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Soccer Mommy (Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA, September 18, 2021) [rescheduled from March 30, 2020]

September 19, 2021 by Paul Debraski

[ATTENDED: September 18, 2021] Soccer Mommy [moved from March 30, 2020]

I was supposed to see Soccer Mommy open for Phoebe Bridgers a few years back.  I felt sick on the way down to the show so I wound up coming home instead.

S. bought me her CD for some holiday in 2020 and I thought it would be fun to see her live.  I was supposed to see her back in March of 2020, but the show was pushed back until September 2021.   And in that time, something big must have happened to her because this show sold out! And the crowd was really intense about her.

As soon as Sophia Regina Allison (who is Soccer Mommy) came on stage, the crowd went bananas.  It was kind of funny because Sophie is so low key.

She had a pretty full band with her. I stood in front of her lead guitarist who really made some outstanding noises –a component that made her songs even more interesting to me).  Her new bassist (this was his first tour with them) had an amazing sound–buzzy and noisy but groovy at the same time.  Guitarist-keyboardist Rodrigo Avendano on the far side added some great textures and drummer Rollum Haas whom I could not see because I giant cymbal was in the way, played some amazing fills and really added a lot of intensity to these songs.

What I’m saying is that the album is good, but live, the songs were amazing.

Soccer Mommy only has two albums out.  Most of the songs came from the new(ish) album Color Theory.  I have to say that I was really surprised she played “Circle the Drain” second because I thought it was her big hit and would come at the end.  She must have a lot of hits that I don’t know about.

I had a hard time getting clips of Julian Powell because of the way he was hiding behind the carboard TVs, but I loved the way that he and Sophie harmonized the guitar licks on “Crawling in My Skin.” Continue Reading »

Posted in Philadelphia, PA, Phoebe Bridgers, Slowdive, Soccer Mommy, Union Transfer | Leave a Comment »

Squirrel Flower (Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA, September 18, 2021) [SOCCER MOMMY]

September 18, 2021 by Paul Debraski

[ATTENDED: September 18, 2021] Squirrel Flower

I had heard of Squirrel Flower from All Songs Considered and I was interested in seeing her live.  So I was pleased when she was announced as the opening act for Soccer Mommy.

Squirrel Flower is the stage name of Ella Williams who has been releasing music under this name for about six years.

The show started a little late, so when Ella and her band came out, we all cheered, until we realized they wee just setting up the gear and setlists.  A few minutes later Ella came out by herself and sang “I’ll Go Now.”  It was a remarkably slow song.  She payed stretched out chords and sang slowly over them.   A few minutes in, she bent down and did something at her feet and a looping melody began–I couldn’t tell if she played it live, but it did have a not that was a slightly off.  The song ended and everyone cheered.

She apologized for the “fake out” earlier and then started “Desert Wildflowers” in that same slow style. Continue Reading »

Posted in Caroline Polachek, Philadelphia, PA, Pictoria Vark, Soccer Mommy, Squirrel Flower, Union Transfer | Leave a Comment »

Sinéad O’Connor (City Winery Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, September 18, 2021) [rescheduled]

September 18, 2021 by Paul Debraski

[POSTPONED: September 18, 2021] Sinéad O’Connor [rescheduled from April 5, 2020 moved to May 13, 2022]

indexI had heard a while back that Sinéad was postponing this whole tour for non-COVID reasons (or maybe they are, they were just listed as health reasons).  But there was no official word from the venue until April 14th.

City Winery must reschedule the Sinead O’Connor show originally scheduled for 4/4/2020 & 9/18/2021  The new date is 5/13/2022 (Next Year).

Which is fine.  I can wait.

I have seen Sinéad O’Connor four times. although the last time was in 1998.

I assumed I’d never see her again for a whole host of reasons.

I was pretty stunned to see that she announced a U.S. tour.  She was playing at City Winery in Philadelphia.  I have never been there.  Then I saw how much the tickets were!

I loved her voice back in the 90s, but since then she has gone all over the place (literally).  I wasn’t sure she even sounded any good anymore, so I balked at the price and opted not to get tickets.

I have since heard that her show was really good.  I’m not sure how upset I am about missing this, but maybe if she reschedules it will be at a larger (cheaper) venue.

sine

 

Posted in City Winery Philadelphia, Coronavirus, Philadelphia, PA, Postponed, Quarantine, Sinéad O'Connor | Leave a Comment »

Terry Pratchett–Pyramids (1989) [Discworld #7]

September 17, 2021 by Paul Debraski

SOUNDTRACK: hiatus

[READ: September 2021] Pyramids

After six books tackling roughly the same geographical area, Pratchett sets out to “Egypt” for Pyramids.  “Egypt” in this case is the wonderfully named Djelibeybi.

Djelibeybi is going broke.  They make pyramids for each of their Pharoahs.  And each pyramid gets bigger and more impressive.  But where does the money come from when the Pharoah is dead?

Teppic (short for Pteppicymon XXVIII), left Djelibeybi and is studying at the Assassin’s Guild in Ankh-Morpork.  He’s not the best assassin but he has learned a lot (and has survived).  Indeed, he manages to pass his final exam (meaning he survived).  But after he does so he has a psychic realization that his father the Pharoah has died and he must go home and take over the throne.

Dios is the high priest of Djelibeybi.  He is the actual ruler of the country.  He makes all of the rules and decisions saying that everything he wants is “tradition” etc.  The Pjaroahs tend to nod and go along with it (Dios is like 200 years old).  Dios is intent upon making Pteppicymon XXVII’s Pyramid the biggest the country has ever seen. Continue Reading »

Posted in Camels, Death, Discworld, Egyptology, Funny (ha ha), Ghosts, Magic, Philosophy, Ptraci, Teppic, Terry Pratchett, Unfinished series | Leave a Comment »

Terry Pratchett–Wyrd Sisters (1988) [Discworld #6] [Witches #2]

September 16, 2021 by Paul Debraski

SOUNDTRACK: hiatus

[READ: Summer 2021] Wyrd Sisters

This story reintroduces everyone to Granny Weatherwax.  It also introduces two other beloved characters: Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick the other two witches in the region.  It took six books to bring about Nanny Ogg!

This book owes a debt of plot to MacBeth.  It even begins with the familiar opening scene.  Three witches stand around a bubbling cauldron and one asks portentously, “When shall we three meet again.”  And another, after a lengthy pause says.  “I can do next Tuesday.”

The three witches are Granny Weatherwax, the scary, stiff, witch who takes no guff.  There’s Nanny Ogg, the smiling, raunchy, seemingly good natured witch who also takes no guff.  She has a brood of countess children and grandchildren and she loves them all (except the young girls who marry her sons).  She also has the most evil cat in the world (Greebo, whom she thinks is a sweetiepie).   And then comes Magrat Garlick, the youngest witch who is really into occult symbols and books and trinkets.  The other two think this is a load of tosh and know that witch magic is all about headology. Continue Reading »

Posted in Death, Discworld, Eskarina Smith, Funny (ha ha), Granny Weatherwax, Greebo, King Verence, Magic, Magrat Garlick, Nanny Ogg, Terry Pratchett, Unfinished series, William Shakespeare, Wizards, Wizards | Leave a Comment »

The HU (Theatre of Living Arts (TLA), Philadelphia, PA, September 14, 2021)

September 15, 2021 by Paul Debraski

[ATTENDED: September 14, 2021] The HU

The HU are from Mongolia. I saw them in this same venue two years ago.  They haven’t released much in those intervening years, but I enjoyed the first show so much I wanted to see them again (plus, I was pretty delighted that they were back touring the States). on the left side in front of Temuulen Naranbaatar a.k.a. “Temka” who plays the tovshuur (a two or three string lute-like instrument).

But I knew I wanted to be on the other side for this show.  And so I set out to stand in front of Enkhasaikhan Batjargal a.k.a. “Enkush” who played lead morin khuur.  This was pretty exciting as I really got to watch him play the solos.

The two guys in the middle are the main singers.  Galbadrakh Tsendbaatar a.k.a. “Gala” is credited with “lead throat singing,” which I love.  His voice was incredible.  He also played the morin khuur with a gorgeously carved horse head at the top.  This instrument is two-stringed and you play it with a bow.

And Nyamjantsan Galsanjamts a.k.a. “Jaya” who was sort of the lead singer, although Gala sang lead as often.  Jaya’s main instrument was, fascinatingly, the jaw harp which played a significant role in several songs.  He also played the tsuur (a Mongolian flute).

There are technically four guys in the band, but for the tour they had four extra guys supporting them.  The touring guys mostly hung at the back, although occasionally the guitarist Jambaldorj Ayush a.k.a “Jamba” would come up front.   In the back on the left was Batkhuu Batbayar on bass.  Then there were the two drummers.  Sitting at the full kit was Odbayar Gantumur a.k.a “Odko.”  The final player, and one I could see occasionally was Unumunkh Maralkhuu a.k.a “Ono.”  Ono played two large drums.  Mostly they were an accompaniment to the main drum, but occasionally they were the only percussion.  Those drums resonated loudly. Continue Reading »

Posted in Metallica, Mongolia, Philadelphia, PA, The HU, Theatre of Living Arts | 1 Comment »

The Haunt (Theatre of Living Arts (TLA), Philadelphia, PA, September 14, 2021)

September 14, 2021 by Paul Debraski

[ATTENDED: September 14, 2021] The Haunt

I was pretty delighted to see that Mongolia’s The HU were coming back to Philly.  I really enjoyed their set last time and figured they’d be just as fun this time.

This year’s opening band was The Haunt, who I’d never heard of (and it’s VERY hard to find them online because there’s all kinds of Haunt-named bands).

And here’s a fascinating bit of history

The Haunt, formerly known as AnastasiaMax are from South Florida. The band consists of siblings, Anastasia Grace Haunt (lead vocals), and Maxamillion Haunt (vocals, guitar and production), alongside Nat Smallish on bass guitar (formally Beach Day), and Nick Lewert on drums (formally Ethan Bortnick).

I can’t guarantee that those last two were the rhythm section.  he mentioned their names, but all I remember is that the drummer was nicknamed “waffles.”

I arrived in the middle of the first song (I hate the parking around TLA) and managed to get past the clustered people after a song or two.  But right from the start I was impressed with the sound of the song “Constant.” Continue Reading »

Posted in Mongolia, Philadelphia, PA, The Haunt, The HU, Theatre of Living Arts | Leave a Comment »

Terry Pratchett–Sourcery (1988) [Discworld #5] [Rincewind #3]

September 13, 2021 by Paul Debraski

SOUNDTRACK: hiatus

[READ: Summer 2021] Sourcery

This story follows up on some of the ideas in Equal Rites.  In that books we learned that the eight son of an eighth son was destined to be a Wizard.  But the eighth son of a Wizard–which shouldn’t happen since Wizards don’t have relations.

But in this story, an excommunicated Wizard (he DID have relations) had a eighth son whom he named Coin.  He wanted to take revenge on the Wizarding world because of how they treated him and what better revenge than to create a Sourcerer.  A Sourcerer generates power rather than using it.

A few years later, Coin goes to Unseen University and overthrows the current Archchancellor Wayzygoose.  (The Archchancellor role becomes more stable in a few books, which is what I remembered).  Coin, being a strong presence and the kind of person who can Set Things Right, is embraced by the Wizards (who are pretty susceptible to this sort of thing).  It turns out that Rincewind (and his Luggage) as well as The Librarian (who is a Wizard that was tuned into an orangutan and does not want to be turned back) were not at the University when this all went down.  So they’re aware that something is suspicious about Coin. Continue Reading »

Posted in Coin, Conina, Death, Discworld, Funny (ha ha), Lord Vetinari, Magic, Rincewind, Terry Pratchett, The Librarian, The Luggage, Unfinished series, Wizards, Wizards | Leave a Comment »

Andy Shauf / Faye Webster (Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA, September 12, 2021) [rescheduled date, rescheduled again]

September 12, 2021 by Paul Debraski

[POSTPONED: September 12, 2021] Andy Shauf / Faye Webster [rescheduled from May 1 and December 17, 2020; moved to March 31, 2022]

indexThis show appeared and then disappeared.  In May, Andy’s own website it was still an active date until you clicked on it and the ticket sales said March 2022.

Maybe in 2022 Andy will come back around.  He was supposed to play a show in NJ as well, but there was none listed in May.  We’ll see.

Postponing shows until December seemed like a safe bet.  My calendar was pretty free and I was hoping to see shows by now.  I’m not sure if I’d rather have gone to Philly or Asbury Park, though.  Well, next year will held me decide, I’m sure.

Andy Shauf is a Canadian singer songwriter.  He sings quiet, introspective songs.  He was playing at Union Transfer at the beginning of Mat and then in New Jersey in the middle of May.

I was introduced to his music from a Tiny Desk Concert in which he never really moves.  He has very long hair which also never moves.  His songs are really very pretty and well constructed.

It’s his voice that I find utterly fascinating.  He enunciates in such an unusual way.  The way he emphasizes certain vowels defies his Saskatchewan upbringing.  He sings not unlike Margaret Glaspy and other newer sings who stress their vowels in an unusual to me way.

I really enjoyed his Tiny Desk and I enjoyed reading about the album The Party which sounds like the worst party ever.

Since then he has cut all of his hair and looks totally different–I wasn’t even sure it was the same guy.

Faye Webster is a singer from Georgia who actually has a similar singing style to Andy, which is fascinating.  She sings low key torchy ballads and would be a perfect opening act for him.  I’m going to have to listen to a bit more from her.

He’s the kind of musician that I would think about going to but probably wouldn’t, and then I’d wish I had.  Well, now I have two more chances.

His initial itinerary fascinated me:

Boston, Brooklyn, Philly, D.C., North Carolina, Atlanta, New Orleans, Alabama, Indiana, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, upstate New York.

The rescheduled shows keep the same basic set up except that now Philly is the day before NJ–I wonder what changed that plan.

shuaf

Posted in Andy Shauf, Asbury Park, NJ, Faye Webster, House of Independents, Margaret Glaspy, Philadelphia, PA, Postponed, Union Transfer | Leave a Comment »

Terry Pratchett–Mort (1987) [Discworld #4] [Death #1]

September 11, 2021 by Paul Debraski

SOUNDTRACK: hiatus

[READ: Summer 2021] Mort

Mort is the fourth of four books that I bought as Discworld mini books.  Pratchett himself says that this was the first book that he was pleased with.  He says of his other books that the plot had existed to support the jokes, but that in Mort, the plot was integral.

I remembered the story of this one quite well, although the details were a little fuzzy.  Is it possible I only read this one?

The story starts out with Mort, a teenager who is all elbows and knees–gangly, awkward, embarrassed and just generally the kid of person who gets more work done for you if he is not helping.

Needing Mort to go away and find employment elsewhere, his father takes him to the local job fair.

No one wants Mort.

At midnight Death arrives.  Death has appeared in all of the books so far and has always been a bit of comic relief, but here he is a full on main character, and Pratchett does a great job filling him with pathos.  He also fully introduces the idea that everyone can see Death when he appears but that the human mind is excellent at not acknowledging what shouldn’t be there.  So as Death walks about, people tend to see right through him. Continue Reading »

Posted in Alfred, Binky, Death, Discworld, Funny (ha ha), Magic, Mort, Terry Pratchett, Unfinished series, Wizards, Ysabell | Leave a Comment »

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