Jimmy's Juke Joint

Katie Costello - Kaleidoscope Machine

I first met Katie Costello last year. An old friend of mine, Michelle, is managing her music career. Katie was 16 turning 17. I didn't get a chance to hear her sing live then, but heard some of the stuff online and really dug it. They were back in town recently and Katie was performing live at The Bitter End. Great set. She's got a very unique sound. She sounds like Regina Spektor but her music is her own. Very indie, quirky and just different. For a girl about to turn 18, she's got some soul in her. I got to hang out with them after for quite a bit and gave a bit of advice to her as she's moving here from the west coast in a few weeks. She has her head on pretty straight and I'm quite sure she'll blend into the music scene well. I really feel like I'm watching a star in the making. Her first album, Kaleidoscope Machine, was released on iTunes last week and was a featured "Indie Artist of the Week". She also had a song played on the new 90210! Not too shabby!

Needless to say, go buy the album! You'll love it. I know I do. And if I do...YOU DO!!!

Paul Anka - Rock Swings

How did I miss this one? My co-host of Comic News Insider, Joe, picked this as one of his Top 3 picks in our recent episode 166. He's huge into swing and big band like I am. We both used to be into the swing scene back in the early 90's here in NYC. So, when we both missed this album from 2005, we couldn't believe it. Joe heard about it recently from a co-worker.

Bottom line. It's awesome. Anka sings and has total musical rearrangements of hit pop/rock songs including "Eye of the Tiger", "Smells Like Teen Spirit", "Wonderwall", "Black Hole Sun" and "Jump".

Paul Anka: Rock Swings is available on iTunes, Amazon and everywhere that's cool. Get it.

Mister Saigon

I'm not sure what's going on lately with me, but I've been listening to a lot of my old musical theater cd's. You remember when I used to do that for a living? Miss Saigon is the latest that I've been singing along to when I'm home. I'll dress up as either an American GI or a Vietnamese prostitute. Okay that last part isn't true. Or is it?!

When I first moved to NYC, I figured this would be my first Broadway show because it was full of Asians. Of course, so is a Korean deli and the local dry cleaners. Hmmm...wish I had known that when I first moved here. If not familiar, it's by the same guys who wrote the hit musical Les Miserables. It's the story of an American GI and Vietnamese girl during the "conflict" back in the 60's. Beautiful sweeping music and lavish costuming/sets. I remember my first audition for the Broadway show. I even had a t-shirt from the show that I wore underneath my dress shirt. I went in and sang and got a dismissive "Thank you". I was naively devastated. "But, but....I'm Asian. I'm supposed to get this show!" I soon learned that NYC had a bigger Asian population than Jacksonville, FL.

4 The King and I and West Side Story's later, I got over it. Still, that elusive show was always in the distance. I even had a few friends get it. Fuckers. I mean...awesome. Well guess what? Laugh's on you. At home I can perform the whole show.

So, tonight I WILL be Miss Saigon.

Wait...I mean...

The Notorious MSG

The Notorious MSG. Allow me to let their PR machine speak first.

Blasting out of the streets of Chinatown, The Notorious MSG are three renegade restaurant workers on a mission to rip your asses in half with their high-sodium beats. After years of struggling in the kitchens, Hong Kong Fever, Down-Lo Mein and the Hunan Bomb found salvation in music. Hell-bent on revenge, they formed a band and the deep-fried force of nature called The Notorious MSG were born.

Together with Billy D. Wang on lead guitar and Noodles on drums, the group’s sound is an rectum-tearing explosion of old school hip-hop and 70’s rock and metal. Their stage show, a whirlwind of sound and fury, has reduced women to tears and made grown men incontinent.

I recently stumbled across them when I was checking out the website for the NY Anime Fest. There were a lot of musical guests including The Notorious MSG. Being a huge Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious B.I.G. fan, this caught my eye. Clearly, they were going for the humor with the name, but were they a straight up joke or actually entertaining? Well, if you've visited their website by clicking on the link above, just listen to the songs that automatically play. Or check this out here:

You back? That's right, muthabitches! They rock the house! They got a little Beastie Boys meets Charlie Chan going on there. Sure, they play up the funny with accents and songs like "Egg Rollin'", "Dim Sum Girl", and "Chinatown Hustler". But, guess what? They got skills to pay the bills. It's entertaining as a mofo, pimp! How can you go wrong with Buddha-like lyrics such as: "Don't be a chicken if ya got beef!"? Most places say "NO MSG!" proudly. I say BRING IT ON!!

They have 2 albums out. Get them both. I did. You can thank me later with some General Tso's chicken and shrimp dumplings.

Grammy Stuff

This year's Grammy's proved to be a bit more entertaining than the previous years. I'm guessing since it was the 50th anniversary show, they wanted it to really click. And, it did. For the most part. Many of the musical performances had me clapping in glee and some of the surprises actually had me scream out, "HELLS YEAH!" A few others had me going, "Oh...wow....retire." Some good/bad highlights for me.

• Alicia Keys opens with one of those creepy "duets" with Frank Sinatra. (An image of him singing appeared next to her).
• Carrie Underwood. Hot. And got lungs for days. Oh yeah, and can sing!
• THE MOTHERFUCKING TIME! Morris Day and Jerome (from the band, The Time, duh!) showed up in a surprise bit (well, to me) that started out with Jimmy Jam (my namesake, natch) and everyone was feeling the "Jungle Love" in no time! Rihanna joined them and showed off her "Umbrella" as they mashed the songs up.
• The Beatles tribute with Cirque de blah blah was okay, but got better when a young boy started singing "Let It Be" with visions of war in the background. Pretty moving.
• The Daft Punk/Kanye West performance. Kanye tore that shit up!
• Kanye wins! In a way normal pompous acceptance speech, he gets serious near the end about his recently deceased mother over the sounds of music trying to play him off. He says, "It would be in good taste to stop the music." And they did! Take that academy!
• Tina Turner and Beyonce did a little "Proud Mary" and it fucking rocked. Tina can still pack a punch at 108!
• Amy Crackhouse...uh..Winehouse performs live via satellite in London. With her recent drug woes, she couldn't secure a Visa to come to the states. She seemed visibly shaky at times while singing her 2 hits. Possible off note or 2, but was still entertaining. And when she won an award, she seemed absolutely and genuinely shocked. Yes, she's crazy and needs help, but that album was one of the best of the year and she deserved to win her 5, count 'em, 5 awards.
• Herbie Hancock inexplicably won "Album of the Year" against multi-platinum artists and winners West and Winehouse. Yes, I'm sure it's good. But, come on! Give the award to what people are listening to! Hancock is a talent. No doubt. What's the last song of his you know? If you're my age, then it's only from the 80's when he had pop crossover success with "Rock It".
• The showcasing of "old timers" together like Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and John Fogerty. Hey, I dig them too and it's fun to bring them out on occasion in a surprise old and young mash up. (Like with Tina and Beyonce). But, the 3 of them together? Wow, they could barely sing their notes. How about letting some of the up and coming bands that may one day be considered legends get up there?

Overall, pretty entertaining. I'm gonna go back and watch some of the performances again. But, right now? I'm gonna go download every song by The Time that I can find. "Chili Sauce" anyone?

Jesus Christ...Slumberstar

I fall asleep to sound. Usually to my computer playing music. Recently, I was looking at my old scrapbook from when I performed in Jesus Christ Superstar back in the day. So, I've been playing the various versions of the soundtrack that I have straight through as I slowly reach slumber.

Thanks, Jesus! You rock me to sleep. And you too Judas! You're betrayal always wakes me up in time for work. I can face the day with dignity thanks to Mary Magdalene. Simon puts a pep in my step. But, screw Peter. He's just a lying pussy.

Olivia D'abo Aftermath

As you know, I went to see Olivia D'abo sing last night. Read the previous post for the background info. Didn't know you had homework, did you?

Okay, read it? All caught up? Good.

The show's at 8pm and I'm running a bit late. I jump in a cab to rush down. "Ludlow between Stanton and Rivington", I say. He drives on for a bit and says, "Where's that?". Are you fucking kidding me? I tell him lower east side but not exactly sure how to get down there by car. I live in my safe comfort zone of Hell's Kitchen and rarely travel out of it. We figure it out and make it there just as she's began her first number. My friends, Faith and Mike, are already there. Mike brought his camera and took some shots. He'll probably have those up on his site soon, so go check it out. We sit and enjoy.

She fucking rocks. So smooth and cool. I didn't realize she played piano and guitar. Rock on, O! Her album, Turku, is due out in the fall. Get it! After a few songs, she looks out right at me and says, "Hi, Jimmy!" Agog, I simply reply, "Hi, Olivia." She then asks, "How are you doing?" I say, "Fine. You?" She giggles and says she's all good and then goes into another song. My friends, at first impressed that she greeted me, then look at me like I'm an idiot for not speaking up more. Whaddya want from me? She took me off guard. And have you seen her? Super hot. I was like, "P-p-p-p-purdy lady say hello to me. Duh. Slobber. Drool."

I mean, I've seen her a few times in the past, interviewed her, and spoken to her, but she was on stage and I was all star struck at her voice and beauty! So there!

Afterwards, I go up to say hi and she gives me a big hug and kiss. We chat for a minute, then some other fans show up. I hang with my friends for a few minutes more to finish our drinks. I go over to say bye. Sweet! Another big hug and kiss! Woo hoo!

As I'm leaving she grabs my arm and says, "Jimmy, wait! Don't go. I need to talk to you." She drags me off to a private room and grabs me and starts kissing me. Expresses her love for me and that she couldn't wait to get to me after the show was over. Astonished, but happy, I go with it. I'm typing this from Vegas right now. We're very happy. She's keeping her last name though, but I affectionately call her Mrs. Aquino. She loves it.

Oh wait. That last paragraph didn't happen. Crap. Mixing up fantasy and reality again. Time to get back on the meds. I'll take all of The Flintstones vitamins I can, but it wont numb my love for her!

If she's playing your town, go see her. Tell her I sent you. Hopefully, she wont call security.

The Grammys '07

The Grammy's this year started off with a rockin' reunion of former super group, The Police! That's right. Another old group reunited. And, yes, it feels so good.

I don't really care about who won. Though, I have to admit, that I was glad to see The Dixie Chicks win 5 awards including the Big 3. (Album, Record and Song of the Year.) Especially after all of the bullshit they've been going through for the past few years because they exercised their freedom of speech. Country radio shunned them, but The Grammys rewarded them. In their first acceptance speech, spokesperson (and the one who got them in trouble in the first place) Natalie Maines said, "For the first time, I'm speechless!" And after the final award, she says, "To quote the great Simpsons, 'Ha, ha!'" (ala character Nelson.) And, guess what...I like their music too!

Some random thoughts and highlights.

What's with Corinne Bailey Rae? Sure she's lovely and can sing, but she's been touted as the next big thing. Even before she released a single song. I remember commercials promoting her and thinking.."Uh...who?" Seems to be one of those studio stars that get made. Still, she's talented none the less.

Jamie Foxx was proud of doing a "Crip walk" on national television. What's a Crip walk? Where ever he damn well pleases cuz he'll put a cap in your ass if you get in his way!" Seriously, if I have to explain, then you're just too white.

Hate all you want. Justin Timberlake rocked the house. Twice. The second time was with Robyn Troup. You know. Robyn Troup! No? Oh,that's right. She was the winner of the first ever "My Grammy Moment" contest by beating out two other finalists for the chance to perform Timberlake's 'My Love' with JT and rapper, T.I. She looked like she was having a blast and really shined. Don't know if she'll be able to take advantage of the moment by getting signed, but she certainly has something to remember for the rest of her life.

I have loved Red Hot Chili Peppers since I was a kid. And I gotta say, I've not been a big fan of the last few albums and the supposed hits. Including their "Dani California" hit. Just thought it was lame. They still seem to garner fans amongst the voters because they won for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. And the performed. And it was...meh.

Great performances included Christina Aguilera doing a rendition of James Browns's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World." Old schoolers Smokey Robinson and Lionel Richie were around too. Richie sang "Hello". Every time I hear that song, all I can think about is the music video that has him wooing a blind girl and he sings "Hello. Is it me your looking for?" One of the best performances was a tribute to The Eagles by Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood. They each performed one song separately (Flatts on "Hotel California" and Underwood on "Desperado") and then joined in together on "Life in the Fast Lane." Rocked out. And, not an American Idol fan, though I pay attention to winners and such. Gotta say, really like that Underwood! She's purty and talented and...purty!

I looked up random winners in random categories that weren't aired. And lo and behold, freakin' Randy Newman won yet again for some song in the animated film, Cars. I'd imagine it sounds like his 5,000 other songs. Gotta hand it to him though. His only pop hit was "I Love L.A." so he opted to go the composing for animated movies route.

I was elated to see that Mary Youngblood won Best Native American Album. She has lost previous years to those talentless hacks, The Casino Boys, Chief Mefookurdawter, and the legendary tribal band We Were A Proud People Until The White Man Killed Us and Put Us In Reservations and All I Got Out of It Was This Lousy T-Shirt.

Best performance with or without sound. Shakira. Indeed. Those hips do not lie.   

 

Danity Kane

Danity Kane. Who might that be? An ex-girlfriend? My 1st grade teacher? A pet bird? NOPE! They are the group chosen during MTV's Making the Band competition over the past few years. This season followed the band as they went forth making their first album. Their official name was only revealed recently. Danity Kane. What the hell does that mean?

Well the official story on a recent episode was that one of the girls was drawing a little super hero doodle. A strong super chick. Supposedly, Diddy walks by and asks who that is and the girl says, "I call her Danity Kane." He says, "That's the band name!" Yeah, right. SURE that's how it happened.

Make fun all you want. Yes, I watched the show avidly. Hate on Diddy all you want, but he has an eye for talent. People forget he's the one who used to produce The Notorious B.I.G.

Yes, the girls are purty. VERY purty. Hotness! But, they can blow too. Pipes for days. In the CD cover over there from left to right is D. Woods, Shannon, Aubrey, Aundrea and Dawn. I'm not sure how far they'll go in the biz or how soon they'll break off into solo careers, but I'm digging them for now. Their first single, Show Stopper, Is bumping. Aubrey is the clear break out leader of the group. She was picked out of the group and shot for Maxim or one of those mags last year. D. Woods clearly seems to have aspirations to go solo. Shannon is married and this seems like just a temporary thing. Dawn can probably get some work on her own as well.

My favorite is Aundrea. She's petite and cute and can sang! Yes, sang! And did I mention petite and cute? You know how Daddy likes the little ones. And she little. Wee even!

I actually saw them piling into a limo a few weeks back coming out of Diddy's studio on 44th st. It's down the block from my bar. Aundrea and I locked eyes. Oh yeah. It's on.

The self titled album drops on 8/22. Go cop that. Yeah, I'm gonna. Hate away. But, you know it's like that old adage. You either want to be 'em, or do 'em. You know, just like what people say about me.

What? Don't they?

The Grammy's

The 48th Annual Grammy Awards. Let's get to it. There was a big fight between Mariah and Madonna. Apparently, they both wanted to open the show, but the academy gave in to Madonna. The show actually opened with Gorillaz in all their computer generated glory. Then, they went into Madonna. She looked okay. I hate that song though. Annoying. Mariah should have opened. There was a great impromptu moment from Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys when they were presenting. They broke out in an acapella version of "Higher Ground". One of Stevie's hits. Nice.

The "awwwwww" moment came with Kelly Clarkson. Actually twice. Yeah, she came twice. Take it easy! She won a Grammy and was so taken aback, tearful and flabbergasted, that she could barely speak. As I've said, never been an American Idol fan, but she is definitely the ONLY one out of all seasons that has done anything worthwhile. Ruben who? Fantasia who? Carrie who? Oh, and she rocks. As she did in her performance later on. Before she went on, they showed a clip from 2001 where she was all wide-eyed and giddy about "hoping to one day be on the Grammy's with all of these people I look up to!" See? Awwwwwww!

A lot of good performances. Some really great ones. Some "huh" ones. And some crappy ones. Okay, I know I'm gonna get crap for this, but please stop putting on all of the old rockers. And then giving them a whole set. Bruce Springsteen. Boring. Paul McCartney. Boring. Well, except when he made a surprise entrance on the Jay-Z/Linkin Park act and they all sang "Yesterday." Kind of rocked. I ain't hatin' on the oldies, but many of them have lost their goodies. Ya know? And besides the oldies, why the lamies? As in LAME! Like Coldplay. Puh leaze. Why are you famous again? John Legend was very cool and chill. U2 rocked the house, as expected.  Kanye West and Jamie Foxx tore the roof off with their rendition of "Gold Digger".

Mariah. Yes, Mariah. Rocked it out again with her ongoing "come back". Hey, she was crazy and now she's all better! And she's got them pipes! Them lungs! Those double entendres! That bitch can blow! Oops, another double entendre. My bad. She sing good. Better?

Sly and the Family Stone. The best performance of the evening. Only about 1 or 2 in this photo were actually up there, I believe. It was an all star line up! Joss Stone, John Legend, Maroon 5, Ciarra, Will.I.Am from The Black Eyed Peas, Steven Tyler, and many others did a medley of Sly tunes. Then, the man himself, Sly, comes out with a white mohawk. Gets on the keyboards and starts jamming away! It was quite an act. And they all kicked the shit out of those songs.

That's what these shows need more of. Mixing the old and young. Not giving the old folks a billion minutes of air time. Just some advice. Don't be hatin'!

Oh, who won? Well, Kanye, Mariah and U2 one all 107 awards. That's about it. Until next year, when they have Alice Cooper and Gwen Stefani duet, keep on rockin.