I had the opportunity to speak with Liam Finn after the May 18 show at The Earl in Atlanta. Here’s what he had to say…
Me: During your first two trips to Atlanta as a solo artist, you had a complete drum kit. Tonight, it’s only two drums. Why?
LF: It won’t fit in the car!
Me: How did you like touring with Eddie Vedder on the west coast last month?
LF: It was great.
Me: Did you meet him when your band (Betchadupa) played with him on your dad’s (Neil Finn) “7 Worlds Collide” shows? (A DVD was culled from five shows at the St. James Theatre in Auckland, New Zealand in April 2001.)
LF: No, I’ve known him since I was a kid.
Me: I saw your dad’s solo show here in Atlanta in 1998 and you were with him on guitar…how old were you then?
LF: Fourteen.
Me: Any plans for a new album? EJ told me earlier that it was an “interesting experiment.” Is it interesting because you’ll be collaborating with her, or does that describe how you’re recording it?
LF: That describes how we’re recording it.
Me: I’ll just leave it at that. Any plans to return to Atlanta?
LF: We’ll be back in September.
Me: Where do you want to be in five years?
LF: Hopefully alive!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
91. LAURA VEIRS, 5/18/08
Location: The Earl, Atlanta, GA
Supporting Act(s): Liam Finn
In the Company of: Thomas S.
For the passerby, Seattle’s Laura Veirs may have sounded like an old Suzanne Vega cd spinning inside The Earl…or maybe one of a number of 80s female singer/songwriters accompanied only by a guitar. But this is 2008, and Laura Veirs is here and now. Her sound is fresh and original, and her guitar playing is marvelous. She does have a band – the Saltbreakers – which is also the name of her latest release (Nonesuch). For this stripped-down tour, though, she’s going solo. And it fits her music. It’s simple and melodic with discerning lyrics. Producer Tucker Martine (Decemberists, Bill Frisell) has worked with Veirs on all five of her studio albums. Veirs also collaborated with the Decemberists on their 2006 release “The Crane Wife.”
Like opening act Liam Finn, Veirs used a looping effects pedal quite frequently. She looped guitar tracks as well as vocals. It resonated from the speakers with a full, rich sound. What a great invention, the looping machine. About halfway through her set, Veirs informed us that she was going to attempt a subliminal message and hopefully we could figure it out. She then began chanting, “O-BA-MA…O-BA-MA…” The crowd seemed indifferent (except for a few saying, “HIL-LA-RY…HIL-LA-RY…” under their breath). If there were any McCain supporters, they failed to make themselves known. Ah, election years.
During another break in the music, Veirs held up a computer printout of someone’s photograph and said, “I’m supposed to give a shout-out to Todd from Chicago.” In the back of the room, a voice – I assume Todd’s – shouted out, “Yeah, thanks!” Apparently, one of Todd’s friends from Chicago sent the message with Veirs when she played Chicago three nights earlier.
When “Saltbreakers” was released, Veirs put out a request on her website for independent videographers and filmmakers to create their own videos of her songs. The top four have made it to her site. The second place winner was for the video of “Wrecking” and was won by Derek Searce, from Mableton, Georgia. Much of it was filmed in the Mableton Kroger, where I frequently use my Kroger Card. Searce was at the show and Veirs introduced him to everyone. She then treated us to a beautiful version of “Wrecking.”
For her final song, Veirs invited Liam Finn and EJ Barnes back onto the stage to perform “Galaxies.” It was the sole rocker of her set and was a rousing finale.
Finn himself put on a fiery show, playing seven selections from his excellent debut, “I’ll Be Lightning,” and one extra, which I’ll call “The Atlanta Cookie Song.” Finn is known to spontaneously blast into a jam, coming up with an original song that, more than likely, will never be heard again.
The show began with “Better To Be,” which showcases Finn’s knack to create perfect pop hooks, while still maintaining a folk music disposition. His songs are full of great hooks and soaring harmonies provided by Barnes. Finn is also a master with the looping effects pedal, generating as many as three guitars and a couple of vocals in one song, before savagely attacking the drums. Instead of his usual full drum kit, Finn remained standing, using only two drums. This afforded him the ease of going from the looped tracks to frenzied jumping, singing, and beating of the drums. From the sidewalk, one could hear the equivalent of a high-powered, full-tilt, five-piece rock band.
Finn went on to perform “Fire In Your Belly,” the excellent “Wise Man,” the album’s first single, “Second Chance” (“You stand around your haunted home / Those demons won't leave you alone / Don't forget me when you grow old…”),” “Energy Spent,” “Gather To The Chapel,” “I’ll Be Lightning,” and the infectiously rocking “Lead Balloon.”
By contrast, Finn’s intense, rocking set monopolized most of the energy for the evening. But the musical solar systems of Veirs and Finn are vastly different. The only logical connection as to why these two are touring together is that crazy looping effect pedal. Great minds do think alike.
Supporting Act(s): Liam Finn
In the Company of: Thomas S.
For the passerby, Seattle’s Laura Veirs may have sounded like an old Suzanne Vega cd spinning inside The Earl…or maybe one of a number of 80s female singer/songwriters accompanied only by a guitar. But this is 2008, and Laura Veirs is here and now. Her sound is fresh and original, and her guitar playing is marvelous. She does have a band – the Saltbreakers – which is also the name of her latest release (Nonesuch). For this stripped-down tour, though, she’s going solo. And it fits her music. It’s simple and melodic with discerning lyrics. Producer Tucker Martine (Decemberists, Bill Frisell) has worked with Veirs on all five of her studio albums. Veirs also collaborated with the Decemberists on their 2006 release “The Crane Wife.”
Like opening act Liam Finn, Veirs used a looping effects pedal quite frequently. She looped guitar tracks as well as vocals. It resonated from the speakers with a full, rich sound. What a great invention, the looping machine. About halfway through her set, Veirs informed us that she was going to attempt a subliminal message and hopefully we could figure it out. She then began chanting, “O-BA-MA…O-BA-MA…” The crowd seemed indifferent (except for a few saying, “HIL-LA-RY…HIL-LA-RY…” under their breath). If there were any McCain supporters, they failed to make themselves known. Ah, election years.
During another break in the music, Veirs held up a computer printout of someone’s photograph and said, “I’m supposed to give a shout-out to Todd from Chicago.” In the back of the room, a voice – I assume Todd’s – shouted out, “Yeah, thanks!” Apparently, one of Todd’s friends from Chicago sent the message with Veirs when she played Chicago three nights earlier.
When “Saltbreakers” was released, Veirs put out a request on her website for independent videographers and filmmakers to create their own videos of her songs. The top four have made it to her site. The second place winner was for the video of “Wrecking” and was won by Derek Searce, from Mableton, Georgia. Much of it was filmed in the Mableton Kroger, where I frequently use my Kroger Card. Searce was at the show and Veirs introduced him to everyone. She then treated us to a beautiful version of “Wrecking.”
For her final song, Veirs invited Liam Finn and EJ Barnes back onto the stage to perform “Galaxies.” It was the sole rocker of her set and was a rousing finale.
Finn himself put on a fiery show, playing seven selections from his excellent debut, “I’ll Be Lightning,” and one extra, which I’ll call “The Atlanta Cookie Song.” Finn is known to spontaneously blast into a jam, coming up with an original song that, more than likely, will never be heard again.
The show began with “Better To Be,” which showcases Finn’s knack to create perfect pop hooks, while still maintaining a folk music disposition. His songs are full of great hooks and soaring harmonies provided by Barnes. Finn is also a master with the looping effects pedal, generating as many as three guitars and a couple of vocals in one song, before savagely attacking the drums. Instead of his usual full drum kit, Finn remained standing, using only two drums. This afforded him the ease of going from the looped tracks to frenzied jumping, singing, and beating of the drums. From the sidewalk, one could hear the equivalent of a high-powered, full-tilt, five-piece rock band.
Finn went on to perform “Fire In Your Belly,” the excellent “Wise Man,” the album’s first single, “Second Chance” (“You stand around your haunted home / Those demons won't leave you alone / Don't forget me when you grow old…”),” “Energy Spent,” “Gather To The Chapel,” “I’ll Be Lightning,” and the infectiously rocking “Lead Balloon.”
By contrast, Finn’s intense, rocking set monopolized most of the energy for the evening. But the musical solar systems of Veirs and Finn are vastly different. The only logical connection as to why these two are touring together is that crazy looping effect pedal. Great minds do think alike.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
90. RADIOHEAD, 5/8/08
Location: Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA
Supporting Act(s): Liars
In the Company of: Thomas S.
Intentionally or not, Radiohead is changing the way we buy music. Their latest release, “In Rainbows,” was released exclusively as a digital download for a price the buyer determined. Needless to say, many took advantage of this free offer and got it for nothing. Others, supportive of the band, gave a few bucks.
Widespread reports surfaced that a million downloads occurred by the time the physical cd was released. Radiohead’s genius is that so many more listeners acquired “In Rainbows” than if the album had been released traditionally. This exposure may explain several sold-out shows on their current tour in America. It may also explain why the music industry is very nervous right now. They are hoping and betting that no other groups get the urge to be so bold.
Formed in Oxfordshire, England in 1986, the band was originally known as On a Friday. When EMI signed them in 1992, a name change was requested. Being Talking Heads fans, the boys renamed their band after the song “Radio Head,” from the 1986 album “True Stories.” In that song, David Byrne sings, “Transmitter / Picking up something good / Radio head / The sound of a brand new world.” This is an apt description of Radiohead’s music…theirs is the sound for a brand new world.
The show began with the beautiful “All I Need” (“I’m the next act / Waiting in the wings”) as red lasers flashed on dozens of tubes hanging from the rafters. Behind the tubes was a large, rectangular screen that showed the band members from several different angles. As the evening progressed, a variety of lasers, lights, and designs shone on the tubes.
Throughout the night, Radiohead treated fans to some of their finest work. Possibly to some newer fans’ dismay, the band skipped over some of their earlier, more well known songs, thus avoiding a predictable evening. “Creep,” “High And Dry,” and “Karma Police” were left off the set list. Instead, deeper cuts were performed including the songs “Idioteque,” “Paranoid Android,” “How To Disappear Completely,” “Talk Show Host,” and “National Anthem.” Nine of the ten selections from the new release “In Rainbows” were played, with the only omission being “Jigsaw Falling Into Place.”
Leader Thom Yorke danced and gyrated throughout the evening in a somewhat Stipe-ian manner. His voice was clear and strong, while his guitar and piano playing was top notch. Guitarist Ed O’Brien experimented with many pieces, on the floor quite often adjusting the sound. Brothers Jonny and Colin Greenwood, playing guitar and bass respectively, added to the excellent sound created by the band. Drummer Phil Selway mastered the rhythm section.
As the rain came down at Lakewood Amphitheatre, the fans seemed to become more in tune with the band. It definitely added to the atmosphere of an awesome rock show. These were dedicated fans who knew the songs and appreciated the fact that a group like Radiohead could sell out a concert in the Bible belt. When performing “You And Whose Army?” Yorke sings “Come on if you think you can take us on.” Right now, there’s not a band that could win that challenge.
Opening the show was the trio Liars. This art-rock group relied heavily on the drums and had a sound that fit perfectly with a Radiohead show. Singer Angus Andrew could have given Mick Jagger a run for his money with his active stage presence. The thin crowd was supportive of the band, which was appreciative.
Supporting Act(s): Liars
In the Company of: Thomas S.
Intentionally or not, Radiohead is changing the way we buy music. Their latest release, “In Rainbows,” was released exclusively as a digital download for a price the buyer determined. Needless to say, many took advantage of this free offer and got it for nothing. Others, supportive of the band, gave a few bucks.
Widespread reports surfaced that a million downloads occurred by the time the physical cd was released. Radiohead’s genius is that so many more listeners acquired “In Rainbows” than if the album had been released traditionally. This exposure may explain several sold-out shows on their current tour in America. It may also explain why the music industry is very nervous right now. They are hoping and betting that no other groups get the urge to be so bold.
Formed in Oxfordshire, England in 1986, the band was originally known as On a Friday. When EMI signed them in 1992, a name change was requested. Being Talking Heads fans, the boys renamed their band after the song “Radio Head,” from the 1986 album “True Stories.” In that song, David Byrne sings, “Transmitter / Picking up something good / Radio head / The sound of a brand new world.” This is an apt description of Radiohead’s music…theirs is the sound for a brand new world.
The show began with the beautiful “All I Need” (“I’m the next act / Waiting in the wings”) as red lasers flashed on dozens of tubes hanging from the rafters. Behind the tubes was a large, rectangular screen that showed the band members from several different angles. As the evening progressed, a variety of lasers, lights, and designs shone on the tubes.
Throughout the night, Radiohead treated fans to some of their finest work. Possibly to some newer fans’ dismay, the band skipped over some of their earlier, more well known songs, thus avoiding a predictable evening. “Creep,” “High And Dry,” and “Karma Police” were left off the set list. Instead, deeper cuts were performed including the songs “Idioteque,” “Paranoid Android,” “How To Disappear Completely,” “Talk Show Host,” and “National Anthem.” Nine of the ten selections from the new release “In Rainbows” were played, with the only omission being “Jigsaw Falling Into Place.”
Leader Thom Yorke danced and gyrated throughout the evening in a somewhat Stipe-ian manner. His voice was clear and strong, while his guitar and piano playing was top notch. Guitarist Ed O’Brien experimented with many pieces, on the floor quite often adjusting the sound. Brothers Jonny and Colin Greenwood, playing guitar and bass respectively, added to the excellent sound created by the band. Drummer Phil Selway mastered the rhythm section.
As the rain came down at Lakewood Amphitheatre, the fans seemed to become more in tune with the band. It definitely added to the atmosphere of an awesome rock show. These were dedicated fans who knew the songs and appreciated the fact that a group like Radiohead could sell out a concert in the Bible belt. When performing “You And Whose Army?” Yorke sings “Come on if you think you can take us on.” Right now, there’s not a band that could win that challenge.
Opening the show was the trio Liars. This art-rock group relied heavily on the drums and had a sound that fit perfectly with a Radiohead show. Singer Angus Andrew could have given Mick Jagger a run for his money with his active stage presence. The thin crowd was supportive of the band, which was appreciative.
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