In a genre that’s overflowing with many similar sounding groups The Subjects managed to create some cool and unique collections of sound. Though I was reminded at times of Vampire Weekend or a few other The ______’s type bands, I mostly noted how well balanced the group was. Each member had at least two different rolls; trading vocals, percussion, keys, guitar etc and the sound that arose from this came across in such a way that I actually could hear each part individually, something I often miss in live venues where the theme of any sort of rock-type band is LOUD.*
Upon a little internet research I also learned that the group is made up of a set of former teachers and students, perhaps explaining why Jimmy Carbonetti looked so young and why these guys seemed to have a gift for actually having critiqued their own work. Vocals were deftly balanced by drummer Matt Iwanusa and bassist Dave Sheinkopf who both radiated a controlled energy while grooving along to the set. I do have a suggestion for guitarist Joe Smith though, perhaps a haircut so I won’t be so distracted by his hair!
* Credit is likely also due to the sound man, as the whole evening was well balanced sound-wise but The Subjects particularly stood out as clear and easy to listen to.
DOWNLOAD: The Subjects - Hounds Of War (MP3) or Follow us for more The Subjects MP3s (Twitter)
I understand the three song limit up front. I hate it, but I understand it. However, if its a venue wide veto after 3 songs and you can’t pop off a few shots with a telephoto, then I take umbrage with that. The worst part is where you can only do 3 songs and for the rest of the show you watch as great picture after great picture flies by. Sad really. Also, obnoxious fans suck, but part of the reason why they are allowed to do what they do is because no one says anything to them.
by colin on Mon Nov 9, 2009 at 07.10 pm from the entry: Ray LaMontagne - Providence Performing Arts Center (Providence, RI; Nov. 3, 2009)
I was wondering who the “makers” were too. If David Simon isn’t on it, I wouldn’t be worried because he didn’t single handedly write and conceptualize The Wire, however, I would like to see a strong section of the writing staff on it, at the very least. But you know what, even if it was a producer from The Wire and no one else, I’m still going to watch this show because of the content.
by colin on Mon Nov 9, 2009 at 07.07 pm from the entry: Music Industry's Decline Brought To You By The Makers of 'The Wire'
this sounds potentially brilliant. i wonder who is meant by the “makers” of the wire. david simon is working on a series for hbo involving musicians in new orleans. which sounds awesome, but clearly different than this project.
by josh on Mon Nov 9, 2009 at 06.35 pm from the entry: Music Industry's Decline Brought To You By The Makers of 'The Wire'
i hear ya josh. from my experience placing those kinds of restrictions is usually placed squarely on the artist but sometimes comes from the venue if they don’t get a statement from the artist itself. i don’t think it’s ever been mentioned that the pr company is reponsible.
but making restrictions like that is a bit like cutting off the nose to spite the face in my opinion. there has to be a better way.
and to i’ve never been bothered more by a photographer or had a show ruined as quickly by a photog as i have an obnoxious or polluted fan. 
by steve on Mon Nov 9, 2009 at 06.27 pm from the entry: Ray LaMontagne - Providence Performing Arts Center (Providence, RI; Nov. 3, 2009)
Sasquatch is a blast, you should go.
by Colin on Mon Nov 9, 2009 at 05.07 pm from the entry: Pavement is headlining Sasquatch!
Sasquatch is a blast, you should go.
by Colin on Mon Nov 9, 2009 at 05.07 pm from the entry: Pavement is headlining Sasquatch!
although i’m still slightly put off by the pretentious press release announcing pre-sale of their 2010 nyc dates a year in advance, this is pretty cool. perhaps this will be my first sasquatch…
by josh on Mon Nov 9, 2009 at 03.25 pm from the entry: Pavement is headlining Sasquatch!
