Sunday, October 30, 2005

Spoon with Super Diamond at New Daisy Theater at Memphis, TN



Super Diamond is on the top left picture. Spoon is in the remaining ones.
















The Venue:
As always the New Daisy Theater was perfect. The place was decorated with Sin City theme which was obviously done by Spoon's agent or record company. All in all it was pretty funny though. They had pole dancers and casino tables everywhere with a Las Vegas backdrop. I think it was sponsored by Camel cigarettes.

The Opening band:
The opening band was hilarious: A Neil Diamond Coverband called Super Diamond. Many of us were singing along to all of the cheesy favorites such as: Coming To America, Love on the Rocks, Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon, Sweet Caroline. One cool part was at the end of Sweet Caroline they broke into "Sweet Child O' Mine." and sang the lyrics to Sweet Caroline. All in all they were amazing.

Spoon:
Spoon satisfied every need I had. They played every single song I wanted to hear. Off of
Girls Can Tell they played
"Me and the Bean,"
"Beleiving is art,"
"Lines in the Suit,"
"The Fitted Shirt" and
for encore my favorite "Anything You Want." and possibly others.
Gimme Fiction:
They started of with "The Beast and Dragon, adored," others they played on
"Sister Jack,"
"I Summon You,"
"Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine,"
"I Turn My Camera On" and
my favorite "Mathematical Mind" which they absolutely rocked out.
On Kill the Moonlight, they played,
"The Way We Get By."
"Two Stakes"
"Jonathon Fisk" among others.

The Crowd:

We decided that "Indie" kids are not very cool. They are too afraid to have fun at concerts. I miss the hippie crowd in my hippie phase. My friends and I were probably some of the oldest there and probably dancing the most. Indie kids just stare at the band.....More on this later with the Death Cab in Nashville review. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Scare-D Cat......Cat Power in Memphis.

Last Wednesday, I ventured up to Memphis for a concert. Cat Power was playing. I recommend never going to see her live. First of all, only one blue light shined upon her. You could barely see her. Then, she asked lighting guy to turn off that one “bright light” that was shining on her. The light was like a small blue flashlight and was the only means of seeing anything on stage. Cat Power live is entirely too slow. She was by herself and while her voice is amazing, I found myself bored. She alternated from guitar to piano. Then, the losers in the back kept being loud, and she started singing about how much of a boring bitch she was. Strange. After her sobfest, she started hammering on the keys, and then ran off the stage never to return. Don't get me wrong, she is an amazing musician. Her music is beautiful but a terrible live show. She has major social anxiety issues which is fine. But, come on, you are a musician. If you are that much of a freak, don’t tour. Someone please tell me why power is in her name. Excuse the dark picture for obvious reasons it was not my fault. Posted by Picasa

Monday, October 24, 2005

I Turn My Daisy On.

Spoon is playing at New Daisy in Memphis, TN on Wednesday. Who knew? I will be there. Stay tuned for pics and a review. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Shake Your Rattlesnake Skin and Become a Part of Society

Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah! is still by far the cd of the year so far. Sorry for the repetition, but it is just too good not to re-emphasize. Go buy it if you don't have it. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Sun Kil Mouse

SUN KIL MOUSE

On November 1, Sun Kil Moon’s Mark Kozelek will release an album of Modest Mouse covers. Kozelek claims he went and saw them and was blown away. During their last tour, they would randomly play modest mouse covers and finally he decided why not make an album. WOW! Modest Mouse with no lisp!!! (please don’t kill me Isaac).
01 Exit Does Not Exist
02 Tiny Cities Made of Ashes
03 Neverending Math Equation
04 Space Travel Is Boring
05 Dramamine
06 Jesus Christ Was an Only Child
07 Four Fingered Fisherman
08 Grey Ice Water
09 Convenient Parking
10 Trucker's Atlas
11 Ocean Breathes Salty Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 09, 2005

GO BUY THE NEW MY MORNING JACKET.
Anyone having trouble burning or ripping to your computer SEE BELOW
The Man will never beat us. PS ATO records was too lazy to make software for a mac. So if you have a mac you can rip/burn with no trouble.Anyone having trouble burning or ripping to your computer http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~jhalderm/cd3/or download software: http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/

or download software:
Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Sufjan Stevens Nashville, TN September 24, 2005

Sufjan Stevens, Nashville, TN September 24, 2005 Mercy Lounge

I don’t mean to go on a rant or anything but, the evening started out as a bust.  As we pulled up to the Mercy Lounge, I thought we had arrived at Bonnaroo.  Doors were supposed to open at 8:00, and we arrived at 9:00.  In a sea of indie haircuts and tight vintage shirts, a line existed literally about 700 yards long.  I could not believe it.  I also noticed a many Michigan and Illinois T’shirts.  I went and asked the security guard who told me there was only two people checking ID’s.  Anyway, we stood in line for about 45 minutes and did not really move.  I decided something had to be done.  So, I conveniently eased into the front of the line like I knew what I was doing.  Then, I proceeded to get on the phone and act like I was giving directions so my five other companions who were “on their way to the venue.” 30 minutes later we entered the venue.  However, there was only one person checking ID’s for a venue that holds over 1000.  As we entered Wally World, excuse me Mercy Lounge, we find the place about a quarter full.  PS it is about 10:30 at this point.  Then, we skipped merrily up to the bar only to find that they could not sell alcohol for lack of security guards (shocker).  However, we were informed that we could go upstairs and drink but could not bring them downstairs.  We proceeded upstairs and pounded shots of tequila and whiskey.  I eased downstairs and found that the problem was a tranny (no kidding a man dressed like a woman) was the ABC officer who was in charge of this debacle.  Anyway, they finally figured out the deal, and they could serve.  The venue is nice but has many pylons throughout the place that obstruct your view.  The place is also very level so Napoleonic people are very discriminated against.  This is just my opinion I could be wrong. Enough pessimism.  On to Sufjan.  Sufjan came out dressed in stars and stripes with a Cubs hat, and his band had pom-poms and headbands dressed to a T as cheerleaders.  Wow, an eight piece band full of guitars, women, drums, a trumpet, a banjo, and a xylophone.  He really put on a show. He began the concert with his 50 states song which can be heard at INSERT HERE.  Then, he went into Illinoise full force. Songs ranged from Decatur, Come and Feel the Illinoise, Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day, Jacksonville, Man of Steel, ETC ETC.  He did not play UFO or John Wayne Gacy, Jr, but oh well it was amazing.  One funny part of the night was someone who kept yelling Lord God Bird (the song he did for NPR) and some guy yelled out, “Way to Be That Guy!”  Everyone got a good laugh.  Other highlights of the night was Sufjan doing a cheer before each song.  They all would do a cheer about the particular song.  Sufjan could barely keep a straight face while doing them.  All in all it was an amazing show. I would highly recommend anyone seeing him.  He truly made it sound like the album with all the instruments and voices.  I never thought he could pull it off.  
Sufjan In Nashville Posted by Picasa
Sufjan In Nashville Posted by Picasa
Sufjan In Nashville Posted by Picasa
Sufjan In Nashville Posted by Picasa

Kings of Leon / Secret Machines / The Helio Sequence Live

Kings of Leon and Secret Machines and The Helio Sequence Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium August 20, 2005

Wow. First of all what a lineup! The Ryman Auditorium is an old church turned into a concert venue. The Ryman has great acoustics and does not have a bad seat in the house. We sat in the balcony, which I highly recommend. My only negative experience was the beer lines. Jeez lou EEze it took at while to get a beer. However, they had 32 ounce beers so not many trips were required. We got there a little late missing part of the Helio Sequence. But, I will say that they were very good. Who knew it is only two people in the band? Anyway, soon after they finished the Secret Machines graced us with their presence. I only have the cd Now Here is Nowhere, but they played many off of that album. They basically rocked. They were all dressed in white and flashed many white lights on the stage. Great scene. The last song they played First Wave Intact was amazing. It lasted like 8 minutes, but the crowd did not want it to end. Towards the end the lights were absolutely amazing because they were blasting with the guitars. But all things must come to an end, and by that time we were ready for KOL. As the Kings walked out on the stage, I could do nothing but laugh. Not that I am a fan of the sagging, baggy, Girbaud’s (Ja-Bows – for whoever was in a cave in the 80’s), but they came out with basically leggings. Thankfully, I was not too close to because my girlfriend would have probably left me, and I would have been disgusted. Tight is an understatement. Oh well, they still filled the rock star role. They began with Molly Chambers and ended with Slow Night, So Long. KOL were amazing. They rocked loud and hard. The crowd was very into it as well, with everyone singing and dancing. The only negative things I have to say is they only played like an hour and a half. I know all of their songs are short but come on. Also they did not play Joe’s Head or Talihini Sky which are two of my favorites. Re-Memo, Tranny, and Soft were highlights. Anyway, I would highly recommend the venue and the bands. Here are the setlists
Secret Machines Set listNow Here is NowhereSad and LonelyPharaoh's DaughterDaddy's in the DoldrumsLightning Blue EyesHarmoniaDe Luxe (Immer Wieder)I Hate PretendingGirl From North CountryChainsThe Road Leads to Where It's LedFirst Wave Intact Kings of Leon Set listMolly's ChambersTaper Jean GirlPistol of FireWasted Time RazzBucketSoftMilkRememo4 KicksVelvet SnowKing of the RodeoWhere Nobody KnowsCalifornia WaitingSpiral StaircaseHappy AloneTraniHoly Roller NovocaineHead to ToeSlow Night, So Long
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Secret Machines Live in Nashville

Secret Machines Posted by Picasa
Kings of Leon Live Posted by Picasa
Kings of Leon Live in NashvillePosted by Picasa

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Voodoo Moved to Memphis

Voodoo moved to Memphis, TN. The Voodoo Music Festival on October 29-30 looks promising. The Daily Mississippian claims modest mouse is playing but on the website: The Flaming Lips, LCD Soundsystem, The Decemberists, Handsome Boy Modeling Squad, and the Secret Machines, Death From Above 1979, VHS or Beta, The Bravery, Cake, among others will be playing at this festival. For a full list check out: http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/2005/EXPERIENCE/lineup.php

Monday, September 19, 2005

New Releases

John Vanerslice Pixel Revolt
The first new release worth noting is John Vanderslice's Pixel Revolt. Although I feel this album is no Cellar Door, I still think it is noteworthy album. Many of the songs are slower than most on Cellar Door, but they are still amazing. Vanderslice uses many instruments including flutes, cello's, trumpets, etc etc. in this album, and the album is filled with strange yet comforting noises. The strongest tracks are Trance Manual, Pixel Revolt, Radiant with Terror, Dear Sarah Shu, Dead Slate Pacific, and crc7173, affectionately.

Sigur Ros' Takk
Sigur Ros' is icelandic for Icelandic for "Victory Rose." "Takk" means thanks. If you enjoy laid back ambient type music, this is the album for you. In my opinion, Takk is Sigur Ros's best album to date. The album is much more upbeat than any other Sigur Ros' album. Takk is a very moving album. While at times other Sigur Ros albums have put me to sleep or wanted me to call my girlfriend yet at the same time loving it, this album is much more approachable and can be listened to not just when you are "watching a movie" with someone. The most notable tracks are Milano, Gong, and Glosoli, but the whole album is great.

Not new release but a jewel: Bright Eyes/Britt Daniel and Spoon Home Vol. IV EP.
Wow, just found this on iTunes. Bright Eyes and Spoon together do I even have to say more?

Imogen Heap: Single: Hide and Seek
Possibly one of the best songs I have ever heard. I came across this song around the hurricane and it truly moved me. Imogen has an amazing voice that is accompanied with a synthesizer voice over. The song is almost a-cappella with the exception of a light organ. TRUST ME GET IT. I am not even that big on women singers (no offense anyone - just personal taste) but Imogen is amazing. PS don't tell anyone that I heard it on the season finale of the OC that my girlfriend made me suffer through.

Death Cab for Cutie: Plans
This album is decent. Numbers 1, 2, 6, and 9 are great songs, especially number 6. Other than that the album is decent. Ben Gibbard needs to get darker instead of lightening up these pop melodies on Plans.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Another great new release

Another great new release is the New Pornographers album "Twin Cinema." It sounds a lot like the Shins with some hints of Spoon and Sufjan's faster numbers. I did not even really like there last album but this is more solid with more instruments, background vocals, etc.

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Bands around Mississippi

Pretty Impressive:
Memphis:
Richard Buckner Wednesday, August 10 Hi Tone
Bottle Rockets Friday, August 12 Hi Tone
Robert Earl Keen, Wednesday, August 17th New Daisy
North Mississippi Allstars, Friday, September 9th New Daisy
Magnolia Electric Co. Wednesday, September 14th High Tone
Mobius Band Wednesday, September 28th Hi Tone
John Prine Friday, September 30 The Orpheum
Widespread Panic Tuesday and Wednesday, October 4th and 5th Mud Island


Nashville:
Ray Lamontagne Tuesday, August 16th City Hall
Kings of Leon/Secret Machines/ Helio Sequence: Saturday, August 20th Ryman Auditorium
Big Head Todd Saturday, August 27th Mercy Lounge
David Allan Coe Friday, September 16th Exit/In
Blue Merle Saturday Sept. 17th Exit/in
Coldplay Sunday Sept. 18th (antioch, tn vanderbilt vs. Olemiss Weekend)
Keane/ Long Winters Wednesday Sept. 21 Ryman Auditorium
Son Volt Thursday, Sept. 22 City Hall
Sufjan Stevens Friday Sept. 23 Mercy Lounge
John Prine/Mindy Smith Saturday September 27th Ryman
Mobius Band Thursday Sept. 29th Exit/In
Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah! Friday October 14th The Basement
Nickel Creek Saturday October 15th War Memorial
Death Cab For Cutie Friday, October 28th War Memorial Auditorium
Yonder Mountain String Band Saturday October 29th War Memorial

Jackson:
Son Volt Wednesday September 21st Hal and Mal's
Widespread Panic Friday October 21 Mississippi Coliseum

Oxford:
David Allan Coe The Barn September 10th