Drink Up Buttercup (1/26/11)

After that fun little jaunt at the Barking Spider, we headed over to the Spot (a bar below a dorm at CWRU).  They've been known for bringing in good shows in the past, but this was my first time here in a while.  A nice renovation had occured, but the cheap beer, wings, and drunk college students remained.

Opening was the charming Max Stern, who I'm presuming with his connection to the crowd, that he was a student there.

Now for Drink Up Buttercup, I'd been having a crash course in their new album, Born and Thrown on a Hook. Initially I was enthralled with their track Doggy Head, but quickly fell in love with the rest of the album, which I guess I could best describe as having a modern indie rock sensibility with some of the maturing and depth of the Beatles.

The show was alright.  They didn't really connect with the audience, they didn't want recorded by kingofthecastle7 (who I finally met!) - and I guess they were trying out some new stuff.  What we heard sounded great, though I'm not sure I could really connect much of it with the album.  But no problem though, I was able to pick the vinyl version up at this show.

You should check some of these songs for yourself.

Sunday at the Station (1/26/11)

Another surprise at the Barking Spider Tavern.  We were a bit early for the show this night at the Spot, so we swung through to the Tavern.  Low and behold (is that right?), 3 young guys playing folk music.  What a treat.

Sunday at the Station sounded great, though with a few technical difficulties.  I really liked the play between band members and some of the harmonies they had - though with a younger band - they could always use some tightening up.  I kind of felt like I was seeing an early version of an Avett Brothers tour (a total compliment).

Worried Men (1/22/11)

Having already seen Worried Men before, I was excited to see them again - particularly because this show was going to be at a new House Concert series starting up on the other side of town - Mechanic Street House Concerts.

It was a relatively short, but good set.  Then an intermission, and then a little jam session...  Great idea!!  I'll try to not steal it.

While the Worried Men were great, it was only made better by the space that housed them...

more photos here...

 

Stream: New Hercules and Love Affair

Hercules and Love Affair had one of my favorite Pop / Dance albums of 2008/2009.  I'm so glad to see they finally have something new out.  Even happier that you can stream the entire thing online right now:

Hercules & Love Affair - Blue Songs by moshi moshi music

Album being released on 1/31/11 (UK)

Video Tuesday

Back on track... starting off with a new Noah & the Whale track (kinda Petty-esque).  Next up is a new She & Him video, for all you retro-lovers.  Finally, a brand new (and somewhat odd) video from Cleveland's own Cloud Nothings.

Sokolowski & Cowboy Rose

So I was just at Sokolowki's University Inn for dinner the other night... it's an amazing place.  I highly recommend this old-school Polish hotspot.  I true Cleveland gem.

And speaking of gems, how much fun does Cowboy Rose look?

A Few Hundred Posters

If you've ever been out and about in this city, you've more than likely seen the great work of John G. and Jake Kelly.  Well, you should swing by Heights Arts and see the work more professionally displayed.  A Few Hundred Posters: By John G and Jake Kelly is open now, through the end of February.

Gallery Hours: Thursday through Saturday 1:30 to 9:30 pm or by appointment
Heights Arts Gallery is located at 2173 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Twin Shadow (1/16/11)

I couldn't have been happier that this Twin Shadow show was on the Sunday night of MLK weekend.  Perfect. Because of that, I paid even closer attention to the album, knowing I was able to stay up and really enjoy the music without concerns of work the next day.

Cleveland's own Clovers opened the show and they we good!  I was perched at the bar, not quite ready to start documenting the show, but by the time they were done I was sad I didn't.  They had a nice clean sound.  I want to hear more from these guys.  BRAHMS were up next, and while they don't have an album out, I've been liking what little I could find on the internet.  Later on, I found out they are led by Cale Parks, who was also part of Aloha (w/ a Cleveland connection).  Even Stereogum is saying this is a band to watch.

At this point, it was clear this night was going to be a dance party.  The retro-flair of this bass induced eletro pop continued with Twin Shadow.  I'll admit their album didn't strike me right away (like it did many, many others).  But once I broke the seal, I was sold.  These guys were everything I was hoping for.

As you can see, I'm still learning the camera.  Though, back to the iPhone for video:

Whoa... Coachella.

This is an *incredible* lineup.  I'm floored.

Rubblebucket (1/12/11)

Honestly, I was a little desperate.  It had been early two weeks since a show and I was getting an itch.  I had heard a little about Rubblebucket on the internets, but didn't really have an album that I could connect with.  I had actually been listening to their Triangular Daises EP on MOG, and loving "Come out of a Lady" (video too).  Whatever, I was sold.

Opening was the Revolution Brass Band.  A many multi-instrumental outfit that just by sheer presence is fun to listen to...  The got a crowd moving.

Between sets, we headed down to the This Way Out shop.

Finally, Rubblebucket took the stage.  Not as voluminous in size, but definitely in spirit.  All the jangly, fun, upbeat "indie orchestra" sounds that I hoped for.  These guys had energy!  I will definitely be keeping an eye on their upcoming album - currently being worked on.

(Unfortunately, I discovered the Nikon D3100 does a terrible job at recording the audio portion of a video, at least at concerts)