Levin, a grizzled veteran by now, has come to a distinctive style that, while certainly inspired by his predecessors’ work, is never obviously derivative of anyone in particular. Nor does it stand in one place; Levin is just as likely to play a melodic phrase as to unleash flying flurries of evolving patterns arpeggiated and/or scalar or soar into the altissimo register of his tenor in ecstatic exultation.
I never got to see BAD BRAINS or D.O.A. in their prime, but this must be similar.
Playing all of Daydream Nation last year must have really sunk in as SONIC YOUTH played nearly a third of that amazing record.
The day the nerds won.
After DEVO got the ubiquitous “Whip It” out of the way early on, then we really got the good stuff.
Polvo shake off the dust and return to form.
VERSUS was a reminder that the marriage of distortion and noise with super sweet melodies and quiet/loud dynamics will never go out of style.
A ROB DICKINSON show wouldn’t be complete with at least a few dips into the Catherine Wheel catalog.
Thankfully R.E.M. were able to translate the energy of their new album Accelerate onto the stage.
Mission of Burma relive the past, re-ignite the present, and give us hope for the future.
Overall this night was a smashing success. My only regret is not being able to see their show the next night!
The Pixies may have written about a planet of sound, but Swervedriver lived there.
Sub Pop’s greatest band still breathes fire
This is LA, not Boston – X shows us how the West Coast does it.
Robert Smith and The Cure give us a Boston marathon.
Focusing entirely on their excellent new album, songs like “No Lucifer” sounded as if the band had found some setting for post-punk circa 1982.
Each performance ranged from quiet, reflective and almost meditative to short, fast bursts of dissonant noise.
Nash and King, together again. Break out your martini glass and velour jacket, and join the fun.
Accompanied by musicians on bassoon, harp and clarinet, it felt more like a classical recital than a stereotypical rock concert.
Good bands can never die
Eitzel and Vudi weave tales of beautiful sadness.
Simply put, everything about this show was perfect. HOT CHIP put on the best show I’ve seen all year.
In summary, this show pleased both the diehards and the casual fans alike.
BEACH HOUSE’s live show doesn’t sound much different from the records and they played a nice, slow set.
If BOREDOMS ever come near you, don’t hesitate to see them. There’s no one else on earth even remotely like them.
Boredoms drum Boston straight into self-actualization
The two-drummer setup reminded me of THE FALL circa 1982-1983 or BUTTHOLE SURFERS in their prime.
I thought that this show was, in the words of MISSION OF BURMA, good not great.
My second trip to Danger Danger Gallery was quite unlike the first.
It still feels great seeing BOB MOULD doing what he does best, even if the novelty has worn off a little now and it’s feels familiar.
Mould’s new material sits comfortably beside Sugar and Hüsker Dü classics in the live setting.
Knowing to expect the unexpected, we definitely got our money’s worth in that department from PHANTOM ORCHARD.
The only drawback was that the set was short, but their energy and enthusiasm made up for it.
All in all, I think NO AGE sounds better live than they do on record.
After seeing them, I’m glad I went, though I can’t say there were too many surprises.
Cat Power keeps on soul patrol, waves goodbye to the past.
BOB MOULD just completely shredded, reminding me of the very first time I ever saw him play live.
Even with all of her recent success, she is still determined to do things on her own merits, even if that means playing in out of the way venues.
Neil Young still has something to say
The Go! Team bury the fun-meter needle into the red
What Came After (the) Songs:Ohia
Welsh indie pop meets teutonic electronica
Although rumors persist of a FEELIES reunion, this night’s show was as close as one could get.
At age 58, Nick is recording some of the very best music of his career.
Hard rock dinosaurs still roam the earth
Several years after their first reunion shows, it was a different scenario, but just as satisfying.
Electrelane simmers to a boil
It was a fitting end to a great festival that I look forward to attending in the future.
Folk-Blues acoustic master still commands attention.
Jay Farrar breathes life back into Son Volt
