It's been way too many months since I have posted something on this little blog so I am going to catch up with some rapid reviews. And away we go:
FLEET FOXES w/CAVE SINGERS-United Palace, NYC-5/8
The much anticipated arrival to NYC after the release of their spectacular album 'Helplessness Blues' resulted in something I never saw before at a concert. A standing ovation in the middle of the show. Not just a standing ovation, but a passionate, heartfelt, slow building standing ovation. It was as if it just dawned on everybody just how amazing this experience and needed to let the band know. The band, especially lead singer Robin Pecknold, seemed overwhelmed and almost bashful about the applause and appreciation from the crowd. This was an awesome show by an awesome band and just like every other time I have seen this band live, I'm just thankful I was able to attend.
The Cave Singers opened and I caught the second half of their set. The reminded me of a folky version of Modest Mouse. Liked them a lot and plan to catch them next time they come around
TWILIGHT SINGERS-Webster Hall, NYC-5/13 (Friday the 13th)
A show so good they decided to release it as their first ever live album with the killer name 'Twilight Singers: Live in New York'. All joking aside, this was a great night. Lead singer Greg Dulli's time leading the Twilight Singers is nearing that of his time with the Afghan Whigs. How will his career be defined? Who cares? Every release and every live show is a welcome adventure and tonight he was his bad ass self talking up Prince and breaking into a little Tom Petty and even taking time to heckle some fans in the front row. The backing band seemed to be the same as the last time I saw them after what was a rotating cast of support members since the band started. Never the less, these guys were fantastic. I did notice that the cup holder was missing from Dulli's mic stand for this show? Has he stopped drinking? Was he just being good since they were taping the show for for release? Not sure but he did seem a bit more 'together' tonight.
Regarding the Afghan Whigs. Very exciting news to hear that they will be reuniting in 2012 to play the All Tomorrows Parties festivals in London and New Jersey. Hopefully more shows will be included...
SWINGIN' UTTERS-Santos Party House, NYC-6/15
I was a little let down by this show. This is one of my favorite punk bands and it has been many years since I have seen them. The venue was only half full and the crowd was pretty mellow and the band seemed a little subdued, as if they were just going thru the motions. I guess I expected more from them since they haven't been to the east coast in a while. Ahh well. I'll look forward to the next time the roll thru...
WILLIAM ELLIOTT WHITMORE-MERCURY LOUNGE, NYC-7/19
First the voice. Wow! You would never imagine this bluesy, soulful voice comes from this tattooed and bearded white dude. Second the coolness and genuine nice demeanor of the guy. He is just super cool. I spoke with him before the show and mentioned that I had seen an interview with him and his grand mom online. It was hilarious and sweet. She must be in her 90's. He said, 'ahh well thank you. Grand ma is a really great lady. Thanks for watching and thanks for coming out to watch tonight'. It was a very packed and sold out show so when he got up to the stage, he invited people to sit around him on the stage to free up the rest of the room. Cool move. He is a one man show switching between guitar and banjo as well a using a base drum with one foot. Stories are told between songs as if he wants you to really feel what he is singing about. Simply said, should William Elliott Whitmore come thru your town, do yourself a favor and go see him.
DEER TICK-Pier 54, NYC-8/11
I've just hopped on the Deer Tick wagon this year. I know I'm a little late but while I heard some of their songs before, I never purchased a cd or made it to a show. Big mistake. These guys are fantastic live as was evident at their show I witnessed earlier this year when they played with Dawes and Middle Brother. It all starts with lead singer John MacCauley, who I will go on record in saying is the funniest lead singer out there. This shit this guy says is hilarious. They performed a career spanning show tonight, playing for over 2 hours mixing in some great covers of Nirvana, Chuck Berry and even Sam Cooke. Cool moment of the night is before one of the last songs of the show, John called up a kid that was in the front row. He said the kid has been singing every single word the whole night was was doing such a great job, he wanted him to join the band on stage. The kid clammed up a bit but I'm sure it was a highlight of his summer.
