Archive: June, 2010

CONCERT REVIEW: Passion Pit @ Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 6/27

POSTED: Monday, June 28, 2010, 5:08 PM

Filed Under: Music Concert Review

Passion Pit

It was as hot as a fire pit full of hipsters Sunday night at The Mann. The Passion Pit show drew an audience ranging from white-bread parents to acne-prone tweens to flamboyant cool kids to Penn's beer drinking bros. Basically, a ton of white people trying to get crazy. Brahms, a young trio, uses guitar, bass, drums and a pair of keyboards to cultivate a Euro-pop-type sound. If you didn't know better, listening to their brand of electronic dance beats, you'd think you were in some neon, techno club in Germany. Live, the band is easy to tune out; they an unremarkable opener who ended their tour with Passion Pit and Tokyo Police Club in Philly. Tokyo Police Club kicked off a night that showcased unique male voices. Lead singer and bassist David Monks vocals are full of oxymorons: whiney but full, femme but deep, nerdy but so cool. Starting with "Favourite Food" from sophomore album, Champ (Mom + Pop Music Co.), TPC began with a swaying sweetness, building to a frenzied energy. "Nature of the Experiment" and "Be Good" highlight guitairist Josh Hook's shredding high fret skills. To get the crowd dancing in the breezeless heat, the Ontario natives played "Tessallate," off debut album Elephant Shell (Saddle Creek), an audience favorite with a hook that can't help but you make you smile. "Clap!" Monk ordered in the intro to "Citizens of Tomorrow." "Or just fan yourself rhythmically." "Wait Up (Boots of Danger)" uses vocal "oohs" that sound like a slide whistle — fresh not '50s retro. To close the short-but-sweet set, TPC played the jangling, hip-shaking, "Your English Is Good" from their debut to a pleased, sweaty crowd. After about 45 minutes of guzzling beverages, standing, seat hopping and desperately trying to keep cool, the house went to black and Passion Pit finally took the stage in a cloud of mist and deep red lights. They opened with "I've Got Your Number" from debut — and anniversary present to frontman Michael Angelakos' now ex-girlfriend — Chunk of Change EP. The live versions of Passion Pit's songs take on a different level of intensity: In concert, Angelakos' energy is higher, feeding off the audience. He manages to hit each note in his signature, unflinching falsetto with ease. "There are a lot of you out there," says Angelakos, truly amazed by the size of the Philly venue, the largest they've played yet. "The last time we played here it was in the basement of that church, right?" he says laughing, referencing First Unitarian Church, which pales in comparison to the open-air Mann. Throughout the show, Angelakos showed what a humble, endearing guy he is — as in awe of his newly-found fanbase as they are of his music, "This is so fucking awesome," he marvels at one point, squinting into the crowd. While fans in the pit plead to hear various tracks, he jokes, "Nope. No singles tonight. B-sides only." Then the scrim is backlit to reveal the colorful cover art from Manners (Frenchkiss Records) and the band launches into "Better Things" with its pounding, tribal percussion and sing-a-long chorus. Another track that picks up new energy live is "Folds in Your Hands," a decidedly more bitter track than Passion Pit's other puppy-love tunes, has a dueling synth/keys battle onstage as the song gains momentum. While the band paused to fix some technical difficulties possibly brought on by the thick humidity, a fan in the front row handed Angelakos a $20 bill — "a tip," the adoring fan said. After insisting he couldn't possibly take the money, without "feeling like a whore," he dedicated the next song to, "...the kid who tips!" Money wasn't the only thing thrown on stage: A fuschia bra was sling-shot from the pit, which Angelakos stared at open-mouthed, perhaps truly grasping his transition from dorm room musician to electro-rock god. The night closed with the much-desired "Sleepyhead," with Angelakos conducting the chorus of singing fans. But perhaps even more of a show stopper was the chant-worthy "Little Secrets," the last song played before the encore. What makes Passion Pit such a great live act — besides their dance hooks, pitch perfect vocals, seizure inducing light show and collaborative musical talents — is Angelakos ability to control the crowd. When he claps they clap, when he laughs they laugh and when he dances ... well, you get the idea. He unifies the audience, turning the concert into a monstrous dance party well worth the price of admission. Plus tips.

Posted by Cristina Perachio @ 5:08 PM Permalink | Post a comment

NOW SEE THIS: Patti LaBelle kills it on the BET Awards singing "Purple Rain"

POSTED: Monday, June 28, 2010, 2:39 PM

Filed Under: Music | Now See This | TV

Dan Gross tipped us off to this performance but its so mind-blowingly good we couldn't resist a repost. Wynnewood denizen Patti LaBelle simply murders "Purple Rain" during a Prince tribute at last night's BET awards. I love the Purple One's reaction shots in the crowd, which can essentially be translated into "Daaaaaaaamn, girl."

mike

Posted 2010-06-28 11:24:30

was she in labor on stage? at her age?

mike

Posted 2010-06-28 11:25:53

Honestly all that lady can do is yell.  She doesnt sing anymore.  There's no range, nuance or skill ...

ArtsBeatLA

Posted 2010-06-28 12:28:38

LOL - in labor!  Prince really looked like he was trying not to look embarrassed.   So *NOT* "mind-blowingly good"  my dear.

Posted 2010-06-28 12:52:45

Simply the best! At 66 still going strong as ever!  Haters, fall back.

Posted 2010-06-29 19:46:09

CAN YOU SING????

IF NOT SHUT THE HELL UP

shayla

Posted 2010-07-16 15:34:31

all of you are crazy, she's on of the best unlike these none singing stars that are out today..And fyi Prince and Pattie are close as hell and his expression was love not embarrassment

jamel

Posted 2010-07-19 21:16:32

for your info Patti Labelle is an Icon and legend and at this point in her career she doesnt have ANYTHING TO PROVE!!!! in your career can you say that?  there's not a voice out there that can compare and now she can sing or not when she chooses and its apparent that she is star quality you whoever you are were not inviting to perform  on that stage so your in no way an authority to judge your some young thing who doesnt know or appreciate  a voice !!

rodney

Posted 2010-09-15 22:02:29

Patti was simply the best. Not oonly did she out perform her younger counterparts with style, but did the same with her outstanding range...

Posted by Molly Eichel @ 2:39 PM Permalink | Post a comment

THE CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Antipodal Weekend

POSTED: Friday, June 25, 2010, 4:44 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

Andy does Arnold

Friday: Embrace a little culture today and check out an exhibit of Andy Warhol's black and white Polaroids at the PAFA. Don't freak if you don't make it, the show runs through September. Later, the Philadelphia Theatre Alliance's Spark Showcase at the Plays & Players Theatre awards $1000 to the local playwright with the most interesting work-in-progress. Or explore the lives of Philadelphia immigrants at Tertulia: Immigrants' Own Documentaries as they showcase the results of filming their worlds. Saturday: You want to get yourself in this pickle: Picklefest features the nation's favorite cucumber in artistic and culinary glory. Eat them, admire them, pet them — whatever floats your boat. Finish your night by watching a performance of Fanciness vs. The Void and Antipodal Goatlegs at Emerald Street Park. The catch? The performance is hosted by Puppet Uprising and features puppets, an apocalypse and a boat. Sunday: Let the one-man show Jesus Phreak: The Story of a Very Unlikely Disciple remind you that no matter what gender gets you going or what God you acknowledge, the human race is connected more than you think.

Posted by Katy Bergen @ 4:44 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ICE CUBE: More Mac's, tough lovin' and what does a Stanley Cup finalist buy at AKA?

POSTED: Friday, June 25, 2010, 3:02 PM

Filed Under: Ice Cubes | Music | TV

©Scott Weiner 2010

Courtney Love

After the cigarettes smolder and the WHOWHATWHERE of Icepack has gone to bed (want to know what's up with the Courtney Love shot above? Don't miss Ice online!), there's always more fabulousness to be had where out-of-towner celebs — let's be honest, the only kind — are concerned. You know like I know how crowded Mac's Tavern (226 Market St., 267-324-5507) — that would be Mac from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia — was during it's grand opening soiree (check out Critical Mass' pictures from the event and interview with IASIP's Kaitlin Olson, Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton). Only my pants were tighter than the crowd at Mac's. Anyone who hung patiently for Danny DeVito to join his castmates had to wait out his drink fest at Butcher & Singer. Yet if you didn't feel like being crammed tightly next to Sunny-siders, you could find another basic cable star in Steve Ward. The VH1 Tough Love Philly-bred host hit the Wilhelmina Models' opening bash at Arch Street's FUEL Gallery wearing shorts. No Steve, shorts aren't cool or appropriate on a man of your age. Grow up. Then there's the shopping spree at AKA Records (27 N. Second St., 215-922-3855) that ended in sorrow. See, there was this guy with a sort-of-a-Finnish accent shopping for vinyl albums at Mike Hoffman's shop. After a couple words were exchanged, Hoffman asked the gentleman what he did and who he was. He answered: hockey player, Ville Leino. When Hoffman asked what Leino was up to, the gentleman replied "Well, we almost won the Stanley Cup." Dag, brah. Leino then went on to purchase LPs of The Cure's Disintegration and Lou Reed's Berlin: Live at St. Anne's Warehouse. No wonder he's sad.

Random Question

Posted 2010-06-25 20:52:07

Um, so, at what age are short inappropriate in 99 degree heat? Moron.

Not a fan!

Posted 2010-06-25 21:31:20

Wow really shorts not appropriate for age? Seriously dude get a life! Obviously u don`t have one if the only comment u have is negative oh and wrong! People with lives don't make money heckling others! This is y society going into crapper no one can be nice anymore, lighten up get a life and stop the hate!

jessica

Posted 2010-06-25 22:55:22

steve you show them sexy legs wherever, whenever you want! heck you could even wear em during the winter!lol now that would really give them something to complain about! lolol

Posted by A.D. Amorosi @ 3:02 PM Permalink | Post a comment

PRINTED MATTER: June 24

POSTED: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 11:01 PM

Filed Under: Printed Matter

Here's what you missed if you didn't pick up the City Paper today.

Neal Santos

Buried Beds

FEATURES!

Patrick Rapa explains what it took to make Buried Beds a band of (formerly repressed) goofballs, play the part.
Adena Halpern, the Main Line born author, finally writes about Philly. A.D. Amorosi chats it up to find out why.

COLUMNS!

In Re:View, Robin Rice pays a visit to the Fleisher/Ollman Gallery, where the process, not the product, is what's important — at least for showing artists Kate Abercrombie and John J. O'Connor.
J. Edward Keyes can't help but notice one too many similarities between new records by dueling punks Against Me! and Gaslight Anthem.

REVIEWS!

In this week's Flick Pick, Sam Adams gives Luca Guadagnino's "sprawling family saga," I Am Love, an A-. The tale of tradition versus modernity is epic, but the cinematography and score are a bit bombastic at times.
Movie Shorts on The City of Your Final Destination, Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, Grown Ups, Knight and Day and Stonewall Uprising.

AND THEN THERE'S...

Kaleidoscope quick hits on Futurama's rebirth, the Manayunk Arts Festival, Nathan Williams and a dope new album by Philadelphia's favorite children, The Roots.
Music Picks on Holy Ghost! (dance-y), MEN (dance-ier), Sage Francis and more.
Arts Picks on an exhibit displaying photographs taken by the king of pop (culture, that is) Andy Warhol and a Spark Showcase playwright competition that includes plays such as Zombie! The Musical, M.A.C.H.O. and Sally Sock.

Posted by Matthew Cahn @ 11:01 PM Permalink | Post a comment

The cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia hits town for the opening of Mac's Tavern

POSTED: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 9:09 PM

Filed Under: TV

Last night, I went to the opening of Mac's Tavern (226 Market St., 267-324-5507), the new bar owned by It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast members Rob McElehnney (Mac), very prego wife Kaitlin Olson (Sweet Dee) and some of Mac's high school buddies. I got a chance to talk to Olson, Mac and Glenn Howerton, aka Dennis, so click after the jump to read our convos.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Glenn Howerton

City Paper: Do you guys draw on any Philadelphia stereotypes or attitudes? Glenn Howerton: I think there's always a bit of an edge to the Philadelphia attitude so we try to bring a little bit of that to it. But that's not hard. I don't know, it just kind of comes to us. Naturally, I guess. CP: Do you have any preparations before a scene or anything is there a ritual you guys do or anything? GH: Just a big ass cup of coffee, man. A lot of caffeine. Our show does take a lot of energy cuz we're always yelling and screaming and running around, jumping out of cars and crazy shit. Usually, just a hearty breakfast and a big tall cup of coffee a couple times a day usually does it for me.

Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney

CP: Sweet Dee, congratulations on your pregnancy. How are you going to keep your child sane? Kaitlin Olson: Monday night, as soon as it comes out were going to hand it off to a set of nannies and... Rob McElhenney: And an agent. KO: And an agent. And then we will get it back somewhere around like 18... RM: Or 17. KO: Well, when it's an adult like when we can have like a real conversation with it. CP: I know in the one episode Paddy's Pub makes a rule not to have any rules. What would happen here if you didn't have any rules? RM: I think you're looking at it right now. KO: Something like this. RM: Yeah, something a little bit like this. I like that PECO showed up to do some construction right outside this evening. KO: It's a good day for construction on the sidewalk. RM: And the weather kept up, what is it? 105 degrees. It's really hot. I'm going to pass out in like five seconds so I would really hurry this up. CP: Rob, what is your favorite Philadelphia beer? KO: Yuengling. RM: Yuengling. KO: I'm pregnant, but I can still have my favorite lager. CP: One little glass a day won't hurt. KO: Yeah, I hear it's good for you. CP: And Kaitlin since you're not originally form Philly, do you do anything to get in to the mindset of a Philadelphian? Do you chug some Yards beforehand? Do you guys throw cheesesteaks at each other, or anything? KO: I have a 5 a.m. flip cup session every morning while I'm in hair and makeup. RM: Just to get geared up... KO: Yeah, just to get ready. CP: Any bar around here that you would challenge to a flip cup competition? KO: Ohhh good questions. Yes! RM: Yes, Brownies or Plough & the Stars around the corner. I think we could take them they are too old and Irish. KO: Yeah screw you.

Sara

Posted 2010-06-24 18:19:00

I'm soo excited that you got an inner glimpse into the minds of the cast of Always Sunny!!!!  I'm excited to have my first drink at Mac's Tavern!

Britt

Posted 2010-06-28 23:18:50

Jealous I would love to meet them!

Posted by Stephen Rose @ 9:09 PM Permalink | Post a comment

JUST DO IT: Philly's Magic Gardens Summer Solstice

POSTED: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 8:08 PM

Filed Under: Arts | Just Do It

Lenny Seidman and Thomas Wave will perform on the tabla and sitar

Welcome summer with Isaiah Zagar and co. at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens third annual Summer Solstice. Don't forget your creativity because you will have the chance to make and bring home creations of your own. This year's theme is Once Upon a Tile, and will feature wide spectrum of performers, from Fred the Magician to barbershop quartet Frank the Dog. The event kicks off with music and 2 p.m., followed by dancing and craft making. Are you a devoted Solstice attendee? Gallery Manager Laura Foxx says this year differs from last year because there will be a block party component, involving art and food vendors surrounding the Magic Gardens. So you'll get to browse goodies — both edible and visual — while getting your groove on. Representatives from Buttercream Cupcakes, Renaissance Sausage, Sugar Philly and Honest Tom's Tacos will be waiting for you to have a taste. Feel free to bring your own booze but Fergie's Pub and ROOT will be serving to the over 21-year-olds at 6 p.m.

Sat., June 26, 1-10 p.m., $5-$10, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South St., 215-733-0390, phillymagicgardens.org.

Laura

Posted 2010-06-25 12:50:48

Check out our facebook event for more information about the Summer Solstice Festival: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124960064185009#!/event.php?eid=124960064185009

Laura

Posted 2010-06-25 12:52:38

Check out our facebook event for more information about the Summer Solstice Festival:  http://tiny.cc/2hb8x

Posted by Admin @ 8:08 PM Permalink | Post a comment

MUSIC MADNESS: Win tickets to see Passion Pit on Sunday -- WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!

POSTED: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 7:30 PM

Filed Under: Music

Want to go see Passion Pit this Sunday at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts? Well, so do we! We've got two pairs of tickets to go see the Berklee College of Music grads do their thing with Tokyo Police Club. Plus, if you go, you get a free 5x7 print from illustrator Alex Fine, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Mann (same thing goes for Faith No More, Keane, Arcade Fire, MGMT, Cake and Pavement later in the summer) But you have to do this one thing for us: E-mail the correct answer to this trivia question to molly [dot] eichel [at] citypaper [dot] net and the tix are yours. Away we go:

A passion pit is a slang term for a drive-in movie theater. What publication coined the term?

Liza and Rich answered correctly: Variety coined the term passion pit.

Sun., June 27, 7:30 p.m., $26.50, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.

Posted by Molly Eichel @ 7:30 PM Permalink | Post a comment

COVETED: Birthday wish list

POSTED: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 6:44 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass Coveted

Collectors of pretty things, take note: Every week, we're rounding up a what's-what of what we [heart], culled from the scores of design blogs, artist sites and Etsy treasuries we stalk on the regular. If you're anything like me, you have a running wish list in your head at all times — a summer straw hat, everything at Lost + Found, etc. — except when your birthday's coming up. When Grandma calls asking what you'd like on your special day, all you can think of are items from the "need" list (which is why I'm getting a toaster this year); as far as deepest giftable desires, the mind draws a complete blank. So in the true spirit of Coveted — things we want, no matter how impractical — and on the occasion of my impending b-day, here's a set of goods any birthday girl would be happy to call her own.

"Paige Reads Peyton Place" open-edition print, $18, Janet Hill Studio
Robin's-Egg Blue, Copper-Enamel Hoop Earrings, $26, Teka and Zoe
"Will Perform for Cakes" hand-painted side plate, $25, Jim Bob Art

Doily clock, $28.50, Andfurthermore
Teapots and Jugs tea towel in Dutch orange, $12.50, Skinny Laminx
Trophy necklace, $40, Rogue Beet

Wicked Octopus woodcut print, Tugboat Printshop
Ceramics, various prices, Bison
Vintage 1950s Smith-Corona typewriter, $82, The Fancy Lamb

PREVIOUSLY >> COVETED: Art for the Cash Poor edition

Posted 2010-08-08 13:51:30

stupid

Posted by Carolyn Huckabay @ 6:44 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Guess who's directing John Leguizamo's new one man show?

POSTED: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 2:43 PM

Filed Under: Arts | Movies Theater

Starting today, actor John Leguizamo will bring his latest one man show, Klass Klown, to the Philadelphia Theatre Co. We figure it will follow the same patterns as previous shows — a memoir, with Leguizamo playing all the characters of his life. But the best part is who is sitting in the director's chair. Poor guy just won an Oscar for his producing efforts on Best Doc winner The Cove, but I will now and forever remember Fisher Stevens as... ...The Plague from excellent '90s time capsule Hackers. hackerswallpaper08

Mess with the best, die like the rest... You can see the show for $20 today through Friday, if you mention Facebook.

Klass Klown, Thu.-Wed.., June 24-30, $39, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.

Posted by Molly Eichel @ 2:43 PM Permalink | Post a comment

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | NEXT »

PHILLY LOVE NOTES: An ode to Spruce Street
Q&A with SHARI SOLANIS: "The goal isn't pornography"
ICE CUBE: In Memoriam: Joe Tartaglia
CONCERT REVIEW & PHOTOS: James Blake @ TLA 5/11
SEXY TIME Q&A: I've never had an orgasm during sex with a man — and I'm 30!
Coming soon to Philly: Two cockamamie movie promotion schemes
What we're trying to do this weekend
Q&A with Tony Goldwyn: "Life is gray, and relationships are, too"
CONCERT REVIEW: Primus (3D & quadraphonic sound) @ The Tower 10/17
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: The Archbishop meets the Geator, the Mayor goes suit shopping, Le Bec Fin fin.

About this blog

Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

Follow Critical Mass editors Patrick Rapa and Emily Guendelsberger on Twitter:

@mission2denmark | @emilygee

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