Monday, November 12, 2007
 

I think I'm going to try and catch Dan In Real Life some time today.  Have any of you seen it?  The flick really seems to be flying under the radar, which is weird considering that it has Steve Carell in it.  Anyhow, allow me to introduce you to State Bird.  They are from Dover, Ohio and they are starting the big push for their sophomore effort, Mostly Ghostly, that is due out on The Record Machine in the way far away land of February 2008.  I have no idea what their debut was like, so I can't comment on whether or not they've made any positive progression or not.  But I can say that the couple of songs I've heard from the new record are as interesting as they are good.  Who knows?  Maybe they'll be one of the first bands that impresses big time at the start of next year.  Enjoy.

:State Bird - I Saw The Light:  I didn't mention the fact that the new album has a pilgrim/indian them in the intro because of one particular reason, it doesn't actually make sense until you hear this song.  Once you do though I'm sure you'll easily be able to imagine a bunch of indie kids skipping around and singing-a-long with this rustic jam.  Or, you'll just hear a song that is lush beyond belief and you won't be able to picture any sort of tribal gathering.  Either way, both view points will result in hands in the air and smiles on the faces.  I'd say that's all that matters.

Most live videos done by average Joes dinking around in the crowd with whatever camera they had in their pocket are usually pretty terrible, but this is one of the band performing Pear Tree in Abilene, TX is of good quality as far as the sound and the lighting go.  Though, it helps that the song is an absolute gem.  Feel free to watch it a lot.

- Buck 65 -

On a show related side note, I saw Buck 65 at the Parish a few night ago.  There wasn't more than 60 or 70 people in attendance, but the show was an all around good time.  Spoken word performer Bernard Dolan opened, and DJ Skratch Bastid did a little set on his own in addition to helping Buck out.

Bernard Dolan may be the nicest person in the world, but on stage he is kind of scary.  Fortunately, even with how intimidating he is, it doesn’t make you feel like you should run out of the venue screaming for your mother.  In fact, you can’t really do anything but sit and soak in each word of his performance.  I can see why Sage Francis decided to make Bernard the second spoken word addition to his Strange Famous roster.  See him if possible, but be prepared to experience something a little more aggressive and eye opening than usual.

Skratch Bastid took the stage about 10 or 15 minutes before Buck 65 and proceeded to loosen up the crowd with some creative mixes.  I think his work has to be heard to be appreciated, so I won’t bother trying to describe it.  But I would like to point out that he isn’t one of those DJ’s that hides behind their equipment and doesn’t bother acknowledging the crowd.  His energy behind the turntables is just as entertaining as his mixes.

Considering that this was the third time that I had seen Buck 65 this year I was not surprised at all that he put on a charismatic set full of dance-worthy tunes.  However, without the lack of time restraints that he encountered at SXSW and opening for Sage Francis I was expecting him to perform for much longer than he did.  Instead it seemed as if he came on stage, did quite a bit from the new album, showcased new versions of some old gems, and then wrapped up the show and left.  He didn’t even make an appearance for the small crowd that had waited around for him after everything was all said and done.  It was truly more than strange and a tad bit disappointing.  Though, this is coming from someone who could see a three hour Buck 65 show and feel as if he left out a few songs too many, so keep that in mind. 

I know everyone isn’t into indie hip hop, but I would still recommend seeing him if he comes to your town.  I mean, a friend of mine who mainly listens to metal accompanied me to the show and had a blast.  Buck 65 is for everyone, including you.

- Bernard Dolan -


- Skratch Bastid -


- Buck 65 and Skratch Bastid -

- John Laird -



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