I work as a college rep for a company called Cornerstone Promotions, which is affiliated with Ben Lee's new record label, F2 Music, so of course I was a little biased towards him, since I'm promoting his record and all. But it's actually quite good. He puts on a good live show as well. To some people he still is and always will be Claire Danes' boyfriend, but you really should check out his CD. It's produced by Dan the Automator (Gorillaz, Del the Funky Homosapien), so it contains a lot of acoustic as well as eletropop and chamberpop elements. A few of my favorites from Hey You Yes You (his latest release): "Aftertaste," "Chills," "No Room to Bleed," "Still on the Line."
Phantom Planet put on a good show as well. I was jaded, because when the song "California" came out, I was like, "Oh, that's nice," and then I bought the record for my little sister's thirteenth birthday. The thing I didn't really like about that album (the Guest) was that it was too polished, too clean, too shiny, exactly the type of record you'd buy for a thirteen year old girl. I really liked their song "Lisa" from a previous release, and "California" and "Turn Shift Smile Repeat" are both great songs, but the rest of it was too poppy for me. My opinion was changed at the show last night when I saw them playing live. Their material sounds much better live, when they can really rock out. It had more of an edge to it, definitely a little more hard core, even the sugary happy stuff. They have a new record coming out in February, which I heard is a lot better. Apparently they're going back to their indie roots, but what rock band doesn't say that these days? My boss says it's an excellent record, so I don't know, I guess for the meantime I'll have to take his word for it. Quite possibly my favorite moment of the night: "Welcome to the OC, Bitches."
Another show tonight, but it might be sold out: Phantom Planet w/ Ben Lee @ Bowery Ballroom. Nov. 12, 8pm. 16 & up.
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
I saw Phantom Planet open up for Elvis Costello on his last tour and thought they were great. A bit sloppy, but a hell of a lot of fun. I bought the album shortly after that and agree that it's far too polished for such an energetic live band, but the songs are well crafted and thoughtful. If the "returning to roots" thing is true, the next album might very well be great.