Old Crow Medicine Show will release their first live DVD Live at the Orange Peel and Tennessee Theatre on August 18th. The film “was recorded over two nights last December and features performances of 20 songs—15 of which are from the band’s three studio albums.” This announcement follows the already amazing announcement of The Big Surprise Tour headed to select cities next month. I’d better make up my mind about heading to Louisville for that one. Until then, I’m going to enjoy the just announced live version of “Down Home Girl” from the forthcoming DVD.

Buy: Old Crow Medicince Show
Myspace: Old Crow Medicine Show

I don’t post enough on the greatness of Elvis Perkins In Dearland, whose new self-titled album is one of my favorite records of the year. If you’re just being introduced to the band, you won’t want to miss the amazing video above for “Chains, Chains, Chains.” You can also grab a free and legal download of “Shampoo” below.

Chicago fans of the band should not miss the two upcoming dates at the end of the month on July 25th (Subterranean) and July 26th (Wicker Park Festival).

Previously: Video: Elvis Perkins + Bon Iver - “Doomsday” (Orlando)

Buy: Elvis Perkins in Dearland
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Myspace: Elvis Perkins In Dearland
MP3: Elvis Perkins in Dearland - “Shampoo”

I’m a big fan of Liam Finn, so I was psyched to hear that he has a new EP coming September 1st via Yep Roc. The upcoming EP will be a collaborative effort with Eliza-Jane Barnes, and follows “the the melody focused, studio-as-instrument stylings of” Finn’s 2008 release, I’ll Be Lightning

Champagne in Seashells tracklist:

1. Plane Crash
2. Long Way to Go
3. Won’t Change My Mind
4. Honest Face
5. On Your Side

Photo: Hooverdust
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Myspace: Liam Finn
MP3: Liam Finn - “I Will Explode”

The Avett Brothers show in Chicago on Sunday has stuck with me. Their records haven’t left my daily listening routine and I’ve spent hours scouring YouTube. During said search, I uncovered Scott Avett performing one of my favorite Townes Van Zandt songs, “Greensboro Woman” on the tour bus en route to Covington, KY from Columbus, OH.

Check out Scott’s take above and, if you haven’t heard the original via Townes, please download it below.

MP3: Townes Van Zandt - “Greensboro Woman”

Muzzle of Bees favorite Andrew Bird will make two Wisconsin stops in support of his fantastic new album, Noble Beast.

Bird will headline Madison’s Forward Music Festival on Saturday, September 19th at Overture Hall with support from Pale Young Gentlemen.

In October, Bird will land at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater for a two-night stint on including a full band show on Friday, October 16 and a solo performance with support from St. Vincent on Saturday, October 17th.

Chicago fans should seek out Andrew Bird at Lollapalooza on Friday, August 7th. You can check out Andrew Bird’s website for the complete list of new tour dates.

Buy: Noble Beast / Useless Creatures (Deluxe Edition)
Myspace: Andrew Bird

Set List: Signs // Die Die Die // I & Love & You // At the Beach // Bella Donna // Laundry Room // Paranoia in Bb Major // One Line Wonder // Down With A Glistening Shine // Talk on Indolence // Murder in the City // Denouncing November Blue // LOL, LOL // Ballad of Love & Hate // Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms (Earl Scruggs cover) // Salina // Kick Drum Heart // Dream Appointed (Another Youngster) // Go to Sleep

Encore: The Perfect Space

It had been a couple years since I’d seen a show at the House of Blues in Chicago. I arrived to the venue in great anticipation, The Avett Brothers had teased some new material from their forthcoming album, I and Love and You when I saw them in Austin a few months back. Since then, I’ve had the chance to hear a few live records and have had the title track on in heavy rotation.

New songs “Laundry Room” and “Kick Drum Heart” embody the charging energy side of the Avett’s, while the evening’s closer, “The Perfect Space,” is as reflective as anything they’ve penned to date. It opens with a reasonable wish, “I wanna have friends that I can trust, that love me for the man I’ve become not the man I was” and ends continues with a heavy ending of “I wanna have pride like my mother has, And not like the kind in the bible that turns you bad.”

The Avett Brothers will leave your legs sore, your voice hoarse, and your memory bank filled with joy. They’re a band that you could drag along a pessimist and I’d bet the Avetts could win them over by the time the curtain goes down. Last night’s crowd was a mixture of the usual suspects: the die-hards, the booze hounds, the hippie chics, the businessman, and many more. The beauty of their live show resides within their ability to seamlessly transfer from rocker to delicate acoustic numbers like “Murder In The City.” If you haven’t bought your ticket for their show at the Barrymore in October, it’s never to early to plan ahead. The show will sell out, so don’t be left out.

Discuss: Drop a comment if you made last night’s show in Chicago. What were your highlights and thoughts on the new material?

Bonus: Scott Avett playing “Greensboro Woman” traveling from Columbus to Covington (6/21/09)

Upcoming Wisconsin Shows:

6/29 - Spoon - Summerfest, Milwaukee
6/30 - White Rabbits - High Noon Saloon, Madison
7/1 - Bob Dylan + Willie Nelson - Summerfest, Milwaukee
7/2 - Femi Kuti - Summerfest, Milwaukee
7/2 - No Doubt/Paramoree/Bedouin Soundclash - Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee
7/4 - Richard Swift - Summerfest, Milwaukee
7/4 - Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks - Outside Burnhearts, Milwaukee
7/5 - Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Summerfest, Milwaukee

Upcoming Chicago Shows:

6/29 - Black Moth Super Rainbow - Jay Pritzker Pavilion
7/1 - White Rabbits - Empty Bottle
7/2 - Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks - The Bottom Lounge
7/4 - Toots & The Maytals - Wild Hare
7/4 - Drive-By Truckers - Taste of Chicago, Grant Park
7/5 - Richard Swift - Schubas Tavern

Just Announced:

9/26 - Arctic Monkeys - The Rave, Milwaukee
10/6 - The Butthole Surfers - Barrymore Theatre, Madison

New Releases:

Wilco (The Album)

+Bookmark our Wisconsin and Chicago shows pages for all your concert announcements+

Paul McCartney jumped on stage with Neil Young last night to guest on vocals during “A Day In The Life.” Pretty great stuff, wish Neil would have turned over vocals to Macca completely, but I’m not gonna complain.

(via)

As temperatures begin to rise, The Terrace becomes the destination in Madison for live music, meet ups, hook ups, and an all-around good times. The musical offerings this year have been an eclectic grab bag, combining many genres, and mixing the old and new. Great stuff. Last night, Milwaukee’s own Paul Cebar took the stage and brought the tunes via pedal power. As you’ll see in the pictures below, the Memorial Union set up bikes that provided the power for the music all night long.

Photos: Ed Oliver

Buy: Paul Cebar
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Myspace: Paul Cebar
MP3: Paul Cebar - “Run Wild, Breathe Easy”
MP3: Paul Cebar - “She Found A Fool”