Kings of Leon live. Wow, finally, I've never seen them before. Last time they were in town I skipped the show 'cause it was the first day I had quit smoking. Yeah, that was stupid, and an amazing show (from what I heard)... And yeah, since then I've started smoking again ;)
I saw a couple of tunes by Wild Sweet Orange. The Alabama boys were quite good and fit the bill well. I talked with them for a while and they're really nice guys; hopefully they'll be back soon...
(Kings of Leon live @ First Avenue 8/3/07)
As for Kings of Leon. Jesus, the brothers Followill are spectacular live. It's weird thinking I just watched The Cribs (3 brothers) and now KOL (4 brothers) right in a row... Unfortunately, they had a super-strict "no camera" policy that night at First Avenue. Yep, both of my cameras were confiscated that evening. Luckily I was still able to get the photos above and a couple more on Flickr. Sorry, obviously, no videos...
Luckily they played Lollapalooza on Sunday and it was streamed live online. Did you watch it? It was pretty sweet... EdVed even joined them for a tune.
Kings of Leon & Eddie Vedder - "Slow Night, So Long" 8/05/07:
Speaking of EdVed, Pearl Jam really rocked (and I'm not even a big fan).
Pearl Jam - "Rockin' In the Free World" 8/05/07:
This was one of my favorite tunes at the First Ave show.
P.S. A very special "Hi" goes out to the ultra-cool people who drove all the way down from Winnipeg, Canada, to watch the show! Great to meet and watch the show with you. You guys/gals rock!
> I need to get a new cell phone soon. iPhone or Blackberry? I need something that works as a phone, but also to text people and check my email. I'd love to surf the web while on the bus as well.... Whatcha' think?
On the day "the bridge fell", White Rabbits and The Cribs delivered a classic performance. Jesus, what a day; and what a show.
White Rabbits were absolutely brilliant. I wouldn't even call them an opening band. They were more of a co-headliner. They reminded me of a mixture of Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse. A lot of percussion, and very engaging to watch. These guys will be huge. They'll be back here with Tokyo Police Club 10/9/07 in the 7th Street Entry, so if you missed 'em, catch them then...
As for The Cribs... holy shit, they absolutely @#$% destroyed Turf Club. Wakefield's favorite brothers Gary, Ryan, and Ross Jarman really tore it up. They're everything I love about rock 'n' roll. Great tunes, raw, loud, fast, crazy. I still can't believe they're not one of the biggest bands on the planet. One of my favorite gigs of the year...
CityPages and Pop Life have reviews for you. I thought Dappled Cities (sorry, no pics, as I only saw a couple of tunes) were bloody awesome. These Aussie boys will be big. Switches were ok. The Fratellis' set was spectacular; really tight. Did I mention it was 100 degrees in the front rows of the Varsity?! Yeah, a pretty awesome show. Dancing to "Sweet Caroline" after the final tune was pretty "cool" as well...
So after the Erasure gig I went over to the 7th Street Entry for some punk rock. Absolutely insane. Birthday Suits and The Blind Shake really tore it up. Do check them out when you have a chance.
(Birthday Suits)
Birthday Suits live @ 7th Street Entry 7/27/07 (Video 1):
Birthday Suits live @ 7th Street Entry 7/27/07 (Video 2):
22 years after forming in 1985, Erasure still has it. Wow, what a great show. I haven't seen that much dancing at a live show in a while.
(Young Love not falling off the stage @ First Avenue 7/27/07)
NYC band Young Love opened. They were pretty good. Erasure had a really elaborate stage set-up so these guys had to play right at the edge of it. At times during their set it seemed the lead-singer was almost bound to fall off. He didn't; the band did a great job getting the crowd warmed up for the main act.
(Erasure live @ First Ave)
Erasure. Never seen them before. You know I'm a big Depeche Mode fan, right? Needless to say I was excited to see what Vince Clarke and Andy Bell sound and look like now-a-days. Turns out, they're still fantastic. The tunes sounded spectacular in a live setting. Andy still has a great voice and is definitely still a sex symbol to the "alternative lifestyle" crowd. Vince did a sweet job on the keys, computer, and guitar. The back-up singers looked and sounded awesome. The stage show/set-up and light show was amazing. The nearly sold-out First Avenue audience loved it; Erasure's whole set turned into a non-stop dance party. All in all, A+ gig.
Need more proof? Yeah, I have the video to prove it.
Erasure - "Chains of Love" live @ First Avenue 7/27/07:
Time-out from the music for a second. I just wanted to let everyone know I'm alive and kicking. So is everybody else I know. Thanks for all the concerned phone calls, texts, and emails.
By now I think you've heard that the I35W bridge collapsed over the Mississippi here in Minneapolis yesterday at 6:05pm. I think I'm still in shock. I was actually on the bus on the way over to J-Girl's house when it happened... Crazy to think that when I drive to work (I've been taking the bus lately) I often go home right around that time via I35W over the bridge. What a tragedy; definitely a day I will not forget for a long time.
My thoughts and best wishes go out to anyone affected.
> Yes, they entered from the back of the audience, walking through the whole crowd in boxer warm-up outfits with the theme from "Rocky." They then proceeded to the stage with James Brown's "Living in America." Their first (opening) tune was "Selfish Jean." Perhaps the greatest entrance of a band I've ever seen. Witness for yourself...
Travis - Rocky Theme / Living In America / Selfish Jean @ First Ave 7/22/07:
> "All I Want To Do Is Rock" really "rocked." ;) Guitarist Andy went into the crowd for this one...
Travis - "All I Want To Do Is Rock" live @ First Avenue, 7/22/07:
> Last song before the encores, "Turn." Magical. Watch Mr. Francis Healy jump off the drum set.
Travis - "Turn" live @ First Avenue, 7/22/07:
> First encore, b-side "20," I almost cried. Francis Healy solo, acoustic, without the PA system. Watch for yourself.
Travis - "20" live @ First Avenue 7/22/07 - w/o Mic:
> Second encore, "Flowers in the Window." Barbershop-quintet style...
> Third encore, "Sailing Away." According to Fran they had never played that one before... Check it out.
> They closed with the "pogo version" of "Why Does It Always Rain On Me". I don't have video of that one... Because I was jumping around pogo-style, sorry.
Luckily, Travis has a 2 minute summary (which includes the "pogo") of their whole DC show:
> After the show I got to hang with the boys for a bit.
> And look who I also hung out with.
Yeah, the Schwandt brothers from White Light Riot were in the house...
Setlist (A+):
This was the 7th time I've seen Travis. They put a smile on my face every time I see them. Fran is one the best and most entertaining lead-singers you'll ever see. Yes, he's Bono-like. Do check Travis out at a venue near you soon.
See you @ Fratellis Sunday. I hear they're playing The Fetus that afternoon as well...
P.P.S. For the record, I saw opening band/guy John Paul White as well. The guy was ok, not great. The ELO cover of "Cant' Get It Out Of My Head" was killer, though...
My girlfriend J-Girl left me during The Alarmists CD Release Party... only for a little while, though. Yes, she's a Harry Potter fan. Here are her pics from the book-release party at Mall of America:
Outside Barnes & Noble at Mall of America ~ 10:30pm:
An all-ages-event ~ 12:00am:
The Happy Muggles ~ 12:45am:
Looks like a good time was had by all. You know how it ends? I'll tell you... ok, just kidding, I have no idea...
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.
P.S. Sorry, I can't figure out what the age-limit is on the show... On First Ave's website (the gig is sponsored by them) it says "21+". However, on the tickets I ordered it says "18+". I've never seen an 18+ show at Turf Club. Clarification anyone? Happy Birthday Brody (who's now 21)!
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...
Selfish Jean Eyes Wide Open Writing To Reach You Love Will Come Through As You Are My Eyes Big Chair Pipe Dreams Re-offender Side Driftwood Good Feeling Closer Sing Battleships All I Want To Do Is Rock Turn 20 Flowers In The Window The Humpty Dumpty Song Why Does It Always Rain On Me? Back In Black
Jesus! Unbelievable. Best thing, they're playing here on Sunday 7/22/07 live @ First Avenue. Don't miss it. I'll be watching them for the 7th (!) time...
Travis - Turn:
... And I absolutely love love love this one of the latest record. Karoake time.
Robbers on High Street were bloody brilliant @ Triple Rock. At least for the 3 songs I saw, from what I remember. I still can't believe the opened for The Redwalls (who I read were great, and didn't see). I'll explain...
Is it a good idea to mix an after-work Happy Hour with a show where doors don't open until 10pm? The answer, in my case, is definitely "no", because:
a) You don't want to get kicked out of The Loon. Who gets kicked out of there? So wrong... b) You don't want to lose your work-backpack with your 60 GB iPod in it. c) You don't want to show up at a show totally wasted on Vodka-Red Bulls; then decide to take a nap on the floor of the venue during the band you got free tickets for...(I did look good on the dance floor, though ;))
Yes, this really happened. Yes, I'm crazy (once in a while). Yes, I'm being honest. Yes, it's "rock 'n' roll". And yes, who else will serve up a "review" like that? It's kinda' funny by now, actually! Anybody have pictures? Let me know, and I'll post 'em...
The big big news here last Saturday, 07.07.07: Prince played 3 shows in Minneapolis! I was lucky enough to make it to one of them. Here's how it went down:
Tickets for the First Avenue show went on sale @ 3pm, last Saturday. I had a scheduling conflict so I couldn't get there until 4:30pm. I went down there with J-Girl (I think that will be the new name for my girl friend on the blog) and stood in line for an hour and half in 95 degree heat... tickets sold out when I was about 200 tickets away. Do you think I was bummed?! Yeah, that was rough; then again it was a lame attempt, considering how long other people had waited...
(The line for First Avenue Prince tickets)
J-Girl and I had planned to go canoeing that day. However, once we got shut down for Prince First Avenue tix we were bummed and decided to go to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and drinks instead. Turned out they had a pre-Prince Target Center party there... we won all sorts of stuff. Everything except for tickets... Time rolled on and the Target Center gig was supposed to start @8:30pm. We still had no tickets to any show... We talked and partied and hung out with people from all over the US, who had traveled from far distances to watch the show. The doors of Target Center were locked @ 8:30pm as the show was delayed... First Avenue (the street, not the club) was complete chaos, people everywhere, crazy... Never seen anything like it. At this point I decided I'm going to see Prince that night... no matter what, how, or why....
(Prince fan-club president & secretary... seriously)
So finally doors opened at ~ 9:15pm to Target Center. I think 50% of all attendees were wasted at that point. That's when I decided to have fun with some scalpers... Tickets were going for loads of $$$ earlier... turns out 15 minutes prior to showtime (around 10pm) I scored 2 tickets for combined price $50.00. That's $200 in tickets for $50.00. J-Girl and I were extremely happy. 5 minutes after we got to our seats (with 4 beers costing almost as much as the tickets, $30), Prince opened the show with "Purple Rain". Did I mention I have never seen "The Purple One" before? The tune gave me goosebumps and almost made me cry. Yes, that great... Worth the price of admission alone (from my nose-bleed seeds). Other stuff that was amazing: "Take Me With U", "Little Red Corvette" (acoustic), "Raspberry Beret" (acoustic), "Sometimes It Snows In April" (acoustic), "I Wann Be Your Lover", "Kiss", "Let's Go Crazy", "Nothing Compares 2 U". The cover tunes were amazing too (see setlist).
(Scene around the Hard Rock when doors didn't open @ 8:30pm)
(First Avenue shut down as doors to Target Center didn't open)
(Prince - from my nose-bleed seat)
(Prince - Target Center)
Show ended after a couple of hours around 12:30pm and I was exhausted. One of the best arena shows I've ever seen. Prince is a fucking genius and amazing live. The guy is 49 @#$! years old, do you believe that? Do check him out if you have a chance...
After the gig I ran into a bunch of friends waiting in line for the (now legendary) First Avenue gig. Wow, from what I read it was pretty amazing... I still can't believe I didn't attend that one...
OK, some more photos from the night:
(This guy scared the hell out of me in the bathroom!)
(Hanging out with new friends from Boston before the show)
(Prince - Target Center)
A cool vid from the show "If I Was Your Girlfriend":
Most the other YouTube stuff has been removed, unfortunately...
OK, I just realized I could keep going here for hours and at least 20 tunes...
To summarize, Prince in Minneapolis 7.7.07 was simply magical. I have no other way to explain it. One of the greatest music moments I've ever been a part of. Most people that were at any of the 3 shows would agree... the vibe in the city was simply amazing. I still want to see Prince at First Ave so let's hope he keeps his promise and comes back.
Ahhhh, where to start. So long since I've updated, so let's try to summarize some news...
> Looking at my last post about the White Light Riot CD Release show at Fine Line Music Cafe. That one turned out kinda' ugly... By the time I got there with friends and family (around 10pm) things were completely chaotic at Fine Line. Super-huge line and the guest-list wasn't being honored any more. Way to treat friends of the band, Fine Line! OK, I'm already over it (still, I'm not linking to fucking Fine Line)... Sounds like it was a great show, Chris has the review for you.
Chaos in front of the club actually looks like fun in this picture:
> As mentioned above, I had friends and family in town for a couple of weeks.
a) My friend Jan from Germany (via Texas):
b) My sister Victoria (via LA, CA):
Needless to say we had a great time, especially with 4th of July holiday. We went to Canterbury, did some camping in Northern Iowa, visited Duluth, ate & drank a lot, etc, great times... My girlfriend J-Girl and I miss them!
Mp3s and multimedia content are for sampling only. If you like it, support the artist. Buy the CD/DVD or download it from legal sources. Go to the show. If you are the owner of a sound file, and would like it removed, let me know. Make love, not war.
