RVANews

Buds, bands, and other fun stuff

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:00:55 +0000

For those unfamiliar with Richmond’s annual Best Friends Day, this year’s posters might have you fearful that a franchised South of The Border might be coming to town. Don’t worry (too much) as Best Friends Day just seems to be channeling all the campy fun of everyone’s favorite roadside destination into this year’s event.

Originating in 2001 amongst a group of friends celebrating the summer they’d spent together, Best Friends Day has expanded into a weekend-long, multi-venue festival of music and activities for the rouge set. Attracting visitors from across the country (and reportedly the world), hundreds of music lovers and partiers galore converge on Richmond each year to celebrate their friendships and enjoy each other’s company. With a proclamation of “anyone and everyone is welcome,” Best Friends Day is for old and new friends alike.

For the eighth annual Best Friends Day, affectionately dubbed “The Ocho,” a number of great bands from all across the U.S. will be performing. Shows featuring Young Widows, Torche, Lemuria, None More Black, Off With Their Heads, and Psyched To Die as well as local favorites Strike Anywhere, Ultra Dolphins, Pink Razors, No BS Brass Band, and Wasted Time (plus many more bands) will take place at Plaza Bowl, Hadad’s Lake, Alley Katz, and The Bike Lot over the course of the weekend. The diversity of bands and show line-ups speaks further to the open-minded approach taken by Best Friends Day organizers… not to mention the balance of local performers and those traveling to take part in the event.

Other activities include a scavenger hunt (and this writer must admit to taking part and being tattooed with “BFD” as part of it a few years back), a mammoth lake party at Hadad’s, BMX jump over the world’s largest plate of nachos (hosted by Oderus Urungus of GWAR), and various other debauchery over the four days. Needless to say, those who take part will surely be left with a lot of memories.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening when and lots of useful links and info to help you get your bearings...

Thursday, August 20th

7pm at Plaza Bowl: Show & Bowling featuring...

Plaza Bowl is located at 523 East Southside Plaza. There is an $8 cover for this show.

10pm at The Camel: Official Guidebook Release Party featuring...

Cherry Bomb: Richmond’s All-Girl DJ Collective

The Camel is located at 1621 W. Broad Street. There is an $3 cover for this show.

Friday, August 21st

11:30am at Vinyl Conflict: Scavenger Hunt

Sign-ups and the official start will take place here.

Vinly Conflict is located at 324 S. Pine Street. There is no charge to take part in the scavenger hunt.

6pm at Alley Katz: Show featuring...

Alley Katz is located at 10 Walnut Alley. There is an $12 cover for this show.

Saturday, August 22nd

11am at Fine Food Parking Lot: Show featuring...

Magrudergrind

Fine Food is located at 700 Idlewood Avenue. This show is free!.

12pm Hadad’s Lake: Massive Party & Shows featuring...

Hadad's is located at 1140 Mill Road. Admission is $18.

Sunday August 23rd

1pm at The Bike Lot: BMX Jump & Show featuring...

The location of this show is under wraps for various mysterious reasons. BFD organizers are instructing people to “Ask someone!” But, good news, it’s free!

For more information on Best Friends day, check out our story from earlier this week, or visit www.bestfriendsday.net and www.myspace.com/bestfriendsday. To get a preview of the music lined up for this weekend, stop by and see our friends over at RVAMag and take a listen to their compilation podcast, The Music of Best Friends Day "The Ocho."

(Image courtesy of www.bestfriendsday.net)

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Live Review: The Swell Season @ Toad’s Place (05.16)

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:00:53 +0000

Few watched this year's Academy Awards without taking note of Once stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Not only did their performance of "Falling Slowly" stir all the emotions of the film, but Irglová's heartfelt and inspiring speech might have been one of the best in years. So, when these two immense talents were scheduled to play in Richmond's own Toad's Place (performing under the moniker of The Swell Season) I knew I had to be there.

As could be expected, the show sold out far in advance. Honestly, had it not I would have been disappointed in my fellow Richmonders. On the flip side though, a sold out show can be a very taxing event to attend, especially this one; hordes of atypical concert goers and tight quarters rarely make for a great situation. Luckily, nothing terrible went down and most everyone appeared to enjoy the event.

Opening act Joshua James fit squarely within what I had anticipated from an opener on this tour: acoustic, emotionally potent, and right on the fence of accessibility. His tunes were solid, but like everyone else in the audience my attention felt more focused on getting a vantage point for when The Swell Season took to the stage. After a properly mid-length set, James made way for the folks we were all chomping at the bit to see.

Being from a more underground musical background, shows like this always catch me a little off guard. When dealing with musicians of this caliber, the performances can feel a little forced and the intimacy I've come to love from seeing bands in much smaller spaces just doesn't exist. With a passion and skill few truly possess, Hansard defied these stereotypes with an amazing presence. Throughout The Swell Season's 2 hour set (!!!), he felt genuine and seemingly poured all in him into each melody. Teamed with Irglová pushing on despite battling the flu, the duo offered each song as if they needed to convince the audience of their talent. Such an effort was unnecessary with the palpable sense of the crowd's affection, but it made the performance all the more impressive

This marks the second show I've seen at Toad's Place that has given me such a wonderful impression (Andrew Bird being the first). If the venue continues to bring in such memorable acts, they will quickly become the Richmond landmark they strive to be.

New Venues, New Music, New Bands..?

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:05:46 +0000

The coming months might just be some of the best for live music in Richmonders' recent memory. With the opening of The National this month, as well as the recent surge in shows at other venues around town, I can't wait to see what tours will be hitting our lovely city. Now, if someone would open a nice mid-sized venue (filling the void left by the closing of Nanci Raygun), Richmond could rival some of the best cities for live music.

Need Some New Tunes?
I'm excited to see a lot of cool releases starting to come out. My favorite of this newest batch from today would be the new album by The Mountain Goats, a group that serves as the musical outlet for singer/songwriter John Darnielle. Darnielle and gang, who developed a cult-like following via over ten albums of home recordings, return with their fifth properly recorded full length, Heretic Pride. While maintaining the new elements brought into the sound over recent albums, Heretic Pride recalls the stripped down aesthetic of earlier releases as well. The result is a striking balance that wasn't fully realized on other recent albums from the group.

Also coming out today is the collection from local hardcore favorites Down To Nothing on Revelation Records. Entitled Unbreakable, the CD gathers previously released material from two now out-of-print CDs into one album. Arguably some of the band's best songs appear here, making this a very solid CD for any newcomers.

Bands You Like... Sort Of
This week, a number of shows are coming to Richmond that feature well-loved musicians performing in different ways than usual. First up is Randy Blythe (vocalist for Richmond's metal heroes Lamb Of God) who will be fronting his other band, Halo Of Locusts, opening for controversial right-winger Billy Milano's M.O.D. and Immortal Avenger tomorrow (Wednesday February 20th) at The Canal Club. Later in the week (Sunday February 24th), Kris Roe of The Ataris will performing his band's Blue Skies, Broken Hearts album solo and acoustic at Alley Katz. That should be... interesting.

Also, don't forget to swing by Toad's Place on Friday night (February 22nd) for another installment of the Reflex dance night.

Rowdy crowds at Toads show no Southern charm

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:46:56 +0000

This past weekend saw my girlfriend and I frequent Toad's Place two nights in a row, seeing Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter on Friday and then the metalcore package tour of Killswitch Engage, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Every Time I Die on Saturday. Although both drew dramatically different crowds, I couldn't help feeling a little cynical about my fellow Richmonders after all was said and done.

Having long been a fan of the various comedic endeavors of the Michaels (such as The State, Stella, Wet Hot American Summer), it seemed all too good that they'd be coming to Richmond for a night of stand-up. Even with the "rock venue" setting, how could this show not be awesome? I'll tell you how: the people that turned up ruined it. Seriously, who would have guessed that comedy fans in Richmond could be so terrible?! In fact, it reminded me of a bit by another comedian, Patton Oswalt, in which he talks about the bottom-of-the-barrel status of comedy in the 1980s; how people would show up and expect comedy to be "done to them" without any need for bringing anything to the table. Sadly, this bit became all too real for us Friday night.

I sound like I'm exaggerating I'm sure... I'm not. As could be expected, people kept yelling things out throughout both of their sets. And it wasn't so much the yelling as much as what was being yelled: a handful of quotes from movies/shows they'd appeared in (not always lines there characters even said), gibberish nonsense, and Richmond-centric comments no outsider could ever grasp. Add to this the folks in the balcony who apparently didn't realize other people were in attendance or that a comedy show was even underway (sorry all these people interrupted your social gathering) and you'll start to get a good idea of what went down.

Despite all these problems, the fellows did a great job and delivered impressive sets, especially under the conditions. In fact, it might have made Michael Ian Black a little better as his loathing for the audience seemed almost palpable at times. Nevertheless, I have a feeling their response won't be at all enthusiastic when asked, "how was Richmond?"

The next night, we ventured back to Toad's Place to catch a night full of metalcore. Having been fans of Every Time I Die a number of years ago, it seemed like a fun notion. Fulfilling all our preconceived thoughts, those boys still pack a heavy-meets-rock sound teamed with a lot of live energy, a combination that always makes for an enjoyable set. In fact, newer Every Time I Die songs I wasn't as familiar with seemed to pack just as powerful a punch as the older ones I know well. The Dillinger Escape Plan were also entertaining, although the direction they've gone since the stunning Calculating Infinity album has left me in the dark a bit. There set featured a good cross-section of their catalogue though, sure to keep new and old fans intrigued. Killswitch Engage are a little too dumbed down in their metallic approach for my liking, but seemed to have a high level of energy while not taking themselves too seriously.

But you want to hear about the fans, right? Having only moved to Richmond from Central Florida a little over three years ago, it still surprises me to discover how much the two places mirror one another in certain ways. Let's be honest, we're talking about rednecks here. And I don't mean your friend's dad who lives off a dirt road in Goochland; these are the kind that go to metal shows to let out some aggression, throw a few back, and have a good ol' time at the expense of those around them. If this sounds harsh, I wish I could insert a photograph of the guy who stood directly in front of us and alternated between giving each and every band "the finger," an index finger point, and "the goat" (you know, the combo index and pinky sign that indicates you're evil to the core). I tried desperately to decipher the code within his gesturing to no avail. The changes between each signal came sporadically, without rhyme or reason, leaving me resigned to thinking they were the physical manifestation of his intoxication. This serves as a mere example of what was happening all around. These people live here (or close by) and that thought frightened me ever so slightly. The real icing on the cake was the vomit all over the stairs as we left the building.

I try desperately to avoid passing judgments... it's a terrible habit of mine I've been working to shake. This past weekend may have set me back a few months worth of progress.

Photos by: Chris Lacroix

Writing About Something You Love Can Be Really Hard.

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:31:23 +0000

Doing a weekly column has proven more difficult than I might have previously imagined. Beyond drumming up enough interesting commentary on demand, this whole endeavor forces me to really stay on top of what's going on in music, both locally and on a wider scale; (hopefully, that's a correctly placed semicolon?!) something I feel confident in until you have to use such knowledge. Yet, despite all my excuses and semi-complaints, I do relish this periodic opportunity to rant. So let it begin...

Veterans' Day?

As the new release calendar starts to pick up for 2008, this last Tuesday of January has a few new albums from old favorites (not necessarily mine) worthy of attention:

Best known as the talented guy from Death Cab For Cutie who's name you don't know, Chris Walla has also made a name for himself behind the mixing board. Now branching out on his own, Walla has released a solo album, Field Manual, on Barsuk Records. Although filled with hook-driven writing and head-boppin' tunes that feel almost familiar from even the first listen, it's evident how much Walla contributes to Death Cab's sound. Nevertheless, this recording also demonstrates how much Ben Gibbard brings to the table too, as Walla comes across somewhat juvenile in his vocal presentation. It's a good album that just isn't as good as people might expect.

The Mars Volta, who also benefited from the success of their previous musical endeavor (At The Drive-In), also have a new release out today, their fourth proper album entitled Bedlam in Goliath. I should admit I've never been a fan of The Mars Volta. I'm one of the minority who felt the other band to rise from the ashes of At The Drive-In, Sparta, carried the torch much better. That said, Bedlam in Goliath is easily my least favorite of The Mars Volta's full lengths. Gone are the larger-than-life, albeit pretentious, swirling guitars and over-the-top epic melodies. Instead, the band has opted for choppy, chaotic structures that fail to develop or move throughout the entire album. None of these songs even remotely intrigued me, which is saying a lot since I could at least find one or two tracks on previous albums that I felt had a good intent. Seriously, the drugs have finally gotten to them.

On a little more positive note, Polyvinyl Records has the new record from indie-folk darlings Ida, Lovers Prayers, coming out today. I've long been an Ida fan and, while I miss the more diverse nature of earlier albums, they are one of those bands you can count on to continually put out worthwhile music. It's also especially interesting to me when a band escapes comparison and Ida does it; you can't really nail down any other group of musicians that craft beautiful folksy melodies in quite the same manner.

Metal(core) Up Your A**!

The coming week seems pretty slow for good shows. A few nights will feature fairly impressive metalcore line-ups, although it's hard to imagine anyone over the age of 18 really caring. Alley Katz will host Darkest Hour and Cephalic Carnage on Thursday night (January 31st) and Toad's Place has the mega-tour of Killswitch Engage, Every Time I Die, and The Dillinger Escape Plan hitting the stage on Saturday night (February 2nd).

For those not interested in getting their teen angst out, Toad's Place also has a very impressive comedy show on Friday night (February 1st). Featuring former The State/Stella favorites Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter [interview with the duo tomorrow -- Ed.], I can only imagine the show will be incredible. With the duo's midas touch for comedic genius, this is sure to be the event all your friends brag about seeing for years to come.

Until next week...

Grim News, A Distorted Release, & A Legendary Clan

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:31:28 +0000

It's nice to be back, after a bit of a hiatus due to the holidays, politics being more important than music coverage (yeah right!), and a general lack of quality news to report. So let's get 2008 kicked off right... with some grim news. As publicized a few weeks ago, Nielsen reported 2007 music album sales were down 15% in comparison to 2006 sales. This includes formats beyond CDs too, such as LPs, cassettes (do they even make these anymore!?), and so on. Even when digital sales are brought into the equation, sales were still 9.5% lower in 2007. Interestingly though, music-related sales were up 14%.

What does this mean? First off, people like their cellphones more than me, that's for sure. This rise in related sales comes partially from music videos and ringtones. NPR ran a story on T-Pain in November of last year stating his ringtones out sell his digital singles 2-to-1, with the ringtone versions costing 2 or 3 times. Clearly, this odd market has become a possible bailout for a sinking music industry. Also, I've said it a million times and I'll say it again: major labels are putting less focus on full albums, instead pushing artists to crank out hit singles with lots of filler in between. The real question becomes, when will the RIAA start handing out platinum awards for a million ringtones sold?!

Back In The Swing Of Things

I'm glad we're finally through the season of no new music. While I understand the decision, it still hurts a bit as a music lover to be forced into exile during the holidays, a time when the things you seek comfort in are the most important. An early noteworthy release in 2008 comes out today: The Magnetic Fields new album Distortion on Nonesuch. Continuing in their tradition of quirky, somewhat dark tunes through this, their eighth album, the band balances delicately between pop sensibilities and brutish low end trudging. A good start to the new year.

Still Nothin' To F#!* With!

That's right, hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan are back at it, hitting the road with a stop in RVA this week. The group will be performing Friday (January 18th) at Toad's Place, yet if you don't have tickets you're out of luck... it's sold out! In fact, I might be wrong, but I believe this is the venue's first sold out show (the postponed Regina Spektor nearly sold out).

Personally, my big plans this week involve a trip to DC on Wednesday (January 16th) to see Blonde Redhead at 9:30 Club. These indie rock juggernauts probably entice my tastes as much as Wu-Tang Clan does for others. To each his (or her) own.

Until next week... enjoy some ringtones and mobile phone videos.

2007: Kinda Surprisingly Good

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 05:10:44 +0000

I must admit 2007 has been surprisingly good for music, at least for me. Not only did I first hear a number of albums that made my "best of the year" list, but also some might even be among my all-time favorites. Without further ado...

Without question, the highlight of 2007 was Andrew Bird. His newest album, Armchair Apocrypha on Fat Possum, easily claimed my top spot for the year, brimming over with undeniable hooks, incredible compositions, and instrumentations that feel both refreshing and familiar all at same time. As if his studio work weren't enough, seeing Bird perform earlier this year at Toad's Place blew me away. On a night doomed from the start (I lost my ATM card just before the show), I found myself in a jollier mood than one might expect under the circumstances, more than likely due to the realization of what I was witnessing: one of the best live performances I have ever seen. I would put money on it that no other three-piece band can create such a well-rounded and powerful sound on stage.

Behind Andrew Bird, compiling a list of four other albums proved hard this year, not because of a lack of quality releases, but instead because of so many awesome ones. Number two would have to be Kevin Drew (of Broken Social Scene)'s Spirit If..., which showcased a single songwriter from that band leading them all through his musical vision and kicking off what should end up being a very interesting series from that outfit. Also, having caught the tour in support of this album while in Seattle, helped affirm the impressiveness of Drew's spacious and warm songwriting.

Changing gears a bit, my third pick for 2007 is 108's triumphant return after a decade, the aptly named A New Beat From A Dead Heart. This hardcore masterpiece features a few songs written just before the band's demise in the late ‘90s, as well as a good quantity of new tracks that fit seamlessly alongside those penned so long ago. Few bands have put out such ferocious, intense albums in recent memory... something especially awe-inspiring when recognizing this is a reunion of guys who've been at it a good while. Despite the backlash against the recent wave of reuniting bands, A New Beat From A Dead Heart stands as one good argument in support of the idea.

On a more local front, fourth and fifth positions go to Ghastly City Sleep, with their self-titled debut, and Permanent, who released Sink|Swim, respectively. While Ghastly City Sleep don't call Richmond home, they surely are familiar with our beloved city. Not only did locally based Robotic Empire release their remarkable album, but the band also features a number of Virginia-to-Brooklyn transplants. With a sound that recalls the best of shoegazer outfit Slowdive while avoiding unoriginality, the four-song album is well worth checking out. Although on an entirely different end of the musical spectrum, Richmond's own inventive hardcore act Permanent also released a noteworthy debut album that reminds of great music of the past. Sink|Swim brings together an obvious Long Island influence (think Silent Majority) with a distinct sound that demonstrates a willingness to experiment. This is hardcore for people who might otherwise want a more intelligent, thought-provoking approach to their music.

Honorable Mentions (my 6-10 on the "year end top ten") are: Kate Nash's infectiously poppy Made Of Bricks, I Rise's recollection of ‘90s hardcore Down, Manchester Orchestra's passionate emo-rock effort I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child, Soul Control's equally ‘90s hardcore-esque Involution, and Ryan Adam's shockingly good Easy Tiger.

Three albums from 2006 that merit mention, if for no other reason than they didn't gain my full attention until 2007 had begun, are:

Ingrid Michaelson Girls And Boys
You've heard her on soundtracks and in commercials, but low and behold see has an album. She's by far one of the best unsigned singer/songwriters out right now.

mewithoutYou Brother, Sister + Brand New The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
These two albums easily make my top 25 of all time, yet both were released in November 2006 so technically aren't new this year. Nevertheless, both lyrically deal with reconciling faith to one's own life and set such weighty content against astounding music that begs repeated listening.

If 2008 proves to be as big a year for music as 2007, I'm not sure anyone will be able to convince me music is dying. Much to the opposite, musicians both of the independent and major ilks, seem all-too-ready to confront the issues facing the music industry head on with their best weapon: talent.

Lots of Boys, Even Rancid Ones

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:00:18 +0000

For the past few weeks, as I’ve been preparing to write this very column, I venture around the interweb gathering all the dates. As I do my research and listen to my music via my iTunes, without fail I always get caught off guard when I reach Alley Katz’ website. Seriously, click that link right now and tell me it doesn’t catch you off guard too!

Come on people! What genius thought a loud (not to mention bad) loop with super intense industrial noises would be a good idea?? As I thought about this today I even started filling out one of those online petitions, but gave up midway through the sign-up procedure for fear of upsetting someone ... although I’m sure calling them out here will have a similar effect. For the record, Alley Katz = good venue. Alley Katz’ website = bad idea.

Better Late Than Never

We’ve established that December isn’t really known for a plethora of new releases. If something comes out now and isn’t going to be a huge seller, one can’t help but think it’s a little late. That can be said double for Rancid’s new collection, B Sides and C Sides, being released today via Machete. While none of these songs are technically new (especially if you’re an industrious online type), the collection does encapsulate some of the best songs the band has done outside of their first three albums. In fact, much like Metallica breaking up after “the black album” (don’t try to convince me those short haired anti-Napster types are the same band … I don’t buy it), Rancid, too, has been impersonated by fakes since the tour for And Out Come The Wolves ended. With hits like “I Wanna Riot” and “Killing Zone” you can’t miss.

The Boys Are Back In Town

Oddly, a few Toad’s Place shows this coming week feature “boy” bands… sorta. Thursday (12/13) Charlottesville’s Hackensaw Boys will performing their somewhat alternative form of bluegrass, supported by local alt-country-meets-classic rock favorites David Shultz & The Skyline. Also at Toad’s Place, the re-formed Boyz II Men will be taking the stage on Sunday (12/16). I can’t really say I expect that to be any good, but I’m sure people will enjoy re-living the ‘90s.

By far the best bet for live music this week will be the Ghastly City Sleep show, taking place at Gallery 5 on Saturday (12/15). If you’re not familiar with this incredible ex-Virginians who now call Brooklyn home, do yourself a favor and check it out ... great shoegaze influenced textural indie rock. Not to mention the show will be awesome anyway with local roots musician extraordinaire Josh Small, plus Brainworms and Antlers also playing.

Greatest Hits & Illegal Downloads: Not Good Gifts!

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:30:28 +0000

As I stated last week, the season of greatest hits albums has come, for better or worse. Let me do you a favor as a music lover and suggest you stray from these insidious marketable creations. Taking someone’s creative works, dissecting them, and then repackaging them in a neat, easy-to-buy new product not only strips away a lot of the best parts of music in album form, but also places musicians in a class of product designers rather than artists. So, do your loved ones one better and get them a few of the musicians’ best releases (if you need help, visit AllMusic.com and check out the ratings they’ve given most everyone’s discographies).

I guess it’s the week for rants… Deep Elm Records owner John Szuch posted a long article on the label’s website about illegal downloading and the state of affairs following Radiohead’s “free album” plan. For those who might have missed it, Radiohead released their newest album, In Rainbows, in October exclusively via a website allowing customers to pay whatever they felt appropriate, even if that meant nothing at all (the reported average is about $8 per download according to gigwise).

While I must say Szuch brings up some very valid points, he fails to mention why bands like Radiohead have been pushed to do such maneuvers. Facing downloading as the death-nail of their industry, what did pretty much every major label do? Instead of lowering prices on items that typically cost less than a few dollars to create, they pushed suggested retail prices up towards $20! Let me get this straight, to battle people stealing your music, you’re going to charge those who are still loyal more?? And people ask me why I never buy CDs anymore…

What You Can Buy Me For The Holidays

Continuing the trend of the month being slow for new releases, there’s only one album hitting shelves this week worth mentioning: Rufus Wainwright’s Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall. This double CD (or DVD) features everyone’s (okay maybe just mine) favorite contemporary crooner doing a song-by-song remake of Judy Garland’s infamous 1961 Carnegie Hall performance. As if this concept weren’t enough, Wainwright has a 36-piece orchestra backing him. Between his great singing and witty editorializing, how could anyone not love this?

For those like me who prefer the “out-dated” format of vinyl, a lot of classic releases are getting the vinyl reissue treatment this week as well, including a number of Depeche Mode albums on 180g vinyl, N.W.A. Straight Outta Compton, and a Nick Drake LP boxset entitled Fruit Tree.

Places To Be, People To See… Or Maybe Not

Boy, there’s very little going on in the way of live music this week in Richmond. Cake is playing at Toad’s Place on Sunday (12/09) if you’re really bored. Otherwise, just plan to do the First Friday Artwalk and attend holiday parties wearing tacky sweaters.

Stuffed and Listening

Sean Patrick Rhorer — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:30:33 +0000

If last week marked the Thanksgiving holiday and getting stuffed on great food, this week serves as the beginning of the holiday season. As music critics sweat over their year end best of lists, stores turn from new releases to stocking greatest hits CDs, and generally the music industry slows to a pace that would make even the most casual of college students jealous, having December just over the horizon doesn’t make for the best timing to start a new music column. I’m not afraid though, so here goes…

Shopping Spree

As previously mentioned, now is anything but a prime time to seek out new releases from up-and-comers since most labels all but shutdown moving into the holiday season. The only noteworthy new release this week would be the expanded version of Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds, featuring the new duet with Beyoncé and a DVD packed with making of footage, videos, etc. Let’s be honest: you know you love it so don’t pretend you’re above this pop masterpiece.

Moving right along…

Be There or Be Square

The lack of new music can easily be compensated this week with the solid calendar of shows happening around town.

Richmond’s newest venue Toad’s Place cleans up with a couple of must attend events this week: Thursday (11/29) Paramore, Silversun Pickups, and Army of Me will be performing and young boys/creepy old men throughout central Virginia are stoked to the chance at an in-person glimpse of that singer girl. The following night (11/30) might be the most anticipated dance night to hit Richmond in quite some time; it’s the return of The Reflex, an indie/Britpop/new wave party that’s free if you get there before 11pm… I’ll be there for sure!

Also happening this week are the two exciting reunion shows of Richmond’s own pop-punkers Action Patrol, taking place Saturday (12/01) and Sunday (12/02) at Alley Katz and Empire respectively. We all know the Empire one will be insane, so if you’re not up to the challenge make sure you’ve got a ticket for the Alley Katz show.

Other shows worth mention: Chuck Ragan, the guy from Hot Water Music that isn’t in The Draft (so he must be the talented one), will be performing solo alongside Lawrence Arms side-project Sundowner and Robbie Huddleston (ex-Inquisition/Ann Beretta) at The Camel on Thursday (11/29) night. And, for those interested in venturing to other parts of the state (of whom I am one), mewithoutYou will be doing a headlining show in Harrisonburg at Guzman’s Thursday (11/29) and then rejoining their current tour with Brand New and Thrice in Norfolk at the Norva Friday (11/30).