Short Takes + Weekend Shows

Not Animal is the version of the new Margot and the Nuclear So and So's album that their label Epic wants them to release. Basically the band and the label disagreed on which version of the new record to release, so in order to please both sides we are going to get both versions. Animal!, the band's preferred version, will be released on vinyl (this Tuesday) and Not Animal gets the more high profile CD and digital releases. This version of the album is a pretty, though stagnant brand of indie pop. It's melodies are solid, the song writing is sound, but there seems to be a bit of emotion lacking from the tunes here. Maybe that's why the band didn't want to release this version, but whatever the case may be I really hope Animals! is a better record then this because this is a very weak album for a band a thoroughly enjoy.
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's - "Holy Cow!"
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's - "Hello, Vagina"
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's - "Real naked Girls"

I know all these bands with the word "crystal" in their name are supposed to be all the rage, but give me a break already with the naming trends will you. Beyond that the debut album from Crystal Stilts (go ahead try and keep track of them all), Alight of Night, is a dreary, boring first release, especially considering all the buzz and Joy Division comparisons these guys are racking up. They do have similarities, both bands are dark and awash in echo and reverb, but for some reason Crystal Stilts don't have the magnetic appeal that Joy Division had, not at all. The band is pretty weak and considering most of the songs are under 4-minutes long, and all of them drone on far too long, that is generally the worst sign for a band of any level. This is not worth any of the buzz they have received over the past few months.
Crystal Stilts - "The Dazzled"
Crystal Stilts - "Prismatic Room"

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Friday, October 3rd:

Dark Meat + Vivian Girls @ Rocks Off Cruises [tix]
Dark Meat - "Well Fuck You Then"
Vivian Girls - "Tell the World"

Hot Chip @ Terminal 5 [tix]
Hot Chip - "Over and Over"

Saturday, October 4th:

Pissed Jeans @ Glasslands [FREE]
Pissed Jeans - "People Person"

Extra Life + Dan Friel @ Less Artists More Condos [info]
Extra Life - "Blackmail Blues"
Dan Friel - "Ghost Town (Part 1)"

The Austerity Program + Goes Cube @ The Bell House [tix]
The Austerity Program - "Song 17B"
Goes Cube - "Song 46"

Sunday, October 5th:

The Bird and the Bee @ Maxwell's [tix]
The Bird and the Bee - "Man"

Catfish Haven @ Union Hall [tix]
Catfish Haven - "Are You Ready"