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.

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...

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.

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)

 

Video… Saturday

As soon as I'm claiming it's back, then comes the Cleveland International Film Festival.  Some great stuff piling up here… startin off with Bowerbirds' Tuck the Darkness (who just announced a show at the Beachland on June 12th).  Next up is Islands' Hallways and finishing up with an equally strange video for Bon Iver's Towers.  Though I think the bonus this week takes the cake on strange.

Bonus video for Materials by Nicholas Jaar.

Ryan Adams & Laura Marling Duet

Great video of Ryan Adams & Laura Marling for this Sunday morning!

 

Watch: Laura Marling and Ryan Adams perform ‘Oh My Sweet Carolina’ by Lauren Down

Having been sent her record while working on Ashes & Fire, Ryan Adams appeared on Live From Abbey Road earlier this week with Laura Marling to perform the stunning Heartbreaker classic ‘Oh My Sweet Carolina.’ Marling’s delicate plaintive backing vocals take the place of Emmylou Harris’ voice, which originally appeared on the record when it was released in the year 2000.

(From... Watch: Laura Marling and Ryan Adams perform ‘Oh My Sweet Carolina’ | The Line Of Best Fit)

 

Tomorrow: Caveman @ Beachland Tavern

Having already seen Caveman this year, I couldn't be happier to have them coming back to the Beachland Tavern ($10)! Their previous show was at the Happy Dog, which I don't think did these guys justice.  Since that performance, I've continued to like these guys more and more.

Here's a live video and an official video to show you why:

Opening are Hollis Brown and our own hyper-prolific Gomez Addams.

Video Tuesday is Back!

And this one's all "ladies."  New Marina & the Diamonds!!!  One of my most anticipated releases of April.  Next up is Grimes captivating video for Oblivion, and it's not just because of all the shirtless guys. Finally, I wasn't too thrilled about what I first heard coming from Santigold, but this new video is pretty sweet.  Stick around for a pretty amazing video bonus.

This SSION album really is amazing.  While I'd like to say this video wasn't expected, the album art kinda tipped me off.  Take a chance.

Tomorrow: Black Keys @ Quicken Loans

I'm not going, but I think I'll be missing out based on some reviews I've been seeing.  Particularly this Billboard review.  Though I'd still have a hard time paying the minimum of $40 to see our once local Black Keys...  Anyone going?

Black Keys, Arena Rock Band: Live Review | Billboard.com

The Keys' move to arenas was greeted with expected concern and skepticism from longtime fans recalling basement and small club gigs, but Auerbach and Carney are taking the plunge without losing what got them there. The music, of course, has always been capable of filling large spaces, and is even more so now thanks to more ambitious arrangements and the presence of two backing musicians to muscle up the sound. But the fun of the 21-song, 85-minute show was watching the Keys play with that size and ultimately using it to complement rather than compromise its garage-y blues-rock aesthetic.

(Continued... Black Keys, Arena Rock Band: Live Review | Billboard.com)

Yellow Ostrich (3/6/12)

I had a feeling about this show and boy was I right.  There was something catching my attention about Yellow Ostrich from the beginning, though I wish I had more time with their new album prior to this show.  It's going to end up where I keep listening to these guys, liking them more & more, then really wishing I could see them again.  Hopefully I don't have to wait for another album to do so.

Opening was Cleveland's How to Breath Under Water.  This was my first chance seeing this local, all-female band - which I found particularly exciting.  I can't say I was blown away, but I would totally encourage these ladies to keep it up.  1, 2, 3 was up next and I particularly enjoyed them.  Pretty straight-up rock, though I particularly liked the lead singer's voice, sounding similar to that of Tallest Man on Earth (I just love stand-out voices).  They also had a real genuine quality that kind of reminded me of Poison Control Center, though with a little less crazy (I mean that in a good way, all around).

Yellow Ostrich really changed up the lighting and just went to town.  Again, another voice right up my alley…  Here's my favorite track from their new album:

They continued on what seemed like way too short of a set - but that's always how it goes on a really good show.  Here's a clip from my first favorite track of theirs:

And finally some photos… I'm still just a bit speechless as to how much I enjoyed this band.

New Xavier Rudd

This unseasonably warm weather was met today with the discovery of a new Xavier Rudd track.  A heavenly mix.  This guy just oozes summer & sun.

No word on a full album release, but you'll hear about it here when it does happen.