Music, Culture & Syrup
July 19, 2011 Leave a Comment
Shout out to Casey for turning me on to this filthy version of Ghost. For you new Phish fans, this is vintage Trey. And by ‘vintage Trey,’ I mean ‘strung out on that brown sugar Trey.’ Hey, he still shreds.
July 12, 2011 Leave a Comment
This is a great show for you n00bs to download. Shackles and I agree that the first set is one of the best live sets we’ve ever seen. The first set starts out with two of their jammier songs, reminding you that despite the laptops, these guys started out covering Phish.
Here’s “Highwire”:
A little later in the set, it popped off with “Confrontation.” (From 1:10 > is why I love this band so much)
June 29, 2011 Leave a Comment
Here’s a New Deal show that Rusty and I were lucky enough to see in person. This was at the Highline Ballroom in New York City, on the first night of Phish’s NYE run. Leading up to the concert, the band took a poll on their facebook page asking fans which songs they’d like to see covered. You end up with some Eddy Grant, Chromeo, MGMT, and Deadmau5. It’s a shame these guys are retiring, they brought incredible energy every time I saw them.
April 6, 2011 Leave a Comment
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I got to the Marquis theater, a place I had always seen ass packed out the door and never knew why. I checked the crowd and noticed I left my flannel and black jeans at home, ok lie I’ve never owned a pair of black jeans or a flannel, So immediately I stood out in my forces and flatbill. Me and my buddy were the nerds here. But the $5 PBR tall boys allowed everyone to be a hipster for the night.
The crowd of people watching was epic in some circumstances. It was like raging with all those weirdos from theater class, so this is where they party hu? Old guys dancing with each other, girls bouncing off the walls. Dudes seemed all hard but then they turn their head and you notice they have earphones in? I guess they want to be able to listen to emo long into their 80s’ with all the smoking I do I plan to be dead way before my ears go.
They had strange show etiquette I never heard ‘excuse me’ so much. People got offended if you danced into them, but they had no problem waving their grotesque armpits about. People stunk worse than some of the Phish shows I’ve been to, here they just didn’t cover it up with patchouli.
But in all reality they fucking ripped it, I don’t go to concerts for the crowds. I was really impressed by Akron/Family. It was like discovering this whole other genre of music that rages it and has been for a minute. The music is hard rock and folk, not much melody or rhythm overall but some of the segues they get into had me head banging like the first time I heard heavy metal in the early 90s. The music was truly psychedelic, a cacophony of harmonious sound. A lot of improvised jams all created on stage. The guitarist was making sounds and textures by manipulating his foot pedals by hand, which he had on a nearby table. A lot of effects and feedback really gave them a huge sound for three dudes. All of the loops were done on stage from cowbells to hand claps. The guitarist also had a special mike that he would create distorted vocal effects with.
The band was really energetic the bassist and guitarist both jumped into the crowed during the vocal jam of Another Sky, from the crowd they walked around banging drum sticks on anything that resonated. They had the ability to get the whole crowd jumping and the entire crowd silent during their slow traditional folk songs, which often broke into hard/progressive rock jams. Definitely a show worth seeing.
September 11, 2009 Leave a Comment
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Encored with a jazz rendition of David Bowie’s Life on Mars. Very intimate and seated show, I was thoroughly impressed by each musician, all masters of their instrument. The drummer was the most entertaining musician I’ve ever seen. He looked like a retarded kid having the time of his life, but I’ve never seen someone keep such good timing with such complex patterns. Highly recommend seeing them if you get the chance.
September 9, 2009 3 Comments
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As the summer season and the concerts at red rocks start to fade into fall I am reminded of things to come. Other than a muddy snow season I am hoping that Colorado is home to some more amazing music this winter. The String Cheese Incident reunited this summer at Rothbury and will be doing a 2009 Winter Carnival in the Denver and rocky mountain area.
Sadly these past few weeks of concert going have left me little to write about. This past week I saw shows by Clipse, Mos Def and Ween. After about 5 songs, including Bananas and Blow, which they seemingly ran through, Ween finally got into the show. I moved around the amphitheater for awhile before I found an area with sound quality up to my standards, and women cute enough to watch dance. The show continued without a set break and they finally started to play some songs I like. Spinal Minigitious and Transdermal Celebration are two of their rock songs which I really enjoy. The lyrics to many of their songs are darkly humorous, such as Your Party and Zoloft; in which they constantly spell out the anti-depressant. (Check out late night handle remix) They encored with Roses are Free, it reminded me of seeing Phish at red rocks this past July, its been a good summer. One thing I will give them credit for is the fan base, most Ween fans I have met are very die hard, all or nothing type of band. For $45 and a slow intro it might take me awhile to join this tour. Four cups recommended. 
Although I get to frequent a lot of concerts, the next one I actually care about is the Disco Biscuits at Stubbs BBQ on Saturday Sep. 19th. I have seen them a few times this year and they bring the absolute heat to any venue they play. In terms of electronic jam bands these guys are the zenith. I can guarantee you there will be more energy and pure rage outside of Stubbs BBQ than inside Darryl K Memorial stadium. Expect to see a lot of you there.
Another big event to come is Phish’s three day festival this Halloween. Come join administrators Fitz and I as we bring the Daily to Cali, and hopefully leave with syrup. As you know Phish is going to cover a full length album, predictions thus far; Queen’s – Night at the Opera.
New Years holds a few options that I hope fellow authors will consider over the usual Rice Hotel ball and goat fuck. Phish in Miami, Biscuits in New York and Galactic as usual will play a lengthy set at Tipitina’s in New Orleans.
As for tonight, its the Jazz trio, the Bad Plus at the Boulder Theater. Bringing their own style of jazz this band covers hits like Smells like Teen Spirit and Iron Man.
Sip a six, Shackelford.
July 23, 2009 Leave a Comment
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One of the best nights of music at Camp Bisco for me was Friday in which the Disco Biscuits played two sets with Chromeo in between. I knew the Biscuits brought the heat, but I had never seen Chromeo before, the first album of theirs I bought was Fancier Footwork, a double disc which includes a CD of their songs remixed by other producers. They play some of the cheesiest 80′s synth pop around today, and I dig it so much. Thats the point though, they know its a joke. P-Thug and Dave-1 are highly skilled musicians. They also performed great between two Biscuits sets. Here are some photos. Click any photos on the site to enlarge. 
For more on Chromeo check out: CHROMEO
July 13, 2009 Leave a Comment
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If you haven’t heard Dirty Sweet yet you need to check them out right the fuck now. They are a five piece band out of San Diego and in my opinion one of the best rock bands touring today. The energy and presence they bring to a stage is lacking from most rock and roll groups of today.
On Friday June 12th they played the Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee and killed it. Front man vocalist Ryan Koontz has the energy and talent of a young Robert Plant. He is constantly moving across the stage; singing, dancing and playing the tambourine. Guitarist Nathan Beale rips the wide bodied Gibson, watching him trade off solos was impressive. Drummer Chris Mendez-Vanacore holds it down on the skins like a true rock and roll drummer. Besides looking like John Bonham, he plays just as well.
They played a good mix of old and new songs, including crowd favorite Delilah. The highlight for me was a track called Please Beware. This song and band for that matter epitomize what a real rock and roll band should be. It is off their new album American Spiritual coming out this fall. During one of the final songs Ryan came into the crowd and sang with the crew.
They encored with a nice version of Red River, which they broke down and really worked out. Each musician took a solo or two as Chris held it steady on the drums. Easily one of the best shows I saw at Bonnaroo. I only wish every concert could get this rowdy.
For more Dirty Sweet, check out:
Dirty Sweet Awesome music video
Myspace
Crescendo Artists
Daily Administrators and agents Shackleford and AK
Check out this video of Delilah from the show.
See Also
(Images and video by Hannah Ruff)
June 25, 2009 Leave a Comment
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Sitting down at the Toyota Center before Clapton came out I knew this was going to be one of the more docile concerts I had been to lately. I had not seen too many women my age but the dirty thirty stalker turnout was impressive. Clapton and Winwood both walked out together picked up their Fender Stratocasters and busted right into Had to Cry Today. The crowd did start to holler but only a few women stood up.
As they continued to play, I was really impressed by the sound quality. Readers will know that I was less than impressed with the sound of the Dead at the Pepsi Center and am now highly critical of sound in arenas. Might have something to do with the engineer background. But this group was bumping the place. The huge drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. caught my attention quick. Not only was he a massive man, but his kit reverberated throughout the Toyota Center. I found out later he also toured with Paul McCartney and band. His drums sounded great throughout the concert, full bodied and always on time. I don’t think Clapton and Winwood could do this tour without such a great drummer holding everything together. He does not get enough credit.
As they started to play After Midnight I realized how intricate the light rig was. They had LED screens behind and above the stage. This song sounded great but the vocals were lacking. Not from the beautifully sounding backup singers; Michelle John and Sharon White but from Eric and Steve. For some reason they decided to both sing this classic J.J. Cale cover. As they were trading off talk singing “After Midnight” I was ready for the next song.
Presence of the Lord did not disappoint. A great Clapton ballad, that I learned through reading his autobiography, is actually about a house he moved into. The next few songs were some blues standards, Clapton sounded great on the strat as Windwood moved over to his grand piano and organ. Kept it nice and bluesy. I was surprised by how much they broke down some of these songs and really improvised, drummer as well. This was also the first time I noticed how good the keyboard player Chris Stainton was.
The next highlight came when Clapton and everyone walked off-stage except for Winwood. He sat alone at his Grand Piano and started playing the notes to Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. Awesome. The crowd really erupted for this one. He sounded great on vocals, truthfully better than Clapton did on the night as a whole, and I am a much bigger Eric fan. I also read that this was an unplanned song, sweet.
After that they brought out a few chairs and the acoustic guitars. Eric game back out with the band and they did some awesome acoustic versions of some of my favorite Clapton songs. Driftin’ was great as was Layla.
Can’t Find My Way Home was a treat, I knew that Blind Faith banger was coming. Finally the two of them sounded flawless on vocals together. For Voodoo Chile they brought the electric guitars back out, but they still never got to rocking as hard or in as fast a tempo as I would expect for this cover. As I sat waiting for the encore, I thought what song have they not played yet? Cocaine, yeah, called it. Great to hear and see the whole arena of 40+ year old women stand up for this one. Finally the crowd did rise, and attempt to dance. They really jammed this one out too, especially the keyboardist, video hera. Dear Mr. Fantasy was nice as well. I had seen Winwood play this once a few years ago at Bonnaroo, this version sounded much better. Great concert. No cups necessary.
All Images and video by TM3K. Email: TM3K@syrupdaily.com (Property of SyrupDaily.com TM)
Set List:
Had to Cry Today
Low Down
After Midnight
Presence of the Lord
Sleeping in the Ground
Glad
Well Alright
Tough Luck Blues
Pearly Queen
There’s a River
Forever Man
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
Drifin’
How Long Blues
Layla
Can’t Find My Way Home
Split Decision
Voodoo Chile
Encore:
Cocaine
Dear Mr. Fantasy
June 19, 2009 Leave a Comment
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SET ONE
SET TWO
ENCORE
So we left bonnaroo, were heading back towards CO. (By the way I had never missed Colorado so much as on this trip. The humidity of Tenn almost killed me.) Anyway, we had acquired our boy Adam in the crew, he was now driving me and Josh to St. Louis cause he had a ticket to see phish there on wed and it was on our was back to CO. We got there and ate sushi, got a hotel. Plan for tomorrow was to see if we could find me and Josh a ticket. It was sure easy in Knoxville, cause it was at a 24,500 person venue people were trying to give them away. This was a 4,278 person venue, had sold out in 10 min and tickets were not floating around.
But there was a tight late night supposed to happen with Conspirator, great collaboration project featuring Brownie and Aron from Disco Biscuits on bass and keys respectively, Lang from Pnuma Trio on drums and Murph from sts9 on effects and such. So if we didn’t find a ticket i was down to see that and stick around the shitty town of St. Louis. (Coming soon a separate article on how much the town of st. louis blows nuts.) Then after lunch we heard the Conspirator late night got cancelled due to poor promotion. Duechers.
So the plan turned to hop on I-70 and head back home. Well we went to the fox theater anyway to scope the scene and try and buy tickets and drop Adam off. We get there around 3 or 4, the doors for the show opened at 7:30 show at 8. So we starting looking for tickets to buy. We see so many people with fingers in the air, trying to buy. Nobody selling tickets. Knoxville was the direct opposite. We look everywhere, circle the block scope the lots. No dice, cheapest thing we heard was $500 and $600. Tickets were $50 when they went on sale. Me and Josh wont pay more than $100 at the moment. We continue looking, scalpers don’t even have them, they are trying to buy them just to flip for profit.
We find some dude from Hawaii with one extra. He wants $200 and some of COs finest. We try and haggle, no dice. We continue looking. Its getting late. So we are now in front of the fox, fingers in the air trying to buy, its 7:45. Saw some cute chick with a sign that read “My box for your fox.” I told her “Girl, if I had a ticket you’d already be in.” Also saw a; my back door for your front door. Girl was not so cute.
We continue waiting, spirits are low. Some dude walks right up to Josh looks him in the eye and says; “Do you want a ticket for face?” Jaws drop! (see picture) Josh hands this guy a $50 and he reaches for 50 cents change (no joke, he paid $49.50 and was offering the change back.) No need.
So he has a ticket, my plan now is to head back to the hotel room and chill if I can’t find one, let pancakes see the show. A few minutes later a guy walks up to me, “what are you trying to Pay?” I told him I could only do around $100 my boy just got one for face, if i don’t i’m headed back to the hotel. Josh walks up we tell the dude our situation, from CO and what not, He is saying you know i had a chance to sell this for $500 around the corner. I show him the cash i got on me, $100, he says alright give me 20 more and we’ll call it even. Dice. hands me a ticket my jaw now drops. Biggest mood change of my life. We run back to the car, grab the gear and run back into the fox.
By far the prettiest venue I have ever been in the artwork on the walls and celling was so intricate and amazing. Very nice, we walk to our seats meet up with adam who is baffled that we got in much more at what we paid. Sit down so pleased. SO happy we continued to try for that long, worth it.
Phish come out, we are so close so close, 15 rows back from Phishman, Ye ah. Play a couple of new tracks, I really like Kill Devil Falls. Brian and Robert (video has bad sound) was cool, a slow one but I have always enjoyed it. Every song after that in the first set was just awesome, so on point. the Rift raged it, reba was better this time around musically. Horn is a hidden banger, not a well known song but I love the guitar solo. Ended with Slave to the Traffic Light, sweet, cant wait till set two.
They came out with a tight vocal warm up for Halley’s comet, sounded great, when they first drop the beat at that song it gets dirty, dub style. Time turns elastic blows, everyone got real mad when they played this song. I went to the bathroom and to get a beer, while in the bathroom a dude comes in yelling, “Fucking Time turns elastic really? I fucking hate this!” I did not end up getting a beer cause damn St. Louis shut down refreshments at 9:30 beer, water everything. This will be explained more in the st. louis blows Article.
Sleep was cool, used to play that on guitar a lot. Another good mikes groove with the slap bass for weekapaug, real funky. The jam out of weekapaug was so funky it seemed natural that i started to recognize the keys from Stevie Wonder’s Boogie on Reggae Woman. Yes Yes, I was so thrilled probably my second favorite phish cover. Always a party. They played it well too Paige was raging the ivories. Didn’t mind the Character Zero again, many did.
For the encore they came out all stood at the front and harmonized The Star Spangeled Banner. Interesting? Then into Adams favorite McGrupp and encored with George Harrison’s While my Guitar Gently Weeps. I’ve always been a huge Beatle’s and Clapton fan. This song rocks, perfect encore choice. Guitar solo on point as usual.
After that, we were standing around our seats, just amazed, homeboy who sold me the ticket walks up, “How ya like it?” I shook his hand and thanked him profusely. Now we were let lose on the lame streets of St. Louis. Tried to go gamble in the casino but pancakes got denied with his legit ID. bullshit town.
We ran into a lot of good fortune meeting those two dudes. People who actually want to sell thier ticket at face value so someone like us can enjoy that show. Rather than make a $450 profit which he easily could have. It was his 118th phish show. Good fucking guy. Thanks
miles kennefick
Rusty Shackleford
john2hite
