I had the wonderful opportunity to see Andrew Bird, for free, approximately 2 weeks ago (9/3/08) in Millennium Park and it was everything I had hoped for and more. I had heard many things from some of my friends that I had turned onto Bird about his live shows and how great they were but I still wasn't sure what I should anticipate. The venue itself was worth its weight in gold as I had wanted to see a show at Millennium Park's Pritzker venue ever since it had opened. Due to the fact that I'm a big loser now, I missed the Decemberists show last year and I wasn't about to miss another show that would be amazing. Take Grant Park and then add in the best acoustics of any outdoor venue that you have ever attended, multiply that by about 12, and that is the Pritzker venue at Millennium Park. It blew my mind away, not to mention the fact that I was able to procure two seats at stage center in the seating section since I got there early enough.

Now onto the show. Andrew Bird is definitely an interesting character and that comes across in his stage banter, his music and his lyrics. His lyrics are not mind blowing by any means but they are definitely much more intricate and involving than most of the crap that is being made today so that gives me a definite edge on the competition. You add into the fact that he can play guitar, violin and glockenspiel (sp?) with relative ease and that makes me bow down to the talent.

I have to admit that since I'm a fan of Bird's catalog of music, it is difficult to be unbiased in my enjoyment of the show. However, he played a full 100 minute set without taking any breaks AND included another 15 minute encore bringing the show to a full 2 hours. Not to mention this was FREE...it was one of the better 2 hours of my summer.

He played a wide variety of his catalog, not to mention a few songs from local Chicago artists that have influenced him.

Even though I was unable to enjoy this show with Kyle (he was out on the lawn), I enjoyed it immensely. Perhaps Kyle can give his take on it as well...

http://www.myspace.com/andrewbird

I have been severely neglecting the new music scene as of late. I think I might have OD'd on music after my first Lollapalooza but I have been listening to some new things here and there. One of those things is Crystal Castles.

I was first interested in this duo when Kyle had invited me to a free show of theirs at the Double Door on a weeknight and I completely wussed out and didn't go (because I'm an old man). However, from the videos I have seen on You Tube, I'm not sure if I would survive one of their shows as they seem like they get kind of crazy (my body can't take abuse of mosh pits anymore).

The group's sound is all electronica but it isn't typical "Moby-like" electronica full of samples and snippets of old songs. It is more of the "casio-programmed" sound which gives it this heightened video game soundtrack feel. I love it. It makes me feel like I am listening to a soundtrack an old Nintendo role playing game but with harder tempos and crazier vocals.

Don't get me wrong, Crystal Castles brings a lot to the table. Their songs have VERY catchy hooks and make you want to get up and dance every time you hear them. As a whole, the entire album is not one hit after the other. However, if you are faced with the decision of downloading 3 or 4 of their songs for .99 cents vs. buying the entire album for $7 or $8, the album is a much better investment. There are some definite hidden gems on the full length that grow on you after a few listens (COURTSHIP DATING and MAGIC SPELLS are two that come immediately to mind). Be sure to listen to their "bigger" hits of UNTRUST US and CRIMEWAVE as well.

If you want some new dance tunes, check out Crystal Castles. They are a nice below the radar pick in my mind.

http://www.myspace.com/crystalcastles