How much would you pay to "Meet the Beatles?"

An album cover signed by all four Beatles as a gift for George Harrison's sister has sold at auction for more than $115,000.

CNN.com

Long Live James Brown

James Brown died on Christmas morning, and the world is a poorer place for it. This blogger has posted a few iconic mp3s of his music. They may not stay up long, so download them quickly if you'd like.

Instrumental Analysis blog.

Merry Christmas from the MEB

In the midst of this crazy holiday season, we want to send our best wishes to all of you. You have been so great this whole year and given us so much joy, and we most definitely appreciate all your support.

We've had a great 2006 and look forward to spending even more exciting times with all of you in '07. We kick off the year with shows at the Dinosaur and Coleman's Jan 5 and 6. And look for a post in the next week on the MEBlog on the "MEB's Best of 2006." That should be a lot of fun.

Can't wait to see you all out and about.

As our Christmas gift, download our special recording of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."

Happy Holidays and have a Funky New Year!

Mike, Jeff, Steve and Paul

The story of David, Bing, and a drummer boy

One of my favorite Christmas songs is the David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet on "Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth." This article tells the story behind the song and how it almost didn't happen.

WashingtonPost.com

Gluten-free beer from A-B

Anheuser-Busch is coming out with a new beer called "Redbridge" that will be made from sorghum instead of wheat, so those with gluten allergies can have a beer again.

Article @ MSNBC.com
Redbridge Beer website

Dead, Doors, Baez & more get honorary Grammys

Influential rock bands The Doors and the Grateful Dead will receive lifetime achievement Grammy Awards next year, along with jazz saxophone player Ornette Coleman and the late opera singer Maria Callas.

Other honorees include folk singer Joan Baez, soul musicians Booker T. & the MG's, and late country music icon Bob Wills. The statuettes will be handed out during a ceremony leading up to the main Grammy Awards, which take place in Los Angeles on February 11.

Reuters.com

Great new U2 video - Window In The Skies

Any real fan of rock'n'roll history will love this video. From Zappa to Zeppelin to Patti Smith to Sinatra to The Clash to Jay-Z: tons of music icons are featured in this incredibly original and stunningly cool video. You gotta check it out.

Window In The Skies

Have an Emo Christmas

This is a cool collection of Christmas songs from some emo bands, and there are links to tons of other holiday music. I love this blog.

I especially like the version of "Do You Hear What I Hear" from Copeland.

Eggnog Makes Me Emo

Did Ali invent rap?

Discussing the recent "Ali Rap" show on ESPN, pop-culture author Chuck Klosterman talks about Muhammad Ali and the origins of rap. Interesting view on the whole deal.

Article

Twisted Christmas

Just to get you in the Christmas mood today.

Time to start the "Best of 06" lists

NPR listeners weigh in with their Top 10 CDs of 2006, putting Regina Spektor (above) at #10, and Bob Dylan (below) at #3.

www.npr.org

Muscle Shoals is now a cool museum

Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers
And they’ve been known to pick a song or two
Lord they get me off so much
They pick me up when I’m feeling blue
Now how about you?

Article @ AmericanHeritage.com
www.muscleshoalssound.org

How many calories in my piña colada?

I think I'll just have a Glenlivet on the rocks and those pounds will melt away, right?

10 fattening cocktails to avoid - Forbes.com - MSNBC.com

Good to Go at the Dino

In case you hadn't heard, the Syracuse Dinosaur Bar-B-Que reopened Monday. That's great news for you and the MEB, as our show Wednesday Dec 6 will go on as scheduled. The Dinosaur is "back and better than ever." We'd love to see lots of you out to help welcome back this Central New York food and music icon.

We'll get started around 9 or 10 as the dinner crowd thins out, and play till they make us stop. We can't wait to spread the MEB gospel to even more folks in Syracuse, and we hope you're part of the congregation.

See ya out and about!
Mike, Jeff, Steve, and Paul

7 Love Songs That Aren't

You think it's a love song, but if you listen closely, it's not. Kinda funny. I think half of Mike's songs are the same way, but don't tell Joanie.

New York Post: 7 Love Songs That Aren't

10 great places to see what's brewing

Sure you can get a great beer at your local pub, but a tour of a brewery is a great experience, and often the tasting room at the end of the tour is a story all unto itself.

10 great places to see what's brewing in beer - USATODAY.com

Feelin' Shifty & Mesozoic

When you think of places to see live music in Syracuse over the years, Shifty's on Burnet Ave. and the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que definitely come to mind. And in the next week you'll get the chance to see the MEB play at both iconic venues.

Saturday Dec 2 we'll take the stage at Shifty's around 9, all the while enjoying the cool atmosphere, cold beers, great food, and eclectic clientele. The new owners have made some nice improvements, making the whole bar more comfortable and accessible for everyone. C'mon out, you'll have a great time.

And next Wednesday Dec 6, we make our inaugural splash at the Syracuse Dinosaur, starting around 9 or 10 when the dinner crowd starts to clear out. This is a great opportunity for us to strut our stuff at the home of the best BBQ this side of Memphis. We'd really love to see a ton of you out to show the Dino folks that you want to see us there more often. Bethany will be behind the bar, the smell of the food will be incredible, and we'll be manning the same stage as hundreds of phenomenal musicians that have come before us. We can't wait.

Wo-o-o-h, halfway there ..

You know 'em, you love 'em, you can't help but sing along: the Top 5 Drunken Sing-A-Longs.

"Top 5 Drunken Sing-A-Longs" by Steve Horvath on CollegeHumor

You mean "Elvis" isn't really his name?!

So Elvis Costello is really Declan Patrick McManus, and Gene Simmons is a good Jewish boy: Chaim Witz. This page has a bunch more of these fun real names.

I think I'm changing mine to Vince Rocket. Whaddayathink?

What’s My Name Bitch! � MPL’s Blog

Second Hand Songs

Lots of fun at this site if you're trying to remember who did a particular tune, and who has covered it, or a little about the history of a tune.

Find out who performed the original version of a particular song, or who covered that song. Unlike many related sites, we try to be as complete as possible (not just performer and song title, but also songwriters and original media) and order the data in a reusable and maintainable way.

Second Hand Songs

The Simpsons unplugged

Heck, Jeff could do this ...

Happy Thanksgiving

From all of us in the MEB, have the happiest of Thanksgivings, and know that we are immensely thankful for all of your loyalty and support and friendship. We couldn't do it without you.

And follow this link to Let's Say Thanks, a website where you can send a free card to a member of our military stationed overseas, thanking them for all they've done for us.

Mike, Jeff, Steve and Paul

Can white men sing the blues?

I gotta think Steve O has as much soul as anyone I know, so I know that white boys can sing the blues. Here's an interesting semi-historical look at the phenomenon of "Blue-Eyed Soul."

allmusic.com

Fired Up for Saturday

This Saturday, Nov 18, the MEB makes our debut appearance at The Fireside Inn on Genesee St in Baldwinsville, NY. We play from 9-1. Always known for good food, The Fireside has revamped their music schedule to appeal to a new audience. If you haven't been there, or been there in a while, stop out and see what they have to offer. It's not your parents' Fireside anymore ... [map]

Upcoming dates
Saturday Dec 2 Shifty's
Wednesday Dec 6 Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Please stop touring

At a certain point, rock bands should just stop. Once you pass the point of relevance and head on down the road toward comic absurdity, and finally the depressing reality of a future full of casino shows – sorry Hall and Oates – you have to know when to call it quits. You might save the band’s integrity. Here’s a Boston.com list of bands we feel really need to consider slowing down.

Please stop touring - Boston.com

The All-TIME 100 Albums

Time Magazine has compile a list of the greatest and most influential records ever. Yep, there'll be lots of arguments about this one, boys and girls.

The All-TIME 100 Albums

Want to indulge yourself?

How about checking out WhiskyFest New York, a celebration of high-end whiskys? It was sold out this year, proving that when it comes to spending money on luxury items, alcohol is always a good choice.

MSNBC.com article
Malt Advocate magazine

MEB in Oswego!

Oswego, here we come! The MEB storms into "A Great City on a Great Lake" on Saturday Nov 11, setting up shop at Greene's Ale House on Bridge St. We'll get started around 10, with all the locals in the house and keep partying until the late-night college crowd shows up to take us to closing time.

Don't forget to join us for our pre-Thanksgiving Bash next Saturday at the Fireside Inn in B'ville.

Check the blog and the band website for goofy entertainment and useful info.

All About Wasabi

Everything you ever wanted to know about wasabi (and fake "western wasabi") and more. My sinuses are clearing just thinking about it.

Wasabi!!

Austin - music everywhere you look

They call themselves the Live Music Capital of the World, and who am I to argue? Here's a list of 10 great places to hear live music in Austin, the capital city of Texas.

Texas capital? Sure, but what about the music? - MSNBC.com

New Bruce book out

Written by Bob Santelli, a former music critic for the Asbury Park Press, Greetings From E Street looks to be a really in-depth and interesting collection of photos, notes, documents and more.

Greetings From E Street

The Purple One meets Celine

I'm not sure what to make of this. Prince has agreed to a regular gig at 3121, a club inside the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. That just seems weird to me for some reason.

MSNBC.com article.
3121 Club

The Saints Are Coming

U2 and Green Day "The Saints Are Coming" video. Really damn cool tune and cool video.

Flea has a Lakers jones

One of favorite crazy bass players, Flea, is a big Lakers fan and talks about his obsession. In fact, he's writing a blog for NBA.com. Maybe he can borrow some tube socks from them.

From LATimes.com

In memory of Duane Allman

He died 35 years ago, but his influence is still amazingly strong.

MSNBC.com article

The Clash gets an exhibit at the HOF

They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and a new exhibit entitled “Revolution Rock: The Story of the Clash" just opened, and it will be there until August 2007. I think a road trip to Cleveland is in order.

MSNBC.com article.
Hall of Fame page.

"Jaws" tuba player passes away

Though you never new who he was, we have all heard the "Jaws" theme, and the tuba part was played by Los Angeles studio legend Tommy Johnson. The 71-year old died last week.

Here's an interesting interview with him from a few years ago.

Tommy Johnson, played tuba for 'Jaws' theme, dies at 71 in LA

Not-so-Super Nova

Bassist Jason Newsted has injured himself and won't be able to tour with Rock Star Supernova. And the shoulder injury sounds really painful.

The Gauntlet :: Voivod

Variety is the spice of life

And variety in beer is a wonderful thing. Even the big boys are gettting into the swing, with chocolate, vanilla oak, pumpkin flavors and more.

Big brewers roll out seasonal flavors - Food Inc. - MSNBC.com

Half The Who is back

Pete and Roger are relasing a new album. Loved 'em back in the day, but I'm not rushing out to WalMart to pick this one up right away.


The Who returning with first album in decades - MSNBC.com

Mommies Dearest

Friday Oct 20, the MEB saddles up and heads west to McGhan's Pub on Main St in Victor, NY. Always a good time with our Rochester-area friends. We get started at 9:00 and play till we stop or drop.



Good fortune smiled upon us the last time we played McGhan's when we met Jill Orologio. Jill runs a non-profit organization called Mommies for Miracles (www.mommiesformiracles.org). Please check out her site to see more about this incredibly worthy cause. We're looking forward to a night out with all the MFM crew.

We look forward to seeing you.
Mike, Jeff, Steve, and Paul

Iggy Pop's great concert rider

For pure fun and entertainment, you can't beat reading the wacky requirements set out in many artist's concert riders (remember the "no brown M&M's"?). And the one from Iggy Pop and The Stooges is a classic. It's not just a rider, it's a work of literature.

TSG Backstage: Iggy Pop

It's all about the beer

A new book tells the story of beermaking in the United States. And what's better than cracking a cold one while reading about beer?

Ambitious Brew: The Story of American Beer by Maureen Ogle, reviewed by Powells.com

Let's get Wacky!

This Friday, Oct 13 we return to Wacky Wyatt's on Genesee St in Baldwinsville, NY. We get started at 7:00. Come on out for some great Tex-Mex dining served with a heaping plate of MEB.

And be sure to read below to learn why you'll have to head west to see our next show at CBGB's, why Keith Richards is still alive or what new drink to try this weekend..

We hope to see you
Mike, Jeff, Steve, and Paul

Lindsey Buckingham hits the road

The former Fleetwood Mac frontman is touring behind his first new solo album in 14 years.

Mac-less Lindsey Buckingham back on road - MSNBC.com

Another landmark fades away

The lengendary CBGB club in NY is closing over a rent dispute. Serious bummer.



New York Daily News - Daily Dish & Gossip - Final curtain at CBGB
The official CBGB site.

Wacky drinks for your weekend

Who just wants a beer? Try one of these crazy drinks.

Wired 14.10: START

New Killers album out, and they're looking back

“Especially lyrically, everything is more nonfictional,” says Stoermer. “It’s from a real place.”

Part of that may be due to the influence of one of the great American lyricists, Bruce Springsteen. Flowers says much of his Springsteen knowledge was from his “Born in the U.S.A.” days — until he picked up some of the rock great’s earlier recordings and was blown away.

“It’s just a real pleasant surprise that I was going to fall in love with something,” Flowers says. “I’m 25 years old and I thought that was over. ... You kind of lose the innocence of someone showing you something special, something being god-like.”

Killers’ album looks to bring great music back - MSNBC.com

Good old Biff

Nice to see that Biff from Back To The Future is still around. You'll enjoy this.

YouTube link

Follow up on Marc Cohn shooting

The man who shot Marc Cohn in August 2005 in Denver was sentenced Monday and is going to prison for 36 years.

Marc Cohn shooter gets prison term - Celebrity News - MSNBC.com

Yoga, anyone?

Even Dave Mustaine from Megadeth is doing it now. And from what I saw of them at Gigantour on Saturday, he's doing quite well these days.

The metalhead of Megadeth does yoga - Newsday.com

Barry White, Bread, or Zep?

So when Mom and Dad got together to create little old you, what was the tune cranking in the background? Blender has some suggestions.

10 Songs You Were Probably Conceived To on Blender.com

Music to drink by from Lucero

MSNBC.com profiles this rowdy band from Memphis.

Indie Study: Music to drink by from Lucero - MSNBC.com

This is why Keith is still alive

Keith says that drugs are crappy these days. Except for the morphine, of course.

Keith Richards News on Yahoo! Music