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Again, the topic of journalistic integrity rolls around in the aftermath of the last concert I went to on campus. Hey, it was Minus the Bear, they sing about drinking all the time right? I figure it's more of a disservice to the band if one is not plastered at a Minus the Bear show. All in all, I had a great fucking time, and I can't say I regret being drunk during the show (aside from the fact that I can't blog about it after--big fucking deal though).
Highlights of the show included (but not limited to), attempting a two person dance party with a friend, and finishing a beer during the concert, all while listening an awesome band. That being said, I can't recall exactly what was played and what order, but I do remember a heavy rotation of older favorites (Note: this was easy to do cause although I own their new album, I didn't like it so I took it off my ipod, so in effect I know only their old material), and I am positive they played, 'Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse'-- definitely one of my all time favorites by them, so I'll post it. Enjoy.
As you can most likely tell, I'm super busy with school, and as a result this is kind of being neglected. Look out for some stuff regarding the Bloc Party, and Clipse leaks, and the upcoming Faint/Ratatat concert that I'll be attending on campus in two weeks.On a completely different note, I've noticed this band has been getting a lot of blog hype lately, and it's well deserved-- this might be the best song I've heard in a long, long time.
Check it out: Beach House - Apple Orchard
Get their CD at insound.
As you've probably heard by now, the Democrats took the house and Senate, and now control congress for the first time in a long time... Good news for people who are worried about our dependence on un-renewable resources, and our military aspirations in the Middle East (and everywhere else for that matter), so celebrate with these politically charged tunes from my collection. Enjoy.
Death Cab For Cutie - Company Calls
Bright Eyes - When the President Talks to God
I'm not really sure if I can put my finger on it, but to say that the Islands show on Saturday night met my expectations would be an out and out lie. They set the bar extremely high after the show they put on last time I saw them (May 10th to be exact), at that time they were still a band intact with their original members, and on their very first headlining tour (as Islands)--the energy of that show was palpable. My excitment for this show only grew after hearing reports that Nick's girlfriend had joined the lineup following Jamie's departure which left me very curious to discover how backing female vocals integrated with the songs off the album.
Needless to say, my expectations didn't materialize on the stage. Nick was not joined by his girlfriend (breakup anyone?) and soprted a eeirly painted white face. His jovial between song banter was replaced by silence, and songtitles in almost every case, and to put it plainly he just seemed depressed. None of the usual insanity paired with Islands live shows occured at the SUB Ballroom (see dancing on stage, singing in the streets --video, and pickup basketball), but I did get to see 'Swans' played live for the first time. Last time I saw Islands they were supossed to close with it after their encoure of 'Rough Gem', but during 'Rough Gem' Nick insisted that, "everyone come up and dance on stage." Only to retract the statment after the song, saying that he was really just kidding, and that someone fucked up some wiring during the stage rush so they couldn't play 'Swans'--instead he offered to drink with everyone at the bar after the show. Instead, at the SUB Ballroom Nick and company came out and played 'Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby' as an encoure (yeah, I was the drunk kid near the front yelling for I Feel Evil Creepin' In... don't hate), inviting no one to dance on stage--instead he dangled a plastic head on a noose next to him as he sung... kind symbolized the entire night--creepy.
Musically, however, Islands were pretty tight and played a great set full of new songs, and even a Kinks cover. I was also glad to see my personal favorite, 'Where There's a Will There's a Whalebone' preformed live this time with the other MC on the track, Subtitle (whose set was unbearably boring at times). The new songs were great though, but I can't stop the thought that they might never be recorded in studio from entering my head. If this show is any indication, it seems like the Islands might be going the way of the Unicorns before them, and leave us with only 'what if's' and concert bootlegs. I sincerely hope this isn't the case, but it seems a very real possibility... only time will tell if (as their slogan suggests) Islands really are forever.
Islands - Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby
P.S.
My school is having a great year this year as far as shows go... I just got a ticket to Minus the Bear on Nov. 17th and The Faint and Ratatat are coming back to back on the 30th and December 1st should be an insane half-month of music here in Bellingham! This might be a stretch, but I'd be hardpressed to find a school in the west with better indie shows this year...
Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time for this post (Canada is calling my name)--I'm heading up to the Islands concert shortly (you're jealous, I know), and it should be one hell of an awesome night. Last time I saw Islands was pretty crazy, and I can't even imagine what it's going to be like in a room filled with drunk college students (remember: drinking age = 19 in BC). Hell yeah, can't wait!
Here are a few rare/unreleased Islands tracks (cause I love you):
Abominable Snow
I Feel Evil Creeping In (live)
And my favorite Islands song (featuring opener Subtitle): 'Where There's a Will There's a Whalebone'
Live review and other retellings of the night to come...
