2012 December – Showbams

WKEND MIXTAPE: Fort Knox Five – Funk the World 10

December 28, 2012 by 3ricshaden Leave a Comment

We’re closing out the year with a great mix from Washington DC’s Fort Knox Five. This is the tenth edition of the Funk the World series, which combine a diverse mix of styles all rooted in funk.

It’s an excellent pre-party jam before you head out to celebrate the new year. The tracklist is below to follow along at home. Enjoy!

For more mixes and music from Fort Knox Five, including other mixes in the series, check out their Soundcloud page. Enjoy!

TRACKLIST
01 Stay (Funk Ferret Edit) – Sisi
02 La différence – Tribuman feat. Akai 4000
03 Sol Clap (Original Mix) – Quantic
04 I Like Your Style – Turntable Dubbers & Sebski ft Top Cat
05 Teresina – Odjbox
06 Fat Papa (Country Club Remix) – Monkey Safari
07 Le Bump feat. Crystal Waters (Original Mix) – Yolanda Be Cool
08 The Subject Is Swing (FakeOb Club Mix) – Buy One Get One Free
09 Got to change – The Captain
10 Tire Cha cha cha (Criollo Mashup) – Mo’ Horizons Vs Dennis DJ y MC Cabo
11 Silikon feat Sasha Perera (Siriusmo Remix) – Modeselektor
12 Ain’t True (Trotter Remix) – All Good Funk Alliance

Filed Under: Mixtapes Tagged With: Fort Knox Five, Funk the World

Showbams’ best live music photography of 2012

December 27, 2012 by The Bam Team 6 Comments

Ultraísta at The Independent – By Michael Frash

Click a photo to view full size.
Click the band and venue link to view the photo’s full article.
Click the photographer name to view more photos.

M83 at Treasure Island Music Festival – By Marc Fong

Future Islands at The Independent – By Maggie Corwin

Die Antwoord at The Fox Theater – By Marc Fong

Charles Bradley at Royce Hall – By Pete Mauch

Santigold at The Fox Theater – By Michael Frash

The Lumineers at The Chapel – By Marc Fong

Best Coast at Treasure Island Music Festival – By Marc Fong

The Faint at Regency Ballroom – By Michael Frash

Yeasayer at The Fox Theater – By Marc Fong

Japandroids at The Fillmore – By Michael Frash

How To Dress Well at Rickshaw Stop – By Michael Frash

Blondfire at Rickshaw Stop – By Maggie Corwin

The xx at Treasure Island Music Festival – By Marc Fong

Geographer at Bonfire Sessions – By Michael Frash

Gossip at Treasure Island Music Festival – By Marc Fong

Simian Mobile Disco at Mezzanine – By Michael Frash

Devine Fits at Treasure Island Music Festival – By Marc Fong

Knife Party at The Fox Theater – By Marc Fong

Red Baraat at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – By Michael Frash

Of Monsters and Men at Not So Silent Night – By Michael Frash

Electric Guest at The Independent – By Michael Frash

Bloc Party at The Fox Theater – By Michael Frash

Bombay Bicycle Club at The Fillmore – By Chaya Kranz

Tame Impala at The Fillmore – By Michael Frash

Matthew Dear at Treasure Island Music Festival – By Michael Frash

Father John Misty at Bonfire Sessions – By Michael Frash

Rufus & Martha Wainwright at The Fox Theater – By Marc Fong

Bassnectar at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – By Marc Fong

Jack White at Not So Silent Night – By Michael Frash

Sea Wolf at The Independent – By Marc Fong

The Shins at Not So Silent Night – By Michael Frash

Wilco at The Greek Theater – By Michael Frash

White Fence at Bonfire Sessions – By Michael Frash

Django Django at The Independent – By Michael Frash

Justice at The Warfield – By Michael Frash

…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead at The Independent – By Marc Fong

Filed Under: Best of, Best of 2012, Featured Tagged With: ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Bassnectar, Best Coast, Bloc Party, Blondfire, Bombay Bicycle Club, Charles Bradley, Devine Fits, Die Antwoord, Django Django, Electric Guest, Father John Misty, Future Islands, Geographer, Gossip, How to Dress Well, Jack White, Japandroids, Justice, Knife Party, M83, Matthew Dear, Of Monsters & Men, Red Baraat, Rufus & Martha Wainwright, Santigold, Sea Wolf, Simian Mobile Disco, Tame Impala, The Faint, The Lumineers, The Shins, The xx, Ultraísta, White Fence, Wilco, Yeasayer

Showbams’ best shows of 2012

December 23, 2012 by The Bam Team 2 Comments

It has been a top-notch year for live music, and we witnessed some great acts that have come through California over the past 12 months. Check out our favorite shows from 2012.

What was your favorite concert in 2012? Let us know in the comments below.

The xx at Treasure Island Music Festival

Mike Frash – San Francisco

1. Sigur Rós at Outside Lands Music Festival – San Francisco, CA – August 11th
Leaving Metallica for Sigur Rós to end the second day at Outside Lands was a torturous decision. Metallica was a warzone spectacle, but i stuck to my guns and headed to the Twin Peaks stage. I’m glad I did. Jonsi now conducts a mini orchestra, and the eerie SF fog lowered on command to the slow builds & crescendos. It was a spiritual show that effected me more than any other concert in 2012.

2. Japandroids at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – June 14th
Brian King and David Prowse brought ecstatic energy to the sold out Independent in June the week after Celebration Rock was released. Brian King understands how to control the pace of his set, offering fun pre-song statements that prepare you for what’s next. Their songs are vibrant live – it doesn’t sound like only two people are playing instruments. They truly seem to live the life they glorify on their 2012 album – still drinking, still smokin, and full of hyperactive desperation.

3. Phish (Night #3) at Bill Grahm Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – August 19th
The highly anticipated phish three-show SF run in August started off a bit slowly. Saturday’s show left me a little bummed about Phish due to some sloppy play (“Split open and melt”) and what felt like a lack of enthusiasm. I was questioning why I still see Phish live heading into the last show of the weekend. My lowered expectations combined with a killer show quashed those thoughts. “Crosseyed and Painless” > “Light” > “Sneakin’ Sally” > “Crosseyed” was some of the best Phish I’ve ever heard, “Boogie on” redeemed Stevie Wonder’s omission of the song at Outside Lands the week before, “Meatstick” made me really happy, and the San Francisco-mentioning “Ride Captain Ride” made a surprise encore appearance. The show was pure bliss.

4. The Rapture at Coachella – Indio, CA – April 13th
5. The xx at Treasure Island Music Festival – San Francisco, CA – October 14th
6. The Presets at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – October 12th
7. STS9 at High Sierra Music Festival – Quincy, CA – July 5th-6th
8. Head and the Heart at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – San Francisco, CA – October 6th
9. Tame Impala at The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA – November 15th
10. My Morning Jacket at Greek Theatre Berkeley – Berkeley, CA – September 15th

Honorable Mentions:
Father John Misty at Jansport Bonfire – San Francisco, CA – September 30th
Of Monsters and Men at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – March 22nd

My Morning Jacket at The Wiltern

Pete Mauch – Los Angeles

1. My Morning Jacket at The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA – September 13th
MMJ capped off the best three-night run I saw this year with this stellar closing show complete with a horns section. This is a big statement for a band I knew I loved but wasn’t fully convinced about until this night. Highlights: “All Night Long” and “Movin On Up” with horns.

2. Phish at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – August 19th
Phish played a terrific 3-night run, and topped off by an amazing Sunday night show that proves that Phish is still top of the Jam Scene. Highlight: Light > Sneakin Sally Through the Alley

3. Ryan Adams at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles, CA – February 17th
Ryan Adams, an acoustic Guitar, and a Piano is all this show contained, and it was truly special. Adams’ classic songs stripped down with his raspy croons is all I needed to make this a top show of the year. Highlight: “Rescue Blues” on Piano “Holy Diver” on Guitar

4. Trey Anastasio and LA Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles, CA – March 10th
5. Neil Young & Crazy Horse at Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA – October 17th
6. Charles Bradley with Menahan Street Band at Royce Hall – Los Angeles, CA – November 29th
7. Radiohead at Coachella Music Festival – Indio, CA – April 21st
8. Trombone Shorty at Key Club – West Hollywood, CA – February 11th
9. Wilco at Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, CA – January 24th
10. New Multitudes (tribute to Woody Guthrie) at Mayan Theater – Los Angeles, CA – March 7th

Honorable Mentions:
Phish at Long Beach Arena – Long Beach, CA – August 15th
String Cheese Incident at Greek Theatre Berkeley – Berkeley, CA – July 14th
Roger Waters presents “The Wall” at LA Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, CA – May 21st
Umphrey’s Mcgee (True Hollywood Stories acoustic show) at House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA – March 16th

The Faint at The Regency Ballroom

Molly Kish – San Francisco

1. Radiohead at HP Pavilion – San Jose, CA – April 12th
After merely catching glimpses of them while shoved against thousands of festivalgoers at Outside Lands 2008, I was determined to catch Radiohead the next time they came through the Bay Area. The sound, visuals, performance and energy of the evening were electrifying. Although I was extremely lucky to have been viewing the concert from the sixth row, the entire crowd looked as though they were just as lost in the moment as I was. The band’s enigmatic stage presence, fully developed set composition and career-spanning choice of material made for one of the most collectively impressive concert experiences that I have ever witnessed.

2. Of Montreal with Deerhoof, Kishi Bashi at Slim’s – San Francisco, CA – March 22nd
As a long time Of Montreal fan, I was ecstatic to get the opportunity to interview their opening act and latest addition to the lineup (Kishi Bashi) the night of their Slim’s performance. It wasn’t only for the sake of getting a personal perspective on the band, but also due to the fact that this would actually be my first time catching them performing live. The entire show and evening that followed was everything I could’ve wanted for my first experience seeing Of Montreal. Accompanied by three screens of psychedelic visuals, various costumed extras, balloon drops, props and whole score of vaudevillian rivalry, the band took the crowd and venue by storm. During the encore to top it off, I was able to reconnect with Kishi Bashi and ended up initiating an after-party with the entire band, crew and record label affiliates at an industrial themed “dark carnival,” taking place across the street at local dive bar Butter. Several jello shots, deep-fried twinkies and contortionist carnie-prompted dance battles later, I looked around and felt assured that I had enough material to develop my own personal “Of Montreal” concert story contender.

3. The Presets at Treasure Island Music Festival – San Francisco, CA – October 13th
Completely blown away by their performance the night before, I was overwhelmed with excitement and intrigue to see how the Presets could accomplish translating such energy to a festival setting. Anyone who had caught their Treasure Island Music Festival opener at the Independent instantly was taken over by sensory recall as they broke into song almost right where they left us hanging less than 24 hours earlier. Almost in homage to those who witnessed them destroy their previous set, they picked the dance party up right where they left off, only this time kicking it up about ten notches with the accompanied stage show, visual intensity and professional grade sound of seasoned professionals. Completely upstaging their more commercially recognized headliner and showing the younger generation how it should be done, they stole the show and were easily the stand out act of the 2012 TIMF. To this day I still find myself saying that I wish I could continually be going to a Presets show, based off of the concert experience I had at these two performances.

4. Dan Deacon at Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA – October 23rd
5. Against Me! at The Catalyst – Santa Cruz, CA – September 10th
6. The Faint at The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA – November 18th
7. Justice at Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA – November 4th
8. Metallica at Outside Lands Music Festival – San Francisco, CA – August 10th
9. Animal Collective at Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA – September 21st
10. The Shins at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium – Santa Cruz, CA – April 22nd

Honorable Mentions:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs at Creators Project – San Francisco, CA – March 17th
Cold War Kids at Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco, CA – March 5th
Dr. John at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – August 17th
Girl Talk at Sasquatch! Music Festival – George, WA – May 25th

David Byrnes & St. Vincent

Kevin Raos – San Francisco

1. David Byrne & St. Vincent at Orpheum Theater – San Francisco, CA – October 15th
This is my number one show of 2012 for a couple of reasons. First off, Love this Giant, the recently released collaborative album between Byrne and St. Vincent, was a major disappointment. One of my most anticipated albums of the year ended up being one of the most disappointing. All was redeemed, however, when I saw these songs performed live. The accompanying brass band and the chemistry on stage breathed new life into was I felt was a stale album. Playfully executed and precisely choreographed, these songs shined live.

Secondly, I am a huge David Byrne fan and was able to check a big one off my bucket list of musical artists. Byrne’s career needs no introduction, and this evening we were treated to a few Talking Heads classics such as “Burning Down the House”, “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” and “Like Humans Do”.

This show was simply a once in a lifetime experience.

2. Phish at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – August 19th
A three night run at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium was capped off with a masterful performance by jamband kings, Phish. The final night of the run was easily the best night as the band flexed their improvisational muscles in a blistering two-set performance, highlighted by covers of the Talking Heads’ “Crosseyed and Painless” and Robert Palmer’s “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley.”

3. Sigur Rós at Outside Lands Music Festival – San Francisco, CA – August 11th
Sigur Rós on my birthday to cap off an unbelievable festival day? How could it possibly get any better? It can’t really.

4. Duo de Twang at Terrapin Crossroads – San Rafael, CA – October 4th
5. Keller Williams, Steve Kimock & Kyle Hollingsworth feat. Bernie Worrell, Wally Ingram & Andy Hess at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Music Festival – San Francisco, CA – October 7th
6. Miike Snow with Penguin Prison at Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA – April 12th
7. Washed Out at Mezzanine – San Francisco, CA – May 4th
8. Electric Guest at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – November 2nd
9. The Album Leaf with Blackbird Blackbird at Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco, CA – September 30th
10. CITIZENS! with Tomorrow’s World, Lescop and Housse de Racket at Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA – October 12th

Honorable Mentions:
Zee Avi at The New Parish – Oakland, CA – September 28th
M83 at The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA – April 22nd

Japandroids

Eric Shaden – San Francisco

1. D’Angelo at House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA – July 4th

2. Passion Pit at Rock en Seine – Paris, France – August 26th

3. STRFKR at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – January 7th

4. Stevie Wonder at Outside Lands Music Festival – San Francisco, CA – August 12th
5. Miike Snow with Penguin Prison at Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA – April 12th
6. A.Skillz + Krafty Kuts Presents Tricka Technology at MIGHTY – San Francisco, CA – June 1st
7. Aaron Freeman (Gene Ween) at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – October 19th
8. Japandroids at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – June 14th
9. Guns N’ Roses (Bridge School Benefit) at Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA – October 21st
10. Kid Koala (Vinyl Vaudeville Tour) at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – November 4th

The Lumineers at The Chapel

Marc Fong – San Francisco

1. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at Slim’s – San Francisco, CA – March 25th
It’s not often I gush like a school girl (only about once or twice a week), but seeing ESatMZ at Slim’s was panty dropping. Can I say that? Well, I just did. It was a secret/private show so Slim’s was overcrowded. I stood center stage close enough to see the dirt on Alex Ebert’s suit. The sound was great, and the band always puts on a damn fine show.

2. The Lumineers at The Chapel – San Francisco, CA – October 11th
LIVE 105 brought the Lumineers to newly opened Chapel in SF and the band didn’t disappoint. The venue was the perfect size for the band and like most of the other bands on this list, the Lumineers had fun playing and it made for a great show.

3. Kronos Quartet at Greek Theatre Berkeley – Berkeley, CA – October 5th
OK, this was really Amon Tobin’s show, but Kronos opened and performed beautifully. Being a longtime fan, it’s not a surprise these openers made my list. Great music from great performers. And the Greek Theatre in Berkeley was the best venue to see them at … and most other concerts.

4. Willie Nelson and Family at Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA – March 15th
5. Of Monsters and Men at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – May 22nd
6. Fun. at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – May 28th
7. Sage Francis at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – March 17th
8. Steve Aoki at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – January 21st
9. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA – May 12th
10. Avicii at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – June 28th

Tame Impala at The Fillmore

Kevin Quandt – San Francisco

1. The Walkmen at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – January 20th-21st
These 10th anniversary shows were a Walkmen fan’s wet dream as they played their first album in full among multiple sets and configurations including a horn section. Over 30 songs of Hamilton Leithauser and company churning out their own brand of rock and roll to devote fans from across the States.

2. Refused with The Hives, The Bronx at The Warfield – San Francisco, CA – April 18th
Having seen their Coachella show a week prior, the anticipation was less palpable, yet the reigning post-punk champs delighted a more rowdy and dedicated crowd with a spirited set for the masses who patiently waited a decade to witness.

3. Trey Anastasio with Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles, CA – March 10th
Dressing up for a show is fun, especially when Trey is at the helm of philharmonic symphony in one of the best rooms to hear, and see, music in. From the playful rendition of “Guyute” to the half hour “Time Turns Elasctic,” this night had the packed concert hall re-charmed by Ernest and his recharged song book.

4. Tame Impala at The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA – November 15th
5. Phish at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – August 19th
6. Woods & White Fence at The Chapel (Preservation Hall West) – San Francisco, CA – October 17th
7. Howlin Rain at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – February 18th
8. Radiohead at Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA – April 12th
9. Father John Misty with Har Mar Superstar at Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco, CA – May 5th
10. Mala at Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA – June 23rd

Festival sets:
Sigur Rós at Outside Lands Music Festival – San Francisco, CA – August 11th
Future Islands at FYF Fest – Los Angeles, CA – September 1st
Flying Lotus at Coachella – Indio, CA – April 14th

Justice at The Warfield

Sean Little – San Francisco

1. Justice at The Warfield – San Francisco, CA – November 4th
What else is there to say about Justice that hasn’t already been said. They came, they saw, and they melted faces with an amazing set the blew fans away and converted first timers alike. At least half my friends decided to go last minute (tickets were still available because it was a Sunday) and all of them became huge fans. Some of these friends are not into electronic music of any kind either, so that really says something. It was one of those rare shows where you leave euphoric and can’t stop saying “wow” to the people you went with.

2. Florence & the Machine at Coachella – Indio, CA – April 15th
The only other performer I’ve ever seen that commanded an audience like Florence did was Snoop Dogg back in 02 at the Smoke Out (stop-you’re not better than me so put that eyebrow back down). It was one of the rare festival sets where everyone felt really in tune with the performer and each other, singing along and knowing when to interact with each other and the songs. She was absolutely amazing, and the set was a dark horse highlight to my festival as I didn’t expect her to command the audience like she did. She’s truly a presence.

Filed Under: Best of, Best of 2012, Featured Tagged With: A.Skillz, Aaron Freeman, Against Me!, Animal Collective, AVICII, Best Concerts of 2012, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Bottom of the Hill, Bridge School Benefit, Charles Bradley, Citizens! Lescop, Coachella, Coachella 2012, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Music and Arts Festival 2012, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2012, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2012, Cold War Kids, Creators Project, D'Angelo, Dan Deacon, David Byrne & St. Vincent, Deerhoof, Dr. John, Duo de Twang, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Electric Guest, Father John Misty, Flying Lotus, Fox Theater Oakland, Fun., Future Islands, FYF Fest, FYF Fest 2012, Gene Ween, Girl Talk, Great American Music Hall, Greek Theatre Berkeley, Guns N' Roses, Head and the Heart, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Palladium, House of Blues, Howlin Rain, HP Pavilion, Japandroids, Keller Williams, Key Club, Kid Koala, Kishi Bashi, Kronos Quartet, LA Memorial Coliseum, LA Phil, LA Philharmonic, Les Claypool, Long Beach Arena, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, M83, Mala, Mayan Theater, Menahan Street Band, Metallica, Mezzanine, MIGHTY, Miike Snow, Music Festival Outside Lands Music Festival, Music Festival Outside Lands Music Festival 2012, My Morning Jacket, Neil Young, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, New Multitudes, Of Monsters and Men, Of Montreal, Outside Lands, Outside Lands 2012, Passion Pit, Penguin Prison, Phish, Radiohead, Refused, Rickshaw Stop, Royce Hall, Ryan Adams, Sage Francisc, Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, SAP Center, Sasquatch!, Sasquatch! 2012, Sasquatch! Music Festival, Sasquatch! Music Festival 2012, Shoreline Amphitheatre, Sigur Ros, Slims, Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9), Starfucker, Steve Aoki, Steve Kimock, Stevie Wonder, STS9, Tame Impala, Terrapin Crossroads, The, The Album Leaf, The Catalyst, The Chapel, The Faint, The Fillmore, The Hives, The Lumineers, The Mayan, The New Parish, The Presets, The Rapture, The Shins, The Walkmen, The Warfield, The Wiltern, The Wiltern Theatre, The xx, TIMF, TIMF 2012, Top Shows of 2012, Treasure Island, Treasure Island Music Festival, Treasure Island Music Festival 2012, Trey Anastasio, Trombone Shorty, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Washed Out, Ween, White Fence, Wilco, Willie Nelson, Willie Nelson and Family, Woods, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Yoshi's, Zee Avi

Best albums of 2012

December 21, 2012 by Mike Frash 12 Comments

Subscribe to our Spotify Playlist “Best Albums of 2012.”

2012 has been a rich year for music, and our consensus top 10 albums show diverse musical selections. Each Showbams contributor selected their top 10 albums from 2012, and we averaged them together to create Showbams’ Best Albums of 2012:

1. Tame Impala – Lonerism
2. Passion Pit – Gossamer
3. Kendrick Lamar – Good kid, m.A.A.d city
4. Jack White – BlunderBuss
5. The xx – Coexist
6. Father John Misty – Fear Fun
7. Frank Ocean – channel ORANGE
8. The Presets – Pacifica
9. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
10.Tanlines – Mixed Emotions

Honorable Mention:
Dr. John – Locked Down
Hot Chip – In Our Heads
Neil Young and Crazy Horse – Psychedelic Pill

Take a look at our contributor’s favorite albums of 2012 below:

Mike Frash – San Francisco
1. Tame Impala – Lonerism
It’s rare to find an album that grabs you from the very beginning and compels you to listen beginning to end, the first time you spin it. Lonerism is timeless; you could convince someone that it’s from the late 1960s if they didn’t know better. “Apocalypse Dream” sets a masterful psychedelic-sad tone, “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” is the type of song people dreamed Oasis would create 10 years ago, and “Elephant” just flat out rocks.

2. The xx – Coexist
Coexist grew on me more than any album in recent memory. It’s about love, regret, angst, pain, and forgiveness. “Angels” begins the album with one of the best love songs ever (no hyperbole), and after 30 minutes of intense back and forth emotion, “Our Song” brings our two characters back together. Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim are the two main characters in the this story, and they play off each other even better than their first record. Jamie xx brings it all together with his subtle beats and sounds. This album is a love story for the ages.

3. Sun Kil Moon – Among The Leaves
Mark Kozelek’s fifth studio album under the name Sun Kil Moon combines masterful lyricism and captivating cadence to the point where it becomes addictive. The songwriting is creative and pretty out there at times, and is mostly self-reflexive and literal. The instruments are kept to a minimum – most of the album is Kozelek singing over acoustic guitar, but this minimalist approach just works for me.

4. Frank Ocean – channel ORANGE
5. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
6. Passion Pit – Gossamer
7. John Talabot – Fin
8. Chromatics – Kill For Love
9. Wild Nothing – Nocturne
10. Delicate Steve – Positive Force

Honorable Mention:
The Presets – Pacifica
Purity Ring – Shrines
Father John Misty – Fear Fun

Pete Mauch – Los Angeles
1. Neil Young and Crazy Horse – Psychedelic Pill
When someone as legendary as Neil Young puts out an album with timeless songs like “Ramada Inn,” “Walk Like A Giant,” and “Twisted Road” there is absolutely no other album I can put in front of this list. Psychedelic Pill may be Neil Young’s best effort since the 70’s.”

2.Tame Impala – Lonerism
This sophomore album oozes with psychedelic-laced pop tunes that are very reminiciant of The Beatles, especially after they experimented with mind altering drugs. From the opening track of “Gotta Be Above It,” you know you’re in for quite the mystical journey.

3.Father John Misty – Fear Fun This Fleet Foxes outcast may have one-upped his former band with this debut album. “Hollywood Forever Cemetary Sings” is quite possibly my favorite song of the year as well.

4. Kendrick Lamar – Good kid, m.A.A.d city
5. Dr. John – Locked Down
6. Jack White – BlunderBuss
7. Gary Clark Jr. – Blak and Blu
8. Alabama Shakes – Boys and Girls
9. Grizzly Bear – Shields
10. Lumineers – Lumineers

Honorable Mention:
Animal Collective – Centipede Hz
Django Django – Django Django

Molly Kish – San Francisco
1. The xx – Coexist
Coexist was an extremely strong and highly anticipated sophomore effort. I was so excited
about this that I listened to it immediately when it became available. Coexist continues the journey
initially set out on the band’s debut album and brings the music to an even more provocative
soundscape, highlighting Jamie xx’s production skill and minimalistic dance beats.

2. Stars – The North
“The North” is Stars’ 7th studio album and it delivers an infectious and comprehensive survey of
the band’s 12 year discography. The lyrical collaboration of Torquil and Seligman remains
at the forefront of the songs and it exhibits a maturity in both range and content. Stars have set the indie rock standard on everything from synth heavy pop songs to piano rock ballads, and they continue to lead and influence.

3. Fiona Apple – The Idler Wheel…
Fiona Apple’s “The Idler Wheel…” was an album I have wanted to hear since 1999”s
“When the pawn.” Along with exhibiting her talents as a pianist and blues rock vocal ingénue,
Apple’s inclusion of samples and entrancing drum beats brings her work to a whole new level.
The album is one you could play on repeat for days without realizing it, and you might continue
playing it anyways.

4. Yeasayer – Fragrant World
5. Dr. John – Locked Down
6. Passion Pit – Gossamer
7. The Lumineers – The Lumineers
8. Tanlines – Mixed Emotions
9. The Presets – Pacifica
10. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Here

Honorable Mentions
Animal Collective, Centipede Hz
Hot Chip, In Our Heads
Bloc Party, Four

Kevin Raos – San Francisco
1. Tame Impala – Lonerism
Tame Impala has created the definitive psychedelic rock album of 2012. Taking what they did with their debut album, Innerspeaker, and infusing it with more fuzzy guitar and Beatles-esque vocal style, Lonerism takes the listener on a mind-altering, hallucinatory, psychotropic exploration that is unlike anything in 2012. Flashbacks to this album will be frequent and intense.

2. Passion Pit – Gossamer
Another sophomore success, Passion Pit’s Gossamer is an electro-pop marvel. I think this album will remain one of the more memorable albums beyond 2012 for its pure pop and danceability. Catchy hooks and upbeat melodies make this one of the best indie pop albums of the year.

3. Jack White – Blunderbuss
Everything Jack White touches turns to gold, and this time is no different. It’s hard to think that with as much as we’ve heard from Jack White, that this is his solo album debut. I have the feeling that Jack White is going to be around for a long time, and this is only the beginning of a successful solo career.

4. Grimes – Visions
5. Sigur Ros – Valtari
6. John Talabot – Fin
7. Step Dad – Wildlife Pop
8. Electric Guest – Mondo
9. The Big Pink – Future This
10. Kishi Bashi – 151a

Honorable Mention:
Memory Tapes – Grace/Confusion

Eric Shaden – San Francisco
1. Passion Pit – Gossamer
For me, a great followup to Manners. This avoids the sophomore slump with a good mix of tracks. My favorite of the year.

2. Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city
With so many hip hop albums released annually it takes something special to rise above the fray. Kendrick Lamar does this on good kid, m.A.A.d city. My best hip hop album by far.

3. Jack White – Blunderbuss
Great to hear such a solid rock album, especially in 2012. This reminds me of the White Stripes while still sounding fresh and new. I knew after one listen that this would be one of the top albums of the year.

4. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
5. Miike Snow – Happy to You
6. Hot Chip – In Our Heads
7. Santigold – Master of My Make Believe
8. Frank Ocean – Channel ORANGE
9. Chairlift – Something
10. Purity Ring – Shrines

Kevin Quandt – San Francisco
1. Father John Misty – Fear Fun
Josh Tillman left his post as drummer for Fleet Foxes only to create his best solo material to date under the moniker, Father John Misty. This rousing tale of drinking, womanizing and tripping his way down the West Coast is full of catchy hooks and twisted lyrics that are perfect for an easy escape from the norm. Don’t sleep on seeing Tillman and his merry pranksters live as he commands a stage with the best of them.

2. Tame Impala – Lonerism
This sophomore effort from the lads down under takes their already stellar formula, utilized on InnerSpeaker, and polishes it even further. A wider breadth of sound is the result on Lonerism, as Kevin Parker gains more confidence as witnessed in more robust melodies brought up in the mix, larger crescendos and bolder subject matter in his lyrics. A deeper range of sound has also come through as these guys continue to only get better with age.

3. DIIV – Oshin
Beach Fossil’s Zachary Cole Smith released a whopper of a solo effort this year under the aquatic-name, Diiv(Dive). Heavy on the reverb and not lacking any quality of pop shoe-gaze mentality, this album has a way of grabbing you and holding on for a few months as the infectious guitar hooks play over and over in your skull. Though they may not break the mold for a certain brand of Brooklyn meets hip ocean beachside sound, they certainly put out one of the better records in that style.

4. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
5. The Walkmen – Heaven
6. Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, m.A.A.d City
7. Pond – Beard, Wives, Denim
8. Jack White – Blunderbuss
9. White Fence – Family Perfume Vol. 1
10. Dr. John – Locked Down

EPS
How to Destroy Angels – An Omen
TNGHT – TNGHT
Captain Murphy – Duality

Sean Little – San Francisco
1. The Presets – Pacifica
I have to admit the first time I heard it I was a bit let down. I was expecting something more akin to Apocalypso and wasn’t sure if I was into the fact it wasn’t a very indie dance forward album. The more I listened though the more it grew on me, and the more I started to appreciate the way they took chances and pushed boundaries. Songs like Ghosts and A.O. are a far departure from their last album, but still have an infectious quality to them that is at home in headphones or on a dance floor. The more I hear this the more I like it making it my number `1 album.

2. Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City
An all-around amazing album. Most rap now is so over produced and homogenized it’s great to see someone make an album that reminds you of the old days, where beats were thoughtful and albums had an overall story arc, not just one single after another. Kendrick is going to be doing big things and holds the torch as the only real west coast rapper pumping out thoughtful tracks that make you pay attention to the lyrics as much as move. Probably the only rap album I listen to regularly these days.

3. Godspeed You! Black Emperer – Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!:
Trippy, heady stoner metal that you can listen to pretty much anywhere and vibe to. It isn’t for everyone, but the way the craft songs that stretch and grow creating a real atmosphere is unique and not seen as often in a world where few have the attention span for a 25 minute song. Few others know how to build on just one note and continue to grow a vibe until it crashes like a wave, taking the listener with it. A great album to listen to no matter what your mood, just hit play and let it take you wherever you want it to.

4. Tanlines – Mixed Emotions
5. Lindstrom – Small Hans
6. Cat Power – Sun
7. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
8. Hot Chip – In Our Heads
9. Scuba – Personality
10. Scissor Sisters – Magic Hour

Filed Under: Best of, Best of 2012, Featured Tagged With: Dr. John, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Hot Chip, Jack White, Japandroids, Kendrick Lamar, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Passion Pit, Tame Impala, Tanlines, The Presets, The xx

Rufus and Martha Wainwright bring friends & holiday cheer to the Fox Oakland

December 20, 2012 by Marc Fong 1 Comment

“Rufus & Martha Wainwright’s Christmas 101” delivered holiday cheer & fun family sing alongs December 19th at The Fox Theater Oakland. The couple is continuing the seasonal gathering that their talented musical parents Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle started many years ago.

The show featured country legend Emmylou Harris, former Eeels drummer Butch Norton, Van Dyke Parks, Maria Muldaur, and many more.

Filed Under: Photos Tagged With: Martha Wainwright, Rufus & Martha Wainwright's Christmas 101, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright, The Fox Theatre Oakland

D.A.M.B. talks production, birthday songs and ‘That Tessa Track’ EP

December 20, 2012 by Sean Little (Split) Leave a Comment

Written by Sean Little //

D.A.M.B., aka Shaun Slaughter and aka Leron Hubbard, is a producer from Sacramento, Calif., who I had the privilege to perform with recently. His style brings heat to the party, and his production is pushing a lot of boundaries with interesting samples and deep bass.

He’s signed to Tracey Recordings, Le Heat and No Brainer and can be found blowing up parties with Lights Down Low, Heater House of Bass every second Friday at Townhouse and Whip on every fourth Friday at Townhouse.

Showbams sat down with Slaughter to learn a bit more about him as a DJ/producer and how he’s evolved as both. We also spoke a bit about his brand-new That Tessa Track EP.

Showbams: Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. You both DJ and produce tracks, what came first? How did you get into each?

Slaughter: DJing came first. I started in ’98, mostly house music and from there I started making unsolicited edits, extended players, remixes in 2005 and eventually my old DJ partner bought me a decent midi controller and basically said “Dude, GO MAKE YOUR OWN SHIT!” From there I started making tracks and sending them to pals to criticize and give feedback ‘til I got it right. I sent my second attempt “Waiting” to my pal Larry Tee and he was WAY stoked on it, and he talked to Alexander Technique at DANR Records and got it signed. Sinden featured it on some Mag Mix CD and shit started rolling. Definitely was validation enough to keep at it.

Showbams: Being both a DJ and a producer, how do you feel that each affects the other? Do you produce songs with the crowd in mind hoping for a specific reaction, or do you use DJ sets as inspiration to go back and produce a track that you feel captures the vibe of the crowds you’re used to playing for?

Slaughter: I have a really weird process of writing music. I never come into a project with too much in mind. I usually just start building drums and find some random samples to use, and then I see where it goes. It’s kind of awesome creatively because it’s SO random, but incredibly hard when trying to build your sound and signature as a producer. I’d imagine my tracks are a pretty great example of how my brain works, hahaha, but yeah, I mean, I DJ house nights, and I will probably keep the D.A.M.B. stuff in that general arena.

Showbams: How did you get started in the DJ/production world, and what’s it been like to grow as an artist and producer at a time when it seems that so much is happening so quickly (personal production pace, other producers emerging, new genres popping up) in the scene?

Slaughter: I lived with a girl for a bit who was a trance DJ and had turntables at her place. I’d wake up and fuck around with them when she left for work, which is how the ball started rolling. Eventually I got the bug to throw parties AND DJ them….mostly all the French touch stuff that was really blowing up late 90s. Fast forward a few years and here we are today.

It’s been a pretty rad experience so far. I’m incredibly impatient, so honestly, things don’t really feel like they’re moving fast. The whole process of writing, mastering, label shit etc. has taught me patience for sure. In terms of how the production etc. is evolving as a whole, I guess it’s pretty amazing that any young producer with a laptop can sit down and hash out a track in the matter of hours without a huge, elaborate studio. In regards to new genres, most of that shit is kind of annoying honestly. So many kids are flipping styles SO much. Moombahton one day, trap the next day, deep house, then tech house then etc. etc. etc. I guess it all just seems so fleeting so I try and ignore it.

Showbams: You just dropped That Tessa Track EP, and I really dig a lot of the songs and sounds (even sneakers squeaking on a basketball court in March Madness) you used. It’s minimal, but has a unique style to it that I can definitely see blowing it up during a live mix. What track from it means the most to you, and which do you see getting the biggest/best response from crowds?

Slaughter: I definitely like March Madness the best. The samples worked out really well together. That Tessa Track came from a jokey booty-bass song I made for my pal Tessa’s birthday, but I ended up liking the drums so much I filled it out and shopped it around. The original song had a really embarrassing sample of me saying, “Tessa, its yer birthday” over and over on it. The track that does the best out for me is “Train Hopping”. It’s just a solid builder and sort of a gimmicky break (sounds like the soundtrack to Abyss) people seem to lose it the most to that one.

Showbams: When creating That Tessa Track EP what other producers or genres did you look to for inspiration? What was the creative process like for this EP?

Slaughter: Dirty Bird. They are like fucking scientists of bass. I do not get it! My creative process is as follows: Pot, Soda, Wasabi Party Mix, Repeat.

Showbams: What are you most excited about right now in dance music, whether it’s producers, genres or emerging scenes?

I really like the Dirty Bird stuff house-wise, but for me right now, Zombie Nation is genius production wise, like mind-blowing jams off his new record.

Showbams: What are your top five tracks right now?

Zombie Nation: “Level”
Ejeca: “Riddim”
Amtrac: “Metro”
Super Flu & Andhim: “Scuzzlebutt”
Dabin: “Awakening (Kwikfiks Remix)”

Showbams: What’s up next for D.A.M.B., both on the performance and production fronts?

Slaughter: I have the Alicia EP out on Tracey Recording in March and a new EP from my other project, Leron Hubbard, on Teenage Riot on February 12th. Performance-wise, I’m working on doing a really elaborate visual show to go with my set at a club here in Sacramento. Something more like an art installation and something more engrossing than watching me press play on CDJS

Check out D.A.M.B.’s new Tessa Track Promo Mix and his That Tessa Track EP preview here. You can also check out his Facebook for updates and show schedules.

Filed Under: Featured, Interviews Tagged With: D.A.M.B., Shaun Slaughter

Impending Apocalypse Now: 21 Songs for the End of the World

December 20, 2012 by Mike Frash Leave a Comment

Subscribe to the “Impending Apocalypse Now” Spotify playlist.

So the world ends on Friday. That’s too bad, I was just getting used to Dubstep.
Here are 21 lucky tracks that somehow relate to the impending apocalypse. And they are pretty great songs too.

21. David Bowie – “Five Years”

20. St. Vincent – “The Apocalypse Song”

19. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – “I’ll Love You (Till The End Of The World”

18. STS9 – “When the Dust Settles”

17. Andrew Bird – “Yawny At The Apocalypse”

16. Bright Eyes – “Four Winds”

15. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Bad Moon Rising”

14. R.E.M. – “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

13. The Clash – “London Calling”

12. The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”

11. Muse – “Apocalypse Please”

10. The Cure – “The End of the World”

9. Medeski, Martin & Wood – “End Of The World Party”

8. The Postal Service – “We Will Become Silhouettes”

7. Radiohead – “Ideoteque”

6. The Decemberists – “Calamity Song”

5. Tom Waits – “The Earth Died Screaming”

4. Morrissey – “Everyday Is Like Sunday”

3. Metallica – “Blackened”

2. Tame Impala – “Apocalypse Dreams”

1. The Doors – “The End”

Subscribe to the “Impending Apocalypse Now” Spotify playlist.

Filed Under: BAM of the Week Tagged With: Andrew Bird, Bright Eyes, CCR, David Bowie, Medeski Martin & Wood, Metallica, Morrissey, Muse, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, R.E.M., Radiohead, St. Vincent, STS9, Tame Impala, The Clash, The Cure, The Decemberists, The Doors, The Postal Service, The Rolling Stones, Tom Waits

Charles Bradley tells us how he turned heartache, pain into his dream

December 19, 2012 by Molly Kish Leave a Comment

Photos by Pete Mauch // Written by Molly Kish //

Showbams spoke with funk/soul/R&B singer Charles Bradley after his set at Outside Lands.

Showbams: Coming off of an amazing performance here this morning, how was it for you to play the main stage of Outside Lands?

Bradley: It’s beautiful. I thank everyone for the opportunity of giving me a chance to get out and show the love I’ve got to give.

Showbams: I know you have a special pre-music career connection to the Bay Area, in reference to your professional background as a chef for nearly 20 years.

Bradley: Right, I was cooking for 1,000 people down in Menlo Park in the San Francisco area, and then when I moved to upstate New York, I was cooking for 3,500 people a day. When the job called, I took up cooking. Starting off as the assistant cook, and I just kept going and going. I was really just trying to prove to the world, to just give me a chance and that I really wanted to do it.

Showbams: Also, when you went back to New York that first time, during the “Black Velvet” phase, you were a handyman as well. You’re quite the jack of all trades.

Bradley: You know what I learned from being a carpenter? You know, Jesus was a carpenter, and he said to build your cross and follow me. That’s why I liked being a carpenter. When things were going wrong and I was saying that I can’t make no money in an honest way, I always remember what Jesus said.

Showbams: It was during this time that you made contacts at Daptone Records, got acquainted with The Sugarmen Three and had your fateful run-in with Thomas Brennick and The Bullets, which served as a very pivotal moment in your career. Was it all by chance that you were able to land these meetings, or was it a calculated professional move?

Bradley: I think that Tom made a lot of things happen for me because he knew I was a mourning sensation at that point. I was going through hardships in my heart because I had just lost my brother, and Tommy invited me over to his apartment in Brooklyn where we just started talking. I thought I would tell him about my pain in losing my brother, and he told me that I should put it in front of music. I told him, you’ve gotta be crazy, and that I don’t know how to sing in front of music.

We talked and we talked, then he came to visit me. I thought I would play him the keyboard, and he liked what I was doing. He had a little cassette with him and he started taping it. Then things led to another and another. Before I knew it, he had the band behind it and everything sort of fit into place. One day he called me when it was completed, and he said, “Charles, I want you to hear what you did.” When I heard it, I broke down and couldn’t listen. I had to run out of there! Then, they gave me a tape to play for my mom, and she broke down crying. I knew it was for real then.

Right then is when things started changing for me, because Tom kept bringing me back and bringing me back to do more. He said, “I want you to sing what you feel inside.” After that, things kept leading to one another, and here I am today.

Showbams: You’re currently on tour promoting the new album, playing to sold-out venues and festivals and touching the lives of crowds worldwide. Is there anything in particular that you would like to say to your audience and fans alike?

Bradley: To everyone listening out there … young, old, whatever you are. It’s never too late for your dream. If you believe in the right way, and are honest in heart, go after your dream without a doubt. There is a messenger who gives control, to make it go through all of your hardships and pain. Keep going!

Filed Under: Featured, Interviews Tagged With: Charles Bradley, Outside Lands, Outside Lands 2011, Outside Lands Music Festival

Best tracks of 2012

December 18, 2012 by Mike Frash Leave a Comment

Some of our favorite tracks in 2012 are from The Lumineers, Tame Impala, Japandroids, Father John Misty, & Electric Guest.

The Lumineers, Tame Impala, Japandroids, Father John Misty, & Electric Guest created classic songs in 2012.

Showbams contributors have listed their favorite tracks of the year.
What were your favorite songs in 2012? Leave a comment below.

View our Best Shows of 2012
View our Best Albums of 2012

Mike Frash – San Francisco @MikeFrash
Subscribe to Mike’s “Best Tracks of 2012” Playlist on Spotify.

1. Sun Kil Moon – “Among the Leaves”

When a song get’s it’s 50th play and just gets better, you know you’ve found something special. This song showcases Mark Kozelek’s voice and songwriting perfectly, and is so good he named the album after it. With every spin the descriptive lyrics evolve in the mind of listener. Kozelek tells the tale of a girl he sees around town and wants to help. And when the wind instruments kick in, the song takes off and flies.

2. Tame Impala – “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”

This track might me the most simple song from Lonerism, but it is also the most memorable. It’s plenty trippy like the rest of the album, and it’s also the most catchy song – the one that’s still bouncing around your head a day later. “It feels like we only go backwards, but every part of me says go ahead.” This refrain so basic yet effective, and Kevin Parker’s familiar vocals blend seamlessly into Tame Impala’s psychedelic fuzz rock.

3. Passion Pit– “It’s Not My Fault, I’m Happy”

Once Michael Angelakos’s bi-polar disorder disorder and attempted suicides were made public, this album and track worked on a higher level. It may be the most biographical song on Gossamer (that says a lot), and the penultimate track steps into anthem territory with confessional optimism. It’s like Michael is telling himself, repeating over and over, that he’s going to make it. Knowing the context of the song makes it more effective, but the biographical background is not needed to know this song is great.

4. Japandroids – “Fire’s Highway”
5. Frank Ocean – “Pyramids”
6. The xx – “Angels”
7. John Talabot – “Destiny” feat. Pional
8. Fiona Apple – “Every Single Night”
9. Tanlines – “Brothers”
10.House – “Kindness”

Honorable Mention:
Killer Mike – “Reagan”
The Presets – “Fall”
Wild Nothing – “Paradise”

Pete Mauch – Los Angeles @PeteMauch

1. Father John Misty – “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings”

2. Neil Young – “Walk Like a Giant”

3. Trey Anastasio – “Scabbard”

4. Tame Impala – “Apocalypse Dreams”
5. Neil Young – “Ramada Inn”
6. Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools”
7. Alabama Shakes – “Hold on”
8. Lumineers – “Ho Hey”
9. Gary Clark Jr. – “Numb”
10.Jack White – “Freedom at 21”

Molly Kish – San Francisco @MollyKish

1. Lumineers – “Ho Hey”

Due to the incredible commercial success of the Lumineers self-titled debut, you couldn’t escape this song in 2012. Infectiously simple both in lyrics and structure, this song’s basic pop composition grabs it’s audience’s attention immediately and has you singing along from the first listen. An instant crowd pleaser and multi-format radio hit, I still have yet to change the dial.

2. Azealia Banks – “212”

A Hard hitting hip hop club hit, this song’s dirty beat and even filthier flow is an immediate dance party call to arms. Bursting onto the scene with this track produced by Lazy J, Azaelia Banks jumped into the female rap game spitting fire. Incorporating the repetitive use of the word cunt into a chorus and making it contagiously catchy and not crude: genius.

3. The Presets – “Youth in Trouble”

The Presets came back to the EDM scene after a four year hiatus and did so with authority. Starting off one of this year’s best dance albums, this standout track is a club banger. With its extreme builds, relentless bass line and scream along party lyrics, the Presets win my “drop of the year” award in this bar setting track.

4. Electric Guest – “This Head I Hold”
5. Fiona Apple – “Hot Knife”
6. The xx – “Reunion”
7. Kishi Bashi – “Bright Whites”
8. Dr. John – “Locked Down”
9. Yeasayer – “Reagan’s Skeleton”
10.Bloc Party – “Octopus”

Honorable Mentions
Passion Pit – “I’ll be Alright”

Kevin Raos – San Francisco @kevinraos

1. Tame Impala – “Apocalypse Dreams”

Best track on the best album of the year. The more I listen to this album the more my opinion of it morphs and shifts. That’s one of the best things about an album like this – you hear something new every time you listen.

2. Electric Guest – “This Head I Hold”

This song sounds like it could have been written 50 years ago. Classic sound, classic song. One of my favorites of the year.

3. Lana Del Rey – “Born to Die”

I put this in my top 3 simply because I want to comment about my love/hate fascination with Lana Del Rey. Lana Del Rey’s fragile demeanor and futile resistance towards fame make her one of the most interesting artist of 2012. I’m not a giant fan of her music as a whole, but I LOVE this song.

4. alt-J – “Fitzpleasure”
5. Stepdad – “My Leather, My Fur, My Nails”
6. Django Django – “Default”
7. Passion Pit – “Carried Away”
8. Memory Tapes – “Thru the Field”
9. Trey Anastasio – “Scabbard”
10.Matthew Dear – “Her Fantasy”

Eric Shaden – San Francisco @3ricShaden

1. Major Lazer feat. Amber of Dirty Projectors – “Get Free”

2. Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools (Drank)”

3. Passion Pit – “Constant Conversations”

4. MIA – “Bad Girls”
5. Santigold – “Disparate Youth”
6. Hot Chip – “Motion Sickness”
7. Purity Ring – “Lofticries”
8. Frank Ocean – “Thinkin Bout You”
9. Chairlift – “Sidewalk Safari”
10.RAC feat. Penguin Prison – “Hollywood”

Kevin Quandt – San Francisco @KJQuandt

1. TNGHT – “Higher Ground”

The duo of Hudson Mohawke and Lunice brought their unique brands of production into one insanely big release this year. This highlight track, among others, features chopped vocals, a plethora of hand-clapping and a massive bass tuba beat that has been destroying dance floors the better part of 2012. Higher Ground begs to be properly rhymed over, but in the meantime the production is the shining light of the year.

2. Pond – “Eye Pattern Blindness”

What an epic rock track these Aussies churned out this year. Taking notes from Floyd and Zeppelin equally have helped these lads write and perform a rock masterpiece full of twist and turns, not to mention it clocks in at a rare 6 minutes. Syd Barrett is smiling down from above.

3. Japandroids – “House That Heaven Built”

From the distorted wall of guitar to the infectious chorus, epitomizing the sound of Brian King and David Prowse, this track has angst and energy slathered all over it. These guys don’t write typical rock and roll songs, and it is refreshing to see their hard work paying off in dividends. A true rock gem for the ages.

4. Father John Misty – “Hollywood Cemetery Forever Sings”
5. The Allah-Las – “Tell Me What’s on Your Mind”
6. How to Destroy Angels – “Keep it Together”
7. Cloud Nothings – “Wasted Days”
8. Jack White – “Love Interruption”
9. Clark – “Secret”
10.Woods – “Size Meets Sound”

Honorable Mentions:
Liars – “No. 1 Against the Rush”
Thee Oh Sees – “Lupine Dominus”
Chromatics – “Kill For Love”

Sean Little – San Francisco @splittle

1. Nikki & The Dove – “Mother Protect” (Goldroom Remix)

Nikki & The Dove are great as is, but what Goldroom does with this track is reinvent it in a way that’s thoughtful and massive all at once. It’s one of those rare remixes that you hear after the original, and never listen to the original again. It’s that good. Goldroom has really blown up over the last year, touring the globe and this is the track that arguably started it all as it was supported by Aeroplane and The Magician among others giving it, and him, serious credibility. Keep him on your radar and expect more of this for a long time to come.

2. Bicep – “Vision of Love”

This is stripped down, essential house. This track could be thrown into any 90’s house set and not skip a beat, which is a testament to Bicep and how they hone their craft. Two dudes from Ireland that just seem to constantly pump out hits and push the party and boundaries. This is the song that shows less can be more, and stripped down production can have a big impact especially when compared with many of today’s overproduced tracks. When the pianos come back in at 3:39 it’s all over.

3. Moonlight Matters – “Come For Me” (Might Mouse Remix)

This is huge. It’s just euphoria in a song. I’ve ended more than a few sets with this and hands are in the air, drinks are being tossed around and people are just losing their shit. Don’t sleep on this stellar remix as many people have and it’s a shame. Words don’t do it just so just listen and wait for it to kick in.

4. Waze & Odyssey – “Love that (Burns Hot Enough)”
5. ColeCo – “Rickey Smiley”
6. Moon Boots – “Off My Mind”
7. Presets – “Ghosts”
8. Van She – “Jamaica”
9. Lykke Li – “I Follow Rivers” (The Magician Remix)
10.Chris Malinchak – “The Fourth”

Filed Under: Best of, Best of 2012, Featured Tagged With: Alabama Shakes, Alt-J, Azealia Banks, Bicep, Bloc Party, Chairlift, Chris Malinchak, Clark, Cloud Nothings, ColeCo, Django Django, Dr. John, Electric Guest, Father John Misty, Fiona Aplle, Frank Ocean, Gary Clark Jr, Hot Chip, House, How to Destroy Angels, Jack White, Japandroids, John Talabot, Kendrick Lamar, Killer Mike, Kishi Bashi, Lana Del Rey, Lumineers, Lykke LI, Major Lazer, Matthew Dear, Memory Tapes, MIA, Moon Boots, Moonlight Matters, Neil Young, Nikki & the Dove, Passion Pit, Pond, Purity Ring, RAC, Santigold, Stepdad, Sun Kil Moon, Tame Impala, Tanlines, The Allah-Las, The Presets, The xx, TNGHT, Trey Anastasio, Van She, Waze & Odyssey, Wild Nothing, Woods, Yeasayer

Dragon Smoke unleash their fury at The Mint

December 17, 2012 by Pete Mauch 1 Comment

By Pete Mauch //

Dragon Smoke //
The Mint — Los Angeles
December 12th, 2012 //

New Orleans supergroup Dragon Smoke made their annual winter trip west, and they once again brought the heat to The Mint in LA. The band is Galactic’s rhythm section of Stanton Moore on drums and Robert Mercurio on bass and features Ivan Neville of Dumpstaphunk and New Orleans guitar staple Eric Lindell.

Dragon Smoke got things going early with a funky version of “Let a Woman be a Woman, Let a Man Be a Man”. This classic song originally by Dyke and The Blazers had the crowd dancing early in the set. Lindell and Neville shared vocal duties on most songs, and they are both excellent singers. Lindell has a very Southern soul sound to him that just reeks of New Orleans. Of course, Ivan Neville also has his soulful growl he delivers with great phrasing, as he did with the song “Out in the Country”.

As always, Moore and Mercurio were locked in tight. They seemed especially fired up for this concert. Moore did his signature “standing up and going apeshit on the drums”, while Mercurio head-bobbed his way through the groove. It was quite a treat to see this up close at The Mint.

The highlight of the night came deep in the second set and was a huge sandwich of “Slipping into Darkness” > “Fire on the Bayou” > “Fly Like an Eagle” >”Fire on the Bayou” > “Slipping into Darkness.” All of the songs were weaved in and out of each other effortlessly.

Lindell then had a soulful take on George Jones’s “She Thinks I Still Care” that was very moving. They ended the night with Billy Prestions “Will it Go Round in Circles” that was the perfect way to end the show.

Filed Under: Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Dragon Smoke, The Mint

Santigold captivates a packed Fox Theater Oakland with some help from her SG1 dancers

December 14, 2012 by Mike Frash 1 Comment

By Mike Frash //

Santigold //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
December 12th, 2012 //

As we near the end of 2012, it’s safe to say that Santigold has had a long and successful year. The 36-year-old singer-songwriter’s star is rising fast, and she’s done it by releasing genre-bending tracks that are super catchy and by also touring endlessly.

In support of her current material, Santigold (born Santi White) first appeared in the Bay Area headlining Sea of Dreams on New Years Eve almost a year ago. That was four months before her addictive LP Master of My Make-Believe was released. Santi played a short festival set at Outside Lands opposite Jack White, so it was a pleasure to experience a full Santigold show at a sold out Fox Theater Oakland on Wednesday.

Santigold’s unique sound blends electronic production, indie rock sensibilities and hip hop phrasing and confidence. She’s likable & relatable in her new record, and it translates at her live show.

From the beginning of “Go!” the disparate crowd was fully engaged all night long, even during great ballads like “The Riot’s Gone.” She said her bay area fans are her favorite rather convincingly, she smiled and showed emotion comfortably on stage, and her stage banter helped her connect with the audience.

Her 2012 record Master of My Make Believe makes more sense live because Santigold gets to act out the different parts she’s established. She exudes femininity and is strong and powerful. Her outfits are outrageous and fun, and her SG1 background dancers fill the stage with props and casually precise choreography.

Santigold’s live performance is decidedly “feminist” (can we find a more positive term for this), not only because she celebrates girl-power and female creativity. Her all-male backing band is figuratively emasculated in their outfits, which look like they work at Hot Dog on a Stick at the mall. The band’s outfit certainly works with the 80s-nouveau aesthetic overall, and it reminds you that this Santigold & SG1’s parade.

It’s Santigold’s SG1 dancers who provide a large portion of the entertainment value at Santigold’s live show. Without them, stronger lighting and video accompaniment would be necessary. But the SG1 dancers fill out the stage, and their style wreaks of post-ironic swagger, without a hint of a smile. They work with props like pom-poms, umbrellas, briefcases, and sledgehammers while performing backup singing duties at times. Their staged antics are highly entertaining, and their pantomiming performance alongside Santigold’s strong delivery harks back to Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.

One of the highlights was when Santigold brought up selected super fans to dance to “Creator,” which is certainly an allusion to the viral video from Sasquatch 2009 that put her on the map after one person started a huge dance party on the lawn during “Unstoppable”. “Big Mouth” capped off the set with a nice peak, bookending the set with the opening and closing tracks from Master of My Make Believe.

The absence of “Look at These Hoes” as the most exciting and aggressive track on Santigold’s newest LP was a slight disappointment. The evening ended with a song that had the SG1 dancers showing off their “dirty south’ moves, showcasing their booties as the final prop.

After touring for more than a year, it would be easy to go through the motions, but White made her material feel fresh and far from stale in proving why she is So Damn Gold.

Setlist:
GO!
L.E.S. Artistes
Lights Out
Say Aha
Get It Up
Hold the Line (Major Lazer cover)
Disparate Youth
This Isn’t Our Parade
I’m a Lady
Anne
The Keepers
Creator
Freak Like Me
Starstruck
Brooklyn Go Hard (Jay-Z cover)
Shove It
Fame
Big Mouth

Encore:
Unstoppable
B-O-O-T-A-Y (Spank Rock cover)

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Fox Theater Oakland, Jay, Jay Z, Major Lazer, Santigold, Spank Rock

WKEND MIXTAPE: Ruckus Roboticus – A Very Daft Punk Christmas

December 14, 2012 by 3ricshaden Leave a Comment

Since we’re in the holiday season, I figured we should try to go for a mix appropriate for the season. This one might be a stretch, only bearing on a reference to Christmas in the title, but a great mix nonetheless. A Very Daft Punk Christmas comes from the outstanding LA-via-Ohio DJ named Ruckus Roboticus. Over the course of an hour he covers originals, remixes, side-projects, associated acts, and otherwise all things Daft Punk. The tracklist is below so you can follow along at home.

For more mixes and music from Ruckus Roboticus check out his Soundcloud page.

TRACKLIST
01. Intro
02. Thomas Bangalter – Extra Dry
03. Slum Village – Raise It Up
04. Daft Punk – Aerodynamic (Slum Village Remix)
05. Busta Rhymes – Touch It
06. Kanye West – Stronger
07. Sebastien Tellier – Kilometer
08. Daft Punk – Verdis Quo
09. Daft Punk – Daftendirekt
10. Daft Punk – Da Funk
11. Daft Punk – Robot Rock
12. Daft Punk – Short Circuit
13. Thomas Bangalter – On Da Rocks
14. Daft Punk – Musique
15. Daft Punk – Face To Face
16. Thomas Bangalter – Club Soda
17. DJ Falcon – Honeymoon
18. Daft Punk – Voyager (Dominique Torti’s Wild Style Edit)
19. Daft Punk – Around The World
20. Gabrielle – Forget About The World (Daft Punk Remix)
21. Archigram – In Flight (Raw Mix)
22. Daft Punk – Revolution 909
23. Daft Punk – Something About Us (EASTAR Remix)
24. Daft Punk – Digital Love (Boris Dlugosh Remix)
25. Stardust – Music Sounds Better With You
26. Deelat – Wetness
27. Le Knight Club – Nymphae Song
28. Daft Punk – One More Time
29. Daft Punk – Aerodynamic
30. Daft Punk – Oh Yeah
31. Scott Grooves – Mothership Reconnection (Daft Punk Remix)
32. Daft Punk – Crescendolls
33. The Eternals – The Wrath Of Zeus
34. Daft Punk – Harder Better Faster Stronger
35. Kanye West – Stronger (A-Trak Remix)
36. Roy Davis Jr. – Rock Shock
37. Daft Punk – Technologic
38. Diplo – Buy It Use It
39. Daft Punk – Prime Time Of Your Life (Tits & Clits Remix)
40. Daft Punk – Human Afterall (SebastiAn Remix)
41. Daft Punk – Human Afterall (Justice Remix)
42. DJ Mehdi – Signatune (Thomas Bangalter Edit)
43. Thomas Bangalter – Outrun
44. Daft Punk – Television Rules The Nation (Deadmau5 Remix)
45. Daft Punk – Harder Faster (Alive Acapella)
46. Senor Coconut – Around The World (Full Version)
47. LCD Soundsystem – Daft Punk Is Playing At My House (Soulwax Shibuya Mix)
48. Thomas Bangalter – Spinal Scratch
49. Bob Sinclair – Gym Tonic (Thomas Bangalter Edit)
50. Raw Man – Number Seven (Le Knight Club Remix)
51. Together – So Much Love To Give
52. Daft Punk – Too Long
53. Daft Punk – Alive
54. Daft Punk – Make Love

Filed Under: Mixtapes Tagged With: Daft Punk, Ruckus Roboticus, WKEND MIXTAPE

The 25 best songs with whistling

December 14, 2012 by Mike Frash 51 Comments

The art of whistling is rarely used anymore in contemporary music. Whistling sets a whimsical, light-hearted tone, often projecting a happy-go-lucky state of mind. Whistling simply helps to keep things positive.

UPDATED 5/15/14: We’ve updated this list based on your comments. We’re now including TV theme songs and film soundtracks, along with dance tracks. And we’ve added 10 new selections, bumping it up from 15 to 25. Whistle On!

Here are 25 songs that incorporated whistling most successfully. Listen to all these songs in one playlist.

25. The Andy Griffith Show Theme

24. STRFKR – “Miracle Mile”

23. Roger Whittaker – “Finnish Whistler”

22. Hanna Motion Picture Soundtrack (The Chemical Brothers) – “The Devil is in the details”

21. Angus Stone – “Wooden Chair”

20. Django Unchained Soundtrack – “Triniti”

19. Daedelus – “Bright Stars”

18. Claude VonStroke – “The Whistler”

17. Kill Bill Vol 1 Soundtrack – “Twisted Nerve” by Bernard Herrmann

16. The J. Gelis Band – “Centerfold”

15. Phish – “Guyute”

14. Bobby Day – “Rockin Robin”

13. Monty Python – “Always Look On The Bright Side of Life”

12. Frankie Knuckles – “The Whistle Song”

11. Beck – Sissyneck

10. NONONO – “Pumpin Blood”

9. Foster The People – “Pumped Up Kicks”

8. The Black Keys – “Tighten Up”

7. Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry Be Happy”

6. Peter, Bjorn & John – “Young Folks”

5. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes – “Home”

4. Andrew Bird – “Danse Caribe”

3. Paul Simon – “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”

2. Guns N’ Roses – “Patience”

1. Otis Redding – “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay”

Filed Under: BAM of the Week Tagged With: Andrew Bird, Angus Stone, Beatles, Beck, Bobby McFerrin, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Guns N' Roses, Kill Bill Volume 1, Loose Fur, Monty Python, Ottis Redding, Paul Simon, Peter Bjorn & John, Phish, The Black Keys

Brooklyn’s finest, Antibalas, are still bullet-proof

December 13, 2012 by Kevin J Quandt 1 Comment

Photo courtesy of NPR Music // Written by Kevin Quandt //

Antibalas //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
December 10th, 2013 //

Brooklyn world music legends Antibalas brought their multi-headed Afrobeat monster to SF last Monday at Great American Music Hall, and per usual, they got asses shaking and limbs akimbo. The group took a break from touring a few years ago while they arranged and performed music for the Broadway hit Fela! but have returned with the same intensity and rhythmic complexity, as well as a new album released around summertime. The city was lucky enough to have them play Outside Lands Music Festival, but fans witnessed a mere 40-minute set. Monday allowed the large ensemble the time needed to develop a proper set while showcasing material new and old.

The Great American was nicely packed by the time they the band waltzed out onto stage, opening the show with an instrumental number, easing their way into the evening’s show. Having seen these guys live for over 10 years, I quickly noticed a few members absent on this tour, mainly horn section madman, saxplayer and occasional MC, Stuart Bogie. Even with the lack of some original players, the band never seems to miss a beat. Once Amayo took the stage to belt out his unique brand of African phrasing, the crowd kicked it up a notch. “Ratcatcher”, off the new self-titled album, leapt from the gates with the rhythmic intensity of Africa ’70, one of Fela Kuti’s former touring bands.

Next up was the premier single from their latest album Antibalas, and though it sounds like a searing commentary on the state of economic affairs, it rather refers to the filthy hooks led by the horn section. “Dirty Money” is certainly a key track on their latest endeavor, and was the first taste of the new album months ago. Most tracks, like this one, clock in at around 10 minutes live as the band bounces between full band grooves and member solos.

“Him Belly Go No Sweet” rounded out a suite of new tracks with an infectious call and respond section, another characterization of Afrobeat music which lends it’s connection to the crowd even further. Fela Kuti’s unique brand of Yoruba, funk, highlife and jazz was crafted in the 1970’s and is still alive and well in the hands of groups like Antibalas, Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra and Fela’s sons Femi and Seun. The chant,call and response style was also integral to this Nigerian-born form of music, lending to it’s occasional hypnotic quality.

A debut song was the surprise of the evening. New song “Gold Rush” has been played only a handful of times, and it is refreshing to know they are still writing, as this band has it’s hands in many musical projects. The version of the new track we got opened with a intro keyboard section. Victor Axelrod, a longtime member, utilized a sound akin to the Clavinet to build up the frenzy that was about to ensue. From there, each member of the horn section each got their stab at a fast-paced solo. It’s a treat when a brand new song turns out to be one of the highlights of a show.

They dipped into the back catalogue for “Sanctuary,” which allowed everyone catch their breath if only for a few. From there the band played out a great set that capped around two hours of sweaty good times. After over a decade of touring, this band has truly garnered fans in every corner of the globe. They are hands down one of the best Afrobeat bands out there.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Antibalas, Great American Music Hall

Lights Down Low Presents Julio Bashmore, Richie Panic and Sleazemore & Matrixxman

December 13, 2012 by Sean Little (Split) Leave a Comment

Bashmore near the end of his set.

Lights down Low brought the heat on a freezing night to Cell Space in the Mission, SF with Julio Bashmore, Richie Panic & Sleazemore, Matrixxman, & A-Plus.

The party kicked off at 10 with A-Plus playing the massive space covered with tons of posters that the LDL crew set up, bringing a solid 90s rave feel to the night. Early arrivers traveled between the main dance floor, a lofty hanger first filled with the opening set’s beats, to the back smoking area (one of the most interesting parts of the space), which housed partiers in a machine shop.

A-Plus was using a midi controller to drop some tracks all over the BPM spectrum which isn’t seen super often from DJs, but when done right can deliver creative sets that can jump from genre to genre. He dropped some tracks that brought in some dub, while others were almost at a hip hop level.

Matrixxman was up next rocking the full Bulls gear and delivering some real future shit mixed with true Chicago house and a little disco to keep it interesting. It was a varied set with influences from all over the place and it had the crowd moving. He dropped Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” near the end of the set to a massive reaction to the growing crowd.

Matrixxman in Repose

Side bar: I didn’t know much at all about Matrixxman, so I decided to look him and his crew up and learned a hell of a lot more about the 3-D hentai wonder that is Matrixxman. I recommend looking that crew up ASAP. He dropped possibly the best quote of all time in an interview with SF Bay Guardian online when he discussed his creative process as “Usually incense or candles are lit initially. An ambiance is created. Auras are projected and a distinct presence is asserted. Prior to actually making any music, I like to visualize myself styling on hoes viciously, and that tends to become a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.” Seriously, go ahead read that again. Brilliant. Definitely keep an ear to the ground for this guy.

Back to the show: Sleazemore and Richie Panic jumped on the decks next and warmed us up further, both with sound and bodies as the space became pretty packed. Both of them took turns on the decks showing off their deep love and knowledge of house and bass. Deep cuts mixed and standards kept people dancing and the drinks flowing. Their set really got the crowd into a frenzy, so by the time Julio came on people were tearing the place up.

Julio took the stage to a huge roar around the witching hour (that perfect point, you’re a little sweaty and a little drunk, and a lot hungry for more music) around 1, and he started off with some heavy bass and original tracks of his own. I heard “Husk”, “Battle for Middle You”, and a loop of “Erotic City” all cut from different points that he orchestrated from the glowing light pod stage, littered with water bottles, brought in for the event by Lights Down Low. Framed by two stacks of giant speakers, you forgot that this was a warehouse and not a full time club. Props to Lights Down Low for doing a great job of transforming the space into what the event deserved.

The speakers were big and raw, which gave the party a definite underground vibe. A minor technical difficulty cut the bass, but when it came back online, it slapped the crowd across the face. A huge cheer erupted, and everyone just lost it. That spontaneous energy was rampant and sums up the overall party vibe well. Julio played ’til late, with “Au Seve” drawing a huge response.

Lights Down Low hit it out of the park as usual, with Julio Bashmore bringing in a near perfect set in a perfect atmosphere. Matrixxman though was my personal dark horse favorite, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout to see him again.

Lights Down Low Wants You To Jack Your Body

Crowd Note: This guy looked like a trucker and/or Dog The Bounty Hunter.
USA jacket and blue tooth on in the show. Boss.

Filed Under: Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Cell Space, Julio Bashmore, Lights Down Low, Matrixxman, Richie Panic, Sleazemore

Who’s better with Big Boi: Little Dragon or Kelly Rowland?

December 12, 2012 by Mike Frash Leave a Comment

Big Boi appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” on Friday with Little Dragon supporting him for the album’s lead single, “Mama Told Me”. Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors was released on Tuesday, December 11.

When Big Boi first announced his album and track list, Little Dragon was featured on the lead single “Mama Told Me.” But due to lawyer shenanigans, Little Dragon couldn’t collaborate with Big Boi for the album.

Subsequently, Big Boi replaced Little Dragon with Kelly Rowland from Destiny’s Child. On Tuesday, Big Boi made an appearance on “The View” with Rowland supporting him on “Mama Told Me”.

So who’s better with this track? Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon or Kelly Rowland?

ANSWER: We’ll go with Little Dragon.

Filed Under: New Music Tagged With: "Mama Told Me", Big Boi, Kelly Rowland, Little Dragon, New Music, Vicious LIes and Dangerous Rumors

Bloc Party pulverize expectations at the Fox Theater Oakland

December 10, 2012 by Molly Kish 1 Comment

Photos by Mike Frash

After getting just a taste of the newly reunited Bloc Party at Outside Lands 2012, I’ve been obsessively fiending for more. Leaving that festival set Sunday afternoon in August, I vowed to see them the next time they came through the Bay Area, and I was able to do so this past Thursday at the Fox Theater, Oakland. Although playing to a venue only half full, Bloc Party performed as though they were headlining a sold out arena. They pulverized the crowd’s expectations one hard hitting, dance rock anthem at a time.

Bloc Party mostly played tracks off of their 2012 release Four, and the crowd instantly fed off the energy from the stage once Kele Okereke and his crew appeared following an opening appearance from The Dum Dum Girls. Heavily saturated in 90’s era electronic grunge songs, the set’s dance tracks had an even harder edge to their sound at the Fox. What I presumed would be a drum and base driven set morphed into more of a punk rock concert with underlying dance sensibilities. Refreshingly different from their greatest hits festival performance I witnessed at Outside Lands, Bloc Party chose to rock the fuck out of this Thursday night crowd.

Bloc Party jumped straight into it with a rousing rendition of “So He Begins To Lie.” They followed this opening track with a sampling of hits from their previous four albums. The crowd ate up fast-paced renditions of “Hunting for Witches,” “Positive Tension” and “One More Chance.” Bloc Party performed a rousing rendition of the crowd favorite “Banquet,” and it transitioned out of “Song for Clay.” It brought the crowd to a jumping frenzy, as many in attendance mimicked the unrelenting pogo jumping of lead singer Kele.

The night ended with two separate encores, foreshadowed by the conclusion of the main set with ”We Are Not Good People,” and the band’s casual mention that “This will end the first part of our evening.” The band came on quickly thereafter to play a four song encore of slower jams that included “This Modern Love” and ended with Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” which was actually an into for “Flux.” This encore concluded about twenty minutes before the concert curfew, and the crowd was amped and ready for more.

Bloc Party returned to the stage with a double encore. They played “Truth,” then finished the night with the crowd scream-along track “Helicopter” off of 2005’s “Silent Alarm.”

Considering this was a fantastic concert at a beautiful venue with a super energetic mid-week crowd, I feel extremely fortunate to have seen Bloc Party in this way. Agreed as a consensus amongst a majority of friends in attendance, had this show been earlier in the year, it would have certainly been a contender for top ten shows of 2012.

The Dum Dum Girls opened for Bloc Party, and their set highlighted songs of their excellent 2012 LP "End of Daze"

The Dum Dum Girls opened for Bloc Party, and their set highlighted songs of their excellent
2012 EP “End of Daze”

Filed Under: Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Bloc Party, Dum Dum Girls, Fox Theater Oakland

Jack White, The Shins, Metric & OM&M shine at Live105’s Not So Silent Night Friday

December 10, 2012 by Mike Frash 1 Comment

Jack White headlined Not So Silent Night 2012 Day 1 at Oracle Arena.

Jack White headlined Not So Silent Night 2012 Evening 1 at Oracle Arena.

Bay area radio station Live 105 put together a top-notch lineup for their annual holiday festival Friday at Oracle Arena. Night one featured a couple proper headliners, a special surprise due to a gear snafu, and a group of talented Icelandic youngsters that got a huge reaction from the stadium crowd.

Jack White anchored the evening with his all female band The Peacocks. White played most of the best tracks from his 2012 LP Blunderbuss, but the majority of the songs played were from other Jack White groups and collaborations. “Steady, As She Goes” from The Raconteurs was a main set highlight, and “Blue Blood Blues” by The Dead Weather made an appearance during the encore. Also “Two Against One” from the Danger Mouse record Rome was a treat.

Six different White Stipes songs were performed, including “Hotel Yorba,” “I’m Slowly Turning Into You,” “The Hardest Button to Button” and “Ball and Biscuit.” And as usual, White ended the night with “Seven Nation Army.”

It’s easy to consider Jack White a music legend, even at his age. He’s a an artist that carefully constructs the world around him. His crew is as sharp as they come, and they look dapper with their fedora hats and ties. This sets a professional and throw-back tone before White comes on stage. He gives it his all every time out, playing his songs with passion and swagger. Combine this with his disdain for twitter and concert photography, and Jack White creates a mysterious persona and a live music experience that is special and memorable.

The Shins performed an even mix of new tracks and classics.

About half the songs The Shins played were from their most recent album Port of Morrow. “The Rifle’s Spiral” started with the band not completely in synch, but they got it together quickly. “Simple Song” completely delivered and it sounded even better live than on the record. “Port of Morrow” slowed things down too much, to the point where the energy was zapped for “New Slang” and “Sleeping Lessons.”

James Mercer seems happy with his new bandmates, and his energy was upbeat and engaged Friday night.

Metric’s gear was stuck in Miami, so they played a stripped-down acoustic set.

Metric turned lemons into lemonade since all their gear was somehow stuck in Miami. The Live 105 people set Emily Haines and James Shaw up with an acoustic guitar and piano to play a short, stripped-down set. It was a blessing in disguise for most people close to the stage.

The really drunk girl adjacent to me was super bummed she wasn’t dancing to her favorite Metric tunes, but this special treatment of Metric’s songs isn’t something that happens very often. Recently released tracks “Breathing Underwater” and “Youth Without Youth” were very pretty when the focus was on Haines’ vocals

Of Monsters and Men’s anthems got a big reaction as their following gets larger.

Of Monsters and Men’s meteoric rise continued to show as they made their forth swing through the bay area in 2012. When they played the 450 capacity venue The Independent in March before their first LP was released, it was immediately clear their anthems could fill a stadium setting. It was pretty incredible to see this materialize less than nine months later.

The Icelandic breakthrough band of 2012 might have gotten the biggest positive reaction of the night, other than Jack White. “Six Weeks” was a great way to finish the the short set. Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir is truly talented, and she comes across as extremely sweat and genuine.

Gaslight Anthem played a solid set as many people were still arriving.

The Gaslight Anthem mostly played tracks from their 2012 LP Handwritten, and people were still arriving during this set. They got a pretty lukewarm reaction compared to the rest of the acts, but the New Jersey group put on a solid set.

Filed Under: Festivals, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Gaslight Anthem, Jack White, Live 105, Metric, Not So Silent Night, NSSN, Of Monsters and Men, The Shins

WKEND MIXTAPE: Major Lazer vs Hype Machine – Best of 2012 Zeitgeist Mix

December 7, 2012 by 3ricshaden Leave a Comment

This week’s mix comes from Major Lazer as part of Hype Machine’s mix series celebrating the best tracks of 2012. Major Lazer’s turn includes their own remixes and tracks (Hot Chip – “Look at Where We Are,” Usher – “Climax,” “Get Free”) along with tracks from Santigold, M.I.A., Rudimental, Hudson Mowhake and more. All with the usual Major Lazer twist.

If you liked this, check out these 2012 Zeitgeist Mixes from Hood Internet, alt-J, & Teen Daze.
Check out more Zeitgeist mixes to round out 2012. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Mixtapes Tagged With: Alt-J, Hood Internet, Hype Machine, Major Lazer, Teen Daze

How to Dress Well inspires pin-drop silence at Rickshaw Stop

December 7, 2012 by Molly Kish Leave a Comment

Photos & Video by Chaya & Michael Frash

It takes a pretty enticing talent to attract the amount of people that crammed into Rickshaw Stop mid-week on a rainy night. How to Dress Well proved that they were just the perfect act to accomplish such a feat, and they did it in their own fashion.

From the moment Tom Krell stepped on stage, took his place in front of his conjoined mics and brought up friends to support on a drum machine and violin, it felt like something special was happening. Quite the opposite of the personality conveyed through his less than optimistic records (his new LP is called Total Loss), he instantly was all smiles, thanking the crowd for joining. Tom pounding what looked like a bottle of tea, and he let the audience know that although he was a bit under the weather, he had self-medicated back stage and was pumped to be playing in a city he deemed as a second home.

The set opened with “Suicide Dream One” to a completely pitch black room with striking visuals of screaming geisha-faced women layered over each other, projected on the backdrop of the stage. Krell has been quoted as saying that he aims to “capture intense effects that happen right at the edge of language.” That mantra clearly defines how he puts on a live show.

In several instances throughout the night before he initiated songs, Krell instructed the Rickshaw Stop sound engineers to turn up the sampler mic and beats. His live performance relies heavily on the physical reactions he wants to get out of his listeners, so Krell had no problem taking the reigns back from management and nearly blowing out the soundsystem. During a brand new song, which I assume he intentionally left ambiguous in name, he literally stopped to address the sound board operator and said, “It’s alright be stressed, it’s meant to feel that way!”

After an opening segment spattered with intense, emotionally charged tracks from both 2010’s Love Remains and the recently released Total Loss, Krell decided to move into the second half of his set with a couple lighter dance tracks. This allowed for the audience to catch their breath for a second and realize the caliber of performance Krell was achieving. Although both albums have their fair share of heavy R&B gut-wrenchers, How to Dress Well’s front man “doesn’t want to be guy no one wants to be around because he’s so miserable.” The crowd jumped on the chance to shake off a bit of the somberness during Krell’s performance of “& It Was You,” and “Running Back.”

This was a change in pace that was very short lived, however, and it may have thrown off the house staff. After seguing back into a deeply emotional place with “Cold Nites,” Krell ended the set with “Set it Right,” and unfortunately this song made the biggest impact on me. “Set it Right” was accompanied by funeral pyer visuals that in no way was meant to be upbeat. The audio engineer accidentally blasted cheesy house music usually used between sets during the most critical part of “Set it Right,” when Krell was naming friends and family he has lost a-capella. You physically could see darts streaming from Krell’s eyes towards the sound booth, and after the song he addressed the incident lightheartedly, following up with an amazing encore.

Krell quickly returned by himself to perform two more songs, absent of any sound equipment or interference. Obviously exhausted and losing his voice, Krell stood at the front of the stage w/his back to the microphones and crooned one final track off of Love Remains followed by a cover of an Elite Gymnastics track.

Judging by the way the crowd literally came to a hushed standstill and lingered on every last note, I anticipate we’ll be seeing a lot more of Krell and his counterparts in the near future. Their live show, his exceptional vocals and endearing command over the crowd is something truly unique and encapsulating. Not only did he succeed in curating the type of effects he set out to achieve both musically and cognitively, his talent resonates far beyond what his humble presence dictates.

Filed Under: Live Music Reviews Tagged With: How to Dress Well, Rickshaw Stop

WKEND MIXTAPE: Fort Knox Five – Funk the World 10

Showbams’ best live music photography of 2012

Showbams’ best shows of 2012

Best albums of 2012

Rufus and Martha Wainwright bring friends & holiday cheer to the Fox Oakland

D.A.M.B. talks production, birthday songs and ‘That Tessa Track’ EP

Impending Apocalypse Now: 21 Songs for the End of the World

Charles Bradley tells us how he turned heartache, pain into his dream

Dragon Smoke unleash their fury at The Mint

Santigold captivates a packed Fox Theater Oakland with some help from her SG1 dancers

WKEND MIXTAPE: Ruckus Roboticus – A Very Daft Punk Christmas

The 25 best songs with whistling

Brooklyn’s finest, Antibalas, are still bullet-proof

Lights Down Low Presents Julio Bashmore, Richie Panic and Sleazemore & Matrixxman

Who’s better with Big Boi: Little Dragon or Kelly Rowland?

Bloc Party pulverize expectations at the Fox Theater Oakland

Jack White, The Shins, Metric & OM&M shine at Live105’s Not So Silent Night Friday

WKEND MIXTAPE: Major Lazer vs Hype Machine – Best of 2012 Zeitgeist Mix

How to Dress Well inspires pin-drop silence at Rickshaw Stop

SHOW REVIEWS

Silversun Pickups come out swinging with power & precision to kick off their ‘Tenterhooks Tour’ for a sold-out crowd at The Observatory

On their first major headlining tour, Say She She make no secret at The Belasco why the ‘discodelic soul’ group’s music is for everyone

The Mars Volta reaffirm at Pasadena Civic Auditorium that they aren’t resting on their laurels these days & we love them just as much for it

Lord Huron make their hometown fans at Kia Forum see how they’ve gone from burgeoning indie-rock band to newly minted arena act

The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse team up for one of the summer’s best co-headline tours as we witnessed at the Santa Barbara Bowl

PHOTOS

Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel showcase their beautiful collaboration ‘Celestun’ at Lodge Room just a few weeks after the album’s release

STS9 take over The Bellwether in LA for two nights to celebrate 20 years of ‘Artifact’ & the release of their new album ‘Human Dream’

Grammy winners Portugal. The Man deliver their love letter to Alaska at The Wiltern with Electric Guest, Hanni El Khatib as special guests

FESTIVALS

After debuting three years ago, Darker Waves Fest returns to unleash 2026 lineup with Morrissey & The Smashing Pumpkins standing atop

Just Like Heaven slides back to summer for sixth year as The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, TV Girl & Chromeo carry festival’s 2026 lineup

Outside Lands follows the trend, unloads 2026 lineup earlier than ever with Charli xcx, RÜFÜS DU SOL, The Strokes, The xx & more

Goldenvoice cooks up another batch of Coachella sideshows in 2026

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