While Uncle Joe is best known as one of America's top Classic Rock historians, throughout his 38-year career he's always been acutely aware of current trends in the music industry. Indeed, Classic Rock itself was the finest new music of its day, composed and performed by artists at their creative peak. For a scholarly insight into today's trends, J.B. presents Rave's Raves.
Rave's Raves are composed by Bruce Ravid, a veteran of Capitol Record's A&R Department and in no way reflect the official viewpoint of Uncle Joe, his staff or management. They are written from Rave's industry viewpoint, originally for friends within the music business, but now shared with the world. New editions appear in April/May, August/September, and December with occasional updates in between. Enjoy!
March 2006
***RAVE'S RAVES #25.2***
SXSW
If you have never attended SXSW, you'll probably be amazed and inspired as you are surrounded by 10,000 full attendees, 1,400 bands, and another 4,000 music fans, who purchase wrist bands that allow them into venues on a space available basis. To have all these passionate people within a few square miles is in itself an enlightening experience. It was impossible to see all of the bands on my list, and I can't possibly cover all of the bands I did see in this context. Here are some highlights.
Neil Young provided a humorous, down to earth keynote to an adoring, overflow crowd. Two better known bands that received unanimous raves were New Pornographers and Belle & Sebastian. Arctic Monkeys were the most talked about group, but there was surprisingly little buzz following their Friday night showcase. The Beastie Boys were interviewed in a Convention Center ballroom and later delighted lucky fans at a surprise appearance. Australia's Wolfmother reproduced their album well. I expect big things for them in America because the fact is that our market continues to devour hard rock. This is a good band in the right place at the right time. The Editors from England were really a pleasant surprise because I feared that they would be yet another new wave knock off. This is a band with great energy, musicianship, melodies and charisma. They should easily build on the nice domestic buzz they're already generated. Nine Black Alps were very powerful and have some songs that are stronger than the radio track "Cosmopolitan." They're only scratching the surface over here, but this U.K. band's tour should help them immensely. Britain's Go! Team's 1am set was a tonic that kept everyone wide awake. Cartwheels and all, they are so visual, refreshing, and unique. New Zealand's Datsuns blasted through their borderline metal set. Their second album was a disappointment, but this showcase gives me hope that their 3rd album will put them back in the game. I'm glad that I finally got to see The Living End from Australia. Another Brit band, The Fratellis were a fresh discovery for me. I only caught their last four songs, but lots of people were feeling that they'd uncovered a nugget. The Grates from Australia are pleasing and were just signed by Interscope for their quirky approach and interesting melodies. The Hellacopters from Stockholm put on an impressive metal show, while Dropping Daylight from Minneapolis sound like they're headed for mainstream alternative radio. I didn't get to see new faves The Subways, but the good news is that they're in L.A. this Thursday so I'll be posting a review next time in Raves #26.
There were naturally some disappointments. One of them was Dirty Pretty Things, led by x-Libertine guitarist Carl Barat. They're harder edged but lack melodies or uniqueness. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah were highly anticipated but I just don't see major success for them. Out of my massive respect for Morrissey, I caught his show. Fans of the suave crooner came away happy. Two other current Rave's Faves played. Like many bands, Art Brut gigged about six times during the festival so they were a tired and ragged by Saturday. They didn't match the magic of their November L.A. debut, but they were still energetic and funny. Great news: Their CD finally gets a domestic release on May 9. Goldfrapp has a great band and a wonderful new album. In her videos she's sexy in a Gwen Stefani way, but her Stevie Nicks stage moves don't quite compute. Lots of Brit and Aussie bands listed here, which isn't surprising since most of the bands currently exciting me are from elsewhere.
If you are thinking of attending next year for the first time, bring the most comfortable shoes that you've got. You'll hear four days of good music and you'll talk with cool people. Keep in mind though, that this event isn't as communal as most music festivals. It still is a trade show. Industry people and bands will have busy schedules and have their game faces on most of the time. You'll rarely see many of them just sitting around. The conference itself is efficiently run by people with good attitudes. Hope to see you there.
RAVE ON!!!
March 2006
***RAVE'S RAVES #25.1***
MY "GO DEEP" WEBCAST
I'm very proud to announce my Rave's Raves website and "Go Deep" webcast. Radio has been a passion of mine since I was in 6th grade, and it's the reason I got into the music business. While I continue to do similar shows at places like WSUM in Madison, I've been wanting to put my "Go Deep" concept on the air. I'll mostly play bands familiar to indie rock fans, but I'll play tracks they probably haven't heard unless they have the CD. Occasionally, I might spin a live version or a remix of a well-known tune. This will be a great tool for fans who want to become more familiar with newer bands that they're considering. My new website, www.ravesraves.com, provides links to the show as well as to this column. Thanks to my buddy Lee Lodyga for the "Go Deep" title, which makes us think of sex, sports, and rock and roll.
RAVE'S FAVES (on the air since December)
Arctic Monkeys (various), Wolfmother, The Sounds, Rob Zombie, Elbow (various), Oakenfold, The Lashes.
The super first track from Sydney's Wolfmother is somewhat in the hard-70's vein of Jet. The band are Top 10 at home and their full-length drops here in May. The Sounds from Sweden also have a promising beginning to their latest. Zombie's "Foxy Foxy" sounds like a nice old glam song. Elbow's prior albums haven't moved me much, but the group is very musical and have gained a bit of edge on this one. Oakenfold has a hot single that precedes his newest CD, and The Lashes have a lighter pop rocker that is getting some play following their exposure on The OC. See their live review below. Veteran readers know that there are normally more "faves" listed. It's been a lean beginning to 2006, in my estimation.
ARCTIC MONKEYS
The Arctics had an impressive debut at #24 on Billboard with about 34,000 units sold. Of course, this was nothing like their record-shattering U.K. debut. I quite like the album and continue to feel these guys are for real, although not all of the CD matches their live exuberance. Singer Alex Turner has shown that he is quite a prolific writer of lyrics, and he's got great insight for guy of 20.
LIVE
L.A.'s She Wants Revenge had a triumphant sold-out show at the El Rey Theatre. They played great and, unlike many new bands, they showed that they can mix it up with various styles and tempos. They had a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live that didn't capture their live energy. The Lashes are a nice band that haven't mastered this art of variation. On a stand alone basis, most of the their tunes work, but they're a jack of one trade when it comes to a live set. Even their hooky radio single was sped up and hardened up to the point where it didn't stand out at all. Many baby bands miss the point that if they have a big song, they need to make sure that the tune is truly highlighted. The Thomas Dolby and Knack shows are mentioned in the 80's Colleagues section below. I will be attending South By Southwest and will post a special conference recap after I return to L.A.
80'S COLLEAGUES
It was wonderful seeing Thomas Dolby's return to live action with his highly improvised solo show at L.A.'s House of Blues. Tom wasn't heavily promoted on a bill with Dramarama and The English Beat, but a few hundred people seemed to have purchased tickets mostly for him. The overall reaction was warm and gratifying. Thomas will play more Southern California dates in April, and this time he'll have a full set. Let's hope that he decides to get more active and record again. There are many current performers in the electronic genre who have the utmost respect for Thomas. The Knack had a great Valentine's Day performance on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Iron Maiden will have a new studio album out later this year.
...and...
That does it for this installment of Raves. You'll hear from me following South By Southwest and again around May 1. Meanwhile, let me hear from you as I always enjoy input. Please make sure you mention these Raves in the subject line. Until late March, enjoy life and...
RAVE ON!!!
December 2005
***RAVE'S RAVES #25***
RAVE'S FAVES (on the air)
Art Brut (various), Hard-Fi, The Strokes, Gorillaz, Franz Ferdinand (various), The Subways, Arctic Monkeys (various), She Wants Revenge, Living Things, Ladytron, Morningwood, Avenged Sevenfold, The 88 (various), Nightmare of Your Life, The Briefs, Paul Van Dyke, Coldplay.
Above songs are singles unless otherwise noted. Art Brut has become one of my favorite new bands. This is an import but they're getting played by some trend-setting stations and DJ's. The group is very British — maybe too much so for major American success, but I expect they'll see a domestic release in 2006 (see live review below). Hard-Fi's "Cash Machine" just gut a huge add at L.A.'s KROQ where it's getting loads of requests. I hear no reason why mainstream alternative stations can't play it, and I expect big things for this track early next year. I wrote earlier that Hard-Fi came into LA as an opening act and left people talking about them for weeks. I understand that Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn is working on new Blur material. As much as I enjoy the Franz album, I'm not sure they have a follow-up single unless they try the softer "Eleanor." The Subways from England are gaining national airplay while L.A.'s She Wants Revenge are getting spins and requests at all three L.A. rock stations. Their "Tear You Apart" sounds like a harder Interpol and is now starting to spread to other markets. Meanwhile, Arctic Monkeys debuted at #1 in the U.K. and are gaining domestic import play. Their full-length album will be released in early 2006. See their live review below. Living Things were produced by Steve Albini and are now Top 25 in national airplay. The metal-laced Avenged Sevenfold are also doing very well. The 88 are growing on me. I've friends who absolutely swear by this Brit-sounding band from L.A. Indie 103.1 is high on cool melodic tracks by The Briefs from Seattle and Vancouver's Nightmare of Your Life. Electronica DJ Van Dyke finally has a tune accessible enough for rock radio consideration. Honorable mentions go to Magic Numbers and Goldfrapp. The Numbers are developing a nice little cult and it looks like the British dance/electronica/rocking Allison Goldfrapp may become a star. I hear that some people in London are calling Madonna "Oldfrapp."
RAVE'S TOP FIVE AIRPLAY FAVES AND
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF 2005
#1. Insert your favorite Green Day song here.
#2. Franz Ferdinand: "Do You Want To"
#3. Graham Coxon: "Freakin' Out"
#4. Kasabian: "L.S.F."
#5. The Strokes: "Juicebox"
Green Day surpassed everybody this year. Everything about them was top-notch and it was all done with integrity as well as passion. "Holiday" was the best airplay track for me, but the whole album was consistent. Their latest achievement is that the 9-minute "Jesus of Suburbia" is now a radio hit. I wrote that the Franz single had enough hooks to fill a closet. It turned out that this delightful tune didn't have "the hook," as the single only achieved moderate success. The Coxon and Kasabian tracks provided warm Spring and Summer vibes while The Strokes' "Juicebox" shows promise for their January 3 CD release. The Strokes say that they dashed to the studio as soon as they came up with that riff. Honorable mentions go to "Black and White Town" by Doves, "Trashcan" by Raveonettes, and LCD Soundsystem's "Tribulations."... Favorite CD's were by Bloc Party, Franz, Kaiser Chiefs, Kasabian, Go! Team, Spoon, Nine Inch Nails and LCD Soundsystem... The most memorable live shows by baby bands were Arcade Fire, Art Brut, and Arctic Monkeys. No alliteration intended, I swear!
STATE OF INDIE ROCK
The genre continues to grow and the music's fine, but sales simply aren't following through. No 2005 albums came close to the success of the 2004 Franz and The Killers releases. Popular as the new Franz CD is, it's in danger of dropping completely off of the Billboard 200. One must hope that touring and continued airplay will maintain some momentum for the guys. Indie still needs to find a way to develop attitude and to connect with more rock fans. If something is too British or too quirky, it seems to literally fall on deaf ears. Maybe it's telling that none of my Top Five would have landed in 2004's Top Five. The more predictable emo and metal stuff continues to work. Good bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and Avenged Sevenfold continue their assaults while the more established harder artists remain on top.
LIVE
L.A.'s Spaceland hosted the U.K.'s hottest new band, Arctic Monkeys. I think these guys are for real, and most of the packed crowd responded well. The Monkeys are high energy with good playing, good looks, and good songwriting. They're rough around the edges, but at 19, there's time for them to grow. While they don't currently have a "Take Me Out" or a "Somebody Told Me," they have the potential to write one. British teens look at these guys as a band that they can call their own. San Francisco's Every Move A Picture opened. Just signed to V2 and in the vein of The Bravery, they've grown by miles since I saw them last December. This gig alone should have made Spaceland's week, but England's Art Brut made their L.A. debut the prior night. Leader and ex-goth Eddie Argos doesn't sing or rap; he usually converses in speaking tones. The band is good and the tunes charming. Argos seems like the kind of bloke who comically trudges around his flat in underwear and thongs, with a unique take on everything. A magic moment came when they played their hooky "Movin' To LA." They'd waited 7 years to play it in L.A. and the crowd made it worth the wait for the band. I hope Art Brut sign a U.S. deal because they deserve a shot even if they're not mainstream. managed to catch the effervescent Hot Hot Heat at The Roxy in Atlanta. I still feel this is a nice band that needs to continuing growing in all regards with their next release and tour, in order to really become a major factor. It was back to Spaceland to see The Vacation. This local band has gotten heavy Indie 103.1 support and achieved Rave's Faves status. Their album will be released in March on producer Rick Rubin's label. These guys show promise in the studio, but the live show lacked feeling. In my last edition, I inadvertantly omitted the October Black Rebel Motorcycle Club show at Hollywood's Avalon. I've wanted to see BRMC for a long time and found them to be a great live band. Most of us in the crowd were disappointed if not surprised, that the set mirrored their mellower third album. The few harder, older tunes were by far the highlights. Perhaps this softer album and tour are setting them up for better things. The band continues to increase it's profile. As L.A. movie producer/D.J./writer Chris Carter puts it, BRMC are not predictable, as they might have become if their third album was more like the first two highly-acclaimed but unsuccessful harder albums. There is still a strong buzz following Nine Inch Nails' triumphant appearance at the two-night KROQ Almost Accoustic Christmas.
80'S COLLEAGUES
Thomas Dolby never toured much, but he's playing three late-January SoCal dates with the English Beat and Dramarama. This will be a rare treat for his fans, and I'll see him at L.A.'s House of Blues. Thomas says he'll go solo and play six or seven older tunes, including "Leipzig and Flying North." He may link some unique equipment to his softsynths and build the grooves as he goes along... They say every rocker over 35 remembers where he was the night John Lennon was killed. I was at the home of The Knack's Doug Fieger and (his) Sharona when the bulletin interrupted Monday Night Football. We were devastated, of course. Lennon's impact was massive, but Doug modeled his life after him in some ways so the news hit Doug even harder. After a period of mourning, we headed out to have the best dinner we could have in order to celebrate Lennon's life and music. I remember that the restaurant was eerily quiet. Doug has always been extremely articulate, and I felt almost as if I was sharing the experience with a relative of John's.
...and...
If you read this before Christmas, make sure you check to see if Uncle Joe's Rockin' Christmas is being broadcast in your town. It's always a treat and you won't want to miss it. It's hard to believe these Raves have been around for eight years; and thanks to Uncle Joe for hosting this column since the late 90's! I wish you great holidays, and let's hope for loads of great music in 2006. Please write with your input, and please remember to put "Raves" in the subject line of any message you send. Until late February...