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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 »
Milwaukee’s basements have been glowing with a slightly goofier light the last few years. Yes, goofier than the typical Christmas lights and bare bulbs that usually adorn such places with names like “The Vault,” “The Breakfast Nook,” and one of Milwaukee’s newest basement venues, “Six Flags Great America.” The light is coming from the chests of the members of Terrior Bute, Brewtown synth-punk spazzes who tend to wear matching shirts with taplights attached to them as they bash their keytars during their shows. Also, they are totally super-young and teeny and adorable, and i say that as a straight male who dates people his own age. The Bute recently took their show out of the cellar and onto the road, playing a brisk two-week tour that sent them to New York, Baltimore, and various other destinations of an eastern persuasion. When they made it back to the home of the first place Brewers, they took some time to answer our five questions.
1. When historians listen to your most recent CD 1000 years from now, what will they say?
I liked it better when Cher did it.
2. If you could play a show with any band/musician living or dead, who would you pick and why?
OK, dream band: Jonathan Davis on vox, Fieldy on bass, Monkey on guit. and ?uestlove on drums.
3. What is the strangest band-related dream (one of) you have had?
OK, I had this dream (Henry). I was sitting at a huge banquette table out on a pier in the middle of the ocean. It was hot and sunny and I was just sitting at this huge table, and then beneath the sparkling blue waves I saw this massive swimming black translucent ghost. the ghost shot out of the water and put the sun in its mouth…which caused a solar eclipse…or what ever you would call the sun being blotted out by a ghost’s mouth…my friend JJ was there too and he turned to me after all this and said “what’s the real you Henry? How many of ‘you’ are there?” [NOTE: No, i'm not sure what this has to do with the band either.]
4. What do your fans look like?
Giant translucent swiming ghosts. [NOTE: Ah, now it makes sense.]
5. What bullshit do you run into at most every show that makes you think “man, this bullshit again?”
OK, so Ryan had this dream. We were all sitting in this giant baby basket and we all turned to each other and said “man, this bullshit again?”
Bonus question: If Hitler were cloned and birthed as a present-day infant, would it be possible to raise the clone as a productive member of society, or would it still only have one testicle and not eat meat? In other words: nature or nurture?
Jeff had a dream about this one… Jeff had a dream he was being chased by a big nazi man, only instead of having a regular head on his shoulders he had a a cooing baby there instead… and the baby had a man’s head…no, wait, never mind, it totally didn’t… pretty creepy…Jeff made a short story about it for a film class this semseter. You can read his blog about it at www.natureistherealbeast.net…???…
Their debut CD, Return to the Astro Castle, was released in August of last year on Milwaukee’s Vicious Pop Records. Groove to their single “I’m a Manican” and realize why girls my advanced age want to take them home and make them men. (Are they not men?)
Dave Asher of (is) Melody Nife (and) makes the schemes of the rest of the DIY
contingent look pretty paltry. A mainstay at Chicago’s IO Theater (formerly known as Improv Olympic) where he, most nights of the week, provides a musical backdrop for the players (all improvised, of course), Dave is also the brains, looks and muscle behind the multi-media juggernaut that is Melody Nife.
His highly professional (and hottie-rific) video ‘Babydoll‘, which looks like a George Michael-Beck hybrid, has garnered quite a bit of attention, not to mention praise, across the Internet, and screenings for critics at venues like the IO, where no one gets off easy. That’s on top of his debut album Sci Fi Sol, the official vehicle for his ridiculously catchy and attention-grabbing cuts (as if he needed to emphasize this, a 9-minute disc of clips from 30 of his songs spliced together is also available). An interactive, futuristic jukebox - magically self-aware and sensitive to vinyl-worshiping anachronisms - interacts with a running narrative and theme related to something about meaning and authenticity in an age of digital overload.
But overload is his thing, and he works it well. If things get too cluttered it’s because they’re supposed to be, and it’s funny, by God! He doesn’t improvise for comedians for nothing! This is melody driven, psych-pop that floats on layers of distortion, video game blips and clever lyrics; and it sounds like it should be played on vinyl, if only that were 
possible.
Advice to heed: go to the IO to watch any number of the excellent teams do their acts as backed-up by Dave (or the other talented players, ahem…) and pick up a copy of Sci Fi Sol from the bartender while ordering your favorite craft beer. Or get it from iTunes if Chicago and/or comedy isn’t your thing. Meanwhile, Dave provided answers to the 5 Questions for us to feast on:
1. When historians listen to your CD 1000 years from now, what will they say?
“Why won’t this thing play on my iHead?”
2. If you could play a show w/ any band/musician living or dead, whom would you pick and why?
Michael Jackson. The crowd would be enormous and they’d be optimistic that music can bring about good things, even if from an unusual package. Melody Nife would open, of course, but maybe I could sit in on Thriller, haunt out from behind a ten foot grave stone…
3. What is the strangest band-related dream you have had?
I’m eating pancakes at 4 AM in a run down all-night diner. I’m alone and focused on the music which comes from a 30 year-old jukebox. The sound is vibrant and five dimensional. Songs that I’ve heard before sound different. I check the other patrons to see if they are likewise occupied. That’s when I realize, the diner is run by the mafia and the juke box is one of their prized secrets: the music is all being played live, piped in from the land where rock stars live forever, their songs expanding with the universe.
4. What do your fans look like?
Rich, hot, supermodel pilots and their slacker stoner dates.
5. What bullshit do you run into at most every show that makes you think, “Man, this Bullshit again?”
The hot tubs back stage are too hot.
Writer’s note: I implore you, the reader, to go see Melody Nife at Martyr’s in Chicago on Wednesday, July 18th. I would attend if I weren’t committed elsewhere, but it was simply unavoidable. Go on, see for yourselves!
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 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
