Phoenix at Vanderbilt University 4/25/10

After three years of want, two rounds of tries, I can finally say I've seen Phoenix live in concert. Vanderbilt University's annual Rite of Spring festival continues to attract some impressive acts, a lot more impressive than Hopkins' list of washed up or unheard of headliners--State Radio, Bone Thugs N Harmony, O.A.R, etc etc etc. It's good to see a university that actually caters to their students and funds a way for them to have fun.

Phoenix was among a pretty awesome two-day lineup. Right before Phoenix's set was the Cold War Kids, who played their hearts out. After Phoenix was the much anticipated Drake (yes, the rapper). The next day had Passion Pit and Ben Harper, both of whom I'd like to see but conflicted with a NASCAR race (yes, they are athletes and no, I did not partake). Phoenix was AMAZING and totally worth every pretty spent penny and standing outside amidst an impending tornado watch. Basically, they played every song from Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, including both parts of "Love Like A Sunset," "Consolation Prizes," and my two favorite songs, "Long Distance Call" and "If I Ever Feel Better." They were full of French charm, calmly telling the audience "Merci Beaucoup" after most songs and to "shake it" for their designated dance tune, "Girlfriend." Phoenix sounded so good and so experienced, controlled and played off the mood of the audience beautifully. Thomas Mars even climbed pretty high up on the scaffolding way above the crowd. The audience was really into it, or they were really into Drake, or they were really shitfaced. Whichever, they were basically ready to mosh, dancing around as if they were clubbing, and throwing around glow-in-the-dark balls and whatnot. I enjoyed it so much and my only complaint was that it was way too short--less than an hour!

About Vanderbilt: the campus is beautiful--though I only saw it in the dark, wandering around lost, it reminds me of an Ivy with its brick buildings and walkways hidden behind trees. The people also reminds me of the Ivy's--stuck up rich kids living off Daddy's trust fund--obviously a generalization but pretty much true nonetheless. Also, everyone was unusually tall. Typically I have no problems seeing the stage but I could barely even find a slit of clear view. Vandy kids were also really rude and were talking through the entire concert. We were jammed in the back or pushed off balance every other minute because one person needs to throw up and the other is trying to rave, probably the most annoying thing while trying to enjoy a concert, not to mention the concert I've been the most eager to see.

In essence, Phoenix was incredible but seeing them at Vanderbilt sucked ass. I'd love to see them again at a real venue. I also apologize for posting this so late (government obligations, my bad) and the shitty quality of my pictures.

New Music: She & Him - Volume Two

Sometimes when an album contains many good songs mixed in with some mediocre but listenable ones, I mistakenly think that the entire album is certified gold. When I heard the sweet and breezy Volume Two, though I quickly thought it was one of the best albums I've ever heard, I waited to form an opinion so that I could listen to it over and over again and pick out what were really long-lasting hits.

And there are many of them in Volume Two. The flow of this album is absolutely fantastic. I listen to it over and over again without suffering ear fatigue. The only odd placement in the album is the opener, "Thieves," which I love, but is really heavy and gloomy and doesn't have the same atmosphere as the other lightweight tracks. It's still one of the standouts of the album, along with "Home," "In the Sun," and my absolute favorite, "Lingering Still."

Overall, this album is so good. It's produced masterfully to leave a rich sound but still raw enough to hear sincerity. I've had Volume Two on repeat for the entire week and the songs still haven't gotten old. The only complaint is that it's a little too cutesy, like you can hear Zooey Deschanel's voice doing twirls and curtsies as she sings lyrics, but what else do you expect from Zooey Deschanel? Regardless, I think this album is so crisp and fresh and a gem for the summer, sun and beyond.

American Idol

Has any one been paying attention to American Idol recently? It's virtually considered America's new favorite pastime nowadays. Anyway, there was a contestant voted off a couple weeks ago who had, what I thought, the most memorable voice. Don't judge him on the fact he was sporting a mullet or that he performs as stiff as a powdered shirt or that he slightly resembles Sondre Lerche, but that he has unmasked, pure talent.



Tough luck, Alex.

Spoon at Work Play 3/19/10

When I was at the Workplay Theater last, I thought it was most swanky venue I've ever been to. The mood was mellow, the drinks were mad expensive (albeit delicious), and Sondre was strumming an acoustic and singing to an attentive and polite audience sitting at dim, candle-lit booths and tables. So, I had a very hard time imagining a Spoon concert in the same atmosphere. Apparently, that was the "work" part of the theater and Spoon was in the "play," basically a ballroom, fitted with curtained ceilings and a glass chandelier, and a raised platform for a stage--a little less swanky. Actually, it felt like a frat party. The audience was also really random, from professional twenty-somethings to teens dragging their parents along to that middle aged couple drunk out of their mind and blabbering about god-knows-what.

Spoon came out about at about 10:45 and they were ready to play. They only said a quick "Hello, Birmingham" and went directly into the jam. I didn't really do my homework with this concert so I really had no idea what songs they were playing at the beginning. But, towards the middle, they started playing their hits like "I Turn My Camera On," "You Got Yr Cherry Bomb," and songs from their latest album, Transference. My personal favorite was "Finer Feelings," boppy and catchy, and when they slowed it down for "Black Like Me." The crowd was feeling good, but the band did not really play off the audience whatsoever. In fact, they could have been rehearsing in a garage. The only thing the lead singer said during the concert was, "Pretty good, huh?" Yes, it was pretty good--very good, in fact--those guys can really play. But I paid thirty bucks for a show, not just a repeat of what I've already heard on my iPod. Regardless, it was a good, and ungodly long, concert, roughly an hour and half of music not including the probable encore which I did not stay.

The best part of the night was when the lead singer's guitar string broke during the first song and he managed to retune and sing at the same time. You can't mask pure talent.

Next up is hopefully a glimpse of the Nashville music scene, which is just packed full of good upcoming shows--Vampire Weekend (which is, of course, sold out), Joanna Newsom, Julian Casablancas and Beach House--but all, unfortunately, happening on weekdays. Hopefully, Phoenix (!!!!) at Vanderbilt on April 23 is still a go.

Meanwhile in Huntsville, Uncle Kracker is coming to town--yay or nay?

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.

Where the Wild Ones Are

Not to transgress from my heritage's tradition to see 2009 as year of Ox, but here in The Grill I announce 2009 was truly the year of Wild.

Starting off with Where the Wild Things are for my Hopkins dormitory floor theme.


getting my wild hand tattoo which was just a temporary rebellion.


the release of Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are, which brought many discussion about the level of children friendliness and re-evaluating the original children book written by Maurice Sendak.


the wild act of nature that graced upon northern east coast. The snow storm suspended everyone's anticipated departure from Hopkins for holiday season by few dates. On the other hand, I secretly enjoyed having people around for few extra days.


and the Wild One concert!


actually.... this Wild One!
Although Rooney is the first band to break through my innocence in popular music I would have not made any effort to purchase ticket and get my cold body wrapped up in jackets to listen to them in live. Again, all the sincere thanks to Wenli.

The group's forte is in strong vocal and overall performance have attract people to their live concerts, but in contrary the song Wild One did not shine enough on the stage to wake up the audience's interest. More or less it left us dubious on how we should react to the flow of the music.

The song's subtle yet catchy verse nicely suited the drummer Ned Brower's light and sorrowful vocal debut. Robert Schwartzman is also an excellent drummer. There was no doubt about the overall performance of the group, nevertheless the songs from newly released EP could not make smoothly transition from the preceding songs that harvest much liveliness, which was the factor that are loved by younger crowd.

The Wild One is much mature (as Wenli and I both agreed) of Rooney's previous selection that we believe in soon time the songs will reach much larger group of audience. Beyond any doubt the tight construction in multiplicity of the melody and expressive vocal parts makes Wild One to be worthy enough for 37 repeats on my iTune per day.

Upcoming Concert Listing for D.C.

Why is it that the ONLY 15 weeks I will be out of the Baltimore/D.C. Area in 3.5 years is the 15 weeks full of AMAZING concerts? I mean, absolutely incredible artists like Wilco and Kings of Convenience who I've been waiting to see live for years. Here's the short list of hot concerts. Please go so I can live vicariously through you while I wallow away in Huntsville.

1/25 CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG @ 930 Club (D.C.)
2/15 KINGS OF CONVENIENCE @ 930 Club
2/20 NOUVELLE VAGUE @ 930 Club
2/24 ST. VINCENT @ 930 Club
3/5 SONDRE LERCHE @ Rock and Roll Hotel (D.C)
3/17 AIR @ 930 Club
3/30 WILCO @ The Music Center (N. Bethesda, MD)
4/3 VAMPIRE WEEKEND @ D.A.R. Constitution Hall (D.C.)

The Link: Juhee and Music

Having a friend with critical sense of music and passion to dissect the history behind the origin of songs and its reflection on our surrounding is unique and yet startling for those who lack them. Even my heavy background of classical music training and mediocre talent in music did not encourage me to explore this medium. When there is a failing relationship between the person and the subject of interest, we often have difficulty finding a language to elaborate on the topic with an objective voice. With this such nature, in combination with my “take it or leave it” personality, music was left aside and only revisited from time to time.

Don’t get me wrong. I love music, or more so I admire music. The problem is that I play favorites with it and it is unavoidable to hide with my frank expression. Also, the ever growing population in popular music industry has created varying strands of music rather than contributing to the evolution of the music (not the music industry). I see this as a limited choice for a person (not the customer), so I often turn back to my Pandora station or old recording of classical tunes until Wenli knocks on my door. Today, I enjoyed my breakfast bowl of piping hot chicken noodle soup listening to the music that Wenli listed on New Year post. I stopped the slurps for intriguing tunes and sometimes shifted my attention to busily fishing out slimy noodles when a song was not meeting my interest. Again and again, I listen to them again.

Hopkins' Octopodes covers Chester French's "She Loves Everybody"

Man oh man. Never did I expect Johns Hopkins' very own blue and black a capella Octopodes to cover Chester French! And to get recognition from CF themselves! I'm not the most school spirited person, but they sound damn tight and I couldn't be prouder. Check them rocking out on the quad, but for the better sound quality version, see their Fall 2009 concert performance.



As a side note, Serena recently brought up the fact that Chester French performed at the Sonar Lounge during finals period this past spring. I didn't want to go because I had a Modern Physics final to study for. And they were opening for an unknown pop artist who I didn't care much for named...Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga is now my #12 most listened to artist on last.fm and I probably got the same grade in Modern Physics regardless if I studied or not. Missing that concert is one of my biggest regrets of the decade.

Rooney on a Related Note

So, if you haven't got enough Robert Schwartzman, check out his other project, Solobob. His first video, The Victim, directed by cousin Roman Coppola below. Dig it? Here's the free mp3, via solobob.com--happy respective holidays!

Rooney at Sonar Lounge (12/12/09)

Speaking from experience, whenever planning to see an adorable straggly-haired boy band, expect pre-pubescent tweens to line up by the hoard, with their parents in tow by the bar. Example--Rooney, a fab-five band from surfing California, whose biggest musical influence is probably their resident state. Attracting squeaky-voiced girls and boys (or were they girls?) alike, Rooney is probably as poppy sounding as I'm willing to admit as good music. Oh, and they're for real good but just suffer from an insufferably young audience and fan base.

Rooney's concert was at The Sonar Club, which completes my tour of hipster venues around the Baltimore/D.C. metropolitan area. It's about as big as the Black Cat, short stage with a one-story room and bar in the back. I personally liked Ram's Head better, which is where they played in June 2008, but neither is a 930 Club. The room was about half-full, which is really unfortunate because Rooney is a quality band. Instead of being filled with the usual 75% twenty-something college hipsters, the audience was probably 90% girls and of that, 90% under the age of 18.

The first opener was the Crash Kings, who were pretty legit. I've never heard of them, but their music is a little darker, edgier and certainly not as young and poppy. I thought they had real potential as a debuting band, with a groove to the music. Interestingly enough, instead of a guitarist, the lead singer played a piano that he could make vibrate. It was really odd--I can only compare it to a Guitar Hero guitar, the thing used to produce vibrato on the guitar when holding out long notes. The second opener was Tally Hall, who was more popular than I expected. I've never heard of them before, so when they came out in their matching vests and mustaches, I thought it was a bad case of coordinating roadies. But, oddly enough, they actually tuned and set up, checked up their own instruments. Removing the mustaches and donning multicolored skinny ties, they played their medieval/Beatles/rap music. They were quite psychedelic, actually, combining four voiced harmonies, with beat boxing and ethnic spoken word. The crowd actually knew them quite well and even asked for an encore...for an opener! And, as nonchalantly as they came out, they pasted on their mustaches again to take away their instruments and get ready for Rooney.

Rooney looked as adorable as always, especially the lead singer, Robert Schwartzman. They've always had a good rapport as a band and they really jived. My favorites of the night were "Stay Away," "Losing All Control," and "When Did Your Heart Go Missing," which they saved for last. The crowd was not very energetic and rather quiet throughout the entire concert. Rooney also performed some songs off their newest EP, The Wild One. I also quite enjoyed their rendition of "Rocking in the Free World" by Neil Young, for which the band did an entire instrument switch. The keyboardist played guitar, the drummer sang lead, and Robert Schwartzman played the drums. It's nice to see a band so versatile. During the concert, the band members were talking to each other. Sometimes it had to with the performance, but other times they were just holding a conversation on stage. Regardless, looked like both the band and the crowd was having fun, with the exception of the bassist, who never showed any emotion. For me, nothing will compare with seeing Rooney for the first time but the second time was pretty darn good as well. I think the band has matured from the sound of their stuff from the new EP, which will hopefully serve to please some older audiences. With four more years to thirty, they can't be adhering to screaming fifteen-year-olds forever.

Overall, it was a great concert. I enjoyed it very much and so did Juhee, who hopefully will write a very long and thorough review of the concert herself. Now I must go rewatch The Princess Diaries and giggle like a fangirl anytime Robert Schwartzman is on screen. As a side note, while waiting outside to get in, we saw Robert Schwartzman discreetly get into a Toyota Highlander (parked in a no stopping zone) with four girls, which is really odd because they didn't tour with any girl band members. Well, let's see if he explains that in his video diaries.

Also, I have made it my personal goal to find someone to see Sondre Lerche in Birmingham, AL, with me. If Sondre Lerche is going to the dirty south, I have to make an effort to see him.

SET LIST

1. Blueside
2. If It Were Up to Me
3. Don't Come Around Again
4. Stay Away
5. Wild One
6. Are You Afraid
7. Terrible Person
8. Losing All Control
9. Suckceed
10. Daisy Duke
11. Pop Stars
12. Paralyzed
13. Rocking in the Free World
14. Sorry Sorry
15. I Should Have Been After You
    
16. When Did Your Heart Go Missing?
    
17. I'm Shakin'

*P.S. The picture is from Rooney at Rams Head Live! about a year and a half ago. My camera died during the concert and I forgot my phone in the lab that weekend (the day that my badge expired), so there's that.

Peter Bjorn and John at 930 Club (11/7/09)

Honestly, I did not have high expectations for the PB&J concert for the following reasons:
(1) I only listened to one album, Writer's Block, prior to buying the ticket.
(2) After I bought the latest album, Living Thing, I was mildly disappointed.

I expected Living Thing to be another Writer's Block, sincerely playful and fun and producing carefree and lovable hits such as "Young Folks," whistled by every person that knows how to whistle--but it was not. There are songs I liked, such as "It Don't Move Me" and "Nothing to Worry About," but other than that, this album was contrived and really difficult to listen to. So, going into the concert, I was already disappointed, and I hadn't even driven my in-total four hours to get there.

To kill the suspense, I actually quite liked it. Their opener was El Perro Del Mar with lead singer, Sarah Assbring (quite possibly the best Swedish surname of the century). I had her one album, the self-titled one, but it was not very easy to listen to, so much so that it ended up in the "skip while shuffling" library. But, I was very pleasantly surprised. Her new album, Love is Not Pop, is quite good and her performance live was even better. I liked "Change of Heart" and even "I Can't Talk About It," which was pretty unrecognizable live. As a side note, I thought Sarah Assbring's dancing was right on par--can't go wrong with an old school cabbage-patch, running-man mix.

Then, after waiting 2.5 hours after doors, the PB&J trio sprung on stage. Starting with "Amsterdam," one of my favorite songs, they began an energetic set, mostly with songs from the new album. One aspect I really like about this band is that every member sings lead. "Amsterdam's" low bass was provided by Bjorn and if I hadn't know any better--I didn't--I would have interpreted him as the lead singer, which of course would be Peter. In the song, "I Want You!," the drummer, whose name is John if you hadn't caught on, sang a vulnerable tune with a slight Swedish accent. Peter, of course, is the designated lead and he had the charisma to match, asking the audience to amuse themselves by singing a vaguely-addressed "Happy Birthday" or to laugh off the time when he forgot the words to "Paris 2004." We happily obliged. The band performed all my favorite songs including the rhythmic "It Don't Move Me," my favorite from the new album. Also a stand-out was "I Want You!" which is growing fast on me as a catchy song with an even catchier guitar riff. However, the best performance was "Paris 2004," a request from an audience member which started off their encore. It was very tender and sweet, starting with only Peter on the guitar, half improving the chords and lyrics, then asking the other two to join along. However, I did not enjoy the "Needles and Pins" complete with a big band, which was pretty cool, but lacked any sort of coherence within the song. Also, the flashy strobe light sequence was mad and someone in the balcony actually fainted during the song. Peter had started off saying that they have never performed this song in America and perhaps it should stay that way.

Overall, PB&J was a pretty good concert. I wasn't sold at the beginning but they had sold it by the end. Their energy was infectious and the crowd was mosh-ready. By the way, I found my favorite hang out spot at the 930 Club. Instead of having to stand for hours waiting and waiting for the band, Serena and I chose to watch from the left balcony at the spot closest to the stage. There, we watched afar as the crowd of eager fans jumped and smashed into each other with excitement. Hey, I was excited too, but not energetic enough to be bopping around. Regardless, at that spot, we were able to feel the energy but were removed from it enough to not tire ourselves out. It's a pretty chill spot and the best seat (because everywhere else is standing room) at the venue.

This may be one of the last good concerts I see. Starting mid-January, I'm moving to Huntsville, AL, which contains nothing there I want except for a NASA center. So, this may be the end of live concert reviews for a while. At least there's still Rooney on 12/12.

New Album: Kings of Convenience - Declaration of Dependence

Something is in the water in Bergen, Norway, because how else could an average sized, picturesque Scandinavian town prolifically produce musician after musician? Case in point--Sondre Lerche, Annie, Edvard Grieg (!!!), and Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe, aka Kings of Convenience. After a five year hiatus, and rumored breakup, they're back with a beautifully written, performed, and produced album.

This album is just absolute art--simple and delicate guitar paired with soft, flowing melodies. It's not an album to listen for a pump of energy nor for ambient noise. Sit down, relax, think and listen to this album. That is the respect it deserves. Declaration of Dependence is really that good.

This album is full of gems, so full that there's no distinguishing between semi- and full-on precious. I'm only going to write about my very, very, absolute favorites, partially because I'm tired after work and partially because I liked every one of them. The others you can see for yourself.

Kings of Convenience - Declaration of Dependence

1. 24-25

2. Mrs. Cold
This song is one of my favorites from the album. Listen to the guitar line and it's playful. Listen to the lyrics and it's melancholy. I really like it because the lyrics are so straight to the point. "Okay I get it/Okay I see/You'd feel vulnerable around me." That is all you'd ever need to know.

3. Me In You

4. Boat Behind
The beat sounds like the bopping of a canoe down a limpid stream, calm and unbothered, and very carefree. Again, an understated jewel of a song.

5. Rule My World

6. My Ship Isn't Pretty

7. Renegade

8. Power of Not Knowing

9. Peacetime Resistance

10. Freedom And its Owner

11. Riot On An Empty Street

12. Second to Numb

13. Scars on Land

Andrew Bird at 930 Club (10/28/09)

Reaping the benefits of making money along with no school work, I've been able to go to more concerts this year without worrying about the consequences later. And, not only have I been able see people I love (i.e. Sondre!) but also people I like, a la Andrew Bird. Even if you were to ask me even now if Andrew Bird listed in my top five fave artists, I would most likely say, "No." Other than a few select songs, "Core and Rind" in particular, I haven't paid too much attention to the pretty solid collection of his songs on in my library. But, I heard he put on a good show so I went.

His opener, St. Vincent was very good, albeit a little strobe-light, stroke-inducing happy. Annie Clark, the front-woman, has a beautiful voice and is very talented. St. Vincent was a great opener for Andrew Bird, also specializing in music using clarinets, flutes, saxophones, etc. All the while, Andrew Bird was standing in the stage box watching.

Boy was Andrew Bird's performance entertaining, from sock monkeys, to dancing roadies, and even stage props that featured the Doppler effect. His charisma and showmanship really sold the show. And, I loved the fact he played a mean fiddle, classically of course. I was impressed how he, just like Sondre, condensed intricate orchestral arrangements into a four (or in Sondre's case, one) person band. He also had such a swag up on stage. My personal favorites of the night were "Headsoak," because my favorite A Bird album is The Swimming Hour, and "Scynthian Empires" with the entire St. Vincent band.

However--this has absolutely nothing to do with Andrew's performance--I was not as connected to this show as I have been at others. And, I know it was not because of his performance because my roommates were all pretty giddy after the show. Maybe it's because I did not know his music as well, as in, I did not know every word to every song, sometimes not even the title of the song. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had been a life-long listener of Andrew Bird, rather than trying to learn his entire repertoire in two weeks.

SET LIST

1. Why?
2. Masterswarm
3. Opposite Day
4. A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left
5. Fitz and the Dizzyspells
6. Headsoak
7. On Ho!
8. Oh No
9. Effigy
10. Anonanimal
11. You Woke Me Up!
12. Imitosis
13. Cataracts
14. Lusitania w/ Annie Clark
15. Scythian Empires w/ St. Vincent
16. Tables and Chairs

ENCORE

1. Oh Sister
2. Prayer of Death
3. I'm Going Home
4. Don't Be Scared
5. Fake Palindromes

Overall though, he was a great act and the show was well performed. Next up is Peter Bjorn and John (11/7) and Rooney, the second time around (12/12).

Musical Wishes for the 21st

My birthday, or the biggest celebration in the last twenty-one years, is approaching and instead of buying me alcohol, I'm requesting something less expensive and more useful--music. Here is a list of albums I would like to poach from those willing to be poached:

Peter Bjorn & John - I am seeing them in November and I realized I have only 1/5 of their stuff.

• Peter Bjorn and John
• Falling Out
• Seaside Rock
• Living Thing

Wilco

• Being There (Discs 1 & 2)
• Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Phoenix - Don't even get me started about how mad I am that they canceled their D.C. show, that would have been on my birthday.

• United

Ben Folds

• Way to Normal

--I will gladly accept any album/song you have of these following artists. Compliments to Brittany Kemp, my music guru.--

• Hard-Fi
• Calvin Harris
• Duffy
• Emiliana Torrini
  

--and now for the guilty pleasures--

Kanye West - Whatever. I don't even like Taylor Swift.

• 808s and Heartbreaks

Britney Spears - I only like one song, "Unusual You," and it happens to be worth getting all the shit that comes along with it.

• Circus

Jay-Z

• The Blueprint 3

If you are willing to share music, send it on over. Regardless, enjoy the 27th as if it were your own 21st birthday.

New Album: Sondre Lerche - Heartbeat Radio

I've been waiting so long for Sondre to put out a new album--about three years, just like the rest of the world. It's well worth the wait. At first, I was just repeated listening to the songs because I was trying to study up for the upcoming concert. This album is definitely his best ever. The flow is wonderful and the string arrangements heavenly. I'm glad he's hung up the electric guitar for a bit to focus on his roots.

It's also very hard to write objectively about an album that you can't stop listening to because all the songs, right now, are "the best EVER." So I'm going to write about those which I think will be my favorites for the long run.

Sondre Lerche - Heartbeat Radio

1. Good Luck

2. Heartbeat Radio
When I listened to this song, I just knew that this album was going to be spectacular. It's very head-boppy and has such a warm feeling with the string instrumentals. His point about the radio is so true though--whenever you want to find that one song, it's never there.

3. I Cannot Let You Go
This is my favorite song of the album and gets the entire thing flowing. The slow "a cappella" guitar transitioning into the keyboard and drum section in the beginning is divine. I love the tempo, I love the beats. I also love the accentuated "let you go" with the voice/piano/computer. Overall, it's the best song of the bunch.

4. Like Lazenby

5. If Only
Really cute. At the concert, Sondre said that this is about childhood dreams, to achieve some and to give up the others. How fitting--I'm living mine at the moment. I love the mix of the syncopated beats with the soft acoustic guitar and I'm such a sucker for a good beat.

6. Pioneer

7. Easy To Persuade

8. Words & Music

9. I Guess It's Gonna Rain Today
This song is about Bergen, Norway, and its rainy weather (400 days out of the week, as Sondre said), but it might as well been about Baltimore. The music is raw and the melody is simple. It's very poignant and you can't help but to listen to this on repeat, sipping a cup of tea, watching the weekly torrential downpour of Maryland.

10. Almighty Moon
The end of the album always has good songs. "Almighty Moon" is probably an overlooked solid song. And I like the text painting with the "running around" lyric.

11. Don't Look Now
I like this song because it's bouncy, and you know how much I love that bounce.

12. Goodnight

And as an extra boost of Sondre Lerche, here's an interview of him talking about his album and songs, courtesy of NPR--so cute! Go out and buy this album. Even better, go out and see him live. It is worth the investment.

Sondre Lerche at the 930 Club (9/11/09)

Sondre has proven again why he's the best to see live. His concert on 9/11 was perfect for his new album--low key and homey, with only his vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, and a few spare guitar strings. I was so surprised that it was a solo act since most of his new songs included an entire string orchestra providing the background. But, he made it work. In fact, he made it even better. I'm still reeling from girlish giddy-ness because of how adorable he is, on stage and off. I got a signature and an awkwardly posed picture to go down in the record books. Two bucks more and I would have sprung for that vinyl.

I loved "If Only," one of my favorite songs of the new album, which he said was about achieving some dreams and forgetting others. "I Guess It's Gonna Rain Today" was very sweet and poignant. I liked it on the album but I love it now that he performed it. Others from his new album were "Heartbeat Radio," "Like Lazenby," "Pioneers" (which I always thought was a throwaway song), "Easy to Persuade," and "Words and Music" (a little sappy for my taste). I wish he had performed "I Cannot Let You Go" because that a standout in my mind. Out of his other songs, his rendition of "Sleep on Needles" was most surprising. I had never paid too much attention to that song but he really ramped up the energy and the guitar strumming. He also performed (in his words) an epic version of "Two Way Monologue" and "My Hands are Shaking," which he broke a guitar string for both songs. He mostly stayed away from Phantom Punch, only playing a toned down version of "Say It All." As an encore, he sang "Modern Nature," arguably my favorite song of his to see live because he duets with the audience.

He was only on stage for roughly and hour and the time flew by so quickly. But, he was absolutely fabulous on the guitar. Back in 2007, he had his bandmates with him and I had no idea he was that good. It was so amazing to see how songs produced with six or seven instruments can be recreated using only one, and sometimes with a guitar string hanging off during the big solo. Compared to his 2007 concert, I definitely enjoyed the newer one better. However, during his older concert, I felt more connected to him during the concert. This could have been because Serena and I got to the 930 Club 10 minutes after he started and were standing next to the bathroom in the nosebleed balcony. If we were there at opening, I totally would have been that girl bouncing up and down right next to that stage...and would have got that set list too.

So, to summarize--Sondre, I love you. Thank you, thank you for a concert that was even better the second time around.

Upcoming D.C. Concerts and Updates

Two great concerts coming to D.C.'s 930 Club:

1. SONDRE LERCHE: Fri 9/11 (doors open at 6PM)
Sondre's new album, Heartbeat Radio, drops on Sept 8 and I'm mad excited. I saw Sondre in New York back in freshman year and it was one of the best days of my life. His new album seems really chill and it should be a pretty low key concert, in contrast to the punky one in NYC to compliment his Phantom Punch album. Unfortunately, I don't know if I can go to this concert because it's so early and my concert buddy, Serena, has class until 6 (which should be illegal on Fridays). I guess this means I need to find an interim concert buddy.

2. PHOENIX: Sun 9/27
OMG PHOENIX IS ON TOUR. OMG THEY ARE COMING TO D.C. OMG THEY ARE PERFORMING ON MY MOFO 21ST BIRTHDAY. OMG OMG OMG. There is still no ticket info on 930's site but they better get their act together because I'm GOING to this concert. Fate wants me to go to this concert so I'm GOING. Did you get that? I don't care if I'm late for work the next day because I'M GOING TO THIS CONCERT.

In other news, I've been craving hip-hop/pop music recently. Thus I've been listening to the local pop radio station, which does not do hip-hop nor pop any justice, but it hits the spot sometimes. Top of the crave list: Flo-Rida's "Right Round." Don't ask. I've also been listening to Britney's "Unusual You," which I've liked from the beginning. No doubt the best song from her album.

And another note, watch (P.) Diddy's Making His Band. It's good to see Diddy putting his star power behind musicians, not girls in skimpy skirts and big hair. I'll even ignore the fact he's making a hip-hop "concept album."

What's New with Beck?

Beck has self-stated he's never going on tour again (tear) but being the prodigious artist, he's never short on ideas. He's created the Record Club and here's his own quip on his project and his always quirky homepage:

"We've been working on changes to the website for the last few months. We'll be adding new sections as they're ready. The first one to be added is called Record Club, an informal meeting of various people to record an album in a day. An album will be chosen to be reinterpreted and used as a framework. Nothing rehearsed or arranged ahead of time. A track will be uploaded once a week on beck.com as well as through the web sites of those involved with the project."

The album they chose was The Velvet Underground and Nico and though I don't listen to The Velvet Underground, the Record Club's version sounds pretty good. I've posted my favorite thus far, but check out all the rest here.

Record Club: Velvet Underground & Nico "Femme Fatale" from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

An unrelated tidbit, Kings of Convenience is coming out with a new album soon (thanks for the tip, Brittany). According to Wikipedia it will be out Friday, October 9, though I've never heard of albums released on Fridays.