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Although I was quite hungover and my ears were still reverberating from the night before, I was hoping to be able to still listen to Jenni Lewis. Unfortunately Norah Jones’ side band The Little Willies cancelled so I watched the first few innings of the Mets game instead.

I got great seats for my first experience with Jenni and didn’t know what to expect. She took the stage with a sexy long black dress and I was shocked to hear an incredible and controlled voice from such a petite girl. After the 3rd song she went off stage leaving the band to play an instrumental. When she came back, she had an extremely sparkly and colorful dress on. The lights danced on her and the show picked up some steam. She sang all her songs beautifully and even played some guitar and piano. I was also very impressed with The Watson Twins. They really are great singers and complimented Jenni’s voice. A short but sweet set and much better live than on the recordings.

http://www.jennylewis.com/

Round 2 of the Silversun Sounds. This time the show got moved to the much bigger Bowery. Viva Voce opens up this time and they played another great set of songs. Anita was more silent on stage and let her guitar do the talking. And talking and screaming it did. They rocked again and picked up some more fans. They just got signed to Barsuk and the new record GET YR BLOOD SUCKED OUT is out so check it.

The crowd got pretty full by the time Silversun Pickups came out and I started the show with a shared whiskey shot I bought for the lead singer. The band didn’t seem nervous to be playing the Bowery, and after a few songs the crowd and band became enlivened. I really enjoyed hearing the music played at a larger space and although it lacked the super intense sound they produce, the Bowery sound system did a great job to showcase their power. There were many old and new fans in the crowd and some girls that were even flashing Brian. They played every song precisely and Nikki jumped around like a pogo stick during “Kissing Families”. I absolutely love Nikki’s shy demeanor but when she’s on bass she becomes the commander of the sound. The band kidded that they would play for hours and practically did play every song they’ve ever put out. They came out for an encore and they granted my request for “Comeback Kid” and continued to play a few more.

After the show we headed to the after show party at a bar that seemed to have just opened up. The vibe was relaxed and fun and by the time the band showed up, there was much drinking and dancing. Got home with my mind humming and my ears ringing.

I caught the tail end of The Kingdom who played an upbeat and quirky set of songs. I couldn’t put my finger on the music that they were doing but it was entertaining. Especially when the lead singer jumped into the sparse crowd to spew out one of his final songs.

I was in the same exact location at the front crowd, nestled between the stage monitors, as I was the last time I took the onslaught of sound by the Silversun Pickups. I was extremely excited to see them again and at a small venue. They predictably started the set with “Melatonin” and within seconds I became prepared for the energetic set. They kept the high level going by playing all their more dynamic songs first including “Well Thought of Twinkies”. They were incredible and played a very intense and tight set. Brian became more enraged towards the end and wound up jumping onto the table in front of me. He almost took the table down, and with his guitar in my face, I quickly grabbed the other end of it so that he didn’t fall. I didn’t want him to get hurt so that I could see the band again tomorrow. 🙂

Viva Voce is a duo originally from Alabama who play lo-fi indie pop. Despite the lack of members in the band, they create a huge sound on stage. Anita is a rock goddess and her guitar playing is intense. Their minimal approach to music is eclipsed by their exceedingly dark and sultry sounds that get layered within their compositions. They brought out a bassist to help play a few songs including “We Don’t Fuck Around”, which I found delightful. I reeeeeally liked this band. I’ll be sure to check em out tomorrow.

Pictures from the show.

Links:
http://www.silversunpickups.com/
http://www.vivavoce.com/

An intimate night of acoustic guitar and talented singers at a small venue in Brooklyn. I was more eager to see Death Vessel tonight since his last performance left me quite moved. This time he was not unaccompanied by a band and the focus rested on his gorgeous yet freakish high-pitched voice. He played a good set but near the end it got a bit tiresome and lacked energy.

The venue filled up quickly to see Jose Gonzalez who took the stage and quietly filled the room with his wonderful songs. I’ve seen this incredible singer many times so I won’t repeat myself on his beautiful combination of song structure and poetic lyrics. My only complaint is that he didn’t play any new songs and no new releases. Although he broke his speaking silence when he strummed a chord on his guitar and called it his “power chord”.

Links:
http://www.deathvessel.com/
http://www.jose-gonzalez.com/

I had a super great birthday. As the clock hit midnight to take me to 30, the radio played Nada Surf’s “Blankest Year” which I felt was a fitting song to start my new decade. I was still on my high from the Apes & Androids show and it marked the 1st night of a week long schedule of concerts I had planned for my celebration. As a treat, I’ve made a birthday mix to help with the festivities. 30 songs for 30 years. Check out the playlist if you want. Make your ipod happy and download the .zip file here. It’s a big file so be patient.

With a bellyful of whiskey, I started out my week of concert celebration with Apes & Androids. I was very excited to see them again live as they put on such a fun live show. Word has spread about this band since the last time I saw them as the very small Sin-e was extremely packed.
This time they didn’t have their large skeleton on stage and had less of their theatrics and rather focused on their music. Despite having a cheesy appearance, their music truly does hold up and it is quite addictive. Although they didn’t have all the “extras” in their stage performance, several audience members took it upon themselves to add flavor to the show by jumping into sleeping bags to dance and attack the crowd. This was a nod to their brilliant music video made for their song “Radio”.

Halfway through the set the lights were shut off and glow sticks were handed out to create a surreal and beautiful ambience for one of their slower songs. This night they couldn’t refuse the crowd’s applause and screams and they gave us an encore and handed out kazoos and proceeded to play the most unique cover of a song I can’t remember the name of. It was hilarious. Mabe it was the whiskey but I’m sure I danced with sleeping bags, got pegged with packets of sour patch kids, and dreamed of colored flourescent lights. Another downright fun show by these New Yorkers. Din na na na HEY! da na na na

Picture & Videos from the show.

Links:

video from their last show.

http://www.apesandandroids.com/