My Morning Jacket Live Webcast Tonight at 9 PM

Catch the event here:
www.youtube.com/mymorningjacketVEVOas it happens live at 9:00pm EST / 6:00pm PST
on Tuesday, May 31st.

HOW TO VIEW MY MORNING JACKET'S "UNSTAGED" EVENT

For the first time in American Express "Unstaged" history, you will be able to live-stream the My Morning Jacket event through your mobile device. Using the VEVO or YouTube apps for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Android you can stream through the mobile device of your choice.

Here are some end user guidelines to follow for viewing on your home computer:

What are the system requirements to view the live stream?

PC Requirements:
• Intel® Pentium® 4 2.4GHz or Intel Core 1.6GHz (SSE2-enabled processor required for AMD systems) or higher
• Microsoft Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 or newer
• 512MB of RAM
• Graphics card with 28MB of RAM.
• 50MB of available hard-disk space for installation
• Microsoft DirectX-compatible sound card and display adapter
• Adobe Flash Player 10.1 or newer

Mac Requirements:
• Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or higher
• Safari 4 or Firefox 3 browser or higher
• Any Mac with Intel CPU
• 512MB of RAM (recommended but not required)
• Flash Player 10.1 or higher

What are the minimum bandwidth requirements for the viewer?You will need a broadband connection such as DSL or cable with at least 500Kbps download bandwidth.

What software do I need to view a live stream?You only need an Adobe Flash video player available at www.adobe.com. If you have Flash 10.1 installed but are unable to see a stream, try turning off video hardware acceleration: right-click on the video window and select “settings,” then un-check “enable hardware acceleration” in the Settings tab. Close the settings window and re-load the web page.

How do I get the live stream and video to play?The live stream will load automatically and deliver the video to you much like watching television.

How do I know which stream option to select?The live stream is “encoded” in different sizes to accommodate all users and remove any guesswork on your end. The AEG Digital Media video player will automatically detect your connection speed and deliver to your PC or Mac the most appropriate stream to optimize your viewing experience.

Can I stream at full screen?Yes simply click the TV icon to render a full screen stream and click the Esc key to return to standard viewing.

Is the live stream in HD?Yes if you have an adequate internet connection you will automatically be streaming in HD. Sit back and enjoy.

Nothing happens when I click on an event.Your browser may be blocking pop-ups. Be sure you allow pop-up windows to be opened from your domain.

I can’t watch any live video. What should I do?Ensure that you have a broadband Internet connection (cable modem or DSL). You will not be able to watch the video without a broadband connection. If you have Flash 10.1 installed but you only see black where the video should be, try turning off video hardware acceleration: right-click on the video window and select “settings,” then un-check “enable hardware acceleration” in the Settings tab. Close the settings window and re-load the web page.

What if my stream disconnects?
Try closing your browser and reloading the stream. For best experience limit any additional web traffic while watching live events – downloading a large file can cause problems with the live video feed.

Why hasn’t the event started yet?
Double check the start time and ensure you are adjusting for different time-zones correctly. If an event starts at 9pm in New York (ET) it will be online at 6pm Local Time in California (PT)

My Morning Jacket Live Webcast Tonight at 9 PM

Catch the event here:
www.youtube.com/mymorningjacketVEVOas it happens live at 9:00pm EST / 6:00pm PST
on Tuesday, May 31st.

HOW TO VIEW MY MORNING JACKET'S "UNSTAGED" EVENT

For the first time in American Express "Unstaged" history, you will be able to live-stream the My Morning Jacket event through your mobile device. Using the VEVO or YouTube apps for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Android you can stream through the mobile device of your choice.

Here are some end user guidelines to follow for viewing on your home computer:

What are the system requirements to view the live stream?

PC Requirements:
• Intel® Pentium® 4 2.4GHz or Intel Core 1.6GHz (SSE2-enabled processor required for AMD systems) or higher
• Microsoft Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 or newer
• 512MB of RAM
• Graphics card with 28MB of RAM.
• 50MB of available hard-disk space for installation
• Microsoft DirectX-compatible sound card and display adapter
• Adobe Flash Player 10.1 or newer

Mac Requirements:
• Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or higher
• Safari 4 or Firefox 3 browser or higher
• Any Mac with Intel CPU
• 512MB of RAM (recommended but not required)
• Flash Player 10.1 or higher

What are the minimum bandwidth requirements for the viewer?You will need a broadband connection such as DSL or cable with at least 500Kbps download bandwidth.

What software do I need to view a live stream?You only need an Adobe Flash video player available at www.adobe.com. If you have Flash 10.1 installed but are unable to see a stream, try turning off video hardware acceleration: right-click on the video window and select “settings,” then un-check “enable hardware acceleration” in the Settings tab. Close the settings window and re-load the web page.

How do I get the live stream and video to play?The live stream will load automatically and deliver the video to you much like watching television.

How do I know which stream option to select?The live stream is “encoded” in different sizes to accommodate all users and remove any guesswork on your end. The AEG Digital Media video player will automatically detect your connection speed and deliver to your PC or Mac the most appropriate stream to optimize your viewing experience.

Can I stream at full screen?Yes simply click the TV icon to render a full screen stream and click the Esc key to return to standard viewing.

Is the live stream in HD?Yes if you have an adequate internet connection you will automatically be streaming in HD. Sit back and enjoy.

Nothing happens when I click on an event.Your browser may be blocking pop-ups. Be sure you allow pop-up windows to be opened from your domain.

I can’t watch any live video. What should I do?Ensure that you have a broadband Internet connection (cable modem or DSL). You will not be able to watch the video without a broadband connection. If you have Flash 10.1 installed but you only see black where the video should be, try turning off video hardware acceleration: right-click on the video window and select “settings,” then un-check “enable hardware acceleration” in the Settings tab. Close the settings window and re-load the web page.

What if my stream disconnects?
Try closing your browser and reloading the stream. For best experience limit any additional web traffic while watching live events – downloading a large file can cause problems with the live video feed.

Why hasn’t the event started yet?
Double check the start time and ensure you are adjusting for different time-zones correctly. If an event starts at 9pm in New York (ET) it will be online at 6pm Local Time in California (PT)

New Music Review: My Morning Jacket "Circuital"

A giant gong sounds the beginning of the album and then a Planet of the Apes string section announces the start of the album with "Victory Dance".  A funky repetitive dark groove begins while Jim James vocals vibes a coming storm in from the distance and the silhouette of riders on their horses appear on the hill.  As the first track demolishes upon itself and while still staring into the hypnotic album cover its hard to tell if this album which started in darkness will just sink so low you wont be able to see your hand in front of your face.





As the title track "Circuital" emerges into some major power chords the mood lifts and turns into one of the best songs on the album.  "The Day is Coming" is full of pretty chords and melody floating over some sparse drums and more rhythmic keyboard.  Not even half way through this album and its evident this is an album that will hold interest and continue to keep listeners off guard but extremely pleased.  We haven't heard an acoustic folk sounding song from MMJ in a while but they give us a nice one on "Wonderful (the Way I Feel)."
Lighter moments come on "Outta My System" and the apparent first single "Holdin on to Black Metal" which during this song I couldn't figure out what or how the instruments were being used used in "Holdin on to Black Metal" to make sound.  Is it a guitar with a wah-wah pedal or keyboards?  The mystery of these guys continues.  MMJ is full of surprises on this album
In some moments of songs at the latter end of the album sound la bit like Evil Urges and Z melted together and then "Slow Slow Tune" comes on with its distant wailing pedal steel guitar and Everly Brothers tinted chorus.  This is a great album...go listen to it and let yourself experience what good music sounds like.

Listen to Circuital here.


The Showbiz Kids Rating: 9 out of possible 10 


Michael Smith, The Showbiz Kids

New Music Review: My Morning Jacket "Circuital"

A giant gong sounds the beginning of the album and then a Planet of the Apes string section announces the start of the album with "Victory Dance".  A funky repetitive dark groove begins while Jim James vocals vibes a coming storm in from the distance and the silhouette of riders on their horses appear on the hill.  As the first track demolishes upon itself and while still staring into the hypnotic album cover its hard to tell if this album which started in darkness will just sink so low you wont be able to see your hand in front of your face.





As the title track "Circuital" emerges into some major power chords the mood lifts and turns into one of the best songs on the album.  "The Day is Coming" is full of pretty chords and melody floating over some sparse drums and more rhythmic keyboard.  Not even half way through this album and its evident this is an album that will hold interest and continue to keep listeners off guard but extremely pleased.  We haven't heard an acoustic folk sounding song from MMJ in a while but they give us a nice one on "Wonderful (the Way I Feel)."
Lighter moments come on "Outta My System" and the apparent first single "Holdin on to Black Metal" which during this song I couldn't figure out what or how the instruments were being used used in "Holdin on to Black Metal" to make sound.  Is it a guitar with a wah-wah pedal or keyboards?  The mystery of these guys continues.  MMJ is full of surprises on this album
In some moments of songs at the latter end of the album sound la bit like Evil Urges and Z melted together and then "Slow Slow Tune" comes on with its distant wailing pedal steel guitar and Everly Brothers tinted chorus.  This is a great album...go listen to it and let yourself experience what good music sounds like.

Listen to Circuital here.


The Showbiz Kids Rating: 9 out of possible 10 


Michael Smith, The Showbiz Kids

Penetration - The Feeling 7'' (2010)

I've no idea how this one slipped past me, but better late than never I guess.

Penetration/Pauline Murray can do no wrong in my eyes so it's no surprise that I think this is great. It's on iTunes for £2.00 ish, three tracks, buy it and support the bands. The 3rd track is a live version of Come into the Open.

20 Years of moe.

Coming off the heels of headlining the Summer Camp Festival this weekend in Chillicothe, Illinois, follow the link to read the Relix article about jam band veterans moe., who are celebrating 20 years together as a band.   

20 Years of moe.

Coming off the heels of headlining the Summer Camp Festival this weekend in Chillicothe, Illinois, follow the link to read the Relix article about jam band veterans moe., who are celebrating 20 years together as a band.   

Auweia! - There's no freedom, there's nur Scheisse (2010)

I've never really been a fan of non English speaking music, primarily as I want to be able to sing along and I find that very difficult when I've no clue what's being said. There are a few bands I listen to and I'm sure I'm missing out, but I've got more music than I can shake a stick at anyway so.....

.....a mail landed last night from a band asking me to link them....hmmm they sing in German, I'm not gonna like this. The mail, probably a mailshot, said: -

Hey we want to spread our first lp all over the world :D so maybe you like our sound. we play german punkrock in style of the good old 80ties like tin can army, toxoplasma, slime or razzia. so it would be an honour for us if you relink it on your page! Keep the spirit alive D.I.Y. until we die!
 

We also got some english translations in our lyricssheet!

It's all true, this is old style punk, great tunes and if it was in English I'm sure I'd be horse from singing along. The fact that this isn't in English doesn't detract,this is seriously good..

You really need to give this a listen, makes me miss the old days. I've no idea who they are, or their history, but I'm going to find out and if I can help spread the word of their stuff to one person it's job done as far as I'm concerned. Lebensqualität is my fave track so far.

Album here

Naked Raygun - Home 7'' (1990)

Naked Raygun came like a bolt out of the blue to a guy sitting in England in the 80's. By the time Throb Throb hit my doorstep, 1985, hardcore had become fairly formulaic with the diversity of the early days being replaced with a sieved derivative of the major players. So to have a band who didn't follow anyone else's path and managed to mix power, speed and incredibly catchy hooks was manna from heaven.

Existing from 1980 - 1991 they released 5 ep's and 5 albums, all of which are excellent. This 7'', released in 1990, was an instant hit and has been a favourite of mine ever since.

If you don't know the band grab Home and then head over here and have a read. If you are a fan but don't have the two 7'' shown below head over to iTunes and grab them, they're both staggeringly good and extend a great back catalogue. I hope they release an album soon...oh and tour the UK again.

I was lucky enough to see them in Leeds many moons ago and was told off for stage diving, sorry Jeff! They're one of those hardcore bands who just get better with age. 

Mediafire

And I'm stumbling home

Tonight I feel alone

And the skies fire

I really feel the rain

And I just move along

Wild, not to belong

And the pain, God,

I really feel the pain

Chorus

I'm thinking on and on about it

I always dream and I don't like it

Feeling sad but I can't fight it

Home

In a fever I think I'm dead

Coloured acid webs in my head

Am I sane now?

I just don't feel the same

Dance a twisted scene

To melodies obscene

I think I'll drink now

It's my house anyhow

The Nerves - ep (1976)

So whilst I'm talking about Blondie I may as well throw this one out there. Best known as a major hit by Blondie "Hanging on the Telephone" was actually a cover version of a Nerves song.

Released in 1976 as a self financed 7'', it promptly sank without a trace until it was picked up by Blondie who made it internationally known. I'd be hard pushed to choose which version of this song I prefer; they're both great. The group consisted of: -

Jack Lee - Guitar
Peter Case - Bass
Paul Collins - Drums

The Nerves lasted for a very brief period before they split. Case and Collins went on to form the Plimsouls in the late 70's.

Mediafire

Blondie - Panic of Girls (2011)

It's soooooo good to have a new album from Blondie to throw into the mix of their great back catalogue, and this one stands up very well against them all. It's the best album since they reformed and I'd highly recommend it. I got mine from amazon and, with a discount ticket, it only cost me £6.49, which is a stupidly low price.

Happy birthday to Debbie for the 1st July, 66 and still kicking arse.

This is available to digitally download now: -

amazon.co.uk -- iTunes -- HMV -- Tesco

My Morning Jacket...not just for formal breakfast dining

I can remember pulling out of my neighborhood and hearing the pedal steel sounds of "Golden" from It Still Moves floating out of my car speakers. At first I thought this was some cool 70s song I had somehow never heard before. Then this voice emerged like it was coming from the bottom of an empty grain silo. I wanted to hear the rest of the song but really I wanted it to end so I could hear who this band was. This was 2003 so the land before time didn't have iPhones and shazaam apps to identify music. I had to wait for the dj. "We just wrapped up the last set of music with "Golden" by My Morning Jacket  off their new album It Still Moves. I think I said out loud..."My Morning Jacket ...what the %#$^  does that mean"? Pulling up the album online didn't help either. I was greeted by this large grizzly bear with gold tinsel draped on it and that was all that was on the front cover.  No sign of the band...so the mystery  intrigued me.  I have been under their spell ever since.

Their new album Circuital will be released on Tuesday May 31st so in few days leading up until Tuesday I want to give a brief review of one of their last three albums.



I finally figured out where songs on It Still Moves like "Golden" and "Mahgeetah" were triggering in my music DNA.  In my own mind I was hearing guitar finger picking strains of "Everbody's Talkin"performed by Harry Nilsson (Nilsson) from the 1969 movie Midnight Cowboy. That's just me...

If I could continue down the twisted road of my music mind their sound is like country music from an alternate universe.  It has reflections of current alt country that has been transmitted out into deep space years ago and then after alien sound mixing and editing has been sent back to earth in this form. The song "Run Thru" is a good example.

Their jam throughout this album brings in brass and guitar.  "One Big Holiday" has been one of their biggest hits and has been regular favorites at Bonnaroo festival  and on their tours.  Some of their songs seem to be like walking thru thick honeysuckle.  "Rollin' Back", "Just One Thing" and "Steam Engine" are beautiful slow rolling songs that you need to allow to grow over you like time lapsed photography.  All the songs off this record have a balanced rock sweetness that you need to listen to on a lazy Summer evening.

This album is still unique and continues to sound like nothing else to me.

Michael Smith, The Showbiz Kids

My Morning Jacket...not just for formal breakfast dining

I can remember pulling out of my neighborhood and hearing the pedal steel sounds of "Golden" from It Still Moves floating out of my car speakers. At first I thought this was some cool 70s song I had somehow never heard before. Then this voice emerged like it was coming from the bottom of an empty grain silo. I wanted to hear the rest of the song but really I wanted it to end so I could hear who this band was. This was 2003 so the land before time didn't have iPhones and shazaam apps to identify music. I had to wait for the dj. "We just wrapped up the last set of music with "Golden" by My Morning Jacket  off their new album It Still Moves. I think I said out loud..."My Morning Jacket ...what the %#$^  does that mean"? Pulling up the album online didn't help either. I was greeted by this large grizzly bear with gold tinsel draped on it and that was all that was on the front cover.  No sign of the band...so the mystery  intrigued me.  I have been under their spell ever since.

Their new album Circuital will be released on Tuesday May 31st so in few days leading up until Tuesday I want to give a brief review of one of their last three albums.



I finally figured out where songs on It Still Moves like "Golden" and "Mahgeetah" were triggering in my music DNA.  In my own mind I was hearing guitar finger picking strains of "Everbody's Talkin"performed by Harry Nilsson (Nilsson) from the 1969 movie Midnight Cowboy. That's just me...

If I could continue down the twisted road of my music mind their sound is like country music from an alternate universe.  It has reflections of current alt country that has been transmitted out into deep space years ago and then after alien sound mixing and editing has been sent back to earth in this form. The song "Run Thru" is a good example.

Their jam throughout this album brings in brass and guitar.  "One Big Holiday" has been one of their biggest hits and has been regular favorites at Bonnaroo festival  and on their tours.  Some of their songs seem to be like walking thru thick honeysuckle.  "Rollin' Back", "Just One Thing" and "Steam Engine" are beautiful slow rolling songs that you need to allow to grow over you like time lapsed photography.  All the songs off this record have a balanced rock sweetness that you need to listen to on a lazy Summer evening.

This album is still unique and continues to sound like nothing else to me.

Michael Smith, The Showbiz Kids

Gil Scott-Heron: April 1, 1949 - May 27, 2011

We've posted once before about our admiration for Gil Scott-Heron, so no need to repeat except to say that he was a wholly original and dynamic force to reckon with.

For my part, I count myself lucky to have heard his music at crucial points in my life. Or, as someone wiser than me has said, "Say not in grief that 'he is no more,' but live in thankfulness that he was.

You WILL be missed Gil. Rest easy.

Gil Scott-Heron: April 1, 1949 - May 27, 2011

We've posted once before about our admiration for Gil Scott-Heron, so no need to repeat except to say that he was a wholly original and dynamic force to reckon with.

For my part, I count myself lucky to have heard his music at crucial points in my life. Or, as someone wiser than me has said, "Say not in grief that 'he is no more,' but live in thankfulness that he was.

You WILL be missed Gil. Rest easy.

Saturday Morning Videos

Just wanted to share a couple of songs that popped up on the iPod while I was on my jog this morning....man, I wish I was going to the 'Roo!!

Saturday Morning Videos

Just wanted to share a couple of songs that popped up on the iPod while I was on my jog this morning....man, I wish I was going to the 'Roo!!

Blondie - Mother 7'' (2011)

I love this, 99 pence from iTunes = Bargin; can't wait for the album. ....and yes, I still would! :)

Rolling Stone's List of the 500 Greatest Albums

An eclectic and stellar panel of experts — including the Rolling Stone editors, Fats Domino, Flea and Britney Spears — voted on the following albums, by everyone from Abba to ZZ Top, from Robert Johnson to the White Stripes, in 2003.  Follow the link for full list. 

Rolling Stone's List of the 500 Greatest Albums

An eclectic and stellar panel of experts — including the Rolling Stone editors, Fats Domino, Flea and Britney Spears — voted on the following albums, by everyone from Abba to ZZ Top, from Robert Johnson to the White Stripes, in 2003.  Follow the link for full list. 

Happy 85th, Miles!!!

 Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer.

Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. Many well-known musicians rose to prominence as members of Davis' ensembles, including saxophonists Gerry Mulligan, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, George Coleman, Wayne Shorter, Dave Liebman, Branford Marsalis and Kenny Garrett; trombonist J. J. Johnson; pianists Horace Silver, Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett and Kei Akagi; guitarists John McLaughlin,Pete Cosey, John Scofield and Mike Stern; bassists Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Marcus Miller and Darryl Jones; and drummers Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Jack DeJohnette, and Al Foster.

On October 7, 2008, his album Kind of Blue, released in 1959, received its fourth platinum certification from the RIAA, signifying sales of 4 million copies.^[3] Miles Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.^[4] Davis was noted as "one of the key figures in the history of jazz".^[5]

On November 5, 2009, Rep. John Conyers of Michigan sponsored a measure in the US House of Representatives to recognize and commemorate the album Kind of Blue on its 50th anniversary. The measure also affirms jazz as a national treasure and "encourages the United States government to preserve and advance the art form of jazz music."^[6] It passed, unanimously, with a vote of 409–0 on December 15, 2009.^[7]