Monday, April 30, 2012

Tonight! Oberhofer @ Beachland Tavern

Sorry for the late notice… I first saw Oberhoferopen for Tapes N' Tapes, and they were awesome.  So glad to see they have a new album (buy it at insound!), and they're headlining at the Beachland Tavern!  Some further deets: 

Live Review: Oberhofer At Bowery Ballroom - March 21, 2012 | CMJ

"Oberhofer’s always been exciting to watch live, but this performance was something different. This was by far the most polished, most professional Oberhofer performance I’ve seen. This is a new Oberhofer: not necessarily altered in DNA, but more confident, more seasoned, and perhaps a little tighter. Brad Oberhofer moves more than he used to, his floppy hair grown out to resemble a poodle. The band as a whole is more muscular than it’s ever been. The members play like they’ve been around the block, as if a blazing performance of early hit “o0Oo0Oo” is as natural as drinking water. For a band on the verge of breaking big—it signed to Daniel Glass’ hotshot indie label, played Letterman the same night, and will release its Steve Lilywhite produced debut Time Capsules II next week—Oberhofer has the tunes and chops to play as many shows as it needs."

(Continued... Live Review: Oberhofer At Bowery Ballroom - March 21, 2012 | CMJ)

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Tomorrow: Andrew Jackson Jihad @ Grog Shop

I'm so glad I took a couple minutes to listen to Andrew Jackson Jihad when deciding if I should go to this show… a couple minutes is all I needed to see how much talent, humor and insight these guys have.  Sure it's a bit curt, but it's amazing at how it can be poignant at the same time.  I can't wait to see these guys...

Andrewjacksonjihad 1330542552

Video Tuesday: Kids Edition

The first video is for Marathon Runner by Yellow Ostrich one of my new favorite songs by a new favorite band.  Next up is another stunning video for tUnE-yArDs' My Country - brilliant.  Finally is the new Feist for Bittersweet Melodies

The bonus this week doesn't really have kids in the video, but does have youth in the tire… Youth Lagoon's The Hunt

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tomorrow: Tanlines @ Grog Shop

This should be a great show for the Grog Shop tomorrow night.  Tanlines, with Rewards and Wild Orphans opening.   I first posted a Tanlines video on this past Video Thursday.  Here's a clip of them performing for KEXP…

I think the openers should be great too.  Check out Rewards for yourself:

Finally, check out some stuff from the local openers: Wild Orphans

Video Tuesday

Let's get right to it, starting of with a Mad Decent 1-2 punch.  First is the always bootylicious Diplo w/ Nicky Da B for Express Yourself.  Next up is a… weird… video from Major Lazer - the song is superb! Finally is a pretty haunting (& lengthy) video from Spiritualized.  Stayed tuned for the bonus.

An alternative look at the current Detroit situation these days.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (4/14/12)

I hadn't talked up the Rock Hall's Induction Ceremony much on the blog here, mostly because looking back isn't really my thing.  I like new music and I like focusing on bands that are up and coming, and not those that are probably millionaires who still feed the old industry model.  Ouch.  A little harsh I guess...  Still, as a Clevelander, I'm thrilled we have the Rock Hall in our fine city.  It's a great organization doing great things.

I really had no expectations for this night.  I don't think it really hit me that it was happening until we walked into the vent.  First off, I was pleasantly surprised to hear all the downtown restaurants were booked.  The idea of Cleveland's downtown bustling is so much fun.  We walked up to Public Hall and saw the red carpet.  Hung out for a bit to see Smokey Robinson walk in.  Kinda fun.

2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Inside I was reminded how much I love Public Hall.  What a gorgeous facility, and it was a phenomenal place to hold this event.  I'm not going to go into detail on the events this evening, because coverage is all over the internet.  I'll just say that while this is not typically my thing, I had a blast.  The Rock Hall did a great job making this about the music, and how these bands influenced what we hear today.  Looking back and appreciating the past is important, and that's what this event was all about.  I really wanted to go back and listen to every one of these artists/bands now (let me put on Paul's Boutique while I'm thinking of it).  Excellent work Rock Hall.  I'm looking forward to the next Cleveland induction already.

2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Some videos:

Did I mention it was a party?

2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Diego Garcia (4/13/12)

What a surprise evening.  Last minute plans were made to spend the evening in Akron, and even more last minute was the decision to see Diego Garcia.  I hadn't even heard of him before, but as soon as I heard that sultry, latin-influenced Inside My Heart opening to his new album - I was sold.  This was not the kind of show that would hit my radar, but I'm so glad it did.  I was also excited to see Shivering Timbers again, but in true Musica form, I missed all openers with their amazingly early shows.  (I'm not complaining, I'll learn)

Diego Garcia (4/13/12)

Diego was incredibly sweet and sincere, recounting how Akron was the best show at the end of their last tour, and he insisted they were booked at the beginning of this one.  The crowd responded.  It was nice to hear some Akron love.  Diego was great, supported by some incredibly talented musicians.  Check out their encore cover of Neil Young's Harvest Moon:

George Clinton / Kid Cudi (4/12/12)

So in case you've been in a cave, the Rock Hall Induction happened this weekend.  One of the major festivities leading up to the big night was this free show with George Clinton and Kid Cudi at Quicken Loans Arena.  Sure, I'll go.  I can dig George, and I've liked Kid.  We got there early and got good nose-bleed seats (seriously).  We watched Kids These Days open, which was a group of teens playing some crazy funk, rap, jazz fusion.  George was up next, but I wouldn't recommend your first experience with him being at a place like the Q.  So much of the party atmosphere is lost through bad sound and a video screen display.  Next was Kid Cudi.  I was a huge supporter of him early on, but he's since lost me with the WRZD release.  Terrible.  He opened with the two worse songs from that album, but we hung around and he ended up putting on a decent show.

Overall, I was thrilled to be part of this ceremony psych-up.  Seeing Cleveland light up like this was a thrill.  This night was more about that than being at a good concert (which is hard to have at the Q).

Here's what it looked like:

IMG 3554

Perfume Genius (4/9/12)

I can't believe I almost missed this show.  I get all my concert info via the web these days, but was sorely reminded how I still need to pick up the print Scene once in a while.  Going through it at the Grog before the Cloud Nothings show revealed that Perfume Genius was play at The Sco in Oberlin!  One of those elusive, campus venues.  It's hard to get updates for these places unless you really try (or are a student on campus).  Thankfully they promote the shows in Scene.

This was a late show, far away, on a Monday night.  Still I was motivated.  We got to Oberlin early for a bite, then realized when the ad said 10pm that meant door times.  So we walked around a bit before being the first in the door.  First act didn't get on until 10:45.  Parenthetical Girls.  Have you seen them?  If so, I wish you would have told me about them before, they were tons of fun.  Wit, humor, talent, all while performing throughout the entire venue.  I'll see these guys ANYTIME.

Parenthetical Girls (4/9/12)

Parenthetical Girls (4/9/12)

Perfume Genius was a rather stark contrast in performance style, but he was excellent as well.  Many sweet songs, and a great way to wind down a LATE Monday night in Oberlin.  Check out a couple songs.

Pefume Genius (4/9/12)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Video Thursday

Here's some good stuff. Coming from one of my favorite albums of 2012 so far, Plants & Animals with The End of That.  Next up is Tanlines (who are coming to the Grog Shop on Wednesday!) for their song All of Me.  Caveman (who was just here) has a new video for my favorite song of theirs, Thankful.

Bonus: I wouldn't call myself a huge fan, but I kinda like it.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Cloud Nothings (4/5/12)

The return of Cleveland's new indie darlings…  I've seen these Cloud Nothings enough to not necessarily be excited anymore, but I was still anxious to see how Cleveland would turn out for the show - and to catch some stuff of their new release Attack on Memory.  Glad we got there early because it SOLD OUT.  Though I guess I shouldn't be surprised, being that they're already sold out for tonight in Chicago and on some UK dates.  It doesn't hurt that they'll also be on the bill for Pitchfork this year!

Anyway - amazing stuff as usual.  These guys were definitely tighter than ever.  Independently, each member bring such a strong presence to the group, particularly Dylan's voice and that drummer.  Oh that drummer (who's looking a little more rock-star these days).  Keep it up boys!

Cloud Nothings (4/5/12)

Jack & the Bear (3/30/12)

I wish I had more to say about Jack & the Bear, but this was a free show at the Grog Shop during the whirlwind week of the Cleveland International Film Festival.  Having seen these guys during Brite Winter Festival - I knew they would be good.  They were, though honestly - we were more about the bar than anything else that night.  Still, here are some pics:

Jack the Bear (3/30/12)

Jack the Bear (3/30/12)

Delta Spirit (3/26/12)

This show almost didn't happen, and I'm going to try and write this post without getting upset.  :-)  This show for me was really about catching the opener, WATERS.  Having been a fan of Port O'Brien before, this new incarnation was particularly good and I've really been enjoying the new album by WATERS a LOT.

I see a message on the Beachland website that the show is early.  No problem - I'll just get there early.  THEN i see a post on the WATERS FaceBook page that they'll be going on at 8:00.  Even easier.  Matt beats me there and tells me (as I'm only half way there) that they only have a couple songs left.  WTF??  It was only like 7:30.  I was *pissed* that I was missing this show.  I decided I was going to skip the whole thing and ended up walking down to the next closest bar to wait for Matt who was watching the rest of their performance (who really liked them btw).  I sat and sulked for a bit - then Matt convinced me to still go and catch Delta Spirit.  That was really bitter sweet for me, because at that point I should have just walked in as soon as I got there and caught at least the last couple songs.

Whatever.  I'm over it.  (almost)

Delta Spirit was good.  Some friends said better than WATERS.  Whatever.  :-)  Their album was good, their show was good.  I was just still bitter.

Delta Spirit (3/26/12)

Did I mention the lead singer was super-cute?  That helped.

Video "Tuesday"

Here's some crazy stuff for ya.  First up is some continued craziness from Miike Snow for The Wave.  Then taking it a step crazier with a new-to-me band called The Shoes and their video for Time to Dance (feat. Jake Gyllenhaal).  Finally, I think the new Golden Filter fights for the title of craziest with Kill Me.  And of course a bonus.


Finally, crazy of a different kind.  Just a freakin' weird video (but loving these CITIZENS! guys).

Caveman (3/21/12)

Back at it.  I was thrilled that I was able to see Caveman again, after their somewhat recent performance at the Happy Dog.  I've started liking their album even more after that show, so a quick turn-around time to another show at the Beachland Tavern was a welcomed treat.

Opening was Gomez Addams, a local band with quite a catalog of free material.  Not a bad band...

Gomez Addams (3/21/12)

Next up was Hollis Brown which almost could have been a headliner show.  In fact it kinda felt like it - high energy, excited crowd, etc.  These guys were fun.

Hollis Brown (3/21/12)

Not everyone stayed around for Caveman - but they should have.  I can understand though if they didn't, because they did have a different vibe than Hollis Brown.  I think one of the things that caught me off guard at their Happy Dog show was that they're a little heavier live than I expected.  Their album is a little lighter and more pop-friendly.  In concert these guys are a heavier and more droning.  Not in a bad way - they guys just have some heavy weight to their live show - but it works. Two different experiences, but they both work.

Here's a bit about them as New Yorkers

Caveman Obsessed with Being a New York Band - Spinner

"From the Velvet Underground to the Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, New York City has always been ground zero for the coolest bands around.

Atmospheric homegrown five-piece Caveman might be next on that list. Although Matthew Iwanusa (vocals), Jimmy Carbonetti (guitar), Stefan Marolachakis (drums), Sam Hopkins (synths) and Jeff Berrall (bass) lack the Ramones' matching leather jackets and the Strokes' hip haircuts, the band's Midlake-as-filtered-through-Creations Records sound feels effortlessly modern. Just as importantly, they're genuine real-deal New Yorkers."

(Continued... Caveman Obsessed with Being a New York Band - Spinner)