(I won't be around to post this tomorrow, heading down to DC for the Ra Ra Riot/Jukebox the Ghost show, but I know you guys need to know what shows are going on especially with a night as busy as Friday. Have fun you wild and crazy guys!)
Show Listing
Friday November 30th:
Los Campesinos! @ Bowery Ballroom [tix][mp3]
The Clean @ Cake Shop [sold out][mp3]
Oneida @ Europa [tix][mp3]
Phonograph @ Highline Ballroom [tix][mp3]
Team Robespierre @ Knitting Factory [tix][mp3]
Mudhoney @ Maxwell's [tix][mp3]
Die Romantik @ Sound Fix Record [FREE][mp3]
Diplo @ Studio B [tix]
Meowskers @ Union Hall [info][mp3]
Saturday December 1st:
The Clean + Times New Viking @ Cake Shop [sold out][mp3]
Ra Ra Riot + Jukebox the Ghost @ Union Hall [sold out][mp3][mp3]
Cold War Kids @ Webster Hall [tix][mp3]
Sunday December 2nd:
Mudhoney + Pissed Jeans @ Bowery Ballroom [tix][mp3]
I'm completely regretting my decisions of last night. I was supposed to go to Mercury Lounge to check out a band called Dead Confederate, but instead I worked a little late and decided to call it an early night by going home and getting some sleep. After a restless night of not really getting much sleep I now know that I could have seen an excellent band and gotten about the same amount of shut eye. Hindsight's a bitch. Anyway, despite not seeing the band last night I have decided to name them my band of the week anyway because I have been rocking out hard since I got their debut EP about a week ago.The self-titled EP reminds me a lot of the music that was being pumped into our heads back in the early 90's known as grunge. It has that dark, depressed feel to it and it shreds, with a focus on large guitar riffs and furiously pounded rhythms. Of course that nostalgic feeling his hindered a bit by the addition of some serious Southern licks. But if you put the two elements together you are getting a sound that could easily breakthrough in 2008.
Hailing from Atlanta, the band keeps getting lumped in with bands like Deerhunter and Black Lips. I don't hear that connection at all though as both of those bands have completely different sounds from each other as well as from Dead Confederate. I've also been reading comparisons to Band of Horses and My Morning Jacket, and while that is much closer to the nail it still misses the mark. This band is less twang, more aggressive, and really, really dark.
I'm sure 2008 is going to bring more from Dead Confederate and the band still has a couple of local dates to round out this year. If you're in their area I'd suggest not trying to make it an early night on nights when they are playing, it just seems like a good idea at this point.
Dead Confederate - "Get Out"
Dead Confederate - "The Rat" (Live on KEXP)
Dead Confederate - "Shadow the Walls"
Download it at Amazon
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Thursday's Links:
- Ear Farm has a chat with Goes Cube as well as a premiere of their new song "Song 48"!
- WOXY's Futurist Blog is giving away that cool Brit Box set that comes in a phone booth!!!
- Gothamist interviews Die Romantik!
- Dovecote is offering up a digital EP of tunes as a Christmas present to its fans. (via CMJ)
- Professor Murder is releasing a free EP via RCRD LBL, one track at a time! (also via CMJ)
- Pitchfork has White Williams over for its guest list feature.
- Bradford has posted two new songs as Atlas Sound the last two days.
- Covert Curiousity has the inside scoop on the new Hot Chip album.
- Nonesuch is streaming two of the new Johnny Greenwood tracks from the new Paul Thomas Anderson film There Will Be Blood. (via GvB)
TV Notes:
- Heroes suffered a bit of a setback this week. Following last week's awesome return to form this week's episode went at a camparative snails pace. The good news is Sylar was finally able to off one of the annoying Mexican twins, though I think we're going to have a considerable amount of trouble getting rid of Maya. The whole Adam/Peter pairing is looking pretty cool, and I think this battle between Hiro and Peter is going to be amazing next week. Let's hope the writer's settle their strike by next Monday so the crew can get back to work making the next twelve episodes of season 2!
- I havem't been watching House religiously this season, or lats season for that matter, but I knew he was picking his new team last night so I tuned in. If it wasn't obvious from the outset of the competition that the two most recognizable actors of the group would be chosen, well it was proven last night that is was pretty damn obvious. I like House I really do, but it is too formulaic, too much like all those CSI's and Law & Order's that I just can't devote much time to it.
- So I finally ordered cable for my new apartment this week, just in time for there to be no new shows on TV thanks to the writer's strike. It should afford me a chance to catch up on everything I missed though when all the re-runs start kicking in.
Sports Note:
- I have to say I have never been more excited about a Hot Stove rumor as I am right now about Johan Santana! If the Yankees land Johan, could you picture the big games that could possibly happen??? We're taking game 7 Fenway or Yankee Stadium, Josh Beckett vs. Johan Santana for all the marbles!!! Oh man, I'm just giddy about the prospects even though it would most likely mean giving up Phil Hughes and spending a ridiculous amount of money it will be well worth it.
- It is an absolute shame the tragedy that has befallen the Taylor household. Beyond being an amazingly talented football player, Sean Taylor was a 24-year old man with his entire life ahead of him. No family should have to suffer the loss of one of it's members at such a young age.
- Will someone please beat the Patriots?
Free Stuff:
- There is a free Earl Greyhound & Electric Six show being held on Wednesday December 12th @ Southpaw. No RSVP is necessary just show up before they reach capacity. Of course this is the same day as the Wakey! Wakey! CD release at Mercury Lounge so some tough decisions will need to be made. (via BV)
- Bumpershine is giving a free copy of The Form eponymous sophomore album and "a snazzy" new Forms t-shirt. So send him an e-mail to enter to win! Oh and the album is certainly worth the 5 seconds it takes to send an e-mail.
- If you're online shopping for the holidays and need a soundtrack to get you through spending insane amounts of money on your credit card, why not check out the WOXY.com Holiday Sampler? It's loaded with all sorts of solid holiday songs from the likes of Spinal Tap, Sufjan, and Ella Fitzgerald. Yeah, that's called covering the bases right there!
- The 50th issue of Fader is out today and available for free download from their site.
- Last night Other Music hosted The Clean for a free in-store and in the next week the music store will have a few more interesting performances. Tonight Tinariwen pops by, Celebration is there on Friday, Richard Hawley on Monday, and possibly best of all White Williams a week from tomorrow!!!
Other Musical News and Links:
- The Irish boys of Oppenheimer stopped by WOXY for an in-studio set that featured two brand new tracks, tracks that I believe will find their way onto their forthcoming album Take the Whole Mid-Range and Boost It.
- Hey that Sufjan show at Southpaw that all you indie scenesters bragged about getting tickets to, was postponed.
- Late Night Wallflower has an interview with members of Malajube. In English, don't worry.
- Entertainment Weekly has posted an alphabetical list of the best front men and women in rock n' roll history.
Tracks:
Hijk - "Alibi"
Hijk - "Smells Like Cigarettes"
Marco Mahler - "Design In Quick Rotation"
Marco Mahler - "Oranger Chinese Car"
Sally Shapiro - "Anorak Christmas" (Piano Mix)
Dog Day - "Oh Dead Life"
The Superfantastics - "Oh! How You Used to Know Me Well (Back Then)"
Shotgun Jimmie - "Bedhead"
Share - "The Yard"
The Vandelles - "Swell To Heaven"
The Vandelles - "The Lovely Weather"
Cartoon - "Sing To Dream"
The Shondes - "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"
- Heroes suffered a bit of a setback this week. Following last week's awesome return to form this week's episode went at a camparative snails pace. The good news is Sylar was finally able to off one of the annoying Mexican twins, though I think we're going to have a considerable amount of trouble getting rid of Maya. The whole Adam/Peter pairing is looking pretty cool, and I think this battle between Hiro and Peter is going to be amazing next week. Let's hope the writer's settle their strike by next Monday so the crew can get back to work making the next twelve episodes of season 2!
- I havem't been watching House religiously this season, or lats season for that matter, but I knew he was picking his new team last night so I tuned in. If it wasn't obvious from the outset of the competition that the two most recognizable actors of the group would be chosen, well it was proven last night that is was pretty damn obvious. I like House I really do, but it is too formulaic, too much like all those CSI's and Law & Order's that I just can't devote much time to it.
- So I finally ordered cable for my new apartment this week, just in time for there to be no new shows on TV thanks to the writer's strike. It should afford me a chance to catch up on everything I missed though when all the re-runs start kicking in.
Sports Note:
- I have to say I have never been more excited about a Hot Stove rumor as I am right now about Johan Santana! If the Yankees land Johan, could you picture the big games that could possibly happen??? We're taking game 7 Fenway or Yankee Stadium, Josh Beckett vs. Johan Santana for all the marbles!!! Oh man, I'm just giddy about the prospects even though it would most likely mean giving up Phil Hughes and spending a ridiculous amount of money it will be well worth it.
- It is an absolute shame the tragedy that has befallen the Taylor household. Beyond being an amazingly talented football player, Sean Taylor was a 24-year old man with his entire life ahead of him. No family should have to suffer the loss of one of it's members at such a young age.
- Will someone please beat the Patriots?
Free Stuff:
- There is a free Earl Greyhound & Electric Six show being held on Wednesday December 12th @ Southpaw. No RSVP is necessary just show up before they reach capacity. Of course this is the same day as the Wakey! Wakey! CD release at Mercury Lounge so some tough decisions will need to be made. (via BV)
- Bumpershine is giving a free copy of The Form eponymous sophomore album and "a snazzy" new Forms t-shirt. So send him an e-mail to enter to win! Oh and the album is certainly worth the 5 seconds it takes to send an e-mail.
- If you're online shopping for the holidays and need a soundtrack to get you through spending insane amounts of money on your credit card, why not check out the WOXY.com Holiday Sampler? It's loaded with all sorts of solid holiday songs from the likes of Spinal Tap, Sufjan, and Ella Fitzgerald. Yeah, that's called covering the bases right there!
- The 50th issue of Fader is out today and available for free download from their site.
- Last night Other Music hosted The Clean for a free in-store and in the next week the music store will have a few more interesting performances. Tonight Tinariwen pops by, Celebration is there on Friday, Richard Hawley on Monday, and possibly best of all White Williams a week from tomorrow!!!
Other Musical News and Links:
- The Irish boys of Oppenheimer stopped by WOXY for an in-studio set that featured two brand new tracks, tracks that I believe will find their way onto their forthcoming album Take the Whole Mid-Range and Boost It.
- Hey that Sufjan show at Southpaw that all you indie scenesters bragged about getting tickets to, was postponed.
- Late Night Wallflower has an interview with members of Malajube. In English, don't worry.
- Entertainment Weekly has posted an alphabetical list of the best front men and women in rock n' roll history.
Tracks:
Hijk - "Alibi"
Hijk - "Smells Like Cigarettes"
Marco Mahler - "Design In Quick Rotation"
Marco Mahler - "Oranger Chinese Car"
Sally Shapiro - "Anorak Christmas" (Piano Mix)
Dog Day - "Oh Dead Life"
The Superfantastics - "Oh! How You Used to Know Me Well (Back Then)"
Shotgun Jimmie - "Bedhead"
Share - "The Yard"
The Vandelles - "Swell To Heaven"
The Vandelles - "The Lovely Weather"
Cartoon - "Sing To Dream"
The Shondes - "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"
I'm not sure exactly when I first heard "Blister in the Sun", but when I finally did the song helped to change the direction of my musical taste. It was one of the songs that led me into the world of indie or college rock, exposing me to bands like The Replacements, Husker Du, and a lot more of the 80's thinking man bands.In 1982 I was only two-years old when the Violent Femmes released their eponymous debut, so it's fairly amazing the impact that their 10-song (or 12-song if you have the CD with bonus tracks) album has had on me. Violent Femmes has served as a guide to the growth of my musical acumen as well as giving me countless hours of enjoyment listening as Gordon Gano expunged on one teenage anxiety or another. The music isn't all that complicated, simple rhythms are accompanied by simple guitar riffs, but it's within the lyrics that I am most attached to this album. I'm pretty sure I could sing every word on this album accapella - but that would be deemed more torturous then water-boarding so I'll keep that to myself - proving just how much of an impact this album has had on my brain. I can't think of too many albums that I know every single word to, maybe a dozen or two, but this is certainly one of them.
Personally I think the Violent Femmes have always been written off as a one trick pony, with people saying I love "Blister in the Sun" or "Kiss Off" and being done with the band, but there is so much more here on this album. Songs like "To The Kill", "Prove My Love", and "Gone Daddy Gone" are brilliant pieces of pop poetry that illustrate longing, desire, and so many other powerful emotions. Each of the ten songs on here would be applauded if they were released today, but when unnoticed or overshadowed by the couple of "hits" on this album. It's okay though, the "hits" are what led me to this album and I'm so very glad they did!
Violent Femmes - "Blister in the Sun"
Violent Femmes - "Add It Up"
On Friday night Mike, the brains and voice behind Wakey! Wakey!, stopped by my birthday bash on Staten Island to sing me "Happy Birthday" and hand me a "hush, hush" burned copy of his soon to be released debut Silent as a Movie. I have to say the album is spectacular, but I'm going to talk about that more in a couple of days. For now I'm here to introduce us to the latest in the series of Wakey! Wakey! covers this one coming from The Beach Boys catalog. Wakey! Wakey! - "It's California Girls" (Beach Boys cover)
As a big fan of The Beach Boys this is an extra special cover song for me, but I'm sure you guys will all enjoy it almost as much as you enjoyed the original. And don't forget about the Wakey! Wakey! CD release bash at Mercury Lounge on Wednesday December 12th (only two weeks away!) with Jukebox the Ghost!
Even though it can be a pain in the ass to get to, the Silent Barn has become one of the go-to live venues for all age shows, noise rock bands, and anything that's a little further left then your standard college rock. It's a hot, sweaty place where we get to rock our asses off and they need your help if you want to keep it that way!
From the horses mouth..."Hello friends, lovers, enemies of the Silent Barn,
SILENT BARN needs your help!
If you are getting this email, maybe you've played / attended /
covered / thought about coming to a show at SILENT BARN sometime.
First of all, we'd like to say THANK YOU. If you've received this
email in error, or don't want to read it, please know that this is
the only email that we'll ever send out like this.
As some of you may know, Silent Barn is an all ages performance /
art / work / living space in beautiful Ridgewood, Queens. We've had a
good run so far, hosting shows and events for a wide variety of
groups, having extreme fun the whole time, and we'd like to continue
that onward and into the unforeseeable future.
But here's the catch: we just found out that we lost our appeal of a
suit with ConEd, and are receiving notices daily that we owe them
back power bills for the power used by the previous residents of the
space, to the tune of almost $7,000 with interest. OUCH. We are
reaching out to our community for help and ideas, because if we don't
come up with the money soon, ConEd will send some sort of federal
official to shut off the power, effectively ending Silent Barn for good.
So, we are writing to you, dear friends, to ask for help. Have you
played here before? Would you want to do it again as a benefit for
the house? Have you been here before? Keep on coming! Do you have
high powered rich friends who give out handouts to those in need? We
want friends like that! And so on, and so forth.
Spaces like the Silent Barn are ultimately a community effort, and
while this problem isn't exactly uncommon, it is still very real. We
do our best to host and promote events of the highest caliber, and
hopefully we as a community can keep it going. Please get in touch if
you have ANY ideas that will help us work this whole mess out. We are
down to do almost ANYTHING to keep the space healthy and alive,
especially in these cold winter months.
Thank you forever.
xo Silent Barn
ps: if anyone has a cat that needs a home, we'd love to replace our
dear departed Noodles, who has moved on to better times (in a cleaner
apartment)."
I'm guessing this means some big time benefit shows, so bands get offering your services, other folks keep going there and dropping as many dollars as you can!!!
From the horses mouth..."Hello friends, lovers, enemies of the Silent Barn,
SILENT BARN needs your help!
If you are getting this email, maybe you've played / attended /
covered / thought about coming to a show at SILENT BARN sometime.
First of all, we'd like to say THANK YOU. If you've received this
email in error, or don't want to read it, please know that this is
the only email that we'll ever send out like this.
As some of you may know, Silent Barn is an all ages performance /
art / work / living space in beautiful Ridgewood, Queens. We've had a
good run so far, hosting shows and events for a wide variety of
groups, having extreme fun the whole time, and we'd like to continue
that onward and into the unforeseeable future.
But here's the catch: we just found out that we lost our appeal of a
suit with ConEd, and are receiving notices daily that we owe them
back power bills for the power used by the previous residents of the
space, to the tune of almost $7,000 with interest. OUCH. We are
reaching out to our community for help and ideas, because if we don't
come up with the money soon, ConEd will send some sort of federal
official to shut off the power, effectively ending Silent Barn for good.
So, we are writing to you, dear friends, to ask for help. Have you
played here before? Would you want to do it again as a benefit for
the house? Have you been here before? Keep on coming! Do you have
high powered rich friends who give out handouts to those in need? We
want friends like that! And so on, and so forth.
Spaces like the Silent Barn are ultimately a community effort, and
while this problem isn't exactly uncommon, it is still very real. We
do our best to host and promote events of the highest caliber, and
hopefully we as a community can keep it going. Please get in touch if
you have ANY ideas that will help us work this whole mess out. We are
down to do almost ANYTHING to keep the space healthy and alive,
especially in these cold winter months.
Thank you forever.
xo Silent Barn
ps: if anyone has a cat that needs a home, we'd love to replace our
dear departed Noodles, who has moved on to better times (in a cleaner
apartment)."
I'm guessing this means some big time benefit shows, so bands get offering your services, other folks keep going there and dropping as many dollars as you can!!!
Well Ira from Yo La Tengo is on the airwaves at WFMU right now if you feel like listening. Just thought you'd like to know. That's 90.1FM for all you radio heads our there or WFMU.org for you computer nerds.
Dedication to a band is a difficult thing to hold on to. At one moment the band is flying high, soaring to new heights on the strength of a phenomenal record or thrilling live show only to be shot down the next for a disappointing follow-up LP or selling out to some mega-corporation. It's a tough world to stop on top which makes my adoration and devotion to The Hold Steady and Art Brut even more overwhelming. Last Wednesday I went to see both bands performing together at the still new Terminal 5, it was my 12th or 13th time seeing The Hold Steady and I think my 16th time seeing Art Brut. Considering how "new" these two bands are make that number fairly staggering. But each time I see them live I leave the building with a smile on my face, having just rocked out all of my aggression, and enjoyed some of my favorite songs ever. It's a release of so much energy and emotion, and I just can't get enough of it. Plus, they happen to be two of the best live bands in the world right now so that certainly doesn't hurt.
Wednesday's show was a little less then spectacular for Art Brut though. I get there a couple of songs into their set and you could see they were visibly laboring through their set following a hectic road schedule over the last few weeks. The music was still solid, but the crowd didn't seem as enthusiastic as the past times I've seen them. That, and the shtick is finally starting to wear a bit thin. Still better then most bands though, way better then a lot too.
The Hold Steady were the exact opposite of Art Brut though. Each time I have seen them do their thing live they have gotten better. As a band they are tighter and more cohesive then ever before. The music has gotten better too, a little more challenging to the ear, and somehow more rocking then their previous efforts as well. And as a frontman Craig Finn continues to grow in leaps and bounds, commanding more attention with each nod and wave to the crowd and each lyric spoken. The best part of it all was the near capacity crowd eating it all up with such an unbridled passion that it was pretty mind blowing.
I'm still a bit confused by how we got here though. Just last year (almost the exact same date) I was seeing the band in the packed and sweaty Maxwell's. That night was simply the best I have ever seen the band, and thanks to the proximity of me being about a foot away from Craig's face I think it will stand the test of time. They were explosive that night, and then suddenly they exploded into this huge band, capable of selling out 3,000 people venues! It's an amazing explosion and it leads me t believe that this band is only going to get bigger and better. The long weekend has faded my recollections of the exact set lists and all, but I can still say without a doubt that I left that show exactly as I have the numerous other times I've seen these bands - smiling from ear to ear.
You might notice the little box on the sidebar to the left alerting you to the voting for the Best Music Blog, well this here blog has been nominated in that contest! I'm a bit surprised to be nominated alongside some terrific music blogs but I'd also like to win, so if you get a spare second today please stop by and vote for me. Oh and you can vote for more then one blog so vote for Rachael too!!! Thanks!!!
Monday: Blogger's Delight @ The Knitting Factory 9pm FREE
Tonight my friends over at The Music Slut will be hosting the weekly Blogger's Delight at The Knitting Factory, and though I haven't heard too much from the bands they have I trust their tastes and assume it will be an excellent evening. Playing tonight are The Subway Band, Luke Wesley, and Peasant.
Tuesday: Tim Williams @ Luna Lounge 7pm $8
In just a couple of weeks Tim Williams will be playing my Christmas bash at the Cake Shop, but tonight you can get an early taste of what Tim is all about, and trust me when I say that there is no such thing as too much Tim Williams!
Tim Williams - "Novel"
Wednesday: Drug Rug + Dead Confederate @ Mercury Lounge 8:30pm $10
Two bands that escaped from CMJ with a fair amount of buzz were Drug Rug and Dead Confederate, both of whom are playing tonight in the same place. So kill two birds with one stone and jump on the bandwagon before it's too late!
Dead Confederate - "Shadow the Walls"
Drug Rug - "Day I Die"
Thursday: The Mountain Goats @ NYU Kimmel Center
Every year NYU books a slew of terrific bands, then sells really cheap tickets to their students and alums for the shows. See if you can get a freshman to buy you a ticket in exchange for a six pack and go see The Mountain Goats!
The Mountain Goats - "Adair"
Friday: Ra Ra Riot + Jukebox the Ghost @ Rock n' Roll Hotel (D.C.)
I've never traveled to another city just to see a band but tonight all that will change as I'm heading down to D.C. to catch to of my favorite bands of the year Jukebox the Ghost and Ra Ra Riot! I'd suggest making the trip if you can!
Ra Ra Riot - "Each Year"
Jukebox the Ghost - "Hold It In"
...(New York) Los Campesinos! @ Bowery Ballroom 8:30pm $15
For those staying in NYC make sure you check out Los Campesinos! who are just about the most fun band to emerge from the pile of new bands in 2007!
Los Campesinos! - "Frontwards"
Saturday: Ra Ra Riot + Jukebox the Ghost @ Union Hall 8pm SOLD OUT
Yeah it's going to be a Ra Ra the Ghost weekend for me!
Jukebox the Ghost - "Static to the Heart"
...or Times New Viking @ Cake Shop 8pm $10
No tickets to Ra Ra Riot at Union Hall? Oh well you're gonna miss out, but check out the hard rocking Times New Viking at Cake Shop instead.
Times New Viking - "(myhead)/R.I.P. Allegory"
Sunday: Mudhoney + Pissed Jeans @ Bowery Ballroom 7pm $20
Mudhoney has returned in a year full of reunions, but I'm more excited about Pissed Jeans whose noisy music is truly exciting.
Mudhoney - "Halloween"
Pissed Jeans - "Closet Marine"
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Monday's Links:
- Daytrotter has a session with The Cave Singers.
- CMJ gives us a college radio gift giving guide.
- Jukebox the Ghost have announced the title of their debut LP and a slew of tour dates. (via CMJ)
- Pitchfork has an interview with Kevin Drew.
Tonight my friends over at The Music Slut will be hosting the weekly Blogger's Delight at The Knitting Factory, and though I haven't heard too much from the bands they have I trust their tastes and assume it will be an excellent evening. Playing tonight are The Subway Band, Luke Wesley, and Peasant.
Tuesday: Tim Williams @ Luna Lounge 7pm $8
In just a couple of weeks Tim Williams will be playing my Christmas bash at the Cake Shop, but tonight you can get an early taste of what Tim is all about, and trust me when I say that there is no such thing as too much Tim Williams!
Tim Williams - "Novel"
Wednesday: Drug Rug + Dead Confederate @ Mercury Lounge 8:30pm $10
Two bands that escaped from CMJ with a fair amount of buzz were Drug Rug and Dead Confederate, both of whom are playing tonight in the same place. So kill two birds with one stone and jump on the bandwagon before it's too late!
Dead Confederate - "Shadow the Walls"
Drug Rug - "Day I Die"
Thursday: The Mountain Goats @ NYU Kimmel Center
Every year NYU books a slew of terrific bands, then sells really cheap tickets to their students and alums for the shows. See if you can get a freshman to buy you a ticket in exchange for a six pack and go see The Mountain Goats!
The Mountain Goats - "Adair"
Friday: Ra Ra Riot + Jukebox the Ghost @ Rock n' Roll Hotel (D.C.)
I've never traveled to another city just to see a band but tonight all that will change as I'm heading down to D.C. to catch to of my favorite bands of the year Jukebox the Ghost and Ra Ra Riot! I'd suggest making the trip if you can!
Ra Ra Riot - "Each Year"
Jukebox the Ghost - "Hold It In"
...(New York) Los Campesinos! @ Bowery Ballroom 8:30pm $15
For those staying in NYC make sure you check out Los Campesinos! who are just about the most fun band to emerge from the pile of new bands in 2007!
Los Campesinos! - "Frontwards"
Saturday: Ra Ra Riot + Jukebox the Ghost @ Union Hall 8pm SOLD OUT
Yeah it's going to be a Ra Ra the Ghost weekend for me!
Jukebox the Ghost - "Static to the Heart"
...or Times New Viking @ Cake Shop 8pm $10
No tickets to Ra Ra Riot at Union Hall? Oh well you're gonna miss out, but check out the hard rocking Times New Viking at Cake Shop instead.
Times New Viking - "(myhead)/R.I.P. Allegory"
Sunday: Mudhoney + Pissed Jeans @ Bowery Ballroom 7pm $20
Mudhoney has returned in a year full of reunions, but I'm more excited about Pissed Jeans whose noisy music is truly exciting.
Mudhoney - "Halloween"
Pissed Jeans - "Closet Marine"
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Monday's Links:
- Daytrotter has a session with The Cave Singers.
- CMJ gives us a college radio gift giving guide.
- Jukebox the Ghost have announced the title of their debut LP and a slew of tour dates. (via CMJ)
- Pitchfork has an interview with Kevin Drew.
I smashed my digital camera and my iPod on Wednesday night. My iPod still plays music, I just can't see anything on the screen. My camera seems much more fucked, but I hope I can get my pictures of The Hold Steady off of it.
I am at work right now instead of sleeping in like most people do the day after Thanksgiving. My boss is in a very grumpy mood, as is most of the office, because there are impending layoffs being handed down next week. Luckily, I'm a contractor and not actually employed by this company otherwise I'd be a bit nervous too.
The birthday party my girlfriend put together for me is tonight and I'm excited about that, but with all these things going wrong I'm pretty terrified of what could go wrong tonight.
I am at work right now instead of sleeping in like most people do the day after Thanksgiving. My boss is in a very grumpy mood, as is most of the office, because there are impending layoffs being handed down next week. Luckily, I'm a contractor and not actually employed by this company otherwise I'd be a bit nervous too.
The birthday party my girlfriend put together for me is tonight and I'm excited about that, but with all these things going wrong I'm pretty terrified of what could go wrong tonight.
Ok folks I turn 27 goddamn years old on Sunday, and to celebrate my life that has been completely devoid of accomplishments and the aging process which is killing my ability to drink obscene quantities of alcohol in one sitting my wonderful girlfriend Rachael has put together a party to celebrate! Sure that may not really sound like your scene, and you may in fact be asking why I would want to tell you about some lame party in honor of me. Well the answer is simple: it is not some normal, lame birthday party! It is a rocking show with three excellent bands, one terrific DJ, and some really cheap booze. Oh and there may or may not be birthday cake (though there has been at each of these bashes the last two years!).On Friday night we will be invading the Staten Island "hot spot" known as Martini Red. Let it be known first and foremost that this is MY bar, it is where I go when I just need to get out for a drink, they know my name, and I am extremely comfortable there, but it is not the best music venue in the city. They do have something resembling a stage and speakers that will produce loud volumes of music, but it is more of a bar so I suggest you bring your drinking shoes. Still, while you are getting drunk on $2 PBR's there will be music playing to entertain you all! Here is the set times...
10pm - The Heavenly Tenants [myspace]
11pm - Aeroplane Pageant [myspace]
12am - Tim Fite [myspace]
Pretty freaking good lineup, even if you haven't heard of the first band which consists of my roommate and a couple of my friends that will actually melt you freakin' face off with their high intensity rock! After that my brother will be mp3Jing all freakin' night long! This will of course result in the dancing of my friends', many of whom are single and attractive and semi-promiscuous!
At this point you might be wondering what the catch is for all of this awesomeness going down under one roof, and I would think you were crazy if you weren't the least bit suspicious! But there is no catch! The show is completely free! Well it's in Staten Island so that's kind of a catch, but the ferry is free too! So if you're reading this you are invited and you should come and if you're feeling super awesome and generous feel free to bring me a present! Hope to see you all on Friday!!!
Martini Red Website
[directions to Martini Red]
Tim Fite - "No Good Here"
Tim Fite - "Over the Counterculture"
Tim Fite - "It's All Right Here"
Aeroplane Pageant - "Bright Silver Train"
(note: flyer is from last year's birthday show)
Loyal readers of mine already know of my utmost devotion to anything and everything related to Beat Radio, which includes their side projects, solo offerings, and former bandmates bands, so it should be no surprise that I am utterly floored by pretty much everything Easy Anthems does. I had them play my second ever show and have kept their criminally underrated self-titled LP on repeat since its release last year. Well today the band has posted a holiday themed EP on their website which is available to free download. The album features ten classic noels reinterpreted to fit the Easy Anthem mold. What that means is that they are a cross breed between bluegrass, country, pop, and rock molded perfectly by the beautiful voices provided by Vanessa and Philip Jimenez. Beat Radio frontman Brian Sendrowitz lends his vocals to a version of "Angels We Have Heard on High", and there are a few other guest appearances here and there throughout the EP.
It's a solid EP of tunes that I've only had one listen to (mostly 'cause I'm not quite ready for Christmas tunes yet), but will probably be part of any holiday mixes I make and surely soundtrack my gift wrapping. If you're sick of the traditional versions of Christmas tunes, hate the old Sufjan Christmas stuff, and want a little something new for your yuletide, I'd highly suggest downloading the whole thing.
Download the Whole Thing!
Easy Anthems - "Ave Maria"
Easy Anthems - "We Three Kings"
Easy Anthems - "Silent Night"
TV Notes:
Heroes - What fantastic episode we were treated to this week! Major advancements in the plot were made, exciting hostage swappings, a "death" and re-birth of a major character, it was almost too much to take in! Unfortunately we have only two episodes left until the winter hiatus, and of course with the writers on strike who knows how long we will have to wait for new episodes. I'm expecting some major things in the next two weeks, and I think that a major character is going to be killed off and two major characters are going to wind up in a major battle scene. But those are just my predictions, what do you guys think about it?
The Simpsons - Missed this week's episode.
The Office - Haven't seen this in weeks.
30 Rock - Performed at UCB this week, I didn't see it but I've heard rave reviews.
SNL - Also performed at UCB to rave reviews.
Is there any news of progress in the writers strike?
Linkages:
- Earfarm and Brooklyn Vegan kick off the holidays with mixes available for your dowloading pleasure!
- Daytrotter still has the awesome set from the currently on hiatus Deerhunter! You really must download this now if you haven't already, it may be one of the best sessions Daytrotter has ever posted!
- So last week we get a new song from a new Dan Bejar band and now this week we get a cover of the same brand new song from Ruby Isle. This is getting crazy! (via sixeyes)
- Crackers United posts a bunch of links to the craft bloggers for anyone looking to make some hand made Christmas presents!
- You can win a guitar and a marathon badge from CMJ right now.
- Pitchfork has a Q&A with comedian Michael Showalter.
- John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats has announced the track listing for his new album.
- Zach Condon chats with Drowned in Sound.
Here's some songs from the ol' inbox to get your holiday weekend started:
The Raveonettes - "Aly Walk With Me"
The Whitsundays - "Sorry James"
The Morning Pages - "It Makes Me Cry"
Six Organs of Admittance - "Jade Like Wine"
The Valerie Project - "Introduction"
And I made a mix that's kind of Thanksgiving themed, well if the thought of spending a day with the family is enough to make you open up a few bottles of the hard liquor!
Grizzly Bear - "Granny Diner"
Pavement - "Cut Your Hair"
!!! - "A New Name"
Black Lips - "Bad Kids"
Dirty Projectors - "Six Pack"
Annuals - "Brother"
Andrew Bird - "Oh, Sister"
Panda Bear - "Take Pills"
Antlers - "Stairs to the Attic"
Art Brut - "My Little Brother"
Animal Collective - "Chores"
Spoon - "Don't Make Me A Target"
Heroes - What fantastic episode we were treated to this week! Major advancements in the plot were made, exciting hostage swappings, a "death" and re-birth of a major character, it was almost too much to take in! Unfortunately we have only two episodes left until the winter hiatus, and of course with the writers on strike who knows how long we will have to wait for new episodes. I'm expecting some major things in the next two weeks, and I think that a major character is going to be killed off and two major characters are going to wind up in a major battle scene. But those are just my predictions, what do you guys think about it?
The Simpsons - Missed this week's episode.
The Office - Haven't seen this in weeks.
30 Rock - Performed at UCB this week, I didn't see it but I've heard rave reviews.
SNL - Also performed at UCB to rave reviews.
Is there any news of progress in the writers strike?
Linkages:
- Earfarm and Brooklyn Vegan kick off the holidays with mixes available for your dowloading pleasure!
- Daytrotter still has the awesome set from the currently on hiatus Deerhunter! You really must download this now if you haven't already, it may be one of the best sessions Daytrotter has ever posted!
- So last week we get a new song from a new Dan Bejar band and now this week we get a cover of the same brand new song from Ruby Isle. This is getting crazy! (via sixeyes)
- Crackers United posts a bunch of links to the craft bloggers for anyone looking to make some hand made Christmas presents!
- You can win a guitar and a marathon badge from CMJ right now.
- Pitchfork has a Q&A with comedian Michael Showalter.
- John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats has announced the track listing for his new album.
- Zach Condon chats with Drowned in Sound.
Here's some songs from the ol' inbox to get your holiday weekend started:
The Raveonettes - "Aly Walk With Me"
The Whitsundays - "Sorry James"
The Morning Pages - "It Makes Me Cry"
Six Organs of Admittance - "Jade Like Wine"
The Valerie Project - "Introduction"
And I made a mix that's kind of Thanksgiving themed, well if the thought of spending a day with the family is enough to make you open up a few bottles of the hard liquor!
Grizzly Bear - "Granny Diner"
Pavement - "Cut Your Hair"
!!! - "A New Name"
Black Lips - "Bad Kids"
Dirty Projectors - "Six Pack"
Annuals - "Brother"
Andrew Bird - "Oh, Sister"
Panda Bear - "Take Pills"
Antlers - "Stairs to the Attic"
Art Brut - "My Little Brother"
Animal Collective - "Chores"
Spoon - "Don't Make Me A Target"
You might not believe me when I say this but I was one of those folks that fell in love with Weezer's sophomore album Pinkerton on the first listen. While most of the music world was pointing and laughing at Rivers and company I was burying myself in his angst filled world complete with heavy guitar riffs and stories of unrequited and inadequate loves that were only fueled by his new found fame. To me the album was brilliant, from the crayon like smell of the disc, to the individual tracks, to Rivers' dark lyrics, it was the ideal record for a 16-year old dealing with his own angst and unrequited loves.As a high school student I never had much luck with the ladies, I was awkward and inarticulate, lacking the confidence needed to truly succeed with the fairer sex. And listening to Rivers wail on about his own insecurities and his own failures in his love life made it all a bit easier to stomach. Listening to him yearning to meet a fan in Japan on "El Scorcho", or chastising himself on "The Good Life" reinforced the idea that I wasn't alone in my own ineptitude. It's a powerful feeling the whole idea of knowing you're not alone and it pushed me to strive for more in own little world. I tried being more confident, putting myself out there a bit more. If Rivers could sing about all his trials and tribulations to hundreds of thousands of people, well then why couldn't I walk up to a girl and tell her I like her hair that way or ask a girl to a movie on Friday night? Surely it couldn't be that damn hard. But it was hard, just like it was hard for Rivers' greatest musical work to be accepted by his fans and by critics alike. As Weezer struggled through their failing singles and increasingly disappointing sales, I continued to have issues in finding my niche in high school. And this was coming from someone who played football, did fairly well in school, and had a decent amount of friends (at least in my memories of the time this is how I view myself).
By the time the year end lists came out Weezer had been voted the 2nd worst album of the year by readers of Rolling Stone and wasn't fairing much better anywhere else. Me, I had a pretty uneventful junior year of high school. I played football, had my friends to occasionally hang out with, but was left wanting a whole lot more. What I wanted more then anything else though was a girlfriend and the initial awkward attempts at sex that all my peers seemed to be experiencing at once. At the start of the spring semester I started "seeing" a cute sophomore named Alexis, finally things were starting to look up. We met at a basketball game, held hands in the halls, and went out for slices of pizza. It was pure bliss in my mind, and that's really all I could ask for at that moment in time. We were "seeing" each other for a few weeks, never really anything serious but it was certainly a promising start. Anyway, like most high school romances that one wound up fizzling out about as quickly as it got going and I was once again left listening to Pinkerton and understanding the lyrics just a little bit better after my own experience.
Like Pinkerton it would take years before I finally overcame all my awkwardness and ineptitude to hold down steady relationships, hell I'm sure my girlfriend of the moment will still question how much I've actually overcome, but eventually I made it to a place where I am a lot more comfortable and Pinkerton has obviously found that place as well. In a 2001 interview Cuomo told Entertainment Weekly, "It's a hideous record... It was such a hugely painful mistake that happened in front of hundreds of thousands of people and continues to happen on a grander and grander scale and just won't go away. It's like getting really drunk at a party and spilling your guts in front of everyone and feeling incredibly great and cathartic about it, and then waking up the next morning and realizing what a complete fool you made of yourself", a statement that truly hurt me when I first heard it. How could the maker of such a great piece of music go and trash something that so many people adore at this point? I understand it stems from a painful place in his life, but just the sheer amount of people that take solace in the music should be enough for it to merit a better description then "hideous record"! At this point Weezer had more or less stopped playing Pinkerton songs live, Matt Sharp had left the band, and their albums had begun a steep decline with the green covered Weezer. It was also at this time that Pinkerton really picked up steam as one of those landmark albums that helped spawn the genre of emo, so maybe Rivers was just trying to distance himself from that and usher his band back into the power pop days of its youth, but nothing he could say could take away the power and enjoyment I get from this album.
The last time I saw Weezer was back when the truly hideous record Make Believe came out, Rivers had backed off his tough views form Pinkerton and the band was once again playing the songs live. At Roseland Ballroom the crowd was singing along to each and every song, but no song got a bigger reaction then "El Scorcho". And I think that says it all about the staying power of this record.
Weezer - "Tired of Sex"
Weezer - "The Good Life"
Weezer - "Butterfly"
What: Pop Tarts Suck Toasted's Christmas Show
Where: Cake Shop, 151 Ludlow, NY, NY
When: Sunday, December 16th, doors at 7pm
Who: Tim Williams, The Antlers, The Black Atlantic, a very special guest, and all of you wonderful people in attendance!
How Much: $7 or $4 with the donation of a new unwrapped toy
Set Times:
7:30pm - The Black Atlantic
8:30pm - The Antlers
9:30pm - Tim Williams
10:30pm - Special Guest (I'd like to tell you who this special guest is but I can't because they are playing a venue very close to mine a few days earlier, though a simple hint would be that it is a band I have covered a lot lately!!!)
Sample Tunes:
The Black Atlantic on Myspace
The Antlers - "Apple Orchard" (Beach House cover)
Tim Williams - "Novel"
Where: Cake Shop, 151 Ludlow, NY, NY
When: Sunday, December 16th, doors at 7pm
Who: Tim Williams, The Antlers, The Black Atlantic, a very special guest, and all of you wonderful people in attendance!
How Much: $7 or $4 with the donation of a new unwrapped toy
Set Times:
7:30pm - The Black Atlantic
8:30pm - The Antlers
9:30pm - Tim Williams
10:30pm - Special Guest (I'd like to tell you who this special guest is but I can't because they are playing a venue very close to mine a few days earlier, though a simple hint would be that it is a band I have covered a lot lately!!!)
Sample Tunes:
The Black Atlantic on Myspace
The Antlers - "Apple Orchard" (Beach House cover)
Tim Williams - "Novel"
Once upon a time there was a band called Dear Eskimo. Based out of Manchester, the trio were having quite a bit of success, they had signed to a major label, were developing some decent buzz, and everything looked peachy. Then something happened and now we have a band called The Ting Tings, a two-piece consisting of two members of the now defunct Dear Eskimo. Lately a lot of blogs have been building the buzz under The Ting Tings following a strong showing at Glastonbury and an extremely addictive double A-side, all of which is probably leading to the release of an album sometime next year that will be followed by a much hyped tour through the States. $10 says their first stop in New York is Mercury Lounge!Anyway, having listened to the double A-side I can say I do not hate this music and that it should find a very large audience consisting of mostly dance pop fans, of which there are many. Folks will wind up comparing this duo to M.I.A., Tony Basil, Kylie Minogue, and a host of dance oriented pop singers. And you can guarantee that this stuff will be played between sets at every show you go to for the next few months, but it's not the strongest stuff coming out right now.
"That's Not My Name" is led by a heavy drum beat and medium paced rapping that is eerily reminiscent of "Mickey". No I'm serious, you here the hand claps there, and the simple cadence in her voice? Yeah, that's so "Mickey" right there. Not quite as catchy, but certainly not far from it. "Great DJ" is a less catchy, but better track. It's heavier on guitar, has nice beat to it, and kind of sounds to me what a more mainstream Matt & Kim would sound like. Oh yeah, and there's some electronic blips and bloops which Matt & Kim would never go near.
I'm hoping the band goes more in the direction of "Great DJ", but I have a feeling they are going to market themselves in the style from "That's Not My Name". That's probably a smart immediate financial decision, but in the long run I think they'll pay a price. Overall this band probably isn't fully worth all the buzz being heaped upon them, but maybe they'll surprise us with a complete album that blows our effing minds. Hey, it's possible.
The Ting Tings - "That's Not My Name"
Since the release of their breakthrough album, Be He Me, last October Annuals have spent most of their time on the road bringing their delicious, Southern brand of indie music to a town near you. Well, it appears that it's almost time for the band to head home and back into the studio, but before they disappear in the recording process they have left us a pretty EP of B-side to keep us listening till the next disc drops.On Frelen Mas, Annuals once again display the music that made them popular upon the release of their debut LP. The music is still expansive, littered with harmonies, and full of a huge array of instruments and sounds. It's exactly the type of thing we've come to expect, and fans that have seen them live will immediately notice some of the songs as songs they have heard in the band's live set.
Frelen Mas doesn't really provide evidence of any progression or change in direction from Annuals, it does serve as a sort of place holder though, marking our place with the band while we wait for the next album to pop up. The songs are solid, they stand up well with the songs found on Be He Me, and this is a collection of songs that fans should certainly pick up.
Annuals - "Nah Keseyi"
Bonus Tracks: (from the split 7" w/Manchester Orchestra)
Annuals - "Where Have You Been?"
Annuals - "Brother"
(P.S. - I realize this was released digitally on November 7th, but I missed it then and thanks to a quiet release week am opting to cover it now.)
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Tuesday's Links:
- Neil Diamond has finally revealed his inspiration for the song "Sweet Caroline", and it's none other than Caroline Kennedy. I guess that makes it even more appropriate that they play it during the 7th inning stretch at Fenway. (via Yahoo)
- Stereogum has opened the polls for the 2007 Gummy Awards. Cast your votes for best album, Mr. and Mrs. Indie Rock, and some more.
- Sigur Ros has announced a video competition.
It's been a rough day here at work for me so I only have a single track from my inbox for you today. Hope you guys enjoy this tune and I'll try to have more for you as the week moves on.
The Devil Makes Three - "Old Number Seven"
A long, long time ago I posted a mix that was full of fantastic drinking songs, unfortunately this song wasn't out when I made that mix otherwise it certainly would have had a spot in there. Sounding like a mix of Violent Femmes meets Charlie Daniels, this Pacific Northwest group has penned a fantastic ode to one of my favorite spirits, Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey! I'm hoping this tune will keep me company while I'm avoiding my relatives on Thursday and drinking some JD!
The Devil Makes Three - "Old Number Seven"
A long, long time ago I posted a mix that was full of fantastic drinking songs, unfortunately this song wasn't out when I made that mix otherwise it certainly would have had a spot in there. Sounding like a mix of Violent Femmes meets Charlie Daniels, this Pacific Northwest group has penned a fantastic ode to one of my favorite spirits, Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey! I'm hoping this tune will keep me company while I'm avoiding my relatives on Thursday and drinking some JD!
Monday: Peter Moren (Of Peter Bjorn & John) @ Joe's Pub 11:30pm $15
Last week I caught Peter doing a warm-up gig at Union Hall and during that performance he promised a lot more from this show. Considering how good the stripped down version of his performance was, this one is a no brainer!
Peter Bjorn & John - "Me & Julio Down By the School Yard" [myspace for solo Peter]
Tuesday: Oppenheimer @ Union Hall 7:30pm $8
Oppenheimer is taking a break from opening up for They Might Be Giants and will be hitting a much smaller venue tonight. I hope they remember how to play the tiny places and haven't gotten too big an ego playing with the big boys!
Oppenheimer - "Breakfast in NYC"
Wednesday: The Kin + Wakey! Wakey! @ Highline Ballroom 6pm $12
Welcome to the start of Wakey! Wakey! week! here on Pop Tarts Suck Toasted. Starting with this little mention of Wakey! and running all the way through the week I will be attempting to post at least one new story about Wakey! each day this week in order to top my girlfriend. Hope you enjoy this stuff 'cause you're about to be inundated by it.
The Kin - "Together"
Wakey! Wakey! - "Two-Headed Boy Part 1"
then....The Hold Steady + Art Brut + 1990's @ Terminal 5 7:30pm $25
I've been looking forward to this show since Eddie told me about it personally back in August. Back then he told me it would happen at Rsoeland, I told him no, he changed it to Terminal 5, and I think everyone's gonna be happy with that. Yeah, I got that kind of relationship with Eddie. As a side note this will be my 7th time seeing The Hold Steady and I think my 13th or 14th time seeing Art Brut!
The Hold Steady - "American Music"
Art Brut - "The Great Escape"
Thursday: Thanksgiving
Eat turkey!
Friday: Birthday Show @ Martini Red 10pm FREE
My lovely lady Rachael (who is kicking my ass in Best Blogger voting) is throwing me a "surprise" party for my birthday on Staten Island. I believe the show is free and I know there's a local Staten Island band you've never heard playing and two fantastic bands playing. These bands are named Tim Fite, Aeroplane Pageant, and The Heavenly Tenants! Feel free to bring me a gift.
Tim Fite - "No Good Here"
Saturday: Clipd Beaks @ Death By Audio 8pm $tba
Last week I finally got around to listening to Clipd Beaks, one of the bands that are leading into 2008 with a huge amount of buzz. Well, what better way to keep my birthday weekend going then by checking the band out?
Clipd Beaks - "Black Glass"
Sunday: Fiasco @ Cake Shop 5pm $7
Fiasco are a bunch of teenagers that truly rock. They aren't just some other kids that happen to be in a band, they are a band that happen to be young. Their music is obviously influenced by the noise of the late 80's and the early 90's, most notably bands like Sonic Youth and that's enough to get me pretty excited!
[Fiasco on Myspace]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday's Links:
- Deerhunter does Daytrotter!
- Pitchfork does Of Montreal!
- Secretly Canadian signs Bodies of Water!
Last week I caught Peter doing a warm-up gig at Union Hall and during that performance he promised a lot more from this show. Considering how good the stripped down version of his performance was, this one is a no brainer!
Peter Bjorn & John - "Me & Julio Down By the School Yard" [myspace for solo Peter]
Tuesday: Oppenheimer @ Union Hall 7:30pm $8
Oppenheimer is taking a break from opening up for They Might Be Giants and will be hitting a much smaller venue tonight. I hope they remember how to play the tiny places and haven't gotten too big an ego playing with the big boys!
Oppenheimer - "Breakfast in NYC"
Wednesday: The Kin + Wakey! Wakey! @ Highline Ballroom 6pm $12
Welcome to the start of Wakey! Wakey! week! here on Pop Tarts Suck Toasted. Starting with this little mention of Wakey! and running all the way through the week I will be attempting to post at least one new story about Wakey! each day this week in order to top my girlfriend. Hope you enjoy this stuff 'cause you're about to be inundated by it.
The Kin - "Together"
Wakey! Wakey! - "Two-Headed Boy Part 1"
then....The Hold Steady + Art Brut + 1990's @ Terminal 5 7:30pm $25
I've been looking forward to this show since Eddie told me about it personally back in August. Back then he told me it would happen at Rsoeland, I told him no, he changed it to Terminal 5, and I think everyone's gonna be happy with that. Yeah, I got that kind of relationship with Eddie. As a side note this will be my 7th time seeing The Hold Steady and I think my 13th or 14th time seeing Art Brut!
The Hold Steady - "American Music"
Art Brut - "The Great Escape"
Thursday: Thanksgiving
Eat turkey!
Friday: Birthday Show @ Martini Red 10pm FREE
My lovely lady Rachael (who is kicking my ass in Best Blogger voting) is throwing me a "surprise" party for my birthday on Staten Island. I believe the show is free and I know there's a local Staten Island band you've never heard playing and two fantastic bands playing. These bands are named Tim Fite, Aeroplane Pageant, and The Heavenly Tenants! Feel free to bring me a gift.
Tim Fite - "No Good Here"
Saturday: Clipd Beaks @ Death By Audio 8pm $tba
Last week I finally got around to listening to Clipd Beaks, one of the bands that are leading into 2008 with a huge amount of buzz. Well, what better way to keep my birthday weekend going then by checking the band out?
Clipd Beaks - "Black Glass"
Sunday: Fiasco @ Cake Shop 5pm $7
Fiasco are a bunch of teenagers that truly rock. They aren't just some other kids that happen to be in a band, they are a band that happen to be young. Their music is obviously influenced by the noise of the late 80's and the early 90's, most notably bands like Sonic Youth and that's enough to get me pretty excited!
[Fiasco on Myspace]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday's Links:
- Deerhunter does Daytrotter!
- Pitchfork does Of Montreal!
- Secretly Canadian signs Bodies of Water!
Labels:
art brut,
birthday show,
clipd beaks,
fiasco,
free shows,
live shows,
mp3's,
oppenheimer,
the hold steady,
tim fite,
wakey wakey
In the year 2007 one could pretty much assume that the world would have no reasonable use for the world of vaudeville. It's dated, passe, and been passed on so many levels by so many different forms of entertainment that it would be difficult to expunge any further on how truly dead the art form is. Yet somehow Brooklyn's The Lisps have found an ample amount of people that are willing to throw down hard earned money for what essentially translates into a vaudeville show.On stage the band prances about singing tunes that would sound more common in the 1920's and 30's then they ever could here in the 21st century, while throwing around cheeky banter that would have most comedic duos aping their every move. They've even been known to wrestle each other on stage. It's an amazing feat considering how few people even know what that time period was like these days, what with all the cholera outbreaks and depressions and what not. Now the band have decided to translate their freak show into a recorded disc that would have been treated as an alien object back in the days where they belong, and I've been fortunate enough to have been allowed a sneak peek into the bands top secret debut full length, Country Doctor Museum!
The album begins with a truly deceptive opening track called "Brackish Water". The song features the simple picking of a guitar, muted drums, the occasional melodica notes, a tambourine, and Sammy's lovely voice singing a gravely, slow tune. It's a beautiful track, but the 12 songs that follow it on the album are almost nothing like the opening track. As soon as the last notes have been played on "Brackish Water", "Chaos" begins to take over The Lisps album. Having already been released on the band's 2006 demo/EP The Vain, The Modest, and The Dead, "Chaos" is a fast paced fan favorite that begins to show off what The Lisps really intend to do to you with their music. The opening "la, la, la" sequence being sung in time by Sammy and Cesar, offers the initial taste of the competing vocals that will be served throughout the album, the pacing of the rhythm section finds it's footing here, and the lyrics offered begin showing off the give and take relationship that is on display here.
The relationship factor within this album should not be overlooked. At some point early this year I said to another writer that the band would be decimated if Sammy and Cesar were to ever breakup, yet that did happen and we still find the band here singing the songs that were inspired by the relationship. It adds a different feel to songs like "I'm Sorry", "Heaven", and "Chaos", which once served as a message that love could triumph over any differences but are now subjected to the added scrutiny that maybe it won't make it through. The albums final track "Red Balloon" appears to be more of a result of the end of the relationship then the other tracks on the album, most of which have been around and played live for almost a year now.
Over the course of the 13 songs on Country Doctor Museum we get our first full picture of what The Lisps are truly capable of. They aren't just reviving vaudeville as their live show made us believe, they are interested in a variety of different sounds and genres which they display here. From Americana, to folk, to straight up pop music, it all can be found in different songs and to varying degrees on the album; but, what sets The Lisps apart from other genre defying bands is their ability to craft a song that fits every member of the band. Each song seems to compliment the abilities of everyone in the band with uncanny perfection. Eric's drums mesh perfectly with Jeremy's bass to create a vibrant rhythm whether it be a fast paced song or one of the slowed down tunes, Sammy and Cesar's vocals each play off of each other whether they are singing in harmony or going with the effect of dueling vocals, and as one the band is a tight-knit whole that would be severely weakened by the loss of any part.
Basically, what I'm trying to say here is that Country Doctor Museum is one of the best "band" albums I have heard in some time. While other bands soar on the strengths of their parts, The Lisps excel at involving each member to their fullest abilities and translating it into a fantastic piece of music. For just about 50-minutes we are treated to some of the finest genre defying music these ears have heard in a couple of years. Of course I am extremely biased in this, I have covered The Lisps with a ridiculous amount of enthusiasm since they first sent me their demo/EP late in '06. I have watched these songs as they have gone from being thoughts in Cesar's head to full songs that the band absolutely kill here on this album. I've been with the band so much that at times I feel like I might even be part of the band (hello, Cake Shop appearance wrestling with Eric and Jeremy and playing tambourine!). So really you folks are going to have to listen to the music to make your own opinions on this one, 'cause I am absolutely a Lisps fan for life and ain't nothing changing that. I hope you will take a listen though, and I hope you enjoy what you hear nearly as much as I do.
[Exclusive Premiere of these tunes]
The Lisps - "Heaven"
The Lisps - "Brackish Water"
The Lisps - "I'm Sorry"
The Lisps - "The Familiar Drunk"
(The album will have it's record release on Jan. 5th @ Joe's Pub)
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Show Listing:
Friday November 16th:
Up the Empire @ Abrons Art Center 8pm [tix][mp3]
VHS or Beta @ Gramercy Theater 8pm [tix][mp3]
Yo La Tengo @ Music Hall of Williamsburg [sold out][mp3] (Recommended)
Saturday November 17th:
A Place to Bury Strangers @ Abrons Art Center 8pm [tix][mp3]
She Keeps Bees @ Europa 7:30pm [tix]
My Brightest Diamond + Tim Fite @ Gramercy Theater 8pm [tix][mp3][mp3] (Recommended)
Malajube @ Maxwell's 9pm [tix][mp3]
Parts & Labor @ The Silent Barn [info][mp3]
Bling Kong @ Union Hall 7:30pm [info][mp3]
Sunday November 18th:
Love of Diagrams @ Death By Audio [info][mp3] (Recommended)
The Bird and the Bee @ Gramercy Theater 7pm [tix][mp3]
Buck 65 @ Mercury Lounge [tix][mp3]
Last weekend at Cake Shop, I didn't have a very good time as you've probably already read, but I did get my first exposure to Bodies of Water and after a week of listening to them I have to tell you I am really into it. Now I'll be fully honest here, I didn't go out and buy the album I've only been listening to the songs on their website, but they are really solid and will eventually lead to my purchase of their album Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink.This Los Angeles based four piece has already received some sparkling reviews in places like Stereogum, Gorilla vs. Bear, and Pitchfork, so being named my band of the week probably won't be that big of a deal for them, but I'm excited about them. Listening to their music you get the vibe that this is a very tight knit band that spends a lot of time together. The music is a combination of Americana, folk, and indie pop that blends their various influences very well. With multi-part harmonies, upbeat rhythms, and bouncing lyrics, Bodies of Water is a nice reprieve from all the noise rock and dance punk that has been coming out this year.
Having found them live I know I'll be waiting impatiently for a return trip from the band, hopefully sooner than later, but while I do I must make my way out to the record store to pick up their album and get even more Bodies of Water. I'd suggest you do the same.
Bodies of Water - "We Are Co-Existors"
Bodies of Water - "Doves Circled the Sky"
Bodies of Water - "Everybody Hurts" (R.E.M. cover from the Stereogum album)
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Thursday's Links:
- Band of Horses no longer in my dog house! Now I can listend to Cease to Begin.
- Also from Brooklyn Vegan is a chance to win tickets to next Wednesday's Hold Steady/Art Brut show! I'm going, you should too!
- Rachael is trying to top me in Wakey! Wakey! posts, we'll see about that! But her other outlet, some small website called CMJ.com, got the exclusive premiere of Wakey!'s latest cover of Weezer's "Say It Ain't So". Maybe next week I'll just do an all Wakey! Wakey! week!
- Gothamist interviews The Daily Show's John Oliver while he was standing on a picket line standing up for his rights as a TV writer! He also makes some fantastic points about the other people being affected by the strike, like the PA's, caterers, and everyone else that works behind the scenes. I hope this strike is over soon!
- The big news of the day from The Daily Swarm is that My Bloody Valentine have announced their first three official reunion shows in the UK next year. Next up the US festival circuit!?
- Largehearted Boy has begun cultivating his list of Year End lists. My own won't be posted here until December but you could get a preview if you were so inclined by visiting a certain British band's very popular message board.
TV Notes:
Heroes - This week's episode of Heroes was kind of a place holder. It served as an opportunity to fill us in on the whole time gap, while also giving us time to get acquainted with the new characters. Personally, I could pretty much do without the new characters, but I will accept Adam and Veronica Mars as positive additions to the cast. And as much as I know they are setting up something huge for the Mexican brother and sister, I could really do without them. All they do is whine and cry and I'm really not into that at all. I have a feeling Peter is going to become more badass before this season is over, but with only three episodes left and the writers on strike who knows when we will get to see the outcome of this season of Heroes.
The Simpsons - Watching this episode of The Simpsons I got the feeling that this was one of the episodes that was pieced together from the leftovers from the movie. It was just such a shitty episode all around. The whole idea of focusing on Milhouse was a terrible idea, and the side story of Bart trying to regain his popularity and his best friend back have been done so many times before. Like when Bart sells his soul to Milhouse. Or when Milhouse's mom won't let them play together anymore. Just way to many examples to cite here. Overall a big dud for the third episode of the season, I can only hope that they rebound from this and get stronger as the season goes on.
Book Notes:
I have once again started reading Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung by Lester Bangs. The choice was inspired by a viewing of the extended version of Almost Famous, and the line where Philip Seymour Hoffman, playing Bangs says (and I'm paraphrasing here), "Isn't music supposed to be fun?". It's true, music is supposed to be fun and it's something people lose sight of from time to time, myself included. So I'm hoping to get back to that, hence listening to bands like the makers of this week's recommended release King Khan & the BBQ Show. I'll let you know how I make out with the Lester Bangs book.
Free Stuff:
- I am currently running two contests. Hurry up and enter, time is running out!!!
- Archetypal Drunks posted a mashup with The Beach Boys and J. Dilla today. I haven't had a chance to listen yet, but I am intrigued to say the least.
- WOXY's blog the Futurist is giving a My So Called Life boxsets. My only hope here is that by telling you this I have not reduced my chances of winning one!
Other Stuff from the 'Nets:
- Gothamist interviewed Kevin Drew who is presented by Broken Social Scene. (He also plays Webster Hall tonight!)
- Marvel's digital comic world is now online! You can take a trial run by checking out over 200 comics, and then subscripe and have access to hundreds of thousands of comics!
- USA Today interviews some guy named Neil Young.
Some Tuneage for Your Listening Pleasure:
The Hourly Radio - "Deaf Ears" (Shiny Toy Guns club mix)
Kate Tucker & The Sons of Sweden - "Everything Went Down"
Zookeeper - "Trumpet"
Oh Astro - "Snow Queen"
The Lisps - "I'm Sorry" (more on this coming Friday!!!)
Heroes - This week's episode of Heroes was kind of a place holder. It served as an opportunity to fill us in on the whole time gap, while also giving us time to get acquainted with the new characters. Personally, I could pretty much do without the new characters, but I will accept Adam and Veronica Mars as positive additions to the cast. And as much as I know they are setting up something huge for the Mexican brother and sister, I could really do without them. All they do is whine and cry and I'm really not into that at all. I have a feeling Peter is going to become more badass before this season is over, but with only three episodes left and the writers on strike who knows when we will get to see the outcome of this season of Heroes.
The Simpsons - Watching this episode of The Simpsons I got the feeling that this was one of the episodes that was pieced together from the leftovers from the movie. It was just such a shitty episode all around. The whole idea of focusing on Milhouse was a terrible idea, and the side story of Bart trying to regain his popularity and his best friend back have been done so many times before. Like when Bart sells his soul to Milhouse. Or when Milhouse's mom won't let them play together anymore. Just way to many examples to cite here. Overall a big dud for the third episode of the season, I can only hope that they rebound from this and get stronger as the season goes on.
Book Notes:
I have once again started reading Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung by Lester Bangs. The choice was inspired by a viewing of the extended version of Almost Famous, and the line where Philip Seymour Hoffman, playing Bangs says (and I'm paraphrasing here), "Isn't music supposed to be fun?". It's true, music is supposed to be fun and it's something people lose sight of from time to time, myself included. So I'm hoping to get back to that, hence listening to bands like the makers of this week's recommended release King Khan & the BBQ Show. I'll let you know how I make out with the Lester Bangs book.
Free Stuff:
- I am currently running two contests. Hurry up and enter, time is running out!!!
- Archetypal Drunks posted a mashup with The Beach Boys and J. Dilla today. I haven't had a chance to listen yet, but I am intrigued to say the least.
- WOXY's blog the Futurist is giving a My So Called Life boxsets. My only hope here is that by telling you this I have not reduced my chances of winning one!
Other Stuff from the 'Nets:
- Gothamist interviewed Kevin Drew who is presented by Broken Social Scene. (He also plays Webster Hall tonight!)
- Marvel's digital comic world is now online! You can take a trial run by checking out over 200 comics, and then subscripe and have access to hundreds of thousands of comics!
- USA Today interviews some guy named Neil Young.
Some Tuneage for Your Listening Pleasure:
The Hourly Radio - "Deaf Ears" (Shiny Toy Guns club mix)
Kate Tucker & The Sons of Sweden - "Everything Went Down"
Zookeeper - "Trumpet"
Oh Astro - "Snow Queen"
The Lisps - "I'm Sorry" (more on this coming Friday!!!)
(Contest Over)Illinois - "Screendoor"
(Contest Over)Wakey! Wakey! - "Two-Headed Boy Part 1"
(Contest Over)
Tonight a bunch of my favorite local bands are hitting stages all over town. This has had me attempting to piece together some sort of map and schedule where I could make it to all three, but that just doesn't appear to be working out.
Instead of just attempting to make it to all three, I thought I'd inform all you able bodied blog readers of these shows in an attempt to lure you out to them so that you can tell me why I should have been at this one instead of that one! Won't you please make it out to support the local music tonight?
Here's what's going down...
A Brief Smile @ Luna Lounge 7:30pm $8 [w/The Cigarettes, Skidmore Fountain, & Mandate of Heaven][info]
[A Brief Smile - "Never Have the Time"]
Beat Radio @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm $10 [w/Zerobridge, Liam Goodwin, & Your Vegas][info]
[Beat Radio - "A Million Miles"]
Bridges & Powerlines @ Piano's 8pm $8 [w/Boy Genius, The Jaguar Club, & Elizabeth Harper and the Matinee][info]
[Bridges & Powerlines - "Carmen"]
Broken Social Scene plays Kevin Drew's Spririt If... @ Webster Hall 8pm $25 [w/Arthur & Yu][info]
[Kevin Drew - "F-ed Up Kid"]
(Okay so maybe they're not local, but it should be a good show!)
Instead of just attempting to make it to all three, I thought I'd inform all you able bodied blog readers of these shows in an attempt to lure you out to them so that you can tell me why I should have been at this one instead of that one! Won't you please make it out to support the local music tonight?
Here's what's going down...
A Brief Smile @ Luna Lounge 7:30pm $8 [w/The Cigarettes, Skidmore Fountain, & Mandate of Heaven][info]
[A Brief Smile - "Never Have the Time"]
Beat Radio @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm $10 [w/Zerobridge, Liam Goodwin, & Your Vegas][info]
[Beat Radio - "A Million Miles"]
Bridges & Powerlines @ Piano's 8pm $8 [w/Boy Genius, The Jaguar Club, & Elizabeth Harper and the Matinee][info]
[Bridges & Powerlines - "Carmen"]
Broken Social Scene plays Kevin Drew's Spririt If... @ Webster Hall 8pm $25 [w/Arthur & Yu][info]
[Kevin Drew - "F-ed Up Kid"]
(Okay so maybe they're not local, but it should be a good show!)
1994 was a pivotal year for me. It was the year I started high school, the year of my first date and first kiss, it was just a revolutionary year in my development. This was also the year that my parents got cable and my brother and I got to start watching MTV.I remember it like it was yesterday, we were coming home from Boy Scout camp and our parents told us they had a surprise. We walked in, saw the cable box, and didn't leave the couch for the rest of that weekend. There were so many options, sports, movies, cartoons, and one channel in particular really caught our attention and that was of course MTV back before reality television killed the video star. On the set that weekend was Woodstock '94, and we would get our first ever exposure to a band called Green Day.
Watching Green Day on our brand new cable box we were both truly excited about this band. They rocked hard and they had fun doing it. The now infamous mud fight they had with their fans is an image that has been burnt into my head for all of eternity. Watching that I wanted to be that band. So a few weeks later my brother and I decided to pool our money together to buy two albums, one was The Offspring's Smash the other was of course Green Day's Dookie. Now I have to admit that to this day I still love Smash and could probably sing every word on the album, but it was Green Day's seminal cross over into the mainstream that both of us look back on with fond memories.
The album is a kick to the chest, it completely forgets that it's being released in the middle of height of the grunge era and just focuses itself on trying to rekindle what was so special about the 70's punk scene. Sure, it's a watered down version of that but it is still punk to the core and it pushed me towards a decade long love of the whole pop-punk scene. For the next ten years I would devour these pop-punk albums, go to countless Warped Tours, and just absorb every bit of it that I could. It also forced me to go back in time and listen to albums by bands like The Clash, The Ramones, Black Flag, Husker Du, and countless other seminal bands. So for that alone it is a vital record, but it's not just for the influence it had on me.
I still listen to this album on a fairly regular basis from front to back even waiting through the six minutes of dead air it takes to get to "All By Myself". From the opening notes of "Burnout" you know you are in for a fast paced, bumpy ride. Billie Joe Armstong has a mastery of their primary three chords, Tre Cool pounds out beat after steady beat, and Mike Dirnt ties it all together with strung out bass lines that you can still hear being ripped off in music today, and on top of it all you have Billie Joe Armstrong singing the perfect lyrics for a young teenager to sing along with at the top of his lungs. It is an album of adolescent agression, a perfect piece of music to innitiate me into the world of teenage angst. Songs like "Longview" and "Welcome to Paradise" served as the punk rock anthems of the 90's, giving everyone who shouted along with them a sense of community shrouding us from being total outcasts.
Even now, 13 years since it's first release I can feel the power of the songs and will sometimes find myself singing along with nearly every verse of the album. It's one of those albums that you don't need to skip a track, they are all so good that you can just put it on and listen all the way through. And it's because of this album that I am such an avid music fan.
Green Day - "Burnout"
Green Day - "Long View"
Green Day - "She"
Well it's another day so it's time for another post about Wakey! Wakey!, I know it's getting a bit repetative but this time around you guys get something other then an mp3 so that's fun! Anyway, I told you in the past that Wakey! Wakey! was going to be playing their biggest show to date at the Highline Ballroom the night before Thanksgiving opening for The Kin, well now I am pleased to be giving away three pairs of tickets to that show!
Here's the details:
Rules: Send me an e-mail by Friday November 16th at midnight with the subject "Wakey! Contest!". In the e-mail please include your full name. The three winners will be picked at random and must be in the area in order to attend the show. That's it, what are you waiting for send me an e-mail!
Wakey! Wakey! - "Two-Headed Boy Part 1"
Wakey! Wakey! - "Falling Apart"
Here's the details:
Rules: Send me an e-mail by Friday November 16th at midnight with the subject "Wakey! Contest!". In the e-mail please include your full name. The three winners will be picked at random and must be in the area in order to attend the show. That's it, what are you waiting for send me an e-mail!
Wakey! Wakey! - "Two-Headed Boy Part 1"
Wakey! Wakey! - "Falling Apart"
This year has been a good year for noisy art rock in almost all forms. It seems every time we turn around we are talking about a brand new band that makes all types of electronic noises, mixes it with effects laden vocals, and adds a nice little rhythm section to it in order to get people's feet moving. Well this week's submission into the category comes from the latest over-hyped band in the Lovepump stable Clipd Beaks.Hot on the heels of raved about releases by bands like Health and Pre, Lovepump continues to ride the wave higher and higher and this time they may have found the cleanup hitter for their lineup. On their debut full-length album, Hoarse Lords, Clipd Beaks take the noisier side of post-punk, strip it down, and throw in some electronics to get a dark, cacophony of sound. Songs like "We Will Bomb You (We Will)" are riddled with terrible despair, conveyed by a whining, effects laden lead singer, distant percussion, and psychedelic synth sounds, driving them to the point of madness in music. The whole album sounds like a conveyance of a bleak future, a world without hope, full of downtrodden and abused souls. But it sounds so good in doing so!
The indie world seems to be eating these types of releases up right now so it seems like Clipd Beaks chose the perfect time to release their own version of what doom and gloom sound like. Believe the hype, these guys are real good and I plan on catching them as soon as I possibly can.
Clipd Beaks - "Black Glass"
Upcoming Tour Dates:
11/12 Cincinatti, OH Skull Lab
11/13 Columbus, OH Bourbon St.
11/15 Toronto, ONT Sneaky Dee's
11/16 Montreal, PQ Casa del Popolo
11/17 Quebec City, QC Le Bal du Lezard
11/18 Jamaica Plains, MA The Milky Way
11/19 Annadale-on-Hudson, NY Bard College
11/21 Providence, Rhode Island AS220
11/23 New York, NY Cake Shop
11/24 Brooklyn, NY Todd P Show (Venue TBA)
11/25 Philadelphia, PA Queen Sheba II
11/27 Purchase, NY SUNY Purchase
11/28 Washington DC The Bobby Fisher Memorial
11/29 Columbia, SC New Brookland Tavern
11/30 Atlanta, GA Lenny's Bar
12/01 Birmingham, AL Bottletree
12/02 Hot Springs, AR The Exchange
12/04 Houston, TX Proletariat
12/05 San Antonio, TX Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar
12/06 Denton, TX Secret Headquarters
12/07 Austin, TX Emo's
12/10 Phoenix, AZ Modified Arts
If it weren't for my brother I would have missed out on a couple of albums that flew under the radar this year. I would have missed the album Sultanic Verses by Mark Sultan, and I would have just skipped right over What Is?! by King Khan & the Shrines, and if you subtract the Shrines and rename Mark Sultan "the BBQ Show", then put that next to King Khan you'd get King Khan & the BBQ Show and I would have totally missed that one as well. So thanks Tim!Consisting of a mix of 50's rockabilly, 60's surf, 70's soul, 80's punk, and 90's garage rock all mixed up and pasted together, the self-titled, sophomore album from King Khan & the BBQ Show could be considered a little schizophrenic, but to just label it and forget about would be considered criminal insanity. This album is tight from top to bottom displaying a rich voice from King Khan, which we knew about already thanks to my brother, and a slew of influences and genres. It's a hodgepodge of good old fashioned rock n' roll music, it is exactly the type of album Lester Bangs would have creamed himself over, and I can picture rock stalwarts all over rocking out to this album with it cranked up to 11.
Even though the genre juxtaposition is all over the place, it still manages to have some cohesiveness to it, which certainly makes for easier listening. The mixed genres never impose themselves on one another, playing along nicely and really working well together. That is obviously a result of the chemistry between Khan and BBQ, a pair that obviously remember what the meaning of rock music is supposed to be and who channel the spirits of rock legends on this album. It's not an album that will make you think, it's not whiny or political, in fact there is almost no message whatsoever on this album, it just flat out rocks with straight up solid riffs and pounding rhythms.
If you're looking for an album to sit and discuss and think about it, this is not that record. But, if for some reason you just feel the need to rock out to some music, maybe forget all the troubles in the world for a few minutes as you are carried away for Rock n' Roll Land, then this is the perfect, perfect album for you. And we all need to just rock out every once in a while don't we???
King Khan & the BBQ Show - "Fish Fight"
King Khan & the BBQ Show - "Love You So"
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Tuesday's Links:
- Big Stereo is holding a contest giving away an IAMSOUND prize pack. Included in the pack is a couple of CD's, some posters, and a 7-inch of some sort. Anyway, you have until Friday to enter on the site.
- Gorilla vs. Bear has posted a cover the Chromatics did of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm On Fire". Check it out!
- The Hood Internet has posted it's second mixtape.
- 2DopeBoyz has audio for the entire Jay-Z Storytellers performance!
- Pitchfork interviewed Matthew Dear.
(Editor's Note: I told you guys to expect more stuff in the coming days well this is one of those new posts. A couple of times a week I will grab stuff that has been sent to me and give it a proper review like I've been meaning to all along. Should be fun, let me know what you think.)
Following the chronology of Beat Radio is a bit difficult to do. The band has had many different incarnations and side projects including, but not limited to; Beat Radio, Easy Anthems, The Diggs (two former members broke off and formed this band), and a slew of other projects that the guys have worked on and appeared on at various times. It's confusing, but it also affords us a wealth of excellent music to listen to depending on your mood. Last week Brian sent over a record the band had recorded back in 2003. The songs on this record were done right after Tim and Rob had left to start The Diggs and soon after the birth of Brian's first son. It also has some vocal appearances by Vanessa of Easy Anthems, and is pretty much everything about the crazy, mixed up Beat Radio world mixed into one recording of 10 songs.
The album called When It Comes On Like A Dream sounds immediately familiar thanks to Brian's nuanced voice, but is quite different from other Beat Radio recordings you may have already heard. A bit darker, a little more of a twang to it, it's a surprising bit of music. The song writing on it though is definitely straight from the Beat Radio how-to book, lush verse give way to sing-a-long choruses, and themes such as love and the struggle of the onslaught of adulthood prevail throughout the album.
Any fan of Beat Radio will easily take to these songs, even with the slight change in sound found on When It Comes..., because of all the things that are so similar to it. Songs like "Rosaline", featuring an acoustic guitar, that very nearly resembles a banjo, and harmonica show a versatility from the Beat Radio group that we didn't necessarily know before hearing this. But then you keep getting Brian singing his emotional lyrics in his easily distinguished voice and you are reminded just what you are listening to.
I have no idea why it never saw the light of day before now, but I'm glad I can finally add it to my collection of Beat Radio recordings because it shows a previously unseen side of the band. Fans of the band should definitely check it out, and people that like bands like Wilco would probably enjoy this as well. You can download the entire thing on Brian's blog, a cinema of sunshine.
Upcoming Show:
Wednesday November 14th 7:30pm @ Mercury Lounge (w/Zerobridge, Liam Goodwin)
Brian Sendrowitz - "Rosaline"
Brian Sendrowitz - "Looking for You"
Brian Snedrowitz - "The Way It Shines"
Following the chronology of Beat Radio is a bit difficult to do. The band has had many different incarnations and side projects including, but not limited to; Beat Radio, Easy Anthems, The Diggs (two former members broke off and formed this band), and a slew of other projects that the guys have worked on and appeared on at various times. It's confusing, but it also affords us a wealth of excellent music to listen to depending on your mood. Last week Brian sent over a record the band had recorded back in 2003. The songs on this record were done right after Tim and Rob had left to start The Diggs and soon after the birth of Brian's first son. It also has some vocal appearances by Vanessa of Easy Anthems, and is pretty much everything about the crazy, mixed up Beat Radio world mixed into one recording of 10 songs.The album called When It Comes On Like A Dream sounds immediately familiar thanks to Brian's nuanced voice, but is quite different from other Beat Radio recordings you may have already heard. A bit darker, a little more of a twang to it, it's a surprising bit of music. The song writing on it though is definitely straight from the Beat Radio how-to book, lush verse give way to sing-a-long choruses, and themes such as love and the struggle of the onslaught of adulthood prevail throughout the album.
Any fan of Beat Radio will easily take to these songs, even with the slight change in sound found on When It Comes..., because of all the things that are so similar to it. Songs like "Rosaline", featuring an acoustic guitar, that very nearly resembles a banjo, and harmonica show a versatility from the Beat Radio group that we didn't necessarily know before hearing this. But then you keep getting Brian singing his emotional lyrics in his easily distinguished voice and you are reminded just what you are listening to.
I have no idea why it never saw the light of day before now, but I'm glad I can finally add it to my collection of Beat Radio recordings because it shows a previously unseen side of the band. Fans of the band should definitely check it out, and people that like bands like Wilco would probably enjoy this as well. You can download the entire thing on Brian's blog, a cinema of sunshine.
Upcoming Show:
Wednesday November 14th 7:30pm @ Mercury Lounge (w/Zerobridge, Liam Goodwin)
Brian Sendrowitz - "Rosaline"
Brian Sendrowitz - "Looking for You"
Brian Snedrowitz - "The Way It Shines"
In order to get us all fully stoke for his debut album, Wakey! Wakey! has been giving us a brand new cover song each Wednesday leading up to the release. It has been dubbed Wakey! Wednesdays! and I think that's pretty good for folks that like this stuff which would certainly include me. Last week Mike gave us a cover of Neutral Milk Hotel's "Two-Headed Boy Part 1" which I didn't post because I didn't get it until this weekend. Anyway, here is that tune and stay tuned for more from Wakey! as we get closer to the release of his album Silent as the Movies.
Wakey! Wakey! - "Two-Headed Boy Part 1" (Neutral Milk Hotel Cover)
Upcoming Dates:
Friday November 16th @ Rockwood Music Hall
Wednesday November 21st @ Highline Ballroom
Wednesday December 5th @ Rockwood Music Hall
Monday: The Pipettes + Ladybug Transistor @ Gramercy Theater 7pm $20 [tix]
The lovely ladies of The Pipettes return to the States for another round of touring, and considering I missed them the first time around I think I pretty much have to see them this week. Too bad it's at Gramercy which is not my favorite of the new venues that opened in the past few months. Luckily, they do have the awesome Ladybug Transistor opening up the show making this a pretty terrific double bill and certainly worthy of your $20.
The Pipettes - "Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me"
Ladybug Transistor - "Song for the Ending Day"
Tuesday: Battles + White Williams + A Place to Bury Strangers @ Webster Hall 7pm $20 [tix]
I think the three albums released by these three bands will all make my year end list, and I know for sure Battles and A Place to Bury Strangers will be in the Top 20 of said list. All three bands are experimenting with new, interesting sounds pushing the boundaries and shaping the face of music. So really $20 for these three bands should be considered a bargin.
Battles - "Atlas"
White Williams - "Headlines"
A Place to Bury Strangers - "She Dies"
Wednesday: Broken Social Scene Plays Kevin Drew's "Spirit If..." + Arthur & Yu @ Webster Hall 8pm $25 [tix]
Last year when I saw Broken Social Scene Kevin Drew swore they would never play Webster Hall again. Guess he lied. Oh well, it's still a pretty damn good lineup.
Kevin Drew - "F-ked Up Kid"
Arthur & Yu - "There Are Too Many Birds"
Thursday: Malajube + Die Romantik @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $13 [tix]
Finally a venue I actually enjoy attending and a couple of bands I love to see! Malajube are definitely one of the most fun, energetic bands to come around in quite some time, bringing their French songs to eager audiences all over the place. Though I can't understand a word their saying their music is infectious and terrific. If you haven't seen them yet, what are you waiting for???
Malajube - "Montreal -40° C"
Die Romanitk - "Tik Tok"
Friday: Pterodactyl @ Dead Herring 8pm $5 [info]
It's beginning to seem like there isn't a week that goes by that I don't mention Pterodactyl, but I'm not going to apologize for that because this band is absolutely phenomenal. Live they are one of the loudest acts around right night, blasting every instrument on stage and using the extreme volume to cloud their sound in just the right way to add a fury that's not quite there on the album. But the album is great anyway, they just happen to better live.
Pteroactyl - "Esses"
Saturday: My Brightest Diamond + Tim Fite @ Gramercy Theater 8pm $15 [tix]
Ugh, back to the venues I don't love for two acts that I do love. My Brightest Diamond and Tim Fite are truly original musicians though I'm not sure how well they'll play with each other. Tim Fite as a rap/folk musician and My Brightest Diamond with her sultry, beautiful voice is quite a difference in styles, but maybe that will be their greatest asset and lead to a diverse and unique live experience.
My Brightest Diamond - "Lucky"
Tim Fite - "Over the Counterculture"
Sunday: Love of Diagrams @ Death By Audio 8pm $tba [info]
Since signing to Matador earlier this year, Love of Diagrams has been riding a seemingly never ending wave of praise and adoration. Sure it helps being signed to one to the larger, more beloved labels in the indie world; but, they never would have made it this far if their music wasn't excellent and it really is. Getting to see them at a tiny venue like this should be a load of fun.
Love of Diagrams - "Form and Function"
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Monday's Links:
- Pitchfork has a chat with Eddie Argos of Art Brut and Craig Finn of The Hold Steady. I actually freaked out when I saw this bit today, and I really am going out of my mind with excitment to see the two bands on Thanksgiving Eve next week.
- Voting has opened in the Hey! Nielsen Best Music Blog Contest! Please vote for me, 'cause all the gooder blogs already win enough already!
- Stereogum has the new Ted Leo & the Pharmacists video for "Colleen".
- Apparently there's been a shit load of Radiohead news this weekend. Oh well I missed it all, at least I can buy a solid copy of the album on January 2nd thanks to Dave Matthews!
- Rest in peace Dr. West.
The lovely ladies of The Pipettes return to the States for another round of touring, and considering I missed them the first time around I think I pretty much have to see them this week. Too bad it's at Gramercy which is not my favorite of the new venues that opened in the past few months. Luckily, they do have the awesome Ladybug Transistor opening up the show making this a pretty terrific double bill and certainly worthy of your $20.
The Pipettes - "Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me"
Ladybug Transistor - "Song for the Ending Day"
Tuesday: Battles + White Williams + A Place to Bury Strangers @ Webster Hall 7pm $20 [tix]
I think the three albums released by these three bands will all make my year end list, and I know for sure Battles and A Place to Bury Strangers will be in the Top 20 of said list. All three bands are experimenting with new, interesting sounds pushing the boundaries and shaping the face of music. So really $20 for these three bands should be considered a bargin.
Battles - "Atlas"
White Williams - "Headlines"
A Place to Bury Strangers - "She Dies"
Wednesday: Broken Social Scene Plays Kevin Drew's "Spirit If..." + Arthur & Yu @ Webster Hall 8pm $25 [tix]
Last year when I saw Broken Social Scene Kevin Drew swore they would never play Webster Hall again. Guess he lied. Oh well, it's still a pretty damn good lineup.
Kevin Drew - "F-ked Up Kid"
Arthur & Yu - "There Are Too Many Birds"
Thursday: Malajube + Die Romantik @ Bowery Ballroom 8pm $13 [tix]
Finally a venue I actually enjoy attending and a couple of bands I love to see! Malajube are definitely one of the most fun, energetic bands to come around in quite some time, bringing their French songs to eager audiences all over the place. Though I can't understand a word their saying their music is infectious and terrific. If you haven't seen them yet, what are you waiting for???
Malajube - "Montreal -40° C"
Die Romanitk - "Tik Tok"
Friday: Pterodactyl @ Dead Herring 8pm $5 [info]
It's beginning to seem like there isn't a week that goes by that I don't mention Pterodactyl, but I'm not going to apologize for that because this band is absolutely phenomenal. Live they are one of the loudest acts around right night, blasting every instrument on stage and using the extreme volume to cloud their sound in just the right way to add a fury that's not quite there on the album. But the album is great anyway, they just happen to better live.
Pteroactyl - "Esses"
Saturday: My Brightest Diamond + Tim Fite @ Gramercy Theater 8pm $15 [tix]
Ugh, back to the venues I don't love for two acts that I do love. My Brightest Diamond and Tim Fite are truly original musicians though I'm not sure how well they'll play with each other. Tim Fite as a rap/folk musician and My Brightest Diamond with her sultry, beautiful voice is quite a difference in styles, but maybe that will be their greatest asset and lead to a diverse and unique live experience.
My Brightest Diamond - "Lucky"
Tim Fite - "Over the Counterculture"
Sunday: Love of Diagrams @ Death By Audio 8pm $tba [info]
Since signing to Matador earlier this year, Love of Diagrams has been riding a seemingly never ending wave of praise and adoration. Sure it helps being signed to one to the larger, more beloved labels in the indie world; but, they never would have made it this far if their music wasn't excellent and it really is. Getting to see them at a tiny venue like this should be a load of fun.
Love of Diagrams - "Form and Function"
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Monday's Links:
- Pitchfork has a chat with Eddie Argos of Art Brut and Craig Finn of The Hold Steady. I actually freaked out when I saw this bit today, and I really am going out of my mind with excitment to see the two bands on Thanksgiving Eve next week.
- Voting has opened in the Hey! Nielsen Best Music Blog Contest! Please vote for me, 'cause all the gooder blogs already win enough already!
- Stereogum has the new Ted Leo & the Pharmacists video for "Colleen".
- Apparently there's been a shit load of Radiohead news this weekend. Oh well I missed it all, at least I can buy a solid copy of the album on January 2nd thanks to Dave Matthews!
- Rest in peace Dr. West.
I know this review is going to quickly dissolve into some sort of rant so let me get a few things out of the way first. First of all, I really enjoyed both of these bands last night, their music is tight, they sounded great, and I went in with absolute excitement to see them, but for a number of reasons the show just wasn't all that great and those reason have nothing to do with these two bands. Well almost nothing. I would also like to point out that I have no problem with Cake Shop, enjoy going there, and am currently booking a show a there. That said I had a lot of issue with the show last night.
First off these two bands should not be playing venues that size any more. Both Phosphorescent and Bodies of Water drew a crwod so large that it was easily pushing the safety limits of Cake Shop. I know saying this isn't very rock n' roll of me but I don't really care. When it takes you fifteen minutes to get from the stage to the exit at Cake Shop there is a serious problem. I know it's a cool thing to see good bands at small venues before they graduate to bigger places, but following a solid review by a number of choice publications you have already graduated and you are putting your fans at serious risk by playing a tiny venue where they will not stop allowing people in at any point.
Second, I sometimes have a bit of a problem in large crowds so I go out from in front of the stage and made my way towards the back so that I could at least listen to the band in relative comfort. Once again I know this isn't very rock n' roll of me, but I paid my $7 so I should be able to choose where I want to see the show from. Well unfortunately the people in the back came to the show to socialize and be able to say they were there, not for the actual show. I will never understand this. Isn't there some less crowded bar you could go to to hang out with your friends? Why do you need to go to a show where you have no interest in the music and just talk loudly over it disrupting other people's good times? It's rude, and there really is no reason for it. Go talk outside, or upstairs, talk between bands, but when a band comes on the common courtesy should be to listen to the band. If you're not into it for whatever reason leave! No one is forcing you to be there!
I know loads of people have talked about being courteous at shows and about the specific things I mentioned above, but I was so pissed about last night's show that I really can't help myself but to write a post about it. I know I'm not always the most conscientious show goer, I will occassionally talk a little more then I probably should, but I also make an effort to at least tone it down a bit and last night people were just flat out rude.
I did my best to hang around and listen to as much of the set as possible, I made it about half way through and just couldn't take it anymore. Luckily I live in New York and I know most bands will be back around again, hopefully next time Phosphorescent will graduate to Mercury Lounge or a place that's just a little bit bigger to fit the people that really want to hear his music, because there were a ton of us there last night and the music sounded great. I just wish it wasn't being ruined by a couple of people that needed to catch up with each other and an overly packed tiny venue. C'est le vie I suppose.
First off these two bands should not be playing venues that size any more. Both Phosphorescent and Bodies of Water drew a crwod so large that it was easily pushing the safety limits of Cake Shop. I know saying this isn't very rock n' roll of me but I don't really care. When it takes you fifteen minutes to get from the stage to the exit at Cake Shop there is a serious problem. I know it's a cool thing to see good bands at small venues before they graduate to bigger places, but following a solid review by a number of choice publications you have already graduated and you are putting your fans at serious risk by playing a tiny venue where they will not stop allowing people in at any point.
Second, I sometimes have a bit of a problem in large crowds so I go out from in front of the stage and made my way towards the back so that I could at least listen to the band in relative comfort. Once again I know this isn't very rock n' roll of me, but I paid my $7 so I should be able to choose where I want to see the show from. Well unfortunately the people in the back came to the show to socialize and be able to say they were there, not for the actual show. I will never understand this. Isn't there some less crowded bar you could go to to hang out with your friends? Why do you need to go to a show where you have no interest in the music and just talk loudly over it disrupting other people's good times? It's rude, and there really is no reason for it. Go talk outside, or upstairs, talk between bands, but when a band comes on the common courtesy should be to listen to the band. If you're not into it for whatever reason leave! No one is forcing you to be there!
I know loads of people have talked about being courteous at shows and about the specific things I mentioned above, but I was so pissed about last night's show that I really can't help myself but to write a post about it. I know I'm not always the most conscientious show goer, I will occassionally talk a little more then I probably should, but I also make an effort to at least tone it down a bit and last night people were just flat out rude.
I did my best to hang around and listen to as much of the set as possible, I made it about half way through and just couldn't take it anymore. Luckily I live in New York and I know most bands will be back around again, hopefully next time Phosphorescent will graduate to Mercury Lounge or a place that's just a little bit bigger to fit the people that really want to hear his music, because there were a ton of us there last night and the music sounded great. I just wish it wasn't being ruined by a couple of people that needed to catch up with each other and an overly packed tiny venue. C'est le vie I suppose.
Last year the Swedish trio known as Peter Bjorn & John stormed onto the indie music scene capturing us all with a wonderfully catchy song called "Young Folks" and a deliriously awesome album called Writer's Block. At this point it seems that name is little more then a name as this band doesn't seem to be having much problem writing anything, and people covering the band never seem to have trouble spewing forth glowing reviews. Whether live or recorded or the band seems to be loved by anyone, so it was no surprise then last night when Peter Moren showed up for a "surprise" appearance at Union Hall that the room was absolutely brimming with buzz about this "surprise".I say "surprise" like that because it was pretty well known that Peter would be taken the stage and performing for us. But we still didn't know exactly what we were in for. Was Peter going to play some Peter Bjorn & John tunes for us or were we in for something completely different this evening?
Well it turned out Peter had a lot more up his sleeves then just solo versions of "Young Folks" and "Let's Call It Off", instead he treated us to six original songs and a cover of Richard Hell's "Time". The tunes were just as sharp as anything found on the Peter Bjorn & John albums, with topics like love and annoying people captured within Peter's whimsical writing style and delivery. All the while he strummed along on an acoustic guitar showing a surprising mastery of the instrument, and prancing about the stage just like he does when he is with his band mates.Between the songs Peter endeared himself to the audience, admitting his nervousness and chatting about the story behind each one of his songs, and then at points he forgot a few of his lyrics, but that was only more endearing. It was an astounding, though short performance that showed us that these Swedish folks are not just one trick ponies. The music is excellent, the talent is superb, and he put on quite a performance even if it was only slightly longer than a half hour. Peter will be playing solo again on Monday November 19th at Joe's Pub, and he promised us a string section and a much more impressive overall show. Considering how impressive last night was, I may just find myself in the audience when he goes the solo route again.
(Editors Note: It was time for a change up in this section of the blog. I was getting really bored with the weekend preview, and I assume that means you guys were getting bored with it as well. I've realized that I don't cover enough different albums on this site so I am going to try and change all that starting with my regular Friday posting. Instead of just posting what I am planning on doing during the weekend I'll be posting a review of an album I've been loving lately and think you should listen to, as well as a list of the shows I would see on any given weekend. Hopefully this will stimulate you to listen to the album and give you a few options of bands to see on any given weekend. Obviously, like the rest of this site, this is subject to change; but, I am really looking to break out of the rut I've been stuck in here at Pop Tarts Suck Toasted. Hope you guys like the change, and let me know your thoughts either in the comments or with a little e-mail. I am also promising more changes in the very near future so keep an eye out for that. Thanks for your time, hope you enjoy!)
For all the talk that this has been a booming year for electro dance rock, I think we could have a fair argument that the folkier side of music has had just as many great moments. For every LCD Soundsystem there has been a Bon Iver and for every Justice there has been an Iron & Wine. I could keep going with that but then I would never get to my point which is; that of all the indie folk music put out this year, dollar for dollar and pound for pound there might not be a better album than Phosphorescent's Pride. On Pride, Matthew Houck channels the ghosts of the indie folk past, using influences and common place techniques to mold an album of intricate songs woven on top of lyrics that are bursting with beautiful metaphors and lush imagery. Yeah it's good stuff, and it's all led by Houck's warbling, trill of a voice.
Along side Houck's warble is a quiet guitar and a slew of guest spots that fit so perfectly with the music that it's almost as if these people could be considered members of Phosphorescent. Jana Hunter, Dirty Projectors, Castanets, Nat Baldwin, and many more make appearances throughout the album, lending excellent bits to each song that they take a part of. But as much fun as picking out those guest appearances is, it is much more fun to sit back and listen to the things Houck does within his lyrics. Each song comes off a bit dark, shrouded in mystery by the slow pace of the music and by Houck's warbling.
It's a beautiful record from top to bottom, and like I said earlier could be the best of the indie folk to reach my ears this year. We'll see how it stands up over the coming weeks and I'm really excited about going to check him out live on Saturday night. You guys should probably do the same, and pick up the record today!
Phosphorescent - "A Pitcure of Our Torn Up Praise"
Upcoming NY Dates:
Friday November 9th @ The Silent Barn 8pm $7
Saturday November 10th @ Cake Shop 8pm $7
buy it at insound!
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Shows for the Weekend
Friday November 9th:
Beat the Devil @ Abrons Art Center [tix] [mp3]
Dr. Dog @ Bowery Ballroom [tix] [mp3]
Mum @ The Church of St. Paul the Apostle [tix] [mp3]
"Young Folks" @ Union Hall [tix] [mp3] (Recommended)
Saturday November 10th:
The Lisps @ Luna Lounge [tix] [mp3] (Recommended)
Final Fantasy + Cadence Weapon @ Maxwell's [tix] [mp3]
Mum @ Th Church of St. Paul the Apostle [tix]
Rahim @ Sound Fix Records [free] [mp3]
The Sister Lovers @ The Annex [tix]
Menomena + Illinois @ Webster Hall [tix] [mp3] [mp3]
Sunday November 11th:
Final Fantasy + Cadence Weapon @ Bowery Ballroom [tix] [mp3] (Recommended)
Jay-Z @ Hammerstein Ballroom [sold out] [mp3]
Stiff Little Fingers @ Highline Ballroom [tix] [mp3]
For all the talk that this has been a booming year for electro dance rock, I think we could have a fair argument that the folkier side of music has had just as many great moments. For every LCD Soundsystem there has been a Bon Iver and for every Justice there has been an Iron & Wine. I could keep going with that but then I would never get to my point which is; that of all the indie folk music put out this year, dollar for dollar and pound for pound there might not be a better album than Phosphorescent's Pride. On Pride, Matthew Houck channels the ghosts of the indie folk past, using influences and common place techniques to mold an album of intricate songs woven on top of lyrics that are bursting with beautiful metaphors and lush imagery. Yeah it's good stuff, and it's all led by Houck's warbling, trill of a voice.Along side Houck's warble is a quiet guitar and a slew of guest spots that fit so perfectly with the music that it's almost as if these people could be considered members of Phosphorescent. Jana Hunter, Dirty Projectors, Castanets, Nat Baldwin, and many more make appearances throughout the album, lending excellent bits to each song that they take a part of. But as much fun as picking out those guest appearances is, it is much more fun to sit back and listen to the things Houck does within his lyrics. Each song comes off a bit dark, shrouded in mystery by the slow pace of the music and by Houck's warbling.
It's a beautiful record from top to bottom, and like I said earlier could be the best of the indie folk to reach my ears this year. We'll see how it stands up over the coming weeks and I'm really excited about going to check him out live on Saturday night. You guys should probably do the same, and pick up the record today!
Phosphorescent - "A Pitcure of Our Torn Up Praise"
Upcoming NY Dates:
Friday November 9th @ The Silent Barn 8pm $7
Saturday November 10th @ Cake Shop 8pm $7
buy it at insound!
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Shows for the Weekend
Friday November 9th:
Beat the Devil @ Abrons Art Center [tix] [mp3]
Dr. Dog @ Bowery Ballroom [tix] [mp3]
Mum @ The Church of St. Paul the Apostle [tix] [mp3]
"Young Folks" @ Union Hall [tix] [mp3] (Recommended)
Saturday November 10th:
The Lisps @ Luna Lounge [tix] [mp3] (Recommended)
Final Fantasy + Cadence Weapon @ Maxwell's [tix] [mp3]
Mum @ Th Church of St. Paul the Apostle [tix]
Rahim @ Sound Fix Records [free] [mp3]
The Sister Lovers @ The Annex [tix]
Menomena + Illinois @ Webster Hall [tix] [mp3] [mp3]
Sunday November 11th:
Final Fantasy + Cadence Weapon @ Bowery Ballroom [tix] [mp3] (Recommended)
Jay-Z @ Hammerstein Ballroom [sold out] [mp3]
Stiff Little Fingers @ Highline Ballroom [tix] [mp3]
If you have nothing to do tomorrow night make sure you are at Union Hall, there is a special guest that will take you all of you "Young Folks" to "Amsterdam" before you "Start to Melt", unless of course they decide "Let's Call It Off". You got me???What: Euros Child + David Kilgour + Special Guest
Where: Union Hall, Brooklyn, NY
When: Friday, November 9th, 7:30pm
Euros Child [mp3 - "First Time I Saw You"]
David Kilgour [mp3 - "Son of God"]
New York City, December 8, 2007
taking over all three levels of the
Knitting Factory
http://www.afterthejumpfest.com/
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 . fingeronthepulse
for more information, please email:
booking: booking@afterthejumpfest.com
charity: charity@afterthejumpfest.com
sponsors: sponsors@afterthejumpfest.com
publicity:
I can't believe we are already ankle deep in November. The holidays are quickly approaching and the CMJ Music Marathon seems like just a distant memory. Luckily for me a bunch of bands handed me their CD's during the week so I've gotten to keep the memories of that exhausting week going, at least in the types of sounds I've been hearing lately.One of those bands, Bridges and Powerlines, handed me a CD after playing my own show and absolutely rocking my ass off, so I felt I owed them at least a few dozen listens and now I feel like I must have heard this album about a hundred times in the last three weeks. But amazingly it still sounds fresh after all those listens. The 5-song EP doesn't last very long when you're listening to it, but it sticks with you once you are done with it. The melodic songs just stick themselves deep inside your head and don't let go until you find yourself listening again. It's a vicious cycle, but a pretty damn enjoyable one.
Take a listen to the tunes below, pick up the EP, and check out the band live to see what you think. I think you're going to like it a lot, but hey what do I know.
Bridges & Powerlines - "Carmen"
Bridges & Powerlines - "Mumbles"
Buy Their Self Titled EP
Upcoming New York Dates:
November 14th @ Piano's w/The Jaguar Club [tix]
December 13th @ Mercury Lounge w/Le Loup & Margot and the Nuclear So and So's [tix]
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Thursday's Links:
- The big news of the day is the supposed confirmation of the My Bloody Valentine reunion. Apparently a new album is due out by the end of the year throwing year end lists all over the internet into disarray! Also rumored is the big live return with a set a Coachella. So all this means a lot of My Bloody Madness as the year winds down and that Radiohead has finally been overshadowed by something in the music industry. [via The Daily Swarm]
- Gorilla vs. Bear has unveiled new tracks by two of the most lovely and talented women in the music world. First up is the new track from Cat Power "Song to Bobby" off her forthcoming covers collection Jukebox. Then he has a brand new song from Marissa Nadler "I Was Little Girl". Download 'em both.
- Jay-Z is having himself a pretty good week. First he gets my nod as my recommended album of the week, then some website called Pitchfork names him Best New Music. Not too shabby.
- Ear Farm interviews Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear.
- Gothamist interviews Deborah Harry who you may also know as Blondie.
- Hey! Nielson and Billboard.com have joined forces to present their first ever Music Blog Contest to pick the best music blog in all the land! And I'm nominated! Considering the awesome blogs that have been nominated, including my girlfriend's and several of my fellow After the Jumpers, I'm feeling pretty damn good. I do not feel that good about my chances to win, but hey I'm in the contest so at least I can try. That's why I'm asking everyone out there to go and vote for me, pretty please with sugar on top, unless of course you think I suck balls. Voting begins November 12th, but don't worry I'll be sure to remind you!
- Sports Note #1: My softball season officially wrapped up on Sunday with a loss in the semi-finals of the VASA Medium Pitch league on Staten Island. It was a fine season though and we added some really good players in the fall league so we should be a force to be reckoned with next season. We are also looking for any pitchers that throw in the high 50's to low 60's (e-mail me if you can and want to play on Staten Island!).
- The Ottawa Citizen has put together a list of the top 10 musical geniuses that surprisingly, but also deservedly, places Rick Rubin at #1. Pretty cool.
- TV Note #1: Wow! Heroes really turned a corner this week with a fantastic episode that seems like it will propel us towards finding out a lot more about the Heroes bunch. So everyone that's been down on Heroes lately and skipped this episode should know that they missed one of the best hours on TV all season long.
- Crackers United has posted a damn fine mix to celebrate November.
- Free Stuff #1: Product Shop NYC is giving away tickets to see Razorlight at Warsaw tomorrow night! E-mail them now!
- Sports Note #2: It's the baseball off-season, yet somehow the Yankees continue to dominate the back papers here in New York. It seems every day there is another rumor or another nugget of info that is coming out about the shaping of the 2008 team, and honestly I could care less. I like the team we have right now, yes we need a third basemen but it doesn't need to be a mega-star just a solid .270 hitter with a good glove. That's all, wake me up in April and start putting the Knicks and Rangers on the back pages.
- Like almost every other blog out there, I am quickly developing a music crush on Phosphorescent. Today Gothamist posts an interview with Matthew Houck the brains behind Phosphorescent where he discusses his band name, life on the road, and other stuff. And of course the band will be playing two shows this weekend.
- Free Stuff #2: Stereogum is currently doing a giveaway featuring a slew of CBGB's related DVD's. So if you're the type of person that is nostalgic for the good old punk rock club days, maybe you should think about entering.
- TV Note #2: Other then Heroe, I'm finding it very difficult to keep up with any shows so far this season. I have missed the last couple episodes of The Office, I've sort of started watching Chuck but have a feeling that will be canceled, and really could care less about anything on TV. So my question to all of you is, where have all the good shows gone? What are you people watching right now? Help, I'm starting to get bored of Madden '08!
- NPR has launched a new site devoted entirely to music, which means the not main stream stuff you get most anywhere else including classical, jazz, and of course our personal favorite the indie rock.
- Sports Note #3: I am amending my Super Bowl picks thanks to the absolute sucking of the 49ers who decided to lose to the freakin' Falcons this weekend to improve their 2008 draft pick. I will now choose the Titans over the Packers, though I am not blind and realize how unbeatable the Patriots are I feel Vince Young will surprise them as much as he did USC in the Rose Bowl a few years back.
- Free Stuff #3: I Rock Cleveland is supporting the home team by offering up a compilation from Audio Eagle Records that features bands like The Black Keys.
- I was on Blog Fresh Radio again this week, this time I'm talking about The Antlers. It's once again guest hosted by Abbey from Punk Photo, and I am joined by Oceans Never Listen, Cable & Tweed, Quick Before It Melts, and Cubik Musik. Go listen, it's fun, it's free, and it has some great music on it.
- Geeks from all over should be lining up for these shirts any second now, and I now know what I will be getting Chris for Christmas.
Tracks:
Full On Flyhead - "Little Man"
Telenovela Star - "Fluff"
Wild Sweet Orange - "Wrestle With God"
Tokyo Police Club - "Be Good (RAC Remix)"
Tokyo Police Club - "Cut Cut Paste"
Yea Big + Kid Static - "The Basement/Enfant Terrible"
Yea Big + Kid Static - "Run to the Facts"
Aaron Stout - "Fountain of Youth"
Health - "Perfect Skin"
Saint Bernadette - "I Own the City"
Soul Merchants - "Johanna"
Tiger! Tiger! - "Johanna"
Hello, Blue Roses - "Shadow Falls"
Last year when Jay-Z made his "triumphant" comeback from a terribly short lived "retirement", people received his Kingdom Come with mixed results. On this site I applauded Jay's comeback album, but as time wore on I went to it less and less as the rhymes on the album became stale and the beats were trumped by a few artists here and there that seemed to have more energy for the game then President Jay did. Now Jay-Z is looking to the movies to revitalize his rap career, using the gang life found in the new Russel Crowe, Denzel Washington film American Gangster as inspiration even though he already lived a similar life to what is portrayed in the film. This cinematic muse though has brought Jay back to what he does best, instead of rhyming about living the high life running a successful corporation, Jay is once again talking about the streets and the struggle that people are continuing to live out there.Over the course of the fifteen tracks on American Gangster you can hear a new found hop to Jay's step, providing much better lyrics, greatly improved flows, and a solid assortment of beats on each track. Even though he's rapping about an imaginary gangster, Jay-Z still culls from his own life, of living in the projects and dealing drugs before finally making it, mixing it with brief audio pieces from the movie of the same name, and mixing it all with contemporary references. It's Jay the way we expect him to be, not quite Reasonable Doubt but certainly a marked improvement from Kingdom.
At times Jay drops the ball here, seems a little uninspired, but then just as quickly as he fades he surges back with a tricked out flow that few rappers could ever imagine attempting. And that's really what we look for from Jay-Z, intelligent rhymes, crazy mixed up flows like a modern Ginsesburg throwing classic poetry on it's head with his crazy verses. There's songs that are sure to be blaring from cars driving through the cold air of the coming winter, tracks that will be mixed and re-mixed and played in every sweaty club you may ever step foot in, but none of that stands up to the spots where Jay just lets go, remembers his background, and spits like old school Jay would.
Obviously, this album is not Jay-Z's finest hour, but it's still an excellent album, better then 96.2% of the rap albums that were released this year, and certainly fitting for a place in a slew of year end lists. Like Jordan, Jay-Z has now come back from retirement twice; but unlike Jordan, Jay's second crack at coming back is looking way more successful then his first.
Jay-Z - "No Hook"
Jay-Z - "Say Hello"
Also Released Today:
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Tuesday's Links:
- Loose Record has a little alone time with Adam Baker of The Annuals.
- Gothamist plays dislexic 21 questions with Tokyo Police Club.
- Largehearted Boy posts his weekly "Try It Before You Buy It" with a slew of newly released albums being streamed. Next week I will be starting a column called "Check It Out Before Check Out!". Kidding of course.
Monday: Stars Like Fleas @ Death By Audio 8pm $tba
This week seems like it's going to be dedicated to Todd P shows throughout the city. It starts off tonight at Death By Audio who will be hosting Stars Like Fleas, a band that has gotten a shit load of hype over the past few months. I have only heard a handful of songs, but what I've heard makes them worthy of seeing in my book.
Stars Like Fleas on Myspace
Tuesday: The Muggabears + Casiotone for the Painfully Alone @ Death By Audio 8pm $7
I'm pretty sure you guys already know about my love for The Muggabears so I'm going to focus on Casiotone for the Painfully Alone here. This band, or I should say this guy as it's just one dude, has been making some really cool music for quite some time. Focusing on electronic beats, minimal keyboards, and simple vocals, Casiotone is a really good listening time. I've never seen him live but this week affords ample chances to do so and I fully intend to take advantage of that.
The Muggabears - "The Goth Tarts"
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - "Graceland" (Paul Simon Cover)
Wednesday:Soft @ Cake Shop 8pm $6
So I have been hearing nothing but spectacular reviews about this band Soft, yet I haven't heard a single thing from the band yet. With their album hitting stores Tuesday, I'm pretty sure I'll have some idea what they sound like by the time I walk in to Cake Shop to see them. My only hope is that they hit the stage early enough for me to get to my next stop of the evening.
Soft - "Droppin'"
then...Casiotone for the Painfully Alone + High Places @ Knitting Factory 10pm $8
It's not often that I'm happy about late night shows in the middle of the week. I have to get up early for work the next morning, it keeps a lid on me drinking in excess, and I usually wind up leaving a bit early to get a head start on the commute home; but, once in a while there is a show that the lineup is so good I feel I have to make the attempt to get there. Tonight's show with Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and High Places is one of those shows that I don't think I can pass up. You've heard me go on at lengths about High Places and you already read my preview for Casiotone on Tuesday, so at this point you should know what you're in for when you show up at Knitting Factory.
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - "Young Shields"
High Places - "Sandy Feat"
Thursday: Mount Eerie @ Lutheran Church of the Messiah 8pm $8
Between The Microphones and Mount Eerie Phil Elverum has released a shit load of music, that is at times hard to find but fully worth the hunt. Tongight playing under the Mount Eerie moniker still, depsite a two-song release as The Microphones earlier this year, Elverum will once again wow us with his ridiculous musical abilities. This is one of those shows that you want to be at.
Mount Eerie - "Uh Oh, It's Mourningtime Again"
Friday: Phosphorescent @ Silent Barn 8pm $tba
Phosphorescent are another one of those bands that just seems to be steamrolling out of no where. The band has already been featured on a number of music sites and for good reason, their sound is interesting, inventive, and certainly worth checking out. If you've reached the point in the year where everything seems a little old and stale, it's about time to check out the new bands and this is certainly one that needs to be checked out.
Phosphorescent - "A Picture of Our Torn Up Praise"
Saturday: Rahim + The End Of the World @ Sound Fix Records 8pm FREE
I couldn't go a whole week without picking a free show now could I? Not with the way Sound Fix has been rolling lately I couldn't. Today you can check out two bands that get lots of blog love, personally I haven't devoted much time to them yet but with this free show that could certainly change in a hurry.
Rahim - "Forever Love"
Sunday: Final Fantasy + Cadence Weapon @ Bowery Ballroom 7pm $13
Last year was a banner year for Owen Pallet as he took home the Polaris Prize and then got asked to work on just about every album that came out this year (huge exageration). This year he took it easier, but it seems like he is ready to start going at full speed again. Hopefully during this show he'll debut some new stuff! Oh yeah and Cadence Weapon ain't too bad neither.
Final Fantasy - "Peach, Plum, Pear"
Cadence Weapon - "Sharks"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday's Links:
- Gothamist interviews drummer Jake Morris of The Joggers.
- Daytrotter has a session with Superdrag.
- Pitchfork interviews PJ Harvey.
- Muzzle of Bees asks Lizzie Powell of Land of Talk exactly four questions.
This week seems like it's going to be dedicated to Todd P shows throughout the city. It starts off tonight at Death By Audio who will be hosting Stars Like Fleas, a band that has gotten a shit load of hype over the past few months. I have only heard a handful of songs, but what I've heard makes them worthy of seeing in my book.
Stars Like Fleas on Myspace
Tuesday: The Muggabears + Casiotone for the Painfully Alone @ Death By Audio 8pm $7
I'm pretty sure you guys already know about my love for The Muggabears so I'm going to focus on Casiotone for the Painfully Alone here. This band, or I should say this guy as it's just one dude, has been making some really cool music for quite some time. Focusing on electronic beats, minimal keyboards, and simple vocals, Casiotone is a really good listening time. I've never seen him live but this week affords ample chances to do so and I fully intend to take advantage of that.
The Muggabears - "The Goth Tarts"
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - "Graceland" (Paul Simon Cover)
Wednesday:Soft @ Cake Shop 8pm $6
So I have been hearing nothing but spectacular reviews about this band Soft, yet I haven't heard a single thing from the band yet. With their album hitting stores Tuesday, I'm pretty sure I'll have some idea what they sound like by the time I walk in to Cake Shop to see them. My only hope is that they hit the stage early enough for me to get to my next stop of the evening.
Soft - "Droppin'"
then...Casiotone for the Painfully Alone + High Places @ Knitting Factory 10pm $8
It's not often that I'm happy about late night shows in the middle of the week. I have to get up early for work the next morning, it keeps a lid on me drinking in excess, and I usually wind up leaving a bit early to get a head start on the commute home; but, once in a while there is a show that the lineup is so good I feel I have to make the attempt to get there. Tonight's show with Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and High Places is one of those shows that I don't think I can pass up. You've heard me go on at lengths about High Places and you already read my preview for Casiotone on Tuesday, so at this point you should know what you're in for when you show up at Knitting Factory.
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - "Young Shields"
High Places - "Sandy Feat"
Thursday: Mount Eerie @ Lutheran Church of the Messiah 8pm $8
Between The Microphones and Mount Eerie Phil Elverum has released a shit load of music, that is at times hard to find but fully worth the hunt. Tongight playing under the Mount Eerie moniker still, depsite a two-song release as The Microphones earlier this year, Elverum will once again wow us with his ridiculous musical abilities. This is one of those shows that you want to be at.
Mount Eerie - "Uh Oh, It's Mourningtime Again"
Friday: Phosphorescent @ Silent Barn 8pm $tba
Phosphorescent are another one of those bands that just seems to be steamrolling out of no where. The band has already been featured on a number of music sites and for good reason, their sound is interesting, inventive, and certainly worth checking out. If you've reached the point in the year where everything seems a little old and stale, it's about time to check out the new bands and this is certainly one that needs to be checked out.
Phosphorescent - "A Picture of Our Torn Up Praise"
Saturday: Rahim + The End Of the World @ Sound Fix Records 8pm FREE
I couldn't go a whole week without picking a free show now could I? Not with the way Sound Fix has been rolling lately I couldn't. Today you can check out two bands that get lots of blog love, personally I haven't devoted much time to them yet but with this free show that could certainly change in a hurry.
Rahim - "Forever Love"
Sunday: Final Fantasy + Cadence Weapon @ Bowery Ballroom 7pm $13
Last year was a banner year for Owen Pallet as he took home the Polaris Prize and then got asked to work on just about every album that came out this year (huge exageration). This year he took it easier, but it seems like he is ready to start going at full speed again. Hopefully during this show he'll debut some new stuff! Oh yeah and Cadence Weapon ain't too bad neither.
Final Fantasy - "Peach, Plum, Pear"
Cadence Weapon - "Sharks"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday's Links:
- Gothamist interviews drummer Jake Morris of The Joggers.
- Daytrotter has a session with Superdrag.
- Pitchfork interviews PJ Harvey.
- Muzzle of Bees asks Lizzie Powell of Land of Talk exactly four questions.
Ra Ra Riot has put together an awesome lineup of bands in Boston for a benefit concert to raise money for the John Ryan Pike Memorial Fund. The show being held at Middle East Downstairs on December 15th will feature Tokyo Police Club, Vampire Weekend, Ra Ra Riot, and special guests. Tickets will be $15. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the memorial fund which was started by his family, the John Ryan Pike Memorial Foundation is going to begin a lending library of musical instruments that will allow underprivileged children to begin playing by borrowing an instrument, or simply provide them access to an instrument that they may have never tried before. The foundation plans to join forces with local high schools and colleges to bring these children together with students who are willing to volunteer music lessons. The long term hope for the foundation is that one day, they will have the means necessary to create a rehearsal/recording space and ultimately a community where musicians can continue on in the pursuit of John's passion, playing and creating music.
For those unable to make it to the show who would like to donate to the fund you can donate by sending donations to the John Ryan Pike Memorial Fund at:
c/o Citizens Bank
37 Enon Street
Beverly, MA 01915
Or via Paypal to: johnryanpikememorialfund(AT)Gmail.com
Ra Ra Riot - "Every Year"
Tokyo Police Club - "Cut Cut Paste"
Vampire Weekend - "Cap Cod Kwassa Kwassa"
My weekend preview has a huge mistake in it. It completely omits the fact that Saturday is also The Antlers record re-release show at Piano's for their album In the Attic of the Universe. The break through album is being re-released by Fall Records on November 20th, and it's so good even if you downloaded it you should by a hard copy to show off in your record collection. The band has put together a solid lineup to entertain you all night long so make sure you stop by at some point even if it's after Grizzly Bear or Sufjan. No word if the physical album will be available at the show. Here's the full details for the show;
Where: Piano's, 158 Ludlow St., NY, NY
When: Saturday November 3rd
Who:
8:00pm - Wynn Walent & the Folks
9:00pm - Cheyenne (residency)
10:00pm - Bubble/Gum
11:00pm - A Brief Smile (former Pop Tarts Band of the Week)
12:00am - The Antlers (record release)
So I plan on being here after Grizzly Bear and skipping Pterodactyl this time around! Make a note of it.
The Antlers - "East River Berlin Wall"
A Brief Smile - "Big Sky"
Wynn Walent - "It's Okay"
It turns out that if you don't pay your electric bill they will eventually turn your power off. I found out this lesson the hard way as I moved in with a roommate who hadn't paid the electric bill in months, and then last Thursday the lights went out. Lucky for us he had the cash to pay off the bill and we only spent 24 hours in the dark, but going through that whole thing has inspired the mix you find below so some good certainly came out of it! Hope you enjoy the mix, and remember to pay your electric bill!
Side One:
Love Is All - "Turn the TV Off"
Arcade Fire - "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)"
The Go! Team - "Flashlight Fight"
Les Savy Fav - "Blackouts On Thursday"
Sonic Youth - "Candle"
Nada Surf - "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"
Love Is All - "Turn the Radio Off"
Side Two:
Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Follow You Into the Dark"
TV on the Radio - "Blind"
Wolf Parade - "Shine A Light"
The Thermals - "Goddamn the Light"
Wilco - "What Light"
Parts & Labor - "Brighter Days"
Yeasayer "Sunrise"
Justice - "Let There Be Light"
The Go! Team - "The Power Is On"
Side One:
Love Is All - "Turn the TV Off"
Arcade Fire - "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)"
The Go! Team - "Flashlight Fight"
Les Savy Fav - "Blackouts On Thursday"
Sonic Youth - "Candle"
Nada Surf - "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"
Love Is All - "Turn the Radio Off"
Side Two:
Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Follow You Into the Dark"
TV on the Radio - "Blind"
Wolf Parade - "Shine A Light"
The Thermals - "Goddamn the Light"
Wilco - "What Light"
Parts & Labor - "Brighter Days"
Yeasayer "Sunrise"
Justice - "Let There Be Light"
The Go! Team - "The Power Is On"
Labels:
album covers,
arcade fire,
justice,
love is all,
mix tape,
mp3's,
sonic youth,
the go team,
wolf parade
Friday: Today starts the WFMU Record and CD Fair, easily the best record fair in the New York area all year. This year the fair is being held at The Metropolitan Pavilion located at 125 W. 18th St.. Early birds can get in from 4pm for $20 which will get you in for all three days of the fair (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) or you can wait till 7pm and pay regular admission of $6 per day. With thousands of records ranging in price from $1 to god knows how much, you are pretty much guaranteed to walk out with a stack of wax ot add to your collection. On top of all that they have live performances and special events all weekend long so make sure you stop by at some point. For more info stop by here.
Also Playing Tonight:
Sufjan Stevens (performing "BQE") @ BAM SOLD OUT
Ultra Dolphins @ 3rd Ward 7:30pm FREE (RSVP here)
The Sister Lovers + The Jealous Girlfriends @ Club Midway 11:30pm $5
Murder Mystery @ Galapagos 10pm $8
Bob Mould @ Highline Ballroom 6:30pm $20
Rogue Wave + Ola Podrida @ Maxwell's 10pm $14
Be Your Own PET @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm $10
Saturday: For almost two years now Grizzly Bear has been touring relentlessly, bringing their tunes to towns far and wide and covering a vast area of land in the process. On Saturday they stop at the Society for Ethical Culter to participate in the Wordless Music Series before finally taking a break to do the follow-up to Yellow House. So it will be the last Grizzly Bear show for sometime, and it will be within the unique environment of the Worldless Music Series making this a can't miss concert experience. Grizzly Bear will be paired with pianist Michale Harrison who will be performing Revelation: Music in Pure Intonation for harmonically tuned piano. Considering the fun I had at my first trip to Wordless this year to see Beirut I am sure this is going to be an evening to remember.
Grizzly Bear - "He Hit Me"
If the Grizzly Bear show gets out early enough I may just head on down to Cake Shop for the Pterodactyl show. You should too, it starts at 8pm, they should go on around 11pm if everything works out right.
Pterodactyl - "Esses"
Also Playing Tonight:
Sufjan Stevens (performing "BQE") @ BAM SOLD OUT
The Fiery Furnaces + Pit Er Pat @ Hiro Ballroom 7pm $20
Say Hi (formerly Say Hi To Your Mom) @ Knitting Factory 7pm $10
Gogol Bordello @ Terminal 5 8pm $28
Sunday: I normally reserve Sunday for football, laundry, and some much needed relaxation but this week there's a show that might just get me off my lazy ass and into a sweaty, sweaty basement. At the Silent Barn tonight you have a slew of bands that I am absolutely falling in love with. For starters in the basement you got Flying, who blew me away during CMJ with their show and probably would do the same tonight if I make it out. Then in the main space you've got Soft Circle, Pit Er Pat, and pretty much my band of the moment High Places! All this for probably less then $10 and it all gets going at 8pm! Sounds pretty good to me, though the Colts are playing the Pats tonight.
High Places - "Head Spins"
Pit Er Pat - "Solstice"
Also Playing Tonight:
Semi Precious Weapons @ Cake Shop
Also Playing Tonight:
Sufjan Stevens (performing "BQE") @ BAM SOLD OUT
Ultra Dolphins @ 3rd Ward 7:30pm FREE (RSVP here)
The Sister Lovers + The Jealous Girlfriends @ Club Midway 11:30pm $5
Murder Mystery @ Galapagos 10pm $8
Bob Mould @ Highline Ballroom 6:30pm $20
Rogue Wave + Ola Podrida @ Maxwell's 10pm $14
Be Your Own PET @ Mercury Lounge 7:30pm $10
Saturday: For almost two years now Grizzly Bear has been touring relentlessly, bringing their tunes to towns far and wide and covering a vast area of land in the process. On Saturday they stop at the Society for Ethical Culter to participate in the Wordless Music Series before finally taking a break to do the follow-up to Yellow House. So it will be the last Grizzly Bear show for sometime, and it will be within the unique environment of the Worldless Music Series making this a can't miss concert experience. Grizzly Bear will be paired with pianist Michale Harrison who will be performing Revelation: Music in Pure Intonation for harmonically tuned piano. Considering the fun I had at my first trip to Wordless this year to see Beirut I am sure this is going to be an evening to remember.Grizzly Bear - "He Hit Me"
If the Grizzly Bear show gets out early enough I may just head on down to Cake Shop for the Pterodactyl show. You should too, it starts at 8pm, they should go on around 11pm if everything works out right.
Pterodactyl - "Esses"
Also Playing Tonight:
Sufjan Stevens (performing "BQE") @ BAM SOLD OUT
The Fiery Furnaces + Pit Er Pat @ Hiro Ballroom 7pm $20
Say Hi (formerly Say Hi To Your Mom) @ Knitting Factory 7pm $10
Gogol Bordello @ Terminal 5 8pm $28
Sunday: I normally reserve Sunday for football, laundry, and some much needed relaxation but this week there's a show that might just get me off my lazy ass and into a sweaty, sweaty basement. At the Silent Barn tonight you have a slew of bands that I am absolutely falling in love with. For starters in the basement you got Flying, who blew me away during CMJ with their show and probably would do the same tonight if I make it out. Then in the main space you've got Soft Circle, Pit Er Pat, and pretty much my band of the moment High Places! All this for probably less then $10 and it all gets going at 8pm! Sounds pretty good to me, though the Colts are playing the Pats tonight.High Places - "Head Spins"
Pit Er Pat - "Solstice"
Also Playing Tonight:
Semi Precious Weapons @ Cake Shop
Labels:
grizzly bear,
high places,
mp3's,
pit er pat,
pterodactyl,
weekend preview,
wfmu record fair
From their official Myspace:"With much regret The Decemberists have cancelled the remainder of "The Long and Short of It" tour.
One of our band members has been ill for a while but we thought all would be well in time for these tour dates. After a couple shows, though, it has become clear that the illness is much worse than we had initially realized. We need to return home so our friend can mend.
It saddens us to disappoint our fans. We hope everybody understands it is only because of an extreme situation that we had to cancel a tour we've all been excited about doing since the idea was originally hatched.
Our deepest apologies but at this time no plans are being made to reschedule the dates. Ticket holders should seek refunds at point of purchase."
This blows I was really looking forward to the shows tonight and tomorrow, but I hope whoever is ill in the band gets well very soon!
The Decemberists - "The Tain Part I"
The Decemberists - "The Tain Part II"
The Decemberists - "The Sporting Life"
Last night in lieu of the usually Halloween debauchery I would partake in, I went wih my girlfriend to see Control, the Ian Curtis biopoic by famed music video director Anton Corbbijn. Since then my mind has been swamped by Joy Division, and for that reason I simply can't choose a current band of the week this week. It wouldn't be fair.That said you all know Joy Division already, some of you most certainly know them better then I do, so I'm not going to go and introduce you to the band like I normally do. No, today I'm using this space as for a movie review, a little commentary, and not much else.
In Control, Sam Riley masterfully stars as Ian Curtis the troubled singer of the landmark band. Having already played Mark E. Smith of The Fall, it seemed to be a bit of an odd casting decision on the part of Corbijn, but when you see Riley on screen, smoking a fag, and acting as scared of himself as anyone else is you see why he got the part. In fact Corbijn places a small joke inside the movie taking a shot at the fact that Riley had already played Mark E. Smith. Obviously it's a difficult undertaking to fully understand such a beloved musical idol who live a paltry 23 years, but somehow Corbijn conveys all the power of Curtis' emotions on the screen in a truly remarkable way.
As good as Riley is as Curtis the movie is dominated by the incredible performance given by Samantha Morton who plays the Deborah Curtis in one of the most emotionally driven performances I have ever seen. Morton dominates her scenes especially towards the end of the movie as her and Curtis' relationship start to sour. Morton is perfect in every facet of this movie, the loving wife, the young mother, and ultimately as a lover scorned who still yearns for her love. It is a breathtaking performance.
Ultimately the movie ends the way the story ends in real life, but along the way we get to see what the people around Ian Curtis went through as he struggled through his painfully short life. We see the agony of being in love with the man, the struggle to be in a band with him, and we get the barest of glimpses of what it was to have been fathered by the man. It's powerful stuff and it's obviously made more powerful by the fact that Deborah Curtis wrote and produced the film (with a bit of help of course). You know this is the true story, from the moment they met to the moment she found him hanging in the laundry room.
Over the course of three albums Joy Division managed to change music, giving it their dark, new wave sound, and spawning a generation of copy cats and imitators. Even now Joy Division is as pertinent as ever, which is amazing considering their last album came out 27 years ago.
This movie was truly an awesome piece of cinema, one you should check out as soon as you get the chance. And if you're not familiar with Joy Division's music, well it's lucky for you that Unknown Pleasures and Closer have just been re-issued by Rhino Records.
Joy Division - "Love Will Tear Us Apart" (via Yellow Stereo)
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Thursday Links:
- Pitchfork has Jose Gonzalez on their Guest List.
- Rolling Stone keeps interviewing people to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. Today is Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong.
- The Trent Reznor produced Saul Williams album The Inevitable Rise of Niggy Tardus, is available today online for free or for $5, your choice.
- The pilot of the Enola Gay, the bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, passed away today at the age of 92.
- Take the survey over at Daytrotter and you can win a First Act Guitar or an iPod touch.
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