Flight of the Conchords
Flight of the Conchords is composed of two New Zealand comedians; but their latest release is nothing to laugh at. Their latest self-titled album reached 3rd on the Billboard top 100 on release week, surpassing Ashlee Simpson You may recognize the Flight of the Conchords, Bret and Jermaine, from their hit HBO show, also entitled “Flight of the Conchords”.
Their show is about the folk duo trying to make it big in New York City. The show is a fictionalized version of the band. The show consists of Bret and Jemaine trying to get gigs and writing songs. Their faithful, only, and slightly stalkerish fan Mel follows the two around. Every thirty-minute episode features about three songs. Sometimes these are in the form of music videos and other times they are just singing to each other or other characters.
The album features 15 songs that have been featured on their show, including “Leggy Blond” and “Robots”. The songs are quirky and funny. They contain lyrics such as “The humans are dead/ that right they are dead/we took poisonous gases and we poisoned their asses” (from “Robots”). I would suggest viewing the show before buying the album. Most of the songs wouldn’t make sense without seeing the episode first.
The duo is going to be on tour this summer, making a stop in Milwaukee on May 11. However, this show sold out in a matter of minutes.
Keep a look out for the Flight of the Conchords, both in the record store and on HBO.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)National Record Store Day!
This past weekend (April 19) was National Record Store Day! No, it is not a hallmark holiday or a Sony music holiday at that! It is a day where record stores get together and try to remind people that records still exist and so do the stores that sell them. It seems as though music lovers flock to the Internet and new technology searching for that perfect tune, but they forget they can walk right down the street and find the same tune.
Record stores celebrate this national “holiday” by providing concerts in the store, discounts, and freebies. I participated in this venture on State Street in Madison, WI. I got a few cds at a nice discount as well as free stickers and buttons. This was a nice day to go out and celebrate that record stores do exist and it is important to support them.
I have always enjoyed going to record stores. They let me release into a new world and leave all my problems at the door. One nice thing record stores have to offer, that Internet venues don’t, is it’s the personalities. Once you find a record store you dig, stay with it! Make friends with the staff members. They are also music lovers—just like you. Often they will clue you in on what new releases are good and which to avoid. They may be able to offer you discounts (this usually depends on how loyal and long you’ve been a customer though).
Remember, National Record Store Day is only one day a year, but your local record store is open everyday.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Lollapalooza
The sunny warm weather reminds us that summer is coming. To some that means packing up the sunscreen and heading towards the beach, but for music lovers it means summer music tours and festivals. This year’s Lollapalooza line up sounds amazing and a lot of the bands have been played on my show as well
Lollapalooza is a relatively new festival. Perry Farrell started it in 1990 as a farewell concert for Jane’s Addiction. After a good turnout and excitement from music fans the tradition of the music festival continued. It ran annually from 1991 till 1997. It then started up again in 2003. The festival has been called the Woodstock of the 1990’s.
Meloy in Wisconsin!
Do you like The Decemberists? If you do you will not want to miss Colin Meloy’s solo tour. Colin Meloy is the front man and songwriter for The Decemeberists, and prior to joining that band he was the front man for Happy Cactus and Tarkio. His solo sound is very similar to the Decemberists; it is the alternative, rock, and folk music mix. I have not heard very much of his solo material, but The Decemberists’ music is in my opinion very good and catchy. Some songs can last upwards of 12 minutes and others last only 2 minutes. Their lyrics, mostly written by Meloy, are fun, catchy, and mostly upbeat. You will find yourself wanting to sing along. If you like the Decemberists you will enjoy Meloy solo. This will be Meloy’s third solo tour. The previous were in 2005 and 2006. The main reason for this tour is to promote his new album “Colin Meloy Sings Live!”, which is a recording of his 2006 tour. If you have ever been to one of his concerts before you know how he sells a special EP for concert goers only. This time is no exception. He is selling a 5 track EP “Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke”. Just like the title suggests, Colin will be covering and re-harmonizing Sam Cooke’s songs. From what I have heard the concert should be a lot of fun and upbeat. Don’t miss your chance to get the special EP and see Colin Meloy LIVE!!!
His 2 Wisconsin shows:
April 22, 2008 The Pabst Theater Milwaukee
April 23, 2008 Barrymore Theater Madison
Jens Lekman in Madison
Jens Lekman performed this past weekend in Madison, WI and Milwaukee, WI. I went to the Madison show, which I heard from other reviews was the one to go to. The show opened with The Honeydrips, a one man band with his laptop. He stood still and sang along to his laptop. It was strange at first, but once the audience warmed up to him the music was good. Meanwhile, a bat had entered the auditorium and was flying around the stage. The Honeydrips just continued to keep playing without flinching.
Jens began playing a little after 9pm and played an hour and half set, longer than his Milwaukee set. Right away he opened with “I’m Leaving You Because I Don’t Love You” and “The Opposite of Hallelujah”. He played the majority of his new album and a couple of his old favorites. All the songs were outstanding performed live. I had my fears that he was not going to be that great live, but he proved me wrong.
One song he did exceptionally well was “Postcard to Nina”. Jens explained the entire back-story, so much so that he forgot the actual words to the song for a minute and his band had to help him out. This song is really good once you know the back story. It turns out he really did go to Berlin to pretend his gay friend’s, Nina, boyfriend for dinner with her folks. I can not do the story justice. I know there is a live version of “Postcard to Nina” on youtube.com
He continued to play one encore performance. At this point the audience got up at danced for the first time. They were allowed to get right up to the stage-about 5feet away from Jens! For the patient few who stuck around Jens came out and played only requests! Unfortuntely, I had left at this point.
Jens’ violinist is originally from Madison and she had her family in the audience, which he pointed out to the crowd. She was really good and one could tell she was glad to be back in Wisconsin playing a show.
Jens Lekman’s concert was probably one of the best concerts to hit the Madison stage lately, and hopefully he will come back soon.
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