Concert Review: Dragons of Zynth, Apples in Stereo and Television in Central Park, 6/16/07
"We only came for Dragons of Zynth."
Approximately one month ago, guitarist Richard Lloyd announced that he was leaving Television after thirty years of genius guitar interplay (which strangely only produced three studio albums). However, before he departed to pursue brighter pastures (ie: his solo career), Television announced one final show with Lloyd at Central Park's Summerstage. A free show! Weee!
Richard Lloyd sadly wasn't present at his own final show because he went and got pneumonia (the asshole!), but some guy named Jimmy Something (not his real last name) happily learned the songs and filled in. This unexpected state of affairs did not stop us troopers from arriving at Central Park over two hours early and camping out (or "chilling", as you kids say) in sweltering heat with nothing but Fruit Roll-Ups for comfort. After all, did I mention it's free?
Anyway, the billing was advertised as "three generations of alternative rock", swiftly ignoring the fact that the 80's apparently missed the memo. The first band to take the stage was The Dragons of Zynth, a group of gentle men produced by TV on the Radio (whom they resemble visually quite a bit, as well). As the Summerstage booklet described them, "Dragons Of Zynth combine punk, dub, funk, soul and heavy metal in a way so fresh it’s been given its own name: Afrotek. Critics have described the group’s live shows as “insane” and “bonkers,” though the band itself prefers to call them “audio-physio-psychic” experiences."
Hilbert_Cheesecake prefers to call them "crap". The first song they performed managed to dick around in ambient soundscapes for at least seven minutes, culminating in absolutely nothing. While the following songs were at least more satisfying than this anti-climatic sludgefest, the band never really delivered the goods. Grating noise (not in the good way), irritatingly pointless vocal freak-outs and occasionally awesome percussion all added up to a performance that was far more fun to watch than listen to, considering the group's elaborate stage costumes. Hear the band at http://www.myspace.com/dragonsofzynth and decide for yourself, goondog.
Stephen Colbert's Favorite Band!
Next to take the stage were Elephant 6 alumni Apples in Stereo, an irresistible pop group existing somewhere in the grey area between New Pornographers and Fountains of Wayne, with a fuzzy production sheen reminiscent of the Elephant 6 heyday, yet bearing no resemblance to Finger Eleven. The type of live group that smiles a lot while performing in their colorful outfits; ultimately, the performance was ten billion times more enjoyable than Zagons of Drynth. I bounced along and somehow managed to know all the songs that I'd never heard before in my life. I'm told much of the setlist was culled from the groups new album, "New Magnetic Wonder", including "Can You Feel It?" and "Same Old Drag", both complete with addicting vocal harmonies and borderline-perfect melodies. "Energy" is another perfect pop song, with a relentless chord progression and (surprise!) more background harmonies. See, kids? Noisy and fun!
It must've been about the fourth or fifth song when Mr. I'm-A-Balding-Thirty-Something-Year-Old-Guy-Who's-Still-Hip-With-The-Hipsters Singer (I don't know his name) (Nevermind, Wikipedia says his name is Robert Schneider) (Haha! His name is Rob Schneider!) (It also says he's from South Africa, so perhaps we should ignore Wikipedia) casually pointed to the red-head guy in the back rocking the tambourine (who also lended occasional keyboards and background harmonies). Schneider says: "Alright, give it up for Bill Doss playing melodica on this next track! The one and only Bill Doss! Seriously, there's only one Bill Doss in the world. Really. And now we'll play some more...songs. As opposed to just standing here, not playing songs..."
Bill Doss?
BILL DOSS?
The Bill Motherfucking Doss?
Yes, Bill Doss of the Olivia Tremor Control was in attendance, lending his incredible skills to the Apples in Stereo live show (as he has for a while now, though no one told me). I recognized the name immediately and freaked. Of course, I spent the rest of the performance completely fixated on a middle-age man with long red hair playing tambourine, but it was the best tambourine performance I've seen since that James Taylor concert in the late nineties.
Bill Doss!
Anyway, this didn't take my attention away from the melodic and noisy "Play Tough", or an incredibly bouncy track that Mr. Schneider announced as "a new song. But not from the new album." He didn't give a name. Perhaps ten minutes into the show, the rain began to fall. The band responded with the song "Sun is Out", a failed attempt to stop the rain. In fact, the rain was refreshing and nutritious, and I hardly even noticed while bouncing around violently to Apples in Stereo. I intend on buying "New Magnetic Wonder" quite soon, after singing along to a plethora of songs I'd never heard before. Video:
"Can You Feel It?":
(Ah, did I neglect to mention the keyboard player in the space suit?)
After a short (and by short, I mean long) break, Television took the stage. Tom Verlaine announced that Richard Lloyd was in the hospital and couldn't make it. He insulted the city of New York for having bad microphones. This was essentially the extent to which he spoke or even made eye contact with the crowd the entire show.
Disclaimer: Tom Verlaine is old. His hair is turning grey. His voice sounds thin and weak (perhaps due to the sound system often drowning out his vocals with guitar). He seemed to be in a bit of a daze the entire show. He potentially even forgot some words.
The setlist was a bit more..confusing than expected. The band placed a major emphasis on slower, jammier songs, many of which I wasn't familiar with. For example, "Little Johnny Jewel" was a highlight, with its simply yet effective guitar riffing and sleazy vocal contributions. After the first two songs, both of which I enjoyed and neither of which I recognized, the band jumped into a fluid version of "Venus"; the crowd roared at the intro and perhaps this is where the concert truly began. Despite Verlaine's mumbling vocal performance, the song was right on.
(All you Television fans out there - where were all these songs coming from? Are they on the 1992 reunion album that I still haven't heard? Solo Tom Verlaine? Answer me, phantom Television fans! I summon you!)
Also worth mentioning was an energetic rendition of "Glory", the only "Adventure" track that was performed. Billy Ficca banged the skins like it was no one's business and Fred Smith stood awkwardly on the side, since that's what bass players like to do. Ya know, even if "Adventure" is obviously not quite a "Marquee Moon", it's still packed to the brim with good songs. Too bad it was so under-represented.
I'd be lying if I didn't say that I hoped they'd perform "Marquee Moon" (the album) in its entirety. Instead, they played an enjoyable version of "Prove It" (Verlaine: "Here's a...cover....of one of our older tunes."). Was I the only one who noticed that they entirely skipped over the descending guitar riff in the chorus, instead returning to a bass groove and mumbling the title? The song was pretty goddamn enjoyable nonetheless, as were Verlaine's guitar work in quite a few other songs I don't know the name of. "See No Evil" was in attendance as well, and sounded quite fine.
The show was scheduled to end at 7:00. At approximately 6:55, Verlaine and Jimmy struck the brilliant opening riff to "Marquee Moon" and the crowd went apeshit.
Duh nuh! (Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah)! Duh nuh! (Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah)!
"The cadillac...pulled up the graveyard!"
As I hoped, the band fucking nailed the song. While Verlaine was visibly engrossed in the orgasmic guitar solo (see: Great Songs entry), a Summerstage employee (security guard, perhaps?) began pacing the side of the stage and making eye contact with the substitute guitarist. Points at his watch. The international signal for "End the fucking song."
In the middle of "Marquee Moon"? No thanks, Tiger. Song rolls on past the 7:00 mark. I lost track of the time. Mr. Stage-Guard-Man continues signaling. Verlaine is 100% oblivious. The solo builds up, the crowd's enthusiasm with it. As the crowd members begin to notice the guy's increasing frustration, the more they encouraged the band, went insane. The song gets bigger and bigger as Mr. State Guy becomes visibly angry, more violent with his motions. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry; at one point, my friend and I saw him walk towards the control board and honestly though he was gonna cut the power. Seeing this occurence during the middle of "Marquee mothafuckin` Moon" made my decade. Of course, eventually the song ended. I couldn't tell you if it was eight minutes or twenty-eight. The Summerstage employees immediately came out, denying an encore. Nothing could take away my shit-eating grin after that last track. (I'm desparately waiting for a Youtube video to surface. Anyone??) Ah, the post-concert headache (From the noise? From the jumping? From the smoke?) and ringing ears.
So, to recap:
-Dragons of Zynth sounds like TV on the Radio on valium...not worth my left nut.
-Apples in Stereo makes me want to form a power-pop band....after I buy "New Magnetic Wonder" and marry Bill Doss.
-Television, while a bit more restrained than I expected (no doubt due to Lloyd's unfortunate absence), still delivered the goods and more on aforementioned highlights. Verlaine will always be among my favorite guitarists and it was well worth seeing the legend.
Happy performance of "Venus":
"Marquee Moon" (beginning):
Part of the solo:
Goodnight and good luck!
Bill Doss! Bill Doss! OMG LOL.
Update 6/22: A commenter on the Brooklynvegan review attempted a setlist:
1880 or So (from Television '92)
?
Venus (from MM)
Little Johnny Jewel (first single)
Prove It (from MM)
?
Glory (from Adventure)
Sapphire
Persia (not on any studio album - yet)
Marquee Moon (from MM)
Inspired by the show, I have purchased the band's self-titled 1992 self-titled album. More information and pictures can be found here: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2007/06/richard_lloyd_d.html
Approximately one month ago, guitarist Richard Lloyd announced that he was leaving Television after thirty years of genius guitar interplay (which strangely only produced three studio albums). However, before he departed to pursue brighter pastures (ie: his solo career), Television announced one final show with Lloyd at Central Park's Summerstage. A free show! Weee!
Richard Lloyd sadly wasn't present at his own final show because he went and got pneumonia (the asshole!), but some guy named Jimmy Something (not his real last name) happily learned the songs and filled in. This unexpected state of affairs did not stop us troopers from arriving at Central Park over two hours early and camping out (or "chilling", as you kids say) in sweltering heat with nothing but Fruit Roll-Ups for comfort. After all, did I mention it's free?
Anyway, the billing was advertised as "three generations of alternative rock", swiftly ignoring the fact that the 80's apparently missed the memo. The first band to take the stage was The Dragons of Zynth, a group of gentle men produced by TV on the Radio (whom they resemble visually quite a bit, as well). As the Summerstage booklet described them, "Dragons Of Zynth combine punk, dub, funk, soul and heavy metal in a way so fresh it’s been given its own name: Afrotek. Critics have described the group’s live shows as “insane” and “bonkers,” though the band itself prefers to call them “audio-physio-psychic” experiences."
Hilbert_Cheesecake prefers to call them "crap". The first song they performed managed to dick around in ambient soundscapes for at least seven minutes, culminating in absolutely nothing. While the following songs were at least more satisfying than this anti-climatic sludgefest, the band never really delivered the goods. Grating noise (not in the good way), irritatingly pointless vocal freak-outs and occasionally awesome percussion all added up to a performance that was far more fun to watch than listen to, considering the group's elaborate stage costumes. Hear the band at http://www.myspace.com/dragonsofzynth and decide for yourself, goondog.
Stephen Colbert's Favorite Band!
Next to take the stage were Elephant 6 alumni Apples in Stereo, an irresistible pop group existing somewhere in the grey area between New Pornographers and Fountains of Wayne, with a fuzzy production sheen reminiscent of the Elephant 6 heyday, yet bearing no resemblance to Finger Eleven. The type of live group that smiles a lot while performing in their colorful outfits; ultimately, the performance was ten billion times more enjoyable than Zagons of Drynth. I bounced along and somehow managed to know all the songs that I'd never heard before in my life. I'm told much of the setlist was culled from the groups new album, "New Magnetic Wonder", including "Can You Feel It?" and "Same Old Drag", both complete with addicting vocal harmonies and borderline-perfect melodies. "Energy" is another perfect pop song, with a relentless chord progression and (surprise!) more background harmonies. See, kids? Noisy and fun!
It must've been about the fourth or fifth song when Mr. I'm-A-Balding-Thirty-Something-Year-Old-Guy-Who's-Still-Hip-With-The-Hipsters Singer (I don't know his name) (Nevermind, Wikipedia says his name is Robert Schneider) (Haha! His name is Rob Schneider!) (It also says he's from South Africa, so perhaps we should ignore Wikipedia) casually pointed to the red-head guy in the back rocking the tambourine (who also lended occasional keyboards and background harmonies). Schneider says: "Alright, give it up for Bill Doss playing melodica on this next track! The one and only Bill Doss! Seriously, there's only one Bill Doss in the world. Really. And now we'll play some more...songs. As opposed to just standing here, not playing songs..."
Bill Doss?
BILL DOSS?
The Bill Motherfucking Doss?
Yes, Bill Doss of the Olivia Tremor Control was in attendance, lending his incredible skills to the Apples in Stereo live show (as he has for a while now, though no one told me). I recognized the name immediately and freaked. Of course, I spent the rest of the performance completely fixated on a middle-age man with long red hair playing tambourine, but it was the best tambourine performance I've seen since that James Taylor concert in the late nineties.
Bill Doss!
Anyway, this didn't take my attention away from the melodic and noisy "Play Tough", or an incredibly bouncy track that Mr. Schneider announced as "a new song. But not from the new album." He didn't give a name. Perhaps ten minutes into the show, the rain began to fall. The band responded with the song "Sun is Out", a failed attempt to stop the rain. In fact, the rain was refreshing and nutritious, and I hardly even noticed while bouncing around violently to Apples in Stereo. I intend on buying "New Magnetic Wonder" quite soon, after singing along to a plethora of songs I'd never heard before. Video:
"Can You Feel It?":
(Ah, did I neglect to mention the keyboard player in the space suit?)
After a short (and by short, I mean long) break, Television took the stage. Tom Verlaine announced that Richard Lloyd was in the hospital and couldn't make it. He insulted the city of New York for having bad microphones. This was essentially the extent to which he spoke or even made eye contact with the crowd the entire show.
Disclaimer: Tom Verlaine is old. His hair is turning grey. His voice sounds thin and weak (perhaps due to the sound system often drowning out his vocals with guitar). He seemed to be in a bit of a daze the entire show. He potentially even forgot some words.
The setlist was a bit more..confusing than expected. The band placed a major emphasis on slower, jammier songs, many of which I wasn't familiar with. For example, "Little Johnny Jewel" was a highlight, with its simply yet effective guitar riffing and sleazy vocal contributions. After the first two songs, both of which I enjoyed and neither of which I recognized, the band jumped into a fluid version of "Venus"; the crowd roared at the intro and perhaps this is where the concert truly began. Despite Verlaine's mumbling vocal performance, the song was right on.
(All you Television fans out there - where were all these songs coming from? Are they on the 1992 reunion album that I still haven't heard? Solo Tom Verlaine? Answer me, phantom Television fans! I summon you!)
Also worth mentioning was an energetic rendition of "Glory", the only "Adventure" track that was performed. Billy Ficca banged the skins like it was no one's business and Fred Smith stood awkwardly on the side, since that's what bass players like to do. Ya know, even if "Adventure" is obviously not quite a "Marquee Moon", it's still packed to the brim with good songs. Too bad it was so under-represented.
I'd be lying if I didn't say that I hoped they'd perform "Marquee Moon" (the album) in its entirety. Instead, they played an enjoyable version of "Prove It" (Verlaine: "Here's a...cover....of one of our older tunes."). Was I the only one who noticed that they entirely skipped over the descending guitar riff in the chorus, instead returning to a bass groove and mumbling the title? The song was pretty goddamn enjoyable nonetheless, as were Verlaine's guitar work in quite a few other songs I don't know the name of. "See No Evil" was in attendance as well, and sounded quite fine.
The show was scheduled to end at 7:00. At approximately 6:55, Verlaine and Jimmy struck the brilliant opening riff to "Marquee Moon" and the crowd went apeshit.
Duh nuh! (Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah)! Duh nuh! (Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah)!
"The cadillac...pulled up the graveyard!"
As I hoped, the band fucking nailed the song. While Verlaine was visibly engrossed in the orgasmic guitar solo (see: Great Songs entry), a Summerstage employee (security guard, perhaps?) began pacing the side of the stage and making eye contact with the substitute guitarist. Points at his watch. The international signal for "End the fucking song."
In the middle of "Marquee Moon"? No thanks, Tiger. Song rolls on past the 7:00 mark. I lost track of the time. Mr. Stage-Guard-Man continues signaling. Verlaine is 100% oblivious. The solo builds up, the crowd's enthusiasm with it. As the crowd members begin to notice the guy's increasing frustration, the more they encouraged the band, went insane. The song gets bigger and bigger as Mr. State Guy becomes visibly angry, more violent with his motions. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry; at one point, my friend and I saw him walk towards the control board and honestly though he was gonna cut the power. Seeing this occurence during the middle of "Marquee mothafuckin` Moon" made my decade. Of course, eventually the song ended. I couldn't tell you if it was eight minutes or twenty-eight. The Summerstage employees immediately came out, denying an encore. Nothing could take away my shit-eating grin after that last track. (I'm desparately waiting for a Youtube video to surface. Anyone??) Ah, the post-concert headache (From the noise? From the jumping? From the smoke?) and ringing ears.
So, to recap:
-Dragons of Zynth sounds like TV on the Radio on valium...not worth my left nut.
-Apples in Stereo makes me want to form a power-pop band....after I buy "New Magnetic Wonder" and marry Bill Doss.
-Television, while a bit more restrained than I expected (no doubt due to Lloyd's unfortunate absence), still delivered the goods and more on aforementioned highlights. Verlaine will always be among my favorite guitarists and it was well worth seeing the legend.
Happy performance of "Venus":
"Marquee Moon" (beginning):
Part of the solo:
Goodnight and good luck!
Bill Doss! Bill Doss! OMG LOL.
Update 6/22: A commenter on the Brooklynvegan review attempted a setlist:
1880 or So (from Television '92)
?
Venus (from MM)
Little Johnny Jewel (first single)
Prove It (from MM)
?
Glory (from Adventure)
Sapphire
Persia (not on any studio album - yet)
Marquee Moon (from MM)
Inspired by the show, I have purchased the band's self-titled 1992 self-titled album. More information and pictures can be found here: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2007/06/richard_lloyd_d.html
Labels: Apples in Stereo, Dragons of Zynth, Television
4 Comments:
Thanks for the post, I had to miss the concert b/c I was driving my daughter up to Maine. Old (52) TV fan here -- so, to edumacate you younguns -- that was Jimmy Ripp, a workhorse guitarist who has played and recorded w Verlaine for many years. He did well and godspeed to Richard Llyod, who is a monster (on guitar).
Yup, I've since learned this. He did a good job, though I wonder if Lloyd's absence was the reason they skipped over a lot of the classic "Marquee Moon" or "Adventure" tracks.
Hope Richard gets better!
Good review: it chimed in with what we thought... we caught the end of Dragons of Zynth, and weren't exactly upset that we missed the beginning and middle. Apples in Stereo were really good, and really took the mind off the concept of getting soaked by the passing thunder shower. In terms of mood, they reminded me of the Blue Aeroplanes (anyone remember them?)
Television... we've seen them six times over the past 15 years, and they've varied from standout to mundane, depending which way Verlaine is facing. Today was sadly closer to the mundane than the exhilarating, with the exception of Marquee Moon and Little Johnny Jewel. Jimmy Ripp is a good player (we saw him with Verlaine last year), but he's not Lloyd. And the balance between Lloyd and Verlaine is what makes Television - twin leads, deferring to each other, not lead and rhythm.
As above: let's hope that this wasn't the last time. Television are more than the sum of their (usual) parts, as this gig showed. On the upside, we still enjoyed it, and it gave us an excuse for a weekend in NYC, even if we didn't get to levitate!
Hi, I just thought I'd drop by and help fill out the missing spots in the setlist with what I have acquired (this is supposedly off of one of the performers setlists)
Intro
1880 or So
Balloon (aka Flower Spasm)
Venus
Little Johnny Jewel
Prove It
Frustration
Glory
The Sea
Persia
Marquee Moon
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