pacificlectic : concert reviews & eclectic music news

It was a long Memorial Day weekend.  But it was a musically fruitful weekend.  I could have made it more fruitful by adding The Shins / Blind Pilot / Head and the Heart as well as the Tenacious D shows on Friday and Saturday in Bend, respectively; alas, I needed to save some time and energy for Beck in Bend on Sunday and Jack White in Eugene on Monday.  It was still quite a great full weekend for my ears!

I had never seen either Beck or Jack White in concert.  I was familiar with Beck’s music fairly well… having all of his stuff.  I was completely unfamiliar with Jack White’s music – outside of some of the White Stripes and Raconteurs that I’d heard.  Needless to say, I was equally excited about both shows.

Beck in Bend was the tail-end of a nice “Bend Ale Trail” weekend for me… sampling some new places for me: 10 Barrel Brewing & Good Life Brewing.  Both highly recommended for their beer and their food!  Bend also had some lovely weather and some odd rainbows in the clouds…

(not photoshopped… photo taken near Deschutes Brewery in Bend, OR)

Metric was Beck’s opener… the Toronto indie rock quartet ripped through a dancey hour-long set.  Their fifth album, Synthetica, comes out on June 12, 2012.  If the way they had the Bend audience going is any indication, the new album should be a crowd pleaser as well.

Beck went on after a short set break… kicking the show off right with some Odelay goodness by way of “Devil’s Haircut.”

Among his two-hour long set, he bounced around his back and “recent” catalog (2008′s Modern Guilt) fairly well.  Every era got some great representation.  As mentioned, I had never seen him live before.  I was pleasantly surprised with the great mix, especially the songs off of Sea Change…

Beck’s Setlist: about 2 hours

• Devil’s Haircut
• Loser
• Black Tambourine
• Soul of a Man
• Hotwax
• Sissyneck
• The Golden Age
• Lost Cause
• Sunday Sun
• Think I’m In Love
• The New Pollution
• Modern Guilt
• Paper Tiger
• “Song for Bend” [Improv]
• End of the Day
• Tropicalia [partial]
• Jack-Ass
• Gamma Ray
• Minus
• Girl
• Where It’s At
• Encore: Soldier Jane
• Looking Back
• Mutherfuker
• E-Pro

Next, on to Eugene…

I missed Jack White’s opener, Quasi.  I’d heard of them before, and would have liked to have seen the show (I like Sam Coomes work with Elliott Smith).  Alas, driving back from Bend and personal commitments made it so we skated into the venue right as Quasi was ending their set… d’oh!

Jack White’s show… what to say, what to say?  Professional, yet muddy.  Loud, yet not necessary.  Thoroughly energetic, yet confusing.  Quite enjoyable, yet painful.

The man writes hooky songs, and plays guitar and piano very well… yet, the sound was cranked through the roof.  It lost so many of the lushness and subtlety that I think would have been suited for this show at the Hult Center.

Another thing that can’t go without mentioning, the “III” imagery abounding.  Sure, rockstars should have iconic imagery.  But a suffix namesake seems like an odd thing to so vehemently brand… unless you’re branding your ego or something.

Several times it seemed as if Eugene wasn’t stroking his ego enough… he quipped that if we didn’t want, they didn’t have to come back out (after their 45 minute initial set).  He tried to get the crowd to do a sing-a-long on one song, but it seemed as if the song had ended already, and it was more of a confusing thing (or so it seemed to me).

The loudness, was, again… unnecessary.  Fantastic musicianship and seemingly intricate things going on with fantastic players… completely lost in the brash, feedback-induced sound cloud.  So many subtleties lost.  So many subtleties lost.

Jack White’s Setlist: two sets, ~45 mins & ~35 mins

• any help on the setlist??

(pro photos from Eugene will be posted at jwiii.com)

The bottom line… I really enjoyed the Jack White show.  The flaws that I saw in the show are totally fixable.  Who am I to say what he should do anyhow? :)  I’m just thinking that something that shows off his musical chops, his writing prowess, his voice, his players, and his songs at the forefront – not clouded by sheer volume – could have been far, far, FAR more enjoyable… and probably far, far, far more enjoyable to more to others (not just me).

The Appropriate Linkage:

• Beck’s Site
• Beck’s Social Media Links (see below)
  
• Metric’s Site
• Metric’s Facebook / MySpace / Twitter
• Les Schwab Amphitheater’s Site / Facebook / Twitter1 / Twitter2
  - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
  
• Jack White’s Site
• Jack White 2012 Tour Photos by Jo McCaughey
• Jack White’s Social Media Links (see below)
  
• Quasi’s Site
• Quasi’s Facebook / MySpace
  
• The Hult’s Site / Facebook / Twitter

Next show for me… Emily Wells @ WOW Hall on 6/3.

~Dan – np: Sigur Rós – Valtari

FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM

I got to the venue just in the nick of time as Jonathan Kingham was starting his opening set.  I had seen him about four years ago in Eugene with Glen Phillips.  I thought he was great last time, and he held up to that memory quite well on Thursday night.  I think he’s matured a little bit in his songwriting, and still quite the charmer on-stage.  Funny, witty, smooth voice, and slow jams.  He played some new tunes, some tunes about food, a tune called “Satisfied” (about a poodle?), a cover of Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step” with an impressive improv rap, and ended the 45 minute set with “Grace” with Glen on backing vocals.

After a short break, Glen Phillips came out and dug right in.  He played the first handful of tunes unaccompanied, then Jonathan joined him on guitar and backing vocals for the classic Toad song “Walk On the Ocean.”  Jonathan stayed with him for the rest of the set, switching to piano partway through.

The things that draws me in to Glen are his voice and his poetic lyricism.  Whether it be with his solo stuff, his side-projects, or with his first band Toad – his humor, wit and joy for life shines through.  He played a great mix of songs throughout his career and even treated us to a couple brand new songs.  No word on if these new songs will show up on an upcoming solo album, collaboration album, or the rumored upcoming Toad the Wet Sprocket album.

Setlist: ~90 mins

• The Next Day
• Crowing [Toad the Wet Sprocket]
• Thankful
• End This Now
• Return to Me
• Blood Pressurize [RemoteTreeChildren]
• Walk on the Ocean* [Toad]
• The One Who Got Away
• Always Have My Love
• Released
• Whatever I Fear [Toad]
• True
• Finally Fading
• Windmills [Toad]
• new song “I could never be as strong as you”
• Solar Flare
• Fred Meyers
• All I Want [Toad]
• Rise Up
• Encore: Rare Bird (new song)
• Brothers on a Hotel Bed [Death Cab for Cutie]
  *J. Kingham guest on guitar for “Walk On the Ocean” through
  “Whatever I Fear” & on piano from “True” through “Rise Up.”
  

A great show from two fantastic, silken-voiced singer-songwriters.

GLEN PHILLIPS PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2012 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

(click for larger)

The Appropriate Linkage:

• Glen Phillips’ Site
• Glen Phillips’ Social Media Links (see below)
  
• Jonathan Kingham’s Site
• Jonathan Kingham’s Facebook / MySpace / Twitter
• My Other Related Reviews~
  • Toad @ Bend Summer Fest (Bend – July 2011)
  • Toad @ Crystal Ballroom (Portland – July 2010)
  • W.P.A. @ WOW Hall (Eugene – Sept 2009)
  • Glen solo @ WOW Hall (Eugene – Feb 2008)
• Alberta Rose Theatre’s Site / Facebook / Twitter

Next show for me… Dan Deacon at the University of Oregon on 4/17.

~Dan – np: Boards of Canada – Twoism

Each day or so, until presumably they’ve all been streamed, Midwest singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey is releasing tracks from his upcoming album, The Good Stuff.

Here’s the first one – “But I Do” a standard written by Bobby Charles & Clarence Henry:

For further streams, visit: http://www.petermulvey.com/

Pre-ordering of the album will be live the week of March 20th (and it comes out March 27th).  He’s in my “buy every time without question” club… a perpetual favorite.  Do yourself a solid and add him to your collection!

~Dan – np: John Zorn – Ipsissimus

David Bazan is a busy man… he just got done with a 40+ date band tour in Nov/Dec 2011, and now he’s off and running with another near-40 date living room tour in Feb/Mar 2012.  His proximity (Seattle) to me (Oregon I-5 corridor) means I get to take in a lot of his shows.  Even though I just saw him with his band at Sam Bond’s in December, the living room tours are so fun and intimate.  I had to hit the Portland show last night…

He arrived about an hour late… first night of tour, and got stuck in traffic coming out of Seattle.  The good thing: hanging out in someone’s living room and kitchen sippin’ a beer is waaaaay better than hanging out at a stinky club playing LMFAO on loop.

After setting up his small cube amp, he kicked into his set…

Setlist: about 70 minutes

• Cold Beer and Cigarettes
• Wolves at the Door
• Hard to Be
• Q&A #1
• Priests and Paramedics [Pedro the Lion]
• Transcontinental [Pedro the Lion]
• Shit Talker [Headphones]
• Q&A #2
• Packt Like Sardines In A Crushd Tin Box [Radiohead]
• Options [Pedro the Lion]
• Virginia
• Bearing Witness
• Q&A #3
• Strange Negotiations
  No Encore

A little shorter set than in the past, but I think that may have been due to running late.  The original “everyone needs to be out time” was 10pm, but he didn’t get going until 9:15pm.  So, for the rest of the living room tour, don’t judge the set length on Portland.  Despite the shorter set, I think it was a pretty good show… David was in a great mood and quite chatty as usual.

The somber take on “Wolves at the Door” was excellent… slower and a bit haunting compared to the version the band was belting out last year.  Another favorite was the return of the Radiohead cover that he played last year.  First three notes and goosebumps.  Such a great song.

There weren’t any new tunes played, which was a bit striking – as David is working on a new album, and it might even be done and to the label (Barsuk) by the beginning of May.  He said it could come out in August/September, but a lot of that depends on delivery to the label.

The Appropriate Linkage:

• David Bazan’s Site
• David Bazan’s Social Media Links (see below)
  
• My Other Related Reviews~
  • Sam Bond’s Garage (Eugene, OR – Dec 2011)
  • House Show (Eugene, OR – Sep 2011)
  • Sam Bond’s Garage (Eugene, OR – Mar 2010)
  • Mississippi Studios (Portland, OR – Nov 2009)
  • House Show (Eugene, OR – Jul 2009)
  • The Indigo (Eugene, OR – Dec 2007)

This was his first date of this tour… check out more tour dates below.

Next show for me… MEDGE (bellydancing) at Cozmic Pizza (2/17) and then post-rockers Talkdemonic at Sam Bond’s Garage (2/24).

~Dan – np: John Zorn’s The Dreamers – O’o

David Bazan – Winter 2012 House Show Tour

2/15 – Portland, OR
2/16 – Sacramento, CA
2/17 – Oakland, CA
2/18 – Los Angeles, CA
2/19 – Long Beach, CA
2/20 – Orange, CA
2/21 – Carlsbad, CA
2/22 – Phoenix, AZ
2/24 – Clinton, OK
2/25 – Denton, TX
2/26 – Dallas, TX
2/27 – Austin, TX
2/28 – Houston, TX
2/29 – Baton Rouge, LA
3/02 – Orlando, FL
3/03 – Jacksonville, FL
3/04 – Altanta, GA
3/05 – Nashville, TN
3/06 – Asheville, NC
3/07 – Charlotte, NC
3/09 – Charlottesville, VA
3/10 – Baltimore, MD
3/11 – Philadelphia, PA
3/12 – Brooklyn, NY
3/13 – Brooklyn, NY
3/14 – Boston, MA
3/15 – Buffalo, NY
3/16 – Cleveland, OH
3/17 – Three Rivers, MI
3/18 – Chicago, IL
3/19 – Madison, WI
3/21 – Minneapolis, MN
3/22 – Lincoln, NE
3/23 – Lawrence, KS
3/24 – Denver, CO
3/25 – Salt Lake City, UT
3/26 – Boise, ID
3/27 – Spokane, WA

You/all/everybody… have been waiting for a follow-up to the last Jude studio album – technically 2006′s Redemption.  He has put out some music since then (the Low Stars album, the Cuba b-sides record, some music for TV’s LOST), but he’s still been in fairly silent mode.

Well on 1/24/2012, he posted…

New Album of Songs

I’ve decided to cobble together some unfinished records and make some new recordings as well. I’m past the point of pain from the writing, past the preciousness that keeps me from finishing songs, and past the point of thinking each track can change my life. So, with that remarkably confident build-up, in case anyone is still out there reading this, I love you for listening, and I hope to please you with this next work.

All I can do is try to be truthful in the songs. My instrument (vox) ain’t exactly what it used to be, but I’ll try to hide that from you with magical over-tracking, just like all the cool kids do now :)

Peace be with you. I expect to take a month, and then maybe get it out this Spring or something, no need to wait, right?

Now be patient and kind or I’ll crawl back into my hole! Oh, and Happy 2012. Peace be with us all.

Wow, no news and then hopefully a new album by Spring?  Yay!

~Dan – np: Damien Jurado – Maraqopa

4 8 15 16 23 42 Lost numbers

The first session posted and the last session recorded from Pickathon 2011, Seattle-based singer-songwriter Damien Jurado and his new band take us through “Static To Be Sold” recorded by Live & Breathing in the Pickathon Pumphouse:

Per Damien, the song won’t be on the record, but will be out on a 7″ vinyl…

..and yes, it was as cramped as it looks. i remember, being only able to hear the cymbals. it was awesome!

—
Damien Jurado (@damienjurado) January 03, 2012

a live performance of "static to be sold". a song that will not be on my new record - listen/see it here- liveandbreathing.com

—
Damien Jurado (@damienjurado) January 03, 2012

@pickathon "static to be sold" will be released as a 7" on secretly canadian. date tba.

—
Damien Jurado (@damienjurado) January 03, 2012

On February 21, Secretly Canadian will be releasing the upcoming Damien Jurado LP, Maraqopa, another collaboration with musician/producer and Cottage Grove-Oregon resident, Richard Swift.

Go HERE for more info on Maraqopa.  You can pre-order it HERE on CD or vinyl.  There’s also a free mp3 download of “Nothing is the News” here:

~Dan – np: Wussy – Funeral Dress

On Wednesday, Glen Phillips (from Toad the Wet Sprocket) released a free download of a new song, “The Next Day.”  Go get it on his bandcamp site…

http://glenphillips.bandcamp.com/track/the-next-day-2

From the 12/13/11 show at Soho in Santa Barbara. Closest I will make it to a holiday song this year. More of an OWS support ditty with a seasonal reference in the chorus… Be happy, be well.

Also, rest in peace, Christopher Hitchens.  You were great.  God is Not Great.

~Dan – np: Wussy – Strawberry

If anything is certain in life, the move from the Midwest to the West Coast has been good for my David Bazan tour in-take.  Being only a short hike from his homebase in Seattle, we get the treat of the former Pedro the Lion frontman in our neck of the woods several times a year.

Many times, he trots out on his own… which is usually more intimate.  But the chance to see Bazan with a backing band shouldn’t be passed up.  He’s really able to let the rock come forth in his songs.  His doubtful, questioning, reflective lyricism work just as well behind a dirty, loud guitar as it does with just him and a guitar in a living room.

Last night at Sam Bond’s, after delightful indie-rock quartet opener Shay Roselip’s short set, Bazan came on to do what I thought was just sound check.  Nope… boom goes the dynamite, his mighty three-piece kicked into a tune from Pedro the Lion’s Control… “Second Best.”

Setlist: ~85 mins

• Second Best [Pedro the Lion]
• Wolves at the Door
• Bless This Mess
• How I Remember
• I Do [PTL]
• Of Up and Coming Monarchs [PTL]
• Q&A #1
• Gas and Matches [Headphones]
• Eating Paper
• Magazine [PTL]
• Climb That Hill [Tom Petty]
• Bearing Witness
• Q&A #2
• Virginia
• People
• Cold Beer and Cigarettes
• Big Trucks [PTL]
• Criticism as Inspiration [PTL]
• Q&A #3 with lifetime pass drawing
• Strange Negotiations
  No encore

The setlist was similar to other shows on this tour… a great mix of Pedro the Lion tunes, a Headphones tune, a Tom Petty cover and a lot from his two solo albums & EP.  Strange Negotiations, this years effort, will definitely be somewhere on my Best of 2011 list (still formulating).

Being the last stop of the 40+ date tour across the country, his voice showed some wear – especially on the “right on” part of “Cold Beer and Cigarettes.”  He powered through it, dropping the notes to a more suitable weary-throat range.  His band, made up of Alex Westcoat on drums and Andy Fitts on bass, blistered away with David.  Despite the aforementioned vocal strain, their musical chops were evident last night.

They were driving through the night to make it home to Seattle by sun-up.  If you missed them on this tour, David hinted at a new album being done by March 1st, with it coming out sometime in 2012.  So the chance of more tours in 2012?  High possibility!

The Appropriate Linkage:

• David Bazan’s Site
• David Bazan’s Social Media Links (see below)
  
• Shay Roselip’s MySpace / Soundcloud
  
• My Other Related Reviews~
  • House Show (Eugene, OR – Sep 2011)
  • Sam Bond’s Garage (Eugene, OR – Mar 2010)
  • Mississippi Studios (Portland, OR – Nov 2009)
  • House Show (Eugene, OR – Jul 2009)
  • The Indigo (Eugene, OR – Dec 2007)
• Sam Bond’s Garage’s Website / Facebook

This was the last date of the tour… see other dates below.  I’m sure David will be out again in the Spring…

Next show for me… Cellophoria private house concert on 12/18.

~Dan – np: Marketa Irglova – Anar

David Bazan + Band Tour – Fall 2011

11/01 Tue – Spokane WA - A Club
11/02 Wed - Boise ID - Neurolux
11/04 Fri - Colorado Springs - The Black Sheep
11/05 Sat - Lawrence KS - Bottleneck
11/06 Sun - Omaha NE - The Waiting Room
11/07 Mon - Iowa City IA - Blue Moose Taphouse (upstairs)
11/09 Wed - Milwaukee WI - Cactus Club
11/10 Thu - Indianapolis IN - White Rabbit Cabaret
11/11 Fri - Newport KY - Southgate House
11/12 Sat - Grand Rapids MI - Ladies Literary Club
11/13 Sun - Pittsburgh PA - Brillobox
11/14 Mon - Hoboken NJ - Maxwell’s
11/15 Tue - Baltimore MD - Ottobar
11/17 Thu - Charlottesville VA - The Southern
11/18 Fri - Norfolk VA - Jewish Mother
11/19 Sat - Charlotte NC - Evening Muse
11/20 Sun - Columbia SC - New Brookland Tavern
11/21 Mon - Knoxville TN - Pilot Light
11/26 Sat - Athens GA - Caledonia Lounge
11/27 Sun - Nashville TN - Mercy Lounge
11/29 Tue - St Augustine FL - The Original Cafe Eleven
11/30 Wed - Tampa FL - Crowbar
12/01 Thu - Tallahassee FL - Engine Room
12/02 Fri - Oxford MS - Proud Larry’s
12/03 Sat - Memphis TN - Hi Tone
12/04 Sun - Norman OK - Opolis
12/06 Tue - Albuquerque NM - Low Spirits
12/07 Wed - Tucson AZ - Solar Culture
12/08 Thu - Las Vegas NV - Beauty Bar
12/09 Fri - Costa Mesa CA - Constellation Room
12/10 Sat - Santa Cruz - Crepe Place
12/11 Sun - Sacramento CA - Blue Lamp
12/12 Mon - Arcata CA - Jambalaya
12/14 Wed - Eugene OR - Sam Bond’s Garage

One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “Falling Slowly” by The Swell Season. It starts out not as expected, a little more rough around the edges compared to the original.  I love this song, though – and I think Derek does it justice.

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 2 is a continuation of the covers project Derek started last year. The fans get to nominate songs and then vote once the nominations are tallied. Here’s what he’s done in 2010 and 2011 to date (you can still go back and buy this volume):

• January 2010: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• February: Coldplay – Fix You
• March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
• April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
• May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago *a personal fave*
• June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
• July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
• August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby *a personal fave*
• September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence
• October: Radiohead – Karma Police *a personal fave*
• November: Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
• December: Robert Robinson (traditional hymn) – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
• January 2011: off
  
• February: off
• March: Cee-Lo Green – F**k You *a personal fave*
  
• April: Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
• May: The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
• June: U2 – One
• July: Dallán Forgaill (traditional hymn) – Be Thou My Vision
  
• August: Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
• September: The Beatles – Revolution *a personal fave*
• October: Rich Mullins – Creed
• November: The Swell Season – Falling Slowly
  

~Dan – np: Childish Gambino – Camp

Democracy Vol. 2 is a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 10. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 10 months (March to December). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

From Secretly Canadian’s blog…

We are so, so excited to tell you that a new Damien Jurado record is going to be released on February 21st! It’s called Maraqopa, and we are sharing the first song with you, “Nothing is the News,” today.

Welcome to Maraqopa population, 2. Damien Jurado’s newest collaboration with producer Richard Swift drops us into a brutal and benevolent landscape. The bold strokes and new turns the pair made with 2010′s Saint Bartlett are taken even further. He throws open the gate on his oft insular dirges and allows them do some real wilding out in the canyon. In Maraqopa, the vistas are miles-wide; the action is more dynamic; the close-ups sweaty and snarling. The strummed desert blues that begin “Nothing is the News” quickly bursts open into an Eddie Hazel-worthy supernova shred session, all of it swirling in tinny-psych and Echoplex’d howls. We’ve never heard anything like this from Jurado.

Read more at the SC blog.  You can pre-order it HERE on CD or vinyl.

Listen to (and download the mp3 for) the lead-off track “Nothing is the News” here:

Maraqopa Tracklisting:
1. Nothing is the News
2. Life Away from the Garden
3. Maraqopa
4. This Time Next Year
5. Reel to Reel
6. Working Titles
7. Everyone a Star
8. So On, Nevada
9. Museum of Flight
10. Mountains Still Asleep

Also announced was a “phone booth” that you can presumably call in and leave Damien a message:

Maraqopa phonebooth (425) 234-7859

This number has been set up for you to call anytime of the day. The distorted sound of a piano will play, and then you leave a message. This is a voice mail service, no human will answer.

I have no idea what the purpose of this phone booth may be… I dare you  to call in an order of take out.

~Dan – np: Causing A Tiger – How We Held Our Post

Peter Mulvey takes the craft of American singer-songwriter out of the humdrum of a “guy and three chords on a guitar” into the realm of oft-comedic-oft-sentimental storytelling mixed in with the grit of the road and the shine of fine silver in your grandmother’s dining room.  He plays Tom Waits with humility and charm, and he plays perfectly ear-worm inducing folk-pop originals.  He plays show tunes, rock covers, and Michael Hedges-executed instrumentals.  His music gets stuck in your head, and for me, any time I hear of new music from him, I get it without question.  I also try to see him whenever I can… which brings me to recount the past three days of fantastic music.

from the house concert, 11/11/11
more photos at the bottom

Three Peter Mulvey concerts, three unique experiences.  First up, an interview with Peter Mulvey on KLCC Living Large (stream it here).  He talks about his tentative new standards album (tentatively called “Pocket Diamonds“) and played a few new songs in the studio.

The first of three shows was at Sam Bond’s Garage in Eugene on Thursday, November 10th.  The opener was local musician Michael Conley.  He played a shortish 25 minute set, but I was impressed with his songs… he fit in really well with fans of Peter Mulvey and Jeffrey Foucault.  Good guitar work.  Gritty songs, yet with a pop edge.

Peter came on at 9:45 and started off with a normal closing song for him, “Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad (And Far Away From Home).”  As expected, Peter’s set was a great mix of originals and covers.  Despite the large amount of covers that he plays, he really puts his own mark on them.  He also pulls songs out that are classics or memorable favorites but not in the forefront of one’s memory.  A favorite from the night was his take on U2′s “The Fly“…

Eugene 11/10 Setlist: ~80 minutes

• Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad (and Far Away From Home)
• Are You Sure? [Willie Nelson]
• Old Simon Stimson
• “The Rain Comes Down” [new PM song]
• The Knuckleball Suite
• Two Janes [Los Lobos]
• Come All Ye Fair And Tender Ladies [Maybelle Carter]
• Some People
• Lonely at the Top [Randy Newman]
• Black Rabbit
• What Else Was It? [new PM song]
• Lord I Have Made You a Place in My Heart [Greg Brown]
• The Dreams
• Blackbird [The Beatles]
• Charlie
• The Fly [U2]
• Kids In The Square
• Encore: The Book of Love [The Magnetic Fields]

Peter is usually good with a few one-liners or jokes.  Some favorites from the Sam Bond’s gig:

“Freedom should be fried.“
“I had a banjo once, and then someone broke into my car… and they left 12 more banjos.“

SO, how do you make a concert experience better?  You invite the musician to your house (or a friend’s house in this instance) and have him play in a living room for 35-40 of your friends.

Well, that’s what we did on Friday, November 11th… we invited Peter to play at a friend’s farm in Creswell (near Eugene).  He played two fantastic sets, with only a little bit of overlap from the night before.  There was much fantastic music, fantastic food (a HUGE vegetarian smorgasbord thanks to host Jenny!), vegan cupcakes (yay Divine Cupcake!), great craft beer and homebrew beers and sodas, and great discussion!

House Show 11/11 Setlist: two 45-minute sets

• Set1 ~ You Meet the Nicest People in Your Dreams [Fats Waller]
• “shout the battle cry of freedom” [public domain w/ Beatles instrumental tag at end]
• Kids In The Square
• Windshield
• Pearl Handled Pistol [Jeffrey Foucault]
• The Knuckleball Suite
• Shirt
• What Else Was It? [new PM song]
• …Plus The Many Inevitable Fragments / Dynamite Bill
• Set2 ~ Black Rabbit
• Charlie
• The Trouble With Poets
• Trempealeau [new from 2010, not recorded yet]
• Jockey Full of Bourbon [Tom Waits]
• “The Rain Comes Down” [new PM song]
• The Healthfood Girl [new PM song]
• Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad (and Far Away From Home)
  No Encore

I bought tickets to the Corvallis show (Saturday, November 12th) before I even knew about the Sam Bond’s show and before I could organize the house show.  Was I going to go?  Um… duh!

This was my first time to the Majestic Theatre in downtown Corvallis.  It was a gorgeously remodeled theater, and it looks like they’re ramping up to have a lot more exciting things going on (if you’re local, friend them on Facebook or sign up for their newsletter).

We had a wonderful dinner at Del Alma then dodged the rain to catch the opener Joe Von Appen.  I had only seen a YouTube clip of him prior, and it didn’t grab my interest.  Well, I’m glad I showed up for his set.  He was a mix of thinker/agitator/comedian/one-man freak show.  He was thought provoking, humorous, and frighteningly exciting and entrancing.  He is from Portland, and I hope he makes his way down south sometime again.  He was highly entertaining!

Peter hit the stage at 8:45 and played his longest set of the weekend.  Some repeats (hey, we like re-Petes) and tons of untouched music in the three-day run.  He did one of my favorite spoken word pieces from Letters From A Flying Machine – “Vlad the Astrophysicist.”

A new Mulvey tune “The Cardinal” made its first appearance for me.  It was a touching tune that came along with a seemingly non sequitur story about a squirrel getting into a large batch of THC butter.  Another favorite song he played was a Joe Henry cover… “Richard Pryor Addresses a Tearful Nation“… I think I’ve heard Peter play this before.  Prior to this, though, I was only familiar with Joe’s producer/mixer work (he does a LOT, specifically Over the Rhine’s latest album that I’m currently listening to in advance of their gig this coming week – The Long Surrender).

Peter also busted out not one, not two, but three Tom Waits tunes – the last one as the encore, sung off-mic.  He has a side gig in The LPs, and they play Tom Waits’ Rain Dogs front to back!  I’d LOVE to see that gig…

Corvallis 11/12 Setlist: ~1 hour 40 min

• Kids In The Square
• “man I’m broke and I’ve got nowhere to go” [Mississippi John Hurt, unidentified title]
• Black Rabbit
• Oh What A Beautiful Morning [Rodgers & Hammerstein Oklahoma! teaser]
• The Dreams
• Charlie
• Shirt
• “The Rain Comes Down” [new PM song, guess on title]
• Richard Pryor Addresses a Tearful Nation [Joe Henry]
• Girl in the Hi-Tops
• Old Simon Stimson
• Jockey Full of Bourbon [Tom Waits]
• Hang Down Your Head [Tom Waits]
• The Cardinal [new song]
• What Else Was It? [new song]
• Some People
• Vlad The Astrophysicist
• Mailman
• Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad (and Far Away From Home)
• Encore: Goodnight Irene [off-mic] [Tom Waits]

Some gems of info… Peter was once in an all-rollerskate version of Oklahoma!  Also, apparently, scientists have a difficult time showing THC toxicity in small animals.  A new expression Peter uttered… “the nickel of espresso dropped.” (explaining when the caffeine kicks in).  I dig it!

Peter has a new guitar duets CD out now, Nine Days Wonder, with long-time collaborator David “Goody” Goodrich.  It’s a fantastic record (click the image to the right for samples) – though it’s not really indicative of his live show.  Based on the amount of new material he played this weekend (five songs not on a PM record yet), it looks like he has a good start on a new studio record.  Here’s hoping!

In the meantime, check him out on Facebook, iTunes/Amazon, YouTube, etc… and go see him live if you get a chance.  He plays upwards of 120 live gigs a year all over the US (and sometimes in Europe, too).

I can guarantee you’ll like him (I’ve yet to hear someone who doesn’t love him when I drag them along to shows). :)

The Appropriate Linkage:

• Peter Mulvey’s Site
• Peter Mulvey’s Social Media Links (see below)
  
• My Other Related Reviews~
  • Mulvey & Foucault @ Sam Bond’s Garage (Eugene – Oct 2010)
  • Mulvey & Foucault @ The Woods (Portland – Oct 2010)
  • Peter Mulvey Double-Weekend (Eugene & Portland – Oct 2009)
• Michael Conley’s MySpace (Eugene opener, sorry couldn’t find a non-MySp site)
  
• Joe Von Appen’s MySpace (Corvallis opener, sorry couldn’t find a non-MySp site)
• KLCC Living Large interview with Peter from 11/10/11
• Sam Bond’s Garage Site / Facebook
• The Majestic Theatre’s Site / Facebook
  

Next shows for me… Cirque du Soliel presents Michael Jackson: The Immortal (Eugene 11/15), rapper Chali 2Na (Eugene 11/16) and the Americana duo Over the Rhine (Portland 1/17).

~Dan – np: Over the Rhine – The Long Surrender

PETER MULVEY PHOTOS 11/10 to 11/12/2011

FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM

I’ve been to many shows at Cozmic Pizza in downtown Eugene, but this was my first time in their newly remodeled place.  Great new ordering queue/system, same great beer & pizza, great new stage, great new sound system.  I can’t recommend the new digs enough!!  On to the show…

I got there right after sound check… chatted with some folks, ordered some grub, an settled in for the opener.  Jeffery Martin, from Eugene, played about a half hour set.  His sound fit well with Jeffrey Foucault’s… Jeff #1 had an earthy, folky, Americana storyteller vibe.  He didn’t necessarily “jump out” at me, but many singer-songwriters can bore.  Bottom line: I’d see Jeffery Martin again.  He was solid at his craft.  He’s local; so I’ll most likely get a chance to see him again soon.

Jeffrey Foucault hit the stage shortly after 9.  He had slide guitarist Jay Carter (?) with him for most of the set.  They had just met / played together for the first time at the Seattle show.  Despite their newness, they worked well together.  The set contained a lot of the material (8 songs) from Jeffrey’s latest album, Horse Latitudes (samples via image to the right).  Jeffrey showcased his gritty, superb storytelling in his lyrics and was in a good jokey spirit in between songs.

Foucault’s Setlist: about an hour

• Last Night I Dreamed of Television
• Goners Most
• Starlight and Static
• Pretty Girl in a Small Town
• Passerines
• Horse Latitudes
• “Statesboro Blues” [Chris Dombrowski poem]
• Twice I Left Her
• Mesa, Arizona
• Sixteen Tons [Merle Travis]
• The Bluest Blade
• Idaho
• Everybody’s Famous
• Encore: I Won’t Back Down [Tom Petty]

The encore was dedicated to Tom Petty – as his birthday is October 20th.  The only disappointment of the night (well, once the loud couple was told to shut up by a fellow audience member) was that Ryan Adams was playing down the street at the Shedd at the same time as Foucault’s gig.  I actually had a ticket to see Ryan Adams, but when I found out about Jeffery playing, I sold it (the heart wants what the heart wants).  Jeffrey’s audience was a little sparse due to that scheduling coincidence (I think there’s some good crossover between the two artists).

more photos below

The Appropriate Linkage:

• Jeffrey Foucault’s Site
• Jeffrey’s Social Media Links (see below)
  
• Jeffery Martin‘s Facebook
  
• My Other Related Reviews~
• Mulvey & Foucault @ The Woods (Portland – Oct 2010)
• Mulvey & Foucault @ Sam Bond’s (Eugene – Oct 2010)
• Cozmic’s Site / Facebook / Twitter

Check Jeffrey’s remaining 2011 tour dates below.

Next show for me… a house show with Gonzalo Bergara Quartet on 10/23 Sunday in Eugene.

~Dan – np: Puscifer – Conditions of My Parole

JEFFREY FOUCAULT PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2011 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

(click for larger)

Jeffrey Foucault Fall 2011 Tour

• 10.18.11 Seattle, WA Fremont Abbey With Danny Barnes
• 10.19.11 Portland, OR The Woods Shelley Short opens
• 10.20.11 Eugene, OR Cozmic Pizza Jeffery Martin opens
• 10.21.11 Arcata, CA Arcata Playhouse Rorey Carroll opens
• 10.24.11 Felton, CA Don Quixote’s International Music
• 10.25.11 San Francisco, CA Cafe Du Nord Kate Gaffney opens
• 11.05.11 Fall River, MA Narrows Center for the Arts Support to Rosanne Cash
• 12.01.11 Portland, ME One Longfellow Square Seven Curses with Mark Erelli
• 12.02.11 Brooklyn, NY Union Hall Seven Curses with Mark Erelli
• 12.03.11 Pawtucket, RI Stone Soup Coffeehouse Seven Curses with Mark Erelli
• 12.08.11 Evanston, IL SPACE
• 12.13.11 Marshfield, WI Vox Concert Series Hayward Williams opens

This fall is turning into a flippin’ brilliant season for new music… My Brightest Diamond, Wussy, and Puscifer… all gems.  Now some more…

Cincinnati-based singer-songwriter Jason Ludwig (formerly of Noctaluca) released two new albums last Friday.  I’ve spent a few days with them, and I LOVE-love-LOVE them.  I can’t say which one, Lost in Love or Tanglings, that I like more – but they’re both vying for a spot on my Best Albums of 2011 List.  They’re only available as a digital download (mp3 or FLAC) via Jason’s bandcamp page, but the awesome part… they’re only $5 each.

Go to jasonludwig.com for samples and then buy them.  Well-produced, well-arranged, creative singer-songwriter that reminds me of a cross between the pop of Glen Hansard (of the Swell Season and the Frames) and the creative of Daniel Johns (of Silverchair).  If you don’t like them, I’d be surprised.

More new music news…

My favorite living trumpet-player/composer, Dave Douglas, started a new digital download music series this year on his record label, Greenleaf Music, called GPS (Greenleaf Portable Series).  Greenleaf recently launched a cloud player with their entire catalog, they’re putting out an iPad/iPhone App, and they just announced that they’re going to put out the three GPS releases thus far (Rare Metals, Orange Afternoons, Bad Mango) as an extremely limited 3-CD boxset called Three Views.

More info coming soon from Greenleaf, but it’s expected before year’s end.

~Dan – np: My Brightest Diamond – All Things Will Unwind

One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “Revolution” by The Beatles. I love the fuzzy intro and backwards-seeming vocal edits throughout.  Nice job, Derek.  I still think his fans tend to be less adventurous (doubling down again), but Derek turned out a great tribute song.

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 2 is a continuation of the covers project Derek started last year. The fans get to nominate songs and then vote once the nominations are tallied. Here’s what he’s done in 2010 and 2011 to date (you can still go back and buy this volume):

• January 2010: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• February: Coldplay – Fix You
• March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
• April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
• May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago *a personal fave*
• June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
• July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
• August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby *a personal fave*
• September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence
• October: Radiohead – Karma Police *a personal fave*
• November: Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
• December: Robert Robinson (traditional hymn) – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
• January 2011: off
  
• February: off
• March: Cee-Lo Green – F**k You *a personal fave*
  
• April: Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
• May: The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
• June: U2 – One
• July: Dallán Forgaill (traditional hymn) – Be Thou My Vision
  
• August: Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
• September: The Beatles – Revolution *a personal fave*
  

~Dan – np: Laswell/Nauseef/Mori/Parker – Near Nadir

Democracy Vol. 2 is a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 10. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 10 months (March to December). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

Wave 2 of the David Bazan 2011 Living Room tour… I missed the last swipe through in Corvallis, but was destined to see him in my home town again.  It was held at the same house from 2009 (that review here).  Thank you so much to the super great hosts!

No opener this time.  David kicked into it just after 8pm with the lead off track to his new album, Strange Negotiations.  It’s a great record, and rumor has it that he’s working on a new one already – but there was no mention of that last night…

Setlist: ~80 mins

• Wolves at the Door
• Cold Beer and Cigarettes
• June 18, 1976 (Pedro the Lion)
• Hard to Be
• Q&A 1
• Foregone Conclusions (Pedro the Lion)
• Shit Talker (Headphones)
  
• Virginia
• Q&A 2 on old blues guitarists
  
• Fewer Broken Pieces
• Slow and Steady Wins the Race (Pedro the Lion)
• Q&A 3
• Transcontinental (Pedro the Lion)
• Q&A 4
• Packt Like Sardines In A Crushd Tin Box (Radiohead cover for Elliott Smith)
• Won’t Let Go
• Curse Your Branches
• Q&A 5
• Strange Negotiations
• No Encore

David’s playing Sam Bond’s Garage in about 2 1/2 months with a full band (Dec 14th for those wanting to know); so Eugene will be lucky to see his beardy face grace our presence once again.

The Appropriate Linkage:

• David Bazan’s Site
• David Bazan’s Social Media Links (see below)
  
• My Other Related Reviews~
  • The Indigo (Eugene, OR – Dec 2007)
  • House Show (Eugene, OR – Jul 2009)
  • Mississippi Studios (Portland, OR – Nov 2009)
  • Sam Bond’s Garage (Eugene, OR – Mar 2010)

Check out the now-almost-all-done tour dates below.  Woodinville, Washington tonight – then he’s back to his own bed until the band tour hits in the late Fall…

Next show for me… Melt Banana at WOW Hall on 10/1.

~Dan – np: Frank Zappa – Feeding The Monkies At Ma Maison

Bazan’s 2nd wave of Living Room Tour Dates 2011

Mon 9/5 – Bozeman, MT
Tues 9/6 – Salt Lake City, UT
Wed 9/7 – Fort Collins, CO
Thurs 9/8 – Topeka, KS
Fri 9/9 – Winona, MN
Sat 9/10 – Wheaton, IL
Sun 9/11 – Champaign, IL
Mon 9/12 – Lexington, KY
Tues 9/13 – Scott Depot, WV
Wed 9/14 – Wilmington, OH
Thurs 9/15 – Cleveland, OH
Fri 9/16 – Rochester, NY
Sat 9/17 – Wilkes-Barre, PA
Sun 9/18 – Williamstown, NJ
Mon 9/19 – Oakton, VA
Tues 9/20 – Charlottesville, VA
Wed 9/21 – Simpsonville, SC
Thurs 9/22 – Birmingham, AL
Fri 9/23 – Shreveport, LA
Sat 9/24 – Tulsa, OK
Mon 9/26 – Payson, AZ
Tues 9/27 – Aliso Viejo, CA
Wed 9/28 – Santa Rosa, CA
Thurs 9/29 – Eugene, OR
Fri 9/30 – Woodinville, WA

One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel (posted on 9/5). Good job by Derek, but I’m definitely disappointed in the populace who voted.  I mean, how boring are you guys?  Doubling down on U2, various hymns, and Simon & Garfunkel?  Where is your adventurous spirit, Democracy Volume 2 voters?  I love Derek.  I fear his fans are generally boring, though.

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 2 is a continuation of the covers project Derek started last year. The fans get to nominate songs and then vote once the nominations are tallied. Here’s what he’s done in 2010 and 2011 to date (you can still go back and buy this volume):

• January 2010: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• February: Coldplay – Fix You
• March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
• April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
• May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago *a personal fave*
• June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
• July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
• August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby *a personal fave*
• September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence
• October: Radiohead – Karma Police *a personal fave*
• November: Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
• December: Robert Robinson (traditional hymn) – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
• January 2011: off
  
• February: off
• March: Cee-Lo Green – F**k You *a personal fave*
  
• April: Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
• May: The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
• June: U2 – One
• July: Dallán Forgaill (traditional hymn) – Be Thou My Vision
  
• August: Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
  

~Dan – np: Tegan & Sara – Sainthood

Democracy Vol. 2 is a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 10. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 10 months (March to December). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

MY PHOTOS NOW POSTED (see bottom)

Last night in Portland showed two stripped down musicians, parting ways from their “main gig” and creating some delightful energy despite the solo nature of it all.  First up was Glen Hansard of The Swell Season (see the Once movie) and The Frames (who essentially became the backing band for the Swell Season)…

(not from GH’s July 2011 Portland gig – this shot from Nov 2009)

Glen played a 45 or so minute set.  Among stories of getting drunk and staying out until 5am viewing women only wearing feathers, he played some tunes that featured his powerful voice.

Glen’s Setlist: 45 minutes

• Pennies in the Fountain
• Leave
• Lucia
• You Will Become
• Love Don’t Keep Me Waiting (with “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” tag)
• In These Arms
• Astral Weeks [Van Morrison] (with “Death Metal” solo)
• Song of Good Hope

After a short set change, Pearl Jam front-man Eddie Vedder came out.  He was dressed as expected… Seattle casual – complete with flannel.  Shocking, I know…

The stage was set up with a sparse bungalow living room feel.  Some chairs, a reel to reel, antique lamps, guitars and shelving strewn about.  While this was billed as the Ukulele Songs tour, Eddie started out on acoustic.  He played a wandering and energy filled set: some stripped down Pearl Jam tunes, some Into the Wild tunes, some ukulele numbers, some covers.  While his casual flannel may make him seem like stuck in the 90s slacker movement, Eddie is anything but a slacker.  He delivered 2 hours of music…

Eddie’s Set: 2 hours

• Walking The Cow [Daniel Johnston]
• Can’t Keep
• Sleeping By Myself
• Without You
• Goodbye
• Blue, Red And Grey [The Who]
• I Am Mine
• Thumbing My Way
• Just Breathe
• Far Behind
• Long Nights (with Glen Hansard)
• Setting Forth
• Guaranteed
• Rise (dedicated to Gerry Lopez)
• Immortality
• Unthought Known
• The End
• Arc
• Encore 1: If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out [Cat Stevens]
• You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away [The Beatles]
• Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
• The Golden State (with Corin Tucker) [John Doe]
• Tonight You Belong To Me (with Janet Weiss) [Billy Rose & Lee David]
• Sleepless Nights (with Glen, off mic, a cappella, gorgeous) [Gram Parsons]
• Society (with Glen) [Jerry Hannan]
• Falling Slowly (with Glen on lead vocals) [The Swell Season]
• Porch
• Encore 2: Hard Sun (with Glen, Corin & Janet) [Gordon Peterson]
• Dream A Little Dream [The Mamas & the Papas]

Eddie has such passion for what he does.  He doesn’t do things half-assed.  While I’d say he isn’t in my short list for “best singers,” he is on the short list for “most passionate singers.”  He’s a gritty and emotive rockstar, definitely – all while being down to earth.  I also find his voice to be distinct, despite the copycats of the 90s.

Eddie shared a funny story about a party with Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell trying to help Eddie create the perfect “evil ukulele” sound.  Too much wine brought on Chris hurling over the balcony… “the ukulele won.”

The session of duets Corin Tucker (from Sleater-Kinney/CT Band) and Janet Weiss (from Sleater-Kinney/Quasi/etc) was fantastic.  The absolute highlight for me was when Glen came back on for the encore and played three songs with Eddie… the first being a stunning off-mic, a cappella version of “Sleepless Nights” and the third being “Falling Slowly” (from Glen’s band The Swell Season).

This tour ends tonight in Seattle…

One question of note: why were the roadies dressed in white lab coats?

more EV photos below

The Appropriate Linkage:

• Eddie Vedder/Pearl Jam Site
• EV/PJ’s Social Media Links (see below)
  
• Glen Hansard’s Swell Season Site
• Glen Hansard’s Facebook / MySpace / Twitter
• Other Related Reviews~
  • The Swell Season @ McDonald Theatre (Eugene – Nov 2009)

The tour dates below… all done tonight in Seattle.

~Dan – np: Garage A Trois – Always Be Happy, But Stay Evil

EDDIE VEDDER PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2011 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

(click for larger)

Eddie Vedder & Glen Hansard – Summer 2011 Tour Dates

June 15: Providence, R.I. (Providence Performing Arts Center)
June 16: Boston, Mass. (The Wang Theatre)
June 18: Hartford, Conn. (The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts)
June 21: New York, N.Y. (Beacon Theatre)
June 22: New York, N.Y. (Beacon Theatre)
June 25: Philadelphia, Pa. (Tower Theatre)
June 26: Detroit, Mich. (Fox Theatre)
June 28: Chicago, Ill. (The Chicago Theatre)
July 1: St. Louis, Mo. (Fox Theatre)
July 2: Minneapolis, Minn. (Orpheum Theatre )
July 5: San Diego, Calif. (Copley Symphony Hall)
July 6: Long Beach, Calif. (Terrace Theater)
July 8: Los Angeles (The Wiltern)
July 9: Santa Barbara, Calif. (Santa Barbara Bowl)
July 11: Oakland, Calif. (The Paramount Theatre)
July 14: Portland, Ore. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall)
July 15: Seattle, Wash. (Benaroya Hall)

One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “One” by U2 (posted on 7/1).  Derek has a long affinity for these Irish gents.  My guess is that when this one came up in the vote winners pile, he paired it with this past weekend’s Nashville U2 covers show and then seeing U2 at VU/Nashville (#U2360NAS).

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 2 is a continuation of the covers project Derek started last year. The fans get to nominate songs and then vote once the nominations are tallied. Here’s what he’s done in 2010 and 2011 to date (you can still go back and buy this volume):

• January 2010: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• February: Coldplay – Fix You
• March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
• April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
• May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago *a personal fave*
• June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
• July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
• August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby *a personal fave*
• September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence
• October: Radiohead – Karma Police *a personal fave*
• November: Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
• December: Robert Robinson – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
• January 2011: off
  
• February: off
• March: Cee-Lo Green – F**k You *a personal fave*
  
• April: Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
• May: The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
• June: U2 – One
  

~Dan – np: Secret Chiefs 3 – Eyes of Flesh :: Eyes of Flame

Democracy Vol. 2 is a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 10. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 10 months (March to December). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

If you came here for the U2 Seattle review, GO HERE.

One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. I generally hate/hate/hate this song… I blame Jonatha Brooke & Jars of Clay’s more schmaltzy versions.  I’m digging Derek’s more layered version.

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 2 is a continuation of the covers project Derek started last year. The fans get to nominate songs and then vote once the nominations are tallied. Here’s what he’s done in 2010 and 2011 to date (you can still go back and buy this volume):

• January 2010: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• February: Coldplay – Fix You
• March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
• April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
• May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago *a personal fave*
• June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
• July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
• August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby *a personal fave*
• September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence
• October: Radiohead – Karma Police *a personal fave*
• November: Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
• December: Robert Robinson – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
• January 2011: off
  
• February: off
• March: Cee-Lo Green – F**k You
• April: Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
• May: The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
  

Also, Derek & his wife Sandra McCracken are hitting the road in the Fall for a house concert / living room show tour for their upcoming TN EP.  GO HERE if you can host.

~Dan – np: Puya – Areyto

Democracy Vol. 2 is a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 10. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 10 months (March to December). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi. I’m at work; so I haven’t had a chance to listen yet… but I’m looking forward to it!

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 2 is a continuation of the covers project Derek started last year. The fans get to nominate songs and then vote once the nominations are tallied. Here’s what he’s done in 2010 and 2011 to date (you can still go back and buy this volume):

• January 2010: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• February: Coldplay – Fix You
• March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
• April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
• May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago *a personal fave*
• June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
• July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
• August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby *a personal fave*
• September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence
• October: Radiohead – Karma Police *a personal fave*
• November: Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
• December: Robert Robinson – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
• January 2011: off
• February: off
• March: Cee-Lo Green – F**k You
  

Fans of Derek may also want to check out his contribution (amongst other great covers) of Sufjan Stevens’ Seven Swans. The tribute album put out by On Joyful Wings is called Seven Swans Reimagined. Derek does “In Devil’s Territory.” Other musicians include some Asthmatic Kitty favorites, and some newbies to the fold – including the Gregory Brothers (autotune the news) and Inlets.

~Dan – np: Porcupine Tree – Deadwing

Democracy Vol. 2 is a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 10. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 10 months (March to December). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!