JT and the Clouds New Album, Caledonia, Keeps Toledo on Cloud 9

JT and the Clouds is a band that’s hard to put into a box. Indie with a hearty dose of soul, it is hard to eloquently describe these guys in any way other than to listen. As of lately, they have gained more well deserved fame, achieving a spot on the Chicago Tribune’s “Ten artists on the verge of breaking big in 2010” list. Native Toledoans, the Clouds boast an impressive repertoire of sounds- the latest collection of which, Caledonia, was released this past Friday at Mickey Finns Pub. The Clouds clearly have not forgotten their Glass City roots, releasing the new album in Toledo a whole week before it’s official release at Chicago’s Empty Bottle.



The set list for the release of Caledonia was something anticipated from a CD release show- Caledonia itself. That’s right, all the songs played were off the new album, offering a fresh sound for first-time listeners and an appreciated preview of the album for more seasoned fans, before we could get home and eagerly rip the cellophane from our long awaited copies.



The show was incredible. It is not hard to see why JT and the Clouds are achieving even higher status- consistent energy and heartfelt soul turning every song into your new favorite. It was not long until the Clouds had Mickey Finns dance floor packed, and every foot in the venue tapping the rhythm, Jeremy (JT)’s voice inspiring a soulful, almost mournful sound that was somehow still dripping over with positive envy. Although I started the night taking as many pictures as I could, it didn’t take long for my camera to hang forgotten at my side as I just stood there and enjoyed the show.



When so many bands make it big and forget their home town, it’s refreshing-and much appreciated- to see JT and the Clouds keep Toledo bumping with their soulful sounds. Caledonia was just released and yet, I’m anxious for another Clouds record- even if it is just for the release show.

This Friday: JT and the Clouds Toledo CD Release

I haven't been too up to date on the whole blogging thing this week, and for that I apologize. However, some good news- I ordered a Nikon SB600 flash the other day, so better pictures of events/etc. to come. I also started interning at the Toledo City Paper, which is something I'm really excited about. It gives me an opportunity to inform and write about stuff I like in a bigger outlet than this blog, and gives me an excuse to go to even more events to cover them.



Anyways, this Friday is the Toledo CD release party for natives JT and the Clouds. Although now residing in Chicago, the Clouds return to their homeland to release their new album, "Caledonia," at Mickey Finns. If you aren't familiar with the Clouds, you should be. Check them out on myspace here to check out the tunes, and on facebook here to get all the details. Show starts at 10pm on Friday, show up and show some love.

"Life: A Series of Random Events"

Yesterday night was the opening of Toledo native Anthony McCarty's solo exhibition at local gallery Bozarts. It featured food, drink, and, of course, some incredible art. Here are some flicks from last night's opening. For some reason the section on the side cuts off the right side of the image, but click the picture to view it in full. The rest of the images from the show and full sizes of the ones posted can be found on my flickr, linked at the bottom of the page.










So as you can see, the show was incredible. Be sure to keep an eye on Bozarts to see what other great shows they have in the works.

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS: BEGINNING OF APRIL EDITION

This weather is amazing, so this weekend get out and do stuff. This Saturday come out and support Toledo's very own Glass City Rollers face off against the Steel City Derby Demons, hailing from Pittsburgh.

If roller derby isn't your thing (it should be), come out to see Tons Of Fun (Toledo punk), Bike Tuff (MI indie/punk) and City Yards (Detroit punk rock) on Friday at Mickey Finns at 9. Mickey Finns is located in downtown Toledo, details here.

There is also word of a possible The Sound of Glory house show this weekend, but I'm not too sure about that yet. They recently broke up, but you can check them out here and the new project of some former members, Citizen, here.

If roller derbies AND punk shows aren't your thing, there's always the opening of local artist Anthony McCarty's solo exhibition, "Life: A Series of Random Events," debuting at warehouse district gallery Bozarts from 6pm to midnight. On top of phenomenal art, the opening also features food, drink, and live music by Michigan act Marco Polio and the New Vaccines.

You can find more information on the show here, and check out Marco Polio and the New Vaccines here.

LOCAL BANDS YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO: VOL. 1

Everybody Goes to Hell



Everybody Goes to Hell is, as they put it, "nihilist hardcore from the fuckin' swamp." Raw, driving hardcore from Bowling Green, Ohio, Everybody Goes to Hell delivers a fast, heavy sound that leaves you craving a grimy basement show.

You can check them out on myspace here, or just skip the middleman and download their EP, Time Devourer, here.


Disconnected



Here's a big one. If you're not listening to Disconnected, you're not listening to Toledo hardcore. Made up of some of the OG's in the Toledo area scene, Disconnected blasts you with a dark, speedy sound and driving rhythms that demand you nod your head on beat.

Check out Disconnected on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/disconnected666, and if you want more be sure to pick up their split 7" with Wasteland of New Zealand at your local record shop.

Meth, Ghost, and Rae- WU MASSACRE

I'll bust open this blog with a link to download the best album of 2010 so far(not a hard title, but still real good)- Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon's new album, Wu Massacre. I've only downloaded this yet, but I'll be picking up a vinyl copy soon for sure. The artwork is incredible, and the whole album is sick- top notch production and the same styles we've come to expect from the Wu, and not to mention a skit featuring an appearance from Tracy Morgan.



1. Criminology 2.5
2. Mef Vs. Chef 2
3. Ya Moms (Skit)
4. Smooth Sailing Remix (Feat. Solomon Childs & Streetlife)
5. Our Dreams (Feat. Inspectah Deck, Sun God)
6. Gunshowers
7. Dangerous
8. Pimpin' Chipp
9. How To Pay Rent Skit (Feat. Tracy Morgan)
10. Miranda
11. Youngstown Heist (Feat. Trife, Sheek, Bully)
12. It's That Wu Shit

MEGAUPLOAD