2009: The Year of Lists - Nardy

Nardy is Justin Nardy of Bald Eagle and sometimes Foundry fame. He prints t-shirts for tea-baggers, blogs once in a blue moon, draws some cool-as-shit portraits of famous people, Tweets some insanely depressing stuff, and will someday illustrate a children's book for yours truly (if I ever get my act together). Also, he wrote me a top-10 list for 2009. Notice the label mentions. Nardy (I'm considering calling him "Nard-Dog" like the dude on The Office.) spends many of his waking hours on team Emergency Umbrella. Read his list and learn something.

It should also be noted that the opinions expressed in these posts are not those of comoprozac (a pseudonym) or of the owner of this blog. The lists are entirely attributed to the author identified above.

2009 Top Ten

1. Russian Circles- Geneva/ Suicide Squeeze Records

2. Iron and Wine – Around The Well/ Sub Pop Records

3. Jason Lytle- Yours Truly, The Commuter/ ANTI Records

4. Obits- I Blame You/ Sub Pop Records

5. Cave- Psychic Psummer/ Important Records

6. David Bazan- Curse Your Branches/ Barsuk Records

7. Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix/ Glassnote Records

8. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest/Warp Records

9. Cursive- Mama, I’m Swollen/ Saddle Creek Records

10. Tortoise- Beacons of Ancestorship/ Thrill Jockey Records

Here is my top ten list for 2009. While making this I had to think back about what actually came out this year and if anything was actually good. I found myself going back and listening to more older obscure records this year than I ever have before. I visited a lot of jams from the 70’s and dove into some weird African jazz/funk/soul via Swami Land and African Afrodesiac, all suggested by my friend Ahmed Gallab. This music inspired me way more than anything that came out this year. I became really obsessed with the sounds of the 70’s and the quality and noises these musicians were getting out of their instruments. Not a lot of music does it for me anymore. I am very very rarely blown away by a band's live performance. So coming up with a list of ten worth while records was somewhat of a challenge. I am sure I am missing some things in my list or have forgotten about certain records that came out in early 2009. I do know for sure that these ten records actually did something for me and either inspired me or were an important part of my life this year. So here is my list, I can’t put them in any order, just the top ten records you should have picked up this year in my opinion. These are the records that I actually listened to over and over and went out and bought actual copies of (as well as downloading them all for the iPod). These are the ones that meant something this year.

Russian Circles- Geneva

The third full length from this Chicago trio. This just came out in early October so it is just scrapping by for the releases of 2009. I really feel like RC are coming into their own and this record shows it. I remember when RC only had their first record “Enter” out and they would tour non-stop playing just those songs. Everyone that saw them would be blown away by how tight they were. My biggest complaint was, that they only had 6 songs that they were playing. Of course they were going to be tight as shit, give any band just 6 songs to learn and have them play them over and over for a few years, they better be fucking tight. So it is nice to see the RC catalog grow and for them to come into their own. With the addition of bass player Brian Cook (These Arms Are Snakes, Botch) I really feel like they made one hell of a record and on Geneva the bass finally stands out. The thing that really does it for me with RC is that they all are amazing musicians. Anymore I think that is what it takes for me to be blown away, is seeing musicians that can actually play their instruments. I feel like these guys grew up with a lot of the same influences that I did, and I really respect what they are doing. There aren’t a lot of instrumental bands that continue to blow me away but RC is definitely one that does, and is one band that I will always be curious to pick up a new record by.

Iron and Wine – Around The Well

While this is simply just a collection of rare songs, out-of-print, never released, and cover songs, it still might be my favorite collection of Iron and Wine songs. If you happened to buy this on vinyl it came as 3xLP and had something like 23 songs on it. There is just something about Sam Beam’s voice that does it for me, while I’m more of a fan of the super lo-fi recordings from Iron and Wine, pretty much everything on this record blew me away. I made a set of 4 mix cd’s for someone this year and I think at least 5 songs from Around The Well made it on those cd’s. I must have listened to this 20 or 30 times at work just to get through the day. Just a great laid back record, so much so it might stir up some emotions and get you a little teary eyed from time to time.

Jason Lytle- Yours Truly, The Commuter

After 15 years with his band Grandaddy, this is the first solo record we see from front man Jason Lytle, let’s hope there is more to come. While I have always been a fan of Grandaddy and had the chance to see them twice before they called it quits, I have never thought any of their albums were as solid as this by Jason himself. Every Grandaddy record has those songs that blew me away but they never felt like complete albums to me. Yours Truly has all those songs, they all go together, it feels complete. I downloaded this way before it came out and listened to it a ton, and finally had to break down and buy it on vinyl. Apparently the story goes something like this: After the break up of Grandaddy Jason moved from California to Montana, while in Montana and facing nothing to do during the harsh winter months, he locked himself in a house and wrote and recorded this entire record, the results are pretty amazing. Jason played in Columbia on July 3^rd this year (the day after my birthday) it was a pretty special show. I had just started hanging out with a new girl, who was a huge fan of Grandaddy and Jason, so this was a nice excuse to go to a show and hang out and get to know one another a little better. The next day (the 4^th of July) I had the pleasure of going to a private BBQ at my friend Daryle’s house, Daryle had grown up with Jason and had done some touring with Grandaddy, he was the whole reason Jason even came to Columbia to play. That night I got to meet Jason and the rest of the band which included ex- Grandaddy drummer Aaron Burtch. We had BBQ and shot the shit, and then later climbed a ladder to the top of the Hearnes Center to watch fireworks and drink wine out of a bag, the night ended with drunken volleyball inside the Hearnes Center. That truly was a night that I will never forget, and was probably the best night I had in 2009. With all of that how could this record not have been in my top ten this year.

Obits- I Blame You

The only reason I even picked this up or gave it a chance was because it was band that had Rick Froberg in it. Rick is one of my favorite guitar players and singers, if you aren’t familiar with his previous work check out pitchfork (the band, not the site), Drive Like Jehu, and Hot Snakes. Now the thing with Rick Froberg is that he works really well with his counterpart John Reis, they simply might be the best guitar duo there is in my opinion and they have influenced every single band I have ever been in. The problem is when these guys do bands by themselves they usually kind of suck. This is not the case with Obits. Obits picks up where Hot Snakes left off, but they kind of add a little garage rock/surf thing into the mix. Either way it works for them and I love Froberg’s voice, I even love the one song he doesn’t sing on. It is just a great rock record. I got to see them in Chicago at the Empty Bottle this year as well. I was having a really shitty time with life and just kind of took off and drove to Chicago to get away, by chance I looked in the Chicago reader while eating some pizza and saw that Obits were playing that night, it definitely made the trip to Chicago worth while. Obits is rad, go buy this record or at very least download it.

Cave- Psychic Psummer

It is really nice to see such a good record and band come out Columbia. Cave started as a Columbia band then headed north to Chicago to really establish themselves as a band. I had seen them a few times live and sometimes they came off really sloppy and other times it was one of the tightest rock and roll shows I’ve ever seen. What I really like about this record is that it has that 70’s feel to it, but it also has something new and refreshing to it as well. I think that 70’s sound is coming back in music and while that’s cool I can also see every “cool” band going in that direction. Cave is led by guitar player Cooper Crain and has somewhat of a rotating cast of characters. Some people hold Crain as musical god in these parts (I won’t go that far), but fact of the matter is when Cooper wants to write a good song he does (see his work with Warhammer 48k and One Inch Punch), and this record is full of them. It’s loud, catchy, psychedelic, has sick drum parts, is full of catchy keyboard/synth parts. It’s just a fucking good record and it gets props from me because of it roots to Columbia. Definitely one of the better records and bands to come out of Columbia. Hopefully they can keep in together and not fall apart like every other good band Columbia has produced. They have been busy touring and putting out a bunch of releases, a couple 7”s a split 10” another full length etc. all good, but I think Psychic Psummer is the crown jewel in the Cave catalog.

David Bazan- Curse Your Branches

You are probably most familiar with Bazan’s work in the band Pedro The Lion. I never really got into Pedro, they had a few songs here and there that I thought were ok. After my roommate Kevin told me about this record and directed me to a free download of it, I figured I would give it a shot. This is hands down better than any Pedro The Lion record. This is such a personal record and Bazan sings about religion, his struggles with drinking, his family life and love. I guess when I started listening to this record I could really relate to what he was singing about. I have never been a big Christian music fan, and sometimes Bazan and Pedro The Lion get lumped into that category, and it is a little off putting for me. In this case I don’t think it matters, Christian or not this is just a good, honest record full of great singer/songwriter songs. My band Bald Eagle was in the middle of writing a record called Drug Church and a lot of themes in our record were about religion and addiction to drugs/drinking, so I found a common bond in Bazan’s subject matter on Curse Your Branches. Even though I had the free download of this, I broke down and bought it on vinyl, it was definitely worth it. This is slowly becoming not only one of my favorites for 2009 but one of my all time favorites. It might force me to go back and give the Pedro The Lion catalog another chance.

Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

It felt like Phoenix just came out of nowhere. One day I was hanging out with my friend Chris and he was like have you heard that band Phoenix. I had no idea who he was talking about. He popped it in his car stereo and almost immediately I was hooked on how catchy and poppy these songs were. Wolfgang Amadeus is Phoenix’s masterpiece and really helped them explode as a band. All of sudden this little French band was on every cover of every hip and cool music magazine, they were playing every music festival that mattered, and they were on Letterman and Conan. The fucked up thing is that have been a band for a pretty long time and have few other full lengths out, it just that no one really gave a shit about them until this record. I don’t know why I am such a sucker for music like this, but there is something just fun about putting on this record and turning it up and singing along, it is so so so catchy and pretty easy to get into. There are a few duds on the record towards the middle that can easily be skipped over, but when the good songs come on, they are good. I still don’t have a proper copy of this and still haven’t went back and checked out Phoenix’s older records, I need to do both of those things. Maybe I fell on the band wagon of falling in love with the next cool band to like, but hey as I get older I just don’t give a shit. If it’s good, it’s good and well I think this shit is good. A few weird facts about Phoenix, they started out as a backing band for a remix project of some Air songs. A few of them were in a short lived band who eventually turned into Daft Punk. They have been a band since the late 90’s and there is a band called Empire of The Sun from Australia who sound almost exactly like them.

Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest

I feel like this record is going to be on a lot of top ten lists this year. While I like this record and Grizzly Bear I don’t think I am shitting my pants over them as much as everyone else is. I tried to see them at SXSW and the line was so ridiculous that I just gave up. I finally got to see them a few months ago at The Blue Note here in Columbia, and they put on a great show. They can pull it off live and the big thing for me with Grizzly Bear is the vocal harmonies, I think that is their secret weapon. It is pretty amazing to see a band who have all of the members singing, and doing it very well. At times they remind of the Beach Boys a little bit. The down fall of all of this is that ever fucking hipster and cool kid out there LOVES Grizzly Bear, hey I get it, they are good band, they put out a pretty good record. However there are a lot of bands trying to do this same thing right now. So I am not real sure how long the hype of Grizzly Bear will last. I don’t think ever song on this record is mind blowing or amazing. However songs like “Two Weeks” and “Ready, Able” are really really good and make this record worth checking out and owning. I usually don’t fall into the Brooklyn, NY trap of cool bands, but there is something about Grizzly Bear that is in fact good, again I think the harmonies pull me in and keep me interested enough to always give whatever Grizzly Bear is doing a chance.

Cursive- Mama, I’m Swollen

I have personal ties to this record and to Cursive, so that is why Mama, I’m Swollen makes it into my list this year. My band got to play with Cursive a few times this year and we were personally invited by them to come to Omaha and open/play with them to a sold out crowd. Cursive was one of my favorite bands in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. I still think to this day that Domestica and the Burst and Bloom ep are fucking amazing records. People fell in love with them later on with their record The Ugly Organ, which is a great record as well. Then Cursive kind of fell off the radar and put out a record called Happy Hollow that wasn’t received as well as some of the previous records, their drummer quit and then there is always the on going drama of singer Tim Kasher. If you have ever followed Cursive or Saddle Creek Records, you know that most of their releases are at very least worth checking out, they just have that history to them. I came pretty familiar with the new songs that were going to be on Mama, I’m Swollen and became friends with Cursive through playing these shows. Also when their bass player Matt Maginn moved to Columbia, we developed a small friendship and shared lots of beer and stories of record labels, bands, and touring. Cursive are a Midwest band and down to earth, genuine nice dudes that write good songs and like to drink beer. I owe them a lot for helping out my band and allowing us to play some shows with them. We were in talks of possibly touring with them and maybe even doing a split 7” with them before we called it quits. While all of these personal ties make me love Cursive not only as a band but also as people, I do also think they made a great record this year. This record again pulls into some religious themes, questions of human condition, and Kasher ongoing subject matter of “the Peter Pan Syndrome”. While Mama, I’m Swollen might not be my favorite Cursive record, it is still a damn good record and the songs “From The Hips” and “In The Now” might be two of the best Cursive songs to date.

Tortoise- Beacons of Ancestorship

This is Tortoise’s first new studio album in five years and it is probably my favorite Tortoise album or at very least has my two favorite Tortoise songs on it. If you are not familiar with Tortoise, they are an instrumental band from Chicago that have been around since 1990 or so and have ties to a zillion other bands. Their drummer John McEntire also plays in the Sea and Cake, which are one of my favorite bands. McEntire would probably fall in my top ten list of favorite drummers. All you need to know is that Tortoise is full of great musicians and they make some damn fine music, combining dub, indie rock, electronica, and various styles of jazz. They have an amazing catalog of records and all of their releases are worth checking out. I had no idea they were even working on a record, and then boom this fell into my lap and I was blown away. I am still kicking myself in the ass for not going to see them in St. Louis a while back, they are one of the few bands that I still really need to/want to see. I ordered this on vinyl sometime ago and I am still waiting to receive it, it has been on back order for ever. Anyhow buy this record it will floor you, and at very least check out the songs “Prepare Your Coffin” and “Charteroak Foundation”.

*other notable releases this year, that didn’t make my list, but were definitely considered and should be checked out.

-Dark Meat- Truce Opium/Emergency Umbrella Records

-Sinkane-Sinkane/Emergency Umbrella Records

-Call Me Lightning- When I’m Gone My Blood Will Be Free/ (this never officially got released)

-St. Vincent- Actor/4AD

-Dinosaur Jr.- Farm/ Jagjaguwar

-The Flaming Lips- Embryonic/Warner Brothers

-So Many Dynamos- The Loud Wars/Vagrant Records

- White Rabbits- It’s Frightening/ TBD Records

-Monsters of Folk- Monsters of Folk/ Artist First

Bald Eagle Is No More

I can't believe no one else mentioned this anywhere (or at least I didn't find it with a simple Google search). According to Nardy via his Twitter feed, Bald Eagle has called it quits.

I'm not fully entrenched in the scene here, but this was a band loved by many. I don't know that I've seen a live show as terrifyingly glorious as a Bald Eagle set. If you never got to see them. You missed something.

Bald Eagle will be missed and they leave a gaping hole in the COMO music scene. That is for sure. I'll try to get up my footage of their first three songs of what has turned out to be their last gig, this month's EU showcase at the Note.

Those are cobras, man.

Emergency Umbrella Showcase, etc.

Last night was the Emergency Umbrella Showcase at the Note. A small-but-loyal crowd showed up so see 67% of the EU lineup. Of course, one would expect that the crowd would be larger had classes been in session. Still, it was a nice way to spend a Friday evening in July.

A couple of or more things before I get to the rock...

I think my latest (and second) batch of beer is ready for consumption. The Simcoe-dependency was sampled and labeled after work and before happy hour. It's so deliciously bitter and grapefruity that I puckered all the way through.

R and I hit the 'Tag for happy hour. (Sorry that we missed so many people. We would have enjoyed the company.) Barry has added some taps behind the bar, giving the 'Tag six great craft beers on tap. And I didn't drink any of them. I had heard through the hop vine that the Old Rasputin XII Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout was now available at the 'Tag.

What a lovely bit of bourbon barrel yumminess this beer is. It reminds me a lot of Schlafly's own bourbon barrel imperial stout, but not as sweet. It's so good that I'm trying to scheme another trip to the 'Tag before it disappears.

Of course, there will be more details on these beers and others at my beer blog Bottles and Cans.

After putting the Lu to sleep, I slipped out for the showcase. There is video of all the bands, but time and my upload limit at Vimeo will cause you to wait for all the footage to make this blog. In the meantime, enjoy Billy Schuh (The Foundry Field Recordings) doing a Big Star song, 3/4 of COMO legends Kingdom Flying Club with Schuh, and a song from new EU signees Netherfriends.

It's been a long, long time since I've been to a club where I knew so many people. I ran into folks from several COMO circles from the EU crowd to the failed ComoMusic takeover to some beer enthusiasts to one of R's colleagues. For all the complaining I do about this town, I do like a homegrown event with homegrown talent.

As far as the rock music, the Foundry (or this version) were loose, not perfect, but good. A couple of members of Malone and a cellist joined Schuh on stage for most of the set. I felt like I've been listening to versions of the next record for over a year, but it will be fully appreciated once it arrives. Look for a change in the sound. I'm hearing Shins all over this thing. That may turn some folks off, but it is what it is. I'm OK with the Shins, so the new material is fine for me. Now, if the record could just arrive.

Billy Schuh does Big Star from comoprozac on Vimeo.

3/4 Kingdom Flying Club from comoprozac on Vimeo.

Netherfriends put on a raucous set that screamed "We're from Brooklyn!" Of course, they're not, but a lot of the influences I heard were Brooklyn-based. Imagine all those bands like The Walkmen, White Rabbits, Delta Spirit, etc. wrapped up with a considerable dose of Animal Collective experimentation. Additionally, with the band being from Chicago, they had moments that reminded me of the Coctails, Sea and Cake, and Joan of Arc. They are a really enjoyable outfit and I look forward to hearing their record, particularly their opening track from last night.

Netherfriends from comoprozac on Vimeo.

As for the rest of the show, Gentleman Auction House and Bald Eagle killed as usual. I don't know that I'm a big fan of GAH's music, but I really respect what they're doing. That and they are maybe one of the more professional bands with great potential for stardom that I've seen in a while. There are always rumors of bigger labels showing interest and I can understand why.

Bald Eagle is just ridiculous live. They're unapologetic as they convert hipsters and indie nerds into rollicking metalheads. Unfortunately, I could only stay for the first three songs of BE's set as I promised to take the baby when the ten-month separation anxiety and teething would cause her not to sleep.

Boy, that last sentence just stripped me of any rock 'n roll cred I may have had.

Today, the party continued as all the EU folks and friends got together for a barbecue. We had some great ribs and some nice conversation. Folks played bocce ball and lobbed water balloons at each other, showing that EU is more than a label.

I've always been a big local music supporter - well, in theory anyway. It's nice to see a healthy scene here in COMO with EU at the heart.

Friday: EU Records Showcase

Friday is the Emergency Umbrella Showcase at the Note. You should go. Hear Billy Schuh's new material for his Foundry Field Recordings. See the latest addition to the EU lineup: Chicago's Netherfriends. There will be STL road warriors Gentleman Auction House. Plus, don't miss Bald Eagle as they unveil new material of their own. It should be a hoot-hollerin' good time!

Netherfriends video below...

COMO Music

One thing I am slowly learning to appreciate in COMO is the music scene. Upon moving here, I was highly skeptical and rather suspicious. What could a town of less than 100k and full of transient college students have to offer in terms of local music? Well, it turns out that there's more here than I once thought.

The funny thing is that I'm not even getting out all that often these days. I guess that's the price I'm paying for fatherhood and a demanding work schedule. I've been meaning to get out to see the kids from the bathysphere and their band Tops, but that has yet to happen. Additionally, a buddy in Malone invites me out via Facebook and attends my happy hours, but I haven't found time for his gigs either.


I did catch Bald Eagle's opening slot for Cursive, but their label mate (and sharer of several band members) The Foundry Field Recordings are hitting the road. Check the dates and some tunes here, but be aware that there are new songs I'm not allowed to leak on this blog. So, check them out.

And while I'm missing all these bands, a whole commune of musicians is flourishing below my nose.


I'm talking about the promising cooperative known as Yards and Gods. There is some good, vibrant music here and I almost missed it. Luckily, Y&G's Michael shared some tracks with me today. Here's a quick rundown of the material I sampled...

In Dark Trees is the Explosions in the Sky for the ambient set. The band's track "Some Summer Night" leads off the label's compilation. Upon further investigation, I found that one could obtain the band's entire catalog for nothing, not including the 3 bucks for the compilation. I will have to check out the rest of the material, but this first track makes me very hopeful.

The Kinksy garage rock of The Makeouts fills the second slot of the comp with a needed jolt. The band currently has no other releases, but you get the feeling that they have an LP's worth of two-and-a-half minute gems waiting in the wings.

Nonreturner slips two tracks from their self-titled full-length into the comp. There's a real Radiohead thing going here, not like Muse, more Radiohead of the past two or three albums. Something about the production/recording feels shallow and quiet, but there's some intense stuff going on in the music itself. I've just started listening to their album and it certainly shows a more diverse output. Again, there is probably more to say on this band.

An acoustic number by Palisades follows, fitting better with the hippie vibe that goes with a co-op. However, Palisades mixes in some Lips-like warped samples and subtle organ work to separate it from flat, hippie, folk music. This material surprises me the most with its mix of warbly folk and alt-country that actually sounds fresh.

Ursus Arctos rounds out the label's compilation with some aggression and hollers, reminiscent of the Hives or Franz Ferdinand when these bands had the potential not to suck. Between Clash-like pop awareness, Ursus also includes some prog flourishes that remind me of a kinder, gentler Bald Eagle.

This label still deserves more exploration, but I'm pleasantly surprised by the output they've had in less than a year of existence. You should go to their site, donate, and agree with me on all of my points.

So, maybe COMO's coming around. I'm still not changing the name of the blog.

Some Things Worth Mentioning

Here are a few things that I have not had time to give proper space on this blog. Please forgive me. It mostly applies to local stuff. So, for my readers in New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Nebraska, and Georgia, you should also forgive me and come back tomorrow.

I did end up going to see my friends in Bald Eagle open for Cursive. BE was as solid as ever. The crowd was uncomfortably young and emo for my tastes, so I didn't participate much. BE traveled to Omaha over the weekend to join Cursive in their home digs. This is a big opportunity for them. Hopefully it went as planned. (Maybe Nardy will comment and fill you all in.)

Speaking of locals taking big steps in their careers, a certain band called Tops will play Mojo's this Tuesday. You may know the band members better by their work at the bathysphere. (I dare someone to review the show and post pictures on their blog. That would be so postmodern.) If their own material is anything like the bands they herald, it should be a good time. It also may or may not have been promised to me that the band will cover something I may or may not like. My guess is Pavement, but we'll see. I don't know whether I will be able to skirt my baby duties for this one, but you should definitely go. Tops go on at about 8:30. If you can't make Tuesday's gig, they will play Eastside on February 6th.

...

It has been suggested by the Columbia Beer Enthusiasts and Make Mine Potato that much needs to be done to raise the beer IQ in COMO. This would allow for our little market to entertain better and wider beer distribution, benefiting all, really. However, no one is exactly sure how this can be accomplished.

Personally, I think the beer community will only improve when we get a greater presence online. There should be a wiki or forum sharing beer menus and what's occupying shelf space in town. There should be a beer blog that lets people know what's coming to town, what's on tap at Sycamore, and when's the next beer dinner. The Columbia Beer Enthusiasts (Can we get a new name?) has a nice site that's rather informational, but it's static. We need something with some interaction and daily updates.

I mean, why isn't there a blog encouraging me to buy up the Mikkeller Stateside IPA at Arena Liquor so that they'll order more from this pricey-yet-creative brewery? Who gave me a tip that Hyvee received a boatload of Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot Barley Wine on Saturday? How am I supposed to know that Bell's Hopslam will arrive at Hyvee on Tuesday? We need some Beer 2.0 action around here and quick!

...

In case you live in a cave...or at least outside COMO, True/False is coming very soon with the full lineup to be announced at the beginning of February. Pete Bland over at Cool Dry Place has leaked a few of the titles. None of them have me too excited, but this festival never disappoints, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.

As usual, I have a pass and plan to use it to its fullest. There will be ridiculous amounts of words at this URL during the days leading up to, during, and following the festival. We like our nonfiction films in the Show-Me State.

Shows and Shows and Shows and a Couple of Rumors

Since I mostly write about music, it would be neglectful of me not to mention some upcoming shows.

Tomorrow night (Tuesday), local heartthrob, Billy Schuh, will lead a brand-spankin' new lineup for his Foundry Field Recordings. He's mixing in some new material that's worth checking out. The Foundry will open for COMO regulars and Wilco openers, Dr. Dog. The Dr. took a beating in Pitchfork recently. You'll have to head out to Mojo's to see if it will unravel like the last time a band dissed by the 'Fork passed through town. I believe the doors open at 8, but my bet is that Foundry won't go on until 10. I'll be there as soon as our meeting with the doula ends.

The night after features Cracker on the Blue Note's Summerfest stage. Even if you don't like Cracker or their predecessors, Camper Van Beethoven, you can't beat the price: FREE. Maybe they'll play "Take the Skinheads Bowling," if you yell for it loudly enough. The gates, not doors, open at 6.

Mojo's will also feature the demise of Witch's Hat, which they are titling "The Last Huzzah" with mother f'n Bald Eagle! Come out and say goodbye to the Hat on Friday, August 8. I never said hello, but I hear they have a crazy live show.

August 16th features the return of Evangelicals. Apparently, they play some killer basslines. All the kids are talking about it.
Mojo's almost snuck in another show of note with their September 15th gig featuring The Oxford Collapse and Love as Laughter. I haven't really given either band much of a chance, but any band good enough to sign to Sub Pop can't be as bad as CSS. (That last knock might earn me an "ass clown" comment.)

For the most part, things look a little dead in these here parts...that is, until October 17th. You need to mark it down on your calendars now.

I'll wait.

...

OK, now that it's on your calendar, write three words: BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE!!! BSS are coming to Misery. In fact, they're hitting STL, COMO, and KC in the middle of October. Tickets go on sale Saturday. They'll rock the Note like it hasn't been rocked...well...since I've been here. Then, I may even proclaim them to be the new greatest live band ever.
Of course, I can't tell one of the acts to be rumored to come this fall. That will have to wait. (Of course, it may only be exciting for me, but that's OK.)

Speaking of rumors in the music scene...

There is word out there that KCOU is talking format change. A true college radio station that plays music you don't hear anywhere else is one of the few things I love about this place. Don't take that away from me now. Leave the format alone. Truly independent music is what college radio is all about.

In other rumors, something is happening at ComoMusic.com. Stay tuned...

Today in COMO Music

I have been getting more and more involved in the local scene here in COMO. Although it's not nearly as large as the one in my former city (Columbus, OH), it is thriving nonetheless. So, I figure I should dedicate a post to the scene from time to time.

In case you missed my last couple of posts, the bands from Emergency Umbrella have been busy.

For those of who weren't aware, EU is COMO's own music label, primarily catering to the indie elite but still accessible to most other music tastes.

EU's Bald Eagle played for the fist time in a while last Thursday, unveiling some new songs and experimenting with some new dynamics in their live show. The band played four previously unheard songs along with four crowd favorites. The blistering set was shortened with the band barely pausing between songs, sometimes filling the space with a short sample or two.

Although Gentleman Auction House is from St. Louis, they are still an EU band. As previously posted, GAH played at the Bluebird in St. Louis in celebration of the release of their forthcoming album, Alphabet Garveyard. According to those behind the merch table, the band was able to sell 70 or so copies of the album that night.

Speaking of EU bands not living in COMO, Sinkane is busy recording their follow-up to this year's Pitchfork-approved Color Voice. Sinkane mastermind Ahmed Gallab is preparing to join Of Montreal on their tour this fall in support of the upcoming Skeletal Lamping. The new Sinkane effort should be out sometime next year.

The Foundry Field Recordings will be opening for Dr. Dog when they play Mojo's on July 29. Then, The Foundry will join Gentleman Auction House for a tour in the fall. This tour will hopefully stir up some interest in the band as Billy Schuh and his new line-up release an album sometime next year.

Another EU act, Witch's Hat will call it quits after their August 8 show, also at Mojo's.

Both Mojo's and The Blue Note are "enjoying" a quiet summer, but things should pick up in the fall when the kids return. Mojo's does have an upcoming show featuring Saddle Creek's Son, Ambulance with Matador's Jennifer O'Connor. The Blue Note features a visit from the well-traveled guitarist Nels Cline on July 16 and Cracker for free on July 30. Rumor has it that one of my heroes will make a stop in the fall to play the Note, but I'm not at liberty to divulge that information just yet.

Although the summer months are slow, COMO needs a Pitchfork or BrooklynVegan-type of website to keep us all abreast of upcoming rock shows and album releases. There are currently a few blogs like this one and that one that attempt to cover the local music scene and there is CoMo Music. Right now, CM is a schizophrenic mess. The basic premise was to create a MySpace-type of website in hopes of getting community input regarding the music in COMO. It was a good idea, "ahead of its time" some might say. However, the result is a conglomeration of silly rantings, music reviews of little or no consequence, a Craig's List for local bands (among other things). Someone needs to intervene and quick.

A Flip Vlog for You to Consider

I have this new Flip video recorder and wanted to try it out last night at Mojo's. I'm somewhat happy with the quality...except that Bald Eagle played their entire set in the dark. Also, YouTube takes forever to upload. Oh well.

What do you think?

Here's a former Foundry Field Recordings member, Benjamin Hook, and his new band, Motobeacon.

Motobeacon Debut at Mojo's 07/04/08 from Zac Early on Vimeo.
Splitting the bill is the St. Louis band I'll see tomorrow as well opening for Gentleman Auction House, Jumbling Towers.
Jumbled Towers at Mojo's 07/03/08 from comoprozac on Vimeo.

Finally, here was the headliner, Bald Eagle, trying out something new, something borrowed, and something blue...trust me.
Bald Eagle at Mojo's 07/03/08 from comoprozac on Vimeo.

Top Ten Hang-Out Spots in COMO

Things in Misery aren't all that bad. We do find ways to spend our free time...besides blogging. There are several great spots in town at which to loiter. Hang-outs can involve entertainment, seating, food, drink, or a little bit of everything.

So, here is the definitive living in misery list of hang-outs in all of COMO-town...

10. Mojo's - 1013 Park Ave, (573) 875-0588
Why hang out here?: Jamaican jerk chicken, indie rock, a patio
Why not to hang out?: shotgun-style architecture makes for a long, narrow room and poor acoustics
Typical Happening: There are regularly (or irregularly) great indie rock bands playing Mojo's, like this Thursday's Bald Eagle happening.

9. Cooper's Landing - 11505 S Easley River Rd, (573) 657-2544 Why hang out here?: Thai food, a view of The Big Muddy (aka Missouri River)
Why not to hang out?: mosquitoes, possibility of hippies and a drum circle
Typical Happening: You can chow down on some authentic Thai while tapping your foot to the many blue grass bands that pass through on their canoes.

8. Flat Branch Brewery - 115 S 5th St, (573) 499-0400
Why hang out here?: beer, great patio, beer
Why not to hang out?: long waits, green chili beer
Typical Happening: You'll order a beer at the bar while waiting for a seat on the patio. Two KT Trails later, you're still waiting and decide just to drink at the bar and grab a growler to go.
7. Tropical Liqueurs - 515 E Broadway, (573) 442-8098
Why hang out here?: sweet, icy, adult drinks
Why not to hang out?: nothin' tropical about it
Typical Happening: You and your friends head to Trops before your favorite outdoor event in the District in order to satisfy your thirst for something sweet, cold and alcoholic in a Styrofoam to-go cup.

6. Sycamore - 800 E Broadway, (573) 874-8090
Why hang out here?: best beer selection in town, sophisticated menu
Why not to hang out?: yuppie clientele, pricey
Typical Happening: You and your significant other sit down for a romantic evening. You start the night off with an Oberon and order one of the Boulevard Smokestack Series to wash down the appetizer. By the time you finish a Duvel and order a barley wine for dessert, your partner has left you in a drunken stupor, but you're happily drunk on good beer.
5. Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - 21 S 9th St, (573) 443-7400
Why hang out here?: kids love ice cream, owner loves this blog
Why not to hang out?: kids love ice cream, no salty caramel
Typical Happening: On a typically hot, Misery day, you take the kids for a cone and order yourself a Guinness float.

4. Shakespeare's Pizza (Downtown) - 225 S 9th St, (573) 449-2454
Why hang out here?: pizza, beer
Why not to hang out?: pizza tastes like cardboard the next day, still no garlic
Typical Happening: You meet a group of friends for some pizza, beer, and good times after the families have taken their dough-wielding children home.

3. Booches - 110 S 9th St, (573) 874-9519
Why hang out here?: the greatest burgers ever, beer
Why not to hang out?: too many curmudgeons, no vegetables (except for potato chips)
Typical Happening: Your dad comes into town about 3-4 times a year and this is the only place he wants to go while in COMO. Dad's like hamburgers.

2. Cherry Street Wine & Bistro - 505 Cherry St, (573) 442-7281
Why hang out here?: best dining in town, great wine selection, decent beer choices
Why not to hang out?: pricey
Typical Happening: You take your partner out for a romantic dinner, only this time you both get properly tipsy on wine...well, you know what happens next.

1. Ragtag Cinema Cafe Complex - 10 Hitt Street, (573)443-4359
Why hang out here?: coffee, beer, flicks, patio
Why not to hang out?: too many hipsters bumping elbows with yuppies
Typical Happening: You start out your day with a coffee and croissant from Uprise as you use the free wi-fi to get some work done. Soon, you have lunch and step next door to pay off your late fees at Ninth Street Video. As the workday winds down, you reward yourself with a Two-Hearted Ale Barry has already poured for you and contemplate whether to to see Son of Rambow or stay around for the rock show they forgot to promote.

What do you think? Did I miss something? Are they in the wrong order? Leave a comment. Join the fun! (Click on the pics above for their source.)

Thursday Night in St. Louis: Caribou

I feel I have very few opportunities left to see great live shows before I have another mouth to feed. Last night was the perfect opportunity to take in one of those shows. (Saturday will be another.) Caribou played the Billiken Club on SLU's campus and was featuring a bright new artist of the underground.

Billy, the two Justins from Bald Eagle and I piled into the BE van to see Ahmed Gallab of Columbus, OH's own and Emergency Umbrella signee Sinkane play drums for Caribou. I had never met the guys from BE, but I can tell you that they are honorable gentlemen with a sharp wit and sharper tongue. Again, another trip to St. Louis resulted in good conversation and some good rock 'n roll.

After arriving at SLU's campus and killing some time, we were able to meet up with Ahmed after his sound check. We added another guy to our group and headed to The Tap Room, Shlafly's downtown restaurant. The Vietnamese Po' Boy was delish, and the conversations humorous. We laughed and discussed everything from Canadian prog bands to the best video game controllers to the great white shark. All of this over a few sandwiches.

While Billy and Ahmed talked business, some of us took in the opening act, Fuck Buttons. Yes, you read that correctly. Fuck Buttons sounded exactly as you would imagine. While Caribou filled the stage with guitars, two drum kits, and various synthesizers, FB set up a folding table and some laptops.I don't want to be too critical, but it kinda sucked buttons. There's just something missing from watching two kids play iMacs. This was the twosome I suspected Rob Gordon signed to Top 5 Records in High Fidelity. Some kids apparently loved FB. I just didn't get it.

As Caribou began setting up, I wondered how their sound would translate to a live setting. I had only recently picked up Andorra, the most recent release from Daniel Snaith's project, and was somewhat unfamiliar with the rest of the discography. Ahmed had introduced us to "Danny" earlier and he seemed a nice enough guy. This was aprapos for the dreamy, nonthreatening soundscapes on Andorra. I wondered if it were possible to recreate such sounds in a live venue. I also wondered how two drum kits fit into the equation. My interest was peaked.

The Billiken's stench of "wet burritos", ridiculously high temperatures, and poor sound system did not dampen Caribou's phenomenal set of drones, big beats, and psychedelia. Snaith effortlessly moved between guitar, drums, synth, and recorder while handling a good part of the vocal duties. While the other players worked guitar, bass, and synthesizers from behind, the other star, Gallab, played his kit across from Snaith. Ahmed is easily one of the top five drummers I've seen in-person, in my lifetime. (I feel a blog post coming...) All in all, the band was incredibly tight and sounded even bigger than they do on record. It was like watching My Bloody Valentine if they came up in the late sixties and added Keith Moon to their lineup. It really blew me away.

Besides the thrilling set from Caribou, I discovered what many in the underground are already fully aware of: Ahmed Gallab has "superstar potential" written all over him. Not only is he a gifted drummer and musician, but Ahmed has a charisma rarely seen...well, anywhere. His friendliness is genuine. His knowledge of music is both rich and unique. Drum and cymbal companies want to sponsor him and bands want him behind their kits. Pitchfork even wants to break him. The man is going to be huge. Besides, he's from Columbus.

As you can see, the night was loaded with good times and will not soon be forgotten. If this happens to be one of the last shows I see for a long time while my kid grows up, that will be OK by me. Thursday night was enough show for me for a while...or until The Walkmen hit town this weekend.