The Alarmists / White Light Riot / Low Lustre live @ Varsity Theater 6/9/06

(The Alarmists live @ Varsity Theater 6/9/06)

All photos from The Alarmists / White Light Riot / Low Lustre gig and more here. Slideshow here. Video of The Alarmists performing "Good Advice" live here.

I didn't know when I left the house @ 9pm last Friday I wouldn't return back home until 15 hours later. Here's a very quick recap of the crazy evening and following morning...

It's rare you get to see 3 great bands in one evening and wind up really liking and rocking out to all of them. That's what happened at The Alarmists' CD release party on 6/9/06 at the Varsity Theater. Great crowd, the show was nearly sold out. Low Lustre opened around 10pm and played an enthusiastic set. I hadn't heard them before and really liked them musically. White Light Riot played their usual rockin' set. The crowd was really into it. The "rock n roll" moment of the evening definitely belonged to WLR, as lead singer Mike accidently cut himself right above the eye with his guitar early in their performance. What a trooper... he played the whole remaining gig with blood streaming down the right side of his face. Yeah, that's adrenaline for you. Luckily he's ok. He needed a few stitches though, so head over to their MySpace and wish him well... I'm not really that good with blood, so for pictures of the incidence (as well as other great photos and recaps), go to Brody's blog or photo-guru Mike's MySpace. The Alarmists came on around midnight and had the crowd in a frenzy. The mixture of brilliant songs from their album and new material really pleased the audience. Check the video for further evidence... All in all, an A+ performance by all the featured bands.

After the gig I hung out in the Varsity Theater for a bit talking with some nice people. Also got to explore the "skeleton hallway" and the roof. Very cool, if not a bit creepy, though. On the way to my car I ran into a friend of a friend, Jaric; a Polish guy studying on his PHD in Economics at the University of Minnesota. He joined me for the Alarmists after-party in St. Paul. We had a lot of fun out there... they even had ping-pong action. Around 5:30AM (!) we decided it would be a good idea to head down to Brits Pub in Minneapolis to watch the England vs. Paraguay World Cup Soccer Match (Jaric was still pretty pissed off about Poland losing that day). After a quick breakfast and numerous coffees we made it to Brits... It got absolutely packed and we had front row seats in front of the big-screen for the game. It was an absolute blast hanging out with the soccer hooligans! Way to go Beckham! I returned home around noon Saturday and was pretty exhausted... great night, though. You never know what's going to happen, I tell you...

Here are a few more of my favorite pictures from the evening and morning (all the rest are on Flickr):


(The Alarmists' setlist @ Varsity Theater 6/9/06)


(Low Lustre live @ Varsity Theater 6/9/06)


(White Light Riot live @ Varsity Theater 6/9/06)


(Brody shows us the skeletons in Varsity Theater's closet)


(Hangin' on the roof of Varsity Theater)


(Myself, Chance & Heather after the gig)


(Jaric and I having coffee before the soccer match)


(Shakespeare speech before the England vs Paraguay World Cup soccer match)


(England scores!)

Related sites:
Low Lustre MySpace
White Light Riot MySpace
The Alarmists MySpace

Have a great Monday! Go USA in the World Cup!

- Steve

The Alarmists / White Light Riot

What cha' doin' Friday night? City Pages (A List Pick) and I highly recommend you go to The Alarmists' CD release party 6/9/06 @ Varsity Theater. Buddies White Light Riot are kind enough to join in on the fun and Low Lustre will be starting off the festivities.

The Alarmists


I've posted on them before. I think they've quickly become my favorite local band. They will be celebrating the release of their first CD A Detail Of Soldiers. The CD/EP is excellent, and Lindsey Thomas from City Pages agrees:

Two thumbs and several enthusiastic toes up for the Alarmists' debut, perhaps the best local release of the year thus far. It's only a six-song EP, but there's not a single filler track or wasted moment to be found. And as if that's not reason enough to fall hard and fast, the young band recorded the pristine disc themselves. Rather than executing a hasty smash-and-grab job on any one influence, the quartet has compiled all the best bits from the last 10 years of thinking-man's pop. The ghostly vocals that creep up on "Soldados" recall Radiohead just minutes before the paranoid android invasion. "Some Things Never Stop" throws choppy guitar strums over a simple piano plunk à la Spoon. And "Coming to Meet Me" is pure Wilco with slide guitar guiding the bittersweet refrain: "And she's coming to meet me/We got nothing to say/I try to keep it familiar/Like a lot's the same." My favorite track (as of this particular moment) is the driving "Good Advice," the chorus of which gets ushered in by a burble of synths that appears out of nowhere, and escorted out with a line of the most infectious oohs I've heard since Snow Patrol's "Spitting Games" took over my head two years ago. The keyboard-reliant "New Romans" and anthemic closer "She Will Love Again (Hey Kid)" round it out. There you go. Six tracks, all brilliant. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to put an end to this review, as I'm starting to feel like a publicist. (full post here)

Now if that's not a stellar review, I don't know what is. But I'll let the music do the talking. Give it a listen, I'm pretty sure you'll really like it:

mp3: The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop
mp3: The Alarmists - She Will Love Again (Hey Kid)

Currently the CD is available for purchase at all Alarmists shows (hint: buy one tomorrow) and local retailers: Aardvark Records, Electric Fetus, Roadrunner Records, Cheapo, Treehouse Records, and Know Name Records. Online distribution to follow very soon (I'm sure)...

The Alarmists Website
The Alarmists MySpace

White Light Riot


I had a chance to see these guys @ Turf Club a couple of weeks ago. Wow, I was pretty impressed! They rock. They've been getting rave reviews for their live shows and excellent EP The Dark is Light Enough. Even Dodge posted on them in January, here's an excerpt:

WLR's music is full of energy and ambition, with powerful drums and bass that set the foundation, and distinctive vocals and interplaying guitar lines. Most of the guys aren't even 21, but they want to be rock stars and they have the stuff it takes be one. They and their music are mature beyond their years... (full post here)

Again, check the tunes and websites for further evidence:

mp3: White Light Riot - Out of Sight
mp3: White Light Riot - Bitter Beginning

White Light Riot Website
White Light Riot MySpace
Purchase their EP The Dark is Light Enough here or download it on iTunes.

Special thanks to Andrea and HowWasTheShow.com for getting me hooked on both of these outstanding bands...

Low Lustre, who I haven't seen before, also looks promising... check out their MySpace influences: "Wilco, early U2, Interpol, Primal Scream, The Walkmen, My Bloody Valentine, The Verve...". Sweet!

In other news:


World Cup 2006 starts today!!! My favorite sports tournament on the planet... I'm even involved in a blogger pool with the following music lovin' mofos:

[abridged]
analog giant
extrawack!
false 45th
i am fuel, you are friends
let's kiss and make up
letter never sent
palms out sounds
simon metz
spinachdip nyc
spit up and shut down
the parallel campaign
the view from yoorp
total positive
veritas lux mea

And of course the hot Soccer babe C over @ Scatter o' Light is running the friendly competition. Good luck to everybody and yeah, "I will crush you!" (Imagine me saying that with an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice). The trash talking on the fantasy website has already begun as well...

More hot Soccer Babes here.

Have a great weekend!

Cheers,
- Steve

The Alarmists live @ Varsity Theater 5/19/06

(The Alarmists live @ Varsity Theater 5/19/06)

All photos from The Alarmists here. Slideshow here.
All photos from This World Fair here. Slideshow here.
All photos from The TV Sound here. Slideshow here.

Please allow me to officially jump on The Alarmists bandwagon...

Last Friday I decided to check out some local talent at the HowWasTheShow.com sponsored The TV Sound's CD release party @ Varsity Theater. I ran into David, Andrea, and the rest of the really nice and cool HWTS peeps (funny post by Andrea here). Also on the bill for the evening were opening bands The Alarmists and This World Fair. The Alarmists, who I was mainly there for, really blew me away... they sounded really great live,with a distinctive British wall-of-sound. Reminded me of Elbow quite a bit...

HowWasTheShow has a full review and great pictures of the evening and prior Alarmists gigs.

mp3: The Alarmists - She Will Love Again (Hey Kid)



Their excellent new CD/EP A Detail Of Soldiers officially drops June 6th, and their CD Release Party is June 9th @ Varsity Theater. They're also playing HowWasTheShow's 4th Anniversary Party this Saturday 5/27 @ Turf Club. Go catch 'em live, buy a T-shirt, and buy the CD!



The Alarmists Website
The Alarmists MySpace

- Steve

The Alarmists CD Release Party 7/20/07 @ First Avenue

(The Alarmists)

More CD Release Photos of The Alarmists | The Debut | White Light Riot | Jelloslave: Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Jelloslave was ok (not my style). White Light Riot shocked me by how great they were. The new album rocks and their set blew me away. These guys will be major rock stars soon. The Debut got the crowd moving and were vastly improved since the last time I've seen them at their CD release. As for The Alarmists... bloody brilliant as always. Love love love the new album "The Ghost and the Hired Gun." Go pick it up.

I'll leave it at that. Read Stacy's full review over on Kyle's blog. Check out her full Flickr photogallery -- wow, great stuff.

Here's some multi-media for you.

The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop (live @ First Avenue 7/20/07):


White Light Riot - Charlatan (live @ First Avenue 7/20/07):


mp3: The Alarmists - Hired Gun
mp3: The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop

Look for White Light Riot and The Alarmists to tour the US soon...

The Alarmists Website | MySpace
White Light Riot Website | MySpace
The Debut Website | MySpace
Jelloslave Website | MySpace

Silversun Pickups / The Alarmists / Fiasco & Wyatt live 8/12/06

Hope everybody had a nice weekend. Mine was pretty nice and mellow. Saturday kinda' rocked:

I started out the night with dinner @ Champps downtown hanging out with some friends to celebrate my buddy Matt's birthday. We had a great time. Loads of bachelorette parties dropping by there... good scenery to say the least.


(The Alarmists) Flickr photos / slideshow

After Champps we all had seperate plans. I headed over to 7th Street Entry around 10:15pm and got there just in time to watch The Alarmists. I missed the opening band Shoveldance, but they were kind enough to give me their EP so I'll definitely check them out again soon. The Alarmists seemed a bit nervous before starting their set, but by the middle of their first song were back to regular excellent form.


(Silversun Pickups) Flickr photos / slideshow

7th Street Entry had a great crowd and was almost sold-out. Seems that Shoveldance and The Alarmists had brought in quite a few fans. Silversun Pickups started punctually right around 11:30pm and opened with "Melatonin". They continued to race through their excellent debut album. My personal favorites were "Little Lover's So Polite" and "Lazy Eye".

As predicted, the volume was extremely high. Didn't help I practially stood on the stage. The band and audience really fed off each other. Guitarist/singer Brian Aubert has a lot of charisma and kept the audience amused by dropping "Purple Rain" references in-between songs. The energy was definitely there. Talking with the band afterwards they even told me that they felt this was one of their best shows on tour. Great stuff, check them out a venue near you soon.


(Silversun Pickups)

After hanging with The Alarmists and friends for a little while I decided I better go check out the Johnny Fiasco and Marques Wyatt DJ gig @ Foundation. I got there pretty late, around 1am, but I still managed to catch Johnny Fiasco on the turntables. I was pretty amazed by how tight his set was. The crowd was dancing up a storm. He even mixed in Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy". I don't go to a whole lot of electronica events, so I think I stood out there a little bit. Who else wears earplugs in a club? Yeah, I'm a dork... then again, I do like my hearing.


(Marques Wyatt, Johnny Fiasco, and Myself)
Flickr photos / slideshow

I met a really nice guy at the DJ gig who snapped some pictures and emailed them to me. All the Fiasco / Wyatt shots come courtesy of him, www.myspace.com/zoogarocha. Thanks again, buddy! Also, for all things DJ, and coming events check out MNVibe.


(Johnny Fiasco)

That about sums it up. Bar-close at 2AM downtown Minneapolis is still fucking insane. Fights, alcohol overdoses, people exposing themselves, etc... Entertaining to say the least, in a Girls Gone Wild or The Real World kind of way.

Slow week ahead for live-shows, I don't think I have any on the calendar. Kind of nice for a change, actually.

2 more things:

1) I met a really nice fellow music lover, Kate, at 7th Street Entry. She also has some great pictures of the Alarmists and Silversun Pickups.

2) I snapped some photos with David's camera for HowWasTheShow.com. Hope they turned out ok. I'm not used to working with actual decent equipment. Look for them on the site at some point soon.

Have a nice Monday.

- Steve

Weekend Spotlight: Silversun Pickups / The Alarmists etc...

Lots of good live music events happening in the Twin Cities this weekend:

Saturday 8/12/06 - First Avenue 7th Street Entry
Silversun Pickups / The Alarmists
$7.00 21+
The Alarmists are on @ 10:30pm

Silversun Pickups



LA's finest shoegazers have been getting rave live reviews on their current tour. Their debut album "Carnavas" just came out a couple of weeks ago and I really like it. Musically the band has been compared to everything from My Bloody Valentine to The Pixies to Smashing Pumpkins.

They feature big amps and big distorted guitars, so make sure you bring ear plugs kids!

mp3: Silversun Pickups - Melatonin
mp3: Silversun Pickups - Little Lover's So Polite
mp3: Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye

Silversun Pickups Website
Silversun Pickups MySpace

The Alarmists



I've posted on my favorite local boys before. Numerous times. They're currently in the studio recording the follow-up to their excellent debut "A Detail Of Soldiers". Easily one of my favorite CDs of 2006. They really shine in their live performances, so come check them out.

If you have plans Saturday, they're also playing at The Hexagon Bar tonight with Ouija Radio, and The Debut. Even better, there's no cover.

mp3: The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop
mp3: The Alarmists - She Will Love Again (Hey Kid)

The Alarmists Website
The Alarmists MySpace

Other cool stuff this weekend:

> Low Lustre is playing their final Minneapolis gig before moving to NYC:



Saturday 8/12/06 - 400 Bar
Low Lustre / White Elephant / Michael Morris
$7.00 - 21+
8:00pm

We'll miss them. Best of luck in the big apple boys!

mp3: Low Lustre - Dancing Blind

> For all you electronica/DJ fans out there:



Saturday 8/12/06 - Foundation
OM 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Marques Wyatt & Johnny Fiasco
Free before 11pm, $5.00 after 11pm 21+

Easily my roommate Brian's favorite DJ label. Speaking of my roommate, he gave me his "Summer 2K6" mixtape to post. Look for it later today or in the next couple of days. I've sampled it, and wow, it will blow your mind...

mp3: Uneaq - Only U (Johnny Fiasco Dub)

> And of course, can't forget about this:



Friday 8/11/06 - First Avenue
Wu-Tang Clan / I-Self Devine
$35.00 18+

mp3: Ghostface Killah Feat. Wu-Tang Clan - 069 Milli Bros.

Check the HowWasTheShow calendar for more great events.

I don't care what anybody says, but I like these girls.

I'm outta' here. Happy birthday Matt! Have a great weekend!

- Steve

So many live bands, so little time

Here's a brief live-band summary of gigs I attended over the past few days:

Fri 07/07/06: The Alarmists @ 400 Bar


Flickr photos / slideshow

Have I mentioned this band on my blog before? Ha ha. Yes, the put on another great show. Love the new stuff. Can't wait for their next CD.

The Alarmists Website
The Alarmists MySpace
HowWasTheShow.com Review

Fri 07/07/06: Kubla Khan @ 400 Bar


Flickr photos / slideshow

These guys are interesting... They have 8 band members (I think), including a horn section. I previously saw them open for The Hopefuls a while back, and didn't like 'em. I only watched their first 2 tunes this time... I still don't like 'em. Their music reminds me of Billy Joel for some reason.

Kubla Khan MySpace
HowWasTheShow.com Review

Fri 07/07/06: The Nina! The Pinta! @ Triple Rock


Flickr photos / slideshow

Minneapolis' very own version of The Hives! These guys rocked.

The Nina! The Pinta! Website
The Nina! The Pinta! MySpace

Fri 07/07/06: The Umbrella Sequence @ Triple Rock


Flickr photos / slideshow

I missed about 1/2 their set because (as usual) I was talking with various people at the gig. The 1/2 I heard was excellent, though. They're definitely very much influenced by Radiohead.

The Umbrella Sequence Website
The Umbrella Sequence MySpace

Sat 07/08/06: Duplomacy @ Turf Club


Flickr photos / slideshow

Turf Club was pretty packed; lots of audience members in skinny jeans who belonged to other bands. The music was great, really enjoyed Duplomacy. I didn't like the opening band The Deaths, though; definitely not my type of music.

Duplomacy Website
Duplomacy MySpace
2024 Records Website
HowWasTheShow.com Review

Mon 07/10/06: The Villains Of Verona @ Varsity Theater


Flickr photos / slideshow

The Villains delivered an energetic live set to a sparsely attended gig @ Varsity Theater. They sounded (and looked) great.

The Villains Of Verona MySpace

Tue 07/11/06: Red Fox Grey Fox @ Varsity Theater


Flickr photos / slideshow

Didn't really like this local band. The music was ok, but the vocals (especially the harmonizing) were pretty poor. Not everybody can pull off Sigur Ros.

Red Fox Grey Fox MySpace

Tue 07/11/06: Every Move A Picture @ Varsity Theater


Flickr photos / slideshow

They delivered a pretty good opening set for The Rakes. Too bad they sounded like The Bravery.

Every Move A Picture MySpace

Tue 07/11/06: The Rakes @ Varsity Theater


Flickr photos / slideshow

Spectacular. Definitely the best British band I've seen in a while.

The Rakes Website
The Rakes MySpace

Sorry the recaps are not more in-depth. Too much stuff going on at the moment...

Have a great weekend,
- Steve

June 2006 Rewind

As part of my job in banking, on the last business day I have to prepare all sorts of monthly reports and statistics. I actually like doing things of that sort, so I thought I'd try to do a summary of all the action on this site for the month of June, just in case you missed anything:

Posts:

06.06.06 I love LA
06.07.06 Arctic Monkeys / WAS live @ Wiltern LG, Los Angeles, 6/3/06
06.07.06 Stream Lady Sovereign live on KEXP today
06.08.06 Laugh Now, Cry Later
06.09.06 The Alarmists / White Light Riot
06.12.06 The Alarmists / White Light Riot / Low Lustre live @ Varsity Theater 6/9/06
06.13.06 Pontiac Solstice commercial
06.14.06 I'm your private dancer
06.15.06 To be someone
06.15.06 Lupe Fiasco
06.16.06 Duplomacy
06.17.06 USA vs Italy
06.19.06 Stream mp3s
06.20.06 I like Chopin
06.21.06 The Strokes - You Only Live Once
06.21.06 What the fook Andy?
06.22.06 Wish You Were Here
06.23.06 Time For Heroes
06.23.06 Pet Shop Boys Announce North American Tour!
06.26.06 We Are Scientists / Fiery Furnaces / Radio 4 live Friday 6/23/06
06.27.06 SOUND team / Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin live @ 400 Bar 6/26/06
06.28.06 Morgan Page
06.29.06 Robotboy / Halloween, Alaska
06.29.06 Tripwire Charts
06.30.06 Gnarls Barkley @ First Avenue

Total Posts: 25
Avg per day: 0.83

Mp3s:
(sorry, due to server limitations, some of these are not live anymore; "last call" on the ones that are left... they'll be gone soon)

The Alarmists - She Will Love Again (Hey Kid)
The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop
Arctic Monkeys - Cigarette Smoke
Art Brut - Formed A Band
The Dandy Warhols - I Love You
The Dandy Warhols - Minnesoter
The Dandy Warhols - Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth
Dr. Dre - Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang
Duplomacy - Coppertone
Duplomacy - Stars
Fiery Furnaces - Here Comes The Summer
The Futureheads - Return Of The Beserker
Graham Coxon - Time For Heroes (Libertines cover)
Halloween, Alaska - Call It Clear
Halloween, Alaska - I Can't Live Without My Radio (LL Cool J Cover)
Ice Cube - Child Support
Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day
Ice Cube - Smoke Some Weed
Ice Cube (Ft. Snoop Dogg & Lil Jon) - Go To Church
Imogen Heap – “Hide & Seek” (Morgan Page Bootleg Remix)
The Libertines - Mayday
The Libertines - The Delaney
LL Cool J - I Can't Live Without My Radio
Oasis - Cigarettes & Alcohol (live 1994 @ The Metro, Chicago)
Oasis - Married With Children (live electric)
Oasis - To Be Someone (Noel Gallagher live solo)
Primal Scream - Country Girl
Radio 4 - Absolute Affirmation
Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees (live)
Radiohead - High and Dry (live @ Glanstonbury 1997)
Radiohead - Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd Cover)
Radiohead and Panzah Zandahz - Creep
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication
The Replacements - Beer For Breakfeast
The Replacements - Fuck School
Robotboy - I Can't Remember
Robotboy - Didn't Want It Anyway
Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean - Hips Don't Lie
Shine - "Ashbury" (Morgan Page Downtempo Remix)
Shine - "One Day" (Morgan Page Remix)
SOUND team - Don't Turn Away
SOUND team - Movie Monster
SOUND team - The Fastest Man Alive
SOUND team - Your Eyes Are Liars
SSLYBY - House Fire
Tina Turner - Private Dancer
Wax Poetic Feat. Norah Jones – “Angels” (Morgan Page Remix)
We Are Scientists - Can't Lose
White Light Riot - Bitter Beginning
White Light Riot - Out of Sight

Total mp3s: 50
Avg per post: 2
Avg per day: 1.67

Embedded YouTube clips:

Lily Allen - Smile (TOTP)
Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push
Noel Gallagher - To Be Someone (Jam Cover)
Radiohead - Idioteque (live)
Thom Yorke - Black Swan (creative video)
The Strokes - You Only Live Once

Flickr Photo Galleries:

The Alarmists CD Release Party
Arctic Monkeys LA
Fiery Furnaces
LA June 2006
Radio 4
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
SOUND team
We Are Scientists

Favorite rock 'n' roll stock photo posted:


(The Replacements)

Favorite live rock 'n' roll photo posted (taken by me):


(Radio 4)

Favorite live rock 'n' roll photo posted (NOT taken by me, and actually not from this month, but it's a good excuse to post it again):


(The Sounds - Photo courtesy of Brody McCoy)

Favorite Babe of the World Cup:



Other Favorite Babe of World Cup:



Favorite picture of soccer hooligans:




Favorite mp3 of the month (tie):
Primal Scream - Country Girl
Tina Turner - Private Dancer

Blogger pool World Cup standings as of 6/30/06, provided by the ab-fab C:

62 points : scatter o' light
58 points : analog giant
55 points : i am fuel, you are friends
54 points : rock 'n' roll star
52 points : extrawack! / let's kiss and make up / simon metz
48 points : letter never sent / [abridged]
46 points : total positive / the view from yoorp
43 points : veritas lux mea
38 points : false 45th
37 points : palms out sounds
30 points : spit up and shut down
25 points : spinachdip nyc

My Top 10 artists (overall at the moment) according to Last.fm:

01. Pet Shop Boys
02. Arctic Monkeys
03. The Strokes
04. Gnarls Barkley
05. SOUND team
06. John Lennon
07. The Beatles
08. Klee
09. The Cribs
09. Pulp

Song most downloaded:

The Dandy Warhols - I Love You



OK, I better stop right here... this could go on for hours. Happy Canada Day, Happy 4th of July! Thanks for reading my lonely ole' blog! I'll leave you with this tune:

mp3: The Futureheads - Decent Days And Nights (Shy Child Remix)

- Steve

P.S. And as always, please "Help the Muthafuckin Aged":



P.P.S. I'll miss you Top of The Pops! Go Art Brut!... "Let's all take a Holiday":



P.P.P.S. Yeah, I realize Madonna is totally lip-synching in that one... but hey, who give a !@#$%! You should only be that cool/hot!??? Right, Brianna?

Upcoming: The Alarmists "The Ghost and the Hired Gun" CD Release Party @ First Avenue 7/20/07

Get there early, 'cause this show will sell out:

Friday 7/20/07
The Alarmists
First Avenue Main Room
w/special guests:
The Debut | Jelloslave | White Light Riot
8:00pm Doors | 18 + | $10

Here's a taste of the new CD (world blog premiere, as far as I know):

mp3: The Alarmists - Hired Gun

Yes, it rocks. The new CD/EP "The Ghost and the Hired Gun" is out now exclusively via the Electric Fetus. Elsewhere it's out 7/24/07. Details to follow. Pick it up at the show 7/20/07, that's my advice...

Here's an "oldie":

mp3: The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop

Elsewhere:

They stopped by The Current on 7/16/07 and talked with Mary Lucia for a while. Stream it here. They played:

• Nobody Knows You
• On the Way
• Try to be Kind

See you Friday. Buy me a Vodka-Red Bull at the show;) Have a great week!

The Alarmists - Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / End (live @ Triple Rock 5/11/07:



- Steve

The Alarmists Website | MySpace
White Light Riot Website | MySpace
The Debut Website | MySpace
Jelloslave Website | MySpace

England Swings VI - The Alarmists - Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / End live @ Triple Rock 5/11/07

(The Alarmists)


(The Alarmists)

The good news: I went to "England Swings VI" @ Triple Rock Social Club last Friday 5/11/07, and had a great time . The bad news: except for The Alarmists I pretty much missed all of the bands. I had too much fun at a work happy hour before the event, and later I got side-tracked hanging out with friends at the show. Sorry peeps, that's the way it goes sometimes, me bad. Grrrr, I really wanted to see Colonial Vipers Attack, Landing Gear, and So It Goes. They played some amazing stuff (see linked setlist). Next time my friends!

I did manage to capture this video. Pretty sweet...

The Alarmists covering The Beatles - Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / End live @ Triple Rock 5/11/07:



Even better video of the whole "Abbey Road Suite" here.

More coverage of the event: David/HWTS has some great photos, setlists and commentary, and the full review.

14 - 12 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live @ KCRW, 11/18/05) / Other news / Patrick Wolf

Even though the album has leaked (buy it when it comes out kids!), the countdown is still on. Wow, this KCRW performance seems ancient:

Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live @ KCRW, 11/18/05):


Related videos:

• Full KCRW video/audio of Arctic Monkeys on Morning Becomes Eclectic 11/18/05
• Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (Official Video)
• Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live on some French show)
• Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live Leeds 2006)
• Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live Astoria 2005)
  

Other info:

• "A View From The Afternoon" can be found on the album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.
• Arctic Monkeys play First Avenue Mon 5/7/07. Tickets.
• Arctic Monkeys new album Favourite Worst Nightmare drops April 23, 2007, in the UK. (April 24 in the US).
  

Arctic Monkeys Website / The Riot Van / MySpace

Previously:

• Happy Easter! 17-15 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys ft. Dizzee Rascal - Temptation Greets You Like A Naughty Friend / Favourite Worst Nightmare leaks

• 18 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - Riot Van (live San Francisco 5/31/06) / New track: "505"

• 19 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - From The Ritz To The Rubble (live on Jools Holland, 2005)

• 23 - 20 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys found in Cuba and India! Mashups & Covers...

• 24 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - When The Sun Goes Down (live @ Reading, 2006)

• 25 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - Leave Before The Lights Come On (live @ Reading, 2006)

In Other Arctic Monkeys News:

• The band kicked off their UK tour a few nights ago (4/9/07) in Southampton. NME has the review and setlist. Check out the last 6 tunes alone. All I can say is, wow, I can't wait for the show here. YouTube vids from the gig here.

• Set your DVRs or check YouTube the following day: Arctic Monkeys on Jimmy Kimmel Thursday 4/26/07. More info and tickets here.

• Chris over @ CultureBully posted mp3s of Arctic Monkeys' legendary 2006 Reading festival performance. I think I'm converting him ;)
  

• Have I mentioned lately that the new album is unbelievable? I may soon call it "classic". To sample more audio/mp3s: the band is currently dominating the Hype Machine.

In Non Arctic Monkeys News (yes, there is such a thing here and there on my blog):

• I forgot to mention a few things about last week's Elvis Perkins & Let's Go Sailing show @ 400 Bar. City Pages had an interview with Mr. Perkins and Let's Go Sailing were on NPR. Also, Andrea is working on a review for HWTS and Stacy took some great photos.

• Peter Scholtes from CityPages has an amazing post on Brother Ali on his blog Complicated Fun. Music, links, photos, videos... it's all there. Check it out.

• Voltage: Fashion Amplified tonight @ First Avenue. Last gig for The Alarmists with Joe in the band. You should go... plus, fashion & rock 'n' roll on the same bill... you can't go wrong. Chuck over at MNStories has a cool video about the event.
  

• Jack & Meg, I've missed you. June is gonna' rock.

• NPR has Lilly Allen's 4/8/07 live performance from DC for you. They also have last night's Low's performance from the same venue.

• I've been meaning to post this for ages, but keep forgetting... Noel Gallagher (w/Gem) covers The Smiths' There Is A Light That Never Goes Out. Fookin' brilliant. (via Mr. Torr)
  

• Lastly, lots of press on Patrick Wolf this week... His new album The Magic Position just dropped Monday, 4/10/07 in the UK (out 5/1/07 in the US). While I haven't listened to the album yet (pathetic, I know... and I call myself a music blogger?), I love the latest single:

Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position:


Mp3 here. More videos here.

Patrick Wolf Website / MySpace

The work-week is almost over, right? Have a great Wednesday!

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

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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