The Music Scene with Malcolm X Abram

Sure, they haven't put out a record of new material in nearly 20 years (1990's Smooth Noodle Maps) nevertheless Akron's own DEVO will be performing at the conclusion of the Victory Ceremony during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver on February 22.

The band, which plans to end its lengthy studio album drought with a brand spanking as yet untitled new record sometime this year, will not only be playing to their biggest audience ever with an estimated 2 billion viewers worldwide. But it'll be the band's first live television appearance in 20 years and they plan on mixing a few old favorites (can you say Whip It?) along with some new tunes.

Or as Booji Boy is quoted as saying in the press release I'm currently butchering for my own amusement:

“DEVO were collectively ready to relax in their matching LAZYBOY loungers, sipping drinks by the 19th hole, but the rate things have been falling apart, and the velocity of de-evolution these days left us with no choice but to get back out there and inform people that now, more than ever before, it is time to disobey the mob and think for ourselves! To remind people that biology is destiny, and de-evolution is real! We are back with inspirational tomes of truth and neuro-simpatico sonic nuggets for the entire world, not just our species!
From your inarticulate pal,”
booji boy oxo

The announcement of DEVO completes the lineup of 15 top North American headline acts for the Whistler Victory Ceremonies, which also includes Feist, Usher, Our Lady Peace, and The Fray. Each act will perform for one night from February 13 to 27 during the Games at Whistler Medals Plaza.

Ok, that was straight from the press release.

Anyway, this could be a big year for Devo with the new record almost ready for release and a new deal with their old record company Warner Bros.

Here's an interview with Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale from Spring of '09 where they talk about the new album, young hip bands that name check them and other stuff.

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On Saturday, February 6 at The Factory (1385 E. 36th St., Cleveland) WKRK/Radio 92.3 will host a benefit concert to aid in the relief for the people of Haiti called Radio 92.3 Bands Together: A Cleveland Music Benefit for Haiti.

Bands scheduled to perform include former Faith No More vocalist Chuck Mosley, Leal Lou, Leo, Random Stereo, 2nd Half, The Suede Brothers and This Is A Shakedown!

All proceeds from the $5 cover charge will be donated to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Efforts

What: Radio 92.3 Bands Together: A Cleveland Music Benefit for Haiti
When: 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6
Where: The Factory, 1385 E. 36th St., Cleveland
Tickets: $5
Information: (216) 861-0100; radio923fm.com

To get you pumped here is Chuck Mosley's video blog from December '09 talking about his latest album Will Rap Over Hard Rock For Food and other stuff.

"You should listen to this album because my girlfriend likes it..and she doesn't like anything!"

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The concert by local indie rock band Drummer that was to happen Friday night at The Kent Stage has been cancelled due to bassist Pat Carney's many responsibilities with his other band, The Black Keys who are finishing up their next record. Word from people who have heard some of the band's new tracks is that the results will be their best record to date.

As a consolation take a gander at Drummer's locally produced video for the title track of their debut album, Feel Good Together

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Check out "Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)" being performed on Late Night with David Letterman Tuesday night.

Read Malcolm Abram's review of Blackroc here. Blackroc will perform on the Late Show with Jimmy Fallon Thursday night.

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Livenation's growing love affair with Akron's concert venues continues with the announcement that singer/songwriter Norah Jones will perform at the hall on Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Jones has been receiving reams of positive press for her fourth album The Fall which finds her loosening and shaking up the comfy, sleepy, roots flavored music of her past work.
It's not a death-metal record, but it is a bit louder and musically diverse and it's good to hear Jones shake it up a little bit, though overall the sound still fairly mellow.

Tickets for the show are $42.50 and $55 and go on sale Friday, December 4 and will be available at all ticketmaster locations, livenation.com and at the E.J. Thomas Box Office.

Here is a link to the lead single from The Fall, Chasing Pirates

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