Omahype, NE

Black Francis @ Slowdown TONIGHT

Truly a man who needs no introduction, Black Francis/Frank Black of the Pixies plays Slowdown tonight, Brad Hoshaw opens. $15 9pm

The Faint - The Geeks Were Right

Here is the new Faint song, 'The Geeks Were Right'!! It seems they're killing people if they post the mp3, so here is a stream. Who wants to drive to Des Moines?

Maria Taylor/Johnathan Rice/Nik Freitas @ the Waiting Room TONIGHT

Here is a short preview � Tonight brings one of the lovely former halves of Azure Ray, Maria Taylor, to the Waiting Room. She hasn�t played Omaha for quite a while, her last shows around here probably being Lincoln Calling last year and that Jimmy Eat World show? That was like a year ago. It�s been a year since Lynn Teeter Flower came out, and a few weeks ago she released a digital EP on iTunes with Andy LeMaster (Now It�s Overhead) titled Savannah Drive. There are two songs from the EP on her myspace, a great version of �Leap Year� that was first on 11:11, and new song called �Tell Me� which you can also download below. Oh, plus Johnathan Rice (who had awesome hair at one point) and Team Love�s Nik Freitas the greatest, who also happens to be a member of the Mystic Valley Band, right? I�ve got some other sweet stuff going on tonight, so no clue when or if I�ll be showing up to this, but you should for sure be there. 9pm $9

Maria Taylor with Andy LeMaster � Tell Me
Maria Taylor � One For the Shareholders
Nik Freitas � Sun Down
Nik Freitas � What You Become

Dri opens for some band I've never heard of @ the Waiting Room TONIGHT; quick weekend impressions

Tonight at the Waiting Room is Calmity Magnet. They're from LA and one of the girls in the band used to be in the Rentals (a friend of P perhaps?). I'd never heard of them so I checked out the myspace. Poppy girl harmonies with a little bit of a country feel to some of it. I don't know, should be ok I suppose. Opening is Dri, aka Adrianne Verhoeven, who has been in/is currently in a bunch of cool bands (the Anniversary, Fourth of July, Art In Manila...). Her Range Life debut Smoke Rings came out last November, but right now is really the perfect time for it. Saw her and her band last winter and wasn't really impressed with the live show, but they just posted a sweet Daytrotter session that makes me think I'm going to enjoy this performance a lot more. It's not nearly as slick as the record but it sounds like they've got the full band deal working pretty well. 9pm $8, you know the drill.

Dri - Don't Wait
Dri - You Know I Tried

As far as Saturday night went, some pretty great bands played some pretty good songs. I made it to the Bemis in time to see Capgun Coup do a set of songs that I've seen a bunch, but the room at the Bemis sounded great and the crowd was really good too, a mess of young scenester looking kids along with the usuals, kind of proved the point that this permission slip bullshit was a lame move. Of course, $free$ never hurts crowd size either. Sources say that Bear Country was great, and that while the sophomore album won't be out till 2010 or 11, they do have a tape coming in a few weeks which should maybe get me off their back for a bit.

After Capgun finished their set (11pm-ish? Maybe a bit later than that.) I ran over to the Brothers and saw the entire set from Talking Mountain, who now have a third member who just happens to be the dude from Stolen Kisses, and they played Stolen Kisses' monster super mega hit 'I Wanna Die Young' which really is an awesome song. Then Flowers Forever played a short 6 or 7 song set, it was fantastic and the Brothers sounded surprisingly great for barely ever having shows. Flowers even brought out the strobe lights for the last couple of songs (which I believe were 'Golden Shackles' and 'Black Pope'). Fun stuff. Plus I picked up a free tape-shaped foam coaster from the I'm Drinking This dudes, which I'm using on my desk right now. A lovely evening was had by all.

Live Review 6/27/08 - Fourth of July/Our Fox @ Slowdown

I must have walked into Slowdown right after Suzannah Johannes, which is a bit of a bummer. Word on the street is that is was an enjoyable set. I am glad I got there in time to see Our Fox this time. Our Fox is Ryan Fox's current project, and the first song was pretty slow and plodding, but highlighted by some pretty ace guitar work. I thought the rest of the set would follow the same pattern, but to my surprise there were quite a few loud songs thrown in too, but they all followed suit in the kick ass guitar work department. Some of the songs instrumentally sounded like (surprise!) the best Neva Dinova songs, but vocally and lyrically there is obviously a huge difference. Enjoyable band, I'm interested to see them again, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Then Fourth of July was up. My biggest problem with the usual Fourth of July shows are that they only play for like a half hour, tops, and that's just not enough time for me to hear all the songs I want to hear. Luckily, last night they played a nearly hour long set, stemming from the fact that they had to do an hour at the Wakarusa fest in Lawrence a few weeks ago. They played pretty much everything you'd want to hear from On The Plains, but the best stuff were the new songs that peppered the set. They seemed mostly in line with the rest of the their songs, subject matter-wise, and it was exciting to hear stuff from their soon to be recorded sophomore record. Standouts included one that was described beforehand as "epic", which built to being pretty huge but couldn't have been more than 4 minutes, and one of the first new ones they played, chorus about mending a broken heart. I go through times when I'm pretty sure I'm bored and done with indie pop songs, but if bands keep making them like this, I'm probably in it for the long haul.

INSANITY - Flowers Forever/Talking Mountain/Carnal Torpor/Oui Bandits @ the Brothers; Capgun Coup/Bear Country @ the Bemis; Broken Spindles/FTL Drive @ the Waiting Room TONIGHT

Tonight is one of the craziest evenings of shows we've had in quite some time, literally 3 awesome shows worth going to, 3 shows I'd go to if they weren't all at the same time. At the Waiting Room is Broken Spindles, the Faint's Joel Peterson's solo project. His first 3 releases were all on Saddle Creek, and felt really dark. His newest release is called Document Number One, and is on his own label (Kaput Pin), and strays away from what you'd expect... or at least that's what I've heard of the all instrumental CD. I haven't actually heard the entire record, but I'm about $20 away from ordering it. It actually features a lot of electronic stuff just like you'd expect, but some of it feels downright massive/creepy because of a large string orchestra. What I've heard is impressive. Also on the bill? A one man/two man/three man dance party, Slumber Party Record's FTL Drive. I saw them earlier this week at the last ever Prostitute show (who were fantastic... videos coming soon!) and I'm pretty sure I didn't know one of the songs, and it was good, nevermind the usual favorites. Playing first is Lincoln's Pharmacy Spirits, and they're pretty good too. 9pm $8

PLUS! At the Bemis Center is the third and last night of the Bemis Creativity Festival 2008, and features some of the coolest bands in town playing at night. Starting at 730 is Shiver Shiver, and following them is Bear Country at around 830. I haven't seen Bear Country in what seems like forever, and in theory they should be really close to done recording their sophomore record, hopefully for release sometime in 2008, but knowing these jerks it'll probably be June 2009 or something equally as ridiculous. I'm working too late to see them tonight, too, but you should make a point to catch their set, for sure. Following the folky pop of Bear Country is one of the goofiest and funnest bands around, Lincoln's Columbia vs. Challenger. Then, scheduled to start around 1030 according to the Bemis itinerary, is Capgun Coup. Rumor has it they might be playing some stuff live that we haven't heard before so that makes it almost a can't miss. Another bonus is the fact that the Bemis Center is one of the coolest places in town to see a concert, it's like a cross between a house show and a music venue. Plus, hey, it's free, and there is a ton of other amazing stuff to see, so even if you're not planning on seeing these bands, you should for sure make it down there sometime today and check out everything else they have going on. Bands start at 730ish, $free$

Last but not least, happening at the Brothers, is the first I'm Drinkin This showcase of the summer, featuring Flowers Forever, Talking Mountain, Carnal Torpor, and Oui Bandits. This will be the last Flowers Forever show for awhile (I would think, at least) since Derek will have to go on tour with Tilly and the Wall in about a week to tour for their new record. If you're not going to one of the above shows, you should definitely be at this. For one, they barely ever have shows at Brothers, so that in itself is a treat, plus the line up is awesome, the price is awesome, and the tapes are awesome. I'll admit that Carnal Torpor isn't anywhere near my tastes, but Flowers Forever is one of the best local releases of the year (not kidding). Plus if you've been paying much attention then you know we love Talking Mountain and although I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, I really like the Oui Bandits tape too. Yeah, there are entirely too many bands that I like playing all over town tonight. I'm pretty sure the stats on this one are 9pm and $free$?? Awesome.

Bemis Creativity Festival @ the Bemis!; Fourth of July/Our Fox @ Slowdown; Willie Nelson @ Stir Cove TONIGHT!!

There is a really amazing art event happening this weekend at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts - the Bemis Center Creativity Festival. It's a three day festival featuring a ton of really cool exhibits and tons of artists showing and performing. Of course, I totally blew it and forgot about it starting on Thursday. Make sure to check out the site for a full list of cool stuff that is happening, plus a pretty great line up of bands tomorrow, more on that later. Check out today's schedule >>here<<.

One of our favorite bands from our lovely neighbor scene to the south would be Lawrence's Fourth of July. I've seen them quite a few times over the past year or year and a half, but they always have a new song or two. On The Plains is an amazing record, and right now is the perfect time to pull it out again (along with the summer-perfect Smoke Rings from Dri). Plus they're really fun live, last November at Hotel Frank was probably one of my top five performances of 2007. Opening is Our Fox, who opened for Beach House a few months ago and everyone said good things. I was late, as usual, and missed them, so I'm pretty excited to actually catch a set. Playing first is Suzannah Johannes, who, like Fourth of July, is from Lawrence and on Range Life Records, so I'm excited to hear her too. 9pm $6.

Fourth of July - The Faint
Fourth of July - She's In Love

If you're not going to the Bemis or Slowdown, make a stop over in Council Bluffs, do some gambling, and see the always mega Willie Nelson at Harrah's Stir Cove. It's only $50ish! Show at 7pm!

Prostitute's LAST SHOW + Sam Martin/FTL Drive @ Sokol Underground TONIGHT

I've got some good news - Prostitute, Sam Martin, and FTL Drive are playing Sokol Underground tomorrow, it's only $5, and I promise it will be sweet. The bad news is that it's the last ever Prostitute show and that is depressing, but let's take what we can get and make sure it kicks butt. Is FTL Drive going to put out a CD sometime? That'd be cool. Make sure to pick up Sam's tape, it's fantastic and well worth whatever price those I'm Drinkin This dudes are trying to get you to pay them, money or drinks or kisses or whatever. There are 3 amazing mp3s below. 9pm $5

Prostitute - Que Sira
Sam Martin - I Wish I Was A Fag So Bad
FTL Drive - Girls on Pills

~~Is Forbidden Tigers/Yuppies NOT happening at O'Leavers tonight? Super duper lame.~~ It is happening in Lincoln on Tuesday, though, right? - Andrew

EDIT : O'Leavers update for tonight from the almighty Chris Aponick, thanks bro.

Tonight at O'Leaver's is Brimstone Howl playing new material from their forthcoming Jim Diamond-produced Alive Records album.

Joining them is Fontana, from the very same Deeeeeetroit Rock City that Jim Diamond inhabits. http://www.myspace.com/fontanafuntime

Well worth your time.

Midwest Dilemma/Brad Hoshaw/Regan & The Rayguns/The Band of Annuals @ Slowdown TONIGHT

Hey, if you folks missed the Midwest Dilemma CD release show a few weeks ago then you should really try and catch them tonight at Slowdown. They'll have a bunch of friends along to open the show for them, too, which will be a fun time. Last time they were on the big stage and at times the band swelled to close to 20 members, but tonight they'll be in the front room at Slowdown and the band will probably consist of 7 or 8 or 9 members. Needless to say, the little stage will be packed. I posted a bit about the record Timelines and Tragedies a few days ago (scroll down a little for an mp3), and I recommend checking them out and picking up a CD tonight, I think you'll be impressed, especially if the image you have of Midwest D is Justin solo - the record (and current live line up) is pretty epic at times. $7 9pm. - Andrew

Live Reviews 6/19/08 - Honeybee @ Slowdown, Noah's Ark Was a WTF/Bazooka Shootout/Dim Light @ Barley Street

I got to Slowdown right in the middle of what I'm going to tell myself was the first song in Honeybee's set, which just happened to be 'Colloquial', which is one of my absolute favorites. They did about a half hour set, ending with a song I don't think I had heard before. The coolest part was when Cody left the drumset and ran over the keyboards and then he flipped some switches and pressed some buttons or something and looped Melissa's vocals, for a very cool effect, before running back to the drum kit. At this point they've turned into a pretty sweet band and I think I like them a lot. The most exciting thing to me though, was at the merch table. They've put out Quilt, which isn't a true LP but more of a collection of Melissa's home demos over the past few years. The packaging is some of the sweetest I've ever seen, the art is great let alone the fact that the cardboard is sewn together and topped off by being tied with a little string. The inside has a time-line of when the songs were recorded and little descriptions of each. It's 11 songs and only 25 minutes but oh so lovely. Check it out before the limited run of 100 is gone...

And at this point I pull the big time asshole move and totally skip out on Pomegranates and drive to the Barley Street Tavern. I wish this show would have started 20 minutes later so I could have seen more Dim Light. I caught about two songs and they just filled up the cozy Barley St room with tons of heavy shoegaze noise. They need to record and put something out. I think I say that everytime I see them and now I feel guilty for not stuffing the "tips for bands" jar. Following Dim Light was Bazooka Shootout, a band that I've only seen once or twice. I searched the site to see what I said about them last time, and I was mostly positive while comparing a song to Silverchair. This is going to sound lame, but during their set last night I once again thought one song sounded like Silverchair. They really don't do the "indie rock" thing as much as they do the guitar-rock thing, and I ended up liking them a lot more this time than I remember ever liking them before, and they sounded fantastic. The drummer does this "ooooh I'm gonna fall off of my stool" thing and every time I think he's going to actually fall off! Consider me stupid for not paying enough or giving enough attention to this band over the past forever.

And then last comes Noah's Ark Was A Spaceship. At this point I was feeling pretty good about myself, having already seen 3 great bands, and as I've mentioned a million times before, I love Noah's Ark. Well, they started things off great with that new one where Andrew plays tambourine for half of it, I think the title was something like 'Orion's Belt' or something. It was great, except they were having some problems with the bass guitar which took a few minutes to fix, in fact they might have switched it out and used Roadie's bass, I can't remember. Anyway, then they did that kick ass 7 minute instrumental that might be their most intense tune, the one that shifts tempo a bunch of times... and towards the end Andrew started going completely apeshit, throwing his guitar into his amp, then into the wall, then the amp into the wall, (while during this somehow getting his shirt off and throwing that too) and then finally smashing the amp onto his guitar a few times before collapsing in a heap next to his pile of equipment... which effectively killed the set at 2 songs. While it was easily the most kick ass two song set I've ever seen in my life, it was also a pretty big disappointment for me and the rest of the nice sized (Barley St standards) crowd. Definitely a performance I won't be forgetting anytime soon. A true WTF moment. - Andrew

Sleepercar @ the Waiting Room; Javelins/Pomegranates/Honeybee @ Slowdown TONIGHT

A few good shows tonight in an otherwise mostly lame week - at the Waiting Room, Jim Ward of Sparta, formerly of At the Drive-In, brings his alt country band Sleepercar to the stage along with Flight Metaphor and Civicminded. If you were at the Conor Oberst/M Ward/Jim James rally for Obama earlier this year then you saw Jim Ward doing some of these Sleepercar songs. $8 9pm

At Slowdown, another band that is basically a bit of a 'side project', Javelins! The fellas are also in Thunderbirds Are Now!, and it's obvious they like their exclamation marks. I'm not really into either band, but opening is Pomegranates from Ohio. They actually played Slowdown a few months ago and I was mostly indifferent, but I've listened to their stuff on myspace quite a bit since then and now I'm all excited to see them again. Go figure. Playing first is Honeybee, who seem to be playing a bunch now which can only be a good thing. They're one of my favorites, and it seems like it has been forever since I've actually seen a complete Honeybee set, so I'm excited to see them again, too. $7 9pm. - Andrew

EDIT: Josh w/ the heads up in the comments, Noah's Ark Was a Spaceship + Bazooka Shootout @ Barley Street. Anyone know the order they're playing? Probably $free, probably 9pm. Thanks Josh, don't kill me.

Midwest Dilemma - Timelines and Tragedies [2008/mp3/v0]

Timelines and Tragedies is Midwest Dilemma's debut album, even though Justin Lamoureux and an ever changing band (that balloons from a one man or two person group to 22 people on this album) have been writing, recording, and playing locally for close to a decade. While that seems like a long time, Timelines and Tragedies actually covers more than 400 years of the Lamoureux family history, from his ancestors through the great depression and world wars, to Justin himself currently here in Omaha. It's most easily described as "orchestral folk", but even beyond that it's a incredibly interesting take on a family tree. We made it to the CD release show a few weeks ago, where at one point there were 18 people on stage, and the next song there were only three. They'll be playing again, this Sunday at Slowdown, but with only eight or nine members. I think I called them "a landlocked Decemberists fronted by a dude that looks like Rick Rubin and sometimes sounds a little like Conor Oberst", which is selling them way short, but that would probably be your first impression anyway. Check them out on Sunday or pick up the CD at one of the stores in town (I know for sure that Homers has them). 'Chicago and North Western' is the longest song title and the shortest song on the album, and probably the catchiest, I think you'll like it. - Andrew

Midwest Dilemma - Chicago and North Western

Seventeen!

I'm not even going to get into it. Thanks for the text messages. Plan on this happening again with the Cubs in a few months. Oh man life isn't too bad. - Andrew

Runaways (Bear Country, Honeybee, Oui Bandits, Sam Martin +++ more stuff) @ Pulp TONIGHT

Sorry about sucking big time this weekend, totally missed out on Oxford Collapse on Saturday and a Shanks show last night. I promise to be back in the swing of things very soon, there just seems to be something not concert related going on every night. Sorry.

Well tonight is as good as a time to start as any, right? There will be a very cool show featuring tons of cool art, cool artists, writers, and musicians, all coming together to put on Runaways. Plus, it's free, and the bands playing will be Honeybee, Bear Country, Oui Bandits, and Sam Martin, which is a lineup that we'd freak out about. It all goes down at the super neato paper store Pulp (61st and Military, which is right around the corner and across the street from the PS Collective in Benson) and starts at 7pm. It's going to be a bit of a slow week again, so make sure to catch some cool music/art/words when you get the chance! - Andrew

Not Guilty

An all time summer BBQ jam. Watch him rep the Celtics in this video too, classic. Not guilty! Real talk. - Andrew

Sigur Ros TONIGHT @ the Orpheum

Sigur Ros will be releasing their new album Me� su� � eyrum vi� spilum endalaust on June 23rd, and tonight they kick off their short US tour in OMAHA Nebraska. How cool is that? I have to work so I can't make the 8pm start time, but the Orpheum is the perfect venue for this and it should be an incredible show. Below is their video (warning: NSFW, ft. boobies and packages all over the place) for 'Gobbledigook' from the unpronouncable new record. $35, 8pm. - Andrew

Eat Skull - Sick To Death [2008/mp3/320kbs (vinyl rip)]

Portland's Eat Skull just released their debut LP Sick To Death, and it is my newest obsession, 200+ plays last week on my last.fm, and that doesn't include turntable or car plays. Records with short songs always go up the list quicker, obviously, but I've been listening to this thing a ton. I've also been recommending it to just about everyone I know, at least if I think they'll like it. It came out a few weeks ago on Siltbreeze (should be enough for you right there) and fits in with the usual aesthetic - unpretentiously lo-fi, while being totally addictive and poppy behind the fuzz. It's not quite Times New Viking-levels of fuzz and buzz, but if you're the least bit interested in garage rock or this "shitgaze" stuff, you should check this out. Heads up, I got my copy at the Antiquarium, snatch one up! Apologies for the gross image above, it's tough to find the cover in hi-res, my phone is half busted and thats the best I could do. Yes, that is Spock with a bong, it's too bad you can't make out the bedside crying Freddy Kruger below. Someone figure out how to get these guys in town ASAP! - Andrew

Eat Skull - I Licked The Spider
Eat Skull - Cartoon Beginning
Eat Skull - Shredders on Fry
Eat Skull - Punk Trips

The Fiery Furnaces @ the Waiting Room TONIGHT

The Friedbergers are a strange family. The last time they were in town and played (Sokol Underground in like 2006?) they took 7 minute songs ('Blueberry Boat') and turned them into insane 2 minute tunes, with Matthew going nuts on his guitar. Dude is some sort of genius, I'm pretty sure. I'm sorry about the lack of updates this weekend, but I've been retarded busy, and now I'm going to be late just typing this up... but I'm gonna upload my favorite Fiery Furnaces songs anyway (off EP, not surprisingly. They're the ones that fit on mixtapes best!). Show is $15, highly rec'd even if you don't like their records because I promise it's going to be interesting. Grand Ole Party is opening, and I highly rec coming late so you miss them. See you tonight! $15 9pm! - Andrew

Fiery Furnaces - Evergreen
Fiery Furnaces - Here Comes the Summer

Mal Madrigal/Baby Walrus @ the Waiting Room; Mates of State @ Slowdown; Black Hundreds/Spring Gun @ Box Awesome TONIGHT

Some sweet shows tonight, Mates of State play with Judgement Day at Slowdown, $14 9pm. I'd be at that if it wasn't for tonight's Octopus Garden Benefit featuring Mal Madrigal, Brad Hoshaw, Slave 1, April Domet, and the return of Baby Walrus. Haven't seen Baby Walrus in months, so I'm excited for them to be on the bill tonight. There's some talk of injured reserve but I'm assuming all is well at this point. That show is $7 and at 9pm, and procedes go to the Octopus Garden Art Alliance. Also of note - Lincoln kids should hit up Box Awesome tonight for some psyche from Black Hundreds and something loud from the great Spring Gun, $5 9pm. See you somewhere! - Andrew

Neva Dinova/McCarthy Trenching/Ladyfinger @ the Waiting Room TONIGHT; TNV kicks ass

I didn't see any Capgun Coup or Noah's Ark Was A Spaceship (but I did see the CELTICS game!), but everyone I talked to seemed to think the sets were great, even Tim has came around on Capgun a little bit. I did make it just in time to see Times New Viking, and just like the last two times they were in town, I came away from the show thinking they're one of the best bands on the planet. Last night was the best they've played here, they seemed to feed off the mini-mosh pit that formed right next to me (I'm fragile). It's what, June? I think we stand a fair shot at seeing these noisey-folks again sometime this year, the way their scheduling seems to go. Plus, they talk like they love Omaha (we love you too). Last call if anyone wants to drive to Denver and see them again tonight (at the god-awful Larimer Lounge).

TONIGHT is an Octopus Garden benefit, like the ones they had in January. Tonight's show features Neva Dinova, Ladyfinger, McCarthy Trenching, and the folky Roseline from Lawrence, probably in the opposite order of how I listed them. Only $7, it goes to an awesome cause, and you see a bunch of sweet bands. Tomorrow has another great benefit, featuring Mal Madrigal, Baby Walrus (supposedly), and Brad Hoshaw, so make sure you make it to at least one! $7, 9pm. - Andrew

EDIT: Times New Viking - Imagine Dead John Lennon @ the Waiting Room 6/5/08

THANKS HARRISON

Times New Viking. Noah's Ark Was A Spaceship. Capgun Coup. @ the Waiting Room + Mac Shau @ Nomad Lounge TONIGHT!

Beat that line up. Name three bands that I never shut up about. Playing first will be Capgun Coup. I've wrote at length about them live and last year's Nebraskafish LP, but they're even better now with an added guitarist and time on the road getting pulled over and having flat tires. They should be recording sometime this summer, for a sneak peek, check the myspace - MONSTER-AHAAAAAAAAHHH!!! After Capgun will be Noah's Ark Was A Spaceship. Now, there are a lot of local bands that I like, but I might love Noah's Ark. It's like they listened to equal parts Sonic Youth and Nirvana when they were growing up. Time changes, feedback, a little yelling, a few thrown guitars. Perfect. Buy the EP.

Oh and then a little band called Times New Viking. They make the noisiest pop songs you've ever been addicted to, while not being able to make out half the words. Rip It Off is one of the best records of 2008, and when they were in town a few months ago it was one of the best shows so far this year too. I really can't recommend this show enough. This bill is going to be pretty hard to top. $8 9pm. - Andrew

Capgun Coup - A Liar in Texas in a Green Room in Memphis
Noah's Ark Was A Spaceship - Adult Sized Skeletal
Times New Viking - End Of All Things

Also tonight before the show, you should head down to the Nomad Lounge (1013 Jones St.) to check out Mach Shau, a photography show featuring Hyannis member Tony Bonacci's work. You've probably seen a lot of his stuff, but just didn't know it yet. Food will be provided! - Ian

Modest Mouse @ Westfair Ampitheatre in Council Bluffs; Thunder Power @ Box Awesome in Lincoln TONIGHT + a quick look at the weekend...

Old favorite Modest Mouse return, this time playing Westfair Ampitheatre in Council Bluffs. For $35. To be honest, last time they were here at Sokol upstairs I saw them and they were beyond awful, they sounded terrible and I was hugely disappointed. Left such a bad taste that I didn't listen to them again for like a year. They could very well be better now, I mean Johnny Marr is in the band for crissakes. If you go and it's awesome, be sure to let us know.

Also, Thunder Power is playing in Lincoln at the Box Awesome, with Manny Coon from Lincoln and Rebecca Ryskalczyk and a Hotel Nourishing from New York. Ms. Ryskalczyk does the female singer/songwriter thing but isn't lame and has a great voice, and A Hotel Nourishing is a pretty cool two piece - should be a pretty sweet show. 9pm $5

Thunder Power - Lucky To Be Alive

Oh and stuff gets nuts from here on out - tomorrow (Thursday) is Times New Viking with Noah's Ark Was a Spaceship and Capgun Coup (finals game 1, too). Friday is an Octopus Garden benifit show featuring Neva Dinova, Ladyfinger, and McCarthy Trenching. Saturday is Mates of State at Slowdown and a second benifit night at the Waiting Room, this time featuring Mal Madrigal and Baby Walrus. Sunday has the Vivian Girls playing at O'Leavers (finals game 2!) and Monday has Fiery Furnaces at the Waiting Room! Consider me broke in advance. Mp3s and hyperbole-filled reviews forthcoming. - Andrew

First Listen - Tilly and the Wall - o

Today is the day that pre-orders for the new Tilly and the Wall album start shipping. It's kind of called 'o', because every CD will have a special limited piece of artwork behind it, the 'o' type shape as a kind of frame. As far as stuff inside the CD case goes, on first listen here is the good news and the bad news. Good news? Nothing sounds remotely like Beat Control. I love the 7 inch, but I didn't want an album full of stupid dance songs. Bad news? Not a single slow Derek sang ballad, and those are always my favorites. Overall it just sounds like a kinda slick pop record, and will easily be their biggest yet. Right now I don't think it's anywhere in the same league as the first two, but I could see it being a big-time grower. Stand out tracks are (previously on the Beat Control single) 'Cacophony', 'Alligator Skin' and the drum machine'd 'Falling Without Knowing'. Anyway, order the CD and it'll ship right now, LPs won't be till a month or so later, otherwise the CD is in stores and on iTunes on June 17th. Tell me what you think when you get your copy! - Andrew

Tilly and the Wall - Cacophony

Perry H Matthews/Fromanhole/Yuppies @ the Waiting Room TONIGHT

Tonight at the Waiting Room is a tour kickoff show for them boys in Perry H Matthews. They'll be touring around the midwest for the next few weeks, so you should come out tonight not just to see them off and get them a little gas money ($4/gallon! YEAH!) but so you can pick up a 7 inch too. It'll only run you about $5 and it's pretty awesome. For you dudes without turntables, they include a CD-R for you too. Check 'Skin Cancer' below. Playing first is one of the hottest Omaha bands in 2008, Yuppies. In the middle is the jazzy Fromanhole. Don't miss. $7 9pm. - Andrew

Perry H Matthews - Skin Cancer

EDIT: "Meeting the Band" by CAponick from the CWeekly w/ Yuppies >>right here<<. New City Weekly site is so much better than the old one. Props.