By: David Schultz

Ever since Woodstock and Monterey Pop cast a mythological aura around the festival experience, it has evolved into a nuanced creature. Festivals like SXSW in Austin and CMJ in New York City cater towards industry folk; Goliaths like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo attract adventurous fans interesting in the discovery of new music and grand spectacle the event and band-oriented jamfests like moe.down, Camp Bisco and the upcoming Festival 8 slake the thirst of specialized fanbases with multiple performances and hand-picked lineups. There are also a handful of festivals that have more modest aspirations, simply aspiring to be a friendly, peaceful gathering in a panoramic setting with a smattering of fine bands to provide the soundtrack.

This past weekend, Number Line Productions in conjunction with Pawnshop Roses hosted the inaugural Let It Roll Festival at the 1,500 acre Sunnyview Farm, a locale that has served as a retreat and recording space for the likes of Willie Nelson, Levon Helm and John Lennon. Having an aversion to camping, I opted against going native for the weekend, choosing instead to make my way to Ghent on Saturday afternoon to catch the majority of the second day. After being greeted at the grounds by Zach Levy, who served as Let It Roll’s de facto Max Yasgur, we were directed up to the campgrounds and performance space. As the festival was well into its second day, things were already in full swing. Small little communities of tents dotted the farm’s sprawling acreage and should the gorgeous mountain view provide too much a distraction, we could follow the siren song of Leroy Justice playing “Temporary Cure.”

The main stage occupied the corner of a mammoth (inactive) horse barn that has been modified into a wonderful concert space. Open to the entire crowd, each band could play as if in a quarter-round. The more traditional outdoor stage, which essentially served as a side stage, was set up a couple hundred yards away and afforded the opportunity to enjoy some music while inhaling some fresh mountain air. The crowd for the event included a good number of college age kids, a handful of families with small children and a few of the hairy hippie types without which, any music festival would be found lacking.

Ironically, Saturday’s slate of bands consisted primarily of bands that made a similar trek upstate from New York City. In that vein, Leroy Justice’s potent Seventies-era classic rock gave way to the eclecticism of BuzzUniverse, who were joined by violinist Meredith Bogacz and The Jack’s Rosie Lazroe, which then yielded to Let It Roll’s headliner, The Marco Benevento Trio, who on this night were made up of Dave Dreiwitz and Andrew Barr.

Philadelphia’s Pawnshop Roses, the impetus and a major motivating force for the festival, played sets on Friday and Saturday. Much like their recent stop at the Bowery Electric, the Roses Saturday set had a harder edge than their previously jangly sound. On the outer stage, Vermont’s Joshua Panda Band, which included Bryan Dondero (Blues & Lasers/Grace Potter & The Nocturnals), moved between bluegrass and blue-eyed soul, comically calling out into the darkness to gauge the interest from afar. From the looks of him, you might not have expected him to bust out an Otis Redding cover. One of the toughest singers to emulate, Panda expertly handled “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” with the aplomb of a master.

Anyone that’s spent time around people trying to do anything in the music business knows that ideas are easy, execution is difficult. The number of roadblocks that confront even the simplest of ventures can be stupefying and once those are overcome, you have the daunting task of getting people to spend their money on the event. Given the sprawl of the event, it’s hard to gauge how many people spent their weekend at the inaugural Let It Roll festival. As day turned to night, more and more people made the music barn the focus of their attention, peaking with Benevento’s appearance; an uninformed estimate would have the attendance at a few hundred. A modest beginning for what will hopefully become an annual event.

Labels: BuzzUniverse, Josh Panda Band, Leroy Justice, Marco Benevento, Pawnshop Roses

By: David Schultz

On their way out to Ghent, New York to play host for the Let It Roll Festival, Pawnshop Roses stopped in New York City for a set at the Bowery Electric, a venue that retains the earthy nature of the evaporating Lower East Side concert scene. Kicking off with "Let It Roll," the Roses worked their fine style of laissez-faire Rolling Stones rock in roll between the interstices of a heavier mode of classic rock. Working as a five-piece, with Justin Monteleone teaming up with Kevin Bentley for a double guitar attack and Paul Keen working his Chris Robinson-like strut up front, the Philadelphia-based band gave a fine preview of the pair of sets they have waiting for people at the upstate New York festival. Coming out of a Band of Gypsys inspired jam into a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick," complete with the requisite wall-shattering drum solo from Zil, the Roses showed a nicely honed, harder edge.

THE LET IT ROLL FESTIVAL will take place this weekend in Ghent, New York with the Marco Benevento Trio offering a headlining set on Saturday night. In addition to the Roses, BuzzUniverse, Leroy Justice, the McLovins, The Leaves, The Brew and The Breakfast will work towards making the inaugural festival a memorable one.

Labels: Pawnshop Roses

The Pawnshop Roses and Number Line Productions announced that the Marco Benevento Trio will headline the the "Let it Roll" Festival at Sunnyview Farm in Ghent, NY the weekend of September 18th and 19th. Benevento and band join Jammy winners the Breakfast as the latest additions to the lineup.

Sunnyview Farm is a gorgeous 1200 acre farm located in Ghent, NY, which is just over an hour north of Woodstock, that has played host to rock and roll royalty over the years including John Lennon, Willie Nelson and Levon Helm.

To date, beyond the hosting Pawnshop Roses, additional confirmed acts include Leroy Justice, Teenage Prayers, The Leaves, Dead River Company and now Mountain Jam regulars Buzzuniverse. Additional acts will be announced soon. Tickets are available here.

Ghent, NY is conveniently located near Albany (45 minutes), Boston (2.5 hours), NYC (2 hours), Burlington, VT (3 hours 45 minutes) and Philadelphia (4 hrs). The “Let It Roll” Festival is an all-ages even and adults 21 and over can enjoy B.Y.O.B. Food and nonalcoholic concessions stands will also be in place. In addition, ample grassy fields will provide parking for cars, RVs, and buses and plenty of room will be designated for setting up camp to spend the night.

Labels: Festival News, Marco Benevento, Pawnshop Roses, Tour Dates

Taking a cue from moe and their now annually successful moe.down festival, the Pawnshop Roses are co-hosting their first annual "Let it Roll" Festival at Sunnyview Farm in Ghent, NY the weekend of September 18th and 19th.

Sunnyview Farm is a gorgeous 1200 acre farm located in Ghent, NY, which is just over an hour north of Woodstock, that has played host to rock and roll royalty over the years including John Lennon, Willie Nelson and Levon Helm.

So far, confirmed acts include Leroy Justice, Teenage Prayers, The Leaves, Dead River Company and BuzzUniverse. Additional acts and headliners will be announced soon. Tickets available here.

Ghent, NY is conveniently located near Albany (45 minutes), Boston (2.5 hours), NYC (2 hours), Burlington, VT (3 hours 45 minutes) and Philadelphia (4 hrs). The “Let It Roll” Festival is an all-ages even and adults 21 and over can enjoy B.Y.O.B. Food and nonalcoholic concessions stands will also be in place. In addition, ample grassy fields will provide parking for cars, RVs, and buses and plenty of room will be designated for setting up camp to spend the night.

Meanwhile, the Pawnshop Roses headline the World Cafe Live tonight in Philadelphia with special guests Justin Jones and The Morning Pages, starting at 8pm.

Labels: BuzzUniverse, Festival News, Leroy Justice, Pawnshop Roses, Teenage Prayers, The Leaves, Tour Dates

The Pawnshop Roses joined the Kings of Leon as new adds to the Home Grown Radio chart last week. Calexico jumped to the top spot, with Vampire Weekend, Death Cab for Cutie, Beck and Fleet Foxes.

Here's the full list:

(1) Calexico - Carried to Dust
(2) Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
(3) Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
(4) Beck - Modern Guilt
(5) Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
(6) MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
(7) My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
(8) Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer
(9) Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
(10) Sigur Ros - With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly
(11) The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
(12) Dr. Dog - Fate
(13) The Duhks - Fast Paced World
(14) G. Love & Special Sauce - Superhero Brother
(15) Jack Johnson - Sleep through the Static
(16) The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
(17) Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning - Something for all of us
(18) JJ Grey & Mofro - Orange Blossoms
(19) Zach Gill - Stuff
(20) Michael Franti & Spearhead - All Rebel Rockers
(21) Mike Gordon - The Green Sparrow
(22) Donavon Frankenreiter - Pass It Around
(23) Steve Winwood - Nine Lives
(24) Blues Traveler - North Hollywood Shootout
(25) Black Mountain - In the future
(26) Ray Lamontagne - Gossip In The Grain
(27) Old Crow Medicine Show - Tennessee Pusher
(28) Donna The Buffalo - Silverlined
(29) Brazilian Girls - New York City
(30) TV on The Radio - Dear Science
(31) Plants & Animals - Parc Avenue
(32) Railroad Earth - Amen Corner
(33) Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor
(34) Xavier Rudd - Dark Shades Of Blue
(35) Fujiya & Miyagi - Lightbulbs
(36) Zach Deputy - Out of The Water
(37) Pawnshop Roses - Versions
(38) Scrapomatic - Sidewalk Caesars
(39) Kings of Leon - Only by The Night
(40) Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping

Labels: Death Cab, Kings of Leon, Pawnshop Roses

The All Points West Music & Arts Festival which will take place this upcoming weekend at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey has released the set times for the three day festival.

Headliners Radiohead and Jack Johnson get the prime slots on the main Blue Comet stage and Andrew Bird, Trey Anastasio, Kings of Leon and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals get late afternoon featured positions across the grounds.

Earvolution favorites Pawnshop Roses will be opening the entire Festival on Friday afternoon and we recommend getting there early to catch their 1:00 set on the Bullet stage. It is also well worth your while to catch Grace Potter & The Nocturnals close out the Queen Of The Valley stage on Sunday evening with their 6:45 p.m. set. It also gives us a wonderful excuse to once again run our photo of Grace proudly showing off her Earvolution T-shirt.

The Festival, during which Radiohead will play Friday and Saturday night, begins on August 8th and will finish on August 10th with a Jack Johnson set.

Labels: Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Pawnshop Roses, Radiohead

The Pawnshop Roses play the Roots Ramble Festival this weekend in Media, Pennsylvania. The Ramble is a multi-venue, multi-stage event with music starting around 6pm and lasting until 2am. The Pawnshop Roses play the Stephen's on State Street stage starting at 9pm. Other artists on the Ramble include Zydeco-a-Go-Go, the Lowlands and Sleepy LaBeef. The full schedule is here.

The Pawnshop Roses will also see their new EP Versions hit all major online retailers later this month. The EP includes tracks featuring members of Robert Randolph's Family Band and a few songs recorded live at Sun Studio in Memphis. Two of the tracks are streaming now on their MySpace page.

Labels: Pawnshop Roses, Philadelphia

The Pawnshop Roses have had a great evolution over the past year from a killer Philadelphia bar band to one now poised to break onto the national live music scene. In 2007, Pawnshop saw their name appear very high in the Home Grown Radio music charts, get favorable reviews on key sites like Pop Matters and Americana UK, open for national powers Robert Randolph and the Family Band, record at the legendary Sun Studio and develop a growing following for their live shows.

Tonight the band will preview material from their new EP weeks before the national release. The EP includes the Sun Studio tracks and tracks featuring Jason Crosby and Lenesha Randolph of the Family Band. The show is upstairs at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia with doors opening at 9pm. Cover charge includes an EP!

Labels: Pawnshop Roses, Philadelphia

The Pawnshop Roses (Earvolution Records) took full advantage of a fun opportunity to record at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis last week on Halloween night. The studio is full of amazing music history, including an "X" marking the spot where Elvis stood to record his first demo. After a tour of the facility, Pawnshop got down to business and longtime Sun head engineer James Lott, a great guitar player in his own right and pictured below with the band, even joined them on a run through of Elvis' "That's Alright." And, yes, we left the tape rolling.



The Pawnshop visit was part of a southern swing that included stops in North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. The recordings will likely be included on an upcoming EP with a tentative release date of January 31, 2008. Meanwhile, the Pawnshop Roses play this Friday night back home at the Grape Street Pub in Philadelphia with Jealousy Curve, Band of Thieves and No Second Troy. Full details are on Pawnshop's MySpace page.

Labels: Pawnshop Roses

This week marks the annual Americana Music Conference in Nashville. Earvolution is joining the party by hosting two "unofficial" happy hours at the Douglas Corner Cafe with some great live Americana music. On Thursday November 1st, we'll kick things off with Joe White, Laurelyn Dossett of Polecat Creek and the Pawnshop Roses. On Friday November 2nd, both Joe White and the Pawnshop Roses return with short sets before Patty Hurst Shifter takes the stage. Both parties kick off at 4:30pm.

Patty Hurst Shifter springs from the acclaimed Raleigh/Chapel Hill area alt country scene and has a direct tie to the legendary Whiskeytown of Ryan Adams lore. PHS drummer Skillet Gilmore was in Whiskeytown with Adams and Gilmore's wife Caitlin Cary (one of Earvolution's first full length interview subjects). Indeed, Cary and her Tres Chicas pal Tonya Lamm helped out with some backing vocals on the tune "The Sadder Side", which also features Ian McLagan of the Faces on the Hammond B3. PHS also features singer/guitarist J. Chris Smith, lead guitarist/vocalist Marc E. Smith (no relation), bassist/vocalist Jesse Huebner.

Laurelyn Dossett of Polecat Creek (another North Carolina act) enjoys being part of an acclaimed duo, but is also a formidable songwriter in her own right. While Polecat is still enjoying its recent release Ordinary Seasons co-produced by Grammy winner Steven Heller (Doc Watson/David Holt), Laurelyn also has one of her songs ("Anna Lee" appearing on the new Levon Helm record Dirt Farmer which hits stores tomorrow. You can also catch Polecat Creek at an Americana Music Association showcase at the Station Inn in Nashville on Saturday, November 3, 2007.

The Pawnshop Roses, if you didn't know yet, are the first act on Earvolution Records (which is more artist development company then traditional record label), and are continuing to build buzz from their first full length record Let it Roll. Pop Matters is the latest to recognize the Pawnshop Roses as a praise worthy act, writing "on other standouts like opening track "Here We Go", the band proves it can keep time with contemporaries like Ryan Adams and Jesse Malin." Good company indeed. The band is in the midst of a southern swing that will include a recording session at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis on Halloween night and stops in North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and West Virginia. But, before hitting the road to what is quickly becoming their new second home (the south) the Roses were graced with some special studio guests in Philadelphia. Lenesha Randolph and Jason Crosby from Robert Randolph's Family Band stopped in to help out on some new tracks that I can't wait for everyone to hear and will be unveiled in January at a special show at Philadelphia's World Cafe Live.

Joe Whyte is an Americana singer-songwriter based in New Jersey. Yes, New Jersey. While we dig all the great garage and indie rock that streams out of Williamsburg and all those cool little neighborhoods over the bridge, Joe Whyte reminds us that there is some diversity in the Brooklyn music scene. Joe's new record Devil in the Details just came out and the title track along with tunes like "No More" is as Americana as anything coming out of the genre's traditional geographic sources. The Captain Obvious blog says the "album is a cohesive collection of alt. country pearls that shimmer with simplicity and effectiveness." In addition to releasing the new record, Joe is just back from the Darvel Music Festival in Scotland and following a few dates in Nashville this week will return back to New York City for upcoming shows at both the Living Room (Nov. 15th) and the Rockwood Music Hall (Dec. 18th.)

Labels: Patty Hurst Shifter, Pawnshop Roses

You'll recall that the Pawnshop Roses were able to share the stage with Robert Randolph and the Family Band for a hell of a great night in Dewey Beach, Delaware back in August. Now the guys were graced with some true pros in the studio as Lenesha Randolph and Jason Crosby from the Family Band joined the Pawnshop Roses at Kawari Sound just outside of Philadelphia to lay down some tracks under the always impressive direction of producer Pete Donnelly.

Jason tracked some down home fiddle and then jumped on the keys for a little honky tonk flavor.





Lenesha brought the soul and showed why she is a go to guest vocalist for people like Lauryn Hill, Santana and Dave Matthews.



And, to throw some extra spice into the mix, we brought in two of the best horn players around. From the Funk Brothers (featuring Steve Winwood and Billy Preston) recent touring band, both Jay Davidson (with touring/recording credits that include with Aerosmith & the Rolling Stones) and Steve Jankowski (with touring/recording credits that include Blood Sweat & Tears and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones) layed down some truly amazing stuff along side our other special guests that will be featured on an upcoming release in January 2008 that will be celebrated with a special show on the main stage of Philadelphia's World Cafe Live.

You can view more pics from the session
here on their Myspace page.

Labels: Pawnshop Roses

Home Grown Music tracks radio airplay across the country for shows playing new groove / jamband / americana artists...we are pleased to let you know that Let It Roll, the new record from the Pawnshop Roses (Earvolution Records) has joined some cool bands with great records on the chart this week jumping from 32 last week to grabbing the 25 spot this week. Here is the whole list (with last weeks' positions in the inner parens):

TW LW

(1) (1) Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - This is Somewhere

(2) (2) ALO - Roses & Clover

(3) (3) John Butler Trio - Grand National

(4) (4) Scarecrow Collection - Radio frequency disaster

(5) (6) The Greyboy Allstars - What Happened to TV?

(6) (10) Soulive - No Place Like Soul

(7) (8) Martin Sexton - Seeds

(8) (11) The Beastie Boys - The Mix Up

(9) (9) Keller Williams - Dream

(10) (14) The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism

(11) (15) Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch

(12) (17) Amfibian - Skip the Goodbyes

(13) (5) Page McConnell

(14) (16) Moses Guest - Best Laid Plans

(15) (7) Moe. - The Conch

(16) (12) Umphrey's Mcgee - The Bottom Half

(17) (13) J.J. Grey & Mofro - Country Ghetto

(18) (19) The Gourds - Noble Creatures

(19) (18) New Monsoon – V

(20) (20) Xavier Rudd - White Moth

(21) (21) The Bad Plus - Prog

(22) (24) Charlie Hunter Trio - Mistico

(23) Goose Creek Symphony - The Goose is Loose

(24) Delta Moon - Clear Blue Flame

(25) Pawnshop Roses - Let it Roll

Labels: Pawnshop Roses

Earvolution had such a great time in Nashville in July a repeat was necessary. Heck, in November we'll make it a three-peat. But, for now, I wanted to let everyone know we've got a great FREE party lined up this Saturday night (yes, tomorrow!) at the French Quarter Cafe. Festivities kick off at 8pm. It is a great live room (with good food)

Kicking things off will be the Noble Three. Yes, there are only two of them. They are an offshoot of the band Greenland, who you will remember from winning the YouTube Underground prize for "Best Song" for "The Way It Is." It's a great song and fun video. The Noble Three project is a departure from that pop offering. But, it is good stuff and worth checking out. The Simon and Garfunkel, Beatles and even Oasis influences are subtle, yet apparent. It'll be a great way to start your Saturday night!

At 9pm you'll want your boogie shoes handy when The Go Show takes the stage. They are a great bunch of guys who have fun when they play. Anyone who was at Summerfest in Milwaukee this year may have caught them and, of course, we've talked about them here before because they were cool enough to travel over from Murfreesboro to play our last show at the French Quarter. They are one of the reasons Earvolution got invited back so I'm psyched they are able to play again for us and you.

Earvolution's own Pawnshop Roses, who will be fresh off a stop in Spartanburg, NC, will take the stage at 10pm. Obviously I'm biased since I've invested time and money in this act. Of course, I wouldn't have done that if I didn't objectively like them. But, be warned. As Americana UK said so well, this is not music for the cynical. If you want to stand around at shows with your hands in your pocket trying to look cool this isn't for you. The Pawnshop Roses are only for those who like to have fun at a show. If that's you, stop on out and say hello.

David Condos will take the stage around 11. Remember this name. I've got a feeling you'll be seeing and hearing it again in many places. David is Nashville based, but he's on the roster of the famed Agency Group (White Stripes, Feist) so he'll no doubt be on the move quite a bit. The Nebraska native has recorded with Tom Laune (R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen, Mat Kearney) and is creating some buzz in Music City and beyond. Earvolution is pleased to help spread the word about this rising artist. I agree with those who hear a little Jeff Buckley and some other greats as influences, but I think David really is doing his own thing so I won't list too many other comparisons and dilute David's unique style. Backed by an able band that includes a skilled cellist, David is definitely worth sticking around for (because you're coming early, right?!?).

David was kind enough to recommend another Nashville act for the show. Quote will close things out taking the stage around Midnight. Quote's folkish stylings will make a nice book end to Noble Three to end the show. As noted on their MySpace page, "quote" is not just about music... "phase two of their release of thier releas is a book! Each "quote" composition is a narrative and each narrative is now being interpreted by a literary writer and visual artist - ie. a short story and original work of art for each song. Definitely something different!

Come on out and see all these great acts!!! Did I mention it is a free show?!?!?!

Labels: David Condos, Pawnshop Roses

Earvolution's Pawnshop Roses will play the Dogfish Head in Rehobeth Beach tonight and then head north to Boston on Saturday for a homecoming show for guitarist Kevin Bentley at the Middle East. The Boston show is with Taxpayer, The Every Day Visuals and Polarbaron. Next weekend the boys swing south to hit Spartanburg, South Carolina (Wild Wing Cafe) on Friday and then Nashville on Saturday for another Earvolution Nashville Jam (more to come on rest of bill next week) at the French Quarter Cafe.

Speaking of Boston, Razorlight will kick off their fall North American tour in Beantown on November 7th at the Middle East as well. Frontman Johnny Borell says the band is looking forward to hitting the U.S.: “We’ve spent most of this year trying to find time to tour in the States, so we’re really looking forward to finally getting to play these shows. We felt we made a real connection with the US fans when we were over in the Spring, so we want to build on that.” The band will be debuting some new material they've been working on for their next record. You can get all the Razorlight dates on their MySpace page.

Earvolution friend Rich Casella tells Schultz he will be debuting his most recent material with his new band this Friday night, September 7th, in New York City. "We sound a little like Cream or the Who but the music is a result of my travels over the past 5 years," says Casella. The early evening show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at New York City's Lions Den, 214 Sullivan Street (between Bleeker and West 3rd). If you want to get a sense of the musicianship involved, check out a bit of Casella's guitar work here.

The Secret Machines (Earvolution interview here) will headline "Ludfest" in Brooklyn this coming Sunday, September 9th. I know, you're thinking what is Ludfest? Well let me tell you...Ludfest is "a fundraiser for the 7th Precinct Community Council, with proceeds going toward charitable functions, such as giving toys out to needy members of our community, as well as funding for the Explorers Program, which gives teens activities to keep them off the streets. If you've never seen the Secret Machines live, I suggest you head on out. There will be several other bands and lots of other stuff to check out.

Mp3 Offerings:
Ravens & Chimes (Brooklyn bounce pop): January
The Real Tuesday Weld (not the fake one!): Last Words
Wooden Shjips (not Wooden Ships): We Ask You To Ride
Aesop Rock (ok, I give): Big Wiz MegaMix
The Coathangers (Atlanta pottymouth pop punk): Shut The Fuck Up
Herbie Hancock w/Norah Jones (Joni Mitchell cover): Court & Spark
Eulogies (debut out 9/11, mixed by John Goodmanson [Sleater-Kinney, Blonde Redhead]): One Man

Appleseed Recordings, celebrated it's 10th anniversary this Tuesday by releasing Sowing the Seeds - The 10th Anniversary. The 2-CD, 37-track good deeds opus includes a collaboration between Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen, as well as exclusive new songs from Ani DiFranco, Donovan, Wyclef Jean, Roger McGuinn, Jackson Browne, David Bromberg and more. "In celebrating Appleseed's tenth anniversary, we want to pay tribute to the politically active artists here - and to non-musical activists as well - who are unafraid to fight the good fight for social justice and positive change," explains Musselman. "Many of the musicians on this compilation were on the front lines of the major social movements of the last 50 years. We salute all who have challenged our skewed domestic and foreign policies and have championed peace, environmental preservation, civil rights, the women's movement and other vital issues." Word.

Labels: Mp3s, Pawnshop Roses, Razorlight, The Secret Machines

If you are anywhere near Philadelphia this week you'll want to drop by the World Cafe Live for the Beta Hi Fi Music Festival, sponsored by Paste Magazine and WXPN. The Squirrel Nut Zippers, along with the Kin, Ruder Than You, the Pawnshop Roses (Thursday night 8/23), Blue Sinatra, Grimace Federation and more are set to rock your socks off. More info at WorldCafeLive.com.

I meant to post about the soundtrack for The Hottest State awhile ago, but the day I wrote up my mp3s, news and notes post to include it I lost the whole thing and was running late for work so I'm just gettting back around to it (and some of the mp3s below). Anyway, the disc would do Zach Braff proud for its lineup of hip acts as well as old school heroes like Willie Nelson, who never goes out of style. Feist, Cat Power, Bright Eyes, M Ward, Norah Jones and more lend tracks recorded just for the film. You can sample Feist and a few others on the film's myspace page.

State Radio, who we caught with Michael Franti last fall, is readying a new release. Year Of The Crow will come out on their own Ruffshod label on September 18th. They are also embarking on a fall tour, you can get the dates and downloand "Unfortunates" here.

Mp3 Offerings:
New Idea Society (from new record out now): Don't Sleep
Squirrel Nut Zippers: Blue Angel
Pawnshop Roses: Here We Go
Schoolyard Heroes: Dude, Where's My Skin
Sharon Jones (with the Dap Kings): 100 Days, 100 Nights
Junior Senior (mash): Can I Get Low

Andrew Bird, who we also caught at SXSW this year, released a new video a few days ago. If you haven't seen it yet, the video for "Imitosis" is on Andrew's
Myspace page. You can also get a complete list of fall tour dates there, which kicks off September 1st in Seattle.

Labels: Cat Power, Feist, Mp3s, Norah Jones, Pawnshop Roses, Willie Nelson

The amazing Robert Randolph and the Family Band will light up the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach, Delaware and Philadelphia's own Pawnshop Roses will open the show. I hear it may be sold out, so call the club before you head down to see if there are still tickets.

If you haven't caught them yet (or are very new to this blog!), the Pawnshop Roses join bands like the Drive By Truckers, Kings of Leon and others who have led the resurgence of Americana rock the past couple years in getting back to basics with one foot in the present and one foot in the good old days of album rock. You may recognize them from winning the YouTube Underground Contest for Best Live Video and appearing on Good Morning America, where they will always be known as the band that got Diane Sawyer to say "It Gets So Hard" on live tv.

Since then, Earvolution Records put them in the studio for their first full length record Let it Roll, an Americana rock gem produced by Pete Donnelly of the Figgs (Amos Lee/GLove), with a couple song co-arrangements by noted alt-country artist Tom Gillam. Jonn Savannah (Van Morrison, Joe Cocker, Squeeze) sits in for a couple tracks on piano, including the Jayhawks' influenced "Here We Go" (free mp3). Distributed by HomeGrown Music, the record is in select stores this week and available internationally via iTunes, Urge, etc. The band quickly lept into Home Grown's top seller list alongside big names like Spearhead, Xavier Rudd and more.

Labels: Pawnshop Roses, Robert Randolph

For those in Philadelphia tonight you'll want to drop by the North Star Bar for a bit of blues. Back Door Slam, who have been doing a series of shows with Rusted Root and others (even Reo Speedwagon?!?!) on their way to Lollapalooza and then the Download Festival with Modest Mouse et al are stopping by Philadelphia and invited Earvolution's own Pawnshop Roses to join them onstage for a Friday night barn burner of blues rock. The show starts at 9. Get more details and ticket info here.

New York's Hymns have kept pretty good company onstage themselves in recent times playing with the likes of Beck, Bishop Allen and Ben Kweller. Now they are taking their citified twang on the road with Hot Hot Heat and Butch Walker. It's an interesting trio worth checking out!

Mp3 Offerings:
Bert Susanka (trippy surf dub): Onward Christian Slater
The Budos Band (Staten Island funk): Chicago Falcon
Lejune (DC inide pop) : Spanish
Debbie Harry (yes, that Debbie): Two Times Blue
Uh Huh Her (Leisha Hailey's band; via WXPN): Say So

My friends over at Wednesday Records announced they signed Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Jon McKiel. This guy is a "real deal" singer songwriter who will be among the next wave of great Canadian imports to charm the US music community. Check out his MySpace page to sample some tunes, with "Get Caught" and "123" as standouts.

Former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri announced that his Mondo Generator has to drop out of Ozzfest. Oliveri reads says: "It's very disappointing but Mondo Generator has been forced to cancel the remaining dates we have booked with Ozzfest and Circus Diablo. We tried everything in our power to make things work so that we could remain on tour, but unfortunately due to matters out of my control, it is impossible for us to continue touring at this time. We're very sorry to all the fans that will not be able to see us on these remaining dates and promise that we will be back soon. We would like to thank Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, as well as the entire Ozzfest crew for giving us the chance to play Ozzfest 2007. We'd also
like to thank the fans that came out to show their support at the shows."

Labels: Mp3s, Pawnshop Roses

My Morning Jacket is set to give a thrill to some young musicians as the band revealed plans to bring the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra onstage at this year's Lollapalooza performance. MMJ previously jammed with the orchestra, which contains musicians as young as seven years old, last fall. Frontman Jim James is quoted as saying, "It is hard to even think of them as youth. Their playing is so grown-up and professional. They hit with diamond-like precision." Should be interesting to see!

Prince has been holed up in Vegas performing on the strip, but his Purpleness will leave Sin City behind later this year for a string of 21 dates in London. Prince is set to begin his London "residency" on August 1st with a seven night stint at the O2 Arena, but is reportedly going to hold many of the other 14 shows at smaller venues around London.

Jack White says the White Stripes are sticking together and that Icky Thump is not their last record. White apparently is growing tired of being asked if he's leaving Meg behind. He's quoted as saying " "We get asked all the time, 'How long do you think it's gonna last?' I'd venture to say that in 90 per cent of interviews, someone has asked us, 'Is this the last record?' It's almost as if people want us to stop! "Then The Raconteurs came along and people thought, obviously, we're done. But then with this new album people are saying The Raconteurs are done. That was a side project!"

Since I'm obviously biased, I'll be looking for others to tell you about the
Pawnshop Roses in the coming weeks and months. DigPhilly has the first preview of Let It Roll: "Philly's Pawnshop Roses offer up a fine testament to downhome Americana on their debut album." You can read the rest of the review at DigPhilly.com. Important Pawnshop Roses dates: regional cd release party tomorrow night at the Trocadero Theater, national digital release party June 8th at Milkboy Coffee and the international digital relase is set for July 30th.

Mp3 Offerings:
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Love Song No. 7
Licorice w/ DJ Logic: In a Silent Way / What's Your Status in London
The Clientele: Bookshop Casanova
Astrid Swan (covering The Killers): When You Were Young
The Basement: I Just Caught A Face

Tori Amos is set to give musical theater a try. BuzzSugar has the scoop and has a Tori Amos giveaway contest going. The red headed songstress also recently shared a nice moment with the PS22 Chorus in New York City by leading them in a performance of "Father Son."

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation says the "March 2007 decision by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) to more than double the rates that webcasters pay to stream music over the next three years will have a disastrous effect on Internet Radio" and that a "careful review of the CRB decision reveals that not only is this rate increase unfair and undeserved, but it reflects a fundamentally broken system for determining copyright royalty rates." The ITIF will present a forum tomorrow in Washington DC to offer an "alternative to the current system which would allow copyright owners to establish fair and competitive rates for their music." Information on the event can be found here.

Labels: Mp3s, My Morning Jacket, Pawnshop Roses, Prince, White Stripes

A Lily Allen parody is buzzing around the internets and apparently it has even struck a chord with Ms. Allen herself. The tune "LDN is a Victim" parodies Allen and some of her crew on the London music scene. Allen doesn't seem amused and a comment was left by her MySpace profile saying "So what if w'ere (sic) middle class? Just cause your mum was too lazy to get her fat ass up off the sofa and make some cash . I shouldn't be able to make tunes yeah? (which is more than you're doing by the way.)" Someone a bit touchy?

Ozzy Osborne has reportedly enlisted Britney Spears producer Kevin Churko to polish up his latest record Black Rain. Ozzy apparently thinks the record will be some of his "darkest work" is quoted as muttering: "I just thought there's so much f**king bad news, the only way I can release it is to put it in a song." The disc hits stores May 22nd.

The NY Post says Jessie Malin "is the successor to Lou Reed's crown as the lord of The City's underground." Be that as it may, Jessie is popping his head above ground in a couple of weeks for "Storytellers" type gig at the Apple Store Soho. Talk about a walk on the wild side...

In between listening to their Tom Waits and Neil Young records, Backyard Tire Fire are set for a busy spring tour and then summer playing just about every major festival. As a bit of preview check out some live video: Blood on the Strings and Crack Alley.

Speaking of great live music, the Pawnshop Roses will hit the main stage of Philadelphia's Trocadero Theatre on May 10th for a cd release party for Let it Roll the band's full length debut on Earvolution Records. Ok, I'm a little biased, but you'll definately want to check this out! As a sneak peak, I've put the title track in the mp3 offerings below.

Mp3 Offerings:
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: Ah Mary
Pawnshop Roses: Let It Roll
The Hold Steady: Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Medeski and Martin: Crustaceatron
The Brakes: Hotel Lobby

Billy Martin and John Medeski of Martin, Medeski and Wood fame put out a new cd called Mago on Billy's own Amulet Records. It is in stores now and you can check out the video for the single "Crustaceatron" here.

Neil Aspinall, one of a few "Fifth Beatles", stepped down from Apple Corps after reportedly becoming upset with the policy direction of the Apple board. Apple politely wished Aspinall well stating "had been with John, Paul, George and Ringo for a spectacular 40 plus years, during which he played an indispensable role for the four. He was there since the inception of the band in Liverpool and has meant so much to the Beatles' family for all these years and still does." But, Aspinall is quoted as saying he didn't like the way the band's legacy was being turned into a "cash cow." No worries for Apple, as McCartney is still around to assist in the milking.

Labels: Beatles, Lily Allen, Mp3s, Pawnshop Roses, The Hold Steady

Revolver Magazine has a new readers poll. The winners include, Best Band Ever: Pantera; Album of the Year: Sacrament, Lamb of God; Hottest Chick in Metal: Lacuna Coil frontwoman Christina Scabbia; Breakthrough Band: Trivium and Who Should Be The Next President: Rob Zombie - he couldn't do much worse than what we've got now!

John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) - who recently donated some music to the MusicForTroops project that Earvolution is supporting, has put together a charity-driven video upload site where you can submit a video for the song "World" from his recent disc Two Lights.

Mp3 offerings:
Wilco - What Light
Pawnshop Roses: Goodbye Sarah K
Basement Kids: Barefoot in the Rain
Sister Vanilla - Jamcolas
Basement Kids: Cold and Tired
Skeletons and the King of All Cities: Don't Worry
Let's Go Sailing - Icicles
Idlewild: In Competition for the Worst Times
Aqualung: "Pressure Suit, In The Studio" Video:
Quicktime | Real Player | Windows Low | Windows High

Yoko Ono is reportedly blocking a documentary on John Lennon. E! reports that "The world premiere of Three Days in the Life, comprising two hours of previously unseen footage of the late Beatles icon, was canceled Tuesday after Yoko Ono's lawyers warned the film's producers that she hadn't authorized the project for public viewing." I'm glad they did the silly "Let it Be" pun, because it stopped me from doing it!

Speaking of lawyers...Experience Hendrix, LLC, the company founded by Jimi Hendrix's father, filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against Craig Dieffenbach and his companies saying they have unlawfully used Jimi Hendrix trademarks to promote the "Hendrix Electric" vodka brand.

Speaking of mind altering substances...George Michael has made DoubleViking's list of Most Awkward Interviews for his chat about pot where he says it keeps him sane and happy, but you shouldn't light up until you've achieved all your goals. Well if having sexy time in a public restroom is a goal, then light up George! Paula Abdul, of course, makes the list as well. And, I actually saw the Vanilla Ice clip with Jon Stewart on MTV when it first aired - quite scary!

Labels: Hendrix, John Lennon, Mp3s, Pawnshop Roses, Wilco

Earvolution will be kicking off things during South By Southwest music week with an early "unofficial" day party show at Emos on Wednesday March 14th. If you're getting into town that day you'll want to stop by for a great show and some free beer! We'll post more information on each band as we get closer to the date, but our line-up will be as follows:

5pm We are the Fury - (WMG/East West) "Think Guns N' Roses meets Bowie meets reckless abandon." (Entertainment Weekly)

4pm Jealousy Curve (Indie) - Built national buzz from appearing on Dane Cook's "Tourgasm" soundtrack and touring with bands like the All American Rejects.

3pm Pawnshop Roses (Earvolution Records) - Recently won the YouTube Cingular Underground Contest and even got some face time on Good Morning America. First band on the brand new Earvolution Records label.

2pm Wes Hutchinson - His "Things we Need the Most" was the featured song in MTV's hit series Laguna Beach and you can check him out on Billboard's "Underground."

1pm The States -Recently won the grand Prize in the rock category for the song "Blackjack" in 2006 John Lennon songwriting contest. "The States could be setting themselves up for indie rock greatness based on their bright debut." (Independents Only).

12pm Joshua James - Joshua recently brought down the house at the Sundance festival and is one of the artists to watch this year.

Labels: Pawnshop Roses, SXSW, The States

I'm pleased to announce an offshoot of this humble blog: Earvolution Records. I'm even more pleased and proud to announce that the first act signed to the new label is Philadelphia's Pawnshop Roses.

I first was introduced to Pawnshop when an Earvolution contributor featured a song here on the blog in 2005 and eventually met the band in May of last year, which resulted in recording a fun podcast interview. After getting to know the guys, I decided to approach them about signing on to my long planned label idea and now have reached an agreement to put out their first full length record.

The label will focus on music I like and will feature acts who deserve a wider audience. Artistic freedom, greater artist profit sharing and flexible, artist-friendly contracts will be the hallmarks of this new venture. For too long record labels have been acting like they are the ones with all the talent when in fact there wouldn't be a music industry without the remarkable music artists have been putting out over the years. Earvolution Records will respect that reality while fostering family-type relationships and a collaborative approach with Pawnshop and all future acts. Yes, I've already got some in mind...but first things first.

Pawnshop recently won the YouTube Underground contest for Best Live Video. The band appeared with the other winners on Good Morning America and since has been featured performers on Philadelphia's CBS and NBC TV affiliates. The band has also enjoyed support from Philadelphia radio on WMMR and Y-Rock on WXPN.

I anticipate the new Pawnshop record to be ready in March and a digital single to be released before then. The guys are working with producer and fellow musician Pete Donnelly, from the Figgs, and have been honing their already great live show, most recently with a killer set at the World Cafe Live this past Friday night. You can expect more of that in 2007 and beyond!

Labels: Earvolution Records, Pawnshop Roses

I first heard of the Pawnshop Roses from the great Justin Jones, and eventually made my way out to see them one night in Philadelphia and I was instantly impressed. These guys can flat out play. They don't play "hip" indie rock, just rock and there is never anything wrong with that, particularly when do it as well as these guys do. I dug the tunes enough to go out and recruit my man Anthony from Sonic Movement to record an interview with the band.

I ventured out to Whiskey Dix in Philadelphia earlier this summer to talk to the band over some Pabst Blue Ribbon specials and recorded the first ever Earvolution podcast. The great thing about podcasting is that since I'm not a "professional" there's no need to edit out my obvious shortcomings as an interviewer. This is basically us just sitting around, drinking and talking. Some of the chat is "dated" because I sat on this a bit during my attempt to get the band to let me work with them to promote their next record. More on that in a later post, but you can now download and listen to the interview here: PawnshopRosesInterview.mp3

You can see the band live tomorrow night at the famed Grape Street Pub in Manayunk (Philadelphia) and Saturday night at Milkboy Coffee in Ardmore where they will play with Justin and his band the Driving Rain. If you can't make it out, you can get a feel for the music and live show by checking out these two videos recently filmed at the Grape: "Get's So Hard" and "Fading Out."

Mp3: Fading Out (Live)

Labels: Pawnshop Roses