Not much to say about Phish Cincy. At the end of the day, I have probably seen Phish more times than any other band and I have NEVER walked away saying, "that sucked". Some shows are obviously better than others, but they put out a full effort every time they perform. This was my 5th and 6th Phish performance of 2009 and each night was awesome in it's own right. Highlights for the weekend:
-Getting drunk in at Murphy's in Clifton (near U-Cincy) We met a bunch of great people. Mike, you'll never read this, but I wish you a safe trip back to South Dakota. I hope and pray your kid survives and flourishes. Mikey and I both agreed that your story was tragic, and we wish you the best of luck.
-Getting drunk with Megan on Friday before the show and hanging out with her at the show on Saturday. We met a wheelchair chick at a restaurant on Friday. It turns out she likes to party and wanted one of our extra tickets. We wheeled down to the show and fought the crowd all night. While Megan has zero discreet public weed smoking skills (lost my pipe) we all had a lot of fun together and I'm glad she enjoyed the show.
-I met the Music Director for the Cincinnati Archdiocese. We chatted for a few minutes. Just to clarify one point...when I described Archdiocese folks as "stuffy" I wasn't talking about you. I don't even know you. Quite honestly, it's unfair for me to generalize all archdiocese folks as "stuffy". Not that it matters, but I retract my statement.
-I also want to apologize to the bartender Bistro Bar for goofing on Cincy for being a racist city. I was super drunk and Cincy is no more racist than Milwaukee (which is also very racist). More importantly, I left my credit card without paying my tab. My bad. Don't worry I'll fix it.
There were lots of music highlights on the weekend:
Song highlight for me was Rolling Stones cover Torn and Frayed. I downloaded the Halloween set and have been replaying that song over and over. It was awesome (and surprising) to hear it live. Now I can put that song to rest because I have a tendency to replay the same music over and over.
We had 11th row center tickets for the Saturday show. I wouldn't recommend paying extra money for floor seats at an arena show. While it is cool to see the band a little closer, it's difficult to actually get to your seat (I sat in the aisle) and it's very crowded with lots of bad dancers flailing around. I took a few elbows in the back from dread lock hippy spinners.
I hate music reviews that just list the tracks and I can't remember anything distinct about the music. Both nights were excellent all around. Phish charges $50 per ticket and they are worth every penny. This is truly a top rock performer for my generation.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Phish 11/20 Cincinnati
I'm still foggy from all the booze and weed, but the show was fantastic. I don't care too much about set lists anymore, but overall the concert was outstanding. I forgot how muddy stadium acoustics can be, but that's the appeal of a fall/winter indoor rock concert.
Back tonight for show 2. We have excellent seats tonight.
Back tonight for show 2. We have excellent seats tonight.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Toshi Reagon -- Pittman Theatre
American Folk / Blues
Toshi Reagon has a powerful stage presence and the upbeat blues grooves are just plain fun. Unfortunately her compositions began to tire half way through the set; many songs were indistinguishable from one another. Nevertheless, I was in the mood for folk blues music tonight. Adam Widoff has excellent rhythm chops and Toshi is a kindred and soulful character. Unfortunately this isn't an exceptional band by any stretch of the imagination--competent yes, but not fantastic.
Toshi has an endearing message singing love songs (mostly about breakups) that croon inner strength and self esteem triumph. She doesn't antagonize, but summons her audience to carry a revolutionary mantle from the previous generation. "Nobody gets a vacation--we have to keep [working]" and teach the next wave of people to continue the struggle. I believe her parents are/were civil rights activists and role models.
Not a bad show, but hearing Lauren Hill in the car ride home reminded me why I didn't walk away thinking she's a world class talent.
Still love the Pittman--and WUWM for the free tickets.
Toshi Reagon has a powerful stage presence and the upbeat blues grooves are just plain fun. Unfortunately her compositions began to tire half way through the set; many songs were indistinguishable from one another. Nevertheless, I was in the mood for folk blues music tonight. Adam Widoff has excellent rhythm chops and Toshi is a kindred and soulful character. Unfortunately this isn't an exceptional band by any stretch of the imagination--competent yes, but not fantastic.
Toshi has an endearing message singing love songs (mostly about breakups) that croon inner strength and self esteem triumph. She doesn't antagonize, but summons her audience to carry a revolutionary mantle from the previous generation. "Nobody gets a vacation--we have to keep [working]" and teach the next wave of people to continue the struggle. I believe her parents are/were civil rights activists and role models.
Not a bad show, but hearing Lauren Hill in the car ride home reminded me why I didn't walk away thinking she's a world class talent.
Still love the Pittman--and WUWM for the free tickets.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
September / October Shows (that I can remember)
Phish Festival 8 (Online) -- Halloween Set: Exile on Main Street 10/31
*Not a local performance, but I did listen to it live and it is noteworthy (for me)
I've never been to a Halloween Phish show, but I listened to the real-time broadcast on Sirius. Modern web entertainment access still amazes me. I'm actually typing this while listening to the Festival 8 Sunday Acoustic set live (which is also awesome.) You can download 2 track recordings of the show here. Or wait until someone posts the recording on Demonoid or Isohunt.
Frankly, Exile was their best Halloween costume to date. Many fans expressed frustration when they announced the 'classic album' selection on Saturday morning. But it's doubtful, after all the anticipation, audience members walked away disappointed. These guys put so much effort into their prep, Phish would've nailed ANY of the albums on the promo web page. I was rooting for them to play Rush (Moving Pictures), Yes (The Yes Album) or The Beach Boys (Pet Sounds)--but I have NO regret with the Rolling Stones cover and will probably kill this album on my mp3 player over the next month...right after I overplay the Phish version.
Thoughts on the performance:
Nobody will ever confuse Phish with a soul/funk outfit, but there were moments last night when I forgot I was listening to 4 white guys from Vermont. In a rare collaboration, Phish brought in two singers (including Sharon Jones,) and the Dap Kings' horn section which provided a lot of the texture to the robust soulful sounds. 2 songs stood out for me: Torn and Frayed and the closer Soul Survivor. I hope they add a few of these numbers to their touring repertoire.
Phish is hitting on all cylinders right now. It doesn't make sense to me when I hear people talk shit about this band. I'm biased though because I bought into Phish about 15 years ago. But if you ever yearn for a loud rock show, this is a can't miss band...no doubt about it.
The Warsaw Village Band (Alverno College) 10/30
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Alverno College puts on the most interesting music series in Milwaukee. Turner/Riverside/Pabst is doing a lot of great things for the Milwaukee music scene, but they don't book the unique selection you'll find at Alverno--which is mostly nerd world music. The Pittman Theater is fantastic; easily my favorite venue in town.
I'm still scratching my head, but I think the Warsaw Village band is a Polish Roots outfit. The lead vocalist hypnotized me with Polish drones that seemed to replicate her cello--in fact, the two sounds were indistinguishable at times. Sepp thought they were singing about Smurfs--I thought they were singing about Gypsy magic. Either way, this band illustrated our departure from eastern European social norms because we couldn't decide if this music would have been appropriate at a wedding or a funeral. 6 pieces: Cello, Two violins, upright bass, and two percussionists. I'm not a music critic, so this was difficult for me to describe. Here is what the NYT had to say recently:
The New York Times
The Mighty Diamonds (Mad Planet) 10/24
Rodrigo & Gabriella (Pabst) 10/14
Bon Iver & The Daredevil Christopher Wright (Riverside) 10/11
Portugal the Man (Turner Hall) 10/9
This band was unbelievable; just a great way to kick off a big weekend of music. I look forward to seeing them again.
Built to Spill (Turner Hall) 9/27
As Sepp would say, "they hit you with a wall of sound." This show was 'over the top' loud, but it didn't bother me. I had ear plugs and this band is fantastic.
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe (Turner Hall) 9/16
I absolutely love their new tune Shake It Out--but I get bored at Afro-beat concerts. It's the same boredom I get with most Jam Bands. Yes, I've seen Femi-Kuti (several times) and I think his act is boring too--Antibalas is another one. Zap Mama is a wonderful French Afro-beat vocalist, so I can't knock the genre--just many of the performers.
*Not a local performance, but I did listen to it live and it is noteworthy (for me)
I've never been to a Halloween Phish show, but I listened to the real-time broadcast on Sirius. Modern web entertainment access still amazes me. I'm actually typing this while listening to the Festival 8 Sunday Acoustic set live (which is also awesome.) You can download 2 track recordings of the show here. Or wait until someone posts the recording on Demonoid or Isohunt.
Frankly, Exile was their best Halloween costume to date. Many fans expressed frustration when they announced the 'classic album' selection on Saturday morning. But it's doubtful, after all the anticipation, audience members walked away disappointed. These guys put so much effort into their prep, Phish would've nailed ANY of the albums on the promo web page. I was rooting for them to play Rush (Moving Pictures), Yes (The Yes Album) or The Beach Boys (Pet Sounds)--but I have NO regret with the Rolling Stones cover and will probably kill this album on my mp3 player over the next month...right after I overplay the Phish version.
Thoughts on the performance:
Nobody will ever confuse Phish with a soul/funk outfit, but there were moments last night when I forgot I was listening to 4 white guys from Vermont. In a rare collaboration, Phish brought in two singers (including Sharon Jones,) and the Dap Kings' horn section which provided a lot of the texture to the robust soulful sounds. 2 songs stood out for me: Torn and Frayed and the closer Soul Survivor. I hope they add a few of these numbers to their touring repertoire.
Phish is hitting on all cylinders right now. It doesn't make sense to me when I hear people talk shit about this band. I'm biased though because I bought into Phish about 15 years ago. But if you ever yearn for a loud rock show, this is a can't miss band...no doubt about it.
The Warsaw Village Band (Alverno College) 10/30
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Alverno College puts on the most interesting music series in Milwaukee. Turner/Riverside/Pabst is doing a lot of great things for the Milwaukee music scene, but they don't book the unique selection you'll find at Alverno--which is mostly nerd world music. The Pittman Theater is fantastic; easily my favorite venue in town.
I'm still scratching my head, but I think the Warsaw Village band is a Polish Roots outfit. The lead vocalist hypnotized me with Polish drones that seemed to replicate her cello--in fact, the two sounds were indistinguishable at times. Sepp thought they were singing about Smurfs--I thought they were singing about Gypsy magic. Either way, this band illustrated our departure from eastern European social norms because we couldn't decide if this music would have been appropriate at a wedding or a funeral. 6 pieces: Cello, Two violins, upright bass, and two percussionists. I'm not a music critic, so this was difficult for me to describe. Here is what the NYT had to say recently:
The New York Times
"This is the sound of globalisation!"
"Traditional Polish songs, with their cutting vocals and meshed fiddles are the foundation of Warsaw Village Band's repertory. But while their lineup is primarily acoustic - hand drums, hammered dilcimer, violins, cello - their sensibilities are modern. They hear dance -club drive and trancey echoes in the songs and they use recording studio techniques to heighten the central drones and eerie percussive sounds in their songs. Hints of reggae and guests like a scratching disc jockey should further infuriate purists"
The Mighty Diamonds (Mad Planet) 10/24
Rodrigo & Gabriella (Pabst) 10/14
Bon Iver & The Daredevil Christopher Wright (Riverside) 10/11
Portugal the Man (Turner Hall) 10/9
This band was unbelievable; just a great way to kick off a big weekend of music. I look forward to seeing them again.
Built to Spill (Turner Hall) 9/27
As Sepp would say, "they hit you with a wall of sound." This show was 'over the top' loud, but it didn't bother me. I had ear plugs and this band is fantastic.
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe (Turner Hall) 9/16
I absolutely love their new tune Shake It Out--but I get bored at Afro-beat concerts. It's the same boredom I get with most Jam Bands. Yes, I've seen Femi-Kuti (several times) and I think his act is boring too--Antibalas is another one. Zap Mama is a wonderful French Afro-beat vocalist, so I can't knock the genre--just many of the performers.
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