It's seven pm in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and there's at least a mile-long line winding its way around a fenced off concert area. People are scattered everywhere on multicolored blankets having picnics while waiting for the show to start. Who's drawing all this attention? Why are people waiting in an absurd line to maybe squeeze into the fenced off area with the stage & booze stands? Andrew Bird is kicking off the start of the Celebrate Brooklyn free concert series in the park. If you're already a fan of this ridiculously talented Chicago-born and bred artist then there's no need for explanation as to why the line is so disgustingly long.
Bird, classically trained in the suzuki method, is a fabulous multi-instrumentalist and lyricist who adds quirky twists of glockenspiel, guitar and whistling to create unforgettably beautiful songs.
It isn't until half past eight that Bird comes on stage and silence sweeps over the audience as attention is focused on the thin man with the violin center stage. He begins to play a few notes of "Why" and the bar was set high for the rest of the night. Every song Bird played either by himself or with his band "Bowl of Fire" was absolutely spell-bindingly brilliant. The song line-up for the night began with "Why" and was followed throughout the two hours with "Imitosis," "Plasticities," "Darkmatter," "Scythian Empires," "Tables and Chairs," "Effigy," "A Nervous Tic Motion of The Head To The Left" with many other tracks spanning all ten of his albums. Even though it was absolutely incredible experiencing him play live all the songs I've loved, it was a treat when he revealed he was going to perform a NEW SONG from his unreleased new album! The song is called "Give It Away" and it has a pop-ish, fun and light-hearted feel to it. Like most of Bird's songs, the lyrics hold real weight and end up giving the listener questions to ponder. Some may not like that quality of his music then some love it. If you are of the former group, then Andrew Bird may not be for you.
Overall, this concert kickoff for the Celebrate Brooklyn series couldn't have gone any better. Andrew Bird put on a beautifully orchestrated, colorful and vivacious show. To check his new song "Give It Away" click on the link below. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e3lVO1jel8
Andrew Bird Celebrates Brooklyn
If you were angry when American Football broke up in 2000 and are looking for a fresh approach then look no further. These Montclair natives are making a big splash in the local scene and have just released their first EP to start things off. It's not like the other loud, screamy, and twinkly bands I posted from the Montclair scene before but it is definitely worth checking out.
Hailing from Washington DC, Shat Shorts make hardcore with a experimental and electronic edge. Including members of the incredible Monument, with an impressive list of ex-bands such as Dawn Treader, Mob Attack, Hobis and loads more! Taking their cues from bands like Pissed Jeans (the clue's in the name), it's chaotic to the Nth degree with just enough discipline to stop them from climbing through your speakers and clubbing you to death with their instruments. I have no idea what the lyrics are, but they are sure are shouted with passion and an implied honesty. I like that. This six track release contains five slices of nutty hardcore with a side of dubstep remix. Not one for the dirty noise of dubstep, I didn't like that so much. But it sounds in line with all the other dubstep that I have heard so chances are that Shat Shorts are getting it right.
