The Music Issue

By PW Staff
Add Comment Add Comment | Comments: 2 | Posted Aug. 17, 2011

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We’re going to say it: This moment RIGHT NOW is the most exciting in Philadelphia’s storied music history. Truthfully. No exaggeration. Gamble and Huff be damned. There are many music-related New Things happening at this very moment that back that up. In this here Music Issue, we attempt to cover some of them. First, a new , big-time venue: Union Transfer. Next, a uncompromisingly odd, new underground venue: Bookspace. Philly’s venerable metal label Relapse Records is entering a new phase. They’re old enough to drink, turning 21 this month. Mike Cooper is opening a new record store, Borderline Records & Tapes, with the personal collection he’s amassed over the last three decades. The War On Drugs have a new album out, Slave Ambient, and it’s their best yet. No easy feat. Finally, PW ’s Concerts in the Park have found a new home at the Piazza. Concerts at the Piazza kicks off this week with a reggae night, and continues next week with a sweet, sweet lineup of Nico’s Gun, Cheers Elephant and Hezekiah Jones, who used an old movie for new inspiration on their latest album. So there you new. 

In This Issue:

Sacred Union: R5 Productions, Four Corner Management and Bowery Presents are set to open Union Transfer this September at 10th and Spring Garden streets.

Bookspace: The odd and awe-inspiring Fishtown venue offers a home for shows that otherwise wouldn't exist.

We Love Hezekiah Jones: And not just because they used the sci-fi classic Bride of Frankenstein for inspiration on their new album. They play PW's Concerts in the Piazza Aug. 24.

Addicted to the War on Drugs:They released an incredible album, Slave Ambient, this week. They kick off their whirlwind tour Aug. 18 at Johnny Brenda's.

Made of Metal: Venerable metal label Relapse Records turns 21 this month. We head to their Upper Darby headquarters and find out that the record industry isn't as bad off as you've been led to believe.

Record Timing: Mike Cooper's house was bursting at the seams with the thousands and thousands of records he's collected over the last three decades. His remedy? Start selling. He's opened Borderline Records & Tapes with his impressive collection.

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1. Sassy Jenson said... on Aug 17, 2011 at 11:17AM

“Speaking of music in Philly... everyone stop what they're doing and check out local musician GERON HOY! He is amazing.. try to catch one of his upcoming shows in Philly.”

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2. Mariana Mystique said... on Aug 19, 2011 at 08:32PM

“Come to Bookspace on the 2nd of September for Phantasmagoria Circus!
Bookspace was an awesome aerial acrobatics studio when I lived in Philly.
”

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