Last Week In Concert: The Morning Benders, Rodrigo y Gabriela, MGMT

The Morning Benders, Big Echo

The young San Fran quartet played their new album in it's entirety at Mercury Lounge last week.  This unassuming group has the best vocals technically and harmonically I have heard in quite some time.  The reverb was awesome and the new album sounds just as good as Talking Through Tin Cans.  Pick up a copy of The Bedroom Covers--an excellent compilation of covers including The Smiths, Talking Heads, and Paul Simon. 

What's cool about a venue like Mercury is the intimacy, and the fact that you can run into the band at the bar before they go on.  I said a quick hello to the lead singer, Chris Chu, and told him I was uber excited to see them open up for The Black Keys at Central Park Summerstage in July.  They were also one of my favorites of "Ahead of the Curve '09-San Fran" and I didn't hesitate to let Chu know.  It was rewarding to hear him say how much he liked the final spot and then he continued on to chat with Jason Schwartzman, who is clearly a big fan.  Congrats on your success, Morning Benders!           

The Morning Benders, "Excuses"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

MGMT, Congratulations

I've listened to this album twice, and I'm already obsessed.  The hipster community is apparently up in arms and not as impressed--boo hoo.  Cheers to these guys for coming out with something experimental, not feeling pressured into following up Oracular Spectacular with instant hit singles, and for composing a stellar sophomore effort.

MGMT, "Flash Delirium"

Rodrigo y Gabriela, 11:11

Rod & Gab played their hearts out at Radio City on Thursday night, and I was lucky enough to be front and center.  Now I understand the hype of Radio City...sitting in the orchestra makes a world of difference.  You sure feel like you are right there with the performers on stage.  I may have had a little too much bubbly (when have I not), but Rod & Gab's guitar skills were explosive.  Please please go out and see them when you get a chance!  The performance took me back to the days of the Gypsy Kings, yet these two don't sing, nor do they need to.

Rodrigo y Gabriela, "11:11"

Ahead Of The Curve Covers Outside Lands Fest

mtvU journeyed to San Francisco for the Outside Lands Festival and produced killer spots for Ahead of the Curve yet again. I've posted my favorites; all artists I have been listening to non-stop ever since. It was a great week in one of my favorite city's, and we were even able to catch Pearl Jam and Dave Matthew's performances. It was freezing, but worth it just to see Eddie Veddor walk by me on stage from backstage, enjoy the VIP lounge, and some of the greatest 90s music--such a blast from the past. And how sweet were Matt & Kim? They had the best energy by far, and even gave us details about their infamous naked music videos.

See you at SXSW 2010!

On Repeat

So I haven't written in awhile, and I apologize if anyone has been checkin' in!  Work has been crazy busy but that doesn't mean I haven't been able to squeeze in some music delights.  To get me through the workflow & long subway rides from Brooklyn to the city, I've had a few albums on repeat, old and new.

Monsters of Folk, self-titled

Portugal. The Man, The Satanic Satanist

Eric Hutchinson, Sounds Like This

David Bowie, Hunky Dory

The Band, Greatest Hits

The Who, Live At Leeds

Jay-Z, The Blueprint 3

Muse, The Resistance

The Morning Benders, Talking Through Tin Cans

And, can't wait to hear new albums by the Black Crowes, David Gray, Moby, Flaming Lips, Weezer, Plastic Ono Band, Modest Mouse, Air, & the Avett Brothers !