Last year, I had hoped to see Barcelona at CMJ, but circumstances got in the way, as often happens during that crazy week. I got a chance to catch them at Jammin’ Java but this time, too, I was partially thwarted, and only caught a few songs. I hope to get another chance some day, as I liked what I did see. The album is great in a melodic, Keane-y, Coldplay-y kind of way, which gets kicked up a notch live.
I spoke briefly to lead singer Brian Fennell after the show and had him sign my CD (“This was better than CMJ” he wrote) and also bought some stickers and buttons which he didn’t want me to pay for. “I’m buying you a gallon of gas,” I said, passing along $4 and his grateful smile was worth it. Poor guys were a long way from home (Seattle).
Sad to say that there was only a small crowd in the club that rainy Tuesday night and the number decreased during the set change so that there were only about a dozenpeople in the joint – including the staff! - when the next band - The Everyday Visuals - went on.
I’ll give any band three songs while I decide whether to stay, and these guys won me over right away. I bought a CD and some buttons from them, too (a few gallons of gas in this case) and asked them to keep in touch in case I might be able to write about them in future. Charismatic singer Christopher Pappas (who also plays guitar, keyboards) seemed genuinely pleased that someone cared after what must have been a dispiriting turnout.
1. EVERYDAY VISUALS – Things Will Look Up (self-released)
This group has a melodic sound, too, with bits of noisy experimentation and some alt-country leanings that made me think of Wilco. Originally from New Hampshire, they were named Best Band in the state by 92.5 the River, and their first record "Media Crush," was named the "Best Record of 2005" by local magazine The Hippo Press. The group moved to Boston and repeated the feat, earning another best band award there and praise for the CD. There's a lot of care evident in these tracks and I'm enjoying it in steady rotation.
and while I'm tallying CDs with shows:
2. ROONEY – Calling the World (Geffen)
This California quintet opened for the Jonas Brothers at the Patriot Center last month (I scored not-unreasonable tix for High School Girl and pal thanks to Craig's List). The group took no chances in winning the crowed over, beginning their set with “When Did Your Heart Go Missing?” as if to reassure the squealing mass that it would be a distracting wait, at least, for the main event. Out on the smoker’s patio, I met a fatherly escort who’d I befriended earlier on the way into the arena. I told him that Rooney had a good rep and made real music (something you can never take for granted at these arena pop shows.) He told me, “yeah, those guys were pretty good.” And when HSG heard me playing this CD the week before the Really Big Show, she paid it her ultimate compliment “Can I steal that?” This deluxe edition contains free ringtones – if I ever figure out how to load them.
I like to blog my own photos, but since I didn't shoot them live, here's a press shot:
And here's one of the Jonas Brothers that I did take myself, once I realized that my little digital camera could handle it:
FREE COOL MUSIC!
Those sweet SPOON boys are giving away a free mps of a countrified demo for Cherry Bomb. Though I still prefer the horn-y version, it’s fun to hear how the track evolved.
O/CD Tally: 47
ye gawds, it's been weeks since I've tallied any new CDs, and they are piling up, but more anon.
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