Posted by The G on May 13, 2012 under Encounters with G | 
Photo by G.
Tommie Sunshine and Geoffrey Dicker
Recently, superstar DJ Tommie Sunshine did a set before the Scissor Sisters played New York’s Bowery Ballroom. His set featured remixes of Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” and hot dance tracks by Katy Perry and Usher. When I met Tommie after the set, I complimented him on playing Aphex Twin’s “Window Licker” and we high fived! That was fuckin’ rad on both counts! Thanks Tommie!
Posted by The G on May 7, 2012 under G Reviews |
Photos by G.
Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters
Let’s have a kiki! It pleases me to no end to say the following sentence: Scissor Sisters are back! One of the most fun bands you will ever see live previewed songs from their upcoming album “Magic Hour” at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on May 6, 2012. I’ve lost count as to how many times I’ve seen Scissor Sisters in concert (and it has to be over 20 times by this point), but one thing always remains – their shows are always a damn good time! Playing a nice mix of tracks from each of their albums (including the non-US album track “The Skins”), Scissor Sisters rocked the socks off the audience at Bowery Ballroom!
Ana Matronic of Scissor Sisters
Jake Shears and Ana Matronic mentioned how Bowery Ballroom is their favorite place in New York to play (and to see concerts as well) and I have to agree. It’s hard to have a bad time at the legendary venue. A great time was had by all tonight which included many familiar faces such as Jonathan Pierce from The Drums, Anderson Cooper, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and actress Susan Sarandon. The Sisters played 7 new songs from their upcoming album “Magic Hour” (which will be released at the end of May 2012) including the first two singles “Only The Horses” and the rap-infused track “Shady Love.” The dance party/answering machine message “Let’s Have A Kiki” was also played and included a great choreographed routine with Jake and the back-up singers (see photo below). “Keep Your Shoes On” is a dance track that is destined to become a Scissor Sisters classic. “Years of Living Dangerously” is a slower song that the audience was definitely vibing to and “Baby Come Home” has a groove similar to “Laura.”
Let's Have a Kiki!
A video of another new song “Inevitable” will be coming soon, so please bookmark this site and visit often (shameless plug - however, it’s hard to deny that I provide great and exclusive content 7 days a week!) Sandwiched in between the new songs (all of which made their US live debut), were classic Scissor Sisters songs such as their cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” “Take Your Mama,” “Mary,” “Invisible Light,” “Skin This Cat,” “Kiss You Off,” “Any Which Way,” “Music is the Victim,” and “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’.”
Del Marquis
I saw a lot of fellow die-hard Scissor Sisters fans at the show and their energy and enthusiasm for this band is unparalleled. In turn, the band returns the love of their fans and I must say that Scissor Sisters are the nicest band in rock and roll. They are always happy to meet fans, sign their stuff, take photos and answer any questions their fans might have. In addition to their great music and their ridiculously fun shows, that’s reason enough to always support and see this band!
Jake Shears and Baby Daddy
Thanks again to Scissor Sisters for another great show and they’ll be back in the States in the summer so do not miss them at any cost when they come to your town!
See the set list after the jump.
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Tags: 2012, Ana Matronic, Baby Daddy, Bowery Ballroom, Del Marquis, Images, Jake Shears, Let's Have A Kiki, Magic Hour, May 6, New York, Photos, Review, Scissor Sisters, Set List
Posted by The G on May 6, 2012 under Encounters with G, G Reviews |
Photos by G.
Brendan Benson
Singer/Songwriter Brendan Benson packed the house at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on May 5, 2012. To say the show was a family affair is putting it mildly. Brendan’s manager greeted fans as the doors opened and Benson was seen in the crowd before the show mingling with fans, rocking out to the music and guesting on drums during the opening band’s (The Howling Brothers) set. Though Brendan Benson is not a household name, his musical resume is very impressive with over 5 solo albums, he’s a member of The Raconteurs and is a frequent collaborator with rock god Jack White.
Brendan Benson's Band at Bowery Ballroom (say that 10 times fast!)
Brendan’s hour long set was a nice introduction to his music, for those that were unfamiliar with his catalog, and he played tracks such as “Good to Me” from his 2002 album “Lapalco,” which brought some of the loudest cheers of the night. Brendan’s latest album “What Kind of World” was released at the end of May 2012 and he played many tracks from the new album to the delight of his fans. You can see the full set list after the jump. Thanks for a great night Brendan!
Brendan Benson
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Posted by The G on April 28, 2012 under Encounters with G, G Reviews |
Photos by G.
Willis Earl Beal
Willis Earl Beal had me at his opening line, “I am gonna sing you some songs and then I am gonna get off the Goddamned stage!” Chicago native Willis Earl Beal opened for Britsh rock band Wu Lyf at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on April 27, 2012, and it was one of those cases for me where the opening act blew away the headliner. If you don’t know Willis Earl Beal, get to know him. He’s a born performer and for the duration of his hour long set, he sang like a man possessed! Think of the vocals of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell on You” and add a whole lot of soul with an addictively entertaining stage presence and you’ve got Willis Earl Beal.
Willis Earl Beal
His debut album “Acoustamatic Society” comes in a DVD-sized package that includes a slip case and a book filled with illustrations and text from Beal and when I asked him about the cool packaging after the show, he said that he wanted fans to get the most for their money. Beal is also infamous for not being on-line and in fact, at the merch table, they were handing out postcards with Willis’ phone number and if you call him, he will sing you a song! The post card also offers that if you send him a letter, he will draw you a picture and mail it back to you. Guess who is totally going to do that?!
Willis Earl Beal
It was really hard to top Willis Earl Beal’s set as well as the great experience I had chatting with him, so I ducked out early from Wu Lyf’s (pronounced “Woo Life”) set, but since the lead singer is super cute, here’s a photo for you, my dear readers.
Ellery James Roberts of Wu Lyf
Willis Earl Beal and Geoffrey Dicker. Photo by Willis' friend
It was really great chatting with you Willis, and we’ll be speaking on the phone soon! 
Tags: 2012, April 27, Bowery Ballroom, Ellery James Roberts, Geoffrey Dicker, Lead Singer, New York, Photo, Review, Willis Earl Beal, Wu Life
Posted by The G on April 18, 2012 under G Reviews |
Photos by G.
Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees
Neon Trees are back, baby! The Utah rockers celebrated the release of their new album “Picture Show” with a pair of intimate shows at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on April 16 and 17, 2012. I caught the second show and it was electric! Lead singer Tyler Glenn is a total rock star. He dresses the part (including multiple outfit changes), has incredible stage presence and is filled with energy that just won’t quit! He makes sure the crowd has a great night as he dances all over the stage and gets the audience engaged with crowd sing-a-longs.
Fame is Dead!
During their hour and a half set, Neon Trees’ set was packed with hits from their debut album “Habits” (including “Animal,” “Never Surrender,” and “1983″), as well as stadium-worthy lighting! Before launching into tracks from “Picture Show,” Tyler Glenn told the crowd that it is great but also scary to play new material because you never know how the audience will react. I can safely say, the crowd was digging the new stuff. When introducing the new song “Everybody Talks,” Tyler Glenn dedicated it to all the people that talk shit and he said a betrayal at age 6 prepared him for a life filled with people talkin’ smack.
Neon Trees
Glenn said that he wanted to bring the fun back into rock and roll and Neon Trees succeeded in their mission. I think even if you don’t care for their music, you cannot say that you won’t be entertained by a live performance by Neon Trees. That’s what rock and roll is all about! Thanks for a great night Neon Trees!
See the set list after the jump.
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Tags: 2012, April 17, Bowery Ballroom, Images, Lead Singer, Live, Neon Trees, Photos, Review, Set List, Tyler Glenn
