One of my favorite things is going to concerts and music festivals. There’s just something inimitable about listening to the raw sounds of a live guitarist. And, I’ve had some pretty ‘interesting’ experiences at concerts- like getting trampled on in mosh pits or having whisky spilled on my face at intimate gigs. But, it’s all worth it. Watching a musician perform their song is just so much better than listening to some overproduced, slick version of their track on your computer.
Here’s my my pick for the best Rock Live songs of the year:
The Black Angels- “Bad Vibrations”
This is one of the most promising upcoming bands from 2011. The Black Angels are at the forefront of the neo-psychedelic movement. They are bringing back that LSD Austin sound of the 13th Floor Elevators, but with a more modern flair that doesn’t sound like the sixties anymore.
I like this band because everybody looks like Elvira (even the guys, no joke) The girls look like sexy gothic witches, but their songs have this powerful psychedelic sound that just surrounds you.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- “Berlin”
This band is just awesome. I’ve met these guys outside L.A. Singer Peter Hayes was alone chain smoking like a chimney in a dark corner by himself- outside of his parked black motorcycle, naturally. Smoking never looked so cool. Now, that guy is a gangsta.
The lead singer of the Wooden Shjips kinda looks like Charles Manson. He looks like the type of guy that went to the woods for ten years to get away from society before becoming a unabomber. But, this band is pretty awesome and they bring back that sixties sound with a new alternative flair. Think Doors 2.0
Best concert cinematography. The warm colors and glow make the gig look like a scene out of some movie, almost in a Lars von Trier sort of way. The tracking camera movements give you the perspective of a voyeur watching the concert. It’s beautiful and fits with the morose tone of the song.
Arlo Guthrie- Coming into Los Angeles
Best Relic Video. I could have easily picked a Nirvana video, but that would have been too easy. It’s too bad Arlo Guthrie lost his youthful vigor and became a republican in the early eighties (typical baby boomer). It’s weird how everyone look so young and alive at Woodstock, and how this looks like it took place yesterday. Surreal.
