Staff Infection: Lazy Labor Day

Although Labor Day was first celebrated in New York City on September 4, 1882, the holiday wasn’t nationally recognized until 1894. Over a century later, not only does this day mark the final lazy day of summer, but it also celebrates the official kickoff of NFL and college football. Fútbol is more my speed than football, but I can’t think of many things that are more American than a bunch of sweaty guys in spandex making millions of dollars to run around and bear hug each other. Plus, as a University of Michigan graduate, I may as well put in a plug for the boys in maize and blue…even if there’s a chance I’ll be crying into my foam fingers in three months. With that said, enjoy the day off from the daily grind with family, friends, and my favorite songs inspired by the good ol’ USA:

Spoon, “Chicago at Night” from Girls Can Tell
Ryan Adams, “New York, New York” from Gold
Mott The Hoople, “All The Way From Memphis” from Mott
The Anniversary, “The D in Detroit” from Designing a Nervous Breakdown
The Replacements, “Portland” from Don’t Tell a Soul
Randy Newman, “I Love L.A.” from Trouble in Paradise
Foals, “Miami” from Total Life Forever
Katy Perry, “Waking Up in Vegas” from One of the Boys
Bruce Springsteen, “Youngstown” from The Ghost of Tom Joad
R.E.M., “(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” from Reckoning

Each Monday a different Green Light Go staff member will let you in on what songs have infected their ears for the week, while giving you the opportunity to share in the experience yourself.

This week: Lauren Roberts, Green Light Go Talent Coordinator
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Grand Altantic's Album Streams on Spinner Today!

At GLG, we like Mondays (sorry Boomtown Rats), and all the new (and free) music that is available for us to hear!

Online music mecca Spinner is home to their prominent Spinner Full CD Listening Party will be streaming Grand Atlantic's full-length album How We Survive in its entirety today!

The Aussie's U.S. release for How We Survive is available for purchase on Tuesday, April 20, but you can hear the album in full all Monday on Spinner. We're delighted to get this album out to U.S. ears. Take a sneak peak listen on Spinner and we know you'll want it all to yourself by Tuesday.

Full of incredible harmonies and vocal layers, soft and melodic guitar riffs, and catchy choruses, How We Survive, is an album that feels like a timeless Brit-pop album. Full of glorious song after glorious rocking song, whether its perfect pop-rock, a little psychedelic pop or guitar heavy Brit-influenced. How We Survive is at times evocative of a groups such as Supergrass, Stone Roses and even the power-pop disguised as rock of Sam Roberts Band; Grand Atlantic is more ready to take on the U.S. with the State-side release of How We Survive. Click Here to Read More..

Einsten and Alan Cohen Experience Join Big Star Tribute in Spirit

Musicians and fans were saddened upon the news that Alex Chilton of Big Star passed away March 17. The shock hit hard, and especially made an impact at this year's SXSW. Rolling Stone reports Big Star's remaining members Jon Auer, Ken Stringfellow and Jody Stephens were joined by several musicians who wanted to help celebrate Chilton's memory and allow Big Star to still perform a show at Antone’s Night Club. Performances included Curt Kirkwood on "In the Street," M. Ward of She & Him on "Big Black Car," Mike Mills of R.E.M. on "Jesus Christ," and John Doe of X on "I'm In Love with a Girl."

An array of musicians continued to provide musical support in order to honor the legacy of Chilton. Other performers included Sondre Lerche, Chris Stamey, Chuck Prophet, Evan Dando, Amy Speace, Susan Cowsill, and the Watson Twins. Original Big Star member Andy Hummel even traveled all the way from Lithuania in order to show support for his fallen band mate.

Even bands and fans that were not in attendance at SXSW have the memory of Chilton in their minds and hearts. Although they didn't perform at SXSW, Alan Cohen Experience was there in spirit as the new song "Einstein" was even played at Antone’s during the set break before the Big Star tribute.

Although the news of Alex Chilton's passing created heartbreak all throughout Austin, and throughout the music world, his legacy and Big Star's music will certainly continue to live on.

Visit http://www.alancohenexperience.com to download Alan Cohen Exerience's song "Einstein."

Image courtesy of Jack Plunkett, AP Click Here to Read More..