Amour Obscur at Bar Matchless

Amour Obscur may have a modern take on the cabaret musical style, but only so modern. They kept the good parts such as the lack of modern electric instruments, the at times garish theatrics, and of course the outfits. On the other hand, they cover "Tainted Love", a song which does fit in rather well with the rest of their music. Their songs have all sorts of crazy energy and really get the audience movin' (meaning "dancing", not "out the door").

Posted: 8/18/2012 at 1:19pm     Tags: Amour Obscur  Bar Matchless 

The Babies at Union Pool

The lighting at Union Pool is still a bit weak but the sound continues to be stellar. The Babies are a bunch of "old" pros (surely on their fifth or sixth band each) who always sound pretty good, but this night was the best sounding show yet. Good! They have lots of great catchy rock songs of the type which should perhaps be coming out of a radio on a cross-country trip, but definitely not crackling out of the crappy PA in some converted warehouse.

Posted: 8/16/2012 at 8:45pm     Tags: The Babies  Union Pool 

Liquor Store at Brooklyn Bowl

I can't decide whether Liquor Store are an under-appreciated punk band or an under-appreciated hard rock band. I do know that when people crowd the stage to hear their set then take off immediately afterward, that band shouldn't have been the opener. Also, they should have been allowed to play for more than 15 minutes.

Posted: 8/12/2012 at 2:37pm     Tags: Brooklyn Bowl  Liquor Store 

Calvin Johnson at 285 Kent

Musical and Tai Chi visionary Calvin Johnson may be the personification of the phrase "calling him understated would be an understatement". He nearly as much speaks to you as sings, and his humor is so dry that I think they had to hydrate a couple of people who passed out. Yet his performance displays subtle conviction. He is like a preacher who is not preaching a sermon but rather counseling a parishioner. There is much to be gained by listening to what he has to say.

Posted: 8/11/2012 at 12:35am     Tags: 285 Kent  acoustic  Calvin Johnson  Tai Chi Master 

Hungry March Band at Brooklyn Bowl

You have probably heard this band before. They seem to play every outdoor festival and block party. Even if you have managed to resist being drawn in by their catchy tunes you may have been swept into a dance, or conga line, or fairy ring, by one of the majorettes. Definitely one of those "instant party" brass bands. Probably why they get all those festival and block party gigs. I believe this is the first time I have ever seen them indoors!

Posted: 8/7/2012 at 4:11pm     Tags: Brooklyn Bowl  Hungry March Band