What I've Been Diggin'

Well, with one measly week left until I head back down to Columbus, I have been blessed with plenty of time to listen to some new artists...

The first of which is a bluesy rock act called The Parlor Mob. I came across them through the Lollapalooza music sampler. Which is both awesome because of the free mp3, but depressing because it made me realize I missed their stage during my short trip to Chicago. Nonetheless, the band rocks pretty hard. I hear similarities to Cold War Kids, The White Stripes and The Black Keys. However, they totally have a style and sound of their own. The only thing that trumps the quality of their debut album And You Were A Crow is the reception of their live act. Definitely be on the lookout for this band, I know I will.

The second band I wanted to mention briefly go by the name of the Postelles. I came across their EP, gave it a listen, and had to grab it. Unfortunately, I missed them at Lollapalooza too. But, I suppose that is the double bladed sword aspect of a music festival, can't see 'em all. But anyway, back to the band. They have a very infectious poppy sound, you'll be humming along like you've known the songs for years. While they have that modern indie-pop/garage feel similar to a vampire weekend-strokes combo, they give me a oldie vibe, like the beatles or other 'British Invasion' bands. Ha, regardless of my vague description, you should check em out if you like anything Albert Hammond Jr./The Stokes have done.

Check these out:

Some Lolla Photos For Ya

Well, it has actually taken a year to get some photos up from Lollapalooza. But, I finally got a hold of them and I'd like to show you a few of my favorites. Blogger kills a lot of the quality so feel free to click the image to see it in it's true form.

Also, when you don't have a super expensive/awesome camera it is hard to get decent band photos because of how hardcore you have to be to get up front. So, I focused on some of the other happenings at Grant Park as well. Enjoy.

loogadatlogo

broken social scene

radiohead blur "art"

holla we want prenup,"WE WANT PRE-NUP!" ..."YEAHHH"

chi town whaz good?

patrick on the drum kit

crowd involvement

radiohead LED

glowin'

paintin'

rage

foals

some friends of mine.

The Rundown

Well, I am currently in Columbus without my computer, camera, or car. I think that counts as being stranded, but I'm staying at a friends house, so it's all good. The pictures for Lollapalooza and NAMU-fest are going to be a little delayed. So, hang in there, I know you are dying to see my semi-ok pictures. Next festival I go to (which will probably be forever from now), I am going to attempt to get a press pass.

Oh yeah, and I guess I never explained the comic...

Well, me and my pal Fill came up with an idea for a comic, and I figured you guys wouldn't mind checking it out. We'd really appreciate comments, but go easy on us, heh. So, I'm hoping it will be a weekly or 2-a-week kinda deal.

Anyway, it's the story of an ewok who is attempting to find his way home to Endor, but gives up to pursue an ordinary urban lifestyle. It makes complete sense...

shut up

tony

Reviewing Pitchfork's Review of Lolla-Sunday

Pitchfork...

Usually a pretty good source of information in my opinion, but when it comes to reviews my respect dwindles a tad. But then again, I suppose it depends on the person. Regardless, my new least favorite Pitchfork reviewer would have to be Amy Phillips...

My photos from Lollapalooza are still on my buddies computer so I figured I may as well read what Pitchfork (article) has to say about it.

On the topic of the Gnarls Barkley performance:

"...But the party was just not getting started. These "fun" songs felt labored, like everybody was trying too hard..."
-Amy Phillips of Pitchfork

First off, I'm not sure what Gnarls Barkley performance she saw, but the people around me were definitely feeling it. I suppose there is the possibility of her looking solely at the people that were waiting around for Kanye who *didn't* like Gnarls. Regardless, I can pretty much confirm that the people who were actually interested in seeing Gnarls Barkley really enjoyed it. Also, I'm fairly confident that the "trying hard" impression is part of the "prep school uniform" act (see pitchfork photos).

Unfortunatley that isn't the worst part. She goes on to review the Mark Ronson performance. I heard this one from a distance while securing a good spot for Kanye at the Bud Light Stage. I don't hide the fact that Ronson's Version is undoubtedly my favorite album to put on to get liven up the party, nothing hits the spot like those jazzy energetic covers. Needless to say, that made this next quote the nail in the coffin for me, heh.

"...After all that, it was actually a relief when Alex Greenwald of pop-punk band Phantom Planet stormed the stage in true rock star fashion. Though his and Ronson's cover of Radiohead's "Just" is dreadful..."
-Pitchfork

Wow, me and Amy must be polar opposites. That is probably close to, if not, my favorite cover of all time. She also goes on to say...

"...The whole thing was a huge clusterfuck, the music was mostly terrible, and the crowd didn't know the words to songs that might have been huge hits in England, but barely registered here in America..."

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I'm having a really hard time respecting hers. Needless to say, I'm through reading Pitchfork's coverage of Lollapalooza. I encourage you all to check out this track or go to youtube/AT&T blue room and decide for yourselves.



more to come,
tony

More to Come...

Well, I'm not back yet, but here is a video of some happenings during the festival. The video is so fitting for the song. I'll be back with more pics and reviews tomorrow or the next day.

Be On the Lookout!

Well, I'll be heading over to Chicago tomorrow for Lollapolooza. Be prepared for an onslaught of pictures, and perhaps some reviews when I get back.

NIN or Kanye?
Broken Social Scene, Lupe, or Wilco?
autographs or up front?
Oh the decisions!

Have a good weekend everybody,
Tony

I'm Talkin' bout Chi-Town

So, apparently the Pitchfork festival went pretty good. Some videos including Sebadoh, Animal Collective, Public Enemy, Spoon, M.Ward, and Jarvis Cocker have surfaced on youtube. The proverbial "Noise" was apparently brought. So make sure you check those out, and I wish you well on your inevitable youtube journey.


Oh and this kinda caught my eye, it's Spoon's "Mountain to Sound", guest starring Bradford Cox from Atlas Sound/Deerhunter. They dusted off the ole Soft Effects EP for that one, pretty cool performance.

Speaking of Chicago festivals, I FINALLY bought my Lollapolooza tickets after much procrastination, so hopefully I'll have some pics/perhaps video of my own when August rolls around. Chicago is a pretty happenin' place.

tony