Sleigh Bells (7/9/12)

While Sleigh Bells were the headliner, I was more intrigued with the (mis-placed?) Class Actress as an opener.  But before we get to that, this show also introduced me to Jel as the very first opener.  Cool shit.  I don't know the name of that little electro-box he plays, but it's fun.

Class Actress was up next, and I was still a little curious of her being on this bill.  It started off a little weak and did get better, but there was definitely something missing from her show.  Something felt off the whole night.  And by "off" I mean, I've seen her before and thought she was great.  This time… eh.  3 on DAKS.

We had another show to go to, so we only stayed for a couple songs of Sleigh Bells, but it was you'd expect.  Ear-shattering, power pop/rock.  Definitely a time and place for that, and I can appreciate what these guys are doing - but doesn't feel like they have the staying power.

Fiona Apple (7/6/12)

I can't say I jumped on this show when it was announced.  Some friends invited me to go, though I was actually hoping for a camping weekend.  That didn't pan out, but I wouldn't say I settled on seeing Fiona Apple - especially after her amazing performance.  I adored Fiona's first album, but drifted away from her music more with each album.  I barely listened to this new one, but I'll definitely give it a second chance after seeing an energized Fiona belt her songs out on stage.  Man she's flexible. (link to Cleveland.com review below)

Fiona Apple delivers a riveting evening of alt-music cabaret at Cain Park | cleveland.com

Catching Fiona Apple in concert is like working for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. You always have to be prepared for the "

(Continued... Fiona Apple delivers a riveting evening of alt-music cabaret at Cain Park | cleveland.com)

Video Tuesday-ish

Good stuff here.

DJ-Kicks My Digitalism Ass

Like Dance Music? (c'mon, admit it...)  You're gonna love the new Digitalism DJ-Kicks album.  I've been a super-fan of Digitalism for a while and this is super-fun.  Check it out.

Tomorrow: Fiona Apple @ Cain Park

Score one for Cain Park getting the Fiona Apple show, especially as she's touring on her new album which is getting some great buzz.  See what should be a phenomenal show in a phenomenal venue!  Here's some enticement:

Video Tuesday-ish

Rounding out and catching up on some videos… check out Dr. Dog's Lonesome, Here We Go Magic's How Do I Know, First Aid Kit's Blue

Here's a little bonus gem from Dan Mangan.

Neil Diamond (7/1/12)

As I hope you can attest, this is not the kind of show I normally post.  However, I also have a soft-spot for theatrics - and free tickets, so when my friend offered me one, I took it.  I've been known to not turn the station when a Neil Diamond song comes on, I might have even turned it up a time or two.  So I was curious to see what a sold out Neil Diamond show looked and sounded like.  I have to say, for his age, Neil is still sounding good. Check it out:

Summer Solstice Party (6/30/12)

After the Waterloo Arts Festival, we got cleaned up from the heat and headed over to the Cleveland Museum of Art for the 10pm entrance of their Summer Solstice Party.  I've gone every year and plan to continue the tradition - as I've always said, I think it's Cleveland's party of the year.  The music, food and people were amazing, including the stunning interactivity of slinging graffiti on the front facade of the building.  Win Win Win. Win.

 

Gang Gang Dance 10:00 p.m. Gang Gang Dance has honed a type of electronica that is equal parts tribal-futurism and dance music based on perfectly controlled havoc, emphasizing the ritualistic elements of their sound.

Nortec Collective Presents Bostich & Fussible 11:00 p.m. In Tijuana, Mexico, the so-called Nortec movement took shape when producers began fusing cutting-edge electronic music with traditional music of the region such as norteño and banda. This collective explores their take on the norteño and techno blend.

Novalima 12:30 a.m. Novalima is the band that has revolutionized the music scene in their native Peru. Novalima combines a passion for traditional Afro-Peruvian music and modern DJ culture. Their shared fascination with afro beat, dub reggae, latin, and electronic music has resulted in platinum status and worldwide touring.

Waterloo Arts Festival 2012

A great day for a great festival.  It was a hot one, and we didn't get a chance to see much music - but thought I'd share some photos… 

Sarah McLachlan (6/27/12)

As much as I love going to shows, I'm elated to have been part of both my niece and nephew's first concerts.  For my niece, her first show was Lilith Fair back in 2010 (she was 2).  She loved it so much, I was really excited to take her and her mother (my sister) to see Sarah McLachlan at the Toledo Zoo.  She was sooo excited.  I've seen Sarah many times before, but there was definitely somethings special about going with family on this night.