So, finally, the big Tuna Blog. I had a really hard time deciding how I'm going to go about this, because I know you don't want to hear about aaaaaaaaall the bands, and I kind of think that would be redundant and silly anyway. So I thought it would be fun to do it high school yearbook mock-election style.
Best Misfits: Boy In Static (Night One)
After an ungodly 40-minute soundcheck (we were told the band's gear had been misplaced by the airline and arrived one hour before their set was to begin), San Francisco synth/viola 2-piece Boy In Static sheepishly took the sheepish-looking stage at the Strutt to a patient and enthusiastic crowd: house regulars (the K College- affiliated intellectual-and-hip-in-that-order crew) stood alongside disconnected hippie burnouts and aging upper-middle-class sophisticates alike, sipping pumpkin lattes and microbrews (goodness. I love the Strutt). At first, the crowd received them mostly with curiosity; a tiny Asian guy jamming on a viola and singing and a tiny white guy pounding on a drum machine don't exactly fit into the paradigm of the Kalamazoo scene, and this newfangled San Francisco shenanigan of a band felt a little like being in an electro-indie Oz. Needless to say, everyone loved it. Their music was fun and enthusiastic without an overwhelming or annoying amount of energy. The guys themselves brought a lot of personality to their set, which I really liked; although, at times their set felt a little bit like I was watching VH1 Storytellers or something, because they literally told us the name of-- and often, the story behind writing-- every. single. song. I had kind of mixed feelings about this. But, these guys had a great sense of humor and interacted with the audience in a way that made it feel like we were all friends, like they were playing a house show in the student ghetto.
Probably the most entertaining element of this set was just watching the synth player. I haven't seen a whole lot of electronic acts live, but until now, I have never seen anyone bring the all energy (and more) of a "real" drummer with a drum machine. At the end, everyone was having so much fun that an encore was all but demanded; the hipsters were a-jumpin' and the wood floors of the Strutt were creaking like it was some kind of indie hoedown. It was magical.
Most Misjudged: The Legendary Shack Shakers (Night Two)
Man-oh-man, do I have some explaining to do.
You might remember that when I was scoping out the Tuna bands, I said some not-very-nice things about the Shack Shakers. Lucky for you guys, I am pretty ok at admitting when I am wrong (don't ask my mom or any of my ex-boyfriends, but I am) if I do say so myself. And now is one of those times, because these guys BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE. Not only did they draw the biggest crowd I saw at any of the three shows, but they made Papa Pete's into the biggest madhouse I have seen it since I saw Mustard Plug there about this time last year. These guys played something that, if I had to, I would label "bayou metal." I think normal people call it "rockabilly." [I had heard this term used before, but apparently there is a whole rockabilly culture/ scene I had no idea about, which basically consists of guys with beards in flannel shirts and girls who dress like Lucille Ball but wear lots of makeup and have full tattoo sleeves. Huh.] Regardless, while their sound is uniquely country-slash-cajun-influenced, it's essentially just an extremely danceable bar rock. The Nashville four-piece (guitar, stand-up bass, harmonica, and drums) is lead by a singer who reminded me of a combination of Scott Weiland and my friend Kyle when he's on acid (read: batshit crazy, but captivating in a pied-piper kind of way) and they created a manic, tent revival-like atmosphere which even some of the biggest bands strive for, but don't always attain. And, oh yeah, it was a complete shit show. I haven't seen that many people THAT drunk since... well... Mustard Plug, about this time last year. And even though I myself did not partake (oh, the sacrifices made in the name of responsible journalism) it was completely impossible not to have a killer time. And I did.
Biggest WTF?!: Small Brown Bike (Night Three)
I hate to say I told you so, but...
This was my biggest Tuna letdown. By far. I had considerably low expectations for this band in the first place, and I have to say, they did not redeem themselves whatsoever as a live act. State Theatre is a historic venue with an amazing vibe and I've seen some of the best shows of my life there (well, only one comes to mind [Ryan Adams] but still) and Small Brown Bike managed to create an atmosphere with all the awkward, stagnant discomfort of a high school prom (just speculating, 'cause like I know what that's like). I don't want to write about this anymore, but I still want you to know what it's like, so I will give you some uncensored, unchanged, (semi-) unedited excerpts from my notes that night:
-at best, a poor man's Foo [Fighters]
-sorry, Chad Houts, I DON'T LIKE THIS BAND.*
-I feel like I'm being smoked out of a standoff situation. PANAMA!**
-LOL @ coordinated hair-flip***
-there are more important things in life than charismatic rhythm guitarists.
-[upon a bashful guitar re-tune between songs] "You guys might be getting the sloppy E right now" --oh really? is that what this is?
-un-miked shouting [shitty but common screamo move] alarming and spazzy.
-sound like a Rise Against cover band. Not ok
-Rise Against playing between bands. Of fucking course
*my friend, Chad Houts, had been telling me how awesome this band is.
** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_(song)
*** at one point, both guitar players and the bass player all flipped their hair in unison. Annoying.
So hopefully that gives you a pretty good idea of what it was like. It's so shitty to think that this band drew the second biggest crowd I saw for the whole festival; I estimated that there were over 300 people there. Not too many, but it was the perfect fit for State; when State is sold out, it is unbelievably claustrophobic and awkward. If you've never experienced a sold-out show at State Theatre, it kind of feels like being at your grandma's house for Christmas and all of your cousins are there instead of just you and your siblings like you're used to. You're excited, but then you get there and it's just a stuffy, crowded mess and you inevitably run out of gravy (in this analogy, Red Stripe).
Speaking of grandmas, at some point during Night Three, I noticed that there was an entire family behind me-- complete with a grandma (glean what you will from my description of Small Brown Bike and then imagine a grandma there). Imagine how weirded out I was in that moment. I am eavesdropping as I always do in public until I find out that they are people who say "whenever" in place of "when;" and at one point, I literally hear a naggy matriarch shout "You know, you could die from smoking!" And then, my favorite part of the show at this point: the dad (who had been slouching in a chair separate from the rest of the family, with his feet up on a chair in front of him) looks at his phone, stands up, shouting, does a victory dance and screams "TOUCHDOWN! I LOVE TECHNOLOGY!"
But, I digress.
Most Tragically-Underrated Band: Fruit Bats (Night Three)
When I see The Grandma up front, taking pictures on her cell, I realize why the family is there: for Fruit Bats! Of course! I always knew grandmas had great taste in music (although I find out that they are there with a band member [obvs] by the way they keep shouting "CHRIS!" and various song requests).
Actually, I am sad to report that this family makes up about 1/4 of the audience which witnesses the true glory of Fruit Bats' set. Everyone inexplicably left after Small Brown Bike's set and I have never taken such a blatant disregard of amazing music so personally. This band put on literally one of the BEST SHOWS I HAVE SEEN lately. I'm not even joking. Fruit Bats are an indie 5-piece led by a singer (he also plays guitar and keys) who resembles Ben Gibbard both physically and musically... The Death Cab influence is undeniable, but they sound essentially like a mix between the Shins and the Allman Brothers Band. Sounds crazy, I know, but this blend of indie-pop with a little (even though I hate this phrase) Southern rock resulted in a beautiful, completely original sound.
The best parts of Fruit Bats' set, though, were songs performed solo by their lead singer/ guitar player Eric Johnson. A natural vocalist and poetic songwriter, Johnson has a stunning ability to play to a room of 25, make it seem as though he feels like he's playing to a room of 2,500 and make you feel like he's playing to just you. His songwriting has a poetic, narrative style that I thought would be good, but was heartstopping to hear in person. Even though at times, like during the encore-- requested by essentially one guy-- the music was obscured by awkward (but well-meaning) clapping, they never lost their beautiful, intimate connectedness. This band was amazing and I would be surprised if I never heard about them again. Keep an eye out for Fruit Bats. If you like indie at all (and I'm assuming you do since you're reading this and it's pretty much all I talk about) check them out. You won't be sorry. That's all I'm sayin'.
And, so (I bet you saw this coming)...
BEST TUNA BAND: FRUIT BATS!
Honorable Mention: The Daredevil Christopher Wright (Night One)
Daredevil kind of sounded like the Decemberists meets Ben Folds Five. Delightful! They had me right at the first song, when their drummer (/percussionist) walked out from behind the drum kit and kept drumming on random shit that was onstage. It was amazing. I know that sounds weird, but everyone else thought it was cool too. I used to date a drummer and I know how annoying it is how they drum on everything in sight. But, take this and apply it to actual MUSIC, and it's actually really cool and creative. Their music has a sentimental vulnerability to it at times that was really endearing (like "East Coast," about a family member who gets married and moves across the country). As a band, they come off as the geeky choir boys from high school, who got picked on but then one day everyone realized how talented they were and then they got laid more than the lacrosse players. And rightfully so; one of their songs was led off by an a cappella doo-wop intro that was an entertaining, refreshing, amazing novelty. This is another band from whom I promise we can expect great things in the future.
The bottom line:
Three nights of amazing music... and I am simply exhausted. I had an awesome, awesome time and can't wait until next year. I'm going to take a little break from live music, but expect some new album reviews this week.
Special thanks to Clarke Babcock for being my companion throughout the festival!
-thejunkie
Showing posts with label Barking Tuna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barking Tuna. Show all posts
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, October 09, 2009
Barking Tuna 2009 NIGHT THREE PREVIEW!
That's right, kids. The full monty, the prestigious Night Three of the Tuna! Here's a little bit of what's going down.
Night Three: Sat 10/10/09 at State Theater
Fruit Bats (Chicago) {pop/folk-rock} [http://www.myspace.com/thefruitbats]
I have to say, on behalf of all Kalamazoo music geeks, it is really exciting that Fruit Bats are playing Barking Tuna this year. Led by singer-songwriter Eric Johnson (no, not that Eric Johnson, guitar nerds), Fruit Bats have been around with various lineups for the past several years, and signed to Sub Pop since '02. They have even played alongside indie heroes the Shins. Also, after they play this show, they are embarking on a European tour... But enough credentials and nerdery.
As for the music. Not to get all Carrie Bradshaw but...
"When listening to this band, I couldn't help but wonder: is there such a thing as too indie?"
My answer: no. And if there is, Fruit Bats aren't (Bright Eyes? maybe?). I just impulsively bought this band's music from their Myspace, and you know you like music when you pay for it. Tell you what... before you go to the show on Saturday, do yourself a favor, and listen to the music, because you're going to want to sing along. I promise. Check out "When U Love Somebody."
Small Brown Bike (Marshall, MI) {screamo} [http://www.myspace.com/smallbrownbike04]
Don't get mad at me, K-zoo scene kids, but... Yikes.
Just yikes.
Not to be a snob, but how did an screamo band from Marshall land this spot anyway? Screamo is over. It should have never happened and it's done now. Acclimate!
Can I please go back to Fruit Bats?!
Notes To Self (Toronto) {hip-hop} [http://www.myspace.com/notestoself]
This is another opportunity we don't get in Kalamazoo a whole lot: A GOOD HIP-HOP SHOW!!!
I want to reiterate what I said about bluegrass last weekend: just because you think it's not your scene doesn't mean you won't have a completely awesome time. Not only is hip-hop fairly rare to come by as far as live music goes, Kalamazoo doesn't really have the facilities, a following or a much of a scene at all for hip-hop. [P.S. This is something I've wanted to talk about for a long time, and I feel now is the time to discuss it. "Hip-hop" and "rap" are not the same thing. "Rapping" is the VOCAL PART of "hip-hop" music. That would be like calling rock music "singing" or "shouting," neither of which you would ever do, right?] [Thanks for humoring me there. Just a little pet peeve I had to shout.]
So, moving on, as a closet hip-hop enthusiast, I am PSYCHED for Notes To Self. Notes to Self is from Toronto, but they have a distinct West Coast influence: hypnotically smooth, swaying beats riding under articulate rapping that ranges from defiant to introspective and even psychological ("I'm about me/ I never got enough me as a child").
I'm digging the studio work posted on their Myspace, but, like all hip-hop acts, I'm sure their live show will produce a completely different sound. So I'm interested for now, and stoked for tomorrow night. Because, as you can see, it's official: THIS ENTIRE SHOW IS GOING TO BE AMAZING.
The Verdict:
Fruit Bats-- You are magical and beautiful.
Small Brown Bike-- I still have faith in you. I'm just a little perplexed. Not judgin'!
Notes To Self-- Please stay here in Kalamazoo! And bring your friends! Live, good hip-hop every weekend? That would be great. Canada sucks anyway.
See you guys at the show!
Night Three: Sat 10/10/09 at State Theater
Fruit Bats (Chicago) {pop/folk-rock} [http://www.myspace.com/thefruitbats]
I have to say, on behalf of all Kalamazoo music geeks, it is really exciting that Fruit Bats are playing Barking Tuna this year. Led by singer-songwriter Eric Johnson (no, not that Eric Johnson, guitar nerds), Fruit Bats have been around with various lineups for the past several years, and signed to Sub Pop since '02. They have even played alongside indie heroes the Shins. Also, after they play this show, they are embarking on a European tour... But enough credentials and nerdery.
As for the music. Not to get all Carrie Bradshaw but...
"When listening to this band, I couldn't help but wonder: is there such a thing as too indie?"
My answer: no. And if there is, Fruit Bats aren't (Bright Eyes? maybe?). I just impulsively bought this band's music from their Myspace, and you know you like music when you pay for it. Tell you what... before you go to the show on Saturday, do yourself a favor, and listen to the music, because you're going to want to sing along. I promise. Check out "When U Love Somebody."
Small Brown Bike (Marshall, MI) {screamo} [http://www.myspace.com/smallbrownbike04]
Don't get mad at me, K-zoo scene kids, but... Yikes.
Just yikes.
Not to be a snob, but how did an screamo band from Marshall land this spot anyway? Screamo is over. It should have never happened and it's done now. Acclimate!
Can I please go back to Fruit Bats?!
Notes To Self (Toronto) {hip-hop} [http://www.myspace.com/notestoself]
This is another opportunity we don't get in Kalamazoo a whole lot: A GOOD HIP-HOP SHOW!!!
I want to reiterate what I said about bluegrass last weekend: just because you think it's not your scene doesn't mean you won't have a completely awesome time. Not only is hip-hop fairly rare to come by as far as live music goes, Kalamazoo doesn't really have the facilities, a following or a much of a scene at all for hip-hop. [P.S. This is something I've wanted to talk about for a long time, and I feel now is the time to discuss it. "Hip-hop" and "rap" are not the same thing. "Rapping" is the VOCAL PART of "hip-hop" music. That would be like calling rock music "singing" or "shouting," neither of which you would ever do, right?] [Thanks for humoring me there. Just a little pet peeve I had to shout.]
So, moving on, as a closet hip-hop enthusiast, I am PSYCHED for Notes To Self. Notes to Self is from Toronto, but they have a distinct West Coast influence: hypnotically smooth, swaying beats riding under articulate rapping that ranges from defiant to introspective and even psychological ("I'm about me/ I never got enough me as a child").
I'm digging the studio work posted on their Myspace, but, like all hip-hop acts, I'm sure their live show will produce a completely different sound. So I'm interested for now, and stoked for tomorrow night. Because, as you can see, it's official: THIS ENTIRE SHOW IS GOING TO BE AMAZING.
The Verdict:
Fruit Bats-- You are magical and beautiful.
Small Brown Bike-- I still have faith in you. I'm just a little perplexed. Not judgin'!
Notes To Self-- Please stay here in Kalamazoo! And bring your friends! Live, good hip-hop every weekend? That would be great. Canada sucks anyway.
See you guys at the show!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Barking Tuna 2009 NIGHT TWO PREVIEW!
Night Two: Fri 10/09/09 at Papa Pete's
The Legendary Shack Shakers (Nashville) {folk punk} [http://www.myspace.com/legendaryshackshakers]
You might have noticed that I categorized this band as "folk punk." If that sounds strange, it's because it is. While I love a good experimental band, they kind of sound like this: a hillbilly and a Russian met in a traveling circus, had a child, homeschooled it, and only allowed it to listen to Dropkick Murphys and watch Tim Burton movies. Infer what you will.
Sidenote on Nashville: while it calls itself "The Music City," I did fairly extensive research on Nashville's music scene for this blurb alone, to try to get a context for this band, and honestly didn't find a whole lot that didn't fall under the country/ blues/ etc category. There are some indie bands but, otherwise, not a whole lot going on. So while I give this band props for stepping out of their crowd, and while I have a certain amount of faith in WIDR's music selections for Tuna (especially after Night One) I'm not real optimistic about this show. But I'm going, and I have an open mind, and we'll see.
Who Hit John? (Kalamazoo) {roots/ americana} [http://www.myspace.com/whohitjohn5]
So, you have to know that moments after I first listened to this band on Myspace, my internet browser completely melted off the screen and left me with that excruciating helpless panic that only a computer malfunction can bring. Regardless, their first listed track, "Till The Last Dog Dies" KEPT PLAYING without so much as a skip between jingly banjo-and-fiddle stylings. Because of this, I'm led to believe that this band has supernatural powers, and am expecting a supernatural show. I hope they live up to it. (Just kidding. But seriously. And does anyone know anything about computers? Because I think mine is broken.)
Anyway. With names like Hamdog and Django, I'm sure these folks know how to party, and you guys already know how I love a good bluegrass show. With character-centric, party-oriented jams about gettin' drunk and causin' trouble, Who Hit John? plays it safe: not unappealing, but nothing we haven't heard before. With the right energy tonight, I'm expecting this show to go over fairly well. Personally, I'm kind of looking forward to seeing Papa Pete's-- a predominately rock/ metal venue-- full of skeletal vegans with dreadlocks and Peoples' Food Co-Op tshirts. I think it will be a more anthropological experience than anything. And hopefullly the music will be ok, too.
Michael Beauchamp and the Barn Roughs (Kalamazoo) {folk} [http://www.myspace.com/michaelbeauchampmusic]
After spending some time with Michael Beauchamp's music, I'm starting to think that what I took at first for a stripped-down, decidedly low-fi sound is actually just a bunk live recording. On one hand, I'm a little annoyed, but when I put my music snobbery aside and just pay attention to the music (when I'm not distracted by people coughing in the background [PS-- we're onto you!]) it's actually really good, pure, old-fashioned folk music. Like... old old-fashioned folk music. While he has the requisite Bob Dylan-influence-mention on his Myspace, there really isn't a whole lot-- if any-- 60's-folk influence that I can determine. I almost want to [please, let's not have the conversation about 'the impossibility of Bob Dylan NOT influencing an artist']. But Beauchamp has such an unbelievable backwoods purity to his songwriting-- and his voice itself-- that simply wasn't present in the 60s, when folk was so much more tense and aware; he seems to transcend this with a unique, reductionist take on music: letting it speak for itself. His warbly voice and wavelike strumming seem to lean against a beautiful croon of traditional fiddle, and the overall effect is simple, not overwhelming, but hauntingly pristine. Beauchamp, etc is probably my pick for tonight.
The Legendary Shack Shakers (Nashville) {folk punk} [http://www.myspace.com/legendaryshackshakers]
You might have noticed that I categorized this band as "folk punk." If that sounds strange, it's because it is. While I love a good experimental band, they kind of sound like this: a hillbilly and a Russian met in a traveling circus, had a child, homeschooled it, and only allowed it to listen to Dropkick Murphys and watch Tim Burton movies. Infer what you will.
Sidenote on Nashville: while it calls itself "The Music City," I did fairly extensive research on Nashville's music scene for this blurb alone, to try to get a context for this band, and honestly didn't find a whole lot that didn't fall under the country/ blues/ etc category. There are some indie bands but, otherwise, not a whole lot going on. So while I give this band props for stepping out of their crowd, and while I have a certain amount of faith in WIDR's music selections for Tuna (especially after Night One) I'm not real optimistic about this show. But I'm going, and I have an open mind, and we'll see.
Who Hit John? (Kalamazoo) {roots/ americana} [http://www.myspace.com/whohitjohn5]
So, you have to know that moments after I first listened to this band on Myspace, my internet browser completely melted off the screen and left me with that excruciating helpless panic that only a computer malfunction can bring. Regardless, their first listed track, "Till The Last Dog Dies" KEPT PLAYING without so much as a skip between jingly banjo-and-fiddle stylings. Because of this, I'm led to believe that this band has supernatural powers, and am expecting a supernatural show. I hope they live up to it. (Just kidding. But seriously. And does anyone know anything about computers? Because I think mine is broken.)
Anyway. With names like Hamdog and Django, I'm sure these folks know how to party, and you guys already know how I love a good bluegrass show. With character-centric, party-oriented jams about gettin' drunk and causin' trouble, Who Hit John? plays it safe: not unappealing, but nothing we haven't heard before. With the right energy tonight, I'm expecting this show to go over fairly well. Personally, I'm kind of looking forward to seeing Papa Pete's-- a predominately rock/ metal venue-- full of skeletal vegans with dreadlocks and Peoples' Food Co-Op tshirts. I think it will be a more anthropological experience than anything. And hopefullly the music will be ok, too.
Michael Beauchamp and the Barn Roughs (Kalamazoo) {folk} [http://www.myspace.com/michaelbeauchampmusic]
After spending some time with Michael Beauchamp's music, I'm starting to think that what I took at first for a stripped-down, decidedly low-fi sound is actually just a bunk live recording. On one hand, I'm a little annoyed, but when I put my music snobbery aside and just pay attention to the music (when I'm not distracted by people coughing in the background [PS-- we're onto you!]) it's actually really good, pure, old-fashioned folk music. Like... old old-fashioned folk music. While he has the requisite Bob Dylan-influence-mention on his Myspace, there really isn't a whole lot-- if any-- 60's-folk influence that I can determine. I almost want to [please, let's not have the conversation about 'the impossibility of Bob Dylan NOT influencing an artist']. But Beauchamp has such an unbelievable backwoods purity to his songwriting-- and his voice itself-- that simply wasn't present in the 60s, when folk was so much more tense and aware; he seems to transcend this with a unique, reductionist take on music: letting it speak for itself. His warbly voice and wavelike strumming seem to lean against a beautiful croon of traditional fiddle, and the overall effect is simple, not overwhelming, but hauntingly pristine. Beauchamp, etc is probably my pick for tonight.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Barking Tuna 2009 NIGHT ONE PREVIEW!
I'm hoping everyone is ready for Kalamazoo's music event of the year: WIDR's Barking Tuna Festival. While a 3-night pass for $25 is pretty reasonable (available at WIDR and Corner Record Shop [which is awesome by the way]), you're probably just going to want to scope out what you're into and check out a few bands, because 9 in three nights is a lot... lucky you've got me.
So any way, what I'm going to do is post a preview of each night detailing who is playing and (vaguely) what to expect. Here's night one!
Night One: Thurs 10/08/09 at the Strutt
Airborne or Aquatic (Northern MI) {jam} [http://www.myspace.com/airborneoraquatic]
After one listen to Airborne or Aquatic, a semi- experimental jam band, you might write them off as yet another faux-Southern-trad (roots/folk/bluegrass) band like the legion of others that keep cropping up in the Midwest. And that response is half-right; songs like "Moose Man" had the effect of (as Butthead brilliantly said in response to a Nine Inch Nails video) "great, but, frankly... it's been done." But, on other tracks, you'll find AOA with a more organic sound and an appealingly melancholy vibe, (check out the spoken-word interlude on "Smoke in the Rain") and you might find that they bring a little something different to the table. Their accessibility and political/ social consciousness go together like thrift-shop tshirts and Urban Outfitters jeans... different, uncanny, mismatched and completely harmonious. I can't help but feel like they will probably go over extremely well tonight... this is Kalamazoo, after all.
The Daredevil Christopher Wright (Eau Claire, Wisconsin) {indie} [http://www.myspace.com/thedaredevilchristopherwright]
I hate to say this so soon, but I am already impressed with this act. The Wisconsin 3-piece has upcoming shows all over the country-- in the midwest, Colorado, Washington, California-- one of which is with Bon Iver (!). This band possesses such an unbelievable musical awareness and aptitude, weaving pop-indie with classical instruments (notably on the breathtaking "Hospital/ The East Coast). While, at times, they adhere to the monolithic indie status quo, they are still incredibly fresh and innovative (check out the ironically blithe "Bury You Alive"). I can. not. wait. to see this band tonight.
Boy In Static (San Francisco, California) {indie} [http://www.myspace.com/boyinstatic]
Somewhere between The Postal Service and My Bloody Valentine lies the sound of Boy In Static: wispy, melodic shoegazer driven by a quiet passion. There is a gentle intensity to their music-- a surreal synth-viola duo with intimate, close-sounding vocals-- with an effect that resounds inside you like the beating of your own heart. While I'm wondering how this 2-piece is going to pull off live what can be done fairly easily in the studio, I am nonetheless looking forward to this.
So, needless to say, tonight's gonna be a good night. Hope to see you guys at the Strutt.
So any way, what I'm going to do is post a preview of each night detailing who is playing and (vaguely) what to expect. Here's night one!
Night One: Thurs 10/08/09 at the Strutt
Airborne or Aquatic (Northern MI) {jam} [http://www.myspace.com/airborneoraquatic]
After one listen to Airborne or Aquatic, a semi- experimental jam band, you might write them off as yet another faux-Southern-trad (roots/folk/bluegrass) band like the legion of others that keep cropping up in the Midwest. And that response is half-right; songs like "Moose Man" had the effect of (as Butthead brilliantly said in response to a Nine Inch Nails video) "great, but, frankly... it's been done." But, on other tracks, you'll find AOA with a more organic sound and an appealingly melancholy vibe, (check out the spoken-word interlude on "Smoke in the Rain") and you might find that they bring a little something different to the table. Their accessibility and political/ social consciousness go together like thrift-shop tshirts and Urban Outfitters jeans... different, uncanny, mismatched and completely harmonious. I can't help but feel like they will probably go over extremely well tonight... this is Kalamazoo, after all.
The Daredevil Christopher Wright (Eau Claire, Wisconsin) {indie} [http://www.myspace.com/thedaredevilchristopherwright]
I hate to say this so soon, but I am already impressed with this act. The Wisconsin 3-piece has upcoming shows all over the country-- in the midwest, Colorado, Washington, California-- one of which is with Bon Iver (!). This band possesses such an unbelievable musical awareness and aptitude, weaving pop-indie with classical instruments (notably on the breathtaking "Hospital/ The East Coast). While, at times, they adhere to the monolithic indie status quo, they are still incredibly fresh and innovative (check out the ironically blithe "Bury You Alive"). I can. not. wait. to see this band tonight.
Boy In Static (San Francisco, California) {indie} [http://www.myspace.com/boyinstatic]
Somewhere between The Postal Service and My Bloody Valentine lies the sound of Boy In Static: wispy, melodic shoegazer driven by a quiet passion. There is a gentle intensity to their music-- a surreal synth-viola duo with intimate, close-sounding vocals-- with an effect that resounds inside you like the beating of your own heart. While I'm wondering how this 2-piece is going to pull off live what can be done fairly easily in the studio, I am nonetheless looking forward to this.
So, needless to say, tonight's gonna be a good night. Hope to see you guys at the Strutt.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Shows This Weekend
There's only one right way to kick off Rocktober: first weekend, 3 shows in 3 nights. Fall is always the best time to go to shows, and there certainly has been a lot going on lately. And I dig it.
Fri 10/2: Brand New w/ Manchester Orchestra, the Fillmore (Detroit)
I'm somewhat stoked to say, yet somewhat hesitant to admit that I might have known about this show before any of you guys: because I am on Manchester Orchestra's mailing list. Please take in everything else I am about to say about this show with that very telling fact in mind. Yes, MO is my favorite of many favorite bands. But I am trying, at least in this context, to maintain any attainable level of neutrality. Just so you know.
So... 3 hours of driving, a clandestine detour in Ann Arbor, and a $20 ramp parking fee (damn you, Fillmore, for being across the street from Comerica Park on game night) later, Manchester took the stage. Their frontman, singer/ songwriter/ guitar player/ indie caricature Andy Hull possesses this kind of Thoreauvian wildness that makes this band so ungodly addicting to see live; I could not imagine anyone else who would look as at-home as an Alaskan crabfisherman, or living in a schoolbus a la Gary Busey in Black Sheep, as he does onstage. But I guess that's neither here nor there. What matters is they fucking rocked, and always do, but-- in the immortal words of a nameless American icon-- that's all I have to say about that.
Excuse me while I pause to sweep up any remaining shreds of credibility so that I may continue. Thanks.
What I really want to talk about is Brand New's performance. I'm not quite sure how to say this, but what happened from 10:05 until about 11:20 pm EST at the Fillmore, was something that was so gut-wrenchingly, soul-crushingly, traumatically beautiful that part of me feels like it should never happen again. But that would be so wrong.
I'm trying to think of a way to tell you what it feels like to see Brand New. Actually, I've been trying for days. So imagine a rioting crowd, all flannel-covered elbows and stomping Chuck Taylors, juxtaposed against a low-lit stage, the enigmatic Jesse Lacey in the middle, gripping his Telecaster like a machine gun; projected behind it all is a surreal black-and-white slideshow-esque film. Almost too many dimensions of amazing.
I immediately felt guilty for-- yikes-- not liking their new album. But I was pleasantly surprised when they opened with "You Won't Know" and wove a cleverly anachronistic set list which I wanted to share with you now, but it didn't feel right to write it down. Needless to say, that night was just one of those nights where you fall in love with music all over again.
Music, I wish I knew how to quit you.
A.D.D. Sidenote: in between sets, I ran into Jeremiah, the drummer from Manchester!!! Ever the annoying fan, I hugged him and basically thanked him for being so awesome... my best friend and I Wayne-and-Garthified and the resulting conversation basically went something like, "Jeremiah, we're not worthy!!!" But he was unbelievably humble and nice. Amazing.
The requisite post-show 12,000-calorie Greektown visit and coma that commenced make that night's memories a little foggy, but needless to say... that show... Wow. Ridiculous.
Hopefully by the time I'm a real writer I'll think of better ways to say things than that.
Sat 10/3: Rootstand at Bell's (Kalamazoo)
The story of Saturday night is more of a... story... than just a show. I'll explain.
One of my housemates is a banjo player (legit!) and has been in a few bluegrass bands around Kalamazoo, so, luckily, when the occasion arises, I often have an excuse to go to bluegrass shows. I have to admit the bluegrass culture in Kalamazoo was something I was not very familiar until this summer, especially with the college crowd, but I am pleased to have found reassurance that there will be hippies-- and resulting mountain-bluegrass jam seshes-- in every generation. And, after all, it's about the music and not the scene, right? So it's ok to sometimes succumb to one's various hippie persuasions.
Before you laugh, if you have never experienced a legit bluegrass SHOW-- let alone a festival-- there is nothing quite like being out there two-stepping with the hippies. It's amazing. Bluegrass is a lot like ska in that if you're there, you're a (bluegrass/ ska)-PERSON: you're a fan, you know the music, you (two-step/ skank), you're starting a band next week, that's your thing. So don't judge yourself if you want to grab a frosty microbrew and load up the Forester to go to the festie and rage some kind nugs. It's ok. You've always wanted to, right? And that's what bluegrass is about. It just feels good.
So, Saturday night. I'm sitting at my apartment reading and another housemate knocks on my door, hammered, and asks if I'm going to Bells tonight. I was vaguely confused, but game (such is my life). What commenced was an interesting night with a lot of interesting details that might not be appropriate to publish here.
Oh shit, I promised you a story. Well, Drunk Neighbor got kicked out of Bell's, and since I never leave a homie hangin', I took him back home. But I went back. Cause Rootstand had another set.
The tunes were AMAZING... With that traditional Southern bluegrass stomp and Rootstand's adorable weirdness (like "Disc Golf Life": you can download here [http://www.rootstand.com/index.php?ppge=music]), you'll be out there throwing your 'bows up and steppin' in no time. At the very least, you are almost guaranteed to make friends-- among mine that night were an old Deadhead named Angel (yes, a guy) and a Chicagoan (?) college-hippie who was on a Great Lakes brewery tour with his buddies. Awesome.
Suffice it to say, I would highly, highly recommend getting out to see Rootstand--or any bluegrass show-- if you get a chance. Even if you think it's not your thing. You never know, brah!
Sun 10/4: Lake Louise at the Factory (Rochester)
While I, admittedly, completely abandoned any neutrality/ cred and geeked out over my favorite band in a medium that I would like to be somewhat professional, I simply cannot discuss this show from any critical standpoint, as Lake Louise is a stagename for a very good friend of mine. However, I must give credit where credit is due: many, many props to Lake Louise for holding her own as a (1.) female (2.) solo (3.) FOLK act. Indulge me for a brief moment while I comment on the refreshing ingenuity of those virtues in and of themselves. The resulting music possesses everything good about 60s protest-folk with a Fiona Apple-esque femininity, and a little reluctant country-ness. You may check her out at [http://www.myspace.com/angelacarlton].
Needless to say, anoher good night. And you're probably not in the mood for another story, but moments ago, I nutshelled it to a friend as, "I met an old guy from New Zealand, an old guy from England, and a roadie for Miley Cyrus at an Irish pub in Detroit." And that's how that night went.
So those were the shows this weekend. PS: pretty sure I'm going deaf.
Please stay updated for WIDR's BARKING TUNA FESTIVAL coverage this weekend! I will be at all three shows, so until then, check out what's going on on WIDR and their site [http://www.widr.org/].
-thejunkie
Fri 10/2: Brand New w/ Manchester Orchestra, the Fillmore (Detroit)
I'm somewhat stoked to say, yet somewhat hesitant to admit that I might have known about this show before any of you guys: because I am on Manchester Orchestra's mailing list. Please take in everything else I am about to say about this show with that very telling fact in mind. Yes, MO is my favorite of many favorite bands. But I am trying, at least in this context, to maintain any attainable level of neutrality. Just so you know.
So... 3 hours of driving, a clandestine detour in Ann Arbor, and a $20 ramp parking fee (damn you, Fillmore, for being across the street from Comerica Park on game night) later, Manchester took the stage. Their frontman, singer/ songwriter/ guitar player/ indie caricature Andy Hull possesses this kind of Thoreauvian wildness that makes this band so ungodly addicting to see live; I could not imagine anyone else who would look as at-home as an Alaskan crabfisherman, or living in a schoolbus a la Gary Busey in Black Sheep, as he does onstage. But I guess that's neither here nor there. What matters is they fucking rocked, and always do, but-- in the immortal words of a nameless American icon-- that's all I have to say about that.
Excuse me while I pause to sweep up any remaining shreds of credibility so that I may continue. Thanks.
What I really want to talk about is Brand New's performance. I'm not quite sure how to say this, but what happened from 10:05 until about 11:20 pm EST at the Fillmore, was something that was so gut-wrenchingly, soul-crushingly, traumatically beautiful that part of me feels like it should never happen again. But that would be so wrong.
I'm trying to think of a way to tell you what it feels like to see Brand New. Actually, I've been trying for days. So imagine a rioting crowd, all flannel-covered elbows and stomping Chuck Taylors, juxtaposed against a low-lit stage, the enigmatic Jesse Lacey in the middle, gripping his Telecaster like a machine gun; projected behind it all is a surreal black-and-white slideshow-esque film. Almost too many dimensions of amazing.
I immediately felt guilty for-- yikes-- not liking their new album. But I was pleasantly surprised when they opened with "You Won't Know" and wove a cleverly anachronistic set list which I wanted to share with you now, but it didn't feel right to write it down. Needless to say, that night was just one of those nights where you fall in love with music all over again.
Music, I wish I knew how to quit you.
A.D.D. Sidenote: in between sets, I ran into Jeremiah, the drummer from Manchester!!! Ever the annoying fan, I hugged him and basically thanked him for being so awesome... my best friend and I Wayne-and-Garthified and the resulting conversation basically went something like, "Jeremiah, we're not worthy!!!" But he was unbelievably humble and nice. Amazing.
The requisite post-show 12,000-calorie Greektown visit and coma that commenced make that night's memories a little foggy, but needless to say... that show... Wow. Ridiculous.
Hopefully by the time I'm a real writer I'll think of better ways to say things than that.
Sat 10/3: Rootstand at Bell's (Kalamazoo)
The story of Saturday night is more of a... story... than just a show. I'll explain.
One of my housemates is a banjo player (legit!) and has been in a few bluegrass bands around Kalamazoo, so, luckily, when the occasion arises, I often have an excuse to go to bluegrass shows. I have to admit the bluegrass culture in Kalamazoo was something I was not very familiar until this summer, especially with the college crowd, but I am pleased to have found reassurance that there will be hippies-- and resulting mountain-bluegrass jam seshes-- in every generation. And, after all, it's about the music and not the scene, right? So it's ok to sometimes succumb to one's various hippie persuasions.
Before you laugh, if you have never experienced a legit bluegrass SHOW-- let alone a festival-- there is nothing quite like being out there two-stepping with the hippies. It's amazing. Bluegrass is a lot like ska in that if you're there, you're a (bluegrass/ ska)-PERSON: you're a fan, you know the music, you (two-step/ skank), you're starting a band next week, that's your thing. So don't judge yourself if you want to grab a frosty microbrew and load up the Forester to go to the festie and rage some kind nugs. It's ok. You've always wanted to, right? And that's what bluegrass is about. It just feels good.
So, Saturday night. I'm sitting at my apartment reading and another housemate knocks on my door, hammered, and asks if I'm going to Bells tonight. I was vaguely confused, but game (such is my life). What commenced was an interesting night with a lot of interesting details that might not be appropriate to publish here.
Oh shit, I promised you a story. Well, Drunk Neighbor got kicked out of Bell's, and since I never leave a homie hangin', I took him back home. But I went back. Cause Rootstand had another set.
The tunes were AMAZING... With that traditional Southern bluegrass stomp and Rootstand's adorable weirdness (like "Disc Golf Life": you can download here [http://www.rootstand.com/index.php?ppge=music]), you'll be out there throwing your 'bows up and steppin' in no time. At the very least, you are almost guaranteed to make friends-- among mine that night were an old Deadhead named Angel (yes, a guy) and a Chicagoan (?) college-hippie who was on a Great Lakes brewery tour with his buddies. Awesome.
Suffice it to say, I would highly, highly recommend getting out to see Rootstand--or any bluegrass show-- if you get a chance. Even if you think it's not your thing. You never know, brah!
Sun 10/4: Lake Louise at the Factory (Rochester)
While I, admittedly, completely abandoned any neutrality/ cred and geeked out over my favorite band in a medium that I would like to be somewhat professional, I simply cannot discuss this show from any critical standpoint, as Lake Louise is a stagename for a very good friend of mine. However, I must give credit where credit is due: many, many props to Lake Louise for holding her own as a (1.) female (2.) solo (3.) FOLK act. Indulge me for a brief moment while I comment on the refreshing ingenuity of those virtues in and of themselves. The resulting music possesses everything good about 60s protest-folk with a Fiona Apple-esque femininity, and a little reluctant country-ness. You may check her out at [http://www.myspace.com/angelacarlton].
Needless to say, anoher good night. And you're probably not in the mood for another story, but moments ago, I nutshelled it to a friend as, "I met an old guy from New Zealand, an old guy from England, and a roadie for Miley Cyrus at an Irish pub in Detroit." And that's how that night went.
So those were the shows this weekend. PS: pretty sure I'm going deaf.
Please stay updated for WIDR's BARKING TUNA FESTIVAL coverage this weekend! I will be at all three shows, so until then, check out what's going on on WIDR and their site [http://www.widr.org/].
-thejunkie
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