This was the second time I’ve seen Abe Vigoda, but the first at SXSW. They took to Waterloo Park’s small stage at the peak of the midday sun just as Cursive was starting up across the park on the main stage. As some of Cursive’s heavier sounds echoed across the park to the smaller stage, Abe Vigoda lead singer Michael Vidal reminisced about how he loved Cursive’s The Ugly Organ back in high school. I think it was meant to be complimentary, but it came across as condescending. Standing up front for the entire set, I constantly got the feeling that this entire performance was a bit off. In addition to the awkward small talk, guitarist Juan Velazquez was plagued with equipment issues, and seemed to be running out of patience as the band decided what tracks to play. Nonetheless, they ably reproduced their signature double guitar, effect-driven, “tropical punk” sound as well as the moodier textures from their 2009 EP Reviver.
Given that I really enjoy their music, and that despite the performance issues, they seem like great guys, I’ll be checking them out again when they next hit Boston.
DOWNLOAD: Abe Vigoda - Don't Lie (MP3) or Follow us for more Abe Vigoda MP3s (Twitter)
Shock and awe! Couldn’t agree more, Siri. Usually, I could care less about openers, but Miranda fulfilled the true meaning behind a “warm-up” with her velvety tones. I came to see the xx. Two words: STEL LAR! As for the Friendly Fires, it took no more than 10 seconds of their dance tunes to get into the party! Impressive group combo with flow like Multnomah Falls.
by kitty on Thu Dec 3, 2009 at 02.16 pm from the entry: Friendly Fires + The xx + Holly Miranda - Doug Fir (Portland, OR; Nov. 25, 2009)
glad to hear it Ian, I didn’t want to be the better man over here.
by colin on Thu Dec 3, 2009 at 01.04 pm from the entry: Pearl Jam on Austin City Limits (Full Performance vid)
be still my indie heart, be still.
by Ian on Thu Dec 3, 2009 at 01.00 pm from the entry: Fact: New Arcade Fire this spring!!!
oh, we’re still alive!
by Ian on Thu Dec 3, 2009 at 12.57 pm from the entry: Pearl Jam on Austin City Limits (Full Performance vid)
with this and tor’s mashup, perhaps 2009 is the year that sufjan finds his true calling: hip-hop producer.
by josh on Thu Dec 3, 2009 at 11.54 am from the entry: Chiddy Bang's "The Swelly Express" Mixtape (download)
Looking forward to checking this out, even thoug its a bit away from my own chill out downbeat highway.
Thanks
by Ganga chill out downbeat denmark on Thu Dec 3, 2009 at 07.31 am from the entry: Double shot of Radiohead: Mixtapes and an attempted lashing
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW Mos Def and the Black Keys kiled this and the cd is AMAZING plus this Gutair solo is sick Damon Dash proved that he don’t need Jay anymore
by greg on Wed Dec 2, 2009 at 08.35 pm from the entry: Mos Def and The Black Keys make a song together (mp3)
