Random, Happy Memories of 2011
December 30, 2011
Some years are great for shows – like 2008. Some are great years for albums, like 2009. But this was a great year for both, from the start. In the order I remembered them:
Family Crest – My Living Room; 9/11
Duh. Can you believe this alterna-dad cream dream supreme? A stalwart and happy-go-lucky nonet of classically trained musicians show up at my house to play their lovely, life-affirming chamber pop on the anniversary of 9/11 and my teenage son sits in on clarinet? You just had to be there. But then we would have run out of pasta much sooner.
Deerhoof – Great American Music Hall; February 1
They’re just the best, in an age when it has become pointless to talk about the best. You know it’s a good show when legend Fred Frith shows up to sub for the first opener. Deerhoof primed and dimed their uniquely cereberal, detached shredding and just blew it out every pore. Great pix from Charlie Homo.
Tune-yards – Rickshaw Stop; August l5
When Merril Garbus takes the stage, it’s chills, thrills, more chills and a house full of sweaty, jumping converts. This was actually Vetiver’s show – Tunes added late. They were pretty tasty, but ultimately the latest to learn: don’t share a bill with Tune-Yards unless you like being used as a mop. [More...]
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Shalants – “The Mercury Twins”
July 5, 2011
Shalants‘ new self-titled album is out now via American Dust. With a sound that can best be described as garage-tinged Americana (bluesy and bold), “The Mercury Twins” manages to fit both the San Francisco garage-pop scene and the rustic spirit of California.
Shalants – “The Mercury Twins”
Shalants are playing the fantastic Penny Arcade showcase tomorrow, 7/6/11 at the Make-Out Room, along with Tim Cohen’s Magic Trick, Tippy Canoe and Pancho-San (8:00 pm, $8).
