Some photos from Sunday, June 22, Day 3 of Philadelphia's Popped! Festival at World Cafe Live. The home team made up the bulk of the lineup today with some of Philly's best bands playing. I arrived in plenty of time time to grab a Grimbergen Dubbel Abbey Ale from the bar and stake out a prime spot to catch Cheers Elephant kick off the days proceedings with a dazzling set in the upstairs bar, showing why they are one of Philly's hottest bands right now. Spent some time chatting with Jessica from Popwreck(oning) in between sets. Next up were The Vandelles, a band I had not only not seen before, but had never heard of. Well, I won't be forgetting them anytime soon because their reverb laden psychedelic laced sound was amazing, with a sound falling somehwere between Jesus And Mary Chain and The Black Angels. They also delivered the "girls can rock too" moment of the festival in the powerhouse rhythm section of Suzanne Pagliorola and Lisha Nadkarni on drums and bass respectively. Then it was downstairs for Gildon Works who delivered one of the best sets of the weekend, their shoegazey psychedelic blend was absolutely massive sounding. Then it was back upstairs for one of my favorite Philly bands The Swimmers, who despite having to use a fill in bass player for the afternoon, sounded as fantastic as always. At this point the downstairs stage took a weird turn toward the performance art side with one man avant garde poet guitarist PWRFL Power up next. Three songs and it was back upstairs for me where I spent some time hanging out with Carly and Royce from Girl About Town for a bit while Takka Takka prepared to play. Caught most of Takka Takka's interesting set before heading back downstairs to see the much buzzed about Tickley Feather. More avant garde performance art tinged music that continued the theme started earlier. Although much more great music still remained, it was at this point I had to jump ship and make my way across town to the M room for my Bag Of Songs night, more on that coming soon...
Cheers Elephant The Vandelles Gildon Works The Swimmers PWRFL Power Takka Takka Tickley Feather The Downstairs Stage

Philadelphia's The A-Sides new album Silver Storms is a shimmering, glorious, epic sounding pop record released this past Tuesday. This afternoon they brought their equally amazing live showto the World Cafe Live for a live broadcast on WXPN.
Here's a couple pictures and a link to the archived live show on NPR's site.
Next week they embark on a tour that will bring one of Philadelphia's finest to all the corners of the country. Head on out and see it for yourself when they come your way.

Click here to listen to the archived live broadcast

Upcoming Tour Dates
Sep 25 2007 8:00P Numbers w/ Pinback Houston, Texas
Sep 26 2007 8:00P House Of Blues w/ Pinback New Orleans, Louisiana
Sep 27 2007 8:00P Club Downunder w/ Pinback Tallahasee, Florida
Sep 28 2007 8:00P The Social w/ Pinback Orlando, Florida
Sep 29 2007 8:00P Common Grounds w/ Pinback Gainesville, Florida
Oct 9 2007 8:00P The LC Pavilion w/Ted Leo & The Pharmacists Columbus, Ohio
Oct 10 2007 8:00P The Gargoyle w/Ted Leo & The Pharmacists St. Louis
Oct 11 2007 1:00P DAYTROTTER SESSION! You can listen at http://www.daytrotter.com/ Iowa City, Iowa
Oct 11 2007 7:00P The Redstone Room Iowa City, Iowa
Oct 12 2007 8:00P Metro w/Ted Leo & The Pharmacists Chicago, Illinois
Oct 13 2007 8:00P First Avenue w/Ted Leo & The Pharmacists Minneapolis, Minnesota
Oct 14 2007 8:00P The Aquarium w/Ted Leo & The Pharmacists Fargo, North Dakota
Oct 15 2007 8:00P THE A-SIDES - SAY HI - VELVET TEEN 28 CITY NATIONAL TOUR DRIVE DAY
Oct 17 2007 8:00P Bottom Of The Hill San Francisco, California
Oct 18 2007 8:00P Troubadour Los Angeles, California
Oct 19 2007 8:00P Glass House Pomona, California
Oct 20 2007 8:00P Plush Tucson, Arizona
Oct 22 2007 8:00P Halley’s Denton, Texas
Oct 23 2007 8:00P Emo’s Alternative Ausitn, Texas
Oct 24 2007 8:00P The Proletariat Houston, Texas
Oct 25 2007 8:00P The Red Star Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Oct 26 2007 8:00P Bottletree Birmingham, Alabama
Oct 27 2007 8:00P The Earl Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 28 2007 8:00P Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Oct 30 2007 8:00P Black Cat Backstage Washington DC, Washington DC
Nov 2 2007 8:00P Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nov 3 2007 8:00P Knitting Factory New York City, New York
Nov 4 2007 8:00P The Middle East(u) Cambridge, Massachusetts
Nov 6 2007 8:00P Zoo Bizarre Montreal, Quebec
Nov 8 2007 8:00P Sneaky Dee’s Toronto, Ontario
Nov 9 2007 8:00P Subterranean Chicago, Illinois
Nov 10 2007 8:00P Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nov 11 2007 8:00P Slowdown Omaha, Nebraska
Nov 12 2007 8:00P High Dive Denver, Colorado
Nov 13 2007 8:00P Kilby Court Salt Lake City, Utah
Nov 15 2007 8:00P Crocodile Cafe Seattle, Washington
Nov 16 2007 8:00P Doug Fur Lounge Portland, Oregon

[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE] [BUY Silver Storms]

Just about a week ago I had a chance to catch Josh Ritter play as show for WXPN's Free At Noon series at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. It ended up being one of the best shows I've seen all year. Now, thanks to the magic of a friend who rocks, I have it to share with all of you today. This is the radio broadcast portion, Josh also came back out after it was off air and did a spine chilling rendition of Bruce Springsteen's The River as well as his own song Kathleen to cap off the afternoon. Enjoy on this holiday weekend.

WXPN Free At Noon with Josh Ritter
August 24, 2007 at World Cafe Live

Intro
Mind's Eye
To The Dog Or Whoever
Rumors
Open Doors
Interview
The Temptation Of Adam
Girl In The War
Right Moves
Empty Hearts

encore off air
The River (Springsteen)
Kathleen

Buy The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter
[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE]

Looking for something to do tonight in Philadelphia. Head on down the World Cafe Live and catch Contramano. A trio fronted by Brooklyn via Argentina cello player Pablo Cubarle, Contramano's music is a raw and powerful blend of alternative indie rock and precussive Latin rhythms. Imagine the sound of throwing the Talking Heads, The Pixies, Cold War Kids and Los Lonely Boys all together and you'll start to get an idea of what they sound like.




Their new album Unsatisfecho is eleven songs full of quirky danceable endearing goodness that will keep you coming back again and again. Check out the title track Unsatisfied for a taste of their unique mix of influences.

MP3: Contramano - Unsatisfied
BUY Unsatisfecho



Here's a taste of Contramano live playing the song Contramano at Queens Theatre in the Park in NYC


The Midnight Sessions : Contramano w/DJ KiK
Saturday , June 9, 2007
World Cafe Live (Upstairs)
at Midnight

[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE] [DJ KiK MYSPACE]

Some photos from WXPN's Philly Local Night at World Cafe Live Tuesday March 20, 2007
Sharon Little with Scot Sax plus band opened the show with their interesting singer songwriter style.
Next up was the folky ruminations and political banter of John Flynn.
My current favorite indie band in Philadelphia, The Swimmers were up next, showcasing songs from their brilliant soon to be released disc Fighting Trees.
Amos Lee then jumped up for an unscheduled 2 song set.
Closing the night was the slick alterna-pop sounds of Hail Social, celebrating the release of their new disc.

First up today is the latest solo album from Matt Lutz, the frontman for popular San Francisco indie-garage rockers The Herms. Matt's disc is the appropriately named Seesaw, as the gamut of styles on it run from dark Bowieesque goth rockers to loungey instrumentals to the catchy pop number,Took Me A While that I have for you today. If you like this be sure to check out his myspace page for more tunes.

M4A: Matt Lutz - Took Me A While

[MYSPACE]
Big Thanks to Mona at MLC PR for the track.

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K'nise Connection's Pick of The Week(and Last Week)

K'nise's pick this week is the sultry, soulful,jazzy sounds of Toronto's dazzlingly beautiful Emma-Lee. Not only is Emma-Lee an extremely talented musician she's an impressive photographer as well. Hear her songs on her myspace page and make sure you check out her photographs as well.
[MYSPACE] [WEBSITE] [PHOTOGRAPHY]

Since I was on an unxpected hiatus last week and didn't get to post much, here's last week's pick as well. The Hummingbirds are a sweet country duo from Ypsilanti, Michigan composed of Rachel Lynn on Vocals and Guitar and Stephen Grant Wood on Guitars and Vocals. Watch for their new album due out sometime in 2007
[MYSPACE] [WEBSITE].

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RIAA WTF
If you like music on the internet, and especially if you're a college student you'll want to check out these two articles.

Recording Industry vs People Blog posted this open letter to the RIAA
Open Letter to Universities Whose Students Have Been Targeted by the RIAA

Jefito Blog posted this insightful piece on gizmodo.com's proposed RIAA boycott
A Lovely Month for a Boycott

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Way To Go Desmond !
Our former Artist Of The Day, bedroom four track sensation Desmond Reed has had his song Who I'd Like To Meet picked up by Manchester UK based Babyboom Records to be included on their next sampler cd due out March 19th.

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Some places to be this week if you're not in Austin Texas for SXSW

The Swimmers start their Sunday night residency at Pianos in NYC tonight and share the bill with Maria Taylor and Aderbat in Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Sun Mar 11 2007 9:00P Pianos [residency] New York, New York
Thu Mar 15 2007 7:30P FirstUnitarian Church w/ Maria Taylor and Aderbat Philadelphia, PA

In the mood for some blues ? Here's where Jo Wymer will be this week :
Sun Mar 11 2007 02:00 PM - Travelling Poets Society - Espresso Joes, Keyport,NJ
Sat Mar 17 2007 08:00 PM - Twisted Tree Cafe Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ

World Cafe Live has a pair of shows by Nanci Griffith followed up by one from the legendary Leon Russell
Wed Mar 14 2007 7:30P Nanci Griffith World Cafe Live Philadelphia PA
Thu Mar 15 2007 7:30P Nanci Griffith World Cafe Live Philadelphia PA
Fri Mar 16 2007 7:30P Leon Russell World Cafe Live Philadelphia PA

The Hold Steady are back from the UK with The Thermals in tow to continue their takeover of the Boys And Girls In America. If there's one hot band to see now these guys are it.
Mon Mar 12 2007 08:00 PM - Club Downunder Tallahassee, FL
Tue Mar 13 2007 08:00 PM - The Bottle Tree Birmingham, AL
Wed Mar 14 2007 08:00 PM - Hi Tone Cafe Memphis,TN
Thu Mar 15 2007 08:00 PM - Off Broadway St. Louis, MO
Fri Mar 16 2007 08:00 PM - Music Mill Indianapolis, IN
Sat Mar 17 2007 08:00 PM - Newport Music Hall Columbus, OH

Asssembly Of Dust sounds like more the name of a heavy metal band you're likely to see at the all Ozzfest than on the jam band circuit, but that's just where you'll find them. Formed by Reid Genauer after leaving the band Strangefolk in 2002, Assembly of Dust's third album third studio CD, Recollection, is being released March 6. Telling Sue is the first song form it and conjures a sound similar to the Grateful Dead but with more of a country twist.

MP3: Assembly of Dust - Telling Sue

[BUY IT] [WEBSITE] [EMUSIC] [MYSPACE] [LIVE TRACKS]

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Some other goings on this week...

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K'nise Connection's Music Maker Of The Week is Robert Harris

[MYSPACE]

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On Wed 2/21/07 The Swimmers continue their February residency at The Khyber in Philly
This week it's with guests Elevator Parade and Creeping Weeds
The Khyber 56 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

Also listen Wednesday night for a full live set on Jon Solomon's Radio show on Princeton's 103.3 FM WPRB
Listen via the web at at wprb.com

[MYSPACE] [WEBSITE]

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Jo Wymer brings her Blues with Attitude to you a couple times this week. Be sure to check out her set of excellent originals and blues classics.

02/21/2007 08:00 PM - Orphan Annie's - Wine, Women and Song Series, Sterling, New Jersey - FREE
02/23/2007 08:00 PM - Green Planet Coffee Company , Pt. Pleasant, New Jersey -

[MYSPACE] [WEBSITE]

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On Saturday Feb 24th World Cafe Live's 4th beer tasting festival, Beats, Brews & BBQ
Featurng 30 local and regional breweries, food including Tommy Gunns American Barbeque and musical performances by The Rigbees and

MYSPACE] [WEBSITE]

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Update !
I almost forgot this one. After you get all loosened up at the beerfest keep the party going by heading on over to The Khyber for a powerhouse night of rocking with Jukebox Zeros, Beretta76, The Safes, and Foxycontin

Today for 5 on a Friday, 5 hot bands to see in Philadelphia tonight.

Luzer - A hard rocking Beatles / Elvis Costello influenced power pop band plays their final show.
Pawnshop Roses - Recent Winner of YouTube's Best Live Band Video contest Pawnshop Roses headlines World Cafe with their Faces meets Black Crows meets Whiskeytown blend of alt-country.
Napalm Sunday and Buzz Zeemer two of Philly's finest jangly power pop bands reunite and share the bill at Grape Street for a celebration of their label Record Cellar's final release the new compilation Town and Country
Rich Kaufman formerly of Philly favorites, Electric Love Muffin and Rolling Hayseeds headlines a show at The Khyber with his current band Foxycontin

1: Luzer - Come On Mandy
http://www.myspace.com/luzer
2: Pawnshop Roses - Fading Out
http://www.myspace.com/pawnshoproses
3: Napalm Sunday -In My Yard
http://www.myspace.com/napalmsunday94
4: Buzz Zeemer - Crush
http://www.myspace.com/buzzzeemer
5: Foxycontin - Dolphins
http://www.myspace.com/foxycontin4

Pawnshop Roses with Luzer(FINAL SHOW),Pepper's Ghost
World Cafe Live DOWNSTAIRS (ALL AGES!)
3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Luzer on at 7:30 PM
http://www.worldcafelive.com/

Napalm Sunday & Buzz Zeemer REUNION Show
January, 12 2007 at Grape Street
4100 Main Street, Manayunk, Pennsylvania
Napalm Sunday on at 8:15 PM Buzz Zeemer on at 9:15
http://www.grapestreet.com/

Foxycontin with Daymaker,Surefire Broadcast,Classic Brown
The Khyber
56 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA
9:00 PM
http://www.thekhyber.com/