Archive for the ‘Concerts’ Category
Sunday, January 4th, 2009
Good luck trying to find ticket for the Glasvegas/Carl Barat (Libertines, Dirty Pretty Things) show on Thursday. However, consider yourself lucky if you happened to snag a couple, I can only assume it will be a kick ass concert. I’ll be attending the hometown hero Sean Hayes’ show over at the Rickshaw Shop on Wednesday. If you haven’t given him a listen yet, you need to. I cannot stress that enough. He’s simply amazing. Oh and don’t forget to get a bottle of wine signed by Maynard James Keenan this weekend. See you out there!
4th - Sunday (Today):
Maynard James Keenan (Tool lead vocalist) Bottle Signing
Whole Foods Market Cupertino
20955 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Rademacher / David Dondero
The Knockout
3223 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110
5th - Monday:
Ragwater Revue / Super Adventure Club
The Elbo Room
647 Valencia / 17th St.
San Francisco, CA
6th - Tuesday:
New Thrill Parade / The Deadbeats
Hemlock
1131 Polk St.
San Francisco, CA
7th - Wednesday:
Sean Hayes / Michael Musika
Rickshaw Stop
155 Fell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
DJ Spooky / Adrian & Mysterious D (Bootie) / Kid Kameleon
DNA lounge
375 11th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
8th - Thursday:
Glasvegas / Carl Barât
Popscene
330 Ritch Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
9th - Friday:
Magic Bullets (cd release) / The Passionistas / Airfix Kits
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
10th - Saturday:
Scissors For Lefty / Mud
The Blank Club
44 S Almaden Ave
San José, CA 95113
Scissors For Lefty - Lay Down Your Weapons
Ragwater Revue - The Creep
Sean Hayes - Mary Magdalene
Rademacher - Believer
Tags: Carl Barât, DJ Spooky, Glasvegas, Magic Bullets, Maynard James Keenan, New Thrill Parade, Rademacher, Ragwater Revue, Scissors For Lefty, sean hayes
Posted in Concerts, Music | 1 Comment »
Friday, January 2nd, 2009
I will outwardly admit that I have no clue why I’m seeing Bonobo live tonight at 103 Harriet in San Francisco. I more or so classify Bonobo as the kind of music you’d listen to while you’re having sex with all the lights out. And that is obviously not happening tonight. I guess I might sip my beer and/or alcoholic drink and catch up with an old friend who’s come to visit this weekend. I’m not saying I won’t enjoy the music. Bonobo is probably one of my favorite Ninja Tune artists aside from Amon Tobin and Blockhead. However, when my friend asked me if I wanted to go see Massive Attack a year back, I declined due to the fact that I wasn’t sure if there would be any kind of worthy performance (none at least that would warrant a $50 ticket price). I remain skeptical, but openminded. In the meantime, check him out for yourself.
Bonobo - Sugar Rhyme
Bonobo - Wayward Bob
Tags: bonobo, ninja tune
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008
On a warm California day in September, I was riding my bike around downtown San Rafael just to get some air. I pulled up to a light on the corner of 3rd and C Street and along pulls up this jet black Lexus. I casually glance over and notice that the driver of the car is James Hetfield, lead vocalist/guitarist of Metallica. Once I figured out it was him, he’d had already drove away. I guess in retrospect, I would’ve told him that I actually like their latest record, Death Magnetic. Whether you care or not, Metallica realized what they had to do in this tough music industry and that was finally make an album that wouldn’t alienate their dedicated fanbase as well as regain respect from those who have written them off after ReLoad. That is what Death Magnetic is, a return to form. I can safely say that these new songs translate very well live.
I’ll be honest though, I initially had no desire to see Metallica live. I am a fan no doubt, but I know the crowd and that is something I try to avoid altogether. But luckily my neighbor had an extra ticket and asked me if I’d like to go. Well, I just couldn’t say no. I figured I need to see them at least once in my lifetime, especially while they’re promoting such a stellar album. We arrived at the Oracle Arena during the tailed end of Lamb of God’s set (I’ve seen them once before and that was quite an experience). Walking into the venue I spotted a banner for February 3rd’s show…Avenged Sevenfold and Buckcherry. I don’t feel bad about wondering that if I were to ever to cause a mass genocide…well, you get the idea. Anyway, after passing a few aging strippers and jacked meathead assholes, we made it to our seats. The show itself was packed with lasers, flashing lights, and tons of pyrotechnics; much of what you’d expect from a Metallica concert. However, the standout moment for me was when they started playing older tunes like Creeping Death and For Whom The Bell Tolls. I felt chills; I guess I liked Metallica a little more than I thought. I started to remember when I first saw the Enter Sandman video when I was young. Metallica was huge part of my musical childhood upbringing and it was nice to hear these songs the way they were meant to be heard…live and fucking loud.
Setlist -
That Was Just Your Life
The End Of The Line
Creeping Death
For Whom The Bell Tolls
One
Broken, Beat & Scarred
Cyanide
Sad But True
The Unforgiven
All Nightmare Long
The Day That Never Comes
Master Of Puppets
Blackened
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
——————-
Last Caress
Whiplash
Seek And Destroy
Jay-Z & Metallica - 99 Problems
Lamb of God - 11th Hour
Lamb of God - Black Label
Tags: jay-z, Jay-Z & Metallica, lamb of god, mash up, metallica
Posted in Concerts, Music | 2 Comments »
Thursday, December 18th, 2008
picture by katarokkar
5. Rival Schools and Innaway
Sunday 12 October 2008
Bottom of the Hill
San Francisco, CA
This was quite a season for reunions. With My Bloody Valentine returning and The Get Up Kids coming back together, you’d would think that Slash would run to Axel with arms wide open in a field of flowers (okay maybe not). But one of the my favorite reunions this year was that of the post hardcore band Rival Schools. Having loved their debut from back in 2001 which featured some of my favorite musicians; seeing Rival Schools was kind of a big deal. Despite my high expectations, they tore it up and then some. Featuring some new tunes and a little announcement that they are recording a new album (I asked Ian, and he confirmed it), this show was particularly special to me.
picture by www.alucinante.net
4. Outside Lands Festival Day 1-3: Radiohead, Beck, Jack Johnson, Cake, Broken Social Scene, Regina Spektor, Wilco, Manu Chao, Stars, Andrew Bird, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Lupe Fiasco, dredg, Black Mountain, Goapele, and Animal Liberation Orchestra
Friday 22 August 2008 – Sunday 24 August 2008
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
This was the first concert I attended when I moved to California. This was my introduction to the audiences and atmosphere of the Northern California concert scene. I can safely say I had a wonderful time and met some pretty cool people. Oh yeah and I witnessed some pretty fantastic performances. Whether it was Andrew Bird’s brilliant instrumentation, Radiohead’s light show, or finally getting to see Broken Social Scene in all their glory; Outside Lands Festival did not disappoint.
picture by A Power of Facing
3. Jeremy Enigk and Damien Jurado
Saturday 31 May 2008
Great Scott
Boston, MA
Music always has a way of healing me when I’m in complete despair. Last winter, Jeremy Enigk’s solo music helped me up, patted me on the back, and guided me on my way. So hearing him perform some of those heartfelt songs live was very special to me. What made it even more special was that fact that he played some old Sunny Day Real Estate songs that sounded simply flawless.
picture by chartno3
2. Sigur Rós and Parachutes
Friday 3 October 2008
Greek Theatre - U.C. Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
There are not many concerts these days that are as delicate and epic as a Sigur Rós show. At one minute you feel like the only person in the venue and another minute you feel connected with not only the band, but the entire audience. You feel closer to the people you’re with because you feel as if you’ve all witnessed something special and monumental. Like watching the birth of a dinosaur (I imagine). Missing a Sigur Rós show is not a choice, it’s a mistake.
picture from katarokkar
1. Far
Thursday 16 October 2008
Troubadour
Los Angeles, CA
Am I a little biased about this choice? Yeah, I guess I am. But holy shit cans of monkey poo, this show was so much more than I expected. I felt like I was 17 years old again, pushing and yelling and sweating and OH MY GOD!…sorry. Anyway, this band has always had a special place in my heart and to see them reunite after 10 years and completely slaughter the crowd was something I will always remember. I would like to thank my buddy Kimo for making this happen for me too. This was by far one of my favorite shows of all time.
Rival Schools - See What You Got
Andrew Bird - Oh No
Damien Jurado - What Were The Chances
Sigur Rós - viðrar vel til loftárása
Far - Girl
Tags: 2008 concerts, andrew bird, best concerts of 2008, Damian Jurado, Far, hot little pony, Jeremy Enigk, outside lands festival, radiohead, rival schools, sigur rós
Posted in Best of 2008, Concerts | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
picture by gussifer
10. Treasure Island Festival Day 1 - Goldfrapp, Hot Chip, TV on the Radio, Justice, Amon Tobin, CSS, Aesop Rock, Foals, Nortec Collective, Loquat, Chester French, and Mike Relm:
Saturday 20 September 2008
Treasure Island
San Francisco, CA
What could have been a fantastic festival with non-stop fun ended up being…well just okay. While the performances were outstanding, the crowd was the biggest issue I had. I’ve never seen so many people avoid conversation in my life. I guess that’s what these Berkeley trust fund babies consider proper communication these days. On top of that, I was smack dab in the middle of what felt like an ecstasy party just before Justice’s set. Remind me to never go to another festival the day before I have to get up for work. But besides all that horse crap, TV on the Radio was unbelievably fun live, Foals seemed bored at first but livened things up around mid-set, Loquat gained a new fan (me), Aesop Rock can spit rhymes pretty well despite how high he said he was, Hot Chip were good from what I could tell, Goldfrapp was adorable, and Justice is a fucking beast live. So yeah, I had fun. But God damn it people, show some respect to this lowly New Englander living on the West Coast.
picture by hunta
9. Holy Fuck, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Tiny Whales:
Friday 21 March 2008
Middle East Upstairs
Cambridge, MA
Now before you ever decide to see A Place to Bury Strangers live, remember your earplugs. They will most likely cause tinnitus. Anyway, the improvisation of Holy Fuck is a marvel to watch. I look forward to see what they have in store for 2009.
picture by vocoders
8. Cursive, Deer Tick, and Malipas:
Monday 21 April 2008
Club Hell
Providence, RI
Finally seeing Cursive in concert was quite an expectedly awesome moment for me. An unexpected moment was my discovery of Deer Tick. I foresee myself attending more Deer Tick shows in the future. (P.S. - don’t let anyone fool you. There seriously is nothing to do in Providence, RI)
picture by mel.opho.be concert photos
7. Saul Williams and Buddy Wakefield / Saul Williams and Dragon of Zynth:
Saturday 19 January 2008 / Brandeis University
Tuesday 8 April 2008 / Paradise Rock Club
Boston, MA
He may be aloof at times and a little over dramatic, but he is without a doubt a master showman. Seeing both his performances in slam poetry and with a full band helped me better understand this truly unique artist.
picture by data jockey
6. Explosions in the Sky and Lichens:
Saturday 5 April 2008
Lupo’s
Providence, RI
The sheer breathtaking power of Explosions is indisputable. This is what I’ve been told time and time again and I finally found that out on a cold day in April with some good friends.
Explosions in the Sky - A Song For Our Fathers
Cursive - Dorothy at Forty
Holy Fuck - Lovely Allen
Saul Williams - Live From No Man’s Land
Justice - Genesis (CCCR remix)
Tags: best concerts of 2008, Best of 2008, Concerts, Cursive, Explosions in the Sky, Holy Fuck, Justice, Saul Williams
Posted in Best of 2008, Concerts | 2 Comments »
Sunday, December 7th, 2008
I’m kind of picky about what I’ll be attending this week. It looks as though Subtle at the Independent has my attention so far. However seeing Audrye Sessions and Cold War Kids would be nice. Too bad I have this full time job I have to keep up with. Anyway, if you’re going to the KITS LIVE 105’s NSSN 08 or the Pre-Party show (click the picture for tickets), try to make the local band showcase and check out Picture Atlantic and Dizzy Balloon at the ol’ Cafe du Nord. It should be a good time.
Sunday (Today):
Jonathan Richman
The Great American Music Hall
859 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco CA 94109
Winterkälte / Marching Dynamics
DNA lounge
375 11th St
San Francisco CA 94103
Monday:
The Fall of Troy / The Number Twelve Looks Like You / Warship / Black Houses
Slim’s
333 11th Street
San Francisco CA 94103
Live 105 Not So Silent Night Local Band Contest
Picture Atlantic / Music For Animals / Go Kart Mozart / Dizzy Balloon / Please Do Not Fight
Café du Nord
2170 Market Street
San Francisco CA 94114
Tuesday:
railcars / Megazord / Religious Girls / Halcyonaire
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th Street
San Francisco CA 94107
Wednesday:
Live 105 Not So Silent Night Pre-Party
Vampire Weekend / Cold War Kids / Chairlift / Audrye Sessions
Mezzanine
444 Jessie Street @ Mint
San Francisco CA CA 94103
Thursday:
NSSN 2008
The Killers / Franz Ferdinand / Death Cab for Cutie / Bloc Party / Jack’s Mannequin
Oracle Arena
7000 Coliseum Way
Oakland, CA 94621
Subtle / Yoni Wolf
The Independent
628 Divisadero Street
San Francisco CA CA 94117
Wilderness / Wildbirds & Peacedrums / San Serac
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th Street
San Francisco CA 94107
Friday:
CSS / Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head
Bimbo’s 365 Club
1025 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco CA 94133
The Killers / Neon Trees
The Warfield
982 Market Street
San Francisco CA 94103
Stella (Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter and David Wain)
Wheeler Auditorium
UC Berkeley Campus
Berkeley, CA 94720
Saturday:
Detrimental Disco Wibble Tour
Venetian Snares / Otto von Schirach / Cyrusrex / Naha
Historic Sweet’s Ballroom
1933 Broadway
Oakland, California 94612
The Ting Tings / Hottub
Popscene
330 Ritch Street
San Francisco CA 94107
The Fall of Troy - Semi-Fiction
Wilderness - Emergency
Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head - Me + Yr Daughter
Otto Von Schirach - Tea Bagging The Dead
Tags: css, Detrimental Disco Wibble Tour, Dizzy Balloon, Hottub, Jonathan Richman, Live 105 Not So Silent Night Pre-Party, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, NSSN 2008, Otto Von Schirach, Picture Atlantic, Stella, Subtle, The Fall of Troy, The Killers, The Ting Tings, Venetian Snares, Wilderness, Winterkälte
Posted in Concerts, Music | No Comments »
