“Our heads, our hands, our brains, our lungs: they’re just machines.  These hearts are all that we’ve got left and they don’t beat.”

BAM.  How great is that?  The rest of the song definitely exceeds expectations as well, made more powerful knowing that the song is the first on their album.  It’s the perfect beginning.

Listen to the song here.

Good Morning, Hypocrite by Electric President

Also, check out the new April Dance Card.  I’m especially excited for this weekend and the Middle of the Map Fest.  Let’s do it!

But then I found out yesterday that Tommy & The High Pilots are playing a show in Springfield next week. And that’s when I realized that I had the perfect song. “Only Human” is the title track to The High Pilots’ new album.

Happy belated March!

Only Human by Tommy & The High Pilots

Listen to the song here!

Venue: The Firebird

Location: St. Louis, MO

Tickets: $16

Date: 2-18-2013

4/5 Man Man members. From left to right: Honus Honus, S. Murphy, T. Moth and Pow Pow.

I was never intentionally misled about what a Man Man concert was. I was told that a Man Man concert would be raucous, a tad rambunctious. Maybe even a little boisterous.

And all of those words describe the concert. They just don’t describe it enough. The concert was a sensational mix of loud colors, loud sounds and a band that knows how to play the crowd flawlessly.

Before we jump in with a concert review, allow me to give you a bit of background. Man Man has been labeled an experimental rock group, and maybe there’s some truth in that. I mean, more than a few times you get the full impact of their eccentricities (example: drummer Pow Pow had a magic orange toolbox full of maracas, kazoos, a feather and what we’re pretty sure was one of the missing crystal skulls), but they are more than an experiment. They are the result of genre smashing, neon colors and the gentleman’s sport of tennis. It goes without saying that they are Men Men after my own heart.

Having arrived two hours early, my brother and I snagged a most-coveted location: right in front of Pow Pow’s drum setup.  And that was a fantastic place to be.  I even made it into one of Honus Honus’ pics of the audience.  Check this out.  Recognize the girl on the right?  Me either.  I’m far front left.

Once Man Man took the stage (after two excellent opening acts, Damian Suomi and Murder by Death), I think the audience went a little wild. The place was hopping all through the set. I’ve got bruises on my knees from being pushed into the stage and I didn’t notice until the drive home. We were all jumping and screaming and watching each band member haphazardly and lovingly play their respective instruments. And the way they stare out at the audience…it’s like they’re daring you to sit still and glare at them. When they’re playing, that’s impossible. They never pause between songs, they don’t exchange pleasantries. They don’t need to. The first song either scares you out of the house or gets you in the bedroom. Why waste time wooing you?

The set itself was a brilliant mix of old and new, giving us time to belt out our favorites and learn that their next album will be eagerly awaited (that sentence was really toned down…eagerly sounds better than anxiously awaiting, hoping the next meteor won’t be striking before the album comes out because that would be a natural disaster on too many levels and I can’t figure out how this sentence should end so I’ll end it with FLAIR!). They played hard, they played well and I’m planning on seeing this band as many times as distance and their schedules will allow. Here’s the Setlist (bestowed upon us by Brown Sugar):

Man Man Setlist

Feathers

Pink Wonton*

Top Drawer

Spider Cider

Mister Jung Stuffed

Paul’s*

Hurly / Burly

Haute Tropique

Rabbit Habits

Piranhas Club

Against The Peruvian Monster

Bangkok Necktie

Van Helsing Boombox

Life Fantastic

Black Mission Goggles (interspersed with Doo Right)

Engwish Bwudd

Encore:

Steak Knives

Mayan Nights

Ice Dogs

Sarspirillsa (first 30 seconds of vid)

You know, the night was best summed up when I was chatting with one of the band members. While I was getting him (Murphy) to sign my shirt, we saw Honus rolling around on the ground with the girl he was taking a picture with. Laughing, I asked Murphy,

“How do you guys handle him?”

He smiled and said,

“Easy.  We’re all as bad as him.”

And don’t we just love that?

Concert: A+

Venue: A+

Drink Prices: B

Audience: A+

Overall: A+

*This is a new song!

Love (v): Feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone): “do you love me?”

Synonyms

(n): affection – fondness – darling – passion

(v): like – to be fond of – fancy – adore
Definitions come from Wikipedia and Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Love is one of those mysteries of life. Love of God, love of another person, love of lamp. It’s a chemical thing, an understanding of the mystical. It’s wonderful, it’s horrible.

It doesn’t matter what you really think because it’s the day where you’re supposed to love “love,” whatever that is.

To that end, I’ve devised a playlist that’s sure to spark some kind of appreciation for love. No, it’s not a sappy love song extravaganza. Love is multifaceted, you know? There’s puppy love, unrequited love, deep love, the aforementioned love of lamp. This playlist encompasses all of that (I’m not telling which song is for lamp).

It’s about the wonderfulness of being in love and the knowledge that your love is going to last forever. It’s about the terrifying and crushing realization that forever isn’t long enough. It’s about never having a chance to see forever.

It’s an emotional roller coaster, suitable for anyone in any stage of love.

And if you’re feeling down about not having a Valentine…just remember that I picked these songs out for you. That’s gotta be a little heart-warming, right?

Here’s the playlist on Spotify.

Have a listen and be safe. Love is a risky business.

Venue: Liberty Hall

Location: Lawrence, KS

Tickets: $25-$35

Date: 1-18-2013

This show was once in a lifetime.  It was magical and brilliant and everything I never knew a show could be.  Jeff Mangum is one of the most humble and captivating performers I’ve ever seen.

The venue had a capacity of 1,050 and the show was sold out.  Wrap your mind around that.  It was packed with a wide range of people. Sitting a few rows back from us was a middle aged woman with a ten year old.  On the floor below us, there were forty year-olds and teenagers and every other age group imaginable.

Our view from the balcony.

Our view of the stage was perfect.  We decided that we should get balcony seating since we had so far to drive, the pit was bound to be crowded and we deserved a break.  I can’t say how grateful I am that we made that decision.

The opening act was pretty lackluster for us.  I can’t say if it’s because we were anxious for Jeff’s performance or if the band was really that average.  We were able to visit the merch table while the opening act was on, and that was a nice change.

When Jeff finally came on stage, the crowd went nuts for him.  He had a guitar stand by his chair with four guitars and a microphone for the guitar and himself.  After every song, we went crazy.  I’ve often cheered for bands, but I’ve never experienced anything like the depth of appreciation and crazed enthusiasm everyone gave him.

I have to say that the best part of the show was “Ghost.”  Midway through playing, Jeff through his guitar across the stage, picked up another and kept playing.  The audience kept time with their hands (and we were ON FIRE) and the guy a few seats down from us drummed out the crazy wild drum solo on the balcony.

The atmosphere of this show was unbelievable.  It was as inviting as I wish every show was, as forgiving as I wish I could be and more refreshing than Sprite could ever pretend to be.  It was magical but wonderfully human at the same time.  I can’t recall an evening like it and I’m not sure it could ever be replicated.  I wish I had a Pensieve so I could relive the night.

Jeff Mangum Concert Shirt

Here’s the Setlist:

Oh Comely

King of Carrot Flowers, Pt. 1

King of Carrot Flowers, Pt. 2 & 3

Gardenhead/Leave Me Alone

Engine

Two Headed Boy, Pt. 1

Holland, 1945

I Love The Living You -Roky Erickson cover*

Song Against Sex

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

Naomi

Ghost

Encore:

Two Headed Boy, Pt. 2

And now, the final score!

Concert: A+

Venue: A-

Drink Prices: B

Audience: A+

Overall: A

*This is the actual song from the concert.  Despite Jeff’s desire to have nothing filmed or photographed, this person recorded the song.  I’m torn between gratitude and disdain for not following his wishes.

So here’s how it is. I believe some absolutely ridiculous things about bands. We’re not talking little things like every band is required to have a pithy response to someone requesting Free Bird. We’re talking big things. Huge things. Things that are so completely absurd I can only imagine how much you are going to laugh about this.

You’re lucky I like you.

5. Bands live on good vibes

Bands never seem to be rolling in the money. Even though they are doing something that we enjoy, touring extensively and leaving behind their life to play for us, they still seem to be strapped for cash or, at least, not possessing vast sums of the paper substance that rules our lives.

So, how do they survive? How can they eat or house themselves if they don’t have the bucks?

Easy. They live on good vibes.

The Evidence: Now, I understand why you’d be skeptical. It seems far-fetched…or does it? Look at the picture above. REALLY look at it. Look at Steve’s face, that devil-may-care expression. Look at Bo, Kyle and Jonny. They’re all concentrating and crooning and looking nonchalant. Look at Kim, Ellen and Tom. Again, studies in being cool. They aren’t worried about money because they receive all of their nutritional needs from the good vibes of the audience.

Bands don’t need money for food. Your energy fuels them. They have perfected renewable energy and it’s only one reason of many we should love them.

4. Every band has at least one awesome painter/sketch artist/writer

No one will convince me that this is false. Every band seems to have one of these people. They can croon, strum and manage to draw it all beautifully.

The Evidence: The Decemberists have New York Times Bestselling writer Colin Meloy. Los Campesinos! have Rob, designer of some of their shirts. Amanda Palmer has…well, Amanda Palmer. She’s a pretty gifted artist with sketching and everything else.

Every band has one or more of these individuals. It might actually be a prerequisite for being in a band. Someone should look into that.

3. Every band I like knows each other.

The Evidence: Until recently, I had no proof for this phenomenon. Much like the majestic Sasquatch, this beast was elusive prey. But on October 26th, 2012, I got all the proof I needed. This was, of course, the Freelance Whales concert. As I was walking around after the show getting signatures for my shirt and fawning over the band members, one of them asked me about a signature on the shirt. I told him it was Tom, the lead guitarist for Los Campesinos!. He smiled and said that he played trumpet for the band when they were stateside.

And that is all the evidence I need.

2. Every band I like lives in the same city.

This is a simple and more than a little ridiculous assumption.

The Evidence: Portland. Do you know who lives in Portland? EVERYONE. Every member of
The Decemberists, Isaac Brock, half of the band She & Him (granted, that’s only one person). The list goes on and I am certain, absolutely certain, that I’ve provided ample proof.

1. Bands live together

Now, just to clarify, I don’t mean that bands live in the same place. That was amply covered in point two. No, when I say that bands live together, I mean they live in the same house.

The Evidence: Antennas Up. They used to live together in what they called the hAUs. This clearly means that bands live together in bunk beds similar to what I imagined Hogwarts dormitories would have looked like before the movies ruined that idea forever, thanks a whole ton.

Bands live together and say good night to each other a la the Brady Bunch and gossip around their breakfast table while they pelt each other with marshmallows from their hot chocolate and I really am getting off point.

Bunk beds like bands totally use. Picture from http://decoholic.org/2011/11/27/four-kids-one-room-bunk-beds/.

If any of this is a bit off-putting, it’s just how I roll. Sorry ya’ll.

2012 was a great year. I laughed, I cried, I embarrassed myself in front of bands I love. Who could find fault with a year like that?

But it’s time to start focusing on 2013 and the mysteries it will hold.

Shows:

1. Jeff Mangum on January 18 in Lawrence, KS

2. Man Man on February 18 in St. Louis, MO

Albums:

1. “Love” by Cloud Cult being released in February

2. New Man Man album. Release date TBA

3. New Modest Mouse album. Release date TBA

4. New Tommy & The High Pilots album. Release date TBA

And that’s just the beginning. Seriously, the stuff that can happen in the next year is mind blowing. So here’s the song for 2013. It seemed appropriate and is a damn fine song.

“The Night Starts Here” by Stars.

“The Night Starts Here” by Stars

Let me know if there are any other shows or albums I should look forward to. Your suggestions are what keep me cool.

Like I said, it’s a lame time of year.

But, all kidding aside, I look forward to being able to spoil the people I love.  I’ve been buying presents, returning presents that I found better replacements for, and trying to keep my sanity.

And I’m getting ready to drive to St. Louis on Tuesday to visit my best friend and see Fun. with her.  Wonderful!

I’m in such a good mood that I decided to spread a little Christmas cheer your way.  Please see the following playlist, listen to it and suggest your favorite Christmas songs in return.  It puts everyone in a great mood!

Here are the playlists on Spotify and Grooveshark.

Christmas! Playlist. Please ignore the “H” that looks like a wonky “A.”

“Alien Christ” by Cloud Cult

“Christmas in the Room” by Sufjan Stevens

“Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)” by The Decemberists

“Christmas Wish” by She & Him

“The Blizzard” by Camera Obscura

“I Hate Christmas Parties” by Relient K

“Wonderful Christmastime” by The Shins

]]> http://allysonssetlist.com/2012/12/08/a-little-christmas/feed/ 0 allysonssetlist Christmas! Playlist http://allysonssetlist.com/2012/11/25/antennas-up-on-gossip-girl-11-26/ http://allysonssetlist.com/2012/11/25/antennas-up-on-gossip-girl-11-26/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 02:27:58 +0000 allysonssetlist http://allysonssetlist.com/?p=746 ]]>

Gossip Girl

Tomorrow night, I’ll be putting my phone on silent and huddling in front of the TV.  Not because I’m feeling antisocial.  Not because it’s too cold outside.

Oh no, friends.  My decision is based on Antennas Up.  Their song “Pretenders” will be in tomorrow night’s episode of the CW’s “Gossip Girl.”  The episode will air 10/9PM CST.  Read all about it in their November newsletter.  Oh, and if you miss the episode tomorrow, check out The CW’s website.  They should have the episode up on Tuesday.

Congratulations, guys.  Can’t think of a group that deserves the recognition as much as you.

xoxo,

Allyson

So, this month’s song is “The Bed Song” from Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra.  This song is utterly lovely and haunting.  It’s about the most devastating form of “what if” I can think of, and I highly recommend listening to it.  I can’t remember the last time I was this moved by a song.

Listen to it here.

“The Bed Song” by Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra

Let me know what you think.

Happy November, everyone.

PS: November’s Dance Card is up.  It’s a bit lacking.  Recommendations please!

PPS: I had an awesome time at the Freelance Whales concert. You may expect a review soon.