Show Reviews

Stuart made an intimate show even more intimate.

The day after the release of Mountain Tracks Volume 4, the fourth release of their live series from independent label Frog Pad Records Yonder Mountain String Band performed at the historic Tampa Theatre, with opening act Tony Furtado.

The band seemed to have a decent stage presence and the tracks on their debut album are played in a punchy Franz Ferdinand style that should translate live, but I guess we will have to wait for another show to find out for sure.

Seattle’s Rocky Votolato is an old voice for a young crowd. Opening for Bob Mould last week, Votolato inherited an audience arguably present to see an icon, and took them on a ride of his own making. With a soulfully evocative voice, Votolato and his über-competent backing trio led the audience down the musical back roads of what sounded like the American southwest, with a touch of Nashville and hint of Austin thrown in for good measure.

Cake took over the House of Blues with a show so exothermic it thawed through the harsh conditions and truly brightened up the faces and hearts of all in attendance.

It wouldn’t be fair to compare my first Sigur Ros concert experience with the one I had last week. You see, in 2004 I witnessed one of my favorite live concert experiences in Louisville at the Brown Theatre when Sigur Ros was on their first American tour. Being exposed to the band and their unique stage show was amazing. So, heading into Thursday nights show at the Taft Theatre, I naturally had high expectations. However, my expectations were that I would not be able to duplicate my initial experience.

As David Lowery sang with a maniacal glint in his eye about the problems of his youth, what pissed him off then and what pisses him off now, you remembered how you stood up and shook your fist in agreement when you were seventeen. Once again at the 8 x 10 club, you couldn't help by finding yourself shaking your fist in agreement to Camper Van Beethoven.

2 feet of snow? Check. 50 Mile an Hour wind guests? Affirmative. Sounds like a perfect night for rawking on out on the Lower Eastside of Manhattan Isle. The blizzard conditions did nothing to keep the crowd away though as a variety of fans infiltrated the Mercury Lounge to hear an eclectic offering of sound.

The perfect fit for a feel-good return of one of the most impressive bands of the last decade

With undeniable talent, hot picking and multiple genre bending, The Waybacks are on the verge of breaking the line of question mark to exclamation point. The Mill Valley, CA based five-piece was recently named as Bob Weir's backing band for two April performances – not a bad twist of fate for these middle aged up-and-comers.

From the dark and dirty to the mellow and mild, the band portrayed a multidimensional, multifaceted collective that can take their sound in whichever direction they feel.

As Jay Farrar's nasally drone filled the smoke-heavy air of Newby's, the crowd swayed along, nodding with approval.

The absolute highlight of this night from either band was the monstrous Pink Floyd masterpiece of "Echoes" that closed the set.

Unadventurous and uncharacteristically lacking in stage presence, MTB was completely inoffensive – and thus, fairly forgettable.

The best thing about Of Montreal’s super-charged live act, perhaps, is their playfulness. They don’t take the retro-rock thing too seriously, as so many style-conscious bands do these days. Yes, they were wearing fancy rock-star outfits, striking poses and even began “I Was Never Young” with the intro to “The Final Countdown,” but you still got the feeling that any and all posturing was accompanied by a large wink and a very open invitation to play along.

The 80’s. It’s a state of mind, from big hair and leg warmers to Atari football. You know the one where you could run through the screen and come out the other side, thus running around the entire world to sack the quarterback, good times. With the retro flair of John Hughes films and Lacoste polo's, the rock and roll was sure to follow and it has in a big way. From the Bravery to Bloc Party to the Killers the “Me” decade is alive and selling in the music world. Enter a new contender for the retro title, the Lolita Bras.

ooking like Mike Nesmith’s fan club, this five piece hit the stage just before midnight in silly wool hats, but the sweltering club had already served to warm them up. They collided into the music sans introduction, if there was any doubt about the energy and excitement in the room, it was obliterated under the first notes of the majestic show opener “Say Something.” The band who goes by their coded names are: TAXI: guitar, vocals, TABLES: bass, vocals, TEXT: keyboards, guitar and vocals, TURBO: trapset, vocals, THANKS: guitars, vocals.

A Wednesday night and a blizzard is basically a promoter’s nightmare, but book a couple of derelict bands in a small venue and surely the promoter’s loss will be the audience’s gain. Reinventing the word tacky with their 70’s Lacoste formal fashions of paisley patterns and heinous ties, OK Go proved they weren’t all a bad fashion statement, while giving the small showcase lounge at Higher Ground something to shout about.

hile it was not a perfect show, The Headhunters performance on this night was raw and to the point. With the addition of George Porter to this group and the super sized keyboard skills of Jerry Z, the Headhunter’s legend is surely kept alive.

Having ventured more than 3000 miles for my last New Year’s extravaganza, I decided a more local approach would suit the bill to ring in 2006. By the night’s end I was in no way disappointed, and in fact I was pleasantly surprised. I live in the heart of a wonderful city (Portland Oregon) and spent my New Years Eve traversing three separate gathering/parties and dancing at one joyous local concert that matched up two local musical staples Asbury Park and Big Island Shindig.