The Dodos
Ra Ra Riot
I survived 90+ degree heat to see Ra Ra Riot and The Dodos. I saw the Dodos back in April and two nights ago (which I'm glad I did because the Dodos' music is best suited for a small, intimate venue), but I hadn't seen Ra Ra Riot since they opened for Tokyo Police Club at Mercury Lounge back in the spring of '07. After that show, I couldn't stop playing "Each Year" on my iTunes.
Ra Ra Riot is a great live act, and it is no wonder that they are gaining a lot of hype without even releasing a full-length album (The Rhumb Line is due on August 19). I wanted to catch them at the Bowery Ballroom this past spring, but I waited too long to buy tickets and the show sold out. This band has a lot of energy, and I always have a lot of fun watching them perform. The string instruments definitely add a refreshing classical influence to Ra Ra Riot's music.
I'm going to go nurse my sunburnt face now... Even though I was in ridiculous heat while I was traveling, the weather at Siren was especially unbearable. I wanted to stay for Broken Social Scene, but I just couldn't stand the heat of the sun and crowd anymore. Needless to say, there was even less dancing than I would usually expect at a New York show. I definitely prefer the crowd at Pitchfork Music Festival, but my friend told me that the Saturday was rainy, humid, muddy, and overall very unpleasant.
Each Year - Ra Ra Riot
Dying is Fine - Ra Ra Riot
A Manner to Act - Ra Ra Riot
July 19, 2008
Siren Music Festival 2008
July 18, 2008
The Dodos - Cake Shop 07.17.08
Secret show at Cake Shop. The Dodos will be performing this Saturday at the Village Voice's Siren Music Festival. I think I heard Meric mention that he was terrified. They will also perform at Pitchfork Music Festival on Sunday.
The Dodos at Cake Shop from sarahana on Vimeo.
Check out my past post for music and observations.
July 15, 2008
The Acorn
Not too long ago, I stumbled upon The Acorn's name in SPIN magazine. Yes, I have a subscription to SPIN. It came free with my ticket to All Points West. Although most of the magazine is erm...not very good, I do like this one section where writers recommend new acts that are supposedly under the radar. And there was The Acorn.
From Ottawa, The Acorn released their first LP earlier this year in the States. Glory Hope Mountain is an artfully formulated concept album that is based on the life of Rolf Klausener's mother, Gloria Esperanza Montoya (Get the connection?). When a friend asked me to describe the album, I initially described it as being soothing. This album was perfect to listen to while I was studying for an exam. While the music is great to work to, it's interesting enough to keep me awake, which is a plus. I do admit that I am a bit biased when it comes to indie folk (I sorta love it), but something about this band stands out to me. Maybe it's the influence of Honduran percussion and rhythms, but I dig it.
Here are some of my favorite tracks. Enjoy!
Crooked Legs - The Acorn
Low Gravity - The Acorn
Flood Pt. 1 - The Acorn
July 14, 2008
Passion Pit
via LAS magazine
Edit: I just listened to some of EP today and it's awesome. The countdown begins.
Hailing from the non-Brooklyn city of Boston, Passion Pit was introduced to me by someone who sits a couple seats away from me every day and not by choice (Thanks, Nick!). I wish I could recall the exact words he used to describe Passion Pit, but all I remember is MGMT meets ... 5-6 other bands. The five-piece Passion Pit, led by Michael Angelakos, was recently picked up by Frenchkiss Records, home to The Dodos, Les Savy Fav, and The Hold Steady. They've also opened for Girl Talk, so they have something in common with Tay Zonday of "Chocolate Rain" fame. I haven't heard that much yet, but I'm curious to hear more.
Chunk of Change EP is due on September 16, and an LP is to be expected in early 2009.
Tracklist (via Hate Something Beautiful)
1. I've Got Your Number
2. Batty Lashes
3. Smile Upon Me
4. Cuddle Fuddle
5. Tons of Guns
6. Live to Tell The Tale
7. Better Things (Bonus Track)
8. Sleepyhead (Bonus Track)
Passion Pit will be performing at Piano's on August 13, 20, and 27. Check 'em out if you can!
Sleepyhead - Passion Pit
Better Things - Passion Pit
More free downloads at Last.fm.
The Black Ghosts - "It's Your Touch"
via brooklynvegan
Simian's Simon Lord (vocals on Simian Mobile Disco's "I Believe") and The Wiseguys' Theo Keating come together as The Black Ghosts to bring you "It's Your Touch." I'm normally not a big fan of electropop, or pop in general, but there's something very soothing about this song. The first song of the Black Ghosts that I had heard was "Any Way You Choose To Give It" (through SXSW). I'm not really a fan of this song, so I was surprised to find this track playing on my iTunes the other day...
The Black Ghosts play Studio B this Saturday night. $5 advance tickets!
It's Your Touch - The Black Ghosts
July 10, 2008
Ratatat - "Mirando"
via brooklynvegan
This track off LP3 is awesome. It's been replaying in my head throughout the day. I really dig the 8-bit sounds. Ratatat's show at MHOW next week is sold out, but the duo is returning to New York on September 27. Tickets are currently on sale for the Terminal 5 show.
Has anyone experienced Ratatat's live show? I've heard good things...
Mirando - Ratatat
Fleet Foxes - Bowery Ballroom 07.09.08
Yes, you probably get it by now. I REALLY like Fleet Foxes. After my blog post on the Sun Giant EP and my near verbal diarrhea (or truth, as I'd like to call it) about the last time they performed at Bowery Ballroom, it seems that I really like to talk about this band. Well, that's because they're awesome and their show tonight reiterated the fact.
I was so excited to see Fleet Foxes return to New York as a headlining act. So excited that I purchased tickets the week they went on sale, which turned out to be a good move on my part. Tickets sold out not too long ago for this show, and I saw tickets going for $50-60 a pop on Craigslist. Maybe it had to do with the Pitchfork review of the LP. But, you know, just a guess.
I arrived early, not too long after doors opened. Somehow, I had this feeling that people would be filling the venue early. Another good move. Before the opening act walked on-stage, the place was already half-packed. This is pretty much unheard of at Bowery Ballroom, but I guess the audience knew what was up; arrive early and snatch a good spot for the main act.
Like at the last Bowery show, Robin was ill. This time, I think he was even sicker. He was hacking away in between lines of song. Honestly, I had this look of grave concern on my face during the entire set. Robin announced that this would be the day that he would quit smoking. QUIT SMOKING??? ROBIN, WHY ARE YOU SMOKING IN THE FIRST PLACE??? I am completely flabbergasted. That voice needs maintenance and preservation. Robin, I think you made the right decision. The next time I see you perform, I don't want to see you coughing like you're going to die. In fact, it seemed like other members could have also been sick. A sick Fleet Foxes sounded amazing, but I'm curious to experience a healthy Fleet Foxes.
In the first picture above, you can catch a glimpse of Fleet Foxes' new member. When I first heard the news, I assumed that six people would be performing on stage. However, it seems that J. Tillman is taking over as the drummer for their current tour.
Like my friend said after the show, Fleet Foxes' music was meant to be experienced live. Do yourself a favor and check out this band. People have different opinions on Fleet Foxes' use of reverb on their recorded albums, but the live shows are simply good. I'm going to be completely sleep-deprived and exhausted at work tomorrow, but it was well worth it.
Setlist (I wrote it on my hand during the show, so I would appreciate a credit if you post it elsewhere)
Sun Giant
Sun Rises
Drops in the River
English House
White Winter Hymnal
Ragged Wood
Your Protector
Crayon Angels (Judee Sill Cover)
Oliver James
He Doesn't Know Why
Mykonos
Blue Ridge Mountains
---------
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
Video of Robin performing "Crayon Angels" on Black Cab Sessions
Check out this past post and this one for more songs.
Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song - Fleet Foxes
Your Protector - Fleet Foxes
July 5, 2008
Sonic Youth - Battery Park 07.04.08
Photos courtesy of it's okay i have a super soaker.
I want a screwdriver capo like Lee Ranaldo's. Although, according to the Sonic Youth website, it's not exactly used as a capo.
Screwdriver -- placed under the strings behind a specific fret, a screwdriver helps construct Lee's guitar parts on "Confusion is Next" "The World Looks Red" "Early American" "I Love Her All The Time" and "Flower".
Drumstick used on the guitar is also cool. I can only hope that I will be as cool as Sonic Youth for the rest of my days.
Setlist (Thanks to Christopher and Jacob!)
She is Not Alone
Bull in the Heather
Silver Rocket
Skip Tracer
The Sprawl
World Looks Red
Jams Run Free
Hey Joni
Cross the Breeze
Trilogy a) The Wonder
Trilogy b) Hyperstation
Drunken Butterfly
-----------------
Making the Nature Scene
Pink Steam
-----------------
Schizophrenia
100%
Hey Joni - Sonic Youth
July 3, 2008
Beck - "Orphans"
Sure, the general public tends to think that Scientologists are a bit, well, insane. That doesn't make me stop listening to them...or at least to their music.
Beck returns with his new full-length album, Modern Guilt. "Orphans" is one of the two songs that feature Cat Power. The song isn't quite as charming as some of his past songs, but I can't help wanting to hear it over and over again. And seeing as I acquired the album earlier today, I think it deserves a short post.
Modern Guilt will be released on July 8 in North America (Preorder here!). Beck is currently on tour in Europe and will be returning to North America in August.
Orphans - Beck
July 1, 2008
Sigur Rós - "Gobbledigook"
via MusicClub
Yes, I am still alive.
Today, I officially joined the workforce, leaving behind my carefree days of youth. Overdramatic? Perhaps.
Although my employee training is somewhat painful, music like "Gobbledigook" manages to put a smile on my face during my early morning commute. I haven't listened to the new Sigur Rós album in its entirety, but I really dig this song.
Sigur Rós announced a full North American tour not too long ago. I missed them once this summer while I was traveling overseas. Looks like I'm going to miss them again, since they're playing on weekdays. Although I'm disappointed, I'm not a fan of the United Palace Theatre.
Thoughts on the new album? Been to a Sigur Rós show recently?
*Note* I have access to Blogger at work. Puhahaha.
Also, how many pictures of Sigur Rós can you take over 2 hours? Apparently, a lot.
Gobbledigook - Sigur Rós
