Wednesday, July 27, 2011

New Find: LESANDS

Leave it to The Hundred in the Hands to introduce me to another great act.  LESANDS is out of LA and has a new EP.  This is some pop perfection, and I was happy to plunk down $5 for it.  Check it out and download it for yourself.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Video Tuesday

Starting off this Video Tuesday with a couple slick pop videos.  The first is Washed Out's Eyes Be Closed, who has been all the rage on the blogosphere lately.  Second is a new video for the Hercules and Love Affair for Painted Eyes.  Finally, a video from Big Freedia for Excuse, who if you remember was discovered by Diplo and is from a genre called Sissy Bounce - what a trip.

Frontier Ruckus (7/22/11)

I've seen Michigan-based Frontier Ruckus a coupletimes now, but their folk / americana sound is original and raw, and totally worth repeat performances.  I was glad to see on this particular night, they've gradutated to the Ballroom, and had a nice sized crowd!

Frontier Ruckus (7/22/11)

Frontier Ruckus (7/22/11)

 

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Burning River Festival begins Today!

I've missed the Burning River Festival the last couple years, but happy that I'll be going this year.  I can't say enough good things about Great Lakes Brewery, and for them to be putting on an eco-music festival at Wendy Park & the old Coast Guard Station is pretty sweet.  Here's the music line-up for the next two days:

Saturday:
Main Stage
The Uncanny
Jane Dough
Zach and The Bright Lights
Kristine Jackson
Revolution Brass Band

Meadows Stage
Robbing Mary
The Flavor
Jim Gill
Hey Mavis
The Red Western

Acoustic Stage
Jim Gill & Cathy Miller
Steve Madewell
Will Cheshier
Brian Henke
Ashley Brooke Toussant

Strolling
Trash Talkers

Sunday:
Main Stage
Austin "Walkin' Cane"
Alex Bevan
Young Man
Whiskey Daredevils
The Modern Electric

Meadows Stage
Chad Hoffman
Shivering Timbers
Lonesome Bones
The Flip Side
Cream of the Crop

Acoustic Stage
Diana Chittester
Claudia Schieve
Zach
Joe Landes
Kristine Jackson

Strolling
Calypso Gypsies

June ad

Pitchfork Music Festival 2011

Whadda trip.  We spent a long weekend in Chicago, leaving on Thursday night and returning on Monday night - and for the first time, I spent all three days at the Pitchfork Music Festival.  Chicago is such a great town, and this festival is pretty sweet too.  I'm not a big fan of festivals in general, as I doubt I'd ever go to a Coachella or a Bonnaroo.  Maybe the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival... :-) (photos will just be scatterd throughout this post)

Pitchfork 2011

What's great about Pitchfork is that while I know a lot of indie bands, there's usually half that are completely new to me.  I like that I have to research and discover a whole list of new bands before even going to the Festival.  And besides, it's about more than just the music. The people watching, the food, as well as the FlatStock Poster displays and merchants all make this a top-notch experience.

Pitchfork 2011

Pitchfork 2011

Day 1:  We started off getting our bearings with EMA and Battles first.  EMA seemed a bit wet behind the ears, but Battles polished things up right. Das Racist dropped some slick beats back on the Blue stage. We made it back out to the main stage for a bit of throwback Neko Case (a pleasant surprise).  Back to blue to see James Blake who was surprisingly good in a Festival Atmosphere (I wondered how he'd do). He had some deep beats that really played well.  We didn't stay long for Animal Collective.

Battles (7/15/11)

James Blake (7/15/11)

Day 2:  We walked in early as Woods were starting, then back to Sun Airway and the back out to see a super hot performance by Cold Cave.  I can't wait until their Grog Shop show!  Then we we're back to Blue for Wild Nothing with their soothing pop sounds, and we stayed there The Radio Dept. and Twin Shadow.  The Blue stage was the place to be this particular afternoon.  We stepped back out to the main stages to finish the night out with DJ Shadow (meh) and then an amazing Fleet Foxes performance.  They were a band that I questioned having the close Saturday night slot - but they were superb!!

Cold Cave (7/16/11)

Baths (7/17/11)

Day 3: Yuck started the day off, then we hung back at the Blue stage to catch Twin Sister, Shabazz Palaces and then Baths.  I was thoroughly impressed with the electronic sounds for Baths and got close for his performance.  I'll admit that I did do a quick walk by the OFWGKTA (Odd Future / Tyler the Creator) stage, just to witness some of the hype.  Caught a little Deerhunter, but from the vantage point that would get us close for Cut Copy.  We ended up even closer for Cut Copy, and it was HOT (in many ways).  We went back to catch the end of HEALTH and then didn't stay for much of TV on the Radio.

Pitchfork 2011

Overall a great experience and one I'm looking forward to next year.  Kudos to the crew for hanging with me...

Pitchfork 2011

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Pitchfork Music Festival Bound!

Pfork2011

So we're boarding the Megabus to Chicago today for the Pitchfork Music Festival!  Not sure how many (if any) posts I'll be able to do while I'm way.  If you yourself is staying in Cleveland this weekend, don't be sad - you have some great shows!  Tonight is Kurt Vile @ Grog Shop.  Saturday is Lucinda Williams @ Jacobs Pavilion.  Sunday is Moonface @ Grog Shop AND Tom Evanchuck at the Barking Spider.  I might even be a little jealous.

As always, check my constantly updated Concert Calendar for shows worth checking out.

I will also leave you with a free Pitchfork Music Festival Playlist that you can download for yourself (from RCRDLBL), in case you're not going.  If you are going - get in touch.  :-)

 

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Video Tuesday: Special Pitchfork Festival Edition

So there are tons of bands that will be at Pitchfork.  There's really no rhyme or reason why I'm picking these three, other than they just came my way and I liked them.  First up is EMA who is one of the new finds that I'm very excited to see.  Second is Kurt Vile for Baby's Arms.  Third is the second NSFW video of the day for YUCK's Shook Down.

Video Tuesday

This is going to be a doubly-sexy Video Tuesday.  I've collected these videos below, then I'll also be sharing a special "Pitchfork Edition" of Video Tuesday as well.  First off is the NSFW Handsome Furs for What About Us (great song!). Next up is a tamer Slow Club video for Two Cousins.  Finally, a one-take video done by The Hidden Cameras for Do I Belong?

Monday, July 11, 2011

Cut Copy (7/9/11)

A last-minute decision was made to catch Cut Copy up at the Royal Oak Music Theater in Michigan this past weekend.  Sure I'll be seeing them at the Pitchfork Music Festival, but I didn't want to miss the chance to see a full set performance.  Especially the more I grow to love Zonoscope, their third album (buy it!!).

Cut Copy (7/9/11)

Delicate Steve opened, and once again I was impressed by them.  When Cut Copy took the stage, I got to spend the first three songs up close and personal with the band (thanks AJ!).  That was three songs of dancing that I missed out on, but getting the pics are definitely worth it.

Cut Copy (7/9/11)

Cut Copy (7/9/11)

Cut Copy (7/9/11)

Once back in the crowd, I took my obligatory video, which was pretty rough to capture.  The entire crowd was full-force dancing, and to be the only guy trying to stand still with a camera is totally lame, but this is what I do for you, my dedicated reader.

The sound was great, the band was great, my only complaints would be how short the set was - clocking in at around an hour.  Could (should) have been two or three hours, easily.  Click below to see the rest of the photos:

Fitz and The Tantrums (7/6/11)

What a great way to start off the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Summer in the City concert series.  While it was a bit hot, it wasn't enough to put the damper on a great crowd and a great show put on by Fitz and The Tantrums (who previously sold out the Beachland Ballroom Grog Shop earlier this year).  The crowd was bigger than any I've seen yet...  Contrats Rock Hall!
(Das Racist is this Wednesday!!)
Fitz & the Tantrums (7/6/11)
Fitz & the Tantrums (7/6/11)
Fitz & the Tantrums (7/6/11)

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Joe Purdy (6/28/11)

Finally rounding out my June shows (finally).  Joe Purdy was a bit of a last minute decision.  I really didn't know much about Joe, other than he's had a long career, and that I was surprised I hadn't heard of him before. Especially since he has that sort-of Ray LaMontagne vibe.

We got there early and checked out the Milk Carton Kids.  Very fun and charming.  Nice sound too...  A couple of great guitarists.  Check them out, they're giving their stuff away online.

Milk Carton Kids (4/28/11)

Joe Purdy was up next and for the beginning of his set, he was solo on stage.  The Beachland was well attended with this seated performance.  The crowd was a bit unusual, and unfortunately the down-side of the evening. It's amazing how a few loud drunks can ruin a show.

Still, Joe powered on as a professional would.  His rustic voice and great songwriting really shined through and I can see why people are drawn to him.  His set was only better when the Milk Carton Kids joined him on stage.

Joe Purdy (4/28/11)

Joe Purdy (4/28/11)

Friday, July 8, 2011

Just Announced: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart @ Beachland

Well this is exciting.  The Pains of Being Pure at Heart just announced a show at the Beachland Ballroom.  Saturday, September 24th.

Also, here's their charming new video for The Body.  (Update: having the right video helps)

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Must See Shows: July

From the original Spangle article here.

July. Can you believe it? This month is kicking the city's outside venues into full swing - in fact both featured acts this month are outside. The first, the Rock Hall Summer in the City concert series, is one of the best events this summer. It's also great to see Nautica, I mean Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, getting some heavy usage. This month also sees two of the biggest national pop tours with Katy Perry & Britney Spears (both with great openers). Finally, there's a slew of road trip shows this month, which only picking three was extremely challenging. Check out the TZA calendar for all the rest, if you're itchin' for a drive. One more thing... In light of the sale of MySpace and it's dwindling outlook, I will discontinue adding MySpace links for every artist.


Featured Event

July 6 :: Fitz & the Tantrums (Pop/Rock / Soul) / fitzandthetantrums.com
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame / FREE
While I'm sure Fitz & the Tantrums are great (I missed their last performance at the Beachland Ballroom), they are getting one of the featured slots this month because they're the first of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Summer in the City Concert Series. For the third year, these free shows outside the Rock Hall have been one of the highlights of the Cleveland summers. Das Racist on the following week will be just as fun, see below.

July 26 :: The Decemberists (Pop/Rock) / decemberists.com
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica / $28.50 ~ $35
These former indie darlings turned major label are still putting out great music and are still sticking to what they know. The Decemberists, fronted by the charming Colin Meloy have released their 6th album in 9 years and show no signs of stopping. Opening are The Head and the Heart who's alt-folk sound is getting all kinds of attention now, so go early.

Best of the Rest

July 5 :: Katy Perry (Pop) / katyperry.com
Quicken Loans Arena / $28 ~ $48
The real reason to see this show is Marina & the Diamonds open ing, but stay for Katy if you wish.

July 6 :: Cabinet (Bluegrass) / cabinetmusic.wordpress.com
Beachland Tavern / $10
Some good old Pennsylvania Bluegrass.

July 9 :: Sade (Pop / R&B) / sade.com
Quicken Loans Arena / $49.50 ~ $149.50
The one. The only. John Legend opening

July 10 :: Wiz Khalifa (Rap) / wizkhalifa.com
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica / $45 ~ $60
While I'm surprised at the price, I guess that means Wiz Kahlifa is really hitting the big time.

July 13 :: Das Racist (Art Rap) / dasracist.net
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame / FREE
The second installment of this awesome summer series. See video above.

July 14 :: Kurt Vile (Indie Rock) / kurtvile.com
Grog Shop / $12 ~ $14
Kurt Vile returns once again, with a band and with the sunny Real Estate band opening.

July 15 :: Free Energy (Rock) / freeenergymusic.com
Beachland Tavern / $10
Speaking of shows at the Rock Hall Summer Series, these guys were fun last year. Here's a chance to see them again.

July 16 :: Lucinda Williams (Country) / lucindawilliams.com
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica / $39.50 ~ $62.50
The venerable alt-country songstress is coming back to Cleveland. Amos Lee is opening.

July 17 :: Tom Evanchuck (Folk / Blues) / tomevanchuck.com
Barking Spider Tavern / Donation
While Tom's been playing around the area a lot lately, a show at the Spider is the one you want to catch.

July 17 :: Moonface (Indie Rock) / moonface.ca
Grog Shop / $8 ~ $10
One part of Wolf Parade. I would be all over this show if I weren't at Pitchfork Music Festival!

July 22 :: Frontier Ruckus (Indie Folk) / frontierruckus.com
Beachland Tavern / $10
This young Michigan folk group is back again, hopefully signaling a new album soon.

July 23 - July 24 :: Burning River Festival / burningriverfest.org
Whiskey Island / $8 per day or $15 for 2-day passes
Some great bands here, including Young Man, Modern Electric, and Shivering Timbers. Don't forget Christmas Ale.

July 23 :: Poison Control Center (Indie Rock) / thepoisoncontrolcenter.com
Beachland Tavern / $7
These guys were just here in February, and it was a party. These guys give great show.

July 26 :: Britney Spears (Pop) / britneyspears.com
Quicken Loans Arena / $29.50 ~ $350
I guess if I'm listing Katy Perry for Marina & the Diamonds, I can list Britney for Nicki Minaj

July 26 :: Frightened Rabbit (Pop/Rock) / frightenedrabbit.com
Grog Shop / $13 ~ $15
This excellent Scottish band just signed to Atlantic and is working on a new album. Expect to hear some of it here.

July 29 :: Girlyman (Folk / Pop) / girlyman.com
Cain Park / $5
I have to give it to Girlyman for picking a different venue each time back. Check out some video from their last Beachland appearance.

Notable Road Trips

July 9 :: Cut Copy (Pop / Dance) / cutcopy.net
Royal Oak Music Theater (Royal Oak) / $20
THIS IS THE SHOW TO SEE. Once again, a road trip almost made a featured event.

July 27 & 28 :: Death Cab for Cutie (Pop/Rock) / deathcabforcutie.com
27th / LC Pavilion (Columbus) / $32 ~ $34
28th / Fox Theater (Detroit) / $30 ~ $45
Similar to the Decemberists, Death Cab is another band who have gone major label but have been able to maintain legitimacy.

July 30 :: Handsome Furs (Pop/Rock) / handsomefurs.com
PJ's Lager House (Detroit) / tbd
Handsome Furs is one part of Wolf Parade (at TZA favortie). This husband/wife team puts out some of the indie pop/rock out there.

Video Tuesday

I was going to get this out last night, but then I had a surprise visitor stop by my house and (awesomely) take over my night - it was totally worth the delay.  This week we find the new video from Future Islands for Before the Bridge. Next is an esoteric video for Adversity from the young Beach Fossils. Finally is a new retro-feeling Mates of State video for Maracas.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Busiest Saturday in Cleveland

The weekend before last had so much going on in one day, it was ridiculous.  I already posted some pics on one of the events I didn't make it to (Porchfest), but here are a couple pics from the three that I did make it to.  Yes, three amazing events in one day - a feat only possible in a city like Cleveland.

Waterloo Arts Festival:

Waterloo Arts Festival (6/25/11)

Waterloo Arts Festival (6/25/11)

Cleveland Pride:

Cleveland Pride (6/25/11)

Cleveland Pride (6/25/11)

Summer Solstice:

Summer Solstice Part (6/25/11)

Summer Solstice Part (6/25/11)

Sure there was music happening at each of these events, but there was too much going on this day to even pretend to cover it all.  I was just bouncing around and enjoying my day - thrilled to be a Clevelander.  More pics on my Flickr account.

Friday, July 1, 2011

New Class Actress Album Announced

Finally, Class Actress has announced the release of their first full-length album, being put out on Carpark Records (Cloud Nothings, Toro y Moi, Beach House)!! Out on October 18th.  Listen to the first single below.

Class actress rapprocher

Keep You by Carpark Records

Download this track over at Stereogum.