Brad Matthew

Last week at the Obama Staff Ball, Arcade Fire covered the notorious Boss tune “Born in the USA”.  It’s a pretty sweet cover I must say, but there are few things that are quite ironic about all of this.  First of all, Arcade Fire are Canadian?!  Why are they playing a private show for a bunch of American politicians??  Second, “Born in the USA” is an anti-war song and isn’t too patriotic.  Go figure!  Either way, I dig Arcade Fire and I really dig Bruce!  Speaking of which, he is making a stop through Chicago May 12 at the United Center.  I saw him there about 10 years ago and it was one hell of a show.  Long live THE BOSS!

Photo: Max Adolfsson

Kings of Leon’s Because of the Times is one of my fav albums of all time.  Yes, all time.  The ballsy 7 minute opening track “Knocked Up” is golden.  Capiche?!  Looks like Swedish sex kitten Lykke Li digs the song too, so much that she done up a version of her own.  It is a pretty interesting take on the song to say the least.  I love it.  There is something about her lust-drenched voice that gets me “rock hard”, er… I mean… Uh…  I like her lovely voice!

Both the Kings and Li will be making stops through Chicago in the next month.  You can catch KOL at the House of Blues this Saturday, January 24, if you were/are willing to pay over $200 a ticket!?  Yah, it’s for charity, but for fuck sake man.  For a more reasonable price ($17) you can catch Lykke Li at Metro, February 7th. What a woman!

UPDATE: Kings of Leon have released a “Use Somebody” EP on itunes, which consists of the single “Use Somebody” and Lykke Li’s cover of “Knocked Up”.  Buy it is you please.

Knocked Up (Kings of Leon cover) - Lykke Li

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Blitzen Trapper’s album Furr has been on repeat for the last couple of weeks. I was a little late to get hip to them and would have definitely put this album on my list for 2008. They have a neo-classic rock sound that I am a total sucker for. I am really looking forward to catching these guys live at the Empty Bottle February 19.  Their video for their single “Furr” is pretty effin sweet too.  Dig it!

Phish is back and as rumored will be extending their reunion tour beyond the initial 3 day stand at the Hampton Coliseum in March.  Last week they announce a slew of tour dates for June including 2 nights at Alpine Valley! Yes! I miss the Alpine Valley lot scene of old. Hopefully the corporate acquisition of the legendary venue won’t kill it.  Shakedown please!  Who’s got my L?  Where’s the heady garlic grilled cheese and Sammie Smith Oatmeal Stouts?  Looks like I might have to be a hippy again for a few days this summer. For more info on ticket sales and a sweet “Punch You In The Eye” tour video visit phish.com.

Phish 2009 Tour Dates

03-06 Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
03-07 Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
03-08 Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
06-04 Wantagh, NY - Jones Beach
06-05 Wantagh, NY - Jones Beach
06-06 Mansfield, MA - Great Woods
06-07 Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
06-09 Asheville, NC - Asheville Civic Center
06-16 St. Louis, MO - Fox Theatre
06-18 Burgettstown, PA - Post-Gazette Pavilion
06-19 Noblesville, IN - Deer Creek Music Center
06-20 East Troy, WI - Alpine Valley
06-21 East Troy, WI - Alpine Valley