I'm getting rid of this blog. I set up two new ones:
At the End of All Things
and
I keep finding myself
one is strictly music, one is totally random.
So this one will be disappearing.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Now I'm wondering why the floor has suddenly 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 acapella 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 acapella 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 understand), 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.
Ben Folds’ setlist:
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
Full credit for the setlist goes to this guy, he also has a great review of the very same show.
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 acapella 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 acapella 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 understand), 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.
Ben Folds’ setlist:
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
Full credit for the setlist goes to this guy, he also has a great review of the very same show.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wow
It's been really really really long. Since we last spoke I had some really awful nights and one really great night. Last night me and a wonderful girl went to see Ben Folds and Miniature Tigers. I go to a lot of shows, but this one was hands down the best one in a very long time. Hopefully soon enough I can write a review of it.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Anthony Raneri - To Write Love On Her Arms Presents: Heavy and Light: Live In Orlando
Artist: Anthony Raneri (of Bayside)Album: To Write Love On Her Arms Presents: Heavy And Light.
Notes: Ripped from here using Audacity, tracks split using Kristal. All free and legal software. Heavy and Light was a concert put together by To Write Love On Her Arms, and held at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL on January 11th, 2009.
Download : http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?xmhaxmjmd3y
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Well
I know I haven't posted in probably over a week. There's not much to talk about. I set up a last.fm, so that keeps track of what I listen to. Thus, I shall not post a whole list anymore. Instead I'll summarize my most listened to one or two artists.
1. Patton Oswalt: Yes, my most played artist is a stand up comedian. So be it, laughter and music are therapeutic, they go hand in hand. Anyway, this dude is hilarious, just look him up on Youtube.
2. Rocky Votolato: Folky musician that I listen to when I really need to be brought up. Makers is the perfect record for the snow.
3. Saves the Day: Mmmmmmmm Chris Conley in six days :). I can't wait. I love these guys, I learned like 12 of their songs Friday.
Yesterday I borrowed a Vox Satchurator pedal from my local guitar store, and I must say, I can't stand it. I'm much happier with Channel 2 of my amp. It's a Vox amp anyways.
1. Patton Oswalt: Yes, my most played artist is a stand up comedian. So be it, laughter and music are therapeutic, they go hand in hand. Anyway, this dude is hilarious, just look him up on Youtube.
2. Rocky Votolato: Folky musician that I listen to when I really need to be brought up. Makers is the perfect record for the snow.
3. Saves the Day: Mmmmmmmm Chris Conley in six days :). I can't wait. I love these guys, I learned like 12 of their songs Friday.
Yesterday I borrowed a Vox Satchurator pedal from my local guitar store, and I must say, I can't stand it. I'm much happier with Channel 2 of my amp. It's a Vox amp anyways.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Today
has been amazing. But it hurts to type lol. I'm so incredibly sore. I woke up at 5, was at the mountain by 7, on the mountain by 9, and I didn't take a break til after 1. Then I went back out from 2 to 3. Ridiculous. Anyway, today I landed a stalefish, a seatbelt, buttloads of 180s (I've been working on landing switch). On boxes (where I spent most of the day) I started just 50-50s but stepped up to boardslides pretty quick. There were four boxes, one REALLY easy, one easy, one pretty tough (it was a long one) and one that was hard (kinked and on a hill). Anyway, I've never landed a frontside board (I know, weak) until today, but I managed to get wicked comfortable with them. So I started to do 180 - 50-50 - switch outs and I got comfortable enough to land those on the long box. I just got wicked smooth today :]. I took my boardslides onto the kinked box and people were having trouble just 50-50ing it. So I felt pretty damn good.
Friday, January 9, 2009
iTunes on Shuffle
Because I have nothing better to do and I'd really like you to hear some new music:
1. The Glass Ocean - "Canary In a Coal Mine" (RIYL: mewithoutYou, La Dispute)
2. Bear vs. Shark - "The Great Dinosaurs With Fifties Section" (RIYL: mewithoutYou, glassJAw)
3. Park - "Irukandji" (RIYL: Panic at the Disco, Bayside)
4. Days Away - "You Were Right" (RIYL: Circa Survive, Good Old War)
5. Edison Glass - "End of You" (RIYL: Brand New, Muse)
6. Saves the Day - "Radio (Live Acoustic)" (RIYL: Brand New, Bayside)
7. Nightmare of You - "My Name is Trouble" (RIYL: I Am the Avalanche, The Format)
That's all I even feel like doing. Not even that good recommendations.
1. The Glass Ocean - "Canary In a Coal Mine" (RIYL: mewithoutYou, La Dispute)
2. Bear vs. Shark - "The Great Dinosaurs With Fifties Section" (RIYL: mewithoutYou, glassJAw)
3. Park - "Irukandji" (RIYL: Panic at the Disco, Bayside)
4. Days Away - "You Were Right" (RIYL: Circa Survive, Good Old War)
5. Edison Glass - "End of You" (RIYL: Brand New, Muse)
6. Saves the Day - "Radio (Live Acoustic)" (RIYL: Brand New, Bayside)
7. Nightmare of You - "My Name is Trouble" (RIYL: I Am the Avalanche, The Format)
That's all I even feel like doing. Not even that good recommendations.
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