Shepard Fairey | "Supply and Demand"

                                                             
This time the ICA went all out: they legitimized urban art, rather disliked by many, by transferring it to their museum walls. Shepard Fairey's exhibition Supply and Demand was one of the more controversial ones this spring-fall, largely because Fairey was arrested at the doors of his very own opening show. Now, putting that minor, yet very important, detail to the side, the show well deserved to turn faces because of the artwork.

Supply and Demand was Fairey's first complete survey, covering work from his early skateboard designs to his latest murals. "Hope", the unofficial poster for the Democratic campaign, received the greatest attention from the public.  I find it amusing some have argued this iconic image was the reason for Obama's victory; I leave that up to you to decide...

                          

Unfortunately, the show was brought down mid-August and, of course, Fairey left with a bam. He closed the cycle with a great dancing party within ICA premises, giving the masses a little taste of his spinnin skills, along with Z-Trip and Chuck D.  You can still listen to Fairey spinnin, just make sure to check out the Phoenix's video covering Fairey's night of debauchery.

SHEPARD FAIREY

VIDEO, "THE PHOENIX"   |   WEBSITE   |   MYSPACE 

Camera Obscura... Nothing Could Harshen This Mellow

It seems summer in Boston is coming to its end and, even though it got here pretty late, I think its legit to say we were blessed with great shows this season.

In a mild attempt to catch up with the many happenings of this short hot summer, i'll start with Camera Obscura.

Boston received the Scottish band on June 25th.  The setting was quite appropriate: good old Somerville Theater at the center of Davis Square.  This venue complemented the band's music with its small stage and vintage interiors, giving off a quasi-nostalgic vibe.

The band covered many of their fans favs including, "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken", "Swans" and "If Looks Could Kill", although "French Navy" was perhaps the highlight of the night, as it broke the ice and brought the crowds to a dancing frenzy.

My personal favorite? "Razzle Dazzle Rose".  I was especially delighted to listen to the final orchestral bridge - no gimmicks, just them.  Pure bliss...

Tracyanne's voice was sweet and delicate and always in tune... The title of their latest album, My Maudlin Career, seems to describe the after taste of their show pretty accurately. It's hard to translate this experience into words, but I'd say I left the theater overemotional, feeling gleeful and slightly light-headed, like a broken hearted 15-year old girl, but ever so in love with love.

Please, don't miss this Glasgow band live, should you get the chance...

CAMERA OBSCURA

WEBSITE   |   MYSPACE