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 Atlantic Covers The Replacements "Left of the Dial"

We have to wait a few more days until we get to see Grand Atlantic live at SXSW and report the experience for ourselves, but in the meantime we've received some excellent recaps along the way. Tart from Love Shack Baby had a chance to see them last week at Martyr's in Chicago with Ireland's Autumn Owls and Gidgets Ga Ga.

So to recap straight from Love Shack Baby's mouth, or blog if you will,  "Grand Atlantic performed most of their new album, How We Survive, plus a few great ones from their previous record, This Is Grand Atlantic. And as I was promised in the car, they did an excellent cover of the Replacements’ “Left Of The Dial.” The live performance of songs like “She’s a Dreamer” and “Tripwire” were exactly as I imagined: heavy bass, driving rhythm (and oh lordy does Von Diehm hit that kick drum hard!) and Phil’s positively electrifying vocals...Talking to Morgan afterward about his guitar and effects pedals, I was struck by how guitar-driven this group is. Morgan’s way of weaving in and out of whatever it is that Phil is playing or singing helps create the signature GA sound, with Sean, all the while providing a steady but interesting bass line. You all know my weakness for bass players; Sean’s work that night did not disappoint. Folks, the bottom line is that Grand Atlantic is a solid rock and roll band. There’s no gimmicks, no pretense of rock stardom to distract from the basic draw of their music. The new song they premiered, “Carved From Stone” was a bit rawer, had more depth to it than what I found on How We Survive. I anticipate the new record will reflect their move in this direction as they mature as a band and gel more as four people, working together on one great project after the next."

If you're at SXSW this week, be sure to catch Grand Atlantic:
Thu Mar 18, 2010: Sonny's Vintage - 2928 Guadalupe St Austin, TX
Thu Mar 18, 2010: Official SXSW Showcase, Red 7 - 611 E 7th St Austin, TX
Fri Mar 19, 2010: Super Lisa Day Party (SXSW)
Dart Music International House @ Mi Casa - 503 E. 6th St. Austin, TX
Sat Mar 20, 2010: Maggie Mae's - 323 East 6th Street Austin, TX

More info on all their US dates can be found here. Click Here to Read More..