W♥M

Christmastime is almost here

Read More Meiko We first saw Meiko at The Hotel Café Festival 2007 and covered her at SXSW 2009, so, yes, we love Meiko. Meiko started off her show with "Reasons To Love You," followed by "How Lucky We Are" (otherwise known …

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MEIKO
meikomusic.com

Meiko has just covered Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime", and she's made it available as a free download on her website.

Hear the song now:



She also wants to make a slideshow of "old-school" Christmas photos, if you use Instagram use the hashtag #MeikoTBC.

You can also check out the beautiful Meiko at her home via StageIt.com on Sunday, December 15 at 2PM PST. That's Pacific Standard Timezone, so if you live in Minneapolis, I think it's at 4pm. Tickets are "pay what you can", keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds will go to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

The show will be an all-request show, so put in your requests now (so she can learn the chords) at stageit.com.

Read More The Blank Tapes Opening up for Matt were the Blank Tapes, a California 60s-inspired surf pop band, playing music from their forthcoming album Vacation (to be released in May 2013 via Antenna …

THE BLANK TAPES
theblanktapes.com

The Blank Tapes are celebrating a break out year with a string of "Holidaze" shows in California this month, plus get a free download of their Christmas song, "No Gifts This Xmas", which Paste is calling it "a unique Christmas tune to warm those of us who aren't lucky enough to reside in sunny Los Angeles."

Download the song at soundcloud.com



Anyway, we saw The Blank Tapes earlier this year at the Triple Rock, so I can tell you that this California 60s-inspired surf pop band lead by Matt Adams. They have an album called Vacation, which is out now on Antenna Farm Records.

Holidaze shows:

12/14/13 Los Angeles at the Echo
12/18/13 San Francisco at the Chapel
12/21/13 Pioneertown at Pappy & Harriet

WANZ
wanzmusic.com

Wanz (from 'Thrift Shop' and Macklemore fame) recently released a new "The Christmas Song" single via The End Records. "The Christmas Song" debuted on Jimmy Fallon after a performance with The Roots.



Michael "Wanz" Wansley started his career singing at school grounds and later with his first band, Central Connection.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis eventually recruited Wanz to sing on their song about shopping for second-hand clothes, called "Thrift Shop", and the track quickly climbed the Billboard charts before landing at number one and holding that spot for six weeks total.

All dates with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis:

02/28/2014 Brisbane @ Goodlife Music Fest 03/01/2014 Brisbane, AU @ Future Music Fest 03/02/2014 Perth, AU @ Future Music Fest 03/03/2014 Perth, AU @ Goodlife Music Fest 03/07/2014 Melbourne @ Goodlife Music Fest 03/08/2014 Sydney, AU @ Future Music Fest

03/08/2014 Launceston @ Breath of Life Fest 03/09/2014 Sydney, AU @ Goodlife Music Fest 03/09/2014 Melbourne, AU @ Future Music Fest 03/10/2014 Adelaide, AU @ Future Music Fest 03/15/2014 Kuala Lumpar @ Future Music Fest 03/12/2014 Wellington, NZ @ TSB Arena 03/13/2014 Auckland, NZ @ Vector Arena

BOSTON
bandboston.com

Unlike Of Montreal, Beirut, Architecture in Helsinki, and I'm From Barcelona, rock band Boston is actually from Boston. Boston, during their heyday in the 70s and 80s, sold over 31 million albums in the U.S. alone.

For a limited time, Boston fans can hear "God Rest Ye Metal Gentlemen" on soundcloud.com.



Guitarist and founding band member Tom Scholz had this to say about the track, "This was my chance to BOSTON-ize one of my favorite Christmas carols. I had so much fun with this one, I think I'll have to try a few more."

Boston is currently enjoying being on the radio with "Heaven On Earth," the lead single from their latest album, Life Love & Hope, which was released December 3rd.

JIM BREUER
officialjimbreuer.com

Comedian Jim Breuer released his new comedy single "Santa Claus Ain't Coming to Town" last week, December 2nd. The song is the feature single from his highly-anticipated album, scheduled to hit stores nationwide in spring 2014.

In case you didn't know, Breuer is known for his impersonations of Metallica, Ozzy Osborne and AC/DC, so it's only natural that his version of "Santa Claus Ain't Coming to Town" is a metalized version of the song.

Tour dates:

12/26/2013 Philadelphia Helium
12/27/2013 Philadelphia Helium
12/28/2013 Philadelphia Helium
12/31/2013 West Nyack, NY
01/17/2014 Wickenburg, AZ Del E. Webb
01/18/2014 Stafford, AZ David M. Player Center
01/24/2014 Dayton - Ohio Funny Bone
01/25/2014 Dayton - OH Funny Bone
01/31/2014 Brampton, ON Rose Theatre
02/07/2014 Rahway, NJ Union County
02/08/2014 Tarrytown, NY Bananas Comedy Club
02/14/14-02/18/14 The Norwegian Pearl Cruise Liner
02/19/2014 Ft Lauderdale, FL Improv
02/20/2014 Florida Palm Beach Improv
02/21/2014 Sarasota, FL McCurdy's Comedy
02/22/2014 Florida Treasure Island
02/23/2014 St.Pete, FLA Palladium
02/28/2014 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Bananas Comedy
03/01/2014 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Bananas Comedy
03/08/2014 Huntington, NY Paramount
03/28/2014 Lancaster, CA Lancaster Performing
03/29/2014 Walker, MN Northern Lights Casino

CHINUA HAWK
chinuahawk.com

Atlanta-based Chinua Hawk's latest album is called Waiting on Christmas.

Hawk's intimate singing style did not go unnoticed, having garnered the attention of APCA, who awarded him Performer of the Year and Best Male Solo Performer in 2008 and 2009. His latest work, Waiting on Christmas, which was released in November 29, 2013, showcased his Jazz, Soul, Pop, Rythm & Blues & Hip Hop influences.

Tracks are traditional Holiday standards, including "The Most Wonderful Time" (feat. Jamie Portee & Sho Baraka), "Christmas Time Is Here", "The First Noel", "Silent Night" (feat. Tann & Candi Shelton), and the always funny "Baby It's Cold Outside" (feat. Chantae Cann).

THE BOWMANS
thebowmansmusic.com

Mert, the Anxious Evergreen is a Children book about a tree who wished to save his home. His journey leads him to try and find the Christmas spirit with the help of his friend John the cat. The book came out November 7th, 2013, and is available in hardcover.

Details of the book:

An endearing tale of an anxious tree who wishes to save his beloved home, though he doesn't know how. He believes that he will be able to prevent the razing of Hickory Flats farm and forest if only he can find Christmas spirit -- with the help of his friend John the cat, of course! Get to know Mert, John and the whole crew through this charming and engaging story.

The book, written by Claire Bowman, is actually inspired by her band, The Bowmans, new Christmas album Make Sure the Snow Falls. You can currently get both the album and the book at a bundled price at their website.

THE HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE
thehollywoodchristmasparade.org

The annual Hollywood Christmas Parade just took place December 1st, but you can check with The Hallmark Channel and syndication for re-broadcast closer to Christmas.

This parade is one of the longest running parade of its kind, with this year marking its 82nd anniversary. It was previously known as the Hollywood Santa Parade, but about six years ago (2007), they officially changed the name to Hollywood Christmas Parade.

This year's show includes performances from Stevie Wonder, Bill Ray Cyrus, the Goo Goo Dolls, Daughtry, Kenny Loggins, LeAnn Rimes, William Shatner (read more about the Shat here!), McClain, Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo, Richie Sambora, and more. The hosts include Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain and Montel Williams.

SMALL BEAR RECORDS
smallbearrecords.com

Tinsel Machine is the latest free Christmas-themed compilation from Small Bear Records (who previously released Enter Snowman as a free download from 2012) .

This year, the new compilation feature 16 tracks from artists around the world from Baltimore to Sweden, and more!

Details from tinselmachine.bandcamp.com:

1. Postcode - Not Afraid
2. Kraul - Away In A Manger
3. Dan Ankers - Driving Home For Christmas
4. Clara Barker - Feliz Navidad
5. Phil Reynolds and the Dearly Departed - Next Year Won't Be Long Enough
6. Bri Slutcher & The Gnasher Downham Experience - It's Christmastime, like
7. Tom Ende - Leichtes Scheinen
8. Eight to Infinity - There's Nothing Very Interesting To Say About Snow
9. Harmony Dischord - Christmas Spirit
10. Phil The Tremeloking - A Walk In The Snow/Oh Tannenbaum
11. Matt Bouvier - Christmas Comes Again
12. Nanaki - All i Want For Christmas Is You
13. Neurotic Wreck - Exmas
14. Expo - Good Night, Sleep Tight, Christmas
15. The Bordellos - Crushed At Christmas
16. Y Shinkickwrs - Welcome To The New Year

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Matt Costa at Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (04/04/13)

Tour Dates 04/05/13 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon 04/06/13 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern 04/07/13 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig 04/08/13 Evanston, IL SPACE 04/09/13 Cleveland, OH Beachland 04/11/13 Toronto, ON Virgin Mobile 04/12/13 Montreal, QC Petit Campus 04/13/13 York Beach, ME Inn On The Blues 04/14/13 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall 04/15/13 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom 04/17/13 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's 04/18/13 Shepherdstown, WV Opera House 04/19/13 Washington, DC U Street Music Hall 04/20/13 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle 04/21/13 Atlanta, GA Vinyl At Center Stage 04/22/13 Nashville, TN The Mercy Lounge 04/24/13 St. Louis, MO Firebird 04/25/13 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck 04/26/13 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom 04/27/13 Dallas, TX House Of Blues 04/28/13 Austin, TX Stubb's Bar-B-Q 04/29/13 Houston, TX House Of Blues 05/01/13 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad 05/03/13 Pioneertown, CA Pappy And Harriet's 05/04/13 Santa Ana, CA Observatory 05/16/13 Santa Barbara, CA Soho Restaurant Read More Matt Costa Matt Costa is a singer/songwriter from California and his latest self-titled album is coming out February 12th, via Bushfire Records. The new record was recorded in Scotland and produced by Tony Doogan …

Matt Costa just played the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis last night, April 4th, as part of the promotion for his latest self-titled album, out now on Bushfire Records.

THE BLANK TAPES

Opening up for Matt were the Blank Tapes, a California 60s-inspired surf pop band, playing music from their forthcoming album Vacation (to be released in May 2013 via Antenna Farm Records), including "Coast to Coast" and "Holy Roller". They ended their set with what they called "Peter Pan" (but setlist shows "Long Ago").

As predicted, Matt Costa is showcasing his latest record live. Every songs on the album were played (with the exception for "Eyes For You"), with some old favorites thrown in here and there. Since I've gone on record to say that I think the Matt Costa album is one of the best LP I've heard this year, I really didn't mind hearing those new songs played back to back. The unfortunately thing is: his fans were not ready for this. This new sound and direction, they just didn't get. It wasn't like it was divided; it was like 99% of his fans were only interested in the old stuff. And you can tell, they would sing along to "Miss Magnolia" or "Mr Pitiful".

It is a real shame, like I said; I think the new record is just terrific and I was more than happy to experience it live. The band seems to really like the new material, particularly the overpowering steel guitar displacing the sweep orchestras on the recorded LP.

The highlight of the show, and everyone at the show would agree, is the "jamboree" of "Miss Magnolia", "Sunshine", and "Astair", as Costa jumped into the crowd and walked around while singing and playing.

Encores were: "Miracle Drug" (solo acoustic), "Cold December" (solo acoustic) and "Mobile Chateau" (featuring the whole band).

I can only request that fans please check out the new album before they attend the new tour. This is my first time seeing Matt Costa, and I have to say that I'm already looking forward to seeing him again if he decides to come back.*

* PS I will even forgive his "fans" for being some of the rudest and loudest drunk girls I've ever had the misfortune enough to overhear as they talk throughout the show. I don't understand these people. Why pay for a concert if you're just going to talk to your friends? And if they are going to do this - why not go to the back of the room, instead of being in the front? The last time obnoxious talking fans I can remember was seeing KT Tunstall in 2010 who asked talking fans in front to basically shut the f up (but politely).

Matt Costa at Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (04/04/13)

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ mattcosta.com ♥ theblanktapes.com

Triple Rock at Triple Rock: Laura Stevenson, Blank Tapes & Iceage

Here are three upcoming shows at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis.

Read more shows at the Triple Rock.

LAURA STEVENSON
laurastevenson.net

The last time I saw Laura Stevenson, she was with "The Cans" at The Triple Rock in 2011. I wonder if the band decided to drop the "The Cans" part and just going with "Laura Stevenson"? Anyway, she is returning to the Triple Rock on May 17th, as part of her headlining an April/May tour for the forthcoming album, Wheel (out on April 23rd, via Don Giovanni records). You can preview the song, "L-DOPA", now at Soundcloud.

Dates with (*) indicates with Field Mouse.

03/17 - Hot Springs, AR - Low Key Arts 03/18 - Decatur, AL - Excalibur 03/19 - St. Louis, MO - The Firebird 03/20 - Columbus, OH - Rumba Café 03/21 - Rochester, NY - The Bug Jar 04/19 - Philadelphia, PA - Milkboy * 04/20 - Washington, DC - Rock N Roll Hotel * 04/21 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 * 04/23 - Gainesville, FL - The Atlantic * 04/24 - Orlando, FL - The Social * 04/26 - Atlanta, FL - The Masquerade * 04/27 - Memphis, TN - Crosstown Arts * 04/28 - Dallas, TX - The Prophet Bar * 04/30 - Houston, TX - Rudyard's * 05/01 - Austin, TX - Mohawk * 05/03 - El Paso, TX - Gallery 127 * 05/04 - Scottsdale, AZ - Pub Rock *

05/06 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar * 05/07 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo * 05/08 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill * 05/09 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge * 05/11 - Seattle, WA - Sunset Tavern * 05/13 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge * 05/15 - Denvero, CO - Larimer Lounge * 05/16 - Lawrence, KS - Jackpot Music Hall * 05/17 - Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock * 05/18 - Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen * 05/19 - Lansing, MI - Mac's Bar * 05/20 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern * 05/21 - Toronto, ON - The Drake Hotel * 05/22 - Pittsburgh, PA - Club Café * 05/23 - Cambridge, MA - TT The Bear's * 05/24 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom *

THE BLANK TAPES
theblanktapes.com

The Blank Tapes is returning with a new album, Vacation, on May 14th, 2013, via Antenna Farm Records.

You can preview the lead single, "Coast to Coast", at Soundcloud.

Speaking of coast to coast, the band just survived SXSW and will be starting a North American tour dates with Matt Costa at Minneapolis' Triple Rock on April 4th. I'm pleased to see that, because personally, I think Matt Costa's latest self-titled release is the best album I've heard for 2013 - you can read a review of it here.

I've previously mentioned that Tuesday and Thursday are bad days for me because of my schedule, but I will make an effort to come out on the 4th to see these bands.

Dates with (*) indicates with Matt Costa.

03.16.13 - Austin, TX @ 4:30 PM Pop Press Intl 03.19.13 Fort Collins, CO @ GNU 03.21.13 - Denver, CO @ Hi Dive 03.22.13 - Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater 03.23.13 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court 03.24.13 - Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Festival 03.25.13 - Portland, OR @ Holocene 04.04.13 - Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock * 04.05.13 - Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon * 04.06.13 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas * 04.07.13 - Ann Arbor, MI @ the Blind Pig * 04.08.13 - Evanston, IL @ SPACE * 04.09.13 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom * 04.10.13 - Detroit, MI @ Garden Bowl 04.11.13 - Toronto, ON @ The Mod Club * 04.12.13 - Montreal, QC @ Le Petit Campus *

04.13.13 - York Beach, ME @ Inn on the Blues * 04.14.13 - Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall * 04.15.13 - Manhattan, NY @ Bowery Ballroom * 04.16.13 - Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool 04.17.13 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's * 04.18.13 - Shepherdstown, WV @ Opera House * 04.19.13 - Washington, DC @ U St. Music Hall * 04.20.13 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle * 04.21.13 - Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl * 04.22.13 - Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge * 04.24.13 - St. Louis, MO @ Firebird * 04.25.13 - Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck * 04.26.13 - Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom * 04.27.13 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues * 04.28.13 - Austin, TX @ Stubb's * 04.29.13 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues * 05.05.13 - Santa Ana, CA @ Proof Bar

ICEAGE
iceagecopenhagen.blogspot.com

Anything released on Matador Records is gold in my book. One of the latest Matador release this year is Iceage's sophomore album, You're Nothing, which came out February 19th.

If you've never heard of this Copenhagen four-piece, check out a short documentary by Cali Dewitt on YouTube (by the way of Pitchfork).

The Danish band will land in North America on March 20th and will arrive at the Triple Rock in Minneapolis on April 7th.

Dates with (*) indicates with Lower and (+) with White Lung and (&) with Milk Music.

03/20 - Vancouver, BC @ the Biltmore 03/21 - Seattle, WA @ Barboza 03/22 - Olympia, WA @ Capital Theater 03/23 - Portland, OR @ Star Theater 03/25 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop 03/26 - Oakland, CA @ New Parish 03/28 - Bakersfield, CA @ Munoz Gym& 03/29 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex& 03/31 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah& 04/01 - Tempe, AZ @ Deadhorse Warehouse& 04/04 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater 04/06 - Grinnell, IA @ Grinnell College 04/07 - Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Club 04/09 - Madison, WI @ University of Wis 04/10 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle 04/11 - Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups 04/12 - Pittsburgh, PA @ 6119 04/16 - Burlington, VT @ Monkey House+

04/17 - Boston, MA @ TT the Bear's+ 04/18 - New Haven, CT @ Lilly's Pad 04/19 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church+ 04/20 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom+ 05/30 - 06/02 - Austin, TX @ Chaos in Tejas * 06/03 - Houston, TX @ Mango's * 06/04 - New Orleans, LA @ Siberia * 06/05 - Gainesville, FL @ The Atlantic * 06/07 - Miami, FL @ Churchill's * 06/08 - Tampa, FL @ Crowbar * 06/09 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl * 06/10 - Charlotte, NC @ The Milestone * 06/11 - Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter * 06/12 - Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel * 06/13 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Mall * 06/15 - Sun. June 16 - Toronto, ON @ NXNE * 06/17 - Ottawa, ON @ Babylon * 06/18 - Montreal, QC @ Il Motore *

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic