JWB Riding Shotgun, Lubing the Ideas

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Bonnaroo 2010

Now it is just another rumor…sorry guys.

"One of these days we will see LeBron perform the Greatest Highlight Ever."

The longest article Michael has ever read. And in only three sittings.

What does everyone think?  Will he stay?

Credit goes to fellow Ramsey, NJ’ian Christian Larson for finding this absolute gem. As a way to honor Conan’s last night on the Tonight Show, here is a number Conan, Andy Richter, Max Weinberg and Bobby Bowman did years ago.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJx9BNbzHKY[/youtube]

…for selling his fictional yet hopeful story.  How can a 10 go for a  5?  A boy can dream Michael…a boy can dream.

This movie will definitely be awful, but if you want to see the trailer…you can find it here.

Favorite Bonnaroo sets from the past two years:

2008:

Pearl Jam, Levon Helms, Swell Season, Lez Zeppelin, Widespread Panic, Aimee Mann, Robert Plant, and Metallica

2009:

Phish and the Boss were great, but my favorite acts were Public Enemy, (maybe my favorite set of all time) Rodrigo y Gabriella, Citizen Cope, Snoop Dogg, and NIN

In 2008 I was new and there were many acts I already loved whereas in 2009 I was surprised by new sounds everywhere I turned.  I’m hoping for more of the same this year—where I’ll seek out new sounds and maybe stumble across a few classics.  Considering the need for exploration and uncharted forests, it’s tough to decide on an ideal list of bands because the discovery is so much part of the experience.  So, in this case, I’ll try to expose others to some lesser known music that I’ve enjoyed over the past few years while indulging in some of my faves. Maybe Eminem will get my friend Adam to finally come.  Note:  I believe every Bonnaroo should open with Lez Zeppelin and close with Widespread Panic (and guests).

Thursday

Lez Zeppelin

…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead

Blood Brothers

Friday

Razorlight

Grand Buffet

Black Crowes

Tenacious D

Guns and Roses

the RZA

Arcade Fire

Ween

Saturday

Old Crow Medicine Show

Johnny Lang

Marshall Tucker

Ray Lamontagne

Ricky Gervais

The Rolling Stones

Eminem (feat Dre and 50)

Ok Go

Sunday

Counting Crows

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Ryan Adams

R.E.M.

Death from Above 1979

Widespread Panic

Bob Dylan at Bonnaroo 2010?

Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Jay-Z at Bonnaroo 2010?

“Over the past couple of days, the Bonnaroo Twitter feed has been drip-dripping a series of clues — some harder to decipher than others — about this year’s festival lineup.

First came the promise of a “bigger bang” this year, which appears to be an allusion to the Rolling Stones (or a coded message about the drugs). Then there’s the “big pimpin’ “reference, which certainly points to Jay-Z (though the Jigga Man is already slated forCoachella), and the “jokerman” reference suggests Bob Dylan. Not sure if all the “monkey” clues have anything to do with Gorillaz or Michael Nesmith, and I’m at a loss with this one. Just as well, since we’ll all know soon enough, but in the meantime, let the speculation continue unabated!”

Taken from HERE.

I mean, if Dylan is there I will lose it (even though I despised him after seeing him act like a complete asshole in the Prudential Center a few years back.  And the Stones?  Are you kidding me?   Next fucking level.

I’m now reading reports that that this year’s ‘Roo lineup will be announced Feb. 2, which falls on a Tuesday. I remember last year’s lineup was announced exactly at midnight, however, so the announcement might as well be Monday night. The timing of this year’s release falls in line with past years.

As the resident TRM U2 expert [ahem, fanatic] let me give an update on U2’s soon-to-be-released album tentatively titled “Songs of Ascent”.

 The band seems to be pulling material together from a number of sessions they’ve worked on in the past. That is not to say they are not creating new tunes for the upcoming album, but it seems to be more material coming from past albums that were never completed.

 In a recent interview with Dublin-based music and political magazine Hot Press, The Edge goes as far to say that the band could actually release an album now if they wanted – they just don’t want to yet.

  “We’ve got some stuff, more abstract stuff that we could put together as a release, but right now what’s really intriguing me is plain, old-fashioned songwriting, and we have some amazing stuff.”

 So, when could the new album be released? Well, no one knows an exact date yet, but 2010 is very likely. To get more specific – and this is coming from 17 years of U2 fandom experience – watch what Bono says to get an early idea and then tack on three to six months, and there you have it: the album release date. The south-side Dubliner has all the optimism a man can have.

 U2, to their undying credit, has given us some insight as to what “Songs” may be like, however. During the currently running 360 Tour – which is between legs – the band actually plays a snippet of one of the new tracks during their intro. The melody – called “Kingdom” – comes on a minute or so before the band hits the stage. It has an atmospheric type tilt to it that leaves the listener almost in a haze. Click below to give it a listen.

 Keep coming back to The Rural Minority to get up-to-date information on everything going on with U2’s new album. Also, sign up, and tell us your thoughts on U2’s new song “Kingdom”. Exciting stuff ahead.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzp0jvXWfLo&feature=fvw[/youtube]

If you’re like me, amid all of this ‘Roo speculation you could use some definites.  Thankfully, for the rest of the Minority, I live in the Music City and know people.  I know people.  I can tell you, without a doubt, that 4 of the following bands will play at Bonnaroo this year.

AutoVaughn
Born Empty
Brenn
Caitlin Rose
Cassino
Cheer Up Charlie Daniels
Cortney Tidwell
Delta Saints
Dozen Dimes
Glossary
Hillbilly Casino
How I Became the Bomb
JEFF the Brotherhood
Kyle Andrews
Leslie
Majestico
Mikky Ekko
Modoc
Moon Taxi
My Tyger
Nobility
Non-Commissioned Officers
Space Capone
Tesla Rossa
The Privates
The Silver Seas
Turbo Fruits
Mona
Pico vs. Island Trees
Ponderosa
The Effects
The Kicks

I know, I know.  They’re all local Nashville bands.   You’ve never heard any of them and I’ve only heard a fistfull.  Nonetheless, according to Nashville Cream that’s the complete  list of bands that will be competing in the “Road to Bonnaroo” hosted by the Mercy Lounge.  Those bands will be split up into four groups and will participate in  epic show downs on February 22, March 22, April 19 and May 17.  The winner of each night gets a set at the Troo Music Lounge in Manchester.  Pretty sweet deal, in my opinion.  I tried to get a spot in the competition but was quickly rebuffed for “not being in a band” and  ”sounding terrible” and “not having any pants on.”  Whatever.  Its a free country Mercy Lounge.

Anyway, they did this last year and I’m told it was a huge hit.  You’ve got the best local talent in Nashville, TN competing for a chance to play ‘Roo (even if it is the Troo Music Lounge).  That’s a deep well to be drawing water from and the stakes are huge.  From all reports I’ve heard, you can expect these bands to bring their A-games.  To top it all off, when I went to see Gaslight Anthem and Murder By Death at Mercy Lounge in the fall, the venue fuckin’ delivered.  Count me in.

If any of the Minority were thinking about a weekend trip to Nashville in the near future, those weekends would be sure things.  Great local music on top of all of the other typical honky tonkin’.  And, just for Minority members, I won’t even take creepy pictures of you while you sleep on my couch like I do normal guests.