Ghostland Observatory @ Terminal 5

Written by L. Vicious Thursday, 10 December 2009 00:00

Over the past couple years I’ve been paying attention to Ghostland Observatory and have continually enjoyed their live shows. Most times I have seen them has been at a festival so it was nice to enjoy their performance in a more controlled environment. Terminal 5 here in NYC is not one of my favorite venues, nonetheless GLO tore the roof off that night. The Texas based duo delivered an array of material from throughout their career. They really did play everything you wanted to hear and they did it very well. These dudes own the stage and if you haven’t seen them yet you need to change that. Not only will they rock the shit out of a crowd, they got a light show that is amazing. Actually they’re not even lights these guys hit you with fricking laser beams…that’s right, fricking laser beams that are beyond sick. Bottom line, go see GLO.

Pixies @ Wang Theatre

Written by L. Vicious Saturday, 12 December 2009 23:41

 

I’ve been listening to The Pixies for about 15 or so years now and just saw them for the first time. The show I caught was at Wang Theater in Boston, which is a killer venue. Seriously, that place is beautiful inside. They opened up with three songs I wasn’t too familiar with but clearly they weren’t either. At the end of those three songs Kim Deal told the crowd how they were some B-sides so obscure that they all had to learn them again. Following that they played Doolittle front to back. It was fucking rad. I was a bit apprehensive walking into to see them. You never know how reunion tours can turn out, not to mention they’re getting a little old but they delivered. After Doolittle they continued to play other classics from the rest of their tunes, it really was an excellent show. Definitely a solid night of music.

 

Talib Kweli@Brooklyn Bowl

Written by L. Vicious Tuesday, 24 November 2009 03:19

Talib Kweli and friends just threw a show at Williamsburg's latest and greatest addition, Brooklyn Bowl. This venue is killer, they have about 15 or so bowling lanes, Blue Ribbon food and live music. I got there in time to see Jean Grae rock the mic for a bit. Jean has excellent delivery and is definitely a skilled MC. But damn girl stick to rappin' cause the lackluster jokes and backhanded comments in between songs is brutal. Then came out Talib and this dude is a great performer as well but it seemed to me that he wasn't that into it on that night and on top of that the selection of jams he pulled from his arsenal of raps was not too impressive. Nonetheless it was a good night and definitely cool to see Hi-Tek and him together again.

 

Pretty Lights NYC 11/19/09

Written by L. Vicious Tuesday, 24 November 2009 03:19

Pretty Lights performed at The Fillmore in New York City last week. These dudes made some noise throughout the festival circuit over the summer and now…the duo from Colorado have been selling out shows across the country. PL has found a niche for them selves in the music scene and their position in the market will only help them grow stronger. Their shows encompass a jammed out electronic vibe with proper hip-hop undertones and trance-based grooves. PL has a unique and stellar sound that’ll definitely rock a crowd. If you have bones that move…there is no doubt you’ll be dancing like a fool. Their sound is sure to wreck the scene and the crowd is only going to get bigger.

Tree of Crows

Written by Ann Sullivan Monday, 16 November 2009 19:25

I recently had the pleasure of receiving a copy of "Tree of Crows" delivered to my home in Vermont. The collaboration of Forest Gray and Scroll on this debut album is powerful and entertaining. Forest sings the songs he has written with passion and determination to tell his stories. Scroll lays down the beats with the same enthusiasm. The CD opens with a trance like introduction and moves into a strong and steady electronica rhythm of drums and bass. Forest delivers a steady stream of heartfelt lyrics of love and life. The music makes you want to get up and move and let go of the everyday stresses that get us down and hold us back. The ballad, "Bury Me" is a powerful story of the battle at Wounded Knee and if you have read Dee Browns book on the subject, it invokes the pain and portrays the history of that fateful time and sad turn of events for the native people of the West. The West wasn't won, it was lost to them forever. "Love & Hate" is a track that poses a simple question. Love or hate? Seems like an easy enough choice but not always the outcome for many who are filled with hate. Call it political, spiritual, music and art. Give it a listen and we trust you will enjoy. We look forward to the next release.

Derek Trucks Band in Vermont

Written by Ann Sullivan Monday, 16 November 2009 19:19

Derek Trucks and his soulful band pulled into Rutland, Vermont to perform a stellar night of original material at the Paramount Theater. The Paramount opened in 1914 and the history echoes in the revitalized venue. The theater is perfect for great music but the crowd can be tough there. It is difficult to sit in your seat when the music is continually drawing you to your feet. It is almost impossible to sit still while Derek is playing. That being said, it was an unbelievable night of fantastic music. The band includes Derek Trucks, a 30 year old southern gentleman who just emits contentment. He is a formidable blues player whose roots run deep in Southern Rock soil. His flawless playing inspires and the band does not settle into a single style of music. Mike Mattison is a brilliant soul vocalist and contributing songwriter who channels every great singer one could imagine. His voice will melt the coldest of hearts, break the gentle heart and soothe the wild at heart. He is just smooth. Todd Smallie plays the bass and lends his talents on vocals also. Todd joined Derek when Derek was only 15 years old and the close relationship seems evident  and impressive. They play well together. Todd is a wonderful bassist and a pleasure to watch and listen to. Count M'Butu and Yorico Scott both bring their percussion expertise to new levels and their combined years of experience are an amazing additon to a very solid band. In 1999, Kofi Burbridge joined the band and while his training is for the flute he rounds out the band with heartfelt keyboard playing also. It is a beautiful sound. The set-list in Rutland was extensive and original. They drew from the past, present and I believe future, as rumor has it they are taking a hiatus from touring but heading to the studio to record a new piece to be released in 2010. By the way, Derek built a very eco-friendly studio at his home with Susan Tedeschi and their children, in FLA. There will be some great recordings coming from there soon hopefully. The DTB played for hours and really gave us their hearts and souls. The music was so good, the 4 hours passed like one, leaving the audience cheering for more. They opened the first set with Soul Serenade and closed that set with I Wish I Knew. After a brief intermission, they opened set 2 with This Sky, ripped throuh about 9 or 10 more cohesive jams and played Hook & Sling as an encore. It was a perfect night of amazing music.

 

 

D*Face Video - NYC

Written by SMKjr Tuesday, 27 October 2009 15:04

D*Face, Artist :: Off The Wall from friendswelove.com on Vimeo.

Swoon

Written by SMKjr Monday, 26 October 2009 02:21

Swoon hits up Brooklyn again.  She just does excellent work.

Amanda Blank @ Museum of Natural History

Written by L. Vicious Wednesday, 14 October 2009 00:00

Amanda Blank and Devlin & Darko helped commence the One Step Beyond events at The American Museum of Natural History presented by The Fader last week. If you haven’t been to one of these parties yet you need to change that. Who doesn’t love dancing through a museum with music, drinks and beautiful people? Opening up for the night was Dimples who I just barely caught the tail end of followed by Devlin and Darko (Spank Rock). These two dudes hail from Baltimore and are able to keep the crowd moving with an eclectic mix of electro, hip-hop, pop and more. Headlining the event was Amanda Blank (Downtown) who was born and raised in Philadelphia. Blank embodies a raw and raunchy type attitude that oozes sexuality with a unique style of rap and rock. During her set she was joined by Spank Rock to up the ante for a minute. Her performance was decent but she is young as an artist and I’m sure she will grow into it. Overall, the One Step Beyond kick off event was a success and will continue to draw crowds.