MEDIA-RELATED STUFF

Glad WBCQ's 7490 internet feed has been broadcasting WHVW lately.

Picked up WKGS the other night with commercials including one for a college.

It was so great to be on CJBQ the other night!

Veteran CBC executive and news anchor Nolton Nash has died. I remember him from videos the teacher used to show in law class, some classroom news type of thing. However, I can not look back on Nash with fondness. I was watching "The Fifth Estate" back in the mid-00s. The episode was about a then trend among kids called the choking game. Nash was interviewing a kid whose brother had been a victim of this activity. Nash asked the brother to show him how he and his late sibling would play the game. It sure looked to me like the veteran journalist was taking delight in the fact that children were partaking in and dying from this horrible pastime.

Imagine all the radio stations that would/will be scrambling to fill the vacant frequencies if/when CBC does move Radio Two exclusively online?

WATCH: DON'T MISS THE CHARMING VIDEO FOR DANIELLE OLIVER'S "ADVICE"

From her first piano lesson at the age of six, singer/songwriter Danielle

Oliver has never looked back.  Learning at this early age, it wasn't long until she began writing and performing her own work. Now, Oliver is releasing a brand new video (directed by film director Rory Hinds) to go along with her single "Advice" from her debut EP Sun For Snow. The dreamy new video for "Advice" features a glamorous runaway bride and incredibly scenic views of Flathead Lake in Montana. Paired with her sweet vocals and clever songwriting, this effervescent indie pop song is sure to charm.

This is indeed a charming song with good lyrics. A pleasant listen for that mid-morning work slump.

Watch the video here.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64KQq7raMOk

STREAM MADE IN ICELAND VII ON SOUNDCLOUD – THE LATEST COMPILATION OF THE BEST IN ICELAND’S MUSIC SCENE, INCLUDING SIN FANG, KIMONO, PETUR BEN AND MORE.

The seventh edition in the Made in Iceland compilation series by Iceland Music Export is finally here, and boy are we excited! We can't believe it's already been seven years since the first album but the prosperity and broad variety in the melting pot that is Icelandic music, never fails to amaze us. The compilation series main objective has always been to promote and profile the latest and most exciting sounds to emerge from the kaleidoscopic and ever-evolving Icelandic music scene and this time the compilation features no less than 18 different artists.
The songs vary in genres and style, everything between intense underground rock from Kimono, bluesy folk tones of Lay Low to the overgrown power pop of Sin Fang. The compilation proves it once again an impossible task to put Icelandic music in a box.

Stream the entire compilation on Soundcloud now.

Sin Fang's "Young Boys" evokes Icelandic life with it's lyrics while Kimono's "Sprectres" is just a straight-up rockin tune.

RADIO-RELATED STUFF

Cool to hear Lorna Dewitt guest-hosting "Crosscountry Checkup" this past Sunday.

Heard hams on two occasions recently; talking about their equipment.

I could have done without WBCQ's internet feed repeating their promo to buy airtime over and over again at least a dozen times today.

CKWS-fm is now Hits 104.3, playing a whole bunch of songs I'd forgotten and was doing my best not to remember.

Was picking up 95.1 WBRU Rochester Monday morning with Brother Weeze.

CHECK OUT THE NEW ALBUM FROM BRITPOP LOVING AMERICAN INDIE QUARTET TWO HARBORS

HARD-EDGED
BRITPOP MELODOCISTS
TWO HARBORSRETURN WITH EPIC NEW ALBUM THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS
AVAILABLE TODAY VIA SUSSTONES
"THERE IS LOVE" :: MP3 / SOUNDCLOUD (APPROVED FOR POSTING)
With a driving, brash sound equally indebted to American indie, early Mod and mid-90s Brit-Pop, Two Harbors and their new LP The Natural Order Of Things (available May 13) are a bit of an anomaly in an era where studio effects and PR gimmicks are often substitutes for raw talent and passion. The quartet, fronted by Chris Pavlich, has a working class aesthetic and a simple formula: big, Johnny Marr-style hooks coupled with anthemic choruses. The mix of hard-bitten Minnesotan workmanship and the epic, stargazing hooks of classic 90s Britpop combine for a sound masterfully produced and mixed by legendary producer Ed Ackerson (The Replacements, Motion City Soundtrack) at Flowers Studio and mastered by Frank Arkwright (Johnny Marr, The Smiths, Blur) in London at Abbey Road. The band is carrying the flag for discerning music fans, eager for authenticity over hype.
Combining the interweaving guitars of lead vocalist Chris Pavlich:and Kris Johnson with the deft but deadly rhythm assault of drummer Shawn Grider and bassist Jeremy Bergo, Two Harbors found their unique sound. Named after a port town close to Pavlich's hometown of Duluth, MN, the band stays true to their unpretentious ethos, and that shines through on their new record The Natural Order Of Things. Propelled by a strong rhythm section, Two Harbors creates singalong choruses draped in shimmering guitars and soaring vocals. Pavlich plainly states, “People like to put labels on everything, and everything is derivative of something. There’s no way to avoid the comparisons, so it doesn’t bother me. People know what they like and what they don’t, so if you like The Beatles, The Who, and The Verve, we’ll get along just fine.
It’s no false modesty to describe this as Two Harbors’ strongest release to date. It’s a full record, in contrast to so many records in today’s ADD environment which are little more than loose combinations of tracks cobbled together. “We’ve met and worked with some absolute legends over the past few months”, recalls Pavlich. “It was an amazing journey writing, demoing, recording with Ed, and working with art director Brian Cannon (Oasis, Verve, Suede) on the sleeve. But to cross the finish line at Abbey Road Studios with a pint of Guinness in the same canteen where the Beatles relaxed between sessions is the most incredible experience I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a few good ones!"

"There Is Love" is indeed a great mixture of that nineties Britpop sound and today's indie rock sound.

Visit Two Harbors' website here.http://www.twoharborsmusic.com

CHECK OUT GENRE HOPPING SONGWRITER STONE DECISION: NEW EP AVAILABLE NOW

Tragedies occur every day, some rock us harder than others, but Stone Decision mastermind Paul Stanley has turned that pain and confusion into an EP (available today) expressing joy, anger, confusion, but ultimately healing. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Stanley grew up on a steady die of Bob Marley before migrating to the Bronx in the 80s. It was there that his musical tastes broadened and westernized, absorbing everything he could get his hands on, from Guns 'N Roses to KRS-One, Alanis Morissette to Notorious B.I.G. These disparate influences all make upNewtown, CT, from early Bronx house, shredding guitar, to fluctuating, female vocals about empowerment and learning to overcome fear.
After years in the Bronx, Stanley moved to Northeast PA to dive deeper into his burgeoning love for rock. It was there that he discovered Pearl Jam, and Vedder's vocal style and delivery have since played a large role in Stone Decision's music. After ten years working as a struggling songwriter, facing rejection at every turn, itt was not until relocating back to the New York City area that Stanley hooked up with multi-talented producer/composer Stephan Mossele that the Newtown CT EP first started to take shape.
By writing about something close to his heart, the Newtown school shooting massacre, Stanley has laid himself bare, fearing no reprisal as he preps forDreamkillers, the double LP about his life struggle. By living vicariously through his sister and niece, Stanley suddenly discovered true empathy for the Newtown victims and their families. "In the writing process, my awareness was expanded," explains Stanley. "I could see and feel the suffering of people arouind the world. I wanted to go to the families and hug them, like I would my sister."

Newtown CT is available digitally today via PKS Music.

"Sunshine" is a pop song which at the same time possesses powerful lyrics and a message many need to hear.
Visit Stone Decision here.http://www.stonedecision.com

RADIO-RELATED STUFF: A COUPLE COOL RADIO STREAMING SITES

Was listening to a radio station from Cambodia Monday afternoon on this website.

What's up with WTWW transmitter one lately? When I tune in for the Scriptures for America nightly broadcast, sometimes it's on the wrong frequency and sometimes it's not there at all.

Just listened to FIP, a radio station from Paris, France whose format is music and traffic information. What a variety of stuff!: everything from Judy Garland to The Velvet Underground to Snoop Lion. Listen to it on this site, along with a lot more cool stuff.

THIS SUNDAY @ THE BLACK DOG!: EVEN MORE AMAZING MUSIC

This Sunday, May 18th from  2 pm until 5....
At The Black Dog, 227  West Front St. in Stirling.
The ‘Amazing Jam’! Even more amazing music...
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This will be the Amazing Jam’s third Sunday  afternoon playing music at The Black Dog in Stirling. The space works: drinks and food are good and  prices seem reasonable. We play music there for about 3 hours. We are welcomed  by both staff and the patrons in the lounge and restaurant. Our music is greatly  appreciated; people always ask to know when we would return!
Once a month in May and June on Sunday afternoons. This Sunday  afternoon (May 18th) then June 8th. Time is from 2 pm until 5.DSCF1670s
The format is a ‘song circle’ with the lead changing from person to  person among the DSCF1717sgroup. When their turn comes around, everyone  has the option to offer a tune or pass the privilege to their neighbour.  Depending on the music, the mood, choice of instruments, etc. some will choose  to support whoever is leading a song, others may prefer to sit out and  listen. 
In its previous incarnations the Amazing Jam had a thoroughly amazing  character. A very large part of this was due to the fabulous core group of  musicians (amazing characters, all of us....) who turned out time and again to  bring it all together. A number of us have committed to this DSCF1647s‘revival’: people you’ll remember from the  Amazing Jam in Madoc and in Marmora. We invite you to come out and join us,  making music with old friends; for sure, there’ll be some new faces too.
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Remember....
“Bring your instruments, your voices and your music. It’s  all unplugged  and it’s all good! Guitar, bass,  harmonica, banjo,  mandolin, ukulele,  fiddle, accordion,  flute, celtic harp – the list goes  on.
“There may be only 4 or 5 of us or maybe a whole room full of  musicians. A place for ‘first-timers’ and experienced  players alike. A  good bunch of people playing all kinds of music together.  People in their teens all the way through  proto-geezers. Maybe even an incipient-geriat or DSCF1831stwo....
DSCF1628s“The  blues does not rule. Any acoustic music from punk to polka!”
Hope to  see you Sunday afternoon in Stirling.
James

RUTH

Have you ever wanted to help someone in a far off land, but felt that the time wasn't right?  Have you ever listened to that soft voice of the Lord, but just shook your head?  I have.  Until recently I felt God impressing upon me to do something for someone I don't even know in a place I have scarcely heard of.

  What Did I Do?

I first had dreams of a young girl in Africa needing help.  This went on for about five nights before I finally revealed to one of my friends what was occurring, and she suggested child sponsorship.  The next day was Sunday, so I had some help looking up some organizations, and decided on Compassion.

  The Child Who Ran Off With My Heart

It took a long time over the last couple of days, spent in prayer, talking to a representative, and thinking.  I decided on a little girl from the impoverished West African Nation of Burkina Faso.  Her name is Ruth, she is five, and when the rep described her to me I instantly knew that I would bring Jesus to someone.

Ms. Gillie

CHECK OUT THE SECOND EP OF OPERATIC POWER POP FROM TUCKER JAMESON AVAILABLE JUNE 3

Conceived by travel experiences, Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five, abstract art and relationships both detrimental and life changing, Light Up the Night reveals a songwriter wise beyond his years, intent on not following trends and staying true to himself. The band will be hitting the road hard this summer, with a big hometown EP release gig at the legendary Stubb’s Bar-B-Q on June 5. From there, the band continues the tour on the West Coast, with shows in Los Angeles June 24 at The Mint and in San Diego June 25 at the House of Blues.
Light Up The Night will be available digitally and physically on June 3. in the meantime, check out his new single "Apple of My Eye" via SoundCloud.

POWER POP QUINTET
TUCKER JAMESONPREPS SECOND EP LIGHT UP THE NIGHT + GEARS UP FOR EP RELEASE SHOW AT STUBBS JUNE 5.

With epic choruses and grand hooks, it's easy to imagine Tucker Jameson growing up in the quiet suburbs, staring up at the stars, itching to get out and explore the world. Light Up the Night is his tribute to breaking free and opening oneself to another without fear of repercussion. While the swells may recall The Killers or Manchester Orchestra, Jameson's songwriting juxtaposes the grandiosity with universal themes. Inspired by the modern rock of Cage the Elephant and Divine Fits, Jameson marries irresistibly catchy power pop with darker, more operatic rock. Opening track “Apple of my Eye” was the first song written for the EP, and while the music itself is sprawling and epic, the spare songwriting is simply about giving your all to someone else, and hoping that's enough. These windows into Jameson's lust for art, complicated relationships and wanderlust all combine to make up Jameson's sophomore EP Light Up the Night available digitally and physically June 3.
"I grew up in the suburbs, which at times, for a kid that wasn’t always in line with the status quo, could be a harrowing experience," recalls Jameson. As anyone who grew up in the suburbs knows, if you don't fall in line, and can't catch a football, it can be a hard time. Hence, Jameson escaped into music and as soon as he got out of high school, he was off to hone his passion at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. In the following years he toured the country, developed his songwriting voice, and landed in Austin, Texas, where he put together his band and recorded their debut EP Son Of Superbia.
If you listen closely, you can hear a Southern swagger has crept into his latest music onLight Up the Night, especially in Jameson's smart and bittersweet songwriting and vocal delivery, which recalls Ryan Adams at his most unguarded (incidentally, both of Jameson's EP's were produced by Adams' Rock N Roll producer James Barber). "The production goals were to focus heavily on synth and using only a throaty sounding guitar as a flavor or dressing sprinkled on top," explains Jameson. The versatile production adds subtle layers that disarm the listener. "There’s a wondrous slap-back delay on the piano throughout the verses," explains Jameson of the tongue-in-cheek “Don’t Eat My Heart.” "It really creates an eerie environment for the rest of the song to lay upon."
Conceived by travel experiences, Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five, abstract art and relationships both detrimental and life changing, Light Up the Night reveals a songwriter wise beyond his years, intent on not following trends and staying true to himself. The band will be hitting the road hard this summer, with a big hometown EP release gig at the legendary Stubb’s Bar-B-Q on June 5. From there, the band continues the tour on the West Coast, with shows in Los Angeles June 24 at The Mint and in San Diego June 25 at the House of Blues.
Light Up The Night will be available digitally and physically on June 3.

TOUR DATES
6.3 AUSTIN, TX @ KGSR LOCAL LICKS W/ LORIS LOWE
6.3 AUSTIN, TX @ RAY BENSON STAGE (AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)
6.5 AUSTIN, TX @ YNN AUSTIN
6.5 AUSTIN, TX @ STUBB'S
6.14 BOULDER, CO @ THE LAUGHING GOAT
6.17 SEATTLE, WA @ THE HIGH DIVE
6.19 PORTLAND, OR @ BOSSANOVA BALLROOM (RAW ARTIST SHOWCASE)
6.22 COSTA MESA, CA @ SHARK CLUB (RAW ARTIST SHOWCASE)
6.23 SANTA ANA, CA @ TBA
6.24 LOS ANGELES, CA @ THE MINT
6.25 SAN DIEGO, CA @ HOUSE OF BLUES (RAW ARTIST SHOWCASE)
7.2 LUBBOCK, TX @ BACKSTAGE LUBBOCK
7.3 SAN ANTONIO, TX @ 502 BAR

"Apple of My Eye" made me feel good all over, just an all round great song.

Here is Tucker Jameson's website.http://www.tuckerjameson.com

HOW I'M COPING WITH THE TRAGIC DEATH OF SOMEONE CLOSE TO ME

I must apologize for not writing much these last few days.  I have lost a friend, and am not the greatest at expressing my feelings verbally.  Here dear readers is a short poem to express the nature of my feelings.

  I Will Again

When they told me you were gone
I didn't believe it
I walked around in a fog
not knowing of where to place thoughts
You know with all certainty
life will plot its course
God ordained it that way
and some day in the long off from now
we will meet once more
in a place so pretty
so perfect
so free of
pain, sadness, and disability
until then
Eric I will
think of you
Ms. Gillie