popwreckoning

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I had my doubts about Kanrocksas when I received the email regarding the press conference to announce the festival’s lineup. “A festival held at Kansas Speedway,” I thought to myself “will no doubt be a bunch a metal bands.”

Man was I was wrong. Offering a lineup featuring servings from some of the best bands in the world, Kanrocksas was the real deal and had landed right in my backyard. So, as I drove under the speedway into the VIP to catch the day’s first band, I felt as excited as I had for a festival in years. I parked, slid into the media center briefly, then bolted for my first band.

UME:

You know that groggy feeling that you sometimes will get when you wake up early for work on a day following a long night? You fumble to collect your clothes, somewhat unsuccessfully, gathering whatever laundry has pooled in piles on the floor of your bedroom. Skipping the shower, you rush to your neighborhood gas station to grab a red bull to supply whatever energy you can muster up to kick off the day.

In terms of the first annual Kanrocksas Music Festival, UME was that red bull. Taking stage early, these Austin, Texas firecrackers kicked open the door for what would be a great first day, with an energy and poise that left many bands standing in their shadow.

Rocking kind of a Jeckle and Hyde image, Lauren Larson sound checks and speaks in a shy and sheepish manner, before exploding into a large energetic ball of chaos. Sporting a great 1990′s sound, complete with swirling guitar and raspy snarling vocals, UME’s stage show is unquestionably worth mentioning. Their set left a thumbprint on me that would last the whole day, as they showed up several bands lower on the bill. I expect huge things from this band and will be disappointed if the world offers them anything less.

Fitz and the Tantrums:

There is no questioning the fact that the chemistry between Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs is real. While watching this band, every line of every song seems to be a tip of the hat to the passion that these two share for both each other and for music.

With a jazzy retro sound and soul train moves, Fitz and the Tantrums plowed through a stellar set, which included covers “Steady as She Goes” by The Raconteurs (corrected at 11:46 p.m. 8/7/2011) and “Sweet Dreams” by Annie Lennox. As if that were not enough to please, their crowd interactive set lit the Kanrocksas crew up, causing a stir I hadn’t expected in the 192 degree weather. Dancing and grinding around the pit area of the speedway, one would have to assume those in attendance put their complaints of sunburns and dehydration on hold, trading them for a prom dance throwback.

A stellar set from a stellar band.    

D12:

Sadly, my streak of sets that captured my heart would stall right there. D12 seemed rack with technical difficulties and lackluster efforts in front of roughly 2,000 viewers, the group honestly serves as my biggest disappointment of Kanrocksas. Having seen D12 before (when I was like, 16) I remembered them as a high energy, wicked funny rap group, slightly out of place at Warped Tour. However, I also remember walking away both impressed and stunned enough to grab their albums off the shelves. Sadly, the D12 on stage at Kanrocksas was not the D12 I remembered loving. Flowing over beats that seemed misguided and somewhat sloppy, the set simply flopped.

However, that would not stop a large mass of fans to sit, hopeful to catch an early glimpse of Eminem. They would in the end walk away empty handed.

Jack’s Mannequin:

I was of the small percentage of journalists who skipped Arctic Monkeys set to catch former Something Corporate front man Andrew McMahon’s newish project Jack’s Mannequin. Having always been a fan of his emotional performances and energetic stage presence, I figured I would no doubt find a bit of recovery from D12′s lackluster set.

Without a doubt, I was. Busting out old favorites and premiering new singles Jack’s Mannequin left nothing to be desired. Shifting, twitching and switching between two mics, McMahon ran the gambit of emotional content, ranging from cancer, coming to age and coming to terms with breakups.

While I’m sure some people would question my choice to skip Arctic Monkeys for a band that causes 16 year old fangirls to crowd the stage with “I fucking love you Andrew” signs, I have no regrets with my decision based on one solid fact: Andrew McManon is truly the nicest man in music. That should always be supported.

Regardless, for those who desire them, here are Scott’s Arctic Monkey’s Photos:

Check out Kanrocksas: Day One, Part Two featuring  Kid Cudi, Ween, Bassnectar, Flaming Lips and Eminem soon!

Jack’s Mannequin is gearing up for the release of People and Things on October 4th, and the new album is now available for pre-order.  There are three pre-order bundles available- all include 4 bonus tracks that will be delivered digitally on release day along with the full album and an instant download of the first single “My Racing Thoughts ” (currently streaming on jacksmannequin.com  and available for purchase on iTunes.) The deluxe pre-order bundle also includes a limited edition autographed artbook and a postcard set featuring photos taken by Andrew McMahon on the road.

People and Things is Andrew McMahon’s third studio release as Jack’s Mannequin, following 2005′s Everything in Transit and 2008′s The Glass Passenger.  Jack’s Mannequin will be previewing a few new songs from People and Things on a couple of dates on this year’s Vans Warped Tour followed by a month-long co-headlining tour with Guster starting August 7th in Baltimore. Additionally, Jack’s Mannequin just announced their fall headlining tour with Motion City Soundtrack, and a full list of dates can be found below.

1. My Racing Thoughts
2. Release Me
3. Television
4. Amy, I
5. Hey Hey Hey (We’re All Gonna Die)
6. People, Running
7. Amelia Jean
8. Platform Fire
9. Hostage
10. Restless Dream
11. Casting Lines

Tour Dates:

Jack’s Mannequin have released a trailer for their new album, People And Things out October 4, which can be viewed below.

New Kansas City camping music festival Kanrocksas has revealed the details of its lineup and location.

The festival will feature headliners Muse and Eminem at the Kansas Speedway. Eminem will headline Friday and Muse will be performing Saturday.

Also performing will be Tinie Tempah, Fitz & The Tantrums, Arctic Monkeys, Jack’s Mannequin, Flogging Molly, Primus, Girl Talk, D12, Kid Cudi, The Flaming Lips, A Perfect Circle and The Black Keys.

The event is August 5-6, 2011. The organizers say even more bands will be added to the festival.

You can find more information by visiting kanrocksas.com or following the festival on Twitter and Facebook.

Not too long ago, I had the chance to see a private university show of Jack’s Mannequin. This show came shortly after Andrew McMahon‘s solo tour to support the release of Dear Jack. As a result, it was one of the group’s first shows as a full band after that break and while they were a little unpracticed (McMahon said they hadn’t played “Swim” in three weeks as a band even though that is the current single), they had an extra eagerness to their performance and a desire to have some fun during this reunion.

Erin McCarley opened up. The folk rock singer has roots in the Hotel Cafe and as a result, she has a definite Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles vibe. Joined by friend and musical companion Jamie Kenney on piano, McCarley impressed with her powerful vocals and Kenney provided a great compliment when he harmonized with her.  When “Love, Save the Empty” came up in the set, the predominately female audience filled with your stereotypical “Grey’s Anatomy” fans got excited to hear the song popularized on the show, but I got excited when she took on Suzanne Vega‘s “Tom’s Diner.” She made the song her own in an excellent rendition.

Andrew McMahon is one of my favorite performers. I love how he can make a huge room (in this case a gymnasium), feel like an intimate living room show as if he’s playing for his closest friends. I also love the crazy amount of energy he pours into his set. As his fingers fly across the key, he wraps his legs around the bench and bounces up and down until a final burst of energy causes him to either jump up on the keys or even hit the piano with his chair like he did on “Bloodshot.”

I also love how unique he makes each of his tours. There was a new intro added on “Dark Blue,” “Holiday” began as a solo piece, and I love when he slips into a cover of “U2″ and works bits of “The Mixed Tape” into  “MFEO.”

Though “What Gets You Off” is the supposed “Orgasmanator” of the set, I would say that the audience got a greater high from “Bloodshot” or being rebellious enough to curse at a Catholic school during “Holiday.”

They band graced the crowd with a three-song encore that included their popular cover of MGMT‘s “Kids.” Since it was a school function, it was an early night, but the band gave the audience a complete and fulfilling experience.
Set List:
I’m Ready
Bruised
The Resolution
Miss Delaney
What Gets You Off
Dark Blue
Rescued
Spinning
Holiday From Real
Crashin
Swim
The Mixed Tape
Bloodshot
MFEO
///
Kids (MGMT)
Watch the Sky
La La Lie

Jack’s Mannequin: website | myspace | interview 2009 | @ kegs and eggs | @ midland theatre | @ sokol underground | interview with pt. 1 | interview with pt. 2 | dear jack review

Speaking from the girl who claims The Starting Line as one of her top three favorite bands, I was ecstatic when I heard that Kenny Vasoli was starting a new band after the sad, seemingly abrupt ending of TSL. It’s becoming apparently that a lot of members of bands start new projects simply for the fact that they feel their new sound will not match their previous bands’ i.e. Andrew McMahon (Jack’s Mannequin), Craigery Owens (Cinematic Sunrise), Stephen Christian (Anchor and Braille) and now Kenny Vasoli and Person L.

I have to admit though, after hearing Person L’s debut album, Initial, I was a little hesitant. It was extremely different than the pop-punk, catchy vibe of The Starting Line and I selfishly didn’t know if I was okay with that. Vasoli has changed directions and moved into a more offbeat, groovey folk rock sound. That may sound like a strange combination, but if you have listened to Person L’s first album, Initial, you know that it is difficult to describe their eclectic sound. Their follow up album entitled The Positives continues on the same track, but it’s apparent that this album is a little more radio friendly than their debut. With an album full of one-of-a-kind beats and Vasoli’s passionately unique voice, The Positives is a strong follow up to Initial.

The album is kicked off with the starting track “Hole In The Fence,” a song with a mellow beginning but it explodes into a drum-driven instrumental piece with almost a triumphant feeling to it. It becomes obvious that this album has an underlying theme about change by the 3rd track, “The Positives.” I believe this song resonates the meaning behind Person L the best, quoting Vasoli’s lyrics – “At the risk of sounding like a hypocrite, cause lord knows I’ve changed myself.” “The Positives” is followed up by straight rock and roll tracks “Goodness Gracious” and “New Sensations.” “New Sensations” has a classic 70s rocker feel to it aided by slick guitar breakdowns and the edgy attitude in Vasoli’s voice. The “change” image is presented blatantly with track 9, “Changed Man.” The predominantly upbeat album is brought to a halt with the mellow, eerie melody of “Stay Calm.” The epic “Untitled” quickly displays the fury and positive strain of Vasoli’s voice. His vocals are the definitely driving force behind this very fierce and intense album.

Whether you are a fan of Person L or not, everyone has to agree upon the fact that Vasoli has one of the strongest, most recognizable voices in the business. Although, that is kind of a catch 22 because yes, his voice is amazing on this record, but he was with The Starting Line for so long that now the only thing I think of when I hear his voice is them. It’s hard to get past the pop-punk legacy of The Starting Line. However, I recently saw Person L on tour as an opener for John Nolan, and I was completely blown away by the energy he had on stage. You could initially sense the explosive passion he felt about Person L that I had never really sensed with The Starting Line. I am a self-proclaimed music snob, and this album isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but it is evident that it is a very well put together album, and if you were a fan Initial, you will no doubt love The Positives.

Track Listing:
01. Hole In The Fence
02. Good Days
03. The Positives
04. Goodness Gracious
05. New Sensation
06. Stay Calm
07. Sit Tight
08. Loudmouth
09. Changed Man
10. Pleasure Is All Mine
11. Untitled
12. I Sing The Body Electric

Person L: myspace | Intial review | @ the record bar

As they wrap up their tour supporting Taking Back Sunday and dive into more headline dates on the west coast, fun. debut a brand new video for “All The Pretty Girls,” – the popular track off their critically acclaimed debut album, Aim And Ignite.

Now, in the midst of more headline shows, fun. announce their first set of tour dates in 2010, joining Jack’s Mannequin on a 12-city tour across the country (with more dates being added!).

Don’t miss fun.

Tour Dates:

Headline shows

Nov. 11 – Chain Reaction / Anaheim, CA
Nov. 13 – Troubadour / West Hollywood, CA

Tour dates w/ Jack’s Mannequin

Feb. 5 – The Showbox / Seattle, WA
Feb. 6 – Roseland / Portland, OR
Feb. 7 – Knitting Factory / Spokane, WA
Feb. 9 – In the Venue / Salt Lake City, UT
Feb. 11 – Cal State Union / Sacramento, CA
Feb. 12 – House of Blues / Las Vegas, NV
Feb. 16 – The White Rabbit / San Antonio, TX
Feb. 17 – House of Blues / Dallas, TX
Feb. 19 – The Beaumont / Kansas City, MO
Feb. 20 – First Avenue / Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 24 – Egyptian Room / Indianapolis, IN
Mar. 5 – The Norva / Norfolk, VA

fun.: website | myspace

Stacy Clark, the talented artist praised for her debut Apples and Oranges and recently recognized for the backing vocals on the popular Jack’s Mannequin album, The Glass Passenger, has been hard at work on her second solo album.

She recently announced her separation from Shangrila and is now moving forward to release her sophomore album Connect the Dots independently this January 2010.

In addition to a new album, Clark also plans on releasing new videos, new artwork and a new website.

Check out a new song from Connect the Dots:

.“Anywhere”

Stacy Clark: website | myspace | Apples and Oranges review

“Dear Jack,” a documentary exploring Andrew McMahon’s struggles against cancer, while trying to put out a record is a vulnerable piece, yet when filled with hope. Narrated by Tommy Lee and made mostly of video filmed by McMahon himself, this piece offers a remarkably refreshing look on life that is something all should see. PopWreckoning’s Sara, recently saw the film and offers a more detailed review and description here.

While “Dear Jack” is currently available to purchase at Jack’s Mannequin’s site (which I do recommend doing), we do have one DVD package to give away.

To win a “Dear Jack” package including a “Dear Jack” poster, DVD and a “Swim” art book, simply comment and tell us what “Swim” means to you before Friday, Nov. 6 at 12 p.m. CDT. We’ll then pick a winner.

Please use a valid email address when entering. Must be a U.S. resident to enter (sorry to our far away readers).

****

Thanks to all who entered! Your responses were wonderful. This contest is now closed.

Jack’s Mannequin: website | myspace | interview 2009 | @ kegs and eggs | @ midland theatre | @ sokol underground | interview with pt. 1 | interview with pt. 2 | dear jack review

Many of us are familiar with the brilliance of Andrew McMahon. I, for one, am unsure I would have made it through my freshman year of college without Something Corporate’s Leaving Through the Window album. I can’t tell you the countless times I curled up on my bed during my first semester, missing my friends and family in Michigan as I tried to grow acclimated to my new life in Pittsburgh with “Cavanaugh Park” on repeat. I remember being in awe the first time I saw the band live at Duquesne University, McMahon’s piano drenched in a swirl of blue murals derived from the cover art from North. I have put songs from his first release with Jack’s Mannequin, Everything in Transit, on endless amounts of mix tapes and CDs. When I fell on hard times in Pittsburgh and decided to leave Steel Town for the West Coast, “Swim,” off of the band’s most recent album, The Glass Passenger, was one of the only things that kept me convinced that I’d be ok. Andrew McMahon’s work has always been touching and brilliant and sometimes entirely too adept at hitting you where it counts.

Those of us familiar with his work had also already heard the heartbreaking and heartwarming story of his battle with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia. However, the documentary “Dear Jack” shows it to us in a much more intimate way. Having the fortune of seeing the screening of “Dear Jack” with Andrew’s family and friends, I could not feel more blessed that I got to share the event with the people closest to him. Walking into it, I was sure the film would be a tearjerker, and I wasn’t wrong. But at the end of it all, I realized something. This movie is not a sappy weep-fest. It’s a love story–in more ways than one.

From the very beginning, it’s easy to see that it’s a love story between a boy and his music. Throughout the entire length of McMahon’s battle with ALL, you almost wonder if the disease or the lack of being able to perform is causing him more pain.

It’s a love story between a boy and a girl. Early on, we’re introduced to Kelly, the young woman who would eventually become Mrs. Andrew McMahon. With her sugar-sweet smile and freckles, it’s easy to see why he fell for her. It’s also absolutely heart-wrenching to see journal excerpts declaring how much he misses her as the film details the havoc that touring, the illness, and various other factors wreaks on their relationship.

It’s a love story between a boy and his family. One of the most touching moments in the flick is seeing an incredibly frail and gaunt Andrew pour his heart out in a song written for his sister, “There, There Katie,” just before receiving a bone marrow transplant from her. He states that he was never incredibly close to his family at one point, but they are an ever-present feature in the movie, surrounding him with the love and hope he needs to get well.

Finally, it’s a love story for life. Much of the documentary consists of self-shot camcorder clips of Andrew in the hospital, waxing philosophical, shaving his head, losing his hair to chemotherapy, joking with his family, being with Kelly, and brushing his teeth. All of it a video scrapbook of wanting to remember life, just in case it was taken away from him.

I spoke with Andrew for a moment after the film. He told me it was his first time seeing “Dear Jack” with anyone else. “I felt incredibly exposed,” he says with a nervous smile, his arms folded in, hugging himself. But I guarantee he was also feeling incredibly loved afterward, surrounded by his family and friends (which apparently includes Pauly Shore, I might add), receiving a wealth of hugs, being told how beautiful his story was. I couldn’t agree more. “Dear Jack” is even more touching than anything McMahon has given us with Something Corporate or Jack’s Mannequin. It will easily evoke the desire to begin your own love affair with music, family, life and then some.

“Dear Jack” is now available. Purchase it at jacksmannequin.com.

Jack’s Mannequin: website | myspace | interview 2009 | @ kegs and eggs | @ midland theatre | @ sokol underground | interview with pt. 1 | interview with pt. 2