Show Review: Greg Laswell, Anya Marina & Jenny Owen Youngs @ The Tin Angel 1/17/09
0 comments Posted by musicunderfire at 1/22/2009It was an unconventional night for us as we dropped in on a singer/songwriter night at the Tin Angel in Old City, Philadelphia, the upstairs venue above Serrano. The stage was set with Anya Marina to appear first, Jenny Owen Youngs then Greg Laswell.
Anya Marina
Anya Marina brought her smoky-sassed vocals to the table when it came time to cram it into the Tin Angel. The lighting was fitting for an emotional-driven set.
The acoustic setting led for her vocals to do much of the talking, which shined amidst the dark-lit stage. She played many of her favorites including "Miss Halfway", her song featured on Volume 2 of the Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack. Her passion for her songwriting was apparent in the way she sung and the guitar playing matched the mood.
The big news, however, is that her new album Slow & Steady Seduction: Phase II would be released on January 20th (yesterday). She treated the crowd to several new songs from this album as well.
To our surprise, many had come to see just her, as the venue cleared a few visitors after her set.
Jenny Owen Youngs
Jenny Owen Youngs referred to herself as the "meat between the bread" as well as shared a few crude jokes with the crowd. Her humor was apparent as was her language, which does have its own appeal, too, if you're looking for the unconventional songwriter. If you're a fan of hers, you probably gather most of this from her song "F*ck Was I", which was well received by the crowd.
Her storytelling in between each song added to the show, as did her mystery shown in the picture above. Not only was her face hard to see, but it was a bit tough taking pictures of her as well.
Greg Laswell
As said by Anya Marina, Greg and her go back a little bit, enough to have toured with each other before, and are friendly with each other to do it again. As you may know from what we've written about Greg prior to the show, he's a singer/songwriter who has an instant appeal to many and not only writes music, but began his career as a producer first, then began writing his own albums.
Laswell began with "Days Go On" making his hour show a solo performance with a little help from a background guitar player. Much had changed from album to solo show; Laswell even alluded to saying next time he was around he wanted to play with a band. Many of the songs were quiet, particularly when he moved to piano playing songs from his previous album Through Toledo.
What makes a solo performance more fun to watch is when the artist can get involved with the singer through the stories they tell. In this particular instance, Laswell told of his demo song "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", which he received hate mail for, then lamented it with a nice response to the naysayers.
He continued to play many songs from his better known Three Flights To Alto Nido, particularly his popular "That It Moves", "Comes and Goes (In Waves)" and "The One I Love".
After wrapping up the show with "How The Day Sounds", the highlight of the show was truly when Laswell let his vocals go. This was one of only few songs that really give him the option to let his voice sing as loud as the music was playing.
Overall, Laswell by himself gave the crowd a great show and the feeling in general was that of a pleasing, yet intimate display at the Tin Angel. A full band would have done Laswell's latest album, and many of the pieces he played here, more justice. The female vocals of Molly Jensen, who backed up his singing in certain songs was certainly missed as well. Most of his album seems to have a duality in the singing (such as "Days Go By") and are more difficult to play as a solo act. Laswell has dipped his hands in two different styles of music here and that plays to his strengths in each different setting.
These songs were impossible to bump from our top 100. They all have staying power and should be checked out if you haven't already done so. We are now at the top 60. If you missed the previous lists or want to see where the list goes, head to the links below:
Part 1: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (81-100)
Part 2: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (61-80)
Part 4: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (21-40)
Part 5: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (1-20)
60. Ladytron - Runaway (buy)
Why: For a track name that pops up multiple times a year, "Runaway" by Ladytron provided what it needed to stand out courtesy of an escalating bass line and the European technotronics which helped make it an international success.
59. Priscilla Ahn - Dream (buy)
Why: Her music is much more than vocals. Her lyrics tell her story while a slow-plucked guitar and lazy violin alleviate any pressure from your current situation. "Dream" epitomizes A Good Day as it doesn't get much better than this.
58. Keane - Better Than This (buy)
Why: Probably the most bizarre keyboard Keane has managed to use yet opens up thier best song from Perfect Symmetry. As it turns out their album was nothing but perfect, but this song was hopeful as is its message.
57. Common Loon - Palestine Everywhere (buy)
Why: One of the more mysterious groups we've bumped into and certainly one of the most obscure. Not much was known of Common Loon when we heard their song "Palestine Everywhere", but they nailed it for what it was.
56. Greg Laswell - That It Moves (buy)
Why: A fan favorite at Laswell's shows and a nice classic message about human chemistry and the simple attractions that draw us together.
55. The Killers - Spaceman (buy)
Why: The more albums The Killers come out with, it seems the further we get pushed away. Its a shame their music has turned into something which few really enjoy each new album and everyone likes their poptastic song "Spaceman".
54. Low Vs Diamond - This Is Your Life (buy)
Why: Always striving for the 'big moment', "This Is Your Life" comes across as their most emotional, yet driving song on the album. To us anyway.
53. Tokyo Police Club - Graves (buy)
Why: Everything about these guys is high octane, sunny days and happy hour at the bar. It all comes across that way with songs such as this, which always seems to preface a good mood while listing to this song.
52. The Helio Sequence - Hallelujah (buy)
Why: How Brandon Summers squeezes in every ounce of wordage between his jovial 'hallelujah' refrain, along with the quick pace of the song marks not only one of the most upbeat songs on the album, but perhaps the year.
51. Blitzen Trapper - Black River Killer (buy)
Why: Simple guitar plucking, some good ol' fashioned story-telling and a that classic Blitzen Trapper ensemble made this song a must for our list.
50. Ladytron - Ghosts (buy)
Why: Ladytron's finest work from Velocifero and one of the biggest reasons the French band made such a splash this year.
49. Pictures and Sound - Everything Leaves A Mark (buy)
Why: Its true, everything certainly does leave a mark - Luke Reynolds headed out his newly formed band in 08' and made a stunning effort, including this album opener amidst a pleasing album effort from the energetic frontman.
48. French Kicks - New Man (buy)
Why: More classic French Kicks, great breakdowns and refrains. Everything about this song is chock full of emotion and great chemistry by one of our favorite bands from 2008.
47. Tigers Can Bite You - Second Nature (buy)
Why: As bad as the group name may be, there are two songs on this album they nailed. This one being one of our favorite quasi-instrumental tracks from this past year.
46. South - Better Things (buy)
Why: South have been around the block a time or two, and realizing when they've perfecting their sound will most likely happen while listening to this song. This is one of their best song efforts to date.
45. Snow Patrol - Engines (buy)
Why: Part of Snow Patrol that creates such a draw is songs like this: A similar, simple droning beat is looped and looped planning all of the melodies all at once for the beautiful breakdown in the refrains. While the verses speak of the song title, the small parts in the song make this a big one.
44. Elbow - Friend of Ours (buy)
Why: Only certain groups can make you feel like you're watching a movie while listening to a song as beautiful as this one. As much as this may feel like the next key moment in the latest movie's score, Elbow has outdone themselves with their string sectionn, vocals and really the whole chemistry of the band is oozing when this song hits home.
43. MGMT - Electric Feel (buy)
Why: As much as dance music may not fit your regiment of music-listening, "Electric Feel"'s alto singing matches the ridiculous video we saw earlier this year. MGMT does everything right in this song, and although this may have been their best done song on their album, it was not their most popular.
42. Cut Copy - Out There On The Ice (buy)
Why: When it comes to electronica, building and droping the beat is essential, as is adding the slightest, yet necessary changes to keep the listener's interests piqued. The bassline makes this song one of their best from In Ghost Colours.
41. Coldplay - Viva La Vida (buy)
Why: If you haven't heard this song this year, then you weren't on Earth. Although you could probably say the same thing about Kanye or Britney, this song promises staying power for memorable lyrics, it's jumpy attitude and Coldplayness.
Just to preface our best of list of 2008: Some songs may deserve a higher spot than others, but the time it took just to compile our list should give each and every song on here enough deserved attention. We did our best to make a list of 100 songs we thought were great and left a lot of songs off we begrudgingly had to remove to abide by the 100 song limit. Our list is as accurate as we could make it, so song 100 all the way to number one represent our favorite songs and artists of this year.
We seperated our list into 5 parts because there was just too much to put onto one post. We hope you enjoy our favorite songs of this 2008!
Part 2: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (61-80)
Part 3: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (41-60)
Part 4: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (21-40)
Part 5: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (1-20)
100. Keane - Lovers Are Losing (buy)
Why: Spiraling struggled but the personal touch from this track mid-way through helped boost the overall album enough to make it bearable.
99. The Shore - Open Up The Light (buy)
Why: Coming back from a long wait, The Shore delivered a great album. Their most notable song won't be found here, but this one may be as perfectly chilled-out as rock comes.
98. Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart (buy)
Why: Eight minutes and twenty-six seconds of cinematic gusto from a group that really doesn't have too many tracks longer than five minutes. Overall, a well thought-out song considering every instrument in the group grabs some of the spotlight.
97. Department of Eagles - No One Does it Like You (buy)
Why: Bass thumps and clapping ensues as the humble, yet budding group Department of Eagles made their presence known in 2008. Nobody does this like them in this gem with the harmonizing and the eerie playfulness of this song.
96. The Little Ones - Morning Tide (buy)
Why: Hearing The Little Ones and keeping a smile on of your face are synonymous with each other. "Morning Tide" clearly set the Cali natives back on track after their struggle to find a label and get their sound right.
95. Pictures and Sound - 100 Directions (buy)
Why: Luke Reynolds' latest project couldn't please fans more when transitioning from his older work. Now laced with some mild funk, "100 Directions" settles in behind light drum rapping and a heavy bass before slowly building up for a finale worth waiting for. Check out our live video of this song here.
94. Nada Surf - See These Bones (buy)
Why: Opening Lucky with their strongest song set the tempo for another great effort from Nada Surf. Perhaps this song layers a bit much as it goes on, but nothing takes away from the professional and well-timed shown here.
93. The Shore - Lose My Breath (buy)
Why: We doubled up listing the Shore in this section of our top 100, but that's okay since The Shore have so many good songs to list here. Neither this one or "Open Up The Light" could really be picked over the other, so really think of this as just another song you need to listen to and an album to own.
92. MGMT - Kids (buy)
Why: The main five-star songs on Oracular Spectacular flew across the blogosphere faster than the drug-inspired artists could imagine. "Kids" takes the teenage mentality of the duo along the same lines as the other greats on the album while still being incredibly original and addictive.
91. Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire (buy)
Why: The most pop-friendly song on this good effort and most listed throughout the blogsphere. That's not why we listed it however. The boldness of this song earned its place on our list. Saying someone's sex is on fire is quite a compliment to dish out, so kudos KOL.
90. French Kicks - With the Fishes (buy)
Why: Drowned out guitar meets sad, lonely singing. I don't know what does it for me on this song, but the chemistry is perfect, the guitar isn't too much and the vocals kill it every time. Everything down to the drums marks this album a materpiece in my mind.
89. Athlete - Flying Over Bus Stops (Acoustic) (buy)
Why: A song featured on their 2007 Beyond The Neighbourhood album, Athlete topped themselves with an acoustic version on their The Outsideres EP released earlier on this year.
88. The Notwist - Good Lies (buy)
Why: The Devil, You + Me opened with this low-key instrumentally and vocally sound track and the result helped the album as a whole. Seeing this song anywhere else in the Top 100 would be merited as it subtly speaks volumes to every ear that listens to it. Thanks to Pitchfork for the legal mp3.
87. The Republic Tigers - Buildings & Mountains (buy)
Why: Encompassing the ideals the Kansas City crew brought to Keep Color, this track harmonizes, entrances and hooks in like a cult does to its followers.
86. Greg Laswell - Comes and Goes (In Waves) (buy)
Why: Simple melodies and some nice harmonizing was enough to add this to our list. Laswell has sparked our interest this past year and this song was one of his most well-produced pieces.
85. Plants and Animals - Good Friend (buy)
Why: Parc Avenue's ground-work was put down here and the rest of the album benefited from it. "It takes a good friend to meet you in the park in the dark."
84. The Walkmen - In The New Year (buy)
Why: These guys went for a particular sound on thier album this year, and their nailed it with You & Me. "In The New Year" is something like we've never heard before with its rhinestone jangling riffs and slack-jawed singing. Where else could you find a better song with featuring an organ?
83. The Kooks - Always Where I Need To Be (buy)
Why: Konk would not be found anywhere near our top albums of this year, but our beloved UK rockers did score one song we couldn't resist to list here. They've once again managed to feature one song bound to be syndicated all over God's creation.
82. Elbow - Weather To Fly (buy)
Why: The Mercury Prize winners in 2008 claimed their spot on our list, particularly with one of their magnificently assembled songs listed here. Elbow didn't just surpass all of their previous albums, they made a name for themselves in 2008. This song shows everything we love and have loved about Garvey and Co..
81. Beck - Gamma Ray (buy)
Why: Beck highlighted this song on his website which promoted Modern Guilt and it fit perfectly for any returning fan as maintains the zany vibe Beck had back when he released Midnight Vultures almost ten years prior. Saying it is the best on the album isn't entirely accurate although it could be the addictive ingredient Beck albums consistently contain.
Missed our rundown of this year's best? See our top 30.
Many albums that didn't make our Top-30 list for the year, reached lofty places on other sites' lists. As our motto is, we won't saturate you with music we don't think is worth mentioning. The albums below were all quite good, but just fell below the best of the year.
MP3: Eureka Birds - Mars (buy)
MP3: Daniel Martin Moore - Stray Age (buy)
MP3: Deerhunter - Nothing Ever Happened (buy)
MP3: Nada Surf - Weightless (buy)
Here are MusicUnderFire's honorable mentions for 2008:
Not flashy. Not laced with catchy refrains. This Baltimore group caught our attention and has stuck with us since, thanks to a consistent debut album. We reviewed them and we liked them quite a bit. If you like an album off the beaten path, this is for you.
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Taking the first major step of 2008 was VW. Songs such as "A-Punk", "Oxford Comma" and "Campus" certainly earned this high marks for many and would have been higher if not for some transitional drawbacks.
The top singer/songwriter on our list for this year, Moore used his simplicity and songwriting talents only he could pull off. Although a heavy contender to make it in the top 30, Moore was found he could do only one type of songwriting style, but nail it every time. Stray Age was a cinch to listen through the whole way - perfect for a relaxing situation, not something you will want to put on your iPod to go to the gym. We particularly enjoyed "That'll Be The Plan". Outstanding effort by Sub Pop's newest songwriter.
Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns
Snow patrol didn't particularly stun us this time around, but the album had enough versatility with some of their traditional poker hands to some longshots they took, which actually worked. If you've listened to SP as long as we have, "Chocolate" seems to be in heavier rotation than "Engines", but that could possibly change. Just like most Snow Patrol albums, this one is a grower. Many tracks veer in a different dirrection that their older albums, particularly their last track "The Lightning Strike: (i) What If This Storm Ends? / (ii) The Sunlight Through The Flags / (iii) Daybreak", a three part song, in which each part blends into the next. I'm not sure why they didn't do their whole album this way, but this is just one example of how the band is growing and reaching deeper into their creative interworkings.
Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
These youngsters are growing up quick, and as if you haven't noticed already, there's something special about them. Not only has the world of pop taken in "Sex On Fire", but the band managed to make a bit of consistency out of their name. Their listeners got another solid outing by Kings of Leon once again. Songs such as "Manhattan" and "Revelry" made this album that more intriguing. Although they did have some gems on here, KOL seem to have the same formula time and time again, when in fact we were never head over heels for it to begin with. This would be the only reason we could not keep it in with our favs of this year.
Greg Laswell - Three Flights from Alto Nido
An album laced with not just your run-of-the mill sappy singer/songwriter material, Greg Laswell had a bit of every emotion poured into his debut. Songs such as "Comes and Goes (In Waves)" are well orchestrated and much has to do with his classy label, Vangard. Laswells songs excelled in both the studio and on the road. There's not much to say about this album that hasn't already been said here.
Where A Weekend In The City left off, Intimacy took that and notched it up ten times, in terms of sheer loudness that is. The albums glory may be captured in the club-friendly "Better Than Heaven", but this album had too many pitfalls to be considered for our top albums. What did make this album great is the unbridled feel to the songs. Tracks such as "One Month Off" made for a great anthem for this album as did many other songs that followed the same raucous attitude. Bloc Party continues to put out albums with a few likable songs on each album.
Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
One of the most influential albums for the first half of the year, Frightened Rabbit used many unorthodox methods of song. Perhaps its their folk-pop appeal, or maybe we liked them because we love Scottish bands. But no, FR was something quite special this year, and this list of 'almosts' also serves a purpose to show that other albums did not even make it into our 'honorable mentions' list. The Midnight Organ Fight was driven by some nifty songwriting by Scott Hutchison and backed by a talented band (sans bass). This is a well deserved spot in the midst of many other talented bands we've heard this year. (if you're looking for a Christmas song from Frightened Rabbit, check our short list of Indie Christmas Songs.)
Another album teetering on the brink of making it into our top albums of this year, Deerhunter put out a marvelous effort, yet didni't score enough songs for us to truly 'get'. Most notable from this album is "Nothing Ever Happened". It looks like this group's future is quite bright, so I would anticipate much to happen in their future.
Nada Surf - Lucky
Their latest album showcased why they are such a timeless group. Songs such as "See These Bones", "Beautiful Beat" and "Weightless" highlighted this addition to your Nada Surf collection. Nada Surf has quite a bit of experience and it shined on this album.
Greg Laswell Adds More Shows, New Christmas Song "Little Drummer Boy"
0 comments Posted by musicunderfire at 12/15/2008
Greg Laswell, one of our featured artists we wrote about a little over a month ago has extended his tour by adding shows with friends Ingrid Michaelson, Jenny Owen Youngs (again) and Jesca Hoop, along with a handful of other solo shows. Out of the bunch, a new face on the scene as of a year ago is Jenny Own Youngs who will be playing in Philly on the 17th of this next month with Greg at the Tin Angel. Her performance features her single "Fuck Was I" as well as a pretty decent cover of "Hot In Here".
As for Greg, he has a new Christmas song which you may recognize, “Little Drummer Boy”, and is currently streaming on his myspace page as well. You can hear more of Greg contributing to the last track on the Hotel Cafe's 'Winter Songs'. The album can be streamed on Hotel Cafe's official site (and can be bought there too). Other artists on this album include Sara Bareilles, Cary Brothers, Ingrid Michaelson, Meiko and Joshua Radin.
MP3: Greg Laswell - Little Drummer Boy (buy)
Upcoming Tour Dates
(additional dates to be announced)
12/18 New York, NY Town Hall (opening for Ingrid Michaelson)
12/19 New York, NY The Living Room
1/9 Los Angeles, CA Hotel Café
1/14 Boston, MA Great Scott (with Jenny Owen Youngs)
1/15 Washington, DC DC9 (with Jenny Owen Youngs)
1/16 Brooklyn, NY Union Hall (with Jenny Owen Youngs)
1/17 Philadelphia, PA Tin Angel (with Jenny Owen Youngs)
1/20 New York, NY The Living Room
1/30 Los Angeles, CA Hotel Café
2/1 Hermosa Beach, CA the Saint Rocke
2/9 San Francisco, CA Café Du Nord (Jesca Hoop opening)
2/11 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern (Jesca Hoop opening)
MySpace - Myspace.com/greglaswell
YouTube - youtube.com/greglaswellmusic
imeem - imeem.com/greglaswellmusic
Greg Laswell Makes Big Strides With 'Three Flights'
0 comments Posted by musicunderfire at 11/05/2008
Greg Laswell found his path into the scene by his sheer use of singer/songwriter talents, minus the glorifying 'I-make-song-to-get-girls' attitude. We enjoy listening to a male vocalist who seems to carry some grit in his pockets, while leaving all of the colorful clutter behind.
Laswell's latest album, Three Flights From Alto Nido, marks his third solo album since 2003 and is just that; a great album without the clutter and filler we've seen from many solo artists this year. TFFAN is melodic, yet straight-forward as far as guitar-work goes. His San Diegan roots make this for an relaxing, yet upbeat addition to the music scene once again this year.
Now under Vangard Records (see also Pictures and Sound), Laswell progressed through his musicianship since he started his own label, All the Rest Records after it shortly went out of business. Along the road, Laswell progressed as not only the singer / songwriter you see, but has produced and is a recording engineer. We think you'll particularly enjoy his tracks "The One I Love", Comes and Goes (In Waves)" (featured on our 300th Post) and "I'd Be Lying".
This album has been one we've been able to make many listen throughs over the past few months, so be sure to pick it up at your local record store or on iTunes.
MP3: Greg Laswell - That It Moves (live in Seattle) (buy)
Upcoming Tour Dates:
11/5/2008 San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/8/2008 Portland, OR – Mission Theatre (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/9/2008 Seattle, WA – High Dive (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/12/2008 Denver, CO – The Walnut Room (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/14/2008 St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/15/2008 Des Moines, IA – Vaudeville Mews (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/17/2008 Minneapolis, MN – 400 Bar (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/18/2008 Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/19/2008 Chicago, IL – Schubas (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/20/2008 Indianapolis, IN - Rathskeller (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
11/21/2008 Pittsburgh, PA – Club Café (w/ Jenny Owen Youngs)
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/greglaswell
Official - http://www.greglaswell.com/
Record Label - http://www.vanguardrecords.com/
***Watch Greg below as he prank calls his hotel for nearly 4 minutes!
Video: Greg Laswell Can Bench You
