Upcoming Events!

March has turned out to be jam packed, literally. I'm stoked for April - I have 4 shows lined up and hope I can squeeze some others in, if I can score tickets last minute.

While the Metroland Newspaper provides an organized lay out of concerts and events in and around the Capital Region, I usually hear about which bands are coming to town via WEQX - The Real Alternative.


Of Monsters and Men: April 10th @ Jillian's, Albany.

Maryleigh & the Fauves with Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds: April 13th @ The Putnam Den, Saratoga.

Ani Difranco: April 19th @ The Egg, Albany.  (Sold out, ticket wanted. Anyone? Bueller?)

The Avett Brothers: April 22nd @ The Palace Theater, Albany.

Passion Pit: April 23rd @ Northern Lights, Clifton Park.

See you there!

Party Boat - March 2012

Free show. 3 floors down from where I live. Friday night. New friends. Hot diggity!

I had the pleasure of seeing this band rock this past weekend. Maryleigh, of Maryleigh and the Fauves, was playing bass guitar for one of the dudes in the group that couldn't be there. They're punky, loud and fast. An injury left me to experience the perks of being a wallflower but I still managed to get down as best I could. Not sure of the band-members names, unfortunately I left before an introduction could be made, but I did run into my friend Jason, a producer in town, who let me in on a little gem - their EP can be found on Bandcamp!

partyboat.bandcamp.com

The EP consists of 7 tracks, "New Orleans Baby" is my fav. Enjoy!

Dr. Dog - March 2012

Good God these men can rock. I went to Dr. Dog this past week and the show exceeded my expectations, big time. While I dig their tunes and love how they fit so well with this spring/summer-like weather in Upstate NY, I did not expect it to be so high energy and well, sweaty.

These Pennsylvania natives came to Northern Lights in Clifton Park and jammed their hearts out. The sound was so not right, and at times you couldn't even hear the vocals because the loudness of the instrumentals but it was still welcomed by the crowd. I would love to hear them again at an outdoor festival because of the nature of their live-style.

Their most recent album, 'Be The Void,' is more folky-rock, full of harmonies. I was drawn to their later albums, 'Shame Shame,' and 'Fate.' These two albums are a little more punk-rock and now after seeing them, totally depicts their live performance. Their songs from, 'Be The Void,' seemed like their reprieve to gather their composure and recharge their engines. Some of their older stuff leans a bit towards the psychedelic genre, and that was displayed but a 5-6 minute jam extended from a tune I did not know the name of. The electric guitars provided a very trance-like vibe and the crowd was able to stop jamming for a minute, sip their PBRs/H20s and catch their breath.

I came straight from my guitar lesson so I was paying close attention to the band member's left hands. "OO i think that chord was E major...no no wait, A minor!"  Something I rarely pay attention to is the stage design, but their backdrop was unique. It had coffee-shop vibe with dimly lit lamps donning vintage shades. But it also had a mascot-like, tiger head hanging from the ceiling, which I've yet to find out the significance. On chalk board style easels were the names of the cities they have played in, which displayed the diversity of their tour.

I went with my friend Jay who never heard of them, or their songs and he had a great time. I love going to shows with Jay. He's always down to go to random bands that I dig and knows how to have a good show. Jay is also the dude who encouraged me to start reviewing again! My friend Ryen also new to Dr. Dog, showed up too! He also reported liking the tunes but agreed that the sound guy needed to get his shit together. Ryen also thought the venue smelled bad, which I'm sure he is correct but I'm used to it by now. I have lost count how many shows I've been to there, and I correlate the stank with the greatness of the show. The smellier the bettahhhhh.

The band consists of 5 dudes, 2 of the wore sunglasses the entire show. I kind of hate that, but I mean I'm  not a rockstar yet, so maybe I'm hating because I'm envious.  All in all, I think for Northern Lights it was another great show. $17 worth for sure.

Polar Bear Club - March 2012

"You're too sweet for rock 'n roll." - Penny Lane.

Think again, suckers. This girl attended her first Punk-Rock show and lovedddd it. After being introduced to this band I immediately traveled back in time to the days when I listened to Brand New, Taking Back Sunday and Gaslight Anthem on the regular. I am now left questioning why I ever abandoned that 'emo' phase back in college? Either way I'm really happy that my friend, Jayson, turned me on to them.

After researching, I find out they toured with Gaslight and Frank Turner (who I also dig, check out the song, " If Ever I Stray.") They are from Rochester, NY and they were back in their hometown for one night. Jayson and I drove to The Bug Jar, rocked out, and then drove back home. An 8 hour drive well worth it, also the tickets were $8. We also got to hear No Trigger and White Picket Fences, both deserving of a noteworthy review, too. So much hardcore-bang for the buck. Rock and roll.

I took a back seat to the norm participating that goes on, since it was my first punk show. Instead I observed, rocked at my own pace, and planned out the modifications I would make to my outfit (flat shoes, no bag) for the next show so that I could take part in the crowd surfing/complete and utter indulgences. When a friend asked what it was like I described it just like a Bikram yoga class...sweaty, terrifying but joyously supportive. Also, to note, my yoga game has been increasingly more focused since I started listening to this genre of music. Riddle me THAT.

Anyway, the band was unreal. I was really fixated on the drummer, TALENT. The songs are melodic, super dynamic most of the time and filled with anthem like lyrics. Jayson told me that at punk shows people just scream out the lyrics, so I did, on the few songs I knew the choruses too. I did loudly too, REAL loud. Liberating, yes.  Even though at the time of the show I had no idea what the lyrics were, I do now. Listening to their new album, 'Clash Battle Guilt Pride,' on repeat for the week after the show I had no choice but to learn the lyrics. As I spoke about in a previous review, I wanted to feel that high I felt after leaving the show again and again, so I replayed their tunes to catch a slight buzz rather than that full blow high from seeing them live. It helped. I want to go back, or to another show soon. I'm slowly increasing my repertoire of bands from this genre and processing how the music makes me feel and if I truly do like it so that I can find the right show to go to in the future.

Favorite tracks from 'Clash Battle Guilt Pride' include: "I'll Never Leave New York," "Pawner," "My Best Days."


Sidenote: Jimmy (his last name is escaping me) the lead singer is super cute, rocking glass and a super-cute hair cut.

Company of Thieves - February 2012

WEQX is the indie-alternative-rock radio station that I like to credit for saving my life, rather than "rock and roll," in general. Extreme? Yes, but to each their own. I first heard about this station after attending a G. Love and Special Sauce show at Revolution Hall, but didn't become a dedicated fan until I went through a particularly painful break-up.

I was driving to work on a sunny day, about 3 days after said break-up, feeling like shit. I turned on 102.7 and these empowering vocals were blaring from my speakers, so naturally I turned up the volume and let it all wash over me. Come to find out, it was "Oscar Wilde" by Company of Thieves. Upbeat rhythm/solid riffs. That combined with the lead singer's amazing voice it made me feel a bit more like myself. Also, the lyrics were exactly what I needed to hear to help me re frame my poop frame-o-mind. poop.

'We are all our own devil
And we make this world,
We make this world our hell
Time keeps on ticking away
It's always running away...'

While it wasn't an overnight transformation, I continually started to feel better, utilizing music as my therapy. To boot, the witty radio personalities did their share to introduce me to new tunes and bands. Some I loved, some I hated, and some I started to follow more diligently. Company of Thieves being one of those bands. I was stoked to hear they were coming to the Cap Reg. I bought my ticket the day I heard of their upcoming arrival. $16 well spent. This was their 3rd visit to Albany since '09. It's solid that they keep coming back to Upstate NY and appreciate their fan base here.

Friday night rolled around, I went with my friend Meach who didn't have a ticket. The show was sold out, but she miraculously found a ticket at the last minute...Music Gods, how you look down on us at all the right times, thank you.

They graced the stage pretty late, the fact that I'm even commenting on their stage arrival makes me feel uncool, but I suppose I am.
Genivieve sounds like a mix of Regina Spektor and Amy Winehouse...soft when necessary but edgy for the most part. She didn't disappoint live at all, I left that night impressed.  The intensity and effort she puts forth into her performance was noticed, you can tell she isn't trying to be someone she isn't. Those "pour your heart into everything you do" vibes ooze from each band member.

From the start they had the crowds attention and kept it throughout the set. Their explosive and defiant lyrics are sometimes a mind-f*ck but I like a song that makes me think. They played a mix of new and old tunes. Their new album, Running From a Gamble, has so many catchy tracks. Favorites include: "Queen of Hearts" and "Death of Communication," which were played. Even their slower jams were captivating that night at Jillian's of Albany. The band had a lot of former members come and go, but the current 4 jive together nicely...nice enough to put on a good show.

Hanson - February 2012

I went to Hanson at Northern Lights, on Valentine's Day. It was kind of awesome. While I don't listen to that genre of music much anymore, "that" genre being "boy bands," I do have to give credit where it's due.
These boys turned men (now dad's and husbands, weird) are talented musicians that have been playing together for over 15 years!

None of them acquired drug habits and they all still have really nice hair.

I only went for MmBop and left with a fond new appreciation.

Maryleigh & the Fauves - January 2012.

In the past year I've been lucky to cross paths with many new people, turned friends. Through the yoga studio and through our lovely community in Saratoga. The people that I have been meeting have so many positive qualities to offer, especially my new friend, Dave. He is a musician/artist and in a band himself. He had been serving me my Lucky Dragon Green Tea for quite a while, but I only recently had the opportunity of formally meeting him. He is the bass guitar player in the band Maryleigh & the Fauves. Dat bass.

I saw them perform last spring when they opened for Rusted Root at The Putnam Den in Saratoga, but didn't research/follow them closely until I met Dave. After listening to their tracks, and a swift 3 days later, I committed to attending his show at Exit Dome 5, fundraiser for a local indi-radio station Exit 97.7, held at  WMHT/WEXT studios in North Greenbush, NY.

It was an intimate setting, rows of chairs full of fans and supportive friends/family. My friend and I chose to stand in the back so we could dance when the band played. Hearing clips on YouTube and from their album iTunes (also on Spotify) I was hooked, but their live performance was simply delicious. Maryleigh's sultry vocals mesmerized the audience. Her consistency should be praised from the music gods and her delightful personality should be noted as well. Not only are Maryleigh's vocals melty like buttah, but she is a goddess on the guitar, to boot. Girl crush, perhaps?

The band is also compromised of a drummer, Zach and a trombone player, Heather. The uniqueness they display and their cohesion make ya wanna say "YEA!" The 4 together sync so well.  The folky/soul collection of songs they performed are perfect for 'easy' Sunday mornings and 'sexy' Saturday nights. At first listen to their debut album The Docks, I couldn't help but share it with everyone I knew. I even sent it to WEQX to play on their "Local @ 11" playlist.

I'd list my favorite songs but they are all my favorite. I'm not exaggerating. If you only have time to listen to a few...first, make more time...then cue up 'Foolish Girl," "Candy Man," and "The Boat Song." Turn that last one up REALLY loud. Yes.

Everclear - January 2012.

This show was pretty hilarious. I went on a whim with my homegirl, Meach. Everclear was on constant repeat on roadtrips in college and at 962 Madison Ave. We tried to get all the UA gals together to bring back fond memories, but alas, children, work and other "adult" responsibilities took precedence for them. Luckily, Meach and I are responsibility-free so we got to see old-man, Art Alexakis rock out.

This band was originally formed in 1992...20 years ago, woof. While band members have come and gone, Alexakis stayed true to the music he loved so dearly. His songs were clear signs of a musician releasing his past angst and emotional baggage onto a sheet of paper. The lyrics to the catchy tunes I sang so loudly are about his past drug use problems and also his family issues.

They played songs from all their albums. My favorite songs back in the day were "Volvo Driving Soccer Mom," "Santa Monica," and "I Will Buy You a New Life." He played them all.

I wish I could say that it felt like I traveled back in time and was listening to a band that still maintained their passion to perform, but it definitely seemed like Alexakis would rather have been 79,865 other places that in that strip-mall venue, that is Northern Lights.

I'm not sorry for the brevity of this review.

The Naked and Famous - November 2011

In efforts to support their debut album, Passive Me, Aggressive You, The Naked and Famous stopped off at Jillian's of Albany first, on their US tour! Lucky us.

Again, I poorly researched the band before hand, but after first hearing, "Young Blood," a catchy/poppy/dance tune, I wanted to see what else they had to offer. I fell for "Young Blood," because the tune made me happy on the inside, aw. It's vibrant and also the lyrics resonated with me, and probably with most young adults, although I don't mean to speak for the demographic. Check them out.

They are an indie-rock band from New Zealand. Their songs have and electric-pop vibe that people eat up.
I saw the show before their single, "Punching In A Dream," hit the radio, which I also dig. The most recent song to be heard is, "Girls Like You," which has a totally different effect than the first two songs I mentioned and is more soul-heartbreak. I dig.

The show was late November and I hate to say but I was disappointed. The sound wasn't too great. I was in the back, because it was packed, which is always a nice sign. The instrumentals rocked it, but I didn't love Alisa, lead vocals.  Maybe it was Jillian's, maybe I was still jet-lag from my trip to Iceland or still hungover from all the turkey I ate on Thanksgiving, who knows? I don't remember leaving with that buzz/high that I usually get from a particularly amazing show. Ya know, that smile that grows bigger on the car ride home when you're listening to their tunes on your iPod so you can relive the experience over and over? It didn't really happen. But I do not want to discount their talent, I listen to the album frequently, and put their tunes on my playlists for my yoga classes. Maybe I'll catch them again, when I'm on the beach in Auckland, and it will be life changing...or maybe I won't.

'Trying to find the in-between,
Fall back in love eventually'

Dirty Heads - October 2011.

http://bikramchallenge2011.blogspot.com/2011/10/yoga-and-love.html

Above is a link to a little ditty about the Dirty Heads after I attended their show at Northern Lights. I made it to this show at the tail-end of my 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge so I was feeling high from all the Pranyama and stoked that the challenge was almost ending, all factors that contributed to a great show. I went with my girl, Meach, who is another concert warrior with me.

The Dirty Heads were supposed to open for them, but cancelling at the last minute left us hanging around Northern Lights listening to up and coming stars from the area. I can't recall their name, as they didn't leave a lasting impression.

The DH's busted onto stage with their So-Cal/Surfer Bro energy and despite how laid back (read: high) they are on the reg, it didn't come across on stage. Their reggae-like and Sublime inspired tunes made that brisk October night feel like we were living the island life. Highlight of the show was Duddy B's hilarious, yet honest, performance of 'Crazy Girls.' You Tube it, you'll laugh, I promise.

Their dirty hair and melodic beats brought me right back to Summer 2010 when I first heard "Lay Me Down." I immediately salivated for a Bud Light Lime and a bikini. They covered a Coldplay song too, which was rad but unnecessary, I forget which one however...sorry recounting 6 months ago is super hard, apparently? They are genuinely great musicians which was a plus, their live show lived up to my hopefuly expectations.

I forget how long they played for but I don't remember being pissed about the length. I like the most music-bang for my buck, ya dig? I immediately started following Duddy B on Twitter and found some hilarious YouTube clips from their tour. Then I started to get a bit turned off when I saw just how much weed they smoke. I mean, I get it..."it brings out creativity...” blah, really?  Now that I'm processing it, I think I'm just envious of their roadie lifestyle and general lack of responsibility, yet their still on the radio. Hm?

Oh, Hi Again.

I couldn't stay away too long. I'm back to the blog-o-sphere, this time following another passion of mine, music. I love going to shows, discovering new tunes and falling hopelessly in love with musicians from a distance. I used to write music reviews for The Examiner. I stopped because their awful layout made me dizzy and all their required steps for posting an article or review showed just how little they cared for a writer's precious time. I know, this was heartbreaking, and a lot of my friends were inquiring why I had stopped. Fear not, dears, it's all happening!

I have not stopped going to shows.  Since I left you, I've been averaging 1 per month, 2 if I'm lucky. With the start of concert season approaching and a gentle nudge (last night) from one of my friends/show-goers, I am excited to share my musical adventures, once again. I'll recap a couple that I went to over the winter because I have some time to spare before my next show and go from there.

Like I said over at The Examiner, my dream is to be in a band, and until that dream comes true (which is on the horizon, guitar lessons in motion) I will write about bands. I am in no way credible to write reviews, but I don't care I do what I want. I also like to pretend I work for Rolling Stone, like William Miller from Almost Famous. One day.

I live in New York, around the Capital Region. Most of the shows I attend are at Northern Lights in Clifton Park, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and Jillian's of Albany. Other venues in and around the area include The Palace Theater in Albany, Caffe Lena in Saratoga, and Proctor's in Schenectady. I do leave the Capital Region bubble quite often for shows worth my while, and I am lucky to have friends in NYC where some of the bigger name musicians often play.  I listen to 102.7 WEQX The Real Alternative, a lot. Also, as of recent, Exit 97.7. Both indi-radio stations around the Capital Region.

Let's make some music, yo.

"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone else when we're uncool.” - Almost Famous.