I've been meaning to report all week but I went and saw Modest Mouse play with Man Man and Love as Laughter in Harlem. I feel as long as we're talking about music I'd love to hear reports on albums and concerts that people are digging. I warn you already that my ultra adoration of Modest Mouse will taint this report.
The awesomitude of the concert is largely due to the ultra dream team of Isaac Brock and Johnny Marr. The whole show was two big spotlights on them and it was aptly so. They're like the couple I never want to see broken up. They played a great deal from the new album which is growing on me. From "Good News for People Who Like Bad News" they played "Ocean Breathes Salty", "Float On", and "Bukowski". Some old favorites played were: "Doin' the Cockroach", "Trailer Trash", "Tiny Cities Made of Ashes".
In fact, "Tiny Cities Made of Ashes" was totally reinvented by Johnny Marr who built it up with a sick stadium burning solo that worked in Modest Mouse's two drummers and then Brock's impassioned lyrical screaming. That one song made it evident that Johnny is a master. He was having such a good time, too. I hope he's here to stay.
Isaac was in top form, though a little less talky. He's usually more engaging in smaller settings but the venue was so huge it didn't seem appropriate. They used to play at CBGB's but since they closed down there's a big music scene hole in New York. As odd as that sounds. The United Palace where they played is cool but still huge.
Other Highlights: Man Man, crazy circus music on crack, was a delight. I've never seen them live and they were a show all in themselves. I can't wait to see them again. All six of them play in a compact space looking at each other and almost everyone plays percussion. The lead singer plays the keyboard with one hand while banging a tambourine with a drumstick and screaming into the microphone. All in white tennis clothing.
Love as Laughter blew. Sorry if anyone likes them. Modest Mouse yeah!
4 comments:
Yeah, I'm not gonna lie. I really like the Man Man. Even when it's annoying. I listened to English Bwudd everyday for a good four weeks this semester and even when the song would come on random and I'd think, This one, again? They'd get going and screaming and whirling around all intense-like and I'd listen to the whole thing again.
Um....another note: my show choir is touring right now.....and my weekend was really busy with...stuff....so.....I will try and send out my May mix before I head out on the trail next Monday but....yeah. I'm going to try hard to do that. Because it's ready. I just also have to take an online CPR test and get finger-printed and other such trunk before Monday as well and I'm not allowed to leave my host family while we're on tour......none of this is making sense. I have to go. Just a heads up though. Man Man is cool. Cheers.
Gillil: is this really you?
hahaha yeah, it's really me. i really sound like that. and hurrah, i'm picking up wireless connections at every home we be staying at so far. so after grapevining and jazz handsing i can come back, download some episodes of The Office and check my email. it's luxurious.
I must also tell my tale of woe. I thought I'd be able to get my CD's out on Friday or Monday, but wasn't able to. I think I'll be able to get them out Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. Okay then.
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