turntable
Fierce Bad Rabbit
The Widow’s Bane
Scan this code with your smartphone to hear Fierce Bad Rabbit
Scan this code with your smartphone to hear The Widow’s Bane
I don’t know what FoCo is putting in the water lately, but they should bottle it and sell it. There’s so much talent brewing up there it’s a little hard to believe. In fact, even though I typically try to write about bands that are playing locally, this one is worth the little jaunt out of town. Hearing Fierce Bad Rabbit, you would think there are more than four people involved, the sound is so full and well developed. Even though they’re still prodding around for their place in the indie rock genre where what you leave out is as important as what you leave in, they obviously know how to craft a hook. Alana Rolfe’s viola is a beautiful touch, adding just enough mournful nostalgia to dull the sweetness, like a toothache under sugar. With so many bands today playing out largely on laptop, it’s nice to hear a combo with such a masterful handling of real, solid instruments and good old fashions song craftsmanship. -Misty Kaiser
LIVE: Fri 08.30
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For t Collins @ Road 34
Sat 08.31
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For t Collins,Tour de Fat @ Civic Center Par k
Fri 09.13
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Denver@ Illegal Pete’s (South Broadway)
Sun 09.15
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Boulder, Fall Fest @ Downtown Boulder
And now for something completely different. Gypsy Zombies? Undead polka? I’m kind of at a loss for words with this one, but behind the alter-egos and macabre painted faces, lies some truly enjoyable, if bizarrely themed, music. Like Gogol Bordello, and other local favorites Devotchka, an overdeveloped sense of flair for the theatrical delivers a unique show experience. And I do have a soft spot for a well handled accordion. The band is fronted by the Governor Mortimer Leech who, along with his fellow band members, miraculously manages to bring polka back from the dead and make it more timely and relevant than any polka I’ve ever heard. The album is a mix of pirate-plunder, drunken waltz, and gypsy parade. This is not your mama’s polish polka record, but you will want hop around to it just the same. I’m going to go out on a limb and say this won’t be for everyone, but for the adventurous, the upcoming show in Longmont will also be a release of their new music video, filmed at The Dickens Opera House, as well as an art exhibit. As for me, I’m definitely intrigued enough to make an appearance. -Misty Kaiser
LIVE: Sat 09.07
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Thur s 10.05 ::
Longmont @ Dickens Opera House Colorado Springs @ The Zodiac
editor’s pick
THE NATIONAL - TROUBLE WILL FIND ME
Back in 2010 when The National hit my world with High Violet, I pretty much hit repeat on my iPod for about three months. It wasn’t their first album, but it was the first that made an impression on me. It’s rare for a band to do that to me twice, so kudos to them. As impressed as I was with Trouble will Find Me, it was slow to stick, but with each spin, I found something different sinking its catchy claws in my brain, causing me suddenly find myself singing choruses to which I barely knew the words, usually a sign of staying power. It strikes a much deeper emotional chord than previous albums and keeps the usual blue-collar social commentary to a minimum, focusing instead on relationship troubles and triumphs. They kept the song-writing simple, both lyrically and musically, which makes an album easy to listen to. It’s subtle, it’s mature and it’s a little bit haunting. In a pop sea full of pitchy tenors, Matt Berninger’s buttery baritone stands out like a beacon. It’s a man’s man kind of voice and you love it or you hate it. I’ve met people on both sides of that opinion, so I’m not surprised when I come across those who have never liked The National, but that doesn’t make me reconsider my opinion that Scan this code this is one of the best albums of the year so far. with your The National plays Red Rocks on September 17 and I can’t imagine a more perfect setting smartphone for my first live experience. to hear - Misty Kaiser The National WWW.TIMESCALL.COM
LONGMONT TIMES-CALL LONGMONT MAGAZINE
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