The Avengers with Channel 3, Visqueen, Springhouse, The Libertines U.S. and Flower – Bell House (Brooklyn) – July 30, 2010
The first night of the Big Takeover’s 30th anniversary festival was a complete triumph, with The Avengers, Channel 3 and Visqueen in particular performing astonishing sets. Expect a full review up on the site soon.
Mark Burgess with For Against, The Sleepover Disaster, Springhouse, Don McGlashan, Jon Auer, Steve Drewett, The Sharp Things, Paul Collins and The Curtain Society – Bell House (Brooklyn) July 31, 2010
The second and last night of The Big Takeover’s 30th anniversay festival was perhaps even more amazing than the first. Almost twice as many artists performed and all of them played great sets. In particular, though Mark Burgess played the best set I’ve ever seen him do, either with THE CHAMELEONS or solo or in other band settings, and the first New York appearance of For Against in 15 years was amazing to behold as well. A full review will be up on the site soon.
The Arcade Fire with Spoon – The Mann Center for the Performing Arts (Philadelphia) – August 2, 2010
What a great double bill. If you would’ve told me back in 2004 that this lineup would headline a 10,000 seat ampitheater, I would’ve thought that you were playing a joke on me. Yet this is the new reality. I’m not complaining, though, as it’s nice to sometimes see challenging, passionate, incredible music gain such a large audience. It also doesn’t hurt that The Arcade Fire have such a huge sound, which translates well to these sorts of venues. They are, quite simply, the best arena rock band of the moment. A full review will be up on the site soon.
The Standard Fare – The M Room (Philadelphia) – August 4, 2010
Opening for the popular locals THE IKE REILLY ASSASSINATION, The Standard Fare braved a small crowd on a weeknight to play a strong set of faithful renditions of songs from their excellent debut album The Noyelle Beat (the #5 entry on this week’s list).
The Standard Fare – The Noyelle Beat (Bar/None)
An unexpected signing for the venerable Hoboken-based Bar/None label, this Sheffield group come off like a cross between MAXIMO PARK and CAMERA OBSCURA or if you want to reach back further, the early WEDDING PRESENT or other C86 type acts. Lead singer EMMA KUPA (the daughter of a member of the UK ’80s anarcho-punk band POISON GIRLS) has a gigantic voice and the songs are well-written and catchy!
Best Coast – Crazy for You (Mexican Summer)
When I first got this, I played the first side 3 times in a row. I almost never do this, but this is a testament to how incredibly catchy and addictive this album and particularly the track “Boyfriend” (a future classic) is. Think a tighter and poppier VIVIAN GIRLS and you’re sort of there. For all of the BEACH BOYS comparisons, the sound of this record is much closer to BETHANY COSENTINO‘s childhood influence JENNY LEWIS‘ band RILO KILEY or even Live Through This-era HOLE or THAT DOG.
The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (Merge)
When we first listened to this, both my wife and I were relatively disappointed. We both knew that it had the potential to be a grower, though, and sure enough by the second listen, I was hooked. Ignore the naysayers. It’s amazing that music this challenging and weird is so super popular, but they’re just operating at a much higher level than almost anyone else these days and deserve every bit of their success.
The Newtown Neurotics – Beggars Can Be Choosers (Razor)
Unfortunately, this is woefully out-of-print. As a relative newcomer to the Neurotics, I only know this album. What a gem it is, though. As a testament to its quality, in his set last week, Steve Drewett played 3 songs (“No Respect,” “Agony” and “Does Anyone Know Where the March Is”) from it!
Career Suicide/Jed Whitey split Lp (Deranged)
I bought this a few years at a record store in Austin called Sound on Sound, but hadn’t played it until I was in the mood for some rough and tumble hardcore punk the other day. I can’t tell you how the Jed Whitey side is since I can’t stop playing the Career Suicide side! This is absolutely raging hardcore punk that comes off like a cross between VOID, ZERO BOYS and early BORN AGAINST, but with the speed increased to the levels of early DRI. Despite all this, it feels remarkably modern, perhaps because of how convincing it is. The record contains a picture sleeve and catalog, but no lyric sheet, though!
For Against – Shade Side Sunny Side (Words on Music)
I recently purchased five of this amazing band’s CDs when they were on sale for $5 each in the month of July via the label’s website. This one, from 2008, marks the return of guitarist HARRY DINGMAN III and is just a gorgeous record.
