Pick of the Day 1/31/08

I'm really excited for some of the acts coming up this weekend, and the whole thing starts off with a bang.

JJ Grey & Mofro @ Zydeco

Admission: $15
Go Time: 9:00 p.m.



Let me be absolutely clear about this: JJ Grey & Mofro drip soul in funktastic ways that many of us will never be capable of. They make me wanna raise up my hands and break out in ecstatic dancing. These guys played Bonnaroo, opened for Widespread Panic, Ben Harper and B.B. King, and you can see them for a mere pittance here in your backyard. If you like being moved by your music (to laughter, to dance, to tears), be there.

Honorable Mention: Greyboy Allstars / Back Door Slam @ Workplay

Video of the Day 1/31/08

Somebody needs to make some honest to goodness videos for this man. Live footage is great, but these songs tell great stories, and I want visual accompaniment!

JJ Grey and Mofro - Fireflies

Concert Poster of the Day 1/31/08

Concert posters really are great pop art. I love the way they can color your view of an artist before you ever even hear them, even though the poster itself is not usually creatively attached to the musician it covers.

Mofro (Freebird Live '06)

Pick of the Day 1/30/08

Since Monday's pick was not a movie this week, I thought it would be appropriate to pick this cinematic excursion:

Sidewalk Film Festival Presents: An Evening Of Short Films @ BottleTree

Admission: 5$
Go Time: 7PM



It's not free like other movies at Bottletree, but short films rule, so open you wallet. There will be a lot of local favorites from past Sidewalk festivals, so if you've attended any of those, this might be a long awaited second chance to see 'em.

Video of the Day 1/30/08

I could show a really great short film in honor of today's pick, but instead I'm going to show you one of my favorite pieces of inanity:

Blackhole Television - Grover Does Du Hast

I know it's the same joke for four minutes, but it always tickles me a bit.

Concert Poster of the Day 1/30/08

No connections to the other picks today, just a great poster from a great band.

Queens of the Stone Age (Rams Head Live '07)

Pick of the Day 1/29/08

Workplay has really been pulling out all the stops recently, and tonight is no exception.

Jesse Harris @ Workplay

Admission: 12$
Zero Hour: 8PM



Jesse Harris plays gentle music. This is soothing stuff, from the breathy vocals to the tumbling percussion, with the occasional funkitude thrown in to keep your pulse above coma mode. In short: it ain't thrashin', it's toe-tappin'.

Video of the Day 1/29/08

Here's a little more Jesse Harris. I'm so glad the t-shirt gag was building up to something, even if that something is a little underwhelming. It's like the "orange you glad I didn't say banana again" punchline.

Jesse Harris - Feel

Concert Poster of the Day 1/29/08

I couldn't find a solo Jesse Harris, but I really liked this one. Severed robot arms really do it for me.

Jesse Harris (New American Songwriter Tour '07)

Pick of the Day 1/28/08

Monday means Movie Night right? Not tonight! For once, Bottletree's free movie series gets eclipsed by an actual musical event!

Tim Reynolds Three @ Workplay

Admission: 18$
Get There: 8PM



You've all heard of Tim Reynolds, ok? He's "that guy who played with Dave Matthews Band". I'm sure he would cringe if he heard that, and rightfully so, because he's an incredibly accomplished guitarist deserving of his own accolades. If you don't mind your shows lyrics light, than come out.

Video of the Day 1/28/08

I thought I'd post another Professor Brothers vid:

Professor Brothers - JFK

My brain is melting.

Concert Poster of the Day 1/28/08

When in doubt, go to the Kings.

Kings of Leon (Vector Arena '08)

Pick of the Day 1/27/08

It always surprises me when Sunday has all the great shows. Today's pick was really difficult, and in the end I'm going with the one that really hit me in the gut:

Ingrid Michaelson @ Workplay

Admission: 12$
Be There: 8PM



I have a feeling I will be listening to Ingrid Michaelson for a long time. Her songs are good from the get go. They are constantly morphing, emotionally weighty pieces of magic. Her voice is at once powerful and soft, haunting and uplifting. You should go. Don't take my word for it, though, have a listen for yourself.

Video of the Day 1/27/08

More Ingrid Michaelson. Soak it in.

Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am

Concert Poster of the Day 1/27/08

Hopefully Ingrid will have some cool solo posters in the near future, but for now here's one with her sharing the bill with Ben Kweller:

Ben Kweller & Ingrid Michaelson (Mojos '07)

Pick of the Day 1/26/08

Just Pick 'em already!

Sorry Lee Harvey @ Gable Square Saloon

Admission: FREE!
Zero Hour: 8 p.m.









I may be going out on a limb here, because Sorry Lee Harvey are as rough around the edges as it comes. They’re about as genuine a garage band as I’ve heard in a long time, and that includes a certain level of slop, but as I sat there listening to them I kept wanting to hear just a little more. That’s a remarkably good sign, for those of you keeping score, so up they go. These guys are playing Workplay in a little while, and that show is gauranteed not to be free, so take advantage now.

Honorable Mentions:

Punkfest 2008 @ Cave 9
NoJaboinga @ The Nick

Video of the Day 1/26/08

Primus! One of the weirdest bands of all time, and I love 'em for it.

Primus - Winona's Big Brown Beaver

Concert Poster of the Day 1/26/08

I thought I had seen most of the great old Who posters, but I just found this one:

The Who (The Young Vic '71)

Pick of the Day 1/25/08

Hi there. Everybody up and about? Good, then you're ready for some picks.

Roman Gabriel Todd’s Beast Rising Up Out Of The Sea / Baak Gwai @ Bottletree

Admission: 9$
Go Time: 9PM



It’s hard to tell if Roman Gabriel Todd’s Beast Rising Up Out Of The Sea is pulling a fast one on us all. This music would be hardcore if it wasn’t completely amorphous and sung by a guy who could be my grandpa. This is noise rock at it’s most unapproachable core. I could probably make something comparable by going into my garage and having a violent epileptic fit, but somehow it wouldn’t catch quite the same level of structured cacophony. This band is worth catching for the novelty alone, but they might just rearrange your entire DNA structure, who knows?

I've featured Baak Gwai a number of times. Have you been to see them yet? If not, make sure you get down there this time. These guys are some of the best rock to be had ’round these parts, and every show you miss will be one for which you kick yourself later. I ain’t lying.

Video of the Day 1/25/08

I wanted to give y'all a little more heads up about what you might be getting into this evening at Bottletree. Though this clip doesn't contain any screaming Uncle Joe, it's still a pretty good representation of RGTBRUOOTS.

Roman Gabriel Todd's Beast Rising Up Out Of The Sea - The Humbling

Concert Poster of the Day 1/25/08

Here's hoping these guys put out a new album soon! I still love the old one, but I have a hankering for some more.

Wolfmother (Gypsy Tea Room '06)

Pick of the Day 1/24/08

Here we go again. Another weekend is upon us, and that means it's time to put your nice t-shirt on and step out the door for:

Through the Sparks / Kristy Kruger @ Bottletree

Admission: $8
Go Time: 8:00 p.m.




Through the Sparks are one of the few bands signed to local label Skybucket Records. They are a constant presence at the clubs here in Birmingham, so chances are you’ve already seen a show of theirs. If not, you’re missing out on the goods. These guys intertwine hazy organs and honky-tonk keys with indie style guitars and end up with a brew all their own. It’s hard to pigeon-hole, but easy to listen to.

Kristy Kruger sounds like she should be coming through the tinny speaker of a gramophone. She plays lonesome music, the auditory equivalent of a storm gathering. Just when I think I’ve got her figured out, she slips in a devious little change. She’s channeling Tom Waits a bit, and she’s surrounded herself with the same apocalyptic jug band feel that a lot of his work has in spades.

Video of the Day 1/24/08

Here's a feel-good song about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Through the Sparks - Falling Out of Favor With the Neighbors

Concert Poster of the Day 1/24/08

This is the concert poster for tonight's event. You've probably seen it plastered about town.

Through the Sparks (Bottletree '08)

Bill Frisell Show Cancelled

Sorry all, but the Bill Frisell Show has been cancelled at the last minute. I suggest you check out the Pink Floyd cover band The Machine @ Workplay.

Photos: The Nick 1/20/08

I was one of only a handful of people who showed up for this show. Too bad for the rest of you. Here's a taste of what y'all missed.

Pick of the Day 1/23/08

Wednesday arrives with a pocket full of legendary guitar hero (flesh not pixels):

The Bill Frisell Trio @ Bottletree

Admission: 25$
It's On: 9:30 PM



By the way, when I say guitar hero, I'm not talking grinding out riffs. I'm talking long tasty grooves full of shifting patterns you just wanna wrap yourself up in like a blanket. This is a great mulling band. Music to think to. I know it's a hefty price, but if you pony up it'll be worth the moolah.

Video of the Day 1/23/08

Bill Frisell may be playing with his trio tonight, but here's a video that proves he doesn't need anybody but himself.

Bill Frisell - Keep Your Eyes Open LIVE

Concert Poster of the Day 1/23/08

Oh glorious Technicolor bloodspattery, how I love your acid flashback sneak attack. Let me count the ways:

The Bill Frisell Trio (Bijou Theatre '06)

Pick of the Day 1/22/08

Not much choice in the air tonight. There's a few open mics, and:

The Pine Box Boys @ The Nick

Admission: 7$
Go Time: 10PM



These four gentleman may be from San Fransisco, but they play old time, barn-burning music Charlie Daniels style. Energetic, bearded and mischevious, they should have you up and bobbing in no time. It takes serious stones to be an acoustic band who writes songs about killing people.

Video of the Day 1/22/08

Howdy and hey there. Videos, you say? Well I might just have one up my sleeve:

The Pine Box Boys - Mr. Skeleton

Concert Poster of the Day 1/22/08

Got a double dose for you today. The Belly Up is another venue you can count on for great posters.

Toots and the Maytals (Belly Up '07) #1

Toots and the Maytals (Belly Up '07) #2

Pick of the Day 1/21/08

It's Monday, and for the time being that means Movies!

THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK @ Bottletree

Admission: Free
Go Time: 8PM



This film is a documentary about San Fransisco's first openly gay supervisor, Harvey Milk, who was assassinated along with the mayor at City Hall. It won Best Documentary Film in 1985.

Video of the Day 1/21/08

Here's a preview of tonight's Bottletree Movie Night selection:

The Times of Harvey Milk -- Preview

Concert Poster of the Day 1/21/08

This is one of my favorite Bottletree posters.

Brightblack & Morninglight (Bottletree '07)

Pick of the Day 1/20/08

I know the world was recently dusted by that terrifying substance called "snow", but don't let that deter you from attending tonights pick:

Sons of Roswell / Hank Vegas @ The Nick

Go Time: 10 PM
Admission: 7$



I wrote up a whole profile recently on Sons of Roswell, so check that out for more info on why those guys are awesome. Hank Vegas sounds like R.E.M. after they've been stranded in the desert and forced to eat Michael Stipe.

Video of the Day 1/20/08

We went Youtubing last night with a friend, and he introduced me to this gem:

George Washington - Professor Brothers

Concert Poster of the Day 1/20/08

Shepherd's Dog is fast becoming one of my favorite albums, and in honor of its greatness, I'm throwing up this poster:

Iron and Wine (Sasquatch Festival '06)

Sons of Roswell Profile

This article was created for bhamterminal.com.

Some days I wish I’d been born a few decades earlier. There was a time when you could turn on the radio and hear excellent music from all walks, instead of the focus-grouped crapola that gets shoveled through the airwaves these days. Now, unless you want to consume what’s being spoonfed to you, it is necessary to go out into the world and search out the good stuff yourself. Thank the lizard for the internet. Allow me to point you in the direction of Sons of Roswell, fellow searchers.

These four fellas from Muscle Shoals play the best authentic rock music I’ve heard in a long time. They’ve got power and attitude to spare. Formed in 2005 in the sweat-soaked interior of an auto-body shop, Sons of Roswell have quickly become one of the rising stars of today’s rock n’ roll scene. With a comfortably classic sound that’s also got a fresh taste to it, they’ve been storming down doors in the South East, and people are beginning to take notice. They were Coke’s “Artist of the Month” last year, though they didn’t receive any free cokes. What’s up with that Coca-Cola? The least you can do is keep your bands caffeinated! They’re currently engaged in a regional tour, and will be stopping in Birmingham a few times. I got their self-titled LP at a Bottletree show a few weeks ago, and I don’t foresee removing it from constant rotation any time soon.

The disc is frontloaded with tasty grooves and memorable hooks. It’s got the riffs and it’s got the melodies! There really isn’t a song that I dislike on the album, though it gets a little muddy in the middle. It’s got what counts though, a kick-ass start and a strong finish. The best of the bunch is a feel-good track called “Losin’ My Mind”, and I’ve been waking up with it already stuck in my mind. Singer Kevin Keenum can vault his pipes up into the Robert Plant stratosphere, but he’s also a smooth crooner. Either way, he sings the lyrics as if his soul depended on it, and why shouldn’t he, he wrote ‘em. I’ve had enough of these whiny indie vocalists who sound bored with themselves. The rest of the band ain’t no bunch of slouches either. Jay Burgess can lick it up with the best of ‘em, and Chris James holds down the low end while holding up the melody. I’ve loved melodic bass lines since I heard the Kings of Leon do it, and Chris pulls it off well. Pulling it all together is J.D. McCorkle. McCorkle plays the skins with such wild abandon I was afraid his arms might detach, but he kept it tight the whole time! That’s just what I like to see in rock drummer. In short, all pieces of Sons of Roswell are breaking it down in full tilt mode. You owe it to your hear-holes to get out to see them as soon as possible.

Good thing they’re playing this Sunday at The Nick then! The show starts at 10 p.m., and I don’t want to hear any whining about having to work in the morning. If you absolutely must miss it, and I’m talking family emergency here, than you can come out to The Nick on February 23. That date is a Saturday, so you’ll really have no excuse. See you at either, cause I’ll be at both.

This post was written by Sam George and brought to you by r3vrb.com and the color blue.

Pick of the Day 1/19/08

Here's today's picks for ya!

The Lab Rats / Teen Getaway @ Bottletree

Admission: $10
Zero Hour: 8 p.m.


The Lab Rats sound is full of tumbling rhymes and eerie playground melodies. The lyrics echo the daily doldrums of a working-class lifestyle, but the music conjured by these two multi-instrumentalists evokes nightmare carnival shadowscapes. But it’s all in good fun! Wipe that frown off and plaster a smile up there. A least you can dance while the truth goes down.

The name Teen Getaway made me think I was gonna get some bubblegum when I loaded their page up, and while they do play some upbeat stuff, this ain’t no childish noodling. It’s rock for adults. You hear that kiddies? Stay tucked. Seriously though, this is one Birmingham band you should all be paying attention to. It’s nice to see a rock act side by side with some hip-hop. Can’t we all just get along?


Honorable Mentions:

Foo Fighters @ BJCC
North Mississippi Allstars w/ Alvin Youngblood Hart @ Workplay
Unknown Hinson @ Zydeco

One final thing. Click that Unknown Hinson link just above this. It’ll be worth your while to witness what a psychopath this guy is. I actually spent a few minutes trying to figure out if the guy was wearing a mask or not (he’s not!)

Video of the Day 1/18/08

This is some of the best new hip-hop I've heard, for real.

The Lab Rats - Devil's Train

Concert Poster of the Day 1/19/08

This one makes me laugh and laugh. It also reminds of Calvin and Hobbes for some reason.

The Lab Rats (Skully's '07)

Pick of the Day 1/18/08

Pick Time!

The Dexateens @ The Nick

Admission: $7
Go Time: 10 p.m.








According to The Dexateens, they play a brand of southern fried goodness known as “skillet rock”, a brand of teeth-kickin’, whiskey driven, foot-stomperism that’s sure to keep you out of your chair, if you’re still sober enough to stand. Which, at The Nick, can be a real issue. My suggestion is to grab hold of the nearest wall and stake yourself some lean space. That way, when The Dexateens really start to melt, you’ll have something to hold you up.

Video of the Day 1/18/08

I put this track on in Rennaisance Records the other day and everybody in the store started to dance. Press play and see what happens to your feet.

Sam and Dave - Hold On I'm Coming LIVE

Concert Poster of the Day 1/18/08

Dexawhat? Dexawho? Dexateens!

The Dexateens (Boo Radley's '05)

Pick of the Day 1/17/08

Today's Picks are:

Wess Floyd / Grace Potter and the Nocturnals / Brandi Shearer / Wess Floyd (Again!) @ Workplay

Admission: $12
Go Time: 6:30 p.m.

First off: The Wess Floyd parts of the show are in the Workplay bar and they are FREE!!!! Did I put enough exclamation points after that? Now you can get your pre-show and post-show buzz on while listening to good music and not just waiting for it and reminiscing over it. Wess is a former Dothan resident, but he's been tearing it up in Nashville for a while now. He peddles a comforting brand of country tinged roots-rock. You buying?

Grace Porter's got a rock n' roll soul, and it shines through. With the help of her band, The Nocturnals, she's out to prove that Vermont isn't just about jam. She's played with Taj Mahal, rocked out at Bonnaroo, and she's got a terrific rock scream. Also, she plays a Hammond B3. What more do you want, people!



An honest to goodness Oregon farm girl, Brandi Shearer escaped from her one-room schoolhouse of a past and into the bohemian embrace of Europe, where she discovered Billy Holiday and hair-care. Now she's amended her ex-pat ways and returned to the fold. She brings with her a sense of mystique, a sultry voice, and solid song-writing chops. Come get you some.



Honorable Mention: George Strait / Little Big Town @ BJCC

Video of the Day 1/17/08

This one is a slow starter, so give it a chance. The rewards are bountiful, I assure you.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Nothing But the Water LIVE @ Boston Music Awards

Concert Poster of the Day 1/17/08

Ahh, the beloved Fillmore series, when have you ever done me wrong?

Govt Mule & Grace Potter (Fillmore '07)

Pick of the Day 1/16/08

Seriously folks, I can't believe I'm saying this, but here goes: Stay home. There is nothing out there for you tonight that will be worthwhile in any way.

Video of the Day 1/16/08

Since I have left you with no Pick for today, it's only fair that I provide you with an alternative. Go ahead and pop the blue pill, sit back and enjoy this Pink Floyd Show, live and in it's entirety.

Pink Floyd Live (Full Concert)

Concert Poster of the Day 1/16/08

Why did they try and cram so much stuff into these old posters. Leave no inch unfilled!

Pink Floyd (Queen Elizabeth Hall)

Pick of the Day 1/15/08

It Tuesday, an odd day to book a big name band, but that's this mad-cap world for you. Today's pick has been around for most of my life:

Yo La Tengo / Kurt Wagner (of Lambchop) @ Workplay

Admission: 20$
Be There: 9PM



It's hard to tell you what this show is going to sound like, because husband and wife + one group Yo La Tengo have created so many different textures in the course of their long career that there is no telling which ones they might pull out of the bag tonight. I will tell you this: you won't be bored. Neither will you be bored by Mr. Kurt Wagner, the anchor in an ever-shifting lineup of musicians in the Nashville collective Lampchop. He's another one with variety up his sleeve. He could be somber, he could have you toe-tappin'. Guess you'll just have to go find out.

Honorable Mention: The Pendletons / Butane Variations / The White Oaks @ Bottletree

Seriously, I almost couldn't pick between these two. Either one is a winner for sure.

Video of the Day 1/15/08

For the first time ever, I am going to include two videos in this post. I want to illustrate what I said in the Pick of the Day post about Yo La Tengo's many sides. This first video shows how hard they can rock:

Yo La Tengo - Today Is The Day

This second video shows how soft they can bop:

Yo La Tengo - Mr. Tough

Concert Poster of the Day 1/15/08

I'm going to get some more coffee, so....here it is:

Yo La Tengo (Vera '06)

Pick of the Day 1/14/08

What's cheaper than a multiplex, with booze to boot? Movie Night at Bottletree! Stop feeding the Rave machine. They don't care about you.

Movie Night: Respect Yourself (The Story of Stax Records) @ Bottletree

Admission: FREE fool!
Zero Hour: 8PM



For anyone who likes music (I'm looking at you, everyone) this is a must see. Respect Yourself tells the story of the maligned and magnificent Stax Records, home of Booker T. and the MG's, Otis Redding and Issac Hayes. You owe yourself the chance to check it out, especially now that Stax has re-opened it's doors and is putting out new material as well as reissues of some of it's classic hits.

Video of the Day 1/14/08

Here's a preview of Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story. Watch and learn, people.

Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story

Concert Poster of the Day 1/14/08

I thought a poster by a Stax artist would be appropriate, especially one who just resigned to Stax. So here we are staring at Isaac. He's got such a glower on his mug. Or maybe he's just lookin' sexy for the ladies.

Isaac Hayes (SoBro Lot '04)

Photos: Bottletree 1/11/08

This show kicked all my expectations in the nuts. Taylor was minus his bass player, and he still rocked socks. The Whigs mentioned that they "didn't think this many people lived in Birmingham" and that it was the largest crowd they'd played for here "by, like, fifteen times.". Guess the word got out! I wonder how that happened (nudge, nudge)? Here's some shots. I took a few artistic liberties.

Pick of the Day 1/13/08

Hey all. I'm pretty burnt right now. Life's been hectic what with workin' three jobs and running a website. The only thing between me and dreamland right now is these picks, so I'm gonna be briefer than usual (so brief!).

Big Head Todd and the Monsters @ Workplay

Admission: 20$
Starts: 7PM



Chances are, if you are a Big Head Todd and the Monsters fan (toddler?), you already knew this show was going on. For all you other folks, BHTM have been around since the late eighties. You probably know songs of theirs and don't even realize it. Click the link and have a listen. You may find you're already a fan.

Video of the Day 1/13/08

Big. Head. Todd. Monsters! ....Sorry, I'm so tired, I'm getting a little punchy. Here you go:

Big Head Todd and the Monsters - Resignation Superman

Concert Poster of the Day 1/13/08

Ha ha! I didn't pick Bog Head Tedd for the poster. I mean Bag Headed Toad. You know what I mean. Beware the Death's Head Lady Bug!

Pixies (Cepsum '04)

Pick of the Day 1/12/08

There are a few other bands on the bill with Baak Gwai tonight, but I don’t really feel like talking about them. What I do feel like talking about is how much I like Baak Gwai.

Baak Gwai @ The Nick

Admission: $10
Be There: 10 p.m.



These guys play infectious, textured rock and are yet another check on the list of things that prove Birmingham has a vibrant music scene. Check out the song “fraggle” on their myspace page. It’s on heavy rotation in my sub-conscious.