GHOSTFACE KILLAH Live in Bloomington

Ghostface and cult reading…

The master of metaphor, the Nostradamus of non-sequitars, the story-telling-est Apollo Kid, the real Tony Stark: the Ghostface Killah tore it up at the Bluebird last night. Our very own Okie-Texan, by way of Shanghai, Surfwaco delegate, Zachary Carlisle Davidson was on the scene. Below are some of the photos of the show which involved an entire dramatic aspect to the performance. I’m glad to see contemporary rappers taking it beyond just the music. Makes me think of Seattle’s Shabazz Palaces (new remix below) and Fever Ray (1/2 of Sweden’s The Knife–one of the best releases of 2009 by far–also a video below–arguably her best–). Below is Killah & Adrian’s racy video for new track, Rise of the Ghostface Killah, from their new album Twelve Reasons to Die available everywhere.

Rise of the Ghostface Killah – Ghostface Killahg & Adrian Younge

Ghostface & Adrian narrating the story before Ghost dies and comes back after an interlude by Adrian and Delfonics. Adrian switches from bass to keyboards.

Adrian Younge

Ghost and Delfonics

Killa Priest. This was towards the end, everyone was wild by then.

New Town Burnout – Animal Collective (Shabazz Palaces RMX). This will be on a remix release, Monkey Been to Burn Town out May 28th via Domino.

When I Grow Up – Fever Ray

Filed under: Concerts, Music, Adrian Younge, Bluebird, Fever Ray, Ghostface Killah, Shabazz Palaces, Twleve Reasons to Die, When I Grow Up

FACTORY a SUCCESS!!

It’s been over two months since the amazing inaugural FACTORY party and the memories still linger. I regret to post so late about the event, but I have been preoccupied with a move to Indiana for graduate school.

The event featured original artwork from a cavalcade of very talented people including, but no limited to, Andy Anzollitto, Pat Seals, Kate Sterchi, Emily Knighton, Daniel Ogletree, Kelly McTavish, Hannah Skoonberg, Seth Daulton, Chris Russell, Allie Fisher, Katherine Adkins, Esteban Diaz, Marissa Carabin, John Hancock and Charles Hancock. Also on the scene was Emily Knighton with her homespun accessories.

Dan Padgett played an amazing set full of live tunes using an acoustic, bass and the ol’ voicebox.

I played some solid DJ sets before and after Dan’s face-melting. Some dancing even broke loose…

Check out more pictures from the event here. Many thanks to all who participated, celebrated and embraced FACTORY. And a BIG thank you to all who helped me clean up after the event (you know who you are). All in all, it was a magical night!

By the way, there are still some FACTORY posters available for purchase ($5). These are original color woodcuts folks. Below is what they look like. Leave a comment to claim yours.

Dan and I return as a one-two punch lineup at this summer’s A Midnight Summer’s Riot! on Friday, June 22nd at a friend’s place. Join the event/more info on Facebook here. Hope to see you there!

Filed under: Art, Concerts, DJ Surfwaco, FACTORY

Ears Still Ringing from Sleigh Bells’ Live Bowery Stream

Sleigh Bells just finished up their POWERFUL live performance at The Bowery. I tuned into the live stream and turned my headphones up to maximum. After seeing this show, I am a Sleigh Bells fan. They have created a precise math-rock/pop formula that no one can touch. The band’s sophomore LP “Reign of Terror” with killer cover art (below) drops Tuesday next week. Stream the whole thing over at NYTimes. Watch the energetic, 80s nodding, mustard shopping video for “Comeback Kid” below. More images of the band can be seen after the jump. If you want to listen to these guys, watch a live show. Then, go home and listen to their albums on full blast which is totally worth the hearing damage. The band performs on SNL tomorrow night…so tune in.

 

Filed under: Concerts, Music, Reign of Terror, Sleigh Bells, The Bowery

John Maus with Puro Instinct and Geneva Jacuzzi @ The Mohawk

My ears are still recovering from the power of John Maus’ live show Saturday night in Austin. He might be mellow and controlled on his official releases, but live, he’s an animal. He brings an energy to the stage I have rarely ever seen. He seems to be screaming his guts out like he’s about to be sacrificed or attempting to transcend his physical body through his intense echoing voice and retro beats. Regardless, a live Maus show was beyond comparison to anything I’ve ever seen. I spoke with him after the show and he told me that was his 5th show these past couple of weeks. I can’t imagine bringing that energy to one show, let alone 5! If you haven’t already pick up Maus’ new release We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves a favorite of ours this year. Stream live cuts of “Quantum Leap” and “Streetlight” below.

“Quantum Leap” Live @ The Mohawk

“Streetlight” Live @ The Mohawk

Puro Instinct played a nice set after Maus. Below is their hit single “Stilyagi” recorded live from their recent release Headbangers in Ecstasy available everywhere.

“Stilyagi” Live @ The Mohawk

Before Maus and Puro Instinct was someone I’ve never heard of: Geneva Jacizzi. She put on a great show. As soon as she walked down the staircase to the stage with goth makeup and a perm that made your head spin, I knew I was in for a treat. I would describe her music as (angry) Kraftwerk meets Zola Jesus meets ? She danced methodically and robotic-ally throughout her entire set and even jumped down to the audience for a stint. I was impressed with her confidence and persona. More on Geneva Jacuzzi can be found here.

Filed under: Concerts, Music, Geneva Jacuzzi, John Maus, Puro Instinct, Quantum Leap, Stilyagi, Streetlight, The Mohawk

Radiohead plays new song on “From the Basement” session

Radiohead played a new song “Staircase” on “From the Basement,” a really cool program dedicated to bringing intimate live performances to fans. “Staircase” was part of a larger Radiohead performance in which they played the entirety of their latest album, The King of Limbs. The full performance will be available for viewing July 1st . We’ll post something to get you there. Stay tuned.

MP3: Radiohead “Staircase” (live ‘From the Basement’)

Filed under: Concerts, Music, From the Basement, Radiohead, Staircase, The King of Limbs

KEXP/NPR streaming Sasquatch this weekend

Happy memorial day weekend everyone! I wish I was up at the Gorge in Washington for Sasquatch this weekend, but KEXP and NPR are both bringing the action straight to our computers. Stream live sets from the likes of The Radio Dept., The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, The Antlers, Washed Out, Bright Eyes and many more! Check out the official Sasquatch poster with band list along with a a full online stream schedule after the jump.

***Update: For any of you who missed shows, NPR has archived most of them for our listening pleasure. I know I will be enjoying these incredible performances again in the coming weeks.

Filed under: Concerts, Music, KEXP, NPR, Sasquatch

LCD Soundsystem’s final show setlist

They came. They rocked. They conquered. LCD killed it tonight with a 4 hour, 5 set marathon show featuring 29 songs. Some special guests (including Arcade Fire, Reggie Watts, choir ensembles, plus size women, and Shit Robot) dropped by to help Murphy and crew rise to the occasion.  We are very sad to see this group go and so thankful we were able to see them live a few times before the end. These songs, as well as the spirit of LCD Soundsystem will live on in the hearts of fans everywhere, forever. We put together a  setlist (below) from the show for you to enjoy. Adios.

Filed under: Concerts, Design, Music, Concerts, design, LCD Soundsystem, Music