Throw Me the Statue

I recently got a hold of Throw Me the Statue’s debut album, “Moonbeams”, and after a few listens I suggest you do the same.  They put an interesting spin on the indie pop genre that is often times far too formulaic.  They have an air of experimentalism without straying too far from just writing a good pop song.  The highlight of the album is definitely “Lolita”, it’s one of the catchier songs I’ve heard all year.  They’ll be playing at the Red Herring on October 10th at 10pm.  Tickets are only $8 in advance, I highly suggest you take advantage of this opportunity to see these guys in such an intimate setting.

Throw Me the Statue \”Lolita\” performance on One Shot Seattle

That was hysterical

So I went to Fishing with Dynamite last Thursday and the entire thing was absolutely hilarious.  I figured there would be at least one or two misses but I honestly can’t remember one sketch that I didn’t enjoy.  The frat boy skit and “Dogs Fucking Cats Volume 3″ were definitely standouts for me.  If you didn’t get a chance to see them, make sure you do on October 25th when they open for Paul and Storm or on November 7th when they once again headline their own show.  Kudos to DeBono as well for starting out the evening on a funny note as well.

Fishing with Dynamite

Come check out the sketch comedy show at the Canopy Club tonight at 7pm.  I’ve honestly never seen them before, but I’ve only heard good things.  So come out and have a few drinks and a few laughs tonight.

Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced

So remember that big concert news I was really excited to write about?  Yeah well Pygmalion happened and I kind of forgot.  But anyways, Dropkick Murphys are coming to the Canopy!!!  Maybe it’s the Southside Chicago Irish in me, but I love these guys.  They put on a ridiculous live show and are sure to be entertaining even if you’re not too familiar with the music.  So take down a few pints and enjoy the show Friday, November 21st, you won’t be disappointed.  Here’s a youtube video of them performing “Boys on the Docks” if you don’t wanna believe me.

Dropkick Murphys \”Boys on the Docks\” Live

Pygmalion Day Four: Part Two

So I bought some new batteries for my camera, but then forgot to put the new ones in the camera.  I’m a genius.

Yo La Tengo was the beginning of the end of the festival for me.  I honestly wasn’t too familiar with their music, so I was pretty much going in not knowing what to expect.  Having said that, they were amazing.  I love seeing bands that can effortlessly move from one genre to another without skipping a beat.   A lot of bands that attempt the sort of changes Yo La Tengo brought to the table would normally sound terrible performing the really uptempo music or the softer, more intimate songs, but Yo La Tengo had no such troubles.  Their closing tune concerning nuclear war was an interesting way to close a set and the crowd seemed to really enjoy it.  Let’s hope it’s not another 8 years before they come back to Champaign.

I left Krannert to head over to the Polyvinyl Showcase to end my festival experience.  The M’s were up next and were a great start to the show.  They played a fun live set that featured a lot of my favorite tunes from their newest album.  If you didn’t read my earlier post about them, do yourself a favor and pick up “Real Close Ones”, it’s a great record.

Headlights took the stage next and were once again a blast.  These guys and gal are definitely doing something right, I’ve seen them countless times and have never been disappointed.  I’ve loved the move to become a 5-piece act live, they have a much fuller sound that allows them to really put a heavier spin on some songs.  The move really translates so well to a live performance.  Props to them, the M’s, Asobi Seksu, and Polyvinyl Records.  They put on a great show and I would expect nothing less from Polyvinyl.  They are a bunch of great people and really just want to see that great music gets put out to the masses.

Saying Pygmalion was a success this year would be a huge understatement.  There were so many great national and local acts playing some really great spaces throughout Urbana and Champaign.  There’s such a large community of independent music fans that a festival like this can only become more and more popular.  I don’t see this thing slowing down anytime soon.  Thanks for reading and keep checking out the blog to see what’s going on at the Canopy Club in the future.

Pygmalion Day Three and Day Four: Part One

I’d like to apologize in advance for not having pictures for this post, my camera’s battery died.

So after a long day of work yesterday, I decided to take it easy before I saw any shows.  I headed over to the Canopy Club around 10 in time to catch the whole Pattern is Movement set.  They were the kind of band that I just don’t know if I just don’t “get” it or if they’re just not that great.  The band consisted of two lumberjack-looking (and very nice) men, one on drums and one on keyboard.  The majority of their songs just seemed oversimplified and not very exciting, but there certainly was a large group of people that seemed to enjoy the set.  Maybe I’d enjoy it if I hear them on a record, but it was still my first disappointment of the festival.

Titus Andronicus was next up and they were more of what I look for in a live performance.  They played one of the most intense sets of the festival, grabbing the crowd’s attention and keeping it for the next 45 minutes.  They were just a great rock band that you could tell was really into what they were doing.  I spoke with Ian, the band’s lead singer, and he told me he wants to play a house party here in November.  So if any of you guys reading this want to host a show you just let me know and we’ll get it figured out.  Overall, I enjoyed the night, but it was mainly because of Titus Andronicus.

I started day four of Pygmalion at Exile on Main Street.  I got there at 3 in time to see Santa start their set.  They were fun as always.  They just write some good pop songs that appeal to a great number of people.  If you haven’t had a chance to see them around town before, I highly suggest you do.

Snowsera was up after Santa and, while I didn’t enjoy their set as much as Santa’s, it was still fun nonetheless.  One thing I didn’t enjoy was their cover of “Billie Jean”, I hate ironic covers of Michael Jackson.

It’s been a great day so far, Exile on Main Street ended up being a great place to see a show.  They were also kind enough to give everyone free pops and Jupiter’s supplied everyone with some free pizzas.  Go check out their great selection of CDs, vinyls, DVDs, and tons more.

See you at Yo La Tengo and the Polyvinyl Showcase.

Pygmalion Day Two: Part Two

Oxford Collapse

After heading to a couple classes and going to work for a bit, it was time to get back to the shows.  Oxford Collapse was the first band I went and saw at the Krannert Art Museum.  Their performance was great despite some serious bass troubles.  They fought through it and, after a quick amp switch, got back to their energetic live set that they’re known for.  They add a real edge to the indie rock scene, which is something I really look for in a live show.  I can’t wait to see these guys open up for the Kaiser Chiefs up in Chicago.  Check out their newest release, “Bits”, it’s a great listen.

Evangelicals

Evangelicals played after Oxford Collapse at Krannert.  I stayed for most of the set before I cut out a little early to get to the Canopy Club.  What I saw was great, they’ve got a real new wave feel to them, but they add their own spin to really make something interesting and original.  I’d definitely recommend checking them out if you ever have the chance.

These guys owe me 3 bucks

 I headed over to Canopy to watch Monotonix, Dark Meat, and Dan Deacon.  I went to Monotonix on a recommendation from a friend, and I’m soooooo glad I did.  This show was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.  They set up in the crowd and moved the drum kit around so much that you always felt like you were right in the action.  Most of the time, it’s because you actually were.  They had fans holding onto drums as they would pound the bass drum on the ledges, carry around cymbals from one place to another, dance along with them, and just have a great time.  It was the most interactive show I’ve ever been a part of and I’ll never forget it.  The one down side was that Ami, Monotonix’s lead singer, took a full beer from me and spilled it out on the crowd.  It was probably still put to better use that way.

(Most of) Dark Meat

Dark Meat had a lot to live up to after the Monotonix performance, but they certainly held their own.  They were certainly a bunch of entertaining individuals.  I loved their use of confetti.  They played an intense set and the crowd was definitely into it.  I’m sure you’ll be hearing their name a lot more often.

Dan Deacon's in there somewhere

Dan Deacon finished out the night and was eventually a fun time after he got his sound difficulties figured out.  I wasn’t quite close enough to get in and dance around on the stage with everybody (which broke about 4 songs in), but it was a fun time nonetheless.  I headed out a bit early, working at 8am certainly has its’ downfalls.  I was told that everyone that played throughout the day got on stage to play the last song, can anyone confirm that for me?  If so, I’m really glad I headed out early.  Either way, it was a very fun evening and I’m looking forward to watching some more great music again tonight.

Pygmalion Day Two

Thursday at noon marked the start of the second day of the Pygmalion Music Festival and the second class I would be skipping today.  Skipping was well worth it, though, as I got to enjoy a nice meal at Blue’s BBQ and to listen to some great music from Carl Hauck and Ryan Groff.  Blue’s was tasty as usual, you can’t beat pulled brisket, potato wedges and a drink for $6.

I've never seen so many people in Blue's BBQ

I walked in at noon to see Blue’s more packed then I’ve ever seen it.  I eventually found a seat to watch Carl Hauck.  His set was great.  I’ve heard his voice be compared to that of an angel and, as weird as it might sound, I’ll have to agree.  It was a nice mellow way to start the day for myself and many members of bands that will be playing throughout the rest of the festival.

Carl Hauck

I was unfortunately only able to see a couple songs from Ryan Groff because I couldn’t miss three classes in a row, but what I saw was really entertaining.  His looping vocals sounded great and really added to his songs.  I certainly would like to see him again for a full set.

Ryan Groff

I haven’t quite yet decided what to do for the rest of the day.  The Krannert Art Museum has a great lineup with Oxford Collapse, Evangelicals, and Murder By Death all hitting the stage.  The Forms and Butterfly Assassins will be sure to please at the Courtyard Cafe.  My guess is that I’ll go see Jonathon Childers at 7pm in the Courtyard and then head to the Canopy Club to see Monotonix, Dark Meat, and Dan Deacon.  Monotonix and Dark Meat are supposed to put on an insane live show and I’m sure Dan Deacon will be entertaining as well.  Either way, it’s going to be a great evening of music.  See you out there.

And it’s time

One of the most exciting weeks of the year is finally upon us.  Pygmalion Music Festival and Motion City Soundtrack are here, and I can’t be more excited.  After a long day of work, I got to sit down and enjoy a couple beers and a fun concert.

One of the perks of the job...Motion City Soundtrack setting up this afternoon

I got into the club in time to see the start of Dear and the Headlights.  They were a solid opening act, they seemed to keep everyone’s attention despite the majority of the audience not knowing who they were.  They played an energetic set and I’ve never seen the use of two tambourines in one song pulled off so well.  Keep an eye out for their upcoming CD coming out on September 30th.

Motion City took the stage next to a huge uproar.   I went into the show knowing I wasn’t going to see anything groundbreaking but an entertaining show nonetheless, and I wasn’t disappointed.  The crowd was into it the whole time, and it seemed like the band was, too.  Jesse Johnson plays the meanest moog you’ll ever witness and I’m pretty sure he’s mastered the art of clapping.  The band played songs that spanned throughout their discography, with older tracks like “Everything is Alright” and “The Future Freaks Me Out” getting the crowd singing their loudest.  It was a fun show that really brought me back to my days of going to the Metro to see a pop punk show in high school.  It was everything I had hoped for from the band.

I unfortunately won’t be able to make it out to any of the Pygmalion sets tonight, I have to get my homework done for the rest of the week so I can skip class and see some shows.  Keep checking in throughout the rest of the week to get my thoughts on the shows I’ve seen and what I’m planning on seeing next.

See you at Blue’s BBQ for Carl Hauck and Ryan Groff at noon.

Sing Us A Song

Hope to see you all at the Piano Man tonight.  I could definitely use a couple Long Islands after a long day of classes today.  I’ll be the one singing happy birthday to my good friend Audrey.