DVD Out November 3rd; Check Out ‘Music From The Drifter’ Playlist

In the summer of 2008, iconic surfer and former Pipe Master, Rob Machado, flew to Indonesia to experience a different kind of surf trip. The journey ultimately took him way beyond his comfort zone, where he was finally alone with his thoughts, desires and the empty perfection of an unnamed Indian Ocean reef. What he discovered was beautifully captured in the autobiographical film, The Drifter.

Be apart of his life changing adventure when the DVD is released on November 3, 2009 courtesy of Hurley and Warner Bros. Records.

In celebration of the upcoming DVD release, Rob and the film’s director, Taylor Steele (Poor Specimen) sat down to give fans a look behind-the-scenes of the film and explained how Hurley teamed up with the Sumba Foundation to bring clean water to a entire village.

Since 2001, The Sumba Foundation has remained deeply committed to lessening the consequences of poverty on the island of Sumba. They provide humanitarian aid by fostering village-based projects that impact health (including services and malaria control), education, water and income-generation, while continuing to preserve and respect the fragile culture and traditions of the Sumbanese people.

Video footage:

Watch The Drifter trailer:

Watch Behind-the-Scenes of The Drifter

Buy Music, DVDs:

The Drifter on amazon.com

Everyone walking out of screenings of The Drifter is talking about the MUSIC….

Now you can hear a selection of the music featured in Rob Machado’s upcoming film!

Listen to songs:

Music From The Drifter Playlist:

Stardeath & White Dwarfs – New Heat
The Black Keys – Same Old Thing
The Black Keys – Strange Desire
The Raconteurs – Carolina Drama
Midlake – Roscoe
Iron & Wine – House By The Sead
Tegan & Sara – Call It Off
Jon and Roy – Dt Stylee
Brett Dennen – So Long Sweet Misery
The Raconteurs – These Stones Will Shout
Bon Iver – Beach Baby
Jose Gonzalez – Heartbeats
MGMT – Pieces of What
Yeasayer – 2080
The Shins – Sleeping Lessons
Jets Overhead – I Should Be Born
The Morning Bends – Waiting For a War
Matt Costa – Behind The Moon
Jets Overhead – Always a First Time

For more information, go to:

The Drifter Official Site
Rob Machado Official Site

Pink’s dazzling live concert is captured on the new DVD Funhouse Tour Live In Australia plus bonus live CD, OUT NOW via Jive.

The DVD features P!nk performing her enduring hits from the past decade and songs from her fifth studio album Funhouse, which has sold over 5 million units worldwide.

The concert was filmed entirely in HD in Australia where she sold out a record-breaking 60 shows. The performance will also be available on Blu-ray on December 8, 2009.

Buy Music, DVDs:

Pink on amazon.com

Pink on amazon.co.uk

The bonus live audio CD, limited to the DVD set only, is made up of a dozen of Pink’s handpicked tour favorites and a previously unreleased exclusive studio track, “Push You Away”.

P!nk has also recently premiered her new music video for new Funhouse single “I Don’t Believe You.”

Watch videos:

PINK – I Don’t Believe You:

PINK – Sober Live in Australia:

The Funhouse Tour has received unprecedented critical acclaim from across the country:

“Even in an era of escalating pop spectacle, Pink’s ‘Funhouse’ tour is going to be hard to top… Onstage she was a down-to-earth superwoman.” – The New York Times

“Pink even pulled off an impressive version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’…Like everything in Friday’s concert- like everything in Pink’s career- the song was a gamble, but one that the singer made look like a piece of cake.” – Los Angeles Times

“One of the best rock shows of the year.” – New York Post

“Pink knows how to challenge, titillate, lure and wow the crowd…Pink combines showmanship with her powerhouse vocals.” – Chicago Tribune

“Pink imported her Funhouse tour to the states, bringing a show filled with razzle-dazzle covers and stunts …” – Rolling Stone

“During a two-hour, turbo-charged performance at Key Arena, the platinum-blonde powerhouse overshadowed trapeze dancers, huge inflatable harlequins, Broadway-worthy choreography, and a pillow fight (!), wowing the packed crowd with her charisma, athleticism, and — most disarming of all — sense of humor.” – SPIN

Since her debut in 2000, P!nk has been widely hailed as a fearlessly talented singer/songwriter.

To date, the Pennsylvania native has sold 30 million albums cumulatively worldwide.

Her previous albums include: her four million-unit selling debut, Can’t Take Me Home (2000); her sophomore follow-up, M!ssundaztood (2001) which sold 11 million worldwide; the 2.7 million worldwide seller Try This (2003), and I’m Not Dead (2006), which sold over 5 million units globally and spawned two No. 1 hits ”Who Knew” and “U + Ur Hand.”

Buy Music, DVDs:

Pink on amazon.com

Pink on amazon.co.uk

Pink on Twitter
Pink Official Website

Recorded live at New York’s Madison Square Garden in August, 2008, experience Neil Diamond Hot August Night/NYC on DVD – the entire show beginning to end – 25 career-spanning hits from Neil’s phenomenal four-night sold-out run at the fabled concert hall.

The DVD features more than two hours of music including “Holly Holy,” “Love On the Rocks,” “I Am …I Said,” “Forever In Blue Jeans,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “America” and the world’s greatest sing-along “Sweet Caroline.”

It also includes the first concert versions of songs from his critically acclaimed album, 12 Songs and the chart-busting Home Before Dark PLUS the exclusive bonus feature “Welcome Home Neil,” a behind-the-scenes look at Neil’s pilgrimage to his childhood home in Brooklyn, and a bonus CD featuring 10 Neil Diamond studio favorites.

Available Now for pre-order at Walmart.com

Also available at NeilDiamond.com

WATCH NEIL DIAMOND – HOT AUGUST NIGHT/NYC
Friday, August 14, 2009 8pm ET/7pm CT
ONLY ON CBS

DVD sold exclusively at all Walmart locations. In Stores August 14, 2009

Check out some clips from the show here…

Watch videos:

Hot August Night NYC Promo video:

Cracklin’ Rosie:

I Am I Said:

Buy Music:

Neil Diamond on amazon.com

Neil Diamond Official Website

2009 Grammy Winners They Might Be Giants Release New Kids Album!

Kicking Off US Tour in Support of Here Comes Science Release at The Museum Of Natural History

Alternative rock band They Might Be Giants are proud to announce the release of a brand new kids CD and full length animated DVD, ‘Here Comes Science’, the follow up to this years Grammy Award winning Best Children’s Album ‘Here Comes the 123s’.

The 2-disc set will be available as exclusives physically on Amazon and digitally on iTunes September 1, 2009, full-scale release September 22nd on Idlewild/Disney Sound.

Buy Music:

They Might Be Giants on amazon.com

John Flansburgh and John Linnell have put their heads together once again to create engaging and educational tunes, this time for older kids!

Though this release is geared towards post-toddlers, like most They Might Be Giants family releases, adults won’t be surprised when they catch themselves popping these songs into their own iPod.

Packed with TMBG’s signature melodies and highly energized arrangements, ‘Here Comes Science’ examines a wide array of scientific ideas. Titles include “Photosynthesis,” “Meet the Elements” and the fully rocking “I Am a Paleontologist”.

THE STORY OF TMBG’s MUSIC FOR KIDS
Brooklyn’s international rock legends entered the world of kids’ stuff in 2002 with their self-styled kids album No! The project was immediately met with audience and critical raves, quickly becoming an unexpected commercial success. They followed up that effort with a collaboration with fine artist Marcel Dzama on the CD & picture book Bed, Bed, Bed (Simon and Schuster), and then joined forces with Walt Disney Records for the album and DVD Here Come the ABCs.

TMBG is already a familiar sound in many kids’ daily routines. Most recently they reached out to Little League baseball teams offering rock & roll sponsorship to teams across America!

The band has created many original themes for television including Higglytown Heroes, The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, The Oblongs, PBS Kids Share-A-Story, along with their GRAMMY-winning theme “Boss of Me” for Malcolm In the Middle. They have also appeared on Blue’s Clues and Home Movies.

AND HERE COMES THE TMBG VIDEO PODCAST!
Every song on ‘Here Comes Science’ comes with a video! TMBG will be adding new videos to their popular “They Might Be Giants Family Video Podcast” in August 2009, which can be found on iTunes.

A new song with video will be featured every week – the perfect destination for families looking to share a musical moment together right before bedtime.

They Might Be Giants 2009 US tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

07/25: Camden, NJ @ Wiggins Park at XPN Fest
09/13: Clark, NJ @ Union County Music Fest @ Oak Ridge Park
09/19: Raleigh, NC @ North Carolina Museum of Art
10/01: Ithaca, NY @ State Theatre
10/02: Albany, NY @ Hart Theatre/The Egg
10/03: Albany, NY @ Hart Theatre/ The Egg
10/04: New York, NY @ American Museum of Natural History
10/08: Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall
10/09: St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
10/10: Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
10/11: Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
10/13: Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
10/15: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
10/16: Millvale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theater
10/17: Kutztown, PA @ Kutztown University – Schaeffer Auditorium
10/18: New York, NY @ NYU – Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
11/14: Los Angeles, CA @ Royce Hall @ UCLA
11/15: Santa Barbara, CA @ Campbell Hall @ UCSB
11/21: Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
11/27: Uncasville, CT @ The Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Casino
11/28: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

“They make defiantly uncool look and sound unbelievably cool…” – Village Voice, September 2008

TMBG “combined a Dadaist sensibility with smart hooks.” – The New Yorker, March 2009

They Might Be Giants Official Website
They Might Be Giants – Facebook

Bjork’s ‘Voltaic’ is in stores now via Nonesuch Records in the U.S. (One Little Indian in the UK, and Universal worldwide.) ‘Voltaic’ a lovingly packaged celebration of the past two years of Björk’s Volta activities.

Watch trailer: Bjork Voltaic tour video

Voltaic DVD 1 (the volta tour)
Filmed highlights from the Volta tour, recorded in Paris and Reykjavik (currently screening around the country…dates below)

Voltaic DVD 2 (the volta videos)
All of the Volta music videos, including the “Declare Independence” clip directed by Michel Gondry.

Voltaic CD 2 (the volta mixes)
Key remixes from Volta, with versions of “Earth Intruders,” “Declare Independence,” and “Wanderlust,” by the likes of Simian Mobile Disco, Matthew Herbert, Graeme Sinden, Ghostigital, and Modeselektor.

Voltaic CD 1 (live at olympic studios)
Songs from the Volta tour recorded live at the legendary Olympic Studios in London, just before Björk’s headlining show at the Glastonbury Festival in 2007. It was recorded in one afternoon, and the whole set was played live before being produced and mixed by Björk.

Buy Music:

Bjork on amazon.com

Bjork on amazon.co.uk

VOLTAIC: FULL TRACK LISTINGS

Voltaic Disc 1—CD of songs from the Volta tour performed live at Olympic Studios

1. Wanderlust – Live
2. Hunter – Live
3. Pleasure Is All Mine – Live
4. Innocence – Live
5. Army of Me – Live
6. I Miss You – Live
7. Earth intruders – Live
8. All Is Full Of Love – Live
9. Pagan Poetry – Live
10. Vertebrae by Vertebrae – Live
11. Declare Independence – Live

Voltaic Disc 2—DVD of live concert performances

1. Brennio Pio Vitar – Live in Paris
2. Earth Intruders – Live in Paris
3. Hunter – Live in Paris
4. Immature – Live in Paris
5. Joga – Live in Paris
6. Pleasure Is All Mine – Live in Paris
7. Vertebrae by Vertebrae – Live in Paris
8. Where Is the Line – Live in Paris
9. Who Is It – Live in Paris
10. Desired Constellation – Live in Paris
11. Army of Me – Live in Paris
12. Bachelorette – Live in Paris
13. Wanderlust – Live in Paris
14. Hyperballad – Live in Paris
15. Pluto – Live in Paris
16. Declare Independence – Live in Paris
17. Pneumonia – Live in Reykjavik
18. My Juvenile – Live in Reykjavik
19. Vokuro – Live in Reykjavik
20. Sonnets / Unrealities XI – Live in Reykjavik
21. Mouths Cradle – Live in Reykjavik

Voltaic Disc 3—DVD of the Volta videos

1. Earth Intruders
2. Declare Independence
3. Innocence – Version 1 (winner)
4. Wanderlust
5. The Dull Flame of Desire
6. Innocence – David Saghiri
7. Innocence – Dimitrio Stankowicz
8. Innocence – Etienne Strubbe
9. Innocence – Juliet Himmer
10. Innocence – Laurent Labouille
11. Innocence – Mario Caporali
12. Innocence – Miko o_o
13. Innocence – Misi Park & Pierre Khazem
14. Innocence – Christiano Leal
15. Innocence – Roland Matusek

Voltaic Disc 4—CD of remixes of Volta songs

1. Earth Intruders – Spank Rock remix
2. Innocence – Simian Mobile Disco remix 12”
3. Declare Independence – Mathew Herbert 12”
4. Wanderlust – Ratatat remix
5. The Dull Flame of Desire – modeselektor’s RMX for girls
6. Earth Intruders – lexx remix
7. Innocence – Sinden Remix
8. Declare Independence – Ghostigital in Deep End Dance Remix 12”
9. The Dull Flame of Desire – Modeselektor’s RMX for Boys
10. Innocence – Alva Noto Unitxt Remodel 12” Version
11. Declare Independence – Black Plus mix
12. Innocence – Simian Mobile Disco dub remix

Top Photo Credit: Bernhard Kristinn

Bjork Official Website

Reel Big Fish, voted Southern California’s best-looking and most radical band of cool dudes in a recent nationwide poll (OK we made that up…) will be releasing a new full length DVD this summer, titled, appropriately enough, Reel Big Fish Live! In Concert!

Reel Big Fish Live! In Concert! will be released July 21, 2009 on Rock Ridge Music for a very fan-friendly price.

The live concert DVD was filmed before a sold-out, hometown crowd at the Grove of Anaheim this past January and features 20 classic Reel Big Fish songs, as well as all of the hilarious in-between-song-banter-and-shenanigans that fans have come to expect.

Reel Big Fish has also lined up another killer summer tour for ‘09. The veteran ska-rock outfit will be hitting cities across America with 2-Tone legends The English Beat and Orlando, FL-based reggae/ska punks The Supervillains.

Reel Big Fish front man Aaron Barrett says the band is amped to be touring with one of its musical idols. Barrett explains, “We are so excited to be playing with one of our favorite bands of all time and one of the biggest influences on our music!! We LOVE the English Beat. This tour is a dream come true for us!”

The English Beat front man Dave Wakeling responds, “I was thrilled many years ago to be invited to play at Reel Big Fish’s first album release party, and we are thrilled again to be touring with them now that they are bona fide Skadfathers!”

The trek kicks off July 3rd in Royal Oak, MI. More dates are being confirmed daily and will be posted on www.myspace.com/reelbigfish.

Southern California fans can also catch Reel Big Fish at BuFest in Malibu, CA on Sunday, May 31 with MXPX and Unwritten Law.

For ticket info and the full lineup visit: BuFest Official Website.

Formed in the suburban garages of Orange County, CA in the early 90’s, Reel Big Fish has gone on to release 6 full-length studio releases, headline countless tours in North America (as well as Europe, Asia and Latin America) and amass combined sales of over a million albums. In other words: these guys are sort of a big deal.

Reel Big Fish’s latest album, a compilation of cover songs entitled, ‘Fame, Fortune, and Fornication’ is out now on Rock Ridge Music.

Reel Big Fish 2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

May 29- Savannah, GA- Forsyth Park (with Michael Franti and Spearhead)
May 31- Malibu, CA- Bufest (with MXPX, Unwrtitten Law)

Reel Big Fish (with The English Beat and The Supervillains):

July 3- Royal Oak, MI- Royal Oak Theatre
July 5- Milwaukee, MI- Summerfest
July 7- Boston, MA- House of Blues
July 8- Hampton Beach, NH- Hampton Beach Casino
July 9- New York, NY- Nokia Theatre
July 10- Atlantic City, NJ- House of Blues
July 11- Sayreville, NJ- Starland Ballroom
July 12- Providence, RI- Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
July 15- Cleveland, OH House of Blues
July 18- Norfolk, VA- The Norva
July 20- Richmond, VA- The National
July 23- Orlando, FL- Hard Rock Live
July 24- Atlanta, GA- The Masquerade
July 26- Dallas, TX- The Palladium Ballroom
July 27- Houston, TX- Warehouse Live
July 28- Austin, TX- La Zona Rosa
Aug 1- Los Angeles, CA- Club Nokia
Aug 2- Anaheim, CA- The Grove
Aug 12- Apple, MN- Minnesota Zoo Ampitheatre

Reel Big Fish MySpace

I don’t know much about George Carlin. I have to admit, I’ve only just discovered him. I know! Shame on me. What I have learned though, is that this man wasn’t afraid to face the demons, and then tell them they were wrong.

So George Carlin has been making people laugh since the 60’s. Wow. You know, when you think about it, back in those days, there were more states that had the death penalty, they had corporal punishment in schools…but still, these people, comedians, would get up on stage and make fun of religion and world leaders. Mostly without reprisals!

I think they can get away with this type of stuff and continue to gain more fans over the years because they’re not lecturing you, they’re not bashing you over the head with a protest banner. No, they are usually up there saying what you are thinking, but are afraid to say yourself! This is why we laugh.

Unfortunately George Carlin passed away on June 22nd, 2008. His way of looking at this weird planet we share will be sadly missed.

Visit George’s website www.georgecarlin.com. You can have a humorous educational night-in with him by buying his DVD “Its Bad For Ya”, but before that, I’ll offer up a clip of Mr. Carlin explaining why saving the planet is stupid.

Watch George Carlin – Saving the Planet video:

Buy George Carlin CDs, DVDs, Books, more:

George Carlin on amazon.com

George Carlin on amazon.co.uk

Wikipedia

George Carlin Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

311 is pleased to announce that their highly anticipated new album, ‘Uplifter’, will be released on June 2, 2009.

‘Uplifter’ is the band’s first studio record in three years and was produced by the legendary Bob Rock (Metallica, Simple Plan, Veruca Salt).

As the title suggests, the band’s new album is an uplifting collection of 311’s trademark blend of rock & reggae; elevated by inspired songwriting, dynamic musicianship and big anthemic choruses.

A deluxe edition of ‘Uplifter’ will include a special DVD documentary, “The Road to 311 Day,” directed by Wayne Price.

The documentary, including interviews, backstage footage and live performances, follows the band and their fans for the week leading up to the 3-11 Day concert event in New Orleans in 2008.

Watch The Road to 311 Day 2008, video trailer:

Buy Music:

311 on amazon.com

311 on amazon.co.uk

311 have also announced the dates for their spring tour, and their annual summer Unity Tour. The spring shows kick off on April 15, 2009 in Tucson, AZ and will wrap in Springfield, MO on May 15.

Their Unity Tour ‘09, will feature special guest Ziggy Marley and will hit amphitheatres nationwide, launching in Santa Barbara, CA on June 5 and wrapping in Irvine, CA on July 12. Tickets for the spring tour are available now; with Unity Tour tickets going on sale later in the month.

311’s celebratory live shows & incessant touring schedule have earned them a massive grassroots following nationwide. Since its inception in 2004, 311’s annual summer headlining amphitheatre run, Unity Tour, has become one of the largest annual modern rock tours of the summer. Support acts on the past five Unity Tours have included Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Papa Roach, The Wailers, O.A.R. and Matisyahu.

With their signature blend of rock, reggae, hip-hop & funk, ‘Uplifter’ is the band’s ninth studio album. Previously 311 have released five Gold, one Platinum, and one Triple-Platinum-certified albums, a live album and three DVD’s (one Gold, two Platinum-certified).

Five of their releases have reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Charts. Six singles have gone into the Top 10 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Chart including the #1 hits “Down,” “Love Song,” and “Don’t Tread On Me.” To date band has sold over 8 million units in the U.S.

311 Spring 2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

4/15 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
4/16 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre
4/18 Iowa City, IA Univ of Iowa Field House
4/19 Wichita, KS The Cotillion
4/21 Knoxville, TN Valarium
4/22 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
4/23 Charleston, SC Music Farm
4/25 Orlando, FL Earth Day Festival
4/26 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
4/29 West Palm Beach, FL Sunfest
4/30 St. Augustine, FL St Augustine Amphitheatre
5/01 Birmingham, AL Crawfish Festival
5/03 Memphis, TN Beale Street Music Fest
5/04 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
5/05 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
5/07 Bossier City, LA Riverdome at Harrah’s Casino
5/08 Orange Beach, AL Amphitheatre at the Wharf
5/12 Austin, TX Music Hall
5/14 Tulsa, OK Cains Ballroom
5/15 Springfield, MO Shrine Mosque

311 SUMMER UNITY TOUR:

6/5 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl
6/7 Eugene, WA Cuthbert Ampitheatre
6/8 Seattle, WA WaMu Theatre
6/11 Salt Lake City, UT Usana Amphitheatre
6/12 Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
6/14 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion
6/16 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Amphitheatre
6/17 Columbus, OH Lifestyles Communities Pavilion
6/19 Detroit, MI Freedom Hill
6/20 Cincinatti, OH Riverbend Amphitheatre
6/21 Indianapolis, IN The Lawns
6/23 Saratoga, NY SPAC
6/24 Boston, MA Comcast Center
6/25 New York, NY Central Park Summerstage
6/27 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Art Center
6/28 Washington DC Nissan Pavilion
6/30 Philadelphia, PA Penns Landing
7/1 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/3 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/4 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheatre
7/5 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
7/7 St. Louis, MO Verizon Amphitheatre
7/10 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
7/11 San Diego, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
7/12 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

For more information on 311, their upcoming release and for the most up-to-date tour stops, go to:

311 Official Website
311 MySpace

Capitol Records Nashville will release Ron White’s third solo comedy album ‘Behavioral Problems’ on April 21, 2009 as part of a trifecta “event” release of the Grammy nominated comedian’s Comedy Central one-hour television special (debuting April 19) and the DVD release (April 21).

Ron White on amazon.com

Ron White on amazon.co.uk

Shot in Seattle, WA last November, ‘Behavioral Problems’ marks his third solo comedy CD following on the heels of his gold-certified ‘Drunk In Public’ and ‘You Can’t Fix Stupid.’ The latter premiered at #14 on the Billboard’s Top 200, ranked #1 on the Billboard Comedy charts for 9 consecutive weeks and was nominated for a Grammy award.

Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White is best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. But with two Grammy nominations, a Gold record, two of the top-rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, a book that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units, Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right.

Ron White Official Website

One of my favourite comedy writers is Chris Morris. He’s been responsible for some of the cleverest comedy shows on television for over 15 years now. He even helped launch the career of one Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge).

But I want to show you one of his funniest creations, in my opinion, Nathan Barley.

This was a half hour show written by Chris Morris and Charlie Brooker which stars a kid, played by Nicholas Burns, who runs his own website, www.trashbat.co.ck, and is “at large” on the London scene. You know all these people who jump on other peoples trains? Fashion hijackers. Or as Chris Morris puts it in Nathan Barley, “The Rise Of The Idiot”.

If you love observational comedy, then this will be right up your alley way. It might also turn you on to more of Chris Morris’s other creations. Some of which I will touch on in the future no doubt. Until then here is the first episode of Nathan Barley:

Episode 1, part 1 of 3 – Watch Nathan Barley video – YouTube notes: written by Charlie Brooker and Chris Morris, with Julian Barrat from The Mighty Boosh (and Noel Fielding popping up too).

Nathan Barley Part 2
Nathan Barley Part 3

You can see episodes of this show by visiting Amazon and buying the brilliant DVD.

Nathan Barley on amazon.co.uk

Chris Morris on Wikipedia

www.trashbat.co.ck Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

Possibly the world’s favorite African band, Tinariwen return to the U.S. after a long desert hiatus and fresh off a UK tour with folk/electronic group Tunng (watch Tunng video).

With a new concert DVD entitled Live In London (World Village 458086), Tinariwen’s mesmerizing live show is infamous among both world music and rock fans alike, as the group’s music and fascinating story have captured imaginations across genres.

Tinariwen on amazon.com

Tinariwen on amazon.co.uk

Once actual warriors in the heavily turbulent homeland of the taureg – nomads in the southern Sahara – the members of Tinariwen first turned to music as a more profound weapon in 1982, but remained underground until 1999 when the group moved to Bamako, the capital of Mali. Tinariwen have since become a symbol for the plight of the tuareg (or touareg), a people plagued by ethnic cleansing, eternal warfare and merciless drought.

After opening for the Rolling Stones in August 2007, Tinariwen’s music began reaching ears across the world, and has recently been cited as an influence by such groups as Coldplay and Radiohead, and aired on the radio waves by the likes of Black Flag’s Henry Rollins.

Their blues and psychedelic-tinged guitar rock has been featured in the 2008 “Best of Rock” issue of Rolling Stone, as well as in Blender, Uncut and Mojo, in addition to Songlines and fRoots. They are, as USA Today claimed, “One of the most exciting guitar bands on the planet.”

In addition to Live In London, 2009 brings a re-release on vinyl of Tinariwen’s latest album ‘Aman Iman’ – a frequent inclusion on the Best of 2007 lists in publications like Billboard, The Village Voice and fRoots – as well as a new six-part documentary The Music of Resistance, Al Jazeera’s in-depth exploration of artists around the world who fight against oppression and injustice.

Presented by Asian Dub Foundation’s Steve Chandra Savale, the documentary highlights artists from locations like Mozambique, Cape Verde and Nigeria, with interviews and live concert footage.

Tinariwen 2009 US tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

April 16 – Palace of Fine Arts – San Francisco CA
April 17 – Rio Theatre – Santa Cruz CA
April 18 – Coachella – Indio CA
April 19 – Santa Fe Brewing Co – Santa Fe NM
April 21 – KTAOS Solar Center – Taos NM
April 22 – Old Town School – Chicago IL
April 24 – Le Poisson Rouge – New York NY
April 25 – Heineken TransAtlantic Fest – Miami FL

“like a mirage come true: Keith Richards, Ry Cooder and Ali Farka Toure picking side by side under an unforgiving sun.” – Rolling Stone

“a glorious syncopated noise that puts most rockers to shame…these songs arrive with dust on their boots and a little thirsty.” – All Music Guide

“the band’s groove…packs more heat than most Euro-American rockers can even imagine these days.” – Los Angeles Times

“It’s music of longing and rebellion, weary wisdom and restless energy, and it sounds so, so good. Don’t let it pass you by.” – Pitchfork

“What opens the golden vistas in your brain are the guitars: Earthly and exotic…it sounds like the sweet spot between joy and suffering.” – Blender

“There’s an epic weight to the sound, the voices sounding commanding as well as spaced out by all that Saharan sun.” – Songlines, Top of the World

“This extraordinary band are clearly pushing for more than cult world-music status. They fully merit it.” – Uncut

“as grave and ultimately unfathomable as Robert Johnson’s Delta blues and Jimi Hendrix’s psychedelic rock.” – The Absolute Sound

For more information, go to:

World Village Music

Tinariwen Official Website
Tinariwen MySpace

There is always room in this world for dead comedians, eh? I think sometimes dead comedians are funnier than live ones…so this one’s for Dave Allen.

Dave Allen was born July 6, 1936. In 1959 he got a break by appearing on a talent show called New Faces, and he made a name for himself in the 1960’s. In 1961 he toured England and France with the then unknown band The Beatles.

He was famous for sitting on a stool on stage drinking whisky and smoking. I remember, way back in 1979 trying to impress one of my first girlfriends by buying her a ticket to see Dave Allen at Portsmouth’s Kings Theatre. Unfortunately the humour went strait over her little head (bless). But for me it was one of the funniest shows I had been to. Dave Allen was well known for his jokes about the catholic religion:

Dave Allen on Religion video

Unfortunately Dave Allen died on March 10th 2005, leaving us with over 30 years of the funniest fact based comedy. Goodnight. Thank you Dave Allen and “may your God go with you”.

Here are a couple more of clips of Dave Allen telling it strait!

Watch video: The Vagaries of the English Language

Dave Allen – Telling the time video:

If you feel like you need to own a piece of Dave Allen you can always buy one of his DVDs from Amazon.

Dave Allen on amazon.co.uk

Dave Allen on amazon.com

By: Dave Tommo

I think it’s time to set the balance. So far all the stand ups that I’ve reviewed are guys. I know when we talk of stand up comedians we automatically think of blokes. You know, Ben Elton, Bob Hope, Bill Hicks, George Bush etc., but there are some very funny female comics out there.

I’m gonna start with Joan Rivers. Probably one of the most controversial comedians to walk the boards of any stage.

Joan was born June 8th 1933. She started her career in the late 1950’s and in the early 60’s, performed in various comedy clubs around Greenwich Village; also appearing as a guest on the Tonight Show and working as a gag writer for Candid Camera.

This woman has been around. Wrote the book and wore the t-shirt (I reckon she invented the f****** thing). Joan Rivers is an award winning comedian who isn’t afraid of saying what she thinks and wearing her heart on her sleeve.

You can find out more about her by visiting the website joanrivers.com. She’s up to so much stuff! Also, you might like to treat yourself to one of her DVDs. Like ‘Joan Rivers Live At The London Palladium’ recorded in 2006. Still currentish.

Joan Rivers on amazon.com

Joan Rivers on amazon.co.uk

Here’s Joan doing what she does best on Live At The Apollo (not necessarily safe for work):

Watch Joan Rivers Live at The Apollo video [original air dates 2007] Part 1

Joan Rivers Part 2:

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwHfxj6QrkM

Joan Rivers Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

On March 31, 2009 Eagle Rock Entertainment, through it’s Eagle Vision subsidiary, will release Jeff Beck Performing This Week…Live at Ronnie Scott’s on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Buy links: Performing This Week: Live at Ronnie Scott’s on amazon.com

Jeff Beck on amazon.co.uk

Filmed over the course of several gigs at the famed Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in 2007, Performing This Week…(CD released November 25) features a compilation of material spanning Beck’s genre-jumping career. From Rock to Jazz to Blues, with some Boogie and Beatles to boot, this was a week that positively rocked the intimate London club.

His band includes Tal Wilkenfeld (bass), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), and Jason Rebello (keyboards). Joss Stone, Imogen Heap, and Eric Clapton also made special appearances, complementing Beck’s wild guitar work with their diverse vocal approaches.

“This was a great week. Playing in such an intimate club with my friends and my amazing band… What more could a musician want.” – Jeff Beck

These DVDs are the first to be approved by the man himself. They are stocked with not just a conglomerate of great performance picks, but stellar bonus material. A rare in-depth interview features Beck talking about his experience at Ronnie Scott’s, as well as giving the floor to his band members for some interview time. The Blu-Ray also includes an exclusive 7-track rockabilly set with the Big Town Playboys.

Eagle Rock Entertainment develops, acquires and produces music programming for a wide range of notable and high profile artists, which the company distributes on a worldwide basis. Eagle Rock Entertainment, Eagle Vision and Eagle Eye Media are wholly owned divisions of Eagle Rock Group, LTD.

Track listing:

1.) Beck’s Bolero
2.) Eternity’s Breath
3.) Stratus
4.) Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers
5.) Behind The Veil
6.) You Never Know
7.) Nadia
8.) Blast From The East
9.) Led Boots
10.) Angel (Footsteps)
11.) People Get Ready – with Joss Stone
12.) Scatterbrain
13.) Goodbye Pork Pie Hat / Brush With The Blues
14.) Space Boogie
15.) Blanket – with Imogen Heap
16.) Big Block
17.) A Day In The Life
18.) Little Brown Bird – with Eric Clapton
19.) You Need Love – with Eric Clapton
20.) Rollin’ And Tumblin’ – with Imogen Heap
21.) Where Were You

Blu-Ray Bonus Tracks:
1.) Race With The Devil
2.) Crazy Legs
3.) Train Kept A Rollin’
4.) My Baby Left Me
5.) Matchbox
6.) Baby Blue
7.) Honky Tonk / Beck Interview on Rockabilly set

Watch video: Jeff Beck Concert 1999 “What Mama Said”:

Jeff Beck Official Website

Recently I stumbled upon Carlos Mencia on Youtube. God how this man saved me from a couple hours of boredom!

I haven’t had such a comedic eureka moment since the day I superglued my math teachers ass to his chair (honestly you had to have been there). This guy is one of the funniest, most honest stand up comedians since (in my opinion) Bill Hicks.

Carlos has a number of DVD’s out there, one of which was released back in 2005 entitled ‘Not For The Easily Offended’ and it does what it says. I mean if you think this world is a beautiful place, our children are our future and religion is our savior, then this is not for you.

But if you like to laugh at reality in all its ugliness, then Carlos Mencia will have you slapping your dog, with tears of laughter rolling down your cheeks.

Here is Carlos doing what he does best. From his ‘Not For The Easily Offended’ DVD. If this don’t kick your laughter button into action then stick your fingers in to the electric plug socket while standing in a bucket of water and give us all a good laugh. Just kidding!

Watch “Not For The Easily Offended” video (explicit, not safe for work, adults only, etc., etc.) part 1

Carlos Mencia on amazon.com

Carlos Mencia on amazon.co.uk

Carlos Mencia Official Website

By: Dave Tommo