Fantastic Los Angeles indie pop band The Ruse just announced that they will be opening for Muse on their Mexico dates. HUGE for these guys, they are going to kill it out there on this rhyme-y tour. Check out the announcement over at Muse’s website:
Cultivate Fest by Chipotle in City Park proved to be wildly successful once again. The production coordinators really have the free festival logistics down, easy to get up close to the stage, tons of food options, celebrity chef tents, and you could bring your dog. Cold War Kids put on a note perfect set, mixing the setlist with old hits like “Hang Me Up to Dry” and new material from their latest release. The last few times I’ve seen them have been little SXSW shows, kind of forgot they are really, really popular, everyone knew every word. Expect to see more of Cultivate Fest here in the future, looks like a keeper.
Robert Walter’s 20th Congress is blowing their way through Colorado with a stop in Denver tonight at Cervantes. This Greyboy Allstars player is so talented, heavy funk just doppling out of the Leslie as it whirls around faster and faster. They are playing The Otherside, so get there a little early, it will probably sell out.
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Music to See in Denver, August 14-19th
Wednesday, August 14th
Oberhofer – Hi Dive – seen Oberhofer open for many great bands in the past, somehow this is their first headlining show I’ll get to attend. Frontman Brad Oberhofer is a ball of energy, say hi to him after the show, nice guy, great band: live Oberhofer footage
Thursday, August 15th
Kurt Vile – Bluebird – FINALLY Kurt Vile Day comes to Denver, it’s been a second. “Wakin on a Pretty Daze” has been in heavy, heavy rotation in my iPod, heck, my whole family’s iPods. Been counting the days til this one: “Never Run Away” video
Gogol Bordello/ Queens of the Stone Age – Red Rocks – Gogol Bordello always have a hell of a good time onstage, and QOTSA rock hard every time, so I’m going to take a guess here, but I’m pretty sure this show will be a barnburner, go tear it up. The new QOTSA album is great, so expect new material that fits right in.
Friday, August 16th
Robert Walter’s 20th Congress – Cervantes’ Otherside – former Greyboy Allstars player brings his heavy jazz funk keyboards to town Friday. A recent move from New Orleans to Los Angeles has infused a new energy into the band: “Sweetie Pie” live video
Confluence – Hi Dive – math rock local band that has a little of a Band of Horses/ Rogue Wave sound. Just got into this band and looking forward to more: Confluence bandcamp with music here
Pretty Lights/ Talib Kweli – Red Rocks – local favorite represent. When I first moved here someone pointed out Pretty Lights to me in LoDo “that’s Pretty Lights”. Looked right past the guy and nodded approvingly of a neon sign behind him, had never heard of him in 09, but everyone else had. His music is sexy, and if you haven’t seen him at Red Rocks, GO: Red Rocks video
Saturday, August 17th
Cold War Kids – City Park – one of my favorite over enunciating bands for free in a Denver city park? Twist my arm. It’s actually some big Chipotle festival, bring some cash to try out all kinds of stuff from guest chefs: Cultivate Festival
Charles Bradley – Larimer – busy week of shooting for me! Hop over to Larimer after Cold War Kids for this Daptone Records singing legend. Not much needs to be said, the king’s in town: listen to him, fer crissakes!
Monday, August 19th
Wood & Wire – Appaloosa Grill – Austin brand bluegrass, the lead singer has a voice that rises this band above most, and they have some of the tightest harmonies I’ve heard around
My Bloody Valentine – Ogden – legendary Dublin band with fuzz galore. They are touring to support their new album that isn’t clicking with me at all, but maybe the material has more life live.
Said the Whale – Larimer – opening for Kopecky Family Band, this Vancouver heavy pop band is my current favorite. I reviewed their album that’s being released in October yesterday, it’s such a great collection of very well put together songs, they finally made the US crossover, I hope for big things for them: “We Are 1980” video
Kris Kristofferson/ Lyle Lovett – Red Rocks – enough said. If you have never seen Lyle Lovett, by God, go go go.
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Shows This Week in Denver
Tuesday, July 16
New Kids on the Block/98 Degrees/Boyz II Men – 1st Bank – where women in their late 30’s go to act like Beliebers. Hate all you want, but their song “Tonight” is pop perfection that could fit on Sgt. Pepper (seriously): live video of “Tonight”
Peter Murphy/ OURS – Summit Music Hall – former singer of Bauhaus, OG Goth
John Mayer – Red Rocks – take away the celebrity and he’s one of the best modern blues guitarists I’ve seen
Wednesday, July 17
Herbie Hancock tribute – Cervantes – this will be hot
Greg Garrison Trio and Andy Thorn – The Armoury – Leftover Salmon’s magic fingered picker joins the stage at this Wednesday’s residency, go early, it WILL fill up
Groundscore – Park House – great bluegrass at a great little venue
Thursday, July 18
Bruce Hornsby – Denver Botanical Gardens (York) – I’m a Deadhead. I will see anyone that ever played with them. That’s just the way it is.
Prairie Home Companion – Red Rocks – Garrison Keillor brings his distinct voice to the monoliths. If it doesn’t rain this will be a wonderful night.
The UMS – I’ll have a guide to the showcase for everyone tomorrow.
Friday, July 19
Blake’s Tiger Party – Bar Standard – this should be a great dance party, final installment of Denver Disco and Road to Phibstock parties, previous ones have been a lot of fun. Info here!
The UMS
Saturday, July 20
The UMS
Jimmy Eat World – Ogden – always had a soft spot for these guys, they sound fantastic live
Kenny Chesney – Sports Authority – I’m not really saying I’d go to this, but I’d love to rubberneck the parking lot. Did you SEE what the people in Pittsburgh did?? I’d imagine the Denver scene would have recycling bins everywhere: trash and fighting video
John Statz – Walnut Room – songwriter with a playful twinkle in his eye, he’s a lot of fun
Foxfield Four – Gothic – local band heavily influenced by Ben Folds and Jerry Lee Lewis. If you like super catchy poppy goodness, check them out: listen here, so so good
Sunday, July 21
The UMS
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!
photo by leslie loudspeaker
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
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Shows To See in Denver, June 11-17
Tuesday, June 11
The Staves – Hi Dive – three pretty women singing prettily, like the Corrs, but cooler.
The Dandy Warhols – Gothic – one of my old favorites
Wednesday, June 12
Bonerama – Cervantes – saw them at the Festival of Water thinking they were a bunch of high school kids with a name like that. Nope, excellent New Orleans band with many trombones. They cover Led Zeppelin and get everyone dancing. I probably won’t be there because Cervantes smells like throw up.
Crystal Fighters/ Alpine – Larimer – was very impressed by Alpine at sxsw, and am excited to see Crystal Fighters since their new album. I love this video and song: Crystal Fighters – You and I
Thursday, June 13
Superhumanoids – Larimer – light pretty dancey prettiness, listen here: Hey Big Bang
Friday, June 14
The Orphans – Hi Dive – often acoustic punk, great for fans of Flogging Molly and other endearing punk bands that sound like they really like to drink: Anorexic Mind
Fitz and the Tantrums – Gothic – always a good time live, they have a new single they are promoting so it will be very high energy.
Amanda Palmer – Red Rocks – unbelievable singer writes THE most poignant and earnest story songs. I’ve blogged many times about “The Bed Song” being the most beautiful but uplifting song ever, here it is again (lol I cried just typing the song title into Google): The Most Tragically Beautiful Song in the World
Rastasaurus – Cervantes – great local band headlining for the first time!
Saturday, June 15
Everest – Larimer – these guys have toured with Neil Young, they definitely picked up some whistling tips. Just the slightly minimal rock sound I yearn for in the summer. Plus, I’m a total sucker for whistling (heeey Andrew Bird): Into the Grey
The Melvins – Summit Music Hall – grunge gods with two drummers, huge influence on Nirvana even though Kurt slagged them in the past, one of the drummers looks like he is wearing a Fishman dress. Go hear to blow out your eardrums: Civilized Worm
Monday, June 17
Generationals – Hi Dive – I LOVE this upbeat band, although I am biased because they’ve crashed at my house. This past year I couldn’t believe how many people were at their sxsw shows, they’ve definitely made the leap. I’ll be shooting this show for sure: Put a Light On , Ten Twenty Ten , Yours Forever . I could sit here linking videos all day, love every one of their songs.
photo by leslieloudspeaker
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.
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo be leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
Delicate Steve of Luaka Bop played an exciting and searing show at Hi-Dive in Denver last night. The snowstorm we had all day caused for a lower turnout than I expected, but I love when that happens at that tiny venue. Don’t be fooled by the name, the only delicate thing on stage were this New Jersey guy’s elegant piano fingers shredding that guitar. All songs are instrumental, which I’m all about lately, you really get to focus on all the layers of sound they create. Their style of music is very positive though in comparison to a lot of the drudgy stuff I’ve seen lately, at moments having the entire audience jump up and down, and then being completely silent for two minutes, which I have always wanted to see work, a silent crowd and band. (Oh, for a Divided Sky with silence, shut up everyone!!) The crowd last night made sure that didn’t happen, however, they HAD to hear themselves say such funny things as “WOO” and “OK”. For maybe two seconds it was totally silent, and boy was that crowd exuberantly relieved when they dropped back into the song. They only have a few more dates for this tour, so keep your eyes open for his name. Delicate Steve Tour Dates
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
photo by leslieloudspeaker
Video for “Ballad of Speck and Pebble”
photo by leslieloudspeaker
BOLD band names are my personal pics. Blue is video links.
Wednesday, Mar. 20
Rose Windows – Moe’s Original BBQ, Denver (great lyrics, slow psych) Rose Windows- Heavenly Days
The Soft Moon – Larimer Lounge (thumping psych) come here for your psych fix
The Pharmacy – Moe’s Original BBQ (creative powerful garage rock, they tend to cause mosh pits among hipsters. If you like the Flaming Lips without confetti, check them out) I will be here
Thursday, Mar. 21
Champagne Charlie – Lost Lake Lounge (rough Man Man type vocals, goes well with whiskey) Champagne Charlie
Widowspeak – Moe’s Original BBQ, Denver (soft female vocals with building sound behind her) sexy psych
Old Man Markley – Marquis (rockabilly bluegrass with NOFX influences, from Fat Wreck Chords) Old Man Markley
Friday, Mar. 22
Fol Chen w/ Royal Canoe – Hi-Dive (indie pop, they had a song on Weeds during a popular Botwin showing her body again scene) for Erin
Paper Bird (video release), He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister – Oriental Theater (beautiful harmonies and ragtag instruments Americana with heart, really cute dresses) new Paper Bird video- GO MACON!!
Saturday, Mar. 23
Delicate Steve – Hi-Dive (screechy goodness) Delicate Steve- Wally Wilder
Billy Bragg – Gothic (story time)
Jars of Clay – Grizzly Rock (that Christian band that had that 40 Days song that I loved until I figured out it was about Noah)
Tuesday, Mar. 26
In This Moment – Fillmore (metal with costumes and ridiculousness and a hot chick)
John Statz- Walnut Room (guitar, banjo, barstool, heart pouring out)
Tartufi – The Armoury (huge sound from three people, blissful crescendos) Tartufi
Wednesday, Mar. 27
Waxahatchee- The Armoury (solo project of Katie Crutchfield from P.S. Eliot, amongst a sea of chicks with guitars, this one really stands out) Video for Grass Stain
Lord Huron – Bluebird (indie folk from CA. Not much stage presence but a pleasant sound) video of Lord Huron
FIDLAR, Wavves, Cheatahs – Larimer Lounge (loud good rock, all of them. Saw FIDLAR twice at sxsw I liked them so much, Wavves is about to go to the next level so see this show if you get self-worth out of bragging about seeing bands before they were big) FIDLAR Live Video
leslieloudspeaker 