Music, Music and more Music
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”?
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.
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.”
Grant Hart formally of Hüsker Dü opened things up and was bored as I was expecting a bit more punk rock and a little less wimpyness.
I was very excited to have a full band back up Joel Thibodeau of Death Vessel this evening. This talented musician has relocated from Berlin, Maine, Boston, Providence, to finally settle in Brooklyn. I’ve been following his career for a bit now and I feel he is really starting to find his groove with a superb new album. His angelic yet haunting voice still holds up with the other instruments and its hard not to be mesmerized on how it all blends together. He even treated us to a solo song from his previous band String Builder for the encore.
http://www.deathvessel.com/
I wasn’t the only one to show up for the early early show to catch Chase Pagan from Arkansas. He sang folky soulful songs thats worth checking out from his new album.
It’s always a treat to see Jonah Matranga. His music ranges from hard rock to classic indie rock. Whether he’s playing in someone’s basement or a sold out venue, he always pours his heart & soul into every song. He opened with a great slow cover of Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So.” He then played a solid set of new and old songs including a few from his old band Far which Jonah mentioned would be reforming! Hopefully the band can stay together long enough for a full tour. Jonah talked to the crowd more this time, probably due to his anger over the outcome of American Idol. He ended the set with “So Long,” one of my favorite songs, and made a great speech about the integrity of his music and his love for his fans which allows him to do what he loves. An amazing musician and all around down to earth guy. Although his live shows are sporadic and usually unannounced, definitely seek out his next live show by signing up for his newsletter.
http://www.myspace.com/chasepagan
http://www.jonahmatranga.com