Sammy Banana’s first remix for one of the big dogs (universal) leaked this evening. He just left for a quick Euro tour, you know Like ya do, but will be back to his old tricks and usual gigs .
Kid Cudi-Make Her Say ft. Kanye West & Common (Sammy Bananas Remix)
Pavement will be back next September with a benefit show on the Summer Stage in Central Park. To celebrate I thought I would share this cover of Box Elder as done by Brooklyn’s Pet Ghost Project. Now go get your ticket acquisition plan in order.
So, the full posts and reviews about the musical acts seen last weekend at Monolith are in the works but I thought I’d share a bit of the imagery from this weekend. The first shot is from the top of the amphitheater where the Main Stage was. Amazing view, especially Sunday when the skies were clear.
For Monotronix the Press took the stage while the band freaked out amidst the audience. Certainly changed things up and even more certainly messed with the wee altered minds of those trying to push towards the center of that insanity.
There were all sorts of interesting people watching. Some clearly put a lot of effort into their Monolith look(more than one clown costume and native ameican head dress were spotted). Other’s literally just rolled out of bed (the scene must haves: Camelbaks, dugout, and trendy but functional layers). But the two fellas who really grabbed my eye were the ones captured above. Look closely, admire and tip your hat to whatever process, chemically induced or not, brought them to Red Rocks in all this glory. And yes, there is a ginormous inflatable bottle of Southern Comfort in the background.
Ever since I caught River City Extensions’ lead singer Joe do a solo set earlier this summer I have been anxious to see the whole six member crew perform live. Finally I had the chance to see them last week and it was far more incredible than I was expecting.
Like the Avett Brothers, their record (while entirely enjoyable) falls a little 
ahead of the pack while their live show is amongst the best I’ve seen this year. The music also has a vastly different vibe from the alt country sound of their recorded material. Instead, it is southern rock with heavy punk influence. RCE consists of the usual bass, guitar, drums as well as a cello, floor tom, assorted horns and percussive implements; and, this septet do their thing with a degree of energy and enthusiasm that could almost be considered another instrument.
The openers were ok but did very little to amp up the audience for the kind of intensity RCE had to offer. 3/4′s of the way into their first song though they managed to draw people in from the bar and get everyone on the floor moving. Each member, regardless of the instrument’s traditional roll in a band, plays in such a way that makes you really pay attention to who is carrying the rhythm, who is laying out the melody and who is providing the chaotic pulse that typically drives their songs. The cello, played by the v. talented Jenn, provides a soaring thread to tracks like Elephant while also managing to rock out on others.
Watching them play I realized that RCE is one of the few bands whose bassist takes more than a supporting role. In a few instances James carries the melody so deftly it pushed the floor tom to really pull out more of those juicy bass tones. The percussionists both took turns picking out lines in each song to emphasize or challenge to really build the depth of RCE’s overall sound.
Oh, and I can’t forget the horns. Switching between a baritone horn and a trumpet I really enjoyed the character and punkishness he brought to the floor. Often he served to reign in the massive storm of percussion but not without adding his own flair. Joe,the circus leader and head vocalist, was playing through a bloody finger but didn’t let that effect his delivery. Just as sincere and balls out as he was when I saw him play solo there was a raw emotional element on display when he was on stage interacting with the full crew. Tearing through Clever & Quickness I was in awe watching them all push it a little harder. On the songs, like (I Had Thought About This In) Marc where everyone sings you really feel their charge at full force.
Watching them during their last song, as they played acoustic in the middle of the audience, I got that feeling in my stomach that these guys are headed for much bigger venues. I can only hope their next album harnesses the power of their live show. If you’re in the NJ/NY/PA area try to get yourself to one of their shows. They are playing Philly again on the 25th at the North Star Bar.
(If I Had Thought About This In) March
Today we’re messing around in Breckenridge enjoying the mountains and the beautiful fall colors. Basically though, I’ll be relaxing so that I can power through my extensive show schedule for the next two days. Here is my final installment in the Monolith series.
Phoenix – Lisztomania from KEXP RADIO on Vimeo.
They covered Air’s Playground Love live on NPR
Frightened Rabbit
This is quite possibly the sweetest video ever.
Last Tango In Brooklyn (via Glorious Hum)
Well folks, I have arrived for a little play time in the mountains before digging into the plethora of awesomeness being served up at Monolith Saturday & Sunday. Tonight’s schedule is far more laid back; BBQ, beers and football. But before that begins I want to share with you some more of the acts on my “to see” list. These are all towards the top (ie, you’ll be reading posts about them next week for sure)
Ida Maria – Oh My God from John West on Vimeo.
Yet again Daytrotter caught the essence of Ida in We’re All Going To Hell, another song with personal anthem potential.
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
I am currently packing my bag and running around like a crazy person getting ready to leave for Denver tomorrow. These are four more acts I’m looking forward to seeing at Monolith. All of these performers (and most on my “must see” list) understand the importance of putting on a show vs. being on stage and playing instruments.
Untitled from Bad Veins on Vimeo.
Way back on ’08 these fellas did a stunning version of Fake Baby for Daytrotter
Here is a tasty treat, M covering Bowie’s classic Lets Dance on KCRW
OK Go in Madrid from pukilin on Vimeo.
In preparation for Monolith Music Festival next week at Red Rocks I have snagged videos from the acts I’m most looking forward to seeing. I’ll spread it out over the next couple of days for your continued pleasure. Enjoy the show!
The Thermals
Edward Sharpe & The Magnificent Zeros
Daytrotter just captured Home beautifully.
Remix!: Before Tigers (CFCF)
Lately I have gotten in the habit of asking bands about other acts they’ve performed with/heard/respect that may benefit from a little more attention. So far the results have been fantastic. I have discovered a whole mess of new groups and since its what I do I’m going to start sharing them with you. Starting with this twofer.
The Darlings were brought to my ears by Greg 
Sullo the lead singer of Dinosaur Feathers. While discussing what promising indie pop there is out there today he dropped their name and when I said I wasn’t familiar with them he gave me a look that implied I needed to immediately get my hands on some.
I have been beyond plused by their work. There is a Pogues-esqu balance in their arrangements with smart lyrics delivered sincerely (even if that means agrily like on If This Is Love) while
punkier instrumentals keep you on your toes and wanting more. They have been getting some excellent, and well deserved, press and I’m glad to add my ups to the pile. Try these two tracks on
and, as always, support the live show. The Darlings will be in Philly on the 19th if you’re free get yourself there.
Hezekiah Jones is a group suggested by James of
River City Extension [who are playing at The Fire tomorrow night incidently]. HJ is a group that records with a whole troupe of contributors and then performs live with whomever is available and both deliveries a equally delectable. Perhaps due to the rotating cast’s constant; Raphael Cutrufello. Cutrufello writes the songs and provides lead vocals as well as a number of other instrumental noises and does so with luring beauty. His voice is clearly informed by the folk tradition but maintains an authentic indie balladeer vibe pushing HJ’s songs towards a really fresh end of the spectrum. This ripe flavor is made even more potent by the variety of “instruments” used to create arrangements surrounding the vocals. Whether the song calls for sweet lilting support from a guitar and tender harmonies or raucous banjo strumming and banging pots and pans there is always the right mix there to create the perfect sound.
They cover a range of topics from love to politics and all of it draws you in, makes you think and more often than not bob your head in time. Hezekiah Jone performs quite a bit in Philly and the surrounds so you should have no problem catching the live action. In the mean time start your collection with these two superb tracks:
Want to stay updated on what shows I’m looking forward to? Subscribe to the calendar. I’ll be posting it monthly just to keep your lazy folks tuned in but if you want to know every time I add a show or event then hook yourself up.