Category: Music

It’s been a while since the boys from Denton Texas made their way back to New York. This time they had less keyboards and more guitars onstage which helped bring out all the subtle flourishes in their songs. Supporting their new album The Courage Of Others, which is quite good despite what pitchfork says (which is why you should never read their reviews). The band was very quiet on stage which helped them concentrate on the intricate melodies. Balancing new and old songs, at times the set got a bit “jammy” which only worked for the intro to quite possibly the best recent indie song ever, “Roscoe.” Although the new stuff isn’t as strong as albums past, it’s hard not to notice that the band is exploring new styles of instrumentation which is expected from a band like Midlake. Playing almost 90 minutes, I enjoyed the variety of the new material and hope they don’t take another 3 years to come back.

http://midlake.net/

Missed the Los Angeles band Best Coast at SXSW, so I was glad to catch them tonight. Very fuzzy surf rock that’s perfect for the summer time. Not surprising that Ali Koehle of the Vivian Girls made a cameo appearance on the drums.

Japandroids are just coming back from a flurry of shows at SXSW and brought their frenetic energy up to New York. Sometimes its hard to believe that only 2 guys on stage can do so much with sound. Although I felt their CMJ show had more punch and a better crowd, it’s hard not to enjoy a night of hyper post punk rock. And as my first show back from Austin, it was very good to be back “home” at Bowery Ballroom.

http://bestycoasty.blogspot.com/

http://www.japandroids.com/

First off, I still hate Le Passion Rouge and tonight even more so. Terrible sight lines, expensive drinks, and fucking tables! Ugh. So glad I came early to see Nathaniel Rateliff. He was incredible live and reminded me when Sam Beam was good and took me to new places with his songs. He is an incredible story teller and his voice, especially on the more rocking songs, is a powerful force.

My crush on Laura Marling has not subsided one bit. I caught her during CMJ and more than happy to see her again. This 20 year old has an incredible voice to go over some simple yet beautifully written songs. She played many new tunes that I liked and included “England Covered in Snow” which was inspired when her father asked her when she was 10 to take him back to a snowy patch before his death. She gets bonus points for not participating in the whole walking off stage waiting for an encore charade. She politely said that this was her last song, but if you enjoyed the set, don’t leave and she’ll play one more. I stayed and wished she played more than one.

Very excited to see Freelance Whales live since they have been on itunes repeat here for months, and showcased on the comp. Mercury Lounge was more than sold out but got to experience the musical energy this band gives off. The band members jump from instrument to instrument including banjo, xylophone, accordion and guitars. Although the songs are very rich they have a very playful element attached to it when they incorporate more unusual instruments into their songs. Not all their songs are great, but when they hit their stride it’s hard not to like them. New album out in March during SXSW and I plan to show em my hometown Queens support.

Very lucky to get front row seats to catch this special show. Josh Ritter played a quick set of only 6 songs but his enthusiasm wasn’t lost on such a large stage. I’m sure he won even more fans tonight.

Swell Season jumped from duets, solo songs, and a full band including The Frames. It was apparent that this has and will become the new incarnation of both bands. Glen & Marketa were humbled and visible overjoyed to be playing at Radio City. They played mainly from the new album which I preferred hearing live. Two songs were dedicated to Kate McGarrigle and a Bruce Springsteen cover of “Drive All Night” which was incredible. Being a long time Frames fan I’m still very happy and proud on what Glen has achieved. This was the best performance I have seen yet. Despite playing almost 3 hours, the band didn’t want to give up the stage, and knowing them I knew they would keep playing. They ended the night with “The Parting Glass” and the lyrics “Good night, and joy be with you all” echoed throughout the night.

SETLIST
Fallen From the Sky
Lies
Low Rising
Feeling the Pull
In These Arms
The Rain
The Moon
If You Want Me
Fantasy Man
Say It To Me Now
Leave
Back Broke
Astral Weeks (Van Morrison Cover)
The Court of Newton (Violin solo by Colm Mac Con Iomaire)
I Have Loved You Wrong
Drive All Night (Bruce Springsteen cover)
Go With Happiness
When Your Mind's Made Up
Encore
Falling Slowly
High Hope
High Horses
Red Chord/The Parting Glass