Top concerts of 2012

It's that time again. Time to reflect on the past year. Over the next few days I'll post what I consider my favorite albums, singles, concerts, and local releases of 2013. 

Usually coming up with an end of year best of list is easy, but so much of the time I would've spent listening to my favorite new albums was spent listening to what my children wanted to hear. Thinking back on the great concerts I witnessed was easier. Sometimes you instantly know when an album or concert will rank among the best you've heard or seen all year. In other instances it takes time for a album to grow on you through repeat listens or by reflecting on a concert experience. We'll start with the latter. 

Foo Fighters Rock the Vote, The Fillmore, September 5- I felt fortunate to even get in to see the Foo Fighters in a club, but to witness what Dave Grohl and company estimate was their longest set ever (which their publicist later confirmed) at three-plus hours? That was really special. And if there’s one band I can stand to listen to for three whole hours, I’m glad it was this tireless rock n’ roll work horse especially knowing a hiatus was in the near future. 

Miranda Lambert, Bojangles’ Coliseum, January 25 - While this probably won’t make the country singer’s top shows - ever - the vulnerability and strength she displayed playing a rescheduled show just a week after her father-in-law’s death endeared her to fans. She struggled through some tear-stained songs, but was in prime voice on others and demonstrated that a real pro doesn’t storm off stage in a huff when things don’t go her way. This show felt special because there was a true connection between Lambert and her empathetic fans.

The Killers, The Orange Peel, Asheville, July 19 - It was our first time seeing them since a tent at Coachella in 2004 and the club was probably smaller than that tent. They were every bit as charismatic and exciting, but this time we actually knew most of the songs.

Of Montreal, Neighborhood Theatre, June 12 - From costumes to music to pure entertainment value this lively, colorful set was one of the most memorable of the year. And it helped introduce other fine acts - Chappo and Kishi Bashi, whose members were both touring with Of Montreal - to the Charlotte audience.

Bad Veins, Snug Harbor, June 8 - There was just something special about this duo, whose bouncy indie-pop cut through the bustle of the late night crowd. It topped off the adorable Dan Sartain’s punk set at The Milestone earlier that night. (It’s always great and economical to hit more than one good show in a night if you're paying a babysitter).

Lee Fields & the Expressions, Tremont Music Hall, Dec 7 - Although I didn’t see the entire set, this 1970’s soul veteran on the gradual comeback trail drew a diverse crowd and was all the buzz via Twitter that night. With sets by locals Yardwork and the O’Getters with Antiseen’s Jeff Clayton guesting and a crowd that filled the entire front room, it felt like Tremont circa 1999.

Coldplay, Time Warner Cable Arena, July 3 - Though I was a bit disappointed in Robyn who made my best lists in 2010 and 2011 (I thought a more upbeat set list would’ve served to better win over the US audience), Coldplay is just a phenomenal live band. You can accuse them of being too mainstream, too predictable, too vanilla. Whatever. I once thought those things too. But on stage they’re a force whose shows feel like a sort of religious experience (except maybe for my friend Tina, who was eating crackers during the encore).

Die Roten Punkte, Duke Energy Theater, August 1 - There is nothing quite like this hilarious German mock rock band. Brother and sister Astrid and Otto’s relationship issues come to a head through song, dance, and banter (conflicting tales of how they were orphaned for instance). What’s more, the songs are actually as catchy as they are funny.

Jane’s Addiction/The Duke Spirit, Ovens Auditorium, May 23 - Nothing can compare to the first time I saw Jane’s Addiction. I was 15 and it was my first non-hair metal, non-teeny bopper show. However having seen them a few years ago with Nine Inch Nails, my expectations weren’t high. But in the intimate setting of Ovens with Perry Farrell’s wife Etty playing some sort of dancing S&M goddess, Farrell not appearing nearly as old and pervy as at Verizon, and the group completely on, it turned out to be the best slice of junior high nostalgia since the Pixies reunion stopped by in 2010. They even won over my husband who is by no means a fan.

Justin Townes Earle and Tift Merritt, McGlohon Theater, November 16 - I’ve always liked Steve Earle’s son for his honesty and passion for the history of American music. I was delighted to see such a large crowd clue into what he’s been up to for the last three albums after seeing him with maybe twenty people at the Muse a few years ago. He was funny, honest, and I couldn’t have chosen a better set list myself (although I might’ve added a cover of one of his dad’s songs). Merritt was bouncy, fun, and genuine singing mostly new tracks from her “Traveling Alone” album. I didn’t even mind not hearing some of my old favorites. And that voice!

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few that just missed the cut.

Ours, The Milestone, July 17 - Jimmy Gnecco’s voice is just absolutely amazing and this intimate set seemed to be as much fun for the band as it was for the crowd.

Roger Waters, Time Warner Cable Arena, July 10 - While I’m not a huge Pink Floyd fan (gasp!), this would probably top my husband’s list and seeing the revival so close (third row) certainly ranks on the list of milestones.

The Hunters with A Place to Bury Strangers, Tremont, July 25 - The best surprise of the year. I went on a whim and found opening duo the Hunters like a volatile marriage of dissonant art punk and my beloved riot grrrl. Then headliners A Place to Bury Strangers blew me away with its nod to Jesus and Mary Chain in the way that I had hoped She Wants Revenge would a few years ago.

Stars with California Wives and Diamond Rings, Visulite, September 27 - The most consistent lineup I saw all year.

Wolf Gang with Atlas Genius and the Royal Concept, Booth Playhouse and the Whigs, Visulite, November 3 - What a birthday weekend. Sweden’s Royal Concept was a revelation. Definitely one to watch. The environment of Booth - not a traditional rock club - was comfortable and the sound was good. Cap that with the always riveting live rock show of Athens’ trio the Whigs. I could watch them for hours.

Lydia Loveless, Double Door, February 2 - This Ohio roots singer-songwriter is at her best when letting the off-the-cuff, unfiltered banter fly. Her stories and awkward asides are almost as good as her killer songs of heartbreak and struggle and a voice that sounds like a less refined, less depressing Neko Case.

A musical Christmas at our house

Given my (and my husband’s) interest in music I figured our kids would naturally gravitate toward it, but I never imagined our Christmases would be so steeped in music so early on. Our sons are two and almost four. The oldest’s Christmas list includes the Muppets cd with OK Go on it (aka “The Green Album”), Blur’s new “Parklive” box set, Material Issue’s out-of-print Greatest Hits, and a drum kit (I think my mom got our younger son a toy violin). 

After watching scenes from Blur’s reunion shows this summer on YouTube, Devo (the oldest) has anxiously been awaiting the “Parklive” release - a five disc collection celebrating the band’s summer shows that includes a DVD which is also available separately. In the past year his favorite band has gone from hip-hop/rock duo the Knux to long departed Chicago power pop trio Material Issue to Damon Albarn’s defunct Brit-pop foursome who he has named four of his little figures after. We carry Damon everywhere. You never know what will click with them. The little one has a soft spot for Rick Springfield, Robyn, and ABBA. 

In addition to “Parklive” he’s getting a special double disc reissue of Blur’s 1997 self-titled album, which has suddenly become a fixture in our car 15 years after I first bought it. He discovered a certain version (the Road Version) of the song “M.O.R.” online that’s only available on that two-disc set. And he’ll let you know if you’re playing the wrong version. It doesn’t hurt to have extra copies since he drags my cds and their liner notes all over the house (I’ve purchased extra copies of the Knux and Material Issue’s “International Pop Overthrow” albums when I’ve found them used because of this). 

Under the tree he and his brother also have t-shirts featuring Blur, OK Go, My Chemical Romance (in the style of South Park characters) and our favorite band, the National. Whether you argue nature or nurture the results of their environment have really taken hold. For Christmas we made their teachers mixed CDs of all the songs they sing at school. 

Tonight as we sat around the house on Christmas Eve my husband’s relatives ask if they know “Jingle Bells.” Devo replies, “I know ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’ by ZZ Top.” 

This week's hot concerts

Morisen Records 10 Year Anniversary Bash

8 p.m. Friday, December 21, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $12-$15. 704-358-9200.

Although its existence was relatively short-lived, during its run this Charlotte-based label placed local bands like the Talk, the Sammies, and Alternative Champs on high profile soundtracks and at the SXSW and CMJ festivals. Many of the acts whose albums it released return for the bash including the Sammies, Dillon Fence, Elevator Action, Alternative Champs, and Leisure McCorkle.

2013 Wolves

8 p.m. Friday, December 21, The Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. $5-$7. www.themilestoneclub.com

The duo of Neal MF Harper and Robert Childers (who's playing double duty tonight with a gig at Snug Harbor) gels into a visceral force of unique bluesy hard rock riffing, garage punk roots, and head turning gospel-soul. Pig Mountain, Earthling, Towering Pyre, and Salted Slugs are also on the bill.

Marah

10 p.m. Friday, December 21, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $12-$15. 704-376-3737.

The duo of David Bielanko - critically acclaimed songwriter and leader of the commercially underrated band - and Christine Smith perform an intimate acoustic duo set. Consider the rare treat a prequel to the upcoming 2013 album “Mountain Minstrelsy.”

Benji Hughes, Andy the Doorbum

10 p.m. Friday, December 21, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $10. www.ticketfly.com

It’s not the holidays at the Harbor without Hughes. He shares the bill with fellow bearded frontman Andy the Doorbum, so expect lots of hair to fly, and a healthy double dose of deep voices, big banter and unpredictable sets. With Robert Childers’ Luciferian Agenda.

Acoustic Syndicate

8 p.m. Saturday, December 22, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $15-$17. 704-358-9200.

This innovative roots music outfit has been merging bluegrass, rock, and reggae in the Carolinas since the ’90s. After a hiatus – which saw its members working steady 9-to-5 jobs – the still-active band is back working on a new album. It plays its annual holiday show.

Havana Brown

10 p.m. Saturday, December 22, Label, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. $20. www.labelcharlotte.com

The Australian electropop DJ/singer/dancer scored a No. 1 dance hit here in the U.S. with “We Run the Night” (in part thanks to collaborator Pitbull). She returns with a new single, “Big Banana,” and for a dance party at the luxurious NC Music Factory nightclub.

Double Door’s 39^th Anniversary Party

10 p.m. Saturday, December 22, Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. $10. 704-376-1446.

The Milestone Club may technically be older, but the blues club on the outskirts of downtown is the most consistent longest running local venue. It remains a hotbed of blues, jam, and Americana. The Federal Bureau of Rock n’ Roll helps it celebrate its birthday - just shy of the big 4-0.

Rebirth Brass Band

8 p.m. Wednesday, December 26, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St. $15-$30. 704-358-9298.

The New Orleans outfit was discovered at the 1982 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, has gone on to release more than a dozen albums, and scored a Grammy this year (Best Regional Roots Music Album). The day-after-Christmas show will get you off the couch and dancing again. 

Friday marks MoRisen Records' anniversary concert, Dillon Fence reunion

In 2002 MoRisen Records was a new Charlotte-based indie rock label. I’d watched bands launch their own “labels” for years with little success, but with releases from groups like Leisure McCorkle, Chapel Hill’s Snatches of Pink, and eventually the Talk, Chuck Morrison’s venture seemed to be a legitimate business. Morrison had made some money in another business (I believe it had to do with designing a computer mouse that looked like a race car) and decided to invest in Charlotte’s budding indie-rock scene. He not only signed and released records by long running Charlotte staples like the Alternative Champs and the Houstons as well as new artists like the Sammies, but threw an annual concert called NMX that showcased both his label’s bands as well as other artists.

To celebrate the label’s 10^th anniversary, MoRisen will hold a nostalgic concert featuring many of its former bands, on Friday, December 21, the actual anniversary of the first NMX show. My husband and I attended the second NMX show in 2003 right before we started dating, so I remember it well. One of the groups on the bill was the Whigs. It didn’t completely win me over that night, but in the almost decade since the Athens’ rock trio has become one of my favorites both live and on record. It was a baby band then with only a year or so of playing under its collective belt. It has since appeared on “Late Night with David Letterman” and recently on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and has released four albums, three of which are some of my favorites of the last ten years.

The anniversary roster includes several bands that made an impact locally and beyond. The lineup includes a Dillon Fence reunion (a band that predated the label, but saw a “Best of” released by it posthumously), as well as the return of the Sammies, Elevator Action, the Alternative Champs, and Leisure McCorkle (all of whose live activity varies locally). In NMX fashion, the bill also includes a newer group - Melrose Heights.

Morrison definitely had an ear for songs. While not every release was a slam dunk, there were some great tracks on those records. I don’t know how many mixes I’ve included the Alternative Champs’ “Set Your Face on Fire” (from 2005’s “Welcome to Fort Awesome”) on. The Sammies’ “Falling Out” and “For John” remain perfect slices of that time period.

Morrison also didn’t try to clean the bands up too much either. While college rock was getting slicker and slicker, he allowed his bands to appear warts and all. There was often a gritty, garage rock quality to the records. That’s true of Snatches of Pink’s “Hyeana,” one of the label’s first releases. It was a messy, garage rock romp. The songs “Nero” and “Otto Wood” (other mix tape staples) are near perfect in their spastic energy. Likewise for the Talk. I think it peaked with its second album “Like Magic in Reverse.” It was a bit more polished than its first disc, but still awash in distorted fuzz. Justin Williams’ faux English accent cut its way through that dense whir kind of making you strain to hear the lyrics. The last track “Hold Your Money Well” was probably my favorite.

Morrison dismantled the label and moved to Columbia a few years ago. It seems like (aside from the Alternative Champs) the bands who he helped send to South By Southwest in Austin and CMJ’s New Music showcase in New York as well as placed on film soundtracks became a little less active without the label in their corner. But that doesn’t lessen the impact of the music they made.

You can judge for yourself, at least in part, taking a walk down the memory lane of Charlotte circa the mid 2000s Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 to $15 and are available at www.visulite.com. 

This week's hot concerts

Trey Songz

7 p.m. Friday, December 14, Bojangles’ Coliseum, 3400 E. Independence Blvd. $60.35-$81.90. www.ticketmaster.com

The modern day R. Kelly straddles raunchiness and romanticism like he balances party-starting hip-hop and contemporary R&B slow jams on his latest album “Chapter V.” He teams with recent Grammy nominees Miguel and Elle Varner.

Sick Puppies

7 p.m. Friday, December 14, Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St. $20-$23. www.etix.com

WEND 106.5 holds its annual Not So Acoustic Xmas concert with this Aussie trio who is as steeped in late `90s hard rock as the station itself. The group might reveal material from its upcoming 2013 album. With Breaking Laces and Churchill.

Nnenna Freelon and John Brown Big Band

8 p.m. Saturday, December 15, McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. $29.50-$39.50. 704-372-1000.

The inaugural event to bring a quarterly swing jazz series to Charlotte was a big success. This time Duke University’s Brown and his big band welcome renowned guest vocalist Freelon for a show heavy on holiday favorites.

Mount Moriah

8 p.m. Saturday, December 15, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $8-$10. 704-376-3737.

This triangle area critical darling’s sadly soulful debut was one of “Shuffle Magazine’s” 2011 best of the Carolinas’. With its gospel-tinged indie-Americana debut and a heavier, fuller follow-up slated for February, this is a regional act to watch.

Suzy Boggus

8 p.m. Saturday, December 15, Don Gibson Theater, 318 S. Washington St., Shelby. $24.50. www.dongibsontheater.com

Although she hasn’t had a bona fide hit single in over a decade, the country singer had eleven Top 40 country songs during the height of her career in the late `80s and `90s. She hasn’t slowed down. She’ll perform a special Christmas show.

Crushed Out

10 p.m. Saturday, December 15, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $7-$9 704-376-3737.

In the spirit of raw garage rock duos, the pair formerly known as Boom Chick! share an affinity for slide blues, dramatic messy riffing, and unpredictability with bands like the White Stripes, early Stones, and Stooges with an added sprinkle of rockabilly playfulness.

Thomas Rhett

11 p.m. Saturday, December 15, Coyote Joe’s, 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. $12-$15. www.etix.com

In the mid-`90s this second generation country singer’s father Rhett Akins had a handful of hits including “That Ain’t My Truck” and “Don’t Get Me Started.” The 22-year-old follows in Dad’s footsteps co-writing Jason Aldean’s “I Ain’t Ready to Quit” and charting his own solo career.

The Gathering

4 p.m. Sunday, December 16, McGee Theatre at The Batte Center, Wingate University, 403 N. Camden Rd. $25. www.carolinatix.org

Last winter The Carolina Chocolate Drops’ Rhiannon Giddens and Polecat Creek’s Lauralyn Dossett headed up this “gathering” to release a unique holiday cd based in part on Dossett’s song cycle for symphony and string band and other songs the musicians unearthed. This holiday performance is a rare one as the participants all have successful full-time gigs.

Trioscapes

8 p.m. Sunday, December 16, Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. $5-$7. www.etix.com

Between the Buried and Me bassist Dan Briggs is one third of this experimental heavy fusion outfit who delivers similarly heady workouts on traditional rock instruments that you’d expect from a BTBAM vet. With likeminded musical adventurers Hectagons! HRVRD, and Blossoms.

The Business

8 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $10-$12. www.ticketfly.com

The English anti-racist Oi! band has been around almost as long as punk rock. Its influential version of UK street punk remains as snotty, defiant, and urgent as ever with shouted choruses that beg for fist pumping sing-alongs.  

Greensboro's J. taps famous boss, friend for single

If you saw any of Prince's 2011 Carolinas concerts or his halftime appearance at the 2007 Super Bowl, then you've heard Greensboro-native and Prince's backup singer Shelby Johnson sing. Today the soul-funk vocal powerhouse, who goes by Shelby J, released a new single. It's not just any track though. The song's called "North Carolina" and features fellow North Carolinian Anthony Hamilton (who opened Prince's last Charlotte show) and is produced by the Purple One himself.

At one point Prince practically had a second career producing singles and albums for ladies like Sheena Easton, Shelia E., and Vanity 6, (and wasn't there something about Kim Basinger around the time they were both associated with Tim Burton's "Batman?" Better forgotten, probably).

Such a talented trio should entice listeners to check out the song. It's available as a digital single through Amazon and CD Baby and should be available via iTunes shortly. A full-length album is tentatively set for Spring. (Photo courtesy of Johnson's ReverbNation site).

Brother & sister solo artists sell out as acoustic duo

As solo artists, siblings Jessica Lea and David Mayfield are two very different performers on stage.
He’s a comedic acoustic-roots music revelation known for jokey facial expressions, shaking his behind, and sometimes hopping up on the bar.

She’s a more subdued presence. Her haunting, seemingly Southern alto (they’re both from Ohio) and beautiful psychedelic folk vibe transcend eras, as if Patsy Cline were jamming with Led Zeppelin.
Both are backed by stellar bands. His is a rotating cast called the Parade. Hers is a crack quartet big on individual personality that includes her husband of nearly a year on bass. But neither will be part of the equation when brother and sister perform as an acoustic duo at Evening Muse Friday(dec7). The concert is sold out. 

“This will be the first time we’ve done anything like this,” says David Mayfield, 30, who played bass in his sister’s band as well as the bluegrass outfit Cadillac Sky before leading the Parade. They also grew up playing in their family’s bluegrass band. She started at 8, he at 12.

“These shows are kind of getting back to our roots and bluegrass-influenced things,” says Jessica Lea Mayfield, 23.

The stripped-down approach will feature duets, new arrangements of solo material, traditional gospel and bluegrass, and maybe a preview of their respective upcoming albums (his features guest spots from Dierks Bentley, Seth Avett, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver).

Despite the seven-year age difference, the siblings – who were isolated by being on tour and home schooled – were “best friends growing up.”

“I taught her her first guitar chord when she was about 11. She asked me to teach her this song ‘Creep’ by Stone Temple Pilots. I was a bluegrass kid who thought anything that didn’t have a banjo was the devil’s music. I was hesitant. She picked it right up and started writing songs,” he recalls.
“Before I moved to Nashville, we had a Monday night gig at a pizza place for five years. We’d get drunk college kids heckling us. It was sort of performing boot camp.”

Echoes Jessica Lea Mayfield: “One of the earliest memories I have of playing music with my brother – he was listening to (and playing along to) Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver cassette tapes. I was pretty sure he’d thought he’d invented overdubbing by putting two cassette players together. I was his guinea pig, singing all the parts he asked me to sing,” she says, laughing.

“We learned to play music together. I can probably guess what he’s going to do before he does it.”
He left Jessica Lea Mayfield’s band in 2009.

“I told him he needs to be a front person. ‘You shouldn’t be the bass player in somebody’s band,’.” she recalls. “It was rough when he quit touring with me.”

It helps to have her husband in her band now.

“It’s nice to have my best friend and the person I’m in love with also be someone that I work with and all that cheesy stuff,” she says.

But musically the harmonies and intuition she shares with her brother on stage are unique.
“You can’t match someone as well as a family member. There’s something about the way people talk (and sing) – that brotherly or sisterly harmony.”

Plus, she adds: “He brings out a more fun side in me when we’re on stage together.”