Category: LIVE REVIEWS

When a couple of us at MAGNET think of Mark Lanegan playing New York City, we remember a disaster 1997 show at the Westbeth Theatre that lasted roughly four songs. The only thing that the Mark Lanegan Band’s recent performance at Brooklyn’s Warsaw had in common with the show 22 years ago is that both were dimly lit and at venues with names beginning in “W.” The former Screaming Trees frontman and crew played a killer 24-song set including “Stitch It Up,” off Somebody’s Knocking (out October 18 via Heavenly). MAGNET photographer Wes Orshoski was there and still can’t come down.

Twas the night before Mom’s Day
And people celebrating the eve
Were treated to the timeless music
Of Motown legends Wells and Reeves

On May 11, Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Martha Reeves And The Vandellas brought their spectacular back catalogs (more than 50 top-40 between the two of them) to the St. George Theatre in Staten Island. “You Can’t Hurry Love.” “Dancing In The Street.” “Stop! In The Name Of Love.” “Heat Wave.” “Baby Love.” “Jimmy Mack.” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” MAGNET photographer Wes Orshoski came and got these memories.

Listening to the luminous Valerie June is like being a confidant to a warm, wise friend who happens to do all the talking. At the Ardmore Music Hall, she moved seamlessly between instruments (a couple of banjos, a couple of guitars), sentiments (love, loss, gratitude, grief) and genres (folk, soul, blues).

She looked positively beatific under the perfect stage lighting, but sounded gorgeously gritty and deliciously down to earth on songs like “Astral Plane,” “Got Soul” and “This World Is Not My Home.”

Parker Gispert of the Whigs opened with an engaging set that played off his natural chattiness and broad emotional range. Highlights: “Magnolia Sunrise,” “Volcano” and the unexpectedly funny “Is It 9?”

—M.J. Fine; photos by Chris Sikich

Slothrust is still on tour promoting last year’s excellent The Pact (Dangerbird), and the L.A.-by-way-of-Boston, Leah Wellbaum-led trio headlined a show at Jersey’s Asbury Lanes. Portland’s Summer Cannibals, whose Can’t Tell Me No is out the end of June via Tiny Engines, opened the show. MAGNET photographer Chris Sikich and everyone else there found a cure for the Sunday-night blues.

Today is Pete Townshend’s 74th birthday, and to celebrate, here are some live photos from the Who’s performance last week at Madison Square Garden. Townshend, Roger Daltrey and band (including drummer extraordinaire Zak Starkey) are currently on their Moving On! tour, with a different symphony orchestra backing them in each city. MAGNET photographer Wes Orshoski is glad he didn’t die before he got old.

Impassioned, melodic songs about personal autonomy and interpersonal conflict from Julia Jacklin and Black Belt Eagle Scout made for an absorbing double bill at Philly’s Johnny Brenda’s. Terrific guitar work, too, from Black Belt Eagle Scout’s Katherine Paul.

Highlights: Black Belt Eagle Scout’s “Soft Stud” and “Indians Never Die” (both off last year’s Mother Of My Children, which has just been re-released by Saddle Creek) and Jacklin’s “Don’t Know How To Keep Loving You” and “Body” (both off Crushing, issued by Polyvinyl in February).

—M.J. Fine; photos by Chris Sikich

It was pure joy to see Death play pure rock ‘n’ roll, from the material the Hackney brothers recorded 40-odd years ago to the stuff that the resurrected, reformulated and recharged trio has done since 2012 doc A Band Called Death.

Post-funk and proto-punk—they did the Motor City proud. No matter that Bobby Hackney’s voice got pretty raspy from pushing hard for five shows in five nights; the crowd at The Foundry at The Fillmore was happy to help out.

Highlights: “Rock-N-Roll Victim,” “Politicians In My Eyes,” “Resurrection,” “Freakin’ Out,” “Let The World Turn” and “Where Do We Go from Here???”

D.C.’s Thaylobleu was a solid opener, with hard licks, easy banter, emotional lyrics and a genuine appreciation for the black rock giants who paved the way for them, including Death and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who shared a song dedication.

—M.J. Fine; photos by Chris Sikich

10 years ago today, Green Day released 21st Century Breakdown. A second night at the opera. Read the San Francisco popcore feature we did on Green Day, Jawbreaker and J Church 26 years ago:

Punk In Silk Pajamas: Jawbreaker, Green Day And J-Church

Longtime MAGNET fave and Against Me! frontwoman Laura Jane Grace brought her Devouring Mothers to Philly’s Underground Arts in support of debut album Bought To Rot (Bloodshot). New Jersey’s Mercy Union and Philly’s Control Top (fronted by former MAGNET intern Ali Carter) opened this killer triple bill. MAGNET photographer Chris Sikich was there to smash his head on the punk rock.

The Coathangers just finished up the first leg of a U.S. tour, as well as a European jaunt, in support of sixth album The Devil You Know (Suicide Squeeze). But don’t fret, punk rockers, as this must-see-live outfit is hitting the road stateside again starting Saturday at the Fisherman’s Village Music Fest in Everett, Wash. MAGNET photographer Chris Sikich caught the Atlanta trio at Philly’s Underground Arts—with Seattle’s Big Bite and hometown heroes Sixteen Jackies opening—and was stompin’ until last call.