In the line of major concert news this week, Drury University announced that Grammy nominee emcee J Cole will bring the Campus Consciousness Tour to O’Reilly Family Event Center on April 23. J Cole made a name for himself in the mixtape circuits and bust onto the viral radar with Friday Night Lights, then became the first artist signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation. His first album Cole World: The Sideline Story debuted at No. 1 last fall on Billboard and landed him a nomination for the Grammy of Best New Artist. Other artists on the bill haven’t been confirmed by Drury yet, but a video promoting the tour announced rapper Big K.R.I.T. would be the opener for the tour. Tickets will be available mid-February. Additional details to come.

Fire, Rain and SGF?

JQH Arena has done it again, bringing in another Grammy-winning act, announcing James Taylor will play on Missouri State’s campus July 17. Taylor is a world-renowned singer/songwriter who has sold more than 50 million albums, earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy awards.

Tickets go on sale Feb. 10 through MissouriStateTix.com. Charge by phone at (417) 836-7678, 888-476-7849. Ticket Prices are $79.50 and $49.50 plus handling fees.

Songs you might (probably) know: “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “Something in the Way She Moves,” “Mexico,” “Shower the People,” “Your Smiling Face,” “Carolina In My Mind,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” “You Can Close Your Eyes,” “Walking Man,” “Never Die Young,” “Shed a Little Light,”
“Copperline,” among others.

KNIFE*DEATH, JOSH & THE JERKS, SOMEONE STILL LOVES YOU BORIS YELTSIN AT THE OUTLAND

MAKING MOVIES AT LINDBERG’s

with Plaid Dragon and The Gardenheads

TROY CD RELEASE AT OUTLAND BALLROOM

with Ghost In The Machine and Ambrister

Also in SGF

Pearl at Three 20s Club
Kevin Friday at The Tipsy Turtle Pub
Broken Ridge at Dennis’ Place
Toe Jam at Da Cubby Hole
Voodoo Gypsy at Cartoon’s
Black Box Revue at Highlife Martini Lounge

If you are a band or venue and your show isn’t listed, email Brett@tagsgf.com, thanks!

Remember when there was subtlety in political and social discourse? Neither does LuciD. Raging against a world far, far down the “news with a narrative” rabbit hole dug by Fox News and its self-appointed competitors, the SGF rap-rock trio follows up its debut EP T.R.U.T.H. just a year later with its first full-length, On the Record. The double entendre is also the mood-setter: Not only are these 10 songs on the record—or the CD, anyway—but these are also the band’s definitive, we’re-not-taking-them-back comments about the state of life in America today. Buckle up, because they’re going to be that brash all the way through.

The band has grown its musical approach to go with its new, bigger pair of brass ones, too. Working at Red Room Studio in Arkansas, the producting tag team of Phil Taylor and John Lecompt brought a sound more full and more fierce out of the group. Where Jake Bollinger‘s guitar was more often a complementary piece on the previous record, it’s pushed to the forefront now, lower and more overtly metal in tone. The beats move the pace and tension up, as well, with Chris “Hazoh” Tilley (DJ Landon left the group late last year) adding some new production wrinkles to help fill out the sound. Not to be left behind, lyricist Kyle Colson leaves questions such as “Where the f*** is my song?” behind and starts tackling taboos—religion’s hollow condemnations (“Bible Belt”), political duplicity and incompetence (“Oblahblah”), the cultural dumb-down brought on by life imitating TV (“Rad Bro,” the lead single) and more. Think of him as the mic-wielding agent provocateur, out to incite any kind of reaction from his targets, even if it just amounts to pissing people off at times. If collars can be popped in anger, “Rad Bro” should make it happen. If political and “the party ends in hell” types had their own collars to pop, the rest of the songs would get them going, too. The one outlier in all this musical prodding is “Hindsight,” the lone relationship-oriented song and, though not bad, an awkward oasis from the righteous anger.

Finally, if the band’s sound blueprint makes one recall the Public Enemy-plus-Anthrax “Bring the Noise” more than the b-boy leanings of the first EP then think of “Rise Up” more like On the Record‘s “Fight the Power,” a generic-cause rallying cry reminding the listener that, no matter what a record, politician, religious fanatic with a sign or Jersey Shore wannabe tells you, the ability to make real change remains, now and forever, in your hands. If that’s the biggest takeaway then the album wins, but, regardless of whether you agree with its opinions or not, try to also enjoy a rap-rock band bringing more rap and more rock to the table and making an enjoyable album while not bringing the Limp Bizkits of the genre’s past to mind.

Big Smith bassist Bill Thomas

There aren’t a great number of shows tonight in SGF, but there are some great shows tonight in SGF. While one stands out as the biggest cause (with a musical lineup you won’t want to miss), it will be happening long enough to find another show around town if you’re so inclined.

If you are with a band or venue that isn’t listed, email show information to Brett@tagsgf.com.

BIG SMITH FAMILY & FRIENDS BENEFIT FOR BILL’S BILLS AT PATTON ALLEY PUB

More than 20 performers and a stocked silent auction with wares from all over SGF. Music and auction start at 6 p.m. with music lasting until closing time. The proceeds go to Big Smith bassist Bill Thomas to help offset medical costs after suffering a stroke during a show in Arkansas. Performers include: Barak N Hill, Dallas Jones, Kasey Rausch, Brandon Moore, Cindy Woolf & The Foxxes, Mike Stevens, Brother Wiley, and members of Big Smith, Speakeasy, the Cropdusters and the Bootheel. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door. You can also donate online.

Also in SGF:
Sally Switchblade, Black Bonnet Ballyhoo and Lilly Bee & the Johnson Three at The Outland
Deep Fried Squirrel and Hamburger Cows at Lindberg’s
VideoVamp and Nocturnal Nation at Outland Ballroom
DJ Geeg and Agent Traxxident at Highlife Martini Lounge
Canto 17 at Fox & Hound

There’s something about the grimy, retro-punk, dubbed-to-cassette sound of SGF’s Josh and the Jerks that feels brutally right. They leaked “Hate Crime” yesterday and it is all of that. Find Josh and the Jerks at The Outland tomorrow (Feb. 3) with Knife*Death and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

The Black Cloud Tour

The second listing on the bill is Pennsylvania’s underground lyrical heavyweight King Magnetic. King Mag’s 2011 single release “Watch Out” spent time near the top of the college charts, and his next full-length album, EAG III, drops a week after the SGF show.

It doesn’t end there, Brooklyn’s Block McCloud is also on the bill, whom you may know from appearances with Method Man, Kurupt, Jedi Mind Tricks, Immortal Technique and Jean Grae among others.

SGF will get its shine too, as local hip hop will warm up the stage. Mask & Glove (Brief and Nick Fury), DJ Platinum, Sylabol7 and Loogey are on the bill. Ticket details and more as the information comes. Until then, debrief yourself on the prime YouTube selections below.

Outland Ballroom (3/6/12)
Lineup:
Cappadonna
King Magnetic
Block McCloud
Mask & Glove
DJ Platinum
Sylabol7
Loogey

Earmuffs! Songs below are NSFW (or children)

Cappadonna, “’97 Mentality”

Cappadonna, “Milk The Cow”

Cappadonna, “Oh Donna”

Cappadonna, “Run”

Cappadonna, “Slang Editorial”

King Magnetic, “I Don’t Know You”

King Magnetic, “Watch Out

Block McCloud, “Crazy Man”

Mask & Glove

Sylabol7, “I Wanna”

Thomas (left) and Big Smith at the Show-Me Music Festival. Photo by Alex Stocksdale.

Announced performers:
Barak N Hill
Dallas Jones
Kasey Rausch
Brandon Moore
Cindy Woolf & The Foxxes
Mike Stevens
Brother Wiley
Members of Big Smith, Speakeasy, the Cropdusters and the Bootheel

D.J.P. (MASTER OF THE MIX CELEBRATION) AT CLUB VEGAS

with DJ Energizer

LILLY BEE AND THE JOHNSON THREE AT BILLIARD’S BLUE ROOM

with Buddha’s Groove Shoes

THE RUGS AT THE OUTLAND

with Heart Punch and Mustache

ST. DALLAS & THE SINNERS AT HIGHLIFE MARTINI LOUNGE

with Damn Livers

Also in SGF:
Jackson Tyler & The Sinner with Cole Porter Band at Outland Ballroom
The Lowdown Fancy at Miranda’s
Norman Jackson at Harlow’s
Jake Austin & The City Limits at Cartoon’s
Mr. Charlie (Grateful Dead Tribute) at Patton Alley Pub
Members Only at Three 20s Club
Mick Byrd at Galloway Station
Tripleshot at Dennis’ Place

SGF's Lando Beats

When Ryshon started his Brightest Nights, Darkest Days mixtape, I wanted him to describe the exact sound he was looking for out of me since I do sample free beats as well as sample beats. He said he wanted the tape to sound like “Sigur Ros meets Marvin Gaye”. I’d never heard of Sigur Ros, so I downloaded their discography and did some digging. Then I found a way to give the Ryshon what he wanted. I made Sigur Ros meet Marvin Gaye on the same beat… literally.

Check out the video to watch Lando Beats producing the instrumental for “Neo Renaissance”.

Ryshon’s whole mixtape is available for free download 2DopeBoyz.

LEMONDROP BENEFIT SHOW

with Stop Thief, Flawless, Peyote Wolf, Free at Last, Surrender, Twelvish Trees, and Trial and Error

JAH ROOTS BAND AT OUTLAND BALLROOM

with Ghost Dance

MODERN EPIC & CLOUD CITY AT THE OUTLAND

with Danny Wood Grace

CANTO 17 AND SPINRAD AT PATTON ALLEY PUB

BRING YOUR GREEN HAT AT LINDBERG’S

HAMBURGER COWS AT THE TIPSY TURTLE PUB

Also in SGF:
Sequel Dose at Cartoon’s
Brookline Station at Three 20s Club
Comedy night at Club Vegas
Anisa Dawn at Lindberg’s, early show, 6:30 p.m.

How To Not Play QWOP

More unofficial videos for “Yellow Missing Signs”

Our 2010 chili neighbor Frank with the Swine Flu Chili. This year TAG will be booth'd up next to the Springfield Roller Girls.

Beer Garden Stage (Upstairs)

10:45 a.m. — Full Circle Band

Noon — The Airwalks

1:15 p.m. — The Jakebrakers
no video found
2:30 p.m. — Sock Monkey

3:45 p.m. — Cole Porter Band

Event Stage (Main floor)

11:30 a.m. — The HillBenders

1 p.m. — Big Smith

2:45 p.m. — Trash Angels

4 p.m. — Machine Gun Symphony

MIKE MCCLURE BAND AT OUTLAND BALLROOM

with Brian Lumley and Red Dirt Underground

MARK BILYEU AT THE TIPSY TURTLE PUB

THE EUPHIO QUESTION AT OUTLAND

STAN AND AARON’S (THE GARDENHEADS) B-DAY PARTY AT LINDBERG’S

with Thee Fine Lines and Clawhammer

Also in SGF
20 Acres From Pavement at Highlife Martini Lounge
MASK at Patton Alley Pub

Thomas (left) and Big Smith at the Show-Me Music Festival. Photo by Alex Stocksdale.

Big Smith bassist Bill Thomas has returned from Fayetteville! In a statement released by the band, Thomas was discharged from the Arkansas hospital Tuesday following a stroke on Jan. 19. “This is only a step in the process, of course, as Bill is starting a new and challenging phase of his recovery. But at least he’ll be in familiar, comfortable surroundings, reunited with his children after these long five days.”

Big Smith is planning to play all of its currently scheduled concerts, with Reed Herron (Speakeasy) filling in. The band will take donations for the Thomas family at the shows, as well as by check and online.

We are currently making plans to allow Big Smith to fulfill our existing performance obligations. We can tell you that we will be performing this Saturday at Lil’ Dallas in Fair Grove as scheduled. Reed Herron from Speakeasy will nobly fill in for Bill. We will have a jar set up for those of you in attendance that would like to donate cash, and will continue to provide you that opportunity over the next few months.

Mail checks or money order made out to “Big Smith” with “Cousin Bill” on the memo line, to:

Cousin Bill donation fund
2020 N Douglas Ave
Springfield, MO 65803

Loogey (photo by Drew Harris)

Does your band have news or new music? Email information to Brett@tagsgf.com.

SLAPDASH SCIENCE AT THE OUTLAND

with The Nautical West, Chris Gnarly

MIKE ZITO AT LINDBERG’S

THE LOWDOWN FANCY AT HARLOW’S

AMEDIVM AT HIGHLIFE MARTINI LOUNGE

Ewag3, Hessian Crucible, Clancy F**king Leakey

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION AT NATHAN P MURPHY’S

with STL, Population Zero and Quote the Raven

Also in SGF

• Rap vs. Rock, The Playmakers CD Release with F.I.E.R.A., The Highest Priest, State of Mizzry, AP, Paulette, Yung D, Too Much at Outland Ballroom
• K.O., Kris Styles, Ayron Michael, Newgoon, Lumberjack Tracks, Young Dre Boi at Da Cubby Hole
• E. Freeman Johnston at Lindberg’s
• Tripwire at Alibi Lounge
• Bad Habit at Cartoon’s
• Sequel Dose at Galloway Station

Denver's Take To The Oars (photo by Ron James Photography)

If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. — Latin Proverb

Denver’s Take To The Oars has been through a handful of formations and a couple of name changes since its inception as Vonnegut in 2005. One thing that hasn’t wavered is the on-stage energy. “We go nuts,” bassist JP Manza said as the band passed through Lake of the Ozarks on the way to Columbia Thursday. “Our energy isn’t trying to be aggressive, but we’re very inspired every time we take the stage. Every time we take the stage we play harder and push ourselves more.”

TTTO brings that energy to SGF tonight at The Outland with Truett & The Traitors in support of the album American Volume, featuring the single “Bar Talk”, a ballad to late night bellied up conversations. It’s the band’s second trip through Missouri and there is a third already planned for March as TTTO travels to Austin, Texas for South By Southwest. “We’re lucky to have some connections in Austin. (Lead singer Ryan Gombeski) is from Austin, so we’ve been going down to SXSW for a few years,” Manza said. “We play as many shows as possible, and enjoy all parts of the week … get down there and throw down.”

Take To The Oars is a little darker than the pop sounds of Vonnegut and the studio recordings feature vast instrumentation, including the accordion, a personal favorite, with an emphasis on musical arrangements. Gombeski’s vocals are driven by moving melodies transferring the emotional rock of the album to a powerful live show.

TAKE TO THE OARS AT THE OUTLAND

with Truett and the Traitors

FILTHY THIRDS AT OUTLAND BALLROOM

with VideoVamp& Muzzle

CARTER BECKWORTH AT PATTON ALLEY PUB

CARTER SAMPSON AT LINDBERG’S

with Cindy Woolf and the Foxxes, & Black Bonnet Ballyhoo

FLOAT FACE AT LEMONDROP

with Adaliah, The Oppressor+LOCS

Also in SGF
Tuck N Abney at The Tipsy Turtle Pub
Cori J at Stepchild Lounge
Pearl at Cartoon’s

Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy

CARRIE NATION AND THE SPEAKEASY AT OUTLAND BALLROOM

with Honky Suckle

THE SHOTGUN BROTHERS AT PATTON ALLEY PUB

Also in SGF

• Lemon Drop DJs with Mask & Glove, Loogey at Highlife Martini Lounge
• St. Dallas & the Sinners at Lindberg’s
• Jimi James at The Tipsy Turtle Pub
• Code Yellow at Cartoon’s

The Avett Brothers are playing Drury’s O’Reilly Family Event Center March 10, and thanks to Dwight Glenn Promotions, TAG readers can join the Drury community and pre-order tickets today (Jan. 18) at 10 a.m. Tickets officially go on sale Friday, but you can make sure to reserve your spot in the O for one of American folk music’s biggest acts.

Hit Drury University Tickets online and enter the code “drury”.

It’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. during the Bud Light TAG Radio Block (KBFL 99.9 FM/1060 AM/tagsgf.com). To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.

It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

1/15/12

1. Cornbelt Chorus — “Go Home”
   
2. The Radiance Effect — “Mad Mess”
3. Elevenpoint Outlaws — “Box Beside the Bed”
4. Risk Rap Remix prod. by Karma Brothers feat. Chuck D (Ovaflow)
5. The Give Up — “My Less Than 3″
6. The Cropdusters — “Quantrill”
7. The LMNOPs — “PB&Dr.J”
8. Josh Heinrichs — “So Far From Home”
9. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin — “Yellow Missing Signs”
10. J-None feat. Liz Carney — “Vixen”

Slapdash Science earned a spot on the Wakarusa music festival bill this summer by winning the fan vote at the Waka Winter Classic Saturday at the Outland Ballroom. Five SGF bands (Slapdash Science, SPiNRaD, Quantum Groove, Buddha’s Groove Shoes and Sunset to Burns) squared off on the loaded bill for a slot on Mulberry Mountain. An annual festival, Wakarusa is May 31 thru June 3 at Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas. Other bands already listed to play include Primus, G. Love and Special Sauce, Umphrey’s McGee, Girl Talk, Keller Williams and dozens more (including former SGF rapper Les Izmore’s KC project Hearts of Darkness).

Slapdash Science (video not from Saturday’s show)

WAKA WINTER CLASSIC AT OUTLAND BALLROOM

An absolute loaded lineup of bands battle for a spot on this summer’s Wakarusa Festival at Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Ark. The contenders (SPiNRaD, Quantum Groove, Buddha’s Groove Shoes, Sunset to Burns and Slapdash Science) throw down at Outland Ballroom.

CANTO 17 AT GALLOWAY STATION

Canto 17, “Barking Up” 7-31

THE BOOTHEEL AT THE OUTLAND

with Jabberjosh and Whist

THE SHOTGUN BROTHERS AT PATTON ALLEY PUB

Also in SGF:
Pearl at Cartoon’s
Dark from Day One at Nathan P Murphy’s
The MCB at Club Three20s

MASK & GLOVE, LOOGEY, SYLABOL 7 & LES IZMORE AT THE OUTLAND

SGF hip hop lives! The new projects from the core of Real Rhymers Camp collide at the Outland.

PAPER ANCHORS, THE COLLECTIVE, CALL ME BETA AT OUTLAND BALLROOM

The release of Mirrors Facing Mirrors comes anxiously awaited from the SGF duo Paper Anchors.

COLE PORTER BAND AT LINDBERG’s (10 p.m.)

Red dirt country music that will stick in your head for weeks. For real.

HAN TRIO AT HIGHLIFE

Eckels-Herron-Anderson trio only covers trios.

Also in SGF:
Jimmy Rea (The HillBenders) at Tipsy Turtle Pub
John Strickler Trio at Springfield Brewing Co.
Judgemental with Sliterist, Fraught with Peril at Nathan P Murphy’s
Rhythm and Boom: Kelswater at Lindberg’s (6:30 p.m.)
Justin Bowling at The Gravel Bar
Fabulous Unexpected at Cartoon’s
Chrome at The Daily Pub
Brokenridge at Dennis’ Place

D.J.P. AT OUTLAND BALLROOM
The originator of the mash up might be a quarter-millionaire come Saturday. BET’s Master of the Mix airs Saturday at 11 p.m. Catch D.J.P. at the Ballroom tonight.

THE GARDENHEADS AT THE OUTLAND
with Strangefellas

Also in SGF:
Mask (live jazz) at Patton Alley Pub
David Boardman at Tipsy Turtle Pub

South by Southwest (SXSW) at Austin (Texas) Music Week can be the launching point for musical careers. SGF duo Paper Anchors is in Hometown Sound, an online contest (by fan vote) to land a spot to perform at SXSW as well as record a music video in Los Angeles. Paper Anchors is in 23rd (as of 4:32 p.m.). You can vote once per day. Paper Anchors will release its debut EP, Mirrors Facing Mirrors tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 13) at the Outland Ballroom with Call Me Beta and The Collective.

Chevelle

Per TAG Editor Emeritus Chris DeRosier:

DOOD. Chevelle is awesome live. Middle Class Rut is pretty good on record, too.

BILL FORNESS & TENNESSEE TWO: A JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE AT LINDBERG’S

Members of One More Round, Gas Pump Talent and The Deadnettles (now a two piece)

GLASS BOTTOM BOAT RIDE AT OUTLAND BALLROOM

with Benefit of a Doubt and The Endless Summer at Outland Ballroom

Also tonight:

• Dug and the Soular Panels at Patton Alley Pub
• DJ Platinum at Highlife Martini Lounge

SGF hip hop fans have been waiting for a formal release from emcee Brief since he moved from Aurora, Ill. (let’s just say if anticipation were a person, it would be able a very mature third grader). After technology virtually ripped the Death of a Salesman in mid-2011 the rapper formerly known as SincerelyYours. (legally known as Lucas Ramsey) leaked the new single on Facebook Monday. Ramsey said “Miss Popular” will be included on a yet-to-be titled EP.

As the age of fake jewelry, fake money and fake whatever else(s) continues, Brief is real. A storyteller with a level of honesty hard to find amongst best friends. The instrumental sets the tone for “Miss Popular” — a smooth, sultry, jazz-lader sample throbs over laid back drums. Lando Beats’ production alone is worthy of a second listen, but Brief’s paintbrush is as detailed as it is gut-wrenchingly uncomfortable. Even though it will never feel good to hear a first-person tale of infidelity, this is a story you’ll listen to again and again.

He said there wasn’t a timeframe for an official release, but recording should be wrapped up in the month, adding that Lando Beats and Trak Masta Tom are the primary beat contributors.

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photos by Kyle Green (BakedFreshDaily.com) and Brett Johnston

Cornbelt Chorus released its highly-anticipated full-length album, Monsters and the Color Red, at the Outland, Saturday (Jan. 7).

Review

This, finally, is the album Cornbelt Chorus meant to bring you two years ago. The songs are old hat by now after being brought to light through live shows, but the record holds up regardless of the context. The band uses instruments and tunings familiar to Midwest porch picking to make music that often has more avant-garde aspirations. Listen to the Death from Above 1979-style fuzz bass about a minute into “Drunk Hymn” or the eight-minute opus “The Color Red” with its ending devolving into a mess of unsyncopated noise and horn bursts—Kid A fans much, boys?—to see the quiet subversion going on. Monsters and the Color Red is a roots rock record that refuses to go about its business the same way roots rock records always have. It’s nice to finally have it out in the open. — Chris DeRosier

Cornbelt Chorus covers Bob Dylan, The Man In Me

[[Show as slideshow]]
photos by Kyle Green (BakedFreshDaily.com) and Brett Johnston

SGF got a look at what’s to come from Lucid. The rap-with-rock-riffs band released an EP sampler T.R.U.T.H. in anticipation of its first full-length album. On the Record is set to drop February 4. Also on the bill was Mask and Glove and The Spacetones and Call Me Beta.

Lucid

Mask & Glove

Simply, it’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 will air during the first hour each Sunday on SGF Local Live. To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.

It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

1/8/12

1. The Radiance Effect — “Mad Mess”
2. Cornbelt Chorus — “Go Home”
3. The Give Up — “My Less Than 3″
4. Elevenpoint Outlaws — “Box Beside the Bed”
5. The Cropdusters — “Quantrill”
6. J-None feat. Liz Carney — “Vixen”
7. Drop Dead Effect — “Martyr”
8. Josh Heinrichs — “So Far From Home”
9. The LMNOPs — “PB&Dr.J”
10. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin — “Yellow Missing Signs”

Steven Curtis Chapman and Sparrow Records mates Andrew Peterson, Josh Wilson will perform at Gillioz March 4.

Steven Curtis Chapman, “Do Everything”

Andrew Peterson, “Dancing in the Minefields

Josh Wilson, “I Refuse”

With just one flight case SGF’s D.J.P. has taken Master of the Mix by storm. D.J.P. has won the past seven weekly fan votes for BET’s competitive DJ reality show, and needs your votes for two more days. The season finale is tonight at 11 p.m. central and immediately following the episode you can vote on Facbook for 48 hours. P told M.E.O. Radio that staying alive after certain challenges was as important as his impressive challenge wins. So help bring the Master of the Mix title home to SGF with the originator of the mash up, D.J.P. And, of course, there’s something in it for him … only $250-grand (as in four zeros after the “25″), a one-year gig and his grill on a bottle of Smirnoff.

[[Show as slideshow]]
Photos by Brett Johnston and Kyle Green (BakedFreshDaily.com) from D.J.P.’s set during Tuesday’s Stew.

Find D.J.P. live next Thursday at Outland Ballroom.

I warned you yesterday of the crappy headlines to come. Bear with me. While 2011 brought a gang of incredible local albums, Cornbelt Chorus drops one of the most anticipated albums SGF has … anticipated in a while. That’s because we’ve been waiting for two years. Take home a copy.

CORNBELT CHORUS CD RELEASE AT OUTLAND
Monsters and the Color Red. Finally.

LUCID EP RELEASE W/THE SPACETONES, MASK & GLOVE, CALL ME BETA AT OUTLAND BALLROOM
A trio of SGF hip hop headliners are joined by the indie tunes of Call Me Beta to celebrate the rap-rock short-play tease for Lucid’s upcoming album On the Record.

Also around SGF

• Brandon Moore and Friends at Patton Alley Pub
• Brother Andy & His Big Damn Mouth w/ Josh & The Jerks, and Thee Fine Lines at Highlife
• Three on a Wire, MadDog, and Blue at Nathan P Murphy’s
• Ryan Talbot Experience at Springfield Brewing Company
• Souled Out with Vic Vaughan at Harlow’s
• The Bluesberries at Daily Pub
• 2 for the Road at Galloway Station
• The Dropouts at Three 20s
• Fresh Mode: Sketch at Club Zeal
• Pearl at Dennis’ Place
• Norman Jackson at Cartoon’s

The Seed on SGF Local Live

SGF Local Live 2011 by Brett Johnston

Romance on a Rocketship

My headlines will never be as puncy as TAG’s newly-dubbed Editor Emeritus Chris DeRosier. For that I am sorry. While TAG will miss having a staffer with the ability to grow a beard, we know he will dominate his mission for a Master’s Degree at Mizzou. Though the city’s best music writer moves on, the scene carries on, all the better for his years of dedication to SGF tunes. He vows to keep TAG and its readership abreast of goings ons and bless us with his keystrokes. Make sure to pick up a January issue of TAG Magazine to read a great column he wrote as moves on to the next chapter. Thanks for everything Chris and good luck in Columbia.

If you want variety, tonight’s your night. First Friday Art Walk is a great opportunity for skipping around downtown, but there’s a little something for everybody across the SGF landscape. If your show isn’t listed below leave it in comments and make sure to email future concert information to Brett@tagsgf.com.

ROMANCE ON A ROCKETSHIP AT RANDY BACON GALLERY
Lebanon, Mo.’s Viral star and Island Def Jam artist is joined by Ethan Gibson and Call Me Beta.

THE BEN MILLER BAND AT PATTON ALLEY PUB
Joplin trio keeps the crowd moving with that Ozarks stomp music.

ALEXANDER KOFI (JAH KINGS) AT TIPSY TURTLE
Kofi delivers powerful tunes packaged with a positive message in Glenstone’s cozy neighborhood pub.

BLACK BONNET BALLYHOO, JOSH AND THE JERKS, SALLY SWITCHBLADE AT DA CUBBY HOLE
The ladies quartet brings its brand of eery folk music to the South Campbell spot.

VIDEOVAMP, NOCTURNAL NATION, AMEDIVM, STORY OF A GHOST AT OUTLAND BALLROOM
Energy-crazed, intense lineup of bands that draw well create crowded

GOLDEN GIANT, FIRST TEENAGER EVER, KNIFE*DEATH AT OUTLAND
Powerful trio of bands range from the instrumental rock of Golden Giant to the melt-your-face metal of Knife*Death.

RHYTHM & BOOM: TECHS AND THE ROADIES AT LINDBERG’S
With folk favorites you can sing along to, it’s the early show (6:30) on C-Street.

Also around SGF

• SPiNRaD and Totojojo at Highlife
• MONTAGE feat. Carol Reinert, Harry Beckett, Pete Generous, and Dan McMasters at Houlihan’s North
• John Strickler Trio at Springfield Brewing Company
• John Miner Band at Bumstead’s (Nixa)
• Terry Armes at Mulligan’s (inside Lamplighter Inn)
• Pearl at Dennis’ Place
• Triple Shot at Cartoon’s
• Bad Habit at Three 20s
• The Fabulous Unexpected at Daily Pub

Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa was once called “the future of blues,” but is now widely recognized as one of the world’s best. He wasHis new album, Dust Bowl, has been nominated for Blues Music Awards. He’s made trips to SGF for cozy shows in the likes of blues bar Nathan P Murphy’s, but will make his return at Juanita K Hammons Hall. The show is slated for Tuesday, May 1. Tickets are already available through the JFHH site and range from $49-$79. The tour is in support of his ninth studio album, Dust Bowl. Download the single for free on his website. And if you still don’t know about Joe Bonamassa, check out the video below from the Royal Albert Hall in London. A. Maz. Ing. Get on the tickets quick before people within a day’s drive beat you to them.

Joe Bonamassa at Royal Albert Hall, “Sloe Gin”

Not to start 2012 on a downer, but a couple of relatively well-known local bands went through significant changes just before and during the holidays. That’s right: As with Thanksgiving, a major holiday leaves local music fans with some sorting out to do. We’ll see if we can help with it.

First came local indie group The North Decade, which is now back to the configuration it began as—a solo vehicle for Ryan Spilken‘s songs—after a brief tour brought tensions between band members to a head. The good news is that the band isn’t gone as a result; Spilken says he is performing solo under the TND name for now and even recording a follow-up album to last year’s excellent What You’d Give Up Tomorrow You’ll Pay For Today with Jonathan James at Dark Egg Studio. There will probably be a search for new band members at some point, though that process hasn’t begun yet.

There is a lot less certainty surrounding Assembly Line Gods, however. Just after Christmas word came down that lead singer and lyricist David Samples was departing the band. Here’s the official word from ALG, via Facebook:

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that David Samples has decided to no longer be part of Assembly Line Gods. We hope that all of you, like us, continue to follow and support him in all his future projects and wish him well. Realizing this is some shocking post-Christmas news, we will keep you updated on the future as we can. Thank you all for supporting us!

While the hard rock group isn’t officially over, the absence of the man who drove its lyrical themes and inspired a lot of its artwork places it in the dreaded “indefinite hiatus” category. Fear not, though; while there isn’t much the remaining members of ALG can do with that band at the moment, they’re certainly keeping busy. Drummer Carson Underwood says he is teaming up with Motherstar bassist Ruben Smith (who also filled in on bass with ALG) and guitarist Kyle Ragsdale as well as Murlesque guitarist Johnny Jacobs on a new project—one Smith says he and Ragsdale have left Motherstar to work on. No official word yet from Motherstar on what that means for that band’s future, either.

Is your head spinning yet? If not it probably will be in the weeks ahead. You can be sure these stories will continue to develop.

Welcome to SGF’s last night of 2011, a night full of intrigue, memory-making parties and, perhaps most importantly, tons of what this city does best: live-music entertainment. It has been an impressive ride for concerts in Springfield this year, and there’s every reason for tonight to be a strong finish to a great 12 months. Below is the list of events we brought you earlier in the week with the New Year’s Eve concert preview, re-printed to save you the online dig-through. Wherever you end up tonight, all of us at TAG wish you a great time, a happy new year and many more nights in front of a good band in the year to come. See you on the other side.

FIRST NIGHT SPRINGFIELD

Let’s start with the most family-friendly option, as NYE isn’t just for adults. First Night rolls into this year’s countdown with 10 spots buzzing with activity before the fireworks go off at Mediacom Ice Park at midnight. Here’s what’s going on at each:

• 1984 — Video game playing until 11:30 p.m.
• Canvas Art Gallery — The Lowdown Fancy (7 p.m.), Blackberry Winter (8:30 p.m.) and Abbie Benton & The Eskimo Girls (10 p.m.)
• Discovery Center of Springfield — Interactive museum activities from 6 to 11 p.m.
• Gillioz Theatre — New York International Children’s Film Festival Kid Flix Mix 2011 (6 p.m.), The Skinny Improv (7 p.m.) Downhere (8 p.m.), The Skinny Improv (9 p.m.) and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (10 p.m.)
• Jordan Valley Park — First Night’s Last Song winners The Kilgore Sisters (11:30 p.m.) and fireworks at midnight
• Landers Theatre — Springfield Little Theatre Young Artists & Youth Players (7 p.m.), Y.E.S. Troupe(8 p.m.) and The Kilgore Sisters (9 p.m.)
• Mediacom Ice Park — The RetroGnomes (9:30 p.m.)
• Park Central Branch Library — The Fishin’ Magicians (6 & 7 p.m.), Lyal Strickland (8 p.m.) andSPiNRaD (9 p.m.)
• Vandivort Center Theatre — Voices of Deliverance (6 & 8 p.m.), Total Praise (7 & 9 p.m.) and Ned “The Band” Wilkinson’s First Annual Last Ever Farewell Concert (10 p.m.)
• YMCA — Face painting, balloon twisting, Chinese name painting & more hands-on kids activities (5:30 p.m.)

—Advance tickets are $7 each or $25 for a family four-pack and day-of tickets are $8 or $30 for a family four-pack. Get them at Price Cutter Stores in Springfield, Ozark & Nixa; Springfield location Kum & Go convenience stores; major SGF library locations (The Library Center, The Library Station, Park Central Branch Library, Brentwood Branch Library); the Creamery Arts Center and the Urban Districts Alliance offices.

THE OUTLAND/HIGH LIFE/BALLROOM COMPLEX:

The three venues become one self-contained live music crawl of sorts similar to what they did for their Springfield Skatepark benefit earlier this year, with one $10 cover charge getting anyone 18 or older into the whole building for the night. Upstairs at the Ballroom you’ll find J.M. Buttermilk’s Hot Buttered Soul ‘n’ R&B Revue holding it down with its latest revised, bigger-than-ever night of ’60s soul classics, while the two downstairs stages offer up performances for those down with live instruments (’90s covers group Jessie & The Rippers, Slapdash Science and C.H. McCoy’s Jazz Illusion) or turntable-led hip hop (Mask & Glove, The Spacetones, Trak Masta Tom and Sylabol7).

SPRINGFIELD’S GOT TALENT:

The Ramada Oasis Convention Center turns its New Year’s party into a talent show with 12 performers (including local band Big Iron and Tom Gibson of The Seed and Elevenpoint Outlaws) competing to win more than $2,000 by a combination of celebrity judges such as J. Fotch of Power 96.5 FM, Chris Louzader of Midwest Family Radio and Dan Reiter of the Springfield Cardinals, as well as fan voting. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. You can learn more about packages, which include hotel stay, tickets and more, here.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL

The Savoy Ballroom gets creative with this theme party with creative-black-tie attire. Bella Donna (8 p.m.) and SGF rock ‘n’ roll greats The Skeletons (10 p.m.) perform during the night. You’ll also enjoy mimes, a DJ, portrait photography, artwork for sale (a portion of their sales benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association), full bar, appetizers and desserts and more. Look alive at the midnight balloon drop, too, as many of the balloons contain prizes. Cost is $45.

NYE DUBFIXX

Remmingtons Downtown gets busy with DJ dubstep sets by Little Rock’s Wolf-E-Wolf, Columbia’s Dr. Awkward and locals Strange People, DJ Johan & Nick Nice, Hayze and Gonzo. Cover charge is $15 at the door. Minors, be aware: If you leave the building it will cost you $2 to get back in.

THE END OF THE WORLD PARTY

Oh, yeah, did we mention it’s the New Year’s Eve for 2012, also known as The Year of Mayan Doom? LemonDrop is having some fun with the notion (might as well, right?), throwing an costume party (interpret the end-times theme however you’d like) inspired by novelist Bret Easton Ellis and including musical performances by Josh & The Jerks, Some Young Animal, JFyv, Falls Off Tables and Plaid Dragon. Cover charge is $5 and the proceeds go to benefit CASA. Starts 8:30 p.m.

From there we move from wide-scale and themed events into more focused fun, though no less exciting. For example:

* Big Smith continues its roll toward retirement next spring with a performance at Patton Alley Pub together with guest opener Guta. It’ll cost you $15 to get in.

* Speakeasy, fresh from recording its next album, pairs up with local rockers The Bootheel to blow the lid off Lindberg’s. Talk about an end-of-year bash.

* The Norman Jackson Band and SPiNRaD (doing the double with its second show of the night) ring in the new year at Jalen’s Place. Your $10 cover includes food.

* Canto 17 is the featured live music act for The Tower Club’s annual NYE event. Dinner at 8 p.m. is for members only, but the party and show are just $10.

* Cartoons brings you a night of music and food with The Mark Chapman Band and Bad Habit. Your cover charge includes a complimentary shot to start the night; dinner specials including cherry smoked prime rib, lemon roasted chicken and Alaskan crab leg; and your choice of a bottle of wine or champagne with dinner.

* The Dropouts rock out Galloway Station. Party starts at 7 p.m.(!)

* RideShy takes over Dennis’ Place for the night. Cover is $7 per person or $10 per couple. Music starts at 9 p.m.

* The Covergirlz headline the night’s festivities at Three 20′s Club, complete with balloon drop. Cover is $10.

If you’re at Patton Alley Pub later tonight you may find yourself chanting the title to tonight’s Show Report. It comes up near the end of “L5,” arguably the best-known song by local legends Fools Face, who close out the annual SGF band reunion season with their own get-together at the Pub starting at 9 p.m. The band’s hooky pop-rock made an indelible mark on local music in the late ’70s and early ’80s, culminating in a move to Los Angeles to pursue a record deal and widespread appeal. That kind of success wasn’t in the cards (though individual members found success in the music business later, such as bassist Jim Wirt‘s producing career), but the band’s legacy is secure in its hometown and its annual reunion shows are among the year’s most reliable must-sees. You can get in the door tonight for $12 or just $10 if you bring two canned goods to donate to Ozarks Food Harvest.

Also tonight:

* The Jah Roots Band and Naturally Blended at The High Life Live Martini Lounge. NB kicks off the night with a tribute to the music of Sublime, followed by an acoustic headlining set by the city’s best-known reggae group.

* Lilly Bee & The Johnson Three, Sugar Thumb, Black Bonnet Ballyhoo and Mark Cassidy & Chad Graves at Lindberg’s. Two relatively new acts hold down the night together with three-fourths of the all-girl folk rock/Americana group and two members of The HillBenders. FREE to get in.

* Hessian Crucible, Population: 0, From the Ashes and The News Called It Homicide at The Outland Ballroom. Some of SGF’s most popular present-day metal and hard rock acts throw down upstairs for the last time in 2011.

* Black Box Revue Presents at The Outland. Rapper Trey B, The Weeknd cover band XO Til We Overdose and K.W. Styles are the featured performers tonight while the Black Box DJs hold down the dance mix between sets.

* Trash Angels at Archie’s Lounge

* The Current Moment at Harlow’s

* Pearl at Three 20′s Club

* Broken Ridge at Dennis’ Place

* The John Strickler Trio (6 p.m.) at Springfield Brewing Company

Is it just me or does it feel as though The Give Up has been playing shows for a while now? We’ve known about the band for months now, heard its songs and even heard the band perform them live on the radio. But, believe it or not, tonight is the group’s first foray onto an SGF concert stage. The extra wait has given the pop-punk group time to not only hype its show but to put together a show worth hyping. Not only will you finally get to hear the songs of former S-Foil frontman Roger Kirchner‘s new band, but you’ll also experience talented young group The Captain’s Son and two relative newcomers to the local realm in the form of Gigantic and Pots & Pandas. The all-ages show gets rolling at 9 p.m. and costs $4 for those 21 and older and $6 for minors.

Also tonight:

* The Detectives at The Outland. It’s the last Detectives show until January 20, as the band is taking a bit of a break, so get in your ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ soul dancing while you can.

* Gas Pump Talent at Ebbets Field

* The LemonDrop DJs with guest Clawhammer at The High Life Live Martini Lounge

* A.J. Gaither (of The Fall Down Drunks) at Lindberg’s

* Mask at Patton Alley Pub

* Allen Ross at Harlow’s

* ’80s Rewind at Three 20′s Club

* Code Yellow at Cartoons

[[Show as slideshow]]
Interview photos by Kyle Green, BakedFreshDaily.com

Bluegrass heavyweight Split Lip Rayfield has been touring since the 1990s. The band stopped through SGF on Nov. 26 with Mountain Sprout on their recent tour. Before their show at the Outland Ballroom, Wayne, Eric and Jeff took the time to talk about experiences on the road, what motivates them to keep touring, the Stitchgiver and more. The road is less crazy for them (unless you consider traveling games of chess to be “crazy”). Listen to the conversation with Brett Johnston and Chris DeRosier, plugged with live performances from their SGF show.

[[Show as slideshow]]
Concert photos by Kyle Green, Brett Johnston

We’re just days away from the giant lighted ball descending over Times Square in New York, which means if you haven’t already thought about where you want to be on New Year’s Eve and what you want to be doing you probably should. Most events fill up fast and some require reservations, so to keep you from missing out on your chance to hear a great live band or attend some of the city’s biggest electronic dance parties we’ve included a list below to get you started. Again, these are New Year’s Eve events featuring live music or prominent EDM shows; we’re all about satisfying music lovers here. With that said, your options this year are rich, deep and varied. It’s safe to assume all of the events listed below, with the exception of family-themed ones, will include a champagne toast at midnight. Of course, if there’s live music or a good EDM party left off the list, include it in the comments below; we want as many people to know what’s going on as possible, and leaving no stone unturned is important. Let’s begin, shall we?

FIRST NIGHT SPRINGFIELD

Let’s start with the most family-friendly option, as NYE isn’t just for adults. First Night rolls into this year’s countdown with 10 spots buzzing with activity before the fireworks go off at Mediacom Ice Park at midnight. Here’s what’s going on at each:

• 1984 — Video game playing until 11:30 p.m.
• Canvas Art Gallery — The Lowdown Fancy (7 p.m.), Blackberry Winter (8:30 p.m.) and Abbie Benton & The Eskimo Girls (10 p.m.)
• Discovery Center of Springfield — Interactive museum activities from 6 to 11 p.m.
• Gillioz Theatre — New York International Children’s Film Festival Kid Flix Mix 2011 (6 p.m.), The Skinny Improv (7 p.m.) Downhere (8 p.m.), The Skinny Improv (9 p.m.) and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (10 p.m.)
• Jordan Valley Park — First Night’s Last Song winners The Kilgore Sisters (11:30 p.m.) and fireworks at midnight
• Landers Theatre — Springfield Little Theatre Young Artists & Youth Players (7 p.m.), Y.E.S. Troupe (8 p.m.) and The Kilgore Sisters (9 p.m.)
• Mediacom Ice Park — The RetroGnomes (9:30 p.m.)
• Park Central Branch Library — The Fishin’ Magicians (6 & 7 p.m.), Lyal Strickland (8 p.m.) and SPiNRaD (9 p.m.)
• Vandivort Center Theatre — Voices of Deliverance (6 & 8 p.m.), Total Praise (7 & 9 p.m.) and Ned “The Band” Wilkinson’s First Annual Last Ever Farewell Concert (10 p.m.)
• YMCA — Face painting, balloon twisting, Chinese name painting & more hands-on kids activities (5:30 p.m.)

—Advance tickets are $7 each or $25 for a family four-pack and day-of tickets are $8 or $30 for a family four-pack. Get them at Price Cutter Stores in Springfield, Ozark & Nixa; Springfield location Kum & Go convenience stores; major SGF library locations (The Library Center, The Library Station, Park Central Branch Library, Brentwood Branch Library); the Creamery Arts Center and the Urban Districts Alliance offices.

THE OUTLAND/HIGH LIFE/BALLROOM COMPLEX:

The three venues become one self-contained live music crawl of sorts similar to what they did for their Springfield Skatepark benefit earlier this year, with one $10 cover charge getting anyone 18 or older into the whole building for the night. Upstairs at the Ballroom you’ll find J.M. Buttermilk’s Hot Buttered Soul ‘n’ R&B Revue holding it down with its latest revised, bigger-than-ever night of ’60s soul classics, while the two downstairs stages offer up performances for those down with live instruments (’90s covers group Jessie & The Rippers, Slapdash Science and C.H. McCoy’s Jazz Illusion) or turntable-led hip hop (Mask & Glove, The Spacetones, Trak Masta Tom and Sylabol7).

SPRINGFIELD’S GOT TALENT:

The Ramada Oasis Convention Center turns its New Year’s party into a talent show with 12 performers (including local band Big Iron and Tom Gibson of The Seed and Elevenpoint Outlaws) competing to win more than $2,000 by a combination of celebrity judges such as J. Fotch of Power 96.5 FM, Chris Louzader of Midwest Family Radio and Dan Reiter of the Springfield Cardinals, as well as fan voting. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. You can learn more about packages, which include hotel stay, tickets and more, here.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL

The Savoy Ballroom gets creative with this theme party with creative-black-tie attire. Bella Donna (8 p.m.) and SGF rock ‘n’ roll greats The Skeletons (10 p.m.) perform during the night. You’ll also enjoy mimes, a DJ, portrait photography, artwork for sale (a portion of their sales benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association), full bar, appetizers and desserts and more. Look alive at the midnight balloon drop, too, as many of the balloons contain prizes. Cost is $45.

NYE DUBFIXX

Remmingtons Downtown gets busy with DJ dubstep sets by Little Rock’s Wolf-E-Wolf, Columbia’s Dr. Awkward and locals Strange People, DJ Johan & Nick Nice, Hayze and Gonzo. Cover charge is $15 at the door. Minors, be aware: If you leave the building it will cost you $2 to get back in.

THE END OF THE WORLD PARTY

Oh, yeah, did we mention it’s the New Year’s Eve for 2012, also known as The Year of Mayan Doom? LemonDrop is having some fun with the notion (might as well, right?), throwing an costume party (interpret the end-times theme however you’d like) inspired by novelist Bret Easton Ellis and including musical performances by Josh & The Jerks, Some Young Animal, JFyv, Falls Off Tables and Plaid Dragon. Cover charge is $5 and the proceeds go to benefit CASA. Starts 8:30 p.m.

From there we move from wide-scale and themed events into more focused fun, though no less exciting. For example:

* Big Smith continues its roll toward retirement next spring with a performance at Patton Alley Pub together with guest opener Guta. It’ll cost you $15 to get in.

* Speakeasy, fresh from recording its next album, pairs up with local rockers The Bootheel to blow the lid off Lindberg’s. Talk about an end-of-year bash.

* The Norman Jackson Band and SPiNRaD (doing the double with its second show of the night) ring in the new year at Jalen’s Place. Your $10 cover includes food.

* Canto 17 is the featured live music act for The Tower Club’s annual NYE event. Dinner at 8 p.m. is for members only, but the party and show are just $10.

* Cartoons brings you a night of music and food with The Mark Chapman Band and Bad Habit. Your cover charge includes a complimentary shot to start the night; dinner specials including cherry smoked prime rib, lemon roasted chicken and Alaskan crab leg; and your choice of a bottle of wine or champagne with dinner.

* The Dropouts rock out Galloway Station. Party starts at 7 p.m.(!)

* The Covergirlz headline the night’s festivities at Three 20′s Club, complete with balloon drop. Cover is $10.

We don’t know how you celebrate the day after Christmas—going back to work, nursing a hangover, hitting up tha basketballz or what have you—but the members of Speakeasy do it by going back into the studio. Today through Wednesday Marcus Chatman, Shawn Eckels, Ryan Fannin and Reed Herron are hunkering down inside The Studio on South Avenue to record their first record since 2008′s All Your New Favorite Songs with local legend Lou Whitney, same as they did in September. The difference now, however, is that the longtime SGF rock band is out to record and release a physical album rather than individual tracks monthly on its website. With that in mind, singer and guitarist Shawn Eckels says to look for at least nine or 10 tracks to make it onto the finished record—which doesn’t have so much as a working title at this time—and possibly more songs if time allows. It’s a compressed recording schedule matched only by its compressed release schedule; Eckels says to look for the record in very early 2012. Whether or not that means we’ll see it before he hits the road on tour with Andy Frasco for six weeks starting January 15 remains to be seen, though it would seem like a long shot. We’ll keep you posted on more album details as they come in.