Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Beach Boys announce 50th anniversary reunion tour, coming to Raleigh

Just days after the band's Grammy performance, the Beach Boys have announced a massive tour that will, for the first time in two decades, include Brian Wilson.

The Beach Boys will play the Raleigh Amphitheatre on Sunday, April 29. Tickets go on sale next Saturday, Feburary 25, at 10 a.m. via the Progress Energy Center box office and Ticketmaster. Ticket prices will start at $29.50.

Click through for a complete list of tour dates. The band had promised a 50-date international tour and list below only includes 37 stops, so expect some updates in the future.

The Donkeys announces spring tour, coming to Raleigh

Photo by Christina McCord
California band The Donkeys are hitting the road again this spring in support of their latest album Born With Stripes, released last year on Dead Oceans Records. The band played King's in Raleigh last spring and they're coming back to venue almost exactly a year later.

They'll play Kings on Monday, May 21. Buxton will open. Tickets are on sale now via Etix for $6.

Stream or download the song "I Like the Way You Walk" from Born With Stripes below.

Joe Pug announces new album & tour, coming to Chapel Hill

Photo by Todd Roeth
Chicago singer-songwriter Joe Pug will release his sophomore album The Great Despiser on April 24 and will hit the road on a hefty tour supporting it which will keep him on the road through early June.

Late in the the tour, on Monday, June 4, he'll make a stop at Local 506 in Chapel Hill. Tickets are on sale now HERE for $9.

Check out a teaser video for The Great Despiser below which features a bit of the song "Hymn #76" from the album.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Album Review: Craig Finn - Clear Heart Full Eyes

While Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn has never shied away from the spotlight, but on his solo record, Clear Heart Full Eyes, listeners get a clearer sense of the man behind the frontman.

Finn explores the intersection of rock and roll and religion from several angles, a topic he’s no stranger to. “No Future” tells the tale of man who has replaced God with rock and roll and who is resigned to his fate. “Good old Freddie Mercury is the only guy that advises me,” Finn sings defiantly before admitting later, “The crucifixion still gets to me.”

Lost in the Trees announces album release party in Carrboro

After announcing the rest of their first round of tour dates in support of their forthcoming album A Church That Fits Our Needs, Lost in the Trees have finally announced their big hometown release party, which will come at the end of the run.

They'll play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Friday, April 20. Tickets will go on sale today, February 14, via Etix for $15.

If you haven't already checked out the song "Red" from the new album, stream or download it below. You can also check out the music video for the song HERE.