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Brandi Carlile narrates life of a “Sugartooth” in latest single

Brandi Carlile | photo by Alysse Gafkjenh | courtesy of the artist
Brandi Carlile | photo by Alysse Gafkjenh | courtesy of the artist

The best is yet to come for Washington State singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile. Garnering a devote folk following with her sophomore LP, 2007’s The Story, Carlile topped the charts with the title track. Now, Carlile plans to release the follow-up full length to her 2015 Grammy-nominated album, The Firewatcher’s Daughter. “Sugartooth” is the third single from that forthcoming album, By The Way, I Forgive You, out February 16 on Elektra Records. Continue reading →

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Just Announced: John Prine will be joined by Kurt Vile at Merriam Theater this April

John Prine | photo by John Kurc | courtesy of artist

Not only will legend John Prine grace the Merriam Theater this spring, he’ll also bring Philly hero Kurt Vile along for the wise ‘n folky party on April 14th.

This year, Prine released a songbook titled John Prine Beyond Words through his own independent label, Oh Boy Records, which featured selected songs from Prine’s catalogue and the stories behind them. Kurt Vile has been rocking his incredible tour with Courtney Barnett, which recently brought an intimate-feeling gig to Philly at Tower Theatre. Continue reading →

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Just Announced: Brandi Carlile brings new album to Merriam Theater this May

Brandi Carlile | photo by Alysse Gafkjen | courtesy of artist
Brandi Carlile | photo by Alysse Gafkjen | courtesy of artist

Brandi Carlile gifted us with so many heartfelt folk gems in her last record, The Firewatcher’s Daughter, that following it up seems like an incredibly hefty feat. However, one listen from her recent single “The Joke” washes away any doubt that this new album, By The Way, I Forgive You, will be just as beautifully powerful. Continue reading →

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Just Announced: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds to flock to Merriam Theater this February

Noel Gallagher | photo via artist’s Facebook page

Soon enough, birds will flying home for the winter. And by home, I mean Philly. And by birds, I mean Noel Gallagher’s 2010-started project, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Okay, yes I too cringed at that long stretch of word play, but you get the picture.

Anywho, the past Oasis member will be bringing his crew to Merriam Theater on February 13th. Tickets for the show go on sale this Friday at 10 AM; grab those here, and listen to “Ballad Of The Mighty I” below. Continue reading →

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Tonight’s Concert Picks: Jurassic 5 at TLA, Tedeschi Trucks Band at Merriam Theater, Matt Cappy at 2300 Arena

Jurassic 5 | photo via band’s Facebook page

Aughties hip-hop supergroup, Jurassic 5, are bringing their old-school vibes to the TLA tonight. Comprised of DJs Numark and Cut Chemist, and MC’s Chali 2na, Zaakir, Akil and Mark 7even, the group was formed at LA’s The Good Life cafe, and was incredibly influential in the West Coast underground scene. Tickets for the show can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar. Listen to their 2002 jam, “What’s Golden,” below. Continue reading →

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Melody Gardot plays a moving homecoming show at the Merriam Theater

Melody Gardot | Photo by Michelle Montgomery | michellemontgomeryphotography.com
Melody Gardot | Photo by Michelle Montgomery | michellemontgomeryphotography.com

Philly jazz singer Melody Gardot emotionally told the crowd “I missed you, Philly” in her headlining show at the Merriam Theater last night. Gardot has been touring the world in support of her latest album, this year’s Currency of Man, and last night she dedicated the song “Our Love is Easy” to the audience. Throughout the night, Gardot and her band encouraged the crowd to clap along and sing along, while the horn players incorporated coordinated movements for visual effect. Continue reading →

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Tonight’s Concert Picks: Trails and Ways at Kung Fu Necktie, John Mellencamp at Merriam Theater, Hemming at Milkboy

Trails and Ways | Photo by David Wallace
Trails and Ways | Photo by David Wallace

Pop group Trails and Ways have emerged with their first full-length, Pathology, this month, and tonight they headline Kung Fu Necktie. Their music resembles Beach Fossils by way of Passion Pit — certainly the type of sound to spend your summer evening enjoying. Watch video for “Mtn Tune” below, and get tickets to their 21+ show here. Continue reading →

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Tonight’s Concert Picks: KRS-One at The Trocadero, Tweedy at Merriam Theater, and OutBeat Festival ft. David Coss Quartet at Union Transfer

KRS 1
Photo via The Trocadero

South Bronx hip-hop legend Lawrence “KRS-One” Krisna Parker heads to perform at the Trocadero tonight. Following the death of his DJ in the ’80’s group Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One began effectively developing his solo career and today has over 15 albums under his belt. His most recent album The BDP Revival was dedicated to Boogie Down Productions and included powerful tracks “The Solution,” and “Introducing.” For tickets and more information head over to the XPN Concert Calender. Below, check out the video for “Aztechnical.” Continue reading →

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John Mellencamp will headline the Merriam Theater in June

John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp | Photo by Brad Barket
Heartland rocker John Mellencamp just announced a 2015 tour in support of his latest album, Plain Spoken, and it comes to Philadelphia on June 16th at the Merriam Theater. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 19th, at 10 a.m. The album – out on Tuesday, September 23rd –  is the 22nd studio release for the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame-r and Grammy Award winner, and each ticket comes with a download of the album. Listen to the new “Sometimes There’s God” from the album below, and get more information on the show at the XPN Concert Calendar. Continue reading →

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Just Announced: Band of Horses to release new live album and play Merriam Theater 3/1

Artwork via www.facebook.com/bandofhorses
Artwork via www.facebook.com/bandofhorses

Band of Horses’ recently announced acoustic tour will bring them to Merriam Theater on March 1st. The indie rockers are set to release a new live LP, Acoustic at the Ryman – recorded live at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium (longtime home of The Grand Ole Opry) – on February 11th. Regarding the new release, bassist Bill Reynolds told Rolling Stone: “The game plan was to keep it wild and expressive like the show while capturing it with highest resolution available”. Certainly, their fans would approve of this goal. Pre-order the live disc and get tickets for the show at Merriam Theater here. Get a taste of Band of Horses and their embellished folk-rock via “Neighbor” from Acoustic at the Ryman and “The First Song” from their debut album below.

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