Podcast: HowWasTheShow/Minneapoliscast CD Review Podcast for May on 5/9/08

By: Bob Longmore, David de Young, Pat O'Brien, Jen Paulson, Stacy Schwartz
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HowWasTheShow CD Reviews for May, 2008, hosted by David de Young.  Recorded for Minneapoliscast.com The Deaths - “Peter Duncan” - selected by Jen Paulson Atmosphere - “Painting” - selected by Bob Longmore Polara -”Beekeeping” - selected by David de Young Chris Koza - “If You Carry Me” - selected by Stacy Schwartz Jayber Crow - “O My God W...

Cloud Cult CD Release Show with The Forms at First Avenue on 4/26/08

By: David de Young
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Cloud Cult - Photo by Stacy Schwartz In front of a packed to the gills First Avenue Main Room this past Saturday, Cloud Cult unleashed their brand new (and fingers crossed it’s not their last) album, Feel Good Ghosts, in what was surely one of the must see local CD release shows of 2008.   Michigan’s Mason Proper opened the early eveni...

The Crush at Triple Rock Social Club on 4/25/08

By: Bob Longmore
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The last time that I saw The Crush was the opening weekend for live music at the Triple Rock opening for a reunited Lifter Puller. Now, almost five years later, The Crush are the ones reuniting at the now worn-in Triple Rock. The reasons they originally broke up may exist only in the realm of speculation, and when asked why they were getting back together, singer and guitarist Jason Miller remained just as coy. “No real reason, other than just being stupid.” He did admit the decision...

Jayber Crow CD Release Show with The Floorbirds and Spider John Koerner at Nomad World Pub on 4/19/08

By: Carl Atiya Swanson
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Jayber Crow - Photo by Stacy Schwartz Jayber Crow’s release of their Two Short Stories LP seemed like wandering to the crossroads, a meeting of divergent paths of music under the same tent. Spider John Koerner, granddaddy of the old guard leaned over to several people trough the night to ask, mostly seriously, “What kind of music do they call this?” Apparently, it is ...

Sam Keenan CD Release Show with North, The Glad Version at Triple Rock Social Club on 4/18/08

By: Bob Longmore
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Sam Keenan - Photo by David de Young Sam Keenan celebrated the release of his new album, All the Dark Colored Markers Went Dry, with an energetic show at the Triple Rock. There was a rumor that Keenan and his band had only practiced a handful of times before the show—if that is true, it certainly didn’t show. Keenan alternated between guitar and keyboards throughout the nig...

Voltage Fashion Amplified 2008 Preview in pictures and sound at First Avenue on 4/14/08

By: David de Young
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(Front page photo courtesy of mordac.org.) Preview the entire Voltage: Fashion Amplified 2008 CD here. The fourth installment of Voltage: Fashion Amplified takes place Wednesday, April 16th at First Avenue in Minneapolis.  Bands this year are Zibra Zibra, The Haves Have It, Bella Koshka, White Light Riot, MC/VL and Birthday Suits.  Doors are at 7pm for this 21+ show, and tickets are $17 in advance and $19 at the door.  It's recommended that tickets be purchased in advance.&n...

Brynn Andre, One Great Day, Waxing Phil and Jenna Charland at Trocaderos on 4/13/08

By: Jon Behm
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Sunday night’s quadruple bill of Jenna Charland, Waxing Phil, One Great Day and Brynn Andre at Trocaderos was supposed to be an “outside the mainstream” show. At least that is how it was described to me. Painting any one of these bands as outside the mainstream would be a stretch. Every one of them has a sound that aspires to the top 40's radio mill. That’s not to say they aren’t talented – there is plenty of talent involved in this genre of music. I just...

An Interview with Rick Widen of Tuesdays Robot on 4/11/08

By: David Rachac
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Tuesdays Robot - Photo by Tom Stanoch Rick Widen is the principal songwriter and singer for the folk band Tuesdays Robot. In this interview, he talks about his musical journey, his orientation to the peace movement and his new CD, Peace Sing-A-Long, which will be celebrated at a CD release party at the 331 Club on Friday, April 18.   HowWasTheShow: Tell me about your musical background &nd...

Podcast: Voltage Fashion Amplified Interview and music selections on 4/11/08

By: David de Young
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Voltage Photo courtesy of Dan Schulz, mordac.org David de Young speaks to Anna Lee and Charles Gehr of Voltage Fashion Amplified about the upcoming show at First Avenue on April 16th. Features songs from Voltage 2008 Bands: 1. White Light Riot – “Dive” (http://www.myspace.com/whitelightriotmusic) 2. Bella Koshka – “Fiction” (http://www.myspace.com/bellakoshka) 3. Birthda...

The Wars of 1812 CD Release at The Varsity Theater on 4/4/08

By: Jon Behm
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Peter Pisano - Photo by Jon Behm Only about a half a year ago I caught the Wars of 1812’s debut Twin Cities’ performance. It was a modest event at the lovely 331 Club, a high quality, but unfortunately poorly attended show.  Ever since that evening, the four young band members (and roommates) have been hard at work creating the buzz that is starting to make them a household name amongst loca...