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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

 

Willie P. Bennett, Rest in Peace

Willie P. Bennett died on February 15, too young at age 57. Willie was an amazing roots and bluegrass  artist. He's already missed.

I first became acquanited with Willie and his music through his work with Fred Eaglesmith as a member of Fred's Flying Squirrels.

I'll miss Willie's maniac mandolin solos and his lean, lonesome background vocals.  I was always amazed how Fred's live shows sounded straight out of the Ozarks instead of Ontario. Willie was a big part of the reason.

If you haven't had the pleasure of listening to Willie play, check out his work with Fred or his solo releases:

Donate to Willie's family.

Your Monday Morning Grammy Headlines

• Grammy Awards you might have missed... MLive.com, MI
• Grammys say go, go, go Hollywood Reporter
• 'STRONGER' GRAMMYS Baltimore Sun
• Herbie Hancock upsets Winehouse, West at Grammys Canada.com
• Grammys live! Los Angeles Times
• Urban, Winehouse take home Grammys Melbourne Herald Sun
• Some fab moments Los Angeles Times
• Overheard at the Grammy Awards The Associated Press
• The Grammy awards 2008: the live blog Guardian Unlimited

Radio Barz: Sunday Night Headlines

Winehouse secures early Grammy wins -- The Press Association

• Remember when Radio Barz pegged "You know I'm no good," as the song of the year back in January 2007?

Winehouse golden at Grammys -- Globe and Mail, Canada
Overheard at the Grammy Awards -- The Associated Press
Liveblogging the 50th annual Grammy Awards -- National Post
Winehouse, West earn early Grammy wins -- CNN

Rebuilding the Beatles, Note by Note -- Ashley Kahn, NPR

• Check out the music of the Fab Faux

Watch Steve Earle Unplugged at Studio 330 -- CMT

Scorsese to direct film about George Harrison

Martin Scorsese will direct a documentary on my favorite Beatle, George Harrison. Looking forward to this since Scorsese also directed one of my all-time favorite rock documentaries, The Last Waltz

Free music with your Venti

Starbucks and Apple team up to give away free music via ITunes.