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Cursive / Appleseed Cast / Putrescine

live in Seattle
2003
live show

Review by: Katie4213
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Published on April 22nd 2003

Cursive owns me. I love this band so much. Have you ever had a band whose music you respect and love to a point where it is indescribable? For me this band is Cursive. When I saw them Friday night with The Appleseed Cast and Putrescine at the Graceland in Seattle, I knew I was in for a treat. To know that you are about to see a band that you connect with in an awesome way is one of the best feelings ever. I had already seen two shows of Cursive’s Ugly Organ tour in both Chicago and New York over my spring break. And each time I saw them, it got better and better, so when Friday night rolled around, I was a little too excited for the show.

So, I went to this show alone. I had some friends who were thinking of coming but were not able to make it. At first I was a little bummed that I was going to be there alone, but then I realized that no matter who I was with, I would probably pay no attention to. My attention would be completely focused on Cursive, and I would be in my own world. As I walked into the show, I kept an open mind as I watched the opening bands. Sure they weren’t cursive, but they deserved a fair chance, and review. The first band was Putrescine, a three piece from Nebraska. They had a rougher sound with screaming vocals. They were not really my style, and seemed to have a hard time getting the crowd excited. However, there sound wasn’t too bad, and I am curious to hear more of their music. If you are into more of the stripped down sound with raw vocals, you should check them out.

One down and one to go until Cursive – up next, The Appleseed Cast. Before they went on, I ran into some other friends and we watched the show together. This band was a big surprise for me. I had never heard their music before and I had received mixed reviews on them from several people. Within the first few minutes of their first song I was sold. These guys are extremely talented. This five-piece band from Kansas had a much more slow and melodic sound. Their songs often began with long instrumental interludes, soon accompanied by softer vocals. Before the end of the night I bought their CD Lost Songs. These guys earned another point of approval from me when they expressed their wishes of George W. leaving office. These guys were great. Go see them if you have a chance.

And finally, but not soon enough, it was time for Cursive. As the band took the stage they received a warm welcome from Seattle. Tim, with his fresh haircut, got right to playing as they began their set with “Some Red Handed Sleight of Hand.” I was now in my element. This band does something to me that I can’t explain. I am sure you all have you bands out there that you feel the same way about, and when you get to see them live, you know what I am talking about. Cursive played a mixture of songs mainly from The Ugly Organ, Domestica, and the Burst and Bloom e.p.. The Ugly Organ, their newest release on Saddle Creek Records, is up there in my top five albums - coming extremely close to the number one spot. In this album, Cursive continues to keep their own style while bringing new methods to their music. My favorites of the night included a slower rendition of “The Radiator Hums”, “A Gentleman Caller”, “The Martyr” and “Sink to the Beat”. They also played: The Causality, The Lament of Pretty Baby, The Recluse, Art is Hard, Driftwood, Staying Alive (I think I covered most of them). Cursive had an extremely long set, but it did not seem close enough. When this band plays, I love how Tim mixes up the vocals and adds variations to their songs. His voice is captivating and when he draws out the beginning lines to songs such as the Martyr, it is unbelievable. If you pass up seeing Cursive when they come to your town, you are crazy. I feel this band is among the most talented around today. I feel like any words I write will do them injustice. All I can say is check them out for yourself and make your own decision.

So the night was great. Thank you Cursive for making amazing music, being original, and not confining to the mainstream music world. As for the opening bands, their sets were well worth my time, and I would give them a chance if I were you, especially The Appleseed Cast. So if you want a night of honest music and talent, see this show.

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Posted by funkisdead on 2003-06-29 09:37:03
My Score:

mare vitalis and the 2 low level owl records are my favorites, but everything is great. check out the low level owl records first, i guess. buy them in order.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 28, 2003 at 1:33 AM (EDT)
My Score:

what album is best to check out for someone new to appleseed cast? I saw them open for cursive and was really impressed.

dignin

Posted by Katie4213 on 2003-04-27 14:59:43
My Score:

i totally meant saturday, sometimes i am really really blond.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 26, 2003 at 7:37 PM (EDT)
My Score:

i thought the pgmg show was on saturday night? in fact i know it is.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 26, 2003 at 6:19 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I'm 13 years olld. I like avril lavine, nfg, good charrolette and simple plan. I alsso enjoy long walks on teh beatches. Call 1-800-pun-krawk

serious replies only!!!!1

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 26, 2003 at 3:46 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I think that if it was biologically possible, and given the opportunity, I would have Tim Kasher's children. Also, I would not be totally against the idea of homosexual sex with him.

Posted by Katie4213 on 2003-04-25 22:21:31
My Score:

haha. dating service, i wish, and then skiba could join. that would be great. just kidding.

anyways . . . Seattle kids, this weekend there are some good shows. Sat night i am seeing dolour and the prom (?) and sunday is pgmg @ graceland or these arms are snakes. help me decide which one to go to.

Posted by Icapped2pac on 2003-04-25 19:15:56
My Score:

"since when did punknews become a dating service?"

It can't really be a dating service with only like 2 chicks and 600 guys. And somehow I think that female Cursive fans would be too self-respecting and artsy-fartsy to try and break the gangbang record. (The generalization was made for comedic effect, don't go taking it seriously, kids.)

As for the band itself, I would have to say they seem a little overrated to me, too. It's all a matter of taste though. I gotta give them HUGE props for originality, however, and "Domestica" was a pretty sweet album. Other than that, I like a few songs here and there. Kasher's lyrics are definitely witty and creative, so props for that too, and they're especially biting on "Domestica". If you've ever wanted to chop an ex-girlfriend's head off and bury her in the desert somewhere (it goes without saying...), pick that CD up. I've never seen them live, but I can see how they might be pretty breath-taking if you're a big fan. I'll just wait for Elliott to come back around for a similar experience for myself.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 25, 2003 at 2:03 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I fell asleep when I saw Appleseed Cast last year...

- Scott
http://www.local-felons.com/
(ya ya ya ya)

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 11:07 AM (EDT)
My Score:

Appreciate the cello or i'll get midevil on yo' punk ass!

- mr. T

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 12:51 AM (EDT)
My Score:

"since when did punknews become a dating service?"

hahaha

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 10:46 PM (EDT)
My Score:

You know someone just wants to be "different" from everybody else (in this case, those who enjoy Cursive) when the only negative thing they can come up with regarding the band is Tim's so-called "accent." You couldn't have been a bit more creative?

Cursive is great. Appleseed Cast is very good as well.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 4:35 PM (EDT)
My Score:

since when did punknews become a dating service?

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 2:40 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Tim Kasher has an accent...whaaaa?

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 2:38 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Hey Katie, you want to go out with me sometime?

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 2:35 PM (EDT)
My Score:

anyone else tired of people saying bands are overrated? And your reason for them being "overrated" is stupid, so they have an accent? SO WHAT.

Posted by GreenVandal on 2003-04-23 12:16:57
My Score:

hahahahah. Id be right up there with ya screaming Sierra. Id hijacka plane for "Art is hard" though.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 11:20 AM (EDT)
My Score:

Cursive is amazing. 'nuff said. Ya just keep wanting more and more of them...like watermelon jolly ranchers.
great review too. I wish I was in Seattle to see them with Hottie Katie.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 8:18 AM (EDT)
My Score:

appleseed cast is good if your in college and still think music can be objectively reviewed based on music theory. maybe they should try rocking sometime. Not like back in black rocking, just even some light queensryche rock ballad, or tito puente bongo rocking. I take rock in all flavors.

i think if cursive started playing sierra live, I'd hijack a plane. In case any patriot act people are reading this, im just kidding. No, but really, i'd fucking hijack a plane.

I'd be all front row, clearing people out, so i can drop to my knees, and spread my arms sideways all epic and biblical and scream SIERRA!!!!! yeah. fuck yeah, im hard.

im gonna do some crank to the good life,
wyzo

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 4:37 PM (EDT)
My Score:

cursive is one of the most overrated bands out there today. why? kasher and conor oberst have that annoying accent when they sing (it doesnt sound like a nebraska accent so i dont know whats up with that). theyre decent but appleseed cast make much better music.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 2:20 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Cursive kicks soooooooooooooo much ass! they are coming to el paso this weekend so im gonna go buy a ticket now. I hope one day rancid comes to el paso!!!!

-rancid punx

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 12:53 PM (EDT)
My Score:

if i were a gay man, i would have sex with curisve

Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-04-22 11:53:02
My Score:

I have two souls, my own, and the one my friend traded me for a box of breadsticks, and Putrescine can't have either.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 4:35 AM (EDT)
My Score:

hey katie - i woulda tried to meet you there too but i read your comment from your vendetta red review too late... anyways, great show and great review!! Cursive was so amazing!! I had heard the Appleseed Cast before, but they really surprised me live. I am gonna have to listen to a lot more of them.

I had to drive to Seattle from Bellingham (WWU) so i missed the first band cause i had class til 4. I am glad i apparently didn't miss anything. It was so weird getting out of that show when it was still light out.

Are you going to any more shows coming up? I am going to the Dirty Vegas show at the Northgate Theatre friday night cause the best band in the world is opening: United State of Electronica. Should be fun. I think i am gonna hit up the pretty girls make graves show soon. hopefully minus the bear also. anyways, sorry for the long post...

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 3:07 AM (EDT)
My Score:

Putrescine owns your souls.

Posted by travis on 2003-04-22 02:03:18
My Score:

haha. shit. didnt mean to step in on your "woman" scott. it wont happen again.

i know how it is going to shows by yourself, as I did that for every show when i first moved to seattle for school.

Posted by maverick on 2003-04-22 01:54:13
My Score:

Travis, back off. I've had dibs on Katie since August of last year.

-Scott

Posted by travis on 2003-04-22 01:32:24
My Score:

This show was fantastic. I was right up in front for it, and i hate being right up in front for most bands. Cursive was breathtaking, and the appleseed cast had a wonderful night too.

If you ever need people to go to a show with, let me know... my friends and I go to lots of seattle shows. we are nice people. i swear. be wont bite, at least at first.

Posted by tenderbransonx on 2003-04-22 00:32:58
My Score:

The Ugly Organ is such an amazing album. Props to you for going to a show even though your friends bailed. For the music! Good Review too.
-Steven