Where it starts, it ends...

Santah's White Noise Bed

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Sat, 08 May 2010 17:49:00 +0000

"Once is not enough to know / to read what we wrote / you'll need every footnote" cries singer/songwriter Stan McConnell on White Noise Bed opener "Irish Wristwatch." A good way to start Santah's debut full-length mentioned in an early post. I've finally had a chance to check out the remaining 7 tracks and there's not much more to say other than what a solid debut from a bunch of (almost former) college kids! Talking footnotes, here's a little bit of what drummer Steve Plock had to say.

The story behind the album goes back a bit over a year. Being students with summer break approaching there was a bit of an issue with being apart for an extended break such as summer. The band didn't have much of a chance to get together over the next few months, but McConnell and the rest of the band came back with some ideas for some songs. The plan had always been to head into the studio sometime in August after reuniting. After playing together again just a few days in August that's just what happened.

Working with Matt DeWine at Pieholden Suite Sound in Rantoul the band found a great opportunity to experiment with different tones from all of the available gear in the studio. Plock mentions this fact in remembering how the songs mostly came together in their two-week window at Pieholden. "The majority of the instrumentation is recorded live, so the songs didn't change much after that because they really couldn't," says Plock. After recording about half the album in those two weeks, the band went back into their practice space and wrote the rest.

"There was definitely a lot of pressure with writing [in the studio], but we knew what we wanted to do and just kept working at it until it sounded right," Plock said. After going back numerous times over the next few months to do some overdubbing, they seem to have found that "right." The album is a well crafted gem in the newly deemed "Champaign Pop City" dare I repeat.

Musically the album is close but definitely different from what most would have expected from the band that's been around central Illinois for a few years. Instead of the upbeat, fast-paced indie pop that has become a staple of those seeking a show to keep them smiling almost as much as Stan himself onstage, the album is surprisingly slow, with steady yet simple drum lines building with Otto Stuparitz's catchy bass and Tommy Trafton's key riffs that work together while not overpowering the overall sentimental feel of the album. Don't get me wrong, its still a very "feel-good" album with all of the "oohs," "ahhs," and "whoas" throughout, but its something very different. Maybe a bit more mature, pardon the cliche.

Take "No Other Women" for example. Based around a clever guitar and piano riff, the simplicity of the drums just adds onto the overall feel, almost lulling the listener in, then suddenly a crash and a "whoaaaaa" later you have your foot tapping and you're probably swaying back and forth to the melody. Its just that kind of musicianship that makes me like this album. Its simple yet effective. If you enjoy music that will keep you listening to hear multiple layers and melodies just a little bit different every time then this is an album for you.

Santah officially released the album last night at the Canopy Club in Urbana. Due to a previously scheduled conflict the show happened in the much smaller void room. I would argue that to have been a blessing in disguise. Most of the people in the room knew one another and being in such an intimate bar/stage setting made it feel that much warmer and was more appropriate for a band at home and on the rise.

Grandkids opened the night up with their cello-infused style of folk rock. "Hyacinth" and "Hot Springs" were the highlights of the set. Evan Metz does a great job interweaving his Telecaster over Vivian McConnell's acoustic finger picking. Keeping time with a multitude of brushes, yarn mallets, and sticks is drummer Phil Sudderberg. And it just wouldn't be Grandkids if Adam Gorcowski wasn't playing cello.

Dr. Manhattan took the stage next. Loud, fun, in your face (and sometimes above your head) all fit into the description for these guys. Fretless bass? Sure. American flag beat-up cut-off shirt? Why not? Lawn chair strapped to your back to recreate when the song floated into your head? Absolutely! These guys were all kinds of fun. Check out "Biscuits and Groovy" below... and do the zombie!

After getting a good dosage of just straight up fun rock, Santah finally took to the stage. Even though it was an album release show, it seemed most of the audience knew enough of the words to sing through most of the set. How's that for a loyal following in C-U?

Santah's set was great, an extended version of many of the sets I've seen previously. As if releasing White Noise Bed wasn't enough to bring together all the different parts that have made the band what it is today, Mack McConnell played about half of the set in what is most likely his final show as a member of Santah. It was nice to see Mack back on the stage since after recording guitars on the album, he has not played shows for the past few months. Joking before the show he said maybe its not the last we've seen of a familiar face around Santah. "If the music starts taking off who knows? If they get a bus... and a driver... why not come back on board?" Currently playing live is a different, female McConnell: Stan's sister Vivian (yep, same as above).

Of course be sure to check out the songs below, catch a show sometime this summer, and pick up White Noise Bed. You won't be disappointed.

+pictures

Grandkids

Dr. Manhattan

Santah

+Links

Dr. Manhattan on MySpace
Grandkids on Facebook
Santah on MySpace

+mp3s

I'm From Barcelona - Anywhere You Looked (Au Revoir Simone cover)

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:29:00 +0000

Another fantastic little cover I've been blasting on repeat for a while. This one was recorded for the Buffet Libre and Amnesty International PEACE compilation. PEACE features a ton of great artists playing exclusive songs, covers, and even includes some remixes. There's literally something for everyone. Fact: the 180 exclusive songs bring together artists from over 50 countries. A few of the artists include: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, The Antlers, Asobi Seksu, Ra Ra Riot, Spinto Band, Princeton, Her Space Holiday, and Thao + The Get Down Stay Down. But those are just some of the artists from the United States. Pretty cool, huh?

Even cooler? Just 5 pounds can get you the entire collection downloaded to your computer. Check out the PEACE webpage for more information and to get some music while helping out a great cause.

I'm From Barcelona - Anywhere You Looked (Au Revoir Simone cover)

The Antlers - VCR (The xx cover live on WPGU)

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:05:00 +0000

The Antlers were in town this Saturday to play a show at the Canopy Club. Just before they stopped by WPGU for a little interview and played a few songs as the last time they were in town (during Pygmalion Music Festival) they ran short on time. The guys played stripped down versions of "Bear" and "Kettering," but sandwiched between was this cover of The xx's "VCR." One of my favorite songs from last year covered by one of my favorite artists down the street at the radio station I work for. Epic?

Check out the other two tracks and get some quality music on the WPGU live stream over at the217.com

The Antlers - VCR (The xx cover live on WPGU)

Santah - Neighbors and Cousins

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:41:00 +0000

I'm waking from the dead. Its been a long, long, long time since I've posted something remotely cool to this little blog, but here's a track that's extremely good. Catch onto these guys before they get too big and its too late.

For the sake of full blogalistic integrity, these guys are some of my friends, although honestly I'm not sure it would matter upon hearing their music. Stan, Tommy, Otto, and Steve (and Vivian at least for recent live shows) make up Santah and are coming back stronger than ever with their latest effort recorded over the past few months with Matt Dewine at Pieholden Studios in Rantoul. The album, titled White Noise Bed, is set to release locally May 6th, but if you aren't from the Champaign-Urbana area, hopefully you won't have to wait longer to get your paws on a copy.

The fact that the album was recorded at Jay Bennett's Pieholden Studio hangout is no coincidence. Listen to the track below and try to tell me it doesn't sound like the good old Bennett days of Wilco a la Summerteeth. Just try. And no... that's not a bad thing at all.

More Santah: MySpace Facebook

Santah - Neighbors & Cousins

91. Wilco - Should've Been In Love

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:28:00 +0000

One day at a time. Not too much more to say. Its really hard to wait on something you know and love. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us and its just human. There's always hope for better in time. Nothing is too broken to fix. Who knows though? Change has such a bad rap. Look through history and see how many things we would be without if we didn't have change and innovation. Its hard to see that sometimes, but change is positive and truly good for everyone. Things work out the way they do for the best. Sometimes there's nothing left to say or do other than wait it out. Here's to tomorrow and the future!

Wilco - Should've Been In Love

91.5 The xx - VCR

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:08:00 +0000

Check out this video courtesy of Pitchfork.tv First off I love this band and this song, and the video makes me love it even more. I like what Filter Magazine said:

While the lyrics relate simple yet romantic intensions in front of an aged piece of technology, the couple tear apart a room and share a cinematic kiss in front of a pair of Xs on fire. Because like most things that involve relationships, the video is less about making sense, but more about how it makes you feel.

Perfect.

92. The Radio Dept. - Heaven's On Fire

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Europe taketh and Europe giveth back. Thanks Europe.

Sometimes its nice to just sit back and relax. Shut your brain off for a while. You know, like after a long day for some reason you just want to do nothing but sit in a bath for a while then maybe lay in your bed and drift off to a nice, deep sleep. I would add nothing but a little soothing music to it. Well, maybe you'd like some bath bombs, too. I hear those are pretty nifty little relaxation vehicles. Although I've never used them, I have bought them... as a gift for my sisters. Honest truth.

This song's been on repeat all day. Hailing from Sweden, The Radio Dept. isn't really doing anything super clever and groundbreaking, but its really not bothering me one bit. I like the little jazzy bits of horns layered over those repetitive guitar and key lines. I'm pretty sure the song has a meaning that I haven't figured out. It's not that I can't understand it... my mind just goes into a completely tranquil state when the intro voice stops speaking about the "capitalistic destruction of youth culture." I'm sure this isn't the last we'll be talking about this band here. They have a new album due out in May. I'll pass on the word when I get it!

The Radio Dept. - Heaven's On Fire

93. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:30:00 +0000

I suppose this fits really well into the countdown. This video is out in anticipation of the forthcoming single from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I like it.

It's Blitz has been all over the place since its release last summer. If you haven't heard the acoustic version of "Skeletons" check it out. Its included in the deluxe version of the album. Think of it as like a two-for-one special today. Who doesn't appreciate that?

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons (acoustic)

93.5 Bright Eyes - Lime Tree

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:43:00 +0000

Just remembered seeing this posted on Kanye West's blog one day. It was sent out from C.J. over at Saddle Creek Records (Justin and Conor Oberst's label) and its pretty. Very dark and sequin-filled. Which reminds me...

BRIGHT EYES - LIME TREE from Alex Turvey on Vimeo.

Another song coming later on today...

“The eye finds, the heart choosyth, the hand binds, but death loosyth.”

94. Wilco - At Least That's What You Said

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:52:00 +0000

How is Wilco so perfect? I think everyone has that go to band that seems to just fit no matter the mood. Wilco is mine. Somehow just always works. The opening track off A Ghost Is Born really shows a different direction for the band. Jeff Tweedy become not only lead songwriter but also lead guitar. Say what you want about the former and current line-ups, but Tweedy on lead is all I need. His guitar work on the album are really the highlight. Check out the solos. Here's song number 94.

I said, maybe if I leave, you'll want me
To come back home
Or maybe all you mean, is leave me alone
At least that's what you said

I thought it was cute
For you to kiss
My purple black eye
Even though I caught it from you
I still think we're serious
At least that's what you said

Wilco - At Least That's What You Said

First post of a new decade... feels monumental

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:43:00 +0000

Its pretty crazy how much you can learn about yourself through just one person. I've been away... way too long. Lo siento. Much apologies. But here comes a new year and a new decade; get ready:

I've learned that in order to see another's point of view you first have to be able to see why you have your own point of view. Its good to want things; its also good to be able to compromise. Sometimes what's best for you isn't best for the long term. Sometimes you don't realize how tough something will be until its actually on you. Its hard to deal with but luckily most of us have someone out there somewhere no matter how distant who is there for them. Its a great feeling to have, even if it takes a bit of time to realize that connection. I've just gone through one of those realizations. It makes me feel incredible right now.

On that note, awesome start to the new decade. So much new music has come in that in the next few (read: three) months I will have a ton to talk about. Why that amount of time? Don't ask too many questions! (But I'm sure I'll eventually get to writing it down... just after I can fully discuss it with the person who already knows why.)

For the first post of the year I originally wanted to post something of and/or related to an end of the year/year in review/best of list. Unfortunately, most of those just serve to validate others' lists. That's bullshit. No thanks.

Second idea, album review... nope not yet too early. So instead I've decided to just rant. I haven't been able to sleep in a couple days. I haven't been eating enough. Couple that with too many cigarettes and feeling flat out depressed and lost and well, I hope you understand. I'm awesome right now, though. Thanks for asking. Enjoy the music!!
Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - Relator

Office - Oh My

New Ruins - Symptoms

It is after all the year of the tiger...

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:10:00 +0000

What happens when the rhythm section of a band grows up together and meets with a couple of guys who also grew up together and comprise the melody section? You get a band like Spring Tigers.

Add in a pretty talented vocalist (and guitarist and soapbox preacher) and big things are bound to happen. While no one knows for sure why front man Kris Barratt can't go back home ("I can't tell you why, but I'll be kneecapped!") its good for all of us that he was forced to make friends in the Athens, GA music scene. There he met the aforementioned pairs: Stephen James (keys) and Shane Davis (guitars, hair and romance), as well as Chase Prince (drums and medicine) and Eli Bernard (bass). Stephen and Shane moved to Athens after playing in punk bands throughout college while Chase and Eli grew up around the Black Kids-type hardcore-ish scene in Jacksonville, FL.

Their story is pretty unique. After being a band for only a month and playing shows solely in Athens, they landed a few gigs at SXSW back in '08. From there they went on an east coast tour with the Wombats, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and The Duke Spirit. Not bad.

They caught the attention of new indie label Bright Antenna, not surprising as The Wombats call it home. They quickly threw together a 6-song mini-LP with producer Sep V (which was partially recorded in Sam Fogarino of Interpol fame's home studio) and had Mark Needham (The Killers, My Chemical Romance, Bloc Party) mix it.

The debut self-titled mini-LP has been out since October 20th and I highly recommend checking it out. Be it only 6 songs song, its still a wonderful little pop-rock album/EP/mini-LP/whatever. Thumbs up. Enjoy!

Spring Tigers - Hyboria

Spring Tigers - Just Suggesting

New Cold War Kids

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:11:00 +0000

Just got some new music in from Cold War Kids. They're planning a January release of a 4 song EP titled Behave Yourself. Should be pretty good going off this track! There's also word of 4 shows for the new year where they will be making it extra special by giving each ticket holder the ability to download the show! Check the above poster for info. Let's hope the technology works out for them. I'll have to try to get up to Chicago for the show.

They've also put together this teaser video with the help of their friend Vern. Check it.

Cold War Kids - Audience

The Temper Trap's Conditions

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:34:00 +0000

Since being turned onto this band by a friend of mine I've been anxiously awaiting the release of their new album here in the states. I finally received a copy of Conditions by The Temper Trap, out October 13th on Glassnote Records, today and have been listening to it ever since. After taking a little break due to being labeled as a vocalist trying to make a band happen, The Temper Trap have finally figured it out and broken through in the world of indie music. And I do mean world.

Coming to us from Melbourne, Australia, the band is one you don't want to miss. They have a show coming up October 19th in Chicago and I really wish I could make it up there for it. Check out a couple of tracks from the album! (the album cover links to their myspace!)

The Temper Trap - Fader

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

Say good morning to another set of creature

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:44:00 +0000

I try to avoid long, drawn-out ramblings about personal issues but sometimes its just too relevant to great music that its completely unavoidable. As I sit here watching the Bears, I'm doing the same thing I've been doing for the past 48+ hours: thinking. Why? I don't know. About what? Oh, anything and everything. All I know is I haven't been able to sleep much with so much on my mind.

I woke up after a brief 2 hour nap this morning at 4am. I threw on some music and tried to go back to sleep but to no avail. 5am rolled around. I decided I would just go for a ride. I brought my computer to plug in and just hit shuffle on my iTunes (yep, iTunes). I've never really explored much of the farmland surrounding Champaign, so I decided to venture south and a little bit east. I came across a couple little small towns that reminded me of some Northern Michigan towns. For the record, I've been wanting to head up north for a while and that's how the similarity fits into my thinking.

I kept driving. I kept turning off the main roads and into walls of corn. Occasionally I'd pass a lowland where fog would rise up and blanket the road in front of me. A full moon was out when I left but I soon found a park along side a river and just sat there and watched the sun come up. It was awesome. I kept driving. Eventually I turned around. I don't even remember most of the music I was listening to; I was zoning out. However, this one came on during the drive back down the highway. It was perfect. I put it on repeat and drove the rest of the way home. Happy Sunday. Enjoy. I should take a nap.

The Twilight Singers - Teenage Wristband

Headlights out in the wild

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:27:00 +0000

Champaign-Urbana's very own Headlights have a new disc out! The band had a release party Wildlife a few weeks back as part of the Pygmalion Music Festival allowing fans to get a hold of the album a few weeks before its official October 6th release date. I've been listening to it ever since then and its definitely worth sharing!

Drawing on the success of their previous releases, this one sounds even more refined. Us fans have heard many of the tunes at their shows this year but now we can all finally appreciate the recorded versions. Get ready to dance, just like the impromptu on-stage dance party that highlighted the Polyvinyl Records Showcase to kick off Pygmalion!

Headlights - Secrets

Headlights - Get Going

Dead Man's Bones: Perfect Autumn Soundtrack

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:08:00 +0000

So today the CMJ College Radio Award nominations came out... turns out our station is up for an amazing 10 different awards... and I'm personally up for music director of the year! Incredible news for this incredible day! Probably a good reason why I'm up after 4am writing instead of sleeping.

Anyway, happy October 1st to you all! Being that Autumn and October happen to be a favorite time of the year for me, I'd like to share some delicious new music that's pretty spooky and worth checking out. Many have started to write about Dead Man's Bones and I'm going to join them. This duo of Zach Shields and Ryan Gossling originally met back in 2005 and intended their now self-titled album to be the soundtrack for a monster-type movie. Even by itself its still some great tuneage.

Employing the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir, working with Tim Anderson of I'm A Robot, laying down some guidelines (no more than 3 takes, playing every instrument themselves, and not using a click track), and stemming from various music they have created the perfect fall/Halloween soundtrack. I do believe this is the first blog to post "Pa Pa Power"... so be sure to check it out. And of course for more info check out the Anti- website and the Dead Man's Bones website. Buy the album when it hits shelves this coming Tuesday, the artwork is just as good!

Dead Man's Bones - Pa Pa Power

Dead Man's Bones - My Body's A Zombie For You

Dead Man's Bones - In The Room Where You Sleep

Company of Thieves Stops by!

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:24:00 +0000

Hey, what do you know... my internet is being extremely shitty today... but surprisingly its going to be beneficial to anyone who enjoys music... and Company of Thieves.

I. like. periods. Seriously, though, this post is a fun one because its a sort of follow up to the little one I did a while back when I started writing this... and my upload speeds are awesome today. I finally was able to catch up with Marc Walloch and the rest of the Thieves when they stopped by the studio a little over a week ago while in town for the Pygmalion Music Festival. I didn't introduce myself but went up to Marc and was like "oh hey how's it going?" and he kinda just looked at me and was like, "Whoa what are you up to? I can't believe I recognized your face!" It was pretty funny, at least I thought so.I was informed that they have added a few permanent members to the band, even if the sleeve for Ordinary Riches doesn't say so. They revealed plans to continue writing music and building on the success of their debut album and national touring schedule. I was told to be on the look out for new material sometime after the new year.
Everyone seemed to be in good spirits that day. I know I was. I had already chatted it up with some of my favorite musicians and was pretty antsy in anticipation of Thursday night's shows. For a little sneak peak Company of Thieves played us a couple of acoustic tunes! Check 'em out!

Company of Thieves - In Passing (Live on WPGU 9/17/09)

Company of Thieves - Oscar Wilde (Live on WPGU 9/17/09)

New Elsinore!!!

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Really quick... new music from Elsinore! The blog has been sitting in the corner of my room crying for a while for some attention so I figured I'd make it happy with atleast one post during the month of September. Pygmalion Music Festival came and went. Unbelievably fun. Hung out with Joe Pug, Co. of Thieves, Japandroids, Headlights, BOB NANNA, Lucero, etc. I'll eventually write a little bit more about that.

Most of those bands came around the studio so the audio will soon be up on the station website to which I will link once they are up. Its been a lot of fun and one of the standout performances was from these guys. From what I was told, they are in the process of shooting a video for this song and it should be rather sweet. Give the song a listen and head on over to http://www.elsinoremusic.net for mas info!

Elsinore - Chemicals

Freaky Fresh: 8-27

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:03:00 +0000

It has been almost a month since my last post... wow. Its been a busy past few weeks, though, I have taken on some bigger responsibilities and all and just haven't had the time to post anything new. I miss summer.

Anyway, I've received a ton of great music lately but one track I felt like sharing today (since I have a bit of time) is from Jupiter One, a band out of Brooklyn who have their sophomore album due out September 15th and are currently on tour opening for Regina Spektor this fall.

Now normally I listen to the music we get in and most of it isn't all that great or just not of the particular style I would want to listen to but this one is an exception. Its a good little indie pop gem, mixing the old with the new and creating a warm, happy vibe.

The new album coming out is titled Sunshower and "Volcano" is the first track off of it, which is kind of funny because to be honest with you I checked my mail at about 2:30p (2 hours ago) saw this, popped it in, and haven't listened to any of the other tracks. I'll have to right now since I'm done writing!

Jupiter One - Volcano

Freaky Fresh: 7-30

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

I've been listening to the new Cribs' songs for a while now. I've really, really, really wanted to feature them on the Freaky Fresh at 4, but I had to wait for the first single to be released. Why? Well, "We Were Aborted" almost was featured, but I decided it was probably a better idea to play it safe and not mess with the topics of abortion and masturbation at 4pm on public airwaves (although Green Day says masturbation in "Longview"). Instead, I finally get to spin a copy of "Cheat On Me," the first single and one that's a tad more radio friendly. Adding Johnny Marr to the mix sounds awesome thus far. I can't even describe how excited I am for the new album Ignore The Ignorant to come out September 8th here in the states!
The Cribs - Cheat On Me

Coldplay at Alpine Valley 7-25-09

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:35:00 +0000

This past weekend I had the chance to see Coldplay up at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin. Normally I don’t consider myself to be a huge Coldplay fan, although yes, I do own every album from them and I can sing along to just about all of their songs. The only reason I shy away from calling myself a fan is to try to stay away from being associated with many of their other “fans.” This weekend highlighted my ideology almost perfectly.

Of course, its at Alpine Valley. Sure, 30-some thousand people are going to show up, many of whom will arrive hours before to tailgate in the massive expanse of grass known as the parking lot. Sure some people will get drunk before entering the actual bowl. To me that’s fine, especially with the exorbitant price of a beer. However, it is completely inappropriate to be yelling at people in front of you when someone stands up to see a band.

Here’s the problem with Alpine: most of the tickets are general admission lawn seats. Way too many people decide to camp on the lawn so for two people they need a gigantic blanket and possibly some lawn chairs. Well, when I can’t find a place to stand, guess what? I’m going to stand in front of your blanket. I know, you hate me for wanting to see the band.

Which leads to my other problem: opening bands aren’t just there to play music for people as everyone walks in to find the best seat to watch Coldplay. The main opener of the evening was Elbow. ELBOW! Most of the crowd didn’t even pay attention to the opening act. Sure Elbow doesn’t have the outward looking live performance as Chris Martin and Coldplay, but they still play some damn good music.

So when the folks behind me decided to jaw about the fact that a group of people was standing in front of their ground level position, a simple question of “who is playing right now?” ensued. Those complaining couldn’t even answer the question. That doesn’t make me want to sit when I’m singing along to Elbow’s set. Oh, and the people in front of us were standing, too.
However, when Coldplay made their way to the stage, everyone immediately stood up and the entire crowd could sing every word to every song that was performed.

Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast at the show. I know many will question a Coldplay show based on their musical ability, them “borrowing riffs” and what not, but Coldplay sure puts on a hell of a performance. Was it overdone at points? Sure Chris Martin didn’t have to roll on the stage at points, but most of the audience sure connected with it. And did they ever.

I believe a few years ago Coldplay decided to record live at Alpine Valley, and for good reason. I know this year they are recording live during a two-night stand in Vancouver, but the energy at this show would be hard to top in my mind. The nearly two hour set included the band moving to a side stage and playing a couple of techno remixes as well as playing about 10 feet away from me in the center of the lawn. With such a large crowd it really is nice to see a band truly realize the extent to which their fans allow them to do what they do everyday.Overall it was an awesome show. I’ll probably write a bit more about it later, and possibly even post the angry rant I wrote sitting for 2 hours in the parking lot listening to nothing but Left Right Left Right Left, the live disc handed out after the show. Until then, happy listening and have a wonderful day!

Elbow - Grounds For Divorce

Elbow - One Day Like This

Coldplay - Glass Of Water (Live)

Freaky Fresh: 7-29

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:43:00 +0000

Since when do I get hangovers that last for 10 hours? Yeah, never is right. I'm not really sure what is up with that today but oh well.

Today's Freaky Fresh track comes to us from London... again. For whatever reason, White Lies' "To Lose My Life" has been getting a bunch of airplay, but the other 3 previous singles from the likewise-titled debut album haven't. I decided today was a good day to change that up a bit. "Death" was released as a single almost a year ago, all the way back in September of 2008. That's around the time when Kings of Leon's latest album was gaining popularity. Its currently fathering three singles in the top 15 of the Modern Rock charts? Oh, well shit!

Anyway, "Death" was one of those tracks I had on repeat a little bit ago. I'm all about the retro-vibe that's been really prevalent in much of the new music that's been coming out the past few years. I'm also all about aviation, and White Lies' not-so-secret fascination with flying is pretty awesome as well. In fact, they used to be called Fear of Flying back in the day! So here it is the second song ever written and now fifth (kinda) single from White Lies:

White Lies - Death

Freaky Fresh: 7-28

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +0000

A really relaxing pick for today's Freaky Fresh, "Northern Lights" from Bowerbirds. With their nu-folk stylings, mostly based around the vocals and guitar of Phil Moore, Bowerbirds evoke a simple evening just like tonight. I mentioned in the P4K day II round-up how similar Moore sounded live to Andrew Bird, which I have to say is no horrible comparison. I'm currently enjoying this track as well as the second full-length from Bowerbirds titled Upper Air. I know you'll want to buy it to check it out for yourself.

On a slightly unrelated note, Beth Tacular is awesome, especially with that accordion.
Bowerbirds - Northern Lights

Freaky Fresh: 7-27

jcannat2@illinois.edu (Josh) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:13:00 +0000

I never thought running this Freaky Fresh bit on my radio show as well as posting it here would come in handy as much as it did today. I'm sure many of you know the complexities of trying to have anything run smoothly with computers, but try having computer trouble when running a fully commercial radio station! When our touch screen interface decided to quit, we just transferred it over to using a different screen with a mouse. When the phone line lost the ability to run through our sound board and through my mic, we just went to picking up the phone as any household would. But when the program we run the entire station off of decided to not respond, we got into a big problem. And that's just what happened today.

With some quick thinking I remembered that not only can I stream some of the songs I've posted here, but I also had a couple of them on another computer that I can run through the board and play over the airwaves. So while talking about as much as possible, I cued up last Friday's FF@4 track from The Very Best and let it play while rebooting the computer that runs all of our music.

With all of that said here is today's track: Atlas from Eugene McGuinness. I have been raving over the British lad's self-titled, debut studio album since I first heard it. This is my second favorite track off of it and the one I had on repeat while driving 7 hours up to Michigan for the 4th of July. Of course, go out and buy this album, I promise you it is worth it!

Eugene McGuinness - Atlas