Category: Music

Looking back, I hardly recognize the person who loved music this much and went to so many shows. I wrote these reviews to put eyes on these artists and to try to find a community of people who shared my passion.

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Concert Review: The 88 @ The North Star Bar, Philadelphia

Location: North Star Bar
City: Philadelphia, Pa
Date: March 4th, 2010
Opening Act: (Don’t know the name)

[Opening Acts]

The last time I stepped foot in the North Star Bar was about a decade ago and I happened to meet John Mayer before he got huge. I was excited to return to the venue to see the excellent, yet under-rated band The 88. We walked into the stage area (which holds no more than 100 people) and saw the merchandise table. My friend Mark struck up a conversation with the girl running the table and she ended up hanging with us for most of the night (she was a good sales person because I ended up buying 2 CDs and a t-shirt for my wife). She let us know The 88 was going to be the third act of five hitting the stage and she didn’t know the first two.

I don’t know the names of the acts, and for their sake I am glad. The first band was an odd collection of college students. A mostly female band with a big burly lumberjack looking guy playing bass. No guitar or piano player, but they had a girl playing a xylophone (or something close to it). The lead singer had a voice similar to Corinne Bailey Rae – it was beautiful, but the songs were terrible avant-garde, self indulgent, and messy. I think the singer could really make something of herself if she ditched the noise and found a more mellow, melodic act to work with.

The second band was called “Bla” or “Bla Bla” or something like that. The act was comprised of a large greasy looking fellow in a cloth trench coat looking thing and a girl that played tambourine. She did some spoken word poetry while he played the keyboard. He then took the lead and sang a series of increasingly terrible songs. I had the distinct feeling that I wasn’t in on a larger joke because nobody could be that bad by accident. Kudos to them for having the balls to get on stage and do it, especially before an act that was actually talented. All I can say is good luck with whatever it is you think you are doing (besides wasting people’s time).

[The 88]

After enduring the two openers, The 88 quickly came on and melted my face off. The kid running the sound board had the band SUPER LOUD (my ears are still ringing). For the first few tunes, it was very hard to pick up any of the nuances of the music since it all mushed together. The sound engineer improved things a bit when the band played a slower tune.

The 88 focused on songs from what I am guessing to be their most popular album “Over and Over”. That suited me just fine since I knew those songs the best. My friend Mark kinda knows the band (this was the third time he had seen them in the last 8 days). He let me know the new material they were trying out. Tunes like “Nobody Cares” and “Hide Another Mistake” were the high-points for me, but the new material sounded great. Even though there was maybe 20-30 people in the bar, lead singer Keith Slettedahl worked his ass off, dancing around the stage and hitting his trademark high notes.

The set was short and sweet, as the band had to make time for the two other acts. Keyboardist Adam Merrin quickly struck up a conversation with Mark and I got a chance to talk to him and Keith. Adam politely listened while I told him my boring story about how I discovered the band through the TV show “How I Met Your Mother”, interestingly enough Adam mentioned that show star Josh Radnor was really a big fan and might have had something to do with their songs being used. Adam and Keith were very nice and gracious people and as we walked outside to get our cab, we saw Keith quietly getting back on the bus to (presumably) prepare for another show (they played 27 out of 30 days in the last month).

I enjoyed the concert and really respect The 88’s stage presence and work ethic. Check them out if you get the chance.

Here is a small clip from my crappy cell phone camera:

Here is video for a better idea of their sound:

[A Side Story]

The girl running the merchandise table had a very “Philadelphia” attitude and I immediately thought “she would be perfect for my friend Sean“. I have never tried to pull this move for him before, but a girl that I knew who I have been thinking about hooking him up with recently started dating someone, so I decided to not miss another chance. I casually mention him and then pulled up a picture on my phone, she then proceeds to tell me she preferred the company of women and I felt like a total scumbag. The girl could not have handled herself with more class but I felt like I knob. Serves me right for not minding my own business.

🙂

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Concert Review: John Mayer @ The Wachovia Center, Philadelphia Pa

Headline Act: John Mayer
Location: Wachovia Center
City: Philadelphia, Pa
Date: February 21st, 2010
Opening Act: Michael Franti and Spearhead

[Pre-Concert Logistics]

Having been to concerts at the Wachovia Center before, the only issue I had was when I purchased the tickets, my only delivery option was will-call which meant we had to stand in line to get them (I bought the tickets months ago). The long line moved fast so it wasn’t a big deal. We were lucky to get good seats (third row) and getting down to the floor to our seats also was not as easy as it should have been, but again, not a big deal. One last thing: I have to throw in my gripe about people standing in the front rows so you have no option but to stand if you want to see. Now that it was said, I will move on.

[Opening Act]

I have never heard of Michael Franti and Spearhead before tonight. The band had several backup singers and a high energy vibe. They reminded me of a summer bar band: bright summery tones, an eclectic mixture of musicians who just seemed to enjoy playing. Franti ran out into the crowd several times and brought up little kids on stage to dance. Nice friendly people, good tone. In between sets, the band came to the front of the stage to sign autographs, which was pretty classy.

As for the music itself, as I said – summery pop music with island influence. They weren’t the greatest band I ever saw in my life, but they were very good. I appreciated that the booking agents didn’t hire some Mayer singer-songwriter wannabe to bore the crowd. I would like to see this band outside and near water – I can see the summer concert series at the Pier in their future.

[John Mayer]

John Mayer came on at 9:30 PM. He kicked the show off with a song from the newest album – “Heartbreak Warfare” All of the tunes from “Warfare” sounded better live (with the exception of the “Crossroads” cover which should just be buried). By the third or fourth song, Mayer started to banter with the crowd and read a sign near us that said “I can play Belief”. The sign was held up by a boy no older than 11 (his name was Austin). Mayer brought him right up and to the delight of the crowd, Austin totally nailed it. After a few minutes, he allowed the kid to leave but gave him a cherry red Fender guitar to take home. I always thought John was a decent guy and that was a very cool thing for him to do.

The night continued with Mayer showcasing his extraordinary guitar skills and light banter with the crowd. Every song and every jam was excellent. At one point he teased playing “Stop this Train” but the crowd pushed for “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” (which was great) – I was bummed that he didn’t play the other song because it is one of my favorites, but the crowd must be appeased.

I can’t say enough good things about the show. Mayer is a professional and gives the audience a fantastic show. We left at 11:20 PM and he was still going. I don’t know what time he finished but I was pleased and satisfied with the two hours I watched. Take my advice: Stop reading the tabloids and just listen to the guy’s music, go out and buy his live DVD to see what kind of musician he really is. You won’t be disappointed (unless you want to be).

UPDATE: I also want to make note of one of Mayer’s other guitar players Robbie McIntosh. McIntosh played with a slew of bands including the Pretenders and Paul McCartney. He is an excellent guitar player that (of course) gets overshadowed by Mayer. If you happen to catch future shows, watch this guy play, he is fraking fantastic. Mayer also scores massive points for bringing Steve Jordan from the Trio project on the road as his primary drummer. That guy is AWESOME!

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The Best of 2009 Entertainment

In addition to yesterday’s Top 10+ Albums of the Decade, I am going to do a run down of the best of this year with both music and movies (I would do books, but I have no idea when half the stuff I read was published). Honestly, there wasn’t much that really impressed me this year, so here it is – no specific order again.

[Best Albums of 2009]

Neko Case – Middle Cyclone

I struggled with not putting this album on the best of the decade since it is so fresh in my mind. I honestly do think it stacks up, but I am holding off (I did that with much of the 2009 output). Neko Case’s voice is a fucking massive storm with breaks of light at the center vortex. This album is inventive and clever. Her backing band is fantastic. Great album from front to back and a wonderful concept tying the whole thing together.

The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You

The band’s major label debut is satisfyingly restrained. When I heard Rick Rubin was going to produce it, I assumed he would put his stink all over it. He didn’t. The boys are still staying true to their sound. I noted in previous blogs that there are a few questionable song selections that don’t seem to fit, regardless, the output is wonderful.

Conor Oberst – Outer South

This album DID make my year decade list. The Mystic Valley Band is something special and I hope Oberst known what he has with these guys. Here is a clip I took MYSELF at a concert in Delaware (it sucks but you saw the good one yesterday).

Them Crooked Vultures – Self Titled Album

Take Led Zeppelin + Foo Fighters + Queens of the Stone Age and you have Them Crooked Vultures.

Ben Harper & The Relentless 7 – White Lies for Dark Times

Harper brings the rock and a back-up band.

[Best Movies of 2009]

I saw a ton of movies this year, and I have to say I was underwhelmed by most of them (I am looking at you Watchmen and Terminator: Salvation). Some showed tons of promise, but you had to overlook so much (District 9). In many cases, the acting was excellent, but the movie was just so-so (500 Days of the Summer). While I try to love horror movies, they always screw things up so badly they become unwatchable (Drag Me to Hell). So anyway, here are the movies that I think were outstanding this year.

Star Trek

There are a ton of plot holes and I don’t give a shit. This movie was awesome. How do I know? My wife hates Star Trek and she liked it. JJ Abrams is the man. He managed to reboot everything without pissing off the geeks (FYI – I am NOT a Star Trek geek – I never got into Star Trek/Star Wars beyond watching it because it was on).

UP

This movie gives you a very unexpected punch in the gut in the first 20 minutes that I don’t think many adults will recover from. Younger kids won’t get it. Overall a delightful movie. Great for kids and adults, the animation is top notch as is the voice acting.

Inglorious Basterds

Totally alternative history with the way we all hopped WWII would end.

Up in the Air

I recently saw this movie, but it definitely belongs on this list. The characters are real, the problems are real, and the ending is real. The whole backdrop of the job terminations in the current economic climate puts the movie over the edge.

Zombieland

The Bill Murray cameo alone puts this movie on the list. Zombie Comedies are 2 for 2 (Zombie Strippers does not count!)

[Best Television of 2009]

Some of the favorites are still alive like “How I Met Your Mother”, “30 Rock”, and “Weeds” but here are some of the standouts this year (and some new things that I think might be worth your time).

The Big Bang Theory

It took me a few years to like this show. I thought it was stereotypical nerds doing nerd things. And while the nerds do nerd things – they are doing REAL nerd things. They aren’t building bullshit flux capacitors, the science they talk about is real, the shows they obsess over are real, the comic speak is legit… the acting (especially the guy who plays Sheldon) is outstanding.

Life After People

Documentary series that tells what happens to the world after people are gone.

Dexter

Last year’s season was a bit of a letdown but they stepped it up big time this year. I will say no more but the last episode of the season left me with my jaw dropped.

Stargate Universe

I liked the first few seasons of the original Stargate series, but it got overwhelming keeping track. I think the creators realized this and kept things simple on this series. 30 people stuck on an ancient space ship – they can’t control it, and they don’t know where it’s going. The only supplies they have is what they had on them when they arrived. Less sci-fi geek, more survival character driven show.

Cooking with the Neelys

Pork in everything. EVERYTHING. I love this show.

[Best Comics of 2009]

This was one of those build up years in comics where story-lines are being set up for massive cross overs in 2010. As a result most comics from the big publishers felt a bit forced and formulaic. Some of the big expected payoffs this year underwhelmed while a few sleeper hits came out of nowhere. Overall, from a creative perspective, 2009 was a little weak, but I think there will be reward in the next year. With that said, I think there were a few shining examples.

1. The Mighty by Peter Tomasi and Keith Champagne

This limited series by DC takes the typical “superman” concept and turns it on it’s head. The comic doesn’t go the typical “superman is a bastard” route that has happened in other series. Tomasi keeps you guessing as to what the true motivations are for his Alpha One character and with one issue left in this 12 issue maxi-series, I am on the edge of my seat. The first 6 issues have been collected in trade format and I suggest you check it out.

2. Power Girl by Palmiotti, Gray, and Conner

Buy this book for Amanda Conner’s art alone. She draws this typically busty character with an irreverence that is comical and heartwarming. The over-arching plot is typical superhero shit, but the snappy one liners and the character’s interactions with the world are outstanding.

3. Green Lantern/Blackest Night by Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi (and a host of others)

This comic should have been the no brainer best comic of 2009 for me. Writer Geoff Johns has been leading up to this event for 4.5 years and now that it is here, I am slightly underwhelmed. I feel like the story has to hit certain beats to move all the side stories along and meet deadlines. Because of this, the flagship comics feel over scripted and aren’t given any room for character moments. While Johns is pulling the strings on this project, writer Pete Tomasi has been given the breathing room to tell a good story over at the Green Lantern Corp title, but that series feels like it is stalling for the other titles to kick into high gear. Overall the resolution of almost five years of story-lines is satisfying and is being done very well. It’s just not mind-blowing.

4. The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman

It has been one of my favorites since it started. This comic about a post apocalyptic zombie infested world isn’t about zombies, it’s about the people who have managed to survive. Always excellent for almost 70 issues.

5. The Boys by Garth Ennis

Violent, Graphic, and foul-mouthed. This comic set out to piss all over typical superhero comics and has succeeded. Originally under a DC Comics owned company, Ennis had to move it to another publisher due to some very controversial story-lines. Bad for DC, good for us.

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Top Ten Albums of the Decade (for me)

Thanks to Amazon’s magazine section and Discountmags.com, I usually have a few magazines waiting for me every day. Tis the season for year end lists and “best of” compilations which is all just dandy. Here are my selections for the best albums of the decade. This is my opinion, if you disagree, that’s fine – in fact, I hope you do. I am not going to put them in order. Here are my ten favorite of last 10 years:

Amy Winehouse – Back to Black

Once the novelty of “Rehab” fades, you are left with 10 more great fucking songs that honor Motown without imitating. Who would guess that a drunk, crazy, British woman in a beehive could kick so much ass? I hope she cleans herself up and gets back to making great music.

Conor Oberst – Outer South

Every song on this album is excellent – very little filler. Oberst channels the Flying Burrito Brothers, Dylan, and a little Los Lobos. I have discussed this album in previous blogs, so I will say no more. Excellent effort.

Feist – The Reminder

This is an outstanding album and once again – I like every tune front to back. She may have exploded due to the Mac commercials, but she still has her artistic soul.

Jack Johnson – On and On

Less artistically stunning and more the perpetual background music of my life from 2003 – 2006. Johnson got a little darker on this album and it fit my mood well… well dark for Jack Johnson (and me).

Ryan Adams – Easy Tiger

Ah – you all thought I was going to go for Heartbreaker….WRONG. Don’t get me wrong, I love that album, but I can get tired of listening to it front to back. I cannot say that with this gem. The first 5 songs knock it out of the park, then we slow down and explore some other sounds, and then we get the introspective Adams. This album will get overlooked in favor of individual efforts and songs, but it is a complete package.

RIP Spacewolf

Tegan and Sara – The Con

Let’s get past the “lesbian twin sister” information and focus on the music. Every tune on this album is good if not excellent. Yearning and sadness mixed with a uncompromising sweetness.

The Avett Brothers – Emotionalism

Old time and rootsy with a modern twist and relevance. This year more people have discovered the band due to their major label debut, but they have doing the DIY route for years which I admire a great deal.

The Hold Steady – Boys and Girls In America

Classic story-telling through music and classic American rock. Who can’t love a song about a race-horse and getting high from the winnings?

The White Stripes – White Blood Cells

Jack and Meg White brought the Rock back to America. Thank you pasty ones.

Wilco – A Ghost is Born

I liked all of Wilco’s output over the last 10 years, but this album mixes the electric ambiance of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot with some of their traditional offerings of later years. There is alot to chew on and find on this album, which makes it great for repeated listening. I can always come back to this one.

Special Mention: John Mayer – Continuum

As I mentioned with the Jack Johnson album, John Mayer’s music has been in the background of my life for a long time. When I think of the albums, the first few actually mean something to me. They are anchors in time, and when I hear them, it takes me back to my thoughts, fears, troubles, and joys during the time the memories were made. Mayer has struggled with living up to his promise. I appreciate and respect that. I always expect more and better from him and I anticipate he will deliver one day. I had to mention this album because it is actually intellectual and was a creative high point for him with his work with the John Mayer Trio.

Special Mention: Ben Harper – Diamonds on the Inside

You know what – this belongs in the list too. I don’t feel like bumping anything but this is a great fucking album that went under everybody’s radar. Ben Harper is a genius.