Music, Music and more Music
It’s been awhile since Condon has released anything new for Beirut, but I couldn’t resist seeing him for the discounted price of $9.99. Kudos to the idea of a box office only show. He mainly played the old stuff but slipped in a few new ones which were rough but good. He played to a great sold out crowd. The last few times I’ve seen him live have been boring, but something good was in the air tonight.
some good vids here.
Faith No More. Yes a reunited Faith No More!! Although Mike Patton commented that the crowd this time was much more “mature”, you couldn’t tell tell that the band aged musically. They started with “From Out of Nowhere” and the setlist ebbed and flowed through all their albums. Listening to Angel Dust again made me remember why that album is in my top 10 of all time. Awesome awesome show.
I guess I’m not that surprised that Delta Spirit sold out 2 back to back shows in NY. These guys from Cali play catchy bluesy tunes that you want to sing along to. Things really started to pick up when they played their insanely addictive song “Trashcan.” I now really regret not seeing them at Union Hall last year where it would have felt more energetic. With only a few great songs, not quite sure why they are so popular, but glad I saw them live.
I hate the MTA. This is the first weekend with all the new subway changes. It took me 1.75 hours to get to Williamsburg from Park Slope! I missed Twin Sister who I was very eager to see again. Luckily I got to see Memory Tapes as part of the Northside Festival. The sound that comes from this duo is so intense. They remind me of a darker version of Benzos but with more intricate and hypnotic melodies. The drummer kicked serious ass as he provided the foundation for the vocalist to use his voice like another instrument. They played a superb set to an awesome light set design. Definitely want to catch these guys again.
Only caught the second half of The Dutchess and the Duke and unfortunately couldn’t get into their set. The songs weren’t polished and felt they were just a little “off.”
Super lucky to see The New Pornographers at such an intimate setting. Although the shows have become predictable, when Neko joins the stage it’s hard to pass up a night of super catchy songs. They played many of the classic hits and that many new ones from their somewhat boring new album. We got lucky to have Dan Bejar join then and played many of the tunes he worked on. Despite being kinda drunk he came out for the encore and played “Testament To Youth In Verse” and a fitting version of “Slow Descent into Alcoholism.'”
Australian composer, producer, performer, visual artist JG Thirlwell has has a profoundly influential effect in New York City’s underground music world and in my overall taste in music. Listening to his Foetus work exposed me to the underbelly of NYC sound and completely rocked me. Tonight we had the treat to witness a never before heard piece performed by Steroid Maximus, a big band/exotica mini-orchestra. He was also joined onstage with Steven Berstein as well as an expanded brass section. The show was an experimental and contemporary orchestration of sound. An amazing night under the stars.