Free at Last

Earlier this year, I wrote a mildly tongue-in-cheek open letter to Vermont's senior Senator, Patrick Leahy, urging him to "hotline" the Local Community Radio Act, a bill he originally co-sponsored with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Sen John McCain (R-AZ), among others. To refresh your memory, the bill would ease adjacency restrictions on the FM dial and allow a greater number of low power FM stations (think 105.9 FM WOMM-LP the Radiator) to operate. Theoretically, this means more variety and localism on an increasingly bland, homogenized spectrum, more community involvement in what is broadcast on our public airwaves (they're all public, BTW) and, well, hunky dory, warm fuzzy feelings all around. 

A few days after that piece ran, Senator Leahy actually called me back. After I got over the initial shock of speaking to one of the most powerful men in the country, we settled into a legitimate discussion on the merits of the LCRA legislation, the hurdles the bill has faced along the way and why it had yet to pass — it was proposed in 2005. Asked for his take on the bill's fate at the end of our conversation, Leahy said, in no uncertain terms, "It will pass. Soon." 

It turns out he was right. Saturday, the bill finally passed the Senate, and unanimously at that. It easily passed the House of Representatives earlier this year. 

In press release sent from his office yesterday, Leahy says, “By using low power stations, community groups can access underutilized spectrum and provide content tailored to smaller communities.” He continues, saying, “This legislation is important because LPFM stations provide opportunities for local organizations to serve local communities. Vermont has LPFM stations serving local communities in Vermont from Hyde Park to Brattleboro to Warren. There is room for more.”

Pending the signature of President Obama, local airwaves could indeed see more LPFMs in communities all over the state. Christmas miracle? 

Coming Attractionz

This just in from ya boyz at 4Word Productions: the trailer for an upcoming animated video from BURNTmd and Akrobatik. Suck on that, Harry Potter.

 

That Thing, That Thing

This just in from the good folks at Higher Ground: In celebration of the club's 12th anniversary, they've just announced the incomparable Lauryn Hill will play the Ballroom on Wednesday, December 15. And according to HG's Nick Vaden, she's bringing a 10-piece band. Dang. Tickets go on sale this Friday. And at $60 a pop, here's hoping there's Fugee or two involved … ahem.

In the meantime, here's a clip from Hill's "MTV Unplugged" appearance in 2002.

 

Rubblemania

I doubt you've heard of them, but apparently there's this new band called "the Beatles" that Steve Jobs just discovered and is pimping like crazy all over his flash-in-the-pan website iTunes. Me? I don't really get it, what with all that moppy hair and the funny accents and that vulgar sound. Can't imagine they'll have much of a future. Besides, this rock and roll thing is just a fad. Gimme some Mitch Miller any day. Now there's music.

Anyway, apparently the kids dig it. For example, kids like Rubblebucket, whose cover of "Michelle" was just named one of the 50 best Beatles covers of all time by Paste magazine. Check it out …

 

Michelle

 

 

Where Do We Go From Here?

Howdy, folks.

I'm kinda shocked I have never posted this before. But I have a nifty little story about the continuing rebirth of proto-punk band Death in tomorrow's paper (that includes a cameo from a VERY special guest). So before you read that — and hopefully catch the band at Higher Ground this Thursday — I thought you might be interested in this trailer for the documentary that local filmmaker Jeff Howlett is putting together about the band, Where Do We Go From Here???. Check it out — and, full disclosure, there's a good possibility yours truly will end up in the film in some fashion. Just thought you should know.

Also, if you read this before noon, do yourself a favor and drop by the band's press conference at 242 Main today, noon to 1 p.m.

Enjoy!

Where Do We Go From Here??? Trailer from Howlermano on Vimeo.

 

No Vacancy

Aaaand we're back.

Sorry for the lack of activity in this humble little corner of the interwebs of late. What can I say? It's been an interesting week. But enough excuses already. Let's get down to business.

Agenda item number one is some nifty exposure for one of this writer's local favorites, the Vacant Lots. The duo was recently featured on a mixtape over at Altered Zones, Pitchfork Media's sister blog. The band got some love on the big site too. And a nice review of the track that appears on AZ's August mixtape, "Confusion." 

Here's the Pitchfork link to the mixtape. And here's the AZ review. Congrats, dudes.

In other news, the town seems fairly abuzz over tonight's full-band David Bazan show at Metronome. Count me squarely among those giddy masses. But also count me among those who will try like hell to make it to the 'nome on time (for once) to catch the evening's opening act, Omaha's the Mynabirds. Check 'em out.

Back to the Future: 1995 Revisited, Revisited

Hey folks. Super busied up today getting ready for 7D's big 15th birthday party this evening (5p.m.-ish. Our offices at 255 S. Champlain St. You should come!) So this post is gonna be a quicky. 

Continuing our look back into 1995(ish), I've two more tunes from Club Fub. Eff's "Stable" and "Bradley's Almanac," the Madelines tune that inspired Brad Searles' totally awesome blog — where you can go to find all of the songs, and many, many other great tunes from Burlington's alt-rock heyday. Enjoy!

India Jones and the Temple of Boom: Das Racist Rides Again

My borderline unhealthy love for Das Racist has been well documented in these e-pages this summer. So imagine my delight to find an email with a link to a preview clip in my inbox today. Go ahead, imagine it, dammit … I'll wait.

The Brooklyn-based duo's second mixtape, Sit Down, Man, drops on September 14. But Pitchfork will have an exclusive video premiere of the mixtape's first single, "Who's That? Brooown!" this Thursday. In the meantime, here's the aforementioned preview.

Neko's Vanishing Case … Solved!

There's been rampant — and silly — speculation around town regarding the strange and sudden disappearance of one Neko Case from the New Pornographers' show this past Friday at Higher Ground. Did she quit the band? Did she pass out in a drug crazed stupor? Did one of her stalkers show up? (Don't look at me, I was at Nectar's.)

I wrote briefly on this in tomorrow's column. But other than noting that she was a no-show, there wasn't much left to report. The folks at Higher Ground were as baffled as the rest of us. Further inquiries to the club and the reps for both the New Pornographers and Case were not returned. That is, until just after the column went to the press. Of course. [That sound you hear is me shaking my fists skyward, cursing the rock and roll gods.]

HG's Alex Crothers writes that Case was — Are you ready? Can you feel the tension? Deep breaths, deeeep breaths — stricken with food poisoning. Yuck.

Here's hoping Ms. Case is feeling better.

Thanks, the MGMT

It seems y'all are pretty psyched for this evening's MGMT show at the Waterfront, which kicks off the 2010 Lake Champlain Maritime Festival. It's no surprise that it sold out, of course. But, perhaps as an illustration of just how much folks in the BTV are looking forward to it, my girlfriend, Plus-One, informs me that her hipster kickball league has moved the start time of their games this evening — playoffs, I should add — ahead an hour to accommodate players heading to the show. On a related note, be advised that a swarm of curiously clad pseudo-athletes on bicycles will be heading north on the bike path from Oakledge Park around 8 p.m. Seek an alternate route. [Also, to my pals on team Danger Zone, best of luck. You can be my wing men (and women) any time.]

Of course, this means those folks will miss the opening band, NYC-based trio Violens. I admit being fairly unfamiliar with the group, so I've spent this lovely morning digging in. I doubt I'll make it down in time to catch them either, as I'm otherwise engaged until about 8 p.m. myself. But those of you with a taste for retro, Smithsian dance pop would do well to get to the tent on time. Here's a sneak peek:

Violens // "Already Over" from Violens on Vimeo.

Bieber Fever

It's hard to believe, but the Champlain Valley Fair is right around the corner. Though it's easy to overlook amid the maelstrom of funnel cakes, pig races, giant veggies and carnies, the fair offers a sampling of music unique among the typical fare found gracing area stages the rest of the year. This year should prove to be no different. The lineup includes country star Keith Urban, legendary comedian/parental guru Bill Cosby, Weezer (really?) and Lyle Lovett.

But of course, the biggest little star in the Midway this year is none other than tween heartthrob, Justin Bieber. To that end, I humbly submit the Great Seven Days Justin Bieber Preview of 2010. Enjoy. [Note from the Solid State legal team: Hilarious or not, 7D in no way endorses hurling projectiles at underage pop singers.]

Justin Bieber Fan With Great Aim WIN - watch more funny videos

Blues Brotherly Love

Local harmonica master Mark LaVoie is a pretty happy guy this week. And with good reason. A track from his latest collaboration with Delta blues legend Bill Sims Jr., American Roots Duo, was recently picked up by Dan "Elwood" Akroyd's "House of Blues Radio Hour." The duo's version of the Henry Whitter classic "Going Down That Road Feeling Bad" is the featured song on the nationally syndicated radio show's weekly "Blues Break" segment. Below is the clip of Elwood Blues himself introducing the cut — which he correctly points out is "as rich as maple syrup" — followed by a quick commercial interlude, and then the song. The program originally aired over the weekend all across the country and is currently streaming on the HOBRH website.

VT Union is … D-d-d-d-dead?

'Fraid so.

Battery Power

Just passing this along since it came in too late for the print edition. Our old pals Guides for the Future will take part in a free mini-festival this Wednesday evening at Battery Park called the Vermont Roots Rock Revival. (From 6pm to 9pm, according to the snazzy poster.) The lineup also includes the Prohibition Blues Band, Freight, Y'ardy Yar and Greta Frost. In the meantime, check out this GOF video/slide show for their rousing song, "Chaos Kids."

APB: A Thieving Douchebag

I've just received word that Michael Tonn, guitarist for The Toes, Sons of Dawn and Trainwreck Kelly, was recently the victim of a burglary. According to an email sent by Tonn's roommate, Dan Fancher, their North Avenue house was broken into at some point between July 4 and July 6. The thieves got away with two of Tonn's guitars. Here are Fancher's descriptions of the instruments:

One is the electric that Michael usually plays with The Toes (pictured):

Baby blue Fender Jag-stang, mismatched knobs, mother-of-pearl-look inlay, orange circular sticker below the bridge.

The other is the guitar Michael has written most of his songs on over the past decade:

Seagull acoustic steel string, cedar top. Identifiable by plain headstock with no decoration. Seagull guitars usually have a seagull on the headstock; this one has been replaced 3 times and is plain wood now.

Now, if I were to break into someone's home and steal instruments, I might aim for less distinctive pieces. But then, maybe that's why I'm not a crook. Well that, and, generally speaking, I'm not a total asshole. But I digress.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Burlington police, or Michael Tonn directly. He can be reached at 363-4962.

Lightning Crashes … Twice

You didn't hear this from me, but a little birdie told me that Ed Kowalczyk, the former lead singer of Live, will play a secret show at 2 p.m. today at Halvorson's on Church Street. Kowalczyk is playing a sold out gig tonight at Higher Ground. And for those of you younger than 25, if you don't know who Live was, picture a grungier, artsier(ish) version of Daughtry. Gawd, I feel old.

Anyhoo, since I'm also feeling a little nostalgic today, here's Live's "I Alone." And yes, I realize given the title of this post, you probably were expecting "Lightning Crashes." But I hate that song. Also, lightning "flashes." Thunder crashes. That's bugged me for years …

BiteTorrent, Now With 25% More Freedom

Due to blowing my entire column this week recounting the Furthur fracas, your regularly scheduled BiteTorrent has been moved to the friendly confines of this here blog. And a day early, to boot! Buckle up.

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Fourth of July weekend is generally overloaded with live music — and even though there are few things more quintessentially American than Journey cover bands, I'm not just talking about Breakwater before the fireworks. This year is no exception, highlighted by what's quickly becoming a yearly staple: The fourth annual Speaking Volumes July Third Party in the parking lot of the kooky Pine Street shop — which, incidentally, offers a nice vantage point for taking in our annual simulation of bombs bursting in air. This year, the rain-or-shine BBQ (and raffle!) features four up-and-coming, and appropriately eclectic local outfits, including Prana, Brother Through Glass, The Feverbreakers and How to Stay Alive in the Woods. Admission is a $5 suggested donation the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation.

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Meanwhile, just a short jaunt south to Bristol, those who prefer their music a smidgen harder — and a lot louder — should check in with the second annual Screaming for Change Festival at The Hub, which gets under way on Saturday. The two-day hardcore hootenanny features a jaw-dropping array of local and regional hardcore and punk bands. Rather than mention a few, and since I'm not restricted by a word count here — and mostly because I just friggin' love hardcore band names — here's the complete breakdown, in order, from headliners to openers:

Saturday: Bane, Unrestrained, Word for Word, Mantra, Our Fight, Sacred Love, Crucial Times, Problems, Born Under A Bad Sign, As We Were

Sunday: My Revenge!, The Effort, Battle!, Dead Icons, Outlast, Under Anchor, No Love Lost, Coughing Fit, Alive and Well, The Control, Crown of Lions

A two-day pass to all the festivities is $30. Single day passes differ depending on which day you go: Saturday is $20, Sunday is $15.

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Should your tastes veer more toward the experimental, I'd suggest the post-fireworks bash at Radio Bean on Saturday. The mind-bending bill includes B-town micro-label Aether Everywhere's the le duo, B-town micro micro-label/brewery Mars Pyramid's VIKOMT and a really cool ambient psych-rock duo from Allston called 28 Degrees Taurus. For that last band, imagine if My Bloody Valentine took a fistful of uppers and got really into Jefferson Airplane and/or Burt Bacharach, and you're sort of in the ballpark. Should be a fun show.

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Happy trails to local local soul man Joshua Panda, who embarks on a summer-long busking tour following a pre-fireworks send-off show at The Skinny Pancake on Saturday. Panda will hit the left coast for a spell, busking and playing clubs across the country before returning to celebrate a new album with a big homecoming show at the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival in late August. Safe travels, Josh.

Furthur(no)more

**UPDATED FRIDAY, 4:05 PM**

The hippies are coming! The hippies are com … wait a sec. They're not?

According to their website, Grateful Dead redux Furthur have been forced to cancel their upcoming Concerts on the Green performance scheduled for 7/5 at stately — and now 99% hippie free — Shelburne Museum. Here's the announcement:

July 5th Shelburne Vermont Show CANCELLED
To All Of Our Fans Who’ve Purchased Tickets To Our July 5 Show in Shelburne, VT:

After days of meetings to address and alleviate last minute concerns being expressed by State and Local Authorities, Furthur is very disappointed to learn that today (6.24), the local authorities, citing an inability to deal with an expected influx of ticketless fans, traffic concerns, and other issues, have revoked the approved permits for the show and have decided to cancel Furthur's concert at Vermont's Shelburne Museum on July 5. As the decision was made by the local authorities so close to the event date, regrettably we are unable to find a suitable alternate venue in Vermont. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience!

Full & complete refunds will be available soon via point of purchase.
If you bought tickets online you'll automatically be refunded.

Anyone else sensing something fishy going on here? Stay tuned …

[Ed. note: This item was cross-posted at Solid State.]

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[UPDATE: Friday, 3:30 p.m.]

My goodness, what a long, strange trip this has  … ahem.

According to the statement from Furthur, the culprits of our collective mellow harshing are the "local authorities." But here's the thing, the local authorities found out about it the same way we did.

"I came in early this morning, before seven, and our town planner had a copy of the notice that Furthur posted on their website," said Shelburne town manager Paul Bohne in a phone conversation with 7D earlier today. "That was the first I had heard of it."

But surely permitting the concerts must go through the town of Shelburne, right?

"We don't permit them," says Bohne, "We don't have a process for permitting concerts at the museum."

That responsibility actually falls on the state, specifically the Department of Public Safety. And according to an article posted earlier today by Burlington Free Press staff writer Sally Pollack, they didn't cancel the show either.

From the BFP story:

The Department of Public Safety issued a permit for the Furthur concert at Shelburne Museum, but it did not cancel or revoke the permit it issued, according to Major Walt Goodell of the department.

"We did not cancel it," Goodell said. "We would take an interest in any planning if we were invited to the table to discuss additional needs. But we've had no role in canceling the permit."

OK, so if Shelburne didn't do it, and the state didn't do it … who the in the name of Jerry pulled the plug?

Shelburne Museum public relations and marketing director Leslie Wright — who earlier today responded to a 7D inquiry with a firm, "No comment" — informs us that an official statement from the museum is forthcoming shortly.

And the plot thickens …

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[UPDATE: Friday 4:05 p.m.]

And here it is, the official statement from the Shelburne Museum:

SHELBURNE MUSEUM STATEMENT ON JULY 5 CONCERT CANCELLATION

June 25, 2010
We regret that the July 5 Furthur concert at Shelburne Museum had to be canceled. We could not host this show without an adequate security plan from the concert’s organizers in place. We did not have that and so made the difficult decision to withdraw as the concert’s venue.

Ready for Bear

Happy Thursday, Solid State.

All week long I had hoped to offer some choice words on Friday's Bear in Heaven show at the Monkey. But betwixt recovering from a weekend of wedding fun (not mine, thank you), banging out this week's issue, cobbling together next week's issue, working on the next edition of our What's Good college guide, keeping tabs on the World Cup and that crazy ass epic Wimbledon match, buying a smart phone (I caved), figuring out how to use said smart phone, surviving an earthquake, getting in some exercise (for me and my half-crazy, half-pitbull Buckley) and catching up on the new season of Top Chef, frankly, I'm pooped. But enough of my problems.

Instead, I offer you the attached video from the Brooklyn band's episode of The Take Away Shows. I would also urge you to pop over to Pitchfork and dig into this remix of BIH's "Ultimate Satisfaction" by The Field that dropped yesterday. It's pretty cool in a hazy, sprawling, druggy kinda way.

Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't rehash this week's column love for the debut of Daniel Munzing's (My Dearest Darling) new electro indie outfit Errands, who will open for BIH. Check 'em out here.

And last but not least, have you seen the Monkey's awesome new website yet?

Speeding Up

This just in from our old pals Waylon Speed: the promo video for the band's appearance at this year's Gathering of the Vibes.