Pickwick at ETown – Concert Review and Photos and how Lou Reed is Involved

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Last night in Boulder, Pickwick had their final stop of their tour at ETown, a live music radio show taping that will be heard by millions. Yet another band I found at sxsw, this Seattle group is unique, talented, and best of all, good guys. During the ETown interview, they were asked how they got their name. They told everyone that Lou Reed used to be a songwriter for Pickwick Records, and they asked him to write a hit like “The Twist”. Being Lou Reed and all, he wrote a song called “The Ostrich” that was weird and failed big time. Here is Pickwick covering the song: The Ostrich

They started the show with Lady Luck, one of the catchiest covers I’ve ever heard and been listening to nonstop, so I was instantly pumped. The rest of the songs were fantastic singles from their new album that was released Tuesday, get it here.

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Galen Disston is a huge talent with a huge voice, he can hit notes higher than most women. When they were asked how the band manages to stay so friendly with each other, they replied “We actually go to a band psychologist. Is that too Seattle?” However Seattle it is, it’s working. I love to see a band interacting and smiling at each other, they wear their love and excitement on their sleeves.

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Concert Uniform #4- Symphony with Bela Fleck

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So you think you might like to go to the show. Got your fancy symphony ticket but it’s the symphony with Bela Fleck, what level of fanciness do you bring? Personally, I take my regular concert uniform for mid level and arena shows (as discussed here) but I take the sequins away because have some respect! Now is your chance to wear some really cute wedges and platforms, but I try to stay away from regular high heels because these venues usually have tons of very thick carpeted stairs, I’m not a fan of walking like I’m in quicksand.

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Here we have standard pieces of uniform #3, buttondown shirt (I’m a HUGE fan of denim shirts, they match everything and if someone spills a drink on you whatever, it’s a jeans shirt). Swapped the sequin mini for a cheap cotton one. I have zillions of these cotton skirts, never pay more than $9 for them. Some will ride up and be horrible, but most are slimming and great for dancing, just give the bad ones away, you are only out $7. My favorite place to buy these is club wear stores with names like Zazzi’s or something. This one is from H&M, and comes in seven million other colors. It rides up if you don’t wear tights but what do you expect for $5.95. Here it is in leopard print, I like this one with band t shirts, leopard print is a neutral now, wear it with anything: cheap tacky great skirt

Now the black tights are a constant for me in CO since the temp drops at night, but I also love them because I can be less ladylike and still climb over seats if I need to get past a security guard to sit in seats by your friends that are empty and closer. When you find some that work, buy them in bulk. I’ve got three go to pairs, cheap, medium price, and not cheap. Right now is not a good time to shop for black tights, but I usually like a denier of 80-100, they make them up to 200 in the winter. 40 is great for the summer, those H&M ones are comfy since they are cheap, the waistband isn’t tight. The Wolfords are beautiful and almost as thick as leggings but I snagged em the first time out, they are not indestructible. Luckily, I like snags. The jacket is from the Volcom store in Boulder from three years ago, I can’t find it online anywhere, but it’s perfect, Zara has similar.

This photo is actually a lie. I ended up tripping in those platforms right after that picture (old H by Halston wedges from Bakers) and wore these which are really cheap now for someone with a tiny foot: cheetah bootie

Also, I never wear these Aviators because they slide down my nose, but I tossed them on to copy this blogger a friend showed me who looks and dresses like my classier, prettier doppelgänger, check her out!: Happily Grey

As for the show, it was fantastic. The first act was various songs by Bach, DeBussy and Pat Methany, interpreted by Bela with great commentary regarding musical theory by the conductor, and some awesome marimba. The highlight was “The Landing” with full orchestra, a Futureman request. Second act was The Imposter, a 4 part piece that Nashville commissioned Bela to write. The audience was very reciprocative, and the awesome elderly season ticket holders shared their jokes with us. “VELCRO?? what a ripoff!!”

Princess Music – Band to Watch

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When I shot the Akron/Family a few weeks ago, I was totally impressed with their opener, Princess Music. All classically trained musicians working in a more pop style just DOES it for me, and at the show people were buzzing about this “kinda Talking Heads sounding” band. You know things are gonna be good when a cello comes out. Tyler Ludwick, the guitarist and singer has been compared to Sufjan Stevens many times in the media, I can hear it but feel Ludwick has a more upbeat quirkiness. This band is special, sweet and whimsical but sincere and down to Earth. Denver, this is a local band to watch, for sure. Check out their song “White Wave”, which starts with the best instrument of all, the music box, then builds with the bass and strings and oh, just so lovely. Then that sweet voice. I’m in love with Princess Music.

White Wave by Princess Music

Band Website with Videos

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Gwar at Gothic Theatre

Gwar sold out the Gothic (never seen it so packed), killed Hitler, and stained everyone red. I think the pictures explain better than I do.

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They started right away with a blood bath. Everyone’s crisp new white t-shirts stained forever, maybe off to get framed one day.

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Man of the hour, Mr. Urungus.

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So they showed this concert live on tv and said no photogs in the pit. Fine by me, I had a fantastic view of the never ending mosh pit.

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How does he not fall? Also, this has to be the tallest band there is, right?

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shredding

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Some of this action

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Hardest working man in show business last night. Taking that blood to the back of the head like it was a cool spring breeze.

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at the crucifixion

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Yay Gwar!

Things I Learned Watching the Coachella Stream

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Besides The Postal Service reunion, I had no strong desire to be at Coachella, so I chose to watch the Youtube stream from my own home all weekend. In case anyone can’t tell, I LOVE streaming things. Technology is fantastic, and while the stream was much choppier than last year’s Bonnaroo stream, it got the point across. Things I learned from watching all weekend:

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– I really need a new stool for the computer. This one is rickety and fake leather and all the buttons on top popped off so you sit on little metal circles. I can’t work like this.

Cloud Nothings rule. I’ve only seen them in little dark places, so was very curious how they would do in the day on a huge stage. They killed it.

– thank goodness for 3 Channels of music, because a lot of it was stuff I have seen in the past year and not been impressed with

Jenny Lewis makes me cry even if she is wearing a slutty Wicked Witch of the East circus conductor outfit

Jake Bugg continues to be awesome as can be

– I do not get why everyone likes the xx or James Blake, I try and try but they both make me bored instantly

– if there is one thing people like to do at Coachella, it’s putting their hands in the air

– people LOVE The Lumineers, they played for their biggest audience ever

– a friend worked on the Daft Punk teaser video

R. Kelly can do no wrong in my book apparently. Dude pees on a minor, and I’m still freaking and loving him onstage with Phoenix doing a “1901” and “Ignition” mash-up, and it worked!

– they apparently had great drugs. The clips of the electronic acts were mesmerizing and repulsive, saw a lot of eyes rolled in the back of heads. YEAH! BASS IN YO FACE

– best festival fashion ever since many can afford to trash designer stuff in Southern California. Absurd amount of flower crowns but at least I like them. High waisted denim shorts are now called Coachella shorts, which is BS, Austin’s been running that fashion game for years!

Tame Impala should tour with a wind machine always

– Danny DeVito is a good twitterer: Danny Devito at Coachella

Social Distortion never lost it

Ty Segall jumped onstage with Thee Oh Sees but they weren’t shown on the stream. Coachella Director!! Please show them next weekend!

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– crowd surfing is still strong in California, and there are more tanned, muscled, tank top wearing, gang sign throwing yo-bro dudes than I ever imagined….

Akron/Family Concert Review at Larimer Lounge

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Last night at Larimer Lounge in Denver, Akron/Family played to a packed and excited crowd. It was the second date of the tour for the new album, and the new material sounds amazing live! Extremely loud, beautiful, they create great solid songs wrapped in noise, and at times the audience was told to sing certain notes, being used as yet another instrument. The front was packed with girls NOT giving up their spot right next to the lead singer, Miles Seaton, didn’t know he was such a heartthrob, but for good reason. He’s cute and very nice. One girl begged him for anything from his pockets, he gave her rosemary dust. If you are a fan of the new album Sub-Verses, this show is a must see. Opener Princess Music were great too, as a friend said “he’s got a David Byrne thing going on”. That’s a good good thing.

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Shakey Graves Concert Review- He’ll get in your SOUL

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Shakey Graves is a one man band to be reckoned with. Just when you think there are enough folk/blues singer/songwriters, someone like Shakey Graves fires through proving you wrong. Hailing from Austin, he’s recently finished a residence at The Parish and went on to become a big buzzed about musician during sxsw. When he walked up to the Denver show in his cowboy hat and leather jacket, fans were stopping him to shake hands, take pictures and tell him thank you. The word has really gotten out! The venue was packed clear back to the soundboard at Hi Dive, filled with people who had heard about this guy and his drum suitcase. He didn’t disappoint. Playing with ease and singing with conviction, he had the audience clapping and in awe, leaving them yelling for an encore, which he gladly played. Next time he comes through town, he’s going to have a big show, and it definitely won’t be free.

On a personal note, when reading his bio, I came across his old headshot. I knew Alejandro instantly from old castings and working on Spy Kids 3. Small world! I’m glad the ghost of Shakey Graves decided to haunt him, guy has talent galore, and I’ve gotta say, the ladies LOVE him, I saw y’all all swooning at the front last night!

listen to his album free here

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Leftover Salmon Sold Out Saturday Show in Denver Review

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Saturday night at Bluebird saw a sold out show for Boulder/Nederland’s own Leftover Salmon. At HORDE tour in 1997, I was bored watching Lenny Kravitz, went to the side stage to see what was going on, and these guys were playing and changed my life. Never knew music could be so fun. 16 years later, they are just as good as ever, and continue to write amazing new songs as seen on last year’s Aquatic Hitchhiker release. Set One ended with my favorite song, “Euphoria”, speeding up faster and faster until you feel like you can’t go any faster. And then they went even faster. This is why I love this crazily talented band.

Last time I saw them, the lyrics to the pro-growing anthem “Pasta on the Mountain” had the lyric “pasta will be legalized”, but last night it was “pasta HAS been legalized”, followed by a roar of approval by the voters of the house and strong Nederland presence. The song then went on to become a medley including Marley’s “Stir It Up” and Led Zeppelin’s “D’Yer Maker”. The night ended with church, a rousing call and response version of “Rise Up (Wake and Bake)” that left the audience happy to be in Colorado seeing Vince Herman back in town. You’ve been missed! Special Guest Steve Berlin from Los LobosScramble Campbell and C Alan Crandall were also in attendance, making Bluebird the place to be last night.

Leftover Salmon Spring Tour Dates

Euphoria at Denver Street Party 2012

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Moksha with Jennifer Hartswick in Denver

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Last night at Cervantes Other Side we had Moksha opening for Zoogma Musiq. With special guest Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet in the very talented horn section, these Las Vegas bustouts had the fans dancing, cheering even when teasing Pink Floyd. I’d like to see more usage of the bazillion different effects they had on stage, but I always want a little too much everything.

Tour Dates and Music

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Zoogma Sells Out the House in Denver

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Zoogma Musiq packed the house tight last night at Cervantes Other Side. Originally hailing from Oxford, Miss., this DJ/four piece electro rock band mix made for a funky, beat driven dance party. You could barely get through the sold out crowd during their set, as everyone showed off their best moves while smoke, lights, and an awesome “Z” of neon tubing flashed. Fun for the eyes, ears and dancing bones, check these guys out when they come to your town.

Zoogma Website Tour Dates

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