Tomorrow is the day most of us have to start our work week. The bad part about that is with that case of the Mondays, we need to find a way to unwind and have a good time. For some reason, Denver doesn't like us to have the ability to see great music on Monday but they did leave us with a few options to check out.
Pawn Ticket Trio @3 Kings
Plain White T's w/ Parachute, MIGGS @ Gothic
Cisco Adler @ Fox Theater
Haste the Day, My Children My Bride, A Plea for Purging, Anchorage @ Marquis
Tomorrow I say Plain White Ts or Pawn Ticket Trio. At least with Pawn Ticket Trio there will be burlesque. Plain White T's will have a bunch of people that just want to hear Hey There Delilah. Yeah, I'm not overly impressed with the line up tomorrow either.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
New Ben Franklins with The Gones and Yelling Man
Last night we hit up the old Lion's Lair on Colfax to see New Ben Franklins. With all the great music going on in Denver, I'm glad that was the choice I made. In the end, it was probably the best choice.
When we got there, Yelling Man was in the middle of his set. I'm pretty thankful that we weren't there for the whole set because honestly, he didn't do much for me. It was one man and an electric guitar and nothing spectacular about the lyrics or his singing style. He wasn't terrible but he wasn't good, and not a lot of energy at all.
Up next, the Gones took the stage. The main vocalist looks a bit like the guitarist from Toad the Wet Sprocket but played with more energy. Lyrically, I love what these guys were putting out. Clever lyrics about getting drunk and fucking, lots of relationship stuff, and just having a good time. They all bounced around the stage and got the crowd going. I can't believe I haven't seen them before. I was quite impressed. The only downfall for them is they didn't have a CD to purchase.
To close out the night we were graced with New Ben Franklins. Now, I love these guys and even have their ink on my arm. (I'm really dedicated to local music) I couldn't tell you the number of times I've seen them and this was easily their best show I've ever seen them put on. They updated all of their songs from a country sound to a rock sound, Mark Costa was looking like Animal from the Muppets on the drums just beating them down like a drunk hick beats his wife. Their new bassist has finally got all the songs down and looked more comfortable playing them, and Dave DeVoe was at the top of his game. The man was jumping around a lot and was obviously having the time of his life on that stage.
Awesome show, awesome night, awesome friends, I fucking love the Denver music scene. Nights like last night really cement it. Up next, Reverend Horton Heat at Bluebird.
When we got there, Yelling Man was in the middle of his set. I'm pretty thankful that we weren't there for the whole set because honestly, he didn't do much for me. It was one man and an electric guitar and nothing spectacular about the lyrics or his singing style. He wasn't terrible but he wasn't good, and not a lot of energy at all.
Up next, the Gones took the stage. The main vocalist looks a bit like the guitarist from Toad the Wet Sprocket but played with more energy. Lyrically, I love what these guys were putting out. Clever lyrics about getting drunk and fucking, lots of relationship stuff, and just having a good time. They all bounced around the stage and got the crowd going. I can't believe I haven't seen them before. I was quite impressed. The only downfall for them is they didn't have a CD to purchase.
To close out the night we were graced with New Ben Franklins. Now, I love these guys and even have their ink on my arm. (I'm really dedicated to local music) I couldn't tell you the number of times I've seen them and this was easily their best show I've ever seen them put on. They updated all of their songs from a country sound to a rock sound, Mark Costa was looking like Animal from the Muppets on the drums just beating them down like a drunk hick beats his wife. Their new bassist has finally got all the songs down and looked more comfortable playing them, and Dave DeVoe was at the top of his game. The man was jumping around a lot and was obviously having the time of his life on that stage.
Awesome show, awesome night, awesome friends, I fucking love the Denver music scene. Nights like last night really cement it. Up next, Reverend Horton Heat at Bluebird.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Breakpoint Method w/ The Threatened, No More Excuses
Last night I made it out to Herman's Hideaway for The Breakpoint Method, The Threatened, and No More Excuses. There were a couple other bands on that bill too but I didn't get there early enough to see them and something tells me that's probably OK. Overall, the show was mediocre at best but each band brought something slightly different to the people there.
When I arrived, No More Excuses were in the middle of playing their set. The sound was cranked up as loud as it could be and while they sounded decent playing together I could not distinguish them from any other band on the radio. While there can be some marketability in that, it's just not my thing. Also, the decibels could have been a bit lower. Turning up everything as loud as you can does not always make the music better. It's usually an overcompensation for a lack of talent. The singer sucks? Turn up the volume so you can't really hear him. Guitarist is just learning some of the riffs? Turn up everyone else so they drown him out. Think about that in the future bands. We know why you do it.
Next up was The Threatened. This was the band of the night that I came to see and actually enjoyed. The first thing that I noticed was the volume was a lot lower during the Threatened than it was for No More Excuses (and later The Breakpoint Method as well) There was never a time in the set where I couldn't hear the vocals, pick out the bass or guitar or the drums. The sound guy really zoned in and had everything sounding good. They opened up with Republica's Ready To Go and it was the only cover song I recognized for the whole set. A great thing about this set is that it never felt like everything was dragging on and nothing sounded much like the same bullshit you hear on the radio on a day to day basis. All in all, the set was pretty tight and I can see why they were voted one of Denver's best bands by KBPI. I would definitely see them again, just with different bands playing around them.
Last up was The Breakpoint Method. This is a band out of Kansas that is trying to get some kind of following. Word of advice, you don't need to scream every fourth line of your songs. That can sound cool in moderation (see Rise Against) but for the most part all you are going to do is clear out a room. Thankfully these guys were the headliners because the people there were able to call it a night and not stick around for utter garbage. I give them props for getting onstage but Jesus Christ, you guys need to change it up some. Also, the cover of Cranberries Zombie made the original sound like the greatest song ever written compared to their version (with screaming) They were shit with a capital S. I'm curious as how the band progression went. I think it went something like," Dude you are way out of tune on all these songs. We are thinking about kicking you out of the band"." No, I'll scream the lyrics and maybe it will sound better". "GENIUS"
No More Excuses gets a C
The Threatened gets an A
Breakpoint Method gets an F
When I arrived, No More Excuses were in the middle of playing their set. The sound was cranked up as loud as it could be and while they sounded decent playing together I could not distinguish them from any other band on the radio. While there can be some marketability in that, it's just not my thing. Also, the decibels could have been a bit lower. Turning up everything as loud as you can does not always make the music better. It's usually an overcompensation for a lack of talent. The singer sucks? Turn up the volume so you can't really hear him. Guitarist is just learning some of the riffs? Turn up everyone else so they drown him out. Think about that in the future bands. We know why you do it.
Next up was The Threatened. This was the band of the night that I came to see and actually enjoyed. The first thing that I noticed was the volume was a lot lower during the Threatened than it was for No More Excuses (and later The Breakpoint Method as well) There was never a time in the set where I couldn't hear the vocals, pick out the bass or guitar or the drums. The sound guy really zoned in and had everything sounding good. They opened up with Republica's Ready To Go and it was the only cover song I recognized for the whole set. A great thing about this set is that it never felt like everything was dragging on and nothing sounded much like the same bullshit you hear on the radio on a day to day basis. All in all, the set was pretty tight and I can see why they were voted one of Denver's best bands by KBPI. I would definitely see them again, just with different bands playing around them.
Last up was The Breakpoint Method. This is a band out of Kansas that is trying to get some kind of following. Word of advice, you don't need to scream every fourth line of your songs. That can sound cool in moderation (see Rise Against) but for the most part all you are going to do is clear out a room. Thankfully these guys were the headliners because the people there were able to call it a night and not stick around for utter garbage. I give them props for getting onstage but Jesus Christ, you guys need to change it up some. Also, the cover of Cranberries Zombie made the original sound like the greatest song ever written compared to their version (with screaming) They were shit with a capital S. I'm curious as how the band progression went. I think it went something like," Dude you are way out of tune on all these songs. We are thinking about kicking you out of the band"." No, I'll scream the lyrics and maybe it will sound better". "GENIUS"
No More Excuses gets a C
The Threatened gets an A
Breakpoint Method gets an F
The place to be tonight, and tomorrow too.
After a day with having no internet until it was time to go out and get things done, I did not get a chance to update this yesterday. It's a good thing you all were too busy getting drunk to care, or maybe that was just me. Anyway, the music around town last night was out of control and not only does Denver have some of the best music, but they also have some awesome bartenders. Here's what's going on tonight in this great city.
Tonight:
RJD2 w/ MTHDS ("Positive Movement" Video Premier), WillDaBeast @ Gothic
Junior Brown w/ The Hollyfelds @ Soiled Dove
Amazing Twin, Princess Music, Bone Orchard Revival @ Skylark
The Wailers @ Fox Theater
Take to the Oars, Boys Sofo @ Hi-Dive
Franki Chan SIA Party, Blkhrts, Pdrblk @Larimer Lounge
Seismic Event w/ Able Archer, Ryan Flick, Chella Negro @ Walnut Room
Casey James Prestwood and the Burning Angels @ Parker Library
Sadistik w/ Fresh Breath Committee, Sarx, Sick Illusions, II Driven @ Moe's
The H is O, Evening Edition, Chambio, Hawk Attack @ Benders
Blacktooth Rounders w/ Stealth Hippo, Firemouth, Whiskey Tango @ Oriental Theater
Lady Parts w/ Maudlin Magpie, Doo Crowder and Samantha Doom Blows Up the Band @ Mercury Cafe
Gypsy Jazz / Parisian Swing @ Paris on the Platte
Pearl St. All Stars @ Boulder Theater
The Motet @ Cervantes
Bloodkin Acoustic feat. Danny Hutchens, Eric Carter, & Eric Martinez w/ Mark Brut @ Cervantes Other Side
Blind Child Blues Band @ Ziggies
Midnight Vine, The McRae, Fleeting Matters @ Herman's Hideaway
The Bloody 5s at Three Kings
Steve Law and Frederick Poindexter @ Walnut Room
Rev Horton Heat @ Bluebird
New Ben Franklins w/ The Gones and Yelling Man @ Lions Lair
Sunday
Reverend Horton Heat @ Bluebird Theater
Marijuana Deathsquads w/ Glass Hits, 25 Rifles @ Hi-Dive
Nothing But Software, Patrick Keating, Tany Heart, irie sanchos, Michael DeLalla, The JATO Unit, Don't Kill The Messenger, Papachury, The Human Imagination Project @ Cervantes
School of Rock w/ presents Dark Side of The Moon @Soiled Dove
Mark's Midnight Carnival, Twin Peaks, Cosmic Sound Child, Hollow Young, Christof Brownell @ Larimer Lounge
The Wailers, Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Duane Stephenson @ Ogden
The Unsinkables w/ Aphonix @ Lions Lair
Now that's a lot of rock and roll to fill your weekend with. I will personally be at New Ben Franklins tonight and Reverend Horton Heat tomorrow night cuz spending three days straight rocking out right before you start a brand new job is how I roll. Sure it's not the brightest idea I've ever had but no one ever said I was a genius. If you decide New Ben Franklins aren't your thing then after Dave DeVoe beats you with his man purse (or satchel if you are a Hangover fan)* you can go check out the Wailers up in Boulder or Reverend Horton Heat at the Bluebird. I'm pretty sure Sunday's show is sold out though.
Sunday I say go check out School of Rock doing Dark side of the Moon or Rev again. Both promise to be good nights. Plus, I'm curious to know how the school of rock sound since it is the youngsters singing. As usual, have a great time and if you go to a show, I'll post your review here. Just email me. Musicamilehigh@gmail.com
*I'm just kidding Dave Devoe won't beat you, he's an outstanding guy and a talented musician.
Tonight:
RJD2 w/ MTHDS ("Positive Movement" Video Premier), WillDaBeast @ Gothic
Junior Brown w/ The Hollyfelds @ Soiled Dove
Amazing Twin, Princess Music, Bone Orchard Revival @ Skylark
The Wailers @ Fox Theater
Take to the Oars, Boys Sofo @ Hi-Dive
Franki Chan SIA Party, Blkhrts, Pdrblk @Larimer Lounge
Seismic Event w/ Able Archer, Ryan Flick, Chella Negro @ Walnut Room
Casey James Prestwood and the Burning Angels @ Parker Library
Sadistik w/ Fresh Breath Committee, Sarx, Sick Illusions, II Driven @ Moe's
The H is O, Evening Edition, Chambio, Hawk Attack @ Benders
Blacktooth Rounders w/ Stealth Hippo, Firemouth, Whiskey Tango @ Oriental Theater
Lady Parts w/ Maudlin Magpie, Doo Crowder and Samantha Doom Blows Up the Band @ Mercury Cafe
Gypsy Jazz / Parisian Swing @ Paris on the Platte
Pearl St. All Stars @ Boulder Theater
The Motet @ Cervantes
Bloodkin Acoustic feat. Danny Hutchens, Eric Carter, & Eric Martinez w/ Mark Brut @ Cervantes Other Side
Blind Child Blues Band @ Ziggies
Midnight Vine, The McRae, Fleeting Matters @ Herman's Hideaway
The Bloody 5s at Three Kings
Steve Law and Frederick Poindexter @ Walnut Room
Rev Horton Heat @ Bluebird
New Ben Franklins w/ The Gones and Yelling Man @ Lions Lair
Sunday
Reverend Horton Heat @ Bluebird Theater
Marijuana Deathsquads w/ Glass Hits, 25 Rifles @ Hi-Dive
Nothing But Software, Patrick Keating, Tany Heart, irie sanchos, Michael DeLalla, The JATO Unit, Don't Kill The Messenger, Papachury, The Human Imagination Project @ Cervantes
School of Rock w/ presents Dark Side of The Moon @Soiled Dove
Mark's Midnight Carnival, Twin Peaks, Cosmic Sound Child, Hollow Young, Christof Brownell @ Larimer Lounge
The Wailers, Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Duane Stephenson @ Ogden
The Unsinkables w/ Aphonix @ Lions Lair
Now that's a lot of rock and roll to fill your weekend with. I will personally be at New Ben Franklins tonight and Reverend Horton Heat tomorrow night cuz spending three days straight rocking out right before you start a brand new job is how I roll. Sure it's not the brightest idea I've ever had but no one ever said I was a genius. If you decide New Ben Franklins aren't your thing then after Dave DeVoe beats you with his man purse (or satchel if you are a Hangover fan)* you can go check out the Wailers up in Boulder or Reverend Horton Heat at the Bluebird. I'm pretty sure Sunday's show is sold out though.
Sunday I say go check out School of Rock doing Dark side of the Moon or Rev again. Both promise to be good nights. Plus, I'm curious to know how the school of rock sound since it is the youngsters singing. As usual, have a great time and if you go to a show, I'll post your review here. Just email me. Musicamilehigh@gmail.com
*I'm just kidding Dave Devoe won't beat you, he's an outstanding guy and a talented musician.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
What's going on in Denver on Thursday and Friday?
You did it, you survived the work week. Almost anyway. You still have two more days to go. Good thing for you, this is the time of the week when the music in Denver actually kicks it up a dozen notches and has a lot to offer. Since my internet will be down for the day tomorrow, here is what is going on in town tomorrow and Friday.
Thursday:
Old 97's w/ Langhorne Slim @Boulder Theater
Circle Jerks, King Rat, Never @ Bluebird Theater
Z trip@ City Hall
Big Gigantic w/ Prophet Massive (Jason Hann - EOTO/SCI), Project Aspect, Frequent-C @ Gothic Theater
WINTER WoMP w/ J.WAIL feat. Chuck of Lotus, FRESH2DEATH, ISHE, Digital Beat Down, Vinnie Maniscalco (GotBassMusic),Bourdon, Rob Bass, Malt Thizney, Gaia Experiment @ Cervantes
Dubskin w/ Abstract Rude, DubConscious & DJ Drez @ Cervantes Other Side
Buckcherry, Hellyeah @ Fillmore
Mike Pinto, P-Nuckle, Coral Thief @ Larimer Lounge
Abi & the Blue Language w/ The Belle Jar, & Swedge @ Herman's Hideaway
Rootz Underground @ Funky Buddha
Friday
Big Boi W/ Special Guests Eligh & Scarub @Ogden
Kraddy, Jantsen, Project Aspect @ Bluebird
Big Gigantic @ Fox Theater (Boulder)
Young Cities w/ Monroe Monroe @ Rockstar Lounge
Glowing House w/ Chimney Choir, Elyse Miller, Jamie Mefford @ Moe's
Anthony B. w/ Peace Officer @ Cervante's Other Side
Future Jazz Project @ Herbs Bar
Katey Laurel CD Release w/ Denver Dozen Acoustic Variety Show @ Walnut Room
The Breakpoint Method w/ The Threatened, No More Excuses, Wild Angelz, & Night Lite Vandals@ Herman's Hideaway
Boldtype, St. Fall Apart and Bad Karma Kings@ Rockaway
Rootz Underground w/ Trichome @ Oriental Theater
Rebelution@ Fillmore
Fox Bachelorette Party w/ Night Ranger and Groove Hawgs @ Grizzly Rose
Darren Rahn and Tim Bowman @ Soiled Dove
The Motet @ Cervantes
Onda@ Waterloo (Louisville)
Catfish Kray's Blues Band with Jesse Garland @ Ziggies
Sin Fix w/ The Killing of Kindness, Sunday Massacre, Day of Reckoning @ Gothic
Frontside Five, Beer Boys, Miss Fritz @ Bender's
Artless Bravado, My God Micah, Red Fox Run, The Cardinal Grey @ Larimer Lounge
The Rep, No Concept @ 3 Kings
My God that's a lot of great music in two days. If you've been patiently waiting to go out to see shows because the beginning of the week was pretty much shit then here is your chance to have a great time. Thursday night, I recommend either the Circle Jerks or the Old 97's. You can't go wrong with classic punk or some relaxing kbco type music. That's a lie, there is a lot of bullshit in each of those genres but neither of these are it.
Friday night I hope you are ready for the awesomeness that awaits you for that night. I personally plan on checking out The Threatened as I've promised someone that I wouldn't miss it unless something terrible happens. Boldtype at Rockaway is a great choice too, unless they haven't fixed the venue sound and then you are fucked. If it's instrumental you want, check out Motet at Cervantes. I had a chance to see them last year opening for Michael Franti and they were pretty decent. Tonight they are doing the best of Halloween, they will be there Friday as well performing Earth, Wind, and Fire. As usual, have a great time out there and if you see a show, email me and I'll post your review. musicamilehigh@gmail.com
Thursday:
Old 97's w/ Langhorne Slim @Boulder Theater
Circle Jerks, King Rat, Never @ Bluebird Theater
Z trip@ City Hall
Big Gigantic w/ Prophet Massive (Jason Hann - EOTO/SCI), Project Aspect, Frequent-C @ Gothic Theater
WINTER WoMP w/ J.WAIL feat. Chuck of Lotus, FRESH2DEATH, ISHE, Digital Beat Down, Vinnie Maniscalco (GotBassMusic),Bourdon, Rob Bass, Malt Thizney, Gaia Experiment @ Cervantes
Dubskin w/ Abstract Rude, DubConscious & DJ Drez @ Cervantes Other Side
Buckcherry, Hellyeah @ Fillmore
Mike Pinto, P-Nuckle, Coral Thief @ Larimer Lounge
Abi & the Blue Language w/ The Belle Jar, & Swedge @ Herman's Hideaway
Rootz Underground @ Funky Buddha
Friday
Big Boi W/ Special Guests Eligh & Scarub @Ogden
Kraddy, Jantsen, Project Aspect @ Bluebird
Big Gigantic @ Fox Theater (Boulder)
Young Cities w/ Monroe Monroe @ Rockstar Lounge
Glowing House w/ Chimney Choir, Elyse Miller, Jamie Mefford @ Moe's
Anthony B. w/ Peace Officer @ Cervante's Other Side
Future Jazz Project @ Herbs Bar
Katey Laurel CD Release w/ Denver Dozen Acoustic Variety Show @ Walnut Room
The Breakpoint Method w/ The Threatened, No More Excuses, Wild Angelz, & Night Lite Vandals@ Herman's Hideaway
Boldtype, St. Fall Apart and Bad Karma Kings@ Rockaway
Rootz Underground w/ Trichome @ Oriental Theater
Rebelution@ Fillmore
Fox Bachelorette Party w/ Night Ranger and Groove Hawgs @ Grizzly Rose
Darren Rahn and Tim Bowman @ Soiled Dove
The Motet @ Cervantes
Onda@ Waterloo (Louisville)
Catfish Kray's Blues Band with Jesse Garland @ Ziggies
Sin Fix w/ The Killing of Kindness, Sunday Massacre, Day of Reckoning @ Gothic
Frontside Five, Beer Boys, Miss Fritz @ Bender's
Artless Bravado, My God Micah, Red Fox Run, The Cardinal Grey @ Larimer Lounge
The Rep, No Concept @ 3 Kings
My God that's a lot of great music in two days. If you've been patiently waiting to go out to see shows because the beginning of the week was pretty much shit then here is your chance to have a great time. Thursday night, I recommend either the Circle Jerks or the Old 97's. You can't go wrong with classic punk or some relaxing kbco type music. That's a lie, there is a lot of bullshit in each of those genres but neither of these are it.
Friday night I hope you are ready for the awesomeness that awaits you for that night. I personally plan on checking out The Threatened as I've promised someone that I wouldn't miss it unless something terrible happens. Boldtype at Rockaway is a great choice too, unless they haven't fixed the venue sound and then you are fucked. If it's instrumental you want, check out Motet at Cervantes. I had a chance to see them last year opening for Michael Franti and they were pretty decent. Tonight they are doing the best of Halloween, they will be there Friday as well performing Earth, Wind, and Fire. As usual, have a great time out there and if you see a show, email me and I'll post your review. musicamilehigh@gmail.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Going to any awesome shows?
Hey everyone, if you go to a show and would like to have your review posted, please email me at musicamilehigh@gmail.com and I will post your review right here and give you full credit. I'm only one man and can't be at all the awesome places music is happening.
Ronnie Milsap review
Last Saturday I got a chance to see one of country musics legendary performers at the Grizzly Rose. You may have heard of him, he goes by the name Ronnie Milsap. Milsap, who turned 68 recently, played a modestly short set of 75 minutes and played mainly a greatest hits set with only a couple songs that were either covers or new songs. He played his greats like Smokey Mountain Rain, Daydreams About Night Things, Stranger In My House, and Lost in the 50s (In the Still of the Night) and covered Patsy Cline and the Rolling Stones. One of the great things I took out of the show is how much his voice has held up over the years. He was able to hold some of the notes for 30 to 40 seconds, even while other people in the audience were gasping for air while singing along, he still managed to hold the tune. Even Robert Plant can't do that much anymore. After 40 number 1 hits, Ronnie Milsap proved to everyone why his music is timeless. Old classic country will trump the new popular bullshit that has been coming out lately any day (very few exceptions to that rule)If he lives to come back through here, check him out. You may never get the chance to again.
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