January 5, 2009

For three nights, at the end of 2008, a six piece band from Stillwater, New Jersey held court at Portland’s Aladdin Theater. The imaginative music machine that is Railroad Earth descended on the Rose City for a sold out three night stand, bringing along hundreds of fans from around the country to dance and sing along, reconnecting with other, like minded RRE fans (they refer to themselves as ‘Hobos’) in a deadhead-like, brotherly manner.

For starters, I met up with John and his new camera, from Tacoma. The camera was a Christmas present (Duh, it’s December thirtieth). Anyway, while we chat away, up comes Howie, from Brooklyn. He exchanges hugs while changing his shirt. It may be cold and rainy outside, but Howie is going to get tank top warm in the front row tonight. There was Marv and L.T. from Ventura, California, Sam from Nevada City, Nevada, Kurt from Nampa, Idaho. Frank was from outside Denver, Arvada I think he said. Jack and her boyfriend Will came all the way from Butte, Montana.

I was surrounded by visitors. Tourists. Tourists with cameras and cell phones and changes of clothing. I asked myself, “When did the Aladdin become a vacation destination?”

Apparently, it becomes a destination spot when Railroad Earth put down three days worth of roots. Known for their wizard like mastery of their instruments as well as their ability to improvise and accentuate each others talents, RRE dedicated this particular run as a New Years Celebration of Land, Sea and Air. Three themed, multi-set nights of world class Americana, roots/rock/bluegrass/jazz delivered in the cozy confines and wonderful acoustics of the Aladdin Theater.

READ ON for more of A.J.’s thoughts on RRE @ the Aladdin…

It’s been quite some time since the HT Crew got together for an old fashioned cookout. With the year rapidly ending, we figured we’d round up the gang, throw some logs on the fire, crack open a few Anchor Christmas Ales and do some grilling for another rousing rendition of At The Barbecue.

About six months back we offered up our favorite albums of the first half of the year, this time around we thought we’d check back in and find out what everyone’s favorite of the entire year was and give our version of a “Best Of” list. So sit back and find out just what’s been burning up our iPods this year. READ ON after the jump to see our albums of the year…

Oliver Stone’s 1991 biopic on The Doors focuses a bit too much on singer Jim Morrison’s obsession with death, but does a good job of showing the sex, drugs and

Not so secret Matisyahu show at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC tonight

After 15 years as a founding member of Oklahoma’s Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, bassist Reed Mathis is leaving the band to explore other musical endeavors. New members Chris Combs on guitar and lap steel and Matt Hayes on bass were introduced to the JFJO fanbase at their sold-out New Year’s Eve show in Tulsa. The reconfigured band makes their next appearance on Saturday night as part of the 2009 Winter Jazzfest.

READ ON after the jump for a list of upcoming JFJO tour dates…

Pitchfork declares their love for Animal Collective’s MPP

Today marks the frst work day of 2009 for the majority of Americans and while we’re as unhappy as you are to get back to biz, we’ve got a full