TRASHED: Tilly & the Wall @ The Middle East, 3/22

Welcome to the first installment of "TRASHED." This weekly series will include music reviews that the Daily Free Press has recently "trashed." In other words, these are all articles written by the WTBU staff, that for some reason or another, the DFP just wouldn't print. Enjoy our trash!

Last semester, when Jason Anderson played a WTBU sponsored show at Hillel House, his songs exuded the energy and understanding of an old friend. It all seemed due to the small crowd, acoustic set, and intimate venue. But even when he took the stage last Saturday at a sold-out Middle East Upstairs, the crowd was as engaged as if it were a basement show in suburban New Hampshire.

Accompanied by a handful of musicians known collectively as ‘the Best’, Anderson retold personal stories in the form of powerful, energetic lyrics to light-hearted, fun indie rock. The entire crowd couldn’t help but get involved, every time Jason’s wide eyes and huge smile asked them to clap or sing along with his songs, which seemed more like campfire stories. Tilly in the Wall singer Kianna Alarid was intrigued enough to join him on stage to provide vocals on the epic ending of “So Long,” singing: “The best thing in the world, is to love someone and they love you back,” over and over and over.

Following Anderson was Capgun Coup, a four-man band from Omaha, Nebraska. While they label themselves an indie/experimental/folk rock band, a strong garage element dominated their live performance ridden with wild, unintelligible vocals. The harsh vocals seemed to turn off much of the crowd, but catchy popish beats did their best to lure concert-goers back in… unfortunately, to little avail. Compared to Anderson, an artist with intense crowd-involvement and coherent vocals, Capgun Coup was disadvantaged as most of the confused crowd wandered around the Middle East unsure of what they were listening to. Their sound, almost an awkward collaboration of early Blood Brothers vocals and pop-punk guitar riffs, seemed to alienate well over half of the audience, rather than offer the best of both worlds.

Dressed eccentrically--one in a rainbow rag dress, one in a gold lamè sweater, and one in a black tutu over blue zebra tights--the three Tilly and the Wall front-women finally took the stage at 11:30, chanting, “Bean! Town! Get! Down!” Only a fraction of the audience responded to their call to “get down” at first, but after the first half of the crowd-pleaser-packed set, a dance party erupted--including the band's tap dancer.

Along with their guitarists, drummer, and keyboardist, the 6-piece started the night off with a few songs from their new album, “Beat Control,” which they’re currently recording at home in Omaha. When compared to songs from four years ago, Tilly’s change in sound is a similar vein to Rilo Kiley’s change from More Adventurous to Under the Blacklight; it has heavier beats, it’s more electronic, polished, danceable, and radio-ready, and the band is having a lot of fun with it.

To the delight of older Tilly fans, by the fourth song, “Fell Down the Stairs,” they were already bringing back tracks from 2004’s “Wild Like Children.” Highlights of the set included coordinated dance moves, a couple of quieter songs with only one of the girls singing and guitar, and a “Nights of the Living Dead” rendition that had the whole Middle East screaming: “And I feel so alive, and I feel so alive and I feel…”

They closed the set with “Sing Songs Along,” which seemed to be a theme of the night, particularly during the encore, when the band was requested to play “I Always Knew.” The band was hesitant to tackle the song, explaining that they didn’t remember the words, so instead they directed the microphone to the crowd, to sing the lyrics.

--Sarah J Berg & LP

Butvinik Strikes Again: A Review of "The Jonas Brothers " at Agganis Arena

As my readers may know by now, I am a fan of all things Disney. I have been in the audience for “The Cheetah Girls,” “The Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Tour,” and even “High School Musical: The Ice Tour.” However, Disney’s latest franchise, The Jonas Brothers, left me with a bad taste in my mouth.



On the surface, the basic premise of the Jonas Brothers is fine. But when you consider that they are a trio of Christian/Punk crossover artists, something just doesn’t sit well in the ear.

It seems as though every time Nick Jonas wants to sing about Jesus, a corporate lawyer from Disney puts his hand over his mouth and forces him to sing about girls or heartbreak. It just didn’t make sense in many of their songs. One specific example stuck out so strangely, I almost laughed afterward. During a dramatic piano solo, the youngest Jonas tells a story about being diagnosed with Diabetes, and how he made a promise to ”himself.” Just replace that with “God,” and it would have been the same lil’ garage band that was old school Jonas.

Then there’s the fact that the littlest Jonas, Nick, (although die-hard fans will not hesitate to hound me about Frankie, the 11 year old “bonus Jonas”) seems to have lost all appreciation for the performance. During their disappointing 40 minute set, I never saw him smile. Not once. An entire auditorium of eight to fifteen year-old girls, and not even one grin! I tried to imagine myself on that stage, in front of an auditorium that sold out in less than fifteen minutes, and I just could not fathom how he could be so unhappy! (Lets not forget the fact that my seat cost $50). Cha-Ching!

The point I’m trying to make is that if Disney is going to continue to sell us dreams and fairy dust, the least they could do is sell the magic to the entertainers themselves. Unlike the other Disney-fied concerts and shows I’ve attended, The Jonas Brothers left me with a disappointed, bitter feeling, that still hasn’t left. I spent $50 to hear Disney peppiness pouring at me through giant speakers while sitting in an auditorium full of screaming pre-teen girls, and…well…I just ended up feeling like a pedophile at a Dashboard Confessional concert.

This unhappy reviewer wants his money back. On the bright side, I’m almost positive they weren’t lip-syncing. If that even matters, considering most people will stop listening soon enough.

I feel better now.

--Michael Butvinik

(Photo credit courtesy of Google image search.)

Decades of Decadence says, "Whattup?"

"Decades of Decadence," WTBU's pop show, has made some entertaining additions to their morning show. DJs Kristen and Chris, along with interns Jessica and Melanie, each spice things up and bring listeners out of their dreary slumber, with regular, witty, weekly segments.

These segments include: the daily weather (snore, we know!), the Gossip Lane, the Funky Fresh news, and Melanie’s weekly dating tip. There is also a weekly posted “secret” on their Facebook group (Decades of Decadence), which gives fans further insight into the staff's lives. (...And lets you all make fun of them a bit for their embarrassing, deep, dark secrets.)

Tune in every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, to hear all the freshest pop beats from the 80s to Today. Think back, if you will, to your 6th, 7th, and 8th grade dances, all those long car rides with your parents, when you wished you could change the radio, and that annoying song you’ve heard too many times, but still like because you know all the words -- and now, you have basically just imagined the play list for a "Decades of Decadence" show!

Feelings…on JuicyCampus.com

Man, remember that infamous “Burn Book” from Mean Girls (2004)? How dumb and high school, right? Wrong.

Seems as though some of our most adolescent ways have followed us up into higher education with JuicyCampus.com, a Web 2.0 creation that allows it’s probably horrendously insecure yet sort of opinionated users to anonymously rant and gossip about their peers on this public forum.

Topics range from the harmless, “Best Dressed List,” to more disturbing post like, “Where Can I Get Roofies?” Controversy has sparked on campuses all over the United States due to JuicyCampus.com; however, it is not my duty to preach for or against it.

Instead, check JuicyCampus.com out for yourself and tell me how mature and proud you feel after.

..and those are my feelings on JuicyCampus.com.

--Jen Choi

Upcoming Dance Parties/Shows in Boston

Next Tuesday, April 1, New York City's Blonde Acid Cult will be playing the THROWED party at Bill's Bar, with Brunswick, and resident DJs Chris Devlin (Spank Rock/BBS Soundsystem) and E-Marce (of Paper).

Self-proclaimed as creating a sound called "MADHATTAN," Blonde Acid Cult is: "street funk, primal grooves falling out face down on a stranger’s bed... protest songs screaming through your ghetto blaster while you roll through central park during the Puerto Rican day parade madness." But the band says that are actually really inspired by their own friends.

Since summer 2007, Blonde Acid Cult played at parties all over the East Coast, including Paper (Boston), Making Time (Philly), Transatlantic (DC), as well as at NYC parties such as Robot Rock, Tiswas, and Ruff Club.

WTBU caught up with singer Sonny Kilfoyle via email, who expressed his thoughts on playing in Boston, and their upcoming show:

"this show in boston should be great. the fact that it's at bill's bar is pretty sentimental because damian used to through a party there called "START!" our last visit from boston was a little stressed. it must be because of the large college age population because people are so unforgiving over anything. compared to ny it really has no community vibe amongst bands/clubs/promoters etc... the actual kids we've played to in boston are really energetic and enthusiastic, but i think the city has a very "f!@# you" vibe outside of the people attending college here... the music scene seems to be having a little group of great bands right now though. excited to come."

So...bring the community vibe to Boston by coming out for one of these parties!
4/3- Campus @ Bill's Bar
4/8- Throwed @ Bill's Bar, ft. And Then There Were None
4/10- L.A. Riots @ Middle East
4/15- Throwed @ Bill's Bar, ft. Stere Faith (DC)
4/17- Paper @ Harper's Ferry

Or have your own dance party in your dorm room to the sounds of WTBU. It will be cheaper and less pretentious. Then again, your photo won't be plastered all over the internet the morning after. Your call.

This Week's Music Department Update

Music Department Newsletter for March 25, 2008

(Brought to you by Jen Brown and Keith Simpson)

TOP FIVE NEW ADDS:

1. Plants and Animals' Parc Avenue. The excellent Plants and Animals EP reached the WTBU offices a couple weeks ago, and now the full album is finally out and meeting all of our expectations. In this new release from Secret City Records, the band deftly blends roots rock with modern indie rock sounds and lyrics. There is a lot to like.
2. Man Man's Rabbit Habits. The third full length from the Philadelphia band. They made their name opening for acts such as Cat Power and Modest Mouse, but each new album shows them coming more and more into their own. Man Man is instantly recognizable by their unique arrangements, often involving various household percussive objects and honky tonk piano. You'll love this band for their raw energy if nothing else.
3. Ferras' Aliens and Rainbows. This singer-songwriter was discovered by Fred Durst (yes that Fred Durst) and brought to Capitol records to release his first album. The sunny, theatrical piano pop is deeply rooted in the mainstream but can still provide a deep and engaging listen if given the chance. Comparisons to recent bands like The Fray are sure to come.
4. Voyager One's Afterhours in the Afterlife. This is the fourth album from this accomplished Seattle band. They recently finished up a tour with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and had their songs featured on MTV. Their ethereal, psychedelic melodies and their funky rhythm section create an instantly engaging mix. Check out track 2 when you get a chance.
5. The Matches' A Band in Hope. These guys have earned themselves countless comparisons to bands such as Yellowcard and Sum41 but I think they deserve a bit more credit than that. Their songs show a genuine appreciation for classic and prog rock sounds of earlier times that breathes fresh life into their music. This is their third album and if you have heard them before you know what to expect.


TOP FIVE MOST-PLAYED ALBUMS:
1. Billy Bragg - Mr. Love and Justice
2. POTUSA - These Are the Good Times People
3. Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
4. Elf Power - In A Cave
5. Destroyer - Trouble in Dreams

WTBU Spins For 18 HOURS This Saturday

WTBU will be spinning music ALL NIGHT LONG (from 3PM to 9 AM!!) this Saturday, March 29, into Sunday Morning, at BU's annual Dance Marathon.

The Dance Marathon is organized by the CSC to raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Camp Heartland. To participate, raise $150 to dance for the entire 18 hours, or $75 to dance for 6 hours. For those who do not wish to participate, and only want to visit friends or listen to WTBU's sweet music, the event costs $10.

Dance Marathon is open to the general public. Registration dates are as follows: Monday at West Campus Dining Hall from 6 PM to 8 PM, Tuesdays at Warren Towers from 6PM to 8PM, and Thursdays at GSU Link from 11 AM to 3 PM.

The event will take place in the Sargent Gym (1 University Road, Sargent Activities Center). Each hour will have its own theme and special genre of music.

For more information log onto http://people.bu.edu/budm or email Boston University Dance Marathon at budm@bu.edu for further inquiries.

WTBU DAY 2008

WTBU PRESENTS:

Film School
The King Left
Spitzer Space Telescope

Saturday, April 26th
@ BU Central, 8 p.m.

FREE for all BU Students!
($5 for non BU students)

WTBU MUSIC DEPT. NEWSLETTER: March 28th

Top Five Adds This Week:

1 ADAM GREEN - Sixes And Sevens - Listen to this album with an open mind and set aside everything you might know about the person who made it. Adam Green may surprise you with this record. He’s been making music since he was 14, beginning as co-founder of The Moldy Peaches with Kimya Dawson. With each record, Adam’s music has progressed. This record takes influence from a variety of sources: honky-tonk, Don Cherry, a Brooklyn gospel choir, Bonnie & Clyde, Sly & The Family Stone, Exile On Main Street, Dr. John, Chinese food, palm trees and more. FCC: 4, 19

2 PHARMACY - Choose Yr Own Adventure - Scott Yoder and Brendhan Bowers made plenty of noisy rackets in the local garages and teen centers growing up on Vashon Island. They moved to Seattle and booked their first tour as The Pharmacy in 2003. Replete with epic instrumentation - strings, harpsichord and horns all make an appearance - Choose Yr Own Adventure has been years in the making, re-vamped re-recorded and re-written over time. ALL TRACKS CLEAN.

3 BILLY BRAGG - Mr. Love And Justice – A great artist at last week’s SXSW, Billy Bragg has done it again, only much better. This is his greatest album in the last 20 years. Do not underestimate the power of Bragg. His classic sound will grow on you—even if you doubt it at first. He’s not part of the “younger” indie crowd, but this UK singer is worth your time.

4 TEMPOSHARK - The Invisible Line - Temposhark's debut full length has been a couple of years coming after the release of a series of high profile eps that gave the electropop group blog buzz. Songs like "Joy" and "Crime" creep into your mind and refuse to leave. Each track of The Invisible Line has strings and synths.

5 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - These Are The Good Times People - A Seattle based band with catchy punk-fueled pop. This is a band that you will probably love or hate. Some of lyrics are comparable to Nada’s Surf’s and Bare Naked Ladies’ combined. Some goofiness that may make you call the band cheesey, but not if you’re okay with jokes.

Current Top Five Most-Played Albums:
1 Elf Power - In A Cave
2 Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
3 Louis XIV - Slick Dogs and Ponies
4 The Fashion - The Fashion [ep]
5 Chris and Mollie - The Palm Tree




- Jen & Keith

Concert Review! St. Vincent @ the Middle East (Marry Me, Annie)

Annie Clark a.k.a. St. Vincent hit the stage with her full band at around 11:30 PM for a sold out Middle East Downstairs last Saturday night. A packed crowd full of college students with their X-ed out fists raised high greeted Clark when she finally appeared. Her fans were eager to witness the talented musician in her element: live. With her quirky charm, unmistakable voice and dazzling guitar playing, St. Vincent did not disappoint.

“Holy cow!… My name is Annie, but um, but you can call me Annie,” said Clark, looking awestruck at the massive turnout. Throughout the night, she addressed the crowd with her unusual comments, much to everyone’s delight. Her stage banter included a shout-out to JP (Jamaica Plain), anecdotes from Montana and the announcement that “the Camaros don’t run on gasoline – they run on dreams and hopes.”

Clark kicked things off with album opener “Now Now,” which set the tone for the night. The song’s climactic ending featured Annie shredding on her bright red guitar in true rock star style – a sign of things to come. Clark went on to perform the rest of the songs off of Marry Me, along with a couple other bonuses: her cover of the Beatles’ “Dig a Pony,” a fan favorite, and a new song that had the punch and haunting mood of “Your Lips Are Red.”

The crowd was in for a special treat as The Dresden Dolls’ Amanda Palmer made an appearance to lend her vocals to the chorus of “Marry Me.” A Massachusetts native and friend (and fan) of Clark, Palmer has covered “Marry Me” at her live shows in Boston in the past.

While her secondary microphone could have been louder, Clark and her band performed each song with an intensity that simply does not translate onto CD recordings. Her barefoot violinist was especially impressive with his exciting instrumental flourishes. Together, Clark and the band created magic by adding new dynamics to each song; it was like hearing the album for the first time.

Clark ended the show with an unforgettable rendition of “Your Lips Are Red,” complete with some serious guitar ripping. The crowd, sad to see Clark go, roared for an encore and got its wish. Clark returned to the stage for a graceful performance of “What Me Worry,” the album’s closer.

Aspiring artists, take note – if there’s a way to rock a live show, Annie Clark wrote the book on it.

To hear songs by St. Vincent, tune in to Girl Powa! on Wednesday nights--technically Thursday mornings--from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.

--Jessy Bartlett

WTBU In the News!

WTBU was included in an article about college radio that ran in the Fordham College at Lincoln Center newspaper this month. Check it out here!

Music Department Update: This Week's Top Albums

Here are the top album from the WTBU Music Directors, for March 5th through Spring Break...

Current Top Five Albums:

1. Louis XIV - Slick Dogs and Ponies
2. Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
3. Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
4. The Fashion EP
5. The Pack AD – Tintype

Top Five Adds:

1. DESTROYER with Trouble In Dreams: Dan Bejar executes gorgeous songs with super-cool lyrics. If you know Destroyer, you will love this album. If you don’t know Destroyer, GET TO KNOW THIS ALBUM. Also, don’t be fooled by the name: Destroyer would rather sing you to sleep than tear you apart. Check out "Libby's First Sunrise" and "Leopard of Honor."

2. PLANTS AND ANIMALS with With/Avec {EP}: Try this Canadian album out. It has cascading Nick Drake guitar parts with soft vocals. If anything, this album is unique and does not sound like much else that is out there. Faerie Dance is a favorite.

3. LOS CAMPESINOS with Hold On Now, Youngster : Pitchfork likes them—see if you do as well. They’re a big group from the UK and they bring a great poppy, happy sound that most “indie” fans will love. Check them out at the Paradise in March.

4. ELF POWER with In A Cave: Nice piano melodies and some peppy folk rock songs. “Spiral Stairs” is their signature track, but check out the others too—they are all OK to play on-air.

5. WHAT MADE MILWAUKEE FAMOUS with What Doesn't Kill Us: Poppy music that sounds like it could be played on main-stream radio. You will agree when you hear the song “Cheap Wine” and some of the other tracks.


--Jen Brown and Keith Simpson

Indie 500 @ Matt Costa

On Friday, the staff of Indie 500 stopped by the Paradise rock club to check out indie/folk singer-songwriter Matt Costa. Costa, originally from California, has been touring around the country performing with Jonathon Rice (who was a guest on WTBU last semester). To hear some songs by both Matt Costa and Jonathon Rice, be sure to tune in to Indie 500 every Friday from noon-2pm. As for now, you can check out these awesome photos take by Indie 500 intern Hannah Machlin:

WTBU and Rainforest Alliance to Promote Eco-Conservation

WTBU has teamed up with the Rainforest Alliance to raise ecosystem sustainability and wildlife conservation through a “Picture Sustainability” photo contest. This contest is open to anyone.

Contestants are encouraged to photograph environments, habitats, wildlife and local cultures and communities that depict biodiversity and conservation. Photographs should be submitted online to www.raphotocontest.org by March 15, 2008 4PM EST.

The Picture Sustainability Photo Contest is looking for photos in the following five categories: landscape/scenic, conservation in action, wildlife on coffee, cocoa and fruit farms or forests, sustainable tourism in Latin America, and flora and fauna.

The grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, one Fujifilm FinePix S100fs 11.1MP Digital Camera, a trip to New York City to attend the Rainforest Alliance’s Annual Gala on May 15, 2008, one Art Wolfe wildlife photography book, and Rainforest Alliance membership.

First prize will be awarded to five winners who will receive one Fujifilm FinePix S100fs 11.1 MP Digital Camera, one Art Wolfe wildlife photography book, and Rainforest Alliance membership.

Honorable Mention will be awarded to seven winners who will receive one Art Wolfe wildlife photography book and Rainforest Alliance membership.

To raise awareness concerning issues of eco-conservation and sustainability, WTBU will be raffling off three Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd 8 mega pixel digital cameras. The contest will run the week of March 3rd to the 7th. Listen to BU in the Morning on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to Noon for your chance to win.

The Rainforest Alliance is a non-governmental organization founded in 1987. Their mission is to protect wildlife and ecosystems by changing and influence consumer behavior, business practices and land use practice. For more information, log onto www.wtburadio.org to access Rainforest Alliance’s contest and website link.

Over Yonder Live at the Music Library!

Over Yonder Radio cordially invites you to attend a live broadcast of our show this coming Tuesday, March 4th from 6-8pm in the Mugar Music Library.

We will be spinning their old records and some Folkways reissues and showing off some of the little-known gems of the Music Library. You will be able to search the catalog and request songs and listen as the show is broadcast live.

Hold on to your shorts, music nerds: we will be playing some previously restricted access records and some things that you can't find in the card catalog!

Stop by when you can and stay for as long as you like!

--Over Yonder DJ's