2009

Just yesterday I was having a conversation with someone about how long into January it’s acceptable to continue saying “Happy New Year.” Well, inasmuch as it is time to bed the phrase conversationally, in the musical landscape, the New Years shows are still ruling the digital turf.

It’s taken a little time to weed though the myriad of shows and select the true gems amidst the widespread bomb dropping that occurred just a couple short weeks ago, but it’s time to finally highlight the most spectacular celebrations to ring in 2009 — a year that will undoubtedly prove to be one of the most historically significant in all of our lives.

Umphrey’s McGee, Auditorium Theater, Chicago, IL, 12/31/2008 – Amazing Grace -> Glory -> Amazing Grace -> Glory

The hyperbole surrounding Umphrey’s McGee on New Years Eve is grand indeed; “best show ever by any band ever.” While you hear people throw these terms around lightly these days, there is no argument that this show is at least one of the best shows in the band’s long career and certainly a New Year’s show that can be measured with the best of them.

READ ON for more spectacular New Year’s Eve Bust Outs from the likes of Gov’t Mule, Lotus, the Disco Biscuits and My Morning Jacket…

As Conan O’Brien goes, so must guitarist Jimmy Vivino, who despite appearing in any number of contexts over the years in his New York City base, definitely considers his role

As usual, Jann Wenner has fucked up again by naming a bunch of undeserving acts to the Rock and Roll Ha… Scratch that. Old habit. Actually, this year’s inductees are

Earlier today, Ryan Adams put up a post on the Cardinology blog announcing that he will be leaving the Cardinals and the blog itself behind after the band’s tour ends in Atlanta on March 20. Here’s Ryan’s post…

me- 34-a non smoker and happy, for the first time in my life.. i am excited to finish this wonderful time i have had with the cardinals and whatever new adventures may come after march. atlanta will be my last venture with the band and i am grateful for the time we have had and maybe someday we will have more stories to tell together. i am however ready for quieter times as i think it is very evident i am struggling with some balance and hearing issues.

also, no drama or anything but i am okay to step back from all of this right now and i think i did enough manic blogging when i felt alone and isolated during the last few years of travel. these last few years were the hardest i can remember and the most rewarding but i have loved ones to care for now and i am lucky i have been given a chance to turn around and see just what i am capable of as a friend and as someone who is not gone forever every year- it rendered me incapable of things i needed to be to myself and others- and my schedule sometimes never ended when the shows did- and some of that was my doing. and i lost someone i loved, and i lost myself.

READ ON for more of Ryan Adams’ farewell ode to blogging…

Steve Kimock hits the road in March with a new project called Steve Kimock Crazy Engine featuring Melvin Seals on B3. READ ON for all the gory details on the band’s lineup as well as what and where they’ll be playing…