Valentine's Day Video Playlist!

Romantic hearts, here's a quick (just a few) indie video playlist for you, "curated" by girlfriend & me (of course). The ones we agree on...

I’d Rather Dance with You - Kings of Convenience
 
R.E.M.- You Are the Everything

First Day of my Life - Bright Eyes
 
You Are My Joy- The Reindeer Section

Anyone Else but You - The Moldy Peaches

Tonight We Fly - The Divine Comedy
 
Sea of Love- Cat Power

Best Concerts of the Year 2012

Less concerts, due to the crisis, attended this year, but still there has been many worth to remember. Here are my 10 favourite live performances of this 2012! Hope you like it!

From Arc de Triomf. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

10. The Wedding Present (Primavera Sound Festival, Arc de Triomf, Barcelona, May 30th)
The concerts at Arc de Triomf weren't precisely the highlight of a fantastic Primavera Sound edition. Massification, people not interested at all on the music... But there was a great discovery for me, that compensated the day: seeing David Gedge and Co. performing "Seamonsters". Jumped on their music bandwagon since then!
9. Mäximo Park (Festival Plaça Odissea, Maremàgnum, Barcelona, May 12th)
Didn't remember how fun was being at a Mäximo Park concert! Paul Smith is a beast live and he proved from the very first second: restless, hyperactive, passionate as few on stage. He turned an otherwise quite unremarkable Festival engaging, propelling new songs and band classics to addictive indie-rock hits. What a difference a great frontman can make!
8. Los Planetas (Primavera Club, Sant Jordi Club, Barcelona, December 7th)
Judging just from a sound quality point of view, they wouldn't make it on this list. But this is a personal blog, and watching Los Planetas for the first time had many intimate implications (memories) associated. Besides, I was lucky that their live comeback included playing many of the timeless classics. After "Corrientes Circulares en el Tiempo" was followed by "Nunca Me Entero de Nada" the concert became something very very very special.
7. Fanfarlo (Sala Apolo , Barcelona, October 14th)
Trumpets! Never-ending choruses! Tunes you'll sacrifice (almost broken with "The Walls Are Coming Down, and completely gone at the end with "Harold T. Wilkins) your throat to happily! Fanfarlo insuflates life and rhythm to indie pop. It was another first-time mandatory gig for me, and the confirmation this is a band with a "shiny" career ahead.  
6. Real Estate (Primavera Sound Festival, Fòrum de Barcelona, June 2nd)
I chose them instead of seeing Beach House, who were playing almost at the same time, so that's a pretty good measure of how much I wanted to see them, don't you think? Did I made the right choice? Sure  I did. Their gig was superb, flawless, proving what an incredible record is "Days", also live. 
5. Neil Hannon (Festival Temporada Alta, Auditori de Girona, November 2nd)
If you check this blog regularly (thank you my friend!) or just occasionally (welcome, see you around!) you should know by now: I love The Divine Comedy. There aren't many indie-pop genius out there, but Mr. Hannon is one of the "chosen ones". In Girona, alone with his piano or guitar his music was again a banquet for the listener and a lot of fun (he is also a wonderful comedian). Besides, his music was even more special as I wasn't alone...
4. Lee Ranaldo (Primavera Sound Festival, Fòrum de Barcelona, May 31st)
Never a Sonic Youth's fan, I was completely blown out by "Between the Times and the Tides", and his performance live just made me a converted fan. Mesmerized by his guitar style and the melodies that recall to R.E.M, Ranaldo has been one of my discoveries of the year.
3. Sharon Van Etten (La [2] de Apolo, Barcelona, September 29th)
Little trick here, because I've been fortunate enough to see Sharon twice this year, first at Primavera Sound, then at Apolo. Whether her rockier version of her folky side, Sharon has that spark. Her voice can be moody, nocturnal, heart-wrenching or joyous. She deliver lines as if you were boxing against Muhammad Ali. She pours a torrent of emotions over the listener. And proved to me live two times on this 2012. One of the best artists of the year, so look for her, very high, on the forthcoming "songs" and "records of the year" lists of this blog.
2. Kings of Convenience (Primavera Sound, Fòrum de Barcelona, June 2nd)
Had more curiosity than expectations with the Norwegian duo. I like them, but only in "small doses", and couldn't imagine them playing their quiet music at the main stage of the Festival. But how wrong I was. Brilliant as the modern "Simon and Garfunkel", friendly and natural, with a crystal clear sound, then they became a full band, giving a "funky" vibe to their mellow and acoustic tunes. They came, put a spell on you, then surprised you & made you dance. They won the audience completely.

Big Star's finale. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

1. Big Star's Third (Primavera Sound, Fòrum de Barcelona, June 1st)
One of the best concerts I have been in my life so far. No, much more. One of the most beautiful and touching music experiences I have been lucky to be part of. Big Star's Third/Sister Lovers special tribute became an option for me because R.E.M.'s Mike Mills was one of the guest stars playing (and 3 hours of The Cure was too much). So grateful I made that choice. Even before the music started, there was something in the air. A privilege to see so many wonderful artists doing sincere and passionate renditions of the songs of Alex Chilton and his band. How magic music can be.

Want to check last year's concerts list? Just click here.

Primavera Sound 2012: a personal overview

An EXTRAORDINARY Festival

I gave myself some time in order to clarify ideas and not write in "a rush", and with a little more perspective, I have to say this overview now is so easy to do.

I missed Wilco, Beach House, Yo La Tengo, half of The Cure show, Saint Etienne, Rufus Wainwright, The Afghan Whigs, Spiritualized and many more... In which other Festival could you miss such names and still say it was an extraordinary experience? I believe that very few, if any. Only at Primavera Sound you'll have such a never-ending line-up (and I'm not including the already impressive offer during May, prior to the Festival itself). I could demand no hip-hop, metal bands or way less electronic proposals, but these are just my personal tastes. The truth is that the Festival is such a unique opportunity of hearing so many bands/artists in few days I feel any debate about the quality of the PS is nuts, and any comparison with anything that's made in Spain, is simply ridiculous. 

Last year there were some sure-fire names (Pulp, The National, PJ Harvey) that made it unforgettable, but this 2012 edition has been even better. This year I have discovered The Wedding Present and Baxter Dury. Lee Ranaldo, Sharon Van Etten, Real Estate gave astounding concerts, confirming the greatness of their latest records. The Walkmen were great again. Kings of Convenience surprised me with a joyous performance, a pure pop delight. And I was lucky enough to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime music experience: the Big Star’s Third tribute. All this music wonders in a much more comfortable Festival (part personal experience avoiding as much as possible the Mini stage or sacrificing headliners, part an evident improvement on the management of the Fòrum space by the organization), with better sounding in all stages (few exceptions) and almost always in very good company.

Only have minor complains (e.g, Flatstock was disappointing, matter of taste again), majority of them having nothing to do with Primavera, but with the conduct of people. My only real worry/doubt for the organization is the Arc de Triomf (massification, and weird line-up on Sunday), although I do understand the Festival’s goal of opening itself to the city. Because, despite not everyone seems to get it (maybe they just want to create controversy), for me it’s obvious: the Primavera Sound Festival is a gift for indie music lovers, and a reference, a very prestigious symbol for Barcelona. In fact its so unique it should be declared a fundamental part of the Catalonian Cultural Heritage. And as music is universal, also part of the World Heritage.

A small collection of pictures from the Festival. Photos: Bloodbuzzed.

For Spanish readers, here are the links of the articles on the Festival written for www.suite101.net. Hope you like them!

Wednesday 30th May
Thursday 31st May
Friday 1st June
Saturday 2nd June
Sunday 3rd June

Primavera Sound 2012 in brief, day 4

The amazing Sharon Van Etten.
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

As promised, here's the next chapter of the Primavera Sound Festival, Saturday's review!

The Good

A great day of music: I was lucky to enjoy 3 great concerts on Saturday. First, Sharon Van Etten. After meeting her the previous night, I have to say her performance was magnetic. Still have goosebumps when I remember how powerful sounded "Serpents". Please don't miss the chance to listen her. Second, Kings of Convenience (read below). And third, Real Estate, who gave a fantastic, superb gig. I enjoyed their performance so much that they made me forget completely Beach House was playing at the same time. What an incredible record is "Days".

Real Estate. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Nice record fair: In between the Chromatics and Mujeres, we spent some time at the record fair. It is small, and prices are a bit high in general terms, but some Spanish labels were super friendly. The people of El Genio Equivocado (I didn't have the time to go back and buy some stuff, my bad!) and Subterfuge were specially kind.

The Bad

Lisabö storming Ray-ban's stage.
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Lisabö, Chromatics and Mujeres: The first two weren't really bad concerts, just that they are not my taste. Well, in the case of Chromatics, it was the confirmation I don't get (aside the "Drive" soundtrack factor) their hype at all. With the exception of the Neil Young cover, to me the gig was unremarkable, and I don't think they sounded great live. Must be me for sure, because they gathered a huge audience at Pitchfork stage. The case of Mujeres was different. Their album is excellent, and I assume their music style has to be rougher, edgier live, but it was hard to hear what they were singing or enjoying their melodic lines.
Overlaps again: BEACH HOUSE. I missed Beach House. Enough said.
Chaos at the Auditorium: Its ok to make a queue (waiting for Father John Misty), completely understandable considering the venue and the amount of people. So, if you are there for almost 30 minutes, being among the first ones on the line, its quite irritating to see how, out of the blue, security staff decide entrance is going to be different this time, and many people who were there way after you on the line gets in before you.

Kings of Convenience, at the end
of their gig. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

The Queen
Kings of Convenience: Of the trio of "mandatory" gigs for the day (the other two being the aforementioned shows of Sharon Van Etten and Real Estate), this was the one with lower expectations for me. I like the Norwegian's music, but I always have the sense they are a band to enjoy in "small doses". Otherwise their records become a bit repetitive for me. Besides, I had serious doubts about how their intimate proposal would fit at the main stage of the Festival. Soon I realised my fears were unjustified. They first excelled as a duo, winning the audience with their friendly and natural attitude, and a crystal clear sound that allowed the crowd to enjoy their superb talent to create unforgettable melodies... and when the acoustic/mellow tunes were on the verge of being "too much"... Kings of Convenience became a full band, almost, a "funky" group for a couple of songs, giving a much needed impulse to keep the vibe of the gig alive. Needless to say their show was a total triumph. Everyone who was there had a smile on his/her face after the gig ended.

And last but not least, Sunday's report coming next!

Primavera Sound 2012: a timetable's drama

The long awaited (and quite troubled) Primavera Sound 2012 timetables are here. Being honest, I expected some tough overlaps, but not to this extent. What a drama. Still pending on a couple of things, like the Primavera als Parcs or the Apolo bands on Wednesday night, but for the first attempt, this is what my PS 2012 looks like:

Wednesday, May 30th, Arc de Triomf
19:00 Jeremy Jay
20:00 The Wedding Present plays Seamonsters
21:20 The Walkmen
22.40 Black Lips
Pending on when will the shows at Apolo start, because I would like to see Chairlift. But very happy The Walkmen has been added to the line-up!

Thursday, May 31st, Parc del Fòrum
17:00 Doble Pletina (Vice stage)
18:20 Baxter Dury (San Miguel stage)
20:40 The Afghan Whigs (San Miguel)
21:50 Mazzy Star (Ray-Ban stage)
23:15 Beirut (Mini stage)
01:45 Franz Ferdinand (San Miguel stage)
First chapter of the "drama". Before The Afghan Whigs I don't have any "mandatory" band but then the headaches begin.Will have time to see the full show of The Afghan and be also on the first row for Mazzy Star? Wilco and Dominant Legs (maybe partially) will be sacrificed for Beirut, and I'm afraid I won't be able to watch Spiritualized because of Franz Ferdinand either...

Friday, June 1st, Parc del Fòrum
16:00 Nick Garrie (Auditori)
17:15 Laura Marling (Auditori)
18:50 The Chameleons (Ray-Ban)
20:30 I Break Horses (All Tomorrow's Parties)
21:45 Big Star's Third (Auditori)
02:00 The Rapture (San Miguel)
After Laura Marling, I won't have time for Jeff Mangum as I will go for The Chameleons, then I will have to decide between I Break Horses and Lower Dens (exactly the same hour). And then, major disaster: Christina Rosenvinge, The War on Drugs and half the show of The Cure will have to be sacrificed for Big Star's Third (can miss seeing R.E.M.'s Mike Mills again). Before The Rapture gig, I guess I will decide between M83 or Codeine.

Saturday, June 2nd, Parc del Fòrum
18.10 Sharon Van Etten (San Miguel)
20:30 Kings of Convenience (San Miguel)
22:00 Real Estate (Pitchfork)
23:15 Chromatics (Pitchfork)
00:45 Yo La Tengo (Mini)
I highly doubt I will be able to make for Jeff Mangum at 19:00 at the Auditorium, which would be the desired options, I guess I'll end watching Veronica Falls (which I was hoping to see at the Primavera al Parc). But the frustration will be nothing compared with the tragedy that follows: Real Estate or Beach House?

Sunday, June 3rd, Arc de Triomf
20:00 Nacho Vegas
21:10 Yann Tiersen
22:30 Richard Hawley
Probably be there before, but the fact I would rather die instead of hearing Joe Crepúsculo again makes me very very careful about it.

As I said, this is just a dramatic draft version. Allow me  to heal the wounds with "We Can't Be Beat", another mesmerizing tune from "Heaven", the forthcoming album of The Walkmen. Goosebumps.

Primavera Sound Festival unveils an amazing line-up

The day arrived, the Primavera Sound had its press conference... and they did it again!! Still hoping for some names (they say around 10% of the line-up still has to be revealed, so there's still time for  The Shins, Wild Flag, Electrelane or "my" indie-pop bands to be announced) but there's has been plenty to rejoice about: I Break Horses, The Chameleons, Sharon Van Etten, Real State and an amazingly long and interesting etc., plus the chance of finally seeing Beirut and Kings of Convenience live. But if that weren't enough, a very special gift for me: Big Star's Third, giving me the chance of seeing my beloved Mike Mills (R.E.M.) again. Thank you PS12!


PS: Then FIB Festival confirms David Guetta, and I can't stop laughing...

CONFIRMED ARTISTS FOR SAN MIGUEL PRIMAVERA SOUND 2012

30th May – 3rd June, Barcelona

A.A. BONDY - A$AP ROCKY - AEROPLANE - THE AFGHAN WHIGS - AFROCUBISM - ANÍMIC - ARAABMUZIK - ARCHERS OF LOAF - ATLAS SOUND - ATLETA - BAXTER DURY - BEACH BEACH - BEACH HOUSE - BEIRUT - BENGA (LIVE) - BIG STAR'S THIRD - BIGOTT - BJÖRK - BLACK LIPS - BLEACHED - BOMBINO - BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE - THE CHAMELEONS - CHAVEZ - CHRISTINA ROSENVINGE - CODEINE - THE CURE - DANNY BROWN - DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - DEATH GRIPS - DEATH IN VEGAS - DEMDIKE STARE - DIRTY BEACHES - DIRTY THREE - DOBLE PLETINA - DOMINANT LEGS - THE DRUMS - EROL ALKAN - FASENUOVA - FATHER JOHN MISTY - THE FIELD - FIELD MUSIC - FOREST SWORDS - FRANZ FERDINAND - FRIENDS - GIRLS - GIRLS NAMES - GODFLESH - GRIMES - GRUPO DE EXPERTOS SOLYNIEVE - HANNI EL KHATIB - HARVEY MILK - HYPE WILLIAMS - I BREAK HORSES - ICEAGE - JAMES FERRARO - JAPANDROIDS - JEFF MANGUM (NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL) - JEREMY JAY - JOE CREPÚSCULO - JOHN TALABOT LIVE - JOSH T. PEARSON - JUSTICE LIVE - KINGS OF CONVENIENCE - KLEENEX GIRL WONDER - LA ESTRELLA DE DAVID - LAURA MARLING - LEE RANALDO - LISABÖ - LITURGY - LOWER DENS - MAIN - MATÍAS AGUAYO - MAYHEM - MAZZY STAR - MELVINS - MICHAEL GIRA - MILAGRES - MILK MUSIC - MUDHONEY - MUJERES - NACHO VEGAS - NAPALM DEATH - NEON INDIAN - NICK GARRIE PLAYS THE NIGHTMARE OF J.B. STANISLAS - NUMBERS SHOWCASE: JACKMASTER, ONEMAN, DEADBOY, SPENCER, REDINHO - OBITS - OFF! - THE OLIVIA TREMOR CONTROL - ORTHODOX - OTHER LIVES - PEGASVS - PETER WOLF CRIER - PICORE - PIONAL LIVE - THE POP GROUP - THE RAPTURE - REAL ESTATE - REBOLLEDO - REFREE - REFUSED - RICHARD HAWLEY - THE RIGHT ONS - RUFUS WAINWRIGHT - RUSTIE - SANDRO PERRI - SBTRKT - SCUBA - SENIOR I EL COR BRUTAL - SHARON VAN ETTEN - SHELLAC - SISKIYOU - SLEEP - SLEEPY SUN - SPIRITUALIZED - SR. CHINARRO - ST. ETIENNE - TALL FIRS - THEE OH SEES - TRASH TALK - UNICORNIBOT - VERONICA FALLS - THE WAR ON DRUGS - WASHED OUT - WAVVES - THE WEDDING PRESENT PLAYS SEAMONSTERS - WHITE DENIM - WILCO - WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM - THE XX - YANN TIERSEN - YO LA TENGO

Green- Definetely seeing them. Absolute must
Orange- If there are no overlaps (in particular with the green ones), I'll be there for sure
Yellow- Curious about it/"on research mode"