land of talk @ boot and saddle

Half Waif

Land of Talk is back! Thanks to some friends I would've never checked the band out and I'm so glad I got into their music. The show was packed at Boot and Saddle. So much love in the audience at one point one of the fans shouted, "I'm so happy to be here!" But first, Half Waif! Half Waif I get to see again opening for Mitski this month. I'm excited because I really enjoyed their performance. The music reminded me of Psychic Twin a little bit who I really love. 

Liz came out and the whole place was exhilarated with boundless energy. It was so great to see Land of Talk for the first time, a lot of hardcore fans were there. Liz went off the stage and then came back for the encore, high-fiving us as she stepped back up to take her place behind the mic. She claimed she was looking forward to doing that. If you can read the upside-down set list below, bless. It was written on a napkin and someone beat me to it, otherwise it would've gone to a good friend.

girlpool @ union transfer

Dynamic duo of Girlpool

Third time's a charm seeing Girlpool. This time they played a much larger venue and had a back-up band which was an interesting addition to amplify their sound. Openers Lexie came out which was fronted by Greta Kline of Frankie Cosmos and Cleo played the drums. They were selling really cute home-made merch of pins and cards. Greta was so sweet and complimented my Girlpool shirt "Before the World was Big" at the merch stand. After Lexie was Hardly Art's Ian Sweet, a band I missed my chance of seeing in September of 2016. They were pretty good! I can't get over how tiny Jillian is though! 

Cleo and Harmony sounded even tighter this evening with the back-up band. They played so many old favorites (Emily, Before the World Was Big) but most off of the new album Powerplant. After the venue myself and some friends met Jillian and Cleo, it was amazing. I purchased the first Girlpool EP along with their new album. Cleo and Harmony signed their EP for me and signed other things as well for fans. Cleo was super nice and talked with a new concert friend we made outside of the venue. It was endearing. Definitely would go see them again.

.helium / mary timony @ boot and saddle

The cutest!

When I found out that Mary Timony was coming to Philly playing Helium songs I screamed and my voice became weepy as I exclaimed "Oh my god! Mary Timony!" It is so hard to find Helium vinyl and now with the 20th anniversary, cheers for the re-issues! Since her show sold out immediately a second show was added. Going to the later show there was no opener just MT and the band. So many familiar faces in the crowd it felt like home! Many people I met through Sleater-Kinney type bands that I talked to at previous concerts. It was nice to see everyone so excited over this whole ordeal.

She shreds!

Mary Timony came out in a lace black half-sleeved blouse which was funny because I put back an identical shirt in my closet a few hours earlier but we matched with gray high-top chucks. Witnessing her play guitar up close is like nothing I could have imagined. The first time I remember watching her plug away was through Wild Flag's Sonic Sessions on Youtube. That just blew me away when she would put the pick between her teeth and started tapping away. Her reach is incredible as her hand becomes a stretched out claw hitting those chords or plugging away. I think I shot 20 second videos of all my favorite Helium songs because I knew I wouldn't hear them live again. She was super smiley and appreciative of the audience. 

After her last song she blew kisses and like a dork I motioned the Wayne's World "We're not worthy!" with both of my hands. What a night! I finally properly met S-K fan Lisa and her son was rad, he asked for the set list and got it. Here were the songs she played. Out of all the songs I was happiest to hear "Vibrations." Looking at the DC set list I didn't see that song on there and thought she wouldn't play it. I was wrong. Three summers ago I discovered Mary Timony for the first time. I feel awful coming into the fandom so late but so grateful for this show! 

nick cave @ the electric factory

Nick Cave during his opening number

Words cannot describe how unreal and life-changing this concert was. As soon as I found out Mr. Cave was coming to Philly I committed to that ticket instantaneously. For me he is the male version of PJ Harvey; dark, intense, emotional, commanding presence. The Electric Factory is not my favorite venue but whatever, I'm seeing Nick Cave for the first time! I arrived at the venue 45 minutes early to a line that wrapped around the building. To my dismay I winded up at least 100 people back and kept panicking about being so far away once inside. Luckily the majority of the people in front wanted balcony seats so my friend and I opted for along the side. Then we ended up second row to the left of the stage which was disappointing because he kept pandering to the opposite side of the stage. Dang it! Again no opening band which was wonderful and a night of 22 songs or two and a half hours of music? Yes please! When he kicked into "Anthrocene" I thought "Okay he's got a chair out...will he be seated the entire show?" That was a complete tease because he was "connecting" and out there with the audience the entire time. 

Blurry Nick Cave! We did make eye contact tho!

The goal of the evening was just to touch him and neither of us succeeded. I winded up with a blurry picture of Mr. Cave close by but my friend captured a better one. During one part of the song he sang "Can you feel my heart beating?" and the girls were aiming to touch his chest and he encouraged them, "Can you?" I mean DYING!!!! The guys were fangirling just as hard as the girls. Nick Cave is an enigma, period. I had tears, TEARS streaming down my eyes when he performed "I Need You" because it was such a beautiful song and the lighting was perfect I felt like I was not on this earth. During his last song he actually went out into the audience, stagehands feverishly roping extra yards of mic cord into the center of the Electric Factory. There goes Mr. Cave up the balcony deck and serenades not one, not two, but three women from the audience into an emotional huddle of arms on backs and twirling the one woman. Again DYING!!!! When Carrie Brownstein and Shirley Manson go off about their Nick Cave experiences just yaaasss! I get you. Excited to hear "Ship Song" "Weeping Song" and "Red Right Hand" along with the new songs too of course!

Nick Cave serenades as we fall in <3

Set list:
Anthrocene
Jesus Alone
Magneto
Higgs Boson Blues
From Her to Eternity
Tupelo
Jubilee Street
The Ship Song
Into My Arms
Girl in Amber
I Need You
Red Right Hand
The Mercy Seat
Distant Sky
Skeleton Tree

Encore:
Mermaids
Nobody's Baby Now
The Weeping Song
Stagger Lee
Push the Sky Away

grayling + slingshot dakota + petal @ everybody hits

Best picture of Grayling I could get

This entry will be short and sweet. After an exhausting week I only stayed for Grayling and left after their set, not remaining for the other bands. I know! What a great line-up! Why?!?! Ironically I saw Petal and Grayling both open for Julien Baker at different shows in 2016. Liked both instantly and was thrilled they were on the same bill. Grayling is one of my new favorite bands. I think they hail from West Philly. Lexi reminds me so much of Torres and Liz Phair with her singing and guitar playing. Of course I hit up the merch table purchasing the cassette tape Everything that Burns. Please check out their bandcamp and songs. According to Lexi if you buy their merch you are supporting the band's Wawa addiction and that's not a bad thing to have.

diet cig (again!) @ philamoca

Diet Cig invites Wolfpack on stage

This is the second time I saw Diet Cig in concert. It was a benefit show for the Girls Rock Camp in Philly which I"m all about! Since I arrived at the venue right on time, the floor was already packed. So, I ventured upstairs to grab a seat by the balcony. Little did I realize I was seated next to Alex's mom and siblings! The band that kicked off was called "Wolfpack" which consisted of four young ladies that looked no older than fifth or sixth graders; one singer, one drummer, one bass player, and one guitar player. They played a few songs and covered a Best Coast song. I could tell they were excited to be there but nervous at the same time. The second band that played was Sports. I saw them at Indie Pop Prom and really enjoyed their set, swearing next time they were around I'd buy their album (I did! A rad brown and pink half moon colored vinyl!). The lead singer sported a vintage Selena shirt and the band promoted their "shitty pens" with their band name on them, that you could take one from their table. Again they told the nun joke.

Finally Alex came on and again the smiley, jumpy jelly bean of songs kicked in. At the end of the set she hopped up onto the stacked amps and kicked her leg out. I always get nervous she will fall! Anyway it was fun seeing the two again and I'm sure they will return. Always a positive ray of sunshine. 

.bush tetras @ johnny brendas

The Simple Pleasure are so fun!

This show was so much fun and The Simple Pleasure has a new fan! They opened for Bush Tetras, hailing from Texas. The lead singer had googly eye stickers on his guitar and the bass player's haircut reminded me of Yolandi Visser from Die Antwoord. Regardless they had songs titled "Milfshake" and lyrics such as "Saturday night is for buttholes!" The cherry on top was their encore. In a Bon Jovi-esque move that robotic straw was attached to the mic for a thrilling rendition of the "Grease" theme. Grease is the word! I felt bad the place wasn't packed as most people came in closer to Bush Tetras set. That didn't discourage The Simple Pleasure as they played like they were playing for hundreds of people. The next band up was "Wild at Heart." One of the guitar players I recognized from a few Philly bands. My friend and I looked at each other as their set was extremely brief (about fifteen minutes long!) Hrm..

Cynthia = badass

Pat Place = beast on guitar

Finally Bush Tetras came out to an elated audience. I LOVED that the bassist of The Simple Pleasure was dancing all night to their songs with her friend in the audience. Soon others joined in their fun as well. Cynthia was so bad-ass. I cannot believe she is 60! She claimed she was having senior moments on stage trying to remember certain lyrics but her stage presence was commanding and many times playful with the audience. The band wrote their set lists on paper plates. To hear "Too Many Creeps" was so amazing! There was an older guy rocking out to it down below. How I wished I stayed on the floor but I knew I would have no energy for Amanda Palmer the following night in Brooklyn. That's why I took to the balcony. The funniest thing Cynthia said was that her songs relevant to the Reagan era are still relevant today. On the way out I purchased the "Too Many Creeps" 7" album along with two pins. So happy to have finally seen them. As much as I wanted to see Sylvan Esso (both nights sold out over the weekend) I'm glad I did this instead. Would've totally missed out on a super fun and energetic night with this group.

.pharmakon @ philamoca

Pharmakon and her equipment

I'm going to be honest this show was not what I expected. Pushing my musical boundaries most people would not expect me to like or listen to this type of music. When I first heard of Pharmakon I found her biography fascinating, how she incorporated sound with a battle against her body at the time and the psyche (how the mind can leave the body). My copy of "Contact" came in the mail a week prior to the show and those songs are so damn creepy. Requiem for a Dream is my least favorite movie that haunts me to this day so listening to music that sounds as though it could be on that soundtrack is pushing my boundaries. I wasn't sure what type of crowd would come out, I knew I would be the dorkiest of dorks attending this. 

There were two openers. S-1 reminded me of bands I saw in the First Unitarian Church when Sheer Mag played a show waaay back when. The lead singer came on the floor in front of the stage and people started to mosh. However, she never left the front of the stage and just moved about. It wasn't so out of control but some of the guys in the audience were getting rowdy. I could tell some of the female band members were almost rolling eyes hearing their "WOOOO!" and comments after a song. The next opener was Dreamcrusher. Being shy, sensitive, and not liking my personal space invaded I was really uncomfortable during this set. I understand that bands like to challenge their audience but not like this. When you spend 90% of the set off the stage, walking in the audience screaming in faces with your mic and pushing people that doesn't make for a comfortable situation at all. I'm guessing that's the aesthetic he was going for but it wasn't my cup of tea. During the entire set I stayed back against the wall hoping not to be victim of this guy's anger / set. There were a few other women just like me in the same position that I could tell felt uncomfortable.

Retreating to the balcony lol

When Pharmakon came out she did the same thing but was not as aggressive nor touched the audience. After a while this got to me so I waited for a moment when she went back to the stage to escape and retreat up to the balcony. This lasted for only one or two songs as her set ended. Despite my not so positive experience her equipment was really fascinating. Unfortunately everything conked out early on in her set and boy was she mad. Finally after two minutes things got going. I think she felt really flustered but the audience was really patient and understanding. 

As I exited the venue I thought that maybe this show wasn't the greatest idea. No offense to her fans, it's just not for me. I'd rather just listen and support via vinyl. When I crossed the street to walk past Union Transfer I heard the dreamy sounds of Perfume Genius (I passed on tickets) infiltrating the crisp air outside and thought, "Maybe I made the wrong decision tonight..."

charly bliss @ boot and saddle

Yucky Duster

After a looooong hiatus from concerts I sort of returned this week with four. I know! Talk about toning it down. There were some I wanted tickets for but held off and tried not to overdo it. The first one of the week was Charly Bliss. The opening band was Yucky Duster from New York. The drummer was the one making all of the banter and comments which were really hysterical. They came highly recommended from a concert pal and followed her hype. Charly Bliss I heard good things about and listened to Guppy a few days before the show. I enjoyed all of the songs and their poppy playfulness. She is the cutest lil thing on stage. My favorite song is "Black Hole" and that was played about halfway through the set. You could tell the band was excited to play and just overjoyed to be there. They had some cute moments where they would form a stuck together three-some of guitars in different poses. Walking out I passed on the vinyl thinking I would buy a copy in the future. Honestly I should've purchased it that night. I nabbed the set list so here are the songs played...

SET LIST:
PERC
WESTERMARCK
MARBLE
VRGE
SCARE U
GATORADE
BLACK HOLE
RULY
HEAVEN
DQ
TURD
GLITTER
<3 ME

Here are some more pictures from the show...

.punk rock flea @ asbury park convention hall

The Convention Hall

It's that time again! Last year in June I found so many interesting things including that item of gold..."The Chipmunks" album I adored as a child. Never did I think I'd find it here. So what will the green doors hold this year? Convincing my Dad the night before, he agreed to accompany me on the one hour and twelve minute drive. A chilly day, yet the sun was shining. We were amazed at the artwork on some of the buildings along the boardwalk as a posed for a few pictures. My Dad took many pictures of the beach and of the nifty Convention Hall. 

90s postcard and sticker heaven!

The trip this time around was brief. Trying to restrain myself, I set a strict budget. Originally I said, "No records!" but managed to find X-Ray Spex in the mix. The guy next to me rummaging through albums whispered, "You need to get that!" I didn't even need his convincing I knew I needed to add it to my vinyl collection. Perusing the aisles a lot of the same vendors were there from last year. I stopped by some of the tables and complimented on past pieces I've purchased, especially my Bowie necklace from "Pretty in Skulls." 

More goodies!

Surprisingly I did not find many pins. My Dad graciously bought me the "Don't You Forget About Me" *air pump* Breakfast Club pin. This guy was selling knit cats and the one looked exactly like my cat PNell so I had to pick that up. Then this older guy had a box of old promo postcards and band stickers that were mostly from the 90s. I pulled out Tori Amos from her 1999 album "To Venus and Back" (freshman year at college memories!), Alanis' "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" and Hole "Celebrity Skin." $3 for all! I went slightly over budget because of the X-Ray Spex album but really that was the golden find of the trip.

Upstairs there was live music all day. Coincidentally I stumbled across Shark Muffin's opening set! Back in October the band opened for Tacocat at The Wonder Bar across the street. Interesting to see them again. I watched part of their set but did not stay the whole time as my Dad wanted to head back. My cousin had her artwork upstairs and I purchased another sticker from her. Funny story it's for Sadie from Sad13 the next time I see her live. Her old laptop bit the dust and she was bummed her favorite stickers were on that laptop. She tweeted about any stickers people could give her for the new laptop would be appreciated.  

That's pretty much it. Siri got us TOTALLY LOST on the way home with the STUPID CIRCLE as she kept changing from "North" to "South." We arrived home much later than anticipated but it's okay. Stopping for some really great pizza made the day even better. Another few weeks and it's off to Philly's PRF! Wonder what great things they will have there this year?!

.new pornographers @ union transfer

Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee

I don't own any New Pornographers albums or cds. My friends used to put songs of theirs on my mix tapes back in college. Liking what I heard I figured this would be a really great show and it was. Waxahatchee opened and performed songs off of her new anticipated album, "Out in the Storm." XPN has been playing a lot of "No Curse" lately and it's so good. I discovered Waxahatchee when Sleater-Kinney played their 5 nights in NY. The Crutchfield sisters are both super talented and amazing. It's funny because I see either one or both of them in the audience of concerts my friend and I attend in Philly. It's awesome to see them support other local bands.
 

Outer space or Union Transfer? You decide!

There were signs outside of Union Transfer claiming no photography during the performance. Even before the band set foot on stage there was an announcement reminding the audience of this. I didn't mind because I really enjoyed the show and it gave me the chance to really focus in on their performance. I know a lot of us get lost in our phones and taking the perfect shots. Recently I've gotten better at this and only take a couple 2-3 times during the performance. The audience was amazing. What a bunch of super friendly, chill, and low-key fans. Nothing beats that. When all of the members of New Pornographers came out it was mesmerizing! It honestly felt like I attended a concert in outer-space, really out of this world. I still cannot stop thinking about it. Before their encore I had to nab a quick picture of the stage since the lighting and neon colors fit the atmosphere of their new album. Another bonus, when I purchased my tickets for this concert, you get a free download of their new album. Excellent! Here is the set list...

SET LIST:
HIGH TICKET ATTRACTIONS
THE LAWS HAVE CHANGED
TWIN CINEMA
MOVES
COLOSSEUMS
DANCEHALL DOMINE
THE FAKE HEADLINES
WHITEOUT CONDITIONS
CHAMPIONS OF RED WINE
ADVENTURES IN SOLITUDE
ALL THE OLD SHOWSTOPPERS
THIS IS THE WORLD OF THE THEATER
BACKSTAIRS
TESTAMENT TO YOUTH IN VERSE
SING ME SPANISH TECHNO
PLAY MONEY
SWEET TALK SWEET TALK
AVALANCHE ALLEY
MASS ROMANTIC
-----------------------------
CHALLENGERS
BILL BRUISERS
THE BLEEDING HEART SHOW

Neko Case recently tweeted someone's pet bird rocking out to "High Ticket Attractions" if you want a really good laugh. I've only listened to Whiteout Conditions once in it's entirety before the show and it's like I know all of the lyrics singing them back during the show. The songs are *that* catchy.

.juliana hatfield @ boot & saddle

Laura Stevenson, you were wonderful!

 I've been a fan of Juliana Hatfield for a while. Most heavily in my late high school / early college days. This was my first time seeing her live so I was really excited. I was also excited to have Laura Stevenson open for her. The stars never aligned in seeing Stevenson because other shows always interfered. What I discovered is we apparently share a birthday and enjoy breakfast at the Silver Dollar in Cherry Hill. It was just Laura and her guitar, her songs about depression and break-ups. She politely squeezed in between me and another person to get to the stage. I failed to say "Great set" when she passed by me a second time. Words escaped me :(

In all her glory

There was an asshole couple in the crowd during the show. The girl clearly intoxicated and kept bumping into me. Finally they moved but to no avow got an extremely disapproving scolding from another fan in the crowd for being annoying. I could literally hear him shouting at them over Juliana's singing. As hoped, they stopped and moved back. Anyway, I arrived a little late because of parking and felt awkward squeezing up front. Literally I was four rows back but it looks like much further away from my pictures (which look grainy). Juliana kicked into "No Idols" and I was transported back to the early 90s, those carefree days. The woman still has it! She played a mix of older and then songs off of her new album "Pussycat." Her response to Donald Trump as President. Being good I restrained myself from merch and albums even though her tee-shirts were stylish. Looking at the tags on Instagram she has a handful of fans following her on this tour; taking pictures from the venues every night practically. Thanks Juliana Hatfield for making my 90s dream come true. I will read your book soon! Promise.

.pj harvey @ the fillmore

And there she is again

Barely getting any sleep, to put a damper on things my train was delayed almost an hour getting back home from New York! Felt like I was waiting at Penn Station forever. I literally drove home from Hamilton Station, bought 2 donuts and an iced tea from DD, showered, and slept until it was time to go to The Fillmore. A concert friend from Virginia was driving up and was kind enough to hold me a spot in line. She was second in line and got to the venue around 3:00. I didn't get to the Fillmore until closer to 6:30-ish where I met up with my other friends too. It was nice having a group of people at this one. Inside they always have two lines of people by the doors entering the actual room where the stage is. We nabbed front spots towards the center. Perfection. Polly was literally in front of us all night. 

This time I tried to get a video of the entire band but it wouldn't come out that great when uploading it on Instagram. Since all the band members are in different positions on the stage, some of their heads got cut off in the video edit. Bummer. The fans in the audience were so great though. The one woman near us said this was her first time seeing Peej,that she's been a fan for twenty some years. I love when people see her for the first time. It makes me happy. 

As for the set list, it was pretty much the same. As for the encore I felt we got the better songs of "Highway '61" (yaaaas Rid of Me!) and "The Last Living Rose" (which always chokes me up). The concert went by so quickly but again stellar performances. A shout out to Terry Edwards on sax. That dude is killer. There was a moment where Polly and others started laughing on stage playing their instruments as he was wailing away. And playing two saxophones at one time? That is some hardcore Tori Amos playing two pianos shit! You go Terry!

SET LIST:
CHAIN OF KEYS
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
COMMUNITY OF HOPE
ORANGE MONKEY
A LINE IN THE SAND
LET ENGLAND SHAKE
THE WORDS THAT MAKETH MURDER
THE GLORIOUS LAND
MEDICINALS
WHEN UNDER ETHER
DOLLAR DOLLAR
THE DEVIL
THE WHEEL
THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS
50FT QUEENIE
DOWN BY THE WATER
TO BRING YOU MY LOVE
RIVER ANACOSTIA
---------------------
HIGHWAY '61 REVISITED
THE LAST LIVING ROSE

After the show we got to hang around since we had backstage wristbands. I saw Mick Harvey but he was talking to Kurt Vile most of the time. I wanted to ask him about his cat haha! Then Kenrick came out and he was super nice and polite. As much as we were excited to talk to him and ask him questions about the album and Polly he really wanted to know a lot about us! Asked us where we were all from, if we played any instruments (I claimed my Fender is collecting dust for 2 years in the corner of my room, he laughed). I told him I liked the picture of him and Nick Cave on Instagram and told him I will see Nick Cave in June. We asked about the process of making HD6P and he told us some interesting facts about Polly. The first word he used to describe her was "extremely creative" and how she changes up the songs when they play them live compared to the album. I also found it interesting that she felt isolated from the rest of the band since she's up front and wanted to have points where she was in the background jamming out with them. Kenrick mentioned the band did not have downtime to explore Philly because we talked about all the interesting places around the venue the band could seek out (they would've loved the Barcade!). Before Kenrick left I said I might see the band one last time in Central Park and he gave me a look like "Maybe? You better come!" He was so nice he gladly obliged to get in a picture with all of us. All of my friends were ranting and raving how amazing the experience was. Best night ever! 

.pj harvey @ brooklyn steel

Polly the Great <3

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. PJ Harvey's northeastern tour coincided with my spring break, the stars couldn't have aligned more perfectly. I was kind of nervous going to Brooklyn solo but I troopered through. The venue (recently opened and my first time being there) was not that far of a walk from the subway station and incredibly easy to find. I arrived at Brooklyn Steel around 3:45. There I noticed the same fans in the front of the line that were there for her Terminal 5 show in August. I believe I overheard them claim they have been waiting since 1:00. Secretly smirking I could not believe I was sixth in line! How amazingly awesome. In New York people line up early and are very pushy / gung-ho about their spots. Philly is a lot more low key. With a little over three hours to kill, I managed to just about finish half of a book. The weather wasn't too shabby which was great!

Inside the venue they had metal detectors to walk through and buckets to place your bags in. I tried to get through quickly and managed to drop my wallet on the way in. Nice right? The venue has an industrialized feel and the barricade was kind of far from the stage. I nabbed a spot to the right of PJ's mic. This time it was in the center of the stage compared to the far right like it was in the past. Managing a decent rail spot I could not believe it. Then the waiting game began. The doors opened at 7:00 and PJ did not come out until 8:45. It felt like forever but when those lights dimmed a smile spread across my face.

The concert went by so fast! She played The Hope 6 Demolition Project in it's entirety practically with a mix of Let England Shake and a few White Chalk songs. I'll admit I cried when she played "Talk to You" because it reminds me of my Grandmother that passed away when I was 9. So Polly, you got me in tears! Towards the end of her set she played "Down by the Water" "To Bring You My Love" and "50 Foot Queenie." The most annoying thing that happened in the audience was two girls tried to push their way up to the front towards the end of her set. One of them was drunk crying pretty obnoxiously yelling out between wails and tears "I LOVE YOU PJ!" My friends all laugh when I impersonated her at my birthday brunch. Finally she got cocky and attempted to push in between this guy and myself on rail. I took one look at her and said "NO WAY!" as she backed off. 

The encore was a mystery as PJ changes it up at each show. She played "Near the Memorials" and then the big surprise "The River!" I LOVE Is This Desire and out of all the times I've seen her, hearing that song was a first. The entire night was so amazing I love her so much and her stellar band of 9. Here's the set list....

SET LIST:
CHAIN OF KEYS
THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
COMMUNITY OF HOPE
ORANGE MONKEY
LINE IN THE SAND
LET ENGLAND SHAKE
WORDS THAT MAKETH MURDER
GLORIOUS LAND
WRITTEN ON THE FOREHEAD
TO TALK TO YOU
DOLLAR, DOLLAR
THE DEVIL
THE WHEEL
THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS
50 FT QUEENIE
DOWN BY THE WATER
TO BRING YOU MY LOVE
RIVER ANACOSTIA
------------
NEAR THE MEMORIALS
THE RIVER

When the show was over I waited by the rail hoping for a set list. One of the stage hands told us that at Polly's request they do not give out set lists so we all left. Thankfully I waited a bit before Ubering to my friend's in Brooklyn. Grateful to have a place to stay overnight! Totally ready for day #2 of Polly. 

.the coathangers @ ortlieb's

Awful pic I know!

I was surprised The Coathangers played Ortlieb's. It's such a tiny venue and last summer they played the smaller area of Underground Arts (which is still larger than Ortlieb's). Arriving at the show kind of late there was really no room to stand inside of that tiny room. I've seen Louie Louie twice now and the Renegades (?) were not my cup of tea but nearing the end of their set. My friends were brave and got front row spots. There was no possible way to push through in order to reach them. If there's anything I learned about Ortlieb's it's no air and one panel fan blowing. Talk about being overheated! With PJ Harvey the next two days in a row it was best to hang back and not risk passing the eff out. Some people in the crowd were really obnoxious. Rusty and Julia made an announcement to be cool because the girls up front were practically face plowed into the monitor by overly-obnoxious guys. That said things began to get better and obnoxious guy moved to the back. He kept head butting people which was super annoying. The set went by pretty quickly. Jealous because this is the second time Julia got in my friend's face with the mic for Squeeki Tiki! Lucky. On my way out one of the fans complimented my Coathangers tee I bought back in July from when I last saw them. Hopefully next time they tour it's at a bigger venue. As always my friend nabbed the set list. It came out blurry so if you can read it, be my guest!

.jenny owen youngs @ the milkboy

Almost a year later and I'm back at The Milkboy for a show! Pins and Skinny Lister seemed forever ago. This time I would return for Jenny Owen Youngs. In 2006 (?) I saw her open for Regina Spektor at the TLA. I remember her witty banter and really fun covers of songs like "Hot in Here" along with her knack of storytelling, strumming along to her guitar. This time around was no different. You don't go to see JOY just for the songs, you go for the banter as well! She talked about her podcast with her wife about Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Apparently the two watch an episode and recap it via podcast. How incredibly dorky and cute! 

The opener was Tancred who performed solo. My friend told me I need to listen to her music with her full-on band. The songs are so different and fast-paced. Hopefully I'll see another concert at The Milkboy to round out my 2 from last year :)

.sallie ford @ johnny brenda's

My friend convinced me to come see Sallie Ford. I was bummed because Colleen Green was playing the same night which I realized the day before this show. However my mind changed after seeing SF's performance that I would've missed out on such a fun, good-spirited show. I listened to some songs off her new album beforehand. They were okay but I didn't look into her previous discography. I came to the conclusion I like her older songs. They have a rockabilly edginess to them that make you want to get up and dance. And that's exactly what the crowd did! You would've thought we were at a bar for swing dancing. People were doing the twist and huddled around one another just having a blast!

The openers were Haunted Homes and Molly Burch, both I am unfamiliar with. Haunted Homes had these Halloween-ish masks on with sharp teeth. They were interesting to watch. I loved how they projected black and white images in the background of scary movies. Sadly my Iphone did not do a great job of capturing this. Molly Burch was really something and hit those high notes. I think the band is from Texas. 

Molly Burch is fabulous

Haunted Homes...spooky scary!

Towards the end of the show I captured two of my favorite shots, the band playing side-by-side and Sallie just collapsed on the floor playing her guitar. 

Wake up Sallie! ;)

Her socks say, "Cats! Cats! Cats!"

Set list:
GET OUT
NEVER
ROM CAST
SCREW UP
RECORD
GIMME <3
SHIVERS
HURTS
FAILURE
MIDDLE
DANGER
CAGE
I SWEAR
THEY TOLD
LOVELINESS
PARTY

.diet cig @ boot and saddle

Alex with her cosmic guitar!

So much to update on I'm falling behind! I saw Diet Cig a while back. To find parking right near Boot & Saddle was amazing in itself. The opening bands were Hello Shark (caught the last 2 songs in the set) and Daddy Issues (in October I arrived late to Tacocat so I didn't see all of their set). I felt bad. The bassist had so many issues with her amp but it was finally fixed. I really enjoyed their set and hope to see them again soon.

Diet Cig I knew nothing about and went into cold. I really loved what I saw! Alex is the cutest and kicked her legs to the side jumping around like an excited jelly bean on the tiny stage. Towards the end of the set her and Daddy Issues covered Yellowcard's "Ocean Avenue." Diet Cig is coming back in May to promote their new album, I already bought my ticket and anticipate their return. The merch was so enticing I pretty much bought everything! They have pins (mine is pink with a cute cactus), cassettes, vinyl, and tees. I also have the set list in possession so (FINALLY A SET LIST!)....

Setlist:
BLOB
TUMMY
SLEEPTALK
BREATHLESS
SCENE SICK
MOTM
POOL BOYZ
16
LEO
DINNER
LINK
BATH
BARFDAY

Encore:
OCEAN AVE
HARVARD

My friend informed me Pitchfork reviewed their album and gave it a 5? I'm sorry but these songs completely encompass the way we feel in our late teens and early 20s. Whatever! Keep doing your thing Diet Cig.