Photos by G.

Ana Matronic and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters

Did you really think I’d only post 5 pictures of my beloved Scissor Sisters from their sold out show at Terminal 5 in New York on August 24, 2010?  I didn’t think so either!  You can see even more Scissory goodness here.

"Show your nipples if According2g is your favorite website" - Jake Shears

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Photo taken with my hand.

Casey Spooner and G

Prior to Casey Spooner’s awesome solo set at Terminal 5 in New York, I met the singer on August 24, 2010.  The man with perpetually great hair and one half of the electronic duo Fischerspooner, was extremely nice during our brief encounter.  I arrived at the venue a bit on the early side to secure my front row center spot to see Casey and Scissor Sisters (which I ended up getting) and Casey Spooner said “Wow, you are here early.”  I replied that I was a “psycho fan,” and he laughed.  Thanks again Casey for being so nice and I am looking forward to “Adult Contemporary,” his solo album that will be out before the end of 2010.

Photos by G.

Jake Shears and G

Sometimes I think it’s impossible to love the Scissor Sisters more than I do.  Their music always puts me in a good mood, their live shows are non-stop dance parties, all band members are extremely filthy/gorgeous and most important – they get my vote for the nicest band in Rock and Roll.  They are all huge fans of music and they know how important it is to be nice to fans.  I’ve been blessed to meet the band on several occasions and every time, their kindness makes me proud to be a fan.  Before their amazing show on August 24, 2010 at New York’s Terminal 5, I spoke with the band and here are a few tidbits that I learned. 

Two years ago, I saw the Sisters perform a secret show in New York where they performed about 10 as yet unreleased songs under the name “Debbie’s Harry.”  Songs played that night included “Television,” “Who’s Your Money?,” “Uruboros,” and “Taking Shape.”  The songs were ultimately scrapped and an entirely new batch of material that would become the brilliant record “Night Work” was recorded.  I asked lead singer Jake Shears if we’ll ever see those songs in the form of B-sides, an EP or a new record and he said “as it stands now, you were witness to a very special night.”

Del Marquis and G

Autographed CD covers and photos taken by G.

Every time I’ve ever spoken with Ana Matronic, it seems as if we’ve known each other for years.  She happily signed photos I’ve taken of her and with her and I couldn’t resist asking questions about her recent experience working with another one of my favorite groups, Duran Duran!  Forgive me for paraphrasing this next bit.  Knowing that she’s a huge Durannie, I said “You must have been dying when that experience happened.”  She said she was beyond dying!  She went into the studio with Mark Ronson and Nick Rhodes and Simon LeBon appeared soon after.  She was under the impression that she would just be singing a few pre-written lines but once in the studio, they started writing!  She said that she had to hang out in the bathroom by herself for a few moments to soak in the fact that she had been given this amazing opportunity.  Ana said that she might have appeared a bit nervous in the studio – and who wouldn’t be if you were sharing the space with Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes and Mark Ronson – and Ronson said “should I kick out the guys?”  Ana immediately said “Hell no!”  She also said the song is mid-tempo and the track (as well as the songs she has heard) are very reminiscent of “Rio” era Duran!  Thanks for sharing those tidbits Ana!

I’d also like to thank Scissor Sisters again for being absolutely delightful both on stage and off.  When they come to your town, do not hesitate to see them - it’s impossible not to have the time of your life at one of their shows.

Photos by G.

Casey Spooner

Casey Spooner, half of the electronic duo Fischerspooner, received a call from Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters a few days ago. Jake asked if Casey would like to open for the band on their North American Tour.  Casey was up to the challenge even though he had no rehearsal time.  He had just finished recording a batch of songs for an upcoming solo CD called “Adult Contemporary” and decided to treat these shows as a rehearsal.  Well, he could have fooled the sold out crowd at New York’s Terminal 5 on August 24, 2010.  His songs were great and they sounded well polished.  Hitting the stage at 8 pm, he performed in front of a white sheer curtain with a spotlight on him and he wore a suit that made him look extra gorgeous.  Some of the songs he sang included “Cinnamon Toast,” where he professed that everything is ok as long as he has it.  He also sang a track called “RSVP,” that basically dealt with the fact that he wants to be included on every guest list – just in case – but he’d prefer to stay in, with his cats, eating Thai food and watching “True Blood.”  Sometimes, you can’t argue with that logic.  He also sang a song that Jake Shears will be singing on for the studio version, but we were treated to Casey’s solo version tonight.  I met Casey prior to the show and he was extremely nice.  More on my encounter with Casey Spooner coming soon.  His solo album should be released in the fall and based on the live renditions, it’s going to be great!

"How much do I love According2g? This much!"

Before and after Casey Spooner rocked the crowd, we were treated to DJ sets by the one and only Sammy Jo.

DJ Sammy Jo

Photos by G.

Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters

2010 is the year of the Scissor Sisters.  The band released an amazing album called “Night Work” earlier this year and it has already secured a spot on my best albums of the year list.  They previewed the as yet unreleased tracks earlier this year at 2 very intimate shows in their native New York and I was there to catch all the action.  The songs sounded great then when nobody had ever heard them and now that they are available for all to hear and sing along to, each track has turned into an anthem.  I’ve seen Scissor Sisters live at least ten times and I don’t know how they do it, but every show is better than the last one and I find it impossible not to have the time of your life at one of their shows.  After Casey Spooner and DJ Sammy Jo played great sets, the band hit the stage at 9 pm at New York’s Terminal 5 on August 24, 2010.

Ana Matronic

From the second the band hit the stage until the closing notes of the last song, Terminal 5 was a non-stop dance party and it was so much fun!  Jake Shears has more energy than almost every performer around and he sings, he dances and he’s an absolute pleasure to stare at for 2 hours!  The band played every track off their new album “Night Work” except for “Sex and Violence,” my favorite song off the album, but it makes no difference because hearing the new songs mixed with classics such as “Paul McCartney,” “Take Your Mama,” and “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing,” will leave me with a great feeling for days to come.  I met the band before the show and aside from making great music, putting on a hell of an entertaining show time after time, the band is one of the nicest in all of Rock and Roll.  They’ll be happy to pose for pictures, sign autographs and answer any questions you might have.  What did Ana Matronic tell me about working with Duran Duran?  What did Jake Shears say about the original version of Night Work and if the songs will ever be released?  Find out soon.

See pictures of the filthy and gorgeous Del Marquis and Baby Daddy as well as the set list after the jump.

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Video by G.

The sound is very bass heavy, but I think you’ll still enjoy “Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun live from Terminal 5 in New York.  This video will give you a taste of their live show – costumes, lights and the best parts of an LSD fantasy.

Is it real now when two people become one?  (Ironic lyric since the duo is only one guy now).

Photos by G.

Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun

On August 9, 2010, Australian band Empire of the Sun played their second ever show in New York at Terminal 5.  Almost everything about the evening was just a bit off.  The night started off for me with a strange encounter with lead singer and sole original member Luke Steele.  Once the show began, we were “treated” to an hour long DJ set where the bass was so heavy, it was nearly impossible to hear the music.  Also, when a DJ opens for a band in a standing room only venue for a sold out show, it’s nearly impossible to dance and watching a DJ mix records is hardly exciting.  The audience seemed confused by a scantily clad woman, wearing a white wig and a mask who sat on a chair on stage reading a pamphlet for the enitre hour and didn’t move.  Empire of the Sun came out finally at 10:15 (zoinks!) and as usual at shows, the photographer pit in front of the first row is occupied for the first 3 songs.  Many of the photographers were standing on a riser thus blocking the view of the people in the front row and a shoving match ensued.  It nearly ended in a fist fight with people being ejected from the venue but it was narrowly avoided.  The spectacle made the first part of the show a very uncomfortable experience.  Coupled with the fact that Terminal 5′s notoriously horrible sound system was in full effect tonight, at times, it was impossible to tell what song was being played.

On the up side, Empire of the Sun was great. They had awesome visuals, great costumes, cool lighting and dancers that were straight out of an LSD trip.  They played their entire debut album “Walking on the Sun,” (except for “Country”) as well as a few new songs.  Luke Steele played guitar and keyboards, danced around the stage a little bit, and had some over the top costumes.  The show was a very lean hour long, which is pretty disappointing considering most shows in the Great Depression of 2010 consist of 3 acts so you really get the most bang for your buck even if you don’t end up enjoying all of them.  The general consensus in the front row was “it was a great show BUT….”  With that kind of word of mouth, it’s uncertain if we’ll ever get to see Empire of the Sun perform in the United States again, since their debut performances in the States are based off their 2 year old album.  The future is uncertain for this band, but as I said previously, I left the show with a smile on my face.  If you don’t know Empire of the Sun’s music, I definitely recommend their album “Walking on a Dream,” as it sounds like familiar songs from the New Wave era of the 80s, yet they are all originals.

See more pictures (including the Swordfish Hotkiss Nights dancers) as well as the set list after the jump.

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