Came across their flyer for the show tomorrow thought it was cool...
In 2005 Okkervil River released their fourth full length album, Black Sheep Boy, and finally garnered the sort of critical praise and success they had worked hard for half a decade to achieve. People across the board were struck by the depth and the darkness of Will Sheff's lyrics and the band's capable musicianship. It even had Lou Reed declaring the band one of his new favorites. So after two years of relentless touring and the release of an EP accompaniment the band has finally finished up their follow-up with an overwhelming amount of anticipation looking them right in the face.From the opening track, "Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe", the band laughs in the face of these expectations, meeting them head on by making an amazing album. The Stage Names is a bit brighter and more up beat than Black Sheep Boy all over. Where Black Sheep Boy tackled ideas of gothic fantasy, The Stage Names goes after more modern ideas with lovable losers, long bar nights, and waitresses a step away from death. Throughout the album Will Sheff's voice soars through his lyrics, pushing the limits of his voice to their breaking point without ever actually breaking. Its impassioned, its powerful, and it is entertaining as hell.
The Stage Names should only build on the success of Black Sheep Boy, and should push the band to the upper echelon of the indie world. The album will hit store shelves on August 7th so make sure to add it to your shopping lists for the day, and hopefully you'll follow Lou Reed and take Okkervil River as one of your favorite new bands.
Okkervil River - "Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe"
buy it at insound!
After sweating through this week at work I'm glad to finally be at the cusp of the weekend. Its going to be a pretty crazy weekend around my part with tons of events going on that I must get to and a slew of bands I must see coming through the area. Most of the shows I'll be going to this weekend are FREE which is always a good thing and means that I hope to see you all there rocking out along side of me!
Friday:
At 7pm I'll be heading down to the seaport for the the first time this summer to take in the sights and sounds of Sam Champion and Ra Ra Riot. Obviously tonight will be a truly emotional night being the first show since the death of Ra Ra Riot's drummer John Pike. The band, with the blessing of John's family, have decided to soldier on as a band rather than folding under the face of a tragedy. Show your support for the band by being in attendance tonight and having a great time listening to the tunes of the band.
Ra Ra Riot - "Can You Tell"
Sam Champion - "Like A Secret"
After Ra Ra Riot get done at the seaport I'll be heading to The Cake Shop to catch Daylight's for the Birds, a damn fine indie pop band that deserves you and your attention. Go by and catch them right after the you finish rocking out at the seaport. (I don't see the time or the price listed so I'll try to get this all for you.)
Daylight's for the Birds - "Worlds Away"
Also Playing Tonight:
Ola Podrida @ Galapagos 10pm $8
The Stills @ Maxwell's 9pm $15
Seymour Saves the World @ Piano's 8pm $8
Saturday:
Saturday night my friends and I will gather to celebrate the engagement of our friends Liz and Sal. So while we are dressed to the nines and enjoying an open bar here's a few things I'd be doing if I weren't at this party.
First off Malajube is gonna be playing at the Prospect Park Bandshell for $3 starting at 7pm. Of course they aren't the only band playing that night The Stills will be headlining and The Sam Roberts Band will also be taking the stage.
Malajube - "Montreal -40°C"
But if I were you I'd take off after Malajube and head across Manhattan to the ferry and into Jersey to catch The Fiery Furnaces at Maxwell's. Its been a while since I've seen The Furnaces but I'm sure they will be unbelievable at the famed tiny nightclub.
The Fiery Furnaces - "Quay Cur"
Also Playing Tonight:
Morrissey @ Madison Square Garden 7pm $35
Gang Gang Dance @ Bowery Ballroom 9pm $15
Langhorne Slim @ Luna Lounge 6:30pm $15
Sunday:
Ahhh what's better than spending a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the pool? Of course I'm not talking about an ordinary swimming pool here, I'm talking about the always fun and entertaining Pool Parties at McCarren Park Pool. Beginning at 2pm you can hang with all the cool kids of Williamsburg while basking in the sun, playing dodge ball, sipping some beer, riding down the slip n' slide, or rocking out to some of the best music around. Today we get the double treat of checking out the very fine Illinois and the absolutely amazing live show of Man Man. If you have yet to catch Man Man live, well I don't really know what's wrong with you, but you need to make up for that today!!!
Man Man - "Black Mission Goggles"
Illinois - "Screendoor"
Also Playing Tonight:
Malajube w/Daylight's for the Birds @ Maxwell's 8pm $12
The Fiery Furnaces @ Studio B 9pm $15
The Polyphonic Spree @ Warsaw 9pm $25
Friday:
At 7pm I'll be heading down to the seaport for the the first time this summer to take in the sights and sounds of Sam Champion and Ra Ra Riot. Obviously tonight will be a truly emotional night being the first show since the death of Ra Ra Riot's drummer John Pike. The band, with the blessing of John's family, have decided to soldier on as a band rather than folding under the face of a tragedy. Show your support for the band by being in attendance tonight and having a great time listening to the tunes of the band.Ra Ra Riot - "Can You Tell"
Sam Champion - "Like A Secret"
After Ra Ra Riot get done at the seaport I'll be heading to The Cake Shop to catch Daylight's for the Birds, a damn fine indie pop band that deserves you and your attention. Go by and catch them right after the you finish rocking out at the seaport. (I don't see the time or the price listed so I'll try to get this all for you.)Daylight's for the Birds - "Worlds Away"
Also Playing Tonight:
Ola Podrida @ Galapagos 10pm $8
The Stills @ Maxwell's 9pm $15
Seymour Saves the World @ Piano's 8pm $8
Saturday:
Saturday night my friends and I will gather to celebrate the engagement of our friends Liz and Sal. So while we are dressed to the nines and enjoying an open bar here's a few things I'd be doing if I weren't at this party.First off Malajube is gonna be playing at the Prospect Park Bandshell for $3 starting at 7pm. Of course they aren't the only band playing that night The Stills will be headlining and The Sam Roberts Band will also be taking the stage.
Malajube - "Montreal -40°C"
But if I were you I'd take off after Malajube and head across Manhattan to the ferry and into Jersey to catch The Fiery Furnaces at Maxwell's. Its been a while since I've seen The Furnaces but I'm sure they will be unbelievable at the famed tiny nightclub.
The Fiery Furnaces - "Quay Cur"
Also Playing Tonight:
Morrissey @ Madison Square Garden 7pm $35
Gang Gang Dance @ Bowery Ballroom 9pm $15
Langhorne Slim @ Luna Lounge 6:30pm $15
Sunday:
Ahhh what's better than spending a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the pool? Of course I'm not talking about an ordinary swimming pool here, I'm talking about the always fun and entertaining Pool Parties at McCarren Park Pool. Beginning at 2pm you can hang with all the cool kids of Williamsburg while basking in the sun, playing dodge ball, sipping some beer, riding down the slip n' slide, or rocking out to some of the best music around. Today we get the double treat of checking out the very fine Illinois and the absolutely amazing live show of Man Man. If you have yet to catch Man Man live, well I don't really know what's wrong with you, but you need to make up for that today!!!Man Man - "Black Mission Goggles"
Illinois - "Screendoor"
Also Playing Tonight:
Malajube w/Daylight's for the Birds @ Maxwell's 8pm $12
The Fiery Furnaces @ Studio B 9pm $15
The Polyphonic Spree @ Warsaw 9pm $25
I love bands full of young, energetic, and exuberant people. When a band of teenagers gets together and start making music its a beautiful thing, they haven't yet been corrupted by all the ills of society but they have a good idea of what they are in for. The Overtones are exactly this sort of band, they are young (all around 18 or so), talented (though still learning), and have an idea of the world without being completely jaded by it, plus I think they started a band just to get laid which is really the main reason behind all rock n' roll bands no matter what "artist" types say.Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri the band haven't exactly been exposed to the best of the indie rock world. Unlike here in New York where you are practically beat over the head with it, this quartet of teenagers had to discover the music on their own, and did so (according to their bio) by stumbling upon a box of old LP's by The Velvet Underground and Television and have found their way from their. And their music is very reminiscent of those two bands that put them on their current path.
Having already opened for bands like Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Be Your Own PET, and The Changes, this band is poised for a big time break out. Add in the fact that Be Your Own PET's drummer will be filling away for their regular drummer (he's away at summer camp!) this summer and you have a pretty good idea where this band is heading.
The band will be heading to New York this summer for a July 14th date at the Cakes Shop so make sure you get out there to support the kids that are really rocking out, and make sure you check out their music below!
The Overtones - "Boots of Lead"
The Overtones - "Below the Balcony"
The Overtones on Myspace
- TV Note #1: The second episode of Flight of the Conchords aired this Sunday on HBO and I have to say this is positively one of the funniest shows to hit the boob tube in ages. The songs are brilliant, and amazingly catchy, the cast is dynamic and sharp, and the writing is superb. All this leads me to believe it will be canceled after one season.
- Stylus Magazine is posting their summer mixes this week, and as a big fan of the summer mix I have to say they are doing a damn fine job thus far. Check 'em out, then make your own!!!
- Sports Note #1: Guess it was a good thing I didn't get too excited about the Yankees' last winning streak. When the bats are going this team is as good as any in the league, but when they aren't they are flat out bad. And personally I don't care how well Mussina pitches with Nieves behind the plate, that guy can't hit and can't throw out a runner to save his life and shouldn't be on a major league roster. God save the Yankees.
- The Observer has gone to the kids this week with a bunch of stories on the teens that are making music today and their reasons for doing so. And of course they have the fashions to go with it.
- Book Note: T-Minus two weeks to the most anticipated book of all time, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I am chomping at the bit over this one.
- Pitchfork had itself a good old fashioned throw back day yesterday posting news about Prince, Weezer, Bad Brains, and The Beastie Boys, then they reach back into the present to interview Cornelius.
- TV Note #2: I think I'm only going to watch two shows for the rest of the summer, the first being the previously mentioned Flight of the Conchords and the other being Rescue Me. Everything else is just awful even Big Love which was so good last year has been boring so far this season. Well maybe I'll keep watching Entourage too.
- Sports Note #2: The NBA Draft is tonight, anyone give a damn???
And some listening pleasure...
Project Jenny, Project Jan - "320"
Oh No! Oh My! - "The Party Punch"
Block - "Color of Heaven"
Last November - "Sniper"
The States - "The Architect"
White Rabbits - "The Plot"
Last summer the biggest surprise I saw during the summer shows at the seaport was seeing Oppenheimer open for Hot Chip. The band has been back and forth to the States since and I still have not seen them again. Amazingly the band will be hitting US soil the week before I head to the UK. Anyway below you can see the dates, make plans to be seeing them and be prepared to listen some new tunes as the band is wrapping up their latest album.
August 4th - Chronic Town - State College, PA
August 5th - Wounded Bookshop, Fredericksburg,VA
August 7th - Union Hall, Brooklyn, NY
August 8th - Bowery Ballroom, NYC w/ They Might Be Giants
UPDATE: also playing August 9th - Club NME @ The Annex, New York, NY
Oppenheimer - "Breakfast in NYC"
August 4th - Chronic Town - State College, PA
August 5th - Wounded Bookshop, Fredericksburg,VA
August 7th - Union Hall, Brooklyn, NY
August 8th - Bowery Ballroom, NYC w/ They Might Be Giants
UPDATE: also playing August 9th - Club NME @ The Annex, New York, NY
Oppenheimer - "Breakfast in NYC"
Listening to the new album from The Sharp Things, A Moveable Feast, is like throwing a curveball to your ears after about a dozen 100-mph fastballs. The album is unlike anything that has come across my ears all year, and its because of this fact that I highly recommend the album.Using a plethora of instruments and well orchestrated music, rather than a bunch of synths and found sounds, The Sharp Things craft a lovely, emotionally charged album. The album features spots by Franz Nicolay (The Hold Steady) on accordion, The New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble, and a slew of other talented musicians to create the large sound found on the album. All of this is built around Perry Serpa's vocals that soar throughout the album, belting out songs of heartbreak and despair that should litter mix tapes for the next few months.
Its an excellent album of that explores the depths to which a band can craft an album. Obviously the use of symphony is not completely new to the world of pop music, but in these days when an album can be recorded in a couple of hours without a single instrument, it comes as a breath of fresh air and becomes more unique because of the times it was made in. This is a must buy for fans of music of every sort.
The Sharp Things - "An Ocean Part Deux"
The Sharp Things - "Storm King"
The Sharp Things - "Rey"
Buy it now!
Also Released:
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Tuesday Links:
- Completely unrelated to music but fun all the same, apparently Kobayashi (the hot dog eating champion of the world) is experiencing arthritis in his jaw which is putting his chances of retaining his crown next week in jeapardy. I wonder how this news affected the betting line in Vegas today??? (via Gothamist)
- Tomorrow all of internet radio will be silenced in protest of the proposed increase in artist royalties from internet broadcasts. I guess this means you should bring your iPod to work. More info here, here, here, here, and pretty much every other post possible right here.
- I haven't gotten around to posting about The Dirty Projectors yet, but they're forthcoming album is gonna be a big one. Get to know the band know via their Take Away Show.
- Here's info to see the new movie Superbad for free on Wednesday, thanks to Ninjaslice.
Monday: Bad Brains @ Rocks Off Concert Cruise 7pm $35
There's a lot not to like about this concert, if you're late you miss the boat, it's $35, you cannot get off the boat; but when you get down to it seeing the mother fucking Bad Brains on a boat circling Manhattan may just be the coolest possible thing you could do this year. If I had $35 right now I know where I would be tonight, and if you have the cash make sure you are there.
Bad Brains - "Give Thanks and Praises"
Tuesday: Martha Wainwright @ World Financial Plaza 7pm FREE
You didn't get Wilco tickets for tonight either did you? Well I can commiserate with you because there really isn't much going on tonight. Yeah the show is free, so I guess that's good enough for me.
Martha Wainwright - "BMFA"
Wednesday: Any suggestions??? Any bands feel like promoting your shows, go for it in the comments!!!
Thursday: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts @ Pier 54 7pm FREE
"I love rock 'n' roll so put another dime in the jukebox baby!", and tonight you don't even have to spend that dime to get some fine as rock 'n' roll!!! If you know what's good for you, and obviously you do if you're reading this fine blog, you'll be here!
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - "Bad Reputation"
Friday: Ra Ra Riot + Sam Champion @ South Street Seaport 7pm FREE
Following the untimely passing of their drummer John Pike there was concern as to the future of Ra Ra Riot, which honestly seems silly at such a time but the thoughts were still there. Tonight the band will play for the first time since in what is sure to be an emotional performance, but I sincerely feel that by continuing on Ra Ra Riot is doing the right thing by their friend and for themselves and hopefully you will all come out to support them tonight.
Ra Ra Riot - "Can You Tell"
Sam Champion - "Like a Secret"
Saturday: Malajube @ Prospect Park Bandshell 7pm $3
The French-Canadians known as Malajube are finally coming back to New York City. The last time I saw them I believe it was about 30° outside and there may have been traces of snow on the ground, so it will be nice to see them in the warmer temperatures. The Stills are headlining this show, but by the time they come on I should be on my way to Jersey for the show below.
Malajube - "Montreal -40° C"
...then The Fiery Furnaces @ Maxwell's 10pm $15
Talk about not seeing a band for a while, I believe the last time I saw The Fiery Furnaces was two albums ago at Webster Hall. This time out the amazing Furnaces have opted for the more intimate Maxwell's. It seems every time I head out to Maxwell's something interesting happens and the shows are always memorable.
The Fiery Furnaces - "Quay Cur"
Sunday: Man Man + Illinois @ McCarren Park Pool 2pm FREE
Man Man are one of the best live bands in the business right now, full of energy, exhuberent, and wildly talented, the band play like no other band I have ever seen. In front of a packed McCarren Pool audience I can only imagine what this band has under its white short sleeves. Also I finally get to see Illinois who I've been dying to see but haven't managed to just yet!
Man Man - "Black Mission Goggles"
Illinois - "Screendoor"
There's a lot not to like about this concert, if you're late you miss the boat, it's $35, you cannot get off the boat; but when you get down to it seeing the mother fucking Bad Brains on a boat circling Manhattan may just be the coolest possible thing you could do this year. If I had $35 right now I know where I would be tonight, and if you have the cash make sure you are there.
Bad Brains - "Give Thanks and Praises"
Tuesday: Martha Wainwright @ World Financial Plaza 7pm FREE
You didn't get Wilco tickets for tonight either did you? Well I can commiserate with you because there really isn't much going on tonight. Yeah the show is free, so I guess that's good enough for me.
Martha Wainwright - "BMFA"
Wednesday: Any suggestions??? Any bands feel like promoting your shows, go for it in the comments!!!
Thursday: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts @ Pier 54 7pm FREE
"I love rock 'n' roll so put another dime in the jukebox baby!", and tonight you don't even have to spend that dime to get some fine as rock 'n' roll!!! If you know what's good for you, and obviously you do if you're reading this fine blog, you'll be here!
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - "Bad Reputation"
Friday: Ra Ra Riot + Sam Champion @ South Street Seaport 7pm FREE
Following the untimely passing of their drummer John Pike there was concern as to the future of Ra Ra Riot, which honestly seems silly at such a time but the thoughts were still there. Tonight the band will play for the first time since in what is sure to be an emotional performance, but I sincerely feel that by continuing on Ra Ra Riot is doing the right thing by their friend and for themselves and hopefully you will all come out to support them tonight.
Ra Ra Riot - "Can You Tell"
Sam Champion - "Like a Secret"
Saturday: Malajube @ Prospect Park Bandshell 7pm $3
The French-Canadians known as Malajube are finally coming back to New York City. The last time I saw them I believe it was about 30° outside and there may have been traces of snow on the ground, so it will be nice to see them in the warmer temperatures. The Stills are headlining this show, but by the time they come on I should be on my way to Jersey for the show below.
Malajube - "Montreal -40° C"
...then The Fiery Furnaces @ Maxwell's 10pm $15
Talk about not seeing a band for a while, I believe the last time I saw The Fiery Furnaces was two albums ago at Webster Hall. This time out the amazing Furnaces have opted for the more intimate Maxwell's. It seems every time I head out to Maxwell's something interesting happens and the shows are always memorable.
The Fiery Furnaces - "Quay Cur"
Sunday: Man Man + Illinois @ McCarren Park Pool 2pm FREE
Man Man are one of the best live bands in the business right now, full of energy, exhuberent, and wildly talented, the band play like no other band I have ever seen. In front of a packed McCarren Pool audience I can only imagine what this band has under its white short sleeves. Also I finally get to see Illinois who I've been dying to see but haven't managed to just yet!
Man Man - "Black Mission Goggles"
Illinois - "Screendoor"
Free Shows (the best price ever!!!):
Sunday 7/1 - Man Man + Illinois @ McCarren Park Pool 2pm
Man Man - "Black Mission Goggles"
Illinois - "Screendoor"
Wednesday 7/4 - The New Pornographers + Midlake @ Battery Park 3:30pm (tix required)
The New Pornographers - "My Rights Versus Yours"
Midlake - "Van Occupanther"
Thursday 7/5 - Shearwater @ Castle Clinton 7pm
Shearwater - "White Waves"
Friday 7/6 - Fujiya & Miyagi @ South Street Seaport 7pm
Fujiya & Miyagi - "Photocopier"
Saturday 7/7 - Boredoms @ Brooklyn Bridge Park 3pm
Boredoms - "2"
Sunday 7/8 - Octopus Project, Erase Errata, Dan Deacon @ McCarren Park Pool 2pm
Octopus Project - "Spiracle"
Erase Errata - "Tax Dollar"
Dan Deacon - "Jimmy Roche"
Wednesday 7/11 - Spoon @ Rockerfeller Park 7pm
Spoon - "The Ghost of You Lingers"
Friday 7/13 - Menomena @ South Street Seaport 7pm
Menomena - "Wet and Rusting"
Saturday 7/14 - Les Savy Fav, Land of Talk, O'Death, Besnard Lakes @ Solar One 1pm
Les Savy Fav - "Je T'aime"
Land of Talk - "Summer Special"
O'Death - "Down to Rest"
Besnard Lakes - "Because Tonight"
Friday 7/20 - Bishop Allen + Rock Central Plaza @ South Street Seaport 7pm
Bishop Allen - "Rain"
Rock Central Plaza - "A Cruiseship Suicide"
Sunday 7/22 - Brazilian Girls @ Central Park Summerstage 3pm
Brazilian Girls - "Pussy"
Sunday 7/29 - TV on the Radio @ McCarren Park Pool 2pm
TV on the Radio - "Playhouses"
Cheap Shows ($10 or less, still totally worth every cent):
Friday 7/6 - A Sunny Day in Glasgow + My Teenage Stride @ Cake Shop time and $ tba
A Sunny Day in Glasgow - "Best Summer Ever"
My Teenage Stride - "Ears Like Golden Bats"
Saturday 7/7 - Simian Mobile Disco @ Studio B 10pm $10
Simian Mobile Disco - "Tits & Acid"
Sunday 7/8 - Marnie Stern @ The Knitting Factory 7:30pm $10
Marnie Stern - "Patterns of a Diamond Ceiling"
Thursday 7/12 - Tim Fite + The Mugs @ Union Hall 8pm $10
Tim Fite - "Its All Right Here"
The Mugs - "Paper Scissors Rock"
Saturday 7/21 - Pissed Jeans @ South Paw 8pm $10
Pissed Jeans - "Love Clown"
Not That Cheap (under $20, more risk more reward!):
Sunday 7/1 - The Fiery Furnaces @ Maxwell's 10pm $15
The Fiery Furnaces - "Quay Cur"
Monday 7/9 - Art Brut + White Rabbits @ Highline Ballroom 8pm $18
Art Brut - "Post Soothing Out"
White Rabbits - "Kid On My Shoulders"
Wednesday 7/11 - Deerhunter @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $15
Deerhunter - "Cryptograms"
Friday July 13th - Besnard Lakes, Jealous Girlfriends, Dappled Cities, The Muggabears @ Mercury Lounge 9:30pm $12
Jealous Girlfriends - "Roboxulla"
Dappled Cities - "Within Hours"
The Muggabears - "The Goth Tarts"
Tuesday 7/17 - St. Vincent @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $13
St. Vincent - "Paris is Burning"
Friday 7/20 - Battles @ Studio B 8pm $12
Battles - "Atlas"
Mad Expensive (more than $20, they ain't cheap but they're mostly worth it!)
Saturday 7/7 - Built to Spill + Cat Power @ McCarren Park Pool 5pm $32
Built to Spill - "Carry the Zero"
Cat Power - "The Greatest"
Monday 7/16 - The Decemberists, Grizzly Bear, Land of Talk @ Central Park Summerstage 5pm $30
The Decemberists - "O Valencia"
Grizzly Bear - "Knife"
Tuesday 7/17 - Os Mutantes @ Lincoln Center time and $ tba
Os Mutantes - "A Minha Menina"
Tuesday 7/24 - The White Stripes @ Madison Square Garden 8pm $40
Wednesday 7/25 - They Might Be Giants @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $22
They Might Be Giants - "Employee of the Month"
Saturday 7/28 - Sonic Youth (performing Daydream Nation) @ McCarren Park Pool 6pm $34
Sonic Youth - "Incinerate"
Sunday 7/1 - Man Man + Illinois @ McCarren Park Pool 2pmMan Man - "Black Mission Goggles"
Illinois - "Screendoor"
Wednesday 7/4 - The New Pornographers + Midlake @ Battery Park 3:30pm (tix required)The New Pornographers - "My Rights Versus Yours"
Midlake - "Van Occupanther"
Thursday 7/5 - Shearwater @ Castle Clinton 7pmShearwater - "White Waves"
Friday 7/6 - Fujiya & Miyagi @ South Street Seaport 7pmFujiya & Miyagi - "Photocopier"
Saturday 7/7 - Boredoms @ Brooklyn Bridge Park 3pmBoredoms - "2"
Sunday 7/8 - Octopus Project, Erase Errata, Dan Deacon @ McCarren Park Pool 2pmOctopus Project - "Spiracle"
Erase Errata - "Tax Dollar"
Dan Deacon - "Jimmy Roche"
Wednesday 7/11 - Spoon @ Rockerfeller Park 7pmSpoon - "The Ghost of You Lingers"
Friday 7/13 - Menomena @ South Street Seaport 7pmMenomena - "Wet and Rusting"
Saturday 7/14 - Les Savy Fav, Land of Talk, O'Death, Besnard Lakes @ Solar One 1pmLes Savy Fav - "Je T'aime"
Land of Talk - "Summer Special"
O'Death - "Down to Rest"
Besnard Lakes - "Because Tonight"
Friday 7/20 - Bishop Allen + Rock Central Plaza @ South Street Seaport 7pmBishop Allen - "Rain"
Rock Central Plaza - "A Cruiseship Suicide"
Sunday 7/22 - Brazilian Girls @ Central Park Summerstage 3pmBrazilian Girls - "Pussy"
Sunday 7/29 - TV on the Radio @ McCarren Park Pool 2pmTV on the Radio - "Playhouses"
Cheap Shows ($10 or less, still totally worth every cent):
Friday 7/6 - A Sunny Day in Glasgow + My Teenage Stride @ Cake Shop time and $ tbaA Sunny Day in Glasgow - "Best Summer Ever"
My Teenage Stride - "Ears Like Golden Bats"
Saturday 7/7 - Simian Mobile Disco @ Studio B 10pm $10Simian Mobile Disco - "Tits & Acid"
Sunday 7/8 - Marnie Stern @ The Knitting Factory 7:30pm $10Marnie Stern - "Patterns of a Diamond Ceiling"
Thursday 7/12 - Tim Fite + The Mugs @ Union Hall 8pm $10Tim Fite - "Its All Right Here"
The Mugs - "Paper Scissors Rock"
Saturday 7/21 - Pissed Jeans @ South Paw 8pm $10Pissed Jeans - "Love Clown"
Not That Cheap (under $20, more risk more reward!):
Sunday 7/1 - The Fiery Furnaces @ Maxwell's 10pm $15The Fiery Furnaces - "Quay Cur"
Monday 7/9 - Art Brut + White Rabbits @ Highline Ballroom 8pm $18White Rabbits - "Kid On My Shoulders"
Wednesday 7/11 - Deerhunter @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $15Deerhunter - "Cryptograms"
Friday July 13th - Besnard Lakes, Jealous Girlfriends, Dappled Cities, The Muggabears @ Mercury Lounge 9:30pm $12Jealous Girlfriends - "Roboxulla"
Dappled Cities - "Within Hours"
The Muggabears - "The Goth Tarts"
Tuesday 7/17 - St. Vincent @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $13St. Vincent - "Paris is Burning"
Friday 7/20 - Battles @ Studio B 8pm $12Battles - "Atlas"
Mad Expensive (more than $20, they ain't cheap but they're mostly worth it!)
Saturday 7/7 - Built to Spill + Cat Power @ McCarren Park Pool 5pm $32Built to Spill - "Carry the Zero"
Cat Power - "The Greatest"
Monday 7/16 - The Decemberists, Grizzly Bear, Land of Talk @ Central Park Summerstage 5pm $30The Decemberists - "O Valencia"
Grizzly Bear - "Knife"
Tuesday 7/17 - Os Mutantes @ Lincoln Center time and $ tbaOs Mutantes - "A Minha Menina"
Tuesday 7/24 - The White Stripes @ Madison Square Garden 8pm $40Wednesday 7/25 - They Might Be Giants @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $22They Might Be Giants - "Employee of the Month"
Saturday 7/28 - Sonic Youth (performing Daydream Nation) @ McCarren Park Pool 6pm $34Sonic Youth - "Incinerate"
Annie Clark is quite the presence in the world of indie music. Having been a member of The Polyphonic Spree and a part of Sufjan Stevens' touring band her pedigree is second to none. Now Annie has finally gotten around to making an album of her own under the moniker St. Vincent.Annie first began making a splash as St. Vincent last year with the EP Paris is Burning and a series of opening slots for the likes of Television, Arcade Fire, Midlake, and plenty more. The EP demonstrated a strong voice and wonderful song writing skills as well as a penchant for lovely melodies that had people raving.
On Marry Me Annie is once again showing off her powerful voice and combining it with sweet melodies that are provided by the likes of Brian Teasley (Polyphonic Spree), Mike Garson (David Bowie), and Louis Shwadron, as well as her own work on guitar, bass, and synth, to craft a fantastic debut album. The album features two of the three tracks off her EP including the extremely powerful "Paris is Burning" which is still a highlight on this album even with the other strong songs around it.
But the overwhelming strength of the album is Annie's incredible voice which shines brilliantly and clearly throughout the album. Each line of every song is crystal clear allowing her listeners to understand the words to each of her songs with an obscene amount of clarity, and it allows you to feel the passion behind her words as she shifts ranges.
Last year this album may have been lost in the sea of female singer songwriters that were releasing albums, and that would have been an absolute travesty. Now with most of those same women in the studio or out on tour St. Vincent has a chance to shine on her own and shine she does. Marry Me is a wonderfully beautiful record that no one should miss out on.
St. Vincent - "Paris is Burning"
St. Vincent - "Marry Me"
buy it at insound!
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Friday's Links:
- Stereogum has info on the forth coming Rentals album as well as the first track from the album. I loved this band once, and this tune appears to point out that I will love them once again!
- White Rabbits were CMJ.com's artist of the day yesterday.
- Pitchfork broke news of Marnie Stern's first tour sans iPod! I'm super excited for this and you can bet I'll be in the crowd for her July 8th show at The Knitting Factory.
- Prefix interviews Beck Stark of Lavender Diamond
Crazy packed weekend ahead for me with birthday parties, shows, graduation parties, softball, and a ton of other stuff that will ensure I get very little sleep but maybe have a story or two to tell. Here's what's in store...
Friday:
The weekend kicks off with the first night of The Undisputed Heavyweights residency shows at Joe's Pub. Tonight's show is an excellent double bill featuring Ingrid Michaelson (heavily featured on Grey's Anatomy last season) and of course the Heavyweights themselves. Unfortunately this show is sold out so you're going to have to settle for one of the other two equally fantastic shows.
Undisputed Heavyweights - "Money (live)"
Ingird Michaelson - "Breakable"
If you don't have tickets to this show I have a completely different avenue for you to travel down with the Todd P curated show Above the Auto Parts Store in Brooklyn. Featuring two & bands; Matt & Kim and Parts & Labor, this is going to be one rollicking good time for sure. I believe it kicks off at 8pm, but I have no idea how much this one will cost (no more than $10 though I would think). Be there, dance your asses off!
Matt & Kim - "Yea Yeah"
Parts & Labor - "Fractured Skies"
And after the Undisputed Heavyweights' show I will be heading to a bar to celebrate the birth of one of my girlfriend's dearest friends, so I'd like to give her a little shout out and say Happy Birthday Blaire!!!
Also Playing tonight:
Palomar @ Luna Lounge 8pm $12
Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25
Saturday:
While I'd rather be seeing Panda Bear at Bowery again I will most likely spend tonight at one of two places, here are my choices...
The Deli Magazine Party @ Galapagos 9pm $10
For only $10 you get two stages of excellent bands including, but not limited to, Pop Tarts faves such as The Lisps, Cassettes Won't Listen, Phonograph, and quite a few more. Its a lot of bang for you buck.
The Lisps - "Documents"
Wakey! Wakey! + Seth Kallen @ Rockwood Music Hall
Yes I realize I just saw these guys at my own show two weeks ago, but they were so good I'd like to see them again as much as possible. The best part about this show, other than excellent music of course, is that the show is FREE!!!
Wakey! Wakey! - "Falling Apart"
Seth Kallen - "No Ace"
Also Playing:
Panda Bear @ Bowery Ballroom SOLD OUT
Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25
And like Friday I will be celebrating the birth of another one of my friends today with a BBQ somewhere in Brooklyn for Lacey. So Happy Birthday Lacey!
Sunday:
This afternoon JellyNYC kicks off its summer pool parties at McCarren Park with Superchunk and Oakley Hall. The show gets started at 2pm and as you all know following last year these events are the single best way to spend a Sunday in New York. As always its free, but you can RSVP on Going.com to ensure your entry into the pool.
Superchunk - "Kicked In (Acoustic)"
Also Playing:
Sloan + Apostle of Hustle @ Central Park Summerstage FREE
Frightened Rabbit @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $10
And I'm supposed to be going to a graduation party today, but I'd rather go to McCarren. I suppose we'll see what happens.
Friday:
The weekend kicks off with the first night of The Undisputed Heavyweights residency shows at Joe's Pub. Tonight's show is an excellent double bill featuring Ingrid Michaelson (heavily featured on Grey's Anatomy last season) and of course the Heavyweights themselves. Unfortunately this show is sold out so you're going to have to settle for one of the other two equally fantastic shows.Undisputed Heavyweights - "Money (live)"
Ingird Michaelson - "Breakable"
If you don't have tickets to this show I have a completely different avenue for you to travel down with the Todd P curated show Above the Auto Parts Store in Brooklyn. Featuring two & bands; Matt & Kim and Parts & Labor, this is going to be one rollicking good time for sure. I believe it kicks off at 8pm, but I have no idea how much this one will cost (no more than $10 though I would think). Be there, dance your asses off!
Matt & Kim - "Yea Yeah"
Parts & Labor - "Fractured Skies"
And after the Undisputed Heavyweights' show I will be heading to a bar to celebrate the birth of one of my girlfriend's dearest friends, so I'd like to give her a little shout out and say Happy Birthday Blaire!!!
Also Playing tonight:
Palomar @ Luna Lounge 8pm $12
Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25
Saturday:
While I'd rather be seeing Panda Bear at Bowery again I will most likely spend tonight at one of two places, here are my choices...
The Deli Magazine Party @ Galapagos 9pm $10
For only $10 you get two stages of excellent bands including, but not limited to, Pop Tarts faves such as The Lisps, Cassettes Won't Listen, Phonograph, and quite a few more. Its a lot of bang for you buck.
The Lisps - "Documents"
Wakey! Wakey! + Seth Kallen @ Rockwood Music Hall
Yes I realize I just saw these guys at my own show two weeks ago, but they were so good I'd like to see them again as much as possible. The best part about this show, other than excellent music of course, is that the show is FREE!!!
Wakey! Wakey! - "Falling Apart"
Seth Kallen - "No Ace"
Also Playing:
Panda Bear @ Bowery Ballroom SOLD OUT
Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25
And like Friday I will be celebrating the birth of another one of my friends today with a BBQ somewhere in Brooklyn for Lacey. So Happy Birthday Lacey!
Sunday:
This afternoon JellyNYC kicks off its summer pool parties at McCarren Park with Superchunk and Oakley Hall. The show gets started at 2pm and as you all know following last year these events are the single best way to spend a Sunday in New York. As always its free, but you can RSVP on Going.com to ensure your entry into the pool.Superchunk - "Kicked In (Acoustic)"
Also Playing:
Sloan + Apostle of Hustle @ Central Park Summerstage FREE
Frightened Rabbit @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $10
And I'm supposed to be going to a graduation party today, but I'd rather go to McCarren. I suppose we'll see what happens.
Late last week The New Years Eve asked to be my friend on the old myspace and I was drawn to their song style and songwriting skills from the get go. The Philadelphia based four piece have a striped down sound that I seem to fall for at every turn of the page, and it helps that behind the stripped down music are some heartfelt lyrics that hold your attention along with the simple strumming and subtle rhythms.There isn't a lot of info on the band anywhere, so I know very little about them aside from where they live, who is in the band, and that the four songs they have posted are fantastic examples of brilliant song writing. I don't even know who handles the song writing or the majority of the singing. All I know is that you should check out their myspace and listen to their tunes and maybe we'll hear more about them in the very near future.
The New Years Eve on Myspace
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Thursday's Links:
- Largehearted Boy is compiling a list of all the mp3's available from this weekend's Bonnaroo fest so that you can enjoy the music you weren't there to see in person.
- A new blog is going to be putting music bloggers in their place if the post leaks of albums before they are ready. I'm just wondering when I'll see my name on their blog.
- Ear Farm points out a bunch of free downloads available on Archive.org of live performances from the likes of Andrew Bird, Animal Collective, Beirut, and many more.
- Over on i guess i'm floating we get a new Islands tune as well as live downloads from Panda Bear's performance at Bowery on Monday.
- The Music Slut posted the album cover for Kanye West's Graduation and also gives us the track listing for the highly anticipated album.
- Gothamist gives us a rundown of the stats on the renovated Northsix now known as The Music Hall of Williamsburg. The venue will open its doors in September with a Patti Smith show. Do you think they purposely chose her seeing as she recently played the last show ever at CBGB's?
- Speaking of Gothamist they also have an interview with Jill Cunniff of Luscious Jackson and now a thriving solo artist who will play the Mermaid Ball on Saturday.
First we got this review of the Jet album on Pitchfork, and now CMJ.com has given us this insightful commentary on the 2007 Warped Tour lineup. Now I know I shouldn't really be the one commenting on "journalistic integrity" but I find myself at a loss for words here.
Being on stage by yourself must be one of the hardest things a person can possibly do. Last night Panda Bear did just that, breaking from his usual spot in Animal Collective to bring the indie kids at Bowery a taste of his fine solo material. With just a video screen behind him, a dais of electronic equipment in front of him, and the talents of his voice Noah Lennox held the sold out crowd in the palm of his hand for over an hour.
The material was mostly culled from one of the year's finest albums, Person Pitch, and the minimalist set-up allowed people to focus on the music. With his fingers turning knobs and pushing buttons, Panda Bear commanded attention as the harmonies blared synthetically along with his own charming voice. Behind Noah the screen blended images and moving shapes to create a psychadellic feel to the performance, that was enhanced by the trance like state of the Bowery audience. People stood and occassionally swayed as the music enveloped their bodies.
Going into this show I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but having seen it was an amazing experience. For a single person to go out on stage and perform like that is remarkable, and most of his tunes come off better live than on record which I was awed by. If you get a chance to catch Panda Bear make sure you do.
- Not too much time to get my links and thoughts all written out today, so I'm going to try and speed through this today. Hopefully not too much will get lost in the shuffle.
- TV Note #1: Rescue Me came roaring back to life last week with an excellent, though fast paced and a bit jarring at times, season debut. The show is trying to fit in so many story lines with so many characters that it was a bit difficult to really catch up with all of our favorite fire fighters, but I think they did a nice job. And the end was an excellent, though fairly predictable, plot twist.
- All day tomorrow you will be able to experience a plethora of music throughout New York City as roughly 560 various artists will participate in the New York Make Noise Fest. Personally, I am really looking forward to the Williamsburg stage which will be featuring Oxford Collapse and Cheeseburger but there is so much more to see, and more importantly hear. Check out Time Out NY for listings of what will be happening where and make sure you take some time to check some of it out.
- Sports Note #1: Will someone please kill interleague play. It was fun and novel when it first debuted 10 years ago, but at this point it is just boring, unnecessary baseball. Please end it now.
- Music Snobbery lists the Top 5 Jesus Bands, though he doesn't post tracks to go along with each band. Its a fun list so go listen to your own favorite Jesus bands and compare them with his.
- TV Note #2: Well Medellian has finally been filmed, and thanks to that episode Entourage has had fresh air breathed right back into its lungs. The show was getting a little stale and a lot repetative over the course of this season, but with the last docu-episode I think it has safely lifted itself out of the doldrums. Hopefully this is the spark the show needed to get back to where it was.
- USA Today is celebrating 25 years or something like that and so they counted down the Top 25 Memorable Music Moments during that span. Its a pretty damn good list.
And some tracks...
Kevin Drew - "Tbtf"
Bowerbirds - "In Our Talons"
I'm always a bit surprised when I go to a show for one band and wind up enjoying the other bands on the bill. I don't know why I find myself surprised by this, I'm there for a band I like so chances are they are playing with similar bands. Anyway, such was the case on Thursday night when I went to Union Hall to catch A Sunny Day In Glasgow and wound up seeing three excellent bands.My Teenage Stride opened the evening up, and though I have never heard of the band before you can be sure we will be hearing a lot more about them really soon. The five piece band play an infectious, up beat brand of indie rock that doesn't so much lull you in as it does kick you in the chest and demand that you open your ears and have a good time. Since seeing them on Thursday I've checked out their stuff on myspace and am still loving every bit of it, though its not quite as loud as I remember it being. Still, they are an excellent young band that you should certainly get to know.
A Sunny Day in Glasgow took the stage following that set, and with a member missing and some sound problems things got off to a rocky start. Over the course of the first two songs the sound guy continuously asked the guitarist to turn his amp down, when really he should have just cranked up the mics. The band somehow overcame the early troubles and managed to wow me with a fantastic set of tunes. I'd love to see the band as a whole the next time I catch them, but this was a fine show to see for the first time out.
We finished the night with the lovely Brooklyn quartet, Palomar. I had yet to catch the band live so I was pretty excited about it when I finally realized they were playing this show, and it was with good cause. The three girls and one dude blasted through a raucous set of tunes. It was tight, energetic, and excellent from start to finish, just a great way to end the evening.
When I was first exposed to Art Brut at some point in 2005 I thought it was just going to one of those bands that are a phase in your life, the type of band that you fall in love with for a few months, listen to their record endlessly, and then move on. The more I listened to Bang Bang Rock and Roll the more I liked about it, and then I saw the band live and I was sold. Since then I've seen the band about 8 times and listened to the album way more than I would ever care to admit, all while patiently waiting for this day to come - the day when a new album would arrive.After a the first few listens to the sampler and the leaked version of It's a Bit Complicated I was worried that the sound and the quirkiness of the band hadn't carried over to their sophomore release, but as I listened more and more I picked up on the continued turmoil of Eddie Argos and the much improved band play behind him. Then the songs started to latch onto my brain, especially "Post Soothing Out", "Direct Hit", and "Nag Nag Nag Nag". And now I find myself in pretty much the same place I was in 2005, completely hooked on Art Brut.
The only problem I have with It's a Bit Complicated is that it doesn't have the impact that Bang Bang Rock and Roll had, and that's more because it's so similar in style and writing to the first album. But it's a damn good album and if you've never listened to the band before it may have that impact for you.
Art Brut - "Post Soothing Out"
Art Brut - "Nag Nag Nag Nag"
buy it at insound!
Also Released:
www.afterthejumpfest.com
august twenty-fifth, two thousand and seven
line-up to be announced shortly
curated by the people behind:
themusicslut . batteringroom . disconap . earfarm . ryspace . irockiroll . musicsnobbery . merryswankster . softcommunication . theunderratedblog . sitdownstandup . watercoolergossip . bumpershine . themodernage . productshopnyc . yetidontdance . slapyouinpublic . subinev . punkphoto . poptartssucktoasted . stereoactivenyc
for more information, please email:
booking: booking@afterthejumpfest.com
charity: charity@afterthejumpfest.com
sponsors: sponsors@afterthejumpfest.com
publicity: publicity@afterthejumpfest.com
Monday: Panda Bear @ Bowery Ballroom 7:30pm SOLD OUT
If you haven't heard the latest release from Panda Bear, Person Pith, you are really missing out on one of the finest albums of the year. That also probably means you missed out on your chance to grab tickets to this show, but don't worry you'll be able to read my review of the show some time this week!
Panda Bear - "Jesus Chryst"Tuesday: The White Stripes @ Irving Plaza SOLD OUT
If you waited on line or won tickets to this show congrats, it should be a phenomenal evening. If you are like me and did not get tickets to this show you might as well stop by Piano's to check out Cross-Pollination 'cause there's not much else going on at the city's venues this evening.
Mixel Pixel are one of those quirky, wierd type bands that people either love or hate. Somehow I find myself somewhere in between, but certainly closer to love than hate. Their live show is certainly a thing to behold though so get your butts out to Brooklyn tonight for the show.
I've seen the name Cheeseburger popping up all over the place but have yet to hear their music or hear a review of what they sound like, but because of Oxford Collapse I will almost certainly be present for this show, plus its free which is always good.
Oxford Collapse - "The Boys Go Home Again"Friday: Matt & Kim w/Parts & Labor @ Above the Auto Parts Store 8pm $tba
Todd P is hosting another show and this one features to big time blog buzz bands both with punctuation marks in their name. Both bands are excellent live and worth seeing at almost any price, but this may be your last chance to catch Matt & Kim at such an intimate setting so make sure you get there at the very least for them.Parts & Labor - "Fractured Skies"
Saturday: Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25
One of the best bands ever. 'Nuff said.
Sunday: Superchunk w/Oakley Hall @ McCarren Park Pool 3pm FREE
The best free events in the city gets underway this Sunday with JellyNYC's Pool Parties at McCarren Park Pool. This isn't the best lineup they'll have all summer, which is saying something cause its pretty damn good. Its always a treat to get out in the sun on a Sunday afternoon, see some solid bands, play some dodgeball, and dirnk some beer with good friends.
Oakley Hall - "
I spent most of the past week cooped up in my company van where the only music I get is the actual radio. I tend towards the classic rock stations when I'm in the van so I've spent most of the week listening to people like John Mellencamp and Tom Petty. While that music isn't bad I sure will be glad to see some more modern music this weekend. Here's what's on tap...
Friday: I've been pumping this show all week so at this point you should know where I'll be tonight, but in case you missed it here's the flyer...
8:30pm - Cinema, Cinema
Cinema, Cinema - "Four Alarm"
9:30pm - Charles Bissell
Charles Bissell - "She Sends Kisses"
10:30pm - Peel
Peel - "Oxford"
11:30pm - The Antlers
The Antlers - "The Universe Is Going to Catch You"
Before this show I will be skipping the regular dinner at Enid's to catch A Sunny Day in Glasgow doing a free in store performance over at Sound Fix Records beginning at 6pm. Make sure you guys take in A Sunny Day in Glasgow at least once!
A Sunny Day in Glasgow - "Best Summer Ever"
Saturday: This is gonna be one busy ass day. At 3pm Central Park Summerstage kicks off their season of great performances with a completely free show featuring two of the more important rock bands ever. Television is the headliner and as most of you know pretty much shaped the world of music we know live in. Apples in Stereo are on right before them, and their being part of the E6 world shows just how important they are.
Television - "Marquee Moon"
Apples in Stereo - "Hypnotic Suggestions"
After this show head on over to the Highline Ballroom to catch Oneida for free. Its a great chance to check out the brand new venue and to listen to some really great tunes from one of New York's finest bands.
Oneida - "Up With People"
Sunday: Personally, I'll be celebrating Father's Day with my dear old Dad, but if you don't feel like celebrating that way then I'd suggest heading over to Roosevelt Island for Todd P's Springtime Unamplified Acoustic BBQ. Featuring bands like Vampire Weekend, Meneguar, TK Webb and a ton more, this should be a fantastic time.
Vampire Weekend - "Oxford Common"
TK Webb - "Oh Baby No"
After that, or when you are done hanging with Dad head on over to the Warsaw to catch Lily Allen. As of the time I am writing this tickets are still on sale so maybe you'll luck out and check out the pint sized diva forgetting her songs just like I did on Tuesday night, only in a much better venue.
Lily Allen - "Smile"
Friday: I've been pumping this show all week so at this point you should know where I'll be tonight, but in case you missed it here's the flyer...
8:30pm - Cinema, Cinema
Cinema, Cinema - "Four Alarm"
9:30pm - Charles Bissell
Charles Bissell - "She Sends Kisses"
10:30pm - Peel
Peel - "Oxford"
11:30pm - The Antlers
The Antlers - "The Universe Is Going to Catch You"
Before this show I will be skipping the regular dinner at Enid's to catch A Sunny Day in Glasgow doing a free in store performance over at Sound Fix Records beginning at 6pm. Make sure you guys take in A Sunny Day in Glasgow at least once!
A Sunny Day in Glasgow - "Best Summer Ever"
Saturday: This is gonna be one busy ass day. At 3pm Central Park Summerstage kicks off their season of great performances with a completely free show featuring two of the more important rock bands ever. Television is the headliner and as most of you know pretty much shaped the world of music we know live in. Apples in Stereo are on right before them, and their being part of the E6 world shows just how important they are.
Television - "Marquee Moon"
Apples in Stereo - "Hypnotic Suggestions"
After this show head on over to the Highline Ballroom to catch Oneida for free. Its a great chance to check out the brand new venue and to listen to some really great tunes from one of New York's finest bands.
Oneida - "Up With People"
Sunday: Personally, I'll be celebrating Father's Day with my dear old Dad, but if you don't feel like celebrating that way then I'd suggest heading over to Roosevelt Island for Todd P's Springtime Unamplified Acoustic BBQ. Featuring bands like Vampire Weekend, Meneguar, TK Webb and a ton more, this should be a fantastic time.
Vampire Weekend - "Oxford Common"
TK Webb - "Oh Baby No"
After that, or when you are done hanging with Dad head on over to the Warsaw to catch Lily Allen. As of the time I am writing this tickets are still on sale so maybe you'll luck out and check out the pint sized diva forgetting her songs just like I did on Tuesday night, only in a much better venue.
Lily Allen - "Smile"
The other day Chris mentioned that the opening bands for our shows together and his solo ones keep trying to out do the other bands on the bill. It looks like that may just happen again on Friday night with the raucous Cinema, Cinema kicking off Knockout Round 5. The Brooklyn based band is a terror live from what I've heard, slamming through sets and really letting themselves go within the music. In order to get a feel for the band for Friday night I've been listening to some of their stuff lately and I am loving what I am hearing.The band thrives within the punk aesthetic, blasting out music that is at once loud and fast but also built on lush melodies and solid lyrics. Its a combination that most of my favorite bands have which is a good sign for Cinema, Cinema. Of course the true test for any band is how their music stands up live, but based on word of mouth I'm sure I will have no problem loving the band on the stage at Matchless as much as I do when I'm listening to them on my iPod.
Make sure you get your butts to Matchless early on Friday as Cinema, Cinema will be hitting the stage at 8:30pm sharp! It's sure to be another knockout performance!
Cinema, Cinema - "Four Alarm"
Cinema, Cinema - "Born In NYC"
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Thursday's Links:
- Gothamist has an interview with Peel who will be making their NY live debut Friday night at Knockout Round 5! I still can't believe how good Chris' lineup is for this whole show!
- A few bloggers took in the "secret" Paul McCartney show at Highline Ballroom yesterday and it seems like it was a wonderful show to be at. I didn't go to any of the secret shows, did you? How were they?
- Pitchfork gives a well deserved Best New Music nod to Blitzen Trapper. If you haven't heard the new album yet, wait no longer, go out and get it now!!!
- They Might Be Giants' John Linnell puts his iPod on shuffle for the A.V. Club!
Roseland Ballroom is the type of New York music venue that can, and should, be described as a bridge & tunnel venue. Like its brethren of bars and clubs, the bridge & tunnel venue is a hot bed of over dressed youngsters that rarely get out for a night of fun. They drink too much, are way too loud, and have a general disregard for the people that are there to do something like, oh I don't know, watch a musician perform. This makes it the type of venue I hate, and also a place that I swear I will never come back to only to come back every so often to be tormented by these suburbanites. So it was with a preconceived notion of disdain that I entered the venue last night to see Lily Allen for the first time.
I've been meaning to see Lily since her album first made splashes in the blogosphere last year, but just never got around to it. I took the free tickets (thanks Other Music and Absolut Vodka!) and ran with it, purposely avoiding the opening bands to cut down on my overall time in the venue. And I'm surprisingly glad I did. Unlike her British peers, Lily Allen knows how to put on a show even if she's drunk or high or whatever she was and forgetting lyrics all over the place and laughing through bits of her songs, in fact those things all made her even more enjoyable.
Wearing a white version of her trademark long, flowing dresses Lily came out blaring last night bursting into "LDN" as she hit the stage. The crowd went nuts and Lily kicked off her shoes while chatting with the people. Her set encompassed every song off her debut album Alright Still, one new tune, and a trio of covers. It seemed every song was dedicated to some person or another including one of the members of the horn section who "has a small dick!". At one point Lily told us about her problems remembering lyrics to some of her songs and promptly forgot the lyrics to the very next song while laughing throughout the entire tune. You would think this sort of thing would make the show seem unbearable, but it was quite the contrary, instead making her even more endearing and accessable then ever before. For her encore Lily resorted to covers of Kaiser Chiefs' "Oh My God" and Blondie's "Heart of Glass", both of which were done extremely well, before finishing the night with the crowd pleasing "Alfie".
It wasn't the best of performances I have ever witnessed, but for a pop singer that's been doing this for about a year it was damn impressive. Watching Lily Allen perform is like witnessing a friend doing kareoke, she's out of breath from drinking and smoking too many cigarettes, a bit off key, but crazed with enthusiasm that in turn affects everyone watching the show.
I've been meaning to see Lily since her album first made splashes in the blogosphere last year, but just never got around to it. I took the free tickets (thanks Other Music and Absolut Vodka!) and ran with it, purposely avoiding the opening bands to cut down on my overall time in the venue. And I'm surprisingly glad I did. Unlike her British peers, Lily Allen knows how to put on a show even if she's drunk or high or whatever she was and forgetting lyrics all over the place and laughing through bits of her songs, in fact those things all made her even more enjoyable.
Wearing a white version of her trademark long, flowing dresses Lily came out blaring last night bursting into "LDN" as she hit the stage. The crowd went nuts and Lily kicked off her shoes while chatting with the people. Her set encompassed every song off her debut album Alright Still, one new tune, and a trio of covers. It seemed every song was dedicated to some person or another including one of the members of the horn section who "has a small dick!". At one point Lily told us about her problems remembering lyrics to some of her songs and promptly forgot the lyrics to the very next song while laughing throughout the entire tune. You would think this sort of thing would make the show seem unbearable, but it was quite the contrary, instead making her even more endearing and accessable then ever before. For her encore Lily resorted to covers of Kaiser Chiefs' "Oh My God" and Blondie's "Heart of Glass", both of which were done extremely well, before finishing the night with the crowd pleasing "Alfie".
It wasn't the best of performances I have ever witnessed, but for a pop singer that's been doing this for about a year it was damn impressive. Watching Lily Allen perform is like witnessing a friend doing kareoke, she's out of breath from drinking and smoking too many cigarettes, a bit off key, but crazed with enthusiasm that in turn affects everyone watching the show.
- You may have noticed that I have started to include links in each of my normal weekday posts, I'm doing this for reasons unknown to me it just seemed like a good idea. Also, last Saturday I posted a very long winded opinion piece about the death of the ticket stub. I'm hoping to make these long winded opinion pieces a regular bit on Saturday's, so you can maybe get a little insight into how I view music and the music world. If you feel like it please leave me comments on what you think, agree or disagree, hate me for thinking that way, or sympathize with my point of view. It'd make me feel good about myself.
- TV Note #1: Rescue Me returns tonight at 10pm on FX and I am positively thrilled about this. Dennis Leary as Tommy Gavin is one of the greatest characters in the history of TV, and the show itself is a strong contender for my favorite show on TV. Gothamist as a snippet to remind viewers where we left off as well as an interview with John Scurti who plays the loveable Kenny Shea.
- As you may have heard somewhere Al Gore has booked a really big show to promote awarness of the dire straits our world is in because of pollution and has named the fest Live Earth. He promised that a show would take place in each of the seven continents on the planet and apparently he is really going to keep his word. The Music Sluts relayed the news of the sole band that will be playing the dead of winter on Antarctica.
- Sports Note #1: Last week a applauded the NHL and NBA for their excellent playoffs and was really excited about their finals. Well the Anaheim Ducks easily won the Cup keeping Canada waiting for another chance at glory and the Spurs are dominating the Cavs with their boring defense first approach. Maybe I was wrong last week.
- I know I link to Daytrotter every single day, but I just cannot stop myself. Today the most fabulous of music blogs brings us the ever wonderful Mountain Goats. Do the download thing now!
- TV Note #2: Several people have asked me to weigh in on what I feal about the Sopranos finale so here's what I think. Absolute, best ending possible. 'Nuff said. Oh wait one last thing, anyone else surprised to find Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" on iTunes top 10 the other day?
- Drowned in Sound has an interview with Devo's Gerry Casale, I don't believe I've ever seen an interview with anyone from Devo so this is pretty dang impressive to me.
- Movie Notes: The free Monday night movie in Bryant Park returns this week with a showing of Woody Allen's Best Picture winning Annie Hall. Learning of this forced me to explain my irrational hatred of Woody Allen to my girlfriend recently and I thought I'd take a moment to share the reason with all of you. This movie beat out mother fucking Star Wars for Best Picture which is just ridiculous.
- Free Stuff for the Week: The Tripwire has a free EP from Simple Kid, CMJ's new download of the day section has a track from Joan as Police Woman, Prefixmag has a ridiculously detailed list of all the free shows going on in NY this summer, Sound Fix Records has a bunch of free shows this week, and free Television show this Saturday with Apples in Stereo.
Here's some tuneage, enjoy....
Animal Collective - "Chores"
Blizten Trapper - "Sci-Fi Kid"
Chow Nasty - "Hot Sticky Nikki"
While I'm DJing the latest round of the Knockout shows on Friday, Pop Tart's faves Beat Radio will be headling a show out in Long Island City at The Creek and the Cave. Featuring performances by Great Lakes Myth Society, Chris Bathgate, and I Am A Bolt of Lightning, this show would certainly be on my list of things to do if not for afforementioned gig.As a big fan of Beat Radio I can't help but promote this show despite not being able to attend it, and as a bonus I'm going to give one lucky winner a pair of tickets to see the show as well as a copy of the new Great Lakes Myth Society album which doesn't hit store shelves till July! To enter just click here to send me an e-mail with your address included (so we can send you the CD), and a winner will be picked randomly Friday at Noon!!!
Good luck to everyone, and here's a couple of tunes for you to all enjoy!!!
Beat Radio - "A Million Miles"
Great Lakes Myth Society - "Isabella County, 1992"
Chris Bathgate - "Buffalo Girl"
By the end of 2007 we may look back on this year as the year that indie kids learned how to dance. Well, maybe we won't actually learn to dance, but we are certainly getting enough chances to show what we can do on a dance floor thanks to a shit load of brilliant indie dance albums. With releases from Justice, Simian Mobile Disco, LCD Soundsystem, Battles, and countless others DJ's at the local rock club have no shortage of brand new discs to keep kids dancing between bands and well into the late night. This week we get yet another example of what the indie aesthetic can do with synths, a drum machine, and live drums in the form of Datarock's eponymous release.The album kicks off with a simple guitar lick as drum beats slowly fill the background, setting the tempo for the album and then introducing us to the type of tongue in cheek lyrics these guys are becoming known for. "Bull dozer, bull dozer, bull dozer," the band repeats before a screeching chorus repeats "BMX is better than sex!". Its inane, its quirky, and it all highly addictive. From there the duo tackles gay pride themes, love from unconventional sources, and even a modern (completely insane) take on Grease's call and response love tune. But for all the hilarity within the duo's lyrics is a killer backdrop of synth sounds mixed with guitar and a live drum beat set on top of a drum machine. Its the type of sound that may have come from The Talking Heads and Kraftwerk having a baby, and it works splendidly.
Datarock isn't the strongest of the 2007 dance albums, but its certainly one of the most fun from top to bottom. It's lyrics are enough to make any dancer do a double take from time to time, but never break from the beat of the music. It'll be played on and on all summer, so be ready to hear by buying it today!
Datarock - "Computer Camp Love"
Datarock - "Ugly Primadonna"
buy it at insound!
Also Released:
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Tuesday's Links:
- I missed The Pipettes when they were in last New York last week, but lucky for me Chris at Music Snobbery has an interview with them today to remind me of exactly what I missed.
- Quick, Before It Melts links to the P-fork stream of the new Liars song so I don't have to! He also has a special Crystal Castles remix of another Liars tune.
- Want a list of the "Best College Rock" well then head over to The Daily Texan all week to see their list and then debate it endlessly in true college fashion!
- Product Shop NYC shows off the new White Stripes USB drives, and hints at a very secret show somewhere in New York next week.
- Daytrotter, Illinois session, 'nuff said.
I was so pumped to see The Long Blondes Saturday night at Bowery that I think my enthusiasm and excitement may have gotten the better of me and warped me to the point where nothing short of a three-hour, mind bending, show would have sufficed. I don't know why I do this to myself when I'm excited about shows, but it happens and it seems to happen a lot more often these days. Perhaps I just put too much faith in just another indie rock band, a band that has a single album under their belt, and an album that wasn't even released in the States till last Tuesday. Whatever I do to myself though nothing could help The Long Blondes on Saturday night as they put on one of the most boring shows I have ever stood through.
Now before I go about bashing the show let me tell you a few things; 1) I really love this band's album Someone to Drive You Home, it is constantly being played on iPod, I DJ songs from the album from time to time, and I tell other people to listen to this album. 2) I am not completely against every band from Britain. I love Art Brut to death, The Beatles were an amazing group, The Who are fucking brilliant.
That said, it seems like every British band is attempting to do the same thing these days and it just comes off as boring. They come on stage and play their songs note for note the way they are found on the album. While playing the songs they stand on stage and adopt one facial expression which they keep for the entirety of the show. Only the lead singer (and occassionally the lead guitarist) move around on stage and those moves look more practiced and rehearsed than a spontaneous dance scene in a teen movie. I've seen it time and again, and I'm bored with it.
The Long Blondes followed this M.O. to the T on Saturday coming out and playing their songs tight and perfectly, and it was too perfect. Folks this is rock n' roll, if you ain't fucking up you're doing something wrong. Nothing was too loud, or too quiet, you could hear each note from every instrument and for some reason this is a problem. It should have energy and passion a little feedback, some mistaken lyrics or at the very least a wardrobe malfunction. Alas, we were not treated to any such theatrics on Saturdary night. Luckily for me the band has only one album and the entire set, encore included, lasted less than an hour. I could have stayed home and listened to the record and got more pleasure from it.
The lack of passion from the band definitely translated to a sedated Bowery crowd (though I'm hearing this is becoming more and more common). They stood as motionless as the band with only a handful of diehards singing along or even moving towards the front of the stage. All of it; the crowd, the band, the ridiculous staidness of it all, contributed to me just not enjoying the show in the least bit.
Now before I go about bashing the show let me tell you a few things; 1) I really love this band's album Someone to Drive You Home, it is constantly being played on iPod, I DJ songs from the album from time to time, and I tell other people to listen to this album. 2) I am not completely against every band from Britain. I love Art Brut to death, The Beatles were an amazing group, The Who are fucking brilliant.
That said, it seems like every British band is attempting to do the same thing these days and it just comes off as boring. They come on stage and play their songs note for note the way they are found on the album. While playing the songs they stand on stage and adopt one facial expression which they keep for the entirety of the show. Only the lead singer (and occassionally the lead guitarist) move around on stage and those moves look more practiced and rehearsed than a spontaneous dance scene in a teen movie. I've seen it time and again, and I'm bored with it.
The Long Blondes followed this M.O. to the T on Saturday coming out and playing their songs tight and perfectly, and it was too perfect. Folks this is rock n' roll, if you ain't fucking up you're doing something wrong. Nothing was too loud, or too quiet, you could hear each note from every instrument and for some reason this is a problem. It should have energy and passion a little feedback, some mistaken lyrics or at the very least a wardrobe malfunction. Alas, we were not treated to any such theatrics on Saturdary night. Luckily for me the band has only one album and the entire set, encore included, lasted less than an hour. I could have stayed home and listened to the record and got more pleasure from it.
The lack of passion from the band definitely translated to a sedated Bowery crowd (though I'm hearing this is becoming more and more common). They stood as motionless as the band with only a handful of diehards singing along or even moving towards the front of the stage. All of it; the crowd, the band, the ridiculous staidness of it all, contributed to me just not enjoying the show in the least bit.
Monday: Apostle of Hustle w/Ola Podrida @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $12
I gotta be straight and up front with all of you and tell you that I know very little about these two bands. I have heard a total of about four songs from both bands combined, and I enjoyed what I heard so I'm making my recommendation based on a very small pool of knowledge. That said, both of these bands have been making the blog rounds lately getting written up everywhere from here to kingdom come. I guess what I'm really saying is I just didn't want to be left out of the blogger circle, so go see this show.
Apostle of Hustle - "Chances Are"I gotta be straight and up front with all of you and tell you that I know very little about these two bands. I have heard a total of about four songs from both bands combined, and I enjoyed what I heard so I'm making my recommendation based on a very small pool of knowledge. That said, both of these bands have been making the blog rounds lately getting written up everywhere from here to kingdom come. I guess what I'm really saying is I just didn't want to be left out of the blogger circle, so go see this show.
Ola Podrida - "Cindy"
Tuesday: Lily Allen @ Roseland Ballroom 6:45pm $26
I was sold on Lily Allen from the second I heard her overly addictive song "LDN". My addiciton only grew as more tracks were released, and then her album, and then she kept buying those ridiculously cute dresses with sneakers. *Sigh* Unfortunately I have yet to make it to one of her shows, but thanks to Other Music's free ticket give away a few weeks ago and my girlfriend's penchant for her fellow Brits I will finally be seeing the lovely pop songstress. Sadly, it will be at Roseland, but I guess you win some and you lose some.
Lily Allen - "Smile"Tuesday: Lily Allen @ Roseland Ballroom 6:45pm $26
I was sold on Lily Allen from the second I heard her overly addictive song "LDN". My addiciton only grew as more tracks were released, and then her album, and then she kept buying those ridiculously cute dresses with sneakers. *Sigh* Unfortunately I have yet to make it to one of her shows, but thanks to Other Music's free ticket give away a few weeks ago and my girlfriend's penchant for her fellow Brits I will finally be seeing the lovely pop songstress. Sadly, it will be at Roseland, but I guess you win some and you lose some.
Wednesday: Franz Ferdinand @ Bowery Ballroom 9pm SOLD OUT
I was online right on time on Thursday. I was signed in to my Ticketweb account and hit click at 12:00pm on the nose. I got through, put two tickets into the queue, and proceeded to checkout. At the checkout I selected the card I always use and then suddenly there were errors. And they were not my errors, they were my bank's errors. I think I should sue them for screwing this up for me. C'est la vie. Enjoy the show you lucky bastards that got tickets!!!
...or Flight of the Conchords w/Eugene Mirman @ Gramercy Theatre 7pm $25
I am in love with the new Flight of the Conchords TV show and I'll tell anyone who asks about my new found infatuation. Throw in the rioutously funny Eugene Mirman and you sirs have yourself one fine comedy show. Bonus points for having a venue with seats and GA for those who prefer one or the other.
Thursday: A Sunny Day In Glasgow @ Union Hall 8pm $8
How is this band still playing opening gigs at small places like Union Hall for only $8??? Their album is one of the finest of the year, and we've been watching all these other indie rock bands parade around New York like they own the place, playing sold out shows at Mercury or Bowery, and these guys are still playing Union Hall. Don't get me wrong this is really exciting for all the fans who get to see them on the smaller stage, but these guys should be blowing up right now. See them on the small stage now, while you can!!!
A Sunny Day In Glasgow - "Best Summer Ever"How is this band still playing opening gigs at small places like Union Hall for only $8??? Their album is one of the finest of the year, and we've been watching all these other indie rock bands parade around New York like they own the place, playing sold out shows at Mercury or Bowery, and these guys are still playing Union Hall. Don't get me wrong this is really exciting for all the fans who get to see them on the smaller stage, but these guys should be blowing up right now. See them on the small stage now, while you can!!!
Friday: Knockout #5 @ Matchless 8pm $7
Chris has postively blown me away with the lineup for the fifth installment of Knockout. Featuring The Antlers, Peel, Charles Bissell, and Cinema, Cinema this is a lineup that outshines all his remarkable previous efforts. There are also two fine DJ's spinning all night long in the bar (me and my girl!!!) so pony up your $7 and enjoy the finest in blogger sponsored shows.
Charles Bissell - "She Sends Kisses"
Cinema, Cinema - "Four Alarm"
Saturday: Television w/Apples in Stereo @ Central Park Summerstage 3pm FREE
Central Park Summerstage is getting their season going today with an impressive opening lineup. Apples in Stereo have been riding a high since the relase of their latest album, New Magnetic Wonder. As for Television, if you don't know this band well then you don't actually read music blogs or know anything about music. Should be a sweet way to spend a Saturda afternoon.
Television - "Marquee Moon"
Apples In Stereo - "Hypnotic Suggestions"
...then Oneida @ Highline Ballroom 9pm FREE
I haven't been to the brand spanking new Highline Ballroom yet, but this may just be the type of event to lure me out to the West Side of town. Oneida are of course one of the more phenomenal New York bands around, and considering their free show at Barnard was canceled a few weeks ago I may just have to catch this one. You can alos catch them at Sound Fix at 4pm today if you are so inclined.
Oneida - "Up With People"
Sunday: Pela @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $12
This is the best new band to surface so far this year, well alright one of them at least. I caught them a few months ago and they were fantastic, I'd expect more of the same from this show tonight. If you haven't caught this band yet, do it now!
Pela - "Lost to the Lonesome"
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Monday's Links:
- The NYT covers the seven show run of Bright Eyes at Town Hall with a series of barely understandable charts and graphs and with a blogger's interpretation of each show.
- Badical Beats points out that Queens of the Stoneage's latest album is streaming somewhere. Does anyone really care still?
Saturday: Television w/Apples in Stereo @ Central Park Summerstage 3pm FREE
Central Park Summerstage is getting their season going today with an impressive opening lineup. Apples in Stereo have been riding a high since the relase of their latest album, New Magnetic Wonder. As for Television, if you don't know this band well then you don't actually read music blogs or know anything about music. Should be a sweet way to spend a Saturda afternoon.
Television - "Marquee Moon"
Apples In Stereo - "Hypnotic Suggestions"
...then Oneida @ Highline Ballroom 9pm FREE
I haven't been to the brand spanking new Highline Ballroom yet, but this may just be the type of event to lure me out to the West Side of town. Oneida are of course one of the more phenomenal New York bands around, and considering their free show at Barnard was canceled a few weeks ago I may just have to catch this one. You can alos catch them at Sound Fix at 4pm today if you are so inclined.
Oneida - "Up With People"
Sunday: Pela @ Mercury Lounge 8pm $12
This is the best new band to surface so far this year, well alright one of them at least. I caught them a few months ago and they were fantastic, I'd expect more of the same from this show tonight. If you haven't caught this band yet, do it now!
Pela - "Lost to the Lonesome"
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Monday's Links:
- The NYT covers the seven show run of Bright Eyes at Town Hall with a series of barely understandable charts and graphs and with a blogger's interpretation of each show.
- Badical Beats points out that Queens of the Stoneage's latest album is streaming somewhere. Does anyone really care still?
Just some pictures and captions for now, words will come later...
Our gracious hosts welcome us to their completely free show, completely loaded on free PBR!!!
A mellowed and tamer partial version of O'Death wows us with their tunes.
Cesar and Sammy rocking out!
The Lisps blow me away for the 2,704th time.
The Gaskets sans a Gasket get a little help from their friends.
A sweaty, jam packed stage!
More on Flickr!!!
Our gracious hosts welcome us to their completely free show, completely loaded on free PBR!!!
A mellowed and tamer partial version of O'Death wows us with their tunes.
Cesar and Sammy rocking out!
The Lisps blow me away for the 2,704th time.
The Gaskets sans a Gasket get a little help from their friends.
A sweaty, jam packed stage!More on Flickr!!!
July 18, 1994 was a momentous day in my life. It's not found in any of the history books and I'm sure none of the newspapers documented the event the next day, but on this day as a 13 year old boy my parents took my brother and I to our very first concert. From section 124, row 24, seat 2, about 200 yards from the stage, I watched the awe inspiring scene of Pink Floyd's Division Bell Tour. The music was louder than anything I had ever heard, the excitement of the crowd was addictive, and this sent me down a long road of concert going bliss.
That night there'd be no souveniers though, my parents had already exhausted their money on tickets, parking, and food for all of us. Pictures were not taken by us and I've never heard of a bootleg from the show ever surfacing. The only record I have of this unforgettable experience is my memories and my ticket stub. I still have the stub (as you can plainly see), as well as stubs from hundred of other shows I've been to since. I can catalog my years, see the growth of my musical accumen, and watch the frequency of show going pick up speed as I progressed through my teen years. Everytime I look at my ticket stubs I am transported back to those shows, I can see the bands before me once again, feel the crowd surging all around me, and hear the music in all of its live glory. Of course over the years countless stubs have not found their way into my box, they were lost at the show, used to scribble a phone number, or just misplaced over time; but most of them are safely tucked away in a corner of one of my drawers. And now it seems that the ticket stub is on the verge of extinction.
At some point in the past year or two Ticketmaster introduced Ticketfast, the beginning of the end for the ticket stub. With the advent of this new technology people were able to print their own tickets from their home computer the moment they completed their order. Sure their is still a piece of paper you can keep, but who really wants to save an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of computer paper? Even worse than the invention of Ticketfast is the ever increasing popularity of will call.
These days the majority of companies selling tickets online pressures ticket buyers into going the ticket-less way with ridiculous charges to have the physical tickets sent to your door. Who in their right mind is going to pay $14 to have tickets shipped to their home when they can pay no extra charge to go will call? Last I checked a stamp was still only 41¢. I understand that all this is a way to reduce scalping, or to bring even more revenue in for companies like Ticketmaster and Ticketweb and Tickets.com, but I want my stubs back!!!
Another important facotr in the endangerment of the ticket stub is the reduction of box offices at venues or the reduction in hours when they are open. It used to be that you had to buy your tickets at the venue, waiting patiently in line with other concert goers for hours or even days. I'm actually old enough to have experienced this a few times and let me tell you whippersnappers that there is nothing quite like the comraderie you will find on a concert ticket line. You sit there for hours waiting anxiously to get a ticket to see a band you adore, the earlier you get there the bigger the fan you are, and you are surrounded by people exactly like you. And then you chat. About the band, about how many times you've seen them, about which songs are the best, you sing the songs, play the songs, talk about other bands you might like. In a way the concert line was the precursor to music blogs, it was where you learned about the next big bands or the what was cool in the record store that day. And now its gone. No more ticket lines, and almost no more ticket stubs.
You can't reasonably argue the convenience factor in today's ticketing systems, because of the system you save more time and can go to more shows, but it lacks the feeling of the old way of doing things. It lacks the lines, it lacks meeting new people, and most importantly it lacks my fucking ticket stub that I want to save so that if I get too drunk at the show I can look in my pocket the next day and say "Hey that show was awesome!!!"
Pink Floyd - "Wish You Were Here"
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Saturday's Links:
- Holy shit Batman!!! I know I sing the praises of Daytrotter over and over again, but yesterday they posted tracks from The President's of the United States of America!!! Who knew these guys were still around and didn't let me in on the secret???
- There's some new Islands floating around the internet, most notably on the band's myspace page. Thanks for the advance warning Snakes Got A Blog, I'm sure you weren't one of the ones not telling me about PUSA still being around.
- In a tale of what could be excellent casting, Andre 3000 has been chosen to play the part of Sammy Davis Jr. in some movie or another. These two look so similar its not even funny! From the big noses, to the overly defined chins, its a match made in heaven. (via Pitchfork)
-
For reasons unknown this has felt like an extremely long week. Perhaps the lack of sleep last weekend is finally catching up to me or maybe work was a pain in the ass for the most part this week. But whatever the reason the weekend is finally upon us and I'm pretty much planning on letting the sleep fall to the wayside again in lieu of more fun prospects here's what we got going on this weekend.
Friday: There's a lot of potential here for the show going public, you got shows all over the place featuring some really hot bands that could make for a terrific evening. At Bowery Ballroom you get Clientele and Beach House starting at 8pm, Rufus Wainwright is expensive but always interesting over at Gramercy, if you're feeling like a boat ride you can catch Snowden in Hoboken at Maxwell's, and Architecture in Helsinki is at Irving Plaza with Black Moth Super Rainbow. Here's what I'm planning on...
6pm - Kings of Leon @ The Apple Store (SoHo) FREE
...then
Kings of Leon - "Charmer"
No Age - "Get Hurt"
Saturday: If you're going to see any of the crap they released in movie theaters this week I'd suggest catching a matinee this afternoon or you'd be wasting your money. Otherwise sleep in late, enjoy a park, relax and get ready for a busy evening. Tonight there is only two options you really need to know about, the first is The Long Blondes at Bowery Ballroom. They've finally released their brilliant debut album here in the States and now they will be rocking one of the finest venues in New York! That show gets underway at 8:30pm. If you don't get into that or if you're looking for something to do afterwards I would highly suggest attending this free (with RSVP) show...
The Glass - "The Glass - Come Alive (Kasper Bjorn remix)" (via La Decadanse)
The Gaskets - "Left Hand" (via said Sluts)
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"
and I know who the special guest is but I'm not telling anyone!!!
Sunday: I am reserving Sunday, like most of America, for the final episode of The Sopranos. I'm not going to make any bold predictions cause after the last three or four episodes I am once again in awe of this fantastic series! If you aren't the biggest Italian mafia fan there are shows you should check out. Melt Banana is at The Knitting Factory and Loney, Dear is over at Union Hall with my band of the week The Silent League. Both shows should be fabulous.
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Friday Links:
- Gothamist has an excellent story about the music venues of New York and more specifically the competition between Bowery Present and the national promoters Live Nation and A.E.G.
- Grizzly Bear fans better head on over to i guess i'm floating for a butt load of mp3's from the band including an alternate version of "Easier".
- One of the best shows I've seen all year had to be The Twilight Sad at Knitting Factory. The band is setting up for a big tour of Europe and the States that includes stops at the P-Fork Fest and Siren Fest. Pitchfork gives us all the dates.
- CMJ.com has launched a new section giving away mp3's (novel idea) of their site's band of the day. Yesterday was Pissed Jeans, go download it, its great.
- Asobi Seksu + Daytrotter = Good Listening!!!
- There's a new music site on the block and its name is Haystack. I checked it out and its pretty cool, not quite Critical Metrics cool, but still cool.
Friday: There's a lot of potential here for the show going public, you got shows all over the place featuring some really hot bands that could make for a terrific evening. At Bowery Ballroom you get Clientele and Beach House starting at 8pm, Rufus Wainwright is expensive but always interesting over at Gramercy, if you're feeling like a boat ride you can catch Snowden in Hoboken at Maxwell's, and Architecture in Helsinki is at Irving Plaza with Black Moth Super Rainbow. Here's what I'm planning on...
6pm - Kings of Leon @ The Apple Store (SoHo) FREE
...then
Kings of Leon - "Charmer"
No Age - "Get Hurt"
Saturday: If you're going to see any of the crap they released in movie theaters this week I'd suggest catching a matinee this afternoon or you'd be wasting your money. Otherwise sleep in late, enjoy a park, relax and get ready for a busy evening. Tonight there is only two options you really need to know about, the first is The Long Blondes at Bowery Ballroom. They've finally released their brilliant debut album here in the States and now they will be rocking one of the finest venues in New York! That show gets underway at 8:30pm. If you don't get into that or if you're looking for something to do afterwards I would highly suggest attending this free (with RSVP) show...
The Glass - "The Glass - Come Alive (Kasper Bjorn remix)" (via La Decadanse)
The Gaskets - "Left Hand" (via said Sluts)
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"
and I know who the special guest is but I'm not telling anyone!!!
Sunday: I am reserving Sunday, like most of America, for the final episode of The Sopranos. I'm not going to make any bold predictions cause after the last three or four episodes I am once again in awe of this fantastic series! If you aren't the biggest Italian mafia fan there are shows you should check out. Melt Banana is at The Knitting Factory and Loney, Dear is over at Union Hall with my band of the week The Silent League. Both shows should be fabulous.
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Friday Links:
- Gothamist has an excellent story about the music venues of New York and more specifically the competition between Bowery Present and the national promoters Live Nation and A.E.G.
- Grizzly Bear fans better head on over to i guess i'm floating for a butt load of mp3's from the band including an alternate version of "Easier".
- One of the best shows I've seen all year had to be The Twilight Sad at Knitting Factory. The band is setting up for a big tour of Europe and the States that includes stops at the P-Fork Fest and Siren Fest. Pitchfork gives us all the dates.
- CMJ.com has launched a new section giving away mp3's (novel idea) of their site's band of the day. Yesterday was Pissed Jeans, go download it, its great.
- Asobi Seksu + Daytrotter = Good Listening!!!
- There's a new music site on the block and its name is Haystack. I checked it out and its pretty cool, not quite Critical Metrics cool, but still cool.
In a week when we had leaks from The White Stripes and Queens of the Stone Age and UNKLE and The Beastie Boys, I am quite surprised to find myself writing about a completely different band with a completely different sound. But its because of that sound that I am writing about them. Unlike the bands mentioned above, who mostly stayed true to their sound without pushing the envelope, Simian Mobile Disco is exploring some new terrain while building on old familiar landscapes crafting an interesting, and thrilling album.Attack Decay Sustain Release is the type of album that will make you want to dance, and not just that little indie head bob you are known to do at Mercury Lounge, no full out sweat-till-your-shirt-is-see-through dancing. The album is absolutely loaded with tracks that will take anyone out of their seat and possess them to get on a dance floor and let go of all their inhibitions. Between the title of the album and the opening track, "Sleep Deprivation", you get a good idea at what this duo is aiming for. Their beats and electronic sounds are put together in an overly addictive way, pushing the short songs deep into the listeners heads till they are stuck with them for hours shaking their feet and arms all the way along. Within each song you'll find lyrics that pulse along with the music, giving all the synthetic sounds a slightly more human feel but not taking away from the overall feel of the album. Its the way vocals should be used in this kind of acid-house electronic music.
For people that aren't used to dancing, or avoid it out right, this album could be quite a shocker to the system. Take heed folks with pre-existing heart conditions that this album could quicken your pulse to heart attack inducing levels. Make sure to drink plenty of water while listening, and enjoy the sounds they way they are meant to be heard, loudly, in the company of lots of attractive people, with lights flashing, and tightly packed dance floor surrounding you. When you combine Attack Decay Sustain Release with all of those elements you will be in for one hell of a good time!
Simian Mobile Disco - "Sleep Deprivation"
Simian Mobile Disco - "Tits & Acid"
Chris has really out done himself with this lineup and a fabulous pair of DJ's for the evening!!!
8:30pm - Cinema, Cinema
9:30pm - Charles Bissell
10:30pm - Peel
11:30pm - The Antlers
The DJ's are me and my fabulous girlfriend Rachael of Underrated Magazine, we have very different music tastes so it should be a crazy eclectic evening in the bar area!!!
8:30pm - Cinema, Cinema
9:30pm - Charles Bissell
10:30pm - Peel
11:30pm - The Antlers
The DJ's are me and my fabulous girlfriend Rachael of Underrated Magazine, we have very different music tastes so it should be a crazy eclectic evening in the bar area!!!
Free (the best price):
Saturday 6/16 - Television, Apples in Stereo, & Dragons of Zynth @ Central Park Summerstage 3pm
Television - "Marquee Moon"
Apples in Stereo - "Hypnotic Suggestions"
Sunday 6/24 - Sloan & Apostle of Hustle @ Central Park Summer stage 3pm
Sloan - "Two Seater"
Apostle of Hustle - "Chances Are"
Thursday 6/28 - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts @ Pier 54 7pm
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - "Bad Reputation"
Friday 6/29 - Ra Ra Riot @ South Street Seaport 7pm
Ra Ra Riot - "Dying is Fine"
Cheap (under $10)
Thursday 6/14 - A Sunny Day in Glasgow @ Union Hall 8pm $8
A Sunny Day in Glasgow - "Best Summer Ever"
Thursday 6/21 - Mike Wexler @ Union Pool 8pm $tba
Mike Wexler - "Cipher"
Friday 6/22 - Matt & Kim w/Parts & Labor @ Above the Auto Parts Store 8pm $tba
Matt & Kim - "Yea Yeah"
Parts & Labor - "Fractured Skies"
Friday 6/29 - Daylight's for the Birds @ Cake Shop 8pm $tba
Daylight's for the Birds - "Worlds Away"
Saturday 6/30 - The Stills w/Malajube @ Prospect Park 7pm $3
The Stills - "Gender Bombs"
Malajube - "Montreal -40 ° C"
Almost Cheap (under $20)
Saturday 6/16 - Pela @ Mercury Lounge 9pm $12
Pela - "Lost to the Lonesome"
Monday 6/18 - Apostle of Hustle w/The Muggabears @ Mercury Lounge 10pm $12
The Muggabears - "Dead Kid Kicks"
Saturday 6/30 - Fiery Furnaces @ Maxwell's 10pm $15
Fiery Furnaces - "Quay Cur"
Expensive (over $20):
Tuesday 6/12 - Lily Allen @ Roseland 6:45pm $26
Lily Allen - "Smile"
Wednesday 6/13 - Flight of the Conchords w/Eugene Mirman @ Gramercy Theatre 7pm $25
Friday 6/22 - Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25
Violent Femmes - "American Music"
Saturday 6/23 - Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25
Monday 6/25 - Wilco @ Hammerstein Ballroom 6:30pm $37
Wilco - "War on War"
Monday 6/25 - Bad Brains @ Rocks Off Concert Cruise 7pm $35
Sold Out (you ain't gettin' in)
Monday 6/11 - Feist @ Town Hall 8pm
Monday 6/18 - Panda Bear @ Bowery Ballroom 7:30pm
Saturday 6/23 - Panda Bear @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm
Tuesday 6/25 - Wilco @ Warsaw
Saturday 6/16 - Television, Apples in Stereo, & Dragons of Zynth @ Central Park Summerstage 3pmTelevision - "Marquee Moon"
Apples in Stereo - "Hypnotic Suggestions"
Sunday 6/24 - Sloan & Apostle of Hustle @ Central Park Summer stage 3pmSloan - "Two Seater"
Apostle of Hustle - "Chances Are"
Thursday 6/28 - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts @ Pier 54 7pmJoan Jett and the Blackhearts - "Bad Reputation"
Friday 6/29 - Ra Ra Riot @ South Street Seaport 7pmRa Ra Riot - "Dying is Fine"
Cheap (under $10)
Thursday 6/14 - A Sunny Day in Glasgow @ Union Hall 8pm $8A Sunny Day in Glasgow - "Best Summer Ever"
Thursday 6/21 - Mike Wexler @ Union Pool 8pm $tbaMike Wexler - "Cipher"
Friday 6/22 - Matt & Kim w/Parts & Labor @ Above the Auto Parts Store 8pm $tbaMatt & Kim - "Yea Yeah"
Parts & Labor - "Fractured Skies"
Friday 6/29 - Daylight's for the Birds @ Cake Shop 8pm $tbaDaylight's for the Birds - "Worlds Away"
Saturday 6/30 - The Stills w/Malajube @ Prospect Park 7pm $3The Stills - "Gender Bombs"
Malajube - "Montreal -40 ° C"
Almost Cheap (under $20)
Saturday 6/16 - Pela @ Mercury Lounge 9pm $12Pela - "Lost to the Lonesome"
Monday 6/18 - Apostle of Hustle w/The Muggabears @ Mercury Lounge 10pm $12The Muggabears - "Dead Kid Kicks"
Saturday 6/30 - Fiery Furnaces @ Maxwell's 10pm $15Fiery Furnaces - "Quay Cur"
Expensive (over $20):
Tuesday 6/12 - Lily Allen @ Roseland 6:45pm $26Lily Allen - "Smile"
Wednesday 6/13 - Flight of the Conchords w/Eugene Mirman @ Gramercy Theatre 7pm $25 Friday 6/22 - Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25Violent Femmes - "American Music"
Saturday 6/23 - Violent Femmes @ Warsaw 8pm $25 Monday 6/25 - Wilco @ Hammerstein Ballroom 6:30pm $37Wilco - "War on War"
Monday 6/25 - Bad Brains @ Rocks Off Concert Cruise 7pm $35Sold Out (you ain't gettin' in)
Monday 6/11 - Feist @ Town Hall 8pm Monday 6/18 - Panda Bear @ Bowery Ballroom 7:30pm Saturday 6/23 - Panda Bear @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm Tuesday 6/25 - Wilco @ Warsaw 
For some reason The Silent League disappeared after the release of their debut album, The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused, despite tons of amazing press reviews and chance to tour with bands like Interpol, Sufjan Stevens, Bloc Party, and more. It was strange and it was sad, but most of the members found places with other bands, touring or recording, to fill up their free time while they decided what they wanted to do.Now the time has come, the band has released their second LP, Of Stars and Other Somebodies, and it appears the love will be shed upon the band once again. The album has only been released in the UK thus far (and just this week), but the three songs posted on their Myspace page offer a hint as to how amazing this album will be. Built similarly to the songs on the previous album, they take a ton of instruments and blend them together to create a huge sound approaching that of The Flaming Lips. Inside these magnificent and huge tunes, are hearfelt lyrics that are meant to be listened to, and devoured, and thoroughly thought of as you continue to listen through the song.
I'm really looking forward to hearing this album in its entirety as I am sure it at least matches, and most likely exceeds, the music found on the first album. This Sunday the band is opening up for Loney, Dear at Union Hall making that show an absolute must see. Now you don't have to heed my advice, but be sure to listen to this band because they have the potential to blow up any day now, unless they get in their own way again.
The Silent League - "Kings and Queens"
The Silent League - "Time"
More On Myspace
- TV Notes #1: Watching the previews for the final episode of The Sopranos on Sunday I actually got goosebumps. The preview showed nothing, but following one of the best episodes in the series' history it really got the juices flowing for this coming Sunday. I'm not gonna sit here with my predictions for the final episode, but I am really looking forward to it.
- For quite some time now Daytrotter has been one of my favorite music sites on this whole wide web. Releasing wonderful music recorded solely for the site and for the fans of indie music that frequent the site everday, it has grown exponentially over the past few months. Lately the Daytrotter crew has broken from their routine of posting a single artist for an entire week, releasing more and more exclusive material each week but with the same verve as before. Just this week the site is boasting sets by Oxford Collapse, The Teeth, Bishop Allen, and Harry and the Potters, great bands who really shine through on their performances. You should check out all these sets and pretty much keep Daytrotter bookmarked, added to your RSS feeders, and sign up for their e-mail blasts as well, cause honestly there is no such thing as too much of a good thing.
- Sports Note #1: Right now there are two leagues that are into the championship rounds of their playoffs, the NBA and the NHL. Both leagues have had wonderful postseasons, but I must say the teams that have made it to the finals in each league are pretty boring teams (with the exception of the huge drawing power of King James' Cavs). The Senators, the Spurs, and the Ducks, captivating stuff from huge markets huh? In actuality it is riveting. The NHL finals have been awesome so far, two hard playing teams going at each other throats, suspensions, and really really tough hockey proving that both teams certainly deserve to be where they are. I'm sure the NBA finals will be equally hard fought with both teams having superstars and roll players alike. Baseball should be taking note of this, and of course the way the NFL has been for years, because it just proves that fair competition derived from a salary cap is not such a bad thing after all.
- I hope you all read my review of the show I threw for Rachael over the weekend, cause half a week later I am still feeling hungover with wonderful thoughts of the evening. My wonderful girlfriend, whom the show was thrown for, has posted a video of one of the few songs I did not catch that evening a wonderful jam band sing-a-long of The Beatles "Happy Birthday". The reason I missed the song is because I was in the back breaking down the money from the show and was told that the song would be the second to last song of the evening, but its all good guys at least I finally got to see it.
- TV Notes #2: Entertainment Weekly had a list of the 50 shows to catch during this summer and there are very few that I would actually take the time to sit and watch every week. Here's the one's I would watch; Rescue Me, Big Love, Weeds, John from Cincinnati (I'm intrigued to say the least), Flight of the Conchords (enter the contest, details here), and The World Series of Pop Culture. Anything you guys are planning on watching this summer???
- Movies.com went out and listed the 25 best movie soundtracks. I can't say I agree with all the selections here, but then again I don't think I'd really want to go out and listen to 25 other movie soundtracks to create my own list.
- I went to see Knocked Up over the weekend and was completely blown away by the movie. Judd Apatow is becoming one of the best movie makers in all the land, and Seth Rogen is going to be a comedic star! My only problem with the movie was the full opening night theatre and the fact that the crowd was laughing so loudly at points that I missed tons of jokes or comments that followed the initial knee slap. Guess that means I'll be seeing this one again when it comes out on DVD.
- Free stuff for the week: Brooklyn Vegan pointed out that there will be two free Oneida shows in New York next week one Saturday at 4pm at Sound Fix and the other Saturday at 8pm at the Highline Ballroom, Yellow Stereo is giving away an Adult Swim prize pack, Badical Beats has a bunch of new remixes from Justice, and Spoon is streaming a new song from their upcoming album each day here.
Shakes - "Sister Self Doubt"
The Sharp Things - "Rey"
No Age - "My Life's Alright Without You"
Almost seven months ago the rest of the world got their first taste of The Long Blondes. Their debut album, Someone to Drive You Home, was met with huge amounts of critical praise and fans of female driven, indie rock lapped it up. The only problem was that the album wasn't being released to fans of that type of sound here in the States. Fans here were forced to long for the album online or in import bins. Finally, after a long long wait, the band has released the album here and its sure to make the same type of splash here that it made in other parts of the world.The album gets going with the cinematically driven "Lust in the Movies", a tune that pays tribute to strong powerful femmes from the cinema of the past. From there the rest of the songs pay tribute to strong and powerful women of all sorts. "Once and Never Again" aims to take a young teenage girl by the hand, teaching her that she don't need a boyfriend thanks to the lessons lead singer Kate Jackson sings of. The message come across loud and clear thanks to Jackson's powerful vocals and the passioned play of the rhythm section throughout the entire album, creating a pulse of bravado that is all the rage for the new class of girl groups (i.e., The Pipettes, El Perro Del Mar to name a couple).
It helps that each of the messages found within the songs here are wrapped with upbeat and fantastically fun music. The music basically takes the message and gives it a knowing look, a kind of wink from girl to girl. But boys can easily fall in love with The Long Blondes as well, just as they fell in love with the Gwen Stefani's and Bjork's of the world before this.
Overall its a terrific album, one that made year end lists all over last year, and will probably show up on some over here again this year. It only took seven extra months, but fans here in the states should rejoice just the same as Someone to Drive You Home is a fantastic piece of music that will be enjoyed by this listener for quite some time.
The Long Blondes - "Once and Never Again"
The Long Blondes - "Weekend Without Makeup"
Saturday night was one of those nights that I will remember for as long as I live. For the first time since my small birthday bash on Staten Island last year I threw a show by myself, but this was no ordinary show. No folks, this show was to celebrate the birth of my wonderful girlfriend Rachael. It was because of this that I fretted for weeks over bands, locations, set times, DJ's, special guests, and all those other little details you forget when putting together a show.The night started off slowly, with a set by 2/5 of A Brief Smile. Much more sedate than their full on incarnation, the two member band wowed the early arrivals with some quieter versions of A Brief Smile classics and a cover or two. It was a short set but one that furthered my already high opinion of this nascent band and the promise that they certainly show.
Next up was the current Swedish phenom Mr. Pelle Carlberg. Before Saturday night I had only caught a couple of Pelle's tunes off of his myspace page, but after seeing what he and his bass playing, box kicking compadre could do I will be making sure to get myself his album ASAP. His set was positively charming from the get go, as his soothing voice and long song titles humored us all and made us swoon over the music coming from the duo. Pelle also tried his hand at a couple of covers including a cover of one of Rachael's favorite artists Mikah.
The Antlers played their first show with a full band right after Pelle left the stage, picking up the pace for a night that was becoming more memorable with each step it took. I've said it before, but Peter's voice does something to my insides. I've heard people comparing it to Jeff Buckley's and I have to say the comparison is pretty dead on. With each not that comes out of his warbling voice I fall deeper and deeper into a trance, till I reach the point where all I want to hear is another song from The Antlers. As a full band they shined even brighter than the couple of times I've caught Peter doing his solo thing. Each member of the band complements the music, enhancing it and pushing it to another level. Their 30 minute set was absolutely breath taking from start to finish.
Wakey! Wakey! had the unfortunate task of following up The Antlers brilliance, but did so with remarkable dexterity. He too was showing off a fuller band, with himself, a bassist, and a drummer. The resulting show was moving, as Mike sings with a ferocity that is rarely matched. The band plowed through their set, breaking for brief moments to wish Rachael a happy birthday and to chat for second or two with the crowd.Before Seth Kallen and the Reaction could take over we were treated to a surprise performance by Tally Hall. The brand new Atlantic Recording artists wowed us with a couple of covers before joining Seth and company on stage for a couple of songs together. Just the sight of Tally Hall on stage made Rachael giddy with excitement, and seeing her face for those moments made the night so special for me. After Tally Hall exited the stage Seth and the Reaction took over with a wonderful, though shortened set. It was my first time seeing Seth perform and I was completely wowed by his verve on stage, and by his band mates' abilities.
The evening finished with Jukebox the Ghost, an up and coming band form DC that is poised to make some noise the rest of this year. Those guys use a mixture of They Might Be Giants and Ben Folds to positively wow audiences and tonight was no different. The trio were on top of their game, playing the tunes off their new EP and even getting a big jam band together to play The Beatles version of "Happy Birthday".
All my work and effort really paid off thanks to some terrific performances, an amazing crowd, and some wonderful people that helped out a ton in getting the night together. I would be a real ass if I didn't thank some of the people that had a hand in getting the show together, so in no particular order I'd like to thank all the bands for tremendous performances, Nora for being a terrific DJ, Dana for being so amazing in planning the whole event, Seth for getting Jukebox and Tally Hall to come play, Tally Hall for showing up and playing out of the blue, Mike for being an awesome bartender all night long, Clyde for offering up Pelle's services, and to everyone that made it out to The Delancey last night. We'll have to do this again real soon!!!
Monday: I 'm still recovering from Saturday's show...
Tuesday: The Pipettes @ Other Music 7pm FREE & @ Highline Ballroom 7pm $16
I'm not really sure how the lovely ladies of The Pipettes will be in two places at once, but that's what the schedule says so I'm going based on that. The free instore performance at Other Music is being billed as an acoustic set, which should be completely enjoyable considering the band's sound is built around the three singers and simple melodies backing them. You can bank on the Highline Ballroom show not starting on time, but make sure you run over there from Other Music in order to catch the teenage band Smoosh. I saw them last summer and they were pretty good.
The Pipettes - "Because Its Not Love (But Its Still A Feeling)"
Smoosh - "I Would Go"
Wednesday: The Sea and Cake + Loney, Dear @ Sound Fix Records 7pm FREE
The folks at Sound Fix have really out done themselves with this fine instore performance. Normally instores only have one band, but somehow Sound Fix is going to squeeze to terrific bands into one evening. First up is Loney, Dear the Swedish phenom who is quickly taking America by storm. Following him will be The Sea and Cake who are a solid band all around. Get there early, this may be packed to the sidewalks.
The Sea and Cake - "Exact to Me"
Loney, Dear - "The City, The Airport"
Thursday: No Age @ The Silent Barn 8pm $tba
No Age is getting a ton of buzz going for them right now. I have to be honest and say I haven't looked into all that buzz yet, but there's no time like the present. If you haven't heard them yet maybe you should take a chance too.
No Age - "Everybody's Down"
Friday: Architecture in Helsinki @ Irving Plaza 8pm $18
Friday I told you how good the new AIH album is, now you can get to hear some of the new tunes for yourself as the Ausralian band hit town. They are always a joy to see live so you would be crazy to pass up this opportunity.
Architecture in Helsinki - "Heart It Races"
Saturday: The Long Blondes @ Bowery Ballroom 8:30pm $13
People in the States may not yet be privy to the wonder that is The Long Blondes. They are joyous band from England, who's debut album has been trapped in my head since it was released internationally last year. Now Americans will finally get a chance to hear the album as it is being released here at long last, and we will also get the chance to check out the band in person as they play a series of shows here.
The Long Blondes - "Once & Never Again"
Sunday: Loney, Dear @ Union Hall 9pm $12
If you're not planning on watching the series finale of The Sopranos and you didn't get enough of Loney, Dear at Sound Fix then you should definitely check out his own headlining gig tonight at Union Hall. Personally, I'll be watching The Sopranos, but I've invested a lot of time in that show over the last decade so I really have to.
Loney, Dear - "I Am John"
Tuesday: The Pipettes @ Other Music 7pm FREE & @ Highline Ballroom 7pm $16
I'm not really sure how the lovely ladies of The Pipettes will be in two places at once, but that's what the schedule says so I'm going based on that. The free instore performance at Other Music is being billed as an acoustic set, which should be completely enjoyable considering the band's sound is built around the three singers and simple melodies backing them. You can bank on the Highline Ballroom show not starting on time, but make sure you run over there from Other Music in order to catch the teenage band Smoosh. I saw them last summer and they were pretty good.
The Pipettes - "Because Its Not Love (But Its Still A Feeling)"
Smoosh - "I Would Go"
Wednesday: The Sea and Cake + Loney, Dear @ Sound Fix Records 7pm FREE
The folks at Sound Fix have really out done themselves with this fine instore performance. Normally instores only have one band, but somehow Sound Fix is going to squeeze to terrific bands into one evening. First up is Loney, Dear the Swedish phenom who is quickly taking America by storm. Following him will be The Sea and Cake who are a solid band all around. Get there early, this may be packed to the sidewalks.
The Sea and Cake - "Exact to Me"
Loney, Dear - "The City, The Airport"
Thursday: No Age @ The Silent Barn 8pm $tba
No Age is getting a ton of buzz going for them right now. I have to be honest and say I haven't looked into all that buzz yet, but there's no time like the present. If you haven't heard them yet maybe you should take a chance too.
No Age - "Everybody's Down"
Friday: Architecture in Helsinki @ Irving Plaza 8pm $18
Friday I told you how good the new AIH album is, now you can get to hear some of the new tunes for yourself as the Ausralian band hit town. They are always a joy to see live so you would be crazy to pass up this opportunity.
Architecture in Helsinki - "Heart It Races"
Saturday: The Long Blondes @ Bowery Ballroom 8:30pm $13
People in the States may not yet be privy to the wonder that is The Long Blondes. They are joyous band from England, who's debut album has been trapped in my head since it was released internationally last year. Now Americans will finally get a chance to hear the album as it is being released here at long last, and we will also get the chance to check out the band in person as they play a series of shows here.
The Long Blondes - "Once & Never Again"
Sunday: Loney, Dear @ Union Hall 9pm $12
If you're not planning on watching the series finale of The Sopranos and you didn't get enough of Loney, Dear at Sound Fix then you should definitely check out his own headlining gig tonight at Union Hall. Personally, I'll be watching The Sopranos, but I've invested a lot of time in that show over the last decade so I really have to.
Loney, Dear - "I Am John"
Tonight we will be celebrating Rachael's 23rd Birthday in style at The Delancey!!! The booze will be flowing, six bands will be playing, two DJ's will be spinning, and a good time is sure to be had by all in attendance. Make sure you do not miss out on this very special evening!!! Here's all the details...
Where: The Delancey, 168 Delancey St. (btwn. Attorney and Clinton)
Time: 7:30pm
Price: $10, 21+ (sorry kids)
DJ's: Nora K (VH1 award winner for best music blog!!!) & DJ Pop Tarts (yeah, its me!)
Bands:
8:00pm - A Brief Smile (special acoustic set)
8:45pm - Pelle Carlberg (last stop on his tour of America)
9:30pm - The Antlers (first show with a full band)
10:15pm - Wakey! Wakey! (always special)
11:00pm - Seth Kallen and the Reaction (with a very special guest!!!)
12:00am - Jukebox the Ghost (effing brilliant)
Hope to see you all there!!!!
I caught the Jukebox bug bad a few months ago and I have not let go of it since. I caught the band at a performance hosted by none other than the birthday girl herself. I was wowed by how fun the music and the lyrics of the songs were and I listened to their three song demo on repeat for weeks after. As soon as I got my hands on their full EP I made them my band of the week, and now I'm very excited to have them back headlining my show for Rachael. This is a fine band that's going to make a big splash soon, trust me on that. Come see them now, before they blow up and start selling out much larger venues!!! Here's one of their finest tunes from the new EP, and the interview answers from their pianist Ben Thornewill.Jukebox the Ghost - "Hold It In"
1. Which current band naming trend is worse, using animals or using exclamation points?
i think the very worst thing i can think of are animals naming bands with exclamation points! i have started a new project, $a$quatch!!! pronounced "sasquatch".
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?
once we ended up at a random bar, i dont' know where...i became violently ill with soco and limes and Rachael kept insisting on more shots! then i went home...what happened with the rest of the night?
3. What's the worst venue in New York to play? What's the best?
Worst: The pussycat Lounge...we haven't even played there.
Best: Piano's (our experiences are limited)
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?
we will find out about it. and that will be its effect on us. probably we will discuss this again, thus being affected. or if not, this is the end of its effect on us.
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?
there are 10 seconds of the beginning of the end of the world series that makes me unspeakably happy.
favorite cover is Guerilla Radio
6. Do you prefer your Pop-Tarts toasted or untoasted? What's your favorite flavor of Pop-Tarts?
pop-tarts scare me. go toaster stroodle, untoasted.
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?
Erik Satie - great songwriter. go check him out. then talk to me.
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?
Nothing Nothing Nothing but Waffle House. I adore brekfast food, and Jukebox THe Ghost fully endorses Ben Thornewill's all brekfast all day diet. Ask me (ben) about it. I will show you how thin i am. Must have atleast 4 brekfast meals a day...anywhere really, but waffle house is number 1.
9. What are you predicting for you band for the rest of 2007?
lots of touring, lots of shows. lots of sending rachael loving e-mails.
10. What's your favorite music blog?
probably either The Kentucky Democrat blog by Daniel Solzman or Underrated, because of absolute loyalty and love.
Tuesday night I got word that the new album from Architecture in Helsinki was made available to those with an internet connection. Shortly after getting that word I was listening to the music for the first time and I was a bit confused by what I was hearing. Places Like This is full of some of the oddest combinations of music I have ever heard. Electronic sounds dot the already warped landscape of music and the vocals on it are as quirky as any I've heard before this. Before long though I was hearing the album through new ears, finding all the sounds I listened to on the first listen to be less odd and more flowing and necessary to the individual songs.The album starts off with an excellent tune in "Red Turned White". Its upbeat from the get go, setting the tempo for the entire album to follow. But the album really takes off with the second track "Heart It Races" which is more upbeat and as catchy as a cold. After two listens to this tune I was singing it in my head, another two listens and it was jammed in my head for the next for hours. It almost reminds me of R.E.M's "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", but at a slightly faster pace. From there we are treated to some of the best twee music I have heard since their last album, songs like "Debbie" and "Nothing's Wrong" will have fans of the band dancing all around when they are listening.
Overall Places Like This is really a terrific album, as AIH manages to avoid the sophomore jinx in style and substance. It manages to build on the promise that In Case We Die presented the world, and pushes the band's music to a new level at every angle. The album won't officially be out until August 7th, but the band will be around playing shows so make sure you get out and catch them live to see the new material performed.
Architecture in Helsinki - "Heart It Races"
Architecture in Helsinki - "Debbie"
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