Music Monday - Medleyville.us Talks Spoon, The Gaslight Anthem, Arcade Fire and More

With the endless amount of music websites and blogs popping up, it’s hard to keep on top of them all. Medleyville.us might not currently be on your radar, but we hope to change that. Chris M. Junior, founder and editor of Medleyville, is not just a blogger, critic and editor; he is a massive music fan. Yes, we all are, but after talking with Chris, it was nice to hear that while he’s up to date on indie and underground bands, he’s also got a firm familiarity in music from past eras. He can use those music roots to connect artists he loves like Tom Petty, Sam Cooke and Carole King to My Morning Jacket and Neko Case, etc. He gets extra points for pulling out Buck Owens and Sam Phillips. Chris not only has a lot to say about the state of music criticism, he has a lot to say in general. We dig that; we’re talkers.

Music Monday Q&A with Medleyville

1. How long has Medleyville been operating?
Medleyville.us was launched March 1, 2004. I came up with the idea for the site a few months prior and had a friend handle the technical side of things. I decided to launch my own site in order to keep myself busy between full-time journalism gigs. I also thought it would be a productive way to keep my name out there as I tried to hustle up some paying freelance writing opportunities.

From the start, I’ve had a handful of music-savvy friends with writing backgrounds contribute to the site as well. I never wanted Medleyville to be a one-man show, and it’s safe to say the site wouldn’t exist without their input.



2. What makes Medleyville different from other websites?
…It focuses on both emerging and established artists from various genres and eras. It’s more like an online version of a general-interest music magazine, hence the motto “music coverage for eclectic tastes.”

Another thing that’s a little different about my site is I prefer to run interviews and features. These days, anybody can write a CD review and post it online, but not everyone can conduct a good interview with an artist or write an interesting narrative feature.

Something else that’s a little unconventional about the site is the way we do CD reviews. There are three formats: a traditional review that’s a few hundred words, a collection of one-paragraph reviews known as Quick Spins and a multi-author, conversational-style review of a single release called Disc Discussion. No matter what, we try to be fair in our criticism and commentary and not resort to pontificating or taking cheap shots.

3. Do you think Medleyville has a specific musical niche?
Not really, and I think that’s what makes the site different from most others. Rock tends to dominate Medleyville, but I don’t discriminate against any style. My personal musical collection runs the gamut, and I see nothing wrong with a website covering a wide musical range. I know the tendency these days is to serve a niche audience, but writing about one musical style all the time would bore the crap out of me.

4. What contemporary albums are you looking forward to coming out?
A lot of the albums I was looking forward to this year have already been released. They include the new ones by Spoon, Vampire Weekend, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Gaslight Anthem and Justin Currie. As for what’s on the horizon, I’m looking forward to Tin Can Trust, the new Los Lobos. I’ve been a fan of the band for more than 25 years. I recently heard a cool new song by The Arcade Fire that now has me interested in the rest of The Suburbs.

5. How does Medleyville support independent music and what is important about doing so?
The term “independent music” means different things to different people. To me, it has nothing to do with a specific sound. Indie music means any act – new or veteran, regardless of genre – that’s not with one of the remaining major record labels/music corporations and has a strong DIY ethic. That said Medleyville.us does support indie music. But one important qualifier for all artists looking for coverage on my site – and exceptions are very rare -- is that they must be touring acts. Anybody can sit at home, record a song, post it on MySpace or wherever and claim to be a musician or an artist, thinking an online presence is a way around playing gigs. I hear from people like that from time to time.

6. Do you think online publications are taking precedence over print magazine? What kind of effect do you think that has on bands?
Yes, I think there are a few online publications that are very much on par with print magazines. Pitchfork, for one, is probably as important today as Rolling Stone or Spin in terms of having its finger on the pulse of what’s new, good, different and important. There’s no doubt that the impact of online publications on bands has been tremendous. On the positive side, bands have plenty of outlets they can pitch for coverage.

7. What blogs/publications do you read other than your own?
I read the online and print versions of Billboard, Rolling Stone, Spin and Time Out New York on a regular basis. I’ll pick up Paste, Magnet and Alternative Press now and then.

As for blogs, I check out Pitchfork, BrooklynVegan and Time Out New York’s The Volume. Also, I often listen to the online streams of radio stations from around the country, such as Austin’s KGSR, San Francisco’s KFOG and Philadelphia’s WXPN, and their respective sites have good, useful news and information. I also read Jim DeRogatis’ Pop N’ Stuff blog. Jim is one of the best music writers today, and he also is a co-host of the radio show “Sound Opinions” with fellow Chicago music journalist Greg Kot.

8. What has been your most definitive moment since you started Medleyville?
There have been a few. Recently, John Mellencamp’s website posted my short review of his box set On the Rural Route 7609 on his news page. For a little site like mine to get a mention on a major artist’s site, that was a surprise and a thrill. Generally speaking, the past year or so has been important and satisfying for Medleyville. In that time, I’ve had more artists, publicists and labels contact me about being featured on the site. That tells me we must be doing something right. We’ve come a long way…

9. If there is any musician/band you could interview (dead or alive) who would it be?
Of artists who are still alive, I’d have to say Keith Richards, Paul Westerberg, Tom Petty, Elton John and Elvis Costello. I’ve never read an interview where any one of them just phoned it in. After those guys, the list would include Carole King, Steve Cropper, Neko Case, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, Allen Toussaint, Steve Earle, Todd Rundgren, Stevie Wonder and George Jones.

As for deceased artists, at the top would be Buddy Holly, followed by Sam Cooke, Rick Nelson, Marvin Gaye, Buck Owens and producer Sam Phillips.

10. If you could be in any band (of all time), who would you rock with?
I’d say Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Booker T. and the MG’s and The Byrds. Those three epitomize what I value most in bands: great chops, instincts, restraint and taste – and, of course, great songs. And in the end, it always comes down to great songs.

Like Medleyville on Facebook Click Here to Read More..

Staff Infection: Sonic Shoulder Mixtape

It’s one of those weeks. You know, the kind where it seems like we’re all living Nintendo cheat sequences (up up, down down, left right, left right…). Even for a tragically optimistic, glass-half-full kind of girl like myself, the weight of the world feels just a little bit heavier at the moment. For those of you who are hitting a rough spot, are feeling the teeth of life sinking in, or as Jeff Tweedy of Wilco says, are in need a “sonic shoulder to cry on,” I’ve complied a few cheer-up songs that have been floating through my speakers, as a reminder that what goes down must come up. (This is a scientific fact according to Roberts’ Law of Emotional Physics). Until that happens, here’s a little audio bear hug courtesy of Green Light Go.

Wilco, “Wilco (The Song)” from Wilco (The Album)
The Flaming Lips, “Do You Realize??” from Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Electric Light Orchestra, “Mr. Blue Sky” from Out of the Blue
George Harrison, “Here Comes the Sun” from Let it Roll
Eels, “Beginner’s Luck” from Hombre Lobo
Modest Mouse, “Float On” from Good News for People Who Love Bad News
Nada Surf, “Always Love” from The Weight Is a Gift
Ryan Adams, “Chin Up, Cheer Up” from Demolition

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/Publicity Client Scout

Click Here to Read More..

Rosario Dawson co-stars in Neil Nathan's Video "California Run"

After NYC's Neil Nathan recorded his album, The Distance Calls, in Detroit, it hit him that the entire process had a road-trip style feel to it, which lent to his music and more importantly hit home in the single "California Run."



"I left town to make this record," says Nathan, "and I hope that the record somehow embodies that emotional journey as well." "California Run" is a love song for both a fantasy girl, the state itself and its possibilities. The memorable chorus for such a song that teeters on power-pop, folk rock and stomp, created for a video that lent itself to the pure optimistic charm of the song. Hip Video (a company that has created videos for Goldfrapp, Liars, Born Ruffians and so many more) directors Ric Serena and Vaj Potenza teamed up with Nathan for the "California Run" video, starring Neil's former roommate, actress Rosario Dawson (Harmony Korine's Kids, Men in Black II, Sin City, Grindhouse, etc.). In the video, Neil plays a hitchhiker traveling the dusty roads of California with guitar in hand, in search of his long lost dream girl. Wish we were all so lucky. The video couldn't be more perfect for the story behind the song.

"California Run" instantly make you want to get in your your car, roll the windows down, feel the fresh air and crank up the tunes while you go for an afternoon drive. That's exactly what Nathan wants you to feel when you hear the song and listen to The Distance Calls as a whole.

The Distance Calls is set for release on August 24th. Click Here to Read More..

Favorite Friday with Neil Nathan: Brendan Benson and Pizza

You might need to live in NYC to ultimately indulge in Neil Nathan's list of Favorite Fridays. But we're pretty sure you can fix yourself up something almost as good.

"NYC is like a giant carnival. Sometimes, I get on one too many rides," says Nathan. "And so it came to pass...and Dionysus proudly beamed as he looked down from Mt. Olympus. 'But wait!' said the young Jewish rock singer, 'I must complain about something to truly achieve total aural and gastronomic pleasure. The right song is necessary as well! Perhaps one of these myriad restaurants that pop up daily in this town should add the right artist or song to a recommended food and drink combo. Now that would be splendid!"

Neil Nathan's Top Five Food & Drink Combos (and the right tunes to go along)



1. Combo: Shake Shack double cheeseburger and a Goosehead IPA at Citi Field
Musical accompaniment: "Revival," Soulsavers

2. Combo: Guacamole and a Patron Margarita at Rosa Mexicano
Musical accompaniment: "Spanish Bee," The Brian Jonestown Massacre

3. Combo: Ricotella chocolate desert pizza and Pinot Grigio at San Marzano
Musical accompaniment: "Feel Like Taking You Home," Brendan Benson

4. Combo: Argentine sausage-baked eggs and a Bloody Mary at Cafe Ronda
Musical accompaniment: "Good Morning Captain," The Black Crowes

5. Combo: Guinness burger with Guinness cheese and a Boddingtons Pub Ale
Musical accompaniment: "There's a Light," Reno Bo


Follow Neil Nathan on Twitter

Like Neil Nathan on Facebook

Photo by Nicole Szalewski. Each Friday, hence the name Favorite Friday - one GLG band/artist will send us a list and comments about their "favorites" of the week. It could be a list of albums they are listening to in the van, books they are reading, guilty pleasure TV, and so on. We hope these various "favorites" will give you unique glimpse into the lives of our bands. Click Here to Read More..

Stephen Hawking: The Great Alien Debate with Alan Cohen and Neil Nathan

Stephen Hawking is arguably one of the finest geniuses of our time. The Discovery Channel obviously had to give him his own series of TV specials: Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking. A few months ago, Mr. Smarty-Pants, sorry, Professor Hawking, decided to tackle the age-old question…no, not that one, but this one: Do aliens exist? Clearly, according to Hawking they do or he wouldn’t have named this specific special “Fear the Aliens.” Many people have a different opinion on Hawking’s state of mind and “scientific” research. So we decided to have two of Green Light Go’s own musicians take their place in The Great Alien Debate.

Alan Cohen of The Alan Cohen Experience is a staunch supporter of Hawking. It was in fact Hawking’s book “A Brief History in Time,” that resulted in Cohen’s August 31 release of the concept album Space & Time. So we know that we have an automatic Hawking fan on our hands. But after Neil Nathan showed interest (albeit a bit tongue-in-cheek) in "Fear the Aliens," we thought it would be interesting (and probably humorous) to pit Nathan and Cohen’s opinions against each other in The “Friendly” Great Alien Debate. (FYI: Nathan’s new album The Distance Calls comes out August 24.)

Below are each musician’s initial reactions to "Fear the Aliens." Neither has read the other’s take until now, as you are. We henceforth encourage Nathan and Cohen to comment back and forth (feel free to stick your nose in too, ahem Michael J. Epstein) for a friendly battle of, well, is Hawking a genius or a nut?


Alan Cohen on "Fear the Aliens"

“It's easy to write off Stephen Hawking as a silly nut peddler, especially considering the stakes he has in advancing his theory of extra-terrestrial invasions: a TV show! We all know that outrageous things make for great ratings. But is there something to his argument that reaching out to alien life could be disastrous for life here on Earth? Taken at its word, his logic is clear and simple: advanced life forms that are culturally organized enough to explore space, are no doubt big consumers of materials. Digging a bit deeper, our own history provides some insight. In the entire scope of human history, no voyage of ‘exploration’ was taken without at least the possibility of ‘striking it rich.’ The European age of exploration was intimately tied to the spice trade; deep-sea exploration has ties to oil (as we all now know), and even space exploration was/is done in order to advance military technology. At every level of life, the constant force that drives us all (and this includes amoebas) is survival. Plain, good 'ole survival. Humans won't bother exploring a far-away place unless there is a survivalist reason (resources, escape from disaster, etc.). Why would aliens be any different?”

Neil Nathan on "Fear the Aliens"

“For a genius, Stephen Hawking's fear mongering about aliens who are exactly like humans - but with better technology - is beyond lame. Though it makes for arguably good television on shows like V and The X Files, and movies like Independence Day or War of The Worlds, I'd expect a bit more from our resident brainiac. I'm flabbergasted by his lack of imagination! What about some inter-dimensional possibilities or some bold statement like, ‘They're already here or have been many times and they're bored as hell with our lack of social progress. Until we get our shit together, they won't be ‘officially’ presenting themselves, because we're still just too stupid and self destructive.’ That's Prime Directive 101, Professor!”

“Simply projecting human imperial history onto the unknown is about as base as it comes. As is the belief that humans are simply a virus like Agent Smith posits in The Matrix. Hawking should stick to black holes. Of course, all these possibilities and more are almost certain realities in our limitless universe, but there's gotta be some pretty cool stuff worth chattering about too. Perhaps he should read Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke and see how civilized aliens act or even Cocoon! “

Now.......... go! Debate! Comment and play fair. Click Here to Read More..

Neutral Uke Hotel Kicks Off Mid-West and West Coast August Tour

Neutral Uke Hotel, who have been taking the world by storm with their live performances of Neutral Milk Hotel’s In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, are about to embark on a 12-city tour beginning August 16th in Cleveland. Neutral Uke Hotel isn’t your average cover band; they play this beloved album entirely on ukulele, giving the original songs a fresh, new upbeat take. Road trip anyone?

The group, made up of Shawn Fogel (vocals, ukulele), Josh Cohen (melodica), Matt Girard (trumpet), and Michael J. Epstein (baritone ukulele), have been playing sold out shows to enthusiastic crowds who are encouraged to sing along. Epstein, who also fronts The Motion Sick, said, “People were encouraged to sing, clap, and stomp along...and they weren't shy!”



Never fear, avid Neutral Milk Hotel fans, Fogel, front man of Golden Bloom, and the rest of Neutral Uke are quite reverential for Jeff Mangum’s classic. Fogel says of this project, “It’s one of my favorite records ever, and the album doesn’t just have fans. The people who love that album are obsessed with it…. The goal of the project: [is] to strip these songs down and get people in a room to share their love for this album.’’

Neutral Uke Hotel Tour Dates
8/16 Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH
8/17 Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI
8/18 Southgate HouseCincinnati, OH
8/20 Gabe's, Iowa City, IA
8/21 Kitty Cat Klub, Minneapolis, MN
8/22 The Frequency, Madison, WI
8/23/ Cosmic Charlie's, Lexington, KY
8/24 Treehouse, Columbus, OH
8/25 Mid City Caffé, Washington, DC
8/29 Luckey's, Eugene, OR
8/30 Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR
8/31 The Sunset, Seattle, WA
Click Here to Read More..

News Roundup from Magnet, Medleyville, Largehearted Boy and More

KEPX Blog posts an mp3 of "Sparks" by The White Ravens.

Bill's Music Forum posted mp3s from Sara Radle, The White Ravens, Neutral Uke Hotel, Leopold and His Fiction, Alan Cohen Experience, Gwyneth & Monko, Echo Orbiter, and Neil Nathan.

Magnet's MP3 at 3PM features Alan Cohen Experience's "Arrows of Time."
"...Cohen was inspired to write blithe, sing-along pop music while reading about heavy scientific themes explored in the book such as gravity, magnetism and black holes. 'Arrows Of Time' is a breezy summer jam about Hawking’s concept of the same name."

Neil Nathan performs live, in the Heritage Radio Network studio for their show Main Course.



San Diego: Dialed In features mp3s by Sara Radle, Neutral Uke Hotel, Leopold and His Fiction, Alan Cohen Experience, Gwyneth & Monko, Echo Orbiter, and Neil Nathan.

Medleyville features Gwyneth & Monko's Good Old Horse EP as a Quick Spin.
"The folky pair's charming five-song EP (due July 20) is sensitive and sparse, with the youthful-sounding Gwyneth Moreland leading the way as both singer and songwriter."

Metro Times' Music Blahg features The White Ravens. "Their songs come on like Ben Folds and Billy Joel taking turns sitting in with They Might Be Giants, and that’s not irony! See, Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto plays drums on the Diamond sessions and They Might Be Giants are whispering about taking the local pair for support on tour."

The Boston Phoenix posts Neutral Uke Hotel's "King of Carrot Flowers, Part 1."

Tergiversations of a Traveling Mind posts the video for "Sparks" by The White Ravens.

Largehearted Boy posts an mp3 of Sara Radle's "Song For Adam."

Leopold and His Fiction's Beerland show is listed on Ultra 8201.

Indy Concerts previews The True Jacqueline's show at The Vollrath.
"Their sound reminds me a lot of the rock beat of fellow East Coasters Vampire Weekend."

Tympanogram reviews Leopold and His Fiction's "Golden Friends," calling it "...Haunting and scratchy, and sounds as if it was conjured up in the backrooms of old Western saloons over whiskey and cigarettes."

FYI Music News reports that The White Ravens are nominated for a Toronto Indie Award in the Best International, Best USA & Best Out-Of-Province category.

The AV Club, Austin previews Leopold and His Fiction's Beerland show, "...Recent track 'Golden Friends' muddies leftover '60s mysticism with the usual Motor City muck."

Mass Live.com called The True Jacqueline's Sierra Grille show "fantastic."

Animal Foodchain posts the video for Echo Orbiter's "This Worm in Rigor Mortis."

Compiled by Kelly Bennett
Click Here to Read More..

Gwyneth & Monko Kick Off Late Summer Tour Out West

Northern California duo, Gwyneth & Monko, will bring their earnest, stripped-down blend of folk, Americana and blues when they begin the late summer leg of their 17 city Western tour through California, Oregon and Washington to celebrate the release of their first EP, Good Old Horse, due out July 20th.

Gwyneth Moreland has a voice that invokes Jenny Lewis’ solo work crossed with the intimate folk of Gillian Welch. Michael Monko accompanies her lyrical stories with trickling mandolin, steady acoustic guitar and folk accents. Together they play pure, earnest folk that would be at home in the South, even though they both call Northern California home.



Audiences can expect the same sparse instrumentation and vocals found on Good Old Horse in Gwyneth and Monko’s live show. The duo tours in an RV that serves as a temporary home on the road. The phrase “less is more,” couldn’t be more apt for Gwyneth & Monko. “We travel in a camper van that has a sink, cook top, and refrigerator,” says Gwyneth. “We both love to travel and so we view touring as away to do all our favorite things: playing music and traveling.”

Gwyneth & Monko Tour Dates
7/24/10 CD Release Show, The Cozmic Cafe & Pub, Placerville, CA
8/1/10 CD Release Show, The Rock-It Room, San Francisco, CA
8/11/10 The Rock N' Soul Café, Boulder, CO
8/13/10 The Downtown Bar, Pueblo, CO
8/14/10 Eske's Brew Pub, Taos, NM
8/15/10 Cowgirl BBQ, Santa Fe, NM
8/20/10 Dakota Lounge, Santa Monica, CA
8/21/10 Wynola Pizza Express, Julian, CA
8/23/10 The Coffee Gallery Backstage, Altadena, CA
8/24/10 Linnaea’s Café, San Luis Obispo, CA
8/24/10 San Luis Obispo, CA
8/25/10 The Pour House, Paso Robles, CA
8/26/10 The Pour House, Paso Robles, CA
8/28/10 Mendo Folk House, Mendocino, CA
8/30/10 Amnesia, San Francisco, CA
9/2/10 The Axe & Fiddle, Cottage Grove, OR
9/5/10 Sirens Pub, Port Townsend, WA
9/8/10 The Green Frog Acoustic Tavern, Bellingham, WA
9/9/10 The Mandolin Café, Tacoma, WA Click Here to Read More..

Free Music from Neil Nathan

Free EP you say? Free music? Download a free EP of your choice from New York City singer-songwriter and rocker Neil Nathan? True, true and true.

If you want to stay informed on all things Neil Nathan, and believe us, you do, go to his website at neilnathan.com, sign up for his email list and you will automatically get a free digital download of an EP of your choice. Just browse through his discography, try to narrow it down to just one EP and email Nathan at me@neilnathan.com requesting which record you'd like, and he'll send you the link to download it.

Nathan is gearing up his guitar, his jams and his sweet songwriting heart for his NYC album release party, on Tuesday, July 20 at the Highline Ballroom by offering his fans a chance to download his music for free before the show...if you hurry fast. We call this a CD release “party” because it’s a night of musical splendor we wish we could all be at. Along with Nathan performing songs from his upcoming album The Distance Calls, he will also debut his videos for “California Run” and “When The Rain Falls” while Alan Semerdjian, Featherweight and GLG’s own Golden Bloom play their own outstanding sets. Click Here to Read More..

Experimental Indie Rockers Echo Orbiter Release Euphonicmontage

Echo Orbiter cites Picasso, Ayn Rand and The Flaming Lips as influences. With this sort of input, the output is guaranteed to be intriguing. Brothers Justin and Colin Emerle have created, with their latest full-length, Euphonicmontage, an album that is as close to cubist as you can get with sound. The neo-psychedelic "collage" is due out September 28th. Musical sounds that come out of left field, fuzzed up guitars, and unexpected breakdowns that sound like gears and machines whirling out of control, are all assembled to form Echo Orbiter’s eccentric songs. Still, it's all solidly in indie rock territory.

The brothers first formed the band back in 1996, finding themselves creating music in the era and influence of Elephant 6. It was at this time that they worked with The Lilys, Kindercore Records, and shared a stage with the likes of Elf Power, Of Montreal, The Apples in Stereo and Olivia Tremor Control. The Elephant 6 spirit, which is all about independence and self-promotion, is clearly still alive in Echo Orbiter. Euphonicmontage was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Justin himself. "This record is a culmination of 15 years of experimenting with sounds, styles, structures, and arrangements and is a true leap for us, probably the biggest for us from one record to another," says Justin, "We've taken our ‘psychedelic’ and ‘artistic’ roots and completely integrated it into something truly original; that's something I'm personally proud of."



The songs that fly from Euphonicmontage were fashioned by first laying down the intricate assemblage of sounds,"...it was recorded in dozens of segments on several different recording machines and pieced together in post-production," says Justin, and then writing lyrics to match. While the song subjects are ripe with demented whimsy, “This Worm in Rigor Mortis,” for instance, it’s just as easy to get lost in the richly textured music. Covered with layers of rich sonic soundscapes, guitar effects and wonky synthesizers, Echo Orbiter has created an album they deem futuristic, but accessible.

Euphonicmontage Track Listing
1. This Worm in Rigor Mortis
2. Mouth of an Incomplete Twin
3. Bicycle Superstar
4. Renegade Path of Electrons
5. Doctor or Butcher?
6. Contract with the Devil in Salem Woods
7. A Cops and Robbers Shoot Em Up
8. Bones Burned with Swear Words
9. Gasoline Rainbow
10. A No-Headed Magician Born in Philly Today
11. Bleeding Edge of the Papercut
12. Croydon Race Society
Click Here to Read More..