@LinerNotes

Two years after last seeing them live, today I caught a set from The Dread Crew of Oddwood as they pillaged the stage at the Golden Jubilee of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. Much like cask aged rum, these pirates get better with each passing year.

The needle has lifted from the exit groove of the fifth annual Record Store Day, and it is safe to say this was the best one yet. It was, by and large, a huge success as well, since you can't buy headlines like: "Record Store Day Brings Explosive Sales to Indie Stores, SoundScan Data Shows" , as run by The Hollywood Reporter. Beyond the sales figures though, and more importantly, there was success in the vibes in the air among the throngs of music fans who lined up early for sales, events and a chance to score the elusive, exclusive RSD12 vinyl releases.

Avast mateys! So, ye be seeking adventure and fun with a band of singing pirates are ye? Look no further, for this be the third in a series of interviews with the performers of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. This week, we meet a band of merry music miscreants who combine elements of heavy rock, Celtic punk, pirate folk  and video game music into a rousing brew of sound that be sure to get you off yer keels and dance. Prepare to have your ears shanghaied by The Dread Crew of Oddwoood!

Photo Credit, sonicgloo Can you believe it? The fifth annual Record Store Day has arrived! This annual celebration has become an increasingly popular tradition, if not a full bore holiday, by and for music fans, the musicians who create the songs we love and especially for the venerable brick & mortar palaces where knowledgeable music nerds recommend recorded sounds. If you haven't made plans yet for Record Store Day, here are some suggestions of how you can celebrate it!

If two is a coincidence and three is a trend, numbers beyond that indicate a full-fledged phenomenon. Such is the case of the music of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and its ability to inspire Internet-based DIY musicians to conjure ever-more unique cover versions of its music. This time, we are treated to a duet of violin and a cappella singing.

Music collaborations from uniquely paired duets to full-fledged supergroups which result in something special sounding happen all too infrequently. Less so often in the emerging music scene of the Internet. What we have here with the song "Legends of the Frost" is something that is not only a rare occurrence, but one that produced a magical result.

Good morrow to you! You have found your way here this misty, moisty morning when cloudy is the weather, where I present to you the second in a series of interviews with the musicians and singers who make Southern California's Renaissance Faire a truly unique event. This week, it is a group of ladies who would send Falstaff positively arse over kettle.

Happy Rex Manning Day! What? You mean you don't know what Rex Manning Day is? How can this be? It's only one of the most important music-related celebrations of the year! No? You really don't? We mustn't dwell... no, not today. We can't. Not on Rex Manning Day! (insert sound of The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star", here). Joe has unlocked the door. Come inside and we will introduce you to the annual music holiday that is second only to Record Store Day in importance. We will even sing carols. (yes, really).

Hear ye! Hear ye! Friends, readers, country folk, lend me your ears! For today, Saturn's Day, the 7th day of the month of Aphrodite, the 50th annual Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California hath begun! To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Original Renaissance Faire, I will be featuring interviews with three of the singing groups whose performances are must sees for those who visit and partake in the revelries of Faire. And even if you are not in Southern California, these artists are all well worth checking out for their recorded music. To commence the festivities, allow me to introduce you to a drinking group with a singing problem: The Poxy Boggards.

The first single from DragonForce's upcoming album, The Power Within , has been given the classic band-on-stage-style music video treatment. While "Cry Thunder" doesn't barrel along at ludicrous speed, it is classic DragonForce; full of sound and fury, signifying the long-awaited return of the power metal masters. With its catchy, sing-a-long chorus and a stellar Herman Li guitar solo, "Cry Thunder" is the second proper listen to material from DragonForce's upcoming album and debut of new singer, Marc Hudson. Be sure to check out "Fallen World" , the band's self-described fastest song they've ever recorded. The Power Within drops April 17th. And yes, mine is already pre-ordered. \m/...(>.<)…\m/ Tweet Follow @LinerNotes    

Catalog this one under the heading "Love At First Listen", a rare occurrence and one which I will only write about equally as often. A previously unreleased track from War Tapes which released today has pulled off that increasingly hard feat: Grab my attention and become an instant earworm worthy of repeated listens.