Surfer Blood [Bumbershoot 2010, Day 3]

I got some dumplings, and listened to a few tunes from Jenny & Johnny on the Starbucks Stage.  They were find, but the guitars didn’t sound quite right- especially the acoustic.  I even went back and stood at the soundboard to get a better mix, but it just wasn’t doing it for me.

Anyway- I had to run because Surfer Blood was coming on.  Now, I have to admit, I really, really wanted to hate Surfer Blood.  I avoided seeing them in Brooklyn for over a year, which is pretty goddamn hard considering it seemed like they were playing three shows a week there since they got signed to Kanine.  Any band that gets hyped up always puts me off.  I mean, Terrorbird does fantastic PR, but do guys this fresh really deserve that much credit, I mean getting a shout out in the CMJ NY Times article? I’d listened to their album and it was decent, but didn’t overwhelm me.

Well, whatever your thoughts, as much as I wanted to dislike them, the boys brought me around.  Everytime I was looking for something to bitch about, I listened up, and I enjoyed what I was hearing (that is of course, with the exception of their Vampire Weekendy radio single).  The’ve got talent, and baby-faced John Paul Pitts has some chops, and I will definitely not be avoiding any more of their shows.   Alas, I’m a damn fan now.  Below are two new songs they played, which I captured with my handheld camera (but the sound came out remarkably well).  Both are apparently untitled, and the first has better video and audio since I went back to the soundboard and shot from there on the second, trying to improve the sound. Anyway:  Good luck Surfer Blood!  Keep it up!

Japandroids (BEST SHOW of Bumbershoot, 2010)

Leaving the Meat Puppets to finish the last two songs, I cut out of the rain and saw three short films (a nice rest in the action-and it turned out to be well needed.)  As soon as the flicks ended, I returned to the Broad Street Stage and got front and center for Japandroids, who hands down, were the best band at Bumbershoot this year (which is a lot to say, considering it’s the fourth time I’ve seen these guys.  They still managed to impress and keep their high energy).  Japandriods was the only time I felt like I was at a real show—plenty of dancing, jostling, and hollering from the entire crowd (it started after about the third song).  Surprisingly, I was the only one down front who was old enough to grow a beard (half-staches don’t count), but no worries,  I’m all for all ages shows—even if I do tend to be ageist, if you’re into the music, you’re into the goddamn music. Hundreds of hands in the air chanting the lyrics from Wet Hair “she had wet hair/say what you will/i don’t care/i couldn’t resist” is just what indie-rock was meant to be.  (Oh, and Brian and Dave, if you’re reading this, I was going to buy a copy of No Singles on vinyl but I didn’t have room in my bag to bike home with it, so if you wanna send me one, hit me at brooklyngoestosea@gmail.com —Thanks!)

Meat Puppets [Bumbershoot 2010, Day 3]

After the energy of The Whigs, I went for some nostalgia points and went on saw the Meat Puppets.  I’d caught them in New York two years ago, which is right when they got back together, and they sound just like they always have.  For guys in their damn fifties, Curt and Cris sure gave it their all.  In a slight pause in the action, that they were glad to have them back in Seattle.  Cris replied, “it’s great to be anywhere.”  ‘Nuf said.

The Whigs [Bumbershoot 2010, Day 3]

The Whigs where on Central Stage and the denim-clad three piece was causing a hell of a ruckus.  The boys where jumping around, high-kicking, and doing everything a rock band worth its salt is supposed to be doing on stage. Oh yeah- they sounded amazing too: The fuzz on the lead guitar was toned to perfection.  (I talked briefly with Parker at the Thermals show later on and he told me it was a Micro Amp—I had guessed some modified Zvex distortion.)  I’ll be checking them out again live next time they’re in town.

(The Pink Unicorn that some kids toted around to all the shows was commented about by more than one performer. Nice dancing unicorn!)

The Clientele [Bumbershoot 2010, Day 3]

The second show of the day was—who was it?  Oh, yeah, The Clientele.  I’m not kidding; I literally forgot because they were so goddamn unexceptional.  I’ve heard their old stuff, and it was a bit shoegazier, but whatever they were doing live today was about as unimaginative and boring clean indie-rock I’ve ever heard.  Like ghost playing to an empty field, except not haunting.   I cut out after four songs and went to get a pick-up. Fortunately I was in luck—The Whigs were on nearby.  (I hate to give a band flack like this, but look at the photos: does this look like they’re even into what they’re playing?  If you don’t believe it, don’t expect the audience to.)

Trampled By Turtles [Bumbershoot 2010, Day 3]

So, had some shit go down and had to skip day two.  Fortunately, I made it to day three and that’s just fine by me.  Started with an old favorite that kept me going when I was doing relief work in Biloxi, Mississippi: Trampled by Turtles.

The five Minnesotans (no drummer) made a line across the stage: mandolin, violin, banjo, acoustic guitar, and acoustic bass.  Their high-speed bluegrass had the crowd, which happened to be stuffed with Minnesota natives, tapping their toes and gave me a few goosebumps in the light falling rain.   They didn’t play any of my favorites (Dying, Whiskey, Codeine) but it didn’t matter: lots of positive energy and solid sound quality, even in the front row.

The only note I’d give the band is they should look into getting secondary instruments. Erik was restringing his mandolin twice, and the way Dave thrashes on his guitar, there’s no way those strings last more than a show or two.  The only one with a backup was the violinist (although my guess is that other violin was tuned differently) but still, an el cheapo mandolin to play while someone else re-strings, or to get you through the rest of the set, is pretty damn nice to have when you’re on stage—no need to miss a beat.  (Not that it was a major drawback, but worth taking note of.)

The show was fantastic and got my Day Three at Bumbershoot off to a perfect start!

Bob Dylan [Bumbershoot 2010, Day 1]

Last was Bob.  What I appreciate about the Desert Man is his love of American roots music. Starting with folk, moving to rock, then shifting over to southwestern-flavored country, he’s always stayed true to his idea of what real American music is. And at 69-years-old, to be on stage rocking along, well that’s just fucking amazing. The set was almost entirely best of ‘60s tracks with rocky-country arrangements. His vocal timing made it hard to sing along, and I wasn’t so keen on his version of Don’t Think Twice (some things are just meant to be acoustic) but a thumpin’ Highway 61, jammed out Desolation Row, and sinister Ballad of A Thin man left me with a shit eating grin. The rendition of Tangled Up in Blue was probably my favorite (and worked the best in the new arrangement), even if it was a bit truncated (Bob dropped the verses from “I had a job in the great north woods…” until, “I lived with them on Montague Street ) He ended with Like a Rolling Stone, then lined up with the band, waved, and walked off stage.

All in all, an amazing first day at Bumbershoot. Can’t wait for what the rest have in store.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes [Bumbershoot 2010, Day 1]

Speaking of being daring and doing it right, next up was Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes back on the Broad Street Stage.  I had to wade through slews of high-school juniors to get with photo snapping range (god, I miss having a pass for that shit.)  After a thirty minute wait do to technical difficulties (it happens when you put a circus on stage), they came out and killed it as usual.  Like almost every band I saw today, I’d seen them before (three times, actually.)  I was disappointed I couldn’t stay for the entire set (wanted to get up front for Dylan) but goddamn it, I will see them again.  Really, one of the best live acts out there.  Oh yeah, and Home may be my favorite cross-country driving song. Click the link below for the video.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros “Home” from Edward Sharpe on Vimeo.

See Me River [Bumbershoot, Day 1]

See Me River is up and coming and full of potential.  They’re not signed yet that I know of, but I think they will be soon.  That is, if that new album they’re finishing up is as solid as the live performance.  The song “Heroine” is an upbeat romp, with quick, haunting lyrics and a wonderful vocal harmonies.

The only caveat I have is that they’re playing it a bit too safe, and although they’re incredibly competent, I’m afraid they might be a bit indistinguishable (the gear’s a big part of it: Roland piano, Marshall stack, etc.) I think a few minor effects pedals (like the OCD for the lead guitar) and a little crunch here and there for the bass could really push them over the top.  Take a look at bands like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and see if a bit more distortion here and there could give them that unique sound to call their own.  And a few more daring vocals (if done smartly) would give me even more to mull over after the show.  These guys have it in them to be great, and right now I think they’re really good and worth going to see wherever they’re around—I know I’ll be at there next show.  They’re young, but loaded with skill.

The Decemberists [Bumbershoot, Day 1]

The next bit of my day was a little silly.  I went over and saw the Decemberists on the main stage., looking for some redemption for the SXSW performance I saw two years ago.  I was right down front, but the acoustics were so terrible that I left after three songs (if you enjoy hearing nothing but bass and kick, then I suppose it was just fine.)  From the bleachers I listened to a much better mix, and for the first time actually enjoyed them.  I think that’s because they played three new songs that had harmonica, and some mahogany, folk soul to them.  If these track are any indication, the new album’s going to be much less experimental, more listenable, but sadly, the wooden, northwest sound that they were playing has already been done by so many bands (Port O’Brien among the most noteworthy) that I like it better, I’d prefer they didn’t dabble in heartfelt music (I might be forced to admit I like them.)  Fortunately for my inner asshole, they played plenty of their poppy-kids-music melodies that I’ve hated since the first time I heard the band.  The Decemberists are like an ex-girlfriend that keeps coming back.  Things are great for a while then they get up to there old antics and you realize why you left each other years ago.  And if they really change their course, would I be forced to let the back in?  And how sincere are they about it?

Anyway, I went ducked out after The Rake’s Song and stopped into the EMP stage to take in See Me River.