Galactic is one of those bands. I’ve heard a couple of their albums, but the recorded material pales in comparison to the live experience. Standing among the crowd gathered at the Mile High Festival, I was absolutely blown away by their set.

Here’s a sample from another festival…if you dig it, check it out at www.galacticfunk.com.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxOUPWnv1ko

The David Haack Trio’s latest CD, “Who Am I” came out April 25. All the tracks on it hit iTunes later this month. But because we love you, we’ll let you listen to it here first. Click on the White Noise music player to your right.

The CD plays like a musical diary. David clearly put a lot of thought into the CD as a whole, not just individual songs, so listen to it from start to finish. Pay close attention to Haack’s guitar work. It really shines on this album. Colin Peterson’s bass gives a solid, almost retro feel, especially to the rock tracks. Master of rhythm Patrick Baker’s drums rumble and his high hat pitter patters all the way through. Catchy originals come straight from the heart and David’s vocals reveal his vulnerable side.

David Haack Trio, “Who Am I” on White Noise at WhitePoison.com.

The CD Release show had a rollicking party atmosphere, with nearly every seat in the 4th St. Theater filled and lots of shuffling back and forth to the counter at Java Joe’s for drinks and snacks. Whether folks were listening attentively from their seats or mingling around the edges of the room, they were clearly moved and driven by the music.

Haack has a versatile voice that can be as searing and heart rending as Joe Cocker’s one minute and as lonesome and melancholy as Nick Drake’s the next. He especially enjoys tickling the audience with tongue-in-cheek blues songs sung with a lilt and cadence reminiscent of Ray Charles in his early days. There were times when I thought the glint in Haack’s eye would spark a fire and the feeling was not lost on the audience who whooped and laughed along with the story-telling songs.

As good as their original songs are (and the CD is all originals), I’m especially impressed by their covers. A warm and faithful version of Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind (featuring a gorgeous solo by Chesnik) was followed by a cover of I Want You/She’s So Heavy by the Beatles that came straight from the gut. Other crowd pleasers included a Led Zeppelin song and Hard to Handle by the Black Crowes.

You should be seeing the CD around town starting this week and you can find the David Haack Trio on Facebook and MySpace for more information.

Some photo highlights: (Click on any of these photos to go to the Flickr set for more.)

This week’s featured artist is Calous.

If I had to sum up Calous in one word it would be STRONG. Their rhythms are driving, their vocals are full of adrenaline. They’ll send that shock down your spine that you need to kick it in to high gear at work and battle your way to the top of the office typing pool.

White Noise local music player. To your right. Go now.

(Click on any of these pictures to go to the complete set on Flickr.)

North of Grand warmed up the crowd and once again made it look cool to be a bald guy with horn rim glasses.

As Valentine took the stage in a bright red cape draped over a bright purple cape, the audience moved up toward the stage in fervent expectation.

“Lover,” he crooned into the microphone a little self-consciously, “it takes a lot of guts to get up on stage knowing you’re going to be laughed at.” The band immediately erupted into a medley of “Flashy Man” and “Showtime.” Any laughter from the audience was accompanied by a firm appreciation for the music and it only took a couple of beats for the whole crowd to begin surging to the rhythm as one.

Some photographic highlights:

Concert companion extraordinaire, Christapolis recounts the setlist as follows:

Flashy Man / It’s Showtime!
Down at McDonnelzz
Dance Commander
She’s White
Gay Bar
Gay Bar Part Two
Dance Pattern
Dirty Ball
Dance Epidemic
Danger! High Voltage!
The Future Is In The Future
Improper Dancing
Synthesizer
I Buy The Drugs
Formula 409

Click here for a YouTube playlist of Electric Six’s videos:

Electric Six Playlist

Asher Roth – Roth Boys

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tATZN58oZ3Q

Asher Roth – Lark on My Go-Kart

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_1YVFX-Oro

First up, the mighty Rahzel w/ Peeping Tom. Hails from the Legendary Roots Crew. He’ll reiterate this. Thats enough to make you watch. Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FjOx3c_Ubs

Next up, a little more Peeping Tom. If you didn’t already catch the theme, we’re checking things to do with Mike Patton!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQjf0KEkUCg

And of course, you most likely know of Mike Patton from his work with Faith No More. You know, Epic, Midlife Crisis, Last Cup of Sorrow…and their cover of Easy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AuhTr2AAQQ

Some of you met Mr Patton earlier on, with his band Mr Bungle. If you’re curious, California is a killer album.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2UMXM2vMlU

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27xt1XjzD1g

Get Your Formal On! – Tonight @ The Beechwood Lounge (East 4th & Walnut)