Spinning Platters

Spinning Platters Interview: Dan Black

Dakin Hardwick — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:59:01 +0000

Shortly before he wowed the crowds at Mezzanine, we had the honor to sit and talk to Dan Black at a creepy dive bar on 6th St. We enjoyed club soda with lime, and talked about touring, musical genres, and what happens when your band spontaneously combusts on stage. Here’s a transcription of that conversation: [...]

Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 7/29/10-8/4/10

Jason LeRoy — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:10:03 +0000

As July transitions into August, The Mountain Winery continues to generally kick the ass of every other Bay Area concert venue this week—and it’s actually kind of an off-week for them. Nobody likes a showoff, Mountain Winery! Other highlights this week include Joanna Newsom, a free concert by Rickie Lee Jones, and the final performance [...]

Show Review: Morcheeba with The Mumlers and Mariee Sioux at The Fillmore, 7/28/2010

Jonathan Pirro — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:39:29 +0000

Any sort of band that plays music that can be even remotely described as “downtempo” has, in some eyes, a serious disadvantage when it comes to their live performance. The energy and excitement and wildness that comes from a live gig is toned down, and re-formed into the fluid, organic compositions that make up the [...]

Spinning Platters Interview: Zion I

Matthew Blake — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:36:54 +0000

“Hip-hope” perhaps? Their music blends genres of rap, electronica, reggae, jazz and other sounds, invoking spiritualism and awareness on social issues. They have risen to the top of their class, working with such greats as De La Soul and Run D.M.C. As Oakland’s MC Zion (aka Zumbi) and DJ/producer Amp Live prepare for a hometown [...]

Show Review: Robyn, Kelis, and Dan Black at The Mezzanine, 7/24/10

Kara Murphy — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:39:07 +0000

On a chilly Saturday night, I exited my car, parked on 6th Street and Howard clad in black stiletto ankle boots and a form-fitting black/white striped dress accented with a scant red cardigan that provided a bit of warmth en route to Mezzanine – located a few blocks away. Normally, I’m a jeans and hoodie [...]

Show Review: Admiral Radley at The Bottom Of The Hill, 7/23/2010

Christopher Rogers — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:37:53 +0000

Aaron Espinoza and Jason Lytle of Admiral Radley, plying their craft. Jason Lytle and Aaron Burtch of Grandaddy plus Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray of Earlimart equals Admiral Radley. These two midtempo guitar-and-keyboard indie rock crews plugged in their effects pedals together and now the Admiral has come to town. Jason Lytle multitasking. Yes, there [...]

Show Review: The Gaslight Anthem with New Politics Play at San Jose’s Music in the Park, 7/22/10

Summer Dos Santos — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:18:16 +0000

I was first exposed to The Gaslight Anthem via a concert at San Jose State with the Alkaline Trio, Rise Against, and Thrice about a year ago. They were the openers and I almost chose taking a trip to the merch booth over listening to their set. Luckily, I didn’t take that trip and now [...]

Show Review: Toad The Wet Sprocket, Hey Marseilles at The Fillmore, 7/23/10

Dakin Hardwick — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:06:03 +0000

I have a live music bucket list. That is, I have a list of performers and bands that I would like to see before I or they die. This week has been pretty good for me, in terms of knocking things off that list, but I was really excited about the opportunity to see the [...]

Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 7/22/10-7/28/10

Dakin Hardwick — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:02:29 +0000

The last week of July is looking pretty crazy… Tons of amazing shows going on this week, including two very rare 4-band shows that are worth arriving early and staying late. Time to buy some Red Bull! Thursday, July 22nd Sick Of It All, Trash Talk, 50 Lions, Alpha & Omega at Slim’s Long ago, [...]

Show Review: Jonathan Richman with Olof Arnalds at Swedish American Hall, 7/21/10

Gordon Elgart — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:47:31 +0000

Jonathan Richman explained the reason for the existence of his ongoing residency at Swedish American Hall this week. He was in Reykjavik playing a show, and the opener was some girl playing guitar and singing, and he was thinking “whatever” but then he started really listening and fell in love with the music, as did [...]