September 2006

Two can be an orchestra

Eddie September 28, 2006 No Comments

As discerning music fans know, whenever down-tempo music draws comparisons to superstar bands such as Coldplay, U2 or the exhaustively referenced Radiohead, it’s often best to steer clear. Fortunately the similarly mellow Kyoto Beat Orchestra, which uses an amalgam of instruments to construct its music, sounds like none of the aforementioned acts. The duo manages to capture the finest moments of its obvious influences—Portishead, Subtle, Sigur Rós and Cocteau Twins—without sounding derivative and dated. From Northwest jaunts and monthly gatherings at the band’s favorite local haunt, Marilyn’s, Kyoto Beat Orchestra has garnered enough buzz to warrant an indie-label bidding frenzy. You can catch the band (again) at Marilyn’s, located at 908 K Street, on Friday at 8 p.m., opening for Dre. Do it now before the group gets whisked away forever. Tickets are just $8, and the hard-to-find Sac City beers are on tap. Who could ask for more?
(SN&R)

Shanks vs. Streaks

Eddie September 21, 2006 No Comments

Some people just have good taste. Take, for instance, Tim Foster. While most people know him as the lead singer of Sacramento’s greatest garage band, Th’ Losin Streaks, few know he’s responsible for bringing most of the great acts that accompany them on any given bill. This week’s show includes the Armitage Shanks, the musical namesake of the overseas company that deals in exported bathroom products. Although the Shanks have flown quietly under the radar of most Sacramentans, chances are most Losin Streaks fans will find yet another band to worship. Catch both acts with Dirty Sister in tow at Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street, on Saturday. The cover is a measly $7. The show starts at 9 p.m. Get there early to get properly liquored up.
(SN&R)

Not foiled

Eddie September 14, 2006 No Comments

Let’s face it: There are just too many bands per square inch in the United States. With the proliferation of MySpace, it seems as though everyone (including your grandmother) is taking a shot at the record-industry big leagues. Blue October, however, has persevered—getting signed yet again by Universal, the very record label that dropped the band a few years ago. Now, with little more than persistence and a batch of new material, it has achieved headlining status—no easy feat these days—and is playing to 500-plus-capacity crowds. The band is on tour supporting its latest record, Foiled, and of course the hit single “Hate Me.” If you can afford a ticket after supporting Coldplay’s and U2’s recent tours, you should make the brief sojourn this Tuesday over to Empire, at the corner of 15th and R streets. All ages are welcome. Advance tickets are just $17.50, or you can pay $20 on the day of the show.
(SN&R)

Danza extravaganza

Eddie September 7, 2006 No Comments

The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza should win an award for the coolest band name ever. Not only is it a burn on one of the world’s worst actors, but also the name somehow evokes a sense of overwhelming madness. If you like your metal on the spastic side and enjoy a little hot sauce with your side dishes, perhaps this band is just what the doctor prescribed. From head-scratching acoustic ditties to full-on ragers, this band is not for the squeamish. The Extravaganza plays The Boardwalk, located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, on Thursday with touring buddies Psyopus and Home Pharmacy, and locals Cyanide Era and Excoriate. It’s a damn good time to see a live band in Orangevale. Tickets are $12, which should leave you with just enough cash to pick up that Who’s the Boss? T-shirt you’ve been eyeballing at the local thrift store.

(SN&R)