Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins (The Fillmore, 30 October 2006)

Yes, yes. The picture is crooked. So sue me. Isn't it cute though with the rabbit? I like rabbits.

But I digress.

Jenny Lewis. The epitome of cute. The Watson Twins. The epitome of Amazonian. Cuteness and the Amazon aside, Jenny Lewis' show at the Fillmore easily surpassed her Swedish American Music Hall show back in February. At SAMH, she played a smaller venue and her live material wasn't as polished. Now, at a bigger venue, bigger band and months of touring behind her (this was their last show of the tour), Jenny Lewis not only sounded and played better, but she added some cute touches to her live show.

We were a bit late going to the show, but it felt like we didn't miss a beat. She played pretty much all of her debut album Rabbit Fur Coat along with some newer songs. "Happy," for example, was just serene. Jenny's voice was in top form. Especially when she would say "happy" in that falsetto voice of hers. "The Charging Sky" was a happy song. "You Are What You Love" was a refreshing song in the middle of the set.

Jenny and the Watson twins had a costume change. As they were changing backstage, her backing band introduced themselves. Then out came Jenny with this gold sequin mini dress and they sang "Fernando." No, it isn't an ABBA song.

Other new songs were played. "Jack Killed Mom" was something straight out of Yee-Haw, but it was a fun song. Has that folksy, jazzy, blue grass-like quality to it. Jenny and the Twins also did this accappella song (which they also did in the February show) about meeting a guy on Tuesday, dating him Wednesday, kissing him Thursday, not showing up Friday and then ditching him sometime in the weekend.

They finished their main set with "Born Secular." This was just absolutely beautiful, with Jenny's voice just reaching high points as if she was Mariah Carey. Jenny left the stage first, then the Twins, and then the rest of the band, with the drummer doing a little solo before leaving.

Jenny came back and did "Rabbit Fur Coat" as an encore. Beautiful! Just her and the acoustic guitar. Then the band came back on and they all sang backing vocals to some other new song.

Not bad for a show I wasn't even supposed to attend.

Beer Rating:

Two Gallants (Bottom of the Hill, 22 October 2006)

Fresh from their bust up with Houston police department, Two Gallants played their final show from their extensive U.S. tour last week at Bottom of the Hill. After that, they will be off to Europe to play even more shows.

I was supposed to go to their show the previous night, but something called "work" got in the way and I missed it entirely. Luckily, I was able to catch them and not miss a beat.

I don't know how else to describe the show other than "powerful" and "complex." Adam Stephens' "powerful" voice and accompanied by Tyson Vogel's "complex" drumming made these guys a lot of fun to watch and listen to. Well, except when Stephens would play the harmonica, but that's more Bottom's soundboard and PA rather than Stephens' harmonica playing. It was piercing. Now I know how dogs feel when its master whistles.

They played everything I wanted to hear from their two albums. Highlights include "Las Cruces Jail," which was very profound and energetic. Same thing goes with "Nothing to You." "Long Summer Day" was a folksy song addressing the racial undertones prevalent in the U.S.

Beer Rating: 1/2

Beirut (GAMH, 20 October 2006)

Finally. A buzz band that didn't come from New York, London, Montreal or Omaha. Beirut, a band of young musicians from Albuquerque, New Mexico, played a very enthusiastic and spastic set at a sold out Great American Music Hall. With nary a guitar in sight, these guys played with horns, violins and "the ukes."

After reading all the blogs about these guys, I was expecting a really rough show. Beirut are fairly new, and their live act isn't exactly perfect. However, at GAMH, they were flawless. At least it seems like it to me. They played every chord and timed their trumpets just right. They were enthusiastic and engaged the crowd to yell, scream and do other things. And having the lead singer blow the horn but yet still have enough air in his lungs to sing the high notes also perplexes me.

"Postcards from Italy" is my favourite song from Gulag Orkestrar and they played it really well. These guys came on for 2 encores and played every single song they know. Which is, so they say, rare for these guys? And also, "Scenic World," my least favourite song in the album, actually sounded great live. "Prenzlauerberg" was a crooning masterpiece. Everytime the horns played, it seemed like a new, uplifting experience.

And they even went on the floor with the crowd. Kinda like how Art Brut does it. But Art Brut does it better.

What can I say? Beirut's buzz is well deserved.

Beer Rating: 1/2

Mew (Popscene, 19 October 2006)

Immediately after the Decemberists show at the Warfield, me and a couple of newly met friends decided to raid the remaining Sophia Minis over at Anu on 6th Street. We walked past the crazies and got there just in time. After our other friends met up with us, and after we got several free goodies like Marie Antoinette pins, nail polish and some masks (my halloween costume solved!), we gave our Popscene connection a call to see if Mew already played. Fortunately, they didn't. About 6 people smooshed in my car and we headed over to 330 Ritch.

As usual, we were met with a wicked long line. From the sound of it, Mew were already playing, or just started playing. Our connection got us in, sparing us the wait in line.



Mew were fucking amazing! I was an idiot not to buy a ticket to their show with Kasabian. That would have knocked my socks off. Even though I can barely see a lick over at Popscene, I was able to hear the music. That falsetto voice was just "wow." And the guitar work, pure genius. The songs were beautiful. They were true rock stars. And could possibly be one of the better bands that broke into the scene this year (yes, I know they've been around for a while, but I didn't hear of them 'til this year -- so don't hate).

I can't really say much else other than "wow."

And then we danced to Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" immediately thereafter. What a way to cap off a music filled evening!

Beer Rating: 0 Beers

The Decemberists (The Warfield, 19 October 2006)

Tonight was a promising one. Not only did I have a ticket to see the Decemberists, but it's also free Sofia Minis night. That's right. That crazy lady Sofia Coppola is giving away her canned wine to anyone who wants one at various locations in the City to promote her new film. Well, I drank one and it was actually pretty good.

With some alcohol in my system, I arrived at the Warfield to see the Decemberists. I was a bit late getting in there. The stage immediately caught my eye because there were all these high hanging chinese lanterns all over the place. Colin also sounded pretty good. I think he was singing "We Both Go Down Together," from Picaresque. The floor was pretty packed so I was relegated to the extreme stage left side. I left the floor and went to the back where I got a better view.

The Decemberists were good. Colin and his co-horts turned out a pretty good show. Colin's voice was top notch, and the instrumentation was as well.

They played a lot of songs from the new album as well as some old favourites. Among the new album songs they played were "Shankhill Butchers," "Perfect Crime," and "Crane Wife." They also played "July July" among their oldies.

Overall, it was a good show, but it could have been better.

Beer Rating:

Ladytron, CSS (The Fillmore, 16 October 2006)

When I last saw Ladytron at Mezzanine, they played a great set but the venue sucked ass. We were relegated to the top floor of the venue, with lots of room to dance but with little sound and horrible views. Tonight, not only did I see Helen Marnie in all her beauty, but I can actually hear every minute keyboard and note sung. It was amazing, and probably the best Ladytron show I've ever seen.

CSS opened up first. I love these Brazilian girls and all their spunk. I missed probably 15 minutes of their set. But I caught the songs I wanted to hear including "Art Bitch", "Alala," and, of course, "Let's Make Love with Death from Above." They were full of energy and engaged the crowd with much dancing.

After about a 30 minute wait, Ladytron came on next. They had a stage full of KORG equipment, complete with white screen backdrop and lights. They opened up with "High Rise" from Witching Hour. An awesome start in their nearly 80 minute set. Helen was looking super, super, super gorgeous with that bob, slender figure and magnificent dress with a keyhole showing just the right amount of skin accented with a single pearl necklace.

From the get-go, I was dancing. I was not still. Every muscle of my body was constantly moving. I danced the most during "Evil" which is my favourite song from Light & Magic. Hopped like a rabbit on crack during "Everything You Touch." And danced some more during "Seventeen" and "Blue Jeans."

A surprise song that I liked was "Beauty*2". I don't really pay attention much to this song when it pops up on my iPod, but when I heard it live, it gave the song a whole new meaning. It is definitely one of my favourites.

Probably my least favourite song was "Witching Hour." I would have rather heard something from 604, like "Ladybird," but alas.

Helen's voice during "International Dateline" just made my jaw drop. Like when she reached the high notes during the chorus. Even more so during "Last One Standing." Her striking beauty, accompanied with her dynamic vocal range equals <3>

Mira was also awesome when she sang "Fighting in Built Up Areas" and "Cracked LCD." She received the biggest crowd reaction when she sang "He Took Her to a Movie."

Flawless from start to finish. Great visuals and lighting. Great musicians. Great show. Tons of fun!

Beer Rating: 0 Beers

Sufjan Stevens (Zellerbach Hall, 11 October 2006)

Like last night, I was faced with the dilemma of whether I should go see Sufjan or stay at work. This was a lot harder to decide because I already saw him last night and I was afraid that last night's show will tarnish the majesty of tonight's show. Because, let's face it, Sufjan will do the same thing, for the most part, and the novelty of the whole thing will just wear off. Again, my friends called, giving me updates on when My Brightest Diamond's set ended and the ETA for Sufjan. Well, I decided to go see him again. Just because, well, why the hell shouldn't I?

This time, I was determined to get a Superman or a Santa Claus, at the least. I also brought a camera to take pics and video.

I missed two songs but I at least arrived without shortness of breath or sweat. He played a lot of the same songs from last night, albeit in different order. This is how it chronologically went:

The Transfiguration
The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders...



He Woke Me Up Again

I don't think he played this the night before and I was glad he played it tonight. I love songs from Seven Swans. It seems like a treat when he plays it.

Detroit...

Again, the A's lost to the Tigers that night and Sufjan made sure everyone in the crowd knew about it. But Sufjan does have a point: it's been nearly 20 years since Detroit won a World Series.

The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get us

Sufjan told this story about his friend Franco during this set. His childhood friend looked like Frank Sinatra, hence Sufjan was wearing a Sinatra-style hat. The story got a bit weird with the wasps, the bats, making a house using straw and leaves, etc. Entertaining though.

Abraham
Casmir Pulaski Day
Seven Swans

The ending to this song was just amazing! My goodness, just that dissonance at the end makes me shiver.

That Was the Worst Christmas Ever

So this was my first chance to get an inflatable Santa. Unfortunately, damn bastard in front of me got a hold of one. Why am I so obsessed with getting one? Here's the video:



Jacksonville
Majesty Snowbird
The Man of Metropolis Steals our Hearts

OK. This is my second chance of getting one. And this was the Superman one damn it! I'm ready and willing. Unfortunately, the guys behind me got two. Bastards again! And the guy next to me got one. I wanted to "tug-o-war" him for it, but let him have it.



Unlike last night, they played only one encore, "Chicago" which I thought wasn't really a true encore.



It was a great show, but it didn't compare to last night's.

Oh, by the way, look what my friend gave me at the end:




Thank you M!!!!!

Beer Rating:

Sufjan Stevens (Zellerbach Hall, 10 October 2006)

So here I was at work, at around 8:30 p.m. Working on something really important. Something that needed all my brainpower and expertise. But I couldn't focus because I was in quite a dilemma. Do I dare miss Sufjan Stevens in Berkeley so I can continue working? After several calls from friends, I decided to bite the bullet and go to Sufjan. I drove as fast as I can, ran from one end of the Berkeley campus to the other, nearly ate it near a dance troupe practicing in the quad and made it with not a second to spare. Literally.

After I caught my breath, I was just in awe of the set-up. The last time I saw Sufjan was in Lincoln Center in New York. In that show, he had a full orchestra. Here in Berkeley, he was not only accompanied by a string and horn section, but also a full-on choir. I think at least 39 musicians were on-stage, with the choir dressed in all black while the rest had butterfly wings while Sufjan wore huge bird wings (since he is the Majesty Songbird).

The first song was "Sister" from the amazing album Seven Swans. It was a nice start to the show, and you can just hear Sufjan's soft and soothing voice just put a calm to the audience. Thank goodness, because it enabled me to catch my breath.

It's either the second or third song did Sufjan launch into "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts." The band started off with Superman's theme music and then a barrage of Superman inflatables started dropping down from the sky. The lucky bastards who were able to keep one: I hate you. I wanted one so bad! But oh well. It was a fun song and very upbeat.

Sufjan played a little over 2 hours! Every single song was just amazing and it was just a perfect setlist all around. During "The Transfiguration," Sufjan and the entire band went on this really ominous sounding ending. Just a barrage of music and voices going all around, sounding like as if the apocalypse is about to happen. You had to be there to witness this. He did something similar towards the ending of "The Predatory Wasps of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!"

Sufjan then pushed the Berkeley crowds' buttons when he played "Detroit" and rooted for the Tigers. Ironically, the Tigers just killed the A's that night and the crowd wasn't having it. A friend of mine just came back from the A's game to catch Sufjan, A's foam finger and all, and got all pissed.

He also played a new song called "Majesty Songbird" It's a little under 10 minutes long and every single movement in it is just amazing to listen to. It's gripping. I loved it! If this is a sign of future Sufjan songs, then I can't wait for the new album to come out!

While Superman flew from the sky, so did Santa Claus when Sufjan played "The Worst Christmas Ever." Like my Superman luck, no Santa Claus for me. Damn you all.

He ended his main set with "Chicago." Which, by the way, was my theme music as I was running like crazy to the venue from my far away parking spot.

A standing ovation was well deserved. Sufjan then came back out, sans costume, with the rest of the band and played a 2 song encore. Again, I forgot what songs those were, but they were quite a treat.

I had no regrets leaving work, running like mad and almost breaking my bones to see Sufjan. It was an amazing show all around and I couldn't wait to see him again the next night.

I can't compare this to the Lincoln Center show since that show was just a special treat. This one though, came awfully close to surpassing that show. But, regardless, it was definitely one of the best shows of the year.

Beer Rating: 0 Beers

Sonic Youth (The Fillmore, 1 October 2006)

I don't know much about Sonic Youth. I wouldn't consider myself a big fan since I only own one album of theirs, their 2004 release Sonic Nurse. I even decided to forego seeing them for a bite to eat when I saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in Brooklyn earlier this year.

Nonetheless, I was invited to go and I couldn't pass it up this time. Below is a review from the Sonic Youth fan I was with:

-----------------------

sonic fucking youth. kool things, indeed. everytime i see them, it's as if no time has passed. kim and thurston are proud parents in their 50s, yet still rock it like no other (mop-top hair circa 1994 and all!) although i had just seen them in july on this Rather Ripped tour, i couldn't pass them up for round 2. sonic youth is notorious for playing their most current material during each show, with one or two oldies (but goodies) thrown in the mix. i was really hoping i wasn't in for a mere repeat of july's set. lo and behold, i was in for a treat right from the beginning when they opened with TEENAGE RIOT. daydream nation? yes, please. ian couldn't help but laugh at me as i scribbled down the set list throughout the show. here's what i got... (though it might not be 100% accurate):

- teenage riot
- candle
- reena
- incinerate
- (the one song i couldn't recognize.... sung by lee renaldo. i have a feeling it may be from the washing machine album??)
- do you believe in rapture?
- what a waste
- turquoise boy
- rats
- jams run free
- pink steam
- or

encore #1
- the neutral
- KOOL THING!

encore #2
- the world looks red
- shaking hell

---> TWO songs from Confusion is Sex??? sweet. these guys do it to me every time. i know i'm stating the obvious here, but no one does feedback like sonic youth.... and no one does twirling in stiletto heels like kim gordon. NO ONE. high fives for waves of high school nostalgia!

Bluetones Postpone San Francisco Show

From Brooklyn Vegan:

The band sent out this note:

It is with great regret that The Bluetones are forced to announce the post-ponement of their planned shows in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne.

The band were looking forward to playing these shows but due to circumstances over which we have had no control, are not in a position to fulfil these commitments.

Due to legal reasons it cannot be discussed here the exact nature of what has caused the cancellations, but rest assured the picture will be made clear for everybody as soon we have the full facts in front of us.

Again, I can only stress that this was not a decision that was taken by the band, so much as made for, and unbeknownst to, us.

I cannot properly express the heartbreak all of this is causing us, and apoligize sincerely for any dis-appointment felt by people who have already purchased tickets for these shows. We will try to re-schedule as soon as possible, although that is probably small consolation right now.

As it stands we may well be able to play the scheduled gig in Japan, we are trying to salvage that this week, but if there is any change there will be immediate notification.

I'm so sorry to everyone, but we intend to bounce right back from this and get out to the cities we have so looked forward to playing for the best part of this year, as soon as possible.

We feel like we've been kicked in the teeth....love Mark. x x x

We Are Scientists, Art Brut & The Spinto Band (The Fillmore, 2 October 2006)

I just came back from one of the best all-around shows I've seen this year. The sheer energy from beginning to end just drove me (and my ear drums) crazy

Let's start off with the Spinto Band. I know nothing about these guys, but I was impressed from what little I saw. I caught them playing 3 songs and they were all really good. Good energy on stage and even the banter was somewhat amusing. They're a large band, and they made their numbers work with providing a rich sound to their songs. I will definitely give their album a spin.

I'm going to save Art Brut for last, but We Are Scientists were the final band in this show. They were so much better tonight compared to when I saw them at the Independent back in March. They opened up with a new song which transitioned to "Nobody Move, Nobody Gets Hurt" from their debut With Love and Squalor. They were not nearly as entertaining as Art Brut, but they were good nonetheless. They also did a cover of Art Brut's "Bang Bang Rock N Roll" which sucked compared to the original. But, they convinced me to buy the split EP they were selling. While I was there, I missed "Inaction" which was the song I wanted to hear the most. Nonetheless, they ended with "Great Escape" which is a great track.

Ready Art Brut? Top of the fucking pops indeed! These guys never cease to amaze me. I've seen them at Bottom of the Hill in March, Coachella and then Great American Music Hall the following day. Yes, they put on a very similar show this time around as well, but what was different was the sheer energy. It was just different. Maybe it's Art Brut withdrawal, but they were just spot on tonight. Eddie was amusing as ever. Jasper Future and his crazy faces were just hilarious to look at. But the music was just great! Granted, I was near the speakers, so it seemed muffled, but it was just great to listen to. Her's the YouTube of Art Brut's "Bad Weekend":



Similar to other shows, Eddie went down to the crowd during "Modern Art" and, of course, I was there to greet him amongst others. Eddie and his big belly, pockets out and his signature rainbow socks was just strutting around the Fillmore.

Now, back to We Are Scientists. During their set, Spinto Band came along to dance. They had a little dance routine, that doesn't come nearly as close as OK Go's but it was entertaining. Here's the YouTube video:



W.A.S. bit off of Art Brut when Chris went down the stage, wireless bass at hand. Biter. Then, Art Brut members came on for the last song and sang with W.A.S.

Truly, Art Brut stole the show from W.A.S.

Beer Rating:

Mojave 3 (Slim's, 28 September 2006)

It was a cold, windy night in the City. Fall is back and I was very excited about it. What better way to celebrate the return of the best season of the year than to have a nice, chill night with Mojave 3?

This was the first time that I've ever seen seats and tables on the floor at Slim's. The show wasn't sold out, but I didn't think that they needed to fill all that space. They do this too at the Independent and at the Great American.

The people that were there witnessed a fantastic show. Mojave 3 played a good amount of songs from their new album, Puzzles Like You. One of my favourite songs in that album, "Truck-Driving Man" was played with such precision. Neil Halstead's voice was just heavenly as he sang "hearts on fire, he's back in control now." The keyboards were a bit off I thought, but it was all about Halstead's voice. "Big Star Baby" was also a treat to listen to live.

Of course, if you've been a long-time fan of Mojave 3, it was the older songs that were the treat. "Trying to Reach You" from Excuses for Travelers almost brought a tear to my eye because of its beauty and for sentimental reasons.

AND! "Give What You Take" from Out of Tune was just jaw dropping.

"Starlite No. 1" from Spoon and Rafter gave me the shivers. I thought it was the chill air, but, yet again, it was Neil Halstead's voice. Again, the keyboards I expected to really pull through for this song, but it fell short.

They didn't play everything that I wanted to hear, but beggars can't be choosers.

Beer Rating:

Phoenix (Slim's, 23 September 2006)

I've been so behind of late updating this blog. Just a whole slew of activities have been keeping me occupied but I think I'm back in the fold.

So, Phoenix. I saw these guys at Coachella and wasn't that impressed with their new material. However, after listening a bit more to It's Never Been Like That, the new songs grew on me.

With a big banner that displays the Phoenix crest and with a bunch of well-dressed French blokes, the crowd cheered on Phoenix as they strutted out to the stage. They opened up with "Napoleon Says," which is also the first track of the new album. A great way to energize the crowd, and from that point on, it seems like the crowd's enthusiastic energy was pretty much consistent throughout their 80 minute set.

Although the new songs did get some love like "Sometimes in the Fall," it was the older songs from United and Alphabetical that got the biggest reaction. "Everything is Everything," with it's disco sound got the whole crowd dancing. Even the annoying couple in front of me who thought they were the finalists for Dancing with the Stars. Losers. "Run Run Run" also had the same reaction, although a bit more mellow.

Of course, the biggest reaction came when Phoenix did "If I Ever Feel Better." And as is customary when they play this song, they mix it with the traditional version from United and then mix it with some rock elements towards the end. I love this version, and it adds some much needed edge to this song.

Sophia Coppola would be proud.

Beer Rating: 1/2