November 29, 2005
Marshal Crenshaw took a moment during his set to thank everyone for coming out to make an old geezer happy. At fifty-two he can still play a mean guitar, opening the set with a song dedicated to his wife, “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. Two excellent musicians joined Crenshaw at this intimate show at Joe’s Pub, Grant Maby, who also plays bass for Joe Jackson, and Diego on the drums. Crenshaw first had some success in New York playing John Lennon in the off-Broadway Beatlemania and then later scored a hit with his song, “Someday, Someway” In 1981. Often compared to Buddy Holly and as an American cousin of other popular British songwriters, Crenshaw got to play the part of Buddy Holly in 1987’s “La Bamba.” Crenshaw just looked happy in his denim jacket and jeans playing his guitar, showing his British pop influence, covering such songs as “19th nervous Breakdown” by the Stones and “Valerie” by Richard Thompson. He gave a mention to his previous guitarist on the last tour, who apparently has fallen ill, and asked anyone that knows him to send a positive thought his way. Most of his songs were finely crafted pop songs about the girl that got away or the girl of the moment. Another bright moment of the evening was his song “Cynical Girl.” So yeah, I was probably the youngest person in the crowd, enjoying a classic guitarist that is there not just living a nostalgic tour but still recording strong and playing live shows cause he’s having fun. I enjoyed the show as well as my fine Italian pasta dish at Joe’s Pub that was pretty tasty. Check out Crenshaw when he makes his next visit to New York.
Tags:
joes pub, marshall crenshaw
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Posted on 11/29/2005
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November 20, 2005
After the show in Manhattan I took an instant chariot over the Brooklyn Bridge into the heart of Park Slope to catch one the performance of the mellow Austin rock band, American Analog Set. Amid rumors of their breaking up, the band had put out a statement that this was the last full on tour for an album, but they would still be making music together. Bands thoughts and decisions of the future are often mere speculation, but as I’d never seen them before, I decided it might be my last chance. The truth is only Miss Cleo really knows for sure. Finding a good spot to see the band is no problem at Southpaw no matter what time you arrive, as the entrance is located stage right. The band, led by the soft spoken guitarist Ken and the maracas shaking xylophonist, played their sweet tunes to the mild mannered crowd (excluding the huge rowdy dude who started cursing and got kicked out.) A few indie-rock college chicks were yelling out things like “Great ass,” and “Show us your face” to Lee. Ken told the crowd, “They’re only going to get drunker.” I saw the girls downstairs and told them to keep on with their good-natured heckling. With minor breaks for humor and slight disruption, the American Analog Set soothed the crowd with their laid-back style and catchy tunes. Maybe they’ll play New York again, maybe not. Ask Nostradamus.
Tags:
american analog set, southpaw
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Posted on 11/20/2005
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November 20, 2005
It was a night that featured music coming from the island, music mellowing the streets of Brooklyn, and the sound of my last audible breath before slumber took over. I was walking to Rock & Rare, a cool little basement joint once known as The Cooler, in the popular meatpacking district with Este and Arie to catch a little concert event held to showcase the band We Are Scientists. The trio started playing on time, must have been some mathematical equation involvedl, and had the crowd moving to their tightly played indie rock yarns. I made out themes of hooking up, boys and girls, and bodies while listening. The bassists especially impressed with his signature mustache and the drummer was the driving force behind the band. Although I’m not a teenage girl with teenage crushes, I’m sure these Scientists will be getting plenty of adoration in the days to come. Check them out as they continue their exploration and experimentation of sound in New York City.
Tags:
rock and rare, we are scientist
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Posted on 11/20/2005
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November 08, 2005
I ventured out to Greenpoint to catch Spoon play one of my old haunting grounds, The Warsaw. Located in The Polish National Home, the venue is an vision of the past, boasting a grand ballroom, intricate molding on the ceiling, gold drapes surrounding the stage, and hot polish bartenders. I became a fan of Spoon listening to Series of Sneaks, their 1998 album off Elektra. I was interning at Matador Records at the time and the feeling was that Spoon had left to go with the commercial label with dreams of the major leagues. Elektra dropped Spoon after that album and they have continued to put out material, finding a steady home with Merge Records, their latest album titled, “Gimme Fiction.” Playing to a sold out crowd, Brit Daniels is a seasoned performer who by the end of the night pulled out all the stops. I saw him play last at Webster Hall and I’ve caught him playing solo at Irving Plaza, but my favorite stage performance was from an early Maxwell’s show back, where Daniels had kicked off the shoes and was playing in socks. So I screamed from the audience, “Take off your shoes!” Another way of saying, make yourself comfortable. After the next song I screamed my message again and some kid fifteen feet in front of me took over and started screaming, “Take off your shoes!” Daniels stopped and replied, “What’d you say, oh. Keep my shoes on. Thanks.” Spoon mixed up the set list playing such favorites as “Sister Jack” from his newer stuff, and “This Is How We Get By,” from the same titled album. In the encored he played “Car Radio,” a request that I had called out early on in the show. Definitely getting their recognition now, my friend Arie doubted that we would catch them at small venue again. So a little intoxicated from the show, (and the beer) strolling along Driggs Ave, I saw a girl riding a beautiful red Bianchi, circa 1988. I asked her if I could borrow her bike and she was a little reluctant but after I told her I too had a fellow Bianchi and offered my friend as collateral, she let me take a spin. I’ve asked girls to borrow their bikes before, but this was the first time that anyone has said yes. So a great concert, a free bike ride, what more can one ask for?
Tags:
spoon, warsaw
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Posted on 11/8/2005
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November 06, 2005
The Super Furry Animals (SFA) were in town last night for their first of a two-night gig at Webster Hall. Their first show in the city for over a year and a half the crowd was eagerly anticipating the show. The band, known to come out in the past in full animal outfits came to the stage dressed in blue jumpsuits that were electrically powered, turning fluorescent green in the dark. Playing songs of their new album “Love Kraft,” recorded in Barcelona, Rio De Janeiro, and Cardiff, this experimental group from Wales mixes classic poppy songs with heavy guitar riffs, a vocoder, (makes one voice sound computer-like). They even sampled a Steely Dan for “Show-Biz Kids.” Switching from acoustic to electric guitars, lead singer Gruff Rhys really picked up the pace in the second half of the show. At one point he asked the crowd if they would rather be addressed by a name rather than “New York City.” After various suggestions someone screamed out “Jesus” and Rhys chose to address the crowd as Jesus the rest of the night. Before one song he put on a futuristic helmet and began to give out celery stalks to the crowd. SFA had one of the best video shows going on behind the band, mixing futuristic Tron-like cities and switching to sped up footage of shots of present day New York. At one point the video had a perfectly synchronized computerized version of Gruff singing along. Rhys let his political viewpoints be known as he constantly criticized Tony Blair, saying that Blair wanted to make hoodies illegal and would probably move on to ban electric clothing. They ran one video showing footage of Blair and George Bush with the words “All Governments, Murderers, Liars” flashing over the footage. The crowd roared in agreement. A uniquely aware band in the world today, keep your eye on the Super Furry Animals.
Tags:
super furry animals, webster hall
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Posted on 11/6/2005
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November 04, 2005
The theme song from Rocky, you know it, was playing over the loud speakers as the room filled with anticipation. The Go! Team, journeyed crossed over the great Atlantic, entertained a packed crowd waiting to hear the multi-talented musicians. Hailing from Brighton in merry old England, the diverse band, including two drummers and two guitarists, rotated instruments throughout the show and changed their musical style throughout. With a jogging suit step crew behind her, the lead singer, dressed in a tennis outift was dancing throughout the night, singing pop songs interspersed with hip-hop that Reverend Run would give his religious seal of approval. At times the girls would leave the stage leaving the band to play purely hardcore instrumental rock songs. For one song the drummer came to the front and sung a sweet pop song accompanied by two of her fellow band mates playing keyboard. Check out their debut release, “Thunder, Lightning, Strike.” Preceding the team was underground hip-hop duo, Airborne Audio playing beats and songs from their album “Good Fortune.” Intelligent rap is always welcome, one where the rhymes deal with topics other than money and hoes. At times the duo was asking for more noise from the crowd but the mostly indie crowd always has trouble moving. Airborne Audio definitely live, eats, and sleeps in their beats. The Aussie grunge pop trio The Grates was the first opener. Hopping up and down singing songs of trampolines and loves, they’re always a fun time. Check out my review of The Grates at Pianos earlier this year for more info of this up and coming band.
Tags:
airborne audio, the go team, the grates, webster hall
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Posted on 11/4/2005
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