For one-night only (well, two for Houstonians. River Oaks Theater is showing the film again next Wednesday), dance rock fans across the country were able to get an insider's perspective of the end of an era; an era full of meticulousness, infectiousness, and "pretentiousness" created by James Murphy and company, better know as LCD Soundsystem. Brought to life in 2001, LCD has been bringing originality to the indie music scene and creating throbbing dance floors all over the globe. On April 2, 2011, the band performed it's very last live show to a sold-out, Madison Square Garden audience. High energy matched with equally high emotion, this documentary gets your foot tapping with a possible tear in your eye.
I really didn't know what to expect last night. I've seen so many music documentaries and live concert films (no, not including Katy Perry's. I might be gay but I do have some good taste. Well, until I've had a few drinks). Some focus more on the live performance and sprinkle in short behind-the-scenes bits. Although these serve a purpose, when it comes certain bands, you want to gain more of a sense of depth. Luckily, Shut Up and Play the Hits did just that. Witnessing the vulnerability of Murphy and his bandmates was intoxicating and at the same time, heartfelt.
The opening scene features Murphy with his adorable French bulldog the morning after the concert. I can't lie, that little pup stole the show a couple times. Shortly after, we are taken back in time, approximately one week prior to April 2nd, with an interview of Murphy by Chuck Klosterman (author Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, etc.). Much of the film's narration centers around this interview. Having read a few of Klosterman's books, I was not at all surprised by his questions. At times he seemed nervous as he interviewed Murphy. I'd be nervous too if I basically implied that one of this generation's greats is arrogant and pretentious. The funny thing is, Murphy didn't really deny it. My only complaint is that at times, Klosterman felt the need to interject his opinions and theories while Murphy truly tried to give a heartfelt window into his thoughts. Klosterman is about as arrogant as the come, so it was difficult to take him seriously sometimes. The interview ends with the blunt yet appropriate question for any band going into retirement: "What do you believe is your greatest failure?" The obvious answer: "possibly" retiring the band. We all know that public figures are most often remembered for their one failure or mistake. Murphy knows this and it shows on film. It seemed as if he was having "buyer's remorse". He is obviously proud and content with what he has done for our generation. He stayed true to himself and his craft. His reasons for wanting to end it were very valid. Everyone wants to have a life outside of their art, career, etc., but at the same time, giving up something you (and millions of others) love so dearly solely for personal reasons can make you question those intentions.
As the film progresses, you can almost sense the end is approaching. Many tears are shed by Murphy and his bandmates during the concert and behind-the-scenes. Before you hear the piano chords for "New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down" (the final song), Murphy is shown in a storage unit, surrounded by the equipment his band has accumulated over the years. Moments later you find Murphy breaking down, and you can't help but get choked-up by it all. When his manager asks him how he feels the next day, he simple response is, "Strangely normal."
Now let's get to the concert footage: it is fantastic. The sound quality and visuals are impeccable. For those of you who never had the chance to see LCD Soundsystem in concert, you are in for a treat. I'm hoping they release a DVD that solely features the concert. There are so many other songs I wanted to see and hear. Some of the audience footage is thoroughly entertaining and heartbreaking as well. Just wait until the show ends and the house lights come on. You will see what I'm talking about.
Although its a music documentary, it allows for plenty of personal introspection. My friend and I had a couple beers at Poison Girl afterwards, which turned into an hour long chat about what we want out of life. Shit got real.
If this film is showing again in your city, buy your ticket now. You won't regret it. When the DVD is released, purchase that too. Also, when LCD Soundsystem decides to go on their inevitable reunion tour, make sure you buy tickets for that as well.
As most musically-inclined Houstonians know, 91.7 KTRU is the sole college radio station that showcases indie and international music, among many other genres. Over the past six or so months, Rice University has gone back and forth, threatening to do away with the current format and convert it into another classical music station. Although the majority of this city probably doesn't understand the implications that go along with this (or plainly just don't give a shit), the indie crowd has been up in arms about the situation and signing petitions left and right. I haven't heard anything about the possible change lately, so maybe there has been some voice of reason to change the university's mind. Don't get me wrong, classical music will always hold a special place in my music collection, but one classical rad station in this city is enough. Anyways...
The KTRU festival this year was a great way to start off the outdoor season in Houston. Great bands, free St. Arnold's beer, and...well, the entire event was free, in general (minus parking). Performers included: Mister Heavenly, Real Estate (pictured above), Fat Tony, Houston-based Young Mammals, and Washed Out. As most of you know, Mister Heavenly features Michael Cera as a bassist, and I can't tell you how obnoxious it is to see people flock to the band purely for that reason. Girls (and guys) were freaking the fuck out over it. This isn't Oprah's Favorite Things. I quickly had the urge to cry out, "Get the fuck over it. Yes, it's Michael Cera. You are all posers." In my opinion, they are worth flocking to because of the Man Man/Islands/Modest Mouse combination. I dealt with the same predicament at SXSW. Still, I appreciated the performance, and Cera wasn't overcome with absolute awkwardness. I popped my Fat Tony cherry as well. Despite his obvious inebriation, the performance quite entertaining and often humorous. Fifteen minutes prior to his 8:00 pm set time, I was disappointed by how brief his set was (25 minutes, but I feel like that's typical of most hip hop shows. As a special treat, Nick Diamonds made an uncomfortable guest appearance with Fat Tony which lasted all of three minutes. This happened more so because Fat Tony was obsessing over him on stage. My favorite aspect of rap shows at events like this is the audience. Let's be real, it was mostly white hipsters. I was engulfed in a sea of the stereotypical "white boy dancing". I just stood in the back and smirked. For some, I believe it was drug-induced, but nonetheless I was amused.
Fat Tony
Washed Out
Minus a spilt whiskey and Coke, the festival was lovely. A nice day with great friends, music, beer, and sunshine. As the sun set in the sky, Washed Out closed-out the festival with a hazy, electro, colorful ending. Because my hunger pains were overpowering my senses, I felt it was time to vacate the premises halfway through their set.
Yet another concert with plenty of homosexual overtones....I feel as if this is becoming a trend in my life, but I'm not surprised at all. Jake Shears, Ana Matronic, and the rest of the Scissor Sisters gang made their way to Houston this past Monday on their Night Work tour. The last time Scissor Sisters performed in Houston, they served as the opening act for Lady Gaga in 2010. As much as I love them, I had no intention of shelling out the bucks for that show. Surprisingly, the crowd was more mixed than I expected, and it appeared to be a somewhat older as compared to the Robyn concert in February. I was a bit disappointed with the attendance. The $35.00 price tag might have turned away some concertgoers, but let's be honest; how much does a typical gay spend during a night at the gay bars? Nonetheless, there was enough of an audience to allow for a colorful experience. With some of the outfits people were sporting, you could tell they were more than ready for a show. At the top of my list of fashions was a certain fellow in a skin-tight, latex police officer get up. I can only imagine how much he was probably sweating. I thought about wearing my new black pumps, but I would have been bitching the entire night. Girl, I've got to learn to walk in heels before I can dance in them. I have a new found respect for women. Heels might be cute and all, but damn...they are fucking painful.
With only a DJ as an opening act, there wasn't much of a delay after the scheduled 9:00 pm show time. As the vodka, club remixes, and stage fog circulated through my system, the only two thoughts in my head were 1) let's get this show on the road, and 2) how revealing will Jake Shears' outfit be? At about 9:30 pm, the lights dimmed as the backing band entered the stage. The tension was quickly building as we waited for Shears and Ana Matronic to make an appearance. Finally, the vocal duo made an in-your-face entrance on to the stage in coordinating outfits. I don't think I have to go into detail about Shears' magnificent body. All I can say is that he's even more beautiful in person, and I don't think one person in Warehouse Live, gay or straight, would disagree with that statement.
The nearly two hour set fired up with their title track, "Night Work", and the dance party was already at full speed. With the constant audience interaction and confetti, there was no time to be distracted by anything else. During one song, Ana Matronic requested that everyone put they're "fucking cameras and cell phones" away for it's duration. It's quite easy to become obsessive when taking pictures and videos during a concert, and I myself have been guilty of this concert OCD. That gave me three and a half minutes to not think about taking pictures, tweeting, or text messaging. It wasn't easy.
The setlist consisted of eighteen tracks with plenty of interspersed banter to keep me thoroughly entertained. She even mentioned The Menil (which is one of my favorite art museums in Houston). Naturally, they performed more tracks from their latest album, but there was still a good mix of earlier works. During the encore, Shears crooned a very intimate, stripped down version of "Sex and Violence". That was definitely a highlight for me. Both Shears and Ana Matronic showcased there true vocal talent with several solos throughout the night. Other favorites included "Filthy/Gorgeous", "Invisible Light", "Tits On The Radio", "Any Which Way", "Take Your Mama", and "Laura". As a result, sing-a-longs were inevitable and welcomed by the band. This explains why I was so soft spoken the next day. Check out the full setlist here. As much as I wish "Mary" would have been on the roster, the fact that it wasn't didn't tarnish the experience.
Being my first live Scissor Sisters concert, I had certain expectations of quality, energy, danceability, and personality. They certainly made the mark on all parameters. Each "sister" even had three or more costume changes. Luckily, Shears revealed an ample amount of skin each time. The magnetic chemistry between every member of the band was undeniable. Once the final note was sung, I was still on a music high until the next morning. I was also reeling from $1.00 post-concert wells at Cecil's Pub. Afterwards, I dreamt that I tattooed the Scissor Sisters symbol on my side. Is it bad that I don't think it's a terrible idea?
All-in-all, it was simply a fun, engaging, and occasionally raunchy show. It was impossible to leave Warehouse Live without a smile from ear to ear.
P.S. I tweeted Scissor Sisters enough for them to follow me. That's not creepy, right?
Can I express to you how long I have been patiently waiting for this night to arrive? Several months too long. The moment I found out she was performing in Houston (well, Texas in general), my heart was all aflutter. Robyn has made quite the comeback over the past year with her triple-installation album Body Talk. It has received many accolades and praises for its showcase of what true, quality pop music should sound like. After somewhat of a hiatus during the 2000s, Robyn took the music scene by storm with the promise of new music, and loads of it. I think most fans can agree that she did not disappoint. Most look back on her 1997 hit-song "Show Me Love", and some remember her self-titled album featuring tracks such as "Konichiwa Bitches" and "With Every Heartbeat", but if you aren't a fan now, you need to get your ears checked. Even though she is competing with pop divas such as Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue, she stands her own ground with a unique image and sound.
Over the past couple weeks, Robyn had cancelled a handful of shows due to illness. Of course, I wanted her to get healthy, but I would be so disappointed if the Houston date was cancelled. Miraculously, the music gods were watching over us, and we were graced with her presence.
Warehouse Live was in full gay force that night. The venue staff should have hung a rainbow flag in the front entrance. Everyone was dressed to impress being that 75% or more of the audience was of the homosexual persuasion (so obviously, I felt right at home). Robyn wholeheartedly respects and appreciates her gay American following. Although straight, Robyn feels very connected to gay culture. Like I've said before, if you have the gays on your side, you will always have success.
There were two openers for the show: Natalia Kills and Diamond Rings. The show either started earlier than schedule, or Natalia Kills' set was just extremely short. We caught a couple of her tunes, including one of her more popular ones, "Mirrors". She was decent, but nothing to necessarily write home about....just filler. Next was Diamond Rings, who I was actually looking forward to seeing. First off, he is adorable with his David Bowie-esque appearance Secondly, he put on a great show, especially for being a solo-act. His music is very Soft Cell/Depeche Mode sounding. He is performing this coming Monday at Fitzgerald's in Houston with PS I Love you, so you have another chance to check him out. Also, his "Stay Fierce" t-shirts are fucking awesome.
Now, on to the queen herself. I know she was ill in previous weeks, but she showed no signs of sickness during her impressive 1.5 hour+ set at Warehouse. Her energy level never seemed to take a break. She constantly danced around the entire stage, exclaiming her love for the Houston crowd. I wish I had a dollar for every time she actually said "Houston". The amount of vitality and genuine love she showcased was nothing by infectious. When you caught a glimpse of her smiling at the end of a song, you knew she meant it. Can I also add in that I loved her outfit? I give her props for pulling off her dance moves in those platform shoes. The audience was in an uproar as her set shot off with "Time Machine" and didn't slow down from there. She sung almost every track from Body Talk, which led to quite a number of sing-a-longs. I will admit that I am quite guilty of wailing with the rest of them. I was disappointed that "The Girl and the Robot" did not receive the attention that it deserved. I was very much looking forward to it, and I might have gone a tad crazy when I heard the opening beats. The crowd went wild during "Dancing On My Own", "Indestructible", and "Stars 4-Ever". How could you not? My attempts at filming during the show failed at certain points because I, myself, became too enveloped in the music. Naturally, she ended her third and final encore with "Show Me Love" which turned into a venue-wide sing-along.
This was also the last stop on Robyn's Body Talk Tour....Houston got lucky :)
Robyn is a true artist in every sense of the word. Her music, charisma, style, and personality are all absolutely amazing. She literally melted my heart. I woke up the next morning with "Stars 4-Ever" buzzing in my head, in addition to the alcohol I consumed the night before.
Check out "Indestructible" below:
It's impossible for me to pinpoint my "favorite" performed tracks, so here is the full setlist:
Gregg Gillis, better known as mashup-king Girl Talk, made an appearance in Houston promoting his latest party starter, All Day (which you can still download for free on the official website). It's almost unreal how much the popularity for this man has grown since his solo project was birthed into the world. The show was originally scheduled to take place at the House of Blues, but because it sold out so quickly, Livenation decided to move the event to a more appropriate venue. Either way, I knew I was going to be forced to shell out $8 - 10 per beer/cocktail. To compensate for this, I fulfilled my quota of Red Bull and vodka drinks beforehand at a friend's apartment *Kids, don't drink and drive*.
If you haven't seen Girl Talk in person, you are missing out on something....ridiculous. Hundreds (often thousands) of partygoers + alcohol + eardrum blowing music + flashing lights + confetti + balloons + a stage full of dancing hipsters = a good time for all. This was my fourth go around. His show's are more of a production than a actual "concert" per se. We missed the opening DJ, but I'm not losing sleep over it. Occasionally, I was able to recognize specific tracks from All Day, but when you see a Girl Talk show, it doesn't really matter. You're there to drink and dance. It's as simple as that. Gillis spun for about an hour and half, which is what I expected, and didn't disappoint the 3000+ concertgoers. Girl Talk attracts a very intriguing combination of people. You've got your hipsters, underage kids, fraternity/sorority douchebags, and preps. I went to Nocturnal Music Fest last year (Girl Talk also performed there) and experienced the same type of clusterfuck audience. One of the more surprising crowd pleasers was an extended version of Otis Day's "Shout". There is a small blip on All Day, but Gillis was smart to create a sing-a-long towards the end of the show. I can't lie, I was blowing out my vocal chords with the rest of them. Gillis truly knows how to maintain a high energy level throughout a performance.
As mentioned before, a stage full of dancing hipsters always makes for a more entertaining, and often humorous, show. I've graced a few concert stages with my drunken presence, but I decided to sit this one out. That, and they had preselected a large number of underagers. Funny story of the night: a 16 year old kid not only brought a flask on stage but also felt comfortable enough to let the entire audience know he had it. Oh, it doesn't end there. Apparently, he felt the need to accost his lady friend's vagina....on stage. C'mon guys....discretion. Do you know the definition of that word? Needless to say, he didn't make it to the end.
Whenever Girl Talk pops on my iTunes/iPod, I have think to myself...how did this music style become so sought-after? In no way do I intend to downplay how much work it takes Gillis to create an album, but when you logically think about....an hour of mashups consists purely of an ungodly number of songs that have been already created by someone else. My opinion: Girl Talk is society's answer to MADD (Music Attention Deficit Disorder). I include myself in that population.
Despite the excessive cost of alcoholic beverages at the venue, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was even complimented on my dance skills. Check out the picture of me that made it onto the Houston Press website here.
PEE.ESS. I took several videos from the concert, so be on the look out for those soon!
This show was the most pleasant musical surprise I've had in quite awhile. Not that I was shocked by how beautiful it was but purely the fact that it was actually happening. As gaymixes burst through my ear canals at Fox Hollow during their newly founded Sunday Funday tradition, my friend and I started to chat with one of the bartenders towards the end of the event. As he was hastily readying the bar area for closing time, he mentioned to us that he was moving fast so as to make it to Fitzgerald's to see Jay Brannan. In my mind, my mouth dropped; Jay Brannan is performing in Houston? Tonight? I have to be there. It had been pre-decided. I've been longing to see him live. He is an openly gay, Texas-born, singer/songwriter/actor based in New York City. If you don't know who he is, do yourself a favor and watch the movie Shortbus (one of my top favorites) and enjoy the soundtrack afterwards. Just an FYI, the film is not for the faint at heart when it comes to sexuality. Don't say I didn't warn you.
After scarfing down a nutritious Wendy's power snack, we headed straight to the venue and arrived just in the nick of time. Although not a packed house, Brannan drew a nice, good-sized, diverse mix of people. For the most part, the audience treated the show as they should have: with respect. I absolutely detest assholes audience members who feel the need to drunkenly banter during quiet, intimate performances. Moving on....a shot of Jameson later, Brannan could be found sitting center stage under the spot light. Some music fans feel that solo acoustic shows become monotonous halfway through the setlist, but I completely disagree with that statement. Brannan has a clever, witty way of twisting his lyrics together. Some tunes make your heart smile wide, while others can draw a tear from your eye. I encountered both reactions but probably more of the latter...If you haven't realized this by now, I'm not afraid of my emotions like some people :P
Brannnan is also very good at interspersing short anecdotes and interacting with the audience. He is one of those few artists that can show off his beautiful, genuine personality without even trying. It just shines through. That made the show even more special to me. His hour (plus) set included songs such as "Goddamned", "Soda Shop", "Half Boyfriend" (afterwards, he responded with, "Who needs a boyfriend when you have TSA sticking their hands in your pants?"), and "Housewife". He also performed a Christmas song for you pessimists out there, "Christmas Really Sucks". The older I get, I can't help but become a bit jaded by the holiday season. Alcohol helps a lot though (currently drinking a glass of wine). You know what I mean.
Although I'm still not in love with the physical set up of Fitzgerald's, the performance was wonderful and charming. The only thing missing was my nonexistent "special someone". Can someone tell me where to find one of those? It is easier to find a leprechaun. The people of Mobile can attest to that. Even if you knew, you probably wouldn't tell me because you would keep him for yourself [I know I would].
It's seven o'clock, on the dot, I'm in my drop top cruisin' the streets....The words of a true poetic genius, right? Okay, that might be somewhat of an exaggeration. Scratch that, it is quite the overstatement.
Usher is in the midst of his 2010 North American "OMG! Tour" and made his way to Houston this week. With my good friend in tow, I weaved through the typical downtown traffic on my way to Toyota Center with no real expectations for the show. Honestly, I just wanted to drink. I'm not an avid fan of arena/stadium concerts. I don't want to pay $100.oo for an artist I kinda/sorta want to see, but even more, I cringe when I have to spend $9.00 for a beer. I can get almost four Four Lokos for that price (that's 16 Lokos total). Anyways, Usher's latest album, Raymond vs Raymond, has been blowing up radio stations across the country. Singles such as "DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again", "Hot Toddie", "There Goes My Baby", etc. have become the new music plague. After being beat in the head by these songs, I couldn't help but start to find them entertaining. You can judge all you want, but his songs are catchy as hell. C'mon, its U-S, H-E-R, R-A-Y-M, O-N-D.
As soon as we nestled into our fifth row seats, the house lights faded to black. We missed the opener, Trey Songz. The show itself was very atypical for a pop arena show: pyrotechnics, massive projection screens, random props, backup dancers, risers, and a live band. My preconception for the performance was that he was going to lipsync almost the entire time, but to my surprise, that wasn't the case. He physically sang for a decent amount of time. That took place in between the several instances where he either ripped his shirt off, thrusted his crotch into the air, or simulated vaginal/oral penetration.
His set lasted about an hour and a half and was filled with many new songs but also a good amount of oldies. Nonetheless, I sang 95% of the lyrics and nearly lost my voice. I can't lie to you; I felt a tad ashamed telling friends that my voice was raspy for THAT reason, but then again, I really wasn't. I'm known to be quite shameless.
Biggest complaint: They stopped serving alcohol an hour before the end of the show. That was dumb. Really dumb.
All-in-all, the concert was high in entertainment value, but quantity definitely beat out quality.
For more pictures like the one featured, check out this link right hurr.
The season has begun; a time when gays unite, wave their vibrant rainbow flags, show their true colors, adorn themselves with glitter and risque/fabulous outfits, and gather for a party-filled weekend. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I'm talking about Gay PRIDE. This year, I was fortunate enough to attend both Pride Houston and Austin.
Since I just happened to have that Friday and Saturday off from work, I decided to attend Austin's Pride. Having never been in town for it before, I was curious to see how the Live Music Capital handles such a vibrant culture. Although I've heard opinions here and there, I wanted to experience it for myself.
As the sun gently set behind a freshly built high-rise condominium (they make up the majority of Austin's skyline), my friend and I anxiously waited for the parade to make its way to the intersection of Fourth and Colorado. Because this was her first Pride parade, my friend had plenty of expectations. 9:00 pm; the grand marshals finally arrived.
Although the parade itself was a bit underwhelming, it was enjoyable for all who attended, and the support for our community in Austin seemed stronger than ever. No, I was not showered with condoms, lube, and beads. No, there weren't enormous floats covered in shirtless men being pulled by big rigs. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the parade. Afterward, we made our way to Kiss and Fly, and the one dollar wells made everything even more alright (and so did the groups of beautiful men).
This past weekend was Pride Houston. An estimated 150,000 attendees made it out for the festivities. That number is almost unreal. Being the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston doesn't receive the attention it deserves for the diversity that exists in this metroplex. Texas might be one of the most blood red states in the country, but it is still one of the biggest. Apparently, Houston is become a destination city for the LGBT community. Surprise, surprise! As far as parades are concerned, Houston's was on a much larger scale than Austin's. Plus, open containers are allowed which allows for even more enjoyable evening. In my case, it was excessively enjoyable.
As many of you may know, the gay community is starting to form opposing opinions on the concept of "Gay Pride". Pride weekend is as stereotypical as it gets when it comes to our community, and I will absolutely agree. No, we aren't shirtless everywhere we go, we don't wear body glitter, and we don't flaunt our rainbow clothing daily. The fact that corporations support these festivities brings about tension as well. In addition to supporting their LGBT employees, companies are trying to gain more customers. It is a fact. With all the being said, Pride events still prove how much support there is for our community and our desire to live normal lives within such a constrictive society. Personally, I don't let such things define me as a person. Sexuality is only small part of a person's being. Also, be honest...stereotypes have to come from somewhere. In my opinion, I may not appreciate the all of the visuals used to celebrate Pride, but it is still a celebration worthy of your attention.
Yes, I know this show was a week ago, but a quick review is better late than never, correct (just nod your head up and down)? LA-based female rockers, Warpaint, followed Houston's own Balaclavas and Buxton on Saturday night. As many of you know, Mango's is not the most spacious of venues and can serve dually as a sauna. Concert-goers were constantly moving back and forth between the patios, bars and stage area to get their nicotine, alcohol, and music fixes, respectively.
(courtesy of Houston Press)
To my surprise, Warpaint was not the headliner for the evening. Nonetheless, it didn't take away from their energetic, sometimes chaotic, performance. I would say they remind me of Liars with a few more pumps of estrogen. It is the type of music that makes you want to fight someone to the death but make love to them at the same time. Their aggressive musical punctuation is almost infectious. After a quick scan of the audience, I could single out the true fans of this sexy, psychedelic, garage rock. It seemed as if many were unsure what to think. In my opinion, their recordings do not do their music enough justice. They don't accurately capture the energy of Warpaint's live performance. On that note, this is probably what Warpaint is going for with their image. There are many bands that want to differentiate their albums from their live shows. This definitely keeps fans yearning for more of both.
Let me start off by saying: NO, I DID NOT ATTEND SXSW (aka MUSIC BOOZEFEST) THIS YEAR. Yes, I know it is the mecca of live music (I've had a badge the past three years). Although it would have been great to take Austin, TX by storm, it wasn't in my cards this time around. I'm content with my decision. I know I would have had a amazing experience because I always have in the past, but I had my own enjoyment in Houston. Let's start off with the most recent experience....
Miike Snow w/ Delorean at Wired Live - 3/20/2010
I've been listening to Miike Snow for about a year now. I can't believe it took that long for me to see them perform live. I was astounded by how mesmerizing their performance was. The opening act was Delorean, hailing from Spain. How would I describe them: a better version of Passion Pit. It's not that I don't enjoy Passion Pit's earlier music, but I'm not necessarily a captivated fan. They performed for only about forty-five minutes, but they truly made a statement with their energy and visible passion for their work. That's why I love bands like this. They are still showcasing music that they truly believe in. Here is a clip of them performing their hit single "Deli". Now, on to Miike Snow. Each band member was clad in a white mask as they eased into the track entitled "Cult Logic". "Silvia" (my favorite track on their self-titled album), "Black and Blue, and "Animal" were a few of the high points of the performance. Its refreshing to see a band that makes their live performance special. If I want to hear the studio version of a record, I'll just listen to it on my iPod. Miike Snow tailored each song for their live show and it was quite apparent. Live performances like this make you fall in love with the artist all over again. Let's just say, I will probably be listening to Miike Snow for the rest of the week. Oh, and Andrew Wyatt (the lead singer) isn't as creepy as I thought he would be. He's just extremely tall and skinny, just as any hipster musician should be. He brushed past my shoulder as he strolled through the audience between sets, and I was a little starstruck. Don't judge me.
Steve Aoki w/ GRRRL PARTS at Rich's - 3/19/2010
Although I've seen Steve Aoki three times and have never been disappointed, the most recent show was on another level. I arrived at Rich's at10:45 pm, shocked by the surprisingly small crowd that was loitering on the edges of the club. I knew more dance fanatics had to show up at some point. Thank god I was right about that one. Although it wasn't disgustingly packed, there was quite a crowd. I was second from the stage, awaiting the moment Aoki would allow hipsters and bros alike to rush the stage. Sadly, this never took place, but it didn't take anything away from the show. I was sprayed in the face with two bottles of good champagne, had confetti guns shot at me, was sprayed by a water gun, shook hands with Aoki, danced until I could feel the sweat running down my back, and almost fought a bitch. Those are all the makings of a good dance show. I hate it when DJ's never step away from the booth. One reason I have a greater respect for Aoki is that he is all about crowd interaction. It is very clear that he wants you to have good fucking night. He spun his new track, "I'm in the House", along with other singles such as "Warp" and "1967". Playing "Bohemian Rhapsody"towards the end was a good way to get the crowd to utilize their vocal cords. I pretty much lost my voice. Ending the night with Taco Cabana seemed like a good idea at the time, but I didn't feel the same way when I woke up. Can you say gassy?
Xiu Xiu w/ Girl in A Coma and Noveller at Warehouse Live - 3/12/2010
Although it was a much smaller concert, all three acts put on quality performances. Instrumental artist Noveller, consisting solely of artist/film maker Sarah Lipstate, was a very ambient and relaxing start to the evening. I would say her sound is a cross between Mogwai and Jonsi's Riceboy Sleeps solo project. Next up was Girl in a Coma, a high-energy, garage rock female trio from San Antonio. Many of you have probably listened to them. I had never actually seen them live before, but I was thoroughly entertained. Last but not least, Xiu Xiu. Its hard to believe that so much sound can come from two individuals. They definitely pack a punch. The emotion in their vocals and lyrics are intense. Luckily, they played one of my favorite tracks, "No Friend Oh!". Xiu Xiu's latest album, Dear God, I Hate Myself is out now. Be sure to check it out! I appreciated the fact that the concert was on the studio side of Warehouse, which allows for a much more intimate performance. I love going to shows like this because the artists are always going back and forth through the audience, and most don't even know that they are the ones about to take the stage.
Today will be one for the Texas history books. Annise Parker was inaugurated this morning, January 4, 2010. Houston, TX has become the largest city in the country to elect an openly gay mayor. Who would have thought this would happen in Texas, of all places? This state is more red than the blood that flows through our veins. This just proves the true diversity and open-minded attitude that secretly exists in Houston. Although this is far from the mentality of the majority, it is apparent that enough people can finally look past things like race, sexual orientation, etc. If Texans can do it, I think any state can as well. The fact that she is a lesbian is definitely a second thought in comparison to the good things I believe she will do for this city. Just as many believed Obama was going to focus on "black agenda", the same is being said for Parker and a focus on the GLBT community. Of course, this won't be the case, but any focus she gives to those issues is going to be put under a microscope by the general public. We'll just have to see how everything plays out.
Yesterday, while loading furniture into a customer's SUV at work, guess what I found in her backseat: a rifle AND a hand gun. This woman was probably 75 years old. Some aspects of Texas will probably never change. That's what makes this state so interesting and unique. On the flip side, the changes that need to take place seem to be beginning. The gears are finally turning. A year ago, America was inaugurating its first minority president. Although mayor of Houston isn't the same level as President of the United States, its still something special and makes me proud to be a Houstonian.
Words can't even describe how blissful, amazing, beautiful, heartbreaking, perfect it was. The energy emitting from the stage was out of this world. These are the musicians that truly deserve the admiration and respect the receive. Their sincere demeanor radiated throughout the entire performance. Knowing that these songs reflect Glen and Marketa's actual relationship makes it that much more genuine.
The setlist consisted of the perfect mix of new and old. Hell, they played for about two hours, meaning, I heard just about every song I wanted. There were also several treats interspersed throughout the show: performing "Say It To Me Now" with no amp, bringing a woman on stage to sing with the band (this woman could sang), an intense Van Morrison cover (he was bleeding by the end of the song), etc. Another neat tidbit was the fact that they were performing with the rest of the band members from The Frames.
Most bands attempt to interact with the audience, but you actually believe what Glen and Marketa are saying. The magnetism between Glen, Marketa, and the crowd was just so real.
It is safe to say that a very special evening was enjoyed by all who attended.
I feel like this concert has been three years in the making. After missing out on one of John Legend's first tours, I vowed that I would see him in concert one day. Last night, I finally got my chance (thanks to my lovely wife). I love his three albums, but seeing him live was just purely amazing. Excuse my French, but he can fucking sing. When someone can sound like that in concert, his talent is unquestionable. These are the musicians that deserve the respect they get. They aren't celebrities first and then artists. He performed every song I wanted to hear. Hell, I enjoyed every single song he performed. His music is like pure sex. All-in-all, it was just a very special concert. I can't even put it into words. Also, the man barely took a break. It was just song after song after song.
Estelle was a great opener as well. It was definitely a pleasant surprise. I could not believe she did a cover of "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face", but it was sort of an R&B/funk version. It was awesome. She even threw in a little Robin S, "Show Me Love", into the mix. Her backup singers/dancers were just as entertaining as her singing. They were going crazy on stage!
The audience was really into it, and everyone was dressed to impress. It was a very fun and enjoyable atmosphere and a great overall vibe. Let's just say, I left the Verizon Wireless Theater an extremely happy fan. I was in such a great mood after the show that nothing could have upset me. This was one of the best concerts I've been to in quite a long time.
There was no better way to top off the night than with Chances, Notsuoh, and cheesy jalapeno biscuits.
girl talk. last saturday. holyshitridiculouslyfuckingbadass.
It was basically just one huge dance party, but times 1,000. Being on stage for the entire show, elbowing a number of people, sweating until my shirt was soaked through, dancing my heart out with H-Town friends, stomping my feet as hard as I could, feeling like I was going to throw up from jumping so much, waiting for the guy dressed as a cop to blow air from a leaf-blower on my face, waking up sore as hell....I could go on. Dancing is just one of those things that can just make you forget everything for a few hours. There is no time to becoming pensive. The beats running through your head is just about all you can think about, and that is more than enough. It's no wonder raves were so popular. Well, besides the drugs.
If I went to a Girl Talk concert every week, that would be the best work out ever.
This past Saturday evening was pure bliss.... Star filled skies The moon occasionally tucking itself away under the sparse clouds Cool breezes The live sounds of Radiohead slowly putting me into a musical trance
Seeing Radiohead perform live is something I never want to forget. Music that can truly move me emotionally and physically shouldn't be taken for granted. With all of the meaningless lyrics that we may be surrounded by today, music like this is something special.
One of my favorite songs that he performed is called Street Spirit (Fade Out). I'm not going to lie, I teared up a little bit during this song, Videotape, and Nude. After reading about the meaning of the song and the effect it has on Thom Yorke, I was surprised/impressed that he sang it that night. Most Radiohead songs have somewhat of a resolution, but this is one of the few that doesn't. Basically its saying that in the end, the devil will get the last laugh, no matter what you do to avoid it. Now that is just depressing. Typically, when they perform this song, Yorke has a mental breakdown and can't finish the song without crying to himself. He can't understand how people can listen to it and not feel the same way, as if they are braver than he is. All-in-all, this portrays Radiohead's true musical genius. For someone to be able to write words that can still have such a strong, personal impact after so many years is courageous and greatly respectable. I mean, I don't have to sit here and say how amazing Radiohead is because if you are reading this, you probably already know that.
My friends and I bought our tickets for this concert over three months ago, and sort of put it at the back of our minds for the time being. I don't think it really hit me that I was actually going to see Radiohead perform live until I walked through the black gates of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. Who knows when Radiohead is going to come back to Texas, or even the United States. I'm glad I got to share the experience with some of the most important people in my life before I begin my next life journey to Hot Springs, AR.
