New La Roux (!!) with Let Me Down Gently. Next up is a slick groove with Tycho’s See. Next is Glass Animals with a new video of all stop-action, clay goodness for Pools.
Bonus: This may have been around for a while (NSFW). Some crazy shit.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Poliça (6/5/14)
A pop show at Grog Shop - yes please! Lolawolf opened with their deep R&B grooves and slick production. Classy stuff. Oh, and just found out that it’s fronted by Lenny's daughter, Zoe Kravitz.
Poliça was amazing, even better than I was expecting. Channy Leaneagh was demure and retracted between songs, but was smooth as silk while performing. The double drums and other synths really made this an impeccable & pristine show. Good work.
Blitzen Trapper (6/4/14)
After grabbing dinner and watching the Big Scary in the Tavern, we walked over to the Ballroom to catch the Parkington Sisters, opening for Blitzen Trapper. Alt-country female harmonies always gets me. These ladies were talented and charming.
Blitzen Trapper is a band for the fan of the guitar solo - particularly for their live performances. At one point I turned to a friend and said they reminded of a folk-rock version of Rush (said with the utmost love). The crowd was a little light, as I’m not sure how well the new album is doing - and I’m not sure if that’s what made the performance feel a little less spirited - but there was no less talent. These guys continue as a favorite of mine.
Jeremy Messersmith (6/4/14)
This was a double-header night between this Jeremy Messersmith show in the Tavern and Blitzen Trapper in the Ballroom. I’ve been a fan of Blitzen Trapper for some time and have only recently discovered Jeremy. However, I knew I didn’t want to have to choose between shows. Thankfully I didn’t have to, so while each entry will be separate, I bounced between both sides of the Beachland.
Opening for Jeremy was Big Scary out of Australia. These guys were extremely talented and sounded amazing. Their indie pop sound was really appealing and I’ve since acquired their back catalog to explore. So glad I caught these guys.
Jeremy Messersmith was utterly refreshing on stage. Funny, talented, and an all around pleasure. He kind of reminded me of a mix between Elvis Costello and Ben Folds - but with a style all his own. I will see him any future chance I get.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Tomorrow: Poliça @ Grog Shop
Poliça will be at the Grog Shop tomorrow night, with Lolawolf opening. Should be a great night for some serious pop music. $15 @ 9pm
Opening will be Lolawolf
Video Day
New First Aid Kit for My Silver Lining! Next up is the new video by The Horrors for So Now You Know. Then is the deliciously quirky Nathan K. for Sloppy Love.
Bonus: Despite the mama-drama over the video, it’s a good song.
The Head and The Heart (5/29/14)
Still trying to recover from Movement, this show was a last minute decision. We still went, but no plans for tickets, photos, or anything. Just arrived. Well, turns out that for the Beachland sponsored shows at the Masonic, they don’t allow cameras like the Grog Shop shows do, so after returning it to my car, we scaled up the stairs for a dark seat in the crowd to catch most of Lucius, who was great. I’m loving their album, but the whole entree into the venue experience still had me stilted. And of course, at that distance with the iPhone - pics were not an option.
We found a better spot for The Head & The Heart - but was wondering how the floor could have been sold out, as it looked to be less than half full. Still, we sat and relaxed, enjoying the pop-folk show. Check it out:
From the Cleveland Leader:
"Throughout the past few years the venues have gotten larger and the amount of fans in attendance has grown but the band still seems to keep things simple. There is no elaborate stage decor or lighting. Their presence and sound reminds you it's all about the music.
The Head and the Heart performed songs from both of their successful albums. The songs all flow well together. They have a unique sound that was definitely carried across to the new album. If fans loved the first album then they are for sure to love 'Let's Be Still'."
(Via. Concert Review :: The Head and The Heart @ Masonic Auditorium | Cleveland Leader)
Movement Festival 2014
What an amazing festival experience this was, my first electronic music festival. So thankful to some old and new friends for sharing this with… A great space, great music, and lots interesting and extremely nice people. 3 days of non-stop dancing. Great food too! Check out some shots and a compilation video.
Check out some other thoughts on the first couple days of the fest.
http://www.dancingastronaut.com/2014/05/movement-detroit-day-1/
http://www.dancingastronaut.com/2014/05/movement-detroit-day-2-highlights/
Next year’s dates have already been announced. They’re on my calendar!
"In the blink of an eye, Movement Detroit has already penciled in May 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2015 for next year’s festival dates. The annual event will return to Hart Plaza – Detroit’s renowned waterfront destination - during its traditional Memorial Day Weekend slot."
(Via. Movement Detroit announces 2015 dates - Dancing Astronaut)
The Faint (5/22/14)
Prepping for this show, I was reminded at just how long these guys have been around - and just how much I used to like them! Sure, their new album is good, but not quite holding my attention like some of the newer stuff out there. I guess the same could be said about the show, but that’s not from a lack of effort on the band’s part. It was a light showing at HOB (why not play Beachland again boys?), but these guys really made the effort. But before that… Opening was Darren Keen. A whacked out DJ, in all the best ways.
Reptar was next, and these guys were a dark horse winner for me. Such vibrance on stage, great songs, and I really can’t wait to hear more from these guys.
The Faint really gave it their all.
Here are more photos!
Tonight: Blitzen Trapper AND Jeremy Messersmith @ Beachland Ballroom AND Tavern
Tonight’s a big night at the Beachland, but you’ll have to choose a side (or do both shows like me). Blitzen Trapper is one of my favorite “camping” bands, a smart, indie, alt-country rock sound. Perfect for a campfire in the woods.
Opening will be the talented Parkington Sisters, and Cellar Door’s The Commonwealth!
Over at the tavern is singer/songwriter Jeremy Messersmith. Excellent songwriting and crazy good tracks… Check out his NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Opening is Big Scary.
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