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More local bands hit Off Broadway

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:33:54 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Concert season is slowly winding down in St. Louis, and that's probably the least of your worries during Thanksgiving week. But if you're up for going out after the madness that is this particular holiday, a couple local acts will be saving the day at Off Broadway on Friday evening. And once again, the price is right ($10 for 21 & up; $13 for minors)!

Headlining the night is Theodore, who are prepping to release a new album in 2010. Those new tunes, plus selections from their last offering, 'Defeated, TN,' should be on display. Their sound is roots-Americana based, and the harmonies are top notch. Plus, they cover Leonard Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel," so they've got that going for them. And really, you can't go wrong covering Mr. Cohen, right?

Magnolia Summer, who is also on the bill, features songwriter Chris Grabau, who is as talented as they come. They released 'Lines From the Frame' in 2009, and Bottle Rockets member John Horton helps flesh out their sound with his ringing guitar, along with Kevin Buckley's violin. Whiskeytown is probably a good comparison, but I hate making comparisons, so you should really see them for yourself and then tell me how wrong I am—it's cool.

You'll also be able to catch a special opening set by Micah Schnabel of Two Cow Garage, as if the two aforementioned bands aren't enough to get you out of the house after eating all of that turkey the day before. Have fun at Off Broadway!

Are you going to the show? Please leave a comment below!

Three local bands, one low price at Off Broadway

Jason Gonulsen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:26:32 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

It's true—I don't get out enough to experience the talented sounds of our local artists. I've got millions of excuses: I spend my money on other shows, I am sometimes lazy and a comfortable prisoner of my own home, I listen to so much other music that it's a bit intimidating to dive in and explore another new band. But, it's not because I don't care. (Unless being lazy means you don't care, but I'm a dude, so....I digress.)

The thing is, though, whenever I stumble upon a local band, I usually end up coming away impressed. This happened to me last year when I caught Gentleman Auction House—one of the three local bands who will play at Off Broadway this Saturday ($10 for 21 & up; $13 for minors)—open for What Made Milwaukee Famous. They were explosive, their sound was authentic and they were having a heck of a time playing their songs to a nice crowd. They were just as good as the headliner that night.

So, yeah, I am a little excited for Saturday night. GAH will be joined by two other promising St. Louis bands: The Blind Eyes, who released 'Modernity' earlier this year, and The Hibernauts, who will be celebrating the release of their latest album, 'Velvet Suit.'

I guess you could say that it's The Hibernauts' show, but they'll need to be on their game to upstage GAH and/or The Blind Eyes. Of course, that isn't the point; the whole idea is for everyone to spend a night out checking out our local live musicians. Hope to see you there!

Are you going to the show? Please leave a comment below!

The Black Crowes still in flight

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:01:25 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Remember when The Black Crowes were your favorite band? Seriously, 'Shake Your Money Maker' had to be one of the soundtracks to my youth. I saw them for the first and only time at the H.O.R.D.E. fest at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (when it was still "Riverport) in '95. I recall them being the one and only band I really liked that day, probably because they played about every song I expected them to perform (I also remember meeting Darius Rucker that afternoon; trouble is, I acknowledged him as "Hootie," which he didn't appreciate).

The last great Black Crowes song I remember loving was "Remedy," though, so I'm behind the times. Probably so far behind that you're laughing right now. But hey, I'm being honest—The Crowes haven't inspired me much the last decade. Perhaps it's simply because my tastes have changed.

The truth is, though, that they're getting the last laugh. They're still rocking, and from what I have been told, they're in fine form these days (maybe you were at their last show at Soldier's Memorial?). But what should we really expect from their upcoming performance at The Pageant on Wednesday evening? A host of newer material? An arsenal of selections from the past? A little bit of both?

The only way to find out is to show up at The Pageant for a night of southern rock.

Son Volt back at The Pageant

Jason Gonulsen — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:32:38 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

"May the wind take your troubles away."

Whenever I think of Son Volt, I think of those words. They are, of course, the heart of one of their best songs, "Windfall," from their best album, 'Trace.' In fact, I wish Jay Farrar, lead songwriter for the band, would be simple with his lyrics more often. There's nothing like rolling down your windows while "Windfall" is blasting in your car on a nice day. It's pure road trip music—you really feel its cleansing beauty.

And Son Volt's latest album, 'American Central Dust,' is beautiful, too. Its best song, "No Turning Back," is a lot like "Windfall," in my opinion. It's that good of a song; it might be so good that the rest of the album doesn't come close to its greatness, making the collection of songs a little uneven.

The Son Volt live experience, though, is far from a rollercoaster ride. Farrar and Co. are as steady as they come, so if you are planning on going to the show tonight at The Pageant, don't expect to get too high or too low. Instead, just sit back, relax and enjoy the night. That's the key to enjoying a Son Volt show.

Hope it's a good one!

Neko Case's 'Middle Cyclone' hits The Pageant

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:23:07 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

You might have heard that there has been a love-hate relationship brewing between Neko Case and St. Louis since early last year. Ok, maybe wayyyyyy more love than hate, but let's review, just for kicks.

See, in April of 2008, Case was supposed to perform with The New Pornographers at The Pageant, and most people I knew who had bought tickets for that sold-out show did so because Case was advertised as part of the bill. But when Case suffered a broken ankle days before the show and was unable to perform, the show still went on, making a good bunch of St. Louisans unhappy.

"She could have just sang while sitting down," a few people told me.

For all I know, this is a non-issue these days, especially after her amazing "make-up" show at The Pageant later in 2008. Case even mentioned the New Pornographers "no-show," and even promised another trip to St. Louis in 2009.

Well, guess what? Neko Case is back at the Pageant Thursday evening, and this time she's on tour to support her newest album— 'Middle Cyclone'—which features some of the strongest songs she's ever written and recorded. It's probably my favorite Neko Case album, and that's saying a lot. I just can't wait to hear the tunes in a live setting, assuming there are no more broken ankles.

See you at The Pageant?

Five Neko Case videos to watch before the show

Mason Jennings is the new MJ

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:12:39 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

When your initials are MJ and you’re a live performer, you better be on your game every night. But, the last time I checked, we’re down a couple of our beloved MJs these days. So, I’m going to be way unfair and ask the late King of Pop, Mr. Jackson, to step aside (we’ll always love you, don’t worry); and I’m going to ask the same of the King of Air, Mr. Jordan—please also give up your MJ status (oh, and you NEVER should have played for the Wizards!!). We’ve got a new MJ—Mason Jennings!

Who?

See, I told you I was being unfair.

Seriously, though, Jennings deserves your attention. For starters, he’s performing at The Pageant on Thursday, and you can still get tickets (you might remember that Jennings last performed at The Pageant with Modest Mouse). I can also tell you that his new album, the recently released ‘Blood of Man,’ should make for a great live show. You can trust me on this—I just listened to it while one of my dogs was trying to sleep. It’s electric. It’s passionate. It’s also free to stream. Go waste some time at work—it’s Monday, right?

‘Blood of Man’ is indeed more rockin’ than Jennings’ past material, so I would expect a full band and a more fleshed-out sound at The Pageant. He made the raw album—all by his talented self—in the quiet woods of Minnesota, an unlikely place to get all Hendrix on us; but hey, Jennings is new to this electric, sizzling stuff, so how was he to know? Besides, are there any rules regarding your rocking environment? (Perhaps Jack Black would know.)

Just how big of a rocker is Mason Jennings these days? Enough of one to be the best MJ standing? Find out for yourself on Thursday evening.

UPDATE: Three Questions with Mason Jennings

I'm guessing that you're touring with a full band. How are the 'Blood of Man' songs sounding live, and which ones are your favorites to play?

The songs are a bit more expanded live. It’s the first time I have been out playing electric guitar. And I have my friend Jake playing electric, too, so it is two electrics, bass and drums. Plus, singing, of course. It is really fun. Sounds like a dishwasher falling down the stairs. In a good way.

The recording of "Your New Man" off 'In the Ever' is a live recording. What's it like to play that song in front of an audience these days?

That was recorded live at the Troubadour in L.A. It just depends on the night. Every night is different. Sometimes people light their hair on fire, other times people eat ice cream. Mostly they just moan and cry. Moan and cry.

I read somewhere that you were once on a quest to write the perfect love song. Are you still on that quest?

I guess so. What if I told you I have it and I am not allowed to play it? The oracle who allowed me to write it said it came with that one catch. Like a secret we can never tell. I guess all secrets can never be told. Otherwise they would be just called news. Hmm. I guess I used to think more about words like "perfect" and "song" when I was younger. I still think about the word "love" a lot, though. Still working on that one.

Five Mason Jennings videos to watch before Thursday’s show:

The Boss is back in town

Jason Gonulsen — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:55:59 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

I remember when I thought Bruce Springsteen was just the guy who invited Courtney Cox up on stage in his “Dancing in the Dark’ video. Remember that guy? He seemed cool when I was 6. Seriously, the whole ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ album would be blasting in our house. My dad, who was born in Turkey, always smiled when he heard that song—it was hilarious hearing him try to sing the words in his thick Turkish accent; it was an American anthem for him. (Although, if you really listen to the lyrics, it’s sort of tongue-in-cheek, I think.) I loved that Bruce Springsteen.

Anyway, little did I know at that time that the same Springsteen who I thought was just a cool dude was also a pretty deep dude, too. I’m sure they call him “The Boss” for many reasons (some of which I probably don’t want to know about), but damn, the guy can really write a song when he’s feeling feisty. “Thunder Road,” “The River,” “Atlantic City” and “Independence Day” are a few of my old-school favorites, and they seem miles away from the ‘Born in the U.S.A’ era. Like there were two different Springsteens, or something. Regardless, I learned to love that Springsteen, too.

I bring this up because Springsteen seems to stand for so many things these days—it just depends on who you talk to. There is the fun-loving guy who wrote “Glory Days,” the “Thunder Road” poet, the “Pink Cadillac” guy (not my favorite), the “Post 9/11” hero, the “Jerry Maguire Secret Garden” charmer, the “Streets of Philadelphia” soul and the “Solemn Ghost of Tom Joad” character. But it also seems that there are too many people who only like one of these Springsteens, which is too bad.

So when you see him on Sunday at the Scottrade Center, even though he’s supposedly going to perform one of his best albums, ‘Born to Run,’ in its entirety, along with a host of other tunes, try not to think of him as only one of those aforementioned icons—I believe that is the key to enjoying one of his concerts. Because his shows are not “Greatest Hits" parties. They are not “Dancing in the Dark” videos, either. They are soulful and rocking journeys that hit on every moment of Springsteen’s career, not just the parts that you thought were his best.

Sit tight. Take hold. Thunder road.

Lucinda Williams celebrates 30 years at The Pageant

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:39:20 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Thirty years as a recording artist for Lucinda Williams, and The Pageant will be her final stop on her current Anniversary Tour. This one promises to be a good one on Saturday night as Williams will be performing songs from all of her albums, so it might just be your shot at hearing that song you'd never hear her sing, like "Side of the Road" or maybe "Like a Rose." There are so many great Lucinda Williams songs, so it will be interesting to see what makes the set list.

If you've seen Williams perform at The Pageant, you know she's a fan of the venue. And whether she's singing about car wheels on a gravel road, the fruits of her labor or dunken angels, Williams always seems to be on her game while on The Pageant's stage. Really, she keeps getting better with every performance—at least the six or so I have seen.

My favorite memory of Williams at The Pageant has to be her performance back in 2001 on her 'Essence' tour, when she gave us three encores. Maybe she felt bad for making us wait a good hour in between the opening act—I don't know. Whatever it was, she just kept on playing on that particular Sunday evening, and she won me over in a big way. So much that I've kept coming back since.

Will you be celebrating 30 years with Lucinda Williams on Saturday? Leave a comment below!

Double dose of Bottle Rockets at Blueberry Hill

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:21:43 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

When I talked to Brian Henneman of the Bottle Rockets around a month and a half ago, he seemed excited about his band's new album, 'Lean Forward,' and ready to take the new tunes on the road. After all, it's been a good three years since we've heard anything new from one of St. Louis' best rock 'n' roll bands, so his itch to get them before a live audience was expected.

But when you listen to 'Lean Forward,' you immediately realize that this is an album made for the road. It's mostly electric, like their last album, 'Zoysia,' and it's just got that live feel to it. It's everything a Bottle Rockets album should be: loud, energetic, and fun.

And all those things usually happen at one of their shows. The good news is that you will have two chances to catch them this week at Blueberry Hill. So whether you're planning on Friday or Saturday night, the new tunes like "The Long Way," "Give Me Room" or "Hard Times" should be quite a treat, as well as older material like "Radar Gun," "Thousand Dollar Car," "Indianapolis," "Gas Girl" and "Welfare Music."

Just a side note: At one my first Bottle Rockets shows at Blueberry Hill in 2002, it was so freaking loud that my ears were ringing for days. Seriously, the guys know how to rock, so you might want to invest in some earplugs. I know they say that if it's too loud, you're too old...but I still want to be able to hear when I'm 40.

Are you going to the show? Leave a comment below!

Five Bottle Rockets videos:

Farm Aid, Great Big Sea highlight the weekend

Jason Gonulsen — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:54:15 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

I can't believe it's time for Farm Aid already, but Sunday is the day (there are a lot of Farm Aid events to check out leading up to the concert, too). I always thought Farm Aid would land in St. Louis; I mean, if Ames, Iowa, and Champaign, Illinois, could play host, why not us, right? Well, it's here, so let's talk about the "Super Six" performers.

Wilco

Very good chance a lot of you saw them at The Pageant last year when they sold out the place three straight nights. I'm super excited to hear the 'Wilco (the album)' tunes live, assuming they play some of them. The bottom line: I've never seen a bad Wilco show.

Jason Mraz

The last time he was in town, he sold out The Fox. Expect a lot of the crowd to be there for him and Dave Matthews. Can't say I know a whole lot about Mraz; I just know a lot of people dig his stuff. The bottom line: If you sell out The Fox, you gotta be doing something right.

Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds

Seems like Dave was just here (well, he was). But wait! This will be one of those deals where he'll be doing the solo thing with Tim Reynolds, which, if you didn't know, is pretty rare. The bottom line: The only Farm Aid I've ever attended was in 2001, and Dave Matthews solo was a highlight.

John Mellencamp

Not a big fan of "This is Our Country." But let's face it, it's Farm Aid, the dude is gonna play "This is Our Country." That's cool, as long as we get to hear "Jack and Diane" and "Authority Song." The bottom line: "The dream is still alive. Someday it will come true."

Neil Young

Not sure if old Neil is going to be solo or with a band, but does it really matter? If you've seen him live, you know he appears to have more energy than a caffeinated teenager. And I'm dying to hear "After the Gold Rush" again. The bottom line: Keep on rockin' in the free world.

Willie Nelson

I really have no idea what to say about Willie Nelson. It's Willie freaking Nelson! The bottom line: There would be no Farm Aid without Willie. You better stay until the end.

If you're not going to Farm Aid, you should check out a great Canadian band, Great Big Sea at The Pageant ($25). The band from Newfoundland plays a mix of celtic-rock-folk tunes, and their last album, 'Fortune's Favour,' their ninth recording, didn't disappoint. The bottom line: Alan Doyle, Sean McCann and Bob Hallett have been around for 15 years and are still attracting new fans. Perhaps you'll be their latest follower?

Dear Matthew Ryan

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:17:06 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Raise your hands, who out there has heard of Matthew Ryan? No, not the Atlanta Falcons quarterback. The musician. The one who will be playing a solo show with Michael McDermott on Thursday at Off Broadway. The one who has released two of my favorite albums the last two years. The one who is easily, in my opinion, one of the greatest living singer-songwriters we have with us today (even though he would never admit that, it's true).

This particular show, part of a tour titled "Miserable Irish Bastards," will be featuring songs off Ryan's upcoming album, 'Dear Lover,' which will be released digitally on October 27th. It's the perfect time to get to know Mr. Ryan, I can promise you that; for $10, you can see him live on Thursday at one of St. Louis' best venues.

Still not sold? Well, let's hear from the man himself, as he graciously answered a few questions for us.

This particular tour (or show) is labeled as "Miserable Irish Bastards." What makes you a miserable Irish bastard?
Well, anyone with an ounce of Irish blood knows that misery is the root of humor. Not sure what that has to do with your question. But clearly, Michael and I thought it would attract St. Louis Rams cheerleaders to the show.

You played Off Broadway in St. Louis last year. Anything you can remember about the club? Good venue for you?
Of course I remember. It's a great room, very welcoming and well run. I remember wishing I could pack it to the rafters every time. Because these are strange days for music and venues. Music brings a particular sense of comfort and intimate belonging to the communities that listen. Venues like Off Broadway are ground zero for that intimacy. I want to see all of us thrive. And I mean all of us: the artists, the venues and the listeners.

This is a solo show for you—how do you prepare when you don't have your band with you? Do you have a set list?
I probably prepare harder for a solo show than I do a band show. I usually gather a list of songs, rehearse them and then let the particular night I'm playing guide where it goes. I love playing with a band. But with bands there's often too many obstacles to real intimacy because my songs depend on a very distinct balance between cinema, vulnerability and heroism. A little too much of one of them can upset the intent. I feel solo that there less factors that can go wrong. I like that very simple challenge and risk. Makes for a very pure experience if a listener is up for coming along.

Your new record, 'Dear Lover,' will be released digitally next month. Can you tell us a little bit about these songs? Are you excited about performing them without a band?
Well, I love this record. The short of it is that last year I found myself in an emergency room with someone very close to me. All turned out fine, but in those moments I found the possibility of losing her beyond comprehension. So much between us goes unsaid. I wanted to make a collection of intimate anthems. Dangerously honest and cinematic love songs. I've been working the songs out solo, and because at their source and root, they're sturdy; they sound beautiful on just a guitar or piano. We'll see. I hope listeners agree. But, I feel pretty good about everything.

Five Matthew Ryan videos to watch before the show:

Sept. 21: Gregory Alan Isakov arrives at Off Broadway

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:17:07 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Is it just me, or has Off Broadway been booking some amazing talent lately? The past few months we've had Josh Ritter, Blind Pilot and Michelle Shocked, to name a few, and Matthew Ryan is coming up in October. And on Sunday, singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov will be taking the stage. They're on fire, I say.

So, let's talk a little about Isakov. Born in South Africa, he now resides in Colorado, and he writes some of the most beautiful and personal tunes I've come across in a while. His most recent album, 'This Empty Northern Hemisphere,' features a duet, "That Moon Song," with Brandi Carlile, which happens to be one of his better songs. I won't say best song because I'm new to his world of music.

I will say that for $10 ($13 if you're under 21), he's one of this week's best bets for live music. It's one of those (cheap) chances to check out a rising talent before the rest of the world has much of a clue—just listen to some of his tunes and you might agree with me. He's got something special, so it's my advice that you catch him on Sunday.

Sep. 14: Brandi Carlile gives up the ghost

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:14:00 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

I could write all day about Brandi Carlile and still not be able to tell you how special of a talent she is. If you've seen her live, maybe you already know what I'm talking about. Or, if you've simply listened to her albums, perhaps you have an idea. But, there's something about her voice—which has endless range—and her smart lyrics that set her above the rest. And in a live setting, along with her band, she'll make you want to see her again and again.

And throughout her career, she's played St. Louis again and again.

"I think I've played The Pageant six times, or something crazy like that," she says over the phone while in Boulder, just before soundcheck. "You know what, The Pageant is an excellent place to play, the people who work there are killer. The sound system is great, the stage is huge, it's so fun."

For this tour, she'll be performing at The Pageant ($20-25) before her next album, 'Give Up the Ghost,' is available (it'll be released on Oct. 6). It might seem like an odd way to introduce her new tunes to her fans, but for Carlile, it makes a whole lot of sense.

"We're such a live band at heart, that's how we've always cultivated new material—is on the road," Carlile explains. "The songs write themselves in front of an audience. It's not about what an audience's reaction is when you play a new song, it's about how you feel when you're playing it for them. It determines whether maybe it's too rock, or maybe it needs to be faster or slower...maybe the words aren't profound enough. But in front of people that you care about, you feel more compelled."

One of the new songs, "That Year," was written about a friend who committed suicide, a personal tune that some live performers would not always feel comfortable singing before a live audience. Again, Carlile doesn't see it that way.

"It's how I exist in the world—I work things out in front of an audience," she says. "I work things out by playing music. When I play that one live, I know there is a purpose to me doing it. I can get lost in it, but still have control over what I'm doing."

What Carlile also has control over is her set lists, which are never set in stone.

"I constantly change it. I call the set list—at the beginning of a show—I call it a wish list," she says with a laugh. "When I get out in front of an audience, it's such an interactive experience, it determines everything. If you feel like an audience just really wants to listen, and they want to be moved, then you may play a few more ballads. If you feel that they really want to have some rock 'n' roll, you might cut the ballads out."

And just so you know, she's listening to those requests you shout out.

"People yell out requests, and often times we'll just play them," she says. "Set lists are such a funny thing—you can't know what the audience wants until you're out there in it. You just try things. The truth is, they want to love you, and they want to have a good time with you. I never assume that I'm playing to an audience; we're always playing with an audience, and that's what makes our shows so much fun."

If you love Brandi Carlile, she'll love you back. So, please show her some love on Tuesday night.

If you're going to the show, don't forget to Dine Out for Farm Aid beforehand!

Sep. 8: Party with Sheila Shahpari

Jason Gonulsen — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:50:00 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

CD release parties are always fun, especially when a local artist is involved. And that's exactly what will be happening at Off Broadway on Saturday night as Sheila Shahpari will be celebrating the release of her debut album, 'What is Real'.

Shahpari has been playing shows around town for a while, but this one will be different (aside from the obvious). Her "all-star" band will feature the following musicians: Clayton Kunstel (So Many Dynamos), Chris Turnbaugh (Groupthink), Phil Ring (The Gorge), Asako Kuboki (S.L.S.O.), Ranya Iqbal (Serenade Strings). Don't expect a somber solo-acoustic affair. No, this should be a rocking good time.

If you aren't familiar with Shahpari's music, it's sort of Ani DiFranco meets Janis Joplin, if that makes any sense at all. I do know that she's self-taught on guitar, so her style is her own. And from listening to some of her new tunes on MySpace, she seems to have more than enough sass. I'd say that if you're planning on checking her out on Saturday, expect to be on your feet and in a grooving mood. Don't miss your chance to go out and support an up-and-coming local artist!

Sep. 3: Post-Labor Day fun with Mars Volta

Jason Gonulsen — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:14:40 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

If you were at the last Mars Volta show at The Pageant, chances are you came away more than satsified. The Grammy Award-winning band played for almost three hours, filling The Pageant with their exquisite thunderous rock routine, one that is gaining steam tour by tour. A friend of mine attended that show and said that the band might have uttered a few words to the audience, none of which any fan in attendance understood. Simply put, they let their music do the talking. And really, that's all you can ask for in a live show.

The Mars Volta have been playing St. Louis a while now (they even played The Galaxy when it was still around), and it appears they will be playing to a nice crowd this time around as The Pageant's balcony reserved seats have already been sold out. If you already have bought tickets, chances are you've heard their latest release, 'Octahderon,' which was released last June. It's been described as a mellower effort, one that provides a nice change of pace from their earlier work, but that doesn't mean the band will be playing an acoustic show this time around. No, you'll still want to bring your earplugs just in case.

So, even though I'm sure you're focused on getting your Labor Day plans in order, don't put off getting your tickets to see The Mars Volta this time around. I can't promise you they will play three hours, or your favorite song, but they will likely entertain you enough that you'll be waiting feverishly for them to come back to town in 2010. Live music is the drug, right?

Are you going to the show? Leave a comment below!

Here's a recent Mars Volta setlist:

1. Inertiatic ESP
2. Goliath
3. Cotopaxi
4. Viscera Eyes
5. Roulette Dares
6. Halo of Nembutals
7. Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus
8. Desperate Graves
9. Eunuch Provocateur
10. Ilyena
11. Teflon
12. Drunkship of Lanterns
13. Luciforms
14. The Widow
15. Wax Simulacra

Sep. 1: Undercover Weekend

Meaghan Anselm — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:39:05 GMT

By Meaghan Anselm
Metromix

When I say undercover, what do you think? In disguise? Secretive? Mysterious? Yes, all of those and more. But for the third annual undercover weekend, I am talking about music. Heavy hitters in the local music scene are performing as their favorite acts. The Firebird slowly released the names of who was playing and who they were covering over the last few weeks. Way to draw it out Firebird. But every day at 9 p.m. I would log on to my facebook account with anticipation to see who would be announced today. The entire list has finally been released. The more I look at who is playing what, the more I wish Firebird would have made a weekend pass because every night looks so good. Night 1 (Fri., Sep. 4) features local acts Science Hill, Via Dove, The Orbz, Echo Bravo and Left Arm. To see who they are covering click here… Night 2 (Sat., Sep. 5) features local acts The Dive Poets, Fattback, The Monads, The Sham and John Henry & The Engine. To see who they are covering click here… Night 3 (Sat., Sep 12) features local acts LOGOS, Chapters, Tenement Ruth, The Makeshift Gentlemen and Fractured Army. Click here to see who they are covering…

For the entire line up click here…

I think the concept is cool, the bands are cool and The Firebird is challenging St. Louis’ already stellar music scene to prove they are good as our favorites. I will see you at The Firebird this weekend.

Aug. 24th: The charm of Amy Lavere

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:59:06 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

I may not be an Amy Lavere expert, but I keep hearing and reading her name. From friends to critics, people rave about her music, and how she—particularly her voice—is something special. She's charming, they say. She's beautiful, they insist. And what do you know, she's in town this Sunday at Off Broadway (doesn't it always work out like that?). So, let me tell you what I've found out about Amy Lavere.

In 2006, Lavere relesed her debut album, 'This World is Not My Home,' and she's been busy every since. Her sophomore effort, 'Anchors and Anvils,' which was produced by the late Jim Dickinson, was a spooky and bluesy masterpiece, one that earned her fans across the globe (apparently she is big in Scandinavia). These days she's on the road promoting a new EP, 'Died of Love," which you can sample on her MySpace page (and yes, it's worth repeated listens).

Simply put, Lavere has an alluring and dreamy voice—it's as authentic as they come. But, her music isn't always mellow; she can definitely turn it up a notch and surprise, which begs the question: What is her live show like? Do we get the soothing and sexy Lavere? The bluesy Lavere? The traditional country Lavere? The rocking Lavere? Do we get it all? For only $10, and since I missed her earlier this year at Twangfest, I'm willing to take a chance and find out. And so should you.

See you there? Leave a comment below.

Five Amy Lavere videos:

Aug 21: Local music festivals around the corner

Meaghan Anselm — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:34:45 GMT

By Meaghan Anselm
Metromix

So just when you thought the concert series were coming to end, I am here to happily remind you that you still have a chance to see some very cool bands for fairly cheap. St. Louis isn’t exactly known for its music festivals, but these four are sure to please.

1. The Lot – This festival is held on the outside parking lot of the Schlafly Tap Room on Locust. Happening August 29, this festival is not just about the music... it brings in vendors to occupy your time between sets. Metropolis STL puts on this day full of music every September. Metropolis brings in radio stations, plus food and drink vendors. There are different activities set up in tents that surround the parking lot. It is free to get in and provided to you by MetropolisSTL.

2. Rock for Hope – If you want to help raise a little money for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and see some of the areas best local talent, then this three-day festival is for you. It has over 100 local bands on the bill, thus far. Travel the distance to the Warren County Fairgrounds and you will probably get your money's worth in music. This festival runs from Sep. 4-6.

3. Play:stl Fest 09 – This festival can be found each September in the Delmar Loop. Concerts are held at Cicero’s, Blueberry Hill, Vintage Vinyl and Market in the Loop. They brought in some higher named acts last year like The Graduate, Never Shout Never, French kicks and the Office, but have yet to announce the big acts they have for this year. Most of the bands that play this festival are from the indie-rock genre. A wristband that will last you all weekend will run you $15. The festival itself runs from Sep. 17-19.

4. Farm Aid – One of the biggest shows of the summer on a national scale is parking itself at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater for the day. Legendary rockers Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Wilco, Jason Mraz and more will be performing. This all day festival on Oct. 4, gives you artist collaborations like you wouldn’t see anywhere else. Tickets for this show range in price from $39-$79 and are practically sold out, so move fast.

What have I forgot? If you can think of any other music festivals I might be missing, let me know by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

Aug 17: Get acquainted with Over the Rhine

Jason Gonulsen — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:38:41 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

I know what you think. You think you've heard every beautiful voice known to man, that your CD collection has got it all covered. Well, I'm here to tell you that until you've heard the voice of Karin Bergquist of Over the Rhine, you're missing out on one of the most gifted vocalists still flying under the radar. While also easy on the eyes, Bergquist can be sexy, she can be soothing, she can be jazzy and yes, she can rock. She's absolutely a sight to see live, and Blueberry Hill is one of the best places to witness her extraordinary talents.

I've been fortunate enough to see Bergquist and Over the Rhine a few times, and each show has always been a little different. While Bergquist always is the main attraction, her husband, Linford Detweiler, a songwriting force in his own right, also deserves a lot of the credit for Over the Rhine's success over the last decade or so. His words are poetic, smart and real. He and Bergquist form a fine team of musicians, and when joined by a full band, you will often find yourself in awe of what they can offer. They quickly shed any "artsy fartsy" label that might occasionally be thrown on them.

Luckily, it appears that Thursday night's show will feature a full band as opposed to a Bergquist/Detweiler acoustic show. While the acoustic shows are nice, I've always felt their shows carry an extra spark when they decide turn up the sound. And although Over the Rhine won't blast your eardums, their shows can get fiery, so we will just have to see what this tour has in store on Thursday evening.

Have you seen Over the Rhine in concert? Leave a comment below!

Five Over the Rhine videos:

Aug. 10: Lean Forward with the Bottle Rockets

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:29:00 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

I like to write about the Bottle Rockets—you probably know this by now. And what a week this will be for the St. Louis-based band—their newest offering, the rockin' 'Lean Forward,' will be released tomorrow, and they're throwing a big release party at Vintage Vinyl to celebrate their latest sonic acclompishment. An hour-long performance starting at 7:30 PM is expected from Brian Henneman and Co., and all you have to do is show up to join in on the fun. Of course, you'll probably want to purchase your own copy of 'Lean Forward' and have them sign it, but you don't have to if you don't want to.

From the tunes I've already heard, 'Lean Forward' appears to be a classic Bottle Rockets album. The leadoff track, "The Long Way," is a fine opener, and producer Eric "Roscoe" Ambel really seems to have captured the energy of a Bottle Rockets show. If it's as good as their last album, 'Zoysia,' then we should all be pretty happy.

If you're not familiar with the Bottle Rockets, why not go on over to Vintage Vinyl tomorrow and start out the right way-—by seeing them live—for free? Besides getting to hear the new tunes (and probably some old favorites), you can also win stuff—and don't we all like to win stuff? It's cool stuff, too: according to Vintage Vinyl's site, you can "enter to win a giant grand prize package (which will include Bottle Rockets t-shirts, a Bloodshot Records "Fun Pack," which will include a cooler, beer coozie, bottle opener, shirt and hat), Vintage Vinyl goodies and a Bottle Rockets TEST PRESSING for their brand new LP!"

Will you be celebrating 'Lean Forward' with the Bottle Rockets tomorrow? Leave a comment below!

Aug. 3: Pete Yorn going back and forth

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:47:33 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

What happens when an artist's first album is so good that you begin to wonder how he or she can ever top it? The result is usually similar to what singer-songwriter Pete Yorn has experienced over the last few years—it's not that his recent albums have been awful, it's that the bar was set way too high, and the music starts to flow along without a spark. You want the songs to sound a certain way, and as much as you want to love it, you find yourself a little disappointed. You can argue all you want about Yorn's talent; but really, is he ever going to release anything as good as his debut album, 'musicforthemorningafter?'

It's probably an unfair question to ask. But like many people I know, I find myself struggling to relate to the songs on his newest album, 'Back and Fourth.' Granted, maybe it's better live—the last time I saw him was in 2001 at Mississippi Nights, and he was wonderful on that night. And even though I don't think the world of his latest batch of tunes, I still want to believe in Pete Yorn.

And that's the beauty of live music—you always get another chance. So, if you're like me and are still living in Yorn's 'musicforthemorningafter' era, maybe it's time to give him another try. He's at The Pageant on Sunday night, and tickets are $20. Leave a comment below to let me know if you're going to the show!

Five Pete Yorn videos to check out before the show:

July 29: Toad the Wet Sprocket still has it

Adam Claypool — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:56:00 GMT

By Adam Claypool
Metromix

I am a Toad the Wet Sprocket fan. I wasn't always that way. Sure, I liked some of their catchy tunes... but I have never owned a CD (or tape), been to a live show, etc. So how can I call myself a fan? Well, a few years back, I heard a few bootlegs of live shows performed by Glen Phillips, the Toad frontman. I quickly latched on to any and all Glen Phillips material I could find. Whether it was a studio session with Teitur (an XM show that was amazingly intimate and awesome), to some of his live gigs with Nickel Creek. The dude's got an amazing voice. Most of those Glen Phillips songs I fell in love with were actually Toad the Wet Sprocket songs. So I was psyched when the guys came to play under the Arch for Live on the Levee a few years back. I was all ready to go, until a few days before the show. You may remember that time. Massive storms swept through St. Louis, knocking out power to more than 500,000 people (yep, I was one of them). I guess I just figured the show was going to be canceled... I mean, there was debris everywhere! As it turns out, the show wasn't canceled. So, last night's show was the first time I've seen Toad in concert. And I wasn't disappointed.

The guys started off with a driving version of "Something's Always Wrong," that got people dancing and excited. They kept with the same driving beat and tone for their second song, "Whatever I Fear." For me, these two songs were the perfect way to start the show. They got the crowd's attention right away. After that, the guys slowed it up a bit - playing through several hits, including "Good Intentions." The guys interacted nicely with the crowd... with Glen and Dean doing most of the talking. In fact, Dean mentioned the 2006 storms at one point. Glen commented early that he really liked The Pageant, saying at the start of the show, "It's going to be a fun night."

That sentiment was sure felt by the crowd. The band's been together since 1986, so obviously, their followers were pretty diverse. There were cougars singing and dancing right in front of me, and at the same time, people in their mid-20s bobbing their heads. I have to hand it to the guys - they put on a great show. And they played for nearly an hour and a half. One of the highlights for me was "Crowing." The guys hit the harmonies just right, and were totally in sync with each other from a rhythmic standpoint. No surprise here... the song that capped the encore was "Walk on the Ocean." You can tell there's still a lot of love for these guys. The Pageant was packed, and the crowd seemed to really appreciate the show Toad put on.

Did you go to the show? What did you think? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Jul. 29: Open mic Sundays at Off Broadway

Jason Gonulsen — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:39:56 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

If you're searching for a place to test out your talents as a musician, look no further than Off Broadway, one of St. Louis' best live music venues. Most Sundays are designated for you to bring your instrument and provide the entertainment from 2:00-6:00 P.M. It's free to perform—or simply attend—and you can also enjoy $1 PBRs while you do your thing. Seriously, it's that easy.

Over the past few years, Off Broadway has quickly become a favorite venue of mine to watch live music. The sound is always clear, the people are super friendly and its surroundings feel like a warm and cozy living room. One of my favorite places to sit is sort of off to the side of the stage near the entrance. Sure, the sound suffers in this spot (it's clear everywhere else), but you get an interesting view of what is going on while you sit at the bar (plus, it's where I once met Neko Case, so maybe that has something to do with it).

So, what are you waiting for? It's a pretty safe bet that you'll be treated well if you take part this Sunday or next. If you've been to an open mic at Off Broadway, please, leave a comment below. Or, maybe you've been to other open mics in St. Louis—let me know!

Jul. 27: Josh Ritter returns to St. Louis

Jason Gonulsen — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:12:46 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

In what should be a slam dunk for local concertgoers who like singer-songwriters, Josh Ritter will be performing with a full band tomorrow night at Off Broadway. Who is Josh Ritter, you ask? Well, in 2006 he made waves with 'Animal Years,' which pretty much was at or near the top of every "Best of" list that year. He followed that in 2007 with the wonderful and mostly electric 'The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter,' which also was critically lauded. Both are great places to start.

In my opinion, Ritter is a can't miss talent. Although I was very late to catch on to his music, songs like "Girl in the War," "Wolves," and "Right Moves" have quickly become favorites on my iPod. The characters in his tunes are an interesting bunch; they "pass their time with crosswords," trade their "innocence for hesitation" and become "thin blue flames." Ritter is a folkie, a rocker and quite a wordsmith, and if you've seen him live, you know that a smile literally never leaves his face.

His upcoming show should be packed, rocking and intimate—I'm pretty stoked that we're getting to see him in such a great venue like Off Broadway (Doors open at 7:30, and Langhorne Slim supports, so get there early).

Ritter graciously (on rather late notice) found some time to answer a few questions over e-mail before his St. Louis gig. Here's what he had to say:

On your current tour, you are performing a few new songs that will presumably be included on an upcoming album. Can you briefly tell us about those and how they are sounding?
I'm thinking about them as gigantic oil paintings. I wanted stories that left nothing out and I want them to sound lush. I'm lucky enough to work with musicians who can do that.

'Animal Years' included the epic song, "Thin Blue Flame," which is full of random and beautiful imagery. What's going through your head when you're playing that song live?
When the night is going well, I can get pretty deep inside the song. I don't mean that in a touchy feely, inside-the-actor's-studio kind of way—I just mean that with all the imagery going by, there is plenty to concentrate on. It feels like a movie to me.

It's been a while since you last played St. Louis, but do you have any memories of past shows in our city?
I remember buying a bottle of Crown Royal for Joan Baez in St. Louis. I was on tour with her and thought that would be a good gift. The guy behind the counter told me that all the best liquor came in bags.

In 2006, Stephen King called 'Animal Years' "the best album of the year in a walk, and maybe the best album I've heard in the last five." When you hear something like that, what does it mean to you? Any contact with Mr. King?
Well, it's a huge compliment coming from a writer who I respect so much. I've loved his books for ages, so it was a real shot in the arm. I've never had any contact with him, but I record my records in Maine and we'd love to have him over for dinner!

Lastly, you play solo shows, orchestral shows and shows with your band—how do they differ from one another, and how do you prepare? I would imagine that most of your fans will always want to hear a solo song or two every night...
The thing about mixing it up on stage is that no one emotion can be sustained for an entire show. I started my career playing on my own and gradually was able to bring a band along. As we were able to play larger palces and the opportunities for weirdnesses like orchestras came along, I decided to try that too. There is a line you walk each night between giving the audience what it needs and giving yourself what you need. I find that that balance is a healthy one. The bottom line is that each of these formats offers something that the others can't, be it the one-to-one interaction of a solo show or the whirlwind of an orchestral gig. My favorite is still being up there with my band, though. They're superhumans.

Five Josh Ritter videos:

Jul. 24: Toad the Wet Sprocket celebrates 20 years at The Pageant

Jason Gonulsen — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:03:27 GMT

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Believe it or not, it's been 20 years (!) since Toad the Wet Sprocket were first introduced to us via Columbia Records. So yeah, they sort of have a reason to get back together and celebrate. And party they will at The Pageant, which is where they will be playing on Tuesday.

They don't have a new album to promote—their status as a band is still sort of still "broken up" in a sense—so you can expect them to play all their past radio-friendly material like "All I Want" and "Walk On the Ocean." Remember those? You must.

Glen Phillips, chief songwriter for TTWS, has probably had the most success outside of the band—he's done a few solo albums and played with various members of Nickel Creek on the side. But you shouldn't expect much rust from the rest of the band, who have all been tinkering with their own projects.

Really though, this tour is all about the old songs and rekindling old memories. Sometimes, that falls flat. Other times, it seems right. For TTWS, I would bet on the latter. If you're going to the show, sing along, live in the past. It's ok for just this night. Oh, and Metromix will be at the show - so look for a recap next week.