As detailed earlier, I'm pretty well thrilled to play a part in bringing Minneapolis' Now, Now Every Children to town for the very first time this Friday, May 1st. After a couple of promising EPs, the duo (and touring trio) delivered a stunning debut album titled "Cars" in February, and I obsessed enough over it to make it my mission to see them play live. That'll happen in just a few days at TT the Bears, where the band will be joined by a couple of my local faves (The Hush Now & You Can Be A Wesley) and my Vermont-based pals Let's Whisper. Tickets can be had right here, or at TTs to skip the service charge.
NNEC's Cacie Dalager and Bradley Hale are back home in Minneapolis after finishing up their first European tour, getting ready to head out for a string of dates that kicks off with an all-ages Abbey Pub gig in Chicago on Wednesday and includes Friday's Cambridge show along with The Bamboozle fest in NJ on Sunday and a stop at NYC's Mercury Lounge a few days later.
Cacie took some time to answer some quick email questions, and their label (Afternoon Records) graciously gave me permission to share my very favorite song from "Cars". Here you go, but grab the Mp3 soon, since I'll only be sharing it up until the TTs show on Friday night...
Bradley's Almanac: So you recently finished up your first-ever trip overseas. How did the shows go overall? Was it everyone's first time over there? What people/places/happenings stand out as highlights? (You can cover what is probably the lowlight in the next question).
Cacie: The shows went really really well! They've been more fun than the majority of our US shows so far. Yep, that was the first time for all of us. I think one of our favorite moments was seeing the Eiffel Tower. We totally weren't even that into seeing it, but when we got there we literally all started peeing ourselves. And we had kind of been wanting to see it sparkle (did you know it sparkles?) but we went there at like 1am thinking we'd missed our chance. But then it did and we all started running around and screaming like maniacs. There are videos of it. It was so ridiculous, but super awesome. It was also really nice to meet everyone at our german label Tapete Records. They are seriously some of the coolest people I've ever met. We also just made some really great friends over there. I think the whole trip was a highlight haha.
BA: So I was pretty bummed to see your April 9th Twitter message say "DENIED ACCESS TO THE UK". Can you share a bit about what happened? Were you able to take advantage of your downtime stuck in France?
Cacie: Yeah, it was a tottaaallllllll bummer. I can't even explain how bummed we were. I hate to be the punk kid who says "they just didn't like us", but no joke they just didn't like us. They stopped us initially for the wrong reason saying we needed a work permit. But you actually don't need a work permit unless you're going to be there for over three months. What ended up happening was we needed to be on a list of some sort saying we could be playing over there. It was super technical and stupid. It wouldn't have been so bad if they weren't so rude about it you know? They said unless we were as known as Frank Sinatra. It was so ridiculous. So we were detained for 4 and a half hours in a detainment room. And got our fingerprints taken and our stuff searched and things of that awesome nature. But whatever, we know what to do now. So HOPEFULLY they'll let us in next time. France was still pretty fun. Our friend Charley came from the UK to keep us company since we didn't make it in. So we just hung out with her and went running back to the Eiffel Tower to make ourselves feel better. We also went to a super dumb amusement park. But I'd like to pretend that never happened haha.
BA: So "Cars" has been out for a few months, but is seeing a bit of a re-release in July. Got any solid plans for a national tour? How about taking another crack at the UK?
Cacie: I'm hoping we'll do a pretty extensive tour this summer. But I really don't know what's going on yet. We'll see what happens when we get back from this next little tour to Bamboozle. Dude of course! We'll plow through those suckers like red rover.
BA: Is it too early to talk about a second album? Any super-new songs in the works, or are you just focusing on playing the "Cars" stuff live?
Cacie: Nope definitely not too early. Of course! We've been working on one all night actually haha. It's good to focus on what you have and get good at it, but it's also good to keep the creative juices flowing. I can't wait to start demoing again.
BA: You guys are technically a duo, although you tour as a trio... can you talk a bit about making that decision, and if adding someone has made you debate remaining a duo when you record again? Do you find the duo thing more liberating or at all restrictive?
Cacie: When you go through lineup changes (as we have many times) it's kind of confusing to the kids who listen to you. Because then they're like "oh dude where's so and so?". It's hard to explain what happened over and over. Especially if it's something that you can't really talk about. It's mainly just to keep things simple. I think Brad and I will always record as a duo. We know how each other's brains work. I think it's the best match for our situation.
BA: And lastly, an entirely selfish question... you play "Have You Tried" live, right? Just checkin'.
Cacie: Haha, yep! We do. It's one of my favorites to play. I don't think we're playing it much on our next tour though. We'll see.
Thanks to Cacie for the answers, and here's hoping that song does indeed make it into their setlist on Friday night at TTs. Do join us, won't you?
This Friday night, the very first day of May, I'm genuinely proud to have pulled together a pretty amazing four-band lineup at TT the Bears in Cambridge, Mass. -- From Minneapolis, and making their Boston-area debut, the wonderful Now, Now Every Children. One of Boston's best new bands, The Hush Now. Truly great local quartet You Can Be A Wesley. And opening the evening, from the northern confines of Burlington, Vermont, gentle-pop duo Let's Whisper. If you live in the Boston area, and you've ever downloaded anything from the 'Nac, your presence at this party is requested required. And here are some words (and more importantly, some songs) to convince you...
Y'see, I don't do these "Bradley's Almanac presents..." rock shows very often, because of the simple reason that I can only sincerely put my time & effort behind a show if I'm a genuine fan of all the bands involved. In fact, I've only done one of these before, when Film School, the Broken River Prophet, and the Douglas Fir played TTs almost a year ago. It was a total blast, but a severe lack of free time and the right alignment of (rock) stars has kept me from doing another, until now. And the reason behind it is pretty straightforward -- I just want to see these bands play their songs for me. And for you.
I fell in love with Now, Now Every Children almost instantaneously upon hearing their debut disc, "Cars" a couple months back. Just a few songs in and I was utterly and completely hooked, and hard. The pairing of guitarist/keyboard player Cacie Dalager's mesmerizing voice with the sounds that she and drummer Brad Hale put together hit me in that sweet spot that so rarely happens... it didn't need time to sink in or grow on me -- I just adored them from the get go. So much so that I immediately searched online for any prospect of a Boston-area date. Nope, nothing.
Instead of resigning myself to missing out, or just waiting impatiently, I did something that still surprises me: I made it happen. A couple weeks planning and a couple dozen emails later, and they're coming. How 'bout that? Sometimes this little website sure comes in handy. I cannot adequately explain my compulsion to see them perform "Have You Tried" in person. Here's the second single from "Cars", which gets a national re-release in July (and which the duo, who tour as a trio, will have with them when the come to town next week)...
Filling out the rest of the bill was pretty easy... I had a very short list and they all accepted the invite. After being rightly blown away by The Hush Now's meticulously crafted, hook-filled debut full-length (available for free), and catching their very first show at the disc's release party in February, I knew I wanted to see them again soon. Here's one of my faves from the album...
I happened upon You Can Be A Wesley last summer when they opened for Grand Archives at Allston's Great Scott, and have been patiently awaiting the release of their first album ever since. A taste of it arrived a few weeks back with new Mp3 and video for the catchy-as-hell "Creatures"...
A finally, to round out this special lineup, I thought I'd ask an out-of-town opener who could ease us gently into the evening, someone worth arriving early for, and the answer was obvious -- my northern friends Colin and Dana, performing as Let's Whisper. These two songwriters, who both alternate and share vocals, have played here many times as 2/5ths of the Smittens, but this will mark their first trip for their bedroom pop duo, and I'm so very psyched. They've got a brand new track on an Eardrums compilation, so go grab that, and check out this one from their out-of-print "Make Me Smile" EP on London's WeePOP! Records...
I'm a bit humbled that TTs has entrusted me with booking an entire Friday night, so I'm on a mission to pack the place, and I'm looking at this thing more as a party with some great bands than your regular rock show. With friends and free stuff (I've been collecting cool giveaway items and have tons of promos piling up), and my own between-band playlists of my favorite songs of the year so far. You may even spot me behind some drums at some point, alongside some other special on-stage guests.
Tickets for the Friday night, May 1st show at TT the Bears can be purchased at the club in the evenings, or right here on Ticketweb. Doors are at 8:30pm, and Let's Whisper will start shortly after (no fashionable lateness allowed!). Have I done my job to convince you? Then add your name to the Facebook event page, and if you're a regular reader that I've never met (hell, even if we have), feel free to track me down at the show and say hello. I'll be the guy with the biggest smile on his face.
Cinema-loving ladies and gents, the 2009 Independent Film Festival of Boston is upon us. Without fail, I start to get excited about this sucker from the moment the dates are announced, moreso as the full lineup is unveiled, and I don't lose that feeling until the final frames of the closing-night film. From this coming Wednesday evening, April 22nd, through Tuesday night the 28th, I'll forego the rock shows and switch into all-movie mode, and I absolutely cannot wait.
Each year the IFFB seems to get a little bit better, in a variety of ways (from the schedule to the guest list to the web site), and it's no different this time around. For this, the seventh edition, they've added the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston as a new venue, and if you check out the interactive schedule, you'll notice a vast improvement in its features. Filters, sorting, pop-ups for film info and theater locations - everything is easy to find, and being able to print out your own customized schedule is hugely appreciated. Head on over and check it out.
For past fests I've done both a highlights post and a full film list here on the 'Nac, with official site links and trailers - sometimes before the IFFB site was ready - as a way to make myself research every film and ensure I didn't miss out on anything. This year, though, their spiffy online schedule has made it so easy that my own link-gathering was a little redundant. Instead, I'm just sticking with my own anticipated highlights. So here's a list of the films that jump out at me, a few for each day of the fest, which includes (of course) some music-related movies alongside those with intriguing premises from notable creators.
Before I get to that, some things you should know...
Some of the best films I've caught at past IFFB's are due to recommendations from Program Director Adam Roffman, who usually points out a couple "don't miss" flicks that I might otherwise overlook. This year, he's taking his recommendations to the IFFB Blog, so keep an eye out there. His first pick, "Birdwatchers", wasn't even on my radar until reading his words, and it's now going on my own schedule. His second and third selections are now up as well.
While I attempt to tackle the narrative and documentary features below, time prohibits me from digging into the short film selections. So make sure you check out this easy link to all six of the Short Film Programs that are offered throughout the week, and dive into all of their deets. The packaged short categories are: Animation, Documentaries, Comedy, Twisted, Global, and Dramatic. There's also a program for Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts on Saturday afternoon.
Buy tickets to individual screenings here, or full festival passes here.
And now, my personal picks for the 2009 IFFBoston. It was not easy to trim this down, believe me, so be sure to go over the full schedule with a fine-tooth comb on your own so you don't miss something I happen to skip here...
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
The opening night film this year is from the man responsible for the brilliant "Brick", one of my favorites flicks of 2005. It took writer/director Rian Johnson three years to follow it up with "The Brothers Bloom", and he scored quite the killer cast: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, "Babel"s Rinko Kikuchi, Robbie Coltrane, Maximilian Schell, and narrator Ricky Jay. Johnson will be in attendance to chat about the film, maybe the intervening years and, hopefully, what he's got ahead. After "Brick", he's got my loyalty for life. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at the Somerville at 7:30pm on 4/22)
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
I tried to limit myself to picking a max of three per night, but failed utterly. The lack of cloning technology will prevent me from seeing all these, but I can't resist recommending them...
The second night brings a couple of distinctly local-flavored films, including the premiere of Amy Grill's techno music documentary "Speaking In Code", which connects the dots from the birth of techno music 20 years ago through it's state today. Local places and faces play a prominent part, including Boston-based DJ (and Weekly Dig A&E editor) David Day. Amy will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A, and it's a safe bet that David will be there, too. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at the Somerville at 7pm on 4/23)
Shot in and around Boston, the drama "Children of Invention" makes its New England premiere on Thursday as well. Randolph, MA native Tze Chun wrote and directed this story of two children left to fend for themselves after the disappearance of their mother. It's already received critical acclaim after a strong Sundance showing, and will be screening twice during the IFFB. Tze Chun and producer Mynette Louie will be there both nights. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:15pm on 4/23 and 7:30pm on 4/24, both at the Somerville).
After nearly stealing 2007's "Into The Wild" with just a few scenes, veteran actor Hal Holbrook takes center stage in "That Evening Sun" as farmer Abner Meecham, returning to his homestead after an unwanted stay in a nursing facility. His return home is not an easy one, as he finds his farm leased to a contentious stranger by his son (the brilliant Walton Goggins, Shane from "The Shield"). While the film first screens on Thursday, Mr. Holbrook and co-star Barry Corbin will only be attending the Sunday screening with director Scott Teems (who will be at both). (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:30pm on 4/23 and 3pm on 4/26, both at the Somerville )
I'm a sucker for a good detective story, and I'm also a sucker for anything with Amy Ryan ("The Wire", "Gone Baby Gone", "The Office") in it. Throw in fellow Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road") and I'm so very there. Noah Buschel's "The Missing Person" puts an old-school, hard-drinkin', chain-smokin' private dick up on a modern-day shadowing case, and I expect a few twists and a couple of turns. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 9:45pm at the Somerville Theatre on 4/23)
True-crime character-study "Bronson" points the camera at Tom Hardy's powerful portrayal of real-life UK prison inmate Michael Peterson, who famously changed his name to 'Charles Bronson'. This is another of IFFB program director Adam Roffman's personal recommendations, and sounds like the perfect late-night capper for the fest's second (or fourth) day. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 10pm on 4/23 and 9:45pm on 4/25, both in Somerville)
Friday, April 24th, 2009
Dubbed an "anti-rom-com", Mark Webb's directorial debut "500 Days Of Summer" stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (one of my favorite actors, thanks to his work in both "Brick" and "The Lookout") and indie-darling Zooey Deschanel. As if that wasn't enough to get me there, the twotrailers give us a peek at a choreographed, outdoor dance number, shows She & Him singer Zooey with a microphone, and throws in my favorite Smiths song ever. Hello! (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)
Bestor Cram's documentary "Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison" dives deep into the story surrounding Cash's legendary 1968 performance, interviewing his bandmates, inmates, and friends. Given the subject and the music he made, it won't surprise me if the film is great -- what's truly surprising is that it took this long for such a doc to get made. Director Cram will be attending the screening for a Cash-flavored Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:15pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)
Comedian Patton Oswalt takes center stage in Robert Siegel's "Big Fan" as an obsessive NY Giants fan whose encounter with one of their star players takes a distinctly nasty turn. If you're at all familiar with Kevin Corrigan or Michael Rappaport, you know they're perfectly cast as fellow football freaks. The film was nominated for this year's Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, and Oswalt just picked up the best actor award at CA's Method Fest. Writer/director Siegel (who also wrote "The Wrestler") and Kevin Corrigan will both be at the screening. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 9:15pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)
It shouldn't be a shock that "Chip On My Shoulder", chronicling the 20-year history of Boston hardcore legends Slapshot, was one of the first of this year's films to sell right out of advance tickets. Their fans are legion, their influence on the local hardcore community can't be overstated, and most of the people involved in the doc's creation are from the area. This screening, marking the film's world premiere, promises to be one hell of a party. Directors Ian McFarland and Anthony Moreschi (themselves longtime local musicians) will of course be there, along with Slapshot themselves. (MySpace page / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/24 at the Brattle)
A small Canadian town, a fading shock-jock on the morning DJ shift, and... the walking dead? Perfect ingredients for a midnight screening, I'd say. Director Bruce McDonald's "Pontypool" promises suspense over gore, tension over torture, a zombie flick with brains. Mmmmm... brains. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at midnight on 4/24 at the Brattle)
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
The name Dennis Lambert, the subject of son Jody Lambert's documentary "Of All The Things", might not be familiar to many, but the songs he wrote in the 70s probably are ("Baby Come Back", "Ain't No Woman [Like the One I Got]", "Rhinestone Cowboy"). More successful as a songwriter than a solo artist, his own 1972 album was ignored here, but unexpectedly became a massive hit in the Philippines. The doc chronicles Lambert's reluctant return to the spotlight as a Filipino promoter convinces him to visit for a tour, 30 years after the success he never got to experience. Jody Lambert will be at the screening to talk about his dad. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 5:15pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)
Adam Scott (who I'm totally digging in new TV comedy "Party Down") stars in writer/director Lee Toland Krieger's "The Vicious Kind", a tension-filled family drama that takes place over a New England Thanksgiving. Dark humor (much of which, I'd imagine, comes from the excellent J.K. Simmons, who plays the dad) and awkward moments should abound, particularly given the dramatic leanings of executive producer Neil LaBute. Krieger will be on hand for the screening. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 6:45pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)
Ok, so if there was one documentary at this year's fest that was made just for me, it would be this one: "I Need That Record!", directed by 22 year-old Brendan Toller, takes a look at the decline (and as the subtitle says "Or Possible Survival") of the independent record store. I've spent a good chunk of my life (and my money) in these hangouts, worked at a few, and long-ago dreamed of someday opening one of my own. It's with equal parts nostalgia and selfishness that I hope for their success, and this film looks at the reasons behind their decline and the challenges they face. The many familiar talking heads (and one actual Talking Head) interviewed include Fugazi's Ian MacKaye, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, Minutemen/Stooges bassist Mike Watt, and even Newbury Comics' owner Mike Dreese, and a couple of CT-based stores are spotlighted. While director Toller isn't listed on the fest site as attending, he mentioned to me via email that he'd be there. It inspire (and unsettles?) me that someone who wasn't even born when I bought my first 7" has created a film about my favorite places. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)
A hometown hero is "The Lost Son Of Havana" in director Jonathan Hock's documentary about Boston Red Sox pitching great Luis "El Tiante" Tiant and his emotional return to his native Cuba, 46 years after having to choose baseball over his homeland following the Bay of Pigs invasion. Narrator Chris Cooper and producers Peter & Bobby Farrelly will join Hock at the screening, and if we're lucky, maybe we'll catch a glimpse of the man himself. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 8pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)
When I first saw the description for "Grace", my reaction was equal parts revulsion and "Whoa, I need to see that!". Mission accomplished, synopsis. I'll keep my own summary to three words: Hungry. Zombie. Baby. Need more convincing? Well, a couple of audience members passed out at the Sundance screening. I'll be at the Brattle for the midnight creep-out, and so will director Paul Solet. It's a special sort of homecoming for former Emerson student Solet, who grew up near the theatre in Cambridge, and hopefully a packed and rowdy crowd will be on hand to welcome him and his, uh, undead baby, back to town. (IFFB page / IMDB listing / Screening at midnight on 4/25 at the Brattle)
Sunday, April 26th, 2009
As a relatively new dad who's spent time with his little guy at the Boston Children's Museum, I'm very much looking forward to Laura Longsworth's documentary "Luckey". The film doesn't just chronicle the creation of the wonderful three-story climbing structure in the museum's center, but tells the tale of designer and sculptor Tom Luckey, who suffered a tragic fall at home before his structure could be built, and who vows to finish it. It's a story of art, expression, perseverance, and most of all, family. Director Longsworth will be in attendance at this Sunday afternoon screening. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 2:45pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)
Alex Karpovksy's "Trust Us, This Is All Made Up" is a study of the art of improvisation between two seasoned Second City pros: TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. The film documents the creation and performance of a special one-night show (but really, they're all one-night shows), and should appeal not just to those who want to examine the process and unique experience of comedic improv, but those who are just lookin' to laugh. Karpovsky will be in attendance, improvising answers during a post-screening Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 5:15pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)
As the tragedy of hurricane Katrina unfolded, one of my first and foremost thoughts was of all those domesticated animals left behind by the thousands of evacuees. I remember the first interview I saw with someone who was devastated because of the pet they were forced to abandon, and my heart sank. Then came footage of lonely pets perched on barely-visible rooftops. Geralyn Pezanoski's documentary "Mine" follows animal rescue workers as they dive in to save every creature they can, and the aftermath of finding either their original owners or happy new homes. Guaranteed to be an emotional rollercoaster ride for animal-lovers, but hopefully the joy outweighs the heartbreak. Director Perzanoski will be on hand at both screenings to discuss the film, which received the Audience Award for Best Documentary at this year's South by Southwest. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 1:45pm on 4/25 and at 5:30pm on 4/26, both at the Somerville)
In the presence of greatness: Brian Cox comes to Boston for "The Escapist", directed and co-written (specifically for Cox) by Rupert Wyatt. The cast is absolutely top-notch, as Cox is joined by Damian Lewis (who will always be "Band of Brothers" Major Winters to me), Joseph Fiennes, and Seu Jorge for this gritty prison-escape drama. If the fact that Mr. Cox will be in the room doesn't guarantee your attendance, then the trailer surely should. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 8:15pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)
Monday, April 27th, 2009
Monday night is ICA Night for IFFB09, as both screenings take place, for the first time in the fest's seven-year history, on the Boston waterfront at the Institute of Contemporary Arts/Boston.
First things get a little meta for a movie about the movies, or more specifically, a movie about those who write about the movies. Gerald Peary's documentary "For The Love Of Movies" is an unashamed ode to the professional film critic, an in-depth history of movie criticism that tackles the first 100 years of cinema-fueled opinion, and examines the impact of the internet now that every movie blogger's a critic. Director Gerald Peary will be on hand, and may or may not welcome your in-person criticisms. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/27 at the ICA/Boston)
Thematically perfect for an ICA showing, director Doug Pray's "Art & Copy" takes a look at the place where culture and commerce collide: Modern day advertising. He profiles the creative minds behind some of the most ubiquitous ad campaigns of our time, and examines the often blurry line between business and art. The director will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 9:15pm on 4/27 at the ICA/Boston)
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
The film that brings the 7th edition of the Independent Film Festival of Boston to a close is directed by... Bobcat Goldthwait? I'll admit that I was clueless about the comedian's directorial work since 1991's "Shakes The Clown", but he's built up a healthy (mostly tv) resume since 2000. His latest film work is "World's Greatest Dad", starring Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, and the damn-funny Morgan Murphy, and Goldthwait will be present on Tuesday night to take questions. And probably not do his amazing Bono impression. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 8pm on 4/28 at the Coolidge)
Yesterday was a big day for Bob Mould and the fans who follow him -- not only did it bring the release of his latest full-lengther, the exceptional "Life and Times", but last night saw him play a very special show down in Alexandria, Virginia. The former Husker Du & Sugar frontman was joined on stage by friends to commemorate the 20th anniversary his brilliant "Workbook" record, performing acoustic versions of the album's best tracks alongside some from his new release, and a couple other familiar faves thrown in for good measure.
He delivered a similarly varied setlist to a sold-out room when played solo at Boston's Paradise Lounge back in 2007 as part of the tour to promote his "Circle of Friends" DVD. At the time, with the release of last year's "District Line" still a few months away, Bob shared that he'd already written the songs that would wind up on its follow-up, "Life And Times". In fact, not only did he give us an early preview of a "District Line" cut, but teased us with a very early listen to two that we'd have to wait 18 months to hear again. One of them, "I'm Sorry, Baby, But You Can't Stand In My Light Anymore", was truly moving (Courtney agrees), and a highlight of that set (and, as I believe Bob said from the stage, took all of five minutes to write). Understandably, when I asked about sharing that performance, Bob requested that I wait to post the new songs until the eventual album arrrived, and that time has come...
You can stream the entirety of "Life And Times" over at Spinner (who also offer up another new track for download), or have a listen to the album version of "I'm Sorry, Baby..." right here...
The Mr. Mould media blitz is in full swing: There's a fantastic Daytrotter Session up, with four of the new songs performed, a session for MPR's The Current, and a great interview with the New York Times that's available as a podcast. Bob was also profiled and interviewed on the new-ish ABC News Amplified web feature, and performed "I'm Sorry, Baby..." for Newsweek.
For more, stop by Bob's blog for updates, have a listen to some songs on his MySpace page, and check out his ANTI Records label page. And if you can't make it to your own local record shop, order up your own copy of "Life And Times" at Kung Fu.
One of the most rewarding results of recording the shows I go to is when I'm able to capture the exact moment when I completely fall for an artist. It happens rarely, since I'm most often well enough in love with a band before I see them on stage... but I felt it again two weeks back, just a few songs into John Darnielle's solo set at the Somerville Theatre.
As a casual Mountain Goats follower for many years, one who's hardly heard a Darnielle-penned song he didn't like, I for some reason never quite crossed over into full-on fan. Can't say why, really... many friends have long been converted, ones I trust implicitly, but it took me ages to pick up one of his/their many full-lengthers. Maybe that was part of the problem - as the type of fan who has completist tendencies, becoming an MG devotee was a daunting prospect. Still, last year's "Heretic Pride", while atypical of John's lower-fi, less produced output, nudged me closer, and as soon as I found out about his "Gone Primitive" solo tour with John Vanderslice, a 3rd row seat was mine. And my conversion was inevitable.
His performance was a wonder - captivating, sincere, and totally charming. From the songs themselves to the candid between-song banter, I was utterly spellbound. Frequent goosebumps, I tell you. I've seen many shows at that theatre, and never had it felt as intimate as it was that night. The audience played a big part of that - the love they gave him and the appreciation he gave back, the silence as he played contrasted with the overwhelming applause as each song finished - just magical. I frankly felt lucky to be there, especially on a night when John tried out a couple new ideas - 1) play mostly songs he really wants to play and 2) call on specific audience members for requests in order to quiet the song-shouters (in vain, though that was). Doing so gave us a setlist of relative rarities, one that to my ears never lulled.
Let's all be grateful that John is avidly pro-taper, and that I'm able to share up this set... it really is something special. I spent a ridiculous amount of time editing and mastering this thing, and I hope you'll be able to tell... the sheer volume of the applause and the occasional delicacy of John's playing made the post-production a serious challenge, but it was worth it.
As you'll hear, John Vanderslice (whose set I will be sharing soon) joined JD back on stage for a few new songs near the end of the main set - JD's "Emerging" (I'm only guessing that's the title), "Surrounded", and the JV-fronted "Steps Columns Pillars", all three of which can be found on a brand-spankin' new split tour EP titled "Moon Colony Bloodbath" (beautifully designed by Horse & Buggy Press - front cover / back cover). Unfortunately, production delays kept them from selling it on most of the tour (which happens to finish up tonight in Bloomington), so only those at the last few dates have been able to grab one of these 7-song, vinyl treasures. While JV sent out a Twitter message that a batch of the limited-to-1000 EPs would be available via mailorder soon (ixnay on the ebay!), I've got a hankering for one of the first 200 (green vinyl!), so this is where I ask a fellow fan to pick one up for me. I will, rest assured, reciprocate the kindness in some way.
Back to the details then straight to the tracks - JV also sings a bit of backup on "No Children" before the encore, and returns to share the stage for a fantastic show-closing version of "This Year". A ninety-minute trip that was over too soon...
The Mountain Goats a solo set by John Darnielle, with guest John Vanderslice
Additional Audio: It's out there, everywhere. Try the Live Music Archive for some great sets, hit up my compadre NYCTaper for last week's NYC show. John has an Mp3 from each of his recent albums on his discography page. I've been listening to The Wave Pictures lately (thanks to Jonathan), and happened upon an Mp3 of this song, which features Mr. Darnielle as a guest...
For the curious, the tracklist for the just-released "Moon Colony Bloodbath" tour EP with John Vanderslice is - 1. Surrounded (JD), 2. Lucifer Rising (JV), 3. Satori in Denver (JD), 4. Scorpio Rising (JV), 5. Sudden Oak Death (JD), 6. Columns Pillars Steps (JV), 7. Emerging (JD). I'll probably Twitter something when/if I find one via mail order.
a bit o' fine print... Live sets recorded with a Sony ECM-719 mic and a Sony MZ-RH10 minidisc, converted to .wav and then edited to 192kbps Mp3s. Files are made available for a limited time, and are not reposted once removed.
Cinema-loving ladies and gents, the 2009 Independent Film Festival of Boston is upon us. Without fail, I start to get excited about this sucker from the moment the dates are announced, moreso as the full lineup is unveiled, and I don't lose that feeling until the final frames of the closing-night film. From this coming Wednesday evening, April 22nd, through Tuesday night the 28th, I'll forego the rock shows and switch into all-movie mode, and I absolutely cannot wait.
Yesterday was a big day for Bob Mould and the fans who follow him -- not only did it bring the release of his latest full-lengther, the exceptional "Life and Times", but last night saw him play a very special show down in Alexandria, Virginia. The former Husker Du & Sugar frontman was joined on stage by friends to commemorate the 20th anniversary his brilliant "Workbook" record, performing acoustic versions of the album's best tracks alongside some from his new release, and a couple other familiar faves thrown in for good measure.
