Grizzly Bear & Final Fantasy To Perform With BK Philharmonic

Deets are as follows:

Brooklyn Academy Of Music
BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
February 28, 2009 (8PM)

Tix are on sale 10/20.

Further info can be found here.

MP3: Grizzly Bear - On A Neck...

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The World Of B-Sides & Rarities, #561

The National - Around The Bend

A brand new tune debuted on 2/22/08 @ BAM.

Read my review of that gig here.

MP3: The National - Around The Bend [alt link]

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The National @ BAM: A River Full Of Lost Sharks

Last night marked my fourth time seeing the National since the release of their enthralling junior LP, Alligator. Surprisingly and/or thankfully their debut at the 2100-capacity Brooklyn Academy Of Music did not vary greatly from their standard riveting gigs over the course of the last three years. The show focused primarily on 2007's Boxer & the aforementioned, Alligator, as per usual. However, one key difference was the backing string and horn sections which added a much-adored texture and fullness to The National's aggregated sound. Another unexpected treat was a guest appearance by Sufjan Stevens whom tickled the ivories during 'Ada'. Along with a beautiful backdrop, perfect acoustics and a certain magic in the air, The National undoubtedly soared throughout the 90-minute gig. Visit the band at their official site. Enjoy some photos, the setlist & an MP3 below.

Setlist: Start A War. Brainy. Baby We'll Be Fine. Slow Show. Secret Meeting. Mistaken For Strangers. Squalor Victoria. Abel. Wasp Nest. Racing Like A Pro. Ada. Apartment Story. Untitled New Song. Karen. Fake Empire... City Middle. Mr November. About Today. Gospel.

MP3: The National - Brainy [alt link]

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Joanna Newsom @ BAM: Inflammatory Wit

I'm in the minority. Over the course of the last four years, I've tried time and time again to enjoy both of Joanna Newsom's critically acclaimed full-lengths (2004's The Milk-Eyed Mender & 2006's Ys). Unfortunately, the so-called magic has failed to satiate my overzealous ears. Due to sheer curiosity and an abundance of rave reviews from Night 1, I decided to attend her second sold out performance at BAM's Howard Gilman Opera House. The evening was broken into two segments: the first half dedicated to Ys (in its entirety, accompanied by The Brooklyn Philharmonic); the latter section split evenly between new tracks and favorites from her debut LP. For nearly three hours, the California-based harpist & vocalist truly stunned the jam-packed auditorium. The arrangements were flawless, her unique (yet divisive) voice was spot-on and her stage banter was beyond charming. While I haven't been transformed into a mega-fan (by a long shot), I can honestly say my distaste has severely dissipated, and I look forward to experiencing Joanna's live show again sometime very soon. Kudos, J - well done! Visit Ms. Newsom at her official site.

(Photo courtesy of Ryan Muir @ Metromix)

MP3: Joanna Newsom - Bridges & Balloons [alt link]

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Brooklyn Next Festival Arrives In February

BAM presents the following gigs at Union Hall:

2/21: Favourite Sons + The Mugs
2/22: Laura Cantrell + Mia Riddle
2/23: Travis Morrison + A Sunny Day In Glasgow + Scarce

Purchase tickets to all shows at Ticketweb.

MP3: Laura Cantrell - Bees

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Sufjan Stevens @ BAM: 'The BQE', Night 2

Last night marked the second of three consecutive sold-out performances of Sufjan Stevens' latest project, The BQE. For those not native to the New York tri-state, The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) is a stretch of highway, built in the 1960s, that runs from southern Brooklyn to central Queens (for a further description check here). Suf's half-hour interpretation of the heavily trafficked road included hula hoopers, a cinematic triptych (highlighting everything from auto repair shops to carnival rides) and most importantly, a breathtaking & grandiose score. With certain pieces harboring chaos, and other portions accentuating grace, the production was nothing short of brilliant. Following a brief intermission, the Michigan native returned with his extended orchestra, yet again, for eleven of his hits. The focal points of that act included 'The Predatory Wasp' (and its accompanying story) off of Illinois, and a transcendent rendering of the unreleased fan-favorite, 'Majesty Snowbird'. Truly sensational. Photos below courtesy of Metrolens.

Setlist: [Part 1] The BQE. [Part 2] Seven Swans. The UFO Sighting. The Black Hawk War. The Avalanche. Detroit. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. The Predatory Wasp. Barn Owl. Casimir Pulaski Day. Majesty Snowbird. Chicago.

MP3: Sufjan Stevens - Chicago

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Sufjan BQE BAM Tix On Sale Today!

Purchase a pair via this link. Here are all the full details on the event courtesy of BAM's official site:

*THE BQE - COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY SUFJAN STEVENS - NOV 1—3 AT 8PM

BAM HOWARD GILMAN OPERA HOUSE
RUNNING TIME: APPROX 90MIN
TICKETS: $20, 25, 35, 50

A prolific singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer with a penchant for storytelling, Sufjan Stevens reveals the epic in the everyday in songs infusing the vernacular of Midwestern folk with a distinctly orchestral grandeur. Stevens pairs orchestrated selections of both new and old material with the 25th Next Wave Festival commission/world premiere of The BQE—a symphonic and cinematic exploration of one of New York's least celebrated monuments: the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Robert Moses' controversial 11.7-mile roadway tears through neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens with the brute force of modern urban planning, and in Stevens' hands becomes an evocation of the intersection of intimate experience and the American Dream. Merging a virtual road trip shot on film with a live band and orchestral ensemble, The BQE discovers abstract patterns and stories in the snaking traffic, potholed pavement, billboards, badly marked exits, and beautiful city views, revealing what happens when Manifest Destiny converges with urban blight.*

MP3: Sufjan Stevens - Jason

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Sufjan Explains Upcoming BQE-Inspired Piece

In case you haven't already heard, Sufjan Stevens will be orchestrating 'new and old material with the 25th Next Wave Festival commission-world premiere of The BQE-a symphonic and cinematic exploration of one of New York's least celebrated monuments: the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.' (read more on the press release over at Brooklyn Vegan).

In a recent entry on Suf's official site, posted just hours ago, he explains the inspiration behind his latest project. He declares that it will center on 'abstract patterns and stories in the snaking traffic, potholed pavement, billboards, badly marked exits, and beautiful city views, revealing what happens when Manifest Destiny converges with urban blight.'

Can't wait for this one. It will premiere November 1st, 2nd and 3rd at BAM.

MP3: Sufjan Stevens - Springfield

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Antony & The Johnsons With The Brooklyn Philharmonic @ BAM: Cripple & The Starfish

Goosebumps. That's what I was experiencing for nearly all of Antony's pitch-perfect set at BAM tonight. Antony & The Johnsons teamed up with The Brooklyn Philharmonic for an 80-minute show at The Brooklyn Academy Of Music (BAM)'s stunning Howard Gilman Opera House. Antony came out center stage, sans piano, in a white kimono-shmata-sweatshirt-type top with matching white marching band pants and white shoes. Roughly five feet behihd him was the Philharmonic in its entirety along with The Johnsons.

The setlist began with B-side 'Mysteries Of Love' and predominantly emphasized Antony's new work and rarities. In fact, the only songs lifted from either of his proper full-lengths were 'Cripple & The Starfish', 'Rapture', 'For Today I Am A Boy' and the beautiful, set-closing 'River Of Sorrow'. Antony's vocals were absolutely exemplary tonight - the best I've ever heard him, to date. One of the most surprising moments of the evening was when Antony attmpted a Beyonce cover. Yes, you are reading correctly, he busted into a melancholic rendition (what else would you expect, seriously?) of 'Crazy In Love' midway through the set and it was magnificient!

This show will surely go down as one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. First note to last, this show was impeccable. Now if only the two heavyweights would team up weekly, Antony & The Brooklyn Philharmonic could become the new MisShapes!

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Nellie Does Letterman!

Sadly we missed the performance last night, BUT, LUCKILY, Pop Drivel saw it and recorded an MP3 for our listening pleasure!

According to PD, Nellie looked amazing last night and 'sounded fabulous'. Would we expect anything else?

Man, Letterman is getting all my faves the last few weeks....

Oh, speaking of Nellie, is anyone going to her 2/1 BAM show with Joan Osborne, Suzanne Vega & Laurie Anderson? That should be a great one!

MP3: Nellie McKay - Happy Flower (live on Letterman)

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Antony And Nellie Team Up (Separately) With The Brooklyn Philharmonic!

YOU KNOW I'll be there! Tix on sale 11/27.

MP3: Antony & The Johnsons - For Today I Am A Boy

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