May 15, 2008
Sonic Bloom | 2008 Lineup
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tags: The lineup for the third-annual Sonic Bloom Festival was just announced, featuring a solid lineup of up-and-coming live electronica acts (basically all of them, really). For fans of getting down to live dance music in the mountains during the summer (read: hippies), this is probably the festival for you.
Read on for the lineup. Also, we haven't featured much at all on EOTO yet, the all improvised, never-repeated dance music featuring Jason Hann and Michael Travis (better known as the rhythm section of the now-defunct String Cheese Incident). This video that came over in the press release was hawt and definitely worth sharing. Maybe that'll get you off your ass and onto some untz appreciation.
EOTO-SONIC-BLOOM-2007-LIVE-EOTO [YouTube]
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Tonight: The Bad Plus in San Francisco
It's been a busy day for me today but I've got a bit of time to drop a couple updates on the site, one of which being the fact that I'm going to be catching The Bad Plus tonight in San Francisco at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. I was fortunate enough to catch the set they did last September at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, which really blew me away in many different respects. Much like the clip above would if you had never heard or seen these guys before. Can't wait; hope to have some stuff to share tomorrow once I find my camera USB cable. I still have stuff on there from SXSW that needs to be wrapped up.
Coachella 2008 | Sunday Review
From time to time, we get emails here at LMB that can serve as their own blog post if I would just get around to posting some of them. Some are so good that they just immediately grab me as something that everyone else needs to read, and this review of the last day of Coachella was just too good to pass up. Thanks to our boy, Aaron, for sending it in.
Coachella was awesome.
Coventry Revisited? Radiohead Forced to Turn Fans Away in VA
I'm just catching wind of this now, but it appears that the Radiohead concert in Virginia didn't go so well due to some serious storming the night of the show. The storms forced road closures, which forced many fans away from the concert, which forced many of these fans to take to the internet to complain about how upset they are. Billboard picked it up and is reporting that Live Nation is offering little help on the matter, instead referring fans directly to the Nissan Pavillion customer service inbox.
This is one of those serious bummers (for lack of a better word) associated with a concert marked "rain or shine," especially at a mega venue like this. With so many people and so many unpredictable parking lots with conditions that don't lend themselves well to keeping 30,000 fans safe, it's understandable when a venue has to make tough decisions like turning the "late" fans away if they don't get in within a reasonable amount of time before the show.
I bring this up, because it reminds me of the Coventry situation that surrounded Phish's final concert and music festival. I remember listening to the radio update from the Phantasy Phish message board, and hearing Mike Gordon asking to have fans simply turn around because of muddy, unsafe conditions was just heartbreaking. But it was more heartbreaking to realize that some fans would have made tons of preparations and some fans did indeed listen to the advice that their beloved Cactus had given them.
But to be turned away by a faceless parking lot attendant is probably what is really driving these Radiohead fans nuts.
As live music fans, it's easy for us to understand that "rain or shine" is exactly that, but I do believe we would have a hard understanding "rain or shine, except when it rains 4 inches the day of the show." There are plenty of angles on this story worth arguing about, though, and I'm really curious on hearing from people that have been burned by something like this in the past. Has anyone ever been turned away like this? If so, how did you react? Were any reparations made by the promoter or venue?
Think about it, maybe while you're downloading the show at Radiohead Not For Profit, then drop some comments letting us know what you think.
May 14, 2008
Cut Copy, The Black Kids @ Abbey Pub, Chicago 05/07/08
Last Wednesday night the Abbey Pub packed the house with eager and energetic fans ready for one thing and one thing only: a dance party. While I cannot be absolutely sure, the crowd was there heavily to see Cut Copy though I am sure now I was in this crowd to see Cut Copy. The new album, In Ghost Colours, is on repeat on my iPod, but I had some misgivings headed into the night. I was put off by a video of the band on Spinner's Interface because there was a lot of standing around while music was being "played." Not sure how I would take to this approach, I didn't set the expectations too high. It did not matter. The Aussie natives cruised through an hour-long set that started big and ended even bigger.
I wish I could sing the same praises for the opening band, The Black Kids, but the Jacksonville quintet definitely needs some work in the live setting. The sound was way off the entire set and personally I don't think the band is very talented; lead singer Reggie Youngblood's guitar solos were almost comical. It seems to me that there is a lot of gimmick and little substance associated with this group. It sucks when you dig a band's EP and they've got quite a bit of hype surrounding them but they fail to even come close on stage.
Lymbyc Systym | Interview with Jared Bell
A week ago Monday, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jared Bell of Lymbyc Systym before their show at the Empty Bottle here in Chicago. Jared is the keyboardist in the Austin/Phoenix duo that is breaking molds of what an instrumental pair can do both in the studio and on stage. His ability to fill the room with layered instrumentation is amazing and his brother Mike, the drummer for the duo, moves flawlessly between drumming styles. Together they create a sound that breaks down genres. The live show is a demonstration of how to build a tangible energy and then leave the crowd standing on the edge, filled with anticipation. I talked with Jared about things ranging from childhood rap groups to the current state of music and its effects on the live music medium to his love of touring. Follow the jump to the interview...
Toubab Krewe @ Satellite Ballroom, Charlottesville, VA, 5/9/08
Although I was really hoping to be in Chicago this past weekend to catch the Police with Elvis Costello, I did get one benefit of having to stick around Charlottesville for the weekend: I caught another fantastic Toubab Krewe show on Friday night. I saw these guys last fall at the same exact place (the Satellite Ballroom), but this time around they really kicked it up a notch and impressed me.
May 13, 2008
The Black Keys @ 9:30 Club | Live Concert on NPR's All Songs Considered
The Black Keys are stopping in on the 9:30 Club tonight in Washington, DC and luckily for all of us we can enjoy the show with those who are actually there. NPR Music will be broadcasting the show will the help of Bob Boilen and All Song's Considered. If you check in with the site around 10pm EST the show should be up and running. The nice part about these live performance streams is that the sound is really good and NPR always chooses solid acts to broadcast. The Black Keys can really bring it live; I caught the duo last year at Lollapalooza and they played an extremely tight loud set much to the delight of the crowd.
The Akron based group just released their fifth LP, Attack & Release, which was produced by the hardest working man in show biz, Danger Mouse. The album stays true to the blue's roots of the band but also branches out into some uncharted territory. The result is an awesome blend of traditional blues and contemporary sounds, all hard driven and played flawlessly. If you've got nothing going on tonight, don't watch TV; grab some nice beers, post up on your porch/stoop/whatever and listen to The Black Keys rock the 9:30 Club for an hour or two. Here's a good sample of the live show; this is from a VIP show back in April at Chicago's own Martyrs. Killer...
The Black Keys - Strange Times/I Got Mine (Live @ Martyrs) [YouTube]
Print Tease | Wilco - Crosshair
I have a nasty habit of taking photographs without people in them. In fact, I prefer landscapes, plants, and especially buildings. Truth is, people can ruin pictures sometimes. Maybe one person isn't looking, or another closed their eyes. Some might see these imperfections as human, something to be lauded in photos as opposed to eradicated. I usually do not.
This is probably why Dan MacAdam's work appeals to me so much.
May 12, 2008
Chicago Music Promoters on Alert
Back a few months, LMB went to the Chicago Music Commision's meeting to discover whether or not this city is a music city. The study found that Chicago is a music city in hiding and that no one is really championing the music scene besides those directly involved. I left the meeting enthusiastic about the grass roots movement that was seemingly underway, but others in the audience and on stage felt otherwise, like we were on a sinking ship.
Well, now I feel the pull of the undertow as this week brings a vote on a proposed promoters ordinance that would require all independent promoters to possess a license to book shows. This would effectively kill a lot of good shows in venues that define this city's music scene, but all is not lost. You can call your alderman and tell him or her how you feel (vote no) and show up at your local venues in support of the scene.
There has been plenty of spilled ink over this issue, especially by Chicago heavyweights Jim DeRo and Greg Kot. Get some education on the issue and take action. Call your alderman, tell your friends, post on your blog, think of the most powerful friend you have and pressure him or her to do their part, or run screaming down Ashland that you're mad as hell and you're not going to take it anymore. Whatever you think is appropriate, just do it. If you live in Chicago this will affect you. Do not let this opportunity to be heard pass you by. Reed over at Fighting The Youth posted more on this with some updates, so check it out and do your part.
Coldplay | 2008 Tour Dates
One of the bigger news items we were left with last week was that Coldplay just announced their 2008 tour dates in support of their new album, Viva La Vida. A few tracks off that new album are already all over Hype Machine, and I'm not sure that I'm sold on the new offering yet. Still, I was pretty impressed to see news of the following:
Before kicking off the "Viva La Vida" tour, Coldplay will play free concerts in London (June 16th at Brixton Academy) and New York (June 23rd at Madison Square Garden). Information on how to win tickets to these shows will be available at http://www.coldplay.com beginning today. The contest will run from May 9th through to June 1st. Winners will receive notification on June 5th.
That's a pretty solid way to open a US tour; read on for the dates.
My Morning Jacket on SNL
My Morning Jacket - I'm Amazed on Saturday Night Live (SNL) [YouTube]
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges on Saturday Night Live (SNL) [YouTube]
You all made sure and tune in this weekend for Saturday Night Live with My Morning Jacket, right? Don't fret if you missed it -- Deaf Indie Elephants has a link to the mp3's and a video of "Evil Urges." I caught it "live" here on the West Coast and I got goosebumps remembering the show back at SXSW. So good.
Update: video added.
May 11, 2008
Weekly Roundup
I went and saw the White Denim / Tapes 'n Tapes show here in San Francisco last night; it was at the Fillmore so it was an easy decision to go despite having just seen this exact tour back in April at the Metro in Chicago (not to mention seeing White Denim twice down at SXSW this year). Not surprisingly, White Denim killed it again and Tapes 'n Tapes came out playing hard and pleasing of the masses. I left a bit early because T 'n T's music just doesn't seem to reach out and grab me emotionally. I like the music but it just doesn't rope me in and keep me interested for too long.
I'll have a few more photos to share soon, and read on for a list of the posts we did last week (in case you missed them).
May 10, 2008
Podcast #061 | Hippie Workout Mix, Vol. 2
photo by headylife
A while back, I put together a little workout mix of some high-energy improv by the Disco Biscuits and added a tongue-in-cheek name just to have some fun. Although we knew it was a decent mix, Justin and I have been surprised at the warm reception we've gotten from it.
As a result, we're back with another version of the "Hippie Workout Mix." Per your recommendations we've lengthened this version substantially. Beyond that, we definitely stuck with the original theme: splicing together moments of high-energy improv to get you off your butt and really moving.
May 9, 2008
Phish Friday | HeadCount Allstars at the Jammys
On Wednesday night, Phish was presented a lifetime achievement award by the Jammys for their contributions to the jamband scene overall. As some might have predicted after such an event, this was a major climax for the the awards show and one that would be hard to live up to in future ceremonies. That's why it's really no surprise that the Jammys announced that this would be their last year doing the festivities as they had in years past -- in the future they're planning a larger celebration of live music itself -- but I am a little bummed to not have gotten to see one of these shows myself.
Some videos just surfaced of the HeadCount All-stars superjam at the end of the ceremony, so I thought we'd feature them today as part of Phish Friday. Yeah, I know -- it's not really Phish that we're featuring today but a jamband supergroup that did a bunch of Phish covers. That's close enough for us.
Read on for some of the clips that we found that walk us through the craziness.
Siren Music Festival 2008 | Initial Lineup Announced
Despite some rumors that the event might not happen again in 2008, the Village Voice has announced the initial lineup for the 8th Annual Village Voice Siren Music Festival at Coney Island. The free event will take place on Saturday, July 19, and includes a solid initial lineup:
STEPHEN MALKMUS AND THE JICKS
BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
THE HELIO SEQUENCE
BEACH HOUSE
TIMES NEW VIKING
JAGUAR LOVE
THE DODOS
ANNUALS
FILM SCHOOL
PARTS & LABOR
DRAGONS OF ZYNTH
THESE ARE POWERS
+ more TBA
In this year of festival glut, it's nice to see some decent free options emerge in NYC and other big cities. Considering this is a free event, having Broken Social Scene, Helio Sequence, and Stephen Malkmus is a pretty darn good start.
May 8, 2008
The Union Forever | 'I'm Not There' DVD
This past Tuesday, Todd Haynes' film inspired by the music and many lives of Bob Dylan, I'm Not There, was released on DVD and I got a chance to relive the excellent experiment in narrative filmmaking. Not to mention a couple of hours of Dylan songs. Most of us know Dylan as everyone knows Dylan, as the freewheeling young man singing songs of protest and rock and roll, but for those who have been on the festival circuit long enough you also know Dylan the stage performer. This reclusive, re-worked songwriter is one of the least interactive people to still get sell out crowds. It can be frustrating to watch an entire concert where the man of the hour never looks once at the audience. But, this is the point of the film, that Dylan is a man of many men and not all are pleasant. Let us examine the possibilities of music and film through the voice on Bob Dylan.
SXSW 2009 | Music Dates Finalized
SXSW Music - March 17 - 22, 2009
Mark your calendars!
Newport Folk Fest 2008 | Trey Added to Lineup
Hot off his recent live release, Original Boardwalk Style and a solid performance last night at Jammys, it looks like Trey Anastasio will be attempting a bit of a comeback this summer:
Trey will make his debut appearance at the Newport Folk Festival this August as part of the 49th annual festival in Newport, RI. Playing a full acoustic set, it will be his first full performance in 17 months.
We briefly touched on the Newport Folk Fest lineup last week, but a comeback performance from Big Red certainly adds a bit of a twist to an already-interesting lineup.
My Morning Jacket | 2008 Tour Dates
My Morning Jacket just announced their fall tour dates. Sickness.
My Morning Jacket 2008 Tour Dates
6/13 - Bonnaroo Music Festival Manchester, TN
6/16 - Kool Haus Toronto, ON
6/17 - Le National Montreal, QC
6/20 - Radio City Music Hall New York, NY
6/25 - Leadmill Sheffield, UK
6/26 - Bristol Academy Bristol, UK
6/27 - Manchester Academy Manchester, UK
6/29 - Glastonbury Festival Glastonbury, UK
7/01 - Gruenspan Hamburg, GER
7/02 - Gebaude 9 Cologne, GER
7/04 - Rock Werchter Festival Werchter, BEL
7/06 - The Hop Farm Kent, UK
7/08 - Melkweg Amsterdam, NL
7/09 - Trabendo Paris, FRA
7/11 - The Rescue Rooms Nottingham, UK
7/13 - T in the Park Kinross, UK
7/15 - The Forum London, UK
7/19 - Benicassim Festival Valencia, SPA
7/26 - Pemberton Festival Pemberton, BC
8/16 - Waterfront Park Louisville, KY
8/18 - Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theater
8/19 - Council Bluffs, IA - Stir Cove
8/21 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheater*
8/23 - Dallas, TX - Palladium Ballroom
8/24 - Austin, TX - Stubb's
8/27 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theater
8/29 - Miami, FL - The Fillmore Miami Beach
8/30 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues
8/31 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues
9/2 - Charlottesville, VA - Charlottesville Pavilion
9/3 - Washington, DC - Constitution Hall
9/5 - Philadelphia, PA - Festival Pier at Penn's Landing
9/6 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion
9/19 - San Francisco, CA - Greek Theatre
9/21 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre
9/23 - Phoenix, AZ - Marquee Theatre
9/24 - Las Vegas, NV - The Joint
9/25 - San Diego, CA - SDSU Open Air Theatre
9/27 - Portland, OR - McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater
9/28 - Seattle, WA - McCaw Hall
10/2 - Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre
10/3 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theater
10/4 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore
10/9 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
10/10 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
* with the Black Keys
