Category: Reviews

Parry Adams at Webster Hall

When trying to decide what to say after seeing Parry Adams open for Lucy Woodward at the Studio at Webster Hall, it was hard to form complete sentences. Words definitely came to mind, even full phrases, but I couldn’t string them together into sentences that flowed together into anything that would give you an idea of what this show was like and make you immediately plan to attend her next event. Maybe a little mystery is good, though. Maybe it will make you even more intrigued, make you want to go even more.

So where to begin?

Maybe with the crowd. It was silent and attentive. It only spoke when appropriate. It clearly loved her. True, some of them were likely friends, but others were friends and fans for the other two performers. They still respected her, still gave her the attention she deserved, and some even went to speak to her after the show and share just how much they enjoyed her set.

And how about that set?

I’ve seen Parry both solo and with a band. Both are different experiences. One thing that always stands out is her voice. It’s strong and amazing. She might have been charmingly nervous in between sets, but her singing was always strong and confident. (And if she rambled any on stage, like I said, it came off as charming).

I’ll have to admit, I haven’t listened to the album yet, but I plan to after tonight’s performance. Might even write a review for that too. Who knows? And I will definitely be going to another show, if the opportunity presents itself. I recommend that you plan to as well.

(Parry Adams does ocassional uStream concerts, where you can get the live experience from the comfort of your own home. Her next one is March 22nd.)

TSO @ iHeartRadio Theater

Tonight I got a last-minute invite to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra play a short but exclusive show at iHeartRadio Theater. TSO is one of those bands that I have never been able to see live – despite many attempts – so naturally I jumped at the chance to see them now. Many people I have talked to in the past said they had a very good live show. They perform every year around Christmas, but I’ve never been able to attend. After seeing this short set tonight I can honestly back every positive review you’ve ever heard. They have a full show coming up on December 22nd at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. I highly recommend going if you have the means and opportunity.

Florence + the Machine – Ceremonials

When I first heard Lungs, Florence + the Machine’s debut album, I was blown away. Here was this powerful voice rushing at me on a wave of drums and technically outstanding rhythms. This, I said, was someone who would be going places. Or so I hoped…

Now we are getting the second album, Ceremonials. Same strong voice. More new, interesting rhythms. Songs so catchy you’ll want to hear them again and again. At times the music can even be a soulful experience, like with the track “Lover to Lover”. I myself have had some very pure moments listening to previous work while out for a walk, feet in time with the drums. Can’t wait for the first really nice day that I get to walk with “All This & Heaven Two” playing in my earbuds. It sounds like a good one to be listening to while surrounded by nature.

Lungs got its fair share of play when I finally took that first listen. I am certain Ceremonials will follow suit. The second track, “Shake It Out,” was also the second single, and became an earworm almost immediately after I first heard it. I posted the video when it was first released, as a preview for the pending album. I also posted the first single, “What the Water Gave Me,” back in August. Clearly the anticipation for this album has been high. In my opinion, it did not disappoint.

Lights Resolve – Feel You’re Different

I’ve been following Lights Resolve since they first started in 2006. I’ve always loved their live show and what few recordings I could find on the internet, but longed for something more. Five years later and I finally get a full length album from this exceptional band. I know there are a lot of alt rock bands out there nowadays, so it might seem odd to give them such high praise. I challenge you to take a close listen, however, because there is definitely an energy in this band that separates them from the rest of the fold. I’ve heard it in their live show, and the album just solidifies it into a form that can be shared more easily. My only complaint is that some of my favorite songs did not make the final cut. If there’s any problem a band wants, however, it’s that the fans can’t get enough of their music. Feel You’re Different officially drops today, and their cd release will be tomorrow night at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. You can find more about the band on their website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Kate Miller-Heidke – Liberty Bell

From the minute Kate Miller-Heidke’s new album, Liberty Bell, begins, you know you are ready for a dance party full of electronic beats and interesting lyrics. Some of these elements were true of her first album, Curiouser, but, as much as I loved her first attempts at this, they seem to work better here. Miller-Heidke has clearly grown as an artist since she first introduced herself to the world. Where the first album had a few moments that were just a bit too weird for even me to get into, this album has none. My excitement grew with each new song. Things slow down a bit at the halfway point with “Let Me Fade,” but in a completely natural way. It then picks up again slightly with “You Got The World,” but not with the “full speed ahead” vibe the first half of the album had. This is ok, however, because the songs are still strong, albeit slightly more laid-back than the first half of the album (with the exception of maybe “The Flasher”). I strongly recommend Liberty Bell for anyone looking for music with character. As a sample, here is the video for “The Tiger Inside Will Eat The Child”.

Liberty Bell was released in the US Oct 11th on Sony Music Australia. You can find more information on Kate’s website, as well as follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Rachael Yamagata – Chesapeake

Rachael Yamagata has one of the smoothest, most soulful voices of just about anyone I’ve heard. From the first notes of “Saturday Morning” you know you are in for an experience that will both sooth and awaken you. “I Don’t Want To Be Your Mother” is a beautiful ballad that hits you in places you didn’t know you had, while “Even If I Don’t” has a more driving force behind it that will make you want to get up and face whatever life has in store for you. I have always been impressed with the voice quality Yamagata brings to the table, and this album did not disappoint my expectations in the least.

Chesapeake will be released Oct 11th on Yamagata’s own Frankenfish Records. Tour dates start Oct 24th at Port City Music Hall in Portland, ME and run through December, ending with two nights in NYC at City Winery Dec 21st & 22nd. She will also be at Maxwells in Hoboken on Dec 19th and 20th. Full list of tour dates is as follows:

OCTOBER
10/24 Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall
10/25 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
10/27 Ithaca, NY @ Delilah’s on Cayuga
10/28 North Hampton, MA @ Iron Horse
10/30 Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
10/31 Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live

NOVEMBER
11/1 Alexandria, VA @ Birchmere
11/2 Baltimore, MD @ Sound Stage
11/4 Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
11/5 Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Café
11/6 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
11/7 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall
11/8 Chicago, IL @ Logan Square

11/10 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Ballroom
11/11 Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
11/12 Davenport, IA @ Redstone Room
11/14 Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
11/16 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
11/18 Salt Lake City, UT @ State Room
11/20 Spokane, WA @ A Club
11/21 Vancouver, Canada @ Media Club
11/22 Seattle, WA @ Crocodile
11/23 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir
11/25 San Francisco, CA @ Slims
11/27 San Diego, CA @ Casbah
11/29 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubador
11/30 Tuscon, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom

DECEMBER
12/2 Austin, TX @ The Parish
12/3 Houston, TX @ Fitzgeralds (Upstairs)
12/4 Dallas, TX @ The Loft
12/5 Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom (2nd Stage)
12/7 St. Louis, MO @ Blueberry Hill
12/8 Nashville, TN @ 12th and Porter
12/9 Birmingham, AL @ Work Play
12/10 Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
12/12 Charleston, SC @ New Brookland
12/13 Charlotte, NC @ Local 508
12/15 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
12/16 Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
12/17 Louisville, KY @Headliners
12/18 Columbus, OH @ The Basement
12/19 Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwells
12/20 Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwells
12/21 New York, NY @ City Winery
12/22 New York, NY @ City Winery

You can find more information on her website, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Craig Wedren – WAND

Craig Wedren’s new album, WAND, is a wide mix of musical styles. This mix includes at times indie rock, at times singer-songwriter, with a harder rock sound leaking through certain moments as well. There is definitely a wide enough range to please a large sample with varying musical preferences. From the energized first notes, to the soothing final piece, WAND has something for everyone. The album will be released Sept 27th on his own Nerveland Recordings. You can find more information on Craig Wedren’s website.

Florence + the Machine – What the Water Gave Me

If you were worried that Florence + the Machine would not be able to duplicate the amazing sounds of their first album, then “What the Water Gave Me,” the first single of the new album due in November, should prove you wrong. The song is exactly the quality level you would expect from the band that blew us away with their debut “Lungs”. Don’t take my word for it, though. Here is the video for “What the Water Gave Me”

Jim Jones Revue – Burning Your House Down

The recent album by Jim Jones Revue, Burning Your House Down, is a flashback to what old time rock ‘n’ roll used to be. If you like the classic rock bands from the 70’s, you will enjoy this band. They have the raw energy and style of other bands of this era, such as Led Zeppelin. I defy you to listen to these songs and not want to groove with the music.  The band has upcoming tour dates in September, including Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and Maxwell’s in Hoboken. Complete list can be found after the jump.

 

9/1/2011 – Vancouver, BC – The Biltmore Cabaret

9/3/2011 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge

9/4/2011 – Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot Festival

9/7/2011 – San Francisco, CA – Independent

9/8/2011 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo

9/10/2011 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

9/11/2011 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall

9/12/2011 – Montreal, QC – Casa del Popolo

9/13/2011 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern

9/14/2011 – Chicago, IL – Schuba’s Tavern

9/16/2011 – Philadelphia, PA – The Blockley Pourhouse

9/17/2011 – Washington D.C. – Black Cat

9/18/2011 – Hoboken, NJ – Maxwell’s

Muppets: The Green Album

Recently, NPR gave us a preview of the Muppets tribute album on their website. I took a listen and was impressed enough to want to share it here. List of songs include OK Go doing the theme and Weezer performing “Rainbow Connection,” as well as submissions from The Fray, Alkaline Trio, My Morning Jacket, Amy Lee and others. It’s a good music in terms of background styles these various artists come from. The whole album is good, but I especially love Matt Nathanson’s contribution, “I Hope That Something Better Comes Along” and the last track “I’m Going To Go Back There Someday”performed by Rachel Yamagata. It’s a nice, light 36 minutes of music, perfect for background music while catching up on some work (like that blog you neglected for the past month) or a running a few quick errands.