When people use the words dance and trip in the same sentence, it's usually to describe my clumsy, ill-advised attempts to bust a move at Booty Basement. Thankfully, there's now a much more exciting -- and less embarrassing -- reason to use those words together.
On May 21, Yeasayer brings their dancey, trippy stylings to the Belly Up. The Brooklyn-based six-piece is still flying high after the release of its stunning sophomore album, Odd Blood, which earned the band a place of honor on Owl and Bear's Best of 2010 list.
Odd Blood was a huge coup for Yeasayer, delivering on the promise only hinted at on their debut, All Hour Cymbals. Propelled by the fantastic single "Ambling Alp," Odd Blood cranked up the weirdness but grounded it with some incredible production and unforgettable melodies. If their set at the Belly Up sounds even half as good as that album does, you won't want to miss it.
Yeasayer's presence would be reason enough for people to drag their butts up to Solana Beach, but to sweeten the pot they're bringing the whippersnappers of Smith Westerns with them.
The Chicago trio just released a game-changing sophomore album of their own, Dye It Blonde. The epic, guitar-heavy record would be an achievement for any band, but factor in how everyone in Smith Westerns is between the ages of 19 and 20, and you've got a recipe for some pretty potent jealousy. Those curious as to how Smith Westerns caught so much lightning in their bottle can watch Die With Your Chin Up, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album.
Tickets for the Belly Up show are already sold out, so if you were lucky enough to snatch some up in time, you should be plenty excited. The less fortunate can spend May 21 consoling themselves by listening to Odd Blood and Dye It Blonde, which is still a pretty great way to spend an evening.
Chris Maroulakos is a writer and managing editor for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
