Vibes blog

Merry Christmas! It’s that time of year – you know Santa, gifts, family and all that. Christmas lights, movies, and of course – music. So, enjoy your holiday. It’s hard to believe Christmas is already here again. So soon!

Wait…..what’s that you say? It’s not Christmas yet? It’s not even December?!?! Well, it’s at least after Thanksgiving then right? No…….well, I’m confused. I figured it HAD to be close to the big day. Why? Because there’s been Christmas music on the radio for almost 2 WEEKS now!

When did the day after Halloween become the start of the holiday season? The day after Halloween, I found no less than THREE radio stations devoted to playing Christmas music 24/7! Did we all forget this little holiday called Thanksgiving? It’s just now Veteran’s Day for crying out loud. Are there really enough people out there who want to hear 2 full months of The Chipmunks sing “The Christmas Song”? Really, that’s what we need right now? I am convinced that I know the culprit behind this “start the Christmas season early” campaign. Wal-Mart. Gotta be. (more…)

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“I know that for some musicians, writing songs is like therapy and the way they get their emotions out,” says Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Robert Francis. “But for me it’s more than an outlet — it’s a way to keep me from completely losing my mind.”

Meet Robert Francis. When reading the above quote you might think that this is just another artist trying to sound good in an interview. Not this time. I had the opportunity to speak with Francis before his show in support of Noah and the Whale in Pontiac, Mich., and one thing is for sure – Robert Francis puts everything he has into his music, and he does it well. When speaking with him, I learned that he had just gotten out of the van after driving for six hours to the Michigan show. From there he would be off to Toronto, and then make the drive over to New York City for a 3-day gig. Let’s just say that’s a whole lot of van time.

The first thing you notice when talking with Robert is his humble, down-to-earth view on life and his career. Throughout the interview he repeatedly thanked me for my time and for the praise I gave him for his album Before Nightfall. When I asked him about the theme of the album, looking back on a failed relationship, Francis said, “It’s all about being comfortable in one ’s self. Accepting reality as it is, especially when you’ve been haunted by something for so long. This record puts all that to rest.” (more…)

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The Deal: West coast newcomer releases first big label album (Atlantic) and amazes in the process.

The Good: A lot. With Francis’ major label debut (after his independent release One-by-One), we are introduced to a big talent looking to make his mark on music. The album is full of power songs showcasing Francis’ many talents, none stronger than his deep, baritone voice. Francis takes a single event in his life – the ending of a long-term relationship – and creates a theme album that gets stronger with each track. No song sounds the same as the last and you’ll realize with each listen (and trust me, you’ll want to listen more than once) that the songs may sound melancholy and down to begin with, but over time a real hope begins to shine through. As Francis himself says, “Over time, the theme of the album becomes more apparent. Once you live with the album for awhile, the power comes through – the more you listen, the more you understand.” With songs like “Nightfall,” “Junebug” and “Darkness” you get the full range of Robert’s voice and of the raw emotion that makes the album special. With each song, the heart and soul of a man pours through and you can feel what he feels, and that’s a nice change from most music you hear today.

Sounds Like: A lot of really great, legendary artists. On one track, you’ll swear you are listening to early Dylan. The next, U2 circa the Joshua Tree. Later, Springsteen in his heyday. What does that mean? A great album with a unique sound and powerful tracks.

The Bad: Nuthin’. Rarely these days do you hear an album that delivers from beginning to end. This album does just that.

The Verdict: If you ever wanted the chance to say “I heard this guy way back when, before he made ‘it’,” this is your chance. I’ve written in this space before that good albums are a thing of the past. With Before Nightfall, Francis proves me wrong. So head over to iTunes and for the price of a couple fancy cups of coffee, treat yourself to an album worthy of your hard earned cash.

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So, it’s time for Halloween. That one time of year where you can dress up like the opposite sex, get really drunk and jump out and scare people – and actually not get arrested. Where ladies can dress like a nun – if said nun was a hooker in her spare time. Or a nurse – if this particular nurse was a hooker on the weekends. Or a cop – if this cop was… you get the idea. Every year, you always gather around the t.v. and watch scary movies. You know like Dirty Dancing, Steel Magnolias, or anything with Matthew McConaughey.

And the radio stations and djs play those always popular spooky tracks. But here’s where they get it wrong. They always play “Thriller” or “Monster Mash.” They might get really wild and break out “Weird Science”. The problem is simple. These songs aren’t scary. There are plenty of scarier options. So djs and party goers, if you really want to freak out the crowd, just fire up one of these diddies – if you dare! (more…)

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Ok, fearless readers, I need your help. We have quite the quandary to discuss. Help answer the following question: What happens when you don’t like an artist, but like his/her/their music? Is this the equivalent of treason? Does this upset the music gods?

Help me out here. This seems to be a common problem in music land today. Don’t believe me? Here are a few examples to start the conversation:

Kayne West – Yes, he’s a punk. Yes, he’s an ass. And yes, his music is unique, catchy and hard not to like. One minute he’s jumping on stage at the MTV VMAs and ruining America’s sweetheart Taylor Swift’s speech, and the next he’s got one of the hottest song’s (”Run This Town”) off one of the hottest albums (Jay-Z’s The Blueprint Vol. 3). He’s spoiled, an egomaniac, but extremely talented. (more…)

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Remember in those old westerns back in the day when there used to be these really kick ass outlaws? The town would have these “WANTED!” posters all over town offering big rewards for those out-of-control rogue’s whereabouts. Remember that?

Well, I think it’s time to bring back the “WANTED!” posters, because there aren’t any outlaws left. They have somehow gone extinct right under our noses… Like the Dodo bird, but way cooler. And more badass. Let me explain.

Back in the not-so-distant past, there was a group of cooler-than-cool real men who sang songs everyone thought about, but were too afraid to admit it. Songs about drinkin’, women, drugs, rednecks and the government (and how crappy “The Man” was). Stories of workin’ hard for a dollar, from sun up to sun down, and still having time to get drunk and raise some hell. Guys like Johnny Cash, Willie, Wayland and Merle. Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Daniels, and Hank (Jr. and Sr.). Back when country music was real. Those days are long gone. (more…)

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I used to be hip. At least a little, I think. I knew all about new artists, when the new albums were due out, where the best live music was to be found each month, who the best artists you never heard of but needed to were… But that was then, this is now.

Two whole weeks was all it took. That’s what happens when you have a newborn. All the hip you thought you had vanishes in an instant. Instead of telling you how good, bad or ugly the new Pearl Jam album is, all I can tell you is which of the seven lullabies on my new baby girl’s Lil’ Lamb swing I like the best (that’d be “Hush Little Baby” if you’re scoring at home). I can tell you which stuffed animal soothes my daughter the best when she’s fussy (that’d be the pink hippo that plays “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”). I couldn’t tell you a single thing that’s happened in the world of music the past two weeks. And you know what?

I think that’s absolutely perfect. (more…)

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If someone were to ask you which solo artist holds the record for most number-one albums of all time, who would you say? Before you answer, make sure you understand the question – solo artist – not group. Based on number-one albums — not total album sales, number-one songs, etc. Who would you guess? Nope. Not Elvis. At least not anymore. With last week’s The Blueprint: Vol. 3 reaching number-one status on the Billboard chart, the answer is perennial rapper/hip-hop artist Jay-Z.

Now, let’s be clear. This is not an attempt to say Jay-Z is better than Elvis, just something I find extremely interesting. Perhaps even more so, is the fact that with his new album, Jay is now number two all-time (group or solo) behind only The Beatles. That’s right. The top 3:
1. The Beatles – 19 number-one albums
2. Jay-Z – 11
3. Elvis – 10 (more…)

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Wait, I’ve seen this movie before. Yeah, it’s called Groundhog Day, but this version isn’t funny. It’s actually pretty damn sad. Yes, I am referring to our hometown NFLers, the Carolina Panthers. And yes, you can add me to the list of fans that are none-to-happy and a little (see: LOT) ticked. In case last year’s season finale – in the playoffs, at home no less – wasn’t bad enough, we had to endure the Week 1 shellacking that felt eerily like a scene from The Bad News Bears Try Football.

Watching quarterback Jake Delhomme (that’s pronounced Go-Home!) forget which team he plays for – four separate times – was about as depressing as watching Kayne make an idiot of himself on national television.

But enough about all that — you watched, you don’t need a reminder. So instead, I thought I’d give you a glimpse at what the Panther’s players might be rockin’ out to on their iPods this week. You know, in order to get their minds off Week 1 and onto Week 2 – which might soon be known as The Replacements Pt 2. If you’d like, you can make your own playlist. Just title it the Poo Poo Platter Playlist – keep it easy to find.

Coach John Fox – “The Heat is On” by Glenn Fry – The man who continues to back the wrong horse has to know that if Jake goes, he goes. To the unemployment line.

Jake Delhomme - “Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurhythmics – A number of songs work here for Jake – “Hit the “Road Jake,” “Color Blind” (Counting Crows), “That Smell” (Lynyrd Skynyrd).

Owner Jerry Richardson - “This Old Heart of Mine” by Rod Stewart – Poor Jerry’s new heart doesn’t deserve this treatment.

Steve Smith & DeAngelo Williams – “Wasting My Time” by Default – The two best players on the team might be wasting one of the few pro bowl years of their career.

Julius Peppers – “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller Band – Because the team owes Peppers $19 million this year, they couldn’t afford anyone else in the off-season – so he shouldn’t go blameless. Oh, and he’ll be gone within a week of free agency at season’s end.

The Entire Defense – “Workin’ Overtime” by Diana Ross – Most will earn their paychecks this year (see: Peppers).

The Fans – “Think I’ll Just Sit Here and Drink” by Merle Haggard – If the seasons continues down this road, there’ll be lots of empty seats at BofA Stadium and lots of full barstools at the local watering holes.

Did I miss any? And look on the bright side – the Bobcat’s season kicks off in just two short months… oh wait, nervermind.

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One of the most common questions I get asked from friends from out of town is “What the hell is there to do in Charlotte?” Or some similar version to that.

The thought by many of those new or visiting the area is that there just aren’t that many cool, unique places to go in Charlotte, or at least they haven’t heard of any. I, as most of you, beg to differ.

Charlotte might not be New York City, but you can have a helluva time for a fraction of the Big Apple price. You just have to know where to go of course. But have no fear, here’s a list of the “must-see” places in the Queen City where a visitor (or regular for that matter) needs to make an appearance. In travel guide style, of course:

THURSDAY
We’ll start on a Thursday night to make sure we hit all our stops.

Area: Derita

Location: Puckett’s Farm Equipment — What better place to hear real southern rockabilly and country than in an old building that used to sell farm equipment? Grab a PBR draft in a plastic cup for a buck, sit back and enjoy. If you don’t feel the essence of southern hospitality here, you ain’t gonna anywhere.

FRIDAY
Now that we’ve gotten you acquainted, let’s crank it up a notch.

Area: NoDa

Location: Start at the Rat’s Nest. Grab a free beer from the bathroom, roam the aisles and find a classic concert tee from George Jones, Willie Nelson or even New Kids on the Block. Grab a pair of used cowboy boots (wear ‘em out the rest of the night — blend, baby, blend) and head over to The Evening Muse or Neighborhood Theatre (or on a Gallery Crawl night both). Enjoy some of the finest acts around and once the show is over, if you’re lucky, the boys at the Rat’s Nest will be banging out the country covers out back (with, of course, more bathroom beverages).

SATURDAY
Check the latest Creative Loafing and pick the best act at Visulite, Tremont Music Hall, Amos’ Southend or Snug Harbor. After the show, head to the Thirsty Beaver for a night cap (and maybe get lucky and hear the house-band Loose Lugnuts pound out outlaw country covers), then head over to the Penguin Grill for some grease, another beer or three, and the best people watchin’ in town.

SUNDAY
Head over to The Original Pancake House for the perfect beer sponge (with a fruit topping of your choice). Tell stories of the weekend… Or at least what you remember.

Complete the above and consider yourself a member of the Royal family. Of course, fearless readers, I probably forgot something/somewhere. Let me, and the rest, know what other royal places are out there.

Special thanks to Kirk “Underground” Andrews for contributing to this post.

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