August:
30: Jeremy Enigk @ GAMH
September:
1: Sparta, Silversun Pickups and Communique @ Popscene
14: Tortoise @ GAMH
October:
2: Art Brut and We Are Scientists @ The Fillmore
11: Calla, Longwave @ Slim's
19: The Decemberists @ The Warfield
20: Detroit Cobras @ Bottom of the Hill
24: Be Your Own Pet @ Bottom of the Hill
27: ESG @ Mezzanine
30: Bonnie Prince Billy @ GAMH
31: Bonnie Prince Billy @ GAMH
November:
4: Voxtrot @ Slim's
5: Mojave 3 @ Bimbo's
18: TV On the Radio, Kiss Me Deadly @ Slim's
26 July 2006
22 July 2006
More B&S Hollywood Bowl Photos
I found these pics of me dancing with Stuart on Flickr. Thanks to spartus for taking these shots!
Me asking my friends to take a picture of me!
Is that Stuart?
Looks like I'm slapping him.
I think we were conversing at this point.
Thanks for dancing!
Me asking my friends to take a picture of me!
Is that Stuart?
Looks like I'm slapping him.
I think we were conversing at this point.
Thanks for dancing!
Camera Obscura (GAMH, 20 July 2006)
I walked into the Great American Music Hall just in time to catch Camera Obscura play their first song. I forgot what that first song was (probably something off of their new album Let's Get Out of This Country) but it was apparent that this was going to be a good show. The band's insturmentation complimented Tracyanne Campbell's angelic voice almost instantly. It also helps that the GAMH's mixing desk was in top form tonight.
Songs from the new album dominated the set. Definite highlights was the upbeat Lloyd Cole inspired song "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken" and the dancey, with that Green Day sounding opening bass, song "If Looks Could Kill." The 60's infused pop sound was just all over these songs and the crowd danced in their own little, confined space way. The live versions of these songs was a little bit more rough than the album (obviously) but it was still very enjoyable. Synchronized clapping happened during "I Need All the Friends I Can Get," again with its 60's pop sounding guitar.
Older songs from Underachievers Please Try Harder include the slow and pretty "Suspended from Class" and "Keep it Clean." The crowd also got a kick when the band ended their encore with the Stuart Murdoch produced "Eightie's Fan" from Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi. Lyrics like "tell me, do you wash your hair with honeydew?" just makes this song ooze with tweeness.
Just twee. Twee all over the place. Everyone was twee. Even the tough looking Camera Obscura members looked way too twee. It was just twee-tastic.
Beer Rating:
1/2
Songs from the new album dominated the set. Definite highlights was the upbeat Lloyd Cole inspired song "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken" and the dancey, with that Green Day sounding opening bass, song "If Looks Could Kill." The 60's infused pop sound was just all over these songs and the crowd danced in their own little, confined space way. The live versions of these songs was a little bit more rough than the album (obviously) but it was still very enjoyable. Synchronized clapping happened during "I Need All the Friends I Can Get," again with its 60's pop sounding guitar.
Older songs from Underachievers Please Try Harder include the slow and pretty "Suspended from Class" and "Keep it Clean." The crowd also got a kick when the band ended their encore with the Stuart Murdoch produced "Eightie's Fan" from Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi. Lyrics like "tell me, do you wash your hair with honeydew?" just makes this song ooze with tweeness.
Just twee. Twee all over the place. Everyone was twee. Even the tough looking Camera Obscura members looked way too twee. It was just twee-tastic.
Beer Rating:
1/2
18 July 2006
New Shows Added
July:
28: Rademacher @ Hotel Utah
August:
6: Peaches & The Herms w/ Eagles of Death Metal @ Fillmore
8: Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) @ Cafe du Nord
9: Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) @ Cafe du Nord
September:
9: Cold War Kids @ Cafe du Nord
22: Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton @ Cafe du Nord
30: Birdmonster @ Cafe du Nord
October:
12: The National @ GAMH
19: The Decemberists @ The Warfield
28: Devo @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
November:
11: Wolf Eyes @ Bottom of the Hill
28: Rademacher @ Hotel Utah
August:
6: Peaches & The Herms w/ Eagles of Death Metal @ Fillmore
8: Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) @ Cafe du Nord
9: Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) @ Cafe du Nord
September:
9: Cold War Kids @ Cafe du Nord
22: Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton @ Cafe du Nord
30: Birdmonster @ Cafe du Nord
October:
12: The National @ GAMH
19: The Decemberists @ The Warfield
28: Devo @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
November:
11: Wolf Eyes @ Bottom of the Hill
12 July 2006
New Shows Added
August
5: Peaches w/ Eagles of Death Metal @ The Fillmore
September
4: The Brian Jonestown Massacre w/ The Tyde @ The Independent
5: The Brian Jonestown Massacre w/ The Tyde @ The Independent
18: Ratatat @ Great American Music Hall
23: Phoenix @ Slim's
28: Starsailor @ Great American Music Hall
October
4: Band of Horses @ The Fillmore
20: Beirut @ Great American Music Hall
November
9: Islands @ Great American Music Hall
5: Peaches w/ Eagles of Death Metal @ The Fillmore
September
4: The Brian Jonestown Massacre w/ The Tyde @ The Independent
5: The Brian Jonestown Massacre w/ The Tyde @ The Independent
18: Ratatat @ Great American Music Hall
23: Phoenix @ Slim's
28: Starsailor @ Great American Music Hall
October
4: Band of Horses @ The Fillmore
20: Beirut @ Great American Music Hall
November
9: Islands @ Great American Music Hall
09 July 2006
Belle & Sebastian w/ the L.A. Philharmonic; The Shins (Hollywood Bowl, 6 July 2006)
I just saw the best Radiohead show ever. Now I saw the best Belle & Sebastian show ever.
Belle & Sebastian were something else at the Hollywood Bowl. Accompanied by the full L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra, B&S shined like no other band I've ever seen at the Hollywood Bowl. Every single minute of that show was special. Not only because of the orchestra, but because the band was in great spirits and Stuart was as interactive as ever.
I bought these tickets ages ago and secured a prime spot in the Garden Boxes. Possibly the best seats I've ever obtained through Ticketmaster for the Hollywood Bowl. They were ridiculously expensive, but every moment there was worth every penny.
My friends and I arrived a few minutes before the Shins came on. We just took in the sights of the Bowl and admired where we were sitting. We were also nibbling on our Whole Foods snacks.
The Shins were good, but my attention was somewhere else. I wanted to see B&S and how they their songs would translate with the L.A. Phil. The Shins played some of their great songs, like, you know, that song that was in Garden State. I like the Shins, and they were entertaining. They made remarks about "dinner theatre" and how this is their first, and not their last, Hollywood Bowl show. The crowd liked them as well, with everyone pretty much applauding and laughing along with them.
After the Shins played, the barrier was slowly removed to reveal the huge orchestra set-up. It was similar to the L.A. Phil's set-up with Air at the very same venue a year ago. It was amazing and I was at the edge of my seat.
At around 9pm, the band came on sans Stuart and with a full orchestra. They started off with "Fuck This Shit," a standard B&S opener. Although the band alone would have been good enough, the orchestra just added so much more character to the song with the deep sounds of strings accompanying each of Stevie's harmonica play.
Stuart then walked in with his striped shirt and hat. "I Fought in a War" was played with strings and percussion from the L.A. Phil. "Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie" then followed, with the full orchestra playing.
At this point, everyone was sitting down and Stuart remarked that he hoped everyone would be up and dancing soon. Well, the drunk guy in my section started off early, right from the get go. Yes, he was annoying as all fuck, but at this point, I didn't care. He was just a minor inconvenience. I was fully entrenched in this show.
"The Model" with full orchestra came on next. At this point, I can feel my feet just tapping away and itching to get up and dance. I told my friends that once "Your Cover's Blown" is on, I'm going ape shit.
I took a bathroom break as B&S played "Sukie in the Graveyard." No orchestra for this one, with Stuart describing the story of the song (yeah S.F. Art Institute!) and giving props to the orchestra.
One of the more beautiful songs played was "Don't Leave the Light on Baby." With the full orchestra, it was the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard.
"I'm Waking Up to Us" with full orchestra followed. Then "Jonathan David" was next, with Stuart recruiting the services of a dummy named "Baby Beeyotch" to help them. She was entertaining, but did she really need to give that name. Stuart and Stevie thought it was funny.
"If She Wants Me" and then "Lord Anthony" came on. "Lord Anthony" was just magnificent. At this one, Stuart requested from the audience some mascara (blue preferred) and a dress. I nearly cried at this song. Here's a clip:
After "Dear Catastrophe Waitress" (full orch) and "If You're Feeling Sinister" (strings only) were played, the dance party began with "Your Cover's Blown." With the orchestra playing brass, percussion and strings, it was a lot dancier than your usual version. At this point, I was dancing in the aisle and encouraging my friends to do the same. As Stuart made his way in the pool area, I followed with my digi cam. And then, Stuart stepped out and went towards the audience!
YouTube Credit for "Your Cover's Blown": mschecht
At this point, I freaked out because Stuart was coming my way! I didn't know what to do, except to have my digi cam in my hand and take pics. As Stuart ran up the stairs, I ran up with him and was right behind him throughout the song. I didn't know what I was doing, but I was just doing it on impulse. I was just in such a B&S high that I have no control (or logic) of what I was doing.
Here's how close I was:
Dance! Dance! Dance! "Dirty Dream #2" came on with full orchestra. Unfortunately, during the three lines, Stuart was about to hand the mic to an audience member but the mic didn't work. I clamored for it, but to no avail.
I took a break for "I'm a Cuckoo" since the security guards were urging all of us to return to our seats. Same thing with "The Wrong Girl" and "If You Find Yourself Caught in Love." But when "Sleep the Clock Around" came on, we didn't care and we were filling the aisles and dancing! Dance! Dance! Dance!
Stuart thanked the orchestra and then returned for "The State I Am In."
As the opening tunes of "The Boy With the Arab Strap" came on, it was a full on dance party in the elevated area of the pool. I decided to join in and I was far stage left. I was dancing by myself, and then I turned around and STUART WAS BEHIND ME!! I danced with him for what seemed like an eternity, with all the audience just focused on us. I was amazed and I was just grinning with joy, amusement and bewilderment. I tried to follow his dance moves, but Stuart is a slick dancer.
They ended their set with that. It was amazing. It was surreal. I can't believe how crazy I was during the entire time. My friends had a fantastic time and were throughly amused by my antics and some of theirs. Audience members were giving me props for a job well done. A random girl gave me a hug saying that I was fantastic! Oh, B&S. Something about B&S and L.A. makes me smile.
Beer Rating: O Beer
Belle & Sebastian were something else at the Hollywood Bowl. Accompanied by the full L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra, B&S shined like no other band I've ever seen at the Hollywood Bowl. Every single minute of that show was special. Not only because of the orchestra, but because the band was in great spirits and Stuart was as interactive as ever.
I bought these tickets ages ago and secured a prime spot in the Garden Boxes. Possibly the best seats I've ever obtained through Ticketmaster for the Hollywood Bowl. They were ridiculously expensive, but every moment there was worth every penny.
My friends and I arrived a few minutes before the Shins came on. We just took in the sights of the Bowl and admired where we were sitting. We were also nibbling on our Whole Foods snacks.
The Shins were good, but my attention was somewhere else. I wanted to see B&S and how they their songs would translate with the L.A. Phil. The Shins played some of their great songs, like, you know, that song that was in Garden State. I like the Shins, and they were entertaining. They made remarks about "dinner theatre" and how this is their first, and not their last, Hollywood Bowl show. The crowd liked them as well, with everyone pretty much applauding and laughing along with them.
After the Shins played, the barrier was slowly removed to reveal the huge orchestra set-up. It was similar to the L.A. Phil's set-up with Air at the very same venue a year ago. It was amazing and I was at the edge of my seat.
At around 9pm, the band came on sans Stuart and with a full orchestra. They started off with "Fuck This Shit," a standard B&S opener. Although the band alone would have been good enough, the orchestra just added so much more character to the song with the deep sounds of strings accompanying each of Stevie's harmonica play.
Stuart then walked in with his striped shirt and hat. "I Fought in a War" was played with strings and percussion from the L.A. Phil. "Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie" then followed, with the full orchestra playing.
At this point, everyone was sitting down and Stuart remarked that he hoped everyone would be up and dancing soon. Well, the drunk guy in my section started off early, right from the get go. Yes, he was annoying as all fuck, but at this point, I didn't care. He was just a minor inconvenience. I was fully entrenched in this show.
"The Model" with full orchestra came on next. At this point, I can feel my feet just tapping away and itching to get up and dance. I told my friends that once "Your Cover's Blown" is on, I'm going ape shit.
I took a bathroom break as B&S played "Sukie in the Graveyard." No orchestra for this one, with Stuart describing the story of the song (yeah S.F. Art Institute!) and giving props to the orchestra.
One of the more beautiful songs played was "Don't Leave the Light on Baby." With the full orchestra, it was the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard.
"I'm Waking Up to Us" with full orchestra followed. Then "Jonathan David" was next, with Stuart recruiting the services of a dummy named "Baby Beeyotch" to help them. She was entertaining, but did she really need to give that name. Stuart and Stevie thought it was funny.
"If She Wants Me" and then "Lord Anthony" came on. "Lord Anthony" was just magnificent. At this one, Stuart requested from the audience some mascara (blue preferred) and a dress. I nearly cried at this song. Here's a clip:
After "Dear Catastrophe Waitress" (full orch) and "If You're Feeling Sinister" (strings only) were played, the dance party began with "Your Cover's Blown." With the orchestra playing brass, percussion and strings, it was a lot dancier than your usual version. At this point, I was dancing in the aisle and encouraging my friends to do the same. As Stuart made his way in the pool area, I followed with my digi cam. And then, Stuart stepped out and went towards the audience!
YouTube Credit for "Your Cover's Blown": mschecht
At this point, I freaked out because Stuart was coming my way! I didn't know what to do, except to have my digi cam in my hand and take pics. As Stuart ran up the stairs, I ran up with him and was right behind him throughout the song. I didn't know what I was doing, but I was just doing it on impulse. I was just in such a B&S high that I have no control (or logic) of what I was doing.
Here's how close I was:
Dance! Dance! Dance! "Dirty Dream #2" came on with full orchestra. Unfortunately, during the three lines, Stuart was about to hand the mic to an audience member but the mic didn't work. I clamored for it, but to no avail.
I took a break for "I'm a Cuckoo" since the security guards were urging all of us to return to our seats. Same thing with "The Wrong Girl" and "If You Find Yourself Caught in Love." But when "Sleep the Clock Around" came on, we didn't care and we were filling the aisles and dancing! Dance! Dance! Dance!
Stuart thanked the orchestra and then returned for "The State I Am In."
As the opening tunes of "The Boy With the Arab Strap" came on, it was a full on dance party in the elevated area of the pool. I decided to join in and I was far stage left. I was dancing by myself, and then I turned around and STUART WAS BEHIND ME!! I danced with him for what seemed like an eternity, with all the audience just focused on us. I was amazed and I was just grinning with joy, amusement and bewilderment. I tried to follow his dance moves, but Stuart is a slick dancer.
They ended their set with that. It was amazing. It was surreal. I can't believe how crazy I was during the entire time. My friends had a fantastic time and were throughly amused by my antics and some of theirs. Audience members were giving me props for a job well done. A random girl gave me a hug saying that I was fantastic! Oh, B&S. Something about B&S and L.A. makes me smile.
Beer Rating: O Beer
02 July 2006
Band of Horses (The Independent, 1 July 2006)
After seeing Radiohead in L.A. the night before, and seeing all the beautiful people in L.A., how can I go see Band of Horses? It was just an injustice really. But, Band of Horses are excellent, but it's just a shame that I had to see them after Radiohead.
The Independent was sold out tonight. And it was hot in there with all the bodies in the crowd. Opener Mt. Egypt was alright, but I just wanted them to get done so Band of Horses could come on.
Band of Horses was good. Their hits like "Great Salt Lake" and "The First Song" were great. There was just too much reverb though in the songs, as if the sound guy had something to prove. It was just too much. If they did it sparingly, then maybe it would be alright.
They also played a bunch of new songs. They were good, but at this point I was just tired.
But the lead singer's voice was just amazing and you can really see how talented these guys are.
Beer Rating:
Radiohead (Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 30 June 2006)
I haven't been to the Greek Theatre in L.A. since 2003. That's when I saw Belle & Sebastian and I actually got to sing on stage. Tonight was a little different. I don't have a pit ticket this time. Instead, I was relegated to the far stage left side of the venue, where I can only see Thom, Ed and, on occassion, Jonny and Colin. Forget about Phil. With that in mind, my expectations for this show was low. I mean, how can Radiohead top Berkeley night two?
Well, they didn't. But it was still a good Radiohead show.
Radiohead started off with a bang with "Airbag." The crowd really received the band well in the beginning, and continued to do so throughout their 23 song set. "National Anthem," followed by my favourite "There There" came on next. I love "There There" soooo much. Jonny and Ed doing the drums was just as amazing as always.
"15 Step," and then another magical rendition of "Exit Music (For a Film)" followed. In the beginning part of the song, Thom told someone in the crowd to "shut up" and something like "you're not the one up here." I don't know what the idiot crowd person said, but I got a laugh at Thom's reaction. It didn't ruin the song one bit.
Skipping a few songs, "Videotape" followed. This is, hands down, my favourite new Radiohead song. I guess the other favourites include "All I Need" and "Down is the New Up" which they also played. The beginning parts of each of these songs is what captures me. Like what Dr. Dre said, "the first 15 seconds of the song are critical to catching people's attention." Indeed, Dr. Dre. Indeed.
There wasn't really any surprises in their set list unlike the Berkeley shows. I guess them ending with "Bones" was a surprise. It was a rather awkward ending, but I like hearing songs off The Bends.
I think it was somewhere shortly before or after this song that I saw Marilyn Manson walk into the pit area from my vantage point above. Weird.
"Paranoid Android" was the last song they played in the second encore. "True Love Waits" followed with the usual closing song "Everything in Its Right Place" followed. I didn't want them to play "House of Cards," but they did much to my dismay.
Overall, it wasn't a bad Radiohead show. But I wanted more surprises like the Saturday Berkeley show. But still, well worth the trip down south to see these guys.
Beer Rating:
Well, they didn't. But it was still a good Radiohead show.
Radiohead started off with a bang with "Airbag." The crowd really received the band well in the beginning, and continued to do so throughout their 23 song set. "National Anthem," followed by my favourite "There There" came on next. I love "There There" soooo much. Jonny and Ed doing the drums was just as amazing as always.
"15 Step," and then another magical rendition of "Exit Music (For a Film)" followed. In the beginning part of the song, Thom told someone in the crowd to "shut up" and something like "you're not the one up here." I don't know what the idiot crowd person said, but I got a laugh at Thom's reaction. It didn't ruin the song one bit.
Skipping a few songs, "Videotape" followed. This is, hands down, my favourite new Radiohead song. I guess the other favourites include "All I Need" and "Down is the New Up" which they also played. The beginning parts of each of these songs is what captures me. Like what Dr. Dre said, "the first 15 seconds of the song are critical to catching people's attention." Indeed, Dr. Dre. Indeed.
There wasn't really any surprises in their set list unlike the Berkeley shows. I guess them ending with "Bones" was a surprise. It was a rather awkward ending, but I like hearing songs off The Bends.
I think it was somewhere shortly before or after this song that I saw Marilyn Manson walk into the pit area from my vantage point above. Weird.
"Paranoid Android" was the last song they played in the second encore. "True Love Waits" followed with the usual closing song "Everything in Its Right Place" followed. I didn't want them to play "House of Cards," but they did much to my dismay.
Overall, it wasn't a bad Radiohead show. But I wanted more surprises like the Saturday Berkeley show. But still, well worth the trip down south to see these guys.
Beer Rating:
Cold War Kids (The Independent, 27 June 2006)
I was so impressed with the Cold War Kids when I saw them open up for Tapes n' Tapes a couple of weeks ago that I had to see them again. This time, they supported Apollo Sunshine at the Independent. Unlike their Cafe du Nord show, there was a lot more people there and the venue was a lot bigger. But that didn't detract from how great these guys were on stage.
Like last time, the Kids played all their songs with a lot of soul, feeling and spunk. Also, like last time, my favourite songs were "Hang Me Up to Dry" and "Hospital Beds." There were a few songs in there that I didn't recognize, but they were quite good as well.
And what's with the San Pellegrino bottle? That's probably one of the most understate music instrument these guys use. And I'm not being sarcastic either.
I urge you all to check this band out if you haven't done so. If you want to give these guys a listen, click:
Here
Here
Beer Rating: 1/2
Like last time, the Kids played all their songs with a lot of soul, feeling and spunk. Also, like last time, my favourite songs were "Hang Me Up to Dry" and "Hospital Beds." There were a few songs in there that I didn't recognize, but they were quite good as well.
And what's with the San Pellegrino bottle? That's probably one of the most understate music instrument these guys use. And I'm not being sarcastic either.
I urge you all to check this band out if you haven't done so. If you want to give these guys a listen, click:
Here
Here
Beer Rating:
1/2
New Shows Added
July:
14: Bardot a Go-Go @ Rickshaw Stop
22: Album Leaf @ Cafe du Nord
August:
22: Oh No!! Oh My!! @ The Independent
September:
2: Deerhoof @ GAMH
2: Citizens Here & Abroad @ Bottom of the Hill
10: Silver Jews @ Mezzanine
26: Junior Boys @ Bottom of the Hill
30: Lambchop @ GAMH
October:
5: Adult. @ Mezzanine
9: The Bluetones @ Cafe du Nord
November:
7: Pet Shop Boys @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
14: Bardot a Go-Go @ Rickshaw Stop
22: Album Leaf @ Cafe du Nord
August:
22: Oh No!! Oh My!! @ The Independent
September:
2: Deerhoof @ GAMH
2: Citizens Here & Abroad @ Bottom of the Hill
10: Silver Jews @ Mezzanine
26: Junior Boys @ Bottom of the Hill
30: Lambchop @ GAMH
October:
5: Adult. @ Mezzanine
9: The Bluetones @ Cafe du Nord
November:
7: Pet Shop Boys @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
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