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Fun. at Warehouse Live Review
Tuesday night, I trekked down to my native Houston to see one of my favorite bands fun. perform a sold out show at Warehouse Live. Fun. is an indie pop supergroup, featuring Nate (formerly of The Format), Andrew (formerly of Anathallo) and Jack (my personal favorite) who is currently the frontman of Steel Train. I had never seen Warehouse Live, one of my favorite Houston venues, so packed! I was worried that this was due to the recent success of their youthful ballad “We are Young,” which was featured on Glee and in a Chevy commercial . But I was happy to see that most of the crowd passionately sang along to every song, old and new.
I arrived as the opening band Avalanche City took the stage. I thoroughly enjoyed their set, especially the creepily beautiful violin prevalent in many of their songs. Avalanche City is a folk band from Auckland, New Zealand and I found myself dancing along while in line at the merch table to get my exclusive fun. and Revel & Riot t-shirt. “The Streets” and “Love Love Love”, from their new EP, are highly recommended tracks if you’re just delving into the band’s sound.
Fun. took the stage to a rowdy, rambunctious crowd and opened with “One Foot” from their latest album Some Nights. I love the uniqueness of Nate’ voice, but the album is so full of auto-tuned vocals that I wasn’t sure what the songs would sound like sans digitization. The rawness of his voice live was SO much better than on the album. Jack’s guitar solos were aggressive and bold, and so much more powerful than the latest album features. The show continued with songs from Some Nights and their 2009 release Aim and Ignite. A few of my favorites of the night were “At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used to Be),” “It Gets Better,” and my most recent favorite “Some Nights.” Of course “We Are Young” was a crowd favorite, and the mood of Warehouse Live was transformed into mass frenzy when the first notes played. At Nate’s request, we belted the background “Na-na-nas” with wholehearted spirit while he pleaded “Carry me home tonight.”
Between stories about a wandering crawfish and asking what day of the week it was, the band would humbly pause and smile in disbelief at the massive roaring crowd. It was cool to see a band with such sudden mainstream success still be in awe of a devoted audience.
All in all, fun.’s performance exceeded my expectations. This was one of the rowdiest, most jam-packed concerts that I have been to and it was a sweaty, rocking, ridiculously good time.
Setlist:
- One Foot
- Walking the Dog
- All the Pretty Girls
- Why Am I the One
- All Alone
- It Gets Better
- Barlights
- Carry On
- Gambler
- Some Nights (Intro)
- At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used to Be)
- We Are Young
- Some Nights
Encore:
- All Alright
- Take Your Time
Erin L., Marketing Intern
Wilco taping at ACL Live
Wilco was there at the beginning of my musical education. I stumbled upon “A.M” in the country section of the chain retail store I worked at in college. It was my first taste of Americana, as it were, and I was hooked. “Being There” pulled me further into the Wilco world and “Summerteeth” stayed in my cd player for months at a time. Then “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” came out, and it kind of blew me away.
I’ve seen hundreds of shows in the years since I started college. But Wilco had always stubbornly evaded me… until last Wednesday. Not only was it my inaugural Wilco show, but it was also my inaugural ACL Live at the Moody Theater experience. The venue is absolutely stunning and was literally a pitch-perfect venue for the band.
Tweedy’s voice just soared. He sounded, and looked, at ease and comfortable onstage, dapper in his handsome suit. I was delighted to have the opportunity to experience some older Wilco songs from “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”, “A.M” and “Being There”. Coupled with some “A Ghost Is Born” favorites and tracks of their newer albums (which I am admittedly not so much a fan of), the set was appropriately full and satisfying. (set list below)
Nels Cline, with the band since 2004, whipped out the most incredible, stunningly beautiful solo during “Impossible Germany”. The band was beaming onstage while the hushed crowd gazed with reverence. It was obviously truly special for both the band AND the audience.
The show just kept packing the punches. A completely welcome surprise came towards the end of the show, with Nick Lowe coming onstage to play “Cruel To Be Kind” with Wilco as his backing band. An incredible, unexpected moment.
Wilco killed it, down to the last song of the encore, “Heavy Metal Drummer” (you know they HAD to play it). The venue was packed, the band was cranking out tune after tune with precision and care, and the whole experience was just a gem of a night. A true gem.
Set List:
One Sunday Morning
Poor Places
Art of Almost
I Might
Black Moon
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
One Wing
Bull Black Nova
Radio Cure
Shouldn’t Be Ashamed
Open Mind
Born Alone
Jesus, etc.
Capitol City
War on War
Dawned On Me
Hummingbird
Whole Love
Impossible Germany
Far, Far Away
The Late Greats
Heavy Metal Drummer
- Shrie Spangler
New Releases of Note 10/25
This week is a whopper of a release week. There are SCADS of great albums that were let loose today. This installment of New Releases of Note is chock full ‘o radness, from prog-electro mainstays Justice to sweetly quirky She & Him and every minute genre in between. Don’t forget to watch/listen to the YouTube playlist including tracks from all of these artist’s new releases below! Read on…
(this is by no means a comprehensive list of releases)
Justice – “Audio Video Disco”, Oct. 24
They’re so proggy, those Justice guys. This newest album takes their slight prog leanings to the next level, downright conjuring 70s geniuses Yes and Queen, but with a good does of dance punk groove. Not as bombastic and catchy as their last, but intriguingly disco-infused and remarkably (and pretty pleasurably) cheesy. An interesting listen… prepare your dancin’ shoes.
She & Him – “A Very She & Him Christmas”,Oct. 24
You either love her voice, or you just don’t. It’s not traditional sounding but it’s her own and she rocks it pretty darn well. M. Ward’s addition of excellent composition and precise instrumentation, providing the aural landscape for her smooth croons, are icing on the cake. This album reworks old favorites into their own cheery yet sedate blend of indie wonder… a soon-to-be holiday staple.
Tom Waits – “Bad As Me”, Oct. 21
Tom Waits is just a genius. His gravely Grandpa voice is absolutely striking, and on this first album of studio material since 2006, he sounds especially and gleefully unhinged. The album is mainly populated with love songs, as difficult as that may be to discern from the tone of some of them. Just as many of his albums are absolutely essential, this one is just as important as anything he’s put out to date. He’s a ramshackle romantic with a deep, dark bent… and this album couldn’t be more enjoyable. A Waits standard.
The Beets – “Let The Poison Out”, Oct. 24
They tour the US in a station wagon and they draw their album covers exclusively in crayons… say hi to The Beets. They’re garage rock personified, off-kilter harmonies and clunky drums throughout. You can never really tell where they’re going with their songs, but you’re into the sound anyway. Reminiscent of another Hardly Art signing, Fergus & Geronimo, The Beets take on a Moldy Peaches-vibe, charming their ramshackle way into your indie-lovin’ hearts. A great top-down driving jam!
And… some more (click each link to listen to a track):
Coldplay – “Mylo Xyloto”
Deer Tick – “Divine Providence”
Dntel – “Life is Full of Possibilities”
Jedi Mind Tricks – “Violence Begets Violence”
Russian Circles – “Batu”
The Owls – “Lights Off”
Kathleen Edwards – “Wapusk”
Lollapalooza Day 3: Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons played an exceptional closing day set that once again packed out the Playstation stage to the gills. The band, which has been gaining significant traction in the US after the release of their terrific album Sigh No More, serenaded the crowd with their beautifully harmonizing vocals and hand clapping, foot stomping folk ballads. Their unique sound lent itself quite well to the festival setting and they seemed right at home in front of the sea of people who came to see them.
Mumford and Sons are embarking on a fall tour that will see them travel through Europe, the UK, then back to the US for a run of dates that will see stops in many of the cities that the band played on their previous tour. After catching them at Lollapalooza, I would highly recommend catching them if you get the chance. Dates for the tour are listed below, including a show at Stubb’s!
Lollapalooza Day 2: Empire of the Sun!!
This was a set that I definitely did not want to miss this weekend, and as I made it down into the tiny photo pit, I began to realize that I was not the only one who felt this way. A DJ was keeping the crowd warm (well steaming really) and dancing frantically before Empire even took the stage, and it was clear that this was going to be something a little different from the other Lolla sets that day. If you have walked into Perry’s at any time you know what I mean, and this was Perry’s at its peak. Security personnel did their best to keep the sweat drenched crowd hydrated, constantly going back for more and more waters that they reached over the rail and poured into the mouths of grateful audience members. The crowd was ready for something special, and when Empire took the stage, they got it.
The live version of Empire made its first appearance ever in the states when it stopped in Chicago this weekend for its Lolla set, so no one knew what to expect from the crew. The full band, complete with dancers, costumes and a fittingly extravagant stage setup delivered an energetic set that left everyone in the crowd wanting more.
Lollapalooza Day 2: Cut Copy!
Cut Copy got down to business at Lollapalooza for their set on the PlayStation stage (literally, look at those outfits – straight from the office). Their set consisted of cuts from both of the band’s studio releases as well as a couple of unreleased tracks that should appear on their forthcoming LP. Highlights included “Time Stands Still,” “Hearts on Fire,” and “Lights and Music” which the band used to open the set for the energetic afternoon crowd.
Lollapalooza Day 2: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
The Edward Sharpe set at Lolla this year was either really, really well planned or a happy benefactor of coincidence. The stage that the band played was tucked back in the trees, creating a sort of ‘off the beaten path’ feel to their show – like you were somewhere else entirely. Fortunately, this matches up exactly with how the band themselves and the music they create make you feel as well. Their sound, and in concert their appearance, have the ability to transport you to a different place and time and at Lollapalooza we all traveled there together.
The band took they stage to deafening cheers from the packed crowd who came out to see them. Edward Sharpe wasted no time making friends as he immediately stepped up and into the crowd before the band even played a note. The entire set had a homey feel to it that put a smile on the face of most everyone that I saw. The highlights of the set in my opinion were “Home” and “40 Day Dream,” but every song the band played was executed extremely well and with a sincerity that is sometimes difficult to find these days.
Lollapalooza Day 2! Metric
I might be biased. Ok, I definitely am, but day two at Lollapalooza may have been the high point of the festival for me musically. Several bands that I had been anticipating greatly played that day, and all of them delivered the goods. The first act I caught was Metric who put on a show stopping performance to an absolutely packed out PlayStation stage.
The band tore through material spanning their career, leaning heavily on their spectacular most recent album, Fantasies, with highlights including “Help I’m Alive,” “Sick Muse,” and “Combat Baby.” The band also played a cover of Neil Young’s “Hey Hey, My My” during the set. Full set can be found below.
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- Black Sheep
- Satellite Mind
- Help I’m Alive
- Empty/Fight For Your Right To Party
- Gold Guns Girls
- Hey Hey, My My (Neil Young cover)
- Gimme Sympathy
- Sick Muse
- Dead Disco
- Stadium Love
- Combat Baby (acoustic)
James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem at Stubb’s – Definitely Not Losing Their Edge
Last night Austin played host to a dance party for the ages, as both LCD Soundsystem and Miike Snow descended on the city. I am going to focus on LCDs show for this however, because well…I was there. Yes, that was the first of several, hopefully many, LCD song references in this review. We arrived early to catch Holy Ghost, a DFA label mate of LCD Soundsystem, who are on their first live tour ever. The fact that these guys had not done this whole “live show” thing before was not evident in the least, and they were a great warm up for the night.
A light rain was falling, and the humidity and heat were sweltering to the point that by the time LCD took the stage most everyone already had a good sweat going. The opening track ‘Us vs. Them’ set the tone for the night, sending the crowd where I was standing into a frenzy that I had not seen at an outdoor show in some time. The energy was absolutely electric. The band tore through a set that was sure to please any LCD fan, generously pulling material from all three of the band’s albums.
The shift in momentum that occurred from the pounding beats and screaming fans on ‘Daft Punk is Playing at My House’ to the next song ‘All My Friends’ showcased perfectly the exceptional balance that LCD has achieved in their catalog. Some of the people there may have been worried that this would be the last time they could catch these guys in action, but James made the comment that they would be back touring in support of this album, playing songs that they have not had the chance to play before, and doing it all until someone made a Facebook group begging them to retire (I would not recommend this as you will have an angry throng of die hard LCD fans after you if you do so).
If you were there, then you know that this was a show that you will not soon forget. You know that this show had it all. And when James belted out ‘where are your friends tonight? If I could see all my friends tonight’ all he had to do was look straight ahead, because he had over 2000 friends right there singing it back to him. I could go on about how epic every song ended up being, but really if you were there you know. I was there, and LCD Soundsystem is definitely not losing its edge.
Setlist:
- Us v Them
- Drunk Girls
- Yr City’s a Sucker
- Pow Pow
- Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
- All My Friends
- I Can Change
- Tribulations
- Movement
- Yeah
ENCORE
- Someone Great
- Losing My Edge
- New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down
- Empire State of Mind (Jay-Z cover)
Live Review: Local Natives Austin, TX at Antone’s 4-23-10
Local Natives returned to Austin Friday night after blowing up SXSW this year. I had heard a bit about the band before SXSW, but they gained a lot of momentum over the week, playing something like nine shows and wowing the crowds lucky enough to catch them. I was not able to see them then, but thanks to a friend was able to get a ticket to their sold out show at Antone’s (moved from Emo’s due to overwhelming demand), and to say the least, I was not disappointed. They even made a point of thanking everyone for coming out and that the show was the largest show on their entire tour.
The band’s album, Gorilla Manor, made its European debut in November 2009 to little fanfare in the US, but since its February US release the band has seen a surge in popularity, particularly in Austin, TX. Local Natives has garnered accolades for their ever-present harmonies and songwriting skills that saturate their music. Their singing abilities and superb instrumental talent were very prevalent on this evening at Antone’s, with the musicians switching amongst instruments frequently and seamlessly throughout the set.
Each song was well-received by the packed house, but one track stood out from the rest – “Sun Hands,” an emotionally charged and heartfelt song that had everyone in attendance belting out the chorus. Even after the band had exhausted their catalog of music and left the stage, much of the crowd stood in place, yearning for just one more song. We will all have to wait a bit longer, but from the sound of the band and the love of the fans, I would imagine that there will be more to come quite soon. I, for one, can’t wait.
Listen to “Sun Hands” and “Camera Talk,” a couple of my favorite tracks of Gorilla Manor below!
[audio:http://www.frontgatetickets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Local-Natives_03_Sun-Hands.mp3|titles=Sun Hands by Local Natives]
[audio:http://www.frontgatetickets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Local-Natives_06_Camera-Talk.mp3|titles=Camera Talk by Local Natives]
Cheers.
