Posts by Shawn Donohue

Besides the witty title this has nothing to do with David Bowie but a lot to do with another White Duke: Trent Reznor.  The Nine Inch Nails guru tapped Saul Williams to open for him and the two hit it off with Reznor producing and contributing most of music and arraignments to this effort.

The influences are obvious with the Killer B’s: The Beatles, The Band, The Beach Boys, and these boys fit perfectly in the midst of the current indie-hippy revival alongside Dr. Dog, Cold War Kids, Hymns and a host of others.

Decorating the stage with huge potted plants and flower garlands around the microphones, Dr. Dog created an overgrown garden on stage, adding to the already down-home-vibe of the music, this theatrical setting transported the audience to a remote forest glade for the performance.

Yeah, THAT Body Count. In what was a surprising night all around, the controversial metal band from 1992 is still kicking ass, believe me they were tighter then I could have ever imagined but before we get to them we need to talk about the under card this night.

A big batch of the Boognish invaded Brooklyn early Friday night as the brothers Ween “Dr. Rock”ed the hell out of McCarren Pool. The gargantuan 33-song, 4-hour set may have been the highlight of the last concert series in McCarren Pool, which has proved one of the most unique and satisfying NYC summer venues in recent years.

Delta Spirit's headlining set might have been a bit too much time for these lads to fill as the high points were exhilarating, but a tighter, trimmer set would eliminate the all-too-present downtime.  

Natalie Walker’s second solo release, With You, continues in the Electronica/Pop realm trying to capitalize on early success of her last albums single “Quicksand” which Sofia Coppola used in a trailer for Marie Antoinette. 

It was an interesting night of music at the Knitting Factory in NYC on this Saturday night. Upstairs there raged the hardcore punk of Step 2 Far, while the Tap Room sported a sold-out hip-hop/funk show.

“Why Go” home indeed when your second home is the world’s most famous arena. 

Petty mentioned early on that “This may be the best room for rock and roll on the planet,” and he was speaking the truth, as The Heartbreakers moved from the heavy metal-ish finish in “Don’t Come Around Here No More” seamlessly into the punk sneer of “Refugee” before closing the whole shebang with the sing along classic of “American Girl.” Make it last all night.

The oppressive heat has smothered the East Coast turning New York City sidewalks into frying pans.  So on Tuesday night some singer songwriters and minimally-dressed fans tried to cool off in the dark Bowery Ballroom.  It worked. The relaxed tones and minimalist presentation broke the heat and soothed the ears.

It is hard to get this review started without shouting from the written rooftop that The Raconteurs just may be the most exciting live rock and roll act playing today…so I will just come out and admit it – they are. 

The Black Keys (Dan Auerbach,Patrick Carney) brought their no-frills blues rock straight from Akron, Ohio to the big city last night, packing a gorgeous venue on the west side with six string blasts and kick drum bombs.

Authentic. It is a word that singer-songwriters either are naturally or strive toward their whole life, AA Bondy has it. His album American Hearts garnered some buzz at the end of 2007, but is being re-released on Fat Possum Records now with hopes of gaining the wider audience that these songs deserve.

There were no boots on the piano, and his time on stage was about 40 minutes, but the final run of “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lot of Shaking Going On” is what everyone came to see and The Killer delivered, requesting the ladies shake it for him and letting them know, even if he was old, he can still give it to them.

When Broken Boy Soldiers was released, the hype surrounding Jack White’s first venture into a side project was massive, yet there has been almost no advance hype surrounding Consolers of the Lonely, the Raconteurs’ second release (sent to Press and Public at the same time and day) and I am sure they couldn’t be happier with the silence.

or those fans who loved Dr. Dog’s throwback sound, with last years We All Belong, this years retro-style-indie-rock-almost-hippie release from the Hymns, Travel in Herds will be a warm sunbeam fighting back a cruel winter.   There’s a down home vibe to the tunes contained on Travel in Herds and it stems straight out of seventies folk-rock.

At the Zombieville VIII party at the Knitting Factory, a variety of styles and acts were on display, but the talented up and coming musicians owned the spotlight.  Hymns, were a delicious throwback to 70’s country-rock and blues. 

A gorgeous 77-year old palace of a theater and 62-year old enigmatic rocker combined forces Sunday night, churning out a 25-song set that showcased the majesty both still emanate. 

Fort Nightly, the White Rabbits first full length album, keeps popping up on the endless stream of “Best of 2007” lists and it is fairly easy to see why, particularly with the genre-hopping sound and stout song writing.  This six piece (Keys, bass, 2 guitars, 2 drummers) have been earning rave reviews around the country with their energetic live show. Tonight they headlined a bill in their adopted home town of NYC.