PICK OF THE WEEK: American Music Club - Friday, May 9th - The Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO

Why You Should Go: Formed in 1982 by the brilliant songwriter Mark Eitzel American Music Club went on to record seven albums before a self imposed ten year hiatus that began in 1994. When they returned four years ago with the critically acclaimed Love Songs For Patriots they were received by fans new and old alike with open arms and their new record The Golden Age is every bit as good if not better. While their music is often slow, mellow and slightly sad, the passion that Eitzel throws into his performances is amazing and something not to be missed.

With Denver standouts Hello Kavita & Bela Karoli also on the bill it promises to be yet another great night of music at The Larimer.

American Music Club


Venue: Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer Street, Denver, CO - 303.291.1007

Doors:
7:00 PM

*Approximate Set Times:
Hello Kavita - 9:00 PM
Bela Karoli - 10:00 PM
Amreican Music Club - 11:00 PM

*Price:
$11.00 (ADV)
$13.00 (DOS)
PURCHASE

*All times and prices are gathered from other sources and I am not responsible for mistakes or inconsistencies. They are intended only as guidelines. Please, always call the venue if you desire the most accurate information possible.

ALBUM REVIEW: Jamie Lidell - Jim

With hints of Smokey Robinson and other classic soul artists of the '60s and '70s, Jamie Lidell's new album, Jim, transports the listener back to those simpler days while at the same time keeping things fresh.

Those familiar with Lidell's previous solo work and his work with Super Collider may be surprised at how polished and accessible this record is. However, it's clear this is the next step in the evolution Lidell's sound has been undergoing throughout his career. From the sampling and electronic meanderings of 2000's Muddlin Gear to the edgy electronic soul of Multiply, it seems that Lidell has been plotting this course to refined soul music for the 21st Century for last eight or more years. While this album is highlighted by more actual instruments than anything he's released in the past, Jim does use electronic manipulation and the other studio wizardry to enhance the vintage feel of the tracks.

While songs like "Wait for Me," and the album's first single, "Little Bit of Feelgood," are poised to be breakout summertime smashes on the scale of the 2006 Gnarls Barkley megahit "Crazy," a cut like "Figured Me Out" seems to pull from the playbook of Jamiroquai and the smooth, jazzy feel of "Green Light" could land Lidell on tour with Steely Dan.

Overall, a very solid and durable album from the king of the next generation of Blue-Eyed Soul singers, Jim is an album sure to appeal to many walks of life and get all generations out on the floor and dancing.

PICK OF THE WEEK: The Swell Season - Saturday, May 3rd - The Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, CO

Why You Should Go: Unless you've been living in a box for the last year and half, you have at least heard of the movie Once. It is the enchanting and touching story of one man, his music, and the woman who helped him to get it out to the world. The man, Glen Hansard of The Frames, and the woman, Czech singer and pianist Marketa Irglova, are now touring together as The Swell Season. Unless you plan on heading out to Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival this is your only chance to catch these two performing songs from Once live, right in Denver, in the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

Though Once received an enormous amount of attention in the months following it's release it remained a largely "indie" movie until the Academy of Motion Pictures nominated the song "Falling Slowly" for the Oscar for Best Original Song. Hansard and Irglova won the Oscar and their popularity has since soared.

Craigslist may be your best bet for tickets to this one, but it never hurts to check ticketmaster as they frequently release tickets as the event approaches.

The Swell Season


Venue: The Ellie Caulkins Opera House 950 13th St, Denver, CO 80204 - (720) 865-4220

Doors: 7:00 PM

*Approximate Set Times:
Joshua James: 8:00 PM
The Swell Season: 9:00 PM

*Price:
$35.00 - $37.50
PURCHASE

*All times and prices are gathered from other sources and I am not responsible for mistakes or inconsistencies. They are intended only as guidelines. Please, always call the venue if you desire the most accurate information possible.