TVD Ticket Giveaway | Jay Brannan | Sunday (7/11) at the 9:30

Most Sunday evenings after most weekends, I want a night out musically to "pick me up and undress me/lay me down and caress me" to quote one Mr. Joe Jackson. Ex-New Yorker Jackson may have been channeling current New Yorker and indie singer/songwriter Jay Brannan who brings his soaring tenor and introspective musings to the 9:30 this Sunday evening for a special seated show at the club. Jay's given TVD a pair of tickets to pass along to one lucky yet wistful scenster, and all you need do is to let us know just HOW special it'd be for you to attend the show this Sunday night in the comments section (or just say hello!) and we'll choose a winner for the pair by Friday at noon.

"Often erroneously billed as a 'sensitive songwriter,' Brannan is more like a roaring, emotional force."
-Julian Hooper, FLAVORPILL

Jay Brannan - Can't Have It All (Mp3)


Official Website
Official MySpace

TVD Shuffle Bored | July 10, 2008

The line between artist and audience: "Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith have been uncompromising in their dislike for ('The Way You Are') in the years following its release, Orzabal stating it was "the point we realized we had to change direction", while Smith was even more direct in proclaiming it "the worst thing we've done.""

Yet, oddly, a TVD favorite.

The Babys - Turn And Walk Away (Mp3)
Boz Scaggs - Lowdown (Mp3)
The Motors - Tenement Steps (Mp3)
Tears For Fears - The Way You Are (Extended Version) (Mp3)
Dwight Twilley - Girls (Mp3)

TVD Shuffle Bored | July 9, 2008

I find I tend to drop into the 'royal we' when referring to TVD within the daily posts. I mean, it is ME typing each day, so the 'we' may sound a wee bit put on. But I would be remiss if I didn't mention that well, there are a few folks who do stuff behind the scenes here at TVD HQ. One of them is my good pal JC who spent sometime this past weekend hunkered down in the back end (of the HTML, folks--sheez...) to bring you a visually enhanced TVD. To wit:

Now, despite testing on Mac and Windows among various browsers, I think a few of you may not been seeing John's nifty handiwork. If you're NOT seeing the blog per the image above, please shoot me a note or leave a comment regarding which platform and browser you're using. We'd like to de-bug ya'. (I think there's a cream...?)

...Random!
The Cars - Misfit Kid.mp3
Tubeway Army - Me, I Disconnect From You.mp3
ABC - Date Stamp.mp3
Kent - The King Is Dead.mp3
Field Music - Working To Work.mp3

TVD Shuffle Bored | July 8, 2008

Back in about '94 or so, my folks moved from the home I grew up in to a somewhat smaller, certifiable fixer-upper about a half-hour south along the NJ coastline. And when I say 'fixer-upper' I'm being more than generous. The stairs to the second floor we're at a precarious and dangerous angle, doorknobs would just come off in your hand when you opened a door, and the whole place had this pseudo-Moorish interior architecture--one could swear beheadings be-happened in the place. In short, I thought they had lost their minds.

Fix it up they did however, and over the course of a very busy year, all manner of contractor was hired and the place became quite spiffy indeed. But gone was my old bedroom and I was relegated to the new guest room for visits which also served as a repository for their personal papers and folders and letters waiting to find their proper place once the spiffying was accomplished.

Now, I'm not sure if I mentioned this yet in this forum, but yours truly was adopted right from birth. I like to joke that I went from the womb straight to New Jersey--where I found myself once more, in a work-in-progress guest room with all of the documents regarding the legal aspects of my adoption right there. A nosy SOB I be, so I started reading through them and lemme tell you--freaky. There was all sorts of contractual mumbo-jumbo amidst yellowed carbon copies of correspondence. One letter in particular literally spelled out the availability of the next child for my parents to adopt...there were three mothers all due around the same time and whoever gave birth first would have the child who'd take that plane ride straight to New Jersey. And yes, I arrived prompt and first and was flown away.

The thought that remains however is--holy shit--I could have had one or two completely different (random!) lives...and the letter I was reading right then and there was attesting to that very fact in typewriterease. Had I been a day later, where would I have ended up? (Cue: existential cosmic angst.)

But if there was a theme running through all of the notes and letters between my folks and the adoption agency it was their sheer earnestness at wanting a child from a deep, loving well that I've yet to understand. My dad would very often say to me, "when you're a parent, you'll understand..." but, I'm not and I don't. (OK, maybe perhaps I do to a degree.)

Yet, with the varying ups and downs the ensuing years brought, one tremendous gift remains which is a recollection of that earnest parenting and the peace of mind that was instilled, sometimes afterward--hammered, into my head. And when I put the head down each night, I sleep OK thanks, which I think is the greatest gift you could give a kid. (Next to a record player, of course.)

So, randomly, today is my Mom's 83rd birthday and when I talk to her later, I guess I should let her know how well I sleep, huh? (I'll tell her y'all said 'hi' too. She'd like that, for certain.)

Lindsey Buckingham - Trouble (Mp3)
Arnold - Oh My (Mp3)
Klaatu - The Loneliest Of Creatures (Mp3)
New Musik - Straight Lines (Mp3)
Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (Mp3)

TVD Shuffle Bored | July 7, 2008

The time has drawn neigh, TVD reader, to wrestle once again with happenstance and the uncertainties of the iPod. To place fate in the thumb and forefinger which select 'Shuffle Songs' and be witness to the dulcet tones that spring forth within the ear bud. Join us this week if you will for (an early) Midsummer's Shuffle Bored...

(OK, yea, I got nuthin'. But feel free however to chime in with your random five throughout the week...)

Nik Kershaw - Wouldn't It Be Good (Mp3)
Wire - Surgeon's Girl (Mp3)
English Beat - I Confess (Mp3)
The Fountainhead - Rhythm Method (Mp3)
Talk Talk - Dum Dum Girl (12" Mix) (Mp3)

Crooked Beat to New Location?

Second flood in a week has owners contemplating a move.

The second of two major floods this week at Adams Morgan vinyl vendor Crooked Beat has owner Bill Daly rethinking his store's present location. "We'll most likely be announcing that we will be moving the store to a new location by the end of the year," Daly told TVD in an email yesterday. "We have no idea where that location may be, but we would like to stay in DC. This flood today was the 22nd water related problem we have had with the store since 2004. I can not say much more except that our landlord has not been on top of fixing problems related to our building."

Crooked Beat has been closed since last Thursday when a sewer backup caused damage estimated to be in the thousands to the in-house stock of vinyl. A number of CDs, fixtures, equipment, posters and mailing supplies were also damaged. "Our patience has worn thin with our landlord" added Daly.

TVD's Weekend Shots

fore·shad·ow (fôr-shd, fr-)
tr.v. fore·shad·owed, fore·shad·ow·ing, fore·shad·ows
To present an indication or a suggestion of beforehand; presage.

Also as in, while TVD prepares for the long weekend ahead and reads down the track listing for this Humble Pie Best-of collection...a picture forms. Each and EVERY song title on this list begins to conjure a glimpse of some event that WILL come to pass this weekend. Troubling questions soon arise--in what order will these events occur? Will 'Hot 'N' Nasty' be followed by 'I Don't Need No Doctor'? Will it be 'Shine On' or 'I Can't Stand the Rain'? One thing's for dead certain however, there will be plenty of 'Black Coffee' tossed down the hatch this weekend. Count on it.

See ya Monday...!

Humble Pie - 30 Days In The Hole (Mp3)
Humble Pie - Black Coffee (Mp3)
Humble Pie - C'mon Everybody (Mp3)
Humble Pie - Honky Tonk Woman (Mp3)
Humble Pie - Hot 'N' Nasty (Mp3)
Humble Pie - I Can't Stand The Rain (Mp3)
Humble Pie - I Don't Need No Doctor (Mp3)
Humble Pie - Shine On (Mp3)
Humble Pie - Stone Cold Fever (Mp3)

TVD's Daily Wax | Led Zeppelin "II"

Talk about Fisherman's Friend:

"One evening, two young girls were lounging in the bathtub of Led Zeppelin's hotel suite. Page walked in. He giggled, "We figured you need something to keep you company." Then he threw four live octopuses into the tub. The young ladies wound up enjoying the octopuses more than the rockers. "Oh my god," squealed one of them, "I've gotta get one of these. It's like having an eight-armed vibrator!""

TVD/NSFW!

Led Zeppelin - Heartbreaker (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman) (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - Ramble On (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - The Lemon Song (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love (Mp3)

Hey, did anyone guess the theme to this week's LP covers? I'll bundle the entire contents of each of this week's LPs and forward to the person with the eagle-eye and the correct answer.

TVD's Daily Wax | Rod Stewart/Faces "Live Coast to Coast/Overture and Beginners"

With the utmost in perfect timing, this note from Bob Lefsetz arrived in my mailbox this week while we're coincidently spending time down the road with our blues-rock neighbors, "I bought the first two Rod Stewart albums without hearing them first, the reviews were just that good. And six months later, I ventured to the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester to see him and the reconstituted Faces. That lame gentleman singing standards and serial marrying? I'm convinced he's not the same guy. Because Rod Stewart was the coolest rock star of 1971. You didn't want to be Jagger, you wanted to be him.

Rod entered the stage strutting in the middle of the first song. When he strode up to the mic, he fell backwards, and ascended just in time to hit the first note. And that voice! I was sold. I bought every album thereafter. Because of "Gasoline Alley" and that one performance."

Rod Stewart/Faces - It's All Over Now.mp3
Rod Stewart/Faces - Too Bad/Ever Picture Tells A Story.mp3
Rod Stewart/Faces - Angel.mp3
Rod Stewart/Faces - I Wish It Would Rain.mp3
Rod Stewart/Faces - Stay With Me.mp3

TVD's Daily Wax | Humble Pie "On to Victory"

I know, I know--if you purists are playing along at home you're asking yourselves "WTF TVD? If you're going to highlight a Humble Pie LP, why this much later effort?" Because you just can't go wrong with any Pie LP and man, I dig this cover for some reason. But if you're really up in arms and legs, stick around for the weekend. (Whoops - cat, you get back in this bag...)

Humble Pie - Fool For A Pretty Face (Mp3)
Humble Pie - My Lover's Prayer (Mp3)
Humble Pie - Savin' It (Mp3)
Humble Pie - Take It From Here (Mp3)
Humble Pie - You Soppy Pratt (Mp3)

(...soppy pratt?)

TVD's Daily Wax | Jeff Beck "Beck-Ola"

In the 70's, the portion of the Jersey Shore where my family moved to known as Shark River Hills, was a mini-melting pot of various nationalities all taking refuge from either northern New Jersey (like us) or New York City. Families upon diverse families migrated several miles south and took up residence minutes away from the Atlantic. For example, within three or so blocks from my home, there were the French, the Belgians, the Russians, the Italians, the Irish, the Argentineans--and well, I could go on.

Many of these families also had children and as things normally go, we'd play at each other's house and earn a glimpse of traditions and practices not known in our own homes. Happily, I was handed a world view at an early age, fostered by going from house-to-house and door-to-door and being welcomed inside, which seems to have engendered a general acceptance of diversity.

Which brings me to the various musical families I, and this blog, visit from time to time. Some weeks it's a knock on the door of the Post Punk variety, then a stop over at the Glam residence, a chat with the New Wave neighbors, a sit down dinner with the FM Rockers, or a chill-out on the back porch with the 70's AM Gems. (I like the Metal family around the corner too, but is it me--they always seem to be a bit well, ...drunk?)

This week we'll break bread with a few neighbors who don't visit the blog all that often--those blues-rock pioneers from the 70's, or as I politely refer to 'em--the Career Revivalists. They're a bunch of great folks to be certain--just keep your daughters at a bit of a distance. And you might want to chain the liquor cabinet. Just sayin'.

Jeff Beck with Rod Stewart - All Shook Up (Mp3)
Jeff Beck with Rod Stewart - Jailhouse Rock (Mp3)
Jeff Beck with Rod Stewart - Plynth (Water Down The Drain) (Mp3)
Jeff Beck with Rod Stewart - Spanish Boots (Mp3)
Jeff Beck with Rod Stewart - The Hangman's Knee (Mp3)

(Hey, did anyone notice we took down Grandma's wallpaper and repainted?)

TVD's Weekend Shots

Earlier this week, DCRTV reported, "'Father' Of FM Stereo Dies--Carl Eilers, often called the "father" of FM stereo radio, has died at age 83. A 50-year employee of Zenith Electronics in Chicago, Eilers co-developed the production of high-fidelity stereo sound over the airwaves. In 1961, the Federal Communications Commission adopted the Stereo FM Broadcast Standard, which is still in use." The Chicago Tribune has more here.

I note in his obituary that Mr. Eilers is survived by his wife, Sandy, a son, John; a daughter, Janet Ames; and a sister, Marie Maxwell. But really, isn't he survived by ALL of us who grew up on FM radio?

I wish I would have read this earlier--I would have sent flowers. In lieu of flowers then, a few FM rock radio classics for your Weekend Shots in memory of Mr. Eilers. And frankly, in memory of radio in general. (RIP)

Mott The Hoople - All The Young Dudes.mp3
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded By The Light.mp3
ELO - Can't Get It Out of My Head.mp3
The Doobie Brothers - China Grove.mp3
Foreigner - Cold As Ice.mp3
Steely Dan - Do It Again.mp3
Alice Cooper - Eighteen.mp3
Steve Miller Band - Fly Like An Eagle.mp3
Peter Frampton - Show Me The Way.mp3
Deep Purple - Smoke On The Water.mp3

TVD | Friday @ Random

(I know, breathe deep.) So, I was hanging out over at Mick's place last week and the talk turned to our first concerts attended. For me--you probably guessed it by this (awesome!) cover--'twas Loverboy and opening up was this little combo from San Francisco--Huey Lewis and the News. (I think they had a hit or two, right?) Man, I was all about it--I think I was even sporting the bandanna around the head too, rather UN-ironic. Good, good times...but I'm CERTAIN better firsts were had. So, YOUR first bite of the apple, TVD reader?

Meanwhile, as you work for the weekend this Friday, my first time sounded JUST. Like. This. (Like it never will again.)

Loverboy - Teenage Overdose (Mp3)
Loverboy - Lady Of The 80's (Mp3)
Loverboy - D.O.A. (Mp3)
Loverboy - Turn Me Loose (Mp3)
Loverboy - The Kid Is Hot Tonight (Mp3)

TVD Ticket Giveaway | Ladytron | Saturday (6/28) at The OuternationalMusic Tour at Merriweather Post Pavilion

I'm hanging out at TVD HQ last night and the red phone rings -- Ladytron on line three. I'm sorta averse to talking on the phone but what the hell, it's the whole band on speaker. "Big fans of the blog, coming to DC with the OuternationalMusic Tour, blah, blah, blah, how about you guys give away some free tickets, blah, blah, blah." But I'm down...I've got this thing for Liverpool, y'see and this band in particular.

I say, "Listen, Datarock's the very same night--I need some hook to set this contest apart--whatcha got?" There's this awkward pause where I could TELL they're pulling up TVD on the computer. I think it was Mira who picked up, "Oh yea? Well, how about we give away TWO sets of all day passes to the festival?!" (Good, I'm thinking, but we can do better.) "How about we sweeten it?" I say, polishing off my third mojito with that annoying, bottom of the glass straw noise. (Awkward pause #2.) I can hear some rummaging now. "OK, OK...how about a limited edition tour poster...a Ladytron totebag...and fuck all, the new CD too--the whole bag o' swag for each winner?!"

"Ladytron," I says, "you got yourself a deal."

Don't let 'em down folks--they put together one hell of a package. We've got TWO winners for this Saturday's OuternationalMusic Tour at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Ladytron joins DC's very own Thievery Corporation and TV on the Radio for this (semi)day-long event--so think big kids. Two winners each get a pair of tickets and all the swag the band could find sitting around their flat. Give it to us good and hard in the comments with contact info and we'll choose a winner by Friday at noon. (Now, where's my mojito...I put it down SOMEplace....)

Ladytron - Black Cat (Mp3)



Official Website
Official MySpace

TVD Ticket Giveaway | Datarock | Saturday (6/28) at The Rock And Roll Hotel

So, I'm talking with the Datarock guys and they're like, "Jon, Jon...we get what you're trying to do this week with the real random old New Wave records, it's cool and all--but man, this shit's BORING. How can we help?"

"OK, OK" I thought, "maybe you have a point....but short of handing TVD a pair of free tickets to give away for the show this Saturday at the R&R Hotel with openers Ki:Theory and Sneakers In The Club and tossing in a free CD AND a tee shirt to the lucky winner--I just don't see how you could possibly help?" Fredrik looked at Ket-Ill, Ket-Ill looked at Fredrik, ...and a plan was set in motion.

Down with Datarock? Let us hear from you in the talk-back box and you'll get the tickets, the CD, and the tee shirt. No arm twisting necessary--just be convincing and leave us some contact info. We'll choose a winner by noon on Friday.

Datarock - Computer Camp Love (Mp3)



Official Website
Official MySpace

TVD's Daily Wax | Blanket of Secrecy "Ears Have Walls"

OK, so I admit it. Maybe this wasn't the brightest idea to highlight these random New Wave LP's this week. Seemed like a good idea at the time, I guess. Playback on some of these tracks has left me pretty underwhelmed. (So much for building up one's blog, huh?) I guess those Datarock guys were on to something.

But if there's an LP that will stand the test of time, it's this Blanket of Secrecy LP--largely because they didn't adhere to the trappings of the era and made a pretty darn smart and at times Beatle-y record. I'd link to thank Mr. Mine For Life for putting this old favorite under my nose again and for enlightening me as to the origin of 'Tinker','Tailor' and 'Soldier' -- the mysterious pseudonyms behind the record's creators.

Blanket of Secrecy - Say You Will (Mp3)
Blanket of Secrecy - Love Me Too (Mp3)
Blanket of Secrecy - Remember Me And You (Mp3)
Blanket of Secrecy - Something I Don't Need (Mp3)
Blanket of Secrecy - Tell Me Baby (Mp3)

TVD's Daily Wax | A Drop In The Gray "Certain Sculptures"

"The good news about this California-based Scottish-American trio is that they're not as pretentious or as distant as the name. The bad news is they're close to it. Utterly without personality or purpose, the eleven slickly produced tracks (with titles like "Heartache Feeds Heartache" and "Past Your Frame") blur into one another, with the smooth, modern sound of guitars and keyboards approximating an updated Moody Blues. Except for Dan Phillips' cloyingly over-emotional and gimmicky vocals, these sculptures are faultless to a fault."

Man, I'm in love with these old reviews from Trouser Press. (The first two tracks really aren't THAT cringe-worthy. It WAS '85 after all.)

A Drop In The Gray - All The Same (Mp3)
A Drop In The Gray - Wide Eye One (Mp3)
A Drop In The Gray - Fall And Cry (Mp3)
A Drop In The Gray - Heartache Feeds Heartache (Mp3)
A Drop In The Gray - Turn Me Round (Mp3)