• Artists
  • Concert Reviews
  • Tours
  • Editorials
  • Interviews
  • Travel
    • Hotel & Travel Reviews
  • News
  • Memorabilia

Jason DeBord's Rock Subculture Journal

  • Home
  • About
    • About Jason DeBord
    • About The Rock Subculture Journal
  • Contact
  • Photography Services & Portfolio
  • 2019 Concert Schedule
  • Year in Review
    • 2018 Year in Review
    • 2017 Year in Review
    • 2016 Year in Review
    • 2015 Year In Review
    • 2014 Year in Review
    • 2013 Year in Review
    • 2012 Year in Review

The Bird And The Bee at Social Hall SF | San Francisco, California | 10/28/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

October 31, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

The-Bird-And-The-Bee-2015-Concert-Review-Tour-Live-Photos-FI

“Fuck you, Greg!  Just kidding!”  What the audience playfully shouted at Inara George of The Bird And The Bee (on cue and at her direction) as she recorded video of the crowd with a borrowed phone, to share with the other half of their duo who is not joining her on this short, rare tour hitting just four cities in the U.S. (Pasadena, San Francisco, Chicago, and Minneapolis).  Supporting their first all-original album since 2009 with the newly released Recreational Love, that crowd has certainly been waiting with great anticipation to see the act, in whole or part, for the better part of five years (in which time just a handful of dates have been played).  The packed collection of fans at Social Hall SF in San Francisco (just below and part of Goldenvoice’s Regency Ballroom) was not disappointed, as Inara George and her band played through The Bird And The Bee favorites, old and new.  Going by the quality and energy of the show, you wouldn’t know that live shows are not something that they do continuously, as it was a brilliant concert and the unique studio sound was recreated faithfully and, of course, at the heart of it all were Inara’s unique vocals.  Definitely worth turning out for one of these rare shows, and short of that, checking out the new album, which takes them in a new direction while retaining that unique distinct, singular, signature sound. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Alex Lilly, Concert Reviews, Goldenvoice / AEG / Axs, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, San Francisco California, Social Hall SF, The Bird And The Bee Tagged With: 2015, alex lilly, bird and the bee, Concert, concert photos, Concert Review, goldenvoice, greg kurstin, hall & oates, inara george, live, photography, photos, recreational love, San Francisco, set list, setlist, social hall, social hall sf, the bird and the bee

Wolf Alice at The Chapel | San Francisco, California | 10/15/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

October 21, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

Wolf-Alice-2015-Tour-Concert-Review-The-Chapel-San-Francisco

I usually start off my reviews with a quote, but Wolf Alice don’t spend too much time talking on stage, and their concert at The Chapel in San Francisco Thursday night was a bit too chaotic and kinetic for chit chat; they let the music speak for itself.  I’ve been fortunate enough to catch all three of their San Francisco shows in 2015 (their debut at Popscene at Rickshaw Stop in March and follow-up at The Independent in May), but their most recent show – fueled by the June release of their debut album My Love Is Cool – was their best yet.  They are, in my opinion, the most exciting new band recording and performing today.  They continue to develop their many gifts and talents with their songwriting and originality, and their live concerts serve as a showcase for how amazing they are at recreating their rich and complex, multi-layered sound on stage.  But back to that album…  for me personally, it is the Album of the Year.  Truly, the best album of the past several years.  Every song is a gem.  They are THE band to watch.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Drenge, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, Made Violent, San Francisco California, The Chapel, Wolf Alice Tagged With: 2015, 2015 tour, album review, alternative, Concert, concert photography, concert photos, Concert Review, creature songs, drenge, ellie rowsell, images, live, london, made violent, moaning lisa smile, my love is cool, our love is cool, photography, photos, pictures, review, San Francisco, set list, setlist, setlit, show, the chapel, tour, uk, wolf alice

MisterWives at The Independent | San Francisco, California | 6/4/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

June 8, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

MisterWives-2015-Tour-Live-Concert-Review-Photos-The-Independent-San-Francisco-FI

“Holy shit!  San!  Fran!  Cisco!  Oh my God.  Well, I may be really fucking tired…  I danced my ass off!  I have sit down so I don’t have a heart attack!  … just in case you missed what we were trying to say…  San Francisco, you are fucking amazing!”  MisterWives’ Mandy Lee, after coming back on stage for their encore, taking a seat behind the drum kit.  That encore opened with a “fucking amazing” cover of “Uptown Funk”.  This is the moment where they really showed off how each member of the group is an exceptional musician, as they went through an extended jam session that really showcased their music talents and ability to intuitively wander about a song and squeeze every last bit of sonic confection out of it.  I first saw the New York pop band performing as part of the KNPB television series, Cargo Live at Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, and came away feeling that it was a band destined for a very bright future.  That feeling was cemented Thursday night, as they have matured even more as a live act.  Their debut album, Our Own House, has since been released, and fueled them through an hour and a half show.  The theme of the night, for them, seemed to be an earnest love for The City by the Bay, with Mandy becoming choked up at the love being showered onto the band throughout the concert.  They are definitely a young act with much larger stages waiting for them in the not too distant future, as long as they keep on doing what they are doing.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Another Planet Entertainment, Bows, Concert Reviews, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, MisterWives, San Francisco California, The Independent Tagged With: 2015, another planet, another planet entertainment, Concert, concert photo, concert photography, concert photos, Concert Review, live, mister wives, misterwives, Music, new music, our own house, photography, photos, preview, reflections, review, San Francisco, set list, setlist, show, the independent, tour

Wolf Alice at The Independent | San Francisco, California | 5/14/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

May 18, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

Wolf-Alice-Out-Love-Is-Cool-2015-Tour-Concert-Review-Photos-The-Independent-San-Francisco-FI

“I’d like to thank our two friends down here who have been down here all day; it was crazy for us to have any of you here in San Francisco all the way from London…”  Ellie Rowsell’s gratitude expressed to the two Wolf Alice fans who came a long way to see the UK alternative four piece play in the U.S.  I’d just seen their show at Popscene in San Francisco only three months ago, and I could not wait to catch another one of their dynamic live concerts.  Having since had an opportunity to get schooled in their music released to date, I have found Wolf Alice to be one of the most exciting newer bands recording and performing today.  With their debut album – My Love Is Cool – due next month, I am confident that their music will propel them to greater success and larger stages.  They have a real set of gifts and talents with their songwriting and originality, and the contemporary yet timelessness of their music which features some touches and influences that span many disparate music genres and eras.  They are the real deal.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Another Planet Entertainment, Concert Reviews, Gateway Drugs, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, San Francisco California, The Independent, Wolf Alice Tagged With: 2015, alternative, another planet, another planet entertainment, Concert, concert photos, Concert Review, creature songs, ellie rowsell, gateway drugs, images, live, london, my love is cool, photos, pictures, review, San Francisco, set list, setlist, show, the independent, tour, uk, wolf alice

MS MR at Popscene at Rickshaw Stop | San Francisco, California | 5/7/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

May 10, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

MS-MR-2015-Tour-Concert-Review-Photos-Popscene-The-Independent-San-Francisco-FI

“My only birthday wish is to fucking bring the house down……”  MS MR playing Popscene at Rickshaw Stop on Thursday night, being a traditional Popscene show that runs late into the night, it literally became Lizzy Plapinger’s birthday at some point during the show.  When, exactly, was anybody’s guess, as she and her partner, Max Hershenow, blasted through hit songs and songs yet to be released at the sold out show in San Francisco.  Keeping with the duality of their performing and recording name, the old and the new songs split the exactly hour long set in about in half, giving fans a preview of the upcoming sophomore album, due out in July on Columbia Records.  MS MR easily sold out two shows at the much larger Fillmore last year (see past review), so it was special seeing them playing a smaller, intimate venue.  The new music is fantastic, and shows a lot of growth for the duo as the expand their musical horizons.  I ranked their debut, Secondhand Rapture, as my favorite album of 2013, so I really look forward to seeing how the studio versions of the full album measure up to the brilliant Popscene show this past week.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, MS MR, Popscene, Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco California Tagged With: 2015, 2015 concert reivew, aaron axelsen, album, Concert, concert photos, Concert Review, dj aaron axelsen, live, live photos, lizzy plapinger, max hershenow, MS MR, photography, photos, popscene, review, rickshaw stop, San Francisco, secondhand rapture, set list, setlist, sold out, tickets, tour

Florence + The Machine at The Masonic | San Francisco, California | 4/8/2015 & 4/9/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

April 10, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

Florence-+-The-Machine-2015-Tour-Live-Concert-Review-Photos-Masonic-San-Francisco-FI

“It’s so wonderful to be back in San Francisco.  It’s wonderful to be back in America, because actually the title of the record – How Big How Blue How Beautiful – was inspired by the American sky.  It was actually, in a text message…  I sent – I don’t want to break the mystery of it – but I sent to someone I really cared about a lot.  And this song was written about that time.   And about just how everything seemed endless, and beautiful, and that the world was a magical place.  And then if you hear the rest of the record, you may be able to tell that things got a bit… muh… but still, I feel like you come back to this feeling, always.”  Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine, providing an introduction to the title song of the upcoming album due out in June.  Playing two back-to-back shows at The Masonic in San Francisco, it was not only a set of concerts with new music, but seemingly a Florence with a bit of a different feeling.  I was lucky enough to catch two of their shows in 2012 (at the Mondavi Center in Davis and at the Hollywood Bowl), and the Florence I saw performing this week encompassed what I came to expect (an intense and phenomenal performer), but with flourishes of more joy than I’ve seen previously.  It made for even more captivating shows, as her and her incredible group of artists truly put on a masterful performance, with a mix of familiar and new.  I obviously attend a lot of concerts every year, but Florence + The Machine is one of the very few that can give me that adrenaline rush and tingle down my spine throughout – a real feat.  Being fortunate enough to attend both shows this week, while the set list was the same, the shows each had there own character, energy, and vibe.  With the preview of the new album, and the quality of the songs, it would appear that the band hasn’t hit any ceilings yet in terms of their gifts, talents and abilities, and I expect them to continue to soar in that big blue sky that Ms. Welch is so fond of…  in studio or on stage, they remain one of the top musical artists active today. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Florence + the Machine, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, San Francisco California, The Masonic (formerly Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium) Tagged With: 2015, album, artist, band, california, Concert, concert photography, Concert Review, florence + the machine, florence and the machine, florence welch, gig, high definition, high resolution, How Big How Blue How Beautiful, indie pop, indie rock, live, live nation, Music, nob hill masonic, performance, Photo, photograph, photography, photos, picture, pictures, pre-order, pre-sale, review, rock, San Francisco, set, set list, setlist, show, soul, the masonic, The Masonic (formerly Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium), tour

Clan of Xymox at DNA Lounge | San Francisco, California | 3/19/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

March 21, 2015 by Jason DeBord 2 Comments

Clan-of-Xymox-2015-US-Tour-Concert-Review-Live-Photos-DNA-Lounge-San-Francisco-Anthony-Jones-Set-List-FI

“San Francisco.  It’s been a while.”  Ronny Moorings, to what appeared to be a sold out crowd at DNA Lounge on Thursday night, with Clan of Xymox’s first show in Northern California in over a decade.  Ronny founded Xymox/Clan of Xymox in the Netherlands in 1981, and remains the sole original member, singing all of the vocals as well as playing guitar.  A pioneer of Darkwave music, the mix of Synth Wave, Post-Punk, and Gothic Rock had it’s golden age in the 80s among contemporaries like Bauhaus, Joy Division, The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Cocteau Twins, and Depeche Mode.  A rare visit not only the San Francisco, but the U.S. in general, this was one of just a few shows in California this week.   With a playlist featuring classic and new Xymox songs, it was an incredible showcase of a unique style of music that Ronny has kept alive and relevant for over three decades now.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Anthony Jones, Clan of Xymox, Concert Reviews, Dancing Ghosts, DNA Lounge, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, San Francisco California Tagged With: 2015, 80s, anthony jones, california, clan of xymox, Concert, concert photography, concert photos, Concert Review, concert tour, dancing ghosts, dark wave, darkwave, dj omega, dj xander, dna lounge, goth, gothic, images, live, new wave, review, San Francisco, the complex, tour, united states, usa, xymox

Wolf Alice at Popscene at Rickshaw Stop | San Francisco, California | 3/13/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

March 17, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

Wolf-Alice-Live-2015-US-Tour-Concert-Review-Photos-Popscene-Rickshaw-Stop-The-Moth-&-The-Flame-Taymir-FI

“We’ve got a couple more for you… party on, Friday night!”   Ellie Rowsell’s preface leading into Wolf Alice’s encore at the sold out show at Popscene at Rickshaw Stop on Friday night in San Francisco.  The alternative band from London put on a blazing show at a rare headlining stop in the U.S. on their way to SXSW.  A relatively newer band, their debut album, My Love Is Cool, is due in June, and already they seemed destined for much bigger venues.  I would be surprised to see them on a steep upward trajectory over 2015.  While the four members skew quite young, they exude maturity and confidence in their music, and as great as their EPs released thus far sound, their music seems fashioned to excel in a live setting even more than the studio recordings.  Even though they didn’t move around too much on the stage during their set, their music moved the crowd and they are one of the most exciting bands to come along in recent years.  Definitely ones to watch, and to catch live if you get the opportunity.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, Popscene, Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco California, Taymir, The Moth ⅋ The Flame, Wolf Alice Tagged With: 2015, aaron axelsen, alternative, Concert, concert photos, Concert Review, creature songs, dj aaron axelsen, ellie rowsell, images, live, london, my love is cool, omar, photos, pictures, popscene, review, rickshaw stop, San Francisco, set list, setlist, show, taymir, The Moth ⅋ The Flame, the moth and the flame, tour, uk, wolf alice

Broods (The Evergreen Tour) at The Regency Ballroom | San Francisco, California | 3/7/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

March 9, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

Broods-2015-Tour-Concert-Review-Photos-Regency-Ballroom-San-Francisco-Featured-Image

“If I was rich, I’d live here…” The modest Georgia Nott, chatting in-between songs about the beautiful houses she’d seen in San Francisco earlier in the day, at their sold out show at The Regency Ballroom Saturday night.  It was a big step up in size from the shows I’d attended last year.  Accompanied as always with her brother Caleb and touring drummer Joel Farland, it was indeed a much bigger stage this time around, which they filled with ease with their authentic set of fantastic pop music fueled by incredible melodies and heartfelt, thoughtful lyrics (and of course those soaring vocals!).  Dubbed “The Evergreen Tour”, they are supporting their solid debut album released last year (which I ranked in my own Top Ten Albums of 2014).  The kiwi duo are so young that I’m really excited to continue to follow them to see where their gifts take them next.  I expect checking in on them in 2016, we will see them take on even larger stages and venues.  One of the best new artists of this era, and they put on a fantastic live show – my highest recommendation.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Broods, Concert Reviews, Goldenvoice / AEG / Axs, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, Mikky Ekko, San Francisco California, The Regency Ballroom Tagged With: 2015, album, auckland, Caleb Nott, california, Concert, concert photography, concert photos, Concert Review, duo, ep, evergreen, evergreen tour, Georgia Nott, goldenvoice, live, mikky ekko, Music, new album, new zealand, photography, photos, Pop, regency ballroom, San Francisco, set list, setlist, studio album, tour, united states

The Lovemakers at Popscene at Rickshaw Stop | San Francisco, California | 2/13/2015 (Concert Review + Photos)

February 15, 2015 by Jason DeBord Leave a Comment

The-Lovemakers-2015-Concert-Review-Photos-Popscene-San-Francisco-Valentines-Day-Show-Rickshaw-Stop-FI

“Is that the only pair of panties we’re going to get tonight?”  Lisa Light, remarking on the underwear tossed at her co-vocalist and guitarist Scott Blonde of The Lovemakers at Popscene at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco Friday night, as part of their “My Bloody Valentine’s Day Party on Friday the 13th of February”.  The band seem to have a special relationship with the annual romantic holiday, though looking around it seemed to have turned out more singles looking for fulfillment than happily coupled couples.  Building on their 2014 reunion, the band seems at it’s best live and on stage, literally pouring water on their hot and sultry style of retro pop and dance music.  The Lovemakers were supported with a blazing set by Beginners, who came up from their home in Los Angeles.  Filling in with fantastic DJ sets were Popscene’s Aaron Axelsen and Omar.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Beginners, Concert Reviews, Live Rock Music, News, & Events, Popscene, Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco California, The Lovemakers Tagged With: 2015, aaron axelsen, beautiful master, beginners, Concert, concert photos, Concert Review, dj, friday the 13th, july 10, lisa light, live, Music, new song, omar, photography, photos, Pop, popscene, prepare for the right, reunion, rickshaw stop, San Francisco, scott blonde, set list, setlist, the lovemakers, the trims, times of romance, tlm, valentine's day

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 7
  • Next Page »

Search Rock Subculture

Concert Reviews

The Psychedelic Furs | James at Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort & Casino | Reno, Nevada | 8/3/2019 (Concert Review + Photos)

“…hopefulness and lifting up and then deep, deep grief and then lifting up… because that seems to be the human experience right now, doesn’t it?”  Tim Booth of James, part of their co-headlining tour across North America with The Psychedelic Furs this summer, with one of their last stops in Reno at the Grand Theatre […]

That Pop Culture Show

That Pop Culture Show Features Ted Soqui, Photojournalist

Join hosts Kody Frederick and Jason DeBord this week as they have a chat with Ted Soqui, photojournalist.

Podcast Interviews

Ted Ottaviano, Book of Love: “Rock Talk” Podcast Audio Interview

This article features the latest in an ongoing series of “Rock Talk” podcast audio interviews for the Rock Subculture Journal. Today’s guest is Ted Ottaviano with Book Of Love. The synth pop New Wave group continue to celebrate their 30th anniversary with the release of new music as part of 2016’s “MMXVI: The 30th Anniversary […]

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (Run-D.M.C.): “Rock Talk” Podcast Audio Interview

This article features the latest in an ongoing series of “Rock Talk” podcast audio interviews for the Rock Subculture Journal.  Today’s guest is Darryl McDaniels, best known as DMC with Run-D.M.C. (he prefers to be called “D”).  D was a featured guest at Sac-Con in Sacramento this past weekend, promoting his authentic foray into the […]

Dick Dale, Guitar Legend: “Rock Talk” Podcast Audio Interview

This article features the latest in an ongoing series of “Rock Talk” podcast audio interviews for the Rock Subculture Journal. The first guest for 2015 is Dick Dale, a legend in music, regarded as both “The King of the Surf Guitar” and the “Father of Heavy Metal”.  Now 77 years old, Mr. Dale is well […]

More Posts from this Category

Latest Interview About Rock & Roll Photography

Jason-DeBord-Music-Rock-and-Roll-Photography-Interview-Monterey-County-Weekly

Memorabilia Authentication Services

Jason-DeBord-Hollywood-Rock-and-Roll-Memorabilia-Expert-Authentication-Pawn-Stars

Visit Our Sister Site The Original Prop Blog

Jason-DeBord-Original-Prop-Blog-TV-Movie-Props-Costumes-Wardrobe-Memorabilia-Hollywood-Film-Television-Authentication-News

Connect With Us On Social Media

Jason-DeBord-Rock-Subculture-Facebook-Social-Media-Link

Jason-DeBord-Rock-Subculture-Twitter-Social-Media-Link

Jason-DeBord-Rock-Subculture-Instagram-Social-Media-Link

Jason-DeBord-Rock-Subculture-YouTube-Videos-Social-Media-Link

Categories

The Latest Posts

  • That Pop Culture Show Features Ted Soqui, Photojournalist
  • That Pop Culture Show Features Doris Raymond, Owner of The Way We Wore
  • That Pop Culture Show Features Plastic Jesus, Street Artist & Journalist
  • That Pop Culture Show Features Michael Bush, Costume Designer
  • That Pop Culture Show Features Pancho Burgos-Goizueta, Film Composer/Musician
  • That Pop Culture Show Features Scott Fortner, The Marilyn Monroe Collection
  • That Pop Culture Show Features Rich Correll, Director
  • That Pop Culture Show Features Clive Farrington, Singer & Musician (When In Rome)
  • That Pop Culture Show Features Acclaimed Actress, Weronika Rosati
  • “That Pop Culture Show” Episode 002 Now On YouTube Featuring Ryan Condal, Executive Producer & Co-Creator of “House of The Dragon” & “Colony”
  • “That Pop Culture Show” Debuts On YouTube; First Weekly Episode Featuring Billy Morrison Now Streaming
  • Live Auction Events Calendar: Original Music/Rock/Pop Stage & Studio Used Entertainment & Pop Culture Memorabilia

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in