Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Andrew Bird & White Denim
Tonight, watch singer-songwriter Andrew Bird on the Colbert Report at 11:30 on Comedy Central. As an added bonus, watch the repeat of White Denim's appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35 AM on NBC. If you want to see a cool web site design, check out White Denim's site. As you scroll down, pieces of crumpled up paper unravel to reveal the next page. Neato!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Review: Jane's Addiction at The National, March 9, 2011
Jane's Addiction was very good on Friday night at the National. They opened with "Underground" from their latest album, the stage backdrop revealing the large statues of two naked women and also two real, almost naked women who were on trapezes high above the band, moving their giant flowing white dresses in time with the music. Also came the first appearance of the masked mime artist that I found quite creepy and reminded me of The Gimp from "Pulp Fiction".
Perry Farrell was in great spirits throughout the show, jumping, dancing and shaking hands with the crowd. After "Underground", came the crowd favorites "Mountain Song" and one of the highlights of the night for me, "Just Because". "Been Caught Stealing" was next and there seemed to be some confusion amongst the band getting together on rhythm so it seemed a little jumbled. They got it together in the middle but kind of lost it again at the end. Not a total crash & burn but noticeable but the only musical misstep I heard all night. Otherwise, they were pretty tight. The sound mix in the theater was good for the instruments though I thought the vocals seemed mixed a little low. Not sure if that was just due to where I was standing. Perry did mention that he had a cold so he may have been mixed low purposefully though he sounded in good voice throughout the show.
"Ain't No Right" followed and then they took their first step into psychedelia with "Ted, Just Admit It...". This brought the dancing girls back to the riser toward the rear of the stage to mime S&M related activities while movies of 60's S&M played on the video screens. The whole effect captured the song's feeling of titillation vs. upsetting violence well.
Speaking of upsetting, the next song, the new "Twisted Tales" brought back The Gimp for a disturbing performance art piece during the song in which The Gimp, all in a white tux with tails now and face still covered, alternately caressed and smashed baby dolls before "hanging" himself next to a hanging doll. The videos on the screen seemed to be about some outsider, punk types. The result was more confusing than clarifying and perhaps when I know the song better it'll all come together. Judging by the rather polite, golf clap after the song, I think the rest of the audience was just as confused.
Next came an acoustic set that featured "Jane Says" and Perry pulling on a bottle of Jefferson's Vineyards wine and commenting how good it was. They played my favorite Jane's song, "Three Days", which brought all the requisite power and majesty that the song deserves. "Stop" led us to the encore, which consisted of another new song "Words Right Out of My Mouth" which also brought back the dancing girls (good) and The Gimp in a weird, bird-like suit (still distubing). They closed the show with one of their earliest songs, "Whores" and then we were out into the night. I think they played about 90 minutes but I don't think they were ever a marathon show type band so that seems about usual for them. Overall, I'd give the show an A- / B+.
Perry Farrell was in great spirits throughout the show, jumping, dancing and shaking hands with the crowd. After "Underground", came the crowd favorites "Mountain Song" and one of the highlights of the night for me, "Just Because". "Been Caught Stealing" was next and there seemed to be some confusion amongst the band getting together on rhythm so it seemed a little jumbled. They got it together in the middle but kind of lost it again at the end. Not a total crash & burn but noticeable but the only musical misstep I heard all night. Otherwise, they were pretty tight. The sound mix in the theater was good for the instruments though I thought the vocals seemed mixed a little low. Not sure if that was just due to where I was standing. Perry did mention that he had a cold so he may have been mixed low purposefully though he sounded in good voice throughout the show.
"Ain't No Right" followed and then they took their first step into psychedelia with "Ted, Just Admit It...". This brought the dancing girls back to the riser toward the rear of the stage to mime S&M related activities while movies of 60's S&M played on the video screens. The whole effect captured the song's feeling of titillation vs. upsetting violence well.
Speaking of upsetting, the next song, the new "Twisted Tales" brought back The Gimp for a disturbing performance art piece during the song in which The Gimp, all in a white tux with tails now and face still covered, alternately caressed and smashed baby dolls before "hanging" himself next to a hanging doll. The videos on the screen seemed to be about some outsider, punk types. The result was more confusing than clarifying and perhaps when I know the song better it'll all come together. Judging by the rather polite, golf clap after the song, I think the rest of the audience was just as confused.
Next came an acoustic set that featured "Jane Says" and Perry pulling on a bottle of Jefferson's Vineyards wine and commenting how good it was. They played my favorite Jane's song, "Three Days", which brought all the requisite power and majesty that the song deserves. "Stop" led us to the encore, which consisted of another new song "Words Right Out of My Mouth" which also brought back the dancing girls (good) and The Gimp in a weird, bird-like suit (still distubing). They closed the show with one of their earliest songs, "Whores" and then we were out into the night. I think they played about 90 minutes but I don't think they were ever a marathon show type band so that seems about usual for them. Overall, I'd give the show an A- / B+.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: The Horrors
Tonight, check out pop/rock band The Horrors on Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35 AM on NBC. The Horrors are ripping it up in their homeland, the UK. Their album "Skying" recently won Album of the Year at the NME Awards.
Jane's Addiction, Lemonheads, Lotus, Mary Gauthier, Susan Greenbaum, Cosmic Charlie
Friday night, I'll be at Jane's Addiction at The National and hopefully you'll be too. If you didn't get tickets within the first hour they went on sale, well, you better know someone, because they is sold out. Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8:30 with opener Black Box Revelation. Here's Jane's doing perhaps their greatest song, "Three Days":
To keep the 90's Lollapalooza vibe going, The Lemonheads will be at The Canal Club on Friday night. It's $17 to get in. Doors open at 7:30 and the show kicks off with The Vacant Stairs and The Shining Twins. Here's The Lemonheads biggest hit, "Into Your Arms" (disregard the brief glimpse of Alison Moyet in the beginning):
Saturday, jam band Lotus will be at The National. Tix are $22 in advance, $25 at the door. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 with opener The Malah. Here's a glimpse of Lotus' sold out show on February 4 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver:
If you like the jam bands but of the more traditional type, check out Grateful Dead cover band Cosmic Charlie at The Canal Club. Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Doors open at 8:30 and it doesn't look like there is an opener. Here's a mini-documentary on the band:
Also Saturday, the Susan Greenbaum Band will be at Ashland Coffee & Tea. Tix are $10 at the door. Show starts at 8 with no opener. Here's Susan performing "Here No More" just about a year ago at Ashland Coffee & Tea:
Wednesday night at Ashland Coffee & Tea, you'll find singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier. Tix are $15 in advance, $20 day of show and the show starts at 8 with no opener. Her latest CD, "The Foundling" had much acclaim including being named the third best album of 2011 by the LA Times. Here's Mary performing "Wheel Inside the Wheel" with Tania Elizabeth on violin on 3/2 in Dallas:
If you're interested in the 10 most offensive songs in history, well Flavorwire put together a list HERE. This may not be safe for work depending on who looks over your shoulder and whether you choose to actually play any of these songs and, if so, how loud. These songs will be good if you are ready for everyone to get out of your house this weekend when the party is over.
I'll see you at Jane's Addiction, if you can get in. Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
To keep the 90's Lollapalooza vibe going, The Lemonheads will be at The Canal Club on Friday night. It's $17 to get in. Doors open at 7:30 and the show kicks off with The Vacant Stairs and The Shining Twins. Here's The Lemonheads biggest hit, "Into Your Arms" (disregard the brief glimpse of Alison Moyet in the beginning):
Saturday, jam band Lotus will be at The National. Tix are $22 in advance, $25 at the door. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 with opener The Malah. Here's a glimpse of Lotus' sold out show on February 4 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver:
If you like the jam bands but of the more traditional type, check out Grateful Dead cover band Cosmic Charlie at The Canal Club. Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Doors open at 8:30 and it doesn't look like there is an opener. Here's a mini-documentary on the band:
Also Saturday, the Susan Greenbaum Band will be at Ashland Coffee & Tea. Tix are $10 at the door. Show starts at 8 with no opener. Here's Susan performing "Here No More" just about a year ago at Ashland Coffee & Tea:
Wednesday night at Ashland Coffee & Tea, you'll find singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier. Tix are $15 in advance, $20 day of show and the show starts at 8 with no opener. Her latest CD, "The Foundling" had much acclaim including being named the third best album of 2011 by the LA Times. Here's Mary performing "Wheel Inside the Wheel" with Tania Elizabeth on violin on 3/2 in Dallas:
If you're interested in the 10 most offensive songs in history, well Flavorwire put together a list HERE. This may not be safe for work depending on who looks over your shoulder and whether you choose to actually play any of these songs and, if so, how loud. These songs will be good if you are ready for everyone to get out of your house this weekend when the party is over.
I'll see you at Jane's Addiction, if you can get in. Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Neon Indian, The Men, Emmylou Harris: Late Night Pick of the Night
I fell asleep while lying down with the four-year old last night, waiting for him to fall asleep, so I didn't get to do the full blog. I woke up at 12:45 AM and didn't feel like dragging my ass downstairst and starting it. So here a couple of bands that are playing tonight. I'll do the rest of the weekend review tonight.
Neon Indian will be at The National tonight. Tix are $15. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:30 with opener Purity Ring. Neon Indian are an electronic pop band that remind me of Gorillaz, New Order, and other 80's pop bands. Keeping up the 80's vibe, Cartoon Network's Adult Swim did this cool 80's style animated video for their song "Fallout":
At Strange Matter tonight, you will find garage rock band The Men. I mean, there will be women there too, but the band is called The Men. It's $7 to get in. Doors open at 6, show starts at 7 with openers Hoax Hunters and Lost Tribe. Here's The Men playing Shea Stadium (the night club in NYC which I think is a rather brilliant name) in October:
Tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night is the beautiful and talented Emmylou Harris on the Colbert Report on Comedy Central. That's on at 11:30 PM and then repeats often over the next 24 hours.
Neon Indian will be at The National tonight. Tix are $15. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:30 with opener Purity Ring. Neon Indian are an electronic pop band that remind me of Gorillaz, New Order, and other 80's pop bands. Keeping up the 80's vibe, Cartoon Network's Adult Swim did this cool 80's style animated video for their song "Fallout":
At Strange Matter tonight, you will find garage rock band The Men. I mean, there will be women there too, but the band is called The Men. It's $7 to get in. Doors open at 6, show starts at 7 with openers Hoax Hunters and Lost Tribe. Here's The Men playing Shea Stadium (the night club in NYC which I think is a rather brilliant name) in October:
Tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night is the beautiful and talented Emmylou Harris on the Colbert Report on Comedy Central. That's on at 11:30 PM and then repeats often over the next 24 hours.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Laura Marling
On Last Call with Carson Daly tonight, check out much acclaimed singer-songwriter Laura Marling. Her album "Creature You Know" was nominated for a Brit Award in the best British Solo Female Artist category and she's playing Coachella and Bonnaroo here in the states this year.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Kylesa; Bruce Fever: Catch It!
Tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night is psychedelic metal band Kylesa on Last Call with Carson Daly. Last Call is on at 1:35 AM on NBC. Kylesa will be heading out on tour in April with our local heroes, GWAR.
After hearing the first single ("We Take Care of Our Own") from Bruce Springsteen's new album, "Wrecking Ball" (out today), I was a bit trepidatious about the new Bruce. The song was pretty pedestrian lyrically, especially by Bruce standards, and almost stereotypically Bruceian musically. However, I finally caught Bruce fever again yesterday. I listened to a stream of the album on the Paste Magazine site (up for today only HERE) and found the music to be a cross between "The Rising" and the "Seger Sessions" with lots of folk instruments combining with some more interesting sonic elements. It definitely caught my attention, much more so than his previous album, "Working on a Dream".
Then I went home and watched Friday's episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon which featured two songs from the new album and also a killer, wall of sound version of "E Street Shuffle" featuring both the E Street Band and the Roots. Tom Morello also played on all three songs. Since the kids were outside playing, I also got to listen to it really loud, which helped. Here's the three songs. "Death to My Hometown" is a rocker. "Jack of All Trades" does what Bruce does best, taking the story of a down-and-out fellow to personalize larger issues. And then the aforementioned "E Street Shuffle".
After hearing the first single ("We Take Care of Our Own") from Bruce Springsteen's new album, "Wrecking Ball" (out today), I was a bit trepidatious about the new Bruce. The song was pretty pedestrian lyrically, especially by Bruce standards, and almost stereotypically Bruceian musically. However, I finally caught Bruce fever again yesterday. I listened to a stream of the album on the Paste Magazine site (up for today only HERE) and found the music to be a cross between "The Rising" and the "Seger Sessions" with lots of folk instruments combining with some more interesting sonic elements. It definitely caught my attention, much more so than his previous album, "Working on a Dream".
Then I went home and watched Friday's episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon which featured two songs from the new album and also a killer, wall of sound version of "E Street Shuffle" featuring both the E Street Band and the Roots. Tom Morello also played on all three songs. Since the kids were outside playing, I also got to listen to it really loud, which helped. Here's the three songs. "Death to My Hometown" is a rocker. "Jack of All Trades" does what Bruce does best, taking the story of a down-and-out fellow to personalize larger issues. And then the aforementioned "E Street Shuffle".
Monday, March 5, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Joe Louis Walker; Satisfaction review
Tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night is multiple Grammny & WC Handy Award bluesman Joe Louis Walker. He'll be on Conan tonight at 11 PM on TBS.
For those of you wondering, the Satisfaction: Rolling Stones Tribute show on Thursday night at The Naional was pretty damn good. They definitely had the chops, with highlights being "Can't You Hear My Knockin'", "Live With Me", and "Miss You". "Mick" (who looked like a cross between Mick Jagger and Jeff Beck) and "Keith" had the looks down and the moves. "Ron Wood" and "Bill Wyman" were great players but the wigs were distracting. I appreciated that the drummer didn't even bother to try to look like Charlie Wattts. But during the show I was reminded that the Stones were one of the first real rock bands I loved, getting into them as I began listening to classic rock in 6th grade. I also enjoyed seeing the songs performed in the stripped down five-man band format, instead of the rather bloated live band that the Stones have become. Other than a few instances (the congas on "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" and some piano bits), the songs hold up just fine without the extra musicians and in many cases are more powerful. And I had a good time dancing. ;-)
For those of you wondering, the Satisfaction: Rolling Stones Tribute show on Thursday night at The Naional was pretty damn good. They definitely had the chops, with highlights being "Can't You Hear My Knockin'", "Live With Me", and "Miss You". "Mick" (who looked like a cross between Mick Jagger and Jeff Beck) and "Keith" had the looks down and the moves. "Ron Wood" and "Bill Wyman" were great players but the wigs were distracting. I appreciated that the drummer didn't even bother to try to look like Charlie Wattts. But during the show I was reminded that the Stones were one of the first real rock bands I loved, getting into them as I began listening to classic rock in 6th grade. I also enjoyed seeing the songs performed in the stripped down five-man band format, instead of the rather bloated live band that the Stones have become. Other than a few instances (the congas on "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" and some piano bits), the songs hold up just fine without the extra musicians and in many cases are more powerful. And I had a good time dancing. ;-)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Friday Cheers lineup announced, Elvis Costello: Late Night Pick of the Night
The lineup for Friday Cheers, Richmond's best ongoing music series at the best venue in Richmond (Brown's Island) was announced today. Looks like another good one. It'll be $5 to get in for most shows, $10 for some others. You can buy a season pass for $35 before April 1 and then that goes up to $40.
Here's the lineup along with my level of excitement in parentheses, 1 being the highest:
May 4 - Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears with The Preservation - $5 - (2) - great, up and coming funk/r&b/blues band. A fine start to the season.
May 11 - Carolina Chocolate Drops with The Inflatables - $5 - (3) - bluegrass, traditional old-time music. Should be fun.
Here's the lineup along with my level of excitement in parentheses, 1 being the highest:
May 4 - Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears with The Preservation - $5 - (2) - great, up and coming funk/r&b/blues band. A fine start to the season.
May 11 - Carolina Chocolate Drops with The Inflatables - $5 - (3) - bluegrass, traditional old-time music. Should be fun.
May 18-20 – Dominion Riverrock, featuring Galactic, Travelin’ McCourys feat. Keller Williams, and JJ Grey and Mofro. - FREE - not part of Friday Cheers technically so I didn't rank it but will be there with bells on or at least cool, glow in the dark stuff. For more info, see THIS blog entry.
May 25 - RVA Music Night with Three Sheets to the Wind, The Trillions and Photosynthesizers - $5 - (7) - the ranking is not a slight to the bands, it's just that they play in town all the time. Will be a good night to see some great local music all in one place, especially if the weather is nice.
June 1- Chris Young with Honky Tonk Heroes - $10 - (8) - the obligatory pop country band. Will take a week off.
June 8 - ALO with Former Champions - $5 - (6) - ALO is a good jam band and I like local jammers Former Champions, too. ALO just not good enough for me to be super excited about. Will go if weather is nice.
June 15 - Dawes with Sara Watkins - $5 - (4) - Folk rock. I am really liking their song "Time Spent in Los Angeles" lately.
June 22 – Alabama Shakes with Robert Ellis - $5 - (1) - If you only go to one Cheers, make it this one, rain or shine. Alabama Shakes has gathered a huge buzz before they even have an album out (their first comes out soon) based on their live shows and Muscle Shoals blues/Southern rock sound.
June 29 - Trampled by Turtles with Goldrush - $10 - (5) - Progressive Bluegrass or Newgrass, if you will.
We will have more on these bands as we hit the week of their show.
For tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night, we're back to Jimmy Fallon's Bruce Week where Elvis Costello will perform Springsteen's "Brilliant Disguise" with Jimmy's house band, The Roots, backing him up. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is on at 12:35 AM on NBC.
Nelly Kate, Diamond Center, Satisfaction, Black Girls, People's Blues of Richmond, Julia Nunes, Titus Andronicus
Before we get to what's happening in town this week, Phish announced their summer tour today with two shows in VA, both in Portsmouth. Great that there will be two shows, unfortunately, they are in the middle of the week (Tuesday & Wednesday, 6/19 & 20) which means I probably only be able to do one anyway. I can't really miss three days of work (need a day to recover because I'm old now). Also, at $60 a ticket and knowing that Richmond gets tons of bands in May & June when they hit us up in between weekend festival appearances, I want to save some $ for the bands I don't have to travel to see. Here's the usual humorous tour announcement video featuring Fishman:
Phish Summer Tour 2012 Announcement from Phish on Vimeo.
Thursday night, at Strange Matter, it's a four band show that will have doors open at 9 and music start at 10. It's $7 to get in. The bands (in reverse order of appearance): Nelly Kate, Diamond Center, Softspot & The Pharmacy. The first 50 people in get a free download of Nelly Kate's new "ISH ISH" record since this is the record release party. This is also Diamond Center's last Richmond show before they head out on a month long tour of the South, including a number of gigs at SXSW. Here's a few songs and an interview with Nelly Kate courtesy of Raw Music EP:
Also Thursday night, Satisfaction: The Rolling Stones Experience tribute band will be at The National. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $12.50. I don't usually do the tribute band thing, but I got some freebies for this one, so I'll be there. No opener since the band will play two sets. Here's their promo band and it looks like this could be fun. And it will be a hell of a lot cheaper than seeing the real thing (if they tour again).
The CAA Basketball Championships will be happening this weekend here in Richmond at the Coliseum. There will be bands and fun stuff playing in the courtyard next to the Coliseum and that is free to all. I'll be down there Friday night for the games. Here's the lineup for the bands:
On Sunday night, you can watch Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball live from NYC at epixhd.com. Click HERE. That starts at 7 PM. A lot of great comedians, Coldplay, Mumford & Sons and more. Here's the trailer:
A couple of shows on Tuesday of next week. Titus Andronicus and Screaming Females will be getting all punky on your ass at Strange Matter. Diarrhea Planet (yes, that's really their name) will open. This is an early all-ages show so you can bring your little sister. Doors open at 5, show starts at 6. Tix are $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Here's Titus Andronicus playing at Pitchfork.tv's Brooklyn office last month:
Also on Tuesday, YouTube sensation singer/songwriter Julia Nunes will be at The Camel. The show starts at 7:30 with openers The Manifestivus and The Kindling Kind. Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Here's Julia's video for "Stay Awake":
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Phish Summer Tour 2012 Announcement from Phish on Vimeo.
Thursday night, at Strange Matter, it's a four band show that will have doors open at 9 and music start at 10. It's $7 to get in. The bands (in reverse order of appearance): Nelly Kate, Diamond Center, Softspot & The Pharmacy. The first 50 people in get a free download of Nelly Kate's new "ISH ISH" record since this is the record release party. This is also Diamond Center's last Richmond show before they head out on a month long tour of the South, including a number of gigs at SXSW. Here's a few songs and an interview with Nelly Kate courtesy of Raw Music EP:
Also Thursday night, Satisfaction: The Rolling Stones Experience tribute band will be at The National. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $12.50. I don't usually do the tribute band thing, but I got some freebies for this one, so I'll be there. No opener since the band will play two sets. Here's their promo band and it looks like this could be fun. And it will be a hell of a lot cheaper than seeing the real thing (if they tour again).
The CAA Basketball Championships will be happening this weekend here in Richmond at the Coliseum. There will be bands and fun stuff playing in the courtyard next to the Coliseum and that is free to all. I'll be down there Friday night for the games. Here's the lineup for the bands:
Friday, March 2nd
5:00pm – 6:00pm - William Walter and Tucker Rodgers
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Beast Wellington
Saturday, March 3rd
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Release The Hounds
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Bush League
5:30pm – 6:30pm – DJ Mordecai Group
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Debo
Sunday, March 4th
Noon – 2:00pm – Physcobilly Cadillac
Monday, March 5th
5:30pm – 7:00pm - DJ Mordecai Group
A great show at The Camel on Friday night with local bands Black Girls, People's Blues of Richmond, and The Lawsuits. The show starts at 9 and it's $7 to get in. This is the Black Girls last show in Richmond before they hit the road on a national tour opening for The Head and The Heart in the month of March, including a gig at The National on 3/21. Here's Black Girls video for "South Carolina":
On Sunday night, you can watch Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball live from NYC at epixhd.com. Click HERE. That starts at 7 PM. A lot of great comedians, Coldplay, Mumford & Sons and more. Here's the trailer:
A couple of shows on Tuesday of next week. Titus Andronicus and Screaming Females will be getting all punky on your ass at Strange Matter. Diarrhea Planet (yes, that's really their name) will open. This is an early all-ages show so you can bring your little sister. Doors open at 5, show starts at 6. Tix are $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Here's Titus Andronicus playing at Pitchfork.tv's Brooklyn office last month:
Also on Tuesday, YouTube sensation singer/songwriter Julia Nunes will be at The Camel. The show starts at 7:30 with openers The Manifestivus and The Kindling Kind. Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Here's Julia's video for "Stay Awake":
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
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