Happy New Year and Thank You!

DSC_0612The pictures below represent a few things that we are very grateful for in 2015!

Terrific friends and musicians who came to the studio like Tom Gilliam (Ghost Town Silence) and Dave New and Vivienne Machi (of Babbling April) who were amazing for our annual holiday program (pictured below). A mighty feeling of appreciation to all of the folks that joined us this year in the studio. Many many thanks to Charles Hartman, David Payne, Larry Evans, and Joe Anderl, Eli Alban and Justin Satinover of The 1984 Draft.  We cannot adequately express our appreciation to everyone who has called in or came to the station and allowed us to interview them this year. You rock.

Tom Version 1Dave and ViviWe can never be thankful enough for all of the amazing shows we have seen this year from many incredible musicians!  A brief highlight includes The Dayton Music Art and Film Festival, Holidayton, Midpoint Music Festival, Good English-The New Old-Fashioned-Me & Mountains- Whoa Thunder at Blind Bob’s, the chance to see Moira play on the street in Over-The -Rhine in Cincinnati, Smug Brothers-Brat Curse-Manray at The South Park Tavern, The New Old-Fashioned and The Repeating Arms at Gilly’s and honestly more shows that we can remember off the top of our heads.  To all those that we were privileged to see this year – we want to say a hearty and heartfelt thank you!  And to those shows that we did not get to, because well… life and work sometimes get in the way, know that we were with you in spirit and – we’re coming next time.

DSC02200And as always, the opportunity that we have to do this program is a debt that we can never repay.  However, we will always try to pay that back.  Thank you all for your support as we enter into our 12th year of doing this radio show on WUDR in Dayton, Ohio!

 

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The New Old-Fashioned
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The time Dave Zupp stopped by!
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Don Thrasher ready!

Thank you all!  Have a happy and musical New Year’s Eve! Go see some independent music!  We will catch you this Tuesday at 3pm on WUDR for our second Best of 2015 show with our friend Tom Gilliam!

Mrs Dr. J and Dr. J (2)
Thank you!

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13th Annual Holidayton

Holidayton

What do you want to do after the holiday? How about taking in some of the very best of Dayton music?  Doesn’t that sound fun.  We thought so too!

The 13th annual HoliDayton showcase will be held on Saturday December 26th, 2015 at Blind Bob’s, 430 E. 5th Street, Dayton, Ohio in the lovely and historic Oregon District. Seven dollars is all it will cost to get you in to a demonstration of the health and vitality of the area music scene.

As with all of the previous years, there will be two stages — a side stage and a main stage.  Throughout the night bands will play one stage and then the music will move to the other stage. Performances alternate seamlessly throughout the evening.

Come early as music is scheduled to start at 8pm, stay late and celebrate another complete revolution of the earth around the sun of great Dayton music with your community, friends, family, and all who are free to join along.

Once again the lineup of Dayton musicians promises to be stellar and takes a slice from several different genres and approaches to rock and roll music.

The Story Changes

Mark and Poppy not only curate Holidayton every year for over a decade, they contribute to the event in sonic fashion as well. While these artists now comprise one half of Hawthorne Heights, The Story Changes is a powerful duo with a legacy of well crafted songs and incredible ability. Their last TSC album, ‘Never in Daydream’ was one of our favorite records of 2014.  With all of the projects that Mark and Poppy taken on, honestly one has to wonder when these guys ever sleep. But as long as they keep making such fine songs with intelligent lyrics and energetic performances, does it matter?

 

PJ and Tommy (of The Motel Beds)

The ‘Beds released an incredible record this year with Mind Glitter! While the full band was not able to play Holidayton this year, an acoustic set from PJ and Tommy is one of those rare oft-discussed musical moments that you will need to see.  And between PJ’s charisma and Tommy’s fantastic guitar prowess – everyone in the audience will not be able to take their eyes off of these musicians who are at the height of their power.

 

Moira

Moira is one of the most exciting new bands in town.  This band is part dream pop, part atmospheric psychedelia with a healthy mix of keyboards and electronic effects that are only used to serve the songs.  Their EP – ‘Asleep//Repeat/Awake’ is one of our favorite CDs from 2015.  Intelligent lyrics that are cleverly constructed and beautifully performed is the hallmark of Moira.  Add to that the band is fronted by Alicia Grodecki who is well known for her captivating performances.  This band is not to be missed.  We have seen this band play on the street during Cincinnati’s Midpoint Music Festival and as they played people stopped what they were doing and were engrossed in the music created by this talented trio.

 

The 1984 Draft

What can be said about The ‘Draft that has not been said elsewhere?  Some of the most authentic and emotional performances in Dayton were created by Joe Anderl, Justin Satinover, Eli Alban, and most recent addition Chip Heck.  Their new EP ‘Heisman Trophy Winner’ includes a new version of ‘Capo’ and the standout tune for us at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative – ‘Sinking.’  The raw feeling and connection that this band creates with its audience demonstrates the necessity of seeing them on Saturday night.  Community and connection are created every time The 1984 Draft play.  Every. Single. Time.  Do yourself a favor and go see them!

 

The New Old-Fashioned

The New Old-Fashioned released two of our favorite records of 2015.  The powerful ‘Low Down Dirty Summer Nights’ and the split EP with The Repeating Arms – ‘Hilltops and Highways.’  Both are on our best of list for this year.  The harmonies, arrangements, and skill shown on both of those records leads any music lover to wonder “why hasn’t this band blown up big!”  If there is any justice in the world, The New Old-Fashioned will take their Midwestern country-infused rock and roll to the same level that Jason Isbell and others in the Alt-Country movement have accomplished in the last few years. And the single, ’27’ is one of our very favorite songs of 2015.

 

Manray

This groove focused power trio not only has the talent and skill to command attention wherever they play, they have great songs. Remember songwriting?  This band reminds us what a well written song sounds like, feels like, and demands to be noticed.  Their new songs from the forthcoming record, ‘Classic Jurassic’ promise to leave audience members shocked that such a young band can play with such finesse.  The local music scene in Dayton is in great shape if this band is any indication of the future of Dayton music.

 

Bribing Senators

As one of Dayton’s finest rock and roll band’s, Bribing Senators bring a relentless heavy indie attack to all that they do.  Their uncompromising approach is characteristic of their songs and their performances.  This is what real down and dirty authentically played rock and roll is supposed to be.

 

Jetty Bones

From Springfield, Ohio – Jetty Bones deconstructs the archetype that indie music has to be created according to a particular playbook.  This band is focused on making music that speaks to all of us in terms of the missed opportunities, real connection, and long lingering that holds us together when we should be coming unglued; that is what Jetty Bones captures.

Tombstone Tremblers

Intense, fuzzy, evocative arrangements including incredible work on guitar. Not to be missed. Imagine if Roky Erickson had not been institutionalized and continued to make music in his ‘middle period’ with members of The Stooges and The Rolling Stones — that is The Tombstone Tremblers sound and possibly their wake up call to the slick overproduced music found on the so-called Top 40.

Goodnight Goodnight

Atmospheric shoegazing indie rock from one of Dayton’s most interesting bands. The arrangements will remind you of the Cocteau Twins at a party for Robert Smith hosted by Radiohead.  Some of the most interesting deconstruction of indie music in the Dayton area.

So, yeah you should go to the show on Saturday.  See you there.

ALT Monster

Go See Local Bands and Local Art! A Dayton Show Extravaganza Weekend!

10462882_771795486225757_7458810705605439738_nWho needs help with their plans this week and weekend? We got a few suggestions for you on the show this Tuesday on Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative! In addition to all of the great music and indie music news that you have come to expect, we are living our show motto – ‘Support Your Local Music Scene.’

Join us for our radio show on http://wudr.udayton.edu/ because Mrs Dr. J and Dr. J have many excellent shows to discuss this week happening in the Dayton, Ohio area! If you live elsewhere – do yourself a favor and check out some local music in your scene. Our suggestions for the Dayton area include a few suggestions…

Dear Fawn has a release show coming up on December 5th: Dear Fawn Ep Release Show w/ Jamaican Queens & Forage and OldNews, The Great Wide Open, and The New Old-Fashioned‘s David Payne are also playing out this week also on December 6th. If that was not cool enough we also have the album release party for Across the Vast & Deep from Tim Pritchard and the Boxcar Suite also on December 6th! Scientists… we need that time machine now! Dear Fawn

And yup there’s more… on December 6th we have The Jeremy Frederick Presents: North Of Nowhere South: An annual celebration of the life and music of Jeremy Frederick, Tim Taylor, Chris Green, and other friends, loved ones, and musical heroes we’ve lost in Dayton. Proceeds to go to the Izzy Frederick’s Education Fund. More info here: http://ow.ly/F7a85 

If anyone can’t make it, but would still like to make a donation to Izzy’s college fund, you can send checks or money orders to:

Isabella Frederick Educational Fund
Wright Patt Credit Union
P.O. Box 286, Fairborn, Ohio 45324

Yeah there’s some great new, local, Dayton, and indie music on the radio show this Tuesday too… but we bet you already knew that!

PlaygroundAnd finally, we are all excited about The Playground Theatre’s Breakfast Club production on December 11th!

Handmade DaytonExpect a report on Handmade Holiday Dayton for 2014! 

This is a great event – find one in your neck of the woods if you are not from Dayton!  Find the local artists for your gift giving needs.

So, join us this week for new music and a discussion of shows!  You can always contact us at drjwdur on twitter and gmail.  As always you can call in at 937-229-2774!

YTAA Thinks Outside the Show Box

DSC05139Hi there!  Remember us?  Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative has been on the air all Summer and now we are approaching the Fall.  Some of us are excited about new music and colder temperatures and some of us are just excited about new music.

There are several great shows to talk about happening in Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati in the next few weeks including Dayton Music Fest which promises to be smashing this year!  There is MidPoint Music Festival happening in Cincinnati in a few weeks with so many great indie bands — everything from The Afghan Whigs to Wussy to Real Estate and more!  Then there are some celebrations of milestones in music with HEXADIODE and Curse of Cassandra joining a 15 year celebration of My Latex Brain this weekend!  And the 20th anniversary of Dayton’s own Shrug which will leave everyone happy regardless of the weather outside!  And then there is our new favorite band Left & Right in Columbus on Wednesday!  Then back in Dayton we have Cherry Lee and the Hot Rod Hounds and oh so much more to talk about!  Do not forget the Telephone Party at The “Old” Yellow Cab building this weekend and Sidestravaganza at South Park Tavern on Saturday in the Gem City!  This is not the end of the list folks, at best we have just scratched the surface on a few of the shows that we will discuss on the ol’ YTAA show from 3-6pm (e) tomorrow on the radio dial or ‘puter stream!

We will also examine the year 1989 in Mrs. Dr. J’s year block! And hey did you know that Chuck Klosterman is visiting our area in a week? We know!   Popthrillz---Alternative

Join Mrs. Dr. J and Dr. J for another show of music you just will not hear anywhere else!  We promise it will be fun.  Or something.  

 

FMMF – Fashion Meets Music Festival

download (3)Now that summer is fully upon us, a music lover’s mind turns to the thought of festivals.  And whether you are looking for the Americana experience of a Merlefest or the alternative/new rock experience of a Vans Warped Tour.  This summer offers something new for music lovers in Ohio.  A rare opportunity to merge several compelling interests in music.  For three nights in August — the 29th through 31st to be precise — the short north of Columbus will be turned into a music and fashion hybrid experience.  As you have heard Mrs. Dr. J and I talk about this on the radio program, we are excited to see such an eclectic mix of bands and musicians come to Columbus to play for this festival.

images (2)In the upcoming weeks we will be discussing the line up — which is great for those of us who like independent music!

This particular event will also incorporate urban camping and an extensive marketplace and expo space!

So, tune into Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative for the next several weeks to learn more about the unique culture and music event that is coming to our fine state in a few months!

Your pal, Dr. J

Sleep Fleet Celebrates Release of New EP

Image So far the new year in Dayton has brought great music around town for us all to enjoy!  This weekend is no exception!

On Saturday, February 1st, Sleep Fleet returns to Dayton after six months – a time far too long for music fans.  The Sleep Fleeters are releasing their brand shiny and new EP, Hudson & High, at a show at Blind Bob’s in our fine city.  The album courtesy of the fine folks at Brain Candy Records is available at the band’s bandcamp page and is not to be missed.

Brat CurseSleep Fleet is joined by the dynamic new trio Brat Curse! Their new self-titled record is another great new release for 2014!  These ex-Pharohs musicians play a pop-tinged punk that is a reminder of the excitement of the D-I-Y and post-punk movements before alternative became commercial!

Dear fawn LogoDayton’s own Dear Fawn will be playing their first set with their all new five-person line up!   You can hear some of Dear Fawn’s fine songs from their terrific CD, I Played the Queen on the band’s Soundcloud page!  This is another new band that promises to be another great addition to our music scene.

Track List for Hudson & High

Sleep Fleet Hudson and High

1. I Wanted It All 02:04
2. I’ll Stay 02:49
3. Happy Alone 02:55
4. Chief 02:10
5. Three Sides 02:18
6. Why Don’t You Want Me? 02:39

Cross-posted at DaytonMostMetro

Motel Beds ‘These are Days Gone By’ Vinyl Pre-Release show

Motel Beds 'These are Days Gone By' Vinyl Pre-Release show

The fantastic Motel Beds are presenting a rare opportunity for Dayton and Miami Valley music fans on January 18th (doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm sharp)!

In conjunction with We Care Arts and Misra Records, The Motel Beds invite you to join them as they review their musical career with friends, Smug Brothers and Good English at an All Ages show at the Yellow Cab building!

The ‘Beds are doing what we call a soft, limited release of “These are the Days Gone By” with 500 LP covers hand-painted by the artists at We Care Arts! A portion of the proceeds from the sale/show are to benefit We Care Arts!

“These are the Days Gone By” is a collection of Motel Beds singles, outtakes, and live favorites. Songs have been remastered by Carl Saff (Dinosaur Jr, GBV, etc), with added bass parts by Tod Weidner.

This is a soft, pre-release for the first 500 LPs; they’ve all been hand-painted by the artists at We Care Arts (“changing disabilities into possibilities”) you can learn more about WCA at their website – http://www.wecarearts.org/.  The album will be released internationally later in 2014 on Misra Records.

BIO FOR MOTEL BEDS “THESE ARE THE DAYS GONE BY”

Press Release (Courtesy of Motel Beds)

MOTEL BEDS are a rock & roll band from Dayton, Ohio – a delightfully detached underdog city nestled in the heart of The Heartland. Seasoned veterans, Beds have worked alongside local music advocates Kelley Deal (Deal duets on the lusciously hushed “Tropics of the Sand”) and Robert Pollard (guitarist Derl Robbins has recorded Guided By Voices). Allies aside, when it comes to rock & roll, The Motel Beds speak for themselves.

“These Are the Days Gone By” reveals the fruits of Beds’ labor these latter years. The album is an electrifying collection of “hits,” remastered by Carl Saff (GBV, Dinosaur Jr., etc.) and featuring added bass parts by new(est) member and local ace Tod Weidner. Over a 12-song cycle, the proficiency with which Tommy Cooper and P.J. Paslosky (Motel Beds’ core songwriting duo) augment a solid hook is clearly set on display.

While “Days” largely finds Ian Kaplan at work as one of the finest rock drummers around today (not an embellishment), Beds demonstrate their versatility with two never-before-released tracks: a poppier version of 2011’s “Sunfried Dreams” and a beautiful acoustic cover of Matthew Sweet’s “I’ve Been Waiting”; the latter proving Paslosky to be much more than a rock vocalist. In addition to recording Motel Beds in a visionary manner, guitarist Derl Robbins adds his own unmistakable style and sound.

True to Dayton (see GBV’s “Propeller”), the first 500 LPs are all one-of-a-kind. Each cover was individually hand-painted by the artists at We Care Arts: a non-profit dedicated to “changing disabilities into possibilities.” A portion of the proceeds from these first 500 will go to benefit WCA.

In his glowing review of “Dumb Gold” (2012), AllMusic Senior Editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted, “[This] is an album that deserves to break them out of the Rust Belt and onto the larger stage; it’s one of the best straight-ahead indie rock records of 2012.” “Days” takes all of “Dumb Gold”‘s assets song writing, hooks, musicianship, energy and ups them ad infinitum. It’s a remarkable rock record and one that finds Motel Beds carrying the torch for Dayton, Ohio’s independent music scene.

Track List:

1. These are the Days Gone By
2. Ocean Flows
3. Skymade Suit
4. Cactus Kiss
5. Surfjerk
6. Valentimes
7. Lights On
8. Western Son
9. Tropics Of The Sand
10. Sunfried Dreams (alternate version)
11. I’ve Been Waiting
12. Smoke Your Homework

Popthrillz---Alternative

Cool Show Alert Dayton!

Cool Show Alert Dayton!

Misra Records artist Crooks on Tape will be in Dayton on January 30th with Swim Diver, Bearer of Bad News, and Swarm at Rock Star Pro Arena.

CROOKS ON TAPE is John Schmersal (Enon, Brainiac), Rick Lee (Enon, Skeleton Key, Butter 08), and Joey Galvan (Mannheim Steamroller, Anthrax). The band was created out of a simple idea of discovery and musical creation – “convene, improvise, and record every moment.”  You can listen to their latest record at The A.V. Club website.

Swim Diver is an exciting new band featuring members of Brainiac, Captain of Industry, Oh Condor, Me & Mountains, Human Reunion, The Dirty Walk, and Vinyl Dies.

This is an opportunity to see some terrific bands!   PRESALE TICKETS!

Popthrillz---Alternative

Show Alerts for Dayton this Saturday!

Popthrillz---Alternative

The Exceptional Ridges

ImageThere are show that capture your attention and you have to talk about them.  You must share your experience as quickly as you can with as many fellow music lovers as you can find.  Tonight, we had such an experience.

Earlier this evening the Athens, Ohio group The Ridges finished off their current tour with a stop in Dayton – home base for Mrs. Dr. J and Dr. J.  We have seen this band perform a few additional times in Cincinnati and this was our first time seeing them on our home turf as we missed a show in February.  Tonight we got to the venue — South Park Tavern — in plenty of time to see the opening band – Method Air.  They were solid and reminded Dr. J of a more primal version of Japandroids.

The Ridges hit the stage ready and able to play.  The double Cello attack was driving throughout the set.  The fret work was nimble across an all too soon completed set. Talor Smith was captivating as she swayed and danced with her cello to the music that was being created before our eyes.  She danced, sang, and played with feeling for the entire set.  Chuck Poulsen contributed to the sound with a banjo that was played with precision and power. All too often the banjo becomes an overlooked instrument in far too many rock and roll bands.  Not since Sweethearts of the Rodeo-era Byrds has a banjo player held their own as a lead instrument in a series of rock and roll songs.

The stand-up bass was strong and steady throughout the set. Not since some Richard Thompson concerts, have we seen such a terrific command of the stand-up. The groove was centered when it needed to be and flexible and funky through the tempo changes of several Ridges’ songs.  Kudos to the bass player for following arrangements that asked him to be able to move in different directions that served the songs and the band incredibly well this night.

The backbone of the music this band made this night was the drummer.  With a modest yet propulsive drum kit, the drumming was a critical part of The Ridges success tonight.  Following key and tempo changes without sounding forced, wooden, or stodgy — the drummer was able to provide foundation for songs that veered from rock and roll to folk to orchestral arrangements.  This was part of what made The Ridges a must watch performance tonight, incredibly complex yet fun and rocking stylistic flourishes that kept the audience rapt.

Speaking of what held our attention – the center of the band’s aesthetic and performance tonight had to be the energetic guitar and vocals of Victor Rasgaitis. Rarely have we seen a lead singer and guitar player prance with such intensity and feeling without seeming propagandist.  Victor was in fine authentic voice and the enthusiasm that he captured grabbed the audience members by the ears and the heart — and then made you feel in some small way, what he was feeling.  It would be criminal not to note the terrific backing vocals of Talor Smith and Chuck Poulsen. They did more than simply fill open moments, they added additional heft and often very sweet harmonies to the vocal arrangements.  In fact, several songs depended on the vocal harmonies that Victor, Talor, Chuck and the other band members sewed together.

Victor was a consummate showman who never stayed still.  He moved about the small space with a purpose and an energy that drew the audience into the performance.  On more than one occasion, he found himself on his knees while continuing to sing.  I know, I know… you are about to say how forced that sounds; but in the moment of the performance, you agreed with the movement.  The song, the lyrics, the music required subservience in a way that only a moment of contrition can supply.  You believed that he needed to be on his knees – that the deference to the song required it.

There is much more that we could say about the feeling of excitement at seeing a band at the height of their ability, playing music that is as rock and roll if they had several electrical guitars and was instead the result of an acoustic guitar, stand-up bass, banjo, drums, and two cellos but honestly, you need to take some time to see The Ridges when the opportunity presents itself to you.

You will not be disappointed.

http://theridgesmusic.com
http://theridges.bandcamp.com
http://twitter.com/The_Ridges
http://youtube.com/RidgesBand

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