Spinning Platters – Page 327 – Reviews of albums, films, concerts, and more from the Bay Area Music and Movie Nerds

Spinning Platters Picks Six: Bands That Seem Likely To Headline Outside Lands

6 likely candidates to cover for the Beasties at Outside Lands

(Update: Another Planet announced today that Tenacious D are going to be replacing The Beastie Boys… Odd choice, and one that I never would have expected…)

So, it seems that the good people at Another Planet are taking their time with revealing who will take over the headlining slot for the Beastie Boys. I’d like to take the time tell you which six acts are likely to take it over. This isn’t a wish list, this is a well researched list of acts that are popular enough to headline a large outdoor festival, that are currently active, are available August 30th, and do not have any other shows in the Bay Area within 3 months before and after the show. Continue reading “Spinning Platters Picks Six: Bands That Seem Likely To Headline Outside Lands”

Show Review: Sonic Youth, Awesome Color at The Fox Theater, 8/2/09

Sonic Youth released their first record in 1982. Since then, they have averaged a new release every year and a half or so. (15 full length releases, in case you are keeping track.) This doesn’t include eps, singles, benefit compilation tracks, soundtrack work, side projects, parenting, eating, sleeping, or other such things that take up time. And, arguably, none of them have been “bad.” Sure, you might not have listened to Murray Street in a few years, but it’s still a good record. They are without peer in terms of longevity and consistency. They have a live presence that has always been a force to be reckoned with. The youngest member of the band is 47, but they still play like they are in their early 20’s.

Continue reading “Show Review: Sonic Youth, Awesome Color at The Fox Theater, 8/2/09”

Album Review: Arctic Monkeys – Humbug

Why are the Arctic Monkeys quoting Dickens?

Arctic Monkeys – Humbug

Retail Release Date: August 25th, 2009

Leaky Faucet Acquisition Date: July 30th, 2009

The negative of listening to an early leaked version of an album is the possibility of subpar sound quality. I really hope that this is what’s going on with the new Arctic Monkeys album Humbug and not that this is the way they meant it to sound. Continue reading “Album Review: Arctic Monkeys — Humbug”

Album Review: The Sounds – Crossing The Rubicon

This horse is trying to get your attention

What do you get if you take a sampling of the Scandinavian delights of Abba and the rock-based Backyard Babies or Hellacopters ? Add in some Max Martin style production and maybe even some A-Ha and you have The Sounds new album, Crossing The Rubicon.

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Spinning Platters Podcast – Episode 2 (The Co-Pilot)

Episode 2 of the Spinning Platters podcast has us finding our way into a regular format. Join us this episode to hear us talk about:

The Skankin’ Pickle
The Dismemberment Plan
Wanderlust Music Festival
Crabcore
Merce Cunningham (1919-2009)

Continue reading “Spinning Platters Podcast — Episode 2 (The Co-Pilot)”

Wanderlust Festival Diary: The Photos

Jenny Lewis as seen without a photo pass

I took quite a few photos at Wanderlust Festival: nearly 500 of them. Since I didn’t have any sort of media credential, you’re not going to see any amazing closeups of performers’ nostrils, but my handy pocket camera does a pretty good job of it. I’ve selected 19 of my favorites, showing every musical act I saw over the weekend and more. If you were there, I hope these act as a nice reminder of a wonderful weekend; if you weren’t, I hope it will inspire you to go next year. Feel free to share these photos around. Please just tell everyone where you found them! Now, on to the photo gallery. Continue reading “Wanderlust Festival Diary: The Photos”

Show Review: Jarvis Cocker at The Fillmore, 7/28/09

The sun shines for Jarvis Cocker and his magical air guitar

Jarvis Cocker struts on stage like the king of brit pop he is. Unlike most musicians/celebrities he is even larger in life than in pictures. His charisma is almost earth shattering and after about 20 years of performing he really knows how to work the crowd. His speeches between songs are hilarious and insightful. He makes it feel really personal, like he’s just talking to you whilst he is running around the stage posing and using the microphone in wonderfully phallic ways. Before the song “Leftovers” he proclaims “The Iguanodon is not aroused” as he swings the microphone limply. This was just the beginning of an evening full of quotes and great memories. Continue reading “Show Review: Jarvis Cocker at The Fillmore, 7/28/09”

Wanderlust Festival Diary: Part Three

If you look right above that dome, you can see the lake.

Sunday at the Wanderlust felt like one long, sad goodbye. The whole drive home to Oakland was hanging over my head the whole day. Can’t drink. Can’t party too hard. Must drink enough water so that I feel good enough to make the drive. Have to leave early enough to get home for work. All of these things can really bring a guy down as he heads up the funitel to another sun-soaked day of music. How long could this feeling last? Continue reading “Wanderlust Festival Diary: Part Three”

Show Review: Mika Miko, Judgement Day, Audacity, Mammoth Exploration Society at Nickel City, 7/27/09

Mika Miko prefer the red phone to Le Ballon rouge — Mika Miko prefer the red phone to Le Ballon Rouge

It’s not every day that I get a new favorite band, and that’s a good thing. I already own 160 T-shirts and four tote bags. I don’t need any more. But yesterday I did get a new favorite band, and it caused me to watch an entire set, something that never happens at Nickel City, where the siren song of Beatmania, World Stadium ’92 and Puzzle Fighter are too strong to ignore.

Continue reading “Show Review: Mika Miko, Judgement Day, Audacity, Mammoth Exploration Society at Nickel City, 7/27/09”