Shane Handler

The Decemberists 4/24/2005: Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT

Shane Handler May 31, 2005 No Comments

Although they sport a somber name, The Decemberists could be mistaken for taking themselves too seriously. Their show in support of their latest album Picaresque, at Higher Ground was certainly far from a frowner and had you thinking May. Although the band only has three official albums out, the crowd knew word by word the material and was seen singing triumphantly to lead singer Colin Meloy

DIG!: Directed by Ondi Timoner

Shane Handler May 27, 2005 No Comments

In each of their larvae stages of the late 90

Mercury Rev: The Secret Migration

Shane Handler May 26, 2005 No Comments

Sure, Mercury Rev shares the same hot shot producer of The Flaming Lips,
on The Secret Migration. Sure, lead singer Jonathan Donahue was even once a roadie for the Flaming Lips. And sure, Donahue even sings in the same childish wonder of Wayne Coyne, while narrating like Bob Ross, with words of “swirling clouds” and “green forests.” But does that mean that Mercury Rev is a Flaming Lips clone? No way.

Rilo Kiley 4/21/2005: Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT

Shane Handler May 24, 2005 No Comments

Contrary to their album title, More Adventurous, Rilo Kiley’s performance was played straight, in true to album form for the sparse Saturday night crowd. Perhaps, a low key warm-up before opening for Coldplay on their national tour.

Gorillaz: Demon Days

Shane Handler May 23, 2005 No Comments

Damon Albarn calls Demon Daysa darker album than its predecessor, although it

Trey Anastasio 4/14/2005: Hammerstein Ballroom, NY, NY

Shane Handler May 19, 2005 No Comments

Trey Anastasio, Trey Band, 70 Volt Parade, whatever you want to call it, it’s his signature style of groove/guitar rock again, just with a new supporting cast.

Nine Inch Nails: With Teeth

Shane Handler May 18, 2005 No Comments

With Teeth, the first album in six years from Nine Inch Nails, proves the band name still carries weight. Trent Reznor

Doves: Some Cities

Shane Handler May 16, 2005 No Comments

Some Cities holds an obvious departure from their prior two epic releases, as the eleven songs feature more live arrangements verse the overdub experiments of Doves past. Songs rooted in soul that haven’t been presented in Doves studio efforts illustrate a ray of country sun over their gray Manchester landscape.

Fischerspooner : Odyssey

Shane Handler May 13, 2005 No Comments

Somewhere between The Chemical Brothers and the Pet Shop Boys, Fischerspooner interweave themselves within the Williamsburg art scene with robotic art-pop and ironic techno-melodrama.

Louis XIV: The Best Little Secrets Are Kept

Shane Handler May 13, 2005 No Comments

Can you imagine Louis XIV going on tour with Ween? That would be as politically incorrect a duo as Larry The Cable Guy and Al Franken. On their new CD, The Best Little Secrets Are Kept, Louis XIV is more sexed up than Howard Stern interviewing Jenna Jameson at the Adult Video Awards.