Category: Music

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.”

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

I wasn’t surprised when the lead singer of Fresh Kills said they were from Williamsburgh. I was surprised with the crowd that they brought in and that they were going to tour in Europe. The band had lots of musical potential but they decided to play uninspiring post punk rock instead.

Luckily the crowd maintained itself for The Giraffes record release party. Aaron Lazar had a new look for the new album and I almost didn’t recognize him. Even though I was strategically in the back of the venue, by the 2nd song I was already drenched by a perfectly thrown beer. Considering I was already soaked I managed my way through the grinding crowd to hear the new tunes. It may be the large quantity of beer talking but the new tunes seemed more spacious and placed emphasis on Aaron’s incredible voice. The show was predictably rocking and a great crowd complimented the energy onstage. Although annoying photographer dude showed up again with his distracting flash, the show was awesome and I stumbled home with a delightful ringing in my ears.

http://www.freshkillsband.com/
http://www.thegiraffes.com/

watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA&feature=player_embedded