Show Review: Underworld at The Fox Oakland 8/7/09

thanks to ario_j for providing this photo from Flickr.
thanks to ario_j for providing this photo from Flickr.

Underworld formed in 1986, yet are often considered part of the mid-90’s electronica craze that also included acts like Fatboy Slim, Chemical Brothers, and Crystal Method, among others.  I’ve always felt  that this was a bit of an unfair distinction, only because they are a bit different from the rest. (No disrespect to any of the aforementioned acts, they are all respectable within their own genres.) I feel that they are a pop group that incorporates elements of house, trance and industrial music.  They also pay much closer regard to lyrics, oftentimes telling complete stories within their songs. Continue reading “Show Review: Underworld at The Fox Oakland 8/7/09”

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

The ever-so-youthful sonic band.
The ever-so-youthful sonic band.

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”

TV On The Radio w/The Dirty Projectors at The Fox Oakland, 5/22/09

news-tv_on_the_radio
Not everyone finds the same thing funny...

The old story is that whenever The Velvet Underground came to town, everyone at the show started a band.  On the contrary, whenever TV On The Radio come to town, everyone gives up.  Few bands seem to set the bar as high as these gentlemen from New York.

Continue reading “TV On The Radio w/The Dirty Projectors at The Fox Oakland, 5/22/09”