Hanson - Thinking 'Bout Something

You may know High Voltage has always been a supporter of 1997's pop-sensation Hanson. We've followed those long-haired teens through their various label deals into the formation of their own label and continue to watch them develop innovative ways to keep their fans interest. When we heard the announcement for their 5th studio album, Shout It Out, you can only imagine how excited things got in the office as we turned on our speakers to preview "Thinking 'Bout Something" their first single off the upcoming release.

"Thinking 'Bout Something" just might be the best Hanson track we've heard since 2005. The arrangement is dynamic and powerful and the final product leaves you anticipating more gems.

Shout It Out will be released on June 8th, 2010 and there's currently four options for packaging. The ultimate package (Platinum) costing a mere $800 and includes a custom record player, custom Hanson headphones, a painting made by the band, a DVD making of, and the album on both CD and vinyl (plus a few other perks). With other packages priced at $250, $25 and regular CD cost. Now that's something to think about!

Stream the new track here:



Twitter | Official Site

Free Music for Change!

Artists are banding together daily to produce a call to action for various efforts. The latest? Musicforaction.org! It's a site that provides free music in exchange for urging you to take action. Currently you can download a "Best of Bonnaroo" compilation (17 tracks!) for FREE. The site will only just encourage you to write your Senator, the President and local newspapers about climate change. Whether you do it or not, the music is still free. However, wouldn't you like to help make the world a better place at the same time?

Visit http://www.Musicforaction.org to download this killer playlist:

Wilco - Bull Black Nova
Pearl Jam - Animal
Jack Johnson - Inaudible Melodies
Dave Mathews Band - Rapunzel
Death Cab for Cutie - Cath...
Ani DiFranco - Fuel
Phish - Kill Devil Falls
Gov't Mule - Banks of the Deep End
O.A.R. - Delicate Few
moe. - Not Coming Down
Raphael Saadiq - 100 Yard Dash
Bob Weir & RatDog - Throwing Stones
The Disco Biscuits - And The Ladies Were the Rest of the Night
The Decemberists - The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid
My Morning Jacket - Oh! Sweet Nuthin'
Guster - Happier
Phil Lesh and Friends - Box of Rain

Tom Petty is the man!

If an email announcing Tom Petty and The Heartbreaker's first new album in 8 years entitled Mojo wasn't exciting enough this morning, it also came with a tour announcement. Now if you're not familiar with Tom Petty and his history of standing up against the music industry, read this article from 2002 real quick: The Ten Things that Piss Off Tom Petty

Needless to say, Tom Petty is fully aware that concert ticket sales are dropping every month. With that he has announced a special gift to everyone who purchases a ticket to an upcoming show in advance. The gift? Well, all 2010 tour tickets purchased online will include an MP3 download of, Mojo. You'll get two tracks upfront ("First Flash Of Freedom" and "Good Enough") and then, on the album release day, ticket buyers will be sent a download of the rest of the album. But wait, there's more! Also included with your ticket purchase, to be delivered at the end of the 2010 tour, will be a selection of live tracks recorded during the tour. Now those are some killer incentives!

So,

We'll see you at the ticket counter!

Official Site

New Music Tuesday

Got a treat for all you Magic Wands & The xx fans. A free download of "Warrior" by Magic Wands remixed by The xx. Oh yeah! Just click here.

Also, if you haven't been following our twitter (@highvoltagemag) we announced our SXSW party yesterday (we're working with The Viper Room & SUPERGOODMUSIC) for Friday, March 19th with headliner Andrew W.K.! The party will also feature Foster The People, Imagine Dragons, Glint, Little Girls, The Binges and Steriogram. We'll be posting the RSVP link here shortly...

In terms of other new music recommendations, make sure you check out Daniel Merriweather! Killer voice, solid tunes.

More to come...

MJ Subway Stop

23 years ago Michael Jackson stood the Hoyt-Schermerhorn stop in downtown Brooklyn filming his classic music video for "Bad". The NY Post reported today that this same stop will soon officially become a Michael Jackson-themed subway stop. The stop might include a full-size mural, lights and projection at night. Passengers will be expected to dance like MJ as they exit the subway car... Ok, so we made that last sentence up, but the rest is true.

Bonnaroo Announcing 2010 Line-Up!

Bonnaroo announced yesterday what might be our biggest excitement of the year, in terms of a festival line-up. Ok, we'll admit it - not extremely impressed with Coachella this year and still waiting to hear about Lollapalooza. Bonnaroo 2010 will take place June 10th to 13th. If you haven't seen the line-up yet, check this:

Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder, Tenacious D, Weezer, The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs perform "Dark Side of the Moon", The Dead Weather, Phoenix, Norah Jones, Michael Franti & Spearhead, LCD Soundsystem, Thievery Corporation, The Black Keys, Bassnectar, The xx, Gaslight Anthem, Miike Snow, Dr. Dog, OK Go, Mayer Hawthorne and the County, Japandroids, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Manchester Orchestra, Tokyo Police Club, Local Natives, Here We Go Magic, and many more.

See you there!

Official Site | Facebook | Twitter

Music from The Drifter

It's not often that a press release comes through our inbox announcing a soundtrack listing that literally floors us... However, there's an exception to every rule. Now THIS is a soundtrack:


Music From The Drifter Playlist
Stardeath & White Dwarfs - New Heat
The Black Keys - Same Old Thing
The Black Keys - Strange Desire
The Raconteurs - Carolina Drama
Midlake - Roscoe
Iron & Wine - House By The Sead
Tegan & Sara - Call It Off
Jon and Roy - Dt Stylee
Brett Dennen - So Long Sweet Misery
The Raconteurs - These Stones Will Shout
Bon Iver - Beach Baby
Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats
MGMT - Pieces of What
Yeasayer - 2080
The Shins - Sleeping Lessons
Jets Overhead - I Should Be Born
The Morning Bends - Waiting For a War
Matt Costa - Behind The Moon
Jets Overhead - Always a First Time

Official Site

Music Video: Twin Atlantic - You're Turning Into John Wayne

Upcoming High Voltage favorites, TWIN ATLANTIC, will be hitting The Viper Room stage this Friday, October 30th as direct support to Oliver Future & Crash Kings. We first heard of this band in April of 2009 as they were completing their debut album... instantly intrigued & captivated by them we made sure to pay attention for future tour dates and album release news. Now with their debut album, Vivarium, out and a recent appearance at CMJ, Twin Atlantic is ready to take the world by storm. Watch out 2010 - Twin Atlantic is coming.

Check out their music video for "You're Turning Into John Wayne":



MySpace | Official Site

Music Video: Elefant - Lou

NYC's Elefant just finished recording their 3rd studio album and have released this video/new song teaser for all of us to long-time fans to get pumped up on. The song is called "Lou" and the music video is encouraging a brand new drinking game. So bust out your PBR, Miller High Life or whatever you're preferred beer to pound is and drink whenever you hear the word "Lou"!



Also, if you're lucky enough to be in the Las Vegas, Los Angeles or San Diego area make sure you venture out in November to catch Elefant live. Check their tour dates for more information, links below.

MySpace | Official Site

Michael Jackson Memorial Tickets

Attention all MJ fans. If you're wondering how to get your memorial tickets to the Staples Center event on Tuesday, July 7th @ 10am, click here:

http://www.staplescenter.com/memorial.php

17,500 tickets will be given out for free. 11,000 tickets for the Staples Center and 6,500 for Nokia Theatre. Fans who receive tickets for Nokia will be treated to a live broadcast feed of the happenings inside Staples.

Rumor has it, tour merch from the upcoming "This Is It" dates in London will be sold at the memorial.

Michael Jackson Memorial - July 1st

We felt the need to repost the announcement of the first Michael Jackson memorial since TMZ announced his death today (very very sad day). We'll be here, will you?

On the evening of July 1, the Viper Room (8852 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA) will host a memorial event in their downstairs lounge to honor the recent passing of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. They will be spinning his mindboggling legacy of hits all night. Admission for the memorial is free.

As John Mayer posted on Twitter (@johncmayer): "A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ."

We hope you'll join us to celebrate a life and volume of music that influenced the world.

Viper Room Official Site

OUT TODAY: The Hard Lessons - Arms Forest

There are many, many things that I love about my home state (Michigan). For instance, I like sitting on the beloved Swinging Bridge in my hometown or swinging on the swings at the Lexington Harbor with my homies during the wee hours of the morning. I also love that my mom will make me Gołąbki even when it’s the middle of July and 90+ degrees. Though I enjoy these things a lot when I come back to visit, my FAVORITE thing about Michigan is the music that comes out of Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other Southern Michigan cities...

Enter: the Hard Lessons.

Their latest album, Arms Forest, was released today and I honestly couldn’t wait for this day to come. Not because I didn’t have the album – but because I think this album deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. Yes, folks, it’s that good. Most of the songs from the album are already on my “Top 25 Most Played” playlist on iTunes. Obsessed? Oh yes. There’s no shame in admitting it, either.

To celebrate the release of Arms Forest, the Hard Lessons (consisting of Augie and Korin Visocchi on guitar/vox and keyboard/vox, respectively, and Ryan Vee on drums) played three homecoming shows: two in Hamtramck, MI and one in Detroit (Photos soon!). I attended all of them and I dragged my friends with me and these shows converted my friends into Hard Lessons fans. They decided that after much deliberation (in this article, “deliberation” means listening to Arms Forest after the Detroit show for hours, for hours, for hours...), Arms Forest is the best album they have heard this year thus far. I hadn’t thought about that yet, but I have to agree.

Every song on this album has something different about it. “Roma Termini” has a little bit of a techno thing going on, “Wedding Ring” is such a beautifully composed song, “Manoogian Zoo” has the verse “So welcome to the Detroit Zoo...“ in the song, which gives me a warm, fuzzy, nostalgic feeling for some reason. Of course, you will have some typical, Augie–and–Korin–will–kick–your–face–in songs, such as “Sound the Silent Alarm” and the title track, “Arms Forest”. After hearing the latter mentioned songs (or seeing them live), you’ll understand why “kick-your-face-in” songs are a very good thing.

This article is probably getting a little bit too long, but I can go on for days about the album and how incredible it is. Not just the songs, either, but the concept of Arms Forest and what that means, and the album artwork and how pretty the vinyl is... However, I think it’s best if you just go and buy the album right now. However, if you want me to talk your ear off about Arms Forest, you know where to find me. Maybe. ~ Jade Amey

MySpace | Official Site

Meet Marilyn Manson LA!

MySpace | Official Site

OUT TODAY: New York Dolls - Cause I Sez So

I couldn't have been more excited for this release with the New York Dolls being part of my trio of all-time favorite artists, so as the doors opened at Amoeba this morning I was there waiting anxiously to pick up this disc. Cause I Sez So is once again produced by Todd Rundgren who produced the Dolls first album in 1973. The album starts off strong, clocks in just under 42 minutes and includes a re-recorded/rearranged version of "Trash". Why they felt the need to redo this track is far beyond me and I definitely could've done without hearing this version, ever. I mean seriously, a Caribbean-inspired Buster Poindexter-esque redo of their classic proto-punk hit? Oy!

However, with "Trash" aside, the album actually rocks and the production is reminiscent of their 70s recordings. Pick it up today or catch them up on the road near you soon!

MySpace | Official Site

OUT TODAY: Tinted Windows Debut Album!

You've all been reading about the wacky-supergroup-combination of Tinted Windows and we're here to tell you just how awesome it really is! Tinted Windows is the perfect combination of Cheap Trick & Hanson. Their self-titled debut falls just under 40 minutes in length and never once loses it's feel good vibe. Pick up your copy today!



MySpace | Official Site

Outside Lands 2009 Line-Up Announcement

Last year's Outside Lands was killer! We honestly didn't think they could do any better than Radiohead, Beck, etc. BUT we were wrong, check out this years line-up for Outside Lands happening in San Francisco, CA on August 28-30th.

Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Beastie Boys, Incubus, Black Eyed Peas, M.I.A, Jason Mraz, Ween, The Mars Volta, Thievery Corporation, Modest Mouse, Band of Horses, TV on the Radio, Dead Weather, Atmosphere, Tom Jones, Silversun Pickups, The National, Q-Tip, Brett Dennen, Built To Spill, Mastodon, Raphael Saadiq, Calexico, Os Mutantes, Midnite, JJ Grey & Mofro, Kinky, Deerhunter, Lila Downs, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Dodos, Bettye LaVette, Dengue Fever, Heartless Bastards, The Dirtbombs, Lenka, Akron/Family, John Vanderslice, Matt and Kim, Portugal. The Man, The Morning Benders, The Duke Spirit, Zee Avi, Blind Pilot, SambaDa, Ryan Bingham, West Indian Girl, Extra Golden

Official Site

OUT TODAY: Youth Group - The Night Is Ours

In-stores today, Youth Group's latest release The Night Is Ours. We've been rockin' this disc in the office for a month now and yet to get tired of it. Not to mention, we saw Youth Group at SXSW 2003 (they played at Hard Rock Cafe) and have been a fan ever since. Check out their video, download the free track and pick up your copy of the album today!



All This Will Pass - free download (right click)

MySpace | Official Site

Chelsea's Latest Picks

Howdy folks! I just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know the new haps here at High Voltage...

We're about to overhaul the website (it's time for a fresh coat of paint) and while we're getting ready for that - I apologize if updates are a bit slow. For the latest in music news, follow us on Twitter. In the meantime, I wanted to rant and rave about a couple of CDs that have recently come across my desk.

1. Black Joe Lewis - I've been spinning the disc in my car nonstop since I got it and I can't even begin to tell you how sad I am I missed his SXSW appearances. This CD is actually what the world has been missing since James Brown's last release and yet, that description doesn't even begin to do Black Joe Lewis any justice. Looking forward to the BJL Troubadour show coming up... Official Site | Myspace




2. TAT - a punk/glam/rock band from London, England that will be appearing on the entire VANS Warped Tour this summer. I witnessed them live at the Warped Kick Off Party last night and they floored me. This is actually the style/type of band I've been looking for (alongside Hot Leg) to reignite my music flame. Check them out here.




So get busy checking those out and we'll see you at The Viper Room on April 12th.

SXSW 2009

We had a great time this year at SXSW 2009 and in case you missed it, make sure you click below to read all the fun we had last week... we were blogging live all week long! Also, coming soon - the official High Voltage SXSW Photo Gallery. Stay tuned.



HIGH VOLTAGE @ SXSW 2009

FREE MP3: Metric - Help I'm Alive (Acoustic)

Hey all you groovy cats. Preview a new track from Metric below and then, if you enjoyed it, you can click to download it absolutely FREE!

Also, Pre-Order the new CD, Fantasies, on Metric's Official Site now.

P.S. Once again High Voltage will be attending this years SXSW. Whose else is going? Leave us a comment and let us know which parties/bands you're excited to see! And follow us on twitter, so you can meet up with us while we're there!

Naimah's Top 5 of 2008

Just realized we never got Naimah's Top 5 list up, so here it is. Better late than never.

5. Adele - 19
This lady has so much soul! Enough that I feel as though I could croon just as well as she does, even if it's just in the car. Of course what I do pales in comparison to her lovely voice, but you can't blame me for trying.

4. John Mayer - Where the Light Is: Live in Los Angeles
With this release John Mayer allows fans new and old to experience every aspect of his sound. From his days of solo acoustic shows in Atlanta, his pop music that got him into the public eye, the jazz outlet of the John Mayer Trio, and lastly the full band sound of his singer/songwriter style.

3. Panic at the Disco - Pretty Odd
This was a total surprise to me. The theatrics of what PATD do is still present. What they've done is to round out their sound to make the focus be not so much what happens around them, but what it is they have to say. Their lyrics are still as strong and as confident as ever.

2. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
I'll admit that I was late to the Death Cab party and yet I can hear a change occurring for their last album to Narrow Stairs. This is their most cohesive work to date. Each song relates perfectly to the next, a thirty-somethings life.

1. Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow: A Musical
I ADORE this album... and band! Now repeat that 1,000 times fast. This album is a story of love, passion, and fate. I listened to this 6 times in a row after opening it... did I mention that I ADORE this album?

Izzy's Top 5 Albums of 2008

5. The Sort
Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements


4. The Ettes
Look at Life Again Soon




3. Civet
Hell Hath No Fury

2. Maggie Walters
Midwestern Hurricane


1. Horrorpops
Kiss Kiss Kill Kill

~ Izzy Cihak

Chelsea's Top 5 Albums of 2008

I'm not sure I can really shed light on why the following albums had such an impact for me this year, but truth of the matter is - they did! Here are my Top 5 Albums (that wouldn't leave my CD player) in 2008:


5. Motley Crue
Saints of Los Angeles


4. The Vacation
Get Used



3. Counting Crows
Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings


2. AC/DC
Black Ice


1. Kings of Leon
Only By The Night


And a special THANK YOU to all the musicians and music industry folks that kept 2008 alive and well for the music biz! Here's to a highly motivational, inspirational and successful 2009!!

Phantom Planet Are Calling It A Day

After 14 years, Phantom Planet will finally be calling it quits. This is a band we've been following for quite sometime and several line-up changes. In fact, the first day High Voltage launched we revealed a Phantom Planet interview and contest, read it here.

And here's what the band blogged yesterday about it:

This could be the most difficult piece of news we have ever had to post. Sadly, Phantom Planet will be playing our last show, December 12, at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, the same venue that we played our very first live all ages gig, back in 1994. We have had an amazing time playing together for 15 years, but we have officially decided to go on hiatus, and will not be playing any more live shows or making any new records, indefinitely. There is so much more to write, but at this time, we just want to say thank you, to everyone, for their support, friendship, inspiration, attendance, and love.

-alex, darren, jeff and sam.

MySpace | Official Site

Industry Minute: trueAnthem.com

Artists and Advertisers have found a new one to sustain within the ever-changing industry. They've now teamed up to offer FREE MUSIC/DOWNLOADS (the skies the limit, pretty much) to EVERYONE through a sponsored widget. What's better than free music to the consumer?!

Check out a couple of our previous OF THE MOMENT artists who are on board:




Official Site

Johnny Cash's America

New to the Bio Channel, Johnny Cash's America. Don't miss out!



Airing Thursday, October 23rd 9PM Eastern/10PM Pacific.

Weezer Sets Guinness World Records

While filming Weezer's latest video for "Troublemaker" the band set SIX Guinness World Records. Official, Stuart Claxton, was on hand to monitor and certify all record attempts. Check out what they set the record for:

Largest Air Guitar Ensemble
The largest air guitar ensemble consisted of 233 participants and took place during during the filming of the music video "Troublemaker" by the band Weezer in Los Angeles, California, USA on 21 August 2008.

Largest Game of Dodgeball
The largest game of dodgeball consisted of two teams of 50 people (100 total) who played against each other during the filming of the music video "Troublemaker" by the band Weezer in Los Angeles, California, USA, on 21 August 2008.

Longest Guitar Hero World Tour Marathon
The longest Guitar Hero World Tour Marathon lasted for 10 hr 12 min 54 sec during the filming of the music video "Troublemaker" by the band Weezer in Los Angeles, California,USA, on 21 August 2008.

Most People in a Custard Pie Fight
The most people in a custard pie fight was 120 during the filming of the music video "Troublemaker" by the band Weezer in Los Angeles, California, USA, on 21 August 2008.

Most People Riding on a Skateboard
The most people riding on a skateboard is 22 during the filming of the music video "Troublemaker" by the band Weezer in Los Angeles, California, USA, on 21 August 2008.

Plus the bands drummer, Pat Wilson, was filmed playing the World's Smallest Drum Kit in a Video.

MySpace | Official Site

Free Butch Walker Download

After the awful wildfires in Malibu, CA last year Butch Walker lost his house, his personal possessions, his studio and all his masters. Did that stop Butch? No! He's back with a new album, Sycamore Meadows, named after Butch's former Malibu street which will be released on November 11th.

And for those of you that can't wait until November for those new tasty Butch Walker tunes, you can click the link below to download a free track off the new album called "The Weight of Her" exclusively through Amazon.com. Click here to download that track now.

MySpace | Official Site

New Ingrid Michaelson album, Be OK

On October 14, indie pop songstress Ingrid Michaelson will release Be OK, a benefit project, on her own Cabin 24 Records. Anchored by the hopeful title track, the fan-friendly album will feature a mix of previously unreleased songs, covers, and live recordings that have become staples in Michaelson’s set list over the past year. A portion of the proceeds will go to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising funds to accelerate cancer research and end cancer's reign as a leading cause of death.

Be OK will include:
· Be OK (radio mix)
· Lady In Spain (previously unreleased)
· You And I (previously unreleased)
· Giving Up (acoustic)
· Keep Breathing
· The Chain (live)
· The Way I Am (live)
· Somewhere Over The Rainbow (cover)
· Can’t Help Falling In Love (cover)
· Oh What A Day (previously unreleased)
· Be OK (acoustic)



Ingrid Michaelson will embark on the BE OK tour with David Ford starting on October 29th in Staten Island, NY. Visit Ingrid's site for more information.

MySpace | Official Site

Help Peter Buck Find His Stolen Guitar!

THIS JUST IN!!!

BAND OFFERS REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO ITS RECOVERY

Burbank, CA - R.E.M. has announced that Peter Buck's signature Rickenbacker guitar was stolen from the stage immediately following the band's performance last night at Finnair Stadium in Helsinki, Finland.

The instrument is Buck's iconic signature Rick, which has been the staple of the guitarist's arsenal both live and in the studio since the band released its first EP Chronictown in 1982. The guitar means a great deal to Buck and to R.E.M.

It is R.E.M.'s sincere hope that whomever is responsible for the loss, or whomever has information leading to the guitar's recovery will come forward. The band is offering a generous reward, no questions asked. Anyone with information is being asked to email tips to fanclub@remtour.com or call (001) 706-353-6689. For further details, please visit www.remhq.com.

Official Site

Nashville Star 6: Pop Goes Country?

This week on Nashville Star 6, get ready as the 10 remaining contestants perform songs by such artists as Madonna, Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper...

POP GOES COUNTRY AS THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT "NASHVILLE STAR" CONTINUES WITH A TWO-HOUR EPISODE FEATURING APPEARANCES BY SALT N PEPA, DANITY KANE AND AN ALL SING BACKED BY A 50 PERSON CHOIR -- BILLY RAY CYRUS HOSTS -- Ten acts remain all competing be named the next "Nashville Star." Special guests Salt n Pepa add a little spice in week three of the competition and the sexy girl group Danity Kane heats things up when pop goes country. Hear cross-over versions of your favorite top 20 hits interpreted by the competing artists topped off with an all sing featuring a 50 person choir. This is the biggest episode yet! Host Billy Ray Cyrus ("Hannah Montana") joins celebrity judges/mentors, singer-songwriter and acclaimed producer John Rich, multi-platinum singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy nominee Jewel and acclaimed industry heavy weight and BMI Songwriter of the Year (2006) Jeffery Steele in the search for a true artist.

And here's some exclusive rehearsal video of last weeks eliminated contestants, Third Town, performing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody - the song they were talked out of performing live on the show by mentor Jeffrey Steele during rehearsals the previous week.



Tune in Monday on NBC, 9/8c.

MySpace | Official Site

Cruefest 2008, The Loudest Show On Earth

Eighties' hair rockers, Motley Crue are back with a vengeance. Not only are they releasing a new album, Saints of Los Angeles, on June 17th, but yesterday at 4 PM PST, Motley Crue announced their summer touring plans to bring rock back! That's right, starting July 1st Motley Crue will embark on their 41 date summer festival, Crue Fest, commencing in West Palm Beach, FL. Joining headliners Motley Crue will be rockers Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Sixx: AM, and Trapt. Check out some photos we took at the press conference yesterday, ROCK IS BACK!




UPCOMING DATES
JULY
07.01.08 - West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheatre
07.03.08 - Tampa, FL - Ford Amphitheatre
07.05.08 - Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
07.06.08 - Virginia Beach, VA - Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach
Amphitheater
07.08.08 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
07.09.08 - Buffalo, NY - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
07.10.08 - Sarnia, ONT - Bayfest
07.12.08 - Philadelphia, PA- Susquehanna Bank Center
07.13.08 - Washington, DC - Nissan Pavilion
07.15.08 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
07.16.08 - Chicago, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
07.18.08 - Indianapolis, IN- Verizon Wireless Music Center Indianapolis
07.19.08 - Milwaukee, WI - Marcus Amphitheater
07.20.08 - St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St. Louis
07.22.08 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
07.23.08 - San Antonio, TX - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
07.24.08 - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center
07.26.08 - Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion
07.27.08 - Denver, CO - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
07.29.08 - Salt Lake City, UT - USANA Amphitheatre
07.31.08 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Wireless Pavilion

AUGUST
08.01.08 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay Events Center
08.02.08 - Los Angeles, CA - Glen Helen Pavilion
08.05.08 - Sacramento, CA - Sleep Train Pavilion
08.06.08 - Mountain View, CA- Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View
08.08.08 - Seattle, WA - White River Amphitheatre
08.09.08 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden
08.11.08 - Vancouver, BC - General Motors Place
08.13.08 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
08.14.08 - Calgary, AB - Pengrowth Saddledome
08.15.08 - Saskatoon, SK - Credit Union Centre
08.17.08 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
08.19.08 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Amphitheatre
08.20.08 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center
08.22.08 - Boston, MA - Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts
08.23.08 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
08.24.08 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
08.28.08 - Toronto, ONT - Molson Amphitheatre
08.29.08 - Albany, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
08.30.08 - Scranton, PA - Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain
08.31.08 - Pittsburgh, PA - Post-Gazette Pavilion

MySpace | Official Site

SXSW 2008

Every single year I look forward to one week in March where I get to revisit my old stomping grounds of Austin, TX and enjoy one of the biggest & best music festivals/conferences in the world, South by Southwest (better known as SXSW to us veterans). And well yet another amazing year at SXSW has come and gone.

SXSW 2008 was definitely bigger and better than before as I discovered that SXSW has officially busted out of the confines of 6th Street and taken over all of downtown Austin. This year bands such as Lightspeed Champion, Kate Nash, REM, My Morning Jacket, Heloise & Savoir Faire, Kim Richey, The Duke Spirit, and many many more graced the venues of Austin, TX.

Now every year I try to figure out the best way to document all the happenings of SXSW and every year I seem to not satisfy myself with the results. So I tried something new this year... below is my video recap of my favorite sets from SXSW 2008. Included in this recap are Hymns, Steel Train, Hanson, Neimo and more. Enjoy!



Stay tuned for Mai's photo montage from SXSW 2008.

Tonight in LA!

This week is a huge week musically in Los Angeles. Tonight alone has some great choices and you should all head down to The Troubadour to see Stellastarr*! And then afterwards head to Canter's Kibitz Room to see The Naked & Fat City Reprise.

Oh and a big THANK YOU to everyone who came out on Monday to the High Voltage night at Safari Sam's. We had a lot of fun.

London, err, PBS Calling

This March, PBS stations nationwide will premiere The Clash Live:
Revolution Rock, a new documentary film chronicling live performances from the iconic punk pioneers at the peak of their powers. This performance will be a preview of the April 15th DVD release.

The Clash Live: Revolution Rock DVD follows the live transformation of the band, incorporating footage from all phases of The Clash's meteoric career, beginning with live-in-the-studio clips from 1979, through triumphant concerts from clubland (London's The Music Machine, 1978) and theatres (The Lyceum, 1978, 1980), climaxing with a transcendent blow-out performance at New York's Shea Stadium in 1982. The DVD also includes rare footage of the band’s performance on The Tom Snyder Show and on ABC’s Fridays.

Mark your calendars as this is something you won't want to miss!

Visit the Official Site for air dates in your city.

Attn LA Vacation Lovers!

Los Angeles' favorite dirty rock n rollers, The Vacation, are storming LA this month with their recently redone myspace layout, a residency at The Viper Room, new tunes (off their upcoming album), and a plenty of other goodies to be announced shortly!

For starters, tune into KROQ tonight at 9PM for the radio premiere of "I Can't Dance With You" on Locals Only. It's my newest addiction and soon to be yours too!

MySpace

Ludo - Love Me Dead

Recently the world of music videos has seen tons of artists turning their song into a short movie. Think of Panic! At The Disco and The Killers latest videos. However, when was the last time you watched a lead singer perform in his own video like he's in Broadway musical? Singer, Andrew Volpe, of the band Ludo definitely hits that note in their one-shot video for "Love Me Dead" that features several fascinating escapades in the background. It could be the best music video I've seen since OK Go hit those treadmills. Check it out!



Myspace | Official Page

Just Sayin' Please

Who do I have to talk to to make this happen? Seriously. Need contact information. My little music crush, Operator Please, have yet to lilly dally their way through the US of A. They've played shows in NY and LA but not enough times. Is there a petition that needs signing? What's the deal?!

In case you're still in the dark, here's some visual knowledge.


New Video: "Get What You Want"


What more can be done to get them over here besides physically kidnapping them? Last I checked that was still illegal. Any suggestions?!

For the rest of you on this planet, if you're lucky enough to be within driving distance from any of their gigs, please go out and support.

UPCOMING SHOWS
Jan 28 @ Big Day Out Melbourne Flemington Racecourse --- Melbourne
Feb 1 @ Big Day Out Adelaide Showground --- Adelaide
Feb 3 @ Big Day Out Perth Claremont Showground --- Perth
Feb 6 @ Karova Lounge --- Ballarat, Victoria
Feb 7 @ The Pub --- Bendigo, Victoria
Feb 8 @ Albury City Convention & Performing Arts Centre --- Albury, New South Wales
Feb 9 @ Peninsula Lounge --- Moorooduc, Victoria
Feb 10 @ St. Kilda Beach --- St. Kilda, Victoria
Feb 14 @ New Slang At The Works --- Kingston, London
Feb 15 @ Pure Groove Records Instore --- London
Feb 17 @ The Watershed, Wimbledon --- Wimbledon, London
Feb 18 @ The Bodega Social Club --- Nottingham, Midlands
Feb 20 @ L’Ubu - Les Inrocks Indie Club Tour --- Rennes
Feb 21 @ La Maroquinerie - Les Inrocks Indie Club Tour --- Paris, France
Feb 22 @ La Cartonnerie - Les Inrocks Indie Club Tour --- Reims
Feb 23 @ Le Grand Mix - Les Inrocks Indie Club Tour --- Tourcoing
Feb 25 @ Pressure Point --- Brighton, London and South East
Feb 27 @ The Faversham --- Leeds, Northwest
Feb 28 @ The Barfly --- Glasgow, Scotland

If you ever get this, dear members of Operator Please, please consider playing one of our High Voltage Nights! We'd looove to have you. Like a lot.

Please and Thank You...

MySpace | Official Site

Coachella Line-Up

For those of you who find spending days hours on end with thousands of your closest sweaty friends listening to music, you're probably grinning. The line up for this year's Coachella has been announced.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25: Jack Johnson, The Verve, Raconteurs, The Breeders, Fatboy Slim, Tegan and Sara, Madness, The Swell Season, The National, Animal Collective, Slightly Stoopid, Mum, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Stars, Battles, Aesop Rock, Midnight Juggernauts, Does it Offend you, Yeah?, Minus the Bear, Spank Rock, dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip, Diplo, Adam Freeland, Santo Gold, Jens Lekman, John Butler Trio, Vampire Weekend, Dan Deacon, Architecture in Helsinki, Sandra Collins, Busy P, Cut Copy, Black Lips, Datarock, Professor Murder, Reverend and the Makers, The Bees, Porter, Rogue Wave, Modeselektor, American Bang, Lucky I Am.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26: Portishead, Kraftwerk, Death Cab for Cutie, Cafe Tacuba, Sasha & Digweed, Rilo Kiley, Dwight Yoakam, M.I.A., Hot Chip, Cold War Kids, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, DeVotchKa, Flogging Molly, Mark Ronson, Turbonegro, Scars on Broadway, Islands, Enter Shikari, Calvin Harris, Boyz Noize, Junkie XL, Cinematic Orchestra, Jamie T, The Teenagers, VHS or Beta, Carbon/silicon, Erol Alkan, Yo Majesty!, Little Brother, Bonde Do Role, St. Vincent, Akron Family, MGMT, Institubes DJs (Surkin, Para One and Orgasmic), James Zabiela, Sebastian, Kavinsky, Dredg, The Bird and the Bee, Grand Ole Party, New Young Pony Club, 120 Days, Yoav, Electric Touch, Uffie

SUNDAY, APRIL 27: Roger Waters (“Dark Side of the Moon”), Love & Rockets, My Morning Jacket, Spiritualized, Justice, Gogol Bordello, Chromeo, The Streets, Metric, Danny Tenaglia, Simian Mobile Disco, Booka Shade, Murs, Dmitri from Paris, Autolux, The Field, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Les Savy Fav, The Cool Kids, Sons & Daughters, Sia, Holy Fuck, Black Kids, Black Mountain, The Annuals, Kid Sister w/A-Trak, Man Man, Duffy, I'm from Barcelona, Manchester Orchestra, Deadmau5, The Horrors, Austin TV, Shout Out Louds, Plastiscines, Brett Dennen

Coachella.com

SXSW... shhh!!!

Any music fan's wet dream, a week full of music, rubbing elbows with some of your favorite artists and SOON to be favorites, noon parties with a full bar, and everything else that falls under the category of rock 'n' roll debauchery -- some folk have coined this event as SXSW (that's South By Southwest for those who just crawled out of a cave). It is QUICKLY approaching! Although the official list of artists performing in Austin, TX this year has yet to be released, a list has been compiling of rumored artists who could attend.

If you don't mind speculation and just want a list of Maybe's to drool over, feast your eyes on the "might be showing up" list drawn up by the Austinist.

[ Image from SXSW Official Site ]

Gangsta Rap Rock

Say whaa?

What happens when you listen to Tupac and Eminem (to name a few) but have an inner rockstar fighting to get out? You get the start of something good. Meet Hyro Da Hero, only 20 years old, from Houston, TX. Hyro’s sound is straight gangsta flow over rock and roll beats, guaranteed to get you to bob your head and take notice. His lyrics aren't thrown together just because they rhyme or sound good. They have a message behind them, something hip-hop seems to have lost in recent years. In a groundbreaking maneuver, Hyro Da Hero has made his own mixtape, a collection of his own material available online for free download via his iLike page. Just a taste of what is yet to come!

Download:
"Tainted Love" [mp3]
"Enter the Dragon" [mp3]

You like? Download the rest of his mixtape over on iLike.

MySpace | iLike

Happy Birthday David Johansen!

I'd like to send massive Happy Birthday love to "my father" of proto-punk David Johansen (New York Dolls). David is turning 58 on this fine day, some 37 years after the formation of the New York Dolls. The dolls being one of my personal all-time favorite bands. SO...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID FROM ALL OF US AT HIGH VOLTAGE!

Leave David some birthday love in the comments section. Which reminds me, the New York Dolls will be touring the USA in February & March. Make sure you catch one of these shows:

Feb 12 2008 Ram’s Head Live @ Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 14 2008 New Alhambra Arena @ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Feb 15 2008 Stone Pony @ Asbury Park, New Jersey
Feb 16 2008 Paradise @ Boston, Massachusetts
Feb 18 2008 Phoenix Concert Theatre @ Toronto, Ontario
Feb 19 2008 Tralf Music Hall @ Buffalo, New York
Feb 20 2008 Beachland Ballroom @ Cleveland, Ohio
Feb 22 2008 The Majestic Theatre @ Detroit, Michigan
Feb 23 2008 Double Door @ Chicago, Illinois
Feb 24 2008 Fine Line @ Minneapolis, Minnesota
Feb 26 2008 Gothic Theatre @ Denver, Colorado
Feb 28 2008 Big Easy @ Boise, Idaho
Feb 29 2008 Berbatis Pan @ Portland, Oregon
Mar 1 2008 Plaza Club @ Vancouver, CANADA
Mar 2 2008 El Corazon @ Seattle, Washington
Mar 5 2008 Fillmore @ San Francisco, California
Mar 7 2008 Henry Fonda Theatre @ Los Angeles, California
Mar 8 2008 Jillians @ Las Vegas, Nevada
Mar 9 2008 House of Blues @ Anaheim, California
Mar 10 2008 Belly Up Tavern @ Solana Beach, California

Justice & Chromeo on Spring Myspace Tour!

I just received word that Justice will be headlining the upcoming spring Myspace music tour! Justice is an amazing electro rock band that I've been in love with since I first saw this video in July:



Also on the tour are High Voltage favorites Chromeo (which we have been spinning on our DJ nights since May) amongst other great acts such as Fancy & Busy P!

The following is the schedule for the Spring 2008 MySpace Music Tour:

3/3 Austin, TX Stubbs
3/4 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom
3/6 Orlando, FL The Club at Firestone
3/9 Baltimore, MD Sonar
3/10 Philadelphia, PA The Electric Factory
3/11 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
3/12 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
3/15 Boston, MA Paradise
3/16 Montreal, PQ Cepsum
3/17 Toronto, ON The Docks
3/19 Detroit, MI Royal Oak Music Hall
3/20 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
3/22 Denver, CO Ogden Theater
3/24 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
3/25 Vancouver, BC Commodore
3/26 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
3/27 San Francisco, CA Concourse Design Center
3/31 Los Angeles, CA Mayan Theatre

Raveonettes US Tour Dates

Wonder what they're looking at... probably the vast space known as the US of A! Supporting the upcoming release of Lust Lust Lust (in stores February 19), the Raveonettes are spreading their haunting awesomeness with the kind US folk. They will also be all over SXSW this year, so if you're lucky enough to attend make sure to check them out with the rest of the cool kids in Austin.

US DATES
02-29 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
03-01 Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse
03-02 Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar
03-04 LA, CA @ El Rey Theatre
03-05 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
03-07 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
03-08 Vancouver, BC, CAN @ The Plaza Niteclub
03-09 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
03-17 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
03-18 Chicago, IL @ Double Door
03-19 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
03-21 Toroto, ON, CAN @ Opera House
03-22 Montreal, QC, CAN @ Les Saint
03-23 Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell’s
03-24 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
03-27 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
03-28 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
03-29 Washington, DC @ Black Cat

VIDEO "Dead Sound" from Lust Lust Lust


Visit their MySpace page for more dates. Rave on, folk. Rave on.

MySpace | Official Site | Vice Records

Reflections of '07

This ain't like one of those "let's exhaust every possibility of being entertaining list and blast you with as many facts and statistics as humanly possible, numbing your cerebral cortex into a coma" list.

Nuh uh. I don't do statistics or numbers so well, so here's my "What You Should've Been Listening To In '07 But You Didn't So Let Me Repeat Myself" List. Kinda.

Best Band On The Planet In '07

The Killers This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me. They can do no wrong in my eyes so they continue to carry the flag of best band (there's a flag, didn't you notice it hanging over Ronnie's drum set?) for yet another year. Arguing with me would be pointless. Each their own, right? Expect more weird things to come out of Brandon's mouth and even greater music in '08! [MySpace | Official Site]

Band You Hopefully Cranked Up in '07

CSS Apparently they're doing well. They're all over that iPod Touch commercial with "Music is My Hot, Hot Sex." So I guess some of you listened. [MySpace | Official Site]


But for some unknown reason Gossip aren't blowing up over here, well at least I haven't noticed much of an impact. They should be on countless playlists and touring the country like crazy! So please please continue to support or Beth Ditto will come over to your place and slap you around for a while. [MySpace | Official Site]

Band You Should Listen To In '08

Operator Please We've featured them before in HV. Kids shouldn't be allowed to be so good. It's just not... natural. Sure they won't write deep meaningful songs like John Lennon or heal the world with their ditty about ping pong, but dammit it's catchy and fun, and sometimes that's just good enough! [MySpace | Official Site]

Needs To Get Slapped Silly in '08

Amy Winehouse was probably my favorite Never-Heard-Of-Before-'07 artist. Back to Black is an amazingly well produced and well written album. I was expecting great things and much success for her when the album landed in our HV mailbox earlier this year. With one listen I was hooked, instantly became a favorite! Unfortunately she got kinda lost along the way, her private life drama took focus and her live performances suffered (not to mention her health, but that's another blog). Luckily her album is doing well (I don't do numbers, just take my word for it), so she's got it and if you've listened to Back to Black then you've heard it. On record, she's amazing. Hate to see talent go to waste. I pray to the music gods that she's able to get her shit together, focus back on the music, and be clear headed enough to perform the way she is capable of doing. Best wishes in '08 for her! For real, yo. [MySpace | Official Site]

And to any band or artist that I left off the list, try harder next year. Just kidding. With lists aside, just continue to listen to good music and hope '08 is filled with a whole lot of it! CHEERS!

Chelsea's Mix - Goodbye 2007

2007, so much music - so little time. Below are the songs I was absolutely addicted to at various points this year. Check it out, maybe you'll discover something new!

January:
Van Gunn - Pull The Trigger

February:
The Colour – Our Children Were The Stars
MIKA – Love Today

March:
Amy Winehouse - Rehab

April:
Kings of Leon – Knocked Up
KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See

May:
Chromeo – Tenderoni
BRMC - Berlin

June:
Sara Bareilles – Love Song
The Format - Oceans

July:
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
Ryan Adams - Two

August:
Hanson – Great Divide

September:
Steel Train – A Magazine

October:
Jim Sturgess – All My Loving (Across The Universe Soundtrack)

November:
Jonas Brothers – Hold On
Miley Cyrus – See You Again

December:
Jim Sturgess – Revolution (Across The Universe Deluxe Soundtrack)
The Naked – Vampire Girls

Can't wait to see what 2008 brings. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"Don't Shoot Me Santa"

For a band that kills for a living, they sure have a lot of holiday cheer. "Don't Shoot Me Santa" is The Killers' second holiday single and now available for your downloading pleasure on iTunes. All proceeds from the song benefit the (RED) Campaign. So ... it's a good thing. Download that sucker! Help make the world a better place. And please enjoy the video.

Official Site | MySpace | (RED)

The Killers - Sawdust

With just two full lengths tucked under their shiny belts, The Killers still manage to release new material. Their latest, Sawdust, consists of previously unreleased session tracks, B-sides and rarities. Sawdust was completed by the band at a recording studio in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, where they worked with Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Lou Reed.

In addition to “Shadowplay” and “Tranquilize,” the Killers will be all over the radio and Internet this season with “Don’t Shoot Me Santa,” their second Christmas single. And like last year's “A Great Big Sled”, the single will turn (RED), with 100% of the proceeds going to the Global Fund to invest in African AIDS programs. “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” will be available for your requesting radio listening pleasures on Monday, November 26, and released for digital download the next day. On December 1st (Saturday) the single and video will debut as part of RED’s World Aids Day activities. The following Tuesday, December 4th, the “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” single package will be available in stores.

The 17-track Sawdust includes “Under the Gun” (the B-side of 2004’s “Somebody Told Me”); “Move Away” (from the Spiderman 3 soundtrack); and “Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll” (from their Hot Fuss debut album). Two notable cover versions are: Kenny Rogers & the First Edition’s “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” (B-side of 2005’s “Smile Like You Mean It”) and Dire Straits’ “Romeo and Juliet” (B-side of 2007’s “For Reasons Unknown” from their second album Sam’s Town, released a little over a year ago. And previously unreleased tracks including: “Leave the Bourbon On the Shelf” (from the Hot Fuss sessions) and “Sweet Talk” (from the Sam’s Town sessions). The perfect stocking stuffer for the Killers fan in your family!

VIDEO: "Tranquilize" f/ Lou Reed


These boys sure stay busy.

MySpace | Official Site | (RED)

HYMNS - "I Can’t Be What U Want"

HYMNS
Rock / Indie / Folk Rock

After a year of relentless touring with Ben Kweller & Sam Roberts Band; 4 SXSW parties; DFest with The Flaming Lips; a change in band members and countless shows with other talented musicians, HYMNS finally entered the studio again. A month later they emerged with new music showcasing their talents as musicians. The band HYMNS have been featured in High Voltage before but another shout out to them seems appropriate. They just released their new single, "I Can’t Be What U Want" from their forthcoming album, Travel in Herds. The album is slated for release March 2008 on Blackland Records. While most bands suffer a sophomore slump, HYMNS have truly outdone themselves with their soon-to-be sophomore release. "I Can’t Be What U Want" is catchy and robust new single and is one of the strongest songs I’ve heard come out of HYMNS. The trumpet and banjo add an extra layer, setting the song at a faster pace than most fans are used to hearing from the band. This song takes you on a journey through heartbreak. Musically, there is a beginning, a climax, and an end that leaves the listener wanting more. The guitar solo by Jason Roberts near the end of the song truly showcases his skill and talent as a guitar player. I hope there will be many more of these on the forthcoming album. &mdash Mai Huynh

Listen to "I Can’t Be What U Want" on their MySpace page: MySpace.com/hymnsband

Photo credit: etwphoto.carbonmade.com

MySpace | Official Site | Blackland Records

I Took The Walk

We posted previously about Hanson taking one mile walks in every city of their tour (their taking action and raising awareness about the kids in Africa), but this time we're here to tell you about The Walk. That's right, I took the walk today here in Los Angeles - barefoot on the streets of Hollywood. The turn out was great and we gained more people along the way. You see the idea is to take a walk in someone elses shoes; someone who doesn't have shoes.

Here's a little photo/video blog...











Visit Hanson.net for more information on future walks or ways you can help. Also, make sure to buy a pair of Toms Shoes. For every pair of shoes bought from Tom Shoes they will donate one pair to someone whose currently without shoes.