popwreckoning

This time of year, roads are finding extra wear from families driving to grandmas, airports are flooded with people returning home for the holidays and for those that can’t travel, they’re gathering their friends close together with holiday parties and chats over hot cocoa. This is because the point of Christmas isn’t commercial as some Scrooges might have you believe. The point, whether religious about the holidays or not, is about love and expressing that by being around the people you love. Taking Back Sunday’s new holiday tune, “Merry Christmas; I Missed You So Much” is all about returning to home and the people you love.

“Merry Christmas; I Missed You So Much” was recorded while the band has been in the studio working on its new album. The song starts off much like another song by the band, “Divine Intervention.” Just a strummed rhythm on acoustic guitar, while Adam sings, the title. Then the band expands it – a fingered guitar line, a marching drum roll and then the band’s famous vocal call and response. My personal favorite part of the song is when the “Ho-o-o-ome” lyric enters and is providing a harmony with “Merry Christmas; I Missed You So Much.”

You can listen to the new Christmas song on the band’s MySpace here.

I was incredibly nervous and intimated when I went in for a pre-show meet and greet with Julian Casablancas. Why? Well, wouldn’t you be about ready to wet your pants too if you were about to meet a musician you idolized, a guy that was about to headline the main stage at one of the US’s biggest festivals, an SNL sensation, a brilliant singer and songwriter and as if all that wasn’t enough, I was warned that Julian might be a little touchy if you brought up that “the “S” word band he sometimes performs with.”

In fact, in a soon to be posted interview with the California opening act Funeral Party, I was told that one of the guys in that band tried to bring up that “The ‘S’ word band” and got a death stare. Eeks!

Excited, but nervous, we were hustled into a hallway to wait while sound check finished up. A Julian Casablancas song melted into…yes, my ears weren’t deceiving me…a The Strokes song. It made me feel bolder and ready to meet the esteemed performer (and it made feel bold enough to finally type out ‘Strokes’).

Once Julian finally came over to us, I was completely taken aback by his genuine niceness and relaxed vibe. He shook hands with our group, his leather jacket riding up just enough to show a glimpse of a treble clef tattoo on his right wrist. A feather clip bounced around on his dark hair as he tried to make awkward small talk. This was the man I was so afraid of? The one I thought would bite my head off if I slipped up or proved not cool enough?

As the meet-and-greet wrapped up, Julian even jokingly quipped, “Don’t worry about sticking around for that second act. Funeral Party is where it is at. Does anyone even know the name of that second guy?” Modesty from one of the US’s biggest performers? Refreshing.

Funeral Party was an enjoyable set. Sparkly, reflective ‘F’ and ‘P’ cutouts adorned the stage as the guys danced around to their Head Automatica-esque grooves. They’re a fresh act from Cali, so there were a few moments where the identity got lost (um, not sure I was ready for that slip in of the Beatles), but I think if they tighten up some more they’ve got some potential to really explode int the scene.

Now, as much as I love Julian, I ignored and I stuck around for that no-name second act he told us to skip: him. He didn’t disappoint and now that he’s sobered up and gained more control over his performance, he even topped out that the time I saw him with the Strokes.

A lot of people like to criticize the Strokes for not having worked for their success, but the more I learn and see about the side projects, the angrier I become at those that would dare call these performers unworthy of their fame. Julian’s solo album is catchy, with fun dance riffs. It is similar enough to his other band that it doesn’t alienate all his old fans, but it adventures off into synth land enough as well as some other styles that it is a great push to test what he’s capable of. Live, he stands up to the album’s solid recording sound. Now, with him touring backed with a new band that includes two drummers, while he downplays his the Strokes connection, I don’t know how you could argue that he isn’t talented and working hard to establish himself.

Julian’s solo show is hard to stand still during. He is a confident performer: his vocals never waiver as he cups the microphone close. He is an obliging performer: he thanks the crowd, treats us to a new one, two songs by the Strokes and of course, the song we all wanted to hear even though it was April: the SNL Christmas cover. “Hard to Explain” was done acoustically and was a great sing along to with his signature yowls. It really get the crowd vamped up before exploding into single “11th Dimension.” This song even had extra quirks to make it stand apart from the rest: when he got to the line, “mind full of blank…” a cymbal crash filled in his next word, while he cocked his head to the side. Before announcing, “I Wish it Was Christmas Today,” Julian said, “I don’t know. We just do it. And people like it. So we do it. It’s the Christmas song,” and the crowd absolutely exploded. I can’t even get over how excited people were for this.

As much as the audience seemed to love that song, the tune I thought was unstoppable was the encore performance of “Out of the Blue.” Fittingly shadowed in blue lights, Julian finally stepped out from the microphone stand and reached out to the audience. For the first time this whole show, he not only came out of the blue, but out of his shell – he moved around more than I had ever seen him move. The crowd fed off his energy making this song extra fun.

I must say that I’m glad I ignored Julian’s advice during the meet-and-greet and I stuck around for that second performer. There’s still some dates left on this tour and if you don’t already have tickets, get them. You’ll probably never get a chance to see him in such an intimate setting again.

Julian Casablancas’ Set List:
New One
Ludlow Street
River of Brakelights
H2e (Hard to Explain – The Strokes)
11th Dimension
I’ll Try Anything (The Strokes)
Left and Right in the Dark
Xmas (SNL cover)
–
Out of the Blue
4 Chords
(Tourist)

When I heard that The Classic Crime was playing their annual holiday show at the Showbox @ the Market, I was ecstatic that they were continuing this local tradition. With a great lineup at a legendary venue, the show promised to be just the thing to start off my holiday week the right way- a good dose of local talent mixed with just the right amount of fun and excitement.

Having been to the Showbox @ the Market enough times to find good parking during rush hour traffic, I got there early enough to stand in line and wait for doors. At seven o’clock sharp, the doors opened to a crowd of slightly damp but thoroughly excited Seattlites waiting to start the evening’s festivities. The venue had been decorated with Christmas trees and holiday lights to set the mood and the hum of an almost sold out show continued to mount as fans continued to pour in for the next half hour. At 7:30, the energy in the room was almost palpable as the first act took the stage.

First up was local band Katie Lavoie and the Verdict. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about them being on the line up since it was their first show, but I was immediately proved wrong. The sultry sound of Katie’s voice mixed with a strong background of brass, sweet guitar riffs, and a talented drummer brought back memories of big band holiday music and old school jazz. It became quickly apparent that they were full of good old fashioned local talent and would definitely be a band to keep an eye out for on future line-ups. With a quick twenty minute set, they didn’t have much time to interact with the audience but set the stage for the next local opener.

Moneta is a long time local favorite with a history of rocking the Showbox pretty well. Having opened for The Classic Crime many times before, this was only their second show since the recent member shake up. Opening with “No Surrender” off their second album Heroes, they rocked the crowd from the very beginning, showing off their new, edgier sound. Front man Jeremiah Kansky (Jerry to his fans) was his usual self, finding the diehard fans in the crowd and grabbing hands, singing in their faces, and generally working the stage and showing what the band is really about: the fans. The crowd started moshing along during other favorites like “A Better Defense,” “The Getaway” and “Letters,” showing their obvious pleasure at the band’s addictive lyrics and insatiable guitar riffs. Promoting their upcoming album release of Villians, the free downloadable single “Last Transmission” helped steal the crowd when Classic Crime front man Matt McDonald came out to help with belting the last half of the song. Finishing this amazing set was “We Fall As One” with the crowd singing at the top of their lungs and the entire band playing to their full potential- making the floor of the venue shake as fans pumped their fists in the air along with Jerry.

Third on the bill was Endeverance, hailing from neighboring town Tacoma and bringing a more mellow popish sound to the stage. Opening with “City Lights” off of their sophomore album Avenues, front man Seth brought a new kind of energy that kept the crowd going through “Masquerade” and into an acoustic ballad that had the crowd swaying back and forth. The band kept the holiday spirit alive with an acoustic rendition of “O Holy Night” before rocking the stage with the crowd favorite “Time and Time Again” complete with tambourine and Seth walking the barrier to rock out with the front of the pit. Included in this fantastic set was a slightly random show of talent with Moneta drummer Leo Martin hoping up on stage with a few floor toms and rocking out with the members of Endeverance. The crowd loved the almost Drum Corps worthy performance and Endeverance took it in stride and continued on. Polishing off this fantastic set was a long time favorite of mine, “Searching for a Call,” bringing to light the tremendous range of talent the entire band has, from ballads to rockesque hits. Since their CD release show for Avenues, it looks like they have formed a more cohesive group and have tightened up their sound a little, working out all of the kinks and putting on one heck of a good show before calling it a night and handing the stage over.

Continuing the night’s mellow tone was Kent’s very own Daphne Loves Derby, another local favorite of mine and a definite crowd favorite. This was the first show since the end of their recent headlining tour and they played a disappointingly short set of a handful of songs. After opening with “Cue the Sun” they switched it up by playing “Nouveau” and “Bedroom.” Next up was their smash single “Cute As Ever” in which front man Stu Clay invited brother Steven Clay onstage to add a touch of harmonica, making the crowd sway. During the set, it became apparent that Stu was going to switch guitars between EVERY song, but even though they were close at hand and it was a quick switch each time, it was also a little distracting and detracted overall from their set. With no mention of another album, the set was slightly bland and not up to their usual standards. Even so, D<3D played a cover of Third Eye Blind’s smash hit “Jumper” that had every person in the place singing at the top of their lungs- including the lighting tech and bartenders- and closed their set on a high note and just in time for the headlining band.

After an annoying, but necessary interlude from 104.9 The Funky Monkey’s promoters, a goosebump inducing recording of “Carol of the Bells” announced the arrival of our favorite Christmas act, The Classic Crime. Now avid fans will tell you that there is nothing like a hometown Classic Crime show and their holiday shows are even better. Busting out with the ever popular “The Way That You Are,” you could tell that Matt McDonald wasn’t quite warmed up yet, but by the time they started “Just a Man” off of their second full length album The Silver Cord, the floor was shaking and the crowd was almost as loud as the band themselves. The fun continued as “Say The Word” and a new single from their upcoming CD release (April 6th, 2010) blew everyone away. In hometown style, McDonald flirted with the crowd, saying hello to both new and old fans, and joked about Santa saying that he wouldn’t have time to deliver everyone’s presents this year. When McDonald asked Santa why he wouldn’t be able to, they launched into their addictive “Abracadavers” saying “It’s like I never have time…” Even though everyone was having a blast, it was time to tune it down a bit with mellow singles such as “Who Needs Air,” “Seattle” and “Headlights,” singles that span their first two albums Albatross and Seattle Sessions. After playing the ground shaking “The Coldest Heart” off of their debut album, they debuted a new single called “Solar Powered Life” that has been taking local radio stations by storm, and concluded with a winteresque song entitled “Salt in the Snow.” After the band waltzed off the stage to return with some holiday spirit- Santa hats for all, an acoustic version of “Silent Night” rocked the house before my all time favorite “The Fight” had everyone- even in the bar- singing at the top of their lungs. Finishing the set with a Merry Christmas, they left the stage and were done for the night.

I have to admit that being a huge Classic Crime fan, I knew the set was going to be great. But Friday night’s show was phenomenal, better than they have ever been. With two CD releases under my belt, more shows than I can count on my fingers and toes, and a few acoustic shows, that is saying a lot. Nothing but good things were said by the crowd as the venue emptied. Everyone is completely excited for the new album in April and the accompanying CD release show. Will it be any better than Friday? I think we will have to wait and see, but frankly, I can’t wait.

Photos and writing by Annastasia Gallaher

Merry Christmas or Happy Festivus or Happy whatever spelling of Channakuh you choose. No matter what you celebrate this holiday season, we hope everyone can find a free free (and legal) music downloads an agreeable gift.

• Fitz and the Tantrums are giving away Songs for a Break Up Volume I until the end of the year. Go here to download.

• Relient K are giving away their holiday tune “I Celebrate the Day” on Amazon. The song is off their 2008 release, Let It Snow Baby…Let It Reindeer. The album is also onsale at Amazon for $5.

• Peter Bradley Adams is giving away a special EP with songs from each of his three albums here.
• The Cribs – the group so good they got Johnny Marr to defect away from Modest Mouse and join them are offering up single “Cheat on Me” via Twitter. Check out how to do the tweet here.
• Anni Rossi has an entire Christmas EP available here. You just need to sign up for the mailing list.
• Sam Phillips is offering “It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas”for download here.
• Bear Ceuse is giving away “Mad As a Lion” at the top of his blog.
• On Amazon.com, there is a free download from Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas. Go here to get “Christmas with a Monkey.”
• Download Middle Distance Runner‘s new song, “Holiday (Be Good To Me).”  By right-clicking and saving here. The guys explain, “It’s a happy little ditty about all of the things we hope don’t go wrong this time of year.”

Brendon Benson and Cory Chisel share a holiday poem:

Twas the week before Christmas in Motion City Soundtrack‘s camp, so they wrote this holiday poem and offered this holiday video highlighting the deluxe edition of their upcoming release:

Sam Phillips and the Section Quartet perform “Away in a Manger”:

This Is Your Brain on Xmas is a special project of the Rondo Brothers that you can stream.

Stream The Singing Saw at Christmastime by Julian Koster. If you like the tunes, buy directly from Merge.

Celebrate “Christmas with the Jews” from Elizabeth and the Catapult.

Christmas with the Jews from Elizabeth & the Catapult on Vimeo.

And of course, check out the end of Manchester Orchestra‘s 12 Days of Christmas at their site.

On the first day of Christmas, my true loves Manchester Orchestra gave to me: one brand new song. On the second day of Christmas, my true loves Manchester Orchestra gave to me: another brand new song. You can guess where this goes from here…

That’s right. Manchester Orchestra is counting down the days until Christmas and their posting a new song every single day on their web site. That means fans will get to hear Mean Everything To Nothing in its entirety as recorded live at KBZT in San Diego. Then on Christmas day, they’ll post an extra special surprise.

So be sure to check in at ManchesterOrchestra.com each day to hear the new tunes! Merry Christmas!

Manchester Orchestra: website | myspace | Mean Everything to Nothing review | @ radio room | interview with Chris Freeman | @ lollapalooza | @ record bar | @ uptown

Not long ago, a night of raucous folk country dominated the basement of the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. New York state’s The Felice Brothers came to town on their current fall tour to show Philadelphia how to party country style, along with sixth brother and tour mate AA Bondy.

Bondy, whom I’d gotten to see for the first time at this year’s Austin City Limits, played a beautiful set on his acoustic guitar, telling tales and conjuring early Dylan. He mumbled through his stage banter, amusing the crowd with anecdotes and telling them to call him “Gus.” He introduced “I Killed Myself When I Was Young” by telling the audience that “this is a children’s song” before springing the title on them. He flatpicked his acoustic guitar through a set of lovely and moving folk songs with soothing vocals that instantly put a listener at ease. I highly recommend getting to know AA Bondy.

The tireless Felice Brothers took the stage next to a full Church and were met with raucous cheers from the crowd. Simone Felice pounded the hell out of his drum kit, often standing for better leverage and at time jumping on top of the kit and reaching out to the crowd. Blood brother Farley frantically played the fiddle, occasionally putting it aside to scratch away at an actual washboard, an instrument not typical seen on the indie rock scene.

Another uncommon instrument, the accordion, was played by James Felice, who also took a seat at the keyboard on certain songs. Bass player and blood brother Christmas exhibited a cool demeanor, yet played with energy and passion, especially when AA Bondy came out for a few songs. The most hyperactive Felice brother on stage that night was front man Ian. He was jumping all over the place when not sweetly singing into the microphone.

The crowd ate up the band’s energy and fervently sang along on upbeat numbers such as “Whiskey In My Whiskey,” “Frankie’s Gun” and “Where’d You Get The Liquor.” I noticed several women in the crowd overcome with emotion during the band’s set and push their way up, hoping just to touch Simone Felice’s hand and making eyes at him. One older woman in particular passed her flask up to him on stage when he asked if anyone brought one while introducing “Where’d You Get The Liquor.” Shocked but eagerly accepting the flask, Simone asked if she’d bake him a cake with a file in it, were he sent to jail. The woman responded with an enthusiastic “yes!” and Simone told the audience, “That’s love.”

The Felice Brothers always put on a great show so be sure to visit their MySpace page to find a show near you. They’re touring through the end of November, so no excuses for missing a set.

AA Bondy: myspace
The Felice Brothers: website | myspace