1. About 6 weeks ago the inventor of the Pinata, Mike Dempsey, sent me a song by a band called Foxygen.
He said it reminded him of the band Islands, who he knew I liked very much. I listened to the song. I kind of liked the beginning, but then it went off the rails and I didn’t like where it went.
It was this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPmAO4xpQcE
A few weeks later I read that Foxygen were on tour with local Portland favorites Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Pinata favorites Wampire (http://thepinata.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/sometimes-i-like-stuff-wampire-review/). Foxygen were supposedly stealing the show from the other two bands. They were supposed to have a great live show. A week later I read that the singer kind of lost it at a SXSW show. Then I saw they were playing Portland. Normally i don’t pay for shows for random buzz bands. I had a feeling it might be good and I love seeing bands during their first tours. I listened to and enjoyed their album (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0xvmB2jBcs). I decided to go out on a limb and get a ticket for the show.
I went. It was really good. Very raw, but also tight and amazing. Like they were sick of playing the same songs every night and were just loosey-goosey. The lead singer had a very cocky glammy/goth/hippie stage presence. I usually dislike a cocky front guy, but he also had an awkwardness and a charisma that worked and it was really fun. Sometimes he was just the singer, which is always a bold move and sometimes he played keys and guitar which made for a nice change of pace I always appreciate. They write really catchy poppy 60′s/ Kinks’y music/Essex Green (maybe a band only I care about) mixed with some K Records energy.
I don’t think these two videos/songs are the best representation, but after seeing them play I now really like these two songs and these two versions. But I can see how it might turn people off. Or how people might think they’re too derivative.
I wonder what will happen to them. They’re at the start of their music careers. I want to give them advice. Don’t do too many drugs. Don’t fight. Don’t let the records biz rip you off. Lots of stuff.
Update: http://pitchfork.com/news/50119-foxygen-cancel-european-tour-and-festival-dates/
They really should go, especially to Primavera
2. I was looking forward to seeing two Portland bands, Mean Jean and White Fang play tonight at Tonic lounge. I’d seen White Fang a bunch and like them a lot. I even played one of my first shows in Portland with them at Chaos Cafe. If only they cared. (I also shot some video of them playing the 2nd to last show at The Artistery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPy_yx4Dy0k). But not many of my friends like going to shows. I sent out a text trying to find someone to go with me. A couple of people expressed interest, but were busy. A couple friends said I should go see Ty Segall at Bunk Bar. I’d heard Ty’s name a bunch, but wasn’t super familiar with his music. I looked on the Bunk Bar webpage and it listed a different show, it said Wooden Indian Burial Ground and Fuzz. I texted the friend back complaining. They said Fuzz was a Ty Segall side project. So I went.
Wooden Indian Burial Ground were first (I can see how that band name would turn some folk off). And they were really good. I’m excited they’re playing again tomorrow. I hope I can convince some friends to go to that. I’m not sure this song/clip does them justice.
But similar to Foxygen, now that I’ve seen them live I love this. The video is all found footage, the last two minutes of which is really weird. Vocals kick in 2 minutes in. Imagine them playing this song live as a three-piece.
After WIBG, Fuzz/Ty Segall played. And damn. Also good. Sabbath meets psych garage-rock. Ty was the drummer and just nailed it. Bass and Guitar. I guess all that stuff goes right to my heart. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. In the right sweaty bar/house, I hope to experience that feeling for the rest of my life. Is it youth? Is it pure fun and emotion the way we felt as kids playing baseball? It’s fleeting. It’s not like the lyrics stick with you. There was a mosh pit and sometimes the music took over and your body just wanted to mosh around.
