Kate Nash Live @ First Ave. 5/5/10

Kate Nash still put on yet again another solid show despite her sprained ankle. This was the first show she didn't have to use crutches and stood most of the show. Thats impressive my friend. Personally I love the happy catchy pop melodies mixed with guitar and piano, unfortunately Kate still likes to lash out trying to blend a punk side to her. Don't get me wrong I would want to rock out to if I was a musician but her heavy experiemental like tunes just give me a headache. The majority of the show was great though, playing most of the tracks off her recentley released album "My Best Friend Is You". Kate is also still dating the lead singer of the Cribs Ryan Jarman, which will always keep her into music. Let's just hope she stays away from a punk album.

The first video below was from her last show at First Ave. exactly 2 years ago. The second video is my favorite track off her new record on the Album Chart Show in England.

Sonic Youth @ First Ave. 7/20/09

For a full review check out MinnScene.com

Arctic Monkeys plot U.S. tour in Sep. and Reveal New Album Tracklisting

General Onsale details will follow and shall be announced on our official site

September
14th September Soma, San Diego
15th September Hollywood Palladium, LA
16th September Fox Theater, Oakland
18th September Wonder Ballroom, Portland
19th September The Showbox @ The Market, Seattle
20th September Maklin Bowl, Stanley Park, Vancouver
22nd September In The Venue, Salt Lake City - w/The Airborne Toxic Event
23rd September Ogden Theatre, Denver - w/ The Airborne Toxic Event
25th September First Avenue, Minneapolis
26th September The Rave, Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee
28th September Newport Music Hall, Colombus
29th September Kool Haus, Toronto
30th September Electric Factory, Philadelphia

October
2nd October House of Blues, New Orleans
3rd October House of Blues, Houston
4th October Austin City Limits Festival, Texas
5th October The Palladium Ballroom, Dallas



Arctic Monkeys are pleased to announce they will be releasing their as-yet-untitled 3rd album on Monday 24th August 2009.

The tracklisting is as follows:

1. My Propeller
2. Crying Lightning
3. Dangerous Animals
4. Secret Door
5. Potion Approaching
6. Fire And The Thud
7. Cornerstone
8. Dance Little Liar
9. Pretty Visitors
10. The Jeweller’s Hands

The Little Ones @ 7th Street Entry 10/22/08

This should tell you if we had a good time or not..

Birdmonster and The Rumble Strips coming to the Entry this Thursday!

Birdmonster is back again for another wild and crazy night in Minneapolis. I'm sure they'll be another stage invasion by myself and the rock n roll star.



The Rumble Strips have a full length now, and are setting out on their first full length U.S. tour. TRS has been big in the U.K. for awhile now, and they've caught my attention every since I checked out this motorcycle video.

Welsh Soulster Duffy Wows Minneapolis! 7/31/08

Kicking off her current American summer tour Aimee Duffy strolled on First Avenue's mainstage Thursday night to a near capacity crowd clearly wanting to demonstrate to her American fans that she is the real deal and no flash in the pan. And by the end of her second song "Rockferry" she succeeded and had won over her audience. Dressed in a short, white cotton dress accented with bright red shoes Duffy performed with her trademark genuiness that ofter reminded me of the onstage persona of American country singer Dolly Parton. She really has that kind of audience appeal. Of course, her UK Northern Soul lineage goes way back to 60's UK superstars Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield, and Lulu.

Crowd favorites included her current brilliant single "Warwick Avenue" and of course world-wide hit "Mercy". "Distant Dreamer" has become her final encore number and really is a showstopper. It guarantees that anytime she wants - even with just one full CD release - she could be booked into an extended performance contract at one of the larger Vegas hotels (not such a bad thing, as she possesses that kind of timeless appeal).
Yep, she is much better than Nancy Sinatra ever was!

While her backing musicians were more than adequate, Duffy's striking voice and stage persona certainly make it worthwhile to see her live. Unlike the other "Amy", she clearly becomes energized and enjoys performing before a live crowd. She spent over a half hour after the show talking to her fans and signing autographs. Duffy is a smart musician who I think will always pay close attention to her fan base.

Recommend to anyone to get and read the August 2008 issue of British Q music magazine. Duffy is on the cover along with the Modfather and soul singer Paul Weller. Good interview conducted by Simon Goddard of the two together about their early musical influences and their opinions about the current music scene and business.

-Craig M



For more photos visit My Flickr Page.

Video from Duffy's first ave show

The Go Team! planning to take over the world! Live @ First Ave(Minneapolis) 7/30

(photo by Jon Behm, Brody and Ninja)

How The Go Team hasn't taken over Americas youth yet, still boggles my mind.  The Go Team! is the greatest live band on the planet.  Lead singer Ninja taught everyone how to dance this evening at first avenue.  The set was a split between Thunder Lightning Strike(2004) and Proof of Youth(2007) their only 2 full length records.

Rumor has it that Ninja may do some solo work in the near future. Lets hope she puts together a few more records and tours before she moves on.  

For More photos check out My Flickr Page

Also email JonBehm[at]gmail.com for professional photos, check out his flickr page

Video of The Go Team! from First Ave.

Wolf Parade Show of the Summer!!!!!!!!

Wolf Parade played in front of a packed Minneapolis crowd. Very close to a sell out. Arguably the show of the summer and potentially the entire year. It has been three years since Wolf Parade released their first album. Their second album hasn't gotten a lot of buzz, but their fans remember how impressive the band performs live. Spencer and Dan both have very respectible side projects in Handsome Furs and Sunset Rubdown, but let's face it Wolf Parade needs to live on and never die. " I Believe in Anything" is one of the greatest live songs of all time. Incredible mix of new and old tracks in their set list.

Wolf Parade-I Believe in Anything


Wolf Parade Myspace

See Kate Jackson this Sunday in Minneapolis at The Entry

Kate Jackson will be performing with her band The Long Blondes @ The Entry Sunday May 25th. Love Drug and Raven open.

The Helio Sequence / The Alarmists / SIKA @ First Ave. 5/14/08

Benjamin Wiekel, drummer for The Helio Sequence, has to be the best drummer I've seen.  Even better than Ringo Starr, oh yea! Fortunatley Ben doesn't try to sing like Ringo, but is extremely animated. Benjamin also has played with Modest Mouse.  The other half and front man of Helio is Brandon Summers, another extremely talented performer.  

As soon as Helio Sequence started I raced to the front of the crowd and immediately was loving the sound. It is amazing what two guys from Portland can do on stage.  Ben and Brandon need to keep writing and continue touring so more fans can witness greatness.  

The Helio Sequence

For More Photos go to My Flickr Page

                                               THE ALARMISTS

The Alarmists are still the best Minneapolis local band at the moment.  They're only planning on playing about 5 shows this summer, as they'll look to do more recording and set up for a midwest fall tour.  "Car Crashing" and "You're Right" are two catchy new singles on their spring singles EP.  

                                                          SIKA

SIKA is a  very talented local group going for a Muse/Radiohead sound.  Catch them at England Swings this Saturday May 17th at 8pm @ The Triple Rock where they will play some Muse and Radiohead.  

Kate Nash @ First Ave. 5/3/08

The lovely Kate Nash soared into Minneapolis with her birds, band, and big smile.  Her first full American tour in support of her debut album "Made of Bricks", has been quite the success.  With 6 new songs on her set, plus a couple of covers. I give Kate two thumbs up.   

For More Photos visit My Flickr Page

Kate Nash "Baby Love"