Birmingham England’s Editors make a return visit to the House of Blues Tuesday Feb. 9. The brief North American tour coincides with the release of their third full length, In This Light and on This Evening. The album is a departure from their guitar driven previous efforts, featuring synthesizers this time. The songs tend to grow with repeated listens. The constant that remains is Tom Smith’s signature lead vocals, so there is no mistaking this is indeed an Editors’ album.
Any time a band attempts to expand their sound there is a risk of losing some of the fan base. Recent touring in Europe has provided favorable reviews from concert-goers, thought it might be somewhat more difficult to gain the same support on this side of the Atlantic. The band seems poised to take on the challenge. Editors live show is definitely worth the time and money.
The Antlers and Princeton set the stage.
Watch a video of “Papillon” below
Showing posts with label princeton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label princeton. Show all posts
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Art Brut, Princeton, Northern Towns @ Casbah, 10.28.09
Let me just say from the start, there are some shows I go to because I really love the bands, and other times I go because I want to understand why everyone else really loves a band. The latter could very well explain my attendance at the Art Brut show.
Northern Towns kicked off the night. I suppose I'd call them Irish Punk, and reminded me of all those Boston Taang!! records releases that Curtis has given me over the years. They're definitely more of a Ken Club/Tower Bar band and I'm sure they tear up house parties, but it just wasn't what I expected for an opener for this specific show. Not an insult or complaint, just a little random.
The same can probably be said for Princeton. They're sweet guys, I've seen them several times, and I really like their pop tunes, but they seemed like a weird tour opener for Art Brut.
I guess the magic of all of that, is that when Art Brut hits the stage, you really can't imagine anyone that should open for them. I tried listening to their latest release and just couldn't make myself get past a couple songs. Still, there I was, front row with Natalie hoping to 'get it'. And holy cow, consider me converted. From the first note to the very last, I was entertained. Eddie Argos is hilarious, energetic, and with his stature and bravado, commangs the stage and the crowd. I was only going to grab a couple songs, but ended up just going with it... so here's a video; the rest are after the jump if you click 'keep on reading'. Again I had issues with the lighting, but their lighting was full on darkness to full power lights, and a whole lot of flashing in between, so hopefully you can enjoy these to some degree.
Setlist (as written):
Formed A Band
Little Brother
Summer Job
Good Weekend
Rusted Gun of Milan
Modern Art
St Pauli
Slap Dash
Pump Up The Volume
Alcoholics Unanimous
Emily Kane
The Passenger
SC Comics
Bang Bang Rock and Roll
These Animal Menswear
Post Soothing Out
Northern Towns kicked off the night. I suppose I'd call them Irish Punk, and reminded me of all those Boston Taang!! records releases that Curtis has given me over the years. They're definitely more of a Ken Club/Tower Bar band and I'm sure they tear up house parties, but it just wasn't what I expected for an opener for this specific show. Not an insult or complaint, just a little random.
The same can probably be said for Princeton. They're sweet guys, I've seen them several times, and I really like their pop tunes, but they seemed like a weird tour opener for Art Brut.
I guess the magic of all of that, is that when Art Brut hits the stage, you really can't imagine anyone that should open for them. I tried listening to their latest release and just couldn't make myself get past a couple songs. Still, there I was, front row with Natalie hoping to 'get it'. And holy cow, consider me converted. From the first note to the very last, I was entertained. Eddie Argos is hilarious, energetic, and with his stature and bravado, commangs the stage and the crowd. I was only going to grab a couple songs, but ended up just going with it... so here's a video; the rest are after the jump if you click 'keep on reading'. Again I had issues with the lighting, but their lighting was full on darkness to full power lights, and a whole lot of flashing in between, so hopefully you can enjoy these to some degree.
Setlist (as written):
Formed A Band
Little Brother
Summer Job
Good Weekend
Rusted Gun of Milan
Modern Art
St Pauli
Slap Dash
Pump Up The Volume
Alcoholics Unanimous
Emily Kane
The Passenger
SC Comics
Bang Bang Rock and Roll
These Animal Menswear
Post Soothing Out
Monday, October 26, 2009
Contest: Art Brut @ Casbah, 10.28.09
Art Brut return to the Casbah this Wednesday night in support of their latest release, Art Brut vs Satan. The record and tour are getting rave reviews and you can read and see some of that if you 'keep on reading', but the bigger point of this post is to tell you that I have a pair of tickets to giveaway. Shoot me an email with subject "Art Brut". Include your name and phone number. Must be 21+ to enter. I'll select a winner Tuesday evening. Princeton and Northern Towns, two awesome bands in their own right, will open the show.
Art Brut Play SAN DIEGO At Casbah On 10.28
Art Brut VS. Satan Out Now To Rave Reviews On Downtown Records
Play WNYC Soundcheck
Brooklyn Vegan
NPR : “Art Brut vs. Satan, Argos goes back to what he knows. When a song titled "The Replacements" appears, it's already the third of four consecutive tracks about rock 'n' roll itself. There are only two cuts about love, and soon enough, one of those ("What a Rush") moves on to the subject of music, too”
“Argos doesn't claim to live clean. Art Brut vs. Satan begins with one called "Alcoholics Unanimous" and ends with one called "Mysterious Bruises," keyed to the wonderful line, "I fought the floor and the floor won." But there are also several songs about being young and poor — or, in the case of the one called "DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake," being 28 and still eating nothing but cereal.”
Pitchfork : “If they can't topple vague, pasty, barely breathing background rock from the charts, at least they can sing gloriously doomed songs about it.”
“Argos proclaims: "I fought the floor and the floor won." Satan always wins. The beautiful people and their sycophants will always outnumber lovable losers. But this is a record I like.”
Alternative Press : (**** 4 Stars ) “British indie outfit regain their charm/snark balance. Art Brut Vs. Satan is compelling for three crucial reasons. First, Black Francis—a guy who knows something about charging guitar rock—produced the sessions. Second: The guitar subterfuge of Jasper Future and Ian Catskilkin (the only good components to 2008’s rather dismal It’s A Bit Complicated), drive home these songs with a renewed enthusiasm. Lastly, frontman Eddie Argos’ sing-speak ruminations are inspired once again, whether he’s reminiscing about his youth (“D.C. Comics And Chocolate Milkshake”) or riffing on his allergy medications as on the loose jam “Mysterious Bruises.” His delivery is open-ended enough to confuse his intention (sincere? snarky?), which was the very reason their debut, Bang! Bang! Rock ’N’ Roll, was so engaging. With luck, “one Zyrtec, two Advil and a drink” will replace “that’s what she said” as 2009’s catchphrase of choice. “ Jason Pettigrew
Spin : “In a world where nothing is a metaphor, singer Argos still just digs "DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshakes," "The Replacements," and records that are "Slap Dash for No Cash." And as long as he does, the band behind him will give him three chords and a wink.”
Rolling Stone : “On Art Brut's third album, Argos is in his usual form, waxing wittily about suspended adolescence, hangovers and, in "Slap Dash for No Cash," hack musicians: "Why is everyone trying to sound like U2?/It's not a very cool thing to do."”
Billboard : “The English rock act Art Brut has established itself as the class clown of the indie scene, creating lightweight punk songs with a sarcastic edge.” “The seven-minute closer, "Mysterious Bruises," is Art Brut's most ambitious song to date, but a funky guitar hook and thoughtful lyrics make it a highlight.”
Art Brut Play SAN DIEGO At Casbah On 10.28
Art Brut VS. Satan Out Now To Rave Reviews On Downtown Records
Play WNYC Soundcheck
Brooklyn Vegan
NPR : “Art Brut vs. Satan, Argos goes back to what he knows. When a song titled "The Replacements" appears, it's already the third of four consecutive tracks about rock 'n' roll itself. There are only two cuts about love, and soon enough, one of those ("What a Rush") moves on to the subject of music, too”
“Argos doesn't claim to live clean. Art Brut vs. Satan begins with one called "Alcoholics Unanimous" and ends with one called "Mysterious Bruises," keyed to the wonderful line, "I fought the floor and the floor won." But there are also several songs about being young and poor — or, in the case of the one called "DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake," being 28 and still eating nothing but cereal.”
Pitchfork : “If they can't topple vague, pasty, barely breathing background rock from the charts, at least they can sing gloriously doomed songs about it.”
“Argos proclaims: "I fought the floor and the floor won." Satan always wins. The beautiful people and their sycophants will always outnumber lovable losers. But this is a record I like.”
Alternative Press : (**** 4 Stars ) “British indie outfit regain their charm/snark balance. Art Brut Vs. Satan is compelling for three crucial reasons. First, Black Francis—a guy who knows something about charging guitar rock—produced the sessions. Second: The guitar subterfuge of Jasper Future and Ian Catskilkin (the only good components to 2008’s rather dismal It’s A Bit Complicated), drive home these songs with a renewed enthusiasm. Lastly, frontman Eddie Argos’ sing-speak ruminations are inspired once again, whether he’s reminiscing about his youth (“D.C. Comics And Chocolate Milkshake”) or riffing on his allergy medications as on the loose jam “Mysterious Bruises.” His delivery is open-ended enough to confuse his intention (sincere? snarky?), which was the very reason their debut, Bang! Bang! Rock ’N’ Roll, was so engaging. With luck, “one Zyrtec, two Advil and a drink” will replace “that’s what she said” as 2009’s catchphrase of choice. “ Jason Pettigrew
Spin : “In a world where nothing is a metaphor, singer Argos still just digs "DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshakes," "The Replacements," and records that are "Slap Dash for No Cash." And as long as he does, the band behind him will give him three chords and a wink.”
Rolling Stone : “On Art Brut's third album, Argos is in his usual form, waxing wittily about suspended adolescence, hangovers and, in "Slap Dash for No Cash," hack musicians: "Why is everyone trying to sound like U2?/It's not a very cool thing to do."”
Billboard : “The English rock act Art Brut has established itself as the class clown of the indie scene, creating lightweight punk songs with a sarcastic edge.” “The seven-minute closer, "Mysterious Bruises," is Art Brut's most ambitious song to date, but a funky guitar hook and thoughtful lyrics make it a highlight.”
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Wednesday Night: Kite Flying Society & Princeton @ House of Blues 2/28/07
Last night's House of Blues show was actually down in "The Delta Room" at the House of Blues. This is the room normally saved for private parties or used as a lounge area when there is a show in the main concert hall, however last night, it was the scene of quite a good time.
Princeton was the first band and a perfect fit to play with Kite Flying Society. They are a four piece from Santa Monica who plays loose jangly pop with sweet vocals. They use guitars, keys, sometimes drums, sometimes tambourine, sometimes horns (was that an oboe??), ukeleles, etc.
I liked the band and did before the SD show was even booked (see how cool MySpace can be?), but to be honest, there's was this feeling of the room of us vs. them, in a way. Being from LA, Princeton brought a crowd, and then there are all of us locals who are friends with KFS and were also celebrating birthdays, so the locals were all chatty (yes, me too) and scattered around the lounge, and Princeton's crowd were up front videotaping and dancing and having fun. Still, the band was good and I bought their CD for $6 to compensate for my sheisty maneuverings to get into the show and avoid ridiculous drink prices. Scoreboard: Rosey 2, House of Blues- Zero.
I don't understand how the House of Blues functions sometimes. If the mainstage shows say they're going to start at 8, they pretty much start at 8. The rest of their stages, they can say 9, 9:30, 10, doesn't matter, it's never accurate, which is understandable in the sidestage room because it is the same room used for restaurant seating, but there was no reason for delays downstairs. When people pay to go into the venue, they should be allowed to go into the venue, not left to sit in the patio for 30 minutes. And think of all the $9.50 shots you could've sold in that time! Anyway, my point to all of this whining is that because the show started later than people expected, people left early. Some left, presumably, to drive back to LA, but a lot of people who paid to see KFS left because it was late and they all work early and didn't get the pre-show nap in like I did. Or maybe they just got pissed that a shot of whiskey was $9.50.
Whatever the reasons, the crowd thinned out a little but all those peeps missed out because Kite Flying Society were great. The sound wasn't perfect, but boatloads better than the sidestage. The carpeting (made to look like layered persian rugs) and sofas lended to the feeling that you were at a house party and hanging with friends and for a second you could forget that you were at the House of Blues. Well, at least until you had to order a drink. (Yow, another zinger. I will keep whining about those damn expensive measured pours.) They also played some stuff from the new album (release date: July?) which sounded good.
This picture was actually taken while the band was still playing. That's Todd the drummer on the left:
And then leaving the show, who can resist a photo in front of the Everything $5 store?
After the show, the whole venue, restaurant, and bar were shut down. Way to make us feel welcome, House of Blues! Really glad I parked on the 6th avenue side and had to walk the sketchy walk past the trolley station (aka crack alley) at midnight.
Andrea and I headed up to the Sports Club to try to catch Republic of Letters but they were already finished. We did hang out for a bit to finish celebrating Kara's b-day, but everyone has to sleep eventually, so we hit the road, but not before the mandatory tacos from La Fuente. Mmm, love that heartburn...
Princeton was the first band and a perfect fit to play with Kite Flying Society. They are a four piece from Santa Monica who plays loose jangly pop with sweet vocals. They use guitars, keys, sometimes drums, sometimes tambourine, sometimes horns (was that an oboe??), ukeleles, etc.
I liked the band and did before the SD show was even booked (see how cool MySpace can be?), but to be honest, there's was this feeling of the room of us vs. them, in a way. Being from LA, Princeton brought a crowd, and then there are all of us locals who are friends with KFS and were also celebrating birthdays, so the locals were all chatty (yes, me too) and scattered around the lounge, and Princeton's crowd were up front videotaping and dancing and having fun. Still, the band was good and I bought their CD for $6 to compensate for my sheisty maneuverings to get into the show and avoid ridiculous drink prices. Scoreboard: Rosey 2, House of Blues- Zero.
I don't understand how the House of Blues functions sometimes. If the mainstage shows say they're going to start at 8, they pretty much start at 8. The rest of their stages, they can say 9, 9:30, 10, doesn't matter, it's never accurate, which is understandable in the sidestage room because it is the same room used for restaurant seating, but there was no reason for delays downstairs. When people pay to go into the venue, they should be allowed to go into the venue, not left to sit in the patio for 30 minutes. And think of all the $9.50 shots you could've sold in that time! Anyway, my point to all of this whining is that because the show started later than people expected, people left early. Some left, presumably, to drive back to LA, but a lot of people who paid to see KFS left because it was late and they all work early and didn't get the pre-show nap in like I did. Or maybe they just got pissed that a shot of whiskey was $9.50.
Whatever the reasons, the crowd thinned out a little but all those peeps missed out because Kite Flying Society were great. The sound wasn't perfect, but boatloads better than the sidestage. The carpeting (made to look like layered persian rugs) and sofas lended to the feeling that you were at a house party and hanging with friends and for a second you could forget that you were at the House of Blues. Well, at least until you had to order a drink. (Yow, another zinger. I will keep whining about those damn expensive measured pours.) They also played some stuff from the new album (release date: July?) which sounded good.
This picture was actually taken while the band was still playing. That's Todd the drummer on the left:
And then leaving the show, who can resist a photo in front of the Everything $5 store?
After the show, the whole venue, restaurant, and bar were shut down. Way to make us feel welcome, House of Blues! Really glad I parked on the 6th avenue side and had to walk the sketchy walk past the trolley station (aka crack alley) at midnight.
Andrea and I headed up to the Sports Club to try to catch Republic of Letters but they were already finished. We did hang out for a bit to finish celebrating Kara's b-day, but everyone has to sleep eventually, so we hit the road, but not before the mandatory tacos from La Fuente. Mmm, love that heartburn...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Kite Flying Society at the House of Blues Sidestage
I don't like to start talking about next week until at least this week is over, however since people make plans early for Valentine's Day, I thought I would share some news with you.
Tonight marks the first night of Kite Flying Society's House of Blues Sidestage residency. Check out the nights:
2/7
Kite Flying Society
2/14
Kite Flying Society
Grand Ole Party
2/21 (ALL AGES!)
Kite Flying Society
Oh No! Oh My!
2/28 (ALL AGES!)
Kite Flying Society
Princeton
Tonight marks the first night of Kite Flying Society's House of Blues Sidestage residency. Check out the nights:
2/7
Kite Flying Society
2/14
Kite Flying Society
Grand Ole Party
2/21 (ALL AGES!)
Kite Flying Society
Oh No! Oh My!
2/28 (ALL AGES!)
Kite Flying Society
Princeton
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