Posts Tagged → 2010
Front Gate Tickets 2010 Staff Picks
As we near the end of 2010 and prepare for a new year to begin, here are some year end lists for our Top 10 (or some number close to that) Albums of 2010…mostly. I will be updating the list over the next few days as lists roll in. Enjoy! By the way, these lists are posted as received…
Ashley
- Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More (Oct. 2009)
- Taylor Swift – Speak Now (mock all you want!)
- Sarah Jaffe – Suburban Nature
- John Prine – In Person & On Stage
- Ryan Adams – III/IV
- Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
- Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks
- Wolf Parade – Expo 86
- M.I.A. – MAYA
- The Magic Numbers – The Runaway
Brent
- Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More (2009)
- Kid Cudi- Man on the Mood II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
- Yeasayer- Odd Blood
- Neil Young – Le Noise
- Daft Punk -Tron Soundtrack (yeah i know it’s a soundtrack, but it’s fucking daft punk)
Kerstin
- The National – High Violet
- Spoon – Transference
- Best Coast – Crazy for You
- The Morning Benders – Big Echo
- The Black Keys – Brothers
- The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt / Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird EP
- Aloe Blacc – Good Things
- Josh Ritter – So Runs the World Away
- The Roots – How I Got Over
- Beach House – Teen Dream
- The Walkmen – Lisbon
- Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
- Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More (2009)
Matthew
- Hot Chip – One Life Stand
- LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
- Gorillaz – Plastic Beach
- The Chemical Brothers – Further
- Cee Lo Green – The Ladykiller
- Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark, Twisted Fantasy
- Beach House – Teen Dream
- Free Energy – Stuck on Nothing
- Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot…The Son of Chico Dusty
- Miami Horror – Illumination
Gotta also mention…
- Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
- Robyn – Body Talk
Lauren
- LCD Soundsystem “This Is Happening”
- Sleigh Bells “Treats”
- Local Natives “Gorilla Manor”
- Delorean “Subiza”
- The Drums “The Drums”
- The Black Keys “Brothers”
- Arcade Fire “The Suburbs”
- The National “High Violet”
- Robyn “Body Talk”
- Childish Gambino “I Am Not A Rapper”
Jeff
- Ray Lamontagne – God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise
- Broken Bells – Broken Bells
- Robert Plant – Band of Joy
- The Black Keys – Brothers
- Eric Clapton – Clapton
Tess
- Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More (2009)
- The Black Keys – Brothers
- Kings of Leon – Come Around Sundown
- Ke$ha – Cannibal (don’t hate, she’s awesome)
- Crash Kings – Crash Kings (2009)
- Broken Bells – Broken Bells
- Cee Lo Green – The Lady Killer
- Girl Talk – All Day
- Spoon – Transference
- Band of Horses – Infinite Arms
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!
Live From Lollapalooza #2! Hot Chip and Lady Gaga
I headed back to the grounds to catch a personal favorite act in the likes of UK dance rockers Hot Chip. I have seen them live before, and they do not disappoint to say the least. The heavy Lady Gaga crowd received the melodic beats of the Englishmen well to say the least and they kept the energy building to a fever pitch with songs such as “Over and Over” and “Ready for the Floor” which the band dedicated to Lady Gaga who would take the stage later.
Fans were eager to say the least for Gaga to get her show going, and immediately after Hot Chip wrapped up I wandered into the crowd to find a spot for the spectacle that was about to occur. A giant curtain was draped around most of the stage (see photos) up until a countdown on the screens wound down and a sheer screen replaced the velvet black and the show began. The first song was performed behind the sheer screen before it was lifted to unveil an elaborate set. Gaga’s wardrobe changed every few songs as did the wardrobe of her dancers and the entire show surrounded a journey to the “Monster Ball” that we were all a part of. Lady Gaga’s singing talent alone was enough to impress me. The choreography and her candid nature on stage only increased the sentiments. I have to admit that there was the expected weirdness at times that left me scratching my head, but overall it was an excellent performance by a very talented artist. Gaga referred to her last Lolla appearance three years ago multiple times throughout the set, and seemed to use this performance to rid herself and everyone in attendance of any ill memories from that experience and to celebrate where she is today.
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.
M.I.A. Album Release Date (Via Blimp?!) and Tour Announcements + New Video + New Album Tracklist
M.I.A. used an unconventional method over the weekend to announce her forthcoming third album. During Jay-Z’s Coachella set, she had a BLIMP fly over the crowd advertising a cryptic message of “New Album 6.29.10″. This is welcome news for all of us M.I.A. fans, especially those lucky individuals who will get the opportunity to see her live this summer performing the new material.
She currently has two live dates on her schedule, both appearances at HARD Fest that will take place in July, one in New York and the other in L.A. I speculate (and granted this is speculation) that she will not be done there. With a new album on the horizon and a couple of in-demand dates on the books, I imagine that she will be showcasing her verbal skills at least a few more times this year for eager crowds to enjoy. Also, if you remember, she did cut her last tour short for various personal reasons and to continue work on this forthcoming album.
The new record will see the aforementioned June 29 release in the US, but will be released one week earlier in Japan via Sony Japan. Artists such as Switch, Rye Rye, Blaqstarr, Diplo and Sleighbells are all speculated as contributors to the new album. This should make for an intriguing comeback for M.I.A. who has largely been out of the public eye following her Grammy performance back in 2009. I know that I am eager for her return in 2010!
Cheers.
UPDATE:
Check out the new MIA video for ‘Born Free’ right here – not for the faint of heart.
M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.
Also, just released – here is the tracklisting for MIAs new album:
1. The Message
2. Born Free
3. Meds and Feds
4. Lovealot
5. Tequila
6. It Is What It Is
7. XXXO
8. Tell Me Why
9. Story Told
10. Space
Live Review: Yeasayer Night 2 at La Zona Rosa
Yeasayer brought their psych pop dance party to La Zona Rosa last night for their second of two sold-out nights in Austin. The shows were originally slated to be held at The Parish, but overwhelming demand caused a second date to be added and for the shows to be moved to the La Zona Rosa, a significantly larger venue. The band is touring in support of their new album Odd Blood that came out in February 2010. Lead singer Chris Keating said that Austin is ‘the only town on the tour where the band is playing two shows’ and thanked everyone for ‘coming out so hard’ and supporting them.
The band swept through a set consisting of what I considered to be a great balance of the top tracks off of both their superb albums. Particularly high points for me were the performances of ‘Wait for the Summer,’ ’2080,’ ‘Madder Red’ ‘O.N.E.’ and ‘Amblin’ Alp,’ but the entire set was performed so well that it is hard to pick favorites. Every song was extremely well-received by the packed house and the audience seemed to be enjoying the show immensely from where I was standing with most everyone singing the words to some of the tunes and moving to the beats that the band was laying down. Yesayer has succeeded in creating a strong fan base, and if they continue on their current track, those fans will be there for some time to come. Acoustically, in my opinion, the show got better as it went on. The balance of vocals, mids and lows was quite good which is a vital ingredient for a strong show – especially for a band of their style with heavy reliance on vocals and constantly changing and blending melodies.
Give Odd Blood a listen, and if you have not taken the opportunity to check out the band’s first album All Hour Cymbals, you will not be disappointed. Both serve to establish the band’s unique style, and with Odd Blood, the ‘sophomore slump’ that sometimes plagues bands is nowhere to be seen. Enjoy the show if you get to catch these guys on tour anytime soon!
Here is the setlist from night one at La Zona Rosa – I am hoping to update with Night 2 as well. The band played a new track, “I Remember” on the second night during the encore. The song was very well received and showed that it doesn’t look like Yeasayer will be slowing down anytime soon which is good new for us.
The Children
Rome
Wait for the Summer
I Remember
Tightrope
2080
Love Me Girl
Mondegreen
O.N.E.
Strange Reunions
Madder Red
Amplin’ Alp
Encore:
Grizelda
Sunrise
Cheers.
Lollapalooza Reveals Full 2010 Lineup!
Lollapalooza has been teasing us with its lineup reveal game, but they have now come clean with the whole thing and boy does it look good! The fest has managed to create a strong balance of up and coming acts with old staples, some of which have not taken the stage in quite some time. Soundgarden will reunite as the primary headliner at the fest, and they will be joined by a slew of other bands who you may not have heard from in some time including Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Devo and Social Distortion.
In addition to that varied slew of heavy hitters, the fest will also welcome rising stars and indie favorites such as Phoenix, whose popularity is at a fever pitch, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Erykah Badu, Yeasayer, Metric, The XX, Edwared Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Big Pink, Dawes and too many more to name (don’t worry the full lineup is below).
The festival will also continue to have DJs spinning at Perry’s throughout the festival, and that lineup has my mouth watering too. 2ManyDJs, Empire of the Sun (you know them whether you think so or not; probably from commercials), Felix Da Housecat, Erol Alkan, Flosstradamus (Chicago natives who will throw down a dance party!), Peanut Butter Wolf, Tiga, and a ton of others who will bring the dance party to Chicago this August. I shall digress and just give you the full lineup in all its glory now, because let’s face it, that’s what we all want!
Tickets for the festival are on sale now here from Front Gate Tickets!
* Soundgarden
* Green Day
* Lady Gaga
* Arcade Fire
* The Strokes
* Phoenix
* Social Distortion
* MGMT
* Jimmy Cliff
* Hot Chip
* The Black Keys
* The National
* Spoon
* Devo
* Cypress Hill
* Cut Copy
* The New Pornographers
* Erykah Badu
* Slightly Stoopid
* Grizzly Bear
* Gogol Bordello
* Chromeo
* Wolfmother
* Yeasayer
* X Japan
* MUTEMATH
* Metric
* Dirty Projectors
* AFI
* Mavis Staples
* Matt & Kim
* The xx
* Drive-By Truckers
* Blues Traveler
* Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
* The Temper Trap
* Jamie Lidell
* Frightened Rabbit
* F**k Buttons
* Deer Tick
* Blitzen Trapper
* Stars
* Raphael Saadiq
* The Cribs
* Minus the Bear
* Switchfoot
* The Walkmen
* Mumford & Sons
* Wild Beasts
* Rogue Wave
* Los Amigos Invisibles
* The Big Pink
* The Dodos
* Hockey
* Cymbals Eat Guitars
* B.o.B
* Dawes
* Warpaint
* The Antlers
* The Soft Pack
* Rebelution
* Balkan Beat Box
* Wavves
* American Bang
* The Ike Reilly Assassination
* Company of Thieves
* Nneka
* Harlem
* The Constellations
* Miniature Tigers
* Mimicking Birds
* The Kissaway Trail
* HEALTH
* Javelin
* The Morning Benders
* Foxy Shazam
* Violent Soho
* Royal Bangs
* Freelance Whales
* Semi Precious Weapons
* Dan Black
* The Band of Heathens
* Dragonette
* My Dear Disco
* Shawn Fisher
* Neon Hitch
* Skybox
* The Ettes
* Jukebox the Ghost
* These United States
* MyNameIsJohnMichael
Spinning at Perry’s
* 2ManyDJs
* Empire of the Sun
* Digitalism
* Perry Farrell
* Tiga
* Felix Da Housecat
* Rusko
* Erol Alkan
* Kaskade
* Wolfgang Gartner
* Flosstradamus
* Joachim Garraud
* Mexican Institute of Sound
* Caspa
* Peanut Butter Wolf
* Dirty South
* NERVO
* Cut Copy (DJ Set)
* Beats Antique
* Steve Porter
* Didi Gutman of Brazilian Girls
* Ancient Astronauts
* Ana Sia
* Team Bayside High
* Dani Deahl
* FreeSol
* DJ Mel
* BBU
* Vonnegutt
* Only Children
* Lance Herbstrong
Live Review: Flaming Lips – Austin Music Hall 3-12-2010
The Flaming Lips kicked off their North American tour on Friday in Austin at the Austin Music Hall. This was actually my first time to see The Lips in concert, and they did not disappoint one bit. Wayne Coyne and company swept through a set of career-spanning hits that was sure to please most everyone in attendance. The Flaming Lips are well-documented for their strange theatrics and over-the-top production, and this show was no exception.
Whether it was the 20 ft wide disco ball, Wayne’s light up gong or the point in the show where he invited everyone to shine laser pointers at him that the band had distributed before the show, the theatrics were ever-present and held everyone’s attention captive for the entire show. Wayne even strapped on his acoustic for a sing-along rendition of “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.” Before the song he joked about his lack of guitar skills and demonstrated these skills during the song with a few slip ups that somehow only added to the show in my opinion.
I have heard people knock The Flaming Lips for their productions or claim that the band has to cover up what is lacking in their music with these productions, but I did not witness that on Friday. What I saw was a beautiful blend of great music, talented musicians and a stage show that kept me captivated for the entire night until the last piece of confetti had fallen from the rafters. After Friday, if I have the chance to see these guys again, I will jump at it, and I would encourage you to do the same.
Photos are coming to the post – if you took pictures or video at the show share them here!
Cheers.
SXSW kicks off with a bang at the frog design party!
On March 13, Frog Design hosted their SXSWi opening party at the Mexican American Cultural Center. I was planning on heading down to check out this party after stopping by a few other parties and happy hours on the way. That plan was soon nixed as each place that we went to had a line wrapped around the block where the parties were being held.
I decided that was not how I wanted to spend my evening, so we headed towards the frog party. A line had started to form for this party as well, but once the doors opened we were inside in a matter of a couple of minutes. When you entered the party, you were given an RFID tag that you were to scan anytime that you got something from the bar or at any number of various stations setup throughout the party.
This was a really cool idea, but some of the spots where you were supposed to use the tags were not hooked up and therefore did not function! Overall, however the party was very well hosted! The lines at the bars moved quickly if there were lines when you walked up, and the layout of the party made it always feel like there was plenty of space to move around and chat regardless of how many people showed up. Overall, I give the party a big thumbs up! Thanks to all the folks at frog design for making it a fun-filled evening!
If you have photos from the event post them here!
Cheers.
