Last night Metric played to a packed in Terminal 5. According to Emily Haines, the band’s lead singer, it has been over 3 years since they have played in the city. Playing tunes from their new album Fantasies along with a couple oldies like “Dead Disco” and “Monster Hospital,” the band had us clapping, fist pumping, singing along and practically drooling. Emily was right, “some of us have to be exactly who we are,” we should consider ourselves lucky Metric holds true to that idea. Next up on Metric’s tour? Washington, DC
It feels good to dance even if you aren’t particularly gifted in it or if you have unsightly rhythm, and there is no better group to get you in the mood than Australia’s own Cut Copy. The electropop sensation played to a sold out show at Terminal 5, March 21st. Their energy was ecstatic and the crowd was out of control wild with excitement. ”Heart On Fire”, one of the groups 2007 singles, started out the set and while the groups well-loved hits were of no disappointment, “Sands of Time”, a song worked on during the second record but not on the album, appeared as an unknown gem, proving to the masses that there is more, so much more, to come for these creative gents.
Blonde Redhead was started by Kazu Makino, Maki Takahashi and twin brothers Simone Pace and Amedeo Pace in 1993. Shortly after the band released their first album Maki Takahashi left the band, and then there were three. I had the privilege of seeing Blonde Redhead two summers ago at Randall’s Island. Their set was by far one of the best of the night. These three know how to rock. Half way through a song Kazu Makino will put down her guitar and take over the drums all while continuing to provide the sickest of vocals.
Their music has been compared to that of Sonic Youth, but in my opinion they are one of a kind. Kazu Makino’s eerily high pitched voice creates a sound like none other, and I like it. Blonde Redhead’s 7th and most recent album, “23″ came out in 2007 and is still creating buzz. They are scheduled to play a New Years eve show at the Terminal 5. If you enjoy a great performance, incredibly beautiful music, and a rocking good time then a ticket to see Blonde Redhead is an excellent choice to ring in the New Year.
Last January saw the release of The Teenagers newest album Reality Check to mixed reviews. Its the truth, The Teenagers put off a snide, smug, pretentious attitude on their debut album. Reality Check will not dazzle you with vocal ability, or even complex beats, but it will keep your attention with its garish vibe. Love them or hate them, The Teenagers are opening up for Vampire Weekend at Terminal 5, Tomorrow, Wednesday December 3rd.
Close your eyes, slow down your mind and drink up the lyrics of a Portland, Oregon folk-rock combo. The Decemberists put music to stories and paint some of the most beautiful sounding ballads my ears have ever heard. Some call these guys a “rock band”, I consider them to be more or less the keepers of folk lore. Colin Meloy’s voice resonates a unique, sharp sound that is quite catchy.
The Decemberists are playing at the Terminal 5 this Wednesday, November 5th.
One of the reasons why I love live music is the chance to see how a band feeds off a crowd, how they relate to their music, and how they rock it out. The initial excitement of seeing Spoon live and in person wore off about a song and a half into the set. Frankly, Spoon doesnt rock live. Their songs sound exactly like their albums and the four chaps from Texas are so lacking in emotion and energy, they may as well give public speeches on fossil fuel.
Blasting “I Turn My Camera On” from my iPod speakers and dancing around my living room seemed like a better time. I’d warn against spending the money to see Spoon, perhaps the “too cool for school attitude” Spoon exudes wont feel as obvious if you got in to the show for free.
“Like O, Like H in your gut.” It felt like I waited a lifetime for this concert to arrive. I had anticipated seeing them play live ever since the first time I heard “Where does the Good Go.”
They have a gift. A gift that not every talented musician has. They make me want to cry. There are those who are great at playing their instruments, singing, and putting on a good show and then there are some that have all the aforementioned characteristics plus they write music that tears at your soul.
Tegan and Sara make me want to lay on the floor and pound my fists into the wall to every word they sing. When I listen to them it feels like they have been inside my heart these long 24 years and now finally someone is telling my story. ”when I was 8 I was sure I was growing nerves.”
On their latest album, The Con, Tegan and Sara take you to a strange place. Their songs are catchy enough to want to dance to but when you pay attention to the lyrics it stops you in your tracks, but only for a second. Their lyrics stir up my emotions, every single one off The Con pings me in one way or another. The music they play takes me to a whole different place. I could be on the subway and 5 minutes later realize I have just been pounding the ground with my foot to the drums in “Nineteen”. Its so good I dont even mind infringing on my neighbors space. Not only is their music bananas but their style is too.
It is well known, if you are a Tegan and Sara fan, that seeing them live is a truly unique, mirthless, perhaps life making, time. You are provided with comic relief in between songs as the Canadian born twins recall certain stories from their past, and its only fair that they try and make us laugh after they play song after song of tear invoking tunes. I saw them this past May and it is still the best concert I have ever been to. Their stage presence is ridiculous. They interact with their crowd and are hilarious while doing it. It was once said in an interview that they dont play any of their old songs that they don’t feel are relevant to them today, and it shows. Tegan and Sara are back in town today and tomorrow at Terminal 5, go see them if you have the chance.
This husband and wife duo rock their tunes loud, hard and they rock ‘em well.
What I loved about the Handsome Furs was the fulfilling sense that absolutely nothing was missing from the duo. Dan Boeckner, vocals and guitar, and Alexei Perry, drum machine, possessed intense stage appeal and moving musicality, so much so that I considered eloping with the guy standing next to me (they make marriage seem like such a good choice.)
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these guys play, especially since they couldn’t have been more into it (and rightfully so). I strongly recommend checking them out.. and I dare you to try and stop that foot from tapping.
I had the privilege of seeing Blonde Redhead two summers ago at Randall’s Island. Their set was by far one of the best of the night. These three know how to rock. Half way through a song Kazu Makino will put down her guitar and take over the drums all while continuing to provide the sickest of vocals. 
