San Francisco Music Calendar

10 December 2006

The Faint, Ladytron (Hollywood Palladium, 7 December 2006)

Here we go again.

I flew down to Los Angeles to see The Faint play with Ladytron and Ratatat at the crappy Palladium. I haven't been to the Palladium since Blur played there in 1997. I wasn't excited to see a band play there then, and I certainly wasn't pleased to see a show there nine years later.

What I forgot to mention in my previous post was that this whole thing was sponsored by Camel cigarettes. I have no problem with certain advertisers promoting a show, but something about cigarettes makes me feel uneasy. Well, whatever. The only weird part was seeing all this Camel paraphanelia everywhere. Otherwise, I didn't pay much attention to all that.

I didn't see Ratatat, but I would imagine their set was similar to their S.F. one.

Ladytron I saw and they were pretty good. They were better when I saw them play the Fillmore because of the visuals. And I think they were in better spirits. It was the 5th time they played L.A. and they played pretty much the same songs they've been playing the entire tour. I was in the back for their set, and danced accordingly to "Destroy Everything You Touch" and "Seventeen."

Then the Faint. They started off with the same song, but I didn't have the drive to go see them up close.

That was my initial feeling. When I saw Blur at the same venue nine years earlier, I was in the same disposition. Then when the second song played, I made a mad dash to the front.

And I did the same thing here.

Same exact set list. I got more bruises, sore muscles and plenty of sweat. My size S shirt turned into an XL.

Cheers to the security guards for keeping an eye on the crowd and giving us water. I am eternally grateful.

Beer Rating: 0 Beer

The Faint, Ratatat (Mezzanine, 5 December 2006)

I was so excited to see The Faint and Ratatat last Tuesday night. So much so that I made it a goal for me to dance like crazy, with or without any friends around me. Well, mission accomplished.

Ratatat came on first and they were great. They were a lot tighter than when I first saw them in San Diego two years ago. They were accompanied by a keyboardist this time and they played a lot of songs from Classics and some from their self-titled debut. Highlights include "Wildcats," which got a giggle from some of the crowd because of the cougar sounds. Biggest reception was for "Seventeen Years." Very tight and enjoyable set. Definitely a great way to start the night.

The Faint came on shortly therafter. I found my way to the very front and was excited to be in the middle of it all. As the show progressed, I somehow found myself front and center of the crowd. Unlike their show with Bright Eyes, The Faint didn't have the great visual set-up. The visuals were the same, but there was a lack of screens and lighting. Minimal, yes, but their performance more than made up for any visual scarcity.

They started off with "Dropkick the Punks," which I found odd. Once they started that, the crowd started to push forward and I got caught. I was hopping around like mad, and even more so during the next song, "Paranoiattack."

Naturally, they played a few new songs called, "Metal Hawks," "Geeks Were Right," "Fish in a Womb" and "Seduced." All the songs were pretty good, but I'm sure once their new album comes out, I will better appreciate these songs.

Definite highlights were "Let the Poison Spill", which caused me to dance a lot and get bruised on my arms and legs. The last three songs were just intense, with "Desperate Guys," "Glass Danse," and "Worked Up So Sexual." I was about to faint at this point (pun intended).

They ended their set with "Birth" and "Agenda Suicide."

So, the end result? I was bruised in several places of my body, I was drenched in awesomeness from head to toe, deaf ears, I got a setlist and a new track jacket. Fantastic show from start to finish.

Here's the complete setlist:

Dropkick the Punks
Paranoiattack
Call Call
Metal Hawks
How Could I Forget?
I Disappear
Hospital
Geeks Were Right
Posed to Death
Let the Poison Spill
In Concert
Fish in a Womb
Desperate Guys
Glass Danse
Worked Up So Sexual
------
Seduced
Birth
Agenda Suicide

Beer Rating: 0 Beer

04 December 2006

Best Albums of 2006

There were over 144 albums or EPs that I downloaded onto my iTunes this year. A rather surprising number and, indeed, packs quite a wallop on the wallet. Of those 144, here are my top 50 albums of 2006:

1.

Cat Power – The Greatest

A sober Chan Marshall creates the best album of the year. Solid from start to finish, with a true blues band accompanying each and every word. I will no longer call her Crap Power. But I will still call Blonde Redhead “Blonde Shitehead”.

2.

Mew – And the Glass Handed Kites

Listen to “Apocalpyso,” “Special” and “Zookeeper’s Boy” in order. The way each song flows from one to the other makes it one of the best consecutive tracks I’ve ever heard.

3.

Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am Not

These guys are just so much fun and full of energy. With clever lyrics to boot. “And all the weekend rock stars are in their toilets, practicing their lines.” Need I say more?

4.

The Rapture – Pieces of the People We Love

According to my iTunes, the song of the summer, “Get Myself Into It,” was played 20 times. It’s such a fun album, but gets weak after “WAYUH.”

5.

Belle & Sebastian – The Life Pursuit

Pure indie pop at it’s finest. “Funny Little Frog” and “White Collar Boy” pay homage to the 1960’s.

6.

Girl Talk – Night Ripper

This beats anything Party Ben has ever made. Sheer brilliance in mixing. Don’t call this a mash up album.

7.

Cansei De Ser Sexy – CSS

Who would have thought that Brazilians can make such clever electro dance pop? In English nonetheless? Not me, that's for sure. “…Death from Above” drives me crazy.

8.

Love is All – Nine Times the Same Song

One of the most underrated bands that ever came out of Sweden. The horns in “Busy Doing Nothing” are just amazing.

9.

Band of Horses – Everything All the Time

A mellow album that displays strong singer/songwriter elements. “Funeral” and “Great Salt Lake” are definite classics.

10.

Beirut – Gulag Orkestar

A 20 year old from Albuquerque, New Mexico making Eastern European gypsy music. Go figure. “Postcards from Italy” is a keeper.

11.

Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out of This Country

Indie pop veterans do it again. “If Looks Could Kill” and “Lloyd I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken” are the hits.

12.

The Knife – Silent Shout

Darker sounding than Deep Cuts, The Knife is establishing itself as the premiere live electronic act of today.

13.

Mogwai– Mr. Beast

Another fine gem from these Scots. As intense as Come On Die Young but a lot shorter. It's not the length of the song, it's how you use it.

14.

Destroyer – Destroyer’s Rubies

I’m convinced that Dan Bejar and A.C. Newman are robots. They sound so similar. And, like robots, they are flawless in what they do.

15.

The Gossip – Standing in the Way of Control

Punk + R&B = The Gossip. Beth Ditto is most deserving to be on the NME Cool List this year.

16.

I’m From Barcelona – Let Me Introduce My Friends

This 20+ member indie pop outfit from Sweden has created a song that describes my trials and tribulations of waking up from Monday through Friday.

17.

Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins – Rabbit Furcoat

An album so strong that Rilo Kiley better be careful.

18.

Tap Tap– Lanzafame

I still don’t think they sound like the Arcade Fire, but this album was one of the few hidden gems this year.

19.

Xiu Xiu – The Air Force

You haven’t seen a video until you see “Boy Soprano.”

20.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Show Your Bones

Way different than Fever to Tell. While others chided them for it, I applaud Karen O. for changing it up.

21.

Midlake – The Trials of Van Occupanther

After seeing them open up for the Flaming Lips this year, a definite must-see and must-hear band. Melodic indie rock.

22.

Shearwater – Palo Santo

Okkervil River but not as good.

23.

Tapes 'N Tapes – The Loon

One of the most overhyped bands in the blog world. They back it up with this album...sort of.

24.

Sufjan Stevens – The Avalanche

Wasn’t too sure to include this since it’s mostly extras from Illinoise. But I like “Dear Mr. Supercomputer” and all the versions of “Chicago.”

25.

Annuals – Be He Me

Watch out in 2007. I think Chapel Hill will become the next Omaha.

26.

Talkdemonic – Beat Romantic

Where the hell was I when this was released? And how come I just found out about them? Brilliant.

27.

The Black Heart Procession – The Spell

Representing the 619, this band makes me proud to say that I am a native San Diegan. Otherwise, I’m from San Francisco.

28.

The Delays – You See Colours

At first, I thought this was crap. Then it grew on me. I love it.

29.

Ima Robot – Monument to the Masses

Sounds like their previous album. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?

30.

The Fratellis – Costello Music

One of the few NME bands that was actually worth the hype.

31.

The Decemberists – The Crane Wife

Too repetitive. How many times do you really need to say "perfect crime"? Sounds a lot like the other albums. But it’s still good.

32.

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton – Knives Don’t Have Your Back

Beautiful piano in all of the songs. A complete and refreshing departure from Metric.

33.

Joanna Newsom – Ys

Much more polished than The Milk-Eyed Mender and some songs are just damn long. But still great.

34.

Lily Allen – Alright Still

So, shoot me if I like Lily Allen. I saw you dancing to “Smile” at Popscene fucker. Yeah, you know who you are.

35.

Lady Sovereign – Public Warning

“If you love me then, thank you! If you hate me then, fuck you!” Yeah, simple, huh? How come you couldn’t think of a chorus like that?

36.

Malajube – Trompme - L’Oeil

I never quote from Spin but I will now: Malajube is French for “rock that doesn’t suck.” Listen to “Le Crabe” full blast while you’re hitting something or someone. And then run!!!

37.

MSTRKRFT – The Looks

Even though they suck live, this album is great.

38.

Ratatat – Classics

Who would have thought that having a jaguar howling at precise moments in a song can be bloody brilliant? “Wildcat.” Pay $0.99 (or not) and download it.

39.

The Pipettes – We Are the Pipettes

It’s like Back to the Future music, but better. They are the prettiest girls you’ve ever met.

40.

Pretty Girls Make Graves – Elan Vital

Strong album. Just watch out when the lead singer chucks his guitar.

41.

The Blow – Paper Television

“Pile of Gold” is pretty addictive.

42.

Spinto Band – Nice and Nicely Done

Their version of “Oh Mandy” is a lot better than Barry Manilow’s.

43.

Morissey – Ringleader of the Tormentors

The man is a living icon and he continues to make strong albums. While the rest of the Smiths are still trying to figure themselves out.

44.

Oh No! Oh My! – Oh No! Oh My!

They suck live. But this album is pretty good.

45.

Cold War Kids– Robbers & Cowards

Boys from L.A. exhibit so much soul and energy in each of their songs. “Hang Me Up to Dry.” That’s the keeper.

46.

Elf Power – Back to the Web

Yeah, I’m behind with these Elf Power guys. If you’re longing to hear something even remotely close to Jeff Mangum’s Neutral Milk Hotel, this is your album.

47.

Sparklehorse – Dreamt of Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain

After all this time, they finally released an album. And it’s just “okay” compared to the others.

48.

Phoenix – It’s Never Been Like That

Weakest album of their discography. But still some catchy songs like “Napoleon Says.”

49.

Islands – Return to the Sea

The Unicorns? Who are the Unicorns?

50.

The Killers – Sam’s Town

Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis

OK. You must be wondering why I have two albums in number 50. It's my list and I can do whatever I want. You can give me shit for putting The Killers in my top 50. But I like “When You Were Young” and “Johnny.” And Ms. Julie S. was right when she said to me at 1am "give the KING of Britpop his rightful place in the top 50." With songs about about fat kids ("Fat Children"), dead beats ("Don't Let Him Waste Your Time") and C U Next Tuesdays ("Cunts are Still Running the World"), who am I to argue?

03 December 2006

Tussle (Cafe du Nord, 2 December 2006)

What the hell happened?

I went to the Tussle show last night after spending a wonderful time with some friends at a birthday party. I was pretty psyched to see Tussle, since they always put on a good show. The simplicity of their sounds just makes you want to shuffle your feet.

As Charky and I made our way to the front, we all of a sudden entered a whole new dimension. It's like the freakin' Twilight Zone. First, I saw Tomo, the guy from Hey Willpower, manning the bass and some synths. I didn't even know he was part of Tussle now. And what's with all these electronic gizmos on stage? They had gizmos before, but it seems way over the top now. And, to cap it all off, I was surrounded by these Bonchees. I'm like, huh? What happened to the indie kids who went to theTussle show when they supported The Gossip and Numbers? Or when Tussle played Hotel Utah? Very weird.

This was their album release party, so I was expecting to hear a lot of new songs, which I did. The new songs were good, but not as simple and straightforward as Kling Klang. It was more sophisticated, advanced and electronic. Which is great and all, but what I liked about Tussle was the overall simplicity of their sound. Nothing but percussion, and none of that filler.

I don't know the names of any of their new songs, but they just played it and I liked what I heard. And I would have enjoyed it more if that stupid Amazonian woman would stop slithering her way through the crowd and standing right in front of me. Like, what the hell Bonch? And please stop pressing your body against mine. I know I'm hot and all, but you're not my type and I'm not going to stoop to your Bonch dance style. Oh, and there was this other girl who, from behind, looked like someone I knew. It weirded me out and I wanted to hide. Of course, I was okay because of the Amazonian covering my entire view.

Tussle ended their main set with "Here it Comes" from Kling Klang. For this song, they invited the crowd to participate. They handed out various percussion instruments such as cow bells and drum sticks to pound on beer glasses, Red Stripes (it was a $1 off that night) and whatever else they can get their hands on. It was fun, seeing all of them participate. Hell, even the Bonch girls contributed by banging on the drummer's cymbal and they actually had some rhythm. Good job Bonch girls.

Like the Dears show the night before, I left after the main set. Looking forward to the chilly evening air I was about to encounter as I ride my bike back home.

Beer Rating:

1/2

The Dears (The Independent, 1 December 2006)

It's that time of the year again. The craziness that is the holiday season. As I'm writing this entry on this fine Sunday afternoon, I'm thinking of all the things I need to accomplish. Shopping, holiday cards, planning the holiday party, year-end stuff I need to do, ranking all the 50 best albums and the 20 best shows I attended this year, getting psyched for The Faint, work stuff, etc. It's enough to do your head in, you know?

So, I went to the Dears show on Friday for the sole purpose of crossing off what I've been meaning to do for a couple of years: see them. I had a ticket to see them at Cafe du Nord but gave it up because I was too tired. I had an opportunity to see them at Popscene, but, again, I was too tired to go. Last Friday, I was also really tired, but I pushed on and went.

Was it worth it? Well, kind of. The company was good as always, but the Dears live is, to me, just average at best. Before they took the stage, they started off with these weird theatrics that, quite honestly, should have been avoided. If they want better lighting tricks and theatrics, they should consult with Secret Machines or the lighting guys for Kasabian.

As for the songs themselves, I always found the Dears' songs to be good. Borderline "average" Coldplay/Keane like in some ways, but the rockin' elements and the lyrics give the Dears a bit more edge than Coldplay or Keane.

The Dears started off with "Ticket to Immortality" from their new album Gang of Losers. It was a very promising start to their set. Murray Lightburn doesn't sound like Damon Albarn live, despite his album vocals. To the sides of the stage were the ever so beautiful Valérie Jodoin-Keaton and Natalia Yanchak providing some backing vocals, synths and some percussion. I focused on them if I was bored, which I was during some of their set.

"Lost in the Plot" was the 4th or 5th song and it wasn't as good as I'd hope for. I played that song non-stop at one point two years ago, but it lost its lustre live.

"Death or Life We Want You" was one of the few outstanding live songs they played. The guitar work was pretty good to hear. And Valérie's and Natalia's backing vocals were pleasing as well. "You and I are a Gang of Losers" was also wonderful. For this song, Valérie, Murray and Natalia did some amazing harmonizing towards the end, prompted someone from the crowd saying, "Fucking awesome!" immediately after the song. I concur.

I left early, before their set ended. It just went on and on and on. Granted they were good, but I was just bored and tired. Just when I think they were about to end, they kept going. The ending of most of their songs are just too epic.

Beer Rating:

1/2

20 November 2006

Calendar Updated

December:

1: DJ Egyptian Lover (Club Loaded) @ Rickshaw Stop
3: The Sounds, Ima Robot @ The Fillmore
29: My Morning Jacket @ The Fillmore
30: My Morning Jacket @ The Fillmore
31: My Morning Jacket @ The Fillmore
31: Blonde Redhead, et al. @ Mezzanine

January:

5: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks @ Bimbo's
5: Every Move a Picture (Club Loaded) @ The Rickshaw Stop

February:

1: Of Montreal @ Bottom of the Hill

Hot Chip (Mezzanine, 17 November 2006)

To this day, I'm not that impressed with Hot Chip's album. I mean, "Over and Over" is easily in my Top 5 songs of 2006. But, overall, the album is just so-so. I was supposed to see them the first time they came to the Independent, but opted for rest rather than going. My friends said they enjoyed them. But that could have been the alcohol talking. So, I bought a ticket, hoping that I can be proven wrong.

In some ways I was, otherwise it was okay. The company was great, but the show itself was just so-so. They did mix their songs well and they sounded pretty good. But I just couldn't get into it. No matter how hard I tried. I had plenty of drinks too, and it still didn't help. And their rendition of "Over and Over" was okay.

Eh? Yeah, I don't know.

Beer Rating:

Lemon Sun (The Rickshaw Stop, 16 November 2006)

I was invited to go to the Rickshaw Stop to check my friend's band, Lemon Sun, perform. Lemon Sun were in town as the openers for Irving. I've never heard of these guys prior to this show.

From what I heard, not bad. The albeit sparse crowd seemed into it. They are total rawk, in that psychadelic sense. They didn't play many songs since their drummer experienced some sort of technical problems. After checking out their MySpace page, I determined that the songs they played include "Telephone," which is their current single. And the catchy guitar chords in "The Face."

Oh, and they did an amazing cover of David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel." It was probably one of the best Bowie covers I've heard anyone do.

Overall, not bad. Way better than the other bands I've seen at Rickshaw.

Beer Rating:

3/4

16 November 2006

New Shows Added

Lots of good stuff in the next few months:

December:

7: New Young Pony Club @ Popscene
8: Lily Allen, Starsailor (acoustic) @ Mighty
13: Public Enemy @ Mezzanine
21: Silversun Pickups @ Popscene
29: Diplo @ Mezzanine
30: Two Gallants (acoustic) @ Bimbo's
31: Birdmonster @ Bottom of the Hill

January:

12: Girl Talk @ The Independent
30: Deerhoof @ GAMH

February:

1: Ron Sexsmith @ GAMH
2: Of Montreal @ GAMH
3: Of Montreal @ GAMH

March:

1: Snow Patrol @ Bill Graham Civic
7: Mountain Goats @ The Independent
8: Mountain Goats @ The Independent
9: Mountain Goats @ Bottom of the Hill
19: Under Byen @ GAMH

10 November 2006

Islands (GAMH, 9 November 2006)

I remember back in Noise Pop 2004, I saw the Unicorns play GAMH. There, I witnessed the wackiness that is Nick Diamonds and the rest of the Unicorns. They were all dressed in pink and white. They all were hopping around and climbing up speakers. Yet, they sang, they played and they were fun.

Nick Diamonds, and former Unicorns drummer J'aime Tambeur, are now Islands. Along with the Chow brothers (who were 1993 and 1994 Super Nintendo champions) on strings, a sax player, a bassist and a couple of rappers, the Islands mirrors The Unicorns in many ways, but less so in the wackiness part. Personally, I think Islands are better than The Unicorns.

They came on around 11pm and the crowd immediately warmed up to them. Many going crazy every time Nick opened his mouth. Nick walked on stage with a head attached to his neck and some sort of jumpsuit. As he was singing, he removed the head and the jumpsuit, revealing a white tank top and white jeans, and then put powder on his face. It was wacky, but not that wacky. Nick also teased the crowd by going near the edge of the stage as if he was going to dive right in. He never did.

They played everything from their great album, Return to the Sea. They also did a cover of Ray Davies' "Waterloo Sunset," which they claimed was their first song. The crowd went crazy when they played "Rough Gem," "Ones," the first song in the encore "Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby," and wowed with some hip hop during "Where There's a Will, There's a Whalebone."

But don't dare yell out a request for a Unicorns song. Nick heard someone from the audience yell out "Jellybones" and threatened to kick that guy's ass.

I enjoyed the show. But I was freakin' tired. So, I wasn't hopping around like the rest of them. Rest assured, if I was awake, I would have.

Beer Rating:

1/2

07 November 2006

New Shows Added

November:

30: The Evangelicals @ Bottom of the Hill

December:

8: Live 105's Not So Silent Night featuring The Killers, Modest Mouse, The Raconteurs, The Shins and Silversun Pickups

29: Two Gallants @ Bimbo's

January:

12: Girl Talk @ The Independent

Blue: I'm Going
Green: Newly Added
Red: Sold Out

The Faint, Ladytron (Hollywood Palladium, 7 December 2006)

The Faint, Ratatat (Mezzanine, 5 December 2006)

04 December 2006

Best Albums of 2006

03 December 2006

Tussle (Cafe du Nord, 2 December 2006)

The Dears (The Independent, 1 December 2006)

20 November 2006

Calendar Updated

Hot Chip (Mezzanine, 17 November 2006)

Lemon Sun (The Rickshaw Stop, 16 November 2006)

16 November 2006

New Shows Added

10 November 2006

Islands (GAMH, 9 November 2006)

07 November 2006

New Shows Added

San Francisco Music Calendar

10 December 2006

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