(June 4th, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar)
If you were to look at my last.fm page, you could safely assume that Kevin Devine is my favorite artist, and I wouldn't argue with you. Truth be told, I don't even know how much of a point there is to writing this review. If I haven't already convinced you to check him out, you're a lost cause. The man is a genius. Following in the footsteps of Elliott Smith, Jeff Magnum, and the likes of, he takes introspective, simple songs, and adds his own emotional flavor that takes them to a whole new level. Since I've been listening to him, I've seen him all but one time he's been through Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, that only makes two times (I'm behind the bandwagon, what can I say), but I've yet to be even slightly disappointed. When I read he'd be coming to town in support of his new full length, Brother's Blood (my review of which can be found here), it was already my top priorty, even though the show fell smack dab in the middle of finals week (and as I later discovered, the eve of Game 4 of the Penguins v. Red Wings Stanley Cup Final). Nothing was keeping me from seeing this show though.
As usual there was a local opener. I never find myself particularly excited for this aspect of a show, so it's hard to disappoint me. The Sunflower Spectacle, a seven-piece (yes, seven-piece) band out of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, didn't disappoint, but by no means impressed me either. Musically, they certainly weren't the most intriguing thing I've ever heard, but their energy made up for what their sound lacked. If the Lonely Hearts Club band listened to more Sonic Youth, I think Sunflower is what would've happened. Still, I felt like a kid in church listening to the sermon who already has himself convinced that there's no such thing as God. I could appreciate what they were doing, but I can't say I was particularly captivated. The brutal abuse of several rather pricey, beautiful instruments didn't help their cause either.
Once they finished, Brian Bonz and The Dot Hongs were to take the stage. Again, I had no idea what to expect, but was significantly more pleased with what I was hearing almost immediately. The first song they played was Brian solo, and right as the song was building up, Evgeni Malkin scored the first goal of the game, and the whole room erupted. Suddenly, the air was a lot lighter. Everyone was laughing and smiling, and Brian was playing the soundtrack to our good mood. After that first song, the rest of his band came up. The Dot Hongs are almost exactly the same as Kevin Devine's Goddamn Band, the differences aren't even notable, and as I've said before, and I will say again, the Goddamn Band is pretty damn good. Brian's vocals sounded great, and the band was super tight. I wish I was more familiar with the material. At one point, Kevin came up and sang with Brian for a cover of a song that was on the X-Files soundtrack. All in all, the set was nothing short of wonderful, very upbeat, and it sounded excellent.
As much as I was looking forward to Kevin's set, I could wait because Miniature Tigers were next. I felt somewhat privileged, if I'm not the only, I'm one of the only people who has seen them every time they've been to Pittsburgh, even if that's only twice (a recollection of the first here). Being more familiar with their music this time, along with a surprising number of attendees, this time was even more enjoyable than last. The band was having a great time throughout their set, but playing their colorful mixture of indie-folk and pop, how could you not? The three new songs that were played displayed a more layered songwriting style than contained on their debut album, Tell It to the Volcano. Based on what Charlie Brand, the band's chief songwriter told me, we've still got a wait on our hands, but when their sophomore effort drops, expect to be pleased. The entire set was solid, the highlight probably being "Cannibal Queen." For the finale, they invited several members of the audience up to assist with singing and various percussion parts, and Kevin, Brian, and company invited themselves up as well. By the end of the song the stage was crowded with people having a ball. It was all very enjoyable to watch. If you're ever in the mood for a fun, lighthearted night with a mustache- and sweater-clad indie quartet, go see the Mini T's.
set list:
Last Night's Fake Blood
New Song 1 (There's a Japanese Woman Who Lives in my Closet)
Dino Damage
The Wolf
New Song 2
New Song 3
Tell It to The Volcano
Cannibal Queen
It wasn't terribly long before Kevin Devine took the stage, no one behind him, and nothing but an acoustic guitar in hand. "Brooklyn Boy" came first, and as I whistled the bridge, he and I made eye contact and laughed. We all laughed. It was a rather blissful moment. Following "Brooklyn Boy," the whole band joined Kevin for "Cotton Crush," "Carnival" (which was preceded by several lines from Colour Revolt's "Moses of the South," one of my personal favorite moments from the set), and several more cuts from Kevin's last three albums. During "Hand of God," Mike Strandberg, The Goddamn Band's (phenomenal) guitarist broke a string, so Kevin announced they would take an acoustic break from the planned set list, so I asked for "Lord, I Know We Don't Talk." This was, hands down, the best thing that happened all night. About two-thirds of the way through the song, he shut off his guitar and backed off the back, so he was essentially playing completely unplugged to a room with several hundred people inside, and every single one of them was listening. Following that, the band came back (Mike playing one of Miniature Tigers' guitars), and my two personal favorite full-band songs were played, back-to-back, "Longer That I'm Out Here" and "Me and My Friends." Still, the highlight of the night was, without question, Kevin playing solo acoustic. "All of Everything, Erased" grows on me every single time I hear it, and "People Are So Fickle" was a very welcome surprise, especially acoustic. The full band came back and finished off the set with a somewhat-reborn "You Are the Daybreak" and of course "Just Stay," and then came back for an 'encore,' the somewhat-expected, but nonetheless brilliant closer "Brother's Blood." I don't really have many words for this show, I think my 50+ year-old dad put it best when he said "we go to a lot of shows, but Kevin's always the best." Kevin Devine really is the best. If he's anywhere within an hour of you, just go. It's always worth it.
set list:
*Brooklyn Boy
Cotton Crush
Carnival
Another Bag of Bones
No Time Flat
You're Trailing Yourself
Go Haunt Someone Else
Hand of God
*Lord, I Know We Don't Talk
Longer That I'm Out Here
Me and My Friends
Buried By the Buzz
I Could Be With Anyone
Yr Husband
*All of Everything, Erased
*You'll Only End Up Joining Them
*People Are So Fickle
You Are the Daybreak
Just Stay
Brother's Blood
*Kevin solo acoustic
Showing posts with label miniature tigers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miniature tigers. Show all posts
June 4, 2009
February 16, 2009
Now I'm wondering why the floor has become a moving target.
(February 16, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA - Club Zoo)
I have to start by being perfectly honest: never have I considered myself a “fan” of Ben Folds, per say. I absolutely respect him as a musician, his following is faithful, his tunes are solid, and his staying power is solidified. That said, before Valentine’s Day, I had never delved much further than his (hilarious) cover of Dr. Dre’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit” and the Ben Folds Five staple “Army.” But when I got the call Saturday morning that I had a ticket and a ride to see him at Club Zoo on the approaching Monday with a girl I can’t deny being into, I jumped at the opportunity, and the standard pre-concert buildup ensued.
I placed Way to Normal, Folds’ 2008 album, in frequent rotation after glimpsing a setlist on AbsolutePunk. It’s certainly an enjoyable album, though it has its dull moments. Of course, Rockin’ the Suburbs, Songs for Silverman, and Ben Folds Live were all played at least once throughout the course of the weekend. I wanted to be relatively familiar with the songs; I didn’t expect to know every word though.
President’s Day arrived, and my enthusiasm peaked. I arrived at my ride’s house, and soon enough we were on our way, a significantly polite mix of Ben songs in the minivan’s stereo. We reached the venue, and waited anxiously until we were let inside. After far too long of a wait (a typical experience at Club Zoo), Miniature Tigers took the stage.
A short but sweet indie-pop set ensued. A cross between of Montreal and, as my female friend pointed out, I’m From Barcelona, certainly made my night a whole lot more lighthearted. Had I any money in my wallet, I would have left the venue with the vinyl copy of Tell It to the Volcano, an album that very well could have cracked my top ten of 2008 had I given it the chance sooner. Definitely an enjoyable live show, worth whatever the price may be. Also, Charlie Brand, the band’s chief frontman, is far too comfortable on stage (not a bad thing), and a very genuine guy, grateful for any appreciation he is shown.
When their set ended, Charlie announced, to the audience’s surprise, that they would be followed by an a capella group. Confusion and mild anticipation showed all across the crowd’s collective face. When 15 or so college-aged boys took the stage overdressed, as an assembly of their kind should be, our surprise was met head first, with a downright good rendition of Foreigner’s “Juke Box Hero.” The Originals, from Carnegie Mellon University, as they introduced themselves, followed that up with a very well arranged version of the Plain White T’s “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You).” After that they did Ben Folds’ “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” a bizarre decision considering the crowd observing. I think it’s safe to say everyone was impressed.
So following an a capella group, you would imagine the set up would be quick, and Ben would be quick to get on stage. Not the case, but I blame the venue. When Ben finally did take the stage, the audience lost it, and the band blasted through “Effington,” “Brainwascht,” and “You Don’t Know Me,” all of which translate very well live. Ten more songs followed and I couldn’t help but feel like I was on a cloud, at one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Staples of this third of the set were “Landed,” “Cologne,” and “Free Coffee” (a song that proves incredibly impressive live).
Another staple in a Ben Folds live show is a few solo songs, and the four he played did not disappoint. “Brick” and “Fred Jones Part 2” were without question the highlights of the show for me. He followed those with six more outstanding songs with the band. For whatever reason, “Kylie From Connecticut” is probably my favorite song on the new album (something a lot of people don’t agree with), and I couldn’t help but love it live. “Zak and Sara” was rousing, as was “Kate,” the perfect way to end the set. “ONE MORE SONG” chants ensued, and of course Ben and the band came back and gave us a classic encore, closing the show with “Not the Same,” and composing the audience in a choral singalong.
All in all, this is the best show I can remember going to. It’s not my typical crowd, the average age was probably 23-25, but that maturity only added to the experience. Folds’ is an unbelievable pianist, something you cannot agree with until you’ve seen him. The band though, was flawless. As the set started, I was a little worried about the mix (way too much bass), but that can also be blamed on the venue. In the end though I was stunned by the talent the stage held. Definitely go see Ben Folds & co. if you ever get the chance.
set list:
Effington
Brainwascht
You Don’t Know Me
Annie Waits
Alice Childress
Way to Normal
Lovesick Diagnostician (fake Dr. Yang)
Dr. Yang
Before Cologne/Cologne
You to Thank
Landed
Free Coffee
Hiroshima
Where’s Summer B.?
*solo set*
Fred Jones Part 2
Brick
Lullabye
Emaline
*full band returns*
Kylie From Connecticut
Zak and Sara
Rockin’ the Suburbs
Bitch Went Nutz (fake)
Army
Kate
encore:
Fair
Not the Same
I have to start by being perfectly honest: never have I considered myself a “fan” of Ben Folds, per say. I absolutely respect him as a musician, his following is faithful, his tunes are solid, and his staying power is solidified. That said, before Valentine’s Day, I had never delved much further than his (hilarious) cover of Dr. Dre’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit” and the Ben Folds Five staple “Army.” But when I got the call Saturday morning that I had a ticket and a ride to see him at Club Zoo on the approaching Monday with a girl I can’t deny being into, I jumped at the opportunity, and the standard pre-concert buildup ensued.
I placed Way to Normal, Folds’ 2008 album, in frequent rotation after glimpsing a setlist on AbsolutePunk. It’s certainly an enjoyable album, though it has its dull moments. Of course, Rockin’ the Suburbs, Songs for Silverman, and Ben Folds Live were all played at least once throughout the course of the weekend. I wanted to be relatively familiar with the songs; I didn’t expect to know every word though.
President’s Day arrived, and my enthusiasm peaked. I arrived at my ride’s house, and soon enough we were on our way, a significantly polite mix of Ben songs in the minivan’s stereo. We reached the venue, and waited anxiously until we were let inside. After far too long of a wait (a typical experience at Club Zoo), Miniature Tigers took the stage.
A short but sweet indie-pop set ensued. A cross between of Montreal and, as my female friend pointed out, I’m From Barcelona, certainly made my night a whole lot more lighthearted. Had I any money in my wallet, I would have left the venue with the vinyl copy of Tell It to the Volcano, an album that very well could have cracked my top ten of 2008 had I given it the chance sooner. Definitely an enjoyable live show, worth whatever the price may be. Also, Charlie Brand, the band’s chief frontman, is far too comfortable on stage (not a bad thing), and a very genuine guy, grateful for any appreciation he is shown.
When their set ended, Charlie announced, to the audience’s surprise, that they would be followed by an a capella group. Confusion and mild anticipation showed all across the crowd’s collective face. When 15 or so college-aged boys took the stage overdressed, as an assembly of their kind should be, our surprise was met head first, with a downright good rendition of Foreigner’s “Juke Box Hero.” The Originals, from Carnegie Mellon University, as they introduced themselves, followed that up with a very well arranged version of the Plain White T’s “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You).” After that they did Ben Folds’ “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” a bizarre decision considering the crowd observing. I think it’s safe to say everyone was impressed.
So following an a capella group, you would imagine the set up would be quick, and Ben would be quick to get on stage. Not the case, but I blame the venue. When Ben finally did take the stage, the audience lost it, and the band blasted through “Effington,” “Brainwascht,” and “You Don’t Know Me,” all of which translate very well live. Ten more songs followed and I couldn’t help but feel like I was on a cloud, at one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Staples of this third of the set were “Landed,” “Cologne,” and “Free Coffee” (a song that proves incredibly impressive live).
Another staple in a Ben Folds live show is a few solo songs, and the four he played did not disappoint. “Brick” and “Fred Jones Part 2” were without question the highlights of the show for me. He followed those with six more outstanding songs with the band. For whatever reason, “Kylie From Connecticut” is probably my favorite song on the new album (something a lot of people don’t agree with), and I couldn’t help but love it live. “Zak and Sara” was rousing, as was “Kate,” the perfect way to end the set. “ONE MORE SONG” chants ensued, and of course Ben and the band came back and gave us a classic encore, closing the show with “Not the Same,” and composing the audience in a choral singalong.
All in all, this is the best show I can remember going to. It’s not my typical crowd, the average age was probably 23-25, but that maturity only added to the experience. Folds’ is an unbelievable pianist, something you cannot agree with until you’ve seen him. The band though, was flawless. As the set started, I was a little worried about the mix (way too much bass), but that can also be blamed on the venue. In the end though I was stunned by the talent the stage held. Definitely go see Ben Folds & co. if you ever get the chance.
set list:
Effington
Brainwascht
You Don’t Know Me
Annie Waits
Alice Childress
Way to Normal
Lovesick Diagnostician (fake Dr. Yang)
Dr. Yang
Before Cologne/Cologne
You to Thank
Landed
Free Coffee
Hiroshima
Where’s Summer B.?
*solo set*
Fred Jones Part 2
Brick
Lullabye
Emaline
*full band returns*
Kylie From Connecticut
Zak and Sara
Rockin’ the Suburbs
Bitch Went Nutz (fake)
Army
Kate
encore:
Fair
Not the Same