I was in NYC last night to see Damien Jurado and Gathered in Song lash out with some hefty rock. T.W. Walsh began the show in a definitely over-the-top rock performance, as well, much different from the previous times I’d seen him play. The set was short and sweet. Pedro the Lion wrapped up the evening, playing many songs from Control, as well as a few classic hits. Seeing Damien rock so very hard was definitely the highlight of the night. The band played many songs from their recent I Break Chairs album and a couple from Ghost of David, with Damien beginning the set with a couple solo songs, including a very dark folk murder ballad. Johnathon (Unwed Sailor, Circle of Birds) was there to support each of the three bands and it was excellent to chat with him and everyone else in the bands. Tonight, the blistering rock comes to the TLA in Philadelphia. If you’re home and not at the show, this is the true definition of loser. A friend sent me a bootleg copy of M
Tag: unwed sailor
So much has happened since I last posted some news, so this will be a longer update. I’ve been away for almost two weeks. My grandmother died and I flew back home to Indiana. When I got back, I went to all of the festivities for my friends Scott and Jane’s wedding. It was a beautifully informal outdoor event, very laid back and perfect weather. We all sent them off at a Sunday brunch and then I went to NC for a week for work. I did manage to see The Faint play at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC, which ended up being a treat. I have been slightly disappointed by their latest, Danse Macabre, after being impressed by the previous, Blank Wave Arcade. The band was amazing when they kept the crunchy synths and rocking beats, less interesting when they tried to play more straight rock songs. I got to visit the home of our distributors, Redye, who are in nearby Graham, NC. It’s always nice to put faces to names. Represses of Ester Drang’s Goldenwest and Denison Witmer’s The ’80s ep are nearly complete and will be in stores very shortly, for those who have noticed these…
I’m in a fantasy baseball league organized by Mike from basement-life representing Burnt Toast Vinyl (inherently good) against other indie rock labels/bands (all inherently evil). I was in first place before yesterday’s games, until the Mendoza Line out statted me to move into first. Who can blame them, their prowess is most certainly due to their obscurely baseball related band name? And their latest record being so hot, of course? By the way, basement life records is releasing an ep from The Trouble with Sweeney on 23 April. We’ll have these available on-line. There’s a cover of one of my favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs, “Only Living Boy in NY” as well as the new crowd favorite “Karen” and an avante-garde instrumental with spoken French lyrics. C’est bon, n’est-ce pas? Dario Argento’s Suspiria is a highly recommended thriller/slasher flick. Very intense, owing much to the Goblin soundtrack (in case you were wondering about that). Off to Boston later this afternoon. The Six Parts Seven are arriving sometime today from Ohio to rock hard, or try hard at rocking soft, on Denison’s record. For sure “Philadelpiha Songs” will feature added lap steel, possibly some of Brad’s lyrics about a unicorn, one…