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Flashback: Girl in a Coma at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (01 July 2009)

Setlist BB Baby Boy Vino Say Their Cell Pleasure and Pain El Monte Pink Lemonade Celibate Now Slaughter Lane Static Mind Ven Cerca Read More Girl in a Coma These Texan girls know something about heatwaves… Last week the band unveiled their cover of the Martha and the Vadellas classic song, although the name .…

I was already a big fan of Girl in a Coma, back when they were called Girls in a Coma (they change their name for grammatic reasons). I only knew about them, because they had taken their name from The Smiths’ “Girlfriend in a Coma”.

>>>
Girl in a Coma rocked out to the intimate setting of 7th Street Entry last night. For those who aren't from around here, 7th St is just a hole in the wall to its bigger brother First Ave (where incidentally Matisyahu played the same night). I have seen many people who aren't from around Minneapolis get lost trying to find this door-in-the-wall.

Opening up for them was Miss Derringer, who was very excited to play Minneapolis (it was their first time here). The band is all dressed up in what looks like a cross between military confederates and rockabilly hooligans. Miss Derringer herself, Liz McGrath, is in a black dress that looks like she's just been to a funeral.

They started off their set with "Click Click (Bang Bang)", followed by mostly songs from their forth-coming album, Winter Hill (coming out July 14^th on Triple X Records). My favorite from their set is the go-go-esque "Black Tears", which sounded much better live. I also thought "Death by Desire" was really cute, the interaction between Morgan Slade and McGrath kind of clues you into their relationship (I am pretty sure they're married).

I liked them a lot. I think they have a great stage presence and I wouldn't mind writing more on them in the future.

Setlist

As soon as Girl in a Coma came on stage, the audience quickly move to the center. The turnout was actually really good for a working Wednesday evening. Most of the audience were women, which I suppose doesn't surprise me as it's an all-girl band (and being on Joan Jett's label probably attributed to appealing to women).

I even overheard that some girls were at the show as a result of seeing them at the Rosedale Best Buy signing that they did earlier that day. That kind of promotion actually works, I suppose those girls just happened to be at the store and liked what they heard.

Anyway, what's interesting was that there was really no soundcheck. As soon as there was power on the mic, Nina Diaz, started guitar playing that distinctive rift from "BB" and started singing - which I think may have caught the soundguy off guard and killed the radio. So off they played with mostly new songs from Trio BC.

For "Say" (from Both Before I'm Gone) they dedicated the song to Miss Derringer. Banters like Nina pointing out that Jenn's single or Jenn said the obvious that Nina and Phanie were sisters, comes off as clumsy - but cute, because you know they have been doing this for a long time. I will bet you that they are three very close friends.

They ended their set with "Ven Cerca" (misspelled as "Ven Cera" on their setlist), which sounded brilliant live.

GIAC are only half-way through their tour, be sure to check them out live if they come through your area. My GIAC discography is now complete as a resulting of stopping by the merch table! If you can't catch them live, you can always get their music via Black Heart Records.

PS: I may be off to see Girl in a Coma (along with a bunch of other artists) at 80/30 Music Festival in Des Moines, this weekend... which means, I may be off the grid - so don't expect to hear much from me after Thursday. I will be live-updating via twatter if that is the case. Also, it's very late as I write this and have misspelled Nina's name as Ninja several times.

Girl in a Coma at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (01 July 2009)

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Minneapolis: August 3, 2016

Read More Dresden Dolls The Dresden Dolls are back with No, Virginia on May 20th, and it looks like it's a weird collection of new songs and some old, demos, and b-sides. It's not a greatest … Girl in a Coma These Texan girls know something about heatwaves… Last week the band unveiled their cover of the Martha and the Vadellas classic song, although the name .…

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area on August 3, 2016.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

SCARLET SAILS/NINA DIAZ
at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
Tuesday, 08/03/16, 7pm ($8/$10)
amsterdambarandhall.com

Sure, we’ve been keeping up with Amanda Palmer since The Dresden Dolls broke up... but ever wondered what happened to the other half, Brian Viglione? He went on to drum for the Violent Femmes and Nine Inch Nails... but his latest project is with his wife / singer / pianist Olya. Together they are known as Scarlet Sails.

The band (including live guitarist Nick Emde and bassist Joe Noval) will be in St Paul at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall next Tuesday, August 3rd.

Touring with the band is Girl in a Coma’s Nina Diaz. We’re not sure if Diaz will be playing some old GIAC songs, but expect at least a few covers and previews of her forthcoming debut solo album, scheduled to be released this year.

Tour Dates

Jul 29 Melody Inn Indianapolis, IN
Jul 31 Crofoot Pike Room Pontiac, MI
Aug 01 Live Wire Lounge Chicago, IL
Aug 02 SHANK HALL Milwaukee, WI
Aug 03 Amsterdam Bar and Hall Saint Paul, MN
Aug 05 The Riot Room Kansas City, MO
Aug 06 The Prophet Bar Dallas, TX
Aug 07 Raven Tower Houston, TX
Aug 08 Lime Light San Antonio, TX
Aug 10 The Heavy Anchor St Louis, MO

Read More Sevendust $89.50 will get you both nights and a chance to see some of the biggest name in rock, from Rob Zombie to Korn to Disturbed to Shinedown to Sevendust. .…

SEVENDUST
at Mill City Nights
Tuesday, 08/03/16, 7:30pm ($25/$30)
millcitynights.com

Atlanta’s metal band Sevendust is currently touring in support of their latest Kill the Flaw.

The band’s made themselves a household name with three consecutive RIAA gold certified albums and have sold millions of albums worldwide, starting with their debut self-titled album in 1997.

Be sure to show up early to check out Red Tide Rising and buzz rockers Crobot. Crobot will be previewing tracks from their forthcoming record. The album is not available until September 16th, but in the meantime, you can check out their new single “Welcome to Fat City” available now via Wind-Up Records.

Tour Dates

08/02/16 Bloomington, IL The Castle Theatre
08/03/16 Minneapolis, MN Mill City Nights
08/05/16 Sturgis Rally
08/06/16 Fort Collins, CO Aggie Theatre
08/07/16 Salt Lake City, UT The Grand
08/09/16 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
08/10/16 Calgary, AB Marquee
08/11/16 Edmonton, AB Ranch Roadhouse
08/12/16 Saskatoon, SK Saskatoon Event Centre
08/14/16 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre
08/17/16 Toronto, ON Opera House Concert Venue
08/19/16 89.7 KIWR River Riot
08/20/16 Columbia, MO The Blue Note
09/09/16 Wichita, KS The Cotillion
09/10/16 High Elevation Rock Festival
09/13/16 Grand Rapids, MI Intersection
09/14/16 Flint, MI The Machine Shop
09/15/16 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues
09/17/16 Revolution Rock Festival
09/18/16 Rock Allegiance Festival
09/20/16 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre
09/21/16 Charlotte, NC Amos' SouthEnd
09/23/16 Tyler, TX Click's
09/24/16 Houston Open Air
09/25/16 New Orleans, LA House Of Blues
09/27/16 Chattanooga, TN Track 29
09/28/16 Sauget, IL Pop's
09/30/16 Razor 94.7 Edgefest
10/01/16 JJO Sonic Boom
10/02/16 Louder Than Life Festival
01/16/17 Shiprocked
01/17/17 Shiprocked
01/18/17 Shiprocked
01/19/17 Shiprocked
01/20/17 Shiprocked

Read More Sister Sparrow I actually really wanted to see Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds last night (April 10th), but it was just not meant to be. Due to bad blizzard conditions in Colorado and Minnesota, Sister Sparrow .... He's My Brother, She's My Sister I randomly saw He's My Brother, She's My Sister with Edward Sharpe last year and was so impressed by them that I managed to sneak at Tycho's show to see the band at again at the 400 Bar. ....

SISTER SPARROW & THE DIRTY BIRDS
at Turf Club
Tuesday, 08/03/16, 8pm ($12/$15)
turfclub.net

Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds is back on tour for their latest Fowl Play... but this time bringing along Kolars (featuring former members of He's My Brother She's My Sister). Expect the guitarist/tap-dancing drummer duo (Rob Kolar and Lauren Brown) to play some songs from their forthcoming 2017 debut self-titled album.

Guitarist Kolar talked leaving his former band, “HMBSMS really showed us how much people want to dance to live music... And it doesn't need to be electronic. That band started out as a folk band and evolved much in part because of the audience’s desire to hear us play hip-shaking tunes. That’s what got people excited. KOLARS is taking that seed into a more modern world of production and experimentation. As I do all the recording, producing, and mixing, and as Lauren has a very unique way of drumming, it inevitably makes us sound a little ‘handmade.’” A

Upcoming Shows:

JUL 27 - SLO Brewing Company
JUL 28 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe's Alley
JUL 30 - Mill Valley, CA @ Sweetwater Music Hall
AUG 3 - St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
AUG 4 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
SEP 7 - Salt Lake City, UT @ State Room
SEP 9 - Boulder, CO @ Fox Theater
SEP 14 - Seattle, WA @ Tractor
SEP 15 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
SEP 20 - Sacramento, CA @ Harlow's
SEP 22 - Santa Barbara, CA @ SOHO
SEP 23 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
SEP 25 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
OCT 13 - Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
OCT 14 - Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall
NOV 10 - Washington, DC @ The Hamilton
NOV 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
NOV 12 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

All dates = w/ KOLARS

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Girls Girls Girls: Hunter Valentine, Girl in a Coma, and ZZ Ward

Read More Hunter Valentine Hunter Valentine came on pretty late to a room full of mostly women couples. It's obvious to me that the newfound audience was from Showtime's "The Real L Word" - and possibly because last night was also "National Coming Out Day." .…

HUNTER VALENTINE
huntervalentine.com

The last time we saw Hunter Valentine in Minneapolis, the band was riding high as being regular cast members on The Real L Word on the Showtime. The show undoubtedly brought the band to a national level, so their show was had a great turnout.

Since 2012, the Canadian band's bassist Veronica Sanchez left the band and is now replaced by Leanne Bowes (who joined the band in early 2013).

The band is currently on the road with Girl in a Coma (a band we like), Krissy Krissy, and 80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper!

Tour dates below:

09/28/13 Indianapolis, IN Radio Radio
10/05/13 Pittsburgh, PA The Smiling Moose
10/06/13 Philadelphia, PA Milkboy
10/08/13 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory
10/ 18/13 Englewood, NJ Bergen *
10/19/13 Boston, MA Wang Theatre *
10/20/13 Queens, NY Kupferberg Arts Center*
10/22/13 Wilkes-barre, PA F M Kirby Center*
10/23/13 New Brunswick, NJ State Theater*
10/25/13 Lebanon, NH The Lebanon Opera House *
10/26/13 Montreal, QC Metropolis*
10/27/13 Toronto, ON Massey Hall*
10/29/13 Madison, WI Capitol Theater *
10/30/13 Minneapolis, MN Mill City Nights*
11/0/13 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre*
11/03/13 Greensburg, PA The Palace Theater *
11/05/13 Nashville, TN Tennessee Performing Arts Center*
11/06/13 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre*
11/08/13 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall *
11/09/13 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Casino*
11/10/13 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues*
11/12/13 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater*
11/13/13 Washington, DC Warner Theatre*
11/15/13 Glenside, PA The Keswick Theatre *
11/16/13 Ridgefield, CT The Ridgefield Playhouse *

* with Cyndi Lauper

Read More Girl in a Coma These Texan girls know something about heatwaves… Last week the band unveiled their cover of the Martha and the Vadellas classic song, although the name .…

GIRL IN A COMA
girlinacoma.com

Speaking of Girl in a Coma, the last time we heard from these San Antonio girls was their cover of Martha and the Vadellas' "Heatwave" was used in JC Penney's national ad campaign. Since then, the band's been on constantly tour, including opening up for the legendary Iggy Pop and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Did I mention that they were constantly on tour? It's true, the trio is still on tour in support of their album Exits & All The Rest (winning the 2012 Independent Music Award for Best Indie/Alt Album) with Hunter Valentine and Krissy Krissy. I don't know if Hunter Valentine will actually be at the Minneapolis show (09/30), but we'll find out next week.

09/24/13 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court*
09/25/13 Denver, CO - Walnut Room*
09/26/13 Kansas City, MO - Czar Bar*
09/27/13 St. Louis, MO - Old Rock House*
09/28/13 Indianapolis, IN - Radio Radio*
09/30/13 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry*
10/02/13 Madison, WI - Frequency*
10/03/13 Pontiac, MI - Crofoot*
10/04/13 Chicago, IL - Double Door*
10/12/13 Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete St Amph
11/02/13 Austin, TX - Austin City Limits
11/27/13 San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live

* with Hunter Valentine and Krissy Krissy

Read More ZZ Ward I was looking forward to see ZZ Ward at the sold-out Varsity Theater earlier this year, but unfortunately, due to miscommunication, this never happened. .…

ZZ WARD
zzward.com

It's been a great year for ZZ Ward, having sold-out many of her shows throughout the country. The last time we saw her, it was at The Basilica Block Party, where she played tracks from her soulful debut album Til The Casket Drops, plus a cover of Son House's "Grinnin' In Your Face".

I suspect the set will be similar this time around, as she return to the Twin Cities at Skyway Theater on October 12th as part of her so-called "Down and Dirty Shine Tour":

09/23/13 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
09/24/13 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
09/27/13 - Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theatre
09/28/13 - Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
09/30/13 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
10/01/13 - Phila, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
10/02/13 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
10/04/13 - Cleveland, OH @ Cambridge Room
10/05/13 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
10/06/13 - Detroit, MI @ The Shelter
10/08/13 - Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe
10/11/13 - Kansas City, MO @ The Midland
10/12/13 - Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theater
10/14/13 - St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
10/15/13 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Girls Girls Girls 5

MIRAH
mirahmusic.com

Mirah's digital-only single, "Low Self Control" (featuring Tender Forever) is released today, August 16^th.

I have gone on record saying how much I love both Mirah and Tender Forever, so it's really natural that I would love "Low Self Control". You can download the track over at MTV Hive. While I did like the track, can't say I am a fan of the autotune. French rap, I'm okay with though!

Mini-tour starts tomorrow:

August 17 - Boston MA @ Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
August 18 - Northampton MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
August 19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Dead Herring
August 25 - Berkeley, CA @ UC Botanical Redwood Grove

GIRL IN A COMA
girlinacoma.com

Can't believe how far these girls have gone. As you know, I've followed their career from their beginnings in 2004. Well, they are currently on tour with THE Go-Go's! This should be an excellent bill, considering how much we all like Belinda and the Go-Go's around here.

Girl in a Coma will release their fourth album, Exits & All the Rest on November 1st, 2011 via Joan Jett's Blackheart Records.

Here are their tour dates:

8/16: San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
8/17: Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
8/23: Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
8/24: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater
8/26: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Dallas
8/27: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
8/28: Austin, TX @ The Paramount Theatre

ALEX WINSTON
alexwinstonofficial.com

Alex Winston, the girl with the boy-sounding name, is releasing Velvet Elvis EP, coming out September 19th, 2011, via Island Records UK/HeavyRoc US. Incidentally, today (August 16th) is the anniversary of Elvis Presley's death.

I haven't heard the song, but it's described by her press release, that it's about how people fall in love with objects. You can watch the music video at Pitchfork.

She's doing some tour dates:

19/08/11 Pukkelpop Festival Hasselt
20/08/11 V Festival Weston Park / Chelmsford Park
21/08/11 V Festival Weston Park / Chelmsford Park
30/08/11 Shepherds Bush Empire London
02/09/11 Lock Tavern London
09/09/11 Berlin Festival Berlin
11/09/11 Bestival Isle Of Wight
14/09/11 Proud London
09/11/11 University Anson Rooms Bristol
10/11/11 Roundhouse London
12/11/11 Leadmill Sheffield
13/11/11 Olympia Dublin
15/11/11 O2 ABC1 Glasgow
16/11/11 Empire Middlesbrough
17/11/11 Academy 2 Manchester
19/11/11 HMV Institute Birmingham
20/11/11 The Junction Cambridge
21/11/11 The Waterfront Norwich
23/11/11 Pyramids Centre Portsmouth

BROUS
brous.com.au

Speaking of girl with boy names, Brous is pronounced like "Bruce".

Sophia Brous is working under her surname (like how Megan Washington is doing the same thing, despite how common of a name that is in the USA - where 'Washington' is often associated with our first president and the state).

According to Brous' press release, her single, "Streamers", "has been on everyone’s lips…the lush production, undulating melody and hypnotic performance signaling the emergence of an exciting new artist in Australia". This probably has something to do with Triple J picking up the song for their rotation.

If you don't live in Australia, like me, the song is a free download via bandcamp.

09/03/11 Buffalo Club, Melbourne
09/06/11 The Vanguard, Sydney
09/07/11 Woodland Bar, Brisbane

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

The Wedding Present and Girl in a Coma at 400 Bar, Minneapolis (04/17/10)

Wedding Present Setlist ♥ 400 Bar, Minneapolis (04/17/10) Tour Dates 04/20/10 Vancouver, BC 04/21/10 Crocodile Seattle, WA 04/22/10 Doug Fir Portland, OR 04/24/10 Independent SF, CA 04/30/10 Zagreb Theatre Zagreb 05/07/10 O’West Tokyo 07/17/10 Deer Shed Fest Yorkshire 08/28/10 At The Edge Brighton, South Read More Girl in a Coma http://weheartmus... Morrissey fans should spot the obvious reference to "Girlfriend in a Coma", and I'll have to admi...

The Wedding Present are a long-time British band, originally formed in Leeds in 1985. Although the only original member is David Gedge (he's supported on this tour by a Scottish rhythm guitarist, a Hollywood bassist, and a British drummer), he is primarily The Wedding Present, as he introduced himself at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis last night.

Wedding Present - 400 Bar, Minneapolis (04/17/10)

Highlight of their set must be "Corduroy", where the entire audience whipped into a frenzy as the first few bars were played. They seem to have one theme going for them: loads and loads and layers and layers of guitar long instrumental that often build up until a satisfactory climax. You can just see it in Gedge's face as he violently strums his guitar, that he's really enjoying being on stage.

So, I'll try and tie this to their opening band, Girl in a Coma. In the early 90s, members of the Wedding Present band formed The Ukrainians, and released an EP called Pisni iz The Smiths. I think there were four songs on the EP, all Smiths songs, sung in Ukrainian. And you should know that Girl in a Coma got their name from the Smiths song, "Girlfriend in a Coma". So the pairing of Wedding Present and Girl in a Coma seems just fine to me.

 

Girl in a Coma - BB

As many of you might already know, I have been stalking Girl in a Coma since 2004. I downloaded a few demos from their myspace (remember when myspace was cool?). As this was my third time seeing the band, I had already knew what to expect. Lots of high energy from this Joan Jett band.

Again, as with the previous two setlist, they mostly played songs from Trio BC. I noticed that they did not start off with the standard "BB", but instead with "Baby Boy".

They did a cover of Ritchie Valens' "Come On, Let's Go", which I think will appear in a future Adventures In Coverland release*. Of course, the highlight of the show was the final Spanish cover song, "Ven Cera". Always brilliant live, see video below.

Girl in a Coma - 400 Bar, Minneapolis (04/17/10)

Girl in a Coma Setlist - 400 Bar, Minneapolis (04/17/10)

• GIAC has an upcoming set of three releases called Adventures In Coverland (the first one was released April 13^th). If you collect all the singles, they form into a boardgame. They're seven cover songs, including Joy Division's "Transmission" and Selena's "Si Una Vez".
  
  

04/18/2010 02:26:40♥ vu () ♥ girlinacoma.com/myspace ♥ scopitones.co.uk/myspace

80/35 Music Festival Review

Tilly and the Wall ♥ photo by Elizabeth Soda (7/3/09) Man Man ♥ photo by Vu (7/4/09) Matisyahu ♥ photo by Vu (7/3/09) Tilly and the Wall Setlist ♥ photo by Vu (7/3/09) Poison Control Center ♥ photo by Vu (7/4/09) Miss Derringer ♥ photo by Vu (7/4/09) Paper Route ♥ photo by Vu (7/4/09) Wild Sweet Orange ♥ photo by Vu (7/4/09) Audrye Sessions ♥ photo by Vu (7/4/09) Girl in a Coma ♥ photo by Vu (7/4/09)

We arrived in Iowa on Friday, July 3^rd, morning, very excited to attend the second annual 80/35 Music Festival in downtown Des Moines. Already there was a few things I've noticed right away that the festival got right: awesome free parking, loads of portapotties, very organized setup, a lot of securities & volunteers. What I thought was disappointing was that the paid stage ($80 for both days) was somewhat expensive - considering that the two other stages (Mediacom and Meredith) lineup was just as good, if not better, for $0.

July 4^th weekends might not be a great weekend to have a music festival. At least here in Minnesota, everyone goes up to their cabins traditionally for a family get together. Most of the people that I've noticed walking around the festival were young people who overshadowed families and hippies (can someone explain to me the hula-hoops or the "balls in a sock" thing?).

Also, the one factor that put a damper on things was the weather. I realized this is beyond anyone's control, but you would reckon they saw the forecast predictions and would've been better prepared with perhaps a giant umbrella for the audience. Still, despite major contributor and sponsor, US Cellar, attempt to distribute rain ponchos, they quickly ran out in a matter of hours.

For the first day, I only covered the main stage, which included all the artists that I wanted to check out. Although I contemplated on heading over to Modern Skirts and Maps and Atlases.

 

Tilly & The Wall - Pot Kettle Black

Tilly and the Wall started off the festivities promptly at 4pm. The tap-dancing didn't start until the fourth or fifth song, and we were told that Jamie Pressnall is with child (if you couldn't have figured it out based on her newborn baby on her colorful dress).

Matisyahu - Youth

Matisyahu started off stiff (sunglasses, jacket, baseball cap) and thenreally started to get into it towards the third song. I suspect this is all part of his act, but that also means that they've kicked out most of the photographers in the press-pit (incidentally, there were a ton of media coverage for the festival). I have never seen an audience going bananas when M took off his jacket - just to give you an idea that the "act" works.

Towards the end, Matisyahu decided to do a stage dive - but the barrier was far, so the security team was right on top of it, moving the monitors and making sure Matisyahu can jump.

When Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks came on stage, I thought to myself that he "cut his hair". I also thought his drummer looks incredibly like the drummer from Sleater-Kinney - and did get confirmation:

Mendeley @weheartmusic yes she is! http://bit.ly/10Pss3
4:40 PM Jul 3rd from web in reply to weheartmusic
tigerpop @weheartmusic yes! janet weiss rules!
3:21 PM Jul 3rd from mobile web

Public Enemy's incredible 20 hour soundcheck was filled with "ai'ight" and "cd and dvd for $10". The soundcheck was so long, the press photographers, possibly bored out of their mind started taking pictures of the setup - in which the MC told them to "chill out, ai'ight, save it for the show, ai'ight?" This was followed by another warning and complaints that the DJ's third amp or something wasn't working. But the fans brave it out in the rain, I suppose sound perfection commands a high price, ai'ight?

I was only there to see Flavor Flav, who never made it to the show. For a guy with a clock around his neck, you'd figure he would remember the show started at 9:30pm. Incidentally, 80/35 official twitter notes: "It's unforunate about flavor flav but the show will go on and public enemy will bring it. #8035" at 5:04 PM.

July 4^th proved a little more difficult for me, as that day required me to walk back and forth to all three stage. While the stage are not all that far apart, my "slipper shoes" did not offer much support. Here are the bands I did manage to catch:

Iowa's Poison Control Center "got the party started" as their audience sung along, "love, love is the answer, until you get cancer". They are energetic and seems to enjoy playing their duct-taped guitar upsidedown.

Miss Derringer - Click Click (Bang Bang)

Saw Miss Derringer again, the setlist and performance routine was pretty much the same from a few nights ago. Although, I think the set for the two free stages were much shorter than the main stage.

They seem more talkative at the festival, always projecting this infectious happy to be on tour (and their performance won over a few new fans who eagerly bought the new album to have autographed). Singer Elizabeth McGrath mentioned on stage much she liked these festival food. Which I can attest is true as she offered some of her deep-fried food at their touring BFF's Girl in a Coma on the next stage.

GIAC's set was essentially the same as a few nights ago, only a bit shorter. I got a chance to say hi to them and mentioned that my good friend Melinda once got lost on the train with them on the other side of France.

Audrye Sessions-New Year's Day

Wild Sweet Orange - Ten Dead Dogs

I caught briefly Man Man, who I can only describe as tribal animals with pots & pans. Audrye Sessions seems really intense, Paper Route was impressed by the people on the rooftop watching them, Envy Corps had mad-audience attendance (they should've been on the main stage, not the free stage) who invade the stage, Wild Sweet Orange's hilarious "do you guys remember what we're called? Yes, that's right we're called Wild Sweet Horses!"

Broken Social Scene-7-4 (Shoreline)

G. Love and Special Sauce's show packed and ended their set with the popular "Cold Beverages" song. By this time, I was ready for bed... but I soldiered on for Broken Social Scene - who as Lara have mentioned to me before when she saw them last year that these guys "are old". She's right. What she didn't mention was that it's ridiculous that the band have FIVE guitarists. Really? Five?  Amy Millan from our favorite band, Stars, showed up on the second song and stayed throughout their (very) long set.

Ben Harper and Relentless7's fans are insane. I mean that in a good way. They were so passionate (and drunk) and wanted every opportunity to invade the stage. I saw so many fans turned away from trying to get a closer view in the photography press area. I have never seen that much excitement for any artist at the festival!

We left before the fireworks, so we can get home at a decent hour. Overall, I wasn't looking forward to another night of pitching the tent in the dark and/or with the rain coming down on us... Although it was a lot of fun, it was too much work for me (I'm not a big fan of driving and getting lost). I think next year, I will have someone else cover the show and maybe do the Taste of Minnesota thing next year.

Update: more photos at britrockatthetop.com

 07/05/2009 18:07:28 ♥ vu () ♥ 80-35.com ♥ myspace.com/8035 ♥ twitter.com/8035 

80/35 Music Festival

Tilly and the Wall - Dust Me Off Tilly and the Wall

As I previously mentioned, I am heading out to 80/30 Music Festival in Des Moines, Iowa, tonight. I may not be able to update until Sunday. Was just corrected that they will have Wi-Fi and Media Centers.

I think this is a stupid name for a festival, apparently it was named after the two interstate freeways: I-80 and I-35. Yes, I hate festivals. I will recount the story about Coachella sometime later, OK? I can laugh about it now, but at the time it was terrible.

There's a few bands I'm definitely going to see (Tilly & The Wall, Ben Harper, and Public Enemy).  I didn't know Public Enemy are back together!

I will be doing that twttr thng. If you are in the area and want to say hi, text me: 763 656 9257.

Below are some bands playing:

Friday, July 3 Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Main Stage 4:00 PM – Tilly and The Wall 5:45 PM – Matisyahu 7:30 PM – Stephen Malkmus 9:30 PM – Public Enemy Mediacom East Stage (free) 4:00 PM – Buster and the Punks 4:45 PM – William Fitzsimmons 5:45 PM – Modern Skirts 6:45 PM – Maps and Atlases 7:45 PM – The Nadas 8:45 PM – House of Large Sizes Meredith West Stage (free) 4:00 PM – MooseKnuckle 5:15 PM – The Dig Angees 6:15 PM – The Autumn Project 7:15 PM – Occidental Brothers 8:30 PM – Public Property 9:30 PM – DJ Diverse 10:45 PM – Brad Goldman & Jade Reed

Saturday, July 4 Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Main Stage 12:00 PM – Poison Control Center 1:30 PM – New Monsoon 3:15 PM – Man Man 5:00 PM – G. Love & Special Sauce 7:00 PM – Broken Social Scene 9:00 PM – Ben Harper   Mediacom East Stage (free) 12:00 PM – Hanwell 12:45 PM – Beati Paoli 1:45 PM – Miss Derringer 2:45 PM – Audrye Sessions 3:45 PM – The Josh Davis Band 4:45 PM – Wild Sweet Orange 5:45 PM – Cleo’s Apartment 6:45 PM – Mr. Baber’s Neighbors 8:00 PM – Brother Ali Meredith West Stage (free) 12:00 PM – Anni Rossi 1:00 PM – Baby Teeth 2:00 PM – Paper Route 3:00 PM – Girl In A Coma 4:00 PM – Floodplane 5:15 PM – Cymbals Eat Guitars 6:15 PM – Margot & Nuclear So & Sos 7:15 PM – Maximilian Eubank 8:15 PM – The Envy Corps 9:00 PM – All Bugs 10:00 PM – Al Brown 11:00 PM – Flatform

 07/02/2009 19:02:28 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com

Girl in a Coma and Miss Derringer at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (7/1/09)

Setlist ♥ 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (07/01/09) Girl in a Coma - BB Girl in a Coma Tour Dates 07/02/09 Waiting Room* Omaha, NE 07/03/09 Riot Room* Kansas City, MO 07/04/09 80/35 Music Festival 07/06/09 3 Kings Tavern* Denver, CO 07/07/09 American Legion* Casper, WY 07/08/09 Burt’s Tiki Lounge* SLC, UT 07/09/09 Neurolux* Boise, ID 07/10/09 El Corazon* Seattle, WA 07/11/09 Doug Fir Lounge* Portland, OR 07/13/09 Lost On Main* Chico, CA 07/14/09 Fire Escape Bar* Citrus Heights, CA 07/15/09 The Blank Club* San Jose, CA 07/16/09 Bottom Of The Hill* SF, CA 07/17/09 Alex’s Bar* Long Beach, CA 07/18/09 Knitting Factory * Hollywood, CA 07/21/09 Casbah* San Diego, CA 07/22/09 Beauty Bar* Las Vegas, NV 07/23/09 Hollywood Alley* Mesa, AZ 07/24/09 Plush* Tucson, AZ 07/25/09 Zeppelins Underground+ El Paso, TX 07/30/09 Khabele School Austin, TX 07/31/09 Sue Ellen’s Dallas, TX 08/06/09 MICHIGAN WOMYN’S FEST 08/14/09 Somarts San Francisco, CA 08/28/09 White Rabbit San Antonio, TX 08/29/09 Smokin’ Aces Mission, TX * w/ Miss. Derringer + w/ Ledaswan Read More Girl in a Coma http://weheartmus... Morrissey fans should spot the obvious reference to "Girlfriend in a Coma", and I'll have to admi...

Girl in a Coma rocked out to the intimate setting of 7th Street Entry last night. For those who aren't from around here, 7th St is just a hole in the wall to its bigger brother First Ave (where incidentally Matisyahu played the same night). I have seen many people who aren't from around Minneapolis get lost trying to find this door-in-the-wall.

Miss Derringer - Click Click (Bang Bang)

Opening up for them was Miss Derringer (myspace), who was very excited to play Minneapolis (it was their first time here). The band is all dressed up in what looks like a cross between military confederates and rockabilly hooligans. Miss Derringer herself, Liz McGrath, is in a black dress that looks like she's just been to a funeral.

They started off their set with "Click Click (Bang Bang)", followed by mostly songs from their forth-coming album, Winter Hill (coming out July 14^th on Triple X Records). My favorite from their set is the go-go-esque "Black Tears", which sounded much better live. I also thought "Death by Desire" was really cute, the interaction between Morgan Slade and McGrath kind of clues you into their relationship (I am pretty sure they're married).

I liked them a lot. I think they have a great stage presence and I wouldn't mind writing more on them in the future.

Girl in a Coma ♥ 7th St Entry, Minneapolis (07/01/09) Girl in a Coma ♥ Tour Poster

As soon as GIAC came on stage, the audience quickly move to the center. The turnout was actually really good for a working Wednesday evening. Most of the audience were women, which I suppose doesn't surprise me as it's an all-girl band (and being on Joan Jett's label probably attributed to appealing to women).

I even overheard that some girls were at the show as a result of seeing them at the Rosedale Best Buy signing that they did earlier that day. That kind of promotion actually works, I suppose those girls just happened to be at the store and liked what they heard.

Anyway, what's interesting was that there was really no soundcheck. As soon as there was power on the mic, Nina Diaz, started guitar playing that distinctive rift from "BB" and started singing - which I think may have caught the soundguy off guard and killed the radio. So off they played with mostly new songs from Trio BC.

For "Say" (from Both Before I'm Gone) they dedicated the song to Miss Derringer. Banters like Nina pointing out that Jenn's single or Jenn said the obvious that Nina and Phanie were sisters, comes off as clumsy - but cute, because you know they have been doing this for a long time. I will bet you that they are three very close friends.

They ended their set with "Ven Cera", which sounded brilliant live.

GIAC are only half-way through their tour, be sure to check them out live if they come through your area. My GIAC discography is now complete as a resulting of stopping by the merch table! If you can't catch them live, you can always get their music via Black Heart Records.

PS: I may be off to see Girl in a Coma (along with a bunch of other artists) at 80/30 Music Festival in Des Moines, this weekend... which means, I may be off the grid - so don't expect to hear much from me after Thursday. I will be live-updating via twatter if that is the case. Also, it's very late as I write this and have misspelled Nina's name as Ninja several times.

 07/02/2009 01:48:50 ♥ vu () ♥ girlinacoma.com ♥ myspace.com/girlsinacoma 

Girl in a Coma

Girl in a Coma - BB Girl in a Coma Tour Dates 06/07/09 House of Blues* Dallas, TX 06/08/09 BEST BUY Houston, TX 06/09/09 Fitzgerald’s* Houston, TX 06/11/09 The Nick* Birmingham, AL 06/12/09 Masquerade* Atlanta, GA 06/13/09 Ground Zero* Spartanburg, SC 06/14/09 Milestone* Charlotte, NC 06/16/09 Red and Black* Washington DC 06/17/09 Khyber* Philadelphia, PA 06/18/09 Brighton Bar* Long Branch, NJ 06/19/09 Highline Ballroom* NY 06/20/09 Iron Horse* Northampton, MA 06/21/09 Harpers Ferry* Allston, MA 06/23/09 Bernie’s Distillery* Columbus, OH 06/24/09 Pike Room* Pontiac, MI 06/25/09 Radio Radio* Indianapolis, IN 06/26/09 National Museum Chicago, IL 06/27/09 Back Bar Janesville, WI 06/29/09 SUMMERFEST Milwaukee, WI 07/01/09 7th Street Entry* Minneapolis, MN 07/02/09 Waiting Room* Omaha, NE 07/03/09 Riot Room* Kansas City, MO 07/04/09 80/35 Music Fest Des Moines, IA 07/06/09 3 Kings Tavern* Denver, CO 07/07/09 American Legion* Casper, WY 07/08/09 Burt’s Tiki Lounge* SLC, UT 07/09/09 Neurolux* Boise, ID 07/10/09 El Corazon* Seattle, WA 07/11/09 Doug Fir Lounge* Portland, OR 07/13/09 Lost On Main* Chico, CA 07/14/09 Fire Escape Bar* Citrus Heights, CA 07/15/09 The Blank Club* San Jose, CA 07/16/09 Bottom Of The Hill* SF, CA 07/17/09 Alex’s Bar* Long Beach, CA 07/18/09 Knitting Factory * Hollywood, CA 07/21/09 Casbah* San Diego, CA 07/22/09 Beauty Bar* Las Vegas, NV 07/23/09 Hollywood Alley* Mesa, AZ 07/24/09 Plush* Tucson, AZ 07/25/09 Zeppelins+ El Paso, TX 07/30/09 Khabele School Austin, TX 08/06/09 WOMYN’S FEST Oceana, MI 08/14/09 Somarts San Francisco, CA * w/ Miss. Derringer + w/ Ledaswan Discography [2007] Both Before I'm Gone [2009] Hiding My Trail [2009] Trio B.C. Read More Morrissey http://weheartmus... Being a huge Morrissey/The Smiths fan, people often ask me: "What's your favorite Morrissey song?...

Morrissey fans should spot the obvious reference to "Girlfriend in a Coma", and I'll have to admit that was the reason why I've been following the career of Girl in a Coma since 2004 through a handful of wonderful demos. They were originally Girls in a Coma, before the grammar nazis said it was proper to say "girls are in a coma". So they briefly changed their name to Sylvia's Radio, based on one of their (at the time) new song "Sybil Vane Was Ill", but their fans protested and they ultimately changed it once again to Girl in a Coma.

Girl in a Coma - I'll Ask Him

I think they really hit the big time in 2007 when they signed and released Both Before I'm Gone on Black Heart Records, and followed by opening up for their idol Morrissey! That must've been an excellent year for them.

While obviously wearing their Morrissey/Smiths influence proudly on their sleeves, what I do love about them is that they don't try and imitate their idol. They seem to be trying to find their own sound, which is more like rock (I hate to state the obvious, but girl rock) with some UK punk influences.

Some of the stand out tracks on Both Before I'm Gone includes "Say" and "I'll Ask Him". The later song sounds like a typical Morrissey love song, but a little aggressive:

But what they really wanna know
Is are you gonna stay?
You've seen so many girls
I was passing through your way

Last Tuesday (June 2^nd) saw the release of their sophomore album, Trio B.C., available for on MP3 ($10), CD ($10), and vinyl ($17).

Upon first listen, I thought Trio B.C. was trying to distance themselves from Morrissey, which is not a bad thing. This is possibly because the title and theme for this new album comes from two Diaz sisters' grandfather's 1950s band.

I instantly liked "BB" which opens the album, which doesn't sound like a typical rock sound of Girl in a Coma. It sort of have this radio static, followed by this weird Tex-Mex guitar. Even the vocals by Nina Diaz starts off sounding like it's from a distance.

The song "Joannie in the City" seems to be about the "I Love Rock and Roll" girl, Joan Jett? She also happens to also own their record label, Black Heart Records. The song warns us to get out of the way when you see Joanie, because she's just too much, too crazy! Sounds like we should be friends with her.

What really stood out for me was the all-Spanish song, "Ven Cerca". It's very bassy and I've read that it's a cover of a 1960s Mexican love song by Los Spitfires.  Some sample lyrics, courtesy of a Girl in a Coma fan:

Quiero tomar tu mano
Y hacerte comprender
Y cuando bese to boca
Sentirte estremecer

PS, this has nothing to with the album review, but I thought it was newsworthy to mention that Jenn & Nina was recently in the news (March 22^nd) for an arrest and thrown in the Harris County jail.  While they can't comment on the incident, they claim to have nothing to do with the felony assault on the police offers.   Well, one thing is certain, the matter is behind them as they have been on tour in June. So check out the Austin trio themselves, on this new "Trio BC" national tour (supporting them is "Country Goth" Miss Derringer). If you can't make it to a show, their albums are available at a very affordable price via Black Heart.

 06/07/2009 13:00:02 ♥ vu () ♥ girlinacoma.com ♥ myspace.com/girlsinacoma