Concert Review: Patty Griffin at The Wiltern

Last week Patty Griffin took the stage at The Wiltern and I was lucky enough to be in attendance.  She is touring in support of her beautiful album, American Kid, and her set featured several songs from this album (all of my favorites too).  She actually did a rather nice career spanning set of songs.  I think she had songs frome very one of her albums, including her recent gospel album, Downtown Church.  One of those songs, Coming Home To Me, was one of the highlights of the evening.

Another highlight was a super bluesy version of Flaming Red that just about blew the doors off the place.  She started it off slow and sultry and finished it hard.  What a great version of the song.

The show was flawless if you ask me, save for some sound issues at the start that were fixed rather quickly.  Patty Griffin is in top form and her latest batch of songs sound really amazing live.  To hear her talk about her father and then sing these songs about him is touching and it brings even more emotion to the songs.

She captures her audience just as well with her band as she does standing at the mic alone performing acoustically.  Her voice just carries you away.  It's an experience for sure.

She did just over 90 minutes worth of music and I could have sat there for hours more just listening to her sing whatever the hell she wanted to.  Still, even with what might seem like a short concert I felt satisfied.  It really it felt like she did a lot of songs and gave attention to every album.  Sure there are songs you miss but then there songs you might not have expected to hear.

I certainly did not expect Robert Plant to come on stage and sing with her on Highway Song.

Overall it was a wonderful show and I considered it a pleasure and an honor to be able to see Patty Griffin perform these songs live.  She is, in my opinion, one of the best singer songwriters in the business today and her impeccable performances and infectious charm make each show a joy to behold.

If you get a chance to see her, please do so.  You won't be disappointed.

Now if we can just get a Patty Griffin/Ellis Paul tour on the road...

That would be so amazing.

Patty Griffin 

American Kid Tour

10/10 Wiggly Fingers!

For more information visit her official site and ticketmaster for show information!

RAWR(for more)

Some of the Best Music of 2013 So Far

We're half way through 2013 and so far this year has had some pretty great music offerings.  I thought it'd be a great time to highlight a few releases that so far, at least for me, have risen to the top of the heap and have been prime examples of the best 2013 has to offer so far.

Patty Griffin - American Kid
This is a stunningly beautiful heartfelt collection of songs.  The kind of album that you find yourself NEEDING to hear and wanting to hear again and again.  Patty Griffin is one of the best singer/songwriters working today and American Kid is a prime example of why she should be on everyone's radar.  A sure fire contender for Album of the Year.  Bottom line?  This Album Is Glorious.  Highlights:  Go Wherever You Want To Go, Wild Old Dog

Sam Tsui - Make It Up (iTunes)
He's a YouTube cover artist sensation, often times surpassing the originals, who has finally released an album of original songs (with help from a massively successful Kickstarter campain).  Make It Up is a pop gem with clever lyrics fun beats and plenty of Sam's trademark incredible singing.  Highlights:  Me Without You, Shadow

Demi Lovato - DEMI
I'm just as surprised as you are.  Demi Lovato has turned in an album better than anything Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera has done, and probably ever will do.  This is a great collection of songs that, if there is any justice in the world, will put Demi on the map permanantly. She is at the top of her game here and I can't wait to hear what she brings us next.  Highlights: Heart Attack, Really Don't Care

Bella Ruse - Those Were Good Times, Weren't They?
This is a folk rock duo that was just brought to my attention the other day.  I was pleasantly surprised and quickly fell in love with their charming and refreshing sound.  I feel like Bella Ruse is standing at the door of a great career.  Hopefully soon enough that door will open and they can rule the summer like this stellar album deserves. Highlights: Those Were Good Times Weren't They, When You Asked Me For The Moon

The Band Perry - Pioneer
Another surprise.  I was ready to write these guys off as a one hit pony after If I Die Young, which admittedly is a great song.  Boy was I wrong.  Pioneer is probably one of the best country albums in years.  The Band Perry has made leaps and bounds over their last album.  Pioneer is damn near a country masterpiece.  Fresh, without sounding to poppy and staying true to their roots.  Great stuff.    Highlights: Pioneer, End of Time

Rilo Kiley - RKives
It's Rilo Kiley.  It's a collection of B-Sides and Unreleased songs.  It's awesome and it makes me miss them even more.  I don't know what else I need to say here because you should already have this.  Highlights: Let Me Back In, It'll Get You There

Fitz and the Tantrums - More Than Just A Dream
I don't even know how to really classify this band besides just saying they are awesome and demand you buy their album(s).  They seem to touch every genre from soul to pop to rock and whatever else hits their fancy.  More Than Just A Dream is their second album and it's just more great music from this unique and often surprising band.  If you get a chance, check out their episode of Live From Daryl's House.  Mesmerizing!  Highlights: Merry Go Round, Fool's Gold

Well there you go.  Seven examples of some excellent albums well worth your time and your money.  We're only half way through 2013 and there is sure to be dozens of more great examples of amazing music to check out.  There are also dozens of examples of great music that I haven't even heard yet so explore!  Try new music and don't scoff at something because it's popular.  Sometimes popular music can be great too.  Sometimes.

Me?  I love discovering new music.  I'd never have discovered Bella Ruse had someone not told me about them.  True fandom is telling everyone you know about bands you love.  So tell me about the bands YOU think I should check out and maybe they'll get mentioned on the site or on the SHOW.  Tweet us @popculturebeast or use #pcbshow.  Facebook (facebook.com/popculturebeast) us or email me!  Garon@popculturebeast.com

RAWR(for more)