Built to Spill @ First Avenue

Built to Spill played at First Avenue last Thursday the 24th, and needless to say, I was in attendance. The 5:30 doors confused me greatly, but I guess that's when an 18+ show starts these days. I can't remember that far back personally, so I'll have to assume that's the norm.

A band (from Sweden, according to a Facebook friend) called Disco Doom opened the show. I thought they were a good musical match to B2S, with jamming, flowing guitars, and interesting drums. I couldn't hear what they were singing, but maybe I wouldn't have understood anyway. The only thing that caught me up was the chick's haircut - I couldn't tell if she was old, or just needed a better 'do. I do not know what instrument was sitting on top of the box that looked surprised, and I suspect I never will. It looked to me like it was played in a similar manner to a crystal wine glass with water in it.

Of course, when Built to Spill came on, the energy picked up in the room. Unfortunately, I was *once again* directly in front of the screamers at the show. This time, they really really wanted them to play "Come Over." Finally I suggested to the guy next to me that they try "Shut Up." Everyone around us agreed. Doug Martsch told us later that they were changing up the setlist, and it was confirmed after the show that we all hoped it was so they would NOT play "Come Over."

Needless to say, the music was great, although I think the sound guys could have given Doug more on the mic. My favorites were scattered throughout the show, seeing as I didn't have the foresight to listen to every album the week beforehand (what a fool am I!). Pretty Little Miss, Time Trap, Carry the Zero... awesome. PLUS, I don't know if this is on an album or not, but they also played a version of "Oh! Sweet Nothin" that pretty much made my pants wet. It totally blew me away to hear a synthesis of two of my favorite bands in one amazing song.

The night was going perfectly until I had to dodge this crazy guy and then fell *up* the stairs. Not a great merch selection either, but it was still well worth it. If only they would play another Shamrock-type outdoor festival next summer - I think Doug's music travels best in fresh air.

Ani DiFranco @ First Avenue

So I went to my first Ani concert on Sunday the 20th. I am now one of the initiated. Apparently, she doesn't like people singing along with her. And her daughter turned 2 this year. I learned lots about her from my expert friend!

The opening band, Gregory Alan Isakov, was too folksy for my tastes, but Mr. Isakov sounded talented. The rest of his band was pretty much just backing up his singer-songwriter act. They were a good lead-in to Ani herself.

And then she was on stage, and the crowd went crazy! I'll admit that I'm not an Ani-head, and didn't know many of the songs she played, but the setlist definitely improved as she went on. The first third was okay, the second third (when she started playing "new stuff") was great, and then the rest of the show built into a crescendo of energy and (dare I say it) fun! I really enjoyed her new stuff, as much of it was political and not talking about babies or being lovesick. I was able to forgive the one song about her daughter - I figured she earned a free pass on that one.

If only we weren't standing between the two girls who wouldn't stop talking to their friends in their annoying, high-pitched voices, the concert would have been even better. I loved the Amazon woman who finally told them off though - she was ready to start a fight if they didn't shut up, which I would have happily bore witness to. She talked shit to the tall ass guy who stood right in front of where her friend had been (getting drinks) too. Righteous! I didn't expect the threat of violence at an Ani concert, but I didn't expect so many straight-looking women either. All in all, a great show - Ani's presence was magnetic and her playing was super energetic. Rock on!

Good Looking Corpse @ Club Underground

So I'm not even sure if that's the name of the band my friend and I saw, but I couldn't understand a thing the guy said, so I had to guess based on the lineup. I realize that makes this review largely useless, but I felt the need to describe the scene anyway. Let me start by describing the venue, since I have much more to say about it than the music.

Club Underground is a small and intimate space in the basement of the Spring Street Tavern (355 Monroe St NE). You need to walk through the bar to get there; or at least we had to last night since the door labeled "Club Underground" was locked. Contrary to the pictures on the Spring Street Tavern website, it was not overrun with bikers last night. Some creepy old dudes, yes, but not bikers. I actually really enjoyed the club space - black walls, some leopard print around the stage, some tables, and I think a couch against the back wall, although that might be the "VIP" section. (Band members only?) The low ceiling and low lighting made for a great atmosphere. Plus, the DJ between sets had a pleasingly eclectic and varied selection of music.

And then there was the music. We got there near the end of the first band's set - were they called Canada? - and the singer was pissed that there were less than 20 people in the audience. I didn't form much of an opinion of the band, although I did notice that the drummer looked like a heavier version of the guy in The Hangover who married the stripper. Then the next band started tuning up, and we just looked at each other and knew we would leave quickly. Good Looking Corpse, if that is their name, plays heavy metal. Although almost the entire band was attractive - guitarist and singer especially - I stopped headbanging after 8th grade. So we stayed for one song and then went to the patio for a cigarette, never to return.

Was it a waste of $5? I say no. Although the music wasn't to my taste, I will keep an eye on the calendar and see if they have any good lineups in the future. How about this, Club Underground: Grey Skies, Mercurial Rage, and The Idle Hands. I would pretty much promote the show for you.

Amazing Baby @ 7th Street Entry

I was in attendance at the Amazing Baby show at 7th Street Entry on Saturday, September 12. It was quite an experience. My drunkenness probably didn't help matters. (Professional reviewer I am not.)

The first band, The Parlour Suite, consisted of two individuals: a young lady who had excellent cheekbones and was reminiscent of Bo Derek; and a young man who was apparently sporting a broken hand, although no bandage was present. Their sound was sweet, and seemed to be a strange cross between Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles, and the soundtrack of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? I loved the blow-Casio keyboard - always a classic and last witnessed at a Moss Piglets performance - but dude ended the show before she (i.e. the singer) was ready. I guess that hand must have been hurting.

The second band was The Entrance Band. I felt like I had instantly been transported into the 1970's, trapped somewhere between Led Zeppelin and Dazed and Confused. The music was excellently performed and the show was very enjoyable. I loved the white flare jeans, and didn't realize the gender of the bassist until a new friend pointed out that she was wearing fabulous heels. I have in the past enjoyed my share of "classic rock," and I promise that The Entrance Band will not disappoint if you see them and aren't totally against the genre.

Finally, Amazing Baby took the stage. I was surprised that such beautiful and layered music could come from such scruffy looking dudes, but they were truly as amazing as their name suggests. Between the fog machine and lasers, my visual sense was overwhelmed in the best way. My ears were feasting in layers of sound. Until I had a drink spilled down my back. Was it necessary to flash my middle finger so many times, to so many people? Doubtful. However, once I was pacified by a free drink from the offender's boyfriend, I was again floating in a sea of bliss. Amazing Baby doesn't have any more dates set up in the Minneapolis area, but I definitely recommend seeing them if you get the chance. You can even sing the harmony parts since they don't!

The Idle Hands @ Concrete & Grass

I saw The Idle Hands at the Concrete and Grass festival in Mears Park, St. Paul, on Saturday, September 12. It was the second time I was in the audience in front of them, and frankly, their performance seemed weak. Ciaran, the lead singer, seemed to lose his breath and/or voice during every song. I wonder if it was a late Friday night? Also, the fact that they were so far from the crowd added to the lack of intimacy compared to their show at the 501 Club. I do have to give them some slack for playing the 1 pm time slot though. I was still fairly worthless by the time I managed to get there, so I can't imagine playing a full set.

The show was satisfactory. The music sounded good, and the laid back atmosphere matched the band's presentation. The chilled out dude in the lawn chair added a certain je-ne-sais-quoi, as did the homeless guy who looooooved the lead guitarist. (I'll admit, she is super hot.) Plus, she gave a shout out to the local farmers market while some technical issues were being worked out, which I respect. I just wish that the band had brought some CD's or something - when will they get a merch table together? I'd be happy to volunteer to work it. Don't quote me on that though.

All in all, as a fan of the group, it was an enjoyable performance. I imagine that The Idle Hands' upcoming evening performances will be of a higher quality. I highly recommend checking them out at the Ritz Theater on September 26, or *definitely* at the Uptown Bar on October 8. Let's give that ol' girl a fond farewell! She will be missed!