John Lennon’s Toilet Auctions for $15K

A toilet that was formerly in the home of music legend John Lennon was sold at auction for $14,740, ten times the expected sale amount.  The story behind the toilet is that it was in John Lennon’s Berkshire, England home until he had the toilet removed and replaced.  The bathroom renovator stored the toilet in his shed for the past 40 years.  The organizer of the Beatles memorabilia auction, Anne-Marie Trace of The Beatles Store in Liverpool, stated that the toilet was “the most unusual item we’ve ever had in our auction.”  I would hope so…  more info

New Bruce Springsteen Set Out in Novemeber

Bruce Springsteen is releasing a box set of music titled “The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story” on November 16. There will be both a two disc set released as well as a 3-disc, 3 DVD version of the remastered release available through Columbia Records on November 16. For more information and ordering information, head to The Boss’s official site. To hear a new track from the upcoming release, check below. more info

Listen To Matt & Kim’s New Single

Planning on seeing Matt & Kim when they arrive in Madison on September 21? Whether you are or not, Matt & Kim are releasing their new album Sidewalks on November 2 and have prepped the upcoming album by releasing the first single off the album titled “Cameras” this week. The band allows fans to stream the new single via their Facebook page by “Liking” the track and spreading the word. Brilliant idea Matt & Kim. Check out the new single at their page here or stream it below. more info

Matt & Kim – Cameras

New Sufjan Stevens The Age of Adz Album On The Way

Only days after singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens released his All Delighted People EP, the mysterious musician announced that he will be releasing a new album on October 12.  The new release will be released on Stevens’ Asthmatic Kitty Records and will be titled The Age of Adz (pronounced ‘odds.’)  The album is inspired by the art of schizophrenic artist Royal Robertson.  Robertson illustrated space aliens, monsters, futuristic automobiles and signs of the “Last Judgment” on poster boards.  It should not really surprise anyone that Sufjan would announce an album release only weeks prior to the release date after years of no new material.  Leave it up to Stevens to release an album inspired by an obscure artist that features heavy electronic use as well as heavy orchestration.  more info

Arcade Fire Create New Interactive Video with Google Maps

Canadian indie rockers Arcade Fire have been working with the good people at Google to create an interesting video.  The video promoted by Google’s web browser Chrome features Google Earth inserting the image of a given location (i.e. your home) into the video.  Head over to an official Arcade Fire site to check out the interactive film by Chris Milk.  more info

Watch the New Ben Folds and Nick Hornby “Things You Think” Video

The first video from the upcoming Ben Folds/Nick Hornby collaboration has been released.  The album titled Lonely Avenue is scheduled for a September 28 release date.  To get a glimpse of the work these two have been working on, check out the video below.

Stream The Weepies New Album Be My Thrill In Whole

Husband and wife duo The Weepies are preparing for the release of their new album Be My Thrill by allowing fans to listen to the entire album through Paste Magazine.  The Weepies are a songwriting duo originally from Cambridge, MA who have five releases to their name so far.  Be My Thrill is the duos first release since having their first child in 2007.  The single from the album “I Was Made For Sun” is simple, catchy and worth a listen.  Stream the track and album below.  more info

Bon Iver helping Kanye West

Wisconsin native Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) is taking a step (or two) away from his typical indie rock scene and helping out Kanye West.  West will be releasing a new album on November 16.  Officially, the only track released that features Bon Iver is titled “Monster.”  Considering Vernon spent a couple weeks in Hawaii recording with Kanye, more Bon Iver vocals are expected on future Kanye releases.  If you are a Bon Iver fan, check out this interview with Pitchfork Media in which Vernon discusses how his Kanye collab came to be as well as his future musical plans.  We will have to wait to hear exactly what the two songwriters have in store.  To listen to and download Kanye’s track “Monster” featuring Bon Iver, Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj , head over to Kanye’s blog.

-Sam Ryan

Ray LaMontagne is a quiet, non-fame seeking musician.  Or as LaMongatne says, “Simply put, I have no interest in fame. My self worth is not tied to other people’s opinions of me—I have a strong sense of self. Music for me is not a vehicle for fame; I just love music.”  Despite this lack of a need for commercial fame, LaMontagne has risen to musical prominence with his most recent release God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise.

God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise is Ray LaMontagne’s fourth studio album and the highest charting album of the raspy-voiced singer-songwriter.  The album was released on August 17, 2010 and has already sold over 74,000 copies.  This is quite an accomplishment for a man who worked at a shoe factory for years before quitting and establishing a music career.

Musically, the album is tight and well organized.  Although the musical style is  acoustic-blues/country, which can often head off in rifts and jams, the sounds are crisp, clean, and well placed.  The first single off God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise is the track “Beg Steal or Borrow” is a slow rolling track that features a brilliant slide guitar.  The combination of LaMontagne’s  gravelly voice and the smooth twang of southern guitars creates a fantastic balance.

From the music side, God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise is a very strong record yet lacks tracks that grab the listener and force them to listen over and over.  There is a tendency of tracks to blur together and lack individuality after multiple listens.  I am sure I will listen to God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise on occasion in the future, but there are no individual tracks on the album that will rise on my “Most Played” playlist on iTunes.

This fact should not take away from the strength of the album.  Yes, it may lack the individual tracks to gain radio airplay or tracks that soar on charts, but God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise is still worth listening to and appreciating.  I mean really, should we expect a string of radio chart toppers from a guy who has zero ambition for fame?  Ray LaMontagne writes and records music because it is what he loves to do, not for commercial appeal.  Therefore, LaMontagne has succeeded in staying true to his musical style and desires while still creating a great album.

Before you grab yourself a copy of Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dog’s God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise, check out some older Ray LaMontagne!

-Sam Ryan

Hey everybody!

I’m still out on medical leave following my August 18th spine surgery at UW-Hospital. I’ve been ordered to take it easy–no bending, lifting, or twisting.  (I didn’t ask but I think twist-off caps on beer are off limits too).

It’s been a week since I got out of the hospital, so I’ve had some time to  contemplate my experience. And I learned a few things!

*Every one at UW Hospital was extremely nice. From the nurses, the nursing assistants, docs, residents, food service, and maintenance people, everybody was quite pleasant. But then again, I was on narcotics.

*Having small veins may look sexy, but can be problematic when it comes to I-V’s. I’ve been scouring the internet for a vein exercises tape, to no avail. Apparently, Suzanne Somers’ “Vein Masters” is long out of print.

*You don’t have to tip for hospital room service. And the food is actually very good. I recommend the grilled salmon.

*I keep finding new surgical tape residue every day. And I’m convinced it will be on the planet longer than I will.

*While I was there, I did not hear Brett Favre’s name mentioned once!

I’d like to thank every one who’s been helping me out during this “rough patch,” including my boyfriend Mike who’s been doing a lot of lifting, bending, and twisting for me (and washed my hair!), all the friends who stopped by,gave me rides, brought food, gave me a call, said prayers or sent me good vibes.

And I’d also like to thank George Clooney for giving me that sponge bath. That was awesome.

Orton Park Festival

August 26-29, 2010

Orton Park, Madison, WI

Although summer is nearing an end and schools will soon be starting a near year, you still have opportunity to fully enjoy your summer right here in Madison!

This weekend is the Orton Park Festival presented by the Marquette Neighborhood Association.  This year will be the annual festival’s 45th year and will feature a diverse lineup of performances.  The Orton Park Festival has purpose of creating and growing community and friendship.  The festival is free of charge, but funds raised throughout the festival will go to implement community projects and organizations.

What is a festival without music?  Well we are in luck because Orton Park Festival will feature a great lineup of music and other performers.  The schedule for the four day event is as follows.

Thursday, August 26th

Family Night (Ice Cream & Soft Drinks for sale):

• 6:30 p.m. – Daithi Wolfe & Company
• 8:00 p.m. – Cycropia Aerial Dance Theater

Friday, August 27th

• 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. – International Dinner with Vendors
• 5:45 p.m. – The Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Sextet
• 6:45 p.m. – MNA Auction
• 7:15 p.m. – Razia Said (NYC/Madagascar)
• 8:45 p.m. – Cycropia Aerial Dance Theater

Saturday, August 28th

• Noon – Whitney Mann
• 1:30 p.m. – Robert J and the Rowdy Prairie Dogs
• 3:00 p.m. – Cris Plata and Extra Hot
• 4:15 p.m. – MNA Auction
• 5:15 p.m. – Monika and Christian Nieves (Puerto Rico)
• 7:00 p.m. – The Carolina Chocolate Drops
• 9:00 p.m. – Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble

Sunday, August 29th

• 9:00 a.m. – Jazz Brunch with The Randall Harrison Trio
• 11:30 a.m. – The Rohnalleros
• 1:00 p.m. – The Getaway Drivers
• 2:00 p.m. – Orton Cake Walk
• 2:30 p.m. – Kings Go Forth
• 3:45 p.m. – MNA Auction
• 4:45 p.m. – The Rousers
• 6:45 p.m. – Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women

So if you are in Madison this weekend and looking for a fun way to spend a late August weekend, head to Orton Park!  More info!

Jason Mraz says he has “tons and tons of material” for his next album, including a previously unreleased song by Roy Orbison called “The Way Is Love”. Orbison demoed the song six months before his death and incidentally rocked the very first Farm Aid concert in 1985. Mraz and Willie Nelson got together last year to record the Orbison tune. Look for the two to perform it live on stage at Farm Aid October 2nd at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

Looking for a great way to spend your Sunday?  Well grab your bike, helmet and sunglasses and head into downtown Madison and join Lance Armstrong, Triple M and all your fellow Madisonians at Ride The Drive!

Ride the Drive

Sunday August 29

Downtown Madison/John Nolen Drive (Route)

RIDE THE DRIVE is a celebration of Madison’s commitment to healthy, active lifestyles. This community event is an invitation for all citizens to leave their cars behind to experience some of Madison’s most scenic byways a whole new way – by riding, walking, skating, or strolling along some of our city’s most beautiful streets.

Join legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong and cruise designated downtown Madison streets without worry of motor vehicle traffic.

After or during your ride join Triple M at the “Ride The Drive – People Powered Stage” to catch some of your favorite Project M contestants!

The schedule for the “People Powered Stage”

11-11:35 Beth Kille
11:50-12:25 Mark Harrod
12:40-1:15 Keefe Klug
1:30-2:05 Anna Laube
2:20-2:55 Corey Hart

For more information and details, head over to our Triple M information page.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Hey folks!  Do you like music?  Will you be voting this November?  Do you need a reminder from a famous musician to remember to vote?

Well if yes is the answer to (hopefully) all of these questions, then here is something for you.  Headcount is offering free music from a whole list of artists for you offering a commitment to vote.  Some of the artists included include Radiohead, The National, Phish, The Flaming Lips, Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee and many many more.

So, what exactly is Headcount?

Headcount is a nonpartisan organization that works with musicians to promote participation in democracy.  Headcount registers voters at concerts and events as well as promote civic participation as part of the music experience.  For more information about Headcount, check out there “About Us” page here.

To access tons of free downloads and other fun goodies from your favorite bands, head to Headcount and register.  One cool thing Headcount will do is have a famous musician of your choice call you on or before election day to remind you to vote.  I will be getting a call from ?uestlove of The Roots this fall.

Sign up yourself for access to tons of fun stuff here.

Here is an interview with Bob Weir presented by Headcount.  He discusses Headcount and other fun stuff.

This is worth 2 minutes and 19 seconds of your time.  Enjoy:

Bob Dylan to Release Witmark Rarities Collection in October

Legendary songwriter and musician Bob Dylan is set to release the ninth volume of his “Bootleg Series” on  October 19.  The Columbia Records release will feature 47 tracks recorded between 1962 and 1964 including early versions of “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Mr. Tamborine Man” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’.”  Dylan recorded fifteen tracks exclusively for the ninth volume of the “Bootleg Series.  more info

Neil Young New Album Le Noise Details

Neil Young is embracing modernity.  Young will be releasing a new album titled Le Noise on September 28 on CD and digitally, but later the album will be released on Blue-ray and as a free iPhone application with an interactive “album cover.”  The album will not only be released embracing modernity, but producer Daniel Lanois told Rolling Stone the new release will be “very electric” and not the typical Neil Young acoustic album.  more info

Le Noise Tracklist

1. Walk With Me
2. Sign Of Love
3. Someone’s Gonna Rescue You
4. Love And War
5. Angry World
6. Hitchhiker
7. Peaceful Valley Boulevard
8. Rumblin

Kings of Leon Disco Dance Off

Kings of Leon are enjoying being rockstars and headlining festivals around the world.  The guys from Tennessee took part in an alcohol-induced “Dance-off 2010″ according to Nathan Followill.  Check out the smooth dance moves of frontman Caleb Followill and company here.  The best part of the video is the fact they are dancing to the groovy sounds of Chromeo.  Classy.  more info

REM, My Morning Jacket, and Tom Morello of Rage Agianst the Machine Add To Dear New Orleans

Five years ago, Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of New Orleans, LA as well as much of the Gulf.  To remember the horrific event, musicians have put together a compiliation album filled with great music to help a number of New Orleans non profits.  The compilation is titled Dear New Orleans and was released digitally August 24.  The album features My Morning Jacket, REM’s Mike Mills, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Ok Go, Steve Earle, Indigo Girls with Brandi Carlile and many more.  Grab your copy here while helping a great cause.  more info

New Brian Eno Album, Small Craft On a Milk Sea, Details

Brian Eno will be releasing his newest album Small Craft On a Milk Sea on November 2, 2010.  The album will be Eno’s first album on his new record label Warp Records and will be released in physical CD format, digitally, as well as a special collectors’ edition box set.  Only 250 collectors’ editions will be released which will each include a silkscreen print made by Eno himself.  For more information and images of the visually pleasing collectors edition box set design, head to BrianEno.net.

New MGMT “Congratulations” Video Released

Check out the boys from MGMT in their new video for their track “Congratulations.”  It is a very interesting video to say the least. Poor dinosaur/camel creature…

I’ve never seen the movie “Freaks,” but several of my friends were quoting the movie all weekend long as we welcomed my wife into our group.  It’s a pretty exclusive group…of people who do really stupid athletic things.  We all became good friends while training for Ironman and since then have found crazy things to do- the most recent of which was running the back-to-back half marathons this past weekend.

When I started training for Ironman the first time, Laura decided to take up karate.  It’s something that she had always wanted to do and with me gone training all the time, it made sense for her to start her own training.  Last Friday Laura took (and passed) her test for her “blue-stripe” belt- putting her solidly into the upper level belts.  Now things get tough for her.

On Sunday Laura ran her first half marathon. 

She started making her way into our little group last Winter when Julie asked me if Laura would want to join the cycling class- I was a bit surprised when she said she would.  I was even more surprised when I learned just how strong her legs had gotten doing karate- she might not have the speed of the rest of the group, but she outlasted us all through climbing drills.

A few weeks ago when we were all training for the Centurion Bicycle race we sent Laura off on a different route- assuming that she’d never be able to keep up with us.  We finished our training ride and found out that Laura went about twice as far as we expected…and only a few miles less than us.

Sunday when she completed her first half marathon is when the “Freaks” quotes started…”We accept you!  One of us!  One of us!”  She tried to tell us that it was not only her first, but also her last half marathon.  Of course we didn’t accept that- we made her join us in the team picture and explained that she’s now in the club- or maybe it’s a gang- and she’s not allowed to quite the gang.

Yesterday she skipped karate and joined us for the Capital Brewery Tuesday night ride- followed by beers in the beer garden of course.  One little mishap at the end of the ride and she’s now got some nicely scraped up legs.  Kevin said it’s a little something to show for the effort.

Yeah- she’s one of us.