The Virgins @ Bowery Ballroom. NYC.

My roommate and I headed up to Bowery Ballroom last night, hoping to see a damned good show. I was stoked to be returning to Bowery after not having been to a show there in over a year. It's definitely one of the better New York City venues. I was also quite giddy because my ticket read: "The Virgins", a band my roommate got me into months ago and whose playful songs never fail to lift my spirits and put me in the mood to have fun. The venue did not disappoint. The band, in a certain sense, did.

The four boys took the stage looking like youngsters starting out at a local pub or playing for fun in their garage. Donald Cumming,the lead singer, was a bit boring. In fact, they all were, not making much of an effort to acknowledge that the fans were even in the same room. The only one entertaining enough to keep my attention was Nick Ackerman (bass), who continuously made silly faces and stepped to the edge of the stage in order to get closer to us.

The songs sounded very different from what you hear on the album. I understand this could be a good thing for some people who like surprises and new sounds, but for someone who just wants to sing along like a big dork to the words she knows at the times when they're supposed to be sung, I was disappointed. In all honesty, I think the Virgins were just having an off night. They have potential, spunk and fresh, vivacious tunes. Then again, maybe they're just better when blaring from my iPod.

Donald Cumming

Nick Ackerman

Check out the Virgins at http://www.myspace.com/thevirginsnyc

Friendly Fires @ the Annex. NYC.

So after getting my mind blown and feeling so incredibly high at the Friendly Fires show at Virgin Megastore, I caught the F train to the Annex, a fairly small venue on Orchard St., so that I could get another fix.

This was a sold out show and I'm pretty sure they were over capacity on this night. My friends and I lucked out by sitting on a bench before it started and then listened to the opening band, Lemonade, from there [I don't feel the need to discuss this band, as I'd have no idea what to say. If you're into electronic songs that sound like they're being sung in a crazy foreign language, look them up]. Once Friendly Fires took the stage, we simply stood on the bench and were conveniently lifted above the crowd and had room to dance if we wanted to... and you can bet your ass we did.

I think they covered just about every song on their self-titled album, each one sounding completely unique and possessing the ability to reach under your skin and seep into your bloodstream, urging you into this trance that makes you want to move until sweat drips down your cheeks and your clothes stick to your body. By the end of their set, the entire crowd looked as if hundreds of buckets of water had been dumped upon us. The band were drenched as well, as they should have been after dancing around [yes, Ed MacFarlane even danced off the stage and into the crowd at one point], and playing about ten different instruments in all.

If you ever get the chance to see this band live, jump on the opportunity. If you have other plans, cancel them. If you don't have the money, borrow some. Even if you aren't familiar with their music, just go and take in the magic that is created at a Friendly Fires show.

Here is a video clip I took of On Board:

http://www.wearefriendlyfires.com/

Go here. Now. It will change your life in the best of ways.

Friendly Fires @ Virgin Megastore. NYC.

I headed out to Virgin Megastore in Union Square last night to see Friendly Fires for the first time. Having no idea what to expect, I wasn't necessarily excited, but immensely curious as to what I was about to witness.

Because it was an in-store performance and because they had a show at the Annex a couple hours later, the band played just four songs: Jump in the Pool, On Board, White Diamonds, and Paris. I believe the first was White Diamonds. They came onstage seeming timid, but once they began to play, it was like someone shocked them to life and they rocked the eff out. The lead singer, Ed MacFarlane danced all over the stage while the bassist, Edd Gibson, sweated profusely from playing his guitar with such enthusiasm. They were engaged in the audience as well, making eye contact and encouraging us to clap along with the music. I'm not gonna lie, there were a few moments where I felt the urge to jump on stage and dance with them, and I had fallen so far into it that I would have, had they allowed me to do so.

Prior to the show, Jump in the Pool was my favorite Friendly Fires tune, but I have to say, On Board sounded the best performed live. Oh, who am I kidding? They were all brilliant.

I had the pleasure of meeting the guys afterward and each one of them was incredibly kind and polite. They took the time to talk to each fan, sign pretty much anything and take photos. Mine can be found down below.

Jack Savidge & Edd Gibson

Yours Truly with the band


Here's a video I took of Jump in the Pool:

Another post will follow soon, as I attended the later show at the Annex as well. Stay tuned...

Michael Tolcher @ The Canal Room. NYC.

I went to my first concert in over a month last night. Yes, I finally had the money to do so. I went to the Canal Room to see Michael Tolcher. Opening for him was Bryan Greenberg. Graham Colton headlined.

Bryan Greenberg went to school at NYU before moving to L.A. to make it big in music and television. He starred on shows like "One Tree Hill" and "October Road". Apparently everyone in the room was obsessed with the man, as they acted as if he were a God. If you want my honest opinion, his songs were dull, cheesy and poorly written. I felt as though I was in an acoustic Disney-sponsored after school special. Moving on...

Tolcher arrived on stage next and I was never so relieved to see someone in all my life. He started with Mission Responsible and as soon as he sang the first words, chills ran up and down my spine. Because he had a time limit, only his most well-known songs were played, like Sooner or Later and Bad Habits. Halfway through the set, I looked around at the crowd and every single person was just staring at him, with content smiles on their faces, in complete awe. His voice has the ability to capture your attention in an instant and pull you away from anything you had previously been involved in. Drinks were untouched, small-talk had ceased, cameras were flashing nonstop.

Tolcher did two covers during the show. One was Eminem's Lose Yourself, which was cleverly planted in the middle of Bad Habits and had everyone in a fit of hysteria. The other came at the end of the set, which was With a Little Help From My Friends by the Beatles. Even though he's not much of a dancer, Tolcher was drenched in sweat by the last song and I'm pretty sure it's because he puts his whole heart into what he does and never fails to give every part of himself over to the crowd.

Tolcher

Graham Colton took the stage and did not get as big of a reaction as I assumed he'd get. I only stayed for two songs, as I am not a huge fan and was getting pushed around by a couple of drunk girls; however, I did manage to snag a picture and a video for your viewing pleasure. From what I heard, he and his music were good. Charming and pleasant, with a sense of humor... that goes for him and the songs.

Check out Michael Tolcher at http://www.myspace.com/michaeltolcher

and Graham Colton at http://www.myspace.com/grahamcolton

and if you choose to do so, Greenberg at http://www.myspace.com/bryangreenberg... but don't say I didn't warn ya on the last one.

Colton

Here are videos of Colton and Tolcher:


First Week - Graham Colton

With a Little Help From My Friends cover - Michael Tolcher & friends

Friendly Fires Won't Leave You Cold

One dull New York City evening, my roommate was listening to her iTunes playlist on shuffle. I wasn't the least bit phased by it, so deep in a reading assignment, until I heard a catchy, dance-enducing tune that sounded as if a party had suddenly sprang into our dorm room. I instantly wanted to know the words to so that I could sing them at the tops of my lungs. The song was Jump in the Pool by Friendly Fires.

As three guys from England, Friendly Fires started out at a young age while still in school. After going through college, they signed with XL Recordings, came out with a few EPs, and just recently [September 1, 2008] released their self-titled debut album, which they impressively produced themselves [with the exception, ironically enough, of Jump in the Pool]. The album is as exciting as fireworks on the 4th of July and a product of three highly talented young men. If you need further proof that listening to their music will get you on your feet quicker than a free energy boost at Jamba Juice, you can find it in the song "On Board" which is featured in a Wii Fit commercial.

Their sound is very much Indie rock meets electronic club, so it seems this band would appeal to fans of a variety of genres. Take myself, for example. I'm not usually a big electronic/techno lover, but because in this case it is birthed by rock, it grabbed me the second I heard it. The electronic touch acts as the cherry on the sundae, an extra treat for your ears.

Check out Friendly Fires at http://www.wearefriendlyfires.com/

And if you're in L.A. or New York, you can check them out on tour early next month.

Sooner or Later, You'll Love Michael Tolcher

Does anyone remember that show that Kelly Osbourne was in a few years ago? I think it was called "Life as We Know It" and was about teenagers and their hardships through high school life. If you know this show, you may recognize Michael Tolcher. His single "Sooner or Later" served as the theme song, with lyrics like "Sooner or later, we'll be looking back on everything. We'll laugh about it like we knew what all was happening". Appropriate. The show didn't last, but Tolcher keeps on truckin'.

I first saw this man play a live show in the fall of 2004 and he's continued to blow my mind since. Mind you, he currently has only one album out, titled "I Am", but that record is enough to hold your attention for years, with uplifting, lessons-to-be-learned-infused songs like "Mission Responsible" and my personal favorite, "Kings In Castles". Upon listening, they have the ability to make you feel as if you're on your way to the beach in the sunniest of summers. In other words, if you need an energy/everything's-gonna-be-alright boost, tune in to the music of Michael Tolcher. In addition to the album, Tolcher has created many non-released songs which you can find at his shows or on various online websites. My favorites include "Suggestion Box", "Emerge" and "A Thousand Miles".

I've met Tolcher numerous times and he's been nothing but sweet and personable on each encounter. He goes out of his way to connect with fans and you can tell he enjoys every bit of it, almost as much as he enjoys making music. He's a genuinely cool guy and I would love if you'd give him a chance and just listen.

Currently, Michael Tolcher has an EP out which is available on iTunes. He's also on a U.S. tour from now until mid December. To check out tour dates and to listen to his music, click here: http://www.myspace.com/michaeltolcher

This video is from a show at The House of Blues, SC in Jan. '07. Michael never played my favorite song on stage, so he was nice enough to take my friend and I backstage and record it for me acapella. It's called "Suggestion Box".

The Crash Moderns

A friend suggested checking out a band called The Crash Moderns... something about his teacher being a guitarist. I'm not one to ignore a request, so I typed them into myspace and got this:

A default photo of the group of 5, one of whom I could have sworn was a girl with his slim facial features and accessive amounts of make up. Looks aren't everything, though, and I decided not to judge by a picture alone. This is, after all, only about the music.

The first song, "Where'd all the Scene Girls Go?" shot through my speakers and instantly made me groan and make that face. You know, the one you make everytime Miley Cyrus appears on your television. The title says it all anyway.

I gave the other songs a chance, but it was the same thing; like a cheesy band from the 80's who never even made it to the radio. Their song "Pimp My Life Oh Oh Oh" somehow made it into the trailer of the box office bomber "The Rocker", but if you want my honest opinion, that will be their only shining moment, with lyrics like "I don't need your money or your drugs or your love or your California sun". Yeah, and I don't need to hear your music again, but thanks anyway.

Margot and the Nuclear So and So's

While walking to the subway after class tonight, my friend handed me a CD and said, "Listen to this. I think you'll really fall in love". What was placed in my hands was "Animal!/Not Animal", the new album[s] by Margot and the Nuclear So and So's, an 8-person band who formed themselves in 2004. I say albums because the band has done something unique; they've combined two discs to make one: the songs their record company wanted them to do [found on Not Animal] and the ones they felt passionate about [on Animal!].

I listened to the album the second I got home, not expecting anything spectacular enough to keep my attention. Boy was I wrong. The first song I heard, "A Children's Crusade on Acid" was enough in itself to capture my heart and seal my approval. It's haunting and profound and has a bohemian-esque quality, as does the whole album. It sounds like something Radiohead and Deathcab for Cutie would create, had they done an album together. If you listen closely, you'll notice a lot of what they wrote posseses a hint of something having to do with Chicago. That could be because that's where they recorded Animal!.

Margot and the Nuclear So and So's are on tour now. Check their website for tourdates and to listen to some of their stuff: http://www.margotandthenuclearsoandsos.com/

My other favorites include:
A Lightning Rod
Love Song for a Schubas Bartender
Pages Written on a Wall
Hip Hip Hooray

Angie Aparo is a God

Roughly five years ago, I got a package in the mail from a penpal in Georgia. In this package was a photo, a handwritten letter, and a CD with a note on it that said something along the lines of "This will change your life". The album was "The American" by Angie Aparo. I popped it into my CD player and I refrained from removing it until weeks later.

Angie Aparo is a singer/songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. He started out playing small acoustic shows in the south throughout the '90's. "The American" was released in 2000 and was made up of self-written songs including "Cry" which is crafted with heart-breaking lyrics like "Could you cry a little, lie just a little, pretend that you're feeling a little more pain". Sound familiar? It was made popular two years later when Faith Hill recorded a version on her album, "Cry". Don't let that fool you, though. Aparo's stuff does not mimic the country-pop sound of Faith Hill.

Today, Aparo has united with a band called the Infidels and those once acoustic songs now have a gritty, rock and roll sound. Ask me which I prefer and I cannot tell you. His older stuff is what you can listen to when you're feeling down, wanting a good [excuse the pun] cry. His new music is just as powerful, but it a way that can send you into a dancing fit or shoot you into a dream-like state of musical happiness. An example of that can be found on his latest album "Praise Be".

Discovering Angie Aparo that day was like the sun bursting through angry clouds after an abundance of storms or finding a shining gem in a pile of dull rocks. It was a breath of fresh air after hearing the boring, redundant music playing on the radio day after day. I swear that album was one of the greatest gifts I have ever recieved, as it played an important role in my life and honestly did change the way I view certain aspects of it.

Don't know what to download? Here are my favorites:
"Memphis City Rain"
"Spaceship"
"Wonderland"
"Third Time Around"
"Rotten"

Discover this treasure yourself at http://www.myspace.com/angieaparo

Ezra Furman/Joseph Arthur @ Williamsburg Music Hall. Brooklyn.

I left class early last night to see Ezra Furman and the Harpoons play at the Williamsburg Music Hall. To my delight, I discovered that Joseph Arthur was headlining, a man whose music I've loved since high school and whose "Come to Where I'm From" album put butterflies in my stomach. I had never seen him live, so this was like two musical gifts in one.

I was surprised by how large the venue was. There were a good amount of people there as well. Ezra and the Harpoons went on first around 9pm and played to a [most likely] crowd larger than they're used to. They had a fourth member again, a friend from Boston named Kevin. I knew right away that this would be a killer show, and I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I will go so far as to say that of all of the five times I have seen this band, this was by far their greatest performance. It could have been the acoustics in the room, or maybe it was the pressure of such a large audience. Whatever it was, it worked. They had everyone dancing like fools, most of whom had not known of Ezra Furman before this lovely night. "The Worm in the Apple" and the usual "Take Off Your Sunglasses" were the highlights, I'd have to say. When the set ended, everyone proceeded to scream and stomp on the ground, demanding Ezra back to the stage. Sadly, they weren't allowed to return. After this, I was approached by several people throughout the night asking me what that band was called and telling me they sounded like "Bob Dylan but better." Impressive.

A terrible quality picture of Ezra & Adam

Next to hit the stage was Joseph Arthur. As much as I loved the man back in the day, I was skeptical on how he'd sound live, especially now backed by a band [who call themselves the Lonely Astronauts]. I was planning on staying only for a few songs, but each song they played made me want to stay longer. Halfway through, I was on such a high, I wanted Arthur's set to last all night. Backed up by a band, it was like he was a completely different musician, in the best way possible. Only one complaint here: He never played "Honey and the Moon". Come on, man. That's your most well-known masterpiece. *Sigh* Maybe next time.

A poor quality image of Joseph Arthur

Check out Joseph Arthur's tunes at http://www.myspace.com/josepharthur

and Ezra Furman and the Harpoons at http://www.myspace.com/ezrafurman

It'll make you smile.

Jarrod Gorbel of The Honorary Title @ The Living Room. NYC.

Jarrod Gorbel, lead singer of The Honorary Title, played another solo show in New York City last night. Since Gorbel resides in Williamsburg [a hip and artsy part of Brooklyn] he graces us with his presence often, and yes, I am aware of the intense amount of luck I have for living here. It was my good friend's birthday, so we went to the show to celebrate. We arrived at The Living Room, a relatively small and cozy venue on Ludlow, where an enormous line was waiting. We still managed to get seats, though and when I turned to put my coat on my chair, I noticed that Gorbel was seated next to me, talking to a buddy. When they were finished, I asked if he'd play "Snow Day" for my friend's birthday. He very kindly promised he would.

Shortly after our conversation, Gorbel took the stage and began with a short, welcoming speech. One of the first songs he played was "Far More" which seems to be a crowd favorite, but not one I personally love due to it's redundancy and lack of originality. "Stay Away" really got my attention this time. Gorbel put his whole heart and soul into it and his voice was enough to entrance the entire room. "Frame by Frame" sent us all into a simultaneous foot tapping session. He even sang us a Christmas song he just finished writing, which is funny in itself, as he is Jewish. "I always wanted to celebrate Christmas with my friends," he explained. In between songs Gorbel told us bizarre stories in different voices, getting most people to laugh hysterically. He wasn't as talkative as I remember from the last time, but it was still enough to pull us in.

The greatest part of the night: Toward the end of the set, Gorbel's buddy, the one he was speaking with earlier in the night, found out that it was my friend's birthday and shouted, "Play 'Snow Day' for Meimi's birthday!" Gorbel hung his head and apologized for nearly forgetting, then started singing about something vulgar [which I won't repeat incase I have any young readers], then sang, "It's your birthday, happy birthday", then went into "Snow Day" which was phenomenal as usual. Be sure to check out the video of this song at the top of the page.

Overall, Jarrod Gorbel's show was so enchanting, I felt as if he had put a spell on us all. It's difficult to focus your attention anywhere other than what's coming from that stage. Your ears will hear nothing else and you won't be able to take your eyes off of him.

Check Jarrod Gorbel out with his band, The Honorary Title at http://www.myspace.com/thehonorarytitle

New Band Alert: Happy Village

First let me apologize for the lack of live show reviews. I'm just going to be honest and let you know, I am a college kid and have been too broke to attend much of anything. Let's try to see the positive side of this: I can now focus on other things like album reviews and letting you know about new bands. Not as exciting, I know, but that's what this blog is going to come to and I promise, it'll still be worth reading.

With that said, I discovered Andrew's Langer's new band. They're called Happy Village [I know, let's hold off on the jokes for now] and the band is made up of only two. Both are Redwalls alumni; Langer on guitar/vocals and Jordan Kozer, ex-Redwalls drummer, on, well... drums.

I almost don't want to admit it, but at the same time I can not lie to you. When I heard what I heard, I fell in love all over again and felt the need to jump around the room with joy [I won't say whether or not I actually did *ahem*]. The song "Falling Apart" in which Langer sings,
"We'll leave someday together. Things fall apart forever. It's hard to stand the pressure. And time keeps on rollin' on", is captivating and I've dubbed it my favorite, possibly because it's the first I heard. Others sound as if they may be a reference to his departure from his previous band. "Broken Bones" is made up of lyrics like, "When she saw the band, it was not the same. They've changed... it's been a while since they've been clean". Each sounds so different from the next, it's like a breath of fresh air. And I am insanely impressed with Langer's musical capabilities, not that I had no idea about this before. Any Redwalls fan knew he could play a mean guitar, but when you put him as the lead in a completely new band, the story is different. The talent is overwhelming.

This part is like walking on egg shells... I'm not necessarily going to tell you that Happy Village is a better band than the Redwalls, but I will say that they have a purer sound and seemingly more soul, which makes sense as they have not yet been influenced by the big record companies or urged into mainstream radio hell. It's a pleasant sound in the sense that it's a refreshment from what you're used to. At the same time, it's the sound of true rock and roll and makes you want to shout the lyrics from the rooftops and hug whoever is next to you... or maybe that was just my reaction.

In any case, check them out. They have a brand spankin' new MySpace page:
http://myspace.com/happyvillagemusic

If you are a Redwalls fan, you will cry with joy. If you have no idea who The Redwalls are, please read further back in this blog. You are missing out on a huge part of life. Just kidding. Sort of.

Ben Folds on the Phone!

Okay, so Genevieve is a very excited little girl right now. Again, this has nothing to do with live music, but it does involve an unarguably talented, well-known musician, so listen up.


My best friend lives in Nashville, TN. She was in her local Panera Bread while talking to me on the phone when suddenly, who walks in? Ben Folds. Hello. The two of us have loved him since our awkward days in Jr. High. His album "Rockin' the Suburbs" reminds me of my senior prom because I listened to it on repeat while getting ready. Anywho, my friend approached him. They exchanged a few words, then... she put him on the phone. "Hello best friend", he said to me, seeming to be in a wonderful mood. He asked how I was. Then I said something dumb and fan-girl-ish like, "I friggin LOVE you!" to which he replied, "I love you too". I asked what he was doing and he said, "Just having a healthy meal here at Panera". I said something dumb again like, "Rockin'..." and he said, "Definitely! Well, it was good talking to you for like 2 seconds!" I thanked him and he told me to have a good day. He later signed things for my friend and was very personable the whole time, despite trying to have dinner with his family.


So, my dear blog-reading friends, if you ever wondered whether or not Ben Folds was a pompous jerk, the answer is: Ben Folds is not a pompous jerk. He is a friendly, down-to-earth guy who likes eating at Panera [specifically tomato soup and a sandwich, or so I was told].


Support Ben Folds. He is one cool dude.

Ezra Furman & the Harpoons @ Fat Baby. NYC.

I schleped my ass through the obnoxious rainstorm last night to get to Fat Baby, a small, underground venue off of Rivington St. near the lower east side of Manhattan. The subways were running out of whack because they apparently don't know what rain is, so I had to take a bus and then a subway and then walk a thousand miles. My heels almost broke. I nearly fell in the slippery streets. Why would I do this, you ask? To see Ezra Furman & the Harpoons, of course, and it was worth every curse word I muttered on the way.

This show was part of the CMJ festival and luckily, even though I had no badge, I was able to get in with a cover at the door. The venue was plastered with Halloween decorations, which was pretty cool. Unfortunately, it was the only thing they had going for them. The room was small; normally a good thing, but not when small means not knowing where to stand without being in someone's way. In between shows, horrible top 40 music blared from speakers, so loud you couldn't hear yourself or anyone else speak. Thank God it didn't take long for Ezra and the Harpoons to grace us with their presence. The suicidal music ceased and the good, honest rock and roll began.

Considering my last time seeing them play was in Nashville with a temporary fourth member, it was strange watching/hearing them as a three-piece again. I'll admit, some of the show was a bit shaky, with Furman forgetting some lyrics and a couple of mishaps with his guitar, but none of it mattered. Everyone in attendance was there to have a good time and that's exactly what they got. This band is certainly not short of songs that make you want to dance and if you don't know the words, make you wish you did so you could sing along at the tops of your lungs like a total lunatic. Not only are these guys talented, they are entertaining and are guaranteed to get a laugh out of you at some point. Again, "Take Off your Sunglasses" was the biggest hit with the crowd and songs like "We Should Fight" were enough to make you feel as though you were transported to a 1960's rock show. If you are into that sort of thing or prefer something different from the crap they're playing on the radio, I would bet that you'd dig Ezra Furman and the Harpoons.

I honestly believe this band is on it's way to becoming something big. Be on the lookout.

You can get in on this sweet action by clicking here: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=10848881

Ezra Furman


Myself with the Harpoons: Adam Abrutyn [drummer] and Job Mukkada [bassist]

Unsigned Band of the Month: Marry a Thief

Since being back from Europe, I've been through a dry spell. No shows for me! I'm on a strict school and homework diet. This blog has become a major part of me in some odd way and I've been jonesing to write, so my roommate suggested blogging about something other than a concert, maybe simply a post about a beloved unsigned band, in order to help get their name out there. Well, here you go, roomie and anyone else who gets thrills out of discovering new musical territory.



The Band: Marry a Thief.

It's Members: Erich Skelton, Brandon Kean, Patrick Davis and Colin Brown.



I was a teenager when I first saw Erich do a solo gig at a coffee shop near Orlando, Florida. He came across as timid, fidgeting and seeming afraid to look us in the eye. Despite his nerves, Skelton got my attention in an instant with his raspy yet somehow still innocent voice and catchy, mellow songs, a perfect soundtrack for sipping peppermint tea on an oversized couch, one rainy February night. I got the chance to talk with Skelton after the show and he was one of the most kind and welcoming guys I'd ever met.

Fast forward three years later. Erich Skelton went from being a solo artist who occasionally played with a live band to the lead singer of a full-time band, calling themselves Marry a Thief. If you're a fan of The Format or Damien Rice, you'll most likely fall in love with this band. Their new album, "I'm Dying to Outlive You" was released on March 4, '08 and can be purchased through their MySpace page. It features playful, yet insanely moving songs, with lyrics that are relatable and guaranteed to make a lasting impression within you. Erich Skelton also made two albums as a solo artist called "Some Other City" and "One More Smile, Fake as the Night is Blue". I'd stongly recommend checking those out as well.

I remember Skelton attempting a cover of Coldplay's "Yellow" that first night we ever met. He needed the help of the audience to remember the words. I guarantee if he took that on now, especially backed up by his kick ass band, they'd blow Coldplay out of the water.

Check out Marry a Thief at http://www.myspace.com/marryathief
My favorite tune: "Awful Things".

Do it. You know you want to. It'll change your life for the better.

The Redwalls @ La Maroquinerie. Paris.

We travelled 8 hours on a bus from Amsterdam to Paris to see The Redwalls play at La Maroquinerie, nestled in a well populated town filled with bar hoppers and trendy shop-aholics.

With it being a Fargo All Stars music festival, the price of a ticket was a bit high, but I wasn't about to forgo another opportunity to see the greatest band this generation has ever known.

Again, the place was packed and while waiting for the boys to take the stage, I met two girls from Scotland who flew all the way here to see them, after only knowing about them two weeks before. Let this be an example of just how much this band is able to get under your skin, so much that you become a world traveller just to feel that rush of another live show for under an hour. *Cough*like me*Cough*.

The Redwalls crept on stage and started the show with Justin shouting "Bonsoir!" and something else in French, then the crowd going crazy, then a setlist full of knock-you-on-your-ass-in-a-good-way type songs. Again, we danced, we sang and we forgot about life for a while. I know I recommended "Colorful Revolution" before, but for those of you who wanted something a little less bowl-cut Beatles, go with "They are Among us", about an alien invasion or "In the Time of the Machine", the last track on their self-titled album.

Unusually, there was a sad ending to the show this time. This was lead guitarist, Andrew Langer's last show. That's right, people. Langer left the band to "persue other musical opportunities". I have to admit, I was beyond upset when I heard this, as he is and always has been my favorite Redwall. I still am devastated and I'm going to be honest here and say that I don't think the band will ever sound at all the same again. Who knows. Without Langer, The Redwalls may be on their way to transforming themselves on a different level, appealing to more of a mainstream crowd and ultimately gaining more fame... or this could lead to their complete downfall. Don't get mad at me, but I'm going with the latter on this one. Even so, give them a chance. I'm planning on doing so... even though my life is pretty much over *cough cough*...

Logan Baren and his too-cool-for-school pants



Andrew Langer playing one of his last live Redwalls songs

And here's a [poor quality] video of Langer singing "On my Way":

Excuse me while I go cry myself to sleep. *Sigh*

Kraak & Smaak @ Gignant. Apeldoorn, Netherlands.

When my cousin asked me to join her at a "Kraak & Smaak" show, I was slightly confused and flat out afraid. It sounded like some kind of drug fest where I was going to lose my dignity and maybe an eye. Once I figured out it was a harmless Dutch band, I agreed. Glad I did.

Kraak & Smaak is a band of seven from Leiden, a small town in the Netherlands. Sitting here trying to think of what genre they fall into, the only thing I can say is that their sound is like a burst of confetti in the sense that each song has its own vibe - everything from electronic to jazz to even a classical feel, all mixing together to throw a giant shindig for your ears. You never know what they're going to whip out next. They even switch up lead singers, going from male vocals to female vocals. And Rose, the only girl in the band, has some pretty amazing pipes.

In addition to feeling as if you're at a wacky variety show, this band also gets the crowd involved to the point where you feel like you're at your own surprise party and they're hosting. You clap, you jump up and down, you scream, you play sing along games. By the time the thing was over, I was drenched in my own sweat and I felt like I could rule the world... or something almost as empowering anyway.

Kraak and Smaak has a Myspace page @ http://www.myspace.com/kraaksmaak
If you live in the U.S. check out the tour dates. Kraak and Smaak is about to start a mini U.S. tour and if they play near you, I suggest you make the effort to see them. And P.S. They sing in English :)

The Redwalls @ Paradiso. Amsterdam.

I travelled to Europe to visit family and had the pleasure of seeing The Redwalls play a show in Amsterdam last night. *Warning: This is my absolute favorite band of all time, so this review may be a bit biassed. Bare with me.

If you don't know The Redwalls, let me explain. They are four geniuses from Chicago who, in some eerie way, channel the rock of the 60's, constantly being compared to Dylan and The Beatles. Their songs are so catchy, it has been scientifically proven that you cannot refrain from tapping a foot or bobbing your head when hearing one.

The boys played upstairs at Paradiso, an old church turned into a music venue. Don't let that fool you. The inside was transformed into a chic, hip hangout and the architecture was beautiful. They played in a small room which was empty when I first walked in but eventually filled up entirely. The show started with "Modern Diet" which is their latest single from their most recent self-titled album, and plummeted into a mix of pieces, including "Colorful Revolution", the very first song they ever wrote and one of my all time favorites. Each made you want to dance around the room like a fool, and some fans got on with their bad selves and did just that, including one dude who felt the need to do the robot. Way to go.

After the show, I had several people come up to me to tell me they fell in love that night and how lucky I am to live in America where the greatest band in the world resides. I feel the same.

PLEASE for the love of God, check out The Redwalls @ http://www.myspace.com/theredwalls

You can't even begin to understand how much your life will be changed once you let yourself fall into their music.

Logan Baren, Lead Singer/Guitarist




Andrew Langer, Lead Guitarist/Singer

Justin Baren, Bassist/Singer

**Rob Jensen is the drummer, but everyone knows it's difficult to get photos of drummers.

Jarrod Gorbel @ The Cutting Room. New York City.

Last night, I went to the Cutting Room to see a last minute show done by Jarrod Gorbel, lead singer of The Honorary Title. Oh, the perks of living in New York City...

I walked into the Cutting Room as a first timer and looked around. It didn't take long to realize it was owned by Sex and the City star Chris North, as there was an enormous picture of him pointing and winking at me, taking up an entire wall. How pompous.

Once in the back room, I took a seat at one of the numerous candlelit tables and took in the first opener, Christopher Browder. Oh boy. I can't even go into this without laughing. Okay, I'll try. He was trying to hard to be Emo, trying too hard to seem poetic, trying too hard... period. Lyrics like "You're my Tangerine" and "You're my Substitute Angel" made me cringe and his voice was enough to drive me out of the place and to the nearest Duane Reade for a bottle of extra strength Advil.

The next opener was David Moore, who came with a band who thought they were cool but weren't and Moore sounded like an even more washed out version of Don Henely [I apologize to any Henely fans out there]. They overstayed their welcome and had most of us nearly asleep by the end of their set.

When Jarrod Gorbel tip-toed onto the stage in his red and black plaid button down and skinny jeans, the atmosphere did a complete turn-around. And when he started to play... hm, I'm not sure of which I want to say here: Either he was like a breath of fresh air or he took my breath away. Both, if that's possible. If you know The Honorary Title, you know that Gorbel's band gives certain songs a pop, get up and dance feel, but solo, the songs sounded like what you'd listen to if you sat in a dark room alone after a heart break; songs that cut you so deep they allow you to cry out every shitty feeling you have and afterward give you a new sense of purity. Gorbel's voice rang through the rafters, crept down the gothic chandeliers and fell delicately upon our ears, no doubt capitvating every single one of us. I wanted to leap from my chair and give the man a hug for making such stunning music. *Sidenote: speaking of stunning, Gorbel was drop dead gorgeous. Seriously, the photos do no justice.

Gorbel announced that this was "our" show and there was no set list, that he'd take requests and play whatever the crowd wanted to hear. We picked mostly sappy songs and he laughed at that, but kept his word. My personal favorite of the night? "Snow Day", an "oldie but goodie", if you will. Overall, I left the show feeling satisfied and in some sort of euphoric daze. I met Gorbel afterward. He signed my poster and made it out to "G-Lovin", then was nice enough to pose for a photo. I got home at 3am and had to get up at 7:30, but never once cared. Last night was worth all sleep deprivation in the world.

Check out the Honorary Title @ http://myspace.com/thehonorarytitle

Here's a video of "Snow Day":

Missy Higgins @ Borders. New York City.

As you may know, Ben Folds is currently on tour. Opening for him is Missy Higgins, a singer/songwriter from Australia whom I discovered at a Howie Day show in '05 and whom I am also in love with. However, since the Ben Folds show [held later that night] was over 40 bucks, I opted to just attend the free in-store at the Park Avenue Borders yesterday afternoon.

Missy Higgins first appeared in the U.S. about three years ago with her album "The Sound of White", the album I became obsessed with in the later part of that year because of its bittersweet lyrics and melodies that sounded as if they came from the heavens. They were songs that I, as a broken-hearted girl, could relate to. Fast forward three years and Higgins is still at it. Her newest album, "On a Clear Night" is pretty much the same deal.

This Borders gig was meshed with a reading by author Harlan Coban, who mentioned Missy Higgins in his latest novel. Due to Coban's reading and storytelling, Higgins only had time for four songs. "Sugarcane", "Steer", "Going North", and "Where I Stood", my personal fave, but this is where my complaint lies. These are all fresh songs. Not one song from that 2005 album was performed. In fact, during a question/answer session between Higgins and Coban, she put down a few of those older pieces, telling us that they were written when she was a teen and she felt most lyrics were "corny". I sighed and muttered to myself in a slight depression, but still managed to enjoy what was put in front of me. The truth is, it's impossible not to be completely stricken by the music of Missy Higgins, no matter what she sings of. Her charm and down-to-earth qualities also make it difficult not to love her. When answering Coban's questions, she gave us very personal accounts, such as when she wrote "Where I Stood" while lying in bed at 4 in the morning and that an older song, "All for Believing" was written last minute for a high school music class. She looked at us, smiling, as if we were her best girlfriends. In the middle of playing one song, a Borders employee made an announcement over the loudspeaker and Higgins simply giggled, stopped for a moment and said, "I'll let her finish". And she did.

So please [and never before have I been more passionate about any artist in this blog] check Missy Higgins out for yourself. I honestly believe that she appeals to fans of all genres. You'll thank me later.
http://www.myspace.com/missyhiggins

Here's a video clip of "Steer" for your viewing/listening pleasure:

Ezra Furman & the Harpoons @ 3rd & Lindsley. Nashville.

I'm starting out here by saying that Ezra Furman and the Harpoons are the shit.


With that said, I attended their show at 3rd and Lindsley last night and was shocked at how engrossed I became in it. I first saw Ezra play at the WXPN festival in July in Philadelphia. They definitely got my attention, but I could have gone with never seeing them live again.. or so I thought.

This band makes me think of how Bob Dylan would sound if he were just starting out today, only a bit quirkier and with a mascot goose named "Mortimer". There are similarities, especially in Ezra Furman [the lead singer]'s voice. They popped out songs from their past album,"Banging Down the Doors", like "I Dreamed of Moses" and "How Long Diana?" and did newer songs like "We Should Fight" and "Take off Your Sunglasses" with the addition of a harmonica, which the crowd seemed to respond most to. Andrew Langer, guitarist for my favorite band of all time, The Redwalls, flew in to play guitar for this show and is also featured on Ezra's newest album [not yet in stores]. Ezra Furman and the Harpoons don't need him; however, his help certainly payed off and together, they made some beautiful music last night.

Check out Ezra Furman and the Harpoons @ http://www.myspace.com/ezrafurman
And if you like their music, go out and get their album, "Banging Down the Doors", then wait for their new album "Inside the Human Body" which should be in stores mid October.

Matt Wertz @ Borders. Nashville.

Matt Wertz played a free show at the Borders West End in Nashville on September 16th. My best friend is in love with the man and dragged me with her. Because I had never seen him live, I had not a clue what to expect. One fourth of the store was packed, mostly with kids from Vanderbuilt University. We arrived early, yet had to sit on the floor because all seats were taken. When he sat down on his stool and started to play, I was pleasantly surprised. The mini soundcheck he did prior to the show was even entertaining. I could have sat on that carpeted floor all night and listened to the man sing.

Wertz is a singer/songwriter type with an acoustic guitar and melodic put-you-in-a-happy-mood songs. He was promoting his new album, "Under Summer Sun", which includes handpicked songs from past albums, plus a few new tunes. My personal faves are "Carolina" and "5:19". If you enjoy the type of music that is light and mellow while still giving you the urge to tap your feet, run [don't walk] to your local record store and buy Wertz' new album.

Wertz [in white] from the floor's view

*Check Matt out @ www.myspace.com/mattwertz

Michelle Branch @ The Nashville Airport

This just in: We met Michelle Branch at BNA, Nashville's International Airport. I know this has nothing to do with live shows, but it does have a lot to do with good music, so it's getting its own post.

I flew in today from New York City to spend a few days with the best friend. There I was, minding my own business at the baggage claim and who did I see but Michelle Branch plus her tatooed husband and adorable daughter standing next to me. We walked out to the parking garage at the same time and just had to say something. We told her we were huge fans and asked for a picture. Despite being with her family and attempting to leave the airport, she was extremely friendly. Her hubby took the picture and even offered to take a second one. She apologized for looking like "crap", having just come off of a plane and I told her I had too. She asked where I flew in from, then asked for our names and repeated them back to us. She told us thank you, then went on her merry way.

Thank you, Michelle Branch, for being a normal person.

And yes, please do excuse the lack of glamour in the above photograph.

Gavin DeGraw @ City Hall. Nashville.

Gavin Degraw played at City Hall in Nashville on Thursday, August 28th. My friend and I managed to get into the show for free, thanks to Gavin himself remembering us from 2003, when we were two "teenie boppers" obsessed with his "Chariot" album.

I went into the venue expecting to take a trip down memory lane and be completely consumed by his artistry. I'm sorry, Gavin, but I have to admit that did not happen and I was indeed disappointed. The place was packed with fans of all ages, most of whom seemed to not even know that DeGraw was around five years ago and wouldn't even know he existed today if it hadn't been for his latest *cough*sell out*cough* single "In Love with a Girl". He played songs mostly from his new album and the oldies even sounded more mainstream, as if they'd been changed. I was pushed so far back by drunken fans, DeGraw looked like a tiny bug with a guitar/piano, but from what I could see, he did interact well with the fans, even coming into the crowd a few times. He had a lot of energy, but the soul was missing.

After the show, we spent a bit of time at a local bar with him and he was very kind and offered to take pictures with us. There we are up there with his pals who decided it would be fun to act like idiots in the background. Thumbs up... to the bar anyway.

There's a [poor quality] video of Gavin singing "Young Love".

*Check Gavin out at www.myspace.com/gavindegraw

Josh Kelley @ 3rd & Lindsley. Nashville, TN.

A couple of nights ago I went to see a show at a small but lively venue called 3rd & Lindsley, in the heart of Nashville, TN. I took a seat at the only available table and was immediately welcomed by Trey Lockerbie, a young local musician who sang right from his heart, about true life experiences. The more he sang, the more I felt I was at a storytelling session... in a good way. You can tell how in love with music Lockerbie is and because of that, the crowd loved him.

Next was Grammer. He took the stage, seeming timid and unsure of how this would play out. The crowd was a bit unsure as well. However, when he opened his mouth, the mouths of many of us dropped. His voice was undeniably angelic and his lyrics catchy and sweet. We dubbed him the male version of Ingrid Michaelson. I had the pleasure of speaking to him after the show and he was a complete sweetheart and willing to spend as much time as possible with new fans.

The Massacoustics followed Andy Grammer. Honestly, I was not impressed. They were geared more toward a hardcore Southern crowd. You know, pick up truck driving, hard working, ripped jean wearing dudes, with completely outrageous songs. One thing I do have to give props for: one of the members in the band simultaneously rocked out on guitar and drums. Kudos to you, man.

By the time Josh Kelley came out, everyone was pumped. We fed off of his energy while he cracked jokes and spit out familiar tunes like "Amazing" and "Only You", while mixing it up with tracks from his newest album, "Masterpiece", which, by the way, is fresh and brilliant, without losing the feel of past Kelley creations. Lockerbie shared the stage with him at one point, and the two meshed well together. Kelley even switched places with drummer, David Goodstein, during a tune and sounded great. The fun was infectious. Some people were digging the music so much, they got up out of their chairs and danced the rest of the set away, encouraged by Mr. Kelley to "shake their asses". When the show came to a close, not a one of us wanted to leave. Oh well. There's always the next time Josh Kelley comes to town.

Lockerbie

Grammer

Kelley was having issues with a guitar.

Waiting for a new one...



Rockin' out on the new one, with guitarist, Erik Kertes

Me with Josh

*You can check out these artists @ www.myspace.com/treylockerbie

www.myspace.com/andygrammer

www.themassacoustics.com

www.myspace.com/joshkelley

Welcome, Music Lovers

Dear Readers,

I'm Genevieve. Yeah, that's me over there.

I'm twenty-two years old and an aspiring rock journalist. The goal of this page is to get that ball rolling. I plan to travel to as many cities as possible, attend many concerts, festivals, small coffee shop shows and get to know the artists by asking them directly about their lives as musicians. I will then correspond everything to you. I will try my hardest not to disappoint. They may be mainstream artists or they may be struggling artists you've never heard. Either way, you're getting something good - reviews of shows from your favorite bands, possible interviews, or the experience of amazing new music. So, if your whole heart is in the depths of your i-tunes playlists and your grandmothers' record players and monthly issues of Rolling Stone, stick around. I plan to start up the blogging soon, so stay tuned...

-G