It's stunning to know I've survived....

So, last night I ventured out to the Black Cat to catch Bishop Allen after hearing their song, "Middle Management." Now, let me inform you that this song is not their usual sound. After downloading their latest record, I've come to discover they are more mellow and relaxed with an ear for melody. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, let's begin with the openers.

First up was Electric Owl, a one man band from North Carolina. Seriously, it was only him, a acoustic guitar, and a laptop to fill in the gaps. But gosh darn it if he was not entertaining and intriguing. Playing a good amount of covers for the evening, he did well by beginning with a Smith's song when I walked in the door. From there on, he assaulted me with tinges of electronica, rock, folk, etc. The "Magic Show" was a glorious 3 minutes of pop sheen mixed with the know how and balls to rock the hell out. "Darken Me" was a little slower for me, but interesting nonetheless. With a simple guitar chord on repeat and he sun-drenched vocals, I was transported a bit to some place with better lighting than the Black Cat. I seriously enjoyed his set and promptly bought an EP. Electric Owl does have a release next year, so I will be waiting to see how an expanded platform will set him further apart.

Drink Up Buttercup, they were simply the band of the evening. A Philly concoction, they are in the leagues of Dr. Dog, but I feel they are more energitic and rampacous. Beginning the evening with a scoacher of a song I do not yet know the name of, they came in loud, proud, and just plain fun. For a while there, I thought the bass player was rocking out with neck brace, but it turned out to be a bandana. Still, I would not expect anything weird even if he had a brace, because they were infectious with their energy and provided a good left-turn from Electric Owl. Songs were coming left and right, I did not have enough time to recover what I heard, but I know it was good, it was loud, and it made me feel alive and lucky to hear this band play.

Poor Bishop Allen, they had to follow up Drink Up Buttercup, but they did admirebly. Sticking to "fan favorites" from their series of EPs released last year, they performed well. They got the crowd moving with their power popish songs, and provided a wonderful endcap to a crazy weekend. Only listening to their latest record, I did recall "The Monitor" and "Click Click Click..." Better than the album because they came alive with the quirks and mishaps of a live show. It was organic, flawed, and beautiful. I had a good time.

This calm feeling ends....

Okay, here is a brief rundown of what I've seen so far this past month.

Anthony Green with Good Old War was good. I missed the first two openers, but I did buy their albums. Person L seems really good and emotive, of course that is sort of to be expected with the lead singer of The Starting Line being the fulcrum of that effort; I just wished I've arrived earlier to see them. Good Old War was good folksy rock band that set the mood for Anthony Green. I recommend getting their album as it is a good Sunday morning record, or road trip play list for the dusk time line. Anthony Green was really good live. Anthony Green always performs well and his stage presence may be a little reserved, but his vocals are soaring and provide a memorable show. "Baby Girl" was the opener and the best song of the evening because it set the mood for the entire rest of the show; slow and frothy with enough roughness to pass down comfortably.

The Kooks on the other hand were semi-disappointing. They performed well and the crowd was into it, but I think the elitism in me took over as it seemed like another "rock" show. Music and crowd were there, but stage presence seemed formulaic. Nothing stood out at me and I just sort of bopped my head the entire evening focusing more on the crowd and their reaction instead of the band.

Straylight Run provided some of the magic that Anthony Green sparked. It was an intimate show with good openers. Treaty of Paris and Band Marino were sort of generic, but they inhabited enough individuality to win me over. A little more time to absorb them and I should fall in love with them easily. But Straylight Run was really good. They are now a three piece band with John Nolan's sister now attempting a solo career, but nothing was missing from the environment. I really enjoyed "Existentialism On Prom Night." Plus the new songs from their self-released EP provided some growth in their sound and hold promising outlooks for this band. I cannot wait for their next full release.

The Silver Jews were the oddball out of the group. At the Black Cat, which is quickly becoming my favorite venue, they provided an evening of touching bluesy indie rock with heart and soul. I mean, the singer's grandmother introduced the band, and she was soooo cute. Plus, to retain my manilness, the dude's wife is the bass player and she is hot. But getting back to the music, I had only listened to their latest album, but I was intrugued and impressed with their entire setlist and proceeded to buy all the albums they had at the merch table. These songs were just golden nuggets of goodiness that actually made me feel I had a soul again.

To top it all off for that week, I decided to back to the fun sound of Reggie and the Full Effect. I will say one thing, the stage banter of these guys is classic. It reminded me of how geniuely good stage banter is slowly becoming a dying art form. James regaled the crowd with stories and one-liners to appease both the 13 year old, and 27 year old male in me. And finally hearing "Get Well Soon" live made my entire month.

Finally, the Black Kids were simply just a fun band to top off the entire month. I tried to get some others to go with me to this concert because I knew it would be fun, but alas, no one came along. Well, it was their loss and not mine. The Black Kids with their infectious songs, provided a much needed environment of escapism to relive my tension. It was loud, it was fun, it was totally 80s, and I loved it. You need to see them live to regain your youth and let go of all the responibilties, even if just for a brief moment of time.

Now, none of these bands touched My Morning Jacket in epiciness, but combined, they did provide me with my musical fill of the month.

"Simple little bookworm...."

Whoa.

That is the word to describe last night at DAR Constitution Hall. No openers, no elaborate stage set; just a couple of bears on-stage and an epic three hour long set. That is all My Morning Jacket needed to provide a night of unforgettable live music in the most intimate of settings, sonically.

Opening directly with the lead track off their latest, "Evil Urges" set the tone by being loud and enveloping, yet gentle and cozy. The guitars, bass, keyboard, drums and Jim James extraordinary vocals provided the one-two punch for sonic bombardment. And it only got better from there, oh so much better.

Sticking closely with songs from their latest, they played a near flawless set. Tracks such as "I'm Amazed" showcased their fluidity and dexterity, coupled with confidence and swagger they have rightfully cultivated. Add the freakishness and near sexuality of "Highly Suspicious" was able to sway some hips in the crowd, they owned all facets of rock music.

They did have some sweetness and tenderness in their hearts with "Librarian" and somberness with "Nashville To Kentucky." A little off putting to some, but I enjoy the dichotomy of sound and emotion MMJ is able to invoke.

And on top of all that, they closed with "One Big Holiday." A stunner to leave the crowd salivating for more sugary sweetness that is My Morning Jacket. I did not do justice trying to describe their essence, you just need to see them live. Whatever lack of faith I had for live music, has been fully restored by the greatness of My Morning Jacket.

God, what a great night.

The going ons of July and August

Again, sorry for the delay in concert reviews. I will consolidate all of July and August concerts in this one post and swear to provide an update for the My Morning Jacket concert on Wednesday.

First up, Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yelstin was good. Good mellow band with their song, "Think I Wanna Die" being the highlight; didn't hurt their music video for that included the Eisley girls. Very straightforward set with some good beats and cute chicks. Spiritualized the next week provided some panache and epic staging for their songs. Shine A Light had the spotlights, the main band, and backup singers providing an astounding soundscape of music to revel in. Would have no problem recommending any of these two bands for a live show.

The Old 97's and Bon Iver always provide a good show to attend. The Old 97's have great fodder and a large amount of backlog of songs to utilize for their shows. Highlights were Doreen and Victoria. I kept waiting for Timebomb, but it never came and I had to leave early. Bon Iver was a good acoustic show that provided a large amount of cute girls, good tunes, and plentiful drinks to bring down a crazy work week. And although the show was short, Skinny Love had more oomph and emotion than any other song that July.

Earlimart and the Duke Spirit were at a new venue that I kind of liked. The Ottobar is a semi-sleazy bar with a good sound system and great sight-lines in Baltimore. Earlimart set a stage for a relaxin' night with some cozy, yet depressing songs with crickets chirping in-between songs during the set. The Duke Spirit was an awesome show. No specticule or elaborate stage. Just very good songs with a great stage presence and awesome front woman to handle and direct it all. You need to see them live, a wonderful mix of Queen, Rolling Stones, Clash, and Dismemberment Plan. A weird mix, but they make it work, really, really good.

Lucero and The Faint are on two different ends of the spectrum. Lucero is good near-southren rock about life and heartbreak. They had decent openers, but nothing to write home about. I got lost in some moments, but felt the rest of the crowd was judging me for not being "rock 'n roll" enough. I like their music and don't fit into their mold, whatever. The Faint, dance rock/post-punk about life and heartbreak, but with a more upbeat beat. No lies, I danced a bit and got lost in the moment. These people, some judging, but once I got moving, they were scared even more, but whatever.

So that was July and August. Nothing too bad and something a litte great. Up next in September are My Morning Jacket, Anthony Green, The Kooks, Straylight Run, possibly the Silver Jews, Reggie and the Full Effect with last tour, Mogwai to cap it off, and Mousetrap, a brit-pop dancehall with semi-depressed, hot girls from U of Maryland, Georgetown, George Mason. I talk a big talk, but seriously, no one expects me to talk to girls, maybe.

You fu*king Jerk!!

So, after many years and missed opportunities, I have finally seen DJ Shadow spin live. And as an added treat, Cut Chemist was there as well. Touring their final leg of the "Hard Sell," I think I chose a good time to finally be available to see them create textured soundscapes to retreat and revel in.

I came a little late to the show because I'm old and tired now after I come back from work. Adulthood really does slow you down a bit. But once I stepped up to the ticket window and picked up my will-calls, I felt young again, rad.

As I stepped through the double doors, there they were, Shadow on the left and Chemist on the right. And in front of them, eight turntables, effect boards galore, and foot pedals to ensure they just would not stand bored with their hands busy.

After a short intro video on the history of the 45, they jumped right in, slowly at first, building and removing, sort of like an architect with a pencil and pad, drawing out designs and modifying and deleting as necessary. It would be a little challenging for some, building and destroying, moving forward and turn back, to the side, up, down, all around. Then, they hit the groove on one record and off we went to music nirvana.

Now, if you haven't seen or listened to their collaborations in the past, you should know they have some sort of foundation. With Brainfreeze and Product Placement, they stuck to soul, or Funk 45s, limiting themselves so they can truly experiment with what they got and build from there.

With this tour, they stuck to 45s, but expanded their palette to include hip hop, r&b, rock, etc. And it was good. Everything from the Beastie Boys to Foo Fighters to Metallica to Aaliyah to De La Soul was included. I do not know how they found a path to go from one to the other, but it was there and they took it.

Chemist seemed a little more reserved than usual, and Shadow was being Shadow, but I guess they were mainly focused on the music. Overall, it was a good 2 hours of sounds, blips, beeps, and portable DJing that helped me escape the monotony of a Wednesday night.

The Kills and Cure

Finally, I'm sort of back on track for concert reviews since I've got some time.

The Kills, composed of a British guy and an expat from Florida that make garagy-type music if you want to file it under a title. Their latest, Midnight Boom, is a bit more polished than their earlier records, but that sheen has provoked some good rhythmic beats and sing-song that translate well live at the Black Cat.

They opened with "U.R.A Fever," not exactly being totally original by opening with the first song off their new record, but surprisingly appropriate to introduce themselves to an audience. With Jamie clad in a leather and Alison in her becoming signature leopard-print coat, they interacted with each other providing musicality from his guitar, her voice overs, and a drum machine. Very sparse, yet muscular in tone and presence.

Mainly sticking to their latest to provide musical foliage for the evening, some standouts included "Alphabet," "Cheap + Cheerful," "What NY Used to Be," and the highlight for me being "Last Days of Magic." That guitar that maintains through the song, and Alison's voice, man, one of the best songs of '08.

Opening for them was Telepathe, a four-piece from Brooklyn with some weird abstract, dance beats and three front women interacting with each other on vocal duties. There was a guitarist, but I rarely heard any sound from him, weird. But nice people to talk to after the show and discuss non-sensical tour routes with.

The week after, the Cure, what can you say about these guys except they are legends. Opening with "Plainsong," with the sparkly backdrop matching the sounds of the song in the beginning, awesome. And they've been around for so long that there was not a bad song in the set list. "Lullably," "Fascination Street," "Love Song", "Just Like Heaven," and even "Pornography;" which is my favorite Cure song. After nearly three hours of wall-to-wall music, I had to throw in the towel due to fatigue and leave, first time I have ever left a concert before the encore. I swear they had at least another hour or two in them, they don't make bands like that anymore. So, if you have not yet seen the Cure live, do it. And wear comfortable shoes because some amount of droning, or dancing, will occur. You can't fight the Cure.

I'll try harder....

I don't know if anyone actually checks up on this thing. I wouldn't think so since I've done little to promote it. But I will do a better job of keeping up on this thing. I have about 4 or 5 concerts I need to draft on here, the reviews will be bad because these shows were so long ago; I'm saying this because apparently people relish honesty.

Here's hoping I actually stick with this. Oh, the new My Morning Jacket album rocks. "Librarian" is the most heartfelt song I've heard in a while.

so go away....

The evening was wonderful; certainly a lot better than how my day was going that Monday.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Envy Corps. They were a young group who need a bit more time to polish their sound, but what I heard that night provided a solid foundation for them to grow on. I do not know any of their songs by name, but the last and third to last song were visceral and provided a nice ambiance to counteract the band to follow. I did buy their album, so I'm anxious to listen and learn more about this band. I would be up to seeing them play again.

Vedera were okay. The lead singer was a cutie as stated earlier, their songs were pleasing. I think I might need a little more time to absorb their sound, but what I heard piqued my interest. I grabbed a copy of the free EP, so I'll give that a spin and if I like what I hear, I'll be sure to get their "official" EP off iTunes.

Myriad and I just didn't seem to mesh well together that night. Not to discredit them, but they reminded me too much of Thrice. I like Thrice, but Myriad did not distinguish themselves too much for me to identify with them. If their song came on the radio, I wouldn't rush to change the station, but I would most likely push the song into the background. Not really a general criticism, more of a "not my cup of tea" band at the moment; although the viola bow playing did remind me of Sigur Ros and Jimmy Page.

Now, Eisley was good. This was my first time seeing them live, and I was not disappointed. They played all the songs I wanted, which was nice. Highlights for me were "Golly Sandra," "Marvelous Things," "Many Funerals," "Taking Control," and "Ten Cent Blues." A little less talkative than I had hoped, but I did enjoy their focus on the music. Their younger sister performed well on an intro into a song, and I thought it was cute to see Sherri left her up. And the little vocal solo by Chauntelle was the highlight of the evening for me.

All in all, a good night of live music. I would have liked to talk with them after the show, but a show on a Monday night does not live much time for hanging around afterwards when you need to catch the last Metro home.

Unless it kicks man....

First of all, Neko was there, but she was sick and couldn't perform, that sucked. Secondly, I am in love with Kathryn Calder. Third, Okkervil River was inspiring.

Monday concerts are tricky, I mean it's Monday, so that's already a strike against the band. But Okkervil River removed the stigma of Mondays and provided a timeless environment to perform in. Digging right into the setting of DC, they began with "The President's Dead" with conviction. Seriously, I do believe I took a step back to absorb all this in. And then the politics of the evening were done with and it was just about the music. This is where the set really took off.

"It Ends With A Fall" provided romantic fodder for the couples in the crowd, and it even made my heart beat for a moment or two. "A Girl in Port" was a solid selection that only emphasized their latest album, The Stage Names, is their best yet; seriously, if you do not own this album, after reading this, go out and buy this now or download it from emusic.com.

Their strength and the greatest closing sequence of songs began with "Our Life is Not a Movie, Or Maybe." The band put their entire bodies into this song, I actually thought the drummer's head would fall off because he was banging his head so hard. This was followed by "So Real," which only added more majestic respect from me for this band. I have never heard this song with such intensity before, I still play it in my head as much as I can. And this was followed by an even better song, "Unless It Kicks." This song has more plays than any other song for the past couple of months. This song rejuvenates my love for music and even humanity because sometimes it can create such beauty as this song. And to close it all out, "Westfall." This song is ...... I can't describe it, you just have to listen to it over and over and over. The subject matter may be a bit of a downer, but I don't care because this one has heart, which I so desperately need in my life.

Now, after all this, I still had The New Pornographers to listen to. They were good, but to follow up Okkervil River is a tough task. If only they had Neko to help them bring it, but she was recovering, reminding me that musician are human to; I hate that. But Kathyrn was there to cover all the bases, and she did. She even earned a new superhero nickname of "Super Sexy Girl." And that she is, with a near even split of vocal duties, she did not disappoint and was one of the highlights of the night. She did her own spin on "Challengers" and "From Blown Speakers." It was a good night for them with her around. And I did enjoy the onstage banter Carl and her provided, the interaction between the whole band was superb.

I know I am not giving the New Pornographers justice in this one, but Okkervil River was god-like that night. See them both.

I'm just a happy kid, with a heart of a sad punk...

Now, I've seen Nada Surf multiple times, most often in tiny venues where the show is extremely intimate. This would be the first time I would see them in a larger setting with a large crowd of hopeful fans. And what do I do, I nearly miss the show; but it was for a good reason, I would've been hanging out with friends if they didn't fall asleep because they're "mature."

Anyways, I make it to the show about 30 minutes late, once again missing the opening act, and missing the first third of the set of Nada Surf. Yeah, I was a little miffed at myself for doing so. But it was also a good thing, because what song do they immediately play after my arrival. Only my most favorite song in the Nada Surf catalog, "Inside of Love." It's song selection like that that make feel like a big softie, my solution, I try to listen to as much Mastodon and Dillinger Escape Plan, yeah, I'm hardcore.

Continuing on, "Inside of Love" was just awesome in that huge setting. Seriously, I am glad I made this show and saw Nada Surf in their huge rock 'n roll environment. I thought they were good in small venues, but they owned the stage at the 9:30 club in a sold-out show. Every song sounded huge, every person in the club was feeling it and gave as much back to the band as the band was giving it out.

They even had a fox hat for their song, "The Fox." Yeah, I know, it would seem too easy, but the song is dark, yet hopeful, a nice balance of comedy and maturity.

Their encore was probably the second best collection of songs played live from one band. It mostly came from Let Go. "Blizzard of '77," "Blonde on Blonde," "Always Love," and "Blankest Year." Blizzard and Blonde were performed with musicianship that rivaled any other band I've seen. But "Always Love" had the sound and soul that for a moment of time, was unbeatable compared to any band on the planet that night. I fell in love with that song all over again like meeting a girl at a record store and she has all the albums you hate, but you're attracted to her for some reason; I hate it when that happens. But they did cap off the night with fun, hopefulness, and the energy of youth. What other song can you just sing-scream "ah fuck it!" and let it be so carefree and nonchalant? I miss that show already.

"I saw a swarm of fruit flies, I took the bag downstairs....snowflakes in the air, I'm sorry, I got no where to go...."

Two night stay in Towson

It's been awhile since I've been to the Recher Theatre for a concert, but it was a welcoming homecoming with the Weakerthans on Thursday, and State Radio on Friday.

The Weakerthans were the better of the two for me. Mainly sticking to their latest album, Reunion Tour, it was a wonderful, mellow night to ease myself into the weekend. "Tournament of Hearts" was my first notice of this band and the first song of the night I really got into. The New Pornographers may be the more adventurious band out of Canada, but the Weakerthans have more confidence with less swagger. I like them. The best song of the night was "Plea From A Cat Named Virtute." An epic, yet subtle rong song with twin guitars striking in unison, simply mesmerizing.

State Radio, in all honesty, there were alright. Not really my cup of tea, but enjoyable to most people and provides a gateway into music politics for college kids of all ages. I wouldn't go out of my way to see them live again, but if it was free, then sure.

Les Savy Fav and Rhett Miller

No, Les Savy Fav and Rhett Miller did not tour together to meld Alt-Country and the Brooklyn sound, but it would've been cool if they did.

Les Savy Fav happened on a Friday night at the Black Cat. First up were the Dodos, two guys with guitars and another with a drum, but they had a lot of soul. I picked up their new album, Visiter, yeah, the hype is real and it is good. You need to buy this album now to occupy your Saturday night to Sunday morning transition. And live, they are every bit as good as you would expect after listening to the album.

Up next were the Big Sleep. Truly a Brooklyn band that reminded me of a jam-band based Sonic Youth, I know, that reference was too easy to pull off. A groovy sound with a bass, drum kit, and guitar. There are sparingly little vocals, they just want to create a sonic environment to allow the listener to bang their head and wrap their minds around the seemingly complex, yet truly simple sound. They are a perfect headphone band, something to provide a soundtrack for your life.

Example, "Slow Race" is perfect to listen to while walking down the street. And live, it's even better to allow you to warm up. A chugging beat and riff that aburbtly stops and segues into another song like the snap of the finger. "Murder" is one of their songs that actually has lyrics, but the vocal is simply another layer of the song that melds into the instrumentation, rather than be the focal point.

And I loved their minimalistic stage setup, just them around a light blub to create an errie, yet inviting rock show. Get into them now.

Now, Les Savy Fav. Wow, OMG, what the hell did I just witness, I want to see it again and again. Seriously, this band is good live, plain and simple. It's the only show I've been that had a subplot with the President, his daughter, and a cybernetic bear suit, and it was awesome. I mean, the lead singer even wore a cape, how cool is that!?

The obsession and reverence begin with "Yawn, Yawn, Yawn." A guitar riff, that was it. Simple, enticing, and merged into the chorus with energy that could power a country. This song was just amazing live. "Reprobate's Resume." A crowd favorite that induced craziness and movement that coupled the band and audience together. I am still shaking my head at the actions of the singer, simply walking into the audience and inviting the crowd to get in on the fun. There is no secrets with this band, they live for music and people. Of all the bands I've seen, these are still the ones to beat, and I don't think that will ever happen.

Sadly, the next night Rhett Miller had to follow the madness of Les Savy Fav. He did good, but not good enough. Don't get me wrong, with just Rhett Miller, the weekend of music would have still been great, but Les Savy Fav is another beast entirely. But letting my memory go of Les Savy Fav. Rhett Miller was personable, providing great fodder, and generating great music from only him and his guitar. A simple show to ground myself back into reality and come to terms with Sunday morning.

I know, I am not doing the Rhett Miller show justice, but Les Savy Fav was just a juggernaut.

The Raveonettes and Lust, Lust, Lust

Another night of wonderful music to cap off the month of March.

Although I did miss the openers of this show, which I really hate to do because I believe that is the best way to find new bands, music, and sounds. I did enjoy my time spent with The Raveonettes.

A Danish band rooted in the sounds of back in the day on their previous albums, Lust, Lust, Lust seems to be finding a better way to marry the sounds of yesteryear with the contemporary stylings of today, and I like it.

It has been a while since the show happened, I do remember hearing "Hallucinations" as the first song that captured my eyes and attention live. With Sune and Sharon occupying their sides of the stage with a pair of microphones and guitars, they took their time to build this soundstage that consisted of a simple guitar riff that gave way to sharp distortion with a nice beat to tie it all together in one, big bow of musical goodness.

Next up for me was "You Want the Candy" that I do believe made me dance a little; much to the horror of all the sober people in my vicinity. But I was unaware of that as this song provided a nice escape with seemingly happy sounds that sugar-coated the dark environment of the Black Cat. Truly a saccharin-induced moment in my life.

"Love In A Trashcan" was another highlight that provided wonderful hip-swinging beats to accompany a clean-sounding guitar riff that melted into a rhythm that everyone had to succumb to and had to move no matter what.

An evening full of dancing, distortion, paired vocals, what more could you ask for on a DC Saturday night.

Virgin post

Yep, it's my first post. Here goes....

I have just completed my musical concert odyssey for March and April. It was sweet.

First off was Stephen Malkmus and the Jinks. It was a fuzz bucket of guitar riffs and minimalistic classic rock and roll that was rooted in the foundation of coolness and slacker-dom, while maybe not the slacker part.

As someone else stated, this is not your typical "dad-rock" ala Coldplay. Even though Stephen is now a father and an adult, he is still able to write and perform epic songs that seemingly drag on, but at the end of the journey, all you can say is "whoa." "Dragonfly Pie" was a scuzz soundscape that the band took to the next level and transcended the mere mortal recording on the album.

Janet Weiss is a wonderful and necessary addition to this land. Although I will forever wish to see her play with Sleater-Kinney over and over, she roots this band and sound with maturity and soul.

I wholly recommend you see Stephen Malkmus and the Jinks live and get the album now, if only for the epic-length "Real Emotional Trash." It not only summed up to me a typically day of life, but experienced live, brings a new definition to accepting parenthood and taking the next step in life.