By The Beachwood Rock Local Affairs Desk

We received an e-mail a few days ago from Bloodshot HQ reminding us of all the label’s great releases this year, so we’ve taken that e-mail and added a little value with some additional links, tweaks, videos, etc.
“Boy, did this year just fly by! We released 11 albums in the last 12 months, and we have no plans for settling down next year. In fact, 2014 will mark the celebration of Bloodshot’s 20th Anniversary, so expect some special announcements and celebration plans in the coming months. Here is a reminder of what we’ve released throughout 2013 for your year-end list.”
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ROGER KNOX AND THE PINE VALLEY COSMONAUTS
Stranger In My Land
Released: February 12, 2013
“This album isn’t just a fascinating cultural artifact; it’s a powerfully moving musical statement that demands attention.” – Exclaim.ca
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MP3: “Stranger In My Country”
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At the Old Town School in 2012:

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Posted on December 31, 2013

Curation By The Beachwood Rock Local Affairs Desk

You shoulda been there.
1. Zed’s Dead at the Aragon on Friday night.

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Posted on December 30, 2013

Russian Punk Represents

“Two members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot were reunited on Tuesday after spending nearly two years in prison for their protest at Moscow’s main cathedral, and said they want to set up a human rights organization,” the Guardian reports.
“Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alekhina were granted amnesty on Monday, two months before their scheduled release, in what was interpreted as an attempt by the Kremlin to soothe criticism of Russia’s human rights record prior to the Winter Olympics in Sochi in February.
“Alekhina flew into the eastern Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk early on Tuesday to meet Tolokonnikova. They have said the amnesty and their release was a publicity stunt by the Kremlin ahead of the Olympics. Tolokonnikova has also called for a boycott of the Olympics.
“Alekhina, still dressed in a dark-green prison jacket, hugged Tolokonnikova and then shook hands.
“Both women reiterated their statement on Monday that they intend to work to help prisoners, and that they will discuss setting up a human rights organization.
“A third member, Yekaterina Samutsevich, was released on a suspended sentence shortly after the three were found guilty of hooliganism and sentenced to two years in prison in 2012 for their protest at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow.”

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Posted on December 26, 2013

Future Of The Blues Snuffed Out

“Eric ‘Guitar’ Davis, son of drummer Bobby ‘Top Hat’ Davis, was shot and killed near his Chicago home yesterday, police have confirmed,” The Blues Magazine reports.
“The 41-year-old, who was given his first guitar lesson by Buddy Guy, was found dead in his car with bullet wounds in his neck and torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 6 am..
“Davis and his band The Troublemakers has recently signed a deal with Delmark Records. Boss Bob Koester says: ‘He was next in line for the blues before these guys shot him.'”

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Posted on December 24, 2013

Curation By The Beachwood Rock Local Affairs Desk

You shoulda been there.
1. The Pietasters at Reggies on Saturday night.

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Posted on December 23, 2013

Curation By The Beachwood Rock Local Affairs Desk

You shoulda been there.
1. Kanye West on the West Side on Wednesday night.

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Posted on December 20, 2013

Narrated By Jon Langford

Now Biram, now Andre, now Hancock and Robbie; oh Cory, on Loveless, on JC and Bobby – Bare Jr. he meant.

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Posted on December 18, 2013

Last Of The Mississippi-Born Blues Pianists In Chicago

“Aaron Moore, a formidable blues and boogie-woogie piano player who grew up on a Mississippi plantation and forged his musical career in Chicago, died Nov. 27 of cancer at Rush University Medical Center at age 95, according to his wife, Katie Moore,” Howard Reich reported for the Tribune earlier this month.
“Though Aaron Moore was considered a virtuoso pianist and a mighty vocalist by blues connoisseurs, he didn’t attain the global fame of the musicians he often backed, such as Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King and David ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards. In part, this was because Moore worked a day job for the City of Chicago for 36 years, playing music on the side.”

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Posted on December 17, 2013

Curation By The Beachwood Rock Local Affairs Desk

You shoulda been there.
1. Arbor Creek at Mojoes on Friday night.

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Posted on December 16, 2013

Curation By The Beachwood Rock Local Affairs Desk

You shoulda been there.
1. Trivium at the House of Blues on Sunday night.

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Posted on December 13, 2013