The Ruckus

Watch This: Busking On Grafton Street

Favorite of The Ruckus, Glen Hansard organized a Christmas busk to benefit Dublin Simon Community, an organization that works to address and prevent homelessness in Dublin. He was joined here by some amazing Irish musicians, including Damien Rice and Bono. This clip includes the group performing "One" and "Knocking On Heaven's Door".

Playing Favorites: Ten Gigs in 2009

Gigs are a huge part of what we do and love here at The Ruckus. From Tampa to Denver to London to Los Angeles, our devoted staff can be found at your favorite venue, camera in hand. We are happy to bring you this collection of ten of our most loved moments in 2009. Thanks for reading and have a safe and happy New Year!

Playing Favorites: The Ruckus 2009 Top Tracks

Over the past week, we've brought to you our lists of favorite Albums and EPs for 2009. Now, to wrap up an epic year in music, we bring to you our favorite tracks released in 2009 (as always, completely at random and totally biased - you'll even catch a few favorites duplicated a few times). We hope you'll find a few of your favorites on our lists, and we thank you once again for making this year so fucking phenomenal. Roll on, 2010!

In Pictures: Terra Naomi (part II)

The Walnut Room | Denver, CO | 16 November 2009 | Flickr Set
This time, Denver got a full length Terra Naomi gig. The Walnut Room is one of my favorite venues. The sound is always fantastic and the atmosphere is always relaxed. Ms. Naomi's style was perfect for the setting. Alternating between acoustic guitar and keyboards, Terra Naomi shared a variety of songs. Her cover of The Verve's "Drugs Don't Work" is perfect. I always enjoy Terra's bitter, biting work and the evening included "Patron Saint of Strippers" and "Happy Story". Terra Naomi just finished touring Italy and India, where she helped to raise awareness of global warming.

In Pictures: The Revival Tour

The State Theatre | St. Petersburg, FL | 22 November 2009 | Flickr Set
The Revival Tour was my favorite show this year. I know it seems obvious to say that about a gig so close to the end of the year, when others are far removed by months and miles (and flights and hotels), but it really was that good. The music was beautiful and organic - that it was at my favorite local venue (I have been rocking out at The State since my first all ages show at 14) made it even sweeter. Featuring an impressive lineup (including our favorites - Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Jim Ward), this show was full of the kind of heart, talent, and unbridled enthusiasm for the crowd (and from the crowd) that I dream of experiencing at every show.

I had a hard time choosing which photos to include here, but what follows is a small selection of my favorites. Be sure to check out the entire set on Flickr for a better experience - you won't want to miss it.

Watch This: Alan Pownall - Take Me

He's kind of new to us, but we really like Alan Pownall. Enjoy the official video for his song "Take Me", and then click over to YouTube and listen to his cover of Kanye's "Love Lockdown" (better than the original, if you ask me).

In Pictures: Megan Burtt

The Gothic Theater | Englewood, CO | 12 Decembe 2009 | Flickr Set

I've been meaning to see Denver's Megan Burtt for some time now. I finally got the chance at the Homevibe for the Holidays show. Megan played a set with a bit of a holiday theme, proclaiming her love for Christmas, including an excellent cover of Joni Mitchell's "River". Her own work is stellar as well. Her passionate, bluesy sound is a ton of fun to see live. Ms. Burtt's writing is unpredictable and refreshing.

Make sure to keep an eye out for Megan Burtt's new full length release, due out in January. The CD release party is at the Walnut Room on January 21st.