I want to make one thing clear from the start: This is my hitlist. John, Josh, and Pierre had nothing to do with it, and I don’t want to sully their reputations or that of the blog as a whole in presenting it. You know what I think about music.

But the following is a list of eight music videos from the Aughts, loosely defined as “my favorites.” I was late to the music video party, not getting MTV until it stopped playing music videos.*

*I mean “getting” there in the sense that I did not have it as a channel on my television. I did understand what MTV was.

If you want to make the case that I don’t “get” music videos, go ahead.

Alien Ant Farm — “Smooth Criminal”

It’s kind of ridiculous that this was the first music video I really liked, especially considering I didn’t understand ANY of the allusions to Michael Jackson videos. Maybe that’s why I liked it: It seemed original and cool. And even though it lost its originality, it’s still cool.

Plus, I find this version of “Smooth Criminal” as a song better than MJ’s, as untenable as that seems.

Johnny Cash — “Hurt”

This would be my pick for the greatest video of the decade. And I know far too little about Johnny Cash to add anything else.

Seabear — “Arms”

There are two types of people in this world: People who find this video irreproachably cute, and people who are heartless. I briefly pushed for spring break in Reykjevk after seeing this, although, some of that had to do with the Icelandic financial crisis, too. (I owe a long overdue hat tip to Emily Collette Wilkinson at The Millions for introducing me to this video, this song, and this band.)

OutKast — “Hey Ya”

My reasons for liking “Hey Ya” are neither original nor enlightening. The video lives up to the song, which is probably the best of the decade, regardless of what John S or Pitchfork says.

Mute Math — “Typical”

Do you realize what is going on? It’s all backwards! Like, they had to learn to sing and play guitar and drums and all backwards! HOW IS YOUR MIND NOT EXPLODING???

Steriogram — “Walkie Talkie Man”

My affinity for this song was short-lived and driven mainly by a similar affinity for MVP Baseball 2004. Nevertheless, it’s hard to describe this video—which despite its use of yarn and not Legos, reminds me of Legos*—as anything except “really cool.”

*And I know the White Stripes did, in fact, use Legos in “Fell in Love with a Girl,” but I still prefer this video because I have a semblance of an idea of what is going on.

Beyonce ft. Shakira — “Beautiful Liar”

Do I really need to go into why this one makes the list? I can’t think of two other artists I would prefer to collaborate in a visual medium than these two. I also like to think that putting the two on the same team, as it were, raised both their games the same way Kobe and LeBron being on the Olympic team did for them.

The fact that they look weirdly alike and that the video itself falls well short of its potential—have you seen “Baby Boy” or “She Wolf”?—only means they should revisit the template sometime next decade.

Robin Sparkles — “Let’s Go to the Mall”

Because ‘80s nostalgia—or making fun of Canada—never get old.

So I skipped another week of the Week That Was…sorry.  I had finals and then Kristen and I headed to Florida for a whirlwind weekend of stuff with her family.  We had a great time but all of that combined to make me not write my weekly post.  I promise it will be back next week though.

But instead, I’m giving you my Top Songs of 2009.  I’ve done this the past few years and I always find it enjoyable.  My criteria is not that the song was released in 2009, but instead that I heard it and latched onto it this year.  These are the songs that I will always remember when I think of 2009 music.  So here we go, in order of the mix that I made so that they flow together well…

1. Sometime Around Midnight – The Airborne Toxic Event – I might have heard this song in late 2008 but I latched onto it in early 2009.  The lyrics describe being haunted by running into an ex at a bar somewhere and the aftermath of that messy experience.  I’m not so keen on that, but it is a feeling that I think most people are familiar with.  What I love is the the slow build, both in the music and the singer’s voice, adding layer upon layer until a high crescendo is met and the song just explodes into emotion and frenzy.  You can actually feel the desperation in the songwriter.  Any time someone can pull that off with a song, I’m impressed.

2. If She Wants Me – Belle & Sebastian – This song starts with the whimsical guitar rift that carries it through the entire song and gives it the breezy feel that I love so much.  I find it nearly impossible to listen to this song without bobbing my head and tapping my fingers to the rhythm.  And for me, that makes a great song.  Bonus points here for the use of an organ, which rounds out the sound nicely and adds another layer of sound and complements the vocals wonderfully.

3. Oscar Wilde – Company of Thieves – Another toe-tapping song that got stuck in my head this year.  I love the pop sensibilities combined with the fuzzed out guitars and the repetitive hook.   There is a great little interlude in the middle of this song that slows things down, almost to a stop, but then builds back to a frenzied finish.  And I like the lyrical sentiment about how we are all our own devil.  I think that there is some truth in that…

4. Relator – Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson – Unlike most people, I thought that Scarlett’s first album was pretty good.  But this record, combining Pete and Scarlett together is great.  This song has it all.  Catchy rifts, experimental techniques, fun vocals, and a great overall sound.  This song is the third in my trifecta of great pop-rock songs.  *For some reason, iTunes refused to add this to my iMix.  So if you go look at the iMix linked at the bottom, you’ll have to add this one yourself.  But it is worth it.

5. Sugarfoot – Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears – The first time I heard this song I thought that it was an old James Brown B-side that I’d never heard.  The big band sound and mid-song breakdown are classic JB.  This song really just makes me want to get down and boogie.  Guitars, horns, drums and vocals all come together for a musical treat for your ears.

6. Take Care – Zach Williams – My love of Zach Williams is well documented here. This is probably about the third version of Take Care I’ve heard and this is by far the best.  Zach’s frantic vocals combined with the tight sound of the band take you on a musically journey of love and promises.  I just love the way this song runs together and builds on itself, finally coming to the breakdown in the middle, a soft, breezy and jazzy wish that flows back into the song so well.  This boy has got serious talent and you are missing out if you have not heard this album or seen him live.

7. Bull Black Nova – Wilco – Wilco’s latest album, Wilco (The Album), is fantastic, but I’d say that this is the standout track off that release.  It is not the catchiest or most accessible, but it showcases Wilco at their finest.  Catchy rifts and an experimental tone that captivates you in an unexpected way.  The slow build here is amazing as Tweedy and Co work themselves into a frenzy by the end of the song, showcasing their ability to take things to the edge of crazy while still maintaining control.  Simply put, I love this song.

8. The Thief and The Heartbreaker – Alberta Cross – This is another slowly building alternative song that grows and develops until it sticks in your head, long after it ends.  A haunting rift coupled with a great voice that builds and builds to the incredible ending.  I could easily see this song turn into an extended jam at a live show and I think that the edgy tone it has is offset by the catchiness of it.

9. Wheels – Foo Fighters – This song came out on their Greatest Hits album, one of two new releases on that record.  This is such a great and catchy song that sticks with you and just begs for repeated plays.  This song combines an edgy rock sound with a catchy hook that just gets better with each listen. Just like almost all of their songs… Foo Fighters are one of the most underrated bands of today and when I listen to a song like this I always wonder why more people don’t go crazy for these guys.  I am one person that will definitely be missing them on their current hiatus.

10. Stand Up Comedy – U2 – I’m a nominal U2 fan (if there is such a thing).  I liked their new album, but did not love it.  But I love this song.  The catchy guitar and cool tambourine sound make for an epic pop sound that takes the rock edge and turns it on its’ head.  Bono and the boys nailed it with this song that has a large sound and a fun vibe.

11. Valhalla – K-OS/Sam Roberts – I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite song for the year, but if forced to, this would be it.  I love collaborations and this one takes the cake.  A rock/rap/dance song that is edgy and poppy all at the same time.  Combine the catchiness of Sam Roberts and the rhymes of K-OS and you have a winner.  Probably the most unexpected song on this list, but easily one of the best.

12. 1901 – Phoenix – Who knew that the best pop song of the year would come from France?  Well, if you are familiar with Phoenix, you would.  These guys simply are amazing and this song is the latest in a long string of hits.  It was incredible to me to hear people talk about this new band Phoenix when they’ve got something like 4 or five albums out.  Oh well.  This song combines dancability with rock fuzz and turns it into a fantastic song that really makes you move.  I just love everything about this song.

13. Clockwork – Mute Math – I was a little disappointed by Mute Math’s newest album released this year, but this song, released on an EP was amazing.  It has all the best elements of the band, with the frantic drumming, the winding vocals and edgy guitar all coming together to make a cohesive rock song.  I wish that the rest of their songs this year were this epic, but I’m glad that this one made it out to the light of day.

14. Headphones – Jars of Clay – This song was chosen mainly for the message in the lyrics.  I love the way they zero in on how we shut people out with our own noise and keep from actually engaging people.  The music complements the message in a haunting way as it grows and winds throughout the song, incorporating so many elements into a whole.  This album was a great work as a whole, but their were few songs that really stood out to me.  This song was one of the exceptions.

15. Little Pieces – Gomez – Simple and catchy.  Vocals and guitars.  Ebb and flow.  Build and come down.  I’ve never been a huge fan of Gomez, but this song is so complete that it drew me in and I just loved the rifts it contained.  The strong beat carries the song and the quick ending is just right.

16. Little Bribes – Death Cab For Cutie – This song came out on an EP early in the summer and I think that it is the best song they’ve ever done.  A scathing review of Las Vegas lyrically, musically this song has great hooks and and a fun rhythm.  It is more upbeat than most of their songs and it starts quick and keeps up the fast tempo.  Just an all-around good song.

So there you go.  These are the songs that captured my fancy this past year.  You can check it all out on iTunes and even look at some from the past few years.  Enjoy.

Ever wonder what the guys in Mute Math would look like with their body parts mixed-up? Or maybe bodiless? How about falling through space? Well, if you watch their new video for “Backfire” after the jump you’ll get to see all three scenarios in action.

Mute Math – Backfire

Mutemath debut the video off their newest album, Armistice, out now. It’s no secret we at YATM love their videos. Watch them “Backfire” live on Letterman.

grab the album

MUTEMATH are back with another great video.This time it’s for Backfire

Thanks to everybody who commented on my last blog post! I really appreciate you sharing your playlists with everyone and introducing us to some great new music!

As I was responding to your comments, something hit me. You guys have shown us an incredible ammount of support over the last few years. You’ve called your local DJs to request our music. You’ve come to our shows and purchased our CDs. And your votes have caused us to win more contests and get onto more playlists than I could count. Each of you has helped make what we do possible.

Last week was really cool because we had twenty people contribute to our post! But, our anlaytics show that hundreds of people read it. Why is that? I’m not sure. But I feel that it is – at least in some part – due to the fact that so often the creation and delivery of art is a one way street. I want to change that; so I’d like to invite you to take a moment to do three things:

1. Visit atris.wordpress.com (This will be more fun if everyone goes to the same page.)
2. Scroll down to the comment box and introduce yourself. Write a few words about anything you’d like. How did you first hear our music? What city are you from? What are your favorite movies? Pretend we just met at a coffee shop. If you’d like share your blog address, Twitter ID or someplace where we and other people can learn more about you that would be great too!
3. Check the box that says Notify me of follow-up comments via email.

Please don’t do this for us, do this for yourself and for everyone. It takes a certain amount of bravery to put yourself out there; but it’s worth it. We love to get to know people with similar interests, ideas, and opinions. And it’s really cool when group discussions are started. If you have something in common with someone who posts, let him or her know! It makes me feel great to see people responding to my comments, and I love to chime back in to share my thoughts.

Looking forward to meeting you!

-Mason

Mute Math (L to R: Greg Hill, Paul Meany, Darren King, Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas)

On Friday night, Mute Math performed their last show on the Armistice Tour at The Nokia Theatre Times Square. I cannot divulge too much information, all of the juicy details must be saved for my AQ review. What I must say, is that they continue to become better, more inspirational, and more inventive, in leaps and bounds. I’ll leave you with a short and vague pro/con list. As you will see, the con list is very short. I’ll post my photos and my review when they are done.

PROS
• Front man Paul Meany did a fantastic Sting impression – whether or not he meant to, will remain a mystery.
• Bassist Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas played a stand-up bass with pure perfection.
• Drummer Darren King – as I was aware he would – crowd surved via standing on one of his drums, then leaned back, and let go.
• Guitarist Greg Hill’s melody is still unwavering and gorgeous.
• Their ability to jam, rearrange songs, and play them completely unlike their recording is something I will NEVER tire of hearing and watching. They do it unlike any other band I have ever seen and have definitely trademarked their style.

CONS
• It felt like there were 200 other photographers in the pit with me, and there was not much room to move. I hate it when that happens.
• So many of the lights on stage were pointed AT us, and not down on the band. That can sometimes make for not-so-great photos.
• The band played my favorite song as of late, “Armistice,” the title track off their current album – but without the horns. You have no idea how upset I was.

http://www.myspace.com/mutemath
http://www.mutemath.com

xoxo
Olivia

MakaiのRyouheiの曲すげーされてる。なんだかんだで最近ハウスにはまってるかも。ただDaishi DanceのPianoSet良かったけどその後ジブリのリミックスやって、なんかなえた。めちゃ売れせんやんー。

あとまぁやの新曲良かったー。ってか菅野美穂より好きになりかけてる。もうちょいしたらまみまみの新曲も出るし楽しみｗｗまたシャナなんだねー。

30 Seconds To MarsとMute Mathも来年出るらしいから音楽ワールドへGo!Go!!Go!!!

サイト見てくれましたかねー？タグの文句はなしで＠

Two great Mute Math acoustic performances to follow-up my last post:

Last Thursday, Nov 12, 2009 As Tall As Lions took the stage to open up for Mute Math.

I wasn’t familiar with them, but I ran into a friend at HOB (House of Blues) who had come just for them, which is always a great sign. My friend also told me that the lead singer had a polyp or something else equally uncomfortable going on with vocal chords recently. Luckily, we seemed to catch the band in full recovery. Their sound is really lush, with really pleasant vocals and the addition of horns on many of the songs. There doesn’t seem to be any videos posted from the performance I saw, but this clip of their song “Go Easy” from the Luxury Wafers Sessions should give you the idea:

The Mute Math part of the show was just indescribable. I’ve seen them four times and they’re definitely in my top five for live shows (and I’ve seen quite alot of shows…). There is this halo of unbelievable energy surrounding their performances. In terms of their sound, they remind me of a sort of cross between the police and radiohead. Their albums are really pleasant to listen to but the music requires the live experience to breathe a real life into it. Paul, the lead singer, is generally hopping around stage and jumping on top of his piano to play keytar. Darren is a fast drummer; so fast, he tapes his headphones around his head with duct tape to keep them from flying off. The band effortlessly switches instruments with one another during portions of the show and produces intensely rhythmic sonic moments. Instruments have been broken and concussions have been incurred during some of their shows. The most rock-n-roll moment of the evening was when Darren beckoned the crowd close, sturdily set his bass drum on top of their eager hands, stood on top of the drum (with some looks of concern from both the crowd and the band members on stage), and dove into awaiting arms to crowd surf. Very, very, cool…

Here’s a few clips from the Boston show. Sound is reasonable, and shaking on the videos are minimal. :

Partial Clip of “control”:

“Plan B”:

“Spotlight”, the end is indicative of the energy of their shows:

“Clipping”:

Alway’s their closer, “Reset”, they let the crowd play this funky homemade sort of instrument:

Dedicated to my best friend for introducing this magic to me.

My best friend, Eryn Spangler, was raving about the band Mute Math after she had the chance to see them in Pennsylvania about a month ago. She compared the lead vocalist to Freddy Mercury and explained that we have to see them when I come home.

On Oct 25 I had the opportunity to go to a soundcheck for a band I had rarely heard of prior: Mute Math. A benefit of being a Grammy U (or Recording Academy) member is that I am invited to sound checks every few months when a popular band or musician comes to town. I checked out the band a bit before going to the sound check, but didn’t expect what was to come
The sound check was short, but very sweet. The light and staging was electrifying. I, like the other students present, hoped Mute Math would give out a few free concert tickets. They did .

Another member of the University of Memphis BlueTom Records, Stacy Kline, and I stayed downtown for the show that started a few hours later.

I had only known one of Mute Math’s songs, but I was pleasantly surprised by their musicianship and outstanding stage show. Their sound reminded me of Radiohead meshed with Coldplay: ambient and soothing. And, like Eryn had told me, the lead vocalist was very much comparable to Freddy Mercury, not only in talent, but in presence. Toward the end of the show, the band members heightened their act by running around, switching instruments, and doing handstands on pianos (such as the above concert). The drummer even stood on a bass drum as the audience held it up. Epic.

Mute Math is definitely a must see!

Photo Credit: Mute Math

October 30 – November 1, 2009
New Orleans, LA

Jane's Addiction

The Voodoo Experience in New Orleans is in its eleventh year and still going strong.  This year’s event attracted a reported 100,000+ people during Halloween weekend. The line up – which included Eminem, Jane’s Addiction, Kiss, Mutemath, Wolfmother, The Flaming Lips, Lenny Kravitz, Janelle Monae, The Black Keys, Gogol Bordello, Silversun Pickups, and Widespread Panic – definitely helped draw the sizable audience.  In addition to the impressive line up, the festival benefits from taking place in New Orleans during Halloween weekend, and offers a diverse range of entertainment and New Orleans cuisine.

Janelle Monae

In the spirit of Halloween, Friday was disguised as a warm sunny day, only to reveal its stormy nature following a captivating set by Janelle Monae.  Earlier this year, I attempted to see Monae in Austin during SXSW.  However, the club where she performed was too small to accommodate the crowd.  We made it inside the venue, but couldn’t see Monae through the packed audience. Nonetheless, we could feel her energy and she sounded great.  Monae’s SXSW appearance peaked my interest enough to ensure we arrived at The Voodoo Experience in time to catch her set (even forgoing a visit to Cafe Du Monde).

Monae is an engaging performer whether she’s dancing with fervor or singing while elevated on a chair.  She commands the stage and the audience with her expressions and energetic dancing, but Monae doesn’t let you forget that what she came to do is sing.  Her voice is beautiful and music is a full-body expression for Monae.

Marching through the mud

“The day wouldn’t be complete without muddy feet,” became the mantra of this year’s Voodoo Experience after Friday’s torrential downpours turned the festival grounds into a muddy obstacle course for the remainder of the weekend.  Contrary to what you may expect, the wind, rain, cold temperatures, and mud, added to the experience as good-humored music fans and dedicated musicians braved the elements, in the name of music.

Silversun Pickups meeting fans before the storm

Due to the heavy rain and winds, Silversun Pickups had the option of rescheduling their set and playing a club in New Orleans later that night.  Just moments before they were due at the main stage, the band decided to perform their set as scheduled, at the festival grounds, during the worst part of the storm. Their fans were appreciative and didn’t seem to mind enduring the pounding rain while the band played.

The New Orleans Bingo! Show

Knowing we would see Silversun Pickups in LA the following week, we opted for shelter and took cover in the Bingo! Parlour circus tent during the storm.  Thankfully, Voodoo Experience offers a wide range of quality entertainment.  Inside the Bingo! Parlour we were treated to none other than The New Orleans Bingo! Show.  This isn’t your grandma’s Bingo — The New Orleans Bingo! Show includes aerialists, clowns that smoke and drink, dancers, and theatrics that transport you to another era.  Clint Maedgen takes the lead on vocals, pump organ, keyboard, guitar, tenor saxophone, squeaky dolphin, and more.  At the same time, an aerialist hangs upside-down above the crowd, doing tricks on the trapeze.  Dancers and clowns add to the experience.  Not only did we forget about the rain, we forgot where we were. The New Orleans Bingo! Show kept us dry, smiling, and dancing for an hour and a half.

“If you were in New Orleans and you didn’t see Eminem, then you missed everything!!” the Starbucks barista told us as he handed over our Saturday morning caffeine.  Friday night’s performance was Eminem’s first full concert in 2009.  Well, we missed it, and the city wouldn’t let us live it down.  With the constant reminder of our Venti lattes in hand, we hailed a taxi to the festival Saturday. “Did you see Eminem last night??” the driver asked when we told him where we were headed.  Before we could answer the question, the driver proceeded to tell us that Eminem last played The Voodoo Experience nine years ago.  “Eminem,” “Eminem,” “Eminem” – you could hear his name ringing throughout the festival grounds early Saturday as fans reminisced about the set he played Friday night.  Just when we were beginning to feel like we might have missed the highlight of the festival, The Voodoo Experience hit us with a wave of great music, exceptional live performances, and the reminder that there’s more than one highlight at Voodoo Experience.

Mates of States fans sing along

When we arrived Saturday afternoon, we were greeted by sunshine and the uplifting music of Mates of State.  Costumed fans sang along as Kori Gardner (keyboard/vocals) and Jason Hammel (drums/vocals) played their catchy tunes.  Mates of State got the crowd amped up which turned out to be essential because that energy was necessary for the back to back music that hit next.

Mutemath's Paul Meany raises the bar

Mutemath played immediately following Mates of State.  Not only did they further set the tone for the day, they raised the standard for live performance in general.  A separate review of the Mutemath show will follow because enough can’t be said here.  Between their brilliant music, Paul Meany’s voice and keyboard handstands, Darren King standing on top of his drum and diving into the crowd, Greg Hill’s guitar pedal wizardry, and Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas on bass and whatever else he could get his hands on, Mutemath quickly became a favorite of festival goers.

Gogol Bordello

It should be noted that in addition to the music reviewed here, there were at least 3 other artists performing concurrently on other stages at the festival.  Since I still haven’t mastered being in 4 places at once, I stuck with a friend’s recommendation and caught Gogol Bordello.   Now I know why this band has been on my to-see list for a while.  Gogol Bordello had the majority of the audience jumping, clapping, and singing along throughout the duration of their set.  When their show came to an end, the crowd demanded an encore and  Eugene Hütz and the dynamic band delivered an even more energetic, lengthy encore.

Wolfmother

The Voodoo Stage and Playstation/Billboard.com Stage faced each other on opposite ends of a running track.  So when Gogol Bordello finished their set on the Playstation/Billboard.com stage, we turned around and walked toward the Voodoo Stage to catch Wolfmother.  I’ve seen Wolfmother perform at other festivals, but something about their set at Voodoo blew me away and exceeded my expectations (which are high).  First of all, I was able to hear Andrew Stockdale’s amazing voice in a way that I hadn’t heard before.  The entire band seemed to play much tighter than when I saw them previously.  This may, in part, be due to the fact that two of the original band members have been replaced.  I ran into Stockdale and Ian Peres a few times during the festival.  In addition to being exceptional musicians, they are extremely funny and kind.  Although, there was that incident with Hotshot Robot. . . More on that in the additional, forthcoming Wolfmother review.

Wolfmother with a beheaded Hotshot Robot

So up until this point, you’ve got Mutemath, Gogol Bordello, and Wolfmother absolutely crushing it.  Fans, whose feet otherwise may have been tired from standing, were blessed to have the cushion of mud to soften the impact from 3 hours and 45 minutes of incessant jumping. Some people began losing their voices from screaming and out-singing their neighbors and others opted to forgo food and restroom breaks so they wouldn’t miss anything.  These are bands who just got on stage and played music.  No light shows.  No dramatic stage set-ups.  No real spectacle.  They entertained, they crowd surfed, and at times they banged on things in an unconventional manner, but they did not succumb to an over-the-top stage setup or seizure-inducing light show.  And they don’t need to.  Mutemath, Gogol Bordello, and Wolfmother can blow you away simply by playing music.

Cut to Jane’s Addiction and Kiss, who rounded out Saturday’s line-up.  These are seasoned musicians who’ve been doing this forever.  Perhaps they add spectacle just to keep themselves from getting bored – who knows? The question is: do they need it?

Jane's Addiction

I’ve seen Jane’s Addiction several times over the years, including a very cool “rehearsal show” at a sound stage in LA.  Sometimes they’re great.  Sometimes they’re a little less than great.  But irrespective of my subjective opinion of any given performance, Dave Navarro and Stephen Perkins always nail it.  If Navarro weren’t a musician, I think he’d carry a portable stage around with him, set it up daily, and just strut around.  And I’ll bet people would watch him too – that guy was born to be a performer.  It also doesn’t hurt that he can PLAY guitar.  Perkins, I could listen to or watch for hours, even if he were playing unaccompanied.  He’s a phenomenal drummer.  It’s also good to see Eric Avery back on bass.  It was original Jane’s doing what they originally set out to do – play music and entertain.

Kiss playing (safely) with fire

Kiss, on the other hand, I had never seen live.  That band is all about spectacle.  Although, being live music veterans, they’ve learned to do things in moderation.  Sure they’ve got face paint, hair, and silver and black outfits, but forget pyrotechnics (perhaps because paint is highly flammable).  So when they perform, Kiss simply shows images of flames surrounding them on screen.  The part about not using pyrotechnics is not entirely true – there was a nice fireworks display at the end of their set.  While there were a lot of fans who have been with these bands for many years, it was nice to see a new generation of music fans enjoying Kiss and Jane’s Addiction at The Voodoo Experience.

Sunday was another beautiful day in New Orleans.  By this point, there were enough paths made through the mud and it was considerably easier to navigate the festival grounds.  We spent much of the day enjoying the non-music activities offered.  We checked out several food vendors and sampled desserts including fried Oreos and white chocolate bread pudding ice cream (be on the lookout for New Orleans Ice Cream, rolling out nationwide!).  We stumbled upon the special Vooboo  stage set up for kids and watched families enjoying the festival experience together.

JJ Grey

Eventually we made our way over to see JJ Grey & Mofro.  I had been curious about JJ Grey ever since this I saw this clever music video.  Well, they left the barbies at home for this show, but JJ Grey & Mofro were able to get the crowd groovin’ on their own.

Trombone Shorty

Next up, Trombone Shorty.  The first time I saw Trombone Shorty he was opening for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band in Los Angeles.  He was so good that I actually forgot where I was and thought I was in New Orleans.  So to see Trombone Shorty in his hometown of New Orleans was better than a fried Oreo.  Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews has been playing New Orleans clubs since he was 12 years old.  He’s now 23 and if there had been tables to dance on at Voodoo Experience, people would have been on them.  If you have the opportunity to see Trombone Shorty, then do it (even if The Flaming Lips are playing at the same time).

The Flaming Lips shooting confetti

That said, we did head over to catch part of The Flaming Lips‘ set.  I know I just suggested you do one thing and then I did the opposite thing, but with that experience behind me, I stand by my original recommendation — see Trombone Shorty.  I do like the Lips, but the sole reason we ventured across the muddy field to see them was out of sheer curiosity, to see if they did anything different.  I’ve seen them perform for years.  I stopped seeing them perform for years.  I revisited them during their tour this summer.  And then, thinking they may pull out something new for the festival crowd, I saw them again at Voodoo Experience.  If you’re somebody who doesn’t like change, rest easy – The Flaming Lips are doing exactly the same thing they were doing years ago.  The show begins with Wayne Coyne rolling out on top of the crowd in a large bubble.  Then, there’s confetti, enough balloons for everybody to play, and furry creatures dancing on stage.  Songs may be performed in a slightly different tempo – “Fight Test” was played ultra slow at Voodoo – but essentially a Flaming Lips show is a Flaming Lips show.  They provide good old-fashioned fun that you can always count on.

Voodoo Experience: good times guaranteed

Similarly, New Orleans Voodoo Experience provides good fun and music you can count on.   However, that may be the only constant.  New Orleans Voodoo Experience is truly unique and offers a diverse range of entertainment and activities.  There’s something for everyone at Voodoo Experience – that’s why more than 100,000 people showed up.

It’s been quite a while since my last posting. That has more to do with my schedule than anything else, but it doesn’t take more than half an hour to write an adequate entry, correct? No excuse other than sheer laziness, really.

Anyway, today marks the first day the wonderful, awe-inspiring, motivating, reinvigorating sun sets far too fucking early. Far, far, far too early.

I cannot stand the lack of sunlight. I can’t stand the darkness approaching at 3:30pm. Slowly conquering the last lingering sunlit days: first encroaching on them, then suffocating them, and finally stealing all color from their skies. Oh, but of course, it’s not actually night yet, so we don’t have any pretty stars. Just blackness. We have to endure this shitty situation for the next six months.

Darkness doesn’t matter to some people. They’re still emotionally balanced, regardless of the lighting conditions of the environment. Those people suck (but only because I wish I were one of them).

So I have to find some music that fits the early spread of darkness, the early obscuring of vision, the fact that leaving the house and entering the house is done in darkness every day. That fact that no matter how hard I concentrate, how much my imagination tries, I still can’t place the sun back in the sky. I still can’t see any light at seven o’clock. Some light should still hover around the periphery while eating dinner.

But I’ve had this problem my entire life; I just have to find a way to accept it. That acceptance will come reluctantly, indignantly, and stubbornly. But it has to come, or I won’t survive or succeed.

I find the best kind of music for these types of situations incorporates frustrated, gloomy lyrics within music with positive energy. Emphasis on positive—not just loud or angry; it can be loud, it can be angry, but the underlying tone has to be triumphant.

Good examples: THE GO STATION, Annie Lennox, Bloc Party, Civil Twilight, Guster, Pictures of Then, The Bravery, Great Northern, Ra Ra Riot, Delta Spirit, Woods, Metric, Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes, The Cloud Room, Elbow, incubus, Josh Ritter, The Killers, The Low Anthem, Matthew Good Band, Mute Math, Passion Pit, Pela (now very, very sadly broken up.  Anytown Graffiti has now reached another level, because I know I’ll never hear anything quite like it again), The Postal Service, Rage Against the Machine, The Rapture, Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Adams, Snow Patrol, The Stills, TV on the Radio, U2, The Uglysuit, The Weakerthans, Wild Light, Wintersleep, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The Zutons. Examples from aforementioned bands forthcoming:

October 31, 2009
2009 Voodoo Experience
New Orleans, LA

Mutemath's Darren King

Day 2: So much music, so little time to write!! Mates of State, Mutemath, Gogol Bordello, Wolfmother, Jane’s Addiction, Kiss. . . I will write an in-depth review as soon as the music stops or the city sleeps. In the meantime, some highlights and pictures.

Here’s how the Voodoo Experience differed Day 2 to Day 1:
Day 2: Sunny
Day 1: Torrential downpours

Day 2: Halloween
Day 1: Not Halloween, but you wouldn’t know it in New Orleans

Day 2: Exceptional music back to back
Day 1: Exceptional music back to back

Day 2: Experienced great live performances hour after hour
Day 1: Heard some great live music (with rain as a backing track) from the safety of a dry tent

Day 2: Hotshot Robot mysteriously beheaded
Day 1: Hotshot Robot happily roaming the festival, in-tact

Only Wolfmother really knows what happened to Hotshot Robot:

It was Wolfmother, in the bar, with the neck of a guitar

Mates of State welcomed the crowd and the sunny day with an uplifting, fun set:

Mates of State

The crowd welcomed the sun and Mates of State by singing along:

Mates of States fans know all the words

Wolfmother interview:

Wolfmother dodging questions about the Robot

Mutemath sets the tone not just for Voodoo Experience, but for live music performance as a whole:

Mutemath's Paul Meany - this is live music

Mutemath takes it to the next level

Gogol Bordello makes the crowd go insane:

Gogol Bordello

Wolfmother: They exceeded my expectations and my expectations were high:

Wolfmother!!

Wolfmother captivates the audience:

Wolfmother crowd

Jane’s Addiction kicks off the night:

Jane's Addiction

Kiss – enough said:

Kiss

Seasoned musicians know how to play with fire:

Kiss

Off to catch some more music! Stay tuned…

This is just a quick update to say that the wife and I are going to see MuteMath in concert tonight.  Back in Tallahassee we got to see this band twice, and they put on one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen.  I’ve only listened to their new album a few times, and I’m not really sure what the venue will be like–so I’ll be sure to update in the next day or so with more information on how things shake down.

Armistice

Paul Meany once told me without a hint of egotism that Mute Math’s sophomore effort would be “all over the map” and “an amazing record.” He couldn’t have been more accurate. Armistice is a gigantic leap forward for the colorful New Orleans ensemble, who have the undemanding ability to slide into new and audacious territory with this addition to their catalog. A gorgeously eclectic combination of eerie strings and strapping horns grace this record, along with Mute Math’s signature seamless mix of electronic and traditional instrumentation. Their melodic and solid rhythm section and relatable lyrics haven’t left either, something a lot of contemporary artists unfortunately stray from. If you’d like to enroll in “groove therapy,” pop in the record, skip to the title track, and brace yourself. For a dose of sentiment with piano and strings, continue on with “Lost Year,” then start from the top. This entire record will no doubt send you reeling.

-Olivia Taubner

For some reason I never got into MUTEMATH’s “Reset” but, recently I can’t get enough of it. So enjoy and let me know what you think!

MUTEMATH “Reset”

MuteMath wsg. As Tall As Lions
Tickets are $22 in advance – $25 day of show
Doors @ 6:30pm
This is an all ages show
via The Orbit Room.

Thanks to a late, 1 month early, surprise birthday gift from my cousin I was heading down Olympic to the Nokia Live in downtown LA Saturday night—SOLO—after receiving the gift one day before the show and asking every person I wanted to go with who I thought would be available.  With one ticket going to waste I touched down at the club in time to grab a Heine and position myself in the VIP area (the concourse off the floor), stage left, with a perfect view of the drummer, who was stage right, as I ALWAYS watch the drummer every show I go to.

But this time, my eyes were averted towards the other musician on stage who charged the rhythm section with a guilt-free down-with-the-devil dirty pocket bass.

I am NOT one to deify musicians, especially ones in my generation…but now I have become a BELIEVER.

The synergy between As Tall As Lions drummer Cliff Sarcona and bassist Julio Tavarez was just electrifying!

I could not believe what i saw.  Julio who was drinking Maker’s Mark on stage…writhing around like a fish…fish-hips, riveted in the moment.

I was so shocked by the effortless fish gyrations I was…brought to tears!

And then?  Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better than the tight pocket of drummer & bassist with the excellent musicianship of As Tall as Lions, Mute Math came on.  I was jammin along so hard I found my full $12 Jack and Coke far too bothersome to hold while boppin out to the music that gripped me by spine.  So I tossed it with only two mini-Asian sips below the rim.  The sound quality of this video is horrific, since my phone recording was blown out, but even if you watch this segment on MUTE, you’ll get the idea just how crazy this show was..

Oh. My. God.  Before this concert I only knew Mute Math’s ‘Chaos,’ track, and of course ‘Spotlight’ from Twilight’s amazing soundtrack.  Now?  I have two favorite new bands.  I bought As Tall As Lions’ CD right after and asked Julio–who was already heading back to the bar for another Maker’s Mark–to sign it.

And I NEVER do that.  This clip is a perfect slice of the energy the whole band gave for the whole show.

Darren King reigns supreme.

He Rocked-it-to-me and the rest of the Nokia Live last Saturday, October 10th,oh so righteously.

gD.

I’ve always wanted to make a list of all the bands I can think of that would be amazing to see in concert. I’ve finally got around to doing this. This of course will be a wonderful growing list as I go on in life but here is what I have so far. I open to suggestions so feel free to leave any.

There is one or two I have seen already but would be happy to re-live the experience.

Manchester Orchestra
Iron and wine
Sufjan Stevens
Mewithoutyou
David Crowder
Becoming The Archetype
Coldplay
Copeland
Daft Punk
Death Cab For Cutie
Family Force Five
Fly Leaf
Foo Fighters
The Gabe Dixon Band
House of Heroes
The Glorious Unseen
Imogen Heap
Jack Johnson
Jason Upton
Linkin Park
John Reuben
The Mars Volta
Mute Math
Motion City Soundtrack
Page France
Phil Wickham
The Raconteurs
Underoath
Regina Spektor

Saturday at Austin City Limits the rain came down and drenched Zilker Park. Festival goers went undeterred as the puddles turned into seas of mud. The first band I saw was Mute Math, who played a mean version of 
”Spotlight.” MUTE MATH mashes electronica and hard rock. These New Orleans musicians are excellent entertainers putting on quite the show. Lead singer and keyboardist Paul Meany literally did flips while playing his keys. Also MUTE MATH has a wonderful collection of interesting instruments from space-age synthesizers to wild effects pedal boards. Following Mute Math, I caught part of Canadian singer-songwriter Sam Roberts’s set under the tent. I heard someone describe Sam Roberts as the Canadian Bruce Springsteen and certainly the comparison seemed apt.

The rain really started to fall as Citizen Cope took the main stage. Despite the rain Citizen Cope served up some spectacular music. His laid back flip-flop rock lightened the mood with   “Back Together“
  and
  ”107°.”   And a mean version of the protest song “Bullet And A Target”  brought energy to the wet crowd.
 Clarence Greenwood aka Citizen Cope capped the set with the ballad  ”Sideways.”

Next Jamaican reggae superstar Eek-A-Mouse filled the Wildflower tent with reggae lovers and good vibes.  This unique singjay performed his smash hit  ”Ganja Smuggling”  to a most appreciative audience. Interesting enough the Mouse also performed a cover of Dolly Parton’s classic country song
 “Jolene.”  It was amazing. The Mouse soaked up the Texas outlaw sound dropping gun-slinging rhymes and rawhide whips.
 Eek-A-Mouse is quite the entertainer demanding crowd participation and ensuring sweet reggae grooves. With the crowd shouting “Irie” the Mouse dropped the reggae classic  ”Wa-Do-Dem” and closed with  ”Sensi Party.”

Mos Def performed on the AMD stage playing a red hot version of 
”Casa Bey”  from the new album The Ecstatic. The Brooklyn rapper also covered one of Bobby Brown’s love songs “Roni.”  The smooth voice and bass heavy beats of this young rhyme sayer leaves fans bobbing their heads.

Devotchka turned out to be the highlight of the evening. In fact, I consider Devotchka to be the nicest surprise at the festival this year. I knew certain bands would kick ass. But I wasn’t even planning on seeing Devotchka until some of my friends talked me into seeing them. The Denver-based band of gypsies rocked and rollicked. One amazing performing burlesque artist glided above stage on a giant red curtain. Devotchka includes multi-instrumentalists Nick Urata (vocals, guitar, trumpet), Tom Hagerman (violin, accordion), Jeanie Schroder (sousaphone, bass), and percussionist Shawn King. I highly recommend seeing this band. You will not be let down. Their music is beautiful and fun. One of my friends said she liked to listen to this band when she cleaned. I can see why. It doesn’t matter if your are cleaning or standing in the mud Devotchka deserves a listen.

The Dave Matthews Band headlined Saturday night. The group played my favorite song off the new album Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King entitled  ”Funny The Way It Is.” Also from the new album the boys kicked out “Shake Me Like A Monkey” and “Spaceman.”  The Dave Matthews Band played some classic tracks, including “Jimi Thing” and
 “Cornbread.”
 And after a brilliant cover version of the Talking Heads song “Burning Down The House,” launched into the crowd pleasers
 “So Much To Say,”  
”Ants Marching,” and  ”Two Step.”