One of my motivations in starting VV almost two years ago was to share live recordings from some of my favorite bands. Growing up I would collect as many bootlegs as I could - from Dylan to Springsteen to The Replacements to Ryan Adams - and there's something magical about capturing the intensity and intimacy of a live performance. Especially if it's a souvenir of a show you saw live. Here are the five most popular live recordings we shared in 2011...
"As a perfectly-sloppy version of "Twist and Shout" capped-off over three hours of music, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to be able to see this band live."
"The reason I started Visible Voice was to share the music that I believe in, and there is no better example than They Wooden Sky. A sold out Lizard Lounge is a start, but they are are destined for much bigger things"
"At times I was taken aback by the response, and the band seemed genuinely surprised as well. In any case, I've never seen a crowd at Royale so enthusiastic"
"As Aly Spaltro bared her soul to a room full of strangers, we exchanged knowing glances and eyebrow raises - we were witnessing something pretty special. A jawdropping set from a rising star."
The last time The Wooden Sky played Boston was a mid-week set at an empty Rosebud in Somerville. For most in attendance that night, the music was just a soundtrack to another night of High Lifes and Keno, but for me it was a revelation. You see, about a week earlier I had discovered the band's most recent album If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone, a record that captivated me in a way that no record had in a long time. It is at the same time instantly accessible yet worthy of the countless spins I've given it. Simple, timeless folk, sweeping crescendos and classic rock swagger filtere through an indie rock lens. If there was ever a band tailored perfectly to my tastes, it is The Wooden Sky. The band's performance that night, to an empty bar, cemented a lot for me. For them to play their hearts out the way they did proved beyond a doubt that these guys were the real deal. I think that night I may have tweeted something along the lines of "I've seen the future of rock n' roll..." -- highly original, right? But it was from the heart.
The turnout for the band's sold out Lizard Lounge show this past weekend in Cambridge undoubtedly had a lot more to do with the fact that it was a Friday night at a better venue than my breathless pontificating, but nevertheless it was satisfying to see Boston come out and support these guys.
The show opened with "When Lost At Sea" off the band's debut LP of the same name. From there, the setlist traversed the band's catalogue, drawing heavily from If I Don't Come Home, You Know I'm Gone as well as their recent digital/cassette City of Light EP and a few brand new songs. Each release has seen the band expanding their sound - 2007's When Lost At Sea treads mostly in traditional folk and rock territory, while 2009's If I Don't Come Home, You'll Know I'm Gone shows a bit more sonic experimentation and more nuanced arrangements. The new EP sees the band expanding the pallette further - "Take Me Out" is a doo-wop inspired gem, and the title track showcases a touch of atmospherics that hint promisingly at the future.
I've rarely seen a band so in the pocket, versatile and confident as The Wooden Sky are on stage. They give the impression of hardened road veterans - and after playing together for 8 years, I guess that's true. Still, it's impressive to see them effortlessly change dynamics and styles from hushed country-folk harmonies to guitar-driven, reverb-drenched jams and, what the hell, a spot-on Nirvana cover. This was without question one of the best shows I've seen all year. The reason I started Visible Voice was to share the music that I believe in, and there is no better example than They Wooden Sky. A sold out Lizard Lounge is a start, but they are are destined for much bigger things - it's just a matter of time.
We recorded the entire set in fantastic sound quality - stream/download below. Huge thanks to the Lizard Lounge for accommodating us and for The Wooden Sky for letting us share this with you all. If you dig what you hear, please support The Wooden Sky by 1) telling your friends and 2) buying their music.
The Wooden Sky Lizard Lounge - Cambridge, MA November 11, 2011
It's hard for me to write about these guys without it devolving into gushing hyperbole...trust me, it's really unattractive. So, let me keep it brief. The Wooden Sky is probably my favorite band, and if you're a fan of The Head And The Heart, Dawes, Delta Spirit or [insert indie folk darling here], you owe it to yourself to be at their show at Lizard Lounge on Friday night. If Visible Voice is responsible for introducing you to just one new band, or getting you out to just one show - I hope it's The Wooden Sky and their show this Friday. Get tickets here
The Wooden Sky - Something Hiding For Us In The Night
It's a mystery why The Wooden Sky are not massive. While folky bands like Fleet Foxes, The Head And The Heart and Dawes make their ascent into the pop consciousness, The Wooden Sky continue to operate in relative anonymity. Sure, the Polaris Prize-nominated band might not be total unknowns in their homeland (Canada), but stateside it's a different story. Case-in-point, the only time I've seen them live was at an empty Rosebud in Somerville. No offense to the Rosebud, but The Wooden Sky should not be playing there.
I consider the band's previous LP "If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone" a masterpiece. Check it out. Now the band is back with a new EP and a full-length on the horizon - maybe 2012 will be the year of The Wooden Sky? I hope so.
Check out "Angelina", a new track off the EP below and head to itunes to grab the whole thing. Well worth the download.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 7:28AM 
