Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Tomorrow: Shakey Graves @ Beachland Ballroom (Sold Out)

Looking forward to this (sold out) Shakey Graves show at the Beachland Ballroom tomorrow night!

ShakeyGraves credit Nina Westervelt

'And The War Came' is impressing critics too, including NPR Music's Ann Powers, who named it one of the "Top 15 Albums of 2014," describing Rose-Garcia's intricate compositions as a musical "labyrinth" and his songs as "little magic boxes to fascinate the mind," saying "this album blessed me with mystery...I turn to this music when I want to get lost."

I’d probably be going to the Beachland anyway, if it were just the opener.  Nikki Lane is a force all her own...

Bleachers (3/29/15)

This Bleachers show at the Beachland had been sold out for quite some time, though I have to say that the crowd density didn’t quite feel sold out.  Though if I Rock Cleveland is right about all the juveniles, then some might have just flaked.  It was definitely a show for the young, as Bleachers put on a passionate power pop performance.  I like their vibe, though I’ll admit that it feels a little forced at times (similar to the Matt & Kim mania).  But overall, a fun show to see… 

Bleachers (3/29/15)

Bleachers (3/29/15)

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Video Day #tzaupbeat

I’m really enjoying this new Monarchy album, and here’s the first video from it.  Grimes released a video for a non-album track, which is quite excellent.  The Go! Team gives us our first breath of Summer with their new video for What D’You Say?  

Bonus: Dan Deacon has a unique approach to animating (using 9 different animators) for When I Was Done Dying, which worked out great.

Ariana Grande (3/5/15)

Took my sister & niece to see Ariana Grande at Quicken Loans Arena.  I would say I agree with the review below...

Ariana Grande (3/5/15)

Ariana Grande (3/5/15)

"The problem with wanting to be a diva in today’s world is that the bar has been set so high. Within the last year or two, acts such as P!nk, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Cher have swung through town with elaborate productions that would rival any Broadway show. Ariana Grande, who played before an enthusiastic crowd of about 11,000 last night at Quicken Loans Arena, couldn’t compare. While her ability to belt out a note was impressive — her range rivals that of Mariah Carey — the show came off as a work-in-progress rather than a finished product. "

(Via Ariana Grande Concert at the Q Lacks Cohesion | Scene and Heard: Scene's News Blog | Cleveland Scene.)

Cashmere Cat (3/4/15)

Just catching some Cashmere Cat at the Grog Shop, who mysteriously became the opening act for Ariana Grande the following night.  Not what I thought would happen when I first started checking him out - but good for him.  Not a bad night out… (just bad lighting).

Cashmere Cat (3/4/15)

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Awesome new Shamir with Call it Off… can’t wait for his new release!  CHIC feat. Nile Rodgers just put out some disco sexiness with I’ll Be There. Then is some new San Cisco closeness with Too Much Time Together.

Bonus: Fools Gold’s video for I’m In Love (new album out on April 18th - Record Store Day!)

Video Day #tzachill

Hozier has a sexy (!) new video for Someone New.  Josh Rouse still has it with Some Days I’m Golden All Night (looking forward to his new release).  Jacco Gardner has a nicely retro-stylized new video for Find Yourself.

I’m only putting this as a bonus, because the video isn’t that great - but love the song! Elliott Brood’s Little Ones.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Video Day #tzaupbeat

No one is really sure Who is Fancy, but this track is superb - and this video is just one of a series of different characters. The more I’ve been listening to Django Django, the more I like them - here’s their video for First Light.  ODESZA is back with a new video for All We Need (feat. Shy Girls).

I’m throwing this new Machine Gun Kelly as a bonus video, mostly because I still kinda like him - and there are some great elements to this video.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Video Day #tzachill

New video for my new favorite folk duo - Lily & Madeleine with their video for Blue Blades. Bear’s Den’s somber video for Agape.  I also thought I would throw in the new Bjork video for the level of production she always puts out.

Bonus: I used to LOVE Josh Rouse. I guess I still do.  Here’s a live one:

Trinity Cathedral Concerts Series

Hope I get to catch one of these shows in this venue!  The list is here: http://trinitycleveland.org/music-and-art/category/cathedral-concerts/

T small

"Inspired by performances at historic cathedrals in Ireland and England and his familiarity with Trinity from a previous project, Denny Young, one of Elevation's founders and president, said the series was designed to allow fans to experience some of their favorite artists in an unparalleled and intimate setting.

‘I don't think there's a concert venue remotely as unique, different and unusual as Trinity Cathedral,’ said Young, whose company bills itself as a sponsorship marketing, event production and communications company. "

(Via Cathedral Concerts series is music to their eyes - Cleveland Business News - Northeast Ohio and Cleveland - Crain's Cleveland Business.)

Monday, March 2, 2015

Arty (2/27/15)

I was checking out Digital Horizons on WRUW and heard a shout out for the upcoming Arty show at Liquid.   It’d been a while since I’e been there, but as time for Movement grows closer, I’m beefing up my EDM chops for that weekend.   Thought it would be a fun night out.  Liquid is a pretty cool place for the Warehouse District - not too fancy.  Just a lot of people who like to dance.  Dominic Parisi started the night with some great stuff.

Dominic Parisi (2/27/15)

Arty seamlessly took control and changed things up.  This “Russian prince of trance” has had a couple great mixes on Soundcloud and seems to be making some waves lately.  He had more of a pop vibe and polish, though I’ll admit to feeling the openers a bit more - but that’s not surprising for me.  He still put on a great show.  I’ll be looking forward to some new stuff coming out by him.  Here’s some more about Arty:

"The Russian prince of trance, Arty, had quite a year in 2014 between his Up All Night Tour, signing his debut LP as the first release of Insomniac Records, a residency at Drais, and remixing Porter Robinson and OneRepublic. His ability to maintain his signature style while appealing to a wide ranging audience is impressive to say the least. "

(Via Arty - Night Like This (Original Mix) [Free Download] - Dancing Astronaut.)

Arty (2/27/15)

 

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Brite Winter 2015

Superb as always...

Brite Winter Festival 2015
Brite Winter Festival 2015

Brite Winter Festival 2015
Brite Winter Festival 2015

Brite Winter Festival 2015

Brite Winter Festival 2015

Chris Bathgate (2/10/15)

I was able to catch the (lately) elusive Chris Bathgate in the basement of Annabell’s in Akron, OH earlier.  Not quite how I thought it would all go down, but he’s definitely being authentic. 

Chris Bathgate (2/10/15)

Chris Bathgate (2/10/15)