6/29/10

Wild Nothing - Your Rabbit Feet

Wild Nothing's album 'Gemini' has been on constant rotation since I got it. It's a top five album for this year, there's no doubt about it. Jack churns out perfect 80s British dream pop songs and “Your Rabbit Feet” is no different. Seeing them live at Daniel St. in Milford was a real treat. One of my favorites bands this year, and with only about 20 people in the audience, very intimate. 'You Rabbit Feet' comes from a new label called Warmest Chord, which was apparently started by some guys in London. Download it below and then go over to the Warmest Chord bandcamp page to stream Wild Nothing's other new track 'Golden Haze. You can buy that at the bandcamp.
Wild Nothing - Your Rabbit Feet by berman1125

Chill w/ Washed Out

 Washed Out recorded a track for Adult Swim, we posted about it here. Here is the video interview with Ernest Greene, he takes us for a tour around his house and studio in Georgia.

6/28/10

Best Coast - Boyfriend

“Boyfriend” is the first song on Best Coast’s debut album, 'Crazy For You'. They gave it away as a free download earlier today, and you can grab it at the bottom of this post. “Boyfriend” has the same lo-fi feel that we saw on her early 7″ singles...just not as much reverb on the vocals, much like she actually sounds live. Beth played it on her stop in CT back in April. Can't wait for the album!!
Best Coast - Boyfriend by berman1125

FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


The fourth of July is quickly approaching and that means one thing, tons of awesome firework displays all around CT. This time of summer has always been special to me, we used to have a huge neighborhood party at our house with illegal fireworks that we aquired from Myrtle Beach every year. The smells of bbq's, gettin some sun, playing pickle in the front yard with all the kids I grew up with....those were the times. Each year I feel like I get to relive those memories whenever I go with my friends to our local fireworks display. WSFB has compiled a great list, town by town of where you can catch the bombs bursting in air. There is no better way to spend a nice summer evening then sitting outside with some friends, rollin a couple spliffs, puttin on a killer playlist, drinkin a few brews... so basically any other night of the summer, but it ends with fire works. So it's a win win for everybody. I will be posting an independence day playlist in the near future so keep your eyes out for that. It will pair well with those spliffs/fireworks.

Aloe Blacc - Billy Jean Cover

We told you about Aloe Blacc when we posted about how dope 'How To Make It In America' was. His song 'I Need A Dollar' is the theme song. Aloe has his third solo album 'Good Things' coming out in September. Here is a really good, slowed down cover of MJ's classic, Billie Jean.

6/26/10

Cloud Nothings - Didn't You 7''

Garage rock wonders Cloud Nothings blew me away with their Record Store Day Performance. They are true rock n rollers. Their album 'Turning On' has been in OA's Albums Always Spinning column almost since this blog came out. It's irresistibly catchy and innocent. They are putting out a new 7'' on Old Flame Records. 'Didn't You' and 'Even If It Worked Out' is the groups best work to date (except for Cant Stay Awake). They use the same successful formula of hooking you in with catchy as fuck riffs and lyrics, jangly guitars, reverb soaked vocals, and killer drums. Their drummer is a bad ass mother who don't give an F about nothin. And wouldn't you know it, you can download the entire thing once your done reading this sentence....butttttt you should own the vinyl.
Cloud Nothings - Didn't You by berman1125
Cloud Nothings - Even If It Worked Out by berman1125

6/25/10

Girls - Lysandre

Girls are still riding the wave of one of 2009's best albums. 'Album' was the first record I ever bought on vinyl. Here they are with the debut of a new song in Vancoover at the tail end of May. Looks like Chris chopped off his long hair!

6/23/10

HPSU Presents: Hartford's 375th: Still Wavy After All These Years

This is the party of the summer guys...you HAVE to be at this event. In honor of Hartford's 375th Aniversary, The Wadsworth Atheneum & Hartford Party Starters are throwing a free, all ages show at The Bushnell Park Performance Pavilion in downtown Hartford on Friday, July 23rd. The show will be starting at 5...so sneak outta work early and bring your drinkin shoes. There will be a beer garden on site for those 21+(beer provided by Black Bear Saloon) and there will also be food vendors on Trinity St. DJ Rizzla will be spinning all night. Here is the Facebook Group for more info and check them out on their Twitter. This event is going to be so big, it even has its own website. Check out http://www.stillwavy375.com/

Now, on to the goods. Janelle Monae will be headling. I told you about her in May, her album 'The Archandroid' has so much funk and soul. Their live act is going to be so much fun, this girl has it all. Check out the video I posted of her on Late Night w. David Letterman, it was a flat out bad ass performance. You know she is the shit when theee Puff Daddy comes out bowing down to you. Her song Tightrope is one of my favorites this year. James Brown + Outkast= Janelle Monae

Holy Ghost! hail from Brooklyn. Nick Millhise and Alex Frankel are known for their 2008 hit “Hold On” and Moby, MGMT and Cut Copy remixes. Holy Ghost! bring their melodic, throwback style and love for old-school synthesizers to their infectious new single, “I Will Come Back,” out on Green Label Sound. 

Tobacco is part of Black Moth Super Rainbow, this is his solo project. Tobacco distinguishes himself as a master of jagged beats, glowing melodies, and pronounced tension. The new album Manic Meat is available now. I am most excited to see them live at the event, should be a killer set.

Maluca is a Dominican artist signed to Mad Decent, the record label started by Diplo. She released an EP for her single, El Tigeraso, in August 2009 consisting of the single and remixes by Feadz, Giant Man, Sticky K, and Nguzu Nguzu.

Cubic Zirconia has played for HPSU once before. They also killed it this year at SXSW. CZ have a very energetic upbeat tempo and they get the crowd movin. Their stage presence is not one to be beat out.

Toyz Noize

Toy Story 3 was perfect.

6/22/10

Depreciation Guild, Wild Nothing - Tomorrow Daniel St.

Tomorrow night, Manic Productions Presents: Wild Nothing and The Depreciation Guild at Daniel St. in Milford. Tickets will cost you $8 and doors open at 8. Gotta be 21+ to party. Buy tickets at Red Scroll or at the door. Opening for both bands will be Eula, I saw them open for Titles. They are a really cool new wave punkish group out of New Haven, get in early and check em out.

Wild Nothing, 'Gemini' is one of my favorite albums of the year. It's a one man project from Jack Tatum who added band members to form a live act. I love the use of the drum machine, drenched guitar riffs, and a touch of synth. It is a great summer album. Honestly, they are the reason I am going to the show....you should too, because when you realize you want to see them, then they will be opening for much bigger bands at much bigger venues. I want to pick up a vinyl and see how this amazing album translates in a live setting.

Depreciation Guild, I admit, I know not much about this group. This is what I found about them... Backed solely by a Nintendo Entertainment System, the band blankets their sound with the crushing blows of its 8-Bit 2A03 sound chip. Drawing inspiration from classic dream-pop bands such as Pale Saints, and Cocteau Twins, as well as 80’s synth-pop masters such as Bill Nelson, Gangway, Scritti Politti and YMO, The Depreciation Guild have artfully cultivated a unique sound that strikes a balance between progressive and retro-chic.


Wild Nothing - "Board Games" from Ian Perlman on Vimeo.

DMB To Perform Charity Event In Greenwich

According to Greenwich Time The Dave Matthews Band will be performing for the China Care Cure Foundation at the very elite Belle Haven Country Club this Saturday, June 26. Tickets are running $1000 a seat. I don't even know where to find them right now. According to Ants Marching, it will be Dave solo. My sources (friend taping the show) tell me it will be full band. I am efforting to be at this show. How can you not want to see DMB with only 400 people. Thats not even half the size of the pit at Hartford this year. If yall could help point me in the right direction of where to find tickets are that would be helpful. All the info I have about the event are in the links I have provided here. Hope to see some of you there!

6/21/10

Childish Gambino First Concert Ever 6/30

Mr. Donald Glover himself told us via his twitter that he, aka Childish Gambino will be having his first ever concert on June 30th at The Creek and The Cave in Queens. 8pm and tickets are $5 at the door. I am really excited to see what Donald has in store for us, it would be really great to meet him too. What a cool dude, so it seems. Check out his blog/website http://www.iamdonald.com/ He is always posting about what it is you need in order to live the good life. You can still download his two free rap/indie mixtapes at the link I posted two lines below. His new album 'Culdesac' is out July 4th weekend, it will be free. You can download that, when it comes out at http://www.childishgambino.com/ See you at the show!
I Be On That (ROUGH) - Childish Gambino by berman1125

Jeremiah Weed Interviews Cool Dudes @ Bonnaroo

Here is Jeremiah Weed interviewing Phoenix, Local Natives, and Mumford & Sons from this years Bonnaroo music fest.


Teen Daze - Driving Home From The Beach (The Feeling Of)

We were one of the first to cover Teen Daze in May when 'Shine on' hit the internet. This new song, 'Driving Home From The Beach (The Feeling Of)' is exactly what the title suggests. He told me 'I was driving home from the lake the other day and was feeling super nostalgic about it' This song captures those moments when you are daydreaming about the good things in life. The stuff that you don't take for granted. You could even be daydreaming about the amazing day you just finished with your friends at the beach. I think this song is about appreciating the finer things.... No, I'm not talking about your Ipad, I'm talking about being outside, in touch with everything around you...and fully taking advantage of a nice day. My friends and I have been making weekly trips to the beach, Teen Daze already gets a lot of play on the Ihome. This is yet another instant classic to throw on the Get Beached, Get Stoned playlist. Download it below, mannn.
Driving Home From The Beach (The Feeling Of) by berman1125

6/20/10

Titles Album Release Show

Titles had their album release party last Saturday night at Cafe 9 in New Haven. It was a fun time had by all in attendance. This is all I have been listening to since. I truly love this album. 'Dirt Bell' will be digitally available 'soon'. Check out more about them HERE. Here is a video of them performing 'Pillowcase' off their new album.

Titles - Pillowcase from Titles on Vimeo.

6/17/10

Matt & Kim Tour America

Matt & Kim are two of the coolest hipsters on the planet. I saw their live show in October at Higher Grounds in Vermont. They played the fastest 1 hour set of my life. Time flew bye, and everyone in the building was having the time of their lives. I'm looking forward to what they have in store for this next tour. I'm sure they will be changing things up a little bit and adding some more flavor to their act. Can't wait to see them this fall. They will be stopping by Toads Place in New Haven on November 5th. Tickets go on sale for that June 23rd. Buy them HERE.
09-15 Syracuse, NY - Westcott Theater
09-16 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
09-17 Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
09-18 Detroit, MI - Majestic Theater
09-19 Chicago, IL - Metro
09-21 Madison, WI - Majestic Theater
09-22 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
09-23 Lawrence, KS - Granada
09-24 Denver, CO - Ogden Theater
09-27 Vancouver, British Columbia - The Rickshaw Theater
09-28 Seattle, WA - Showbox
09-29 Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
09-30 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
10-01 San Diego, CA - House of Blues
10-02 Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theater
10-06 Tempe, AZ - The Clubhouse
10-08 Dallas, TX - House of Blues
10-09 Austin, TX - Austin City Limits
10-12 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
10-13 Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder
10-14 Fort Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
10-15 St. Petersburg, FL - State Theater
10-16 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
10-17 Nashville, TN - Exit In
10-19 Asheville, NC - Orange Peel
10-20 Carrboro, NC - Cats Cradle
10-21 Richmond, VA - The Canal Club
10-24 Philadelphia, PA - Starlite Ballroom
10-28 Rochester, NY - Water St. Music Hall
10-29 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Theater
10-30 Montreal, Quebec - Le National
10-31 Clifton, NY - Northern Lights
11-02 Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
11-03 Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
11-04 Boston, MA - House of Blues
11-05 New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
11-06 Northampton, MA - Pearl Street

Deertick on Letterman

Massachusetts folkies Deertick made their National television debut on Late Night w/ David Letterman. The band performed 'Blatimore Blues #1' a track off their album 'Ware Elephant'. Their new album 'The Black Dirt Sessions' is now on sale. Check out their twitter for more info.

6/13/10

Steve Miller Band - MGM Grand @ Foxwoods

 Going to see Stever Miller Band today at MGM Foxwoods. I have seen his live show three times now. They don't change it up all that much, but you don't need to when you have 15 classics. I am looking forward to hearing allllll the hits, Jet Airliner, Take the Money and Run, Fly Like an Eagle...the list goes on. This is the music that I grew up listening to, classic rock is my foundation for music. So yall have a nice Sunday now, I know I will (we have a comped sweet upstairs, hit me on the txt if you want to party)


6/12/10

The Ted Lindsay Award

Sooooooo remember when I went to Toronto because my Grandpa was getting one of hockey's highest honors re-named after him? Well here is the video of the press conference at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Luh you Gramps!

NHLPA Presents the Ted Lindsay Award from NHL Alumni on Vimeo.

6/11/10

Local Music Alert!!!!! - Titles 'Dirt Bell'

Alright yall, hope you are ready to hear for some quality music made by some local people. New Haven's Titles are here to show you that great music is being made in The Cut. I have yet to hear the entire album (planning on buying it at the show Sat) but what is posted over on their Myspace is very pleasing. They have their own sound. A sort of lo-fi folksy feel to it...some very dark, and some popish, very pleasing on the ears. 'Beaching' out your music is the thing to do right now. But Titles don't force it, they actually sound like something that Brian Wilson would have put his hands on, not someone trying to sound like Brian Wilson. These guys are doing their own thing, and it's working great for them. I can't wait to meet them and buy their CD (hope to grab a limited vinyl) on Saturday. What's going on Saturday you ask?

Why, Titles are playing their record release party on Saturday, that's what! Their record, 'Dirt Bell' is now out on CT's own Safety Meeting Records. They are playing their record release party Saturday night at Cafe 9 in New Haven. Doors are at 9pm and it only costs $4. If you have $4, get your ass to this show. If you don't have $4, stop reading this review and get a fucking job. But seriously, even if you don't have $4, find a way to be a part of this show. It's going to be a memorable time.


Titles- "F#ck It" from Matt C on Vimeo.

6/10/10

The Strokes Are Back Bitches

For the first time in four years, The Strokes came together to play a 500-capacity room in Camden, London called Dingwalls. They performed under the name Venison. Here is video of them playing their smash hit 'Last Night'. They have a new album coming out later this year....I would have given my left nut to be at that show yesterday.

Dum Dum Girls - Bhang Bhang

Dum Dum Girls are a badass band. I got to see them open up for Girls in April earlier this year. They blew me away and completely stole the show from the headliners. Here is the new video for 'Bhang Bhang (I'm a Burnout)'. It's my favorite track off their album 'I Will Be'.  Throwback city!!!

6/9/10

Dave Matthews Band Weekend @ SPAC


SPAC weekend is unlike any other weekend of the year for me. Hartford was fun, but SPAC is where you go if you want to see dmb on the east coast. It's more then just going to a concert. It's about meeting up with people that have a common love for one thing, music.The place you see friends you have not seen in a year, and make new friendships that last for life. So this write up will be more of a weekend recap then just a show review. Expectations could not have been higher with the way last year went in Saratoga. It would be impossible for them to top SPAC N2 of last year, but Dave and company did their best. SPAC weekend should always start on a Thursday. I had gotten tickets to a Surfer Blood concert for Thursday night, so early Friday morning I took the 2.5 hour trip north to our campgrounds at Moreau State Park. Getting there around noon, my pal Jesse who I have now seen 6 shows with was already packing the vape. Home sweet home. I was also meeting up with three jersey girls (no not like Snooki jersey girls). We have been friends for a year, but were finally meeting up for the first time. It was great to see everyone, set up tents, smoke a bit...I mean a lot...and then walk from campsite to campsite talking with other dmb fans. By then it was 3:30 and time to get to the venue. Now...we got off exit 15 to a police check point. Of course we smoked a J on the way to the show and the car smelled. He asked us to give him what we had. A sad sacrifice, but a necessary one. Laura...RIP...but he didn't get the 8 joints we had! We paid to park in a private lot that allowed tailgating and set up shop for a few hours.

We got into the venue in time to walk around, check out the posters, and found our seats. Then I got a txt from Amanda. 'Save us from the lawn'. Okay, I rushed to stub them in, we had aisle seats it wasn't too much of a squeeze. All four of us got to sit together for both shows, it all worked out exactly the way we planned. The band came on at 8:30...Big Eyed Fish into Bartender...just like Hartford, but I liked this Bartender much, much more.  It was Stefan's birthday that night, there was a huge Happy Birthday chant after Seven. Nancies was better then Hartford too. The crowd still fucked up the lyrics, but Dave saved it by coming back in before the second verse. During Boyd's solo the entire band stopped and it was just Boyd center stage ripping it up...one of those spine chilling moments. Dreamgirl got it's first play since 07...I don't know why, but whatever, Dave. Crush followed after, and it was hands down the best Crush I have ever seen performed (might say that about a lot of these songs). Jeff and Tim traded solo's for a good five minutes... Tim was laughing with Jeff the entire time, and then Carter just drums the hell out of the outro. It's one of the bands best live songs. I just can't help shouting the lyrics to this one. The band went on a Jam spree with the Crush, So Damn Lucky and then Grace is Gone...all clocking in at almost 15 mins each! So Damn Lucky had a different Thank You outro, and they took the Grace is Gone jam to a new level, I was really digging it. Cornbread into Recently was cool, I would have rather just heard the entire Recently instead, but I'll take it. Jimi Thing was amazing. Everyone took their turn soloing during this 16 minute monster. Jeff played two sax's again and they went into the Sexy Mother Fucker outro. The encore found a Last Stop tease that I didn't' even hear before going into the high energy perfect E1 song, So Right. It was followed by Ants Marching the perfect song to close out a concert with. You know how I feel about this song it's their anthem.

I think N1 was a good show. The only things I didn't agree with was Funny The Way It Is being played after Dancing Nancies, it just killed the energy...and Dreamgirl hasn't been played in three years for a reason, it's not good. Getting back to the campground was interesting, but when we finally did get back, we made a fire and stayed up all night talking about how we never wanted this weekend to end. The next day found us waking at noon after a horrible storm that I thought was going to kill us and spending the afternoon at the beach. Quality time spent with quality people. After some frisbee tosses and sun soaking, we headed back to camp for food and showers. Of course us stoners forgot a grill, but our good friend Mitch who was staying a few sites over was kind enough to let us cook up our dogs and burgers on his grill. By the time we were done eating, it was about time to head to the venue for N2. No issues with cops this night, only a car battery dieing in the lots due to too much partying.

With the Last Stop tease the night before, we were expecting it tonight. It didn't happen, but dmb did put on one hell of a set. Lots of debut's for the Saturday show...some were reallllly good, some...not so good. Squirm in my opinion should not have been the opener. Don't Drink The Water would have been a much more fitting first song. The beauty ballad Stay or Leave followed, it is the perfect #2 song to hear at a show, perfect placement Dave. Then Carter got the crowd pumped during Hello Again. This was my second time hearing it, and it was way better then Hartford. Cater took it to another level on the outro. I think The Idea of You is a guilty pleasure of mine. It's not really a dmb classic, but I love singing it once in a while so it was a treat to hear. After Don't Drink The Water, Cry Freedom got its first play since 2005. This song is pinnacle dmb. The horns sat this one out, an ode to Roi I would like to think. It was a blessing to see this song live. I will never forget hearing this song. Right after they went into a mid-set Tripping Billies. This song is a regular set closer, but to hear it in the first 1/3 of the concert is a great surprise. This is by far the best version I have ever seen or heard of this song. Seriously Boyd was on fire. He was all up in Stefan's face, dueling with Dave...he was right up in the crowds face too working the entire stage, stopping his feet. 'Tequila drinking oh our minds will wonder to wondrous places' (we had some tequila in the lots) The four of us looked at each other and shared a huge hug...it was my most memorable moment of the weekend. Check out the video below, it was so tight.

'I hope we get it right for yall this evening'...then they went into Can't Stop...no not Last Stop, the song that the entire crowd was shouting for...Can't Stop, one of dmb's worst songs in my opinion. This song should have been anything but this one. Really put a damper on what could have been a really epic show. Just put Crash in that spot and the crowd would have loved it. The only redeeming quality of Can't Stop was a bluesy Tim solo at the end. They got back on track with Granny. It was never put on a record, but Granny is a staple live song. So much energy and a lot of crowd interaction. The crowd chanted, loud for Last Stop. Dave teased it and the crowd went insane. Even I thought we may have a chance of hearing it in the encore. The tease went Straight into #41. I didn't have enough time to be pissed at Dave, I fucking love #41. Jeff+Carter going back and fourth, I thought Jeff was going to explode at one point. Amanda called Spaceman as the next tune, she was right...and the Neil Young cover was after that. Cornbread was a repeat that was completely unnecessary. This was my 20th dmb show and like 13th Cornbread, but it is better then Sister. Timebomb-->Two Step is such a sick combo. Obviously Carter killed Two Step. He makes that song his bitch. The encore break had the crowd chanting for Last Stop again. Dave came out running shaking his head no. The encore started with Some Devil. Such a beautiful, sad song...I love hearing Dave perform it solo, and this was only the second time I've seen it live. They close with Watchtower a lot, they do a really good job on it... but the fans wanted Last Stop. To say we were not disappointed about that would be a lie. The rest of the show was nearly perfect, another great two shows at SPAC.

So many memories were made this weekend. New friends were made for life and I have the itch to get to two more shows this tour. SPAC was everything I could have asked for. My only complaint was that it went by too fast, way too fast. It was a stoned haze, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Thank you all for making this weekend so special, you guys are the best fans on the planet!









6/8/10

Best Coast Debut Full Length


Finally! Beth and Bob are releasing their first full length after many many 7''s. 'Crazy for You', is due out July 27 on Mexican Summer. The 29-minute LP was recorded by Cosentino and musical partner Bobb Bruno in L.A. with Lewis Pesacov of Fool's Gold and Foreign Born producing. I am so excited to hear this. I caught a show and chilled with Beth for a little bit when she came through CT a few months ago, they are really cool. I am hoping the album sounds a lot like the first single 'Our Deal'. Beths voice really shines through on that track. It's not the fuzzy reverb drenched pop tunes we are used to hearing. Sounds very Beach Boys. Check out the track list below. Needless to say, I can not wait to hold this vinyl in my hand. The album cover is priceless...I love Snacks!
Crazy for You:
01 Boyfriend
02 Crazy for You
03 The End
04 Goodbye
05 Summer Mood
06 Our Deal
07 I Want To
08 When the Sun Don't Shine
09 Bratty B
10 Honey
11 Happy
12 Each and Everyday
Bonus Track: "When I'm With You"


Sorry I havn't been blogging that much. Just finished my two week dmb bender, and I am flat out tired. I did get around to 3 posts today. But it's summer and I am not spending my free time inside with my laptop on my lap. It's good to take a break from the internet and then come back all refreshed. However, I have been out of the music loop for the past two weeks and have not listenend to a lot of new material. But that's okay, looking forward to spending some more time with mother nature...I'll still be updating the blog, it just may not have a post every day. Cheers!

Washed Out- You and I


Here is a new track from Washed Out. It's very lay by the pool on a sunny afternoon. Much like the rest of his music, it soothing and literally chills you out. There are some really nice guest vocals from Caroline Polachek. The song is for Adult Swims 8 singles in 8 weeks program. They listen to some quality music over there. Check out the track below and be sure to download it.
Washed Out - You And I by berman1125

Neon Indian Signs to FADER

Chillwave artist Neon Indian, aka Alan Palomo, has found a new home, FADER Label. Thank god too...that trashy Mt. Dew label is a fucking joke. The first release under the label will actually be a re-release of his stellar debut album 'Psychic Chasms'. It's in stores today. Neon Indian's next show is Bonaroo. Here is the music video for his new song 'Sleep Paralysis'

6/2/10

DMB Hartford Weekend


Wow. This weekend was perfect in every way possible. The weather was amazing minus a 10 minute shower on Saturday afternoon, everyone was in good spirits at the motel 8 parking lot both nights, and I got to see dmb shows with a group of friends I have never seen a show with. What a memorable weekend, life changing honestly. It makes you realize what is really important in life. Just being alive!

Friday night I had pit tickets. The first pit show for dmb at Hartford, I was a little nervous about how it would work out. It was quite the pleasant experience. There was no sitting down or arm crossing in the pit, everyone was energetic and border line going insane for the tour opener. I had three other good friends with me in the pit Friday night. Pete, a writer for OA (it was his first dmb show) and 2 other friends who have only sat lawn before. Seeing their faces as everything unfolded 4 rows away from us was priceless. The set list, arguably the greatest tour opening set list in the history of this band. Show Stats See those big numbers under last? That's how many shows it has been since those songs have been played.

JTR to open the tour. Are you kidding me?! Wow, I was thinking Bartender because, well Dave plays Bartender to open. Nope! They killllled it with JTR! Blew me away right off the bat. Hello Again was the third song played, the only Stand Up song I like, first time in five years! After a few new tunes, and Rye Whiskey solo, Busted Stuff started. This song was last played in 2002, it marks the 3rd longest return of a song in dmb history... I never thought I would hear this song. Jeff Coffin jazz's the fuck out of the end of this song. Then they went right into Kit Kat Jam!!!! Another song they have not played since 2003! These two songs back to back were the highlight of the weekend. The surprise factor was even more then Halloween last year at SPAC...well maybe not, but on that same level. After that song...right into #41. Arms went straight up in the air and shivers down my spine. There was no other place in the world I would have rather been. They jam the hell out of #41, Jeff and Rashawn play the Sojourn of Arjuna interpolation then Jeff and Carter go back and fourth for aboot five minutes followed by a nasty solo from Tim. The next two songs were the classic Grey St. and their current single You and Me. Dancing Nancies was a lot of fun, the crowd sang 3/4 of the song as Dave just walked around the stage checking the crowd out. This is Boyd's jam, he solo's pretty much the entire song and his last solo near the end was energetic. Boyd and Dave were face to face, Dave was cheering Boyd on just like the rest of us.

Too Much got it's first full time play since I last saw it last year in Charlottesville, it is beastly with Tim on electric and it went right into their anthem, Ants Marching. Boyd again tore up this song center stage, the entire band centered around Carter while he counted down. It's the best moment at any dmb show, the last 30 seconds of Ants Marching, there really is no better moment in music. The encore heard a newish song, Break For It. I really like the harmonizing parts on it, but I don't think the song has any real staying power. You Might Die Trying should never close concerts, but nothing could spoil this show. As of now, I would say this was the third or fourth best dmb show (out of 18).

Saturday night started the same, tailgating in the Motel 8 parking lot with Ants friends. I had a new crew with me, we were sitting lawn that night due to our larger group. It was another one of my friends first dmb shows, and another great night we had. We headed in to catch the last few tunes of Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings, they kicked all sorts of ass. DMB band started out with Big Eyed Fish, another song that I have never seen in concert before. It was of course followed by Bartender, one of their best live songs. Starting off the show with a solid 18 minutes of straight music, no stopping. Lying In The Hands of God, my favorite song off Big Whiskey has turned into a jam and a half. The song clocked in at almost 12 minutes, and Jeff Coffin owns this song. Near the end it was like Carter and Jeff were both soloing at the same time, just amazing musicianship.
I saw the black electric and I heard So Right was sound-checked, and there it was, they played So Right for the first time since 2006. This song is my favorite off of Everyday, and again, Jeff blows me away every time he plays sax. Crowd pleaser Everyday followed. Then the highlight of the night for me, Sweet Up and Down. This song (another one I thought I would never see..it has only been played 30 times) was dusted off for the first time since 2007. It is a powerful energetic song that feature a lot of Tim and Boyd.
Jimi Thing rocked the house, everyone soloed and Jeff played 2 saxophones at the same time, just insane. Crash had the entire crowd singing, that is a dmb classic and I would love to hear it at every show I go to, sorry haters. The rest of the show was very up beat, as much as I don't like Cornbread, it is fun to dance to and only a halfy of Stand Up, I'll take that. The Neil Young solo cover of The Needle and the Damage Done sent chills down my spine, he actually sounded like Young. Don't Drink The Water into Shake Me Like a Monkey was sick, and Two Step to close out the show is the best closer they have going right now. Carter absolutely fucking kills this song. His solo at the end was jaw dropping, I will post video when I can...but you should really download these tapes, they are must have for people in attendance and hardcore fans. The encore was pretty standard, Baby Blue was good to hear for the first time closed by the classic All Along the Watchtower.

All in all this weekend I got to see nine songs for the first time live. That just doesn't happen over a two show span. They only repeated one song, Shake Me Like a Monkey, the song I would want to hear twice. The band really loves Hartford, they give the fans a hell of a show here year in and year out. One thing I really like about this year, Fonz is loud! The bass is ridiculously loud and I love it! They won't be back to Hartford until 2012, but they sure did leave Hartford with a bang. Well done boys, I can't wait to see what you have in store for us this weekend at SPAC. See yall there!!

6/1/10

LOCAL SHOW ALERT!!!! Sufer Blood + The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Drop what you are doing and get your ass to this show on Thursday night at Daniel Street in Milford. Surfer Blood (current obsession) is opening up for Pains of Being Pure at Heart. The show starts at 7pm and is all ages...it's gonna cost you $15 to get in. I am really pumped to see Surfer Blood live. Their album 'Astro Coast' is still getting plays on my ipod dispite being on there for months. Not something that happens a lot with the music I am listening to. Usually it has a month or so, and then I move on...but these guys have some real staying power. Can't wait to see how they perform live. Pain's I don't know much about. I have listned to their stuff on Myspace, but don't own any material. They have a vintage indie rock vibe going for them. They sound like they will be a lot of fun live. Pat of Backwash Whiskey says they rule, and I trust him. Grab your friends and get down to Milford for this show, you will regret missing it.

She & Him - Fools Rush In

My God I love Zooey...

New Toro Y Moi Single - Leave Everywhere

Toro Y Moi has a 7'' single coming out July 20th via Carpark Records. It is now available for pre order. The song is very different then what we are used to hearing from Chaz. Instead of the electronic Macbook side, we get traditional instruments. Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure Chaz recorded every instrument himself. The song, 'Leave Everywhere' has the perfect amount of lo-finess to it, just a little bit of re-verb on the vocals and guitars. You can still hear his great singing voice shine through, the song is super catchy. This really showcases what Chaz can do as an artist...he really is an all around musician. Download it below mannnnnn.

UPdate: here is the video for Leave Everywhere

Toro Y Moi - Leave Everywhere from Heidi Petty on Vimeo.

Toro Y Moi - Leave Everywhere by berman1125