Sharon Jones (the undisputed current queen of soul, at least around here) and the Dap-Kings are going out on tour, but are coming nowhere near our fair city.. TEARDROPS. I missed her last time she was here, too. Anyway, BrooklynVegan has a bit of info on Daptone records, as well as a download from SJ’s new album. Highly recommended, obviously.

Some YouTube:

SJ singing Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In):

SJ sings “Things Got To Get Better”:

And a few mp3s:

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: How Do I Let a Good Man Down?, from Naturally
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: The Dap Dip, from Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: Pick It Up, Lay It in the Cut, from Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

love, celine

If you’re hanging around this evening, looking for a great band to see, head on over to Grimey’s and catch the everybodyfields, doing an in-store performance at 6 PM. Their new album, Nothing is Okay, is in stores today, and from what I can tell of the tracks I’ve heard so far, sounds pretty great. You can sample some of the new stuff on myspace, or through their virtual jukebox on the official website. The show is free! The CD will be worth every penny.

Nothing much to report over here. We went down to BarCamp this weekend, and out to the movies to see Superbad. Matt works for Emma, so it was kind of a given that he would be attending BarCamp. I had hoped for something a little different, maybe more conversation on music-related topics. I mean, seriously! There was a guitar in the logo. It’s my own fault for not really paying attention to the schedule of speakers beforehand. There were some interesting topics, and Alison (and Dean and Kelly) were kind enough to let me hang on the bus when the heat was too much to handle. Overall, it was an interesting experience, and I did get to meet a few new people and say hello to a couple of blogo-friends that I don’t get to see very often.

Superbad was, of course, excellent.

This week is kind of quiet for Matt and me. Dave, over at the NashvilleFeed, mentioned to us at BarCamp that he was happy to see our blog getting a little use. I do want to continue to blog around here, at least for the forseeable future. I had a lot on my plate, especially at the beginning of the year, that prevented me from really devoting a lot of time to anything outside of my job and my family. Some of that has subsided, at least for now, and I’ll have a little more time to write. Matt (heyyyy, did you know that there are two of us? ‘cuz most people don’t!), I think, is fresh out of blogjuice, so I think I’ll probably be flying solo around here for a while.

I start teaching full-time next week, so this week is devoted to doing all the things that I’ve avoided all summer. One of these completely unexciting tasks is scrubbing the kitchen floor. Here’s my OH BOY, IT’S TIME TO SCRUB THE FLOOR! mini-mix. There’s no real rhyme or reason to it, just stuff that I’ve been listening to lately.

Soundtrack to a Scrubbing:

1. Son Volt: Catching On, from Trace
2. Golden Smog: Corvette, from Another Fine Day
3. Rosco Gordon: No More Doggin’, from Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues - A Musical Journey
4. Elvis Presley: Mystery Train, from Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues - A Musical Journey
5. The Frames: God Bless Mom, from The Roads Outgrown

happy wednesday,

celine

I didn’t get up this morning with a plan to post about the big white leisure suit in the sky, and, to be honest, I enjoy his music but am no Elvis expert. The more I’ve poked around, though, reading blogs this morning, the more I realized that I wanted to say just a little bit of something about Elvis. It’s not much, but maybe the youtube clips and the mp3s will make up for that!

I was born and raised in Mississippi, and when I was making the transition into junior high, my family moved up to a suburb of Memphis. We were so close to Graceland that I almost could have walked there. Growing up around Memphis, pretty much everyone has some sort of connection to Elvis. My best friend in high school was his cousin, and I knew a woman who worked at the airport who dated him, briefly (but seriously, growing up in Memphis, who didn’t know a woman who dated Elvis?). He would come and pick her up in his convertible and would buy her clothes for each date, and he was always such a gentleman, she said. I made her tell me every little detail she remembered, and she would be embarrassed to talk about it, but I think she was completely gaga over him.

I was actually fairly ambivalent about Elvis throughout all of my growing up years in Memphis (never even went to Graceland! not once!), and it’s only been in the last few years that I’ve really listened a little more deeply to his music, going beyond just the regular old stuff that you might hear on the radio every now and then. One of the ways that I make money around here is through teaching classes in music history, and as a component of the class we study the evolution of rock and roll. We always talk about the appearance of Elvis on the scene, his role in early rock, and how people like Elvis led us down the road of “whitewashing” the history of rock and roll. Rock and roll, a genre that evolved directly from R&B, blues and gospel (and, to be fair, some country, but the R&B influence is predominant), from the “race records” of the ’20s, ’30s, ’40s, built from the songs and culture of the black community. But this is a rant for another day. I should say, though, that I am consistently surprised by the number of students who come through my doors believing that rock and roll is a white man’s game, and always has been.

I really think, though, that Elvis just sang his heart out. I think he was a pawn in Sam Phillips’ game to sell black music to white audiences, but Elvis.. I think he was just there to rock.

A couple of interesting links:

Fuelfriends has a great remembrance, and a zip of the King’s final show in 1977.

WMFU never fails to entertain, with the mishmash of Elvis (and Elvis-related) oddities they have to share.

My Old Kentucky Home offers up some great Elvis covers.

Also, today is Elvis Presley day on Turner Classic Movies. If you are enjoying your day from the comforts of your own home, like me (I call it “summer vacation”), you can see sunup to sundown movies featuring the King. I am especially looking forward to Viva Las Vegas, showing tonight at 9 PM.

Johnny Cash does Elvis:

Big Mama Thornton’s “Hound Dog”:

And a few MP3s from the Million Dollar Quartet (Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, recorded in 1956 at Sun Studios):

Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis: I Shall Not Be Moved (the tracklisting doesn’t mention it, but I swear that I hear some Carl Perkins in there.)
Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis: Just a Little Talk With Jesus
Elvis Presley: Paralyzed
Elvis Presley: That’s When Your Heartaches Begin

These are a little.. “noodly” at points, but still great to hear.

love, celine

I can’t say anything that would do justice to the event last night that was Rufus Wainwright, Live at the Ryman, but it was probably one of the more incredibly entertaining things I’ve seen in my whole entire life. Oh, Rufus! I guess I went into it expecting a fairly straightforward show; I’d never seen him live before last night and didn’t really have much of a clue as to his on-stage persona.. I did not expect costume changes. Rufus in a sparkling patchwork suit, Rufus in lederhosen, wearing a tennis bracelet and a diamond necklace. And the best part of the night? Rufus in full-on Judy Garland a la Summer Stock drag, lipstick and hat and hotpants and high heels and all, lip synching to his version of the Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler/JG classic, “Get Happy.” Rufus did a few Judy covers in his show - these were definitely high points of the evening for me. I know that he did the entire shebang Judy @ Carnegie, 1961 concerts last year, and I found out today that he’s actually set to do Judy at the Hollywood Bowl later this year, and I think it’s a perfect marriage. He sings the JG material so beautifully. Anyway, so he did Judy Garland, which was perfection. The other beautiful moment was the duet with his sister Lucy, where they sang the Leonard Cohen song “Hallelujah.” He has this perfect mix of innocence and anguish and hope and such a beautiful soft quality to everything that he does. It’s perfect. I’ve actually not even heard any of the most recent album, but judging from what I heard last night, I think I’ll really love it.

I missed A Fine Frenzy, but caught most of Neko’s set, which was enjoyable. Even though I think her voice is pretty much perfect, I haven’t ever really been able to get into her music.. Which makes me an indie rock sinner, I guess. I do like her stuff with the New Pornographers, though.

I had an excellent time.. Thank you again, Alison, for the ticket!! I owe you bigtime.

And, from youtube - Rufus as Judy:

Aaaand.. Judy as Judy!

The Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall recording has been a favorite of mine this summer. Hopefully later in the week I can do a post on that.

love, celine

And I would be silly not to include one of my favorite songs from the now-defunct Austin group, 8.5 Souvenirs.

Eight and a Half Souvenirs: No Lo Visto

Happy spring! Happy blog! Happy Tuesday!

I’m on spring break, suckers, so I’ve spent some good lounge time listening to music and putting together an mp3 post. I have been completely enamored of vintage French pop music lately, ever since the purchase of this album, and it’s inspired me to dig out some older stuff that I haven’t listened to in a while. To me, French pop music screams SPRINGTIME! It helps that the sun is shining, the day is beautiful, and I don’t have to teach for another few days.

Yann Tiersen: Soir de Fete, from the Amelie OST
Lionel Hampton: Lullaby of Birdland, from Jazz in Paris: May 1956
Charles Trenet: Boum!, from La Vie Parisienne
Edith Piaf: La Foule, from The Best of Edith Piaf
Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot: Bubble Gum, from Bonnie and Clyde
Keren Ann: Jardin d’Hiver, from La Biographie de Luka Philipsen (okay, not springy, but still a great song!)
Serge Gainsbourg: Cha Cha Cha Du Loup, from Couleur Cafe
Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France: Minor Swing, from Djangology 49 (remastered)

love, celine

We have just (very reluctantly) returned from a trip to Austin, Texas, where we checked out UT (I have to go back to school soon, for my doctorate! It makes me want to kick things) and ate a lot of food. I have actually never ever spent any time in Texas at all prior to this weekend, which is sort of shameful. We had an amazing time, and didn’t want to come back home. BUT NOW WE ARE BACK. And Nashville, this weekend, is boring as ever. But! There are a few good things going on this weekend, so here goes:

Friday, Curt Perkins and Luke Doucet are playing a show at the The Basement. I really like Doucet, he has a very friendly, poppish/alt-country sound.. I love his voice, and he’s a killer guitar player. That show starts at 9 PM on Friday, and the cover is $7.

We’d also recommend catching Claire Small over at the Family Wash on Friday. She’s a little over a month out of her performance at the Austin City Limits Festival, and has a new album up for sale. Her music is a great mix of pop, Latin-infused jazzy rhythms, and a beautiful, sweet and clear voice to top it all off. That show starts at 9 PM, and there’s no cover, just take a few dollars to throw in the hat.

Saturday, The Exit/In is hosting the Hotel Cafe Tour. There’s a great lineup for this show - Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin (who is also doing an in-store at Grimey’s on Saturday at 5 PM), Joe Purdy, Jim Bianco, and Sanders Bohlke. RACHAEL YAMAGATA (one of our favorite ladies on earth!) is also on the bill!! A stellar line up, only 12 dollars a ticket (purchasable through The Evil Empire, or at the door). Doors are at 8, show begins at 9.

Also on Saturday - The Steep Canyon Rangers perform at the Station Inn at 9 PM. Tickets are 10 dollars.

Two big shows over at the Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom on Saturday. The Mercy Lounge has a great show scheduled - Greg Dulli’s (Whigs!) group, The Twilight Singers performs with the Stars of Track and Field. Show is at 9 PM, tickets are 12 and can be purchased online. Marc Broussard also performs with Sons of William over at the Cannery Ballroom on Saturday at 9 PM. Tickets are, again, 12 dollars and can be purchased here.

THE END! We love you.

Joshua Radin: The One You Knew, from First Between 3rd and 4th

Rachael Yamagata: The Reason Why, from her EP

Luke Doucet: New York, from Aloha, Manitoba

The Twilight Singers: Martin Eden, from Blackberry Belle

Peter Salett: Hey Susan (okay, so we only wish as fast as our little hearts can carry us that Peter Salett would make his way to Nashville), from Heart of Mine

love, celine

It’s gross here in Nashville today, but we sure are glad that it’s Friday! I don’t have much to say today except maybe you should go see Tilly and the Wall at the Exit/In, tomorrow night at 6 PM. Or Mojave 3 with Tim O’Reagan at the Belcourt (Saturday at 8!). Or the Jake Leg Stompers at the Station Inn (Saturday at 9).

Tonight I am selling my CUPCAKES! At the Improv Nashville show. Improv Nashville and Troupe 93 are performing a Halloween improv show tonight - wear a costume and receive a dollar off the $8.00 admission price. That show begins at 8 PM, and will probably sell out. You need reservations! Use the dollar you’ll save on admission to buy a delicious homemade cupcake.

This mix is hereby dedicated to the celebration of cupcakery. (It was hard to find any songs in my iTunes library that were cupcake related, so I just went for.. cups. And Halloween. And a tiny piece of self goodness.)

Belle and Sebastian: For the Price of a Cup of Tea, from The Life Pursuit

NORTH AMERICAN HALLOWEEN PREVENTION INITIATIVE: Do They Know It’s Hallowe’en? [CD Single]

Self: Pattycake, from Gizmodgery

The Shaggs: It’s Halloween, from Philosophy of the World

Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire: Measuring Cups, from Andrew Bird and the Mysterious Production of Eggs

love, celine

just, uh, don’t tell my husband.

Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France: A Little Love, A Little Kiss
Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France: When Day Is Done
Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France: Limehouse Blues

I am down on blogs, life, work, weather, et cetera this week. But really, it’s okay, because I don’t have to work for the next FOUR DAYS! It’s fall break for my Monday school. And I don’t work on Fridays. EVER! Suckers. This is why it pays not to work for The Man.

Anyway, I’m fairly disappointed in the Nashville goingson this weekend, at least until Sunday. And I don’t want to spend a ton of time blogging today, so I’m just going to throw out a few ideas and some nice music to get you through the gloomy Friday.

Did you know that there is a meteor shower tonight? NashvilleWX promises such a thing, AND they’re also swearing that we’ll have sunshine by the afternoon. Which is great, as we’ll be in Fall Creek Falls tomorrow, drinking in the scenery and the sunshine - it’s peak weekend for fall foliage there, and it should be fairly warm.

If you’re staying in Nashville this weekend, here are some great shows that are going on all around town:

FRIDAY:

- The Basement has a set from Eef Barzelay tonight, starting at 9 PM. Casey Dienel supports. Dienel is worth hearing, she’s an amazing jumble of musical styles, with a sweeping, jazzy-pop influenced sound. Comparisons to anti-folk pianist/singer Nellie McKay abound, but I think Dienel is more delicate, and has a greater musical sensibility about her.. Her sound is just more interesting to me than McKay’s. Barzelay + Dienel will be a great show, and only $8! That’s a bargain.

- At the Belcourt tonight, you can head over to hear Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars. The show starts at 9 PM, with doors at 8 PM. The Scene did a great story on the All-Stars this week. Tickets are $21, and can be purchased online through the Belcourt’s website.

- GHOSTBUSTERS! is also showing at the Belcourt tonight. There’s an 11:30 showing tonight and tomorrow night, as part of the Late Show series.

SATURDAY:

- The Americana Folk Festival is going on this Saturday, down in Dickson. The lineup this year is underwhelming, compared to last year (to me, at least), but there are still a few great acts scheduled to perform. Patty Griffin headlines. Mindy Smith, The Avett Brothers, the everybodyfields, Paul Burch, and Zane Williams are acts that we would wholeheartedly recommend! The festival starts at 10 AM (with gates at 9), tickets for the whole day are $40, and there should be some great food (Christopher Pizza! Our favorite).

- LADYFEST MUSIC CITY is going on all weekend, with tons of shows at various venues, but we’d recommend the Saturday night show at The End, just because I like Cake Bake Betty the best. That showcase starts at 8 PM.

- Todd Snider plays a showcase to benefit the Cumberland River Compact at the Mercy Lounge, along with Molly Thomas and Tommy Womack. That show begins at 9 PM, and the only tickets left are $25 general admission tickets, which can be purchased through the Mercy Lounge website.

SUNDAY:

Sunday is our favorite day so far. Dear Sunday: YOU WIN. Love, Celine. Two huge things going on Sunday, and I am so excited but sad because I just can’t choose.

- First, Minton Sparks is doing a show at The Basement that I’m sure will be amazing. It all starts at 7 PM. To have the chance to see Minton in such a small, intimate space is a rare thing indeed. She’ll be opening for Rodney Crowell later in the year, so this could be her last feature-length show for a while. Tickets to the show are $10, but you can get in for free with the purchase of her new DVD from Grimey’s upstairs. Sparks is a haunting storyteller - the show should be well worth your time.

- Second, the Devil Music Ensemble will be providing music as a soundtrack to the movie Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The showing at the Belcourt begins at 8 PM, and tickets are $12. The Devil Music Ensemble came through a couple of months ago, and I ended up missing it, so I swore I’d make it out to this one.. Minton Sparks is hard to beat, though, so it’s a conundrum. I love the idea of live music as a soundtrack to silent films. The Spankers did it a couple of years ago, with a few Charlie Chaplin films, and I’ve always wanted to see more.

- Also on Sunday, Ex-Wilco guitarist/keyboardist/producer Jay Bennett will perform at 3rd and Lindsley. That show begins at 8 PM, and tickets are 7 dollars.

Happy weekend!

Casey Dienel: Embroidery
Jay Bennett: Cajun Angel
Todd Snider: Enjoy Yourself
the everybodyfields: His Pontiac
Avett Brothers: A Gift for Melody Lane
Sierra Leone’s All-Star Refugees: Big Lesson
Minton Sparks: Grace on the 4th