New To Me: Cults

Although I may be a little late to the 'Cults' train I'm definitely on board.  I really dig their retro sound.  Their self titled debut album came out a few months ago, be sure to give it a listen.

Concert Review: Eddie Vedder - Tower Theatre, Upper Darby 6/25/11

The evening (or afternoon for many) began at the Waterford Bar & Grill, conveniently located adjacent to The Tower.  Inside, the Waterford was packed with local fans as well as dedicated travelers from across the country and probably the globe.  Patrons interacted, sharing thoughts and stories about Pearl Jam & Ed while enjoying some beverages before the show.

Ed took the stage shortly before 9pm, opening with several songs of his new album "Ukulele Songs".  The simple stage setup, 1 man & 1 ukulele, created an intimate setting among the crowd of several thousand.  The remainder of the set consisted of a mix of songs by Pearl Jam, the Into The Wild soundtrack, and a cover of Bob Dylan's 'Girl From The North Country'.

The highlights of the show for me were during the encore.  Opening the first encore was 'Parting Ways', a hauntingly beautiful and often overlooked song off of Pearl Jam's "Binaural".  The emotional peak of the evening however came when Ed introduced Jake Clemens, nephew of the late Clarence Clemens, and invited him on stage to play sax for a song.  Ed, Jake, and opening act Glen Hansard played 'Drive All Night' by Bruce Springsteen, a touching tribute to the sax legend, ending with Jake holding his sax up in the air to thunderous applause.

Ed has a unique way of connecting with the audience.  The stories and observations he shares feel like a one on one conversation with everyone in attendance.  I've seen Pearl Jam/Ed many times and I often distinguish between the shows not only by the songs that were played but by those stories and surprises that separate each show and make them an individual experience.

Setlist:
Waving Palms
Can't Keep

Sleeping By Myself

Without You

Goodbye

Broken Heart

Light Today

You're True
Girl From The North Country
I Am Mine
Betterman
Just Breathe
Far Behind
Long Nights
Lukin
Guaranteed
Rise
Unthought Known
Speed of Sound
Arc
--Encore 1--
Parting Ways
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
Tonight You Belong To Me

Society

Falling Slowly

Drive All Night

Porch

--Encore 2--

Hard Sun

Halfway Thru 2011...

This time of year everyone starts to reflect and compile a list of the albums that have been released since the beginning of 2011.  With so much music out there something always seems to fall through the cracks for me and these lists can be a good guide of what I may have missed.  Here are a few that I came across along with my own obligatory list.

• Stereogum's "Top 20 Albums of 2011 So Far"
• Stereogum's "Top 12 Albums Overlooked By Stereogum's Best of 2011 So Far" ...my personal fav
• SPIN's "25 Best Albums of 2011 So Far"
• WXPN's "2011 Halftime Report"

My personal favorites...in no particular order:

"The People's Key" by Bright Eyes

"Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes

"Circuital" by My Morning Jacket

"Gimme Some" by Peter Bjorn and John

"Zonoscope" by Cut Copy

"Torches" by Foster The People

"In Light" by Givers

"Rocket Science" by Bela Fleck & The Flecktones

"Middle Brother" by Middle Brother

"Ukulele Songs" by Eddie Vedder