A band I’ve never seen, in a venue I’ve been to before. In some situations, that might be a setup for an uncertain evening, but when its Procol Harum at Wolf Trap, the possibilities are much more favorable.
As comfortably dressed as songs like “Tomorrow We’ll See” and even “Roxanne” seemed to be, the true pleasure for Sting’s pop fans wasn’t necessarily hearing popular songs about prostitutes swathed in sweeping orchestral splendor.
Bob Pollard returns to the stage, debuting the new Moses On A Snail, at a sold-out Canal St. Tavern in his hometown of Dayton Ohio.
It’s hard to say how many present at the final stop on Hole’s US tour were there expecting (hoping?) to see a train wreck or how many were there out of curiosity.
If someone would have told me that the most anticipated concert of the summer would be a band that hasn’t played here since 1988, just released their first album in 14 years, and performs in identical costumes, I would have thought that person was insane.
They may have performed these songs thousands of times, but there was nothing dull or rote about the show.
Notably, they didn’t do any covers (unless I was too wasted to remember).
Although I’ve seen many frontmen do this sort of stuff, this didn’t feel forced. He seemed to be genuinely possessed at times.
Thus, when I heard that they would be playing one of the best-sounding venues I’ve ever been to, World Cafe Live, I was stoked.
Simply put, this show was an absolute blast!
Triumphant show to an adoring packed house, Buzzcocks can still bring the energy and the hooks.
The encores, consisting of singles released in 1977 and 1978, just killed. These included “Promises,” “Love You More,” “What Do I Get” and “Orgasm Addict”, the amazing set closer.
Watching THE JOY FORMIDABLE perform was like being in the eye of a hurricane. In other words, they live up to the hype and then some.
Can John Lydon provoke and effect with the same caustic wit? The jury is out, as he let the music do most of his talking.
But on this night, it was the encore that really thrilled.
John Doe and Exene show that the simplest approach is often the best.
The 88’s Adam Merrin pounded his red piano with obvious glee during “David Watts,” and Keith Slettedahl took a verse alongside his hero Davies with transparent pride. It seemed that The 88 were engaged not only to serve arena standards like the grinding “Low Budget,” but also had an influence in selecting deeper cuts. “This is a song for the end times,” announced Davies when introducing “Dead End Street,” buoyed by the snap and swing of 88 drummer Anthony Zimmitti . Bassist Todd O’Keefe dug into Pete Quaife ’s jaunty bass line and gave a throaty howl for the chorus.
John and Exene were both in fine form, joking with the audience liberally and telling stories about each song beforehand.
To say that this was an epic Feelies show would definitely be an understatement.
Is a recast glance to a 22 year old record still a valid experience? Read and find out.
Thirty five songs later, Wilco does indeed love you.
England’s Leatherface blitzes Brooklyn and plots a return in May.
Further adventures in SXSW 2010
Part 1 of my SXSW 2010 adventures.
All of a sudden, the crowd stood, clapped, cheered and a good time was had by all.
Can old school thrash metal bands still bring it? As long as they mix it up and keep you on your toes they can.
A special evening of film, discussion, and most of all, heart-felt music
Burma plays the second of two nights to the hometown fans, featuring newer and older songs. Ears are left hanging and bleeding.
For the uninitiated, NEGATIVE APPROACH were possibly the greatest hardcore band ever.
Holly Golightly treads the lo-fi/no-fi line and delivers a raucous, lively set with counterpart Lawyer Dave.
As much as I enjoyed JAY REATARD’s set on this evening, SCREAMING FEMALES were so good that they may have stolen the show.
Whether you want to call Devo legends or not, their highly influential legacy is finally being given its due.
Stars ‘n’ Bars weren’t waving in the crowd, but the spirit of the deep south as defined by three blazing guitars was on full display.
For one night, it was like 1991 all over again. The Jesus Lizard stalk the stage like no other.
We were also treated to a cover of “The Godfather”, a song by singer PETER CORTNER’s late ’80s band DAG NASTY.
Neko Case and her big voice fills the airy Wilbur Theatre quite easily while a stripped down Calexico breezes through their songs.
SURFER BLOOD, on the other hand, were a complete revelation.
And the coup de grace was BLACK FLAG’s “My War” with guest vocalist TIM SINGER! Wow!
Punk rock Chicago-style never disappoints. When the pioneers come to town, take heed and join in the mosh pit.
Ex-Stranglers lead singer/guitarist Hugh Cornwell put on one of the most spirited performances I’ve ever seen by him.
Songwriter Joe Pernice puts down the guitar and picks up a pen to write his first novel. And not surprisingly, a recording comes out of the effort too.
A Chameleon makes a surprise appearance in Boston and delivers an incredible night of passionate music.
Australian and Welsh guitar power collide and create energy.
Judas Priest takes a look back, fondly remembering British Steel.
