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Live and in Person, 2009

Edgy DC Feb 09 2009 06:00 AM

I figured it's time to let go of the old concert thread and let the archives do their job. I missed the re-united English Beat --- their saxophonist must be 100 by now --- and was disappointed, so I quickly signed up to see Gary Louris and Mark Olson. The former frontmen of the Jayhawks are touring as a duo. Nice to have the brilliant Olson back. He had quit when he married Victoria Williams, and the band pretty much stopped playing his material (but continued with some stuff he co-wrote). Now he's divorced from Williams --- sadly --- but apparently reconciled with Louris, and that's good.

sharpie Feb 09 2009 07:16 AM

Apparently the English Beat "reunion" featured only the lead singer.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 09 2009 07:18 AM

I think they were one of those bands that failed on "Bands Reunited"

Edgy DC Feb 09 2009 07:20 AM

Really? That's not the impression I got. There's a confusing legal situation where the players who own the rights to call themselves "The Beat" in the UK are different from the players (essentially Dave Wakeling, I think) who own the rights to the "The English Beat" in the US. Sort of like how Bachman Turner Overdrive and BTO are different but related legal entitites.

Edgy DC Feb 11 2009 06:20 AM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on May 22 2009 06:07 AM

Apparently, they recently did a new duet album (produced by Black Crow Chris Robinson), which I picked up on my way out of the venue, and got them to autograph. Louris still looks every inch the rock star, while Olson seems to have been having a tough decade, and in appearance put me in mind of Hoosier-era Dennis Hopper, as in... it's great that he's still with us. But that all melted away when he ope'd his mouth and sang. My friend Kimberly heard I was heading out and lamented his musical and marital split from Victoria Williams, but, man, there is no doubt that these two men were meant to sing together. The set was dominated by the new album, and these songs were sadder than most, but by the end, you were thankful for having heard them. They were mostly hook-free, and rhyme-free, it's the harmony that gave the songs their weight. Wow. It seemed like Louris would take the high part on an Olson song and vice versa. Louris did 90% of the lead guitar licks, and he was surprisingly excellent, like, he could have just done that for a living and still been famous. The harmonica was all him. The only other player on stage was a pretty percussionist with an impossibly Minnesotan name like Kirsten Kasperjelnyk or something. Nu songs in italics. Rose Society Nothing Left to Borrow Bicycle Bloody Hands Turn Your Pretty Name Around Two Angels Say You'll Be Mine Saturday Morning on Sunday Street Chamberlain, S.D. Two Hearts Sister Cry Black Eyes Doves and Stones Over My Shoulder Waiting for the Sun When the Wind Comes Up Life's Warm Sheets Settled Down Like Rain Encore: See Him on the Street The Trap's Been Set Blue

themetfairy Feb 12 2009 06:35 AM

Ben Folds kicked off his new tour at Princeton's McCarter Theater last night, and D-Dad and I were there. It's always fun to see him - he puts on a great show. But this was especially great for us - 10th row tickets on the side of the stage where the piano was, so we could really see him in action. Fucking awesome piano playing, and it was a treat to see a master at work from such a close distance. He opened with Effington ("If there's a god, he is laughing at us. And our football team."), and played most of the Way to Normal CD (but not all of it - notably missing was Hiroshima). He played some of his other solo work, an a smattering of Ben Folds Five tunes, as well as some of the "fake" Way to Normal tunes. And there's always something special about hearing Rockin' the Suburbs in the middle of suburbia Great show, great crowd, and ten minutes from home to boot! A fun night out.

seawolf17 Feb 12 2009 07:33 AM

[quote="themetfairy":2rrmor10]as well as some of the "fake" Way to Normal tunes.[/quote:2rrmor10] All of which are better than their "official" counterparts.

themetfairy Feb 12 2009 07:45 AM

BTW, Ben just released Stems and Seeds, which has remixes of the Way to Normal tracks as well as the fakes. I do have to say, the real Way to Normal tracks play better live than on the studio tracks.

A Boy Named Seo Feb 23 2009 11:37 AM

Concert I wish I was going to: Band of Horses, June 11th @ Carnegie Hall (Special Acoustic Performance). That thing's gonna be awesome.

Centerfield Feb 23 2009 12:23 PM

I think we have plans to see Bob the Builder, Live and in Person. Think carefully before having kids.

sharpie Feb 28 2009 09:44 PM

Saw David Byrne tonight at Radio City. Played songs from his collaborations with Brian Eno, therefore, his new album, My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, The Catherine Wheel and three Talking Heads albums: More Songs About Buildings and Food; Fear of Music; and Remain In Light. Of Talking Heads songs he did virtually all of Remain in Light; I Zibra, Air and Life During Wartime from Fear of Music; and Heaven and Take Me To the River from More Songs.. He had a 5-piece band plus three backup singers and three dancers. During one of the encores the band came out in tutus (they all wore white) along with about 30 dancers and did Burning Down the House (which breaks his rule about Eno but that was ok). Great show. Some interesting arrangements of familiar tunes and the new ones sounded pretty swell.

Edgy DC Mar 05 2009 10:59 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 22 2009 06:09 AM

[quote="Gwreck ina nother thread":19x71a0q][quote="Edgy DC":19x71a0q]I woke up to a lot of booty this mornin', and that's even after a great trip to see Justin Townes Earle last night.[/quote:19x71a0q] Nice. Saw him a month or two ago; great stage presence. Fantastic guitar player, too. Did he do the kickass cover of "Can't Hardly Wait"?[/quote:19x71a0q] No, but I wasn't disappointed. You're dead right about the stage presence. He'd grin over at and goof with his sideman (outstanding lone sideman, handling banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and high harmonies) like he was thinking "Last week we wuz playing on yer daddy's porch and now we're singing on the ray-dee-yo. I bet MaryBeth is sorry now." Fantastic vibe right out of 1958 --- a little Hank Williams, a little Johnny Cash, a little Buck Owens. The only time he was really his father's son was on the heartbreak songs, and his third song was even literally about not being his father's son. His instant confidence and charm was a relief, as I've seen so many young miserable introspective charmless alt-hillbillies recently. (Hayes Carll, I'm looking at you). He put me in mind of young Arlo Guthrie, and I guess like Arlo, growing up surrounded by legendary players makes you afraid of nothing.

Number 6 Mar 05 2009 02:29 PM

[quote="sharpie":1bmqlalg]Saw David Byrne tonight at Radio City.[/quote:1bmqlalg] Argh! We need to have an "I have tickets to see..." thread, so I can get tickets too.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 05 2009 02:37 PM

I totally agree, this thread always gets me depressed

Gwreck Mar 05 2009 02:45 PM

Upcoming: "Tribute to the Music of R.E.M." - 20 artists each performing one R.E.M. song. At Carnegie Hall next week. Similar programs for Dylan, Springsteen, etc. have been highly regarded. Think it's not sold out. www.remtribute.com X at Irving Plaza in May. They're doing 3 nights; going to 1. Bruce x4 (April and May). Recently passed on: The aforementioned Byrne/Eno show Hold Steady at Irving Plaza at the end of March. Van Morrison at Beacon Theatre -- just too much $$$. U2 tour is supposed to be announced next Monday and tickets probably on sale the following Saturday. Stadiums-only this time unfortunately.

A Boy Named Seo Mar 05 2009 03:15 PM

That REM thing sounds like it could be real cool. Poor Calexico's gotten bigger when reduced to being a house band for stuff like this and the "I'm Not There" soundtrack. I'm going see Byrne at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June. That show's awesome because you get the heavy-hitting bluegrass peeps (Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas and more) plus Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Conor Oberst, Jenny Lewis, and a bunch of others to mix it up. Such a beautiful place, pretty hippie girls everywhere, and the vibe is very very laid back. Can't wait.

sharpie Mar 09 2009 08:42 AM

In the offing: In April, Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 at Irving Plaza In May, Leonard Cohen at Radio City (final show of the tour, maybe final US show ever) In June, Decemberists at Radio City I'm now officially tapped out on concert tickets.

Gwreck Mar 09 2009 09:00 AM

I went to see Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes at BB King's last night. I generally detest BB King's (caters to the tourists; $10 for beers) but it's where he was playing, and my last chance to see the last good rock and roll horn section in NYC. With Conan O'Brien moving his show to LA, the key horn members (who have also played with Southside for years) aren't going to be around to show up anymore. Real shame. Anyway, it was a solid show, and then Little Steven Van Zandt walks out for the encores (surprising the band as well as the audience). Fantastic moment.

G-Fafif Mar 15 2009 10:52 PM

Simply Red at Radio City Sunday night in fine form. More popular than I imagined judging by the sold out house and the literal dancing in the aisles. In the middle of this numbing recession, I couldn't join those standing and cheering for "Money's Too Tight to Mention," but it was well played. Opened with "It's Only Love," closed with "If You Don't Know Me By Now." Martha Wainwright entertained those of us who arrived on time for a half-hour prior. Wasn't entranced until an absorbing version of "Stormy Weather". She's related to Loudon and Rufus, not Adam.

Edgy DC Mar 16 2009 05:32 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 16 2009 10:40 AM

Simply Red Guy: "Money's too tight to mention!" Heckler: "Well, yer sure doin' a fine job mentionin' it anyway, ye' feck!"

G-Fafif Mar 16 2009 10:38 AM

He prefaced it with "USA, we want our fucking money back!" presumably aimed toward all the bonus-doling corporate fat cats not in the audience.

A Boy Named Seo Mar 23 2009 03:54 PM

[quote="Edgy DC":201866bo][quote="Gwreck ina nother thread":201866bo][quote="Edgy DC":201866bo]I woke up to a lot of booty this mornin', and that's even after a great trip to see Justin Townes Earle last night.[/quote:201866bo] Nice. Saw him a month or two ago; great stage presence. Fantastic guitar player, too. Did he do the kickass cover of "Can't Hardly Wait"?[/quote:201866bo] No, but I wasn't disappointed. You're dead right about the stage presence. He'd grin over at and goof with his sideman (outstanding lone sideman, handling banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and high harmonies) like he was thinking "Last week we wuz playing on yawr daddy's porch and now we're singing on the ray-dee-yo. I bet MaryBeth is sorry she said 'no' now." Fantastic vibe right out of 1958 --- a little Hank Williams, a little Johnny Cash, a little Buck Owens. The only time he was really his father's son was on the heartbreak songs, and his third song was even literally about not being his father's son. His instant confidence and charm was a relief, as I've seen so many young miserable introspective charmless alt-hillbillies recently. (Hayes Carll, I'm looking at you). He put me in mind of young Arlo Guthrie, and I guess like Arlo, growing up surrounded by legendary players makes you afraid of nothing.[/quote:201866bo] Love how the mandolin works in this song.

Gwreck Mar 24 2009 09:28 AM

Last night I went to the first rehearsal show for Springsteen's new tour. Asbury Park Convention Hall, capacity 3500, but because of the staging and lights it was a lot less than that. Always a great time to see the band in such a small venue. Too early to tell how good this tour is going to be. Still some rough parts to work out. They of course did a good chunk of the new album, but I'm not sold on the choices of old songs just yet. "No Surrender" might be a bit tired but "Thunder Road" was surprisingly fresh Big highlights included a cover of Woody Guthrie's "I Ain't Got No Home" ('...the gambling man is rich while the working man is poor / I ain't got no home in this world anymore') and a cover of Stephen Foster's "Hard Times Come Again No More" which presumably are going to be regulars on the tour.

Edgy DC Mar 24 2009 11:59 AM

I want to be on the e-mail list you're on.

Gwreck Mar 24 2009 12:41 PM

Old-fashioned style at the Usenet newsgroup rec.music.artists.springsteen. Longer thoughts on the show -- (written for a hardcore audience) are here. www.backstreets.com/news is the definitive info source on what's happening re: Bruce at any point in time.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 24 2009 01:31 PM

Nice to see at least some of us are capable of geeking out on more than one subject at a time. Hey seriously, nice writeup.

Gwreck Mar 25 2009 08:01 PM

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1swj0mai]Nice to see at least some of us are capable of geeking out on more than one subject at a time. Hey seriously, nice writeup.[/quote:1swj0mai] Thanks. Not always capable though...I missed (fortunately?) a couple of key games in the collapse of '07 due to the last time he was doing these rehearsal shows.

sharpie Apr 11 2009 10:20 PM

Saw Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 (Peter Buck of REM fame, Scott McCaughey and a drummer whose name I don't remember) at Irving Plaza (now the Irving Plaza Fillmore- why?) Anyway, I'd seen him before playing solo -- good to see him with a band and especially one as tight as this one. If you like his music (and it is an acquired taste) this was a good night. Played songs from throughout his career and told plenty of funny stories. Fun night, but I'm tired.

Edgy DC Apr 12 2009 12:01 AM

And if you don't know his music, may I heartily suggest you buy Jewels For Sophia. Now. I know it's late; I don't care.

themetfairy Apr 14 2009 11:30 PM

Saw the Dave Matthews Band kick off its tour at MSG tonight. Great show, as always. I love it when they play 41 (even though it's not about Seaver, in my mind it is ) and they went to a 16-minute version of Two Step from there. My friend and I had a great time at the show :)

Gwreck Apr 15 2009 11:35 AM

I went to that show as well. It's been several years since I last saw them live but wanted to go to hear the new songs (which I thought were pretty good). I hadn't seen them with instrumentation they now have onstage. The electric guitar helped round out the sound of the band nicely but the trumpet player was little underused.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 15 2009 12:07 PM

Did the Avett Brothers open? If so, any good?

Gwreck Apr 15 2009 01:00 PM

Nope, it was The Roots opening. They are fantastic musicians but I wish they had put a little more thought/organization into their setlist.

themetfairy Apr 15 2009 01:33 PM

I always love watching Boyd Tinsley on the violin - he's incredible.

themetfairy Apr 15 2009 02:32 PM

For anyone who is interested, this was the set list - 04/14/2009 Dave Matthews Band Madison Square Garden New York, NY Don’t Drink the Water * Cornbread * Funny The Way It Is * Raven * You Might Die Trying * Spaceman * Dancing Nancies * Pig * Melissa *+ Recently * So Damn Lucky * #27 * Why I Am * Ants Marching + #41 * Two Step * Encore: Sister ~ Tripping Billies * Dave, Carter, Stefan, Rashawn ~ Special Guests: * Jeff Coffin + Gregg Allman

A Boy Named Seo Apr 16 2009 02:14 PM

Looks like I'm going to Coachella this weekend. McCartney's the big dish on Friday, but the Saturday lineup (Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, Blitzen Trapper) has some heavy hitters. Looks like I'm a for sure on Saturday and a maybe on Sunday. Lineups.

Gwreck Apr 16 2009 03:33 PM

Nice. Although in some ways Friday is more interesting to me, not just for McCarney, but also Leonard Cohen, Conor Oberst, Hold Steady, Black Keyes. Tough choice on Sunday but I think you've gotta go with Paul Weller over X.

TransMonk Apr 16 2009 03:38 PM

I see that Okkervil River is there on Friday. Do you guys have any opinion on them?

A Boy Named Seo Apr 16 2009 04:40 PM

Would love to see the Hold Steady & the Black Keys, but I'm working Friday, so I couldn't make it if I want to. Seen Oberst three times and he's been really good two of those. Wouldn't mind seeing Morrissey. Have seen John Doe solo (and will see him w/ the Sadies at Pickathonin July, but I've never seen X. I think I'd want to check them out. TM- Don't love Okkervil. Have a friend who raves about them, but I don't get 'em. Someone stop Michael Franti & Spearhead.

TransMonk Apr 17 2009 06:35 AM

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":3cpfh38a] TM- Don't love Okkervil. Have a friend who raves about them, but I don't get 'em.[/quote:3cpfh38a] Thanks, I'm the same way. My band opened for them a while ago and I see they're kind of taking off. I don't think I get them either...glad I'm not the only one.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 19 2009 08:55 PM

I got a real late start (met dudes for Chelsea/Arsenal FA Cup semi's in the morning) and my first set was Blitzen Trapper @ like 3:30. They were awesome and only topped by Band of Horses. I'll not miss those guys live again if I can help it. So freaking good, Band of Horses. Fleet Foxes were dreamy, Jenny Lewis was sassy and sexy and rocked her on-stage Hollywood friends (Jake Gyllenhaal and that tough blond chick who dated James Franco's character in "Freaks and Geeks"). Calexico sounded good from the beer tent, but I was paying way more attention to this great chick I spent the day with instead. I can say the Killers sucked BHMC, but I don't like those guys anyway. Ditto Michael Franti. I hate that guy actually. Was never a Supersuckers fan or anything, but I sat through their set and they rocked it. The girl was there Friday, too, and said McCartney was amazing and played a really long set and she also loved Leonard Cohen. Said Moz put on a great set, as well. Her fav above all was Conor Oberst, though. Still 9 hours of music in the end. Can't do imagine doing that 3 days in a row, especially in that God awful heat. Very good time, though.

TransMonk Apr 28 2009 10:08 AM

I'm going to see Colin Hay (Men at Work) on 4/30. I've never seen him and think he has a pretty amazing and unique voice. Chris Trapper is opening. I've never heard of him, but looking at his website, he has had some pretty interesting collaborators:

A Boy Named Seo Apr 28 2009 10:11 AM

Ditch the hat, Jose. I dig Colin Hay. That should be a cool show.

Swan Swan H Apr 28 2009 10:22 AM

Chris Trapper is pretty good. I saw him open for Great Big Sea at Toad's Place in New Haven, and I have one CD by his band The Push Stars. The episode of Scrubs that Colin Hay was on is one of my favorites.

themetfairy Apr 28 2009 12:12 PM

Colin Hay was part of Ringo Starr's All Starr band last summer - he sounded great. Enjoy!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 28 2009 12:24 PM

[quote="TransMonk":35e6wvjr]I'm going to see Colin Hay (Men at Work) on 4/30. I've never seen him and think he has a pretty amazing and unique voice.[/quote:35e6wvjr] Yeah, good singer.

TransMonk May 01 2009 07:11 AM

Colin Hay was pretty awesome. I would guess there were only about 200 people in the crowd at this small theater. He sounded AMAZING...both his voice and acoustic guitar work are pretty phenominal. He only played maybe a dozen songs (including "Who Can It Be Now," "Down Under" and "Overkill"). He spent a lot of the first half talking, telling stories, dropping F-bombs and yelling at a guy in the front row who was video taping the show. His wit and banter were every bit as good as his muscial talent. He did talk about playing with Ringo Starr and even broke out "Norweigian Wood". Chris Trapper was OK. For me he was like if Jason Mraz and Harry Connick Jr. had a love child. His songs didn't impress me, but he also could sing and play guitar.

Edgy DC May 01 2009 07:16 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 01 2009 07:20 AM

Colin Hay is interesting, though I don't know much. I always found Men at Work well-crafted but easily disposable. Outside of "Overkill," I'd have no problem if he left that whole catalog behind. And it's telling that, as huge and inoffensive an act as they were, the MIX-100-type stations don't tend to include them in their rotations, despite seeming to be aimed at 40-45-year-olds who bought Men at Work albums back in the day.

Frayed Knot May 01 2009 07:19 AM

[quote="Swan Swan H":3b15cjq0]The episode of Scrubs that Colin Hay was on is one of my favorites.[/quote:3b15cjq0] Absitively! They used his music on at least one other episode but more as background than the one he appeared on. The show did some good stuff with music.

TransMonk May 11 2009 08:21 AM

Continuing my acoustic concert series this month...I took my old man to see Bryan Adams play on Friday. I'm not a huge fan, but was amazed by how many hits he had that I didn't remember him having until he played them. He must have played about 30 songs in 2 hours. His voice sounded just like it does on his albums, but he is an electric guitar player and it showed when he was playing acoustic. He had a piano player assisting on some of the songs, but it still didn't cover his muted bar chords and choppy rhythm. Overall, I would have been less annoyed seeing him play with a full band for a fuller rock effect...but the middle-aged females LOVED seeing him croon on all of his ballads. The guy is tiny and doesn't strike me as being all that good looking. Who made him the authority on writing songs about how to love a woman?

A Boy Named Seo May 12 2009 01:51 PM

Me and my new sorta girlfriend pulled off the epic day/night doubleheader on Sunday. Iron & Wine in Long Beach for a record shop in-store @ 4pm, then the Shins at the Hollywood Palladium for the nightcap. Sam from I&W played an all-request set to a tiny crowd and then graciously signed posters and posed for pictures afterward (I'll put one up later). The Shins are still James Mercer (guitar/vocals) and Dave Hernandez (guitar), but canned the original drummer and keyboardist for 3 new guys. I was all set to be an immature dick and not like them, but they sounded great, so I liked them. Still hooks galore, but they spaced out a lot of the old songs and layered more sounds and it was very good. Looking forward to the new album.

sharpie May 18 2009 10:16 AM

Saw Leonard Cohen at Radio City last night. One of the best shows I've seen in a while. While sometimes the band might have been a little too "smooth jazz" for me, I was also pleased that some of the rather indifferent arrangements from his albums were scrapped. He did pretty much everything I would have wanted him to do. The setlist: Dance Me To The End of Love The Future Ain't No Cure For Love Bird on a Wire In My Secret Life Who By Fire Chelsea Hotel #2 Everybody Knows Waiting For the Miracle Anthem --Intermission Tower of Song Suzanne Sisters of Mercy Take This Waltz Boogie Street Hallelujah I'm Your Man Thousand Kisses Deep (spoken) Democracy -- 1st Encore So Long Marianne First We Take Manhattan --2nd Encore Famous Blue Raincoat (for Swan Swan H) If It Be Your Will Closing Time --3rd Encore I Tried To Leave You Whither Thou Goest At the end during his thanks he said "I might not pass this way again." The man is 75, after all. If this was my last chance to see him, I'm awfully glad I took it. Saw Elvis Costello and David Byrne in the audience.

Fman99 May 18 2009 10:21 AM

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":2g4zvpdj]Me and my new sorta girlfriend pulled off the epic day/night doubleheader on Sunday. Iron & Wine in Long Beach for a record shop in-store @ 4pm, then the Shins at the Hollywood Palladium for the nightcap. Sam from I&W played an all-request set to a tiny crowd and then graciously signed posters and posed for pictures afterward (I'll put one up later). [/quote:2g4zvpdj] I missed this last week... I've heard a few Iron & Wine songs on XM 43 that I enjoy greatly.

A Boy Named Seo May 18 2009 10:49 AM

[quote="Fman99"][quote="A Boy Named Seo"]Me and my new sorta girlfriend pulled off the epic day/night doubleheader on Sunday. Iron & Wine in Long Beach for a record shop in-store @ 4pm, then the Shins at the Hollywood Palladium for the nightcap. Sam from I&W played an all-request set to a tiny crowd and then graciously signed posters and posed for pictures afterward (I'll put one up later).

I missed this last week... I've heard a few Iron & Wine songs on XM 43 that I enjoy greatly.

Here's a song from that show. One of my favs. So stoked he played it.

The new album's out next month. They were playing it @ the in-store. The last album was great, but had the fullest arrangements and was the most produced of all of his so far. This one's stripped down again and very bare. Does a great cover of the Flaming Lips "Waitin' For Superman" on it. Can't wait.



Here's Me & The Girl & Iron & Wine:



She likes her men kinda hairy apparently.

A Boy Named Seo May 18 2009 10:55 AM

WOW on the Cohen show. Almost bought his new live album. It's getting killer reviews. A little rag called "Hot Press" gushed over it. Bunch of reviews.

Nymr83 May 18 2009 11:00 AM

cute girl. are you the moderately hairy one, or the caveman?

metirish May 18 2009 11:13 AM

That's the mag that Duan works for , the only thing missing form that picture is "Wilson"....

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 18 2009 11:17 AM

[quote="A Boy Named Seo"] Here's Me & The Girl & Iron & Wine: She likes her men kinda hairy apparently.

Shiel-la! (clap clap)
Sheil-la! (clap clap)
Sheil-la! ...

A Boy Named Seo May 18 2009 11:21 AM

[quote="Nymr83":p8cjp64s]cute girl. are you the moderately hairy one, or the caveman?[/quote:p8cjp64s] The moderately hairy one. If I were the caveman, I'd be sorta pissed that she's doing some behind-the-back hand holding with the other dude.

Edgy DC May 18 2009 11:27 AM

You know who still goes to record stores? People looking for Fugazi's Repeater.

A Boy Named Seo May 18 2009 11:30 AM

On vinyl, of course.

Fman99 May 18 2009 01:15 PM

[quote="A Boy Named Seo"][quote="Fman99"][quote="A Boy Named Seo"]Me and my new sorta girlfriend pulled off the epic day/night doubleheader on Sunday. Iron & Wine in Long Beach for a record shop in-store @ 4pm, then the Shins at the Hollywood Palladium for the nightcap. Sam from I&W played an all-request set to a tiny crowd and then graciously signed posters and posed for pictures afterward (I'll put one up later).

I missed this last week... I've heard a few Iron & Wine songs on XM 43 that I enjoy greatly. Here's a song from that show. One of my favs. So stoked he played it. The new album's out next month. They were playing it @ the in-store. The last album was great, but had the fullest arrangements and was the most produced of all of his so far. This one's stripped down again and very bare. Does a great cover of the Flaming Lips "Waitin' For Superman" on it. Can't wait. Here's Me & The Girl & Iron & Wine: She likes her men kinda hairy apparently.

Their (his?) songs that I like best are just voice, acoustic guitar and the most minimal of accompaniment. "Jezebel" immediately comes to mind.

As an acoustic guitar player, I will attest that if your song sounds bad solo, acoustically, then it's just not a good song. And I stand by that.

TransMonk Jun 01 2009 07:35 AM

Went and saw Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer last night in Milwaukee. They performed classics from Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind acoustic. It was a very good interactive show and I would recommend going to see it, if the tour wasn't over. The new Tap album drops on June 16th.

Swan Swan H Jun 01 2009 08:02 AM

We were at The Turning Point in the lovely riverside village of Piermont, NY yesterday for two shows by one of my absolute favorite groups, Red Molly. They are a trio that does a number of original songs mixed in with covers by some of the best songwriters around, Gillian Welch, Patty Griffin, Jonathan Byrd, Susan Werner and Nanci Griffith, to name a few. Abbie Gardner is the most prolific of the songwriters, and she has won a number of awards recently, most notably the folk category in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. They are also among the nicest, most fan-friendly people I have ever met. Here's a sample of their stuff. There are better quality videos out there, but this one is kinda special to me as it was recorded in my living room.

Edgy DC Jun 01 2009 08:06 AM

She needs a Long Island cowboy? That's funny, because I happen to be a Long Island cowboy and I'd like to play her my new song, "I Need a Chick Who Plays Dobro."

Swan Swan H Jun 01 2009 08:22 AM

That song always reminds me of the Steven Wright bit where he meets a beautiful woman who tells him she only gets turned on by Jewish cowboys, and he tells her his name is Bucky Goldstein.

metirish Jun 01 2009 08:23 AM

[quote="TransMonk"]I'm going to see Colin Hay (Men at Work) on 4/30. I've never seen him and think he has a pretty amazing and unique voice. Chris Trapper is opening. I've never heard of him, but looking at his website, he has had some pretty interesting collaborators:

Colin Hay will feature as the musical guest on " Don't Forget The lyrics" nest show.

God Bless him.

themetfairy Jun 01 2009 08:32 AM

I just scored tix to see Springsteen at Giants Stadium in October.

Gwreck Jun 01 2009 10:18 AM

Congrats! I'll be there as well, although probably skipping the Friday night show as I already have Mets tickets.

A Boy Named Seo Jun 01 2009 10:28 AM

[quote="Swan Swan H":1i2p2zk5]We were at The Turning Point in the lovely riverside village of Piermont, NY yesterday for two shows by one of my absolute favorite groups, Red Molly. They are a trio that does a number of original songs mixed in with covers by some of the best songwriters around, Gillian Welch, Patty Griffin, Jonathan Byrd, Susan Werner and Nanci Griffith, to name a few. Abbie Gardner is the most prolific of the songwriters, and she has won a number of awards recently, most notably the folk category in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. They are also among the nicest, most fan-friendly people I have ever met. Here's a sample of their stuff. There are better quality videos out there, but this one is kinda special to me as it was recorded in my living room. [/quote:1i2p2zk5] Jeez, I LOVE THEM.

themetfairy Jun 01 2009 11:05 AM

[quote="Gwreck":362k2gv7]Congrats! I'll be there as well, although probably skipping the Friday night show as I already have Mets tickets.[/quote:362k2gv7] Congrats to you as well! Since I have tickets to that Saturday's game, I'll be at the Friday show....

A Boy Named Seo Jun 04 2009 11:03 AM

Wilco and Yo La Tengo @ Keyspan Park July 13. Someone should go to this thing. Link. They're having a contest to win free tix. Get those kids and their box of chalk to work on your sidewalk NOW!!! Enter to win tickets to see Wilco at any of the following minor league ball parks this summer: July 10 (Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, DE), July 11 (LaLacheur Park in Lowell, MA), July 13 (Keyspan Park in Brooklyn, NY) and July 18 (Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, NY). Plus, the grand prize winner scores a pair of tickets to all 4 shows. All you have to do is draw a picture in chalk on the sidewalk that incorporates information about one of the 4 shows (date, location and wilcoworld.net), take a picture and send it to us at ballparks@wilcoworld.net (please no files larger than 1MB in size) with your name, location and phone number. We'll judge entries based on their creativity and informativeness. More information on the shows here. Contest ends June 30.

Chad Ochoseis Jun 07 2009 06:01 AM

Citizen Cope put on a great show at the Wellmont in Montclair last night. He played two hours including a five song encore, which is enough time for him to play almost every song he's ever released. The only real disappointment was "Brother Lee", which he opened with. It sounded so much like the studio version that I was wondering if he was lip-synching. No, he wasn't. Great version of "Hurricane Waters", after which he put down the electric guitar and used an amplified acoustic for the rest of the show. Best thing about it is that Cope saved me from watching last night's game. The Wellmont is still newish (or newly renovated). Nice theater, acoustics fair-to-middling. They're getting some great acts. If you go, avoid paying for the $20 "event parking" like the plague. There's metered parking to be had in Montclair, and you only have to feed the meter until 7PM. [quote="A Boy Named Seo":3vpit0x9]Wilco and Yo La Tengo @ Keyspan Park July 13. Someone should go to this thing. [/quote:3vpit0x9] I'm trying to get my act together and plan a vacation for that week. If I don't, the someone who goes to that thing may be me.

sharpie Jun 07 2009 10:49 AM

A Boy Named Seo wrote: Wilco and Yo La Tengo @ Keyspan Park July 13. Someone should go to this thing. I would so go if I were around but I'll be in Peru at the time.

Gwreck Jun 07 2009 11:34 AM

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":2l7abqkl]Wilco and Yo La Tengo @ Keyspan Park July 13. Someone should go to this thing.[/quote:2l7abqkl] I'll be there.

sharpie Jun 11 2009 07:49 AM

Saw the Decemberists at Radio City last night. Robyn Hitchcock opened (saw him a few months back, this time his set was short and perfunctory). Decemberists opened with their latest album, a set piece with some kind of story I can't follow called "The Hazards of Love." Involved lots of switching instruments and singers and moving things about the stage. Second part of the show was songs from previous albums plus they brought Peter Buck (from Robyn Hitchcock's band and REM) to play an REM song. Colin Meloy a pretty unlikely rock star. It was a fun show. Two nights previous I saw David Byrne opening Celebrate Brooklyn. It was apparently the largest crowd they'd ever had. Neither of my kids got inside but there were huge crowds surrounding the venue. I also saw him a few months back and this was pretty much the same show but with a lot more energy. He does a good job mixing in Talking Heads material with his solo stuff. I was very happy. Byrne setlist: Strange Overtones I Zimbra One Fine Day Help Me Somebody Houses in Motion My Big Nurse My Big Hands (Fall Through the Cracks) Heaven Moonlight in Glory Life Is Long Crosseyed and Painless Born Under Punches Once in a Lifetime Life During Wartime I Feel My Stuff Encore 1 Take Me to the River Great Curve Encore 2 Air Burning Down the House Encore 3 Everything that Happens

Gwreck Jun 11 2009 08:56 AM

[quote="sharpie":1bui0946]Two nights previous I saw David Byrne opening Celebrate Brooklyn. It was apparently the largest crowd they'd ever had. Neither of my kids got inside but there were huge crowds surrounding the venue[/quote:1bui0946] Missed this because I was on a plane but heard bad things: sound not loud enough, the crowd was too big, etc. (Hope that wasn't your experience). Looks like a great setlist though.

sharpie Jun 11 2009 11:01 AM

My wife got on line at 4 o'clock so we got good seats. Crowd size wasn't a factor for us until we left the venue. Sound was plenty loud, maybe not if you were outside but friends of mine plus my kids who were outside looking in thought the sound was good.

Swan Swan H Jun 16 2009 12:51 PM

Seo, you interested? Laurie from Red Molly just sent to this to their Yahoo! Group: Hi All! As you know, we're playing in Pasadena CA on Sunday June 21. Very exciting! We're looking for someone to run the merch table for the hour that we are performing - does anyone happen to have a trustworthy friend in Pasadena who would like to do this? We'd give them free CDs and/or a tee, a hat, etc. Let us know. See you soon! Laurie PM me if you have any interest, so I can give you a 'reference' for Laurie.

Farmer Ted Jun 19 2009 10:06 AM

Peter Frampton coming my way. 12th row center. Do I freaking go for $60?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 19 2009 10:14 AM

[quote="Farmer Ted":n8pnfen6]Peter Frampton coming my way. 12th row center. Do I freaking go for $60?[/quote:n8pnfen6] If you feel like you do.

themetfairy Jun 19 2009 10:18 AM

[quote="Farmer Ted":13eu7flq]Peter Frampton coming my way. 12th row center. Do I freaking go for $60?[/quote:13eu7flq] My general feeling is that if you have to ask us whether you should buy the tickets, then you don't want to go badly enough to justify the dough.

Edgy DC Jun 19 2009 10:19 AM

Ted apparently wants you to show him the way.

TransMonk Jun 26 2009 07:24 AM

Saw Bon Jovi last night at Summerfest with my old man. Their fans are over the top!

seawolf17 Jun 26 2009 07:42 AM

Just got our tickets to see Dream Theater at the Brookhaven Amphitheater on August 8. Been a fan since high school, but this is the first time I'll get the chance to see them.

soupcan Jun 26 2009 07:47 AM

[quote="TransMonk":2dfxozpe]Saw Bon Jovi last night at Summerfest...[/quote:2dfxozpe] I was not going to post that I saw Tom Jones last week, but Monk coming clean on Bon Jovi gave me the courage to admit it.

metirish Jun 26 2009 07:58 AM

That's not unusual , I saw Bon Jovi years ago at Jones Beach.....I remember the sound being terrible.....probably more to do with Jones Beach than the band.

TransMonk Jun 26 2009 09:34 AM

[quote="soupcan":148fh9w3][quote="TransMonk":148fh9w3]Saw Bon Jovi last night at Summerfest...[/quote:148fh9w3] I was not going to post that I saw Tom Jones last week, but Monk coming clean on Bon Jovi gave me the courage to admit it.[/quote:148fh9w3] I can certainly say that it was a Father's Day gift. I gave up seeing the Meat Puppets on a smaller stage. Saw the tail end of Matthew Sweet after the Bon Jovi show. I'm debating on whether to go back later in the festival to see Spoon or Elvis Costello.

A Boy Named Seo Jun 26 2009 09:46 AM

Just saw Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes at Telluride and they were unreal. Highly highly recommend checking 'em out. Hell, go see Spoon, too. Missed those guys at Coachella some years back and still regret it. Saw Wilco last night in LA. The new shit was awesome and they played their early stuff, too ("Passenger Side" was a personal highlight). 2 plus hours, and 2 encores of awesome. Saw the Lemonheads a couple weeks ago, too. Evan Dando still a trainwreck. Was fucked up the whole set and hit some poor girl in the head with a sharpie after the show when he decided he was done signing autographs and just chucked the pen in the air and ran off. Weird dude. New album of covers is overall just so-so, despite a pretty solid rendition of Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful".

Edgy DC Jun 26 2009 10:22 AM

Are the Lemonheads an actual band or just Evan Dando plus whoever can stand him for this particular tour?

A Boy Named Seo Jun 26 2009 11:15 AM

[quote="Edgy DC":3apy53lc]Are the Lemonheads an actual band or just Evan Dando plus whoever can stand him for this particular tour?[/quote:3apy53lc] The second one. Last album and tour had two guys from the Decendents and this one had three other guys altogether. The second guitar player the night I saw 'em was this really young dude and it looked like it was his first show ever. He was getting cues from Dando all night. I suspected he was just the backup guitar in case E.D. couldn't play the songs all the way through or something. Kinda sad, but high entertainment value, for sure.

TransMonk Jun 28 2009 02:54 PM

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":1zk8bazw]Just saw Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes at Telluride and they were unreal. Highly highly recommend checking 'em out. Hell, go see Spoon, too. Missed those guys at Coachella some years back and still regret it.[/quote:1zk8bazw] Just realized Spoon is Monday, and I'm going to see the Mets at Miller Park, so that won't work. I've seen them a couple of times anyways. Costello I have never seen and he isn't until July 5th, so that is still a real possibility.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 09 2009 05:20 PM

Another doozy: The Big Surprise Tour! Old Crow Medicine Show along with Dave Rawlings Machine (f/t Gillian Welch), The Felice Brothers and Justin Townes Earle on a traveling show of epic collaboration and good times that comes to NYC Thursday, August 6. Born out of a deep running comradery built on countless tours and ties between a host of excellent musicians, each evening is sure to be a unique experience as they all put their many combined years of musicianship and knowledge of song-craft and American music into play for these performances. Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009 Time: 7:30pm - 10:30pm Location: Beacon Theatre Street: 2124 Broadway (b/t 74 & 75 Streets) City/Town: New York, NY

Gwreck Jul 13 2009 01:02 PM

J. Geils Band at the Borgata (Atlantic City) on Saturday night. Only heard about this show by coincidence -- they don't tour anymore, but were doing some scattered shows this year: 2 in Boston, 2 in Detroit and now this in AC. Whole band is there, except the original drummer: they look older but have no problem playing the material. Peter Wolf has the bottle of Jack Daniels on stage but it's mostly for show -- I think he took one shot early in the night but that was it. Appearances aside -- it was a fantastic show. Nobody* plays like they do, with the blues and soul-inspired show, with a well-crafted setlist and authentically positive stage energy. Played the live staples, plus the hits, plus the well-placed cover ("Where Did Our Love Go") in an outstanding show. Lots of fun and I can totally see why they, in their prime, were one of the best live bands ever. Interesting venue at the Borgata Events Center. GA floor, reserved-seating risers in the back. Maybe a capacity of 2500? Was nice to have a carpeted floor for the standing room rather than most club's hard concrete. * Basically. You don't see it from most contemporary artists.

Edgy DC Jul 13 2009 01:20 PM

I spent a weekend in the Borgata once. Freaked me out. Stingk was coming in to perform the next week. I was driven to tears.

Gwreck Jul 14 2009 12:54 PM

I know I wasn't the only one from the CPF who was at the Wilco show at Keyspan Park last night. Extremely high concentration of douchebags at the show but the performance was good and Tweedy especially seemed to be in a cheerful mood, joking with the crowd, leading the crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" etc.

Swan Swan H Jul 14 2009 01:33 PM

Gwreck, were you the guy everything had to go through? I also enjoyed the show. A good mix from the whole repertoire, and they did my two favorites (Jesus, Etc., and I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.). Wilco (The Song) is a perfect show opener, and really sets a fun mood. I like the new CD a lot, and enjoyed hearing a bit of it live. I'm lousy at estimating crowds, but the seating area was about 90% occupied and the whole infield was packed. Here's a shot from my seat during Yo La Tengo's set. It's from my phone, so apologies for the quality, but it gives you an idea of the setup.

Gwreck Jul 14 2009 03:09 PM

I was down on the field but over towards the left side of the stage, maybe 15 people back (and no, not "that" guy). I agree that the mix of the material was pretty good -- my favorite Wilco stuff might be from the "Ghost is Born" album but the new material went over well. Keyspan has 6500 seats, of which they probably filled 5000 (the ones far down the LF or RF lines were empty). Probably another 2500 on the field.

dgwphotography Jul 14 2009 05:13 PM

Taking the wife to this small, intimate show on Friday that will be headlined by some guy who was considered fabulous in the '60s... You may have heard of him...

Gwreck Jul 14 2009 06:47 PM

Going to see that same guy on Saturday.

themetfairy Jul 14 2009 07:27 PM

Friday. After being at the penultimate concert at Shea, D-Dad and I will be at the first concert at the Citi.

Kong76 Jul 14 2009 08:01 PM

When all this was announced, I just figured it would be unaffordable and the tix would be gone in 20 minutes and I just forgot about it. Was getting tickets easy or lucky? Then they added that Tues show too.

themetfairy Jul 14 2009 08:03 PM

I got my tix as soon as they went on sale. Just being my compulsive self. But it's worth checking - I understand that tickets were still available last weekend.

Swan Swan H Jul 14 2009 08:10 PM

Next Thursday begins the annual Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. We've gone for the full length the past nine years, save for an early Sunday AM departure for a wedding last year that allowed us to miss a devastating hailstorm. We will have to cut it short this year as my wife is not up to four days in a tent after some recent surgery. We're still looking at Saturday and perhaps Sunday, if the weather looks promising. There are too many friends that we only see once a year at this festival to miss it entirely. We're at the point now that the community of folks we camp with is as important to us, and maybe more so, than the music. We'll still get to see a lot of favorites - Susan Werner, Gandalf Murphy, Ellis Paul, Girlyman, Amy Speace and Tracy Grammer. We'll also get to a lot of the after-hours tents where other friends and favorites will be playing until the sun comes up. Highlight of the year, every year.

Gwreck Jul 15 2009 08:18 AM

McCartney tickets weren't that hard: tickets weren't cheap, and they added a third show which helped. Tuesday tickets are likely to be available under face value on the secondary market.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 15 2009 09:56 AM

Wilco sounds awesome, boys. They played three nights in LA at the end of June and we got to catch them on the third. Opened with Wilco (the song) for us, too. They'd play one new one, and then 2 or 3 established ones, then mix in another new one. Feist came out on stage and sang along for that "You and I" song. Played only "Passenger Side" off of "AM", but hit a lot of YHF and Sky Blue Sky. Great, long set.

Swan Swan H Jul 15 2009 11:06 AM

In tangentially Wilco-related news, Son Volt's new album is getting rave reviews, and the couple of tracks I've heard on WFUV are excellent. I'm picking it up on the way home today. They will be at Irving Plaza on September 17 (Yay!). I will be in California on September 17 (Yay! in general, but boo for missing Son Volt).

Kong76 Jul 15 2009 06:53 PM

Gw: McCartney tickets weren't that hard: tickets weren't cheap <<< Yeah, between here and nifs I feel like I know 20 people going now.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 16 2009 09:02 PM

[quote="Gwreck"]J. Geils Band at the Borgata (Atlantic City) on Saturday night. Only heard about this show by coincidence -- they don't tour anymore, but were doing some scattered shows this year: 2 in Boston, 2 in Detroit and now this in AC. Whole band is there, except the original drummer: they look older but have no problem playing the material. Peter Wolf has the bottle of Jack Daniels on stage but it's mostly for show -- I think he took one shot early in the night but that was it. Appearances aside -- it was a fantastic show. Nobody* plays like they do, with the blues and soul-inspired show, with a well-crafted setlist and authentically positive stage energy. Played the live staples, plus the hits, plus the well-placed cover ("Where Did Our Love Go") in an outstanding show. Lots of fun and I can totally see why they, in their prime, were one of the best live bands ever. * Basically. You don't see it from most contemporary artists.

Southside Johnny does the energetic R&B/Soul thingy, but of course they're less contemporary than J. Giels. I can't speak much for contemporary anymore.

Anyway your post got me wondering what became of Wolf's short-lived white-funk career and the Lights Out album, which rocked my fall semester, freshman kollege year. It was definitely more dance/pop/funk than JGB's popular "Freeze Frame" stuff, slick and very sparkly.

I have it on LP, I think, but just looking for cuts this week it's not on ITunes, out of print on CD (copies are like $80!). A few murky trax survive on YouTube.

That squat dance move never took off.

Edgy DC Jul 16 2009 09:14 PM

Neil Diamond:Elvis Presley::Peter Wolf:Michael Jackson

A Boy Named Seo Jul 17 2009 09:33 AM

[quote="Swan Swan H":1td1syxo]In tangentially Wilco-related news, Son Volt's new album is getting rave reviews, and the couple of tracks I've heard on WFUV are excellent. I'm picking it up on the way home today. They will be at Irving Plaza on September 17 (Yay!). I will be in California on September 17 (Yay! in general, but boo for missing Son Volt).[/quote:1td1syxo] I've heard a couple of the new Son Volt tracks and have been positively bored with it, but yeah, some peeps are raving. How you likin' it so far? PS - If you wanna have a beer and watch a "meaningful" September game when you're in LA, shoot me a PM.

cooby Jul 18 2009 03:51 PM

My son and his girlfriend are traveling tomorrow for her 19th birthday up to Syracuse to see Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, and Willie Nelson. I am hoping it doesn't snow.

Swan Swan H Jul 18 2009 09:45 PM

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":d6xkctfw]I've heard a couple of the new Son Volt tracks and have been positively bored with it, but yeah, some peeps are raving. How you likin' it so far? PS - If you wanna have a beer and watch a "meaningful" September game when you're in LA, shoot me a PM.[/quote:d6xkctfw] The new Son Volt is pretty good. It's no Trace, but I'm rather forgiving. Thanks for the offer - we're going to one Angels game and one Dodgers game while we're there. I'll PM the dates and hopefully we can get to say hey. And now back to our originally scheduled thread. We went to see Anthony Da Costa at the Living Room tonight. I know I've mentioned him before - he's a singer-songwriter who has released four solo and one duo album (with Abbie Gardner of Red Molly), and just turned 18. He played most of his new album, Not Afraid of Nothing, tonight. It's consciously more rock oriented than his previous albums, but it feels evolutionary rather than an abrupt change, which is good. He played electric guitar tonight, along with a bass player, drummer and Abbie on lap steel and vocals. For their encore Anthony and Abbie pulled out one of their duo songs called Note. Here is a live take. I really like this one.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 19 2009 02:22 AM

The Donnas tonight in LBC. I fell in love. A few times.

dgwphotography Jul 19 2009 03:43 PM

The McCartney show Friday night was amazing. The Mrs and I and pretty good seats - the handicapped seats in the front row of the promenade - I think they were just released, because I only bought the tickets a week ago... Sir. Paul played for 2 1/2 hours, and brought in Billy Joel for a song during his encore. According to the Daily News, this was his set list: "Drive My Car" "Jet" "Only Mama Knows" "Flaming Pie" "Got To Get You Into My Life" "Let Me Roll It" "Highway" "The Long and Winding Road" "My Love" "Blackbird" "Here Today" "Dance Tonight" "Calico Skies" "Mrs. Vanderbilt" "Eleanor Rigby" "Sing the Changes " "Band on the Run" "Back in the U.S.S.R." "I’m Down" "Something" "I’ve Got a Feeling" "Paperback Writer" "A Day in the Life"/"Give Peace a Chance" "Let It Be" "Live and Let Die" "Hey Jude" Encores "Day Tripper" "Lady Madonna" "I Saw Her Standing There (with Billy Joel) "Yesterday" "Helter Skelter" "Get Back" "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)"/"The End"

A Boy Named Seo Jul 20 2009 12:02 PM

[quote="Swan Swan H"]Seo, you interested? Laurie from Red Molly just sent to this to their Yahoo! Group: Hi All! As you know, we're playing in Pasadena CA on Sunday June 21. Very exciting! We're looking for someone to run the merch table for the hour that we are performing - does anyone happen to have a trustworthy friend in Pasadena who would like to do this? We'd give them free CDs and/or a tee, a hat, etc. Let us know. See you soon! Laurie PM me if you have any interest, so I can give you a 'reference' for Laurie.

Shit, missed this first time through. I would've been interested actually, but was in Colorado that day. I'd like to see 'em next time they're headed this way, though.

themetfairy Jul 25 2009 09:27 AM

D-Dad and I saw Jason Mraz open for the Dave Matthews Band in Hershey last night. Mraz is kicking off his Gratitude Cafe tour, but this was truly and opening set - only 40 minutes long. But he was great, as always. Tonight he'll go back to being a headliner for the rest of the new tour. DMB is DMB - they are incredible musicians and they jam together incredibly. The set was fabulous, and we enjoyed it tremendously. I wouldn't recommend the venue, though. It had ridiculously crowded concourses, insufficient restroom facilities, and felt scarily packed. Fortunately our seats (a bench, actually) was at the end of the row, so we had a decent view of the stage. The post-concert gridlock was ridiculous - it took us over an hour to get out of there, and the "traffic pattern" was a free for all. On the other hand, we bought fresh chocolate at Chocolate World before the show, so that was a positive. But I wouldn't travel back to that venue for a show unless it was something generally unavailable elsewhere (like one star act opening for another).

cooby Jul 25 2009 10:02 AM

Willie Nelson pointed and waved to my son's GF

A Boy Named Seo Jul 25 2009 12:29 PM

[quote="cooby":38bhc7ry]Willie Nelson pointed and waved to my son's GF[/quote:38bhc7ry] Lucky girl.

cooby Jul 26 2009 04:16 PM

She thinks so :)

Gwreck Jul 29 2009 12:20 AM

Checked out Green Day at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Show started and ended very strong: the material from the band's two latest albums, "American Idiot" and "21st Century Breakdown" are worthy of the praise heaped upon them. Setlist contained a fair number of the Green Day hits (ie. Longview, and a spontaneous When I Come Around) but seemed very uneven. The new material at the beginning and the end seemed to bookend a set full of clownish antics that just took too far. You really needed to shoot off T-Shirts, and use a watergun, and bring three fans on stage to sing various verses of a song...? Show ended in remarkable fashion with Bille Joe Armstrong doing three solo acoustic songs on the ramp of the stage that extended into the audience, including apparently an unreleased song before finishing with the obligatory "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)." Interesting show. They *are* very good live performers. Much respect too for the every-seat-in-the-house-is-$45 pricing structure.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 29 2009 05:20 AM

Was thinking of dropping in on Steely Dan this Friday if I could get a hold of tixx at the last minute. ... There seem to be a good amount now available on the 2ndary market, and none via the venue. Having barely attended a non-baseball event since these stubhub thingies opened, what's my best bet to get tixx for this event? Will prices drop the day of the event? What's my strategy? I don't want to spent 300 a seat. Thanks.

Gwreck Jul 29 2009 09:35 AM

Sent you a PM.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 29 2009 09:58 AM

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":a3psv9mo]The Donnas tonight in LBC. I fell in love. A few times. [/quote:a3psv9mo] They'll do that to you. Ages ago, had a chance to grab drinks with them in Brooklyn after a show supporting "Spend the Night" (a cousin of mine was doing some promotions work for Atlantic at the time). Good people. Good, foxy people (especially the pouty guitarist-- Allison?) who can/could handle their Jameson.

seawolf17 Aug 09 2009 06:00 AM

Dream Theater, one of my favorite bands since we discovered "Pull Me Under" in high school almost twenty years ago, last night at the Brookhaven Amphitheater. First time I'd had the chance to see them, which made it a special night. A NIGHTMARE TO REMEMBER A RITE OF PASSAGE MISUNDERSTOOD EROTOMANIA VOICES FORSAKEN (Quick Keyboard Spot) SACRIFICED SONS AS I AM ------------------ THE COUNT OF TUSCANY I could watch keyboardist Jordan Rudess and drummer Mike Portnoy all day. Hell, they could have played three more hours and I probably would have just stood there and soaked it all in. Probably two dozen songs I wish they had played, but the problem with a prog band who only plays nine songs a night (in almost two hours) is that you can't hear everything.

sharpie Aug 09 2009 01:22 PM

Went to Lincoln Center park last night to see composer Rhys Chatham have performed a piece he wrote called "A Crimson Grail" which employs 200 electric guitars, 16 bass guitars and one high-hat. The guitarists surrounded the audience and being in the middle of all that made a pretty cool sound. Sometimes a little boring but mostly not, it made for an interesting evening.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 09 2009 04:11 PM

I'm buying tix for Dylan today. 56 bucks a pop. He's playing 3 dates in LA, the last of which appears to be the last of the tour. I'd have to wake up for work after any of those 3 shows, so I'm figuring go for the last one. What would you do?

sharpie Aug 09 2009 04:58 PM

I'm sure any of the dates would be fine. I've seen last shows of a tour and they're usually not different than other shows. People can show up for his shows any time, you never know. Sometimes he lets them on stage, sometimes not.

sharpie Aug 09 2009 04:58 PM

I'm sure any of the dates would be fine. I've seen last shows of a tour and they're usually not different than other shows. People can show up for his shows any time, you never know. Sometimes he lets them on stage, sometimes not.

SteveJRogers Aug 09 2009 06:25 PM

Going to see Jimmy Buffett at Jones Beach on August 26th

Swan Swan H Aug 09 2009 06:48 PM

The amazing Anthony da Costa, who is preparing for his freshman year in college this fall, is doing a four-week residency at The Living Room on Ludlow Street. We're going to go tomorrow night, as his guest will be the equally amazing Abbie Gardner. Oh, also picked up a pair for Leonard Cohen at MSG in October.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 09 2009 06:57 PM

[quote="sharpie":1bt2y9ee]I'm sure any of the dates would be fine. I've seen last shows of a tour and they're usually not different than other shows. People can show up for his shows any time, you never know. Sometimes he lets them on stage, sometimes not.[/quote:1bt2y9ee] Thanks, man. Went for night 1. Off work that day, so I can get there plenty early. This is the Willie Nelson/John Cougar Lunchbucket tour. Veryveryveryveryveryvery excited. Very. My first Dylan show.

sharpie Aug 10 2009 07:12 AM

Actually, Seo, the Dylan/Nelson/Lunchbucket tour ends in August (minor league baseball stadiums only). The L.A. shows are part of his fall tour and will probably have more shows added. I've seen him more times than I've seen anybody else -- he has his on and off nights but IMO is always worth seeing even if he deconstructs many of his songs. In other Dylan news, he's coming out with a Christmas album.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 10 2009 09:31 AM

[quote="sharpie":2ef6a0f1]Actually, Seo, the Dylan/Nelson/Lunchbucket tour ends in August (minor league baseball stadiums only). The L.A. shows are part of his fall tour and will probably have more shows added. I've seen him more times than I've seen anybody else -- he has his on and off nights but IMO is always worth seeing even if he deconstructs many of his songs. In other Dylan news, he's coming out with a Christmas album.[/quote:2ef6a0f1] Shit. I thought that might be the case. I've seen Willie a handful of times, so I'll survive, but thought it'd be cool to catch 'em together. Either way, I'm stoked. Christmas album? Well, alright. Well, OK. I'm on board.

Frayed Knot Aug 10 2009 06:37 PM

Good to see Bob getting along with the Christians again. Apparently it wasn't always so ...

Methead Aug 14 2009 08:21 AM

Phish tonight in Hartford.

dgwphotography Aug 15 2009 07:33 PM

Saw John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band play at the Milford Oyster Festival today.

metirish Aug 31 2009 05:54 PM

Bruce & The E Street Band " live from NYC" over on a channel called PAL HD on Cable Vision- 785 here in the BX

sharpie Sep 03 2009 07:15 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Free John Fogerty concert last night at the South Street Seaport. He has a new album of country covers so much of the show consisted of that stuff, which was much weaker than his CCR stuff. Other than one song of his whose name I forget the non-new-album songs were Born On the Bayou; Green River; Looking Out My Back Door; Keep On Chooglin'; Center Field; Bad Moon Rising (at one point he did sing "there's a bathroom on the right"); Fortunate Son and Proud Mary. He's 62 years old, looks like he's had some work done and he has too much lustrous hair for anyone that age. He was in great voice however and the show was fun. Setting was great with the East River and all of those ships in the background.

Gwreck Sep 03 2009 09:06 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I was there as well. I thought some of his new material -- When Will I Be Loved (Everly Brothers) or I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me) (Buck Owens) was pretty good, even if it wasn't my exact taste. Fogerty is a great performer and his band was pretty good (Kenny Aronoff on drums helps) but at times is a maddening contradiction. Why does he cheapen his own material by singing that "bathroom" line? How does the man who wrote "Fortunate Son" both write and perform "Centerfield," the worst rock and roll song of all time? Was still a fun show. The other old song was "Rock and Roll Girls" which was a minor hit in the '80s.

HahnSolo Sep 22 2009 08:44 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I actually still have a John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown band album. on vinyl. Mrs. Solo and I will be trekking to see U2 tomorrow night at Giants Stadium. I believe it's my ninth time seeing them, her tenth. It's also her first show since coming off the DL, so she's excited. I always worry when I go see them about something or other: how much will Bono's preaching irritate me; what classic will they leave off their playlist; will their ridiculously large stage bee too overwhelming; but I'm usually not disappointed. Seen the set lists for their current tour, some good stuff in their I havent seen live in a while (edited in case anyone doesn't want to be spoiled). Plus I like the new album quite a bit, so hearing the new stuff won't be a reason to go to the head.

TransMonk Sep 22 2009 09:12 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I'm seeing Lucinda Williams tonight in Milwaukee. I don't know too much about her, but my girl loves her. Appearantly, she got married on stage in Minneapolis on Friday and she puts out good live shows. I've listened to Cars On A Gravel Road many times, but I'll be pretty much lost with all of her other stuff. Possibly going to see Built To Spill on Friday. Torn between seeing them, seeing local heroes Killdozer and staying home and resting for the 40 mile bike trip I have over the weekend.

Edgy DC Sep 22 2009 09:27 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

People who like her are funking nuts about her. She's written some good songs, but I miss a lot of the appeal. I worry that peeps are buying the image --- present company (sharpie likes her) excepted.

TransMonk Sep 22 2009 09:37 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I'm in your boat as well. Good songs but doesn't drive me crazy. I like the fact that she's well into her 50's and has been doing this for 30 years. Her albums are a little too Nashville polished for my tastes, but I'm hoping seeing her live will give me further appreciation for her. And Monk's amour is funking nuts about her.

Frayed Knot Sep 22 2009 10:43 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

"Her albums are a little too Nashville polished for my taste" Wow, 'Nashville polished' is definitely not the phrase I'd use to describe her stuff. Not that I'm a Lucinda expert or anything, but I get much more of a raw, bluesy vibe form her.

sharpie Sep 22 2009 10:53 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Yeah, much of her stuff is pretty raw these days. I've seen her five times, the missus is a big fan. First time: Opening for Neil Young. Crowd was still finding their seats, unsatisfactory. Second time: At the Beacon. She talked through much of the show, was actually pretty hostile. Unsatisfactory. Third time: At Central Park Summerstage. She was on fire. Did some Howlin' Wolf songs. Fourth time: At Radio City. She was intimidated by the bigness and grandness. Not good at all. Fifth time: At Irving Plaza. Smallish, crowded rock club and she ruled. What I have learned: venue is everything with her. If she's uncomfortable she will make you uncomfortable, sometimes starting songs over and talking too much. If she's into it she can put on a great show. Hope you get the latter, Monk.

TransMonk Sep 22 2009 10:56 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I'm talking more from a "sound" quality about polished. I would agree her songs are raw and bluesy...which may be what rubs me the wrong way about all of the studioishness of her finished albums. But I am looking forward to seeing her live because a lot of that stuff should go away leaving the raw and the blues. I would love to her the 4-track stuff that she does in her basement. That would probably make me go funking nuts for her. But 4-track stuff rarely gets you Grammy nominated.

Frayed Knot Sep 22 2009 01:12 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

She has a bit of a rep (at least from what I've heard/read) of being both a bit temperamental and something of a perfectionist, sometimes delaying records for a long time while haggling over small details. If accurate, those traits might explain both Sharpie's experiences of mercurial concert performances and yours of too-slick recordings.

TransMonk Sep 23 2009 07:57 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Well, on the Lucinda Williams show, all I can positively say is that her backing band (which also performed during the opening slot) is amazing! They sounded and played great. One of the best guitar bands I have seen in a long time. Unfortunately, Lucinda was less than impressive. I can see what Sharpie is saying about her making the crowd uncomfortable. To be fair, the theater is about a 1300 capacity and it was probably only 75% filled. The crowd was mostly older and seemed to me to lack a lot of the "diehard" Lucinda fans. The majority of the attendees seemed to be like me: casual fans looking to see what all the fuss was about and hoping to see an Americana legend. No one stood during the entire show, except to waddle drunkenly to the bathroom. There was a 45 minute gap between Buick 6's opening set and Lucinda's set. A music stand was set out for her at the front of the stage which contained lyrics to all of the songs she was going to play. She started 3 songs over during the duration of the set because she didn't know what key they were in. She forgot the lyrics or lost her place in at least 3 others. She had a handler that would physically change the guitars off her body and make sure they were plugged in. There was little to no talking between songs, except for her to say "This next song is off the blah, blah album and it's called blah, blah." She did tell one cliched story about record companies that was neither funny nor interesting. Her eyes were either focused on the lyric sheet or the back of the theater. When Williams was not singing, she always had her back to the audience looking at her band members. Basically, she had the charisma of a deflated beach ball. I was pretty put off by the whole thing. If you are a musician who has been performing for 30 years and I'm paying $40 to come see you play, I expect you to know the words and chords to the 18 songs you are going to play. I also expect you to at least attempt to connect with the audience. The sad thing is that she is a great songwriter, had moments of some pretty great vocal work and an amazing backing band. But if you have to start the songs over because you don't know them AND the song's words and keys are right in front of you on a music stand...that's just a lack of effort and consideration for the people coming to see you. We left before the encore break. My special lady friend, who is the one that's funking nuts about Williams declared that this would be her third and final Lucinda show. I'm not sure how Williams is going to do 3 nights in New York and Chicago playing different songs each night if she can't get through a regular set in Milwaukee. Hell, even I know the words to "Changed The Locks" (thanks Tom Petty) and I don't get paid to sing it every night. A sincere apology to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I found myself wishing more than once last night that they would come out and play to rescue me from the Lucinda Williams train wreck.

Edgy DC Sep 23 2009 08:02 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Wow! The amazing thing is that she disappointed a true believer. Hard to do, from my experience.

sharpie Sep 23 2009 08:55 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

My wife is a true believer and has been disappointed at those shows that I was disappointed at. I forgot about the music stand: yes that is really annoying. She started doing that fairly recently. I think the rule for her is if it is a no-seat venue she likes it and if the audience is seated she doesn't. If she doesn't like it then you know it.

Frayed Knot Sep 23 2009 09:33 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Here's the thing: you can't be a proud 'alt-' musician - complaining all the while about how the record company and restrictive radio playlists keep true artists like you from finding wider audiences - and then treat the audience you do have with total indifference if not barely concealed disdain.

themetfairy Sep 23 2009 09:44 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Well, you can. But it's a pretty stupid business model.

soupcan Sep 24 2009 07:53 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="HahnSolo"]Mrs. Solo and I will be trekking to see U2 tomorrow night at Giants Stadium. I believe it's my ninth time seeing them, her tenth. It's also her first show since coming off the DL, so she's excited. I always worry when I go see them about something or other: how much will Bono's preaching irritate me; what classic will they leave off their playlist; will their ridiculously large stage bee too overwhelming; but I'm usually not disappointed. Seen the set lists for their current tour, some good stuff in their I havent seen live in a while (edited in case anyone doesn't want to be spoiled). Plus I like the new album quite a bit, so hearing the new stuff won't be a reason to go to the head.

Can't wait to hear the review of that show - New York Times: The show was part of U2's "360 Degree" tour, which takes its name from the 150-foot circular stage.

Gwreck Sep 24 2009 08:45 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

The spectacle of the U2 show is quite amazing. I was fortunate to have a great spot on the field so I didn't get quite as much perspective of the entirety of the stage but it's very impressive. I wish Bono and the band had spent more time out on the ramps that surround the stage, however. Musically, much of the new material is very strong live, particularly the combination of "Breathe" and "Magnificent" that opened the show. Things were a little shaky in the middle as they struggled with pacing of songs, but the back half of the set took off, starting with "The Unforgettable Fire," which I am very glad they brought back for this tour. Biggest highlights were "Ultraviolet," (!) the house-techno remix of "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight," the aforementioned Breathe-Magnificent combination to open, "Mysterious Ways," and of course "Where the Streets Have No Name" (still hasn't lost its power). I thought U2 did a great job of finding some different things from their back catalog to play during this tour (and they finally rested "Bullet the Blue Sky"). I did feel that "Pride" was noticeably absent, however. I would've rested "Sunday Bloody Sunday" if it were up to me. I was pleased to see that "One" came across as a much more compelling performance than it had in years. Show also included a nice Bruce birthday tribute as they did a mashup of "She's the One" with "Desire." --- Be forewarned that if you are taking NJ transit to the show, the post-show train situation is an unmitigated nightmare and without any crowd control, categorically unsafe.

HahnSolo Sep 24 2009 11:47 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I second just about everything Gwreck said, though I am glad Pride was absent. I'd much prefer Sunday Bloody Sunday. Ultraviolet, Unforgettable Fire, and New Year's Day (which they've played off and on the last few tours but I personally had not seen live since the Joshua Tree tour) were my highlights. The new stuff was great, though I was somewhat disappointed "Unknown Caller" did not make the cut. They played "Your Blue Room", a 14-year old song that they just played live for the first time last week. Nice song, but too many people didn't know it and used it as a chance to sit back and chat. I heard about the trains. Driving was just as bad, as you would expect. Took almost an hour to get out of the lot.

Edgy DC Sep 25 2009 12:28 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I haven't seen an event-type show in a while. If I wanted to get late tickets to the FedEx Field show next week, where should I look? OE: GAH! Some of the prices being spit back at me are terrifying.

Gwreck Sep 25 2009 12:40 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

The show is not sold out. Reserved tickets can be had in the $250, $95 or $30 price categories through Ticketmaster. My personal recommendation is that the GA field tickets are the best value for money. They are $55 + associated surcharges, or about $70 per. The current price for these on the secondary market is dropping; they can be found at $170-$180/pair now (StubHub/ticket brokers) and may fall more than that once the show gets closer. The general pricing structure, is $250 (lower Level), $95 (middle level), $55 (General Admission Field), and $30 (upper level).

Gwreck Sep 25 2009 12:41 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="Edgy DC":3a0v00bm]OE: GAH! Some of the prices being spit back at me are terrifying.[/quote:3a0v00bm] What were you expecting to pay?

Edgy DC Sep 25 2009 01:13 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

You know, seven-eight bucks. Last time I saw U2 was a magical time called the eighties.

soupcan Sep 25 2009 02:32 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="Edgy DC"]You know, seven-eight bucks. Last time I saw U2 was a magical time called the eighties.

I saw them first the first time in July of '87 at Wembley. Don't remember what we spent for the tickets - maybe $20 (or whatever that translated to in pounds). I know Lou Reed was one of the opening acts and Bono had a broken arm. I think the Pogues may have been on the card too but can't be certain. It was fun, I was drunk.

metirish Sep 25 2009 02:37 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="soupcan"][quote="Edgy DC"]You know, seven-eight bucks. Last time I saw U2 was a magical time called the eighties.

I saw them first the first time in July of '87 at Wembley. Don't remember what we spent for the tickets - maybe $20 (or whatever that translated to in pounds). I know Lou Reed was one of the opening acts and Bono had a broken arm. I think the Pogues may have been on the card too but can't be certain. It was fun, I was drunk. Gotta love the 'net http://www.u2gigs.com/show495.html Never mind , you said July, this was June...or were you that drunk?

soupcan Sep 25 2009 03:03 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Hmmmmm. I have zero recollection of 'Lone Justice', but I guess it must have been June. Either the 12th or 13th. I remember them playing 'Help' and thought that was very cool. Did I mention that I had been drinking?

Edgy DC Sep 26 2009 07:15 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Man, Lone Justice's moment passed a little too fast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lsm8jYcdbk I conflate them a little bit with In Tua Nua. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InmR5R1X428

metirish Sep 26 2009 07:21 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

WOW..In Tua Nua , now that's a blast from the past....thanks for posting this...watching the video now...memories.. gotta go watch a bunch of these now..

metirish Sep 26 2009 07:23 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Check out the live performance from Self Aid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V99B5Hdp ... re=related

Edgy DC Sep 26 2009 08:29 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="metirish":r9y7trrd]Check out the live performance from Self Aid[/quote:r9y7trrd] File this one under Things That Sound Filthier Than Was Meant.

themetfairy Sep 29 2009 06:42 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I'm seeing Springsteen and the E Street Band at Giants Stadium on Friday night. Will any of you guys be there?

Gwreck Sep 29 2009 11:00 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

It was just announced that that show will feature a complete performance of the Darkness on the Edge of Town album.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 29 2009 11:20 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Wow, that's kinda cool. The only way I'll ever get to a $pringsteen show again is they announce they're doing the whole "Human Touch" CD.

Gwreck Sep 29 2009 11:36 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I know it's becoming quite common now for artists to do that sort of thing but I'm not entirely sold on the idea. Seems a little too much nostalgia-fest, especially with Bruce, who has always stuck by his new material on each tour (even if the large scale of the show would mean that 8 songs from a new album would take up less than a third of the show). If he, say, wanted to play his entire new album plus an entire "classic" album plus some encores? That would do more for me. (For what it's worth, over his 5 shows at Giants he's also doing 2 nights where they do "Born to Run" and 2 nights where they do "Born in the USA).

Edgy DC Sep 30 2009 07:13 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on the tickets. Missus wasn't feeling hot and we may need to replace our car and well, U2 ain't free. What drives me crazy are the number of people walking around town wanting to tell me the number of times they've seen the band. It ain't about quantity, son.

metirish Sep 30 2009 07:16 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Deals to be had http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainmen ... here_.html

A Boy Named Seo Sep 30 2009 02:12 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I've been on a nice run lately, thanks to some free record shop in-stores. Saw Mason Jennings last week on the release of his new, OK album in an OK performance. Saw Nels Cline from Wilco and a friend of his the next night just make shitloads of noise on guitars and processors. Saw him do that once before. Kinda neat to look at, but it ends there. Would never buy his album full of that stuff and wouldn't have paid for that show. Sorry, Nels. Nothin' personal. Followed that up with back-to-back Langhorne Slim shows on support of his new album "Be Set Free". Kick ass performer, engaging front-man, sweetheart of a guy. Money-back guarantee* on the table right now to anyone that goes to see him and doesn't love him instantly. http://www.bandsintown.com/LanghorneSlim Then had Blitzen Trapper Monday night and the Old Crow Medicine Show last night. That's somehow the 4th time I've seen Blitzen Trapper. Great every time. Saw that guy who played "Roy", "Pam's" fiancee from the Office at the show. Wow, huh? OCMS played a scorching set. Pricey seats ($34 + plus all the ticketmaster stuff), but one helluva show. Ed Helms, also from the Office, was there. I once saw "Dwight Schrute" at a Jeff Tweedy show a couple years back, making cast members of the Office the overwhelmingly disproportionate winners in my personal Hollywood sightings breakdown. Will be staying home for the next few weeks, so I won't be bumping into "Phyllis" or "Michael Scott" anywhere. Go see Langhorne! *not an actual guarantee and no real money

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 30 2009 02:24 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Langhorne Slim (never hoid of him till just now) played his only NY show last night. There's always a next time I gues. Glad to hear Mason Jennings wasn't that good cuz he's got a show coming up in town that I kinda wanted to see but can't make. Also looks as if I will miss Blitzen Trapper here in a few weeks. I suck!

A Boy Named Seo Sep 30 2009 03:50 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Yah, I was kinda bummed about Mason. And the album's just not that good. I had him sign it, and then mailed it to my chick in what looked like an act of sweet thoughtfulness, but don't be fooled, it was a calculated move all the way.

Gwreck Oct 05 2009 10:26 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Between all the Bruce stuff, I took in the "Gavin Friday and Friends" event at Carnegie Hall on Sunday night. A (Red) benefit for AIDS drugs in Africa, etc. it was Gavin Friday's 50th birthday. He's the man behind the Virgin Prunes and a childhood friend of Bono. Surreal night with stuff ranging from Joel Grey (a friend of Gavin) singing the opening number of the musical "Cabaret" to a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga (seriously) to a Virgin Prunes reunion to some inspired duets, including Gavin and Joseph Arthur; Gavin and Andrea Corr, and of course, all four members of U2 who did a couple of Gavin Friday songs themselves, plus Bono singing one solo. Shane MacGowan was there and sang a song, as was Courtney Love, Rufus Wainwright and several others. End of the night featured U2 and Lou Reed playing "Sweet Jane" and then U2 and Gavin (with just about everybody else) playing "Jean Genie."

A Boy Named Seo Oct 07 2009 09:27 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Nick Hornby last night, reading from his new book Juliet, Naked. He read for about a half hour and did a Q&A for about the same length, then signed books. The Q&A had questions like "What's your writing process?" and "What are your top 5 musical acts?", but he was engaging and funny and made it a good time. It was at a great place called the Skirball Cultural Society, just next to the Getty in LA, and they had a full bar and food, along with the whole Hornby catalog for sale. The new one is the story of Duncan and Annie, a couple approaching middle-age who have passion, but not for one another. Duncan is infatuated with a reclusive singer/songwriter named Tucker Crowe, who by fate and clever plot devices, begins a correspondence with Annie. I read the first 50 pages while waiting in line for an autograph, and so far it's real good. He's also got a screenplay coming out this week(?) called An Education, that he said of all his written work adapted for film, he's most amazed at the quality of this one. Juliet, Naked was $28 so I passed on the other one for now.

The Second Spitter Oct 07 2009 09:33 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="A Boy Named Seo"]Nick Hornby last night, reading from his new book Juliet, Naked.

Cool. Did anybody ask any questions about the Arse?

A Boy Named Seo Oct 07 2009 09:43 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

No, but he mentioned them a couple times. He talked about his job as a writer, and said he works in an office M-F and said he writes for about 45 minutes in a given 8-hour work day and spends the rest of the time on youtube, listening to new music (he mentioned this site specifically - http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/ ), and checking to see if Arsenal bought any players. He was talking about Springsteen, and said he took his kid to see him perform at the Emirates. The story wasn't about Arsenal, but it was funny anyway. He asked his kid if he wanted to come back the next weekend and watch a game, and the kid asked if the players would really be there, or if it would be like watching Springsteen. The kid thought he was just watching the concert on a giant television and didn't realize one of the tiny figures on the field was the dude on TV. Stadium shows in a nutshell. One guy who asked a question said that "Fever Pitch" was a gateway drug to soccer for him and asked Nick if that was in any way his intention. He said it wasn't at all and didn't wasn't looking to turn anyone on to football. He did say that while he thinks American sports are all fine, he doesn't get them, and thinks in all of them there are too many points scored (laughter, laughter, laughter). PS - did see a couple of football kits in the audience. One Real Madrid and one Man U. No kidding. Man U.

metirish Oct 07 2009 09:45 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="Gwreck":3ccnxzi4]Between all the Bruce stuff, I took in the "Gavin Friday and Friends" event at Carnegie Hall on Sunday night. A (Red) benefit for AIDS drugs in Africa, etc. it was Gavin Friday's 50th birthday. He's the man behind the Virgin Prunes and a childhood friend of Bono. Surreal night with stuff ranging from Joel Grey (a friend of Gavin) singing the opening number of the musical "Cabaret" to a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga (seriously) to a Virgin Prunes reunion to some inspired duets, including Gavin and Joseph Arthur; Gavin and Andrea Corr, and of course, all four members of U2 who did a couple of Gavin Friday songs themselves, plus Bono singing one solo. Shane MacGowan was there and sang a song, as was Courtney Love, Rufus Wainwright and several others. End of the night featured U2 and Lou Reed playing "Sweet Jane" and then U2 and Gavin (with just about everybody else) playing "Jean Genie."[/quote:3ccnxzi4] Sounds like a fun night and a once in a lifetime type gathering , I've said it before but you do go to some great gigs.

The Second Spitter Oct 07 2009 10:02 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":3ijnswvm]One guy who asked a question said that "Fever Pitch" was a gateway drug to soccer for him and asked Nick if that was in any way his intention. He said it wasn't at all and didn't wasn't looking to turn anyone on to football. [/quote:3ijnswvm] You know, it's funny; a CPFer asked me the very same thing on a train ride to Brooklyn.

seawolf17 Oct 08 2009 02:46 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Caught Dan Zanes -- who is awesome -- at Westbury on Sunday. MiniWolf wanted his favorite song played, and was more than happy to march right up there and tell the band to play it: That's him, right at the top of the ramp. It's a rotating stage, if you've never been to Westbury, and maybe he should have waited until they rotated back around to face him, but he's a go-getter; I honestly was surprised he didn't march right across the stage.

A Boy Named Seo Oct 13 2009 11:01 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Mr. Bob Dylan 2-nite.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 18 2009 10:08 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Avett Brothers put on an interesting show. They are a trio/quartet, with a stand-up bass, banjo, guitar, (and most songs, cello), but the brothers switched it up, each taking piano, guitar and/or a drum set on selected songs; and the bass guy trading for an electric when called for. The brothers also traded lead vocals even within a song, and did a lot of harmonizing. Since I'd only heard a few of their songs before I was figuring this all out as they went along: They're definitely folk-based but I heard a little Ben Folds in the idea of a southern acoustic trio with a rough edge; and maybe some Dave Matthews -- not musically (although they matched his black fiddler with an Asian cellist) but in the sense that they were buzzy and everyone seemed to know they were about to go over big, and also shared the same tendency for reaching a part in a song where they signal it's hopping-up-and-down-in-place time. Woo. Finally though I settled on Hallowed Ground era Violent Femmes, only with a lot more harmonies and a lot less ironic edge. Again was the edgy acoustic trio thing. Seo described their show as "second-to-none," and it was good but... I was hoping that the harmonies would kill me but instead I was only wounded; the "lead" singer was ocassionally off-key and froggy, especially early in the show. Though he did a very nice solo later in the evening "Murder in the City" which I thought was one of the highlights. Folk chick Jessica Mayfield opened: OK look and sound, could stand to mix in some more entertainment in her next show. She did "Words of Love" trying to be emotional and interpretative but it came off (to me) as just too damn slow. Everybody there was taping it and taking pictures. All over Youtube already. This song is a good representation of them: Banjo, cello, harmonies, slow-then-fast: [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLUQKsBOkZs Here's a part of that Murder in the City song: [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CVK5GOmF7M

A Boy Named Seo Oct 18 2009 11:01 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Great review. Just found out about this, but the whole "Gleam II" album is on-sale at Amazon for (mp3 download) for $.99. It's got that "Murder in the City" song. Get it now if you still can.

Gwreck Oct 19 2009 09:54 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Nice writeup, sounds like a pretty good time. Where was the show?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 19 2009 10:08 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Terminal 5, which I guess was a TV studio or something at one time. 56th & 10/11. Open floor with balconies around. I had a nice vantage point from the floor. Seo how was Bob?

A Boy Named Seo Oct 19 2009 12:49 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I was leaving the coffee shop last night when I read the AB review, so I didn't have time to watch the YouTubes. That "Murder in the City" version was nice. Looks like a great club. Bob's show was a good one. I imagine there would be lots to say about him, but his short introduction was something like, "The man, who in 1970-whatever found Jesus, Columbia recording artist, Bob Dylan!" It was strange and funny. He didn't say a single word until about midway through the encore, where he said, "Thanks," and then introduced the band members and that was it (about the 3:20 mark of video #2 below). The LA Times wrote a review that I pretty much agreed with all the way. Some of the keyboard parts and harmonica parts he played were super repetitive and when he'd blow the same note on the harp over and over and over, or hit the same 4 keys on the keyboard in succession for a bunch of measures, it "created the impression of soldiers marching down a castle staircase on the way to carrying out their duties," according to the Times, or coupled with the no-talking thing, seemed "kinda like he was bored," according to me. It was the exception, though, and not the rule, but I did wonder once or twice how badly he wanted to be up there. He played a lot of more recent material, 3 or 4 songs off "Together Through Life", a few from "Modern Times", but he did dip back a handful of times. It was cool hearing old, cantankerous Dylan do some of the classics ("Memphis Blues", "Watchtower", "Rolling Stone") and have them sound so different from the originals, to Dylan's gravelly voice and strange phrasing to the instrumentation. I didn't recognize a handful of the songs right away because the arrangements were kinda different, but that was neat, too. I'm not sure what the prevailing opinion is on Dylan's live shows, but I think it's a cool thing he hasn't become an artist who plays the same thing every set and relies solely on his 20 most recognizable songs night after night, and from what I've read, he totally does not do that. Here's the full setlist: 1. Gonna Change My Way of Thinking 2. Shooting Star 3. Beyond Here Lies Nothin' 4. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right 5. Cold Irons Bound 6. Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine) 7. My Wife's Hometown 8. Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again 9. High Water (For Charlie Patton) 10. I Feel a Change Comin' On 11. Highway 61 Revisited 12. Nettie Moore 13. Thunder On The Mountain 14. Ballad Of A Thin Man 15. Like A Rolling Stone 16. Jolene 17. All Along The Watchtower Glad to have seen him. Was worth the $52 bucks or whatever, but I'm good now. Found a 2-part medley from that night online where you can get an idea of the sound, but can't see too much: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJkyjwVJVJg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39Gp5og0OL4

sharpie Oct 19 2009 02:00 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I'm seeing him in November at the end of the tour at the United Palace Theater (never been there). Before this tour he hadn't done "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking" for about 30 years (it's from "Slow Train Coming"). He tends to pull a few of those obscure ones out for every tour.

Gwreck Oct 19 2009 09:44 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Terminal 5 used to be some sort of dance club that was pretty famous I think. Club Exit? I like to go see Dylan every couple of years but United Palace is such a pain in the ass to get to that I'm skipping him this time around.

Frayed Knot Oct 19 2009 10:02 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2f5golva]Terminal 5, which I guess was a TV studio or something at one time. 56th & 10/11. Open floor with balconies around. I had a nice vantage point from the floor.[/quote:2f5golva] I think that was where that big Australian filmed his talk show. Gordan Elliot - was that his name?

A Boy Named Seo Oct 20 2009 10:47 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

A year plus after an Oscar victory and complete cultural saturation as reported first by your own Crane Pool Forum, the Swell Season (Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova from the movie "Once") are back with a new album. They're playing a freebie at my record shop in Long Beach tonight. Pretty excited to see em.

metirish Oct 20 2009 10:52 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

YouTube to stream live U2 concert Tuesday October 20 2009 YouTube will stream live U2's concert at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California on Sunday. Around 96,000 fans will attend the venue in California with millions more expected to log on to YouTube to watch the live broadcast. "YouTube is thrilled to be able to provide our global audience with a live streaming performance from one of the world's greatest bands," said Chris Maxcy, YouTube's director of partner development. The gig will be available in 16 countries, including Ireland, the US, France and Canada via this link: http://www.youtube.com/u2 Irish fans will have to wait until 3.30am on Monday morning to watch the gig live due to time differences. The event will be available in full on YouTube and U2's official website immediately after the performance. U2's manager Paul McGuinness said: "Fans often travel long distances to see U2; this time U2 can go to them, globally."

metsguyinmichigan Oct 20 2009 12:00 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I saw a great show last night with my son. Jars of Clay was the headliner, with Thousand Foot Krutch, This Beautiful Republic and B Reith. Me didn't get there in time for FM Static. But the highlight for me was Audio Unplugged, with is Mark and Will from Audio Adrenaline and some friends. Audio was one of the first Christian rock bands I grew to love, and I've found their music so inspirational. I've bet I've seen them 10 times, and they always make time after a show to meet and greet fans. I'd often use their songs for lessons when I led the middle and high school youth groups at church. "Hands and Feet," in particular, is very special to me. The band broke up several years ago after Mark started losing his voice, and I was really bummed. But last night they appeared in a relaxed setting with some additional musicians, with Mark singing some verses and others in the group stepping up and taking some, especially those with high notes, and they spent about as much time sharing stories about their faith and the songs. It was a thrill because I thought I'd never hear those songs played live again, and I confess I got choked up when they ended with "Hands and Feet." They were by the merch table during the intermission, so I was able to talk to them for a couple minutes and say what a thrill it was to hear them, and that song, again. Probably came off like a goofball, but it was sincere. I was able to grab a copy of the set list for both Audio and Jars. Audio played: "Get Down" "Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus" -- never heard this one live before "Big House" "Ocean Floor" "Good Life" "Never Let Go" "Jealous God" "Hands and Feet" Jars played: "Work" "Weapons" "Liquid" "Closer" "Love Song for a Savior" "Heaven" "Carry Me (Dead Man)" "Don't Stop" "Flood" "Two Hands" "All my Tears"

A Boy Named Seo Oct 23 2009 04:30 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

This one oughta be kinda interesting. Jay Farrar (Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt) and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, Postal Service) got together and did an album where the lyrics are taken 100% from Kerouac's "Big Sur". Only listened to it on LaLa, but it sounds very cool. Gonna go watch em play it tonight.

A Boy Named Seo Oct 24 2009 09:19 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

The Swell Season were A+. The big, beautiful harmonies filled every corner of that tiny room. The new songs seemed to all be about breaking up, and since those two broke up kinda recently, it was interesting to watch. They got "Falling Slowly" out of the way first song, and then plowed through a nice mix of old and new stuff, playing a pretty full in-store (maybe 10 songs?). Marketa was sick, but they still stayed a really long time after to sign posters and CDs. The Opera Singer and I even bumped into Glen on the streets of LB prior to the show as he was shopping. Neat day. While peeps were waiting in line to get into the record store, Glen game out and did "Say it to Me Now", which is also the track that kicks off the movie "Once". Awesome performance below. I was next to the car on his left. Not the Jeep that almost backs into him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj59oIxKxos I have a couple vids on FB if you wanna see some more hot, in-store action. Or they're all over youtube. "Swell Season Fingerprints". The Ben Gibbard/Jay Farrar show last night was exceptional. The songs were fantastic country-pop songs. They both played guitar and piano and were backed on bass, drums, and lapsteel by members of Death Cab and Son Volt. Though they traded off playing songs, they were really a pretty cohesive, little band and the dudes harmonized together so well, so it never really felt uneven. I only recognized "Voodoo Candle" by Jay as not being part of the "Big Sur" project. It was a pretty short set, maybe 10 or 11 songs and 3 or so in the encore, but it was fantasic. Gonna buy the album now.

Edgy DC Oct 25 2009 07:35 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

That video is gold. From Oscar-winning heights to getting run down in an LA parking lot in 18 months. What the hell?!

A Boy Named Seo Oct 26 2009 01:45 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

I love when you hear the girl say, "Oh, shit!" when it looks like the Jeep's gonna hit him.

A Boy Named Seo Nov 09 2009 11:17 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Saw my boyfriend Langhorne Slim at the world famous Troubadour last night. Great act and the greatest venue in LA. Couldn't have had a better time. Tonight is Band of Horses. Big, slow, loud, beautiful rock music. "Cease to Begin" was my fav album from Twenty-ought seven. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UV ... 7Z5NY7ZH64

A Boy Named Seo Nov 21 2009 01:57 PM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

Langhorne playing on Bleecker tonight w/ LA band Dawes. Same duo I saw a couple weeks back. Good time gehr-on-teed. http://feeds.artistdata.com/a-AR-EUDZQP ... LPG373Z92G

A Boy Named Seo Nov 23 2009 11:39 AM Re: Live and in Person, 2009

My baby's a big Wilco fan and I just got us tix to see Tweedy live solo and acoustic 2 days after Xmas. He played 2 solo shows a few years back in Hollywood and I went to both, and they are 2 of my fav shows of all-time. It's one of her Xmas presents, so shhhhh, keep it hush-hush, would ya.