In my mind there’s truly no better way to be introduced to a band than in an opening slot with no preconceptions. You’ve come expressly to see the headliner, and the opener is just a necessary means on your journey to achieve your musical desire. If they’re bad it can be painful; if they’re good it might at least pass the time. But an unknown opener needs to be be pretty great to completely command your attention, and when they do it comes as a surprise. It’s the unexpectedness that can create a lasting impression and elevate the whole experience: certainly more memorable than being sent a link on Spotify or reading some poor-excuse-for-a writer’s review.
Kent, Ohio-based Bethesda, opening for Kingsley Flood at Lovin’ Cup on Thursday, February 11, had their their guns set to surprise and excite. Starting off their set with their folksiest number of the night, they set up the audience perfectly for what was to come. Announcing: We’re Bethesda, our music may be based in the traditions of folk, but we aren’t going to stop there, and actually we’re not going to stop anywhere. The majority of their music was unpredictable in both style and destination. They didn’t follow the regular verse-chorus-verse song structure, and didn’t give the listener much to latch on to in the way of hooks. In fact, as soon as a riff started to seem familiar, they ripped it from under you and changed direction. Each song was a separate journey with a beginning and end that were two completely different places. Their set was meandering and wonderful and glued together by an arresting frontwoman.
Shanna Delaney was the one constant through it all. Not to dismiss the rest of the band, as each piece was important as the next, but it was Delaney that attracted my attention the most. She has superior vocal range and a stage presence that is mystifying and electric. Aside from her vocal instrument, she also played a tambourine through much of the set. The actual sound from the tambourine didn’t add all that much to the music per se, but how it was played was the key. The energy, it’s highs and lows, could be followed solely from that tambourine. At the close of the set – in a state of pure rock and roll bombast – Delaney dropped to her knees, slamming both the tambourine and her palms wildly on the stage in a move that woke the guitar gods from their slumber. Yes, with a tambourine. Bethesda: surprising to the end.
Earl Sweatshirt is back!? Earl is apparently back. (Or it’s all a big joke with his new song/Twitter account meant to goad us into believing that the long-lost OF member is back.) For the record, Earl’s new song “Home” (which he delivers over a slick beat from James Pants) is fucking great. It demonstrates why Earl is, without question, the most talented lyricist from Odd Future.
With the Earl rumors swirling, it made me look back on some of songs that made his debut album so exciting and incendiary. That also made me look at some of Earl’s contributions to OF standouts like “Orange Juice,” which is featured on the first OF tape. A follow-up OF tape is due next month, but it most likely won’t have any Earl songs. A few weeks ago, Toronto jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD dropped their latest OF collaboration. They have produced and released some excellent, excellent tapes and singles. All of those are available on the group’s bandcamp page. But their latest collaboration with OF head Tyler, The Creator is fucking radical. The trio delivers a live rendition of “Orange Juice” and Tyler adds his verse and goofiness. The only thing the song is lacking is Earl. So here’ s hoping Earl really is back. But in the meantime, I recommend this video that fully demonstrates the awesomeness of OF and BADBADNOTGOOD.
It’s been somewhat fashionable to hate on Bon Iver of late, what with him garnering wider acclaim with his Grammy win for Best New Artist. But this video, shot at AIR Studios in London, proves that Justin Vernon, the main protagonist behind Bon Iver, is deserving of all the acclaim that has been garnered on him. In it, Vernon, along with Sean Carey, roll through a simple, breathtaking set. Here’s what you’ll hear:
1. Hinnom, TX
2. Wash.
3. I Can’t Make You Love Me
4. Babys
5. Beth/Rest
Recorded in the coat check closet of the Mercury Lounge, this is Alabama Shakes performing “Boys & Girls,” which is the title track from their upcoming album. All the buzz surrounding the band is not without merit; they’ve been on a hell of a press run the past few weeks, and every time I’ve heard them they seem to be better than the previous time. Their performance on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic was mind blowing.
Despite the mixed reviews in response to their new album, Paralytic Stalks, of Montreal took to the Jimmy Fallon stage and cranked out a nice version of the most accessible track from the album, “Dour Percentage.” I’m still not sold on all of the band’s output, but I do like this track. And Kevin Barnes looks about as normal as I’ve ever seen him.
Paralytic Stalks is out now through the folks at Polyvinyl.
NOTE: Concerts are in Rochester unless otherwise noted.
2/22: William Fitzsimmons
2/24: Mike Doughty
2/25: Charles Bradley (Buffalo)
2/29: Summer People
3/3: Matthew Good
3/5: Evening Man
3/23: The Men
3/30: tympanogram’s 3rd Birthday with Born Gold, Old Tapes, TBA
4/20: fun.
4/23: Cults (Buffalo)
5/6: Bear In Heaven (Ithaca)
5/7: M83 (Buffalo)
an examination used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum, and the conduction bones by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal.
Basically, it sounded like a cool name for a blog intended to be primarily about music. We’d both had other blogs previously, but over beers it was decided that more damage could be done as a joint venture. And here we are.
We share a passion for the undiscovered and under-appreciated, and hope that you’ll be able to find something you love as well.
Disclaimer
The music offered on this blog is for sampling purposes only. If you enjoy something you hear here, please go out and buy the music, see a show, or purchase some merchandise. Posted mp3s are available for a limited period of time only.
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About the Author: Dave
I like music. I can't describe how I came to like the music I do, because I don't know how or why, I just do.
Many years ago, Napoleon's brother, my great-great-great-great-great-great Grandfather, came to America. He was asked his name on Ellis Island while being processed as an immigrant. Not understanding English, he was under the impression that he was being asked how he had arrived in the new land. So he turned around and pointed at the sea vessel and said, 'LaBarge.'
About the Author: Andy
I come by my music taste of my own free will. My friends listened to 2Pac, my parents to contemporary Christian and me? Sunny Day Real Estate. I can’t explain it.
“Music, true music, not just rock ’n’ roll, it chooses you. It lives in your car, or alone, listening to your headphones…” - Lester Bangs
