This is the first single off their forthcoming album, Zonoscope, due out on Modular Records February 4th in Australia and on February 8th here in the states.
We’re looking forward to their world tour, which currently only has dates set for Europe. Last time I saw them was two years ago after their second album, In Ghost Colours, that blew them up into the next stratosphere. Make sure to keep an eye out for their dates and hope that they make Boston one of their stops. Just check out this video I shot from the Paradise show back in 2008 (turn volume down as it’s very bass heavy). Mind you this was a Monday night yet they were still able to replicate what it must be like inside a crazy Euro-club on a Saturday night.
Announcing the installment of Hip2besquare’s Concert Newsletter. Every week we will send out an email to you including information about that week’s concerts. We’ll only be selecting a handful of concerts to mention since there are too many to put into one email. We’ll focus our attention on the shows we would want to attend. Our goal is to help out all those folks who wish they new of good music to go see on any given night but have a hard time knowing what to see and whether or not the music will be any good.
Each email will not only include our selection but it’ll include links out to a dedicated page here on Hip2besquare where you can learn a little more about each band, stream or download music depending on the band or labels policy and links to purchase tickets.
The concerts will all be taking place at venues in the New England region, however, even if you’re not in this region, you still might find the information interesting. Chances are, if the band is playing up here they’ll most likely be playing in your neck of the woods (unless you live here).
Yes, lots happening in the world of Kippy and, now, I’m obligated to also include Amanda when speaking of that world. Not that she hasn’t been for the past four and half years of my life. However, we made it official on June 5th up at Peaks Island off the coast of Portland, Maine. If anyone reading this is looking for their own special day location, we highly recommend the Inn on Peaks Island. Oh, and we can’t forget the high regards for our band whose leader, Jason Basiner (aka J Biddy), is a youthful incarnation of a Bruce Springsteen style rocker. A perfect performance to a perfect day that also included a rendition of Ben E. Kings classic ballad – “Stand By Me” – played by yours truly along with my six groomsman and the entire congression in sing-a-long fashion. A video of this epic performance was recorded and I should have a copy shortly (Dan, looking in your direction my friend).
Now that we have returned from our amazing honeymoon in Costa Rica (Pura Vida!), I’m hoping to get cranking on this music blogging stuff. My new job that I start in July will be a key to this happening.
I’m also excited to catch a big arena rock show on Tuesday – Phish. Yes, those of you who either know me personally or who have visited this site before should be aware that I was once an annoying Phishhead that thought they were the only live act in town. I was quite ignorant in those days but thankfully my mind has catapulted into deeper waters. However, I do enjoy a good Phish show. I’ve written about this before but Phish shows aren’t just about music – they’re about community as well. Whether you like or dislike the fans of Phish, there’s no denying that they are passionate and I thrive off of that energy. And since I grew up in high school touring throughout the country and meeting many friends along the way, I welcome the return of the foursome from Vermont. I could, however, do without the punky kids that have infested the scene. This has been an ongoing phenomenon sine probably 1997 or 1998. Some of the older heads may even argue that 1995 or 1996 was the decline in the Phish scene. Some point to the historical Red Rocks show in which a riot occurred in the small town of Morrison, Colorado that eventually led to the band being banned from the venue for an indefinite period of time. Only recently were they invited back.
But I digress. Despite Phish, I’m looking forward to delving into both the local and national indie / alternative touring scene. Since I’ve been out of focus for the past month or so, let me know if you have any local insights on good shows (leave in the comments). And for those of you who have reached out to me by email during this period of my life, I do apologize but I most likely deleted your message unless I recognized your name. Please resend your inquiries and I promise, now with this piece of metal on my finger, I plan on putting my focus back together and concentrating on my second love – music.
Bonus Video – Phish playing their epic bookending rocker, “Tweezer Reprise” (often heard during Red Sox games during a break in play) at Hartford this past week – played back to back during the encore! (HD video quality courtesy of YouTuber HarpuaFSB)
Leave it to Wilco to walk out to the theme song from the Price Is Right. The analogy isn’t too far off with Tweedy’s Bob Barker like banter throughout the show – somewhat condenscending at times but always cunning. They also gave away two “dinner for two” gift certificates to the great Central Square based restaurant, Craigie on Main, so the game show experience is perhaps a good way to describe a Wilco show.
While the Price Is Right is a seasoned game show, the band on display this very night is the epitome of seasoned professionals. From the band members to the crew, Wilco have their concert performance down to the minute details. But I can’t kid myself as to who was truly on display this very night. For some, the single note from Miles Davis’s trumpet makes them cry while for others it’s the sound of Yo-Yo Ma’s cello. For me, the guitar has always been my go to instrument and when played to perfection it moves me like no other.
I was already aware of Nels Cline’s talent before this night. The album Sky Blue Sky basically nailed that notion into the coffin. But seeing this mad genius live takes it up a notch. And there’s no better song then “Impossible Germany” that puts this into full perspective. I couldn’t find a video of this song from the Boston show but here’s a good quality live version. Wait till about 2:45 minutes into the song and let Nels take you on a ride for a little more then three minutes. It may be the best three minutes you’ll spend all day.
What’s really amazing about this band is their endurance. Playing for over three hours straight, a total of forty-one songs on this night, will put just about any man or woman into submission but these guys are doing it every night they take the stage this tour. As a fan, you’re bound to here your favorite song whether it’s an oldie from albums like A.M., Being There or Summerteeth, or off their critically acclaimed album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco is prepared to show just about every type of fan why they’re one of the best bands around today.
Full Set List:
Wilco (Wilco the Album)
Blue Black Nova (Wilco the Album)
You Are My Face (sky blue sky)
I am trying to break your heart (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot)
One Wing (Wilco the Album)
Shot in the arm (Kicking Television)
Either Way (Sky Blue Sky)
Company in my back (A Ghost is Born)
Sonny Feeling (Wilco the Album)
Handshake drugs (A Ghost is Born)
Impossible Germany (Sky Blue Sky)
It’s Just That Simple (AM)
California Stars (Mermaid Ave.)
Poor Places (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot)
Acoustic Set:
Spiders (Kidsmoke)
How to Fight Lonliness (Wilco the Album)
You and I (Wilco the Album)
Forget the Flowers (Being There))
Someday, Some Morning, Sometimes (Mermaid Ave.)
Laminated Cat (Originally called Not For The Season until Tweedy reworked it for the Loose Fur album)
When You Wake Up Feeling Old (Summerteeth)
War on war (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot)
Passenger Side (AM)
I Must Be High (Summerteeth)
Airline to Heaven (Mermaid Ave)
- Segued right back into the electric set -
Via Chicago (Summerteeth)
Theologians (A Ghost is Born)
You Never Know (Wilco the Album)
Jesus etc (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot)
Hate it Here (Sky Blue Sky)
Heavy metal drummer (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot)
I’m Always in Love (Summerteeth)
Walken (Sky Blue Sky)
I’m the man who loves you (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot)
Thank You Friends (Big Star cover)
Encore:
Dreamer in My Dreams (Being There)
Casino Queen (AM)
Outtasite (Outta Mind) (Being There)
They play just two more shows in the states – tonight in Philly (4/10) and then in Pittsburgh the following night – before they head to the far east, starting in Japan then heading to New Zealand. See the rest of their tour dates. They announced at this show their curated festival later this summer here in Massachusetts (North Adams), the Solid Sound Festival @ Mass Moca on August 13th.
A good friend recently asked why I haven’t talked much about Hot Chip on the square. By now if you’ve visited my site you know how much of a fan I am of these guys. And yes, their recent release, One Life Stand, has been jamming in my headphones since its release. So, to please my good friend, here’s their masterful new video for “I Feel Better”. Included is a lip-singing boy band, a bald alien that shoots laser beams from his mouth and a crazy girl fan base. Oh, and don’t forget the fire breathing head that has a striking resemblance to Cee-Lo Green from Gnarls Barkely at the end of the video.
