Concert Review: Jewel at the Fillmore Miami Beach, November 3

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via livenation.com
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Jewel
The Fillmore Miami Beach
November 3, 2009

Better Than:
Having to actually live the '90s all over again.

The Review:

It must be terribly difficult for a singer to be inextricably linked to a particular decade, especially when said singer begins to realize that nothing they do will ever be as big or as bestselling or as widely embraced as what they did to make a name for themselves in the first place.

Such must be the case for Jewel, whose 1995 LP Pieces of You not only became one of the '90s most identifiable albums; it was one of the decade's all-time bestsellers.

Well, it's been a long time since "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "You Were Meant for Me" and "Foolish Games" dominated the airwaves. And it's highly unlikely Jewel will ever again sell 12 million copies of a record right outta the gate. That's not to say there haven't been some semi notable successes since then -- 1998's "Hands" (from Spirit), '01's "Standing Still" (from This Way), a book here (Chasing Down the Dawn), and a dance hit there ("Serve the Ego"). But in many respects Jewel seems destined to be the girl who sang a certain set of songs way back when.

Which is why it was tremendously inspiring to see Jewel show up at the Fillmore Gleason with nothing but three guitars and a vase of flowers, and then dive into a set of songs that had very little to do with the way back machine. Oh sure, she did do "Hands," of course, and a relatively speedy "Standing Still." And I'm sure she eventually sang those blockbuster hits of hers too. But we didn't stick around to hear yesterdays; we were quite content thank you to take Jewel as she is right this minute.

Concert Review: Busy P at Electric Pickle, October 31

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Photo by Jipsy
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Click here to view more photos from this event.

Busy P
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Electric Pickle, Miami


Better Than: The prefect pair of alt breast, y'all.

If websites like Hipster Runoff have taught us anything is that when the alt community comes together for a 'meaningful' experience, it can be a beautiful thing. It seemed like all of hipster-dom, both local and foreign, were at one of two places Halloween night: O.H.W.O.W. for NeckFace's premiere Miami exhibition, Devil's Disciple, or its after-party at Electric Pickle. If the hipster culture is anything it's creative--girls skipped the slutty-something staples and actually put some thought into their costumes and the guys, well, Halloween as brings out the juvenile in all of us.

But apart from NeckFace's exhibit--which featured coffins piled high to the ceiling, demented drawings that no description could do justice, and a haunted house--it was Ed Banger boss Busy P's set at Poplife that had everyone buzzing. Ultra appearances aside, it had been a while since Pedro Winter had spun at a local nightclub. Also, the tides have turned on the electrohouse genre. Once the soundtrack to everything hipster, it has fallen on the wayside replaced by dubstup and nu-disco (at least locally).

Random Venue Review: Pulp Live

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CC by 2.0, via stopnlook's Flickr
Bring plenty of bills to Pulp Live -- performing bands, this means you, too.
​This past weekend I made a belated first visit to Pulp Live, the venue on Oakland Park Boulevard that was known previously as the Metal Factory. I went to see friends play, so I won't review the actual music that night. When I go to a show to support a friend, I usually go as a "civilian," as it were -- I pay my cover charge if I need to, chill, and enjoy the experience without scribbling notes. 

I truly want to like this place, as it's a legit venue -- not a warehouse or other makeshift space -- that hosts shows put together by local bands and promoters. The location is pretty central for Broward folks (and not too horrible of a haul from Miami), and you can be just 18 to go here, not 21. And normally I wouldn't bother reviewing a venue itself, but I left completely annoyed with this place's treatment of both performers and patrons, so here goes.

First, there are the aesthetic changes from its old incarnation. Nothing can be done about the building's cheesy reflective exterior, which is shares with an adult shop. The inside, though, has been cheesed up as well. As a warning before I went, a friend described it as "dinner theater gone bad," which is pretty accurate. Where the Metal Factory was your typical black-box rock vibe inside, now there is tacky ambient lighting and theme diner-style record covers and posters stapled at angles on the walls and ceilings. 

Tags: Pulp Live

Concert Review: Alligator Alley's Friday Night Closing Party, October 23

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photo by Alex Rendon
The Alligator Alley Allstars played the bar's send-off party on Friday night.
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Alligator Alley was one of the most distinctive venues we had in South Florida. Where else could you munch on savory gator ribs, sip on a crisp microbrew, and listen to funky New Orleans zydeco all at once?  Sadly, it is no more -- after a weekend-long send-off, Alligator Alley shuttered its doors last Sunday.

And although it looks like there'll be no more po' boys in proprietor and veteran bass player Carl "Kilmo" Pacillo's future, there is a silver lining. The charismatic owner promises a larger, music-only version of Alligator Alley will open next spring. "Food has never been the main part of my business, despite winning many accolades," Kilmo said. "It's two to three percent of the profits and ninety percent of the headaches."

The venue lasted seven-and-a-half years at its Commercial Boulevard location. But a new $2000 tax on alcohol sales after midnight, levied by the City of Oakland Park on October 1, was straw that broke the camel's back. "The city wanted the money right away and was not accommodating," Kilmo says. "I simply couldn't afford it."


Concert Review: Junior Boys at The Vagabond, October 24

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Photo by Lex Hernandez
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Junior Boys with Woodhands
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Vagabond, Miami


Better Than: Staying home, lighting some candles, putting So This Is Goodbye on blast and spending some quality bedroom time with someone special ...well maybe.

The Review:

The Junior Boys threw a Halloween party at the Vagabond and everyone showed up as a hipster. Ok, there was a guy in a banana costume and a rather detailed pirate walking around, but it didn't really matter what you wore because after the performance, it would have been soaked in massive amounts of sweat anyway.

The crowd stuffed inside the Vag that night rivaled that of the Glass Candy show a couple of weeks ago, and apparently things got a little too hot for the Canadian band's lead singer Jeremy Greenspan, who noted how warm it was. But even if last week's cold snap had stuck around, it probably still would have gotten sauna-like.

That's because the strange phenomenon of the Junior Boys is that without even trying, they make music that is undeniably sexy.

Concert Review: Marc Anthony at American Airlines Arena, October 24

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Marc Anthony
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Marc Anthony
Saturday, October 24, 2009
American Airlines Arena, Miami


Melodramatic Latin tenor extraordinaire Marc Anthony was personally handed the keys to Dwyane Wade's house Saturday night. Wade, NBA star player of the Miami Heat, surprised Anthony on stage midway through the the singer/songwriter's  performance to make sure he would feel right at home.

"You know Marc this is usually my house," said Wade. "Tonight though mi casa, tu casa."

Anthony didn't disappoint his 20,000 guests for the evening, offering another of his trademark fully-charged and emotional acts for a standing-room only crowd at the American Airlines Arena. Although the host for the night didn't show up until 9:20 p.m. he more than made up for his late arrival by delivering a well-balanced show that had everybody dancing in the aisles and Anthony interacting with all sides of the arena for close to two hours.

While his over-the-top facial expressions and stage act at times extend beyond the norm its all easy to ignore when the author is one of the most skilled vocalists and performers of all time. Backed by a full ensemble, including a full horn section, timbales, congas and bongos, Anthony took over the stage, entertaining the audience with gymnast-like moves while directing the band. He occasionally waved his arms to instruct others to turn it up or end a song.
Tags: Marc Anthony

Concert Review: Kiss at BankAtlantic Center, October 22

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Photo by Christina Mendenhall
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Click here to view more photos from this concert.

Kiss
Thursday, October 22, 2009
BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise

Better Than:
Being 10 years-old all over again.

From the number of kids running around the BankAtlantic Center at Kiss's show last night, many replete with full make-up, it's apparent that one need not be of a certain age to appreciate the hard rock demigods -- you just have to feel it. Oh, I'm not talkin' about feeling 30 or 40 or 50 or more. I'm talkin' about feeling like a 10-year-old. And with Kiss, you could be bridging the century mark and still feel as if you were in fifth grade.

And I'll tell you right now: there is absolutely nothing wrong with that at all. In fact, I'd argue that it's a damn good thing indeed. And if more folks would let loose their inner child every once in awhile, this wild world would be a much better place.

Of course that would entail Kiss never coming off the road. But hey, if the recently-anointed Rock and Roll Hall of Famers can make it to "Alive 35" who's to say they can't keep it up in perpetuity? And so long as Kiss keeps knocking 'em outta the arena as they did at BankAtlantic last night, everybody's inner child will be running freely for some time to come.

Concert Review: Leonard Cohen at BankAtlantic Center, October 17

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Photo by Sayre Berman
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Click here to view photos from this event.

Leonard Cohen
Saturday, October 17, 2009
BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise


Better Than: Any singer you've ever heard before.

Why the hell Leonard Cohen appeared at BankAtlantic Center rather than, say, The Fillmore Gleason is anybody's guess. But if he had staged at a theater on the Beach instead of in an arena up in Broward, his show would've been even more remarkable than it was. That's not to say there's anything wrong with the BankAtlantic Center - Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC and Foo Fighters, to name but a few, all perfectly hit the hot spot, and it's a cinch Kiss will do likewise this Thursday. But like I said, it's an arena. And Leonard Cohen is no arena act.

Cohen does though happen to have a voice that could fill the Grand Canyon, even at a whisper, so he had no problem reaching the rafters here. Cohen also is one of the all-time great entertainers, though somewhat understated, so there was nothing to complain about on that end either. It's just that Cohen's music is best served up close and personal, just as it was written - and just as he sings it. So he being in a large venue, even one as well-appointed as BankAtlantic, does kind of take something away from the proceedings. Other than that though, the only thing taken away during Saturday night's concert was my breath.

Concert Review: Bassnectar at White Room, October 17

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Photo by Anthony Verrilli
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Click here to view photos from this event.

Bassnectar
Saturday, October 17, 2009
White Room, Miami

Better Than: A full-scale dance riot.

White Room shut down for a week and performed a few fan-friendly renovations, and when the joint reopened on Saturday night, it was just like opening night all over again, and then some. The line stretched around the block, the crowd came to go wild, and the whole venue blew up in some spontaneous celebration that lasted well into the proverbial wee small hours of the morning. And it made each and every one of those hours larger than life itself.

The occasion? Why the appearance of a cat called Bassnectar and the launch of a night known as Arcade. If you read this week's preview, you know that Bassnectar is the sonic equivalent of Adbusters, and that the Bay Area baddass is the turntablist's answer to Negativland. If you hit White Room on Saturday night, you'll know that the cat has turned breakbeat into a whole new phenomenon, one that rages at the angels as much as it howls at the moon. Mostly though you'll know that Bassnectar booms like a thousand ghetto jalopies, and drips like the fruit of the almighty gods of gone, baby, gone. Think face-melting heat, then add hot and you'll get a feel for what I'm getting at.

Concert Review: Dexter Romweber Duo and Ben Prestage at Propaganda

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photo by Alex Rendon
Ben Prestage
​The Dexter Romweber Duo and Ben Prestage
Propaganda, Lake Worth
Friday, October 9, 2009

Better Than: Sharing corn whiskey with a friend

The Review:

Last Friday at Propaganda was an evening of sweaty, unabashed musical revival. Both acts on the evening's bill, the Dexter Romweber Duo and Ben Prestage, masterfully resurrected styles of music popular decades ago - rockabilly and bluegrass, respectively. And each made those styles their own. 

Despite arguably being the main draw, first up was the Dexter Romweber Duo, from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Romweber's work as frontman for the '90s psychobilly act Flat Duo Jets has made him an underground rock icon. Performing with his sister Sara on drums, Dexter hashed out a ton of material from the duo's latest album, Ruins of Berlin.

Dexter's haunting croon -- try to imagine Johnny Cash, gone more wicked -- impressed on the aforementioned album's title track. He transformed "Love Letters," which on Ruins of Berlin is sung by Chan Marshall, into a raspy mid-tempo ballad. "If You Love Me Like You Say" was a hop-skipping, three-chord humdinger, a bit like the Stray Cats, only stripped-down, bluesier, and with a dash of more soul. But Romweber's rendition of oft-covered samba tune "Brazil" was the highlight of the set. Here he gave Old Blues Eyes a run for his money -- only Sinatra never sounded as raw and edgy as this.

Concert Review and Photos: Alice Cooper at Pompano Beach Amphitheater, October 3

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photo by Arielle Castillo
Alice Cooper
Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach
Saturday, October 3, 2009

Better Than: Watching some new jacks noodle boringly in the name of authenticity.

The Review:

This past Saturday marked a strange, rare occasion in which fans of shlock-gore-obsessed hard rock were faced with a difficult choice. At Revolution, there was GWAR, but further up in Pompano, there was the grand originator of it all: Alice Cooper. I opted for the latter, which, while stain-free, was still an entertaining, good-time bang for the buck. But an Alice Cooper show is not really just about the fake blood. Cooper plays music that, while still hard, is instantly recognized and liked by almost any average rock fan.

That was evidence in the age spread of the crowd. While most there seemed like they were probably teenage Cooper fans when he first appeared, there were plenty of under-21s as well. I saw Cooper-style face paint on more than audience members of both age groups, male and female alike. The general vibe of the show was thus egalitarian and good-natured (if, occasionally, very beer-drunk and weirdly loud in the bathrooms).

Concert Review: Third Eye Blind at Revolution, October 2

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Photo by Rene Rigau
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Third Eye Blind
Friday, October 2, 2009
Revolution, Fort Lauderdale

Better Than: Reading your BFF's diary. If you're of a mind to do such a thing.

The Review:

Third Eye Blind's Stephan Jenkins truly has no shame. Not that he has anything to be really shameful about, mind you; not that I know of, anyway. But the Oakland-born alt-crooner sure is qualm-free when it comes to baring his innermost thoughts and hopes and dreams, especially as they concern the women in his life. Then again, had I spent three years alongside Charlize Theron and then subsequently shacked up with Vanessa Carlton, I might be continually telling the whole world about it too.

Actually, I wouldn't be doing any such thing. See I'm from the school that believes diaries are meant for the person writing them and nobody else, unless perhaps they're unveiled posthumously, when no one is around to suffer their embarrassments. That's probably part of the reason why I wasn't an alterna-pop star in the '90s, and why scores of young women aren't gathering at my feet -- I just wasn't prepared to kiss and tell all.

Concert Review: The Killers at American Airlines Arena, October 3

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Photo by Sayre Berman
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Click here to view the full slideshow from this event.

The Killers with Chairlift
Saturday, October 3, 2009
American Airlines Arena, Miami


Better Than:
Most Vegas lounge acts.

When the Killers performed at Ultra Music Festival in 2006, they easily won me over with a confident stage presence and high-energy performance that was delivered in a sexy and glamorous package. The synth-laden performance was sleek, danceable, and, most importantly, fun.

Wish I could say Saturday's performance at the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami was equally as fun. It's not exactly news that the band has shunned the dance-rock sound that made it famous for a more straightforward approach rock that is somewhat reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen and U2 -- two artists I don't necessarily consider fun. While Brandon Flowers had a full set of synth keyboards at his disposal, they were rarely used. The band even turned its more danceable material from the breakthrough album Hot Fuss into a limp mess. "Somebody Told Me," "Mr. Brightside," "Smile Like You Mean It," "All These Things That I've Done," and "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" didn't carry the same wallop as they did at that Ultra performance.

Recap: Roc Raida Fundraiser at Electric Pickle, September 30

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photo by Bernard Hacker
​DJ Roc Raida Tribute and Benefit Show at Champion Sound
Electric Pickle, Miami 
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
 
Better Than: Watching DJ routines on YouTube

Full Disclosure: I'm a resident DJ at this party, under the name Sire Esquire.

The Review: 

Tribute events are not an easy task, as their themes often get sidetracked in the midst of the club lights. However, Wednesday night's benefit jam for Grand Master DJ Roc Raida of the X-Men crew, who passed away unexpectedly this past September 19th of this, was on point throughout. Some of South Florida's top turntablists, MCs, and of course party people came together to celebrate the legacy of the legendary DJ. 

With proceeds going directly to Roc Raida's wife and children, the event was organized and hosted by DJ I-Dee, a personal friend and collaborator of Raida's, the Champion Sound crew who hold court every Wednesday at the Electric Pickle, and Last Right's Clothing. Stacked with a thorough lineup of over 10 acts, the night did not disappoint and made it one for the Miami scene to remember. 

With dim red lights, video backdrops and a heavy sound system setting the ambiance at the Pickle, the night kicked off around 11 p.m. as I warmed up the early crowd with some James Brown & Jay-Z cuts. Heads began to fill in as DJ Aliyo jumped on the decks, chopping up a hip-hop acapella and 90s classics in between some X-ecutioner tracks. MC Protoman backed by DJ Rob Riggs was up next, as Proto hyped the standing room floor with a 20-minute mix of party vibes and wordplay that kept the flow of the night moving (instead of having deejay after deejay) and the $5 drink specials pouring.  

Concert Review: Metallica at BankAtlantic Center, October 1

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photo by Sayre Berman
To view a full slideshow of photos from this show, click here.

Metallica
With Gojira and Lamb of God
BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Thursday, October 1

Better Than: Pretty much every other big metal show I've seen this year including, possibly, Iron Maiden at the same venue. (Heresy, maybe, but I felt much more connected to the band this time. See below.)

The Review:

Well, I showed up to the BankAtlantic Center last night a Metallica show virgin and left..... Um, I'll skip the grossest metaphors but today I am feeling used and abused -- in a good way. I am now convinced that Metallica is one of the top five live acts currently touring, hands down. The show was technically flawless and ingenious in its production, seemingly designed purely for the pleasure of fans, and providing nearly two hours of fast, furious fun from the headliners.

While the guys in Metallica may have suffered a little image-wise with Some Kind of Monster, thoughts of group therapy and fine art auctions are quickly wiped away as soon as they take the stage. These are clearly some of the biggest badasses in rock and roll, and they clearly enjoy every minute of being onstage. Oh yeah, and although he gets upstaged in the press by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett is absolutely a guitar god who should be worshipped more properly.

Is that enough fan girl-ism in one paragraph? What's more remarkable is that I entered teh show as a Metallica fan, but not really an obsessive one. But I even left impressed by openers Lamb of God, whose sort of groove-oriented sound usually fails to do much for me on record. This is a band that is unabashedly populist -- they have a song called "Redneck" and dedicate songs to the military -- but as such, they deliver.

Frontman Randy Blythe boasts some of the most impressive vocal control in the genre, with all his various registers of screams booming equally powerfully. In fact, if the metal thing ever gets boring, he could probably have a pretty good run as a pro-wrestling announcer. It even sounds evil when he sings "Happy Birthday," as he did for his bassist John Campbell, who was celebrating his 37th last night -- and who also boasts an incredible wizard-style beard.

Concert Review: Tim Sweeney at Electric Pickle, Saturday, September 26

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photo by Jipsy / Nefariousgirl.com
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Tim Sweeney
Saturday, September 26
Electric Pickle
Miami


Better than: your garden variety house music set.

It was business as usual for the Poplifers on Saturday night with DFA's Tim Sweeney throwing down at the Electric Pickle, the only exception being the turnout, which was somewhat lacking. Where were the hordes of colorful t-shirt-clad hipsters that give Poplife's parties their exceptional tongue-in-chic merriment? This time it was mostly the usual crowd of Pickle die-hards with hardly the volume of people you expect at Poplife's Saturday night soirées. But the joint was certainly not dead and the floor got populated enough by midnight to do the occasion justice.

Poplife resident DJs Aramis, Induce, and Mike Deuce took turns on the decks, warming up the ersatz dancefloor downstairs with their signature collective blend of electro, disco house, assorted funky oldies and miscellaneous bass-heavy bangers. Same deal upstairs where the dance quotient was substantially higher, given the additional floor space.

Concert Review: Juliette Lewis and the New Romantiques at Culture Room, September 27

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Photo by Ian Witlen
Click here to view the slideshow from this event.

Juliette Lewis and the New Romantiques
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Culture Room, Fort Lauderdale

Better Than:
Any ten faux new wave bands.

Three times now, Juliette Lewis has brought her roaring rock circus to our market, and three times now we've shown up in numbers that are almost embarrassing -- not to her, but to us. I mean, I can't count the number of times I've heard folks complain about a national rock act not swinging through South Florida; then when one of the best does come charging in, we barely let it register. Maybe it's just that folks still don't consider Juliette to be a bona fide rock singer. Or perhaps some people just need their beauty sleep. Whatever the reasons, showing up at half strength is shameful.

Thank Zeus Juliette doesn't let a little thing like no-sell-out affect her. And thank Zeus's wife, Hera, that those who did show last night were keen enough to let the lass take control. Because once again Juliette Lewis gave us one of the best shows of the year and those who arrived were rewarded nicely.

Concert Review: Way Out West at Shine, September 19

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photo by Logan Fazio
​To view a full slideshow of photos from the event, click here

Way Out West 
Saturday, September 19 
Shine at the Shelborne South Beach 

Better Than: Watching their live footage on YouTube. 

The Review:

For better or worse, this is less of a proper concert review than my own reflections on the cultural/commercial legacy of Way Out West, after seeing them play. The masses gathered in predictably large numbers for the duo's live performance at Shine last Saturday night, but given the geographic location (SoBe) and the venue's gratuitous general admission before midnight, I'd be willing to bet that the favorable turnout had less to do with the actual booking than the magnetic pull of an upscale Collins nightclub opening its doors to the plebs. 

I find it hard to believe that so many Gen Y'ers even know who Way Out West is, because with all due respect to the duo, they are pretty much a relic of the '90s. This is not to say that their legacy hasn't lived on, nor that the duo's individual members, Nick Warren and Jody Wisternoff, haven't enjoyed illustrious solo careers, because they have -- especially Warren, whose name still garners recognition into the late 2000s for his Global Underground compilation mixes. 

I'm the last person to judge an artist on the basis of their mainstream relevance or popularity, being the underground music fetishist that I am. But that's precisely the problem I want to address, because Way Out West are as mainstream as it comes. Among other pop accolades, their track "Don't Forget Me" was featured in season two of Grey's Anatomy, "Melt" had an appearance in The O.C., and an excerpt of "The Gift" is used for the title theme on the MTV show True Life

But to their credit, they did in fact help pioneer that flamboyant big-room vocal prog house sound that has come to embody the dance mainstream, and when they were pioneering it in the '90s, it presumably didn't sound like the dismal washed-out commercial dirge infecting the airwaves today, but rather like something fresh and relevant to that time.

Concert Review: Help! featuring Flees, Dooms de Pop, Alex Nelson, and more at The Bubble, September 20

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via myspace.com/lazerbeastband
Lazer Beast
Help! Featuring Sloane Peterson, Lazer Beast, Flees, Dooms de Pop, Alex Nelson, and Sweet Bronco
The Bubble, Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, September 19, 2009

Better Than: Later that night at the Poor House, where the Bubble crowd usually gathers and where the lead singer of some unnamed cover band - gasp! - danced on the bar and surely disturbed the gentle sensibilites of the bar's uber-hip patrons.

The Review:

It's hard not to gush over the Fort Lauderdale venue/gallery/space-for-all-things-DIY known as the Bubble. Kick-ass art by various local creative types litters the walls. Impressive local, eclectic musical lineups help pass the time. And the space's owners, Garo Gallo and Yvonne Colon, never charge more than $10, which gets you two beers and usually about five or six bands.

This past Saturday at the venue marked another sundry musical cocktail that included metal, thrash punk, indie, alternative singer-songwriter stuff, and folk. Called "Help!," the occasion was promoted as a fundraiser -- though at the last event I attended, Gallo stressed that "every event [at the Bubble] is technically a fundraiser." 

I mused over these words and the importance of artists having access to such a space as I walked in around 9 p.m. My thoughts, however, were drowned out by loads of feedback, as Delray metal trio Lazer Beast started their soundcheck. The band -- made up of Matty Deathclamp, Tim Finamus, and Joe Sickness -- mixes doom metal, southern sludge, and bone-rattling bass for aconcoction that both embraces self-parody and befits descents into clammy dungeons. Lead singer/screecher/guitarist Deathclamp stole the show, earning best-dressed award for sporting a rockin' mullet (think Kenny Powers) and an ensemble complete with tight gray jeans, a jean vest, and white Reebok Pumps with a fluorescent orange lightning bolt along the side. 


Concert Review: The Rat Opera at Tobacco Road, September 19

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Who stole this Rat Bastard photo cut-out?
Hearing Damage: The Rat Opera
Tobacco Road, Miami 
Saturday, September 19, 2009 

Better Than: Reminiscing at home by yourself about Rat Bastard's courageous and outrageous accomplishments. 

The Review: 

For more than two decades Frank Falestra, better known as Rat Bastard, has shaped the South Florida music scene. A masterful producer and an eminent luminary in the noise music movement, Rat Bastard is without a doubt one of the most admired local heroes. As such, for many years, all kinds of mind-blowing stories have circulated about Rat Bastard's biography. 

So to pay tribute to his friend and mentor, Rob Elba (of the Holy Terrors) and friend Brian Franklin set to work. Last year, they started writing a musical -- yes, really -- based on Rat Bastard's life. The project has been dubbed Hearing Damage: the Rat Opera, and this past Saturday evening marked its first public performance, at Tobacco Road in downtown Miami. The atmosphere was one of celebration, with Mr. Bastard himself making the rounds and catching up with old friends.

Concert Review: Skream and Benga at White Room, September 16

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Photo by Troy Kurtz
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Skream and Benga
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
White Room, Miami


Better Than: Staying home on a Wednesday night.

Dubstep has arrived. Sort of.

Wednesday, White Room hosted two of the genre's biggest icons, Skream and Benga. The British DJs have achieved almost cult status in the States. They aren't necessarily bringing the crowds Tiësto pulls (not that I consider that a bad thing), but there was definitely a sizable crowd at the downtown venue for a weeknight.

If you aren't familiar with dubstep, it's an offshoot of drum & bass. Except where drum & bass is characterized by fast breakbeats, dubstup slows things down to the point that it can test a person's patience. It shares more similarities to the beats found in Miami bass and southern hip-hop, so its success in the Magic City isn't at all surprising.

The night started with sets by local DJs Damaged Goods (Misfit Fridays) and Juan Basshead (Get Low). While it isn't a stretch for Basshead to spinning at this sort of event (you can catch him at every monthly Get Low event at the Vagabond -- seriously, don't miss it), Damaged Goods is usually confined to spinning your standard Top 40/hip-hop fare during his Misfit sets at Louis. It was nice to see him break out of it and show how much he really loves and embraces dubstep. He had the whole crowd nodding and awkwardly jerking their bodies (standard dubstep dance moves) during his entire set.

Concert Review: Rootz Underground at Pulp Live, September 16

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photo by David I. Muir
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Rootz Underground 
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 
Pulp Live, Fort Lauderdale 

Better Than: Breaking the law and getting away with it. 

The Review: 

There are two words to describe the music of Rootz Underground: "rebel rock." And from the looks of what transpired Wednesday night, rebellion in all its rockin' glory was at hand. It's been over a year since Rootz's last live show in South Florida -- the band's last performance being the Transatlantic Festival presented by Rhythm Foundation at the North Beach Bandshell. So the crowd that came out to see the band at Pulp Live this past Wednesday was eager as ever. Well, eager might be an understatement; it was more like anxious

While DJ of the night, reggae connoisseur Jah Stream, played a heavy-handed set of conscious roots-infused reggae, the buzz inside the small venue was quickly becoming more intense. 

"They just arrested the lead singer of Rootz Underground outside!" one patron informed the crowd. 

"The cops are outside and they wanna come in and raid the place so if you got weed on you, throw it out," yelled another.

Concert Review: 30 Years of Churchill's, 30 Years of Punk, September 12

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photo by Sarah Tyler
​To view a full slideshow from the event, click here. 

30 Years of Churchill's, 30 Years of Punk 
Churchill's Pub, Miami 
Saturday, September 12, 2009 

Better Than: Getting drenched anywhere else.

The Review:

The 30-year anniversary celebration at Churchill's this past Saturday night seemed largely like business as usual, except three times as crowded, hot, and smoky. The bands on the lineup were those that have popped up often in the venue's history, and it was near impossible to get a drink. But all this provided a comforting assurance that all was right in the universe -- how better to celebrate a place than to revel in its very essence? 

Even the schedule was running hopelessly behind -- again, just how it should have been. The event was conceived as a full-on festival, a fun conceit, with schedules of set times posted. Bands were ostensibly meant to alternate between the main stage and the back patio theater, with little lag in between. I'm not sure at which point that derailed. I arrived a little before midnight to catch, I think, the beginning of Boy Prostitute's set -- a band that, according to the posted schedule, was supposed to have gone on around 10:30. But who really cares? The Churchill's ethos is a welcome antithesis of the tight set times and curfews of more formal venues. This is South Florida; nobody wants to worry about getting to a show at the posted start time.

Concert Review: Glass Candy at Vagabond, September 11

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Photo by Michael Maryanoff
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Glass Candy
Friday, September 11, 2009
Vagabond, Miami


Better than:
Most live performers I've seen, when it comes to sheer energy, personality, and grit onstage.

Hot damn, did all the hipsters come out of the woodwork for the Glass Candy show on Friday night! I've never seen such a massive turnout for what is still a considerably obscure band (as far as the mainstream is concerned, anyways) and at a venue which normally caters to a smaller indie cognoscenti crowd. I mean, there aren't that many hipsters in downtown Miami, are there? Maybe the hype surrounding Glass Candy simply preceded them that night, or maybe I'm just underestimating the general musical savvy and good taste of Miami's nightlife set.

By midnight the line outside Vagabond had reached critical mass, stretching all the way down NE Miami Ct. The place was practically at wall-to-wall full capacity when I made it in, so I wouldn't be surprised if at least a handful of the additional hundred or so people outside got turned down at the door. Off The Radar's DJ Danny Ashe had the party bumpin' in the front room with a selection of classic and new funky favorites. You can't go wrong with the Vag's Friday night $1 beer specials, of which I partook copious amounts before heading into the main room where Glass Candy would take stage around 1 a.m.

Concert Review: Depeche Mode at the BankAtlantic Center, September 5

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Depeche Mode
With Peter, Bjorn & John
BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Saturday, September 5, 2009

Better Than:
Any other show I've been to this year -- seriously.

The Review:

There are reasons why Depeche Mode is so often called "critic-proof." The group's performance this past Saturday night at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise was, in a word, transcendent. That sounds like hyperbole, but ask any of the nearly 20,000 people in attendance that night. The performance drew its strength from a simple, powerful stage show; flawless, haunting renditions of its classic material; and of course, the adoration of those 20,000.

Frontman Dave Gahan, synth-pop's brooding pin-up, is still shamanic in his focused intensity, and despite a very recent battle with a bladder tumor, looks fit and shiny. Songwriter and guitarist Martin Gore's presence is more understated, but no less dramatic. It is in Gore, with his silver sequined three-piece suit, seemingly eyebrow-less face, and sighing, dramatic vocal deliveries that the influence of David Bowie is most strongly felt.

Concert Review: Dubfest at Hollywood ArtsPark, September 5

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Bunny Wailer
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DubFest
Featuring Bunny Wailer, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, and others
Hollywood ArtsPark at Young Circle
Saturday, September 5, 2009


Better Than:
Anything that has come to the ArtsPark in a very long time.

The Review:

Last Saturday, the rain just wouldn't let up. By the time 2:00 p.m. rolled around, yet another burst of storm clouds descended on downtown Hollywood. Promoters from AEG Live, along with DubFest's dozen vendors, looked annoyed as they scrambled to stay dry. But still, the steady stream of concertgoers kept clamoring through the barricades, overly energetic and fearless in the face of rain. These weren't your typical South Beach nightclub enthusiast, after all, but diehard festival pros. A little water wouldn't deter their Croc-wearing dancing feet! So where did these people come from, anyways?

"We drove all the way from Saint Augustine," screamed one DubFester in the crowd. Others said they came from as far north as Gainesville and as far south as Key West. By the end of the day, some 3500 dub-heads showed up to consume Hawaiian lager Kona Beer (their Fire Rock Pale Ale is awesome!) and jammed to 10 hours straight of live music.

Concert Review: the Jean Marie, Arboles Libres, Static Moon, and Pretty Please at Churchill's, September 4

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via myspace.com/prettyprettyplease
Pretty Please
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The Jean Marie, Arboles Libres, Pretty Please, and Static Moon
Churchill's Pub, Miami
Friday, September 4, 2009


Better Than: Paying 20 bucks to loiter at your favorite lackluster South Beach club and end up holding your best friend's hair back in the WC

The Review:


Despite a pretty stellar local lineup, this past Friday night Churchill's was devoid of anyone besides the usual patrons. "They think the rain's acid," opined doorman Chris Hubbard, glancing at the faithful few. The previous evening, he said, only six people had come to the scheduled show. (Well, technically five -- there was a refund to consider.) And though at 8:30 on Friday, things looked bleak, within two hours the pub's empty dance floor filled up with spastic dancing and head bobs.

The evening began with a set by John Paul Sindoni, who performs as Static Moon. While a talented multi-instrumentalist, Sindoni seems to fancy himself the next Trent Reznor, with lyrics evoking the typical LiveJournal post on loneliness and the decay of human existence. This was mostly set to a unimpressive use of four strings on a massively down-tuned guitar.

But the music took an upswing with the next set, by Arboles Libres. The local trio -- comprised of Juan Londono, Eddie Moreno, and Anthony Genovese -- got the crowd off its feet, effortlessly weaving through a barrage of chords and blues licks that would make Eric Clapton blush.

Concert Review: Young Money America's Most Wanted at BankAtlantic Center

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Lil Wayne
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My friend and I wandered into the BAC's backstage area, hoping to find Lil Wayne. I had my video camera and was able to interview DJ Khaled and T-Streets before being escorted out of the area by a very large security guard. "Just go put your camera away and come back," he said.

I spoke with one of Young Money's new female artists, Shanell on the way out. "I wrote the lyrics and the melody to Prom Queen," she said, "Its an honor to write a song for Lil Wayne. For him to trust me, I must be pretty good at what I do. Wayne's show has a hip-hop and rap section. Then he plays his more 'catered for the ladies' R & B, his rock section, he has me come up and sing Lollipop and Prom Queen, and then the rest of the Young Money artists perform. Theres dancers, performers, a light show, pyrotechnics, its a big show." 

I went back to the car and put my video camera away, but mission accomplished, sort of.

When I returned, I had missed Soulja Boy's performance, but Young Jeezy was onstage kicking some serious ass. Jeezy had a live band with a horn section, guitar, bass, keyboards, and a sick drummer that was playing like an African-American Keith Moon. I thought that he was going to throw his drum sticks into the audience after every song. 

Concert Review: Can I Say II at Cinema Paradiso, August 30

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photo by Ian Witlen
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To view a slideshow of photos from the event, click here.

CP Rocks Presents: Can I Say-Sunday II
With Tongues of the Heartworm and Anchorman
Cinema Paradiso, Fort Lauderdale
Sunday, August 30, 2009

Better Than:
An hour-long sermon

The Review:


This past Sunday marked the second installment of longtime local promoter Mark Pollack's "Can I Say Sunday" series at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale. Conceived as a vinyl record swap, music-movie screening, and show, the event again came together brilliantly in the inviting surroundings of this former Methodist church.

The evening started tamely enough, as vinyl collectors hunted down records in the theater's patio, before heading inside to check out the documentary The House of The Rising Punk. The one-hour film chronicles the high holy days of late '70s, CBGB-era New York punk--and it wetted viewer's whistles for the local live acts to follow.

Club Review: Jellybean Benitez at the Vagabond, August 30

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photo by Michael Maryanoff
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Jellybean Benitez
The Vagabond, Miami
Saturday, August 30, 2009

Better Than:
Any other house music night in town.

The Review:


In the realm of cool and soulful DJs there will always be a warm place reserved for the fantastic Jellybean Benitez. As one of the most influential producers/DJs from the anything-goes '80s club scene in New York, Benitez's energetic mixing style helped define what we now know as house music.

Part of his legendary reputation was forged when he produced the single "Holiday" for a then-up-and-coming singer known as Madonna. He also remixed all of the early tracks from Madge's now classic debut album. So obviously, Saturday night at the Vagabond was an excellent opportunity to catch a brilliant and legendary DJ throw down a tight set. 
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