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.

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?

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.

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).

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."