The Mega-Update of Show Reviews, Part I
Here is part one of a long list of shows I have seen in the past two months that I never found time to write about. The bands just keep piling up and I keep thinking I would eventually put it in a massive update. I have already been called out once for not posting about a show quick enough. There is no real reason for the lag other than my lack of efficiency, but now I can run through all these shows in a few sentences and save you loads of cumbersome posts. So in the end, this catching up is a win/win situation. There are a few MP3s sprinkled throughout too.
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY • FEBRUARY 20
This show took place on the day Explosions In The Sky's released their highly anticipated second album. The band played in the Wordless Music Series at The Society for Ethical Culture, a dimly lit church by Columbus Circle. The show was not transcendental but sitting with your eyes closed and listening to the music was nice. Now if only the pews were more comfortable.
DAVID VANDERVELDE • SAM CHAMPION • FEBRUARY 27
David Vandervelde was first in the line-up when he played Piano's in February. He has since come back with Richard Swift for a headlining show. However, the place was packed enough at 8 o'clock the first time. His live show sounds like the reckless early years of his album, which has a bit more refinement in the vocal effects, the addition of keys and strings, and just less indulgent guitar soloing. The kid can really wail on the guitar, but I prefer the album. If you like T. Rex, check David out. Sam Champion is always good fun. I hope they make it big one day. Heart On A Stick was also there.
DOWNLOAD
David Vadervelde – Nothin' No (MP3)
BRIGHT EYES • MARCH 3
Bright Eyes has many devoted and crazy fans that will love whatever he does. This show at Bowery was full of new songs from Casadega. While I can't say that is my favorite of Conner's albums, the decoder viewfinder for the case is pretty cool. M. Ward performed on a few songs at the Bowery shows too.
BEACH HOUSE • GRIZZLY BEAR • MARCH 6
Beach House is good live but I really think they need to get a drummer for their shows even if they are banging on a synth pad. The beat machine was fine for the intimacy of Cake Shop but the music felt a little skimpy at Bowery. On the other hand, Grizzly Bear has finally found a way to play their sedated album live. They make great music but the past two shows I have seen them were boring. But this time they really rocked out incorporating some more energetic rhythms and arrangements. I was too far back to get any good shots of them though.