Friday, October 29, 2010

Interpol Comes to Houston After 6 Long Years

Well, I guess they did play back in 2006 for their Antics tour, but I didn't get to see them on that tour. So for me, it has been 6 long years of waiting in anticipation to see this amazingly talented band take the stage in support of their new self-titled album.

The show will take place at the Verizon Wireless Theater, a venue where I've had the chance to see some of the greatest shows including Blondie, The Pretenders and Duran Duran. Tongiht's show will surely not disappoint. We have general admission tickets and I hope to get as close to the stage as possible to snap some great photos and take in the energy of Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler & Sam Fogarino. Although, I'm sad that former bass player Carlos D. will not be in attendance. He left the band upon the completion of the last album to pursue other opportunities. Still, from all of the live footage I've seen so far from this tour, the band seems to be putting on a killer show and Banks' vocals sound as top-notch as they do on any CD they've released.

Setlist should include some old favorites like "Not Even Jail", "PDA" & "NYC" as well as some new loves of mine from the latest album like "Summer Well" and "Barricade". I hope they play "Obstacle 1", the song that started my love affair and obsession with the band.

So, in roughly 12 hours, the boys will take the stage. What a great start to the weekend. I will get my review up as quickly as possible. Here's to a great night! Yay Interpol!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Depeche Mode Scheduled to Release Tour of the Universe DVD Set

Any fan of Depeche Mode for the last two decades should know their routine by now. The band releases an amazing album, goes on a worldwide multi-city tour in support of that album and then shortly thereafter, they release a live DVD of one of the epic shows from said tour. So it is no surprise that these ‘80s icons are getting ready to release footage from the Barcelona show from last year’s Tour of the Universe, which brought 102 shows to 40 countries, in support of the release of their 12th studio album, Sounds of the Universe.

The DVD, to be released by Mute records, will be available as a deluxe edition set which includes two CD’s and one DVD, a super deluxe set comprised of two CD’s and two DVD’s and on Blu-Ray made up of two Blu-Ray discs. It is scheduled to come out in the United States on November 9th and in Europe on November 8th just in time for holiday shopping and at the top of any Depeche Mode Devotee’s wish list. Since the band made the announcement last month, short vignettes featuring footage of the film offering fans a sneak peek have appeared on YouTube in an effort to spark interest and promote its release.

For bandmates, Martin Gore, Dave Gahan & Andy Fletcher, this tour was a huge success as they trekked across the globe playing for sold out crowds in large arenas while playing songs from their catalogue which spans over 30 years. Tour of the Universe: Barcelona will feature the tour’s stop in Barcelona for two concerts last November. It will feature 21 songs performed over the course of those two nights such as the hard-pounding single “Wrong” and “In Chains” which is the first track off the new album as well as classic fan favorites such as “Behind the Wheel” and “Enjoy the Silence”. The DVD will also feature bonus tracks “World in My Eyes”, “One Caress”, “Miles Away” and “Sister of Night” and a tour documentary entitled “Inside the Universe”. In addition, the DVD’s will also feature videos from the singles from Sounds of the Universe, rehearsal footage from New York City and the screens used on stage during the shows created by the very talented Anton Corbijn.

Since Depeche Mode released the 101 album and live concert footage after the Music for the Masses world tour in 1989, the band seems to have developed a niche in extending the life of a tour for their fans that either want to relive their experience or see them for the first time. It is highly doubtful that the Tour of the Universe DVD sets will disappoint giving those that have loved them for years and new fans alike another piece to add to their ultimate collection. Fans can pre-order their DVD set by going to Depeche Mode dot com.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Futureheads Are the Missing Piece to My Music Obsession

If punk pioneers The Clash had a love child with ska legends Madness, its name would be The Futureheads. Hailing from Sunderland in the northern UK, these four lads have created a sound with roots stemming back to the early days of punk while adding their own modern flair creating a fresh, edgy sound that is, in many cases, rare amongst artists of today's era.

I have to admit that up until about two weeks ago, I had no idea who this band was. My favorite local record store, Cactus Music, announced they would be doing an in-store performance as part of their current tour in support of their recent release The Chaos, I looked them up and was intrigued by their nostalgic sound. I attended the show not really certain of what to expect. I knew they were British and I'd heard a few songs of theirs from YouTube, but that was pretty much it. So imagine my surprise when they decided to do their in-store performance acapella with a little acoustic guitar action thrown into the mix. All four members, Barry Hyde, Ross Millard, Jaff and David Hyde, lent their vocals to make each performance of what would normally be a fast tempo punk-like anthem sound very laid back but still very melodic and for lack of a better word, good. I would think that singing a song like "Struck Dumb" or "Heartbeat Song" might lose its catchiness and sound a little dull, but the acapella versions actually enhanced it and gave the songs a different perspective.

After their set at Cactus, I spoke to the band's front man, Barry Hyde, who then invited me to their show that night at Fitzgerald's where they would be playing along with Born Ruffians, Soft Pack and Melligrove Band. I heard the last few minutes of Melligrove Band and the Born Ruffians put on a terrific set as well, but obviously I was there to see the lads from Sunderland.

Once it was time for them to take the stage, I was able to make my way up to the very front where I got to see everything up close and experience the true magnificence of this band first hand. The band kicked off their set with the guitar rockin' song "The Chaos", which is also the title track off their latest album. From there they alternated between old hits like "Decent Days" and "Robot" to new tracks like the sweet "Heartbeat Song" and happy feeling "I Can Do That". Rounding out the set was a clever cover of Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love" in which the audience took part in singing along with the melody and their final track on the new album, "Jupiter". Their sound was fresh, but familiar and they all had so much energy it was hard to believe this was their last stop in the USA before heading back to their home across the pond. The crowd loved them as well singing along to all of their favorites, it was clear that The Futureheads had a deep rooted following here in the Bayou City. I could tell that the boys truly loved playing for the audience and fed off the crowds' high energy.

Last night was definitely one of the best nights of my life. I got to meet and hang out with a great band and experience some exceptionally wonderful music. Speaking to Barry was great and the whole band was extremely nice and down to earth. I got autographs and at the end of the show, their roadie gave me David's drumsticks! A great night indeed! Until next time my lovely friends...Cheers!