Troubled Sleep from Brooklyn played a matinee show today in the basement of the Corpse Fortress. I sat on the stairs and, unfortunately, while I could see the singer's lips moving, I heard no vocals. A friend, who stood in the middle of the room, relayed to me that the singer did make a sound, which he didn't like. He criticized the singer's pitch and timing. Ouch.
Joe Mitra recorded Troubled Sleep in Baltimore and describes them as reminiscent of Sonic Youth. I agree with the Sonic Youth/Ciccone Youth comparison somewhat. Their songs showcase pretty melodies as well as a few harsh, dissonant chords. One of their songs contains blues riffs. So, musical variety.
At times, hiss or static overlays their melodies, creating an eerie sense of nostalgia like the crackle in a warbling tune as an old phonographic needle hits lint on a vinyl record. The melody remains discernible but, still, less than fully present. The band deserves points for their style and a mastery of multimeasure rests. Abrupt stops and starts give the audience a chance to absorb the musical activity and adds suspense before the song resumes full force.
Troubled Sleep sold their songs on cassette tapes, a retro medium that is difficult to digitize - denying the point-and-click status quo. Once upon a time, people compiled mixed tapes to share songs with friends. Now, there are fewer cassette tape players in most areas of the country than goats in New York City (at least based on what I've heard about goats on NPR).
I should check with other show attendees. I hope what I heard was not just a weird quirk of where I sat. Anyway, I enjoyed hearing Troubled Sleep and hope to see them play again with a properly functioning PA, microphone, and amplifiers.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Ft. Reno - Laughing Man & The Evens
Ft. Reno is a large, hilly, grassy park where bands play free concerts on a temporary stage every summer. The Ft. Reno concert series ends with an Ian MacKaye band playing - almost a decade ago the band was, allegedly, always Fugazi and, now, it is The Evens.
On Thursday, August 4th, I ate a sandwich at Sticky Fingers and joined the picnicking crowd at Ft. Reno. The road parallel to the park was lined this year by food trucks. My friend Matt tried to buy a vegan berry pie from the truck selling homemade pies, but, by the time he ambled over there, only sodas remained.
Laughing Man is a DC band that calls itself a punk-jazz hybrid. When my band The Aloners played with them in March at The Red Door, the size of the room pared the size of the band down to a traditional electric bass, guitar, and drums. The expanse of the Ft. Reno stage encouraged a literal row of brass players - trumpet, saxophone, and trombone - to join in. And don't forget the violinist and cellist. Their music flirts with a tonal center and instruments at times go off in their own seemingly improvisational path, although the path is actually planned and paved. A friend told me that they reminded him of the Minutemen, probably due to their obvious affection for jazz and their talent as musicians. They don't have either the jittery, angular progressions that mark The Minutemen or the obvious Gang of Four influence. Apparently, their album is going to come out on Dischord.
Ian MacKaye's strong personality comes through in the performances of The Evens, which is a minimalistic, drums and guitar duo. The Evens are at their most captivating when Amy Farina's soprano harmonizes with MacKaye's vocals on choruses. The PA, unfortunately, contributed an unwanted, persistent hiss to their music. MacKaye bantered easily with the crowd. For example, he asked people for feedback, they shouted, and he responded with a laugh: "I just wanted to make you feel a part of the show. I'm not actually going to do any of the things you are telling me to do." People sang along. No question hangs; The Evens engaged the crowd. The sun set and The Evens kept playing thanks to a couple of homey floor lamps with cream shades standing on stage. They created a sense of intimacy on an outdoor stage before a varied crowd of hundreds.
I don't want to look at the final Ft. Reno show of the year as a symbolic book end to the summer. I still need to go inter tubing or hiking. Of course, I sprained my ankle a few weeks ago and my current goal is just to walk down the street without limping.
On Thursday, August 4th, I ate a sandwich at Sticky Fingers and joined the picnicking crowd at Ft. Reno. The road parallel to the park was lined this year by food trucks. My friend Matt tried to buy a vegan berry pie from the truck selling homemade pies, but, by the time he ambled over there, only sodas remained.
Laughing Man is a DC band that calls itself a punk-jazz hybrid. When my band The Aloners played with them in March at The Red Door, the size of the room pared the size of the band down to a traditional electric bass, guitar, and drums. The expanse of the Ft. Reno stage encouraged a literal row of brass players - trumpet, saxophone, and trombone - to join in. And don't forget the violinist and cellist. Their music flirts with a tonal center and instruments at times go off in their own seemingly improvisational path, although the path is actually planned and paved. A friend told me that they reminded him of the Minutemen, probably due to their obvious affection for jazz and their talent as musicians. They don't have either the jittery, angular progressions that mark The Minutemen or the obvious Gang of Four influence. Apparently, their album is going to come out on Dischord.
Ian MacKaye's strong personality comes through in the performances of The Evens, which is a minimalistic, drums and guitar duo. The Evens are at their most captivating when Amy Farina's soprano harmonizes with MacKaye's vocals on choruses. The PA, unfortunately, contributed an unwanted, persistent hiss to their music. MacKaye bantered easily with the crowd. For example, he asked people for feedback, they shouted, and he responded with a laugh: "I just wanted to make you feel a part of the show. I'm not actually going to do any of the things you are telling me to do." People sang along. No question hangs; The Evens engaged the crowd. The sun set and The Evens kept playing thanks to a couple of homey floor lamps with cream shades standing on stage. They created a sense of intimacy on an outdoor stage before a varied crowd of hundreds.
I don't want to look at the final Ft. Reno show of the year as a symbolic book end to the summer. I still need to go inter tubing or hiking. Of course, I sprained my ankle a few weeks ago and my current goal is just to walk down the street without limping.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Starting off 2011
2011 - frustration. No, the details are not worth blogging about. I'll just sound like I'm reciting a bad Youth Crew song in which the lyrics center around violated trust. Over and over and over, though - when does forgiving someone for the same mistake amount to denial? Fearful symmetry. I see the good in my friends and want to see it in the world. Of course, I agree with Vaclav Havel: "Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out." Maybe sometimes I refuse to see the pattern in a person's behavior and to deduce how things will turn out.
OK I'm not keeping up with show reviews. A sentence or two about multiple shows amounts to essentially a list of band names without any worthwhile commentary. Still, the Integrity, Drop Dead, Haymaker show deserves a few written words. The Haymaker part was offensive in a proving-redneck-homophobic-sexist-jerks-can-be-from-Canada way. The singer shouted out homophobic comments while fans rallied, even hitting people around them with trash cans. As the singer took the mike, some random guy punched me on the top of my head. So weird. I turned around and yelled at him. Meanwhile, when I confronted him, the flying-fist guy went literally running out of the building, which surprised me. Drop Dead put on an intense, great show and Integrity was fun. Another weird moment between bands: I stood outside shaking in the cold with my friend Maureen while she drank a slurpie. Two odd guys from Canada got super intense about small talk. They were there to see Haymaker. As the show ended, I had fun talking with people in the car from Baltimore to DC. Late night, but it was all worth it.
Oh - Coke Bust finally had their record release show, which was reviewed in the paper - check it out. Vaccine, Direct Control, and Deep Sleep also played, all solid bands with no filler. The show started with the final performance of Rations. Like a special bonus, little girls swooned over Parsons, the singer, and asked him for his autograph. Despite their requests, he refused to hug them, noting that it would be creepy. And the Fire Marshall temporarily shut down the Hole in the Sky at the Sick Fix, Government Warning show. May the repairs happen quickly!
Final quote for the day: "Isn't it the moment of most profound doubt that gives birth to new certainties?"
OK I'm not keeping up with show reviews. A sentence or two about multiple shows amounts to essentially a list of band names without any worthwhile commentary. Still, the Integrity, Drop Dead, Haymaker show deserves a few written words. The Haymaker part was offensive in a proving-redneck-homophobic-sexist-jerks-can-be-from-Canada way. The singer shouted out homophobic comments while fans rallied, even hitting people around them with trash cans. As the singer took the mike, some random guy punched me on the top of my head. So weird. I turned around and yelled at him. Meanwhile, when I confronted him, the flying-fist guy went literally running out of the building, which surprised me. Drop Dead put on an intense, great show and Integrity was fun. Another weird moment between bands: I stood outside shaking in the cold with my friend Maureen while she drank a slurpie. Two odd guys from Canada got super intense about small talk. They were there to see Haymaker. As the show ended, I had fun talking with people in the car from Baltimore to DC. Late night, but it was all worth it.
Oh - Coke Bust finally had their record release show, which was reviewed in the paper - check it out. Vaccine, Direct Control, and Deep Sleep also played, all solid bands with no filler. The show started with the final performance of Rations. Like a special bonus, little girls swooned over Parsons, the singer, and asked him for his autograph. Despite their requests, he refused to hug them, noting that it would be creepy. And the Fire Marshall temporarily shut down the Hole in the Sky at the Sick Fix, Government Warning show. May the repairs happen quickly!
Final quote for the day: "Isn't it the moment of most profound doubt that gives birth to new certainties?"
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Hockey Winter Classic
I went to my friend Danae's house to watch the Winter Classic - the Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Washington, DC Capitals. No, I'm not a big sports fan, but I had fun trying to watch the game. First, Danae made amazing vegan vanilla cupcakes - and she's not even vegan. She made veggie dogs, pretzels, curry soup, sweet potato fries, fries with gravy, baked beans, and chili to top the hot dogs. She also had Oreos. Lots of food. Second, my friend Sarah handed out party favors. She made Capitals magnets. She got little hockey puck rings and noisemakers. Plus, she gave everyone red, shiny beaded necklaces. Third, Sarah and Danae decorated - a Winter Classic banner from a few years ago when the Caps won and shining blue lights all over the place. Unlike me, Sarah is obviously a die hard Caps and intense hockey fan.
Here is the "trying to watch the game" part: NBC coverage was terrible. The players moved on Danae's television screen like little, dark lines across a white rectangle and I had no idea of the location of the puck. Does anyone remember/heard of the game Pong? Ridiculous. The NBC camera crew seemed intent on providing wide-angle views. My friend Nick noted that he might as well have watched the game on Google Earth.
Anyway, the Capitals won 3-1. The hockey teams faced off in an outdoor rink and, toward the end, in a downpour. Fortunately, the rain pooling on top of the ice didn't injure any of the players.
As the Pittsburgh fans left the stadium, Kenny referred to it as a "walk of shame." They had to go down four levels of stairs to exit as they got wet from the January rain.
Pat posted something about the game on Facebook. His brother, Greg, happened to be on-line, evidenced by his decision to challenge Pat in a forceful, reprimand text. Pat grew up outside of Philly. His brother questioned Pat's seeming allegiance to the Caps.
Here is the "trying to watch the game" part: NBC coverage was terrible. The players moved on Danae's television screen like little, dark lines across a white rectangle and I had no idea of the location of the puck. Does anyone remember/heard of the game Pong? Ridiculous. The NBC camera crew seemed intent on providing wide-angle views. My friend Nick noted that he might as well have watched the game on Google Earth.
Anyway, the Capitals won 3-1. The hockey teams faced off in an outdoor rink and, toward the end, in a downpour. Fortunately, the rain pooling on top of the ice didn't injure any of the players.
As the Pittsburgh fans left the stadium, Kenny referred to it as a "walk of shame." They had to go down four levels of stairs to exit as they got wet from the January rain.
Pat posted something about the game on Facebook. His brother, Greg, happened to be on-line, evidenced by his decision to challenge Pat in a forceful, reprimand text. Pat grew up outside of Philly. His brother questioned Pat's seeming allegiance to the Caps.
Happy New Year
I spent New Year's Eve hearing bands play at a show at the Corpse Fortress. The show started with State Violence. And the theme: bands having slight problems. Zack's drum stand was being held together with masking tape and one of his cymbals was half gone. In the end, Zack is an amazing drummer and State Violence drew compliments.
Sacred Love from Baltimore played next with Joe Mitra as their new bassist. Technical difficulties. Joe's bass amp had problems, preventing him from playing beyond the first song. The second guitarist offered to play the bass line. Then, his equipment started having problems. Like some sort of bass curse. The singer joked that he'd be willing to continue on a cappella if the band's gear failed. No need - things moved forward smoothly; people got into hearing the band perform; all's well that ends well.
Troops of Tomorrow came on next with Gary Bird leaving the front door to sing in the basement. I must say that Gary really did a good job of collecting money from people. He showed persistence that I normally don't see, which I'm sure the touring band, No Class, appreciated.
Many people at the show were dressed up - ladies in sequins, Jake in a full-on suit with stripes. The Corpse Fortress basement was, as normal, dank and dark. The clothing made it easier for these swank-looking attendees to leave the show and go to the Clitfest benefit party, which called for formal attire. I don't drink alcohol and didn't feel like staying out later than the show, but I heard the Clitfest party turnout was great.
Sacred Love from Baltimore played next with Joe Mitra as their new bassist. Technical difficulties. Joe's bass amp had problems, preventing him from playing beyond the first song. The second guitarist offered to play the bass line. Then, his equipment started having problems. Like some sort of bass curse. The singer joked that he'd be willing to continue on a cappella if the band's gear failed. No need - things moved forward smoothly; people got into hearing the band perform; all's well that ends well.
Troops of Tomorrow came on next with Gary Bird leaving the front door to sing in the basement. I must say that Gary really did a good job of collecting money from people. He showed persistence that I normally don't see, which I'm sure the touring band, No Class, appreciated.
Many people at the show were dressed up - ladies in sequins, Jake in a full-on suit with stripes. The Corpse Fortress basement was, as normal, dank and dark. The clothing made it easier for these swank-looking attendees to leave the show and go to the Clitfest benefit party, which called for formal attire. I don't drink alcohol and didn't feel like staying out later than the show, but I heard the Clitfest party turnout was great.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Walking Dead Finale & Taco Leg, Karoshi, Lotus Fucker at Wasted Dream
Sunday, December 5th...
Feeling assaulted by the wind and starving, I entered Chipotle with Pat Vogel and Rob Santucci. The fast food restaurant in DC overflowed with people and the line depressed me. I was so cold that I stuttered as I thought about the wind and made no sense as I talked. Rob gave me an odd look, hoping that I would begin finishing my sentences with words that made sense.
From the Chipotle, we went to our friend Dan's house. His basement, when he hosts shows, is also known as Wasted Dream. Anyway, he offered not only to have Taco Leg from Australia play in his basement, but also to drive them around on their East Coast tour for a week. Taking him up on his offer, they seemed friendly and comfortable as they set up their merchandise on top of Dan's washer and dryer.
I enjoyed seeing Lotus Fucker. Dan sang their songs with intensity. I comfortably watched from his basement stairs as I ate my Chipotle. Pat's uneaten burrito sat in a bag on top of one of the amps as he played his guitar. The line at Chipotle made us a little late. (OK - we waited too long to hit the Chipotle...)
I didn't get into Taco Leg. They are a three-piece, melodic punk band who tend to play three-chord songs. I got bored listening to them. I like pop punk. I don't need every band to hit notes at a million miles a minute. I love singing along with Screeching Weasel, Jawbreaker and The Descendents. So much fun. Taco Leg, though, unlike those other bands, played meandering pop songs.
Pat and I left the show promptly to catch the season finale of Walking Dead. I had made ve
gan zombie-finger cookies to share, which were finger-shaped, shortbread cookies with raspberry jam instead of blood and almonds wiped with maple syrup instead of fingernails. Several friends gathered in Pat's living room and we settled in for the show.
Walking Dead is a television show based on a comic book series. The premiere's opening sequence reminded me of the opening of 28 Days Later, which both start off with a person waking up in a hospital unaware that a virus has transformed a good chunk of the population into aggressive,
flesh-eating zombies. The acting in the Walking Dead is decent and some character development occurs. The caste may be a little large, but maybe the zombies will whittle down the numbers in future episodes.
Feeling assaulted by the wind and starving, I entered Chipotle with Pat Vogel and Rob Santucci. The fast food restaurant in DC overflowed with people and the line depressed me. I was so cold that I stuttered as I thought about the wind and made no sense as I talked. Rob gave me an odd look, hoping that I would begin finishing my sentences with words that made sense.
From the Chipotle, we went to our friend Dan's house. His basement, when he hosts shows, is also known as Wasted Dream. Anyway, he offered not only to have Taco Leg from Australia play in his basement, but also to drive them around on their East Coast tour for a week. Taking him up on his offer, they seemed friendly and comfortable as they set up their merchandise on top of Dan's washer and dryer.
I enjoyed seeing Lotus Fucker. Dan sang their songs with intensity. I comfortably watched from his basement stairs as I ate my Chipotle. Pat's uneaten burrito sat in a bag on top of one of the amps as he played his guitar. The line at Chipotle made us a little late. (OK - we waited too long to hit the Chipotle...)
I didn't get into Taco Leg. They are a three-piece, melodic punk band who tend to play three-chord songs. I got bored listening to them. I like pop punk. I don't need every band to hit notes at a million miles a minute. I love singing along with Screeching Weasel, Jawbreaker and The Descendents. So much fun. Taco Leg, though, unlike those other bands, played meandering pop songs.
Pat and I left the show promptly to catch the season finale of Walking Dead. I had made ve
gan zombie-finger cookies to share, which were finger-shaped, shortbread cookies with raspberry jam instead of blood and almonds wiped with maple syrup instead of fingernails. Several friends gathered in Pat's living room and we settled in for the show.Walking Dead is a television show based on a comic book series. The premiere's opening sequence reminded me of the opening of 28 Days Later, which both start off with a person waking up in a hospital unaware that a virus has transformed a good chunk of the population into aggressive,
flesh-eating zombies. The acting in the Walking Dead is decent and some character development occurs. The caste may be a little large, but maybe the zombies will whittle down the numbers in future episodes.
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