You Can't Beat a Free Show
I went to another "free-at-noon" concert at WXPN's studios yesterday and I tell you, you just can't beat a free show. XPN has one every Friday and it's open to the public, you just have to pre-register online.
Over the past two years or so I've seen Josh Rouse, Damien Rice (I even got to hug him), Tegan and Sara, Bob Mould, Rufus Wainwright, Neko Case, Bell X-1 and now Winterpills. I usually have to go by myself, but I don't let that stop me. If I lived nearer the city I'd go more often, but since it takes me over an hour to drive there, I don't get to do it as much as I'd like.
Winterpills were wonderful. They're a five-piece from Massachusetts and they play what you might call harmonic indie pop. There's a lot of harmony and interplay between lead singer Philip Price and keyboardist/vocalist Flora Reed and their voices complement each others' very well. Their songs are deceptive, in that sometimes they start quite mellow but partway through they sort of burst open and fill out nicely. As with a lot of bands, they generate a bit more energy live than they do on their records. I really enjoyed them.
The first song is from their current album, Central Chambers, and the second is from their 2007 release. You can hear the whole show at npr if you'd like.
Winterpills--"Gentleman Farmer" mp3 off Central Chambers (buy)
Winterpills--"A Folded Cloth" mp3 off The Light Divides (buy)
photo by henning ohlenbusch
p.s. I just can't resist pointing this out: The XPN All About the Music Blog featured none other than my favorite Irish band, Fred, in their New Year's Eve post. Here's hoping that means some day they'll bring them to town for a show!
I LOVE the Winterpills.
I love them, too. Pills For Sara KILLS me every time I hear it. I have
not heard the new release, though, and I really should. I need to sit my
butt down and stream the album on their site, but I have not taken the
time. Bad, bad nat.
RSS Add-Me
