There are many blogs and music sites that take it upon themselves to write detailed reviews on albums and concerts, so you may notice that when I add my two cents, its usually to gush about a band who either achieved or exceeded my high expectations. I generally avoid writing a banal review of a band who doesn't dazzle and I rarely waste my time on negative reports. But for some reason, I am compelled to document on my humble blog that Clues are crap.
When I first heard of the band and its members' roots in the Unicorns and Arcade Fire, I clearly had high expectations. I listened to the album the same week I heard new releases from Phoenix, Metric, and Passion Pit (all albums that brought me great joy). My first go-through with the album was lackluster, but since it had been muddled with several other stellar new releases, I thought I would give it another shot when the hype of the aforementioned albums wore off. After a few weeks, a friend of mine encouraged me to listen to it with headphones to accentuate the intricacies of the album, of which there are many. However, I couldn't help but wonder if the album was poorly produced or if the band just missed the mark with what it was shooting for. I would wait to see them live to make my final judgement. And last night it all became clear to me.
Clues headlined the Rickshaw Stop with support from San Francisco local bands Geographer + Birds and Batteries. Though the show was not sold out, the floor filled quickly once the first opener Birds and Batteries began to play. Their unique style of rock-synth-pop was enough to get the crowd moving. Geographer then took the stage with an amazing display of talent and vibrant sound and filled the main floor with shifting bodies and bobbing heads.
The crowd was really energized as they waited for Clues to take the stage. However, a surprise duo called Jerusalem In My Heart (an extension of Clues) played a slow noisy interlude that killed the mood. The remaining band members shuffled on stage as the noisemakers exited and the anxious crowd waited in anticipation. What ensued was truly disappointing. Clues were neither entertaining, nor were they tight as a group. While there were moments of greatness and inspiration, they were few and far between. The majority of the performance was tedious and haughty, as if the members in the band were really only interested in playing for each other. Their self-involvement was probably the only thing keeping them from noticing that over half of the audience cleared out of the venue by the time they played their fourth song.
My judgement on the production of the album was clearly off target. This mess of talent was produced the best it could have been, and it is shame that they have to use the names of the Unicorns and Arcade Fire to sell themselves.
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Friday, June 5, 2009
Clues disappoint @ The Rickshaw Stop
Monday, March 10, 2008
Friday, December 21, 2007
NOISE POP 2008 - TILLY AND THE WALL
Tilly and the Wall will play on Sunday March 2, during Noise Pop at The Rickshaw Stop. Opening will be Capgun Coup. In the time I've taken to write this post, I've already developed a liking to Capgun Coup's raw basement-style indie pop. Definitely maybe going to see this show.
Rickshaw Stop - March 2, 2008
Show @ 6:30 - $15, ALL Ages
Monday, October 8, 2007
Etymology of Datarock
When the New York Yankees lose a game in the playoffs, it usually means the rest of my day goes quite poorly. I understand that's not something many non-sports fans can understand, but it happens. In general, I would disappear into seclusion and it is nearly impossible to get me back into a good mood. On Friday, however, I was committed to willing myself back into a good mood so I would be able to make it to a show on Friday. This was the data used into swinging me back into a good mood:
Fact: many great musical acts were in town,
Fact: it was the beginning of a long weekend,
Fact: the impending shit-show, Fleet Week, was on the horizon,
Fact: F-14s were delivering good vibes
Fact: the weather was pleasant
Fact: I had tickets to go see Datarock at the Rickshaw Stop
Conclusion: Snap out of it. It's just a game.
Datarock is a Norwegian band who describes their sound of a mixture as musical styles that they like. Simple enough. Their Wikipedia entry classifies them as Dance-punk, Electro Rock, and Post-punk revival. Clearly this is an odd combination, but it is true. It is nearly impossible to bundle their sound into one contrived definition. So, let's analyze what we know about Datarock and see if they are worthy of the name.
DATA //
da·tum [dey-tuhm, dat-uhm, dah-tuhm] noun, (singular)
da·ta [dey-tuh, dat-uh, dah-tuh] (plural)
1. a single piece of information, as a fact, statistic, or code; an item of data.
ROCK //
rock [rok]
1. to move or sway to and fro or from side to side.
2. to be moved or swayed powerfully with excitement, emotion, etc.
3. to dance to or play rock music.
4. (of popular music) to have the driving beat characteristic of rock.
5. to shake or disturb violently
They opened their set with 'New Song' and rocked it hard, loud and fast. After that, they proceeded to touch a variety of musical genres. It was like going to a concert festival where one band played every stage. And they delivered an impressive performance.
Fact: I moved and swayed to and fro or from side to side.
Fact: I was moved powerfully with excitement, emotion, etc.
Fact: I danced to rock music.
Fact: The music being played had the driving beat characteristic of rock.
Fact: It shook and disturbed me violently (when I tripped up the stairs.) Yes. up. shut up. It was a long day.
Conclusion: Datarock maintains a musical backbone as they explore the limits of their versatility and creative innovation while melding a variety of genres into an extraordinarily unique collection of songs that truly rock.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Concerts For Everyone
If you are even remotely into seeing live music, there's a concert for you on October 5th. In fact, five bands spanning three decades will be playing at 5 different venues, and I probably wouldn't judge you if you went to see any one of them. Maybe.
Early 80's enthusiasts can go see the original members of the Go-Go's at the Independent. If you prefer hearing something from the late 80's and early 90's, well, you can go see the Black Crowes at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. How about the original members of The Beta Band who formed in the late 90's? Their new project is called The Aliens, and you can see them at Slim's. Still not your fancy? Well, possibly The Shins who rose to fame in the early 2000's might tickle your pickle. As for the me, I'm going to the Rickshaw Stop to see a band called Datarock whose freshman release was just two years ago. Here's a video of one of their songs, Computer Camp Love.
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UPDATED 9/22 - HONEYCUT is also playing on 10/5. They will be performing at Bottom of the Hill. Might have to double up Honeycut and Datarock...
San Francisco Live Music
SFlivemusic
Friday, September 7, 2007
Just Announced: The Pipettes @ Bimbo's 365
The Pipettes will be performing at Bimbo's on Monday October 29th. Tickets are $15 in advance / $17 at the door. Doors at 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. This an 18+ show.
San Francisco Live Music
SFlivemusic
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
M.I.A. FREE SHOW
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Shout Out Louds @ Popscene (Rickshaw Stop)
OK, moving on to some new music. There is so much happening tonight in live music in San Francisco as I discussed in my post from a few days ago. 
Just got back from the show... Shout Out Louds were great... but Vampire Weekend took the cake. Look out for the guys in the top right (Vampire Weekend) in the very near future. Now I gotta get some rest so I can be ready for RATATAT tomorrow...
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