Variety @ the Variety

Ok, so there's a bunch of neat shows coming to the Variety Playhouse in the coming months. Just check these out and if none of them give you any kind of excitement what-so-ever, then check yourself, foo.

• 09/08 - The National
  
• 09/12 - Peter Bjorn & John
  
• 09/13 - Andrew Bird
  
• 09/29 - Rilo Kiley
  
• 10/27 - Stars
  
• 10/30 - The New Pornographers
  
• 11/18 - The Hold Steady/Art Brut
  

I've thought about that National show in a few weeks, but I'm thinking I should've just seen 'em at the EARL when they last came around. However, I'm really excited about the Stars gig in October. I'm really liking what I've heard so far from their new material (which is, well, the entire album). Granted, it's not on par with their previous releases, but it certainly has some great tunes and good rapport between Torq and Amy. In fact, the video for "Take Me to the Riot" is a good representation of their live show, with a bit of embellishment.

I'm trying to get interested in the Rilo Kiley show in September, but it's more and more difficult. I've only heard their new record (Under the Blacklight) once and the only part that stands out to me is that Jenny sings in some Spanish ("Dejalo") and that's it. Usually there's something to grab me with their material - the lyrics, the musical chemistry, the sound - but it was incredibly not memorable at all. I saw them four times while they toured for More Adventurous and I didn't come back gushing after any performance. Hopefully they can bring it back when they return to Atlanta next month.

What's really making me curious is the recently-announced NME Rock'n'Roll Riot Tour that features The Hold Steady and Art Brut. I really don't dig The Hold Steady because of the singer's voice and the way that he sings... and then I'm lukewarm about the vocals in Art Brut. However, I've heard that both bands are pretty awesome live (especially The Hold Steady). I'm thinking that with a ticket price that's only $15, I'm strongly considering getting a ticket.

I'm kinda mixed when it comes to shows at the Variety. I've been basically everywhere in there for shows and I don't have much of a problem with lines of sight when and I've never truly experienced poor sound at the venue, either. It seems like it's the hardest place to bring a camera into though. Hopefully I'll be able to bring my camera in there for the upcoming shows because, once in, I think the Variety is a great place to shoot bands.