Rise Up In The Dirt

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

If you were wondering if the recent lack of posts was because of my indifference to blogging or my lack of interest in music, you were wrong! I was just in China for two weeks away from any live music I could understand.

But less than 4 days after getting back, I saw a show. I saw Voxtrot at Bottom of the Hill Sunday. I went with a whole mess of people (Ben, Rose, Kristin, Bethany, Jeni, Andrea, SEP, Stacy, Guy, Siobhan's aunt, Sionhan's aunt's friend), ran into a few people I hadn't seen in a while (Peter, Mike, Amy, Meredith, that high school kid from the last Voxtrot show), and met some cool new people (Brian, Annie, Andrea, Suzie, Curtis, Udi). Like the last Voxtrot show, this group of people enjoyed the set and had the most energy of anyone in the crowd. Unlike last time, we didn't ruin the show for everyone else aroun us by running into them.

Voxtrot is a really solid band with lots of good songs. And I'll keep going to their SF shows. But last night I was aching for some new material. They played some covers (New Order, Springsteen), but that didn't quite satisfy me. Maybe if they would have played some Flock of Segulls, like I requested (their response: "I wish!") I would have felt better.

Anyway, after the show, the crew went to Rotox for free Sparks and to hear Ramesh spin. It was a good time and the Sparks washed any lingering bad taste out of my mouth.

Voxtrot - Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives

Voxtrot - The Start of Something

Rough Gem

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

Have you ever had a band yell at you before? Have you ever had the entire crowd pissed at you? I have.

I went to see the Islands (some Unicorns remains plus Jim Guthrie) with a pretty big crowd (Prasad, Ben, Julia, Bethany, JoJo, Alissa, Jeni, SEP, Josh). We started the night off by lying to the ticket booth to get some tickets to the sold out show (I bought my ticket the night before, only about half of the group didn't have tickets).

We got there right before Islands came on, so we were pretty far back. Ben and I wanted to get closer, so we moved along the bar until we hit a dead end. But there's one sure-fire way to get up to the front: be a small, cute girl.

Since neither Ben or I are small, cute girls, we did the next best thing; we followed two small, cute girls. After a few songs, we were 5 feet from the stage jumping up and down with all of the high school kids.

Here's where things go pear. Some of the bad members drink some water. People in the crowd start yelling for water (the A/C was off). I yelled back telling the band not to throw water into the crowd. I've been to enough shows to know that a bottle of water might as well be a brick when tossed, and the last thing I wanted was blood on the floor.

Despite my pleas, the band handed out a bunch of water. A few people around us (a guy I called Prefontaine, and CJ, a kid we talked to a little) started pouring the water on other people and getting it all over. During this time, I tell CJ to take his shirt off. He does and throws it onto the stage.

After the song ends, Ben and I are yucking it up about how great the show has been, how young the girls we snuck up with were, and how silly CJ was. And we couldn't hear it, but the lead singer was yelling at us because some water got on his guitar pedals and they weren't working.

When eventually realized that something had gone down, we thought that it was CJ's shirt that hit an amp switch or something. But because we were loud and a foot taller than all the 15 year olds, we were singled out immediately. I think Nick (the lead singer) called me a "party guy" sarcastically. And I'm pretty sure he called me out.

Anywho, the pedals weren't broken, and the show went on. Of course everone still thought we were jackasses. And of course we were jackasses, but just because we were near the trouble (I think Prefontaine did the damage, since he was only a foot from the pedals), we were blamed.

The show was actually really good. They're a good band with a lot of talent. I also think the Chow brothers (playing strings and some keyboards) really added a lot.

But here's the thing I don't get. Nick was seriously pissed about the pedals. I understand that they cost a good deal of money. I understand that without them the show wouldn't have sounded the way he wanted it to, but they could have kept playing (not like a broken amp). So if the problem was the cost of replacing the equipment, why did he trash three guitars at the end of the set? He's probably just an asshole. An asshole who makes damn good music.

Check out their video for Rough Gem:

Game Over

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

There are a lot of things a band can do to make me happy. These include (but are not limited to)

• Chatting before/after the show
  
• Playing the old stuff
  
• Making that squealing noise when you run a pick up/down guitar strings
  
• Jumping in unison
  
• Playing for free
  
• Having a hot keyboard player
  
• Getting back together after calling it quits too early
  

Ozma did all of these things on Friday. I saw two of their shows that day. The first was a free one in Sproul Plaza on Berkeley's campus. The second was at Slim's.

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

Ozma broke up a couple of years ago (not shortly after I saw them play the Bear's Lair in Berkeley), and I guess they realized that all of their new projects weren't as good (two notes: 1) "Yes, Dear" is probably the worst band name ever 2) the Elected rock and are the exception to the above).

Their brand of rock is exactly what makes me want to get back in a band. The music is just a lot of fun, and you can tell that they're loving every minute playing those songs.

• Commenting on the above list, before the Slim's show, I ran into Ryen on the street. We got to chat for a little before I jumped in. Unfortunately, even though the rest of the band is really accessible, I've never talked to Star.
  
• Between the two shows, they played two new songs (one at both shows). The rest was old songs that everyone loves. Taking a hint from the Pixies, they're just playing what the crowd wants to hear.
  
• It felt like some member of the band did that squealing thing every 30 seconds. And I can't complain. It's a gimmick that I fall for.
  
• I also fall for synchronized jumping. (That sounds weird... oh well.)
  
• The Berkeley show was free, put on by SUPERB.
  
• Star is way hot (check out the photo). She now has white hair. I don't know about the white hair.
  
• Hopefully they'll stick around. And even though I think each of their records has gotten progressively worse, maybe they can buck that trend.

Check out a bunch of videos of Ozma at Berkeley.

Resurrection

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

I'm really slipping with the posting. But I'm going to try to get up-to-date today (and then immediately fall behind again).

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, Michelle and I saw Birdmonster at Mezzanine for their record release party. In case you haven't heard the buzz, this SF band is getting a lot of attention from their new album. I've been listening to it about once every other day, and so far it still keeps my attention.

But where these guys really do their best in live. They have a lot of fun on stage and are energetic. A hometown crowd and a new record will probably add a little extra energy too.

In the spirit of catching up, I'm just going to say that they're one of the better live acts out there right now, and if you get a chance, go see them. And here is a song off their EP that rocks pretty hard. The anticipation for the vocals is really the best part of it.

Birdmonster - Resurrection Song

More Harmonica!

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. But I've been to a few shows in the last few weeks and haven't blogged about any of them. Maybe if I knew if anyone was reading this I'd be more dedicated.

Anyway, way back on the 1st of April, Ben, Amy, and I went to Mezzanine to see Band of Horses and labelmates Helio Sequence. Remember a few weeks ago when Band of Horses was being hyped into outer space? I think it was based solely on their song The Funeral. This song is straight-up amazing. It's a very well-crafted song with a lot of interesting guitar work and some pretty haunting vocals.

When you hear a song that good, you think you've stumbled on the next big thing. So getting to see these guys live was supposed to be a treat. Instead, they gave a pretty mediocre performance with technical problems sprinkled in.

Imagine this: a four-piece band (guitar, bass, drums, singer/guitar). The guitar player only looks at his guitar neck, the bass player only looks at the drummer, and the drummer is hidden by his kit. This leaves a lot to be desired in a live show. But, what about the singer/guitarist? Well he's got a baseball cap on that covers most of his face. And when he's not knocking over equipment because he's pissed that the sound system is sucking, he's mumbling.

Disappointing.

Then, take the Helio Sequnce. I've seen these guys before, and when I did, I was amazed that it was only two guys. They make a whole lot of noise for two guys. The drummer is one of the most entertaining drummers out there. From the moment he raises his hand for the first beat of the opening song until the crowd is yelling for an encore, the dude's mouth is wide open.

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

The singer/guitarist is also amazingly talented. He's a great guitarist and a pretty decent singer. His lyrics are also good, although I don't know what most of them mean.

Ben hadn't ever heard Helio Sequence before, but was immediately taken in. If you get the chance to see these guys live, do it.

And I'm also going to try something new here. I'm going to link to songs from these guys. They're available on the bands' websites, so hopefully nobody will sue me.

Band of Horses - The Funeral

Helio Sequence - Everyone Knows Everyone

Hardcore Days & Softcore Nights / Every Moment

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

I had the perfect plan. I drove to the airport so that when I got back from Hawaii, I could go directly to Bimbo's to catch Aqueduct and Rogue Wave. What I hadn't planned on was that the people with my tickets might not be there when I got there. Luckily, cell phones were put to use and I only waited outside for about 10 minutes.

I went with Annie, Karin, her sister Erica, Susan, and her boyfriend Jason. Since this was a Noise Pop show, I feel like there weren't as many hard-core fans as normal. But up front, you always get the crazies.

So I got there just as Aqueduct was starting. This is really one of the best live acts out there. They're fun and energetic. Unfortunately, the only times I've seem them is as openers, so the sets are much shorter than what I want.

They played a good mix of old songs and some off an upcoming LP. The new songs sounded pretty good, but nothing really hooked me like the old stuff. I guess we'll have a real verdict in a few months when the new album comes out.

After that, Rogue Wave put on another solid show. Dressed all in white, I think they are starting to move toward larger indie-rock status. At least large enough to worry about their wardrobes.

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

The interesting thing about Rogue Wave is that they make some pretty significant changes to their songs when playing them live. If you're a fan and know the music, I think this is a pretty big plus, but my guess is that for newcomers, it isn't that great. The album versions are simply better songs. But we see live shows for the things that aren't on the album, so that's why I like the changes.

As a minor note, Annie got them to play a Buddy Holly cover. I wish they would have player March, which is a great song that was on a Comes with a Smile disk.

Arab Strap

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

Last week I was hanging out in the Haight with Ben. We bought some books, I got my hair cut, he looked at my ass while I tried on jeans, and we saw a free show at Amoeba.

The show was Arab Strap. In case you don't know what an arab strap is, check out the Wikipedia.

Anyway, I hadn't heard much of their music before the show, so I was open to what they had. It was pretty mellow stuff. It wasn't exactly what I typically like in a live show, but it was nice for a lazy afternoon.

You Look Like David Bowie

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

On Friday, while the cool kids were at the Strokes concert and the really cool kids were at the Metric concert, the scenesters were watching Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!. The show was at the Great American, which is my favorite SF venue.

The openers were the Brunettes. I saw them open for Rilo Kiley before. They're a really odd band using a lot of percussion and hand claps int their songs. The problem with them is that the songs aren't that great and their voices don't help the cause. I don't know how this band has opened for both Rilo Kiley and CYHSY, but I'm going to assume they have some incriminating photos.

Before CLHSY went on, Annie decided to take advantage of some concert newbies and we jumped from the third row of people to the first. You might think that it doesn't make that much of a difference, but it really does. For instance, if I weren't right up front I couldn't have told you that all of the band members (save one) had really bad shoes. In fact, none of them were really good dressers. Or are corduroy pants and silk vests coming back?

So if anyone out there is on the fence about CYHSY and the one thing holding you back is the strained vocals, don't go to a live show. Apparently recording equipment has not been invented that can capture the full strain of CYHSY vocals since the album is dramatically easier on the ears. That said, I like the strained vocals and after a couple of songs I got used to the difference. I might even like it more strained.

The show was really polarized. During their faster songs, they really rocked and looked like they were having fun doing it. But during the slower ones I started to get bored. They wouldn't move from their designated spots. I still appreciated the songs, but I go to shows for more than what I can get off the album.

After the show I dropped Annie and Susan off and grabbed a burrito. That's the best way to end any night.

Love is a Number

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

I had intended to see Tapes 'n Tapes on Thursday. Even though they've got the hype machine that is the interweb pushing them forward, I still dig them. They're not the next Radiohead or anything, but a good band that I wanted to see.

Unfortunately, by the time we got to Du Nord, the show was sold out. I don't get it. Just a week prior I saw Spinto Band and didn't have any ticket problems. Is Tapes 'n Tapes bigger?

Anyway, we were planning on going to Popscene after the show, so we just went a little early. And White Rose Movement was there. I didn't realize that I had one of their songs in the old iTunes until I heard them play it (actually, I thought that they were maybe playing a cover).

So WRM (as I'm going to call them from now on) is the right type of band to play Popscene: British. That and their music is very danceable. I don't know if it would work in a larger venue or if people weren't in the mood to dance.

Anyway, like all Popscene sets, WRM's was short. But they rocked pretty hard while they were on stage. The singer was energetic enough to keep me interested. And the keyboard player was way cute.

When the set ended, the crowd devolved into the normal under-age indie dance party.

I Love You Jon!

Originally uploaded by ryanfoley.

After seeing The Spinto Band the previous night at Cafe Du Nord, I got to see them open for the Arctic Monkeys at Great American. At Du Nord, I was right up front, beyond the main speakers, so I was listening to the set through the monitors. The second show had dramatically better sound.

The Spinto Band is pretty young (19-22), but they really put on a good live show. There sound is tight and they have fun up there. I also created a connection between one band member (Jon). His cousin's friend was in the audience at Du Nord. So I cheered for him exclusively. I also got to give a shout out to Delaware (where they're from).

The Arctic Monkeys are, as expected, mostly hype. I thought they were supposed to be good live? They barely said two words to the audience, and hardly moved around. That combined with all of the 15 year olds pushing around up front caused me to move to the back (how old am I?).

In the back I ran into Jon. We talked briefly before the show, and while watching the Arctic Monkeys he tried to convince me that they were good. I think he was just being nice. After we were done talking he went to the merch table. A minute later he gave me a handful of stickers.

It's that sort of thing that gets you die-hard fans. Jon, and the Spinto Band as a whole, expect to see/hear me the next time you're in town.