Thanks to a BV tip I ignored my urge to sleep in and woke when the alarm buzzed at 8:30 AM. It was Independence Day, the New Pornographers were playing and I didn’t have to work so I could actually get tickets this time.
Around 2:30 PM I returned to a cloudy and cool Battery Park. Midlake was on stage when I arrived. I inched my way to the front and enjoyed 5 or 6 good melodic tunes by these Texans. They seemed thrilled to be playing for such a large crowd. I was happy that they were there. Their mellow tunes warmed the fans for the headliners.
When the New Pornographers finally reached the stage it was with a large roar from the crowd. The band ripped through some newer songs before jumping into “Use It” from 2005’s Twin Cinema.
Due to some technical difficulties the band took some extended breaks, but took time to wish us a Happy 4th of July and joke about the Statue of Liberty. They mixed up the songs, pulling mostly from the great upcoming Challengers album and Twin Cinema.
The rains started down after a great rendition of Challengers' title track of which singer Neko Case seemed nervous; although she had nothing to worry about-it was absolutely beautiful. When the rain began it seemed to add to the show rather than take away.
They closed the day with two older tracks, “Testament to Youth in Verse” from Electric Version and “The Slow Decent into Alcoholism” from their debut.
All in all it was a perfect way to spend the holiday. The only thing missing was a few fireworks. I only wished every day could consist of great tunes, a nice breeze off the river and a day off work.
Oh and Happy Birthday little bro.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Loney, Dear at Union Hall on BV
My review of the awesome Loney, Dear show at Union Hall on Brooklyn Vegan.
Loney, Dear, "I Love You (In With the Arms)
Loney, Dear, "I Love You (In With the Arms)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Veils at Union Hall 6-8-07
I left for Union Hall armed with a water bottle filled with vodka, my girlfriend and about two hours sleep for the last three nights. I had to convince myself to go to this show. By the first Veils song, I was thankful that I chose music over sleep.
Due to complications at work we entered as the Phoenix Foundation was playing their last song. It was evident from that song that I should have arrived earlier. One of the initial things I noticed was all the people wearing Fin Andrews’ type hats. I was beyond excited.
About a half an hour later, the singer of the Phoenix Foundation announced the Veils. As the first notes echoed, I began bouncing about. I did not stop until the last song ended. From “Under the Folding Branches” to “Calliope!” and especially “Jesus for the Jugular” it was obvious that the band had come to New York City to make a name for themselves. Singer Fin Andrews’s distinct voice was rough and rugged and the physical (I mean, his style of singing must hurt!)and emotional pain that he shared with the audience was apparent.
Unfortunately, the second half of the show was not quite as powerful as the first. Either the band became disconnected, or I became tired. I forced myself to keep moving (even through their bad choice of a lone Fin with an acoustic guitar as an encore) but ultimately came away extremely happy. The songs are crafted so well that you have to ignore the negative, like a pole obstructing your view (Union Hall is great, but for some reason I always get stuck behind that pole!) or the bands musicianship.
As the album continues to be in heavy rotation on my ipod, I wonder how this band isn’t bigger.
Due to complications at work we entered as the Phoenix Foundation was playing their last song. It was evident from that song that I should have arrived earlier. One of the initial things I noticed was all the people wearing Fin Andrews’ type hats. I was beyond excited.
About a half an hour later, the singer of the Phoenix Foundation announced the Veils. As the first notes echoed, I began bouncing about. I did not stop until the last song ended. From “Under the Folding Branches” to “Calliope!” and especially “Jesus for the Jugular” it was obvious that the band had come to New York City to make a name for themselves. Singer Fin Andrews’s distinct voice was rough and rugged and the physical (I mean, his style of singing must hurt!)and emotional pain that he shared with the audience was apparent.
Unfortunately, the second half of the show was not quite as powerful as the first. Either the band became disconnected, or I became tired. I forced myself to keep moving (even through their bad choice of a lone Fin with an acoustic guitar as an encore) but ultimately came away extremely happy. The songs are crafted so well that you have to ignore the negative, like a pole obstructing your view (Union Hall is great, but for some reason I always get stuck behind that pole!) or the bands musicianship.
As the album continues to be in heavy rotation on my ipod, I wonder how this band isn’t bigger.
Monday, June 4, 2007
The Teeth
They can't be that bad being as they are from Philly. Free downloads at Daytrotter. The vocals sort of remind me of Pete Doherty.
Spinner features Cinematic Orchestra, The Long Blondes, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and the Police
Ok, so I know it's AOL, but this link is great for sampling new music. Maybe you already know about it.
Each Monday they post 5 to 10 albums in full. Usually before they are released. NIN, Wilco, Arcade Fire. They all have been on here.
This week Cinematic Orchestra is featured. The new album, Ma Fleur is pretty chill. It features Patrick Watson, who's 2006 album, Closer to Paradise (Secret City Records) was one of my faves of the year.
CO will be playing the Bowery on the July 7th and Joe's Pub July 8th (tickets).
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Ra Ra Riot Drummer found dead
John Pike the drummer for Ra Ra Riot was found yesterday (Saturday June 2). He had been missing since Friday night after a successful gig. His body was found submerged in water near to where his cell phone was found. NME story here.
NJG
NJG
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