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MAGAZINE APRIL 2013 ispymagazine.co
HASH BASH THE STRAY BIRDS NORA JANE STRUTHERS DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR.
Family of the Year
FSTVL#0014>>
PHASE 1 A TRIBE CALLED RED / AMTRAC / ANDY C / ART DEPARTMENT BEN KLOCK B2B MARCEL DETTMANN / BIG GIGANTIC-LIVE / BRENDON MOELLER AKA ECHOLOGIST CARL CRAIG / DAVE CLARKE / DENNIS FERRER / DERRICK MAY & KEVIN SAUNDERSON DRUMCELL / DVS1 / GEORGE FITZGERALD / HATCHA / J.PHLIP / JOHN DIGWEED LUKE SLATER - P.A.S.-LIVE / MAETRIK / MALA / MIKE PARKER / NICOLE MOUDABER / NOISIA ONRA / PACO OSUNA / RICHIE HAWTIN / RROSE / RYAN ELLIOTT / SILENT SERVANT SLAM / STEVE RACHMAD / SUPERVISION / TENSNAKE / TERRENCE PARKER / THE BUG-LIVE THE M MACHINE-LIVE / TOMMY FOUR SEVEN / TRUNCATE
PHASE 2
T N E M E V O M
ADULT.-LIVE / AL ESTER / ALTON MILLER / ATAXIA / AUDION-LIVE AZARI & III-LIVE / BEN SIMS / BIG CHOCOLATE / BREAK SCIENCE-LIVE / BRODINSKI BRUCE BAILEY / CARLOS SOUFFRONT / DANIEL BELL / DANTIEZ SAUNDERSON DJ GODFATHER AND DJ ZEBO / DJ MINX FEATURING DIVINITI AND EVA SOUL / DOWNLINK ELLEN ALLIEN / ERIKA-LIVE / GESAFFELSTEIN / GRAMATIK / GREGOR TRESHER-LIVE GRiZ-LIVE / HECTOR / LAURA JONES / MASTERS AT WORK - KENNY DOPE AND LOUIE VEGA MATT TOLFREY / MIGUEL CAMPBELL / MILKMAN / MOODYMANN / MR. JOSHOOA NICOLAS JAAR-LIVE / PAPER DIAMOND / SOUL CLAP / STACEY PULLEN / STEFFI T.WILLIAMS / TOKiMONSTA / TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS-LIVE
PHASE 3 COMING SOON!
Tickets are on sale now 0002013>25’26’27
Movement13_iSpy_fp_ad-v01.indd 1
movement.us
3/20/13 4:55 PM
BROWN BIRD w/Last Good Tooth
Fri, April 12, 8 PM
FRONTIER RUCKUS
Fri, April 5, 8 PM
HEM
Sun, April 21, 7:30 PM
MISTY LYN &
THE BIG BEAUTIFUL Sat, April 6, 8 PM
AMY SPEACE
Wed, April 24, 8 PM
THE FLATLANDERS ACOUSTIC
w/sg JOE PUG
Mon, April 8, 8 PM
JOSHUA JAMES w/sg Isaac Russell
Tues, April 9, 8 PM
THE MILK CARTON KIDS w/sg Aoife O’Donovan Mon, April 29, 8 PM
316 S. Main w Ann Arbor w www.theark.org Call for Tickets: 734-763-8587 w Online at www.TheArk.org
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CONTENTS
APRIL 2013 The Buzz
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6
Sigur Ros, ` Frontier Ruckus, FullMoon & FestiFools Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful
7
Ben Folds, Esperanza Spalding, Good People, Brown Bird Danny Brown, Jamaican Queens, The Kadence Project Spring/Sound Reception
8
Scene 10 11
Hash Bash David Sedaris, Record Store Day
Foodie
22
12 13 14 15
The Dish: Pho House Adventures in Local Food #28 The Sandwich Showdown Drink Up: The Bar at Vellum
Around You Sales Sales
[print [print + online] + online]
Publisher Publisher Editorial Editorial
Tim TimAdkins Adkins
[business [business development] development]
Amanda Slater Trent Editor Editorin inChief Chief Amanda
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
Writers Writers
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timtim adkins adkins / tim@pakmode.com / tim@pakmode.com bilal bilal saeed saeed / bilal@pakmode.com / bilal@pakmode.com
Amanda Trent, Stefanie Stauffer, Ellen Kortesoja Amanda AmandaSlater, Trent,Tim TimAdkins, Adkins, Stefanie Stefanie Stauffer, Stauffer, Paul Kitti,Retyi, MaryP Simkins, David Nassar, Jeff Milo, Richard Richard Paul aulKitti, Kitti,Aimee M arissa Mandle, M cnees, Mary Simkins, David N assar, J effDavid Milo, Treasure Aimee Mandle, Mary Simkins, Nassar, Drew Waller, Jasmine Zweifler, Aimee Mandle, Groh, Jasmine Zweifler, Amelia Franceschi Jeff Milo, EasurePatti Groh, Jasmine r , Ross Huff Mandle, Tammy Coxen, Smith, Ross Zweifle Huff
COVER BY CATIE LAFFOON Pakmode Media + Marketing
Events Calendar April 2013
Features 18 20 22 24
Nora Jane Struthers and the Party Line The Stray Birds Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. Family of the Year
Review
Art Art
Designers Designers
dkins & Casey Maxwell im AAdkins TTim
Photographers Photographers
Bruno Bruno Postigo Postigo&&Kristin KristinSlater Slater
www.pakmode.com The Wasthtenaw County Events The Washtenaw County Events and © 2013 2012, iSPY. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in andEntertainment EntertainmentGuid Monthly e 124 Pearl St. Suite 407 , 124 Pearl St. Suite 407 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Phcne: 734.484.034 9 Phone: 734.531.8939 Email: ispy@pakmode.co m Email: ispy@pakmode.com
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part granted only by written permission of Pakmode Media + Marketing in accordance with our legal statement. ISPY is free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. For additional copies you m ust b e granted w ritten permission, w ith a possible associated cost.
27 28 29 30
Sounds: James Blake, Atoms for Peace, Youth Lagoon Sounds: David Bowie, Akron/Family, Red Tail Ring The Cut: Side Effects Snap Shot: March Events
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MOneyBAll
FAMily-Friendly FilM SerieS Presented by the Benard L. Maas Foundation
Free!
(2011)
For kids
Wed. Apr. 3 • 7 pM
12 & under
The true story of baseball general manager Billy Beane (played by BrAd pitt) and how he utilized computergenerated analysis to build a competitive team on a lean budget. UM physics professor dr. BrAd Orr will give an exciting post-film presentation on the physics of baseball.
advance TickeTs aT TickeTweB.coM. charge By phone: 866-468-3401.
BrinGinG the tcM cLassic FiLM FestiVaL to ann arBor
AlFred HitcHcOck’S 1964 clASSic
Marnie
tue. Apr. 9 • 7:30 pM WitH sPeCial gUests!
Hosted by turner clASSic MOvieS’ Ben MAnkieWicz with special guest tippi Hedren
visiT michTheaTer.org for TickeTs and deTails.
Sun. Apr. 21 • 1:30 pM
See the 1976 original starring JOdie FOSter and experience every teenager’s nightmare... turning into her mother!
advance TickeTs aT TickeTweB.coM. charge by phone: 866-468-3401.
Free eveNt!
FreAky FridAy
presented by
the Benard L. Maas Foundation
Live on stage!
seussicaL Sun. Apr. 28 • 1:30 pM dr. Seuss’ beloved classic characters collide in this incredible, crazy-quilt musical adventure!
Tickets at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets and nicola’s Books in ann arbor. charge by phone at 800-745-3000.
The
WHITE es
eaTl
The B
great seats still available! TickeTs aT livenaTion.com and all TickeTmasTer ouTleTs. charge by phone 800-745-3000.
ALBUM Performed
live in its entirety by Sat. Apr.13 8 PM
coMinG June 6–9, 2013 Featuring the best films from the best festivals in the world, including Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto and Berlin.
ticKets on saLe apriL 29
Michigan Theater member presale starts apriL 22 Stay tuned to cinetopiafestival.org for details.
Ann ArBor’s Downtown center For Fine FiLM AnD the PerForMing Arts
603 e. liberty st. • (734) 668-tiMe • Michtheater.org
THE BUZZ
Sigur Ros ` // Fox Theatre / April 1 BY MARY SIMKINS
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
Sigur Rós will continue their U.S. tour (complete with a new live show and an eleven-piece band) at Detroit’s Fox Theatre on April Fool’s Day. The Icelandic ambient/post-rock group has been pleasing fans since 1994. The band’s sound has progressed over almost a decade of recording, and the latest album has been described as more melodic and less “out there” than previous projects. Comprised of Jón “Jónsi” Þór Birgisson, Georg “Goggi” Hólm, and Orri Páll Dýrason, Sigur Rós has as much fun with wordplay as they do with instrumental experimentation. Besides just their play-on-words album titles and band name, Sigur Rós has its very
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own non-language called Vonlenska. Vonlenska is the name given to the band’s indiscernible lyrics, chiefly sung by Jón Birgisson. Also known as Hopelandic, Vonlenska is employed more as a melodic tool than a narrative, which makes sense as there is no syntax or consistent word forms. Come spend April Fools with renowned Icelandic artists Sigur Rós, and leave speaking gibberish. Sigur Rós will perform on April 1, 7:30 p.m. at the Fox Theatre in Detroit with guest Oneohtrix Point Never. Tickets range from $35 to $51. For ticket information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Frontier Ruckus // The Ark / April 5
FoolMoon & FestiFools // Downtown A2 / April 5 & 7
Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful // The Ark / April 6
BY ELLEN KORTESOJA
BY DAVID NASSAR
BY ELLEN KORTESOJA
Frontier Ruckus has been called “one of the best sounds coming out of Michigan this entire decade” by Metro Times and described as the “perfect recipe for Gothic Americana” by the Rolling Stone. And let’s not get started on all of the love iSPY magazine has given this band. Front man vocalist Matthew Milia provides poetry atop a folk-derived backdrop that finds a true sense of nostalgia without a drop of insincerity. The music crawls into the heart of any native Michigander with its lyrics naming locations all over the Detroit area. Moreover, the iconic references encompass a sense of Midwestern living – slow summer afternoons on the lakes and winters thick with barren landscape, a stillness we all know. Honest and haunting, Milia’s voice doesn’t demand anything from the listener but invites you in. After releasing their most recent album, “Eternity of Dimming”, this past January, the band comes to The Ark on April 5th. Ann Arbor marks the first stop in the U.S. after a touring jaunt all over Europe. Later this upcoming summer, you’ll be able to find them at Common Ground Music Festival in Lansing, playing with the likes of The Avett Brothers and Ben Folds Five.
Since its humble beginnings in 2007, FestiFools – and its nocturnal counterpart, FoolMoon – has become one of the most unique and highly-anticipated public art exhibitions in area, annually cutting a papier-mâché trail through the streets of Ann Arbor each spring. This parade of colorful absurdity and artistic foolery is led by WonderFool Productions, bringing “students and community volunteers together to create unique public art that is free and accessible to everyone.” Full of comically-giant heads and fullyanimated floats, the FestiFools parade brings the entire community together to enjoy local music and watch local art march down Main Street. However, in order to keep it free – all that paper, glue and paint costs money, you know – FestiFools relies on the generosity of community donations and volunteers. So, whether you’re able to pick up a paintbrush, donate a few dollars or even just show up to watch, you know that you’re contributing to something that benefits the entire A2 community. The luminescent FoolMoon parade will be held Friday, April 5 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Ashley. The FestiFools parade will be held Sunday, April 7 from 4 – 5 p.m. starting on Main Street between Washington and William. For more information, visit FestiFools.org.
Although her voice – velvety and smoky – is that of a seasoned veteran, Misty Lyn is a self-described late bloomer. She did not pick up a guitar until she was 22 and for some time lacked the gusto to perform on stage. Folksy, and reminiscent of American roots music, Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful have been described as many things. One of Misty Lyn’s favorites, she says, was when a French interviewer dubbed them “gothic country.” Sometimes whimsical, toe-tapping melodies, Misty Lyn’s voice and accentuated lyrics also have a dark beauty. As a former volunteer of The Ark in Ann Arbor, it is also the location of her first open mic performance. Misty Lyn says the venue is an important part of her life. She and her band, the Big Beautiful – Matt Jones on drums, Jim Roll on bass, Carol Grey on violin and Ryan Gimpert on guitar, will again grace the stage of The Ark on April 6 for what is sure to be a memorable night.
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THE BUZZ
Ben Folds // Hill Auditorium / April 11 BY AMANDA TRENT From hanging out with the Fraggles to collaborating with author Nick Hornby and musicians like Regina Spektor, Ben Folds has done it all. He did the band thing (Ben Folds Five, which recently reunited) then made an even bigger name for himself as a solo artist. He’s been compared to the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel and has served as a judge on the NBC contest show, The Sing Off. Now, he will be coming to Ann Arbor for MUSIC Matters’ second annual charity concert. The organization’s goal is to bring one concert to the University of Michigan a year and donate the proceeds to charity. Last
year, they brought J. Cole and donated $10,000 to the C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital. This year, co-sponsored by Michigan Hillel, the organization is taking up the issue of college affordability and will use the concert proceeds to endow one of the first-ever student-funded scholarships at U of M. Ben Folds will perform at 8 p.m. on April 11 at the University of Michigan’s Hill Auditorium. Tickets are available at the Michigan Union Ticket Office, online at michiganmusicmatters.com/tix or by phone at 734-763-8587 and start at $20.
Good People // Performance Network Theatre / April 4-7
Brown Bird // The Ark / April 12
BY DAVID NASSAR
BY JASMINE ZWEIFLER
BY JASMINE ZWEIFLER
Even if you haven’t heard her yet, Esperanza Spalding has at least one thing going for her. She beat out Justin Bieber for the 2011 Best New Artist Grammy (the only contemporary jazz artist to ever win the award), leaving his fans to wipe the tears from their adolescent eyes. Of course, Spalding has a few other things going for her as well. She is an exceptionally talented jazz bassist and singer who began performing at the age of 15 and whose multi-cultural background and education has resulted in a variety of musical influences. She has performed and collaborated with legends of jazz, blues and hip-hop both on stage and in the studio. And, let’s be honest – she’s pretty easy on the eyes. Her fourth album, “Radio Music Society,” was released to critical acclaim in 2012 and won two Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals. And, perhaps most notably, she has tried to use her recent worldwide success to move contemporary jazz music and musicians into the mainstream, especially on the U.S. charts. Esperanza Spalding will play the Michigan Theater at 8 p.m. on April 6. Tickets start at $40 with a portion of the proceeds being donated to EarthJustice.org. For tickets and more information, visit michtheater.org.
You know that saying, “If you love something, let it go”? Well, we don’t play that around here. Which is why Ann Arbor’s Performance Network Theatre has extended their run of the Tony Award nominated play “Good People.” Three additional performances have been added in the first week of April on April 4, 6 and 7. The play has received rave reviews from basically every outlet for its comedic and emotionally resonant take on parenthood and job loss in “southie” Boston. It’s like The Departed but with no violence or Matt Damon. Suzanne Regan stars as Margie Walsh and is the heart and soul of the show. This show has been selling out ever since it opened, so tickets for the added performances will be in high demand. They can be purchased online, over the phone or at the Performance Network box office.
I’ve never been one to shy away from the slightly ponderous when it comes to musical acts, an attribute that came in handy in my research on Rhode Island folksters Brown Bird. The two component members, David Lamb and MorganEve Swain, start with their roots in well ...roots (and blues), but they have branched far out for their most recent release. In describing their new album “Fits of Reason,” they claim inspiration from luminaries like Thomas Paine, Christopher Hitchens and Plato – and musically they’ve harnessed Middle Eastern, metal and psych-rock influences. If you have a hard time imagining what a band of such provenance might sound like, you need not imagine much longer. On April 12, Brown Bird will be stopping by The Ark in downtown Ann Arbor with their friends Last Good Teeth to support them. Tickets can be purchased online or at The Ark’s box office.
www.ispymagazine.co // @ispymagazine
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
Esperanza Spalding // Michigan Theater / April 6
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THE BUZZ
Danny Brown // Blind Pig / April 24 BY PAUL KITTI
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
Danny Brown is a weird dude. He’s also the most exciting rapper to come out of Detroit since Eminem. Pitchfork calls him an audacious and threedimensional rapper with a “strangled yap of a voice,” and MTV has referred to him as “one of rap’s most unique figures in recent memory.” He bounces to his own demented beat, rapping about everything from Adderall to stripping houses for scrap metal. Earlier in his career, he walked away from a potential G-Unit label deal because Fiddy had a problem with his skinny jeans. Brown’s devotion to his own ideals and peculiarities has certainly played into his gradual emergence as the most
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Jamaican Queens // Trinosophes / April 12
Kadence // Blind Pig / April 19
BY JEFF MILO
BY ROSS HUFF
At the end of 2012, this magazine was already propping this Detroit trio for their Mittenfest appearance. We pointed towards the late winter and early spring and suggested you mark your calendars for their debut, “Wormfood” – a doom-danced, fx-heaving work of un-hip/hop, art-pop and dirgey spacefolk murder ballad musings tantalized with grooving synthesized bass charms that both growl and purr and throttled with beats that slam and slice with tasteful fringes of feedback. “Wormfood” had a lot going on – and it still does. For those who haven’t yet streamed it online, you can attend Jamaican Queens’ proper album release show in Detroit at the unique Trinosophes venue (1464 Gratiot Ave). Should you go, you can hear the live rap recitations of an emcee iSPY will likely be touting in the months ahead: SelfSays (AKA Charles Vann) has been steadily piecing together a full length album in the last year. SelfSays’ strengths are his chameleonic abilities to fit in with a bevy of producers – leftfield ambient types, underground edgier fare or soul-centric, synth-heavy electrorap. Also featured: Detroit’s finest of the 20-teens’ techno era: Coyote Clean-Up, Slufter, Dakota Bones and Bill Spencer.
The Ginsu of Southeast Michigan hip hop hone their edge at the Blind Pig to make subwoofer chop suey and microphone flambé. The Kadence Project is the live ensemble remix behind MC Kadence (as-he-is). This performance foreshadows his soon-to-be-released album, the second installation in a trilogy entitled “Rhetoric.” The band features Julian Allen on drums, Brennan Andes on bass and Michael Malis on keyboards. Equally comfortable in any genre of music you might name, these aces are deep in the pocket of Kadence’s progressive hip hop groove. Ghostly International mainstay Dabrye, darling of both the hip hop underground and the electronic music press, will play a set of his original saw-toothed neck breakers. Also performing are the Ann Arbor duo Celsius Electronics. Man-in-Charge records the drums and LO5 programs the synths and both riddle spitfire lyrics over these electro-soul collaborations. Hir-O, producer Omari Hall of Detroit, opens the show. With the “The Kick,” his 2013 release with rapper Red Pill gaining traction, this DJ set is designed to touch flame to the range top and get the evening cooking.
respected oddball in the game. His growing mainstream popularity may seem at odds with his left-field art-rap – but in today’s crowded rap climate, it’s that type of clashing that keeps a person in the public consciousness. His last album, 2011’s “XXX,” landed near the top of many year-end lists including Pitchfork and Spin (and iSPY’s as well). Fans have been told they can expect a follow-up in August, which will feature touches from artists as diverse as Purity Ring and Ab-Soul. Danny Brown will be performing at the Blind Pig on April 24. Doors open at 8 p.m., and tickets are $20 in advance.
Spring/Sound Reception // Oaken Transformations Sculpture and Poetry Walk / April 28 BY MARY SIMKINS Open Monday through Friday year-round from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Oaken Transformations Sculpture and Poetry Walk is a unique outdoor art tour that is free to the public. The half-mile wooded trail combines renowned sculpture and poetry with relaxing natural surroundings. On April 28, the walk will host its Spring/Sound reception featuring Eastern Michigan University graduate students and Oaken poets. The audio compositions and poetry will play from QR technology suspended in the trees as guests walk along the path. As the event’s Facebook page states, “These new pieces explore the tension between the technological and natural world. They meditate on place, they investigate relations between art and nature; they respond to the sculpture and poetry already there.” The reception will take place from 1 – 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 and is free. Oaken Transformations Sculpture and Poetry walk can be found at 6893 Grand River in Brighton. To learn more, visit miartwalk.com
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BOAA
SCENE
42 Annual Hash Bash Cultural Norms Change as Tradition Maintains
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
BY ROSS HUFF
Pasadena has the Tournament of Roses Parade, New Orleans has Mardi Gras and Ann Arbor has Hash Bash. Legend says that it started as an April Fool’s prank. There were rumors of free hash on the Diag on the first Saturday in April at high noon. The time came but nothing happened, so everyone just lit up their own shit, inadvertently founding an institution. The trickster archetype abides in the heart of such haphazard impropriety, which naturally sparks community activism like a bic to a zig zag. We were proud when we marched from the Diag to City Hall in the spring of 2005. The previous fall had seen 74% of voters come out for an initiative amending the city charter to allow cultivation and use for authorized medical purposes. It meant nothing to the feds or the state and very little to the Chief of Police or the City Attorney, but it meant something to us. Our voices were being heard. At the Hash Bash one may hear arguments that this plant should be made available to medicine, industry and consenting adults. One may see a champion of the Fourth Amendment speechifying on an overturned milk crate, waving a pocket sized Bill of Rights like a testament. Fashion misfits may stand around kicking hacky
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sacks, looking like they need a cookie and a nap. Dominick’s will be open, the Tigers will be playing and we will be reminded to welcome the season for hula hoops and playing rock n roll out of doors. At its best, this event contributes meaningfully to the cultural dialogue about marijuana and serves as a catalyst for discussing human rights issues, despite many forgetful tangents. The only downer I’ve ever seen was a guy pass out and smash his head in the old Taco Bell on East University. The woman at the cash register was taking an order while on the phone with EMS. “Beef burrito, two tacos and a Pepsi! Is he still breathing? Your change is $2.27. Yeah, he’s breathing. For here or to go?” Two cops arrived and took him away. I ordered some tacos. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5. The Michigan NORML chapter hosts their quarterly meeting at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Jackson Ave., followed by the NORML dance party from 9 p.m. – midnight. Hash Bash formally falls on the first Saturday in April at high noon on the University of Michigan Diag. This year’s keynote speaker is author and activist Ed Rosenthal. Then proceeds an hour of camaraderie, banner waving and speeches from
various political and cultural figures. In my experience, these have been mostly comprehensible. The gathering proceeds to the Monroe St. Fair for an afternoon of live music, lawn sports, perusing vendor’s wares and nonprofit group literature and perhaps enjoying some sangria or the first Oberon of the year. As the day whiles into evening and there is much confusion about tipping in local pubs, bands begin to load in to the Blind Pig. Having taken over duties for the departing Smokestack in 2007, the Macpodz (including yours truly) will be flying in their original members from points west to present a Hash Bash After Party, with special guests Ray White and Laith Al-Saadi and performances by the Crane Wives and Luke Winslow King. The Hash Bash rally on the Diag and the Monroe St. Fair are free events, but the NORML pre-party and the Macpodz after party have cover charges. Additional details about all Hash Bash related proceedings are available at the throwback freedomactivist.net/hashbash.html.
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David Sedaris is a thoroughly modern man, making his way in a style more befitting a well-known personality about 100 years ago. Sedaris has become a household name by writing books rather than tweets and by appearing on the radio (what?!) rather than television. Like titans of the past such as Dickens and Twain, he tours the world and holds audiences rapt by spinning tales of exceptional humor and wit. In other words, Sedaris is old school. This master of the anecdote will be bringing his quips to Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium on April 15. But just because this guy is an anachronism isn’t really reason enough to attend, is it? I mean you wouldn’t pay to watch someone wear spats or buy a laser disc, would you? Let me elaborate. Sedaris began to garner acclaim after nuclear nerd crush and host of “This American Life,” Ira Glass, discovered him reading excerpts of his diary in a Chicago club – a fortuitous occasion after which Sedaris and his soul-baring, oft embarrassing, riotous and touching tales became fixtures on National Public Radio. He has published bestseller after bestseller, with autobiographical hits like “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.”
These intimate glimpses into his neurotic mind and frenzied family won Sedaris the Thurber Prize for American Humor, three Grammy nominations and landed him the plum title of Time’s “Humorist of the Year” in 2011. But if you think that his raft of awards and adulation have given Sedaris a big head, I’d be willing to wager you’ve not read the man. His work is self-deprecation perfected – spilling the beans about his inability to grasp the French language even while living in France and being kicked out by his father because of his homosexuality among other things. Through the lens of his own experiences, he turns the camera on larger questions about human nature and has become an incisive and important voice. His personal admissions often reveal stirring truths about the things that shape us and make our lives so painful and magical. His forthcoming book is due late this spring and has a Sedaris-typical bewildering title “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.” Having penned half a dozen plays with his celeb sibling Amy, Sedaris is no stranger to the stage. Tickets to the performance are on sale now and start off at a surprisingly reasonable $20 – a steal for an unforgettable evening of laughs.
BY JASMINE ZWEIFLER
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BY JASMINE ZWEIFLER Records – you either get them or you don’t. You either spend late nights engaged in bidding wars over limited pressings of beloved albums or you would rather listen to music on your phone. If you are a member of the former camp then it’s time to celebrate your neurosis with the looming arrival of the seventh annual Record Store Day, due to descend on April 20! And if you are a member of the latter, I imagine you’ve already stopped reading. Here in the Ypsi/Arbor area we have a long and glorious tradition of topshelf music reverence and creation. Part of that greatness comes from acknowledgement and appreciation of the artists and artistic forms that have come before – which is where record store day comes in. To that end, it’s a point of pride that for the last several years the chosen ambassador of record store day has been an artist from The Mitten. Iggy Pop held the title last year, and this year native son Jack White was picked to spread the word about this extraordinary event. The stated purpose of Record Store Day is to “celebrate the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA and hundreds of similar stores internationally.” What it means for us is that on April 20, we’ll be able to head down to our favorite participating record store to commune with like-minded
individuals and score some rare and new vinyl. We are talking limited editions, special pressings and Record Store Day exclusives. There has been a move lately for modern musicians to issue vinyl copies of new albums – artists like The Black Keys, Animal Collective and Purity Ring all made pressings of their most recent albums available. In addition, there are often all manner of promotions on the day – from performances in the stores to DJs spinning live, giveaways and other festivities that are at the shop owner’s discretion. We are fortunate to have some amazing record resources that will be partaking within a stone’s throw. Among them are the venerable Encore Recordings, Underground Sounds and Wazoo – all in the heart of Ann Arbor. What this day is really about is the preservation and recognition of our musical history. When you place a record onto a turntable, the experience is one that connects you tactilely with the album. And, as any devotee will attest, the sound quality of a record possesses a uniquely warm and organic nature that is indescribably addictive. If you haven’t taken the time to explore a record store and comb their stacks for treasures, this is a great time to give it a go. A recent AV Club article asked the question: “Has the vinyl revival gone too far?” Our answer: never.
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
David Sedaris at Hill
SCENE
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FOODIE
Pho House BY STEFANIE STAUFFER PHOTOS BY BRUNO POSTIGO
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
The Dish
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WHAT
Vietnamese WHERE
Pho House 2224 Washtenaw Ypsilanti INFO ypsiphohouse. com
“If you’re going to overeat, this is the place to do it!” said the lady at the next table. Although they have only been open a short while at the corner of Washtenaw and Hewitt, Pho House clearly has already built a steady following that has generated much word of mouth buzz around town. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Vietnamese food. When I first worked in San Francisco our office was a block away from the legendary Tu Lan, a hole in the wall made famous by Julia Child that featured lines out the door. When I lived in Berkeley and Oakland, I ate pho or bun every chance I’d get, and I would try to do the same when I moved to Southern California. When I originally moved to Ypsilanti in the fall of 2008, I was excited to discover Dalat, a Vietnamese gem in Downtown Ypsi. Now, I’m ecstatic to know that Pho House has given Ypsilanti a second delicious, familyowned Vietnamese restaurant. Since the sign out front still says Fat Philly’s & Burgers, we almost drove past Pho House at first. Once we stepped inside, however, I immediately noticed that it had an inviting atmosphere that seemed like it had been there longer than since late February. In addition, the staff was friendly and attentive – although they seemed a tad overwhelmed by the volume of customers (a “problem” of early success). In terms of the menu, they offer a range of items including rice vermicelli (bun), banh mi, bubble tea smoothies, seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes with rice and, of course, Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup. We tried the Garden Rolls (Goi Guon), Vegetarian Pho, House Special Banh Mi (Dac Biet) and rice vermicelli with grilled pork and spring rolls (Bun Thit Nuon Cha Gio). Everything was incredibly tasty, and they got especially
high marks from me for the freshness of the vegetables and other ingredients used in their dishes. The house special banh mi stood out as particularly delicious with its crispy bread, lightly pickled cucumbers and radishes, house-made cold cuts and fresh cilantro. I also enjoyed the rice vermicelli dish as well as the generous portion of fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, chile and lime that accompanies the pho. I really liked the crispy tofu and fresh vegetables in the vegetarian pho, although the broth itself left something to be desired, so traditional beef broth may be the way to go there. Also, the melon bubble tea smoothie got rave reviews from customers seated close by, although I didn’t try it myself. Not only is the food delicious, but Pho House is open late and the portions are large, reasonably priced and perfect for sharing. For instance, our whole bill ran us under $30, and we were beyond stuffed by the end. In addition, the large banh mi or large pho could easily be a meal for two or more people while the small size of either is plenty for one. Overall, Pho House is an appetizing addition to the Ypsi/Arbor food scene, and I will definitely be returning often to enjoy the food and ensure they stick around. Pho House is located at 2224 Washtenaw Avenue in Ypsilanti. They are open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit ypsiphohouse.com.
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Adventures in Local Food #28 Ode to Ypsilanti
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that people automatically will start to grow food, beautify the environment or shop at the farmers’ market once they see others doing so. However, it does illustrate how becoming more engaged in sustainability or local food can have an impact well beyond preserving parkland or improving healthy food access. When the Ypsi Urban Farmers first met at Beezy’s in the late fall of 2008, I doubt any of us could have predicted that less than five years later Ypsilanti would have ordinances allowing backyard chickens and honeybees, that we would have a food ordinance supporting edible landscaping and front-yard vegetable gardens or that we would have a City Tree Nursery in Water Street that is watered by the Huron River via solar pump. Yet, we have those things now because the PHOTOS AND STORY BY STEFANIE T. STAUFFER groundswell of popular support translated into tangible change with the help of City Planners, non-profits and other residents working tirelessly to make Ypsi more green as well as more friendly to urban agriculture. So, whether it means joining a community garden, picking up trash at Frog Island Park or encouraging City Council to allow urban growers to extend the season, go ahead and be the change you want to see in Ypsilanti. In fact, if you are looking for a way to get involved directly in the greening of Ypsi, The City of Ypsilanti and ReLeaf Michigan are holding two tree planting workdays on April 19 or April 20 at the City Tree Nursery. There will be two shifts per day from 9 a.m. – Noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. with lunch provided in between as well as water and snacks throughout. Some tools will be provided but the organizers welcome participants to bring extra shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows. These volunteer plantings are open to all and ReLeaf Michigan experts will be there to demonstrate proper tree handling, watering and planting practices. For more information on the tree planting, refer to the event page on Facebook or visit cityofypsilanti.com and click the “Ypsilanti’s Urban Forest” link to learn more about the initiative.
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
One of the best parts about living in Ypsilanti, aside from the widespread support for urban agriculture, alternative energy and the overall “greening” of Ypsi, is how easily people can get involved and have an impact. That impact can be as direct as planting a tree in the Ypsilanti City Tree Nursery on Water Street, planting flowers in the median downtown during Ypsi Pride, maintaining a plot at a community garden or buying from local growers and producers at the Tuesday and Saturday Ypsilanti Farmers’ Markets. That impact can also influence policy, whether through speaking in favor of hoophouses and vacant lot gardens at public hearings about the Ypsilanti Food Ordinance or giving input to the Shape Ypsilanti focus groups or public comment sessions. For instance, during the charette in mid-March, I was actually able to sit down with a food systems specialist to give recommendations on how Ypsi can further embrace local food in the future as part of the city-wide master plan (how cool is that?!). Additionally, that impact can also encourage others to get involved in supporting community initiatives like The Border to Border Trail, The Local Honey Project, The Ypsi Hour Exchange, Transition Ypsilanti and more. In other words, once people start to see their friends and neighbors starting gardens, building rain barrels, planting native plants, preserving the harvest or supporting the expansion of greenspace, it starts to positively influence their own actions. For example, when I conducted a survey on local food, I asked people whether or not friends or family members starting to support local food had an impact on encouraging them to change their consumption behavior. An overwhelming majority of 92% said that their choices had had a direct impact on the consumption habits of their social networks. In this sense, it is clear that leading by the example of supporting residential food production and the expansion of greenspace inspires others to do the same. Of course, this is not to say
FOODIE
13
FOODIE
BREAD BASKET
The Sandwich Standoff BY ELLEN KORTESOJA
MAIZE AND BLUE DELI
ZINGERMAN’S
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
THE DISH
14
WHAT
The Rueben WHERE
Bread Basket Maize and Blue Deli Zingerman’s
When it comes to sandwiches, Zingerman’s is our steadfast, homegrown claim to fame. We all love it. It is the food destination for many visitors and celebrities, and it puts us on the culinary map. Therefore, it was hardly surprising when I had a craving for Zingerman’s corned beef the other day. But I got to thinking, had I ever tried a deli sandwich from anywhere else in the area? The answer was no, which lead me on my quest to explore some other delis in Ypsi and Ann Arbor. The first experience I needed was Morgan & York. Located on Packard just south of Stadium, Morgan & York caters mainly to fine wine buyers and those seeking gourmet food items. They have pastries, coffee and sandwiches, too. Morgan & York sells French-style boccata sandwiches (translated from Italian, boccata means “mouthful”) on baguette bread. Yes, the sandwiches are smaller than the typical gargantuan deli mountains, but Morgan & York offers expertise and quality of ingredients. With exceptionally knowledgeable employees and a chill atmosphere off the beaten track, Morgan & York inhabits a specific sandwich niche that no one else offers. It is worth a visit! I still needed to satisfy my corned beef craving. After hitting up my social networking sites to get some opinions about the best deli sandwiches in the area, I narrowed it down to the big three: Bread Basket, Maize & Blue and Zingerman’s. I went for sandwiches as similar as possible – from Bread Basket, the 17 ½ (corned beef, coleslaw, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese on rye bread), from Maize & Blue, the #14 “Reuben from
Long Island” (corned beef, Jarlsberg cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing on sourdough pumpernickel) and, finally, the Zingerman’s #13 “Sherman’s Sure Choice” (corned beef, Switzerland Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing on Jewish rye bread). I employed two anonymous taste-testers to aid me in this feat, and the three of us had many of the same things to say. The Bread Basket had the favored corned beef itself (it also supplied the largest quantity on this meat-centric sandwich). Maize & Blue’s version had the most pleasing ratio of bread to meat and condiments and Zingerman’s had the best tasting (super creamy) coleslaw on the sandwich. I know you all wanted to hear a clear winner, but in all honesty each deli has something different to offer. (Although I will admit that Zingerman’s new pickle will always take the crown in a pickle competition.) I was beyond impressed by what I tasted at Morgan & York, Bread Basket and Maize & Blue and will be returning soon to make a tiny dent in each respective menu. Zingerman’s star power is for a good reason – its commitment to excellence in service and ingredients is like nothing else and for a few dollars more, you definitely get what you paid for. Finding the perfect sandwich is no easy task. Everyone wants to find that ideal condiment harmony and find a deli identity. In short, there are a lot of sandwich satisfaction options out there for everyone, so go forth and be hungry, sandwich lovers!
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The Bar at Vellum
FOODIE
PHOTOS AND STORY BY TAMMY COXEN AND PATTI SMITH
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perfecting his recipe for Where There’s Smoke, a smoky, complex and fascinating combination of chipotle-infused and bacon-fat-washed Mezcal with Sortilege (a Canadian whiskey and maple syrup liqueur), Barolo Chinato (a style of sweet vermouth) and walnut bitters. Travis’ attention to balance turns this unlikely combination of ingredients into magic in the glass. When it comes to beer, Travis works with his distributors to bring new beer into the state so that he can continue to find “little gems” to share with us. The tap list included three outstanding Michigan beers: Dragonmead’s Final Absolution, Odd Side’s Citra Pale Ale and New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk. The future promises beers such as Kuhnhenn’s very popular Crème Brulee Java Stout and Greenbush’s terrific Anger black IPA. There are also over 20 bottles available from Ommegang’s Three Philosophers Quad, Great Lakes’ Edmond Fitzgerald Porter and Samuel Smith’s Euro Pale Lager. Michigan is well represented here as well with bottles of Dark Horse, Founders, Bell’s and Short’s. One of the best things about the bar and beverage program at Vellum is that it’s ready to meet you where you’re at. Ordering the tasting menu with wine pairings is a great special occasion splurge. But you can also stop in any time to grab a drink and a plate or two at the bar. Or head over between 5 and 7 p.m. for their new happy hour with $5 wine and cocktail specials, $3 draft and shot choices and a selection of small bites like brandade fritters or bone marrow on toast. Whatever kind of experience you’re looking for, they’ll have the perfect drink to complement it.
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
Vellum excels at attention to detail: the amuse bouche when you arrive, the house churned butter for your bread, the tiny assortment of chocolates with your check. Happily, this philosophy applies as much to the bar as it does to the rest of the restaurant. Take the beer, wine and spirits lists, for example. Head bartender Travis Reeves reports that people will look at the draft beer list and ask “Don’t you have anything local?” Three of the six beers on the list are local, but it’s not obvious because they’re not the usual suspects. The spirit list is similar. You won’t find many of the big names, but you will find some amazing gins and vodkas that don’t have enormous marketing budgets. What they do have are great stories, and the knowledgeable and friendly bar and service staff can not only help you pick a new spirit to try but also tell you why it’s different and interesting. The wine list is stocked with hidden gems and unusual finds. You can thank Director of Operations Ric Jewell for that. With almost twenty years of industry experience, he’s been able to use his relationships with distributors to bring in some wines you won’t find anywhere else. You can choose from over 400 bottle choices – and a wide selection of wines are available by the glass. Because so many of the styles and names are unusual, guests are encouraged to ask for samples before committing to an entire glass. Cocktail aficionados will be right at home at Vellum. Rather than focusing on pre-prohibition era classic cocktails, Vellum is taking a modern and creative approach. This includes using infusions and other house-made ingredients. One of my current favorites is the Poblano Gimlet, which combines fresh poblano puree with Hendrick’s gin and lime juice for a drink that’s vegetal and unique but still completely approachable. On a recent visit Travis was
15
AROUND YOU
+Calendar BY AMANDA TRENT
ENTERTAINMENT
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
4/1: • The Rocket Summer, 6 p.m., Shelter, Detroit • Sigur Ros, ` 7:30 p.m., Fox Theatre Detroit • Cosmic Throne, 9 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/2: • Bad Religion, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Lianne La Havas, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • White Mystery with Ketamine, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Carrie Rodriguez, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Charlene Kaye, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Demetri Martin, 7:30 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak 4/3: • Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • The Tartan Terrors, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • The Protomen, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Desert Noises, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti
• R5, 6 p.m., The Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac • Andrew McMahon, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Dave Hause, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Tristan Pettyman, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • The Mavericks, 8 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak • Frontier Ruckus, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Ann Arbor Soul Club, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Cactusk, 9 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/6: • Otep, 5 p.m., Harpo’s, Detroit • Anthrax, 6 p.m., The Fillmore, Detroit • Big Wreck, 7 p.m., Shelter, Detroit • Twenty One Pilots, 7 p.m., The Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac • All-Star Comedy Festival, 8 p.m., Detroit Opera House, Detroit • Broncho, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Red Stone Souls, 8 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Tales of Cream, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor
• The Macpodz, 8:30 p.m., Blind Pig, • GRAMATIK, 9 p.m., Necto, Ann Arbor Ann Arbor • Almost Free, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, 4/4: Ypsilanti • Wavves, 7 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Esperanza Spalding, 8 p.m., Michigan • Hugh Masekela, 8 p.m., Music Hall Theater, Ann Arbor Center, Detroit • Good People, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., • The April Verch Band, 8 p.m., The Performance Network Theatre, Ark, Ann Arbor Ann Arbor • That 1 Guy, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann 4/7: Arbor • Suffocation, 6 p.m., Saint Andrew’s • Good People, 7:30 p.m., Hall, Detroit Performance Network Theatre, • Michael Nesmith, 7:30 p.m., Magic Ann Arbor Bag, Ferndale • Groovebox Studios Singer/ • Floor Plus Thrones, 8 p.m., Magic Songwriter Night, 7 p.m., Stick, Detroit Groovebox Studios, Detroit • Shape Note Singing, 2 p.m., The 4/5:
16
April 2013
Ark, Ann Arbor • Ellis Paul and Beth Wood, 7:30 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Kendrick Lamar, 7 p.m., Meadow • Matt Costa, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Brook Music Festival, Arbor Rochester Hills • Boylesque, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, • Stephen Lynch, 7 p.m., The Fillmore, Ypsilanti Detroit • Good People, 2 p.m., Performance • Brown Bird, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Network Theatre, Ann Arbor Arbor • Jamaican Queens, LIVE, Ann Arbor • The Slackers, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann 4/8: Arbor • The Flatlanders, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann • The Turnips with Match by Match, 10 Arbor p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Watsky, 8 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Groove – Innocent Until Groovin’ • Andrew Leahey & The Homestead, 8 Guilty, 7:30 p.m., Michigan Theater, p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti Ann Arbor 4/9: • Stray Birds, 8 p.m., Trinity House • Teddy Geiger, 6:30 p.m., Pike Room, Theatre, Livonia Pontiac • The Go album release, 9 p.m., P. J.’s • Joey Bada$$, 7 p.m., The Crofoot, Lager House, Detroit Pontiac • Jamaican Queens, Trinospheres, • Joshua James, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Detroit Arbor 4/13: 4/10: • An Evening with David Sedaris, 2 • Family of the Year, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, p.m., Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor Ann Arbor • STS9, 7:30 p.m., The Fillmore, Detroit • Severe Lifestyle, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, • Acid Mothers Temple, 8 p.m., Magic Ypsilanti Stick, Detroit • 3LAU, 9 p.m., Necto, Ann Arbor • Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, 8 4/11: p.m., The Palace of Auburn Hills, • Tomislav Bralic, 6:30 p.m., The Detroit Fillmore, Detroit • The Fab Faux performing the White • Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Album, 8 p.m., Michigan Theater, 7:30 p.m., The Palace of Ann Arbor Auburn Hills • The Bang!, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann • Deerhoof, 8 p.m., Pike Room @ The Arbor Crofoot, Pontiac • The Replacement Fest, 9 p.m., • Man Overboard, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti Detroit • Rodney Carrington, 6 p.m., Royal Oak • Stolen Silver, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Music Theatre, Royal Oak Arbor • Let’s Get Weird, 7 p.m., LIVE, Ann • This Must Be The Band, 9 p.m., Blind Arbor Pig, Ann Arbor 4/14: • Ben Folds, 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium, • Andy Grammer, 6:30 p.m., The Ann Arbor Crofoot, Pontiac 4/12: • The Black Crowes, 7 p.m., The • Sevendust-Coal Chamber, 5 p.m., Fillmore, Detroit Harpo’s, Detroit • The Michigan Pops Orchestra, 7 p.m., • Mansions on the Moon, 6:30 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor Pike Room, Pontiac • The Gardenia Bluegrass & Roots
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AROUND YOU
HAVE AN EVENT? SUBMIT IT ONLINE. FREE!
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Theatre, Detroit • Bonobo, 10 p.m., The Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac • The Proclaimers & JP, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Kris Kristofferson, 9 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak • The Kadence Project, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Skeleton Birds with Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/20: • Mindless Self Indulgence, 7 p.m., The Fillmore, Detroit • Triple Threat 2, Masonic Temple, Detroit • Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. with Stepdad, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, Detroit • Dead Again’s 420 Bash, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • Det X Det, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • The Crofoot Showcase, 8 p.m., The Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac • Foam N Glow, 9 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Natural Releaf with Satta Don Dada, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Elbow Deep, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/21: • A Matter of Pride, 5 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Airbourne, 7 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Carli Palmer, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • Cheech & Chong, 8 p.m., Macomb Music Theatre, Mt. Clemens • Hem, 7:30 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Bad Indians, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/22: • Shabazz Palaces, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • William Tyler, 8 p.m., PJ’s Lager
House, Detroit • Kris Allen, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Slaves to the Pavement, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/23: • Machine Gun Kelly, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • White Lung, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Mykki Blanco, 9 p.m., Majestic Café, Detroit • The Potter’s Field, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • National Theatre Live: People, 7 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor 4/24: • Fight to Unite Tour, 5:30 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Carter Hulsey, 6 p.m., the Vernors Room, Pontiac • Blood Red Shoes, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Amy Speace, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Danny Brown, 8 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • A Micah Adams, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Chris Mann, 7 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak 4/25: • Millionaires, 6:30 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Yngwie Malmsteen, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Patty Larkin, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Tech N9ne, 6 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak 4/26: • The Bam Margera Experience, 5 p.m., Harpo’s, Detroit • Flashing Blue Lights, 7:30 p.m., The Vernors Room, Pontiac • Johnny Marr with Alamar, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • The Muggs, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • Drew Nelson, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Black Jake & The Carnies, 10 p.m.,
Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/27: • Funkfest, 7 p.m., Fox Theatre, Detroit • DL Rossi, 8 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Martin Short, 8 p.m., Detroit Opera House, Detroit • Tera Melos, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Heywood Banks, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Matt Jones, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Kedder Avant, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Ann Arboy Symphony Orchestra – Mahler, 8 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor 4/28: • M.A.F.I.A., 5 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Gemini, 1 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Tom Rush, 7:30 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Seussical, 1:30 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor 4/29: • The Milk Carton Kids, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor 4/30: • Kiana June Weber, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor
COMMUNITY
4/5: • FoolMoon, Dusk – Midnight, Washington St. in Downtown Ann Arbor 4/6: • Hash Bash, Downtown Ann Arbor 4/7: • FestiFools parade, 4 p.m., Main
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
Festival, 6 p.m., Royal Oak Farmer’s Market, Royal Oak • Talib Kweli, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Corporate Sellout, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/15: • The Black Angels, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Karla Bonoff, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Turquoise Jeep, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/16: • Sammy Adams, 7 p.m., The Crofoot, Pontiac • Great Big Sea, 8 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor • Graham Parker & The Rumour, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • The Macpodz Tribute to Miles Davis, Stone Arch, Saline 4/17: • Alicia Keys, 7:30 p.m., Joe Louis Arena, Detroit • Holly Near, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Josh Ritter, 8:30 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak • Asante, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • The Hex Bombs, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Noa Celebrate Israel 65th Birthday Concert, 7:30 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor 4/18: • Death to All, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Jay Chandrasekhar, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • Marnie Stern, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Comas, 8 p.m., The Ark, Ann Arbor • Akron/Family, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/19: • Detroit Music Awards, 6 p.m., The Fillmore, Detroit • Parkway Drive, 6:30 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Geechy Guy, 7:30 p.m., The City
Street, Downtown Ann Arbor 4/21: • 43rd Annual Earth Day Festival, Noon – 4 p.m., Leslie Science and Nature Center 4/26: • Arbor Day Fundraiser, Arbor Brewing Company, Ann Arbor 4/28: • Dawn Farm Ride for Recovery, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Spring/Sound Reception, 1p.m., Oaken Transformations Sculpture & Poetry Walk, Brighton
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i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
FEATURE
18
Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line Release “Carnival”
BY MARY SIMKINS facebook.com/ispymagazine // www.ispymagazine.co
FEATURE
“I hope that we’re doing our best to stay rooted in different styles of American music but also blending them in such a way that we’re creating something new.”
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family and “Two Women” depicts a heartbreaking tale of adultery and despair. There are also fun, foot-tapping tracks to punctuate the intensity – “Barn Dance” and “Party Line” are comedic and lively in both lyrics and string instruments. The final track “Travelin’ On” doesn’t do anything too ambitious – unless you count seamlessly weaving a catchy tune with a metaphor about optimism in the face of mortality as difficult. Contained under the tent of this “Carnival” are stories of sadness and beauty, untold strength and private struggles, and a commentary on the difference of seeing versus judging the people we encounter. If this seems more enthusiastic than my typical album review, it’s just because I am so excited to share some good, old-fashioned bad-daybrightening music with everyone. I mean, it’s not like I’m writing this while wearing the band teeshirt …it is in the laundry at the moment. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Nora Jane about the album, the band’s recent SXSW performance, their upcoming Manitou Music Festival performance and more as the band made their way through Texas, where they’re spending three weeks bringing their splendid traveling sideshow to the Lone Star State. What are you listening to in the van right now? What are some of the band’s favorite music? Everyone has pretty different tastes – right now PJ’s iPod is on shuffle and we’ve heard everything from bluegrass to Pearl Jam. What can you tell me about the experience of funding an album through Kickstarter? It’s a great tool for artists to use. There are so many bands out there with Nora Jane with a medium-sized fan base that could have that support – and then those are also the people that get excited for the release. What is one thing you want to make sure your future fans know about your band and your music? I hope that we’re doing our best to stay rooted in different styles of American music but also blending them in such a way that we’re creating something new. Your band struck me as incredibly versatile,
as the members all seem to play about a million instruments. How involved does the band get in the songwriting process? What I love about this band is that there’s an appreciation of the music, but we’re also very flexible with improvisation. Watching you perform live, it’s clear that you’re all having fun. Is there one song that’s a favorite for you guys to perform live? I think it fluctuates. You used to be an English teacher. Can you tell me a little about your decision to transition into playing music full-time? I taught for three years, and I really loved teaching, but I had always wanted to do music. I realized that if I didn’t do it now while I was young and able to travel the country, I would always regret it The band recently played the Folk Alliance in Torono and SXSW. Are there any festivals coming up in the summer we can look forward to? Well, we’re actually coming back to Michigan in July to play the Manitou Music Festival. So you’ll be “Up North” Michigan in the summer this time – very different from the icy night you spent in Ann Arbor. I love Michigan in the summer. I can’t wait to get back there. I’m sure all the songs on “Carnival” are personal in a way, but did you have one that stood out most to you? ”Bike Ride” is my favorite song on the record. I really love all the songs, but that one really came through in the studio. I wrote it with my friend Robby Heicht, who is super talented. One thing that struck me about “Carnival” was the use of metaphor and imagery. The songs all tell a story – are any of those stories autobiographical? I think it’s really a combination. Some have more of my experiences than others, but there’s definitely a little piece of me in every song. For information on Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line tour dates, visit norajanestruthers. com. “Carnival” can be pre-ordered online at norajanestruthers.com/shop.
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
I was lucky enough to see Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line perform several weeks ago at Wolverine State Brewing Co. The exceedingly talented quintet brings an infectious enthusiasm to their live performance in the way that only people who are doing what they love can. Rocking out to a room of tense basketball fans who weren’t exactly in the mood to dance, Nora Jane and the guys soon had feet tapping and heads nodding. One woman, eyes glued to the Indiana/ MSU game, yelled, “DEFENSE!” while jiggling her ankle in time to the music. The crowd of chatty beer drinkers instantly fell silent when drummer Drew Lawhorn and bassist P.J. George began to hambone for the song “Travelin’ On.” And if the upbeat music drew them in, Nora Jane’s strong and sultry vocals held the room’s attention, regardless of what was happening on the sports channel. This brings me to the band’s upcoming album, “Carnival.” Although the official release date isn’t until April 16, I got to take a listen in advance, and I liked what I heard. With poetic lyrics and stunning instrumentals providing a foundation for all 14 tracks, the mood ranges from the beautifulbut-sad “Listen with Your Heart” to the exuberant “Barn Dance.” It’s no surprise that a band led by a former English teacher would produce such a metaphorically titled album: each song is its own carnival, and all four musicians ring leaders in their own right. The first track “Baker’s Boy” sets the tone of the album: a young person with an independent view of the world disregards what she is told in favor of her own perceptions. While “Baker’s Boy” seems to be at first a rebellious love song from the perspective of a young girl, we see a similar young female narrator peak behind the curtain of freak shows in the track “Carnival” with compassion and sadness beyond her years. I recommend listening to the entire album in one sitting, as the songs all tie together with the broader message that people are never as simple as they seem. In “Listen with Your Heart” a child learns fearlessness from her father while listening to the woods, “Mountain Child” tells the story of an impoverished daughter trying to feed her
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FEATURE
The Stray Birds i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
BY MARY SIMKINS
Praised by NPR as “one of the finest young bands on the folk circuit,” Pennsylvania acoustic trio The Stray Birds will bring their rootsy sound to Livonia on Friday, April 12 for a show at the Trinity House Theatre. The April 12 show is part of a packed U.S. album release tour. With a debut album that landed on NPR’s top ten Folk/ Americana albums of 2012 list and a buzzed about young folk sound, The Stray Birds bring a fresh talent to the acoustic folk scene. And with strong songwriting, energetic instrumentals and rich three-part harmonies, they have gained critical acclaim and a growing fan base while touring the country. Maya de Vitry, Oliver Craven and Charles Muench grew up with several miles of Pennsylvania farmland between them, and all three were raised on music. The trio describes their music as “a sound drawn from the richness of American folk music traditions spun with a stirring subtlety and grace. From bustling street corners to silent halls, their performances speak to an uncompromising reverence for songs.” The band’s self-titled debut album depicts the work of thoughtful songwriters and serious musicians, merging traditional elements with original storytelling. Recently, we were able to catch up with Oliver Craven for a phone interview while The Stray Birds had a brief window of down-time during their whirlwind trek out west. Here’s what he had
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to say: So, you guys are in Omaha. Are you getting ready for a show tonight? No, we’ve been up for 24 hours. We’re in Omaha overnight and driving to Colorado in the morning. We’ve been going all over promoting our album. What’s been one of your favorite stops so far? We actually really like Ann Arbor. We were there recently playing Johnny’s Speakeasy. We love Michigan. I know you all grew up in musical families. How did that influence The Stray Birds’ sound? I grew up playing in the Craven Family Band – mostly fiddle – and we were an acoustic folk trio, so that’s been a big influence of course. And then I have other influences that are barely even musical. You and Maya [de Vitry] write all of the songs. Do you collaborate on the writing process? Not really. The arranging process is a group effort, but [Maya and I] write songs separately. I don’t have a regimen – it’s hard on the road – I just sort of collect ideas from the people I meet and the places I go, and I come back and reflect and think about these people and their stories. Most of what I write is factual, but, of course, sometimes I make stuff up. What is one thing you would like readers to
know about The Stray Birds? Just that I feel really lucky that people in this band are really talented. I got to watch [Maya and Charles] play recently with another band and it was so re-invigorating. I was like, Damn! I want to be in a band with those guys! The Stray Birds will perform at Trinity House Theatre in Livonia with guests Red Tail Ring at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 12. Tickets are $15. To learn more about The Stray Birds and to check out tour dates, visit thestraybirds.com. For more information on ticket purchases, visit trinityhousetheatre.org/tickets
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April 12
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i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
FEATURE
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SEE THEM WHERE
Majestic Theater WHEN
April 20
Pondering Life’s Mysteries with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. BY PAUL KITTI PHOTOS BY BRUNO POSTIGO
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FEATURE
“When you put a ridiculous name on a project, you’re able to exist in whatever genre you want.”
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effects – “weird pop,” as they’ve called it – and, as their name implies, they try not to take things too seriously. “When you put a ridiculous name on a project, you’re able to exist in whatever genre you want,” Epstein explains. “It allows us to incorporate hip hop elements and pop and electronic elements.” I’m sure the matching NASCAR suits also help ease expectations. Even in interviews and smaller sets, I’ve seen them wear matching shirts or jackets. It plays into the idea of being a team – of making this band a totally collaborative, egofree realm where creativity comes first, whatever direction that may lead them. “The fact that we’re willing to be the best sidemen that we can be for each other is something that most bands don’t have the luxury of having.” But you’ll notice four team members on stage this spring. In addition to drummer Mike Higgins, they most recently added Jonathan Visger, also known as Absofacto (and former frontman of Mason Proper). They had been looking to expand their sound as well as their live presence and had been in search of someone who would bring new ideas to the table and work within the band’s close, collaborative style. “He was our number one pick in the draft,” says Zott. With so much to talk about – an exciting new member, a new album in the works, a new summer tour – the conversation switches to a debate concerning who has more money: Nickelback or Kid Rock. The issue remains unresolved. Last April, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. became one of the first Detroit bands to sell out the Majestic Theater in two decades. They’ll return to that venue for their EP release show on April 20, which also happens to be Record Store Day and Hash Bash. Keep an eye out for their new album this summer, tentatively titled “The Speed of Things,” and check our website for the video version of this interview.
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
“When you start to answer questions in interviews you get this really quiet, serious tone,” says Josh Epstein to his Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. cofounder, Daniel Zott. We’re a couple minutes into our interview at their Detroit rehearsal space, where they’ve been putting the finishing touches on their anticipated second album that’ll see daylight sometime this summer. Zott and Epstein spend as much time talking to each other as they do to me and the camera. But they’ve got some issues to work out, such as what they would do if they had “Nickelback money,” how to keep Kid Rock from stealing their ideas and what animals they would like to collaborate with. And how they want to present themselves in interviews. “I used to never listen to myself, then I recorded myself talking to my friend,” Zott responds. “And I realized I’m like, super loud, super cut-everybodyoff-asshole, so I’m just trying not to be that.” “Now you’re just so gentle, but before the recorder goes on,” Epstein continues, following with an indecipherable imitation of his bandmate. “…but now you’re talking normal.” “I’ve been doing this for two years and you’re just telling me this now?” We do take a few breaks to talk about music. Since releasing their debut, “It’s A Corporate World,” about two years ago, they’ve been busy playing their quirky and elaborate live shows across the country, including sets at Lollapalooza and on Conan. They’ve also been guest-blogging for ESPN, attending Pistons and Tigers games and finishing each other’s sentences every step of the way. They do admit to feeling some pressure as they approach their album release this summer, though you wouldn’t tell from interacting with them. “It’s impossible for me not to think of what lots of people will think,” says Zott. “The pressure comes from having that thought and accepting that you want to share it with tons of people. But I don’t think it’s bad pressure – it just pushes you to work harder.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. occupy rare space in the music world. They construct delicate indie rock tunes that make playful use of electronic
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i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
FEATURE
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SEE THEM WHERE
The Blind Pig WHEN
April 10
Family of the Year BY AMANDA TRENT PHOTO BY CATIE LAFFOON
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FEATURE
“It is definitely the toughest and most fun job I’ve ever had.”
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because my friends were doing it, and they’re nice and they let me. What’s it like being on the road as much as you are? What is a typical day in the life like for you right now? Right now I’m on a plane. We left SXSW, played a show on St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans – and yes, I got beads and yes, I saw boobs – then we drove to Tampa, which is the complete opposite of where our next show is (Portland). So I’m on a flight to Portland because we’re going to play a show with fun. tomorrow, then we fly back to Tampa the next day to play a show there. Every day is different. This is a typical day and not quite a typical day. I’m less cramped in the van, and I can usually put my legs on top of someone to stretch them out, but right now I’m next to a sleeping lady and a sleeping dude. What was it like touring with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros? That was one of our first tours, so we were full of energy – and it was one of our favorite bands, so it was awesome. We had an RV at the time, and they had a tour bus. A lot of nights were spent out in the parking lots of the venues drinking and hanging out after our shows. It seems like you guys are consistently releasing new music. What is your writing process like and how are you able to keep making new music and writing new songs while you’re on the road? Joe writes a lot of the music we all try to help out with the lyrics. Our banger jams are more likely written by all of us hanging out together, and Joe writes a lot of the lovely songs. It’s a little more difficult to write while on the road. There was something special about getting a bottle of wine or two and posting up at our old apartment and writing and recording music. It’s not so easy lately because we have a lot of driving and sleeping and radio things and shows to play, but whenever we have any free time, we’re probably working on something. What inspires you when it comes to songwriting and making new music? I think we write about what we absorb from everything and everyone. What do you enjoy most about being part of the band? It is definitely the toughest and most fun job
I’ve ever had. I can’t believe it’s a job because it’s probably my worst paying one but definitely the most challenging. Like every ounce of my being is challenged every single day. I’m totally exercising my people skills and my arms are getting buff from loading stuff, and even though I cry about it every day, I could probably run a small business from doing merch every night. But really I couldn’t ask for a better deal. I get to hang out with my best friends every single day and play all these songs we wrote and I get to dress up like I’m going out on the town every night and I see the world! And I don’t have to drive the van because I’m a girl! Do you have any good memories from playing in Ann Arbor before? Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to when you come back? We played in Ann Arbor not too long ago, and it was snowing, which is always a treat and a challenge for me because I’m from southern California. I have a good friend who lives not too far away, and she and her husband came down and hung out and showed me pictures of their brand new baby girl. When we are on the road I live in a bubble and I never know what day it is or anything about anything, so it’s nice to see an old friend to bring you back to the ground. What’s on the horizon for the band? Anything in particular you’re looking forward to? We just started this tour, so I’m looking forward to playing in cities we’ve never been to and shows hopefully selling out in places where we’ve played to two people in the past. We’re doing some festivals this summer and opening for some big dudes like fun. and Tegan and Sara and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. After that, I hope I can find a beach and get a tan.
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
Most bands function like a family, but Family of the Year takes that feeling a step further. Joseph Keefe, Sebastian Keefe, Christina Schroeter, James Buckey and Alex Walker make up this Los Angeles outfit (although the band’s members originate from all over) and have formed unbreakable bonds amongst themselves that come from cohabitating in a run-down house and relying on each other for inspiration and support, which has led to the kind of camaraderie that allows them to finish each other’s sentences. (And, to top it off, Joe Keefe and Sebastian Keefe are real-life siblings.) To say that the band has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time would be an understatement. They are constantly writing and releasing music and have received a great deal of attention all over the world, including positive reviews from the likes of Spin and Rolling Stone. Even Willy Mason and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler have confessed to being fans. Now they are kicking off what is sure to be their biggest tour yet and will be opening for acts like fun., Macklemore and Tegan and Sara along the way. We had the opportunity to catch up with Schroeter after SXSW who was able to fit in our questions via email while in between “a sleeping lady and a sleeping dude” during a late night flight to the band’s next destination (a Portland show with fun.) – which is a pretty fitting illustration of the paradox of being in an up and coming band: it’s hard work and isn’t as glamorous as it may seem …but it also can be pretty awesome, too. How was playing at SXSW this year? SXSW is always fun, but this year was cool because we weren’t running around like headless chickens going from show to show, hauling gear down alleyways hungover for load in at 10 a.m. We played a few shows, did some interviews and chilled. I mean, I love a crazy SXSW, but after being on the road so much this year, it was kind of nice to just enjoy the festival. Having said all that, it still felt crazy. How did you guys all come together as a band initially? LA is a mushpot of musicians and actors and artists mixed with a bunch of kids who didn’t even know they wanted to be musicians and actors and artists. We kind of just met and hung out and the next thing I knew I wanted to be a musician
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FEATURE
REVIEW
REVIEW
+Sounds
ARTIST: James Blake ALBUM: Overgrown 4.5/5 TOWERS BY DREW WALLER
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While it’s not often you hear about a kid from Idaho breaking through in the music biz, Trevor Powers, AKA Youth Lagoon, did exactly that with his 2011 debut album, “The Year of Hibernation.” A true DIY-type indie project, the album is layered with trippy digital loops, moody synthesizers and vocals that sound something like how I imagine Neil Young would sound if he whispered through a megaphone in a cave. It is, for lack of a better term, artfully unpolished. While Youth Lagoon’s newest release, “Wondrous Bughouse,” does not necessarily deviate from that formula too much, it is different. Although the track list might make you think otherwise – song titles include “Sleep Paralysis,” Third Dystopia” and “Daisyphobia” – the songwriting is much more upbeat and lively than its predecessor. Songs like “Raspberry Cane” and “Mute” are more linear and traditionally arranged pop songs. At the same time, tracks like “Attic Doctor” and “Pelican Man” are atmospheric, psychedelic lullabies drawing on obvious influences from Pink Floyd and Sgt. Peppers-era Beatles. While he may be non-traditional (though, low-fi indie debut albums seem to be the new tradition), there is no doubting Youth Lagoon’s songwriting and arranging chops. He knows how to lay down a catchy melody and he knows how to color that melody with a vast toolbox of instruments and effects. “Wondrous Bughouse” may not be for all traditionalists, but there’s clearly something wondrous going on there.
ARTIST: Atoms for Peace ALBUM: Amok 3.5/5 TOWERS BY PAUL KITTI
Atoms For Peace was first introduced to the world as a performance ensemble that brought more vibrancy and variety to Thom Yorke’s solo jams from “The Eraser,” and here they return with their first offering of original songs. The debut finds the singer in an even deeper, more danceable groove than we last heard him on the 2011 Radiohead release “King of Limbs.” Oscillating synthesizers and jittery electronic touches are the bridge between his rocking instincts and his preoccupation with dance music, and his collaborators shimmy to the same beat. Even Flea makes a departure from his thumb-bruising Chili Peppers bass lines to contribute a more subdued yet creative vibe, evidenced best in tracks like “Amok” and “Stuck Together Pieces.” The songs progress in a sort of instinctual spontaneity, playing with rhythm and tempo in compounding layers. And they don’t exactly sink in right away. Much like “King of Limbs,” they can be immediately admired for their originality but they maintain a cold emotional distance. There’s no “Fake Plastic Tress” or “Pyramid Song” here – Atoms For Peace is much more about texture than feeling. Yorke seems to be happily lost in some kind of cryptic, beatheavy funk, and while I’m sure there are a lot of fans hoping he dances his way out of it, it can be a lot of fun dancing along in the meantime.
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
When James Blake’s self-titled album dropped, life was good. Life got better with EP releases like his “Enough Thunder” release. With a single release of stunning “Retrograde” earlier in 2013, it became abundantly clear that this artist was holding on to that moniker tightly: artist. In his sophomore release, he applied subtle shifts in sonic layers and production. The final result is this lush, gorgeous follow-up indicative of an innate ability to powerfully fuse empathy through an electronic wall of sound. “Overgrown” showcases more cohesion in his sound, those loops and his toned vocals that naturally dodge unintentional “dream-like” moments that you would unfortunately fall into with certain tracks and the ongoing pianosound of his debut. “Life Round Here” blips and shuffles through introspection love and longing. “Digital Lion” (smartly partnered with production powerhouse Brian Eno) commands attention with its assertive build to what the singer wants – to be heard, not used as background tracks at your local salon or boutique. Even when things can be taken off-track, it does so with only a glimmer – thankfully – finding itself with a throwback collaboration with WuTang alum RZA on “Take a Fall for Me.” The final result is a fully realized album that is at once commanding and gentle – an album you can slide headphones on and listen to all the way through or shuffle along your day with lasting results. It’s a tender electronic release with a delicious aftertaste of metallic grit that will be remembered and appreciated and makes sure you listen to it again and again.
ARTIST: Youth Lagoon ALBUM: Wondrous Bughouse 3.5/5 TOWERS BY DAVID NASSAR
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REVIEW
+Sounds
i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
ARTIST: Akron/Family ALBUM: Sub Verses 3.5/5 TOWERS BY JEFF MILO
Imagine you’re at a drum circle. Dig. You join in and it takes you into that uncanny trance of the thump. The cathartic churning. You’re just into it, right? Eyes closed, palms starting to sear a bit as the tribal slamming rounds on and on …and on. Akron/Family songs can plod-on a bit, often beyond 5 minutes, but they usually wind up going somewhere, digging deep! The Brooklyn trio have been honing a sparkling, swooning, hyper-ceremonial space-folk for nearly a decade now. Think of them as the weirder, more zealously-Buddhist-inclined, mystical-magical cousins of Grizzly Bear and Yeasayer. Let us churn along these droning riffs, let us be both lulled and throttled by these swirling vocals hazily thrumming into dazzling harmonies…the drums, the rhythms. Heavy, man. Dig it. Akron/Family may be monkish and cosmically cryptic in their lyrics, they may be on some transcendental journey, sure, but their thunderous drums and blazing guitars, their feedback-fired vocal howls suggest that they’ve got splinters, blisters, cuts and bruises from dig-dig-digging deep into hard rock terrain down below to whatever their treasure, their zen, their muse, may be below the quaking bedrock of myriad musical styles (Pop? Sure, kind-of. Psyche? Definitely. Noise-rock? Well, basically, yes, but not like you might expect…) Submerge…into “Sub Verses”. And then you open your eyes after that last drum is tipped over and the circle breaks apart. Akron/Family hope the spell remains unbroken long after…
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ARTIST: David Bowie ALBUM: The Next Day 4.5/5 TOWERS BY JASMINE ZWEIFLER
It is always a daunting prospect to review a new album by an artist who is essentially a legend. There is a certain amount of trepidation attending the consumption of new material from such a well-known commodity, a lingering, gnawing fear… what if it sucks? This year has had a few entrants into this category with Bob Dylan’s “Tempest,” Springteen’s “Wrecking Ball” and now David Bowie’s “The Next Day.” As it turns out, dear readers, any apprehension you may have felt is misplaced – Bowie will never let you down. He is the rare artist who seems to have learned from his significant experience and whose edge has not dulled with use. Rather than aping his old moves like some sad, gaunt puppet (Jagger, take a hint), he uses familiar colors to paint a new picture. The album opens pleasingly enough with the up-tempo title track, but then it has you in its clutches. It moves next into the astounding “Dirty Boys,” the highlight of “The Next Day” that feels like a mash-up of Tom Waits, Bauhaus and Nick Cave. The songs taken as a whole are disquieting and dystopian in typical Bowie fashion – like when he croons along with mournful violins with that iconic voice that hasn’t changed a bit, “The world would end /And night was always falling/The peacock in the snow.” Bowie has accomplished a remarkable thing with this album, and that is creating a work that is outstanding – even divorced from its context as the most recent entrant in a catalog that stands as one of the most influential in history.
ARTIST: Red Tail Ring ALBUM: The Heart’s Swift Foot 4/5 TOWERS BY JASMINE ZWEIFLER
We’re at an interesting point in our history when the traditional begins to sound radical. This is one of the thoughts that floats to the surface while listening to the freshly released third full length album by Red Tail Ring entitled “The Heart’s Swift Foot.” It is a generous 12 song slice of Americana that shines like a bright copper penny in the electronic haze cast over modern music by Skrillex and his ilk. Red Tail Ring consists of born and bred Michiganders Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo – two kids whose musical chops are technical as well as visceral. They have it in their bones. Beauchamp’s voice is reminiscent of Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, while Premo’s rings like a clear bell. Their voices play well together and create disarmingly deep harmonies that are often the only adornment on spare tracks like “A Clearing in the Wild.” Accents on “The Heart’s Swift Foot” come courtesy of banjoes and mandolins, absent any percussive elements that would give hard edges to the good clean old-time fun. “Body like a Bell” is one of the great original songs on the album (to R.T.R.’s credit, they wrote all but two of the tracks) that sounds like it could have been written back in the Sun Records days. And “Ladies’ Choice Waltz” is a painfully beautiful fiddle tune that conjures images of sagebrush and wide open skies. It was Beuchamp and Premo’s intent to create a record that sounded as close to their live performances as possible, with simplicity and intuition playing central roles. And they succeed mightily. “The Heart’s Swift Foot” is an album that is remarkable for what it isn’t just as much as what it is. facebook.com/ispymagazine // www.ispymagazine.co
REVIEW
The Cut+ After an interesting career directing films such as “Erin Brockovich,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Traffic” and “Contagion,” Soderbergh has chosen to hang up his hat. As his last hurrah, he delivers one of his strongest films yet, “Side Effects.” When the film begins, Elizabeth (Rooney Mara) is numbly organizing her husband’s impending release from prison. She seems relieved that he is home after being away for four years for insider trading but struggles with integrating him back in her life. After driving her car into a concrete wall, she meets Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) at the hospital and convinces him to treat her as a patient instead of committing her. Once they begin their sessions, Jonathan has Elizabeth on a regime of drugs to help reverse the chemical imbalance that comes with depression. When certain side effects prevent Elizabeth from functioning, Jonathan contacts her previous psychiatrist, Dr. Victoria Siebert (Catherine Zeta
Jones), and is recommended to try a new drug, Ablixa. As with any prescribed drug, side effects are to be expected. In this case, Elizabeth blacks out and murders her husband. Faced with murder charges, Elizabeth fights to remember what happened and Jonathan’s professional career is beginning to dissolve around him as he is blamed for her behavior. Without giving away too much, it is imperative to understand that no one in this film is completely innocent, nor can they be absolved of their actions. And while the film doesn’t wrap up as neatly as it could, it doesn’t leave much in the room for re-visitation either. Instead, we are left with an overwhelming feeling of being sideswiped. As the plot unravels, it becomes painfully apparent how tangled the situation has become and how it ultimately alters each character’s life completely.
FILM: Side Effects DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh 4/5 TOWERS BY AIMEE MANDLE
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i SPY Magazine // APRIL 2013
I hope it hasn’t happened yet! My partner Ryan and I were the Young Entrepreneuers of the Year for the SBA Midwest Region, that was cool.
though we have locations in college towns all over the country, a big part of our identity is being headquartered here in Ann Arbor.
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