Breaking News: R.I.P. Georgie James

The TRS local favorite, Geogie James, has announced that they are no longer.

via www.georgiejames.com:

After three years, Georgie James is calling it a day. We're proud of the album we made and everything else that we were able to do during our time together. We are both working on our respective solo projects (John's can be found at www.myspace.com/titletracksdc and Laura's at www.myspace.com/lauraburhenn) and hope to have albums out early next year. Thanks to everyone that helped our band over these past few years. And thanks to those who've listened to the music and come out to the shows. It is greatly appreciated. See you around soon. - John and Laura/Georgie James

It's too bad. Places made it to my top 10 albums of last year. Although both John and Laura are doing solo projects, the pop powerhouse will be missed.

[from DCist]

Evangelicals/Headlights/We Were Pirates @ Iota

G.H., a TRS VIP and I went to Iota last Thursday to check out these bands. I went mainly for Headlights, not expecting much out of the others.

Two words for Death Cab (ahem!), I mean We Were Pirates: bop verse? Seriously? I don't know much about this band going into it (actually, nothing) and have no desire to know any more going out.

After what seemed to be a half hour of sound checks, Headlights finally started playing. They opened with my two favorite songs off of their newest album, Some Racing, Some Stopping. "Get Your Head Around It" and "Market Girl" are almost perfect indie-pop songs. The former consisting of soft verses and chorus, a powerful bridge of "bah bah bahs," and a sudden soft ending. Remember that sound check? Normally in such a small place a long sound check between bands is unnecessary, but thank God for it. When you have a song that's one big controlled reverb, the sound needs to be perfect, and it was quite close to that. "I Love You Laugh" separated what turned out to be two upbeat pop sections of their set. Rounding down the set with "Cherry Tulips," Nick Sanborn dropped his bass to wield the accordion I was eying all night long. Can't remember what song they actually played, but it was good.

When Evangelicals went on stage, I really didn't want to like them. Who asks for more and more reverb? Covered in Day-Glo and requesting their own lights, these Omahanians rocked so hard, they blew a fuse. The most memorable song of the show was "Party Crashing," which, at the show, I thought was 3 different songs, but apparently not. Highly entertaining show. I was laughing most of the time, mainly at the band's demeanor.

Boognish Rising: Ween Live at Constitution Hall

G.L. and I went to DAR to see Ween last night. A very strong performance from Dean, Gene, and their friends Claude, Dave, and Glenn. More on it later.

In the meantime, I jotted down the setlist last night. Here it is:

WEEN - DAR Constitution Hall - 1/23/07 SETLIST
Exactly Where I'm At/ Pork Roll Egg and Cheese/ Spinal Menangitis/ Bananas and Blow/ Learning to Live/ Voodoo Lady/ Back to Bosom/ My Own Bare Hands/ Take Me Away/ Transdermal Celebration/ Waving My Dick in the Wind/ Nan/ Touch My Tooter/ I've Got to Put the Hammer Down/ Object/ Buckingham Green/ Your Party/ Beacon Light/ I'll Be Your Johnny on the Spot/ Zoloft/ Roses Are Free/ Spirit Walker/ The Mollusk/ Did You See Me?/ Ocean Man*/ Dr. Rock/ Shamemaker>Fiesta // Mister Richard Smoker/ Mister Won't You Please Help My Pony?/ Stroker Ace/ You Fucked Up

Also, some quality pics here.

Band of Horses Setlist (edited) - 9:30 Club - 11.2.2007

Note: Thanks to mysterygirl! for setting me straight.

A small Rockist follower and I attended the Friday night late show at 9:30. Never in DC have I (purposefully) seen such a late show.

The sound, superb. The setlist, well, see for yourself. The highlight of the evening was at 2:20a when they broke out Them Two's "Am I a Good Man." Who knew a Seattle/SC band could do soul so well? Ryan Monroe, keys/backup vocals, who was on the whole night, finally getting a chance to shine while singing the response in the closer. Check out the original on Numero Group's Eccentric Soul: The Deep City Label, or below.

Monsters / The First Song / Is There a Ghost / The Great Salt Lake / Islands on the Coast / Marry Song / The General Specific / Wicked Gil / Ode to LRC / The Funeral / Part One // Our Swords / Wicked Gil (half tempo) / Am I A Good Man (Them Two cover)

Them Two - "Am I A Good Man"

Band of Horses - "The General Specific"

Should Have Taken the Spread

GL and I took a few hours out of our gluttonous Sunday of Taco Bell and Guitar Hero III to check out a band... I don’t know if you’ve heard of them. They like Nickelodeon. They’re called The XYZ Affair. We’ve mentioned them once or thrice before.

Rocking the night in front of a crowd of... well, what are numbers anyway? Let’s not quantify the night. It’s all about qualification here at TRS.

Recounting a conversation with Bones (bass) that night, I’m surprised the Complement (van) actually survived the trip to DC (via Philly). Next time you see him, ask how the drive down was.

The set list (pictured) confused me, and not because of the defecation. Maybe it was the 40, or the Sparks, or the PBRs (I swear I wasn’t drunk... it was a Sunday night for crying out loud), but I don't remember XYZ playing "A Little Lye" or “Good To Know But Hard To Tell” (which I didn’t even know was a song; they have an EP of the same name) on Sunday night. The encore, “Hello Hello Hello”, was also not played, but it was getting late. Quite late. On a school night.

The new stuff sounds good. XYZ pulled out the older one of the two, “Trial”, at Dcist’s last Unbuckled show. The newest song, “Sarah”, is fantastic. (By the way, I don’t know the real titles of the new stuff. I’m just going off of the set list. Yep, mailing it in.)

All in all, a good show, as expected. The sound was the best I’ve heard in the 5 shows attended. It was also nice to see a fan (besides the Rockists and friends) singing along to all of their songs.

The XYZ Affair can outdo Britney Spears in anything

Alex Feder of The XYZ Affair recently informed the Rockists that they have retained the services of Richard Grabel, counsel to such bands as Sonic Youth, Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, Modest Mouse, Tokyo Police Club and many more. Grabel is a partner in the NYC office of Davis Shapiro Lewit & Hayes, LLP, the same firm that represents Britney Spears in certain matters. I think you've heard of her.

Now, XYZ doesn't have any children to neglect and lose custody of, but if they did, they would neglect the shit out of those kids. None of this half assed, "I need a judge to determine where the kids should go" nonsense. It would be so obvious that XYZ are unfit parents that the President would create a mandate stating The XYZ Affair shall lose all custody of any living being and be castrated. That's how rock and roll these guys are.

Oh, and they are coming back to DC on October 28 at the Black Cat backstage with Small Sins. Better not bring your kids.

photo courtesy of the band's myspace page

Rockist Update!

Hey, it's been a while since I've rapped with y'all, but I'm back with some excellent news for those of you DC-dwellers. TRS has noticed that the summer tour schedule has been looking kinda weak (The National, Wilco and the DBT shows notwithstanding). Well, worry no more, young rockist, because Oregon's Blitzen Trapper, fresh off a tour with The Hold Steady and a Best New Music designation at the 'fork, are coming to The Rock and Roll Hotel on July 22. Awesome, you say? It couldn't get any better, you say? You say wrong, amigo, because it gets better, a whole lot better. Their tourmate for this little jaunt is none other than Nu-Glam sensation and Rockist Society favorite/obsession, David Vandervelde! We can't contain ourselves either...

Yeah we know it's a Sunday, but with the a.m. country-rock of Blitzen Trapper and the glammed out Vandervelde, this is shaping up to be the best show the 1970's never saw. So, put on your big boy pants, take down a sixer, and do yourself a favor - be there.


Blitzen Trapper - "Wild Mountain Nation"

David Vandervelde - "Murder in Michigan"

Sloan @ the Black Cat

Rob: I never thought I'd say this, "Thank you, Black Cat." I know G.H. won't share in my appreciation, but I just had to say it. Arriving solo for the show, I walked up to the ticket counter, set down a twenty and was given a twenty and a ticket. The really cute girl behind the table told me someone upstairs was being nice. Alright.

I also was amazed at the crowd. Although small, everyone seemed into the show. There were a few groups of people singing along to every song with fists pumping and heads bobbing. I was quite impressed.

As for the show, I would rate it strong to quite strong. Within the first hour, they played over 20 songs, many of which were played right after another. The songs were great. A few of my favorites included "Who Taught You To Live Like That?", "The Good In Everyone," and "Money City Maniacs." The highlight of the evening was when Chris Murphy and Patrick Pentland came out to start the encore and played an abbreviated "The Other Man" followed by a few more teases and then the whole band blasted into "Losing California." The weakest parts of the show were when drummer Andrew Scott came out from behind the skins, donned a guitar and took over the mic. He's a fantastic, engaging drummer and should probably stay seated.

What about you GH? I understand you have a different opinion of the Black Cat staff.

GH: Honestly I'm sick of talking about it. They're occasionally real cheery, but mostly they seem like the saddest bunch of bar-attendees I've ever come across. It must suck to work at a place that books great acts and get to see them and meet them all for free. Granted, you have to put up with free, "secret" Good Charlotte shows, but whatever. Small price to pay. One of these days I'm going to be greeted at the door with big smiles and good cheer, and I'm going to take a picture of it and post it here.

Still, whatever I say about the Black Cat doesn't matter -- we don't really have a choice and they do a fine job booking loads of bands I really want to see. Sloan was no exception, and I thought they put on a very good show. I like them. I don't love them. Why? Can't put my finger on it. They're catchy enough, and a very tight band, and I really love the drummer, but the songs don't seem to have much conflict or tension -- none of that bittersweet resignation that just kills on classic cuts like "September Gurls" or "Surrender."

Or maybe it's that the one song of theirs that seems to have these characteristics in spades is "Right or Wrong", and they didn't play that. They did play 30 other songs, and their range is undeniable. All five of them can sing, all of them can apparently play guitar, and having four different songwriters with similar aims but not so similar means really benefits the catalog. There isn't a bad song in the bunch. Anyway, enough of my cynicism -- everyone there seemed to love every minute of the show, and I had a perfectly enjoyable time.

The XYZ Affair @ Rock and Roll Hotel

We're gonna three-way this post Rockist style, so get ready...

G.L.: The braintrust of the Rockist Society did a little Sunday night rocking last night at DC's favorite new venue, the Rock and Roll Hotel. For G.H. and me, it was a feat of endurance worthy of mention in the Rockist Book of World Records (should one ever exist) as we made it to our third show in four nights. Not that it took much convincing though, considering the band happened to be one of our favorites - Brooklyn's very own The XYZ Affair. Tired though we may have been, we were promptly rocked back to life as they launched into an energetic set strongly favoring songs from their 2006 LP, A Few More Published Studies.

While the de facto opener was an amusing rendition of Boyz II Men's "Motown Philly", it was "The Young Philosopher" that set the stage for the evening. Showcasing their impressive vocal capabilities and a penchant for Prospect Park-sized choruses, "The Young Philosopher" also has, in my opinion, the catchiest guitar hook on the entire album. There were a few technical difficulties throughout, though overall I thought the set sounded fantastic. XYZ have certainly benefited from some time on the road, as they've seemed to find the big, beefy tone that works so well with their brand of indie arena-rock. We here at TRS can't wait to see more from these guys.

G.H. and Rob, I'm sure you were equally as impressed as I was, let's hear why.

G.H.: Yeah, agreed. These guys are slowly but surely morphing into pros. The sound was much beefier, roaring, and other applicable masculine adjectives. We chatted a little about this band later -- GL's seen them four or so times now, Rob three (I believe), myself twice -- and they seemed poised for a breakthrough. Granted, there were only fifteen people at this show, and probably only a couple of newcomers to the band, but the performances are edgy and impassioned, with the feel of "modern rock". I wrote a while back that their debut, A Few More Published Studies, sounded like a concept album about academia. It's not (says their lead singer), and, though it could be, it's really about being a recent college grad and trying to figure out women, which, of course, the Rockists all have pretty well covered. But for most, its accessible subject matter, immaculately performed, with extremely catchy results. The rousing chorus at the end of "Academics" seems like the stuff major labels kill for. Plus, the fact that this band parallels bands like Weezer, the Killers, even the Flaming Lips, while reserving a big soft spot for Queen's flair for anthemic, suite-like songs, would seem to translate into big time potential. I'm not saying you oughta hold your breath just yet, but when they start getting radio airplay one of these days, just remember that you heard it here first.

Rob: Impressed is an understatement. As my fellow Rockists pointed out, there were a few technical difficulties. A few of Alex's solos were lost to a bad connection and some of the harmonies were hard to hear, but the show still rocked, literally. We love these guys, and not just because they rock, it's because they are genuinely nice guys that rock. Even though they were wrapping up a long, tiring tour, they were extremely animated on stage and grateful for each and every fan at the show. Hell, they even played my favorite song of theirs: "Hello Hello Hello" off of the EP Good to Know (but Hard to Tell). It may have been because at their previous show I would scream for it between songs... they probably just wanted me to shut up.

Just because their self-proclaimed "Cushy Tour" is over, that doesn't mean these guys are talking a break. While talking to the band after the show, we learned that they are filming a video to "All My Friends" this week with super special guests. You can be assured that there will be a special This Week In Video as soon as it comes out.

David Vandervelde @ The Black Cat

GH and myself sauntered on down to U Street last night to catch a quadrupile bill at our formerly most hated club in town. Maybe the usual dillweed staffers were all seeing TV on the Radio at the 930 club or maybe they were just in a good mood because we had pleasant interactions with almost everyone - including the girl at the door who let us grab a couple posters off the wall. The good vibes didn't stop there, either. I went into the night genuinely interested in each of the four bands slated to play, which is a pretty rare occurrence. We ended up only catching a song and a half or so of the opener, Headlights, though I enjoyed it thoroughly. Their lead singer was a babe and they're from Champaign, IL - sorry about the Chief, guys! - so how could I not like them? Impossible, I know.

Up next were Page France with their infectious indie pop, repelete with xylophone interludes and tamborine shakedowns. I don't really recall too much of them now, except that they too had an attractive female member. Truth be told, as much as I wanted to focus on all the bands, I really came for one band and one band only: David Vandervelde and the Moonstation House Band.

Now, I know I've posted on Mr. Vandervelde before, so I'll spare you the bio information, but just let me say: he fuckin' rocks. Playing with what he calls the "Power Trio", they tore it up hard. They played most everything off their debut album, a few unreleased tracks, and - in what may possibly be the most rockist move ever - covered the Stones' "Cocksucker Blues". The unreleased Mick and Keith classic sounded pretty awesome and Vandervelde's extended soloing was on point. My favorite cut off their record, "Nothin' No", didn't quite do it for me in the live setting, though I thought "Feet of a Liar" and "Murder in Michigan" sounded great.

Why DV and the Moonstation House Band weren't the headliners I have no idea, but Richard Swift was up last. Knowing that he'd have trouble following the blistering set we had just seen, I decided to focus on sobering up and buying The Moonstation House Band on vinyl instead. I was successful on the latter, not so much on the former. Got the band to sign the album for me, which was cool and we also nabbed David's email addy, so there may be an interview feature in the works here at the Rockist Socety...stay tuned.


David Vandervelde and the Moonstation House Band: "Cocksucker Blues" (Daytrotter Sessions)

This Week in Video: Crazy Weekend for 2 of TRS Edition

As you will hear from G.H., these next few days will be pretty intense... unfortunately, this Rockist will only partake in The XYZ Affair. Because I was pulled out of town, I will do a tribute to the shows I have (will) missed (miss).

Last night was David Vandervelde with Richard Swift and Page France at Le Chat Noir. Judging by the stories of G.H. and G.L.'s hangovers, I'm assuming it was a pretty good show.

"Murder In Michigan"

Saturday is the big one. The Oranges Band will play with front man Roman Kuebler's ex-band, Spoon at Sonar in our neighbor to the NE. The show is sold out. I had tickets. Damn you lead based paint!

Spoon - "I Turn My Camera On"

The Oranges Band - "OK Apartment"

Sunday night our friends The XYZ Affair are playing the Rock and Roll Hotel. I'll be at that show.

Monday, however, is a different story. The Whigs will be rocking NE without me in attendance. I'm not too sure if the balance of the Rockists will make it, either. After 4 shows in 5 days, they may be a little tuckered out. C'mon, give 'em your support... or at least buy them a Sparks.

"Right Hand On My Heart"

Lucero w/ Catfish Haven

March and April seem to be busy months for us Rockists. To many shows we have gone; to many shows we will go. The latest was at the Black Cat on Friday.

Rob: First of all, G.L.'s sangria was amazing.

Second of all, Black Cat's staff blows. While standing in line, a "bouncer" walked up and down announcing that if you just want to go to the Red Room, you can leave line and walk in. He also announced that he had announced that prior and that every time he does, idiots get out of line because they know no better. He then paused at the couple standing directly behind us and asked to "sniff" the lady's water bottle (which, by the way, was filled with a red liquid). He then confiscated the bottle, saying that she couldn't drink it out there. Story should end, right? Wrong. He kicked both people out of line and said they couldn't see the show. WTF? Did we suddenly get enrolled at Wheaton College?

As for the show, I was quite impressed with Catfish Haven (and not just because I have the same blue Levi's cords as George Hunter). They were strident and brash but had a soothing quality about them. I liken it to seeing a bulldog in a bow tie. Lucero's set was long, impressively long. They definitely put their all into it. It gave me flashbacks to a hot summer day, surrounded by my best friends with my stomach full of Busch Ice, watching DBT. Fantastic.

It's refreshing to see bands that could and would kick my ass if they were so inclined.

It's too bad the Black Cat attracts such great bands.

G.H.: Yeah, I mean, my distaste for the Black Cat is well-documented. And, to clarify, she was drinking red Powerade from a Powerade bottle. I've come around and decided that, besides that fact that the girl should've refused to let him have her bottle of Powerade, he was well within his rights to refuse her entry into the show. What that makes him for doing so, I'll refrain from saying.

The show itself was good and exhausting. You can see more about on DCist, but I'll focus on Catfish Haven for the sake of changing it up. This is maybe the first time I've ever seen an indie band I really felt like dancing to. They would make a damn fine party band, and I bet they could cover some old Stax numbers pretty well if they put their mind to it. They did say goofy stuff like "We're gonna heat this place back up, people!", "Spread the love", etc, and I could see their aesthetic feeling less, well, novel, at a jam band festival. And I was impressed with Lucero, too. Loud, kind of abrasive, but with enough tunefulness to hook my girlfriend. Favorite was "My Best Girl", which I'm pretty sure is about a guitar.

G.L.: While I too dislike the staff at the Black Cat (except for the bartenders, who have always been relatively civil), I do think the bouncer had every right to kick that girl out of line and deny her entry. I'm not saying I'm applauding him for doing so, but that girl is an idiot for being so non-discrete.

As Rob mentioned, we drank sangria beforehand (yes, I'm aware of the disconnect between sangria and southern rock, not to mention it snowed later that evening, but whatever) and I was wasted. That may have led directly to my enjoyment of Catfish Haven because I've gone back and listened to them since, and I'm not really a big fan. They did have some impressive energy for a three-piece though, I'll give them that. I really enjoyed Lucero. I did, I'm not just saying that. But after the show, deep down, I wished I had seen the Drive-By Truckers instead...

Lucero: Livin' to Rock, Rockin' to Live

The city of Memphis, TN has yielded us some real Rockists gems. From the more obvious -- Elvis, Otis, Sam and Dave -- to the cultish -- Big Star, Marc Cohn (just kidding), it's certainly quite the music town. And while my one visit to Beale Street showed me some really heartfelt music joints and some polo-and-khakis tourist-blues wankery, the city's got a nearly unparalleled music heritage to draw from. I still get goosebumps when I watch that scene in Walk the Line where Joaquin Phoenix as J. Cash introduces himself to Sam Phillips. That, and the part where Reese as June Carter finally gives in and marries Johnny. Just kidding. Sort of.

Continuing on in that rich Memphis tradition is Lucero, a rough-and-tumble bunch of Southern rockers. We've blogged about them before, but tonight they've finally gotten around to playing that show at the Black Cat, so it seemed an appropriate time as any to trump their virtues once again. The lead singer's howls like Mike Cooley of frequent tourmates the Drive-by Truckers, but the sound is a little more gothic than their counterparts'. A number of songs stand out right away, but I've found myself repeatedly fawning over the gutter-punktry of "What Else Would You Have Me Be" (streaming on myspace) and getting psyched for the anthemic "I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight."

Their site's worth checking out too, because they have a ton of videos and also a bunch of cool, biker-esque band logos that make sweet desktops for those of you who are so inclined. The bio or "About" section is pretty much worthless, as its just a bunch of PR crap featuring sentences like, "But on Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers, Lucero prove themselves to be something much simpler than that: a tried n true American rock n roll band." I think we here at Rockist should probably be the judge of that...

Lucero - "I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight"

Lucero - "Bikeriders"

Lucero - "Ring of Fire" (live J. Cash cover)

Tonight, Fri, April 6, Black Cat. With the very fine American Princes and the solid Catfish Haven. Best triple bill I've seen this year so far.

This Week in Video: Updated

Finally, a new Apples in Stereo video. I'm sick of watching Robert Schneider's appearance on the Colbert Report 3 times a day. Wait, no I'm not.

"Can You Feel It?"

It's Feist, so it has to be good. Well, Feist with Broken Social Scene is better, but this is the next best thing. If this song is any indication, the new album should be pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.

"Sealion Woman"

David Bazan (Pedro the Lion) is coming to town. Great. He's playing with that dude from The Postal Service and Death Cab. Meh. Tickets are sold out. Balls. I guess it's better that way. I wouldn't want to be surrounded by a bunch of teenie boppers while trying to compensate for starting to listen to PtL after they were broken up. This video is from earlier in the millennium.

"Nothing"

TRS is going to the Lucero show tonight at The Black Cat. Y'all should come. This is from their show on Tuesday in Chapel Hill. Get ready to rock. (Yep, I know, lame. What are you gonna do?)

"Sing Me No Hymns"

Update: Speaking of ladies who moonlight with BSS, Metric (Emily Haines) released a web version of "Empty" off of Live It Out this week. 2/3 of TRS went to the Metric show at 930 last year. It was quite fantastic.

"Empty (Last Gang)"

The Long Winters w/ Broken West

Our joint reviews seem to elicit a disproportionately large (read: any) response from our readership, so we're back at it again. The Rockist Society members went to the Rock and Roll Hotel on Tuesday night to check out The Broken West (again) and the Long Winters. Here are our thoughts:

GH: I hope I'm not stealing everyone's thunder by being the first to claim this as the best show we've seen this year. Or to be more specific, the best headlining set. The Broken West did not impress me. I really like a number of their songs, but they are sorely lacking in charisma and stage presence. Which became only more glaring when the Long Winters had it in spades. Lead singer John Roderick is one of the few indie band leaders to seem genuinely enthused about playing live and taking his songs on the road. And what excellent songs they are too -- lots of good lyrical nuggets (my favorite is from "Hindsight", their penultimate song of the proper set: "But I'm bailing water and bailing water / 'Cause I like the shape of the boat"), soaring voices, ample guitar. Maybe a couple of the piano songs dragged on a little (I never really liked "Blue Diamonds") but other than that, no room for complaints. The Long Winters just got themselves invited to one of year's most elite parties: an entry in my facebook "favorite music" section. Congratulations.

Rob: Still feeling betrayed by the cancellation of Field Music on Saturday, I was looking for solace in The Broken West. Unfortunately, they didn’t supply that. Although they did play “Hale Sunrise,” it definitely didn’t stack up to their last show with The Walkmen.

Feeling a little dejected and a little drunk, I hoped that The Long Winters could fill the void in my soul. I now have a new favorite band…

Looking like a Jim Henson creation with his mustache and long sideburns, John Roderick immediately drew a smile on my face with permanent marker. I am in awe of his presence. As G.H. points out, he does look like he’s having an amazing time onstage. Throwing his head back while he turns his drawn out “R”s, you can’t help but fixate on him. I don’t know much about their music since I only own The Worst You Can Do Is Harm, but my favorite song was definitely “Shapes.” The main riff sounds like something you’d hear at a moe. concert. I loved everything they played, even though I only recognized 3 of the songs. Fantastic.

G.L: While I love the Long Winters, I had relatively modest expectations for their show at RnR. Being a big fan of their albums, I figured it was probably worth the 12 bones to see 'em live, especially because they were playing with another Rockist favorite, the Broken West. I didn't think the Broken West were as poor as GH and Rob seem to suggest, but I do think they suffered from crappy sound and some unfortunate equipment problems. Speaking of sound, the RnR - though still a toddler in the DC music scene - has already earned a reputation for spotty sound. But apparently they got things figured out by the time John Roderick and friends took the stage because the Winters sounded excellent.

And back to the Long Winters. They were great - the aforementioned banter was entertaining, they sounded crisp, and, hey, they've got some pretty great songs. They played some of my personal favorites including "Carparts" from their underrated debut, The Worst You Can Do Is Harm. Unfortunately for me they also played one of my least favorite songs...ever. "Cinnamon" might be the worst song I've ever heard. Seriously, after three and a half minutes of "...her skin is cinnamon, her skin is cinnamon..." ad nauseum, I think I have diabetes. But whatever. One blemish on an otherwise awesome set is fine by me. Set closer "(It's A) Departure" brought the house down with one of my favorite stanzas in recent memory, "I like the old days/but not all the old days/only the good old days", with everyone in the place screaming the last line. Let's hope they come back soon.

My Life Is Over: Updated

Not really, but the one show that I was really planning on seeing (two of the Rockists had +1's, I might add) has been canceled. Well, actually only one third of it has been canceled, but it was the one third that I was dead set on seeing.

I received an email today from Dean of Memphis Industries stating:

Hi Robb,

Ok we have some bad news and some (potentially) good news for you...

Firstly, unfortunately Field Music have had to curtail their American tour, basically a personal issue within the band has meant that they wont be playing in DC on the 31st. we wont be able to get you in for this show and we are very sorry for this...

However, we do have Tokyo Police Club playing at
Nightclub 9:30 this Thursday (the 28th) - would you fancy doing a bit of Team Memphis'ing at this gig instead, we could potentially get you and a friend in for this gig to collect names.

Let me know your thought as soon as you can.

Thanks
Dean

Other than misspelling my name (and getting the day of the week wrong), Field Music canceling was probably the worst thing (knock on wood) that Dean could have told me this week (or month, for that matter). Next thing you know I'll get a phone call saying my degree is worthless, Green Lake evaporated and the girl I like is a lesbian.

What could the "personal issue" be? Two thirds of the band are twin brothers. Maybe a small scuffle. Did Peter get the bigger helping of mashed potatoes than David? Or is it something worse? Might Field Music be breaking up sooner than expected? They're still playing the Boston and New York shows tonight and tomorrow. What's the deal?

Any hypotheses?

UPDATE: Thanks to G.H., we have a little light shed on the subject. Via an email he received:

...wanted to let you all know that Field Music will not be playing Rock & Roll Hotel on March 31. It has just been announced that the band have been offered a performance spot on UK television that is too good to be passed up, and will be cutting their US tour short by a couple of dates, including this DC show...

So apparently some stupid TV show is more important than pleasing their fans in the bedrock of democracy. Communism is making a comeback...

The Broken West - Rock and Roll Hotel

G.H. was on the hunt for a new power pop group to replace TRS Deities, The Bigger Lovers. One blistery cold January day, G.L. Naut and I received an email entitled “the new bigger lovers” (which was actually his second stab at it, after a failed attempt with Cabinessence). I opened the link whilst G.L was berating the replacement band’s name (“retarded” was the term used, I believe) and I saw one word that made me know I would fall in love with this band: “Ghettotech.”

Actually, The Broken West (formerly The Brokedown) isn’t Ghettotech (people tell me they were being sarcastic) as their Myspace page used to indicate. They aren’t even Regional Mexican. They are straight up Power Pop and catchy as hell at that.

While their music isn't as glorious as TBL's, they do quite a few things right. Songs like "Hale Sunrise" and "Baby on My Arm" mimic the driving beat refrains with tensed falsetto vocals sprinkled on top. There is a wanting and strained emotion that comes through in the lyrics, even if the words themselves lack something.

As the balance of TRS can attest to, I despise some of TBW’s lyrics. Two songs on their recent release start with "If you wanna" and have “come on over” in the first line. I literally get the shivers when I hear them, but don’t let this dissuade you from the LA band’s upcoming shows. It seems as though these guys can rock on stage. "To hell with lyrics!" I say. Make yourself a vodka and vitamin water and check out the songs below.

Be warned, this Friday’s show has 4 bands… who the f is Whale Etouffee?

The Broken West (w/ The Walkmen, Farraby Lionheart, Whale Etouffee)
3/23/07 – Rock and Roll Hotel
*a source tells us that this show is almost sold out

The Broken West (w/ The Long Winters)
4/03/07 – Rock and Roll Hotel

The Broken West - Big City

More Oranges Band and Spoon News

Just received two bits of great news from the Oranges Band:

1. Lead singer Roman Kuebler will play a solo set this coming Wednesday (March 14) at the Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights (DC). Minimum two Rockists will be in attendance. I'll be the more enthusiastic of the two.

2. Spoon has recently announced a short series of tour dates, and the Oranges Band will open up for their Baltimore show at Sonar on April 21st.

I know we're blogging the hell out of these guys lately, but they're one of my personal favorite bands and a bunch of real nice folks. Plus, everyone loves Spoon. Speaking of which, my fellow Kentuckian over at You Ain't No Picasso has tracked down a few new live Spoon cuts from they're working on for an upcoming '07 release:

Spoon - "Target"
Spoon - "Rhythm and Soul"
The Oranges Band - "OK Apartment"

Have a good weekend. I'll be sobbing about the Kentucky Wildcats bowing out early of the tournament formerly known as the Wildcat Invitational.

This Week in Video: Upcoming DC Shows Edition

Last week Battles released the video to the first single on the upcoming Mirrored. It makes me want to punch my computer screen... in a good way. Check out their show with Mary Timothy Band and The Twilight Sad at the Black Cat on 3/23.

"Atlas"

Memphis Industries posted a brand spankin' new Field Music video yesterday. If you know anything about me, you know I love this band more than waffles, and I sure love waffles. Be SURE to catch what might be their LAST U.S. SHOW EVER (Davey Brewis has mentioned a "hiatus" after the tour) at the Rock and Roll Hotel on 3/31. They're playing with Menomena, who you shouldn't miss, either.

"She Can Do What She Wants"

UPDATED: Here's Menomena's latest video.

"Wet and Rusting"

Ted Leo played at the Operation Ceasefire concert in '05 right here in our nation's capital. It would have been sweet to see. You know what else is sweet? Ted's cutoffs. Hopefully he rocks them on 3/29 at the 930 Club.

"Sons of Cain"

The Long Winters wrapped up some shows overseas and are touring all across the US. This video was shot in February in Mallorca, Spain. Man, I wish I was a rock star... TLW are playing at the Rock and Roll Hotel with another TRS favorite, The Broken West, on 4/3.

"Ultimatum"

Tonight @ Black Cat: Chin Up Chin Up and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Indulge your indie-pop sweet tooth tonight with Chicago's Chin Up Chin Up and Springfield, Missouri's Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin at the Backstage at the Black Cat. This is the last night of their joint tour, so come on down for a double shot of Midwestern goodness. CUCU and SSLYBY (total abbrev. alert!) have each been praised on various blogs and online publications and are touring in support of recently released (or reissued, in the case of SSLYBY) albums.

CUCU and label mates Bound Stems are doing their part to reinvigorate a Chicago music scene that seemingly lies dormant between Wilco records. Their songs are detail oriented, tightly-wound affairs that, along with singer Jeremy Bolen's Robert Smith impersonations, sound somewhat like the Cure.

While The Rockists have yet to see CUCU in concert, Rob and I did happen to catch SSLYBY with WTF-ers/retards Harry and the Potters at the IOTA last month. I thoroughly enjoyed their opening set and I'll be damned if their cover of "Crazy" wasn't one of the better ones I've heard. Yeah, they sound kinda like the Shins and, no, they probably won't change your life, but they are not to be missed. And if that wasn't enought, they're also playing an acoustic set tonight at 5:30pm at Olsson's Books and Records in Dupont Circle.


Tonight 2/22: Chin Up Chin Up w/Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin @ Black Cat, doors at 8pm


Chin Up Chin Up - This Harness Can't Ride Anything
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Oregon Girl

* photo courtesy of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin's myspace page