Show Review: Little Boots, Dragonette and Class Actress at The Fillmore, 3/9/10

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Casting another glance at the sound guy? (Photos of Little Boots by David Price.)

At 6:00, I was crowded into the country section at Amoeba waiting to watch Little Boots perform a short in-store at Amoeba. She played four songs there, all solo, sang them beautifully (including a Kate Bush cover), and then proceeded to sign copies of her album as I made my over to The Fillmore to see her full band set. Little did I know that only hours later, I’d be trying to defend her to people, for The Fillmore show was not a good night for Little Boots. All was not lost, though, as there was definitely one band worth seeing. Continue reading “Show Review: Little Boots, Dragonette and Class Actress at The Fillmore, 3/9/10”

Album Review: Pavement – Quarantine the Past: The Best of Pavement

I was on a date once, and the date seemed to be going pretty well. We went back to her place and I started flipping through her records. There were a lot of Pavement albums, and I commented on how much she likes Pavement.

“Oh, I used to play bass in a Pavement cover band. They’re my favorite band! You like Pavement?” I never saw this girl again. I don’t like Pavement. Continue reading “Album Review: Pavement — Quarantine the Past: The Best of Pavement”

Tegan and Sara at Amoeba Music, Berkeley, 3/4/10

Tegan talks. Sara smiles.

There are some acts that treat their in-stores like a chore, going into a store in some city somewhere, and then mail it in. Tegan and Sara is definitely not one of those acts. In my opinion, they perform better at record stores than they do on stage in front of a couple thousand people (where you can see them tomorrow night). They’re relaxed and personable, do lots of comedy bits, and interact with their fans. It’s a joy to watch. And because the material they’re playing is strong, it’s a pleasure to attend. Continue reading “Tegan and Sara at Amoeba Music, Berkeley, 3/4/10”

Spinning Platters Podcast: Episode 18 – Too Late For Goodbyes

This man provides the soundtrack for a discussion on being "edgy."

On episode 18 of the Spinning Platters Podcast, we welcome Carlos Rodela of All of Us Are Famous to discuss Noise Pop, the best way for bands to sell music, our own history in bands, and various other topics. You can subscribe to the podcast by pushing the giant button to your left, or you can listen below. Continue reading “Spinning Platters Podcast: Episode 18 — Too Late For Goodbyes”

New Release Round Up 3/2/10 – 39 Instant Album Reviews

Connect these dots and you get my album pick of the week.

Pouria is taking a week off with the Noise Pop flu. I think he went out one too many nights, so I’m covering for him again. My personal favorites this week are things with exclamation points, so look for those within. Also, a southern rock concept album starring Stephen King. Really. Continue reading “New Release Round Up 3/2/10 — 39 Instant Album Reviews”

Noise Pop Show Review: Dizzy Balloon, The Hounds Below, Visqueen and Laarks at Bottom of the Hill, 2/28/10

I forgot my camera at home, so instead you get this reference to Bottom of the Hill Sundays of the past.

The annual Sunday day show at Bottom of the Hill is an odd little affair. The sunlight coming through the window feels jarring, for sure, but what was odd about this year’s version was the crowd. This was an all-ages show featuring a headliner made up of young boys playing sunny rock, and that brought a crowd of admiring teenage girls to the venue. Mix them with the usual Sunday afternoon crowd of hungover aging hipsters Noise Pop veterans, and what do you get?
Continue reading “Noise Pop Show Review: Dizzy Balloon, The Hounds Below, Visqueen and Laarks at Bottom of the Hill, 2/28/10”

Noise Pop Show Review: Rogue Wave at Bottom of the Hill, 2/24/10

Ain't no party like a Rogue Wave party!

When a Rogue Wave show ends with a couple dozen people dancing on the Bottom of the Hill stage, you know a sea change has happened in the band. The press materials for the new album Permalight go into a lot of detail about this, but nothing in the press materials could prepare you for the new sounds coming out of the band: a little bit of dance (backing tracks?), a lot more volume, and some spirited takes on some old friends. Continue reading “Noise Pop Show Review: Rogue Wave at Bottom of the Hill, 2/24/10”

Spinning Platters Picks Some Noise Pop 2010 Shows

This one man will begin a great week of music

It’s here! Noise Pop 2010 starts today with two excellent shows, and your first opportunity to show-hop. Start at Bender’s Bar for the happy  hour with Har Mar Superstar, and then cross the bridge (or better yet, take BART) to the Fox Oakland to see Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band. Many of your favorite Spinning Platters writers will be there. But then what? You’ve got a whole week of shows, and you’re not sure what to see?

How did we decide? It was simple. If one of our writers requested to cover a show, we’ve included it. Where is our staff hoping to see all of you? Read on to find out. Continue reading “Spinning Platters Picks Some Noise Pop 2010 Shows”

Spinning Platters Podcast – Episode 17: Noise Pop 2010

Best Week Ever?

On the newest episode of the Spinning Platters Podcast, we welcome Dawson Ludwig from Noise Pop to talk about the upcoming 2010 Noise Pop Festival. Join us as we discuss our highlights of the festival, wonder about the history of the festival, talk about what we’ve been listening to, and go off in a million different directions. You can subscribe by clicking the giant button to the left, or listen below. Continue reading “Spinning Platters Podcast — Episode 17: Noise Pop 2010”

2010 Fauxchella Lineup Announced!

Don't look like this guy. Enjoy Fauxchella instead!

Sure, you can reload Consequence of Sound three hundred times and find out the lineup for the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. Then you could pay hundreds of dollars for a ticket, drive down there, find a hotel, deal with traffic, the heat, and worst off, end up wearing an umbrella hat.

You could also enjoy Fauxchella. What’s that? Continue reading “2010 Fauxchella Lineup Announced!”