Rogue Wave with Avi Buffalo – First Unitarian Church (Philadelphia, PA) – March 4, 2010
Please see my full review here.
Henry Rollins – First Unitarian Church (Philadelphia, PA) – March 11, 2010
The last time I saw Henry Rollins play a spoken-word show, it was at the same venue (like last week’s Rogue Wave show, it was also in the sanctuary) and a few days before Election Day 2008.
This time around, the show focused less on politics and more on stories having to do with RUPAUL, WILLIAM SHATNER and his travels to places as far-flung as MALI and SRI LANKA.
Vivian Girls – “My Love Will Follow Me” EP (Wild World)
While I maintain that Vivian Girls are at their best on their two, absolutely phenomenal full-length albums, the A-side of their new single is one of their best and gives the albums a run for their money. The B-side is a cover of THE CHANTELS‘ “He’s Gone”, a song that showcases the profound influence that the late ’50s/early ’60s girl-group sound has had on them. Interestingly, the A-side’s writing credits reveal the real names of CASSIE RAMONE and KICKBALL KATY. Does this mean that they’re growing up? Does it matter when they make records this good?
Avi Buffalo – “What’s In It For?” EP (Sub Pop)
The A-side is a catchy number that will also appear on their forthcoming debut album on Sub Pop. The B-side, “Jessica”, is an odd jumble of wurlitzer, shaker and two members (including Avi himself) crying (at least that’s what the credits say). This song will also be on the album, but apparently in a completely different version.
Overall, though, this has the feel of a solo project that started when Avi wanted to recreate the feel of THE SHINS‘ Oh Inverted World or BAND OF HORSES‘ Everything All the Time in his bedroom and since that’s how this band started, it very well could have been that way. Nevertheless, the A-side and the live show feature a full band.
New Model Army – No Rest for the Wicked (EMI)
In a catalog full of great songs and great lyrics, “My Country” is perhaps one of the most poignant and still relevant songs in JUSTIN SULLIVAN‘s catalog.
For Against – December (Words on Music)
This band is a recent discovery for me despite being championed by our own JACK RABID for many years. I’m glad I took the plunge, though, because this album is great. From the unlikely origin of Lincoln, NE, this is like the late ’80s bridge between the first four ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN albums and the then concurrent dream-pop/shoegazer scene, but with vocals that are somewhat reminscent of PETER HOLSAPPLE of THE dB’s. “The Last Laugh” may be the best song on here, but this album is full of other classics like “Stranded in Greenland” as well.
Antiseen with Dead Yet – The Jinx (Savannah, GA) – March 6, 2010
When I found out that the long-running South Carolina-based punk band Antiseen were playing a show just down the street from the hotel we were staying in during our trip to Savannah, I just had to go. I’m glad I did, as Antiseen put on an energetic set full of songs from its vast back catalog and covers of artists ranging from THE RAMONES (“Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World”) to THE SONICS (“The Witch”) to even SKREWDRIVER (“I Don’t Like You”) from their ’77 punk era before singer IAN STUART replaced all of their members and turned them into a repugnant, Neo-Nazi band. At one point, singer JEFF CLAYTON took a stick with fake barbed wire and started hitting himself on the head until blood started pouring out. Apparently, this is a pro-wrestling trick that he’s been doing for years, but it insures that this is not a show for the squeamish.
Openers Dead Yet played an energetic mix of hardcore punk and hard rock, a perfect mix to warm up the crowd for Antiseen.
The Joy Formidable – First You Have to Get Mad (self-released)
I ordered this almost a month ago when I heard that there were still copies of this limited-edition live album, originally released last year. It’s an absolute stomper and more evidence that I have to see this band play live at some point.
Token Entry – Ready or Not…Here We Come EP
Many of you who may know this NYHC band’s three albums (one on Positive Force and two on Hawker/Roadrunner) from the late ’80s and early ’90s may not know that in 1985, they recorded a 7” with future RAW DEAL/KILLING TIME singer ANTHONY COMUNALE. All 4 of the song on here ended up on their 1987 debut Lp From Beneath the Streets, a great record that was woefully out-of-print for most of the ’90s until Go Kart reissued it in the late ’90s. Sadly, it’s out-of-print again. The versions on this 7” have never been reissued and that’s a shame, as these shambolic, 4-track-like recordings still hold up much better than the material of some of their better known NYHC peers. In any case, if you wanna hear it, try here and download a bunch of other cool, rare and out-of-print stuff while you’re over there. I did.
Alina Simone on Rabid in the Kennel
Listen to this fantastic session here.
