radio barz

Song of the day: Julian Casablancas - 4 Chords of the Apocalypse

Strokes singer and front dude Julian Casablancas features this bluesy, soulful tune on his new solo release. Put it on repeat play when you pine for the one you love. Recently featured as KCRW's "Song of the Day," and it makes the cut for the Radio Barz playlist too.

Song of the day: "Black Duck Blues" by The Young Republic

Song of the day: "Black Duck Blues" by The Young Republic. Thanks to The Waiting Room for introducing me to The Young Republic. 

McCartney and Petty set to release massive live collections

Do you like your rock legends live? If so, you're in luck. Coming this month, two massive live collections:

• Paul McCartney,Good Evening New York City (2CD/1DVD), release date November 17
• Tom Petty, The Live Anthology (4CD Box Set), release date November 23

KCRW's Eclectic 24 Lives Up To It's Name

Really enjoying KCRW's new Eclectic 24 channel. Just in an hour's time tonight, the station played cuts by Joe Jackson, Joe Henry, L'avventura, Kate Miller-Heidke, Nick Cave and Taj Mahal.

Here are some videos by these featured artists, but I'd advise you to listen to Eclectic 24 for yourself. 

Kate Miller-Heidke - Politics in Space

(are you ok? pretty much.)

Taj Mahal - Senor Blues

Joe Jackson - Sunday Papers

You know, just like the album title says, Joe's was pretty much "the man." Great stuff.

LAvventura Swandive

Just a short sample of this pretty cool song.

James McMurtry releases Live in Europe CD/DVD

One of my favorite live music experiences of SXSW 2008 was seeing James McMurtry and his band. So good, I went back two days latter to catch another set at the Continental Club. Raw power, pure emotion, swamp rock guitar and smart song writing combine to make McMurtry's music a great listen live or on disc. He's one of music most authentic storytellers and along with his band the Heartless Bastards, he just plain rocks. I'm looking forward to this collection from his recent European tour. 

Countrychart.com review of Live in Europe

James McMurtry Web site

New Kris Kristofferson album: "Closer to the Bone" due September 29

Kris Kristofferson releases "Closer to the Bone" on September 29. Available in multiple configurations, including:

• Limited Deluxe Edition
• Audio CD
• Digital
• 180g Vinyl

Special limited deluxe edition includes an 8-song bonus CD of Kristofferson performing live at the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland on March 21, 2008; and a fold-out color poster.

Along with the release, Kristofferson's label announced the launch of a new Web site.

Looking for new music? Try The Waiting Room.

Quickly becoming fond of my time spent in "The Waiting Room," the new music show on WOXY. The hosts sport impeccible taste and a wicked sense of humor. And they cast a wide net for engaging new sounds.

• The Waiting Room homepage.
• WOXY Waiting Room page.

Subscribe to The Waiting Room via podcast or listen online. If you need more encouragement, just check out the fantastic laylist from the June 6, 2009 episode:

The Lovely Eggs – Tyrannosaurus Rex For Christmas
The Car Is On Fire – Ombarrops!
Lucky Fonz III – The World Wants You To Stay
Pet Lions – Roman History
The Ghost Is Dancing – Louis Riel
Andrew Bird – Ten-You-Us
The Builders & The Butchers – When It rains (Daytrotter session)
Anni Rossi – Las Vegas (Daytrotter session)
Meursault – Hard On (TWR Session)
Mahalia Jackson – In The Upper Room
The Cramps – She Said
Wall Of Voodoo – Tsetse Fly
Echo & The Bunnymen – The Cutter
Bunny Wailer – Fig Tree
Billy Preston – Will It Go 'Round In Circles
Manson Family Picnic – Back of The Sun
Boys Who Say No – No I Won't
Lost In The Trees - Fireplace
Eels – Prizefighter
Floating Action – To Connect
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy & Susanna – (I'll Love You) Forever & Ever
Tin Star Orphans – Jesus Freaks
Linfinity – Holy Rain
Elizabeth & The Catapult – Perfectly Perfect

Exclusive First Listen from NPR: Dirty Projectors "Bitte Orca"

"Bitte Orca," the latest from the Dirty Projectors is due out June 9, but you can get an advance listen courtesy of NPR.

Preorder your copy of "Bitte Orca," what promises to be one of the coolest, most  eclectic releases of 2009.  

Listen and Repeat: M. Ward's "Hold Time"

The year is still so young, but already a lot of great music has been released. Near the top of my early "best of 2009" list is M. Ward's "Hold Time." Just a great album filled with smart and catchy songs. I'm particularly fond of "For Beginners," "Never Had Nobody Like You," the cover of Buddy Holly's "Rave On," with M.'s She and Him partner Zooey Deschanel. And can you resist the steel guitar and "Walk the Line" rhythm of "Fisher of Men?" But the kicker for me is the cover of "Oh Lonesome Me" with Lucinda Williams. Like M. and Lucinda slipped into the studio to record this at 3 a.m. during the "Tonight's the Night" sessions when Neil wasn't paying attention. Great mood music, if your mood is bleary, burnt-out bliss.

New Springsteen Song Available Exclusively on Amazon.com and Myspace

Download Bruce Springsteen's new song "My Lucky Day" from the album 'Working on a Dream on Amazon.com or  MySpace. Working on a Dream is due out January 27 on Columbia Records and the "My Lukcy Day" download will be available on AmazonMP3 and MySpace Music for one week starting today.