Tomorrow: Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers AND She Keeps Bees @ Beachland Tavern

Shilpa won me over back in 2010 at the Beachland (she kept it up in 2011) and is coming back to the Beachland Tavern ($8/$10).  This time she’s co-headling with She Keeps Bees who "may be a bassless guitar-and-drums duo playing indie rock with blues and country inflections, but their sound is less indebted to White Stripes or Black Keys and more aligned with Cat Power… "

Sounds like it’s going to be a perfect pairing.

I’ve already posted Shilpa’s one recent video - so here’s a live session:

She Keeps Bees recent video for Is What It Is.

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Go is the first video off Grimes upcoming album (which is now being scrapped?). ODESZA’s new album is out and here’s the new video for Say My Name. Next up is Zola Jesus who also has a new album out in Oct.

Bonus:  I missed (and missed promoting) the Rubblebucket show at the Grog Shop, but still wanted to share their flashy new video

Tonight! Laura Stevenson @ Grog Shop

Last time I caught Laura was back in 2011.  It was a great show and I’d love to do this one, but I’m still on the fence (3 openers!).  But if you go, go early for the openers - there are some good ones there.

twenty one pilots (9/11/14)

I ended up missing the Tokyo Police Club show, breaking up a run of 4 nights of shows in a row.  Only for a night though, because the next night was an excellent show by twenty one pilots!  As I mentioned, they first charmed me at the AP Music Awards, and I’ve since fallen in love with them - particularly through their videos.  But first - Misterwives.  From what we saw, a decent band with some nice albums.  I’d like to see these guys again in a smaller venue.

However, twenty one pilots had no problems filling that space - despite only being two guys on stage.  A raised drum kit and a multi-talented lead singer - your eyes were glued to the stage.  Their music really resonates with the kids - but it doesn’t have to stop there.  People call these guys sincere, for a reason.  LOTS of great video moments - dig through them.  I think these guys have some serious potential.

Taj Weekes & Adowa (9/9/14)

Not often does Reggae cross my path, but it's so welcomed when it does.  I couldn’t have imagined a better experience than seeing Taj Weekes & Adowa at Wilbert’s on this Tuesday night.  We loved the laid back vibe these seasoned performers from St. Lucia, and really of the crowd on this night as well.  A bizarre blend of true fans of the band and fans trickling in from the Indians game.  A great time was had by everyone.

Bishop Allen (9/8/14)

I can’t believe it’s been 7 years since I’d seen these guys.  It’s been a little while since they had an album as well (2009).  Those things combined, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect for this Musica show in Akron - other than to get there on time.  It was a Monday night, so the crowd was light, but that left some great positioning for this show.

Catching Jesse Marchant was a treat.  I’m looking forward to his new album… Check out this song.

Bishop Allen took the stage in stride and played a great set. These guys had so many good songs, there was no way I was going to do individual videos for the songs.  Just sit back and relax, and watch you what you missed.

Bleached @ WRUW's Studio-A-Rama (9/6/14)

I didn’t get to spend much time at Studio-A-Rama, but was glad to catch Bleached.  Their grungy, pop-punk sound was a real treat, especially for free on the campus of Case Western Reserve University.

Great Lakes Brewery Block Party / Modern Electric (9/5/14)

Not much of a concert review, but got to catch a bit of Modern Electric, while spending a gorgeous night out at the Great Lakes Brewery Block Party - enjoying the tail end of what’s been a great Summer.

Retro Futura Tour: Howard Jones / Midge Ure (8/25/14)

Sometimes I enjoy when other people take the lead on shows, and I get to just tag along.  That was the case for this 80’s showcase, which included Howard Jones and Midge Ure, as well as one of the Thompson Twins and some other bands.  Being this was the same day that we drove back from Chicago, so it would only be a couple bands for me on this night.  While I can attest to being tired and not having high expectations for this show, other than to accompany friends - I can now see why people get excited about seeing Howard Jones live.  High energy and even doing some fun new EDM takes on his 80’s classics.  Midge Ure was spot on with quality as well.  Now if only the show had been better promoted and attended...

Robyn & Royksopp (8/24/14)

The last night in Chicago, we were fortunate enough to get 3rd row seats for the few (and oft-sold-out) shows for the Royksopp & Robyn tour.  This was a the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago.  This show was presented in 3 parts… part Royksopp, party Robyn, and then they played together.  Royksopp knows how to delight a crowd, with both sounds and lights.  Stunning & clean performance.

Robyn was also great - as expected.  Besides, I think she was the biggest draw of the night, based on the crowd.

Put them together and  you get greatness…  If I had one complaint - its that her vocals were too low.  You can tell in the videos.