Show Review: Monsters of Accordion Featuring Jason Webley at Slim’s, 12/18/2010

Jason Webley holds a pear over his head. If you're a fan, this makes sense.

At Slim’s Saturday night was the San Francisco stop of the 5th Annual Monsters of Accordion tour. For me, it was my first annual. For although I’ve never been to one of these shows before, I am absolutely sure to go again. This was a fun night with a lively crowd, and something I intend to repeat soon. Very soon, in fact, for there is a secret additional Monsters of Accordion show this Tuesday night in Oakland. Want to know where? Better read on … Continue reading “Show Review: Monsters of Accordion Featuring Jason Webley at Slim’s, 12/18/2010”

Album Review (with bonus movie talk): Daft Punk – TRON: Legacy Original Soundtrack

I’m a fan of the original 1982 movie TRON, even though I’m aware it’s kinda crappy. So I’ve been following the TRON: Legacy hype pretty closely for the last few years. And when I was sent Daft Punk’s TRON: Legacy Original Soundtrack for review, I immediately emailed our lead film reviewer, Jason LeRoy, and called dibs when he got his tickets for a preview screening. Then I began listening to Daft Punk’s film score to get myself psyched. And it worked. I was psyched. Continue reading “Album Review (with bonus movie talk): Daft Punk — TRON: Legacy Original Soundtrack”

Film Review: “The Fighter”

Christian Bale, Melissa Leo, and Mark Wahlberg in THE FIGHTER. Photo by Jojo Whilden – © 2010 Fighter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Jack McGee

directed by: David O. Russell

MPAA: Rated R for language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality.

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Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 12/16/10-12/22/10

Twas the week before Christmas, and all throughout the Bay Area clubs, things are looking a bit sleepy. But, fear not! Because there is something high quality in the cards every night for the next 7 days, including a few rare performances by legends!

Continue reading “Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 12/16/10-12/22/10”

Exclusive Deets on the John Colins Live Music Showcase

Tomorrow night (December 14th), at the newly-renovated John Colins in downtown San Francisco, DIG is hosting a one-time private event with a guest appearance from a major recording artist whose music has been featured on Jay Leno, the OC, Charmed, and Grey’s Anatomy – just to name a few. A reliable, anonymous tipster (yes, I actually have those believe it or not) has given me the details on who the surprise artist is. Read on to find out…

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Show Review: Dandy Warhols at the Regency Ballroom 12/11/10

When thinking about the place of the Dandy Warhols at this point in their career, in their genre, it’s hard not to think about the Brian Jonestown Massacre (an unoriginal thought considering the bands were contrasted in the rockumentary “Dig!”). BJM was another talented psych-rock 90’s band with a tendency to go far out and meander into extended riffs. Actually, the Dandys brought this history up all on their own when they called out in the audience to see if “Joel from Brian Jonestown” was around. Continue reading “Show Review: Dandy Warhols at the Regency Ballroom 12/11/10”

Show Review: MNDR at 330 Ritch – Popscene, 12/09/10

As our photographer was moved to dancing up a storm, enjoy this official publicity photo!

I don’t know what’s happened to Popscene over the years.   When I was in my early and mid-20s, it was pretty much just a dance club.  Then every once in a while, a really awesome band would come play.  It was a fabulous treat, but really, it was still a dance club with lots of dancing before and after the band played (if there was one that night).  Moved away to LA, moved back, basically fast forward to a world where I’m now 31 and haven’t been going out dancing as much.  But I have been coming for shows every once in awhile.  But maybe that’s what happened, more and more relevant bands have been playing this venue, so its turned more into a place for great late night shows than it is a place for dancing.  Because there was sure no dancing going on this past Thursday night, well besides me with my recovering foot dancing almost by myself, when all the young kiddies were being lame and hanging out by the walls. Continue reading “Show Review: MNDR at 330 Ritch — Popscene, 12/09/10”

Show Review: The I Am Donald tour with Donald Glover and Childish Gambino at Slim’s 12/11/10

Donald Glover and band (my apologies for the iPhone photo)

Home from the first ever I Am Donald Tour I find myself, though my ears are ringing and my feet are aching, sitting here smiling as I write this.  Although the evening was based around one person it was one of the most entertaining and well rounded performances I’ve ever seen.  Maybe it is because Mr Donald Glover is such and entertaining and well rounded guy.  He wrote for 30 Rock before he was 25 (as attested to in “Let Me Dope You”), does stand up, stars on NBC’s Community and raps under the name Childish Gambino.  The most impressive part being that he does all these things well and with all his heart.  There was never really a chance that this wouldn’t be an amazing show. Continue reading “Show Review: The I Am Donald tour with Donald Glover and Childish Gambino at Slim’s 12/11/10”

Show Review: Live 105 Not So Silent Night with Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, Phoenix, The Black Keys and Broken Bells at HP Pavillion 12/10/10

My Chemical Romance poses for the cameras

Not So Silent Night really lived up to its name this year.  It was loud and booming in the half empty HP Pavillion in San Jose.  Unfortunately this made for some pretty bad sound, especially from the back of the room.  Why it was so empty I have no idea as the line up of Broken Bells, The Black Keys, Phoenix and My Chemical Romance seemed like they could draw a crowd (yes I’m leaving Smashing Pumpkins out on purpose).  Or was this a case of just too many disparate bands? Continue reading “Show Review: Live 105 Not So Silent Night with Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, Phoenix, The Black Keys and Broken Bells at HP Pavillion 12/10/10”