Monday: The Muggabears & Goes Cube@ Piano's 9pm $5
At this point I can say no more to sway you one way or another about The Muggabears. You're either going to take my advice and see them or you're going to miss out on one of the best bands in New York right now. I haven't posted about Goes Cube a lot yet but that should change as this band positively rocks. So you're getting a couple of stellar bands for $5, unless you don't have DVR to record '24' and 'Heroes' you should be at Piano's tonight!!!
The Muggabears - "Dead Kid Kicks"
Goes Cube - "Song 27"
Tuesday: Sam Champion @ Piano's 8pm $8
Sam Champion have been buzzed about for quite some time now, and in New York they pack the house with people going nuts for their Pavement influenced sound. Actually, influenced is too weak a word, they take the sound of Pavement and pretty much steal it inserting their own words and trying to make it their own. I know that may sound like a bad thing, but its not I swear it. This band is as fun live as any of the bands I have seen in the past year!
Sam Champion on Myspace
Wednesday: El Perro Del Mar @ Other Music 8pm FREE
If you follow my picks to the word this week you will not wind up spending much money to see some awesome live acts. Tonight's free in-store performance by El Perro Del Mar is just another example of why I love living in New York. Cause awesome musicians just show up to play for free at your favorite record store. Be there early I have a feeling it'll be cramped in that small space.
El Perro Del Mar - "God Knows (You've Got to Give to Get)"
Thursday: The Lisps @ Fontana's 8pm $7
In case you've missed all the other posts about The Lisps and the show I put on that they played, you get another chance tonight. Hosted by Music is Free Now and The Music Sluts, the show features three other bands, but The Lisps are the ones you should be most concered about seeing!
The Lisps - "Documents (live)"
Friday: Gritty Midi Gang, The Muggabears, & Thrushes @ Sin-e 9pm $10
See Monday for The Muggabears. Thrushes have been a recent obsession of mine since I received a friend request from them. The band is solid from top to bottom and I've been meaning to get them their very own post so maybe I'll get to that this week. As for Gritty Midi Gang well if you like electro tinged alternative music you will be all about this band. Its a good way to spend a Friday night.
Gritty Midi Gang - "Your Dream"
Thrushes.com
Saturday: Cause Co-Motion! @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $8
Cause Co-Motion! are freaking awesome, and have been around the New York scene for ages now. So why haven't you seen them yet? You were too lazy, well you didn't get Bright Eyes tickets for tonight so why not come down to Mercury Lounge to check out their fun, pop, jangly sound. It's fun.
Cause Co-Motion! - "Which Way Is Up?"
Sunday: Shapes and Sizes @ Cake Shop 8pm $7
Sunday I get an early jump start on the St. Patrick's Day holiday with the annual Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade, and plenty of people will be at The Thermals show, but that doesn't mean you have to be shut out of all the fun if you don't want to trek to Staten Island and were shut out of The Thermals. Nope you can take in the fantastic Shapes and Sizes at the intimate Cake Shop for the ridculously awesome price of only $7. Its a great, cheap way to finish a great cheap week!
Shapes and Sizes - "Islands Gone Bad"
Final post about the Arcade Fire shows at Judson, well at least till I do a year in review in December! Here's the video I took of the band playing their final song of the stand, "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)". The sound is awful, the video is grainy, but I thought maybe one or two people might like to see it. Hope you enjoy it, and might I suggest listening to the NPR recording of the show while watching it.
- This week has been ridiculously nice to me, so it was inevitable that sooner or later my good fortune would end its run and I'd be sent back to even. It happened this morning in the form of my several times a year stiff necks. They suck so much! I swear this is something seriously wrong with the nerves on the left side of my body.
- Heart on a Stick posted by FAR the best review of the 5 day Arcade Fire extravaganza, and I am including my own in the rankings.
- TV Notes #1: Following this week of Monday television, Heroes is totally better than 24. It was on the fence for most of the past month but made the big leap this week when "somone flies and someone dies". My guess as to who died was way off. As for 24, stop bringing back characters nobody liked anyway!
- My brother appears to have returned to the blog world this week with several random posts about this and that. Tim always has an interesting spin on things so if you enjoy my blog check out his. He gets bonus points for pointing me to Tim Fite's free album today!
- With the end of The O.C. coming this week I'm glad I have an even more childish soap opera to watch now, and that is of course the daily lives of the New York Yankees. That's right folks, after all those years of being prim and proper and winning championships the Bronx Zoo has returned to burn the hopes of any sustained World Series run. Should be an interesting year in the Bronx.
- TV Notes #2: I hope Meredith stays dead, that this is not a joke, or some stupid dream sequence.
- Sasquatch was announced today, but you already knew that from about a million other sources. Pretty excellent lineup though!
- I really enjoy contests, but really lack the want to sort through all the various submissions I get. Music for Kids Who Can't Read Good has his work cut out for him with his guess the P-Fork lineup contest. Lots to read there guys! Enter here.
- Its October all over again on ryspace.com right now! Nice job so far Ryan but where's all the good stuff! Skip to the top 10!
- TV Notes #3: I really hope The Office wins whatever award you get for having the best comedy show on tv. Though if it loses only Extras would be an okay alternative.
- Rachael from Underrated is now doing the news for CMJ.com stop by and see how she's doing covering the world of music!
- Stylus is giving us a rundown of the alternative Oscars this week before the Oscars. I have to be honest I don't there was a single year that I've ever seen fewer films than 2006 but I did see Little Miss Sunshine and hope it wins everything.
Remix: CSS vs. Daft Punk - "Lets Make Technology"
Remix 2: Snowden - "Anti Anti (Treasure Fingers Remix)"
Not a Remix - Tim Fite - "Over the Counter Culture"
Following the Arcade Fire show on Saturday I made what could have been a very regretable decision by heading over to Mercury Lounge to check out the Malajube show. The only reason I followed through with this decision is the fact that I had seen Malajube prior to this and knew they rocked, which I assumed would prevent me from comparing it to the show I had just seen.
I walked into Mercury Lounge pretty much expecting the show to be up to the headliners, but was surprised and a little bit scared by the fact that Snowden were just setting up. Snowden has not been consistently played on my iPod, in fact I think it got one listen and was pushed off for something else pretty quickly. That will have to change now though. The band came out and proceeded to rock straight out of the box. The bassist, while being hot, can also bring it which increases her hotness exponentially. Drums, vocals, and guitar were all really good, and other than the dead guy playing guitar on stage left it was a really solid show. Obviously it was no Arcade Fire but then who is? It prompted me to put the album back onto my iPod and give it another chance so that's pretty dang good.
For the most part I avoid people that speak foreign languages. It seems the rest of the world has been forced to embrace English in order to survive in this increasingly global world, but us spoiled Americans can sit back and speak one language and I like it that way. I hated high school Spanish! So it's odd to me that I enjoy the French speaking Canadian group Malajube at all, let alone the ridiculous amount of adoration I hold for them. But the way they harmonize and rock at the same time is captivating. Its like the band is one step away from pop-punk, but cool because the do it all in French. Anyway, the main guy spoke almost entirely in French the whole show (even between songs) and it was kind of frustrating that he was alienating such a huge part of his audience, but there were more than enough Francophone's on hand to applaud him. Halfway through the set which was amazing the exhaustion of the evening finally took a hold of me. I had been on my feet for almost 9 hours at that point with no reprieve and cramp jumped into my calf. I finished the show watching from the back.
The show was really a good show, the bands I saw were both really solid and played with a great deal of exuberance. Unfortunately that show will always be eclipsed in my mind by what I witnessed prior to seeing them. I'll have to make a point of catching both bands again on a night when nothing can blow them out of the water.
Five shows in Montreal, five shows in London, and now five shows in New York, an absurd, but impressive online marketing campaign, raves about the leaked album, it has reached the point where no corner of the internet has been left untouched by the Arcade Fire. The band has been lauded as brilliant, the best, amazing, excellent, outrageous, oh just buy yourself a thesaurus and knock yourself out with it and you'll still be a few adjectives short of the amount used to describe the band. Yet for some reason we are still writing about them and listening to them and loving every moment of music they set before us. Its been a while since a band has captured so much attention like this and its scary, and wonderful, and well go back to your thesaurus. But here I ask one simple question is it worth standing in the cold for a little more than 3 hours and tempting the gods to freeze your toes off all for a rock concert? The short answer is of course yes, but the long answer well you'll see.
Saturday started off great, the sun was shining, people were cold but not as cold as they've been, and I had eggs for breakfast (I love eggs). I was of course burdened with a fairly heinous hangover from the previous night's ridiculousness, but aside from a slight headache was fairly pleased with life on Saturday morning. The night before I had listened to people brag about their experiences with the Arcade Fire at Judson and decided to make an attempt to get into the show the next and final night. It was brilliant, I would show up around 5pm get on line early but not too early and stick it out while chatting with the people on line. Everything was going swimmingly for the first hour or so. People were friendly, and chatty. If you wanted a cup of coffee someone would hold your place, if you wanted a piece of gum someone would be there to offer it. Great I love that kind of concert going camaraderie.
After the first hour of standing, and I mean standing cause the sidewalk was soaked from the melting snow, the cold began to take its grip on you. It started at my uncovered head, because foolishly I had left a hat at home so as not to muss my hair in case Regine decided to leave Win for me and my amazing Irish locks. My ears began turning red as they often do with wind and cold nipping at them, my nose began to sniffle, and all around me people were starting to feel the effects. When the cold began to attack your fingers (I did remember the gloves) it made you more uncomfortable, add to it that we'd been standing for nearly two hours and it was enough to make some people impatient to say the least. But still no one broke from the character of a kind, compassionate, indie rocking concert goers. Finally there was movement at the front of the line as the venue let in the first 30 or so people waiting on line and began letting the will call people. Those none line standers and the loss of feeling in our toes was the breaking point, people began to worry, even panic that they wouldn't get in. There was pandemonium, well not really just lots of groaning and people wondering how many more people would be let in.
Well needless to say we were let in, or at least I was and a lot of the people behind me made it in as well. I think they packed that place fuller than it had been for any of the other shows on Saturday! I managed to make my way to the front right of the stage where the body heat began to warm my numb appendages. It wasn't long till the lights dimmed and the band emerged in the middle of the crowd, breaking into a rousing, acoustic version of "Wake Up" complete with Win singing through his megaphone and loads of singing along from the crowd. The transition to the stage was smooth, no band members were injured going up the stairs, and as soon as they hit the stage they began playing the early notes of "Black Mirror". It was at this moment that I realized I had made it. After weeks of lamenting not getting tickets from the awful Tickets.com site, I had withstood freezing temperatures and had gotten into a show I absolutely longed to be at.
Looking around at the crowd, watching the faces sing along with every word to every song, getting to see John Legend bob his head with every note reinforced that we were seeing the next great band. And the band never let the crowd down allowing every bit of emotion to drip into their songs, playing every note with a seeming perfection, and never once letting themselves be larger than the music. Well maybe that last bits not true, but they seemed sincerely thrilled to get the response that they do from their music. The set included practically every song off the new album, "Intervention" sending chills down my spine like it did the first time I heard the song, Regine crooning her part in "Black Wave/Bad Vibrations", and the band rocking out on "No Cars Go". Of course the band managed to work in their older stuff as well throwing down "Rebellion (Lies)" and finishing their stay in New York with the always amazing "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)".
When it comes down to it thought there is a certain reverence we reserve for a band like Arcade Fire, we treat them as if they are this generation's Nirvana, Ramones, or Beatles. Honestly, can anyone argue their affect on music right now? They are the best band in the world right now, live and on record they are pushing the envelope more than anyone else, crafting honest, beautiful works of art that you could try to refute but you would have a lot of difficulty putting up a good fight. So yes, the show was absolutely worth the frost bite on me toes. Amazing, might just be the correct adjective for it after all.More on Flickr
Three weeks ago I served notice to all you blog readers out there that Marnie Stern was the first BIG new artist of 2007. I told you all about the workings of the album, the technical mumbojumbo that all the other music people tell you about when they talk about albums. Today her debut album, In Advance of the Broken Arm hits the shelves of stores, and I must implore you to jump on this album now before you miss the boat!!!Personally I cannot stop listening to this album, and I don't think you'll be able to stop yourselves once you pop this bad boy in your CD player and take a few listens. At some point P-Fork is going to give it a better review than I could ever hope to write, so check that out if you want to know more about this album. For now, just know that it ROCKS! And I am not exaggerating people! Buy it now!
Read the leaked review here
buy it at insound!
Marnie Stern - "Precious Metal"
Marnie Stern - "Put All Your Eggs In One Basket, And Then Watch That Basket"
Marnie Stern - "Patterns of a Diamond Ceiling"
Also Released:
Remember the days when your parents would go away for the weekend and in a moment of wanting to be the cool kid in school you would announce an all night kegger, ask your friend's crappy band to play, and use your parent's stereo to play DJ for the evening? Well those days are gone my friends, they have been replaced by blog shows which are pretty much the same thing except better bands and there's a cover charge.
Friday night Chris from The Battering Room played the part of the abandoned teen, and everyone in attendance took advantage of his hospitality. For the people that showed up at the very beginning way at the early, almost ungodly hour of 8pm, The Antlers were there to perform for you. I hear they were good, but missed it due to a late work day. So you'll have to take someone else's word for it really.
I did make it in time to drink some beers and really get myself into the night for The Muggabears. Now, as I've already explained, the first and only time I saw The Muggabears to this point was a set that was cut short by technical difficulties during CMJ. That experience was the show going equivalent of blue balls, just as I was getting into it my parents walked in a turned on the light. Friday though the parents were out, and the night would end much differently. I was giddy with excitement as the band took the stage, I can be such a fan boy at times, and then they launched into their first tune off Teenage Cop and I was really excited. They destroyed that first song live (I don't recall the name, sorry guys) and kept on going from there. The first half of their set was devoted entirely to the last EP, with the band blaring their fans old favorite tunes with their keen knack for noise and feed back all mixed with just enough melody to make it poppy. During the second half of the set the band treated us to a preview of the new EP (due out in early April on "Warner Bros."), a slew of rocking songs that should have started mosh pits, or at least head banging, but just got some enthusiastic clapping and toe tapping. Towards the end of the set the band's front man, Travis, completely passed out towards the end of one of the songs. From down on the ground, half comatose he continued to play to the end of the song. After that their night was close to down, but not before they rocked Travis closer to a coma with one last song.
The night honestly could have ended right there and I would have been a happy camper, but no there was loads more drinking and two more bands to go! Next up was Sure Juror and I have to be honest here the band just did not do it for me. Maybe it was the amount of time I spent waiting for drinks, or the couple of long conversations I had while smoking during their set, but whatever it was it just did not click between me and Sure Juror Friday night. The rest of the people in attendance seemed to have a brilliant old time though, dancing about, drinking, and just being merry all about. So that's good. And they do probably deserve another chance when I'm not being such a social butterfly.
Johan was a nice end to the evening. Having never heard the band I had no expectations whatsoever for the band, but they were good. They were exactly what you think of when you think European indie music - very pop oriented, lots of vocal harmonies, and just enough rocking so that you retain your balls on your way out the door. But really at that point I was pretty sloshed so it could have been Japanese karaoke for all I cared. Wow this review has really taken a turn for the worse here. Oh well, at least I finally saw a full set from The Muggabears!
Friday night Chris from The Battering Room played the part of the abandoned teen, and everyone in attendance took advantage of his hospitality. For the people that showed up at the very beginning way at the early, almost ungodly hour of 8pm, The Antlers were there to perform for you. I hear they were good, but missed it due to a late work day. So you'll have to take someone else's word for it really.
I did make it in time to drink some beers and really get myself into the night for The Muggabears. Now, as I've already explained, the first and only time I saw The Muggabears to this point was a set that was cut short by technical difficulties during CMJ. That experience was the show going equivalent of blue balls, just as I was getting into it my parents walked in a turned on the light. Friday though the parents were out, and the night would end much differently. I was giddy with excitement as the band took the stage, I can be such a fan boy at times, and then they launched into their first tune off Teenage Cop and I was really excited. They destroyed that first song live (I don't recall the name, sorry guys) and kept on going from there. The first half of their set was devoted entirely to the last EP, with the band blaring their fans old favorite tunes with their keen knack for noise and feed back all mixed with just enough melody to make it poppy. During the second half of the set the band treated us to a preview of the new EP (due out in early April on "Warner Bros."), a slew of rocking songs that should have started mosh pits, or at least head banging, but just got some enthusiastic clapping and toe tapping. Towards the end of the set the band's front man, Travis, completely passed out towards the end of one of the songs. From down on the ground, half comatose he continued to play to the end of the song. After that their night was close to down, but not before they rocked Travis closer to a coma with one last song.
The night honestly could have ended right there and I would have been a happy camper, but no there was loads more drinking and two more bands to go! Next up was Sure Juror and I have to be honest here the band just did not do it for me. Maybe it was the amount of time I spent waiting for drinks, or the couple of long conversations I had while smoking during their set, but whatever it was it just did not click between me and Sure Juror Friday night. The rest of the people in attendance seemed to have a brilliant old time though, dancing about, drinking, and just being merry all about. So that's good. And they do probably deserve another chance when I'm not being such a social butterfly.
Johan was a nice end to the evening. Having never heard the band I had no expectations whatsoever for the band, but they were good. They were exactly what you think of when you think European indie music - very pop oriented, lots of vocal harmonies, and just enough rocking so that you retain your balls on your way out the door. But really at that point I was pretty sloshed so it could have been Japanese karaoke for all I cared. Wow this review has really taken a turn for the worse here. Oh well, at least I finally saw a full set from The Muggabears!
Monday: Malajube, Snowden, & Ra Ra Riot @ Southpaw 8pm $10
I caught the Malajube and Snowden show on Saturday and I can say with absolute certainty that you need to catch this show. You'll be able to read my review soon, but for now know that Snowden were way better than I ever thought they would be and Malajube freaking rocks though I couldn't understand a word they were saying. Plus Ra Ra Riot has two really hot members and they are a lot of fun to see!
Malajube - "La Russe"
Snowden - "Stop Your Bleeding"
Tuesday: Explosions in the Sky @ Society for Ethical Culture 7:30pm $15
As you may have already heard, Explosions in the Sky sold out almost an entire week's worth of performances in New York this weekend. What you may not know is they are playing again Tuesday, the same day their new album comes out. So if you didn't get tickets to see one of their other shows, or you liked it so much you want to see it again here's your chance.
Explosions in the Sky - "Catastrophe and the Cure"
Wednesday: Ra Ra Riot & Mixel Pixel @ Canal Room 8pm FREE
Free is really the best price for everything. Tonight you get to see the upstate and downstate parts of New York collide as Syracuse's Ra Ra Riot play with Brooklyn's Mixel Pixel. Both bands put on fun shows that are sure to have some terrible dancers up front near the bands. That's always a good time.
Ra Ra Riot - "Dying is Fine"
Mixel Pixel - "You're the Kind of Girl"
Thursday: Cassettes Won't Listen @ Union Hall 8pm $10
For reasons I can't fathom or comprehend I have yet to see Cassettes Won't Listen. I enjoy the music, I live in a city where they play pretty damn often, and yet I haven't gotten off my ass to go see them. Well here's another chance for me to amend that problem. You can amend your own problem too by getting there.
Cassettes Won't Listen - "Cut Your Hair" (Pavement cover)
Friday: Neko Case @ Lincoln Center 8pm $30
First it was Okkervil River playing Lincoln Center, a hallowed place in music normally reserved for opera or more opulent forms of music, now Neko Case gets the opportunity to entertain the rich and powerful. Is it just me or is our type of music becoming more and more well liked and accepted? It may just be that the "popular" forms of music have become so wrapped up in money that people find this type of music refreshingly more artistic. Whatever the case may be its good for us.
Neko Case - "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
O'Death @ Pete's Candy Store 9pm FREE
Like Cassettes Won't Listen, O'Death are a band I have talked about a lot without actually seeing. And like that Ra Ra Riot/ Mixel Pixel show this one is the perfect price. Seems like a show I'm destined to see by that rationalization.
O'Death - "Only Daughter"
Saturday: BlueSinatra @ Parkeside Lounge 8pm $?
BlueSinatra is not the type of music you will find listed on my site very often. They are pretty much a pop ska band that has more in common with Maroon 5 than they do with TV on the Radio so its not something I talk about too often. But as they are my friends, and also put on an extremely fun and entertaining show I feel its something I should throw notice to. Also its your chance to come and drink some beers with me. What could be more fun? (note that question was rhetorical I don't need snide remarks about everything else in the world that could be more fun than drinking a beer with me. However I do enjoy comments so feel free to drop some in there.)
BlueSinatra.com
Sunday: The Sons of Cain @ Mercury Lounge 8pm SOLD OUT
If you were living under a rock this week, like I was, you probably missed out on this concert listing. Apparently The Sons of Cain (despite being a real band's name) is actually Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, and they are doing this show on a much smaller stage then they should be playing to debut some new stuff to the New York fans. Seems rather nice of them. Unfortunately, it sold out but its all I can recommend on Sunday.
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - "The Sons of Cain"
I caught the Malajube and Snowden show on Saturday and I can say with absolute certainty that you need to catch this show. You'll be able to read my review soon, but for now know that Snowden were way better than I ever thought they would be and Malajube freaking rocks though I couldn't understand a word they were saying. Plus Ra Ra Riot has two really hot members and they are a lot of fun to see!
Malajube - "La Russe"
Snowden - "Stop Your Bleeding"
Tuesday: Explosions in the Sky @ Society for Ethical Culture 7:30pm $15
As you may have already heard, Explosions in the Sky sold out almost an entire week's worth of performances in New York this weekend. What you may not know is they are playing again Tuesday, the same day their new album comes out. So if you didn't get tickets to see one of their other shows, or you liked it so much you want to see it again here's your chance.
Explosions in the Sky - "Catastrophe and the Cure"
Wednesday: Ra Ra Riot & Mixel Pixel @ Canal Room 8pm FREE
Free is really the best price for everything. Tonight you get to see the upstate and downstate parts of New York collide as Syracuse's Ra Ra Riot play with Brooklyn's Mixel Pixel. Both bands put on fun shows that are sure to have some terrible dancers up front near the bands. That's always a good time.
Ra Ra Riot - "Dying is Fine"
Mixel Pixel - "You're the Kind of Girl"
Thursday: Cassettes Won't Listen @ Union Hall 8pm $10
For reasons I can't fathom or comprehend I have yet to see Cassettes Won't Listen. I enjoy the music, I live in a city where they play pretty damn often, and yet I haven't gotten off my ass to go see them. Well here's another chance for me to amend that problem. You can amend your own problem too by getting there.
Cassettes Won't Listen - "Cut Your Hair" (Pavement cover)
Friday: Neko Case @ Lincoln Center 8pm $30
First it was Okkervil River playing Lincoln Center, a hallowed place in music normally reserved for opera or more opulent forms of music, now Neko Case gets the opportunity to entertain the rich and powerful. Is it just me or is our type of music becoming more and more well liked and accepted? It may just be that the "popular" forms of music have become so wrapped up in money that people find this type of music refreshingly more artistic. Whatever the case may be its good for us.
Neko Case - "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
O'Death @ Pete's Candy Store 9pm FREE
Like Cassettes Won't Listen, O'Death are a band I have talked about a lot without actually seeing. And like that Ra Ra Riot/ Mixel Pixel show this one is the perfect price. Seems like a show I'm destined to see by that rationalization.
O'Death - "Only Daughter"
Saturday: BlueSinatra @ Parkeside Lounge 8pm $?
BlueSinatra is not the type of music you will find listed on my site very often. They are pretty much a pop ska band that has more in common with Maroon 5 than they do with TV on the Radio so its not something I talk about too often. But as they are my friends, and also put on an extremely fun and entertaining show I feel its something I should throw notice to. Also its your chance to come and drink some beers with me. What could be more fun? (note that question was rhetorical I don't need snide remarks about everything else in the world that could be more fun than drinking a beer with me. However I do enjoy comments so feel free to drop some in there.)
BlueSinatra.com
Sunday: The Sons of Cain @ Mercury Lounge 8pm SOLD OUT
If you were living under a rock this week, like I was, you probably missed out on this concert listing. Apparently The Sons of Cain (despite being a real band's name) is actually Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, and they are doing this show on a much smaller stage then they should be playing to debut some new stuff to the New York fans. Seems rather nice of them. Unfortunately, it sold out but its all I can recommend on Sunday.
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - "The Sons of Cain"
In the music world these days there is a new flavor of the week every 32 seconds from hundreds and thousands and maybe even millions of different sources. Bands are constantly being lauded as the next big thing, only to fizzle out after a few sub par shows or when people realize they aren't as good the second time around. Marnie Stern is not one of these flavors, even if it seems she might be right now.
For weeks now I have listened to an advance copy of her debut album, In Advance of the Broken Arm, and have loved every moment of it each time I've listened. So it was a great pleasure to be seeing her this past Valentine's Day in lieu of the usual holiday antics like love and chocolates. Two average bands took the stage before her providing some moments that were interesting, but really just filled the void, and allowed the anticipation to mount for Ms. Stern.
When Marnie finally took to the stage the crowd was piqued with hope for what they were about to see. There were expectant murmurs abounding all around me, nervous movement behind me, and of course Marnie tuning and plugging in and setting up her iPod. That's right her iPod. In order to bring the same layers of music that litters her album, Marnie is reliant on the technology to fill the sound. It did not please the sound engineer at all.
Countless technical problems affected the true quality of Marnie's set, the iPod being too loud, the iPod being too quiet, the squealing of the guitar every time she paused or started the iPod, and quiet vocals, yet somehow the show was so raw and powerful that it overcame all this problems leaving most of the audience stunned by what they had just seen. Stern's ability with the guitar is awesome, a pint sized barely 5 feet elf-like girl, making wailing, frantic sounds come from that beast of an instrument was enough to make any of the music geeks in attendance hard. With her fast, tiny fingers Marnie works the fret board like a magician offering up some of the best finger tapping guitar playing these eyes have ever seen. After about three or four songs most of the technical difficulties had been ironed out which obviously made Marnie more at ease allowing her to rock out during the end of her set. Her vocals were a bit difficult to hear during most of the songs, but it didn't matter just watching her work the guitar was enough to make the show excellent.
I got to speak with Marnie before the show started and she was telling me that the label was letting her have one tour with an iPod to accompany her and then she would have to get a band to back her. That's what I'd like to see after seeing her with the iPod. As good as she was the use of technology certainly hindered the potential of her music live. To see her performing with four or five capable musicians, especially if Zach Hill is on the drums, will be awe inspiring. For now though I will live with the memories of one of my favorite Valentine's ever, technical problems and all it was better than any box of chocolates could ever have been.
More Pices on Flickr
For weeks now I have listened to an advance copy of her debut album, In Advance of the Broken Arm, and have loved every moment of it each time I've listened. So it was a great pleasure to be seeing her this past Valentine's Day in lieu of the usual holiday antics like love and chocolates. Two average bands took the stage before her providing some moments that were interesting, but really just filled the void, and allowed the anticipation to mount for Ms. Stern.
When Marnie finally took to the stage the crowd was piqued with hope for what they were about to see. There were expectant murmurs abounding all around me, nervous movement behind me, and of course Marnie tuning and plugging in and setting up her iPod. That's right her iPod. In order to bring the same layers of music that litters her album, Marnie is reliant on the technology to fill the sound. It did not please the sound engineer at all.
Countless technical problems affected the true quality of Marnie's set, the iPod being too loud, the iPod being too quiet, the squealing of the guitar every time she paused or started the iPod, and quiet vocals, yet somehow the show was so raw and powerful that it overcame all this problems leaving most of the audience stunned by what they had just seen. Stern's ability with the guitar is awesome, a pint sized barely 5 feet elf-like girl, making wailing, frantic sounds come from that beast of an instrument was enough to make any of the music geeks in attendance hard. With her fast, tiny fingers Marnie works the fret board like a magician offering up some of the best finger tapping guitar playing these eyes have ever seen. After about three or four songs most of the technical difficulties had been ironed out which obviously made Marnie more at ease allowing her to rock out during the end of her set. Her vocals were a bit difficult to hear during most of the songs, but it didn't matter just watching her work the guitar was enough to make the show excellent.
I got to speak with Marnie before the show started and she was telling me that the label was letting her have one tour with an iPod to accompany her and then she would have to get a band to back her. That's what I'd like to see after seeing her with the iPod. As good as she was the use of technology certainly hindered the potential of her music live. To see her performing with four or five capable musicians, especially if Zach Hill is on the drums, will be awe inspiring. For now though I will live with the memories of one of my favorite Valentine's ever, technical problems and all it was better than any box of chocolates could ever have been.
More Pices on Flickr
The world has now been without a new Art Brut album for a long, long, long, long time and its getting a bit daunting to be living in a world like this where Eddie Argos prancing around a stage without new material. Lucky for some U.S. cities and England, Art Brut have been in the studio recording new stuff for a new album and are going to be taking it on tour. Below are the tour dates. Also, today the band posted three videos that show what the group have been up to in the studio.
Watch the Videos
Art Brut U.S. Tour Dates: (no Maximo Park)
Apr 17 - NYC @ Bowery Ballroom
Apr 18 - Brooklyn, NYC @ Studio B
Apr 19 - Toronto, Ontario @ The Mod Club
Apr 20 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Apr 21 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
Art Brut/ Maximo Park Tour Dates:
Apr. 23rd - Cardiff University
Apr. 24th - Leeds University
Apr. 25th - Nottingham Rock City
Apr. 26th - Manchester Ritz
Apr. 27th - Liverpool University
Apr. 30th - Bristol Academy
May 1st - Southampton Guildhall
May 2nd - Norwich UEA
May 3rd - Birmingham Academy
May 5th - Glasgow Barrowlands
May 6th - Aberdeen Music Hall
May 7th - Sunderland Manor Quay
May 8th - Northumbria Stage 1
May 11th - London Shepherds Bush Empire
Watch the Videos
Art Brut U.S. Tour Dates: (no Maximo Park)
Apr 17 - NYC @ Bowery Ballroom
Apr 18 - Brooklyn, NYC @ Studio B
Apr 19 - Toronto, Ontario @ The Mod Club
Apr 20 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Apr 21 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
Art Brut/ Maximo Park Tour Dates:
Apr. 23rd - Cardiff University
Apr. 24th - Leeds University
Apr. 25th - Nottingham Rock City
Apr. 26th - Manchester Ritz
Apr. 27th - Liverpool University
Apr. 30th - Bristol Academy
May 1st - Southampton Guildhall
May 2nd - Norwich UEA
May 3rd - Birmingham Academy
May 5th - Glasgow Barrowlands
May 6th - Aberdeen Music Hall
May 7th - Sunderland Manor Quay
May 8th - Northumbria Stage 1
May 11th - London Shepherds Bush Empire
Here's a video of The Muggabears performing "Automatic Others" from their forthcoming EP. You should enjoy it, cause it is awesome!
Here's the first video from the Marnie Stern show at Cake Shop last night. It's actually the last song she played, "Patterns of a Diamond Ceiling". Proper review, pictures, and more videos coming soon.
Are any of my readers actually excited about today being Valentine's Day? I am surely not. This holiday has never been my thing and probably never will be. It might actually be a criteria for me settling down with one choice woman, "Do you celebrate Valentine's Day in the way Hallmark deems appropriate?". "Yes", would be a deal breaker.
Anyway its difficult for me to let any holiday slide without some recognition so I'm posting a mix, but its not your traditional mix of Barry White's and Al Green's. Obviously its going to include a slew of the artists I tend towards (as every one of my mixes does), but this one really says "love" in slightly different ways. One night stands, prostitution, unrequited love, and plenty of other odd ball example of what "love" means to me.
I hope you all enjoy the mix, and maybe just maybe land a little nookie tonight no matter how much you hate the holiday.
The Hold Steady - "Girl Like Status"
Oxford Collapse - "Molasses"
Dropkick Murphy's - "Kiss Me, I'm Shitfaced"
CSS - "Let's Make Love And Listen to Death From Above"
Smashing Pumpkins - "Cupid de Locke"
The Wrens - "I'll Mind You"
Weezer - "Falling for You"
The Magnetic Fields - "I'm Sorry I Love You"
The Replacements - "Answering Machine"
Anyway its difficult for me to let any holiday slide without some recognition so I'm posting a mix, but its not your traditional mix of Barry White's and Al Green's. Obviously its going to include a slew of the artists I tend towards (as every one of my mixes does), but this one really says "love" in slightly different ways. One night stands, prostitution, unrequited love, and plenty of other odd ball example of what "love" means to me.
I hope you all enjoy the mix, and maybe just maybe land a little nookie tonight no matter how much you hate the holiday.
The Magentic Fields - "Absolutely Cuckoo"
The Pipettes - "Because It's Not Love (But It's A Feeling)"
Art Brut - "Emily Kane"
The Moldy Peaches - "Anyone Else But You"
Pavement - "Shady Lane"
Silver Jews - "How Can I Love You If You Won't Lie Down"
The Decemberists - "The Crane Wife (Part 3)"
The Postal Service - "Clark Gable"
The Go! Team - "Everyone's A V.I.P. To Someone"
The Pipettes - "Because It's Not Love (But It's A Feeling)"
Art Brut - "Emily Kane"
The Moldy Peaches - "Anyone Else But You"
Pavement - "Shady Lane"
Silver Jews - "How Can I Love You If You Won't Lie Down"
The Decemberists - "The Crane Wife (Part 3)"
The Postal Service - "Clark Gable"
The Go! Team - "Everyone's A V.I.P. To Someone"
The Hold Steady - "Girl Like Status"
Oxford Collapse - "Molasses"
Dropkick Murphy's - "Kiss Me, I'm Shitfaced"
CSS - "Let's Make Love And Listen to Death From Above"
Smashing Pumpkins - "Cupid de Locke"
The Wrens - "I'll Mind You"
Weezer - "Falling for You"
The Magnetic Fields - "I'm Sorry I Love You"
The Replacements - "Answering Machine"
- Does anyone find it odd that as you get older you get fewer Valentine's? Shouldn't that be reverseed? You know more people, have had way more time to develop relationships, but you get more cards with cartoon characters as a first grader than you do when you're 26. Odd.
- The Daily News has decided to list the 100 Greatest Love Songs of All Time and dedicate it as a huge mix CD to the New York Post. The last part of that sentence may not be true, but you know they really love each other in secret. #1 on the list is "My Girl".
- TV Update #1: Anyone watch Grey's Anatomy? How great was the ending last week? P.S. Don't spoil it for others.
- I have completely stopped watching The O.C., I know I gave up but I just didn't want to watch the demise as it happens. Maybe I'll pickup the DVD to complete the collection someday, but Stereogum is giving us a heads up as to what tune will be the last on the show; Patrick Park's "Life is a Song". OKay.
- Yankees pitchers and catchers reported yesterday. Mo is apparently not happy about not already having a contract extension, but here I have to side with GM Brian Cashman. Mo you are an amazing pitcher, I love you to death for all the success you have helped the Yankees have, but you did have elbow trouble at the end of the year so maybe, just maybe they want to make sure you're okay before investing another $30million in you for three years. But what they've done to Bernie is unacceptable.
- A long time ago I did a post for another blog about a bunch of bands from Staten Island, one of those bands were Pablo who got a great write up by Obscure Sound this week! Nice job guys!
- TV Update #2: One hour of Heroes vs. Two hours of 24 and the winner is Heroes. Damn that show just keeps getting better. I think this week's 24 may be the worst 2-hour installment since the series started, but Jack's dad is fucking nuts.
- Chris (who just happens to hosting the second hottest show in the city on Friday night at Union Hall) wins the award for first person with pics of Arcade Fire's show at Judson. Um the pictures are pretty crappy, but the guy who was there said it wasn't very crowded. If there is any truth to this people might fucking die.
- Tonight at Cake Shop: Marnie Stern Record Release Party! Be there!
- Over at Covert Curiousity they have posted part one of a two part posting of a bootlegged Ramones show at Northwestern University. Its worth downloading if you've never heard/seen The Ramones live, are a completist, or feel like hearing a little bit of a different take on your old favorites.
Ted Leo + The Pharmacists - "The Son Of Cain"
Jens Lekman - "Your Beat Kicks Back Like Death" (Scott Niblett Cover)
Calla - "Malicious Manner"
I was just trolling the internet seeing what's up everywhere, and damn did every band in the world announce tour dates the last two days or what? I mean great I want to see all of you, but unless you are personally inviting me to your shows there is just no way I can afford to go to all of them. Budgeting problems may arise from all this, but here's what came down the series of tubes today.
Arcade Fire:
04/26 San Diego, CA - Spreckels Theatre
0428 Indio, CA - Empire Polo Field (Coachella)
05/01 Atlanta, GA - Civic Center
05/02 Asheville, NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
05/04 Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall
05/05 Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theatre
05/07 New York, NY - TBA
05/08 New York, NY - TBA
05/09 New York, NY - TBA
05/10 Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
05/12 Montreal, Quebec - Arena Maurice Richard
05/13 Montreal, Quebec - Arena Maurice Richard
05/15 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall
05/16 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall
05/18 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
05/19 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
05/20 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
05/27 Portland, OR - Schnitzer Concert Hall
06/01 Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre
06/02 Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre
Peter, Bjorn, & John:
04-28 Indio, CA - Empire Polo Field (Coachella)
04-30 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
05-01 New York, NY - Webster Hall
05-02 New York, NY - Webster Hall
05-03 Philadelphia, PA - TLA
05-04 Boston, MA - Paradise
05-05 Montreal, Quebec - Le National
05-06 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix
05-07 Columbus, OH - Wexner Center
05-08 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
05-09 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
05-12 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore
05-13 Seattle, WA - Neumos
05-14 Portland, OR - Doug Fir
05-15 San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's
05-16 San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's
The Shins:
Feb 13 2007 - Liberty Hall Lawrence, Kansas
Feb 15 2007 - Fillmore Auditorium Denver, Colorado
Feb 16 2007 - In The Venue Salt Lake City, Utah
Feb 17 2007 - Egyptian Theater Boise, Idaho
Feb 18 2007 -Paramount Theatre Seattle, Washington
Feb 20 2007 - Paramount Theatre Seattle, Washington
Feb 21 2007 -Crystal Ballroom Portland, Oregon
Feb 25 2007 - Astoria London
Feb 26 2007 -Bush Hall London
Mar 5 2007 -Palladium Ballroom Dallas, Texas
Mar 6 2007 -Verizon Wireless Theater Houston, Texas
Mar 7 2007 -Backyard Austin, Texas
Mar 9 2007 -Ryman Auditorium Nashville, Tennessee
Mar 10 2007 -The Millennium Center Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Mar 12 2007 -DAR Constitution Hall Washington DC, Washington DC
Mar 13 2007 -Electric Factory Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 14 2007 -Theatre @ MSG, NYC
Mar 15 2007 -Orpheum Theater, Boston, MA
Mar 16 2007 -Metropolis Montreal, Quebec
Mar 17 2007 -Kool Haus Toronto, Ontario
Apr 14 2007 -Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, California
The Police:
05/28 - Vancouver, British Columbia - GM Place (on sale 02/17)
06/06 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena
06/09 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
06/15 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
06/16 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo Festival
06/18 - Phoenix, AZ - US Airways Arena
06/26 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
06/30 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena
07/02 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
07/22 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre (on sale 02/17)
07/25 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre (02/17)
07/28 - Boston, MA - Fenway Park (on sale 02/20)
08/01, 03 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden (on sale 02/20)
The Flaming Lips:
04-11 Athens, GA - Classic Center
04-12 Orlando, FL - House of Blues
04-13 Pompano Beach, FL - PB Amphitheater
04-14 St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Landing
04-17 Myrtle Beach, FL - House of Blues
04-18 Raleigh, NC - Disco Rodeo
04-19 Norfolk, VA - The Norva
Pretty Girls Make Graves (farewell tour):
05-10 Milwaukee, WI - Mad Planet
05-11 Iowa City, IA - Picador
05-12 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
05-13 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
05-16 Philadelphia, PA - North Star Bar
05-17 Cambridge, MA - Middle East
05-18 Providence, RI - Living Room
05-20 Washington, DC - Black Cat
05-22 Atlanta, GA - Earl
05-23 Tampa, FL - Orpheum
05-28 Austin, TX - Emo's
06-03 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
06-04 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
Bonnaroo '07:
The Police • Tool • Widespread Panic • The White Stripes • Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals • Flaming Lips • Wilco • Manu Chao • The String Cheese Incident • Franz Ferdinand • Bob Weir & Ratdog • Damien Rice • Ween • The Roots • Gov’t Mule • Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers • The Decemberists • Kings of Leon • Spearhead • Wolfmother • Regina Spektor • The Black Keys • DJ Shadow • Gillian Welch & David Rawlings • Spoon • Keller Williams • Sasha & Digweed • STS9 • Old Crow Medicine Show • The Hold Steady • Galactic • Lily Allen • North Mississippi Allstars • Fountains Of Wayne • Hot Tuna • Feist • Hot Chip • John Butler Trio • Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys • Aesop Rock • The Richard Thompson Band • Xavier Rudd • Tortoise • T-Bone Burnett • Mavis Staples • Clutch • Cold War Kids • Paolo Nutini • Brazilian Girls • RX Bandits • The Slip • Girl Talk • Railroad Earth • Martha Wainright • Rodrigo y Gabriela • Annuals • Tea Leaf Green • Sam Roberts Band • Elvis Perkins • Charlie Louven • Sonya Kitchell • Apollo Sunshine • Ryan Shaw • Uncle Earl • The National • The Little Ones •
(P.S. - Is the "series of tubes" joke completely unfunny now?)
(P.P.S. - I know there is a normal weekly post here on Tuesday's to influence your album buying, but the only thing I was excited about this week was the new Times New Viking album and I didn't get to hear it in advance so I'll have to tell you about it when I'm done listening at some point.)
Arcade Fire:
04/26 San Diego, CA - Spreckels Theatre
0428 Indio, CA - Empire Polo Field (Coachella)
05/01 Atlanta, GA - Civic Center
05/02 Asheville, NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
05/04 Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall
05/05 Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theatre
05/07 New York, NY - TBA
05/08 New York, NY - TBA
05/09 New York, NY - TBA
05/10 Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
05/12 Montreal, Quebec - Arena Maurice Richard
05/13 Montreal, Quebec - Arena Maurice Richard
05/15 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall
05/16 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall
05/18 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
05/19 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
05/20 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
05/27 Portland, OR - Schnitzer Concert Hall
06/01 Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre
06/02 Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre
Peter, Bjorn, & John:
04-28 Indio, CA - Empire Polo Field (Coachella)
04-30 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
05-01 New York, NY - Webster Hall
05-02 New York, NY - Webster Hall
05-03 Philadelphia, PA - TLA
05-04 Boston, MA - Paradise
05-05 Montreal, Quebec - Le National
05-06 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix
05-07 Columbus, OH - Wexner Center
05-08 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
05-09 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
05-12 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore
05-13 Seattle, WA - Neumos
05-14 Portland, OR - Doug Fir
05-15 San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's
05-16 San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's
The Shins:
Feb 13 2007 - Liberty Hall Lawrence, Kansas
Feb 15 2007 - Fillmore Auditorium Denver, Colorado
Feb 16 2007 - In The Venue Salt Lake City, Utah
Feb 17 2007 - Egyptian Theater Boise, Idaho
Feb 18 2007 -Paramount Theatre Seattle, Washington
Feb 20 2007 - Paramount Theatre Seattle, Washington
Feb 21 2007 -Crystal Ballroom Portland, Oregon
Feb 25 2007 - Astoria London
Feb 26 2007 -Bush Hall London
Mar 5 2007 -Palladium Ballroom Dallas, Texas
Mar 6 2007 -Verizon Wireless Theater Houston, Texas
Mar 7 2007 -Backyard Austin, Texas
Mar 9 2007 -Ryman Auditorium Nashville, Tennessee
Mar 10 2007 -The Millennium Center Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Mar 12 2007 -DAR Constitution Hall Washington DC, Washington DC
Mar 13 2007 -Electric Factory Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 14 2007 -Theatre @ MSG, NYC
Mar 15 2007 -Orpheum Theater, Boston, MA
Mar 16 2007 -Metropolis Montreal, Quebec
Mar 17 2007 -Kool Haus Toronto, Ontario
Apr 14 2007 -Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, California
The Police:
05/28 - Vancouver, British Columbia - GM Place (on sale 02/17)
06/06 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena
06/09 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
06/15 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
06/16 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo Festival
06/18 - Phoenix, AZ - US Airways Arena
06/26 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
06/30 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena
07/02 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
07/22 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre (on sale 02/17)
07/25 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre (02/17)
07/28 - Boston, MA - Fenway Park (on sale 02/20)
08/01, 03 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden (on sale 02/20)
The Flaming Lips:
04-11 Athens, GA - Classic Center
04-12 Orlando, FL - House of Blues
04-13 Pompano Beach, FL - PB Amphitheater
04-14 St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Landing
04-17 Myrtle Beach, FL - House of Blues
04-18 Raleigh, NC - Disco Rodeo
04-19 Norfolk, VA - The Norva
Pretty Girls Make Graves (farewell tour):
05-10 Milwaukee, WI - Mad Planet
05-11 Iowa City, IA - Picador
05-12 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
05-13 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
05-16 Philadelphia, PA - North Star Bar
05-17 Cambridge, MA - Middle East
05-18 Providence, RI - Living Room
05-20 Washington, DC - Black Cat
05-22 Atlanta, GA - Earl
05-23 Tampa, FL - Orpheum
05-28 Austin, TX - Emo's
06-03 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
06-04 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
Bonnaroo '07:
The Police • Tool • Widespread Panic • The White Stripes • Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals • Flaming Lips • Wilco • Manu Chao • The String Cheese Incident • Franz Ferdinand • Bob Weir & Ratdog • Damien Rice • Ween • The Roots • Gov’t Mule • Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers • The Decemberists • Kings of Leon • Spearhead • Wolfmother • Regina Spektor • The Black Keys • DJ Shadow • Gillian Welch & David Rawlings • Spoon • Keller Williams • Sasha & Digweed • STS9 • Old Crow Medicine Show • The Hold Steady • Galactic • Lily Allen • North Mississippi Allstars • Fountains Of Wayne • Hot Tuna • Feist • Hot Chip • John Butler Trio • Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys • Aesop Rock • The Richard Thompson Band • Xavier Rudd • Tortoise • T-Bone Burnett • Mavis Staples • Clutch • Cold War Kids • Paolo Nutini • Brazilian Girls • RX Bandits • The Slip • Girl Talk • Railroad Earth • Martha Wainright • Rodrigo y Gabriela • Annuals • Tea Leaf Green • Sam Roberts Band • Elvis Perkins • Charlie Louven • Sonya Kitchell • Apollo Sunshine • Ryan Shaw • Uncle Earl • The National • The Little Ones •
(P.S. - Is the "series of tubes" joke completely unfunny now?)
(P.P.S. - I know there is a normal weekly post here on Tuesday's to influence your album buying, but the only thing I was excited about this week was the new Times New Viking album and I didn't get to hear it in advance so I'll have to tell you about it when I'm done listening at some point.)
Arcade Fire, who needs 'em? Not this guy! In all honesty though could someone step up to the plate and get this guy into one of those shows? Anyway, there are a ton of non-Arcade shows this week and most of them are damn good. We've got free shows, and a blog sponsored event, the next big thing, and some honest to goodness French Canadians, it doesn't get much better than this week New York! Get off your couches, DVR 24 and Heroes and get thee to some of these shows this week!
Monday: Arbourteum @ Other Music 8pm FREE
Ah how I love the free in-store performances. Tonight we get a chance to check out the Baltimore based Arbouretum a week before they'll be playing actually shows in New York. The band has been linked to Will Oldham in practically every piece written about them and for good reason, singer/guitarist Dave Heumann has played with him and the influence has definitely rubbed off. The music on their most recent release, Rites of Uncovering is amazing, so check out the band and pick up a copy of the disc at the same time!
Arbouretum - "Mohammed's Hex And Bounty"
Tuesday: Sparrow House @ Mercury Lounge 9:30pm $10
For months I have stood on the sidelines as several other people lauded the efforts of Voxtrot's Jared Van Fleet as Sparrow House. Well I am here to say I am no longer standing on the sidelines. His first seasonal EP, Falls is so perfect in its sound that its impossible not to enjoy every moment and wish that it was a lot longer. Tonight he'll take to the Mercury stage trying to make people forget that they are not at the opening night of the Arcade Fire shows.
Sparrow House - "Foxes (Sighing Like a Furnace)"
Wednesday: Marnie Stern @ Cake Shop Time & Price TBA
Valentine's Day is not my favorite holiday. In fact I would be more willing to celebrate Boxer Day than V-Day, but tonight I will be spending my Hallmark holiday with a love of mine anyway. Tonight is Marnie Stern's record release party for her forthcoming album, In Advance of the Broken Arm. Since I got my hands on this album it has been in constant rotation with its searing layers of guitars, and awesome songwriting. Fuck your dates, to hell with the box of chocolates, go to this show!!!
Marnie Stern - "Patterns of a Diamond Ceiling"
Thursday: The Lisps @ Galapagos 7pm FREE
You all know I love The Lisps, their music has me completely hooked and I will never fail to push there stuff onto all of you whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tonight it presents itself again with a free show sponsored by Jezebel Music at Galapagos. I know the band has recently been recording a full length EP so show up and maybe you'll catch some of the new tunes!
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"
Friday: Knockout 2 feat. Johan, The Muggabears, Sure Juror, & The Antlers @ Union Hall 8pm $8
Chris has really stepped it up for his second solo showcase show. This time he has taken over the larger Union Hall to bring us a lineup packed with talent. The Antlers played my birthday show in November and bring some folk rock, and maybe a Neutral Milk Hotel cover to the party, Sure Juror has been playing New York all month so if you miss them you really have no excuses, The Muggabears are readying a fantastic new EP for release, and Johan is playing one of three US shows tonight for Chris. Really why would you want to miss all this fun?
Johan - "She's Got A Way With Men"
The Muggabears - "Dead Kid Kicks"
Sure Juror - "Smut"
The Antlers - "I'm Hibernating"
Saturday: Oxford Collapse w/Rock Plaza Central @ Glasslands 9pm $8
I have seen Oxford Collapse twice now, once at Bowery Ballroom during CMJ which was a solid show for sure. But the when I saw them at Glasslands it bowled me over. The energy of the place and that of the band was frantic creating an atmosphere built for rock. I'm expecting the same thing from those guys tonight as they do it again. This time though we get Rock Central Plaza as well, and these guys are sure to rock in their own right!
Oxford Collapse - "Lady Lawyers"
Rock Plaza Central - "My Children, Be Awful"
Sunday: Malajube w/Snowden, Rock Plaza Central @ Mercury Lounge 9:30pm $10
I can't understand a single word Malajube is saying when they sing, but despite that I still find myself trying to sing along with every one of their songs. The tunes they play are perfect bits of rocking pop, and the melodies of their French-Canadian lyrics are as addictive as they come. The band's playing three nights at Mercury Lounge each night with Snowden and a different opener so make sure you catch at least one of those nights.
Malajube - "La Russe"
Monday: Arbourteum @ Other Music 8pm FREE
Ah how I love the free in-store performances. Tonight we get a chance to check out the Baltimore based Arbouretum a week before they'll be playing actually shows in New York. The band has been linked to Will Oldham in practically every piece written about them and for good reason, singer/guitarist Dave Heumann has played with him and the influence has definitely rubbed off. The music on their most recent release, Rites of Uncovering is amazing, so check out the band and pick up a copy of the disc at the same time!
Arbouretum - "Mohammed's Hex And Bounty"
Tuesday: Sparrow House @ Mercury Lounge 9:30pm $10
For months I have stood on the sidelines as several other people lauded the efforts of Voxtrot's Jared Van Fleet as Sparrow House. Well I am here to say I am no longer standing on the sidelines. His first seasonal EP, Falls is so perfect in its sound that its impossible not to enjoy every moment and wish that it was a lot longer. Tonight he'll take to the Mercury stage trying to make people forget that they are not at the opening night of the Arcade Fire shows.
Sparrow House - "Foxes (Sighing Like a Furnace)"
Wednesday: Marnie Stern @ Cake Shop Time & Price TBA
Valentine's Day is not my favorite holiday. In fact I would be more willing to celebrate Boxer Day than V-Day, but tonight I will be spending my Hallmark holiday with a love of mine anyway. Tonight is Marnie Stern's record release party for her forthcoming album, In Advance of the Broken Arm. Since I got my hands on this album it has been in constant rotation with its searing layers of guitars, and awesome songwriting. Fuck your dates, to hell with the box of chocolates, go to this show!!!
Marnie Stern - "Patterns of a Diamond Ceiling"
Thursday: The Lisps @ Galapagos 7pm FREE
You all know I love The Lisps, their music has me completely hooked and I will never fail to push there stuff onto all of you whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tonight it presents itself again with a free show sponsored by Jezebel Music at Galapagos. I know the band has recently been recording a full length EP so show up and maybe you'll catch some of the new tunes!
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"
Friday: Knockout 2 feat. Johan, The Muggabears, Sure Juror, & The Antlers @ Union Hall 8pm $8
Chris has really stepped it up for his second solo showcase show. This time he has taken over the larger Union Hall to bring us a lineup packed with talent. The Antlers played my birthday show in November and bring some folk rock, and maybe a Neutral Milk Hotel cover to the party, Sure Juror has been playing New York all month so if you miss them you really have no excuses, The Muggabears are readying a fantastic new EP for release, and Johan is playing one of three US shows tonight for Chris. Really why would you want to miss all this fun?
Johan - "She's Got A Way With Men"
The Muggabears - "Dead Kid Kicks"
Sure Juror - "Smut"
The Antlers - "I'm Hibernating"
Saturday: Oxford Collapse w/Rock Plaza Central @ Glasslands 9pm $8
I have seen Oxford Collapse twice now, once at Bowery Ballroom during CMJ which was a solid show for sure. But the when I saw them at Glasslands it bowled me over. The energy of the place and that of the band was frantic creating an atmosphere built for rock. I'm expecting the same thing from those guys tonight as they do it again. This time though we get Rock Central Plaza as well, and these guys are sure to rock in their own right!
Oxford Collapse - "Lady Lawyers"
Rock Plaza Central - "My Children, Be Awful"
Sunday: Malajube w/Snowden, Rock Plaza Central @ Mercury Lounge 9:30pm $10
I can't understand a single word Malajube is saying when they sing, but despite that I still find myself trying to sing along with every one of their songs. The tunes they play are perfect bits of rocking pop, and the melodies of their French-Canadian lyrics are as addictive as they come. The band's playing three nights at Mercury Lounge each night with Snowden and a different opener so make sure you catch at least one of those nights.
Malajube - "La Russe"
Tuesday marks the opening night of Arcade Fire's five night stay at Judson Memorial Chruch. Like most fans I was shut out of tickets thanks to the terrible purchasing system at tickets.com, and will be trying to avoid thinking about the shows all week. It won't be easy though as people all over the internet post shit from other shows. Today the band posted an awesome video of themselves doing a cover of The Clash's "The Guns of Brixton" . Its grainy, and the sound isn't the best but it shows just what the band is capable of. Watch it here so you too can feel badly about not being at the shows yourself.
Arcade Fire - "The Guns of Brixton" (Video)
(click on 6. Guns to watch)
I've decided to start adding some tracks to my weekly Hump Day posts. I know it must be tedious for all you people out there to look over what I'm thinking and reading in cyber world without some rocking music to go with it, so its only fair that I give you some tunes to go with it. I'm not sure if the songs posted will follow a theme or just be stuff I'm liking right now or a combination of the two but whatever it is you win with some easy to download tunes. On to the other shit (tunes at the bottom, yes I'm still making you scroll to the bottom! Don't skip either!)
Rachael Posted the Single: Fall Out Boy - "Thriller"
I'm Rich, Married, And Still Edgy: Avril Lavigne - "Girlfriend"
REMIX!!!: Loney, Dear - "The City, The Airport (CSS Remix)"
Heavy Rotation: Marnie Stern - "Patterns of a Diamond Ceiling"
Bonus Track: The Hold Steady - "American Music"
- My Super Bowl predicition was just a bit off. Oh well, I'm going to go early and pick next year's Super Bowl players right now. In a bit of an upset the Miami Dolphins blank the Carolina Panthers 17-0! You heard it here first.
- Last time I attended a McSweeney's charity event with a prominent Daily Show member I was a bit trady and missed that Jon Stewart guy. This week we received word thanks to Brooklyn Vegan of another benefit show featuring John Hodgman, better known as the PC in those Apple commercials and a new indie "supergroup" called Internet. The show starts at 8pm and they MEAN 8pm!!!
- TV Notes #1: It seems to me that the writers of '24' have gotten a bit lazy this season. They are recycling characters at an epic pace this year with Wayne Palmer, and Graham Bauer, the plots are so predictable my frost bitten little toe could figure it out, and lets face it a weepy Jack is not all that inspiring. Still the show has its moments and I have a feeling this season may just break out of its funk with next week's two hour installment.
- My Brightest Diamond + Daytrotter = The Sweetness
- Michael Chabon + New York Times = Sunday toilet reading for the next 15 weeks!
- I'm starting another new job this week. Third in four months. That may be some kind of record.
- TV Notes #2: What the fuck is up at Degrassi? Two weeks ago was probably the most go there moment ever (don't worry I won't ruin it for those that haven't seen it) and this past week's episode was just absurd. I have a feeling by the end of the school year we will be at least one more character short.
- Reservations are now being accepted for Valentine's Day at various White Castles across the country. So make sure you reserve your table and a sack of sliders for your special someone.
- TV Notes #3: Heroes and Extras are the two best shows on TV for very different reasons. Extras is hilarious at every moment, even when they are trying not to be funny during the "When the Whistle Blows" moments. The guest stars are ridiculous and brilliant all at the same time. Heroes just gets better with every geek inducing moment. Fourteen episodes of absolute joy there. If you're not watching these shows you need to find a couch and a remote ASAP!!!
Rachael Posted the Single: Fall Out Boy - "Thriller"
I'm Rich, Married, And Still Edgy: Avril Lavigne - "Girlfriend"
REMIX!!!: Loney, Dear - "The City, The Airport (CSS Remix)"
Heavy Rotation: Marnie Stern - "Patterns of a Diamond Ceiling"
Bonus Track: The Hold Steady - "American Music"
Emil Svanangen has been at this for a while now. In the past three plus years he has managed to release four albums as Loney, Dear, all of which have been written, recorded, produced, released, marketed, and sold on his own. All of his hard work has paid off with an ever increasing number of fans, some well backed buzz, and of course a record deal with Sub Pop. This week the world will be hit with Loney, Dear's fifth album and first with Sub Pop, Loney, Noir. Recorded entirely in his bedroom studio the album once again proves Emil's talent as a musician and songwriter.The album could most easily be classified as a folk album, after all the whole idea behind it is that Emil is a singer songwriter, but anyone that really listens to the album would know this label doesn't fit Loney, Dear at all. The sound on the album is much larger than your traditional folk album as it finds plenty of room to add a number of different instruments on top of Emil's singing and guitar playing. Moments of organ, saxophone, clarinet, and drum are all layered on top of each other here as well as moments were Svanangen uses his own voice to back up his singing.
The main attraction of the album though is the songwriting found on the album. Emil deftly manages to blend bits of narcissism, self hatred, sarcasm, and so many other elements into each one of his songs. All this components combine to create some emotionally heartfelt songs that define Loney, Dear as an artist without pigeonholing him to anything.
This a fine album from a fine musician at the top of his game. With the new backing of Sub Pop in his corner, and the best album he has yet to record Emil is destined to reach a new level of success bringing his sound and his songs to a new, larger group of fans. Its good news for everyone involved and should make any music fan happy this release day!
Loney, Dear - "I Am the Odd One"
Loney, Dear - "Carrying A Stone"
Loney, Dear - "No One Can Win"
buy it at insound!
By now you should have heard everything you need to know about Peter Bjorn & John's Writer's Block. It made a slew of year end lists (including mine), has one of the catchiest songs of decade on it, and has been raved about on practically every blog in the world. You should be so sold on this album that you have downloaded and bought it on import already, but don't let that stop you from buying the version being released in the U.S. today. Featuring a bonus disc of material makes this absolutely worth purchasing again. So add it to your shopping list.
buy it at insound!
Also Released:
Tough start to the week, but it wraps up nicely!
Monday: Cat Power @ Hiro Ballroom 7pm $25
By the time you read this the show will already be sold out. What would you expect from one of the most reverred women in indie rock today? She sold out a show on the day of the Super Bowl, of course she would sell out a Monday show when I couldn't find a single other show to recommend to you good people! You should have acted on this as soon as Brooklyn Vegan posted the info!
Cat Power - "The Greatest"
Tuesday: Nuthin', no literally there ain't shit tonight go see a movie
Here's a song anyway...
Beirut - "Scenic World (EP Version)"
Wednesday: Justin Timberlake w/Pink @ MSG 8pm $56 or $99.50
If you happen to have a ridiculous amount of disposable income you should really go to this show. No matter how much shit has been heaped onto the former N*Sync'er he always comes up with the last laugh and his last album is really pretty damn good. Also, if you have a free extra ticket give me a call or e-mail me and I'll come along with you.
Justin Timberlake - "My Love (feat. T.I.)"
Essie Jain w/Mike Wexler @ Tonic 8pm $8
It seems there are very few weeks that I rumage through lists of shows in NYC and don't see Mike Wexler's name pop up. At some point I am going to wind up seeing him perform its inevitable. TimeOut NY gave Essie Jain's album a very good rating and wonderful write up in there last issue, but I haven't heard it yet so I can't weigh in.
Essie Jain - "Glory"
Mike Wexler - "Sound the Mirror"
Thursday: Calexico @ Lincoln Center 7:30pm $30
Yes you read that correctly. Calexico will be playing Lincoln Center. Apparently they are trying to get the younger folks to lineup for the season packages that are being lost to deceased folks, but whatever you get to see Calexico in a venue with amazing acoustics.
Calexico - "Stray (live)"
Living in Polaroids @ The Annex 8pm $6
For those that can't afford a $30 concert ticket (that would include me!) might I suggest checking out Living in Polaroids from Long Island, New York. Just a singer songwriter, but a fantastically talented on, despite her really young age.
Living in Polaroids on Myspace
Friday: Girl Talk w/Parts and Labor @ Studio B 8pm $12.50
Way back at Christmas time my good friend Jessica gave me a ticket to this show as a gift. Last year's Girl Talk show was one of the best shows I've ever been to in my life so I'm pretty amped up about this. Plus I hear Parts and Labor are pretty sweet in their own right and the ticket says this goes till 4am. Yeah it'll rock.
Girl Talk - "Pure Magic"
Parts and Labor - "Voltage"
Saturday: PLUG Awards @ Irving Plaza 7pm $10
Let's see the lineup here consists of; Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Deerhoof, Silversun Pickups, El-P, and Tokyo Police Club! All for $10, plus you get to see some indie rockers get awards. You'd be crazy to miss this.
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - "(Do Not Feed the) Oyster"
El-P - "Everything Must Go"
Sunday: The Rosebuds @ Union Hall 9pm $10
The first week of the NFL off-season (sorry the Pro Bowl counts for nothing) so why not head out to check out a show? I've been told The Rosebuds are pretty damn good and worth checking out but haven't gotten to it yet so maybe tonight's the night.
The Rosebuds - "Bluebird"
Monday: Cat Power @ Hiro Ballroom 7pm $25
By the time you read this the show will already be sold out. What would you expect from one of the most reverred women in indie rock today? She sold out a show on the day of the Super Bowl, of course she would sell out a Monday show when I couldn't find a single other show to recommend to you good people! You should have acted on this as soon as Brooklyn Vegan posted the info!
Cat Power - "The Greatest"
Tuesday: Nuthin', no literally there ain't shit tonight go see a movie
Here's a song anyway...
Beirut - "Scenic World (EP Version)"
Wednesday: Justin Timberlake w/Pink @ MSG 8pm $56 or $99.50
If you happen to have a ridiculous amount of disposable income you should really go to this show. No matter how much shit has been heaped onto the former N*Sync'er he always comes up with the last laugh and his last album is really pretty damn good. Also, if you have a free extra ticket give me a call or e-mail me and I'll come along with you.
Justin Timberlake - "My Love (feat. T.I.)"
Essie Jain w/Mike Wexler @ Tonic 8pm $8
It seems there are very few weeks that I rumage through lists of shows in NYC and don't see Mike Wexler's name pop up. At some point I am going to wind up seeing him perform its inevitable. TimeOut NY gave Essie Jain's album a very good rating and wonderful write up in there last issue, but I haven't heard it yet so I can't weigh in.
Essie Jain - "Glory"
Mike Wexler - "Sound the Mirror"
Thursday: Calexico @ Lincoln Center 7:30pm $30
Yes you read that correctly. Calexico will be playing Lincoln Center. Apparently they are trying to get the younger folks to lineup for the season packages that are being lost to deceased folks, but whatever you get to see Calexico in a venue with amazing acoustics.
Calexico - "Stray (live)"
Living in Polaroids @ The Annex 8pm $6
For those that can't afford a $30 concert ticket (that would include me!) might I suggest checking out Living in Polaroids from Long Island, New York. Just a singer songwriter, but a fantastically talented on, despite her really young age.
Living in Polaroids on Myspace
Friday: Girl Talk w/Parts and Labor @ Studio B 8pm $12.50
Way back at Christmas time my good friend Jessica gave me a ticket to this show as a gift. Last year's Girl Talk show was one of the best shows I've ever been to in my life so I'm pretty amped up about this. Plus I hear Parts and Labor are pretty sweet in their own right and the ticket says this goes till 4am. Yeah it'll rock.
Girl Talk - "Pure Magic"
Parts and Labor - "Voltage"
Saturday: PLUG Awards @ Irving Plaza 7pm $10
Let's see the lineup here consists of; Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Deerhoof, Silversun Pickups, El-P, and Tokyo Police Club! All for $10, plus you get to see some indie rockers get awards. You'd be crazy to miss this.
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - "(Do Not Feed the) Oyster"
El-P - "Everything Must Go"
Sunday: The Rosebuds @ Union Hall 9pm $10
The first week of the NFL off-season (sorry the Pro Bowl counts for nothing) so why not head out to check out a show? I've been told The Rosebuds are pretty damn good and worth checking out but haven't gotten to it yet so maybe tonight's the night.
The Rosebuds - "Bluebird"
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