Slint - The Paradise Boston April 29, 2014 setlist picture

Slint

The Paradise

Boston, MA

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Support – Spires That The Sunset Rise

One of the biggest, littlest known bands of the 1990s has quietly been doing shows here and there to ravenous audiences. Slint, who disbanded before much live support of their seminal album “Spiderland” was released was long looked at as “never going to tour again”. Band members went off to other things, some stopped playing all together.

Then, they played some shows.

Then, they played more shows.

People came and people cared. In 2005 I had the chance to see them and it was really great. I felt satisfied then in what was being told “that’s it we are done”. Well they toured again and played Spiderland in full, but that didn't come local. Last night they came back. Had it really been 9 years?

The band took the stage just before 930 and opened with “For Dinner” from “Spiderland” and it was just awesome. The audience was dead silent as Brian McMahan and David Pajo tuned their instruments. Ultimately they'd play the entire record (not in order) but I got to hear all six of the tunes live. The fourth song of the set found them playing “Darlene” from the album “Tweez”.

The stage banter was minimal. A quick “thank you” in to the mic was about all we got. The audience would shout requests and thank yous and the band seemed to crack smiles, but it was all business. McMahan was far off to the side whenever there were vocal portions. He was WAY over to the side mind you, like on the edge. The band doesn't work the stage a lot, but they made up for it with the music. From the moment chords were struck the room would erupt.

“Good Morning, Captain” ended the set, and ultimately the show. By the time McMahan screamed “I miss you!” You'd think the roof was going to blow off. Drummer Britt Walford was busy, but largely hidden by his drum kit.

For a band that hasn't released any new material in over 20 years and plays few shows they are remarkably tight. They have aged well, looking like the guy across your back yard mowing his own lawn and maybe willing to share a can of domestic beer with you on that hot day.

They left the stage with two songs still on the set and didn't return. Quick waves but not a lot of acknowledgment otherwise.

Take the chance to see them if you can. If the band could do things on their own terms you wonder if any new material would come of it.

One can only hope....

Image of the set list:

 

EarthFest!! Free show! - Neon Trees, The Wailers, Morning Parade set to perform!

 

 

Neon, Trees, The Wailers, Morning Parade and Smallpools are set to perform at the 21st Annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest.  The family friendly (and free) event will take place on May 17th at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston.  Presented by Whole Foods Market this is the largest free radio station concert in the country that showcases both local and national acts, as well as environmentally friendly products and local non-profit environmental organizations.

The only Boston stop on their current tour, Neon Trees will perform fresh off the release of their latest album Pop Psychology, available on April 22. They will be joined at Radio 92.9 EarthFest by reggae band The Wailers, celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the release of their iconic album Legend.  The festival line-up also features Morning Parade, a five-piece alternative rock band from England whose self-titled debut album was released in 2012 and Smallpools, an emerging American indie pop band. 

 

92.9 is also looking for the best local band to open up the show.  The finalists will perform in a live setting on April 30th at Great Scott in Allston as well as May 7th at Ned Devines in Boston.  The five total finalists will perform at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston on May 14th..the winner gets that opening slot! 

 

Because the Radio 92.9 EarthFest is expected to draw a crowd of more than 100,000 people, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the free bike valet service offered by MassBike or use public transportation. The DCR Hatch Memorial Shell is accessible by MBTA. Concertgoers can take the Green Line to Arlington Street or take the Red Line to Charles Street / MGH. For more details, visit the MBTA website at www.mbta.com

For more information, listen to Radio 92.9 FM or visit www.earthfest.com 

John Butler Trio - "Happy" acoustic cover

Check this out:



(If you want to get to the music go to about 1:30)

Pretty great cover by John Butler Trio

Midway through their national Australian tour, John Butler Trio found time in their packed sell-out schedule to drop by Australian national youth broadcaster triple j studio to take part in the acclaimed Like A Version series. Ripping out a jam of Pharrell's almost-record-breaking #1 hit "Happy".

 

The band is currently on tour in support of their sixth studio album  Flesh & Blood . 

You can find tour dates here

Stargroves cover Sigur Ros

Followers of this blog know it is no secret I bow before the altar that is Sigur Ros.  So when something comes in where a band is covering their music, it can be met with sort of the old "oh no...."

Stargroves have proved this to be wrong.  Based out of NYC leader Teddy Watson took a three month hiatus from NYU to visit Iceland and focus on music.

Stargroves’ latest video is a cover of Sigur Rós's Njósnavélin. In the video they perform an intimate in studio session of the piece adding while their own unique style into the mix.

The album is built on a full rhythm section that includes Teddy Watson (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo), Charlie Rauh (lead guitar, supporting vocals), Bryan Percivall (bass guitar, supporting vocals), Brad Whiteley (keyboard, synthesizer), and Max Maples (drums).

Stargroves will be playing several shows throughout the northeast, and will be releasing an album in spring of 2014.



The band has a few shows (including tonight)

4.18.14 Lancaster, PA @ Launch Festival
4.26.14 Albany, NY @ Move Festival
5.02.14 Dewey Beach @ Dewey Beach Popfest

www.stargroves.com
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www.youtube.com/stargrovesmusic