Recently in Music to hear Category

Joe and I went to see The Hold Steady again last night. The venue was First Avenue, which is a great place to see a band like this -- much better than the Orpheum where the constraints of balconies and seating plans kills the fun of seeing a live show.

I was honestly a luke-warm at best on the most recent Hold Steady album, "Stay Positive". Unlike previous albums I felt like the band was more heavily re-using their riffs and that there was little additional development of the character mythos included in the songs. I liked the first single, "Sequestered In Memphis", with it's catchy hook but overall the album just didn't excite me. In particular the slow song "Lord, I'm Discouraged" just didn't work for me and I really enjoy downer albums -- just check how many times I've listened to Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen.

If you want the story of the album from Craig Finn, read it on the label web site.

Seeing the songs performed in person was totally different. They sound was brighter and more frenetic. They just sparkled in a way they didn't on the album. "Lord I'm Discouraged" was no exception. I like the album more now than before I saw the show.

I don't know how Craig Finn does his magic but between his presentation and the bands riffs, it just works.

Then there is the crowd factor. I have never really seen a show, outside of the oldies circuit where you get the audience acting as the backup vocalists. It makes the whole show connect in a big way.

If I wasn't so busy I would drive up to Fargo and see them again tonight.

Thanks for organizing the trip Joe!

Did you get the album yet?

The Submarines are releasing a new album, Honeysuckle Weeks. If you like pop-folk-electronic you'll like this. I think you can d/l it already from iTunes if you like your music with the burning smell of DRM. Brooke introduced me to the group and since she was under 25 at the time you can trust her recommendation.

I listened to the new "Counting Crows" album almost all day Friday and Saturday. It's a good solid album. I was looking for more from them. This album didn't really break any new ground. I was hoping for a bigger reinvigoration of their sound. I didn't get it, but there are still some great songs on the album. I think I like them because of the upbeat melancholia they manage to emit; it's a good approximation for my normal mood.

"I left a lot of ghosts in San Francisco
and now you wanna say you see through me
but what you wanna see ain't your memories of me"
-- Los Angeles, Counting Crows

Wow, there are so many worlds I know so little about. The science fiction folk singing world was hitherto fore unknown to me.

I have been waiting for a "new Counting Crows" album for a long time. Just a few more days to wait.

Masquerading as an indie-hipster I saw the band "Last Days of April" last night.

Everyone's favorite local cover band, ColdFront will be opening up for Dokken on the 16th at Star Central. Be there.

Still not 100% sure if I'll be there yet -- ask me in the morning.

Update: I'll be there.

I got the email with the summer concert line-up for one of my favorite bands, Bowling for Soup. Looks like the closest they will be is in Milwaukee on the 4th of July at Summerfest.

Anyone up for a road trip?

Seriously, you've never really rocked if you haven't rocked in Milwaukee.

City Pages is reporting that "City leaders delete ordinance prohibiting dancing in the streets".

It proves the old adage, when outlaws can dance in the street then only dancers can be outlaws ... er, something like that.

[Link courtesy of Metroblogging Minneapolis]