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.
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.
The last time I saw Emily Haines at Cafe du Nord, she was playing solo and was guided with a rope and a blindfold. Now, Emily has two other members in her solo side project and a whole slew of songs from her beautiful album Knives Don't Have Your Back.
Emily is so upbeat and crazy during her Metric shows that seeing her do slower songs is a welcome change. It just shows a different side of her. And she still looks damn hot doing it.
With various film shorts projected in the background, Emily played a good majority of her album. She opened up with "Our Hell" which is the first song from her album. The bass was a welcome to this song, but the sound system at the du Nord didn't necessarily cooperate with that. Her single, "The Lottery" was beautifully played with her voice singing each lyric delicately. Emily would chat with the audience every now and then, saying that the guys from Metric completely approved of her solo side project, lest there be any doubters out there.
It was just a nice, relaxing night of music. Nothing too exciting or complicated. Just simple.
I nearly fell off my chair just finding this awesome recording of the Belle & Sebastian show at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. You can find the mp3s HERE.
Highlights include "Your Cover's Blown" at 3:40. At this point, I was chasing Stuart. You can hear the audience say, "crazy fan." Yup. They were referring to me.
Another one is the big orchestra crescendo during "Don't Leave the Light On Baby."
I've never seen Ima Robot before. And I heard a ton of great things about them from friends who have seen them many times before. The consensus, for the most part, is that they put on a very active show, full of crazy antics. In other words, they have great stage presence.
After missing them a couple of times at Popscene, I dared not miss them this time around. Much to my dismay, they are playing Mezzanine. It's not a bad venue, but if it gets pretty packed, it's hard to see anything going on.
I thought this show sold out a while ago, since I couldn't buy tickets on TicketWeb, but after getting into the venue, the place wasn't even close to capacity. We got there early in anticipation of that, but instead my friend and I just hung out at the back while Tempo No Tempo and Persephone's Bees played. They sounded alright, but we'd rather chew the fat than watch these guys.
Ima Robot came on around 12:30am. Didn't seem that long, but having a couple of drinks and talking about random things (world domination, other parties to go to, etc.) definitely helped. Alex Ebert, Ima Robot's lead singer, came out wearing white M.C. Hammer pants! You don't know what those are? Will this help?
Well, it isn't white, but you get the picture. Ridiculous! And let's not get into what the bass player was wearing...
They opened up their set with the first three songs from their debut L.P. "Dynomite" was just a shot of energy from the get-go. "Song #1" (not to be confused with Blur's Song 2), was also another hit of fun. At this very early point, people in the middle of the floor were just having spaz attacks. "Alive" was great as well, with people jumping around at the chorus.
To the extent peole knew them, the new songs also translated well live. "Creeps Me Out" was a very danceable tune. Ebert's rapping abilities truly appeared in this song. The lyrics are pretty clever too. I guess some guys can relate to this. Another favourite of mine from Monument to the Masses is "Eskimo Ride." I don't understand what this song is (my friend said it's about the zeitgeist mentality?) but I could care less because I was getting hyper for this song.
Absolute highlight is when Ima Robot played "Black Jettas." We went to the middle of the Ima Robot dancing circle and yelled out "Ex girlfriends! Black Jettas!" Yeah, it was fun.
Overall, great show. The only setback is they didn't play "Disconnect." Which would have made this set so much better.
1: Sonic Youth @ The Fillmore 11: The Pogues @ The Fillmore 12: The Pogues @ The Fillmore 13: The Long Winters, What Made Milwaukee Famous @ Cafe du Nord 25: Gomez, Matt Pond PA @ Warfield 28: Figurines, Citizens Here & Abroad @ Rickshaw Stop
November:
18: Mini Pop @ Bottom of the Hill 25: Les Georges Leningrad @ Bottom of the Hill
Oh, oh. Last time I saw Cat Power, she was with a full band and she was absolutely flawless. Definitely one of the most perfect shows I've seen in a long time. But now, she is solo and this worries me. When I saw her years ago, she was a complete mess. Barely knew how to play guitar and constantly apologizing to the crowd.
Well, this time, Chan wasn't so crazy. But she was still her eclectic self. When she came on, she was seated with her electric guitar. She asked the crowd if we would all sit down so everyone can see. So we did, and it was just ridiculously uncomfortable. I was sitting down like a pretzel. Evena contortionist wouldn't feel comfortable the way I was sitting.
Now, I wasn't too familiar with her songs other than what's on The Greatest and The Covers Album, but it wouldn't have mattered. She played the chords to one song, but then sang another. Even Cat Power fans were confused on which song she was singing. She was even doing a cover of a White Stripes song and I got confused on how that showed up all of a sudden.
People finally stood up from their aching positions and Chan played some more. Someone asked her if she still drinks, and she said she only does it once a month. I didn't know she had an alcohol problem. I guess that's why she gets all crazy on stage? I don't know, just a theory.
She came on at around 11:30 and she was still playing some more come 1 a.m. At that point, me and a lot of others in attendance, left.
What the show lacked in stage presence was redeemed when we were watching this guy try to pick up on this girl. The girl totally took advantage of him (getting 2 drinks) but he lost out. He did get her digits, but are they legit? Good luck dude. Besides, the girl was skank-a-licious so I don't even know why you tried.
I only knew one Format song coming into this show. That song, "Time Bomb" was just a very catch indie pop tune. It was good. And I wanted to know more about these guys, so I checked them out at Slim's.
Maybe I shouldn't have. I went in there and it was an absolute teen fest. Maybe there were some older 1st or 2nd year college kids there too, but it was just too much for me to handle. I felt like I was at the Bait Shop in The OC. I was just waiting for Seth to find out that Summer is dating some other douche bag, or maybe Ryan will catch Marissa snorting coke again in the bathroom. I don't know. Whatever. I was actually hoping either of those events would happen, but it didn't happen.
Instead, I got treated to an MTV $2 bill concert gone bad. All these screaming idiots and their parents that went with them. Ugh. I needed more alcolhol to even enjoy it.
The Format, to their credit, are not bad musicians. They started off with "Dog Problems" and it was pretty good. But then it went downhill from there. I was so annoyed by everything around me that I just left and didn't even wait for "Time Bomb."
This is a tad late, but the Fischerspooner show at Mezzanine a couple of weeks ago was just amazing! Fischerpooner were true to form and they put on an elaborate show that kept the sold out (and high paying) crowd entertained from beggining to end.
When I first saw Fischerspooner a couple of years ago at the Fillmore, Casey Spooner was practically lip syncing the entire set, with no reservations whatsoever. Now, he is actually singing and dancing with a full band. Costumes and all.
Although there was no large fan or him dressed up in his skivvies like at the Fillmore show, he did put on a fantastic show full of dancing. Here's a video I found on YouTube:
A little shaky, but you get the point.
All the hits from Odyssey and #1 were played. Including favourites "Emerge," "The 15th" and "We Need a War". At one point, he played "Emerge" but changed it to another song. This was just an elaborate set up obviously because they did play that song at the end. Baloons were released from the roof and all this confetti was flying all over. There was crowd surfing from the band too.
Popscene. 10 years. Damn. I don't know whether I should be happy for this long running Indie/Britpop venue or be absolutely sickened since I've been attending this thing for 10 years. Damn. I'm old (but not that old).
10 years. Many memories. I first went to Popscene back in 1996 (!) when it was at the Cat's Cradle (now called the Cat Club). It was so much fun! Listening to Pulp, Blur, Suede, Stone Roses and Oasis out loud and dancing with like minded kids. 10 years later, some things remain the same (music) while a hella lot changes (younger kids, a somewhat uglier clientele, different music). Popscene before attracted a little niche of the music population. Now, it attracts pretty much everyone.
To celebrate its 10th year, Popscene had a big bash with the Killers. An excellent choice, in my opinion. Of course, the reunion of Pulp, Suede or The Smiths would have been more fitting, but The Killers -- I like. The last time I saw the Killers, they were dodging seat cushions. No seat cushions here. Just 300+ people sweating it out.
Name: Colette Blair Age: 23 Hometown: Oakland, CA Occupation: Student "It's a good change, because they're less Duran Duran like."
Oh, she was referring to how The Killers look like now. Less Duran Duran:
More Bradley from Project Runway:
Of course, I'm in there in my usual pose -- text messaging in the wrong line (far right, look for the white truck and the guy with his head down):
I went hella early, so got in within a reasonable time after they let us common people in (ha!).
I was determined to have fun and nobody is going to get me down. So, I went as close as possible and waited out The Killers. In the meantime, my friends and I were dancing to pass the time.
The Killers came on and they opened up with a new song I think. I'm not sure. But they played "When You Were Young" off their new album Sam's Town. Brandon Flowers started off with come keys and thanking the crowd for coming to the show (this was part of the song I think) and then the guitars launched for that song. I really like the new single, and the live version didn't disappoint. The crowd was energized, and so was I.
Then the classics from Hot Fuss came on. "Somebody Told Me" energized the crowd even more, inciting some to dance and hop around. A rather bland "Smile Like You Mean It" came shortly thereafter. I don't like that song, per se, since it's...well...bland.
New songs galore. I think some song with "Bones" came on. A cover of a David Bowie tune was in there called "When You Rock N Roll With Me" was in there somewhere. Overall, the new songs were good, but it wasn't "Wow!" The new songs sounded like a refined Hot Fuss. One song sounded very much like "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine." Another sounded like a direct rip off of a New Order track.
Then again, when I saw the Killers at Popscene eons ago, I hated them. But they were much better after listening to Hot Fuss more closely. I think the same will go for this album. I at least like 3 songs out of the 6 or 7 they played.
But the old stuff is what people wanted to hear. "Midnight Show" was played at 12:15am. "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" was a little off. The guitars weren't as strong compared to when I heard it before. "All The Things That I've Done" was in there and it was just great to hear it. "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier" was chanted. Yes, the lyric is just uber cheese, but I like it. And they ended their boisterous set with my personal favourite, "Mr. Brightside." Yes, the theme song to my life. Actually, everyone's life really.
I stayed a little longer post-show. Danced a bit. Then left at 2am. A fitting end and a fitting way to celebrate 10 years of Popscene. I don't know if I'll be there for the 20th anniversary (shoot me if I am), but for all the love/hate I have with Popscene, the venue always provides memories. Memories of great times with friends. Drunken moments where I would sing "Supersonic" with two random English kids and the Spaths. Some things I'd rather not remember. Lots of things I'd rather not remember. ;-) But I'll remember this one. That's for sure.
Beer Rating:
Photo Credits:The Killers Photos: Dave Keuning for Spin; Bradley Photo: FourFour
I first heard of Oh No! Oh My! through Brooklyn Vegan and was immediately impressed with the sampling of MP3s they offered for download. I heard the rest of the album and I was pleased. So, what the hell I checked out their show.
Shapes and Sizes opened up. I have never seen a bunch of fuck ups like these guys. Don't get me wrong, I like yelping and dissonance if artfully done. But these guys have no musical talents whatsoever. Finger picking guitars as if they just learned how to play two days ago. Playing the keys as if it was just there to bang on. Singing and harmonizing so off key that dogs will howl in disgust. At least the bass player and drummer had some skills, but the girl and the other guy? No way. And playing the banjo? Look, playing the banjo is all good if done right and in the right time. But, there was no right moment to play the fucking banjo in any of your songs. Alright? Geez. I was pissed that I had to sit through that crap.
A friend said that I should harshly review Shapes and Sizes but make a disclaimer just in case they get better. That way I will save face. Fuck that. They're horrible and I will not change that stance. But, prove me wrong, you know?
Oh No! Oh My!, thank God, finally came on. They started off with "Skip the Foreplay" from their self-titled album. I like that song, and glad they played it. They followed it with "I Have No Sister." After that, everything else was a wash. I think I was still pissed with Shapes and Sizes that I truly didn't appreciate Oh No! Oh My! I was literally falling asleep after the 3rd or 4th song. So, I left.
Don't get me wrong, Oh No! Oh My! are pretty good. They don't have the stage presence that will keep your eyes focused on them. But, their music will keep your ears attentive.
11: Riott Festival @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium featuring:
Metric Explosions in the Sky Asobi Seksu The Wrens Diplo Girl Talk Tokyo Police Club Clipse Sage Francis SA-RA Creative Partners Saul Williams Breakestra RX Bandits Visionaries The Presets Weird Science Showbread Busdriver Fall of Troy
24: The Killers @ Popscene 31: The Otherside @ Cafe du Nord
September:
20: Guns N Roses @ The Warfield 21: Guns N Roses @ The Warfield 29: Drunk Horse @ Rickshaw Stop
October:
5: The Stills @ The Independent 5: Billy Bragg @ GAMH (late show) 13: Kasabian @ The Independent 20: The Dresden Dolls @ Bimbo's 21: The Dresden Dolls @ Bimbo's 23: Cursive, The Thermals & Chin Up Chin Up @ The Fillmore 24: She Wants Revenge & Placebo @ The Warfield
November:
21: Mates of State @ GAMH 22: Mates of State @ GAMH
In 2006, another factor was added to the term "summering" for Brooklynites: a concert at McCarren Pool.
McCarren Pool is, obviously, in McCarren Park. It's nothing but an abandoned pool that looks like shit. However, the place has a certain charm to it. Given the amount of people in there and the festive mood.
And it was fairly obvious that a majority of people there were "summering" even before the show. I know I was at P.S. 1.
The YYYs and Sonic Youth were the next installment in this summer concert series at said pool. Unlike the others this is a paying show, which makes sense because it subsidizes the free shows. There was a fair amount of people at McCarren today, basking in the warm NY sun. The temperature, atmosphere and the crowd couldn't have been better.
YYYs came on and they opened up with "Black Tongue." Karen O. was dressed up in her (un)usual dress. Nick is the same as always. And so is that other guy. Oh, and the second guitarist was there too. The YYYs didn't exactly move the crowd much other than getting them to stand up instead of sit down.
A plethora of new songs from the rather "okay" record Show Your Bones was played. My personal favourite, "Cheating Hearts" was great although it didn't quite move me as much as before. "Gold Lion" was also quite good, but it wasn't necessarily groundbreaking by any means.
I think the reason why the YYYs were so "ok" was: (1) I was summering way too long before the show and (2) the fact that they played when the sun was still out detracted from the usual panache that accompanies each YYYs show. I mean, how can one appreciate Karen O's dress and theatrics without the lights colorful lights shining on it? You can't. At least that much.
29: Cat Power @ GAMH (8:30 p.m.) 29: Cat Power @ GAMH (10:30 p.m.) 31: Razorlight @ Popscene
September:
22: DJ Shadow @ Greek Theatre 28: Silversun Pickups @ Rickshaw Stop 29: Scissor Sisters @ The Warfield 30: Scissor Sisters @ The Warfield 30: Supersystem @ Rickshaw Stop
October:
5: The Dears @ Popscene 12: Lily Allen @ Popscene 16: Badly Drawn Boy @ GAMH 20: Secret Machines @ The Grand 21: Two Gallants @ Bottom of the Hill 22: Two Gallants @ Bottom of the HIll 26: The Kooks @ Popscene
November: 1: MSTRKRFT @ Mezzanine 3: The Knife @ Mezzanine 10: The Beautiful South @ The Fillmore 14: Lady Sovereign @ Mezzanine
4: Club Loaded @ Rickshaw Stop 25: Fischerspooner @ Mezzanine
September:
6: Cocorosie @ GAMH 8: Feist @ The Fillmore 13: Adam Green @ The Independent 28: Mojave 3 @ Slim's
October:
2: We Are Scientists and Art Brut @ The Fillmore 7: Magnolia Electric Co. @ GAMH 8: Keane and Midlake @ Berkeley Greek Theatre 10: Sufjan Stevens @ Zellerbach Hall 13: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ The Warfield 17: The Hold Steady @ GAMH 18: Boris @ Slim's 19: The Decemberists @ The Warfield 19: Yo La Tengo @ The Fillmore 20: Yo La Tengo @ The Fillmore 21: Yo La Tengo @ The Fillmore 30: Tricky @ The Independent 31: Tricky @ The Independent
