radio barz

Celebrating old lions

The new Converse commercial featuring Dr. J. Neil Young's Le Noise. Jame's Lee Burke's latest Dave Robicheaux novel (that I just finished this week). It's a great season for old lions. 

 

 

  

 

What's up with The Heavy? (Or, "How you like them now?")

Almost a month ago, I first wrote about The Heavy after the band's performance of "How you like me now?" on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Then along comes Kia and the Super Bowl and The Heavy and "How you like me now?" have exploded.

Check out the band on its Web site, YouTube and MySpace, along with the many remixes of "How You LIke Me Now?"

Like always, dig the horns and that big thumping drum. Play and repeat often.

How You Like Me Now (Single Edit)

How You Like Me Now? (Solo Remix)

How You Like Me Now? (Joker Remix)

How You Like Me Now? (Ghost Remix) 

"How You Like Me Now?" Complete Remixes

Old Town School of Folk Music plans $18 million expansion

Plans include classrooms, dance studios and a 133-seat performance venue. Full story in today's Sun-Times.

KIA Super Bowl Ad Blend "How You Like Me Now?" & Muno from Yo Gabba Gabba

New "How You Like Me Now?" post, featuring links to remix mp3s.

Doesn't take long for ear candy get heard throughout the land of pop culture and Madison Avenue, especially when when you have a Super Bowl-sized megaphone. 

My favorite song of the moment, "How You Like Me Now?" by The Heavy is featured in two preview ads for Kia's Super Bowl commercial. Nothing like a Yo Gabba Gabba/The Heavy blend to get your weekend going.

Check out the teaser and the ad along with an inspired performance of "How You Like Me Now" by The Heavy during an appearance on the Late Show two weeks back.

Metric T-Shirt Supports Haiti Relief

Metric just released a new "Help I'm Alive" t-shirt to support Haiti relief. Buy online. 

 
 

Red State Blues featuring Sharon Jones and James McMurtry

Austin Music Hall will host the November 3 Red State Blues Concert featuring Sharon Jones and James

Purchase your tickets!

Friend the concert on myspace (now that's a concept!).

Get more info.

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The Sads: Put your headphones on

Great interview with The Sads on Weekend America. The band discusses its live "silent" concerts where the audience tunes into the show via headphones. Check it out.

Coldplay, the last of the 20th century arena rock bands?

Sunday's Chicago Tribune featured a preview of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" (Due in stores Tuesday. Check local listings!) by rock critic Greg Kot. In his comprehensive article, Kot places Coldplay in the arena rock league of U2 and the Rolling Stones. And I agree. When my son first heard the song "Viva La Vida" featured in the  iPod TV ad, he asked, "Dad, is this U2?" Still, the catchy strings, booming production and jaunty Chris Martin vocals made the tune a must download and replay during our 2,000-mile summer roadtrip last week.

Kot makes the case that while Coldplay doesn't break any new ground, it does bring the rock noise. And I agree.  In fact, if you want innovation and  arena-sized beats, I'd recommend dusting off your copy of Spoon's Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. In fact, every time I hear "Viva La Vida," I want to follow it up by spinning "Cherry Bomb."

Maybe I should thank Coldplay for delivering a solid summer rock release and giving me yet another reason to play one of my favorite albums of 2007.

What do you think of Viva La Vida? Share your comments with Radio Barz.

Pitchfork TV to launch April 7

Independent music bands and fans will get a boosts next month when Pitchfork Media launches its own music channel -- Pitchfork TV. Greg Kot has the story in his "Turn It Up" blog.

• Read the Pitchfork announcement.

More Willie P. Bennett news

More links to news about Willie P. Bennett, his life and his music:

• Services for Bennett planned -- Peterborough Examiner - Peterborough,Ontario,Canada
• Willie P. Bennett's music 'will live forever' -- Kawartha Media Group - Peterborough,Ontario,Canada
   
• Peterborough musicians remember Willie P. Bennett -- Peterborough Examiner - Peterborough,Ontario,Canada
   
• A legend who shunned fame -- Waterloo Record - Waterloo,Ontario,Canada
• Musician was a folk 'pioneer'  -- The Kingston Whig-Standard - Kingston,Ontario,Canada
• Friends keep 'Willie's night' alive -- Waterloo Record - Waterloo,Ontario,Canada