Is Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! the prototype of how bands operate and music is created in the next decade? Their internet savvy and lack of label (in the US at least) makes you think that this model of self-publishing and promotion might just work. But CYHSY is a different beast than most bands. For starters, they make truly excellent and innovative music. People who like their music are willing to put some effort into finding it. This isn't the model with which Ashlee Simpson could succeed.
But I shouldn't get too involved in the economics of the music industry. I won't stray too far from the formula: concert reviews and bad pictures. I hope you agree that the picture on the side is bad. As for the concert review, I suggest you read my review of the last time I saw them. Having seen them before and feeling conflicted about their live show, I didn't exactly know what to expect. But apparently CYHSY reads Jealousy because this time around they kept the best, high-energy parts of their show and dropped the slow snoozers. Almost every song was fast and that allowed everyone to sway/dance/shake that ass during the show.
The best part of the show had to be the encore where they turned the Christmas lights on and played some favorites. They finished with Satan Said Dance. That really is a great finisher. It isn't anything particularly special other than being a rocker that everyone can sing along to. Putting it in the middle of a set would just be a waste an probably disrupt the flow of said set. But putting it at the end lets you leave the shithouse that is the Warfield with a good taste in your mouth. I didn't take a straw poll, but I think Danielle, Jon, and Jason (who saw the show with me) would agree.
As a postscript, I ponder how a band that owes its success to the internet doesn't have a single song to download on its website.
30 October 2006
29 October 2006
Thunderbirds Are Now! - Bottom of the Hill - 10/12/06
If you like live music (and I know you do!), you like Thunderbirds Are Now!. (As an aside, was I supposed to put a period after the exclamation point? I feel like all of this extra punctuation is making my third grade teacher spread the jam.) TAN! gives the best basic live show out there. Sure, bands like the Flaming Lips and Of Montreal can put on a good show, but it really is a lot of theatrics combined with the music. TAN! is just raw energy.
But when you've got a guy doing hand stands and the jumping-over-his-own-leg dance move, you know you've got something special. I've seen TAN! twice now, and they've killed both times. They have a new album out, which might not be quite as good as their last one, but still has many solid (and a few excellent) tracks on it.
The recipe for a TAN! show is 1) Start with a typical rock show 2) Increase the energy to as high as you've seen 3) Throw in a bunch of danceable beats 4) Get the audience involved by dancing in the audience and/or giving audience members tambourines 5) Have one band member walk that knife's edge of stage antics and real insanity. I think the only thing that could have made the show better is if there were more people there. The place was maybe half full. I don't understand that, but maybe the next time they come through town we can give them a better welcoming.
A big bonus is that these guys hail from Detroit. And the bass player graduated college with me (although I didn't know him then).
Thunderbirds Are Now! - Eat This City
Thunderbirds Are Now! - Eat This City (Video)
But when you've got a guy doing hand stands and the jumping-over-his-own-leg dance move, you know you've got something special. I've seen TAN! twice now, and they've killed both times. They have a new album out, which might not be quite as good as their last one, but still has many solid (and a few excellent) tracks on it.
The recipe for a TAN! show is 1) Start with a typical rock show 2) Increase the energy to as high as you've seen 3) Throw in a bunch of danceable beats 4) Get the audience involved by dancing in the audience and/or giving audience members tambourines 5) Have one band member walk that knife's edge of stage antics and real insanity. I think the only thing that could have made the show better is if there were more people there. The place was maybe half full. I don't understand that, but maybe the next time they come through town we can give them a better welcoming.
A big bonus is that these guys hail from Detroit. And the bass player graduated college with me (although I didn't know him then).
Thunderbirds Are Now! - Eat This City
Thunderbirds Are Now! - Eat This City (Video)
22 October 2006
Cold War Kids - Mezzanine - 10/7/06
The Cold War Kids are a unique band. Their sound is hard to explain. I feel like they're a jam band without jamming. They're a blues/soul band from LA. Really the best thing to say is that the music is strong and pierces through you, like if Bruce Springsteen wrote gospel music.
The kids are true performers too. I think there are some people who understand that being in a band is a job and you have to work when you're on stage. It doesn't mean you have to be mechanical, but you need to put effort into it. CWK understands this. Between the emotional singing, slightly odd setup (piano facing the wall, loose cymbal on a wooden box), and requisite dancing, there was always something that caught your eye and kept you involved.
I went with Amy, Vania, Brittany, Melissa, and Melissa's brother (and his friends). Melissa apparently grew up with the band members and went to church with them. Hopefully that means that no matter how big they get, I'll always have a ticket.
Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds
Cold War Kids - Tell Me In The Morning
Cold War Kids - The Soloist In The Living Room
Cold War Kids - Heavy Boots
The kids are true performers too. I think there are some people who understand that being in a band is a job and you have to work when you're on stage. It doesn't mean you have to be mechanical, but you need to put effort into it. CWK understands this. Between the emotional singing, slightly odd setup (piano facing the wall, loose cymbal on a wooden box), and requisite dancing, there was always something that caught your eye and kept you involved.
I went with Amy, Vania, Brittany, Melissa, and Melissa's brother (and his friends). Melissa apparently grew up with the band members and went to church with them. Hopefully that means that no matter how big they get, I'll always have a ticket.
Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds
Cold War Kids - Tell Me In The Morning
Cold War Kids - The Soloist In The Living Room
Cold War Kids - Heavy Boots
18 October 2006
We Are Scientists / Art Brut / Spinto Band - Fillmore - 10/2/06
Finally a show that I wanted to see everyone performing. As anyone who goes to shows knows, you typically get some band you've never heard of opening for the band you're going to see. This can be a good thing when you discover someone new. But more likely it's just something you have to wait through. But when three bands you want to see play on the same stage, you're just getting more bang for your buck. And that's my first concern when it comes to concerts: value.
Performing at the Fillmore was The Spinto Band (who I saw twice in March), Art Brut, and We Are Scientists. I've been a fan of The Spinto Band for about a year now. I first heard Art Brut through Rock Club (a little mix tape exchange I'm a part of), and have heard through friends that they put on a good show. Nora at I Rock, I Roll pumped the band, which is where I first heard Lousy Reputation, and enticed me to buy the album. And after reading YANP's enthusiastic review of one of their shows, I was hyped.
I showed up at the show with Susan and met up with John, Ian, Marissa, and a few others. I also ran into this couple that I've seen at a bunch of shows, including the last Spinto Band show. The crowd seemed to like Spinto Band okay, and although I thought they were really good, it wasn't quite the performance as the last time I saw them. Maybe it was the crowd didn't know them or because the Fillmore stage is so high, but it just wasn't like Cafe du Nord. Art Brut, however, had no problem with the crowd or the stage. This was a commanding performance, and you had no choice but compliance. They were high energy during the songs and funny between, saying stuff like
"If Jay-Z were here, he'd say 'Eddie, you've got 99 problems, but the bitch ain't one.' And I'd say 'Jay-Z, I don't appreciate your misogynistic words, but you are correct.'"
Stuff like that makes people into fans. That and jumping into the crowd to sing a song. And proclaiming yourself and the rest of your tour "top of the pops" several times.
We Are Scientists are a really entertaining band. They won't change your life; their music just isn't that introspective or complicated. But the music is fun and the banter is pretty good. I'll try to recount one of the many sessions
Keith: I know Eddie told you that he got his wisdom teeth pulled a week ago and now because of the medicine he's taking this is the first sober show Art Brut has done in years. And he says it's the "real" Art Brut. But let me tell you something, a few months ago we tried a sober show, and it sucked!
Chris: That's our guarantee: always drunk.
Keith (lifting his glass): I'll drink to that.
Chris (lifting his glass): It's all a lie. This is non-alcoholic. That was an unexpected twist to that anecdote.
The real downside to We Are Scientists is that their catalog is kind of small. But maybe after their next release, they'll have the depth necessary to really be more about the music and less about the banter.
We Are Scientists - Inaction
Performing at the Fillmore was The Spinto Band (who I saw twice in March), Art Brut, and We Are Scientists. I've been a fan of The Spinto Band for about a year now. I first heard Art Brut through Rock Club (a little mix tape exchange I'm a part of), and have heard through friends that they put on a good show. Nora at I Rock, I Roll pumped the band, which is where I first heard Lousy Reputation, and enticed me to buy the album. And after reading YANP's enthusiastic review of one of their shows, I was hyped.
I showed up at the show with Susan and met up with John, Ian, Marissa, and a few others. I also ran into this couple that I've seen at a bunch of shows, including the last Spinto Band show. The crowd seemed to like Spinto Band okay, and although I thought they were really good, it wasn't quite the performance as the last time I saw them. Maybe it was the crowd didn't know them or because the Fillmore stage is so high, but it just wasn't like Cafe du Nord. Art Brut, however, had no problem with the crowd or the stage. This was a commanding performance, and you had no choice but compliance. They were high energy during the songs and funny between, saying stuff like
"If Jay-Z were here, he'd say 'Eddie, you've got 99 problems, but the bitch ain't one.' And I'd say 'Jay-Z, I don't appreciate your misogynistic words, but you are correct.'"
Stuff like that makes people into fans. That and jumping into the crowd to sing a song. And proclaiming yourself and the rest of your tour "top of the pops" several times.
We Are Scientists are a really entertaining band. They won't change your life; their music just isn't that introspective or complicated. But the music is fun and the banter is pretty good. I'll try to recount one of the many sessions
Keith: I know Eddie told you that he got his wisdom teeth pulled a week ago and now because of the medicine he's taking this is the first sober show Art Brut has done in years. And he says it's the "real" Art Brut. But let me tell you something, a few months ago we tried a sober show, and it sucked!
Chris: That's our guarantee: always drunk.
Keith (lifting his glass): I'll drink to that.
Chris (lifting his glass): It's all a lie. This is non-alcoholic. That was an unexpected twist to that anecdote.
The real downside to We Are Scientists is that their catalog is kind of small. But maybe after their next release, they'll have the depth necessary to really be more about the music and less about the banter.
We Are Scientists - Inaction
08 October 2006
Andrew Bird - Great American Music Hall - 9/22/06
Andrew Bird is simply amazing. Then why did I not stay for the encore?
Ben, Jason, Annie, Danielle, and I met up at Great American to see the creator of my favorite album of last year. The first thing you notice when hearing him is that he has complete control over ever sound that emanates from his body. His whistling is incredible. At first I didn't even think it was real, it came so effortlessly.
And despite his mastery of stringed instruments, I was still disappointed by the show. The place was really hot, so being physically uncomfortable didn't help anything. But the big issue is that he played mostly new material. I hadn't heard this stuff and although it sounded pretty good, I didn't appreciate it the same way I did when he sang the songs I've listened to a hundred times, dissecting the lyrics, and hearing the subtle inflections in his voice. And the smaller issue is that when he sang his "classics," he sang them erratically, as if the album versions bored him so much that he wished he didn't have to sing them at all.
So after he finished his set, my group decided to take off, leaving the sweaty room for some party. I'm sure the encore was everything I was missing during the normal set, but I had had enough.
As one last note, Andrew Bird can actually use looping pedals, unlike Feist who sucks at looping even more than she sucks at playing guitar.
Andrew Bird - A Nervous Tic Motion Of The Head To The Left
Listen to the entire album here
Ben, Jason, Annie, Danielle, and I met up at Great American to see the creator of my favorite album of last year. The first thing you notice when hearing him is that he has complete control over ever sound that emanates from his body. His whistling is incredible. At first I didn't even think it was real, it came so effortlessly.
And despite his mastery of stringed instruments, I was still disappointed by the show. The place was really hot, so being physically uncomfortable didn't help anything. But the big issue is that he played mostly new material. I hadn't heard this stuff and although it sounded pretty good, I didn't appreciate it the same way I did when he sang the songs I've listened to a hundred times, dissecting the lyrics, and hearing the subtle inflections in his voice. And the smaller issue is that when he sang his "classics," he sang them erratically, as if the album versions bored him so much that he wished he didn't have to sing them at all.
So after he finished his set, my group decided to take off, leaving the sweaty room for some party. I'm sure the encore was everything I was missing during the normal set, but I had had enough.
As one last note, Andrew Bird can actually use looping pedals, unlike Feist who sucks at looping even more than she sucks at playing guitar.
Andrew Bird - A Nervous Tic Motion Of The Head To The Left
Listen to the entire album here
05 October 2006
Ratatat - Sproul Plaza - 9/19/06
Thank you Superb! They keep bringing great concerts to Berkeley. I've seen Ozma (twice), Matt Sharp, and a bunch of other concerts for free or cheap because of them (and they're bringing Sufjan to Berkeley next week). This time I saw Ratatat for free. The free shows are out in Sproul Plaza where students can meander down for a quick glance.
Since I saw Ratatat a year or two ago and left the show early (there stuff is good to listen to, but in a live show, with no vocals, it just doesn't do it for me) and since I got a free ticket to an early screening of Science of Sleep, I left after only a few songs.
They have a new album out, and it seems to be strong from the tracks I've heard. But that doesn't get away from the fact that in concert they just sort of noodle around on guitars while swaying back and forth.
What ever happened to these guys being the next big rap producers?
Ratatat - Seventeen Years
Missy Eliot (Ratatat Remix) - Hot
Since I saw Ratatat a year or two ago and left the show early (there stuff is good to listen to, but in a live show, with no vocals, it just doesn't do it for me) and since I got a free ticket to an early screening of Science of Sleep, I left after only a few songs.
They have a new album out, and it seems to be strong from the tracks I've heard. But that doesn't get away from the fact that in concert they just sort of noodle around on guitars while swaying back and forth.
What ever happened to these guys being the next big rap producers?
Ratatat - Seventeen Years
Missy Eliot (Ratatat Remix) - Hot
27 September 2006
Under the Influence of Giants / Dirty Heads - Cafe du Nord - 9/14/06
I like to think that I'm a pretty good concert buddy. As the list of shows to the left suggests, I'm interested in a lot of shows, even if I don't go to them all. But if someone invites me to a show, I'll typically go.
So when Lisa asked me to go see a reggae-rap band called the Dirty Heads, I went (despite not being a reggae, rap, or reggae-rap listener). Lisa thinks that they're going to be the next Linkin Park, so take that however you want. Regardless of their musical taste, I have to say that they were fun to watch. They put on an energetic show. And I spent a lot of the time trying to figure out if the DJ was Mexican or Asian (I'm pretty sure he's Asian).
Neither of us had heard of the headliners, but we decided to stick around to see what they were like. Under the Influence of Giants is a glammed-up rock band that somehow rests in the middle of the Rapture and Junior Senior. They've got the look and feel of a major-label band. And they're signed to a major label (Island), making them labelmates with the Killers. I'd be a poor judge of music if I didn't suggest that if cards are played correctly, these guys will follow in the Killers' footsteps.
I grabbed the CD after the show. I have this ongoing mix in my iTunes for danceable indie rock and figured I could put a song or two from UTIOG on there. And who knows, a year from now these guys will be claiming their sophomore record is the best in 20 years.
So when Lisa asked me to go see a reggae-rap band called the Dirty Heads, I went (despite not being a reggae, rap, or reggae-rap listener). Lisa thinks that they're going to be the next Linkin Park, so take that however you want. Regardless of their musical taste, I have to say that they were fun to watch. They put on an energetic show. And I spent a lot of the time trying to figure out if the DJ was Mexican or Asian (I'm pretty sure he's Asian).
Neither of us had heard of the headliners, but we decided to stick around to see what they were like. Under the Influence of Giants is a glammed-up rock band that somehow rests in the middle of the Rapture and Junior Senior. They've got the look and feel of a major-label band. And they're signed to a major label (Island), making them labelmates with the Killers. I'd be a poor judge of music if I didn't suggest that if cards are played correctly, these guys will follow in the Killers' footsteps.
I grabbed the CD after the show. I have this ongoing mix in my iTunes for danceable indie rock and figured I could put a song or two from UTIOG on there. And who knows, a year from now these guys will be claiming their sophomore record is the best in 20 years.
26 August 2006
Wolf Parade / Frog Eyes - The Fillmore - 8/24/06
I have it too good. Most of the bands I want to see live play small venues and allow me to get up close to the stage. When I go to shows at places like The Fillmore or the Greek, its a struggle to even get within 50 feet. Luckily I've already had my U2 concert experience and don't need to worry about which section of the stadium my seats are in until Ted Leo starts playing MSG.
Despite the distance, the Wolf Parade / Frog Eyes show was rather good. It's a natural pairing with keyboardist Spencer Krug in both bands. In case you haven't heard Frog Eyes before, you need to know that the music is weird. It's not experimental, but they ride the razor's edge between experimental and pop music. There isn't much variety between songs, so if you like one, you'll probably like them all, and likewise, if you hate one, you'll hate them all. Sort of like Julia Roberts movies. I like Frog Eyes (and the Destroyer / Frog Eyes collaboration that produced Notorious Lightning and Other Works is truly amazing), so I had a good time watching their enthusiasm spill out onto guitar strings and piano keys.
Another issue with bigger places is that when you're in a large group and people leave your hard-earned spot in the crowd for a drink or smoke, it's nearly impossible for them to get back. So despite being at the show with Ben, Enrico, Jeni, Andrea, Sam, Bethany, and Kristen, and watching Frog Eyes with Julia and Mike, I ended up watching Wolf Parade surrounded only by the coke fiend girls on my right, the bushy-haired tall duo directly in front of me, and the girls who mistook Frog Eyes for Wolf Parade on my left.
Wolf Parade played some new stuff during the set, and it sounded fine, but nothing sounded as good as their older material. I'm confident they'll be putting out great music for a while since they're all amazing musicians and Krug has proven himself with both Frog Eyes and Sunset Rubdown. The interesting thing about the show was that these guys played almost too well. The You Are A Runner / Fancy Claps sequence in the middle of the set was so good and polished, it was almost U2-esque. Coming full circle, I believe if I would have been assigned to row 54 in section KK, I still would have been rocked. I doubt Wolf Parade will ever have that sort of following, but if they do get to Radiohead status, don't fret about the live show.
Frog Eyes - The Oscillator's Hum
Wolf Parade - You Are A Runner
Wolf Parade - Shine A Light
Despite the distance, the Wolf Parade / Frog Eyes show was rather good. It's a natural pairing with keyboardist Spencer Krug in both bands. In case you haven't heard Frog Eyes before, you need to know that the music is weird. It's not experimental, but they ride the razor's edge between experimental and pop music. There isn't much variety between songs, so if you like one, you'll probably like them all, and likewise, if you hate one, you'll hate them all. Sort of like Julia Roberts movies. I like Frog Eyes (and the Destroyer / Frog Eyes collaboration that produced Notorious Lightning and Other Works is truly amazing), so I had a good time watching their enthusiasm spill out onto guitar strings and piano keys.
Another issue with bigger places is that when you're in a large group and people leave your hard-earned spot in the crowd for a drink or smoke, it's nearly impossible for them to get back. So despite being at the show with Ben, Enrico, Jeni, Andrea, Sam, Bethany, and Kristen, and watching Frog Eyes with Julia and Mike, I ended up watching Wolf Parade surrounded only by the coke fiend girls on my right, the bushy-haired tall duo directly in front of me, and the girls who mistook Frog Eyes for Wolf Parade on my left.
Wolf Parade played some new stuff during the set, and it sounded fine, but nothing sounded as good as their older material. I'm confident they'll be putting out great music for a while since they're all amazing musicians and Krug has proven himself with both Frog Eyes and Sunset Rubdown. The interesting thing about the show was that these guys played almost too well. The You Are A Runner / Fancy Claps sequence in the middle of the set was so good and polished, it was almost U2-esque. Coming full circle, I believe if I would have been assigned to row 54 in section KK, I still would have been rocked. I doubt Wolf Parade will ever have that sort of following, but if they do get to Radiohead status, don't fret about the live show.
Frog Eyes - The Oscillator's Hum
Wolf Parade - You Are A Runner
Wolf Parade - Shine A Light
25 August 2006
The Mountain Goats - Amoeba Music - 8/22/06
On the same day as the record release of his new album, Get Lonely, John Darnielle passed through town for a free show. The simple setup, just him and a guitar, made all the songs sound more like his old recordings, before his switch to 4AD records.
I personally prefer the stripped, lo-fi, early recordings to the new, polished ones. But both are great, and The Mountain Goats are easily my number one listened-to band, according to last.fm. So take the rest of this post with the same amount of salt you'd take if I were reviewing Dennis Kucinich for President.
I went to the show alone, but Mike, Karin, Evan, and Amber were there and somehow spotted me in the crowd. A phone call later and I was within 20 feet of the stage.
I think the most praised aspect of The Mountain Goats is the literary song writing. It certainly isn't the production value or honey dew singing. And although the tunes are subtly complicated (if that makes any sense... they're complicated, but you might not notice all of the references or that little key change right away), I always thought the best aspect of The Mountain Goats was the passion and truth behind the words. Years ago, I might have called it emo. But it is distinct. Much like Destroyer or the Decemberists, The Mountain Goats make stories with musical accompaniment.
In the middle of No, I Can't, which is essentially a list of things given to a man by an ex-lover, you really understand the meaning behind the words when he yells Thanks for the filing cabinet / I don't know what I did without it. And this came through incredibly well in the live show. When John stopped playing guitar for a few measures in the middle of a song and just let his strained, somewhat sour voice carry through the record store, you understand the (perceived) importance of the words.
The set was predictably short. And for an artist with several hundred songs, it was painfully short. Most of the set was off the new album, which isn't what the die-hards beg for. But I can't really complain. It's like asking for the Canterbury Tales to shoot up to the top of the best-sellers' list.
Some older tracks. He played Goldenboy at the show.
The Mountain Goats - Cubs In Five
The Mountain Goats - Goldenboy
I personally prefer the stripped, lo-fi, early recordings to the new, polished ones. But both are great, and The Mountain Goats are easily my number one listened-to band, according to last.fm. So take the rest of this post with the same amount of salt you'd take if I were reviewing Dennis Kucinich for President.
I went to the show alone, but Mike, Karin, Evan, and Amber were there and somehow spotted me in the crowd. A phone call later and I was within 20 feet of the stage.
I think the most praised aspect of The Mountain Goats is the literary song writing. It certainly isn't the production value or honey dew singing. And although the tunes are subtly complicated (if that makes any sense... they're complicated, but you might not notice all of the references or that little key change right away), I always thought the best aspect of The Mountain Goats was the passion and truth behind the words. Years ago, I might have called it emo. But it is distinct. Much like Destroyer or the Decemberists, The Mountain Goats make stories with musical accompaniment.
In the middle of No, I Can't, which is essentially a list of things given to a man by an ex-lover, you really understand the meaning behind the words when he yells Thanks for the filing cabinet / I don't know what I did without it. And this came through incredibly well in the live show. When John stopped playing guitar for a few measures in the middle of a song and just let his strained, somewhat sour voice carry through the record store, you understand the (perceived) importance of the words.
The set was predictably short. And for an artist with several hundred songs, it was painfully short. Most of the set was off the new album, which isn't what the die-hards beg for. But I can't really complain. It's like asking for the Canterbury Tales to shoot up to the top of the best-sellers' list.
Some older tracks. He played Goldenboy at the show.
The Mountain Goats - Cubs In Five
The Mountain Goats - Goldenboy
04 August 2006
Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos - Popscene - 8/3/06
Why is the percussionist (not to be confused with the drummer) always the most interesting person in the band to watch? My current theory is that as children these were the kids that constantly goofing off in class to get the teacher's attention. And now they get to bang on loud things to get attention.
Anyway, Annie, Thea, and I went to Popscene to catch Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos (which may be the worst band name by a good band ever). Popscene is the place in San Francisco to show off your leg warmers and bullet belt. It's also the place to go if you're indie and under 21. It's gotten to the point where I feel pretty old going there. How long do I have before I feel old at bars?
As far as the music, MatNSaS (which should be pronounced "mat-an-sass") played a relatively long set for Popscene. They have a very full sound, which one might expect with eight members. The overlapping male and female vocals add even more depth. Most of their songs are pretty mellow, which is nice, but the venue is really best for bands that bring the rock (Hot Hot Heat killed there). But a couple of the songs swapped acoustic for electric guitar and really kicked things into gear. Those were the songs that made me think this was a good show. With only the slower stuff, I'd forget about this show in a couple of months.
Maybe I'm just in the mood for a band that can get me jumping and dancing. Wolf Parade is in a couple of weeks and that should be the fix I desire.
Here is a pretty good video of one of their rockin' songs.
Anyway, Annie, Thea, and I went to Popscene to catch Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos (which may be the worst band name by a good band ever). Popscene is the place in San Francisco to show off your leg warmers and bullet belt. It's also the place to go if you're indie and under 21. It's gotten to the point where I feel pretty old going there. How long do I have before I feel old at bars?
As far as the music, MatNSaS (which should be pronounced "mat-an-sass") played a relatively long set for Popscene. They have a very full sound, which one might expect with eight members. The overlapping male and female vocals add even more depth. Most of their songs are pretty mellow, which is nice, but the venue is really best for bands that bring the rock (Hot Hot Heat killed there). But a couple of the songs swapped acoustic for electric guitar and really kicked things into gear. Those were the songs that made me think this was a good show. With only the slower stuff, I'd forget about this show in a couple of months.
Maybe I'm just in the mood for a band that can get me jumping and dancing. Wolf Parade is in a couple of weeks and that should be the fix I desire.
Here is a pretty good video of one of their rockin' songs.
25 July 2006
An Epic Experience
The Flaming Lips. They're consistently considered one of the best shows around. And show is the right word. When you have a half dozen Santas, alien groupies, superhero roadies, and monstrous sing-a-longs, you can't just call this a concert.
I went to the show to celebrate Mike's birthday. So he, Cheryl, Connie, Ben, and a bunch of Mike's friends and I arrived at the show together. Most of them wanted to go up to the grass and chill, but Ben and I wanted a closer view. We ended up pretty close, but still above the pit, which allowed me to get these amazing pictures without arms and heads framing the pictures.
The show started with Wayne giving instructions on what was about to happen. He told the crowd that he was about to descend from the heavens in a giant bubble, landing gently in the open arms of the crowd below. He them proceeded to fulfill his promise. After walking on the crowd, he returned to start the show with Race for the Prize, one of my favorite songs (it's about scientists, for crying out loud).
They continued their nonsense for quite a while, shooting confetti and streamers into the crowd during songs. Twice they had us sing along to a song; after Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1 and before The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song. They played She Don't Use Jelly, which I didn't need to hear, but was nice because the crowd was so excited to hear it live.
A friend of mine once said, "The best show I've ever been to has to be the Flaming Lips. Of course that's not really fair since during the show I was tripping on acid." The Flaming Lips are a great show, really giving you what they promise when you put down $40+ to see them. I'm sure this will be one of my favorite shows of the year, but with the giant venue, it didn't feel intimate enough. Maybe next time they travel through, I'll be on stage dressed as a vampire holding a flashlight and I won't care so much about the size of the venue.
Here are the majority of my pictures from the show.
And for those who weren't there, here is Wayne in his bubble:
I went to the show to celebrate Mike's birthday. So he, Cheryl, Connie, Ben, and a bunch of Mike's friends and I arrived at the show together. Most of them wanted to go up to the grass and chill, but Ben and I wanted a closer view. We ended up pretty close, but still above the pit, which allowed me to get these amazing pictures without arms and heads framing the pictures.
The show started with Wayne giving instructions on what was about to happen. He told the crowd that he was about to descend from the heavens in a giant bubble, landing gently in the open arms of the crowd below. He them proceeded to fulfill his promise. After walking on the crowd, he returned to start the show with Race for the Prize, one of my favorite songs (it's about scientists, for crying out loud).
They continued their nonsense for quite a while, shooting confetti and streamers into the crowd during songs. Twice they had us sing along to a song; after Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1 and before The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song. They played She Don't Use Jelly, which I didn't need to hear, but was nice because the crowd was so excited to hear it live.
A friend of mine once said, "The best show I've ever been to has to be the Flaming Lips. Of course that's not really fair since during the show I was tripping on acid." The Flaming Lips are a great show, really giving you what they promise when you put down $40+ to see them. I'm sure this will be one of my favorite shows of the year, but with the giant venue, it didn't feel intimate enough. Maybe next time they travel through, I'll be on stage dressed as a vampire holding a flashlight and I won't care so much about the size of the venue.
Here are the majority of my pictures from the show.
And for those who weren't there, here is Wayne in his bubble:
28 June 2006
Top 5 Shows of First Half of 2006
Everyone likes to make top 10 lists at the end of the year. But why wait until then to arbitrarily rank things? I figured I could do a brief ranking of the best shows I've seen so far this year. One bonus of doing this now is that this is happening when things are easier to remember. From my memory, I've been to 19 shows in the last 6 months. So this does have some merit. But enough pontificating!
- Birdmonster - Mezzanine - 4/19
This was the record release party for Birdmonster's new album, No Midnight. There weren't many people there, but they still rocked. And those that did show up were true fans, singing along and yelling the whole time. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin also opened (something I didn't mention in the original posting). It was a nice bonus. - Helio Sequence - Mezzanine - 4/1
I think the main reason I went to this show was to see Band of Horses. They were getting a lot of buzz and I figured I'd see if they could hold up to the hype. Turns out that they couldn't. I'd like to see them again just to see if it was an off night. But the real show came from the boys in Helio Sequence. If you're looking for a show to remove the socks from your feet, go see these guys. It's just pure fun from start to finish. - Beirut - Lily Pad - 6/24
Maybe it's because I just saw them, but I sure liked the Beirut show. Sure, it wasn't the cleanest show I've ever seen. But I wasn't expecting U2. The music is good, and the intimate setting really made for an excellent time. And the band was quite approachable. They're coming to San Francisco in October, playing at Great American. That should be quite a difference. - Spinto Band - Cafe du Nord - 3/13
The Spinto Band's album has been one that I keep coming back to. The songs are really poppy, but still retain the complexities and subtleties of great music. And their live show is similar. It's juvenile in some regards (the guys are all young), using kazoos and funny dance moves, but it is subtle and complex with excellent solos and a genuine rapport between band members. Simply put, I enjoyed myself. - Islands - Slim's - 5/6
Boy, that's a small picture I have of Islands. But I think that is actually a good thing. I really enjoyed the show. And I really like the music played (if I were making a similar list of songs, Rough Gem would have probably been at #1). But Nick Diamonds is a dick (which is seen in full effect during a Pitchfork interview). The real reason I enjoyed this show so much was the energy and the events that unfolded during the concert. So having a small picture of the guy, with his band mates, might be the kind of blow to his ego that he could use. But more likely, he'll think "some people are just bitter that they ended up reviewing the show rather than playing the show, perhaps." Yes, Nick, jealousy got us this far...
26 June 2006
Postcards from Italy
I was hanging out in Beantown this last week. It's one of my favorite towns in America, and it didn't disappoint this time either. I'm lucky that I get to visit at least once a year.
Before going, I emailed my friend Geoff, saying, "Geoff, so far, our time in Cambridge has been nothing but trouble. And I'm happy to report that I'm a bigger dick now than ever." Geoff was quite the host, bringing me to a cool bar one night and having me over for a party at his house another.
The bad part about this trip is that it was scheduled exactly when Built to Spill and Radiohead were in San Francisco. But I made up for missing those "mainstream" bands by seeing one of the internet's most hyped artists, Beirut. This band is fronted (and formed) by a 19 year old from New Mexico. He plays almost all the instruments on the album (which doesn't contain a single pluck of a guitar string). His instrumental knowledge goes from piano to accordion to ukulele. The eclectic instruments combined with his strong, vibrato voice, and Eastern European influences leads to a very full and interesting sound.
While waiting in line for the show, I met two cool Bostonians, Debbie and Dan. We chatted and occasionally overheard the conversation of the group behind us, who were idiots. There were many examples of this, but the best came when one engaged me in conversation. It went a little like this.
Idiot (pointing at my shoes): Hey, did you get those at Nordstrom's?
Me: Nope.
Idiot: Oh, well I tried them on at Nordstrom's. I was going to get them, but my Mom wouldn't let me.
Me: Wait, did you just say you Mom wouldn't let you?
Everyone around: LOL
Me (pointing at the idiot's feet): So are those Mommy approved?
Idiot's cute girlfriend: Ha! Mommy approved!
Anyway, once we got into the small room of the Lily Pad in Cambridge (which could fit about 50 people), we saw the band hanging out, drinking beer. No stage, and definitely no back stage.
Despite the lousy sound system (the PA blew out before the show, causing them to pipe everything through their back-up keyboard amp), the show was excellent. The 19 year old was a bit shy, singing with his eyes closed and generally avoiding the crowd, but he sounded great. All of the band members were great musicians, but I was especially impressed by the cello player and drummer. And there was a ukulele player/general percussionist that was a great show. He looked pretty nerdy, but had a lot of energy. Without him, I feel that the stand-back-and-listen-without-moving-an-inch crowd would have pushed the atmosphere of the show into the doldrums.
Beirut is planning on touring the West Coast this Fall. If I can get a ticket (I can only imagine how hard it'll be), I'll be there.
Beirut - Postcards from Italy
Beirut - Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)
Before going, I emailed my friend Geoff, saying, "Geoff, so far, our time in Cambridge has been nothing but trouble. And I'm happy to report that I'm a bigger dick now than ever." Geoff was quite the host, bringing me to a cool bar one night and having me over for a party at his house another.
The bad part about this trip is that it was scheduled exactly when Built to Spill and Radiohead were in San Francisco. But I made up for missing those "mainstream" bands by seeing one of the internet's most hyped artists, Beirut. This band is fronted (and formed) by a 19 year old from New Mexico. He plays almost all the instruments on the album (which doesn't contain a single pluck of a guitar string). His instrumental knowledge goes from piano to accordion to ukulele. The eclectic instruments combined with his strong, vibrato voice, and Eastern European influences leads to a very full and interesting sound.
While waiting in line for the show, I met two cool Bostonians, Debbie and Dan. We chatted and occasionally overheard the conversation of the group behind us, who were idiots. There were many examples of this, but the best came when one engaged me in conversation. It went a little like this.
Idiot (pointing at my shoes): Hey, did you get those at Nordstrom's?
Me: Nope.
Idiot: Oh, well I tried them on at Nordstrom's. I was going to get them, but my Mom wouldn't let me.
Me: Wait, did you just say you Mom wouldn't let you?
Everyone around: LOL
Me (pointing at the idiot's feet): So are those Mommy approved?
Idiot's cute girlfriend: Ha! Mommy approved!
Anyway, once we got into the small room of the Lily Pad in Cambridge (which could fit about 50 people), we saw the band hanging out, drinking beer. No stage, and definitely no back stage.
Despite the lousy sound system (the PA blew out before the show, causing them to pipe everything through their back-up keyboard amp), the show was excellent. The 19 year old was a bit shy, singing with his eyes closed and generally avoiding the crowd, but he sounded great. All of the band members were great musicians, but I was especially impressed by the cello player and drummer. And there was a ukulele player/general percussionist that was a great show. He looked pretty nerdy, but had a lot of energy. Without him, I feel that the stand-back-and-listen-without-moving-an-inch crowd would have pushed the atmosphere of the show into the doldrums.
Beirut is planning on touring the West Coast this Fall. If I can get a ticket (I can only imagine how hard it'll be), I'll be there.
Beirut - Postcards from Italy
Beirut - Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)
25 June 2006
Fastest Man Alive
I've been in Boston this last week chumming with work people, seeing a college friend, and going to one show. That'll be my excuse for why it's taken me over a week to post about the Sound Team / Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin show at the Independent. I went to this show by myself, knowing that it was going to be great, but unable to convince others of that fact.
I got to the venue a few minutes before SSLYBY started up, The band is a laid-back rock outfit. I want to compare them to a band, but nothing is really coming to mind. They're sort of like Rogue Wave or OK Go or Razorlight or Spinto Band. It's pretty simple music, but very solid. They were also pretty fun to see live. I'll probably try to see them next time they're around (caught them before when they opened for Birdmonster a few weeks ago).
As for Sound Team, one of the internet's favorite bands, they really performed well. It's a group of really good musicians with some very good songs. They're not going to be the next Radiohead, but I think they'll be pretty big in the indie scene. During the set, something went wrong with one of the keyboards, forcing some quick fixing and a couple of songs with two guys working over each other (like in the picture).
After the show, I talked to Phillip from SSLYBY for a while. He sounds like a really good guy just trying to make it in this business. But he seems to understand that you need to work your way up slowly, gaining fans along the way.
Sound Team - Fastest Man Alive iPod-ready Video- Highly Recommended
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - House Fire
I got to the venue a few minutes before SSLYBY started up, The band is a laid-back rock outfit. I want to compare them to a band, but nothing is really coming to mind. They're sort of like Rogue Wave or OK Go or Razorlight or Spinto Band. It's pretty simple music, but very solid. They were also pretty fun to see live. I'll probably try to see them next time they're around (caught them before when they opened for Birdmonster a few weeks ago).
As for Sound Team, one of the internet's favorite bands, they really performed well. It's a group of really good musicians with some very good songs. They're not going to be the next Radiohead, but I think they'll be pretty big in the indie scene. During the set, something went wrong with one of the keyboards, forcing some quick fixing and a couple of songs with two guys working over each other (like in the picture).
After the show, I talked to Phillip from SSLYBY for a while. He sounds like a really good guy just trying to make it in this business. But he seems to understand that you need to work your way up slowly, gaining fans along the way.
Sound Team - Fastest Man Alive iPod-ready Video- Highly Recommended
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - House Fire
15 June 2006
Steady, As She Goes
Last week I saw two "shows." I use the ever-popular quotations because they were unlike most shows I go to. The first was of music I know and like, but it was in a record store, and I couldn't really see the band at all (a photo from Ben's camera shows our distant view). The other was a band I didn't know at all and I ended up mostly talking to friends during the set. I'm normally opposed to that, but I made an exception.
Early on Thursday, Ben and I went to Amoeba to catch the Raconteurs, a combination of two of my favorite Michigan musicians, Jack White and Brendan Benson. Their music isn't quite what I was hoping for when I heard of the collaboration. It sounds more like Jack wrote some songs and Brendan wrote the others. There isn't as much of a merge of sounds. Anywho, Prasad met us at Amoeba and we took in the set from about a football field away. Jack White is a good musician to see live since he actually changes the songs a little. Not like the new David Lee Roth version of Jump, but just a few new notes thrown in.
After that show finished, the three of us met up with Andrea and Jeni to see the Skygreen Leopards. Billed as "Band of Horses if they weren't dicks" by Ben, I figured I'd give them a try. Band of Horses? No. They had a solid laid-back sound. The highlight was running into Udi, a really nice and cool guy I met a couple of weeks earlier. Not a very eventful night overall.
Check out the new video for the Raconteurs single, Steady, As She Goes.
And if you want to hear the Skygreen Leopards, check out their myspace page.
Early on Thursday, Ben and I went to Amoeba to catch the Raconteurs, a combination of two of my favorite Michigan musicians, Jack White and Brendan Benson. Their music isn't quite what I was hoping for when I heard of the collaboration. It sounds more like Jack wrote some songs and Brendan wrote the others. There isn't as much of a merge of sounds. Anywho, Prasad met us at Amoeba and we took in the set from about a football field away. Jack White is a good musician to see live since he actually changes the songs a little. Not like the new David Lee Roth version of Jump, but just a few new notes thrown in.
After that show finished, the three of us met up with Andrea and Jeni to see the Skygreen Leopards. Billed as "Band of Horses if they weren't dicks" by Ben, I figured I'd give them a try. Band of Horses? No. They had a solid laid-back sound. The highlight was running into Udi, a really nice and cool guy I met a couple of weeks earlier. Not a very eventful night overall.
Check out the new video for the Raconteurs single, Steady, As She Goes.
And if you want to hear the Skygreen Leopards, check out their myspace page.
30 May 2006
Rise Up In The Dirt
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
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
09 May 2006
Rough Gem
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:
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:
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