Monday, June 21, 2010

Monday Mixtape!

Need to beat the Monday blues? Check out this playlist! It's some songs that have been in my heavy rotation I think you'll like. Give them a spin on YouTube or something, then purchase! (or download if you at LEAST plan to buy the record later... ie: the most common excuse for not supporting musicians.)

The Black Keys- "Howlin' for You"
Modest Mouse- "Dashboard"
Gin Wigmore- "Oh My"
Marmalakes- "Vittoria"
Mumford & Sons- "Little Lion Man"
Cage the Elephant- "In One Ear"
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- "Home"
The Flaming Lips- "Bag Full of Thoughts"
Sarah Jaffe- "Wreaking Havoc"
Neon Trees- "Animal"
Miniature Tigers- "Cannibal Queen"
Gillian Welch- "Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor"
The Lovetones- "Mantra"
Brian Jonestown Massacre- "Cold to the Touch"
Jenny Owen Youngs- "Fuck Was I"
The Black Angels- "Better Off Alone"
Kaiser Chiefs- "I Predict a Riot"
Matt Pond PA- "Running Wild"
The Temper Trap- "Sweet Disposition"
The Frontier Brothers- "Kickstand Woman"

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Big Bonnaroo Post!

(what 100,000 people look like)

When I was thinking how to condense my experience at Bonnaroo down into a blog entry I was super overwhelmed, so I decided to go ahead with the ever-popular Top 10 format to parse out the excellent from the mind-blowing, which actually proved to be a big task at this year’s festival. Ready? Go!

10. Late night shows. I’m going to lump a couple bands together that I really enjoyed, but as my sister scorned, “You hate them compared to how much I love them!” These bands are The Disco Biscuits and Deadmau5. Don’t get me wrong, they were obviously fun and memorable enough to make it into my Top 10, but I don’t do uppers or roll E, so I didn’t enjoy them to their full potential. One thing’s for sure, if you’re into visuals and light shows, this is your jam. The Disco Biscuits are a paradoxical variation on the jam band, psychedelic but not in the 60s sense. Some of the jams were a bit too extended in length for my taste, but I really enjoyed the show overall. Dead Mau5 was essentially a giant rave. I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many glow sticks in one place. Fun, but maybe too aesthetically/viscerally based for my taste.

9. Dropkick Murphys. My friend, Sarah, and I stumbled upon this show without really planning to go, and I am SO glad. Mosh. Pit. People were going nuts! I’m not kidding, guys were emerging from the pit bloodied up and looking like hell with huge, stupid smiles across their faces. Front man, Al Barr, admitted that he’d been warned to expect a crowd of hippies, but assured us that we seemed “pretty fucking all right!” to him. In any case, it was a super epic set and gave us a welcomed break from all the chill indie rock everywhere.

8. Blitzen Trapper. Less than I expected live, but still a great show. They won my heart over opening with “Black River Killer,” a song about a serial killer I’m sometimes afraid to call my favorite song of theirs. Blitzen Trapper does put on a kickass show, but I have to say that it felt a little contrived. After they did “Wild Mountain Nation,” which ROCKED, they sort of switched over to songs from their new record and fizzled out a bit. When I heard the new lyric, “like a shooting star,” the cheesiness sort of disengaged me, but I love the band enough for forgive the slip-up.

7. The Dodos. Awesome. Just awesome. Live, The Dodos remind me of My Morning Jacket, with airy vocals, a strong lead guitar and drop-outs that change the scenery and really keep you engaged. At times, the rhythm was so unique that the audience struggled to clap along with the beat, but did so anyway because the tunes were so irresistible and energetic. I would love to see The Dodos again, perhaps even in a more intimate space.

6. Weezer. It’s sort of hard to write about a band like this- they played all the hits and never missed a note. As a musician, it’s actually breath-taking to watch a show like this that’s just so perfect. And of course we got to witness some good olf fashioned Rivers Cuomo tomfoolery; for the encore, he came out in a Lady Gaga wig just to show how her songs have the same chord progressions as multiple other radio hits right now, which they played also, of course. It was hard to tell if it was mockery or some sort of twisted reverence, but nevertheless, it was entertaining as hell. Definitely one of those shows you have to make it to at some point in your life.

5. Thievery Corporation. Who knew?!? I was sort of that girl who likes “Lebanese Blonde” but doesn’t know all the songs intimately, but after seeing this band in Tennessee I’m officially convinced. Thievery Corporation played into the early morning and we danced the entire time. Talk about a Rhythm Section that HOLDS IT DOWN. With three female vocalists, three reggae singers/rappers and a belly dancer, there’s really something for everyone at a Thievery Corporation show. I really enjoyed their horn section as well, if that’s something you get into.

4. The Avett Brothers. This is a band I would love to see again and again. I was a little late getting to the show, but I arrived just in time for “January Wedding,” which I had just proclaimed to be the song I wanted to hear, so everything worked out. The day was extremely hot and muggy, but regardless, everyone was on their feet and dancing, which apparently paid off because the rain started. They finished out the set with the entire audience doing a massive rain dance, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. The guys of The Avett Brothers really have a fun time making music, and it transfers to the audience for sure.

3. Dr. Dog. Let me explain by saying that I took notes at all the shows I saw, and all I have down from this set is: “Dr. God. Rock.” The Freudian slip (or horrific dyslexia) might have been reflective of my somewhat inebriated state at the time, but it’s actually perfectly fitting for what went down at the Dr. Dog show. I wished that they’d played some more stuff from “Easy Beat,” but I got my fill of “Fate” and “We All Belong,” happily. They also played a few tracks from the new album, and I was floored. This band really lived up to my expectations, and I feel bad for all the people who opted for seeing Damian Marley and Nas instead. Dr. Dog has definitely secured its place in my top ten favorite bands EVER.

(http://blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/music/files/2010/02/DR-DOG-3.jpg)

2. The Flaming Lips. Everyone arrived so early for The Flaming Lips that front man, Wayne Coyne, decided to actually start early, squeezing in a Flaming Lips set before doing Dark Side of the Moon. Coyne makes it very apparent that everything is for the fans, and in return we gave him every bit of energy we had, regardless of the 3 hours we'd spent standing while we waited. It’s the first time I’ve seen this band, and when they opened with “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots,” I was completely blown away. It was beautifully overwhelming, every sense at full tilt. At a Flaming Lips show, it’s easy to pick out the veterans because I didn't fully realize, but it’s actually kind of cultish, in the best sense of the word. We were encouraged as first-timers and officially initiated when we supported Coyne in his plastic ball with our arms uplifted. Dark Side of the Moon was equally mind-blowing. I'm at a loss for words- I loved it.

(http://www.extendedply.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/happycoyne.jpeg)

1. The National. If you have not managed to see The National live, put it at the top of your To-Do List, my friends. I knew that the show would be great, but I really underestimated the extent of the mind-blowing that would ensue. Matt Berninger has a poet soul that just explodes on stage. The National opened with “Start a War,” and it actually brought tears; seeing this band is a divine experience. Berninger shared a glass of white wine with someone in the audience before starting “Squalor Victoria,” and by the end of the song the sound guy was having to reel him in by his mic cable because he’d joined the audience. If I had to pick a single favorite moment from all of Bonnaroo, it was when Matt Berninger was standing in the audience within an arm’s length of me, screaming, “I’m Mr. November, I won’t fuck us over!” I can officially die happily.

(http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/19568979/The+National+live.jpg)

Friday, June 18, 2010

Marmalakes Make a Splash

Hello again! So I have some good news and some bad news: the bad news is that all of you who read my blog with maximal religious fervor will have to wait one more day for tales of Bonnaroo because last night I got really distracted by a band that’s new to me, and you should hear about them now; the good news is, I got really distracted by a band that’s new to me and you get to hear about them now! Last night I went up to The Parish to catch The Frontier Brothers because we all know they’re my favorite Austin band, but I also got to see Speak, The Eastern Sea and Marmalakes. Everyone was making a big fuss about Speak, which turned out to be fun, but largely a glorified karaoke night. Their tunes were danceable, but the audience, as my friend described, looked like Night of the Living Dead all the way up to the stage. Anyway, you can check them out at ACL and decide for yourself, but I was underwhelmed. It may just be one of those things where it was built up too much beforehand, like M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village, or something.


But back to the matter at hand, MARMALAKES! Marmalakes in a word? Joyful. Soulful. Okay, two words. Guitarist, Chase Weinacht, told me that he and drummer, Josh Halpern, had been playing together for about three years, but Marmalakes are just on their second year together. Anyway, this local trio kicked off the night, explicitly thrilled to be playing The Parish for the first time, and their energy spread like a fever. I literally heard an AMEN! or two slip from the audience. It was hardly 9:00 and the place was bouncing, attention completely commanded by the unassuming Marmalakes. Simply put, these guys were arguably the set of the night. When their set first got started, the sincerity behind Weinacht's, vocals lured me away from the bar, but I have to admit that before the second song, I was already planning to write that they were another nice, folky band in town. What began as a standard mellow set, with brushes on drums and tender vocal harmonies, spontaneously erupted throughout the entire set into delightful indie rock.


I’d say the vocals are reminiscent of The Decemberists, and their folk-inspired riffs and honest songwriting remind me of The Avett Brothers, but that’s as far as I’ll draw comparisons; Marmalakes play with a truly unique cadence that’s pleasantly full of surprises and doesn’t compare to many bands out there right now. Things first picked up when they started to play my personal favorite lick, “Vittoria,” and these guys just came uncorked; acoustic guitars rarely rock this hard. This is not to say that I didn’t love the slower songs; it’s quite the contrary. At one point, Halpern, gave the sticks a rest and impressed everyone with his voice as we all sank together into the poetic lyricism and organic rhythm. All three of these guys have a voice on them for sure, and the vocal harmonies stand out as one of the most enjoyable parts of their sound. They played a new song called, “Turquoise Blue,” and I haven’t caught the ooh-eee-oohs so hard in a long time; it was my first time seeing the band and I already felt myself singing along.


I hope everyone will venture out to see Marmalakes as soon as possible. It is not every day you come across a band this talented that is as gracious, warm and sincere; it’s remarkable and refreshing. This band plays with a wide-eyed wonder that intrigues and it’s hard not to smile when you see musicians legitimately having this good a time making music together. I somehow lucked into acquiring their new EP at the show last night, but you can get your hands on it at their release party, July 8 at Cactus Café with Mother Falcon. It would be really foolish to miss this show, so make sure to check their WEBSITE! To all the cool kids, I’ll see you there.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Prepare for Radio Silence

Hello, friends! I'm heading off to Manchester, Tennessee! I will be writing a full report, of course, but you won't hear from me until June 14th because I won't have access to the intertubes. So prepare for radio silence, or should I say Silent Disco?

Friday, June 4, 2010

Stella Rose + The Frontier Brothers = Rockin' Good Time

Got plans this Saturday night? If you said Lola's Sixth (Fort Worth), the gods are smiling on you. All other responses belong to fools and cheap hookers. Not only will the night be jam-packed with the hottest tunes from some of our favorite local bands, The Frontier Brothers & Stella Rose, but Stella Rose will be filming their first live DVD, which, if you aren't familiar with these kids loosely translates to PARTY.

First things first, if you haven't checked out Stella Rose and their new record, Drag, I highly recommend doing so now. Stella Rose boasts one of Fort Worth's most epic drummers, Matt Mabe, who you might have seen around town playing Big Mike's Box of Rock, and no matter what kind of music you dig, the gritty chemistry between bass & guitar will floor you, trust me. This trio covers terrain from intoxicating Pumpkins-esque melodies to straight talking, no-nonsense garage rock and everything in between. I don't know much, but I know for damn sure that I wouldn't miss this show for the world. So come out and support their valiant video-making efforts!
(photo by Allison Kamel, 2008)

Next on your To-Do List, hit up The Frontier Brothers and their most recent EP, You Should Start a Band. I was lucky to catch this band a few weeks back in NY opening for Matt and Kim and quite frankly I can't get enough. Trying to describe this band is like trying to explain the definition of 'irony' to Alanis Morissette, but in a minimal effort to summarize: one could suggest a Malkmus sensibility underlying much of the songwriting, an undeniable pop influence that comes through strongly in Brett's toe-tapping piano riffs, and what is, for all intents and purposes, a Biggie Smalls attitude in the lyricism that is entertaining as hell. Matt Hudson's bass parts are absurdly intelligent and energetic, the hooks are unbelievably catchy and the drummer, Travis Newman, just doesn't miss a beat. I think the best way to describe The Frontier Brothers is that when you see these guys perform, you will be hard-pressed to pick a favorite member; don't miss out and you'll see what I mean...
(photo from www.thefrontierbrothers.com)


PS- don't forget to check out TFB's latest music video!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Guitars Are a Girl's Best Friend

Today has been absolutely heinous. I mean, wholly terrible. So, I decided to look to my favorite girls for some advice, and in doing so, I compiled a list my top 10 influences. Look out, boys- these days, it's the girls who are manhandling rock and roll! I want to take a few minutes to give props to some of the women who’ve inspired me, empowered me, and to a large extent taught me how to rock. I decided to narrow it down to just 10, so please excuse me in advance for leaving off the dozens of other women in rock who’ve done something to pave the way. In loose chronological order:

Janis Joplin (singer-songwriter)

Carole King (singer-songwriter & pianist)


Tina Weymouth (The Talking Heads; bass guitar)
"I wasn't originally a bass player. I just found out I was needed, because everyone wants to play guitar." -Tina

Björk Guðmundsdóttir (singer-songwriter)


"Roach" (The Groovie Ghoulies; guitar & vocals)

Kim Deal (Pixies & The Breeders; guitar, bass guitar & vocals)
"Cool as Kim Deal" by The Dandy Warhols

Allison Robertson (The Donnas; guitar & vocals)
“It makes you feel like, wow, there are people who aren't jaded, who enjoy watching rock music, having a good time, clapping and dancing. You know, what you're supposed to do at a rock show!”

Fiona Apple (singer-songwriter & pianist)
“The way I feel about music is that there is no right and wrong. Only true and false.” -Fiona Apple

Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley; guitar, vocals & singer-songwriter)

Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs; vocals & tomfoolery)