While Uncle Joe is best known as one of America's top Classic Rock historians, throughout his 39-year career he's always been acutely aware of current trends in the music industry. Indeed, Classic Rock itself was the finest new music of its day, composed and performed by artists at their creative peak. For a scholarly insight into today's trends, J.B. presents Rave's Raves.
Rave's Raves are composed by Bruce Ravid, a veteran of Capitol Record's A&R Department and in no way reflect the official viewpoint of Uncle Joe, his staff or management. They are written from Rave's industry viewpoint, originally for friends within the music business, but now shared with the world. New editions appear in April/May, August/September, and December with occasional updates in between. Enjoy!
November 2008
***RAVE'S RAVES #33.1***
RAVE'S FAVES (on the air since August)
Lykke Li, Japanese Motors, Keane, Fleet Foxes (various), The Offspring (various), Of Montreal, The Pretenders, Snow Patrol.
Songs are the singles unless otherwise noted. Lykke Li is Swedish and has a nice retro sound to her. Japanese Motors are from Southern California and have a garage vibe that is receiving play on stations like XMU and Indie 103.1. Keane have hardened up in more of a new wave direction that works really well for them. >Fleet Foxes took awhile to grow on me but I'm now liking those Baroque-style harmonies. Having always been a fan of The Offspring, it's good to have them back and sounding fresh as ever. Of Montreal can do little wrong in my book. The Pretenders single is up-tempo, fresh, and modern while Snow Patrol are always consistent.
LIVE
The Fratellis headlined at a quiet Wiltern Theatre. They were powerful as usual, but I don't think singer John will ever engage the crowd if he isn't doing it by now. The fans in front undoubtedly know both albums but it's interesting that outside of second album single "Mistress Mabel", they reacted far more strongly to lesser known cuts from the first album. Their second album did show musical growth, but once again we see that if the music isn't as much fun, people don't respond as well live or in terms of CD sales. I'm getting word that they are no longer as relevant in the U.K. either, and this band deserves better. The Airborne Toxic Event also played. This fine band are more effective in smaller settings from what I've seen. Their "Sometime Around Midnight" single is a highlight although not many of their songs are on that level. Liam Finn did a nice job of duplicating his album at the Echoplex, especially considering that he plays most of the music himself. His down to earth persona comes through nicely. Does It Offend You Yeah play well and are extremely intense. They rocked a sold-out Troubadour. CSS continue to put on a fun show, although the weaker material from their second album brought their Mayan Theatre gig down just a bit. Tilly and the Wall played as well and are a fun band that shows promise. Speaking of intense, The Hives and Eagles of Death Metal shared a bill at the Mayan. The Hives continue to upgrade, and are another band that deserve to be bigger than they are. The Eagles play great but their best material so far was on their initial release. One of the U.K.'s most promising emerging bands is The Rumble Strips. I saw them at Spaceland and also at Der Rathskeller at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Their ska-flavored horn parts invite comparisons to bands like The Specials and Dexy's Midnight Runners. Singer Charlie Waller has a fine voice and this band has a very natural, musical feel to them. Mark Ronson will be producing their next album. We interviewed Charlie following the Madison show, and it's on my site (Go Deep) both as a stand-alone feature and in my co-hosted Britrock show on WSUM. Fujiya and Miyagi are definitely the unassuming electro guys next door. They put on a likable, competent show at the Troubadour that fans of the band loved. I'm not sure their live show is on a scale yet, where they can add new fans.
...and...
Thanks to Matt Hunziker of WSUM for the opportunity to co-host his "Parklife" Britrock show on WSUM. Matt's show runs at 1PM Eastern time Sundays and 6PM GMT for Anglophiles who enjoy a fine blend of the old and new. The station can now be found on iTunes as well... Spring Awakening is a nationally-touring musical that won a number of Tony Awards on Broadway. It's a well-done teen coming of age story with a a modern rock soundtrack. I recommend it if it comes to your city. I'll be back at the December with the year's final edition, which will include my fave lists for the year. What are some of yours? I'd love to hear from you and I answer all emails. Enjoy the holiday season, and until next time...
RAVE ON!!!
August 2008
***RAVE'S RAVES #33***
RAVE'S FAVES (on the air)
Shiny Toy Guns, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party ("Mercury"), Black Kids, Ting Tings (various), Does It Offend You, Yeah? ("Dawn"), Fujiya and Miyagi, Airborne Toxic Event, Coldplay, Weezer ("Troublemaker"), The Faint.
Shiny Toy Guns displayed potential last time, and their "Ricochet" single rocks harder than anything they've recorded to date. It has been top five requested at L.A.'s KROQ. Bloc Party's latest song continues their adoption of a greater dance vibe to their indie rock. Their latest album is now available through their website, and will be in stores a few weeks down the road. Black Kids are the most heavily blogged group since Vampire Weekend. They're good and are great fun, but I don't know if this album is all that memorable. The Ting Tings' album is so consistent that we'll probably be enjoying them for the rest of the year. Both of these bands deep deeply into the 80's, yet sound very modern. DIOYY's "Dawn of the Dead also has a strong 80's feel. The first single from Fujiya and Miyagi's second album sounds promising for their follow-up prospects. L.A.'s Airborne Toxic Event have a hot single in "Sometime Around Midnight" and also a hot live show. The Faint's latest is restrained compared to their earlier efforts, but I like the "Geeks" single, and some of the other tracks are growing on me.
"GO DEEP" WINNERS
Some bands getting strong reaction on my Go Deep webcasts, who aren't getting as much other airplay as deserved, include Elbow, Skybombers, and The Fratellis. I also got a strong reaction to Liam Finn's "I'll be Lightening." Liam and I were seatmates on the flight to SXSW 2007 and I found him to be a very friendly, down to earth guy.
LIVE
The Virgins are a recently released buzz band who reportedly were signed virtually sight-unseen by Atlantic, based on their demo. They played at Spaceland here in L.A. While their music is interesting, the live show still needs work. Two nights later, The Subways filled The Troubadour with one of my favorite shows of the year. They're rocking even harder this time around both live and on disc. Their follow-up is now available digitally with a full release coming in September. An 80's package hit the Gibson Amphitheatre recently. Belinda Carlisle had 'em up and dancing with a solid show. The Human League followed with power and with very modern production values. Singer Phil Oakey is far more mobile onstage than he used to be. Many of their songs aren't as danceable, but it was a good idea having Belinda on before them. The following night saw Steve Miller come very close to selling-out the Nokia Theatre. His show was exactly what you'd expect, with a great band and lots of familiar tunes. Steve has recorded something like 41 blues covers, and some might see light of day in the near future. Fans of The Faint filled the Henry Fonda for two nights. They got people really excited, but I felt more lukewarm about them. While the band have some great songs and play well, I feel other bands in the genre are more compelling live. The Knack played an outdoor show in Woodland Hills. They continue to excel and sound about half their actual ages.
80'S COLLEAGUES
Speaking of The Knack, guitar player Berton Averre has always been one of the most underrated axemen in rock. He's one the cleanest players I know, and it of course was Berton who came up with that "My Sharona" riff, not to mention many other creative gems on The Knack's albums. He has scored a promising new musical called "Vrooom." It's a "speedway musical" set in the 60's, and the uber-creative Berton has outdone himself. Good luck to him as well as his creative partners. "Kerrang" released an Iron Maiden tribute CD with their July 16 issue. Metallica contributed a cover of Maiden's "Remember Tomorrow" from the latter's debut album; and Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich told "Kerrang" that Iron Maiden are "the blueprint for everything we have ever wanted to do."
...and...
If you happen to have Sirius Satellite Radio in your car and are driving late at night, the music mix on their indie rock Left of Center channel 26 seems to fit perfectly with that hour. If you are a fan of Pandora, you may have heard that their survival is in question. This is due to a congressional ruling that allows webcasters to be charged anywhere from 70%-300% of their revenues to play recorded music. Lost in this decision is the fact that the Internet is such an essential vehicle for the exposure of new music and emerging artists. The sad part is that labels mostly care about shorter-term revenues while legislators are going to pay attention to the few big name recording artists who are lobbying them in favor of broadcast royalties... What are you listening to these days? I answer everybody and your feedback is always welcome. I'll be back to you in late October, just in time for Halloween. Have a great couple of months and remember to...