Sondre Lerche at Work Play (2/12/10) and Music Updates Down South

Thank god there's still good music wherever I go. Sondre Lerche with buddy JBM stopped by Birmingham's Work Play Theatre on 2/12 during his extended Heartbeat Radio tour. Who knows how a scrawny Norwegian singer/songwriter braved the American Deep South? His concert was awesome, as usual, selling the Alabama crowd with his stage charisma. And yes, he was wearing an extremely low V-neck tee, but whatever, hipsters. Particularly, I liked his rendition of "My Hands Are Shaking," "Say It All," both of which I've seen done at D.C. Surprisingly, he left out popular new songs, such as personal favorites "I Cannot Let You Go" and "If Only," for nontraditional ones like "Happy Birthday Girl" and a very acoustic version of "Phantom Punch," with only Sondre on guitar and JBM on half a drumset. It amazes me how he transforms the lush instrumental songs from Heartbeat Radio or punky/poppy songs from Phantom Punch, to a rendition with only a voice and a guitar. Unfortunately, I again arrived too late to see JBM's opening performance (apparently 23rd St and 23rd St South are worlds apart), but from what I hear he's one to watch as well.

By the way, Work Play Theatre is the poshest venue I've ever been. I was expecting the usual standing room only but this place had only tables and booths. Everyone was sitting down and sipping drinks. Kind of unusual, but very nice nonetheless.

Speaking of good music coming near, PHOENIX IS COMING TO NASHVILLE, TN, and maybe to a city near you in their new Spring tour. Spoon is also dropping by Birmingham 3/19. By the way, way up in snowy D.C., the Kings of Convenience concert was delayed until 6/6/10. Anyone interested in going?

New(ish) Music: Rooney - Wild One EP

Rooney's EP has been out for a while but has only been released this past week on iTunes. This EP is not a complete 180 from their past material--it still has the catchy riffs and melodies that Rooney's known for--but maybe a 105 so. I love the folksy, almost (dare I say it?) country twang of the new EP. This album is smooth and an exciting peek into their new and, hopefully, more mature and deeper album coming out in the spring.

Rooney - Wild One EP

1. Suckceed

2. I Don't Understand

3. Wild One
Written and sung by the drummer, Ned Brower, the titular song is about one of Brower's mentors and role models who was killed during a dispute with a neighbor. The guitar line really brings out the sorrow of the song and the twin melody tells of the confusion, frustration, grief, and loss. It's thoughtfully and tastefully written and performed with just enough heart.

4. The Days Keep Going By
The bread and butter of Rooney is their songs gaining/losing love. This is just that, except about 10 years more advanced than their older stuff. It's simple and does justice to their new older image.

Bottom line: It's worth the money and the listen, for new and old Rooney fans alike.