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The whole evening was heavy with the impending rain that was sure to come as well as the anticipation of one of the most influential bands playing live. Superchunk came out and played an incredible set of songs from their 2 decades together and gained intensity as the night wore on. The band had great energy onstage and brought out a great crowd of old and new. I especially liked their introduction of some of their similar songs as “smears”  and of course the encore of “Slack Motherfucker” which they also played at McCarren Park.

I caught most of Luminescent Orchestrii’s set and enjoyed their songs. Some interesting instrument pairings and song structures. Surprised to see so many people come out to see Kronos Quartet. I’ve been recently listening to their 20 year box set and it’s reminding me of their incredible range and prolific career. Tonight they were joined by Bryce Dessner of The National and played tunes from him and J.G. Thirlwell among other composers. Another great free show.

I cringe every time I hear Matt & Kim during that Bacardi TV commercial. It was a similar feeling I had while I approached Pier 54 for their free outdoor show. The pier created a wonderful backdrop for the sun to set and a night of outdoor music. However, these perfect factors were quickly ruined by one of the worst audiences and improper setting for the band’s music. Within seconds I became surrounded by the neighborhood of Williamsburgh and over-eager teenagers smoking and drinking way too proudly. I endured the heavy cigarette smoke to barely view the 2 giant screens projecting crazy patterns and the band performing. Unless you were in the very front you couldn’t see the band and I felt the enormous distance made the experience suffer. Matt & Kim is a band that you need to listen to live up close & personal so that you are practically banging away on their instruments. They play like it’s your party and fun is the only option. The music isn’t worth putting on a pedestal or maybe in a TV commercial, but it sure is silly and entertaining. I mean….have you checked out their new video for “Lessons Learned”?

http://www.mattandkimmusic.com/

I remember the exact day when I bought “Frosting on the Beater” by the Posies. It was on a hot sweltering day during my lunch hour slaving away at my crappy job. The album soon became the soundtrack of my summer and paved the way to the indie pop influence in my musical repertoire. Although the album came out in 1993, I still play it heavily on my itunes and its one of those albums you buy multiple copies of because you overplay them and give them to your friends. The band always puts on an energetic show but only playing songs from this masterpiece of an album is a special treat.

They played the album in its entirety and in the original track order. Jon and Ken were perfect trading and harmonizing their vocals and Ken was energetic as usual on stage. This time I decided to stand near Jon so that I wouldn’t get spit on. I got chills when they played my personal favorite “Love Letter Boxes” and “How She Lied by Living.” They played a lengthy encore including crowd favorites “Ontario” and “Please Return It”. They ended the night with “You’re The Beautiful One” which is probably one of the most perfect love songs ever played. A remarkable and unforgettable night.

Pictures from the night.

http://www.theposies.net/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO-Y-X_ZIIA&feature=related

David Byrne for free in Prospect Park is a perfect way to start the summer. Luckily it never rained during his 2 hour set and the bandshell held up very well acoustically. The added video panels were a bonus for the above capacity crowd. He brought along his dancers and played many Eno songs extending from his current tour. He treated us to a great show and finally got the crowd into the music when he played  “Once in a Lifetime” and one of my favorites, “Life Is Long.”