Hey everyone. I am still here. I do still exist. I haven't been doing a very good job at keeping up with this, but I will do better I promise. I hate saying things like that in blogs I've just realized. My apologies for that.
I have been listening to basically one thing for the past week or so: WFMT Chicago. Why classical music? I'm not really sure. But I currently have a stack of three CDs of Mendelssohn next to me that I got from the library and can't wait to get on my computer. I don't really have any classical music in my collection, and that seems a travesty in my book, so I'm going to start adding. Bit by bit. And WFMT is going to help me. I looked into working for them, but I don't nearly have enough classical music knowledge. Perhaps I can fix that.
Enrich your ears with classical music! If it works for babies, it'll work for you. I am also about to musically chow down on some Alison Krauss and Muddy Waters. My ears are salivating.
Enjoy!
2.05.2009
12.21.2008
Merry Christmas
I'm not going to write an end of the year music thing. I'd like to, but that corner is marketed by people whose job it is to listen to all the new music that comes out. I don't have that kind of money myself. I can tell you that there was music I found this year that really helped me push through what ended up being quite the manic year. So here are a few songs and albums that were prevalent in my ears:
Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride and The Daytrotter Sessions
Sunset Rubdown - Shut up, I'm Dreaming; Random Spirit Lover; and The Daytrotter Sessions
Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer
The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism and The Gleam
Dr. Dre - The Chronic
Frank Yankovic and Friends - Songs of the Polka King v. 1
Old Crow Medicine Show - Big Iron World
Tom Waits - Orphans; VH1 Storytellers; Raindogs; and Swordfishtrombones
Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
Good Life - Lovers Need Lawyers EP
Cursive - "Am I Not Yours?"
Queen - "Don't Stop Me Now" and "Princes of the Universe"
Mountain Goats - "This Year" (this was my anthem for 2008)
Ricky Skaggs - "Brand New Strings"
White Stripes - "Denial Twist"
Further Seems Forever - "Pictures of Shorelines" (I know I know...)
Good Life - "Friction" and "Always a Bridesmaid"
Counting Crows - "A Long December"; "Anna Begins"; and "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby"
The Anniversary - "Heart is a Lonely Hunter"
Andrew WK - "She is Beautiful" and "McLaughlin Groove"
That's about the extent of it. Sorry I have been lacking in posts here. I am busy. Here is something to make up for it.
Enjoy!
Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride and The Daytrotter Sessions
Sunset Rubdown - Shut up, I'm Dreaming; Random Spirit Lover; and The Daytrotter Sessions
Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer
The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism and The Gleam
Dr. Dre - The Chronic
Frank Yankovic and Friends - Songs of the Polka King v. 1
Old Crow Medicine Show - Big Iron World
Tom Waits - Orphans; VH1 Storytellers; Raindogs; and Swordfishtrombones
Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
Good Life - Lovers Need Lawyers EP
Cursive - "Am I Not Yours?"
Queen - "Don't Stop Me Now" and "Princes of the Universe"
Mountain Goats - "This Year" (this was my anthem for 2008)
Ricky Skaggs - "Brand New Strings"
White Stripes - "Denial Twist"
Further Seems Forever - "Pictures of Shorelines" (I know I know...)
Good Life - "Friction" and "Always a Bridesmaid"
Counting Crows - "A Long December"; "Anna Begins"; and "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby"
The Anniversary - "Heart is a Lonely Hunter"
Andrew WK - "She is Beautiful" and "McLaughlin Groove"
That's about the extent of it. Sorry I have been lacking in posts here. I am busy. Here is something to make up for it.
Enjoy!
10.04.2008
Sunset Rubdown - The Empty Bottle, Chicago
The time has finally come for this show and I couldn't be more excited. I have had Random Spirit Lover and Shut Up, I'm Dreaming on repeat for a good 6 months now, and now the chance to see the songs performed live tickles me to no end. With any luck I will be within feet of Spencer and Co. at the Bottle. It is a fantastic venue. The only thing that has me worried is that they are playing two shows that night and I will be seeing the later show. Hopefully the first show doesn't see them overdoing it. I'm sure it will be fantastic though. More to come in the next couple days in review form.
REVIEW:
After the months of build-up and anticipation on my part, Sunset Rubdown arrived in Chicago. I was apparently not the only one excited for the show, as The Empty Bottle had to add a second show to the evening to satisfy everyone that wanted a ticket. Both shows sold out. I attended the later show, and worried that the band would be tired or too drunk to perform well after having already done an entire set just 2 or 3 hours previous. My fears were incredibly unfounded.
I should have known it would be all right when I walked in the venue and saw the band calmly playing pool in the middle of everyone. My first instinct was to walk up to them and just say hello, shake their hands, tell them quietly that I love them. But I held back. I restrained. They just wanted to relax before their show. I shouldn't bother them. I moved on to the bar.
The band took the stage right on time with little fanfare or dramatic build-up. The lights dimmed slightly, the crowd cheered, the band walked on stage, lights came back up. Spencer Krug slid into his place behind his keyboard, adjusted a few knobs, adjusted his mic, and then graciously said, "Hey guys. Thank you so much for coming out. This first song is a new one. We're going to play a lot of new ones." With the first notes of the new song the worry I had of them not being able to transfer the big, almost orchestral sound into a live venue was completely erased. The vocals had a perfect, smooth wash of reverb, the keyboards were in perfect sync to add the right atmosphere of sound, and the drums seemed to swirl and blast all around the packed crowd.
As the set-list went on they threw out more new songs, but mostly songs from Random Spirit Lover and Shut Up, I'm Dreaming. Each one they played was bombastic and moving and solid. The creativity within the band and within Spencer Krug's songwriting continually amazes me. I am a fanboy 100% and I will not deny it. My fanboy-ness was satisfied when, after the guitarist's string broke, Spencer said, "Since we are not a very professional band, one of the guitar strings broke. Also since we are not a professional band, we don't have a back-up guitar. So you'll have to wait until we can string a new string. In the mean time I'm going to play this old old old Sunset Rubdown song." He then launched into his original orchestration for the song "I'll Believe in Anything," the song that later became a track on Wolf Parade's first album. Originally, however, it was a song he had wrote for one of his first solo EPs. That song is one of my favorite Wolf Parade songs ever, and I heard them play it live back in July, but Spencer's original version is a bit slower and quieter, and I had goosebumps the entire song. It was absolutely beautiful. The crowd sang along loud and strong, and many fists were pumped. It would be cheesy to say I nearly teared up...so I won't say it.
After that song was over, Spencer looked to his guitarist and said, "And if we planned that perfect, the next song could start right now." And right on cue they exploded into "The Mending of the Gown," the opening track from Random Spirit Lover. It was spot on and so god damned fantastic. It was powerful, fast, and I sang along loud and hard. It made me want to just grab everyone next to me, put my arms around their shoulders, and sway and sing. Every song was so solid and precise, and, as usual, the band was so gracious and thankful throughout.
All in all they played most all of my favorite songs, and all the songs I've had on repeat for the last 6 months. Including, "Idiot Heart," "Winged/Wicked Things," "Shut Up, I'm Dreaming of Places Where Lovers Have Wings," "Trumpet, Trumpet. Toot! Toot!," and "Stadiums and Shrines II." They also played the new song that they performed on the Blackcab Sessions, which they introduced as, "This is a new song that's a sequel to a song we played before [Trumpet, Trumpet, Toot! Toot!]." You can see them on Blackcab Sessions here.
The final song they played was a slightly sped up version of the epic Shut Up, I'm Dreaming track, "Us Ones in Between." For that song I DID grab the person next to me around the shoulders and sway and sing. Thankfully the young lady next to me was gracious, or as drunk, as I was and followed along with me. They didn't play an encore, Spencer mentioned before the final song that he despised them, but their set was so packed with great songs that an encore wasn't even needed. Though it was desired, but I was completely content. I had seen one of my favorite, if not favorite, bands perform in a tiny venue from roughly 8 feet from the stage. I heard some of my favorite songs ever. And the band couldn't have been tighter, more solid, or nicer. I am continually blown away by this band their various offshoots. I usually try to keep these reviews quasi-professional and slightly detached, but in this case I cannot help but want to ramble on and on about how much I love this band and how fucking incredible this show was. I would file it in my top 5 greatest shows I've ever seen. Right up there with Tom Waits, Radiohead, and TMBG. Well done Spencer, Jordan, Michael, and (especially) Camilla. Thank you for a fantastic evening, and playing some of the best music around. God damn!
As a bonus, here is an interview with Spencer at Pitchfork around the time Random Spirit Lover came out. It's pretty good.
Enjoy!
REVIEW:
After the months of build-up and anticipation on my part, Sunset Rubdown arrived in Chicago. I was apparently not the only one excited for the show, as The Empty Bottle had to add a second show to the evening to satisfy everyone that wanted a ticket. Both shows sold out. I attended the later show, and worried that the band would be tired or too drunk to perform well after having already done an entire set just 2 or 3 hours previous. My fears were incredibly unfounded.
I should have known it would be all right when I walked in the venue and saw the band calmly playing pool in the middle of everyone. My first instinct was to walk up to them and just say hello, shake their hands, tell them quietly that I love them. But I held back. I restrained. They just wanted to relax before their show. I shouldn't bother them. I moved on to the bar.
The band took the stage right on time with little fanfare or dramatic build-up. The lights dimmed slightly, the crowd cheered, the band walked on stage, lights came back up. Spencer Krug slid into his place behind his keyboard, adjusted a few knobs, adjusted his mic, and then graciously said, "Hey guys. Thank you so much for coming out. This first song is a new one. We're going to play a lot of new ones." With the first notes of the new song the worry I had of them not being able to transfer the big, almost orchestral sound into a live venue was completely erased. The vocals had a perfect, smooth wash of reverb, the keyboards were in perfect sync to add the right atmosphere of sound, and the drums seemed to swirl and blast all around the packed crowd.
As the set-list went on they threw out more new songs, but mostly songs from Random Spirit Lover and Shut Up, I'm Dreaming. Each one they played was bombastic and moving and solid. The creativity within the band and within Spencer Krug's songwriting continually amazes me. I am a fanboy 100% and I will not deny it. My fanboy-ness was satisfied when, after the guitarist's string broke, Spencer said, "Since we are not a very professional band, one of the guitar strings broke. Also since we are not a professional band, we don't have a back-up guitar. So you'll have to wait until we can string a new string. In the mean time I'm going to play this old old old Sunset Rubdown song." He then launched into his original orchestration for the song "I'll Believe in Anything," the song that later became a track on Wolf Parade's first album. Originally, however, it was a song he had wrote for one of his first solo EPs. That song is one of my favorite Wolf Parade songs ever, and I heard them play it live back in July, but Spencer's original version is a bit slower and quieter, and I had goosebumps the entire song. It was absolutely beautiful. The crowd sang along loud and strong, and many fists were pumped. It would be cheesy to say I nearly teared up...so I won't say it.
After that song was over, Spencer looked to his guitarist and said, "And if we planned that perfect, the next song could start right now." And right on cue they exploded into "The Mending of the Gown," the opening track from Random Spirit Lover. It was spot on and so god damned fantastic. It was powerful, fast, and I sang along loud and hard. It made me want to just grab everyone next to me, put my arms around their shoulders, and sway and sing. Every song was so solid and precise, and, as usual, the band was so gracious and thankful throughout.
All in all they played most all of my favorite songs, and all the songs I've had on repeat for the last 6 months. Including, "Idiot Heart," "Winged/Wicked Things," "Shut Up, I'm Dreaming of Places Where Lovers Have Wings," "Trumpet, Trumpet. Toot! Toot!," and "Stadiums and Shrines II." They also played the new song that they performed on the Blackcab Sessions, which they introduced as, "This is a new song that's a sequel to a song we played before [Trumpet, Trumpet, Toot! Toot!]." You can see them on Blackcab Sessions here.
The final song they played was a slightly sped up version of the epic Shut Up, I'm Dreaming track, "Us Ones in Between." For that song I DID grab the person next to me around the shoulders and sway and sing. Thankfully the young lady next to me was gracious, or as drunk, as I was and followed along with me. They didn't play an encore, Spencer mentioned before the final song that he despised them, but their set was so packed with great songs that an encore wasn't even needed. Though it was desired, but I was completely content. I had seen one of my favorite, if not favorite, bands perform in a tiny venue from roughly 8 feet from the stage. I heard some of my favorite songs ever. And the band couldn't have been tighter, more solid, or nicer. I am continually blown away by this band their various offshoots. I usually try to keep these reviews quasi-professional and slightly detached, but in this case I cannot help but want to ramble on and on about how much I love this band and how fucking incredible this show was. I would file it in my top 5 greatest shows I've ever seen. Right up there with Tom Waits, Radiohead, and TMBG. Well done Spencer, Jordan, Michael, and (especially) Camilla. Thank you for a fantastic evening, and playing some of the best music around. God damn!
As a bonus, here is an interview with Spencer at Pitchfork around the time Random Spirit Lover came out. It's pretty good.
Enjoy!
8.25.2008
Guilty Pleasures Pt. 1
A place of contention within my musical sensibilities is music that, while may be pleasing to my ears, would be incredibly embarrassing to my musical ego to admit to liking. Everyone has those sort of "skeletons" in their musical closet. Like that Crash Test Dummies tape, or your worn out copy of the "Blame it on the Rain" single. I don't necessarily think that these guilty pleasures are bad per se, they are just something that would get you dirty looks from...well...most your friends. It doesn't make it bad, just slightly socially unacceptable.
I've been trying to be less judgmental in regards to the music that others enjoy. There are a few bands that I refuse to enjoy or give the title "artist" or "musician" (Miley Cyrus, Nickleback, Cute is What we Aim For...I'm lookin at you), but for the most part I can enjoy or appreciate most all music for what it is or does. I may not enjoy its sound on my ear palate, but that doesn't make it bad. If it gets you goin, then so be it. Fair enough? Yeah? Ok fair enough.
With that, I'm going to lay down a few of my guilty pleasures (both from the past and recent, and many times both) to let you know that it's ok. You can let it out! You can openly enjoy that Osmonds album that you've been treating like the ugly booty call. Lovin' it in the privacy of your home, alone, but completely denying its existence around friends and loved ones. Let it breathe.
"Since You've Been Gone" - Kelly Clarkson
It's just a solid and amazing song. She is actually talented. I'll give it to her. She can rock it. This song always makes me want to sing along even though I don't know all the words.
"I'm With You" - Avril Lavigne
I can't say that I enjoy much else by Mrs. Sum41-guy (as a matter of fact her song "Girlfriend" makes my skin crawl a little), but this song does it for me for some reason. I just enjoy the lyrics in it. It's idea of sort of desperation and longing for anything warm and welcoming. Plus she does get a few points because she ACTUALLY writes her songs. Weird I know.
anything by Christina Aguilera
This isn't, or shouldn't be, a guilty pleasure really. She has a damn amazing voice. For real. Don't believe it? Did you see her sing "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" at the Grammy's? Seriously. Ridiculous.
everything R. Kelly touches
I am not embarrassed at all.
The Counting Crows
Listen...I know that a lot of "indie" kids and music snobs don't like the Counting Crows, but...come on! I really like Adam Duritz's voice. He has the right combination of grit and ability, and his song writing is pretty good! (I know "Accidentally in Love" kind of makes your teeth hurt cause it's so sugary sweet, but still.) They are self-referential and great overall.
The Moon is Down by Further Seems Forever
I have been listening to this album quite a bit for the last week or so. This is their first album and their only with original singer Chris Carraba. Yes THAT Chris Carraba of Dashboard Confessional fame. Now I don't really enjoy Dashboard at all because I think it is far to sad and sappy, but The Moon is Down has a good combination of anger and mopey lyrics with good driving punk-ish music. I highly suggest the song, "Wearing Thin," from the album. Highly enjoyable. This is the only album by a so-called "emo" band that I own, and it's well worth it.
There are certainly more songs and bands that I enjoy that I "shouldn't" but that is just a quick sample for you. Most of you know that I have an affinity for country music, so that could be on the list as well. I'll try to update this every so often to exercise my shame. Enjoy!
I've been trying to be less judgmental in regards to the music that others enjoy. There are a few bands that I refuse to enjoy or give the title "artist" or "musician" (Miley Cyrus, Nickleback, Cute is What we Aim For...I'm lookin at you), but for the most part I can enjoy or appreciate most all music for what it is or does. I may not enjoy its sound on my ear palate, but that doesn't make it bad. If it gets you goin, then so be it. Fair enough? Yeah? Ok fair enough.
With that, I'm going to lay down a few of my guilty pleasures (both from the past and recent, and many times both) to let you know that it's ok. You can let it out! You can openly enjoy that Osmonds album that you've been treating like the ugly booty call. Lovin' it in the privacy of your home, alone, but completely denying its existence around friends and loved ones. Let it breathe.
"Since You've Been Gone" - Kelly Clarkson
It's just a solid and amazing song. She is actually talented. I'll give it to her. She can rock it. This song always makes me want to sing along even though I don't know all the words.
"I'm With You" - Avril Lavigne
I can't say that I enjoy much else by Mrs. Sum41-guy (as a matter of fact her song "Girlfriend" makes my skin crawl a little), but this song does it for me for some reason. I just enjoy the lyrics in it. It's idea of sort of desperation and longing for anything warm and welcoming. Plus she does get a few points because she ACTUALLY writes her songs. Weird I know.
anything by Christina Aguilera
This isn't, or shouldn't be, a guilty pleasure really. She has a damn amazing voice. For real. Don't believe it? Did you see her sing "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" at the Grammy's? Seriously. Ridiculous.
everything R. Kelly touches
I am not embarrassed at all.
The Counting Crows
Listen...I know that a lot of "indie" kids and music snobs don't like the Counting Crows, but...come on! I really like Adam Duritz's voice. He has the right combination of grit and ability, and his song writing is pretty good! (I know "Accidentally in Love" kind of makes your teeth hurt cause it's so sugary sweet, but still.) They are self-referential and great overall.
The Moon is Down by Further Seems Forever
I have been listening to this album quite a bit for the last week or so. This is their first album and their only with original singer Chris Carraba. Yes THAT Chris Carraba of Dashboard Confessional fame. Now I don't really enjoy Dashboard at all because I think it is far to sad and sappy, but The Moon is Down has a good combination of anger and mopey lyrics with good driving punk-ish music. I highly suggest the song, "Wearing Thin," from the album. Highly enjoyable. This is the only album by a so-called "emo" band that I own, and it's well worth it.
There are certainly more songs and bands that I enjoy that I "shouldn't" but that is just a quick sample for you. Most of you know that I have an affinity for country music, so that could be on the list as well. I'll try to update this every so often to exercise my shame. Enjoy!
8.06.2008
Weekly Playlist pt. 7
It has been a long while. I'm bored, so here is another for you.
Albums:
Random Spirit Lover - Sunset Rubdown
Frank's Wild Years - Tom Waits
The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place - Explosion in the Sky
Super Taranta! - Gogol Bordello
Songs:
Idiot Heart - Sunset Rubdown
Three Colors - Sunset Rubdown
The Mending of the Gown - Sunset Rubdown
(all three of those from the Daytrotter Session Encore. I have basically listened to these three songs on repeat for the last week or two. The first song isn't on any album, and is one of Spencer's rockers and is a cautionary tale of Icarus and blood. Also if you listen, you'll recognize a few words from "The Men are Called Horsemen" and "Q-chord" from other Rubdown albums. The second one is from an old EP that Spencer recorded solo. This new version is longer and pretty fantastic. The third one is a slower and more intense version of the opener from Random Spirit Lover. Fantastic.)
Telephone Call from Istanbul - Tom Waits
(The last 30 seconds of this song is some of the best work of production I've ever heard. Tom Waits seldom singles out instruments in songs, instead allowing everything to level out together (save his voice of course). But when the blasting organ comes through at the end of this raucous number (a song that begins to the greatest last four songs of an album ever) you can't help but want another minute or two of organ solo before it ends. Listen and see what I mean.)
Train Song - Tom Waits
(Saddest. Song. Ever. The proper closer of Frank's Wild Years (album and musical) that finds our hero, Frank, broke, drunk, and alone on a park bench crying and wailing to the moon. So good.)
Red River Valley - The Mountain Goats
(Also from a Daytrotter Session, and yes it is THAT "Red River Valley." The old time cowboy song that you can hear Josephine Marcus (i.e. Dana Delany) sing in the saloon in the movie Tombstone. John Darnielle adds his own Mountain Goat twist to make an amazing song.)
Fuck Wit Dre Day (and Everybody's Celebratin') - Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
(Do I have explain this one? Didn't think so.)
Get 'em! Enjoy!
Albums:
Random Spirit Lover - Sunset Rubdown
Frank's Wild Years - Tom Waits
The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place - Explosion in the Sky
Super Taranta! - Gogol Bordello
Songs:
Idiot Heart - Sunset Rubdown
Three Colors - Sunset Rubdown
The Mending of the Gown - Sunset Rubdown
(all three of those from the Daytrotter Session Encore. I have basically listened to these three songs on repeat for the last week or two. The first song isn't on any album, and is one of Spencer's rockers and is a cautionary tale of Icarus and blood. Also if you listen, you'll recognize a few words from "The Men are Called Horsemen" and "Q-chord" from other Rubdown albums. The second one is from an old EP that Spencer recorded solo. This new version is longer and pretty fantastic. The third one is a slower and more intense version of the opener from Random Spirit Lover. Fantastic.)
Telephone Call from Istanbul - Tom Waits
(The last 30 seconds of this song is some of the best work of production I've ever heard. Tom Waits seldom singles out instruments in songs, instead allowing everything to level out together (save his voice of course). But when the blasting organ comes through at the end of this raucous number (a song that begins to the greatest last four songs of an album ever) you can't help but want another minute or two of organ solo before it ends. Listen and see what I mean.)
Train Song - Tom Waits
(Saddest. Song. Ever. The proper closer of Frank's Wild Years (album and musical) that finds our hero, Frank, broke, drunk, and alone on a park bench crying and wailing to the moon. So good.)
Red River Valley - The Mountain Goats
(Also from a Daytrotter Session, and yes it is THAT "Red River Valley." The old time cowboy song that you can hear Josephine Marcus (i.e. Dana Delany) sing in the saloon in the movie Tombstone. John Darnielle adds his own Mountain Goat twist to make an amazing song.)
Fuck Wit Dre Day (and Everybody's Celebratin') - Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
(Do I have explain this one? Didn't think so.)
Get 'em! Enjoy!
8.02.2008
Gogol Bordello - The Metro Chicago
Back in February I posted on here a video of Gogol Bordello performing on "Later...with Jools Holland" to give you an idea of the music and also their stage presence. Much has been written about the energy and experience of Gogol Bordello live. Just today Pitchfork posted a small review of their set at Lollapalooza yesterday afternoon, in which reviewer Joshua Klein describes them live as:
Most other reviews I've read of their live shows say the same. So when I found out they would be playing an after show in a small club in Chicago's Wrigleyville, I immediately bought a ticket. It was time to experience the maelstrom myself.
When I arrived the marquee said the show was sold out, and there was large throng of people waiting out front. Once inside I staked a spot out somewhat in the back and close enough to the bar. Though after seeing that beer was $6, I decided that the proximity to the bar wasn't as important. The crowd slowly built itself up as the night went on, and after listening to the opening "band" in the form of a VHS or Beta DJ set, I wished I had just waited to come right before Gogol Bordello came on. There isn't much else in the world of music that I dislike more than club beats and house music. I'll say that right now. I don't have the attention span or love of E enough to want to listen to an incessant boom-tsst-boom-tsst for longer than a few minutes. I love dancey music of course, but there has to be some guitar or words or rhythm change or I just want to punch every raver around me in the face. I think the thing that bothers me is that the beat continues the exact same from song to song. Boom-tsst-boom-tsst. There is no delineation between songs. If you can call them songs. So to have to stand in a hot club surrounded by sweaty people touching me and listen to an hour long DJ set is just about as close to hell as I could possibly get. At that point I thought, "Gogol Bordello better be fucking worth it."
The one good thing about an opening act DJ set is that the headliners can just walk on stage almost immediately after the DJs are done since there is little clean up. So once the tiny, indie-boy stereotypes of VHS or Beta were done, there was only approximately a 10 minute gap until Gogol Bordello's percussionist and apparent hype man Pedro Erazu ran on stage and began yelling and working up the crowd. A few moments later lead singer and guitarist Eugene Hutz makes his presence known by sprinting out and yelling and cheering into the microphone, bottle of wine in hand and arms waving wildly to the crowd. The rest of the band burst onto stage and after a few minutes of chanting and yelling, Hutz launched into Super Taranta! opener, "Ultimate." My mind was gone from there on out.
As soon as the first full band note hit the energy in the room blew through the roof. Everyone on stage except the drummer made their way to the front and shook hands, smiled, waved and cheered to the fans in the front rows. Hutz ran around to every side of the stage trading off microphones all across the stage. Fiddler Sergey Ryabtsev kept a strong smile on his face, and everyone in the crowd jumped and pumped their fists.
This lasted through all hour and a half of the set. There was very little time for a breather. Hutz took a little time to set up, "American Wedding," near the end of the set, but that was simply to give time for Ryabtsev to tune his fiddle. In his slightly broken english Hutz said, "We've been doing a lot of worrying about other countries. Talking about these countries. Let's talk about something bigger for fuck's sake! Let's talk about Ameeeeeeeerica! An American Wedding!" The rest of the time was constant, almost choreographed, movement around the stage. Every so often the back-up singers/dancers, and neon clothed, Pamela Jintana Racine and Elizabeth Sun would run onto stage to sing on a song, but then would quickly retreat off-stage. At the end of the proper set, during "Think Globally, Fuck Locally," they had changed costumes and strapped on a bass drum and cymbals to play. During the same song Hutz took his trademark red bucket (seen here from a show a year ago at The Metro) and put it over the microphone and delivered a quite impressive drum solo.
When I met up with friends afterward, all I could say was that the show was one of the most entertaining shows I have ever attended. It was completely entertaining. Music, show, dance, overall feeling, just amazing. It is a novelty and joy to see a band genuinely enjoying themselves on stage. Bands are so focused on looking cool and "feeling the music" that it is sometimes too serious. Gogol Bordello, however, were smiling and patting each other on the back during and after songs. They were laughing and obviously enjoying themselves. They were a group of friends playing music that excites them and energizes them, and they are playing it together. They are happy to be playing for the audience, and want you to catch their infectious energy. Everyone in the crowd did catch that energy. It was a breath of fresh air in a room of stagnant sweat and hot air. It was a celebration. Of what? Of everything, everyone, life, music, whatever you'd like.
If you have the chance to catch them live in a club, do not pass it up. Even if you are just a minor fan of their music, you HAVE to see the show they put on. You can not deny it. It will raise your spirits and make you want to close your eyes and dance like an idiot. Fantastic! Enjoy!
...seeing the band in the club is like being dropped into the center of a maelstrom
Most other reviews I've read of their live shows say the same. So when I found out they would be playing an after show in a small club in Chicago's Wrigleyville, I immediately bought a ticket. It was time to experience the maelstrom myself.
When I arrived the marquee said the show was sold out, and there was large throng of people waiting out front. Once inside I staked a spot out somewhat in the back and close enough to the bar. Though after seeing that beer was $6, I decided that the proximity to the bar wasn't as important. The crowd slowly built itself up as the night went on, and after listening to the opening "band" in the form of a VHS or Beta DJ set, I wished I had just waited to come right before Gogol Bordello came on. There isn't much else in the world of music that I dislike more than club beats and house music. I'll say that right now. I don't have the attention span or love of E enough to want to listen to an incessant boom-tsst-boom-tsst for longer than a few minutes. I love dancey music of course, but there has to be some guitar or words or rhythm change or I just want to punch every raver around me in the face. I think the thing that bothers me is that the beat continues the exact same from song to song. Boom-tsst-boom-tsst. There is no delineation between songs. If you can call them songs. So to have to stand in a hot club surrounded by sweaty people touching me and listen to an hour long DJ set is just about as close to hell as I could possibly get. At that point I thought, "Gogol Bordello better be fucking worth it."
The one good thing about an opening act DJ set is that the headliners can just walk on stage almost immediately after the DJs are done since there is little clean up. So once the tiny, indie-boy stereotypes of VHS or Beta were done, there was only approximately a 10 minute gap until Gogol Bordello's percussionist and apparent hype man Pedro Erazu ran on stage and began yelling and working up the crowd. A few moments later lead singer and guitarist Eugene Hutz makes his presence known by sprinting out and yelling and cheering into the microphone, bottle of wine in hand and arms waving wildly to the crowd. The rest of the band burst onto stage and after a few minutes of chanting and yelling, Hutz launched into Super Taranta! opener, "Ultimate." My mind was gone from there on out.
As soon as the first full band note hit the energy in the room blew through the roof. Everyone on stage except the drummer made their way to the front and shook hands, smiled, waved and cheered to the fans in the front rows. Hutz ran around to every side of the stage trading off microphones all across the stage. Fiddler Sergey Ryabtsev kept a strong smile on his face, and everyone in the crowd jumped and pumped their fists.
This lasted through all hour and a half of the set. There was very little time for a breather. Hutz took a little time to set up, "American Wedding," near the end of the set, but that was simply to give time for Ryabtsev to tune his fiddle. In his slightly broken english Hutz said, "We've been doing a lot of worrying about other countries. Talking about these countries. Let's talk about something bigger for fuck's sake! Let's talk about Ameeeeeeeerica! An American Wedding!" The rest of the time was constant, almost choreographed, movement around the stage. Every so often the back-up singers/dancers, and neon clothed, Pamela Jintana Racine and Elizabeth Sun would run onto stage to sing on a song, but then would quickly retreat off-stage. At the end of the proper set, during "Think Globally, Fuck Locally," they had changed costumes and strapped on a bass drum and cymbals to play. During the same song Hutz took his trademark red bucket (seen here from a show a year ago at The Metro) and put it over the microphone and delivered a quite impressive drum solo.
When I met up with friends afterward, all I could say was that the show was one of the most entertaining shows I have ever attended. It was completely entertaining. Music, show, dance, overall feeling, just amazing. It is a novelty and joy to see a band genuinely enjoying themselves on stage. Bands are so focused on looking cool and "feeling the music" that it is sometimes too serious. Gogol Bordello, however, were smiling and patting each other on the back during and after songs. They were laughing and obviously enjoying themselves. They were a group of friends playing music that excites them and energizes them, and they are playing it together. They are happy to be playing for the audience, and want you to catch their infectious energy. Everyone in the crowd did catch that energy. It was a breath of fresh air in a room of stagnant sweat and hot air. It was a celebration. Of what? Of everything, everyone, life, music, whatever you'd like.
If you have the chance to catch them live in a club, do not pass it up. Even if you are just a minor fan of their music, you HAVE to see the show they put on. You can not deny it. It will raise your spirits and make you want to close your eyes and dance like an idiot. Fantastic! Enjoy!
7.31.2008
Nick's Chicago Concert Calendar
So I have been getting more and more excited as the weeks have come and gone and more and more concert announcements made. I have decided to post (for those of you in or near the Chicagoland area...and maybe gloat a little to those who aren't) the upcoming concerts that I am either attending or want to attend. I hope you enjoy, and I hope that I can post some reviews/pictures of the shows I DO attend. We shall see! Here we go!!
August:
1st - Gogol Bordello at The Metro - Ticket already purchased and I cannot wait for this one. It's going to be just the kind of energetic and exciting show I need. I love accordions and violins together with gypsy beats and crazy lead singers.
5th - She & Him at Park West - I don't think I can attend this one unfortunately. I have a rehearsal that night until 10 and since it is an all ages show, it starts at 7:30. It is highly disappointing due to my severe crush on Zooey Deschanel. Damn all ages shows. (PS This is also the day the new Faint albums goes on sale, Fasciinatiion. Also very exciting. More on them later.)
17th - Handsome Furs at The Empty Bottle - Just found out about this one tonight. If you've read this blog more than just this post, you know of my hard-on for all things Wolf Parade related, and The Handsome Furs are definitely no exception. I really really wish I could go to this show, but I will be out of the state. Damn my luck. Maybe they'll come again? Maybe the other show I'll see at the Empty Bottle will make up for it...more on that soon.
22nd - The Faint at The Vic - Speaking of the new Faint album, the tour for that album swings through Chicago. I have seen them twice, and both times it was incredible. The Faint put on a damn amazing show. If you have a chance to catch them on this tour, I highly advise it. I, unfortunately, won't be attending. I have to be in Michigan performing at a wedding instead. Please go and enjoy the show for me.
September is kind of a drought as of now. Hopefully more will turn up soon.
October:
4th - Sunset Rubdown at The Empty Bottle - This is the other show I'm seeing at The Empty Bottle to make up for missing Handsome Furs. I first thought I wasn't going to be able to attend this show, but it is an 18+ show so therefore it starts late! So I can go after my play that night, and I'm more than overjoyed. I have wanted to see these guys live since I first heard Shut Up, I am Dreaming at the end of last year. It is sure to be amazing.
13th - The Mountain Goats with Kaki King at Park West - A pretty damn good double billing I think, and one that I am elated to buy tickets for. Park West seems like a perfect venue for The Mountain Goats, and I've got it hard for them in a bad way. This show, in it's close proximity with Sunset Rubdown, could make for an amazing couple of weeks in my musical world.
18th - Old Crow Medicine Show at The Riviera - There is no other show on my list that I am more disappointed in not being able to see than this one. I have wanted to see these guys real bad for a while, and it just so happens to be closing night of the play I'm in, and, guess what?!, it's an all ages show that starts at 7:30. Damn children! I have never hated all ages shows more.
23rd - The Electric Six at The Double Door - Add this to Sunset Rubdown and The Mountain Goats, and make it an amazing October. I saw The Electric Six the last time they came in and played the Double Door about a month or so ago, and it was everything I thought an Electric Six show would be: amazing. I will do my damnedest to make it back for this next go around. Well worth it.
November:
22nd - Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest ft. The Avett Brothers at The Congress Theater - The Avett Brothers are a major part of my new and developing bluegrass fascination. The two albums and EP I have of theirs have been in steady rotation for months now, and I would love to see them live. Tickets are somewhat expensive, and my schedule doesn't go as far as November, so we'll see if I can make it to this one. I would love to though. Fingers crossed.
I know I left off Lollapalooza, but really all I want to see there are The Weakerthans (better in a small club), Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, and maybe a few other bands. But those others bands would be better in a small club, not a huge field. And I ain't paying $80 to see Rage Against the Machine and another $80 for Radiohead (they are on different days). There are other shows going on in this time span that would be awesome (Meat Puppets at West Fest, Califone in Millennium Park, Beck for two nights at The Argon Ballroom, etc. etc.) but these I listed are high on my list. Hope this was useful in some way to those close to here, and an enticement for those who were thinking of a trip! Enjoy!
August:
1st - Gogol Bordello at The Metro - Ticket already purchased and I cannot wait for this one. It's going to be just the kind of energetic and exciting show I need. I love accordions and violins together with gypsy beats and crazy lead singers.
5th - She & Him at Park West - I don't think I can attend this one unfortunately. I have a rehearsal that night until 10 and since it is an all ages show, it starts at 7:30. It is highly disappointing due to my severe crush on Zooey Deschanel. Damn all ages shows. (PS This is also the day the new Faint albums goes on sale, Fasciinatiion. Also very exciting. More on them later.)
17th - Handsome Furs at The Empty Bottle - Just found out about this one tonight. If you've read this blog more than just this post, you know of my hard-on for all things Wolf Parade related, and The Handsome Furs are definitely no exception. I really really wish I could go to this show, but I will be out of the state. Damn my luck. Maybe they'll come again? Maybe the other show I'll see at the Empty Bottle will make up for it...more on that soon.
22nd - The Faint at The Vic - Speaking of the new Faint album, the tour for that album swings through Chicago. I have seen them twice, and both times it was incredible. The Faint put on a damn amazing show. If you have a chance to catch them on this tour, I highly advise it. I, unfortunately, won't be attending. I have to be in Michigan performing at a wedding instead. Please go and enjoy the show for me.
September is kind of a drought as of now. Hopefully more will turn up soon.
October:
4th - Sunset Rubdown at The Empty Bottle - This is the other show I'm seeing at The Empty Bottle to make up for missing Handsome Furs. I first thought I wasn't going to be able to attend this show, but it is an 18+ show so therefore it starts late! So I can go after my play that night, and I'm more than overjoyed. I have wanted to see these guys live since I first heard Shut Up, I am Dreaming at the end of last year. It is sure to be amazing.
13th - The Mountain Goats with Kaki King at Park West - A pretty damn good double billing I think, and one that I am elated to buy tickets for. Park West seems like a perfect venue for The Mountain Goats, and I've got it hard for them in a bad way. This show, in it's close proximity with Sunset Rubdown, could make for an amazing couple of weeks in my musical world.
18th - Old Crow Medicine Show at The Riviera - There is no other show on my list that I am more disappointed in not being able to see than this one. I have wanted to see these guys real bad for a while, and it just so happens to be closing night of the play I'm in, and, guess what?!, it's an all ages show that starts at 7:30. Damn children! I have never hated all ages shows more.
23rd - The Electric Six at The Double Door - Add this to Sunset Rubdown and The Mountain Goats, and make it an amazing October. I saw The Electric Six the last time they came in and played the Double Door about a month or so ago, and it was everything I thought an Electric Six show would be: amazing. I will do my damnedest to make it back for this next go around. Well worth it.
November:
22nd - Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest ft. The Avett Brothers at The Congress Theater - The Avett Brothers are a major part of my new and developing bluegrass fascination. The two albums and EP I have of theirs have been in steady rotation for months now, and I would love to see them live. Tickets are somewhat expensive, and my schedule doesn't go as far as November, so we'll see if I can make it to this one. I would love to though. Fingers crossed.
I know I left off Lollapalooza, but really all I want to see there are The Weakerthans (better in a small club), Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, and maybe a few other bands. But those others bands would be better in a small club, not a huge field. And I ain't paying $80 to see Rage Against the Machine and another $80 for Radiohead (they are on different days). There are other shows going on in this time span that would be awesome (Meat Puppets at West Fest, Califone in Millennium Park, Beck for two nights at The Argon Ballroom, etc. etc.) but these I listed are high on my list. Hope this was useful in some way to those close to here, and an enticement for those who were thinking of a trip! Enjoy!
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