Fröhliche Weihnachten!

To all my family, friends, and readers, here in the US and abroad, have a very Merry Christmas! Let's celebrate with some holiday videos:



> Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas?
> Band Aid 20 - Do They Know It's Christmas?
> Bing Crosby & Frank Sinatra - White Christmas
> David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Little Drummer Boy
> Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad
> John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War is Over)
> Billy Mack - Christmas Is All Around (from "Love Actually")
> Olivia Olson - All I Want For Christmas Is You (from "Love Actually")
> The Pogues - Fairytale of New York
> The Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)
> U2 - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
> Vienna Boys Choir - Silent Night
> Wham - Last Christmas

I shall return next week with some 2006 recaps, mixtapes, and lists... and yeah, I have a new job.

- Steve

Rodrigo y Gabriela: Letterman 12/18/06

I actually watched this Monday night and forgot about it until today (thanks for the comment reminder Yetta on C's blog). Wow, one of the best music performances I've seen on TV in a while:



Rodrigo y Gabriela are from Dublin via Mexico City. How cool is that?!

Rodrigo y Gabriela Website / MySpace

- Steve

My favorite shows of 2006

A couple of people have asked me lately what my favorite live gigs were this year. Well, tis' the season for lists, so here you go.

If I don't get to another post before the holidays, have a very Merry Christmas!

- Steve

20. Kasabian: Fine Line 10/5/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

While they may be better on record than in a live setting, hanging out with Tom and Sergio after the show in the basement of the Fine Line made this whole night so much fun.

Kasabian Website / MySpace

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19. DJ Nick Warren / Michael Burian: Roxy 9/23/06, Prague, Czech Republic

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Being in Prague + great friends + great house music + Absinthe = a great time.

Nick Warren Website / MySpace
Michael Burian Website / MySpace

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18. Husky Rescue: Turf Club 8/2/06, St. Paul, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

I've been addicted to their album "Country Falls" ever since...

Husky Rescue Website / MySpace

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17. Muse: State Theater 7/26/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Spectacular. So very loud. So loud in fact, that my friend Ryan had to leave the show. His inner-organs are (thankfully) still intact ;)

Muse Website / MySpace

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16. Phoenix: Fine Line 7/24/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

The French Strokes were awesome live. The crowd was dancing up a storm. My buddy Brody's favorite gig of the year.

Phoenix Website / MySpace

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15. Beirut: Triple Rock 10/14/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Zach Condon, aka Beirut, is super-talented, as showcased by his performance at Triple Rock. I still can't believe the guy is only 19.

Beirut Website / MySpace

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14. Sigur Ros: Orpheum Theatre 5/8/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Sigur Ros' final tune was the best closing tune/multimedia experience of the year. Wow.

Sigur Ros Website / MySpace

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13. Silversun Pickups: 7th Street Entry 8/12/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Their album "Carnavas" is one of my favorite records of the year. They absolutely rocked live.

Silversun Pickups Website / MySpace

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12. Metric: First Avenue 4/10/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

I love Emily Haines. What a show she delivered with her band Metric... looking forward to her solo-performance in 2007 at Varsity Theater already...

Metric Website / MySpace

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11. Stellastarr* / The Editors: Fine Line 4/18/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow


Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

The 2nd best review on my blog this year. This show really made me love The Editors... and Amanda ;)

Stellastarr* Website / MySpace
The Editors Website / MySpace

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10. Pet Shop Boys: Orpheum Theatre 10/28/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Their first show here in the Twin Cities in 15 years. Great gig, meeting Neil after the gig, classic...

Pet Shop Boys Website

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09. Birdmonster / Los Abandoned / La Rocca: 400 Bar 10/24/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

One of my favorite tripe-bills of the year... Three different styles of music. Playing the crash-cymbal on-stage during Birdmonster's encore was pretty awesome too ;)

Birdmonster Website / MySpace
Los Abandoned Website / MySpace
La Rocca Website / MySpace

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08. The Flaming Lips / Sonic Youth / The Magic Numbers: MN State Fair 8/24/06, St. Paul, MN

Original Post (Photo courtesy of s4xton)

Next time, more bubbles and streamers please...

Flaming Lips Website / MySpace
Sonic Youth Website / MySpace

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07. Ice Cube: First Avenue 5/4/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

... straight out of Compton, a crazy motherfucker named "Ice Cube"... yes, he definitely proved it at the show.

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06. The Alarmists / White Light Riot: Varsity Theater 6/9/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

My two favorite local bands on the same bill. Look for great things in the future from both of these artists.

The Alarmists MySpace
White Light Riot MySpace

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05. Diplo / CSS: Varsity Theater 7/31/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Cansei de Ser Sexy were absolutely insane. Diplo is unbelievable live.

Diplo Website / MySpace
CSS Website / MySpace

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04. Gogol Bordello: Fine Line 4/7/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Gypsy-punk rock at its best. Definitely the craziest (and sweatiest) show I saw all year.

Gogol Bordello Website / MySpace

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03. Arctic Monkeys: Metro 3/18/06, Chicago, IL & Wiltern LG 6/3/06, Los Angeles, CA

Chicago: Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow
LA: Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

I was lucky enough to see these guys twice this year. They were absolutely brilliant both times. Band of the year in my book. But you knew that already...

Arctic Monkeys Website / MySpace

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02. Art Brut: 7th Street Entry 3/28/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Fantastic live experience. My favorite review on the blog this year (thanks Ryan). Lead-singer Eddie Argos is one of the funniest guys I've ever seen on stage. And yeah, "Art Brut, Top of the Pops"!

Art Brut Website / MySpace

---

01. The Raconteurs: First Avenue 8/3/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

When they played their cover of "Crazy", I knew this gig would be #1 of the year for me. Jack White is a genius.

The Raconteurs Website / MySpace

I miss you John

Ringo with the umbrella is classic...

- Steve

Oasis "Lord Don't Slow Me Down" free screening tonight!

Hey kids, Bass Ale is sponsoring a free screening of the new Oasis Concert Film "Lord Don't Slow Me Down" tonight at Brit's Pub in Minneapolis! Thanks for the reminder Brody.

When: November 30, 2006 - 8:30pm
Where: Brit's Pub
What: "Lord Don't Slow Me Down"; following the screening DJ Guv'nor will be spinning all your Britpop and mod favorites. Add in Bass Ale specials and plenty of giveways from Sony records.
Why: It's fookin' Oasis!

Previews:
Lord Don't Slow Me Down full trailer
Preview of Lord Don't Slow Me Down - Part 1
Preview of Lord Don't Slow Me Down - Part 2
Preview of Lord Don't Slow Me Down - Part 3

Also, MSN has a full acoustic gig by Noel and Gem live in Paris, and the first 10 minutes of the concert film... Fookin' MSN, hello, the movie is called "Lord Don't Slow Me Down" NOT "Stop The Clocks" ;)

Speaking of "Stop The Clocks"... Spinner has a Q & A session with Noel for you.

I'll leave you with a tune that criminally did not appear on the "Stop The Clocks" greatest hits CD (then again, nothing from "Be Here Now" is on the album):

Oasis - Don't Go Away (live on SNL 10/4/1997)


OK, a couple more things:

> I've been listening a lot to this album. Holy shite, it rocks... I should probably really hang up music blogging soon ;)

> I haven't posted a sexy electronica video in a while. Here you go. New category today: sexy hip-hop video.

> The new Beatles album... My favorite band of all time; the sound-quality is just amazing... give it somebody you love this Christmas!

> Audio: Brazilian Girls live on MPR.

> I forgot to tell you... over the Thanksgiving Holiday I went to a couple of karaoke pubs and sang this song and that one. Oh man, I suck. I think I'll stick to going to shows and taking photos ;)

- Steve

+/- (Plus Minus) live @ First Ave 7th Street Entry 11/24/06

More pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

Actually The Changes and local band Duplomacy were on this bill as well. Unfortunately, I got there too late for Duplomacy. Then again, I've seen them before. I thought I was on time for The Changes, though... no such luck, they had cancelled. Luckily, +/- (Plus Minus), who I really wasn't that familiar with, put on a great show. Loved loved loved these guys from NYC.



Tough to describe the four-piece +/-... They're very versatile. Their music ranges from indie rock to keyboard-heavy pop. Enough categorizing, though. Most importantly their tunes are full of great melodies and vocals. I picked up their latest (3rd) record "Let's Build a Fire" at the show and am really enjoying it...

The boys are currently finishing up their North American tour via Detroit, Canada, Boston, and NYC, before embarking to Japan. Do check them out or pick up their record if you get a chance...



I also ran into buddy Pat from HowWasTheShow.com at the gig. He wrote a nice review of the evening as well.

mp3: +/- Steal the Blueprints

+/- Website / MySpace
The Changes Website / MySpace
Duplomacy Website / MySpace

- Steve

What became of this likely blog?

If Jigga can come out of retirement, I can come out of internet/blogging hibernation as well. Look for regular updates to resume after the holiday...

In the meanwhile, check out all the great Morning Becomes Eclectic performances KCRW has up for your viewing pleasure. Brazilian Girls, Badly Drawn Boy, Birdmonster, Cold War Kids, just to name a few... wow.

Happy Thanksgiving, yo!

- Steve

Electronica artists make the best videos...

Hmmm, do I have a music blog? I think I do... I almost forgot. The online job-hunt is definitely taking its toll...

So I think I'm taking most of this week off from regular posting as to concentrate on tasks mentioned above.

However, a couple of things I need to mention:

> I agree with Rex from Fimoculous that the song "Hustler" by Simian Mobile Disco may be the video of the year (Kanye will be pissed):



> On the topic of sexy electronica videos, this one is pretty awesome as well... Fedde Le Grand's anthem "Put Your Hands Up For Detroit" is No.1 in the UK Charts:



> Scissor Sister's postponed show @ Myth Club from 10/7/06 has been rescheduled for 3/11/07.

> Thu 12/14/06: Gogol Bordello @ First Avenue. You need to be there.

> Lastly, BritishRockIsAlwaysTop went to Lady S-O-V @ Varsity Theater last Sunday and has a review and great pictures. Too bad I missed 120 Days the same night... next time.

> OK, let's throw up one more sexy electronica video while where at it:



Are any of these videos safe for work? I don't know, don't ask me, I'm unemployed ;)

Have a great week! I miss Baseball... and yeah, put your hands up for Detroit!

- Steve

P.S. These boys made a pretty damn good video as well:



P.P.S. One more. My dog Ringo & I love this one:

Mary Cutrufello live @ Macaluso's Triangle 11/04/06

More pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

I love music. No matter where, no matter what. Totally different venue for me last night. None-the-less, such an awesome show. Mary (who I've seen previously at Lee's) and her band had the crowd @ the Triangle rockin' the whole night...

The three-piece band plowed through some of Mary's original work as well as some classic rock favorities. Musically it sounded like Jimi Hendrix met Janis Joplin... need I say more? The ladies on the dance floor loved it (where did the whip cream come from?)...

Mary Cutrufello (yes, that's Italian) will peform again:

@ Macaluso's Triangle
12/2/06 - 9PM to 1 AM
3856 LaBore Rd. Vadnais Hts 55127
651.429.1716

Do check it out...

Mary Cutrufello Website

- Steve

P.S. To give you fair and balanced reporting... The bass player in the group is my brother Randy. He's awesome, and ahhemmm, he rocks ;)

Random

Ahhh, it's actually kind of nice to take a break from live-music events for a little while and try to live a somewhat "normal" life. If that's possible for me. October was pretty exhausting... So, today just a few random things:

> Did anybody check out the BBC Electric Proms festival online last week? It went down 10/25/06 - 10/29/06 in London, England, and featured some performances by The Good, The Bad & The Queen (Damon Albarn's new project), The Who, Raconteurs, Kasabian, and many others. You can still stream most of these full performances online. BBC is taking them down ASAP though, so check them out while you can! Raconteurs cover John Peel's fave "Teenage Kicks", need is say more? C also has some downloadable mp3s of The Good, The Bad & The Queen's performance... head on over.

> Since I mentioned Damon I better mention this: Oasis's Noel Gallagher on AOL's The Interface. The acoustic tunes are good, but the interview after is the best part...

> On the topic of Oasis: New videos: "Acquiesce" and "The Masterplan" from their upcoming greatest hits album Stop The Clocks. I'm sure they love Coldplay very much, right?! Also, check out the trailer for their new road-movie called "Lord Don't Slow Me Down".

> The Hold Steady / Sean Na Na recent gig in Boston was very entertaining (do read the full recap and watch the video). Sounds like your basic everyday Libertines / Babyshambles gig to me ;)

> The Sounds - "Painted By Numbers" new video. As Borat would say... "I like, sexytime!"

> What do you think for tonight: Placebo / She Wants Revenge @ Fine Line Music Cafe OR Heartless Bastards @ 400 Bar?. Tough... maybe I should catch Cut Chemist at Foundation? I really don't like She Wants Revenge. Ideas, suggestions appreciated...

> The new Birdman / Lil Wayne CD "Like Father, Like Son" rocks. It's refreshing to hear a hip-hop CD that's not all about the bling, hoes, and chronic for a change ;)

> On the topic of indie hip-hop: Idolator has new mp3s by Ghostface and Nas.

> Since MySpace has been pissing me off a lot lately... Perhaps it's time to switch to ReverbNation?

> Lastly, since I saw Pet Shops Boys last week... Depeche Mode (who I absolutely love) is coming out with a new best-of-collection CD/DVD (I swear everybody is around the holiday shopping season) called The Best Of Volume 1. It features one new track called "Martyr" and here's the video:

WM Lo / Med / Hi
QT Lo / Med / Hi
YouTube

And here's the 1980-2006 documentary on the DVD (30 minutes):

WM Lo / Med / Hi
QT Lo / Med / Hi

> Grime at No.1 on TRL? Awesome... let the indie-backlash begin. I still love 'er. Your female version of Eminem right here (she'll be huge this year), S-O-V:


I should go now... employment would be good at some point. Have a great Thursday.

- Steve

P.S. Ok... Raconteurs "Teenage Kicks" right here, enjoy:

Trick or Treat!

My little niece and I wish you a very Happy Halloween!

- Steve

Pet Shop Boys live @ Orpheum Theatre 10/28/06

Lots more pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

Have I mentioned on this blog that I'm a pretty big Pet Shop Boys fan? Ha ha, yes, you could call me a "Pethead". All I can say is "wow", what a brilliant performance... As you can probably guess, it was quite the "theatre experience", with amazing stage setups, light show, costumes, dancers, and backup-singers. The sound was A+ with no earplugs required. Lead singer Neil Tennant sounded excellent and Chris Lowe was in full command of all things music. They even had singer Sylvia Mason-James with them... doesn't get much better than that...

Oh wait, yes it does... My friend Amy and I met Neil Tennant after the show (see last photo)! We saw Chris Lowe for a minute as well. I was so nervous meeting Neil I even dropped my camera straight onto the sidewalk... luckily, it still works (it is the "rock 'n' roll camera", afterall). Neil chuckled about that one, though...

Neil was also asked by somebody about when they would play here again. He said something like..."Well, since the last time we played here was in 1991... we'll be back in 2021!" Funny I thought...

All in all, definitely a night I won't forget for a long time...



Here's the setlist:

1. God willing
2. Psychological
3. Left to my own devices
4. I'm with stupid
5. Suburbia
6. Can you forgive her?
7. Minimal w/ segue into...
8. Shopping
9. Rent
10. Dreaming of the Queen
11. Heart
12. Opportunities, w/ segue into...
13. Integral

TWENTY MINUTE INTERMISSION

1. Numb
2. Se a vida e, w/ a snippet from Discoteca, segue into...
3. Domino dancing
4. Flamboyant
5. Home and dry
6. Always on my mind
7. Where the streets have no name
8. West End girls.
9. The Sodom and Gomorrah Show

ENCORE

1. So hard (Morales mix version w/ just Sylvia, Nic, and Andy doing vocals)
2. It's a sin
3. Go West

With a setlist like that, I think you can guess that the audience full of "Petheads" went pretty crazy... including me.

A few more pictures for you. As mentioned above, loads more on Flickr.


("Rent". Neil sings behind the screen in the second bottom square)


("Dreaming of the Queen")


(Kind of a cool/artsy shot of Neil)


("Home and Dry". Neil on acoustic guitar)


(Chris Lowe)


("Where the Streets Have No Name")


(Which song do you think they were performing?)


(Petheads!)


(Neil and I. Amy's friend John is classic on the left. This one is def going in a frame!)

Pet Shop Boys Website
Obsessive Fan Site: Pet Shop Boys Commentary
Pioneer Press Interview: Nothing's going to tame the Pet Shop Boys

- Steve

Electric Six / Aberdeen City / The Blue Van live @ First Avenue 10/27/06

Another solid show last Friday. Highlight for me were Denmark's The Blue Van who played a ferocious 45 minute set... it almost made me think they were the headliners. Boston's Aberdeen City channeled Interpol and kept the crowd moving. I've seen Electric Six a bunch of times before... they've rocked my socks off everytime. I headed to a Halloween Party around midnight Friday, so I only saw their first few tunes. From what I witnessed however, they again seriously rocked out. It was hard to leave the gig early. And yeah, lead-singer Dick Valentine is still a mad-man (in the best way possible)...

The Blue Van

More pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

Aberdeen City

More pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

Electric Six

More pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

Electric Six Website / MySpace
Aberdeen City Website / MySpace
The Blue Van Website / MySpace

More coverage of the show over at BritishRockIsAlwaysTop.

- Steve

Birdmonster / Los Abandoned / La Rocca live @ 400 Bar 10/24/06

I absolutely LOVED this gig. Three great bands, all with distinictively different musical styles, all on the same bill. Wow, what a night...

La Rocca

More pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

Dublin's La Rocca opened the night's festivities with a bang. Their sound reminded me a lot of early Springsteen, with a little Irish flair thrown into the mix.

Their setlist:


La Rocca Website / MySpace

Los Abandoned

More pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

LA's Los Abandoned were a pleasant surprise... Lead-singer Lady P. definitely knows how to capture the audience's attention. She sings in both Spanish and English, sometimes in the same song... I thought the banded sounded a bit like a Latin-American version of Be Your Own Pet. Good stuff...

Los Abandoned Website / MySpace

Birdmonster

More pictures on Flickr: photos / slideshow

Birdmonster absolutely tore up the 400 Bar... Check them out live sometime and you will understand.

Birdmonster Website / MySpace

More coverage and photos of the evening over at BritishRockIsAlwaysTop.

- Steve

Music Bloggers...

Just stand around every gig and take photos?

No, actually we're the biggest fans:

Exhibit A:


(Mr. Brody from BritishRockIsAlwaysTop playing tambourine during Birdmonster's set)

Exhibit B:


(Myself helping Birdmonster on percussion duties)

OK, yeah, we're dorks, I give you that one ;)

- Steve

Mew / Onethousand Pictures live @ Fine Line Music Cafe 10/25/06

(Mew)

Hmmmmm, Mew, how to summarize the show, very tough. Let's start off by saying I missed Onethousand Pictures for the second time in a row. For some reason I thought there would be a 3rd band on the bill. I was wrong... by the time I walked into the gig, Mew had just started their first song.

Like Figurines last night, I thought Mew was good, but not great. I don't know... is there something I'm missing? The music is pretty decent, but there's just not a whole lot of stage presence. Then again, their final encore "Comforting Sounds" almost gave me goosebumps it was so good...

OK, what I'm trying to say... Mew was definitely a whole lot better headlining than opening for Kasabian. They're not 100% my thing, so you should check out their music and make up your own mind...

mp3: Mew - Comforting Sounds

Audio: "The Zookeeper's Boy"
WM Hi / lo
Real
QT

Audio: "Apocalypso"
WM Hi / lo
Real
QT

And since I missed them and I feel bad about that:

mp3: Onethousand Pictures - Cold Rain

Mandatory picture with the lead singer of Mew (to prove I was there and I heard of them first):



Before I go... do we all realize Robbie Williams just released a new album "Rudebox"? Now he's a boy after my taste. Actually, we're a lot a like, seriously... Maybe that's why I'm still single ;)

mp3: Robbie Williams - Lovelight (Lewis Taylor Cover)

Man, I love Robbie's new album, I don't care what anybody says. OK, gotta' go...

Mew Website / MySpace
Onethousand Pictures Website / MySpace

- Steve

P.S. My buddy Brody's Mew review and pictures are up. Check it out.