all photos & (brief) words by: Alyssa Lesser & Anna Scialli
Jukebox the Ghost, Jenny Owen Youngs, and These United States played one of the best, most energetic triple-bills of the year last week at the Bowery. First up were These United States, who are are one of my go-to bands for a good time and great music. Live, These US consistently deliver high-energy, intelligent, down and dirty rock and roll. Next up came Jenny Owen Youngs. I saw Jenny ages ago opening for Regina Spektor at the 9:30 Club; she was cute, clever, and full of potential. This time around, Owen Youngs performed totally soulful, fully realized tunes ambitiously and beautifully. During her set, Jukebox the Ghost came out to perform some of Owen Youngs’ songs with her band. Jukebox the Ghost, who I’ve managed somehow to miss live up until this point, put on an expectedly bouncy set packed with wit and enthusiasm. Owen Youngs met back up on the stage towards the end the
show with balloons, streamers, and New Order’s “Temptation.” You can’t argue with that
no way.
now i know my review was kind of uninspired, but have you ever seen these united states live>?
ASS shattering rock n roll. every time.
June 3, 2009 at 10:31 amKyle Baker everywhere
June 3, 2009 at 11:14 amMan crush on These United States. Agree with Matt on Jukebox. What a snore.
June 3, 2009 at 12:55 pm@Amanda: I will concede that TUS can put on a show but their records leave a lot to be desired. JTG doesn’t have either.
June 3, 2009 at 2:07 pmJukebox is boring? I personally think both bands put on pretty amazing live shows and every time I’ve seen either I’ve had a blast. Plus, seriously… how could you think “Hold it In” is boring? What a great little pop song
June 3, 2009 at 2:49 pmI think you meant Alyssa.
But I do love JTG and Jenny Lewis Youngs, I haven’t listened to TUS enough or seen them to have an opinion.
June 3, 2009 at 2:53 pmDon’t really care much for JTG’s recordings…but my God: Live, they are something else. I’ve played piano for a long time. Seeing this guy play made me want to quit.
June 3, 2009 at 4:13 pmis Shervin in a band???
June 3, 2009 at 4:52 pmcorrection: jenny owen youngs. doh!
June 3, 2009 at 5:05 pm
i know this is could be construed as hating but does anyone else find TUS and JTG to be so bland its as if they don’t even exist?
June 3, 2009 at 10:05 am