Bon Iver @ Museum of Fine Arts Remis Auditorium - Boston, MA 7/25/08
I remember hearing of the mythical Bon Iver back in the summer of 2007, around the time all the bloggers were freaking out about this free album that landed in their inbox one day. I knew he was a man, gone astray in the Wisconsin woods where he opened up his heart and soul to music and came out a winter later with one magnificent album, For Emma, Forever Ago
This is not to say that Bon Iver could be without Justin and his remarkable innate talent to sing as if every lyric were his last and every note consisted of equal parts blood and tears. I honestly can’t say that I’ve been more moved by one mans voice then I was at this show. The only other human being close enough with a voice that compares would be Jonsi from Sigur Ros.
But it’s clear that the man who gave birth to “Good Winter” (French translation of Bon Iver which is actually spelled Bon Hiver) is set out to move away from a one man concept. Bon Iver, the group, appears to be getting ready to kick into song writing high gear. They were energized, pumped to be on their first ever headlining tour and playing at no less, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and to top it off, sold it out in two days. Mind you this was a man who no more then two years ago ran off in search for meaning in his life in the backwoods of Wisconsin in the middle of Winter. Want to know how cold it gets in Wisconsin in the winter? Just ask any member or the 2007 New York Giants or Green Bay Packers how cold it was during last seasons football playoffs (-23 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill).
They’re on the tour bus, listening to music (we’ll talk about that in a couple minutes) and feeling each other out. They’re telling life stories and conversing about the nature of today’s society and world events. They’re writing music. And we got a little taste of what Bon Iver, the band, is sounding like in the future.
About half way through the show they decided to play a new tune. So new, that everyone had their own notes on hand. I didn’t have my notes-book so I don’t remember exactly the name but I believe it was called “Blood Bank” or maybe “Blood River”. Either way, it had a real funky, rock n’ roll groove. Justin jumped up on his keys and played in B3 organ style while all the members sang along. It was clear that instead of Justin’s voice, the music played the star of the song.
The band then took time to cover a group they’ve all been listening to recently in the tour bus, Talk Talk. Those who don’t know (I didn’t), Talk Talk was an early 80’s born band that ended in 1991. They play experimental and euphoric music that has a psychedelic side to it (Learn more). They played the song, “I Believe in You” and it seems to be about a “spirit” of some sorts. A very ethereal, slow jam that drags a bit but had a great vibe. Quite beautiful. And once again, Justin’s voice was neither here nor there in this segment of the show. In fact, the drummer took the lead vocal reigns for the cover.
Listen to Talk Talk and “I Believe in You” on this myspace page: www.myspace.com/talktalklaughingstock.
What about Forever Emma, Forever Ago tunes? Well, they played just about all of them, and yeah, including that one (”Skinny Love”). For me, it was “Blindsided” that took the cake from the album songs. Like with any album, jamming is usually cut short in order to keep the flow going from one song to the next. However, most bands will extend on certain sections that call for a little extra improvisation. “Blindsided” was one of the best examples of this all night. On the album it’s around the 3 minute mark where the vocals fluctuate from “would you really rush out” to “for it now” or something like that, and then they break back to the verse after 40 seconds but instead, during the show, they kept going with this vamp and Justin went off on his guitar and man, not only can he sing but the kid can play the geetar too.
We also had ourselves a little collaboration moment with the band. It’s one of Justin’s goals to have the audience participate as much as possible during the show. He even handed out lyrics to songs during some of his first ever live shows to the crowd so that they could sing along word for word (read more about this during his Pitchfork interview). We sang “what might have been lost” during “The Wolves (Act I and II)” and attempted to sing as loud as the PA during the climax of the song, which was not easy and I’m not quite sure we accomplished this or not but we gave it our best shot.
So we heard every tune off the album, plus a brand new one and a cover, so by the end, as every one stood up to applaud Bon Iver, the band, we all wondered what they could surprise us with next. For the encore, both the Bon Iver crew and the entire Bowerbird crew (opening act and close friends of Justin) came walking out to the front of the stage. Everyone was instrumentless except for Justin who was holding an acoustic guitar. They explained how they had played everything they knew so for times when the crowd is a good crowd (which we were) they play a song written by their good friend Sarah Siskin who is based out of Nashville. Since they also covered this same song, which is called “Lovin’s For Fools”, in New York City you can bet every single blogger and their assistants (yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if some bloggers in NYC actually do have assistants) were on top of reporting this little gem of a tune. Watch the Bowery version of this song in the above video. Listen to more Sarah Siskind music on her myspace. One review said that you can see how well Justin and Phil Moore, lead vocalist for Bowerbirds, know each other by the way they hit their pitches during this song. While I agree, I still can’t get over Phil Moore’s resemblance to one Andrew Bird. While I love the birdman, there is something about Phil’s take on this vocal style that turns me off. Sorry for any Bowerbird fans, this is not a negative review of Bowerbirds its just a personal issue and overall I think their music is quite exceptional.
Bon Iver are on the road now until October 7th where they end in Dublin, Ireland. See the whole tour schedule. Bon Iver’s evolution over the course of this year, in my opinion, is going to depend largely on the commitment of the players around the core of Bon Iver, Justin Vernon. If the commitment stays high, which I assume it will, we may just see a really great follow up album that given the uplift in Justin’s soul, will be more energetic, lively and collaborative. Just a prediction but hey, I wouldn’t complain if he found enough room for another For Emma, Forever Ago.
- Purchase For Emma, Forever Ago
- Download “Skinny Love” from the album (right click and “save as”}
- Visit Bon Iver on Myspace
Summer Time Blues News…
This usually happens around this time of year. I go away a lot, especially on excursions north to the Maine coast and to some weddings, which drags down my blogging capabilities. It also doesn’t help that I’ve started a political blog. Lord, when will I stop blogging, I ask. Never, I say.
But to add to the hiatus I moved into a new apartment in July and still don’t have Internet at my the new spot. Lord, will I ever learn it’s the life blood of a blogger. So here I am, trying to catch up but don’t really have much to say other then Dr. Dog and Broken Social Scene both came out with their latest sounds this week and I’ve been delving into both. And it helps that right now there is a giant band of green, blue, red and yellow over our heads, or at least that’s what the radar tells me. So I’ve got some time at the end of the day here in my office, which has the Internet, to populate the square.
Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning “Something For All of Us”
Those who don’t know, Broken Social Scene are creating a series of Broken Social Scene: Presents… which takes the long list of contributing BSS members and highlights their song writing capabilities. This release highlights the second in command, Mr. Brendan Canning. The album is entitled, “Something for All of us…”, and based on the Arts & Craft landing site for the album, Brendan likes to take it all in himself. So lazy those Canadians and their “futbol”. But seriously, the album, so far so good to these ears after one listen in. The great thing about these albums is they all sound very, well, Broken Social Scenish. But those who know the band know that a lot of sounds and influences go into each song. On the “…Presents” albums we’re hearing a microcosmic BSS and based on the first two, I’m really looking forward to hearing more.
- Watch video for “Hit the Wall”
- “Hit the Wall” (right click and save)
- Purchase: Something For All Of Us
Dr. Dog: “Fate”
Dr. Dog’s latest release, “Fate”, off of Park the Van (Philly based label I may add), has been dawned a masterpiece and also the best album so far in 2008 by a close friend of mine who at times, I respect for his musical taste. I caught the Dog back in early June when they came to Harvard Square for a free show that ended up being inside at John Harvard’s due to weather. They had already been canceled back in May, when Harvard Square had it’s annual May Fair, due to weather so the organizers weren’t going to let us down again. Thankfully, the John Harvard folks were accommodating and us lucky Cantabrigians got to see some really great free music. I remember they played a few of these new tunes at the show and thinking to myself, “oh boy, they’re gearing up for something special.”
A commenter over at Aquarium Drunkard today made a good point by saying, “I love their sound, but the problem is that the records don’t really do their live shows justice.”
So if you’re on the fence about Dr. Dog, I and Chad (above commenter) suggest you catch them live. Where can you do this you may ask, check out their full tour line up HERE cause I’m not putting that beast of a tour in this post. Would take up most of the page if I did.
- “My Old Ways” (off of We All Belong)
- “The Old Days” (off of Fate)
- Purchase: Fate
Double Rec: Herman Dune and CoCoComa
CoCoComa from Chicago
I received an email this morning from a long time PR contact. She use to be with Cornerstone way back and then moved to Vice Records for a long time where we constantly heard about this wild and crazy band called the Black Lips. The next move for her was to Pitchfork to help promote the launch of their new pitchfork.tv, which is quite fun to check out if you haven’t already. Now she’s moved on to write for one of my favorite online record labels, RCRD LBL. And thanks to her email, I would not have had the pleasure of learning about a great modern day Garage Rock band, CoCoComa.
I’ve been on a small kick for that dirty, garage rock sound as of late. It all started with the recommendation to download the Lyres self-titled album by a friend of mine. Lyres are an old Boston based garage rock band from the 70’s and that album just blows me away. (Read more here)
Christen Thomas of RCRD LBL has a write up on CoCoComa that you can read HERE.
I don’t promote too many Chicago based bands (I wish I did) so I’m happy to stumble upon this gem. Thanks Christen.
CoCoComa Links of Interest:
- Myspace
- Goner Records (their label)
- RCRD LBL Page
- eMusic subscribers, download their self-titled album HERE
- Everyone else, reach out to Amazon MP3
CoCoComa Downloads:
- “(Tryin’ to) Read my Mind” (Right click and save as)
- “Premonition” (Right click and save as)
Herman Dune
Part Paul Simon, part John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats, part Johnathan Richman of The Modern Lovers, Herman Dune is a playful presence. The Paul Simon is not in the voice but rather in the backing music. Lots of rhythms and hand clapping going on. Has a very worldly sound mixed in with the alternative, indie rock vibe. The group is made up of two gentelman, David-ivar Herman Dune (guitar and leard vocals) and Neman Herman Dune (drums and backing vocals). They use to be a trio but Andrew Herman Dune, the former third member, left the band back in 2001. Since then it’s been David and Neman, however, they always bring along friends during their tours.
Another comparison I hear is that of Dan Bejar (aka. Destoyer). Which is interesting cause I don’t get Dan for some reason. I think it may be Herman’s playfulness and story telling capabilities that draws me to his pysch-folk / world sound. This is the strongest connection I think David-ivar Herman Dune, lead vocalist of the duo (formerly a trio) has when it comes to the great Johnathan Richman. The stories, just like Richman’s, are very innocent and childlike but are all stories that even as adults we can connect with. It’s similar to a solid Pixar film such as Ratatouille. You know, those movies that while are geared towards kids, us adults still get excited to see cause the story relates to all ages.
Herman Dune relatded links:
- Myspace
- Official Website
- Buy his music
- Watch Herman on La Blogotheque
- Download their Daytrotter session
- Watch video for “I Wish That I Could See You Soon” (Think Seasame Street should be calling Herman soon)
- Download Herman’s full set at Dublab HERE
- Everloving Records (his label)
Home sick is the only time to blog
Apart from my daily tasks at work and the recent bouts of weekend get aways such as college reunions, bachelor parties and preperation for moving next month, there has been absolutely no time to write about the music that I love.
But now, due to circumstances both induced on my own over the weekend and a combo of the fluctuating heat here in New England, I’m home sick with a nasty head cold. First time I’ve stayed home from work because i was sick I think in about three years.
So what’s on my mind right now when it comes to music?
The Vinyl Phenomena
I predicted that vinyl could potentially make a come back. It’s like how in Jurassic Park where we all learn a valuable lesson, nature always finds a way to correct itself. In the case of music, the goal is to try and hear it at it’s purest form. Of course, the live show is as pure as you’re going to get. But many, including myself, feel that a perfectly kept or brand new pressed piece of plastic is the closest you can get to being in the studio with the artists. So naturally, since we’ve all been moving in the direction of the digital world, where the music has been compressed to finite amounts, causing producers to alter the levels on the final production, there is a gap wanting to be filled. While the digital world may fill our “need it now” gap, it doesn’t completely supply us with the sound perfection we music lovers search for in a record.
Due to an accident out west, the vinyl phenomena may not be a crack pot idea. Check out this article in the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vinyl10-2008jun10,0,3936629.story
MMJ doing NYE at MSG
While the critics may not find the latest My Morning Jacket album to be anything special, there is no question that they’re one of the best live bands around today. So when I heard they were planning a New Years Eve show at Madison Square Garden for 2008/2009 I wasn’t the least bit surprised. These guys deserve all the recognition they’ve received over the last few years. If you’re just catching wind of this southern alternative rock outfit from Kentucky, stream their latest album, Evil Urges, over at their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/mymorningjacket.
Their latest album is a really big step in a different direction for My Morning Jacket when it comes to studio sound. They’re doing a lot more experimentation unlike their previous albums which are mainly pure reverb southern alternative rock. However, I’ve heard that their live show is still as rocking as ever.
Purhase tickets for the NYE on Friday, June 27th through Ticketmaster.
Diplo remixes “California Soul” (Marlena Shaw)
Those unfamiliar with this song need to not look any farther then their TV. If you watch a lot, you’ve probably seen the commercial for Dockers where the camera glides through the San Francisco sky line. That’s the original version of the song being played by Marlena Shaw, Blue Note Records first female artist.
In the latest Verve Remix album (volume 4), Diplo puts his own spin on the tune.
Download: “California Soul” (Diplo Remix) (right click and save)
Listen:
Visit the Verve Remix official website: http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/
What’s summer time without Bluegrass?
For me, it’s not summer. So that’s why I’m happy I stumbled upon The Creaking Tree String Quartet.
They take Bluegrass to a new level. A lot more passion from adding traditional classical music elements and real theatrical moments. It doesn’t always work well with that rocking chair out on the porch sipping a mint julep moment but it’s sure worth a listen this summer time.
Give a listen to what I call “intellectual bluegrass” over at their myspace page: www.myspace.com/creakingtree
Visit their official website: http://www.creakingtree.com/
A nod to the Little Compton / R.I. Gang
During college I was introduced to the R.I. scene by a group of hooligans that I was fortunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, to be dormmates with my freshman year at UVM. Call them dysfunctional, call them irresponsible, but there is definitely musical talent in their water. Most of us Jam band kids all know one musically talented band from RI, The Slip, and due to a nod by Jim James of My Morning Jacket, so do a good portion of the indie rock scene. I also stumbled upon Deer Tick whoes tunes “Ashamed” and “Baltimore Blues No.1″ still get me going.
Now a new breed has arisen. This time, they’re not rising from their roots of R.I. but rather from the roots of the Redwoods; San Francisco.
Big Light are Fred T. (guitar, vocals), Brad (drums), Jamie(guitar, bass and vocals), Colin (keys), Dan (guitar, bass, keys and vocals), Steve (bass). They also have down their sound man, Jeremy, as a member. It’s surprising how many sound guys get over looked in the industry.
Their first single, “Hard Knocks”, off their seven song EP is available for download below or at their myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/biglightband). The song’s about a person that reminds Fred of his sister Jane and has almost a Tom Petty vibe to it. Fred is the lead vocalist in the group and he’s got a low, lazy and raspy approach to vocals. This vocal style is common among the psych-folk scene that crawls all over San Fran. The music itself is very crisp and has a nice bouncy groove to it. Great summer time tune.
Download: “Hard Knocks” (RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE)
Listen:
Big Light are going on a West coast tour soon and will be playing with both Apollo Sunshine and Surprise Me Mr. Davis. Their EP release party will be at 12 Galaxies in San Fran on June 26th, which kicks off this tour:
High Sierra Music Festival - 7/4 thru 7/6
Spaceland, Los Angeles (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/8
SoHo, Santa Barbara (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/9
Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/11
Cafe Du Nord, San Fran (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/12
12 Galaxies w/ Charles Gonzalez & The Stereo Glitter - 7/31
12 Galaxies - 8/28
12 Galaxies - 9/25
Las Tortugas Dance of the Dead III - 10/30 thru 11/2
12 Galaxies - 11/27
