Feeds:
Posts
Comments

So what happened here?

June 10, 2022 by Paul Debraski

For nearly fourteen years I was able to keep up this daily blog of books and music.

About a year ago I got a promotion and that changed everything.  I no longer had the time to post everything I wanted to.  Heck, I didn’t even seem to have the time to read all the short stories I wanted to.  Amusingly (or not), just before this new position, I had gotten a print subscription to the New Yorker.  This now means that I (like many others) have a two-foot stack of New Yorker magazines that I haven’t even looked at yet.

For a few weeks I was limiting myself to only the concerts that I went to because that was a little easier to write about.  Although back in the good old days, I used to include photo and links, and I pretty much have neither now. And I’m several shows behind as well.

So I’m still reading books and I think I may try to post some thoughts about them from time to time.  I’d also like to think I have time to write about my concerts, but even those are proving to be challenging.

So let’s consider the blog on hiatus more or less, with occasional posts about things I’ve read or listened to.

The good thing is that I like the new position and wouldn’t change it for the world. I guess I never realized how much down time my old position gave me!

Posted in Paul Debraski | 3 Comments »

Peter Hook & the Light (Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA, September 7, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

September 7, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: September 7, 2026] Peter Hook & the Light

In 2022, Peter Hook & the Light played Union Transfer and I couldn’t go.  He came back again in 2024 and I grabbed a ticket and had a great time.  They were playing Substance from New Order and Substance from Joy Division, which was pretty damned awesome.

My only complaint (and I don’t deserve it since I knew what was coming) is that I like a lot of newer New Order too.  But that wasn’t on the menu, so nevermind.

So it turns out that this tour was for the Get Ready album, a newer album that I thought I liked–the cover was easily memorable to me.  And yet when I put it on, I didn’t really remember it.  Turns out I really liked Republic, and the ones after that, not so much (turns out he played the Republic album back in 2019).

Initially I had penciled this show in for my wife and I to go, because I assumed we’d really like it.  I never got tickets because it didn’t look like it was going to sell out.  It was also the night before she was going back to work, so when I found out the show was mostly an album she didn’t know, I didn’t even bother getting tickets.

It also turns out I was wiped out from the show the night before, and I would have been miserable had I gone.  Maybe in two years we’ll try again.

Although listening to Get Ready now, it is a good album.

Posted in Joy Division, New Order, Peter Hook & The Light, Philadelphia, PA, Union Transfer | Leave a Comment »

King’s X / Lady White Rat (Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA, August 29, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

August 29, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 29, 2023] Kings X / Lady White Rat

I’ve seen King’s X five times.  I’ve enjoyed all of their shows although I started to find them a little samey.  I haven’t been all that interested the last few times they swung by.  But this time–it has been four years after all–I was.  I was going to reach out to my friend who lives near Sellersville to see if he wanted to go.  But I didn’t because we were going to be driving my daughter to college.  And then he contacted me to see if I wanted to go!  I was bummed to say no.

When I first looked at the setlist I was afraid it was exactly the same as the last few times (it always seems to start the same).  But they changed things up quite a bit in the back end of the set which makes me really hope they come back again soon.  I don’t know if dUg can still hit the notes, but it would be fun to see them once more.

Lady White Rat is a crushing hard rock power trio based out of the Lehigh Valley PA region. With captivating song writing, melodic harmonies, and a dynamic range of sounds varying from metal to jazz, Lady White Rat’s music offers a sense of familiarity while incorporating a fresh unique sound uncommon in the scene. With emphasis on the live experience, Lady White Rat performs high energy chaotic live shows with the ability to command a crowd and make your head bang for the entirety of their set.

I listened to a song (from the show) and they were good.  Heavy with good harmonies. Continue Reading »

Posted in King's X, Lady White Rat, Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA | Leave a Comment »

Swervedriver / Slow Fiction / The Still Out (White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ, August 28, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

August 28, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 28, 2026] Swervedriver / Slow Fiction / The Still Out

There was a time a few years ago when the choice between going to White Eagle Hall or Underground Arts would have fallen squarely on White Eagle Hall.  It’s a gorgeous venue with great sight lines and a bouncy floor.  Not to mention a state of the art sound system.  But the last few times I’ve been there I’ve been dissatisfied.  Primarily with the parking.  But it feel busier and more crowded with less enjoyable people.  SO naturally I picked Underground Arts (which has rapidly become one of my favorite venues).

I was supposed to see Slow Fiction (who are from Chicago) when they were opened for Vundabar.  But I missed the show and therefor missed Slow Fiction.  Which is a shame because seeing them last night was amazing.  It would have been cool to see them at a bigger venue just a few weeks earlier.

I had never heard of The Still Out and, apparently with good reason.  Their bio is pretty interesting

The Still Out was formed by producers Josh Stoddard and Arjun “Arj” Agerwala in the mid 2000s in New York City. They were signed to indie label Hi-Speed Soul (Nada Surf, Afghan Whigs, Swervedriver, The Black Heart Procession) and released their album, Crystallized, which included guests Adam Franklin (Swervedriver), Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne) and Claude Coleman, Jr (Ween). Veteran rock critic Jack Rabid ranked Crystallized #13 on his top 50 reissues of 2018, declaring of the Still Out, “Who are you and why are you so good?!”

Their songs range from anthems to lullabies, interspersing dreamy, wandering imagery with layered guitars, hypnotic bass vamps, and tight, dynamic drumming to create a wall of sound that is both melody and mayhem.

After playing shows to promote the album and opening for Swervedriver … they took a long hiatus. Josh became a sought-after video director, sound bath performer, and prolific creator while Arj focused on his career as a producer, engineer, and songwriter.  In 2021, they reunited to cover Fountains of Wayne’s “Sick Day” as part of a tribute to friend and supporter Adam Schlesinger, who died from covid. Josh himself died tragically not long after. Arj has now revived the band with the help of several talented musicians and with Josh’s harmonies and sounds helmed by Suneel Agerwala. They are continuing the Still Out to honor his beloved friend and bandmate.

So I guess I feel bad for not wanting to see them.  But I’ll give Crystallized a listen.

Posted in Jersey City, NJ, The Still Out, White Eagle Hall | Leave a Comment »

Pinkshift / Kulfi Girls / Hit Like a Girl (Ukie Club, Philadelphia, PA, August 27, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

August 27, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 27, 2026] Pinkshift / Kulfi Girls / Hit Like a Girl

I’m pretty sure I didn’t hear about this show until it was too late to go.  Because this is a killer lineup.  I’m a little off Pinkshift because I’ve seen them a bunch (the last show wasn’t quite as fun as the earlier ones for whatever reason).

If I had known it was a 5 year tour for their Saccharine EP, I definitely would have tried to go.  But I had had tickets for Swervedriver that night and I was really excited to see them since it was the 30th anniversary of the Rise album.  You can’t go to every show.

The real reason I wanted to go to this show is to see Kulfi Girls.  I recently ried to see them and wound up leaving before they went on because I felt crappy.  This is the fourth time I haven’t been able to see them for one reason or another.  I know that they;r e ayoung enough band that I’ll get to see them again, but come on!

Hit Like a Girl is from Philly. They are a project created by Nicolle Maroulis and meshing sonic influence like midwest emo, hardcore, synth pop, and alternative.  Their new album’s first song sounds like country and the second song is screamed synth punk.  Crazy.  I’ll bet they were fun.

 

Posted in Hit Like a Girl, KulfiGirls, Philadelphia, PA, Pinkshift, The Ukie Club | Leave a Comment »

Faetooth / Latter / Bosses (Underground Arts, Philadelphia, PA, August 23, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

August 23, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 23, 2026] Faetooth / Latter / Bosses

I didn’t know Faetooth at all, but I saw that they were opening for Die Spitz in October and headlining this show in August.  I didn’t really think about going to this because I figured I’d see them with Die Spitz.  Then my friend Max said that a bunch of them were going to see the show, so I investigated more.  I couldn’t go, but it got me more excited to check out Faetooth, whom they said were really good.  The band describes themselves as a fairy-dOoM trio from los angeles.  The group is composed of Ari May as guitarist and vocalist, Jenna Garcia as bassist and vocalist, and Rah Kanan on drums and have been around since 2019.

Latter was the middle band and Max said they enjoyed them even more than Faetooth.  I’m listening to their (shirt) album now and it’s really cool.  Slow but intense.  Heavy and intense.  LATTER is a Chicago-based experimental noise rock project formed by Jon Alvarado and Meredith Haines, known for dynamic live performances.  Haine’s vocals are screamed in a way that I really like–clear but raw.

Bosses are also from Chicago.  Originally conceived as a solo project by singer and guitarist Harlee Young, Bosses is now a five-piece featuring erstwhile members of Old Coke and Dead Sun.  Their bio says the group takes influence from grunge, shoegaze and early 2000s alt rock. Layering melodic, ambient leads over distorted rhythms, bosses creates a sound that is heavy, atmospheric, and highly emotional.

Sounds like a great night.

Posted in Bosses, Faetooth, Latter, Philadelphia, PA, Underground Arts | Leave a Comment »

Rhys Darby (Helium Comedy Club, Philadelphia, PA, August 22, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

August 22, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 22, 2026] Rhys Darby

I love Rhys Darby in every role he has been in.  Although I had no ide he actually did stand up.

When I saw that he was doing two shows at Helium (an early and a late), I grabbed us tickets for the early show, thinking it would be fun to see a show and maybe grab a Philly bite afterwards.  We told my daughter that we were going out and she made plans with her friends. And then, day of, the whole day got away from us.  It’s one thing to plan to go out to a show around dinnertime, but it’s another thing to do it midday.  And we were involved in doing stuff and we both decided that it was too much work to go out.  Particularly to Helium (if it had been the Met or something we probably would have gone).  So we stayed home.

And, while I’m still al little bummed we didn’t see Rhys in person, I’d say we made the right decision.

Posted in Helium Comedy Club, Philadelphia, PA, Rhys Darby | Leave a Comment »

Rush (Xfinity Mobile Arena, NY, August 21 & 23, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

August 21, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 21 & 23, 2026] Rush

Rush concerts part 2.  It’s crazy that I could have seen them six times.

So, having missed the MSG shows, and really knowing I wasn’t going to go to any of them, I kept my eyes on the Philly shows.  Those did not sell out entirely and I did keep watching those special seats to see of the prices ever went down.  And they just never did.

By this time we were back from vacation and were not quite on crunch time for bringing our daughter to school.  But initially I had a ticket to a show the night before this (and didn’t go because of the weather) and we had a ticket to a comedian the following night (but didn’t go because we’re lame).  Nut in all honesty, a Friday night going to Xfnity Mobile Arena sounds like a nightmare.  You’d have to leave at like 4.  Insanity.

So really that only left the 23rd.   But by the time that show came around I had accepted that I wasn’t going to go so I didn’t even look.

And despite the massive accolades from strangers and relatives (Montreal), I’m really not that bummed I missed out.  It sounds like it would have been fun, but I really don’t feel like I missed out.

And good for me.  Plus, there’s always that DVD.

~~~~~~

In high school and some of college, Rush was my favorite band.  No questions asked. My best college friend and I bonded over the band.  I didn’t go to enough shows during college–why didn’t I drive to Binghamton with him?

Since college I have listened to them a lot less, although i did really enjoy all of the albums they put out.  And I was super psyched to see their final tour before Neil died.

Geddy and Alex said they would never be Rush again and it sounded like they were both content to play music with other people and do their hobbies.  And then this was announced.  I wasn’t upset (it’s not like The Who or Slayer who have farewell tours all the time).  And I Was really excited that they had replaced Neil with Anika Nilles–if only because it upset so many people that there was a “girl drummer.”

When the shows were first announced I didn’t intend to go.  I didn’t feel it was necessary even if it had been over a decade since that last show.

And then I saw the prices.  Jaysus.  I have local friends who are much bigger Rush fans than me and they were jumping in paying $500/$600 a ticket, which is crazy–but was nowhere near the high end of prices.  As the dates grew closer and I heard great things about the shows, I kept my eyes on tickets.  Despite the immediate crush of sales, I don’t think all of the nights sold out.  And I’d also heard that dynamic pricing tends to get cheaper the day of the show.  Of course, that would still mean driving all the way into New York for a pain in the ass trip to MSG.

Ultimately, I decided not even investigate tickets.

And let’s see.  The 28th, I had a ticket to see Metric.
The 30th, I could have gone, but we were going on vacation two days later and that felt like a huge time commitment–this was the only day I seriously considered though.
And Aug 1 & 3 were were on vacation.

Back in the day, a Rush show was exactly the same night after night.  Possibly even note for note.  But this tour, they have been mixing up setlists like crazy and, while I’m not mad that I missed all the shows, I would have been really bummed if I went to one of the nights and the setlist was better on a different night.  I mean, let’s be honest, any Rush setlist is a good one, but …  The 30th featured all of 2112, which was pretty cool.

Plus, I’ll BET they release a show or two on DVD.

 

 

Posted in Philadelphia, PA, Rush, XFinity Mobile Arena | Leave a Comment »

Kiwi Jr. [FREE AT NOON] (World Stage, Philadelphia PA, August 21, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

August 21, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 21, 2026] Kiwi Jr. [FREE AT NOON]

I was supposed to see Kiwi Jr. open for Nap Eyes back in 2022, but the show was cancelled.  Back then I thought:

Kiwi Jr. is a fun Canadian band, recently described as “clever, easy-going jangle pop” that I’d really like to see live.

For some reason I thought I thought they were a more punk pop, but they’re really not.  And I think when I listened to them this time I was a little disappointed they weren’t more punky.  But really they’re cool–synthy and more than a little fun.

I grabbed a ticket for this Free at Noon because I knew I couldn’t make their show that night at Johnny Brenda’s.  But sometimes just thinking about a Free at Noon is exhausting.  I woke up tired and just didn’t have the wherewithal to go to work and then do the show.  Which is a bummer because the show sounded great (as you can hear below).  Continue Reading »

Posted in Free at Noon, Kiwi Jr., Philadelphia, PA, World Cafe Live | Leave a Comment »

Kiwi Jr. / 2nd Grade / Log Flume (Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA, August 21, 2026) [DID NOT ATTEND]

August 21, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 21, 2026] Kiwi Jr. / 2nd Grade / Log Flume

Three years ago I could have seen almost this exact same show at the exact same place.  Kiwi Jr and 2nd Grade both played Johnny Brenda’s.  Kate David opened then and Log Flume opened tonight.  I went to see Sunset Rubtown instead (which I enjoyed).   Kiwi Jr. has been getting more attention this time around and even played a Free at Noon earlier today.  I wish I’d gone, but i didn’t feel up to the midday trek to Philly.

I knew I wouldn’t be going to this show mostly because I was sort of saving the night in case I scored a ticket to see Rush.  Which I didn’t.  And really, I was pretty happy to stay home.  Our daughter was leaving for college soon and I wanted to have a few extra nights with her.

But I do hope this lineup comes back again. Sorry Kiwi Jr.

2nd Grade are an indie band from Philly.  They are a gentle boppy indie pop band.  Super catchy and poppy with delightful harmonies and a childlike quality (as befits their name).  Most of the songs are around two minutes.

This is still true with their newish 2024 album–the longest song is 2:39.  But the songs are not hardcore blasts.  They are actually pretty complicates with multiple parts. They just do what they intend to do and then end. Continue Reading »

Posted in 2nd Grade, Johnny Brenda's, Kiwi Jr., Log Flume, Philadelphia, PA | Leave a Comment »

Modest Mouse (Fillmore Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, August 19, 2026)

August 20, 2026 by Paul Debraski

[ATTENDED: August 19, 2026] Modest Mouse 

I saw Modest Mouse open for The Flaming Lips last year.  I was right up front and really enjoyed the intensity of the show.  I asked my wife if she’d like to see them since she never had (this would be my 9th time).  The last 3 times I’d seen them were album tours (Lonesome Crowded West and Good News For People Who Love Bad News) and the opening set with the Lips.  So this would be the first time seeing them in a while when they were just doing new stuff.

And it was a LOT of new stuff.  This makes sense as this was a tour for their new album.  They played 8 songs from the album.

But they played a nice mix of newer and older songs.  In between nearly every song there was an older one.  Some were popular (Fly Trapped in a Jar) and some were deep cuts (Broke, from a 1996 EP).  What was fun about these older songs is that the band dropped from a large 7 piece band to a trio, like on those early albums.

I’m always fascinated by the Modest Mouse crowd because the people around me seemed to know the words to all of the older songs.   And I feel like Modest Mouse is pretty abrasive, so I am always surprised at the amount of fans that they have.  But they do have some really catchy songs (radio friendly ones) like Ocean Breathes Salty–this was only the second time I’ve seen them play it!  And it was the first song of the night that my wife recognized.

There was a dude next to me who seemed to know a lit of the new album as well.  Although I think we all recognized Picking Dragons Pockets since its getting a bunch of airplay.

The crowd went nuts when they played Bury Me With It (as they should) and I was super excited when they played 3rd Planet (the opening track from The Moon and Antarctica–a song I cannot believe I’ve never seen them play live before).

One of the songs my wife wanted to hear was Float On (of course).  I warned her that they may not play it (they did play it the last two times I saw them).  Indeed, the previous show started with 4 “hits.”  But Modest Mouse mixes up their setlists quite a bit, and there were few hits to be had tonight. Continue Reading »

Posted in Califone, Modest Mouse, Philadelphia, PA, The Met Philadelphia | Leave a Comment »

Older Posts »