the Music Lounge
Friday,
March 25, 2005
Volume 33,
Issue 12
Sun, Mar 21, 2010
IN THE SGN
SECTION ONE
Front Page
MORE/ALL
SECTION ONE
STORIES
SECTION TW0
Arts & Entertainment
the Music Lounge by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A & E Writer |
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| Alternative pop-rocker Brendan Benson talks with the Seattle Gay News about his new CD, welcoming a Gay fan base and watching fish being thrown at Pike Place Market The first CD to make a huge impression on me this year is Brendan Bensons gorgeously-crafted The Alternative to Love. Its filled with beautifully-arranged, thoughtfully written pop songs that does for relationships and love what frosting does for cake. If youre a fan of cool alternative pop-rock music, another day shouldnt go by without you owning this disc. Benson, a Detroit hipster whos collaborated with White Striper Jack White on a side project, took time out of his busy schedule to talk shop with the Seattle Gay News. He opens for Keane at Seattles Paramount Theatre on May 9. Heres what the singer-songwriter-musician had to say when he stepped into The Music Lounge. Albert Rodriguez: Hey Brendan, where are you right now? Brendan Benson: Im in my kitchen in Detroit, Michigan. Rodriguez: The last time I remember you playing Seattle was with Ben Kweller. It was two years ago on Valentines Day and I got into a car accident on my way to the show. Benson: Oh my god. Wow! Rodriguez: It was weird. I was bummed that I never made it to your concert. Benson: Sorry about that. Rodriguez: Well, that was then. Anyway, I have to say that your new CD The Alternative to Love is excellent. The songs are so well-crafted. Lapalco, your previous album, was great. But this CD shows a lot of maturity and significant strength as a songwriter. Do you feel that? Benson: No. (laughs) Rodriguez: Really? Benson: More mature? No. I suppose it happens inevitably. I mean, I hope it happens. But its not something Im conscious of musically. Rodriguez: When you write songs, theyre not necessarily directed at someone in particular, right? They can be about anybody. Benson: Right...yeah...um, I dont really know. I think I have an imaginary audience in mind, but Im not sure who makes up that audience. Rodriguez: Many of your songs arent gender specific. This is great for Gay music listeners because they can insert themselves into them. If a song is written in a he/she format, its already interpreted itself for you. Benson: Right. These are songs about relationships and love. Theyre not always about a man and a woman. I think Im expressing feelings I had about my grandfather, my mother or father, and friends. But because that boy-meets-girl thing is deeply embedded in me, it manifests itself in that way a lot of times. Rodriguez: Does your music dictate whats going on in your personal life at the moment, or is it just your imagination? Benson: I think this album is a lot more focused on a particular topic. I wrote and recorded it in about six months, as opposed to the other records that span years. The Alternative to Love is time specific and it consequently reflects the time and how I felt then, which Im not even sure what that is (slight laughter). Rodriguez: The arrangements on these songs are very retro-sounding. Was that your idea or Tchad Blakes (album engineer/mixer)? Benson: Thats just what I like. Rodriguez: But I dont remember these sounds being on Lapalco. This is a different sounding record. The arrangements are more apparent. Benson: Well, thank you. I dont consider myself to be a good arranger. Its my weakness because I sometimes dont know when to stop. Ill try anything and everything. I dont know what to leave in or leave out. Rodriguez: Youll be in Seattle with Keane in May. How did that happen? Benson: Im not sure, really. We played with them in the UK. We had a good time and I think they just asked us if we wanted to do some US dates. Rodriguez: What do you like about playing in Seattle? Benson: Actually, we do pretty well in Seattle. Ive always had a great time there. Rodriguez: Do you get to check out any of the cities when youre on tour? Benson: Hardly. In Seattle, Ive been down to the Pier where the guys throw the fish. Rodriguez: Pike Place Market. Yeah, its cheesy but kind of fun to watch. Benson: You know, I never saw any guys throwing fish. They did a lot of screaming though. (laughs) It was cheap entertainment. Rodriguez: How do you feel about having a Gay fan base? Benson: God, I dont know. I think thats cool. (laughs, the question catches him off guard). I wouldnt think that Gay people would like my music. Ive never really thought about it. I was sort of surprised when I found out a Gay magazine was interested in interviewing me. Its cool though. Rodriguez: Seattle is a very liberal city. And its always been a rock town. The Gay community reflects these two statements. Were accepted everywhere here and we like our rock music as much as the straights do. Benson: Do you think thats true in other cities as well? That Gay people are gravitating to this type music? Rodriguez: Probably in New York, Chicago, Austin and maybe Minneapolis youll find Gay music listeners being more progressive in their music choices. But I think Seattle is a city thats known for supporting new talent, and the Gay community is inclusive in that support network. Benson: I lived in Oakland, California for about eight years and I went into San Francisco a lot. The Gay community there was very traditional. That was the biggest exposure I had to Gay people. I would never think those folks would like what I was doing, or The White Stripes. Just because they seem set in their ways. I guess because they seemed to be motivated more by fashion or a fad. Rodriguez: Gay boys like a nice package. They like an artist that sounds great and looks hot, and not necessarily in that order. Youre a sharp-looking guy and your music is great, so why wouldnt we like you? Benson: (laughs slightly) Yeah, okay. Cool. Rodriguez: Im hoping the Gay alternative rockers check out your CD because I think theyd really like it. Benson: Great! Maybe Ill become huge with the Gay crowd. Rodriguez: It worked for Tori Amos. Benson: Is Rufus Wainwright... Rodriguez: (I finish his sentence) ...hes REALLY Gay. Benson: Hes one of my favorites. Rodriguez: Maybe you can play with him. Benson: Id love to. Rodriguez: So, youre on the road with Keane. And then whats in store for the remainder of 2005? Benson: The year is daunting. Its filled up with tour dates. Rodriguez: Whats been spinning in your iPOD or personal CD lately? Benson: Ive been listening to a lot of Donovan. And Graham Nash. His record Songs for Beginners is one of my favorites right now. And theres this guy called Jape. I think its a guy, but Im not really sure whats going on. Its really, really cool. Its dance-electronica mixed with Irish music. Its like Cornershop, but Irish. Rodriguez: Ill write that down and check him out. Benson: The track I heard was called Floating. I heard it at a club and was like what is this?! Rodriguez: Cool. Well, we wish you the very best with your CD. I think its an amazing record. Lapalco was terrific, but this one is a notch above. And we look forward to seeing you here in Seattle very soon. Benson: Thanks a lot! Ill see you when Im in Seattle. Take care. |
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| The Music Lounge EXTRA | ||
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| SELENA TRIBUTE PLANNED AT GALERIAS ON APRIL 9
She was a huge star in the Latin music world, destined to become the next big thing on the international scene. And without warning, she was gone. Gone. It was 10 years ago that Grammy Award-winning singer Selena died, a senseless death at the hands of a woman who headed her own fan club. Thank goodness justice prevailed and put the shameless pig in jail. Selena was on the verge of becoming famous worldwide, having already conquered Latin America by storm. The Mexican beautys life and tragic ending inspired the feature film Selena, which starred a then low-profile Jennifer Lopez in the title role. The Seattle Gay News joins the Latino Gay community in honoring the ten year anniversary of Selenas passing. To Hispanic Gay youth, Selena was more than a pop diva or music idol. She was their heroine, someone they looked up to and held in high regard. On Saturday, April 9 the SGN welcomes any and all Selena fans to Galerias (611 Broadway Ave. East) for a night of music, fun and remembrance in paying tribute to the late artist. The event will include songs by Selena that everyone can sing and dance to, a Selena look-alike contest with cash prizes ($200 first, $100 second) and of course, as is the case with large Latino gatherings, there will be wonderful food and a few margaritas to enjoy. La Gorda, the naughty and very entertaining drag queen who hosts Gay Night at Neighbours, will preside as hostess for the party. Cover is $5, which includes a free drink before midnight, appetizers and hot Latin boys and girls wall to wall. |
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| NINE INCH NAILS LISTENING PARTY SCHEDULED FOR
MARCH 29th AT EMP Nine Inch Nails has to be one of the most electrifying acts to emerge in rock music within the last fifteen to twenty years. And its frontman, Trent Reznor, is without a doubt one of the sexiest men alive. The metal-electronic act is releasing their first album of new material since 1999s The Fragile. Its called With Teeth and it hits record stores on May 3. The first single from the CD, The Hand That Feeds, is already getting plenty of airplay on Seattle radio station 107.7 The End. Loyal fans of the industrial-rock ensemble who cant wait until the release of With Teeth can make plans to attend a special Nine Inch Nails listening party on Tuesday, March 29 (7:30 p.m.) at the Experience Music Project. Admission is free, and if you pre-order the CD through Sonic Boom Records that night youll receive a free 7-inch NIN single. Plus, a special gift is offered to those who arrive early. Not only can you listen to With Teeth in its entirety, but there will also be a DVD screening of the band and an art exhibit from area NIN fans. |
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| SNOW PATROL ASKS BASSIST MARK MCCLELLAND TO LEAVE GROUP Talk about surprises. No one saw bassist Mark McClellands dismissal from rock band Snow Patrol coming last week. Not even him. McClelland, who started the group with lead singer Gary Lightbody in college, was asked to leave Snow Patrol on the spot during a band meeting on March 16. According to reports on the internet and SPs official website www.snowpatrol.net, McClelland was adding unwanted pressure on the group and prevented them from moving forward. The news was disappointing to SPs fan club. But the show must go on. And the remaining members are currently in Ireland planning a follow-up to last years stunning Final Straw (SGNs Top Ten Albums/CDs of 2004) and rehearsing for an upcoming tour that brings them to Seattle on May 4. Lightbody, the geeky-cute frontman and subject of my naughtiest fantasies at the moment, was supposedly the one who gave McClelland the boot. On a happier note, a few tickets remain for the bands performance at the Moore Theatre, priced at $16.50 and $18.50. No word yet on who will replace McClelland on Snow Patrols tour, but if I hear any news Ill be sure to pass it on. Ill be previewing and reviewing their concert in May. If you want a preview of what theyll sound like in concert, grab a copy of the DVD entitled Snow Patrol: Live at Somerset House. The show is great and the bonus features are fun to watch, especially when you see band members tour through Japan and run through a water fountain. Yes, Lightbody goes shirtless in one scene. And Ive already seen it again and again and again and again and again. And again. |
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| VINYL COPIES OF THE KILLERS HOT FUSS TO BE GIVEN AWAY SOON If you love vinyl records and love The Killers, then youll want to check out The Music Lounge in the coming weeks because Ill be announcing details on how to win a copy of the Grammy-nominated bands Hot Fuss in LP form. I also have a couple of cool Hot Fuss lighters that need a good home. So, make sure you grab a copy of the Seattle Gay News each Friday to find out how you can win some great stuff, like music and goodies from The Killers. Speaking of The Killers, their April 24 concert in Seattle is completely sold out. If youve got tickets, consider yourself extremely fortunate. If you dont have tickets, you can join me for loser drinks at a nearby bar that night. |
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| Next week in 'The Music Lounge' | ||
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| Butch Vig and Steve Marker of Garbage
Butch Vig and Steve Marker of the punk-electronica outfit Garbage called in separately to the Seattle Gay News this week to talk about the bands new CD Bleed Like Me and their upcoming tour, which brings them to Seattles Paramount Theatre on Friday, April 8. I tried to get lead singer Shirley Manson on the phone, but she was massively booked up. But I do promise an interesting and informative interview with Vig and Marker. It was fascinating hearing two sides of groups brief breakup. And it was great to hear the appreciation both men have for their gay fan base. Of course, Vig credits Mansons cheekiness and flamboyant, show-off personality as big factors in attracting a legion of Gay admirers. What I liked about Vig and Marker was their honesty and openness to discuss the disappointment of the groups commercially unsuccessful release Beautiful Garbage. I dont expect Garbages soon-to-be-released Bleed Like Me to do the same. Its an intense, loud and exciting CD from start to finish. Theyll unveil material from the album at their Seattle concert, which serves as the official kick-off of their U.S. spring tour. Very few tickets remain, so hurry and buy yours at any Ticketmaster location. And grab a copy of the Seattle Gay News next week to find out what Butch Vig, who also produced Nirvanas milestone Nevermind, and Steve Marker had to say when they stepped into The Music Lounge. |
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 GENERAL GAYETY Leslie Robinson |
 LESBIAN NOTIONS Paula Martinac |
