Yr Funny Valentine » music

I hope it’s gonna make you notice

larn — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:27:23 +0000

I love this Kings of Leon song. And I love Paramore. Therefore, I love this Paramore cover of this KoL song.

Celebrate Brooklyn!

larn — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:22:42 +0000

Last evening I traversed the city to Brooklyn (via subway train which took like an hour and caused lots of sweatiness) to meet Andrew in Prospect Park for a free concert. Free concerts in the park(s) are highly popular, mostly because they’re free, but also because they’re entertaining. I expected not to have very good seats, because my confusion as to where the hell I was going caused me to get there only half an hour before the opening act started. And while the view from the chairs we snagged was pretty uninterrupted and fairly close, the seats themselves were far from “good.” Metal folding chairs are not the optimal places to rest yr bum for … however long Andrew and I were sitting there.

The main performers were Kronos Quartet, a string-playing foursome (two violins, a viola and a cello), and even though you probably think you haven’t heard of them, I’m sure you’ve probably at least heard them at some point (especially if you’ve seen Requiem for a Dream or The Fountain).

Having loved the Requiem for a Dream music, I knew what kind of music they played, and I was looking forward to seeing them. Especially after reading in “Time Out New York” that they play covers of Sigur Ros songs. But I think I was completely unprepared for just how amazing it was going to be. Alternating between acutely intense—like when they played music from their 9/11 anniversary concert—and sweetly romantic, between classic and modern, Kronos Quartet put on a highly impressive show. I wasn’t even disappointed that they hadn’t played the Requiem music by the time they left the stage, but when the encore rolled around and that’s what they played, I was more than glad to soak it in. I’ve never heard any of their CD releases, but you can guarantee that I am tracking them down as we speak… or as I type this… anyway, after this long tirade, here’s a video of Kronos Quartet from Prospect Park last night. It’s 8 minutes, but it’s spectacular. Enjoy!

Sure, I know it’s apocalypse

larn — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:29:37 +0000

(But can’t it wait ’til I kiss your lips?)

Seven years in the making and all I can say is that my first Mates of State show was a blast. I was in the front—my elbows were resting on the stage. Jason and Kori are adorable when they make faces at each other when they play. Somehow I have a thing for husband-and-wife-band duos (see also Over the Rhine). They played a generous mix of old and new, even attempting to play a request from the crowd that, unfortunately, Kori couldn’t remember (Along for the Ride, which I love). I took some pics, but I’m in the process of moving, and my camera usb cabley thingy is at the new place while my camera is here. I’ll post those later.

I’m glad I stayed for Black Kids. I really like their songs, but I don’t know them that well. They put on a damn fine show. I wish I could go to the Black Kids/MoS show tonight at webster hall, but not only do I have class tonight, I have to work tomorrow morning. LAME.

Oh, btw, the Music Hall of Williamsburg is an amazingly nice venue. Unfortunately you have to traverse through Histperville, USA to get to it….

Everyone Needs an Editor

larn — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:03:49 +0000

In a week I will be watching one of my favorite bands perform live at the music hall of williamsburg. I’ve been listening to the Mates of State for like seven years and somehow every time I’ve learned of a show in/around my area, I’ve been unable to go for one reason or another. About two months ago I pretty much freaked out when I saw they had tickets for sale.

And then in June, Jenny Lewis will be performing there. Have I mentioned how much I love living here?!?

I only wish I was in Grand Rapids again so I could see Over the Rhine at their “annual” Calvin show next week. Amanda, aren’t you sad we won’t be there?!?!?