Category: Music

Say Hi To Your Mom is Eric Elbogen and he makes quirky bedroom pop songs on his home computer in Brooklyn. His albums are filled with slow monotone vocals with overlapping guitars and analog synthscapes. His songs are very catchy with playful lyrics that reference everything from robots, vampires, and aliens to the nostalgic things we grew up with in the 80’s. The lyrics are more silly than clever but you’ll catch yourself singing along. Looking at my itunes play count, I’ve played the song “Laundry” well over 50 times this week.

I was bummed he didn’t play that song live but he worked in some oldies into his new set. It was kind of strange to see this “band” live which was basically Eric on guitar and a girl fiddling around a Korg machine. Although his music isn’t necessarily the type of music you’d get excited to see live, it’s still fun. You’ll feel guilty admitting to like this geeky pop, but I’m ok with it and so should you.

sayhitoyourmom.com/

Laundry.mp3

I have been quite crazy about the Wrens latest album, “Meadowlands”. The band has been on a hiatus for over 5 years and I was overjoyed to hear that they were actually going to play live, considering the album is over 2 years old. First off, the album is an intense, emotional, and dark masterpiece. The songs are complex and on further listens offers up more sonic nuances. Every time I listen to album it conjures up emotions of loss and turmoil, which must reflect the tumultuous years the band had undergone those previous years since their last.

I had no idea what to expect from them live. These guys are in their late 30’s and wasn’t sure if they were going to rock like in ages past. The sold out show at Bowery was filled with fans, young and old. There was a lot of energy in the room waiting for them to come out. They took the stage with a hearty applause. They proceeded to play through the songs of Meadowlands with more passion and tension than on the recording. The band was so intense gaining more and more momentum as the night went on. They did several instrument switches and vocal arrangements to capture the variety of musical styles found on the album.

I was so impressed. I left the show with that feeling of witnessing a grand event. Truly a great night and hopefully the beginning of more from this stellar band. You’ll find it hard to remove the album from your player and you just HAVE TO see them live to really capture their musical power.

http://www.wrens.com/

I just recently got into this band after hearing a few songs off their new album Treble & Treble. I thought they had conjured up the spirit of Elliot Smith, who had recently taken his life. Their lush haunting melodies are created with delicate lyrics and orchestral instrumentation. Their live show was more uptempo but still retained their whispery themes. Not a great show, but I was happy with their performance.

http://www.earlimartmusic.com/

This was my last U.S. show before I embarked on my long trip to Argentina. It was a great show to leave on. Rainer Maria is always great to see live and especially in a small venue like the Mercury Lounge. This trio is a band you’d expect to play at someone’s basement knocking down the walls with their explosive sounds. The band continued to rock out their new-ish songs from Long Knives Drawn which is still a powerful record. The crowd was great and they even played a few requests. They treated us with a couple new songs that were a little rough around the edges but showed a lot of potential. Caithlin sangher heart out and looked fantastic. I still can’t get over my crush on her. A great show and yea, Kyle Fisher still sux.

http://www.rainermaria.com/

This talented musician comes from Texas, playing several instruments as well as sing. The songs are modern but played in a whispery tone that flirts with a bit of country. Her album creates a unique and mysterious atmosphere that’s hard to describe. Surprisingly, she was quite bubbly on stage despite her songs of pain and vulnerability. Definitely catch this underrated crooner next time she comes around.

http://www.jolieholland.com/

The very over hyped, much anticipated Arcade Fire storms into NYC for a show of eager fans who patiently waited for their return since CMJ. It’s been hard to not notice all their images and references in all the music magazines and internet websites. They were slated to be the “Next Big Thing”. With all this pressure to save the dull music scene of 04, was The Arcade Fire up for the challenge?

Final Fantasy opened up, which was basically this guy with an amped up violin and a looping device. I don’t know anything about Final Fantasy and if anyone knows anything or has access to his recordings, please tell me. It took a few songs for me to get into his music, but I was hooked by the end. He created these textual compositions by looping melodies on his violin and overlapping them with other live violin loops. After 2 minutes of musical construction, I was amazed on what he had created with just one instrument.

Now, I have been listening to Funeral a lot and it has continued to amaze me. The blend of orchestral arrangements with biting lyrics makes this emotional album one of year’s best. The album is a rollercoaster of pain and remorse that has the building momentum of Godspeed You Black Emperor! but with heartache vocals that help guide us through the darkness. This is one of the very few albums that takes us on a journey from start to finish without wavering its designated course.

So how were they live? I will admit that I had wanted to hate them from the get go. I get annoyed when all the music rags and critics get all head over heals for bands that doesn’t deserve any amount of press. It’s been quite frustrating trying to get an honest review of music lately, and seems like there’s always someone promoting the next big act.

The large band took the cramped stage full of instruments and lighted props, and it felt like release of air pressure in the room. The crowd welcomed them to the sold out Bowery. The music filled the room and by the 2nd song I knew that this was going to be an intense show. They played many songs of Funeral but when they got to the song Neighborhood #2, they finally erupted. The band unleashed a cacophony of sound I have never experienced live before. They were proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. So yea, the show was amazing. The band is incredible, on record and in the live setting. This is one band that deserves the hype.

http://www.arcadefire.net/