This morning I woke up with Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” stuck in my head so I find it only fitting to make it my song of the week. She debuted her music video yesterday and you can watch it below. I’d love to know your thoughts!
Last week, I interviewed Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. While researching the band, I read that frontman Lukas Nelson uses Jimi Hendrix’s technique of playing guitar with his teeth.
Extremely intrigued, I made sure to watch their recent Letterman performance to see it firsthand. One of the most energetic television performances I’ve experienced, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real impressed. Seriously, when was the last time you saw someone play guitar with their teeth?
Watch their performance below and stay tuned for my Q&A with the band.
Photo Credit: John Filo of CBS
On the eve of her record release, UK sensation Adele performed for lucky audience members at Ed Sullivan Theater Monday night. Part of the “Live on Letterman” broadcast, the show aired live on CBS.com. A comedian in her own right, Adele walked to the stage shortly after 9PM, surprised she made it without a fall.
“I was convinced I was going to drop on my face then. I’m trying to learn how to wear high heels. This was a steep floor,” she said. “Thank you very much for coming and braving the cold,” she continued before she performed her first track of the evening.
Clad in black from head to toe, Adele sat on her stool most of the night. With impassioned vocals and soaring piano and guitar accompaniment, she captivated the theater. “I hope you don’t mind me sitting down, it’s just that I knew you’d be sitting down and like I said, I’m practicing. I look better sitting in heels than I do standing in them,” she said.
An impressive mix of old and new songs along with two powerful covers — a stripped down performance of The Cure’s “Love Song” followed by Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” — Adele’s soulful vocals and comedic onstage banter impressed.
The soulful Brit showcased her versatility throughout the night. In fact, the country-infused “Don’t You Remember,” off 21, was inspired by Lady Antebellum’s latest release, Need You Now.
“That was the last song I wrote for the new record. I was in Malibu and Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now was everywhere. I love Need You Now and then I got into early Dolly Parton stuff. She was a bit goth back in the day, wasn’t she? Yeah, a bit dark. It’s got quite an Americana sound to it and it’s one of my favorites.”
The remainder of her set included old fan favorites like hit single, “Chasing Pavements” as well as her first UK No. 1 single, the emotional “Someone Like You.” Soft piano helped accentuate the track and Adele even got choked up while she sang.
“I almost stopped singing at the wrong place, could you tell?” she asked the audience. “My heart was in my throat.”
Before she played the energetic set closer “Rolling In the Deep,” she told the crowd she was going to switch things up. “I’m going to play you an upbeat song. I don’t have many, but I come alive when I do. I’m going to stand up – ah!”
The song demonstrated her soulful side as the audience and band clapped along while Adele and her backup singers worked their vocal magic to finished the set. An adequate preview to her upcoming release, the 45-minute performance further convinced concertgoers of the UK singer’s talent and no doubt resulted in a purchase of her sophomore release the next day.
To watch the complete performance, visit CBS.com or see the video below.
2010 was definitely Lady Antebellum’s year. Lucky for them, the success of their sophomore album and single, “Need You Now” propelled them from country trio to mainstream act. You couldn’t go anywhere without hearing the song and it has garnered them five Grammy awards this past Sunday.
I was lucky enough to interview them last year and while researching the band, discovered that “Need You Now” was the most requested song at jukeboxes throughout the country in 2010, beating out Journey’s infamous “Don’t Stop Believing.” No doubt an impressive feat. Watch the video for “Need You Now” below and let me know why you think the song struck such a chord this year.
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Must-See Music Venues in Park Slope
Six months ago, I moved from the suburbs of New Jersey to the Park Slope area of Brooklyn. Recently, I wrote an article for Park Slope Patch on various places to witness local and national talent. You can read the complete post here.
With over a dozen venues within walking distance, I have no excuse to stay in on any given night. Expect many more show reviews from me in the future! Below are a few of my favorite venues in Park Slope. Be sure to let me know if I missed any!
Southpaw
Voted one of New York’s top five concert venues by Time Out New York, Southpaw is known for its diverse billing. On a weekly basis, acts range anywhere from hip-hop, bluegrass and indie rock to comedy and reading series. In addition to the upstairs space with the main stage, floor and lounge-like seating, DownSouth, located downstairs from the main room, also holds events, concerts and DJs.
And don’t forget about The Rub, Southpaw’s monthly dance party.
Tea Lounge (photo above)
Not the run-of-the-mill tea spot, Tea Lounge doubles as a music venue and movie theater. With frequent jazz performers, open mic nights and a singer-songwriter series, the space has much to offer.
In addition to hosting music events and caffeine addicts, the space boasts a diverse food menu and bar, making it the perfect all day and night hang out.
Union Hall
Built in an abandoned warehouse, Union Hall’s unique layout provides something for everyone. With two bocce ball courts, shelves stacked with books, a mouth-watering menu of food and space downstairs for concerts, comedy shows and readings, the location easily impresses.
Whether it’s an up-and-coming indie band or an 80s dance party, Union Hall’s eclectic mix satisfies. In addition to its concert space, an outdoor courtyard is opened during the summer for drinks, where many bands load-in and relax before their show.
For my complete list, visit Park Slope Patch.
Whether you’re celebrating the day with that special someone or friends and family, here’s a few songs to get you in that Valentine’s Day spirit. Be sure to leave your favorite tracks in the comments!
Ray LaMontagne “You Are the Best Thing”
Etta James “At Last”
Paramore “The Only Exception”
The Beach Boys “God Only Knows”
Savage Garden “Truly Madly Deeply”
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53rd Annual Grammy Awards Tonight on CBS
The Grammy Awards air tonight on CBS at 8PM ET/PT and will feature live performances by Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Bob Dylan, Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, B.o.B, Bruno Mars, Drake, Rihanna and many more.
For complete coverage, be sure to follow me on Twitter as I’ll be live tweeting the show. Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to interview numerous Grammy winners, so be sure to click on my Q&As with past winners below and stay tuned for new interviews in the upcoming weeks!
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10 Best Come-On Lyrics in Country Music
Don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day? Just turn on country radio, and you might get some advice for finding that special someone. Yes, country music is known for tales of love and heartbreak, but something’s gotta happen to spark all that romance. For some, it begins with a pickup line. Read below as I count down the best pickup lines in country music for The Boot, mixing the clever with the cleverly cheesy.
“Boy, if you wanna know the things I’ve been thinking/ You’d be meeting me outside”
‘Last Night Again,’ Steel Magnolia
That’s Meghan’s line, but an honorable mention goes to Josh’s equally provocative opening lyric: “Your lips are moving but I can’t hear you/Wish you would talk your way right over here.”
“I’d like to check you for ticks”
‘Ticks,’ Brad Paisley
Known for his quirky and descriptive lyrics, Brad paints the vivid picture of meeting a girl at a bar before escaping to the sticks in hopes of getting to know her a little — make that a lot — better. Whether or not our amateur entomologist finds any bugs on her is another story.
And my current favorite (and cheesiest of all, I know).
“Are you from Tennessee?/’Cause baby, you’re the only 10 I see”
‘Pickup Truck,’ Shane Yellowbird
Pickup lines are abundant in this song; whether they actually work or not is still a mystery. “My name is Shane/How do you like me so far?” he asks, followed by the predictable “I need a map/’Cause I’m lost in your eyes.” Cheesy as a supermarket’s Velveeeta shelf, sure, but give the guy some credit for persistence.
For my complete list, visit The Boot and be sure to let me know some of your favorite (or least favorite) pickup lines in the comments!
I’m always reminded I’m a Jersey girl after spending time with the family. After a trip to New Jersey earlier this week, I haven’t been able to stop listening to Bruce Springsteen. This video of a performance from Barcelona adequately captures his energetic live show. What do you think? Be sure to watch until the very end.
Early Tuesday morning, the first list of performers was revealed for country music’s annual CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. The festival will be held June 9-12 and include sets by Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, and Keith Urban. These are the first 12 artists to perform during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field.
If your favorite artist isn’t in the current lineup, don’t you worry as additional names and performance schedules will be announced in coming weeks. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to visit CMAfest.com. I’m hoping to make the trip to Nashville again this year so stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks. Be sure to check out my 2009 CMA Fest video interviews with Jake Owen, Holly Williams and David Nail below.
Jake Owen
Holly Williams
David Nail