For a show as big as Tuesday’s Nightmare Before Xmas (the ‘x’ is for copyright purposes) was, I don’t have much new to tell you. Love You Long Time are still amazing bundles of party energy, Shiny Toy Guns drummer Mikey Martin is still the most entertaining thing on any stage he graces, and I still hate Victim Effect. So let’s do this chronologically.
I was under the impression that LYLT was going to start this thing off right. An associate of mine told me earlier in the day that Victim Effect would be there. I thought, however, that she was just making fun of me and I refused to believe her, so I showed up real early so as not to miss LYLT and then hid in the bathroom during Victim Effect’s set. Seriously, still nothing good about ‘em, although Dave and I thought it interesting that you can totally sing “Hotel California” to the VE song “Boom.” It’s a mashup I should get done. The sad thing that I realized is this:

Bands I Have Seen the Most:

1. Saves the Day (five times)
2. Victim Effect (four times)
3. Weezer (three times)

I mean, that’s only technically true. If you recall, I left my first Victim Effect show before they even took the stage, left the second one during the second song, was doing intern duties during their set at the Big Ass Show, and then hiding in the bathroom this most recent time, but that’s still four shows connected with a band I don’t care for at all. Lame.

Love You Long Time is, quite honestly, the reason I went to this show. I was strongly considering it because I enjoy Shiny Toy Guns, but there’s no way I could refuse with LYLT playing as well. I know, in the past, I’ve made fun of Victim Effect for their synchronized head banging, and much of what LYLT could, I suppose, be contrued as similarly silly looking. The difference is that LYLT knows it looks kind of ridiculous, and isn’t being all angsty about it. Thus making it entertaining! No, but for real, ya’ll need to check these folk out. They just moved to L.A. so you California types now have greater access to them. Treat them well, or we shall be very upset.

I Hate Kate was supposed to be at the Big Ass Show, but somebody got sick and they couldn’t play, so we got them back here for Nightmare Before Xmas. I can now give my verdict: Yeah, kinda sounds like Zebrahead. I was a little underwhelmed by their set. There was a mandolin, could’ve been a banjo, I dunno, I was in the back and it was poorly mic’d. They did do an interesting cover of “Major Tom,” but that’s about the highlight.

I feel pretty bad for Data Rock. They came all the way from Norway to get one of the most tepid receptions I’ve ever seen given to a band. I mean, I guess I didn’t help, but I was as unimpressed as everybody else. They put a good amount of energy into the show, and weren’t deterred by nobody clapping or dancing when instructed to. I don’t know what it was about them, but I just wasn’t feeling it at all. Although I will give them this: They dropped this kind of heavy riff with just the drums and bass, and it made me smile to think that Victim Effect needed three guitars the same thing. Sorry Data Rock. I mean, more people were singing along to Daft Punk’s “Around the World” during the DJ set between bands than participated in Data Rock’s audience participation bits.

Speaking of the DJ set, DJ/dc did some good things for me. Heard some Rapture (”Whoo - Uh Huh, Yeah…Alright!”), some Nine Inch Nails (”Closer” and “The Hand That Feeds”), some Cure (”Why Can’t I Be You”), some Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre (”Nothing But a G Thang”), and some Prince (”Let’s Go Crazy”). The best part of all that is that is provided the soundtrack to the breakdancing circle that opened up at the back of the venue. We even had our presence graced by MC Oz from Love You Long Time (he won the day dancing, by the way).

So then, Shiny Toy Guns have been on the road a long time, and they are improving the whole time. So is Chad Petree’s beard, which I think has been growing since I saw them back in May. Okay, maybe not that long, but if you check out our Flickr you can see it for yourself. In May they seemed really concerned about perfection (something that happens when the version of the album for sale now is version 3.4 or something), Tuesday I was getting the feeling that feeling has taken a bigger role. That may also mean nothing, but they put on a very good show. I’ve got the set list here, if that’s what you’re into. When you go see STG remember that Carah Faye may be eye candy, but you really should be watching Mikey Martin on the drums. Also, “Waiting” sounds amazing live. Good times, great oldies.

Link to the LovetheMusic’s Flickr Photoset of X96’s show

X96

Love You Long Time // MySpace

Shiny Toy Guns // MySpace // Buy We Are Pilots

 Shiny Toy Guns - Waiting [4:21m]: Play in Popup | Download
 Love You Long Time - Dreamkiller [3:55m]: Play in Popup | Download

While I was over at Culture Bully earlier, I noticed that his links list was organized by region, city, and state. I looked down to Florida to see if we were there (we’re not), and then it occurred to me to look under SLC, Utah, which is where Damon is based out of. Not there either. Not that that particularly matters, but I realized that our readers probably don’t know that we’re based out of Tampa, and Salt Lake City.

Well, we are. There you go.  I’m in Tampa for a few reasons, the most basic one being school. I go to University, yup. I think Damon is in SLC because he sort of ended up there, like an old Walmart bag. He’s a ramblin’ man of Utah, been going all over, sleeping on various couches in between going to shows and interning as a kind of shop dick at X96 in SLC. Fortunately for him, he’s done with his schooling. I still have a year. Well, realistically, a year and a half and I’ll have a B.A. that isn’t worth a shit in 2009.

Anyways, this is a good post to talk about a blog I found in CB’s list called Thanks Captain Obvious, or for short, Captain Obvious. It caught my attention because its based out of Pensacola, and I used to live in the next town over from the city, and I went to school there, too. Little weird. Also weird is that the music featured over there has a healthy mix of what we feature here, and these awesome Obvious Tapes posts, which have like 10 badass mp3s per post. What more could you want?

(Picture is from the Pensacola Bridge, or 3-mile bridge. Or whatever)

Random MP3eesie:

And yes, I spelled Burtney like that on purpose. I’m mad wicked.

 Nickel Creek - Toxic (Burtney Spears cover): Play in Popup | Download

So I put it off for a bit, but I should tell you a little something about the X96 Big Ass Show. For those who don’t live in the SLC area, every year X96, the station where I intern, gathers bands and puts on a Big Ass Show. The only really bad part of this is that the Used get preferential treatment, being from Orem and all. They headlined this year and back in ‘02, which was the other time I attended, and neither time did I enjoy their set. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The complete lineup was:
Victim Effect ( whom I hate)

Schoolyard Heroes

Madina Lake
I Hate Kate (who cancelled)
Cold War Kids
The Starting Line
Sum 41
Jimmy Eat World
Social Distortion
the Used

I wanted to listen to the following bands :
Cold War Kids
Jimmy Eat World

I spent the rest of my time there manning the X96 booth, which was in an awkward position. The show had been moved inside to the Salt Palace due to inclement weather, which makes positioning two main stages and a local stage a little difficult. I’ve drawn a diagram to explain where everything is, and as you can see the position of the Live and Local stage in relation to the booth made it hard to hear anybody clearly, but I will tell you what I learned.

Bands I watched: Cold War Kids were a last minute addition to the lineup, because evening DJ Corey O’Brien is a fan and they were touring with the White Stripes when that tour got canceled. They got stuck with a short set, only playing six songs, but they are energetic and fun, and I imagine if you get to see a full set they will rock your socks at least most of the way off.
I’ve seen Jimmy Eat World live before, but at the time I did not know their music (it was summer of 2001 and they were supporting Weezer, Bleed American hadn’t been released yet and the only JEW song I knew was “Seventh Stranger” from The Duran Duran Tribute Album). All I remember is that they were awesome, and I think they played “Sweetness.” So it was with high hopes that I entered the crowd for Jimmy’s set. And…it was pretty good. A good selection of songs, three from Clarity (”Lucky Denver Mint,” “Crush,” and “Blister”), no moshing during “Hear You Me” and plenty of crowd sing along. A lot of this was ruined for me, though, because Utah still seems to think that moshing is cool, and also that if a band has guitars and drums, then they merit moshing. Correct me if I’m wrong, but everybody else has moved on.

Bands I did not watch: Victim Effect still start their set with synchronized headbanging, and I still loathe them. And their fans. Schoolyard Heroes have a very squeally lady for a singer, but not the cute kind of squeally. Madina Lake are…loud, I guess. I Hate Kate were absent. I didn’t hear a note that the Starting Line played. Sum 41 curse a lot and like to point out to a room full of Utahans that there are a lot of Mormons in Utah. Good job, guys, now shut up and go back to sounding exactly like Blink 182. Speaking of shutting up, Mike Ness of Social D still likes to wax long on the mic between songs, but they put on a decent set (the local stage had shut down at this point, so I could hear them) and still do an excellent version of “Ring of Fire.” I still think the Used are trying too hard to look hard, just ‘cuz compensate for being from Utah County, like if they aren’t doin’ crack and makin’ out with My Chemical Romance somebody might think they’re Mormon. But “Taste of Ink” is an enjoyable song, and they played that.
If you want to look at three hundred or so unorganized photos from the event, you can do it here.
I think you should all listen to Cold War Kids, so here are two excellent songs.

 Cold War Kids - Hang Me Up To Dry [3:39m]: Play in Popup | Download
 Cold War Kids - Saint John [3:29m]: Play in Popup | Download

I do this thing sometimes where I forget why a band is one of my favourites, and then I feel stupid for having ever doubted them. This happened at the Saves the Day show last night, and happened hard. I’d been in a super dodgey mood most of the day and considered not going (see here to find out why), but then I was reminded why I like Saves the Day: Chris Conley writes a damn good song.
Holy Hell that sounds like my Pumpkins review. How pretentious of me.
Anyhow, this show was everything it should have been. The Friendly Confines (generally Wrigley Field, from here out it will refer to Kilby Court) made for an intimate setting, even though a lot of StD fans are pretty tall, I guess? Couldn’t see well in the back. Only two band members are on this tour, Chris and Dave, and they don’t have mountains of equipment to hide behind. If you don’t appreciate audience sing-alongs, this is not the show for you. For me, in a way, it was like any other time listening to StD among friends: once you know what song it is, sing your lungs out.
Two songs from the forthcoming Under the Boards were played, “Radio” and “Stay.” The latter is found on a Vagrant sampler given out at this summer’s Warped Tour, the former is an excellent little song “about trying to make the one you love happy.” That’s something like what Chris said. I’m really looking forward to the new album, what I’ve heard is pretty choice.
It was really nice, since I’d been having a crappy day, to hear “Don’t Know Why”, which Chris claims as his blues. Singing that with everyone else at Kilby made me feel a lot better. Also, I got to talk to Chris after the show and he gave me a hug. I’m feeling better now, thanks.
I wish I were coherent, but I just don’t sleep enough for that to happen. Sorry, love.

 Saves the Day - Don't Know Why: Play in Popup | Download

There is no excuse — none whatsoever — to ever let an Arcade Fire show go by without attending.  Reschedule your wedding, it's worth it.  It's shamefully possible that you have never heard of the Arcade Fire, or maybe you've been caught in an awkward indie conversation where you've heard of them, but haven't heard them.  Let me tell you this: the word 'energy' scarcely describes what it is that the Arcade Fire deliver.  Imagine, if you will, ten crazy Quebecoise running around a stage playing instruments including, but not limited to, violin, French horn, xylophone, an aluminum standup bass, accordion, mandolin, and hurdy gurdy.  Also hitting pretty much anything available with a drumstick — errant cymbals, a marching tom, motorcycle helmets, the catch-all mics at the front of the stage, the lighting rig, each other.  The band loves what their doing so much that you cannot help but be dragged in.  Numerous instrument changes, sexy-but-not-slutty dancing, very tasteful multi-media and one of the best groups of concert-goers I've ever associated with.  The last two songs before the encore were "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" and "Rebellion (Lies)" and the end of "Power Out' built up to an insane pitch before the opening of "Rebellion" snuck in underneath it all.  Amazing.  I'll admit it, I only knew about four AF songs prior to the show, but it doesn't matter.  I'm including the three songs most necessary to get the most from the show.
So, I don't want to say too much about how awesome the show was because you'll stop believing me, but I would like to say that I don't know how Montreal could have contained all of this.  When David Bowie found them and brought them to major label attention, he just may have saved that town from exploding.
I'm sorry, Billy Corgan, but I don't think that even Mellon Collie-era Pumpkins could hold a candle to this show.  But I'm still excited to see what you've got.

Here's what my concert-going buddy Dave had to say about it…

Arcade Fire // Myspace // Buy Neon Golden

MP3eesies: 

Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies) MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/Arcade%20Fire%20-%20Rebellion%20(Lies).mp3] 

Arcade Fire - Neighbourhood #3 [Power Out] MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/Arcade%20Fire%20-%20Neighborhood%20Three%20Power%20Out.mp3]

Arcade Fire - Wake Up MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/The%20Arcade%20Fire%20-%20Wake%20Up.mp3] 

Hey guys, whats going on, another somewhat rhetorical question goes here, etc….

Some of you may be wondering why we haven't updated in so long, and with less frequency. Well, I'll tell you. Here's an update on me and Damon:

Damon got an internship at X96 in SLC, Utah, a pretty kickass radio station. Here's a blurb on his royal status from the X96 website

Damon

Damon is not single, as one might assume because of the beard.  His girlfriend (who is awesome) quite likes it, actually, and would invite you all to stop giving him guff about it.  He refuses to accept your guff, anyway.  Damon is originally from nowheres-in-particular, where he currently resides; works at a bookstore, which is awesome; will one day be crowned King of All Media (assuming Howard Stern steps down and/or is not immortal); adores fried mushrooms, 'Nilla Coke, and General Tso's chicken; went to high school in England; and is more punk than you.  Apparently he loves semicolons as well.  We invite you to join us in pitying the fools who missed his radio show, The Exposure Box, on Snow College's KAGJ.  'Twas kick-awesome.  Contary to popular belief, he did not fail his most recent attempt at English 2010.  To find more out about what he does with his ears, read what he writes at www [dot] lovethemusicreviews [dot] com.

 

So between work and his internship, and his lack of computer access, Damon is in a kind of LTM remission for now.

I, on the other hand, am still working, as I was over summer, and am back in school for the Fall 2007 semester, full-time. Not only am I lacking the time to update LTM as frequently as I'd like, I also haven't been handed any kickass music recently, unless I've scoured the net for it myself. My next post will more than likely be on a Buena Vista Social Club album, that features Latin-like remixes of some Jack Johnson and Coldplay, to name a few.

I also got a cat, Ivy. While that isn't particularly time-consuming, I do find it distracting to sit down and write a post and then hear my pantry being ransacked so she can hunt my recycled plastic bags.

But, both me and Damon are doing well, and we promise to be back in action as soon as we can get our shit together. Until then, keep emailing us with your suggestions and comments, and they'll be filed for address later. 

Love the Music, and yourself,

Jen