I’d forgotten about my adoration for Seabear until Matt at You Ain’t No Picasso rekindled my interest in the recently released The Ghost That Carried Us Away on Morr Music.

If you’re looking for a record to get you through the upcoming change in weather, this would be a fine suggestion.

Myspace: Seabear
MP3: Seabear - “I Sing I Swim”

Set List: Goodnight Rose/Games/Wildflowers/Peaceful Valley/Cold Roses/Everybody Knows/Rescue Blues/Two/Mockingbird Song/What Sin/Beautiful Sorta/Dear John/A Kiss Before I Go/The End/Freeway to the Canyon/Bartering Lines/When The Stars Go Blue
Encore: Sylvia Plath (solo piano)

Professional, jovial, talkative; three words I doubted I’d be using to describe last night’s Grateful Dead Ryan Adams concert at the Barrymore Theatre. After hearing mixed reviews about this week’s show in Milwaukee and then reading about the so called “meltdown” that occurred two nights ago in Minneapolis, it’s safe to say that everyone walking through the doors last night was anxious to see what the night would hold.

Not surprisingly there are two sides to every story, and the first evidence of Ryan’s point of view came shortly after “Cold Roses” when someone in the audience yelled, “Thanks for coming to Madison,” to which Ryan replied, “It’s great to be here, you have no idea.” That’s not to say that the sound crew has worked out the kinks that are the crutch of his unhappiness lately, during “Two” Ryan supplanted the lyrics, “No good ever comes from it, honest” with, “If we had good sound guys, we could play a good show, I promise.”

From a fans perspective the sound was brilliant all night, and a big thank you to everyone in the crowd. There was no shouting during or after songs, which I think goes a long long way into getting the best out of Ryan Adams these days. It’s nice to know that at his next stop he won’t be referring to us as a “beer hut” like the previous night’s venue in Minneapolis.

There were plenty of highlights of the show (and no, seeing Mandy Moore in the bathroom doesn’t make the list) including a beautiful version of “Rescue Blues” off of Gold, and a smoking and very dead-influenced version of “What Sin.” A lot of people (ourselves included) were pleased with the decision to end the set with “When Stars Go Blue,” only to be topped by a delicate solo version of “Silvia Path” for a fitting and lovely ending for the two-hour show.

We happily dropped down $20 for a great Oscar Mayer Wienermobile inspired concert poster that will serve as a nice memento of a night that is definitely worth remembering.

Myspace: Ryan Adams

Set List: Wild Flowers/Games/Cold Roses/Beautiful Sorta/Peaceful Valley/Rescue Blues/Dear John/I Taught Myself How To Grow Old/When the stars go blue/Nightbirds /The Sun Also Sets/Off Boradway/Goodnight Rose/Brown Sugar (Piano Solo)/Please Do Not Let Me Go/A Kiss Before I Go/Freeway to the Canyon/I See Monsters

On Tuesday we were all set to make the drive to The Riverside in Milwaukee for the first of Ryan Adams two stops in Wisconsin this week. Instead, a whole lot of work piled itself so nicely on our desk and filled up our e-mail boxes.

Our friends in the audience that night report that there were moments of brilliance for sure, though those were marred by “yelling crap at quiet spots within songs as well as choruses of people shouting out songs they wanted to hear.” You guys know not to pull that stuff with Ryan and Jeff Tweedy - come on.

Personally, I would have loved to hear Ryan’s solo piano take on the Stones “Brown Sugar.” Tonight, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals return the Barrymore in Madison. Anybody remember the last time he was here? Highlights? Lowlights? Leave them in the comments, and we’ll see you in the crowd tonight.

Interesting Side Note: Prior to heading into the Milwaukee show, some friends spotted and offered and extra ticket to Joe Gannascoli aka Vito Spatafore. He had other/better plans, wonder if he’s a Milwaukee resident?

Myspace: Ryan Adams
Photo: Brianne

The last time I saw Mason Jennings he was with his band and pulled out a surprising, but fantastic cover of Neutral Milk Hotel’s “King of Carrot Flowers, Pt. 1.” Last night, playing solo at the High Noon Saloon, he treated the nearly sold-out crowd to a mixture of past and present, highlighted by a brief and seemingly unnoticed cover of Neil Young’s “Out On A Weekend.”

It’s been six years since I first saw Mason holding down his weekly residency at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis. Initially, I was a reluctant listener, then casual fan, now I see him every time he comes to Madison. The reason is simple, he’s a great songwriter. For further proof of that, look no further than the upcoming Bob Dylan retrospective film, “I’m Not There”, where Mason covers (Christian Bale’s singing parts) “Times They Are a-Changin’” and “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” in the movie.

For an hour and a half and including two encores, Mason treated fans to “Nothing,” “Butterfly,” “Big Sur,” and “Darkness Between the Fireflies” from his eponymous debut album, which continue to be fan favorites today. Of course he played a few selections from his most recent album Boneclouds, most notable “Be Here Now.” Another highlight of the night were selections chosen from the self-released Simple Life like the oft-requested, but rarely obliged, version of “Hospitals & Jails.”

Throughout the evening it amazed me how so many of his songs brought about memories of the past six years of my life. Certain songs reminded me of certain road trips or parties where people would put on his records, then a hidden treasure, known only to us Midwesterners, but universally welcomed and sought out by newcomers. Given the chance to see him solo or with a backing band I would choose seeing him solo every time. There is something about the spontaneity of it, allowing the set lists to be broader and more inclusive of sometimes passed over material. It’s a simpler setting and easier to just relax and enjoy a good night of songs you’ve come to know pretty well.

Myspace: Mason Jennings
MP3: Mason Jennings - “Hospitals & Jails”

Lee Bob Watson is playing a $5 show at Cafe Montmartre on Tuesday, October 9th. We’ve had his brand new album Aficionado! on heavy rotation here at MoB HQ since we first got word of him from our blog brethren Aquarium Drunkard.

If you’re looking for a great country-tinged album with an underlying hint of Arizona desert rock and roll, we highly recommend Aficionado! and dropping down $5 to take in his upcoming show - you won’t be disappointed in either decision.

You Californians may recognize Lee Bob from his former duties in the band Jackpot - good stuff there as well!

Myspace: Lee Bob Watson
MP3: Lee Bob Watson - “I Miss You (Because You’re Human)”
MP3: Lee Bob Watson - “Annabelle”
MP3: Lee Bob Watson - “To Juliette (from Punk Sinatra)”
MP3: Lee Bob Watson - “Without Your Love”
MP3: Lee Bob Watson - “Airstream”

Now that we’re a little less than a month away from Jennifer O’Connor’s upcoming show at Cafe Montmartre on Sunday, October 21st, we thought we would check in with her for our continuing 5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees feature. We highly recommend the upcoming show and also picking up a copy of Over The Mountain, Across The Valley, and Back To The Stars on Matador Records.

What was the last show you went to see, as a fan? Also, who’s at the top of your list as far as concerts you’d want to see?

I think the last show I actually made it to was Wilco. There were a bunch recently I was supposed to go to, but ended up missing. I think I’m going to go see Thurston Moore tomorrow night - I really like what I’ve heard of his new record. I would really like to see Kanye West and I’d also like to see Deerhunter.

The internet has dramatically altered the way bands can reach an audience. With things like blogs/myspace/etc, what are your thoughts on the power of the internet in terms of helping (or hurting) your music?

I think the internet is an immensely helpful tool for musicians. Myspace alone can bring you to audiences very quickly that you may never have reached without it. For instance, if someone likes your song and “adds” it as their song on their page…then everyone that stops by their page will hear your song. Its crazy. I love it.

On your upcoming tour, which features a stop at Cafe Montmartre in Madison, will you be performing solo? Have you ever been to Madison before?

I will be playing as a duo…I’ll have my drummer Jon Langmead with me. I have played Madison twice before actually. Once with Mason Jennings at the Barrymore Theatre and once with Kevin Devine. I can’t remember where that one was. This is my first headlining show in Madison though.

Could you lend some information on the recording process of Over the Mountain, Across the Valley and Back to the Stars? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

Over the Mountain was recorded at The Fort -a studio in Brooklyn - with my friend Jim Bentley engineering. We did it over several months and we did it piece by piece. Like drums first, then guitars, then bass, etc. This one I’m doing with a different studio, different producer and I think we will track a lot of it live. Not because I think this will be a “better” way, but just because I want to do it differently this time. We are supposed to record in January.

What are some of the places/things you’ll miss most about New York while you’re away on tour?

Well, I’m bringing friends with me (Hotel Lights & Clint, Michigan & Amy Bezunartea) who are opening the show. So that will be a really good thing. Maybe I’ll miss my bed, but probably not, hotel beds are usually pretty nice! Honestly, I haven’t toured since April so I’m excited…I don’t really think I’ll miss home at all.

Related: Download four free MP3’s from Jennifer O’Connor’s Daytrotter Session

Myspace: Jennifer O’Connor
MP3: Jennifer O’Connor - “Exeter, Rhode Island”
MP3: Jennifer O’Connor - “Today”
++
Download: eMusic
Buy: Insound

Well, it’s official, today the Pabst Theater announced the managing of Turner Hall. We’ve made many trips to Milwaukee to see some of our favorite concerts in the state and now the Pabst boasts another beautiful and historic site under its management:

Pabst Theater… beautiful, historic venue
Riverside Theater… beautiful, historic venue
Turner Ballroom… ahem, you guessed it… beautiful, historic venue

The haunting, burnt-out, German dance hall-like beauty of Historic Turner Ballroom, just called out to us to be our next concert venue. We think you are going to enjoy it, just as we hope you do The Pabst and The Riverside.

Since the late 19th century, the Ballroom has played host to a wide range of social, cultural and political events. We hope to do our best to now keep it active, alive and exciting… and to have it play host to some amazing music!

ALL SHOWS, ALL AGES - NON-SMOKING VENUE

Muzzle of Bees will be attending the Lucero and Sharon Jones & Dap-Kings shows at Turner Hall.

+Remember to bookmark our shows page for all your Wisconsin concert announcements+

Walking into the High Noon Saloon last night I was excited for what promised to be a great double bill featuring Ferraby Lionheart and The Brunettes. Initially, I was disappointed to find so few in attendance especially for Ferraby, those that did show up got more than their money’s worth in what will probably go down as one of our favorite shows of the year.

Ferraby Lionheart is an up and coming songwriter from Los Angeles, who I’m quite confident you’ll be hearing more about in the future. We last saw him opening for the Autumn Defense at Café Montmartre, and, since then have come to really enjoy his records. Playing a good balance off his debut EP and his most recent full-length, Catch The Brass Ring. While Ferraby switched between guitar to keyboard, his backing band rounded out the songs, most fascinating was the work and addition of slide guitar.

After a brief intermission, The Brunettes took the stage. Playing “B-A-B-Y” and later “If You Were Alien” from their recently released Structure & Cosmetics on Sub Pop, we easily felt at home watching them. The latter of those songs featured “YMCA”-like body spelling of the letters. What struck me most about their set was their ability to really make the horns come to life in a live setting. On record, the horns aren’t as noticeable; however in concert they are central and driving, elevating the music from standard pop to something a little more far-reaching.

You could tell the band was initially a little reserved about the small attendance that was scattered throughout the venue. All it took was a polite request from Heather Mansfield for the crowd to move closer, which was surprisingly obliged by nearly everyone for the night to take a turn from near disaster to highly memorable. I guess that’s the plus of having a talented and beautiful front woman.

From that point the band orchestrated a two-song dance party complete with album giveaways (Ferraby Lionheart’s band mate won – conspiracy?), and really did a great job in winning over everyone in attendance. Because it was an early show, the band had a hard stop at 9pm, but due to persistent cheering and clapping the band returned to the stage for a very surprising, but enthusiastically welcomed cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run.”

I forgot the camera at home, but I know there were plenty of people snapping photos. I’m sure Aaron will have a nice video for everyone soon. Those of you that were there can certainly vouch for the “fun factor” of the show. I’m hoping the next time both artists come through town there will be more people in attendance.

Myspace: Ferraby Lionheart
Myspace: The Brunettes
MP3: The Brunettes - Small Town Crew
++
Download: eMusic
Buy: Insound

The Cave Singers released Invitation Songs on Matador Records yesterday. We’re just cycling through our second listen, but have to admit that hindsight will tell us it was probably deserving of a Tuesday’s Gold stamp. With a name like the Cave Singers you may expect vocals that resemble Jim James - notsomuch. Instead, the album conjures up a unique combination of folk, horn and some slight electronic effects, yielding a damn satisfying listen.

Check out the links below for a stroll over to their myspace for some song sampling and load up your ipod with “Seeds of Night” below:

Myspace: The Cave Singers
MP3: The Cave Singers - “Seeds Of Night”
++
Download: eMusic
Buy: Insound

Thanks to reader Brady and Reveille Magazine for informing us that Andrew Bird has been tapped as the opening act for Wilco’s upcoming show at the Eagles Ballroom on Tuesday, October 9th.

Since both acts have been through Madison in the past two weeks it’s kind of hard to get excited about the show, especially with Grizzly Bear and Beach House playing the same night at the Pabst for a $10 show.

Decisions, Decisions…

UPDATE (9/26): Those leaning towards Grizzly Bear may want to check out this video from the recent Hot Freaks performance in Austin.

MoB: Wilco: Overture Hall, Madison (9/11/07)
MoB: Review: Andrew Bird at Union Theater (9/20/07)

Myspace: Wilco
Myspace: Andrew Bird
Myspace: Grizzly Bear
Myspace: Beach House