File Under: Bryan Dondero

Many of you have noticed I really like Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. They have a kick ass bassist by the name of Bryan Dondero, whose Clear Spot podcasts I have posted about before. Well it seems he does his own thing beyond those projects. I encourage you to go check out his Indie911 page.

File Under: Live TV can be enlightening

I don't watch American Idol anymore, I just couldn't take the bullshit anymore. What bullshit you say? The kind that is exposed on live broadcasts, like this. Pay attention to Paula, who has opinions/notes on songs that have yet to be performed. I wonder which Nigel gave her the notes.

File Under: Yet another song stuck in my head

Vampire Weekend - A-Punk at Coachella 2008

File Under: Just say no, cause we said so.

Despite repeated proof that abstinence only instruction doesn't work nearly as well as comprehensive sex education, parents know better.

File Under: Scalia, sounds like a skin disease

Unfortunately, it's much worse than that.

File Under: Hey Bob, Supe Had a Straight Job

HDNet had a Crash Test Dummies concert on this weekend. Unfortunately, by the time I caught it, it was mostly over. I managed to grab "Superman Song." The first time I heard this song, in college, I had to have the CD. Finding a little known Canadian band in Bangor, Maine took a lot of trips to different music stores. The reason I wanted it so bad, was the way the song struck me.

For the first time I started thinking about what made Superman a hero. I started to ask people, what they thought made Superman "Super," the answers I received seldom jived with my new perspective on the matter. So I pose to you my readers the same question now. I will tell you my thoughts later.


Crash Test Dummies - Superman Song from Real Kired on Vimeo.

File Under: A Call to Arms

Hey, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Fans, here is a chance for us to help out.

From the WTTS 92.3FM website:

Listen to the WTTS Cage Match weeknights at 7:45. Bill Flint hosts the nightly version of "battle of the bands." Two new songs are featured and YOU determine the winner. After you check out the songs, call us with your votes, comments and reactions at 1-800-923-WTTS. If the line's busy, e-mail your vote to cagematch@wttsfm.com. Once a song wins ten consecutive nights, it's retired into the WTTS Cage Match Hall of Fame.

Ben Jelen is the new defending champion, with "Wreckage," from his Ex-Sensitive cd.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals will challenge Tuesday night, with "Apologies," from the full-length This Is Somewhere.

File Under: Rough Times for Maine

File Under: Stolen from MYSPACE

I stole this bulltetin from David Ford's MySpace. I hope he can forgive me.

" ON FRIDAY 2ND MAY DAVID FORD WILL BE PLAYING ON XPN'S FREE@ NOON SHOW.

FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF DAVID, XPN HAVE INVITED HIM TO PLAY A LIVE SHOW ON THEIR FREE @ NOON SHOW THIS COMING FRIDAY.

THE SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE WORLD LIVE CAFE, PHILADELPHIA AND STREAMED OVER XPN. org AND NPR. org.

TUNE IN TO HEAR DAVID PLAY SONGS FROM BOTH HIS ALBUMS AND A LIVE ON AIR INTERVIEW."

File Under: Two Toby Tunes

Pssst. Hey, you like Toby Lightman? Wanna hear two unreleased songs for free? Then click here.

File Under: Senators not fans of Media Consolidation

This article over at The Consumerist has allowed me to believe that not all members of congress are brain dead. The Senates vote, to rollback the FCC's media consolidation plan, shows that someone is paying attention.

File Under: JamBase article on GPTN

I am sure that many of you have already read the article about Grace Potter and the Nocturnals over on JamBase. However, for those of you like me, who are fairly new to the party, I recommend the read.

File Under: GPTN on ER

I'm late to posting this, but I don't watch the show anymore. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals' song Falling or Flying was used on this week's ER.


GPTN-FOF-ER from Real Kired on Vimeo.

File Under: How can so much trouble look so God damn good

I am working on getting the rest of these videos uploaded on Vimeo, cause they just look better. I just find myself marveling at the power, and I've watched these more than a few times.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Here's to the Meantime


Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Here's to the Meantime from Real Kired on Vimeo.

File Under: Toby Lightman - Alone

I just realized I made a claim that Toby was a great talent, with out providing back up. Here it is, just a fine lady and a guitar.

File Under: Toby live on NASCAR

As some of you may know, Toby Lightman did the theme for NASCAR this year. Toby will be performing live this Sunday, April 27th, on NASCAR on Fox on your local Fox station at 1pm EST. This will be great exposure for a great talent. I only hope those folks realize it.

Publicity Photo by Andrew Zaeh

File Under: "This is..." Episode 5

"Whoa that was weird, I almost thought that was Grace Potter."

File Under: Music you can't get here.

On my daily sojourn to I AM FUEL, YOU ARE FRIENDS, I found she had a post telling me about go downloading a new Nine Inch Nails track for free. You can either visit her for her take on it, or go straight to the source.

Also, Bryan Dondero, the bassist from GPTN, has put up another podcast full of trivia, chip sponsorship offers, and good music. It can be downloaded at http://theclearspot.podhoster.com/

File Under: Amy LaVere at Sun Studio

Live From Sun Studio has quickly become one of my favorite places on the web. Great performances like this are why.

Amy LaVere-That Beat

File Under: GPTN rocks Vanderbilt

Those of you who also read This is Somewhere, were already aware that Grace and the boys owned the weekend at Vanderbilt's Rite of Spring. A post on Right-Wing Vitriol is also heaping on the praise. Can't wait for June 6. w00t!

Also, I'm taking a copy of the Beautiful Noise concert down to the boys at the Music Store, to score some more converts.

File Under: More loopy goodness

With so much technology being used to cover up bad musicianship (ie Auto-Tune), it is nice to see it applied to real music.

David Ford-State of the Union (Sonic Boom Records in Seattle on May 28th, 2006)

File Under: Go to Hell (official video)

Once again, here is David Ford. This time it is the official video for the US release, which was apparently shot with one camera, no editing. If you wonder what talent looks like, that's it.



If you would like to see the original official video just press play.

File Under: David Ford is Loopy

Over at Sun Studio David Ford performed "Go To Hell"

FIle Under: Guitar Guy

Last night Nate, Lynn, Ellyn and I went to the Jeff Dunham show in Houlton.

His opening act, Brian Haner aka Guitar Guy, was great. (guitar note: last night he was playing what appeared to be an American Standard Stratocaster, not the Les Paul)


Lucky bastard got to play with Zappa. Anyway, in case you are wondering about his sons' band, Avenged Sevenfold - Beast and the Harlot

File Under: Another badly crafted bill for Maine

According to this piece, if Rep Dawn Hill gets her bill through, we are all going to have to be very careful about where we linger with our eyes. The bill will create a statute making "visual sexual aggression" or staring at children illegal. I'm all for protecting children from people with nefarious intentions, but this is stupid.

It is not the place of the police to determine the intention of a look or stare. As the author points out, what if someone is staring, because they believe the children are up to no good. Or is often the case with me, I am watching to make sure the kid doesn't end up dead, because the parents are oblivious. In the end this law is more about the government invading further in to our privacy, into our very minds.

Oh, and to all you guys out there that lingered too long over that 17 year old in the short skirt who looked much older until you got up close, better set aside some money for bail.

File Under: Gaseous Anomolies

What can I say, I am a base individual.


Farting Squirrel Saves The World! - Funny bloopers are a click away


Farts - Watch more funny videos here

File Under: Too damn young to sound like that.

Thanks to AH for bringing these, Isle of Man, whelps to my attention.

Back Door Slam - Come Home

File Under: What Congress does best...

is avoid dealing with real world issues. As if to put the finest point on that idea, the Joint Economic Committee is studying virtual worlds (ie. World of Warcraft, Second Life, etc.) to figure out how to tax them. I'm not making this up, I heard it from Forbes.

File Under: Outta My Tree

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Outta My Tree
at the legendary Sun Studio

File Under: Failure Imminent

So I get this nifty message when I boot my computer that says something like:
SMART Failure predicted on Drive 2 (drive designation)
WARNING: Immediately back-up your data and replace your hard disk drive a failure may be imminent

As you may expect I am thrilled. I just thought I would let you all know, in case you don't hear from me while trying to bring this thing back.

File Under: Redbelt

I don't usually get all excited about fight movies (that may be a lie), but they don't usually have this kind of pedigree. David Mamet and a good looking cast, makes this a must see for me.

Redbelt
Uploaded by olharleigo

File Under: I always suspected this was the case

File Under: Why six was afraid of seven

Like They Might Be Giants before them, The Barenaked Ladies are doing kids music.

Barenaked Ladies - "7 8 9" from "Snacktime"

File Under: Somthing we all need

Maine Public Service and Central Maine Power are working out a way to connect Aroostook County to the rest of the grid. It's amazing how interested the southern part of the state has become in helping us with our power cost issues, now that we may have lots of wind power for them to use, with out them having to look at wind turbines. Not that I mind, I think they're pretty.

File Under: Grace gains some fans at Cornell

Those of you that keep track of Grace, know that she opened for O.A.R. at Barton Hall last Sunday. This Is Somewhere has a set list that plays. I am however more interested in this article which seems to imply that she kicked ass and gained fans. O.A.R? Not so much.

File Under: Maine News

The first story has the worst Maine governor ever appealing to the worst administration ever. The Feds don't think all the damage and economic impact suffered in Aroostook County during that god awful storm, qualifies us for help.

The second story has the Maine legislature actually doing something to help. They have passed a law that will make predatory lending and equity stripping illegal.

File Under: A Mighty Wind

Apparently my family has a dirty little secret. They used to own off color records. This little dandy was one lost to the ages, but rediscovered on the net. Warning it is for those who speak fluent flatulence, those offended by gaseous anomalies should not listen.



I would bet that the boys in Monty Python were familiar with this one. In case you are curious about the history of this curious recording, read this article.

File Under: Been to Memphis, Been to Maine

Also available on YouTube.


Robert Randolph and the Family Band - Homecoming from Real Kired on Vimeo.

File Under: Amber Rubarth at Sun Studios

There is a new video posted over Live From Sun Studio, this time they have the lovely Amber Rubarth performing "Another Perfect Sunset." It has an "ol timey" vibe to it and I found it to be quite enjoyable.

Here is another song I plucked from her MySpace.


safe in the sound - ambeR rubarth from big happy accident on Vimeo.

File Under: Pulitzer for Bob

Bob Dylan has been awarded an honorary Pulitzer Prize. It make perfect sense to me, but I tend to agree with the author of this piece when he points out that Dylan doesn't care. I also agree with the authors feelings about connecting to Dylan's work at an emotional level.

Thanks to AH for taking pity on my illness and bringing me something to post.

File Under: FCC hates to read, asks DOJ for help.

That can be the only conclusion I can draw from its rejection of Fox's indecency appeal. They kicked it back because it was too long. So now they go to court.

As if that wasn't fun enough, now the Department of Justice is filing suit against FOX to get them to pay. All over an extremely stupid show.

As a side note to parent groups. If you are upset that your kids may be watching shows like "Married by America," start watching what your kids are doing and stop filling complaints with the FCC, it's not your nanny.

File Under: I'm not the only one worried

I know the scientists think it's safe to try to make Big Bang matter on our planet, but I am still a little worried. Apparently, J.D. over at User Friendly has some concerns as well.

File Under: Optimus' Prime Dance Moves

Optimus’ Evolution of Dance- Amazing animation
Uploaded by aniboom

File Under: Forbidden Kingdom

This movie is coming out April 18, I am hoping against hope that it doesn't stink. My concerned is based on it being an American production which tends to lead to buddy movie hijinks instead of quality writing and story line.

File Under: Jumpin Jack Flash

This is my mom's favorite Stones song. So here it is from Shine a Light.

File Under: John Legend-Pride (In the Name of Love)

John Legend performs PRIDE (In The Name of Love)
Uploaded by ElectricArtists

John covers the U2 classic.

File Under: Surely a Sign of the Apocalypse

If this thing isn't an April Fools, then surely the end is nigh! Run for the hills I tells ya!

File Under: Cat Power - Metal Head

Performance from Letterman on April 1st.



It amazes me the way she gets that soft breathy sound live.

File Under: Bjork-Wanderlust

This is the latest video from my favorite Icelandic singer. I am not entirely sure how I feel about it. The visuals are gorgeous but the music doesn't grab me right away as it usually does. It is almost a little too non-musical for me.

File Under: Baldacci turns Pussy

It the fight over Real ID, he caved, simple as that.

This combined with his other failures and bad ideas leads me to paraphrase Comic Book Guy, "Worst Governor Ever!"

File Under: Northern New Englanders grab your KY...

cause we are gonna get screwed and hard. It would seem that the bond market doesn't like Fairpoint's purchase of Verizon's landline/broadband capacity in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Fairpoint had to put their bonds out at a higher than planned interest rate to raise the $550 million needed for the purchase, and that was to just get the ball rolling. The way this will screw us? That extra money spent in interest will not be spent on system upgrades and maintenance. I suspect that the smaller town/markets will be hurt the worst by this problem. I think all three states utility commissions deserve a rousing applause for approving this deal.

File Under: Aimee Mann-Freeway

Aimee (who Ellyn, Phil and I saw many moons ago) has put up a song, Freeway, (from her new album @%&*! SMILERS, due out June 3rd)on her MySpace page.

File Under: Grace Potter on Good News Broadcast

Man she can even light up this stage. Amazing how powerful she sounds, with just her and the flattop. No offense meant to the boys.

File Under: Blizz knows how to play

The folks over at Blizzard sure know how to do up April Fool's right. The put in the time and effort to concoct 3 separate gags to put out. I am partial to the Tauren Marine the concept artwork with the Murloc playing a support role was awesome.

File Under: Accelerate and Shine a Light

REM-Accelerate came out today. I've given it a couple of listen throughs. It is definitely an REM album, with all the quirks that go with it. Nothing is really jumping out at me at this point, but I find that I have to settle in REM. It's like a new chair that takes some breaking in. I do like this song, but then again I have been listening to it for awhile.



The Soundtrack for the Scorsese directed Rolling Stones documentary/concert, also dropped. If you are a Rolling Stones fan you will be happy as the perverbial pig in shit.

File Under: Maine has until Tomorrow to get it's Real ID Shit together.

So apparently in a gesture of kindness, DHS head Michal Chertoff has given Maine until tomorrow at 5pm to show more progress toward compliance with the Real ID program. I wonder what the average Mainer will do when told they can't enter federal buildings or fly. This ought to be fun.