June 15, 2006: BRMC (Acoustic), T-Bone Burnett, Monsters Are Waiting, Forward Russia

I got to the Great American Music Hall super early, around 5:15 PM since I told Jodi and Kimberly I'd meet them there at 4:50 PM. They were buying tickets to Better than Ezra at the Independent when I got there. I walked by the entrance where I saw Peter and various people preparing for the show. I saw Peter come out a little later and he waved to me as I waited for Jodi to call me back. I later noticed that he'd grown a beard, which I think looked pretty nice on him. Then Dave, his guitar tech, came out to say hi. He's going on the Pete Yorn tour next. I told Dave I was planning to meet people so we could hang out at Edinburgh Castle before the show, but we ended up just waiting in line.

Kimberly was there first to tell me that Jodi was circling until 6 to get a good parking spot. She had on a tight blue skirt which in her opinion made her look like a prostitute. Jodi soon followed and was also dressed up in a black skirt and top. I felt pretty underdressed in my BRMC T-shirt and jeans. We talked to some T-Bone fans in line about BRMC while we waited in line for the doors to open. Right before doors opened, we noticed they were letting people with dinner tickets in first. It turns out that the first 9 tables in front were reserved for dinner tickets. We were second in the non-dinner ticket line, so we still ended up in the front row. Right before going in, we met Theresa (piwaket) from the forum who lives in Portland.

The acoustic set was a refreshing reminder of how good the songs are off Howl. Peter played "Restless Sinner" and "Fault Line" by himself and was joined by Robert on "Ain't No Easy Way." They played together for "Complicated Situation," "Mercy," "Howl" (which was especially lovely with Robert and Peter's vocal layering), "Weight of the World," and "Shuffle Your Feet" - which got some people to clap along for awhile. As Robert was introducing the cover of "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" as not one of their songs, people were cheering alot so he said, "Don't get too excited." The last song was the slow version of "US Government," which someone had yelled for earlier in the set. The audience seeemed to be pretty impressed by the acoustic set.

Restless Sinner
Fault Line
Ain't No Easy Way
Complicated Situation
Mercy
Howl
Weight Of The World
Shuffle Your Feet
The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll
US Government

After BRMC's set, Alexander and Tomica (tdivic) from the forum came to our table to say hi and Alexander sat at our empty seat. T-Bone Burnett was surprisingly loud and rocking. He threw in a couple gospel songs, but they still seemed more electric. The guitarist was particularly good and T-Bone was impressively tall on stage. He did have a lyric stand, which was a little unusual as he seemed to be closing his eyes mostly during the set. Peter and Robert were at the back of the room enjoying the set.

BRMC Drawing

Since drawing Nick Jago, I'm on a BRMC drawing kick... I think I came pretty close to capturing their likenesses here.

A Belated Gig-related post: Cat Power, White Rose Movement, Editors/Stellastarr, Ladytron

I have been very lazy recently about posting any show reviews. Even this post will be very brief and undetailed. Sorry folks, too much excitement and not enough desire to share it. Last night, I saw Cat Power at the Palace of Fine Arts. It was an adventure just getting to the venue since the bus took us across the 101N for awhile until we stopped again at the Golden Gate Bridge. Luckily, we got to the show on time, with plenty of time to find our seats in the theater. It's a nice big auditorium there and the seats were a great way to allow everyone a great view of the stage. The Memphis Rhythm Band was opening the show and playing most of the night with Cat Power. Her newest songs are a lot more upbeat and she was dancing a lot while the band was playing. She did sit down at the piano near the end of the show to play a couple songs and pulled out some acoustic and electric guitars to play solo. She coughed a lot and apologized a bit at the piano, that was kind of funny. The music was mostly very swinging band music, which was a real change from the usual piano-based stuff from early Cat Power albums. It was alright to watch, but I was glad the show ended early (around 10 PM).

On Tuesday night, I went to see The White Rose Movement at Slim's on the recommendation of my friend Heidi, who ended up not even showing up to the show. She missed out on a really exciting show though. The band was really energetic and their music was intense and exciting to watch. The singer was carefully balancing himself on the monitor at the edge of the stage, so he was practically in the crowd. The bassist of the band was also really good and totally sweating by the end of the night. They were musically kind of new wave and punk, but they weren't too synth-y like some bands I've seen recently. Citizens Here and Abroad opened the show and they were pretty cool too. The female singer/guitarist was pretty good and she alternated songs with the bassist.

On Saturday, I met up with my friends Jodi, Kimberly, and Heidi for the Editors in store at Tower Records on Bay and Columbus. I recorded video of most of this performance, but I have no idea if I should upload it to YouTube or just keep it for myself since there are a lot of heads in the way. The Editors played a full electric set outside the store and they were really exciting to watch. During the last song, the singer threw his guitar to his roady and just sang without it. After that, me, Jodi, and Kimberly went to get our CDs signed and take pictures with the band. Well, Jodi and Kimberly took pictures with them, I decided not to since the line was going kind of slow. After that, we decided to get some food and claim our parking space in the garage that Jodi usually parks in at 5th and Mission Street. We walked to the Metreon for dinner and I got a tasty turkey sandwich with a salad. After that, we walked to Starbucks for some more liquid refreshment. I got my usual Mocha Frappuccino. Jodi ordered a really complicated drink which she unfortunately spilled when she was showing me and Kimberly some dance moves for a Better than Ezra song called "Juicy."

We left for Mezzanine soon after that and found this guy named Jon who was in line before us at Tower that Jodi got a photo with The Editors. We heard a little of the Editors soundcheck, which was pretty cool. Heidi and Camille joined us in line later. Before that, some woman from Vogue Magazine interviewed us about how we got into the band. When we were moved from the right side of the door to the left side, we were all freezing and annoyed at the door people who were making fun of us for being cold. Eventually, we were let into the venue and claimed our spots near the front of the stage. The Popscene DJ's were great by starting their set with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's "Stop" and then playing Interpol, which made Jodi and Kimberly especially happy. The DJ set was so enjoyable that waiting for the first band to come on was not a long one at all. Monsters Are Waiting was the opener and they were pretty cool. They have a skinny female singer who was wearing the coolest shoes and a nice skirt. Their music was pretty good too, I got like 3 of their songs on video.

Stellastarr went on soon after the first band. Their music was really exciting and they were totally into their set. I think Jodi really liked their guitarist, it's too bad she didn't get to meet him after the show. I'm not sure I want a Stellastarr album yet, but I know they are an excellent live band. The singer/guitarist talked to us a little after the show. He had some cookies that a fan gave him, they looked tasty! I took about 7 videos of their set, they were that impressive to see live. This unfortunately left very little battery power for the Editors set, so I only got 1 full song and 2 parts of songs (under a minute) on video. This was okay, since I have the instore videos which are a little easier to watch. The Editors, as usual, put on an excellent performance. Lots of energy and the music was passionate and slightly dark. I enjoy watching this band perform, and this was my 3rd time seeing them - the first time being in January at Popscene.

Ladytron at Mezzanine on Friday night is the last show I need to mention, it was good, but I got annoyed by all the dancing people who got in the way while I was recording video. I ended up giving my brother the camera, but they noticed him holding it since he's tall so he gave it back to me to put away. Two fights almost broke out between people who were dancing a lot and probably getting in each other's ways. I was a little surprised and relieved that Ladytron had a shorter set, just over an hour and a half. Ladytron's albums are great, but seeing them live is a little disappointing. They are a little robotic in their performance, which I guess is to be expected. The Presets who opened the show were more exciting and more into their set than Ladytron, who are very good at looking cool and detached on stage. It's appropriate that there were quite a few drag queens in the audience, I didn't see them for the whole show - but they were definitely there before and after.

I'm So Sick of Models by the United States of Erica

This is a great video/song by the talented Erica Wexler, whose MySpace site The United States of Erica was a pleasant discovery through XTC fans on MySpace. Various websites weave the story of Andy Partridge's relationship with Erica - which is as his longtime girlfriend or wife. Some great XTC songs have been written about Erica, including "Another Satellite" during the Skylarking album... at the time, her relationship with Andy threatened his marriage to Marianne who he has 2 kids with and a bitter divorce after she left him for another man. "Your Dictionary" from the Apple Venus Vol. 1 album is about that divorce, and it's an angry song. "Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her, Kiss Her, Kiss Her" from The Big Express album was a song written about imaginary encounter with Erica and the song also inspired a Japanese band, which I've heard is pretty good. Sorry to go on and on about "celebrity gossip," but I find it very interesting. Erica seems like a real sweet heart from her messages, so I'm glad they ended up together. Andy produced the songs on Erica's MySpace site, which explains why they stick in your head like glue! The lyrics are witty and biting, which shows Erica has a way with words. Check out the video and the songs and let me know what you think!

another fun music quiz (from Kayley)

nothing else to do on a thursday night...

Put your music on random, read the question, press next, and answer the question with the song titile... (use the song even if it doesn't make sense)

1. What is missing from my life?
Snowball - Test Icicles

2. Will I find love?
Callbacks - We Are Scientists

3. Will I become rich?
Stop - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

4. Does someone have a crush on me?
Golden Lights - The Smiths

5. What is my favorite sexual position?
Busby Berkeley Dreams - The Magnetic Fields

6. Am I good looking?
Believe (Feat Kele Okereke) - The Chemical Brothers

7. What makes me the most happy?
Dead Wrong - Frausdots

8. What is my biggest regret?
Cello - Slowdive

13. How will I die?
The Lights Went Out - The Cribs

14. Do I act my age?
Ant Music - Adam & the Ants

15. What type of tattoo should I get?
C'mere - Interpol

16. What is my spirit animal?
Country Gentleman - Ambulance Ltd.

17. Do I like pain?
Everyday - The Raveonettes

18. Is there anyone else like me out there?
Until the Morning Comes - The Tindersticks

19. Do I love to party?
The Tide That Left And Never Came Back - The Veils

20. Where should I move to?
I Found the F - Broadcast

21. Am I still in the closet?
For the Widows in Paradise, For the - Sufjan Stevens

22. Will I ever be president?
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head - Manic Street Preachers

23. What is fun for me?
Red Right Hand - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

24. Will I ever learn to fly?
Sympathy - Goo Goo Dolls

25. What is my super power?
Shuffle Your Feet - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

26. What can I do to move on?
Somewhere In Texas - The Raveonettes

27. Is (s)he a good choice for me?
Firelight - Snow Patrol

28. Will I be happy in life?
Nowhere - Ride

29. What is the theme of my style?
Procession - New Order

30. What is the Meaning of life?
I Miss You - Bjork

B.R.M.C. @ The Fillmore 3/15/06

SETLIST:
Feel It Now
Fault Line
Restless Sinner
Shuffle Your Feet
Ain’t No Easy Way
Howl
White Palms
Stop
Six Barrel Shotgun
In Like the Rose
Weight of the World
Promise
Sympathetic Noose
Gospel Song
Shade Of Blue
Red Eyes and Tears
Spread Your Love
Punk Song

Devil’s Waitin’
Mercy
The Line
Heart + Soul
Open Invitation

The BRMC show at the Fillmore (3/15/06) was brilliant! It was the standard setlist with “Feel It Now” and “Mercy” mixed up with “Shade of Blue” – one of my favorite songs! It was great to see Jodi and Kimberly again, as well as Eric and Liam – our Berkeley friends. I first ran into Heidi at around 6 PM, we talked for like half an hour – I bought a Hershey’s bar with almonds for only 50 cents from some guy. Then, we went for some crepes from the Japantown Center – I had a tasty vanilla ice cream with Nutella! When we got back in line, Jodi, Kimberly, Eric, and Liam were all waiting together and introducing themselves.

When we got inside, we staked out our spots in the front and talked some more. Soon after, we found Jackie and Vietta – who is also Heidi’s friend. The left handed singer/guitarist of the Morning After Girls lit up some incense before their set. His pants were super tight over his thin but well-built frame. He really reminds me of Jason Pierce of Spiritualized because of his face and hair. The songs of MAG were excellent throughout – grooving and rocking at the same time. They never fail to please, especially that night. After they finished, that same Jason Pierce look a like gave Jodi a set list and the two still burning sticks of incense.

Elefant’s set was especially exciting because Diego chose Kimberly to focus on most of the time. First, he took her water bottle and drank a sip. Later, he took off his coat and gave it to her to hold. He took it back for the last song “Misfit.” Unfortunately, tonight there was no staring contest song despite Diego’s staring. The songs were actually pretty good: Sunlight, Bokkie, Uh Oh Hello, Black Magic Show, Lolita, Tonight Let’s Dance, Love, and Misfit.

That’s what I remember from the setlist Jodi got. Jodi and Kimberly were loudly making fun of Jeff from Elefant’s orange shirt and black vest combo before they played. Diego threw his water bottle and towel into the audience and often pointed at his band members when they played a solo. At the end of the night Kimberly really wanted to meet Diego and get their CD signed. Even though she didn’t, she still came out with Peter’s harmonica (in the key of A) and a gave him a hug!

Now for BRMC’s set, started with “Feel It Now” and “Restless Sinner” and went into cracking versions of “Shuffle Your Feet” and “Ain’t No Easy Way” – great songs to get people moving! The audience was much better than the GAMH show’s because no one heckled and it seemed less hipster-ish or maybe I didn’t notice them from the front of the stage. Some memorable moments include Peter during “White Palms” putting his foot out over Jodi. During “Heart and Soul,” Robert fell down on his knees right before he began singing the part about getting on his knees!

After “Heart and Soul,” Robert made up a totally new song which sounded like an old song or a cover of another song. He also added some lyrics to the end of “White Palms.” Robert came to the edge of the stage quite often and I saw noticeable smiles from Peter during some of Robert’s songs. After the show was even more exciting! We looked at the merch table for a long time – Ryan/Goldie the merch guy wasn’t at his usual post that night since the Fillmore had their own people.

Outside the venue, we waited and talked for quite awhile to see if any band members would show up. All we saw was Nick disappearing onto the bus, so Liam and Eric left. Jodi, Kimberly, and I decided to drop our BRMC posters from the venue in Jodi’s car, which was parked near Elefant’s bus. Kimberly knocked on the door to see if Diego was there, but there was no answer. So we went back to BRMC’s bus, and saw Peter on his cell phone. Alexander had called me as we were going back to the bus, so I was also on my phone.

When Peter got off his phone, Jodi and Kimberly went up to talk to him and get autographs. I noticed I had missed a call from Natasha’s brother Ivan so I called him back. When he gave the phone to Tash, Robert had also just walked out and was speaking with Jodi and Kimberly. I told Tash I was a little distracted because Robert and Peter were standing in front of me, so Robert took my phone and started asking Tash questions about who she was and said who he was. I’m not sure what they were talking about, but Robert said to say hi to Michele for him.

When Robert gave me back my phone, he said he’d return her to “the little one” – meaning me! Tash was slightly giddy from talking to Robert as I was from having him use my phone. We chatted some more and got some autographs and photos. I had Robert sign the Beggars DJ singles covers I brought and he drew all over his picture with the dreadlocks and wrote “things have changed.” He signed that one Robert Locke and the other Robert Been. He also signed my limited edition of HOWL and said it was the best thing they ever released.

Peter was looking for Robert after he left for the bus and as he was coming back to chat with us some more, he gave his harmonica to Kimberly which she gave him a hug for. He said that it’s in the key of A so she would need to play guitar in the key of E. As he was leaving, I got him to quickly sign my limited edition of HOWL next to his poem.

See more progress on: go see black rebel motorcycle club live

Just a quick drive by...

But I think that counts still, I saw the architecture of the building. I’m not too interested in seeing the interior. I can imagine that no one I’m interested performs there.

See more progress on: Walt Disney Concert Hall

It's pretty cool to podcast!

I haven’t made my own podcast, but downloading and listening to them is easy… there’s always good stuff out there to listen to from radio stations all over the world. So far, I’ve checked out Indie 103.1, KEXP, KCRW, and 94.9 FM in San Diego.

See more progress on: podcast

Robert Been of BRMC and me at the Fillmore 3/16/06

Robert Been of BRMC and me at the Fillmore 3/16/06
Originally uploaded by porcupiny.

This is just a quick post to a long night of fun, friends and great music! This photo of Robert is great because my last photo of him had both eyes closed. This time I asked him if his eyes were opened, and he told me one of them! Maybe some day I'll get both eyes!

B.R.M.C. @ Metro in Chicago 2-8-06

Restless Sinner
Ain’t No Easy Way
Shuffle Your Feet
Howl
Love Burns
Awake
In Like The Rose
Six Barrel Shotgun
Punk Song
Stop
Weight Of The World
Promise
Sympathetic Noose
Gospel
High / Low
Red Eyes And Tears
Spread Your Love

Mercy
The Line
Rifles
Heart + Soul

The Morning After Girls were good spacey droney psychedelic rock. Totally cool and they sounded a but like the Dandy Warhols and even a bit like Spiritualized. They played rocking and spaced out songs equally well.

Elefant were a bit of a one trick pony. All their songs sounded kind of the same. Diego, the singer, was funny because he seemed cocky scoping out the audience for cute girls. He was entertaining when he fell off the stage and made some guy sing. Then, near the end of their set, he held a girl in the front row’s hand for awhile. As attractive as he is, the way he went about strutting and kneeling on stage was quite silly. Still, it was entertaining!

B.R.M.C. were announced as a sold out show being broadcasted on a local radio station. The announcement made about the Grammys awarding the worst music was too true. The show began with just Peter playing “Restless Sinner” and later joined by Spike, Robert, and Nick. Peter had his hair slicked back, but still curly. The rest of the set flowed well with “Shuffle Your Feet” getting the audience to clap and sing along. “Ain’t No Easy Way” showed off Peter and Robert’s ever improving slide guitar playing and moved the crowd even more.

“Howl” slowed things down a bit with Robert’s emotive vocals and Peter’s falsetto chorus. “Love Burns” picked up the momentum again with more people recognizing the song. Highlights for me included “Awake,” “In Like The Rose,” and “Six Barrel Shotgun,” which were all amazing to see live. “Whatever Happened to My Rock n’ Roll?” was great as usual with Robert and Peter switching microphones and finishing on the opposite of their usual sides.

In between one song, Peter introduced his guitar tech Dave, who came out in a bear costume during the next song! This really made Robert smile more than Peter, who barely reacted to it. Next, Robert sang a block of songs “Stop,” “Weight of the World,” “Promise,” “Sympathetic Noose,” “Gospel Song,” and “High/Low,” which made me excited since I had never seen it done live before. I love the distortion that Peter does with his guitar and Robert’s vocals on that song.

“Red Eyes and Tears” is always a treat to hear and “Spread Your Love” was great despite a false start. For the encore, Robert came out alone and announced that Peter wasn’t feeling well and proceeded to play “Mercy” on Peter’s acoustic guitar. It was a beautiful version of the song. They ended the show with “The Line” which Robert had to restart after forgetting some lyrics, “Rifles” which is always a crowd pleaser, and “Heart and Soul” which was a cool as I thought it would be to see and ended in plenty of noise and distortion.

After the show, Elefant had a pizza and beer after party/DJ set. I met Michael Been who recognized me from the Tour Archive! He was nice and told me about how he grew up in Chicago. After that, I spoke briefly with Robert not getting my camera into the show despite it being somewhat crappy. Outside the venue, Robert got into a snowball fight with the Morning After Girls. That was pretty funny!

See more progress on: The Metro