Typical Indie Rock College Kid - Chronicling the Boston Music Scene

Recent Work

2008-02-16T18:58:00.000-05:00

it's been a while. please check Jbergs.com or Flickr.com/photos/jberg for a more up to date list of my recent work

Angels & Airwaves/Meg & Dia @ Roseland Ballroom - NYC - 2/15/08 - for RollingStone.com

Angels & Airwaves gallery on flickr

Meg & Dia gallery on flickr

- Band of Horses/Dirty On Purpose @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple - Brooklyn, NY - 2/14/08

Photo gallery on flickr

Photo featured on RollingStone.com

- Foals/Team Robespierre/The Teeth @ Bowery Ballroom - NYC - 2/12/08

Photo gallery on flickr

Photo gallery on MetroMix.com

- Kaiju Big Battel NY Blackout @ Webster Hall - NYC - 2/9/08

- Dan Deacon @ The Whitney Art Museum - NYC - 2/8/08 - for RollingStone.com

Photo featured on RollingStone.com

- Hot Chip/Devlin & Darko @ Highline Ballroom - NYC - 2/2/08

Photo gallery on flickr

Video interview on RollingStone.com

Photo on RollingStone.com

- Marilyn Manson @ Hammerstein Ballroom - NYC - 1/30/08

-RollingStone.com Gallery

-More images on Flickr

- Vampire Weekend @ Bowery Ballroom - NYC - 1/29/08

- Hot Water Music reunion show @ Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ - 1/25/08

-Hot Water Music photos

-The Lawrence Arms/Static Radio photos

- Neurosis show @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple - Brooklyn, NY - 1/24/08 - for RollingStone.com

-Neurosis Photos

-Mastodon/U.S. Christmas Photos

-RollingStone.com article

Paint It Black/World Inferno Friendship Society/The Marked Men/Dustheads/Amateur Party

2008-01-06T13:38:00.001-05:00

Paint It Black/World Inferno Friendship Society/The Marked Men/Dustheads/Amateur Party @ First Unitarian Church - Philadelphia, PA - 1/5/08

Paint It Black - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157603646656442/

World Inferno Friendship Society/The Marked Men/Dustheads/Amateur Party - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157603646648580/

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists/Kristeen Young/The Gang @ Roxy - Boston, MA - 12/1/07

2007-12-02T02:40:00.000-05:00

photos of Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Kristeen Young, and The Gang from the Roxy - Boston, MA - 12/1/07

http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157603349503254/

the lighting was really awful so thus, lots of b&w conversions. but hey, you make do.

East Boston Skatepark Benefit Show - Converge/108/Pulling Teeth/Trash Talk/New Lows/Wasteland @ Cambridge Elks Lodge - 11/23/07

2007-11-24T01:41:00.000-05:00

East Boston Skate Park Benefit Show @ Cambridge Elks Lodge - 11/23/07

Converge/108 Photos

Pulling Teeth/Trash Talk Photos

New Lows/Wasteland Photos

The Hold Steady @ Terminal Five - NYC - 11/21/07

2007-11-22T16:55:00.001-05:00

http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157603265984998/

incredible

Art Brut @ Terminal Five - NYC - 11/21/07

2007-11-22T10:55:00.000-05:00

http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157603265879301/

awesome live set as usual. hold steady pics are coming up sometime later today.

Art Brut setlist from Terminal Five in NYC - 11/21/07:
Pump Up The Volume
Bang Bang Rock and Roll
Blame it on The Trains
Bad Weekend
18,000 Lira
St. Pauli
Modern Art
Rusted Gun of Milan
My Little Brother
Post Soothing Out
Emily Kane
Nag Nag Nag NAg NAg
Direct Hit
Good Weekend

Om/Grails @ Middle East upstairs - Cambridge, MA 11/19/07

2007-11-19T03:15:00.001-05:00

http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157603232433802/

photos up there. Om were awesome. they played past curfew and encouraged people to smoke inside the venue. then everyone got kicked out. oh well.

2007-11-13T02:13:00.000-05:00

hey i should update this more. look for something in a day or two.

recent stuff:
photos of Menomena @ The Paradise - Boston, MA 11/9/07

World Series Celebration Pics

2007-10-29T03:00:00.001-05:00

check out photos from the insanity from fenway park:

http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157602781382665/

Me In Print

2007-10-26T09:46:00.000-05:00

Pick up the latest issues of Alternative Press (November 2007 w/ Every Time I Die on the cover - #232 - check out the In the Studio section for my photo of Paint it Black) and Skyscraper Magazine (Fall 2007 - #26 - used tons of my photos)!

Woo!

THE NEW YORK TIMES

2007-10-22T08:43:00.000-05:00

THEY NEW YORK FREAKIN' TIMES used two of my photos of the band The Black Kids in the print edition and one photo online. holy crap!

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/arts/music/22cmj.html

CMJ

2007-10-21T20:01:00.000-05:00

here is a complete list of stuff i did during CMJ. much more to be added throughout the week

- Wednesday 10/17/07 - Deerhunter/Dan Deacon/No Age @ Bowery Ballroom for Pitchfork
-Thursday 10/18/08- The Black Kids @ The Annex
-Friday 10/19/07- El-P/Company Flow Reunion (with photos of Hanger 18/Yak Ballz) @ Music Hall of Williamsburg for Pitchfork
-Saturday 10/20/07- Spoon @ Roseland Ballroom for Pitchfork
-Thursday DVD Screening of "Kill The Houselights" @ Scandinavia House - 10/18/07
-Justice @ Terminal 5 - NYC - 10/20/07
-Spoon @ Roseland Ballroom - NYC - 10/20/07
-CMJ Wednesday 10/17/07 - More Photos
-CMJ Thursday 10/18/07 - More Photos

High On Fire/Mono/Panthers/Coliseum @ Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA - 10/11/07

2007-10-12T10:24:00.000-05:00

photographed for LateNightWallFlower.com

photos of High On Fire/Mono - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157602386371405/
photos of Panthers/Coliseum - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157602381729739/

Sunset Rubdown @ Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA - 10/7/07

2007-10-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

photos of Sunset Rubdown @ the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge, MA - 10/7/07

Minus the Bear/Subtle/Ela @ Middle East Downstairs - 10/3/07

2007-10-04T01:23:00.000-05:00

photographed for pastepunk.com, full review coming soon

minus the bear photos: http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157602256908626/
sublte/ela photos:http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157602253958178/

Minus the Bear setlist from night one at Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA 10/3/07
Knights
The Fix
Hooray
Dr. L'ling,
White Mystery
Spritz!!! Spritz!!!
Memphis & 53rd
Throwing Shapes,
When We Escape
Drilling
Ice Monster
?
?
Lotus
Burying Luck
fine,
Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse
---roni?

(copied from the setlist so it may be different)

Recent Stuff - Thurston Moore, Magnolia

2007-10-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

Thurston Moore @ MFA College Night - 9/27/07

Magnolia Electric Company/Watson Twins @ Middle East Downstairs - 10/01/07

Circa Survive @ Afterhours - Northeastern University - Boston, MA

2007-09-27T01:03:00.000-05:00

Circa Survive played a students-only show at Afterhours on the Northeastern University campus in Boston, MA on 9/26/07

Photos here.

Paint it Black interview

2007-09-24T01:54:00.001-05:00

Interviewed the band Paint it Black about their new album coming out next year. Read it here. it rules.

Aesop Rock/The Octopus Project @ The Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA - 9/23/07

2007-09-24T01:52:00.000-05:00

Luckily I borrowed a friend's camera and was able to photograph the gig as planned. Great show.

Photos up here.

Review coming tomorrow for Late Night Wallflower.com

HELP ME OUT - GEAR STOLEN

2007-09-21T17:18:00.001-05:00

Someone stole all my camera gear and so if you somehow see someone hawking/selling this please let me know or call the police (jasonbergman@gmail.com)

Blue Tamraq messanger bag
Nikon D50
4gb in assorted memory cards
two batteries
Nikon SB-600 Flash
4 rechargable batteries
hot shoe flash chord
Nikon 50mm f/1.8
Sigma 24mm f/1.8
Tamron 28mm-75mm f/2.8
a bunch of business cards with Jason Bergman on it and old photo passes and stuff, the camera also has a blue and a white wristband on the strap that say "going.com"

also, i shot the aliens last night at the great scott for spin.com (last show with my camera sadly) so check that out here.

More Girl Talk/Simian Mobile Disco/Dan Deacon/White Williams photos

2007-09-19T22:15:00.001-05:00

more shots from the show at avalon

Backstage Girl Talk/Dan Deacon/White Williams antics
Girl Talk/Simian Mobile Disco
Dan Deacon/White Williams

Girl Talk/Simian Mobile Disco/Dan Deacon/White Williams @ Avalon

2007-09-17T16:13:00.001-05:00

Photographed this for Pitchfork

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/45662-photos-girl-talk-dan-deacon-simian-mobile-disco-white-williams-boston-ma-091407

Yellowcard @ Avalon - Boston, MA - 9/9/07

2007-09-09T21:04:00.000-05:00

Click here for more photos of Yellowcard's Boston show at the Avalon on September 9th, 2007.

Yellowcard Setlist @ Avalon - Boston, MA
- The Takedown
- Fighting
- Breathing
- Lights/Sounds
- Rough Landing Holly
- Keeper
- Light Up The Sky
- 5 Becomes 4
- Only One
- Shadows/Regrets
- Believe
- Way Away
- Ocean Ave.

Animal Collective @ Avalon - Boston, MA

2007-09-06T07:22:00.000-05:00

Animal Collective kicked off their tour last night in Boston, in support of their new album, "Strawberry Jam".

Full writeup here.

Photos up here.

Battles @ South Street Seaport, NYC - 8/31/07

2007-09-01T00:13:00.000-05:00

I've been super busy and haven't updated this in a while. Check my portfolio site and flickr for a more accurate update.

I did photograph Battles at the last, free South Street Seaport show of the year

Photos here.

Ghostland Observatory/Spank Rock/Flosstradamus & Kid Sister/The Cool Kids/Yacht @ McCarren Park Pool - 8/19/07

2007-08-20T21:56:00.000-05:00

Final McCarren show for the summer, photographed for pitchfork:

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/45002-photos-spank-rock-yacht-the-cool-kids-flosstradamus-kid-sister-brooklyn-ny-081907

Will Sheff (Okkervil River) @ Sound Fix Records

2007-08-19T00:47:00.000-05:00

William Sheff, frontman for Okkervil River, played a free solo show at Sound Fix Records.

photos here - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157601542671941/

More Fucked Up/Pissed Jeans/Tyvek photos

2007-08-15T16:57:00.000-05:00

Finally got around to putting all these photos up online. I shot this originally for Pitchfork, and just put the rest of them up. Enjoy

http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157601466471483/

Ted Leo and The Pharmacists/The Thermals/Birds of Avalon @ McCarren Park Pool

2007-08-12T22:48:00.000-05:00

More photos on flickr here and here.

It was Dave's (bassist for Ted Leo) last show and so Ted sprayed a bottle of champagne on the crowd at the end. He also covered Daft Punk's "One More Time". It ruled.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

The Thermals

Birds of Avalon

Blonde Redhead/I'm From Barcelona/Coydogs @ McCarren Park Pool

2007-08-06T00:11:00.000-05:00

more photos on flickr here and here

Blonde Redhead

I'm From Barcelona

Coydogs

Interview with Ronen Kauffman

2007-08-03T09:05:00.000-05:00

I interviewed author/musician Ronen Kauffman (of Zombie Apocalypse) about his new memoir New Brunswick, New Jersey, Goodbye. Check it out here.

They Might Be Giants @ Bowery Ballroom - 8/1/07

2007-08-03T09:01:00.001-05:00

Reviewed and photographed the show for Late Night Wallflower and all that can be found here.

All photos can be found on flickr.

M.I.A. @ Studio B - Brooklyn - 7/25/07

2007-08-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

I photographed this show for Pitchfork and those photos can be seen here.

I put up more photos from the show on my flickr.

TV On the Radio @ McCarren Park Pool - 7/29/07

2007-07-30T19:51:00.001-05:00

TV On The Radio played at McCarren Park Pool. More photos on flickr.

O'Death @ Soundfix Records - Brooklyn, NY - 7/22/07

2007-07-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

O'Death played a free in-store show at Soundfix Records in Brooklyn

more photos on flickr.

Band of Horses/Annuals/Oxford Collapse @ McCarren Park Pool - Brooklyn, NY - 7/22/07

2007-07-23T17:13:00.001-05:00

Even though Band of Horses apparently don't like photographers, I still got some shots.

More photos on flickr.

Band of Horses

Annuals

Oxford Collapse

Fucked Up/Pissed Jeans @ Southpaw - Brooklyn, NY - 7/21/07

2007-07-23T17:11:00.000-05:00

I photographed this show for Pitchfork. Check out the photos here!

65daysofstatic/Fear Before The March of Flames/YouInSeries @ Club Europa - Brooklyn, NY

2007-07-21T01:32:00.000-05:00

this was incredible. most to come later.

more photos on flickr.

click photos below for larger versions

65daysofstatic

Fear Before the March of Flames

YouInSeries

Pitchfork Music Festival - 7/13-15 - Chicago, IL

2007-07-17T12:31:00.000-05:00

I photographed the Pitchfork Music Festival this past weekend in Chicago. I'll do a full writeup later this week when I post more of my photos. For now, a ton of my pictures are up on Pitchfork's extensive feature on each day.

Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Also, I launched a new portfolio site so check that out at Jbergs.com!

Pitchfork Festival

2007-07-14T00:45:00.000-05:00

Hey all. I'm in Chicago photographing the Pitchfork Music Festival for Pitchfork. This means I can't post anything until they post it. I'll post the link to the feature which will have my photos on Monday or Tuesday. Until then, no updates sadly. Enjoy your weekend!

The Octopus Project/Erase Errata/Dan Deacon/OCDJ @ McCarren Park Pool - 7/8/08

2007-07-08T23:02:00.001-05:00

Another week, another Jelly NYC Pool Party.

All photos from the show are on flickr.

Click the images below for a larger view.

In case you missed it, I photographed the Boredoms 77 Drummer show. Photos and stuff at this post.

The Octopus Project

Erase Errata

Dan Deacon

OCDJ

Boadrum - Boredoms w/ 77 Drummers

2007-07-08T20:15:00.000-05:00

Japanese band Boredoms played with 77 drummers on 7/7/07 in Empire Fulton State Park. It was absolutely incredible.

photos here: http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157600709263593/

Man Man/Dengue Fever/Illinois/What Cheer? Brigade @ McCarren Park Pool - 7/1/07

2007-07-01T23:37:00.000-05:00

Man Man photos - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157600596296318/
What Cheer? Brigade, Dengue Fever, Illinois - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157600595911814/

So. tired.

Interview With Damian of Fucked Up

2007-06-28T18:33:00.001-05:00

I interviewed Damien of Fucked Up last week and it's up on Paste Punk. Check it out here.

Photos from the show here.

Panda Bear photos

2007-06-28T00:35:00.001-05:00

I forgot to mention this last week, but Rolling Stone picked up one of my images for their review of the Panda Bear show that happened at Bowery last week. Check it out here. Awesome? Very!

Bad Brains Rocks Off Cruise - 6/25/06

2007-06-26T22:52:00.000-05:00

I photographed Bad Brains on a boat last night for Pitchfork. Check out my photos here.

More to come later this week.

Superchunk/Oakley Hall/+/- @ McCarren Park Pool - 6/24/07

2007-06-24T22:32:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of the summer Pool Party series put on by the awesome Jelly NYC. I am way too tired/sun burnt to do a full write up, so just check out my photos up on flickr here. Next weeks lineup is awesome, so don't miss it!

Fucked Up/Career Suicide/Dustheads @ Club Europa - Brooklyn, NYC - 6/22/07

2007-06-23T21:45:00.000-05:00

This show ruled, but the security was lame. I interview Damian, the lead singer of Fucked Up, so expect to see that on PastePunk.com in the coming days.

More photos on the flickr.

click the images below for larger images

Fucked Up

Career Suicide

Dustheads

mewithoutYou/Piebald/Manchester Orchestra @ Highline Ballroom - NYC - 6/19/07

2007-06-20T09:48:00.001-05:00

I shot this for Paste Punk so expect a review in the next day or two up there.

More photos on the flickr page.

Click the photos below for larger images.

mewithoutYou setlist from Highline Ballroom, NYC 6/19/07
Yellow Spider
A Glass Can Only Spill What It contains Glass
Tie Me Up! Untie Me!
Leaf (???)
Messes of Men
The Dryness and The Rain
Orange Spider
Four Word Letter (Pt. Two)
Son of A Widow
C-Minor
O, Porcupine
Brownish
In a Sweater Poorly Knit
--- encore
January, 1979

Manchester Orchestra (Kevin Devine joined on guitar for some songs)

Piebald

mewithoutYou (Jesse Lacey of Brand New put flowers on Aaron's mic and came out at the end with all of the other bands that played for the finale of "In A Sweater Poorly Knit")

Panda Bear/Rusty Santos/Kria Brekken @ Bowery Ballroom - NYC - 6/18/07

2007-06-19T01:29:00.001-05:00

The show was OK. It was great to hear "Comfort in Nautica" and some other great tracks from Person Pitch on a giant sound system. But the video projection wasn't that interesting and Noah Lennox just kind of stood behind his equipment and didn't move too much. It all sounded great, but it felt like I was just listening to the CD at home with trippier visuals. Maybe I had myself too hyped up for the show, but I was slightly disappointed.

Click the images below for larger images

More pictures on the flickr.

Panda Bear

Rusty Santos

Kria Brekken

Pig Destroyer/Genghis Tron/Carbomb @ Club Europa - Brooklyn, NY - 6/16/07

2007-06-17T20:44:00.000-05:00

More photos on the flickr, of course.

Click the photos below for larger versions.

Pig Destroyer

Genghis Tron

Carbomb

Busy week

2007-06-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

I shot Pig Destroyer for Skyscraper Magazine (along with Genghis Tron and Carbomb) last night at Club Europa, so expect those photos up later tonight. I will be photographing Panda Bear (of Animal Collective) at Bowery Ballroom tomorrow, Mewithoutyou/Piebald/Manchester Orhcestra/The Snake, The Cross, the Crown @ Highline Ballroom on Tuesday and photographing/interviewing Fucked Up for Paste Punk on Friday night.

Get psyched, I know I am.

Bang On A Can Marathon @ World Financial Center - 6/2 & 3 - part 2

2007-06-13T17:20:00.000-05:00

I finally put up the rest of the photos from the Bang On A Can Marathon held last week. There are 138 photos of tons of bands/people/things to look at.

Check them out at flickr.

Click the images below for larger images.

Sorry

2007-06-10T16:51:00.000-05:00

It's been a slow week and I've been busy working or actually relaxing for once. I haven't been to a show since Bang On A Can and my next one is this Saturday where I am shooting Pig Destroyer for Skyscraper Magazine. I'm going to start going through the Bang On A Can photos tonight and will hopefully have them up by the weekend (there are like 400 of them so it's a little overwhelming).

Bang On A Can Marathon - World Financial Center - 6/2 & 6/3

2007-06-04T23:26:00.001-05:00

I photographed the Bang On A Can Marathon for Pitchfork this weekend. 26 hours of music (I only missed like 5-6 hours) in the gorgeous World Financial Center, located right on the water. I saw some incredible performances of music that I would have never otherwise listened to and got to meet/talk to some very cool people, which is always a plus. TONS of photos coming this week from the show, but for now check out my picture of Yo La Tengo, The Books, Dalek, Clogs, and Juana Molina that I shot for Pitchfork here.

Animal Collective - South Street Seaport - NYC - 6/1/07

2007-06-04T22:33:00.001-05:00

More photos at the flickr.

Click the photos below for larger images.

!!!/Maserati @ Studio B - Brooklyn, NY - 5-30-07

2007-05-31T15:24:00.000-05:00

Opening act Telepathe were, simply put, awkward. Oddly placed My Bloody Valentine-esque guitar that wasn't in synch with the rest of the band's sparse drum beats and whispered female vocals. Not into it at all. No pictures of them either since the lighting was absolutely terrible and all my pictures came out looking bad. You're not missing anything, don't worry.

Maserati (aptly named due to their driving rock sound) were great, although their stuff was a little too predictable/repetitive at times.

!!! were extremely fun to watch, despite the crowd, who seemed more interested in shoving people around than actually dancing. The band made full use of the stage and spent half the time practically in the audience.

More photos here.

Click the photos below for larger images.

Maserati

!!! (chk chk chk)

Lifetime/Pisschrist/Seasick @ 331 Somerset Street , New Brunswick, NJ - 5/28/07

2007-05-28T21:34:00.000-05:00

Beloved NJ band Lifetime played a "secret" New Brunswick basement show this afternoon. It fucking ruled. I think I have seen this band like six or seven times since they got back together and besides the Asbury Park show that happened instead of Hellfest, this was the best time I have seen them. A packed, sweaty basement full of kids just going nuts and singing along to a fantastic band. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my day off.

More pictures here.

Click the images below for larger images.

Seasick

Pisschrist

Lifetime

Lightning Bolt/DMBQ/Aa/The Apes @ 600 Bushwick Avenue - Brooklyn, NYC - 5/26/07

2007-05-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

Despite the late start, technical problems, and immense heat, the show was a lot of fun. Sorry for the short post but I had to be at work like 5 minutes ago.

More photos up here and here.

Click the photos below for larger versions

The Apes

Aa

DMBQ

Lightning Bolt

Lacking

2007-05-24T11:35:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. I'll be going to tons of shows this weekend/next week (Lightning Bolt, Brand New, The National, the show I discuss below) so stay tuned.

Also, if you are in the New Jersey area and don't go to the show in New Brunswick on Monday, then you are absolutely insane. I can't say anymore.

Spoon @ University of Chicago Summer Breeze - 5/19/07

2007-05-20T11:56:00.000-05:00

Spoon headlined the University of Chicago Summer Breeze concert last night.

More photos on flickr.

Photo of the Spoon setlist from the University of Chicago Summer Breeze show:

The Roots & Lupe Fiasco @ University of Chicago Summer Breeze Concert - 5/19/07

2007-05-20T11:41:00.000-05:00

The Roots played the annual Summer Breeze concert at the University of Chicago last night. I was in town visiting a friend, who graciously hooked me up with a ticket. I would also like to thank the completely oblivious security guard who saw my camera and let me bring it in anyway. Thanks!

Anyway, the main frontman for The Roots had a medical emergency and wasn't able to play last night. Instead, the group brought out friends and special guest Lupe Fiasco (who also played at Northeastern's spring concert) to help them out. The group did a 10 minute tribute to James Brown, a rap medley featuring them covering rap songs from the past 30 years, and numerous other performances, while only mixing in two of their own original songs throughout the set. Granted, it's understandable that the frontman couldn't be there, but it would have been nice to see more original material. Either way, the group went with the flow and still managed to entertain the hell out of the crowd.

More photos at flickr.

Animal Collective @ The Metro - Chicago, IL - 5/17/07

2007-05-18T16:01:00.001-05:00

I shot this show for Late Night Wallflower, so check out my post over there with a full report.

More photos up on the flickr page.

Video of the last Kill Your Idols show

2007-05-16T22:31:00.000-05:00

Some awesome person has posted up a 3-part video of the last Kill Your Idols show that took place in Long Island this past Sunday. Despite cops shutting down the show initially (and later on when they reconvened in a parking lot), the band were able to play a quick set to an adoring crowd. Check it out at the links below:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

LCD Soundsystem/Yacht @ Webster Hall, NYC - 5/14/07

2007-05-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

Who said New Yorkers don't dance? LCD Soundsystem packed Webster Hall with sweaty, drunk people who clearly came to party. Despite the bass that felt like it was going to tear me in two and make my organs escape from my body, the band sounded tight and thoroughly rocked the crowd. Opening act Yacht (the guy who makes the beats for The Blow), braved the crowd and hopefully won over some people with his eccentric pop songs. When he began a Q&A question with the audience the dialog went something like this:

Yacht - "Yes, you sir!"
Audience member - "You're awful!"
Yacht - "Not a question! Next!"

Of course, Brooklyn Vegan was there on Saturday night at Studio B.

More photos at the flickr, of course.

Click the photos below for better versions and check out numerous other shots at my flickr page.

Yacht

LCD Soundsystem

Kill Your Idols/Violent Society/Splitting Headache @ 538 Johnson Ave - Brooklyn, NYC

2007-05-13T18:28:00.000-05:00

Many more Kill Your Idols photos - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157600211917208/
More photos of Violent Society and Splitting Headache - http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157600211913992/

Manny Mares was also taking photos at 538 last night.

Ambulance photo was at the show in Long Island on Friday night.

Photos from the show in Garfield last week can be found at this post.

Splitting Headache

Violent Society

Kill Your Idols

2007 This is Hardcore Festival Lineup Announced

2007-05-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

Once again This is Hardcore will grace Philadelphia's with it's mosh-tacular presence. The lineup so far for this year is up below and the festivities will be taking place on August 17, 18, and 19 at The Starlight Ballroom in Philly.

Word from the festival's myspace is that " Headliners are being worked on as we speak. Reunions? Maybe... Bands that rule - Definitely.."

Sweet.

Lineup as of right now:
BLACKLISTED
PAINT IT BLACK
CEREMONY
COLD WORLD
HAVE HEART
RISE AND FALL
DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR
WISDOM IN CHAINS
STRENGTH FOR A REASON
AMBITIONS
VERSE
TRASH TALK
MELTDOWN
COLIN OF ARABIA
STEEL NATION
MY TURN TO WIN
THE MONGOLOIDS
KNOW THE SCORE
PULLING TEETH
BRAINDEAD
LIGHTEN UP!
CRIME IN STEREO

Kill Your Idols/Violent Society/Ensign/Crime in Stereo/My Revenge @ Garfield American Legion

2007-05-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

This was Kill Your Idol's 2nd to last NJ show and 4th to last show ever

KYI photos: http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157600181498262/
random photos: http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157600181493606/
Violent Society/Ensign/Crime in Stereo/My Revenge: http://flickr.com/photos/jberg/sets/72157600181506705/

The KYI photos came out way better since I figured out how to properly use my flash in the room, so I hope that explains something at least.

Manny Mares was there and has some photos on his Myspace. Check them out.

Modern Life is War/Brooks Strauss/Death Before Dishonor/One Dead Three Wounded/Disnihil @ Club Europa - 5/1/07

2007-05-02T20:14:00.000-05:00

Tons more photos here.

Ambulance was there also and has some sweet pics. Check it out.

Modern Life is War killed it as usual, despite the venue not really appreciating stage diving.

MLIW Set list, courtesy of the B9board:
Outsiders, Martin Atchet, New Song, Breaking the Cycle, First and Ellen, John and Jimmy, Marshalltown, New Song, New Song, Dead ramones, By the sea, Nervous Breakdown (Black Flag cover)

Disnihil

One Dead Three Wounded

Death Before Dishonor

Brooks Strauss

Modern Life is War

Dr. Dog @ The Middle East - Cambridge, MA - 4/26/07

2007-05-02T17:25:00.000-05:00

I was shot this for Spin's It Happened Last Night section, but it didn't get put up for various reasons, so I figured I would put it up here. Enjoy!

A couple more photos are up on the flickr.

Dr. Dog

65daysofstatic announce U.S. tour!!!

2007-04-30T23:12:00.000-05:00

Oh dear god yes. Tour dates below. The band is touring with Fear Before The March of Flames, Hot Cross, and This Will Destroy You. DO NOT MISS THIS BAND LIVE!

Jul 18 2007 8:00 - ICC Performance Hall Boston, MA
Jul 19 2007 8:00 - Rock and Roll Hotel Washington, DC
Jul 20 2007 8:00 - Europa Club Brooklyn, NY
Jul 21 2007 8:00 - Alley Katz Richmond, VA
Jul 22 2007 8:00 - Green Street Greenboro, NC
Jul 23 2007 8:00 - The Masquerade Atlanta, GA
Jul 24 2007 8:00 - The Social Orlando, FL
Jul 26 2007 8:00 - Meridian Red Room Houston, TX
Jul 27 2007 8:00 - House of Rock Corpus Christi, TX
Jul 28 2007 8:00 - White Rabbitt San Antonio, TX
Jul 29 2007 8:00 - The Door Dallas, TX
Jul 31 2007 8:00 - The Clubhouse Tempe, AZ
Aug 1 2007 8:00 - The Troubadour Los Angeles, CA
Aug 2 2007 8:00 - Soma San Diego, CA
Aug 3 2007 8:00P - TBA TBA
Aug 4 2007 8:00 - Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, CA
Aug 5 2007 8:00 - Satyricon Portland, OR
Aug 6 2007 8:00 - El Corazon Seattle, WA
Aug 7 2007 8:00 - The Venue Boise, ID
Aug 8 2007 8:00 - Avalon Theater Salt Lake City, UT
Aug 9 2007 8:00 - Marquis Theatre Denver, CO

65daysofstatic myspace

Lo Siento

2007-04-30T17:36:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. I moved back to NJ over the weekend since the semester ended and have not had time to update. Review of Brand New coming soon hopefully. I'll be taking photos at the Modern Life is War show in Brooklyn tomorrow night so those will be up on Wednesday.

Nas @ Matthews Arena - Northeastern University Springfest 2007

2007-04-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

Nas played the Northeastern University Springfest on April 14, 2007 at Matthews Arena. It was absolutely awesome.

Many more photos on flickr.

Photos from Gym Class Hero's set can be found here.
Photos from Lupe Fiasco's set can be found here.
Photos from RJD2's set can be found here.

Nas

Quick Update

2007-04-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

- New Minus the Bear song "Dr. L'Ling" can be found here. Their new album Planet of Ice comes out August 21st on Suicide Squeeze Records. The band just started a month long tour with The Honorary Titles and Chin Up Chin Up and dates for the band can be found on their site.

- Wu Tang Clan's website has posted tons of demos and unreleased material that you can download for free. You're a fool if you don't check it out here.

- Set times for Coachella have been posted. If you're going, I probably hate you.

- Texas is the Reason sent out an update, linking to a video of what I believe is their first show opening up for Snapcase in Buffalo, NY. Definitely check this out. If you missed the reunion shows, then I feel sorry for you.

- Long Island hardcore band Crime in Stereo have signed to Bridge 9 Records. This band put out one of the best albums of 2006 and this is a great band/label pairing.

- I was lucky enough to get a ticket for the Brand New/Kevin Devine/Manchester Orchestra show tonight at the Avalon in Boston. Expect a review but most likely sans photos. Stupid camera policy.

Gordon Riker Benefit Show - April 28th

2007-04-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

Regardless of what your opinion of the bands playing, this show is for a really great cause. If you don't know, Gordon Riker was the bicyclist killed on Huntington Ave almost three weeks ago when he was clipped by a taxi while riding. All proceeds from the show go towards the Gordon Riker Urban Foundation, and the show will feature Riker's artwork and apparel from his clothing line that can be purchased as well. Here's the lineup:

Saturday, April 28th @ the ICC, Allston MA - 6PM - All Ages
Vanna
Therefore I Am
A Loss For Words
Medicated Kisses

The Dig has a great article on Riker that you should definitely check out.

Record Hospital Fest

2007-04-22T12:13:00.000-05:00

Record Hospital, a Cambridge-based radio show on WHRB 95.3FM, are holding their annual fest this coming week. Not sure where the venue is, but the lineup is pretty sweet:

FRIDAY, APRIL 27th:
Witches with Dicks
Turpentine Brothers
Heart 2 Heart
Russian Tsarcasm
Conversions

SATURDAY, APRIL 28th:
Casket
Sinoloa
Ampere
They and the Children
Off Minor

Record Hospital
Record Hospital Myspace

Gym Class Heroes @ Matthews Arena - Northeastern University Springfest 2007

2007-04-20T00:15:00.000-05:00

Gym Class Heroes played the Northeastern University Springfest at Matthews Arena on April 14, 2007.

More photos on flickr.

Photos from Lupe Fiasco's set can be found here.
Photos from RJD2's set can be found here.

Gym Class Heroes Setlist from Northeastern University Springfest:

Gym Class Heroes

Lupe Fiasco @ Matthews Arena - Northeastern University Springfest 2007

2007-04-19T23:54:00.000-05:00

Lupe Fiasco played the Northeastern University Springfest at Matthews Arena on April 14, 2007. He was pretty freaking energetic, but it seemed like a lot of people in the audience were not familiar with his material.

More photos on flickr.

Photos from RJD2's set can be found her e.

Lupe Fiasco

RJD2 @ Matthews Arena - Northeastern University Springfest 2007

2007-04-18T18:59:00.000-05:00

RJD2 played two DJ sets at Matthews Arena for Northeastern's Springfest this past Saturday, April 14th. He also played the Middle East that night with a full band, but alas, I could not make it.

Photos of Nas, Gym Class Heroes, and Lupe Fiasco from Springfest will be up in the next day or so.

More photos at flickr.

Boston Punk Rock Flea Market Information

2007-04-17T12:03:00.000-05:00

The annual Punk Rock Flea Market is back and some new information has come out about this years event. Check it out:

Punk Rock Flea Market 10
Sunday April 29th 2007, 11am - 5pm
Massachusetts College of Art, Pozen Center
621 Huntington Avenue Boston MA
All Ages, $1.00 Admission Fee
DJs Claude Money and Eli of various soul nights
Others TBA

If you would like to sell your wares and get your own table, email ben.sisto@gmail.com with the subject line "PRFM 10 APP" with the following information: Name, Table Name, Table Contents, Email, Phone, Website, Photos URL or attach a photo, Press (if any).

There is a thread over on the lemmingtrail board discussing the event that includes what people are selling and some other stuff.

The Books/Greg Davis @ Somerville Theater - 4/15/07

2007-04-16T16:52:00.000-05:00

Regardless of the nor'easter pounding down on Boston, the dreary weather seemed to fit the mood of the quaint show at the Somerville Theater. Greg Davis started off by slowly constructing droning, ambient pieces by layering vocals and other effects on top of another. I'm a sucker for musicians that can create something out of nothing in a live environment and can captivate an audience with something that feels more like an experiment in sound.

With the giant projector in place, The Books took the stage and started with a new song that featured the alphabet jumping out on the screen. For the next hour, the duo played guitar and cello while whatever other samples/effects/instruments weren't present synched up with visuals that ranged from hilarious to heartbreaking. The main focus was not the group, but the incredible visual display that added to the sensory experience of the live show and brought it to the next level, making it more like an art exhibit than a concert.

The Books setlist - Somerville Theater - Somerville, MA - 4/15/07
ABC (the alphabet song) - new song, An Owl With Knees, Don't Even Sing About It, cover of a Nick Drake song "Cello song", If Not Now Whenever, 8 Frame, Classy Penguin, Tokyo, It Never Changes to Stop, Meditation, Be Good to Them Always, Future Wouldn't Be That Nice, Smells Like Content, Take Time, Encore: That Ain't Right Shit

update: thanks to the anonymous commenter who helped out with the setlist!

More photos at the flickr page.

Greg Davis

The Books

Quick update

2007-04-16T01:14:00.000-05:00

I will have photos from The Books show that happened at the Somerville Theater up tomorrow. Also, except tons of photos from the Northeastern University Springfest concert, which had Nas, Gym Class Heroes, Lupe Fiasco, and RJD2. It was incredible and I have the pictures to prove it.

Stay tuned.

In the mean time, download this live Low set from the 9:30 Club in Washington DC.

Mono/World's End Girlfriend/The Drift @ The Middle East Downstairs - 4/12/07

2007-04-15T12:38:00.000-05:00

I came in halfway through The Drift's set and was pleasantly surprised by the groups laid back, jazz-inspired sound. The group had the occasional trumpet, backed up by smooth drumming and a stand up bass leading the way.

One man act, World's End Girlfriend, took the stage next with his laptop/guitar combination. Backed by glitchy drum machine beats and looped and extremely processed guitar sounds, Katsuhiko Maeda created a subdued, but enthralling atmosphere with his compositions.

Japanese rockers Mono didn't say a word and they didn't have to. Their music, which is almost like a mix of classical and rock, rang out and the group simply let their instruments do the talking. I don't have a set list, but I know they ended with "Halcyon" and played some tracks of their newest album, You Are There. The members of the band seemed so enthralled by their own playing and truly put everything they had into their performance. The group's large sound could be transformed into a quiet, simple guitar line and before you even realize what has happened, they've transitioned into a whole other style. This is the second time I have seen them and I highly recommend you catch them on their current tour. Dates can be found here.

More photos on the flickr page.

The Drift

World's End Girlfriend

Mono

Updates

2007-04-11T22:57:00.000-05:00

Added some more shows on the bottom. Photos from Mono will be up thursday night/friday. Also, I am going to The Books with fantastic seats, so expect photos from that as well.

Also, the Lollapalooza lineup leaked. Enjoy.

Random bits of news

2007-04-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

- A track from the new Bjork album Volta leaked today. It features beats by Timbaland and percussion from Konono n°1, and you can find the track, "Earth Intruders" here.

- Pitchfork is reporting that M.I.A.'s new album, Kala, will be released on June 26th through Interscope. I highly recommend you check out the video for the single "Bird Flu" here.

-Bradley's Almanac posted up a ton of live Ted Leo mp3s from his stop at the Opera House with Death Cab for Cutie back in November.

- Connecticut are going to adopt an official state punk rock song. This is too weird to believe.

- Indie HQ has an interesting interview with Chris Wrenn, founder/owner of Salem, MA punk/hardcore label Bridge 9 Records. The interview discusses the labels future and how they are doing in the download era.

- AbsolutePunk.net is reporting that mewithoutYou will be doing a headlining tour this summer featuring supporting acts like Piebald and Manchester Orchestra. Sweet.

- I noticed this on the Middle East's website. It sounds interesting, shame I won't be around:
"Fri 8/10 - MEP The Porn Debate featuring Porn King Ron Jeremy vs. Porn Pastor Craig Gross – All Ages – $10adv/$15dos – plus $1 facility charge - NOTE: 7pm Doors – Reserved Seating - Tickets on Sale 4/13" - it takes place at the Somerville Theater. More tour dates are at the website.

Battles/Major Stars/Amoroso @ Great Scott - 4/5/07

2007-04-07T14:42:00.000-05:00

The last time I saw Amoroso was in the Curry Student Center at Northeastern, when they played for an event put on by the school's radio station, WRBB. This was their CD release show and I must say, the post-rock trio have certainly come a long way since then. They are much tighter and their songs had great structure; more than just the quiet, slow build-up into an explosion of noise that most bands of that style try to pull off. The highlight of their set was a two drummer tribal-esque rock out that occurred during one of the band's newer songs. I picked up their album and definitely can't wait to check it out.

Somerville's Major Stars seemed to barely fit on the stage with their three guitarists and bassist taking up the majority of the space. They had a classic/stoner-rock vibe and it was a shame that I could barely hear the vocals. The vocalist came into the crowd and attempted to liven things up, since it was clear most of the audience wasn't too into them.

Super-group Battles took the stage and once the lead "singer" Tyondai Braxton created a simple rhythmic loop out of his vocals, they commandeered the attention of everyone there and never let up in the next hour. Although the band does do the whole "math-rock" thing, there is a much more dancey feel to some of their songs, but you have to peel back the dense layers of effects and distortions to find it. I really can't even begin to describe how incredible the drummer was, so I will just quote user natemcd of the Lemmingtrail board: "the goddamn drummer. what was that? that wasn't a drummer! that was some angry robotic malfunction, pounding railroad spikes into grenades and breathing in the explosions as fuel." I couldn't have said it better myself. I really did not think the group would be able to pull of their sound live, but I was certainly proven wrong.

Battles set list from The Great Scott - Allston, MA - 4/5/07 (also copied from lemmingtrail):
Tij, SZ2 (excerpt), TRAS, Tonto, Atlas, Race In, HI/LO (fast), encore: DANCE

More photos up on flickr as usual.

Amoroso

Major Stars

Battles

Initial lineup of River to River shows announced

2007-04-05T15:50:00.000-05:00

BrooklynVegan is on top of things and has the pretty awesome lineup of shows for this upcoming summer. Make sure to check it out her e. Highlights include: Spoon, Animal Collective, Menomena, Battles, Drive by Truckers, Malajube, and numerous others I can't even list. Go check it out and make sure to go, since they will be an awesome time!

The Hold Steady prove they are awesome, yet again

2007-04-03T17:57:00.000-05:00

Perpetual drunks The Hold Steady have a nice present for the start of the baseball season. It seems that the musical director of the Minnesota Twins caught wind of the band and convinced them to cover the classic "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" with an added Twins twist to it. You can read more about how it all went down at MTV, and check out the MP3 (courtesy of Stereogum) below. The band recently released a video for their song "Stuck Between Stations" and you can view it here. Also, the group will be doing a small tour (some dates with The Thermals!!!) and hitting up some summer festivals so make sure to check out the dates. Finally, the group will be performing at a Bruce Springsteen tribute concert in NYC on April 5th at Carneige Hall. Full line up and other Hold Steady news courtesy of Brooklyn Vegan.

The Hold Steady - Take Me Out to the Ballgame (mp3 - 2.17mb)

Meneguar/Ampere/They and the Children @ Tufts University Oxfam Cafe - 3/30/07

2007-04-02T23:07:00.000-05:00

More photos up at the flickr page.

Meneguar

Ampere

They and the Children

The Long Winters/The Broken West/Stars of Track and Field @ The Great Scott - Allston, MA

2007-03-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

Great show. Long Winters frontman John Roderick never ceases to amaze me and this show was no different. From the first time I heard him belt out "Pushover" at an acoustic set in NYC over the summer, I fell in love and even with a full band, he still brings his A-game. I don't really have time for a full review so here are the photos. Enjoy!

More photos at the flickr page.

Stars of Track and Field

The Broken West

The Long Winters

Silversun Pickups - Acoustic set @ Newbury Comics - Boston, MA

2007-03-29T18:54:00.000-05:00

I guess that a record store would be the perfect place for a concert and the Silversun Pickup's acoustic in-store performance certainly fit the setting. Despite the initial delay of getting everyone inside and setting up, the band's set ran smoothly. I've never seen them live, but they sounded tight and were able to replicate their Smashing Pumpkin's inspired sound to a point, with a nice mix of electronics, acoustic guitar, and a constant, steady drum beat. The lead singer had a mini-Q&A session with the audience in between songs which resulted in some comic banter going back and forth. The set felt subdued but they still proved to be a competent live band, no matter the setting.

Silversun Pickups @ Newbury Comics setlist:
Well Thought out Twinkle
Rusted Wheel
Creation Lake
Future Foe Scenarios
Lazy Eye
Kissing Families
Comeback Kid

As usual, more photos up on the flickr page.

Silversun Pickups

Do Make Say Think/The Berg Sans Nipple @ The Middle East - Cambridge, MA

2007-03-28T12:51:00.000-05:00

Once again the fine people at Late Night Wallflower hooked me up with a press pass, so my full review is up over there.

However, here's a quick rundown of last night's show:
The Berg Sans Nipple - 2 parts Boards of Canada, 1 part Mum, 3 parts random eclectic instruments. Mix, put in oven for 35 minutes and you will have a nice, finely tuned set of ambient electronica. Highly recommended.

Do Make Say Think - Fantastic musicians playing mostly instrumental songs that range from loud, rock bombast to an almost folk/country, rootsy sound. Great live band who impressed the whole time they were on stage, making it look effortless.

More photos at the flickr page.

The Berg Sans Nipple

Do Make Say Think

SXSW Blog Roundup - Round 2

2007-03-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

Links keep surfacing from South by Southwest, despite it's finale last week. Check out part 1 right here. Here's a quick rundown of some stuff I have come across recently.

- MusicPlusTV has over 80s of HD footage from a ton of bands such as Against Me, Aesop Rock, Deerhunter, Riverboat Gamblers, and lots more. Check it all out here.

- The always incredible Largehearted Boy has a full list of downloadable live sets from bands such as 65daysofstatic, Okkervil River, Peter Bjorn & John, along with tons more. You are a fool if you do not download some of them here.

- Fucked Up perform Black Flag's "Nervous Breakdown" with Black Flag/Circle Jerks front man Keith Morris. Watch it on Youtube or check out the downloadable Quicktime version here.

NPR posts live Explosions in the Sky/Paper Chase/Eluvium Sets

2007-03-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't experienced the awesomeness that is this tour, NPR has come to your rescue. Besides posting a nice little write-up about each band, which you can find here, the station has posted free live sets from Explosions in the Sky, The Paper Chase, and Eluvium from their appearances last week at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC. The sets can be found on the NPR site at the link previously provided and come highly recommended. Make sure to check them out.

Rock the Bells Official Lineup Announced

2007-03-26T21:33:00.000-05:00

The summer festivals just keep getting crazier and crazier. The Rock the Bells tour has announced their official lineup and I really don't feel like typing up the lineup, so here is the flyer detailing the craziness:

Tickets for all three dates (7/28 - Randalls Island, NY, 8/11 - NOS Events Center - San Bernandino, CA, and 8/18 - McCovey Cove Parking Lot - San Francisco, CA) go on sale March 31st on Ticketmaster. General admission for the NY show is $82 and the VIP package cost is $156. The two CA shows are priced at $76 for general admission and $151 for the VIP package. The VIP ticket includes access to the VIP lounge and party, limited edition backpack, souvenir credential, official t-shirt, poster, and access to a full bar with amenities and two drink tickets.

In addition to these three dates, Wu Tang Clan will be doing a 15 date tour with Nas sometime this summer. Stay tuned.

Mew @ The Paradise/Decemberists @ Avalon

2007-03-25T15:18:00.000-05:00

This week was pretty insane for shows and it continued into the weekend with The Decemberists headlining two nights at the Avalon and Mew playing at The Paradise. So let's get this started:

Opening act Oh No! Oh My! had great, catchy pop songs with a dash of synth here and there, but their songs seemed a bit underdeveloped. There was just that extra "something" missing from their songs and they seemed way too short for their own good. I feel like in another album or two they will finally get there, but for now, they're still working on it.

My main sentiment about Mew's live show is "good, not great" and I found that my feelings were confirmed by others around me who said the same thing. Overall, the band put on an entertaining show, with a mix of lights and a video screen with creepy images playing behind them. However, I thought the lead singer's trademark ethereal vocals got lost in the sound of the rest of the band and the drums had way too much echo on them, making it sound like they were playing in a cave. Maybe Mew have too big of a sound for the small Paradise, or maybe the sound was just off that night, but it definitely impacted their set. Regardless, they played a great mix of stuff off their new album And The Glass Handed Kites and their recently released in the U.S. title Frengers (a mix of friends and strangers, get it? I didn't). Highlights included "Snow Bridge" and "156" off Frengers, two personal favorites, as well as "Apocalypso" and "Zookeeper's Boy" from Kites. I feel like they would be suited towards a larger venue like the Avalon, and I certainly hope they come back to the States soon.

--------------

For some reason I was not excited about seeing The Decemberists for what would be my fourth (or fifth? who knows) time, but after I heard the first notes being played by Mr. Colin Meloy, my mind had changed. Opening act My Brightest Diamond put on a solid set of country-inspired rock. She has a great, anguished voice that really goes well with her songs and I can't wait to check out her album.

Despite my dissatisfaction with The Crane Wife, and their set at The Orpheum back in November that left me underwhelmed, I still remain a fan of The Decemberists. I missed their show the night before since I was seeing Mew, but apparently they played a lot of older stuff. Their set on Saturday night consisted of mostly Crane Wife material like "Sons and Daughters", "The Perfect Crime", "Yankee Bayonet", but the group did interject with some older material, although NOTHING off of Her Majesty, arguably their best album. During "16 Military Wives", Colin split the crowd and made us participate in a shouting match with one another, which made for some fun sing-alongs. As usual, the band was engaged with the audience the whole time and it's impossible to get through a Decemberists set without laughing a whole hell of a lot. The group brought back fan favorite "The Mariner's Revenge Song" for the end of their set, featuring a new whale prop, as well as the expected sounds of the audience being swallowed by a whale. Despite the lack of older material (and b-side "Culling of the Fold", which you can watch on YouTube here. We seriously got screwed compared to Friday's show!), the Decemberists continually put on a solid live act that only gets better.

Pictures from The Decemberists on Friday March 23 (credit: Marybeth Miller, a hardcore Decemberists fan who was lucky enough to meet Colin and Chris Funk. I'm jealous.) Click for a bigger image:

Decemberists set list from Saturday March 24 @ Avalon (sadly, they didn't play "Eli" due to time constraints, since Avalon turns into a nightclub so they can actually make money)

Anti-War Rally in Boston Common - 3/24/07

2007-03-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

March24.org held a rally in the Commons yesterday to protest the War in Iraq that has been dragging on for four years now. Thousands showed up and speakers such as Cindy Sheehan and Howard Zinn made appearances. More photos here on my flickr page.

Read Yellow/Planes Mistaken for Stars/Lock and Key @ The Middle East Upstairs

2007-03-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

Sadly I had only gotten into Read Yellow recently, when I saw them open for Hot Cross back in February, but I was definitely not going to miss their last show ever as a band. Lock & Key started off the night and I don't really remember much honestly, but I got a nice Hot Water Music vibe from them, which is absolutely A-OK in my book. I remember checking them out a while ago and being impressed and I am excited to hear what they come out with next.

Honestly, Planes Mistaken for Stars are fuckin' loud. Simply put, that is the best way to describe them. In between head banging like it was no one's business, the band played a great set full of their trademark gruff vocals and thrashy guitar parts, while the singer still found time to occasionally stick his hands down his pants (no joke). It's a shame this band is not bigger, since it seems like they have been around forever, but hopefully the upcoming Mastodon tour will help.

Read Yellow hit the stage while "End" by The Doors blasted over the sound system. It really doesn't even matter what the group sounded like or whether you could even hear them, since everyone in the audience was clearly their to support a band that has clearly meant a lot to them. There were sing alongs, stage dives, crowd surfers, instruments tossed all over the place, and just general mayhem during the band's last song ever. About 30 people stormed the stage and a impromptu dance party took place, while the lead singer spazzed out all over the venue and everyone on stage yelled along. Even though it was sad to see them go, Read Yellow certainly went out with a bang and put on a show that myself or anyone else in attendance won't be forgetting any time soon.

As usual, tons of photos up on the flickr page.

Lock & Key

Planes Mistaken for Stars

Read Yellow

Explosions in the Sky/The Paper Chase/Eluvium - The Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA - 3/21/07

2007-03-22T18:09:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Late Night Wallflower (who I also write for now if you don't know) for hooking me up with a photo pass last night. I wrote a pretty sweet review which you can check out here.

The show itself was absolutely great. Eluvium didn't really work too well with people talking about it, but it was still interesting to hear. I was not a fan of The Paper Chase, which sounded like the lead singer of The Mountain Goats fronting a post-punk band. And Explosions in the Sky absolutely ruled. They have definitely lived up to the hype I have heard.

Some photos are below and as usually, a ton of photos can be found on my Flickr page.

Eluvium

The Paper Chase

Explosions in the Sky

Pete Yorn @ Avalon - Boston, MA

2007-03-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

Last night I photographed Pete Yorn at the Avalon in Boston for Spin Magazine's "It Happened Last Night" section. Sadly, they only used one of the photos I took, but hey, it was still a pretty interesting experience. He put on a surprisingly great show (I didn't even know he was still around!) for the sold out crowd. Check it out at the link below:

http://www.spin.com/features/ithappenedlastnight/2007/03/070320_peteyorn/