Concerts

SXSW Song of the Day: Sleepy Kitty – Don’t You Start

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Ricky in Song of the Day, South By Southwest | Leave a comment

sleepykitty

I don’t read a lot of the PR emails, so I was not sure why I decided to read one that had this in the subject:

“Sleepy Kitty (ex. Harvey Danger)”

Maybe it is because Harvey Danger’s song Flagpole Sitta is the theme show to my favorite comedy of all time (Peep Show). Or maybe it was because that song was also part of this internet famous lip-dub video

This video was the first in a series of work lip-dub videos, I think. All of them were made during the .com boom of a few years ago where people were all like ‘holy, I can make money on the internet?’ and all the 20 somethings joined twitter and became digital strategists/social media/lifestyle gurus. This video was posted in 2007 and at the time, I thought wow what a cool company, until I realized everyone in the office was white. I am now going to dissect this video, because it is me.

vid1

This picture paints what an ideal .com mid 2000’s company would be like – open concept, great location (look at the windows) and cute girls. Two of those three are easy to obtain.

vid2

Behind this girl are your two typical it guys. The first on the left of the girl is probably a hardcore nerd who runs ubuntu on everything and scoffs at the notion of putting effort behind something as shallow as physical appearance while the other guy just subscribed to GQ magazine in order to upgrade his game, but still is young enough to not want to tuck in his dress shirt with leafs into his pants properly and/or groom his facial hair.

I just realized that analyzing this video would take too long/be really pointless so let’s go back to the email.

Sleepy Kitty is a duo featuring Paige Brubeck and Evan Sult. Sult was the drummer for “alt-radio” band Harvey Danger. What does it say about a band when they can only describe the type of radio station it is played on in the PR email. Anyways, the duo is from St. Louis and they have been impressing some people with their record Projection Room. It features some good honest guitar rock arrangements with the sweet harmonies that highlight Paige Brubeck’s vocal work. It sounds like it could of been from the 90’s, but don’t we all love the 90’s anyway? The duo will be playing a bunch of shows at SXSW, so be sure to check them out if you get a chance.

Thurs, March 13 @ 4:30 – Set.fm Showcase – Hyde Park
Thurs, March 13 @ 9pm – Music Saves Lives – Fire House Lounge (605 Brazos Street)
Fri, March 14 @ 4pm – Red Bull Stage – Darwin’s Pub (223 E 6th Street)
Fri, March 14 @ 11pm – Red Gorilla Showcases – Amped (300 E 6th Street)
Sat, March 15 @ 12pm – Midcoast Takeover Showcase – Shangri La (1016 E 6th Street)
Sat, March 15 @ 11pm – Future of Music Showcase – Shiner’s Saloon (422 Congress Ave)

SXSW Song of the Day: Deathcrush – Lesson #16 for Beatmaster V / Fun

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Ricky in Song of the Day, South By Southwest | Leave a comment

Norway.

Aside from Fjords, their propensity to excel at the Winter olympics and overpriced everything, I don’t know a whole lot about them. I definitely don’t know a lot about their music scene. Enter Deathcrush. I mean, first of all. What a name. DEATHCRUSH! How does that not get you excited for everything and anything. A three piece band from Oslo, they are young, loud and brash. Their music just exudes cool. This video of one of their tracks has blown away any notion I might of had for young people in Norway. This might be one of the shows you go to at SXSW where at the end of it, you are like “I’m too old for this shit” but then maybe it’s just exactly what you need at the same time. I don’t know.

Concert Review: The Autumn Defense, The Hamilton, Washington DC February 15th

Posted on February 21, 2014 by halley in Concerts | Leave a comment

autumndefense

You know what may be more satisfying than a heart-felt “We love your city” shout-out from a band? A cutting but kind dig at another city that you can totally relate to. The Autumn Defense scored big points with me at their show on Saturday at The Hamilton for many reasons, but the most memorable was their commentary on Schuba’s.

Schuba’s, to be clear, is not a Washington DC venue. It is a Chicago venue frequented by my sister and, on my visits, myself. As the pianist took the keys at the Hamilton’s grand piano, he looked up and smiled: “I just want to say it is so fun to be playing here tonight. We really appreciate you being here, and this beautiful grand piano. Let me tell you, this is nothing like Schuba’s. I think that place’s stage is the same size as the top of this piano.”

I love Schuba’s, but that man spoke true words. It is a very different venue than the ever-impeccable, spacious, and swanky Hamilton. Of course, the Autumn Defense can’t get high marks just for other-city-shout-outs, and the group definitely proved their worth on musical grounds as well. They played a long, leisurely set for their appreciative crowd that included Valentine’s Day couples from all generations. My favorite live tracks were “Back of my Mind,” “Huntington Fair,” and “None of this will Matter.”

The group has a very relaxed feel, both in stage presence and sound, but they also kept things lively and light. At one point, the lead singer remarked how odd it is to be watching a live feed of yourself performing (there were monitors set up in the Hamilton). “It’s like, you think you’re looking good, closing your eyes, singing your song, and then you open your eyes and you catch sight of yourself, and it’s like… oooh, probably shouldn’t try that dance move again.”

The combination of wit, strong vocals, beautiful instruments and relaxing sound make this band a pleasure to see and hear. I definitely recommend them for anytime you’re in need of something soothing in your ears.

Concert Review: Nicole Atkins, February 18, Horseshoe Tavern

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Wini Lo in Concerts | Leave a comment

Nicole Atkins

First things first about New Jersey native, Nicole Atkins – she may often be labeled as simply a singer/songwriter, but she’s much more than the typical prototype of this description. She is a goddamn performer. Hearing her powerful voice alone ought to be enough to convince anyone of her scope of talent.

On a Tuesday night at the Horseshoe, Atkins and her four-piece backing band rocked through a setlist that mostly touted songs from her latest record, Slow Phaser. The album showcases a funkier, 70’s-influenced sound than her previous two full-lengths – a sound that translates wonderfully well in a live setting. I would go out on a limb and say that the live versions are far superior than that of their studio counterparts. The first thing I noticed about the new songs performed live? They have some seriously danceable basslines. And who doesn’t love a good bassline?

The band opened with “Vultures,” a darker, broody tune from Atkins’ second album, Mondo Amore. Afterwards, it was time to dance, or at least some heavy toe-tapping from the lesser inclined. New songs “Who Killed the Moonlight,” “Cool People” (“dedicated to you guys!”) and “Girl, You Look Amazing” at least got Atkins herself dancing around the stage, looking like she was having great time, all the while knocking it out the park with her killer vocals.

In addition to her voice and funky dancing, Atkins also had an adorably sassy demeanor, which made her stage banter feel comfortable and natural. She invited anyone who liked vodka and sodas to come drink with her later (a fan presented her one right before performing “Sin Song”). Later, she graciously thanked the audience for coming out to the show, despite the “shitty weather.” “Three albums, three winters,” she lamented with a laugh, that they were calling this one the “Snow Phaser” tour. “One day I’ll make an album in the summer for my own sake. For your sake too. For all our sakes!”

Instead of leaving the stage and returning to do an encore, Atkins proposed they just stay after “It’s Only Chemistry” and do one extra song. The crowd cheered in agreement, and so the band launched into a rousing version of “The Tower,” from Mondo Amore. Still, afterwards, as they were leaving the stage, a guy in the audience yelled, “Encore!” Atkins laughed and said, “Dude, we just did it!” as she left the stage with her vodka and soda.

 

« Previous   1 2 ... 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 ... 508 509   Next »