wow

Wow. We saw The Flaming Lips last night and I think it's fair to say that I've never been so incredibly moved at a concert before. Considering all the bands and musicians I've seen in concert, that's saying a lot. Many bands that I've seen have been amazing, and even moving, but in a much different way. Opening for the Flaming Lips was Black Moth Super Rainbow, whose songs are (as described by imageyenation.com) "ancient and organic, but at the same time futuristic and robotic." For more good words, go here. I'm not sure if they're joining the Lips on their entire tour, but they were really great. With their own crazy screen images and funk, they a perfect segway into the happy, psychedelic, streamer-shooting, bouncy-balloon, crazy-red-laser-lights-everywhere scene that followed. I have NEVER seen anything like it. Sitting two seats down from us was a woman who had seen them 14 times! Now, I understand the addiction. Although "Do You Realize" made me cry, it was so fun and so happy... and just what I needed.

These great photos were taken by Tom Daly for an interview with Michael Ivins on monkeyclaus.

a great show!

Although it sounds like the Heartless Bastards had a pretty hectic day yesterday and were late to arrive into Kansas City from Minneapolis, they put on one hell of a show. Starting the night off was The Sixteens, an all girl band from Kansas City who screamed their way through their set. Call me old fashioned, but I just don't dig that. Their gritty punk(ish) music was kinda fun at times, but overall I was waiting for them to finish. Next up was The Only Children, from Lawrence, KS, who blend rock/rockabilly/folk into one fun marvelous sound. I liked lead singer Josh Berwanger's voice and when his bandmates sing along, they harmonize nicely. Band member Heidi-Lynne Gluck also has a great voice that she highlighted in their song Amen Amen. There were quite a few songs I liked, and today I regret not picking up their new cd, Keeper of Youth...all in good time. Finally, the Heartless Bastards were up and despite their hectic day, they were great. Lead singer Erika Wennerstrom is an amazing talent; her lyrics, honest and raw. Despite the fact that she's probably no taller than me (5'3"), she can really belt it. Her voice gives such force and presence that you can't help but take notice and listen. Bassist Mike Lamping and drummer Kevin Vaughn are equally talented and are spot on. Together, they put on an amazing, fun, inspiring show with a lot of heart.

the Heartless Bastards

To say music has played a significant role in my life would be an understatement, perhaps. From a young age, I've always been pretty influenced by what I'm listening to. When I was younger, playing the violin, the classical music I listened to filled my heart. The more I listened to, the more I wanted to understand and learn to play. Although I eventually gave up the violin so I could focus on art stuff, my love of music never left. Like most people, I have my faves that I could listen to over and over (and never get tired of hearing), but I also love hearing new stuff. I especially love it when friends of mine recommend something new. Which brings me to the Heartless Bastards. My friend Rachel saw them in concert not too long ago in Lawrence, KS and loved them. After hearing them, she passed their 2006 cd, All This Time, onto me and I immediately wanted to hear more. I recently found their first cd at Half Price Books, which I scooped up and like just as well. On June 2nd, we're seeing them here in KC at The Record Bar. I can hardly wait! (Tickets are still available, by the way.)

VOLTA is out now!

WOW! Bjork's new album, Volta, is out and I am once again amazed and blown away by what is contained within it. This album features a new instrument called the Reactable, which Bjork recently debuted during her first Volta concert in Iceland. As I listened to the album this afternoon while painting, what stuck out the most for me was the tugboat sounds that are placed in between the songs. The inclusion of horns and brass is also pretty striking. Although sometimes infused with electronic beats, the horns stand out and remind me of the Anchor Song from her first solo album, Debut. The coolest thing about listening to her music is that I know I am always going to hear something in a new way. I may have heard the instrument(s) before, but she re-interprets it and re-invents it in a way that becomes new. Be sure to check out the link about the Reactable. It's like nothing you've ever seen before.

currently listening to....

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I went to go see The Decemberists here in Kansas City. We had never seen/heard them live, so we were really excited. Before leaving the house, Jake checked online to see who the opening band was. As it turns out, it was My Brightest Diamond. Neither of us had heard of them, which added to our excitement. The concert was amazing - both bands were absolutely incredible live. My Brightest Diamond grabbed me right away. Since the concert, I haven't been able to stop listening to their 2006 cd, Bring Me The Workhorse. I haven't had that kind of reaction to a new band/cd a in a long time!