Get to Know Your Rachael's Birthday Bash Bands: The Antlers

Through the power of myspace I managed to first hear the wonderful songs of The Antlers during the fall of last year. The music was captivating from the first moment, and Peter's voice had me entranced from the second it broke into the song. From there my relationship with The Antlers has been a bit of a whirlwind. He showed up to play my birthday show in November and awed me by playing one of my favorite songs ever, Neutral Milk Hotel's "Holland, 1945". Following that he released the magnificent In the Attic of the Universe which has been a constant favorite of mine since he first told me about it. Now on Saturday Peter will play his first ever show with a full supporting band and I am truly excited for him and to see them play together. Take a sample of one of Peter's tunes below and enjoy his answers to the interview questions I've been posting all week long.

The Antlers - "The Universe Is Going To Catch You"

1. Which current band naming trend is worse, using
animals or using exclamation points?

Well, I can't hate on animal naming, and sometimes exclamation points are so necessary (what would The Go! Team be without that intrusive punctuation? I'd say the same about Godspeed, but at this point, I have no idea where the exclamation point belongs). I'd
say band names that are confusingly similar to other
bands' names might be the worst.

2. You are all playing this show to celebrate the
birth of Rachael (from Underrated), could you relay a
story of how you met Rachael or something funny she
did once so we can embarrass her in public before her
birthday?

I just met Rachael pretty recently, so as of yet I've
seen no embarrassment, but birthdays are a great time
to embarrass one's self, so I'll be taking notes.

3. What's the worst venue in New York to play? What's
the best?

I played a really weird show in the very small
basement of Niagara in the East Village last year.
That was pretty awful. The people putting on the show
yelled at me for not telling them that I was under 21,
told me that I couldn't have any drink in my hand (not
even water) for the rest of the night. To be
obnoxious I wrote UNDER 21 in big black sharpie on
my arms. Best so far's been Union Hall, but maybe that's just because of the paintings of old women.

4. What's your take on the increase in payments from
internet radio that may wind up killing internet
radio? If the increase does go through, how do you
think it will affect your band?

It's really unfortunate, but the government's always trying to screw over people involved in music, especially when it's progressive. But people always respond with a larger step forward, and soon enough there'll be another way to hear and promote underground music for free. As for how it will affect The Antlers, I'll now go back to focusing radio efforts on Hot97.

5. What is your favorite song to play live that
you/your band has personally written? What's your
favorite cover song to play live?

Though we haven't played it outside of rehearsal yet,
"The Universe Is Going To Catch You" is pretty fun.
Handclaps and a toy piano are hard to get sick of.
"Holland. 1945" by Neutral Milk Hotel's been my live
cover for the past year. At a show in Amherst, people
were singing it much louder than me, but they didn't
really know the words so I got completely lost.

6. Do you prefer your Pop-Tarts toasted or untoasted?
What's your favorite flavor of Pop-Tarts?

Absolutely untoasted, blueberry with frosting.

7. Are there any bands out there right now that you
absolutely love but feel aren't being talked about or
respected to the level they deserve?

Around here, The Muggabears and Dirty Projectors.

8. When you're out on the road do you tend to eat at
familiar fast food restaurants, or are you more
adventurous trying out the local cuisine?
We've yet to tour, so I'll let you know on that one.
But on road trips in general, diners are the tops.

9. What are you predicting for you band for the rest
of 2007?

"In The Attic Of The Universe" is getting a real
release this summer and we're planning to tour in
July. I'm predicting this all falls through and I end
up playing a residency in the basement of Niagara.
But if all goes according to plan, there should be a
full-length in the coming months.

10. What's your favorite music blog?

Well Pop Tarts gave me my first writeup and has been super-supportive all along, and Rachael put me in CMJ, so I'll say Brooklyn Vegan, which has completely ignored me.

Flight of the Conchords CONTEST!!!!

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to take in an advance screening of the new HBO series Flight of the Conchords. I don't want to spoil the entire thing for anyone but I will tell you that it was absolutely hysterical from start to finish, featured cameos by people like Aziz Ansari and Eugene Mirman, and had robot costumes. In the past HBO has been pretty dead on with their comedy shows, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Larry Sanders Show, Mr. Show, Tenacious D, I think you get the point. Anyway the show will be premiering on HBO on June 17th at 10:30 (set your DVR's now!!!), and to celebrate I'll be giving away some Flight of the Conchords shwag!

All you have to do is send an e-mail to poptartssucktoasted@gmail.com and you will be entered to win. One winner will be picked at random from a hat on Thursday, June 7th at around noon. That gives you one week people so get entering!!!

Oh and here's a list of the shwag you will win:
1 DVD of the first episode
1 robot stress reliever
1 poster
1 t-shirt
1 postcard

And finally, you can get a jump on all the folks without an internet connection and watch the pilot episode of Flight of the Conchords right here.

UPDATE: We have a winner, congratulation Shannon Thomas!!!

Get to Know Your Rachael's Birthday Bash Bands: A Brief Smile

I have to be completely honest here and say that the only reason I ever went to see A Brief Smile the first time was because Rachael was dragging me to their show. It was way back in February or March, the band was playing Sin-e with Mason Proper, and I was really crushing on Rachael. Anyway, a potentially long story short, the band wowed me with a powerful set of loud, fast paced, wonderful music. I'm not expecting the same type of performance on Saturday, mostly cause it'll only be two members of the band doing an acoustic set, but I am sure it will be wonderful and probably powerful as well. This is the first band on, at exactly 8pm so make sure you get there early to catch this special acoustic set. Here's a tune from the band, and of course an interview with the two members who will be playing Saturday - Jared and DL.

A Brief Smile - "This Machine"

1. Which current band naming trend is worse, using animals or using exclamation points?

DL: Not quite sure. What do you think Jared?
Jared: I think Wolf is overused


2. You are all playing this show to celebrate the birth of Rachael (from Underrated), could you relay a story of how you met Rachael or something funny she did once so we can embarrass her in public before her birthday?

DL: Well… Rachael forgot to bring cheese and crackers this one time that she was on snack duty for Lost… Some of us will never really be able to forgive her for that one! Do you know how hard it is to watch Chalee and Benry sans Brie!?!

Jared: we met at Café Reggio for an interview. I can’t really think of any
embarrassing moments…

3. What’s the worst venue in New York to play? What’s the best?

Jared: im sure there are worse ones (maybe like kenny’s castaways or something), but that we play often…pianos. They always mess something up, or, add a q&a session with a former member of the smiths who hasn’t done anything since the late 1980s. Best…I wouldn’t know, probably beacon theater or Carnegie hall or MSG or something. That we’ve played…Bowery.

DL: Worst – Bitter End
Best – Beacon Theatre, The Astrolab 1.0


4. What’s your take on the increase in payments from internet radio that may wind up killing internet radio? If the increase does go through, how do you think it will affect your band?

Jared: I think if a radio station is making money by playing an artists’ music, the artist should get paid. I haven’t really followed the issue, but they need to work it out so that those stations still can operate and have money to make the programming good.

5. What is your favorite song to play live that you/your band has personally written? What’s your favorite cover song to play live?

DL: Band Song – It’s always changing but right now it’s a tie between “Escape Art” and “2005.” It’s really great when we have our sampler hooked up and can do the ending to “2005” and the full intro to “Escape Art.”
Cover Song – “Cruising To War” by the Deserters

Jared: escape art; cover song: we don’t really cover songs. We did the wrens: dancin’ the Midwest a long time ago, which was fun.

6. Do you prefer your Pop-Tarts toasted or untoasted? What’s your favorite flavor of Pop-Tarts?

DL: S’mores………………..Toasted! HA!
Jared: I understand that some people prefer them raw, but I like them lightly toasted.

7. Are there any bands out there right now that you absolutely love but feel aren’t being talked about or respected to the level they deserve?

DL: Autolux and Mason Proper.
Jared: Bjork, Guns n’ Roses and Arcade Fire. Haha I never know what to answer to this question.

8. When you’re out on the road do you tend to eat at familiar fast food restaurants, or are you more adventurous trying out the local cuisine?

DL: We are extremely adventurous. And as a result, have many great recommendations. If you ever find yourself driving to Cleveland, make sure to check out Kings Family Restaurant… It is somewhere in Ohio or Pennsylvania, I think it’s a chain. If you do go, make sure to try the Frownies®


Jared: both. We haven’t gone out on the road that much. We ate at hooters in boston. It was my first time so it actually was adventurous. I like trying different stuff if it fits our budget/schedule.

9. What are you predicting for you band for the rest of 2007?

DL: I predict that at least one of us will obtain a Silver Surfer quarter (hopefully me!), and that we will finish a full length and make a video.
Jared: We’re releasing a new album. It has 10 songs…I guess that sort of makes it a full length... we made a video for it too which was made for cheap but will look like it cost thousands of dollars.

10. What’s your favorite music blog?

DL: At the moment I have a pull down menu that includes Burningstreets, Music Slut, Pop Tarts, and Underrated among others.

Jared: Underrated until she stopped updating it ;). Others I like: pop tarts, brooklynvegan, music slut, crackers united and burning streets.

Get to Know the Rachael's Birthday Bash Bands: Seth Kallen and the Reaction

At the age of 17 Seth Kallen took the Philadelphia music scene by storm. He released an album and played shows around town relentlessly, quickly building a large following and eventually gaining some radio exposure on one of the local stations out there. Then a strange thing happened, Seth moved to New York to study music at NYU and had to build that buzz in another city with many more bands and very little patience for crap. Luckily for Seth and the Reactions the band had an easy go of it as some bloggers quickly took note of the band and their readers took note as well. Since the initial move Seth has built a formidable group of fans that will follow him around the area like a New York based Grateful Dead. That group of fans will be front and center at The Delancey on Saturday night as the band takes the stage. Before you get there you should get to know the band a little better, here's a song and some quotes from Seth.

Seth Kallen and the Reaction - "No Ace"

1. Which current band naming trend is worse, using animals or using exclamation points?

Worse than all of these is the repeating words fad. Such as… Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Tapes N' Tapes, and WAKEY!WAKEY! (just kidding, we all love Wakey!Wakey and his repeating word pseudonym)

2. You are all playing this show to celebrate the birth of Rachael (from Underrated), could you relay a story of how you met Rachael or something funny she did once so we can embarrass her in public before her birthday?

Where did Rachael and I meet ‘ey? Well, I was just about to move to NYC and was getting a little nervous about diving into this big world of venues, blogs, etc (I was coming from Philadelphia, a much smaller and more tight knit scene than NYC) so I searched out some press. I found her blog, Underrated Magazine, and told her I was a big reader of the magazine and picked up a copy in Philadelphia (yes I had read and heard of the mag, yet the “picking up a copy in Philly” part was a lie) So, she did an article about my music, and soon enough she was letting me fill in for her DJ nights at Piano’s when she got too drunk to pull out her Gwen Stefani CD. Now we spend Wednesday nights scrutinizing every detail of LOST.

3. What’s the worst venue in New York to play? What’s the best?

Worst – I don’t want to hate!
Best – Rachael’s apartment. Hooray for Break Thru Radio live performances!

4. What’s your take on the increase in payments from internet radio that may wind up killing internet radio? If the increase does go through, how do you think it will affect your band?

What is internet radio? I don’t have this “internet” you speak of.

5. What is your favorite song to play live that you/your band has personally written? What’s your favorite cover song to play live?

My tune - Strange Man, it’s a fun song that leaves a lot of room for spontaneity
Cover song- Be Born by Tally Hall (they are oh so wonderful)

6. Do you prefer your Pop-Tarts toasted or untoasted? What’s your favorite flavor of Pop-Tarts?

Untoasted S’Mores make my taste buds tingle. I live with DL (of a brief smile) and it’s pretty much all we eat, other than rabbit fur.


7. Are there any bands out there right now that you absolutely love but feel aren’t being talked about or respected to the level they deserve?

Natalie Prass
Le Loup
Hoots & Hellmouth
George Stanford

8. When you’re out on the road do you tend to eat at familiar fast food restaurants, or are you more adventurous trying out the local cuisine?

Subway is always a good go to, but we try to venture into the world of local delicacies…

9. What are you predicting for you band for the rest of 2007?

We’ll probably breakup. Reunite. Play at the Grammy's. Then tour and call ourselves The Police (hint hint: we’re playing at Madison Square Garden in August! We fooled you!)

10. What’s your favorite music blog?

I Rock I Roll
Sit Down Stand Up
Underrated Magazine

(Seth casually omitted this blog, but really meant to put it on the top of his list.)

Hump Day Links, Thoughts, & Tracks

• With summer here there is very little to look forward to in the world of TV over the next few months. Most of my regular series have ended and there's only two more episodes of The Sopranos. That said there are a couple of things I'm looking forward to; the return of Rescue Me, the debut of Flight of the Conchords, and Entourage. Aside from those there won't be too many TV notes in the coming weeks.
• Go and celebrate the 50th posting of the La Blogotheque's "Take Away Shows" with a special video of Sufjan Stevens!!!
• Sports Note #1: Fans of the Yankees do not lose hope. I know it is tough right now, but somehow, someway they will snap out of the early season doldrums. There are still over 100 games to go!!! Don't jump off the bridges yet!!!
• Bubble mania has stricken CMJ.com, people that actually read CMJ.com shake their head in disgust together.
  
• Sports Note #2: Anyone realize that the NBA and NHL postseasons are still going? I thought not.
• Critical Metrics is the new best website ever. At least for this week.
  
• I have been fucking around with the hosting of this site, trying to set up poptartssucktoasted.com. So far it has not been very smooth and I know it has really sent the RSS and XML feeders for this site to hell. I will have to make up to you faithful readers who are suffering with some pretty sweet stuff soon.
• Free Stuff From Around the Web: Brooklyn Vegan has a free mp3 of the latest New Pornographers tune, Gimmee Tinnitus led me to a free EP from Foundry Field Recordings, over at Stereogum you can download the latest from Sufjan, and of course you can download the three tunes below for free!!!
  
• Last but not least Dinner with The Band is premiering this week and I highly suggest you all check it out. This week's episode features Pela and El-P.
  

Enjoy the rest of your week!!!
White Rabbits - "The Plot"
Balkan Beat Box - "Digital Monkey"
Ryan Adams - "Two"
Ryan Adams - "Everybody Knows"

Tuesday's Recommended Release

The week following Memorial Day is a notoriously slow release day in the music world which works out well because instead of writing about an album that was released today I can give you an advanced look of what's coming 'round the bend this summer. Here's the albums I'm most looking forward to over the warmest months of the year...

Band: Spoon
Album Title: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Release Date: July 10th
First Impressions: The new Spoon album has the most ridiculous title I have ever heard, but once you get passed the silliness of that you will find an album that is Spoon at their finest. Each song is reminiscent of past triumphs of the band but pushes it to a new level lyrically and musically. Britt Daniels has never sounded as good as he sounds on the early leaks of this album, and the band is as tight and amazing as ever before. All this adds up to make Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga one of the finest albums set to be released this summer.
Verdict: Buy on release date, cherish for eternity.
Sample Song: The Ghost of You Lingers

Artist: Justice
Album Title: †
Release Date: July 10th
First Impressions: This may just be the most anticipated album of the year that hasn't been released yet. Since 2003, Justice has been carrying the torch for the proud history of electronic duos hailing from France, but had not released a full length album until this one. Loaded with dance floor goodies no respectable audiophile will want to be without † . Everyone else should get used to this album in a hurry as DJ's will be spinning this every chance they get all summer long.
Verdict: Must own this album, DJ's buy it on vinyl too
Sample Song: The Party

Artist: Art Brut
Album Title: It's A Bit Complicated
Release Date: June 19th
First Impression: I've been having a mixed time with Art Brut's sophomore album It's a Bit Complicated thus far. On one listen I will love every minute of it, bouncing along to the pounding rhythms and furious guitar action, shouting Eddie's lyrics at the top of my lungs, only to put it on again later and feel bored with it. Perhaps its the overuse of the failings of love, maybe its because the album jumps all over the place topically and musically, or maybe its because I have had a complete overdose of Art Brut since their first album hit the States. Whatever the case may wind up being I know that the album is terrific, not as good as the debut, but still full of loving rock n' roll ballads that should make all the fans happy.
Verdict: Fans should buy it
Sample Song: Pump Up the Volume

Artist: Mandy Moore
Album Title: Wild Hope
Release Date: June 19th
First Impression: A few months ago I was told that Mandy Moore was going to be releasing an album of indie pop tunes that even the most jaded of hipsters would find enjoyable. Upon listening to an early leak of the album I can say this rumor was completely false. Instead of an album full of deep thinking, indie pop classics, Mandy resorts to her old song style, the standard pop song. Its not a bad album at all, but its not what I had initially hoped for based on the internet rumors. Honestly if given the choice I would choose the new Kelly Clarkson album or listening to "Candy" on repeat over this album.
Verdict: true Mandy-ites only
Sample Song: Wild Hope

Also Released:

Get to Know the Rachael's Birthday Bash Bands: Wakey! Wakey!

When Mike Grubbs was young he was surrounded by music, with a singing father and a piano playing mother it was inevitable that he would get into music. After moving to New York Mike formed Wakey! Wakey!, a band that is currently on the rise here in New York. The band has been gaining a reputation for amazing live shows mostly played solo with either a guitar or a piano. Recently he has been featured on the Cross-Pollination Mix Tape and now we will see him do his thing to celebrate Rachael's birthday. I had the chance to ask him a few questions to better get to know him, here are his sometimes volatile, but more often than not humorous answers.
Wakey! Wakey! - "Falling Apart"



1. Which current band naming trend is worse, using animals or using exclamation points?

Having bands fill out stupid fucking insensitive self aggrandizing questionares…

2. You are all playing this show to celebrate the birth of Rachael (from Underrated), could you relay a story of how you met Rachael or something funny she did once so we can embarrass her in public before her birthday?

I met Rachael on the radio. She was hosting the Blog Show and laughed during my songs. Then exclaimed that no one should come to my show cause it was on the co-host’s birthday. I knew at that moment we’d be tight.

3. What’s the worst venue in New York to play? What’s the best?

Worst-169 Bar
Best- Madison Square Garden. (runner up- Rockwood Music Hall)

4. What’s your take on the increase in payments from internet radio that may wind up killing internet radio? If the increase does go through, how do you think it will affect your band?

I’m so fucking rich I could buy the whole fucking internet if I wanted. Nothing affects my band. My band affects other shit, not visa versa. Get it straight, pretty boy.

5. What is your favorite song to play live that you/your band has personally written? What’s your favorite cover song to play live?

My song- Fading Like the 4th (cause it’s newer)
Cover song- Letters Home by Joie Blaney

6. Do you prefer your Pop-Tarts toasted or untoasted? What’s your favorite flavor of Pop-Tarts?

I’m a vegetarian you asshole.

7. Are there any bands out there right now that you absolutely love but feel aren’t being talked about or respected to the level they deserve?

The Fools (www.myspace.com/Fools_lost_and_found)
Bell (www.myspace.com/whoisbell)
Here Lies Pa (www.myspace.com/hereliespa)
Creed (www.myspace.com/creedisthebestbandever)
8. When you’re out on the road do you tend to eat at familiar fast food restaurants, or are you more adventurous trying out the local cuisine?

I look for the best Veggie friendly place and rock it. I love Waffle House though. And fries from Shake n Steak. Often times I’ll have our private chef Jean-Luc take over the grill and cook Hash Browns scattered, covered, diced, and chunked, but with Foie Gras.

9. What are you predicting for you band for the rest of 2007?

Universal dominance. Probably gonna tour with Arcade Fire and TV on the Radio (they’re gonna be opening for me of course)

10. What’s your favorite music blog?

4 way tie-
Claymates, Aikenites, Klayzntgay, Str8mn4cLay.

This Weeks Live Music Picks

Monday: Bright Eyes @ Town Hall 7:30pm $28.50
If you are like me you missed the first three Bright Eyes shows this past weekend for a multitude of reasons; you were at a bbq, you were away, you were too drunk to find the place. Well the good news is that you still have four more shows you can catch of his run at Town Hall. I'd suggest getting there tonight because there isn't all that much to do as far as live music goes. So crack open your wallets and enjoy Connor Oberst and company.
Bright Eyes - "Four Winds"

Tuesday: Bell @ Pianos 8pm $8
This is your last chance to catch Bell during her Piano's residency. Over the course of the last few weeks Bell has wowed audiences with a shifting set of wonderful music. Make sure you don't miss this last chance.
Bell - "Better Way"

Wednesday: !!! @ Studio B 8pm $16
Over the past two months !!! have played a slew of shows through out the area, all of which sold out and were nearly impossible to get into. If you were shut out of tickets all those times, well then tonight is for you because for some reason Studio B just can't sell out shows till the day of the event. Make sure you jump on tickets early in the week cause otherwise you just may wind up shut out again.
!!! - "Must Be the Moon"

Thursday: Foreign Islands @ Europa 7pm $10
Hand claps, thumping beats, spazzed out rock, all of these things will be present when Foreign Islands take the stage tonight. This is one of those New York bands to look out as the group has drawn lofty comparisons to bands like Les Savy Fav and Thunderbirds Are Now!. Get a chance to see them now in an intimate place before they blow up.
Foreign Islands - "Ghost Story"

Friday: Animal Collective + Danielson @ South Street Seaport 7pm FREE
Every summer the South Street Seaport plays host to a series of Friday night concerts and every year I drink way to much and have a great time seeing all these bands. Tonight is the opener for the 2007 series and I couldn't be more excited about the bands scheduled to play. Though Danielson and Animal Collective are a little more mellow than most of the bands that play this event it will still be a wonderful night of great music, and I still plan on drinking in excess. You should be able to find me down in front somewhere so stop by and say hi.
Danielson - "Did I Step On Your Trumpet"
Animal Collective - "Did You See"

Saturday: Rachael's Birthday Bash @ The Delancey 8pm $10
Tonight I am hosting a show to celebrate the birth of my wonderful girlfriend Rachael with a few of her favorite bands set to perform. Starting at 8pm and going all the way to the wee hours of the morning we will have SIX bands, two DJ's, and lots of surprises for everyone. The bands playing are; A Brief Smile, Pelle Carlberg, The Antlers, Wakey Wakey, Seth Kallen and the Reaction, and Jukebox the Ghost. All of these bands are excellent in their own ways so make sure you get there early and stay late cause there is plenty of good times to go round. Oh, and have a shot with Rachael for her birthday, I hear she loves tequila!!!
A Brief Smile - "This Machine"
Pelle Carlberg - "Clever Girls"
The Antlers - "On the Roof"
Wakey Wakey - "Falling Apart"
Seth Kallen and the Reaction - "Shiver"
Jukebox the Ghost - "Hold It In"

Sunday: Lavender Diamond @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $15
It has seemed like this year has been the year of Matador Records. The famed label has been scooping up bands left and right and having them parade around the country with their rocking sounds. One of those recent signees, Lavender Diamond, will be making the rounds of New York this weekend with an appearance at Maxwell's on Saturday and this appearance at Bowery. I've been very impressed by all the other newbies, and Lavender Diamond's first Matador release is brilliant, so this should be one heckuva show.
Lavender Diamond - "You Broke My Heart"

Pterodactyl @ Glasslands 5/25

I wish there were more venues around the city like Glasslands. Its become a place where experimental sounds and bands pushing the envelope can come and throw amazing shows to welcoming crowds looking for the next best thing in the indie music scene. Friday night was just one of those nights as Pterodactyl was taking their loud, furious show to the small wooden stage of the venue.




Pterodactyl played one of the loudest shows I have been to in a quite some time, kicking the show off with a slow paced dirge of guitar riff, before finally exploding into the raucous sound the band is quickly becoming known for. Pushing the sound equipment to their limits, Pterodactyl did not let up during their half hour long set. All three members shared vocals, and tore up their instruments with steady streams of feedback and reverb kicking in all over the place. The drummer pounded out beats that were insane, and guitarist Joe K. plays so low on his six string giving it an odd metallic sound that blisters coming out of the amps. Between songs the band would make smarmy remarks about the sound or the crowd of hipsters watching, but not even that could subdue the music that the band was blasting out all night.

It was a powerful show, one that will not soon be forgotten by me or the other hundred or so folks that left the venue with decimated ear drums. I don't recall the last time my ears rang for a couple of days, but such is the case when a band turns all their equipment as high as it will go in a small space. But I won't miss the hearing this time around, or any time that I see a band that good. If you have a penchant for noisy rock music make sure you catch this band the next time they play!

More Pics Here!!!

Memorial Day Weekend '07

Long three-day weekends are meant to be a relaxing time, maybe chilling at the beach or the pool, perhaps grilling with some friends or family, and while I expect to do some of those things it is not really what is making me lean on the edge of my seat. This weekend there are some kick ass shows to get your butts to!!! Tonight and tomorrow I will be boogeying all over this town trying to make it to see some kick ass tunes. Some of you will be at Town Hall seeing Bright Eyes, but I'm gonna pick up the pace a little. Here's what I gotta do...

Friday:

Crystal Castles - "Air War"
Which will be preceeded by Pterodactyl at Glasslands @ 9pm!!!
Pterodactyl - "Esses"

Saturday:

A Brief Smile - "This Machine"

Sunday:

The Faint - "Agenda Suicide"

Should be a great weekend hope you all enjoy it!!!

Art Brut Give Away!!!

To promote their upcoming album, It's a Bit Complicated, Art Brut are giving away some awesome prizes to some awesome people - the readers of this blog! In order to win this awesome prize just leave a comment below with your best artist and alcohol combination, a la "I'm drinking Hennessey with Morrisey!". I'll pick the three best and announce THREE winners on tomorrowTuesday at NOON.

Here's what you win:
- (1) autographed poster from the band
- (1) three song sampler of new songs from the band

So what are you waiting for people get entering!!! And here's some entering music for you....

Art Brut - "Direct Hit"

Update: The winners are...
dfactor - "I'm drinking vermouth with Sonic Youth"
angrycitizen - "I'm drinking Heineken in a can with the Wu Tang Clan"
rachael - "I'm drinking black and tans with Man Man"

Hump Day Links, Thoughts, & Tracks

• A few hours ago Pitchfork reported that the Handsome Furs were denied entry into our fucking piece of shit country for one bullshit reason or another. Scheduled to play a few shows here on the East Coast, three of which were in New York, the band have been forced to cancel all of them Though I have yet to reach members of the band or they representatives I am proposing a march on whatever public office is responsible for this! We shall march, and throw our unused tickets stubs at the filthy beaurecrats behind this!!! I also propose that to prevent further border cancellations Wolf Parade play every one of their shows with all Wolf Parade side projects opening for them! Who is with me???
• TV Note #1: I have heard initial feelings of disappointment from fans of Heroes about the season finale on Monday night. Personally, as a fan of the show and of comic books, I couldn't be more pleased. As a young kid growing up with Marvel comics and the occassional DC story line I was taught that my heroes and their arch enemies could not be killed no matter how valiantly either one of them tried. The same held true for the TV version of a comic as we were left to believe that everyone, except maybe Nathan, escaped death's clutches. The ending of this season also leads me to believe that this series could survive for decades depending on viewer interest. What did everyone else think??
• As you may have already culled from the semi-regular weekend mixes I post, I am a big fan of the mix tape. As a confused teenager I attempted to woo many a lass with a piece of plastic loaded with my favorite songs, and even as an adult I have utilized the mix tape as a sign of affection on any occassion be it anniversary, birthday, graduation day, whatever you can think of. So it was with great curiousity that I read Esquire's guide to making a mix, and now that I have read it I can honestly say it is pretty dead on. Within their guide are many a rule that I have enforced within my own mix taping. It seems that the only rule they actually omitted was the idea that you cannot and should not use a song from the same band twice on any mix tape. Otherwise, cut it out, print it, and keep it for use in your own mix taping world.
  
• No sports notes this week, I just don't feel up to it with the current state of the Yankees.
  
• TV Note #2: In contrast to the season finale Heroes dished up, 24 chose to make their viewers want to jump from the cliff he stared at during the last scene. This was absolutely the worst season in the history of this show. The plot was mostly recycled from various moments of past seasons, characters changed in ways the never should have (Chloe pregnant come on), there were far too many sappy moments ("the best way I can protect you Audrey is to leave"), and the acting from the bit players was positively appalling. One can only hope 2008 will prove to be the final season for this once great series.
  
• Free stuff you can currently find on the interwebs: Black Keys live EP, lineup for the free save the Domino Sugar factory show, the Adult Swim album everyone has been raving about, and entry to the Music Slut's 2nd Anniversary show (with RSVP)!
  
• TV Note #3: Last week I spent two consecutive days out at night seeking my television entertainment. The first night I was out for a special screening of HBO's latest comedy series, Flight of the Conchords. The show was absolutely brilliant and featured some of today's best comics for either brief moments or amazing cameos. The next day I went to MTV studios to be part of the studio audience for Human Giant's 24 hour take over of the station. I wound up being mistaken for staff which allowed me to roam about and chat with members of The Walkmen, Eugene Mirman, and countless staffers who had no idea where the free donuts would be located. It was loads of fun!!!

And now to add to my list of free stuff available on the web is a few mp3's enjoy!!!
Patti Smith - "Here I Dreamt I Was An Architect" Decemberists cover (via The Music Sluts)
Cut Copy - "Hearts on Fire"
Lindstrom w/ Prins Thomas - "Nummer Fire En"
R. Kelly - "I'm A Flirt (Remix)"

Come Celebrate Rachael's Birthday!!!!

Words, times, and other stuff soon!!!

Tuesday's Recommended Release

Since 2004 Battles have been releasing striking examples of "math rock" on several EP's that have been raved about and devoured by fans of the odd-time metered genre. Relying on beats that eschew the normal 4/4 structure and instead using varying beats accompanied with electronic blips and bleats, guitars, and bass to craft a piece of sonic art that is at once different from everything out in the mainstream of culture but yet it appears as recognizable sound.

With their long awaited full length hitting stores in the U.S. today the band once again treats us to an absolutely stunning piece of musical composition. Mirrored is the work of a band that refuses to compromise its ideas, instead pushing every knob, plucking every string, hitting every beat, and - this time out - singing every note with absolute precision. This album marks the first time the band has used any vocals at all, which is a bit scary to some fans of the math rock genre as vocals can sometimes take away from the sound of a song. But fear not, because the vocals only blend in with the overall sound of the album on Mirrored, adding another layer to the sound for us to soak in.

Each of the eleven songs on this album are given time to build into the fast paced, beat heavy tunes they eventually become. Once at that crescendo, the songs float on spread out amongst sounds coming from every direction into the listeners ears, until they reach a point where they must go back to where they came. Over the course of 52 minutes there are times where you can lose yourself within Mirrored, it actually makes the album feel like one large sonic experiment but a sonic experiment that will not lose its casual listeners and will certainly suck in avid audiophiles.

This album is absolutely breath taking. From the moment it begin until the final note is played the listener will be mesmerized by the depth and skill found on this album. Mirrored is hands down the best album of the year, an album that pushes music to levels that have yet to be seen and that will be held as a landmark for countless artists for years to come. You would be insane not to pick up this album today, absolutely insane.
Battles - "Atlas"
Battles - "Tonto"
Battles - "Prismism"
buy it at insound!


Also Recommended:

Fresh Cut the Recap

I had an amazing time co-hosting Fresh Cut on Saturday, and I would like to take moment to thank everyone that came out to see some great music, the bartenders that kept serving me cold pints all night long, and of course the bands that made the night really special for everyone involved.



Butterfly Assassins were my surprise of the evening. They were the only band that I was not too familiar with going into the evening, and Chris' pick was wonderful from the get go. Their brand of rock was addictive complete with keyboards and a wonderful cellist that kept me in awe.




Up next were Creaky Boards a band I hadn't caught in some time, but were just as good as the first time I saw them. Every tune they played had the crowd wrapped around their fingers, and for good reason.




I've never seen Easy Anthems before this evening, but then not many people had being as they had only played a handful of shows before Saturday night. With a slight twang, but completely rocking they had me going just like they've had me going this whole year with their album. It was a great performance from the band and included our second cellist of the evening.




Man In Gray were the loud band of the evening, and an excellent finishing point. Their set was full of the noise rock that litters their forthcoming album and it was great!

It was a thrilling night watching all these bands that agreed to play a show I wanted to see. So once again thanks to everyone who was involved and I look forward to the next time we do this.

This Weeks Live Music Picks

Monday: Lolita Bras @ Crash Mansion 9pm $tba Sorry this was an error the band are not playing tonight at Crash mansion but are playing tomorrow night at Lit!!!
I know I'll be spending my evening in doors watching the season finales of Heroes and 24, but those of you that are not TV junkies should certainly make it a point to see Lolita Bras. Currently the Bras are being touted as one of the bands to watch around the NY scene, and for good reason. Their brand of melody infused indie rock is a solid blend of Interpol and early 80's Brit bands, they also put on a killer live show.
Lolita Bras - "Her Own Conversation"

Tuesday: Bell @ Piano's 9pm $8
Lively piano pop music is the easiest way to label Bell's music. With her voice working as the strongest instrument this is the type of stuff that is not to be missed. Her songs are deep and insightful and are surrounded by pretty piano and additional synth/electronic sounds. You get this week and the next one after this to catch her doing her thing at her Piano's residency so make sure you get to one or the other!
Bell - "Better Way"

Wednesday: Handsome Furs @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm $13
Before Handsome Furs had ever recorded a song they were booked on a headlining tour of Scandinavia, such is the life of a Wolf Parade side project. This one features the often overlooked member, Dan Boeckner and Alexi Perry. The result is a brilliant, noisy and minimalist band that, while sounding similar to Wolf Parade, that builds its own sound at the same time. Boeckner's voice on their songs is as good as any tune he has ever sung on prior to this, and the song writing is heartfelt and deep. This is going to be one heck of a show.
Handsome Furs - "What We Had"

Thursday: Oxford Collapse @ Union Hall 8pm $8
One of the best live shows I saw all of last year was Oxford Collapse's show at Glasslands. It was such a brilliant show that I continue to mention every show they've played since but have yet to make it back to one. I must rectify that and luckily I have another chance to see them play here at the always wonderful venue Union Hall. I'm pretty excited and you should be as well.
Oxford Collapse - "Lady Lawyers"

Friday: Crystal Castles @ Studio B 10pm $10
Crystal Castles is one of those bands that have had a reputation built on a few stunning shows at this year's SXSW fest. The band has a handful of self released EP's and vinyl's that are littered with video-game inspired electronic music. If you were to go to one show all week this would be the one to be at as it's sure to be one of those get down fests we all know and love!
Crystal Castles - "Air War"

Saturday: Beat Radio & Death Ships @ Union 8pm $10
At this point you all pretty much know of my love of Beat Radio so I'm going to use this time to focus on the lesser known, but equally enjoyable Death Ships. Hailing from Iowa, Death Ships have finally decided to embark on a tour to the East coast making a couple of stops here in New York before heading back to the Midwest. The band is a straight forward, no nonsense indie rock band, that prefers that large sound so often found within the genre, but they manage to pull it off without sounding like a bunch of copy cats or derivatives which is greatly appreciated. Make sure you head out to see them tonight or you may be waiting a little while to see them again!
Death Ships - "Story Never Gets Old"

Sunday: The Faint @ Webster Hall 10pm $25
This show starts a little bit late for a school night but features one of those bands that is always a pleasure to see live. The Faint have been making their music for some time now, starting off as a little folky band that Connor Oberst was into and then learning how to play keyboards and evolving into a huge electronic dance type band. The shows are normally crazy, full of lots lighting and ambiance and like I said before a good time for people that are into that type of thing. If this isn't too late for you, I'd suggest making your way over there.
The Faint - "Agenda Suicide"

Cross-Pollination @ Piano's 5/15

For the first time ever I managed to sit through the entirety of Cross-Pollination on Tuesday night. Its not a slight against Cross-Poll that I've never been able to make it through this, its just that I don't normally stay out too late on Tuesdays, or there's another show to go to, or any of a million other things happen. But on Tuesday one of my friends and favorite musicians was taking his turn at the Cross-Poll thing so I knew I had to be there for that.

The evening got under way with the British band, The Light Years. There is word going around that The Light Years are the best unsigned band in Britain right now and its pretty easy to see why. They sound like all the other NME bands, making you wonder why this trio hasn't been snatched up and run through the mill like all the others. Maybe its because they are unsigned that they managed to be a little bit better than all those other bands I've seen and heard coming out of England. Or maybe its because it was a stripped down set that allowed the band to be free and loose, and tinker with things a little bit. Really I just thing it was the use of a box as bass drum that got me. Anyway, their part of the show was solid and I'd definitely recommend checking them out if you have the time.

Next up was my friend The Antlers. Playing his last solo show before having a brand new band back him up during his live shows, he was absolutely spell binding. Peter's voice is so unique, yet so amazingly beautiful that it is hard not to swoon while listening to his music. Sitting at the bar, enjoying a pint, I was entranced by Peter's delicious music. I can't even tell you what songs he played or which albums he culled from, all I remember was watching Peter sing to me and loving every moment of it. Its rare that an artist captures my own soul with his music but that is exactly what The Antlers did.

Following that stunning performance the two bands came back out to cross-pollinate for a couple of cover songs. Starting off with the immaculate cover of Neutral Milk Hotel's "Holland,1945" and wrapping up with The Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There" (sorry I forget what the second tune was), the two bands culled perfectly from both sides of the pond representing their different musical educations.

It was a sweet night to fully break into the world of Cross-Pollination and an evening of music that I will not soon forget. Make sure you catch The Antlers each and every time they play, and get your butts over to Piano's every Tuesday night for this wonderful event!!!

Reminder: Fresh Cut Tomorrow Night!!! + Frog Eyes @ Sound Fix

BandsI just wanted to remind everyone that Chris and I have scheduled an awesome show for tomorrow night at Matchless!!! Beginning at 8pm we will be presenting in order:

8pm - Butterfly Assassins
9pm - Creaky Boards
10pm - Easy Anthems
11pm - Man In Gray

This is going to be a great night of fun so fork over your $8 and we'll see you there!!!

Also, in this week's live picks I made mention of a Frog Eyes in store that was supposed to be on Thursday at Sound Fix. Well I just received note that that instore performance will actually be on Saturday at 4pm. So before you come to Fresh Cut check out Frog Eyes for free!!! Should be a great day of music!!!

Here's some tunes to get you pumped for this:
Creaky Boards - "I Will Kiss You At Every Red Light"
Easy Anthems - "The Only One"
Frog Eyes - "Bushels"
Man in Gray - "Brakelights"

The Lisps @ Luna Lounge 5/14

On Monday night fans of The Lisps gathered in Brooklyn to welcome them home from a month long journey across this wonderful nation. The band had been out on the road bringing their sounds to rest of a waiting country, but now we have them back to ourselves! The show, as always is the case with The Lisps, was a laugh and a kick and full of fun times. Above you can see the video of how the band opened the show beginning with a poem to a melted roadway, into their melodica warm-up, and straight into an exuberant version of "Chaos". The band continued from their mixing up their up beat quirky songs and there slower tempo love songs. It was a great show that including two other odd bands and a quirky group of double dutchers. Anyway enjoy the video and make sure you get your butts out to see this band!!!

Band of the Week: Black Kites

I'm a bit biased when it comes to picking my band of the week. I tend to stay local and name bands that I can see every Tuesday, or people that have been recommended to me, or the occassional European I just happened to stumble upon. This week though I'm going to the left coast for my band of the week, which is really an odd thing for me. You see I'm not a big fan of California. Between earthquakes, forest fires, smog, and Austrian governors its just not the type of place I could ever picture myself living in, but if there are a lot of bands like Black Kites out there I may have to rethink that policy.

Black Kites describe their sound as shoegaze and that's pretty much dead on. Listening to the four songs on their Myspace page I could easily picture myself bobbing my head up and down with my arms folded to their music. Then again I could also picture moving around a bit thanks to the steady rhythms that provide the tempo for their version of sad bastard music. I guess that kind of makes it the best of both worlds, its introspective and deep but can also get the blood pumping a bit and make you move about.

The vocal dynamics between Alan Petherick and Nicki Nevlin really grew on me as I listened to their tunes more and more. I've always been a fan of the male vs. female vocals within single songs, and their voices are perfect fits for this type of music. Niki is sharp and overpowering, while Alan seemingly croons his words to the listeners. It makes for interesting music that should not be missed.

Black Kites currently have an EP available on iTunes which you should all go and download, and they are working on a follow-up EP to be released sometime this year I believe. Anyway, if you are on the left coast I'd suggest checking them out live, and if you're not hopefully a song or two will suffice for now.
Black Kites on Myspace

Hump Day Links, Thoughts, & Tracks

Today has been a late day for me. I woke up late, got to work late, got home a little late, everything has been just a few minutes (or hours) behind. So it makes sense that I'm just getting around to doing my hump day post now at 9pm. I'm sure that logic may not have helped all you people that were looking for your tv commentary and links today, but you can just save them for tomorrow during lunch or something. Anyway, here's the stuff...

• TV Notes #1: Its not often that I mention The Simpsons during the TV notes, which is a bit odd considering I watch it nearly every week. This week though I have to make a note to mention that Sunday they will be airing their 400th episode! I find it amazing for the majority of my life I have been able to watch one television show and garner so much enjoyment from it. So congrats Simpsons, and thanks for all the wonderful hours of entertainment.
• For the first time in a while Gothamist has really caught my eye this week. The all New York site has a nice tidy list of summer shows for us today, and also has excellent interviews with Andrew Bird and John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants. Good stuff!
• Sports Note: I have come to the sad realization that the 2007 incarnation of the New York Yankess are nothing but a mdeiocre team. Their rotation is floundering, their outfield is old and hitless, and they spoiled a golden opportunity against some poor teams to gain some momentum before a tough stretch. The team should focus all its efforts on bringing along the young guys in the rotation, and working on the struggling youngsters swings. They'll still be competetitive, but maybe they aren't quite ready for that World Series I predicted. Then again things can always change!
• As usual Vegan got the drop on the lot of us by posting the initial lineup for Siren Fest. It seems a lot of people have issue with this lineup but persoanlly I think its grand. Having seen The Twilight Sad, New York Dolls, and Matt & Kim, I know they will put on a great show! Plus I'm excited to see Lavender Diamond and some new stuff by We Are Scientists. Should be sweet!
• TV Notes #2: A few minutes before I started this post I finally managed to see this week's episode of Heroes. I'm not going to spoil it for anyone saving it on their DVR, but man what an episode! It completely sets up next week's season finale and really got the blood flowing in my brain! Can't wait for next Monday!!!
• Waved Rumor has pointed me in the direction of an effort to get The Monkees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! I don't know about you, but I whole heartedly support this effort and would love to join in the fight! Where do I sign up? In other Waved Rumor news they have a pitcure up from the Art Brut show at Studio B, see if you can find me in it and maybe you'll win a prize! (Pic is at the bottom)
• TV Notes #3: On Friday the gang at Human Giant will be taking over MTV for a full 24 hours. I think the station has done this a couple of times with mixed results but I am amped for this. Can you DVR 24 hours of television? I hope so. Also, if you're in New York I think you can RSVP to be in the audience through Aziz's web site.
  

Tunes:
White Rabbits - "The Plot"
Fields - "Song for the Fields"
Battles - "Katoman" (Japanese bonus track)

Get to Know Your Fresh Cut Bands: Man in Gray

I have to be forward and honest here and admit that if a certain member of Man in Gray weren't a blogger I may never have heard of them, but I am so glad that I did thanks to that! Man in Gray are a bit different from the rest of the bands in the lineup for Saturday, in that they are loud and rock their best at the louder volumes! In a few weeks the band will unleash their latest release on the world, but for now you can enjoy a few responses to my questions from them!!!

If you could play a show for any one band in the history of music who would it be and why?
We want to play with Mission of Burma - still working on that one. I guess it's lucky that most of our favorite bands have reunited in the
past few years.

If your band members were all animals, what animals would they be?
Bat, elephant, gorilla, tazmanian devil, bear. But you have to
figure out who's who.

You are playing a show for a completely unreceptive audience, it
is at this moment that you realize the only way you will get out of
this show alive is to play a cover song. What cover song do you choose
to play?
the Cars "Just What I Needed". that went over smashingly in St. Louis.
on slightly more fun nights we bust out some T. Rex ("20th Century
Boy")

Groupies, love 'em to death or who needs 'em?
We've had some interesting ones.

A member of you band opts to wear leather pants on stage for a
show one night. How do react to this fashion decision?
Let's just leave this one alone. We're not known for our hip clothes.


Boxers or briefs. Or perhaps commando. Other?
I think about half and half with the occasional third. And Tina
has a little problem with showing everybody what she's got on.

What did you all score on your SAT's?
Not bad, not bad.

If you were not in a band what would you be doing with your life?
I'd be running a music blog and asking bands about their
underwear. the rest of us would probably be doing the same day jobs,
without the
satisfaction of moonlighting as rockstars.

What came first the chicken or the egg?
I don't know but I have a really cool little plastic egg
microwaver. It's great when it doesn't explode and get little yellow
egg bits all over the place.

Out of all the bands you have played shows with who has been
the best to see live? Who has been the worst?
It would be hard for ANY band to beat the show we played with
ESG - they're just amazing, maybe because they've been playing for 25
years. The worst... well we used to play pretty regularly at Acme
Underground for the first year or two.

Is there a band drink of choice?
More scotch, though the lady prefers Jameson whiskey or any bourbon really.

What state has the best lovers?
Hammer Dog lives in Nebraska, that's all I know.

Desert island, top 5 albums of all time?
as usual we can't agree on just 5...

Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
Mission Of Burma - Signals Calls and Marches
The Beatles (White Album)
Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
Sleater Kinney - Dig Me Out
Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska
Nirvana - In Utero
Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
Neil Young - Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
The Stooges - Raw Power
Sebadoh - Harmacy
Le Tigre - self titled
Elliott Smith - xo
Bjork - Homeogenic
The Velvet Undergound & Nico
Friends of Oldtime Music, Disc 1
Crass, "Penis Envy"
Funkadelic S/T
Richard & Linda Thompson, "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight"
Minor Threat, "Complete Discography"
Sam Cooke, "The Man and His Music"

When you are on stage what do you look at?
My amp, to make sure it doesn't get up and run away. It's done
it before, I swear! Also Tina bashing away a with a tambourine giving
herself bruises on various
parts of her body.

In your opinion who's the best blogger out there?
Bryan: I don't think I'm really allowed to answer that one.

(It's cool Bryan everyone knows Subinev is crap!)
Here's a track:
Man in Gray - "Brakelights"

Get to Know Your Fresh Cut Bands: Creaky Boards

Creaky Boards are the type of band that its easy to fall in love with. Deriving their sound from the Beach Boys and other 60's and 70's pop rock acts, Creaky Boards have managed to craft a sound that is entirely their own and completely fun for everyone listening. But really if you don't like the Beach Boys or those eras of pop rock music than maybe this isn't for you, but I would still come to my show on Saturday. The band is even better live than they are on record, though I only have a single personal experience to atest to that notion. They are upbeat, dancing, and an absolute blast as soon as they hit that stage. If they are not more than reason enough to come to this show I don't know what will be. Anyway, here's a few questions and answers so you can get to know the band a bit better!

If you could play a show for any one band in the history of music who would it be and why?
I would be scared to select a band that I really admire. If they hated me, it would tear me apart. It would be fun to play for one of those orchestras from the olden days, like Beethoven's orchestra. What would they think? It would be like Bill and Ted's excellent adventure. Then we'd all go to the mall and get arrested.

If your band members were all animals, what animals would they be?
Steve and Dan would be bears because they are furry like that. Eric is an actual wolf. Mike would be a glass cockroach. Jason would be a mountain goat with detachable hollow horns that he could blow into and make beautiful sounds. Daoud would be a deer because he is light and gentle. I would be one of those dogs that is panting and stupid but lovable.

You are playing a show for a completely unreceptive audience, it is at this moment that you realize the only way you will get out of this show alive is to play a cover song. What cover song do you choose to play?
in 2004, we played the New York subways all the time. It was this rare moment in time where playing "Heya" by Outkast was completely fresh and amazing and innovative, yet recognizable and belonged to everyone. It was especially a kick because we were two white boys. After awhile, the song was so popular that it became a bit of a cliché to love or to cover. But in early 2004, we used to rake in the subway cash by pulling out the last resort Heya. Kids would dance in circles, and be waving to us through the windows as their train pulled away. And we loved playing the song. I loved asking everyone, "what's cooler than being cool?"

Groupies, love 'em to death or who needs 'em?
groupies mostly only exist to bands that are signed or played big tours or are on the radio. We have a small group of friends that support our local shows, and we love them. They are our equals and we party with them and hang with them and slap them fives. I think I would still like groupies even if I had thousands of people listening to me. I've been a groupie to so many favorite life-changing bands of mine. It's a beautiful role. It's just hard for famous bands to get to know each and every groupie, after a while.

A member of you band opts to wear leather pants on stage for a show one night. How do react to this fashion decision?
I would encourage it. At this point, I am trying to get the rest of the band to stop wearing jeans. We were advised once that creaky boards should only wear slacks, and I thought it was a wise tip. But it's awkward, because I'm not sure how many of the members, other than me, really enjoy slacks. I think when it comes down to it, we're mostly jeans people.

Boxers or briefs. Or perhaps commando. Other?
I associate briefs with days before adolescence, when my mom dressed me and I was very innocent. Boxers remind me of trying to be someone sexy who girls can undress and discover underneath a grown man. So boxers.

What did you all score on your SAT's?
I think I got around 1300. But those tests were really not for me. I am destined to funnel all of my efforts into art. All the high school and college grades and the standardized tests, they were all pointing to the conclusion that I could be successful in a conventional way. But if they would have conducted a single personality test on me, one psychological examination, they would have seen that I have the creative itch. A very stubborn, purist breed of it. So because of that, it's pretty guaranteed that I will end up, by conventional standards, a failure. You know...poor, struggling, unknown, weird, an outcast. I guess my book smarts feed into my songwriting in some untraceable way, but was it ever worth measuring?

If you were not in a band what would you be doing with your life?
I would be really depressed, and trying to wedge myself into another life's work that could satisfy me, and falling flat on my face. I would be reminiscing a lot about music. I would be creeping back to the temptation of the acoustic guitar, the recording device. I would worry myself into a frenzy until I was back in a band. It actually happened not long ago, from 2004 to 2006.

What came first the chicken or the egg?
we may never know

Out of all the bands you have played shows with who has been the best to see live? Who has been the worst?
we love Ching Chong song. They send us into the stratosphere. They show us the sun. Beat the Devil throws us on our knees, sobbing and praying, in the best way. I can think of some bands I haven't liked, but who wants to harp on the local kids?

Is there a band drink of choice?
Jason loves Scotch. Eric and Daoud don't seem to drink much, which amazes me. Mike and Dan and I are pretty big fan of whiskey on the rocks. We also like the Yuengling 22 oz's for $1.50. It's the best deal. A reliable friend in late night Brooklyn.

What state has the best lovers?
I'm sure I could answer some of these questions better if I was wittier.

Desert island, top 5 albums of all time?
if it was a deserted island, I would like all the music to be somewhat serene and entrancing, to go with the bobbing ocean waves. I would take the Beach boys smile 60s recordings. Much of it is very disturbing, but there is also lots of calming island beauty, like that song "surf's up". DJ shadow's Entroducing would be enchanting at night. Porno for Pyros's album Good God's Urge would be an amazing deserted island album. Imagine listening to: "I don't know if I'll make at home tonight, but I know I can swim under the Tahitian Moon." That would be heartbreaking. Os Mutantes' "A Divina Comedia Ou" has that weird tropical trip sound. And lastly, Charles Mingus has this mind blowing and terrifying island album. The cover is actually Mingus sitting on a throne in an island jungle. Mingus is in color, and the jungle is in black and white. I used to have the cassette. That would be the one to send me over the edge. That would be the one where I would impale myself on the sharp jutting rocks below the cliff.

When you are on stage what do you look at?
I usually look at the blank space above the crowd, the back wall or whatever. But that is a copout. I'm trying to condition myself into looking right in people's eyes.

In your opinion who's the best blogger out there?
I really like reading Flea's blog on the red hot chili peppers web site. It's called Fleamail. It's mostly flea praising life in a very humble and enthusiastic and immersed way. I love flea.


And here's a tune!!!
Creaky Boards - "I Will Kiss You At Ever Red Light"

Tuesday's Recommended Release

My early musical life was shaped by the videos I saw on MTV. From the summer of 1994 until MTV was completely overrun by idiotic reality television, I spent hours watching the music they would spoon feed us over and over again. For this reason bands like Green Day and Sublime remain high up on my all-time favorites, but there were a few independent bands that made their way into my life thanks to videos on MTV. One of those bands were Wilco, who first burst their way into my consciouosness with their video for "Outtasite (Outta Mind)". I wasn't familiar with Uncle Tupelo or anything they had done before that, but from that point on I was hooked to all things Tweedy. Today Wilco will release their brand new album Sky Blue Sky and I am once again salivating over the music Tweedy and company are giving us.

With a lineup that is as steady as it ever has been, Wilco have hand crafted a steady album of wonderful songwriting and solid instrument play. The songs on this album aren't quite Yankee Foxtrot Hotel, but still they manage to maintain the Wilco astetic, allowing Jeff Tweedy's lyrics to flourish beneath the luscious sounds of the rest of the band. I could be banal here and say that Nels Cline never manages to reach his apex on this album or that Glenn Kotche hides somewhere in the background, but doing so would only take away from what Wilco provides us with on this album.

This is by no means the best Wilco album ever, but as a huge fan of the band I can easily recommend it. The songs are good enough to capture any true music fan's ear, and maybe even a few stragglers here and there. So make sure you add this to your shopping list for today!

Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
Wilco - "Shake It Off"
Wilco - "What Light"

Also Released:

Get to Know Your Fresh Cut Bands: Easy Anthems

A few months ago I was really on a Beat Radio kick. The band was about to play the first show I ever co-hosted and I had been listening to their album non-stop, when I got an e-mail from a member of the band named Phil. Phil was sending me info on a side project he did with his wife called Easy Anthems. In less than a week I fell in love with the band's music and decided to name them my band of the week. Since then nary a week has gone by where I haven't listened to their tunes, which just happen to be available for free on their website here. Well the rest of the story is pretty simple, I decided to ask the band to play my next co-hosting show and they said yes. So on Saturday you'll get to see the brilliant Easy Anthems do their thing live on stage. I sent them a few questions to get a feel for what the band is like, here are their answers:

1. If you could play a show for any one band in the history of music who would it be and why?
Vanesa and I had the rare opportunity to Open for James Brown in our last band... it was the best, can’t top him and his band.

2. If your band members were all animals, what animals would they be?
Cattle lined up at the slaughterhouse

3. You are playing a show for a completely unreceptive audience, it is at this moment that you realize the only way you will get out of this show alive is to play a cover song. What cover song do you choose to play?
“Life is a Highway”

4. Groupies, love ‘em to death or who needs ‘em?
Groupies go best with contraceptives.

5. A member of your band opts to wear leather pants on stage for a show one night. How do react to this fashion decision?
I’d remind ‘em they too are a cow on the slaughter line.

6. Boxers or briefs. Or perhaps commando. Other?
Personally nothing, I can’t speak for everyone. We haven’t toured proper yet.

7. What did you all score on your SAT’s?
I don’t remember.

8. If you were not in a band what would you be doing with your life?
Something more productive and meaningful.

9. What came first the chicken or the egg?
THE EGG, no question.

10. Out of all the bands you have played shows with who has been the best to see live? Who has been the worst?
Beat Radio and James Brown BEST. I won’t answer the other part.

11. Is there a band drink of choice?
Moonshine.

12. What state has the best lovers?
I don’t know, but we just got back from Argentina.....

13. Desert island, top 5 albums of all time?
The Cure “Disintegration”, Tom Waits “Everything”, Wilco “Yankee Hotel”, Bob Dylan “Almost Everything”, Katel Keinig (check my spelling) “’O Seasons ‘O Castles”

14. When you are on stage what do you look at?
The pretty ones.

15. In your opinion who’s the best blogger out there?
I don’t understand the context of this question.


Easy Anthems will hit the stage at 11pm, until them enjoy this song from the to get amped up for their performance!!!
Easy Anthems - "The Only One"

This Weeks Live Music Picks

Monday: The Lisps @ Luna Lounge 7:30pm $8
After a solid month of touring The Lisps are returning to the city they love to play a show for their home bred fans! It'll be good to see the boys and girl of The Lisps playing again in our fair city, and it'll be my first time heading to Luna Lounge so I'm excited about that. Also playing at The Shivers and Salt & Samovar. Should be a good time!
The Lisps - "Documents"

Tuesday: The Antlers + The Light Years (Cross-Pollination) @ Piano's 8pm FREE
I've been hung up on the latest release by The Antlers for a while now, and there's no reason you shouldn't be joining me in that adoration with the album being offered for free on the website! Now to add to all the free music The Antlers have been giving us all, we'll get a chance to see him in action for free as part of the institution known as Cross-Pollination. Not up on The Light Years, but based on the history of this weekly show I know I'll enjoy it.
The Antlers - "On the Roof"
The Light Years - "Emily"

Wednesday: Mates of State w/Parts and Labor @ Solar One 7pm FREE
Lets see, free show featuring two of the hottest indie rock bands out there. Sounds good to me.
Mates of State - "Fraud in the 80's"
Parts and Labor - "Fractured Skies"

Thursday: Frog Eyes @ Soundfix Records 4pm FREE
It appears that free is the word of the week as this is the third consecutive day I get to recommend going to a free show. Word on the street is that Soundfix has done a solid job renovating their cafe area where they hold these free performances, and I've also heard that the new Frog Eyes album is awesome (it really is, I've been enjoying it a lot lately). The only reason you would possibly miss this show is the 4pm start time, boo to that!
Frog Eyes - "Bushels"

...or Deerhoof @ Irving Plaza 8pm $16.50
I've already seen Deerhoof at Irving Plaza this year, but being as that show was tremendous I would seriously think about repeating my experience tonight. In case you haven't heard Deerhoof put on one of the best live shows I have ever been privy to. With insane drumming, quirky singing, and solid strumming, this is the type of music that will drive the kids into a frenzy. Bonus points for this event being part of the Highline Fest upping the possibility that David Bowie will be in the audience getting down with you!
Deerhoof - "+81"

Friday: Fields w/Page France @ Union Hall 8pm $12
Last week I recommended Page France's latest album ...And the Family Telephone so it seems only right that I would be telling you all to go see them this week. I have not yet caught the band live, but if it follows the strength of their albums it will be a rocking good time.
Page France - "Hat and Rabbit"

Saturday: Fresh Cut @ Matchless 8pm $8
I am super excited to recommend a show that I am co-hosting tonight along with Chris from The Battering Room. Its the second show we've set up together and we think the lineup is just out of this world. Featuring two of my former bands of the week and a couple of bands that should be bands of the week, this is gonna be a show you won't want to miss. Oh and by the way the bands that are playing are Butterfly Assassins, Creaky Boards, Easy Anthems, and Man in Gray! Come early, stay late!
Creaky Boards - "I Cannot Love You"
Easy Anthems - "Restless Beauty"
Man in Gray - "Thirty-Six"

Sunday: Pterodactyl @ Cake Shop 8pm $7
If you're not too hung over from my show the night before this one, you should definitely make it a point to be at Cake Shop for the Pterodactyl performance tonight. This band has released one of my favorite albums of 2007, and I am really pumped about getting the chance to see them play at such an awesome, small venue. Some guy named Kyp Malone is opening for them too, so you might want to get their to see that.
Pterodactyl - "Esses"

Band of the Week: Jukebox the Ghost

D.C.'s Jukebox the Ghost are quickly becoming the bees knees when it comes to upbeat, indie, pop music. The three piece band have been winning over folks in their hometown for some time now, playing the local venues and colleges, collecting an army of myspace fans, and getting the word about them spread like wildfires. Now comes the release of the band's first ever EP and after just a handful of listens I'm completely hooked on their infectious piano pop sound.

Blending the sounds of Ben Folds and They Might Be Giants, Jukebox thrive with quirky lyrics and upbeat tempos, spaced by hand claps or the sudden lack of sound. All three members lend their vocals to the songs, and the resulting harmonies elevate their songs from mere oddities to unique and creative pop songs. Musically the band can handle their instruments as they ably demonstrate during the instrumental portion on "Matter of Time" and throughout the rest of the album. The self-titled EP jumps off with the band's strongest song "Good Day", an instantly addictive tune that quickly points you in the piano and lyric based music the band trends towards.

Having just graduated from college the members of the band are taking it a bit easy and hanging at home before they hit the road to bring their music to a town near you. In September the trio will be playing a residency at Piano's so be prepared for that New York! For now you can check out the tracks below to get a taste of what Jukebox the Ghost are all about! Enjoy!!!

Jukebox the Ghost - "Hold It In"
Jukebox the Ghost - "Matter of Time"
(P.S. - Sorry to the photographer of the above pic, I stole it from the band's myspace!)

Announcing Fresh Cut

Bands:
8:00pm - Butterfly Assassins
9:00pm - Creaky Boards
10:00pm - Easy Anthems
11:00pm - Man In Gray

@ Matchless, 557 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn, NY
8pm $8 21+ (sorry kiddies!!!)

So the last time Chris and I put together a show the lineup was great and I wound up wasted by the second act! I'm planning for the same type of thing here, and maybe I'll remember to take pictures and stuff this time around. Anyway, we've changed the name up, gotten a fresh flyer, and put together a sweet lineup featuring two past Bands of the Week!!! Make sure you show up early to this one, you will not want to miss one of these bands. You can preview some of their tunes below!

Man In Gray - "Thirty-Six"
Easy Anthems - "Restless Beauty"
Creaky Boards - "I Cannot Love You"
Butterfly Assassins on Myspace

Arcade Fire @ Radio City Music Hall 5/9

If you ever wanted to eliminate the New York City blogging contingent in one shot, last night was your opportunity to do so. Looking at my bloglines this afternoon I was bombarded with review after review of the show, most of which were more eloquent than I could ever hope to write. So I've sat all day and pondered whether or not I should chime in, and I've decided that indeed I should.

There seemed to be two main points in every other post about the show today, the security vs. crowd angle and how awesome the show was. Being as I was two floors removed from the whole "anarchy" element of the show I'll stay away from mentioning that beyond this sentence. As for the awesomeness of the show, well it was good but I don't know about awesome.

For starters The National were dull. Its a great band, and I love the new album and their ability to craft wonderful songs, but their live show is dull. For roughly ten songs the band treated us to their songs, played by standing still and showing almost no emotion whatsoever. In fact when Matt Berninger actually attempted to show some emotion he hurt his ankle and spent the rest of the set hobbled by his injury. Now I am by no means saying this is a bad band, and I would definitely tell you all to go out and by The Boxer when its released, but I for one will not be attending any of their shows at Bowery.

As for the Arcade Fire, well I have to preface this a little bit. In February I stood for hours in sub-freezing temperatures to catch this band at Judson Church. That show will stand out in my mind for years as one of the best live performances I have ever seen. The sound was crisp that night, the band was passionate, the crowd was frenzied. Compare that with last night's show and you'll see that the awesomeness wasn't quite as prevalent as others would have you believe.

For starters the vocals were barely audible from where I was sitting last night. At times Win was completely drowned out by other instruments and Regine was more or less a non-factor for much of the evening as her tiny voice couldn't be heard save for once or twice here and there. The passion was there from the band, but the crowd just could not be passionate. With Win calling for people to bum rush the stage, people just sat where they were, hardly moving, barely existing in the massive theatre. It was as if the collective audience didn't know how to react to the music on such a grand scale.

But I don't want you getting the idea that I didn't enjoy the show, I really did. Perhaps my expectations were set too high by their previous shows, or by the hope that David Bowie might make an appearance, so really who am I to say what was wrong with the show. I know a lot of people loved every second of it, and they are right to have. The music was still great, the band was full of exuberance throughout the show, and Arcade Fire may just be the next biggest band in the world, but last night didn't quite fulfill all of what I had hoped for.

Tuesday's Recommended Release

Page France is one of those hard working indie bands you can't help but root for. Over the past four years they have released three albums and a couple of EP's, including today's release of their finest album to date - Page France and the Family Telephone. In the past the music has been almost entirely constructed and written by Michael Nau, but with this release Nau has loosened his grip on the band and allowed more of a collected effort. The result is a beautiful album full of lovely pop tunes, that are at once imaginative and catchy.

From the opener you get a sense of the song structure, occassionally fast paced but mostly mellowed tunes, that take cues from literary figures as much as it does from musicians. The lyrics on the album are very playful, usually revolving around animals and outdoors life to drive home Nau's messages. Behind the lyrics the band uses a mulitude of instruments to create just the right twee pop sound to go along with the songs. Its a fun album that hooks you from the get go and just does not let go.

...and the Family Telephone is an absolutely addictive album that may fall just under the radar during a very strong release week, but hopefully not too far under. The album is wonderful from beginning to end with no weak points in between. Not picking up this album today would probably be a mistake on your part!
Page France - "Be My Pianist"
Page France - "Hat and Rabbit"
Page France - "The Joker's Joke"
buy it at insound!


Also Released:

This Weeks Live Music Picks

Monday: Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Glasslands 7pm FREE
The music lovers in New York will surely be out tonight. Sold out shows by the Arcade Fire and Beirut, it'd be easy to be discouraged thinking you won't get into any cool shows tonight, but don't be cause there's a pair of pretty sweet free shows going done at Glasslands in Brooklyn tonight. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be playing two shows at the tiny art space in industrial Williamsburg! The second show is ladies only, so I won't be recommending that one because they won't be letting me in. So I'd suggest getting there really early to check out the 7pm show. Wristbands will be distributed beginning at 5pm, and there's more details over at Brooklyn Vegan.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Cheated Hearts"

Tuesday: Beat Radio @ The Delancey 8pm $8
Beirut is sold out. Bjork is sold out. Amy Winehouse is sold out. Arcade Fire is sold out. Ben Gibbard is sold out. So, if you're not going to one of those may I suggest checking out Beat Radio. I caught these guys last week at Chris' show and they are always phenomenal live. Unsacred Hearts and The Shondes round out the lineup for the evening.
Beat Radio - "A Million Miles"

Wednesday: Arcade Fire & The National @ Radio City Music Hall 7pm SOLD OUT
I know its sold out, but I have a ticket for this evening so I'm still going to recommend the show. Oh and by the way, thanks for buying the ticket for me Wes!
Arcade Fire - "Keep the Car Running"
The National - "Start A War"

Thursday: Albert Hammond Jr. @ Hiro Ballroom 8pm FREE
So one of the great New York bands is playing a free show on Monday and a member of another one is playing a free show tonight. Albert Hammond Jr., of The Strokes, will be playing a free show at Hiro Ballroom to showcase the music off his terrific new album. You have to RSVP to get in here so make sure you get on that.
Albert Hammond Jr. - "Call An Ambulance"

Friday: The Mountain Goats @ Soundfix Records 8pm FREE
This is really the week to get out and not have it hurt your budget at all. Tonight we welcome the back room at Soundfix Records back to business with the always amazing Mountain Goats. This show is sure to be packed so make sure you get your butts there early.
The Mountain Goats - "Two Headed Boy"

Saturday: Dan Deacon @ Mercury Lounge time tba $8
My brother has been raving about Dan's Saturday show at Silent Barn so I'm going to have to take his word and go and see this guy do his thing live. I honestly don't know too much about him but it sounds like it should be a good time.
Dan Deacon - "When I Was Taller"

Sunday: Shapes and Sizes @ Union Hall 1pm $10
I'm not sure if this is really the actual time for this show, but it'd be a pretty cool way to spend a Sunday afternoon drinking at Union Hall and watching some excellent bands. The headlining band is Shapes and Sizes a solid band that I have sampled but never fully immersed myself in. But hey 1pm on a Sunday what else will I be doing right?
Shapes and Sizes - "Head Moivn'"

May's Concert Calendar

Free (the best price):
Thursday 5/10 * Albert Hammond Jr. @ Hiro Ballroom 8pm
Albert Hammond Jr. - "Bright Young Thing"
Wednesday 5/16 * Mates of State w/Parts and Labor @ Solar One 7pm
Mates of State - "Think Long"
Wednesday 5/16 * Gang Gang Dance @ Studio B 10pm
Gang Gang Dance - "(Imprisimed)"

Cheap (under $10):
Friday 5/11 * My Best Fiend @ Cake Shop 8pm $8
My Best Fiend - "Dead Man"
Saturday 5/12 * Dan Deacon @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $8
Dan Deacon - "When I Was Taller"
Monday 5/14 * The Lisps @ Luna Lounge 7:30pm $8
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"
Friday 5/18 * Standing Nudes @ Cake Shop 8pm $tba
Standing Nudes - "When I Arrive"
Friday 5/18 * Professor Muder @ Studio B 10pm $10
Professor Murder - "Champion"
Saturday 5/19 * Frog Eyes @ Union Hall 8pm $10
Frog Eyes - "Bushels"
Sunday 5/20 * Pterodactyl @ Cake Shop 8pm $7
Pterodactyl - "Polio"
Thursday 5/24 * Oxford Collapse @ Union Hall 8pm $8
Oxford Collapse - "The Boys Go Home"
Friday 5/25 * The Gaskets @ Galapagos 10pm $8
The Gaskets - "Earthquake" (live)
Saturday 5/26 * Beat Radio w/Death Ships @ Union Hall 8pm $10
Beat Radio - "Treetops"

Won't Break the Bank (under $20):
Tuesday 5/15 * Electrelane @ Irving Plaza 8pm $15
Electrelane - "Saturday"
Tuesday 5/15 * Daniel Johnston @ Warsaw 7pm $18
Daniel Johnston - "Fish"
Thursday 5/17 * Deerhoof @ Irving Plaza 8pm $16.50
Deerhoof - "+81"
Friday 5/18 * Tapes n' Tapes @ Irving Plaza 8pm $15
Tapes n' Tapes - "Cowbell"
Friday 5/18 * Fields w/Page France @ Union Hall 8pm $12
Page France - "Junkyard"
Saturday 5/19 * Merzbow @ The Hook 7pm $18
Merzbow - "Track 4"
Wednesday 5/23 * Handsome Furs @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm $13
Handsome Furs - "What We Had"
Wednesday 5/30 * !!! @ Studio B 8pm $16
!!! - "Heart of Hearts"


Expensive (over $20):
Tuesday 5/8 * Blonde Redhead w/Fields @ Webster Hall $22
Blonde Redhead - "The Dress"
Tuesday 5/15 * Arctic Monkeys w/Be Your Own PET @ Hammerstein $30
Be Your Own PET - "Adventure"
Thursday 5/17 * Mastodon @ Roseland Ballroom 6:30pm $25
Masotdon - "Bladecatcher"
Thursday 5/17 * Andrew Bird @ Webster Hall 7pm $25
Andrew Bird - "Heretics"
Monday 5/21 * The Jesus and mary Chain @ Webster Hall 8pm $45
The Jesus and Mary Chain - "Darklands"
Friday 5/25 * Bright Eyes @ Town Hall 8pm $tba
Bright Eyes - "Four Winds"

Sold Out (um...duh!):
Monday 5/7 * Beirut @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm
Beirut - "Postcards from Italy"
Wednesday 5/9 * Arcade Fire @ Radio City Music Hall 7pm
Arcade Fire - "Keep the Car Running"
Saturday 5/12 * LCD Soundsystem @ Studio B 8:30pm
LCD Soundsystem - "All My Friends"
Wednesday 5/16 * They Might Be Giants @ Joe's Pub 9 & 11pm
They Might Be Giants - "Employee of the Month"

Hump Day Links, Thoughts, & Tracks

• TV Note #1: This weeks episode of Heroes was easily the most compelling hour of television of the season thus far. Seeing the future gives a real sense of the break down of where the Heroes stand though we are still left wondering if the future can be changed and New York saved. I think its an understatement to say I am excited for next week's episode!!!
• Its tough to best yourself but somehow Daytrotter continues to do just that. This week the man behind the best music website known to man gives us some in-studio Grizzly Bear tracks, and you know how I like my Grizzly Bear! There's also some tracks from The Comas on there and a bunch of other stuff. You should stop by daily.
  
• Sports Note #1: LET'S GO RANGERS!!! Can you hear the chant getting louder? It should be. Down two games to none the Rangers have risen to the occassion taking the last two home games including tonight's 2-1 defeat of the western New York Sabres. Sure, the Sabres are going to be tough at home but this team has shown it will not back down!
  
• Stylus Magazine continues to get a link a week from me with another wonderful feature, this time on the first 50 singles from Sarah Records.
  
• CMJ.com has some advanced reviews of the new Interpol record. I'm really excited we're going to be getting some new stuff from this band after almost three years!
• TV Notes #2: The free falls of some of my favorite shows continued this week. 24 came up with an utterly ridiculous new catch phrase, while jack was arrested, and emotional love plots played the catalyst for the plot twists. Ugh. Grey's Anatomy further flushed the toilet of itself reverting to the old "parasite is eating the board members genitals" story line. I'm pretty sure ER used that one already guys!
  
• Cesar of The Lisps has updates and pictures of their tour through the States on his blog Music is Free Now. Only a couple more days on the road before they play their welcome back gig at Luna Lounge. You know you'll be there New York!
• Sports Note #2: The Yanks have decided to let Joe Torre hang in there a little longer. In past years I have supported the decision to allow Torre to keep managing but this year is a bit tougher for me to do so. Sure there are a lot of injury concerns right now and several stars have yet to play like stars; but, we have Joe Girardi - the reigning NL Manager of the Year - sitting in a studio booth somewhere waiting for his shot at the reigns. Personally I think a guy like Girardi brings all the best Torre attributes with him to the job, but adds the youth and perspective of over payed pro ballplayers as well. So let Torre stay for now, but make sure you lock up Girardi.
  
• Pitchfork has got the new Kelly Clarkson video which makes me wonder why certain pop stars can maintain enough credibility to appease hispters but other artists can't. Anyone care to explaing this to me? Oh yeah, they also recommend the new Dinosaur Jr. album, I don't really back that decision.
  
• TV Note #3: The Sopranos is picking up steam, only to lose it, only to pick it up again. Obviously this week's episode plays into the eventual demise of Tony, but how? Will his gambling debts get him whacked? Will they make him sloppy enough to get caught by the feds? What's up with the wacky job from MIT hanging with Junior? There's so many questions but so little time left for answers! Please don't leave us hanging like the X-Files did!!!
  

And here's some tunes...
Xiu Xiu - "Hello from Eau Claire"
Shapes and Sizes - "Alone/Alive"
Shapes and Sizes - "Head Movin?"

Tuesday's Recommended Release

The first time I listened to Electrelane's latest album, No Shouts No Calls, I was struck by how amateurish the entire album seemed. There were points in songs where the singer's voice cracks, there were obviously flubbed notes, and slight time variations. Yet the more I listened to the album the more I became intrigued by the sound coming from this band. Apparently everyone knew this already because the more I listened the more I talked about the album and apparently this is no new band.

Since 1998 Electrelane have been making music of this style, the kind that is completely minimalist to the point that it becomes the most basic form of the art, as if a child were making it. But this band is not full of children, it is a band that has focused on the very adult world of politics and making a statement, until this album that is. On No Shouts No Calls the band tackle the world of romance with sweet, childish pop songs made in the same vein as the older albums just with new themes to be explored.

The songs here will make you wonder why you are listening to something so simple, until you reach a point where certain lyrics catch you or maybe a bit of piano or perhaps even the way they are singing to you. Its the type of moment that music listeners dream of, the moment where they can transport themselves into the song and feel every bit of what the songwriter was feeling when she wrote the song. Throughout the album there are infinite moments like these and they are all brought to us in the most simple ways imaginable.

This album won't change the way the world makes music, nor will it revolutionize anything, instead it will make you remember what we love about music.

Electrelane - "To the East"
Electrelane - "Saturday"

buy it at insound!

Also Released: