BandWagon Magazine - June 2011

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine JUNE 2011

Greeley Street Art: It’s Happening Anyway Joe Lee Parker BandWagon Magazine Since returning from a trip to Berlin last year, I fell in love with Street Art. I’ve added Cologne, Los Angeles and Denver to the list of cities I’ve explored, studied, connected to, and photographed in regards to their Street Art offerings. So I thought, why not add my own hometown of Greeley? There must be some Street Art around here, right? I started at the Greeley Street Art Mecca: Speed Wash on 8th Avenue. The great thing about Speed Wash is that it features the best artists and highest quality pieces. And, the works are forever changing. Shooting Street Art is an art in itself. I’m always on the lookout while constantly exploring the nooks and crannies around town. Now admittedly, it’s a broad genre. Almost anything goes. That’s what I love about Street Art from an artist’s perspective. There are few rules, and even fewer traditions. The scene here is growing quickly and the talent is improving rapidly.

The pieces I’ve seen lately are much more vibrant than anything else around town. In photographing the blossoming scene, I generally stick to shooting pieces that move me. However, in getting started, I documented some of the older “tired” pieces.

Interesting though, as I was catching up with the historical pieces, I kept seeing killer new

pieces. Sticker art, stencils, tags, sprays, 3D, sidewalk chalk, the art form has arrived! I’ve even seen some pieces that rival those of the major cities. Also, kudos to the powers that be for the great sculpture on loan program and it’s many installations around town.

There’s some real modern stuff on display for a change.

I’m drawn more to the grittier side of Street Art though, and this is where I find the most energy. Street musicians, performers, and live outdoor art demonstrations are an integral part of the current explosion as well.

Let’s face it, it’s happening all around us and it’s quality stuff. I’m starting to see buskers, photographers, and visual graphics cropping up all over town.

It’s happening: globally, internationally, nationally, and best of all, locally.

The talent is here.

There is a push for more permission walls.

Greeley has only one, but that hasn’t stemmed the tide. The art is getting up whether it’s by permission or by stealth of night. The laws in town are not very liberal so, we’re working on ways to promote and expand Street Art through official channels. Simultaneous to this however, unsanctioned work is popping up regularly. In a few select areas, the work is being allowed to stay.

What can I say? I love Street Art. I love

“It’s happening: globally, internationally, nationally, and best of all, locally.”

Top Left & Bottom Left: Speed Wash on 8th Ave Left Center: The back of a 16th St. sign Top Right: Sculpture on loan program piece from 9th St. Plaza that there’s finally a scene in Greeley. I love that it’s healthy and growing, and that the quality of work is improving dramatically. There’s way too much tired and boring art in this town to do anybody any good.

These days, it’s getting updated and often painted over. I love to see that. There’s some amazing talent in the area and it’s getting expressed at the Street level in ways that cannot be stifled.

Change often comes slowly. Greeley is still quite conservative, sometimes perhaps to its detriment.

But the straights have had the upper hand for far too long. There’s no turning bake the tide. Street Art has come to Greeley and the sooner we all embrace it, the better.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine JUNE 2011

S W E I V E ALBUM R

A Sonnet To Silence Your Cross To Bear Zach Martinez BandWagon Magazine

You don’t hear many impressive A Sonnet to Silence’s debut album, Your Cross to Bear, will surprise you. In the world of underground metal, one is more likely to stumble across noise and feedback than really good music, but this album stands out. The musicianship is far beyond what you would expect from a group that is not long out of high school. In my opinion, the best song on the album is “Manray.” While I don’t really agree with name of the song, the

Death Cab For Cutie Codes and Keys

Ely Corliss BandWagon Magazine

The new album from Death Cab drops Tuesday, May 31st, and we here at the BandWagon wanted to make sure you were hip to the situation. This is the band’s 8th full-length album and the first release since 2009. The record as a whole isn’t much of a departure from their latest albums (reminding me of Plans (2005) and Narrow Stairs (2008)), but is noticeably more of a studio album than earlier records. Thick, layered, and extremely subtle percussion tracks can be found along with splashes of orchestral arrangements, contributing to the band’s entrancing brand of rock. In an interview conducted in December 2010 by stereogum.com, bassist Nick Harmer was quoted saying, “Thematically and musically, it’s just much more varied. We also have string sections on this record, which is very exciting for all of us. We’ve always wanted to hear that texture in our music, but it never really worked out before.”

The first single “You Are A Tourist”, has

North Mississippi Allstars Keys To The Kingdom Zach Martinez BandWagon Magazine One of the headliners of the Greeley Blues Jam this year is a young and incredibly talented band called The North Mississippi Allstars.

Their most recent album, Keys to the Kingdom is a testament. In many ways, this album is a throwback to the good old days of blues-rock.

Personally, I‘m a sucker for slide guitar, and for that reason, my favorite song on the album is

King Tubby The Roots of Dub Jon Shaw BandWagon Magazine

King Tubby (Osbourne Ruddock 1941-1989) is the inventor of the remix. He learned the trade of radio repair then became a pirate DJ playing ska and rhythm and blues. He went in to business for himself with his own sound system he called Tubby’s Hometown Hi-Fi, becoming an expert in echo and reverb. His career evolved over the mixing board for 30 years.

During those years he recorded with reggae legends Augustus Pablo (on melodica), The

break down near the middle of the song is well timed and, most importantly, it is distinct, breaking from the norm of typical metal break downs.

The album was the first to be released by The Crew Presents, and A Sonnet to Silence is Greeley’s most prolific metal band. They opened for The Bled at the Marquis Theatre last month, and their web of influence has stretched all the way to Tokyo and throughout the Far East where acording to their iTunes sales, their popularity is on the rise. Your Cross to Bear is defiantly worth picking up.

been out for a few months now, receiving steady radio play from locally ran KBCO 97.3, and on April 5th the band revolutionized their music video when they streamed the filming of the video live on their website. The video was filmed in its entirety, using multiple cameras, dancers, extras, and of course, the band themselves, all in one take. Edited and executed on the fly, it was impressive to watch. The band also released the video for Scan the QR Code above what is surely set to to see the videos for be their next single on “You Are a Tourist” and the album; “Home is a “Home is a Fire” Fire” May 9th.

So, you heard it here first folks, Death Cab for Cutie is back and better than ever. Go pick up the album today and give it a try. Like the band themselves, it only gets better the more you listen.

“Jumpercable Blues.”

Keys to the Kingdom is the perfect mixture of contemporary rock and old school blues.

Their concoction is, in my opinion, better than that of more famous bands like The Black Keys. Many of the songs are fairly fast paced, but for those of us who like a slow song now and then, relief comes from songs like “Let it Roll” and “How I Wish My Train Would Come.” This album is worth checking out, especially if you are planning on attending The Greeley Blues Jam. Aggrovators, Prince Jammy, Linval Thompson, Lee”Scratch” Perry, and Bunny Lee, to name a few. When he focused on the album, The Roots of Dub, he brought it all to the forefront.

The backing musicians are staples of many recordings of the “Roots Era” of Jamaica’s 19681977 time frame.

The musicians hit it with full force regarding dub style heavy drum and bass in the album.

Tubby comes in to manipulate the music’s “inna” reggae vibration. There seems to be enough to go around as the dubs flow throughout the songs on the tracks.

This album from 1974 is a timeless staple to any dub record collection. Big up to the band, and the man who made it happen. Unfortunately King Tubby was brutally murdered in 1989, but his dubs resonate worldwide.

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine JUNE 2011

In Review: Angel-A James Kimberling BandWagon Magazine

TGI

I went to see a movie last week with a group of high school students. I had no idea what it was because they just called it FF5. But as we bought the tickets I realized that I was going to: The Fast and the Furious 5. It was like one of those slow-mo “NOOOO” things echoing through my head. But I watched it, and it was then that I decided not to write a review of a movie that is presently in the theaters.

So this month, I went through my DVD collection and found a film that would wash away that sickening feeling that has lingered since my FF5 experience. And the film to do that is called Angel-A, by the famed French director, Luc Besson.

André is a washed up scam artist with self-esteem problems. He owes money to virtually everyone in Paris, and thugs are combing the streets in search for him.

André stands on the outer ledge of a bridge on the verge of suicide, when he notices Angela, a leggy supermodel played by Rie Rasmussen.

She too is perched on the edge of the bridge, and on the edge of oblivion. So begins

Greeley’s Own Crabtree Brewery Celebrates 5 Years Braden Smith BandWagon Magazine

André’s relationship with his guardian angel.

Angela is not the typical angel; a rebellious floozy who sets out to win back the money that André owes.

Along the way, we realize that she has the same flaws that he does. In fact, Angela is Andrés reflection. While he sells himself short, she simply sells herself. With amazing cinematography of Paris, Angel-A is a rags-to-riches male fantasy that evolves into a very sweet coming of age story. It’s probably not going to be in the McDonald’s red box, so put it on your Netflix queue.

The Crabtree Brewery strikes again! This may sound like a horrible attempt

by George Lucas to reclaim the pride he once held in his glory days, but lucky for us, it’s something much more appetizing. Greeley based Crabtree brewery, has just released its five-year anniversary ale, and they did so in style.

On May 5th, Crabtree celebrated the release of the wonderful 5 anniversary ale.

The ale had been waiting, gathering flavors from merlot barrels, and tempering to a perfect flavor and alcohol content until released at the brewery. With pizza provided

by The Jager Pizzeria, live music from Ben Pu and Crew, and a wide variety of delicious beers to choose from. The night had culminated into a down to earth, salt of the land, brewing celebration. With a friendly cast of Greeley locals and Crabtree employees, the huge slices of pizza and live music were a supplement to a local and proud staple of the Greeley community.

Above: Jeff Crabtree and his wife Stephanie Crabtree opened their doors on May 5th, 2006, and brought with them a whole new cultural uprising into the Greeley area. Jeff Crabtree, brew master and owner, has been a huge advocate of local business and art ever since he opened his doors five years ago, and now he shows his appreciation to the community with the release of a series of casked, artfully crafted beers in the coming months.

The 5 anniversary ale was a very limited addition creation that begged for more attention. Its flavors

were complex and the 32 oz bottle was filled with enough potency to knock out any beer lover like Forman did to Frazier in 1973. But, enough of obscure boxing references.

If you didn’t get yourself a bottle of the very limited 5 anniversary ale, you missed out. We’re hoping that Jeff kept a bottle stored away just so we can all give it another try.

With most of the students gone and out of town, make sure that you always check out Crabtree’s summer line up if you’re looking for a unique brewery experience.

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine JUNE 2011

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine APril 2011

GREELEY BLUES When the Greeley Blues Jam started, it was little more than an idea shared between friends over margaritas at the Rio. With internationally renowned blues acts Robert Randolf and the Family Band, and The North Mississippi Allstars set to headline the event, it has become much more than a simple, good idea.

June 10th and 11th will bring two days of fantastic blues music to our little spot on the map. The 10th will see performances by bands at every possible venue in the downtown area, and on the 11th the headlining bands will be at Island Grove Park. The event will host vendors serving everything from beer and margaritas, to canjun and bar-b-que dishes. Local merchants will have booths set up as well, offering up crafts and souvenirs worth at least the stroll through to check it out.

Now in its seventh year, the Greeley Blues Jam has made a name for itself as one of Colorado’s premier blues festivals, drawing crowds from all over the

country for two days of all the blues rock and roll the heart could desire. This year is proving to be no exception, with several of the biggest names in the industry (along with many up and comers) geared up for an unforgettable time for everyone.

Recently, I had a chance to speak with Pam Brinker of the Downtown Development Authority, who along with the Chamber of Commerce and many others, have been organizing the event since it’s conception. “Everyone has been extremely helpful in getting this together.

From laying the sod in the event center, to the vendors.”

Budgets for events like the Blues Jam don’t exactly take top priority on the list of things the city needs to pay for.

According to Brinker, everyone who has thrown his or her hat in on this project has done so very generously. They all have given beyond what was asked because they all understand what the DDA is trying to accomplish, although they may lack the funds to do so themselves.

The Blues Jam is a non-profit event, with all of the proceeds going to Catholic Charities, who will the use the funds raised, to construct a homeless shelter here in Greeley. This has helped with turning the event into what it is today, as big name performers are sometimes willing to play for less when the money is going to a worthy cause. This is one of the situations where everyone is benefited by a good idea intended to help people.

Blues rock and roll invokes a certain emotion in us that seems to hurt as much as it is enjoyable. No, it’s not simply “the blues” it’s something so much more.

It’s a timelessness, and a sense of nostalgia. I refrain from saying a simpler time, because it wasn’t. But nevertheless, blues music gives us that feeling of being in our hometown with our families.

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine April 2011

No, it’s not simply “the blues” it’s something so much more. It’s a timelessness, and a sense of nostalgia.

The blues as we know it, was born from social and economic strife, in a time when America was still very much planting its roots. It has come to mean many things to people all over the country (and the world) where it was more than just music. It is a part of the culture that has surrounded them their whole lives.

For most people living in the south and mid west, the music has always been there, and each new generation keeps embracing it as their own. It changes, and becomes something slightly different from time to time, but the foundation seems to stay. Today, you can hear it in bands like The Black Keys, Bon Iver, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Iron and Wine, and, of coarse, The White Stripes. Oh yeah, and the whole classic rock thing that went on in the 50s, 60s, 70, 80s, and I guess the 90s now.

O T ON B RASS B AND

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine JUNE 2011

Michal Menert Plays Secret Underground Show in Downtown Greeley at The Jager Megan Conner BandWagon Magazine When Blacklist hosted a VIP party with a secret performer in early May, it was an unexpected technical disaster that turned into an intimate bash.

Blacklist owner Nate Giska came up with the idea to spice up the nightlife after he attended a VIP party in Denver, whose surprise performer was Pretty Lights.

But how the fuck do you get an artist like that to show up for a small surprise party in Greeley? Well, in Giska’s case, it was a little bit of luck that spread like wild fire.

In winter of last year

Photo by: Chris Batten

Michal Menert strolled through Blacklist after performing in Greeley. He was there to purchase new snow gear for an upcoming performance at the annual Breckinridge Snowball Festival. It didn’t take long for the two to realize how much they had in common, everything from DJing to their love of Colorado, (Menert is currently taking up residence in Fort Collins).

Michal Menert is a DJ who has a deep understanding of the music people want to hear, and how to put his own spin on it. A long history with Pretty Lights (co-producing their debut album and many other collaborations) he has

carved a foothold in Colorado for unique DJs who want to play more than the Top 40 hits.

After keeping in touch with Menert, Giska was able to make his vision for a surprise show a reality. About 150 people were invited to the event. During the beginning of the party the anticipation was building to a breaking point as more and more people poured into the tiny pub. Then Menert introduced himself and was ready to bring down the house.

“After he revealed himself I was ready to party I felt like my work was done,” Giska said.

And as Menert took his place behind the DJ booth, people rushed to finish their shots and chug their beers only to jockey for a prime position. But the moment the music began, it was obvious that it was not the sound system necessary so people could fully enjoy the music.

The plug was pulled to get Menert the subs his music needed to reach the level of sound in which it should be listened to. Then, disaster struck when a speaker fell on a piece of Menert’s equipment.

Photo by: Chris Batten

Pictured Above: Michal Menert playing through the technical difficulties for the private and exclusive audience Below: Nate Giska of Blacklist For a few hours Giska and Menert struggled with it only to hear blip-its of music that still didn’t sound right. And after finally playing, Menert bumped so hard, it blew a circuit in the Jager.

At this point, the crowd was sparse and the look on Giska’s face was, “Oh shit.”

For those who did stay, they found comfort in SoCo Lime shots, and cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Menert rooted himself at the bar and enjoyed the conversation with the locals willing to stick around.

As the power came back on, the happy go lucky vibe in the room magnified into elation, and this time nobody had to squeeze to find a place to stand.

Menert played his favorites for the last hour, and the show was so private it seemed like Menert played for twice as long. The loyal fans and friends that did stay were VIP, and they are the one’s that will boast in the future that Michal Menert played for them, and partied like he was an old friend.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine JUNE 2011 The Maykit, Head Through The Headboard @ A.F. Ray’s Dirty D, Mindshot @ The Aggie Theater - Fort Collins Turn 4 @ Hodi’s Half Note - Fort Collins Noah and the Whale @ Bluebird Theater - Denver Cephalic Carnage, Come Forth By Day, Iamtheshotgun, The Skyline Surrender , Ruins of Tomorrow @ Summit Music Hall - Denver Fitz & The Tantrums, Ximena @ The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs

COLORaDO CONCERT CALENDAR

Monday June 6th Open Mic @ The Jager - Greeley Emery, Oh Sleeper, Hawkboy, Anchorage @ Marquis Theater Denver Ben Harper @ Ogden Theater Denver

Wednesday June 1st Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley Dayglo Abortions, Verbal Abuse @ Marquis Theater - Denver Cole Britton @ A.F. Ray’s – Greeley

Tuesday June 7th The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub - Greeley The Maine, Augustana, Austin Gibbs @ Summit Music Hall - Denver Ben Harper @ Ogden Theater Denver

Thursday June 2nd Live Music @ Sky Nightclub Greeley The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub - Greeley A Mouthful of Thunder, Serious Moonlight, Rubedo @ Marquis Theater - Denver

Wednesday June 8th Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley Ben Pu @ A.F. Ray’s - Greleley Foster The People, The Chain Gang of 1974 @ Bluebird Theater - Denver The Human Abstract @ Marquis Theater - Denver

Friday June 3rd Memphis May Fire, Decoder, Ten After Two, That’s Outrageous, Voices, Salvage The Scene @ Atlas Theater - Greeley Gypsy Fit, The Foot @ Rd 34 - Fort Collins Allegaeon, Corw @ Hodi’s Half Note - Fort Collins J-Flash, Half-Color, Michal Menert @ The Aggie Theater - Fort Collins Fitz & The Tantrums @ Bluebird Theater - Denver Young Widows, My Disco, Lionsized @ Marquis Theater - Denver Places, Regret Night @ Summit Music Hall – Denver Saturday June 4th Alan Baird Project, The Sound of Progress, Bones Muhroni,

Thursday June 9th Molotov Solution, Legend, The World We Knew, Betrayal @ Atlas Theater - Greeley Live Music @ Sky Nightclub Greeley Floof and the Time Bandits @ Lion’s Lair - Denver Friday June 10th Greeley Blues Jam - Kick off concert @ 9th St. Plaza - Greeley Dead Floyd w/ The Living Rooms @ The Aggie Theater - Fort Collins Immortal Dominion @ Hodi’s Half Note - Fort Collins The Limousines, The Photo Atlas, Saige @ Marquis Theater - Denver Not Quite Kings, Green River Vibe @ Summit Music Hall - Denver

Saturday June 11th Greeley Blues Jam - Robert Randolf & The Family Band, North Mississippi Allstars, Coco Montoya, Trampled Under Fott, The Nighthawks, and more @ Islnad Grove Regional Park - Greeley Swiftfire Productions, PSA, IHE, Mikestar Productions, Mystic Noize, Stevie Skyy @ A.F. Ray’s - Greeley House of Dub (Free Show) @ The Aggie Theater - Fort Collins Autumn Burn @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins The Chain Gang of 1974, Candy Claws @ Gothic Theater - Denver Face to Face, Strung Out, Blitzkid @ Summit Music Hall - Denver At The Forefront, Look! Our Hero, Means Nothing @ Marquis Theater - Denver Sunday June 12th Polka Niuts @ Whiskey River Face to Face, Strung Out @ The Aggie Theater - Fort Collins Manchester Orchestra, Steel Train @ Summit Music Hall - Denver Monday June 13th Open Mic @ The Jager - Greeley Millionaires, Breather Electric, Christian TV, Set It Off, Caramel, Carmela @ Marquis Theater Denver Soulcrate Music, Prof, Observatory @ Summit Music Hall - Denver Cake @ Ogden Theater - Denver Tuesday June 14th The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub - Greeley Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, The Colour Revolt @ Summit Music Hall - Denver Cake @ Ogden Theater - Denver Wednesday June 15th Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley Cole Britton @ A.F. Ray’s - Greeley Yellowcard, Runner Runner, Saving Verona @ Summit Music Hall Denver Thursday June 16th Live Music @ Sky Nightclub Greeley Farewell Continental, Gold Motel @ Marquis Theater - Denver

Friday June 17th Pharoahe Moch @ Aigge Theatre Fort Collins Carolyn Rodriguez, Tha GoodFellaz, DNA, Poetic, Self Made Kingz, Life at Risk ENT., PSA, Goon Squad, Lil’ Swift, Quota @ Delicias Night Club - Greeley Rose Hill Drive @ Bluebird Theater - Denver Jack’s Mannequin, Steel Train @ Black Sheep - Colorado Springs Saturday June 18th The Stubby Shillelaghs - LIVE IN CONCERT - @ A.F. Ray’s - Greeley Co-Op, Black Prez, M.O.S.S, Traveller’s Music @ Hodi’s Half Note - Fort Collins Nautical Mile, Sean Kennedy @ Rd 34 - Fort Collins Jack’s Mannequin, Steel Train @ Aggie Theater - Fort Collins Pharoahe Monch, BLKHRTS, J.O.B. @ Marquis Theater - Denver Sunday June 19th Mac Lethal, Input, J Dirty, 3Two @ Marquis Theatre - Denver Black Lips @ Bluebird Theater – Denver Monday June 20th Open Mic @ The Jager - Greeley Tuesday June 21st The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub - Greeley - Denver Wednesday June 22nd Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley Ben Pu @ A.F. Ray’s - Greleley Authority Zero @ Aigge Theatre Fort Collins Thursday June 23rd Live Music @ Sky Nightclub Greeley Travis Porter, Andre Fabre, Pries, Rockie @ Summit Music Hall Denver Friday June 24th Paul Beveridge Band (CD Release), Boxcar Children, The Maykit, Jesus or Genome @ Atlas Theater Greeley

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Saturday June 25th Slim Cessna’s Auto Club @ Aggie Theatre - Fort Collins He Is We, Ocean Grove, Andrew Allen @ Marquis Theater - Denver Nathaniel Rateliff and The Samples w/ Ian Cooke, Della, Mr. Right, Churchill, Pigeon Port, Eolian @ Gothic Theater - Denver Sunday June 26th Bone Thugs-N-Harmony w/ Hoodlums N’ Havoc @ Aigge Theatre - Fort Collins Swinging Utters, Continental, Piss & Vinigar @ Marquis Theater -Denver Tuesday June 28th The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub - Greeley T-Mills, Goldenwest @ Marquis Theater - Denver Panic! At The Disco @ Ogden Theater - Denver Wednesday June 29th Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley Cole Britton @ A.F. Ray’s - Greeley Forbidden, Revocation @ Marquis Theater - Denver Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun @ Black Sheep - Colorado Springs Thursday June 30th Live Music @ Sky Nightclub Greeley Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun @ Black Sheep - Colorado Springs Los Guyz, DNE, Rhyme Progression, Pieces of 8, THC, Pursuit @ Hodi’s Half Note - Fort Collins Friday July 1st Rappin 4 Tay, Michelob, THC, Doc, C Nile, Swiftfire Productions @ Hodi’s Half Note - Fort Collins Soil, Sun of Revolution @ Marquis Theater - Denver Kill Paradise @ Black Sheep Colorado Springs Saturday July 2nd Glass Delirium, The Darkest Gray, GasHead, Blind Strike, Porcelain Dolls @ A.F. Ray’s - Greeley Kill Paradise @ Marquis Theater Denver

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BandWagon Magazine music and entertainment magazine JUNE 2011 HUMOR onGreeley’s The Wagon -live Slightly Relevant - Humor on The Wagon

An Animal Confusion: Animal Collective Admits to Having “No Idea What They Are Doing” David Kelly BandWagon Magazine As I entered the musty Brooklyn basement apartment that doubled as a rehearsal space, I began to get the feeling that I was in for a much stranger night than I had anticipated. “So, do you like it?” asked Panda Bear, one of the four members of the group. I nodded politely at the mass of spaghettilike wires, tangled in heaps on the floor. “Yeah, us too.

Our motto is ‘the more shit we don’t understand, the

better.’”

When asked to elaborate on this statement, Avey Tare, another member, stepped forward. “Well, see, there’s this common misconception about our music. People are under the impression that we’re consciously doing whatever gets released on the albums that we have some control over all of those blips and bloops or whatever.” I nodded again, but this time much more slowly. “I mean, like, a lot of our early records were just what happened

Above: Animal Collectitive taking a break from expanding “musical” horizons. Left: Animal Collective actually expanding “musical” horizons when I put the sounds that Geologist (another band member) made in his sleep to audio tracks of me playing a guitar with things I found around the house.

After those were successful, people started sending us all these…” He paused for a moment. “Doo-Hickeys?” suggested Panda Bear.

Tare frowned at this. It was clearly not the answer he was looking for. “Gadgets!” exclaimed Geologist as he

walked into the room, and the rest of the band members softly giggled and nodded in general agreement. “So we started pressing all these gadget buttons and seeing what happened then, and that’s how we ended up with our last album- the one with the cover that we took from one of Panda Bear’s old Junior Adventure Puzzle books.” I feigned a laugh at this, and then pointed questioningly at a three-pronged device at the

foot of an unkempt bed. “Oh, that?” responded Geologist, “That’s the pitchfork button.

We press that one whenever we want those guys to give us a solid review. We can’t overuse it, though, or we’ll get a backlash from everyone else”. “And to think,” added Panda Bear, “we started this whole thing as nothing but an excuse to make up silly nicknames.”

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