Califone will open for Wilco at Overture Hall in Madison on Saturday, February 20th. The show is already sold out, but this announcement should certainly be a pleasant addition to ticket holders, ourselves included.

Myspace: Califone
MP3: Califone – “Funeral Singers”

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By Tyler Fassnacht

I almost didn’t go to last nights Decemberists show. I had seen them twice before and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to cough up the cash, especially because I wasn’t overwhelmed by their latest album, The Hazards of Love. Well I sucked it up and went, and boy am I glad.

The show was originally located at the Orpheum, but was moved to the Overture Center, which is both a curse and a blessing in my opinion. The Overture Center has very strict ushers and is a little too proper for a rock show (it is always a little awkward standing up there). However, it does have beautiful acoustics and all around good sound, which really benefited a lot of the Decemberists’ material.

I got there early for a good seat (it was general admission) and I was still a little skeptical of the show before it started. It started very promptly with the openers, Heartless Bastards (the only time I’ve ever seen a band come on EARLY, five minutes to be exact) and they blew me away. The first thing that jumps out about this alt-country/rock band are the vocals by front woman Erika Wennerstrom. She has one of the most unique voices in rock right now and she uses the hell out of it, yelping and bellowing her way through the HB catalog. I was a casual listener before hand, but now I am a full fledged fan. They were incredibly deserving of the standing ovation they received and I am definitely excited to catch their set at Lollapalooza.

This show was also the most punctual rock show I have ever been to. I read on some television screen near the bathrooms that there was a thirty minute break in between bands, and come thirty minutes the Decemberists walked on stage.

The band came on and as promised they played the Hazards of Love in its entirety, without a single pause. It was really more of a musical theatre performance than a rock show, with approximately an hour straight of music and no recognition of the audience. The band played as they were actors, staying in character throughout each song, pretending as though they were in some far off land, with no breaks to even say hello to attendees. Now as I mentioned I wasn’t a huge fan of the new album, it just didn’t seem very Decemberists-y to me, but when performed live it was much more engaging. However I would be lying if I said I wasn’t even more excited for their second set of old Decemberists goodies.

During their second set they were a completely different band, with witty banter between every song (including reminiscing of past shows in Madison and stories of awful songs Colin Meloy wrote, Dracula’s Daughter anyone?). For their second set they mostly took from the Crane Wife, with one from Picaresque, “We Both Go Down Together”, and one from Castaways and Cutouts, “July, July”. The encore ended with an audience sing a long to “Sons and Daughters”, which was a nice, warm way to end a surprisingly fun and entertaining night.

Buy: The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love

Muzzle of Bees favorite Andrew Bird will make two Wisconsin stops in support of his fantastic new album, Noble Beast.

Bird will headline Madison’s Forward Music Festival on Saturday, September 19th at Overture Hall with support from Pale Young Gentlemen.

In October, Bird will land at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater for a two-night stint on including a full band show on Friday, October 16 and a solo performance with support from St. Vincent on Saturday, October 17th.

Chicago fans should seek out Andrew Bird at Lollapalooza on Friday, August 7th. You can check out Andrew Bird’s website for the complete list of new tour dates.

Buy: Noble Beast / Useless Creatures (Deluxe Edition)
Myspace: Andrew Bird

Lyle Lovett & his Large Band graced the stage at Overture Hall after spending a day circling (sometimes in the wrong direction) the Capital at Art Fair On The Square. It had been a number of years since I last saw Lovett perform, this being my first time in the presence of his Large Band. I was completely floored when the lights came up after the band warmed up the stage to see in excess of twenty people. Large numbers certainly equal large sound and over the course of the evening Lovett guided his band through gospel, jazz, country, bluegrass, and rock numbers.

Lovett balances the enormity of his band with down home Texas charm that he parlays into soft-spoken conversation and storytelling throughout the evening. He paints the whole picture, sets up the songs, and manages to make an entire evening with two thousand others seem like he’s right in your living room.

The Large Band was enhanced by Madison’s very of Fountain of Life choir, who appeared occasionally throughout the night. In addition to his regular cast of characters, Lovett is fortunate to be flanked by Was (Not Was), including “Sweet Pea” Atkinson whose charm, dancing, and vox were standout throughout the night.

Plenty of high points over the almost two and a half hours of music. The opening “I Will Rise Up/Ain’t No More Cane” was powerful and welcoming, “South Texas Girl” remains my favorite track from the latest release, and “If I Had A Boat” will always make for a nice encore. Milwaukee fans have two opportunities to catch Lyle Lovett & His Large Band in Milwaukee on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Northern Lights Theater. It’s a moving experience, one that appeals to broad musical palette’s and provides something for everyone. Recommended.

Myspace: Lyle Lovett

Find MP3′s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic

With a $35 ticket price comes the enormous possibility of disappointment if the show doesn’t live up to your hard earned dollars. Walking into the beautiful Overture Hall in Madison last night to see Once darlings Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová perform under The Swell Season moniker I’ll admit my reservations.

While Once was undoubtedly a surprise success, my adoration resided firmly in the sound of Hansard’s rock outfit, The Frames – who remembers them opening for Damien Rice in Madison? Last night’s performance brought charming chatter, gorgeous and expanded renditions of the songs that made Once such a resounding success story, while also providing a hearty sampling of Hansard’s ability to lead a rock and roll band.

Hansard played equal parts band leader and comedic funny guy. He holds the spellbinding capability of storytelling (though not always direct), certainly gets the point across with a charm all his own. When the entire band left him to himself in front of the sold out audience, Hansard pulled the surprising move of unplugging his guitar and stepping away from the mic for a rousing rendition of “Say It To Me Now.” While Hansard very well may be the de facto band leader, the gentle touches of Markete Irglova made the evening complete. The first time she stepped from the piano to the guitar and took lead vocals was an absolute highlight of the night.

Last night proved that a band can be captivating and appealing to a diverse selection of music fans in the city of Madison. It proved once again that music can span generations and cross stereotypes. It felt good witnessing a modern day feel-good story stand in front of a sold out crowd and be so genuinely thankful. The Swell Season was a class act and top-notch performers as well. I hope you guys enjoyed it.

Discuss: Thoughts on the show? Who made the noise that resulted in the song change during Glen’s solo acoustic set? How did you feel about the Irish violin solo? Did you bump into Glen and Markéta walking around town? Did you catch Glen name drop Wisconsin favorite Bon Iver? Did you like Glen’s thrift store outfit, purchased earlier on State St.? Will you buy a record by The Frames?

Photo: Nick Mickolas
Myspace: The Swell Season

Find MP3′s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic