jason evans

My buddy Matt, tweeted the other day that I taught my kids how to hardcore dance. To set the record straight, a) I couldn't dance like that to save my life and b) here's the story:

The kids were holding their own dance party in the family room when Brooke said, "They look like they're hardcore dancing!" To which the kids said, "What's hardcore dancing?" Yes, it's true my beautiful, gentle, handcrafting wife is keen to this underground scene of hardcore punk. Hardcore shows were actually a frequent weak attempt of mine at "dates" before we got engaged. And the pit was often just as interesting as the show, plus you had to be aware of what was going on or you could get a boot to the face. It seems not all was lost though.

If this is all completely foreign to you, this Sick Of It All video explains it all.

Stoked to hear that Walter Schreifels has a new album coming out. Certainly isn't Quicksand but the guy's a good song writer still.

Thanks to my friend, Jon for linking to this artist, Tinashé. Wonderfully syncopated guitar riffs and drum beats. Beautiful voice. Great drummer (with a cardboard box for a kick drum!?). Proof that sometimes the simplest approach works best... this is what Jason Mraz wishes he could do.

I met Daniel Dixon several years ago while he was on the road with my friends, The Cobalt Season. Watching him play live, I was thoroughly impressed by his musicianship. And as we sat on my kitchen floor, talking late into the night, I was impressed by what a decent human being he is as well. His most recent release, Night Watching, features well what Daniel is capable of artistically. His music transports you somewhere. Here he communicates more with instrumentation than most accomplish with lyrics. Eat your heart out, Sigur Ros. I choose Dixon over your gibberish.

When I was in 6th grade, I loved INXS. This song in particular is still a great song. And Fruit Bats do it justice. I especially dig the slide on their version. Check it out.

If you enjoyed The Grey Album (a mash up of Jay-Z's The Black Album and The Beatles self-titled "white album" by Danger Mouse) than you'll dig this. Not as genius as The Grey Album, but still...

Who claims Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Astor Piazzolla and Dimebag Darrell all as influences?! Well, Rodrigo y Gabriela do. Personally, I hear some Django Reinhardt too–but that's just me. These two are amazing guitar players! Rodrigo's got some fast fingers but Gabriela's incredible percussive capability while still strumming notes cannot be understated. Check 'em out on this NPR Tiny Desk Concert clip. Spellbinding!

Note to those who watch the video, crank it up in order to Gabriela's work better. She wasn't mic'ed as loud as Rodrigo in this recording.

... because Japandroids is rad (I've said this before).

Meg White, take note: This is how a two-piece band is to be done.

Tonight, I'm playing my last show with Snake Babies. I've decided that between a new baby, new job, and going back to school I've got more than enough going on right now. Matt and Andy are good friends and have been blast to make noise with.

I am hoping to take up my own song writing again in the near future, but no specific plans about that yet. It's been a long time since I've done so but I've had some ideas in the works for about a year.

We'll be playing at The Radio Room. We'll go on around 9pm. Come by if you're around!