Ok, so I planned on posting the rest of my Pygmalion experience sooner, but I’m still pretty sick and school comes first, and speaking of school. I’m taking the MCAT. Happy? I know someone who is….Mom. I guess I’m sorta happy too and terrified. Nothing like more stress poured over stress then simmered in stress, and sprinkled in…ok nvm…Pygmalion:
So Friday, September 19, 2008:
Dr. Manhattan @ Red Herring
This was by far my favorite day of the entire event! I went to Red Herring, btw this was my night to cover for Buzz so I paid extra attention. This was my first time at the Red Herring, and I liked it as a music venue. Its really really cozy, and warm. It got really hot actually, but it was still nice. The lighting is great and you’re able to get really close to the band. I was able to catch Gentlemen Auction House, Tall Tale, and Dr. Manhattan. There really weren’t any ballads or slow songs played, which I thought was great. I don’t have a boyfriend and I’m not sad so I don’t need to hear any crooning. I’m just out to have fun and that’s the sort of music I heard Friday, high energy, fun, stand up music. One thing I really liked about all three bands at Red Herring was the fact they weren’t just guitar, drums, and bass, they utilized other instruments as well, and yeah I know a lot of groups do, but I liked it ok. So basically I had a good time…Pictures!!!
Gentelmen Auction House @ Red Herring
Then after Red Herring I walked over to Canopy Club to check out Black Mountain a band from Canadia, no that is not spelled wrong. It should be Canadia since they’re called Canadians. Their sound is psychedelic; it sorta takes you to the 60’s inside of a shag-carpeted van. I should know I lived it, this is what my 13th lifetime? Anyway, one thing though Black Mountain are cool people. They don’t get angry with Americans. Some A**holes at the front of the stage started yelling some ignorant drunk crap at them and they just took it in stride. Which was smart, and only made Candians look better than us, like they already do. I have to say also their music is crafted. You can hear the work they put into it. It has so many intricacies, and little grooves to appriciate.
Hood Internet @ Canopy
The best for me was defenitely the end though with The Hood Internet. Its made up of two guys who are genius. Take some of the best hip-hop, rap, dance, and pop music and then mix it together with some indie inspired electro-beats and you have a great dance party that I wish lasted much longer. Not to mention I was dancing with a really cute, cute, cute guy (who wasn’t blonde!). He was so awesome and a great dancer and danced with me and only me all-night, and he dressed well. Ok he looked like Joe Jonas too. I had to say it, its true. The best part really was that everyone there just got crazy. People were taking off layers of clothing, guys were topless, it was sweaty, but fun. I actually would have preferred if some guys weren’t topless though.
Saturday, September 20, 2008:
The Living Blue @ Exile on Main
The final day!! I got my cousin, Julian, his girlfriend, and my roomate to head out with me Saturday. We went to Exhile on Main and got to see the Living Blue. My cousin really liked them, but now he can’t stop talking about the band he’s starting…with what instruments, I do not know. Then it was time to eat, and then around 7:30 time for Yo La Tengo at Krannert Center. Ok so I was sick, and I fell asleep, but I was consistantly going in and out of consciousness, and I really enjoyed what I caught, but after Yo La Tengo I took a nap for like an hour in my car while my cousin and everyone else did whatever, you can ask them.
Luckily I woke up in time for Highlights and Asobi Seksu. I was really waiting for Asobi Seksu the most out of all the bands, and being able to see them in person was inspiring. Also I really loved the Headlights, and I didn’t know one of their songs was used in a Grey’s Anatomy episode. The Headlights put on a great show, and you can tell the members are close, and how much they enjoy performing. Their music is nicely refined, they’ve certainly created their own sound that separates them from other groups. They get compared to Postal Service often, but once you hear them you can see the Headlights are in it for themselves.
Headlights @ Canopy
Asobi Seksu @ Canoopy
Asobi Seksu’s sound is ethereal, its like translucent sheets of colored paper that layer over one another making the most beautiful pattern. Hmmm…I like that. I guess that’s why its called shoe-gazing, because it does take you to a sorta starry-eyed place. I dunno, I get a wide range of imagery when I listen to their music. They’ve also been recently signed to Polyvinyl Records which is based right here in Champaign, IL and the label also hosts the Headlights, of Montreal, and The M’s. I had such a good time at the last show, but it was sorta bittersweet. I was tired so I was glad to finally be able to rest, but I wanted to start all over again from the beginning. Oh well, there’s always next year?
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