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

Roll Call Member Certificate

One reason My Morning Jacket has such a loyal following is because of the appreciation they have for their fans.  Recently they set up a fan club as a means to have a direct connection to these fans and vice versa.  Benefits for members include exclusive access to video's and songs from the band, the opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public, and primo seating at said concerts.  Last week I received my member certificate in the mail.  I got a good laugh reading it.  Hopefully the statements in the 2nd paragraph turn out to be true.

New to Me: Turntable.fm

I read an interesting article on CNN this morning titled "Turntable.fm:  The cool kids' Pandora".  The article states that what makes Turntable.fm different from other online music streaming sites is that "instead of computers, real people pick the songs, in real time.  The site turns this process into a concert-like game."  Visitors to the site can choose to be part of the audience or to be one of the DJs choosing what songs are played.  Although I like the concept of people being able to share and discover music with each other online, the idea of being part of an 'online audience' in real time via an avatar doesn't appeal to me.  We spend enough time sitting in front of computers as it is, is there really a need for a virtual version of a concert or DJ show?  Sorry, but I think I'll stick to the real thing.

New Music & Videos: Wilco "I Might", The Black Keys cover Buddy Holly, Eddie Vedder on Letterman

• Wilco "I Might" -  Just saw this posted on Stereogum this morning.  "I Might" is our first glimpse into the next Wilco album due out in September.  Follow the link below to give it a listen:
• Wilco - "I Might" - Stereogum
• 'Rave On Buddy Holly' is a tribute album featuring the likes of My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, She & Him, Paul McCartney, & more.  Songs on tribute albums can be very hit or miss in my experience, but one song on 'Rave On' that hits the nail on the head is "Dearest" by The Black Keys.  They keep it short, simple, and sweet.  Check out "Dearest" below or go to NPR's First Listen to hear the entire album.
• Earlier this week Eddie Vedder performed "Without You", a track off his new album 'Ukulele Songs', on Letterman.  Note Ed's tribute to the late Clarence Clemens written on the body of his Uke.

New To Me: Givers

Givers are the Artist to Watch in June at XPN.  Their first full length album titled "In Light" was released yesterday while the band is currently out on the road making a big name for themselves at festivals like SXSW.  Although I've been thoroughly enjoying the new releases by some of my favorite artists (Fleet Foxes, Death Cab, My Morning Jacket), it's always refreshing to come across a new artist.  Givers are young, energetic, enthusiastic, and it all flows right into their music.  I just picked up "In Light" and I'd encourage you to do the same.  Here are a couple videos of Givers at SXSW 2011.