Concert Review: Strange Design, 10/29

For those of us who couldn’t get Hampton tickets, last night was a close second.

What’s Up, October?

Concerts in the area from now through the first weekend of November in DC, NorVa, and Baltimore:
BOLDED shows are writer’s pick of the day
ITALICIZED shows are late-night shows
STRUCK(?)-OUT shows are sold out at time of posting
Remember, DOUBLE CHECK WITH THE VENUE BEFORE GOING TO THE SHOW. All information is accurate as of October 9th.

shows2k8

Thus far, the rest of my 2008 looks like this:

aug21 DJ Rekha (NYC)

aug27 The Bridge (Baltimore)

aug30 Infected Mushroom (Baltimore)

sept3 The Bridge (College Park)

sept4 Railroad Earth (DC)

sept14 Xavier Rudd (DC)

sept17 Balkan Beat Box (DC)

sept25 The Bridge (NYC)

sept 27 Ratatat (NYC)

oct2 Perpetual Groove (Baltimore)

oct 3 Yonder Mountain String Band (NorVa)

oct4 Yonder Mountain String Band (Baltimore)

oct9 of Montreal (DC) **this one is up in the air; it’s Yom Kippur, but I really like of Montreal

oct11 Grace Potter and The Nocturnals (Baltimore)

oct12 Galactic (NorVa, I think)

oct17 The Bridge (DC)

oct19 Galactic, Papa Grows Funk, Cris Jacobs (Baltimore)

oct31 DJ Rekha (DC)

nov1 Lotus (DC)

nov7,8 Dark Star Orchestra (DC)

nov8 Bassnectar (DC)

**I can’t decide between DSO and Bassnectar, what to do?!

nov14, 15 Phil Lesh and Friends (NYC)

nov21, 22 Umphrey’s McGee (DC)

nov25, 26 Tea Leaf Green (NYC)

nov29 Lotus (NYC)

dec31 The Disco Biscuits (NYC)

What do I do about the four week gap between Lotus and tDB!?

The other night, I purchased Raise Up the Tent by Tea Leaf Green and Green Sparrow by Mike Gordon. While RUTT left me in a euphoric state, as most Tea Leaf Green does, Green Sparrow had me very disappointed. Most of my disappointment was related to the drumming; though live, Mike Gordon can carry an audience on his own, his studio recordings take away from his strength and then highlight the weakness/lack of creativity displayed in all of the rest of the band. The basslines are exquisite, as they should be; Mike Gordon is one of today’s most brilliant bassists. However, the drum and guitar sound like they’re playing catch-up to Gordon’s excellent display of skill. JamBase commenters were all over this in his live reviews, because it seems that, simply put, Gordon’s band can’t keep up with him. A bassist leaving accomplished musicians in the dust

On October 21, The Bridge’s new album is dropping; on October 17, they’re having a release party at the 9:30 Club in DC. Odd choice of venue, considering their home is The 8×10 in Baltimore, and the 9:30 Club is notoriously strict with both its patrons and artists. No complaints from me, though; the 9:30 Club is a fifteen-minute metro ride from College Park, and I’ll be working for Walther Productions at the show. As long as I pregame sufficiently, the show should be excellent. If only they could play weekly shows at Santa Fe Cafe; a humble abode, but it’s right down the street from my apartment building.

About DJ Rekha: Rekha is a female DJ based in New York who spins bhangra-based beats. She is absolutely incredible. As soon as I figure out how to host/post mp3s, I’ll post some of hers; she’s crafted some exquisite beats. See her spin every third Thursday at SOBs, 200 Varick St. between W. Houston and W. 4th. Take the A,C,E trains down to W.4th and then walk towards Varick. You’ll get there. Free mojitos from 7-8pm! She’s spinning at The Black Cat in DC for Halloween, which should just be a total mindfuck.