, Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Musselwhite, Solomon Burke and others the Blind Boys are one of our perennial faves here at WXPN. Here's a song featuring the legendary Toots Hibbert of Toots & The Maytals.
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