Nada Surf and Superdrag @ Terminal 5, NYC - In Review

The dream pairing of Nada Surf and Superdrag co-headlining in New York City was far too enticing for this blogger to pass up, even if it meant a trip up from B-more. And wow, was it ever worth it. First off, I need to compliment the incredible Terminal 5. What an amazing venue. 50 foot ceilings, two balcony levels, chandeliers, and a wonderful sound and lighting system. This was one of the best produced shows I've seen, and probably the best sounding show in any club. I'm so jealous.

Anyway, Superdrag began the night with a blazing set of songs from Regretfully Yours and Head Trip. They were very energetic and genuinely thankful to have such a large and boisterous crowd. They graced the crowd with two new songs and a John Davis song from his last solo album. Their set lasted an hour, which certainly meant they weren't the "opening band," but not quite the main event. I didn't track the full setlist, but heres the last four songs of the set:

Keep It Close To Me
Sucked Out
Cynicality
Destination Ursa Major

By the time Nada Surf took the stage, Terminal 5 was paaaaaacked. Well over 2000 people packed the floor and balconies. All were witness to what Nada Surf has become. I've seen them perform over 10 times, and they have always been good, but now they have reached another level. Nada Surf has become an elite live band. They captivate the crowd, their transitions are razor sharp, and the versions of the songs they play make the album versions seem mediocre.

Helping to up the ante for this tour was the addition of Martin Wenk of Calexico, who played keys, synth, and horns. He added very nice touches, especially on Killians Red (see video below) and 80 Windows. Other interesting moments were provided by Ira's ridiculous drumming antics. For Fruit Flies, he used a pair of sticks that had glowing tips, especially cool because the start of the song focuses the crowd on Matthew's vocals. Even more fun was provided by the breakdown at the end of Stalemate. Already an amazing song, which includes the Love Will Tear Us Apart Joy Division medley, but Ira played so powerfully at the end that he bounced one of his symbols away from him by about a foot. He was fun to watch throughout the show, making goofy faces and doing crazy fills constantly.

I am so happy for these guys that the years of hard work and touring seem to have finally payed off. I will miss the days of watching them play to crowds of 50 people, but as long as they keep playing shows like this, I will never complain.

Some pics from the show HERE

Killian's Red


High Speed Soul
Happy Kid
Whose Authority
What is Your Secret
Weightless
Killians Red
I Like What You Say
Inside of Love
Fruit Flies
80 Windows
Popular
Stalemate
Paper Boats
Ice on the Wing
The Fox
Do it Again
Beautiful Beat
See These Bones

Blizzard of '77
Blonde on Blonde
Always Love
Blankest Year

The Run Down - Sunday April 13, 2008

I'm crazy tired right now...but if you have an abundance of energy...GO SEE SOME SHOWS!!! My suggestion would be to check Nada Surf at the Troc in Philly with Illinois or perhaps Casiotone For the Painfully Alone and Clue To Kalo at the First Unitarian Church. There's a banger in DC with Wye Oak and These United States at the Black Cat or how about Colin Meloy and Laura Gibson at the 9:30 club.

mp3: Laura Gibson - Hands In Pockets --> website --> buy
mp3: Nada Surf - Do It Again --> website --> buy
mp3: These United States - Burn This Bridge --> website --> buy
mp3: Wye Oak - Obituary --> website --> buy

Sunday Buffet

Again...I'm fairly tired. Tired enough to skip Sunday Buffet...no.

Broken Records are a 7 Piece(wow) from Edinburgh Scotland who play European folk dipped in modern Scottish alternative. They had me at glockenspiel and accordian.

mp3: Broken Records - Slow Parade --> website --> buy

Cobra Collective is a group of four from DC. Like many a band nowadays they take on that new wave dance rock sound. Luckily for them that their DC rock roots overshadows that a bit to make a truly great music.

mp3: Cobra Collective - Legionnaire --> website --> buy

Hot Lava is a quartet from Virginia that remind me of Enon and Deerhoof but with loads of time working a computer desk job (like me). They play The Velvet Lounge on May 12th.

mp3: Hot Lava - Jpg In The Sun --> website --> buy

The Dig are a band from New York and guess what? They play great indie rock (a shocker). So good you should definitely press play....NOW! Catch them at the Red and the Black on April 17th and at the Sidebar on June 18th.

mp3: The Dig - Marianne --> website --> buy

Portishead Third - This Time It's Personal (for you)

Portishead's here again with dark rooms, candles, and ancient robots in love. The magical thing that is Portishead can wisp you away like Phantom of the opera then boil you over with industrial hip hop style grimy beats. On their new release they don't reinvent their sound, but why should they? I've been waiting to hear these trip hop pioneers produce new music for years (that rhymes and you know rhymes, admit it). Now that it's here, I couldn't be happier.

mp3: Portishead - Hunter --> website --> buy
mp3: Portishead - We Carry On

The Run Down - Saturday April 12, 2008

The weekend is here and a swarm of shows have come with it. In Baltimore check out Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, These United States, Clue To Kalo, and The Cotton Jones Basket Ride at The Talking Head. In DC the 9:30 has Nada Surf, Kaki King, and The Jealous Girlfriends, while the Velvet Lounge has De Novo Dahl, Modern Skirts, and Parachute Musical. Finally in Philly the M Room has The cobbs, The December Sound, and Asteroid #4, The Fire has An American Chinese, East Hundred, Akudama, and Bebek, and Johnny Brenda's has Superdrag.

mp3: Nada Surf - Treading Water --> website --> buy
mp3: Kaki King - 2 O'Clock --> website --> buy
mp3: The Jealous Girlfriends - How Now --> website --> buy
mp3: An American Chinese - Panic Pilgrim, Quick Grab Your Suitcase --> website --> buy
mp3: East Hundred - Climbing Up The Walls --> website --> buy
mp3: De Novo Dahl - Marketplace --> website --> buy
mp3: These United States - Burn This Bridge --> website --> buy
mp3: Asteroid #4 - Outside --> website --> buy

Radioheadings with the ASO

Last night the Alabama Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Justin Brown performed Jonny Greenwoods 'Popcorn Superhet Receiver' at the Alys Stevens Center in Birmingham, Alabama. I know i don't qualify to write about classical music since i don't have much to compare it to but I'll do my best. The last time I was at the symphony was to see a production of The Who's 'Tommy'. That's about the extent of my experience but judging by the peoples reactions after the show it didn't matter. Something happened tonight that was so radically different from what usually happens at the symphony and i think it had an impact on everyone young and old. Jonny Greenwood clearly does things differently. As evidenced on the cacophony of violins at the end of 'Climbing Up The Walls' to the use of really heavy strings on 'Down Is The New Up', Jonny just really likes the way they sound.

The Piece performed tonight was "Popcorn Superhet Receiver' which he composed while in residence at the BBC in 2005. Sections of this work were also used in the soundtrack to ' There Will Be Blood' and anyone who saw that movie knows half of the reason that movie was good was Daniel Day Lewis' acting and the other half was the soundtrack. It starts out with what sounds like each played slowly tuning their instrument until the sound builds and roars past you like a locomotive, repeatedly. A constant sound of something ominous, something right over shoulder but when you turn to look its everywhere at once. Leave it to Jonny to have a segment where the violinists are strumming their violins like guitars and the upright bassists are using their bows to create a percussive sound. The effect is somewhat tribal similar to that of the multi drummed attack of 'There There'. Having heard this piece before I thought the ASO did a remarkable job recreating jonnys work.

The second piece they did was by composer Paul Lansky and while that may not ring any bells, there is a connection. Paul Lansky is responsible for a sample that was used on 'Idioteque', the electronic noise that ushers in the song before Thom starts singing. You know the one. Well anyway this piece was written specifically for this evening and he was even there to introduce it. Having been the first time this was played with the composer in house made things really special. I was sitting really close to him and he actually seemed thrilled throughout the performance at the job they were doing.

All in all it was a wonderful evening. If more places did stuff like this I'd imagine a lot more people would get into it and have a positive experience. I love music.

De Novo Dahl Delivers

Have you ever been downtown sitting on a bench watching people go by at lunch time? It seems like madness. People rushing this way and that, bumping and running to their destination. This is the time you should pop on your headphones and listen to De Novo Dahl's Move Every Muscle, Make Every Sound. Their gorgeous pop sound with looming choruses that slap you across the face repeatedly until you clap along will drum over the avenues of work you see passing before you and make them seem almost beautiful. Oh yeah, add a dash of funk and punk and there it is! Good music.

mp3: De Novo Dahl - Been Kept Up --> website --> buy
mp3: De Novo Dahl - Marketplace

The Run Down - Friday April 11, 2008

Another Friday is here and it's a winner. Pasta Primavera will be in full swing up at Terminal 5 in NYC for Superdrag and Nada Surf, but there are some great shows around town also. In Baltimore Sonar has Spoon, The White Rabbits, and The Walkmen, while the Ottobar has Slick Rick with a full backing band! In DC the 9:30 club has Hot Chip and Free Blood, and The Rock and Roll Hotel has VHS or BETA and Tigercity. In Philly Johnny Brenda's has BC Camplight, The Swimmers, and The Capitol Years, The Fire has Thrushes, Boyskout, House Of Fire, Sonadors, and Music For Headphones, while the North Star has the Duke Spirit. Finally in Wilmngton, DE don't miss The Spinto Band and the National Eye at Mojo 13.

mp3: Nada Surf - The Fox --> website --> buy
mp3: Hot Chip - Shake A Fist --> website --> buy
mp3: Thrushes - Into The Woods --> website --> buy
mp3: Boyskout - Back To Bed --> website --> buy
mp3: House Of Fire - Twelve Stars --> website --> buy
mp3: Spoon - I Summon You (demo) --> website --> buy
mp3: The Spinto Band- Summer Grof --> website --> buy
mp3: The National Eye - Snowing In April --> website --> buy

Friday (I'm A Remix)

I like work weeks that just fly by, especially when you've scheduled a crazy busy weekend. This week started off with a long Monday then just zipped to Friday like it was nothing. Why is that? Is it the excess work load I've had this week? Not sure. Who cares. Here's some remixes that will hopefully slow your weekend down.

mp3: Ra Ra Riot - Each Year (RAC Remix)
mp3: Sally Shapiro - Time To Let Go (CFCF Remix)
mp3: Justice - DVNO (Surkin Remix)
mp3: Panda Bear - Comfy In Nautica (XXXchange Remix)

image via blu

Annuals are Perennial Favorites

Annuals new EP, Wet Zoo, has just been released and it's not shocking that it's great. There are 3 superb Annuals songs on the disc that sport the soaring vocals and mountainous drums that define the Annuals sound. There are also two tracks by Sunfold, a side project of member Kenny Florence, that sport the same cast as Annuals, but with a little switcharoo action. The Sunfold tracks are quite intriguing in that they have a similar quality to Annuals except that they hold a laconic feel that never gives too much, but doesn't feel lacking. All in all, this sweet little EP has easily perked my interest to the apparent Annuals LP being released in the fall.

mp3: Annuals - Sore --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Thursday April 10, 2008

As this week rolls on I've realized that there too many shows to be seen. Try your best I guess. In Baltimore tonight Wye Oak, Deertick, and Musee Mecanique play G Spot, VHS or BETA and Tigercity play the Ottobar, while Elliott Lipp and Bassnectar play the 8x10. In DC the Black Cat has Yeasayer and Ponytail. In Philly, The Fire has Jotto, Creaky Boards, Papertrigger, and Drink Up Buttercup, the Khyber has Throw Me The Statue and Except After Sea, The Electric Factory has Spoon and The Walkmen, and the Starlight Ballroom has Hot Chip and Free Blood.

mp3: Wye Oak - Please Concrete --> website --> buy
mp3: Yeasayer - 2080 --> website --> buy
mp3: Throw Me The Statue - The Old Believer --> website --> buy
mp3: Except After Sea - I Know --> website --> buy
mp3: Creaky Boards - I Cannot Love You --> website --> buy
mp3: Papertrigger - We Are Nations Now --> website --> buy
mp3: Drink Up Buttercup - Young Ladies --> website --> buy
mp3: Spoon - I Turn My Camera On --> website --> buy
mp3: Hot Chip - Made In The Dark --> website --> buy
mp3: Free Blood - Grumpy --> website --> buy

The Good Ole Days of Plants & Animals

Montreal's Plants & Animals take me back to my delivery truck driving days. No tape player. Just a run down radio that only picked up 100.7 the Bay (Baltimore's best of the 60s , 70s, and 80s). Many might consider this hell, but I quickly learned to love a majority of these songs. Many of the artists sought out big production, clever arrangements, and never failed to include the sultry hook that grabbed you by the ears and twisted until you sang along. Plants & Animals have that quality that defines classic rock, yet they don't seem dated. So that was my first impression. Then things started to warp my mind a bit as it swooned around these tunes...Arcade Fire ...hmmm...bits... Animal Collective...tiny bits...CSNY...more bits...Then all these pieces merge together and coagulate to my previous impression. Well if you can make any sense of what I just wrote, then you'll love Plants & Animals. They just released their full length, Parc Avenue, on March 25th on Secret City Records.

mp3: Plants & Animals - Mercy --> website --> buy
mp3: Plants & Animals - Bye Bye Bye

The Run Down - Wednesday April 9, 2008

Great shows everywhere tonight! First up in Baltimore, go see Superdrag at the 8x10 and don't forget they're playing a 2pm in store appearance at Soundgarden in Fells Point. Also in Baltimore, Minus The Bear plays the Recher Theater with Portugal The Man and the Big Sleep. In DC Dc9 has Riddle Of Steel and City of Ships. In Philly Johnny Brenda's has VHS or BETA, Tigercity, and Coyote, the Starlight Ballroom has Explosions in the Sky and Lichens, while in Lancaster, PA John Vanderslice plays the Chameleon Club.

mp3: Riddle Of Steel - John Frum --> website --> buy
mp3: Superdrag - In The Valley Of Dying Stars --> website --> buy
mp3: John Vanderslice - My Old Flame --> website --> buy
mp3: Minus the Bear - Throwin' Shapes --> website --> buy

Maddening March Musical Madness Part 7 - The Championship

There were 64 teams/bands that duked it out until yesterday night when one was crowned champion. An epic battle between the storied program/band of Kansas/Radiohead versus an up and coming new star in Memphis/Feist. She almost did it, but alas Radiohead ain't no walk in the park. This madness was a ride of fun. See you here next year?

mp3: Radiohead - Knives Out
mp3: Radiohead - No Surprises
mp3: Feist - Sealion (Chromeo Remix)
mp3: Feist - My Man Moon (Boys Noize Remix)

The Run Down - Tuesday April 8, 2008

Quick! Three Philly shows! Get to 'em! Johnny Brenda's has No Kids, Fillmore has Minus The Bear, Portugal The Man, and Elk, while the Starlight has Man Man, Dirty Projectors and The Extraordinaires.

mp3: No Kids - For Halloween --> website --> buy
mp3: Minus The Bear - Drilling --> website --> buy
mp3: Man Man - El Azteka --> website --> buy
mp3: The Extraordinaires - Neighborhood Watch --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Monday April 7, 2008

DC is where it's at tonight. The Black Cat has Dirty Projectors and No Kids, The 9:30 has Saul Williams and Dragons of Zynth, and the Rock and Roll Hotel has Ambulance LTD, Bear Hands, and Wild Light.

mp3: Dirty Projectors - What I See --> website --> buy
mp3: No Kids - For Halloween --> website --> buy
mp3: Dragons of Zynth - Get Off --> website --> buy
mp3: Ambulance LTD - Ophelia --> website --> buy
mp3: Bear Hands - Long Lean Queen --> website --> buy

Random Randomness For A Random World

Go it alone in this home on ice. High price, small reward, release me on the floor.

image via duster

The Toadies to tour east coast this June

Hot Diggity Damn!! The Toadies will be in the mid-Atlantic area for the first time since 2001. They put on one of the most energetic shows you will ever see. Full dates below:

6/20 - San Antonio - Sunset Station
Tickets on sale 4/11

6/21 - Fort Worth - Ridglea Theater (Sold Out)

6/24 - Atlanta - Masquerade

6/25 - Washington DC - Black Cat

6/26 - NYC - Bowery Ballroom

6/27 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East Underground

6/28 - Philadelphia - Trocadero


NYC, Cambridge and Philly are on sale now HERE.

The Black Cat website says tix will be available on 4/11. No word on the Atlanta tix on either ticketmaster or the Masquerade site.

mp3: Toadies - Possum Kingdom ---- Website ---- Buy


UPDATE: Tickets for the Atlanta show go on sale Tuesday at 10:00am eastern HERE.

Sunday Buffet

It's Sunday again and it's time for the next installment of the Sunday Buffet. There's something here for everyone, so please be adventurous.

Headlamp is a four piece from Brooklyn that plays great indie songs held together by the vocals/song writing of Chuck Criss and some banjo(?). It's like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah turning out a wicked sweet hoe-down.

mp3: Headlamp - We Wish We Were Kids --> website --> buy

Honey Claws is a quartet from Austin. These guys jump from echoing electronica to house rap to pop without missing a beat. Must be the DJ duo they've got going on. Don't mess around...go check them out.

mp3: Honey Claws - Villains --> website --> buy

Johnny Neon is a synth pop duo out of South Africa . Their music is self described as "the pursuit of pop culture nightmares and vintage electronics." True. Very true.

mp3: Johnny Neon - Dance On Fire --> website --> buy

Kadman is a trio from Baltimore that plays quiet, almost ambient, folk pop that sounds better with the lights off. They are playing the Ottobar on April 22nd with Ra Ra Riot.

mp3: Kadman - Diesel --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Sunday April 6, 2008

There are some quality shows tonight in Philly and DC. In DC the 9:30 Club has Carbon/Silicon and Matt Pond PA while the Rock and Roll Hotel has Aloha, Anathallo, and Roofwalkers. Finally in Philly don't miss Greyhounds, The Major Leagues, and Neighborhood Choir at the Khyber.

mp3: Matt Pond PA - Emblems --> website --> buy
mp3: The Major Leagues - Alright --> website
mp3: Neighborhood Choir - Whalesong --> website
mp3: Aloha - Passengers --> website --> buy