There were a lot of glaucoma sufferers at the 9:30 club on Monday night at The Smoker’s Club Tour part Deaux  which featured Curren$y, Smoke DZA, Big KRIT and Method Man.  There were a few opening acts who really didn’t keep my attention one of them was even laughable, but I won’t say which one he was—lets just say Yelawolf doesn’t have anything to worry about.  When Big KRIT took the stage the entire club knew all the lyrics and provided just enough energy to match KRIT’s.  Curren$y took the entire club to his “basement” filled with the homies and the ladies all chillin on the couch.  But leave it to Method Man to take the show, starting with his entrance –which he started in the balcony of the club.  Then scaled the rail and swung down from the balcony to the floor, proceeded to the stage.  Meth rolled through some of his classic songs, a medley of Wu-Tang hits, as well as mini tribute to the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.  All in all the Smoker’s Club tour gave us all a good contact buzz.

Photos by Monica Watson (@yesyoushould)

Before I get into the specifics of the show, I have to commend 9:30 Club for selling some of the most delicious chocolate cupcakes this side of the Eastern seaboard!!!  It would behoove you to get yourself there early enough, because they sell out pretty quickly.

Now on to the business of the business:  The show opened with Brooklyn-based Twin Shadow, who delivered some good old fashioned guitar funk laced with emo lyricism.  I don’t know what the hell they were saying, but the groove was sincerely felt.  The lead singer  kinda looked like (and played guitar like) a young Prince, but not as flamboyant.  They seemed to be conveying their own  definition of “hair band.”  The left side of the lead singer’s head was shaved.  The right side was a cascading bang full of body and bounce.  The keyboardist had a fluffy asymmetrical cut that made her look really sexy, and the drummer’s ponytail seemed to have a mind of its own as it wildly flailed about.  They exuded a quiet confidence throughout their entire performance.  As soon as the first few notes were played, show goers quickly moved to the front of the stage because they knew they were listening to a band that was fully aware of how good it was.

Jamie Lidell took to the stage showing off his eclectic British style with a cream and black-striped cowl-necked parachute hoodie, fitted black trousers, and cream oxfords with the laces removed.  He opened his set with a soulful, percussion-heavy rendition of his latest album’s title track, “Compass,” which showcased his wonderful vocals and got the crowd groovin’.  Although he opted not to perform his most recognizable hit “A Little Bit More,” he more than made up for it with a variety of songs from his “Multiply,” “Jim,” and “Compass” albums.  He romped and stomped through the upbeat numbers, while testifying  and catching the holy ghost on the slow burners (yes folks, Jamie took us to church on several occasions).

Not one time did Jamie take a break.  Looking like a musical case study for ADHD, he multitasked like nobody’s business.  Between singing, dancing (or convulsing, as some might see it), making the crowd sing his adlibs, and kicking out spontaneous jams from his synthesizer and drum machine, he made it all flow so effortlessly.  Seeing Jamie live made me want to go back and listen to all his albums.  Listening to his albums always makes me want to see Jamie live.  May the cycle continue.

I guess you could say that, Michael and I go way back like penny candies and Tahitian Treat…I grew up in a musical household my mother would play records daily –during chores, when she was entertaining friends, or just because. My very first memory of Michael involves me in a frilly dress, singing Jackson 5’s “Rockin’ Robin”, listening to my mother tell stories about how many J5 concerts she’s attended –one of her favorites was one that was a concert and a carnival at the now defunct Capital Centre. It’s also safe to say that all the useless Jackson family trivia that I know; I inherited honestly from my mother.

Michael’s voice always lulled me –wrapped me up, serenaded me and brought me joy. I remember me and my elementary school friends (mostly female) would always celebrate August 29th aka MJ’s Birthday –all of us would bring in our favorite 7” to play in class. I was the daydreamer –still am– I wanted to emulate him in certain ways; so…I cut off all my hair, got a jheri curl (lucky for me my mother was a beautician), begged her to buy me the Beat It jacket and was decked out with glove, socks and penny loafers –oh yes, honey I was styling!    Not only did my mother surprise me with all the above in the bottom of the box was a pair of tickets to the Victory Tour (Score!!!!!!!). That concert will stay in my heart forever. I danced, cried, bonded with my mom..and probably dripped some activator on the person next to me; but it was all love…ALL LOVE!!

PS. OFF THE WALL …runs circles around THRILLER!!

Florence + the Machine – Dog Days Are Over

The Temper Trap – Science of Fear

The Temper Trap – Drum Song

Playing at a sold out show on Tuesday night at the 9:30 Club was the Australian alternative band, The Temper Trap, and the lovely redhead, Florence + the Machine (can’t forget the Machine!). Now I’m aware of the fans of Florence out there, but I was mainly out on Tuesday for Temper Trap, originally thinking Florence + the Machine was just a good add-on. Though these two acts both pulled off an incredible show. Starting off with the opening band, Kissaway Trail from Denmark, on a cherry blossom tree back drop, the stage was soon transformed into a floral fantasy setting that’s part of Florence’s smoky-carefree-dream vibe.

Though I’m accustomed to Florence’s almost soft sounds growing into louder expressions, I never expected the rockability she brought out on the stage. It probably had something to do with the lights, smoke and nearly all her fans singing along. And of course the best part was her getting the floor literally jumping on my personal favorite, Dog Days Are Over. The response was so huge, she thanked Washington, she said, never expecting the response everyone gave her.

After the newly enthused-about-DC Florence left the stage, we were in for another change in mood. The Temper Trap coming up definitely removed the flowers and dream with a harder flavor. Sounds like a big change but it was a perfect contrast. And the energy continued strong.  The scale of lead singer, Dougie Mandagi’s, voice and the variety of songs that The Temper Trap are capable of, with every jam, a new feeling followed up by so much more. Of course, they didn’t stop at the singing, demonstrated by the just plain crazy performance of Drum Song – putting the vocals aside for just the beating of the drum.

Overall, an unexpected lineup of talent became a real good time. Anyone who missed out, definitely check out both The Temper Trap and Florence + the Machine on stage next time they’re in town!

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We’re giving away 1 pair of tickets to see Raphael Saadiq this THURSDAY, December 7th at the 9:30 Club! One lucky winner and their guest will get to experience Mr. Saadiq live as he promotes his stellar album, The Way I See It! Also on the bill is opening guest Anjulie, who will be an artist on the lookout for 2010. Take your friend, your mistress or your special someone. It’s going to be a magical night!

Review by Michela Wariebi. Photos by Lady Glock. Please Support.

No one likes to admit that they like gossip. And prior to October 7, 2009 I would vehemently support that statement. That was the night that I was introduced to the melange of a band that is Gossip. Fronted by Beth Ditto, the indie rock band is quickly gaining notoriety for combining Ditto’s distinctly southern and soulful voice with rock instrumentals. A pretty interesting combination that left me feeling like I had attended a Baptist church revival and rock concert all at the same time; the show proved well worth the late night.

Gossip is steadily making loud bleeps on the mainstream radar thanks to front woman Ditto, who has inadvertently become an advocate of sorts for fat women in high fashion; to put it bluntly. She was an ever-present face in the front rows of shows like Jean Paul-Gaultier and Chanel at Paris Fall 09 Fashion Week, and has been known to publicly lambaste designers for their lack of larger sizes. The latter has made her the recipient of specially made plus-sized versions of runway pieces from various designers.

Ditto actually prefers to use the word fat as opposed to any other politically correct terms fed to her by PR folks! This is precisely the reason why you can’t scoff at Ditto when she sways jovially on to the stage in skin tight frocks that most women of the more ample persuasion would never consider wearing. For the 9:30 club appearance she donned fire engine red hair and a body conscious large floral print dress with spaghetti straps and minimal support. With the occasional assistance of fellow Gossip member Brace Pain to pull up her bra, she took ownership of the crowd with her amazing voice and unwavering confidence.

It only makes sense that Gossip’s crowd would be an interesting mix just like their music. I actually think I spotted a reincarnated Joan of Arc playing the bass in the opening band, Men! I’m not sure how I felt about the metallic blue catsuit, but it would be unfair to deny the appeal of the martyr headgear.

Before the show even started I spotted a fellow concert attendee sporting a pair of suede mustard-colored knee-high fringe boots that made me swoon. Admittedly, I’m not the hugest fan of fringe, but I loved this combination of punk and very literal interpretations of Native American fashion; face paint and all!

Then I spotted someone who took the idea of brand loyalty to a whole new level. Generally speaking, he looked great, but a quick and hopely inconspicuous inspection revealed his love for Yohji Yamamoto’s and Adidas’ collaborative brand Y-3 might have been a bit overboard. Shoes, hat, sweatpants and probably his heart all from the same brand; always overkill. Thankfully, he mixed it up with a Versace tee, the ever-popular Arabic keffiyeh scarf, and white personality specs a-la Kanye West.

Strange mix of characters right? But it seems that’s exactly the appeal of Gossip; unapologetically be yourself! That idea is reflected in their music, crowd and fashion. I’m officially converted. I love Gossip!

“They’ll never be a breakup” says . For some bands this is famous last words but for De La Soul, a group that has been together–and stayed together–for over 20 years, this phrase is set in stone.

The trio rolled through the 9:30 Club on Tuesday night, dropping classic tracks as well as some surprises to the near capacity crowd. Backed by LA’s Rhythm Roots All Stars, the group completely, utterly, destroyed the club, and rocked a show harder than most rappers half their age.

The night began with a sparse, yet appreciative crowd for LA newcomer Keenan Bell. Bell might be an unknown on this side of the country, but he’s one of the most solid young rappers that I’ve seen in a while. With a naisly whine a la B Real from Cyprus Hill. , Bell and his live band, Bell and his crew were polished for their first tour and we will be hearing more from him soon.

Next up on the bill was Little Brother member Big Pooh. Pooh might have better name recognition than Bell, but he did little to get the crowd going. When he asked who knew about his upcoming album, only one person hollered back. Even with that setback, Pooh had a great sense of humor as he went through some mixtape tracks and the highlight from his set–old school Little Brother from their album The Listening.

The third member of the undercard was Harlem rapper Bill Ray, an associate of De La member Maseo. Even though it seemed like Ray was just another dude trying to hustle his way onto the bill,  he had control of the restless crowd and his throwback flow is a welcome change to most faceless, nameless rappers in the game.

After three acts, it was time to bring out De La Soul. The group casually rolled out onto stage and immediately talked about the 20th years anniversary of their classic album 3 feet High and Rising. Unlike the last time I saw them in Montreal, the group was backed by the live band, giving this show a new dimension. After backing such names as Ghostface, Rakim, and Mos Def, The Rhythm Roots All Stars are no strangers to the live hip-hop format and they adjusted to De La’s throbbing beats accordingly.

Instead of going through 3 Feet High track by track like Public Enemy did to It Takes a Nation of Millions, the group only made passing references to the album, focusing more on their more recent (and some might say better) works, The Grind Date, Stakes Is High, and Bionix. For the next hour, the trip went through tracks like “A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays,” “Say No Go,” and “Pass the Peas,” as well as a  Dilla tribute with the track “Stakes Is High, with the All Stars belting out the horn sample perfectly.

During the middle of the set, the band took their “union break,” as they De La through songs like “Potholes in My lawn” and rougher cuts like “The Grind Date,” a track that got the crowd especially riled up. Afterwords, the band came back as they went through the track “All Good,” from Bionix and of course their hit single “Me Myself, and I.” During the much needed encore (the crowd wasn’t going to leave), they dropped a surprise version of their Gorillaz track “Feel Good,” an a tribute to RUN DMC.

While other rappers spend their time on the Internet beefing, the dudes in De La Soul are busy rocking shows and keeping their legacy alive. The trio, is not ashamed about their age (Kelvin even celebrated his 40th birthday onstage), and these “old men” kept the energy level high throughout the near 2 hour set. Hat tip also goes to the Rhythrm Roots All Stars, who are becoming the best hip-hop backing band (other than The Roots of course) in the game. The combination made for one of the best hip-hop shows I’ve seen in a while.

I know that Bad Brains might not be your steez, but Bad Brains is one of the quintessential Black rock bands evar. If you don’t know, consult Wikipedia.

From MTV:

On November 4 — which will undoubtedly be a momentous, historic Election Day, no matter the outcome — hardcore legends Bad Brains will be revisiting their own history. The band will be performing in their hometown of Washington, D.C., where, in 1979, the band found themselves the subject of an “unofficial” ban by many of the city’s clubs and performance venues (a move that inspired their song “Banned in D.C.”).

It will be the first time in years the band will perform in the nation’s capital, and it is one of four shows Bad Brains has booked with its original lineup. The group performed in Chicago on Tuesday; they’ll play the 9:30 Club on Election Day, followed by a gig at New York’s Irving Plaza on November 6 and one in Austin, Texas, on November 9. Bad Brains released their first proper studio LP in over a decade — called Build a Nation — last year, and that effort featured all of the long-running group’s original members: singer HR, bassist Darryl Jenifer, guitarist Dr. Know and drummer Earl Hudson. The disc was produced by Beastie Boys and longtime band friend Adam Yauch.

No new details are known, but we all know that this is going to be the hottest ticket of the year. (via Black Plastic Bag)

This isn’t even a review.

See, what had happened was…..

I drive over to the 9:30 Club nice and early, not only to get a good spot for the sold out Gnarls show, but to check out the opener Hercules and Love Affair that everybody has been buzzing about. So I roll down to U Street, find rock star parking and make my way down to the venue. Then I realize something….I don’t have my tickets.

Damn. I run back to my car, and while I’m approaching the drivers side a woman comes and begs me for a dollar. See, she claims that she lives in Greenbelt and she needs money for the bus to get home. Usually, I’m nice to people who ask me for money, even if I don’t have any to spare. I give everybody respect, especially a sister in a dire situation. This time I was in a foul mood over the whole ticket thing and didn’t want to speak to anybody. As she pleads to me, tapping on my window with a puppy dog face, I yell at her and screeched out of the parking space leaving her in the middle of the road.

Long story short, I get back to my apartment, grabbed my ticket and shut the door to my place. And what do I realize? My keys are still inside. I locked myself out.

Karma is a bitch.

So after waiting over an hour for the locksmith and dropping $150 for the “service” and a new lock, I wearily made my way back to the 9:30 club to catch only 4 songs from Gnarls’ set.

The moral of the story is: treat people with respect. You never know when the Lord will spite you for your bad deeds.

I heard the show was awesome though.

MORE PICTURES IN THE FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

DC is getting some fly shows lately! They’re not free like our friends in New York , but I still can’t complain.

Gnarls Barkley at 9:30 Club – August 5th

Show just added today. Gnarls is rocking 9:30 with (er, transvestite fronted) Hercules Love Affair on August 5th. I saw Gnarls at the MCI Center when they opened for Red Hot Chili Peppers, but to see them at a club as small as 9:30 will be a treat. Tickets go on sale today at 10 AM.

Other shows to check out next month:

July 7th – Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, 9:30 Club
July 8th – Rza As Bobby Digital Feat. Stone Mecca, 9:30 Club
July 11th – Platinum Pied Pipers, Black Cat
July 16th – DJ Shadow, 9:30 Club
July 18th – Clipse, Club Five
July 19th – George Clinton And Parliament Funkadelic, 9:30 Club
July 25th – Anthony David, Black Cat
July 28th – MGMT, 9:30 Club

Also, in September:
Sept 21st – Mos Def Big Band, Kennedy Center