Boz
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Post by Boz on Sept 22, 2008 15:48:38 GMT -5
I don't know, I'm getting pretty sick of politics. I'm sure it's a temporary thing, I'm sure I'll get right back into it as the first debate approaches. But I just can't bring myself to snipe right now. Besides, I know I'm right & I know you're wrong...what's the point of arguing? ;D
(even though it makes me feel a little like hifi) I thought a fun, distracting topic might be to share some good concerts we’ve all been to lately. I've been lucky enough to get to go to some really great ones over the past several months (& am looking forward to some others coming up). I know everyone's music tastes vary (again, I am right and you are wrong, obviously), but still, it might be fun & maybe provide a heads up to some about some good shows in case those bands/artists are coming to your area.
So, here are some of the best -- for me at least -- over the last several months:
The Cure - I've seen The Cure about 5 or 6 times, but this show last spring at GMU was amazing for two reasons. One: no keyboards or synths. I've never heard them like that & it was great. Two: it was the first night of the tour & I think they must've played for close to four hours, no joke. Robert Smith even said, "This is our first night and we don't really know what we want to play on our tour yet, so we're just going to try everything out for you.” As Stan & Kyle said, “Thank you, Robert Smith!”
Yaz Reunion - Alright, you either love Yaz or you don't, that's OK. But if you are a fan, this was in-frakking-credible! Considering how long ago they broke up & how little they played live when they were together, I think I might've gotten to be one of maybe less than a million people or so who've ever seen them live. Vince Clark is a genius, and no one has a better voice than Alison Moyet.
James - Another band that just got back together, this was the first time I had a chance to see one of my favorite Manchester bands. Never got to see them back in the late 80s/early 90s. Incredibly energetic show & they went far afield from playing JUST the favorites, which I always like.
The Ting Tings - Manchester's newest alt-pop/dance superstars. A good show, very talented musicians, just a little short because they don't really have a body of work yet.
Regeneration - OK, it was good for nostalgia, but a little on the "meh" side. Would've been better if Dead or Alive hadn't backed out.
Kate Nash - Cute. British. Ginger. Boz is in love.
Liz Phair - Liz, you have been replaced. See above. But, with the "Exile in Guyville" anniversary show, it was nice to hear her revisiting a time not too long ago when she was the hottest thing on the planet.
Editors - They're sort of like Coldplay…..if Coldplay were actually male and had any balls. Plus, my favorite Canadian band, Hot Hot Heat, opened for them.
Some upcoming I am looking forward to: - Dandy Warhols (tonight; lousy new album, but a great band anyway) - Hot Chip (completely infectious) - Vampire Weekend (I might get tired of these guys soon, but I missed them their last time around, so I'm excited about this one) - Dressy Bessy (I realize probably no one has heard of them, but they are a whole lot of fun if you ever get a chance to see them) - Stellastarr* ("She's Gone" is the greatest song about loser guys and evil women ever) - Echo & The Bunnymen in NYC (I don't know if I can make it up there for this, so I hope they add a few more US dates & come a little closer to DC)
I realize this is all pretty genre specific with the alternative & new wave, but hey, I like what I like. I've been to some others (& some outside of this category), these are just the best of what I've seen.
Anyway, that's just some of the stuff that has made my life a little more fun lately. Feel free to share yours.
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Jack
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Post by Jack on Sept 22, 2008 16:07:01 GMT -5
I am Jack, and I approve this thread. We need some more music talk around here. We could also use threads for Mad Men, Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and maybe 30 Rock when it starts up, but I might need some time to compose my thoughts. I will say it was good to see the Emmy's got a few things right last night, even if their total blindness to The Wire discredits the entire enterprise. Anyhoo...
Saw Radiohead live for the first time this past summer and thought they put on a great show. I returned to Great Woods, the outdoor amphitheatre south of Boston that gets all the pretty big summer shows and has changed names 5 times but I still call it Great Woods, for the first time in about 10 years (a combination of unfriendly security, long ride, bad traffic, too many damn teenagers, and me living in DC for most of that time had kept me away). All the hassles were still there (except the teens. also not many girls at this nerd-fest.), but it was totally worth going anyway.
I was on the lawn, so way in the back, but they had a great stage-set, with long glass lights that changed colors throughout the show and a pretty cool split screen video display showing each band member doing his own thing from a variety of angles. And the set list was sweet- they played everything from the new album (which I really like) but also mixed in some great crowd-pleasers like Paranoid Android, Karma Police, The Bends, Idioteque, National Anthem, How to Disappear Completely- basically two solid hours of blistering thinking-man's rock and roll. I will see them again.
Unfortunately, that is pretty much the only band I have seen lately. I need to find some non-lame friends who like decent music in Boston. I am planning to hit the Drive-By Truckers/Hold Steady double bill coming up in about a month. And I am jealous of the DC folks getting Vampire Weekend back at the 9:30- they played one freaking show in Boston at the tiny Museum of Fine Arts back in the Spring, and have not returned.
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theexorcist
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Post by theexorcist on Sept 22, 2008 17:03:34 GMT -5
I hit Austin for vacation about two months ago, and it is awesome for live music. I saw Dale Watson - www.dalewatson.com - who looks like a cross between Elvis and Billy Bob Thornton. I saw Van Wilks - an amazing blues guitarist - and Blues Mafia - a college-aged band with a lead singer with a killer voice. And I ended by seeing Jon McLaughlin - a great pianist. Back to back to back nights. And unplanned. Awesome.
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kchoya
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Post by kchoya on Sept 22, 2008 17:05:08 GMT -5
Was going to see DMB for the first time last month, but, sadly, that was canceled. Maybe I'll make it out to the Gorge next time they're there.
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SFHoya99
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Post by SFHoya99 on Sept 22, 2008 17:10:13 GMT -5
My friend who is giant DMB fan says there is good reason to believe they won't tour again -- at least anytime soon, given the death of one of their band members.
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Post by HoyaSinceBirth on Sept 22, 2008 17:10:42 GMT -5
when's the vampire concert and are there still tickets?
yes i know there are other websites that could give me this info. But i'd rather get all my knews form hoya talk.
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hoopsmccan
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Post by hoopsmccan on Sept 22, 2008 17:20:20 GMT -5
Lyle Lovett rules.
hm
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Bando
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Post by Bando on Sept 22, 2008 17:57:27 GMT -5
I've been pretty bad about seeing bands lately, although I saw Jens Lenkman a few months ago and the Pogues over St. Patrick's Day week. I am hoping to see the Aggrolites at Black Cat later this month.
And Liz Phair is still the sexiest woman alive in my book, Boz.
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Sept 22, 2008 19:01:40 GMT -5
Couple of notes before I leave for Dandy Warhols:
1. Hard to believe Vampire Weekend didn't play more in Boston. I haven't been to Massachusetts in a while, but I imagine that the bars from Worcester to Chatham have been playing them non-stop for the past year. Would have hoped for more.
2. Vampire Weekend had one show in DC that sold out in about 10 minutes. Luckily, I checked the next day and they had added a second show that hadn't been announced yet, so I was able to get tickets. The two shows are Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. Unfortunately, I think both are sold out now, but there's always StubHub or, if you really want to take a flier, I have yet to go to the 9:30 Club for ANY show where there aren't people outside selling tickets the night of the concert.
3. I am one of those who is pretty disdainful of Radiohead's recent efforts (with the exception of the most recent), but I saw them several years back and they are just outstanding live. Even though the first three albums are still the only ones I really LOVE, I would go see them again, in a heartbeat.
4. I was just kidding about Liz Phair. She will always be the original indie sex queen, and I will always be in love with her, but it was good to be reminded of how great she was before she softened up her music, lyrics & image.
5. I'm not a big DMB guy, so I hadn't known that about their band. Really sorry to hear that. They may not be my taste, but they have their moments. For anyone in Northern Virginia, there is a very good DMB cover band called "Crowded Streets" that plays the Arlington/Fairfax circuit. Their lead singer is a really nice guy -- and actually looks quite a bit like Dave Matthews in addition to being a good singer and musician. I don't like cover bands much, but if DMB is your thing, they're worth checking out.
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Jack
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Post by Jack on Sept 22, 2008 19:28:24 GMT -5
Couple of notes before I leave for Dandy Warhols: 1. Hard to believe Vampire Weekend didn't play more in Boston. I haven't been to Massachusetts in a while, but I imagine that the bars from Worcester to Chatham have been playing them non-stop for the past year. Would have hoped for more. Well they did also play Williams College back in the spring, but that ain't exactly a drive I relish for a concert of probably 45 minutes. Also, Brown University more recently, I learned when checking their site. But for a band that sure sings a lot about the Bay State, they have not made it very close to anywhere I am able to see them.
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Sept 22, 2008 21:26:52 GMT -5
Things I've Seen in the Last Two Years that I Recommend:
The National Band of Horses Township Arcade Fire Islands Old Crow Medicine Show Junior Senior The Flaming Lips Muse New Pornographers Ween
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Post by jerseyhoya34 on Sept 22, 2008 21:43:49 GMT -5
Was going to see DMB for the first time last month, but, sadly, that was canceled. Maybe I'll make it out to the Gorge next time they're there. I generally like DMB, but I fall into the group of fans that think DMB peaked a few years ago. Their new stuff just doesn't seem to have that concert appeal like Before These Crowded Streets and some of their earlier stuff did. So, the value of going to a show right now for me is just to see Two Step/Warehouse/41/Pig/Dreaming Tree and the other stuff played again. Maybe it has also been my experience at Dave shows. I have seen them twice and thought they were a little "flat" for both performances. I would see them again but won't go out of my way for it. I haven't seen what I consider to be a good show lately, but, if you ever have a chance to see a Billy Joel/Elton John concert, do yourself a favor and go regardless of cost. Now, I will resume my search for a good indie band. I may check out the Editors based on Boz's description.
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Post by AustinHoya03 on Sept 22, 2008 21:53:15 GMT -5
The best live act in the United States of America plays the 9:30 Club on December 13 if you're not afraid to get weird. Jack, DBT puts on a good if overhyped live show, IMO. I haven't seen them since Isbell left, but the rest of the band is still intact and the set list should be about the same. Good live shows I have seen in the past year or so: The Black Keys -- good tunes, lots of energy, a lot of sound from just 2 dudes. Billy Bragg (plays 9:30 Oct. 27) -- Going to a Billy Bragg show is like going to church -- expect to hear some preaching but also the best one-man-with-a-guitar show on the planet. I've seen him at 9:30 and although it's kind of a big venue for his tunes I still recommend catching his show. Be Your Own Pet -- Jemina Pearl might give Liz a run for her money, Boz. James McMurtry -- Sounds much bigger live than on his albums. Expect a healty dose of Bush/Cheney-slandering between songs. Alejandro Escovedo -- Professional. If at all possible see him at the Continental Club in Austin -- he's there most of the time when he's not touring. My Morning Jacket -- I was never a huge fan of MMJ's albums, but my God are they good live. Jim James' voice has this weird eerie quality to it that is somehow not captured by normal human-made recording devices, and their songs are built to rock out/be expanded in a live set. Alice Russell -- saw 1/2 of a SXSW set this past March (left to go see B. Bragg) and wish I had seen the whole thing. Doubt she's touring stateside anytime soon -- she's from the UK -- but perhaps the London Hoyas can check her out. Venue-wise I also recommend checking out the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles -- it's overpublicized but still pretty cool. Artists/Bands I have not seen live but want to see (comments, please) Antibalas Steve Earle (how I have never managed to catch a Steve Earle show I have no idea) Cut Copy Ryan Bingham Dropkick Murphys Josh Ritter Rodrigo y Gabriela Vampire Weekend Carrie Ann Hearst/Shovels & Rope (current random obsession) Band of Horses Bands I have recently seen live that fell short of expectations: Wilco Spoon The Black Angels Willie Nelson (I've seen him three times in the past four years -- he had 1/2 a voice for one of those shows) God I miss living in Austin.
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PhillyHoya
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Post by PhillyHoya on Sept 22, 2008 21:54:09 GMT -5
Recently, I also saw the Regeneration Tour. I had a great time but then again I'm a huge ABC fan and I went with FLHoya who is a huge Human League fan so we were bound to enjoy it.
I also saw Stone Temple Pilots FINALLY. I've been a fan since the first time I heard Plush as a youngin in 1992 and I never got to see them until this year. Every time I was about to go Weiland ended up in rehab, jail or both. But he stayed clean at least temporarily and put on an awesome show. The best part was that STP didn't try to cloud the setlist with new crap. They played their greatest hits album essentially and then some.
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The Stig
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Post by The Stig on Sept 22, 2008 22:45:00 GMT -5
Not in the same category as that stuff, but for those of us in DC the Capitol Steps play at the Reagan Center every Friday and Saturday. They're freaking hilarious, wonderfully irreverent, and now's the best time to see them. Example: www.capsteps.com/sounds/obama-mia.mp3
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Sept 23, 2008 8:46:06 GMT -5
It is a good morning. Zia smiled at me and waved to me. Zia did not, unfortunately, remove her top which -- if you know The Dandy Warhols -- was a distinct possibility going into this show.
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hoopsmccan
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Post by hoopsmccan on Sept 23, 2008 9:38:48 GMT -5
Austin - I like your taste...I'll have to try out some of the bands you mentioned that I'm not familiar with. As for shows you haven't seen, highly recommend seeing Roderigo y Gabriela...I thought they put on a great show (as you would imagine). I felt the same way about Wilco as you, which is surprising since I like their live from chicago cd. I saw them at a concert in central park a few years ago...the acoustics are never great there, so I chalked it up to that. I've only seen Willie once, but thought it was a fun night...he played the songs you'd expect, even though his voice wasn't 100% there. Ryan Adams opened up and did a good mix of his solo work and some Whiskeytown favorites (I prefer the latter). I thought Josh Ritter was good, but my buddy was way more into him then I...actually embarrassingly into him.
hm
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Bando
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Post by Bando on Sept 23, 2008 9:44:28 GMT -5
The best live act in the United States of America plays the 9:30 Club on December 13 if you're not afraid to get weird. Jack, DBT puts on a good if overhyped live show, IMO. I haven't seen them since Isbell left, but the rest of the band is still intact and the set list should be about the same. Good live shows I have seen in the past year or so: The Black Keys -- good tunes, lots of energy, a lot of sound from just 2 dudes. Billy Bragg (plays 9:30 Oct. 27) -- Going to a Billy Bragg show is like going to church -- expect to hear some preaching but also the best one-man-with-a-guitar show on the planet. I've seen him at 9:30 and although it's kind of a big venue for his tunes I still recommend catching his show. Be Your Own Pet -- Jemina Pearl might give Liz a run for her money, Boz. James McMurtry -- Sounds much bigger live than on his albums. Expect a healty dose of Bush/Cheney-slandering between songs. Alejandro Escovedo -- Professional. If at all possible see him at the Continental Club in Austin -- he's there most of the time when he's not touring. My Morning Jacket -- I was never a huge fan of MMJ's albums, but my God are they good live. Jim James' voice has this weird eerie quality to it that is somehow not captured by normal human-made recording devices, and their songs are built to rock out/be expanded in a live set. Alice Russell -- saw 1/2 of a SXSW set this past March (left to go see B. Bragg) and wish I had seen the whole thing. Doubt she's touring stateside anytime soon -- she's from the UK -- but perhaps the London Hoyas can check her out. Venue-wise I also recommend checking out the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles -- it's overpublicized but still pretty cool. Artists/Bands I have not seen live but want to see (comments, please) Antibalas Steve Earle (how I have never managed to catch a Steve Earle show I have no idea) Cut Copy Ryan Bingham Dropkick Murphys Josh Ritter Rodrigo y Gabriela Vampire Weekend Carrie Ann Hearst/Shovels & Rope (current random obsession) Band of Horses Bands I have recently seen live that fell short of expectations: Wilco Spoon The Black Angels Willie Nelson (I've seen him three times in the past four years -- he had 1/2 a voice for one of those shows) God I miss living in Austin. Yeah, the Dropkicks are f'in amazing live. If you're up for drinking a Guinness while getting punched in the face and singing Irish ballads at the top of your lungs, this is your show! I'm surprised Spoon was so bad live. They've written some fairly awesome tunes. Can you go into why they were bad? Also, based on their one single, I kinda want to go see the Virgins at the Black Cat this weekend. Who's with me?
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Sept 23, 2008 19:44:29 GMT -5
Also, based on their one single, I kinda want to go see the Virgins at the Black Cat this weekend. Who's with me? I kind of like Black Kids, so I might try to make it up for that show.
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Post by AustinHoya03 on Sept 23, 2008 20:22:30 GMT -5
I'm surprised Spoon was so bad live. They've written some fairly awesome tunes. Can you go into why they were bad? Britt Daniel, Spoon's frontman who does most of the songwriting, lives in Portland. The rest of the band lives in Austin. When I last saw them, their timing was waaay off. They actually stopped one song about 30 seconds in and apologized -- "sorry, we haven't played a show together in four months." The show was also outdoors at Auditorium Shores in Austin, which has notoriously horrific sound -- that was a contributing factor which wasn't the band's fault.
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