Jeff Jones was always a good, smart guy to be around when I worked the music and entertainment beat for the big daily.
Leading the historic glam-rock band Dracula Jones. Fronting the Americana band Pale Green Stars. Being a citizen of Syracuse.
I like the guy.
He’s sent over a couple of emails of late, of which I want to spread the word. He’s entered his band Pale Green Stars in the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Contest.
Reports the latest:
“Watch Pale Green Stars’ video entry into the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Contest. The song is “Don’t Give Up” from our forthcoming album “Everyone Will Know” (to be released in early 2015), Recorded live on the 5th floor of the Cosmopolitan Building. It was about 8 degrees on a Thursday night in January. If you look close you can see our breath…”
Here’s a YouTube clip of the video entry.
I think the whole premise of the NPR Tiny Desk Concert is pretty darn cool.
In good company. (From npr.com)
Don’t you? The Syracuse band would be in some pretty proud company if the name Pale Green Stars is announced come Feb. 12.
Have you heard of the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series? What do you think of the Pale Green Stars video? Adele, John Legend, T-Pain, Wilco or none of the above?
Mark Bialczak 
What a cool experience! 😀
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Three musicians on a little desk, Rachel!
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cool video
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They brought it, purpledarts.
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Have not heard of little desk, but that is awesome. Love the clever. I liked PGS better when their tempo picked up. Not sure who some of your points of reference were, so can’t make a call. Bit of bluegrass!
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Yes, bit of bluegrass, also. Country-string sensibility with some rock beat and aggressiveness, kind of thing, which you liked, Liz. 🙂
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Very appropo as I am watching Serena Williams getting hammered by the Spanish!
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Ouch.
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I like ’em! I agree with one of your commenters – the guitar sounds are reminiscent of Johnny Cash.
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And that’s a good sound to bring to mind, I think, Kate! I love that Johnny Cash vibe.
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Never heard of NPR’s series, but I dig the name Pale Green Star…very cool.
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It’s a good name, I agree.
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Love these guys and love this song ! Thanks for sharing Mark
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Fantastic, Jeanine. I’m glad you dropped in to comment here.
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Nice Video, Mark 🙂 I like them !
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I know that Jeff is looking at these comments, and will be happy about that, Leyla. 🙂
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i love that series. probably no surprise to you. hope they make it, i enjoyed it and thanks for sharing the music )
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I had it in my mind that this series was on the presets in the Silver Subaru, Beth.
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AWESOME 🙂
nope as a Brit, I don’t know NPR,
this could be their anthem!
Nx
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It is an epic statement, Niki. You are correct, my friend
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glad you like, i liked! a lot
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This is a first for me, Mark. I never heard of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. I wish the Pale Green Stars the very best. For news biz folks (and the rest of us), “Don’t Give Up” is pitch perfect. 😉
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Yes it is, Judy. Very much so!
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My friends Emma Hill and Bryan Daste entered this. Such a cool thing!
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I remember their video from your earlier posts, Sassy. This is a very cool contest.
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I love the idea of this! NPR always hits it out of the park, don’t they? And I love that they do it without the cash and flash of the majors. They never talk down to us, do they?
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They have the vibe right, Kay. It’s a good thing. 🙂
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I haven’t heard of this contest, you are always exposing me to new things Mark. 🙂 You’re wonderful like that. I’m trying to listen to this in the car and it’s not the best sound environment (FYI: Honda Elements are horrible with road noise). What I hear, I am enjoying. 🙂
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Tough acoustics on the YouTube video, too, so what a combo for you, Colleen. Road trip logistics. Oy. 🙂
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I think the aucoustics in this video could be better, but I love them!
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Very bouncy on the concrete. Yes, Wormy.
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Tiny Desk Concerts are my favorite!
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Maybe our Syracuse band will be there for you with the next one, Wormy.
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Not bad Mark. The music is reminiscent of Johnny Cash, with the 3 chord guitar and heavy on the bass. Can’t understand the words, except the title words of the title, but that is probably because I have the sound turned too loud. I’ve never heard of the NPR Tiny Desk thingy, but if they are looking for a Johnny Cash replacement sound, I would say your guys have a good shot at it, even though the vocals are not Johnny’s low growl. The song is his style for sure, at least his original style before he went totally country.
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I admire your ear, always, Angie, sound turned up too loud or not.
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Thanks Mark ! If we win I’m gonna give you AND Paul a shout out !
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Jeff, great to hear from you. I miss our chats, my friend. I hope life is treating you well. FYI, others here LIKED the song. Check out Diana’s comment in particular. You even got a heart emoticon.
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lol Paul….today must be opposite day ….Don’t Give Up buddy !
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Mark, I like them! A lot! ❤
Diana xo
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They have a really nice vibe, Diana. I think they’ll appreciate your affection.
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I like reading your blog on my laptop on my tiny desk, Mark.
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Perfect placement of and for your opinion today, Ann.
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I’m not fond of that song Mark. Even when it speeds up, it still sounds very negative. Not my style right now. maybe at some time in the future.
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To each their own, Paul. That’s the great thing about music, depth and breadth.
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