EchoesLocation

So, I've been watching America's Next Top Model but not really reporting how I feel about it. There are 4 left at this point and my favorite from day one McKey is still in there. Looking at the rest of the girls, who are all gorgeous in their own ways, I could see McKey winning the whole thing. I think she has grown as a model and gotten more comfortable as the show's progressed. I think her face is unique and her height and body type look like they could work for both runway and magazines. With that said, my second favorite is Samantha mainly because she seems like a normal person. She's really grown on me. Her photos have been consistently pretty though also a little misguided. Her natural shot from this past episode was stunning and her personality and comfort as a model seemed to come out in it. Annaleigh I think is attractive and has a great body and personality for modeling but there is something about her that I just can't get behind and I can't put my finger on it. Marjorie and Elina both have taken good pictures but It's not a stretch to say that they both seem to have not really improved much and their personalities as the show projects have been a little grating, Elina with the ice princess exterior and Marjorie as a spaz. I think the finals will come down to Annaleigh and McKey and I could see either winning. Annaleigh's character and personality may take it for her but McKey could swing the vote with sheer talent and potential. This seasons weak but I think the voting has been more accurate than years past and I look forward to the seeing who wins.

jeremy

Heidi Klum you wonderful creature you. Not only are you one of the most attractive and well dressed people in the world but you also created one of the most addictive reality TV shows in the universe. Most of the cast member and contestants are talented and those that lack in talent have personalities that just make for great television. You've crafted a format that puts me in my seat week after week and forces me to hush people...I NEVER hush people. I usually get hushed. If you look the the left you'll see Heidi and her flawless skin and hair and clothing. Who better to judge peoples design sense but her. The only thing that I ask of the show is to perhaps step outside and do a few more men's outfits. I know I know, they can be a little boring but sometimes it's nice to see a well constructed male pant and jacket. I'm just saying. My one complaint aside this show is almost as flawless as Heidi is and for that, Heidi (and Bravo!) I thank you. See you next Wednesday. I'll sit on my hands until then.

TVOTR
I've had a few days with this new TV On The Radio. It took me about 7 minutes to get what they were doing. I heard the single "Golden Age" and was automatically put off by the upbeat nature of the track. When it comes to TV on the Radio I find sanctuary in the seemingly bleak and dreadful mood of the albums. The sensual nature of the songs cut by layers of tracks that sound like they were crafted in a dark tunnel in the early AM hours. This album definitely has a more hopeful vibe but when you inspect the lyrics, they are still questioning people motives on a small scale, large scale and at their own front doors. The lyrics are as self deprecating as they are inquisitory. The dread is hidden by BPM's and a jazzed up horn section courtesy of Antibalas. The Afro Beat influence is there. What's also more apparent to me this go round is the two singers separate writing styles, singing styles and personalities. The duets are toned down which makes for a much more diverse album. I'm not gonna get into a full on record review here, although it's probably too late, but I will say if you are a fan you will be pleased with the evolution of the band. They keep it close to home but also add these touches album by album that keeps things interesting.

jeremy

Two nights ago I made the trek to Kelly's Olympian downtown. A place that I'd been once before and wasn't terribly impressed with. The clientele is a little sketch. The type of place that drunk 'dudes' introduce themselves to you for no reason and you walk away knowing he won't remember you 10 seconds later and you on the other hand will be left mentioning said interaction with a visible question mark over your head in your next blog entry. Downtown is just not the place for me but that is not the reason we are here is it?
Hot Victory
I went to Kelly's to catch Hot Victory. A band that I'd seen by accident once before at Slabtown and was really into. I thought about the syncopated drums and noise they created for days following that show. There is something about the two drummers lack of compromise for anything but one another that just gets me going. The punches of 'accessibility' you hear popped into the structures is reassuring but its the disconnection that makes the music so wonderful. They played about 30 minutes or so before their surprise made an entrance. The L.R.S.D.(Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers) storms into the venue and joins the band for about 7 minutes of everything drum. It was intensely loud being in the front row but I didn't want to miss a thing. Ben and Caitlin of the band are both parts of the L.R.S.D. so it was only right that they come out and support the band for the 7" release. If you see that they are playing somewhere around your area do yourself a favor and check them out. So good.

M.I.A.
Thanks to Liz, I can log another (awesome) show. We went to Roseland to see M.I.A. perform last night. Prior to that Brian joined us for a really delicious dinner at India Grill on Burnside. I can't call myself a connoisseur of Indian cuisine but I know what I like and this place had some tasty plates. Anyways, we got to the show and had a drink...seriously, everywhere should take check cards by this point. I suppose it can save some hassle for the bartenders but it really puts a strain on the customer and I know I don't drink as much when I have to pay cash...but again I digress. Glass Candy opened the show and I enjoyed them. After they finished we waited for like an hour before M.I.A. came on and it was pretty annoying but as you know good music and a great stage show is like a cure all. She packs a lot of energy into that small frame and tripled with the dancers that perform with her and the video in the background the show is very visually and aurally overwhelming...but in the best way possible. Her outfit was nuts (as you would expect) and for a few songs she invited people on stage and that was awesome, one because me and Liz could get closer when all the annoying kids ran up there and two because it was a cool thing to see. Aside from the long layover between the two bands the show was killer and I'm glad Liz blessed me with her presence and a ticket. We went to Florida Room afterwards for a nightcap with Brian, Vanessa and some of her friends. Good times.

jeremy

South
I've been a fan of South for quite some time now. Probably since the late 90's or early 2000's. I was introduced to them by someone at Manifest (the formerly indie record store in Charlotte). I purchased "From Here On In" and was automatically in love from the electronicky beats and the hushed quiet vocals and beautiful song writing. They've morphed a few times over the years and been on a couple different record labels. My allegiance has teetered but when Whiskerino particapant Jon Schaff emailed me to tell me he was playing with the opening band I jumped back on ship. I've been wanting to see them for years so tonight is gonna be awesome no matter what material they play. Though I am hoping to hear some "Paint the Silence" or "Line Between the Lines"...I'll have to wait and see. Either way I'm jazzed.

jeremy

Battles (Ian not pictured)
So it was my honor on Thursday night to catch Battles at the extremely intimate Milestone Venue in Charlotte, NC. Affectionately known as the "Ghetto Fortress" as it is completely surrounded by sketch. This was my first day in Charlotte during my trip home so naturally I was taking it easy, not trying to bust my ass to get places, so when we arrived at The Milestone 15 minutes before showtime we were informed that the show was indeed sold out. Sucked pretty hard but Liz had the great idea to get some beers and wait outside until 2013 Wolves and Stone Figs played. We did and 10 minutes before Battles started they let 20 more people in. I am so glad they did because the show was insane. The most mathy and experimental live show I've seen in quite some time. Their whole sound is based on rhythm so there was no shortage in dancing even when Tyondai Braxton was spouting off indeciperable yelps and screams. I snapped the headshots with my portrait camera while we waited outside. They were nice enough to chat with me for a minute or two. I can't wait until July 3rd when they play at Doug Fir. Completely different styled venue but the sound there is so intense the intricacies of their music are gonna come across so nicely.

Lot of good mixes floating around the interweb, get em.

Debbie Carlos
Michael Eades
Davin Youngs
Jeremy Davis (Me)