I’d been hearing a lot of buzz about the Swedish group Love is All for the past few years and I was excited to check them out when they opened for Of Montreal in October. I was even more excited when I got the chance to review them properly when they were headlining at the Bowery Ballroom this past Sunday. Dominick and I were talking about our top five shows of 2008 and Love is All’s set are definitely on my list. They are legendary for bringing an intense amount of enthusiastic energy to their live performances and this one was no exception, even though it clocked in at just over 40 minutes! You can read my full review for Venus Zine and my thoughts about the Crystal Stilt’s opening set here and see more of Dominick’s lovely photographs.
Tag Archives: Venuszine
Blitzen Trapper, yay! Iron and Wine, snore.
On a freezing cold Monday I walked half-way across Manhattan to see Blitzen Trapper and Iron and Wine play at the cavernous Terminal Five. I had not heard of Blitzen Trapper before, though they hail from Portland, Oregon, a city close to my heart. For anyone who loves classic rock from the 1970’s, murder ballads and American roots music, they are a compelling new band. They were opening for Iron and Wine, who, while he certainly writes novelistic lyrics, is not that interesting. I honestly don’t see what the big deal is, and besides, it turned into a big, sickening swoon fest for the couples in the audience. To read what else I have to say and to see Crissy Lush’s photos, check out my review here on Venuszine.com!
Uh Huh Her at Irving Plaza
The other week Dominick and I went to see Uh Uh Her at Irving Plaza. I personally do not like the name (though I do like the PJ Harvey album they are named for), but the crowd there was really into them and their shiny outfits. They didn’t seem to be phased by the radio-ready quality of the set either. You can read my review here and see more of Dominick’s super slick pictures.
Creating Space and Community: Riot Grrrl and Visual Art Article
Following up on a long time personal interest and involvement, I interviewed four artists: Stella Marrs, Nikki McClure, Becca Albee and Amy Yao, about their art making process and, many years later, their thoughts about how Riot Grrrl (all of whom touched or were touched by this movement in some way) related to their art making. I’m so happy how this story came together and you can check it out here on Venuszine.com. The image above is an installation by Becca Albee. Many thanks!
Abe Vigoda and Telepathe Review
Last week I went to see Abe Vigoda and Telepathe open for Diplo at my least favorite New York City venue, Webster Hall. I hear its a New York City landmark, but I cannot stand the fake “Egyptian” decoration. Go figure this would make a museum educator crazy. When I first saw these bands together over the summer at South Street Seaport I swore they were both like 18 years old, as there was gangly limbs and youthful noodling everywhere. Imagine my surprise when I heard one of the ladies in Telepathe is 32! Could have fooled me. Anyway, both bands were engaging in completely different ways and you can read my review here. I really love Telepathe’s circular, loopy drones. They are kind of the band version of the film Celine et Julie Vont En Bateau. Despite my curiosity and being a fan of his recorded work, I skipped out early when Diplo came on, as it was a little too house music for me and since he put his DJ booth on the floor, I couldn’t even see him twiddling the knobs.
Department of Eagles and Of Montreal Reviews
October is rocktastic so far, with two show reviews in the past week and two more to go in the upcoming weeks. Last Monday Dominick and I saw the debut full band performance of Department of Eagles, which is one-half of (and sounds a lot like) Grizzly Bear. You can check out that review here (and see more of Dominick’s lovely photos like the one I used here). Friday brought some fairly tedious glam rock from Of Montreal, whose set included bringing a live horse on stage. After that, where can you go, really? You can check out the review here and see Natasha’s totally fab photos.
Dressy Bessy at Arlene’s Grocery
It had been a few years since I listened to Dressy Bessy, but I always enjoyed their sweetly catchy songs that packed a punch sass. When the chance to review them live at Arlene’s Grocery came up, I jumped at it and despite the late night it was well worth it! Their sound, while still rooted in 1960’s pop, has evolved over the years and I like it! You can check out my review (and Dominick’s great photos) on Venuszine here.
Vivian Girls Review
I had to throw my hat in the indie-rock hype ring that is the Vivian Girls (not the same Vivian Girls that played the riffrag issue #2 launch party a few years ago for those of you who follow that). No, these Vivian Girls (named for outsider-artist Henry Darger’s heroines) have been around for a year or so and have already opened for Sonic Youth! While I don’t quite see why so much hype, though they are a good band, especially for fans of Black Tambourine and Talulah Gosh, you can read my review of their show at Death By Audio (ok, one of their many shows at Death By Audio) here.
Bodies of Water for Venuszine
In between all my travels and Brooklyn fun this summer, I managed to review the Bodies of Water show (which you can read here) at Mercury Lounge for venuszine.com. I really enjoy the opportunity to go to a show and really think about it critically, as well as enjoy it as a spectator. Please check it out! I’ll be writing more on my travels in just a moment…
The Old Haunts at Cake Shop
This week I went to see the Old Haunts play at Cake Shop and reviewed the show for Venuszine.com. You can read the review here:
http://www.venuszine.com/articles/music/live_reviews/3230/The_Old_Haunts_bring_Northwest_punk_to_NYC
Killerfemme 