Help Us Stop The Madness!

Philadelphia live music is being put at risk! A new bill, (Bill No. 100267), being introduced by City Councilmen Darrell Clarke and Bill Greenlee, will literally change the face of the Philly live music scene as we know it. You can read the actual bill here http://webapps.phila.gov/council/attachments/10044.pdf.

Basically the bill would require all show promoters to apply for a permit with the Philadelphia police 30 days before each show. Think of the shear number of permits that would be for places that have nightly or even weekly live shows. The permit would include detailed information about the event including security measures, expected turnout, business license number, even a copy of the contract between promoters and performers.

As you can see this would be devastating for promoters. It would put an end to last minute shows, changes in line-ups, changes in venue and hinder shows as non-profit events.

What’s really scary is that police can deny a permit up until 10 days before an event for whatever reason they see fit.

So as you can see, we need your help in getting the word out about this bill. You can make yourself heard by writing to the city council. PhillyMetal.com has a simple form you can fill out to send a protest e-mail to City Council President Anna Verna and the Councilmen who introduced the bill, Darrell Clarke and Bill Greenlee. http://phillymetal.com/protest/ .

Or you can sign the protest here http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/bill100267/

Here is a link to The City Papers article about the bill http://citypaper.net/articles/2010/05/13/a-million-stories

Thanks for your help! Spread the word.

Blur’s Free Download

Download Blur’s new track “Fool’s Day” for free from their site. http://www.blur.co.uk/

The track is a modern take on the classic Blur sound and feel. Recorded for limited edition sale on vinyl in the UK. It’s now available here for your listening pleasure!

Bad Band Names

The Dead Weather’s Sea of Cowards Out Tomorrow

Sea of Cowards is not a neat little package of an album. In fact it seems to be pulling at the threads left by The Dead Weather’s debut album Horehound, but this only makes it that much more appealing. Jack White and his second super group manage to take their mad scientist approach to blues-rock a step further in this album. Sea of Cowards doesn’t house radio hits or sentimental sing-a-longs, but it manages to contain a shit ton of attitude, frustration and unedited in your face rock’n’roll.

Alison Mosshart (VV of The Kills) sounds more at home in this album. “The Difference Between Us” fits her like a black leather fingerless glove. She then pushes the boundaries with no apologies in “Gasoline.” Mosshart and White share the floor each respectfully out for blood.

Not to be over looked is Queens of the Stone Age’s own, Dean Fertita (also toured with The Raconteurs) who’s guitar and keyboards set the tone for the albums ménage-a-trois of pop, blues and psycadellic rock.

This is definitely the darkest and most raw of White’s recent projects. For some it may feel unfinished and self-indulgent. To others it will feel honest, dirty and daring. It all depends on if  you like your music shaken or stirred.

Sea of Cowards will be released tomorrow (May 11, 2010).

For Your Ears

Your ears deserve a treat.  Our good friends, Banned Books are playing this Sat. May 15th with none other than Grand Buffet.  So, come out to Danger! Danger! Gallery 8:00pm and support awesome music.