Recorded on Halloween night in 1981, it's certainly a nice time warp that sounds pretty good for the time period.  As any good live release should hope to accomplish, Live! Beg, Borrow & Steal puts you right in the crowd for a dirty rock and roll set from the Plimsouls that is appropriately rough around the edges.  As a bonus, The Fleshtones join in on three cuts.  You want it, right?  Drop an email with "Plimsouls" in the subject line for your chance to win.  Good luck!

Plimsouls

Waite, Cain and Phillips had played together previously during the late '70s and very beginning of the '80s in The Babys, something a good portion of the music buying public probably didn't latch onto when they first heard Bad English.  To many, Waite was the "Missing You" guy, and this new Bad English project rocked a lot harder than they might have expected.

Since this is 1989 that we're talking about, all of the members of Bad English have really big hair, because they are hard rockers, and the commandments of late '80s hard rock clearly state that you must have big hair to perform these hard rock songs (see also: Nelson, Firehouse).  Pay special attention to the drums, which were just as big (or perhaps even bigger) as the big hair.

Even though the lyrics are often cheesy, I loved (and still do) both Bad English albums, something that I've mentioned before on this site. (I'm not alone on this:  check out Rob Smith's recent piece at Popdose.)  Waite would eventually walk from this project because he was uncomfortable with the "corporate rock image" projected by Bad English.  And there was that little issue of conflict between Waite and Cain as well.  Oh yeah, that.

With Cain, Schon and Castronovo in Journey these days, there was an opportunity several years ago for a mini-Bad English reunion when Waite toured as an opener for Journey.  Unfortunately, the discussed on-stage reunion didn't happen during the tour dates, allegedly because Cain still strongly dislikes Waite from the Bad English experience.  Schon on the other hand, came out to jam with Waite during the final song of Waite's set most nights during the tour.

Waite plays a few Bad English songs in his solo sets, and you can find a couple of them on In Real Time, his new live album which is just about to ship.  Still making music, Waite is currently working on new songs with Kyle Cook of Matchbox Twenty for an EP that he plans to release later this year.  Waite still puts on a hell of a good live show, and I highly recommend checking him out if he comes your way.  From what I've read, it sounds like the live album should be a good representation of Waite's live show, which features a wide range of material from The Babys to solo material/Bad English to present day.

There aren't really any good quality live shows out there from Bad English.  There was at least one live broadcast on FM that circulates many generations removed from the original master.  Like a great white whale, I continue to hunt for a better copy of that show with no success.  Perhaps someone within the Bad English camp has a copy, and if that's the case, it certainly would make good bonus material for a "legacy edition" of the first album.

I was quite excited when I came across this recently posted recording of Bad English, recorded live in Allentown, PA in 1989.  Although it's an audience recording, it's one of the best quality Bad English shows I've come across to date.  As you'll hear from the audience sounds, these old guys were apparently sex symbols, at least for a moment.  I found the following review mention online for this show:

As soon as headliner Bad English hit the stage, every small child and junior-high school-age girl in the theater let out a high-pitched keening noise. Parents and security men flinched.

Bad English, which played at Allentown's Airport Music Hall a few weeks ago, delivered just what this audience craved: wimpy and meaningless lite- metal fluff. It was just what you'd expect from this unholy fusion of former members of The Babys and Journey.

Awesome.

Bad English
Airport Music Hall
Allentown, PA
October 21st, 1989

complete zipped download (download full-res files of this show at Dimeadozen)

01. Best Of What I Got
02. Tough Times Don't Last
03. The Ghost In Your Heart
04. Neal Schon Solo
05. Heaven Is A 4 Letter Word
06. The Price Of Love
07. Rocking Horse
08. Deen Castronovo Solo
09. Lay Down
10. Spinning Wheel Of Love
11. Jonathan Cain Solo
12. When I See You Smile
13. Forget Me Not
14. Head First
15. Jumpin' Jack Flash

All that not intended to be said out loud, the women included in this year's TRBX music festival were nothing short of amazing.

The Bridges were instantly one of my faves upon listening to TRBX sample CD. Matt informed me they opened up for the one-and-only Susanna Hoffs and the Bangles. The Bridges are an (almost) all-female band comprised of siblings and one cousin -- Brittany Painter -- who writes most of the lyrics and leads the group with an amazing set of vocal chords. Siblings Natalie Byrd, Stacey Byrd, Isaaca Byrd and Jeremy Byrd all collaborate on music, AND The Bridges are produced by THE one-and-only Matthew Sweet.

I would compare their music to a cross of Girl in a Coma female rocker angst, with softening influences of Fleetwood Mac. Their TRBX show in the Candlelight Lounge was a definite DO NOT MISS. Unfortunately for my boyfriend, he DID miss it (we separated for this show) -- and upon seeing the acoustic artist collaboration on the last night of the cruise between The Bridges and Sister Hazel, did he realize his error. The performance was chilling.

During that Candlelight concert, I sat with an older couple (who I SWEAR had to be their parents or something... I didn't pursue). Throughout the show, they both asked my opinions on each song, on the band itself -- what I liked, didn't like -- what other kind of music I enjoyed or would compare the girls to. It's not often someone asks your opinion at shows, and I gave it -- The Bridges are fantastic. I need not hesitate to gush on their music and lyrics. And thanks for the cranberry & vodka! Cheers!

TRBX performance (obvs, recording is not great):

Did I mention they are also HOT!? Err, and too young.

"Pieces" is a hit. I also love their songs "Runaway" and "All the Words."

These girls have talent out the wazoo. And Ken Block approves.

The second and last female-centric act (yes, there is a chick in Gaelic Storm too, who will be featured in a different post) was Chelsea Williams.

Surprisingly, this chick makes her living performing on the STREETS of Los Angeles. Therefore, there is not a whole lot of background info. Take an opportunity to listen to some of her music on her Web site. Upon entry of The Rock Boat, she was playing acoustic for us in the atrium. Her set includes a perfect selection of covers (Salt n Pepa!!!) and original songs, comparable to the great voices of Brandi Carlile and KT Tungstall (two of my favorite female artists).

I heard rumors on the boat as to her breaking out in song at random opportunities -- and there is evidence! I love this Elevator Party video a fan posted on YouTube:

By the way, it was Mardi Gras Night - crazy, random shit like this happened all over the boat at any time.

But you can gather a bit more of her talent in this video:

Right? I may or may not have chased her around the boat like a dog in heat. Or was that my boyfriend? Hey, her fault for wearing short jean skirts and cowboy boots. RAWR.

Donnie Iris fans (c'mon, you know the song) will be delighted to read this week's Scene Magazine cover story, a profile of Mark Avsec, longtime songwriter/producer/member of Donnie Iris and the Cruisers.  ATV pal D.X. Ferris takes music fans under the hood for an interesting overview of Avsec's career - from the very beginning to current events - Avsec has a song on the expanded reissue of Santana's blockbuster Supernatural CD.  The interview features conversations with Avsec, Iris and all of the related players, making it a must read for fans, and anyone who's ever been curious to know a little bit more about that "Ah Leah!" guy.

Click here and check it out!

]]> http://addictedtovinyl.com/blog/2010/02/04/cruisin-for-leah/feed/ 0 http://addictedtovinyl.com/blog/2010/02/03/update-new-location-for-radio-92-3-haiti-benefit-and-set-times-announced/ http://addictedtovinyl.com/blog/2010/02/03/update-new-location-for-radio-92-3-haiti-benefit-and-set-times-announced/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:01:05 +0000 Matt Wardlaw http://addictedtovinyl.com/blog/?p=2860 There's been a last minute location switch for the Radio 92.3 "Bands Together" Haiti Benefit Concert on Saturday evening.  The new location for the show will be the Saddle Ridge in Parma, located at 5100 Pearl Road.  Click here for directions to the Saddle Ridge.

Here are the set times for Saturday night:

Leah Lou 6:00pm
Leo 6:40pm
Random Stereo 7:20pm
2nd Half 8:00pm
Chuck Mosley 8:40pm
This Is A Shakedown! 9:20pm
The Suede Brothers 10:00pm

See ya there!

And along with every other 90s-era favorite, they seemed to fade into some metaphorical musical sunset.

Upon first hearing of The Rock Boat adventure from my boyfriend (he's a five-year alum now), and of the great musical acts of its past, I'm like, "SIGN ME UP!" So went the year my boyfriend brought his girlfriend on the greatest vacation ever.

Before embarking on our fantastic musical voyage, we received a promotional two-disc TRBX set, introducing set artists for the cruise. Silly you, it doesn't matter what PORTS to which we set sail! There was MUSIC. At ALL TIMES. ON A BOAT. ALL DAY. For FOUR DAYS.

This is just a beginner course into getting schooled about how to do a music cruise. What the hell do I know being a rookie and all? Well, for one, even being on a cruise before, many of my typical conceptions of a cruise vacation were quickly thrown overboard. TRBX was no ordinary cruise -- but a reckless excuse to party hard as any -- with a shit-ton of great music and people.

I'll talk a little about the bands who were part of TRBX, explore the theme nights/days and the bands who played along with them, gush over amazing covers by already-amazing musicians in his(not-many-hers) own right, and general musical greatness. Some of the bands and artists may be new to you -- some are there wholly to shut you up and pay attention because this is the next Big Thing. Others? Good, good fun.

All on a Carnival Cruise Ship destined for an amazing musical festival, with 30+ bands and artists at sea.

Ahem. Like I said... the promo CDs were a great way to rediscover old favorites, learn of some new music and up-and-coming bands and artists, and totally pump myself up out of a months-long music rut.

Take a look at the track listings below for a heads-up on who and what to expect in Mel's Rock Boat Experience.

Cheers!

DISC ONE:
Sister Hazel - I Believe In You
Marc Broussard - Hard Knocks
Will Hoge - Even If It Breaks Your Heart
Pat McGee - I Don't Think I'm Listening
Tyrone Wells - Remain
Wideawake - Gravity Won't Win
Green River Ordinance - Here We Are
Jim Bianco - Sing
The Bridges - Pieces
Evan McHugh - From The Second Chair
Francisco Vidal - Tail Lights
B-Liminal - Yo Yo
Ken Block - Blue to a Blind Man

DISC TWO:
Augustana - Sweet and Low
Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - My Old Man
Gaelic Storm - Slim Jim And The Seven Eleven Girl
Carbon Leaf - Lake of Silver Bells
Blackberry Smoke - Sanctified Woman
Dexter Freebish - Walk On Water
Michael Tolcher - Mockingbird
Oval Opus - Anchorman
Tony Lucca - Long Love Letter
Sun Domingo - Hot Little Room
Chelsea Williams - Eight Days
Andrew Hoover - Lie to Me
Scott Munns - I'd Be Fine
Drew Copeland - A Little Like Heaven

It turns out that the band snagged their trophy in honor of "Dissident Aggressor" from their most recent live release A Touch of Evil - Live.  Although I do love Judas Priest, I found myself muttering that the award would have been better suited for one of the really good album releases from last year.  You know, a studio album, and not a track sourced from a live album.  Where's the love for Megadeth, who against all odds, made a really good album (for my money, one of the best metal albums of the year) in 2009 called Endgame, that actually sounded like Megadeth?  I didn't realize it, but they were indeed nominated for "Head Crusher" from that release, with Lamb of God, Ministry and Slayer rounding out the nominations.

So why didn't they win?

Because we're talking about the Grammy Awards, that's why.

The plus side is that the Priest finally get a Grammy Award, for whatever that is worth these days, after being nominated four times previously.  As lead singer Rob Halford said, they've finally earned the right to use the label of "Grammy award winning Judas Priest."  Which means that it's likely that they will now record an album called Nostradamus of Judas Priest songs played on the lute.  While I'm not a big fan of them scoring the award for a song from a live album that about 12 people bought, you have to consider the source of the award.

Some legitimate highlights from last night:  Jeff Beck snagged a well deserved Grammy for his version of "A Day in the Life," while Neil Young picked up his first ever Grammy (which is also hard to believe) for Best Boxed or Special Edition Limited Packaging for the Archives box set.  AC/DC also notched their first Grammy win with "War Machine" from the Black Ice album winning the Best Hard Rock Performance.  Everything That Happens Will Happen Today by David Byrne and Brian Eno won for Best Recording Package and Phoenix picked up a Best Alternative Music Album Grammy for Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

There's definitely some good music to check out in the paragraph above, if you missed it.

And hell, congrats to the Priest - ya'll have seen a million faces, rocked them all (sorry, Bon Jovi), and now you've got a Grammy for the heavy metal mantle.

Speaking of Bon Jovi, can they go away now?

"mmmmphshowmmmmripofmmmmph*interrupted*"

*belch*

I realized that he was letting me know that I should pick this week's show of the week.

No problem.

Radio 92.3 has put together a very cool show happening on Saturday evening at 6pm, featuring a boatload of Cleveland's most talented bands and artists, all united to help raise money for Haiti relief. A minimum donation of $5 will get you in the door to see SEVEN great bands.  Of course, if you can spare more than $5, it will be very much appreciated.

Feast your eyes on the lineup:

Chuck Mosley and VUA
Leah Lou
Leo
Random Stereo
2nd Half
The Suede Brothers
This Is A Shakedown!

All of the money raised from this event will go to the Red Cross, and all ages are welcome.  The event will be held at the Saddle Ridge in Parma, located at 5100 Pearl Road.

Click here for directions and more information about the show.

Speaking of the Suede Brothers, they've got quite a bit going on at the moment - they're currently in the studio working on a new album AND they're also about to release a live album recorded at the Beachland Ballroom.  I've heard tracks from that live disc, and let me assure you that you will not want to miss it - it's a rocker!

Mark it down on your list of new music to acquire, and in the meantime, make your plans to join me on Saturday evening for a good evening of rock and roll, Cleveland style!

Lloyd Cole has been on my list of "artists to get into" for quite a while, and with Cleveland on the list of a short set of five tour dates, missing the show was not an option. As you might have read previously here on ATV, Lloyd is using these dates to debut a new band that he's dubbed the Lloyd Cole Small Ensemble. Imagine an evening of your favorites from the Lloyd Cole catalog, plus brand new material from his upcoming album that's currently in the works, brought to life in a stripped-down format by three musicians, using only a combination of guitars, mandolin and banjo. There you have the recipe for a perfect evening for any Lloyd Cole fan -- and for me as the Cole rookie, it was the ideal setting for an introduction to what his music is all about. At the end of the night, I found myself wondering why it took so long for Lloyd and I to be properly introduced.

He has the self-deprecating sense of humor ("I'm somewhere between 10 and 15 pounds heavier than I'd like to be, which affords me the appropriate amount of self-loathing necessary to perform these songs for you") and plenty of those "love gone wrong" type of songs that I crave. On another night softly lit by candles at the Winchester, things were more than just alright.  My first Lloyd Cole experience was completely awesome.

Oh ye that are obsessed with cool merch, take note:  on this short tour, Cole is selling a small run (1000 copies) of a 12 song session recorded this past Friday with the ensemble at Slaughterhouse Studios.  It's a nice take home item for $12 that will send you on your way with an audio souvenir that captures a good bit of the setlist and vibe of the evening, and the disc itself is very well recorded.  If you can't make it out to one of the remaining shows of the tour (i.e. you're too far away, etc.) I think it's very likely that Cole will put some of these discs up for sale on his webstore after these dates wrap.  For the rest of you, I can't recommend this show enough - there's still one more show left tomorrow night (Friday) in Chicago, and you should go!

Ticket Stub:

This week marks the official debut of Ticket Stub, a new weekly series that I'm writing up for Popdose.  Each week, I'll be exploring a different show from Wolfgang's Vault, the massive online archive of streaming live concerts largely sourced from legendary concert promoter Bill Graham's archive of shows, with additional shows coming from The King Biscuit Flower Hour and other sources.  The archives house a wide selection of shows from the past several decades dating from the '60s through the '90s, including brand new material being recorded by Daytrotter and Noise Pop.  Of the shows that are in the archive, over 1500 are available for purchase or free download, with additional shows being made available each week.

Those of you that enjoy what I do here will probably also find a lot to love about Ticket Stub.  My goal each week is to inspire and expose you (no, NOT like that!), the fearless reader, to the musical riches of Wolfgang's Vault.  We'll cover artists, both well known, and also some that you might be a little bit less familiar with, like Styx.  Just kidding.

This week's first entry just happens to start in Cleveland, with an Elton John show recorded in 1970 at Music Hall, about a week after Elton recorded what would eventually become his 11-17-70 live album.

Big thanks to my pal Jeff Giles for pitching me on the idea of this series - I think we're going to have a lot of fun!