The Run Down - Friday April 18, 2008

Is there ever a Friday when there aren't great shows? The Recher Theatre has Kate Nash, The Rock and Roll Hotel has Zulu Pearls, Double Dagger, B&W Jacksons and Imperial China, The Third Floor has Bellman Barker, In Technicolor and Tsarina, while the Khyber has Audible.

mp3: Kate Nash - Skeleton Song --> website --> buy
mp3: Audible - Sunday Bell --> website --> buy
mp3: Zulu Pearls - Dark Ages --> website --> buy
mp3: Bellman Barker - Pockets --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Saturday April 5, 2008

Saturday's are always pretty grand and this one keeps the tradition going. In Baltimore there's a phenomenal show at the Talking Head with HEALTH, Ponytail, Ecstatic Sunshine, and Videohippos. In DC there's three dynamite events. The Black Cat has Georgie James, Tereu Tereu, and Olivia Mancini and The Housemates, while the Rock and Roll Hotel has Kelly Stoltz, Julie Ocean, and the Dirtbombs, and finally DC9 has Bellman Barker, My Robot Friend, and Wooly Mammoth. In Philly don't miss Ambulance LTD, Bear Hands, Will Light at the North Star.

mp3: Georgie James - Cake Parade --> website --> buy
mp3: Julie Ocean - At The Appointed Hour --> website --> buy
mp3: Ambulance LTD - Ophelia --> website --> buy
mp3: Bear Hands - Bad Blood --> website --> buy
mp3: Bellman Barker - Two Bees --> website --> buy
mp3: My Robot Friend - My Robot High School --> website --> buy
mp3: HEALTH - Crimewave --> website --> buy
mp3: Videohippos - Narwhals --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Friday March 21, 2008

If you happen to be in DC, Philly, or Virginia, then get to these venues IMMEDIATELY. The Black Cat in DC has a ridiculously phenomenal show with Le Loup, The Ruby Suns, and Bellman Barker. In VA, IOTA has Baltimore's own Abby Mott with Boxcar Collision and Tani D'mar. In Philly, The First Unitarian Church has WHY? and Cryptacize, and the Khyber hosts Panther, Kate Starr, and On Mono. GO!

mp3: Le Loup - We Are Gods! We Are Wolves! --> website --> buy
mp3: The Ruby Suns - There Are Birds --> website --> buy
mp3: Bellman Barker - Pockets --> website --> buy
mp3: Panther - Total Sexy Church --> website --> buy
mp3: WHY? - Rubber Traits --> website --> buy
mp3: Abby Mott - Snow --> website --> buy

In The Kitchen With Bellman Barker Part 3

So here we are on the third and final chapter of my epic conversation with the awe inspiring Bellman Barker. The night was growing late. My senses were weary, but we pressed on knowing that this could very well be the greatest interview conducted in the history of mankind...sort of.

PP: When your soul speaks, what does it say?
BB:


PP: Those aren't even words...oh well. If you could add one instrument or piece of technology to your life, what would it be?
BB:


PP: Hells yeah! If you had a budget for a super spectacular stage show, what would you go for?
BB:


PP: Hmmm...you guys seem to enjoy felines a bit, huh? What songs have you covered?
BB:


PP: What songs would you like to cover?
BB:


PP: Please let me hear it when you do!!! Are you working on new material?
BB:


PP: Those are monkeys...you work with monkeys? Explain.
BB:


PP: That didn't explain anything. Explain...your song writing process.
BB:


PP: I saw that one coming. Okay, let's try this: As a child what music had the biggest influence on you?
BB:


PP: Nice. What are you reading?
Aaron:

Thomas:

Steve:


PP: Again with the lions. Favorite smurf?
BB:


PP: Favorite dwarf?
BB:


PP: Favorite time of day?
BB:


PP: So those answers tell me that you are angry, vain, and like to PAAAARRTEEE! Nice! m If your band was an animal, what would it be?
BB:


PP: I don't even know why I asked that. I already knew the answer. Fill in the blank. ________ is the root of all evil.
BB:


PP: Don't ever talk about coffee that way. Fill in the blank. Happiness is _____________.
BB:


PP: Fill in the blank. All I want for Christmas is ___________.
BB:


PP: Where do you get this stuff from. Fill in the blank. Hand is to glove as Bellman Barker is to _______________.
BB:


On that note, I thank you all for reading. This was the first of which will hopefully be an ongoing feature of this blog. Bellman Barker definitely started it off with a bang. I can't thank them enough. You can catch them tomorrow night in Deleware at Mojo 13, Feb. 27th @ GWU, and March 21st @ the Black Cat with Le Loup and The Ruby Suns. Go support 'em!!!

mp3: Bellman Barker - Two Bees --> website --> buy

In The Kitchen With Bellman Barker Part 2

So here's the second installment of the spectacle that is Bellman Barker. My mind was throbbing from the first wave of images and video, but it was about to get a lot more interesting....

PP: What's your musical guilty pleasure?
BB:


PP: Holy crap that's some good stuff. Which band member has the most delusions of grandeur?
BB:



PP: Should have known. Bass players...they're all the same. Which band member has the most delusions in general?
BB:


PP: That's a lion...oh...I see. What will be the next big thing in music?
BB:


PP: Robot rock? I've always thought that shining moment of success was to be included in a Jeopardy question. What would your answer be to the Jeopardy question, "Who is Bellman Barker?"
BB: "This one hit wonder toiled for twenty years before finally scoring a hit song that actually started as a rolaids commercial."

PP: What color is your music?
BB:


PP: Oh Hugh. So tell me, what is your motto?
BB:



PP: I thought that was Starbuck's motto. When touring what's the ride like?
BB:


PP: Kickin' it old school. If you had the opportunity to "pimp" that ride, what would be the end result?
BB:


PP: Where did you all meet?
BB:


PP: Who is your idol?
BB:


PP: I think he's everyone's idol. How large is your music collection?
BB:


PP: Awwwww. What is your favorite instrument?
BB:


PP: I always thought there should be a handle there. Continuing on...if there was a giant bonfire in the center of the city and it was mandatory for you to bring one item to be incinerated, what would it be?
BB:


PP: Mmmm...chicken. Star Trek or Star Wars?
BB:


PP: There's the proof of Roger Clemens and steroids. What's in your current music rotation right now?
BB:



PP: Same here. What's the most amazing thing you've ever seen?
BB:


PP: If you could sit down with any person who has ever existed and ask them a question, who would it be and what would you ask?
Aaron(BB lead singer/guitarist): I would ask Tom(BB bass player) why he has to be such a jerk all the time.

PP: I see....so...what super power do you have?
BB:


PP: Nice.

And that's not all folks. Stay tuned for the final chapter of Pasta Primavera Vs. Bellman Barker!!

mp3: Bellman Barker - In Their Defense --> website --> buy

In The Kitchen With Bellman Barker Part 1

You all know that we here at Pasta Primavera are big fans of DC's Bellman Barker. They roped us in with their beautifully crafted indie pop gems and then blew us away with their live show. So it should come to no ones surprise that they are the first band to be featured in our "In The Kitchen" interview segment. I know I know. NOT ANOTHER BORING INTERVIEW! Well don't worry. It's not. You may not know it, but Bellman Barker are masters of communication (similar to masters of the universe, but much cooler). They harness the ability to send movies, images, text, and witty remarks directly through the cosmos and into your brain!!!! And I just thought they were a great band, but I soon found out they were much more when I sat down with Aaron, Thomas, Steve and the gang...

PP: Who the heck are you guys anyway?
BB:


PP: What is the inspiration for that crazy band name?
BB:


PP: Why don't you have more cowbell?
BB:


PP: Oookaaaay...what is the best band you ever played with?
BB:


PP: Makes sense. What is the worst band you ever played with?
BB: ICP

PP: Do you now? Is your drummer deaf?
BB:

PP: What is the best concert you've ever attended?
BB:

PP: You were at that show? Wow. So tell me what bands are the most over-rated?
BB:


PP: Duh. What bands are the most under - rated?
BB:


PP: Describe your perfect day in 3 activities or less.
BB: Wake up, drink an orange julius while listening to Tatu, fall asleep.

PP: Orange Julius isn't an activity...it's a WAY OF LIFE. What venue/festival would be your dream gig?
BB:


PP: Keep on dreaming. Dang it! What the hell is wrong with this country?
BB:

PP: Word to that. Poker or spades?
BB: Hearts. Duh.

PP: I said poker or spades! No...wait... The Simpsons or South Park?
BB: South Park is pedestrian.

PP: Red wine or white wine?
BB: A good bordeaux.

PP: What's the best band you are listening to that no one knows about?
BB: We were listening to the Monks the other day--that was good.

PP: I'll say it here first. That's the hair style of the future!!!!

That's just a taste of our first meeting. Part two they delve into the realm of Lost Boys, Billy Idol...and other things.

mp3: Bellman Barker - Molly Maroon --> website -> buy

In Review - Jukebox the Ghost and Bellman Barker - Live at the Black Cat - Jan. 26

The Black Cat in Washington DC played host to the sold out CD release party for Jukebox the Ghost.......What's that? ....... You didn't expect this show to sell out? Well, apparently no one did, including the bands. The large crowd slowed entry to a crawl, causing many people, including myself, to miss most of opening act, Pash. But there would still be no shortage of awesomeness this evening.

Bellman Barker took the stage, in all their unique glory. They powered through an energetic set that included much of their EP, Anise & Anisette. BB's power pop style and range impressed the crowd almost as much as Aaron's wicked handlebar mustache. All kidding aside, Bellman Barker are primed to become a really big deal in the mid-Atlantic and beyond. Their final song, showed how far these guys can go. Two Bees started with Thomas playing the clarinet, and then looping it through an FX box that built and built along with the xylophone and guitar into an amazing finish. Seriously, who can use a sampled clarinet sound well? Shades of Johny Greenwood on that one, and that's pretty good company.

But of course, Jukebox the Ghost was the main event tonight. The three piece from D.C. came out to quite an ovation, and couldn't disguise the awe on their faces. The crowd that showed up to welcome their new CD was both plentiful and excited. It seemed a little overwhelming for them at first, but it didn't take long before Jukebox was having a great time, and generally kicking butt.

What struck me quickly was how quircky Ben Thornewill is whilst playing keys. His facial expressions ranged from mad scientist to comedian. At times, it looked like he didn't know what notes his hands were going to play, but they were always the right ones. Also impressive is how well Ben and Tommy Siegel trade the role of frontman from song to song. They're each talented enough that they could split into two bands and each would still be amazing. Luckily they are in one band, aided by the sharp and steady drumming of Jesse Kristin. The obvious comparisons to Ben Folds will be thrown at Jukebox wherever they go, but don't let it fool you. Jukebox the Ghost have carved out their own style, and created a future that is quite promising.

Mp3: Bellman Barker - Charles Kil
Mp3: Bellman Barker - Two Bees ---- website ---- Buy
Mp3: Jukebox the Ghost - Under My Skin
Mp3: Jukebox the Ghost - Hold It In ---- website ---- Buy

The full length is not available online anywhere yet, so check back soon.

Bellman Barker

Aaron of Bellman Barker

Ben of Jukebox the Ghost

More photos available HERE