W♥M (Archive)

Free Energy at Triple Rock Social Club 4/25/13

Setlist Tour Dates Fri 05/03/13 Washington, DC Rock And Roll Hotel 05/04/13 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar 05/05/13 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom 05/07/13 Cambridge, MA The Sinclair Read More Free Energy Philly rock band Free Energy has that youthful classic rock sound that was made for rolled-down car windows and summertime mischief. The band won over critics and fans with their acclaimed 2010 debut Stuck on Nothing…

It should come as no surprise that the day following a Free Energy concert would be the warmest day in 5 months for Twin Cities folks. The band probably didn’t anticipate being harbingers of Minnesota’s elusive spring weather, but it was inevitable that the heat generated from last night’s lively show at the Triple Rock would eventually make it’s way out of the building and permeate the atmosphere. The way good rock and roll should, of course.

Clad in tight, ripped jeans and sporting band tee-shirts, the band bounced on stage and tore into “Electric Fever.” I kid you not: they bounced. This band has serious movement. This is the second time I’ve seen them live, but the first time close to the stage and being inches away the band performing is as intense as it is wildly fun. People at the front delighted in receiving a face-full of lead guitarist Scott Wells’ axe every time he swaggered to the edge of the stage. And when he wasn’t ping-ponging against rhythm guitarist Sheridan Fox and bassist Evan Wells, he was carefully summoning that sweet, wailing melody from his shiny red-orange guitar. Charismatic frontman Paul Sprangers elicited plenty of gleeful shrieks from the many vocal females in attendance as he hovered over the crowd, pointing at excited fans and encouraging sing-alongs. During one of the encore songs, Sprangers made his way into the audience and left his mike in one lucky girl’s hand.

The band’s knack for instantly catchy tunage is impressive: effervescent new tracks like “Hangin” and the cowbell-laden “Backscratcher” from Love Sign stirred the crowd up, but nothing holds a candle to fan favorites like “Bang Pop” (so catchy, it should be a crime). My favorite song “Dream City” from the band’s debut Stuck on Nothing saw the tempo slow only a hair before slowly building it back up with “Time Rolls On” and the band’s vibrant anthem “Free Energy” complete with noodle-y AC/DC-esque riffage and, yes, more cowbell. When a fan called out for “Girls Want Rock,” the band heartily obliged. After a brief jaunt offstage, the band returned for a fierce three song encore, including another suggestion from the audience, the spritely “Something in Common” of off Free Energy’s 2009 self-titled EP. They closed with “Hope Child,” leaving behind an audience still vibrating from the sound. I practically floated out the door; the performance was the musical equivalent of vitamin B12.

Minneapolis was Free Energy’s first stop on a short nine-date tour, but fear not all who missed out on this gig - the band will be back June 22nd for the 10 Thousand Sounds Festival, the City Page’s first music event. 

Free Energy at Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (04/25/13)

emily () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ freeenergymusic.com

Classic rock and classic albums

Read More The Dandy Warhols A while back, some friends of mine thought singer Courtney Taylor-Taylor, of the Dandy Warhols, is drug-induced, full of himself, and generally a jerk... but she loved him just the same. …

THE DANDY WARHOLS
dandywarhols.com

Slick popsters The Dandy Warhols have been playing their hip, eclectic brand of rock and roll for nearly twenty years. The Portland natives built a reputation as a fantastic live band of clever songwriters, finally finding mainstream success with their 2000 breakthrough album, the dreamy and dance-able Thirteen Tales of Urban Bohemia. In March, the band kicked off a 17-date tour cheekily celebrating TTOUB’s thirteen year anniversary (get it? 13.13.13) by playing the record in its entirety, along with other songs from their excellent catalogue. The Dandys are also reissuing the album on cd, vinyl and a very special limited edition vinyl box-set that will surely be jam-packed with fan goodies.

TTOUB effortlessly sunk into pop culture, spearheaded by its glam-tastic, Rolling Stones-influenced single “Bohemian Like You” and its saucy NSFW music video. The song has been used in countless commercials and films. Fans of cult mid-2000 television show Undeclared will recognize the show’s theme as the peppy opening riff to awesome oddball track “Solid.”

I have very fond memories of this album, first hearing it in my high school art class. Years later, a friend reintroduced the record to me in college through a mixtape. She deftly placed the sobering 6 minute “Sleep” at the end of side A and forever secured my affection for the song and the album. Join me in my goo-goo-eyed lovefest and check them out at First Avenue June 9th!

Tour dates:

05/28/13 Millvale, PA Mr. Small's Theatre 05/31/13 New York, NY Terminal 5 06/01/13 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory 06/02/13 Boston, MA Wilbur Theatre 06/05/13 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre 06/07/13 Cleveland Heights, OH Grog Shop

06/08/13 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre 06/09/13 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue 06/11/13 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre 06/14/13 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern 06/15/13 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore 06/21/13 Seattle, WA Showbox At The Market

Read More Free Energy They played all the hits from Stuck On Nothing and had the crowd grooving and moving to "Bang Pop", Self-Titled, "Dream City". I was hoping for "Young Hearts" and "Dark Trance". …

FREE ENERGY
freeenergymusic.com

Philly rock band Free Energy has that youthful classic rock sound that was made for rolled-down car windows and summertime mischief. The band won over critics and fans with their acclaimed 2010 debut Stuck on Nothing, an album bursting at the seams with head-bobbing and fist-pumping jams. This past January, Free Energy finally released a new album for the hungry rock masses: Love Sign, another ample helping of spirited guitar-driven tunes. The songs are always solid on record, but they really take off when played live. Free Energy’s live performances are extremely fun; there’s a reason this band bears the name that it does! Surrender yourself to the infectious good vibes as the band heads out on tour this month.

Tour dates:

4/25 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
4/26 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
4/30 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
5/1 Charleston, SC @ The Royal American
5/2 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
5/3 Washington DC @ Rock N Roll Hotel *
5/4 Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar *
5/5 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *
5/7 Boston, MA @ Sinclair *
7/11-7/13: Pattersonville, NY @ Camp Bisco Festival

* = w/ Deap Vally

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

Free Energy at Circle Bar, New Orleans (03/18/13)

Read More Free Energy Skinny jeans, wife beaters, long hair, cowboy boots ... am I missing something? No, I'm not talking about Van Halen or Led Zepplin, I'm talking about Free Energy!

Who Dat! Whoooooo Wants More Cowbelll!!!!!! Freeeeeee Energy got a standing "o" and plenty of crowd reactions just like a 1970 and 80's Tom Petty kick-ass, fun band. The Red Wing, Minnesota natives put on another rockadelic performance. It was a tiny crowd at the Circle Bar, off St Charles just outside downtown New Orleans. Maybe 30 people. Shocking, I know. These cats deserve better, and gave the small mosh of crazy NOLA hoodrats plenty to dance too.

They played all the hits from Stuck On Nothing and had the crowd grooving and moving to "Bang Pop", Self-Titled, "Dream City". I was hoping for "Young Hearts" and "Dark Trance". but believe me they made up for it with all the great material from the new release.

Oh right. Free Energy has a new album release Love Sign my two new favorites are "Electric Fever" and "Time Rolls On".

Bonus : Solid band shirts and they brought back the tape cassettes! These guys are truly old school!

Free Energy is currently on tour in support of Love Sign, out now on Virtual Label.

05/03/13 Washington, DC Rock And Roll Hotel
05/04/13 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar
05/05/13 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
05/07/13 Cambridge, MA The Sinclair
07/11/13 Camp Bisco Festival
07/12/13 Camp Bisco Festival
07/13/13 Camp Bisco Festival

Free Energy at Circle Bar, New Orleans (03/18/13)

brody ♥ freeenergymusic.com

W♥M175: Europe

W♥M175 (37 mins)

Jess and Brody from W♥M stopped in to talk about their upcoming European trip and what they are expecting. I am hoping to have them cover some shows in London when they are there from May 15th to June 3rd; we'll see how that will work out or not.

Topics we discussed:

News: Daft Punk fourth studio album, Random Access Memories, out on Daft Life/Columbia Records on May 21st, 2013. Personally, I love the French dance/techno duo, been a fan since Homework in 1997. I don't know how successful their new Random Access Memories will be on their own imprint, Daft Life via Columbia Records, but millions of fans will let us know this May.


On Tour: Chicago/Minneapolis trio On an On just announced their spring tour with Savoir Adore (who we covered last year). On an On is one of those bands that got the attention of Jess, who said they look and sound amazing from their recent SXSW appearance.

On an On will kick off their tour in support of Give In this April - which I'm only listing their North American dates below. See their website for more UK and overseas dates.

04/04 - Washington, DC - Rock 'n Roll Hotel
04/05 - Harrisonburg, VA - MacRock Fest
04/06 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
04/08 - Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre Rooftop
04/09 - Atlanta, GA - The Drunken Unicorn
04/11 - Columbus, OH - Rumba Café
04/12 - Toronto, ON - The Drake
04/13 - Montreal, QC - Club Lambi
04/14 - Boston, MA - Church of Boston
04/16 - Burlington, VT - Signal Kitchen
04/18 - New York, NY - Knitting Factory
04/26 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry

Also on tour is Caveman. I've already listed Caveman's tour dates yesterday, so I won't list it here. Jess is excited to see the band this week (Thursday at the Troubadour).

Also, Vu recounts his tragic Caveman story around the time they were on tour for Koko B. Ware.

New Albums: Johnny Marr's The Messenger. See previous article on his tour dates. We all love the Smiths, but can a guitarist make it as a solo artist (note: Johnny Marr + Healers tour and album didn't go too well, but I saw them in 2003). The Stokes's Come Down Machine is coming out tomorrow (March 26th). No one's heard the new album yet, but if you're a fan, you'll definitely want to pick up the Best Buy exclusive which comes with a bonus T-Shirt. Shout Out Louds' new album Optica came out last month on Merge Records.

Palma Violets' 180, according to Brody is the "best album so far." Hey, guess what? It just so happens that Palma Violet is doing a North American tour (and they are stopping by Minneapolis!)

04/12/13 – Indio, CA – Coachella Music and Arts Festival
04/17/13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo *
04/19/13 – Indio, CA – Coachella Music and Arts Festival
04/23/13 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
04/30/13 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
05/01/13 – Chicago, IL – Schuba’s Tavern
05/02/13 – Cleveland Heights, OH – The Grog
05/06/13 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
05/07/13 – Washington, D.C. – Rock & Roll Hotel
05/08/13 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
05/09/13 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

Song of the Show: "Only Heather" by Virginia's Wild Nothing, taken from their second album Nocturne (August 28, 2012) via Captured Tracks.

Wild Nothing came highly recommended by both Jess and Brody, so it's a good song to end the show.

The band is currently on tour.

Mar 07 Brisbane - Alhambra Lounge Mar 08 Sydney, NSW - The Oxford Art Factory Mar 09 Meredith, Victoria - Golden Plains Festival Mar 11 Melbourne - The Tote Mar 12 Melbourne - The Toff in Town Mar 15 Tokyo - Astro Hall Mar 18 Liverpool - The Kazimier Mar 19 Manchester - Sound Control Mar 20 Birmingham - Hare & Hounds Mar 21 London - Scala

Mar 23 Paris - Nouveau Casino Mar 24 Lille - L’Aeronef Mar 26 Antwerpen - Muziekcentrum Trix Mar 27 Amsterdam - Bitterzoet Mar 28 Istanbul - Babylon Istanbul Apr 13 + Apr 20 Indio, CA - Coachella May 23 Barcelona - Primavera Sound May 25 London - Field Day May 30 Porto - Optimus Primavera Sound Jun 08 New York, NY - Governor’s Ball

BONUS: Family of the Year, Free Energy, and Dedicate Steve. Fun British terms. Supergrass' "Late in the Day".

Corrections: Bonnet is the car's hood, while the boot is the car's trunk. The Strokes' debut album is called Is This It, not self-titled. Blur and Oasis were rivals, not Blur and Pulp.

--
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Archive of this show at archive.org. More information on podomatic.com

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ +W♥M

It's Good to be Free

Tour Dates 03/04: San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar 03/05: Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room 03/07: Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar 03/08: Salt Lake City, UT @ State Room 03/13: Dallas, TX @ Club Dada 03/11: SXSW @ The Blackheart 03/16: SXSW @ La Zona Rosa 03/17: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon 03/18: New Orleans, LA @ Circle Bar 03/19: Hattiesburg, MS @ Thirsty Hippo 03/20: Birmingham, AL @ Workplay 03/22: Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder 03/23: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum 03/24: Orlando, FL @ The Social 03/25: Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop 03/26: Nashville, TN @ The High Watt 03/28: Raleigh, NC @ Kings Barcade 07/11-07/13: Camp Bisco Festival Read More Free Energy We have seen Free Energy a few times here. They are always a hoot to see live, and I know they have a massive fanbase because the two brothers are from Red Wing, Minnesota. .…

FREE ENERGY
freeenergymusic.com

Skinny jeans, wife beaters, long hair, cowboy boots ... am I missing something? No, I'm not talking about Van Halen or Led Zepplin, I'm talking about Free Energy!

For anyone who enjoys rock music and entertainment you need to start to follow these talented musicians.

Former Minneapolis Natives and formally known "Hockey Night", Free Energy is continuing the ROCK N ROLL lifestyle to start off 2013 the right way! In 2008 they released a debut album called Stuck on Nothing, which was released as a tape cassette. The art work of the album was a high top converse shoe stuck on a piece of pink chewing gum. Once that record hit everyone was drawn in and the band new it had something going.

Free Energy has been carrying the swag ever since that launch you can see them represent the rockstar look in their latest music video "Girls Want Rock". Check out the wardrobes, bank job, and of course the lead singer scratching of lottery ticket with a piece of grass in his mouth in a speedo. Oh and they make fun of rap videos, classic.

Free Energy's new album "Love Sign is available for stream on Spotify. It's an instant classic, the lyrics will make you laugh and the songs will put you in that ROCK N ROLL Spirit that should never die. Long live the Spinal Tap and Free Energy!

RUN/LUCKY/FREE facebook.com Edinburgh's Run/Lucky/Free just broke up. Most emails I get are about bands starting out, so this is a bit refreshing. Their final EP is called Let Me Go was released February 28th and is available for free at runluckyfree.bandcamp.com.

FREE NOW! freenowshowcase.com Free Now! is happening at SXSW, taking place four days, four nights, and featuring 108 bands. They are still accepting submission from bands. See their website for more details and lineup. So check out Free Now! on March 13-16, if you're at SXSW this year.

brody + vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ +W♥M

The Rich and the Free

Read More Jonathan Richman Whether you think Jonathan Richman is an untrained genius or an overrated man-child, you can’t deny that he’s entertaining…

Would you rather be rich or free? …. Or both?

>>>
JONATHAN RICHMAN
vaporrecords.com

What? You've never heard of Jonathan Richman? Did you see "There's Something About Mary"? That's him singing in the tree.

His last album, O Moon, Queen of Night on Earth, came out in 2010, via Vapor Records. Surely he will have new material to work with… but if not, he does have a million songs from his days with The Modern Lovers to draw from.

The Cedar

Anyway, if things work out, Emily will be covering Jonathan Richman's show at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. Of all the Minneapolis venues, I find the Cedar to have the best-sounding acoustics than the typical dive-bar venues and hardcore "rock" venue. I've never seen Richman live, but from what I've read of Richman's legendary antics, the Cedar will fit him nicely.

His current tour schedule below:

06/02/12 Fargo, ND The Aquarium 06/03/12 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center 06/04/12 Chicago, IL Millennium Park 06/05/12 Detroit, MI Magic Stick 06/06/12 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom 06/07/12 Pittsburgh, PA Downtown Pittsburgh 06/08/12 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer 06/09/12 Hudson, NY Club Helsinki 06/12/12 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom 06/13/12 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom 06/14/12 Richmond, VA The Camel 06/15/12 Asheville, NC The Grey Eagle 06/16/12 Knoxville, TN Pilot Light 06/17/12 Birmingham, AL BottleTree

06/19/12 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jacks 06/20/12 Baton Rouge, LA Spanish Moon 06/21/12 Houston, TX The Continental Club 06/22/12 Austin, TX The Mohawk 06/23/12 San Antonio, TX The Korova 06/24/12 Marfa, TX Marfa Book Company 06/26/12 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad 06/27/12 Tucson, AZ La Cocina 06/28/12 Phoenix, AZ The Crescent Ballroom 06/29/12 Los Angeles, CA Echo 06/30/12 Costa Mesa, CA Detroit Bar 07/01/12 San Francisco, CA Make Out Room 07/02/12 San Francisco, CA Make Out Room 07/03/12 San Francisco, CA Make Out Room

Read More Free Energy If you haven’t heard of Free Energy by now, you are seriously missing out on life my friends. The five piece band is originally from Red Wing, MN but now resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

FREE ENERGY
freeenergymusic.com

We have seen Free Energy a few times here. They are always a hoot to see live, and I know they have a massive fanbase because the two brothers are from Red Wing, Minnesota.

What's Free Energy up to these days, you ask? All I know is that they have a new album called Love Sign coming out soon. The preview song you can hear is called "Electric Fever", via Soundcloud.com.

Wed Jun 13 - The Bishop - Bloomington, IN
Fri Jun 15 - 400 Bar - Minneapolis, MN
Sat Jun 16 - Cactus Club - Milwaukee, WI
Sun Jun 17 - Plush - St Louis, MO
Tue Jun 19 - Radio Radio - Indianapolis, IN
Wed Jun 20 - Grog Shop - Cleveland, OH
Thu Jun 21 - Shadow Lounge - Pittsburgh, PA
Fri Jun 22 - Strand Capitol Theatre - York, PA
Sat Jun 23 - Morgan's Pier - Philadelphia, PA

PS, as usual, Free Energy will be playing at the 400 Bar. This venue has been booking some interesting bands lately.

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ +W♥M

W♥M092: Live Shows

W♥M092 [download (35min, 44mb)]

Vu, Sally and Oscar on this week's W♥M Radio.

News

1. Pulp are back!. Sally will be celebrating by drinking loads of things and DJing and hanging out on BRITPOP.com.au's Party Hard (Pulp Night)
2. Beatles on iTunes. Yep, welcome to 2010, Beatles.

Main program: Live shows

Sally: Charlatans at the Metro Theatre on November 11th. Apparently it upsets Sally that Tim has better hair. Also, Manic Street Preachers at Metro Theatre on November 15th.
Oscar: Delorean at 7th Street on November 16th, then on the 18th, he saw Free Energy at 400 Bar
Vu: KT Tunstall's appearance at the Epic on November 18th was dwarfed by Charlotte Hatherley's awesomeness.

Song of the show: Hollerado's "Americanarama"

Throwaway bits: too random to mention.

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Archive of this show at archive.org. More information on podomatic.com

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

Free Energy at 400 Bar, Minneapolis (11/18/10)

Free Energy: Free Energy Tour Dates 11/22/10 Valentines* Albany, NY 11/23/10 Paradise Rock Club* Boston, MA 11/24/10 Bowery Ballroom* New York, NY 11/26/10 Music Hall of Williamsburg* NY 11/27/10 Theater of Living Arts* Phila, PA 11/30/10 Chameleon Club* Lancaster, PA 12/01/10 Rock n Roll Hotel* Washington 12/05/10 Blue Note Columbia, MO 12/06/10 Midland Kansas City, MO 12/07/10 Bourbon Theater Lincoln, NE 12/08/10 Vaudeville Mews Des Moines, IA 12/09/10 Blue Moose Tap Iowa City, IA 12/14/10 Orpheum Theatre+ Boston, MA 12/15/10 Orpheum Theatre+ Boston, MA 12/17/10 Roseland Ballroom+ New York 12/18/10 Roseland Ballroom+ New York *with Hollerado + with Weezer Read More Free Energy I felt that they should have ended their set with the easy to follow "Bang Pop" song (their chorus is easy to remember: "bang, bang, pop, pop"). Easily their best song.

If you haven’t heard of Free Energy by now, you are seriously missing out on life my friends. The five piece band is originally from Red Wing, MN but now resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consists of Scott Wells (lead guitar), Paul Sprangers (lead Vocals), Evan Wells (bass), Geoff Bucknam (guitar), and Nick Shuminksy (drums). The latter two members were met in Philly and the rest have a history in Minneapolis as the no longer active band, Hockey Night. And their record “Stuck On Nothing” has received many the ecstatic reviews from places like, Spin, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.

Unlike a lot of hype bands these guys aren’t the young guys with the colorful synth tunes. These 5, 30 year old guys, rely on catchy, hook-laden 70’s guitar riffs, sing-a-long anthems,  with a dose of good feelings, and “energy” for good measure and a worry “free” feeling. Ironically they are signed to DFA records, which is the child of James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) and home to Hot Chip , Shit Robot, Holy Ghost!, Hercules and Love Affair, and YACHT. (If you are unfamiliar with these bands, they are all synth-laden indie rock bands.)

I was very privileged with the opportunity to see them in Paul Sprangers’ and the Wells brothers’ home state of Minnesota for the second time. When I got to the venue, I noticed there was only one drum set, which clearly belonged to Free Energy. I asked the bartender what the deal was and he told me that there had been a complication. It seems that both bands had been held back at the Canadian boarder earlier, and they would be playing an hour and a half late. Having seen them open for Titus Andronicus, I knew the kind of party these guys bring to wherever they go. So,  I decided to wait, and boy was I not disappointed. At About 10 PM they had a sensational power-pop group from Canada, open for them. The name of this band was, Hollerado, and they got the crowd amped and jumping in glee. The perfect openers to set the stage for the crazy fun that is Free Energy. Scott Wells and Paul Sprangers took stage with Hollerado for a couple songs. It seems they like to do that a lot, since last time they joined Titus Andronicus on stage and they brought Amy of Titus Andronicus on stage with them during their set  too.

Free Energy took stage at about 10:50, and opened their set with “All I know.” And proceeded the song with their hit single, “Dream City.” Their set, like always was a sing-a-long rock party that had the crowd jumping, and fist pumping. The happiness and energy they bring on stage is so incredibly contagious. They closed their set with “Hope Child” and then came right back out for a two song on-core, which they closed with “I’m going down” by Bruce Springsteen. Which was probably the highest and most epic part of the show. Paul started to pull people up on-stage with him, which ended with half the floor up on-stage. I took the microphone at the last verse and sung it and the chorus. Then it lead into a spontaneous cover of Neil Young’s “Keep On Rockin’ in the Free World” when lead singer and guitarist of Hollerado, Menno Versteeg picked up Scott Wells guitar. Then the venue erupted into chaos, as members of Free Energy and Hollerado and I sang loud and proud, while the venue sang-a-long and danced.

All in all, if Free Energy is coming to your town. Do not miss out. There are still a few dates left on this tour, and they promised to return real soon on a spring tour. And listen to Free Energy if you are into bands such as Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick and The Cars. Or if you need something to blast on your iPod or stereo while you sit back and try not to worry about the world around you.

For more of Hollerado:
http://www.myspace.com/hollerado
http://www.hollerado.com/

And more of Free Energy:
http://www.myspace.com/freeenergymusic
http://www.freeenergymusic.com/

♥ Free Energy at 400 Bar, Minneapolis (11/18/10)

oscar () ♥ myspace.com/freeenergymusic ♥ twitter.com

Mates of State and Free Energy at the 400 Bar, Minneapolis (6/24/10)

Mates of State - My Only Offer Mates of State Tour Dates 06/26/10 Bluebird Denver, CO 06/28/10 In The Venue Salt Lake City, UT 06/30/10 Great American Music Hall SF, CA 07/01/10 Great American Music Hall SF, CA 07/02/10 Echo Los Angeles, CA 07/03/10 Echo Los Angeles, CA 07/04/10 Club Congress, Tuscon, AZ 07/06/10 Jake’s Lubbock, TX 07/07/10 Granada Theatre Dallas, TX 07/08/10 Warehouse Live Houston, TX 07/09/10 Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, LA 07/10/10 Workplay Birmingham, AL 07/12/10 40 Watt Athens, GA 07/13/10 Orange Peel Asheville, NC 07/14/10 Ottobar Baltimore, MD 07/15/10 Music Hall  Brooklyn, NY 07/16/10 Bowery Ballroom NY Discography [2000] My Solo Project [2002] Our Constant Concern [2003] Team Boo [2006] Bring It Back [2008] Re-Arrange Us [2010] Crushes (The Covers Mixtape) Read More Mates of State http://weheartmus... Mates of State are back with Re-Arrange Us, coming out May 20th. Let me tell you that this girl-b...

Mates of State and Free Energy stopped by Minneapolis for a solid two-show performance at the 400 Bar on June 23rd and 24th. Strangely, before any of the band played, they had a stand-up comedian. Actually, for the 24th, they actually had two stand-up, Mates of State's bus driver (who is obsessed with ALF, apparently) and a comedian by the name of (I think) Sy. I thought the second guy was pretty funny, if you can 'stomach' his jokes about a fat lady ordering a Wendy's double Baconater sandwich. He reminded me a bit of John Mulaney and Jim Gaffigan.

♥ Free Energy

I talked to the employees who were working last night and they told me that it would seem that most of the audience was there to see Free Energy. But tonight, they said that the majority of the audience seems to be for Mates of State on account that the show was sold-out (although I suspect it probably had something to do with the various media appearances from the day before). Personally, being in the front of Free Energy set, I can tell you that it really, really felt that the audience were mostly Free Energy fans. Perhaps their strong audience following might be because Free Energy was originally a Minneapolis band called Hockey Night.

Anyway, looking around at their fans, I was surprise to see that most of them were singing along, considering that Free Energy seems like a fairly new band. I'll admit the band's style of music and songs are quite catchy and fun, but then again, I had that feeling when they came on stage with their adopted theme song of The Rockford Files (man, that song rocks).

They didn't really play that long, perhaps only six songs, but all the songs were tight. I felt that they should have ended their set with the easy to follow "Bang Pop" song (their chorus is easy to remember: "bang, bang, pop, pop"). Easily their best song.

Mates of State came on stage nearly 11pm, which was about the same time last night. I thought it would be just the duo, Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, but they actually had a trumpet and guitarist. The two additional band members actually add a lot to their live set, although they did leave for breaks every so often whenever a song didn't require a more guitar backup.

I'll give them this: they really love playing other people's songs*. They did at least three cover songs, including an odd version of Belle & Sebastian's "Sleep Around the Clock". Although not as ill-conceived as their attempt at "Every Rose Has a Thorn", the timing and rhythm of their B&S cover song sounds all wrong - but I think that's how they preferred it.

During the show, Jason stayed mostly on drums and Kori switch between her Korg keyboards. There was a moment when Jason actually joyed Kori's side, singing Tom Wait's "Long Way Home". See photo below.

♥ Mates of State

If you're looking for a band to see, check out Mates of State and Free Energy in your town. Although the two bands may be a different kind of music, it's a good bill.

* PS I later found out that they've actually recorded ten cover songs for their digitally released album, Crushes, so it made sense that a lot of their songs were covers. As a cover lover, I'll have to try and buy the album, although I've had issues with trying to buy from topspin.net (their popup window just display a black screen). Flash sucks on my computer, and I run a lot of anti-scripting plugins, as I'm paranoid.

 06/26/2010 18:17:49 ♥ vu () ♥ matesofstate.com♫myspace♫twitter♥freeenergymusic.com♫myspace 

News: Breaking up is hard to do

As usual, check with news.weheartmusic.com for even more news and announcements.

RAKES BREAKS
www.therakes.co.uk

I got a note from the Astralwerks band Free Energy saying that some of their shows were canceled due to the fact that the Rakes broke up. That was a bit of a shocker, considering that I thought the Rakes, along with Bloc Party, were a really successful band with top 40 singles.

Here is an excerpt from the statement from the band, dated October 22^nd:

The Rakes have always been very adamant and proud of the fact that we give 100% to every gig we’ve ever played. If we can’t give it everything then we won’t do it. That was the rule we set ourselves from day one. After much deliberation we have come to the shared conclusion that we can’t give it 100% anymore and regret to announce that The Rakes are calling it a day.

A total of 10 dates were canceled by Free Energy, but here is the new dates (note: Minneapolis is canceled):

FREE ENERGY TOUR DATES:
10/24: London, UK @ Cargo (DFA Night)
10/26: London, UK @ Barfly
10/27: London, UK @ Rough Trade Records (Hoxton) In-Store
(Early Show)/Waterats (Late Show)
10/28: London, UK @ Windmill
11/11: Boston, MA @ Great Scott
11/19: Dallas, TX @ The Cavern
11/20: Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
11/21: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
11/22: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
11/23: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/24: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
11/25: Washington, DC @ DC9, set TBA
11/27: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/28: New York, NY @ Santos Party House

Not Fair (Dr Rosen Rosen Rx)

Lily Allen

IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU
lilyallenmusic.com

Speaking of splitting, Lily Allen will be splitting from her record label, EMI. Allen, who recently had that insert-mouth-in-foot moment when she had nothing but disdain her fans for sharing her music, is to set up her own record label. She's currently has no plans on touring or promoting her latest album, It's Not Me, It's You and have pretty much abandoned being on the internet.

Quote:

I've thrown away my laptop and I haven't got a Blackberry. I've cut myself off and it's been brilliant so far.

Ironic since her career started because of her fame on myspace.

Pulp - The Boss (demo)

Pulp

MIS-SHAPES, MISTAKES, MISQUOTES (or alternate title, EVEN FURTHER COMPLICATIONS)
jarviscocker.net

Not breaking up, Jarvis Cocker was recently quoted by People Magazine as having said:

Glastonbury means an awful lot to me, I would love to play there again. We've talked about it, there we go, there'll be a band reunion.

That sparked a slew of rumors that Pulp were reforming for Glasto 2010.

Unfortunately, as quick as the rumor started, it was also swiftly put to an end when Jarvis came out to say that "Pulp have no plans to get back together".

Someone asked me if I fancied playing at the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury, I said yes, they twisted that into a 'Pulp reform' story. It's not true.

The Smiths - I Know It's Over (live)

The Smiths

THE LAST TEN SECONDS OF LIFE
www.itsmorrisseyworld.com

Speaking of further complications: It's widely reported that Morrissey collapse on the floor on the opening song, "This Charming Man" at Oasis Leisure Centre, due to breathing difficulties.

Although, NME said Morrissey to resume tour in London following onstage collapse, I suspect there will be even more cancellations in the future. Morrissey's has always been notorious for cancelling shows, due to illness and/or unexplained circumstances. I have seen Morrissey live before, but my original ticket to see him in somewhen 1994 was dashed when he canceled that show in Los Angeles. I believe we ponied up $75 per ticket (that was like a billion dollars back then).

Of course, none of this compare to the fan outage of Denny offering free burgers to fans who bought tickets to see Morrissey. Morrissey, as you know, is famous for being an advocator of vegetarianism.

 10/27/2009 14:51:08 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com