Editor’s Note: The following is written by ROSCO at ShowSanctuary. ShowSanctuary is two brothers’ take on the live music scene, providing the lowdown on the concerts to catch and undiscovered artists to follow. The brothers are devoted contributors to the TicketStumbler Blog.

Artist: WILLY MASON

Genre: BLUES, ROOTS, FOLK

Mr. Mason,

I wanted to write and tell the world. I wanted to tell everyone why – why you are the next big thing. I’ve wanted to for a while. But, I need more evidence to back up the claim. So, instead, here is my letter to you. Because, I’ve been wondering… Where are you Willy?

All the best,

Fan

Mason needed only to play four chords from his guitar and my ear was glued; stuck to the sounds radiating from the car speakers. It was the first time I’d heard Mason, who was strumming the chords of Save Myself- a simplistically arranged, soulful single. After he sang the first few lines, the sound was lodged inside my skull. It became superglued to my brain, forever remaining in memory.

When I heard it, I checked the radio dial for the station number. I mean, I knew it wasn’t the disco station. It sounded almost like country. But, not quite. More blues- but blues with a pop. Folky, sort of. It was, it seemed, somehow more…mysterious.

I knew one thing- it was good. When I got home, I checked out the rest of Mason’s tunes online. Then, in order to pay the artist his due, I purchased (rather than pirated) his album. Each additional track subsequently became superglued.

Mason is a hybrid of all that which is great from the past. Actually, he is the direct descendant of one of the greatest minds in the 19th century (philosopher William James). But I’m talking about his music. Think of Johnny Cash meets Bob Dylan, with some Springsteen sprinkled in. Like each, his voice has grit. It’s been broken in- but still sturdy. Also, his lyrics are more than a mere reflection of that voice. The words dig deep. They’re not overdramatic, but not boring either. Put simply, they leave an impression.

He could be just as good as his predecessors, maybe better. He could be…

Problem is, Willy went away for a while. Nobody knows where he’s been. He released his sophomore album, If the Ocean Gets Rough, in March of 2007. On October 15th of 2007, he left a note on his MySpace profile. In the first sentence he writes: all posted oct/nov tour dates have been officially cancelled as of this weekened; an unfortunate but necessary decision as i must be with my family at this time.

That first sentence seems to have an ominous tone. Mason goes on to graciously apologize to fans. Additionally, he promises that more songs and shows will be delivered in the future.

Regardless of whether or not Mason continues his career, one particular fan wishes him all the best with issues at home. I imagine that he could have a flourishing career. I mean, in my mind, its already been pretty great. But, that’s not what matters. Some things are just more important. Mason seems to realize that… Maybe that’s why his voice has all that grit?

Editor’s Note: The following is written by Jackson at ShowSanctuary. ShowSanctuary is two brothers’ take on the live music scene, providing the lowdown on the concerts to catch and undiscovered artists to follow. The brothers are devoted contributors to the TicketStumbler Blog.

Here’s some shows I’m liking this weekend. Click on the links for tickets!

Thursday 1/29/09

Thievery Corporation @ 9:30 Club Washington, DC – DC’s very own Thievery Corporation is showing off their mix of dub, jazz, classical and Brazilian, with a heavy political sentiment. Their sound is one of a kind and definitely worth checking out. Additional Thievery Corporation shows!

Keller Williams @ The Social in Orlando, FL – Keller’s unique style has been pleasing fans for years. His ultra-creative guitar skills and stage presence will blow you away. Additional Keller William shows!

Friday 1/30

John Legend @ Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater – I’ve been a big fan of Legends’ soulful ways since Day 1. Although I’ve yet to see him live, I’ve heard he sounds spot-on to his albums. He’s sure to treat the lucky South Floridians to a groovin show. Additional John Legend shows.

Saturday 1/31

Citizen Cope @ Neighborhood Theater in Charlotte, NC – I know we talk about this man a lot, but we absolutely love his vibe. Definitely check him out when you get the chance. Additional Citizen Cope dates.

Sunday 2/1

WATCH SUPER BOWL XXXXIII

Editor’s Note: The following is written by ROSCO at ShowSanctuary. ShowSanctuary is two brothers’ take on the live music scene, providing the lowdown on the concerts to catch and undiscovered artists to follow. The brothers are devoted contributors to the TicketStumbler Blog.

Artist: ANDREW BIRD

Album: NOBLE BEAST

Release Date: JANUARY 20, 2009

Andrew Bird is now the only artist that Show Sanctuary has deemed worthy of two articles. When we first wrote of him in September of 2008, he was categorized as an Artist Under the Radar. Since then, however, he’s become a glowing light on the radar screen. His aircraft, however, remains a UFO.

Critics have tried to lump him together with the indie music genre, though his music defies categorization. In fact, in fact it seems plausible that Bird has single-handedly began a music revolution, creating his very own genre in the process. But, without a familiar genre to place it in, his music is still a mystery.

So, just who is Andrew Bird? What are his talents? Or should we say, what talent does he lack? There is seldom an artist who is as proficient in as many instruments, styles, rhythms, and moods. In addition to his guitar, Bird will use the violin, a mandolin, or even a glockenspiel to put you under his musical trance. Or, he may just simply whistle.

Whistling has become a signature technique for Bird, intertwining it with his voice and instruments to create heavy, elegant tracks. It illustrates an element of genius in Bird’s work. Using a natural music-maker which we all share, Bird has added a piece to his music that extends it beyond that of his peers. Bird makes it look easy, begging the question: How come no one else has thought of that?

In March of 2007, Bird released his breakthrough album- Armchair Apocrypha. Though it went gold, the album did not seem to cement Bird among the new artist elite (though it certainly should have). Listening to the tracks on Noble Beast, it becomes clear that the same mistake will not be made twice. Every track is a gem, with every piece set perfectly where Bird has placed it. His ear never makes a mistake, leaving our ears yearning for more.

TOUR DATES:

1/26/09 Brooklyn, New York

1/28/09 New York, New York

1/30/09 Boston, Massachusetts

2/02/09 Richmand, Virginia

2/03/09 Washington, DC

2/04/09 Atlanta, Georgia

2/06/09 Orlando, Florida

Meiko has come a long way since being a cocktail waitress just over a year ago.  Releasing her self-titled debut album on myspace in September of 2007, Meiko has catapulted herself from serving martini’s to LA’s finest to appearing on some LA’s finest television shows.  This mellow singer-songwriter combines her talents of songwriting with her smooth as silk voice to create an immediate coffee-house atmosphere anywhere her music is heard.  After listening to Meiko’s album several times through, I can refer only to the album’s appeal as the “it” factor.  Something about the honesty in her voice combined with the perfect melodies makes it near impossible to skip a track; something can be rarely said about a full album.  The stand out song on the album is obviously Boy’s With Girlfriends.

The hook in the chorus never seems to get old leaving you yearning to hear the chorus one more time even after the song is over.  Another great draw about this song is that it begins with just the keyboard and vocals and immediately after the climax of the bridge, it drops back into the chorus reduced to just keyboard and vocals; coming full circle and making the listener feel complete.  The other tracks on the album that carry an upbeat but, easy going tone are How Lucky We Are, Heard It All Before, and Walk By.

A great album is always defined by the last song, and this one is exception.  Meiko’s slow and haunting song Hawaii projects the same feel as Damien Rice’s Cheer’s Darling. The lyrics taken alone appear to be something written for an overly optimistic song strummed on an up-tempo guitar.  Somehow, they end up fitting perfectly behind an eerie slow tune that sets a melancholic ambiance that makes you allow the CD to go back to the first track and start all over again just to get back to the optimistic singer-songwriter you first met.  That being said, I have fallen asleep while listening to this album multiple times; and that’s a good thing!

Patrick Kennedy

patrick.kennedy@ourvinyl.com

After much anticipation, myself and a close group of friends headed out to the Newport Music Hall to see the first of two sold out Girl Talk shows in Columbus this weekend. Doors were at 7 P.M. and when we pulled into the parking garage across the street at the OSU Student Union, the line already stretched down the block.

The crowd was interesting to say the least. Think lots of hot pink tights and silver spandex accentuated with blatant panty lines. Young boys in old t-shirts reppin‘ their nonexistent days of Steve Erkel and Pac Man and metallic headbands across the forehead like something out of an MGMT video. Some went for the club kids look while others sported the high neon stilettos and mini dresses that scream “I had to put this on in the parking lot cause mom would kill me if she saw what I bought with her credit card.”

After checking out the crowd the plan was to start drinking and at a rather alarming speed. Average wait for a drink: 42 seconds. It’s not like any of these kids were legal. Potato salad container beers for $7 and Smirnoff Ice bottles (cause Candice rolls high class) for $4.50, $4.25, $5 or whatever other varying amount the bartender wanted to charge you.

The first band stepped out onto the stage at around 7:30 P.M. Some rap group whose name I didn’t even catch muffled under their ski masks and the apple they were eating and spitting out on stage. It was a little ridiculous. Something out of a seventh mile rap battle featuring white dudes who want to tell it like it is while picking out two random chicks from the audience to dance on stage. To all aspiring artists out there, please do not ever do this. Not even Snoop Dogg can make this look cool and lord knows he’s tried. Not only is it pathetic but it’s so awkward that even the crowd can help but feel embarrassed watching young white college girls trying to hype the crowd by shaking their Jo Jeans and silk cami’s. No. Sorry. Try again.

If that wasn’t bad enough, out came a band called Hearts of Darkness. I would hyperlink to them however they don’t even have a website. I even have a website. Think screamo indie wannabes performing at their high school talent show that had no tryout requirement. Not even these tweaked out youngsters thought they were worth a decent ovation. We went outside a good three times to join the smokers in the bitter cold just to avoid the terrible sounds this band let out. While out there we planned making money in our own band. Hey… if these guys can score a gig, we should be able to pull it off too. I can surly hit a tambourine better than this jabroni.

After they moved off stage the crowd began to chant for Girl Talk. But not too fast, kiddos. Gregg Gillis was going for a THIRD opener. What a diva! This was getting a little irritating, yet luckily the white rap duo from Pittsburgh, Grand Buffet, albeit quirky and odd were actually halfway decent. Lyrics were a little out there with the closing song titled My Cream Cheese Money, but they were there to hype the crowd and they definitely seemed to get the job done.

Finally around 10 P.M. Girl Talk takes the stage. Gregg comes out and stands post at a simple table with a Toughbook computer and some other electronic equipment I won’t pretend to know anything about. He opens up the stage and people jump right up. Now I see the point of the eccentric outfits. The goal is to be seen on stage by everyone else, which was never more apparent than when girls spent the entire concert not enjoying the music and dancing, but rather fighting for their spot next to Gregg and along his table. (I’m talking to you red head girl in white tee and wrap scarf. That bouncer only tried to get you off ten times. You’re a persistent – and obnoxious – one, aren’t ya?)

The crowd was moving. People were sweating. Some even tried to crowd surf which never really turns out that well; Leave that to the Primus fans – at least they practice in their basement first. A slew of drunk girls holding onto the sides of the stacked speakers just trying to hold themselves up and look sexy doing it (FAIL). Toilet paper on paint rollers attached to leaf blowers and buckets of confetti kept the crowd looking up, which was necessary in order to dodge the glow sticks flying through the air. If you weren’t there to dance, you needed to leave and some did just that.

If you expected to hear some of your favorite songs from Feed the Animals or Night Ripper, you would have been sorely disappointed. While many of his song combinations were ones that he used before, his live mixes don’t incorporate nearly as many songs as those on his album.

Overall it was a great show. I would have showed up three hours later had I know that there was going to be three separate opening acts, but if the point was to get us drunk before GirlTalk took the stage, they succeed as we only had time and beers to kill.

I have to give much respect to the man himself. Mr. Gillis has the body of a marathon runner which comes from his strenuous performances. It’s just him up there running the show and it’s his job to keep the crowd going. He is in a constant state of trashing and clapping that has him working up an unbelievable sweat. Aerobics on speed, if you will. After attending a Girl Talk concert, I can’t think of a better name than Feed the Animals. That’s certainly what he does.

I can’t think of too many other bands I would rather see live than My Morning Jacket. I saw them for the fourth time on December 27th at the Chicago Theatre and just like the three previous concerts I attended, I was left utterly amazed. MMJ rocks out bringing their country-folk sound (from Louisville, Kentucky), adventurous psychedelic rock, and extended jam sessions all into one distinct genre that is My Morning Jacket. The great thing about this band is that there is something for everyone. Few people can attend a My Morning Jacket show and not appreciate their unique sense of rock and get personally involved with the performance.

Many of us Chicagoans were waiting over two months for this show as it was rescheduled from its original October date. The band has been on break since a night in October in which the lead singer Jim James fell off the stage. Luckily, he wasn’t seriously hurt and the folks at the Chicago Theatre looked out for him by placing red tape along the edge of the stage for this performance.

You couldn’t tell that Jim was injured or that they had taken a mandatory two month break. This set of Chicago shows was close to the end of the Kentucky-based quintet’s Evil Urges tour.

I attended the first of two nights and witnessed a twenty-four song set list. While this doesn’t compare to the four hour long Bonnaroo set in a rainstorm, it lasted a good two and a half hours and was enough to satisfy. The show was dominated by many of the songs from their new album Evil Urges, but of course included a variety from their entire catalog. The show opened with the new album titled single Evil Urges and followed the album order onto Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Part 1. This served as an intro into the high energy rock anthem and crowd pleaser Off the Record. Also, in the early end of the expansive set list I was pleased to hear I’m Amazed, my favorite song off of the new album. Other personal highlights for me included the epic song Mahgeeta and the beautifully moving Where To Begin. The slow song, Librarian, was performed with Jim under a solo spotlight on the side of the stage. The relatively rowdy crowd relaxed for a bit on this and let Jim have his moment and his vocals shine.

The second half of the set included an old tune, War Begun, with a long extended jam session to please the veteran fans. Followed by a couple of songs I am in love with: Phone Went West and a longer version of Gideon. On stage throughout all the songs was a full-spectrum light show that had more variety between each of the songs than I imagined, but still had the My Morning Jacket smoky fog that I expected. Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Part 2 closed the set before a four song encore.

The classic song Wordless Chorus opened up the encore and was followed by the highly robotic standoffish track Highly Suspicious. I will be the first admit that I am not a fan of this song on the album and that the quirky squeals get a little under my skin. But I didn’t hate this song live, it was full of energy, deep bass and brought a different element of surprise to the show. The night ended with Anytime and One Big Holiday, arguably two songs that showcase the band’s best talent and when heard live have the power to freeze time and give you a rush throughout your body.

With 2008 coming to an end, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on what music I have most appreciated this year (or really just copy the idea from every other music blog that comes up with year-end lists). Anyway, here is mine. I’m not going to justify every single ranking because I am basing this list on what albums I appreciate as being well executed or just simply what I listen to for pure enjoyment (see my six year obsession with Eminem).

And without further ado:

1. TV on the Radio – Dear Science (Shout Me Out): No surprise here. I’ve been in love with this album for months. It’s completely solid from start to finish. The songs are unexpected, complex and still yet very catchy.

2. Fleet Foxes – Self Titled (White Winter Hymnal): For anyone who likes the southern reverb style of My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses. This album is chillingly beautiful and full of emotion.

3. Of Montreal – Skeletal Lamping (Beware Our Nubile Miscreants): If you can past all of the sexual innuendos and general weirdness, this is a really captivating indie pop album. I’ve never seen Of Montreal live, but judging by this song, it looks like it would be a real trip.

4. Sigur Ros – Meo Suo i Eyrum Vio Spilum Endalaust (Inni Mer Syngur Vitleysingur): One of the best albums from the ambient Hopelandic (Sigur Ros’ made up language) singing group. Sigur Ros is difficult to describe, but they always move me and take me to a surreal place.

5. Vampire Weekend – Self Titled (Oxford Comma): It’s easy to criticize these guys, but impossible not to sing along to every song. If you live under a rock and subsequently have not heard these boys yet, you’re doing yourself a great disservice.

6. She & Him – Volume One (Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?): She, Zooey Deschanel (actress from Almost Famous, Failure to Launch and Weeds) and Him, M. Ward (folk-friendly singer and songwriter), made their first record together which has turned out to be nearly every one’s new favorite.

7. Drive By Truckers – Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (A Ghost to Most): This southern rock/country album actually got me listening to some country this year. A great feat all in itself.

8. Santogold – Self Titled (Lights Out): Santogold is best friends with M.I.A. so basically I’m just really, really jealous of her and so I put her new hit album on this list. Obviously, I’m abnormally obsessed with M.I.A. I love the energy of this CD and apparently so does everyone else which is why you’ve heard this song on Bud Light commercials.

9. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago (Skinny Love): This album has a quiet acoustic production with extremely emotional vocals. It’s very inspiring and this song will blow you away.

10. Hot Chip – Made In The Dark (Ready For The Floor): Hot Chip is an electronic dance pop band. Made In The Dark is super energetic and will get you ready for anything.

11. Girl Talk – Feed the Animals (Still Here): A prefect party mix; Greg Gillis is back mashing up your America’s Top Forty favorites.

12. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours (Lights & Music): This album is addicting! It’s a dance inciting electronic pop album with a really cool 80’s vibe.

13. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive (Sequestered in Memphis): While not my favorite album by The Hold Steady, it’s still worth the hype. I can never get enough of Craig’s crazy stories.

14. M83 – Saturdays =Youth (Kim & Jessie): M83 is a French electronic band that has a nostalgic, soft spoken feel to them. They have an extensive use of instrumental effects that create music that encompasses you.

15. The Cool Kids – The Bake Sale (Bassment Party): The only hip-hop album on my list so you know this must be the shit.

16. Sun Kil Moon – April (Lost Versus): April is packed with extended acoustic ballads. You will find the songs to be very soothing and if you listen carefully enough, you can even hear Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie in there.

17. The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely (Old Enough): This is the sophomore CD for Jack White’s second project (first being the White Stripes, obvi). It’s exciting to listen, not to mention, the guitar hammers will put you in awe.

18. Okkervil River – The Stand Ins (Lost Coastlines): I read in a magazine article once that Okkervil River was for your grandpa. Whatever. I just hope this means more grandpa driven wheel barrel rides around the house.

19. Animal Collective – Water Curses EP (Water Curses): There are only four sounds on this EP, but I’ve always been one for quality over quantity. Some people get the Animal Collective and some people don’t so just go ahead and judge for yourself.

20. Mates of State – Rearrange Us (My Only Offer): The best album to be released by this married duo yet. Catchy enough for your mom. Cool enough for you.

21. MGMT – Oracular Specatcular (Time to Pretend): This single turned out to be the anthem of the summer making it’s way onto every one’s iPod. Time to Pretend and the nine other tracks added a fresh alternative sound to this year. This gets Ashley’s vote for best album too.

22. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges (I’m Amazed): Yet another classic album by these Kentucky rockers. I still can’t stand the freak out song, Highly Suspicious, but the other songs make up for it plenty.

23. Conor Oberst – Self Titled (Sausalito): The lead singer of Bright Eyes is out with his first solo CD. Stretching more of his folk influence here, he remained even more true to his magnificent song writing ability.

24. Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs (Grapevine Fires): This isn’t my favorite Death Cab album by any means, but it is very easy to listen to. As a whole, and what you have come to expect from this veteran band, it’s pretty damn good and more of what you love.

25. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zooner (Fine Young Cannibals): Fun Fact – this CD was recorded in the church owned by Arcade Fire in Quebec, Canada. Wolf Parade does experimental rock and while I wish it were a bit punchier, I find this album to be really interesting.

Lyrics:  WADING IN THE VELVET SEA

Editor’s Note: The following is written by ROSCO at ShowSanctuary. ShowSanctuary is two brothers’ take on the live music scene, providing the lowdown on the concerts to catch and undiscovered artists to follow. The brothers are devoted contributors to the TicketStumbler Blog.

Album:  THE STORY OF THE GHOST

Band:  PHISH

I took a moment from my day

Wrapped it up in things you say

Mailed it off to your address

You’ll get it pretty soon unless

The packaging begins to break

And all the points I’d tried to make

Are tossed with thoughts into a bin

Time leaks out, my life leaks in

You won’t find moments in a box

And someone else will set your clocks

I took a moment from my day

And wrapped it up in things you say

…and mailed it off to you

I’ve been wading in the velvet sea

I’ve been wading in the velvet sea

I’ve been wading in the velvet sea

I’ve been wading in the velvet sea

TOUR DATES:

Summer 2009 Reunion Tour is in the works