Music to hear: June 2005 Archives

I saw Halloween, Alaska last night. It was an awesome show. Although the whole band was great, their drummer, David King was in some ways the star of the show. When I had heard their music my assumption was that the rhythm was provided by layers of synthetic drum tracks, but from what I could tell Mr. King generated them all by himself with his small drum kit. It was really amazing drumming. I have to check out another group he is in called Happy Apple. The vocals combined with the complexed layered music was just phenomenal. I can't wait to go to their CD release party scheduled for September. Their cover of LL Cool J's "I Can't Live Without My Radio" was awesome in person and it's slated to appear on their next album. If they come to your town, go see them.

I saw Modest Mouse recently.

The band was in great form and played really well. I really enjoyed watching how they made their sound.

I love the clever word usage in their songs.

"We named our children after towns
that we've never been to.
And it's true that the clouds just hang around
like black Cadillacs outside a funeral.
And we were laughing at the stars
while our feet clung tight to the ground.
So pleased with ourselves
for using so many verbs and nouns." 

I think that I prefer much smaller venues for live music. The Orpheum isn't really huge but security kept people out of the aisles. It means there isn't that great crowd feel that should accompany loud music. I think I would rather see a few more $10 shows that might not be as well know, but have a better venue.

I'm apparently the only one in my peer group to have ever heard of Modest Mouse.

I have an extra ticket to see Modest Mouse tonight at the Orpheum. If you are interested leave a comment or drop me an email. The opening act is Camper Van Beethoven.