Black Francis – Club Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA) – July 14, 2009
Opening with “Los Angeles” from his self-titled first solo album under the Frank Black moniker, he played an over two-hour solo set, we got lots of PIXIES songs as well as a wide selection from his vast solo catalog as well. The first hour was recorded for a local radio station and on occasion, he entertained some interesting questions from the DJ on-hand as well.
Subhumans – Barbary (Philadelphia, PA) – July 8, 2009
This was my first time seeing the UK’s long-running, now reunited anarchist punks. I have to admit that I only know a handful of their records (particularly The Day the Country Died and the EPs Time Flies… and Rats), but I recognized a lot of material from both those records as well as others (like the title track of Internal Riot, a new studio album they released a few years ago). The sound was terrific as well and it was quite as jam-packed as I expected it to be (though it was still crowded). What’s up with that? A friend who was there told me that when they first reunited, they headlined at the much bigger Trocadero. Perhaps they’re taken for granted, a notion that would’ve been unthinkable in 1994 (the last time I saw singer DICK LUCAS perform; that was with his other band, CITIZEN FISH).
Jay Reatard with TV Smith – Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia, PA) – July 4, 2009
You can read my full review here.
Sun Ra Arkestra – Institute for Contemporary Art (Philadelphia, PA) – July 1, 2009
Led by the ageless octogenarian MARSHALL ALLEN, this Arkestra performance was part of an ongoing SUN RA exhibit at the ICA.
TV Smith – In the Arms of My Enemy (Boss Tuneage)
I picked this up at his show here on July 4th. Although I’d seen him play solo before, this is the first solo album of his that I’ve listened to and I can honestly say that I like this as much as Crossing the Red Sea with the Adverts. It’s very different, of course. It’s basically folk-rock with Tim’s still impassioned vocals and socio-political concerns still at the forefront. This is music by one of the UK ’77 originals for those punks or former punks who have grown up, but who haven’t forgotten their ideals, either. This is really powerful stuff.
Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs (Atlantic)
For some reason, I didn’t take to this album when it first came out, although I love the songs that WXPN has been playing in the last year or so since this came out. Anyway, for whatever reason I decided to give it another chance (perhaps it was the interview in the last few issues) and boy do I feel stupid now. Although it may not equal the heights of their absolutely incredible last few Lps (2005’s Plans and 2003’s Transatlanticism, respectively), it’s still an amazing album. I’m sure that all of you have either heard this or just don’t care for them (Death Cab tend to be a love ‘em or hate ‘em proposition), so all I’ll say is that it’s great to see a band make a totally uncompromising album on a major label and to do it their way while maintaining a massive amount of popularity. What a great band!
The Trashcan Sinatras – In the Music (Lo-Five)
Well, my CD copy arrived earlier this week and the packaging is simply beautiful. It comes in a box and with extensive photos, liner notes by the band and producer ANDY CHASE, lyrics and a list of everyone who pre-ordered the disc. This is honestly some of the best packaging I’ve ever seen for a CD.
There are also two bonus tracks that come only with this version (and annoyingly enough, another bonus track for the Japanese market). They’re both good tracks, though thankfully the strongest songs are within the first ten songs.
The Stooges – Fun House (Elektra)
JACK WHITE might be correct. At times, I definitely think that this is the greatest rock and roll record ever made.
Dag Nasty – Field Day (Giant)
I was in Pittsburgh recently and I listened to this on a bus ride there. This is another all-time favorite of mine and while it’s about many things, a common theme is missing home. Although I had a blast in Pittsburgh, it was nice to come home.
Death Cab for Cutie – Plans (Atlantic)
I’ve been on a bit of a Death Cab kick lately. This album is just such melancholy beauty. When it came out, I didn’t immediately take to it, but it really grew on me. For years now, I’ve definitely considered this one of the best albums of 2005 and it’s nice to revisit it.
