Black Kids & Cut Copy @ Paradise – 5/12/08
Black Kids Review:
Monday’s are not usually the best day for me when it comes to giving a thorough review of a show. But I kept my whits about me by not drinking too many PBRs.
I missed the opening band, Mobius Band. I know some of my fellow Boston bloggers have been following these guys but I have yet to catch on. I’m sure that sooner rather then later I’ll catch their opening act. Give them a listen and let me know what you think: http://www.myspace.com/mobiusband.
I made it just around the time Black Kids were making it on stage. The crowd didn’t seem into it right away. I think the packed house and cramped space didn’t help. They’re a band you want to sit back and groove to. Even their grooviest of tunes didn’t get me moving too much. But I don’t think that’s really the point, unless you’re completely in the bag. The point here is that they play fun, catchy music. The lead vocalist, Reggie Youngblood, has a unique sound but as we all know, we take after our idols. I heard hints of Bowie on occasion and for modern day inspiration he was definitely throwing in some British accent love for Bloc Party frontman, Kele Okereke .
My one problem with Black Kids is the line up that seems forced here – brother and sister in the same band. If Ali Youngblood actually played an instrument proficiently or had impeccable vocals, it would be one thing, but she really doesn’t do much to add to the band. The whole brother – sister thing probably works to their advantage but I recently saw an interview where Reggie said “it’s the first time I’ve played with my sister. That’s not completely OK. We don’t hang out. If we weren’t playing music, we probably wouldn’t see much of each other.” (Boston Metro). Not sure if that’s good press or not. Maybe he meant to say that “It’s OK” and the Metro either miss quoted him or he miss quoted himself.
What’s even worse about their setup is they put her front and center. When she’s not supplying the back up vocals or pushing a few keys on her mini synthesizer, she passes the time by doing a little jig. It’s kind of like the Ashley Simpson episode from SNL.
However, they’re having fun and that’s all that really matters. Would I recommend seeing Black Kids live, not really. Nothing too special. However, I would recommend buying their music for their poppy and fun songs.
Their album his coming out in July. It was recorded and produced over in London by Bernard Butler (former Suede guitarist). The album is coming out on Columbia Records.
Cut Copy Review:
Cut Copy are all about the build up. They love revving up the crowd with breaks in the song that lead up to huge bass lines and infectious melodies. If you own their recent album, In Ghost Colours, you already know this. The one thing that I felt lacked from their set was a flow. There were periods between each song that were longing then I expected. Especially since on the album the songs flow into one another.
But that is the only downfall. Everything else was just pure, good old fashion, dance fever music and electronic pop goodness.
I was able to capture most of their performance of the single “Lights & Music”. Watch below. The sound is a bit scratchy since I was up in the stage-right balcony where speakers point right at you. The more and more I go to the Paradise the more I enjoy the sound quality in certain locations such as in this spot. If you go too deep into the balcony then the sound gets muffled. I also enjoy the floor over on the left better then the right even though the right side is bigger.
And watch carefully folks, Boston kids love to get down. I mean, this place was going nuts during these build up moments. The boys from Cut Copy were eating it up. I looked down on the sea of kids and could barely make out individuals. It just looked like one big mass of human arms flaring back and forth. Too bad this was a Monday night others I would have been down there in the mix.
Winner of The Teenagers Guest List contest
Congratulations Taylor B., you’re the winner of two guest list spots at the upcoming Teenagers show at the Paradise Rock Club. Your name will be on the guest list so when you get to the ticket window just tell them your name. Make sure you bring a photo I.D.
We’re also giving away some free Teenagers gear to the runner up as a surprise. Alexander P. was our runner up and he wins the following from Beggars:
- Teenagers Badges
- Set of “Love, No” 7″ singles on red/white/blue vinyl
Beggars will be mailing this to you directly. Congrats “Zander”.
For all you college students finishing up their finals, there’s nothing better then catching some live music to let off a little steam. We’ll see you at the show.
P.S. Make sure to get there early to see the Boston based DJ’s, Hearthrob.
Hot Chip @ Paradise – Boston, MA 4/14/08 Plus Interview w/ Joe Goddard
I’ve been blogging now for roughly 3 or so years and there is no question that this recent experience where I was able to interview one of the founding members of Hot Chip, Joe Goddard, on top of the show on Monday night was a pinnacle point in my blogging and music review career. Keep in mind folks, I don’t get paid for this. Many bloggers don’t get paid, we just really love doing what we do and getting to go to shows, getting free music and getting to interview our idols.
Below is both a transcript of the interview plus a little 3 and 1/2 minute montage that I pulled together by taking some of my favorite moments of the interview and putting them to pictures that I mostly found on Flickr. I’ve included a link to all those folks who are responsible for the amazing pictures taken at various Hot Chip concerts. And some of the pictures are just basic stock photos of the band.
Enjoy the montage and interview with Joe Goddard and if you’re just getting hip to Hot Chip, enjoy the ride.
Flickr Photographers:
http://flickr.com/photos/flashpics/
http://flickr.com/photos/magnusw/
http://flickr.com/photos/imassingham/
http://flickr.com/photos/gabiporter/
http://flickr.com/photos/oliverpeel/
http://flickr.com/photos/greenboy/
http://flickr.com/photos/andih/
Where to find more on flickr: http://flickr.com/search/?q=hot+chip
See pics from the Boston show over at Dreams of Boston
Read the full interview after the jump…
About Editor
Name: Luke "Kip" Owen
Location: Boston, MA
Contact: kippy[AT]hip2besquare[DOT]net
Twitter: twitter.com/kipdog
Youtube: youtube.com/kipdog
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