I took the bus to get to the lightrail so I had only to walk 4 blocks to this show, instead of just sucking it up and walking the 1.5 miles to the Triple Rock, which made me about 30 minutes late. When I first showed up, Jon Snodgrass was on stage and I started to get nervous that the show started way earlier than I thought. It turns out that Jon was just accompanying Austin Lucas on stage for a few songs, which was totally awesome. It was really refreshing to see all bands playing with each other and collaborating the whole night, but we were still able to see each artist on their own.
Austin Lucas really surprised me. I had heard a lot about him and I kept getting newsletters from Suburban Home talking about how great of a song writer he is and how important he will be (and is) in this genre, but I had never actually listened to him. His voice is amazing, there really isn't much else I can say. I never would have expected such a smooth, deep voice to come from this punk looking dude. His vocal heavy music is laced with the perfect sporadic guitar riff and makes one thing of how things were or how things could be when you finally get that porch swing installed. I ended up buying "Somebody Loves You" and his split 7" with Frank Turner. "Somebody Loves You" does not disappoint and I haven't been able to stop listening to it since the show. Everyone (ranging from a random friend to roommates to my mom) I run into has to listen to it and I'm pretty sure they like it too.
Two Cow Garage was awesome, super freakin loud. This was actually one of the first times I really wished I had earplugs, but I was able to deal. They are just a 4-piece, dirty, grungy, americana, fuckin sweet band. They had a really good energy and I really can't compare them to any other band out there, they definitely have a sound of their own. The keyboard player had that organ sound going that added a fullness to the band that really can't be beat by anything else.
This was the same time I went to talk to Jon and thank him for getting me on the list and to buy him that shot I owed him. We had a shot of jag and then we went to the back to smoke a cigarette. Our buddy K-Ped joined us and we hung out with Austin in the back room at the Triple Rock and Two Cow was finally at a volume that I could bare. Before Austin Lucas had left the stage, he played a few songs with Two Cow and it was so good. He usually has a more laid back sound that thrives off of his vocals, guitar and sometimes a slide guitar and violin, so it was such a different sound to hear his music played with a full band. Those few songs were probably some of my favorites of the night. Anyways, I remember Kyle tried telling him that he liked those faster songs at the end of his set, but Austin was distracted and I think K-Ped was high, so it was a pretty confused conversation, but I completely agree with what he was trying to say. Then it was back out to catch the rest of Two Cow.
After about a 20 minute break, it was time for Jon Snodgrass to go on and he was great, as usually. I'm a huge fan of Snodgrass' voice and his songwriting. I love his solo album "Visitor's Band" so I was looking forward to seeing it live. He did a few Drag the River standards as well. I know he played some songs with Austin Lucas and Two Cow, but I can't remember which ones...or in what order. I know that he and Two Cow played "Remember My Name" which is my favorite song off of the new album and that I really enjoyed that.
After Jon was done, I went over to get some vinyl and started talking to Shane from Two Cow. He was super nice and it was great that he took the time to talk to people at the show. Good luck with the new baby :)
The night was finished up at the old bar at the Triple Rock, using up Jon's last drink tickets for some more jag and premiums. It was a good night, I always walk away from the shows with a freshened up perspective.
Stuff I bought :
Austin Lucas/ Frank Turner split
Austin Lucas "Somebody Loves You"
Jon Snodgrass/ Cory Branan split
Two Cow Garage "Speaking in Cursive"
I recommend all these, you can find them at http://www.vinylcollective.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
i think i want to make a documentary
Good idea? Bad idea?
It'll be about this trend of punk-americana-folk-rock, especially all the punkers gone solo. Any suggestions?
I would need an assistant, someone to back me and go to shows with me, but mainly help me not feel like a fool.
Also, the Jon Snodgrass, Two Cow Garage and Austin Lucas show at the Triple Rock was so amazing. I have to write more later, but some of the best music I've seen live. So good.
It'll be about this trend of punk-americana-folk-rock, especially all the punkers gone solo. Any suggestions?
I would need an assistant, someone to back me and go to shows with me, but mainly help me not feel like a fool.
Also, the Jon Snodgrass, Two Cow Garage and Austin Lucas show at the Triple Rock was so amazing. I have to write more later, but some of the best music I've seen live. So good.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
henhouse prowlers
Last night I went over to the 331 Club in NE to catch the Henhouse Prowlers and it was totally awesome. I'm a big fan of bluegrass, but other than a song I had to re-mix for my final project in Audio Production II and The Iron Horse, I haven't listened to it much.
These guys were really amazing. Awesome harmonies (crowding around the 1 mic, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" style) awesome banjo and mandolin solos and catchy songs. I really enjoyed them and apparently the 331 Club has bluegrass every Wednesday, so I'll definitely be back.
This was a pretty lame write-up, but I'm freakin tired. I just wanted to let you know about a rad bluegrass band (2 if you count Iron Horse) and mention the 331 Club, which I'm thinking about turning into my Cheers. They will all known my name.
These guys were really amazing. Awesome harmonies (crowding around the 1 mic, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" style) awesome banjo and mandolin solos and catchy songs. I really enjoyed them and apparently the 331 Club has bluegrass every Wednesday, so I'll definitely be back.
This was a pretty lame write-up, but I'm freakin tired. I just wanted to let you know about a rad bluegrass band (2 if you count Iron Horse) and mention the 331 Club, which I'm thinking about turning into my Cheers. They will all known my name.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
1999 and the promise ring
In 9th grade, I received a mix CD from a boy that I had a huge crush on. He was super cool, too intelligent for his age and liked good music, while I wore socks with skirts and was getting over my 8th grade N*Sync phase by immersing myself in the "rock" scene with Nickelback, Korn and 311.
It was such a great mix CD and I wish I could remember more about the collection of songs, but there is one song that has always stuck out in my mind. It was upbeat and catchy, but not bubblegum catchy like what I was hearing on the radio at the time. No particular section or instrument stood out and grabbed the attention of my catchy bone, it was more like a stew that had been simmered for a few hours. All the flavors had come together perfectly to make something that was incredibly delicious. It always reminded me of a song that would be played in a movie when the main character realized they had made a huge mistake and starting running/biking/swimming/scootering towards the airport to tell the person of their dreams, that they are completely and ridiculously in love with them.
For some reason, I never thought to look this song up on the internet to see what it was called or even who the artist was. I guess it was because I never really listened to music at near a computer and I just never remembered on my own when I was at a computer. I usually only listened to music on the bus or at track meets on my 10 second anti-skip portable cd player (anti-skip my butt, by the way). I could never asked my crush what song it was, because I would look like an ignorant fool.
Jump ahead to 2006. I'm out in Denver interning at Suburban Home Records and I was surrounded by new music, new opinions and new resources to help me find new music. A lot of 'new' going on. In the hallway there was a huge bookcase filled with CD's ranging from Awesome Snakes to Hot Snakes, from Hot Water Music to Hot Hot Heat to Reverend Horton Heat. Everyday I would grab a CD or two and bring them home, put them on my iPod and bring them back. One day I saw the Promise Ring's Very Emergency and I remembered hearing a lot of good noise about the Promise Ring, so I took it and burned it and brought it back the next day. Although this was a great way to get new music, my ears became a little oversaturated. If I really want to appreciate new music, I can't listen to more than 3-5 new albums per week, but I was on overload at about 5-9 albums per week. This resulted in several albums that were barely listened to/ listened to once but not really heard/ never listened to. I listened to a smidge bit of Very Emergency, but mainly in the background at work.
A little while later, I was listening to my iPod on shuffle while riding the bus down the 16th St Mall and the song came on. THE SONG. I was blown away, I couldn't believe it! I recognized it right away; the catchy chorus about waiting in the deep south, the "ooo's" backup vocals, and something about houses learning to fly... it was unbelievable.
The Deep South by The Promise Ring is a fantastic song. Whenever I listen to it, it ends up stuck in my head all day and I'm totally cool with that. The whole album is great and so is The Promise Ring...too bad it took me so long to find out.
It was such a great mix CD and I wish I could remember more about the collection of songs, but there is one song that has always stuck out in my mind. It was upbeat and catchy, but not bubblegum catchy like what I was hearing on the radio at the time. No particular section or instrument stood out and grabbed the attention of my catchy bone, it was more like a stew that had been simmered for a few hours. All the flavors had come together perfectly to make something that was incredibly delicious. It always reminded me of a song that would be played in a movie when the main character realized they had made a huge mistake and starting running/biking/swimming/scootering towards the airport to tell the person of their dreams, that they are completely and ridiculously in love with them.
For some reason, I never thought to look this song up on the internet to see what it was called or even who the artist was. I guess it was because I never really listened to music at near a computer and I just never remembered on my own when I was at a computer. I usually only listened to music on the bus or at track meets on my 10 second anti-skip portable cd player (anti-skip my butt, by the way). I could never asked my crush what song it was, because I would look like an ignorant fool.
Jump ahead to 2006. I'm out in Denver interning at Suburban Home Records and I was surrounded by new music, new opinions and new resources to help me find new music. A lot of 'new' going on. In the hallway there was a huge bookcase filled with CD's ranging from Awesome Snakes to Hot Snakes, from Hot Water Music to Hot Hot Heat to Reverend Horton Heat. Everyday I would grab a CD or two and bring them home, put them on my iPod and bring them back. One day I saw the Promise Ring's Very Emergency and I remembered hearing a lot of good noise about the Promise Ring, so I took it and burned it and brought it back the next day. Although this was a great way to get new music, my ears became a little oversaturated. If I really want to appreciate new music, I can't listen to more than 3-5 new albums per week, but I was on overload at about 5-9 albums per week. This resulted in several albums that were barely listened to/ listened to once but not really heard/ never listened to. I listened to a smidge bit of Very Emergency, but mainly in the background at work.
A little while later, I was listening to my iPod on shuffle while riding the bus down the 16th St Mall and the song came on. THE SONG. I was blown away, I couldn't believe it! I recognized it right away; the catchy chorus about waiting in the deep south, the "ooo's" backup vocals, and something about houses learning to fly... it was unbelievable.
The Deep South by The Promise Ring is a fantastic song. Whenever I listen to it, it ends up stuck in my head all day and I'm totally cool with that. The whole album is great and so is The Promise Ring...too bad it took me so long to find out.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
albums i have recently acquired
Jon Snodgrass - Visitor's Band - Folky Americana, badassy-ness. This is the perfect music to play when you wanna bring everyone together, like a BBQ or a family reunion. If for some reason someone sucks at life and doesn't like, you can always tune them out and focus on the music. It's very good, I celebrate Suburan Home's entire catalog.
Noisettes - What's The Time, Mr. Wolf? - I saw them at a free show at the Varsity, so I spent my money on booze. Even if I was completely sober, I would have thoroughly enjoyed this show. The lead singer is gorgeous and she has the most amazing voice and I am completely jealous. It was such a fun show, but after listening to a few songs on the album, I'm afraid their sound might not translate well into a recording. It's still fun, dancy music, but it falls a little flat compared to their live show.
Kings of Leon - Youth & Young Manhood - I have three other albums from them, but I think this may be their first one. So far, it's a little more rock and raw than their newer stuff, but I really like it. It's a little more complex and heavier, which may not appeal to the masses like their new album does, but it really makes you pay attention to the music.
KoKo Taylor - What It Takes: The Chess Years - The Queen of the Blues. I first heard KoKo Taylor on Elwood's Blues Hour on Sunday night. She passed away on July 3rd and he was replaying an interview he had with her a year before. Her voice is hauntingly powerful. I think everyone needs some knowledge of the blues, but I understand how one could be intimidated by the task of diving into the genre of blues. There are so many different styles like, Kansas Blues, Delta Blues (good for sitting on your porch drinking a lynchburg lemonade) Country Blues and so and on and so on. I personally like Chicago Blues the best and I think KoKo Taylor is a great person to start with if you want a memorable introduction to the Blues.
Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps - Backyard Tent Set - Awesome local band. I saw them play at Mill City Live and it was really surprising. I was actually there working for City Pages, so I wasn't expecting to be entertained, but I really like their style. Caroline's voice is so pretty and delicate and the band is a very talented and entertaining group that featured several multi-instrumentalists. I was so caught up with them that I ran to the closest ATM so I could buy their album and I really like it. If you're in Minneapolis and have the chance to see them, I would spend up to $20 if they were headlining.
Portugal the Man - Satanic Satanist (deluxe edition) - Fucking Killer Sweetness is what this album should be called. I need to listen to it more to give a worthy opinion, but I know that I love it.
I can't talk much more, I have to get ready for a hot date, but I just thought I'd let you know what's up in my listening world.
Noisettes - What's The Time, Mr. Wolf? - I saw them at a free show at the Varsity, so I spent my money on booze. Even if I was completely sober, I would have thoroughly enjoyed this show. The lead singer is gorgeous and she has the most amazing voice and I am completely jealous. It was such a fun show, but after listening to a few songs on the album, I'm afraid their sound might not translate well into a recording. It's still fun, dancy music, but it falls a little flat compared to their live show.
Kings of Leon - Youth & Young Manhood - I have three other albums from them, but I think this may be their first one. So far, it's a little more rock and raw than their newer stuff, but I really like it. It's a little more complex and heavier, which may not appeal to the masses like their new album does, but it really makes you pay attention to the music.
KoKo Taylor - What It Takes: The Chess Years - The Queen of the Blues. I first heard KoKo Taylor on Elwood's Blues Hour on Sunday night. She passed away on July 3rd and he was replaying an interview he had with her a year before. Her voice is hauntingly powerful. I think everyone needs some knowledge of the blues, but I understand how one could be intimidated by the task of diving into the genre of blues. There are so many different styles like, Kansas Blues, Delta Blues (good for sitting on your porch drinking a lynchburg lemonade) Country Blues and so and on and so on. I personally like Chicago Blues the best and I think KoKo Taylor is a great person to start with if you want a memorable introduction to the Blues.
Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps - Backyard Tent Set - Awesome local band. I saw them play at Mill City Live and it was really surprising. I was actually there working for City Pages, so I wasn't expecting to be entertained, but I really like their style. Caroline's voice is so pretty and delicate and the band is a very talented and entertaining group that featured several multi-instrumentalists. I was so caught up with them that I ran to the closest ATM so I could buy their album and I really like it. If you're in Minneapolis and have the chance to see them, I would spend up to $20 if they were headlining.
Portugal the Man - Satanic Satanist (deluxe edition) - Fucking Killer Sweetness is what this album should be called. I need to listen to it more to give a worthy opinion, but I know that I love it.
I can't talk much more, I have to get ready for a hot date, but I just thought I'd let you know what's up in my listening world.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
jon snodrass
I'm listening to Jon Snograss' solo effort Visitor's Band and so far, I'm a big fan. I especially like track 3, featuring Two Cow Garage.
I've always been a fan of Drag The River and Jon's voice, so me enjoying this album doesn't really require a stretch of the imagination.
I'm looking forward to listening to this one again on the bus ride home today and I will give it a more detailed review.
Go to Suburbanhomerecords.com to order this album, or do I what I did and go all out and get the package deal. For $30, you receive the album on CD and Vinyl, a T-Shirt, poster and pint glass. Best deal you'll find these days.
Be sure to check out Jon Snodgrass on tour with Two Cow Garage and Austin Lucas. For my fellow Minneapolisians they'll be at the Triple Rock on Sunday August 24th.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
it may be girly, but....
I kind of already know the song I want to dance to at my wedding. So I may not have a fiance or even a boyfriend, but ever since I heard this song, I just knew.
You're All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is the most amazingly romantic song I've ever heard. The best part is that it doesn't sound overly cheesy or lame like that one Aerosmith song.
This song is about two people just wanting to tell eachother how much they love eachother and how much that other person has made a positive impact on their life. Example:
"Darling in you I found,
Strength where I was torn down,
Don't know what's in store but together we can open any door,
Just to do what's good for you and inspire you a little higher,
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn't have a goal"
Holy crap man. If that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.
So even if you're not getting married right now or anytime in the future, listen to this song with that special someone and I assure you it will remind you why you are the most awesome when you're together.
Even if you're alone, this song is so much fun to listen to. First of all, Gaye and Terrell created and still own the duet. The Motown sound (even though this is a little more soulful) is one of the best and I can listen to this song over and over again. It's just fun; so be cool, pretend like it's 1968, kick your feet up and fix yourself up a cocktail. It's all good.
This song is about two people just wanting to tell eachother how much they love eachother and how much that other person has made a positive impact on their life. Example:
"Darling in you I found,
Strength where I was torn down,
Don't know what's in store but together we can open any door,
Just to do what's good for you and inspire you a little higher,
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn't have a goal"
Holy crap man. If that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.
So even if you're not getting married right now or anytime in the future, listen to this song with that special someone and I assure you it will remind you why you are the most awesome when you're together.
Even if you're alone, this song is so much fun to listen to. First of all, Gaye and Terrell created and still own the duet. The Motown sound (even though this is a little more soulful) is one of the best and I can listen to this song over and over again. It's just fun; so be cool, pretend like it's 1968, kick your feet up and fix yourself up a cocktail. It's all good.
noah and the whale
I was re-introduced to Noah and the Whale today, and it was fantastic.
I went to Macy's on my break and ordered a chicken salad panini with white cheddar cheese and ate it on Nicollet Mall while listening to "Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down"
First of all, the sandwich was delicious. Second, I really like this album. I saw them at the entry a few months ago and they sounded just as goof (if not better) in person. The only negative thing I have to say about this album is that it’s not loud enough to drown out the annoying people walking around on the mall.
Give a Little Love has a consistently epic drum sound, almost like the drummer was sitting at the top of the mountain, with one huge drum and a mallet just giving everyone down below a beat to live by. This is accompanied by an equally epic horn section that really makes its true appearance near the end of the song. The combination of the two puts me in a state of euphoria, a special place where I don’t realize I'm air-conducting (which is exactly like real conducting, but without the conductees) in the middle of downtown Minneapolis.
Rocks and daggers starts off like a pretty run-of-the-mill happy, up beat song, but the violin and understated drums brings a sense of depth that is easy to overlook. There are also some female vocals on this song, and whoever she is, she blows me away. She has such an innocent, delicate yet experienced voice and it is the perfect compliment to the singer's more raw, simple (but not in a bad way) deep, yet boyish, voice. The last minute slows down, the violin is shaking with anticipation in the background, the singer is by himself, then the girl joins, then the drums come in and the whole time the violin is getting more powerful and it ends with the girl, the violin, the drums and horns singing the part over and over. It is lovely. Whenever I listen to it, it feels like everyday is that perfect sunny, crisp, fall day and I can't help but smile.
It was probably the best 30 minute break of the week.
I went to Macy's on my break and ordered a chicken salad panini with white cheddar cheese and ate it on Nicollet Mall while listening to "Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down"
First of all, the sandwich was delicious. Second, I really like this album. I saw them at the entry a few months ago and they sounded just as goof (if not better) in person. The only negative thing I have to say about this album is that it’s not loud enough to drown out the annoying people walking around on the mall.
Give a Little Love has a consistently epic drum sound, almost like the drummer was sitting at the top of the mountain, with one huge drum and a mallet just giving everyone down below a beat to live by. This is accompanied by an equally epic horn section that really makes its true appearance near the end of the song. The combination of the two puts me in a state of euphoria, a special place where I don’t realize I'm air-conducting (which is exactly like real conducting, but without the conductees) in the middle of downtown Minneapolis.
Rocks and daggers starts off like a pretty run-of-the-mill happy, up beat song, but the violin and understated drums brings a sense of depth that is easy to overlook. There are also some female vocals on this song, and whoever she is, she blows me away. She has such an innocent, delicate yet experienced voice and it is the perfect compliment to the singer's more raw, simple (but not in a bad way) deep, yet boyish, voice. The last minute slows down, the violin is shaking with anticipation in the background, the singer is by himself, then the girl joins, then the drums come in and the whole time the violin is getting more powerful and it ends with the girl, the violin, the drums and horns singing the part over and over. It is lovely. Whenever I listen to it, it feels like everyday is that perfect sunny, crisp, fall day and I can't help but smile.
It was probably the best 30 minute break of the week.
Monday, August 10, 2009
rx bandits, as tall as lions at station 4, 8/9
Totally sweet.
As Tall As Lions opened the show and I was really stoked to see them. They had so much energy and an extremely solid sound (which is hard to do at S4). The thing that I remember the most is their outfits. Nothing crazy or outlandish, just really warm looking. Station 4 heats up quicker than a horny 15 year old boy looking at a picture of Megan Fox, and these guys were wearing long sleeve shirts and jeans, one was ever wearing a blazer. Freakin A man, I was sweating my metaphorical balls off in shorts and a t and the only energy I was exerting was lifting the glass of whiskey to my mouth. But the outfits were not so distracting that I couldn't completely enjoy myself. The trumpet added an inexplicable amount of depth to their sound that made them stand apart from a lot of other bands I've seen lately (other than Kay Kay who also has a trumpet. Also saw them at S4. Also hot) I just really enjoy the sounds of horns, it kinda reminds me of the funk brothers.
RX Bandits were next and they blew me away. So much energy as well. One of the guitar players was sweating so much, I thought his guitar was gonna slide right off of him. But enough about how stupidly hot it was at S4. I remember loving these guys in high school, but for some reason (maybe over saturation in musical options or changing tastes) I kind of stopped listening to them. That has changed because of this show. They had the perfect mix of early 00's punkish rockish kinda music, with just enough reggae that you don't get pissed.
I did not stay for dredg, because I have a preconceived notion that they suck.
The crowd was pretty cool, the bartenders were nice as usual. There were two girls there with high heels/boots and short skirts and cleavage baring shirts, which annoyed me right away. I just can't comprehend wearing heels to a show, unless it's Beyonce (which isn't a concert, apparently, it's a fashion show). Anyways, I'm pretty sure they hooked up (and who knows what hooked up means anymore? please don't take it there) with the singer and bass player from As Tall As Lions. They pretty much skipped the whole show to sit with those guys by their van. I only know this because I usually get a mad case of ADHD when I go to a show and walk all over the place all the time. To each their own.
Very solid show, I really enjoyed it, except for heat.
As Tall As Lions opened the show and I was really stoked to see them. They had so much energy and an extremely solid sound (which is hard to do at S4). The thing that I remember the most is their outfits. Nothing crazy or outlandish, just really warm looking. Station 4 heats up quicker than a horny 15 year old boy looking at a picture of Megan Fox, and these guys were wearing long sleeve shirts and jeans, one was ever wearing a blazer. Freakin A man, I was sweating my metaphorical balls off in shorts and a t and the only energy I was exerting was lifting the glass of whiskey to my mouth. But the outfits were not so distracting that I couldn't completely enjoy myself. The trumpet added an inexplicable amount of depth to their sound that made them stand apart from a lot of other bands I've seen lately (other than Kay Kay who also has a trumpet. Also saw them at S4. Also hot) I just really enjoy the sounds of horns, it kinda reminds me of the funk brothers.
RX Bandits were next and they blew me away. So much energy as well. One of the guitar players was sweating so much, I thought his guitar was gonna slide right off of him. But enough about how stupidly hot it was at S4. I remember loving these guys in high school, but for some reason (maybe over saturation in musical options or changing tastes) I kind of stopped listening to them. That has changed because of this show. They had the perfect mix of early 00's punkish rockish kinda music, with just enough reggae that you don't get pissed.
I did not stay for dredg, because I have a preconceived notion that they suck.
The crowd was pretty cool, the bartenders were nice as usual. There were two girls there with high heels/boots and short skirts and cleavage baring shirts, which annoyed me right away. I just can't comprehend wearing heels to a show, unless it's Beyonce (which isn't a concert, apparently, it's a fashion show). Anyways, I'm pretty sure they hooked up (and who knows what hooked up means anymore? please don't take it there) with the singer and bass player from As Tall As Lions. They pretty much skipped the whole show to sit with those guys by their van. I only know this because I usually get a mad case of ADHD when I go to a show and walk all over the place all the time. To each their own.
Very solid show, I really enjoyed it, except for heat.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Flogging Molly @ The Myth, Maplewood. Feb 23 with Aggrolites and The Mighty Stef.... a review
By my friend Tom....he is awesome and I'm jealous he gets to go to more shows than me.
Without the tin whistle, banjo and violin they would just be a punk band. Without the guitar, bass and drums they would just be an Irish-folk band. Then again, without front man Dave King, they probably wouldn't be one of the Irish-Punk leaders they are today. That isn't fair to say though; each member of the seven piece band brings their own elements to the stage that as a whole becomes Flogging Molly.
On their Green 17 Tour, the "Bring St. Patrick's Day to Area Cities" Tour is in support of their 4th Album, “Float”. Within A Mile of Home is still my favorite album of theirs. It had the old punk feel to it, but crisper and cleaner sounding. On it’s way to becoming a nicely polished stone. I wasn't totally sold on Float at first. It seemed to have gone more to the folk side with punk undertones. It took a few listens to come around though. The more I listen to it, the more I appreciate Dave's ability to write a meaningful song. While I feel the album could be a bit heavier on the guitar, like past albums, it defiantly rocks on a different level. The more I think about it, Flogging Molly shows no signs of settling down.
This was the 3rd time I've seen Flogging Molly, but the first time actually paying for it.
Every few years they play St. Paul's Irish Festival, which is always a free festival. One of the great things about FM is their ability to attract such a colorful, diverse crowd. Punks, drunks and families. This was no different for the Myth. As soon as I got in, I almost took out a little girl that was maybe pushing 8 years old. I missed The Mighty Stef, due to one of the longest lines I've stood in for a show, so I can't say anything about them. The second band, Aggrolites were “alright” in my book. I wasn't all that into their style of Reggae and Ska. The crowd seemed to be enjoying them; they just didn't tickle my pickle.
Around 9:45, it was a later show; the lights go out and out comes FM. It starts out with a heavy bass riff, It's "Man With No Country" a new song form Float, and one of my favorites on the album. It was a great opening song and the band shows that punk energy we all love to see. The crowd seems to take it as nicely hand written invitation, but the only thing written is, "Get rowdy!" The crowd accepts. One thing I hate to see more than a band not giving 100% is my fellow moshers not going berserk. I feel like if I'm not giving my all in the pit, I'm letting the band down. I've always felt like everyone in the pit feeds of each other’s energy, in turn making the band feel more appreciated. In the end, they give us one hell of a show. There seems to be no confusion amongst the crowd. Everyone gives it their all.
A few songs in Dave does his thing, takes a sip of a pint, talks in that wonderful Irish accent and drops a few F-bombs, despite the age level of the crowd. Now the great thing I've noticed about Dave, how proud he is, not just for what he's done, but for the rest of his fellow band mates. He knows they are all a family and they would be nothing without each other out there every night. He has a genuine passion for what he does and for his band.
He talks about what this tour was going to be about. This year they wanted to try something different, they were going to play old songs they haven't played in years and songs they've never done live before. The crowd explodes. They played about 6-7 songs I haven't heard live before and a few old ones like; "The Worst Day Since Yesterday", "If I Ever Leave This World Alive" (another favorite of mine), and "The Kilburn High Road". Also a great tribute to his mother, "The Son Never Shines (On Closed Doors)". They played their usual hits, "Drunken Lullabies", "Tobacco Island", "Requiem for a Dying Song", "Rebels of the Sacred Heart", "The Lightning Storm", "Selfish Man", "Devil's Dance Floor" and "The Likes of You Again". For the most part, it was kind of a casual show, with a lot of their slower songs. That didn't stop the crowd or the band from giving it everything they had. Especially, when they played "Float". There is something about that song that I can't explain. Everyone seems to connect when they play it. I really just wanted to buy everyone around me a beer and just jump with them during that song (again, another favorite). For the encore, Dave came out alone and did a very powerful version of "Grace of God Go I". They ended the night with a classic that started it all, "Salty Dog".
I was very pleased with the performance, the crowd and the night in general. I can't say that it was as good as the IrishFest shows though. Not because they played better, or it was a free show (free is affordable), it's just a much larger crowd, its outdoors, everyone seems a little more under the influence. It's just a very different atmosphere. If you haven't seen a FM show, check them out next time they are in town, you will enjoy it. If you are a fan already, I urge you to check out "Whiskey on a Sunday” It’s a DVD documentary about how the band got started, how it tours, writes, interact with each other, etc. I believe it's one of the best inside looks at an incredibly passionate band. Also, it has a few live, acoustic and unreleased tracks on it. Hope you enjoyed.
tomwiener-
Without the tin whistle, banjo and violin they would just be a punk band. Without the guitar, bass and drums they would just be an Irish-folk band. Then again, without front man Dave King, they probably wouldn't be one of the Irish-Punk leaders they are today. That isn't fair to say though; each member of the seven piece band brings their own elements to the stage that as a whole becomes Flogging Molly.
On their Green 17 Tour, the "Bring St. Patrick's Day to Area Cities" Tour is in support of their 4th Album, “Float”. Within A Mile of Home is still my favorite album of theirs. It had the old punk feel to it, but crisper and cleaner sounding. On it’s way to becoming a nicely polished stone. I wasn't totally sold on Float at first. It seemed to have gone more to the folk side with punk undertones. It took a few listens to come around though. The more I listen to it, the more I appreciate Dave's ability to write a meaningful song. While I feel the album could be a bit heavier on the guitar, like past albums, it defiantly rocks on a different level. The more I think about it, Flogging Molly shows no signs of settling down.
This was the 3rd time I've seen Flogging Molly, but the first time actually paying for it.
Every few years they play St. Paul's Irish Festival, which is always a free festival. One of the great things about FM is their ability to attract such a colorful, diverse crowd. Punks, drunks and families. This was no different for the Myth. As soon as I got in, I almost took out a little girl that was maybe pushing 8 years old. I missed The Mighty Stef, due to one of the longest lines I've stood in for a show, so I can't say anything about them. The second band, Aggrolites were “alright” in my book. I wasn't all that into their style of Reggae and Ska. The crowd seemed to be enjoying them; they just didn't tickle my pickle.
Around 9:45, it was a later show; the lights go out and out comes FM. It starts out with a heavy bass riff, It's "Man With No Country" a new song form Float, and one of my favorites on the album. It was a great opening song and the band shows that punk energy we all love to see. The crowd seems to take it as nicely hand written invitation, but the only thing written is, "Get rowdy!" The crowd accepts. One thing I hate to see more than a band not giving 100% is my fellow moshers not going berserk. I feel like if I'm not giving my all in the pit, I'm letting the band down. I've always felt like everyone in the pit feeds of each other’s energy, in turn making the band feel more appreciated. In the end, they give us one hell of a show. There seems to be no confusion amongst the crowd. Everyone gives it their all.
A few songs in Dave does his thing, takes a sip of a pint, talks in that wonderful Irish accent and drops a few F-bombs, despite the age level of the crowd. Now the great thing I've noticed about Dave, how proud he is, not just for what he's done, but for the rest of his fellow band mates. He knows they are all a family and they would be nothing without each other out there every night. He has a genuine passion for what he does and for his band.
He talks about what this tour was going to be about. This year they wanted to try something different, they were going to play old songs they haven't played in years and songs they've never done live before. The crowd explodes. They played about 6-7 songs I haven't heard live before and a few old ones like; "The Worst Day Since Yesterday", "If I Ever Leave This World Alive" (another favorite of mine), and "The Kilburn High Road". Also a great tribute to his mother, "The Son Never Shines (On Closed Doors)". They played their usual hits, "Drunken Lullabies", "Tobacco Island", "Requiem for a Dying Song", "Rebels of the Sacred Heart", "The Lightning Storm", "Selfish Man", "Devil's Dance Floor" and "The Likes of You Again". For the most part, it was kind of a casual show, with a lot of their slower songs. That didn't stop the crowd or the band from giving it everything they had. Especially, when they played "Float". There is something about that song that I can't explain. Everyone seems to connect when they play it. I really just wanted to buy everyone around me a beer and just jump with them during that song (again, another favorite). For the encore, Dave came out alone and did a very powerful version of "Grace of God Go I". They ended the night with a classic that started it all, "Salty Dog".
I was very pleased with the performance, the crowd and the night in general. I can't say that it was as good as the IrishFest shows though. Not because they played better, or it was a free show (free is affordable), it's just a much larger crowd, its outdoors, everyone seems a little more under the influence. It's just a very different atmosphere. If you haven't seen a FM show, check them out next time they are in town, you will enjoy it. If you are a fan already, I urge you to check out "Whiskey on a Sunday” It’s a DVD documentary about how the band got started, how it tours, writes, interact with each other, etc. I believe it's one of the best inside looks at an incredibly passionate band. Also, it has a few live, acoustic and unreleased tracks on it. Hope you enjoyed.
tomwiener-
Monday, March 2, 2009
rush, out the door
Rush Limbaugh said to Michael Steele "Why do you claim to lead the Republican Party when you seem obsessed with seeing to it President Obama succeeds?"
Casie Siekman said to Rush Limbaugh "Why don't you want the President of the United States to succeed? Wouldn't it be good for everyone, of every party if we had a truly successful president?"
Rush Limbaugh is ridiculous...and cranky.
I don't usually talk politics, but his comments are really starting to annoy me.
Casie Siekman said to Rush Limbaugh "Why don't you want the President of the United States to succeed? Wouldn't it be good for everyone, of every party if we had a truly successful president?"
Rush Limbaugh is ridiculous...and cranky.
I don't usually talk politics, but his comments are really starting to annoy me.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
the weekend would start now if i didn't have a sore throat. the weekend will start tomorrow!
Thursday night at The Cedar, B-Side is presenting Sessions I. This will be the first session of a set of collaboration of jazz artists who will make your tongue tingle...in a good way..? There are a couple local guys, Dean Magraw and Brandon Wozniak joining the other heavy hitters on stage. George Porter Jr, Johnny Vidacovich and Joe Krown finish up this amazing line up. Also Joe Krown is playing a little pre-show at the newly opened Bradstreet restaurant and bar on the first floor of the Graves|601 hotel. This is going on from 5-6, and if you aren't cool enough to make the time to see these guys at 7, just try to check out Krown playing some piano while you sip on specialty cocktails. Oh yeah...he plays the Hammond B-3 as well....so can you go to the show at The Cedar now? Yes.
http://www.thecedar.org/bside_presents_sessions_i_george_porter_dean_magraw_johnny_vidacovich_joe_krown_and_brandon_wozniak
Friday I'm looking forward to going to see Alex Rossi and the Root City Band play at Bunkers. I haven't seen these guys before but the guy at the door at Narrows Saloon told me they are definitely worth paying attention to. Funk, horns, soul and awesomeness I think is what's in store for the evening.
www.myspace.com/rootcity
Saturday it's back to Narrows Saloon in Navarre, MN. This place might be out of the way, but it's worth the trip and it's pretty much a guarantee that you won't run into any clubbing losers from downtown. The Irresistibles are playing, and the same guy that told me about Root City, told me about these guys. I dunno why, but I trust him. So they are playing selections from Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. I'm excited.
www.myspace.com/irresistiblesmusic
http://www.thecedar.org/bside_presents_sessions_i_george_porter_dean_magraw_johnny_vidacovich_joe_krown_and_brandon_wozniak
Friday I'm looking forward to going to see Alex Rossi and the Root City Band play at Bunkers. I haven't seen these guys before but the guy at the door at Narrows Saloon told me they are definitely worth paying attention to. Funk, horns, soul and awesomeness I think is what's in store for the evening.
www.myspace.com/rootcity
Saturday it's back to Narrows Saloon in Navarre, MN. This place might be out of the way, but it's worth the trip and it's pretty much a guarantee that you won't run into any clubbing losers from downtown. The Irresistibles are playing, and the same guy that told me about Root City, told me about these guys. I dunno why, but I trust him. So they are playing selections from Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. I'm excited.
www.myspace.com/irresistiblesmusic
Monday, February 16, 2009
i got it!
The song is "Long Cool Woman (in a black dress)" by the Hollies. So freaking good. I downloaded it as soon as I figured out what it was. After I downloaded that song, I couldn't stop. Here are some songs we should all listen to;
.Baby Come Back by Player...maybe cheesy, but solidly so.
.A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum - This is an important song to know if you're interested in the business of music. The keyboardist was a studio musician so he was just getting his union pay, but then he fought that one of the standouts of that song was his keyboard part, which he made up on the spot. In the end, the ruling favored him and he got like...at least 33% of the profits. I can't remember if those profits were retroactive, but it's a big deal.
.Sister Golden Hair by America - I love this song. I first heard it when I worked at a camp in New York and at the end of camp we had the olympics. It pitted one half of camp against the other in various activities, but the last activity was the sing competition. Both teams had to take 3 (already made) songs and replace the words to relate to camp. Our goodbye song was to the tune of Sister Golden Hair...and I still think about our team, the White Centurians, to this day whenever I hear that song.
Also listen to the Melvins "Senile Animal" They have 2 drummers and it will blow your mind. Number 3, Civilized Worm, is a stand out for me.
.Baby Come Back by Player...maybe cheesy, but solidly so.
.A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum - This is an important song to know if you're interested in the business of music. The keyboardist was a studio musician so he was just getting his union pay, but then he fought that one of the standouts of that song was his keyboard part, which he made up on the spot. In the end, the ruling favored him and he got like...at least 33% of the profits. I can't remember if those profits were retroactive, but it's a big deal.
.Sister Golden Hair by America - I love this song. I first heard it when I worked at a camp in New York and at the end of camp we had the olympics. It pitted one half of camp against the other in various activities, but the last activity was the sing competition. Both teams had to take 3 (already made) songs and replace the words to relate to camp. Our goodbye song was to the tune of Sister Golden Hair...and I still think about our team, the White Centurians, to this day whenever I hear that song.
Also listen to the Melvins "Senile Animal" They have 2 drummers and it will blow your mind. Number 3, Civilized Worm, is a stand out for me.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
the 3 R's are better than P cubed
reduce, reuse and recycle...aren't these all kind of the same? or are they cyclically relatable?
to reduce you have to recycle to reuse...or recycle to reuse to reduce..ok, now i get the logo
but let's just come out and say what it really means
recycle recycle recycle
sounds better than practice practice practice, and recycle recycle recycle doesn't bring up any horrible memories of me trying to explain to the orchestra teacher in 5th grade that i do practice i just sucked that much at violin.
back to work
to reduce you have to recycle to reuse...or recycle to reuse to reduce..ok, now i get the logo
but let's just come out and say what it really means
recycle recycle recycle
sounds better than practice practice practice, and recycle recycle recycle doesn't bring up any horrible memories of me trying to explain to the orchestra teacher in 5th grade that i do practice i just sucked that much at violin.
back to work
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
someone and the someones
I know of a song that I really want to download, but I don't know the name of the band. I also don't know the name of the song. I ALSO can't remember how the song goes, but I know I like it. Thinking about how much I don't know or remember about this song makes me question my strange draw towards it. I know I heard it on Kool 108 and I thought it sounded like CCR, but my dad said it was...Someone and the Someone's. That's where I apparently blacked out. The song starts with one guitar, playing something simple in a minor key and it sounds like it's gonna be a pretty slow, but then the rest of the band kicks in and it's reminiscent of Spirit in the Sky with a sprinkling of CCR. I always thought it was on the Remember the Titans soundtrack so I thought this search would end quickly. It was not on the Remember the Titans Soundtrack. I also thought I had heard it on a Gatorade commercial. The one talking about how Gatorade was formed for the Florida Gators (naturally they called it Gator-ade). It is not on any of the Gatorade commercials...yes I did check.
During that search I realized that those G commercials with Lil Wayne are Gatorade commercials. I wouldn't have known this unless I looked it up. Since I didn't even look it up on purpose, I wondered how effective of a commercial it was and if anyone had looked up "G commercial" to find out what it was for. My roommate looked it up because another roommate thought it was for Guess Jeans. Roommate #1 thought it would be a little too disconnected if Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Danica Patrick and other athletic figures got together for a jeans commercial. Roommate #2 was so wrong.
Back to the search for Blank by the Someone and the Someone's. I went to the Kool 108 website to search their play list to see if any songs/band names struck a chord (literally) with my memory. I was looking for any band that was a guy and his band. I wrote down; Gary Puckett and the Union Group, Jay and the Americans, Hamilton Joe Frank & Reynolds, Seals & Croft (when I remembered they sing Summer Breeze, I thought about crossing them off the list, but these are not normal circumstances! They stay), Jr. Walker and the All-Stars and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. When I came across Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, my office mate said she read an article in the NY Times about how an average house costs $7,500 and if anyone moves there a high percentage moves out of state within a year. It also said the city might have to declare bankruptcy. I didn't know a city could do that.
SO moral of the story, listen to someone when they're saying the name of a band that sings a song you would like to download, and if you know what song I'm talking about leave a comment.
Speaking of Lil Wayne, spell check knows it's wrong, but has no suggestion to correct it. I feel the same way, spell check, I feel the same way.
Back to work.
During that search I realized that those G commercials with Lil Wayne are Gatorade commercials. I wouldn't have known this unless I looked it up. Since I didn't even look it up on purpose, I wondered how effective of a commercial it was and if anyone had looked up "G commercial" to find out what it was for. My roommate looked it up because another roommate thought it was for Guess Jeans. Roommate #1 thought it would be a little too disconnected if Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Danica Patrick and other athletic figures got together for a jeans commercial. Roommate #2 was so wrong.
Back to the search for Blank by the Someone and the Someone's. I went to the Kool 108 website to search their play list to see if any songs/band names struck a chord (literally) with my memory. I was looking for any band that was a guy and his band. I wrote down; Gary Puckett and the Union Group, Jay and the Americans, Hamilton Joe Frank & Reynolds, Seals & Croft (when I remembered they sing Summer Breeze, I thought about crossing them off the list, but these are not normal circumstances! They stay), Jr. Walker and the All-Stars and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. When I came across Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, my office mate said she read an article in the NY Times about how an average house costs $7,500 and if anyone moves there a high percentage moves out of state within a year. It also said the city might have to declare bankruptcy. I didn't know a city could do that.
SO moral of the story, listen to someone when they're saying the name of a band that sings a song you would like to download, and if you know what song I'm talking about leave a comment.
Speaking of Lil Wayne, spell check knows it's wrong, but has no suggestion to correct it. I feel the same way, spell check, I feel the same way.
Back to work.
Monday, February 9, 2009
i found my jugs at the cabooze
Sunday marked the first time I had ever experienced seeing a live jug band, let alone seeing 20 of them battle it out for a waffle iron trophy.
I didn't really know what to expect, but I secretly was thinking of something a little bit Beverly Hillbilly-ish. My guesstimate was somewhere in the middle of fantasy and reality. There were plenty of overalls, banjos and jug playing but they were paired with skilled musicians and songs we (should) all know.
I wasn't there for the whole event, because no matter how much I love drinking and music, I just don't think I could have lasted for 8+...okay I had no excuse, but I did need to do some sober laundry. The bands I did see though were amazing. The Pre Apocalyptic Junkband Orchestra was comprised of mainly 20-30 year olds and had a really solid sound. In-between the upbeat songs about road kill and kicking someone out there was a slower (one of the only slow songs of the night) tune, very easy to swing you're hips to. It's too bad I wasn't with anyone because we totally would have made out.
Another band that stuck out in my mind was Plan B. It was pretty obvious that these guys knew what they were doing and they knew that the key to success was singing a song about Mad Cow Disease. Nope, it's not too soon, they timed it perfectly. Lines like, "Who knew that this disease, could turn your brain into cheese" and my personal favorite, "A disease that turns a subtle animal into a cannibal" really got the crowd going.
The Geezers was the last band to play. I missed some of it, but I got there just in time for the best song of the night. Hand Jive!! The woman emceeing the event came up on stage to lead the dance. I figured she was more qualified than me because she learned the hand jive from Johnny Otis, while I learned it from John Travolta.
This concert had the most diverse cross section of people, from the veterans that have played the last 30 years, to the regular Cabooze crowd, newbies like myself and everyone in-between. If I had a few more beers in me I might have joined in with the girls in front doing the ho-down, or square dance or mad tap dance thing they were doing. I don't really know what they were doing, but I'm gonna guess their legs hurt today.
I also met a woman who had been going to this event since it began and she was happy to hear that this was my first year. There was no separation between young and old. The young were happy to take in some good music and the old were happy to see that this event would continue. I also met a guy, Corky, who was taking some amazing pictures of the event...way better than mine, so he said he would help me out and send some of those pictures over my way. Hopefully I'll be posting those up this week. I also met someone that wants me to join a jug band. Very cool.
All in all it was an awesome time. I feel a little sad because I don't think I'll be able to see anything like this until next year. So start planning, find your old flannel and be sure to make it next year. I know I'll be there with jugs on...or spoons, I don't know where my skills will fall.
I didn't really know what to expect, but I secretly was thinking of something a little bit Beverly Hillbilly-ish. My guesstimate was somewhere in the middle of fantasy and reality. There were plenty of overalls, banjos and jug playing but they were paired with skilled musicians and songs we (should) all know.
I wasn't there for the whole event, because no matter how much I love drinking and music, I just don't think I could have lasted for 8+...okay I had no excuse, but I did need to do some sober laundry. The bands I did see though were amazing. The Pre Apocalyptic Junkband Orchestra was comprised of mainly 20-30 year olds and had a really solid sound. In-between the upbeat songs about road kill and kicking someone out there was a slower (one of the only slow songs of the night) tune, very easy to swing you're hips to. It's too bad I wasn't with anyone because we totally would have made out.
Another band that stuck out in my mind was Plan B. It was pretty obvious that these guys knew what they were doing and they knew that the key to success was singing a song about Mad Cow Disease. Nope, it's not too soon, they timed it perfectly. Lines like, "Who knew that this disease, could turn your brain into cheese" and my personal favorite, "A disease that turns a subtle animal into a cannibal" really got the crowd going.
The Geezers was the last band to play. I missed some of it, but I got there just in time for the best song of the night. Hand Jive!! The woman emceeing the event came up on stage to lead the dance. I figured she was more qualified than me because she learned the hand jive from Johnny Otis, while I learned it from John Travolta.
This concert had the most diverse cross section of people, from the veterans that have played the last 30 years, to the regular Cabooze crowd, newbies like myself and everyone in-between. If I had a few more beers in me I might have joined in with the girls in front doing the ho-down, or square dance or mad tap dance thing they were doing. I don't really know what they were doing, but I'm gonna guess their legs hurt today.
I also met a woman who had been going to this event since it began and she was happy to hear that this was my first year. There was no separation between young and old. The young were happy to take in some good music and the old were happy to see that this event would continue. I also met a guy, Corky, who was taking some amazing pictures of the event...way better than mine, so he said he would help me out and send some of those pictures over my way. Hopefully I'll be posting those up this week. I also met someone that wants me to join a jug band. Very cool.
All in all it was an awesome time. I feel a little sad because I don't think I'll be able to see anything like this until next year. So start planning, find your old flannel and be sure to make it next year. I know I'll be there with jugs on...or spoons, I don't know where my skills will fall.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
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