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.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
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.
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...."
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...."
Saturday, May 3, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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