Author Archives: leslieloudspeaker

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About leslieloudspeaker

Currently writing, taking photos and voiceovers at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Former music writer/photographer at Westword and overall arts lover.

Widespread Panic just Blanketed Instead of Tarped

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20130628-090627.jpg photo by dixon walne

When Red Rocks announced that tarps weren’t allowed any longer, a minority flipped out and all were curious as to what would happen at this week’s four night Widespread Panic run. Watch this video from a past show, it is hilarious, albeit over the top: Running of the Tarps . Anyway, last night was the first show of the run with the new rules, and while people started lining up at 8 a.m., it was just business as usual, no rioting, security not overwhelmed, and people just brought smaller blankets. Everyone going this weekend have a wonderful time!

The Blank Tapes – Band to Watch

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If you are a fan of Foxygen or The Monkees then you will love this band. They have that throwback 60’s sound nailed, and it sounds like sunshine, perfect for summer. The Southern California mastermind behind it all, Matt Adams, is a garage 8-track junkie influenced by The Kinks, and oh does it show, and his songs are fantastic. California is really coming out with a lot of timeless California beach music lately, I’m loving it. They will be playing Hi Dive this Sunday, I see big things for them. I mean, look how cool they look:

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Listen to their music here: The Blank Tapes bandcamp

Link to the video for “Coast to Coast”. Someone else thinks they should tour with Foxygen: “Coast to Coast” video

Shows in Denver This Week – June 26-30th

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20130626-125411.jpg photo by leslie loudspeaker

Shows in Denver This Week – June 26-30th

Wednesday, June 26th

Everclear – Ogden – This is honestly one of my all time favorite bands. I think Art Alexakis writes fantastic melodies and lyrics, and his sobriety really shows, the man looks and sounds incredible. Saw his solo show last winter at the House of Blues and he was a fantastic storyteller. Can’t wait to finally see the whole band again.

Jamaican Queens – Rhinoceropolis – awesome new band that was my Band to Watch last week

Thursday, June 27th

Water Liars – Hi Dive – really pleasant, NPR-ey duo that sound like they listen to Edward Sharpe and old country music: link to video

Ex-Cult – Lost Lake Lounge – oh, baby. When Ty Segall wants to produce your debut album, you know you’ve got the goods: Segall produced garage rocky goodness

Widespread Panic – Red Rocks – I’m going Sunday.

Friday, June 28th

The Oh-Hellos – Bluebird – in the car this song came on and my husband said “finally The Lumineers wrote a new song”. Wrong, but I’m sure they have heard the comparison many times. Beautiful date night music, I’ve never seen them live, though, maybe they rock it out: “Hello My Old Heart”

Col. Bruce Hampton and DJ Logic – Cervantes – the get down

The Silent Comedy – Larimer – this San Diego band kicks ass, and the lead singer has a great rock voice: listen to Bartholomew

Saturday, June 29th
Widespread Panic – Red Rocks – everyone I know is going

Sunday, June 30th
Widespread Panic – Red Rocks – everyone I know is going INCLUDING me! I’ll be on the front row, look for me on the giant screen, I’ll be noodle dancing.

Justin Bieber – Pepsi Center – saw the show in January and it was honestly one of the most entertaining concerts I’ve ever been to. Bieber plays a ton of instruments and seems very savvy. Bring earplugs for the last five seconds of the countdown, the audience reached 120 on my decibel app (most concerts are 90). Kuroda’s lights are truly a sight to behold, he even makes lasers look elegant.

The Blank Tapes – Hi Dive – just found out about this band and wow! Definitely have that 60’s throwback sound that I love down pat. Go check them out while they are small, they won’t be for long: watch their video

Tame Impala Announces Colorado Tour Dates

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In other CO news, Tame Impala are playing two Colorado shows in Denver and Boulder at the end of October with openers White Denim!!! These guys have blown up in the past two years, and for good reason, they have a huge sound and are good looking. Ive been watching White Denim for years since they were based out of Austin, amazing to watch their success. It’s been awhile since either came through, can’t wait for the shows.
Link to tour dates: Tame Impala Tour

Riot Fest in Denver Lineup is Awesome!!

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Check out that line up. We don’t have too many festivals around here with bands like Rancid and Yo La Tengo, so I’m ecstatic! Replacements reunion is worth the admission alone. Here’s the link to tickets, I’m thinking VIP is the way to go: Riot Fest Website

Vices I Admire Tear Up the Westword Showcase Pre-Party at Gothic

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20130622-121149.jpg photo by leslie loudspeaker

Last night I was invited to the Westword Music Showcase Pre-Party by Vices I Admire, a quirky, rocking local band. They’ve got a genuine punk energy while writing great songs with interesting changes. The lead singer has some really pretty vocals too, try to catch him sound checking.

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Listen to their song Sweetest Girl , love the guitar tone. Also, check out this song and read the comments, “the new Slipknot” cracks me up. They are much better than that: Heartbreaker

20130622-122036.jpg photo by leslie loudspeaker

BRONCHO – Band to Watch Playing the Fox on June 30

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BRONCHO out of Oklahoma are really making a name for themselves this year. I caught them at SXSW and thought they were one of the better garage bands I saw that week, and have since had numerous people ask me if I had heard of them. I’m a sucker for bands that say their name in a song, so “Pick a Fight” sucked me right in from thegetgo. It also is the lead song of their album Can’t Get Past the Lips, a perfect collection of Ramones-influenced garage rock. “I Don’t Really Want to be Social” is a perfect minimal rock song about alienation, and they’ve filmed a great video for “Try Me Out Sometime” . They will be at the Fox Theatre in Boulder on June 30th, playing with the fantastic Two Gallants , don’t miss these guys and get your tickets here!: ticket link

Shows to See in Denver June 19-24

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20130619-110700.jpg photo by leslie loudspeaker

Shows to See in Denver June 19-24th

Wednesday, June 19
Parquet Courts – Larimer – one of my favorite new finds this year, these guys are raw and loud live. These guys have a lot of buzz, I expect a great show: Borrowed Time live video from SXSW 2013

Springdale Quartet – Armoury – thought they were great at LoHi Festival this weekend. High energy rock, fantastic guitar solos, and the bassist has some great hair.

Tony Bennett – Denver Botanical Gardens – the weather is beautiful to spend the night in the gardens with a legend

Ben Folds Five – Red Rocks – Ben Folds has been excellent live for decades, he gets better with age. Barenaked Ladies are playing as well. Eh.

Thursday, June 20
Bob Schneider – Bluebird – Austin’s dirtiest, sexiest showman, he’s a must see. Bring a date.

The Cold Hard Cash Show – Oriental – Johnny Cash tribute night at the remodeled (in the process) Oriental. I love this theatre, and it’s nice to see it sprucing up. They even painted the vintage sign!

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Radar Brothers and Ola Podrida – solid night, film composer plus some Austin friends and others make for a psychedelic, atmospheric night

Friday, June 21
MTHDS – Cervantes – Positive white boys and Hawaiian boy hip hop, quality people, quality originals

Tjutjuna and Snake Rattle Rattle Snake – Larimer – Tjutjuna makes great space rock, come see two of Denver’s best bands

Saturday, June 22
Westword Music Showcase – lots of good stuff, link to everything here: Westword Showcase Tickets and Schedule

Grieves – Bluebird – Rhymesayers star, I always love their shows, very positive crowds.

Monday, June 24
Jaill – Moe’s BBQ – loud awesome goodness: video

Phosphorescent adds Denver Show to their Tour

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They had a jam packed show at SXSW this year, and now Phosphorescent has added a dozen or so extra U.S. dates, including a Denver stop at Bluebird. Very atmospheric, dense, layered music, the crowd will probably be slowly swaying. This band is definitely made to see live, and I’m sure it will sell out, so get your tickets sooner rather than later!

TOUR DATES:
06/30/13 Mauntauk, NY- The Surf Lodge
07/13/13 Ottawa, ON- Ottawa Bluesfest
07/14/13 Burlington, VT- Signal Kitchen w/ Strand of Oaks
07/16/13 Columbus, OH- A&R Music Bar w/ Strand of Oaks
07/17/13 Cleveland, OH- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum w/ Strand of Oaks
07/18/13 Louisville, KY- Headliners w/ Strand of Oaks
07/20/13 Chicago, IL – Pitchfork Music Festival
07/25/13 Boston, MA- Bank of America Pavillion w/ Robert Plant
07/26/13 Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival
07/27/13 Brooklyn, NY- Prospect Park Bandshell w/ Robert Plant
07/28/13 Camden, NJ – XPoNential Music Festival
08/09/13 Oslo, Norway – Oya Festival
08/10/13 Gothenburg, Sweden – Way Out West
08/15/13 Hasselt, Belgium – Pukkelpop 2013
08/16/13 Brecon Beacons, United Kingdom – Green Man Festival
09/14/13 Detroit, MI- St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
09/15/13 Nashville, TN- 3rd & Lindsley
09/16/13 Carrboro, NC- Cats Cradle
09/17/13 Atlanta, GA- Terminal West
09/18/13 Birmingham, AL- Iron City
09/21/13 Columbia, MO- Roots and Blues BBQ Festival

09/22/13 Denver, CO- Bluebird Theatre

09/24/13 Boise, ID- Neurolux
09/25/13 Seattle, WA- Neptune
09/26/13 Portland, OR- Hawthorne Theatre
09/28/13 San Francisco, CA- The Fillmore
09/30/13 Pomona, CA- The Glass House
10/01/13 Los Angeles, CA- El Rey Theatre
10/04/13 Phoenix, AZ- The Crescent Ballroom
10/05-06/13 Austin, TX- Austin City Limits Festival
10/11-13/13 Austin, TX- Austin City Limits Festival

The excellent video for “Song For Zula”

Robin Thicke and Pharrell sure have a catchy new hit

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I used to be obsessed with Robin Thicke‘s first album,but as he got more R&B and soulful crooner, I backed away, not my thing. Everything Pharrell touches turns to gold, though, and the new single “Blurred Lines” is no exception. Great simple beat, no melisma, just straight up cool. WOW to the Youtube video having 49 million views, though! Never underestimate the power of “The Voice”. This track is what the new Justin Timberlake single should have sounded like, glad Thicke recorded it: Link to “Blurred Lines” video