My head is still spinning. I have never been so hung up on a show in my life. And I have been to my fair share of shows. But, now, 9 days later, I am still all about the Noah and Abby Gundersen Show. And now, more importantly, I can get you hung up on it as well. The awesome gents over at This City Rocks are giving you an inside look at this once in a life time show, with some stunning videos.
This show is nearly impossible to overstate, but I tried too in my original post. Here are some of the snippets of what I sputtered.
100 music lovers, truly loving music. Musicians truly giving everything. This was not one of those shows at a clinky bar where the music was just the noise trying penetrated the hum of drunken conversations. This was a show for honest to goodness audiophiles. I have never heard a crowd so quiet, so attentive, so in love with the sounds that were radiating off the stage. I am not sure I have ever experienced anything like it.
I want to preface this by saying that I am a huge fan of Noah Gundersen. However, he was not the star of the show last night. Abby Gundersen stole my heart. Not in the creepy, "I'm a 30 year old fat guy, crushing on the belting beauty" kind of way. Just musically, she simply stole my heart. It took seeing them live to realize, that although Noah is the front man, and deservedly so, Abby is the soul of the group. He writes amazing songs, and can easily bring them to life all on his own, but she makes those same songs stagger, and buckle at the knees.
He can make a crowd rise up, she can make them soar.
They are the perfect pair.
The passion they both played with was unparralled and vibrated throughout the entire building. It was truly an experience that I will not soon forget.
And, now, with the help of This City Rocks, I am so happy to let you in on the secret that was The Big House show.
"Fire"
"Poor Man's Son"
"Ledges" (if this new song is any indication of what is to come, Noah will rule the world)
OK. I am going to do my best to not over sell this. I am going to do my best to not make a bigger deal out of this than I should. But, I am not sure I can help it. Last night, at about 7pm I set out upon the night to see a show, to listen to some music and to have a decent evening. Last night, at 7pm, I had no idea.
What I saw last night was so much more of an experience than a show. It was not a concert for a concerts sake. It was special. It was real. It was jarring, impactful and flat out defied the definition of music.
I know that sounds pretty incredulous. But picture this:
And this:
100 music lovers, truly loving music. Musicians truly giving everything. This was not one of those shows at a clinky bar where the music was just the noise trying to penetrat the hum of drunken conversations. This was a show for honest to goodness audiophiles. I have never heard a crowd so quiet, so attentive, so in love with the sounds that were radiating off the stage. I am not sure I have ever experienced anything like it.
Oh, side note, if you ever get a chance to see a show at The Big House in Ballard, you must jump. That room is magic, intimate and incredible.
But, now on to the music itself. Opening for Noah Gundersen was half-musician half-comedian Zach Fleury, who, to be frank, I had only slightly heard of prior to last night, via the YouTube clips below. These are poached from one of my favorite local music clipparies, Ballad Sessions. And those clips are fantastic and all, but he was even better in person, interacting with the crowd, feeding off of them as he fed them. It was a great introduction to a fella that I am going to make a point of tracking from here on out. Damn impressive sir.
"Paraffin & Down" by Zach Fleury
"Sophie Sleepless" by Zach Fleury
And that was just the start....
I want to preface this by saying that I am a huge fan of Noah Gundersen. I have been for a little while now. I am not going to claim that I was the first on his bandwagon, but I will claim that not alot of people have been singing his praises as loudly as I have lately. However, he was not the star of the show last night. Abby Gundersen stole my heart. Not in the creepy, "I'm a 30 year old fat guy, crushing on the belting beauty" kind of way. Just musically, she simply stole my heart. It took seeing them live to realize, that although Noah is the front man, and deservedly so, Abby is the soul of the group. He writes amazing songs, and can easily bring them to life all on his own, but she makes those same songs stagger, and buckle at the knees.
He can make a crowd rise up, she can make them soar.
They are the perfect pair.
The passion they both played with was unparralled and vibrated throughout the entire building. It was truly an experience that I will not soon forget.
Sadly, video from last night has not yet surfaced, So, I am going to go with some generic, yet amazing videos. However, as soon as the videos do come about (which as you can see in the photo above, there was a full on camera crew, so that is bound to happen), I will update with a new blog. Anyways, enjoy.
"Moss On A Rolling Stone" by Noah & Abby Gundersen
"Avalanche" by Noah & Abby Gundersen (my favorite song, and played at my shouted request!)
"Poor Man's Son" by The Gundersen Family (sadly, it was just Abby and Noah last night, as the rest of the family did not partake, but it was still chillingly spectacular, and a video I cannot wait to see. The "Oh, Family..." lines turned into a giant stomp fest and sing-a-long. Really special.)
Earlier this week, we went over the list of the best album covers of 2011, and now, as promised, I am going to discuss with you my favorite live concert experiences of 2011. Should be a good time, stick around.
1. The Rural Alberta Advantage at The Tractor Tavern, Ballard WA. (Land of Pines and Lord Huron in support)
I wrote about this as one of my Show of the Day entires a while back, and, to be honest, a lot of this blurb here, is going to be stolen from that, as it was written in the moment, and a much better glimpse of the all out awesomeness of that show. The best show I have been too, not just in 2011, but ever. Here is what I had to say....
The Rural Alberta Advantage blew my fucking mind. There is not a lot more to say. That band can put on a show. I know I mentioned that Land of Pines were clean, but RAA put them to shame. Rarely does a band live up to the live recordings. Never does a band surpass them. Until last night. The RAA blew their record out of the water. Now, I have loved their 2009 release "Hometowns" hard. But I was having trouble falling for more then a track or two of their 2011 "Departing" release, but after the show, I listened again, and again this morning, and it is now a front runner for my top spot of the year. It's crazy how much a show can impact a record.
But to get onto the show itself there are a couple points I would like to make:
First, Amy Cole, keyboardist, xylophonist, and single drummer extraordinaire, I love you. You win.
Second, My co-blogger's asshole husband and I have debated about this band and their drumming. We were certain that either the group was using drum machine for their fills, or utilizing studio tricks to get that crisp crazy timing. And holy fuck were we wrong. That was the most impressive drumming I have ever seen. And to be honest, I might still win the debate, I think he might be a robot, which, technically speaking, is a drum machine. Seriously, listen to the drumming in the third track below. I win.
Third, A little under 4 weeks ago, I posted the song "Good Night" and my SotD. And I was certain from moment one, that it was one of those great album songs, that would never see the dark of night at a show. But, I got the best birthday wish ever when the band pushed through the crowd, stood on three chairs and did an unplugged, nearly prefect rendition to a packed, breath-held tractor tavern. It will easily become one of my favorite concert memories. We win.
It really was, and still is, a concert that we talk about with the highest esteem. Often followed by the words, "best show ever." "Goodnight"
2. the Head and the Heart at The Showbox at the Market. Seattle, WA. (Supporting David Bazan, Supported by Damien Jurado)
Don't worry. I am not going to be as wordy with the rest of these concert recaps, that first one was unavoidable.
Sadly, we did not catch any photographic evidence of this show, but, believe me, it was the bees knees. We, Stevie and I, got to the show early enough to take advantage of our age and dim witted peers, to get into the bar pre-show, get a number so we could get in early enough to get primo seats on the rail, just to the side of the stage. Prefect, easy going vantage. It was a no fuss concert. We even made friends, and when I say we, I mean Stevie, as she can befriend any stranger.
Anyways, we were at this show just the see THATH, who, at the time, were still small potatoes. And man, they did not disappoint. It was a special show. But, mostly, I got to go to a show with Stevie, just her and I. And we had fun. I remember the music, sure. But I remember conversations, and laughs, and good times that the music provided the soundtrack for.
"Ghosts"
3. Citizen Cope at The Triple Door. Seattle, WA.
This was another show where it was just Stevie and I, but this one took a bit more convincing than THATH did. I have been a fan of Citizen Cope since his first record dropped in 2002. In fact, his sophomore album and a handful of songs peppered my best of the decade lists. But, you would not hear the same thing from Stevie, as she was not a "fan." But, I think the show converted her.
Rather than have an opener, Citizen Cope, just opted to play two full sets. It was a hellofa choice. Just the man, and his guitar, and a spot light. And anyone who has been to The Triple Door, will attest, that is just not a better venue in Seattle. The show was so good that the girl sitting just to the left of me was crying. Like she was moved to tears. And, instead of laughing at her, I knew her better. It was that good of a show.
"Sideways"
4. Brett Dennen at The Moore Theater. Seattle, WA. (with Dawes in support)
Front row. That's all I have to say. Front row.
Ok, I'll say a little bit more. Before show: Brett Dennen = Huge Fan. Dawes = No Clue. After show: Brett Dennen = Huger Fan. Dawes = Top ten record of 2011. For the rest of this recap. See the pictures below.
"Come Back Kid (That's My Dog)" by Brett Dennen
"So Well" by Dawes
5. Campfire OK at The Space. Tacoma, WA (supported by Kris Orlowski and Tony Kevin Jr)
This is the most recent show I've had the pleasure to take in, and it was fantastic in it lowkeyness. On a small stage, overlooking the lights of Tacoma, the three bands took to the stage, and at one point, floor, and melted faces. Sadly, this show took place during the brunt of my back injury, so I spent most of the show, sitting in the back of the venue on the couch letting the waves of music wash over me while my concert going partners boogied. But, it was such a different concert going experience, that it stands out. I got to see a show from a different angle.
So, last night at The Moore, the Head and the Heart, yet again, left me flabbergasted. I just wish that exuberant feeling was provided by the rest of the show aswell. It's not that the other bands did not live up to the billing, it was more of a matter of circumstance. Let me explain....
Below you will see a picture of my co-blogger and her other half Ky, stroking his peachfuzz beard. And know this, they were the only two not annoying people in the crowd during the opening acts. So, while Ivan & Alyosha pushed the indie alt folk out into the room, you could hear it, but not feel it, as the alcohol induced hum of the crowd was just too strong. It was so hard to allow myself to be enveloped by the noise. And it only got worse when Grand Hallway took the stage, more people, more alcohol, louder hum all add up to annoyed Addi, Stevie and Ky.
But that all changed, for the most part, when The Head and the Heart took the stage. They awesomed me nearly to death. No wonder they are selling out shows left and right. Portland, tonight, you are in for a treat.
So, I normally like to post these blogs on the day of the show, but somehow the show got past me, and my bestfriend/co-blogger used it in a series of awesome events for my surprise 30th birthday party. Now, if you have read this blog, you know how big of a RAA fan I am. There were my song of the day just a little under a month ago, and back in May of last year, they were one of my first Bands Of The Week. But I will get to them in a few.
First off I want to point out, that this may be the best 3 band show I have ever been too. Normally you will get two stellar bands and one throw away. I had trouble finding fault in any of the bands. It was one of the best assemblages of musicianship I have ever witnessed.
Land Of Pines
(There's Stevie, standing in front of me.)
Land Of Pines is a band I have been familiar with for a while now. Being a NW music fan and a blogger, its hard not to be aware of this media darling band. And I have to admit, I have been a from-a-far mini fan, I appreciated their sound, but did not have the desire to trudge out to see "them." But they sold me. From the rag-tag baby faces that walked on stage, I expected loud, fast and sloppy. And boy was a wrong. Yes, they were loud and frenetic but surprisingly clean. Like really clean. I have never expected one sound and been so blown away by what I received. It was something, and I am now not such a from-a-far fan, and am willing to trudge. Oh, and she shreds.
"Curly" & "Whole Moon" by Land Of Pines
Lord Huron
(There's Stevie, standing in front of me, again.)
Now, Lord Huron is a band that I was familiar with in name only. But walked away a fan. I don't have a plethora of reviewer type words here. The band was more then impressive, strong musicians, good stage presence, and more then decent songs. It was a good show. I think my best compliment I can make, is that I went back to the Merch table, shook the front's hand and picked up two EP's. My only take away of the night. So, if you read this blog, and know me, you know that means respect. Keep an eye out for this LA band, pay money to see them, it will be worth all your pennies.
"We Went Wild" by Lord Huron
The Rural Alberta Advantage
(And yet again. there's Stevie's head.)
The Rural Alberta Advantage blew my fucking mind. There is not a lot more to say. That band can put on a show. I know I mentioned that Land of Pines were clean, but RAA put them to shame. Rarely does a band live up to the live recordings. Never does a band surpass them. Until last night. The RAA blew their record out of the water. Now, I have loved their 2009 release "Hometowns" hard. But I was having trouble falling for more then a track or two of their 2011 "Departing" release, but after the show, I listened again, and again this morning, and it is now a front runner for my top spot of the year. It's crazy how much a show can impact a record.
But to get onto the show itself there are a couple points I would like to make:
First, Amy Cole, keyboardist, xylophonist, and single drummer extraordinaire, I love you. You win.
Second, My co-blogger's asshole husband and I have debated about this band and their drumming. We were certain that either the group was using drum machine for their fills, or utilizing studio tricks to get that crisp crazy timing. And holy fuck were we wrong. That was the most impressive drumming I have ever seen. And to be honest, I might still win the debate, I think he might be a robot, which, technically speaking, is a drum machine. Seriously, listen to the drumming in the third track below. I win.
Third, A little under 4 weeks ago, I posted the song "Good Night" and my SotD. And I was certain from moment one, that it was one of those great album songs, that would never see the dark of night at a show. But, I got the best birthday wish ever when the band pushed through the crowd, stood on three chairs and did an unplugged, nearly prefect rendition to a packed, breath-held tractor tavern. It will easily become one of my favorite concert memories. We win.
(The band doing good night. I was at the bar behind them. And my camera caught The Tractor Tavern Ghost)
Tonight, at the Tractor Tavern, Stevie and I (plus our one avid reader, and two drag alongs) will be attending what I am hoping is a hell of a show. You may recognize The Civil Wars, as they have been featured quite a bit on this blog, as a Song of the Day, they were also #2 on The Alphabet list "C", as well as #4 song of the year, however, if I were to rewrite this today, they would be #2. They were also the #2 EP of the year, as well as an Honorable Mention for their Live at Eddie's Attic record on my Year in Music Review. So, you can say I am a fan. Now, my drag alongs are not quite as sure, but I am sure that after the show, they will be as convinced as I am.
Along with The Civil Wars, we will be enjoying the opening act Lindsay Fuller, whom I am excited for, even though the band did not take my suggestion of having Lemolo open, but that is ok. This is going to be a good show. I am stoked.
Tonight, at the Showbox at the Market here in Seattle, Stevie and I will be mildly rocking out at a very exciting show. David Bazan (Pedro the Lion) is headlinging with two of my favorite local acts playing along. Damien Jurado and my personal favorite, and leading band to hold my record of the year spot, The Head and The Heart. It's a northwest trifecta of awesome. Enjoy below.
