Hey Marseilles - Hotel Utah Saloon - June 14th
I was pleased to try a new venue this year, paying a visit to the Hotel Utah Saloon in San Francisco (near Utah street of course). When I first came in, it was not apparent where we needed to go, as it looked like a normal neighborhood dive bar with no hint of a stage present. Looking lost enough, someone working there eventually asked if they could help me. After checking if our names were on the list, he pulled a side curtain back and let us through. This gave way to stairs that led up and down. We decided to give the bird’s eye view a try, which turned out to be a good idea, since it gave us seats that were right above the stage and no more than 25 feet away from the action. I was very happy with the arrangement.
As I’ve attended indie concerts over the years, I’ve found that band members never seem have the look that I would associate with at least some rock musicians,namely wild hair cuts, tattoos, piercings and unusual clothing, but rather look like people I’d find at work or in my volleyball league.. These young guys were no different, looking like they could have come from high school band practice, now wielding their array of instruments (violin, cello, trumpet, trombone, accordion, guitars) for something more mischievously fun.
Looks aside, the music itself arranged it’s own form of happiness as this band from Seattle played through their debut album (Travels and Trunks) that evening. Lead singer Matt Bishop politely introduced each song and thanked the crowd as he spun through his brilliant lyrics with a gentle voice. The band seemed somewhat serious and workman-like, perhaps feeling some first tour jitters, though the cellist exchanged some friendly banter with someone seated not too far from me who yelled out, “I need more cello!” a few times, until he became embarrassed to see that everyone, including the band, was looking at him. I guess you can’t have too much anonymity with a venue and crowd of this size, which is all part of the fun. I’ll be looking forward to more from this band.
I’m glad they played: Travels and Trunks, Rio, Cigarettes
I wished they had played: Some more new songs
Great Lyric:
will bring our new debates
and sing them for the magistrate
in groups of 4 or 8 or 12
until they say we might as well
The National - The Fox Theater - June 7th
The National have quietly built an anthology of songs and albums that should stack up well to any indie band’s if not any band’s period. Like most of their music, High Violet snuck in as a nice addition, but after repeated listening, I found that there’s this hidden power behind Matt Beringer’s lyrics and baritone voice and once I found it, I felt as if this album could be held up against anything they’ve produced and and definitely against anything that came out in 2010. The Onion backed this for me as they put the album 3rd in their annual Year in Music rankings.
But as much as their studio recordings sound wonderful on a road trip or at home relaxing, one must see The National in a live intimate setting to get their full effect. I had the pleasure of seeing them a few years ago in The Regency Grand Ball Room and though The Fox Theater is an upgrade to a bigger venue, the GA standing room still allowed for that same experience. I even came within 10 feet of Matt Beringer, who weaved his way through the crowd during a rendition of Mr. November (pretty impressive trip with a corded microphone). They bring so much in person.
The National is much more than Beringer, however, which I think was more apparent to me in this performance. Two pairs of brothers surround him with guitars, keyboard and drums and all four of them lend their strong voices, creating a nice full bodied sound. Additionally, they had a trumpeter and trombone player (tromboner?) that I don’t think joined them last time, but provided a presence to be acknowledged. The apparent simplicity of their albums seems to hide a very complex musicianship that they bring to the stage, another good reason to catch them when they are in town.
I caught them again at the Treasure Island music festival later, and again they brought a great show. They do a nice job of alternating High Violet songs (which could just be played straight through) with older favorites. They also nicely blend serious professional play with fun and good humor on stage, such as mentioning that “Slow Show” is “about Matt’s dick”. They’re a fun show that doesn’t seem to move slowly enough.
Favorite songs played: Bloodbuzz Ohio, Runaway, Fake Empire, Slow Show
I wish they had played: Santa Clara
Great Lyric:
I was carried, to Ohio in a swarm of bees
I never married, but Ohio don’t remember me
Belle and Sebastian - Treasure Island music festival - October 18th
Over the years, most of my indie pop needs have been met from a live concert standpoint as I’ve been lucky in seeing my favorites like The Mountain Goats, The Decemberists, The Weakerthans and many of the bands that you see in this and previous posts. Belle and Sebastian have been the one elusive act for me as they had gone on hiatus, at least in terms of American touring, soon after I developed a taste for all of this great music. My eyes lit up when I realized that they would be headlining the Treasure Island Music Festival, which I have been having a lot of fun attending for the past few years, mainly due to its non headlining acts. Here was one that would keep me on the island like a character on Lost (only without being against my will and with less chance of being killed).
We braved rain and wind for much of the day, testing our resolve to get to the main prize (though with great bands like Ra Ra Riot and The National to pull us through). When it was their chance to shine, the sun was gone, but surprisingly so were the nasty elements. It actually finally felt good to be on the island on that October evening.
They warmed and stirred the still night air with a smattering of their latest songs from Write About Love, some of which are pretty good, and mixed some favorites from their extensive collection. It was fun for me to see Stuart Murdoch singing many of the songs that I had heard only on my ipod. He brought a playful energy to the stage that matched his playful lyrics. The voices and music from Stevie Jackson and Sarah Martin were great to experience in person as well, but I found that it was Murdoch that really made the show sparkle.
Favorite songs played: Piazza The New York Catcher, I'm a Cuckoo, Judy and the Dream of Horses
I wish they had played: Dress Up in You
Great Lyric:
in groups of 4 or 8 or 12
until they say we might as well
The National - The Fox Theater - June 7th
The National have quietly built an anthology of songs and albums that should stack up well to any indie band’s if not any band’s period. Like most of their music, High Violet snuck in as a nice addition, but after repeated listening, I found that there’s this hidden power behind Matt Beringer’s lyrics and baritone voice and once I found it, I felt as if this album could be held up against anything they’ve produced and and definitely against anything that came out in 2010. The Onion backed this for me as they put the album 3rd in their annual Year in Music rankings.
But as much as their studio recordings sound wonderful on a road trip or at home relaxing, one must see The National in a live intimate setting to get their full effect. I had the pleasure of seeing them a few years ago in The Regency Grand Ball Room and though The Fox Theater is an upgrade to a bigger venue, the GA standing room still allowed for that same experience. I even came within 10 feet of Matt Beringer, who weaved his way through the crowd during a rendition of Mr. November (pretty impressive trip with a corded microphone). They bring so much in person.
The National is much more than Beringer, however, which I think was more apparent to me in this performance. Two pairs of brothers surround him with guitars, keyboard and drums and all four of them lend their strong voices, creating a nice full bodied sound. Additionally, they had a trumpeter and trombone player (tromboner?) that I don’t think joined them last time, but provided a presence to be acknowledged. The apparent simplicity of their albums seems to hide a very complex musicianship that they bring to the stage, another good reason to catch them when they are in town.
I caught them again at the Treasure Island music festival later, and again they brought a great show. They do a nice job of alternating High Violet songs (which could just be played straight through) with older favorites. They also nicely blend serious professional play with fun and good humor on stage, such as mentioning that “Slow Show” is “about Matt’s dick”. They’re a fun show that doesn’t seem to move slowly enough.
Favorite songs played: Bloodbuzz Ohio, Runaway, Fake Empire, Slow Show
I wish they had played: Santa Clara
Great Lyric:
I was carried, to Ohio in a swarm of bees
I never married, but Ohio don’t remember me
Belle and Sebastian - Treasure Island music festival - October 18th
Over the years, most of my indie pop needs have been met from a live concert standpoint as I’ve been lucky in seeing my favorites like The Mountain Goats, The Decemberists, The Weakerthans and many of the bands that you see in this and previous posts. Belle and Sebastian have been the one elusive act for me as they had gone on hiatus, at least in terms of American touring, soon after I developed a taste for all of this great music. My eyes lit up when I realized that they would be headlining the Treasure Island Music Festival, which I have been having a lot of fun attending for the past few years, mainly due to its non headlining acts. Here was one that would keep me on the island like a character on Lost (only without being against my will and with less chance of being killed).
We braved rain and wind for much of the day, testing our resolve to get to the main prize (though with great bands like Ra Ra Riot and The National to pull us through). When it was their chance to shine, the sun was gone, but surprisingly so were the nasty elements. It actually finally felt good to be on the island on that October evening.
They warmed and stirred the still night air with a smattering of their latest songs from Write About Love, some of which are pretty good, and mixed some favorites from their extensive collection. It was fun for me to see Stuart Murdoch singing many of the songs that I had heard only on my ipod. He brought a playful energy to the stage that matched his playful lyrics. The voices and music from Stevie Jackson and Sarah Martin were great to experience in person as well, but I found that it was Murdoch that really made the show sparkle.
Favorite songs played: Piazza The New York Catcher, I'm a Cuckoo, Judy and the Dream of Horses
I wish they had played: Dress Up in You
Great Lyric:
The catcher hits for .318 and catches every day
The pitcher puts religion first and rests on holidays.
The pitcher puts religion first and rests on holidays.
The Head and the Heart - The Independent - December 12th
This concert was almost the one that got away as I shot up to San Francisco after a long day of activity and was frustrated to drive around the area around Divisidero and Fell, unable to find parking. I was at the point of turning around and going home, believe it or not, as the concert start time was nearing and I was giving myself 5 more minutes to find something. But the parking gods shone brightly on a spot that was two blocks from the venue’s entrance. I was back in business.
With just enough time to grab a beer and settle into the crowd, the band came on. Being that they were the opening act, I could feel a mix of cult followers and people either waiting for the headliner or just wanting to be out talking and drinking with their friends. Soon after they started playing, I felt as if they had reeled in the majority of the crowd or were at least able to drown out the chatter with their beautifully harmonic trio of voices. I was happy that my parking patience brought me on board for the evening.
This band seemed to be just starting their journey as was evident by Josiah Johnson, who seemed to take the front man center position and mentioned how great it was to hear people singing their songs, "even being so far from home.” Charity Thielen, the owner of the lone, but lovely female voice (reminds me a little of Regina Spektor), mentioned after the second song that a piece on her violin was broken, but they would “rock the show without it". Co-frontman Jon Russel opened a new song about two friends that moved to NY by mentioning that it just occurred to him that one of the friends was in the audience. These are the refreshing moments that I really enjoy when watching a great new band.
I’m glad they played: Winter Song, Down in the Valley, Ghosts
I wish they had played: more new songs
Great Lyric:
Honorable mentions:
Ra Ra Riot is an exciting up and coming band that I saw play at The New Parish in Oakland (very cool place) and Treasure Island.
The Swell Season put on a lovely show at one of my favorite venues, The Mountain Winery, but ended very tragically.
This concert was almost the one that got away as I shot up to San Francisco after a long day of activity and was frustrated to drive around the area around Divisidero and Fell, unable to find parking. I was at the point of turning around and going home, believe it or not, as the concert start time was nearing and I was giving myself 5 more minutes to find something. But the parking gods shone brightly on a spot that was two blocks from the venue’s entrance. I was back in business.
With just enough time to grab a beer and settle into the crowd, the band came on. Being that they were the opening act, I could feel a mix of cult followers and people either waiting for the headliner or just wanting to be out talking and drinking with their friends. Soon after they started playing, I felt as if they had reeled in the majority of the crowd or were at least able to drown out the chatter with their beautifully harmonic trio of voices. I was happy that my parking patience brought me on board for the evening.
This band seemed to be just starting their journey as was evident by Josiah Johnson, who seemed to take the front man center position and mentioned how great it was to hear people singing their songs, "even being so far from home.” Charity Thielen, the owner of the lone, but lovely female voice (reminds me a little of Regina Spektor), mentioned after the second song that a piece on her violin was broken, but they would “rock the show without it". Co-frontman Jon Russel opened a new song about two friends that moved to NY by mentioning that it just occurred to him that one of the friends was in the audience. These are the refreshing moments that I really enjoy when watching a great new band.
I’m glad they played: Winter Song, Down in the Valley, Ghosts
I wish they had played: more new songs
Great Lyric:
California, Oklahoma, and I love the places I ain’t ever been to
Down in the valley, whisky river, these are the places you will find me hiding
The Mountain Goats (well, John Darnielle) - The Castro Theater - December 14th
I have enjoyed a few silent films at the beautiful Castro Theater over the last few years, namely due to a friend’s presence on the San Francisco Film Society’s board. The best experience came at the hands of John Darnielle, who had been selected to provide a score for Sir Arne’s Treasure, a Swedish film from 1919 about a trio of Scottish mercenaries who plunder Sir Arne in Sweden for his chest of gold coins, killing all of his household except one woman. This woman eventually meets the three villains again, this time under the guise of friendly adventurers. Despite her grief over the loss of family members, particularly her sister, she falls for one of the men, but eventually their secret is revealed. As I read the premise for this film, it became clear to me that this story was perfect for a musician of Darnielle’s persona.
Despite this connection, the show was awkward for me to follow at first, seeing this obscure black and white film taking place while my favorite performer was down on stage putting on a concert. But the show slowly gained momentum with the story, as his lyrics from “Sweden” started to synchronize with scenes as if they were meant to be together. Darnielle silently alternated between a piano and guitar for his set, looking up at the screen as he played, some times smiling when a scene drew laughter from the audience. I was impressed by how challenging his role was, given everything that was happening around him, but he performed as his usual self. I enjoyed experiencing these two “Swedish” entities intertwining.
As the movie moved to its climactic finish, three more band members gave Darnielle some company in the form of an electric guitar, a double bass string and some drums. The increased intensity and volume of the music worked very well with what was happening in the film. As the screen actors over-emphasized their gestures and expressions appropriate to the story line, this carried over to the musicians on the dimly lit stage. I felt myself pulsing with a pounding foot as I watched everything unfold so dramatically. After straining to recognize the added band mates, I leaned over to my friend and whispered “John Vanderslice is down there”. I was having a hell of a lot of fun.
When the show ended, Darnielle addressed the crowd, mentioning how this was about as nervous as he’s ever been on stage and had lost sleep for months leading up to this performance. As I was exiting, I could hear him close by in the lobby talking to some friends, thanking them for coming and saying, “That was really intense.” Yes, indeed it was!
I’m glad they played: most of the Sweden album, songs I hadn't heard before
I wish they had played: more Mountain Goat songs, of course!
Great lyric:
when the voices came quietly.
I shut them down.
when a tricky young southerly wind
came at me with its high whistling sound.
I turned around to face it
with real arrogance burning inside.
and I drank in the whole wide world
Note: on screen, the villains were in a tavern, drinking and making merry while the heroine was listening nearby.
The Mountain Goats (well, John Darnielle) - The Castro Theater - December 14th
I have enjoyed a few silent films at the beautiful Castro Theater over the last few years, namely due to a friend’s presence on the San Francisco Film Society’s board. The best experience came at the hands of John Darnielle, who had been selected to provide a score for Sir Arne’s Treasure, a Swedish film from 1919 about a trio of Scottish mercenaries who plunder Sir Arne in Sweden for his chest of gold coins, killing all of his household except one woman. This woman eventually meets the three villains again, this time under the guise of friendly adventurers. Despite her grief over the loss of family members, particularly her sister, she falls for one of the men, but eventually their secret is revealed. As I read the premise for this film, it became clear to me that this story was perfect for a musician of Darnielle’s persona.
Despite this connection, the show was awkward for me to follow at first, seeing this obscure black and white film taking place while my favorite performer was down on stage putting on a concert. But the show slowly gained momentum with the story, as his lyrics from “Sweden” started to synchronize with scenes as if they were meant to be together. Darnielle silently alternated between a piano and guitar for his set, looking up at the screen as he played, some times smiling when a scene drew laughter from the audience. I was impressed by how challenging his role was, given everything that was happening around him, but he performed as his usual self. I enjoyed experiencing these two “Swedish” entities intertwining.
As the movie moved to its climactic finish, three more band members gave Darnielle some company in the form of an electric guitar, a double bass string and some drums. The increased intensity and volume of the music worked very well with what was happening in the film. As the screen actors over-emphasized their gestures and expressions appropriate to the story line, this carried over to the musicians on the dimly lit stage. I felt myself pulsing with a pounding foot as I watched everything unfold so dramatically. After straining to recognize the added band mates, I leaned over to my friend and whispered “John Vanderslice is down there”. I was having a hell of a lot of fun.
When the show ended, Darnielle addressed the crowd, mentioning how this was about as nervous as he’s ever been on stage and had lost sleep for months leading up to this performance. As I was exiting, I could hear him close by in the lobby talking to some friends, thanking them for coming and saying, “That was really intense.” Yes, indeed it was!
I’m glad they played: most of the Sweden album, songs I hadn't heard before
I wish they had played: more Mountain Goat songs, of course!
Great lyric:
when the voices came quietly.
I shut them down.
when a tricky young southerly wind
came at me with its high whistling sound.
I turned around to face it
with real arrogance burning inside.
and I drank in the whole wide world
Note: on screen, the villains were in a tavern, drinking and making merry while the heroine was listening nearby.
Honorable mentions:
Ra Ra Riot is an exciting up and coming band that I saw play at The New Parish in Oakland (very cool place) and Treasure Island.
The Swell Season put on a lovely show at one of my favorite venues, The Mountain Winery, but ended very tragically.
