Drunken Attraction

Switching to Tumblr

2010-11-09T19:20:00.000-06:00

Hey folks,

I decided to switch my blog over to a tumblr blog. I'm hoping that I can more easily find other really good music blogs and possibly this move will encourage me to start blogging more often on bands. So please go to my new blog's link which can be found HERE.

I'm probably going to keep this blog up for the music venue links on the side and also keep updating the calendar.

Set List for Queery Music Show 11/03

2010-11-03T19:39:00.001-05:00

Thanks for stopping by. If you caught my show on WORT, let me know of some other music or bands you would like to hear on upcoming WORT music shows.

The background music you heard throughout the show was GOBBLE GOBBLE

Here are the other songs/bands that I played throughout the show.

1. Throwing Shade - Abe Vigoda
2. Hey Rocky - Hunx and his Punx
3. Deformative - Black Eyes
4. Hello from Eau Claire - Xiu Xiu
5. The Power of Love - Final Fantasy/Owen Pallett

Pearl and the Beard

2010-10-28T09:46:00.000-05:00

November 15

Frequency or Project Lodge

With Project Lodge being on the cover of the Isthmus last week, I'm guessing that it will be sticking around for another year. This is great news for Madison, because they definitely are hitting a musical niche that isn't always fulfilled in other music venues. Bands aren't expected to bring in close to 200 people to play the space. Actually, if they bring over 30 people, it can get a bit crowded. So with the ambiguity surrounding bands booked for November, I don't know quite where this band will play. I saw a sign at the Frequency, so I'm going to shoot that this is where the band will play.

I have to admit that I only know a few songs from Pearl and the Beard, "Oh, Death!" being one of them. But this song is definitely one of those songs that once you listen to it, you want to seek out more music from them. And it isn't a fluke song. There is a great deal of passion in their music and their voices are mesmerizing.

Pearl and The Beard is composed of 3 individuals, Jocelyn Mackenzie, Emily Hope Price, and Jeremy Styles, one cello, one glockenspiel and one accordian. Their music reminds me of a touch of the old country/mountain music sound mix with some early soul music. Extremely powerful vocals that carry each song and a minimum amount of music.

God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson (listen to the full album)

A Hundred in the Hand

2010-10-11T11:18:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, October 13 Turner Ballroom

It's been awhile since I wrote last. Sorry about that. I was going to try to update this blog daily, then it went to weekly, and then during the summer it dropped to monthly. Well even though it's beautiful out now, I'm going to make an effort to get back into my daily or at least weekly routine of providing information of great bands coming to our area. So if you are still with me, I hope you continue to. If not, then I'm fine with writing to myself.

A Hundred in the Hand is a band from lovely New York, New York, which doesn't surprise me much. They have incorporated a great duo balance that I love from other bands in that area, such as Sleigh Bells. It's amazing to see how after one band is created using heavier music created by a male performer and beautiful vocals provided by a female performer, that other bands try to mimic that. But unlike the heavy riffs that sleigh bells uses for their musical backing, A Hundred in the Hand uses a more funk/Disco sound. The effect is equally enjoyable where as the latter made me want to mosh, the previous one makes me want to shakey shake it.

They are the opening act for Temper Trap at Turner Hall, and I'm really excited to go see this show.

The Hundred in the Hands

Pigeons (video)

Tom Tom

Stornoway

2010-09-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

Saturday, November 27

Turner Hall, Milwaukee

Seen as one of the next greatest up and coming bands according to BBC, Stornoway is another British band composed of some adorable guys who sing very endearing songs. This is a great chance to see this band and for the low low cost of $10, it's ridiculous to pass them up. If you could picture British folk, this would be it. Their debut album Beachcomber's Windowsill is out and a must get.

Watching Birds

Zorbing

Autolux

2010-08-12T14:53:00.000-05:00

August 19 at The Annex

w/ This Will Destroy You

I definitely have been slacking when it comes to researching what some up and coming acts are playin in town. I'm also doing a lot of work in preparing for Wisconsin Capitol Pride, Madison's LGBT Pridefest. So I missed that Autolux was coming into town till I read it in the Isthmus. Surprise, most of you who read this probably already know they are coming next week. But for you who do not, take heart. There is going to be a good show at the Annex.
Autolux are mellow, shoegaze synth music without the need for heavy vocal distortions. Soothing and fun, they are a good listen.

Transit Transit (2010)

Transit Transit

Broken Spindles

2010-08-10T19:31:00.000-05:00

August 16th at Project Lodge

w/ Touch People and Shane Shane

via Pitchfork

"Petersen further dissociates himself from the Faint on his third album, as a first listen reveals the lack of guitar and drum parts, with a second revealing there ain't much bass left either. Horror movie piano lines team with ubiquitous blips and bleeps to constitute most of the sonic landscape here, mirroring the Petersen's stark, dehumanized vocals. On instrumental opener "Inward", Petersen plays the role of musician gone mad a bit too convincingly, steering through unstable fugues and OCD key pounding. Brief vignettes "Desaturated" and "Valentine" follow suit, sounding like xeroxed continuations."

An interesting mix with Shane Shane, but hey, it's the guy from the Faint. Up close and mopey".

New Band I Like: Humans

2010-08-09T10:54:00.000-05:00

Vancouver, B.C.

Not always extremely dancy, but always full electronic, Humans are hear for your listening pleasure. If MGMT went more to their electronic roots then their conventional Psychedelic, this is probably what they would sound like. Good thing Robbie and Peter did it instead. Based in Vancouver, B.C., they have a unname CD out now whose songs have been popping up on my music radar a few times. I also kind of like them for their use of puppets in their music video, featured below. For an indepth article on them, check out ION's interview HERE. Or just check out their music below.

Avec Mes Mecs

Fang Island - Redux

2010-07-27T20:57:00.001-05:00

August 14 at Memorial Union Terrace

Free Show!!

Here's what I had written about them before when they opened up for Red Sparowes in April. This is going to be a great outdoor show!

http://drunkenattraction.blogspot.com/2010/04/fang-island.html

The Books

2010-07-21T20:24:00.000-05:00

New Album - The Way Out

I just got this album and I had only listened to it once, but man, is it pretty great. Along with some of their more classic cello narration of sampled audio, they have included some more fast paced electronic sounds to some of their other songs. Like previous albums, the audio samples they have found take precedence and through those sounds, they try and create a musical story. On the song "A Cold Freezin' Night" you hear multiple children recounting some strong feelings from "I wish I was a boy" to a child recounting how he's going to torture and kill some Meredith (not as gruesome as you would think from this description. Children have an imaginative and less horrific attitude towards what "torturing" someone would be. Another song, "I am who I am" you hear what sounds like a preacher bellowing out that he is who he is which to me has a resonance of someone coming out as being something different then the mainstream. As if the preacher is justifying who he is by repeatedly saying "I am who I am". This music, labeled "collage music" by one of the duo of The Books, leads one to think more on what the song is trying to say. On songs where there actually is a singer, the lyrics are just as cryptic and haunting, such as on "We Bought the Flood" which starts, "I was born with a teacup on my head;Copper tin and lead, ash and dust".

My recommendation, get this album. If you are like me and have "found" most of The Books albums online because they were out of print, redeem your love for this band by buying this album. You won't regret it.

The Books

A Cold Freezin Night

Chain of Missing Links

Bear in Heaven, Twin Sisters and Mountain Man

2010-07-17T13:21:00.001-05:00

Monday, July 19th at High Noon Saloon

On July 19^th, The High Noon is hosting a showcase of some amazing up and coming indie rock bands. Containing elements of psychedelic tribal sounds for one band to a minimalist instrumentation with harmonizing vocals for another, these bands may seem very different from one another. But they all have some of the most innovative song writing and 2 of them at least have some amazing vocals which is easy to see then why these bands are touring with each other.

Mountain Man is actually the first act of this night that I had heard of. I've been a huge fan of the resurgence of “mountain music” since I listened to the “O Brother, Where art Thou?”'s soundtrack. Mountain Man would have sound at home beside Alison Krauss. Mountain Man is composed of Molly Erin Sarle, Alexandra Sauser-Monnig, and Amelia Randall Meath. Three unique sounding voices provide the rhythm for every song these women sing with little to no instruments as support. The first song I heard by them was “Dog Song” which starts off with one voice and no music. Soon a second voice joins the first, sounding completely different even sometimes on a different key but still able to harmonize perfectly with the first. The third “voice” that makes this song is silence, which provides this sound of nothing that the voices keep diving in and out of. The second song that I have heard from them is “Animal Tracks” and this has been a more popular song on the music blogs out there. It adds only a banjo to their voices, keeping the song light and simple and also captivating at the same time. Hearing these women perform these songs live will be something that I'm sure will take your breath away.CHECK OUT THIS INTERVIEW OF THEM.

Twin Sister is an experimental chillwave band from Long Island. I have to admit, this is the only band I feel iffy about not liking although I really do love their music. And you can tell that they put a lot of time into their dreamy, trippy sounds. But when their lead singer comes in and her voice becomes the focus of the song, you lose me. I can understand that it is really hard to combine the perfect sounding vocals with such music, especially if you aren't distorting the vocals through a vocoder or with heavy reverb. The songs I heard without vocals or before the vocals started were amazing. I'm also going to give them leeway where I think they recorded the songs on their own and it could just be the vocals were not well balanced with the rest of the songs.

Bear in Heaven's first album, Red Bloom of the Boom is as experimental as you can get. With either a chord being played for an extended amount of time or just plain dead air in the middle of the song, I can see how it may be hard for many people to enjoy this album. The great thing about it is you can tell they really don't mind trying something different and don't mind changing the sound of a song 4 or 5 times before the song is over. With their latest release, Beast Rest Forth Mouth, they have been able to hone in that experimental sound into something that is really amazing to hear. Great vocals and a surreal yet familiar soundscape lends the listener to feel he or she is having a spirtual moment without feeling like it necessarily is caused by some Acid trip. The songs are beautifully created bringing pop, psychedelic and folk together all in one.

Mountain Man - Animal Tracks

Twin Sister - All Around and Away We Go

Bear in Heaven - Lovesick Teenagers

Blastoids

2010-07-12T18:09:00.000-05:00

Kids Hands Smell Like Glitter (2009)

According to Wikipedia, Blastoids are "an extinct type of stemmed echinoderm". I have no idea how that correlates to this band, but I do know that these guys are no echinoderms. Cause their extinct, of course. Instead, these Blastoids are Tyler Walker, Joe Volmer and Charlie Hareford all part of some Tennessee cult/collective called the "Owlhead collective." What other bands are a part of this collective of musicians? I have no idea. All I got for bands was one band called "Party Trash" and possibly another band called "Chomp Womp" which actually could be another collective of musicians. So far what I've heard, there is some crazy good sounds being made in Tennessee.

Blastoids can be right away compared to Animal Collective. Their vocals. The setup of their songs. The craziness of their music and samples they use throughout. But the sound is all their own. Being someone who gets bored easily with music, I love any music that is complex, multilayered, that changes completely throughout each song and that has some amazing percussion and vocals. All I ask. And this band does all of that. And what is great is you can download their album for free off their Myspace page. Hopefully they come up to Madison so we can repay them by rocking out to their show.

Islands

2010-07-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

July 10th on Memorial Union Terrace

via Pitchfork

When Jamie Thompson and Nick Diamonds started their second post-Unicorns collaboration it made perfect sense that they should call it Islands. With breezy calypso rhythms, honeyed country-acoustic guitars, bubbly/silly synthesizer effects, and summery melodies, their debut, Return to the Sea, was a wonderful getaway soundtrack, obscuring its death-haunted lyrics with bright arrangements and rich, coconut-scented production

Vapors (2010)

Vapors

Caddywhompus

2010-06-27T18:16:00.000-05:00

June 30th at Project Lodge

What would someone with ADD and a strong passion for life sound like musically? I’m guessing a lot like the band Caddywhompus. Combining high energy noise/math rock music and strong passionate vocals, Caddywhompus never sticks with one type of sound. Instead, they decide to take people through a range of music from loud, raucous punk to minimalist introspection and they accomplish this all within one song after another. It will be amazing to see them do this live at the Project Lodge this Wednesday, June 30th.

Caddywhompus is made up of Chris Rehm and Sean Hart from New Orleans. They had just released a new album this year. Their new album, Remainder has such an immense feeling and energy to it. At times, it feels like that emotional power has a youthful drive that knows what it eventually wants the listener to feel but doesn’t quite know how it’s going to get him or her there. You become so caught up in their furious pace that when a song does finally slow down and you can catch your breath you realized how much fun it all had been.

Check out my interview of them on Dane101.

You can get both of Caddywhompus’s albums, EPs and Remainder for FREE, if you register at Community Records, a DIY album distributor.

Songs I recommend

Let the Water Hit the Floor (Amazing song!)

... But Not Before a Show

Great New Music: Washed Out

2010-06-17T11:20:00.001-05:00

Life of Leisure - Coming out July 6th

I've been listening to this guy's song, "You and I" nonstop since I got it. Ernest Greene from South Carolina has a way with minimalistic syth sounds that provides the feeling of taking a very relaxing and amazing drug experience. I mean, what I would guess would be equivalent to an awesome and relaxing drug experience. You can hear similarities to the band Air in his songs especially with some similar synth sounds he shoots out. His voice is perfect for his music and it just enhances the journey his songs tend to lead you on. I love when an artist is able to match his voice perfectly to the music, creating some beautiful songs. I would be extremely happy if this guy makes a stop in our town but the way he seems to be blowing up, I might have to make a trip to Milwaukee to catch him.

Life of Leisure

You and I

Feel It All Around

Summerfest hopefuls

2010-06-17T10:22:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how difficult it has been wading through so many really crappy sounding bands that will be playing at Summerfest this year. I don't mean crappy like they can't play their instruments or the guys voice isn't on pitch. No, I mean if you can stand 11 days of forumlaic and boring music with whiney whispering/breathy male vocals , then you would be set. I do have to say that I mainly checked out bands that I thought I would like, those that are playing the "emerging artists"/ indie/emo stage. I'm not big into country and rap music has to be pretty damn good for me to care. But the cover bands for some really great classical rock bands has got me interested and I am pretty excited that Rush is performing though I wonder if they are still as good as they were. Either way, I compiled by day some bands I think you may like/already enjoy. If you have other gems among dirt type of bands I might have missed, Please let me know in comments.

June 24th

Kool and the Gang (How can you go wrong there)
Tokyo Police Club
Passion Pit
Sheryl Crow (Not really my thing, but she is playing with General admissions. And isn't she banging some hot guy?)

Side Note: The Cellular Stage where Passion Pit will be headlining will be the official bad emo stage. Mechanical Kids really sounds and looks like a Justin Bieber led kind of band. LOL. Looking at their band photo on their Myspace is good for a laugh.

June 25th
Surgeons in Heat (Wisconsin Band you may see outside Summerfest, but seriously one of the better bands there)
Pink Floyd USA (I don't care if they are a cover band. IT'S FUCKING PINK FLOYD! 'nough said)

June 26th

Hey, I really like the lineup on the Cellular Stage this day

Cage The Elephant - (Straight up Rock and Roll)
The London Souls (R N B, Rock N Roll)
The Ferocious Few - (Rockabilly, Old Country/Bob Dylan sounding)
Violent Soho - (90's Grunge)

and for something different T

Thievery Corporation (Jazz/Electronic/DJ)
Hey Champ (Dance/Electronic/Indie)

June 27th

Civil Twilight (possibly good) Don't stick around for Neon Trees unless you like radio rock
B.B King - Come on, A LEGEND.

Upcoming Shows

2010-06-16T22:31:00.002-05:00

Hey all,

I created this list of upcoming shows that I want to see in Madison and thought I would share it to all you wonderful, music loving people. Please comment of bands that I missed that I should probably, definitely go see.

6/26 Woodsman - Project Lodge
6/26 Zola Jesus w/ Dada Trash Collage - The Frequency
6/29 Thao and Mirah w/ The Most of All - High Noon
6/29 Chaos Revolution Theory (Madison band) - Frequency
6/30 Caddywhompus w/ Crane Your Swan Neck (Caddywhompus is amazing!!) - Project Lodge
7/1 Earl Greyhound - Memorial Terrace
7/7 The Ataris (LOL!)
7/10 Islands - Memorial Terrace
7/14 Liars w/ Fol Chen - High Noon Saloon
7/16 Fort Wilson Riot - Project Lodge
7/19 Bear in Heaven (Yeah!) w/ Twin Sister & Mountain Man (Yeah!) - High Noon Saloon (This is going to be an amazing show!)
7/24 Tapes N Tapes - Majestic Theater
7/28 Mahjongg (minimalist, experimental) - Memorial Terrace
8/11 Rooney - High Noon Saloon
8/21 Robbers - High Noon Saloon
9/21 Built to Spill - High Noon Saloon
9/24 Menomena (Yeah!) - High Noon Saloon
9/18 School of Seven Bells (Yeah!) - Majestic Theater

Menomena in Madison!

2010-06-09T12:06:00.000-05:00

Friday September 24 at High Noon Saloon.

Thanks to the heads up from Muzzle of Bees about this. I've been a huge fan of Menomena since my friend Ryan hooked me up with their music. These guys are really amazing. Their music is interesting and unique and they sound amazing whether they are harmonizing together or when one of them takes a vocal lead. They utilize some interesting instruments including bells, a glockenspiel, saxophones and the now widely used loop machine.

Why I love these guys? Their music is never boring or repetitious. I really don't care for a constant drum beat especially if it is an extremely simple sounding one. Unless the song is meant to be low key and droning on purpose. Menomena has a talent in utilizing silence in their songs. In one song the percussion will suddenly pause, then a sax will spurt some notes out, then a guitar will play a riff and the percussion will come back in for a short time before pausing again. Their vocals become the overarching element of the song that keeps it tight. The vocals traverse over the cacophany of sound, forming a melody that the rest of the instruments just seem to emphasize without being overbearing. Really interesting stuff. Listening to a lot of music, to hear something that stands out and is unique like this is a real pleasure. Check out their stuff for yourself!

Dirty Cartoons
Weird

Black Mountain

2010-06-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, June 30 at High Noon Saloon

Black Mountain is a psychedelic rock band from British Columbia that is part of a sort of collective of musicians in Vancouver. I'm guessing it's kind of like the Elephant Six collective from Athens, Georgia. Here's a few of their songs off their newest album

In The Future (2008)

Tyrants

Stormy High

Bands at Sasquatch: The Heavy

2010-05-12T08:38:00.000-05:00

Thursday, May 20 at Memorial Union ??

So since all I can really think about lately is my trip to the great NorthWest for Sasquatch, I decided to post some bands that I haven't heard of before but after listening to them I really enjoyed what I heard. First up is British band, The Heavy. While looking them up, I noticed that they say on their Myspace page that they are coming to the Memorial Union on May 20th. Really? I wonder why WUD didn't have this up on their site? If this band is coming here, they need to publicize it tremendously so that they get the audience they deserve.
The Heavy have been compared to James Brown and Curtis Mayfield with the style of their music and the similarities in vocals from Kelvin Swaby. My feeling is they definitely are taking lessons from older R&B beats and sounds and Kelvin's voice definitely has a great blues sound to it. If they are coming to the Union, I would hope the terrace will be as packed as it was for Janelle Monae, because these guys really are amazing. And for Christ's sake they are coming from Britian. That ain't cheap. Check out some of their tunes here.

The House that Dirt Built (2009)

Sixteen (video)
How You Like Me Now? (video)

MC Frontalot

2010-05-11T00:19:00.000-05:00

Monday May 17th at High Noon

I can't believe I forgot to mention MC Frontalot in my blog. I'm sure Neil and Hannah would have been slightly upset that I didn't mention this very talented and very dorky rapper who is coming to the High Noon Saloon next week.

MC Frontalot is one of the founders of a sub genre of rapping called Nerdcore. MC Frontalot cointed the term in 2000. It's pretty much just how it sounds, with rappers breaking it down on such hot topics as Star Wars, mathematical equations, shyness and isolation, and all that is reveled in the geek society. I remember that a precursor to the Forward Music Festival two years ago, there was a huge group of Nerdcore rappers performing at the Cardinal. And for me being someone who doesn't necessarily like rap, I really enjoyed myself. I guess if you rap about more innocuous stuff like your love for Star Trek and how electronic media is overated then I guess I will like you. So if you like rap, computers and or Science Fiction, then you should head out and see this Maestro at work.

Oh, and you can get a lot of free MP 3's on his website if you want to check him out before going out.

Some Rhymes from MC Frontalot.

Goth Girls

I Hate Your Blog

CocoRosie

2010-05-01T10:27:00.001-05:00

Saturday June 19 at Barrymore Theater

I actually just discovered CocoRosie after perusing a large mixtape that someone posted online. The voices of these two sisters are really enchanting and unique. Their songs have a mystical, exotic feel to them that both lulls the listener at the same time mesmerizes them. I didn't know that they were famous enough to be at the Barrymore, but maybe that is just because I just heard of them. Check out some of their songs below.

Beautiful Boyz

Grey Oceans (2010)

Lemonade

Smokey Taboo

Yeasayer and Sleigh Bells at Majestic April 28

2010-05-01T09:56:00.000-05:00

Yeasayer played to sold out show at the Majestic, and other then the extremely expensive drinks ($3 for water, come on) the show was great. Openers were Sleigh bells who I thought had everything down except their stage show. Sleigh Bells are so similar to Crystal Castles, that throughout the show I kept wanting them to turn on a fog machine and have crazy strobe lights flashing just to remind me of the Crystal Castles show I was at. But just having her up on stage screaming and him bopping his guitar up and down seem to take away from the craziness and punk feeling of their songs.

The crowd really loved her though and kept moshing towards her as she sauntered from one end of the stage to the other. What made their songs more then anything was the bass beats that were laid down behind the guitar and her vocals. Wow. Those beats were fierce!! Definitely wish I had earphones and was pressed against the speakers for them. One big disappointment though was that they didn't seem to have any CD's for sale and didn't have anyone selling their stuff throughout the whole show. Boo. But I definitely recommend acquiring their music online if you can.

Yeasayer came on and the crowd was ready to start dancing. This is the third time seeing them and I can definitely say they were right on with their songs and their stage presence. And I got to see my lover who I think his name is Anand Wilder. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

This guy isn't just beautiful, he has the best voice out of everyone in the band. Swoon.

I really like that this band now has two great albums behind them because I can only think of maybe one or two songs that I didn't like during this whole show. But they played all their single hits and the crowd loved every moment of it. Especially the guy beside us who kept screaming throughout the entire show while doing some kind of finger puppetry to every lyric within their songs. Kind of adorable. Kind of annoying. We got a laugh out of it.

And to top off the night, we got to drink with our new pal Bruce, who if you go see a show at the Majestic, you should look for sitting outside of Woof's across the street. Bruce is great fun!

Jonsi at Pabst April 26

2010-05-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Hands down, I think this is going to be the best show I see all year. I believe I can say that even though I'm planning on going to Sasquatch this year, which will be exciting in itself. But seeing Jonsi's concert at the Pabst was one of the most visual and aural experiences I've ever been a part of. And you did feel like you were a part of the show by the end.

Before I get to the main act, I definitely have to mention the opener. It takes a lot for a man and a guitar to go up on stage and entertain me. I've seen acts similar to this and most people know that this guy either has to be an amazing guitar player or has to have an interesting and amazing voice. Luckily for us, both of these applied to Death Vessel. Unfortunately, I don't think the songs on his myspace capture how amazing this guy was. His falsetto voice and his choice in words just complimented each other so well. Both Tree and I were swooning to this guy by the end.

Now on to Jonsi. First off, there was this giant "cloth" hanging at the back of the stage. I had read up on this show and I know that he said there was this huge theatrical component to the show that they were having to lug behind them when they were touring the US. So I was a little disappointed when all I saw was this huge cloth hanging from the back of the stage. But that changed right from the first song. The sheet became a backdrop for the beginning of Jonsi's nature motif that would carry on throughout his show. Here's a pic from the first song.

The image of the cave drawings "burned" up by the second or third song and all that was left was this giant burned out structure. It's hard to describe it and I wish I had a better picture of it, but it was huge and there as a lot of other elements a part of it that created this multi-texture look. Through out the show, different drawings and art danced across this backdrop, from ants scurrying across dragging bits of garbage, to what looked like the whole back of the stage filling up with water, to then at the climax of the song to "burst" forth. The coordination between his songs and this art and also just the beauty of the art itself astounded everyone that was in attendance at this show. Again, best show I will see all year. If you are lucky enough to have Jonsi come even remotely close to where you live, I would encourage you to pay the $30 or so to see him. Amazing.

Janelle Monae in Concert

2010-05-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

I didn't know how the turnout for this show would be. The air was chill. There was more then a slight hint of moisture in the air. As far as I know, I was sure the show was going to be moved inside. And that would have been awful. To see a crowded show inside the Rathskellar is unbearable not to mention uncomfortable. In one sense, I was glad then to see them doing a sound check outside. In another sense, I hope they still would get the crowd they deserved even with the weather.

I didn't have to worry for long. Although there was no one there at 8pm, by 9pm the terrace was packed full of people. Luckily I found myself in the gay friendly section which apparently for those newbies to the terrace is at the left corner of the stage. Who knew? I was glad that a large number of my friends were also excited to see this Diva in action. Including these very attractive men.

The show opened up with a beatbox guy from Minneapolis who I think was called Heatboxx(?) which at first glanced looked like a skinny version of Fred Durst. I wasn't really that interested. He was definitely no Janelle Monae. But when he started looping his beatboxing and rapping over the top, I knew this guy was a helluva lot better then Mr. Durst. I couldn't get any good pictures of him, but I can say there were a number of songs that he really impressed me with especially since the only "musical accompaniment" behind his rapping was his own beatboxing. It also gave me fond memories of TuNe-YaRdS when she played here.

And then she came. Or at least I was pretty sure it was Janelle Monae even though they came out wearing these devil worshipping cloaks. Not that I know exactly what kind of cloaks devil worshippers wear.

But it wasn't long before the cloaks were off. She asked the audience if they were ready for the Archandroid Experience (the name of her newest and as of yet, not released album). With the approval of the audience, She began to sing quite a few songs that were off her new album. I can say right now, it's definitely an album you don't want to miss. The songs were amazing. Some songs are just as dancy and fun as the ones off of her debut album, Metropolis. Others she slowed down, cooing to the audience with that amazing voice of hers. She did sing a few songs from her first album, Sincerely Jane, Violet Moons...etc. And these of course made the audience go crazy though by going crazy just means a few people jumped up and down and danced. I mean come on, college students can't blow their cool with too much craziness.

By the end, although the temperature was cold outside, I was definitely hot and sweating. I also couldn't hear anything since we were right up against the speakers. But I had a great time and I would love to see this woman again if she comes back to Wisconsin.

Coming Soon. Recaps of Janelle Monae, Jonsi, and Yeasayer

2010-04-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

I've been really busy attending shows and hadn't had a good amount of time checking out shows in the future. I'm planning on posting some comments on the last few shows I have seen with pics in the upcoming days. Any good shows you know of that are coming up in May, comment them below!!

Generationals

2010-04-19T20:57:00.000-05:00

May 3rd at Turner Hall Ballroom

w/ Apples In Stereo

I really had only heard one song from them, the song that I'm going to put below, and instantly fell in love with them. You know, I was wondering, I wish there were more groups that would sound like that old, motown sound. You know, kind of like Sharon Jones. And then I got this mix from the interwebs and I heard The Generationals. At first I was picturing another beautiful black female doing the vocals and some stylish black men accompanying her on some guitars and drums. Then I saw their picture and I was like, wait, this music is coming from them. Totally throwed me off. But I love the music and I love what this band has to offer. And it probably will decide for me to see Apples in Stereo in Milwaukee

Con Law (2009)

When They Fight, They Fight

Faces In the Dark

Nite Jewel

2010-04-15T09:21:00.000-05:00

May 13th at Project Lodge

w/ Rory Kane (AKA I AUTOTUNE the shit out of all my songs)

First Project Lodge brought White Hinterland, which I should check the local blogs to see how that show went. Now they are bringing another up and coming "Space pop" band to Madison and this one I'm equally excited about.
Nite Jewel is composed of three people. They produce ambient music, with a little more uptempo beat and throw in occasionally some great pop girl vocals. Maybe like a strip down Ladytron. Or even better, a stripped down Goldfrapp. But not as dancey. If that makes sense. Check out some of their songs and then correct my interpretation of their sound in the comment section. They seem to have gotten a lot of attention for their remix of the Caribou song, Odessa, which was pretty awesome to begin with. So I'll include that on here.

Good Evening (May 19)

Odessa (Nite Jewel Remix)
Weak For Me

The Show is the Rainbow, The Shakes & Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt

2010-04-13T19:50:00.000-05:00

I will start off this show review by saying that I haven't been able to figure out how to write show review. I mean I can type fine, but whenever I reread what I wrote about a show, I tend to focus a lot on the details and less on the overall feel. I also tend to not use descriptive terms like "Screaming guitars" or "viscous animalistic vocals". They never are really screaming and I haven't heard any vocals in my life that I would equate with animals, unless they were intentionally so. With this disclaimer being said, here's my effort in doing it.

I got to the Union in the middle of The Show Is The Rainbow's (TSITR) set. I wish I got some pictures of him because he looks very different then he does in the current pictures he has up on his Myspace page. The first thing I noticed was a slightly larger guy with long red hair, a big red beard and a pretty hairy torso dancing in front of the stage. Man, he certainly looked like he was having fun. Shane Shane was there with some other peeps from Screamin Cyn Cyn and the Pons and a handful of other people. TSITR was actually pretty awesome. He had great beats playing off of his laptop (He even thanked the person who created these majestic beats..himself). He had probably 10x's more energy then everyone else in that room combined which led him to climb over chairs, headbang whipping his long hair around, and doing some pretty cool tribal dance moves. His music is actually well written and though sometimes I feel someone singing to a laptop takes away from the show, I can appreciate the time and effort he put into creating the music. I got to talk to Darren afterwards for a short time and he said that he tries to make it to Wisconsin 2 or 3 times a year (he resides in Nebraska currently). If you see this guy performing in town again, I definitely recommend everyone to see him.

Second up was a member of the headlining band doing his solo thing. His name was Jesse. He seemed to hate to perform in front of the microphone and instead tried to get the audience as much as possible to get into his performance space with him. We couldn't hear him so well when he sang without the mike, but what we could make out sounded great. He had great vocals. His music was more in his voice then his guitar, the solo instrument with him. He had a folky sound to him when he was singing and in between some of those songs he would interject a few songs that he would rap. He actually reminded me a lot of Why? because of this but with a lot simpler musical setup.

Third up was The Shakes. I wasn't really prepared for this band. Everyone else was dancy, great lyrics and vocals, fun dancy music. The Shakes were pure out punk music. And as my friend said, they definitely looked the part. I actually appreciate punk and have been in quite a few mosh pits in my time. But either it was because I saw this band out of a punk scene context or maybe it was because I just didn't care for them, but I thought they were not very good. I did enjoy the guys who had some crazy dance moves happening in front of the stage during their performance. I was really curious where these guys came from until I saw that they were in the headlining band. ahhhh. Well at least they rocked out to a good time. I kind of sat down and had some beer instead. Which would have been ok except they kept saying they wanted their vocals higher. And higher. No, sir, your vocals don't need to be higher. Your music needs to be softer. They were able to empty out a large number of the Union before the headlining act came on.

Last was Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt. What? While most bands take a large amount of time to set up their equipment and do sound check, TPDR took more time decorating the Union. There were blow up lawn ornaments. There was a glowing Snowman. They had long chains of teddy bears that they threw around people's necks and around speakers. They also had a giant costume box which they pulled out multiple outfits for people to wear during their show. It was crazy, but I do love the simple way they were turning their performance space into a party space. And everyone who showed up was digging it. A larger crowd came up to the stage and many don different forms of dresses, wigs and other crazy outfits. Others closed in tight around the two singers of TPDR who, one was only in his boxers while the other one had a giant red cape on. We couldn't hear their songs to well (except their last song which was about something to do with a heart) but the crowd was loving every minute of their set. We were more enjoying the two people who found each other drunkenly and proceeded to grind and makeout throughout the whole set. They seriously were paying less attention to the performance then we were. It's a good thing that people I was with tried to help them at least move to the beat, but alas, it didn't work out well.
Anyway, that was the show. Next show I probably will review will be

The Antlers w/ Phantogram This Sunday, April 18th at High Noon Saloon.

Dear Madison, Please Bring this Band! GOBBLE GOBBLE

2010-04-10T10:09:00.000-05:00

These guys are amazing. Fun. Unique. Weird. I love them! Book them, ole ye Promoters of the Gods!
Gobble Gobble

Powerman 5000, Lollapoolza, and other randomness

2010-04-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Not that I like this band at all, but I think it's kind of funny that they are playing at the Annex. And not for a very high ticket cost. Was it just me or didn't these guys get big at some point? Anyway, if you are interested, check out their show on June 12.

The Lollapalooza lineup is up and I can say I am actually kind of tempted to go to this festival this year. I always said if there is any well known band that I want to see before I die that I haven't seen yet it would be Tina Turner's reunion tour, and Arcade Fire. And fuck if Arcade Fire isn't playing this year. There's also Cut Copy, Hot Chip and some chick named Lady Gaga. Very impressive lineup. To see all of the bands playing, check out their website Lollapalooza.

My roommate's sister's band is playing tonight at the Wisco. Victoria Echeverria is an amazing performer and I hope Wisco can handle all of that awesomeness tonight. Check out Venus in Furs tonight!!

Let's Wrestle!

2010-04-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

April 16th at the Annex

w/ Quasi

I might have a soft spot for British bands, this I admit. Especially when they come from the great big isle across the ocean to play in our landlock state of Wisconsin. I also haven't been disappointed yet from seeing a show from a band from the UK. It's true.

I admit that I knew that Quasi was playing at the Annex but of the few songs I heard from them, nothing really stuck out as being amazing. I do have to admit having Janet Weiss, the drummer of Sleater Kinney, performing in your band really kind of bumps it up a notch. The music doesn't have to be that spectacular to get me to buy a ticket to see the beautiful and amazing Janet banging away at lightening speeds on her drums. But I still wasn't sold on this show. Hey, I'm a poor guy who needs to make sure his money can be spread out for all the shows he wants to see in the Spring and Summer. Already I've spent close to $400 including Sasquatch. So I'm picky.

But then I saw that Let's Wrestle is playing at this show. I will say that their music doesn't stand out all that much for me. But I've seen their band pop up on quite a few mixtapes that I have come across to the point where I'm really curious to see them now. Let's Wrestle are three dudes singing some basic rock music. Sometimes there is some more performance additions other then the guitar riffs and drums, such as looping and distortion. But all in all, these guys are primarily the straight up rock sound with of course a lead singer with a British Accent. OK, I'm sold!

Let's Wrestle

We are Men You'll Grow to Love Soon

Check out this Review of the Titus Andronicus show at Project Lodge

2010-04-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

From the blog, Muzzle of Bees:

By Tyler Fassnacht
Ever since I saw Titus Andronicus open for No Age back in 2008, they have been in the running for my favorite live band. Each time I have seen them grace a stage with their energy and stage presence, it has been better than the last, and this concert was no exception. When it was announced that they would be playing the Project Lodge, one of my favorite intimate venues, I bought my ticket immediately, especially because this would be my first time seeing them as a headliner.
Local Madison group His and Her Vanities opened and started the evening off a great foot. They are able to mix jangly and catchy with dissonance and elements of math-rock, into their art-rock sound. Their set did a good job of getting everyone excited for the headliners, but was also memorable in their own right. Since this band doesn’t play too many shows, I would suggest seeing them if you ever get the chance, or just pick up last year’s awesome The Mighty Lunge.
Titus Andronicus came out on a stage covered in American flags, to a cheering, completely packed audience and jumped into the opening track from their near perfect new album, The Monitor. As soon as the song began, the front of the crowd went crazy and continued throughout the rest of the show. It had been a while since I left a concert so sweaty. Something that makes this band so great live is that in almost every song there is opportunity to dance, pump your fist or shout along with big choruses and memorable lines (I have never heard so many people shout “FUCK YOU” in unison). Playing mostly tracks from their new album, they tore through all the epic songs, even the magnum opus, fourteen minute long, “the Battle of Hampton Roads.” They also threw in a handful of tracks from their amazing debut album; so older fans were made happy as well.
There was some trouble with the mics turning off at some points, but they were fixed pretty quickly. My one complaint with the sound, however, was how the vocals seemed a little muddy, but with front man Patrick Stickles growls and yelps, it wasn’t too noticeable.
After more than an hour of playing, they put down their instruments and left the stage. The audience applauded and chanted “one more song!” until Stickles came out to say that they actually didn’t know how to play any more songs. That was the sad realization that the night was over. Though after the comical banter, the moshing, the raging guitar solos and the scream a longs, I was completely satisfied. Yet again, Titus Andronicus blew me away with their live show, which is something I think everyone should experience at least once in their life.

Janelle Monae!!! Forget the last post. See this Woman!

2010-04-07T09:48:00.000-05:00

April 23 at the Union Terrace

I love this woman. I saw her at Bonnaroo last year and she was one of the best acts that I saw. This woman has amazing, fun beats. She has great lyrics and has one of the best voices I've heard in a long time. At the show I saw at Bonnaroo, she demonstrated how she was musically trained in opera, wowing the crowd with a short operatic piece. She also proceeded to do a painting on stage while singing another one of her songs where at the end, she threw it into the audience (glad no one got their eye knocked off). All in all, this may be one of my big highlights of the season, and a GREAT way of kicking of my three large concerts in under a week. Check out her music and videos and see you at the Union!!

Metropolis: The Chase part 1

Many Moons (Video)

The Archandroid (May 18th)

Tightrope (Video)

Surgeons in Heat

2010-04-07T09:15:00.000-05:00

April 23 at The Frequency

I saw these guys open up for Woodhands and can say that I have another local Wisconsin band that I enjoy. Again, as some of you know, I have a soft spot for a male lead singer that sings in falsetto. I also have a soft spot for local talented bands. So they have two for two there. As they took the stage before Woodhands, the guitarist of Surgeons in Heat admitted that he was "Really fucked up" and the lead singer also seemed overly intoxicated. He could barely open his eyes as he held on tight to the microphone. And as they performed theirs songs, what was supposed to sound more like pop rock turned into more of a mellow rock. But as "fucked up" as he was, the lead singer was still able to hit that falsetto and belt out some great songs. Here's another "local" band I'd recommend you checking out.

Fang Island

2010-04-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

April 22nd at High Noon Saloon

w/ Red Sparowes & Caspian

Another Brooklyn band trying to break out, I think this band has a good chance to do just that. Although I don't find their songs that complex, there definitely is a sense of experimentation and fun. There's a little Animal Collective. There's a little Black Lips. There's a lot of just one word or one sound choruses. But it works and it's fun. Here's what Pitchfork has to say of their new album:

"Fang Island's self-titled second album is joyous despite its general lack of verses or choruses. It's fractured like any post-punk record while also speaking the language of classic rock, yet often feels like an intricate collage pieced together from elements that make songs memorable-- palm-muted power chords following wide-open intros, blistering solos, double-time outros. Pretty much all of that is crammed into the deleriously infectious "Daisy", an emphatic crossbreed of the Go! Team and the Promise Ring's "Is This Thing On?" The dance routine in the song's video feels like the only natural reaction to hearing it."

Fang Island

Daisy
Life Coach (Video)

Laarks...Part Deux.

2010-03-29T00:17:00.000-05:00

April 20 at The Frequency

Just saw a poster at the Frequency that the Laarks will be coming back to town next month. Highly recommend you see this show. They were amazing at the Project Lodge!!

My Gold Mask

2010-03-16T10:32:00.000-05:00

Headlining Lakeshorepalooza

Friday, April 30 at Union Terrace

I first heard this band from my friend Joe in Chicago. He put something up on his facebook of My Gold Mask doing a cover of Bette Davis Eyes and I seriously listened to the song 5 times consecutively. It was amazing. And I didn't even know it was a cover until later, but it isn't just the lyrics. The vocals hit my pleasure sensors just right.

Gretta Rochelle has that female voice that I love. When you hear her voice, you are just waiting for it to explode into the air. It's full of power and full of beauty. And I love that she is using for this type of music.

Jack Armondo is labeled on their Myspace as being only on guitars but there is much more to the music then a guitar. By the picture above it actually looks like Gretta also does the percussion in their songs. Something about front singing women singing and beating on something at the same time wows me. Anyway, this is a GREAT headlining act for this small music fest and with the venue of the Terrace, it should create an awesome night.

Violet Eyes

Your Coo Ka Choo

Video

Bette Davis Eyes

Sleigh Bells

2010-03-16T10:12:00.000-05:00

April 28 at Majestic Theater

w/ Yeasayer

Have you ever been to one of those shows where you know the headlining act and you are super excited to check them out. You show up early, try to scout out a good location that is close to the bar but also close to the stage. Then all of a sudden the opening act comes on and you think "Whoa...what the fuck? Who is this awesome band?".

Yeah, if you know about Yeasayer and you are going to this show, be prepared to have that reaction to the opener, Sleigh Bells. What seems like an unlikely union of music turns out to be one of the best sounding things out there right now. Derek Miller was on a quest to find a female singer for a new project of his. He was known for performing in hardcore bands previously. Luckily, a persistent mother in a restaurant recommended her daughter. Alexis met Derek and they hit it off. Alexis was used to performing in girl pop groups, so Derek's hard edge presented an interesting diversion. As Derek put it, why not extend a great hardcore riff for an entire song and have some beautiful female vocals over it. And that is how Sleigh Bells came about. And that is how this amazing band, without an album and only a few songs, became well known and performing in Madison.

A/B Machines

Crown On The Ground

R.I.P. Mark Linkous from Sparklehorse :(

2010-03-09T16:01:00.001-06:00

I learned about Sparklehorse through Danger Mouse's collaboration with them for the album, Dark Night of the Soul. It's always really sad when a talented singer takes his own life. Here's the Pitchfork article on it.

http://pitchfork.com/news/38114-rip-sparklehorses-mark-linkous/

Laarks

2010-03-09T09:11:00.001-06:00

Thursday, March 11 at Project Lodge

Hey look! It's an Eau Claire band! It's always great to get a hold of some good music that is from Wisconsin. Hell, I didn't hear about Bon Iver until after the rest of the world had. You're in my state, Bon Iver. At least play a few shows before you explode into fame. With that said, I'm glad that the Project Lodge is providing a space for these guys. Cause if they are going to blow up to Bon Iver status, I can at least say I saw them before they got big.

Laarks reminded me of Ben Folds with some of their playful sounding lyrics sung by Ian Jacoby. But thankfully, there isn't a piano central to their sound. No offense to pianos, but I already have enough bands in my repertoire that bang on that instrument. Their music sounds more what you would expect from other Indie Rock bands. Drums, guitars with slight distortion, vocals with slight echo. The thing is that with this band, you won't keep saying to yourself, "eh, they are alright, but they just aren't there yet". No, I think this band is nailing a solid sound pretty well and finding a great balance between vocals and music. My biggest peeve is people who can't figure out that vocals should go with the music, not against it. Ian's voice is great. The music is great.If I wasn't working, I would totally check them out. And hey, so should you.

An Exaltation of Larks (2009)

All the Words

New Music Overload!!

2010-03-08T10:46:00.001-06:00

Fight Softly - The Ruby Suns

Reminds me a little bit of Animal Collective. Trippy and danceable with multiple layers of sounds and rhythms. Like a hippy dance party if hippies used more electronic instruments.

Cranberry

The Besnard Lakes are The Roaring Night -

Besnard Lakes

Also slightly trippy. This album is filled with instrumental rock reminiscent of Pink Floyd. So expect some more trippy sounds with mellow and interesting rock undertones and some falsetto male and exquisite female vocals.

Albatross

Black Light - Groove Armada

With a name like Groove Armada, it isn't hard to figure out the type of music that they play. Electronic dance music that isn't just a thumping beat to repetitive high pitch robot sounds. This is some great club music in the vein of Justice but with more vocals.

Paper Romance

Plastic Beach - Gorillaz

The only sad thing about this release is that it wasn't produced by Dangermouse. And sometimes you can tell within the album.

Broken

Hidden - These New Puritans

These guys have shot up the UK charts and I hope they get equal amount of love here in the States. Definitely an art rock type of group, there is more experimentation that occurs then your basic guitar/drum combo. Sometimes dark, sometimes electronic, but always with a rock groove to it.

We Want War

Synchronize EP - Solid Gold

Minneapolis favorites, they are diverging just slightly on their new EP going from the more simple danceable songs to some great electronic sounding indie rock.

Synchronize (White Sea remix)

Total Life Forever - Foals (Coming May 2010)

Everybody Was In The French Resistance...Now!!

2010-03-05T09:42:00.000-06:00

May 5 at the Frequency

So I usually write something here about the band and yadda yadda yadda. But I need to go to work, so I'm just going to fill this in later. But I was happy to see True Endeavors is bringing this duo to Madison. Happy enough to want to post it even before had anything to write about them. Ok, maybe that isn't the reason but instead an excuse for my laziness. Anyway, mark your calendars.

Har Mar Superstar

2010-03-03T11:09:00.000-06:00

April 2nd at Annex

Awww.... Har Mar Superstar. What wonderfulness can you bring to our fair city? This beautiful man with an angelic voice was introduce to me by my coworker along the same time I was introduced to Leslie and the Lys. When I first heard him, I couldn't figure out how he wasn't bigger then he was. He has a great voice. His music is catchy and danceable. Then I actually sawpictures of him and saw how sleazy some of his antics were on stage. Although that actually gives him more credit with what I like to call the Peaches crowd, I can see how mainstream music wouldn't care for it too much.

Har Mar Superstar is the essence of Pop. I would go so far as to say that he takes all of the great things that describe pop and masters them into his songs. It's all usually about shagging or trying to get this or that person to fall for you. He will throw in some great background female vocalists to oooh and ahhh him just enough to have the audience member picture Har Mar covered in beautiful women. I mean, if you actually want to visualize that.

His newest single from his new album Dark Touches, Tallboy is a great song that should definitely get more airplay then it has. When I spoke to him during his last visit, I mentioned how many of the people in the audience for his show were gay men and how he felt that his performance and songs seems to be appreciated more by them. He admitted this was true, and I feel that his song Tallboy was an ode to his gays. Should you see him live? Yes. Though I recommend if you are a female in the college age range that you don't stand too close to the stage or you may get a face full of sweaty underwear or worse, a Har Mar Superstar who wants to make out with you.

Dark Touches (2009)

Tallboy

The Handler (2004)

Body Request

DUI

The Big Pink

2010-03-01T16:36:00.000-06:00

March 19th at Turner Hall Ballroom

w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

The Big Pink is composed of Robbie Furzo and Milo Cordell. Both had worked on a music label called Hate Channel and Milo had his own record label called Merok Records. Merok had released some songs that would fit in the "noise rock" genre which you can hear in some of the songs on the Big Pink's debut album, A Brief History of Love. When interviewed, Robbie and Milo said that the entire album was made up of love songs. But love isn't always something that is easy, light and jubilant. Sometimes it's rough and dark, full of longing and misunderstandings. I like this concept and even more so, I like how The Big Pink was able to create this album where the songs all sound different and unique while expressing these different phases of love.

The Big Pink are originally from Britian. Thinking of electro dance bands from the U.K., Hot Chip may come to mind. But I'd more put their style to 80's dark electro, a beat that is a little harder and rough added with a great lead male crooning voice. Guitar distortions, voice distortions and some slightly industrial sounding music all play apart in this album.

A Brief History of Love

Videos

Velvet

Dominos

Phantogram

2010-02-23T18:01:00.001-06:00

April 18th at High Noon Saloon

Not only am I excited that Phantogram is coming to Madison. I'm also excited that they are opening for The Antlers who I saw last year and I'm excited to see again. I'll write up something about them in a later post. I also believe that Phantogram is another band that Ryan Lucas turned me on to. I at least remember him telling me I should check them out if they swing on through Wisconsin.

Phantogram is a duo consisting of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. Considered an electronic music band, Sarah brings the breathy female vocals while Josh lays down some amazing beats. Sarah's vocals remind me of Alison Goldfrapp's, who is the lead singer of Goldfrapp. Her voice fits in perfectly with the music, crooning at the listner as in their song When I'm Small. Everywhere I searched Phantogram on the web, people said that their live performances were amazing. If anything, seeing this band and The Antlers together has to be one of the first ultimate shows this year. I can guarantee that they will blow up either this year or next, so see them now at such a great venue while you can.

These are all live videos

Mouthful of Diamonds

Let Me Go

Tally Hall

2010-02-19T13:47:00.000-06:00

March 11 at the Frequency

Five guys hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Tally Hall has been together since 2002. I would describe their music at cute pop rock, similar if a college all male acapella group added guitars and drums. The vocals are great, the music can go between generic pop rock to rap covers. Their first and last released album was Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum, which the name alone sounds awesome. So this band is slightly out of my musical tastes just because there is a good deal of familiarity in the music and vocals (if you haven't noticed, I tend to enjoy music or vocals that push slightly into the experimental) but hey, it's 5 cute guys who can harmonize. I'm down with that. Here's some of their music and videos.

Good Day

Ruler of Everything

Woodhands

2010-02-15T10:18:00.000-06:00

March 28 at The Frequency

There's something about Canadians that makes me feel like they are lovable misfits who break grounds in social evolution. What better thing to reflect a society or culture but the music. Alanis Morsette, Tegan and Sara, Kids in the Hall (they had some songs) all are beautiful, beautiful Canadians. Well, here is another Canadian group that will make you want to pack up and move.
Woodhands is composed of Dan Werb and Paul Banwatt. And their music is composed of dancey electrowave with passionate and sometimes punk -ish vocals. Which is kind of how I like my crazy dance music. They performed a few years ago at Project Lodge and I can say I'm really happy they are coming back to Madison. Their debut album, Heart Attack, puts out the beats with some amazing tracks. I Wasn't Made For Fighting being one of them. So listen to these attractive boys and hope you come out to the show at the Frequency.

Heart Attack (2008)

I Wasn't Made For Fighting
Can't See Straight

Cold Cave

2010-02-14T21:40:00.002-06:00

February 26 at Project Lodge

Originally from my home area, Philly, PA, Cold Cave now resides in Manhattan, possibly to get some of that Brooklyn vibe that seems to be all the rage these days. Cold Cave is composed of Wesley Eisod, Caralee McElroy (from Xiu Xiu) and Dominick Fernow. Just in case you want to say hi to them before and after the show. Speaking of such, I hope there is room to get in. This band I'm thinking will bring a pretty decent crowd.

Cold Cave reminds me of a more danceable less punky version of Crystal Castles. There is distortion used on the voices giving them an echo and 80's goth kind of sound to them. Doing some research, I guess the term for this type of music is "Darkwave".
Behind the vocals are some fun dancey beats that will even more remind someone of 80's Joy Division. Actually that last bit was how a friend of mine described them. Their debut album was released on Matador Records (say hello to Brad Oberhofer for me!) and is titled “Love Comes Close.”

Love Comes Close
Life Magazine

Brad Oberhofer

2010-02-11T10:25:00.001-06:00

Oberhofer - Demo

Starting off as an intern at Matador and also a student at NYU, Brad Oberhofer decided to share the demo of his music to some higher ups at Matador. After listening to it, they knew right away that they had an amazing talent working in their office.

Brad Oberhofer was a one man band when he started creating music, saying that he would grab musicians from other bands to fill in whenever he performed live, whether that was within the bursting Brooklyn Indie rock scene or back at his native grounds of Tacoma, WA. But creating and playing music alone doesn't take away from the complexity and fullness of Oberhofer's sound. He takes some of the best traits from already well known bands and makes them his own. There definitely a feeling of MGMT with his dance beats as well as connection to Wavves with his use of distortion on his voice. Oberhofer is able to take all of these sound bits and yet his sound still sounds unique. Check him out for yourself and hope that he does a tour of the country sometime soon and plays in Madison.

Demo

Away From You

I Could Go

Dead Girls Dancing

Holy Fuck!

2010-01-17T13:30:00.000-06:00

January 22 at the Majestic Theater

Although this is just a DJ Set, I'm very excited to check out these guys! I was trying to find a way to describe their music, without cheating and seeing what grand descriptions other critics have used. Not one for the flowery language when it comes to doing this blog, I'm going to try and make a conscious effort to change that. Maybe spend some more time on some of these entries. Though my main goal of this blog was to let people know of some upcoming shows, and that is still going to be the main priority for the blog. So if I start slacking off again, I apologize. Also, if you are reading this blog, let me know. I think a great number of blogs go to waste because many of the people who put a good amount of time into them don't think anyone is reading them. I know, I know, my point of this was not necessarily to have readers, but to work on my writing. But come on, a little love goes a long way, right? Ok, enough talking to myself...

Holy Fuck is a Canadian electronic group, but instead of leaning on the side of Auto-tuned sappy lyrics to a repetitive dance beat, Holy Fuck experiments more with mechanical sounds that makes me think of robots creating what they would consider music. This isn't to say it's totally avant-garde. Just that it isn't something that I think a good number of people will be dancing too. But to listen to the music, it is definitely something that would be awesome to experience live. I haven't seen a good number of DJ's lately, but this one I may try and check out.

A Beg for Jesus Christ Superstar the Sing-A-Long

2010-01-07T16:42:00.000-06:00

Since I heard about this idea on the blog, Boing Boing, I can't get out of mind how much fun doing a Sing Along to this movie would be. I love the songs, I love the great dance numbers and the hippees. This would be so amazing, especially if we had people dress up as the characters dancing in the aisles. Anyway, I'm just putting this out there so that maybe someone would have the knowledge on how to make it happen. For those who don't know, A Sing Along is pretty much like a mashup between a musical movie and Karaoke. The lyrics to each song is posted on the screen with the movie, and everyone in the audience can sing to it. They did it for Wizard of Oz and for the Sound of Music. Now, I believe it should be JCS's turn.

Nneka

2010-01-05T19:06:00.000-06:00

February 14 at Double Door in Chicago

I fell in love with this Nigerian singer's voice listening to her hit song, Heartbeat. I found out about her with Spin's article on up and coming new artists. After listening to Heartbeat, I wanted to make sure this wasn't just a one hit wonder or an artists whose songs all sound very similar. They don't. From The Comfortable Truth to Africans, I enjoyed all of her songs. She goes from Dub/Jamaican reggae sounding on Heartbeat, to a soulful, Jazz calling on her song The Comfortable Truth. Although she has been releasing singles since 2005, her US debut album won't be coming out till February 2nd. It will be titled Concrete Jungle. She has been in the US since November, and with the recent terrorist attack, I'm glad that she was able to stay and didn't have to go through a lot of crap that I'm sure people from Nigeria are going through when flying into the US.

Anyway, check out Heartbeat above and also these other music videos from her:

The Uncomfortable Truth

Africans

Daedelus

2009-12-27T21:23:00.000-06:00

Monday, February 15th at Majestic Theater

w/ Nosaj Thing and Jogger

He's about the beats. I guess since I wrote about Danger Mouse yesterday, I decided to continue my appreciation for guys who can throw down some great sounds while having others sing over them. Daedelus does just that, with the few songs I have heard, able to go from a melodic Postal service sound to a harder, almost Gorillaz beat. The synths are nice. The beat is fun and even sometimes danceable. He studied music at the University of California, and you can tell with some of the weavings of sound and vocals he does with a few of his songs. Check out some of his music, and then check him out at the Majestic

Fair Weather Friends (AMAZING VIDEO)

It's Maddness (Nosaj Thing Remix)

La Nocturn

How I love Danger Mouse.

2009-12-26T19:37:00.001-06:00

Broken Bells: Collaboration with Frontman of the Shins, James Mercer

I first heard about Danger Mouse when my roommate at the time was emphatically complimenting this Hip Hop album he had heard, DangerDoom. Listening to it, I didn't care too much for the rap style of MF Doom, but the music and beats were amazing. I also knew that he illegally combined Jay-Z's rapping to the Beatles The White Album to create The Grey Album but I haven't checked it out yet. Then Gnarls Barkley hit the scene in 2006 releasing the huge hit, Crazy, which I remember Kevin Barnes of Of Montreal covering when they were touring that year. Gnarls Barkley is composed of Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green.

Recently, under copyright litigation again, Danger Mouse teamed up with Sparklehorse and released one of my favorite albums of 2009, Sparklehorse and Danger Mouse present: Dark Night of the Soul. But since Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse didn't get the rights to these songs from the record label EMI, they were not permitted to release the album. Instead, they released the album with a blank CD-R and encouraged people to illegally download it themselves. Any group that is brave enough to go against these Middleman record label thugs is definitely high in my books. The list of artists that contributed to this album include James Mercer from The Shins, Black Francis, Iggy Pop, The Flaming Lips and the recently deceased Vic Chesnutt. I highly recommend you "acquire" this album.

Now I have great news that I just found out about. Dangermouse is teaming up with James Mercer again and releasing a new album under the name, Broken Bells. Their first single has already made an impact on music blogs. The link for it is HERE .

Whatever this guys touches seems to turn into gold, so I'm definitely looking forward to this new album.

Out with old, In with the New

2009-12-06T12:18:00.000-06:00

New Albums....New Solo Projects

2010

Some of this may be old news for some of you, but I spent the day looking up some info on up and coming Albums/projects that either are out now or are coming out in 2010. I may post an in depth blog on some new band since I haven't done New Music Sunday for awhile (or daily blogging. Sorry, My OCD kicked in. I usually have peaks and troughs of interests in things and currently I'm in a trough with this blog, but I'm hoping with the New Year and an increase in touring bands coming to Madison, I'll be blogging more again.) So here are some rumors I've picked up on the music blogs. If you hear of any others, let me know.

New Albums coming out in 2010

Arcade Fire is releasing New Album in May: PLEASE, PLEASE stop at Sasquatch on your tour.
Hot Chip: February 8th
Beach House: Teen Dream - January 26
The Books: April 2010 - (Nick told me directly, so yeah!!)
Wavves: ?? - Apparently they got some new band members form Jay Reatard's band and will be releasing a
new album sometime next year. They already have a single out called Mickey Mouse.

New Solo Projects

Jón “Jónsi” Þór Birgisson (so beautiful) lead singer from Sigur Ros just released a song from his solo project: boy lilikoi: Again, PLEASE, PLEASE come to Sasquatch this year.

Joe Goddard of Hot Chip just released a solo album last month. Here's a song from that: Lemon and Lime.

That's it. Keep your eyes peeled for BBC's list of upcoming artists for 2010 coming out tomorrow. I know I will and hopefully have some great new artists to blog about.

Screamin' Cyn Cyn and the Pons, His & Her Vanities, The Dials, & more

2009-12-06T02:39:00.000-06:00

New Year's Eve Show

High Noon Saloon 8:30pm - Close

I already wrote about The Dials playing at the High Noon Saloon on New Year's Eve. Now I wanted to mention two other local bands who have made a name for themselves in Madison and who will also be performing New Year's Eve at the High Noon Saloon.

Screaming Cyn Cyn and the Pons

If you haven't heard about them, then you must be pretty new to Madison. Screaming Cyn Cyn and the Pons is composed of Shane O'Neil, Cynthia and Christian Burnson, and Steve Shah on drums. They are fun. They are playful on stage (and off when they mosh with fellow audience members). They have great outfits, great short punk/pop/heartbreak songs and a great following here in Madison. It's no wonder that they are headling this show.

His & Her Vanities

His & Her Vanities I don't know much about, but I know that when I went to see them live a few months back, they put on a good show. It's Indie rock and there isn't too much that is different then maybe some other bands you have heard of. But the vocals are great, the songs are tight and don't seem slopply put together and the songs themselves are fun. Check them out for yourself.

Also playing the show is The Descendaints, who since they don't have any songs up on their myspace page, I don't know exactly how they show. If they are a Descendants cover band, then expect some power punk which would fit in nicely with Screaming Cyn Cyn and the Pons. Also playing is a newish band in Madison called The Hemlines . For $12, this is a great show to catch on New Year's Eve.

My End of the Year Stuff.

2009-11-25T14:34:00.004-06:00

Sorry I haven't written in a bit. I haven't had much time between burning CD's from the library and shooting terrorists in Modern Warfare 2 to research up and coming bands. But I plan to post a few new entries in the next couple of days that I have off. But first, here is my top albums of the year and also the Top things that have influenced my music greatly in the last decade.

There is no particular order with these albums. I like all of them and since the music styles are so different, it really is hard for me to choose one over the other. Comment on any Albums/bands I missed.

Top Albums of 2009

1.Fever Ray – Fever Ray

2.Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion

3.Florence and the Machine - Lungs

4.The xx – xx

5.Dead Man's Bones – Dead Man's Bones

6.Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse present – Dark Night of the Soul

7.Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

8.Discovery – LP

9.The Drums – Summertime!

10.Little Boots – Hands

11.Karen O and the Kids – Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack

12.Matt & Kim – Grand

13.Yeah Yeah Yeah – It's Blitz

14.Peter Bjorn and John – Living Thing

15.Portugal. The Man. - The Satanic Satanist

16.AU – Versions

17.Atlas Sound – Logos

18.The Antlers – Hospice

19.Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below

20.Noah and the Whale – The First Day of Spring

21.Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

22.Wavves – Self Titled

23.Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Self Titled

24. Peaches - I Feel Cream

25. Yacht's - I Believe in You. Your Magic is Real

Top Influences on My Music Interest

1. Dave Zero and Madcity Music Exchange: Dave introduced me to some amazing Grrl Rock bands and always takes my daily pop ins to his store with great aplomb. And with Cooper and Amy working there, er I mean Kim, it's one of my favorite music stores for a reason.

2. Heidi Olson and WORT: Heidi introduced me to soo many amazing artists when I first moved here that I can't count. She is Bad Sister Heidi who you may know from the local Roller Derby League as well as one of the hosts from Psychoacoustics; the radio program on WORT Thursday nights. WORT also allowed me access to their immensive library of music which allowed me to taste different artists that I knew little about.

3. Myspace: It sucks as a Social Networking site, but the exposure this site has given to bands all over the country is amazing. I would not have known how good some bands were if it weren't for my ability to look them up on this website.

4. Pandora Radio Station: What a genius idea for a web radio station. Not only did it give exposure to lesser known bands, it allowed you to listen to a stream of different musicians but who all are in the same musical vein of each other. It's one of the most brilliant things to happen to music and to help individuals find more music that fit their taste.

5. The Library!: My god. The amount of amazing music that the Madison Library has astounds me. This is something new that I've discovered and I can tell you that I have checked out close to 60-70 albums so far just in the last 2 weeks. From Modest Mouse, Of Montreal, Band of Horses, Pavement, Elliot Smith, Sonic Youth to the Yardbirds, The Who, Metallica...etc. you will find it at the library.

6. Cheng Vue and Ryan Lucas: Cheng, AKA, DJ Chen Cheng, has introduced me to so much amazing electronic/indie rock music and I'm still amazed when he can make me a mix CD and almost every band on it I haven't heard of yet. Same with Ryan Lucas. This guy introduced me to more Folk Indie Rock and I've fell in love with almost every band he suggested for me. Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes...etc. It's great to have amazing friends who are on the cusp of knowing what great new music is just coming on the scene. Both are part of a facebook group that posts "Mix Tapes" online. I'm glad that now more people are able to get their hands on some great music.

7. Hype Machine: A great website that will let you listen to music that is being blogged right now. From songs from albums yet to be released, to obscure music from the past that is only now getting the love it deserves. This is also a great way to find a blog that reports on music you listen to and to stay in touch with what new music from the genre is coming out.

8. Music Festivals: One part of the music scene is finding out about new bands and listen to new music. Another part of the music scene is to see these bands live. And sometimes, at $10/ $15 a pop, it can get pretty expensive. And though music festivals aren't cheap, they are the few places you would be able to see so many big name acts in a 3-4 day period. I've gone to Bonnaroo twice, the Forward Music Festival here in Madison twice, and to a few shows at Summerfest in Milwaukee. I'm excited to go to Sasquatch next May and experience what that music festival has to offer. But I highly recommend that if you love music, spend the extra amount of money and try to go to one of these events.

9. Last, but certainly not least. Local Live Music Venues in Madison/Milwaukee: High Noon Saloon, The Majestic, WUD for the UW-Memorial Union, Project Lodge, The Annex, The Barrymore Theater, Pabst Theater and Turner Ballroom and even Milwaukee's The Rave (Links on the side). I have seen so many memorable shows at these places and I do believe some of these shows have deeply influenced my life. Some of these places I have seen acts that I never in my lifetime would have thought that I would see. Others presented me with smaller shows that even though the attendance was small, the performances blew me away. I'm thankful all the time that I live in a city that pushes hard to get great acts to stop in this city and I'm glad that there are so many other people in this city that will spend money for the music scene even in these unstable economic times. Thank you Madison for helping me love music as much as I do.

A Sunny Day in Glasgow

2009-11-13T07:17:00.001-06:00

Friday, November 20 at Memorial Union

A Sunny Day in Glasgow includes twin sisters Robin and Lauren and their brother Ben along with three other nonrelated band mates. They released their first EP in 2006 called The Sunniest Day Ever and their first studio album in 2007 called Scribble Mural Comic Journal. Both of these were highly praised by music critics and especially enjoyed by the college music circuit. They just released their newest album in September called Ashes Grammar.
I would summarize A Sunny Day in Glasgow's music as being a distortion of guitars over a drum loop with Robin and Lauren's vocals barely breaking free. It's interesting how I like music that has clear, crisp vocals and I also like this combination of a distorted foundation of sound with the vocals fighting to escape it. I might also like it just because A Sunny Day in Glasgow is able to pull this off without having the sound seem to muddle. Like I said about WUD shows, it's a great free show at the Memorial Union, so mark your calendars and there's really no reason not to be there (unless you are late getting there because of the Cougar show earlier that night). I'll see you there.

Ashes Grammar (2009)

Failure
Hybrid Moments

Scribble Mural Comic Journal (2007)

Ghost in the Graveyard (remix)

Glass Ghost

2009-11-08T22:33:00.000-06:00

Saturday, December 19 at the Annex

Winter Art Show w/ Samwell Rowan, Mighty Joe White and Eli August

I like that the production of visual art is being paired up with some good music at this event. And it's even more amazing since this is something I would have expected more from High Noon Saloon then from the Annex. I remember when I saw Janelle Monae at Bonnaroo and for one of her songs she painted a picture at the same time. After the song, she tossed it into the audience. It was awesome to watch her express the songs emotions through painting. I don't know exactly what is going to happen at this event, but I'm guessing that they have a select number of artists that will paint throughout the concert and then sell their art afterwards. Anyway, fun idea.

Glass Ghost sounded familiar to me, and when I looked them up I saw that they actually performed or will be performing with Dirty Projectors, White Rabbits and also with Tune Yards. They are from New York City (guess what part). Hmm, I'm trying to classify them. I almost think they have a similar sound as Of Montreal in a few of their songs, but a lot less simplier it being mainly a drum synthesizer and a regular synthesizer playing. It's mostly Eliot Krimsky's voice sung solo over very minimalistic music that have a poppy, fun sound to it. I like a few of their more intrincate songs, but some of their other songs I'm ehh on. But I do think it would be fun to paint to their music. Also check out Samwell Rowan's music. It's got more of an 80's feel to it with it's New Wave and they are from Minneapolis, so they may play here more often.

Idol Owen (2009)

The Same

Like A Diamond

Divisions

New Music Saturday Night, Cause I'm Lame: Evangelicals

2009-11-07T19:41:00.000-06:00

Evangelicals: The Evening Descends (2008)

I stumbled upon this band when I was looking up bands for my Halloween compilation. Luckily they had a few songs off their The Evening Descends album that fit nicely into the Halloween spirit. What is awesome though is that all of their other songs on this album are really amazing. I feel like I heard of this band the first time when they were opening up for Headlights, who I really don't care. Hence, I didn't get to see them play. I definitely would have put this album on my "end of the year best album" list if I had known. But, I'm a year late and I'm sure the two people who read my blog have already known about these guys for awhile. I do hope that they play again sometime soon in Madison, cause I would love to check them out.
Speaking of "End of the Year" lists, apparently Amazon.com already has theirs up. Yup, all just shit from here till December, so might as well as make the list up now. Well, and I guess it is mainly to sell those albums during the great consumer holiday. If you want to see who they voted for #1 (really?), the link is HERE.
Oh, and I know it doesn't take a brainiac to compare Owl City to a bad ripoff of Postal Service. I am glad though that other music reviewers websites are also commenting on this. I feel like it is similar to the Monkeys copying the Beatles. Owl City can't come close to Postal Service, but for some reason, the masses don't care so much. For their lovely critique, click HERE . I like when Pitchfork's bitchy-ness is in agreement with me.

The Evening Descends (2008)

Midnight Vignettes (Video)
The Halloween Song
Here Comes Trouble

Cougar

2009-11-06T09:15:00.000-06:00

Friday November 20 at Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

Ok, I lied. I said in my last post that there are few local bands I would be all about checking out. This band I would definitely encourage everyone to see. I also think this band has a lot of potential in becoming famous Especially now that their music is signed on to a bigger record label in England. Their music is beautiful and is already played nationally and internationally. They label themselves as experimental rock/electronic. Their songs are like the awesome musical breakdowns you would hear in a huge hit song or they are the quiet sounding instrumental songs that would break up the loudness of the other songs. All of their songs are instrumental, but don't let that fool you into thinking there isn't some very passionate sounds within them. This is an amazing band and hearing them play in the museum should lead to a very interesting experience.

Patriot (2009)
Stay Famous

Law (2006)

Pulse Conditioner

http://www.cougarsound.com/

Sun Dried Truth

2009-11-05T12:54:00.001-06:00

Saturday November 14 at the Annex

Remember the 90's? Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, the entire Crow soundtrack? Well, so does the band Sun Dried Truth. And I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I have a big heart for 90's alternative rock and these guys have got the sound down really well. It probably is because that two of the members are from the band American Hi-Fi which I'm thinking is a pretty big name band. Interesting that Drew Parsons and Brian Nolan from that band teamed up with Pete and Ken from Madison for this band. Now I'm even more interested in seeing this show. If you like 90's alternative rock or any of the bands above, check these guys out.

Here's some links where you can listen to their music. I like the song My America personally.

ReverbNation

Myspace

New Band Sun...um Monday: Cymbals Eat Guitars

2009-11-03T00:53:00.000-06:00

Cymbals Eat Guitars: Why There Are Mountains

I saw these guys at Forward Music Fest and wanted to do more research on them. This was an amazing show at the Orpheum Stage Door. I was expecting more punk bands with guitars playing only 3 chords and lots of screaming. But this band hit me with musical qualities from different genres but qualities that I really like. One moment they would go off on some psychedelic/atmospheric musical interlude to be broken up with some hard yelling/screaming of lyrics, and then go back to an accoustic folky sound. Wow. Compared to Pavement (a band I've been told I should check out) this is definitely a band you want to see live just to be amazed how their musical style can change instantly on stage from rockish to folky. Anyway, check out these songs from their current album.

Why There Are Mountains (2009)

And The Hazy Sea

What Dogs See

Wind Phoenix (live video)

Nana Grizol

2009-11-02T15:42:00.002-06:00

Wednesday, November 18th at Glass Nickel Basement

W/ Plumtuckered and Coney Island

So this band needed a place to stay because they were coming into town on November 18th and had no place to stay. And I think we had only one other band stay at our house so far this year, so why not. This band comes from my roommates favorite Pop producing place, Athens, Georgia. I like how they sound and hope they find a place in town to play at. I don't think they all could fit in our basement. Maybe Project Lodge basement? Hmmm. Anyway, this is cute pop music but with horns and a lead vocalist who I actually like listening to. I read a review where they compared them to Bright Eyes and Okkervil River. The music does sound similar to Okkervil River but I don't know anything about Bright Eyes, so who knows about that comparison. But if you know of a place they can perform at, let me know so I can pass that along.

Love it Love it

Tamborine in Thyme

Ruth (2010)

For Things That Haven't Come Yet

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

2009-10-29T12:42:00.001-05:00

Saturday, November 28 at High Noon Saloon

w/ Fool's Gold & Local Natives

I was searching for some up and coming music when I stumbled upon this band playing at the High Noon Saloon. I know how name recognition is used to jump start new bands, so once I saw that Alex Ebert from Ima Robot was in this band, I had to check it out. Wow, Alex. Talk about a 180. He went from cyber disco to hippieland. LOL. Ok, I'll take it. Anyway, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros does remind me a little of Polyphonic Spree because of their accoustic instruments and choir background singers. I also picked up on a few horns playing in the background of some of their songs. That kind of makes me think of a jam band, but without the 10 minute instrumental sections. They also have a kind of druggy Beatles sound as well, which I guess goes into the hippie music scene. Their shows look like a lot of fun though! But alas, no drum machine or synthesizer. Super sad face. Well, I like this type of music too and for some reason I feel like some of this is in fun because I can't see Alex taking himself to seriously. Especially as a hippie. Check out some of their songs and see for your self.

Self Titled Album

40 Day Dream (live video)

Home

Desert Song

Owl City

2009-10-28T12:50:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, January 26 at Majestic Theatre

w/ Lights & Deas Vail

I was going to blog about Owl City later this year, but since I've been hearing his song "Fireflies" on the radio everywhere I go, I thought that I might as well mention him. His music really reminds me of Postal Service and almost seems to fill the void that Postal Service has left after not releasing any more albums. But instead of harmonizing vocals with some lady friend, Owl City (Adam Young) does all of his own vocals and music.

I do like his music but I feel like it gets very repetitious after awhile. And he has that breathy singing that I like in moderation, but if each song feels like you are giving me sappy eyes while singing about weird romantic stuff, I'm not sold. Unless you are a tall norweigian. Then please, for all purposes, keep singing.

Ocean Eyes (2009)

Fireflies (Video)

Hello Seattle (Video)

The Dials

2009-10-26T18:01:00.001-05:00

Thursday, December 31 at High Noon Saloon

I fell in love with this band when they played at the High Noon on my birthday. They were amazing and everytime I have seen them since I have enjoyed their show. The Dials are a girl rock band (with one male member) who create a strong sound with their music and with their vocals. Being a fan of grrrl riot, I would put them under a water down version of that but in a more pop-y sort of way. It's hard to say who the lead vocalist is, but she reminds me a great deal of Corin Tucker from Sleater Kinney. The songs aren't always about women dominating men though. The song Antonio is an ode to a boy which seems flirtatious one moment and slightly threatening the next.

This is one of my favorite "local" bands even though they are from Chicago. I wish I could find more songs of them but there isn't much online.

Flex Time

Take it to The Man

Amoebe Amore (2008)

Sunday/Monday New Bands: Atlas Sound

2009-10-26T17:37:00.000-05:00

Atlas Sound (Bradford James Cox) - Logos

This dude isn't new. And I can say that I wish I had seen more of his set when he came to Madison for the Forward Music Festival then waiting for YACHT to go on. First thing you notice about this guy, I doubt you will meet anyone skinnier then this guy. This guy wears skinny jeans just so they look normal on his legs. He actually suffers from something called Marfan Syndrome which is a new disorder for me. I like disorders. Not that I suffer, but in general. Anyway, I did see some of Atlas Sound's set and I think this guy is not only really amazing musically, but a great guy in person.

His music isn't anything new but still very beautiful. He is also frontman for the band Deerhunter. Although it sounds like a lot of synthesize music, when he performs he uses an accoustic guitar for the most part and has some kind of distortion hooked up to it to get that weird sound. Anyway, if you like cute pop with some unique distortion to it, then check out some of his songs.

Logos (2009)

Walkabout

Sheila

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

2009-10-21T18:21:00.001-05:00

Saturday, November 14 at Memorial Union

I'm glad that the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) released bands coming to the last half of this semester. I was running out of bands to blog about that were playing shows here in town. To see their full lineup, click on their link on the right----->(Music at the Union Terrace)

I never subscribed to music magazines before being more of a video game nerd then a music nerd. But I found out that I can get a free year long subscription of Spin Magazine just for going to Bonnaroo which makes for a good perk for shelling out $250 for their event. I like their magazine and I like most of their recommendations for up and coming bands (Helllllo The Drums). They did a full article on Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson (MBAR) and mentioned his workings with Kyp Malone (see my post on that mastermind below) and how most of his songs are about self deprecation and his failing in life. My type of guy. So now that I see he is coming to the Union in November, I thought I would check out his Myspace page. And though some songs have that singer song writer forlorn sound, some of the songs are really pretty great. Defining himself as folky, psychedelic and grunge on his Myspace page, just listening to a few of his songs you can see how he does touch on all of those subgenres. It's a free show so it would be pretty lame not to check it out.

Summer of Fear (2009)

The Sound (soft)

Buriedfed (harder, you can definitely hear Kyp's influence on this)

Woodfriend (now you got my "attention")

Steve Aoki

2009-10-20T15:51:00.000-05:00

Saturday, December 12 at Majestic Theater

Presented by WUD and IQ

It's so weird that I was just talking about this guy last week, and now I find out he is coming to Madison. Since I'm a big fan of WUD, IQ and the Majestic, I got quite a few invites for this event. I like when good music just drops in my lap like that. Anyway, here's my fun story on how I found out about Steve Aoki. I was looking up songs of Will.I.Am for my coworker who wanted to listen to some in our office. I couldn't find any of Will.I.Am on the Hype Machine, but I did find the name Zuper Blahq come up. Who the hell is this and why did he come up when I typed in Will.I.Am? I came to the video linked above, and there I heard Steve Aoki for the first time. And boy did I dig this DJ. So I asked Cheng about him, because if there is any DJ in Madison who has heard about other DJ's, it's Chen Cheng. And that's where I learned more about Steve Aoki.

So here's some of his stuff. He does some great remixes of popular indie bands as well as making his own music up. It definitely sounds very techno-y and repetitive at times, but the sounds are pretty cool. And hipster kids seem to dig him.

WARP ( I totally think I'm watching an American Apparel or Urban Outfitters ad)

Gifted by N.A.S.A (Steve Aoki mix)

Gladiator by Autoerotique (Steve Aoki mix)

David Bazan

2009-10-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, October 27 at High Noon Saloon

I'm not usually a big Singer-Songwriter fan, but when I was researching this guy I really became intrigued on his history. He just recently did an interview on NPR that you can listen HERE. His father was a musician and a reverend which set the foundation for David's future. He became a musician and formed the band, Pedro the Lion which was a Christian Indie rock band from Seattle. But then David Bazan started questioning his faith which was a major part of his musical and personal life. He soon developed a drinking problem to cope with these life altering feelings and soon Pedro the Lion broke up. Now David Bazan is touring solo with a backup band for his new album Curse Your Branches which is autobiographical in telling of David's new feelings about Christianity and about his low period trying to figure himself out. Listening to this, it is softer and slower then what I usually like to listen to, but I really like David's voice and really like that his songs are about this subject matter then some typical romance songs by other Singer-Songwriters.

Also check out the opener, Say Hi (Formerly known as Say Hi to Your Mom!). I saw them at the Project Lodge I believe in 2007 and had a fun time. It was also memorable because it was one of the first live shows I went to with Cheng and Shane. Awww...memories.

Curse Your Branches (video)

Bless This Mess

And some songs from Say Hi!

The Death of Girl Number Two

November was White, December was Grey

Sunday New Music: Dr. Dog

2009-10-18T09:52:00.000-05:00

Dr. Dog: Fate

Although this band has been around for awhile and their last album was released last year, I am a little slow at hearing about them. And I'm happy that they aren't from Portland or Brooklyn where it seems a lot of good bands are coming from, but from Philly, PA. Yeah PA. Though Black Moth Super Rainbow is also from PA, though on the West side of the state, so that might now count towards a theory on a new music hub.

Labeled as a psychedelic rock band, I think they have more of a 60's rock band sound which I guess is inherently psychedelic but not necessarily crazy psychedelic...ex. Black Moth Super Rainbow. I like their music and their a good band to listen too with The Drums to make me feel of summer and era's of music that I actually really enjoy.

We All Belong (2007)

Old News

Ain't It Strange

Fate (2008):

My Friend

Gossip Show at Majestic

2009-10-18T09:09:00.001-05:00

There were so many people excited to see Beth Ditto and to jam out to the Gossip last night. We got there a little after 9pm and MEN were already playing. JD's new group sounded great. I was thinking that the group was just him DJing and singing over that, but there were two other bandmates with him. It was fun electro and it was cool to actually see JD up close.
Then the Gossip performed. Right from the first song, I can tell something was different. And then when Beth Ditto started talking and her voice started going out, I knew that this wouldn't be the awesome show it was supposed to be. Beth said that she was getting sick (which I have a lot of sympathy for) but she also mentioned the crazy time she had the night before in Chicago and how she was screaming out songs all night with JD at the after party. Ummm...I know we aren't Chicago, but a couple hundred people had just paid $20 to see you and now you can't sing very well. She has performed in Madison other times so I don't think she meant to diss Madison personally, but it did make me feel like she had to get her party on in Chicago because small town Madison won't be much fun. Just my feelings on it.
I can say that there were many people who said the show was great and had a lot of fun. I had fun to though the typical elbows and pushing on the dance floor by people not dancing still occurred. But worse, most of the songs were sung by the audience then by Beth. Every song there was a point where she couldn't sing any more and so everyone in the venue sang it. And since she only did 2 songs that I can remember from Standing in the Way of Control and the rest from her newest album, I'm glad some other people new the lyrics. And my favorite song. The song that when I heard it at the Annex 2 or 3 years ago I knew this was an amazing artist, Yr Mangled Heart, was very bad last night. I was pretty sad about that. So my feelings are that, hey Beth, hope you have a good time the rest of the tour but I feel you owe a lot of people in Madison a show that you can actually sing in.

New Music Sundays presents: The Drums

2009-10-17T20:23:00.001-05:00

The Drums - Summertime

Look! Look! More cute Indie Pop Rock. Playful, flighty youthful lovemaking songs that make you want to dance and forget about the cruel harshness that is life. Maybe that's just me. But these songs do make me want to dance and want me to live on the beach in a very warm place. Preferably cheap like the men there. Thanks to Cheng for mentioning these guys. It's good to have some fun when outside it looks slightly gray and gloomy.

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing from POPFRENZY HQ on Vimeo.

Solid Gold Concert

2009-10-17T19:17:00.000-05:00

When Cheng gets some pictures up, I'll post them on here. It was a great show. Because of Homecoming weekend, the Union was full of people which made trying to buy beer difficult, but made enjoying the music pretty awesome. Everyone was getting down with Solid Gold and Solid Gold played a great set. Now off to see MEN and The Gossip.

White Denim

2009-10-15T12:51:00.000-05:00

Thursday, November 5th at High Noon Saloon

w/ Brazos

I haven't posted much rock on this blog since I have been in more of a syth pop dancey mood the last few months. But this band's name kept popping up on my radar and when I saw that they were coming to the High Noon, I thought I would mention them here. Now I'm no enemy of Rock. If I could make sweet love to the The Black Lips, I would. Even if Cole then proceeds to vomit on me. And I do prefer Beth Ditto screaming in punk fashion over her more tame incarnation as a disco diva. So here is my rocking contribution to the blog. And for the record, rock bands with nerdy looking members is definitely a plus.

This band is interesting because their rock expands from gritty to poptacular to experimental and trippy. And I have to say I like most of these rock styles (although I like my synth with pop, I don't like my rock with pop) there isn't too many bands that try to do all of them. And I should say do them well. This is one of those bands. And with some of their jazzy numbers, I'm sure there will be some horns involved somewhere during the show.

Explosion (2008)

Shake, Shake, Shake

FITS (2009)

I Start to Run

Regina Holding Hands

The Books

2009-10-14T15:54:00.002-05:00

Monday, November 30 at Majestic Theatre

Label as "Collage" music, this band takes sound clips from other things and incorporates them into their music. It's a hodge podge with an undercurrent of soothing Cello, Violin or guitar and one of them singing. This creates an other world feel as if you were drifting between floating TV sets playing clips from different shows. I think they are brilliant and am really excited that after getting married (unfortunately to other people) and having kids, they decided to work on and release a new album and begin touring again. Check out these songs that are, sad to say, now on out of print albums (which I hope changes with them touring).

All Bad Ends All

A True Story of a Story of True Love

Matisyahu

2009-10-12T19:13:00.000-05:00

Saturday, October 31st at Pabst Theater, Milwaukee

I have no idea what I'm goint to dress up as for Halloween. I really want to bring Halloween back to the days when people actually dressed in scary costumes and not costumes that mainly look like you are a whore for women and some men, and stupid references to sex for men. How about some mass murderer costumes? When will those come back in style? Anyway, on to Matisyahu.

I've heard this guy's name quite frequently and I'm pretty sure he played at the Orpheum theater this past summer. But I never really listened to this guys music. I have to admit, the Hasidic Jew appearance made me think, "Does this guy know how to party?". Don't get me wrong. I feel the same way when I see monks and also sweater clad strict Protestants. But it wasn't until recently that I started listening to his music. And you know what, this guy ain't half bad.

Matisyahu combines reggae, electronic music, and definitely a sense of Indie Rock to his songs. I feel better knowing that he used to be a Deadhead before converting to Hasidic Judaism and that he was a former Phish groupie. Ok, now I see where his sound comes from. Check out some of his songs and let me know what you think.

On Nature

Thunder (Live at the Orpheum Theater)

2-For-1. Dead Man's Bones

2009-10-11T13:05:00.000-05:00

Dead Man's Bones - Dead Man's Bones

We all know actors who go on and try and become Rock and Roll stars. Keanu Reeves had been in the grunge 90's band Dogstar. Jared Leto is currently in 30 Seconds to Mars. Notice the connection of pretty boys and rock bands. I like the notion, but don't think either of these bands turned out very good. This band, Dead Man's Bones, is the first band that I heard about, listened to, and really enjoyed and then only after further research found out that it is composed of one of his favorite current actors; Ryan Gosling.

Although I haven't and probably never will see his movie The Notebook , every other movie that he is in I thoroughly loved, especially because of the conflicted, weird characters he usually plays. But enough about him, let's talk about this band he started up with Zach Shields.

Dead Man's Bones I classify as being a little folk, throw in a choir or two for harmonies, and add a dark tinge to the sound and lyrics. There is no hiding here. Ryan and Zach wanted to create something that exposed their singing talents and their musical talents. And both are amazing. I found out about this band by looking at blogs and the playlists that they are creating for Halloween (which I'll put one up shortly). This band topped many of them and for good reasons. They sound amazing. The vocals are great. The songs are great. The addition of a youth choir for their album is also an extra bonus. If you do get the chance to see them (and if you are one of the lucky ones who will see them at the soldout show in Chicago on the 21st....DAMN YOU) you are in for a treat. They always find a local choir to perform with them which I love because A) it incorporates local talent and B) their songs won't be sacrificed in being performed by just two singers.

Dead Man's Bones (2009)

In the Room Where You Sleep (with the Silver Lake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir)

My Body's a Zombie for You

Name in Stone

Sunday New Band! Hunx and his Punx

2009-10-11T12:31:00.001-05:00

Hunx and his Punx - Gay Singles

You may recognize Hunx from his other band, Gravy Train!!! or maybe if you subscribe to BUTT magazine, you may have seen most of him in there. But Hunx isn't just a pretty face (and other body parts). He has jumped further back in the musical decades and has decided to take the 50's sock hop genre and gay it up. I definitely appreciate someone who can take something from the past, revitalize it, add a twist to it and create something equally as amazing. Especially if it entails taking something that is suppose to be innocent rock and roll and make it hot and homoerotic.

I also think that Hunx has got a niche here since there doesn't seem to be as many bands trying to recreate that 50's rock sound and I for one enjoy listening to it. The big disappointment for me is that Hunx and his Punx have only released singles the last year and their first LP that came out recently, Gay Singles, is only available on vinyl. Is he trying to emulate how music was released back in the day? Even so, for those of us who haven't gone back to the vinyl days, a release of songs digitally or on CD would make it easier to listen to Hunx and his Punx.

Here are a few songs off Gay Singles.

Gay Singles (2009)

U Don't Like Rock N Roll

Cruising

Gimmie, Gimmie Back Your Love

Solid Gold

2009-10-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

Friday, October 16 at Memorial Union

W/ Sugar and Gold

Awwww....Synth Pop, I will never stop loving you. These guys have become known worldwide without the help of a major label. That's saying alot in this day and age where there always seems to be an abundant amount of new music hitting the scene. What's even better is that these guys are from Minneapolis, so they do get down here to play a few times a year which is pretty amazing. What's also kind of amazing, is that they are playing for free on October 16th at the Union. I believe I first saw these guys in 2005 on New Years Eve. I remember that because I was with someone very special that night and I remember having an amazing time at the now defunct King's Club with him. At the time, I barely knew anything about them, but I remember them being a part of making that an amazing night.

WUD compares their music to Cut Copy and/or Phoenix, but I don't know if I would go that far. Their music is fun, but they don't necessarily make me want to go crazy like songs from those former bands. Anyway, Check out these sounds and check them out on Friday.

Bodies of Water (2008)

Bible Thumper

Get Over It

Rain Machine

2009-10-08T12:11:00.000-05:00

Thursday, October 15 at The Annex

I want to admit that I think the best thing about T.V. On the Radio is Kyp Malone. When I saw them perform live at Bonnaroo this past year, it was Kyp who was singing the most passionate parts of songs and whose voice I recognize on quite a few of the songs off of my favorite album of theirs, Return to Cookie Mountain. So I am actually excited to be checking out his side project, Rain Machine, next week. And unlike this week, there aren't 3 other bands playing that night that I also want to check out.

I haven't listened to many songs from his project Rain Machine, but I have listened to other songs that Kyp Malone has done on his own, and I love almost all of it. His voice is amazing. His music is more experimental and sounds amazing. And man, who can't dig that bushy beard? Check out some of his stuff and hopefully will see you at this show.

Kyp Malone

You Could Be Love (Kyp playing live)

Rain Machine

Give Blood

White Rabbits

2009-10-07T01:06:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, November 10th at Turner Hall Milwaukee

I have to admit, I know very little about the White Rabbits. I do know about Spoon though and I do know that Britt Daniel is in both bands. I also know I like them from the few songs that my friend Ryan gave me on some mix CD's. I also know that they have their show in Milwaukee listed as their last show of their tour, which may mean they might be able to tag on a Madison stop afterwards. Maybe.

I have to admit that nothing about the White Rabbits really stand out for me. Which can also be good, because there's nothing about them that I think really sucks. They have a great percussion. Brett has amazing vocals. But their sound has gotten more mainstream (or I'm jaded to wanting outstanding vocals or extra - ordinary music). Comparing this band to the Strokes wouldn't be too far off. But have a listen yourself and see if the trip to Milwaukee would be worth it.

Fort Nightly (2007)
March of the Camels

It's Frightening (2009)

Percussion Gun
They Done Wrong/ We Done Wrong

Noah and the Whale

2009-10-05T16:28:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, October 28 Noah and the Whale

Majestic Theatre

w/ Robert Francis

This band is one of the main reasons I decided to do this blog. This band has been one of my all time favorites since last year. I like to check out the La Blogotheque blog for bands I haven't heard of before. What I like most about La Blogotheque is that they choose bands with distinct and beautiful vocals because on their TakeAway shows, the voice doesn't get lost within the music. I also enjoy that they are taking amazing music and for the most part, taking them to public streets and parks and sharing them with everyone.

Noah and the Whale is one of those bands that I found. I admit, I find Charlie Fink more then slightly attractive including his amazing voice. I also really liked that the band looks like these hip kids that would play some sort of dancy electronic club music and instead plays these beautiful, melodic heart breaking songs. I'm more and more a sucker for cute guys singing love songs, I admit.

Here are some songs from Noah and the Whale. Their new CD, The First Days of Spring , will be released tomorrow in the U.S. and has already made it pretty big on the U.K. charts. Noah and the Whale created a movie to go with their newest album, and knowing their affinity for Wes Anderson films, I'm sure it will be a heart breaker.

This will be a cheap show to see such an amazing British band.

Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down (2008)

5 Years Time

Shape of My Heart

Give a Little Love

Fever Ray

2009-10-04T08:40:00.000-05:00

Fever Ray - Fever Ray

So Fever Ray is not coming to Madison. Fever Ray isn't even coming further inland then New York City. But I thought that each week I would do a post on the weekend about a new band I heard from or post about a band that I have been raving about for years now. And for years now, I have been a fan of The Knife, which I believe anyone with a remote interest in electronic music is also a fan. I just found out that

Karin Dreijer Andersson from The Knife has a side project out called Fever Ray. And I can tell you, I love it.
In my opinion, KDA is one of the greatest artists this decade that isn't appreciated enough. Not only her music, but her videos, her art, everything this woman creates is so haunting and beautiful. I'm sad she doesn't tour more frequently, but I'm pretty sure that each show she does is huge and amazing. She is definitely one person that I would think to travel to NYC just to see live in concert. Possibly Europe.

Here are some videos from Fever Ray.

Seven

Seven from Fever Ray on Vimeo.

When I Grow Up

When I Grow Up from Fever Ray on Vimeo.

Check out more videos and to buy some awesome looking shirts/posters at: http://feverray.com/

Why?

2009-10-02T11:10:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, October 6th at Union Terrace

FREE SHOW!!

w/AU, Dark Dark Dark

Why? is a Hip Hop/ Indie Rock band who I happen to see last year when my good friend Audrie came down to visit. I wanted to show her around and show her the great music scene we have around here. We saw Why? at Cafe Momo and it was a packed show. I have mixed feelings about Why?. I really do like some of their beats and when they focus more on the Indie side of their music, I can really get behind it. The lyrics being spoken instead of sung sometimes remind me a little of They Might Be Giants though more geared to adults.

Here's some songs I recommend listening too.

Alopecia (2008)

A Sky for Shoeing Horses Under

Eskimo Snow (2009)
Into the Shadows of My Embrace
The Blackest Purse

Pretty Lights w/ Dark Party

2009-10-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

Saturday, October 24 at Majestic Theatre

I first saw Pretty Lights at Bonnaroo this year and this guy can make me dance. With Paul Oakenfold and Girl Talk competing for people, I have to say Pretty Lights was the only one who got me moving. And the light show alone was really amazing. I'm hoping he brings it to the Majestic for his set, because if he does, it will blow people away. I like when the Majestic brings some amazing DJ's because it is one of the few times that you see everyone in the place moving and dancing. Here' s some samples of his work

Sunday School

UpDownIGo

Pretty Lights Live!!

The Gossip

2009-09-30T16:07:00.001-05:00

Saturday, October 17 at Majestic Theatre

W/ MEN (featuring J.D. from Le Tigre)

Not only am I a big Gossip fan, but I can't believe J.D. who I think is extremely attractive is also performing there with his new DJ group, MEN. And what can I say but this is definitely going to be a huge Lesbian lovefest with so much attractive lesbians on stage. And I'm extremely excited to be in the thick of it all.

I found out about the Gossip the last time they were in town which I believe was 2006 at the Annex. It wasn't that crowded but The Gossip put on one hell of a show. Not only that, but Beth Ditto, the lead singer totally hung out with us after the show as she was smoking out doors. How someone with a voice like her can smoke is beyond me. My first album of theirs was Standing in the Way of Control. A remix of the title song from that album was used to promote a new TV show in the U.K. called SKINS. The video of that trailer can be seen here. It's also how I was introduced to Skins and now it's one of my favorite TV shows.

But it isn't just her voice that will blow you away. Her live performances make you feel the passion behind her songs and it is a rare crowd that can't get up and dance/mosh/or jump up and down vigorously. I left pretty sweaty after her performance at the Annex and I know for sure I will leave in the same condition at the Majestic.

Songs that are a must listen/see.

Standing in the Way of Control (2006)

Standing in the Way of Control (look at her strut! Amazing!)

Yr. Mangled Heart (performed at a huge Fashion Show)

Music for Men (2009)

Heavy Cross

tUnE-YaRdS

2009-09-29T15:06:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, October 20 at High Noon Saloon. 7pm

W/ Sunset Rubdown

tUnE-YaRdS is Merrill Garbus and I have to say I had the distinct honor in having this amazing musician stay at our house last year. I didn't know anything about her before she came and didn't hear much of her stuff until I saw her perform at the Project Lodge. Then I was blown away. Here was this person that I thought was like every other starving musician hoping to get a few fans, sell a few tapes (she didn't have any CD's) and then that was that. But when I heard her, I knew she was very different.

First thing that will catch your attention is Merrill's voice. This voice can ring loud and true or soft and wisp like depending on the feel of her songs. And Merrill is very much a DIY person, performing every part of each song, looping the drums, guitar, and sometimes a little Beat Boxing on her part. I have to say that her live performance was one of the best I saw at the entire Forward Music Festival, given that the setup alone had you guessing how everything will come together. That drum beat. That beatboxing. Where was she going with it? And then she would add her voice. Ahhh...everything comes together and you are left amazed to have witness the creation of each of her songs.

She has spent time in Africa, and it shows with some of her vocals and with some of the sounds within her songs. All and all, she is someone not to miss.

Check out these songs:

BiRd-BrAiNs (2008)

Hatari
News

Bo Burnham, YouTube Sensation

2009-09-28T16:12:00.001-05:00

Saturday, October 10 at Majestic Theater - 2 Shows

First off, how can you not be slightly in love with this guy just looking at his picture. Awkward, witty and with a mouth like Sara Silverman, how can you go wrong. Whoa...wait a minute. He's dirty? Oh...Yes. Bo Burnham started off writing and performing songs on YouTube and soon got up to a million viewers for each video. Being 15 or 16 at the time, he was thrust into popularity and was soon making some good money from his youtube videos. But it isn't just his cute looks and his witty songs that made him famous. This guy is actually a pop reference genius and his delivery of his songs are hard not to laugh at. I personally would love to see this guy, and I'm still considering it even though I know that I will probably be surrounded by 16 year old swooning girls and a few kind of creepy older gay men. ehm...which I'm totally not a part of. Ever. Anway, do yourself a favor. Watch just a few of this guys videos and tell me he isn't possibly worth $20.

Bo Burnham's Greatest Hits in Video

My family thinks I'm gay.

Welcome to Youtube (if you aren't YouTube obsessed, this won't make much sense)

New Math

I'm Bo Yo!

Ghostland Observatory

2009-09-25T11:51:00.005-05:00

Thursday, October 8th at Barrymore Theater

Wow, I can't believe this band is scheduled the same night as Portugal. The Man at the Majestic. I could probably understand it if it was a Friday or Saturday, but a Thursday? I guess their music styles are different enough that they would attract different crowds. But for me, tough choices will have to be made. I do have to say that the sound isn't always that great at the Barrymore, but I definitely would dance/mosh more at this show then Portugal. The Man. Hmmmm.

I can't remember where I first heard Ghostland Observatory, but I do remember seeing the video of them doing the song Vibrate and thinking that Aaron Behrens not only has an awesome high voice, but he is a dancer that everyone should idolize. Forget Dancing with the Stars, Dancing with Aaron Behrens for a future win. I also missed seeing them last year at Bonnaroo due to....um...substance issues.

Their music is very dancy with mostly just electronic synthesizer, drums, and Aaron's voice. Don't look too much into deep lyrics, Aaron's voice is definitely the star of this band.

Here's the two albums I have of them:

Paparazzi Lightning (2006)

Vibrate

Sad Sad City (video)

Robotique Majestique (2008)

Dancing on My Grave

Post Show Review:

Holy Shit. If there ever was a show that made me feel like I was messed up on drugs while being completely sober, this was it. Everything said about their light show is true and more so. There was one instrumental song that I swear felt like it went on for 10-15 minutes and although mostly repetitous in nature, the addition of the lights and fog made me feel like I was in some Discotheque Opium Den. And I loved every minute of it. This was part of the Southern Comfort UnderCover party, but I feel like this party was way more undercover then it should have been. There were fewer people there then I would have expected for it being a free concert. I have to say going through DJ Lords or whatever his name was, set was a little hard at times. Most of his stuff was 1980's or early 90's. But it was well worth it when Ghostland came on. Amazing show. Sorry if you missed it. Keep checking this blog for more upcoming free shows so you won't miss out again.

Portugal. The Man.

2009-09-25T10:37:00.003-05:00

Thursday, October 8 at Majestic Theater

w/ Hockey & Drug Rug

Portugal. The Man was another band I saw some of at Bonnaroo this past year. There was big hype about them around and I saw they were playing both in Madison and Milwaukee earlier this year, but since I paid my $250 for Bonnaroo, I planned to see them there. Unfortunately, this year wasn't the best Bonnaroo experience I have ever had (given that it was only my second time there, that pretty much means it wasn't as awesome as last year) I didn't see much of their show.

I classify their music as sounding indie rock which by my definition is beautiful and strong vocals, folk/rock sounding music and a touch of the electronic. John Baldwin Gourley, the lead singer, has an amazing voice that is harmonized by other members of the band to create some really beautiful songs.

They have released albums every year since 2006. I have their latest three albums and here are some songs I recommend checking out from them. Maybe it's just me, but I find that I usually love the first album I hear of a band more then other albums so I have to say that Censored Colors is a great place to start. I'll probably be buying their older albums at their show October 8th.

Censored Colors (2008)

Colors

Salt

And I (video

The Satanic Satanist (2009)

Lovers in Love

Do You (video)

The Majestic Majesty (2009)

This is just an acoustic version of The Satanic Satanist and is available as a download here

Phoenix

2009-09-23T11:44:00.000-05:00

Tonight

September 23

Aragon Ballroom

Chicago

Phoenix was one of the many bands that I'm pretty sure Cheng introduced me to. Or Ryan. Either way, I know their song Lisztomania was the first song I heard from them. I was able to catch the last song of their set at Bonnaroo which was 1901 and probably their most well known song off their latest album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. They were playing right before Crystal Castles, who I was really excited to see. I'm the type that if passing by a tent at Bonnaroo I come across some great music coming from it, I tend to try to fight my way through the crowd to see whose playing. We were hearing the beginning of 1901 as we approached the tent and this song is so fun and danceable that I was excited to push through to where everyone was dancing. After their set, two people that were standing near us expressed how they have never heard of Phoenix before, but definitely thought it was one of the best bands they saw so far. I saw that they were touring this fall and that almost all of their shows have sold out except one in Chicago. So that is where I'm off to tonight and I'm pretty excited for this show.

Phoenix I feel is a more realistic band in the sense that they have been putting albums out for a long time and have only recently gotten any recognition. I never understand how bands who haven't even put out an album get blown up so quickly. Also, reading up on them, although they are from France they have been getting more attention outside of France particularly in the U.K. and in the United States. I know, how un American to be loving a product of France that isn't fashion or food. Here's hoping we can put our international feud aside and more bands from France make it big over here.

Top Songs to Listen Too:

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Lisztomania
1901
Fences

Unfortunately I haven't checked out their earlier albums, but when I do, I'll let you know which songs to check out.

ADDENDUM:

I have to say that the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago is the most beautiful venue I have ever seen. Decorated in an "Arabian Knights" style, the inside of the ballroom reminded me of the Prince of Persia video game. The walls were designed like the outside of an Arabian palace. Between the intricate designed towers was a balcony that also had additional seating. The entry way into the venue and the bathrooms were decorated with mosaic tiles and added a lot to the feeling of being in some Arabian palace. If you ever get a chance to see a show there, I definitely recommend checking it out. The show itself definitely made me feel like I was watching a rock show. The lighting effects were amazing and added to the music. Listening to Phoenix live, I think they excel most when they build up songs into a crescendo, lyrics or not. Too me, other then their final song, 1901, the instrumental songs were my favorite.

Secret Machines

2009-09-22T12:45:00.000-05:00

Saturday

September 26th

Majestic Theater, Madison

w/ ... And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead and Invade Rome

I became aware of The Secret Machines when they were in town last year. They played a show at the Majestic and I remember it being, I believe, over $20 to see them. I thought to myself, and I may repeat this a lot but it's true, I saw Sleater-Kinney for $15 and have yet to see a band that is better that would be worth paying more for. $15 is usually the price I'll pay to see bands and they would have to have some name recognition or amazing music for me to shell out more.

After they came, I decided to check out their music to see if it was really worth that much money. Well, I can say that I am very glad that they are coming back to town.

Secret Machines label themselves as Space Rock which is definitely one of my favorite rock genres. I always just thought of it as music that makes you think you are high even when you aren't (It's my Anti-Drug!!). The first album I got of theirs was Now Here is Nowhere which also happens to be the first album they released. From the first song, First Wave Intact, I fell in love with the minimal vocals, the repetive and stong drums, and the spacey guitars. I pictured lights shining behind these rockers as they just jammed on stage and the audience was transported to some psychedelic realm of goodness. And it wasn't just the first song, but this was one of the few albums I have that every song fits nicely within the album with some songs being upbeat while others are airy and melodic. The second album I got from them was Ten Silver Drops. I thought maybe it was a fluke that their first album was that good. Although not as good as their first album, Ten Silver Drops is by no means a bad album. I do think the best track is the first one, Alone, Jeaous, and Stoned

Top Songs to check out:

Now Here is Nowhere

First Wave Intact

Nowhere Again

The Road Leads Where It's Led

Ten Silver Drops

Alone, Jealous and Stoned

Side Note: I missed seeing Invade Rome at Forward Music Festival because of scheduling issues and I'm very glad to be able to see them at this show. Check out their music here. I have a soft spot for Rock guys who sing with falsetto voices.

First Blog!

2009-09-22T12:24:00.000-05:00

I have to be up front. My main reason for doing this blog is to keep my writing skills in check, which being out of college now for a number of years, has severely deteriorated. I'm very glad these blogs have spell checks.

So what I want to do with this blog is to write about different artists I come across, old and new, and to report not only on their music but also on background information. For starters I'm going to try and focus on bands who are touring and coming to our fair town of Madison. In the music dead zone of winter, where tours seem scarce, I'll probably write some articles on bands that newly appear on my radar as well as new albums released by current favorite bands of mine. I also usually attend some big music festival in the summer and will try and write up on some amazing artists that will be performing at whichever festival I'm going to.

My hopes is that maybe I can get good enough at writing these things to be linked on Dane101. But judging on this first entry, I may have a few months to go.