i thought of all the gas we guzzled and the love we kept muzzled...

Last Friday I was fortunate enough to score free tickets to the Old 97's show in Fargo via KFJM. Travis and I went with zero expectations for the opening act, only hoping that the Old 97's would be a fun show (as they had been the only other time I've seen them). Quickly after Rhett Miller introduced them as his favorite new band, The David Wax Museum became everyone in the room's favorite new band as well. They kicked things off with "Yes, Maria, Yes" and from there we were all hooked. They are so raw, so young, so in love with playing music that it's all a bit intoxicating. An accordion, some sort of mexican ukelele and/or a six string guitar, and a donkey jaw (yes, a donkey jaw) and/or a violin are their musical weapons of choice, and I'm telling you they absolutely attacked that space with their sound. They stole the show and there was nothing, and I mean nothing, the Old 97's could do to get it back. Towards the end of their set they came down to the middle of the floor and played three songs acoustically (two of those songs I was able to record and are posted below), and it was beyond adjectives. The sound quality of the videos I shot is terrific, though the video is average at best. Their sound is original, their lyrics are meaningful, and their voices are wonderful. I was able to briefly speak to each of the band members after the show and they are super nice folks. Their new album should be coming out this fall, but you can find their first two on itunes.

Let me say that the Old 97s put on a great show, too, but that DWM were so great that it was just too hard to top. Combined, their efforts gave the crowd a tremendous show, right up there with the best I've seen this year.

Yes, Maria, Yes


Unknown Track


Let Me Rest


there are three more videos on youtube from that show.

music saves. especially live.

BS

it might go better if we do it by the letter

I fortunately scored a free ticket to the Old 97s here in Fargo tomorrow, and in honor/preparation, here are a few songs I hope to hear. I've seen them live once before and it was an awfully fun show. I certainly expect the same tomorrow. The band and Rhett Miller's songwriting ability are generally underestimated, in my opinion. Tickets still available...click here to find your way in.

I Need to Know Where I Stand (Rhett Miller)


Timebomb


Question


connect.

BS

it's an accidental fall and they won't suspect a thing at all.

The only Yeasayer album I own is their latest, Odd Blood, which I've posted about before. David Dye started today's World Cafe off with a track off their 2007 release, All Hour Cymbals, and it's had a hold on me the rest of the day. It's called "Wait For Summer" and it's effing fantastic. It's one of those tremendously fun sounding songs that contains lyrics that are the absolute opposite. Enjoy.

Yeasayer - Wait for Summer


listen hard/sing loud.

BS

so tell me why we're talking when we dance so good?

Thanks to my good friend Mick, I've come across Wakey!Wakey! and for that I'm so very thankful. Wakey!Wakey! is Michael Grubbs' musical vehicle, and his music walks a line between The Fray (who I do not enjoy) and The Format (who split up and one half of them formed fun.), and then throw in a little Ben Folds (lyrical content) and Something Corporate (piano rock) and you've got the Wakey!Wakey! formula. Their full-length debut, Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You (isn't that a fantastic album name?) was released in February, and prior to that, Grubbs' music and his acting skills were displayed on One Tree Hill. To learn a bit more about Grubbs and his music, click here. Below are what I think are the top tracks off the album.

Light Outside


Almost Everything


Dance So Good


it saves.

BS

i been down, i been out, had my head and my heart kicked around.

The Gaslight Anthem's third and most recent album, American Slang, is the summer album I have been waiting for. It rings out like a complete Springsteen tribute (it's long been known The Boss is a major influence of the band) and it's full of emotion but offers a few changes of pace to keep you on your toes. Brian Fallon's rough voice is a band trademark, and though his lyrics are good, they're not great. Regardless, this album is the one I'll continue to put on when the sun is out and I've got nothing to do but smile. The first track below is the title track off the new album, followed by The Queen of Lower Chelsea, We Did It When We Were Young, and the B-Side itunes bonus track (and my favorite), She Loves You.

American Slang


Queen of Lower Chelsea


We Did It When We Were Young


She Loves You


Sing Loud.

BS

don't leave my half a heart alone.

I was perusing Stolen Lyric last night and in issue #67 I found exactly what I was hoping to find. It's also a terrific source of new music (she has brilliant taste).

Here's the song that goes with the photo, "Sorrow" by The National (off their latest album, High Violet, which you need to pick up if you haven't yet).



it saves.

heeeeyyyyyyy mama, rock me.

Just before the second to last song Mumford & Sons played this year at Bonnaroo, they invited Dave Rawlings, Gillian Welch and members of Old Crow Medicine Show to join them on stage. And then nine musicians lined up and absolutely crushed the original Bob Dylan tune. This makes me so very happy (in particular, the crowd singing along).



Sing loud.