The Lisps Announce Tour Dates

All right America you are finally going to get the chance to learn what New York already knows - The Lisps are awesome. Starting next week the dynamic Brooklyn quartet will be taking their funky retro love songs on the road for a huge national tour. Joining them on various dates will be Senryu, a band based down south that is equally fun, and Double Dutch Will Take You Higher, a jump rope performance troupe from Cleveland! The band will be making many stops, so if your city is on this list make sure you don't miss out on the fun. I'll have more from The Lisps as they;ll be dropping me lines from all across America.

And New Yorkers don't fret on April 6th the band will be playing their Bon Voyage show at Galapagos with Juan Prophet Organzation, Mercat, and Nikki Shapiro. Then they will be playing the day they get back, May 14th, at the Luna Lounge. That show will feature Salt & Samovar, The Shivers, and Double Dutch Will Take You Higher.

So lot's of good news from The Lisps, here's all the dates...

Friday 4/6/07 @ Galapagos Artspace - Brooklyn, NY
Thursday 4/12/07 @ Six Points Music Festival (Red & Black Bar) - Washington DC*
Friday 4/13/07 @ The Werehouse - Winston-Salem, NC*
Saturday 4/14/07 @ The Space - Greensboro, NC*
Tuesday 4/17/07 @ The Spazzatorium Galleria - Greenville, NC*
Wednesday 4/18/07 @ Joli Rouge - Asheville, NC*
Thursday 4/19/07 @ Electric Ballroom - Knoxville, TN*
Friday 4/20/07 @ Club Detour - Athens, GA*
Saturday 4/21/07 @ Nophest at 11:11 Tea House - Atlanta, GA*
Sunday 4/22/07 @ Cafe Brasil - New Orleans, LA
Monday 4/23/07 @ Neutral Ground - New Orleans, LA
Tuesday 4/24/07 @ Emo's - Austin, TX
Tuesday 5/1/07 @ The Make Out Room - San Francisco, CA
Thursday 5/3/07 @ Silverlake Lounge - Los Angeles, CA
Saturday 5/5/07 @ Scene Bar , Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday 5/9/07 @ The Way Out Club - St. Louis, MO
Thursday 5/10/07 @ The Darkroom - Chicago, IL
Friday 5/11/07 @ The Dreamland Theatre - Ypsilanti, MI#
Saturday 5/12/07 @ TBA - Cleveland, Ohio#
Monday 5/14/07 @ Luna Lounge - Brooklyn, NY#

* - w/ Senryu
# - w/ Double Dutch Will Take You Higher

And here's two tunes off their website...
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"
The Lisps - "Documents"

April's Concert Calendar

FREE Shows (as cheap as it gets!):

April 5th - Patrick Wolf @ Hiro Ballroom 10:30pm (RSVP)
Apil 10th - Blonde Redhead @ Apple Store SOHO 8pm
April 15th - Oneida, Cause Co-Motion, & Vampire Weekend @ Barnard College 12:30pm
April 20th - Fountains of Wayne @ Apple Store SOHO 8pm

Cheap Shows ($10 or less):

April 1st - Benzos & Locksley @ The Knitting Factory 7pm $8
April 3rd - Land of Talk & The Muggabears @ Union Hall 8pm $10
April 7th - Knockout 3 feat. Bridges and Powerlines, Benzos, The Diggs, and Square Wave Punch @ Matchless 8pm $8
April 12th - Illinois & The Oranges Band @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $10
April 24th - Pela @ Mercury Lounge 10pm $10
April 26th - Lightning Bolt @ Sugar Factory 8pm $10
April 28th - Professor Murder @ Canal Room 11:59pm $10
April 28th - Bishop Allen @ The Knitting Factory 6:30pm $10
April 30th - Rock Central Plaza @ Mercury Lounge 9pm $10

It Won't Break the Bank (less than $20):

April 1st - Les Savy Fav @ Bowery Ballroom 7:30pm $18
April 2nd - The Twilight Sad @ The Knitting Factory 8pm $12
April 6th - Goes Cube @ Mercury Lounge 9:30pm $12
April 8th - Xiu Xiu @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $15
April 13th - Page France @ Piano's 9pm $12
April 15th - Cloud Cult @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm $12
April 17th - Art Brut @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $16
April 26th - Constantines & Tim Fite @ Luna Lounge 7:30pm $12
April 26th - Deerhunter @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $12

Out of My Budget (more than $20):
April 16th - Bob Mould, Radio 4, and Special Guest (Callum Robbins Benefit) @ Bowery Ballroom 7pm $25
April 18th - Patti Smith and Her Band @ Hiro Ballroom 7pm $35
April 19th - Hot Chip @ Webster Hall 7pm $22
April 29th - Yo La Tengo @ Webster Hall 7:30pm $25
April 30th - Modest Mouse @ United Palace Theatre 8pm $37.50

It's Not THAT Complicated

Earlier this week news broke that Art Brut had titled its brand spanking new album, Its a Bit Complicated, and hot on the heels of that came an 5 song advance EP from the album. The sampler EP includes two songs that I've witnessed live, "Nag Nag Nag Nag" and "Post Soothing Out" which was untitled the last time I saw it. Each song seems to follow the previous Art Brut template, disturbed little love songs that are rocking behind Eddie Argos deliberate delivery.

I've been saying all year that this is one of my most anticipated albums of the year, but now that I've heard part of it I'm going to push that up to I am completely and totally amped about this freakin' album! Here's the two tracks I've heard live...

Art Brut - Nag Nag Nag Nag
Art Brut - Post Soothing Out

(P.S. - I'll give a dollar to the first person who can find me in the picture above)

Band of the Week: Jena Malone and her Bloodstains

Some people may question my motives for picking Jena Malone and her Bloodstains as my band of the week. They may argue that actresses and actors should not turn into musicians. A debate could rage over the actual merits of her music. And of course some people may just assume I think she is attractive and therefore worthy of my band of the week nod. All of these are valid arguments but I will rebut them with one small story.

Last year I went to see Animal Collective at Bowery Ballroom. It was one of those rare shows where I decided seeing the band while seated would be much more enjoyable then standing and seeing the band all the way up front, so I ventured to the balcony with a friend and grabbed a table. As the show progressed through the openers Jena Malone came and stood next to us, clearly as stoned as Mary Magdalene would have been had Jesus not intervened. Jena spent the rest of the set grooving to the stylings of the Animal Collective like you could not imagine. Between touching herself and rubbing against the wall, I could not believe my eyes. And the most amazing part of the whole scene was she was the only person in the entire place that was dancing, showing that she "got" the music more than anyone else (I think).

So yeah because of that story and because I actually enjoy the four songs posted on her myspace I am naming her my band of the week. If you take the time to listen to the songs you will undoubtedly pick another female indie singer and attempt to compare them. Please don't do this. Jena's voice is loaded with effects on these recordings, and very lo-fi one's at that. The result is a subdued voice that barely comes out enough to hear over the music. Musically the Bloodstains go for the same lo-fi sound, passing keyboards, bass, and guitars through loads of distortion and synthetic effects and recording them at the lowest quality they possibly could have. All this blends together to create four heartfelt, passionate songs that easily transport you to another world.

The final reason that I picked Jena Malone and the Bloodstains is that they happen to be playing a show I will be attending this weekend. On Saturday her and her band will open up for Mason Proper and Birdmonster at Gramercy Theatre and I don't remember the last time I was so excited for an opening act. Its going to be interesting for sure and hopefully Jena will re-create some of her patented dance moves while serenading the crowd.
Jena Malone and her Bloodstains on Myspace

New Video from Elephant Parade

Elephant Parade are a wonderful little indie pop band from Brooklyn that I first caught opening for Beirut at Northsix (RIP). Today they premiered a new video for their song "Goodbye". Enjoy!

Hump Day Links, Thoughts, & Tracks

• Lets start out with a little thank you this week to Matt and Jen from The Music Slut who did a wonderful job with their Spring Fling. I don't remember much of it, thank you Sierra Nevada and free shots, but I know they let me DJ for a long time and that in the midst of that chance I proceeded to play a set of Christmas songs and scare pretty much every person downstairs out of the place. I'm so proud! I can't wait to DJ again, maybe I'll find some Soussa records! Thanks again guys!
• The Onion had one of its most memorable headlines ever this week, and then decided to announce it was forming a new network! Look out CNN and Fox!
• TV Note #1: Grey's Anatomy is on the verge of pulling a Fonzie jumping over the shark tank. With the race for chief pointing more and more attention towards secondary and tertiary characters, George's ill timed affair with Izzy, and of course Meredith's ridiculous suicidal behavior the show has gone from a top notch, well written drama to a third rate soap opera. You can even see the actors' interest starting to wane in the show thanks to their lackluster performances. At its current quality I may not be able to sit through each episode till the season finale, but there is just something about Katherine Heigl that keeps me coming back for more!
• If you are looking for quality music blogging you have pretty much come to the wrong place, my writing is pretty much pedestrian at best and my content leaves a lot to be desired. You should be checking out i guess i'm floating instead who consistently is posting some of the best content on the web. Check out the stories about B-sides and Zach Condon this week. Marvelous stuff!
• Sports Note #1: Let's talk hockey for a minute here. The season is getting down to the nitty gritty and instead of fading away like they did last year the New York Rangers are surging to the finish line! Going into last night's game the team had one five straight and had pushed to the #6 spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Getting back Brandon Shannahan and Marty Straka was a huge lift to the team, but no one is more responsible for the surge than goaltender Henrik Lundgvist. The franchise backstop has been on fire of late, and has probably been the best goalie in the NHL over the second half of the season. If he continues to play like this there could be a raucous "Let's GO Rangers!" chant echoing in the Canyon of Heroes come June!
• I was completely convinced I was over all the SXSW coverage that has been soaking up bandwith for the last few weeks until I noticed ryspace's post about the festival today. As always Ryan does a fantastic job of recording some tunes while jumping around from show to show. It says it's part one so keep your eye out for more on his site.
• TV Note #2: For reasons unknown to me (*cough* girlfriend *cough*) I saw about fifteen minutes of some new show on some god forbidden channel (ABC) called October Road. In that time I realized how awful the development department at ABC truly is at ABC, and wondered what wonderful little pilots didn't make it to the air because of crap like this. All it had in it was Laura Prepon and come on she's not even that attractive.
• Yeti posted an interesting little tidbit today saying that The Hold Steady and The Thermals may be playing NYU in April. Together! If this really does happen I will do anything and everything to get into that show. NYU students get your fantasies ready and we'll see what can happen!!!
• CMJ.com posted a wonderful little story about my boy Peter of The Antlers and his new album, available free online. I don't know what more it will take for you to download this album, so just do it!
• Once again Stylus Magazine has me glued to the computer all week waiting to see the results for best one hit wonder. My guess for #1 is Chumbawumba!
• TV Note #3: Come back Heroes! Please!!!
• Best Week Ever points out that 7-11 will change its stores facades to resemble the Kwik-E-Mart as a cross promotional marketing ploy for The Simpsons movie. Brilliant!
• Sports Note #2: Baseball gets underway this Sunday with the Mets squaring off against the reigning World Series Champs the St. Louis Cardinals. The real baseball season starts on Monday when the Yankees take on some Triple A team. Here's my prediction's for the season

AL Playoff Teams:
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox (wildcard)
Anaheim Angels
Minnesota Twins

NL Playoff Teams:
Philadelphia Phillies
New York Mets (wildcard)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Chicago Cubs

World Series: Yankees over Phillies

AL MVP: Chone Figgins
NL MVP: Ryan Howard
AL Cy Young: Johan Santana (go ahead bet against him)
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy
AL ROY: Jeff Karstens
NL ROY: Mike Pelfry
AL Manager of the Year: Joe Torre (yeah right)
NL Manager of the Year: Lou Pinella
AL Comback Player of the Year: Bobby Crosby
NL Comeback Player of the Year: Mark Mulder

And finally some baseball related tracks. As some of you may know every closer in baseball walks into some kind of theme song, these are some of them:

Trevor Hoffman: AC/DC - "Hell's Bells"
Eric Gagne: Guns n' Roses - "Welcome to the Jungle"
Tom Gordon: Queen - "Flash Gordon Theme Song"
Ricky Vaughn: X - "Wild Thing" (couldn't find this version, here's the original by The Troggs)
Todd Jones: Building 429 - "Glory Defined"
Huston Street: Nas - "Hate Me Now"
Mariano River: Metallica - "Enter Sandman"
(P.S. fuck Billy Wagner!)

Human Giant on MTV

Its all over the place, you should have heard by now, but I'm gonna tell you again anyway. Human Giant is premiering on MTV next week on April 5th, I think that's like Thursday or something. Anyway its three really funny dudes and a cameraman and its going to be great. Here's some of my favorite work of their past!!!

Tuesday's Recommended Release

When your debut full length album is released on Dischord Records and is produced by Ian McKaye you're going to get some attention when its released. Case in point, I checked out DC's Antelope as soon as I heard those two tidbits about them and have been digging their stripped down punk rock since. Today we finally get the release of their highly anticipated debut full length Reflector. The album flows perfectly from their previous EP's picking up with similar styles and similar song structures but with enough growth in the song writing to make it a really stellar release.

Each song on the album is paced by a furious rhythm section manned by Mike Andre and Bee Elvy. The songs pulsate thanks to the strength of their bass and drum work, leading each song to have a heavy undulating sound beneath the lyrics and guitar work on the album. All three members lend their vocals to the recording, creating some interesting melodies and differences throughout the album. Guitarist Justin Moyer does a solid job on his six string, pulling out enough chords and riffs to make your ears pique up with each note he hits.

The music on the album is straight forward punk, except a bit quieter and a lot more meditative than most punk bands you can think of. They keep them short and tight here too adhering to that oldest of punk aesthetic that everything should be short and fast. The band makes its political views known here as Dischord bands are known to do, but the message doesn't distract you from the music.

This is the first new music the band has put out since 2003 when they released their two EP's but the band has not missed a stride here at all. Reflector manages to captivate you with catchy, minimalist punk that just sticks to the roof of your mouth after just a couple of listens.
Antelope - "Dead Eye"
Antelope - "Concentration"
Buy the Album

Also Released:

This Weeks Live Music Picks

Monday: Oppenheimer @ The Knitting Factory 8pm FREE
You can't beat the price for The Knitting Factory's three stage extravaganza tonight. Featuring a slew of bands I've never heard of the reason for going is simple, the Irish duo known as Oppenheimer will be performing, and as I've said in the past I really love this band! Make sure you get your butts over there and dance around while they play.
Oppenheimer - "Saturday Looks Bad To Me" (Live at Tonic, via Ryspace)

or... Beat Radio @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $8
I know the Oppenheimer deal is tough to beat, but you should really try to check out Beat Radio at Mercury Lounge as well. The band played the Antifreeze show I co-hosted in January and flat out rocks. They're working on new music so maybe they'll be playing some of it for the lucky people that make the decision to get there for the show. You should be one of those people!!!
Beat Radio - "People Are Talking"

Tuesday: Titus Andronicus @ Fontana's 9pm $5
Titus Andronicus are a noisy shoegaze band from Jersey who have been gaining quite a reputation playing terrific shows around New York. I have yet to catch them but have heard a constant stream of good reviews about their show. Maybe tonight will be the night I get to add my own review to the list, and maybe you should do the same thing.
Titus Andronicus - "Titus Andronicus"

Wednesday: Menomena, Field Music, & Land of Talk @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm SOLD OUT
For months I have been listening to the latest releases by Menomena and Field Music and they have easily been two of my favorite albums of the year thus far. Both bands are wonderful pieces of indie pop that should not be missed. Land of Talk is a band I came to a bit late, but they have really been growing on me over the past few weeks. Unfortunately this show is sold out so I'm giving people that didn't have the foresight to buy tickets another option for this evening...
Menomena - "Boyscout'n"
Field Music - "Working to Work"
Land of Talk - "All My Friends"

or... Other Passengers w/Susu @ Sin-e 8pm $10
Both Other Passengers and Susu have really been getting a lot of buzz spread about them around town lately. Both bands deserve the buzz and should be checked out. I'll be at the show mentioned above so if you go send me an e-mail about what you think.
Other Passengers - "In the Belly"
Susu - "In the Pool"

Thursday: Do Make Say Think @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $15
Do Make Say Think has gained a lot of attention for their latest album, You, You're A History In Rust, and now this week they'll be playing several shows around town. The band makes honest, deep, and emotionally charged music that is easy to lose yourself in. Most of the songs are pretty darn long, but it should make for a really interesting live show.
Do Make Say Think - "Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!"


Friday: LCD Soundsystem @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm SOLD OUT
Yeah, its probably not fair that I'm recommending this very sold out show but seeing as I will be there I do have to point it out. As you have probably heard already the new LCD Soundsystem album is absolutely amazing, and I am completely amped up about seeing James Murphy and crew do there thing on the Bowery stage. If you weren't fortunate enough to get into this show or the one tomorrow makes sure you buy tickets for their next time around in May.
LCD Soundsystem - "New York I Love You"

or... Diplo w/Bonde do Role @ Studio B 10pm $12
For those not heading to Bowery but still looking to shake a leg with some awesome music might I suggest heading out to Brooklyn to check out Diplo and Bonde do Role. This is a freaking amazing lineup and will be sure to fill your dancing fix for the weekend.
Diplo - "Way More (Johnny Blaze Remix)"

Saturday: Birdmonster, Mason Proper, & Jena Malone and her Bloodstains @ Gramercy Theatre 8pm $14
Having already seen Birdmonster and Mason Proper I have to be honest and admit that I'm really more excited to check out Jena Malone and her Bloodstains for the first time. Sure I'll still rock out with Mason Proper and be somewhere up front with a beer in my hand for Birdmonster, but how can you not be curious about an actress making music that is similar to what Animal Collective are doing? Anyway you should all come to this show and we'll make it a party!
Birdmonster - "Cause You Can"
Mason Proper - "My My (Bad Fruit)"
Jena Malone and her Bloodstains on Myspace

Sunday: Les Savy Fav @ Bowery Ballroom 7:30pm $18
Les Savy Fav is playing tonight, enough said.
Les Savy Fav - "Who Rocks the Party"

The Antlers New EP

Last November The Antlers (aka Peter Silberman) came out to Staten Island just to play my birthday party and completely floored people with his acoustic guitar and impressive singing voice. Well I just got an e-mail from Peter alerting me of his new EP In the Attic of the Universe. I've only given it a brief listen but am loving the fuller sound of the EP, with a full rhythm section, piano, and synthesizers it creates a much larger sound to wrap around the talents of his singing than his fully acoustic Uprooted.

The entire EP is currently available on The Antlers website, download it today!!!

Pela & Tim Fite @ Sin-e 3/23

Sin-e was a happening place to be last night, which sadly won't be able to be said for much longer. With the impending closure of the intimate little venue (does the lower east side really need more condos???) last night was a celebration of the venue and of course the music its house for the past few years. Brooklyn Vegan did the honor of putting together the show and could not have assembled a more motley crew if he had tried.

The evening kicked off with Marissa Nadler but due to a terrible food coma I was unable to reach the venue by the time she went on. Seriously, I ate a ridiculous amount and left some time for digestion but it just wasn't enough. Upon walking into the venue though the two guys at the door were telling two Nadler fans that missed her how great her set was. So I guess that bodes pretty well for Ms. Nadler. Next time I will make a more concerted effort Marissa I promise.

Up next was the Scandinavian (sorry not sure which one of those northern nations they are actually from) band Fun. At this point I could insert all sorts of easy puns playing on the name of the band but I will attempt to refrain from doing so. Basically Fun is three dudes that probably grew up listening to the exact albums I grew up listening to, loud obnoxious rock n' roll albums that are still near and dear to my heart, and that is exactly how they attack music making, loudly and obnoxiously. There are a few rare moments where you can understand what the lead singer is saying, but for the most part there is just a furious wall of sound. Quite a departure from the folkishness of Marissa Nadler, or so I heard.

Following Fun the fun really got started! (sorry I just couldn't resist) Hailing from Brooklyn Tim Fite is a crazed entertainer. Using various forms of country, folk, and hip hop, Tim preaches from the stage about consumerism, life, and the man with Itchy Legs. Right from the get go Tim gets his audience involved, using an eye chart he had us read the first two lines to make sure we could all see okay, because it was going to be a visual show. Then the music starts. On a video screen behind him there is an image of him playing along, to the right is his brother taking care of all the loops and samples used in his music, and there is Tim at the center of the stage commanding every one's attention with his affable music. The first song was a country ditty, but from there he serenades us with multiple types of music and deliveries. His best stuff his from his latest album, Over the Counterculture (available for free on his website!), which is mostly hip hop espousing on the indignities of life as a 20 something person in New York. Amid the spectacle that was his live show are sing alongs, more eye chart reading, and short stories about the man with Itchy Legs, all of which enhances the performance to astounding levels. Anytime you get audience participation from a crowd in New York you are doing something right, and last night Tim had every member of the packed crowd singing along and joining in whenever he commanded it of you. It was an amazing performance.


Pela was going to have a tough time following the circus act of Tim Fite, but from the minute they finished their sound check song the band did their best to create their own passionate show. Pulling material mostly from their forthcoming album, Anytown Graffiti, Pela rocked out Sin-e. Lead singer Billy McCarthy (who easily could pass for a young Bruce Springsteen) wails every note to every one of his lyrics, piercing you with his passion and bringing you head first into the music. The band is just as great and just as passionate hopping about the stage as they blister through the music. The set seemed much too short and left me wanting much more from my band of the week.

At this point it was time to leave Sin-e, probably for the last time, because my beloved Lisps were playing just a few blocks away. Those that stayed got treated to Shy Child, which means I also must make a major effort to see Shy Child next time they play around town. The show was a rousing success in my eyes, and I'm really hoping BV opts to create more of these out there lineups that jump all over the place in terms of musical styles. So goodbye Sin-e its been fun knowing you. Thanks for the memories.

This Weekend's Itinerary

This is going to be one heck of a weekend, you should tag along to be a part of all the fun!!! Here's what's going down...


Friday:

The weekend kicks off right with Brooklyn Vegan's Sin-e show beginning at 8pm. If you're there here's what you'll be seeing:
8:00pm - Marissa Nadler
9:00pm - FUN
10:00pm - Tim Fite
11:00pm - Pela
12:00pm - Shy Child
(for mp3's check out Monday's live picks!!!)
I might have to skip out on Shy Child this time around to get to...
There's only two more shows in town for The Lisps before they head out on their first ever national tour. Make sure you get to one of them (this one?!) to wish them a good trip!!!
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"
The Lisps - "Documents (Live)"


Saturday you will be at The Music Sluts' Spring Fling if you know what's good for you!!! Locksley, The Silent Years, A Brief Smile, Cassettes Won't Listen, and The Midnight Hours! Plus goodie bags for the first 50 people, DJ's, booze specials, and of course the Sluts themselves!

Amoeba Records Releasing TV on the Radio Live EP

Until last year's amazing Return to Cookie Mountain I did not count myself amongst TV on the Radio's plethora of fans. Its because of this and my own procrastination skills that I have yet to catch the band live. Luckily for me, and others in the same boat as myself, the world famous Amoeba Music will be releasing a four track EP of TV on the Radio's September performance at the Hollywood store on March 27th (thats next week for those keeping tracks at home). The album will be available at all three Amoeba Music stores and on their website. Here's the track listing:

"Blues from Down Here"
"Wolf Like Me"
"Province"
"Wash the Day Away"

I've been listening to a leaked copy of the EP for the last hour or so and I have to say it confirms that this band can handle their shit when they play live! I must see this band the next time they play near me! But for now I will enjoy this and watch the video on the Amoeba site.

Ra Ra Riot Re-works, Records, Releases

Ra Ra Riot really made a lasting impression on me during last year's CMJ Music Marathon. With two fantastic shows they won me over to their catchy pop sound, and I've been listening to their 3 song demo since then aching for new songs. This week I got my wish as the band released a brand spanking new EP complete with a couple of new songs and some re-workings of some older ones.

The four new tracks on the EP are similar to the band's older stuff in that its is extremely catchy, but it begins to showcase the band's growth since first recording their demo. As whole they seem much more confident behind their instruments, the songwriting is better and a little more mature, and the singing by Wesley Miles is infinitely more clear allowing listeners to understand what he's saying in front of all that catchy music. "Each Year" kicks off the album welcoming listeners to the newly improved version of the band with warm lyrics and equally warm music. By your second time through the album you'll be singing along with the songs and its more than likely that you'll find yourself dancing around to them as well.

Unfortunately I'm still unsure about the re-worked versions of "Can You Tell" and "Dying is Fine". You have to understand that I am a huge fan of these two songs and have listened to them a lot since grabbing their demo. Both songs have been shortened considerably here taking away some of the instrumental parts that allowed the band to just rock out when they played them live. On "Can You Tell" there are new lyrics which is always a shock when you are listening to a tune you know every word to. I have a good feeling that this confusion will fade as I listen to it more and more and become more familiar with the updated versions as opposed to the originals. New fans will have no problem with the songs though as they did manage to retain every quality that made the band so endearing in the first place; honest heartfelt lyrics, catchy refrains, and music that makes you want to leave your seat.

Ra Ra Riot have taken a big step in the right direction with the release of this EP. They manage to build on the promise the demonstrated during CMJ and seem poised to make a big jump up the ladder of indie rock. It wouldn't surprise me to find some of these songs hitting the outer circles of radio, and maybe even making a push into the commercial realm. It won't be long before this band hits it big and takes off so feel free to jump on the bandwagon before its moving too fast.

Ra Ra Riot - "Every Year"
Ra Ra Riot - "Dying is Fine"
Order the EP Here!!!

Band of the Week: Pela

This is a tough week for a band to grab my attention and hold it. With major releases by LCD Soundsystem, Panda Bear, The Ponys, and several more and a bunch of top notch shows to go to just getting me to listen to other things would be a feat. So imagine my surprise when the new Pela album, Anytown Graffiti, tore its way into my iPod rotation and earned lots of play time. By using a sound that is derivative of loads of fantastic bands, but still original and all their own, Pela managed to crawl into my head and take up residence.

Each song on the album is built around powerful guitars, heavy bass lines, rapid fire drumming, and Billy McCarthy's growling, crystal clear voice. Every part works with each other and off of each other forming a sound that it is raw, emotional, and powerful at every turn and at any volume. Lyrically the band is able to ennunciate the emotion of their music with biting lyrics you will have no problem singing along to when listening to the album.

After a couple of short, promising EP's and demo's Pela has pulled it all together to make a captivating album. Sometimes promising bands fall short when it comes time to create a full lenght, but Pela is not that band and Anytown Graffiti is not that album. This has the potential to be your new favorite band, jump on the chance.

(You can catch Pela live this Friday at Brooklyn Vegan's Sin-e showcase!)

Pela - "Waiting For the Stairs"
Pela - "Lost to the Lonesome"

The Changes @ Piano's 3/20

At 8pm last night the seasons officially switched and winter was finally rendered null and void for another year. Though it didn't feel like it outside, inside of Piano's people were getting ready to shed their coats and boots for lighter clothing by getting to know the young band The Changes. Apparently everyone else had already seen them prior to last night's show, I had not so this whole experience was new to me.

The first thing you must know is that my friends and I spent a good half hour with lead singer Darren before the show even began having drinks, chatting, and enjoying Piano's weekly Cross Pollination event. It is impossible not to like Darren from the moment you meet him. He greets you with one of those ear to ear smiles and makes you feel at ease in his presence somehow. I guess the drinks helped, but I was lulled into a sense of security that I was going to have a good time when he said, "We're gonna go down there and we're all just going to have a great time cause its just rock n' roll and its not that serious." I believe I may be paraphrasing there but its close and it echoes the sentiment.

So it was with this strange feeling of ease that I ventured into the back room to check out The Changes for the first time. The show began and my ears began to tremble as my brain struggled to stay where it belongs. It was soooooo loud in the back room that I had to make a trip to the bar to pick up ear plugs, seriously loud considering I haven never worn ear plugs to any show I've ever been to. After a song or two feeling like a pussy with big blue ear plugs in my ears I tossed them aside and really began to feel the music of The Changes. Up to that point I was just concerned for my long term ability to listen to music.

It was at this point that The Changes dropped the guitars opting for keyboards instead as band members shifted all over the stage taking over different instruments and making it look like one big Chinese fire drill. The music became fun again, not just loud but now it was melodic and enjoyable and I could really hear what everyone had told me about before the show. My former sense of ease was coming back over me as the band lulled me into their music with catchy choruses and blissful harmonies.

In the end the set was far too short (mostly cause the first half was so darn loud, what was up with that Piano's?) for my liking, but it was fun and will force me to see the band again the next time they hit town. The music The Changes make isn't life altering and its not terribly progressive, but it is rock n' roll and it is fun.

Hump Day Links, Thoughts, and Tracks

• At this point we have reached the saturation point of SXSW posts so I'm not going to bore you with links to the recaps of the entire fest. I am however going to point you to some swell upcoming festivals that have been pointed out by other bloggers. Over at sixeyes you can view the lineup for the Reading and Leeds Festivals over in jolly ole England. And Badical Beats has a nice post about the festivals being hosted to Save Darfur, sure the one closest to us in New York has a pretty suspect lineup but the cause is worth the trip don't you think.
  
• TV Notes: I haven't watched anything I normally watch all week. I've been busy working, going to shows, and catching up on all the movies from 2006 that I missed. I'll be catching up on DVR the next two days though so expect loads of notes next week.
• Sad news from the hip hop world as Jurassic 5 has decided to call it quits. CMJ was the first place I noticed this and it actually almost brought a tear to my eye before I saw the part where they were all working on individual projects. So what's the over/under for the amount of time before we get a reunion tour out of them?
• Brooklyn Vegan posted the oddest tidbit from SXSW the whole Daniel Johnston the Nazi post!!! Crazy stuff.
• Movie Notes #1: So I finally watched The Departed last week and though the movie is good, it is not as good as everyone else makes it out to be. I don't even think it deserves its Best Picture Oscar but what do I know. Did anyone else feel like this was a let down after all the hype around it???
• You might have seen me recommend The Ponys new album on Monday, well Daytrotter bested me by having the band record a session for him. I wish I had studio know how and a studio to get sweet bands to come and play just for me!
• We are 11 days from Opening Day! Which is great seeing as I didn't submit any brackets for this year's NCAA Tournament and could care less about who upsets who.
• Movie Notes #2: Somehow I didn't make it to the theatres to see Borat while it was up on the big screen, but thanks to my consumer brother who bought the DVD I was finally able to see one of the funniest movies made in my lifetime. I honestly don't know how he was able to pull it off with his celebrity status and all but it worked and was absolutely amazing. The smallest bits elicit the biggest laughs like when he drops his bag and the cock squawks or the bear's head in the fridge after his commrade had told him the bear ran off. Man that movie was awesome!
• Tripwire gave us a heads up that we can expect a stripped down and acoustic EP from The Hold Steady on April 17th, while Stereogum premiered the brand new video for "Stuck Between Stations". Any news from one of my favorite bands makes me very happy.
  
• Stylus shines the light on Women in Metal! I love their main segment every week, it just seems to get better and better!

And now some music...
because I loved Rushmore: Coconut Records - "Minding My Own Business"
this album is awesome as is the song: El-P feat. Cat Power - "Poisenville Kids No Wins"
because I love Band of Horses: Archives - "Sleepdriving"
because Beat Radio should be mentioned more often: Beat Radio - "People Are Talking"

Tuesday's Recommended Release(s) Part 2

I am not a big fan of dancing. Since my awkward teenage days till now it has been one aspect of my life that is sorely lacking. My reasons for not dancing are many; no rhythm, no skills, no one to dance with, etc., but every now and then an artist or a band comes around that I can't help but dance to. Daft Punk is obviously one of those bands as I would dare anyone to throw on one of their albums and not dance at least a little to it. Hot Chip, The Rapture, Girl Talk, and a few others have been added to the list over the past few years, but no band can make me dance like LCD Soundsystem can.

When James Murphy released his self-titled debut album as LCD Soundsystem it stuck in my head like a gooey commercial ditty and wouldn't leave for weeks. In the two years since its release I have gone back to the album anytime I needed to jump start my engine, or shake my fanny for a bit and each time I've listened it has made me want more from LCD Soundsystem. Today my wish comes true as LCD Soundsystem releases the follow-up to one of the best records of the decade, Sound of Silver.

With the reputation its predecessor had its going to take a lot for Sound of Silver to usurp the self-titled debut, but as you will learn throughout your first listen of the album James Murphy was well up to the task. "Get Innocuos" gets the album started with a low beat that builds over the course of the song's seven minutes into an all out dance party. Throughout the opening song you notice that James Murphy has brought the full band into the recording process this time around, adding a different breadth to the scope of his songs. Added percussions, horns, and strings abound all over the album, as does a plethora of additional voices.

The album also adds an odd sense of familiarity, from sampled loops to the actual use of snippets of his 2006 release 45:33. Like most of you, if you had just told me that information I might have looked down on it and been more worried about this album. Instead I heard it for myself on the album an realized how well it worked for the overall feel of the album.

Over the course of the next few months you will undoubtedly hear every one of these songs playing at clubs, bars, and shows wherever you go, so be prepared for it. Throw the album on a few times at home, dance around in your underwear and then let loose when it comes on wherever you are.
LCD Soundsystem - "Time To Get Away"
LCD Soundsystem - "All My Friends"


Over the course of his career Noah Lennox has gained a reputation for making interesting and progressive music as a member of Animal Collective and as a solo musician under the pseudonym Panda Bear. Today we get the highly anticipated release of Panda Bear's third album Person Pitch. Since the 2004 release of Young Prayer Noah's life has changed in leaps and bounds; getting married, having a child, traveling the world, and moving to Portugal, all of which are displayed by a drastic shift in Panda Bear's musical sound as well as the emotional and beautiful lyrics found in Noah's songwriting.

Instead of using the stripped down acoustic sound he perfected on Young Prayer, Person Pitch finds Panda Bear experimenting more with samplers and electronic sounds while using Beach Boy like harmonies to get his words to the masses. This results in a sweet sounding pop album that has limitless depths that can be explored by any listener. The harmonies on the album are so in your face that it would take a deaf person to miss the beauty of them. On each song they can take over the songs, but to only delve that deep into this album would just be wrong.

Backing up Noah's beautiful harmonies on this album are triumphant sounds of samples and electronic sounds from various sources all recorded by Noah himself. Each note is the sound of joy and happiness that enables the lyrics and the harmonies to reach points of emotional power they wouldn't reach otherwise.

All the parts combined together create one of the most pleasant listening experiences I've had in a long time. Even featuring two songs that are over twelve minutes long can't bore a listener with the music that can be found within them. From top to bottom this is a fantastic album and must be added to your shopping list this week.
Panda Bear - "Comfy in Nautica"
Panda Bear - "Search for Delicious"

Also Released:

Tuesday's Recommended Release(s) Part 1

Over the course of nearly ten years, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists have built a reputation for amazing live shows and fantastic records. With word of a new album in the early part of 2007 I was a little scared that Ted and company may try to change the style that has built this reputation, or that I would become bored with a new album of the same old same old. Well after finally hearing Living with the Living I can say that these fears had absolutely no grounding. On Living with the Living Ted Leo doesn't change his sound and there is no way any fan could be the least bit bored by the songs that are on this album.

As with their past albums the band is powerful constructing their biting punk rock riffs around some pounding drums and Ted's unique voice and lovely lyrics. Each song could be your new favorite Ted Leo tune, meant to be sung from screaming voices in the front row as Ted bashes his head on the mic and sings them to us in his own way. The music is pretty straight forward verse chorus verse type music, and is so similar to their other albums that the parts could very easily be interchanged. Still it manages to be fresh and new at the same time that its familiar making for a wonderful record that I just know will be played endlessly throughout the year and for years to come.
Ted Leo + the Pharmacists - "Sons of Cain"
Ted Leo + the Pharmacists - "Colleen"


Matador has been a busy label lately, scooping up tons of young and up coming bands so that they can make triumphant Matador debuts (see Love of Diagrams, Shearwater, & Times New Viking). This week we get the much anticipated Matador debut from another recent signee, The Ponys. Before signing to Matador The Ponys had gained a lot of notice with two solid albums full of heavy garage rock and laced with loads of fuzzed out guitars. On Turn the Lights Out the band once again run their guitars through cheap distortion pedals to get their desired effects.

Taking their cues from bands like Sonic Youth and Television, The Ponys are what you expect from a rock outfit. They play powerful riffs of guitar rocks, throw a solid rhythm section behind it, and try not to muddy it up too much with vocals. Not that the vocals aren't worth noting here, Jared Gummere actually does an excellent job with his quiet, almost sedated voice, but the real draw to this album should be the noise being made by Jared and Brian Case on guitar. Brian is new to the band, making his album debut here and creating a splash right from the get go. On the opening track "Double Vision" we are welcomed by strong chords loaded with distortion and it continues that way throughout the album. There are a couple of tunes on the album that you should be wary of though. On "1209 Seminary" the band loses a bit of its rock edge opting for a more pop sound, and it comes off as a trite experimentation. But then they get right back into the jagged rock we are quickly becoming accustom to from The Ponys.

Ultimately Turn the Lights Out is a very solid album, that though it has the occasional misstep, is worth owning for all the powerful songs on it. It seems the latest batch of Matador signees have brought their A-games to the label, carrying the torch proudly!
The Ponys - "Double Vision"
The Ponys - "Poser Psychotic"

Also Released:

This Weeks Live Music Picks

Welcome back from SXSW everyone, how was the trip? Well while you fine folks were all in the nice sun going from show to show we were shoveling several inches of snow off our walks and cars and trying to recover from our St. Patrick's hang overs. This week though, its all about New York with some freaking amazing lineups. Here's what we got...

Monday: Fujiya & Miyagi @ Barnard College 8pm $5
As you may have heard Fujiya & Miyagi are awesome! You may also have heard that they sold out several shows at Mercury Lounge. What you might not know though is that they are playing a very small, and not so publicized show at Barnard College. I honestly have no idea where this school is, but I'm planning on Google mapping it and making my way to the show very early so that I get a shot at getting in. You might want to do the same, though not if it means you getting in ahead of me.
Fujiya & Miyagi - "Ankle Injuries"

Tuesday: Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. @ Mercury Lounge 7pm $12
Probably the best all around band name ever, this UK band has been garnering more than its fair share of buzz lately and having played a series of SXSW dates are now playing their only other US date right here in NY before flying back to jolly old England. I haven't seen any reviews of their SXSW shows yet, but I'm sure somewhere they exist at this point and they probably read like a thesaurus entry on the word awesome.
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - "Lighthouse Keeper"

Wednesday: New Violators & Middle Distance Runner @ Piano's 7pm $10
Middle Distance Runner has been gaining some steam lately, getting nods from bloggers in their home town of D.C. and around other parts of the country too. I've gotten to enjoy what I've heard from them making me really want to see them live. As for New Violators, their another British band attempting to make a splash across the pond. They very New Wavey, very dance oriented. I'd recommend them for fans of The Cure, The Killers or anyone in between.
Middle Distance Runner - "Up In A Tree"

Thursday: The Young Knives @ Mercury Lounge 10pm $10
This must be some kind of British invasion week, cause here we are with the third band from that foreign land to breech our shores and bring some rocking music with them. The Young Knives are much closer to what we've come to expect from our British bands, young, pop oriented bands that throw in loud guitars to loads of vocal harmonies. Unlike some of their British cohorts though, I actually am enjoying this band. Maybe you will too, check 'em out.
The Young Knives - "Half Timer"

Friday: Marissa Nadler, Shy Child, Tim Fite, Pela, & FUN @ Sin-e 8pm $10
A few weeks ago it was announced that Sin-e would be shuttering its doors in early April. As a last hurrah the venue has booked several notable shows, with this one quite possibly being the best. Currated by Brooklyn Vegan the show features a slew of 2007 buzz bands, including personal faves Tim Fite (best rap album of the year thus far), Pela, and Marissa Nadler. If you miss this show you might not get another chance to step foot into this venue and you certainly won't get a lineup this jam packed anywhere else this evening.
Marissa Nadler - "Under An Old Umbrella"
Shy Child - "Drop the Phone"
Tim Fite - "Over the Counter Culture"
Pela - "Cavalry"

Saturday: Music Slut's Spring Fling @ The Delancey 7:30pm $9; Feat. Locksley, The Silent Years, A Brief Smile, Cassettes Won't Listen, The Midnight Hours
The Music Slut's may just be my favorite blogging duo in New York City. Both Matt and Jen have style, taste, and wonderful sense of humor and aren't afraid to shake a leg when the feeling hits them. Tonight they are hosting their Spring Fling featuring some fantastic bands, booze, DJ's, free goodies, and much much more. Between their awesomeness and the fantastic bands they have booked this evening this is an absolute no brainer! Be there early to get your gift bag (at least I think they're still doing that!)!
Locksley - "My Kind of Lover"
The Silent Years - "No More Magic"
A Brief Smile - "This Machine"

Lightning Bolt, BARR, & Marnie Stern @ 3rd Ward 5:30pm $10
I honestly don't understand the logistics of this but somehow these bands are playing two shows in the same day at two different venues less than three hours apart. Fine by me, cause if I can I'd really like to check out all of these bands before heading over The Music Slut's party. Somebody find me a map and a time machine to make this work out!
Lightning Bolt - "Captain Caveman"
BARR - "The Song Is The Single"
Marnie Stern - "Precious Metal"

Sunday: You Am I, White Rabbits, & The Bon Savants @ Bowery Ballroom 7:30pm $15
Most Sunday's I like to take it easy, sit in front of the tv catch up on my DVR, and relax. But this show may just disrupt that routine for this week. All three of these bands are amazing live, Bowery Ballroom is usually a good time, and hell the rest of the weekend will be a party why not finish it out in style like this!
You Am I - "Wally Raffles"
White Rabbits - "One Hot Minute"
The Bon Savants - "Final Grade"

When Japanese Metal Bands Cover The Beatles

As you all have figured out by now I have a profound love for the Japanese band Boris. They're last album Pink was one of my favorite albums of last year, their collaboration with Sunn O))) was ridiculous, and their Rainbow with Michio Kurihara was just profiled on my recommended releases section last week. So when I received word today of two tracks of the band collaborating on a limited edition vinyl release with Merzbow I nearly lost my mind. The opening track, "Walrus" is a cover of The Beatles' "I Am the Walrus" and its followed up by the noisy and loud "Groon". Apparently this one is only marked for Japanese release so anyone that sends me a copy in the mail will immediately receive my undying adoration as well as a guest list spot for every show I ever do in my life. For those of us not in Japan here's some mp3's of the songs, enjoy!!!

Boris w/Merzbow - "Walrus"
Boris w/Merzbow - "Groon"

Friday's Weekend Mix of Music

Ahhhh St. Patrick's Day! As an ancestor of Ireland I am whole heartedly behind this most drunken of holidays and will be spending many and hour initoxicated tomorrow. You should probably do the same, and with this soundtrack to back up your shots of whiskey and pints of Guiness. Hope you all have a very intoxicating St. Patrick's Day!

The Dropkick Murphys - "Cadence to Arms"
Flogging Molly - "Drunken Lullabies"
The Pogues - "Streams of Whiskey"
Black 47 - "James Connolly"
U2 - "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
Roly Daniels - "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"
The Chieftans - "Lament of the Limerick"
Flogging Molly - "Rare Ould Times"
Dropkick Murphys - "Finnegan's Wake"
Black 47 - "Funky Ceili (Bridie's Song)"
The Pogues - "Drunken Boat"
Wooden Spoons - "Danny Boy"

Download as a zip

Band of the Week: Jews and Catholics

There must be something in the water down in those Carolinas. It seems that with each passing day I get requests from more and more talented bands from the region, and of course I haven't the time to name them all, but I must make mention of Jews and Catholics. A wholesome duo whose latest album is called God's Trash, the band is actually a duo featuring a blistering guitarist and an amazingly talented upright bassist. But the sound of their three myspace songs is so much larger than just a two member band!

Comprised of Alanna Meltzer on bass and Eddie Garcia handling the guitar, vocals, and electronics of the music, the band excels with a cavernous sound full of noise and lush harmonies. The album is full of deep, dark lyrics and imagery that is pushed even further by the hectic, fast paced music behind the lyrics. Eddie's sing voice is deep and throaty, at times crystal clear, but mostly a bit muddy just the way I like it.

All in all the three songs I sampled on their myspace page are going to lead me to getting their album (its conveniently available on iTunes) and hopefully will do the same to all of you out there. If you have the spare moment

Jews and Catholics on Myspace

File This Day Under Bizarre

My job takes me all across New York City to loads of places; hospitals, law firms, mega corporations, and most exciting it will occasionally take me to record labels. With my last company I would frequently be sent to V2 records where I wouldn't steal any of the White Stripes stuff littering the shelves and offices there (wink). Today I found myself at a little label called Wind-up Records.

If you don't know the name Wind-up Records its probably because you read blogs like mine and enjoy a fine taste in music. Wind-up Records is home to some of the biggest selling bands of the last ten years, artists (and I'm using that word loosely here) like Evanesence, Seether, Stars of Track and Field, and of course their biggest artist (the biggest artist?) Creed. Everywhere I looked there were gold records applauding international and national sales of bajillions of CDs to poor unsuspecting children who were not taught the finer points of musical taste.

The thing that struck me about the office though wasn't the ridiculous pieces of trash hanging from the walls, or the plexiglass sayings from that stupid Seether video, what really dumbfounded me was what the people working in the office were listening to. It was truly bizarre.

I walked into the office and was met by a lovely receptionist who happened to be listening to Cold War Kids' "Hospital Beds". That wasn't that odd, but it struck me that here, the lowest person on the totem pole (except for interns of course) was listening to pretty solid music while the label was making millions off of garbage. And it would get even crazier.

The IT person was a youngish dude (about my age so not so young anymore) and when I stepped into his office he was listening to the New Pornographers. I was immediately taken back by this. "Couldn't you get in trouble listening to the New Pornographers here?" I asked (and yes I really did pose this query to him), he laughed and told me he couldn't.

Over the course of the next two hours I walked into offices and was surprised at every turn. People were listening to classic rock, some hip hop blared, Arcade Fire CD's were on every desk, and boxes and boxes of unopened copies of the latest Evanesence album were stacked underneath them (yeah I crawl around under desks a lot). This brought me to a few conclusions about Wind-up Records...

1. The staff knows more about music than any of the higher ups could every hope to learn.
2. They should fire all their big label people; A&R folks, VP's, whoever and just let the little people run the show for a while. Sure, they may not sell ten million copies of one album but they could make a solid living without selling their souls.

As I was finishing up my tasks for the day I struck up a conversation with the receptionist who was in the middle of trying to get Decemberists tickets for her friends. We talked about the lack of intimacy of the Lowes Landmark Theatre, past show going experiences, why The Decemberists are an absolute must to see live, and how she could work for such a vile recording company. Her reply was simple, "It almost pays the bills, and I get to listen to music all day at work." Sounds good to me are their any openings???

The Decemberists - "O, Valencia"
Cold War Kids - "Hospital Beds"
New Pornographers - "Sing Me Spanish Techno"

Hump Day Links, Thoughts, and Tracks

• Tomorrow is the inagural Staten Islanders for Obama meeting being held at Martini Red. I'm not quite convinced that I'll be voting for Mr. Obama but there's a good chance I'll be at the meeting tomorrow (its at a bar), so come down and support the cause. Check out my brother's post as he'll be one of the two people hosting the event (he's an Obama-niac!)
  
• TV Notes #1: On this week's episode of The Black Donnelly's we finally went a week without anyone dying, yet somehow the show was still highly entertaining! With each passing week this show gets more and more ingrained in my brain.
• Over the past couple of days Brooklyn Vegan has posted about a million different bands that are playing SXSW from different regions of the world. Though I'm sad I won't be at SXSW I am really enjoying these posts. Here they are sorted by nation; Brooklyn, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden!!!
• In sporting news we are getting closer and closer to the first pitch of the baseball season and so far things are looking good for the Yankees. Carl Pavano is still pitching, we have a farm system, and the lineup is as stacked as ever! I'm really looking forward to the season.
  
• Yesterday Wilco released a statement about their album leaking. To sum it up they basically said they knew it would happen and don't think it'll affect their record sales too much. Read the rest of it on The Music Slut.
  
• Rachael has her own preview of SXSW this week highlighting some of the bands she wants to see. So if you share her affinity for floppy haired 19 year olds and Europeans you should totally stalk her down in Austin.
  
• TV Notes #2: Hooray Mrs. Logan, hooray!
• Esquire magazine has released this year's Esky Awards and it seems to me that they just went to all the popular blogs, counted who was mentioned the most times and handed them awards. However, the Klosterman part of the article and their Guide to Picking Good and Bad Music are pretty damn fantastic!

And now here's some good tunes for no particular reason...
Amy Winehouse - "Rehab"
Jukebox the Ghost - "Good Day"

Tuesday's Recommended Release

Its a very weak release week here in the US so I've decided to take a look back at some of the albums I should have recommended in the past few weeks.


When Menomena released their third album, Friend and Foe, late in January it just happened to be the same day The Shins and Deerhoof released new albums temporarily booting the band from my listening repetoir. Since that day though I have listened to the Menomena album way more than I listen to either The Shins or Deerhoof. Using catchy indie pop tunes to lure you in, Menomena manages to keep you coming back for more with delightful riffs, playful lyrics, and positively addictive beats. The album cover doesn't hurt either using the most insane packaging I've ever seen on a cover, that creates countless different little variations of itself depending on a multitude of possibilities. Friend and Foe is the complete package and should not be passed over at any cost.
Menomena - "Boyscout'n"
Menomena - "Rotten Hell"

buy it at insound!


Last year I was all about Beirut. I caught the band a ridiculous amount of times in only a short period of time, and exhausted not one, but two copies of their debut album Gulag Orkestar. It was a good year, then they started touring elsewhere and had to cancel their two Bowery performances in November. Now here we are a few months later, the band has recorded and released an EP together this time and is working on even more material for an album later this year. On this EP Zach finally allows the band to make their presence known on a recording and the result is a much more full and powerful sound behind his large vocals. The version of "Scenic World" found here may just be my favorite song of the year so far, though its too bad it was released last year and won't qualify for year end status. Ultimately though this is just a brief taste of wonderful things to come for the band known as Beirut.
Beirut - "Scenic World (Version)"
Beirut - "My Family's Role in the World Revolution"

buy it at insound!

I was told for weeks that this was an awesome album by many, many people but for some reason I didn't get around to listening to it until just recently. Well all you people that told me to listen I have to say thank you because you were all right this album is tremendous. You may get a little tricked by the slow quiet tempo of the opening track, but from there on the entire album is a piece of explosive going off right next to both of your ears. Heavy on the beats, and with excellent riffs blaring out all over the place this is the new sound of punk music, its no longer three chords and loud at all times, now its more melodic but just as passionate. And you can dance to it instead of just bashing around a mosh pit. Pretty sweet!

!!! - "Bend Over Beethoven"
!!! - "Must Be the Moon"

buy it at insound!


Finally I have the wonderful album by Boris and Michio Kurihara, Rainbow. My version is all in Japanese so I'm not really sure what the titles are but I do know the album is amazing. Featuring moments of psych, shoegaze, and spare moments of metal the album is a genre bending trip through the sounds that encompass what Boris is. Add in the uncompromising guitar play of Michio Kurihara and you have yourself a fantastic album from top to bottom. At times the vocals can be drowned out by all the sounds around them, but that's okay, we are here to bear witness to the power of the music not to muse about what their songs mean.
Boris with Michio Kurihara - "ラフレシア"
Boris with Michio Kurihara - "虹が始まるとき"

buy it at insound!


Actually Release Today:

Interpol Posts A Myspace Bulletin

Here's what they had to say...



"A Benefit for Callum Robbins (son of J Robbins former singer/guitarist of
Jawbox) will be taking place on Monday, April 16, 2007 at he Bowery Ballroom
in NYC featuring Bob Mould, Radio 4, Harmony Rockets (feat. members of
Mercury Rev), plus special guests."

Hmmm...special guests, a bulletin from Interpol, could it be??????? Either way its an extremely good cause and you should all spend your hard earned money to attend!

Click Here To Purchase Tickets

Click Here For Additional Information And To Make A Donation

Dead Rabbit - "Serenade" (Video)

I would like to thank my brother for posting this even though he totally beat me to the punch. Its a great, grainy video but the sound is amazing. Listen, watch, and fall in love.

This Weeks Live Music Picks (Not going to SXSW Edition)

Monday: Loney, Dear @ Union Hall 8pm $10
Sweden is the current hot bed of indie music, and tonight I finally get a chance to check out the latest Swedish import Loney, Dear. As you may remember, I recommended Loney, Dear's Sub Pop debut, Loney, Noir a few weeks ago and it just keeps popping up on my iPod. The album is full of what we've come to expect from these Swedish singer/ songwriters so if that's your cup of tea makes sure to get into Brooklyn for the show tonight.
Loney, Dear - "The City, The Airport"

Tuesday: Mute Math, The Cinematics, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin @ Gramercy Theatre 7pm $15
I didn't get myself tickets to the Amy Winehouse and Pipettes extravaganza this evening so I'm going to have to go and point everyone else towards this show. I've been touting Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin for quite some time now, but seeing the band has eluded me thus far. I could make up for that tonight, and also catch the much buzzed about Mute Math and The Cinematics. Not a bad bet if you ask me.
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - "Oregon Girl"

Wednesday: Isis & Jesu @ Irving Plaza 8pm $16
Every once in a while I just feel the need to rock out to some of the heavier stuff out there, and tonight's Isis & Jesu show will afford just such an opportunity for anyone interested. Both bands take on a slightly mellower metal sound, but it metal despite the quieter moments.
Isis - "Dulcenia"
Jesu - "Medicine"
or The Lisps @ Union Hall 8pm $5
Tonight The Lisps are headlining Union Hall. If you've missed the first four million times I've written about the band you can search through the site and learn all you could ever need to know about the band. And for $5 you just can't go wrong!
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"

Thursday: The Pogues @ Roseland 6:45pm $54
Every year it seems some of the Irish artists pop up right around St. Patrick's Day, jack up their prices, and play a bunch of really drunken shows. Tonight one of my favorite Irish bands of all time, The Pogues, play the only one of their four shows that is not sold out (though it may be by the day of the show). If you've got the extra $60 lying around I'd highly suggest heading to the show.
The Pogues - "The Sickbed of Cuchulainn"

Friday: The Double & Mike Wexler @ Cake Shop 8pm $8
Mike Wexler has been called "the perfect male counterpart to Joanna Newsom" by Oh My Rockness, and deservedly so. That combined with the anemic choices this evening makes this the obvious pick for the evening.
Mike Wexler - "Sound the Mirror"

Saturday: St. Patrick's Day
Forget the shows, go get drunk with a bunch of your best friends!
Dropkick Murphy's - "Kiss Me, I'm Shitfaced"

Sunday: Fujiya & Miyagi @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm SOLD OUT
Having just released Transparent Things here in the States, Fujiya & Miyagi have embarked on a slew of sold out New York dates, the first of which happens to be this Sunday night. I wasn't intelligent enough to buy tickets ahead of time and will most likely be found outside of Mercury Lounge begging passers by for an extra ticket. If you have an extra one give me a holler and I'll probably take it off your hands.
Fujiya & Miyagi - "Ankle Injuries"

Matt & Kim + Professor Murder @ Bowery Ballroom 3/9

Over the past few months the buzz machine has rolled for both Matt & Kim and Professor Murder, propelling them from playing sold out shows at small, intimate venues, to playing a sold out show at Bowery Ballroom. Bowery Ballroom is notorious for making a good small band, sound like a horribly insignificant speck of a band, or to raise a talented band to new heights with one great performance on their stage. I was nervous for both bands, who I enjoy very much, wondering which way they would fall on the scale.

Professor Murder opened the evening with their break through song "Champion", a wonderful song with an overwhelmingly catchy beat that dares you to stand still as it plays. It got the fans in the front going immediately has hands started to fly into the air, and people all around dared to reach levels of dancing rarely met in the New York scene. The band was solid performing the song on the bigger stage, obviously feeding off the energy of the large crowd in front of them, they played a masterful version of the song and continued to pick up the pace as their set wore on. Over the course of their 40-minute long set the band played everything off their debut EP, Professor Murder Rides the Subway and throw in some newer songs as well. With over powering percussions, pitch perfect synth work, and excellent vocal work, Professor Murder made the transition from the small local stages to the big one look seamless and easy.

As for Matt & Kim, the rambunctious dance punk duo from Brooklyn, well they took over the stage from the get go and never let it go. With Kim pounding her drum skins like a possessed woman and Matt hitting every note with his keyboard and voice the crowd went nuts over the band. People were diving off the stage, speakers, whatever they could find to fly through the air as the band's music soared over us as well. The band was as tight as ever, and seemed to be having more and more fun as the night wore on. Kim especially, played the entire set with an enormous smile on her face and really pummeled her kit setting the tempo for their entire set.

It seems both bands were ready for the bigger stage and embraced it whole heartedly. The band probably made it easier on themselves by forcing Bowery's hand into having a 16+ show and making it only $8 to get in. That itself seemed to put the bands at ease and allowed a more diverse crowd to be youthful and energetic throughout.

More Pics on Flickr

Band of the Week: Love of Diagrams

At the very moment I am writing this Love of Diagrams is playing a show mere miles from my home at Cake Shop, a show I fully intended to be at. Unfortunately for me circumstances didn't work out and I didn't get to witness the powerful post-punk of the band first hand this evening. Instead I get to tell you all a bit about a band you'll be hearing a lot about over the next few weeks.

In Januray, Matador finally got around to releasing the band's self titled EP here in the States. The EP is a four track, blistering piece of music that skims its influences right from the UK post-punk scene, a la Gang of Four. Somehow the band manages to convince us that they aren't just a bunch of copy cats, as they prove they can handle their instruments and craft a couple of sweet sounding rock tunes.

This week the band's full length, Mosaics, made its way to the internet, and I have found myself listening to the album endlessly. Thirteen songs, that while they do sound a lot like the aforementioned UK post-punk bands are brilliant, and wondefully fun to listen to. The vocals are harshly barked out by front woman Antonia Sellbach, while the rest of the band chime in for harmonies here and there and throw down some heavy, angular riffs.

The actual album isn't out until April 10th, but with a nice Matador debut and an opening slot with Ted Leo this spring, Love of Diagrams is poised to be a very big deal.

Love of Diagrams on Myspace
Love of Diagrams - "Pace or the Patience"
Love of Diagrams - "No Way Out"
Love of Diagrams - "At a 100%"

Hump Day Links, Thoughts, & Tracks

• TV Notes #1: Television stations should take a lesson from 24 and stop breaking up the seasons of shows. Its ridiculous that just as Heroes was getting good on Monday we were told that the show would be on hiatus until April 23rd! Six freaking weeks! Its just not right!
• A few weeks ago my little brother introduced me to a blog his friends are writing called The Big Part. Every few days the guys will take an album, listen to it, and have a little chat about it on AIM before finally posting it for you all to read. This week they did Arcade Fire's Neon Bible, you should check it out.
  
• In honor of SXSW next week Brooklyn Vegan has given us eleven Montreal acts that will be playing the festival.
  
• TV Notes #2: Speaking of television shows that are on NBC on Monday, has anyone else absolutely fallen in love with The Black Donnelly's after the first two episodes? I don't know about you but with the final 8 episodes of The Sopranos coming up, its good to know that we won't be lacking and good mafia television. And this time its the Irish mafia, even better!
• Yeti Don't Dance has a post up of Bob Dylan doing Dr. Seuss! It doesn't get much better than this folks.
  
• I learned today thanks to the good folks over at Tiny Mix Tapes that Adam Yauch, of The Beastie Boys, will be producing the new Bad Brains album! Sounds like a good idea to me, we need some angry hardcore right about now and the Bad Brains are the right people to bring it to us.
• CMJ.com has the full long list for the Shortlist prize. Who would you want to win? Didn't some of these albums come out in 2005???
• I've been talking about movies a lot lately (not here though) and the fact that I haven't been to the movie theatre to see a movie since Superman and only saw one of the Oscar nominated films, Little Miss Sunshine. Well all that's about to change with a slew of amazing movies (by my standard) coming out. Superman 3, Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Fantastic Four 2, its going to be a ridiculous spring and summer for the geeks that go to movies, myself included.
• The A.V. Club has author Chuck Klosterman put his iPod on shuffle for us. Anything with Chuck Klosterman is a good time.

Finally here's the tracks for the mid week, enjoy.
Marissa Nadler - "Rachel"
Love of Diagrams - "The Pyramid"
Matt & Kim - "Yea Yeah"
Ra Ra Riot - "Each Year In Our Graves"

Tuesday's Recommended Release

Over the course of the past two months we have heard everything we could possibly need to know about Arcade Fire's sophomore release, Neon Bible. The band, thanks to an impressive online marketing campaign and 15 sold out shows in three of the world's most famous cities, made sure everyone paid notice. People that got their hands on advance copies of the album leaked them to the internet allowing everyone to get and advanced taste of the album. The press, bloggers, tv, and radio erected a pedestal for the band so high that the band may never find their way down. Yet today, the day of Neon Bible's long awaited official release, there is still enough to be said that I can weigh in and make Neon Bible my recommended release for the week.

Neon Bible is a staggering, sometimes epic, piece of musical craftsmanship that stands nicely along side Arcade Fire's debut album, Funeral. I won't say if it better or worse because the albums are two completely different pieces of art and should be enjoyed apart not as a whole. Where Funeral was full of deeply personal songs, often shrouded in mystery, Neon Bible is political and overtly so. With war ragging across the globe, atrocities being committed against humanity, the growing climate crisis, and scandals within the religious sects of the Earth, Win focused his song writing efforts on bringing light to these horrors. It is a powerful message that permeates the entire album with a sense of urgency and despair.

The band continues to use a vast sound to add to the depths of emotion Win pens for each song. The drums on the album are terrifically steady throughout the album, setting the tone for every other instrument and the vocals themselves. Epic use of strings, keyboards, and vocal harmonies set this album apart from the rest of the indie rock world pushing Arcade Fire to the head of their genre's class. Each song on Neon Bible could easily stand on its own, but when taken as whole develops a different sort of strength that is often overlooked by bands in this age of ADD affected listeners.

Right now there is a lot of speculation that this album can do for indie rock what Nevermind did for alternative in the early 90's, push the genre into the mainstream for better or for worse. Personally I don't know if this album has that kind of breadth. Songs like "Intervention" and "Keep the Car Running" could certainly make an impact within the world of pop culture, but the is so liberally tilted and full of complex moments that it may not manage to seep into the national or international consciousness.

Neon Bible will undoubtedly be a huge success for Arcade Fire, even if it doesn't reach the Nevermind like impact people are predicting. Music fans will easily fall in love with each of the songs on it, if they haven't already, and the band's drawing power will grow exponentially thanks to this album. Its still very early in the year, but it will take one amazing album to knock Neon Bible from being the best album released all year.


Also Released:

Jukebox the Ghost @ Piano's 3/3

There are certain times in your life when you get to witness something completely new, that hasn't been touched by any of the horrors of the world or twisted to seem like something its really not before you get your own hands on it. Saturday night I got to witness just such a moment when D.C.'s Jukebox the Ghost slammed into Piano's for an opening slot gig.

I had only heard the name mentioned in passing and had not been told anything else about the band. There was no talk of what they sounded like or who they emulated, and now I feel bad cause I'm going to ruin that pure moment by telling you what they sound like and how great they are in the hopes that you check out the band.

Jukebox the Ghost play a very familiar brand of indie pop, its so familiar in fact that you will most likely spend the first few listens attempting to figure out where you've heard them before; but, their songs are so original and quirky that its impossible to brand them to one sound or compare them to any other band. Its new, and its exciting, and at times the songs can be incredibly long, three part tunes about aliens, the Cretaceous period, or falling in love and lighting yourself on fire. But no matter how weird the subject matter is, the three young guys in the band have a wonderful grasp of music and pop song structure. They can go from eerie to ecstatic in just a few bars of music and will take you there quite often.

The band is currently getting set to record (or finish recording) an EP they hope to release sometime in the spring, and are currently in the beginning stages of setting up a residency slot at Piano's for sometime in the near future. You should do yourself the favor of checking this band out now before they blow up in your face and you're forced to listen to endless comparisons that don't quite fit the bill.

Pics on The Music Slut
Jukebox the Ghost on Myspace

This Weeks Live Music Picks

Monday: The Thermals, The Big Sleep, & Meneguar @ Studio B 8pm $12
During CMJ last year I caught The Thermals for the first time at Bowery Ballroom and was blown away by their live show, so much so that I decided to catch them again the next night at Studio B. What happened at Studio B was so much more than I could have ever expected with the crowd going nuts and the band feeding off every ounce of energy and pouring it into their music. It was by far the best show I saw that entire week and makes me really excited about them returning to the scene of the crime.
The Thermals - "How We Know"
The Big Sleep - "Fast B"

Tuesday: Grizzly Bear, Beach House, & Papercuts @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm SOLD OUT
Sometimes foresight can be as clear as hindsight, take for example the fact that I had the notion to buy my tickets to this very sold out show several months in advance. Doesn't that make me look smart? Grizzly Bear has been raved about since their release of Yellow House last year, Beach House has started making waves in the same way, and Papercuts are about a step away from blowing up. Put that together with the fact that all three make some of the most interesting music out there right now and you have the makings of an awesome show!
Grizzly Bear - "On A Neck, On A Spit"
Beach House - "Apple Orchard"
Papercuts - "Take the 227th Exit"

Wednesday: Love of Diagrams @ Cake Shop 8pm $7
Matador recently signed Love of Diagrams and quickly pushed out a short EP of the band to get the world acquainted with the band. I happened to pick it up a couple of weeks ago and can't tear myself away from the raucous post-punk, but catchy sound found on it. See them now before they are playing much larger venues and selling them out! Believe me on this one.
Love of Diagrams - "The Pyramid"

Thursday: Oppenheimer @ Sin-e 8pm $15
Seeing Oppenheimer open up for Hot Chip at the seaport last summer I was completely blown away by the duo's ability to make their sound so huge. Unfortunately, I have yet to see the band again because each time they are in New York something else happens to come up the night they are playing. Hopefully that won't happen this week and I'll finally get to dance about while watching them play their wonderful music.
Oppenheimer - "Breakfast In NYC"

Friday: Matt & Kim w/Professor Murder @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $8
I've heard rumors that Matt & Kim put on an amazing live show, I call them rumors because I haven't seen them yet but I know what they can do with their addictive music thanks to a ridiculous obsession with their self titled album. I knew about this show way before I knew Professor Murder would also be playing, but that just adds to the excitement I'm feeling for this show. Plus, an $8 show at Bowery! Sweet!
Matt & Kim - "Yea Yeah"
Professor Murder - "Champion"

Saturday: Jena Malone & Her Bloodstains @ Union Hall 8pm $10
Since I'll be missing the New York debut of Jena Malone on Tuesday, I might try to make it out to the show on Saturday and see what the Saved! star can do with music. Considering I saw her grooving out to Animal Collective a few months back I'm pretty much intrigued.
Jena Malone & Her Bloodstains On Myspace

Sunday: Jill Cunniff @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm $10
I really underestimated the drawing power of The Pipettes and so it sucks to be me tonight as they are playing a sold out show at the Luna Lounge. Perhaps I'll drown my sorrows at Mercury Lounge where Jill Cunniff of Lucious Jackson will be plying her trade. Or maybe I'll try and sneak myself into The Pipettes show somehow.
Jill Cunniff - "NYC Boy"
The Pipettes - "Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me"

The Lisps @ Fontana's 3/1 (Video)

Here's The Lisps debuting a new song at Fontana's on Thursday. The song's pretty sweet, and the video isn't half bad. Enjoy!

A Brief Smile & Mason Proper @ Sin-e 3/1

It has been a crazy week over here in the world of the untoasted toaster pastries (hence the reason there were not posts). I've gotten myself stuck at work three days this week, was forced to miss the free El Perro Del Mar performance at Other Music, and missed out on countless hours of reading about the music I love so much. Ugh, weird week for me, which is why getting out to see a couple of bands last night was so refreshing.

At the prodding of another blogger, I decided to take in her new found obsession Mason Proper and one of her older obsessions A Brief Smile. I've never heard either band before, never seen them live, and new only what she had told me about them. So I had no idea what I was in for, I just knew that I was out, alcohol would be within reach, and even if the bands stunk I could mock my blogger friend for liking them. Things were looking up.

They continued to go my way as five young guys called Mason Proper took the stage and proceeded to belt out Ted Leo inspired rock tunes. Using an assortment of synthesizers and your standard band fare, Mason Proper flat out rock. I was shocked, cause in all honesty I expected some whiny, emo tinged type music and instead I was getting something I could easily picture popping up on my iPod. For about 30 minutes the band beat themselves into my brain and now I'm going to have to go and get my hands on a copy of the album.

Up next was A Brief Smile who I also didn't expect to like but was completely wowed by. Instead of rocking Ted Leo style they take the noisier Pavement like approach with lots of feedback and moments of sonic fury that would have deafened me if not for the fact that the sound system was not up to par at Sin-e last night. Other than tuning their instruments after every song (I was later told they haven't played in months so they were a bit rusty), the show was an absolute success.

So I got two bands I now have to check out thanks to one night out this week. That's a pretty good ratio!