David Gray, Conor Oberst, and RYAN ADAMS at CSUN last night...

Adrienne surprised me with her Christmas Date yesterday (we do dates instead of gifts). It started at Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ, which honestly was so damn good that I would have been stoked already. Then we went to see David Gray, Conor Oberst, and Ryan Adams at CSUN. It was awesome to show her the music building and the MT room (unlocked, of course) where I spent those 'other' two years of grad. school...The venue is absolutely stunning and it was a real thrill to finally go inside it after all of those hours I've spent reading and studying near the fountain and in the trees out front and all the performances were great. I was really excited to see Conor solo because I've only seen him with MOF at the Greek (Insano Show, too). He played a couple of his 'classics' and ended with a kick ass John Prine cover...but... Ryan just outperformed both of them hands down. Very cool to see him with a full band after the amazing shows in Big Sur and at Disney Hall a few years ago. The reworked songs in electric form were done really well (Dirty Rain, Dear Chicago) and the setlist was a nice mix of "hits" and the last two records, of which I prefer Ashes and Fire, but the new one keeps growing on me with it's 80s sensibilities. He did his nice cover of "She's Not Me," by Jenny Lewis, which springs from him producing her record and continuing to play some dates with her including tomorrow night in SF. The performance of "Magnolia Mountain," (see above video if you aren't familiar with this tune) was quite exceptional. This is an old video, but it's still got mainly the same vibe with the Cardinals. I would argue that the backups were superior last night and that the spacey instrumental section (which makes this a Furthur favorite) was more compelling, but the track stands alone since it's release on Cold Roses back in '05. The full setlist was:Gimme Something Good, Let it Ride, Stay With Me, Dirty Rain, Magnolia Mountain, Dear Chicago, Lucky Now (solo acoustic), She's Not Me, When the Stars go Blue, Sweet Carolina, La Cienega just Smiled, I Love you, but I don't know what to Say, Come Pick Me Up. Thank you babe for the amazing date night and Christmas gift. You have really set the bar high for me this year. I love you and I don't know what to say ;)

Another Year....another Pickathon....Feist in the Woods

Feist headlined this year's Pickathon, which once again made for one of the best weekends of the year. We went earlybird this year and caught great sets on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday....There is more to come, but this particular set was definitely my favorite. I'm not sure if I actually cried, but it sure felt like I was weeping the entire first thirty minutes. On another note, we met Ms. Feist on Sunday morning after her sound check for her main stage set later that night. She took a picture with us, asked all about where we were from and how we found out about Pickathon and seemed very genuinely interested. I told her that I absolutely loved her newest record, Metals, and that we looked forward to her "electric" set. She couldn't have been more kind and gracious. P.S. I accidentally brought a non HD card this year, sorry....

The Wood Brothers: Stealin' @ the Mountain View Stage Pickathon 2012

The Wood Brothers perform a traditional tune called "Stealin'" at this year's Pickathon Festival at Pendarvis farm in Happy Valley, Oregon, just outside of Portland. The Wood Brothers are Oliver Wood, formerly of King Johnson, Chris Wood, bassist of the world renowned jazz/jam/experimental trio MMW (Medeski, Martin, and Wood), and percussionist Jano Rix. This tune features all three current members singing harmonies and Jano playing the "Shitar," which basically explains itself if you dig the video. From a percussionist's viewpoint Jano's creation is about as cool and creative as it gets. Hope ya likes.

Saturn Returns debut Record Campaign on Indie Go Go

Saturn Returns has just launched an indiegogo campaign to help print, distribute, and promote their debut album. The band wrote, rehearsed, recorded, mixed, and mastered the album all on their own, but knows that all records die if no one ever hears them. Different donation values bring different perks for the benefactor and the band is trying to raise $5500 for advertising, printing of new cds and vinyl copies of the record, and distribution of the record to proper marketing, selling, digital download servies, and radio outlets. Check it out!

The Newb Log is Back. Bring out your Pickathon!

The Newb Log is finally back in action with multiple new videos coming down the pike from Pickathon 2012, which just ended on Sunday. We start with a lovely acoustic tune by Montreal's The Barr Brothers. This tune was introduced as "One of our newest songs," and doesn't even scratch the surface of the variety of dynamic music the quartet produced during their two separate sets at the festival. They were the buzz of the morning on Saturday after a late-night performance on the Starlight Stage showcased their huge sonic capabilities as well as their classical precision. I have footage from all 6 main stage/barn/venues to come including an array of the acts and am happy to be sharing a small slice of the festival's most intimate moments with all my millions of readers. Hope you enjoy!

Wilco Cali Run goes on Sale Tomorrow

As if you didn't know that Glenn would kill it in this setting. Wilco is going to play some of the best in California venues including one of my personal favorites; San Francisco's Warfield Theater. The band will also be hitting a fantastic venue in San Diego; Copley Symphony Hall, where I saw many a performance during my Master's studies for the lovely student rush price of 10 beans. The acoustics and setting should be lovely for a little orchestrated pop music. Other venues include the Fox Theater in Oakland and the Hollywood Palladium. Check the band's website.

God's Away on Business

I think Tom Waits might be pissed about this video and rightfully so, but then again the man obviously has a great sense of humor so maybe not. Personally, I think it's freakin' awesome and had to post it even it's two Tom videos back to back.