Show Review: The Appleseed Cast at Bottom Of The Hill, 3/6/10

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In 2001, Kansas’ The Appleseed Cast made the leap from being a well-regarded emo rock group to something not on any charts.

The band released an ambitious precedentless work: Low Level Owl, Volume 1 & 2.

The songs of the Low Level Owl project mostly flow into one another without break, changing tempos and beats mid-stream. Some songs have choruses, some don’t. Some have singing, most don’t. Musical facets or patterns repeat and shimmer like dust devils dancing through the summer air. This aural sum flitted free of convention so thoroughly that it couldn’t well be called “emo” rock. What does it sound like? Intricate chiming melodic rock that fords forward without map yet with purpose. It sounds matter-of-factly majestic without trying to be majestic — like a hawk cutting a turn through an updraft. Continue reading “Show Review: The Appleseed Cast at Bottom Of The Hill, 3/6/10”

Show Review: Tegan and Sara with Holly Miranda at The Fox Theater, 3/5/10

Photo by Jared Hanson

A Tegan and Sara show is pretty much a sure thing. The Canadian pop-punk-folk duo’s songs are so tightly and energetically structured, so immediately accessible and entertaining, that a good time is basically guaranteed. Tegan Quin + Sara Quin + fans = party time. And at last night’s sold-out show in Oakland, that was certainly true. The Quins’ formula is so airtight that even if the girls seem bored (which they did), or if belligerent fans nearly bring the show to a halt with their bullshit (which they did), everyone will still hop and dance themselves crazy.

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Show Review: Marianne Faithfull at Yoshi’s Oakland, 3/4/10

Marianne Faithfull and her lyric book at Yoshi's Oakland. Photo by D. Ross Cameron.

Marianne Faithfull is my absolute favorite singer of all time. I should just admit that right now. This review is not by an apathetic novice or a casual fan of some familiarity with Marianne and her material. This review is by a certifiable megafan who sat in his booth and scarily mouthed the words to every single song throughout the evening, audibly gasping whenever she played a song I hadn’t heard live before. Despite my immense fandom, this was only my second time seeing her in concert. The first time nearly killed me. So, how did show #2 stack up?

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Show Review: Kid Sister with Honor Roll at The New Parish, 2/28/10

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The bright lights shine on Kid Sister

The New Parish is such a new venue that this is the first time Spinning Platters have reviewed a show here. It shows, in that the paint isn’t all chipped, the upholstery is not ripped and the walls have not absorbed that smokey stench yet. The New Parish’s youth is also evident in their promoting, or lack there of. Tonight’s show has a draw of not more than 50 people. What did those 50 people see? Continue reading “Show Review: Kid Sister with Honor Roll at The New Parish, 2/28/10”

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”

Album Review: Ellie Goulding – Lights

Ellie Goulding is the hottest new artist in the UK. Championed by Florence and The Machine, she won the BBC Sound of 2010 award along with the 2010 Brits Critic Choice Award which is given to the artist expected to breakthrough in 2010.  She was born in Hereford England, about 10 miles from where I was born, though admittedly it was almost 20 years later.  So should we believe the hype on her debut album Lights, which is out in the UK now and will be released in the US on March 16th? Continue reading “Album Review: Ellie Goulding — Lights”

Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 3/3/10-3/9/10

Appearing at Bottom Of The Hill this weekend. Also opening for Vampire Weekend next month. This dude is pretty hip.

Kind of exciting… SXSW Music starts in only two weeks, which means that a whole lot of great bands are starting to tour. Expected hippest of the uber-hyped to be coming around these parts. Here’s the very beginning of it: Continue reading “Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 3/3/10-3/9/10”

Noise Pop Show Review: Wallpaper, The Limousines and Butterfly Bones at Slim’s, 2/26/10

Everybody wants to party with Ricky Reed

The Limousines

The Limousines were already on stage when I walked in a bit late.  The first thought that popped into my head was “this is going to be boring, because the music was very bland.”  First impressions though are a dangerous thing because they are often way off the mark.  After less than a minute, when the song changed and the beat started resonating with my heart beat, I started swinging my hips a little bit.  The crowd was very much loving The Limousines.  I can’t say the drunk energy was infections, rather it made me a bit envious that I wasn’t as drunk as everyone else; because maybe I would have enjoyed them more.  By the end of their set there was still a little blah quality that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.  At one point I thought it was either the singer’s voice or the lyrics.  And since I didn’t particularly dislike the singer’s voice, I guess by default that means the lyrics were what I didn’t like.  I felt that there wasn’t anything being said in the lyrics of the songs, as if a bunch of random words were strung together; nor was there any obvious difference from one song to the next.
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