Concerts

March 11, 2005

Vanessa Carlton - Birmingham - WorkPlay Theatre

Vanessa Carlton

Entertaining Story lines, Intimate Sharing, Soothing Piano

Many music fans have a great fear of an artist once they have used the pop market, and the normal avenues of promotion to promote there music. Are they still artist? Or just tools of the media? In many individuals minds a performer such as Vanessa Carlton would fit this bill. However, her true desire to be a performer out shines any of these thoughts you may have by the end of one of her performances.

WORK PLAY CENTER

Vanessa Carlton rolled into Birmingham, to perform at the Work Play Center. This is one of the most intimate settings you can watch any band, with a lounge feel. This proves to be a true treat for any artist, and proved to be just that for Vanessa.

The first few songs seemed rather painful for her to get out. Nervous almost, it seemed tension was in the air, it could be the fact it was such an intimate setting that created this mood. Yet, after a few songs she had lightened up. In fact soon you were becoming part of her world. This creation is not by the extreme emotion of the performance, but the private look she gives you into the truth of the songs.

The show lasted about 1.5 hours with a strong lean toward her latest album. But recounting older popular songs and unrecorded songs. Every song was began with a story as to where it was created, why she wrote it... and what it meant to her. Soon you realized many of these songs reached deep into her past, some funny, some scary. But she was honest and recounted all stories.

This can be seen some at the beginning of Ordinary Day

Watch the rest of Ordinary Day

The fact she added humor to the performances added a lot. The stories allowed you to realize that yes, this was her art, not some product of a mass production musical line. For those who would question there enjoyment of a Vanessa Carlton show, stop and reconsider: Those major label contracts have not taken away the fact that she is and always has wanted to be a performer.

Posted by itzjerm at 08:57 PM | Comments (4)

November 30, 2004

Muse - Nashville - Mercy Lounge

Muse

Amazing Energy, Dynamic Performance, Perfect Sound, Simply Amazing

After waiting, and waiting... then having the chance.. and haven it ripped from me. (You know the Incident in Atlanta where we only got to see 4 shows...) And then being teased with partial shows at festivals. The day came... A whole Muse show comes to the South. Muse played at the Mercy Lounge, a tiny venue which only holds about 500 people. Talking before the show to Matt, he stated this was the smallest venue on the tour, and before the show it was announced this would be the last time you probably would see Muse in such a small intimate venue. This was sure to be an amazing evening as it was!

First there was concern of the Curse.. But I am happy to announce the curse is officially over. Watch the video below which proves this.

The Curse Comes to an End, Muse Completes Citizen Erased

But There was much to be enjoyed, while unfortunately nothing was played from Showbiz, a total of 15 songs were played from there latest two albums. But what is amazing about Muse is there energy!

Watch the Energy forth come during the song New Born.

These guys can play and perform. Live they sound amazing! I asked Dominic if he was tired of touring, he responded no... Why? Because they know how to enjoy there music!

As you see in this video clip, they just have fun beyond the songs - jamming.

After the first fifteen songs which came and went so quickly... The crew started packing things up. A disappointment, or would it be? The cymbals were off the stands, mics down... then all of a sudden. The crew reluctantly reassembled the stage! And Three more songs would be laid upon the Nashville Crowd

Here is the Intro of MicroCuts which was played, a rare presentation.

And of course they got in one final jam session. These guys know how to tear up a stage (well not literally... at least during this show). But the energy, amazing!

Final Jam Session.

If you have never seen muse you must see them. If you were at the Nashville show you are a very fortunate soul. Because while the rest of the world has to enjoy Muse in Arenas and large venues, We had the true treat of seeing one of the most dynamic amazing shows we will ever see... in an intimate setting.

See the Interview in the Artist Interview Section.

Posted by itzjerm at 04:44 PM | Comments (7)

October 06, 2004

Pixies - Nashville - Ryman Auditorium

The Thrills

No Enthusiasm, Undynamic Performance, Unstellar Interaction

The Pixies

Band Excited, Classic Songs, Near Perfect Sound, Near Perfect Vocals

The Ryman Auditorium is one of the most spectacular places to see any band perform. A former church that later became the home of the Grand Old Opry, the environment and acoustics are phenomenal.

The Thrills

The Thrills opened the night with a less than thrilling performance. The only reason I can figure they are opening for the pixies, is the Pixies figured it would make them look that much better... and it did. The thrills sound like guys from California trying to pretend a southern accent. But in reality they are Irish, and have the energy of most peoples grandparents. The music was OK, and even though I had listened to there album several times the past few weeks, there show did really nothing for me.

The Pixies

On the other hand the pixies put on a wonderful show! The sound was great... their antics were great. Seeing Kim and Frank get along well, even joking was a nice thing to see! Maybe the pixies will last! Every guitar note, every bass line, every drum kick, every note from Franks mouth was heard just as it should be. From start to finish, the show was a nearly nonstop assault of classics (they are all classics) from each album (28 songs in all). Frank was amazing, how in the world does someone get screams like that out of their body? And then do it night after night? Kim sang Gigantic alone and actually forgot some lines, but she just laughed it off and included a longer base line for all to enjoy.

Perhaps what help this show become truly phenomenal was the audience. Nearly everyone knew nearly every song and there is unbound enthusiasm for each song. The applause for each song neatly segued into the applause for the next song as the audience recognized it (usually 2-3 notes in). The audience became part of the performance for Hey. Every time the crowd sang along the added to the song rather than distracting from the band. In fact the encore roar was so loud that I thought I was going to go deaf and not be able to hear the encore. I was happy the band just stayed on stage before the encore. Not playing with everyone by walking off stage.

Final words... If you ever get to see the pixies DO! They still have amazing talent. My only complaint, I needed room to dance and jump around, this setting didn't allow that. I need some pushing... some jumping... some crowd energy ... beyond there vocals.

Watch a clip of Dead.

Watch a clip of Debaser.

Full set list:

1. Is She Weird
2. Cactus
3. Mr. Grieves
4. Bone Machine
5. Number 13 Baby
6. Something Against You
7. Crackity Jones
8. Isla de Encanta
9. U-Mass
10. Caribou
11. Subbacultcha
12. Dead
13. Ed is Dead
14. Planet of Sound
15. Velouria
16. Hey
17. Gouge Away
18. Tame
19. Wave of Mutilation
20. Debaser
21. Head On
22. Monkey Gone to Heaven
23. Broken Face
24. Gigantic
Encore (Although they technically never even got off stage)
25. Here Comes Your Man
26. Holiday Song
27. Vamos
28. Where is My Mind?

Posted by itzjerm at 05:46 PM | Comments (0)

August 14, 2004

Ours - Nashville - Exit/In

Ours

Amazing Vocals, Amazing Passion, Amazing Ability, Amazing

No band on the planet has a lead singer today with the vocal ability of lead singer Jimmy Gnecco. In reality he is the true visionar of the entire band. I state and restate, the vocal ability of Gnecco can not be touched by any other human on the planet! To understand this you must see the band live.

As the band appeared, after the opening act (which was really just the same band, hidden behind a sheet); the band clad in leather with a dark theme was obvious. Their goal was not poppy happy music. It was to rattle your inner soul, and the whales of Gnecco will do this! Gnecco, has the ability to go to a high note, then take it higher, then take it higher, then transition to screaming (not annoying screaming; melodic screaming), and then take this up three more levels. To see this in person is amazing, and will never be forgotten.

The band performed a solid set of the hits from the last two albums, actually playing almost all songs from Distorted Lullabies. Amazing indeed, are they happy? Well maybe the better word is disturbed. But this is how you want the band to be. Creating a tension in you with out a disturbing shuttering of fear.

Also of note was Gnecco performed 4 songs acoustic by himself. He has reported that he has been working a lot with the acoustic sound, so this could mold the future sound of Ours... the possible Jeff Buckly replacement? All I can say is hopefully not. For no one can produce vocals to accompany their rock like ours.

I repeat, you will never forget an ours show if you see them live! It is not the band itself, in fact the support band for Gnecco is questionable. But you will leave wondering if Gnecco is really human, for the sounds he has the ability to produce truly exceeds the realm of expected reality!

Watch Red Colored Stars Acoustic Version

Watch a clip of the Song Drowning

Watch a clip of Fallen Souls (Longest Clip)

Posted by itzjerm at 12:45 AM | Comments (0)

July 29, 2004

Curiosa (2004) - Nashville, Atlanta

Muse

Short Set, Only New Songs, Dynamic Energy, Classical Sense

The Cure

Amazing Long Set, Enduring Performance, Classic Set list

The Rapture

Cowbell Dancing, Offkey Harmony, Fun Entertainment

Interpol

Non Dynamic, Cool, Monotone Enthusiasm

Well The Curiosa Festival has come and gone from the south. And I must say an amazing plethora of musical goodness was to be found at these festivities. I had the privilege of catching both the Atlanta and Nashville shows. With so many bands it is always going to be that certain ones will shine greater than others. All bands performed a 30 minute set, with the cure performing for about 1:45.

MUSE

Of course, at the top of my bill was Muse. Their 30 minute set.

Muse Set List :
1. Hysteria
2. New Born
3. Bliss
4. Butterflies and Hurricanes
5. Time Is Running Out
6. Stockholm Syndrome

They performed the same setlist at Both Nashville, and Atlanta. But they performed it quiet well, and even included a little Led Zeppelin. It seems it was time for the end of the Set, but Matt the Lead singer just kept wanting to play and play, and continued as he walked off the stage.

(Watch a clip from Atlanta, the view isn't the best due to the fact, video was confiscated earlier, and had to be quiet unsuspicious).

THE CURE

Next I give dibs to the Cure. I mean these guys have been around forever, and their set list was amazing!

Nashville:
Plainsong, Shake Dog Shake, Fascination Street, The End of the World, Anniversary, In between Days, Just Like Heaven, Pictures of You, Maybe Someday, Before Three, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, (I Don't Know What's Going) On, Push, Us or Them, alt.end, One Hundred Years, Disintegration

Encore: Lovesong, Play For Today, A Forest, Boys Don't Cry.

Atlanta
Lost, Labyrinth, Fascination Street, alt.end, A Night Like This, The End of the World, Lovesong, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, Jupiter Crash, Pictures of You, Before Three, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, A Strange Day, One Hundred Years, Never, The Promise

1st encore: Close To Me, Lovecats, Why Can't I Be You
2nd encore: Charlotte Sometimes, Faith, Going Nowhere.

Robert Smith came out on stage in Nashville, like he was a lost deranged little boy, looking hopelessly at a bunch of people he was scared of. Quiet interesting. I must say, this is one ugly gothic man... but he can produce some great music still. And the bass player, he is humped over like a hunchback the whole show, swaying back and forth, jumping around on one foot, (actually i think his bass is glued to his pants). Quiet interesting, and entertaining. But only Robert maintains the goth look, the rest of the band look fairly normal. The keyboardist stands with a distinction and confidence reminiscent of Kraftwerk keyboardist. A great show though!

(Watch part of a clip from Nashville).

THE RAPTURE

The Underdog of the shows I feel though was the Rapture. I heard so many people complain about their set! But I thought it was a wonderful performance. The group works well together, and creates a wonderful energy around a non-typical style. What else do you want? Cowbells you say? I've never seen anyone play the cowbell with a passion that the Rapture used it. One of the funniest things I've ever seen! True I would say they rip off Public Image Ltd., here and there... but I view their performance stellar! I hope to see them again!

(Watch a clip from the Raptures show in Atlanta).

INTERPOL

Finally a must see was Interpol. Once again, some did not get the monotone droning known as Interpol. But the somber aura created was perfect. The guys in their suits, makes the moment. The greatest creator of the mood definitely would be the base player, who stands with holster on, standing with such confidence that neither fire nor explosion could change his calm coolness.... intriguing almost scary! I hope to catch them at a smaller venue in the future.

(Watch a short clip of Interpol).

Well there you have it Curiosa, its complete in the south, but if you get the chance don't miss the chance to take this in! Tis wonderful! And don't forget to catch Mogwai, this is the band all the other bands were talking about, when we talked to them personally... they are definitely a better band live than on CD, just because your stereo system can't handle their dynamics...

Posted by itzjerm at 10:33 PM | Comments (8)

April 09, 2004

Muse - Atlanta - Cotton Club

The Atlanta Incident. That is what this show has been come to be known. For it was at this show that the Muse's lead Singer Matt Belamy impacted his guitar on the 5th song. This turned the show into a microshow.. after a microcut. Or a large gashing cut?!

I was able to attend this show. A big excitement, to see this band, viewed as one of the greatest live bands out there today. However, only Four Complete Songs were sang.

-Hysteria
-New Born
-Butterflies and Hurricanes
-Thoughts of a Dying Atheist

The next song Citizen Erased, only lasted a few seconds.

I captured this moment on film, and over 40,000 people to date have downloaded this event. Even the band has seen it, and has commented they find it funny (now that everything is known to be OK).

Watch This Video About what happened and "The Curse Described Below (Real Media"

Some find the video very humorous, others find it horrible for its where Matt gets hurt... [the goal was to be informative to what happened and to the curse] Everyone at the show was ?severely bummed?... the real fans were at this show... for it was only announced 2 weeks before they played (well the real fans and the real fans who drug there friends to the show? who they now should be real fans, for Muse live is amazing)

The 4 songs were most spectacular, if given the chance to see Muse live - Go for it (and hope me and my curse are not there). It is amazing to see what 3 people can produce musically. The depth the richness. Well just see for yourself (although the audio isn't the best)

Butterflys and Hurricanes watch it from the Atlanta show (WMV)

Friday April 9th, 2004. We head to Atlanta to see Muse. I honestly had nearly forgot of the curse that has plagued me for years. The curse of the show! What show? Any show I really want to see. Let me give a quick run down:

Toad the Wet Sprocket -

(1995) Convinced not to go see them for another trip (although highly looking forward to it... figured I'd go to next tour)
(1997) Receive flier in mail 2 days after their Nashville Show A few weeks later they break up
(2003) Reunion Tour, drive on drive to Cincinnati get in 2.5 hour traffic jam, and a snow storm.... but do somehow make the show just in time.

Radiohead-

(2001) Show in Atlanta Sells out to quick/Buy tickets for Washington DC show, after 12 hour drive find out the show is cancelled due to flooding
(2003) Plan to go to festival in New York, 2 days before festival it is cancelled; with effort show is enjoyed barely

And now adding to the list (which this list only exist for bands I've waited years to see) Now adding...

Muse -

(2004) Go to see Muse in Atlanta (after waiting 5 years to see the show), 4 songs into the show, the lead singer hits his face on the neck of the guitar... sending him to the emergency room... sending us home early

So there you have it a run down of the curse.

Posted by itzjerm at 05:57 AM | Comments (171)

March 20, 2004

Phantom Planet - Birmingham - Zydeco

Lola Ray

Psychotic Expressions, Power Pop, Quickly Heads

Phantom Planet

Expected Sound, Non Challenging, Desperate Attention

Phantom Planet has been on the scene for quiet a while making there own unique sound of Power Pop. They have created a large Indie Power Pop fan base based on there beautiful sound. However, their last release left this sound for a more mainstream expected sound. This change has alienated many fans. However we headed down to Birmingham to see if there live show could save this otherwise unsavory new album.
A new comer to the musical world, Lola Ray, opened for Phantom Planet. Still lacking an initial album, Lola Ray is touring supporting a forth coming album. Lola Ray is led by an eccentric Oriental Punk. The look in his eyes show that he is in the correct career. Those eyes would only be found in few locations, and most would involve crime no doubt. However, Lola Ray created much energy on stage, not by jumping around, but simply by verbal strength and powerful facial expressions and head knocks.

Watch a Lola Ray Clip

After Lola Ray left the stage, Phantom Planet hit the stage. While, it was hoped they would play older tunes, of course they mainly played songs from there latest album, The Guest, the purpose of this album is it seems make the main stream musical critics happy. This is unfortunate. However it must be stated that live the songs were much better than the presentation on the album. The group works well together. The poor review may be a product of the venue as well. The sound was far from good, which led to a disturbing end result. To Alex Greenwalds, lead singer, credit, he did try hard to get the crowd into the moment. This included climbing over the rafters, hanging upside down from them and yet still singing. The band also let things loose by inviting all on stage to sing and dance with them.
Overall though a disappointment, lets hope Phantom Planets next venture proves much more cutting edge and unique. Then we can recommend there live show as well.

Phantom Planet – California

Posted by itzjerm at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)

October 07, 2003

Radiohead - Atlanta - Hi Fi Buys Amphitheatre

Radiohead

Convulsive Excitement, Raw Electrical Energy, Soothing Calmness, Spectacular Lights

What is to be said except truly amazing.... This was the second time I had seen radiohead this year, and I must say that this show out shined the Failed day Performance in New York City. It was very cool to see Thome and know he was more than an enigmatic ant twitching on a matchbox stage. A radiohead show is nothing more than well a dance fest ... at least in our general vicinity. Twitching turning crawling, hands floating through the air... it about seeing felling and experiencing the music. The music is moving on CD, but live it doesn't just move you, it grabs hold of you and throws you into spastic Thome like convulsions... In the end leaving you refreshed.

So many wonderful songs at the show, some amazingly calm (sail to the moon) others incredible energy (national anthem). And here in the south we showed them what southern hospitality and excitement is about, as we almost tore down the amphitheater, creating a continuous echoing racket beating on chairs and screaming, to get the group to return, and continued to show our appreciation.

We couldn't help but jump in glee screaming skipping upon leaving... sharing with others our Radiohigh!

Here is the complete set list

01 the gloaming
02 there there
03 2+2=5
04 where i end and you begin
05 exit music
06 morning bell ("this is a birthday song")
07 myxomatosis ("1, 2, 3...huh!")
08 paranoid android ("it's almost my birthday, but not really...that's tomorrow. how old am i gonna be? i get cheap car insurance now. too bad." crowd says happy birthday thom. "i don't need a reminder!" something goes wrong on the rain down section. they go ahead anyway. thom mumbles something.)
09 in limbo ("that was worth a try anyway.")
10 sail to the moon
11 creep ("ah..")
12 scatterbrain
13 go to sleep
14 i might be wrong
15 idioteque
16 you and whose army?
17 sit down. stand up (repeated Hallelujah at the end of the song.)

Encore #1:
18 no surprises (thom sings the national anthem before the band starts the song)
19 national anthem ("stop the FTAA, 21st, miami, they're trying to fuck with the americas...more trade rules, more exploitation. this is called Wolf at the Door...")
20 a wolf at the door
21 fake plastic trees ("thank you. goodnight.")

Encore #2:
22 airbag ("well HIIIIiIiIiIiIiIIiii...!!! we've got to thank supergrass because um...they were going to play msg with us but they can't, so we got to find somebody to support us, so if you know anybody who's interested. um. oh man. i hear birdies. this is my new one." thom does a little "whoa" from airbag acapella, 2... 3...)
23 everything in its right place

See Radiohead live. It will be the most amazing event in your life.

Posted by itzjerm at 09:03 AM | Comments (0)

September 01, 2003

Tori Amos/Ben Folds - Atlanta - Chastain Park Amphitheatre

Ben Folds

Humor, Piano Energy, Toe Tapping Happiness

Tori Amos

Floating Peacefulness, Calm Atmosphere, Piano Excitement, Passion

On the tour known as Lottapianos. Ben Folds and Tori Amos have been crossing the country slapping down on there pianos showing there true talent. These two express this creative The Combination of Ben Folds and Tori Amos was quiet impressive. A mix of people to say the least. But there were those few, dancing frolicking, and enjoying the peacefulness with subliminal beat.

Ben Folds put on an entertaining set himself.

Ben Folds led the audience in group harmony. Trying to create an interactive show for everyone. He always had an interesting stance, ready to jump into the piano.

But the songs were rich for a single person to create,

and a decent variety from his past and present.

I've never been a Tori Amos fan, but must say it was a really good show. It flowed nicely, and was quiet relaxing, leaning back, looking at the stars,

floating in the melody of Tori.

It was very interesting that the bugs sounded together with the music. Now that I just said I am not a Tori Amos fan, after I have seen her live I must take this back. She is an amazing live performer.

Here is the set list.

Wampum Prayer
a sorta fairytale
Little Earthquakes
Sweet Sangria
Cornflake Girl
Bells For Her
Siren
Crucify
Wednesday

Band Leaves

Crazy
I'm On Fire
Nights In White Satin

Band returns

Horses
Tombigbee
Virginia
Father Lucifer
Take To The Sky
I Can't See New York
Precious Things

1st Encore

God
Mary

2nd Encore

Space Dog
Doughnut Song
Your Cloud

Posted by itzjerm at 06:24 AM | Comments (0)

August 06, 2003

Eels/Flaming Lips - Nashville - Uptown Mix

The Eels

Classic Songs, Mediocre Enthusiasm

The Flaming Lips

Amazing Interactivity, Party Atmosphere, Fun Songs, Sock Puppets

In an odd combination this week, the Eels and the Flaming Lips crossed tours to do a one night combined set in Nashville. The Uptown Mix is a small stage setup on the outskirts of Vanderbilt University during the Summers. In other words its a small venue outside atmosphere.

What a show it was. Mr E coming in on the shoulders of giants, Confetti, Balloons, Animal Costumes, and a little Novocaine for the Soul (country style? Yes it was quiet strange!)... And then there was a beloved Monster too.

Eels

The Eels started things off, Mr. E being carried in through the crowd, onto the stage where he would start off his set, a combination of hits past and present and even some various covers. The most surprising of these was a ZZ Top Cover.

From an E to a Z E and the eels do a little ZZtop Watch the Clip (wmv).

While in general the music was tight, Mr. E really is not a dynamic performer. In actuality his anger released in music lyrics simply is not conveyed on stage by more than what can be described as world angst whining. Not to belittle seeing them, the eels are still worthy of your attention.

The Flaming Lips

Meanwhile with the end of the Eels came the Flaming Lips. One word for this groups show... MASIVE PARTY! YOU MUST SEE A FLAMING LIPS SHOW! The flaming lips have made it where they are not only on there music, but on there performing skills. In fact the Flaming Lips were signed the night they set the stage on fire when they decided to put alcohol in the symbols, light it on fire and then start playing it, the stage, speakers, and other things caught fire...(and caught the record companies attention). One of the most peculiar things is band members and a host of other people come out on stage wearing animal costumes (to create that 10 year old party feel).

But that was just the beginning of the party. Confetti, massive balloons for the crowd, group exercise. And.. and ... fake blood. That’s right, during The Spark That Bled... he poured fake blood all over himself and his white suit!

And what would a children’s party be without a sock puppet? During 'Yoshimi Fights the Pink Robots' a sock puppet leads the singing of the chorus. On top of all this a massive screen shows close ups of the lead singer and of various video ranging from people exercising (which the crowd then takes part in) to war.

But of course the classic moment is when the entire crowd joins in singing the classic Vaseline!

Well do you want to see the Flaming Lips? You should! Make sure you are close enough to the stage to be part of the party! And if you aren't convinced yet...

Watch this string of video clips showing various antics from the show.

Posted by itzjerm at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)