W♥M

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla

Read More Games I have been hyped about Baldur’s Gate 3 since Larian Studios announced their teaser in August 2019. I’ve already mentioned that I was a massive fan of Black Isle Studios, the original maker of the PC Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale games… so naturally …

Since many of us are stuck at home in isolation, because of the pandemic, we’ve had to turn to movies, video games, and toys, to keep us entertained. And it shows with record numbers of PS5 and Xbox Series S/X selling out instantly. More than ever, people are buying and playing video games at home.

Recently, I purchased one of the biggest Triple-A game called Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, mostly thanks to enjoying Ubisoft’s previous two releases, Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (both games earning high praises from me).

What AC does really well, since its original conception in 2007, was that it created the medieval past amazingly well. The game does a great job re-creating buildings and real historical figures from the past. Sure, at times, it takes creative liberties, but for the most part, it does a great job.

Before we get into Valhalla, you have to look at the two previous games… which sets up in Egypt with Origins and follows the story of Layla Hassan. If you saw the movie or even played any of the AC games, you know how we got to access the past, by using a machine called the Animus.

I don’t so much cared about the future in these games, but it does make for connecting one game to another. After Origins, we arrived in Greece with Odyssey… easily one of my favorite games when it was originally released in 2018. Odyssey seems to step away from the stealthy game play of the original games… and focused more on combat with its Spartan/Athena fighting style. Of course, the game developer still allow you to play stealth, if that is how you want to play.

It would seem with Valhalla, that Ubisoft concentrate more on melee combat. Which, to be perfectly honest, I don’t have an issue with it, since it fits the Viking’s berserker style of fighting (can you see an assassin Viking?)… The other thing that I’ve noticed with Valhalla, is that it allows the player to turn down the stealth difficulty!

While I love Valhalla, it’s pretty much the same as Odyssey and Origins. I would recommend you wait for a sale on Valhalla… in fact, if you haven’t played the previous two games, I would recommend getting those two games first (usually on discounts). I just can’t justify the $60 price for Valhalla, not when you can get Odyssey for $20. However, if you enjoyed the previous games, sure, pick up Valhalla … it will be right up your alley.

NOTE: Normally, I prefer to buy and play my games on my PC. My computer is ten times better than the PS4 or Xbox, but, unfortunately, if you want to play on the PC, you have to use Ubisoft’s U-Play launcher… which I absolutely hate. I ended up buying it on Xbox, as it promises an easy free upgrade path to Xbox Series X, should I ever buy the new console. I’m not sure the status of PlayStation’s backward compatible program, so I’m not sure if Valhalla would work on the PS5, at the time of my purchase decision. Plus, the fact that PS5 games will retail for $70, it doesn’t sit well with me.

Assassins Creed Valhalla Rognarok Edition (Best Buy Exclusive)

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R.I.P. Alex Trebek

Alex Trebek on Music Hop Read More Jeopardy Things got started with a bang as Greg Kihn emerged for a three-song, seventeen-minute set starting with hit, ‘Jeopardy’ (known as much, or more for Weird Al’s parody version of the song). …

Alex Trebek, the long-running game show host of Jeopardy!, has passed away on November 8th, 2020, at the age of 80. Before Jeopardy, his very first hosting job was on a Canadian music program called Music Hop in 1963. After that, he hosted for CBC, talking about classical music programs, etc… so Trebek was a music lover.

When news of his death came out, music icon Don McLean (famous for “American Pie”), shared his story about Alex Trebek.

Setlist photo courtesy of Don McLean

It was Trebek’s longtime dream to have McLean perform at his Christmas party for the Jeopardy staff at Vitellos restaurant in 2019. He expressed his concern that he might not have the budget to include McLean for this show, but “didn’t want to not give it a try.”

Of course, McLean agreed to perform... and when the musician arrived at the restaurant, Trebek whipped out a sheet of paper and wrote the songs he wanted McLean to play, from his memory, down to the extract length of time. The man was as sharp as ever, given the fact that he was on heavy medication, around this time.

We’ll miss you, Alex Trebek.

Alex Trebek and Don McLean at Vitellos, Studio City (18 Dec 2019) photo courtesy of Don McLean

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Early Access: Baldur’s Gate 3

Read More Games First, I’m very happy to hear that Larian Studios will be making Baldur’s Gate 3. The last Baldur’s Gate game came out in 2000, so it’ll be a good 20 years since the last game (considering that BG3 probably won’t launch until 2020). …

I have been hyped about Baldur’s Gate 3 since Larian Studios announced their teaser in August 2019. I’ve already mentioned that I was a massive fan of Black Isle Studios, the original maker of the PC Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale games… so naturally, I wanted to see more Dungeons and Dragons games.

As promised, Larian Studios offered fans early access to their game-in-progress. The final game won’t be officially released for another year (to be honest, I think it’ll be two years before they can release it to the public). The early access to the game only grants you part one of the game, which will get you about 20 hours of gameplay. From what I’ve heard, there final game will have three parts, so you’re looking at a massive 60+ hour game.

The game came out in early access on October 5, and by October 10, I had already reached my level up cap (you can only get to level 4) and got to the end of the map. Sure, there are tons more area to explore, so I’ll have to backtrack and hit all the areas I didn’t see. However, seeing as I can’t progress grow anymore at level 4, I feel like there’s no point in continuing.

So far, there are six original characters created for this game, and they can join your party on this adventure. You can only have a maximum of four in your team, so any excess characters will have to go to your camp to wait it out until you return for a long rest. My favorite character to hear is Gale, as the voice actor does such an excellent job in his dialogue delivery.

Now for the bad news - if you want to get in early access, you’ll have to pay full price of $59.99. You do get the full game when it comes out, but it’s a steep price to pay for an incomplete game (at least for now). I wish they would’ve given us a little discount.

The other bad news is that the game is rough. There are bugs all over, not to mention visual glitches or camera locks. Plus, cross saves doesn’t always work correctly. All normal things you might expect for an advance look at the game. Also, if you’re unfamiliar with D&D rulesets you may be frustrated with no help from the game.

The last bad news is that your early access game might not be able to carry over the final release. I personally don’t mind this, as I’ve made plenty of mistakes and wouldn’t mind replaying it to correct them (or make a different choice). However,

Otherwise, if you don’t mind roughing it and love Dungeons & Dragons, you need to check out the early access to Baldur’s Gate 3. You can buy it at my favorite digital game retailer, GOG.

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MN Toy Posse Halloween Bash IV at Everett McClay VFW Post 1296, Bloomington (25 Oct 2020)

Read More MN Toy Posse The November Minnesota Toy Posse show (named Swapsaturday) just took place at the Everett McClay VFW Post 1296 in Bloomington, Minnesota. These local shows are organized and hosted by organized ...

For the first time since the pandemic, the October’s Minnesota Toy Posse show, dubbed MN Toy Posse Halloween Bash IV, took place at a different location… the VFW in Bloomington, Minnesota (which we hadn’t been to since November 2019).

This October show may be the last one until April 2021, since I’m not really interested in traveling in the winter. In fact, driving to Bloomington was a nervous effort, because the light snow was making the roads wet & slippery (saw a few car crashes).

Many of the tables at this show featured Star Wars, showing how popular the brand really is with collectors. Unfortunately, I don’t collect Star Wars, so it was a miss for me. There were also plenty of modern Transformers… which is also unfortunate, since I hate the new stuff. Plenty of Marvel Legends, but, again, I’m not looking for anything in this line in particular.

What I was looking for were G.I. Joe: Classified and maybe the new G.I. Joe Retro Collection, but they’re rarely seen in stores, let alone at a toy show. I guess I didn’t have high hopes that I would find any Cobra Island, but I was hoping to see at least one or two … even if it’s marked at a really high price. So, yeah, no Red Ninjas, no Beachhead, no Cobra Troopers...

There was a guy selling a Deluxe Snake Eyes figure, but he wanted $100 for it. The figure, long sold out, was originally sold for $40, so I couldn’t justify paying a Benjamin for it.

I usually spend hundreds of dollars at these shows, but this Sunday show I couldn’t find anything that I wanted, or that the toys that I really wanted were just priced too high.

MN Toy Posse Halloween Bash IV at Everett McClay VFW Post 1296, Bloomington (25 Oct 2020)

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Flashback: Love in October at the 400 Bar, Minneapolis (09 May 2009)

400 Bar Setlist An Average Idea Nature of the Experiment Circa 1989 Fortrangda Problem Dance Johannes Kepler Hey!!! New Song 2 Like Nothing Ever Happened Soft Errors Kära Gud, ge mig en själ Dubbel Tvekan New Song MN History Museum Setlist An Average Idea Nature of the Experiment Soft Errors Fortrangda Problem Lneh Permutations Dance Johannes Kepler Vi Går Till Stranden Hey!!! Dubbel Tvekan I Dream of Marie Antoinette Undone – The Sweater Song (Weezer Cover) Read More Love in October Love in October is a Minneapolis based indie/rock band, founded by two Swedish brothers, Erik and Kent Widman in 2006. They apparently moved to Mpls in the early 2000's. Erik (vocals/guitar/keyboards) and Kent (bass) are joined by Charlie Abbott …

Prior to going on a national tour in June 2009, to promote their then-new self-titled EP, the Minneapolis, by the way of Sweden, rock band Love in October, did some practice shows in Minneapolis on May 9, 2009… which included The Minnesota History Museum (in the day) and the 400 Bar (in the evening).

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Love in October is an indie band, formed in Minneapolis, but ultimately moved to Chicago. Todd's previously reviewed their record, and I've seen them live before. This time around, they are now a five-piece band, complete with new extra guitarist, keyboardist and new drummer. What hasn't changed is their Swedish heritage pride, which they proudly display their yellow and blue Swedish flag where ever they play.

Seeing them at both The Minnesota History Museum and at the 400 Bar, is like night and day. While their daytime show was a bit toned-down (hey it's tough to rock out when there's marbled statues and parents and children all around), their 'adult' show was all-out rock-out-loud. They certainly seem more comfortable and in their element in the dimly lit venue.

MINNESOTA HISTORY MUSEUM

Minnesota History Museum Setlist

Prior to the start of their daytime show, Erik came on stage to talk about why Sweden exported so many (good) music. They are the third behind the US and England, as far as music production goes. This is a feat, considering the size of Sweden is only the size of California. He goes on to talk about how this was possible due to the Swedish government decided to put .7% into the arts in the seventies. Of course, being a long-time Swedishpop fan, I knew all these facts, however, I don't think the general public knew about the Swedish arts & music program.

After ten minutes, the rest of the band joined Erik on stage and they did the indie rock thing. And yes, I was head-bopping and foot-tapping. Quite embarrassing when drummer Ivan Sosa said, "I want you to enjoy the show - like THAT GUY!" and pointed to me.

They did three songs in Swedish (including the "VI Går Till Stranden" song from their debut LP), which fit in the whole Celebrate the European "Year of Creativity and Innovation" event that was being held that day. The highlight for me was their cover of Weezer's "Undone (The Sweater Song)". Yes, I I added my own dialogue to the song: "Hey did you hear about the party? I think I'm going, but my friends don't want to go. Can I get a ride?"

INTERMISSION

Warp speed to 10:30 pm (yes I did go out to dinner and saw the new Star Trek movie), and I've ditched the 400 Bar to see Kate & Lara as they leave their show at the Cedar Culture Center (this is only practically only a few doors down the road). I wasn't really expecting to see them actually, I had noticed a bunch of people leaving the Cedar so I went over there to see if the show was over (it was). I got first hand report/review from them about the show and we talked a bit about Chalakah and 'you got moted'. Kate has a band called Crush on Kristi, and they're playing June 12th, I think. Oh also, apparently 'beard rocker' bartender from the 400 Bar was seen at the Cedar.

400 BAR

400 Bar Setlist

Love in October took off their kids gloves, you would almost think they were two different band, based on the morning and night shows. Like I have previously mentioned, they look and felt much more comfortable. Even their playing and movement style was as different as their set list for tonight. Most of the set includes new (untitled) songs.

The highlight of the show was when they asked the original Minneapolis drummer, Travis (?), to come on stage to drum for one of their older songs. He definitely still remember the beats and did a pretty outstanding job.

They seem really excited about a brand new self-titled EP coming out on May 26^th, I am assuming available on CD and definitely it's going to be on vinyl. The cover artwork features a 9 year old Erik, the shirt was recolored to red stripes instead of blue. More details about buying their records and seeing them live are all on the official website.

Love in October at Minnesota History Museum, St Paul (09 May 2009)

Love in October at the 400 Bar, Minneapolis (09 May 2009)

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Flashback: Found At Sea at Hopetoun Hotel, Sydney (08 May 2009)

Read More Found at Sea Armed with matching ties (sort of), headlining band Found at Sea, rounded out the evening. Formerly called 'Helter' (ring any bells?) these guy have just finished their debut self-titled album, produced by ARIA award winning Paul McKercher (Augie March, Sarah Blasko, You Am I). …

In Australia, many bands play at hotels. That’s not hard to believe, considering that for many, many years, comic book conventions were held at hotels to take advantage of booking guests in their rooms and using the hotel’s ballroom for the show.

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Remember the days when you'd go to your favourite band toting public bar and you'd see one of maybe 20 bands that were doing the rounds? You even saw them so many times that you knew some of the words to their songs? Now there are simply squillions of bands.... who has time to see them all? Not me, that's for sure.

So I thought I might prepare a little digest of bands that have been performing around the shop in the recent-ish past

Found At Sea - astreetlightsong - Days Like Stars - The Shipwrecked - Hopetoun Hotel - May 8th

Firstly, I would like to say that the sound at the Hopetoun was particularly bad last night. Sadly, it made the keyboard of the The Shipwrecked sound way too loud and drowned out a lot of the other sounds. Maybe another listen is in order. Days Like Stars were cute (but obviously not trying to be cute), the songs were your average guitar rock, but with an obvious mum and dad combo recording the set on their video camera in the audience, who could help but chortle as the guys proceeded to "rock out" to songs that simply didn't suit such "rocking outness". Entertaining all the same.

astreetlightsong

I had said previously that astreetlightsong would be worth seeing live, so that was my mission for the evening. I wasn't disappointed. Even though the overall sound was still pretty poor, astreetlightsong put on a super show. There's something about seeing a band live that you just don't get from a recording. Whether it be seeing that they can actually play instruments (it's not their Uncle Barry), looking at the large amount of computerisation and guitar peddles required to get their sound or just to see they are human and how they interact with the crowd. It all adds up. These guys were just that little bit different to the other three bands on the bill. Slightly more electronically weighted, less of a pure guitar sound. Was a nice change. They also seemed to have a swathe of young lady fans, which can't be a bad thing!

Armed with matching ties (sort of), headlining band Found at Sea, rounded out the evening. Formerly called 'Helter' (ring any bells?) these guy have just finished their debut self-titled album, produced by ARIA award winning Paul McKercher (Augie March, Sarah Blasko, You Am I). If you love guitars, if you love the sound they make, if you like that easy listening rock feel, Found at Sea will be right up your alley. It's perfect music to sit down, with beer in hand and tap your foot on the floor. Sadly, the Hopetoun has no chairs.... so we were out of luck.

Found At Sea at Hopetoun Hotel, Sydney (08 May 2009)

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Flashback: KaiserCartel at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (09 May 2009)

Read More KaiserCartel KaiserCartel, the couple-duo that that we love here at W♥M just celebrated their CD-releasing party at the Cedar in Minneapolis, on June 17th. …

Lara went out to see Minnesota-loving KaiserCartel (Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel) on May 9, 2009, at the Cedar Cultural Center.

I’m almost certain KaiserCartel (or sometime spelled as Kaiser Cartel) is no more. However, Benjamin Cartel, continues performing as himself in 2014. The last time I heard from him was via his second solo album Flickering Light in 2018.

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NOTE: This event was organized by Minnesota music blog, Culture Bully. They have photos of the show here.

KaiserCartel - Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel’s history reads like a perfect twee memoir: both are elementary school teachers, both play a handful of instruments (guitar, drums, xylophone, accordion-thing-that-I-am-unable-to-identify, whistling), both dress like gothic country ball guests, both are obviously in love (with each other). It’s almost too darling to digest. If this were an episode of Sesame Street, I would say “Tonight’s concert is brought to you by the letter ‘A’ for ADORABLE.”

I’m getting nauseous with whimsy glee just writing this out.

Saturday’s show at the Cedar was a generation-fest of sorts. The ambience was chill and the crowd was soft, pleasant, malleable…like a delicious loaf of Wonder Bread (ifyouknowwhatI’msaying*). Hip, art school wannabes mingled with real-life senior citizens, sweatshirted couples were seated next to teenagers and their parents; the average age was probably mid-20s to early 30s, but the maturity level was at least a decade wiser. Maybe it was the style of music—a less frenetic brand of folk-pop, tame for children and the elderly—or it could’ve been the venue (the Cedar’s layout is seating room only), or even that the musicians appeared unassuming and also currently clean. Whatever the reason, KaiserCartel’s gentle-cum-hand clap cheer suited the Cedar’s intimate space.

Being only minimally in the know, I wasn’t familiar with KaiserCartel’s interesting use of multiple instruments. The duo may be primarily guitar and percussion, but if their musical bag of tricks is any indication, I’m 99% certain that the goal is amusement as much as it is creative conception (on one song Kaiser pulled out a comically small xylophone and proceeded to play it with an electric drink frother). Besides being adorable, Kaiser’s vocal chops call to mind the iconic female folk singers of past (a less warbled Joan Baez or Judy Collins), by way of “adult contemporary” mellow rockers Cowboy Junkies—the same rich confidence steeped in pop melodies. To be honest, it’s a tad strange hearing a Brooklyn band that doesn’t harness the brash fury of cynical youth and is, instead, somewhat old-timey in their adorations. Live, standout tracks included “Okay” (a semi-sweet duet that touches on imperfect love), “Season Song” (whistling! In key!), and “Shira,” the latter performed acoustic, stripped down, and amongst the audience (complete with the kind of uncomfortable eye contact that unearths years of repressed campfire memories).

As Vu mentioned in his review of March Forth, KaiserCartel loooove Minnesota. They opened for local indie looker/Trekkie/Jeremy Messersmith, who has a beard, a guitar, an Andy, and a fondness for Minneapolis—“Franklin Ave.,” “Light Rail” (yes, we have a light rail; it only has three destinations). More about Messersmith later. Promise.

KaiserCartel is on tour. Check their Myspace or website for information. Their debut LP, March Forth, released in June of last year, is available for purchase through their website or iTunes/Amazon/various e-consumerist hubs.

* Although the Cedar boasts an eclectic mixing of genres, like Irish folk and world beats, the clientele generally veers due White.

KaiserCartel at Cedar Cultural, Minneapolis (09 May 2009) photo by Jon Behm

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Flashback: Kevin Steinman & Zack Hexum at 400 Bar, Minneapolis (07 May 2009)

Read More Kevin Steinman Hexum invited Kevin Steinman on stage for a duet. Here’s some math that you might not be aware of: male singer + female singer = adorable/ovaries swelling. Female singer + female singer = sexy (or, conversely, the Indigo Girls). … Zack Hexum Zack Hexum has the “Swine Cold,” a terrible mutant strain of the original “Swine Flu.” He’s dangerous and wants to spread the virus by touching people with his hands. . …

Lara went out to check out Kevin Steinman at the 400 Bar on May 7, 2009.

It’s funny to note that 311 singer Nick Hexum is the older brother to Zack Hexum.

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Zack Hexum has the “Swine Cold,” a terrible mutant strain of the original “Swine Flu.” He’s dangerous and wants to spread the virus by touching people with his hands. Don’t be fooled by his boyish good looks—ZACK HEXUM IS A MONSTER. JK, readers! ROFLCOPTER!* Hexum is wholly sweet and friendly and a real trooper (he played a full set plus duets with Kevin Steinman, all while battling flu-ish symptoms). Even though he reminds me of a hot soap opera doctor, Hexum has that big boy voice that is always surprising coming from the mouths of such teeny, tiny human beings (see: Ben Sollee).

Thursday’s show at the 400 Bar was nice and mellow, a bit beachy (if beach jams were played under low lights in dank clubs); maybe one-part pop soul, two parts college rock, and a splash of Hollister “SoCal.” While Hexum sang confidently, head thrown back, eyes closed, heart showing—which is just, you know, sigh—I’m not sure that his lyrics had me at “hello” (mumbling musicians make me merry mrustrated). I’d hoped that “Princess of Darkness” would be a cute-sad ode to Kelly Osbourne, but it seems, instead, to be about a gloomy wallflower type (could still be about KO). Nevertheless, live versions of “Sun Still Shines” and “How Many Times” were enjoyable and people-pleasing (this was a “yeah, dude!” crowd) and very much the style of music that primetime TV drools over. Zack Hexum paging Zach Braff: “Writing any interesting screenplays about depressed twenty-something existentialists lately?”

Instead of breaking to set up more instruments, get more beer, and/or allowing patrons to smoke a motherfucking cigarette, Hexum invited Kevin Steinman on stage for a duet. Here’s some math that you might not be aware of: male singer + female singer = adorable/ovaries swelling. Female singer + female singer = sexy (or, conversely, the Indigo Girls). Male singer + male singer = asexual/mildly homoerotic**. Watching Hexum and Steinman sing together was like watching Olympic divers—attractive bodies doing impressive things, but nobody’s getting turned on. Possible repressed sexual urges aside, Steinman said some nice things about his duet partner—he considers Hexum a musical soulmate and they have a code word for calling each other to the stage (the Norwegian term for ‘meatball’). Fittingly, they covered songs by iconic bands with great creative relationships, including the Beatles (“If I Fell”) and the Everly Brothers (“All I Have to Do is Dream”). True to Steinman’s word, the pair sounded lovely; their voices complemented nicely and the harmonies were spot on. A lot of dorky things happened on that stage (Hexum played a clarinet; Steinman played the glock; too much meatball was thrown around), but I couldn’t help smiling through most of it.

After Hexum exited, Steinman and his drummer (Troy Groenke) carried on. I really like this combo when it’s not the White Stripes. If a singer-songwriter isn’t ready to go full band, a positive small progression is to add a drummer to the mix; at the very least, this helps discourage the “open mic” feel of so many solo guitar acts. I had seen Steinman play a couple months back, opening for Joe January, but in all honesty, had very little recollection of the show. I did remember, however, that Steinman met his wife through Myspace, a fact that’s completely irrelevant and fascinating to me. As a lyricist, Steinman writes about the romantic side of life—love, heartache, self journey, love, love, love. In person his mild-mannered spirit and brooding good looks suit the prose; I have a hard time not imagining him tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, scribbling furiously in his moleskin journal. While it’s difficult to breach the formulaic barriers of traditional love songs, it helps that Steinman’s M.O. doesn’t follow the route of novelty or tacky pretense; instead, he seems at a comfortable place, one where authenticity is measured by dedication to the craft. Songs like “Home” and “Love Always Wins” (it doesn’t, but thanks) are not going to blow minds, but the whole product—the melodies, the voice, the man—is just so likeable and likeability always wins. THEN, it was towards the end of the show and Steinman pulled a little trick from his sleeve, a sort of politically-charged, conversational verse with wit up the yin yang. “55 Year Occupation Blues, or, Mom and Dad Won’t You Please Come Home” questions the implications of stationing American troops all over the world and speaks of Steinman’s experiences growing up in Germany while his parents taught at special Department of Defense-funded schools. Where did this come from? Is there more? These are the questions I’m left with. (Watch Steinman perform “55 Year Occupation Blues” in Berlin HERE.)

Two things must be noted: 1). I’m getting nicer in my older age, and 2). You can find more information on both artists at their respective websites and Myspace pages (see below). Kevin Steinman will be at the 318 Café in Excelsior, MN this Friday, May 15.

* Just learned this. I think it’s a helicopter that is rolling on the floor laughing or something.

** I’m not insinuating anything on the Internet, folks, but the two musicians did close the show with a Bert and Ernie song. I think we can all guess what that means.

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Flashback: Loney Dear at Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn (05 May 2009)

Read More Loney Dear The game started with Minnesota's legendary The Honeydogs. The rather large seven-member league, led by star hitter Adam Levy, rose to popularity when they played … Lia Ices Opening up for this First Avenue present show is Lia Ices, who is out touring in support of her third studio album Ices, out now worldwide via Jagjaguar. The new album was co-produced by Benny Sagittarius (the newly formed . …

Loney, Dear made a stop in Brooklyn, New York on May 05, 2009… and, of course, our Kate G is all over this show.

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For years, my Scandinavian Holy Trinity has been set in stone: Jens Lekman, Sondre Lerche, and Erlend Øye. These three men embody everything I love about Nordic pop: catchy melodies, depressing lyrics, and above all, debonair looks (in a lanky, pale, probably-got-beat-up-after-school kind of way). But after last night, I may have to add another Swede to that equation: Emil Svanängen, a.k.a. Loney, Dear.

I had previously seen Loney, Dear (Yes, it’s “Loney,” not “Lonely.” Sorry, Spellcheck.) at Soundfix Lounge, a far more smaller, intimate venue. It was a lovely show, but I wondered if it would translate well into the much bigger Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Lia Ices photo: Laura

Things started off slowly with opener, Lia Ices. Her gradual but fierce, piano-centric ballads reminded me of slightly more subdued Frida Hyvönen. In a way, her sparse instrumentation and morose lyrics set the mood for the rest of the night. The audience remained politely quiet through most of her set, as Ices maintained an enchanting, often hypnotic stage presence. The whole girl-with-a-keyboard outfit has been done several times before, but there’s something strangely haunting about Ices that sets her apart from other singer-songwriters.

The solemn mood was somewhat lifted when Loney Dear took the stage, opening with the steady-building track, “I Was Only Going Out,” from his latest release, Dear John. Several other songs followed a similar format, and in the larger setting with his full band, the tracks were able to flourish into lush, sweeping mini-symphonies.

Loney Dear photo: Laura

Svanängen’s band (which included a keyboardist who eerily resembled a somber Andy Samberg) contributed greatly to the “bigger” sound not usually associated with Loney Dear’s brand of thoughtful pop. Whether it was the more electronic tracks from Dear John or the earlier, orchestral tracks from Loney Noir and Sologne, the band added an exciting, almost urgent edge to Svanängen’s confessional lyrics.

My initial concern of Loney Dear’s quiet demeanor clashing with a larger venue was quickly put to rest. Svanängen has a knack for endearing and warmly funny stage banter, and within moments, the audience was smitten. He even managed to pull of the impossible: an audience sing-along that was not completely awful. Choosing the simple na-na-na-na chorus from “The Meter Marks OK,” Svanängen led the audience like a junior high choir teacher. Considering that the crowd that night mostly consisted of PBR-slinging, hipper-than-thou Brooklynites – it was quite a feat.

Of course, none of it would have been possible without Svanängen’s unassuming and shyly charismatic personality. Whether it was through his heartfelt lyrics or random witticisms, he gave off an immediate sense of likability. It is somewhat telling that the two grown men (both in vaguely corporate attire) behind me had the following conversation midway through the set:

Guy #1: I haven’t been this happy since I was a kid.
Guy #2: This is just beautiful. Beautiful.
Guy #1: I know. I just want to… touch him.

I know how you feel, Guy #1. And just when Svanängen couldn’t get any sweeter, he ended the show with the fitting track, “Dear John.” With just him and his guitar on stage, he sang, “Sleep well, tonight. Sleep while you can.” It was a beautiful ending to an intimate and charming show. So charming, in fact, that Jens, Sondre, and Erlend may have to watch their backs.

Loney Dear at Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn (05 May 2009) photo by Laura

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Flashback: Soul Asylum at OLL Blast, Mound (02 May 2009)

Read More Soul Asylum Yeah we knew the tiny 7th Street Entry could not contain all the fans for Soul Asylum, or as we kid that it's just the Dave Pirner band.... Both dates at 7th Street Entry … Honeydogs The game started with Minnesota's legendary The Honeydogs. The rather large seven-member league, led by star hitter Adam Levy, rose to popularity when they played …

Lara and Kate went to see “the greatest band ever to come out of Minnesota”, Soul Asylum in Mound, on May 2, 2009.

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Remember when rock bands had long hair and wore flannel for comfort, not irony, and remember when they’d stumble around doing crazy things like PLAYING GUITARS WITH BEER BOTTLES and SPRINTING FROM ONE END OF THE STAGE TO THE OTHER? F*** the 80s revival, the 90s was obviously a superior decade. Allow me to list the evidence: fashion-stagnant icons (“grunge”), Winona Ryder’s snatch (been there, done that), glorified nasal tones, and, most importantly, a general dismissal of happiness in favor of talking about doing important things while doing nothing (see “Reality Bites” for reference).

On Saturday, Our Lady of the Lake Church hosted The Greatest Band Ever…to Come out of Minnesota between the Years of 1992 and 1995. That’s right, mofos, I’m talking about Soul Asylum. This band not only fulfills every 90s era requisite, as listed above*, but as a bonus singer Dave Pirner still appears to be living in the 90s, as confirmed by his torn jeans and Aquaman t-shirt. It was—and I’m being completely sincere—an amazing night.

The Honeydogs photo: Kate

The show opened with another local favorite, The Honeydogs, who brought horns for the occasion. Like many bands of a certain age and ilk, the Honeydogs are best heard live. As a studio group, their music is straightforward mature rock with an unusual lyrical edge over similar acts (early song themes include race relations and cultural alienation). Fussy twenty-somethings may not appreciate the band’s tame anthemic style or the crowd draw of mostly L.L Bean-clad professionals, to which I say “fair enough, but how many mid-90s bands can lure hundreds of fans to Mound, Minnesota (population 9,435, birthplace of Kevin Sorbo) and pull off a slim jean designed for men half their ages?” (The answer is: at least two.) I should also mention that the quote of the night goes to Adam Levy who charmed the (presumably conservative) audience with a few deliberate “support your troops” cheers:

Levy: (after informing us that his once-teenage son had intended to enlist) “By the way, my son never went to Iraq. He discovered mushrooms instead.”

Soul Asylum photo: Kate

I think you know you’ve “made it,” or in Soul Asylum’s case, “made it, lost it, and re-made it,” when you have a man whose sole responsibility is to hand you your guitar (or in Soul Asylum’s case, physically position the guitar in your arms). Dave Pirner has (re)made it. Another testament to your lasting fame is the number of women available to carry your child (at least one; she knocked me in the head while frantically waving her arms in what I determined to be code for “please infiltrate me with your love tool”). Dave Pirner still has it. Regardless of the holy location, Soul Asylum rocked the Devil’s music in a hard way, pulling out all the stops; never have I seen middle-aged men attempt—and almost succeed at—sweaty, dated stage acrobatics like Pirner’s hip gyrations (still sexy) and Dan Murphy’s awkward guitar slide. At one point I turned to my friend and said “I feel as though I’m having a childhood experience that I never actually had” (this was likely during “Misery”). And yes, I know what you’re wondering: they still play “Runaway Train.” In fact, despite years of heavy substance intake, Pirner’s voice sounded pretty good. He looked pretty good too; moving about in a youthful manner, as I mentioned earlier, as well as telling some jokes, smiling, acting gracious and friendly…it seems that the bratty rock star grew up.

The band played a full set plus encore, where Kraig Johnson, formerly of the Jayhawks, joined in for a few crowd-pleasing covers (“My Generation,” “Should I Stay or Should I Go”). Johnson made a hasty exit after some trashy bitch threw a plastic beer cup at him (don’t worry, Tommy Stinson was ready with a hug**) and the show concluded with Pirner inviting his roadies onstage to play a few notes and later to pack up the instruments.

I have no idea if Soul Asylum are touring. Their website hasn’t been updated since 2008, but feel free to dream. The Honeydogs are a bit more prolific, with local shows later this summer.

UPDATE: Soul Asylum has a handful of upcoming shows, as per their Myspace.

* Dave Pirner had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in “Reality Bites”
** Stinson (The Replacements) joins the band on bass and Michael Bland (Prince) replaces former drummer Karl Mueller, who passed away in 2005.

Soul Asylum at OLL Blast, Mound (02 May 2009) photo by Kate

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