In Concert - Arcade Fire @ Starlight Theatre

"Coming Soon...Arcade Fire", stretched across the video screens with every one in anticipation for the show to begin.  In following with the post-70's suburban theme of their album, videos rolled through touting the serene peacefulness that the suburban cultural was to offer.  Arcade Fire takes the stage with the powerful "Month of May" off their latest album.  Followed by hit-after-hit from Neon Bible and Funeral.  As I stood their completely immersed in the show I realized just how good these guys are.  The concert was fabulous and memorable finishing in full on ribbon dance to "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)".  I have not been able to get the concert out of my head all week.  In reflection of  the experience, below is a sampling of some new and old favorites.


Rotation 1
"Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" - Funeral, 2004
"Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)" - Funeral, 2004
"Rebellion (Lies)" - Funeral, 2004
"Ocean of Noise" - Neon Bible, 2007
"We Used to Wait" - The Suburbs, 2010

Rotation 2
"Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" - Funeral, 2004
"Wake Up" - Funeral, 2004
"Black Mirror" - Neon Bible, 2007
"Intervention" - Neon Bible, 2007
"Rococo" - The Suburbs, 2010

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In Rotation 2 : Thao & Mirah - Thao & Mirah

Its always exciting when musicians come together in collaboration,  melding their unique styles together in a way that pushes the artistic limits of what they can accomplish on their own.  Cue to artists Thao Nguyen, from the indie band The Get Down Stay Down, and Mirah, with a successful solo career of her own, who have collectively come together under the new project Thao & Mirah. Their self titled album out April 26th fuses the soft intensity and airy quality in Mirah's voice with the raw edge and richness of Thao to create a beautiful collection of songs that emerge out of melodic chaos. Take their first single "Eleven" for example, I feel like I should put a basket of fruit on my head, go to the beach, and start a dance party in the sun.  Kind of crazy, but it works.

Notable Tracks:
1. "Eleven"
3. "Little Cup"
5. "Teeth"
6. "Spaced Out Orbit"
11. "Squareneck"
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In Concert - Young the Giant @ Record Bar

Spring is here with warmer temperatures, the return of baseball, and music tours.  Young the Giant is one of many bands that have taken to the stage this season, promoting their still recent release of their self titled, debut album.  In some crazy mixture of indie rock, pop, and, blues, with rich vocals, catchy tunes, and lots of vibrant Cali energy, Young the Giant are definitely a fun band to see and hear live.  Frontman Sameer Gadhia has a captivating stage presence in his ability to range from loud, belted-out vocals to softer, more intimate songs.   It was a great show, culminating in the highlight performance of the night, "My Body," which resulted in an all out craze with half the crowd up on stage and the other half jumping and dancing around the bar.

Notable Tracks:
2. "My Body"
4. "Cough Syrup"
7. "Strings"
9. "Garands"
10. "St. Walker"

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