Although I felt like a teenybopper by arriving at the venue an hour before doors were scheduled to open, I suspected that I wouldn't be the only one who didn't mind camping out a little for Sufjan Stevens. Sure enough, the line already snaked around the corner at 6:30 PM, but doors opened early around 7:10 PM. I'd never been to a Sufjan show before and, as gruesome as this may sound, he's been on my list of musicians to see before I die. Radiohead was once on this list.
I think it'd be accurate to say that I've been waiting several years to see Sufjan Stevens. Perhaps I've encountered a select sampling, but I've found that most Sufjan fans pinpoint Greetings from Michigan as the album that hooked them in for life. I was late in the game, so my "first" Sufjan album was Seven Swans, for no particular reason other than I was uninterested in so-called indie music until late high school. Sufjan Stevens may be pioneering christian indie as a genre and the biblical allusions in Seven Swans are undeniable, but I never really considered Sufjan's music to be intentionally religious in subject matter. It never held that meaning for me, especially since I'd been raised in an Eastern faith, but Seven Swans moved me in such ways that I became a Sufjan fan for life. Besides, he put together two albums about my home state! I even had "Come on feel the Illinoise" engraved onto an iPod. I do not joke.
In person, Sufjan almost looks like an overgrown teenager in his shrunken tee and trucker hat. He was joined by Nedelle of opening act Cryptacize and special guests Bryce Dessner of The National and Rosie Thomas, who was never the mother of Sufjan's baby. Unsurprisingly, Sufjan didn't talk much, and he seemed like a pretty shy guy. But, he did joke around about making mistakes and weening himself off reading notes for his new songs. He referred to the old songs as "real songs," as if the new material were just experimentations. The new songs had big backing band sounds, electronic blips of some sort, an absence of strict song structure, and a bit of improvisation. They seemed to be a logical step forward from "You Are The Blood," the song Sufjan contributed to the Dark Was The Night compilation. I'm hoping that this fall tour is a sign that Sufjan is seriously preparing a new album.
While the new songs were interesting to hear, especially since it's been awhile since Sufjan released a proper album of songs, I admit that I was at the show to hear the old ones. My favorite of the night was "Casimir Pulaski Day," a song that actually moved me to tears. That's never happened to me at a show before, but it's hard not to get teary when Sufjan confronts you with such a tragic story, sung with a tinge of vulnerability. I'm sure that I wasn't the only one who was lost in Sufjan's songs. Sufjan's live performances are unbelievably powerful, because he's able to effortlessly recreate the moods of his recorded music without using any gimmicks (aside from the 44 effects pedals onstage). With just his musical instruments and his voice, Sufjan Stevens makes you fall for his music all over again. If music can be considered a faith or religion, then seeing Sufjan was a spiritual experience.
Setlist
The Mistress Witch from McClure
Impossible Soul
The Transfiguration
Casimir Pulaski Day
All Delighted People (Note: The new live version sounds very different from the one posted below)
All The Trees Of The Field Will Clap Their Hands
Age of Adz
To Be Alone With You
The Dress Looks Nice On You
Majesty Snowbird
Jacksonville
Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head!
Chicago
------------
John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
------------
Lakes of Canada (Innocence Mission Cover)
Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens
Lakes of Canada - Sufjan Stevens
All Delighted People - Sufjan Stevens
October 5, 2009
Sufjan Stevens - Bowery Ballroom 10.04.09
September 11, 2009
Kings of Convenience - Bowery Ballroom 09.10.09
My love of Kings of Convenience goes back to the beginning of the college, just a couple months after the release of their second album, Riot on an Empty Street. As many of you can understand, freshman year is a very tumultuous period of time, and I spent most of my first NYC winter wallowing in self-pity. Accompanying me in these sessions was Kings of Convenience, soothing me with their minimalist acoustic instruments and making me feel even lonelier with their lyrics. Yes, I was one of those E-word kids.
When Kings of Convenience announced a single U.S. show at Bowery Ballroom, there wasn't a question of whether I would go. After five long years, KOC were about to return with Declaration of Dependence, an album that's been heroically kept under wraps for the most part. Last night at Bowery Ballroom, they unveiled live performances of many of these new songs for the first time to a very respectful crowd. Seriously, the audience admiration was comparable to what I felt at shows like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. I appreciate the slight predictability of KOC's music, and it seems like Declaration of Dependence is a melodically sunnier continuation of where the duo left off with Riot on an Empty Street. "Mrs. Cold" is the first single off Declaration of Dependence, and it's a classic KOC song in every way. The almost cynical lyrics of unrequited love and soft guitar-picked chords and notes are undoubtedly irresistible. Kings of Convenience proved that they haven't forgotten their formula for hooking and reeling in the listener.
The night was full of surprises, starting with the fact that Kings of Convenience are not boring to watch, even with just the two of them! Their stage banter was so natural and the crowd ate it up. I could feel everyone loosening up as Erlend and Eirik poked fun at themselves, their new songs, why it's taken so long for them to put together a new album, an audience member's terrible Norwegian, and male models. Erlend even shared a little known fact that "Little Kids" was written while he was walking around the Lower East Side. I think that makes him an honorary New Yorker.
The biggest surprise came at the very end when Kings of Convenience returned to the stage for their encore. Out of nowhere Leslie Feist appeared on the balcony and started belting her part to an unplugged version of "The Build Up." I was standing right below the balcony so I couldn't make out Feist's face, but her voice was unmistakeable. If you know me personally, you're probably wondering why I'm freaking out over this guest appearance when I don't even like Leslie's solo stuff. Well, it's true that I've never quite warmed up to most of Feist's solo material, but I love her presence in BSS and on the two KOC songs from their last album. Before I could even get over the shock of seeing a denim-clad Feist on the balcony, she was onstage for "Know How," a stunning song from the last album. The contained energy and excitement of the crowd during this song was unbelievable. I could see and hear people mouthing or singing along with KOC and Leslie, and I felt like I was a part of something special. I know it sounds corny, but it was an incredible moment that I will never forget.
Power of live music, folks. It brings tears of joy to my eyes. Go see Kings of Convenience. Declaration of Dependence will be released in October.
May 12, 2009
Akron/Family - Bowery Ballroom 05.06.09
How does one even begin to describe Akron/Family? Aaron Kayce at Jambase hints at a close description by saying that Akron/Family is "fifty bands in one." Indeed, their music seems to be influenced by so many genres that it's impossible to put them in any category. In the simplest words, I would say that Akron/Family's music is by and for true music geeks, the ones who get a kick out of testing their music knowledge. Yea, you know who you are.
After hearing so many people personally recommend seeing Akron/Family live, I was too curious to pass up another opportunity to see them. The band's latest album, Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free, had been released on the previous day, so they organized an all-ages record release show with special guests that included the eccentric Charlyne Yi and William Parker's Southern Satellite, a modern free jazz ensemble. To be honest, I had heard very little of Akron/Family's music prior to the show. Since I'd been told by my friend Lyanne that the live performance quality generally surpasses that of the recorded songs, I decided to go into the show with a blank slate and no real expectations. Turns out this was the best way to go.
At most shows, the bands usually stand around onstage and play songs that roughly resemble their recorded form. Sound familiar? Well, Akron/Family deviate from this traditional format and use their stage performance as an opportunity to showcase their improvisation skills, as well as their cohesiveness as a performing band. Joined onstage by backing brass, woodwinds, and strings (including some members of Parker's ensemble), Akron/Family preceded to blow my mind, especially when they embarked on extended jam sessions. It's really incredible to experience a band who is able to improv so well with each other that I could have mistaken the long interludes for pre-written, rehearsed music. One of my favorite songs of the night was "Everyone is Guilty," a song that seemed to be constantly evolving with each passing second. With funk guitar riffs, rustic American percussion, tribal-like sing/shout lines, classic rock and metal chords, and even Aaron Copland-inspired instrumentals, it was a song that epitomized Akron/Family's unique sound and dynamic style. Of course, the night would not have been complete without a couple audience sing/snap-a-longs and an ending performance among the crowd of fans.
If you're looking for a traditional concert, then an Akron/Family show is the last place you should find yourself. But, if you're interested in experiencing a one-of-a-kind show that emphasizes the improvisational ideas of free jazz, then they cannot be missed. I admit that I am very unfamiliar with Akron/Family's discography, so I can't comment on how the new material stacks up against the old. But, I've posted a song called "River" from Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free. It's one of the more linear and accessible Akron/Family songs, and it's a good place to start.
Thanks to Kyle and Addison for making me see this band. It was one of the most memorable shows I've ever attended.
River - Akron/Family
January 20, 2009
Here We Go Magic, Department of Eagles - Bowery Ballroom 01.19.09
Here We Go Magic
Department of Eagles
It's really astounding that the two bands that I saw tonight have performed only a handful of live shows together with their respective members. When Department of Eagles, a favorite of mine since I saw them at their album release show, announced another New York show, I decided to go without a second thought. Then, about two weeks ago, I found out that one of my newest obsessions, Here We Go Magic, was opening for DOE. Needless to say, I freaked out a little at my desk at work when I learned of this news.
Although Luke Temple is a regular performer and even played a solo set at Le Poisson Rouge last Friday, this Bowery Ballroom show was only the third show that Here We Go Magic had ever played together. Even if that were the case, I couldn't tell by the polish of their set. I'd been wondering how Here We Go Magic's sound would translate onto the stage, especially since there are some electronic-ish instrumental tracks on the forthcoming debut album. Basically, Here We Go Magic skipped the instrumental tracks and played songs that were more like "Fangela" and "Tunnelvision" (Listen to the songs here). I thought they would do some strange experimental stuff onstage, but they were more like a band that plays real instruments. And, they sounded absolutely amazing. With the support of a full band, the live Here We Go Magic sounded much warmer and richer. Now, when I listen to the recorded album, I feel like I'm missing quite a bit of depth. If you have a chance, GO SEE THIS BAND. And, if you're curious, they do have more songs that are not on their upcoming self-titled, and they performed them at the Bowery.
After Here We Go Magic, Department of Eagles took the stage for what was something like their fifth show ever. Daniel Rossen kicked off the set on the banjo with "Balmy Night," a song that makes me want to buy the instrument and learn to play. As Fred and the rest of the band joined Daniel, I noticed that Chris Taylor was once again missing. Someone named Matt or Max (I think) filled in on the bass. Does anyone know what his name was? I almost want to assume that he must be involved in a Grizzly Bear-related project since the last bassist, Nat Baldwin, was once a member of the Dirty Projectors. Anyway, DOE played two new songs, one of which was only two weeks old. Each piece involved the looping of Daniel's voice, and it was an experience to hear and watch him build his own harmonies. But, my favorite moment of the night was when Daniel and Fred performed a beautiful guitar-only version of "Sailing by Night" (Listen here). I have a particular weak spot for that song, and I can't help but swoon every time I hear it performed live. No JoJo's "Too Little, Too Late" or "Deep Blue Sea," which is now a Grizzly Bear song, but I was still happy to have seen this talented band again.
And, yes, Ed Droste was in the audience.
Here We Go Magic
Department of Eagles
1997 (Daytrotter Session) - Department of Eagles | Alternative Link
Ahab - Here We Go Magic | Alternative Link
July 10, 2008
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
May 19, 2008
Chairlift - Bowery Ballroom 05.18.08
This post definitely deserves much more depth. Alas, I have no time and I am going to be MIA for a month.
Not too long ago, I blogged about an awesome song by Chairlift. Now that I have discovered more of their songs (Thanks, David!) and have finally seen them live, I am completely hooked. And you will be too.
With so many bands based in Brooklyn, it's hard to keep up with the scene. Thinking back to the obscure acts I've seen this year, I realize that so many bands are just not good (Just because you can play instruments doesn't mean you have to share your bad music with other people). Also, it's such a stereotype for a band to be based in Brooklyn. Whenever I go to a band's MySpace and see that they're from Brooklyn, I chuckle to myself because OF COURSE this new, obscure indie band is from Brooklyn. It's almost a running joke. But, then I discover a band like Chairlift and I stop drinking the Brooklyn haterade.
Chairlift is definitely one of the most exciting acts that I've listened to this year. I normally don't like female vocalists, but I dig Caroline's voice and she sounds incredible live. Unlike many other acts, Chairlift is not a one-hit wonder. During the Bowery show, I kept on saying, "Oh yea, I like this song." But, I said that for every song that I recognized. Although most of Chairlift's music has a psychedelic vibe, the variety and originality of the songs keep me engaged. If you think "Evident Utensil" is awesome, wait until you hear the other stuff.
For an early opening act, there were a fair number of people who made it out to the Bowery for Chairlift. This makes me think that more people are starting to follow this band. As they should! I wish I could share more of Chairlift's music with you. It really just speaks for itself. Alas, you will have to wait for the release of their LP.
From looking at their MySpace, it seems like their upcoming LP is titled Does You Inspire You. Word is that the LP will be released sometime this summer. From what I've heard, the LP is going to be well worth the wait. "Deer Hunt" and "Planet Health" are my current favorites.
Setlist
Deer Hunt
Garbage
Planet Health
Earwig Town
Evident Utensil
Home Alone
Bruises
Make Your Mind Up
Evident Utensil - Chairlift
May 15, 2008
Cut Copy - Bowery Ballroom 05.14.08
I've been looking forward to this show since I missed them in March. I was smart to buy tickets immediately after the show was announced, because tickets sold out quickly and rightfully so. You can pretty much deduce from listening to the music that Cut Copy would put on a fun, energetic show. They do not disappoint.
Right before Cut Copy went on, I lost my right contact. So, I was pretty much blind for the entire set. Even though I couldn't see that well, the lights and music were still on my mind (hardy har har). The band kept encouraging the crowd to dance with them, and people actually uncrossed their arms and jumped around. I saw a few guys wearing 3D glasses. You can see the effect here. I may have pointed and laughed at them at the show but in retrospect, I wish I had a pair with me.
It seems like there is some controversy involving a possibly lip-synching lead singer. Did anyone notice that? I don't remember if the music sounded recorded, and I certainly could not see well enough to make out that detail.
Cut Copy played most of their new album, In Ghost Colours with a few old favorites from Bright Like Neon Love. When people were yelling out the names of songs, I obnoxiously yelled out, "PLAY THEM ALL!" The lead singer responded," Yes, we will play them all. Every single one." Or something to that effect. Alas, they lied. Still, I loved their selection of songs from Bright Like Neon Love, especially "Times Stands Still." I just wish they would have performed all of the new album, which is one of the most danceable records. Cut Copy doesn't even need any stage banter, which was very minimal. Their music and use of flashing lights is more than enough to get everyone's attention.
Time stands still when I think of you. I love cheesy 80's dance lyrics.
Setlist
Out There On the Ice
Time Stands Still
So Haunted
Unforgettable Season
That Was Just a Dream
Nobody Lost, Nobody Found
Lights & Music
Future
Hearts On Fire
Far Away
Saturdays
Check my past post for more songs.
Unforgettable Season - Cut Copy
Out There On the Ice - Cut Copy
Time Stands Still - Cut Copy
May 6, 2008
The Teenagers - Bowery Ballroom 05.05.08
To state the obvious, The Teenagers are really French. I usually describe The Teenagers as a cruder, French version of Art Brut, another band that features spoken words instead of actual vocals. If you've listened to any of The Teenagers' music, you've probably found that they are not very serious. Well, The Teenagers didn't start out as a real band; they formed as a joke. They wrote a song based on the comments on their MySpace, and a label thought they were good enough to sign on. Note to self: Create fake band and become indie-famous.
I had watched enough youTube videos to know what to expect from the live show: three French guys playing absurd songs. Dorian on guitar and Michael on bass, both completely stoic and expressionless. Quentin, swinging his hips around as he spoke the lines. They could only get away with it because they were French. And we were les Américains.
It was obvious by this Bowery Ballroom show that The Teenagers have a huge female fanbase. Maybe it's the band's French charm, but there were definitely more crazy girls than I'm used to seeing. For the performance of "Homecoming," Quentin (lead singer/speaker) invited a gaggle of overexcited girls onto the stage. Some of them may have refused to let go to Quentin's hand after he helped them onto the stage. I know that "Homecoming" is a joke song, but I would never publicly perform the female part of that song in front of hundreds of strangers. Although the song is meant to be ironic, there is still something degrading about it (If you've listened to the song, you would know what I'm talking about). But, the girls looked like they had fun, so I guess I won't judge...too much.
Out of set, my favorite was "Starlett Johansson," probably because that's my favorite song overall. My friend was reading the setlist and told me that they were playing "Starlett" next. So, being the smart person that I am, I started yelling out, "Starlett! Starlett!" Quentin turned to me and said, "You want Starlett? Then you will have it." Or something to that extent. Also, my friend and I talked to Dorian after the show. It turns out that Dorian is Korean-French! No wonder he's so cool.
Setlist
Feeling Better
Fuck Nicole
Love No
III
Starlett Johansson
Trouble
French Kiss
Make It Happen
Homecoming
Streets of Paris
Starlett Johansson - The Teenagers
Love No - The Teenagers
April 21, 2008
Tokyo Police Club - Bowery Ballroom 04.20.08
I'm really getting sick of my broken LCD screen.
I have to admit, I may be a biased when it comes to Tokyo Police Club. TPC has been one of my favorite bands for the past couple years. Sometimes, I would go days/weeks only listening to A Lesson in Crime, TPC's debut EP, and some live recordings. Basically, at last year's Mercury Lounge show, I was the the girl in the front who knew the words to all the songs, even the ones that hadn't been released.
So, unsurprisingly, I had a great time at the Bowery Ballroom show last night. I do have to be honest and say that I'm not in love with Elephant Shell, but I am in love with TPC's live shows. It's really hard to resist playing along with this band. They must have had the audience in mind when they wrote these songs; so many of them involve yelling out "HEY!" and clapping until your arms feel like they're going to fall off ("Be Good" is a perfect example of this).
Compared to last year's performance at ML, this Bowery Ballroom show was definitely more polished and professional. It is pretty obvious that Tokyo Police Club is growing up, and we should expect them to do so. TPC has gone through a lot of changes in the last year, including a label change and an increasing fanbase (that includes Agyness Deyn! Met her after the show. Check out my friend E's music blog for the details). Like I said before, Elephant Shell is not one of my favorite albums. But, there are moments in the album when I am glad that TPC traded in some of their playfulness for more meaning in their lyrics. "Graves" is my favorite song off the LP, and I've enjoyed it since it was just a minimalist live recording. When Dave Monks sings, "You're trading me for the lump sum, you try but you only ever treat the symptoms," I actually feel something (and that's a rare, good thing). What can I say, I am an emo kid at heart.
Although I prefer the intimacy of Mercury Lounge, it was exciting to see TPC pack a venue like Bowery Ballroom and get people into the music. There was a guy in the front who knew all the appropriate times to clap/yell for ALL the songs. I was impressed.
Did anyone buy any of the specialized merchandise? TPC's merch didn't arrive in New York, so they made some customized socks and such.
Elephant Shell hits stores tomorrow, April 22nd. If you missed them last night, you have four more chances (2 are free!) to catch them in New York.
Tonight (April 21) - Music Hall of Williamsburg (Sold Out)
Tomorrow (April 22) - Bowery Ballroom (Sold Out)
Tomorrow (April 22) - Virgin Megastore, Union Square (7pm, free)
Wednesday, April 23 - Sound Fix of Williamsburg(8pm, free)
Setlist
La Ferrassie
In a Cave
Box
Sixties Remake
If It Works
Graves
Juno
Your English is Good
Cut Cut Paste
Nursery Academy
Citizens of Tomorrow
New New Song
Tessellate
Shoulders & Arms
The Baskervilles
Nature of the Experiment
Listen to the Math
Be Good
See this post for more songs.
Graves - Tokyo Police Club
Tessellate - Tokyo Police Club
Be Good - Tokyo Police Club
March 30, 2008
Fleet Foxes - Bowery Ballroom 03.29.08
Bow on the guitar for "Drops in the River."
Most recent Bowery show (07.09.08) post here.
When I see a band like Fleet Foxes perform, I am reminded of why I love music in the first place and why I started this blog. If you haven't heard of this band, you are really missing out. Last night, Fleet Foxes opened for Blitzen Trapper at Bowery Ballroom. But, I went there exclusively for Fleet Foxes and left before the headlining act. I blogged about Fleet Foxes earlier, so I had to check out the show. Thankfully, I bought tickets early before the show sold out.
I was surprised by how engaged I was by FF's entire performance. Granted, the music is fantastic, but I thought I might be bored at the show. Besides the music, which was even better live, Fleet Foxes is one of the friendliest, most personable bands I've ever seen. I feel like most bands mutter a "thank you" in between songs...or they say nothing at all. Although one guy in the audience yelled out, "Less talk, more rock," I really enjoyed the band's comments and stories (about the NY subway, parking tickets). It really kept me captivated and I felt like I was getting to know the band better, which only made me like them even more.
Lead singer Robin Pecknold started out the night by telling the audience that he was sick with the flu (it was his 22nd birthday, too) and requested us to be less judgmental (HAH, like NYers are capable of that). He may have had a cup of tea on hand, but there was no way that man had been puking all day; the 5-member band sounded perfect. Throughout the set, Fleet Foxes were completely shocked and confused by the warm response they were receiving from the crowd. They kept on telling us how "sweet" and "nice" we were. I think they were forgetting that the New York crowd is not sweet or nice; we're brutally honest. When Robin played the intro to "English House" and people cheered, he was like, "Really? You know this one?" Yea, man. I do know that one. It's only my favorite song of the moment.
Don't let the genre and tempo of the music fool you. Fleet Foxes put on an intense, exciting show. The band has an amazing coordination with each other, and I really loved the usage of rich 3-part and 4-part harmonies. In fact, for "Mykonos," there is a one-beat drum intro (8th note) before Robin comes in on the guitar. And, they do it without looking at each other. Crazy.
Old mandolin, to be smashed. Ultimately, the instrument was not smashed to pieces. The band gave it away to someone in the crowd.
The new mandolin played during "Blue Ridge Mountains." Check out the mandolin bit around 2:05.
Setlist (Thanks to the anonymous comment!)
SUN GIANT /
SUN IT RISES /
DROPS IN THE RIVER / (MEDLEY)
ENGLISH HOUSE
KATIE CRUEL (TRAD.)
WHITE WINTER HYMNAL
YOUR PROTECTOR
OLIVER JAMES
MYKONOS
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
See my past post for more songs. Fleet Foxes will be releasing a self-titled LP on June 3rd. For now, you can buy Sun Giant from Sub Pop or from Insound.com. Check out the mandolin bit in "Blue Ridge Mountains" around 2:05.
Ragged Wood - Fleet Foxes
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
Oliver James - Fleet Foxes
Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes
March 18, 2008
Cut Copy
A part of my soul is crying right now. A bit dramatic? Yes, maybe just a little bit, but I just missed seeing Cut Copy at Mercury Lounge (also my favorite venue) tonight. A few weeks ago, I tried looking for tickets to the sold-out show. But, when eBay cruelly informed me that I did not win the tickets, I gave up; I bought tickets home to Chicago. At the very least, I wouldn't have to be in the same city while missing the show. Thankfully, when Cut Copy announced another New York show in May, I immediately bought tickets. I may have to wait another two months, but at least I will finally experience them.
So, who is this band that unknowingly broke my heart? Cut Copy is a 3-member band from Melbourne, Australia, and their music is reminiscent of 80s dance. You may think that other bands have already done what Cut Copy is doing now and have done it better, but who doesn't love retro music?
I was initially introduced to Cut Copy years ago when I downloaded "Saturdays" from Insound.com. Now, with the release date of their sophomore album approaching, I've been hearing "Lights & Music" over and over again from many different places. And, well, the song is kinda awesome. Cut Copy posted In Ghost Colours on their myspace a couple days ago. I haven't listened to the whole thing yet, but I like what I hear so far. "Far Away" is my current favorite.
Cut Copy stopped by Austin, TX for a couple shows, and it seems like In Ghost Colours is going to be well-received. I noticed them on a couple lists in the Guide to Pitchfork's SXSW 2008 Coverage.
Don't miss the next Cut Copy show and be heartbroken like I am right now. Cut Copy plays the Bowery Ballroom on May 14. I will be the girl in the front, dancing like crazy.
Far Away - Cut Copy
Lights & Music - Cut Copy
Hearts on Fire - Cut Copy
That Was Just a Dream - Cut Copy
Saturdays - Cut Copy
January 31, 2008
Vampire Weekend Debut Album Release - Bowery Ballroom
I have three things to say...
1. On Vampire Weekend's 1/30/08 Bowery Ballroom Show...
To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for Vampire Weekend's Bowery Ballroom show. I've seen a lot of youtube videos of their live performances, and I wasn't very impressed. So, after last night's show, I'm eating my words. Yes, it is true. Vampire Weekend is good. While most of their music is very mellow and replayable, as Nitsuh Abebe of Pitchfork says, they put on a high-energy show. I had the most fun watching Chris Tomson, the drummer, who enjoys bobbing his head to the beat so much that you can't help but follow suit. Most importantly, Vampire Weekend's music is fun. I don't care what you haters say (and I will get to that later). How can you listen to "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" and not want to move to the music? You can't. If you claim that you can, then either you do not enjoy listening to music or you are lying.
Gotta love Ezra's boat shoes + socks combination.
New song, "White Sky." Because every record release show needs a new song that is NOT on the album. From the 1/29 Bowery Ballroom Show.
2. On VW Backlash...
When a band's rise to fame is very fast, it is inevitable that there will be backlash from all sorts of people. But, I think the comments I've been reading on brooklynvegan are out of control. For one, I can't believe people are going out of their way to share their hatred for a band. I don't even bother posting about bands that I find to be unimpressive. Secondly, these attacks on VW are absurd, ranging from criticisms on their look to their musical influences. I'm sure that if Vampire Weekend dressed in typical hipster garb, these people would have less of a problem with them. Because VW chooses to stick with preppy shirts and sweaters, these people are fired up. Also, why do some people get so pissed when a band from humble beginnings hits the big time? Suddenly, they need to explain why VW is completely overrated and unoriginal. I guess in their books, no band is allowed to be remotely influenced by other musical artists. Or have success.
Let's not forget that VW is still a very young and humble band. Around the time doors opened, I saw a fabulously dressed, older woman sitting by herself. I was thinking, "Is that woman in the right place? Is she lost??" Then, I saw Chris Baio (bassist) come up to her and give her a huge hug. I'm thinking she may be his grandmother? Either way, it's endearing that VW's families are coming to their shows. I also talked to Chris Tomson afterwards to congratulate him on a great show and on their successes thus far. He was incredibly gracious and, although he was incredibly busy, he gave me a few minutes of his time. I can't help but be happy for these guys.
This NYTimes piece may make them out to be pretentious Ivy League pricks, but I don't think that is the case. These guys are Columbia alums and the one thing I know about Columbia kids... they are dorky and awkward. As a CU engineer, I definitely know that.
So, Vampire Weekend's name may be all over GQ, Vogue, and MTV (Oh, how I loathe MTV), but my opinion of VW has not changed much since my earlier post. Are they overrated now? Possibly, but I like their music all the same. And, no, I don't think they're like every other indie band. If they were a typical indie band, I wouldn't care for them...I don't think anyone would care for them. Their sound is unique enough for me to be hooked.
3. On Ezra Koenig's Sweater...
Now, for a lighter subject. Last night, that sweater almost started a catfight between a guy and a girl. This guy somehow managed to obtain the sweater and planned on wearing it after throwing it into a washing machine. This girl, claiming to be with management, walks up to him and yanks it out of his hands. Seeing as she went to the back of the coat check line immediately afterwards, I think it's safe to say that she was not with management. The guy was pretty pissed and debated getting the sweater back.
Check out Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut album!
A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
M79 - Vampire Weekend
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
November 29, 2007
Vampire Weekend
Picture was taken in Hamilton.
Vampire Weekend, you are my heroes. You graduated from Columbia, you're doing your thing, and you're getting somewhere. You toured with my favorite band, Tokyo Police Club, and with Ra Ra Riot. I don't even personally know any of you and I am so excited because I ACTUALLY LIKE LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC.
What amuses me the most is that Vampire Weekend's first live performance was at a battle of the bands event hosted by my engineering school's student council. Needless to say, the judges were not experts on music. It's laughable that Vampire Weekend finished 3rd out of 4 bands. Read the Columbia coverage here and coverage by the NY Sun here. I love the judge who commented," Generally, I don’t like hipsters, but you guys are OK." Oh, I am sad to be an engineer right now.
***UPDATE*** Vampire Weekend was featured in Vogue, and the article says that the band formed exactly four days before the battle of the bands event.
I'm definitely planning on going to this Vampire Weekend album release show since the other one is sold out. Both shows are in January at the Bowery Ballroom.
If I didn't have finals, I would go to Cambridge to see TPC, Ra Ra Riot, and Vampire Weekend play at the Friends of John charity show.
So, if you haven't already, give them a listen. The album will be officially released early next year. They say they are influenced by popular African music and classical Western music. "African preppy." Nice and mellow. They did a Daytrotter session not too long ago.
"Oxford Comma" makes me smile, because I am a huge nerd and love the Oxford comma. It bothers me when people don't use it. So, "who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?" I do, Vampire Weekend.
Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
Mansard Roof
