Big Thursday Night

Tom Morello is best known as one of the best guitarists today, lending his prowess to Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. Now he is set to release The Fabled City September 30 under the auspices of The Nightwatchmen. Thursday night at Fletcher's in Baltimore, Music Monitor's Network "Noise in the Basement" series gives you an opportunity to see Tom live. Check out how to get tickets here. Also on the bill making this a show you should not miss is Black Kids and Annuals.

mp3: Black Kids - Hurricane Jane (The Twelves Remix)
mp3: Annuals - Sore

We haven't heard much from Brit-pop band James in quite a few years. Most of us may only know their one major hit "Laid". After a 7 year hiatus, they are back with a new album Hey Ma and a tour, playing 9:30 Club Thursday.

I have mentioned previously Austin's Brothers & Sisters is one of my favorites that I came across while living in Texas. After playing last weekend in DC, they are now in Philly at the Manhattan Room. Joining them is New Yorks Phonograph, Philly locals Adam & Dave's Bloodline and DC band Impossible Hair.

mp3: Brothers & Sisters - The Air Is Getting Thicker
mp3: Phonograph - Radio Waves (Daytrotter)
mp3: Adam & Dave's Bloodline - The Lonely Pioneers
mp3: Impossible Hair - My Little Brother

An all local how is at the Velvet Lounge featuring Olivia Mancini & The Housemates. Also playing is Donny Hue and the Colors and Oscillating Fan Club.

mp3: Olivia Mancini & The Housemates - I Wouldn't Worry
mp3: Donny Hue and the Colors - Real Long Time

photo credit: Artist's Myspace

The Sons and The Daughters of the Mamas and the Papas

When was the last time that you had some truly kick ass harmonizing in your rock 'n roll diet? Yeah, it's been a while for me too. And quite frankly, all of this sugary pop is hell on the teeth and waistline.

Fret no more, as the Austin sextet Brothers and Sisters can help you shed those unwanted pounds with their contemporary take on some of the dulcet sounds of the '60s. Led by actual brother and sister Will and Lily Courtney, the band meshes the glorious harmonizing of such bands as the Mamas and the Papas with the indie sensibilities of Modest Mouse on their new album, Fortunately. Essentially, we're talking lush, gorgeous vocalizing peppered with some gritty guitar and just a hint of California surf rock and alt-country goodness. It might seem like a bit of a mushy mixture, but damnation, it's some good stuff.

mp3: You're Gone
mp3: The Air Is Getting Thicker