Brendza’s beat: Babies, Concert no-no’s and Explosions

brendza'sbeatBy: Zach Brendza | Features Editor

Babies

Let’s face it. People love to look at a lot of things on the Internet. Some that I can’t mention here (you know). But two of the cutest attractions are dogs and babies. When celebrities have babies though, that reaches a whole new level of cute. Recently, Taking Back Sunday frontman Adam Lazzara and his wife had a little guy, which forced him to leave the band’s current tour with Polar Bear Club and Transit. No worries, though. He caught back up with the tour and played the last four shows, the last of which happening tonight in Long Island. Singer Lights and blessthefall frontman Beau Bokan are not so far along on the nine-month journey, both announcing on Twitter Monday that Lights was pregnant, with a photo of the couple and her baby bump.

I just love to see the children of musicians. It really warms my heart. I’m still waiting on Dallas Green (City & Colour) and his spouse to have a kid. I’m on the short list to be godfather.

Concert faux pas

Now that all the monster-mashing is over, I guess we can get down to business. After seeing an article on Alternative Press’s website entitled “7 terrible scene fashion trends,” I thought I would tackle a list of things not to do at concerts, faux pas if you will. One, do not wear the band’s t-shirt you just bought at the show. I know this seems like a good idea to a lot of you, but it isn’t. Unless by some stroke of misfortune you wore a shirt you previously bought to the show and they happen to be selling it, then that’s okay. It’s not your fault. Two, respect concert etiquette. Do not push your way to the barrier (front of stage) if you were at the bar for the first three acts. Do not try to fight people who bump into you / are too close in the pit. You’re all there to enjoy a live performance (hopefully). And by all means, DO NOT yell the same song at the band over and over again. They probably won’t play it. Lastly, wear beanies (knitted caps) when it’s appropriate. A late July – early August concert outdoors is not appropriate. Now (November through February) is prime time for the beanie. This was rather frantic but I had to take as many shots as I could. I didn’t even mention you, concert couples.

EITS

It seems like a lot of 10 year anniversaries have come up recently for album releases. All with good reason, for the most part, as they are still listened to and bought today. One album that might not be talked about enough in the decade category is Explosions In The Sky’s The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, released on Nov. 4, 2003. EITS is the quintessential instrumental band, if you’ve heard of anyone in the post-rock genre, it’s probably them. They did the majority of the soundtrack for the Friday Night Lights film and have been featured in shows like One Tree Hill and video games like Major League Baseball 2K12.

But that doesn’t matter. What matters is the music. The album, The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, is five tracks and 45 minutes long, including their most well-known songs, “Your Hand in Mine.” Their music is so powerful and emotional, with no vocals included. The album is a must-listen for music enthusiasts, no matter how much they listen. An album as moving and well done as this only comes around so often.

What’s Out This Week:
Avril Lavigne – Avril Lavigne
Black Flag – What The…
Celine Dion – Loved Me Back
To Life
Cut Copy – Free Your Mind
Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP 2
Hellogoodbye – Everything is Debatable
M.I.A. – Matangi
Melvins – Tres Cabrones
(-All albums released Nov. 5)

On the horizon:
11/11 Built To Spill w/ Slam Dunk and The Warm Hair @ Mr. Small’s
11/15 Lucero w/ Titus Andronicus @ Mr. Small’s
11/17 Reel Big Fish w/ Five Iron Frenzy, Beautiful Bodies and Beebs and Her Money Makers
@ Altar Bar
11/20 Kevine Devine and The Goddamn Band w/ Now, Now Harrison Hudson and Gypsy & His Band of Ghosts @ Rex Theater

Just announced:
12/21 The Spacepimps 10 Year Anniversary Show @ Altar Bar