buffaBLOG - The Buffalo music blog

Just Announced: Childish Gambino

noreply@blogger.com (gorm) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:37:00 +0000

“Man, why does every black actor have to rap some?/I don’t know – all I know is I’m the best one…”

Community fans can rejoice. The beloved series will be making a triumphant return on March 15th. As an added bonus, Donald Glover's alter ego, Childish Gambino, will be gracing the Town Ballroom on June 18th with his patented blend of is-this-a-joke-or-isn't-it hip hop. Gambino will be making a number of high profile appearances this summer, including a return to the infamous Bonnaroo in Tennessee. It's as if Glover was worried about his day job, which is now safe for the time being. Tickets go on sale March 2nd and the show is all ages. If "take me seriously" posturing isn't your thing, this is the show for you. Any rapper who drops a Toejam and Earl reference deserves your attendance.

#Sabretunes Needs Our Help

noreply@blogger.com (CP) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:53:00 +0000

Ok, so originally I was going to totally bag on the music choices of the Sabres and their event staff. Some of their choices for what gets played at Sabres games are terrible, no question, and yes I've had to seriously wonder what the fourteen year old girl tasked with making those decisions was thinking. But the situation isn't all grim down at the FNC, and if buffaBLOG is anything it's positive, and I want to be positive about this.

Why? For two reasons: 1) they're using Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" before the game and The Black Keys' "Lonely Boy" after Sabres goals, and 2) it's not all their fault. Of course using Arcade Fire and The Black Keys goes a long way, but the real problem is #Sabretunes and us Sabres fans. Twitter users, check out #Sabretunes .... and prepare to be disgusted. I'm not going to name names, but that Twitter hash-tag is a wasteland. No wonder it's 98.5 rubbish and hair metal with the occasional decent song thrown in to give us hope. The Sabres are soliciting suggestions and we're not helping them out.

That's where we come in as music fans. We've got to step it up and send #Sabretunes some decent suggestions, or re-Tweet the decent suggestions somebody else has already offered to build up some critical mass for those suggestions. But lets not get crazy folks. Taste and discretion folks are important. A gradual shift is the key.

Here's a few suggestions of my own for #Sabretunes:

Stick with the Black Keys after Sabres goals and that Arcade Fire before the game. This is good stuff.
Use more soul music. Soul music is always good, and you can dance to it.
Enough of the hair metal. Break out of the time warp. The only acceptable hair metal is The Darkness, which they do play occasionally at games. They need to keep that going.
There's a large Canadian contingent at Sabres games so why not play more Canadian rock? In addition to the Hip, how about Arkells and Tokyo Police Club?
Ditch the "Sweet Caroline", at the very least during Carolina Hurricanes games.
M83.
And "The Hockey Song" has to get played at every game. Every game.

It falls to us, Sabres fans and lovers of good music to get that train back on the tracks. It has to be done, and it will be done.

Album of the Week: Damian - Soul Night

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Charles Dickens said, “Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.” The new album by local songsmith Damian, Soul Night, attempts to be the magician in this quote, determined to explore the psyche’s attachment to home, and how this is juxtaposed with the soul and it’s dwelling place. It wrestles with these normal, yet supernatural notions in exquisite, pointed, punk-folk fashion. Launched at Steak and Cake’s one year anniversary show, Soul Night is one of the greatest works released on the label as of yet. This short, beautiful album spans a little over 34 minutes, but leaves a cognitive mark that lasts for days. Damian, last name Weber, sings in a dreary, tired style which works strategically for his songwriting in the same way it works for Elliot Smith or Bill Callahan. At the same time, Weber is quick to escape any folk-punk shackles and realizes the importance of reverb, distortion, and whistling. The songs are schizophrenic and simple; honest thoughts and memories are bubbled up, and as a result Soul Night becomes speckled with miraculous piano droplets, and melancholy uncertainties.

The first track on the record is fittingly, “Soul Night”, an acoustic, piano-dance-jingle, that asks the audience to “Do the windmill,” and the “whirlwind.” Surprisingly enough, it’s not hard to see an entire dancehall getting down to this track. Adding to it’s upbeat silliness, Damian ends singing, “I can only dance if my rock and roll is made by a weirdo.” Which, if you think about it, is probably true for most of us.

Soul Night gets a lot more heady on, “The Same Parts Never Change,” which lyrically begs a most pointed question, “Why in my old life, do all the same parts never change?” The droopy guitar riffs are angelic and this track becomes one of the catchiest and contemplative on the album. The song becomes more pointedly despondent as the speaker asks a more relevant question, “Why can’t be my new life not be so ready for me?”

“Be Constantly Here” begins with textured strumming and piano tinkling in the void as organ hums break through the clouds. This is were Weber really begins to elevate the concept of home. Painted lugubrious with the help of Brandon Schlia on background vocals, Weber sings simply: “Be constantly here, and you’ll be home.” On this track especially, Weber exhibits his aptness at making intensely contemplative and responsive music by etching his punchlines in stone-faced vocals.

“It’s a Miracle to Move” begins with windy, warped guitar. Weber becomes illustrative: “The wind wont touch me / when I was a kid I turned my shit up so fucking loud I wanted my ears to bleed...It’s a fucking miracle to move.” The guitar walks and wanes through harsh Radiohead-esque riffs that induce memories of adolescent anguish. Weber seems to be expanding on the relation between supernatural images of miracles and time, whilst also breaking down very real memories of growing up and this connects well back to the idea of being “home."

“I Love My Bed” is a favorite with it’s pulsing distortion and simple, semi-uplifting lyrics, “But it’s good to be home and wake up in her bed / she says she likes her bed.” I can’t help but reminisce about the feeling of sleeping in on a snow day off from school. The jingle-jangle pulses and peaks at the epiphanic words, “They don’t care for what we care for / They don’t care for what we used to be, like ghosts.” Strangely this is the climax of the album. There is a dispute in a relationship, and shades of questioning the roads of the past and the road on which we are all headed. Talk of souls and ghosts give the record a vibe of paranoia, but they are necessary visions made ordinary and give this work a most brilliant beam of light.

Damian has accomplished one hell of a first album, and it’s thematic intricacies are undeniable. Soul Night takes a simple sound and injects it full of lyrical complexities. This is an album I will be listening to for some time, and I will be waiting anxiously on Damian’s next endeavor.

Grade: A

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://damiandamiandamian.bandcamp.com/album/soul-night"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Soul Night by damian&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Just Announced: Tragically Hip with Death Cab For Cutie and New Pornographers

noreply@blogger.com (CP) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:01:00 +0000

This just in over the Interwebs: The Tragically Hip will be playing a pre-Canada Day show on June 30th in Fort Niagara, Ontario, on the grounds at Fort Niagara at the Butler's Barracks. Also on the bill are Death Cab For Cutie (that's 2 local appearances in 2 months), New Pornographers, and the Rural Alberta Advantage. Tickets are $69 and go on sale Saturday March 3rd.

Speaking as a loyal Hip fan, this is AWESOME news, beyond the fact that the bill is outstanding, such outdoor Hip concerts always produce exceptional results, and if it's anything like the show at Fort York in Toronto I went to six years ago, this show could be legendary. The New Pornographers and Death Cab will be icing on the cake.

Concert Review: Charles Bradley with Little Barrie

noreply@blogger.com (CP) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:26:00 +0000

Last night, the crowd at the Town Ballroom was treated to an incredible and memorable night of pure American music courtesy of the UK's Little Barrie and the "Screaming Eagle of Soul" and "Soul of America" Charles Bradley. We got it all last night: rock, soul, church, philosophy, and unstoppable mojo.

I'll admit it, I got a little panicked when I surveyed the thin crowd that was there for show opener Little Barrie. Was Buffalo gonna sleep on and thus let down Charles Bradley? I didn't think it was possible, and thankfully my fears were entirely unfounded. A mighty crowd was indeed there for Charles Bradley, and all was well... except for the fact that many people missed out on an exceptional opening set from Nottinghamshire, UK's Little Barrie. I know I'll probably catch some shit for going there but to hell with it- watching them I easily thought of (in no particular order) Cream, The Who, Sabbath, Zepp, and Paul Weller. And it's not like Little Barrie was specifically referencing any of those bands, far from it, rather their heavy, heavy duty r&b effortlessly channeled all of those legendary British bands, bands that frankly and implicitly fetishized American black culture and music (with the exception of Sabbath, who fetishized darkness and dark blues riffs).

Little Barrie was awesome, and I had no problem parting with $10 to get their cd at the merch table. In fact I did so with joy in my heart.

Of course, the crowd that was there (eventually) was there for Charles Bradley... and he did not disappoint. After a short soul interlude warm-up from his rainbow coalition Extraordinaires, the Man himself took the stage, crushed "Heartaches and Pain," the climax of his debut album No Time For Dreaming, and immediately established a connection with the audience that he maintained and built on throughout his blistering set. The Town Ballroom crowd reacted emphatically to the utter lack of artifice, the power of the music, and the fact that he was leaving it all on the stage, and that only drove Mister Bradley harder. I was curious to see how the Extraordinaires matched up with the Menahan Street Band / Dap-Kings who backed him last year when he opened for Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and was gratified to see that they were more than up to the task, bringing a sense of heft to the already mighty soul music of Charles Bradley.

Good news for Prince and Prince fans: when Prince is in his early 60's his sexy moves onstage will still work, judging from Charles Bradley's emergence as a sex god and the reaction that he got from the ladies in the audience. I didn't remember the whole sex god thing from his opening set last February, and being near the front I was more bemused than anything else, but the crowd behind me went nuts. Charles Bradley and his mojo could do no wrong, and he didn't, whether he was ripping up material off his debut album (No Time for Dreaming, on Daptone Records), the early Daptone single "This Love Ain't Big Enough For The Two Of Us" or Neil Young's "Heart of Gold." His life is in his music, his music is his life, and he nakedly gave us his all, plus some hard won wisdom about loving each other and this planet.

Exhibit A:

Charles Bradley gave us his love, and we gave him ours right back. Until next time, to quote Don Cornelius: "Peace, love, and soul."

Tonight: Blockhead

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:09:00 +0000

One of the underground rap scene's innovative producers is performing at Soundlab tonight. Blockhead, perhaps best known for producing many tracks for hip-hop wordsmith Aesop Rock, hits the stage at 10 p.m. tonight. Blockhead's atmospheric, trip-hoppy beats have gotten him compared to the likes of DJ Shadow and RJD2, two of my favorites from the hip-hop instrumental realm. Heads will certainly be hypnotically nodding up and down tonight. Admission is $12.

Tonight: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires

noreply@blogger.com (CP) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Tonight sees the return of Charles Bradley to Buffalo when "the Screaming Eagle of Soul" & His Extraordinaires play the Town Ballroom. I kind of went nuts the other day singing the man's praises, and there ain't that much more I can say, but I will try...

In short: Charles Bradley is the inheritor of the legacies of James Brown and Otis Redding; his debut album No Time For Dreaming was one of the best albums of 2011 and an instant soul classic; the man is getting his much deserved big break now in his 60's; and his inspirational life story will be coming soon to a theater near you:

It should also be noted that Daptone Records is one of the best damn record labels on the planet. Sharon Jones, The Budos Band, Naomi Shelton, and now Charles Bradley... they've got their own mini universe of living classic soul spinning down in Brooklyn. For my part, I think every Buffalo music fan needs a copy of Bob & Gene's If This World Were Mine in their collection (to go alongside their Rick James), and the fact that it's even available is down to Daptone's respect for the music. As an added Saturday bonus, some Buffalo soul music. Northern soul indeed:

Tickets for "the soul of America" Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires are $20. Little Barrie is opening, and doors open at 7 PM. If his opening set for Sharon Jones last year is any indication, it's going to be a fantastic and life affirming night of soul music at the Town Ballroom. I can't wait.

Tonight: Aye Karou

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:51:00 +0000

Get ready for an incredible show tonight at Mohawk Place where guitar rockers Aye Karou will be tearing it up along with opening acts, A Hotel Nourishing, Alex Berkley, and Nikki Gordon & The Hall of Fame. The vibrant five-piece group started in 2007 as a Tragically-Hip-gone-Star-Wars-nerd cover band of sorts and eventually (and thankfully) began writing original songs. Come out and enjoy what is sure to be an outstanding array of local talent. The show starts at 9.

Tonight: Kurt & The Loders

noreply@blogger.com (SG) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

"80s Nights" have been a big deal ever since (I'm guessing here) January 1st, 1990. But since the early 00s, I've often found myself wondering aloud when "90s Nights" would begin to take hold. If you, too, grew up in that golden, end-of-the-century era in which Rock redefined itself, and Rap was officially co-opted by white kids, then you, too, might've been wondering that same thing. Fortunately, a handful of local musicians will be making the dream a reality tonight at Duke's Bohemian Grove Bar (DBGB's, 253 Allen St., 10pm). According to the FB invite, Kurt & The Loders (featuring members of Son of the Sun, Here Come The Comets, Ramforinkus, and Sleepy Hahas) will be playing mostly heavier selections from the decade that "made them the self-loathing, obsessive, manic freakshow people they are today" - Local H, Alice in Chains, NIN - though they assure us there will be some "guilty pleasure" songs in there for good measure. 90s DJ sets and "era-priced" drink specials sweeten the deal. And speaking of guilty pleasures, I'm hoping it goes down like this:

Picking Up the Slack for MTV: Beirut

noreply@blogger.com (buffaBLOG) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:35:00 +0000

Since dropping last spring, eastern European Gypsy folk via New Mexico outfit Beirut's The Rip Tide has not left my rotation. The album is Zach Condon and company's most charming and accessible release to date, and luckily for me, my favorite track on the album, "Vagabond", just got it's own music video. The clip, which slightly reminds me of the National's Apartment Story video (but much less brooding and facial hair of course), is shot in black and white, features cadets, sailors, nurses, and more just looking for a little fun. Excessive drinking and smoking, randy and inappropriate soliders, and what appears to be an early version of the "Cupid Shuffle" all highlight this rather pleasing clip. Enjoy.

Tonight: The Spits

noreply@blogger.com (JK) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:39:00 +0000

Stop what your doing right now and watch the video below. What your seeing is a typical Spits gig, recorded in all its drunken glory. Budweiser, couches crowd surfing, fatness, childish antics, animal hats and good old fashioned punk rock are all part of the fun that is the Spits, those legendary rabble rousers from Seattle. Tonight the group graces (disgraces?) our presence at Soundlab along with some other most excellent achievers. Also on the bill is the haunted funhouse known as TV Ghost, Utah Jazz (Buffalo) and the Narcs (Rochester). Surely the most fun and, dare I say, retarded, show of the night! Action drops at 8pm ($14 door). Yuuuuuuuuuup!

Tonight: Mike Doughty

noreply@blogger.com (LM) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:14:00 +0000

Soul Coughing frontman and solo musician Mike Doughty will be at Talking Leaves tonight discussing his new book. A memoir about addiction and recovery, The Book of Drugs tells Doughty's story as a musician, addict, and human being. Buffalo's Ani DiFranco, along with Redman and Jeff Buckley, make cameos in the book.

Daughty will be at the Main Street store starting at 5pm (he's playing a show in Rochester later). You an pick up a copy of the book while you're there.

The Drum Machine Report

noreply@blogger.com (~jw) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:30:00 +0000

Hold fast to what is at present. Only the now is completely under control. The people of Buffalo have many neighborly qualities, but one negative sentiment that many share must be expelled. The woe is me attitude, including the thinking that everything bad happens to us, is trying to resurface and must be silenced! Our fair Queen City may have it’s shortcomings, but it’s horse pucky for Buffalonians to feel sorry for themselves. Stand-up for truth.

That being said, there are many misconceptions flying around about the Electronic and Dance music scene here in Buffalo. The internet is a cesspool of unguarded commentary that is unproductive and uninformed. Which is purely in nature with the digital age. But what that does not reflect is real talk. This is a call for tension release. Be about the music, be about having fun, be about it.

This weekend is real busy. Saturday night has a few party options. So if you plan to party hop, make sure to do so safely.

friday 2/24

CZECH

10p-4a

$10/21+

BIG BAD WOLF

252 delaware ave. Buffalo, NY

Do you miss funky Break Beats? Well Friday night CZECH will be in the house at Big Bad Wolf presented by Liquid Air Entertainment. Admittedly, I was not familiar with Czech previously, but he is legendary, and if you listen to his mixes you can pretty much understand why. Dude’s got over 20 years experience, and an astute ear for popular music. His clever mashups over breakbeats sound pretty fun to dance to. Don’t let the cheesy looking flyer scare you away, or the name of the club. It’s actually a pretty decent spot. And this show sounds really good. Also performing will be LOONEY TUNES, XOETEC, DEVIOUS, and 3PO.

Tales from the Gutter by Dj Czech

saturday 2/25

BLOCKHEAD

10p

18+

SOUNDLAB

110 pearl st. Buffalo, NY

Fan favorite BLOCKHEAD returns to Buffalo on Saturday night. The Ninja Tune all-star is one of the most talented producers around, and a bonafide beat professional. With a background in Hip-Hop, he’s produced several albums including Aesop Rock’s Labour Days, whilst still pumping out his own incredible works. Check out the classic cross-trainer vibe he’ll bring to Soundlab on Saturday night. Opening the show will be DJs BONES and CULTER.

SEMI-FORMAL

10p-2a

21+

DBGB’S

253 allen st. Buffalo, NY

Dress to impress for Duke’s Bohemian Grove Bar Semi-Formal. Featuring music by TRAKBENDERS, NATE HOWELL, PAUL KUENZI, and MEDISON. Sadly this is not like the Sadie-Hawkins dance where its the girls turn to ask out the gents. So step it up boys and get classy. The ladies like a little shine.

LOKI DNB

10p-4a

$5/18+

BIG BAD WOLF

252 delaware ave. Buffalo, NY

New series of DNB shows from LOKI at Big Bad Wolf. Going till 4 will be HXLY, POTENT J, and LOKI. Expect some cool Drum and Bass, along with a little bit o’Dubstep.

PotentJHarvestMIXPart2 by POTENTJ

Props to TOATS ORIG for throwing a great party last week with Dark Disco II: Heartbroken. Many people dressed the part. The atmosphere was anxious and sexy together.

Many more great events on the horizon in all of Buffalo’s music scenes. Check buffaBLOG on the daily for the latest low-down on the music you enjoy. Much Love.

Tonight: BioDiesel

noreply@blogger.com (buffaBLOG) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:11:00 +0000

In an over saturated market of DJ's and bands, which I am by no means saying is a bad thing, it actually is a great thing to have a wide variety to chose from, but BioDiesel closes the gap. BioDiesel, sits right in the middle of both and can deliver exceptionally on both fronts. Clay Parnell, bassist of Brothers Past, has emerged in the jam band scene as one of the top tier bass players and is sought after by other bands including electronic acts. Johnny Rabb, the drummer for this powerful duo, should come as a name you may have heard before. Rabb, is a professional live/studio drummer, inventor, author and instructor. He [Rabb] once held the title of "WFD World's Fastest Drummer Extreme Sport Drumming" by playing 1,071 single strokes in one minute. Put these two together and you have the powerhouse that is BioDiesel. Loud bass, earth shaking drums, and dance erupting synth is what you should expect from these two.

Tonights gig kicks off around 9pm at DBGB's with piano virtuoso Jeff Bujak getting things started. Tickets are $10 and will go fast!

Tonight: Roger Bryan, Sonny Baker, Vic Lazar & Tony Flaminio

noreply@blogger.com (sean) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:51:00 +0000

Tonight Mohawk Place plays host to four of Buffalo's hardest working songwriters. The night features music from Roger Bryan, frontman of Roger Bryan & the Orphans, Sonny Baker from Wooden Waves and a Hotel Nourishing, Grim Repair and The Failures Union's Tony Flaminio, and Buffalo music journeyman Vic Lazar. All the performers are accomplished songwriters that have played in a plethora of Buffalo's best bands, and each will be performing solo sets that highlight their abilities as singer/songwriters. Though these men have been known to throw down some rock n' roll, tonight, most likely, will feature plenty of acoustics, showcasing their solo abilities, and their range as musicians. This is a great way to spend an otherwise boring and chilly winter Buffalo Thursday, and for only $3, you can't go wrong turning out for some cheap music, and even cheaper beer. Things get started around 8pm tonight, and will run 'til around 11pm.

Miss the sunshine? Just breathe and listen to Telepopmusik.

noreply@blogger.com (AG) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Is Buffalo weather starting to wear on you? Find yourself wanting to scream obscenities at one too many cars that have driven by and splashed murky slush onto your jeans? I know I rely on popping Vitamin D pills daily to curb the dreaded seasonal depression. Thank goodness this winter has been the best spring Buffalo has ever had, but regardless, the dreary skies and lack of sunlight may be coming to an irritating point.

"Breathe" by Télépopmusik is a throwback tune that I have consistently listened to and not gotten sick of. For those who have known about this, you may agree with me. For those who have never heard it, you can cross this off your 'songs-I-need-to-hear' list. It's one of those all encompassing mood satisfying tracks; when you're miserable, alienated, ecstatic or enraged this song can cure it, at least in my opinion.

The French electronic trio, Télépopmusik, released "Breathe" on their 2001 album Genetic World. Their sound is minimal house with a hypnotic downtemp. This song has that powerful way of bringing an inexplicable feeling to the surface. It brings you to a place you can't quite describe.

The music video captures the essence of the song perfectly while also creatively incorporating poetic and deep themes. The scene is mellow but shot in a light that leaves a bizarre taste in your mouth. There are juxtaposing concepts represented throughout the three minute video. There is uniting love, life, death and the perspective of loneliness. If you're the type to analyze videos, you may discover there is an argument of innocence versus cynicism and that the destruction of something beautiful doesn't go unpunished. By the end, you may be longing for the literal summer sun or the metaphorical need for a better state of mind, but the lyrics will keep you grounded and still intact with hope.

"Another day, just believe, just breathe..."

Also, check out this remix I stumbled across by Los Angeles female producer, TOKiMONSTA, entitled "Breathe on my Contacts".

Order this Album NOW!: Ceremony - Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (JK) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Punk and hardcore are pretty traditional mediums. You veer a little to the left or to the right, it's inevitable your going to be branded a "sell-out". Sometimes the bands succeed (see Fucked Up). More often the bands fail (see Poison the Well). Ceremony is the perfect example of the former; a band who's continued to grow, credibility intact, in part because they're undeniably raw, and in part because they're just that damn good.

Ceremony's first two albums, Violence Violence and Still Nothing Moves You, were largely hardcore punk/thrash affairs, dissonant and unyielding in their punishment. Something interesting happened on their third album though. Rohnert Park demonstrated a controlled tension, a kind of beautiful anger, only reserved for the classics of the genre. Melody seeped in, best demonstrated on the Adolescents-influenced "the Doldrums". And not just melody. Each song was becoming it's own primal mover and shaker. "Into the Wayside", "M.C.D.F", and "Back in '84" were some of the rawest, angriest tracks I'd heard in years. I was starting to get the feeling that this would be a band that was going somewhere.

Intuition proved correct as the band was quickly snatched up by Matador, one of the top independent labels in the States. Not knowing what to expect I've been waiting (not so) patiently for that first full length to come in the mail, and, in the meantime finally caved and downloaded some tracks. At first, my reaction was kind of meh. But slowly, over the course of a couple weeks, I've begun to really dig these tracks. Supposedly, the album has a much more Sex-Pistols-ish vibe to it, which is ok by me. I continue to hear growth with each new song. Below is one of the new tracks. If your as swayed by good punk rock as I am, you'll go on Matadors site, and order this album right now. It doesn't come out until March 6, so you have more than enough time to get acquainted with their back catalog (Rohnert Park really), and see why I hype this band so hard.

Tonight: Occupy Buffalo Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:55:00 +0000

They may have removed their tents from Niagara Square, but Occupy Buffalo is far from gone. Support the cause tonight and attend a great night of music tonight at Nietzsche's. Performing tonight are political hip hop artists, J-Du and Lazyrus and the highly entertaining and socially conscience funk rock band the Blood Thirsty Vegans. Also performing are local singer songwriters Kilssa Cissoko and Jen Whitmore. Last but not least, Scantron, Buffalo's legendary beat boxer and sound artist, will be performing. The show starts at 9 pm, 21+ and most likely a cover or at least donation suggestion.

Converse Set To Release New Installment Of "Three Artists, One Track"

noreply@blogger.com (sean) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:10:00 +0000

Converse's "Three Artists One Track" feature is an attempt to revamp the company's hip image (similar to the Nike "Classic" Campaign with Nas, Kanye, KRS-One, and Rakim), and already has brought together Kid Cudi, Rotsam Batmanglij from Vampire Weekend and Best Coast for the track "All Summer", Soulja Boy, Andrew WK, and Matt & Kim for "I'm A Goner", and in its latest installment does not disappoint. The track, to be released tomorrow (Feb. 23rd) via Converse's website is entitled "Do Ya Thing" features the Damon Albam's Gorillaz, James Murphy from LCD Soundsytem, and Outkast's Andre 3000. The track is deeply synth heavy, and there are already teasers floating around the internet, including links of radio burns of the track. The track will be released tomorrow, and there is no doubt that it will end up on Youtube by the end of the day, so fans of all three artists don't fret, it 's only a day away.

In Praise Of Charles Bradley

noreply@blogger.com (CP) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:36:00 +0000

I am so excited about seeing "the screaming eagle of soul" Charles Bradley at the Town Ballroom this Saturday that I'm doing a preview for the preview of the show. I am beyond stoked. This really is a show that at the very least I've been waiting for since last February when Charles Bradley opened for Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings at the Ballroom. When people talk about that show, they have no choice but to use superlatives to describe it and rightly so. Indeed Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings were on fire, raining down their mighty soul on the crowd like Ali body blows, and damn, that crowd was jumping. But truth be told, the crowd was tenderized in advance by the Buffalo debut of one Charles Bradley.

You see, Charles Bradley truly is a national treasure. Seriously. I am not shitting you on this one (not that I ever shit you, you can trust me implicitly). Charles Bradley is the inheritor of the legacies of both James Brown and Otis Redding, and he does both icons of American music proud. You never thought that there'd be an heir apparent, but there is, and here he is....

And let me tell you another thing about Charles Bradley: his is a beautiful soul, and he, is a beautiful man. Whether you're listening to him on CD, seeing him live, or getting his autograph after the show, you can't help but feel the goodness in his soul. Maybe it's because he's getting his big break now, or perhaps it's because of the trials and tribulations he had to get through to get to this point, I don't know, but I do know that this man radiates grace, sincerity, and thankfulness.

I felt like I was in the presence of a holy man... and I'm looking forward to basking in that soul this Saturday night.

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires play the Town Ballroom this Saturday, February 25. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 day-of. Be there.

Tonight: The Merchants

noreply@blogger.com (mike m) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:02:00 +0000

The Merchants will be playing their last show tonight at Nietzsche’s (248 Allen St.). This talented trio has been largely under the radar in the Buffalo scene, mostly due to their zero internet presence they’ve had since the beginning of the project. I am actually surprised to find there is an event on Facebook. The Merchants have been together for almost a year, pumping out early 90’s grunge (Nirvana), gritty rock (Queens of the Stone Age, Black Keys) and mid 90’s nostalgia jams (Real Estate, Blind Melon). Two of the members, Gabe Nasca (bass) and Benjamin Maries (guitar/vocals) will be heading to Alaska to find their muse, leaving the project in hiatus until next year. Good luck on your travels, The Merchants. We look forward to your return in summer 2013 with songs inspired by the gold rush, grizzly bears, and Levi Johntson. Pete Sorkin, a singer-songwriter from the mean streets of New York City, will be opening for the threesome. Doors are at 10pm and there is a ZERO dollar cover. That means it's free, folks.

Buffalo is John Lithgow.

The Merchants are Harry.

Uncovered Cover: The Knocks ft. Mandy Lee Cover M83

noreply@blogger.com (buffaBLOG) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:44:00 +0000

It has been a while since the giant influx of "Midnight City" remixes began gushing on to the scene after M83 released the single back in the summer of 2011. I enjoyed most of the remixes and even posted some of them here, but the one thing that was missing in my opinion was a really great cover of the track. I believe I have finally found one. This New York City based electronic duo, The Knocks, have taken on this track and have given it new life. The duo is joined by Mandy Lee for some very extremely captivating vocals. Crank it up and enjoy your Wednesday.

Stream the new Plants and Animals album

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

If you haven’t already heard, Montreal three-piece Plants and Animals will be playing at Mohawk Place on April 19th. With an overwhelming roster of talent coming into town this spring (Cloud Nothings, Cults, Death Cab For Cutie, St. Vincent, M83, tUnE-yArDs), it might be easy for this lesser known group to get lost in the shuffle. If you’re new to Plants and Animals and they have yet to make your calendar cut, it might be time to give them a starting spot. While their album The End of That isn’t due out until next week, you can stream it live and read up about them over at Paste’s website right now. If you’re into what you’re hearing, head over to the band’s website and grab a ticket for a mere $8. You never know, this might turn out to be the best show you see all spring.

Weekly Remix: MartyParty remixes Adele

noreply@blogger.com (buffaBLOG) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:35:00 +0000

We all know Adele by now, but have you heard Mart Party yet? Well you can see the South African electronic artist live tonight at Soundlab. The show will no doubt be a killer high energy show and one hell of a dance party. MartyParty has been selling out huge venues and playing major festivals so do not miss the opportunity to see him at a small intimate venue like Soundlab. The show starts at 8 pm with special guests Perceptor and Papi Chulo. Tickets are $12 at the door.

Album Review: Polica - Give You The Ghost

noreply@blogger.com (buffaBLOG) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:01:00 +0000

Poliça have been making a splash across the blogosphere as of late for quite a few reasons. Channy Leaneagh and Ryan Olson spent last year soft rocking everyone’s face off as part of Gayngs, Bon Iver’s (and Gayngs’) Mike Noyce offered some help on a few tracks, Spoon’s Jim Eno handled the production, and even H.O.V.A. threw his support behind them, posting one of their tunes on his website. The buzz seems to be coming from all the right places, but whether or not Poliça deliver on that buzz is up for debate.

Knowing Leaneagh’s and Olson’s background with Gayngs will give you some general idea of what they’re working with on Give You the Ghost. They focus more on R&B rather than the AM pop that Gayngs re-imagined, but auto tune still features prominently in the vocal arrangements, which you’ll either enjoy or hate. The pace of the album is a bit mixed as well, with some tracks purposefully pounding through the speakers, and others offering little more than a whimper.

Their best work comes on "Dark Star" and "Wandering Star", both are thumping club anthems that show off a gentle touch, and best exhibit how Poliça get quite a bit of sound from a sparse set up of synths and drums. Opener "Amongster" is a dark, brooding pop number that features some solid vocal work by Leaneagh and the most apt use of auto tune.

The weak spots on Give You the Ghost include the total overkill of auto tune on "The Maker", and "Violent Games" which seems to have the same aspirations as Beyoncé, but falls far short of her diva powers. The other major knock on Poliça is that, for the most part, this stuff is pretty monochromatic. Leaneagh’s vocals flow at the same tone throughout the album, something that really gets old after a while. Also, with an album as heavily indebted to R&B as this, one might hope for a banging, club dominating single, but there simply isn’t one here, nor is there anything that even approaches the smooth moves of Gayngs’ "The Gaudy Side of Town".

Simply put, if you were into Gayngs then this will be an easy listen, otherwise you might want to move on. The stronger material on Give You the Ghost hints at an untapped wealth of resources, but the stumbling blocks on this debut are plentiful, sometimes it just seems like Poliça are going through the motions.

Grade: C+

~Steve Dobek