Download “Van Helsing Boombox” (from Six Demon Bag)
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My favorite is the kind of music I imagine to have been created by hooligans. This includes an imagery, heavily influenced by the movie Underground, of irreparable, drunken devotion to music through an otherwise quiet night. Here the musicians boast of decent talent, but it’s gushing passion that boldens them. Led by roaming spirits to drink their money (and homes) away, of course, their heads and hearts simply can’t be rooted. It encompasses what Zach Condon called a “ramshackle orchestra” he first witnessed in Paris (and later re-created in Brooklyn). Man Man are such gypsies at heart, and that’s why I love them. Their show at McCarren Pool was the best I’ve seen all this summer. From the way they were physically set up on stage to the way the songs are written, arranged and performed, the group is very organic, and each member a gift. Albums are a bonus, but Man Man must simply be seen live. Besides, they’re how a “rock and roll” band should be: at once, talented and clumsy, serious and unserious, intellectual and anti-intellectual; but rebellious at all times by simply being all they care to be.
More after the jump.
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Three bands from Montreal – Malajube, Sam Roberts Band and The Stills – played Prospect Park’s Celebrate Brooklyn series on the occassion of Canada Day. Out of all outdoor venues this summer, Prospect Park’s Bandhsell is perhaps the classiest (as reflected by the bill, which includes fine orchestras and jazz acts). Enclosed by lush trees, there’s plenty of shade, but most worth noting is the superior quality of sound. Rows and rows of chairs, however, (and a half-empty “members only” area in front of the stage) can seem awkward when a band like Malajube is playing- sitting and Malajube just don’t go together. But the patch of cool grass at the back is quite spacious, and by the time the Stills came on and evening turned into night, there was more getting up and dancing.
More after the jump.
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Following a brief break after the untimely death of 23-year-old drummer John Pike, Ra Ra Riot hoisted their spirits up for an outdoor summer show at South Street Seaport. Sam Champion played before them, as did the one-man Bikini Carwash Company, who generally sounded unimpressive but was enthusiastically joined by members of Ra Ra Riot for a goofy, sleep-over song. Everyone played short sets, and Ra Ra Riot’s swelled with sincere energy they’ve come to be known for (on their myspace they posted a message saying they’d been jogging and playing in the pool to counter some “band fluffiness”). They unveiled some new songs, and though there was no other mention of John, they introduced “St. Peter’s Day Festival” by saying, “This song was written by our dear friend John Pike.” Unlike John’s heartwarming solo version online, this one was given a full band treatment. Both versions are some of Ra Ra Riot’s best (it’s a great tune!). Check out the schedule for more free shows at Pier 17 this summer.
More after the jump.
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hooves on the turf is a mostly-music blog based out of brooklyn. i can be reached at hoovesontheturf [at] gmail [dot] com - please send me your lovely music as an attached mp3 or an mp3 link. if i like what you send, i'll be sure to ask for more.
