Fresh Bread

Duffy - The Apollo Theater 05.12.08

On the eve of the US release of her first album, Amy Winehouse:  Pt. Deux Duffy played a show at the historic Apollo Theater.  I have been trying to get into the album, Rockferry, for a couple weeks now.  In the end, what I've been feeling about the album came true during the live show.

One can't argue that Duffy has an amazing voice.  Actually, I'll argue that some times I really dig its unique-ness.  Other times, it is like scratching a blackboard.  But that is not the problem for me.  Overall, the album, the show, I find it to be very "meh."  Underwhelming.  No standout "A+" tracks.  It's not hard to imagine that the best song of the night, a b-side called "Oh Boy," was the one song not written by Duffy.

I'm cool with the 60's throwback sound.  Perhaps with stronger songwriting and a few albums in Duffy might grow on me.  But for now, with what we've got here and the show last night (it seemed as if all her stage "movements" were contrived) I'll let this UK import pass me by.  No where did I put my Sharon Jones CD????

British Sea Power / The Rosebuds / Jeffrey Lewis - Music Hall Of Williamsburg 05.11.08

British Sea Power continued their trek through NYC Sunday night.  They played a ferociously good set at The Music Hall of Williamsburg.  I've really been digging most of their 2008 release, Do You Like Rock Music?.  The album was on showcase throughout their set.  Yes, I like rock music and British Sea Power's version is pretty good.

I last saw the second band, The Rosebuds, back in the fall during CMJ.  I don't remember much from that show, neither good nor bad, but was pleasantly surprised by how tight their set was last night.

Jeffrey Lewis opened the night with his Daniel Johnston esque persona; from the music to the cartoons and drawings, Lewis is like a sane Johnston....but younger....and drinks less Mountain Dew.  Really enjoyed his short documentary on Rough Trade, "Creeping Death" cartoon not so much.  Interesting lyrics, not the best voice though.

Top Commercial Parodies Of All Time

Via American Copywriter via Nerve.  Pretty hilarious.  Watch the Top 10 here or all 50 here.

This would have been my number 1:

 

Blue Jays v White Sox, Rogers Centre (Toronto) - 05.04.2008

The wifey and I were in The Great White North, Canada, this past weekend.  On Sunday, she got her hair done and I went off to the old Sky Dome to take in the Blue Jays / White Sox game.  The seats were pretty awesome.  The game was great too:

read the game recap here.

Will IT Happen Tomorrow Night At the Jammys?

(Photo by Danny Clinch)

...and everything I do to get the title, but when they use it on me I reject it. ("Halley's Comet")

For those of you that care, Phish will receive a lifetime achievement tomorrow night at The 2008 Jammy Awards.  As you may or may not recall, they disbanded back in 2004.  I was supposed to be at Coventry, the last Phish show. but due to severe rain (and the car I was in not being mine) we did not walk in once the announcement that no more cars would be allowed in the camping area came over radio at 7 am on the day of the show.

The big question for tomorrow night at The Theater at MSG:  will the band reunite and perform (like Buddy Guy performing in 2006 when he received his Lifetime award).  Gut says......wait for it....yes. 

By Pitchfork Standards, I'd Be In "Best New Music" Section

8.7....not too shabby.  They'd (blogged.com) say it is "Great." 

Pacifika - S.O.B.'s 05.05.2008

Yesterday I saw a band that, coincidentally, was both perfect music for Cinqo de Mayo and a band I get to work with....AND they just happen to be really talented.  Pacifika is out to chill your mind and vibe your body with its accessible latin jazz fusion pop. 

The description on the band's myspace is pretty accurate:

...the Vancouver based trio is making a new kind of global pop, music that nods to its diverse international influences, while forging its own unique voice. Jazz infused and Latin tinged, marked by gently flowing melodies, deep grooves, waves of cracking percussion and the occasional burst of exhilarating guitar noise, Pacifika’s comfortable, complex sound defies categories, creating soothing soundscapes held together by (lead singer Silvana) Kane’s smooth, intimate vocals.

They released their debut album, Asuncíon (Six Degrees Records), earlier last month.  Most of the set consisted of the album's ten tracks with a couple songs I didn't recognize thrown in.   

Read a good review of Asuncíon by the Wall Street Journal here.

I definitely suggest watching the video for "Me Cai":

 

Rosey - Rockwood Music Hall 04.29.08

Rosey - Rockwood Music Hall 04.29.08