There’s nothing like seeing a live show. Whether it’s rock n’ roll or opera, nothing compares to the live experience. For me, it's where I can hear and feel the music. In today’s digitized world, I agree with the thinking that we don’t hear the full range of sound when we listen to music on a computer or a iPod. You can read more on this in a recent article from the New York Times (Thanks Rybs, upright bass player extraordinaire, for the Facebook post).
In the current age of digital downloads, touring is one of the few ways artists generate income. Yet even these returns are apparently diminishing. I think it’s important to get out there and support the musicians we love. Even if it means purchasing tickets through the evil corporate empire that is LiveNation and Ticketmaster, who get RIDICULOUS fees for...what exactly? I’m not sure. Apparently they aren’t certain either, because for the month of June LiveNation is selling tickets with no service fees. This may be a further sign of the declining industry or just the fact that people are no longer willing fork over $100 to see a big act.
OK, enough with the ranting. Below are a few SWIKs to watch for this summer. Check your local listings for more information. Be sure to look for local artists too. Obviously NYC is full of up-and-coming independent artists, but every city has a music scene. Go find it and support your local musicians.
La Roux, June 7 at Terminal 5
I wrote about La Roux earlier this year (see post). I love their 80s synth-pop Depeche Mode-esque sound. Since they're mainly electronic, there won’t be much in the way of instruments at this show. After seeing what Imogen Heap can do on stage with electronic music, I have high expectations for anyone in this genre. They're on tour. Although it's too late for this NYC show, they may be coming to your town.
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| Janelle Monae |
Badu was one of the first to bring that neo-soul sound to popular R&B and hip-hop with her album Baduizm in 1997. It remains a classic for me. Although I haven't listened to much of Badu since her second album Mama's Gun, which came out in 2000, she's been putting put a fairly steady stream of records since then. She is on tour supporting her latest effort, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of The Ankh. Honestly, I'm a bit more curious about Janelle Monae, who's dancier and catchier than Badu. Although her first album came out in 2003, I just started listening to her. She's on tour for her latest album The ArchAndroid, and it is nothing if not a complex, funky, pop album with some smooth slower jams as well. Although I didn't make it out to see them live, I highly recommend checking out their albums and if they're playing somewhere near you.
Imelda May, June 8 & 9 at Iridium Jazz Club
I still haven’t sorted out if I can get tickets to this show or if they were only available via a bizarre Facebook lottery. Imelda May (who you’ve read about in SWIK Music several times) is slated to perform with Jeff Back in a Les Paul tribute at Iridium. She performed with him on the Grammys this year so I anticipate a great show. Iridium is across the street from my office, so I can just go over and harass them until they let me in.
Norah Jones, June 9 at Prospect Park
I expect the park will be swamped with the bourgie families of Park Slope picnicing at opening night of Celebrate Brooklyn, but I’ll squeeze in somewhere to hear Norah Jones. Her recent album The Fall is fantastic. Her vocals remain as pristine as ever, but the music and tone is very Tom Waits inspired. I would be quite happy if she skipped all the mega hits from her first album. Her last three records, on which she mainly sang her own songs rather than someone else’s, are far superior. Jones has grown up performing, so I’m confident she’ll put on a great show.
Omara Portuondo with Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, June 24 at Prospect ParkIf you have not seen the documentary and listened to this amazing album of Cuban musicians, then do it now. The Buena Vista Social Club was a music and dance venue in Havana, Cuba popular in the 1940‘s. In the late 1990‘s Cuban musician Juan de Marcos Gonzalez and American blues guitarist Ry Coder went back to Cuba to find these musicians and record with them. There was an album and then eventually some live shows that were turned into a documentary of the same name. German director Wim Wenders won an Oscar and several other awards for the documentary. Portuondo is the only female singer on the album and featured on the documentary. Her career has spanned more than half a century. If she visits your neck of the woods, don’t miss this opportunity to hear her live.
Beth Orton June 30 at Rockerfeller Park
I saw Beth Orton a few years ago at an outdoor show and she’s back again. Although she hasn’t done an album since 2006’s Comfort of Strangers, this mellow folk-electronic singer-songwriter puts on a wonderfully intimate show. If she’s not playing live in your town, pick up her albums and relax with a cool glass of white wine as you surround yourself in her wonderful vocals.
Joan Jett July 8 at Vernon Downs Casino
No, I’m not going to trek several hours upstate to see Joan Jett. She’s on tour, but so far nothing is scheduled for NYC this summer. I’m sure she’ll get around to playing here eventually so I’m not too concerned. She’s all over the US though, Chicago, Atlanta, as well as a ton of state fairs in the mid-west. She’s opening for Green Day on several UK and European dates. If she comes anywhere near your town, go see her. You won’t regret it. Read more about more about Joan on my recent SWIK post.
Lovewhip July 17 at The Venue in Freeport, ME
I became a huge fan of Empress Erin and Lovewhip after seeing them in New Haven, CT last year (see post). They are a great Boston-based electronic funk dance band. I’m hoping to get to Freeport, which is not far from where I stay on Sebago Lake in the summer. If you live anywhere in New England, check their website for shows. It’s great booty-shakin’ music, perfect for summer. If you can't see them live, pick up their latest album Love Electric, for some solid running tunes.
Cyndi Lauper July 21 Town Hall
I covered this SWIK Music Icon in one of my early posts last year. She’s on tour supporting her new album Memphis Blues. The album comes out at the end of June. I’ve already pre-ordered it. She’s done a great job with other genres in the past, so I’m sure this one won’t disappoint. That said, don’t expect a rehash of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” on this tour.
M.I.A. July 24 at Governors Island
You may remember M.I.A. from her very pregnant Grammy performance last year upstaging the bad boys of hip-hop in her poka-dotted mesh jumpsuit. I wish that I had gone to see M.I.A. several years ago when she was new and playing free shows in Central Park. Now she’s a megastar with her own record label and an obnoxious attitude to boot. Love her or hate her, she’s one of the few female voices in hip-hop today and currently the only Sri Lankan one. She’s touring with a few bands from her label. I’m sure it will be a great show. Unfortunately, I will likely be in Maine this weekend for the all important Camp Kaszynski ("not the summer camp you remember") organized by my fabulous cousin, Sabre. So I will be M.I.A. at the M.I.A. show, but I hope someone will fill me in on her performance.
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| Kim Gordon |
I’m disappointed that I don’t see many female rock or punk bands on tour this summer. Last year, one of the summer highlights was the Pat Benatar/Blondie tour with The Donna’s. Thankfully this summer we do have Sonic Youth supporting their new album The Eternal. While Sonic Youth has only one woman, guitarist Kim Gordon, I’m adding them to the SWIK list. I think that Gordon should have been on the Rolling Stone list of top 100 guitarists, but what do I know? If you want some mind-blowing art/noise rock, check them out. It looks like they are still adding shows so check back to their site for more tour dates later in the summer and fall.
Lilith 2010 July 31 at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
As I mentioned in the 1989 post, Sarah McLachlan has brought back the Lilith Fair this year. She's supporting her new album, Laws of Illusion, which will be available on June 15th. Don’t be silly and write this off as some sort of hippie-lesbian chick festival. While there will be a lot of folk-inspired singer-songwriters, expect some surprises like Cat Power. The line-up changes from city to city so check your local listing. Carly Simon is slated for several stops. I’ve seen McLachlan before and she’s amazing. Unfortunately, with Sonic Youth playing around the corner from my apartment on the same night, um, guess where I’ll be on the 31st? No, not at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, August 7 at Prospect Park
Yes, I WILL finally go to see this funky soul sister (see related SWIK post). I still can’t believe that I never went to see them at Southpaw down the street from my apartment. She used to play there all the time. This summer she’s in Prospect Park, also around the corner from my apartment, so really I have NO EXCUSE. Plus I’ll be on sabbatical form work so I can get there early and get a good spot on the grass. Jones & The Dap Kings are on tour supporting their amazing new album I Learned the Hard Way.
Ingrid Michaelson August 21 at the L.L. Bean Concert series in Freeport, ME
Last summer I saw Madeline Peyroux here (see post). These shows take place next to the original L.L. Bean store, which is open 24 hours a day, 364 days a year (they close on Christmas day). There’s no better way to combine shopping for high quality fleece pullovers, down sleeping bags, and of course hunting rifles, with a relaxing live concert. I covered Michaelson in the SWIKs I Missed post. She’s a great singer-songwriter and will be perfect under the stars with a folding chair and some wine.
I’m not certain that I’ll get to all these shows, but I do plan to make an effort. I’ve included a list below of additional SWIK concerts you may want to check out. I’ve also listed a few of the boys coming to town because they’ve been known to put on some decent live shows as well. Overall, I’m looking forward to a great summer. If you happen to be in NYC or near Sebago Lake in Maine, send me a note and maybe we can meet up at a show. Or just let me know who you’re planning to see this summer. I'm sure I've missed some SWIKs here.
June
3 - Lil' Kim at The Fillmore: I missed this hip-hop legend, but check to see if she’s coming to a city near you. I imagine she puts on quite a show.
23 - Goldfrapp at the Hammerstein Ballroom: Amazing British electronic/synthpop duo supporting the new album Head First, which will get it’s own post if I make it to the show.
25, 26 - Maxwell & Jill Scott at Madison Square Garden: Yes, Maxwell is a man. What a man he is. No one else could have covered Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” and done it justice. He’s on the SWIK list since he’s playing with Jill Scott on this tour. Expect a night of sexy sultry R&B.
30 - Carole King at Madison Square Garden: This SWIK Icon is recreating her 1969 debut show at the Troubadour in L.A with James Taylor. Unfortunately, while I’m interested in seeing King, I don’t think that I can sit through an entire James Taylor concert. (Sorry Phyliss. Hope you enjoy the show, girl)
July
4 - Rosanne Cash at Governors Island: Read the related SWIK post. She’s amazing, her new album The List is beautiful. She’s doing some touring, so see if she’s coming to a city near you.
6, 7 & 9 - Lady Gaga at Madison Square Garden: These shows are all sold out of course. I hear she puts on a great show. If you have tickets, I’m kinda jealous.
16 - Joan Amratrading at Nokia Theater: I saw her several summers ago at a free show with one of my early music-pushers, Zachary. She’s amazing. If you don’t know this legendary singer-songwriter, check out her new album This Charming Life.
20 - The Go-Go’s at The Fillmore: Unfortunately, it looks like I will miss this supposed farewell NYC show as I’ll be in Maine this week with Sadie & Nowell. I would love to see the Go-Go’s, because I’m sure now that they’ve all been through rehab they put on a solid show. But I’m inclined to believe that this won’t be the last show they ever do in NYC.
21- Berlin at B.B. King’s Blues Club: Classic 80‘s music, see my very first SWIK post for more info.
August
1 - St. Vincent at Summer Stage: This quirky singer-songwriter, real name Annie Erin Clark, is worth a listen. If I’m i n town, I may try to check out her show.
5 - Robyn and Kelis at Webster Hall: What can I say? Ok, I’ll say it. I love cheesy pop music. I hope that my BFF Sasha will be in NYC this week. If so, we’ll find a sitter for her kids so we can check out this show with all the teens and twenty-somethings.
6 - Corinne Bailey Rae at Governors Island: I dig her mellow neo-soul sound. I’m warming up to her latest album, although I still prefer her first. She’ll get a post at some point whether I make it to this show or not.
12 - Rihanna and Kei$ha at Madison Square Garden: Pop music you can’t escape, but why would you want to? While I really dig Rihanna’s latest song “Rude Boy” and I do get a kick out of Kei$a, I’m not sure that I could sit though an entire show. Like their recent hits, they’re all over the US this summer.
A few of the boys on tour
U2 (the never-ending tour)
Peter Gabriel (His US tour is done, but if you're in Europe this fall...)
Kings of Leon (classic rock at its current best)
The Black Eyed Peas (I like to dance so I dig them and imagine they put on a fun live show)
New York City
Summer Stage
June 14 Baaba Maal
June 27 Gil Scott Heron
Aug 16 Public Enemy
Aug 22 The Specials
Prospect Park
July 9 Ozomatli
July 20 Rufus Wainwright
August 3 The Dead Weather
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