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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Live Reviews Live review: Wiggle Wagons, Kill Your Mules
Posted By Jenny Lou Bement on Tue, Nov 29, 2011 at 1:36 PM
Wiggle Wagons w/ Kill Your Mules
Snug Harbor
Nov. 26, 2011
To a crowd dwindling to around 20, Wiggle Wagons stepped on stage at Snug Harbor on Nov. 26 with determination that meant we were in for a fantastic set. A set that wouldn't go unnoticed by those who were there, but would obviously be missed by many.
Although Bud was ridden by the sickness going around, he still held down his guitar skills with the fervor he normally exerts — a testament to the rumor that he is one of the best guitarists in the area. He tore up every breakdown and shredded for us as if he was at his best. As far as musicianship goes, it was one of the best Wiggle Wagons shows in awhile. They were all on-point. Chris tore up his drums and even Daniel was sober enough to remain on the ball with his setlist instead of bantering to the audience about his state of mind. This was something those that who have seen them before, at least at the Milestone, would not be privy to on a normal basis. Typically, by the time they go on, everyone is in a drunken, hootin', hollerin' mood and it becomes contagious to the attention of the band as well. And although the atmosphere was much calmer than a packed-out Wiggle Wagons show with everyone tipsy, their country-rock combo still radiated to all in the venue, causing glasses to tip back and feet to stomp to the beat.
In front of the sparkly backdrop on Snug's stage, Kill Your Mules hopped up next to change the vibe of the night. It is amazing how they manage to get the room in gear every time they hit the stage. They give it their all and grasp the attention of those around them every show. This three-piece fandango brings back a genre that died long ago — reminiscent of the B-52s — they rock the synthy guitar, hip-slamming drums and melodic breakdowns with vocals so funky and fun, it's hard not to get down. From high squeals to heavy thumps, the slightly growing audience moved their bodies in between trips to the bar, a party inspired by music.
Although the crowd was small, the music was large, which you can come to expect from these two acts. A strange hybrid bill of country and dance-rock, the tone was ever-changing throughout the night but worked because lovers of good music can appreciate talent in any genre and these two acts certainly have it.
New Releases This week's new releases (11/29/2011)
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Tue, Nov 29, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Here's a quick rundown of what's new in stores this week:
Adele Live at the Royal Albert Hall — Best way to see her live now that she has canceled her tour.
Beyoncé Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 — Best way to see her live since she'll soon be home with Baby Z.
Smashing Pumpkins Gish (Reissue) — Remember when the Smashing Pumpkins were fun?
Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream (Reissue) — The next best thing to Gish.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Photos / Live Reviews / setlist Live review: Puscifer
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Puscifer w/ Carina Round
Ovens Auditorium
Nov. 27, 2011
Donning a cowboy hat, black button-down shirt and dark jeans, Puscifer frontman Maynard James Keenan hauled a small Airstream trailer on to the empty Ovens Auditorium stage. He slowly unpacked a couple of chairs and a folding table and began a short, poetic spoken word diatribe about sustainability in the current state of the world. As bandmate Carina Round exited the trailer to help set up more chairs and pour some wine (probably Keenan's own brand), Keenan began to talk about the value of creativity, ending with "Here at Puscifer, we believe in being creative with every breath you take."
Those talks set the tone for a night of music that was high on creativity —Â� from a 30-minute mockumentary interlude to short skits between songs — and the band's own musical paintings that drew from its two albums for an 18-song journey.
The night started with "Green Valley" and "Tiny Monsters" before kicking into high gear with "Vagina Mine." Various videos ran in the background while a hanging LED screen showed occasional mock advertisements such as one for the Arizona Border Patrol with the slogan, "We put the 'Panic' in Hispanic."
Live Reviews Live review: Reinaldo Brahn & Jim Brock
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Reinaldo Brahn & Jim Brock
Evening Muse
Nov. 26, 2011
Brazilian transplant Reinaldo Brahn and Charlotte's Jim Brock hit the stage in the simplest manner, each seated on stage and looking relaxed, before presenting a complex mix of Brazilian soul and diverse percussion at the Evening Muse on Nov. 26.
The duo, who worked together on the October-released album, Brasiliero Soul, sailed through an hour and 45 minutes set including songs from the album and a bossa nova-infused cover of The Police's "Roxanne."
Live Reviews Live review: Charlotte Symphony takes on Bach, Beethoven
Posted By Tremaine Tillman on Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 9:48 AM
Charlotte Symphony
Belk Theatre
Nov. 19, 2011
On Nov. 19, the Charlotte Symphony put on a compelling performance featuring the music of Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Sebastian Bach. The night began with Beethovan’s "Overture to Egmont," a strong and powerful performance that set the pace for the rest of the night. Written in the early 19th century, the overture was meant to be performed by a full symphony orchestra to produce a grand sound appropriate for classical music. The Charlotte Symphony did a good job bringing this piece to fruition from the elusive build up to the ecstatic ending.
After the conclusion of the "Overture," about half of the performers left the stage and it was clear Bach would be next. Bach’s work was written for fewer instruments and the "Brandenburg Concerto No. 4," which the Charlotte Symphony played after the "Overture to Egmont," made it clear why he decided not to use a full orchestra. The intricacies of the flute and the violin are discernable in this piece and the musicianship of Amy Whitehead and Elizabeth Landon (flute) and Calin Lupanu (violin) were entrancing and pleasant.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
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Live review: Fiona Apple, The Fillmore (9/26/2012) 16
Fans ate it up, but it was a trainwreck of tragic and frustrating proportions.
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Frank Ocean tops Village Voice Pazz & Jop poll
Annual critics list creates requisite buzz
