Telekinesis « The House List

My Five: Johnny Beach

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Mission accomplished

Johnny Beach is a Renaissance man. He has been in his current position as The Bowery Ballroom talent buyer for more than two years. Prior to that, he served as Mercury Lounge talent buyer for four years. But he’s been shotgunning beers for considerably longer. Check out his insight below.

The Middle East, The Recordings of the Middle East
They are called the Middle East, but they’re from Australia. (Not sure how that came about.) While they are still virtually unknown here in the States—which will all change very soon—the Middle East is starting to make a name for themselves in their homeland. Spunk Records (home of Arcade Fire, Animal Collective, the Shins, M. Ward in Australia and New Zealand) recently released their debut EP. Listen to the song “Blood” and you’ll become a believer.

The Antlers, Hospice
They self-released the best record of an NYC band so far this year, which will receive a proper release via FrenchKiss Records later this summer. This captivating three-piece band sounds completely at home on the haunting “Kettering” as well as the more rocking “Syliva” and “Two.” They’ve recently supported the Walkmen, Vetiver, White Rabbits and others, but they should be headlining shows in the not-too-distant future. Plus, these guys are improving their ability to shotgun beers.

Centro-matic, Love You Just the Same
This record is by no means a new one, but I cannot help but include it. It’s safe to say that Centro-matic is the most underrated band in America. I got to see Will Johnson play two solo sets recently and it further proves that he has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. He is quite the prolific songwriter—in Centro-matic, South San Gabriel and also on a few records just as Will Johnson. So while you should go out and spend $150 now to buy his entire catalog, this one might be the best place to start.

Manchester Orchestra, Mean Everything to Nothing
They hail from Atlanta, and while they are still quite young, they already have some sweet beardage and are a well-oiled rock machine. They’ve toured a lot in the emo-kiddie world, but they would be equally at home opening for the likes of My Morning Jacket. Their new record is stacked with a bunch of sweet jams—check out “The Only One” and “I’ve Got Friends” and the more mellow but equally awesome “I Can Feel a Hot One.” They’ll be touring with Silversun Pickups throughout August.

Telekinesis, Telekinesis
This record has really grown on me in the past couple of months and now it’s in constant rotation. It’s basically just a 21-year-old dude named Michael Lerner, and Chris Walla from Death Cab for Cutie produced it. I saw them live for the first time recently, but became quite worried a few days before the gig when I found out the drummer sings. (I am still plagued by weekly Phil Collins nightmares.) But I was pleasantly surprised when Telekinesis pulled it off quite well. The disc is filled with sweet, straight-up-catchy pop songs. And who can argue with that?

And also my top-five beers to shotgun:

1. Tecate
2. Pabst Blue Ribbon
3. Budweiser
4. King Cobra
5. Modelo

Tags: Centro-matic, Hospice, Love You Just the Same, Manchester Orchestra, Mean Everything to Nothing, My Five, Telekinesis, the Antlers, the Middle East, The Recordings of the Middle East
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Telekinesis Lifts Audience’s Spirits

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Telekinesis - Mercury Lounge - June 14, 2009

(Photo: Jenny Jimenez)

Michael Benjamin Lerner, the shaggy-haired, unassuming singer-songwriter of Seattle’s Telekinesis, took the stage at Mercury Lounge on Sunday night with his band. He’s a young guy who looks much like someone you might know—your neighbor, officemate, fellow subway commuter. As the band set up its gear, I witnessed him dutifully put in a pair of earplugs he had retrieved from a little pouch in his jeans pocket. Nothing about Lerner’s demeanor seemed to hint at the transformation that would occur moments later when Telekinesis began to play. Strumming gently on guitar for the opening lines of “Foreign Room,” from the band’s recent self-titled album, Lerner then handed off the instrument to his bandmate and took a seat behind his drum kit, instantly pounding away and singing with an exuberance and vigor quite incongruous with the modest gentleman who had stepped upon the stage.

Though Lerner may resemble your bookish classmate upon first impression, (he even joked that he felt like Where’s Waldo in his new red-and-white-striped polo shirt), do not be fooled. Lerner’s true inner world emerges onstage, expressed by some of the most catchy pop hooks and heartfelt, genuine lyrics this side of the ’60s. As Telekinesis powered through lively songs like “Tokyo” and “Great Lakes,” their sound called to mind the perfect high school garage band that all those ’80s teen movies tried to convince you really exist, but, sadly, never do—youthful, optimistic, rambunctious, a touch raw. Though the band makes no claims to practice the actual act of telekinesis, I think it’s safe to say that through some special force, we all left the show feeling a little bit bouncier. —Alena Kastin

Tags: Mercury Lounge, Michael Benjamin Lerner, Review, Telekinesis
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My Five: Johnny Beach

Telekinesis Lifts Audience’s Spirits

Telekinesis - Mercury Lounge - June 14, 2009

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