[review] Local Natives @ Showbox (9-24-2010)

Local Natives play to their home away from home

When guitarist/vocalist Taylor Rice professed his love for Seattle as the band's favorite concert destination, the eruption of cheers from a very energetic crowd made it seem like The Local Natives were playing to their home crowd. And to then tell us Paseo was their favorite tour food in the entire country, I was almost convinced that these dudes were truly locals...

Last night, the Showbox hosted a sold out performance from a trio of harmonizing indie folksters. The evening began with a fantastic performance from The Union Line. If you haven't heard these guys, check out their MySpace page and their Daytrotter session. I picked up a copy of their Cernido Sonidos EP at the show, and it's been on constant rotation all morning. Following up with another quality caliber set was NC's The Love Language. It really got the sold out crowd excited for the Local Natives.

But the main event proved better than any reviewer can try to put to words. The Local Natives kicked off their set with a very powerful rendition of "Camera Talks" and immediately captured the crowds' energy. Based on the viewer reaction, it's amazing that the band only has one album to their name. However, when you don't have a weak song on your debut, it's not a problem to play your entire album for a show. And that is exactly what the Local Natives did, shuffling the order of Gorilla Manor's track listing.

And whether they're playing instrument roulette or switching between the band's dual lead singing capabilities (either Taylor Rice or Kelcey Ayer), to see these dudes live is a real treat. The three-part harmonies made possible from guitarist Ryan Hahn only add to the amazing live experience. And the rthym Highlights of the night included the performances of "World News," "Wide Eyes," "Shape Shifter," and "Airplanes." After a quick encore, the band returned with "Cubism Dream" and a very wild, crowd participating "Sun Hands." Overall, I was very impressed and pleased with the show, and highly recommend catching these guys live in a city near you. A set list is posted below.

Set list - Local Natives (9-24-2010):
Camera Talks
World News
Warning Sign
Cards & Quarters
Sticky Thread
Wide Eyes
Shape Shifter
Stranger Things
Airplanes
Who Knows Who Cares
Encore
Cubism Dream
Sun Hands

[reminder] Local Natives @ The Showbox (9-24-2010)

Friday Night!

Autumn has officially commenced, so go and celebrate the coming of rain by staying indoors! There's two great shows going on in Seattle tomorrow night: The Blakes @ Sunset Tavern ($10) and Local Natives @ The Showbox Market ($16). Sadly, you can't go to both, but at least you've got options. I'll be at the Showbox, rocking out to such songs like the one above and below. Details for both shows:

Friday - September 24, 2010

Local Natives @ The Showbox Market
Doors @ 8:00pm
w/ The Love Language and The Union Line
Tickets: $16 (here)

The Blakes @ Sunset Tavern
Doors @ 8:30pm
w/ Mal De Mer and Kids and Animals
Tickets: $10 (here)

[new music] Bob and Anthony - "Underground"

Bob and Anthony's "Underground"

Bob Husak, drummer for The Blakes, is currently working on a new music project with Anthony Darnell, the Managing Artistic Director of The Satori Group here in Seattle. The two are making music under the moniker "Bob and Anthony." So far, I've only heard a couple of their demos, and my favorite has to be "Underground" (which you can hear above). It's an extremely catchy tune and puts me in a good mood every time I listen to it.

Bob and Anthony are currently trying to raise funds to book some proper studio time for their debut album (see video below). The goal is to raise $2,500 - they have some enticing incentives for generous donors. You can essentially pledge the dollar amount for the album now, and after it's finished, they'll send you a free copy. Not a bad deal. Some of the larger pledges obviously get you bigger prizes (e.g., singing telegrams, private concerts, etc). I especially like that if you donate all $2,500, you get to name their band (but it has to be a good one, apparently). Check out the rest of the incentives below, and go here to make a pledge. And speaking of The Blakes, they've apparently just finished a new LP, and they'll be rocking the Sunset Tavern on September 24!

Pledge $1 or more
An exclusive track will be emailed to you when the album is released.

Pledge $5 or more
We'll email you THREE tracks from the album when it's released.

Pledge $10 or more
We'll email you FIVE tracks from the album when it's released.

Pledge $15 or more
We'll email you the ENTIRE album when it's released!!!

Pledge $30 or more
We'll email you the ENTIRE album when it's released. AND, we'll mail you a special thank you gift! Like it'll be an awesome gift.

Pledge $50 or more
We'll mail you a super special signed poster.
(+ ENTIRE ALBUM)

Pledge $100 or more
Signed poster and Anthony will write a humorous song about you.
(+ ENTIRE ALBUM)

Pledge $200 or more
We'll do a singing telegram (must be in Seattle).
(+the ENTIRE digital album)

Pledge $500 or more
We'll play at your party (must be in Seattle).
(+ the ENTIRE digital album)

Pledge $1,000 or more
All of the above, plus the digital album. You're a winner!

Pledge $2,500 or more
You can name our band (has to be a good name...).
Plus, all of the above.
(+ the ENTIRE digital album)

[video] Spoon - "No Time" (Jay Reatard cover)

Performed live @ Union County Musicfest (9-12-2010)

One of the last performance from the late, great Jay Reatard was in Milwaukee, opening for friends and fellow labelmates Spoon. Paying homage to the indie punk rocker who died so suddenly and tragically, Spoon broke out this cover of "No Time" on Sunday. Check it out above, and hear Jay's version below.

Jay Reatard - "No Time"

[video] Handsome Furs - "Expatriated" (New Song)

Handsome Furs show off new live song

The Handsome Furs showcased a brand new song "Expatriated" at the Baybeats Festival. You can watch their entire set here.

[mp3] Spoon - "Goodnight Laura (demo)" September Bonus Track

New Bonus Track from Spoon

Back by popular demand, Spoon has released a new bonus tracks at their website. This month's treat is a darker, slower demo of "Goodnight Laura" off Transference. I think I prefer this version over the album cut. Check it out below.

MP3: Spoon - "Goodnight Laura" (demo)
(September Bonus Track)

[news] White Denim Update (fall tour and new LP)

New Progress from Austin's White Denim

White Denim has spent the summer creating their follow-up to the critically acclaimed Fits (one of the best LPs in 2009). Not much news has been released on the album, but what we have been told is that WD added another guitarist to the lineup that apparently "shreds," and it also appears that they have recorded not one, but TWO albums this year! One of those albums is set to drop this October. And in support of the new LP, WD also announced a handful of tour dates (posted below, some with stage support by Portugal the Man). No love to Seattle, yet, but stay tuned.

White Denim Fall '10 Tour Dates:
Oct 16 2010 // Antone’s Blues Bar // Austin, TX
Oct 18 2010 // The Loft // Dallas, TX
Oct 19 2010 // Opolis // Norman, OK
Oct 20 2010 // The Bottleneck // Lawrence, KS*
Oct 21 2010 // The Waiting Room // Omaha, NE*
Oct 22 2010 // Fox Theatre and Cafe // Boulder, CO*
Oct 23 2010 // Fox Theatre and Cafe // Boulder, CO*
Oct 27 2010 // Club Congress // Tuscon, AZ
Oct 28 2010 // Clubhouse Music Venue // Tempe, AZ*
Oct 29 2010 // House of Blues // San Diego, CA*
Oct 30 2010 // El Rey Theatre // Los Angeles, CA*
Nov 1 2010 // The Independent // San Francisco, CA
Nov 2 2010 // Spaceland // Los Angeles, CA

*with Portugal the Man