BeatNonStop A Weblog by Chris Macias Bee pop music critic Music geek (n. myü-zik 'gEk) 1: A person who proudly wore KISS commemorative pajamas in third grade. 2: A person who owns multiple copies of the same album, still buys vinyl and has a room dedicated to 2,000 or so CDs and records. 3. A person who wrote a five-part series about traveling with a local band in their stinky van - and loved every minute of it. 4: Chris Macias, the Bee's pop music critic, serving Sacramento's music scene since 1999.

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« March 2005 | | May 2005 »

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April 28, 2005

Of Eagles and Idols

Here's the scoop on two new shows:

The Eagles are touching down at the Oakland Arena on October 11. So if classic rock is your thing - and you have some space on your credit card - prepare to plunk down between $45 and $155 per seat. Tickets go on sale May 8 at 10 a.m. through Tickets.com (916-766-2277).

And if you aren't burned out on "American Idol," all 10 finalists will be performing on Aug. 21 at Arco Arena. Tickets go on sale the weekend of May 21 through TicketMaster (916-649-8497). This tour is sponsored, ironically enough, by Pop Tarts.

Posted by cmacias at 4:04 PM | Comments |

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April 27, 2005

Look at all these rumors

Is the Cattle Club coming back? This is the local live music spot that went silent in the late-1990s, and hosted bands like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins before they became rock gods. The Cattle Club was also a proving grounds for such local bands done good as Deftones and Cake. Details are sketchy for now, but word has it that the folks behind Empire nightclub are behind this resurrection. Don’t know if it’ll keep the “Cattle Club” name, but I’m hearing that it’ll be an all-ages live music and dance spot, just like it was in its former life.

Also, be on the lookout for a Team Sleep listening party. The band, fronted by Chino Moreno of Deftones, doesn’t have a Sacramento date on its upcoming tour. But members of the group will be holding an autograph session next week at a venue to be determined.

Posted by cmacias at 1:52 PM | Comments |

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April 21, 2005

Talking Team Sleep

Had a lunchtime interview yesterday with Chino Moreno and Todd Wilkinson from Team Sleep. We grabbed a table at Paesano’s and spent about 90 minutes talking about the band and its debut album. This project has been incubating for over six years, and the album will finally be released on May 10. Given Chino’s duties with his “other band” - those rock stars from Sacto. known as the Deftones - it’s just been tough to finish Team Sleep. But the two sounded very excited about Team Sleep’s imminent release and its upcoming tour. Chino also mentioned that another album of Team Sleep tracks should be ready by year’s end, and will lead to more touring.

Speaking of Deftones, Chino says that all the music is done for the new Deftones record and he’s about two weeks away from finishing his vocals. Bob Ezrin (producer of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”) is producing this upcoming Deftones album, and has been working with Chino at the band’s West Sacramento studio to finish these vocal tracks. The new album is expected for release in the fall, and an album of Deftones rarities is scheduled for summer. The rarities album will come with a DVD that’s a video timeline of the band, with concert footage and other goodies over the years. For Deftones fans, it’s def-initely a good deal.

Posted by cmacias at 12:46 PM | Comments |

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April 18, 2005

Lyrics Bummed

Turns out that Lyrics Born, the UC Davis alum and rapper extraordinaire, cancelled his Saturday show at Davis’ Toomey Field.  No word on why this gig fell through, but contact (530) 752-2571 for information about ticket refunds.

Just a reminder that Gift of Gab and Lateef, two of Lyrics Born’s comrades in the Solesides/Quannum hip-hop crew, are still set for Harlow’s on May 5. For more information: (916) 441-4693.

 

Posted by cmacias at 6:57 PM | Comments |

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April 15, 2005

Sneak Peeks

Straight outta the mailbox, here are a few advance CDs that I just received and took for a test spin.
Nine Inch Nails, “With Teeth” (out May 3): Darnit, too bad I missed Nine Inch Nails’ recent show at UC Davis’ Freeborn Hall because this new NIN disc is fantastic. Trent Reznor and company are still crafting some amazing rock/electronic tracks, so we’ll forgive the nearly six-year wait between studio albums. “With Teeth” is heavy and harkens to NIN’s signature work on “Pretty Hate Machine” and “The Fragile.”
Team Sleep, “Team Sleep” (out May 10): Speaking of long waits, Team Sleep has finally come through with 15 tracks that have been incubating since 2001. Team Sleep is the much talked about side project from the Deftones’ Chino Moreno, but the constant delays in getting its album out threatened to turn this project into a punch line. But “Team Sleep” is full of texture and intensity, and Moreno really lets loose with some soaring vocals and taps into his inner Robert Smith. The drum machine programming from DJ Crook is fantastic, and guest vocals from Rob Crow of Pinback make for a moody, but mesmerizing listen. Favorite tracks so far include: “Your Skull is Red,” “Blvd. Knights” and “Staring at the Queen.” Look for my story about the Team Sleep saga in an upcoming Sunday Ticket story.
Nikka Costa, “Can’tneverdidnothin’” (out May 24): Crazy title, cool album. Nikka Costa is the daughter of Don Costa, the producer extraordinaire, and a former child star in Germany and other overseas countries. Her 2001 album, “Everybody Got Their Something” was full of funky R&B, and unfortunately, nearly overlooked. “Can’tneverdidnothin’” continues Costa’s funky ways, sounding like a cross between Janis Joplin and Teena Marie. Look for her as an opening act for Lenny Kravitz, and hopefully she’ll announce her own date for Sac Town.

Posted by cmacias at 3:06 PM | Comments |

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April 13, 2005

Hard Rockin' with Tesla

Just got back from Tesla’s noon-time show at downtown’s Hard Rock Café. For those Tesla fans who were privy to an extended lunch break – or, just blew off work altogether – the appearance was a real treat.
The band donated some guitars, drums and one of Brian Wheat’s basses to the Hard Rock Café, and then played a five-song show (“Signs,” “What You Give,” “Love Song,” “Getting’ Better” and “Caught In a Dream”).
After its bite-sized set, the band members mingled with the crowd, posed for pictures and signed autographs. In all, many buffalo wings were consumed and Tesla sounded pretty good, too. Check tomorrow's Bee for the full scoop about this Hard Rock show.

Posted by cmacias at 3:26 PM | Comments |

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April 12, 2005

Tesla Two-fer

Hot off the press (release): Tesla just announced two Sacramento shows on its "Five Man Acoustical Jam 2005" tour. The dates are May 19 and 20 at the Crest Theatre. Tickets go on sale Saturday through TicketMaster and cost $26.50. For more information: (916) 649-8497 (TicketMaster).

Posted by cmacias at 5:02 PM | Comments |

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Team Sleep to Tour

Team Sleep, the long slumbering side-project from the Deftones’ Chino Moreno, kicks off its first U.S. tour on April 30. Team Sleep’s first gig is URB magazine’s after-party at Southern California's Coachella Festival, and then the band takes its rockin' trip-hop to both coasts. So far, a Sacramento date hasn’t been announced, but look for more Team Sleep shows to be announced soon.
Here are the dates so far:
May 3 - The Senator Theatre (Chico)
May 5 – Slim’s (San Francisco)
May 7 – The Roxy (West Hollywood)
May 8 - Soma (San Diego)
May 10 - Jillian's (Las Vegas)
May 11 - The Old Brickhouse (Phoenix)
May 18 - Emo's (Austin, Tx.)
May 22 - Ziggys (Winston-Salem. N.C.)
May 24 - The NorVa (Norfolk,Va.)

Posted by cmacias at 10:22 AM | Comments |

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April 11, 2005

Let's jam, let's jam Latin

Raigambre was one of Sacramento’s top-drawing bands before going on hiatus late last year. Sam Miranda, the band’s frontman, announced he was leaving Raigambre and its Latin funk has since been silent.
Now, there’s some good news. Aswut Rodriguez, Raigambre’s guitarist, says that the band found a new singer. A formal announcement is coming soon, but he says that Raigambre recruited a female vocalist who can belt mariachi tunes and get funky, too. Look for Raigambre’s new line-up to debut soon.
Miranda has meanwhile started a new band, Sol Peligro . The group, which features members of Bucho!, is heavier on reggae and cumbia grooves than Raigambre. But based on some early recordings, Sol Peligro is bound to shake some booties around Sacramento. Sol Peligro will celebrate its first CD on June 11 at the Blue Lamp. Orale pues ...

Posted by cmacias at 3:38 PM | Comments |

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April 8, 2005

And ya don't stop

As the hip-hop saying goes, Doug E. Fresh ripped it last night at Harlow’s. Mr. Fresh remains hip-hop’s “great entertainer” and ultimate party-time MC. His set was short, maybe 45 minutes, but had the sold-out crowd going absolutely nuts with his call-and-response routines and classic tunes (“The Show, “La Di Da Di”).
Getting into the show was hectic. Two separate lines snaked outside, and Harlow’s reached capacity around 11 p.m. There were some tense moments at the door from folks who couldn’t get in, and trying to stroll through the packed club was tough. Thankfully, drama was kept to a minimum, except for a guy who nearly got smacked for groping a girl near the bar.
But this crowd pretty much wanted to party, and when the DJ played LL Cool J’s “Rock the Bells,” the show really settled into its good-time vibe. The DJ – sorry, didn’t catch his name – played a bunch of old-school hip-hop and the crowd really opened up to these choice jams (De La Soul’s “Buddy,” “The Choice is Yours” by Black Sheep, Run-D.M.C.’s “Peter Piper”). If this was a classic-rock gig, it was the equivalent of hearing Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Who all in a row.
All of this reminded me of how much hip-hop nostalgia is growing. Most of the folks who grew up on Doug E. Fresh, Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J are well in their 30s now, and hearing these old songs is a welcome blast from the past. Doug E. Fresh told the crowd to call what he does “classic hip-hop,” but it was simply all good.
Speaking of hip-hop nostalgia, here’s a story I wrote in October surrounding hip-hop’s 30th birthday. It has some thoughts and reflections from Doug E. Fresh himself, and such hip-hop pioneers as Chuck D. of Public Enemy and D.M.C. (a.k.a. Darryl McDaniels of Run-D.M.C.).

Posted by cmacias at 3:17 PM | Comments |

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April 6, 2005

The Eagles - and other concerts - are landing

Bill Graham Presents announced today that The Eagles are launching a “California Tour” which includes three Northern California shows:
August 13 – Calaveras County Fairgrounds
August 14 – Sonoma State University
August 19 – Salinas Sports Complex
Tickets for this dark desert highway of a nostalgia trip aren’t cheap. Prices for the Sonoma State and Salinas shows are $65, $95 and $150. The Calaveras County concert is a general admission show that costs $68.
Tickets go on sale Monday, April 11 through Ticketmaster outlets (916-649-8497). For information about VIP ticket packages, visit www.iloveallaccess.com.
Closer to home, Queens of the Stone Age will rock the Empire nightclub on May 31. Tickets go on sale April 16. Visit Empire’s Web site, or call (916) 766-2277.
A make-up date for Social Distortion’s previously postponed show is confirmed. The band will headline UC Davis’ Pavilion at the ARC on June 8. Tickets from February’s cancelled concert will be honored, and tickets for the June 8 show will be released on Saturday. For more information: (916) 766-2277.

Posted by cmacias at 4:14 PM | Comments |

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Wanted: Your playlist

What songs are getting the most play in your iPod or CD changer these days? Send me your current Top 10 tunes, and we’ll run some of these picks in future blog posts. I’ll get this party started with my current playlist:

1. “In My Head,” Queens of the Stone Age
2. “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam with Full Force
3. “Piracy Funds Terrorism” mix, Diplo with M.I.A.
4. “Palabritas de Amor,” Pedro Infante
5. “Callin’ Out (remix),” Lyrics Born with E-40
6. “Public Pervert,” Interpol
7. “Photograph,” Def Leppard
8. “O Baile Todo,” Bonde Do Tigrao
9. “Concrete Jungle (live),” The Specials
10. “Tipsy (reggaeton remix),” J-Kwon

Posted by cmacias at 2:11 PM | Comments |

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April 4, 2005

Jackie Watch

Sacramento’s own Jackie Greene recently added some choice shows to his calendar. He’ll be opening for Willie Nelson and the Dixon May Fair on May 5. In June, he’ll join Jewel for a string of dates all around California. On July 23, he’s set to headline the famed Fillmore auditorium in San Francisco. Go, Jackie, go.
For more on Jackie’s show schedule, visit: www.jackie-greene.com

Posted by cmacias at 4:27 PM | Comments |

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Friday Night Soundtrack

Can’t say I did a whole heck of a lot this weekend, but sometimes you don’t need much for a fun musical fix.
On Friday night, I had a good friend over and we started talking about some of our favorite tunes from back in the day. I put the Spurs vs. Nuggets game on “mute,” and played DJ for an hour.
With a bump of the stereo’s volume knob, and an extra twist on the “bass” settings, we had a blast listening to these old songs. Let folks spill drinks on each other at the club – we did just fine kicking back on the couch with the stereo cranked.
And the mix went a little something like this - hit it!:
"I Wonder If I take You Home," Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam with Full Force
"Lookout Weekend," Debbie Deb
"When I Hear Music," Debbie Deb
"Two of Hearts," Stacey Q
"I Feel For You," Chaka Khan
"U Got the Look," Prince
"Atomic Dog," George Clinton
"More Bounce to the Ounce," Zapp
"Genius of Love," Tom Tom Club
"Don't Stop ('Till You Get Enough)," Michael Jackson
"Give It All You Got," Afro-Rican
"Shake It," MC Shy-D
"Cars With the Boom," L'Trimm
"Sally (That Girl)," Gucci Crew
"Throw the D," 2 Live Crew

Posted by cmacias at 2:57 PM | Comments |

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