Tag Archives: Ha Ha Tonka

Aug28

Happy Birthday!

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Happy Birthday!

Dear readers, the blog has now been active for a year. That’s 365 days.

I couldn’t be prouder, happier or more befuddled.  It’s a strange but rewarding experience.

It’s been a fantastic year, and I couldn’t help but dwell on all the wonderful things that’ve happened.

September 2011

Mister Heavenly

This was a once-in-a-lifetime show.  Mister Heavenly is a supergroup that may or may not tour again.  The sad part, really, is that the show I saw last year (a year and a day ago) will probably be the only show I ever see by the band.  They’re great.  That’s what makes it sad.

But it was still a great show.

October 2011

Ha Ha Tonka

This was my first Ha Ha Tonka experience.  It was singularly great.  The boys are talented, charismatic and really nice.  Even when I’m hunting them down in a parking lot…but that didn’t happen until this year.  So it doesn’t count.  Right?

November 2011

Tommy & The High Pilots

First time at the Firebird.  Loved the place.  First time I heard some new High Pilots music that should be coming out on their new album.  That’s right.  Come this November, I have been anxiously awaiting a new album from these charming and outrageously hilarious boys.

WANT.

December 2011

A Very Ludo Christmas

This was an experience.  Everyone was wearing red and green with reindeer drawn on sweaters and balloons were everywhere and confetti and…just wow.

It was also the show that started the wonderful tradition of getting bands to sign my Allyson’s Setlist shirt.

January 2012

Stop Thief

This was a wonderful local show.  It served as a very important reminder that local bands are sometimes better than the big ones, because they’re still audience members themselves.  They haven’t been corrupted with success and they play like it’s their last show.

It’s pretty moving stuff.

February 2012

Los Campesinos!

This show was a dream come true.  I never thought I’d get the chance to see them, but sometimes the Fates hear our pleas and arrange things.

The show was brilliant.  The band is brilliant.  This night lives on in some parallel universe where I never leave it and it’s brilliant all the time.

That’s how I feel about it.

March 2012

Antennas Up

Of course the boys were great.  But, more importantly, this is the show I got my Antennas Up hoodie at.  That thing is the most comfortable hoodie in the world and it’s ridiculously good looking.

April 2012

Debate

Granted, this has nothing to do with the concerts I’ve gone to or the music I listened to.  But I can’t resist bragging about it.

May 2012

Antennas Up

New Antennas Up album.  Have I mentioned I’m a fan?

June 2012

Los Campesinos!

Excellent concert with some of my favorite people in the world.  Also, finally got Gareth to sign my shirt.  And they played one of my favorite LC! songs.

This concert was made for me.

July 2012

Death Cab For Cutie

I never actually blogged about the show.  But it was great.  My brother and I talked and sang and hugged.  It was great.

August 2012

Tommy & The High Pilots

I can’t actually tell you how many times I’ve busted out with “Devil To Pay.”  This song is, in my opinion, their best work.  It haunts me and I’m not looking to exorcise the spirit anytime soon.

There’s a run down.  I’ve done things and seen things and blushed and cracked my voice.

And things are just getting better.

Jan9

My Band Shirts

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You know how I’m crazy and get a lot of band shirts?

Yeah. Here they are.

1. Yeah.  It’s Signed.

New Antennas Up shirt. Signed by the band. From left to right (then down): Bo McCall, Kyle Akers, The Ryantist and Jonny Universe.

This doesn't do justice to the awesomeness of the shirt. But it looks like the picture is puffing out the words "Antennas Up." That was too perfect for me to pass up.

The boys signed it and sent it to me.  They get serious props for that.  Oh, and the whole making good music thing.  They get props for that too.

And now I want all of you Springfieldians to follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook, sign up for their mailing list and harass them until they come to Springfield again.

2. Yeah.  It Rocks.

Ludo Concert Shirt that my friend Nicole made.

My friend Nicole made these shirts for us for the August 2011 Ludo concert (as the pictures tend to let you know…whatever).  She made them the night before.  It’s covered in glitter from us spraying each other with canned glitter…because we were sparkly alien creatures.

And, if you’ll remember from the Without A Face post, Henry Dillard signed the sleeve of the shirt.

It was such a successful night.  Also, send your love to Andrew  Volpe, lead singer of Ludo, and his wife.  He just announced they’re expecting a baby!

3. Yeah. It’s Artsy.

The Decemberists 2011 "Popes of Pendarvia" shirt. Not, however, the official concert shirt.

This shirt means a lot to me for a whole bunch of reasons.  First, it’s the Decemberists.  You know how I feel about them.  Second, it was my first Decemberists concert.  My brother and my friend Brett (he of excellent arm reach from the Ludo concert last month) took me to it (it was my Christmas present from my brother) and we had an amazing time.  John Moen, the drummer, sang me a song.  He WAS singing to me.

And the shirt is awesome by itself.  It’s a pic of Jenny Conlee, multi-instrumentalist for The Decemberists, and it’s just so…cool looking. I feel cooler wearing it.  It’s like I add ten points of cool.  Also, I think I lost all of those points for the future by acknowledging that said points exist.  Damn.

4. Yeah. It’s Psychic.

Mister Heavenly shirt. See! It says "Out of Love"! That's their album title! So clever!

This just seems to encapsulate Mister Heavenly completely.  A pinch of nostalgia, a sprinkle of raspiness, all mixed together with some honey and awesome drums…it’s not a perfect recipe, but it’s a tasty one.  Assuming you’re a person who eats music.  Which would be weird.  Please don’t do that.

Anywho, Mister Heavenly’s great and so is this shirt.

5. Yeah. It’s A Propeller.

Tommy & The High Pilots shirt. It's simple and pretty great.

This is the High Pilots shirt I ended up getting after they didn’t have a different one in my size.  And, you know what?  It was divine intervention.  Because this shirt is great and, in a moment of shameful immodesty, it looks pretty great on me.

And this shirt has a warm, fuzzy memory attached to it.  Matt Palermo, drummer for the High Pilots, sold me this shirt personally.  Man, I love those guys.  That’s another band you all need to help me bring back to Springfield.  Let’s make that happen.  Flitter with them here, Book their Faces here, and peruse their site here.

So those are my band shirts.  What?  Those could be the only ones I have.  YOU DON’T KNOW ME.

My Loot...errr...band shirts.

Oh.  Those.  Right.  Well, if you want to get technical, sure.  I have a few.

Inventory:

The Decemberists – 3 shirts, 1 hoodie

Tommy & The High Pilots – 3 shirts

Ludo – 3 shirts

Antennas Up – 2 shirts

Fun. – 2 shirts

Mister Heavenly – 1 shirt

Without A Face – 1 shirt

Ha Ha Tonka – 1 shirt

I’d say I’m done collecting shirts.  But you know me better than that, don’t you?

Good night darlings!

PS: New contest announced soon (probably Wednesday).  Be prepared (though not Jeremy Irons prepared…props to those who get the reference).

PPS: My quest to listen to Paste Magazine’s Top 50 Albums of 2011 is going well…there are some winners and some duds.  I’ll be sure to release a full review list once I’ve finished.  Why don’t you go ahead and get started?  You’ve got a bajillion hours, right?

Jan7

Weekly Setlist – Jan. 7

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I have behaved so shamefully.  I’m not certain I can still look you in the text.

I’ve been horribly lax in my posting, and I blame the holidays.  But, I’ve also set a goal for myself that’s taking some doing.

I’m listening to Paste Magazine’s Top 50 Albums of 2011.  It has been a disappointing, awe-inspiring and brilliantly ridiculous time thus far.  I’m loving some of the albums, hating others, and indifferenting most.  Don’t worry.  Once I’ve listened to them enough, I’ll let you know what’s worth giving a listen.

Because I care.

And here are the playlists you delightful viewers should have been privy to this past week (and the week before…I’m not perfect).

January 7a Setlist. I can't draw a straight line. Also, this photo turned inexplicably blurry. You can deal with it.

Here’s the playlist on Spotify and Grooveshark.  And the individual songs are below.  Highly recommend the Cloud Cult song.

“The Luckiest” by Ben Folds

“Heart Swells/Pacific Daylight Time” by Los Campesinos!

“The Gambler” by Fun.

“Please” by Ludo

“Problem Solver” by Ha Ha Tonka

“As Long As You’re Happy” by Cloud Cult

“Catch & Release” by Silversun Pickups

And the second playlist:

Jan. 7b Setlist. This one only has 6 songs. Due to the length of the song titles (amusingly mirrored by the length of the actual song), I didn't go to 7. Also, this photo managed to be blurry as well...c'est la vie.

Here’s the playlist on Spotify and Grooveshark.  And here are the individual songs (you should listen to Dracula’s Daughter for a laugh, though it’s probably best to go to one of the playlists…not sold on the video below):

“1940 (AmpLive Remix)” by The Submarines

“Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John

“Dracula’s Daughter” by Colin Meloy

“Suicide Demo For Kara Walker” by Destroyer

“Boeing 737″ by The Low Anthem

“Werewolf (On The Hood Of Yer Heartbreak)” by Man Man

And that’s that.  Also, I saw a couple of awesome people get married today.  It was beautiful.  Congratulations, Thomas and Shelby!

PS: A new contest will be announced soon…be prepared.

Dec24

Weekly Setlist – Dec. 24

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Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

I’m sure you all are busy doing whatever it is you’re doing.  Here’s a setlist for you to play should you find yourself wrapping presents at the last minute.

Christmas Eve Setlist

Here’s the playlist on Spotify and Grooveshark (NOTE: “One Foot” by Fun. is not available on the Grooveshark playlist).

And here are the individual songs just in case you have no time to listen to all of it.

“Poor In Love” by Destroyer

“One More Night (Your Ex-Lover Remains Dead)” by Stars

“Perth” by Bon Iver

“Close Every Valve To Your Bleeding Heart” by Ha Ha Tonka

“Isn’t It A Lovely Night?” by The Decemberists

“Sleeping In” by The Postal Service

“One Foot” by Fun.

I’ve definitely decided that I like the new Fun. song, by the way.  So you should definitely listen to “One Foot.”

And, because I want to make you all insanely jealous, I got a Christmas present from one of my brothers that is amazingly awesome.

South Wood Shops Giclee Print by Carson Ellis

Yeah.  The above is one of a hundred original prints by Carson Ellis SIGNED and NUMBERED by the artist.  For those of you unfortunate enough to not know who Carson Ellis is, she is a brilliant artist.  Her work is eclectic, ranging from illustrating a Lemony Snicket book to being the resident artist for The Decemberists.  You can check her out here.

And my brother was smart enough to realize that this would rock my world.  Success!

And, with that, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  You’ll be hearing from me later.

Nov27

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

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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?

 

Nov20

Ha Ha Tonka Tickets

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Dearies.  This past week has been an exciting one, and this next one will be even better.

Last week, I received these beauties:

Ha Ha Tonka Tickets

Oh, this is going to be the sweetest concert ever.  Tommy & the High Pilots plus Ha Ha Tonka makes for an awesome evening.  I don’t even know what to do with myself, other than to make a playlist, lose myself in it and wait, rather impatiently, for Friday.

Also, don’t forget to vote for the best band shirt.  The poll closes at 6 on Tuesday.  Let your voice and your good taste in shirts be heard!

And that’s really all I wanted to tell you this evening.  Just so you know that my Friday will be better than yours.  Unless you’re going to the concert.  Then I’ll see you there, and we’ll rock it.

Nov14

Best Quotes From Songs – The Love Edition

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I don’t want to get mushy on you all, but there are some quotes about love from songs that I go gaga over.  And you’re going to hear all about my favorites.  Not because you should.  Not even because I want you to.  It’s because you NEED to.  I’m looking out for you.  You’re welcome.  And there are seven because I felt like it.  Have recommendations?  I’ll consider them.

So.  Running in at number 7…

7. “Pink Squares” by I Was A Cub Scout

“Oh, oh, oh, am I in trouble? / Darling, I apologize. / I need you more than anything / Please come back with me tonight. / Oh, oh, oh, am I in trouble? / Darling, I apologize. / I need you more than anything / Please don’t ever leave my side.”

To me, this is a perfect example of a love song.  It’s wonderful.  The thought is so simple, but so right.  A couple has a disagreement and the person that (presumably) started it is trying to make sure the disagreement doesn’t end things for them.  Like I said, it’s simple but seems right.

6. “Lonely Place” by Tommy & The High Pilots

“Oh, and just like me / She wants a family / Create us some energy / Out of the blue. / That we’ll do. / Oh, and maybe she’s someone I’ve made up / And maybe she’s somebody true / But I won’t rest until I know you.”

I adore this song so much.  And I love this thought: maybe you haven’t found the perfect person, but that shouldn’t stop you from looking for them.  I find this song wistful and hopeful and, like I said, I adore it.

5. “King of Carrot Flowers Part. 1″ by Neutral Milk Hotel

“And this is the room one afternoon I knew I could love you / And from above you how I sank into your soul / Into that secret place where no one dares to go.”

This is my favorite Neutral Milk Hotel song, and it’s probably because of this stanza.  I’m not sure if it requires an explanation.  It’s just lovely.

4. “Rise To Me” by The Decemberists

“My darling, my sweetheart, I am in your sway / Two cold climes, come spring time / So let me hear you say / My love / I am gonna stand my ground.”

I love The Decemberists way too much to not include them in this list.  Particularly when this song has such powerful worlds.  I can’t help but be moved when he says “my darling, my sweetheart, I am in your sway.”  It’s beautiful.

3. “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab For Cutie

“If heaven and hell decide / That they both are satisfied / Illuminate the nos on their vacancy signs / If there’s no one beside you / When your soul embarks / Then I’ll follow you into the dark.”

I think this song has become a classic, and rightfully so.  I mean, how wonderfully romantic/soulful/EVERYTHING is it to tell someone that you’d follow them into the dark.  That they wouldn’t be left alone.  EVER.  I think the simple melody underscores the sheer power of the lyrics.

2. “Anything For You” by Ludo

“I’d give up anything. / Anything for you. / I’d give it all. / All of this is true. / But the best story that I could ever tell / Is the one where I am growing old with you. / All I’ve ever wanted, see, was to tell you honestly / I’d do anything for you. / I’d do absolutely anything for you.”

This might be my favorite concept for a love song ever.  The person singing is describing all of these ridiculous, absurd scenarios, then saying that “the best story that I could ever tell is the one where I am growing old with you.”  You get the honesty of the feelings from the lies he tells.

AND, number one!

1. “Slow Hands” by Interpol

“But I am married to your charms and grace / I just go crazy like the good old days / You make me want to pick up a guitar / And celebrate the myriad ways that I love you.”

This quote is brilliant and wonderful and fantastic.  That last line.  How does it not conjure up warm, fuzzy feelings?  ”Celebrate the myriad ways that I love you.”  I’m convinced that if you tell your significant other this, they will swoon.  Better if you serenade them (but only if you can sing).

And that’s that, lovelies.  Just a few thoughts for you all on this absurdly warm evening (for real, it’s November, weather).  Of course, I have a few closing statements:

  1. “Hello Sadness” by Los Campesinos! is available in the US tomorrow.  I highly recommend buying it, listening to it, and falling as in love with that band as I am.
  2. How excited are you for the Ha Ha Tonka/Tommy & the High Pilots concert in a couple of weeks?
  3. Have you submitted shirts for the Best Band Shirts contest?  IT’S GONNA BE GREAT. ENTER NOW.

Oct23

Ha Ha Tonka – Springfield, MO: Lindberg’s 10-20-11

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Band: Ha Ha Tonka

Venue: Lindberg’s

Location: Springfield, MO

Tickets: $8

Date: 10-20-11

From left to right: Brian Roberts, Lennon Bone and Lucas Long of Ha Ha Tonka.

Technical difficulties.  That was the phrase du jour for this concert.  It could have been a disaster.  The crowd could have rioted. We could’ve instituted Occupy Lindberg’s and demanded satisfaction.

But that doesn’t really account for the band, does it?  And not accounting for them would be a big mistake.

Ha Ha Tonka is a band right out of Springfield, MO, comprised of Brian Roberts (vocals and guitar), Brett Anderson (keyboard, guitar and vocals), Lucas Long (bass and vocals) and Lennon Bone (drums and vocals).  And, as I got the pleasure of finding out first hand, their harmonies are angelic…at least until Brian tosses in a throaty note that caused a flurry of pleased shouting from the crowd.

I’ll admit.  I came to be a fan of Ha Ha Tonka shamefully late in their career.  I have no good reason.  Maybe I was too absorbed with other things.  Maybe I’m crazy.  But I’m making up for it in a big way.  A band worth loving is worth loving well.  And Ha Ha Tonka is worth it.

The band just released a new album “Death of a Decade” this past year, and it’s a wonderful mix of folk and rock.  I really can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a mandolin quite so thoroughly.  Without a doubt, my favorite song (for now) is “Westward Bound.”   I’ve always been a sucker for songs with melodic surprises.

Listening to their music, you can hear how many of those surprises are there.  And guess how good they were live?

If you guessed exceedingly so, you were right.  Listen to this as a reward.  They were exuberant and excited and talented.  And you know how in some bands the lead singer is the only one with any stage presence?  Ha Ha Tonka isn’t like that.  Everyone participates in some way.  They smile and joke and sing and play, and you can feel the enjoyment.  Which makes you have a better time.  So everyone has a great time!  That’s really how it works.

Now.  I mentioned earlier that there were quite a few technical difficulties during the performance.  And there were.  First, Brett’s keys weren’t coming through on the wedge without deafening everyone present.  Then Brett’s mandolin wasn’t coming through.  Finally, Brett’s guitar stopped coming through.  But they came up with an ingenious way of giving the sound guys time to work out the problem and entertain the crowd.  I was fortunate enough to capture this video of them singing harmonies of “Hangman” and “Pendergast Machine.”  It. Was. GREAT.

I don’t want to brag about seeing them (too much), but I feel I should mention that I’m going to see them with Tommy & the High Pilots on November 25.  It’s going to be one of the best days in the world.  Period.

From left to right: Brett Anderson, Brian Roberts and Lennon Bone from Ha Ha Tonka. Also, crowd members.

Have any Ha Ha Tonka stories?  Be sure to share the love and the stories.  They deserve it.

And now, ze grade report.

Concert: A

Venue: B-*

Drink Prices: N/A**

Audience: A-

Overall: A

*What with the seemingly constant technical difficulties and the complete lack of adequate space between the bar and a seating area, my first time at Lindberg’s wasn’t great.  That being said, I see the potential for it to be awesome.

**I didn’t want to risk my seat being lost to go to the crowded bar…can someone let me know about drink prices so I can update the grade?  Moderately attractive please?

Oct20

Weekly Setlist – Oct. 20

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Good even, fellow fellows.  This day has been a wee bit on the nippy side.

So, I’ve decided to make the setlist reflect that.  Granted, it’s a little abstractish.  But I think that’s what lends it its charm.

Give it a listen and tell me if I’ve gone mental.

 

As per usual, here’s the playlist on Grooveshark and on Spotify. [Note: "Emily" was not available on Grooveshark]

And if you don’t feel like listening to Grooveshark or Spotify or are unable to, here are the individual links.

“We Will Become Silhouettes” by The Postal Service

“It’s Not You, It’s Me” by Coconut Records

“Gray Or Blue” by JayMay

“Night Windows” by The Weakerthans

“I Don’t Know What I Can Save You From” by Kings of Convenience

“Emily” by Absent Elk

“Usual Suspects” by Ha Ha Tonka

“January Hymn” by The Decemberists

Also, no making fun of my misspelling of January up there.  That’s rude.  And two-faced.  Which is really funny and clever if you understand Janus and all that.

You’re welcome, comment on this post and good night (unless you’re going to the Ha Ha Tonka show at Lindberg’s, in which case I’ll see you there).