Phantom Planet at the Honda Civic Tour

Errr...It's a little late. I didn't realize I never "published" this. Anyhow...

Last week on April 19th, 2008 the Honda Civic Tour played through Austin, Texas at Stubb's. Stubb's is an interesting venue, a Bar-B-Q restaurant with a backyard amphitheater which boasts of a general admission of about 2,100 and towards the end of the event the crowd was brimming towards the main entrance gates.

I was there to see the headlining band as I had suspected most others were as well. So it was absolutely surprising to see how excited and "into the band" the crowd was for opening group, Phantom Planet. Phantom Planet was introduced to me as a surf-rock band a few years ago and I was never one to appreciate the Beach Boys so I quickly wrote them off. Before the concert the only song familiar to me was "California" from the band's second album, The Guest. The band found mainstream success with "California" as the theme song for the television show The O.C..

I didn't have the opportunity to secure a set list before the event and all their music was new to me so the only songs that stood out for me were the last 2, "Do The Panic" and "California". Their performance though was truly memorable. One could truly feel the passion in their performance. Right before "Do The Panic" came on the crowd began yelling for their favorite tune, "California". I'm almost certain that I was the only one in the crowd that didn't know the lyrics to song. It was obviosly rewarding for the band to see everyone singing along. The front man, Alex Greenwald managed to persuade the crowd into crowd surfing him towards the back of the amphitheater where the band later signed autographs.

Not only was Phantom Planet able to captivate the crowd I also observed Panic At The Disco tucked away on the side stage singing and dancing along to their set. They conquered the audience and set the bar high for the following bands. Sorry Eva but Motion City Soundtrack didn't rock it like Phantom Planet.

So how does this tie into my electronic / house music blog. Well it actually doesn't but I did manage to hit the band up with several copies of Grooving Like a MuthaF^!*@. Not sure they'll dig it though. When they're not rocking on stage they actually jam to Jay Z, DJ Shadow, the Beatles and Bach.

The line up for the band during the concert:

• Alex Greenwald — lead vocals, guitar
• Sam Farrar — bass guitar, backing vocals
• Darren Robinson — guitar, backing vocals
• Jeff Conrad — drums

Svoy - Album Review

Svoy - Eclectric

The original release date for this gem was 2007. Yes it's a little late but I enjoy spreading great music. Eclectric is different from most of the poptronica I listen to. It wasn't an instant love affair in the beginning but it has definitely grown on me. Eclectric is melody and harmony rich, a little dreamy and is the perfect soundtrack to chill to. "One Night Stand" is best track on album immediately followed by "Driving Away". This album is highly recommend. Svoy does a fabulous job on Eclectric.

Oh, wait I forgot to mention that the entire album can be downloaded for free at FreeSvoy.com. Or you can buy a copy on Amazon or iTunes.


Eclectric - listen here

Metro Station - Album Review

Metro Station - After sampling the album I got this great urge to listen to The Cure. I heard them first on The Kidd Kraddick Morning Radio Show when Kidd featured them on the "Music that makes you cooler" segment. This group has a great following over the Internet and MySpace. Seems as if MySpace is the spot for becoming discovered. It also helps if have a famous younger sister, maybe. ;) Probably not these guys have made a name for themselves.

I hear some similarities to PlayRadioPlay! but MS rocks it with a little more guitar. Metro Station has all the ingredients of a successful electro-pop/rock band, peppy beats, great synth sounds/ guitar riffs, and catchy dance hooks.

MS was named as one of the 22 best underground bands by Alternative Press. I wouldn't say top 22 but they are definitely worth a listen to. My favorite tracks are "Shake it" and "Disco". Enjoy.


...Shake, Shake, Shake....Shake, Shake Shake ahh Shake it!

Discog:
Metro Station - listen here
-

Kidd Kraddick Morning Radio Show (5AM -10AM CST) - listen here

PlayRadioPlay! has a new album out (not a review)

PlayRadioPlay! - This one man band production filled in the void left by Give Up from The Postal Service with The Frequency EP. The Frequency is a definite for any electronic or electro-pop music aficionado. Flavorful keyboard centric tunes with infectious lyrics that keep you singing along but often make you think what the f*%^. PlayRadioPlay! has toured with Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes and was part of the Vans Warped tour for 2007. I haven't heard the Texas album yet but it will be a for sure purchase. I've been thinking of trying out AmazonMp3.



Discog:
Texas (2008) - listen now
The Frequency EP (2007) - listen now

TechnoViking

This is fabulous! If I had a parade the TechnoViking would definitely be my grand marshall.



Here he is again mashed up to Michael Jackson's, Beat it.