- Doug Stephen in FOR FUCK SAKE EVERYONE KNOCK IT OFF WITH THE GOD DAMNED ACCORDIONS JESUS CHRIST Woah, okay Vice Magazine.
- Doug Stephen in Vampire Weekend - S/T I’ve never listened to a solo Paul Simon record, or to Graceland, so I don’t know about that. But the songs I’ve heard by Vampire Weekend...
- bjyhore in New Single: Patrick Wolf’s “Accident and Emergency” She had actually been robbed of it cant be cruel. Mistress. I could do. jennifer lopez porn Three.
Having accompanied Patrick through the rollercoaster ride that was our high school choral program, I always knew he had the ability to reach notes that are well above the average singer’s stratosphere. However, I was not aware that the now seasoned singer accompanies his voice with silky smooth guitar rifts.What strikes a chord about Patrick is the passion and conviction he conveys through his original music. While displaying the capability of covering critically acclaimed artists such as Ray Lamontagne and Jeff Buckley, the original songs Patrick played were what really captivated the audience at the show I recently attended at The Globe in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Armed with little else but his guitar, a microphone and a beer, he had the entire well attended venue enthralled and on the edge of their seats.
“19 Year Old Junkie” is a song that I dare you to get out of your head after listening to it a few times (much like the theme from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I’ll send you a cookie if you can get that out of your head). The tune tells the true story of Patrick’s trials and tribulations as an aspiring musician in the harsh, unforgiving entertainment business and how he coped with his struggles while living in Califorinia trying to become a star. The upbeat rhythm of the song does well in keeping the audience captivated to hear Patrick sing his story and it was a perfect song to start his set with.
“Waiting” is what i would consider Patrick’s go-to song, a perfect example of his vocal and musical ability shining through his song writing. Once again, I was very impressed with the ease in which his voice was able to hit the upper reaches of his range, something that cannot be ignored when listenig to him perform.
My only complaint is that I would have liked to see Patrick complimented with a complete band to see what he is fully capable of. His musically inclined brother did take the stage with him creating a mixed voice and guitar duet for the second portion of his set. But that was just a taste of how adding parts around Patrick has the potential for a special sound. Check out Patrick’s Myspace Page to listen to a few of his tracks and to find out when and where he’ll be gracing the stage with his presence next.
Patrick’s answers to the 5 questions after the jump: Read more »
On Wednesday June 27th I ventured into the Double Door in Wicker Park, Chicago, to see a band by the name of Boho Paisley that I had seen once before. I had a couple expectations: one being that I hoped I was right when I emphatically told people that I thought lead singer Justin Hoot’s vocals were frighteningly similar to those of Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers (I may or may not have been a trifle intoxicated when I had the pleasure of hearing them perform the first time so it was up in the air), and the other being that beers would not cost me more than $3 apiece. Both expectations were met, although $3 bought me none other than Busch beer, not Busch Light, mind you, but Busch heavy….I knew I was in for a good night.
First things first, let me say that I was very impressed by the size of the crowd at the Double Door for a Wednesday night. I saw at least two different groups of girls who were not only dressed rather scantily for the occasion, but were taking multiple pictures as though this was a night that they wanted to be sure to remember. I guessed that these were not Double Door regulars but Boho Paisley groupies. Not often do you see the picture taking groups of girls hanging out at small concert venues with Busch beer on special on a Wednesday night, but I digress…a credit to Boho Paisley and their recruiting abilities.
As for the music, Boho Paisley played a solid Wednesday night set. They bring a lot of energy to the stage. The lead singer’s voice does compare favorably with that of Anthony Kiedis and the band even did a killer cover of “Hey Oh” by the Chili Peppers. They really seemed to let loose and drive it home on the couple of numbers that featured the bassist, Edward Doerge, who was much more talented than your typical keep-the-rhythm type of musician. He actually seemed to have the lead riff on a couple of songs, a very welcome change of pace for a band looking for its niche.
The crowd was very involved throughout the show and there were even chants of an encore although there were two acts left to perform. Overall this is a talented, up and coming band in Chicago and I look forward to hearing more from them sooner rather than later. Check out Boho Paisley’s Myspace Page to get an idea of just how talented they are–and to see when they’re playing again so that you can see how talented they are, live.
1. When historians listen to your most recent CD 1000 years from now, what will they say?
Hmmm. Hopefully good things. Maybe we’ll get rich and famous long after we’re dead and gone. That would be sweeeeeeeet.
2. If you could play a show w/ any band/musician living or dead, whom would you pick and why?
The Black Crowes, RHCP, Modest Mouse, Janis Joplin, or Jimi Hendrix solely because of their stage presence and energy. I (Justin) feel like all those artists get lost in their performances which is cool and honest.
3. What is the strangest band-related dream you have had?
Ryan had a dream about horns playing in one of our songs, so loudly that it was drowning out his guitar. Needless to say, we don’t play that song anymore.
4. What do your fans look like?
We have fans?
5. What bullshit do you run into at most every show that makes you think, “Man, this bullshit again?”
Other bands being pretentious dicks.
Bonus Question: Why won’t you forget to tip your bartender?
Because the good bartender giveth and the good bartender taketh away.
I’m not sure if that was what the performance that Xavier Rudd put on this past Tuesday at Park West in Chicago was called, but if not that then it certainly could have been titled Hippies Anonymous. Having just come off spending his weekend performing at Bonnaroo, I’m sure Xavier would agree. Displaying all types of talent throughout the show that he did so well on previous albums such as Solace and his latest to drop, White Moth, Rudd is a dynamic jam artist of unconventional ability to say the least. The man’s voice is nearly a carbon copy of Ben Harper, at times during the show I would close my eyes and see Ben Harper only to open them and freak out at the wild haired, bearded, tye-dye clad Aussie in front of me. His voice also reaches a little bit of Paul Simon on occasion, and he rounds this out with a Jimmy Cliff twang.
Park West is an interesting venue in and of itself, it reminded me of being at the types of night clubs that you find in Acapulco, Mexico where many tables are scattered amongst the throngs of onlookers closest to the stage. Xavier seemingly was playing to a full house this past Tuesday evening and he certainly did not disappoint his wide spectrum of fan base. At one point during the show as I was getting up from my seat I nearly got taken out by a hippy girl who was flailing her extremities about like Elaine in Seinfeld…it was a close call. Of course, sitting directly in front of me was a group of what we all know to be the overzealous concert goers. Please refrain from letting us know that you enjoy the band by standing and clapping and fist pumping while everyone around you is sitting. This should be a concert bylaw, right? Who’s with me?.
None of this of course takes away from Xavier Rudd, who played half of the show by himself with his arsenal of instruments which includes: standard acoustic guitar, steel lap guitar, bongos and various other percussion items, harmonica and of course the aforementioned Didgeridoo. The other half of the show featured an extra percussionist to help Rudd keep the beats but for the most part the entire venue was filled with music from just 1 man. For those of you who are not familiar with the Didgeridoo it is an elongated wooden tube which can make an assortment of vibrating tones when you blow into them correctly(not all that different from a kazoo in theory but much different in sound obviously). Rudd has a set up of 3 different Didgeridoos to choose from so that he can find the rumbling vibration to fit whichever key he happens to be playing in. How does a musician undertake the learning of the Didgeridoo you ask? (or at least I asked b/c I was damn curious) Apparently Xavier learned the ins and outs of this fascinating instrument by practicing with a vacuum cleaner hose. Idon’t know how many hours were spent perfecting his skills with said vacuum hose but I do know that merely spending time in seclusion with this appliance surely was cause for much ridicule from his peers. “Xavier’s locked in his room with the vacuum hose again…” etc. For this sacrifice alone, I salute his dedication to his music which has aspects of reggae, folk, and tribal all infused.
I envision Xavier having gone on musical pilgrimages around the world to pick up these elements. Such consorting amongst the Australian Tribesman, like Crocodile Dundee(at least I hope like Crocodile Dundee, right?), hitting up the Caribbean to hone those reggae tunes, and playing at as many Bonnarooesque events as possible to mix it up with folk/acoustic artists of all origins. The most important thing to know about Xavier Rudd as that the man can flat out jam with the best of them and there were not many moments during the show where he was only playing 1 instrument. I highly recommend Xavier Rudd to any and all who appreciate innovation in music as well as a conglomeration of intermixing sounds and instruments. Even if you’re not into his musical style, the people watching alone should be worth the price of admission, just watch out for flailing extremities and be warned that your shirt may or may not become tye dyed merely by proximity.
When David McMillin and Kyle Johnson emailed to let me know they were returning to take the stage at Wise Fool’s Pub Sunday May 27th (in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago) and invited me to once again bask in their musical glow, I jumped at the opportunity. Word had spread thru this crazy World Wide Web we all operate in that this show would be different than the one that I had previously reviewed at Schuba’s on April 4th. This show was to include Aaron Kiser, the charismatic, beat-setting percussionist.
How could I resist the chance to see these guys rock out again? If anything, I could count on the stupefying girls-to-guys ratio as previously reported, along with their intense acoustic jamming to which I can joyously bob my head. I asked myself…how much of a difference can a drummer make? The answer spoke volumes.The sound difference with Aaron was immensely evident. With Aaron setting the beats, Kyle was able to freelance much more on those keys he cajoles so well. (Yes, he still plays with the energy and exuberance of Rowlf the Dog and until I think of something better, that’s what he’ll be compared with.) Overall the sound was much fuller, it encompassed the space within the room without being too loud (a thin tightrope to walk in itself). Aaron also added harmony to some of the tracks the trio performed , always a welcoming element to any music as far as I’m concerned.
I won’t go on and on about the talent and the music style that these artists are capable of as I have done that already in this space. That being said, David is working on a new album. He is currently not touring but I urge you all to go to his Myspace Page and listen to what he has done and is doing. Stay tuned for future tour dates and ready yourself for a southern/alt-country/folk/musically pleasing show that is guaranteed to be worth the price of admission.
I already commend Timothy Daniel, who was born and raised in the year round vacation hotspot Lake Geneva, WI, for resisting temptation to stay and open the 67th art/trinket/antiques shop (a high fivable achievement for sure). He has his first album entitled Wonderment dropping in less than two weeks.
Tim is an amazing and all encompassing musician of Josh Fix’s ilk, as he is capable of doing just about everything. He penned the album’s tracks and is of course the lead vocalist and guitarist. He also rocks the keys and a little bit of bass on the album…I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I remember struggling greatly with the recorder when I was but a young buck and that was simply a matter of covering certain holes with your fingers and blowing. These guys and their compelling ability to play more than one instrument is bringing down the rest of the normal, marginally talented musically challenged public. You bastards.
The album itself is almost hypnotic as Tim’s music and voice create a very soothing blend, as though he is cooing. Now, I’m not entirely sure what cooing actually sounds like but in my mind going forward, when I think of cooing I’ll think of tracks such as “Better Than Truth†(my favorite track on the album) and “Happy Now.â€
The music style changes within songs on a regular basis and Tim flawlessly shifts back and forth between the high and low reaches of his vocal range.
If you’re looking to rock out then this is certainly not your speed, (which is not to say that he is not capable of rocking out), but if you appreciate a solid harmony with smooth vocal tonality then Tim is an artist that you should be interested in. Check out his Myspace page to get a taste of his unbridled ability and talent and to find out how you can obtain his album Wonderment, which you will undoubtedly instantly desire.
1. When historians listen to your most recent CD 1000 years from now, what will they say?
“Hey, this isn’t Clay Aiken! Where the f*ck is Clay Aiken? Burn it with the other non-Clay drivel.”
2. If you could play a show w/ any band/musician living or dead, whom would you pick and why?
I’d have to go with Ben Folds on that one. It never looks like he thinks he’s working. Ben Folds has a good time every time he plays. Also, he is a damned pop genius.
3. What is the strangest band-related dream you have had?
If at any point I have a dream about the dudes in my band… it will make subsequent practices very uncomfortable. You bastard. I will blame you.
4. What do your fans look like?
Ever visit a correctional nursing home? Its like juvy for geriatrics. They look like those people mostly….but more nubile and with better typing skills. Yes.
5. What bullshit do you run into at most every show that makes you think, “Man, this Bullshit again?â€
After each gig every musician is faced with the most important decision of the night. How do I spend my gig money? There are really only two respectable options.
A) Hookers
B) Blow
Its not easy Ryan. Its never easy.
Release Date: 6/12/2007
Label: Intellective
I have encountered a myriad of difficulty trying to wrap my head around how to appropriately and best describe the music stylings of Pool of Frogs; a caffeinated, uber-energetic band of rockers setting out to do justice to all walks of the rock and roll. Essentially, I am incapable of doing so. This is because there is no way to best describe them and there is certainly no one music genre they fit into. They are able to shift back and forth between a hardcore and punkish feel yet in the same song break it down to a simpler and smaller head bobbing feel. (Yes, I am attempting to explain their style of music by assessing how extravagantly a listener would move his or her head to the music, so just roll with me.)
Pool of Frogs features 5 tracks on their Myspace Page, providing a nice sampler of what they are capable of. They are great at mixing up the rifts and vocals during each song, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you can’t be sure what might happen during every song. (We’ll be holding a drawing for everyone to guess how many of the tunes that Pool of Frogs will play at the Superstarcastival will effectively jump between styles of rock. Just like guess how many M&Ms are in the jar. The winner gets a high five from me, a highly coveted prize not to be dismissed lightly.)
“Lover†and “Extrasolar Planets†are the two featured tracks on their page while they give you “Lover,†‘Be What I Want,†“King of Catholic Church†and “Blackriver†as feeds via Youtube. These videos showcase their unparalleled energy levels while performing live as well as their creative potential in producing humorous and almost anecdotal music videos. “King of Catholic Church†is a mixture of Tenacious D and They Might Be Giants in terms of combining off-the-beaten path music with varying vocal demeanors. “Be What I Want†is a nice change of pace as they bring a keyboard and some previously unheard harmony into the mix, more things to add to their flowing list of musical capabilities.
The one thing that Pool of Frogs promises to deliver in a musical performance, besides innovation and energy, is a consistent usage of expletives in a loud, raucous manner. How could you not want to see them Sat, June 2nd at the Beat Kitchen? I’ll be there, armed and ready to hand out that elusive high five. Until then, check out their answers to our infamous 5 Questions:
1. When historians listen to your most recent CD 1000 years from now, what will they say?
hmmmm……
2. If you could play a show w/ any band/musician living or dead, whom would you pick and why?
Dinosaur Jr. because for a brief moment, not too long ago, we thought we were going to open up for them when they come to town soon.
3. What is the strangest band-related dream you have had?
hey! sex dreams with band members reflects how connected we are through the music!
4. What do your fans look like?
All hot chicks, dude. Absolutely nothing but hot chicks.
5. What bullshit do you run into at most every show that makes you think, “Man, this Bullshit again?â€
Honestly, shoddy sound engineers.
Bonus Question: Why won’t you forget to tip your bartender?
Because his name is Marko and he’s huge and angry
