So there I was, weary from New Year's celebrations. But from the first note of the their set, Gogol Bordello had the majority of the crowd pogoing around.
I don't remember much of the songs that whizzed left and right around me, but I do believe "Sally" was the song that kicked off the festivities. The drum beat and violin going back and forward, it provided the heartbeat of the evening. Joyous, slightly weird, but comforting and chaotic at the same time. A living oxymoron.
"Immigrant Punk" on the other hand, provided the manifesto for the evening. Showcasing heritage and pride, but without being boastful. GB were simply happy to be there playing music and that enthusiasm fed the crowd into a frenzy. "When the Trickster..." was another highlight that lasted for hours, while, in my mind. The entire band threw themselves in this song, and the crowd responded with their own fury.
It had been so long since I've been to a show like this, but the crowd was up and down, left and right, each of us sweating on each other, but never really minding. I felt 10 years younger. Still showing restraint as to not scare my company, but if given free reign, I am quite sure that my stamina and endurance would have been tested to the max.
Especially at the end when controlled chaos occurred with "Start Wearing Purple." The entire place sang along from the first verse and chorus, heads banging up and down, the crowd merged into one organism and from that point on, this would be one of the greatest encores I've witnessed.
In the end, at the end of a long tour, Gogol Bordello gave everything and I reveled in it. Truly an amazing show to begin the new year on. I am sure it will only go downhill from here, but hopefully not as well.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sunday, November 2, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
"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.
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.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
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.
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.
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