Showing posts with label Delta Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Delta Spirit. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

25 Albums, 25 Days

Many thanks to Audra for the birthday post... and yes, if you know me at all, the best gift you can give me is to pretend to think I'm funny. So, in addition to reveling in all the laughter I'll be generating today and celebrating my rental car-eligibility, I figured that sharing 25 of my favorite albums over 25 days would be a good way to honor turning 25 on the 25th. I know what you're thinking... "But Matt, all you do is give and give!" To which I'd say, "You're right! I'm probably the most amazing person you know!!" Regardless, it'll give me something to do and is a good excuse to take at least one study break every day. If you want to actually download the Album of the Day (and why the hell wouldn't you?!?), you'll have to email either me or Audra to get the link. I doubt anyone would care that I'm sharing their music with a few people, but I don't really understand the law. Besides, how could I possibly be able to remember all the things I'm not supposed to do?!? Anyway, once you have the link, all the albums will be in the same place and a new one will be added every day (only the most recent 5 will be downloadable [not a word]... don't dilly-dally!), so bookmark that bad boy, sit back, and relax. It's like Hanukkah... except like three times as long (that's what she said)!


So without further ado, let's talk a little about Delta Spirit's Ode To Sunshine. I have to thank my brother for introducing me to this San Diego band towards the end of last year (in fact, that's going to be a common theme for a lot of these albums... you can thank Mark [seen below doing a cover of The National's "Slow Show"] for most of the music in the next 25 days. And yes, I've already invested in his music career). These guys have toured with the Cold War Kids, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Dr. Dog... and if you've heard any of those bands, you have a good idea of what's in store: good, ol' fashioned rhythm and blues guitar with a rolling piano, well-rationed harmonica, and the emotive pipes of lead singer Matt Vasquez. You'd being doing yourself a disservice by skipping tracks, but album highlights include "Trashcan," "People, Turn Around," "Children," and "Streetwalker." They're a great listen, and since I'm going to their concert tonight, they're the perfect band to kick off "25 in 25."

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Get Thee To A Concert (or 5)!

In an effort to avoid going to concerts alone, here are some events happening in the near future in Atlanta. Also included are a few shows later this year, but tickets will undoubtedly sell out soon. Recommendation for purchasing tickets? Unless they're being sold through Ticket Alternative, you're better off going to the box office.

Feb. 25th: Delta Spirit -The Drunken Unicorn
This is a fantastically fun band with a great album called Ode To Sunshine, and if you want an idea of just exactly how awesome their live show will be, you can check it out for yourself. If it's any incentive, The Drunken Unicorn is a part of MJQ Concourse... yes, that MJQ. It serves as the perfect hole-in-the-wall venue for some rollicking piano, guitars, and even the occasional rock harmonica.

Mar. 3rd: Tapes n' Tapes - The Earl; Jesse McCartney - Center Stage
What?!? How am I possibly supposed to decide between these two shows??? I mean, on one hand, you have music blog favorites Tapes n' Tapes, and although their sophomore album Walk It Off doesn't quite reach the same highs as their debut (The Loon), I would imagine their live show being pretty intense. And on the other hand? Well, the man who penned "Leavin'" is always going to command consideration. It's a good thing I have an exam this week, or I'd have to find a way to be in two places at one time.



Mar. 10th: King Kahn and the Shrines - The Masquerade
Please watch the first 5 minutes. That's all I'm asking. If you're not convinced that this show would be almost too entertaining... well, I hope someone can help you.

Mar. 20th: Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - Fox Theater; A.C. Newman - The Earl
As much as I'd like to see Ryan Adams (and possibly Mandy Moore!), I've already got tickets for A.C. Newman, aka one of the members of Canada's indie all-star band, New Pornographers. Newman's debut solo album The Slow Wonder was amazing, and he's touring behind the extremely solid follow-up Get Guilty. Also, it was way cheaper... and I'm poor.

Mar. 26th: Cut Copy - The Masquerade
Go to this show. Seriously. Stop reading, buy tickets, get In Ghost Colours, listen to it, dance, repeat. Then imagine how awesome it'd be to go to their show. A sea of awkward music nerds dancing and screaming for the electronic music that just LET'S THEM BE WHO THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE! I'm adding visual evidence for just how kickass this show is going to be. The guy used his guitar for a cymbal hit!! That's the kind of outside-the-box thinking you're only going to find from Cut Copy. Aussies are crazy like that.


Well... that takes you through the end of March. The National and Bonnie "Prince" Billy are both playing in May (although not together) at the Variety Playhouse. Just giving some advance notices because they may sell out. Anyways, hope to see people out!