Completing my assignment on one of my favorite bands given to me by Chuck West, The Suburbs. If you listen to the national media back in the 80′s you were either a Replacements or Husker Du fan, if you actually lived here you also know that the Suburbs were an option (as was Trip Shakespeare or Soul Asylum). I definitely leaned down the Suburbs path, they were approachable, danceable and played just about anywhere. I was introduced to the Suburbs by Joel Olsen and it was definitely a staple of our church youth group and several other groups that I hung with during high school, I think that was the thing about the Suburbs they attracted a diverse crowd of fans.  You could be punk, new wave or just like good pop music and they were attractive to you.

I cannot even imagine the number of shows I have been to but you can break them into two different phases 1) High School and College and 2) The Reunion Years.

First the High School and College Years-Obviously the glory years of the Suburbs, we saw them everywhere from Teen Centers, Valleyfair, Parks, U of M, State Fair and shows at First Avenue. You could always count on two things: a decent mosh pit and lots of cute girls.  The crowd was always very friendly and I met lots of interesting people, This was during the phase when the Suburbs were the hardest working band in Minneapolis and were working on launching a national presence.  While the national fame never materialized in a way I think they thought it would they could always count on a strong upper-midwest crowd.    The music was always tight and I believe the Suburbs were the first band with a horns section that I really enjoyed but I think the most attractive part of the group was the dichotomy of the two lead singers, Chan Polling and Beej Chaney.  Chan, was that suave keyboardist that could have been in many new wave bands in the 1980′s while Beej was the Iggy Pop look alike who was the punk influence in the band and perceived as the bad boy.  Chan would hold court over the stage while Beej was willing to climb anything and join the crowd in body surfing.  The songs could either be traditional (drinking, girls and the like) or off the wall (Cows, Chemistry Set, Tape Your Wife to the Ceiling) but the pacing the band had a live show allowed you to dance your ass off and once in a while take a break and sway with the rest of the crowd.  One of my favorite memories is that Beej was always checking on the crowd (You guys alright?)  

The Reunion Years-While the band never officially broke up shows became less and less into the 1990′s while members of the band were doing the same things we were; getting jobs, getting married and having kids.  I seem to remember that it was around 2002 when they played their first reunion shows at First Avenue and reissued their albums from the 1980s.  The vibe was still great but we were all different, many of us did not fit in our Suburbs shirts from college anymore and the mosh pit was a bit smaller and the next morning was more painful.  The first sets of shows were great, we had not seen them in a while and a lot of great memories were relived.  As they continued to do additional reunion shows they began to stale (it might have been because I went to each one), Beej was not always in prime shape many times and some of the band members were no longer involved.  We expected new music and were not getting that either.  
But one thing these shows did was not only bring the band back together but for myself brought back old friends and friends who were Suburbs fans that I either did not know back in the day or were not as public with their love of the Suburbs.  I saw a lot of old friends and we made a lot of great new memories (road trips to Lutsen).  

I believe the biggest change to the band came when Bruce Allen passed away in 2009.  Bruce provided that unique Suburbs guitar sound that along with the rest of the solid musicianship of the band made the Suburbs one of the most musically talented bands.  Like any grieving process I think the band went through a process that led to some uneven performances.  The band has also missed the bass playing of Michael Halliday who was dealing with his own health issues.  The positions have luckily been filled by two talented musicians with Steve Brantseg on guitar and Steve Price on bass.

Band members also have had their own individual losses including a divorce for Beej and the loss of Elenanor Mondale for Chan.  They band is experiencing the same things we are as we are getting older, loss of family and loves; good days and bad.

After their performance at the Cabooze in 2011 I decided it was time to give up going to every local Suburbs show until we saw some new music.  That is the rumor out there, new album and a band that has matured but still knows its fans long for the days of 1980s.  I am waiting for that new album and pulling on that classic black Suburbs shirt for the phase in the band.  

For this event I published my first review at Twin Cities Daily Planet.  Check out the review here:  http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/arts/2013/01/20/current-birthday-first-avenue.  Check out the night two review by my friend Ann Treacy right below mine.   

Also check out my previous post of best of 2012 shows.  

New Finds of 2012

These might not be entirely new bands but bands that came across my radar at a live show in 2012.  We are so lucky here to be able to discover so many great local bands.

1. Apollo Cobra-enough said
2. Prissy Clerks-they keep getting better and better, expecting big things in 2013.
3. Cactus Blossoms-if you like your parents country music they are the band to check out.
4. The Parlour Suite-danceable electronic music- I have to make a point to see them more in 2013.
5. Charlie Parr- I know I am behind on this one but his live shows are incredible.
6. Maudlin-again behind on it but they really impressed me with their rock/pop sound.
7. La’Assassins-all girl group with incredible garage/surf punk sound. 
8. Bethany Larson and the Bee’s Knees-saw them quite a few times this year.  A great Americana sound, I still think Bethany has a bit of Patsy Cline in her.
9. Prizefighters-a great local SKA band.  I don’t think they play enough.
10. Machine 22-these guys can just plain rock.  There has been a bit of shake up in the band so look for them now as Modern Era but do check them out.

Five Shows I wish I would have seen in 2012

If they show in 2013 I will be there:

1. Father John Misty
2. Japandroids
3. The Wombats
4. Bob Dylan
5. Tallest Man on Earth

Five Events I am looking forward to in 2013

I am already marking these on my calendar:

1. Release of the 4onthefloor Album
2. The First Avenue Block Party
3. Return of the Pizza Luce Block Party
4. Finally going to Rock the Garden
5. More weekend local music festivals

My “If I could be a local music” person/band:

It’s a debate we have quite a bit; I keep my list local as I don’t think we need to go any further to find great music and musicians.

1. Jake Rudh-I have been fortunate to get to know Jake a bit over the last year.  Definitely a class act and all around nice guy.
2. John Munson-the Godfather of Local Music, now with that part-time gig on the Current even cooler.  Of course I would never miss a Christmas New Standards show.
3. Any Member of 4onthefloor-I know you have all heard this before but I am so impressed at the talent in the band plus all the side projects they have going.  One goal for 2013 is to make sure I see all of the side projects
4. Any Member of Apollo Cobra-I don’t think I see a band having more fun.
5. Mark Wheat-if I was fortunate to have that accent, host an evening show and be the voice for Morries it doesn’t get any better than that.  Mark also reminds me of Tommy; a fellow Brit, DJ and Bartender at my first job who introduced me to a lot of cool British music back in the 80′s.  

This is the first post of 2012 best of, I will be posting my other lists soon.  Thanks to all the friends and bands that made this year incredible.

It has been a great year in music, over 73 shows attended and 150 or so bands seen.  I figured my top of the year list is probably as valid as anyone else so here it goes:

Top 5 Live Shows

1. 4onthefloor-a tie for first on this one because there were two of their six shows that stand out (they all rocked or else I would not have shown up six shows this year).  First was the sold out First Avenue show in April, just incredible seeing that many people supporting my favorite local band.  More impressive was the night at Psycho Suzi’s after a Thunderstorm during Art-a-Whirl.  By some stroke of luck we got into the show right in front of Gabe and danced our assess off, a smaller crowd and a packed venue added to the fun.
2. Bob Mould-this show was incredible with Bob playing both “Copper Blue” and his new album “Silver Age”, while Bob did not interact much with the crowd he blew us away with the shear energy of his live show.  I would never miss the opportunity to see Bob again.
3. Midwest Music Festival-I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in Winona in April (in a tent-which this year worked well-other years I think we would have been frozen out). Spent two days jumping from venue to venue including catching Bethany Larson at an old church now artist quarter, Koo Koo Kangaroo with both adults and young ones in a riverside park and rocking to 4onthefloor late into the night.  I definitely want to go back in 2013, just hope the weather cooperates again.
4. Dave Pirner-Dave performed an intimate show at the Triple Rock in October to support the Vote No amendments.  Just Dave acoustic with the new Soul Asylum guitarist Justin Sharbono, it was a great sing-along and Dave was endearing.  I have been a little hard on Mr. Pirner for the Soul Asylum show in December but the October show was incredible.
5. Communist Daughter-again I am going to combine some shows here around their east coast tour.  I caught them at a house show with Johnny and Molly right before they left on the tour, it was a great intimate setting.  Then a couple of nights later they played Mears Park and even though there were some technical hiccups you could tell they were ready to hit the road.  We were lucky enough to catch them at the Amsterdam in November and you could tell how the road had brought the band together and improved their sound.

Honorable Mention

1. Minnesota Music on a Stick-State Fair
2. Glen Hansard-First Avenue
3. Any Apollo Cobra Show
4. Craig Finn-UBS Forum
5. Reverend Horton Heat

Best Dance Shows of 2012

1. Transmission-I attended my fair share of Transmission shows this year either at First Avenue, The Varsity or Club Jager.  At all of them no one was sitting down and Jake Rudh created a vibe that fit the theme of the night.  I really like the monthly Varsity shows with a little more room but I would never turn down a chance to check out Jake.  Plus make sure to check out the weekly show on the Current.
2. Ting Tings-It was a cold February night but the Ting Tings were incredible at First Avenue.  We left a sweaty mess and the crowd was one of the more diverse in recent memory.  Dance music is still alive as long as the Ting Tings are around.
3. Apollo Cobra-what can I say about three guys who don’t use a lead guitar but completely rock out.  A more loyal following of a band I can’t find anywhere in Minnesota.  We discovered them at Cause one night (note to self no sweat shirts to their shows) and I think I have been at every show they have played locally since.  Make sure to catch them before they go national so you can say you saw them when.

Next post will include:

1. New Finds of 2012
2. 5 shows I wish I would have seen
3. 5 events I am looking forward to in 2013
4. My “if I could be” list

Now that snow is on the ground I can get behind holiday songs.  For the 12 days around Christmas I will be posting a Christmas song each day of some of my favorite Christmas hits.  They probably will not be traditional but I don’t think that you expected that.  Enjoy and share with me what songs you like to listen to this time of year.  If you miss one, they all will be on the blog.

December 15^th-Charlie Brown Christmas Song-starting with my favorite Christmas TV show.  If this doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit I do not know what will.

December 16^th-Dick in a Box-Justin Timberlake and Andy Sandberg-ok you could easily do a top 10 list of SNL Christmas skits and songs.  This is one of the best and beware it is dirty.  Just for fun name the guys you knew that went with this look back in the day!

December 17^th-Merry Christmas (I don’t want to fight tonight)-Ramones-a band all in black is not your typical Christmas merry makers but the Ramones take a different approach to Peace on Earth!

December 18^th-Holiday-Madonna-it is not a typical Holiday song and I am not getting in the middle of the whole Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays debate.  But this is my favorite Madonna song before she got muscular and lost her sex appeal.

December 19^th-Little Drummer Boy-Bing Crosby and David Bowie-like any list it just isn’t complete without a David Bowie mention.  I do miss those old Christmas TV specials!

December 20^th-The Seasons Upon Us-Dropkick Murphy’s-for those dysfunctional family members we all adore!  Now is the time to plan your strategy to annoy them on Christmas Day!

December 21^st-Fairytale of New York-Pogues and Kirsty McColl-Listen for a great take on this on Christmas Eve during The New Standards show on The Current.  This one is for all my Irish friends!

December 22^nd-Snow Days-Trip Shakespeare-no it’s not a Christmas song per se’ but it is one of my favorite winter songs.  Doing the original version here, there are plenty of New Standards covers out there if you are looking for an updated version.  Plus look at that hair!

December 23^rd-I’ll Be Home for Christmas-Johnny Cash-the one of a kind sound of the Man in Black plus a Christmas Classic.  This is for those of you who are getting ready to travel for the Holidays, safe travels!

December 24^th-12 Days of Christmas-Bob and Doug McKenzie-lots of great high school memories back with this one, sitting in the basement at 1:00 in morning watching SCTV.

December 25^th-Do They Know it’s Christmas-Band Aid-long before any of them saved the world or were arrested!  A fun holiday game on your new iPad-name all the artists, if you get them all you are a true child of the 80’s.

December 26^th-Christmas Time Next Year-The New Standards-well now Christmas is over and it time to start thinking about next year.  Happy Holidays Everyone!!

There are not  many holiday traditions I attend to but last night was one of my favorites:  The New Standards annual holiday show at the Fitzgerald.  I am not sure whether it was the fifth or sixth annual but every year has a new twist and Christmas traditions that all of us know are coming but still enjoy seeing every year.

It was a great set of guests this year; some of my favorites were artists that I discovered this year including Chastity Brown who ended the first set and the Cactus Blossoms who added to country theme of the first half of the show.  And there were some former guests who were great to see again including Mike Doughty who bookmarked his “Ice Ice Baby” rendition a few years ago with “Ring of Fire” this year.  Matt Wilson did own take of “Crying” by Roy Orbison and Jeremy Messersmith showed some country chops.

While I enjoy the guests every year I could use more New Standards covers throughout the entire show.  The unique sound and take on popular songs is so refreshing and some of their covers have become  better than the originals.  I would have put six just New Standards songs (with only Chan, John and Steve) right in the middle of the show.  It might be a small complaint I know I can correct it by going to a show that is not holiday focused.  Bringing us back from the intermission was a video of their latest single, “Call Your Boyfriend” a remix of the Robyn hit.

But it was the Holiday show and there were so many great Holiday songs.  Aby Wolf started off the night with her version of “Silent Night” and was a great back-up with the other Ascots the rest of the night.  Janey Winterbauer and Chan Poling did a fabulous Irish version of the Pogues, “Fairytale of New York”.  To finish the night we were all ready for the yearly rendition of “Snow Days”, this year with a new Matt Wilson appearance and the new TNS classic-“Christmas Time Next Year”.

It is not just the music that makes this show but all the extras, this year included the cowboy theme on the story of the Three Wise Men, an annual appearance by local dance favorite Rupert, dancing trees and the best guitar-wielding Santa Claus.  All in all it was a show that leaves us wondering what will next year bring and one of the reasons I am glad December comes every year.

I have to admit this was a last minute decision and I went into the show knowing very little about Glen Hansard.  So after deciding at 4:30 I was going to the show and having my son download me some of his music to listen to on the way there I was surprised to see a full house when I arrived; and now I understand why!  What an incredible performance by Glen and his band; I was expecting a more folky style but instead ended up with a soulful review of both his songs and some great covers.  I was most familiar with his work with Swell Season and the audience was very appreciative of his rendition of Low Rising.

Beyond Swell Season Glen also leads the Irish rock band The Frames and has had success in film and Broadway with “Once”  and I was impressed as I went back to listen to his music after the show how extensive his catalog is.  Glen really knows how to hold a room and attracted an audience that was hanging on every word; he has modesty   that makes the crowd appreciative him and responsive to his narrative between songs.  His Irish roots shine through and the his love of blues and soul was evident by the 10 piece band backing him up including members of Levon Helm backing band which provided incredible an incredible brass section and an excellent strings section in addition.

Since my knowledge of his music was minimal I definitely need to now go back and learn some more about his music.  But even for those of us who are not familiar we were treated to some excellent covers; an artist performing a cover of Prince at First Avenue is not unique (although there must be enough now for an album of Prince Covers!) his choice of “Sign of the Times” definitely was outside of the ordinary.  With the Levon Helm brass section playing their last show with Glen the show ended with an incredible version of The Band’s “The Weight” was incredible and had the entire audience singing along.

Best part about a show can be when you find something you never knew existed, that was definitely what tonight was all about.

I am back into the swing and decided I need to spend some time doing what I enjoy instead of worrying about the pile on my desk this morning.  There is a lot of great music this weekend in some less than typical venues and some other dates you should be putting on your calendar.  Enjoy all the music you can this fall, winter typically slows down when it comes to events.

Saturday September 8^th-Paint on the Water: St. Croix Valley Hip Hop Festival-it is always cool to see music and art come together in a show.  Check out my town, Stillwater before we shut the bridge down for three months!

Saturday September 8^th-Summit Backyard Bash-I won’t be making it because of the Gopher home opener (Ski-U-Mah!) but beer and music is another of my favorite combinations.  Doomtree and Halloween Alaska are playing plus Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps

Sunday September 9^th-Communist Daughter at the Cake Shop-an intimate show at a location only those of us who are going know about it should be tremendous to see them before they get ready to head off on tour, if you can’t see them then check them out on Thursday September 13^th at Mears Park in St. Paul for a make-up of their rained out show earlier this summer.

And for those of you planning out a ways I have these on my list:

Bob Mould at First Avenue-Saturday September 15^th.  Bob will be playing the “Copper Blue” album in its entirety and songs from his new album, “Star Machine”.  I cannot believe this is not sold out yet.

And last but not least there are three opportunities to see the hardest working band in the Twin Cities, 4onthefloor.   Tonight they are playing at the Twins game, might be the only reason to go out and see the Twins for the rest of the year.  On September 22^nd they are playing an early show at the Franconia Sculpture Park in Schaefer; guys what do think of a later show that same night in Stillwater since you are so close?  And 4onthefloor returns to First Avenue after their last sold-out show there on October 12^th, best thing about that is Retribution Gospel Choir is one of the opening acts.

See you out at shows this week and keep on rockin!!

Well after a break from reviews (the day job has been taking priority, check out what I have been working on at www.4.mfe.com) I thought Friday nights Minnesota Music on a Stick show was the perfect place to jump back in.  89.3 put together a great showcase of local music to celebrate MPR Day at the Fair.  For me it was great seeing incredible development of up and coming artists and reliving some wonderful memories of one of my favorite locals.

Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles started out the afternoon with a more guitar driven sound than those of us who are more use to the ukulele driven sound of the band.  The whole show had a maturity that is a departure from the bands typical sound, and I appreciated it.  I think the larger venue might have played into it to just fill the space.

Jeremy Messersmith shared a couple of new songs I expect to hear on the new album, the band was great with the full ensemble including the Laurel String Quartet.  I missed Brian Tighe on guitar but Peter Sieve of Rogue Valley filled in more than adequately.  Sporting a new haircut that was at least appreciated by my wife, Jeremy continues to amaze me on how he can make melancholy sound so poppy; and when the band wants to crank it up to rock mode it sure can.

The surprise of the night was the set from Dessa who amazes me on the confidence she has developed over the last few years.  When she began doing solo work there was a nervousness that was endearing but I felt might have been limiting her, as she has continued to mature now she really knows how to command an audience.  With help from fellow Doomtree member POS and excellent backing vocals from Aby Wolf and Linnea Mohn, Dessa definitely showed the growing audience that her next album could be the big breakout those of us who have been watching her for a while expect.

Dessa with a big finish at Minnesota Music on a Stick!

After three artists showing us the promise of our local music scene the show took a step back in time to the 1990′s with The Jayhawks.  The local alt-country favorites played a selection of the hits which was a big hit with the crowd but for my taste might have hung on a few songs too long.

The reason I might feel that way about The Jayhawks was that I was really waiting for Semisonic to take the stage.  One of my all-time favorites, Semisonic plays together so seldom these days I didn’t want to miss any opportunity to hear as much as I can.  They did not disappoint and sounded incredibly tight, and as usual Ken Chastain (as I refer to as the fourth sonic) provided some excellent percussion which nicely rounded out the power trio.  The band also included the Laurel String Quartet in a large portion of the show but I was really hoping for that classic trio sound.  What was great was that everyone in the band really seemed to be enjoying themselves, the Godfather of the local music scene John Munson was even more playful than usual and Dan Wilson invoked a bit of his brother Matt in a soliloquy about John’s desire to make love to the entire audience.  Jake Schlicter looked like he was in heaven playing the show and earlier in the day did a great job of updating us on sound check on Facebook.  Earlier in the day we also heard some other good news, Semisonic is working on new songs.

The Semisonic set was a rollicking sing-a-long, when Dan asked the audience to join him most of the crowd was thinking have you not been listening to us the rest of the show!  Semisonic spread their songs across all three of their albums including some of my favorite acronym songs, FNT and DND.  Of course we heard Closing Time and a favorite of mine, Across the Great Divide.  Bringing back Jeremy Messersmith and Andy Thompson (who use to do a lot of work with Dan when he was doing solo stuff) the band played “I Wish” from the Chemistry album.  Dan Wilson played his Grammy winner, “Someone Like You” but I would have enjoyed more Semisonic personally.  Finishing up the night Lucy Michelle, Aby Wolf, Dessa, Jeremy Messersmith and Semisonic covered “Little Red Corvette”, which seemed appropriate to end a Minnesota Music night.

I am looking forward to another great weekend of local music in Stillwater.  See the press release below:

For Press Inquiries

Contact: Paul Barber

Phone 651 208-2299

Email: paul.barber.7315@facebook.com

Weekend of Live Music Coming to Stillwater, MN

(July 18, 2012)  BAM Productions and Gasoline Music Group present “Stillwater Live Music Days” July 20, 21 and 22 at seven local venues in downtown Stillwater.  Thirty bands will be performing over the three-day event spotlighting some of the best in local music in the area.

Event organizer Paul Barber commented about the event:  “Stillwater has great venues and over the last six months the local music scene has been dramatically improved with live music every day of the week; this event is a celebration of our success and our future plans to make Stillwater a place to be for live music”.

Bands will be performing at Pub Monique, P.D Pappy’s, Rafters Bar and Grill, Shanghai Bistro, Smalley’s BBQ, The Freighthouse and the Water Street Inn. Bands will be announced on July 13^th and additional information on the event can be found at the Stillwater Live Music Facebook Page at   http://www.facebook.com/StillwaterLiveMusic.

Water Street Inn
Friday July 20th 7:30pm Bedlam
Saturday July 21^st12:30pm Lynn and Lance
3pm The Tommy Bentz Band
7:30pm PM Bedlam
Sunday July 22nd 1pm Eric Olson

The Freighthouse
Saturday July 21st 12pm The Soupbones
3pm Stereomaid
Sunday July 22nd 12pm Jeff Loven
3pm Cliffton Wales

Smalley’s Pirate Bar
Friday July 20th 10pm MP Duo
Saturday July 21st 2pm Junk FM
10pm MP Duo
Sunday July 22nd 4pm Open Mic with Captain Mike

Shanghai Bistro
Friday July 20th 7:00 pm The Afterwhile
Saturday July 21st 3pm Joseph Collin Smith
7:30pm Rob Henry Trio
Sunday July 22nd 12:30pm LynnZ and Lance
2:15pm Marcus Lere w/Zach
7:00pm Saving Starz

Rafters Bar and Grill
Friday July 20th 7:00 pm Jacklaugh
Saturday July 21st 9:00 pm Saving Starz

P.D. Pappys
Friday July 21st 9:00 pm Vintage Raggs
Saturday July 22nd 1:00pm Billy Larsen & Lisa Wenger
4:30pm Lenz Brothers
9:00 pm Vintage Raggs
Sunday July 22st 1:00pm Hunyuckers
4:30pm The Kurt Jorgensen Band

Pub Monique
Friday July 20 9:30 pm Tumbling Dice “Rolling Stones Tribute”
Saturday July 21st 6:00 pm Joel Kachel
9:30 pm Rhythm Engine
Sunday July 22nd 6:00 pm Machine22
8:00 pm Juice Jam “Sunday Night Open Mic”