Image of the Day-"My Algebra Teacher"

Math The Band

New American Music Union College Bands Stage

Saturday August 9, 2008

Southside Works

Hailing from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Math he Band were a spastic, energetic shot of fun that left the crowd fired up. I would describe their sound as 'angular' and 'geeky', which fit their moniker to a "T". They were a tad over the top in their stage presence but I think that added to their charm. More from them in the next couple days.

Image of the Day-"Another Tiger Romance"

Bears

New American Music Union College Bands Stage
Saturday August 9, 2008
Southside Works

Second band to play in the competition and to tell you the truth, they weren't bad...they were kinda forgettable, especially after the onslaught from Gospel Gossip minutes before.

My man Greg from Lohio was pimping them before they came on so I if I do get the chance I'll definately listen again.

Image of the Day-"Nashville"

Gospel Gossip

New American Music Union College Bands Stage

Saturday August 9, 2008

Southside Works

This Minnesota trio had the unenviable task of opening up the college band competition at the fest. There wasn't that much of a crowd, save for a few spectators and some of the other bands to appreciate the feedback laden cacophony they laid on the crowd at 11 a.m. I thought they were great. In fact, I wish they won the the studio time promised to the best band. They were the best band IMO.

More of them tomorrow.

N.A.M.U. Fest College Bands Stage

New American Music Union

College Band Stages

Saturday August 9, 2008

Southside Works

I really wasn't all that interested in the main stage line-up to this remarkably well put on fest. Seriously, Bob Dylan? Everybody and their mother was going all crazy that he was playing and after seeing him over a dozen times in the past, I'll refrain from standing in the sun all day to catch him. I was more interested in the unknown bands that were showcased early in the day for a chance to win studio-time. I was not disappointed at all. They started at 11:00 a.m. on two alternating stages and had 25 minutes to show their stuff. It was remarkable how they stayed on schedule throughout the day. When I got there there was me, the judges, security, festival staff, and ONE other person. At the peak of the day (during Robert Morris' own Nothing Expected) there might have been a couple hundred people. What a shame, these bands deserved more attention IMO. I will be showcasing them throughout the week.

Image of the Day-"KOZ is GOD!"

Mark Kozelek

Wednesday August 20, 2008

Diesel

Doors @ 7, Show @ 8. No problem. I head out the door and arrive at the venue about ten to eight. Walking a couple blocks to the club (nightmare Southside parking) I notice Mark on the sidewalk on his phone. I linger for about a minute till he's done and I guess he notices the CD's in my hand. He immediately does a 45 degree angle and walks into the middle of the street. Undeterred, I 'catch' him and ask for an autograph. Before he has time to fully make an excuse ("Well, I am supposed to be meeting someone...") he agrees. I am struck how his speaking voice mirrors his plaintive singing tone. He scribbles an 'MK' on the Red House Painters Retrospective cover and doesn't even bother with the 'K' on the Ghosts Of The Great Highway disc. Sorry to bother you bro'. Next time I'll save the energy/money and just download your music.

So I walk around to the entrance and find out that the opener Kevin Finn was already over and since I was on the fence about the show anyway, I bailed. I didn't go not because he was sort of a tool (which he kinda was) but because Diesel is THE most fan unfriendly venue in the city. Add to that that I'm hurting for funds and $20 bucks to be put to sleep wasn't sitting right with me at the moment. Maybe next time...if he's playing a free show. Maybe I'm being too harsh? It was probably a great show. If you were there leave a comment.

Image of the Day-"Patience"

Ball Of Flame Shoot Fire

Key Party Compilation CD Release Show

Friday August 8, 2008

Southside Brewhouse Gallery

Final band of the night to perform. They sounded good considering the few songs I heard. I reluctantly bailed early. I had to get up the next morning for the college bands competition @ N.A.M.U.

Image of the Day-"Victim Is A Saint"

Lohio
Key Party Compilation CD Release Show

Friday August 8, 2008

Southside Brewhouse Gallery

I am hoping there is new Lohio music this year. It's comforting to know that one of my favorite bands right now is local.

N.A.M.U. Preview

Image of the Day-"Shhh"

Donora

Key Party Compilation CD Release Show

Friday August 8, 2008

Southside Brewhouse Gallery

This was my first time seeing Donora. I thought they were good. Really good. They reminded me of some hip surfer girl group from the sixties. Maybe the free beers had something to do with my judgement but who cares. The room was kinda crowded up front so I just chilled during their set and my photos suffered from it. I'll have more from them tomorrow.

Image of the Day-"Paper Way"

Boca Chica

Key Party Compilation CD Release Show

Friday August 8, 2008

Southside Brewhouse Gallery

This was an 'unofficial' after party to the N.A.M.U. Fest taking place a few blocks away. There were four local bands playing to support the release of the fantastic comp "Playing Favorties".

Boca Chica started the night with a set on the front stoop. I will be featuring them this week.

Image of the Day-"Ah La La"

The Takeover UK

Club Cafe
Tuesday August 5, 2008
Southside

Local boys opening for Dr. Dog. I only saw them once before and liked them then and really liked them now. They seem to have a loyal fanbase in town which is always nice to see. Very energetic straight forward pop. Too bad they were dealing with technical gremlins that had them stop the show for ten minutes before their last song.

Image of the Day-"The Breeze"

Dr. Dog

Tuesday August 5, 2008

Club Cafe

I decided at the last minute to go to this late night show. Bummer for me that they sold out earlier in the day. Hanging out in front of the club I counted ten other people who needed tickets as well. Eventually we all got in and enjoyed a fabulous set from these Philly guys. They were spot on even though Toby was still nursing a wicked punch in the throat that had them reschedule from last month. They backed out of an in-studio appearance at WYEP from earlier in the day...too much fun in Cleveland guys?

On a side note: It's been several months (November 2007-Heartless Bastards) since I've been to Club Cafe and I have to say the lighting set-up is wickedly awful to shoot in. Harsh shadows across the face is no way to light a performance.