Blog: Roger's Music Blog

It's with a heavy heart that I leave rogerzmusic.com. I've been blogging on this platform since February 2005. I started this blog as an outlet for my excitement for new music, going to concerts, and general music news. It's served that purpose well, but I wish I could say the same for this blog platform. It was the ideal solution, using iBlog to connect to my MobileMe iDisk, giving me lots of power and flexibility at no cost or 3rd party hosting environment. About a year ago (maybe longer), iBlog was essentially abandoned, in the [...]

I can't say that I'm a huge Jennifer O'Connor fan, though I've enjoyed her new album more than previous ones. But I really wanted to get out and see a show. Actually, my original plan was to go see the in-store performance of Frightened Rabbit at Music Saves prior to seeing Jennifer, but that just didn't work out (just too early). But she was very good and the show was very enjoyable... until the sold out (??) Nick Lowe show in the Ballroom let out and crowded the Tavern. Guess I'm glad Jennifer got a bit [...]

Just to get this out of the way, yes he's the son of Neil Finn... but he stands out as a performer in his own right. I had been really enjoying some songs on his album and was excited to see him perform at the Grog Shop. This ended up being a much more rock show that I was really expecting. He jammed on songs harder and longer than I've seen before, well, except maybe for Xavier Rudd. Guess it's something about those from down under. Not all his songs were great, similar to the album, [...]

My friend Tim was able to hook me up with tickets for this show. I've been a sideline Ryan fan for a couple years. Lately his song "Two" has just gripped me (embed below). He's one of the artists that I wouldn't pay a lot to go see, but would DEFINITELY go if for free. :-) I invited my co-worker with me and we had a GREAT time, stopping at Becky's before the show, as I always do before going to Playhouse Square. Which by the way, was a great venue for him! [...]

Another sold out Neko show. I was excited early on for this show, but as it approached, I became less-so. Something about sold-out shows really turns me off. I ended up showing up late and leaving early, but not before being charmed by her once more. She played some new songs off the new album... FINALLY! Bring it on Neko.

Oh Dar... how I love thee. I was sooo glad to see her perform at the Beachland, rather than the House of Blues like last time. And the funny thing is that she made light of that during her show, commenting on how the audience loved the Beachland more, despite almost killing a Beachland-goer trying to back the tour bus into the Beachland parking lot. As soon as I walked in, I saw my friend Jen sitting in the front row. She offered me a couple seats!! Love her. The show was [...]

What a night... I had been planning on this show for a while, being very excited to see him since he surprised me with his previous performance at the Spider opening up for Liz Stahler. Since that night, I've seen Liz & Brianna again, offering up my place to crash. They were excited, and VERY appreciative to the offer and it hit me last minute that Nathan might be interested as well. I emailed Liz and she passed the message and and it worked out! I'm so happy to help out traveling musicians. :-) [...]

These guys were a big surprise... I had been hearing their name, then saw they were coming to Case Western. It had been awhile since I've seen a show at The Spot (Supersystem), and I was itchin' to go. Their new album was enjoyable, and so was their show. Well, other than the hoochie guy & girl grinding in the front like they were at a Lil' Kim concert. They even had the gall to be confrontational as all the indie kids just stared at their ridiculousness. Ugh. But despite, they were great performers [...]

My friend Tim had been telling me about Eilen Jewell, wanting me to go see her in Akron. I couldn't make it, but found out she was going to be at the Black Swamp Arts Festival. She was really the only performer that I would consider paying attention to this year, unlike previous years. She was good, I'd see her again.

Another great night at the Spider.

[another round of rapid catching up...] My friend Jared contacted me about seeing the Silver Jews. I hadn't heard much about them before, but listened to the new album and was surprisingly impressed. The meloncholy sound and the deep voice, reminding me of Johnny Cash. At the show, Jared told me this was the kind of band he'd like to hear on some random country rest-stop jukebox. Very well put. One of my favorite songs from the new album:

I had been enjoying this album, but this was another one of the shows where their performance solidified their stature as one of my favorites. Mates of State looked like a 30-something married hipster couple (and I mean that with the utmost respect). I really enjoyed seeing them perform, but I really need to get more acquainted with their earlier stuff, as that was a major crowd pleaser. They were *really* into it. They really seemed into the crowd as well, saying we were "better than Lollapalooza." Suck ups. :-)

Another show at Cain Park. This time I wasn't going to dare take a photo. I've seen Janis Ian at Cain Park before (pre-blogging), and had a great time. This time wasn't any different. I called early and got 4th row seats. I told my neighbors and they were VERY jealous, because they tried and got seats much further back. The day of the show, I surprised them and switched tickets. I was happy to do it because they were so excited, and I didn't mind hanging back this show. [...]

What a great night to be at Cain Park! Even better that this Over the Rhine show was part of their $2 show promotion. Unfortunately we were running late. As we were walking in, I heard them covering Gillian Welch's "Look at Miss Ohio." Ugh!! What a great song. Unfortunately, walking in we saw how few people were there. WTF? Over the Rhine is definitely an established and respected band, so this was a surprise (not to mention the price). They went on to play a great set, [...]

[...time to blow through these shows that need posted] Where to start... Last year's Pitchfork Music Festival was amazing. So much so, that I knew I was coming back this year despite who was performing. I wasn't disappointed. Of course, one of the reasons that a weekend like this is possible is because of my good friend Sal and her husband Chris. Going to Chicago always results in a good time hanging out with them. Though one of the stipulations this [...]

Interesting... Wish I had the $50 to check this out . Well, maybe. Thanks to Spangle for the heads-up!

I admit I liked Keane when they first came out, but haven't been paying much attention since. However, I LOVE this song! Where the hell did this come from?? Looks like I'm going to have to keep an eye on Keane again.

Wow, this is becoming the women's music blog lately... Nothing wrong with that I guess. One of the surprise tracks on Joan 's new CD is "Cathedrals" which is originally a Jump Little Children song. The original was great, and Joan's cover is okay... It's worth hearing: You should still listen to the original here:

It's been a crazy couple weeks... Just wanted to wish Ani a happy 38th birthday today. It's fitting that her Daytrotter session has also come to my attention today! They've posted: - Present / Infant - Coming Up - Subdivision - The Atom Enjoy!

I've already downloaded my eMusic quota for the month, so this album is on my saved list until October. :-( But the previews sound good! PATTY GRIFFIN: LIVE FROM THE ARTISTS DEN CD SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 9 DIGITAL RELEASE AN ARTISTS DEN RECORDS AND ATO RECORDS JOINT RELEASE On September 9, 2008, Artists Den Records and ATO Records will release the digital CD, Patty Griffin: Live from the Artists Den, filmed at an invitation-only concert on February 6, 2007, the day her latest album, Children Running Through, was released. The special concert took [...]