My Top 5 Summer Shows: Andy Nystrom of Insound
We know there’s a lot of shows to see in the summer. To help you narrow down your options, we’re introducing My 5 Shows, a regular feature where we grill behind-the-scenes music-heads for their top 5, don’t-miss-’em live shows this summer.
Today, we get started with Andy Nystrom of online music purveyor Insound. After slinging online vinyl for nearly a decade, he’s seen the best of them come and go, and spends just as much time rocking out with a set of headphones behind his computer as he does standing front row (or backstage) at nightly shows around the five boroughs. Check out his summer show recommendations after the jump.
If you are into guitar rock that blasts you from start to finish, then this is a show to not miss. The first time I saw these guys was at this woodshop on Long Island, where me and my buddies (after an hour LIRR train ride) were crushing beers in the parking lot and taking to these kids about their wrestling theme hardcore cover band, waiting for the Iron Chic to start — not kidding. As soon as they started the parking lot cleared and the crowd came alive. This show is perfect is you’re into having a good time, positive jams, beers and good music. If not, don’t worry, I’m sure there is another show somewhere where everyone is taking themselves too seriously.
7/9- Sky Ferreira @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
A good friend got me a ticket to this show and I couldn’t be more psyched about it! Sky’s record is the kind I can put on and listen on repeat for days. I pretty much feel that she is everything right about pop music these days — from her interviews/opinions and most importantly her music. Also I love seeing shows at Music Hall- pretty much the best place in Williamsburg to see a show.
7/12- 4Knots @ South Street Seaport
Not really sure I have to say much besides: Dinosaur Jr., Speedy Ortiz, Viet Cong, Mac DeMarco, Juan Wauters, and FREE! Let’s all collectively pray for nice weather and lots of sunblock.
Do you have any emo tendencies (c’mon, who doesn’t)? Anyway, do yourself a favor and listen to “Temple of Plenty.” With each listen, there is a new song that grabs a hold of me and won’t let go, ever. I had to miss their show on Father’s Day at the Studio Webster Hall (see the sacrifices I make for you, Dad?), but my buddy was there and made sure to rub it in that I wasn’t (thanks, Pat). I actually found out about Somos from his Oh My Rockness write-up — if you’re not reading Oh My Rockness on the reg, that’s your first mistake — but anyway, here’s to music that makes you feel good, and at the best live venue in Greenpoint.
8/22- Guided By Voices @ The Paramount, LI
I’m originally from Long Island, so given the opportunity to see GBV, in my hometown — done. I can’t wait to see Bobby P and boys high-kicking their way through all the hits- new and old. Being one of the best bands of all time, they really know how to blast you with the jams, and who isn’t into that..