Pete Yorn played his brand of rock last night Saturday night to a very appreciative, sold-out Showbox crowd. Check his site for abbreviated clips of his songs — they’re not worth linking to at 30 seconds each. WTF?
[Droll writing style reveals foreshadowing — Ed. ]
Then Radiohead protogé Aqualung played their brand of rock last night Saturday night to a very appreciative, sold-out Showbox crowd. [foreshadowing again.]
Popularity: 10%
Whenever Yes, Rush, or their assorted minions ever came on the radio, I used to get pissed. I hated the stuff. I listened to hardcore bands like Husker Du and Black Flag. I kept real — who needed musical chops, anyway.
A few years back I went through a bit of ’70s radio rock renaissance — indulging in Edgar Winter’s “They Only Come Out at Night” and Mott the Hoople. I thought it was a faze — ’cause I never listen to it anymore.
Then Tower was going out of business and the CDs were all 50% off or some jazz, so I picked up The Yes Album - by Yes, took home, popped in the CD tray, and listened. I was blown away…now I’m a pretty hardcore Yes, King Crimson, and Zappa junkie. There’s nothing like the “I get up/I get down” melody in “Close to the Edge” with Wakeman’s walls of organ and Jon Anderson and Chris Squire harmonizing to heaven. (Jon Anderson’s voice is amazing!!! Dig his guest spot on “Lizard” by King Crimson — the Flaming Lips got it all right there — at least for the last three records).
Prog — go buy some!!! Musicians trying to challenge themselves into all new regions of playing, composition, imagery…why not listen to it? Think of something like Husker Du’s “Zen Arcade” — so what if punk musician’s push the boundaries? Of what? Of punk (albeit the Du never admitted to being a punk band or liked being labelled hardcore). Yea, they’re pushing themselves…but prog!
Listen to “Starship Trooper” just once and tell me it’s not incredible.
Popularity: 6%
Funhouse on Saturday: Phantom Lights, New Fangs, and the A-Frames. This was the Fangs’ last show, and they went out with a bang. They rocked the fucking house. I guess it will be the first and last time I’ll see you guys play, sigh.
The Phantom Lights rotated instruments every few songs. Nice touch, Lights.
Popularity: 8%
The Decemberists and The Shins and Keane and Band of Horses bum me out. Yech. Too much mopey emo-core when it’s grey and bitter-cold makes me all cranky. ‘Specially when I don’t have money to go ‘boarding with Ledoux.
So how pumped am I to hear that The Police are playing here in May. And Van-f*cking-Halen is playing this summer with Diamond Dave, Alex, Eddie and Wolfgang Van Halen!
“Wonder what the teacher’s gonna look like this year???!?!”
Popularity: 5%
Maybe I’ve written about the late British Invasion fueled by the likes of Art Brut, The Rakes, Arctic Monkeys.
If I haven’t, well, there’s an invasion on, and I’d like you to please add the Voom Blooms to the guilty parties listed above.
more››
Popularity: 15%
Man, oh man, I know Isaac Brock isn’t the most handsome lead singer,
but this promo makes me wonder if it’s Halloween.
Will someone please get these guys outdoors?
And spike their drinks with some Vitamin C????
Popularity: 12%
