Happy Birthday Vincent Van Gogh

Today is Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday and what better way to celebrate than with music inspired by his timeless paintings. Check out the NY1 segment that aired last week featuring former Dutch banker cum singer/songwriter and Van Gogh aficionado, Diederick Van Eck. Diederick talks about the first of a series of projects he is developing centered on the life, work and wonder of Vincent Van Gogh. In this interview, Diederick discusses “Van Gogh by Van Eck” a stunning 44-page deluxe art book and CD backed by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

To watch the segment, click here.

What Not To Write

I loved Flavorwire's "Music Review Cliché Bingo". Here's one of the three bingo cards:



In an era where everyone is OD'd on the volume of material coming into the inbox, we feel that it's more important than ever to write effectively and concisely.

In summation, this irresistible, haunting gem is an atmospheric return to form.

This California Girl Can't Get Enough of Amoeba Music

When people ask me, what kind of music I like, I don’t say “everything, but….” I say “everything” and I mean EVERYTHING. From klezmer, to country, to rock, pop, funk gospel, disco, shoe gaze, no wave, prog, punk, jazz, grunge, blues, folk, goth and everything in between. I want it all, baby! I realize purists may find this statement offensive. But you know what? Screw ‘em!

As an enthusiast, (and a Californian) my all-time favorite place to buy music is Amoeba. While visiting recently, I went to all three Amoeba locations (again…) and picked up a pretty eclectic mix of records (including “A Little Touch of Schmilsson In the Night” on vinyl and a Demi Lovato CD). Photos below:

San Francisco -


Berkeley -

Hollywood -

Warren Haynes, Allman Bros. Take Manhattan

I went way, way uptown last Thursday, in the shadow of the GW Bridge, to United Palace to see an epic set by the Allman Brothers with Shore Fire friends Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. Wow! For the first set, I sat side stage with a drummers' eye view of Jaimoe's amazing drumming and sat more or less upstage from Gregg's keyboard world. The three percussionists really drive each song and let the guitarists ride about the groove. Gregg can really sing, too. The first set was loaded with blues, from the Taj Mahal-arrangement of the Blind Willie McTell song "Statesboro Blues" to a gospel-influenced take on Robert Johnson's "Come On In My Kitchen."

For the second set, I was in the audience and had a chance to witness the incredible interplay between Haynes and Trucks. These guys are two of the best guitarists alive and it's amazing that all these musicians can lock in so tight. The encore rendition of "Whipping Post" was something to witness.

Here they are on Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon doing "Black Hearted Woman." How did they all fit on on that small Late Night stage?!



I also took Warren to visit the kind folks at Rolling Stone, who taped two incredible solo acoustic performances, "Old Friend" (which he wrote for the Allman Bros.) and "Railroad Boy," a highlight from the latest Gov't Mule album. After seeing both Mule and the Allmans in a larger space, it was incredible to see him sing with the same intensity in a small room. I can attest to the fact that Haynes is also a really nice guy and I hope I get to spend more time with him.

The Best Recipe from a Magazine EVER

At Shore Fire, I'm tasked with keeping an eye on many of the women's magazines that offer delicious recipes every month: Woman's Day, Family Circle, Woman's World, Redbook, etc. I also have the joy of working with the restaurateur-turned-GRAMMY-winning artist Zac Brown who also just released a gorgeous cookbook of his own (Southern Ground - avail at: http://bit.ly/SGCookbook1) and has revived my interest in food magazines as well.
What I'm getting at is I have my finger on the pulse of kitchens across the country - which I LOVE. In fact, when not at Shore Fire or at a show I'm cooking my heart out at home.

So, as the summer season near (and the grill is almost ready to be fired up), I wanted to share one of the best recipes I've come across in a magazine in quite some time. Thanks to the Deen Bros. and their first issue for bringing what my fiance calls "MexiFish Salad" to the table.

This photo came from The Mom Chef but mine looked very similar.

Fresh Corn Salad with Pan-Seared Mexican-Style Red Snapper and the Creamy Lime-Cumin Dressing (Deen Bros.)Makes 2 servings

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small onion, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rings
3/4 cup fresh corn kernels
2 red snapper fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 cup chopped tomato
6 cups torn romaine lettuce
Creamy Lime-Cumin Dressing (recipe follows)

1 In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and pepper; sprinkle over corn, onion, and fish.

2 In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion to skillet; cook for 1 minute. Add corn; cook for 1 minute. Remove from pan. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan. Add fish; cook for 3 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Remove from pan; cut into 1-inch pieces. Divide onion, corn, fish, tomato, and lettuce between 2 plates. Serve with Creamy Lime-Cumin Dressing.

Creamy Lime-Cumin Dressing

Makes about 11⁄2 cups
**Note: I made half this amount and there was still twice more than an human could possibly need.

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon sugar

1 In a small bowl, combine sour cream, milk, lime zest, lime juice, salt, cumin, chili powder, and sugar. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

A Wolf In The Garage

Two of our favorite people sat down on Friday to commemorate the 8th anniversary of Little Steven's Underground Garage. Steven Van Zandt and Peter Wolf had a fascinating conversation on the history and culture of rock and roll; Wolf's performance and Steven's speech at last week's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony; their first concerts and early bands; meeting their heroes; the great, pioneering rock DJs; the Boston and NJ scenes; and of course, Wolf's forthcoming album 'Midnight Souvenirs.' They were kind enough to let me eavesdrop and snap a few photos. It was riveting and I can't wait to hear the final show on April 4. Congrats to Steven on the 8th anniversary!





Here, Little Steven shows Peter a poster promoting the first ever rock & roll concert:

NY Red Bulls 3 - Santos FC 1

I went to see the New York Red Bulls usher in a new era with the grand opening of a new 25,000 capacity stadium in Harrison, NJ this past Saturday March 20. They hosted Santos FC from Brazil on a spring night that felt more like late May than late March. It was a perfect night for football. And as it turns out, a perfect night for winning. Santos FC is one of the best clubs in Brazil (it was Pele's former club)... And we beat them handily -- 3 to 1. A new era indeed. Go energy drink!!

A Cupcake & Lemon Party

It was another twofer as Chris Thieke and Andy Silva celebrated their birthdays with the staff, augmented by a tasty smorgasbord of cake and pie. Nothing like a little citrus (and some sunny dispositions) to take our mind off a blisteringly cold February and start to think about the summer months ahead. Here's a shot of Chris (at left) and Andy engaged in twin candle extinguishment duty:


And here's the carnage after the staff took to the offerings with all the gusto of a tank full of laser beams equipped sharks:

I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love, Tonight

It's every fan's dream to get up on stage with their favorite artist. As a long time Ted Leo fan, I would have given anything to be one of the few who would occasionally jump on stage and, instead of being escorted off by security, encouraged to sing along by the lead Pharmacist himself.

Lucky for me, Mr. Leo is a perceptive man. He knows his fanbase well. So, for his record release party last Tuesday (for the excellent new LP, The Brutalist Bricks) he played two sets: 1) the new album from start to finish, and 2) a karaoke set for the audience.

I made it my mission to be one of the singers. And thanks to my friend who arrived early at the venue, and a generous bouncer who let her in before doors, we had first crack at the karaoke sign-up sheet. Meaning that I got the distinction of being the fifth Pharmacist for the classic 80's anthem, "Your Love."

Surreal doesn't even begin to describe it. I have OBSESSED over this band for years, and now I'm standing on stage with them? My hero is calling me by name and asking me how I want to start the song? And now he's singing back up for me? My own band won't even let me sing, so this is really blowing my mind. And not to be immodest, but things went over pretty well. The audience LOVED it (how can you NOT sing along to that chorus?).

I'm expecting a call from the band any day now. I've heard they're thinking of changing their name to Madelyn Leo and the Pharmacists and becoming a full-time The Outfield cover band.

It could happen.

Tragedy: All Metal Tribute To The Bee Gees

So one of the bands on my label, Les Sans Culottes, got this gig opening for this heavy metal tribute to the Bee Gees called Tragedy. I'm typically really skeptical of the tribute band thing. Then I found out this band featured former members of Satanicide. And then I saw them last Friday at Bowery Ballroom. Tragically, it was to be Tragedy's farewell show.

The Auctioneers Kill It at Mercury Lounge

Like a Southern boogie influenced Faces, The Auctioneers took to the stage at the Mercury Lounge last night and played a ferocious set, complete with big riffs, expert three part harmonies and even some fuzzed out feedback squall filled jams.

I've seen the band a bunch now, and each time they seem to get tighter and together. Erik Broberg is a monster on guitar, Ryan Alexander Gregg attacks his keyboard, and drummer Donovan Pyle and bassist Chris "The Monster" Kapica are completely locked in. Tying it all together is lead singer EB Sollis, whose soulful voice and infectious personality help wrap the crowd in The Auctioneers powerful rock and roll swagger.

Can't wait for their show tomorrow night at Santos Party House, part of Dim Mak's Cloak & Dagger party. Last month they played the party and brought out a horn section for a Band cover, wonder what surprises they'll pull out Thursday night.

Check out this video of their track "Young Man's Blues" to get a taste of the band live.

And now for something completely different...

A brief non-sequitur diversion for this brilliant nugget of digital flotsam and jetsam that came across the transom:


It's only a guess but I can't help but wonder if Wayne & Garth are involved in this one, perhaps a prop from a deleted bonus scene just after the opening credits:



I hesitate to question art, in all its permutations, but I have to say if I had been this anonymous spray can wielder responsible I might have taken a slightly different tack on the wording, to dovetail with this masterpiece:



Bonus side note, the latter song was the official processional at my wedding a couple years ago, live, acoustic, and instrumental.

Best part about using Metallica in an otherwise traditional ceremony? I enjoyed putting "Composer: J. Hetfield" in the program for sure. But I have to go with the pleasant smiles from Grandpa on the "lovely classical guitar" followed by high fives and "duuuuude..." from your 15 year old cousin with blue hair and piercings. Now that's cross generational appeal.

But, um where was I? Oh right, cool mattress pic ain't it?

And The Oscar Will Go To...

The Shore Fire Oscar Pool ballots are in! And despite a couple contrarians (Stanley Tucci for best supporting actor? Seriously?), some clear favorites emerged. Though the winner will probably come down to who picks the foreign movies and docs that none of us have seen, here's the office favorites in the top categories. It's worth noting that Mo'Nique was the only nominee from the below list that delivered 100% of the Shore Fire voting block.

Best Picture: Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Best Actor: Jeff Bridges
Best Actress: Meryl Streep
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz
Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique
Best Original Screenplay: Inglourious Basterds
Best Adapted Screenplay: Up in the Air

Best Playlist for Driving on NJ Turnpike

If you ever find yourself driving on the NJ Turnpike (you have to be driving though. The bus does not count), I highly recommend including the following songs on your playlist:

"Ooh La La" The Faces, "Starstruck" The Kinks, "Motor Away" Guided By Voices, "Abel" The National, "Stay Positive" The Hold Steady, "Jungleland" Bruce Springsteen, "Money City Maniacs" Sloan, "Tin Soldier" The Small Faces. Preferably in that order. You can thank me later.