Sally on Music

www.pitchforkmedia.com/news/05-10/18.shtml

Exciting news for a MN musician! It is so fun to watch a talented artist work their way up in the industry. From watching him play at my little college’s “arbstock” spring concert to the tiny 400 bar to his first main room show at First Avenue to being asked to open for some of Modest Mouse’s midwest shows, I am absolutely thrilled that he is finally getting the attention he deserves. Maybe next year Coachella! Seriously!

Wow.  Let me just say that the band Doves knows how to utilize lighting to enhance their music. Their show at the HOB San Diego last night was a treat. I was extremely disappointed last April when they pulled out of the Coachella Festival but this mishap may have allowed me to see them at SD’s premier (in my opinion) live music venue.  The sound in HOB is superior to other small venues and for some reason the stage seems to possess a certain ambience similar to say, MTV unplugged shows. I don’t know how to explain it but even though this was essentially a rock show, the visual of the stage was soft and glowing.  Doves songs and the lead vocals are somewhat repetitious in sound and mood but the light show made them feel like power pop or rock opera at times. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to say that lighting made the show before.  Strange but true.

Sounds like Modest Mouse

Just a little tribute to one of the only bands that makes me want to actually headbang or whatever that hair tossing, head thrashing movement wants to be called.

Foo Fighters took the stage in San Diego’s own COX arena last night and rocked my world. Dave Grohl is special b/c he can not only rock out and captivate like a star but manages to keep the show light and personable with his intersong banter. They played all their big hits and many songs from In Your Honor, closing with an encore of Cold Day in the Sun (Taylor Hawkins on vocals and guitar) and Monkeywrench. Predictable set list although an unexpected “soft” version of Everlong was thrown in the main set as well as a CCR cover (under the bayou?).

Weezer’s live performance has been said to be hit or miss. I’ve now had the opportunity to see both. Their set at 2005 Coachella Music Festival was boring for lack of a better word. Last night, on the other hand, was a totally dynamic and lively set by the ever so quirky (and super cute) Rivers Cuomo and Co. Frequent sharing of lead vocals was a previously unnoticed twist for me. Maybe b/c they all sound exactly the same. Weezer actually threw in 2 tracks from Pinkerton (El Scorcho and The Good Life) which had me jumping and singing like a fool.

Both Rivers and Dave made their way to the far end of the stadium at one point in their respective sets and created a very intimate experience for all. Great show and even better company, thanks for putting up with all my jumping around Mike

 I really wish I could say that I liked them more. They are one of those bands who have achieved much acclaim by reviewers and fans alike.  So many of my friends with highly respectable musical taste are huge fans.  Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with me? Why can’t I get into this sound? Whenever I hear them on the radio I turn it up in anticipation that this will be the time they excite me, grow on me, or at least make me want to listen. So far Interpol has let me down with their (in my opinion) uninspired songs.  To each their own, Mike, and I still think you rock.