Hezekiah Jones...can't wait for the new EP and Album

I first heard Hezekiah Jones open up for Hayden back in mid 2008.  I instantly loved the folk music and the beautifully crafted lyrics. Excerpts taken from their myspace page...Studio Hezekiah Jones is Raphael Cutrufello who writes the songs and plays piano, guitar, rhodes piano, harmonica, melodica, slide whistle, vocals, pots and pans, kazoo,xylophone, accordian, along with many others on every other instrument you can think of. Live Hezekiah Jones is Raph and variations of different people and instruments. Raph's lyrics are just amazingly constructed, his sound is prefect. I sat there last night thinking to myself, "Gosh, I wish I had extra money laying around so I could help fund this guy because he has so much talent."

When I first saw Hezekiah Jones, it was just Raph playing solo. It probably wasn't until the 4th or 5th time that I saw them play that I realized that there was actually a band that played with Raph. Every time I see HJ play, I am never let down. Last night I had the chance to see the full band play with two other great Philadelphia artists; Christopher Bohn and Joshua Park. This is the 2nd time I have had the chance to see this bill and the 3 of them never seem to disappoint.

 I had the chance to talk to Raphael last night before the show. I was really hoping that the new EP would be available. Unfortunately it was not. I have to wait until November to get it. There is nothing wrong with the previous EP and LP, but I want some new music. Luckily we had the chance to hear two new songs off the EP last night which was exciting because Raph had just got done saying that he doesn't like to play new songs until they are released. Thanks for playing them Raph. I highly recommend that you give Hezekiah Jones a listen, especially if you like inide/folk music. Simply beautiful.

Click here to link up to their Myspace Page. 

Some great tunes to listen to are Cupcakes for the Army, Albert Hash, Agnes of the World, Postpone, Dark Hollow, and How You Feel About Traveling, I've Got A Little Room.

I also have to mention that I had some great craft beers last night to share with Rich. I had Southern Tier Pum King and a 2006 Stone Double Bastard.  Oh, oh so good! The Double Bastard had a great smell, went down smooth, it was amazing. As far as Pumpkin beers, Southern Tier, Shipyard, and Dogfish Head are my favorite. I also bought the new Heavy Seas Imperial Great Pumpkin to try later. Cheers!

Mute Math in Philly

I can't find any write ups from this show on the 25th of September. Two things to describe Mute Math shows. 1. The most electrifying show you will ever see, ever! and 2. You have to experience it for yourself. I first heard the name Mute Math on XPN one afternoon. Sounding like an interesting name, so I thought I would check the band on this here Internet. I was glad that I did, they instantly became one of my favorite bands. Their electronic rock style of music was something that I had never heard before and was loving it.

I first saw them a few years ago at the TLA and I was really impressed, they actually made my Top 5 concert list with that show. I was very impressed and Paul Meany was crazy on stage, actually the entire band was crazy on stage. For months (years) I was anticipating anything new Mute Math that I could get my hands on to. Their S/T album and energetic, frantic, quick, raw, and just an all around great electronic rock album. Typical is the major single off that album that started to make a lot of noise for the boys. I found the Reset EP and loved that as well. Peculiar People is probably my favorite song off their EP. Finally their 2nd album came out and at first listen I was disappointed. I enjoyed the album, but it wasn't so much like their S/T. After a few more listens, I think it has become one of my favorite albums of all time. You could see the growth and maturity from the band and their were taking themselves to new levels.

So now the second show at the TLA. Sold out this time and deservingly so. I planned ahead and bought my tickets the first day available, only to come and find out that I had previously purchased U2 tickets at Giants Stadium that same day. I was crushed because these are 2 of my favorite bands. Only thing worse could have been if Nada Surf was playing the same day, thankfully they weren't. Eventually I exchanged my U2 tickets to the Thursday night show so I was set. There was some first time Mute Math concert goers around me and I told them to anticipate one crazy show. They were impressed with the energy from As Tall As Lions(which is one of my top 10 favorite bands), who was the opening band. I was impressed with them as well and they are a great band, but Mute Math was the reason I was there. Once Mute Math came out I was slowly disappointed because they did not come out like they did the first time they did at the TLA. Less energy, slower songs, etc. I suppose I should have anticipated this because Armistice is much slower, thought out, and mature. As they got through a few songs, I thought to myself, this is what I should have expected because of the growth on the 2nd album. I was content and really enjoying the show.

The 2nd half of the show as totally different and it was a great build up. Next thing I know they were still mature and developed as a band, but they went back to their roots to end the show. Hyper, energizing, refreshing, loud, explosive! At one point Paul starts to stand on his keyboard, Greg is jumping around and Darren playing the drums as crazy as ever. Paul throws the microphone out into the crowd and crowd surfs while not missing a beat to the song. To top it off Darren does something I have never seen from any band before, he throws his bass drum out into the crowd and then stands on top of it. CRAZINESS! The band is playing, Darren is standing on his drum in the crowd as they hold him up and then he does a front flip onto the stage. The encore was extra long, which was great because NO ONE wanted to go home. Not many bands play more than a two song encore, Mute Math gave the crowd a lot extra. Not to mention they play for almost 2 hours, what band can do that who only has 2 albums out and 1 ep? Not many, this goes to show how great their music really is. After I walked out of there I couldn't believe the show I just saw. If you have never been to a Mute Math show, now is the time to go see them, travel to NYC or DC if you have to, well, well worth it.

Just a little side note...don't miss your 3rd chance to see As Tall As Lions in 4 months, November 14th with another great electronic rock band Minus The Bear at the Note in West Chester, PA.

Shows for 2009...

Some exciting new shows coming up in 2009...this upcoming Thursday Zack Hexum (brother of 311 frontman, Nick Hexum) is playing in the city...Death Cab For Cutie is playing at The Tower with Ra Ra Riot and Cold War Kids (you HAVE to go to this show with this line up), Propagandhi, The Killers, The Whigs are playing down at The Note in West Chester, and Blitzen Trapper, which is a new band of interest in playing Philly in March...These are some good bands to check out to start your new year off right!!!

Brain

And it begins...2009

Oct. 19, 1996 - Marilyn Manson - Agora Thearte, Cleveland, OH

Oct. 19, 1996 (same night) Mushroomhead - Peabody's, Cleveland, OH

Aug. 19, 1997 - 311 w/De La Soul - Darien Lakes PAC, Darien Lake, NY

July 11, 1998 - Third Eye Blind, Our Lady Peace, Eve 6 - Darien Lake PAC, Darien Lake, NY

Oct. 14, 1998 - Barenaked Ladies - Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH

Nov. 10, 1998 - Jars Of Clay - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

Dec. 28, 1998 - Barenaked Ladies - Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

1998-1999 Bands like Never Say Never, Thick as Thieves, Earth Crisis, and many more local bands in Erie

Early 1999 - Train - Media Center Music Store - Erie, PA

1999 - Train - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

June 3, 1999 - Dave Matthews Band - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsbrugh, PA

June 19, 1999 - Ben Folds Five - I.C. Light Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA

June 30, 1999 - Collective Soul, Train - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

July 27, 1999 - Barenaked Ladies - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA

Sept. 19, 1999 - Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, Edwin McCain, Christina Aguilera - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA (this was a free show, I didnt pay to go to it, stop laughing)

Nov. 17, 1999 - Pennywise, Strung Out, ALL - Agora Theatre, Cleveland, OH

2000? - The Clarks - Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

2000? - Naughty By Nature - Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

November 21, 1999 - Counting Crows, The Wallflowers - Cleveland Music Hall, Cleveland, OH

Feb. 13, 2000 - No Use For A Name, Frenzal Rhomb, Mad Caddies - Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH

Aug. 2, 2000 - Third Eye Blind, Vertical Horizon, Nine Days - I.C. Light Amphitheatre, Pittsbrugh, PA

October 31, 2000 - Elliott Smith, Grandaddy - Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Dec. 8, 2000 - Dave Matthews Band - Bryce Jordan Center, State College, PA

2001? Less Than Jake, Anti-Flag - Club Laga, Pittsburgh, PA

March 25, 2002 - Art Alexakis, Sister Hazel - Florida Atlantic University, Baco Raton, FL

Aug. 14, 2002 - Vans Warped Tour, Bad Religon, NOFX, NUFAN, Lagwagon, Flogging Molly, New Found Glory...etc - La Salle Park, Buffalo, NY

2004? Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera - Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA (free again, relax!)

Sept. 21, 2005 - Our Lady Peace - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 5, 2005 - Athlete, Rob Dickinson, The Working Title - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 6, 2005 - Acceptance, Paramore, - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 13, 2005 - Foo Fighters & Weezer - Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 13, 2005 - U2, Institute - American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL

June 19, 2006 - Good Clean Fun - LAVA Community Center, Philadelphia, PA

Aug. 15, 2006 - 311, Jurassic 5 - Festival Pier Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 26, 2006 - Death Cab For Cutie - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

March 14, 2007 - Mute Math, The Cinematics - TLA, Philadelphia, PA

May 27, 2007 - Keane, Rocco DeLuca & The Burden - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

July 28, 2007 - 311, Matisyahu - Festival Pier Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 3, 2007 - Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Fillmore at the TLA, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 2, 2007 - Nada Surf, Sea Wolf - 8x10, Baltimore, MD

Nov. 10, 2007 - Jimmy Eat World - The Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 14, 2007 - Citizen Cope (Special Acoustic Solo Show) - Tin Angel, Philadelphia, PA

Jan. 22, 2008 - Band of Horses - The Fillmore at the TLA, Philadelphia, PA

April 10, 2008 - Ben Folds, Eef Barzelay - Kirby Sports Center at Lafayette College, Easton, PA

April 13, 2008 - Nada Surf, Illinois - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

April 15, 2008 - Paddy Casey, Jason Collett - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

May 5, 2008 - Flight of the Conchords - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

May 20, 2008 - The Swell Season - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

June 7, 2008 - Hayden, Haley Bonar, Hezekiah Jones - North Star Bar, Philadelphia, PA

June 12, 2008 - Death Cab For Cutie, Rouge Wave - Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA

June 14, 2008 - Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefers - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

July 31, 2008 - The Long Winters - Castle Clinton, Battery Park, New York City, NY

Aug. 12, 2008 - Radiohead - Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ

Sept. 6, 2008 - Ben Folds w/ the Philadelphia Orchestra - Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 20, 2008 - NOFX, Dillinger Four, The Flatliners - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 7, 2008 - Joshua Park, Christopher Bohn, Hezekiah Jones, Jared Costa - Chaplin's Music Cafe - Spring City, PA

Nov. 20, 2008 - Michael Franti & Spearhead feat. Cherine Anderson, Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman, Boots Riley - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 28, 2008 - Steel Train, Dear and the Headlights, Forgive Durden - The First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia, PA

Dec. 4, 2008 - Nada Surf, Delta Spirit - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

Dec. 16, 2008 – Matt Duke – Burlap and Bean – Newtown Square, PA

Jan 16, 2009 – Frightened Rabbit, Arc in Round, Right on Dynamite – Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA


Frightened Rabbit put on a good show for Philly. This was their opening show for their current US tour. They performed well in this small venue, had a lot of fun and rocked out. I had never been to Johnny Brenda's. I have to admit, I liked it a lot to show a smaller show. I liked being up top on the balcony and viewing the band from up above. Right on Dynamite from Brooklyn put on a great show as well. I don't think FR could have found a better opening band. Look for them in the near future to start making headlines in the indie music world.

Some other great shows coming up in the Philly area...March 1 - Blitzen Trapper and March 13 - old school vegan punks, Propagandhi. Keep your ears posted and check out some new music! Cheers!

Michael Franti Rocks It Out In Philly

What a great show the other night at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA for Michael Franti and his fans. I have liked Franti's music for the last couple of years, I agree with some of his political and humanistic views. If you aren't familiar with him, check him out! A lot of his music is politically and soul driven, he is a vegan, an activist, peace, and social justice. When he first came out on the stage and started playing, I looked at a friend of mine and said, "This is not what I was expecting." I was a little let down because I loved some of his previous music and his new album was much more dedicated to a funk, party, dancing type genre. I love his new album, but I liked Yell Fire! better. After the first 3 or 4 songs, I was wrong, this was turning into a great, great show. He came pretty close to selling out the Electric Factory that night and almost everyone there was dancing, having a good time, and enjoying the sounds of Franti. Franti has a good message and I think more people should listen. Cheers! Brain

Podcast # 1?? Maybe

So I have been trying to start his podcast for sometime now and I think I might have made it work...you just need to click on the link below and it will take you to another website where you can download it. I hope it works for everyone...if it doesn't, please let me know.

This Podcast is about a few of my favorite bands.


http://www.box.net/shared/f6ogjx9k75

Music Today

Music genres have changed over times since the mid 1990’s. It started out as 80’s rock and shifted towards grunge music with the label Sub Pop out of Seattle in the mid 90’s. Soon after we saw a shift from grunge to pop rock as MTV started to gain more popularity with its reality TV shows. MP3’s started to gain popularity over CD’s and so did rap music over grunge and pop rock. Gangster rap made its way into the spotlight in 2000 and then it shifted to pop rap. Around 2003, punk rock and emo music made its way into the scene and gain popularity on MTV. Kids started dressing differently again and started wearing their hair long. Pop rap and emo music still fills the airways, but now America is seeing pure pop music, Top 40 style music, take over the airways again like it did in the 50’s and 60’s.
Pop music has now become “PC” rap and emo music. These music types are ok if this is the music that a person is into. I personally find it hard to listen to because most of the artists sound the exact same as the previous one. They started out by making crappy music in their basement while listening to a band they liked that had no musical talent. These bands copy each others’ hairstyles, clothing, and lifestyles. They don’t stand for anything, they don’t believe in anything. I believe what makes this music so popular is the fact that people in America are afraid to stand out, to be different; they are afraid what others might think of them. What happened to the times when you worked to make money for your family, not working to be able to afford the most expensive things at the local mall? As America has changed and has become a lack of quality, so has its’ music. It is time for more people to start making changes in their lives and that includes what they believe in and the music that influences them.
I have found two musical genres to be really inspiring to me over my years here on this Earth. Punk/Hardcore & Indie music. These two types of genres have really given me a code to live by and things to believe in. I started listening to Punk/Hardcore music when I was in the awkward teen years and didn’t know where to turn. Even thought the music was fast and seemed mean, there is actually a lot of love and support in this music, more hardcore than punk, but they put out a good message. Hardcore believes in family, friends, being original and supportive of others. Punk believes in doing this DIY style and caring less about what others think of you and being yourself. Indie music has started to make more of a presence on the music scene today and is bringing along a lot some good values. A lot of the artists I listen to believe in human rights, animal rights, creativity, support for one another, love, friendship, and most importantly, life. These artists want to spread their word and stand up for what they believe in. It is a rare occurrence now a days to find people who believe in something different and aren’t afraid to stand up to those leaders and tell them differently.
I may not know everything or much at all, but I have a system that I live by. Music has helped me find love, friendship, freedom, beliefs, and peace. I encourage all 12 year olds to start taking an interest in music and decide what they want to do with their lives. Now is the time to make a difference, 10 years ago was a time to make a difference and I think we are starting to see some of that change. Don’t be afraid to listen to something different, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you think is right. Music has changed over the last 30 years and so do people. Accept the difference in people and their ideas, but come to an agreement. Let’s move away from the “Pop 40” music and the people who don’t believe in much but materials and start listening to someone with a message. Cheers! Brain

The Puropse of This Blog Thing...

There are three things in my life that I really enjoy...music, traveling, and photography. If I could combine all there as a profession, my life would be pretty content. I love music, it has been a huge part of my life and I can think of nothing that I love more,(outside of family and friends) than music. It sets my mood in the morning, helps me relax and night, removes negative energy from my life, and can change my mood midday. I started out listening to punk music when I was younger and got into this whole confused, adolescent life. As I grew up and learned how to become an adult, my lifestyle changed, my views developed, my ideas on life came about and I wanted to live a healthy, positive lifestyle. I do not enjoy Top 40 music, it becomes very annoying and repetitive to me. Most of the music that I listen to is indie music, music that no one has heard of, and honestly, music that most people wouldn't enjoy. I am starting this blog for a grad school project, but the more I think about this, the more I want to keep writing about my musical interests. So enjoy the blogs about my concert lists, reviews of shows, new bands that I have come across and leave me some messages. Cheers! Brain