Friday, March 23, 2007

Of Montreal 3.22.07


Of Montreal are Eagle favs...one of the most lively and energetic bands (and fans) touring today. You've heard a version of their tune reworded for, yes, an Outback Steakhouse commercial. The band claims to have sold the song to increase their theatrical stage show, evident in three large screens projecting animation mixed with live footage, flashing lights, and more outlandish costumes. The show sold out quick-get your tickets early next year to be included in the hysterics.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

The Walkmen 3.21.07

The Walkmen are a great band from NYC. Featuring raw and solid guitar riffs, huge drums, and a vocalist with one helluva set of pipes, these guys are reminiscent of what rock n' roll was intended to be. I first heard them several years ago, in the same way so many other bands are making their mark these days, in a cinematic car commercial. Back home in New York, the band sells out theaters; however, they don't dip into the southern states very often, so don't miss 'em the next time around.

...and a shot from soundcheck.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum 3.18.07


No matter how excellent your job might be, the time comes a long once in a while when the weekend seems like its inevitably escaped your grasp and will never arrive. Even Hugh Hefner must have the day (albeit rare) when he feels outdone and says, "Enough boobs already!" That's how I felt this Sunday. It was the end of a long, busy week, and a much-needed day of rest was soon at hand. Matters are only made worse when the last day of the week presents you with a difficult task, and in my case that's called listening to music that isn't appealing. Frankly, at the Eagle we don't see much that does not appeal to us, so we're all stunned when it happens, somewhat like a normal person would be when they hear the alarm at 6AM after am impromptu night on the town--it's a rarity, but occasionally does happen. Afterwards, I plan to tell you about what a horrific audible trauma I was put through, but only after drinking a bottle or two (vodka or gin--I see beer WAY too much to go home and drink the stuff) to calm the nerves. A few sheets to the wind, I reluctantly convince myself that the music wasn't that bad, and I'll just let it slide and go to bed instead of dissing some poor chaps on this blog.

Dear readers, I tell you those times have changed. I've pulled myself from a babbling mess on the floor with unflinching persistance to let you in on what terror I saw this evening....First, there was a rumbling, and then some sort of nomadic uncivilzed holler-imagine the members of Pantera getting run over by a NYC subway train. Then there was a wild glow of red light. Next, and--people if you've ever believed me believe me now--I looked to the stage and what did I see but satan himself, holy lucifer, come bursting through the floorboards and take center stage, ablaze in fiery red wash, screeching, moaning, scowering, and spewing the most violent, offensive noise I have heard in many, many years. We're not talking about good ol' Charlie Daniel's 'devil' here, but the lean, mean, kill-your-entire family machine that hails from the firely gates of, well...hell.

Now, in all fairness, I will say that these cultish-looking fellows (and girl) were all extremely kind-hearted, as was their devoted following. But possibly never have I heard such a disaray of sounds, nearly throwing me to the ground in unparalleled agony. After thirty minutes of this, I considered sacrificing Joe, my co-worker, just to make it stop. I really don't know what else to say. It was like death on a Sunday afternoon...into evening...then night...then morning....Just like the Taylor Hicks story two weeks ago, you wouldn't believe it if there were not photographic evidence, so soak up these award-winning captures of the devil himself. Really...I still don't know quite what happened...but if I find out I'll let you know. Just remember: It's good to have an opinion.

Jorma Kaukonen 2.16.07


Jorma was a founding member of Jefferson Airplane and a strategical figure on the influential Haight-Ashbury scene. Still an influential musician, he's got his own tea and bad-ass gold teeth to boot.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Taylor Hicks 3.4.07

So you didn't get into the sold out show by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks at the Orange Peel. Did you sit home and pout about it, or were you one of the twenty-eight people who came to hang out at the Grey Eagle after the Tea Leaf Green show? If you were in the later category, you were treated to an impromtu (free) 45 minute set by Taylor and The Greyhounds, including Supertramps' "Goodbye Stranger," "New York State of Mind," "Minute by Minute," and Elton Johns' "Levon" and "Border Song." Not only was the Eagle open until 3 AM, but it became a smoking bar for two hours. Crazy....If you're in the former category, you'd probably need pictures to believe it, huh? I never thought you'd ask....in response to all the comments, this was not planned; the guys just came by to hang out with some friends and ended up on stage for part of their stay. They were all very pleasant and glad to play music for the small crowd.



Tea Leaf Green 3.4.06

Tea Leaf Green is a jam band out of San Fran that's been making quite a name for themselves as of late. Their crowd just keeps growing, as does their entourage and light show. Made for some cool pics, anyhow. Here's a few...