Frightened Rabbit Show Review

I saw Frightened Rabbit on Friday night at the First Unitarian Church. They were opening for Spinto Band for whom the night was serving as their official CD release but I tell you, most of the people there had come out to see this threesome from Scotland.

As I am newish to formally reviewing shows I'm not sure if I can capture how spectacular this show was. So I'll just start from the beginning. The sound was a little wonky to start, it is the basement of a church after all*, but after they got that balanced the boys glistened.

Their post punk influence is much more apparent when you see them live and can really feel the driving bass drum and see the way these fellas rock out together. I can't tell you how much a true connection and balance of talent/musical understanding contributes to a live show. They played stuff off of their new album The Midnight Organ Fight as well as their freshly released live album Liver! Lung! FR! both of which should be purchased by you all post haste. Highlights were

•The Modern Leper which is probably the best song written with references to Leperosy and when played live have an energy the isn't on the album (but is still a valid tune)when the rhythm is pumped up a bit more you really feel the drive of this song.

The Modern Leper

•Old Old Fashioned which is the kind of tune you wish your friends who are in band would have written so if anything you had one reason to go to their shows. The lyrics to this song are grand and made for a good sing along with the crowd.

Old Old Fashioned

• They closed with Keep Yourself Warm which is the song that first grabbed my attention months ago. It is a gem of an honest relationship song and really tied things up very nicely. There is something about the singing "It takes more than fucking someone to keep yourself warm" in a room with a bunch a strangers in the mess hall of a church that has a delicious irony.

Keep Yourself Warm

If they had played Backwards Walk it might have been too good to be true and now I have real motive for seeking them out when they come back through the East as headliners this winter. The crowd wanted more after they left the stage and stood around makin noise for a while but FR didn't return to the stage. I was standing by the sound board at this point and their manager came back to let the guy know they weren't coming back out (despite the fact that EVERYONE there was bowled over by them and wanting to see what else they could put out there) because, he said, they (FR) didn't want to steal Spinto's glory at their release show a far more endearing end than any encore could have provided. Well played guys.

It would be well worth your money to see Frightened Rabbit when/if they come through your town.

* One of the reasons I so love this city they have some fabulously unique venues. Besides First Unitarian Johnny Brenda's is an old dance hall and the Trocadero is an old Chinese theater.

Frighten Rabbit on Myspace

2009: Looking Back pt III

So far in my look back I've covered 10 of my favorite moments and discoveries. Now we get to the real choice picks from 2009. These are the memories that will always be associated with 2009. 

Drink Up Buttercup

This Philly act first appeared on my radar early this year and after hearing a few of their tracks I caught a show of theirs at The Fire. I was immediately sucked into their riotous set and in the subsequent shows I've seen their presentation has just gotten tighter. Busting through their songs with a degree of measured chaos that serves up a whole new level of awesome from what you hear in their recorded material. Playing an assortment of unique "instruments"- garbage cans and toy dump trucks- they often bring the fun straight out into the audience to create a truly memorable experience. James, Farzad, Mike and Ben take great pleasure in getting crazy and drawing their audience right in to the mix. This shared dedication to their stage antics is what makes DUB an act that stands out amongst the masses.

When you're done being mesmerized by their live show and you go back to really listen to them in the privacy of your own home your ear relishes greatly in the grand psych rock elements; jangly percussion, abstract lyrics and echoey vocals. Their Gods & Gentlemen and Lovers Play Dead have been on pretty much every mix tape I've made for people this year. Now that they have their album Born And Thrown On A Hook we head into 2010 knowing there will be much more to love - not to mention lots o' touring- from the guys of Drink Up Buttercup. I'm terribly excited to watch them smash and crash their way through the next year.

 Even Think

Bad Veins

 

The duo behind the Bad Veins moniker are Ben and Sebastien, a pair of Cincinnatians with such a ginormous amount of talent spilling out of their persons it really isn't fair to other musicians trying to "make it." In addition to recognizing their talent they also hold a spot in TWIAPC's memory books because they were my first interview. I went in a little nervous but that lasted for all of two seconds as the guys quickly ordered me a whiskey and the chat commenced. While it wasn't my finest bit of information gathering I walked away with a sense of the smarts and great intention they put into every song. After the talking came the playing and, oh, what a show it was.

Their set was nothing short of epic. Seb is probably one of the tautest drummers out there and paired with Ben's grand musical vision the rush of energy that escapes them on stage is palpable, and noisy. The two are capable of producing a shocking amount of musical noise. And by that I mean they don't forgo musicality in the name of getting loud. They manage to do both...impeccably. I was fortunate to see them at Monolith as well and they were no less amazing. To really tie up their package they have put out a totally addictive album. Gold and Warm needs to be snatched up for a movie soundtrack or simply added to your own.They're going to be on the road in February with The Subjects. Don't miss them.

Gold & Warm

Dinosaur Feathers 

My relationship with Dinosaur Feathers is completely categorizable and best summed up with a simple tip of the hat to kismet. I first heard them last spring and wrote them to ask for more info about their addictive indie pop ways. After a few emails lead singer Greg Sullo politely pointed out that we had actually gone to college together. I blushed and a fantastic friendship was (re?)created.

Their music makes it conveniently easy to be a supportive friend as it is delicious and always evolving. Over this year I've had a front row seat to watch them push, pull, poke and prod their skills and potential to create a rich and distinct sound. How close you ask? Well, a great deal of their forthcoming album Fantasy Memorial was recorded in my apartment after their original location fell through. It was an awesome opportunity to see the amount of work and time that goes into recording an album. I have a much improved sense of the process that a song goes through from creation to the completed album that reaches my in box. Not to mention, a whole lot more respect for those albums that are done well.

The finished copy of Fantasy Memorial that made its way into my hands is nothing short of magical; and, yes, there is a degree of admitted bias that may nullify my opinion in your mind but I ask you to give it a listen- once it is released that is- and try hard not to find yourself hitting repeat.

Teenage Whore

Ida Maria

There isn't an album that has served up more personal anthems for me than Ida Maria's Fortress Round My Heart. From I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked to We're All Going To Hell there is something I can relate to in everyone of the tracks on that record. Oh My God was blasted through my stereo, with my stellar accompanying vocals- of course, to an embarrassingly frequent degree through '09. Whether I needed to pick myself up or let myself go Ida had something to offer.

Ida was touring through the US at a rabid pace and I was able to catch her in NY at the Bell House. She didn't fail to meet my expectations of a balls out, crazy awesome show. She's got herself a mean set of pipes and a superb backing band to play off of. As I stood there watching her I realized she is exactly the kind of rock star I would want to be. Brash, honest and talented.

Ida ended up cutting her touring short after once the frantic schedule caught up with her. But I have no doubt she'll be back with something delectable to offer in 2010.

We're All Going To Hell

Frightened Rabbit @ Johnny Brenda's January

Frightened Rabbit's show last January was perfection. The night was unbelievably chilly, the crowd small and the band was at their finest. I'm not shy about my adoration of Frightened Rabbit; their lyrics are sincere and witty, their musical ability is pure and their stage presence is uncomplicated and humble. I had seen them before and I've seen them since and I can say that there was a degree of straight enjoyment on the stage that night that I have rarely seen.

The set covered material from Sings The Greys as well as Midnight Organ Fight. They got raucous at times, Grant wailing away on his drums and Scott revving up the room just as much. The absolute pinnacle of the show was the encore when Scott came out and did a stunningly beautiful acoustic version of Poke. Simple and clean his voice rolled smoothly through this spare rendition. It took my breath away.

Frightened Rabbit has never failed to please in their live show but this was truly one of their best outings. They will, no doubt, be making rounds to support their new album (due at the front of 2010) so be sure to get out and see them.

Poke

Is it the accents?

I am unsure what exactly it was the incited it but early this year I developed a fascination with Irish musicians. I think it was some combination of finally watching the fantastic movie Once, becoming a member of emusic which has a great regional search capability and most notably tapping into the music blog culture. For a while there I was rabidly hunting down new and old Irish groups as they seem to provide the most consistently fabulous tunes. Regardless of the genre there is something about the lyrical playfulness and intelligent musical crafting that is shared by folks from the green isles.

Of course I have always enjoyed the musical stylings of the widely known Irish acts: Van Morrison, Belle & Sebastian, The Cheiftans, Flogging Molly etc. But my research turned up a few gems I intend to share.

*** Amendment*** Frightened Rabbit are actually Scottish (thanks to NotAgnes at It All Started With Carbon Monoxide for the heads up)

As anyone who has read this blog can gather I Ha-luv Frightened Rabbit. Their album Midnight Organ Fight is one of the strongest released this year. Charging out of the gates with the confidence of a group that has been playing together for years, as these gentlemen have. They recently followed that studio album up with LiverLung a live recording capturing some of their songs better heard with a tinge of spontaneity. I must say after experiencing them in person this fall there is a whole new side of them live so I'm providing you with two live recordings one from that EP and the other from a Daytrotter Session.

Frightened Rabbit Old Old fashioned
Be Less Rude

Before I discovered FR Bell X1 crossed my path. Rocky Took A Lover was the first song I heard of theirs and it was catchy enough to send me looking for more. A little bit like an Irish The Fray their music is poppy and not particularly complex. Their output isn't very consistent some songs like Flame are a little too childish to garner my support however when they hit it they hit it. I saw them this fall when they opened for Stars and their live show is also a little soft but that could have been the poor sound system preventing us from really hearing them.
Bell X1 Rocky Took A Lover

I have long been a fan of Snow Patrol. Their song Chasing Cars was included on a compelation produced by Cities97 (a Minneapolis radio station) a few years ago and I adored it upon first listen. Their lyrics are sincere and romantic and their compositions carry your ear along. Not challenging it too much but keeping you on your toes. I grabbed their newest single last week, Crack The Shutters is ripe for a TV soundtrack and reveals a slight change in Snow Patrol's sound. I look forward to really listening to the rest of the album.
Snow Patrol Chasing Cars
Crack The Shutters

Finally there is the musical empire helmed by Glen Hansard. I first heard him unknowingly when my mother introduced me to the Frames 6 or 7 years ago. The Frames were an alt rock band that was much more popular in the UK than here. Their sound was a slightly less country Old 97's and much like Rhett Miller Glen delivered their lyrics with a truth and unrefined pitch that makes them even more endearing. I first knowingly happened upon Glen when I read about the movie Once. Instead of retelling the modern romance that the movie's making was start here IMDB. After finally watching the movie I needed to hear more and my oh my has Mr. Hansard delivered. From the Swell Season ( the group formed by his new partnership with his co-star Marketa Irglova) to his solo covers (of both Britney Spears AND Justin Timberlake) to his duet with fellow irishman Damien Rice there is plenty of him to be had. The Swell Season are about to release their next album and I am anxiously awaiting it. Low Rising is the first song to be leaked and if every track is as good you may very well see it on 2009's best of list.
The Frames Your Face
The Swell Season Low Rising
Damien Rice (with Glen Hansard) Lay Me Down

So there you have it. My first installment of Irish adoration. I don't anticipate this infatuation ending any time soon and I have lots of other Irish music to share so stay tuned...

Huddled Penguins In The Presence Of Greatness

Last week I saw one of the best shows I have seen in the last few years: Frightened Rabbit at Johnny Brenda’s. Yes, I admit to a well-developed infatuation with these gentlemen from Scotland. However, that night it was fairly clear that the admiration was mutual as they put on a show that let the crowd (who braved the chilly Philly temps to see them play) know that the really appreciate them as well. Before I get into the review of the show I must comment on the factors that made it more than just a fantastic concert but an incredible experience. First, the tickets were affordable, the venue small and FR’s sound was clear and balanced. Second, they set up quickly and at a decent time (1145) not pulling any headliner diva bull shit making it clear they had respect for the waiting audience. Finally, they actually listened to their opening acts from the crowd. They are still new enough that they can pull that off without too many people noticing or bothering them. I, of course, twitterpatted a spot when I recognized all four fellas standing around me taking in the openers. And, no I didn’t talk to them. Possibly a missed opportunity but I don’t like talking over live music especially when its good and I didn’t really know what to say with such a stunted moment. I can report they were gracious to the few folks who gushed over them once they recognized who they were (usually after hearing them speak). I still think it was pretty fab to simply have shared a moment when we were all just listening to music together.

But, folks the performer audience dynamic that followed was one of those I will not soon forget.

At the outset Scott (the lead singer) mentioned they weren't accustomed to sold out audiences and they would do their best to repay our attendance. As with the show I saw last fall their stage presence was very natural and there timing and rhythm incredibly tight. As they worked their way through the majority of their published tracks -- The Twist, Old Old Fashioned, Good Arms vs Bad Arms-- there was no sense of boredom or routine. They rocked the entire time, genuinely and with true fun.
I was totally delighted to hear them play Backwards Walk amongst the rest. Its one of my favorite songs and they gave a bit pared down spin. Playing up the guitar to match the hollowness of the organ without diminishing it. It was exceptional. The fellas even threw in a few of their older unreleased bits and while its obvious they have grown a lot its was nice to see them playing around with their set list. After an hour of rollicking good fun they left gradually left the stage one by one leaving the drummer (Billy I believe his name is) to take them out with a bang. Had it ended their I would have been plenty pleased but the crowd wasn't about to let them leave without an encore.

Scott came back on stage alone, guitar in hand, and played a solo version of Poke. Standing in front of the amps and mics it was a breath takingly gorgeous rendition. So simple yet filled with the emotion the lyrics convey. Its rare to have such an intimate moment at a rock show but is perhaps one of the reasons I like FR so much, they're emotional while still managing to be fun and catchy. I cannot wait for their next stop in town and to hear what they will have to offer on their next release.

Frightened Rabbit MySpace
Drop.io Links

Behave
Good Arms vs Bad Arms
Poke

Monolith Recap Day One

I made the trek out the infamous Red Rocks for this year's Monolith Music Festival. It had a stellar line up and I was badly in need of a little mountain time. So tickets were bought, flights booked, must see lists drafted and hoodies packed.

Things were looking good Saturday morning and true to the fickle nature of nature the weather toyed with us. The rain rolled in about a third of the way through the day and, due to minimal places to hide away from the elements and to the fire marshal lock down imposed on the inside stages I wasn't able to make it to all my targeted shows. However, the ones I did catch were fantastic.

Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
This fiercely awesome lady opened the day for me. Thao and her fellas rocked out a lot more than I was expecting. Listening to the recorded version of her stuff then seeing her live I have a much greater appreciation of talents.


Frightened Rabbit
This was the fifth time I've seen Frightened Rabbit and I never tire of their exceptionally sincere delivery. They have some of the best lyrics and energetic instrumentals to begin with but they take it to a much more alluring and intriguing place with their live show. The entire group plays/sings their heart out on stage; this, combined with their evident comfort and fun they have playing together makes them one of my favorite bands to see. They tossed out some of their new stuff and, upon that first listen, I'd say they aren't slowing down anytime soon.
**I would like to call attention to the shirt the drummer,Grant is wearing ^


Edward Sharp & The Magnificent Zeros
I was terribly curious about ESTMZ. I rather enjoyed their first single, Home and the whole group-of-feel-gooders-taking-to-the-road-to-spread-their-sound thing does nibble at one's attention. I can now say with 100% certainty they are pure delight. I got the best energy from them and their music is even more enjoyable in person than it is recorded. They were a ray of light as the clouds got thicker. They're coming to the Church on Nov 15th.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
As things really got chilly and damp Pains took the SoCo stage. Appropriate right? Theirs was a pretty standard POBPAH show. Shoe gazealicious and transfixing. The crowd was feeling them full on as they provided the perfect soundtrack for the drizzle.

The Answering Machines
This British trio won my heart. I hadn't heard anything from them before last weekend but was immediately hooked. They play the catchiest of pop songs that you can't help but repeat over and over and over again. The added bonus is that they are the most adorable of kids at the very beginning of a head long tumble into the hearts of the masses. Watch this clip from WOXY's coverage of Monolith.


Thunderheist I had heard good things about Thunderheist but went into their set virtually ignorant of their true awesomeness. They are a unique duo; the incredible MC Isis doing vocals with the spot on Graham Zilla on the table. It was a clean set with a fresh delivery. Great surprise and I look forward to catching them again.


There were two groups whose shows I had to simply listen to from the atrium of the visitors center. Because so many people were digging The Antlers and These United States I wasn't able to get into the WOXY stage. What I heard was awesome and I couldn't be happier both bands were packing it in.

If you're looking for more coverage from Monolith stop by My Old Kentucky Blog's LaundroMatinee or WOXY and if you want to see ALL the pictures from the whole weekend stop by TWIAPC's new FLICKR page.

The White Rabbits Live at Bowery Ballroom

Apparently I have a thing for bands with "rabbit" in their name. Its no secret I love me all things Frightened Rabbit but recently I have realized I may have a subconscious draw to the presence of rabbit in a band. This came to my attention last week when I got to see The White Rabbits at The Bowery Ballroom. I had enjoyed listening to their recent release It's Frightening but that didn't even come close to preparing me for their astounding live show. It was intense, it was brash you could feel the pulse of the percussion in your toes and the tautness of their rhythm in your tum. The group consists of six wildly talented musicians who are so incredibly in tune with each other they are able to work the stage with a cool ease you wouldn't expect from a group that rocks so hard. The two percussionists are a sight to behold. They dance around their set pushing the beat out over the audience with their mad full body playing style.

The band's vocalist and keyboard player put his all into his delivery as well. The band has a bounce to it that is reminiscent of big band swing music with the gritty edge of punk to really suck you in. It is very apparent that the entire band has put a little of themselves into the creation of these tracks. I am constantly amazed at how much more enjoyable live shows are if the performers are sharing a little or, in this case, a lot of their excitement and energy for their music. There wasn't a single song where I was left wanting more. They put their all into the entire set. I was not intending to review that show but I felt I needed to get you guys excited for their up coming tour. I will be catching them again in Philly next week and it is highly advised you see them if and when they come to your area. Just be sure to leave your inhibitions at the door cause they are going to rock your socks off!

To get a little taste of their live show...




The White Rabbits

Thanksween SHUT DOWN!

Well I have officially hosted my first holiday and I think it safe to say it was a resounding success. More than just a day of being thankful it was more of a whole weekend celebration. My bff no J/k Samantha came down from Boston for five days. We kicked it off right Wednesday night straight from the train station we went to see my friend Jeremy's band Pink Skull play at the Barbary. I have seen them before and they are simply fan-fucking-tastic. The first time I saw them the crowd was weak and no body was dancing. Thankfully, Wednesday was a totally different story. Pink Skull plays what I would call spacey dance band eletronica. A strong percussion foundation (provided by Jeremy) is funked up by Julian Grefe's drum contribution. Grefe is a key figure in the Philly electronic music scene he has been the co-driving force behind Making Time a ginormous Philly dance party. He clearly has a gift for the dancable beat and his partner in crime Justin Geller (who does mixing and lights) makes it even tighter. Mike Hammel and Sam Murphy round out the act and provide the spacey guitar and bass elements. They are at their dancey best when they are just jamming and despite some lame dead weights in the middle of the dance floor Sam and I, joined by a fine bunch of my Philly friends danced like crazy people.Even after Pink Skull left the stage and the DJ stepped in the dancing continued. I can't imagine a better way to kick off Thanksween.






Thursday JT and Marley, two fine souls from my college days, rolled into town at 12 and Thanksween officially commenced. Because this is a blog aimed at the music that colors such times I am going to avoid going into too great of detail about what antics we got into. Instead I'll stick to the tunes that were discussed, played and obsessed over. Beyonce's Single Lady Video was the central talking point. If you haven't seen it watch it NOW!


She is beyond furce in this video. The choreography respects the dance hall beat and she looks hamazing bringing it to life. Jenny Lewis was also looped a few times. Her latest release takes the bluesy alt country sound of Rabbit Fur Coat to a new level. Its got soul its got beautiful harmonies and is varied anough to keep your ear interested through out. Instead of writing at length I will simply refer you to Billy's posting on our house blog Whats Rockin Watkins. Other albums that got play: Fleet Foxes Winter White Hymnal Frightened Rabbit The Midnight Organ Fight YeaSayer All Hour Symbals plus a ton of random tracks.

We worked off the day of lounging and eating with a night of Soul/R&B/Funk again at the Barbary. Sam and I, as we are prone to do, got our dance on with Melinda, Keegan, Matt, Ashley & Dan as well as some other excellent booty shakers. The DJ's were supurb playing a little of everything from Otis Redding to The Stones. I think it is beyond safe to say a good time was had by all.

Yesterday we kept it low key some good heads came over we ate, watched movies and played with aminal (I'm watching my friend's bunny Morris and cat CrabCakes who were the mascots of the festivities). On the whole I must say this was by far the best Thanksween ever and hopefully the beginning of a fine new tradition.


Pink Skull Get Inside (My Tiny Pyramids)
Beyonce Single Ladies
Jenny Lewis Sing A Song For Them
Otis Redding Try A Little Tenderness

clearing the slate

Oy Vey! Its been ridiculously long since I last posted but I have so many reasons/excuses why that simply trying to figure out how to recap them all has become one of the factors contributing to the delay. Ultimately they can be summed up with: Holiday Prep, holiday travel, viscous clinging illness, sad passings and major decision to quit my job to dedicate myself full time to my small business creative development/marketing company Spigot Marketing.

So not only have I been so busy I'm too tired to sleep I have also been overwhelmed with stuff I want to post that I didn't know where to start. In the spirit of somethings better than nothing I'm going the bullet point route. Sadly I'm not going to be able to give them the coverage they deserve but I need to clear the slate so I can move on to the new year.

• I got to attend my first Making Time, a Philadelphia dance party institution that I had heard a lot about but never attended, and despite having a horrid cold I rallied got, got my hairs did, rounded up the troops and headed up to Transit. There was four floors of rotating DJs (all rockin their own genre), free Sparks (a vile caffeinated malt beverage), fantastic people watching and surprise guest CSS. I must confess I am not the biggest CSS fan but they sure know how to charge a live show. It was chaotic, loud, dancey goodness. LOVED IT and I can't wait for the next Making Time.

• Reconnected with an old friend while home who is now a Grammy winning producer and got to see the process behind the voting and exert a little influence on his vote.
  

• Previously mentioned friend gave me his most recent project the first record by a Nashville band which I will be reviewing in tomorrow's post. This will be my first review of a band no one else has reviewed which is exciting in a total music nerd kind of way.

• I started mapping out my 2009 concerts which will kick off right next week with my second Frightened Rabbit show and includes shows by Lykke Li, Tapes 'n Tapes, Bishop Allen, Yarn, Nappy Roots and Yo Majesty to name a few.

• Finally, I have decided to figure out how to produce my first show. I think it would be a TON of fun to brings some of my friends into town for a night of music fun so stay tuned to hear all about this endeavour and so much more...

Best Albums of 2008

If I tried to write something about each of these albums I'd never get this list up. Links to come...

25. The Wave Pictures- Instant Coffee Baby
24. Atmosphere- All his '08 releases
23. Peter Bradley Adams - Leave Taking
22. Portastatic- Some Small History
21. Thao Nguyen- We Brave Bee Stings And All
20. Adele-19
19. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
18. She & Him - Volume One
17. Slow Runner- Mermaids
16. Fleet Foxes- Winter White Hymnal
15. These United States - A Picture Of The Three Of Us At The Gate To The Garden Of Ed
14. Okkervil River- Stand Ins
13. Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend
12. TV on The Radio- Dear Science
11. Los Campasinos - Hold On Now, Youngster...
10. The Dodos- The Visiter
9. Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
8. Noah And The Whale - Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down
7. The Avett Brothers - The Second Gleam
6. Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
5. Passion Pit - Chunk Of Change
4. Raphal Saadiq - The Way I See It
3. Bon Iver- For Emma Forever Ago
2. Jenny Lewis- Acid Tongue
1. Frightened Rabbit- The Midnight Organ Fight

Top 5>>> ZIP
The Rest>>>zip
Stay tuned for Best Tracks and Best "new to me" Acts

Monolith Pregame Round 4

Today we're messing around in Breckenridge enjoying the mountains and the beautiful fall colors. Basically though, I'll be relaxing so that I can power through my extensive show schedule for the next two days. Here is my final installment in the Monolith series.

Phoenix

Phoenix - Lisztomania from KEXP RADIO on Vimeo.

They covered Air's Playground Love live on NPR

Frightened Rabbit
This is quite possibly the sweetest video ever.

Last Tango In Brooklyn (via Glorious Hum)

The Walkmen


Rahzel

2009: Looking Back pt II

Yarn @ Tin Angel
Yarn is one of those bands that fires on all cylinders at every turn. Their recorded material is stellar but their live show, man, their live show is something to behold. I first heard them when they were slinking about the east coast playing teeny tiny back road venues; so, it was fitting that I saw them at the Tin Angel. (an excellent Philly venue at the smaller end of the spectrum). The entire crew filled the stage and proceeded to rock out. The bluegrass roots of their recorded material was recognizable but in the live format they carried a decidedly more southern rock edge. What really made this concert stand out however was its length and degree of sincere audience engagement. They played for two hours straight, taking requests and riffing off of feedback. Never once during the show was I bored or not blown away by the talent the gentlemen of Yarn possess. I am really looking forward to my next opportunity to see Brooklyn’s finest bluegrass band again.
Lies I've Told

Phoenix @ Monolith

Monolith Music Festival was hit by some unfortunate rains this year diluting the potential for greatness from a stellar line up of acts –including: Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs Rahzel, The Grates, Frightened Rabbit, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros etc.- in the beautiful Red Rocks ampitheater. The first full day of the festival was chilly and very very damp. Leaving indoor stages incredibly crowded, outdoor stages unbearably cold and putting folks in maj curmudgeon mode. Not surprisingly though there were some spectacular performances that kept it from being a total wash.

Thunderheist, The Twilight Sad, The Answering Machine, Love Language all put on great shows. But by far the greatest one of the entire weekend was Phoenix’s unanticipated main stage set. They were supposed to play a smaller stage but when MSTRKRFT canceled at the last minute Phoenix rose to the challenge. Without all the right equipment (they didn’t bother to bring everything to CO because the stage was supposed to be small) they went on and played a fantastic mix of new and old tunes. There wasn’t a person in that crowd that wasn’t dancing and a fair bit of folks were singing too. The prevalent vibe when they were done was widespread satisfaction.

1901 (Kolt13 remix)

Weakerthans 

When it comes to lyrics there are few bands that are capable of wrapping words around emotions that in their moment of origin are ethereal and difficult to describe, yet no less visceral. The Weakerthans are masters of doing just that; and, they do so in a way that avoids saccharine cliché. When I heard they were going to be playing NY this fall I immediately bought tickets. Hands down one of the best uses of my dollah bills this year.

The show at Bowery Ballroom was like a gathering of friends. Not enough people know about The Weakerthans but when you meet a fellow fan you just know they are “good people.” So, you can imagine, a concert is a whole mess of good people blissing out on the quirk and talent of one of Canada’s best musical acts. They don’t play very much these days so you could tell there was a higher than normal sense of fun on stage as they played a set that scratched pretty much every Weakerthans itch I went in with.

Weathervane Music 
Weathervane Music is the kind of project that gives me hope about the future of the music industry. It is a Philly based effort dedicated to building a community of music makers to support each other as well as the greater indie music scene. Each year there a few more established music heads curate a season. Each chooses a couple of acts who are then given time in the awesome Miner Street Studios. What goes on there is recorded both video and audio to share on line with other burgeoning acts wanting to see how a proper studio recording is done. This year saw the likes of BC Camplight & Danielson coming through the door and next year’s line up is equally exciting, Sharon Van Etten just spent some time in the studio recently.

The Weathervane fundraiser this fall was another night of truly likeminded music fans coming together to support a refreshing approach to fostering the future of the indie music recording. It is difficult to convey the quality of skill and passion behind this project and I am honored to be able to watch it  grow the its inevitable greatness.   


Free Energy Music Video
Last spring I got invited to a little get together by a college friend. A couple of the guys from Hockey Night (a great Minneapolis act that had begun at our school) were in a new band called Free Energy and a few other Carls were going to be recording them for their first music video. I went I saw a whole bunch of great and familiar faces and crammed myself into one of the hottest Northern Liberties basements for a fun set delivered amongst clouds of silver white balloons. It was a beautiful night all around that also included a fantastic bike ride and my friend’s rando kitten stalking.

In the weeks that followed Free Energy kept popping up on my radar and I fully enjoyed seeing the band start getting some much deserved rumblings. Then mid summer the video was dropped and it perfectly captured the essence of the band and that first superb night of summer. I'm expecting big things when their album is released next year.

Free Energy

New To Know: Fitz & The Tantrums + The Drums + We Were Promised Jet Packs

I'm feeling a little retro with this week's NTK picks.
Fitz & The Tantrums - Breakin The Chains Of Love


I have been hoping someone would champion the return of good Motown soul sound so when this gem was delivered to my in box I'll admit I was as giddy as a school girl. There is a lot to enjoy in Fitz's sound. There are danceable melodies and easy lyrics to sing along to and it all leaves you feeling that much happier. Fitz's vocals are smooth and truly reflect the feeling of the era he is trying to replicate. I cannot wait to see this act live and hear what else they have to offer.

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing


This video when I first saw it struck me as a nice trip back to the halcyon days of The Beach Boys and beach blanket boogies. Now, I'm not saying The Drums are of Beach Boys quality but there is certainly promise there and they can really create a wholly enjoyable and smart aural experience. As a project by a couple of best friends it is pretty easy to understand where they draw the "fun" that is undeniable in their music. They will be releasing their Summertime EP on September 15th with a full album dropping sometime early next year.

We Were Promised Jetpacks - Ships With Holes Will SinkThese boys don't really fall in my retro theme but anyone who has been reading TWIAPC for a while knows I have a total weakness for Scottish bands. I had heard WWPJ a little last year but it wasn't until I gave a good bit of ear time to These Four Walls, their most recent album, that I realized they wickedly talented. Much like Frightened Rabbit they are capable of building a song from an initial balladish melody into jangly epic pulse racer. Their drummer provides a strong slightly frenetic beat to which loud but tight guitar riffs are added and subtracted to fit the phrase of the song. They are addictive and I'm really looking forward to seeing them in October when they pass through town. Download These Four Walls and listen to the full thing. Its all good. **photo courtesy of Neil Thomas Douglas

The Most Serene Republic @ North Star Bar

Friday night I left New York under ominous conditions and a ceiling of crazy cool clouds, to make the drive back to Philly to see The Most Serene Republic at North Star Bar. The normally 75 min drive took a full two hours with intense lighting and torrential rains holding nothing back over the New Jersey Turnpike. The delay caused me to miss Wheat at Kung Fu Necktie which I feel really horrible about cause I like their stuff and was really looking forward to the show. I was pleased to find we had only missed the first of two openers for TMSR.

The other opener Buried Beds did a good job prepping the audience for TMSR to take the stage. While not entirely remarkable Buried Beds attempted to include pretty much every indie/pop/alt country trend device; chamberish harmonies, regular use of strings (in this case violin) and crowding the stage with a small village of band members. All of this without managing to really establish a clear sense of what impression they wanted to leave behind. Although there were a few songs towards the end of their set that begin to suggest the potential of good things to come for the group.

The Most Serene Republic came to my attention via Ryan Hansen of Ryspace about two months ago and I have been looking forward to this show ever since. I didn’t know exactly what to expect from the hard to define but easily listenable troupe but hardly could have hoped for the musical mastery I witnessed.

The group is about to drop a new album so there were a lot of new unheard songs on display but they still included some of the older stuff. The new material tends toward the pop end of the progressive indie music spectrum. But it is most def. a thinking man's pop. Songs like Heavens To Purgatory use a little banjo and thumping bass loop to bounce along chasing some of the best guy/girl vocals in the biz. Despite using the word Gadzooks the Canadian outfit manages to avoid Twee territory by grounding it with juicy instrumentals. Other new pieces were more reminiscent of their older more typical progressive rock sound which appealed to the die hard fans in attendance.

Watching them perform really adds another layer of appreciation for their distinct sound. The songs are far more epic live then on record, an effect achieved by the well placed horn lines and the occasional string contribution. Like other bands I really love both live and recorded (Frightened Rabbit for example) it was evident these guys all knew their music inside and out; their own lines and times as well as their band mates. The comfortable way they interact both musically and personally on stage contributes to a very inclusive concert experience. Plus the presence of hand clapping and the dose of humor brought by lead vocalist Adrian also keeps it from getting too cerebral.

The gave new shine to some of their earlier works to balance out the new stuff. The version of Compliance started with lulling and scenic instrumentals that dropped you off at the door of strong in you face vocals. I was not expecting but fully adored this departure from the album version. Phages was a bit more like the album arrangement but simply in the live setting it too carried a new appeal.

By the time they ended their set I felt as though I had witnessed the most complete live set I'd seen in a while. There was something for everyone, including the band who all seemed to take a certain pleasure in the particular tracks they had chosen for the evening. We grabbed the new album (which comes out in July) and I had it on repeat most of the weekend. Go grab the first single and find out if they're in your area cause both the live and recorded versions of TMSR are worth your complete love and adoration.

Heavens To Purgatory

My nibble my nosh

I put some thought into what I wanted my first play list to be. Should I go epic with tunes I consider essential? Should I go with a theme? Should I grab bits from shows I have seen in the last few months?

Well the spinner landed on songs that are new to me with lyrics that just get me. So, without further nonesense...

Frightened Rabbit is one of my favorite discoveries of the last few months. I went through an Irish musician phase a few months back (a combined reaction to the movie Once and emusic's regional search capability)and these fellas came out of the shake. They are just getting rumblings in the US and I am beyond excited to see them at the First Unitarian Church on Friday. Their album A Midnight Organ Fight is spectacular and backwards walk has become my favorite track. Lyrically its very simple but well crafted. "I'm working hard on walking out. Shoes keep sticking to the ground. My clothes won't let me close the door. The trousers seem to love your floor."

Backwards Walk

The lead singer for The National could sing the yellopages and I'd hang on every syllable so the fact that their lyrics are actually really great makes it that much easier to adore them. While I find Star A War to be a solid track its Slow Show that is, in my mind, a complete package. The music builds and carries you through the song and feeling of just wanting to get through a day to hurry home to someone to "crack them up"ie. be silly is one that I completely identify with.

Slow Show

Los Campesinos make me smile. They are pure simple smart fun pop music. I thoroughly enjoy when a song has a catchy tune and intelligent words to propel it along. I sure hope these kids continue to the do these things in flats.


...And We Exhale And Roll Our Eyes In Unison

Bruce Springsteen is a GOD this is something I have only recently fully realized and that is due in large part to discovering Matthew Nathanson's cover of Thunder Road. Springsteen crafts a story so sweet and true you can see the scenes play out in your head. "What else can we do now Cept roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair well the nights busted open these two lanes will take us anywhere."This is the kind of song I'm pretty sure my Mom would have listened to on a hot summer in the big yellow house in Kalispell.

Nathanson is an artist who does a lot of covers (Atlantic City,another Springsteen must listen) and does them well. His own stuff ain't half bad either. It would be worth your time to track some of it down.

Thunder Road

This song could be the anthem for my life the last couple of weeks. Breaking it down to celebrating the "irony everything is going wrong but we're so happy" encapsulates my approach to survival. The fantabulous driving guitars and bass drum keep you bopping your head and singing it on the most challenging of days.

Lets Dance To Joy Division

As I culled these from my list of frequently played I realized this may have to be an on going series. But for now enjoy them for what they are and if you like 'em go buy em.