CSS & Sleigh Bells @ First Ave

Hello loyal readers, I know it's been far too long since my last post. I promise to make up for it this summer by attending and reviewing as many shows as I can! Time and budget shall be my only limitations.

Anyhoo, I went to First Ave last night for the sold out CSS and Sleigh Bells show. I forgot it was all ages so my friend and I herded upstairs with the rest of the legal drinking age cattle. We got there in time to catch the end of the second opener, I believe called Neon Indian. It could have been Princeton though since I wasn't really paying attention.

CSS came on next, and totally blew me away. I already recognized a couple of their songs, but I fell in love with a few new ones. I thought the music was tight and well put together, the lyrics were straightforward, honest, and funny, and most importantly, their songs were super fun to dance to! The lead singer was an act all in her own right - she came onstage in boots, black pants, a red plaid shirt, and a black leather jacket, with a misfits-style face paint look going on. Super cool, right? Well it turned out the pants were tear-away, which were torn away to reveal jean shorts with a patterned pair of tights underneath. The jacket came off and the shirt beneath was longer than her jean shorts. Then, much to everyone's growing astonishment, she revealed not one but TWO other shirts underneath that one! She must have been sweltering in all those clothes. Plus, for the second to last song, she put on a pink flowery dress over her clothes and danced around with the zipper open and the dress falling off her arms. She even got down onto the floor with the crowd a couple times, and totally crowdsurfed. My friend called her "awesomely '90s" and I have to agree. They were absolutely amusing and kick ass. The drummer had his face painted too, and the keyboardguitarist was sporting a Sleigh Bells shirt. I love a female bassist so that was a nice touch. I honestly couldn't tell if the guitarist was a man or a woman - but s/he had kind of a fro-rat tail hair style going on, and was skinny but with toned arms. So bizarre but it totally fit! I love CSS. I can see why they're so tired of being sexy.

Then, after a prolonged break, Sleigh Bells came on stage to the opening strains of "Iron Man." Their stacks of speakers had a light show going on around them, and the fog was coming out hot and heavy from behind them. With the LOUD music (must've turned it up to 11), strobe lights, fog, heavy pot smoke, and light show, I was pissed that I didn't have any acid last night (joking of course). It would have been a whole different experience and to be frank, my senses were already close to overload with just some beer in me. To be honest, I wasn't impressed. They just danced around with backlighting for about 20 minutes and then they were done. The singer did some crowdsurfing too, which had totally already been done and seemed totally passe. CSS made it cool again when they joined SB on the stage at the very end of the show.

The lead mic needed to be higher because I couldn't understand a lot of what was being said or sung, and CSS totally should have been the headliners instead of Sleigh Bells. Those issues aside, it was a great show!

The Idle Hands @ Sauce Soundbar

Last night I checked out the Idle Hands et al at Sauce (Lake and Lyndale for those who remain uninitiated) and, as I predicted, it was a great show. I was even able to get (and keep) my favorite spot at the end of the bar.

The first band was Usonia, who I had never heard of, but they were actually really good! My friend and I decided they were the best opener we've ever heard there (G Biz, anyone?) or, for that matter, anywhere else. Definitely above average, smart, and well put together music and lyrics - some of their songs were really catchy with great riffs and beats. Their sound was vaguely retro, with keyboards and clapping (which I loved of course), and the band members must all be very talented since they traded instruments throughout the set. According to Ross, the lead singer, their name "Usonia" is the term for Frank Lloyd Wright's vision of post-WWII America. I told you these guys were smart. Bottom line is: go see these guys play. Hopefully they'll have a lot of shows in the near future.

Next up was Arms Akimbo, who I saw open for the Alarmists at 7th St Entry, and as expected, they had a great set. I won't repeat myself too much, but if you like a solid performance with a hint of reggae/mod/doo-wop/early Beatles, go see these guys play. You won't regret it. If you do, don't blame me.

Next was Two Harbors. All I can say is "adequate" and "generic." Melody and rhythm which were pleasant and worked but unexciting and uninspiring. My friend dubbed them "Puddle of Bieber," which I think is actually a little harsh, but too funny not to include. I wouldn't avoid a show if they were on the list - unlike that monstrosity referred to as "Red Pens" - but I wouldn't seek them out either.

Finally, the Idle Hands were up last. As always, it was a 20 orgasm, A+++ show. I couldn't help but notice a couple changes in the band roster since the last time I saw them (Mears Park?) - different drummer and bassist - but they played a top-notch set. According to the lead singer Ciaran, their new album is coming out later this summer or fall in wide distribution (think Best Buy). I wish them tons of success, they definitely have the talent and deserve it. For now, I *highly* recommend picking up their last album, The Hearts We Broke On The Way To The Show, and then seeing them play ASAP. Who knows - maybe in a year they'll be on an international tour and we'll all bemoan all the missed opportunities to see them here in the Twin Cities.

The Big Pink @ First Ave

Yes, I realize it's been a while since I last posted on a show. What can I say? Winter beat me into some kind of lazy submission. But Spring has finally come, and brings with it concerts anew! So I went to First Avenue last night to check out The Big Pink, which I couldn't get into when they came to the Entry. Sidenote: Big ups to Emi for hooking us up so sweet!!

The opening band, A Place to Bury Strangers, came on with a fog machine and light show. Their music seemed like a mix of The Editors (vocals) and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (music). Their music wasn't bad, but they had this irritating addiction to feedback, and used it to both begin and end every song. Literally - every song. Not necessary. Save me the noise cause I don't need it. The really strange thing about their show was that it was nearly impossible to see the band members performing, because they had an annoying light show going on, which precluded them from having any lights actually on them. I always thought the idea of going to see a band play was to, well, SEE THE BAND PLAY. Every once in a while we got a bright enough flash from their light show (kind of '80s now that I think about it) to see something on stage, and when that happened, I got to see how amazing their drummer was. His hands are crazy fast and that man knows how to rock a set of drums! He was definitely the highlight of the band. My friend described the light show and feedback squeals as the soundtrack to a "fucked up alien invasion" that could only mean "anal probes" were eminent. Yikes...

Now onto the Big Pink. I was so happy to see they were coming back after their last show sold out, and the singer gave Minneapolis some props for being a great city to come to. Naturally, as so many people in this town seem to have excellent taste in music (I am case in point of course). I'm not even sure how to describe the show, since for most of it I was having some kind of music-induced out of body experience. Of course, they saved "Dominos" for the last song, during which I think I actually reached a state of ecstasy. I transcended the physical reality of attending a show at First Ave and became one with the music. It was amazing. The surprise Smashing Pumpkins cover in the middle of the set was also a near-spiritual experience. If you get the chance to see this band, GO. Or at least check out their album, A Brief History of Love. As one major corporation would tell you, you're worth it.

Evening Rig & Arms Akimbo @ 7th St Entry

Technically, the headliner at this show was The Alarmists, but I only heard the first 30 seconds of their first song, so I feel more qualified to speak to the quality of their openers. It is there that I shall begin.

Evening Rig was the first band on the bill. They played solid, fine-tuned Southern Rock. Meaning, they sounded a bit like Lynyrd Skynyrd or The Black Crowes. Or 10w40, but with less sleazy sex and more energy. Overall enjoyable bar music. It was when they ended their set with covers that their sound fell a little flat. Tom Petty they are not, but then again, who else can be?

Arms Akimbo was extremely fun to listen to! They reminded me of The English Beat meets Vampire Weekend - an English ska/mod mixture that rubbed me the right way. The Beatles cover they played fit right into their bouncy music, and the singing bassist was impressive. In fact, their entire set was fun and energetic. I wonder if it's a sign of the times that silly, light-headed music like this is so popular. I don't really care either way - I love it!! And was the kid in the England sweatshirt hilarious? Yes. Did I make fun of him? Of course. And the tall girl too. My judgmental gaze passes over no one.

To end my review: the Alarmists were acceptable.

P.S. I'd like to give a shout out to Brian Diamond, aka the best Rainbow cab driver ever. He killed none of us, including me for calling him a drug addict, and gave us jazz hands. This post is dedicated to you.

Rockabilly Nite @ Club Underground

Before I begin my review of the music, I'd like to start with a couple general comments about the atmosphere. First, as soon as I descended into the room and approached the guy at the table to get my stamp, a wave of B.O. washed over me. I can only assume this was emanating from the young male contingency in the audience. The other observation that struck me was the fetishized 50's stylings of the people who I'm sure must be the "real fans." The clothing was updated with lots of leopard print and skulls & crossbones, so I was reminded that I was still in 2009.

Now onto the good stuff! The first band was Cool Hand, based out of Wausau, WI. I very much enjoyed their music - fun lyrics, solid performance, not a huge stage presence but very enjoyable. I would definitely see them again. The only thing that turned me off was the "stripper shoe" joke halfway through the set. But still worth my, or your, time.

Next up was Reckless Ones. These guys really had the crowd going, and I must say, they had quite a presence. They consisted of a guitarist/singer, a standup bassist, and a standup drummer. I love standup drummers. And I love standup bassists. The singer seemed to be channeling Robert Smith from The Cure underneath his suit and ascot, but I suppose you can't help who you look like. The crowd really got into their music, and there was all kinds of swing and other dancing going on at the stage. I very much enjoyed their music as well, although I was just bouncing along in the back of the room. It's hard to swing without a partner. Or any knowledge of swing dancing.

Finally, Hot Rod Hearse came on. I think a lot of the crowd was still out smoking when they started their set. Also a guitarist and standup bassist, but this drummer was sitting down. Anyway, they were also pretty rockin, and I felt bad that by the time they came on around 1 am, much of the crowd had either dispersed to elsewhere on the premises, or were too drunk to do much more than walk around being loud. But I would definitely check this band out again too.

So, final conclusion: I like rockabilly! It reminds me of Nashville, which brings up those feelings of deep love and longing. If only I didn't feel like a square for dressing like I usually do, i.e., like I live in this decade.

the goondas @ 501 Club

I decided at the last minute to check out the lineup at the 501 Club last night, and boy, am I glad I did. I left this show with a new favorite local band! (Sorry Idle Hands, no hard feelings, right?) But we'll get there eventually. Let's start at the beginning.

The first band was Guzzlemug. I think their entire set consisted of three very long songs - or maybe I just stopped paying attention. The first song, Dallas, TX, gave me the impression of excellent '70s jam-rock; the music flowed easily, and struck me as very Pink Floyd-esque. The second song, called The Moon, was similarly jam-band rock, but with a harder aesthetic. This was the point where they started to lose me; some of the song I liked, but then it wandered around the harmony and I couldn't keep up. Some could argue that it might have also been because at this point, I was on my second Premium. But who's counting? I think that my tastes are too vocally-driven to really appreciate their music - either they don't have a singer, or the singer didn't show up - but all in all, not bad. I would also like to point out that the incredibly hot drummer had his shirt off after the first song, and the guitarist had a super sweet 'stache. In my book, these are excellent signs.

The next band was Dylan Posa & Three Cheers for One Dead Man, from Chicago. Dylan Posa's website says "Dylan Posa is not ready for the 21st century," and frankly, I think the reverse is just as true. Or rather, there is simply no century ready for Dylan Posa. I didn't enjoy the music, the lyrics, or the singing. And was there some kind of off-key spoken word thrown in there? Or is that just how my brain interpreted the monstrosity of noise that was hitting my ears? I really enjoyed the commitment of the trombone player - she was working it pretty hard - but in my opinion, trombone does not for sweet rock music make. But then again, no one in the band was making good music, so it wouldn't be fair to single her out. A class of 3rd graders playing the recorder out of sync would have been a better booking.

10w40 followed, and although it wouldn't have taken much to sound better than the group before them, they were pretty darn good. I fell back into the let's-have-sex-in-the-back-of-my-van kinda vibe with the dirty, sexy, '70s rock music they were playing. They reminded me of ZZ Top or AC/DC, and they had some wicked lyrics comparing a woman to whiskey. At one point the phrase "rock my panties off" crossed my mind, and I think that sums up my experience of 10w40.

Now to the finale of the show - the goondas. I'm still coming down from the many orgasms this band gave me last night. I don't even know if I can express the heights of enjoyment that I reached as they played, but I'll try. Their music struck me as a cross between Nashville and Velvet Underground - does that even make sense? Maybe I should say that's how I felt while listening to them. They were fast-paced, had great guitar, amazing drums, expressive but simple lyrics, and were really really fun to watch! If I wasn't trying to take notes, I would have gotten up and danced like a happy fool for the entire set. As it was, I gave my chair a run for its money with all my booty shaking. However, the lead singer deserves an entirely separate review for his bizarre, intoxicated antics. What was up with the fuzzy lady coat he wore for about 10 seconds, before beginning to strip almost entirely naked? Did he briefly pass out in the corner while trying to pull off his mesh shirt? Was he merely drunk, or on some kind of opiate? Or perhaps a unique blend of drugs that he will never be able to replicate? Whatever the answers to these questions may be, he obviously isn't the most critical element in the band, as I still had my socks rocked off while he was busy doing whatever the hell it was he was doing.

Ultimately, the goondas put on an extremely fun show. Did drinking enhance the experience? Without a doubt! If I can see these guys play on a regular basis, I might not have to move to Nashville after all. They're playing this Friday the 27th at Sauce Soundbar, and there are more dates on their myspace page. I highly recommend checking them out!!

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!