Record
Reviews.
Built to Spill - Keep it Like a Secret.
Ben Folds Five - The Unauthorized Biography
of Reinhold Messner.
Elf Power - A Dream in Sound.
Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin.
Jimmy Eat World - Clarity.
Pinehurst Kids - Minnesota Hotel.
Don Caballero - What Burns Never Returns.
American Football -
Polyvinyl Single Series.
Sleater-Kinney - The Hot Rock.
Go Robot, Go! - Convertible.
The Delusions - I Hope It Dies On A Sunny Day.
Rainer Maria - Look Now Look Again.
Rachels - Selenography.
Joan of Arc - Live in Chicago '99.
Masters of the
Hemisphere - s/t.
June of 44
- Anahata.
Empire
State Games - s/t.
Macha
- See it Another Way.
Black
Heart Procession - 2.
Sunday's
Best - Where you are now.
The Get Up Kids
- Red Letter Day.
Alkaline
Trio - I lied my face off.
Damien Jurado
- Rehearsals For Departure. <new!>
Antartica
- 81:03. <new!>
Very Secretary
- Standing in the Shade. <new!>
Paris_Texas
- So You Think It's Hot Here? <new!>
Show
Reviews.
Murder City Devils. 3.23.99. Cincinnati,
Ohio.
764-HERO. 6.7.99.
Columbus, Ohio.
Ben Folds Five. Washington, D.C.
Sunday's Best and Jonah's One Line Drawing. 9.14.99.
Columbus, Ohio.
Matthew Sweet
and Wilco. 11.6.99. Columbus, Ohio.
Interviews.
Built to Spill. - 5.12.99. Cleveland,
Ohio.
Built
to Spill - Keep it Like a Secret (Warner Bros.)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4.5 out of 5]
This
record completely rules. There really isn't too much to say, except
that if you don't have it you have to. I'm going to address this
review to fans, but if your not, please be advised that the CD is great.
It's pure rock. Okay. Here is my assessment of KILAS.
With this album, Built to Spill have managed the perfect amalgam of all
their previous efforts. The reckless rock of Ultimate Alternate Wavers,
the Jangly pop aspect from There's Nothing Wrong With Love and the epic
spacey rock songs of Perfect From Now on. The result is a spacey/jangly/rock
album, in which a fair amount of the tracks clock in at around 4 minutes,
save the 10 minute epic, Broken Chairs which might as well have been taken
from the PFNO sessions. The album is excellent, Doug Martsch's lyrics
are getting better and better and it is evident on this album. The
highlights in my opinion are Carry the Zero, Sidewalk, Time Trap and Else.
Go buy this now.
Ben
Folds Five - The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner (Sony 550)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4.5 out of 5]
Out with the old and in
with the new. Almost gone is the fuzz bass that we loved from the
start, replaced by strings and horns. The 3 minute power-pop song
is almost nowhere to be found, instead it has been replaced by the 5 minute
ballad. And you know what? We are much better off for it.
It's taken them 3 albums, but Ben Folds Five have completely redefined
themselves as a band. The same basic combo of piano, bass, and drums--but
the supporting cast has morphed into something much more--dare I say, mature?
It's a different sound. It's a beautiful sound. Ben has written
a batch of songs that tug at your heartstrings, and teach you something
about life at the same time. This album is much more similar to a
rock opera than an indiepop record, and that's not a bad thing. In
my estimation the band is moving in a direction few bands move to sucessfully,
they are moving to the realm of art. TUBORM is an early candidate
for record of the year.
Elf
Power - A Dream in Sound (Arena Rock/Elephant 6)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4 out of 5]
Indie popsters from Athens.
Part of the Elephant 6 collective. Lush arrangements of horns to
accompany catchy pop songs. Sound familiar? This is certainly
a movement that is picking up steam--from the Push Kings and Olivia Tremor
Control to the Mekons and Holiday--lush pop songs are moving to the forefront
of the indie pop scene. Elf Power in my opinion should be at the
top of every body's list. The songs on this release combine the simplicity
of Belle and Sebastian and the awkwardness of Olivia Tremor Control.
Currently tourning with Olivia Tremor Control, I urge you to catch them
in your city soon, and see what all the rage is about.
Flaming
Lips - The Soft Bulletin (Warner Bros.)
reviewed by:
Seth
[RATING: 5 out of 5]
It would be easier just
to say this is innovative music that is probably smarter then anything
you'll hear all year. Instead, I'll just try to expand: The Flaming Lips
are highly regarded among the critics as pioneers and trailblazers (often
talked about in the same breath as Built to Spill) obviously there is a
reason. They twist their music. That's it - the secret to their success.
Adding gongs, switching tempos, new rhythms and overlapping instruments
all wrapped up in Wayne's twisted lyrical whine. It is, by most standards,
a little odd, and that is their secret ingredient. Twisted, unconformed,
raw, and often surprising, what the Lips do best... just another fine sample.
Jimmy
Eat World - Clarity (Capitol)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4 out of 5]
Somewhere along the line,
someone taught these 4 dudes from Arizona how to play power-pop.
Once hardcore, once emo, Jimmy Eat World have transformed their sound with
power-pop sensibility with an excellent album. The single is "Lucky
Denver Mint" and it is one of the best power-pop songs of 1999 in my own
opinion. The vocal harmonies and interplay between the two lead singers
plus excellent instrumentation and emo-guitar tones make for excellent,
and interesting power-pop. Tracks to look out for: Lucky Denver Mint,
A Sunday, Ten, Goodbye Sky Harbor
Pinehurst
Kids - Minnesota Hotel (4 Alarm)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 3.5 out of 5]
The Pinehurst Kids are getting
the press that it takes to have a sucessful indie release. Their
debut full-lenght album, Minnesota Hotel, was Best New Music in CMJ.
That's certainly how I heard of it. The Pinehurst Kids are a part
of the new emo revolution for lack of a better word. Their sound
is almost more grunge though. If emo-grunge-punk were a category,
the P-Kids(not the Poster Children!!) would be right filed under it.
Minnesota Hotel is a good collection of songs that has enough variety to
keep you interested and the hooks that make you want to listen to it again.
The highlight of the album in my opinion is called "Gatsby" about a character
that desperately wants to be something that he/she is not. The album
could be easily compared to Knapsack's or Roadside Monument's latest, probably
slightly in between the two.
Don
Caballero - What Burns Never Returns (Kill Rock Stars)
reviewed by: Seth [RATING: 3 out of 5]
I've tried hard to get into
the Don Caballero cult. I want to belong. I've read the hype,
listened to the record, understood the concept, but I'm still waiting.
I think I'm missing something...something big. Here is what I've
concluded: Instrumental-Indie Math Rock. Lots of Slint vs. Tortoise.
It seems redone, kind of stale. I'm sure the live show is solar,
but I don't think it can be lost from the translation of live to record.
Maybe some, but not all...something else. I could really use Don
Caballero live, rocking in a small club, never releasing anything.
But if I hear a record I'm just stumped. I'll keep listening.
I'll keep trying to figure it out and belong, but right now it makes no
sense.
American
Football - Polyvinyl Single Series (Polyvinyl)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 3.5 out of 5]
I
must begin by saying that this record is probably better than a 3.5.
The reason it gets that rating is the fact that there is only 3 songs and
the strong resemblence that American Football bears to every other emo
band. I see strong comparisons with Mineral and Rainer Maria with
a male singer. This single is an excellent single and I am eagerly
awaiting a full length. The impressive aspects of this release is
the guitar work on the first track "The One With The Tambourine" and Mike
Kinsella's vocal work. The lyrics fall well short of brilliance,
but are adequate, the way Mike uses his voice as an instrument(a la Jeremy
Enigk) but still retaining clarity and diction is somewhat of a welcome
miracle. This release is excellent and American Football will only
get better. I'm quite sure that Mike Kinsella is in another band,
but I don't remember which one...maybe Joan of Arc. Mike was also
previously in CaP'n Jazz. E-mail
me if you know.
Sleater-Kinney
- The Hot Rock (Kill Rock Stars)
reviewed by: Seth [RATING: 1.5 out of 5]
What the fuck happened to
Sleater-Kinney? What the fuck?! I've listened to the Hot Rock
maybe five times; three and a half too many. I don't like the premise
and I can't get past the image. I'm not saying they sold out, I can't
say that. What I will say is this album has slower, country bluegrass
sounds. Uhh, where did "Dig Me Out" come from? You have to
realize a change. I'd hardly call experimental sounds a peccadillo.
At this point it has become a disaster. I'm convinced this conversation
took place: "Well we have that whole NW riotgrrl sound going for
us, so let's quit that and make a shitty record." It is a safe assumption.
That is my only answer for this.
Go
Robot, Go! - Convertible (GRG)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4 out of 5]
Go Robot, Go is a 4 piece
power-pop outfit from the central Ohio area. The members of GRG bring
to the table more knowledge of efficient pop hooks than I have seen in
along time. Fresh with 'out of this world' robot back up vocals,
brilliant keyboard stylings and the big guitar sound necessary in any power
pop band make GRG a wonderful band. You've heard it before though,
right? Power-pop bands with big hooks? Well, GRG is like nothing
you've heard before. Lyrics that call upon some of the band members
younger days coupled with music that shows the maturity of a band that
has spent years on the road, create a dynamic combination that you don't
expect from a 'local' power pop band. Give GRG a chance and you won't
be disappointed. My hope is that Go Robot, Go doesn't stop any time
soon.
The
Delusions - I Hope it Dies on a Sunny Day (My Own Planet)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4 out of 5]
The
Delusions are a melting pot of power-pop. With the combination of
pedal steel slide guitar, dirty keyboards, classic rock guitar riffs and
bouncy bass lines, the Delusions draw on all their influences to fuel a
country/classic rock brand of power-pop. The Delusions could have
easily toured with Creedence Clearwater Revival in the golden days of rock,
instead they are touring with Built to Spill,
one of the most innovative pop-rock bands around. Jim Roth, the pedal
steel and rhythm guitarist has been playing rhythm and lap steel for Built
to Spill on their most recent tour. The Delusions are about to go
into the studio to record a follow to IHIDONASD as soon as Jim gets back
from Europe with Built to Spill. Check this one out soon! Fave
trax: Drug-Induced Ego Trip, Static, Downpour.
Rainer
Maria - Look Now Look Again (Polyvinyl)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4 out of 5]
Rainer
Maria is a three-piece emo pop band from Madison, Wisconsin. Part
of the Polyvinyl emo family, Rainer Maria showcases an exciting blend of
emo and pop. It's a little more emo than it is pop, thus making them
basically the opposite of jimmy eat world which is more pop than emo.
The guitar tends to be very emo oriented, while the bass bounces along
to the frantic drumming giving it a poppy sound. The girl/boy vocals
have the interplay of any east coast indie pop band, but somehow it suits
their emo sound perfectly. This is best displayed on Breakfast of
Champions, which in my opinion is the best song on the record. This
is a must have for any emo fan.
Rachel's
- Selenography (Quarterstick)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 5 out of 5]
This album is perfect.
Nothing more, nothing less. It is the first album to recieve a rating
of 5 from Advice For Robots. Chock full of absolutely beautiful arrangements
of strings, piano, and wonderous drumming, the textured sound of Rachel's
is the best thing to happen to Quarterstick Records this year. Selenography
is their 4th studio album, and is a step forward in art and music for Rachel's.
The arrangements are both more intelligent and beautiful than ever before.
Rachel's has found a way to record music that not only reflects the mood
intended but transcends it as well. Amazing stuff. Fans of
emo, indie, classical and jazz. Sit back...turn the volume up a bit...put
on yr headphones and let the genius sounds of Rachel's take you over.
Joan
of Arc - Live in Chicago '99 (Jade Tree)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4 out of 5]
The Kinsella family continues
to amaze. First it was Mike with his debut ep with American Football,
and now it's Tim with the newest album from Joan of Arc. Despite
the title, this album is not a live performance in the traditional form,
but in a way it is live. I was hoping to not sound cliche in this
review, but i now see that as impossible. Live in Chicago '99 is
more A-live than any album I have heard in a long, long time. This
album continues to evolve for me each time that I listen to it. I
believe it was fellow reviewer Seth who told me to keep listening to this
album because it gets better every time and he was absolutely correct.
The first time I listened to this album, I was baffled by it. I couldn't
make it all the way through. It seemed to bore me, or at least not
grab me. Then I sat myself down when I had a clear head and gave
it a serious chance. It hasn't come out since. Previously I
had though that Joan of Arc had gone stale, unable to escape the pressure
from the critical success of caP'n Jazz. With Live in Chicago '99,
Tim Kinsella has finally escaped the shadow of caP'n Jazz and created art
again. Art that is alive.
Masters
of the Hemisphere - s/t (Kindercore)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4 out of 5]
Pure pop genius such as
this doesn't come around very often. Part of the new wave of indie
pop that is fronted by bands like Beulah, Belle and Sebastian and Olivia
Tremor Control, Masters of the Hemispheres emerge at the top of their class.
This 8 song 30 minute gem will make anyone smile instantly with songs about
girls, love and Canada. The arrangements range from horns, accordians,
organs and strings. If you are at all into the Elephant6, spinART,
Kindercore scene then this album is for you. Harmony's that'll make
you swoon, and I know for a fact that some of you indie kids out there
don't swoon nearly enough! But away the emo for a little bit, and
tap that foot to a different beat. Masters of the Hemisphere is a
great place to start, then when their full length comes out you'll be on
top of the story and be the first on on the block to have it.
June
of 44 - Anahata (Quarterstick)
reviewed by: Seth [RATING: 3 out of 5]
I've gone everywhere with
this album. From absolute disdain to pretty much shear love. I hated songs
("Wear Two Eyes") and I loved songs ("Southeast of Boston"). The ebb and
flow of this album never seems to stop and quite simply, I just don't know
what to say. It is nothing like any June of 44 I've ever heard - at times
it sounds so sloppy and out of place that you wouldn't even think these
guys were capable of making those sounds. It's fair to say at times
though, the imperfections and rough edges strike me, and I'll admit, I
like it. I don't doubt I'll continue to fight with this album: love and
hate it. It certainly won't stop teasing me...
Empire
State Games - s/t
reviewed by: Seth [RATING: 4 out of 5]
If you like your punk served
up as a pop dish with extra smart lyrics and catchy riffs, a la newer Promise
Ring and/or Braid, then you'd probably be a sucker for ESG. This 6 song
EP collects some of their finer earlier 7 inch work and showcases the "we
write smart upbeat songs about girls" style. While it seems like hundreds
of bands are doing this, some are obviously better then others. ESG is
one of those bands that stands above the rest. A promising future is in
store for ESG.
Macha
- See It Another Way
reviewed
by: Seth [RATING: 4.5 out of 5]
Right where their self-titled
debut left off, "See It Another Way" picks up. Not skipping a single beat,
Macha continues to present the Middle Eastern trance rock along the lines
of Tortoise and with as much individuality as the Flaming Lips. With an
arsenal of instruments and a style as unique as the concept, these Athens'
boys continue to amaze listeners. From cellos to maracas to vibraphones
Macha creates an esoteric jungle of sound. Turn out the lights, pray to
your Gods, and believe in the magic of Macha.
back to top.
Black
Heart Procession - 2
reviewed by: Seth [RATING: 4 out of 5]
The
first time I listened to this record was a little after 11pm in an airport,
waiting for a plane that was supposed to arrive four hours earlier. Incidentally
I didn't stop listening to this record until I fell asleep five hours later.
"2" is almost funeral music; its dark, sad, sexy and even disturbing. Maybe
if Tom Waits asked Low to the Prom and the two doubled with Bedhead and
Three Mile Pilot you might have this documented. Its haunting music that
gets inside you and drowns yourself in it's own shadows.
Sunday's
Best - Where you are now (Crank!)
reviewed by: Seth [RATING: 4 out of 5]
I'll share a secret with
you; buy "Where you are now" and hang on to it until the next time it rains.
When it rains crawl into bed, turn it on, and wait. Its one of the best
feelings music can provide and this disc is the perfect soundtrack to a
rainy morning in bed. Some say Seam's younger brother, and I'll buy that.
But just between the two of us: Sunday's Best is probably better then Seam...
I am expecting great things from these boys: keep your eyes open and ears
waiting.
The
Get Up Kids - Red Letter Day
reviewed by: Seth [RATING: 4 out of 5]
So
The Get Up Kids added a new keyboardist/vocalist, James Dewees of Coalesce
and Reggie and The Full Effect. If you thought The Get Up Kids were catchy
pop before, buy this, hear this. It is hands down the summer dance disc
of '99. Honestly, June, July, and August should all just go ahead and declare
Get Up Kids songs as monthly theme songs. June gets "Anne Arbour" July
gets "Red Letter Day" and August, well August has "Mass Pike." Its old
fashioned indie-pop with keyboards this time. New full length in September
so keep rocking out to this until the 27th.
Alkaline
Trio - I Lied My Face Off
reviewed by Seth [RATING: 4 out of 5]
This
cd came as the highest recommendation of the summer. They said, "Oh you
like the new Get Up Kids?" I said, "Yes." They said, "You like Jets to
Brazil? They wanna be just like them!" I said, "Yes." They said, "You're
a sucker for those catchy three piece bands that write songs about girls?"
I said, "Yes." And, they were right. It is damn good. Everything they said
is true. Sure, the Alkaline Trio are all over Jets to Brazil's jock and
probably steal lines from the Get Up Kids. But so what? Every band is doing
this, and most of them are doing hack jobs. Reguardless the Alkaline Trio
is just worth it. Flat out - enjoyable. You'll like it.
Damien
Jurado - Rehearsals For Departure (SubPop)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 4 out of 5]
Way, way, way back when...I
was totally into the Christian music scene. As you can tell from
most of these reviews, I didn't stay down that path very long. Some
of you may know, that Damien Jurado paid his dues in Christiam music before
joining the SubPop roster. Most of you are probably thinking...oh
no...not another one of those pretentious indie kids saying..."Oooh!
Jurado? I was in to Damien back before Waters Ave. S came out!"
But that is not the direction I am going in. Back in the day, I used
to HATE Damien Jurado. I thought his voice was horrible and that
he was trying too hard to be the Wallflowers. At the time I may have
even been right. All I know now, is that after seeing Damien Jurado
life at a tiny ass bar, in the basement of a row-building in downtown Columbus,
I became a convert. His voice is picked on often, but I think it
has a somewhat Dylan-esque quality...not in the sense that it sucks, but
in the sense that it's an acquired taste and people either love it or hate
it. The lyrics are genius, and the somber notes that he picks out
on the acoustic guitar are so nice. On a rainy day, put this record
on along with the Spinanes - Arches and Aisles and The Field Mice - Disc
Two and you are set for the day.
Antartica
- 81:03 (File13)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 5 out of 5]
This
was probably one of the albums that recieved the most hype this year inside
the circles that I chill with. I heard so much praise that I bought
it at Insound.com wihout even hearing a sound sample. Well, the hype
was well deserved, and I can say that this record is one of the best purchases
I have made online. First impressions are very important, and the
slick packaging delivers. Nice low key artwork, and solid jewel-case
construction...which is important since it's a double disc set. I
guess I should start talking about the music. This is a night time,
sneezing, coughing, wheezing, so you can rest medicine record. Musically
it draws comparisions to the now departed British band Disco Inferno.
Antarctica is the child of The Cure, The Field Mice and New Order with
a dash of emo guitar sensibility thrown in for good measure. The
result is a beautiful keyboard and synth drenched record that alternates
between drone and melody effortlessly. The drum programming is sooo smooth,
that I don't care if it's a drum machine. And the lyrics, though
sparse, are genius and convey the mood that the record was meant to convey.
A definite must have!
Very
Secretary - Standing In The Shade (Mud)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 5 out of 5]
One
week on my radio show, the local Columbus emo band Special Aviation Project,
joined me in studio. They played live, and brought along some music
to play. One of the albums they brought in with them, was the new
Very Secretary record. They played a track off the album called 'Politic'
and as soon as the song finished I was hooked. Here's what I think
Very Secretary sounds like. Lullabye For the Working Class mixed
with Rachel's and a pinch of Elliott Smith. Pure beauty. Very
Secretary is carrying the torch that Red House Painters and Spain have
carried so well, and I get the feeling they are going to hold on for a
while. So go out and buy this record. Oh, and try listening
to it while looking up at the stars. Pure beauty. A definite
star gazing record. Also goes nicely with the Antarctica double disc.
Paris_Texas
- So You Think It's Hot Here? (Polyvinyl)
reviewed by: John [RATING: 3 out of 5]
I've
come to expect great things from Polyvinyl Records. First there was
Braid, then and still Rainer Maria. But with Braid leaving the Indie
scene, Polyvinyl needs another band to step up to remain as one of my favorite
indie labels. I think, and so does Polyvinyl, that Paris_Texas could
be that band. Could be. What they need to first do is get there
head out of their collective ass, and think a little. We don't need
another Promise Ring/Get Up Kids band! Shit, just notice the amount
of emopop that a.f.r. has reviewed...empire state games, alkaline trio,
guk, etc. There is no more room on that bus! When you listen
to this record there are songs that shine, don't get me wrong, but I think
that Paris_Texas could be so much more. One can only hope that they
will grow into mature songwriters. I guess Pablo Honey wasn't Radiohead's
best material...but it certainly made them be a lot better. Hopefully
this release will do the same for Paris_Texas. Inspire them.
Murder
City Devils. 3.23.99. Cincinnati, Ohio.
reviewed by: Seth
The Murder City Devils get
inside you--crawl around your veins, your muscles, and wedge holes inside
your cavities to check in for a permanent vist. It is futile to resist
their power..."Let's Crash" opened with a mix of sounds ranging from Sonic
Youth to Iggy Pop. The "hip" crowd couldn't for the life of them
dance, and as the lead singer commented, "I need to stop playing at fucking
libraries!" The crowd grew a few drones and the MCD presented noise.
I had an amazing time; getting funky with my friend and all the freaks
up front, but for the life of me can't figure out why some fun-seekers
stood still, looking daft, and not dancing or moving at all. Some
even sat on chairs. Get the fuck out of the dance hall, MCD lit their
drums on fire! They jumped from amp to amp and kicked everyone's
ass, while some just stood ten feet away! I don't understand it...if
they had fun, so it goes, but probably not as much fun as I had getting
beat up by loud punk rock and begging for more. Some shows you lose
yourself in the music and atmosphere, but they didn't seem lost, they seemed
too cool to have fun. That sucks. I really hope I never go
to a show to fit in or look hip to the other locals. I go for the
bruises and scars of course not the outside ones, the inside ones when
you feel the MCD inside you rocking around, screaming to get out!
That's why I go.
764-HERO.
6.8.99. Woody's - Columbus, Ohio.
reviewed by: John
Last
November, 764-HERO toured with the all-world indie crowd pleaser, Built
to Spill. This is where I finally decided that I like them.
They played an energetic 45 minute set of songs from their newest UP album,
and basically won the crowd over. You would think this tour with
Built To Spill, would have taught them at least something. But last
night it was incredibly obvious that anything they had learned was completely
gone. The sound was horrible. Way, way too much bass in the
mix. Not enough vocals, too much high end on the guitar. It
was scathing to hear, and I've been to enough shows where not too much
pisses me off sound-wise at shows. I generally just take it in stride
and understand what the sound-person is going through. This sound
person however had apparently never heard of an eq. I saw the board,
each channel had it's own equalizer, the sound-person could have easily
rectified the high end guitar screech and the the low end bass rattle to
even out the sound. Either way, it should be noted that this was
not the worst part of the show. For an opening act, a 45 minute set
is normal. For a headliner, generally each set is at least an hour.
Well, 764-HERO played a 30 minute set. 30 minutes!!! So, not
only was the sound crappy, but it was only 30 minutes long! Bah!
At least I didn't have to hear the crappy sound for very long. Oh
well. They did however play "Loaded Painted Red" from the album Get
Here and Stay on Up, which didn't sound that bad, I suppose you could call
it the highlight of the show.
Ben
Folds Five. 6.21.99. 9:30 Club - Washington, D.C.
reviewed by: John
If
you are a fan of Ben Folds Five, you are probably a devoted one.
By no means are Ben Folds Five a HUGE band on the scale of say REM or U2,
but they do command a faithful following of fans that endure their ups
and downs. One of the reasons their fan base is so devoted is because
of their spectacular live show. This night in the nations captial
was no different. The band played several cuts of the new album,
a few standards and several old school favorites. The fans were great
as well. Knowing most every lyric to every song without being obnoxious.
There was no lame crowd surfing during any of the ballads, and there was
no insane moshing during the hits. The night after the show, I learned
that Ben Folds Five have postponed the rest of the tour and now looking
back on everything I wonder if they had a clue that would happen before
hand because they seemed like they were putting a little extra into this
show. Audience interaction was it's highest in the last two years
since the shocking success of Brick, and the band seemed to be pulling
out all the stops. I myself have now seen Ben Folds Five more times
than I can count on one hand, and this was by far the best show.
The arrangements on the new songs were amazing, especially the drumming
on Narcolepsy and the bass work on Regrets. On this tour, the amazing
talents of drummer Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge are finally being showcased
front and center. The new album brings them much more into the mix
compared to the platinum-selling "Whatever and Ever Amen". The band
was up to the task and beat the crowd senseless with their genius.
Highlights of the set: Narcolepsy, Mess, Where's Summer B?
SET-LIST:
Don't Change Your Plans - Battle of Who Could Care Less - Army - Missing
the War - Magic - Steven's Last Night in Town - Your Redneck Past - Mess
- Hospital Song - Philosophy - Video - Fair - Narcolepsy - Best Imitation
of Myself - Where's Summer B? - I Want to Eat Cake Jam - Regrets - One
Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces - Underground - ENCORE - Jane - Song For
The Dumped
Jonah's
One Line Drawing and Sunday's Best. 9.14.99. Bernie's Bar and
Distillery - Columbus, Ohio.
reviewed by: John
I
have been to a lot of emo/indie shows in my day, but this bill was one
of the most satisfing in a long time. I should note that Didi Mao
and JUNO also played and I dearly wish I could have stayed, but my ride
had an early obligation. Either way, Sunday's Best played first,
and I must say they live up to all of the hype out there in the emo world.
Crank! records has found themselves a new Jawbox to rock the kiddies in
tight t-shirts till it hurts. Melodic and heavy guitar riffs offset
heartfelt vocals that border on screaming at points. The songs manage
to grow into one another, creating a very tight set, that has plenty of
intensity to spare. Following them up was Jonah, who proceeded to
rock my world. You may have heard something from Jonah's previous
band, Far, which has a couple of albums out that I was never too much a
fan of, despite the ravings that it got from several people whom I respect.
Either way, Jonah put on the most honest show I have ever seen. He
had a very active dialogue with the audience, and he wasn't afraid to tell
you what he was feeling about the performance. He seemed to be having
a great time and that made it all the more electric. He also said
some things about crappy mainstream music that I happen to agree with.
Not only did he mention how much mainstream music tends to suck, but he
also said that it has the 'right ' to suck, and that the problem isn't
that the bands suck, it's that they are the only ones getting any airplay.
The people don't even have a choice. So he urged every trendy emo
kid there to not complain about matchbox 20, but start a band and give
the kids a choice. Let them decide who is better. That is why
Jonah plays, and that is why I like him. Jonah rules. Everyone
had fun.
Matthew
Sweet and Wilco. 11.6.99. Newport Music Hall - Columbus, Ohio.
reviewed by: John
Matthew played first and
played very well. I would not say superb, but it was very nice.
I enjoyed the selections off his new album which is incredible(see top
56 list), though the crowd was mostly only familiar with the hits(Divine
Intervention, Girlfriend, Sick of Myself, and Come to California).
The crowd however was WAY into his set, and the 3 songs off of Altered
Beast were very nice.
Anyway, standing in line to get in it seemed like EVERYONE was there to see Matthew Sweet. I started asking people who they came for and out of like 30 people, 3 said Wilco. So, here I am, a lifetime Wilco/Uncle Tupelo fan worrying that my boys' brand of alt.country will not be accepted by the pop crowd there for Matthew Sweet.
So Wilco come son, and within
3 songs I realize that I have nothing at all to worry about. These
people haven't seen this brand of folk.country.western swing and they are
pleased by what they hear. The ballads win over their hearts, then
the rockin' beats drive them into a dancing frenzy. It was so awesome
to watch the crowd become Wilco's biggest fan over the duration of the
set. Highlights of the set were: California Stars(from the
Woody Guthrie tribute), How To Fight Loneliness, She's A Jar, Can't Stand
It, OuttaSite(OuttaMind), I Got You(at the end of the century), Casino
Queen, We're Just Friends, and A Shot in the Arm. A simply INCREDIBLE
show.
Built
to Spill - Doug Martsch, Scott Plouf, and Brett Nelson. 5.12.99. Cleveland,
Ohio.
interviewed by: John
abridged.
AFR:
What's up with a new Halo Benders record.
Dug:
Well, Calvin came up and visited in January for about a week and we jammed
a little bit, but we haven't really talked about
what's going to happen next.
AFR:
Do you have a favorite flavor of ice cream?
Dug:
Oh yeah, I like Chubby Hubby...Scott(Plouf) turned me on to that.
It's like Peanut Butter and Chocolate and Pretzels.
AFR:
Yummm...
AFR:
I heard a rumor about maybe you producing the next Modest Mouse record...any
truth to that?
Dug:
That's new to me. I haven't heard that.
AFR:
Well, that's how rumors tend to be, I'm glad I could dispel it.
Dug:
Thanks. In fact I can pretty safely say I'm not producing it.
AFR:
Are you excited about your appearance on Conan O'Brien?
Dug:
Uh, I'm excited and nervous.
Scott:
Actually, It's not too bad. It's just like playing live to a small
club audience. It's pre-taped so if you screw up, they just let you
do it
again. It's far more nerve-wracking to actually watch on t.v.
AFR:
What's your favorite word? Like, to say.
Brett:
Arrgh.
AFR:
What's that?
Brett:
Arrgh.
AFR:
Can you use that in a sentence?
Brett:
I generally say Arrgh when I'm playing video games.
AFR:
I'm actually interested in what you guys are listening to these days.
Scott:
I just bought Alice Cooper, and I like the new Mogwai. Sounds like
good Codeine.
Dug:
I liked the new Mogwai too, but I was asleep for most of it...I've been
listening to a lot of blues lately.
AFR:
What is your favorite Built to Spill song?
Dug:
I kind of like Made Up Dreams. I don't know why though.
AFR:
Is there any Built To Spill album that you're especially proud of?
Dug:
Not really, I don't really have a favorite, probably "Perfect From Now
On."
AFR:
Do you ever listen to your own music?
Dug:
Everyonce in a while, I'll pull something out old. Less and less
the older I get. I listen to it alot when I'm working on songs or
an
album.
AFR:
Does Phil Ek often do sound for you guys on the road?
Dug:
Actually this is the first sound guy we've ever had on the road, as soon
as I knew we would have two guitars, then three, I wanted to
make sure we had a sound guy, because with our sound, things can get complicated
as I'm sure you know.
AFR:
Yes, I understand completely. And it sounds great by the way.
Dug:
I'm really happy it sounds great because I don't think we'll be doing anything
for a couple years, so I'm glad that this tour is going so
well. Having Jim and Brett is great.
AFR:
Why are "Sidewalk" and "Bad Light" songs that you aren't playing?
Dug:
Well, we were playing before Brett(Netson from Caustic Resin) joined us,
but we started playing "Cable"(Caustic Resin song) and
making Broken Chairs a lot longer. And Sidewalk, well, Scott stopped wanting
to do that. He thinks that the drum line is boring.
AFR:
Do you have a favorite sport?
Dug:
I just started watching basketball recently, a friend of mine got me into
it. Actually I've been trying to find a place to see the Trail
Blazers when they're playoff games are on.
AFR:
Well thanks a lot for taking time out of your busy schedule to fit us in,
I really appreciate it.
Dug:
Your welcome and thank you.