setlist – Page 36 – Spinning Platters

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”

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”

Show Review: Jay Brannan at Bottom of the Hill, 7/25/09

Witness the death of Jay Brannan's kashaka during his a capella version of Blowin' In The Wind

Jay Brannan has the kind of voice you dream of at night. Silky smooth and beautiful. My first voice teacher used to prod me to imagine a string, and while singing you’re slowly pulling the string out of your throat in this smooth never ending line. That’s what Jay Brannan sounds like, that elusive smooth perfect voice flowing on and on into the night. He backs that voice of his up with some great songs, good guitar playing, hilarious stage banter and a whole lot of hotness.

Continue reading “Show Review: Jay Brannan at Bottom of the Hill, 7/25/09”

Show Review: Elbow at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, 7/22/09

Guy Garvey and the Mirrorball about which he may be singing.

Last night, I finally visited The Wiltern in Los Angeles to see my current favorite band, Elbow. [Editor’s note: expect lots of fanboy gushing.] They’re in the U.S. supporting Coldplay, and they added three headline dates. Since none of their shows–the support or headline ones–are coming up to the Bay Area, I decided that I would fly down for the show as well as take the opportunity to visit with some of my Southland friends and drop in on Disneyland, too. Travelling for a show automatically raises the stakes and makes it harder to live up to expectations. So how did this night go? Continue reading “Show Review: Elbow at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, 7/22/09”

Show Review: No Doubt, Paramore and The Sounds at Concord Pavillion, 7/21/09

Our group pulls back the curtain on the No Doubt show. Thanks to Flickr user Eytonz for the photo.

About two weeks ago, I sent out an invite to a select group of friends reminding them that the No Doubt concert we kept saying we were going to see was coming up, and it’s time to decide if we’re really going or not. We ended up with a group of seven, including four founders of Spinning Platters. But since all of us who went are music nerds in one way or another, I asked everyone there to write a brief recap of the show to post as a giant group review. Of course this limited the post-show conversation because everyone was saving their best nuggets for the blog (we hope). This is our first time trying this, so please let me know what you think about it in the comments.

And now, on to our first review. Continue reading “Show Review: No Doubt, Paramore and The Sounds at Concord Pavillion, 7/21/09”

Show Review: Tori Amos at the Paramount Theatre, 7/13/09

What was Tori's surprise? Read on. (Thanks to Jon for the setlist photo.)

I’m not going to sugar coat this, because there really isn’t much that could have been sweeter than this adventure, which was entirely one of the most awesome experiences I’ve ever had, concert or otherwise.

Oh, where to begin… Continue reading “Show Review: Tori Amos at the Paramount Theatre, 7/13/09”

Show Review: Ozomatli at the Alameda County Fair, 7/16/09

I’ve never been to a county fair before, and people are always making fun of the bands that play there for being on “the fair circuit.” I always thought that was a bad rap because the bands that are on this circuit are getting paid well and gigging regularly at fairs all across this great land of ours. When I heard that Ozomatli were playing at the Alameda County Fair, I knew I’d be popping my county fair cherry because I love Ozomatli, especially outdoors. So I made my way out to the fairgrounds to eat a fried Twinkie, look at barnyard animals, shop for bootleg merchandise, and see Ozomatli. Continue reading “Show Review: Ozomatli at the Alameda County Fair, 7/16/09”

Show Review: Wilco and Okkervil River at The Greek Theater in Berkeley, 6/27/09

Wilco played the Greek Theater in Berkeley on June 27th, 2009. Somebody fainted. People wore tie-dye.

I’ve seen a lot of bands in my day. I’ve seen a lot of very famous people, and I have been very close to them. I often think that I am immune to the surprise of seeing someone in the flesh that I primarily know from pictures, but Jeff Tweedy is one of those frontpersons that has such a unique charisma, that I my heart skips a beat whenever I see him. Continue reading “Show Review: Wilco and Okkervil River at The Greek Theater in Berkeley, 6/27/09”