Category Archives: Antennas Up

Dec27

What I’ve Learned In 2011

Posted on December 27, 2011 by allysonssetlist

2011 has been a learning year. I’ve learned a lot about music, concerts, bands and life. But I’m not gonna give you any boring life lessons. Odds are good I’m not an authority on the subject anyway. But, I will provide the top 5 lessons I’ve learned in my music-listening, concert-going, band-stalking year. Some of these lessons were hard won. Others were passed on to me from sage minds worthy of praise (not that they’ll be getting any).

So, here are my lessons of 2011. Read them, learn from them, and don’t repeat the same mistakes I’ve made. After all, I made them so you don’t have to.

1. Try, Try Again

This will sound trite, but it’s true. Listening to a song/album/band once isn’t enough. Let me say that again. One listen is NEVER enough. One time will not tell you if you like the song, the lyrics or the band. It will give you a first impression that, admittedly, might be impossible to overcome, but it won’t tell you if you like the music. First time I listened to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, I was very not into it. I mean, weird voice, right?

The second time I listened to it, I was a little more interested in what he was doing with his voice.

The third time, I listened, I was sold.

Best solution I’ve come up with is to listen to something at least twice before you decide that you love it or hate it. Or indifferent it. It’s the only way to be sure it wasn’t a fluke.

Of course, I’m constantly teaching myself this particular lesson. I’m on my third listen to Bon Iver’s “Bon Iver.” It’s not that I dislike it, it’s just that I’m having a hard time admiring him quite as much as everyone else seems to admire him. That being said, the music of “Perth” is quite beautiful…but he’s not my favorite (apologies to the indie music scene).

2. The Opening Act

Always, always, ALWAYS get to the concert in time for the opening act. Firstly, it’s the only way you’ll get a decent place near the stage (Side Lesson: ALWAYS get a place near the stage). Once the opening act has started, people are pretty much set on where they’re going to be standing. The only times this isn’t true is if the venue is small or the crowd is small. Secondly, and most importantly, every opening act deserves just as much of your attention as the headliner does. Who knows? You could discover a new band you love.

Example? You know that Ludo concert I went to in February? That’s where I heard Tommy & The High Pilots for the first time. And, for those of you who have kept up with my blog, I’ve mentioned them a lot. Because I love them a lot.

Tommy & The High Pilots. Photo from http://keepingitsassy.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/tommy-the-high-pilots2.jpg

3. It’s Not What You Know…

I’ve been very fortunate this year. I’ve gone to shows where I’ve actually liked the people going with me. This is incredibly important. If you don’t like the people, odds are good you’ll feel a bit weird at the show. There’ll be no one to talk to about the awesome music, no one to giggle with about the band’s delightful banter, and no one to argue with about the merits of the band’s outfits (VITAL things, people).

In other words, it’s hard to enjoy the concert when you don’t enjoy the people.

My brother, James, and I at the Mister Heavenly concert in August.

I’m not saying that I wouldn’t have had a good time at the Mister Heavenly concert if I had been there with someone else, but it probably wouldn’t have been as good. Music is a way of connecting to people. You’ll like the music more if you like the people listening with you (Note: That’s the reason the audience is a factor in my grading scale for concerts).

4. Show Me The Money

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that them bands need to have access to a credit card machine. The reality, however, is that the merch table is often a cash-only place.

With that in mind, you should always have some cash on you. God forbid you can’t buy any merch because you don’t have any of the green stuff.

I recommend bringing a minimum of $40 cash. Concert shirts can run anywhere from $10-$25, so it’s best to be prepared. If you’re planning on getting posters or more than one shirt, bring more! Some venues these days accept credit cards (like the Pageant), but you can’t rely on that.

At the Tommy & The High Pilots/Antennas Up/Hey Penny show in August, I ran out of cash. I had to run to an ATM down the street. I like getting whistled at as much as the next girl, but good grief. I would’ve preferred staying at the bar.

Two shirts later, I think the run to the ATM was worth it.

Tommy & The High Pilots and Antennas Up band shirts.

5. What Not To Wear

When you go to a concert, you are going to battle. Make no mistake, friends. Tears will be shed, blood spilled and your enemies will learn to fear you…or mock you.

Does a soldier go into battle wearing 3″ stilettos? Does a warrior wear a skirt short enough to display the leg in its entirety? Of course not!

You’re going to be standing for hours (at least 3). It’s important that you’re wearing the appropriate footwear. Ladies, flats are my shoe of choice for concerts. You can take them off easily in the event of a lengthy car ride to and fro, they let your foot relax, and they’re cute (unless you have appalling taste). If it’s colder, I wear some Chucks.

My poison of choice for concert-goings-on.

Gents, I think you’ll be safe with some sneakers. I would definitely caution against dress shoes, but that’s only because you probably don’t own a pair as stylish as these:

Awesome Dress Shoes. Photo from http://www.tango8.com/data/t/dr3083.jpg

If you do own a pair like these, wear them. And call me. We should get together and…talk cobblers sometime.

Then there’s the matter of short skirts and short dresses. Ladies and the occasional gent, a concert is no place to wear one of the aforementioned articles of clothing. It’s impossible for you to bend over (while preserving your dignity) and it decreases your street cred. By a lot. I mean, when I see a girl at a concert wearing a mini skirt or short dress, here are my thoughts:

Who’s she trying to impress?

Quickly followed by:

She’s not here for the music. She is SO uncool.

Yeah. I know what you’re thinking. It’s impossible for me (uncool as I undoubtedly am) to judge coolness. And you’re probably right. But, my personal biases aside, it really boils down to a sense of comfort. Odds are very good you won’t be comfortable in heels and a mini skirt. And it’s a lot easier to enjoy music when you’re able to breathe and walk without worrying about showing everyone something they’re not supposed to see.

Of course, if you’re comfortable in heels and a short dress, knock yourself out (literally).

And those, darlings, are my top five lessons for 2011. Yes, I learned other things. But I can’t teach you everything. You, ducklings, must fly on your own someday. If I have to push you out of the nest to do it, I will.

And I promise I’ll only laugh a little.

Dec9

My Ultimate Fangirl Moments

Posted on December 9, 2011 by allysonssetlist

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Before this relationship goes any further, I think you all should know some things about me. If you feel different about me after you read this list, I’ll understand. Really. Underpinning the entire post tonight is a girlish squeal and the clapping of abnormally small hands. I’m sure that’s off-putting.

The truth isn’t pretty, folks. It might not even be tolerably neutral looking. But, here goes:

I am a fangirl.

If some of you are still reading, thank you for giving us a chance. For the rest of you, my mom says I’m better off anyway (She also said you were no good, will miss me and will wind up alone. Hope that’s true.).

So, here are my top five fangirl moments. Be prepared.

The Amanda Palmer Bonding Incident

I was listening to Amanda Palmer’s “Do You Swear To Tell The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth So Help Your Black Ass,” and she agreed that the video was quite good. And she Retweeted me. There was a good amount of squee. That’s a scientific term encapsulating how I responded to the following:

Amanda Palmer both Tweeted and Retweeted me. *squeal*

The Honus Honus Hocus Pocus

Give me a lot of credit for that alliteration. It made me giggle. This just happened a couple of days ago. Honus Honus (aka Ryan Kattner), the lead singer of Man Man, read the blog post about Man Man and Tweeted me about it. It meant a lot. And it left me speechless for half an hour. Ask the people calling me at work. I didn’t say a word.

Honus Honus (aka Ryan Kattner) from Man Man read the blog and Tweeted me about it.

Are Your Antennas Up?

Literally could not think of a better hook for this entry. I’ve already told you about how Kyle knew my name at the AU concert a few months ago (and, for the record, I still totally consider that one of the best examples of my fangirlhood), so I think it’s fair to tell you how AU responded to the blog post. They Tweeted me:

Antennas Up read the blog and Retweeted me.

And Jonny Universe (Jon Ulasien, guitars/keys/vocals for AU) shared the blog post on Facebook:

Jon Ulasien shared the blog post about AU on Facebook.

Gareth Campesinos! Is The Exclamation Point

I have not kept it a secret that I’m addicted to Los Campesinos! right now. I mean, I’m so into them. For a couple of weeks, they were all I listened to. And I’m constantly discovering new things I love about their music. The lyrics are infinitely clever, the music is varied, deep and adorable at the same time, and they are such cool people.

So I Tweeted Gareth. He’s the lyricist and one of the lead singers of the band. I decided to tell him that I was in love with him because of his lyrics and the obscenities he Tweets (for real, he has a dirty Twitter Account). He responded:

Gareth Campesinos! Tweeting me.

I mean, I don’t want to say that means we’re going to have a happily-ever-after or anything, but I think it’s unarguably the start to a beautiful Twitter relationship. Oh, and he’s since Tweeted me no less than three other times. I squeal a little bit louder each time.

So. If you’ve stuck with me through all of that, I’m impressed. And hopeful that this means you still want to give us a chance. I promise I won’t let you down. I’m a great person, really. Just a desperately uncool one at times.

We still pals?

PS: Ludo concert tomorrow night. ”A Very Ludo Christmas” promises to be AWESOME. If you’re not going, you’re almost as uncool as me. OH BURN.

PPS: Lest you think these are my only fangirl moments…they’re not. There are so many others. But these are my favorite/most blush inducing. My humiliation is your entertainment.

PPPS: I’m sure some of you missed the playlists last night. That’s fine. I’m not hurt or whatever. But there are a few songs I think you should definitely make time to listen to. “When Water Comes To Life” by Cloud Cult, “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” by Stars, “Little Lover’s So Polite” by Silversun Pickups, and “Dance Yrself Clean” by LCD Soundsystem. Ideally, of course, you should listen to all of the songs. They were picked for their infinite awesome.

PPPPS: I don’t think I’m supposed to use this many “p’s” in a postscript. Just thought I should point that out for you.

Dec2

December – Antennas Up

Posted on December 2, 2011 by allysonssetlist

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Darlings, you know how sometimes a song just seems like it’s trying to buy your heart?

Well, I’m very sold on this song. ”December” by Antennas Up, aside from being fortuitously named for the December theme song, is also…wait for it…a GOOD song. It has all of the peppiness we’ve come to expect from Antennas Up but it sounds smoother than the songs on their first album.

I really think the new album is going to be an awesome progression for the guys, and I’m terribly excited for April (it’s when their new album will be coming out).

"December" by Antennas Up

Those of you clever enough to click on the photo might realize that some of the words are wrong. I’ll be real with you. I couldn’t quite catch some of the phrasing. I’m sure repeated listenings will rectify this. Until I can self-correct, however, I need you all to correct me.

Give me the correct lyrics, friends. I feel like these are things I need to know.

PS: New Dance Card should be coming up in the next few days (Sunday at the latest). I will say, however, that you should be planning on some shows tomorrow.

December 3: Wilco at the Uptown Theater in KC.

December 3: Antennas Up at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS.

If I missed anything, please let me know. Of course, I reserve the right to judge you if I think you’re wrong. But you knew that already, right?

Nov27

Tommy & The High Pilots – St. Louis, MO: Firebird 11-25-11

Posted on November 27, 2011 by allysonssetlist

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Band: Tommy & The High Pilots

Venue: The Firebird

Location: St. Louis, MO

Tickets: $12

Date: 11-25-2011

This show was AMAZING. And sure. I hadn’t seen The High Pilots since August so I was more than a little excited, but I don’t think it was my imagination. The crowd went wild for them, and Tom, Mike, Steve and Matt went crazy for us. It was electric to be in that audience. I was standing right in front of Steve (an awesome place to be considering how great he is with the crowd) and had a clear view of Tom (and his new blond hair).

First, let me take this opportunity to thank The High Pilots for playing my second favorite song of theirs that I was sure I’d never see in concert: “Lonely Place.” FYI, if you click on the link, you’ll see a video I recorded. Ignore my bad vocals along with Tom’s. How could I not show my appreciation and sing along? Oh, and I haven’t edited it yet, so it still looks like it was recorded on an iPhone (which it was). Seriously, I think they knew how much I loved this song and they played it as a gift to me. That’s how I’m looking at it.

Then, in the sweetest surprise possible, The High Pilots PLAYED A NEW SONG. THEY PLAYED A NEW SONG. And it was great. It’s called “Young and Hungry” and I loved it. I recorded it but, out of respect to the boys, I’m not going to post it. Just trust me when I tell you that it was great. Oh, and Mike, Matt and Steve assured me that their new album should be out sometime this coming Spring. From what I heard at the concert, the wait will be worth it.

And I did, of course, talk to them after their set. Matt and Mike complimented my coat in a pair of adorable accents (the coat has since been nominated for best piece in my wardrobe…it’ll win in a landslide. The election is rigged.), Tom talked with me about the new song, and Steve won hero of the year. After they did not, unfortunately, have my size in a t-shirt, I settled on getting the show posters that I had not yet acquired. Having already purchased three High Pilots shirts, Steve gave me the posters for free (after telling me appreciatively that he saw me singing along to every song…I almost swooned).

The two High Pilots posters that Steve gave me.

By the way, I was totally at the Springfield show on the red poster. That’s where I saw Antennas Up for the first time.

Of course, The High Pilots were opening for Ha Ha Tonka. And, rest assured, Ha Ha Tonka was also splendid. I bought my first Ha Ha Tonka shirt to celebrate their awesomeness.

My Ha Ha Tonka shirt.

And, for those of you who see me this week, don’t be surprised if I’m wearing it.

Now, I want to get serious for a minute. The High Pilots are one of my favorite bands (seriously, probably top 2). I love their music. It’s always a surprise. For every gentle and romantic lyric you get in Tom’s crooning voice like:

“Maybe she’s someone I’ve made up. Maybe she’s somebody true. But I won’t rest until I know you.” (“Lonely Place”)

You also get the following line from their most popular song, “Where To Start”:

“I’ll be depressed when I am 40, getting horny, having no sex. Can’t catch a break, I’m too damn dirty. Wish I was 16.”

Like I said. It’s a surprise.

But it’s even more than the music. I love that they care about the fans. I love that they take the time to talk to those fans at their shows (I’ve harassed them enough to know this is the case, and they’ve never been less than delightfully charming). I love that they’re easy and relaxed on stage, and will banter with the crowd. I love that their performance isn’t about US, the audience, admiring THEM, the band. It’s an exchange of ideas. It’s a give and take. The audience feeds them the energy, and they throw it back at us. That seems like something every band should do in a live performance, but few that I’ve seen do it as skillfully as The High Pilots. I think it’s fair to say that I’m a fan and I’ll be staying that way.

And, of course, there was the added benefit of seeing Tim Convy at the show (moog, keys and vocals for Ludo, for those of you who don’t know…and if you didn’t know, shame be upon ye). I took an insanely blurry and dark photo with him and had the following conversation:

Tim: “Are you having a good time?”

Me: “Yeah! I’m loving it. Oh, by the way, I’ll be at ‘A Very Ludo Christmas.’”

Tim: “Really? Me too.”

Me and Tim Convy from Ludo. He was wearing an awesome cardigan. FYI.

He’s hilarious. He can’t help it. He also told me that the t-shirts for “A Very Ludo Christmas” were going to be a T-Rex wearing a Santa Claus hat. That sound you just heard was me counting out the dollars I’m going to be spending on merch.

That show should be epic. And, now that I’ve droned on about pretty much everything on my brain this fine but chilly evening, here is the score:

Concert: A+

Venue: A

Drink Prices: B+*

Audience: A-

Overall: A

*Funny story about the drink prices. We went to the bar and ordered four drinks. The bartender tells us the total is $34. We stare, astonished that the drinks were pretty much $9 each. She then says the total was closer to $22. Oh, math. Why have you forsaken us?

Oct13

Top 25 Most Played – Oct. 12

Posted on October 13, 2011 by allysonssetlist

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Okay. I’m going to preface this post by saying that my laptop crashed a few months ago, I had to reconstruct my iTunes library and I’m in a weird place. Right. I’m going to report my iPod’s “Top 25 Most Played” songs without cheating. And I REALLY want to cheat. So badly.

You’re about to see why.

This is what shame looks like.

“Transistor Radio” by Cloud Cult
“Happy Hippo” by Cloud Cult
“That Man Jumped Out The Window” by Cloud Cult
“Charlyne” by Mister Heavenly
“I Am A Hologram” by Mister Heavenly
” Heart Heart Heartbreak” by Boys Like Girls
“Your Girl” by Mister Heavenly
“Hold My Hand” by Mister Heavenly
“On the Line” by Antennas Up
“Harm You” by Mister Heavenly
“Diddy Eyes” by Mister Heavenly
“Doom Wop” by Mister Heavenly
“Outta Sight” by Antennas Up
“Broken Man” by Boys Like Girls
“Contagious” by Boys Like Girls
“Mister Heavenly” by Mister Heavenly
“Thunder” by Boys Like Girls
“Learning to Fall” by Boys Like Girls
“I Told You So” by Boys Like Girls
“Ringtone” by Without A Face
“Bronx Sniper” by Mister Heavenly
“Jr. High Emo” by Without A Face
“Pineapple Girl” by Mister Heavenly
“The Baylor Squirrels” by Without A Face
“Knee Deep At ATP” by Los Campesinos!

I know what you’re thinking. So much Mister Heavenly, right?

I hope you’re done laughing at me. Not quite? Okay. Snicker while reading ahead.

Here’s the deal. Sometimes, I have moods. Moods where I don’t want to have to look up the meanings of words or divine precisely what Ryan is saying or what ATP means. Sometimes, I don’t like thinking, but I want a beat. And that’s when I listen to Boys Like Girls. Their music is simple and I get it 100% of the time.

And I’m not being disloyal to my favorite bands! It’s not cheating if I only do it once…or twice…or enough times to get 6 Boys Like Girls songs in my Top 25 Most Played songs on my iPod.

Damn. I didn’t think this through.

Oct5

Antennas Up – Springfield, MO: Outland Ballroom, August 23

Posted on October 5, 2011 by allysonssetlist

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Band: Antennas Up

Venue: Outland Ballroom

Location: Springfield, MO

Tickets: $3

Date: 8-23-11

“Hey Kyle, I’m sure you don’t remember me but…”

“You’re Allyson, right?”

“…you’ve made my night.”

Left to right: Jonny Universe (AU), Me, Kyle Akers (AU), Friend, and Tom Cantillon (Tommy & the High Pilots).

Kyle remembered me. *squeal* I mean…whatever. No big deal. I don’t, like, listen to them or anything. It’s not like I own merchandise or proudly display Antennas Up buttons on my purse. That’d be lame.

Okay. But seriously. Kyle remembered me from the first time I saw Antennas Up (April 26, 2011). And from the constant Tweets. And the questions I ask them on their FanBridge…you know what?. It’s actually not surprising he knows me. I should be getting a restraining order in the mail any day now.

The beginning conversation is a real one that took place between yours truly and Kyle Akers, lead vocalist and bassist for Antennas Up. Yeah. That was a magical night. I talked to Kyle about “Doctor Who”, I talked to Bo McCall (guitar/vocal) about books, I talked to Jonny Universe (guitar/keys/vocal) about fish scales used for cosmetic enhancement, and I talked to The Ryantist (drums/vocals) about…actually nothing. But he looked really cool and mysterious the entire evening.

The first time I saw AU live was also the first time I had ever heard their music. I was impressed. I bought their album for $3 (they have it at concerts on a “pay what you want” basis), and listened to it the next day on the road. The quirkiness was there, the music was there, but nothing could compare to the energetic and hyper show these guys put on. They’re not even crazy on stage (though I wouldn’t call them sedate). It’s just that the vibe you get from them in person is that they’re human but are serious about robots. I don’t know if there’s a higher compliment.

What I’m saying is, these guys are really special. And, if you appreciate nerdy things as much as I do, they’re fantastic. Listen to 5p3c35h1p http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTuT_fhjQ5A and try and keep a straight face. Try really hard. Go down swinging.

Hilarious? I think so. Weird? Even more so. Now. Try and get it out of your head. Good luck.

And don’t get me started on “Outta Sight”…

“I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. —> ∞” ["Outta Sight" from Antennas Up]

Maybe it’s just me, but every time I hear that part of the song, I purse my lips, attempt to look fierce and do a weird Mr. Krabs-esque dance from side to side, complete with hands shaped into claws. I’m not sure why. It just feels right.

So, check them out. Follow them on the Tweet Machine. http://twitter.com/#!/antennasup Like them on the Face Book. https://www.facebook.com/antennasup Subscribe to their FanBridge or surf their site. http://antennasupmusic.com/ Or just listen to their music. It’s worth it.

Signed show poster - Signatures from Tommy & the High Pilots, Antennas Up and Heypenny.

And this, ladies and gents, is my show poster from the concert. Oh, what’s that you say? There’s a random lipstick mark near the top? How odd…it’s almost like I didn’t have a pen, so I laughingly suggested to Jonny Universe that he put on my lipstick and kiss the poster to leave his mark AND HE DID. But, no. That couldn’t have happened.

[Hint: It totally did.]

And now. The grade report.

Concert: A

Venue: B*

Drink Prices: A

Audience: A-

Overall: A

PS: If you listen to them and really like them, keep an eye out for their new album. I’ve only heard a few new songs, and they haven’t completely left my head for a thousand years. http://www.youtube.com/user/AntennasUp#p/a/u/2/X3XacXXClFg

*For story on Outland’s low grade, see http://allysonssetlist.com/2011/10/02/tommy-the-high-pilots-springfield-mo-outland-ballroom-august-23-2011/

Sep29

Weekly Setlist

Posted on September 29, 2011 by allysonssetlist

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In keeping with the theme of the website, every Thursday (or Friday), I’ll be putting up a setlist of songs I think you all should be listening to. Friendly advice. Feel free to ignore me. But you probably shouldn’t.

This first week features some of my favorite artists, and I hope you’ll enjoy! Below is a link to the playlist on Spotify.

If you don’t have a Spotify account (get one) or follow the following link to Grooveshark.

Unfortunately, the Without A Face song had to be substituted for a different one by the same artist. The general feel of the playlist is the same.

And if you don’t feel like going through the playlist to see what I have in store for you, ladies and gentlemen, the setlist:

1. “Rabbit Habits” by Man Man

2. “Happy Hippo” by Cloud Cult

3. “Hotcha Girls” by Ugly Casanova

4. “The Gambler” by Fun.

5. “Pineapple Girl” by Mister Heavenly

6. “Joggin Gorgeous Summer” by Islands

7. “On the Line” by Antennas Up

8. “The Story I Heard” by Blind Pilot