I learned something new about hardcore music last night…people can actually understand the lyrics and recite them word per word. It was amazing to see and hear the heavy crowd last night at Backside Burbank, powerfully chanting the words to every song of Touche Amore’s new album, “Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me,” which was leaked only 3 weeks ago.
Lead vocalist, Jeremy Bolm, is a big part of Backside’s history. Bolm worked at Backside for over 6 years (I, over 8), and I couldn’t be prouder of his success. I watched him form new bands, and then exit them after so many years. Now, with Touche Amore, I believe that Bolm has found his true happiness and voice. I was taken back by his strong stage presence, incredible poise, and sincere intimacy with his fans.
The band’s incredible energy and natural acceptance of complete and total chaos was impressive and very thrilling to watch.
Purchase the new Touche Amore album, “Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me,” at Backside Burbank (LP format).
On Wednesday night, the Chef of the Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon, came out to Backside Records in Burbank, CA to sign autographs and meet fans.
In a high spirited mood, Raekwon signed every type of memorabilia imaginable, awkwardly including a Rolling Stones vinyl requested by Backside’s very own, Georgie. While signing a vinyl copy of the Wu-Tang Clan’s classic hip hop record, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36th Chambers album, Raekwon had an overdue realization. “I don’t think I’m even in this picture! I just realized that now!”
Raekwon designing his very own Munny toy.
The finished product.
Backside Records alum, C-Minus, provided all the music entertainment for the evening. Raekwon was rapping along to almost every song he played.
No doubt, the Backside crew had to get a group shot…
And, of course, I had to get one with just me…
After the signing was over, Raekwon spent some time sifting through CD’s and digging through vinyl.
Raekwon’s new album, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, drops on March 8, 2011.
January 24th was a special night in Los Angeles. The Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, graced the stage of the El Rey Theater and performed to a sold out audience in promotion of her new album, The Party Ain’t Over, released on Jan. 25. Joining her on guitar was the notoriously talented, Jack White, along with his 10-piece ensemble, Third Man House Band.
Jackson’s new album is produced by White and features 12 cover songs and uses an array of musicians on each track. Both Jackson and White chose an obscure collection of covers, and have successfully added their own special characteristics to each song. Jackson adds the uniqueness of her voice, which has not deepened with age—it still remains high-pitched, cute and very feminine like. Her feisty style of singing comes through as well. White contributes his signature guitar playing skills on many of the 13 tracks, and you can pretty much tell which tracks he’s on without looking at the liner notes.
For me, this show was as exclusive as they get. Imagine two musical greats together on one stage, and both from totally different musical eras. Getting the chance to witness this ultra-rare, unique collaboration was worth the $50 I spent to go see it! It was a moment in musical history that may never happen again…?
I’ve been a fan of Jackson’s music for a long time. And I’ve always thought that she has created a permanent voice for women in rock ‘n’ roll. The lyrics to her songs have always carried a message for women—a message about owning a higher personal stance amongst the masculine society at large. Her rockabilly and gospel records are always spinning on my turntables at home.
Being of fan of White is not hard. His musical ear and his ability to play the guitar do not go unnoticed. Of course, there is The White Stripes and The Raconteurs to showcase his talent…but for me, his work on various musical projects brings out his musical capacity to a much deeper level. I think his work with Loretta Lynn on her Grammy-award winning record, Van Lear Rose was incredible and I think it may have changed the direction and sound of modern country music. It was only natural that he would do the same for another country superstar, Jackson herself. A while ago I watched a staggering music documentary, It Might Get Loud, which documented the lives, interests and styles of three guitar greats—Jack White, U2’s, The Edge and Led Zeppelin’s, Jimmy Page. In this documentary, White truly captured my heart with his profound character and intense musical range.
During the show, Jackson made dozens of humorous jokes, which created a warm atmosphere in the cozy concert hall. It was interesting to hear that Jackson credits Elvis Presley for pushing her to dive deeper into her music during the 50s, and credits Jack White for pushing her today.
Here are a few songs I recorded during the 75 minute set:
Jack White and The Third Man House band introduce Wanda Jackson to the stage…leading into “Riot in Cell Block #9.”
The White Stripes would like to announce that today, February 2nd, 2011,
their band has officially ended and will make no further new recordings or perform live.
The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health.
It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve What is beautiful and special about
the band and have it stay that way.
Meg and Jack want to thank every one of their fans and admirers for the incredible
support they have given throughout the 13 plus years of the White Stripes’ intense and
incredible career.
Third Man Records will continue to put out unreleased live and studio recordings from
The White Stripes in their Vault Subscription record club, as well as through regular
channels.
Both Meg and Jack hope this decision isn’t met with sorrow by their fans but that it is
seen as a positive move done out of respect for the art and music that the band has
created. It is also done with the utmost respect to those fans who’ve shared in those
creations, with their feelings considered greatly.
With that in mind the band have this to say:
“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong
to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is
that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your
involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”
Sincerely,
Meg and Jack White
The White Stripes
Now, we will all have to wait for a reunion tour in five years.
I’ll be digging up some old pictures I took of The White Stripes and will post them here soon.
On January 7, poet, writer, educator, Nikki Giovanni, gave a book reading at the Eso Won Bookstore in Los Angeles. Her recent book tour was to promote two books, in which Giovanni served as editor—Hip Hop Speaks to Children and 100 Best African American Poems.
My first encounter with Giovanni’s work was while I was an English major studying African American literature. I remember reading a series of her work and being completely absorbed by her ideals and writing conventions.
Giovanni is currently a distinguished professor of English at Virginia Tech. She teaches literature from the periods of the Harlem Renaissance, Spirituals and Gospels.
Since I recently became an English teacher myself, I asked her for advice. She told me that the most important thing I can do is “love” what I’m doing, because I “will convey that love” directly to my students. And on teaching her writings in the classroom, she humorously said, “I wrote it, so I don’t know what I said.” Giovanni’s quick, yet long-winded responses were met with a whole lot of character–humor, mild-attack, confidence and wisdom.
Giovanni spent 45 minutes discussing the process of compiling the poems that ended up in 100 Best African American Poems, and how poetry and music, in general, moves her. She had the audience participate in a spiritual call out, she took many questions, and recited one of her coolest poems, “Ego-Trippin’”.
I had very little memory left on my digital camera, but I was able to capture Giovanni speaking on how the rapper, Nelly, is not hip hop. I tend to agree.
Congratulations to Eso Won Bookstore for making the Los Angeles Times Bookstore of the week! Read the article here:
Lead vocalist, Jeremy Bolm, is a big part of Backside’s history. Bolm worked at Backside for over 6 years (I, over 8), and I couldn’t be prouder of his success. I watched him form new bands, and then exit them after so many years. Now, with Touche Amore, I believe that Bolm has found his true happiness and voice. I was taken back by his strong stage presence, incredible poise, and sincere intimacy with his fans.
The band’s incredible energy and natural acceptance of complete and total chaos was impressive and very thrilling to watch.
