Friday, June 14, 2013

Kick Off Your Summer Right with The Zombies in Central Park!


Tomorrow, NYC's favorite summer concert series, Summerstage really kicks it in to high gear with a one of a kind performance by British Invaders, The Zombies. Led by Rod Argent on piano and Colin Blunstone on vocals, the band scored US hits in the mid and late 1960s with “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “Time of the Season.” Their 1968 album, Odessey and Oracle is ranked 80th on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time." In 2011, The Zombies released their fifth studio album, Breathe Out, Breathe In. This latest album enhances the legacy of this monumental rock group with The Independent declaring, “…an authentic 1960s prog-pop tone is sustained through Argent's surging organ and sly piano, combined with the layered harmonies of Blunstone, whose voice seems impressively unravaged by time.” Regularly grouped in The Stones, Beatles, Who and Small Faces; The Zombies actually had a more RnB influenced catalog. Instead of Chuck Berry, think Ray Charles. These guys have had their mojo's working for over 45 years and they still look and sound great. 

The bill features fellow brits, Django Django, however I am most looking forward to the openers, Adam Green and Binki Shapiro. You may be a fan of Greenster from his work with The Moldy Peaches or you from his amazingly tripped-out toon paintings.  These guys go on first so get there around 6:00pm to get a good spot. 

In addition to its impressive lineup, SummerStage is launching “Forewords” a panel discussion series before select SummerStage programs co-curated with The Strand Bookstore. Forewords is a great way to help support SummerStage's free programming and to get an inside look into the minds of the artists you love. I believe there is an admission for this event and it begins at 4:00 at regular Rumsey Playhouse location. The inaugural "Forewards" Panel features Colin Bluntstone, Rod Argent talking to Oscar Award Winning Director, Jonathan Demme. 

The weather is supposed to be great, so kick off your summer right and let the Zombies make you feel good!

The Zombies - You Make Me Feel Good

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Quadron Crushes an #EDAS Encore Performance

We had an overwhelming reception for yesterday's Quadron Review but I was hearing a handful of complaints about the poor sound quality of the live recording. For those who are hungering for another taste  this stunning vocal talent, here is a sweetly soulful encore off Vested In Culture's newest baby, Avalanche

Quadron - Crush

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

#EDAS Album Review: Quadron Causes an "Avalanche" on Vested in Culture Records. Don't Miss Seeing Them This Summer!

   

by Matt (@EDAS2Go)

Label: Vested in Culture/Epic
June 4, 2013

Style: Natural Vocal Blessings,
Nighttime Kisses,
Singing While Sitting on a Piano,
Kinda Like MJ 

Audience: Diva Enablers, Tangoers,
Parched in the Pop Diaspora,
Anyone with a Pulse or Anything Loosely Resembling an Ear 


When I was a kid, everybody in the whole world listened to Michael Jackson and it was awesome. Nowadays a person can't walk into a deli without hearing Rihanna and it's just not the same. Somewhere between then and now, pop lost its way.


Full disclosure, I have always considered myself a voice of the voiceless. I spent my high school years in smoked out indie mosh pits and started listening to strange world music forms in college. I don't think my street cred is on trail here, but I've been to an experimental electronica show in the back of a chinese restaurant for godsakes. While I was music snobbing it up, I felt comfortable leaving the pop music for the populous. Every now and again I would relive the glory days of the genre with the occasional early Beatles, Ray Charles or Motown record, but for the most part I didn't touch the stuff. Then I heard Quadron.

Shortly after I first mentioned them on #EDAS well over a year ago, I exhausted my entire rolodex trying to get into their sold-out VIP performance at Cameo Gallery. The wild goose chase that led me all the way to the upper floors of the Sony Music Headquarters paid off in spades because that night was one of the most moving musical performances I have ever had the privilege to attend.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Another Song: Steppenwolf's "Hippo Stomp"

You knew they were Born 2 B Wild, but dig a little deeper into Steppenwolf's catalog and you will find some serious gems. By 1970 Steppenwolf had already shuffled it's lineup around a few times but they were still getting really great sounds. It's sad to think history totally missed this killer riff by virtual no-name sessioneer, Larry Byrom. 

Steppenwolf - Hippo Stomp

Monday, June 10, 2013

New Music Monday: Van Dale, "Bed of Bricks

Way Yes offshoot Van Dale debuts their 90's oriented heaviness with Bed Of Bricks. Their first show happens later this month in Columbus, opening for Parquet Courts (who play NYC's 4Knots Festival) at Ace of Cups. It's well worth the 5 buck admission so Buckeyes, get your tix here.




Sunday, June 9, 2013

Patton Oswalt Stars in The Coup's "The Magic Clap"

The newest video from Oakland hip-hop stalwarts, The Coup, features Patton Oswalt pantomiming just about every lyric. As if there is anything this Comedian of Comedy can't make more enjoyable, here he is lifting this song into serious Video of the Year consideration. I'll let Boots take it from here. Enjoy what's left of your weekend.

The Coup - The Magic Clap