Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Video Tuesday

New Antony & the Johnsons video for "Thank You For Your Love" which is "comprised of Super 8 footage Antony shot upon his arrival in New York City as a teenager in the early 1990's" (Swanlights out Oct. 5th).  Washed Out's new video, and I'm always a sucker for a "tour" video - especially with a groove like this. And finally, a new Robbie Williams video, which I wasn't expecting - especially one where he's getting so cozy with Gary Barlow.

 

Monday, August 30, 2010

Crystal Castles (8/22/10)

So I'm back from my little East Coast Birthday Extravaganza Road Trip.  Stopped in Pittsburgh to drop off the dog, then it was off to beautiful Baltimore!  Well, it wasn't so beautiful, but granted we were there less than a day.  But in that time, had a great dinner and stopped at a couple historic locations (Atomic Books).  We then arrived at Sonar after what seemed an endless stream of row houses.

Sonar was a gritty club filled to the brim with seemingly sweaty, cracked out teens.  I've never felt so cool...  Well, I have, but this came close.  We were easily the oldest people at the club, but I've convinced myself that we didn't stand out that much. At least it was extremely easy to get a beer.

The music was loud and the crowd was INTO IT.  The night started out with Rusko's signature deep beats.  Beaming the phrase "Wake The Fuck Up", there was no way you could be sleeping... though I am hoping his statement was a little more rhetorical.  It's hard to believe he was just at the Grog Shop less than a year ago...  wish I would have seen him then, now.  Here's a couple little clips of what you missed (all photos for the show can be found here):

During a surprisingly long break, I found checking out the audience was extremely entertaining.  As was this trip to the bathroom.

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So at this point, I was fully aware what I was in for and had adjusted accordingly.  Crystal Castles came on stage and the crowd went bezerk - as you would imagine.  I will say that Alice Glass was GREAT.  Definintely wild, and doing more screaming and stage diving than I've ever seen - but I was captivated, and isn't that what it's all about?

Crystal Castles (8/23/10)

Crystal Castles (8/23/10)

The sound was decent. Crystal Castles seems to have shed any polish that might have been on their previous album, for more noise and distortion.  Not a bad thing.  Here's a sliver of polish with performance of Crimewave:

Another video mix can be found here if you're interested.

Next up DC!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Peter Wolf Crier Video

Still so much to catch up on from our little East Coast tour... While that's happening, check out why I'm enamored with Peter Wolf Crier from their NPR Tiny Desk Concert:

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Casiokids Reviews... Detroit Show Tonight!

How exciting!  I can't wait for this Casiokids show tonight (@Magicstick / Detroit, MI)...  Here's a recent review.

Exclaim! Canada's Music Authority

"However, the audience rushed the stage for Casiokids. Soaking in all that swirling '80s nostalgia, these Scandinavian scamps are the right band at the right time, from their name to their sound. With an arsenal of precious pawnshop keyboards and dance punk grooves, their sugary pop and rolling beats are undeniably 'in,' and their capitalization is ensured by the fact they are a tight live band and generous, joyous performers.

Lead singer Ketil Kinden Endresen's wondrous, moaning, extended upper-register melodies, combined with a funky rhythm section and all those keyboards, make it sound as if Sigur Rós toured with the Rapture, and sang in Norwegian rather than Hopelandic. While Casiokids ended up going a little 'Under the Sea' at times, with cheesy percussion and a slide whistle solo, their closing tracks cast aside all doubts."

(Continued... Exclaim! Canada's Music Authority)

And some other sweet comments:

"Casiokids are a roving party of effortless cool that happen to play mind melting, toe-tapping, vintage synth funk. Part chaos, part retro meets outer space, the kids use quirky instruments  and unorthodox samples to craft a sonically absurd audible mash-up...it's no wonder concert-goers can't stop raving about this high energy Norwegian export." - AOL Spinner

"Whether you're looking for ways to indulge your cultural bent (i.e. learning new languages and all about Oslo) or just plain love good old electro-pop music, we've got the band for you." - FILTER

"The group's bouncy U.S. debut is chock-full of positive vibrations and dance beats..." - Wired

"It really doesn't matter that the band sings in Norwegian, their songs are so fun and danceable that the music alone is enough.." - Under the Radar

"... absolutely brilliant pop songs." - BBC

Click the image below to buy their album at Insound.

casiokids_lp_art-1.jpg

The Hundred in the Hands Return!

The Hundred in the Hands are coming back to Cleveland!!  Since I've seen them live, they've become one of my new favorite acts, and now they're coming back. They are opening for The Thermals on Friday, October 8th at the Beachland!! I was already excited about this show (I've seen them before), and now you can double that.

They also have a new, self-titled album coming out September 21st.  In the meantime, here's a fun little mixtape they've put together.

The Hundred In The Hands - 30 Min Mixtape by thehundredinthehands

And just for the hell of it, here's another shot from their performance.

The Hundred in the Hands (6/10/10)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Video Tuesday (Belated)

Running a little late.  Had a GREAT east coast trip and can't wait to get those shows posted here. In the meantime...

Another (great) Dan Black video (still reeling from his past performance) . I can't say I remember much about OMD, nor do I know if this new stuff will be any good - but this video is *definitely* worth sharing. The Thermals also have a new video featuring Carrie Brownstein from Sleater Kinney (and they're coming to the Beachland on Oct. 8th!)

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Is the Death of the CD Looming? [Article]

On my way out East to see Crystal Castles (Baltimore) and Scissor Sisters (DC), so I'll leave you with this article until I can get some reviews up. Not sure if I can update here while I'm on the road, but I will be Twittering.

Is the death of the CD looming? - CNN.com
By Lisa Respers
France, CNN July 20, 2010 4:40 p.m. EDT

mix_cd.jpg

If you think the musical compact disc is dying or dead, you're probably younger than it is. 'Show me a teenager buying a Susan Boyle album on CD and I'll show you someone buying a gift for their grandparent -- for Christmas,' jokes Billboard senior chart manager and analyst Keith Caulfield. 'There is definitely an age component to the consumption of music.'

As the music industry as a whole struggles in a down economy and direct download business models like iTunes flourish, the compact disc -- which was commercially introduced in 1982 -- has the appearance of going the way of vinyl."

(Continued... Is the death of the CD looming? - CNN.com)


Thursday, August 19, 2010

Trans Am (8/18/10)

Last night was the final show of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Summer in the City free concert series.  Last year, I only attended one and vowed that I would go to more.  This year I went to everysingleone, and it was completely worth it.  The range of music was impressive - from old-time African American folk/bluegrass, to a couple shows of free-wheeling Rock & Roll shows, to last night's show which I would consider a little more hard core.

Trans Am is a funk, metal, "German Pop" band from Maryland on Thrill Jockey Records, and have a longer career that I was expecting.  They're pretty hard to describe, but one commenter said they're kind of like "Kraftwerk meets Cream" which feels about right.  Regardless, they were really enjoyable.  Loud, but very enjoyable.

Trans Am (8/18/10)

Trans Am (8/18/10)

This is one of the things I like about this series from the Rock Hall.  They presented a diversity there that many people might not experience otherwise.  I don't know that I would have sought out to see Trans Am on their own, but as part of this series - I will now.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Video Tuesday

NEW SCISSOR SISTERS!!  Good fun, great song! I have to say the new Yeasayer video is a little creepy, but interesting to watch and a good song. Finally, the new Ra Ra Riot - out today.

Christopher Bell (8/15/10)

This past Sunday night was gorgeous.  Still warm, but with a late summer breeze blowing through the place.  Unfortunately, not many people were in attendance because I think the Feast of the Assumption might have claimed the masses last night.  That was fine with me though, it definitely provided for an intimate experience.  And better yet, Chris didn't seem to mind.

Christopher Bell is definitely an original.  The first thing you'll notice is the upright bass strapped around his neck like a guitar, of which he plucked the strings and played with a bow.  Pair that with a keyboard on stage and I'm sold. He was performing solo this night, but his ability to capture and loop segments of songs, building a layered and wonderfully textured sound, made me happy that he was.  While many may have used pre-recorded loops, I loved that Chris did this all live.  I was captivated.

His performance was broken up between two sets.  In between, we got to chat a bit about house concerts (more coming on that topic real soon), which was great to get some details from the artists perspective.  We also chatted about Labyrinth Coffee House in Jamestown, NY, which sounds like a fun little rust-belt road trip.

Now that I've started recording some artists, I sometimes get nervous wondering if they care or not.  Thankfully Chris didn't, so here you go:

Some other shots...

Christopher Bell (8/15/10)
Christopher Bell (8/15/10)

Monday, August 16, 2010

MogMusicNetwork.com Available Today

... and The Zender Agenda is part of the party!  Looking forward to a great partnership.

mmn_logo_md.png

MOG Showcases Best Of It's 1200 Music Blogs On New MogMusicNetwork.com

This morning MOG launched MogMusicNetwork.com to showcase the top content produced by it's network of more that 1200 mostly volunteer music bloggers. Together the blogs attract 20 million plus monthly unique visitors. In addition to serving as a filter and helping key stories to go viral, the new site also frees the company's anchor MOG.com site to focus on its growing streaming music offerinG"

(Continued... MOG Showcases Best Of It's 1200 Music Blogs On New MogMusicNetwork.com - hypebot)

 

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Studio-A-Rama Set

Headliner to be announced.  (...thanks Steve)

29TH ANNUAL STUDIO=A-RAMASATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
presented by 91.1 WRUW (http://www.wruw.org)
courtyard of the Mather Memorial Building
11220 Bellflower Road; Cleveland, OH 44106


LOCAL LINE-UP

FAWN (members of Kiddo, Von BondiesThunderbirds Are Now!, Child Bite, Javelins, & Nice Device) - http://www.facebook.com/pages/FAWN/234209481309
AFTERNOON NAPShttp://www.myspace.com/afternoonnapsband
SUN GODhttp://www.myspace.com/sungodcleveland
SELF DESTRUCT BUTTONhttp://www.myspace.com/selfdestructbutton
PRISONERShttp://www.myspace.com/clevelandprisoners
NICK RIFFhttp://www.myspace.com/nickriff
TEENAGE GRANDPAhttp://www.myspace.com/teenagegrandpafuckyea
ETHIOPIANShttp://www.myspace.com/iamethiopians
SLOTHhttp://www.myspace.com/slohioth

Free Josh Rouse EP

Josh Rouse is offering up a free live EP... Some great, end of summer music. Check it out.



Friday, August 13, 2010

Woman at Work - Psalm One

Something a little different. I'm liking this a lot... I'm sure Psalm One is sick of the Lauryn Hill references, but it's a reasonable quick point of reference. I get the same feeling listening to Psalm One as when I listened to Lauryn or early Missy, but this is a little more raw (a +). Offering up two albums (and a single) for free, there's no reason to not check her out. Spend time with her and I bet you'll find something you like.

"My Bucket Song" by Psalm One from Psalm One on Vimeo.

(Click image to Download)

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Deer Tick (8/11/10)

Another great night at the Rock Hall.  It's a bit tight to get home, let the dog out, and get back downtown by 7pm, so we missed a lot of The Modern Electric's performance.  I really wanted to catch these guys, particularly because of the ravereviews they've received from the likes of Citizen Dick and Cleveland Bachelor. I'm surprised that our paths hadn't crossed until now.  And unfortunately, they crossed only by a couple songs.  But I really liked what I heard, especially their final song - an impassioned performance of A Man's Man's Man's World by James Brown.  These guys deserve any praise going their way.  I picked up a copy of their album and will keep a close eye out for when these guys perform again.

The Modern Electric (8/11/10)

Oh Deer Tick.  I was curious how their show would translate to an earlier performance outside the Rock Hall.  Their last show at the Beachland Tavern was a "real, alcohol-infused, 70's inspired, God's honest, Rock & Roll" performance.  Unfortunately I can't say it held up so well.  John McCauley seemed as if he hadn't stopped partying since that show at the Beachland, which would be fun if we were still at the Tavern.  But with the front two rows sittng on the ground, and everyone else standing completely still - it was a little rough.  I felt bad for the band, especially picking up on some vibes from the band that they felt the same way.  John tried spicing it up a bit, getting out into the crowd, but this just wasn't the time or place.

Deer Tick (8/11/10)

Regardless, John's gritty and soaring vocals against the backdrop of Lake Erie, with the sky darkening and the Rock Hall being lit up - it was still pretty amazing.  You just had to focus on the music.  Deer Tick is still one of my favorite bands right now - I just want to get them back to the comfort of the Tavern as soon as possible and buy them a round of shots.

Deer Tick (8/11/10)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Javelin (8/10/10)

Work kept me from making the first opener (Beach Fossils), but that was okay because I've seen them before.  They were good, but I was fine with missing them this time.

We got there in the middle of Warpaint's set.  What first struck me was that it female band (bonus!).  The longer I listened, the more I started to like their sound, which Wikipedia rightfully classified it as "experimental, art rock."  Though I think I enjoyed them live more than I enjoyed listening to their album.

Warpaint (8/10/10)

By the time Javelin took the stage, the crowd dissipated a bit.  But that really just left the most dedicated fans.  This Brooklyn Duo are what i've been calling "glitch pop," where they bring in all kinds of electronic sounds and samples of other songs.  They put these things together in an incredibly fun way - quite worthy of dancing, as the crowd demonstrated. They kept raving at the quality of our fans, and I hope they were telling the truth.  I'd love for them to come back again.

Javelin (8/10/10)

Lighting was terrible (for photography), so the photos aren't that great. I do want to share one of Javelin's promo photos, which is one my favorite promo photos ever!  (giggity!!)

GuerrillaGroup_1_1_35.jpg

I would highly recommend picking up their No Mas release.  From InSound:

Javelin throw a party that sees nothing wrong with dropping crooked disco ("On It On It"), schoolyard funk ("Intervales Theme"), abstract R&B ("Dep") and pitch-perfect pop ("Mossy Woodland") in the same set. At least that's the way things unfold on Javelin's debut album, No Más, the eagerly-awaited follow-up to a self-released collection of demos (Jamz N Jemz) and a pair of limited Thrill Jockey 12-inches (Javelin, Number Two). It's as if Javelin were programmed to reproduce the golden age of every genre known to man, bouncing between samplers and strings, drum machines and drum sets, and a growing collection of guitars, horns and homemade thumb pianos. You read that right: Most of the record's dusty 45 moments aren't lifted from actual record crates. They're painstakingly recreated, note by note, from the jukebox in Javelin's collective mind. So if you're trying to 'figure Javelin out,' don't bother.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Video Tuesday

Here are some great videos... The first is the new one from The Hundred in the Hands, who I saw open for the Golden Filter and LOVED. Next is a bizarre video from Ratatat, but it's a great song. Finally, a new video from everyone's favorite Icelander, and Sigur Ros lead, Jónsi.


RATATATMySpace Music Videos

Monday, August 9, 2010

Dan Black / Dragonette (8/8/10)

Amazing show.  I'm giving co-billing in the blog title because these were both headliner performances.  We missed the first couple Dragonette songs, but was instantly drawn to the light show they brought with them.  Maybe almost  a dozen light "rods" around the stage, playing to the music.  I've been liking the new Dragonette album, but their live performance really sealed the deal with them being a band to watch.  Matt mentioned the very first Scissors Sisters first performance at the Grog Shop, and this is kind of how felt about this show.  Next time they'll be playing HOB.

When they left the stage, they took the lighting, which I figured they would have shared between the bands.  But once Dan Black took the stage, I can see why they didn't.  Dan Black was his own ball of energy and really bounced around the stage - like no one I've ever seen.  He had sooo much energy as a lead, it was amazing. I knew it would be hard to explain, which is why I captured some video...


(check out more videos on YouTube)

Dan Black (8/8/10)

I think he was a little surprised at the small crowd there this night, especially having just come from Lollapalooza, but I think the excitement of the small crowd made it worth it.  There were some dedicated fans there for both acts.  In fact, that seemed to be all that was there.  Where was the rest of Cleveland??  This was an amazing electro-pop performance.  Everyone in Cleveland should have been there last night!

Pick up a copy of Dan Black's ((un)).  You won't regret it.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Lakewood Arts Festival Tomorrow

So I'll be going to the Lakewood Arts Festival this Saturday for the first time in the 10 years I've lived here (10 years this month).  I can't say that I've heard rave reviews about it, but with Grey Cardigan in attendance, I have to believe it'll be pretty sweet.  ;-)

So of course I perused the music line-up, and it's respectable.  (I'm particularly setting out to see Hey Mavis)

Here's the list:

2010 Entertainment Schedule


neil jacobs

10-11am : neil jacobs
12-string acoustic guitarist
neiljacobs.com


hey mavis

11-12pm : hey mavis
modern, old-timey trio
heymavis.com


up ensemble

12-1pm : up ensemble
unique instrumental
myspace.com/theupensemble


the buried wires

1-2pm : the buried wires
indie rock
facebook.com/theburiedwires


filmstrip

2-3pm : filmstrip
punk
myspace.com/filmstripohio


kelly wright

3-4pm : kelly wright
sultry songstress, from Ella to Patsy
www.kellywright1969.com


jeff boyer

4-5pm : jeff boyer & 
the fabulous fold rock rhythm 
explosion
fun folk tunes

Blitzen Trapper (7/29/10)

I was able (and excited) to catch a bit of Blitzen Trapper last year at the Pitchfork Music Festival.  Their Furr album was one of my favorite from last year (even though it was out in 2008).  Finally, this was my chance to catch a full set from these guys.  I've been liking their new release, Destroyer of the Void, though I haven't spent as much time with it as I'd like.

Opening was Pomegranates.  Unfortunately, I don't remember much about this performance. Which is about the same way I felt about their album.  However, I do remember that I liked the general sound of both. No complaints.  I think they're good, they just need to focus their sound a little bit.

Pomegranates (7/29/10)

Blitzen Trapper was everything I was hoping for.  Hearing an entire set of their almost 70's style rock & roll, with a bit of country twinge is exactly what I'd been waiting for since Pitchfork.  A great variety and solid musicianship (despite some technical difficulties).

Blitzen Trapper (7/29/10)

Here's a clip I took of one of my favorite tracks. (Though, you can view a better quality version over at kingofthecastle7.)

Download their whole performance from the Newport Folk Festival from NPR.

It's The End of The Internet As We Know It

If only this were the title of a new REM song.  This worries me.

Josh Silver: Google-Verizon Deal: The End of The Internet as We Know It

For years, Internet advocates have warned of the doomsday scenario that will play out on Monday: Google and Verizon will announce a deal that the New York Times reports 'could allow Verizon verizon-google_0.jpgto speed some online content to Internet users morequickly if the content's creators are willing to pay for the privilege.'

The deal marks the beginning of the end of the Internet as you know it. Since its beginnings, the Net was a level playing field that allowed all content to move at the same speed, whether it's ABC News or your uncle's video blog. That's all about to change, and the result couldn't be more bleak for the future of the Internet, for television, radio and independent voices.

How did this happen? We have a Federal Communications Commission that has been denied authority by the courts to police the activities of Internet service providers like Verizon and Comcast. All because of a bad decision by the Bush-era FCC."

(Continued... Josh Silver: Google-Verizon Deal: The End of The Internet as We Know It)

 

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Jack Fords Free Show Tonight

Check out the local alt-country / rock band, The Jack Fords, for free tonight on Playhouse Square Plaza at 5pm!dundee-concert-seriesjpg.jpg

The PlayhouseSquare District will present the Rock/Folk Rock sounds of The Jack Fordson Thursday, August 5, at 5:00 p.m. at Star Plaza. This is the third of four concerts that are part of the Dundee Outdoor Concert Series presented by V107.3 and SCENE.

  • Enjoy happy hour specials with $3 Dundee Summer Wheat Beer, $2 Labatt and $1 sodas and water
  • First 50 attending receive a KeyBank drink coozie
  • Summer grilling of tasty hot dogs and the unique food offerings from Dim and Den Sum Restaurant Café on Wheels
  • Join in on V107.3 and SCENE games and contest to win tickets, great prizes, a chance to meet air personality Ravenna Miceli and enter to win a Buckeye Burner deep bow fire pit from The Gas House 

Get an early start to the weekend, escape the traffic and join us for this FREE concert at Star Plaza, where Summer Excitement at PlayhouseSquare begins at 5:00 p.m.

Lilith Fair (7/27/10)

If I were to recount the experience I had at Lilith Fair - as a whole - I had a GREAT time.  I had several family members come into town for the event, including my Sister and my 2 yo niece, Lexi.  We filled a van and headed down to Blossom.

I am a known as a vehement supporter of the first round of Lilith Fair's, but much has happened since then.  There's been discussion if this is even a relevant festival anymore (I believe it is).  But I've been skeptical from the beginning. First off, and this may sound shallow, the logo and branding is bad. I was then put off by the exhorbanant cost of the tickets.  (Luckily, we waited and got a reasonable deal)

As for the music, I was mildly excited.  I didn't spend much time researching the opening acts, but I knew I wanted to see Lights.  And of course I was really excited to see what Mary J Blige would be puttin' down.  Kelly Clarkson bailed.  Meh.

The day of the show, we loaded up the van and headed down for the opening.  We were instantly barraged with surveys, contests, and free samples.  Then we headed to the festival area and it was a corporate haven.  Where were all the local artists and vendors?  Now, not all were bad, but there wasn't the local, organic flavor as I remembered from the first ones. Then the caps.  No bottles sold could keep the caps.  (wtf!?).  Then beers were $7 ~ $10.  Hotdogs were $11 and Cheeseburgers were $13.  I was borderline offended.  For these reasons alone, I can honestly say, I will make every effort to avoid attending Live Nation events at Blossom in the future.

OH, the music?  It wasn't bad...  I really liked the Anjulie performance.

Anjulie (7/27/10)

Lights was also pretty good.

Lights (7/27/10

But as usual, it's really hard to connect with an artist in a festival atmosphere when it's sweltering and you're carrying around a 2 yo.  :-)

Lilith Fair (7/27/10)

Some More Pics...  Sara, Courtyard Hounds, Mary and Sarah were all decent.  For me, it turned into pleasant backround music while I hung with my family and friends...  Though there was some obligitory dancing with the kids, especially for the Mary J. set.  She was the highlight for me.

Lilith Fair (7/27/10)

Lilith Fair (7/27/10)

Of course there are more photos here on my Flickr page.

Here's probably a more professional review from Cleveland Scene.

And Lilith's interpretation:

Kickdrums (7/26/10)

I was sold on the Kickdrums the first time I heard Out To Get Me from their "Just a Game" release.  It didn't hurt finding out there was also a Cleveland connection.  I've been wanting to see them, particularly since April.

I was surprised to see a full band performance happening at the B Side.  Tickets were $10 and I was excited to see these guys making their way back to Cleveland.  I wish I could say the show was amazing, but it was a little lack luster.  Some technical difficulties, some rough edges, and an extremely short set (less than 45 min).

Fret not.  I'm not giving up on Kickdrums. I just hope the next time they come around, things will be a bit better.  Do the Grog Shop!

Here are some of the highlights.

Kickdrums (7/26/10)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Live Calexico Album [Free]

Calexico just dropped a free, high-quality live album: Live in Nuremberg.  Honestly, I haven't paid much attention to these guys since their 2006 Garden Ruin album (good stuff!).  This is a great way to drum up some additional attention. Well done.

Calexico Offers Free Live Album - Americana and roots music - No Depression

Live in Nuremberg is the name, and giving away the entire album for free is the game, according to Calexico. As a thank-you to the band's fans, Calexico has partnered with Cash Music to offer up a 10-song live concert, recorded last year in Germany. It's a high-quality, 320kbps digital download, complete with cover art and digital booklet liner notes (see below).

You can visit the official Calexico site or go directly to Cash Music where you can stream or download the tracks. Totally free - AWESOME!"

(Continued... Calexico Offers Free Live Album - Americana and roots music - No Depression)

(Click the image to download)
artworks-000001847941-pxbpyd-original.jpg

Check it out:

Calexico, Live in Nuremberg by cashmusic

Tokyo Police Club (7/24/10)

The same night as Joan Armatrading was the Tokyo Police Club show at the Grog Shop.  Freelance Whales were opening and I've been really excited to see these guys - but it just didn't happen this night.  Right after Joan was done, we raced to the Grog to catch the closing songs of Tokyo Police Club.  I'd been enjoying their album, which I think has a kind of Phoenix pop/rock feel.  They're good!  The crowd was really into it (crowdsurfing??), and it was quite a change from the seated performance we just came from.

I would have definitely liked to catch this whole show.  I'll be there next time they come around.  Hopefully Freelance Whales will be with them again (or headling a tour themselves).

Tokyo Police Club (7/24/10)

Joan Armatrading (7/24/10)

Joan Armatrading has become one of my all-time favorite artists.  I have to admit, I probably like her older stuff a little bit more, but I still think she's an amazing musician and performer.  This was an amazing evening.  It started out at Chinato (amazing) for dinner with friends.  We then walked over to House of Blues, but missed most of Robin Stone.  Once she was done, we took our (amazing, FRONT ROW) seats.

Joan walked out with a subtle smile, ready to take us all on a little journey through her amazing repertoire.  She does a great job of playing a mix of old and new tracks, and her wit on stage is refreshing.  She is one talented, classy lady - who can still effortlessly sway between beautiful ballads and rock & roll.

There was some serious photo patrolling going on, but I did snag this photo on my way back from the bathroom.

Joan Armatrading (7/27/10)

I also swiped this!!

Joan Armatrading (7/27/10)

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Video Tuesday

Some GREAT stuff this week... I'm still on a Robyn high after her Crofoot performance. This new video is keeping it going. Next up is the Dan Black video that I didn't post as part of my Featured Performance for Spangle (He's coming Sunday with Dragonette). And finally, an interesting Tegan & Sara video. Not such a huge fan these days, but I like the video.

Robyn - Hang With Me official video from Robyn on Vimeo.

Yours - DAN BLACK from The Hours Entertainment on Vimeo.

Heartless Bastards (7/22/10)

Heartless Bastards is one of those bands who slowly crept up on me.  They had a song that made it into my iTunes (can't remember how), but which then caused iConcertCal to alert me that a new album was out.  I downloaded it and threw it in my "New Releases" folder.  I never actually got around to sitting down to listen to the whole album (I always have lots of new stuff), but their songs would keep catching my ear when I would listen to that whole folder on random.  Her voice is just stunning.  I knew I had to see them live.
Opening was Peter Wolf Crier, who I also really started to like.  For their performance, we walked right up to the stage (swoon).  They were phenomenal... the two of them put out some great music.  They seriously could have headlined the show. Definitely check out their new album Inter-Be.
Peter Wolf Crier (7/22/10)
Next up was The Builders & the Butchers.  I'm not a big fan...  They have all the right elements for a great performance, but it didn't really strike me.
Builders & the Butchers (7/22/10)
Finally, Heartless Bastards.  Erika Wennerstrom should be (is?) a rock goddess... that voice.  Amazing.  They played through a lot of my favorite tracks and I couldn't have been happier with this performance.  I left this show, ready for the next.  Check out their new LP, The Mountain.
Heartless Bastards (7/22/10)

Monday, August 2, 2010

Free Energy (7/21/10)

Free Energy has been around lately, at the Beachland, at Pitchfork, etc. but I hadn't had a chance to see them until this free Rock Hall show.  It also wasn't until this performance that I gave some thought to their name, and the duality it could hold.  Either that of a radical political stance, or that of a more earthy, in-tune provision of energy from the stage.  After seeing these guys on stage, it was clearly the latter.  The show was fun, frolicking, and not taking anything too seriously.  I don't know that I would race out to see these guys again, but I definitely enjoyed the time we spent together.

Free Energy (7/21/10)

Free Energy (7/21/10)