brooklynvegan: August 2004 Archives

« January 2001 | Main | September 2004 »

August 31, 2004

Worm is Green @ Pianos : pictures

Worm is Green at Pianos - 20 August 2004

They've got that Saint Etienne, Portishead, Hope Sandoval thing goin on.

Worm is Green

Posted in music | pictures at 10:13 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack

RNC Panty Flash Tomorrow

"Axis of Eve is calling upon women (and men!) from all over to join us for a flashing event at the Republican National Convention in NYC."

Posted in NYC at 9:40 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

None More Black @ Knitting Factory : pictures

None More Black at Knitting Factory - 29 August 2004

None More Black

Posted in music | pictures at 11:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

X-Rated Olympics

Posted in general at 1:19 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

RIP Laura Branigan

Link:
Laura's Passing

Posted in music at 1:16 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

The Weakerthans - New Site, Tour (w/ Lucero)

Check out The Weakerthans' new website. Download some music and watch their videos while you're there. Then catch them at Bowery Ballroom with Lucero and Murder by Death on September 26th, or if you don't happen to be in NYC:

Lucky Town Tour
09/09 Vancouver, BC @ Pits Pub UBC

The North Eastern Tour
21/09 Oberlin, OH @ Oberlin College
22/09 Pittsburgh, PA @ The World
23/09 Philadelphia @ Beyond Nightclub
24/09 Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
25/09 Washington, DC @ Black Cat
26/09 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom (16+)
28/09 New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place
29/09 Providence, RI @ The Call
30/09 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East (18+)
01/10 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
02/10 Ottawa, ON @ Capital Music Hall
03/10 Guelph, ON @ Peter Clark Hall, University Centre, University of Guelph

All shows all ages unless otherwise noted.

21/09 - 30/09 With Lucero and Murder By Death
02/10 - 03/10 With Fembots and The Constantines

Posted in music at 1:00 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Is Your Car Vegan?

Actor Michael Bell's is. The 66-year-old Los Angeles resident doesn't eat or wear animal products, and his hybrid car doesn't have a stitch of leather in it.

Car dealers the latest to chase after vegan shoppers.

Posted in veggie at 12:56 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

August 30, 2004

Worm is Green tonight at Pianos

Iceland's Worm is Green play their first US show tonight at Pianos.

"Worm Is Green started as the bedroom electronica project of Arni Asgeirsson, who soon enlisted longtime friends from his hometown of Akranes, Iceland (population 5,500) to flesh out his melodic soundscapes. Solidifying into a group, Worm Is Green began recording the songs that would become Automagic, released overseas last year on Iceland's Thule Musik (home of Mum and The Funerals) and now available in the U.S. on The Arena Rock Recording Co."

Pop Matters writes:
The group, the brainchild of Arni Asgeirsson, has received good press after its release in Europe last year. And because the album on this side of the ocean is no different, the ink should be just as complimentary.

If you want to listen, Worm is Green have a whole bunch of MP3s posted at their website.

Tonight's show is presented by KEXP.org and Culottes and Clarions.

Posted times and openers:
10:30 Worm is Green
9:30 Parenthetical Girls
8:30 Dynasty
7:30 Bravo Silva

Posted in music at 3:49 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

Jade Tree 2004 CMJ show details

2004 JADE TREE CMJ SHOWCASE & THE LOVED ONES JOIN THE JADE TREE FAMILY

Saturday, October 16 Doors 7:30
CBGB - 315 Bowery, NYC
$12 advance/door, 16 +
Advance tickets will be available at Ticket Web

From Ashes Rise 12:00-12:45
These Arms Are Snakes 11:00-11:45
Paint it Black 10:15-10:45
Breather Resist 9:30-10:00
Despistado 8:45-9:15
The Loved Ones 8:00-8:30 (Ex The Curse, Trial by Fire, & Kid Dynamite)

Link:
Jade Tree

Posted in music at 10:31 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

August 29, 2004

Republican National Convention Protest Pictures

Today's protest was fun.

Hattie Hathaway:

A Bearded Nun:
Nun

A Veteran:
Veteran

A Loud Protester:

Republican National Convention

more pictures

Posted in NYC | pictures at 11:29 PM | Comments (24) | TrackBack

August 28, 2004

The Decemberists - Sporting Life

The Decemberists have finished recording their next LP. They've been playing/testing a lot of the songs at shows. If you've seen them live this summer, you've probably heard at least one. One of those songs is called "The Sporting Life."

Today's exclusive Brooklynvegan recording is The Sporting Life by The Decemberists, live from Atlanta - 17 June, 2004.

Download:
The Sporting Life

Posted in music at 2:48 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Punk Rock Action Figures

CBGB now has their very own punk action figure line. Fashioned after the Sex Pistols, "Maxx" and "Badd Apple," are " 9.5 inch tall Rotocast action figures that commemorate the birthplace of the punk rock scene in America, CBGB."

Definitely cool, but not nearly as cool as the Joey Ramone action figure:

"The Stronghold Group introduces this deluxe, 12 inch tall Rotocast Joey Ramone action figure. Featuring the punk/new wave pioneer with sunglasses, draped hair, microphone and microphone stand."

Now all we need is a Riff Randell Barbie doll.

Warning: The punk rock action figures have been to known to come alive and kick your other action figures' asses.
Especially in danger are the following toys:

Punx:
http://toynk.com/catalog/cbgb_punx__punks__series_1_set_of_2_2653755.htm

Joey:
http://toynk.com/catalog/joey_ramone_12_inch_action_figure_2653754.htm

Good Charlotte:
http://toynk.com/catalog/good_charlotte_action_figure_set_of_5_3350084.htm

Limp Bizkit:
http://toynk.com/catalog/limp_bizkit_set_by_smiti_975028.htm

Posted in music | toys at 11:40 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Naked RNC Protesters Uncensored

Posted in NYC at 2:22 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Free Show at Irving Plaza

Fight Fox and Mobilize the Masses: an evening of film, music and fiery oration aimed at exposing the big lies about truth in media and inspiring the people to get out and vote! Featuring excerpts from the brand new documentary Outfoxed with director Robert Greenwald, musical guests include Chocolate Genius, Carl Hancock Rux and Toshi Reagon, appearances by Nelson George, Arianna Huffington, Jeff Cohen and more. INFORMATION IS POWER.

FREE Tickets Available starting Friday August 20th at the Irving Plaza Box Office.
First Come First Serve. 2 per person

This event is presented as part of the Imagine Festival of Arts, Issues & Ideas, a citywide cultural festival designed to inspire, instigate and support civic engagement. From August 28-September 2 the Imagine Festival will present over 100 cultural events in 6 days including concerts, performances, forums, town meetings, exhibits, screenings, and other issue-based artworks.

Posted in music at 1:40 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

The Decemberists love NYC

The Decemberists have added yet another show in NYC...October 23rd at Mercury Lounge.

That makes:
9/27 Webster Hall
10/13 Bowery Ballroom
10/16 Maxwells (NJ)
10/23 Mercury Lounge

From May 2003 - October 2004, they'll have managed to play Knitting Factory, Mercury Lounge twice (or 3 times), Luxx, Bowery Ballroom 4 times, Maxwells twice, and Webster Hall. Not bad for a band from Oregon. Very good for us.

UPDATE: Sorry to say, but I got bad information. The Decemberists do not appear to be playing at Mercury Lounge in October.

Posted in music at 12:30 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 26, 2004

Deerhoof shows announced

Deerhoof comes back to NYC for three shows in November.
They'll play two shows in one night at Knitting Factory on 11/3 and one show the night before at Northsix in Brooklyn.

Download a whole bunch of Deerhoof MP3s at the Puzzling Music Archive.

Read an interview at Junkmedia.

Posted in music at 10:04 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Freedom Concert tickets going on sale

Lou Reed, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, Mos Def, Philip Glass, Robin Williams, Sean Penn, Lila Downs, Jake & Maggie Gyllenhaal, Nanci Griffith, Sarah Jones, and others perform at an ACLU sponsored event at Avery Fisher Hall @ Lincoln Center on October 4th, 2004.

"The evening will also offer a tribute to late comic trailblazer Lenny Bruce, who battled censorship throughout his career. Produced by musical director Hal Wilner, the tribute will draw from archival film and TV clips, audio recordings and still photographs.

Tickets ranging from $100-250, plus patron tickets available at the $500 and $1000 level, go on-sale Aug. 28 via Ticketmaster."

Posted in music at 9:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 25, 2004

Spend Halloween w/ The Fiery Furnaces in NJ

The Fiery Furnaces & The Hidden Cameras are playing Maxwells in Hoboken on 10/31/04.

Other Fiery Furnaces dates:

Fri 09/10/04 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
Sat 09/11/04 Montreal, QC El Salon
Sun 09/12/04 Toronto, ON Mod Club
Tue 09/14/04 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Wed 09/15/04 Bloomington, IN Second Story
Fri 09/17/04 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
Sat 09/18/04 Minneapolis, MN 400 Bar
Sun 09/19/04 Madison, WI The Annex
Tue 09/21/04 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig
Wed 09/22/04 Columbus, OH Little Brother's
Thu 09/23/04 Pittsburgh, PA Modern Formations Gallery
Fri 09/24/04 Washington, DC Black Cat
Sat 09/25/04 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
Mon 09/27/04 Norfolk, VA The NorVa
Tue 09/28/04 Baltimore, MD Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Thu 09/30/04 Burlington, VT Burlington Memorial Aud.
Fri 10/01/04 Boston, MA Wang Center
Sun 10/03/04 Northampton, MA Calvin Theater
Tue 10/05/04 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
Wed 10/06/04 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
Sat 10/09/04 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
Tue 10/12/04 Seattle, WA Crocodile Cafe
Wed 10/13/04 Portland, OR Douglas Fir Lounge
Fri 10/15/04 San Francisco, CA Bottom Of The Hill
Sat 10/16/04 Los Angeles, CA Echo
Tue 10/19/04 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
Wed 10/20/04 Santa Fe, NM The Paramount
Fri 10/22/04 Austin, TX Emo's
Sun 10/24/04 Houston, TX The Proletariat
Mon 10/25/04 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jacks
Wed 10/27/04 Atlanta, GA Echo Lounge
Thu 10/28/04 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle
Fri 10/29/04 Baltimore, MD Ottobar
Sat 10/30/04 Philadelphia, PA The Khyber
Sun 10/31/04 Hoboken, NJ Maxwell's

Posted in music at 11:22 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 22, 2004

NY Times interviews Gallo

Republican, Brown Bunny, Buffallo 66, racist?, playing at Rothko Wednesday, Vincent Gallo is interviewed by the NY Times today.

There are so few right-wing actors like yourself, now that the generation of John Wayne has died off.
I agree with you. It is not an interesting group. But I would rather have dinner with Newt or Dick Armey than with Bruce Springsteen.

Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/22/magazine/22QUESTIONS.html

Funny:
http://www.movienavigator.org/brownbunny.htm

Posted in music at 1:44 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

BSS opens for the Pixies

It's official. Broken Social Scene opens for the Pixies on 12/14! nice.

Posted in at 1:09 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

More Upcoming NYC Shows

Here's some more good shows coming up that you might not know about yet including some exciting CMJ stuff.

The Von Bondies & Auf Der Maur at Irving Plaza on 9/27.

10,000 Maniacs on Pier 29 on 9/30.

The Killers, Ambulance Ltd, & Surferosa at Irving Plaza on 10/5 & 10/6.

The Secret Canadian CMJ Showcase featuring Antony & the Johnsons, Br. Danielson, Damien Jurado, Dolorean, Jason Molina & Magnolia Electric Co., Richard Buckner, and Windsor for the Derby at Coral Room on 10/13.

The Decemberists, French Kicks, Hidden Cameras & Miho Hatori of Cibo Matto at Bowery Ballroom on 10/13.

Cee-Lo at BB King's on 10/13.

Kanye West & Usher at MSG on 10/13.

Absolutely Kosher CMJ Showcase: The Wrens, Jukeboxer, The Court & Spark, The Dead Science, Pidgeon on 10/13.

CMJ Fat Wreck Nite featuring The Bouncing Souls, Avail, Dilinger Four, Strike Anywhere, None More Black, and The Soviettes on 10/15.

Holly Golightly at Mercury Lounge on 10/15.

And The Decemberists again at Maxwells on October 16th. (yes, they're also playing at Webster Hall on Sept. 26th)

Ministry and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult at BB King's on 10/19 & 10/20.

Al Green at the Apollo Theater on 10/21 and the Beacon Theater on 10/23.

The Blood Brothers and Against Me! at Bowery Ballroom on 10/25.

Rasputina at BB Kings on Halloween.

Posted in music at 12:15 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 21, 2004

Sondre Lerche playing Southpaw

Tickets are on sale for Sondre Lerche at Southpaw on October 19th. This one is sure to sell out.

Other notable shows coming up at Southpaw:

8/24 Brant Bjork (formerly of Kyuss)
9/10 Canderia
9/13 Sahara Hotnights
9/24 Madlib
10/7 Mountain Goats & John Vanderslice

Posted in music at 4:06 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Sufjan, Joanna, Devendra, Vetiver

Listen to Sufjan Stevens Live on WNYC.

The Daily Californian reviews Sufjan and Joanna Newswom at The Great American.

Soundburner reviews Joanna Newsom in London.

Watch the Joanna Newsom video for "Sprout and Bean."

"The Golden Apples of the Sun," the limited edition 20-track compilation of contemporary new folk music curated by Devendra Banhart and released by Arthur's Bastet imprint, recently sold out of its initial pressing of 1,000 copies. A second pressing of 1,000 copies will be available starting from September 1, 2004. (Yes, second edition copies will be marked as such.) You can place an order for this CD, that features Joanna Newsom, White Magic, Vetiver, Hope Sandoval, Iron & Wine, and Antony, now.

Read an interview with Vetiver on Free Williamsburg.

Download Vetiver MP3s at Midheaven Mailorder.

Posted in music at 11:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Sonic Youth at Webster Hall

Sonic Youth rocked Webster Hall last week.

TIP: For those seeing shows at Webster Hall. The bands really do go on at the times they post unlike Mercury Lounge where you can just add 30 minutes to the advertised time.

I got there right after White Magic finished. I was looking forward to seeing them. Oh well. Sonic Youth lived up to their legend status with a powerful set. I had a press pass, and got a lot of great pics.

Someone else posted pics too.

Sonic Youth at Webster Hall

Posted in music | pictures at 10:59 AM | Comments (22) | TrackBack

Rilo Kiley & Bloc Party tix on sale

Tickets for Rilo Kiley at Bowery Ballroom are now on sale. (Thanks Central Village)

And while you're at Ticketweb, you can also now pick up tickets for Bloc Party at Knitting Factory.

Bloc Party is also supposed to play Filter 14 the night before (Sept. 29). I'm not sure if that's possible since Filter 14 closed a month ago.

If you haven't already, check out the Bloc Party video at NME.

Posted in music at 2:10 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

August 20, 2004

Burlesque against Bush

Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad

Here's a really great event happening this Thursday that I won't be able to go to:

Burlesque Against Bush! TWO FLOORS at the Knitting Factory

Mr. Murray Hill hosts the show in the Main Space

starring
The World Famous Pontani Sisters
Dirty Martini
Miss Delirium Tremens
The Dazzle Dancers
Lukki, The Great Fire of Chicago
Tigger
Fritzi Collins
Little Brooklyn
Torchy Taboo

music by
Les Sans Culottes
Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers
Yoke

and DJ Meat Mistress

and in the Tap Room:
Goddess Perlman presents Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad!
with music by The Booty Olympics

Thurs., August 26, 2004
Doors open at 7:30pm

$15 online
$20 at door
1 price gets you admission to both floors!

Location: Knitting Factory, Main Space
74 Leonard Street
New York, NY 10013

Link:
http://www.concertsforchange.org/kintera_show.php?id=12

Posted in music at 12:52 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Killers Kiley, Franz Ferdinand, Scissor Sisters, Malin more

Thanks for bearing with me as I update this site from PMachine to Movable Type.
----------------------------------------------------------

Listen to the new Killers single and watch the new Killers video on this The Killers e-card.

The Killers join The Scissor Sisters, Secret Machines, Jesse Malin, and Franz Ferdinand on VH1's you oughta know.

You oughta know Rilo Kiley.
Northeastern Pennsylvania likes the new Rilo Kiley album. They like it more than Pitchfork, but not as much as Largehearted Boy.
E Online almost really really likes it, while Stereogum really really really likes it.
Pick up the CD at Amazon for $12.95 or download it for only $4.99.
Listen to some of it here.
See them here.

Franz Ferdinand are too sexy for their art.

Jesse Malin plays Bowery Ballroom in September.

Secret Machines on Carson Daly Monday.

If you weren't in Russia this past Saturday, well then you definitely missed the Scissor Sisters. They're the flambouyant act that got their start in NYC clubs, much like John Cameron Mitchell did with his own flambouyant act, Hedwig.

Now John Cameron Mitchell (with Moby's help) is making "a comedy with real live sex taking place on camera."

I thought someone already did that. Brown Bunny opens at Landmark Sunshine Cinema on August 27th. Those of you with tickets to see Vincent Gallo and Sean Lennon perform at Rothko on Wednesday, also have a ticket to that movie.

What are you doing this Saturday? Here's an idea from Ticketweb. Bring Teddy & your toothbrush, sleepwear, pajamas, undies, thongs, naked, lingerie, boxers, silk etc. (Bring naked?)

You can stop looking now. Paris found her dog.

Posted in music at 1:30 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 18, 2004

The Fall of the Republicans - The Vomitorium

Vomitorium

Vomitorium 2004 was a huge success. Hundreds of people, including many random passerbys, lined up along 2nd avenue in front of the St Marks Church to watch the Roman style bachelor party. The performance took place outside in front of the church - on the steps, and part of the large sidewalked area in front of them. There were Roman republicans partying it up orgy style, while all the time touting the benefits of war, controlling the people, and keeping the peasants poor, ignorant, and in fear. It was a left-wing event if there ever was one.

It wasn't the politics that got people cheering though. It was the naked people, body painted and acting like statues, the hookers, the fire twirlers, the gluttony, and most of all the loud, puking Romans (rich Republicans). The Roman actors gorged themselves with food (donated by various local restaurants like Kate's Joint and Sanctuary), and puked, and ate some more, and puked, and downed large amounts of alcohol and puked and puked...all before your very eyes. The larger the puke, the louder the cheer.

I didn't think I was going to be able to handle it, but went anyway because one of my friends was a puker. It ended up being a lot better than I thought. Actually, it was fun. For a while I had the front-row center position, which proved extremely dangerous when the giant container of puke almost spilled over into the crowd. Standing about a foot away from the the fire-lit hula hooper wasn't the smartest thing I ever did either.

The point of it all? Mainly to compare current American society with the fall of the Romans, and to mix it up a little before the RNC.

Vomitorium2004 was also the official kick-off of the East Village Howl Festival. I think they said they've got over 400 events scheduled for the next week, including The Three Terrors.

Check out their site for more info.

And for more on the history of the Vomitorium, read Kate Moss' History of Vomitorium Crockery.

Vomitorium

Posted in NYC | general | pictures at 2:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Quickies

Pure Volume has a new Motion City Soundtrack track from their upcoming split with Matchbook Romance. If you haven't heard them before, check out the five songs from their older albums too.

BODY COUNT guitarist D-Roc (real name Dennis Miles) passed away Tuesday morning (August 17) at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, California after a battle with mycosis fungolis, which attacks the lymph nodes and the skin. The band will reportedly go ahead with their previously announced appearances in Boston and New York with substitute guitarist Bendrix Williams (MACY GRAY, PITCH BLACK).

BODY COUNT, the metal/punk band fronted by legendary rapper Ice T, recently announced plans to record their first album in seven years, tentatively titled "Murder for Hire".

The Decemberists are recording "Lady Waters and the Hooded One" for an upcoming Robyn Hitchcock tribute album.

Tickets go on sale Friday for Brian Wilson (from the Beach Boys) performing Smile at Carnegie Hall on October 12th and 13th.

Tickets for both of Guided by Voices' last NY shows ever at Irving Plaza go on sale Saturday. You can also catch them for free with Ambulance Ltd tomorrow night at Pier 54.

Have you seen Paris' Chihuahua?

Posted in music at 9:35 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 17, 2004

Quickies

MTV reviews The Killers at Bowery Ballroom.

The side project of Kenny and Johnny from Brooklyn's own Type O Negative - a rock three piece with Rob from Dust to Dust has dropped the name Skynd and will be using Black Water Rising. stay tuned for song samples in the upcoming weeks and a band website at blackwaterrising.com (not active yet).

Life of Agony (also from Brooklyn) has "compiled a Quicktime Video clip of some funny moments on our recent European Summer Tour set to Green Day's 'Time of Your Life' "

Speaking of Green Day, they'll be playing Irving Plaza on Sept. 21st. Tickets are not on sale yet.

Also coming up at Irving Plaza is Les Savy Fav with Smoke and Smoke and Detachment Kit on September 7th. Tickets are still on sale. Stay tuned to the French Kiss Records site for details of the afterparty.

Smoke and Smoke has got some songs to download, and so does Detachment Kit.

Posted in music at 11:05 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

Watch people vomit for free tonight

Vomitorium 2004 Make Room For More

A response to the New and Improved American Empire Vomitorium2004 is a theatrical performance, modeled after the opulent parties of the Roman Empire, where guests will engage in consuming astounding amounts of food, and when stuffed to the limit, vomit so that they may gorge themselves again and again. For one evening we will transport the participants and audience to those long-gone days in order to reflect on the fate that eventually befell the Roman Empire, and heed the warning signs of history repeating in the current decline of the American Republic.

August 17th, 2004 @ 7pm
Location:St. Marks Church in the Bowery (2nd Ave between 10th & 11th St.), FREE to the Public

Vomitorium2004 is the Opening Night Kick Off Event for HOWL Festival AVANT GARDEN Series

This is not a joke or an act. Real people (including one of my 'crazy' friends) will be vomiting before your very eyes. Expect some nudity too.

More info:
http://www.vomitorium2004.org/

Posted in general at 1:54 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 16, 2004

Quickies

Coming soon to a bookstore near you. Tommyland by Tommy Lee. You can put it on your shelf right next to Star by Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock (guitar tabs) by Kid Rock.

Speaking of Tommy Lee, he'll be rejoining Motley Crue for one more tour.

Why didn't anyone tell me that Keane was playing a free show at Roseland tonight? :(

Look at pictures from Little Steven's Underground Garage Festival.

Listen to Destroyer on CBCRadio3.com.

Miller Beer's '50th Anniversary Of Rock' Missing One Thing: Black Artists.

And Finally. You can sleep with Elvis.

Posted in music at 11:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Queens animal shelter saved!

The Queens animal shelter, that was about to closed for good this week, is back thanks to generous donations and a lot of press.

"Concerned animal lovers have already pitched in $10,000 to save the 13-year-old shelter.

Verizon has also agreed to let the shelter pay its delinquent bills over time, allowing the pet haven to remain open. "

Story Here:
http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/28949.htm

Adopt a pet of your own:
http://www.petfinder.com

Posted in animals at 8:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Izzy RIP

My brother's 2 year old Pug, Izzy, was struck by a car last week. :-( Izzy, we'll miss you.

Izzy the Pug

Posted in animals at 12:28 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Bjork's style, Secret Machines' label, & a Garage Festival review

Three from the NY Times:

a. Bjork of the North: She's the queen of indie fashion, and on the occasion of her latest album, she agreed to show us her style.

b. Warner Brothers Records pulled out all the stops recently to promote a rock band, the Secret Machines, on the Internet. But there is one stop that might have been better left unpulled.

c. The event was Little Steven's Underground Garage Festival, a 12-hour celebration of rock 'n' roll nostalgia, headlined by Iggy Pop and the Stooges.

Posted in music at 1:58 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

August 15, 2004

Reid Paley opening

Reid Paley is opeing for the Pixies at, at least, two of their six NYC shows in December. Who exactly is Reid Paley and what is he doing opening for the Pixies?

According to wayne-wise.com:

Reid Paley is something of a legend in the Pittsburgh punk scene. In the 1980?s he fronted a band called The Five. After relocating to Boston, The Five found themselves in a burgeoning Alternative music scene. Bands like The Pixies and Throwing Muses used to open for them.

The Seattle Weekly:

Right now, my favorite drinking album is Revival (on emusic), the second full-length by Reid Paley. The gruff Brooklyn bourbon-drinker sounds far from shocked by this disclosure.

This self-described "grizzled old gunslinger" started his career in Pittsburgh in the early '80s. He relocated to Boston, where his old band the Five shared bills with the Pixies; it was his buddy Frank Black who finally kicked Paley's ass back into the saddle after a long sabbatical

Frank Black, who produced Paley's first solo album, weighs in on the subject:

Years ago Reid Paley and I were neighbors, both struggling but not starving musicians (let me say straight out Reid is a fine cook) in a city called Boston.

But is Reid as good a musician as he is a cook?
Not according to triptronix.net (who saw Reid open for Frank Black):

they were better than the losers of the second opening band, the Reid Paley Trio. We at Bleahh respect Frank Black and believe him when he says that Reid Paley is a great guy. And he may be a great performer, but if so he sent his understudy last night, who is not a great performer. His understudy is a guy who doesn?t know when to shut up between songs, who?s been on the road too long acting the Brooklyn Guy and forgets when he plays Brooklyn that people don?t necessarily dig the caricature

Ouch. Luckily, other critics have much nicer things to say about him. You can read those reviews, listen to samples, and buy his albums at CD Baby, and make sure to catch him live at Hammerstein Ballroom this December.

Posted in music at 11:49 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Don't Buy the Turtles

Chinatown turtles

Anyone who's walked through Chinatown at least once, has probably noticed the buckets of miniature, baby turtles for sale. This cruel practice of shoving too many (soon to be dead) turtles in a bucket is not only disgusting, it's illegal. Don't support the turtle sellers. Leave the turtles there.

If you really want a turtle, you can adopt one who actually lived long enough to be abandoned.

The Chicago Sun Times reported today:

"Rescue groups say that, along with New York's Chinatown, Myrtle Beach is one of the largest sources for illegal turtles sold on the East Coast.

Myrtle Beach police recently raided five beachwear stores and seized 200 red-eared sliders, which found a new home at Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach.

Federal law prohibits the sale of any turtle with a shell smaller than 4 inches. The law was written to prevent the spread of salmonella to small children but conservationists say it also protects the turtles."

Story Link:
Groups urge restraint in buying illegal turtles

Posted in animals at 8:53 PM | Comments (60) | TrackBack

August 14, 2004

Reading Listening

NPR's Talk of the Nation discusses The Business Behind Summer Concerts.

Gothamist interviews the owner of Luna Lounge. (via central village)

Play Fantasy Rock Stars.

Pitchfork interviews Sufjan Stevens.

Brooklyn bands from opposite sides of the universe, Type O Negative & They Might Be Giants, play Irving Plaza in October. (not on the same night!)

Posted in music at 6:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Xiu Xiu Xiu Xiu

Xiu Xiu DJ

Last Saturday night, August 7th, I got a double dose of Xiu Xiu, sort of.

The night started late with a 1am show at Knitting Factory. I got there just in time to see Xiu Xiu and record them from the balcony. Xiu Xiu has an open taping policy, and my last recording of them at Tonic is available for free download in FLAC format at the Internet Archive, and as MP3s on a Xiu Xiu fansite.

They played a great show minus the numerous technical difficulties that caused super sized delays in between the songs.

misshapes flyer

After Knitting Factory, it was off to Misshapes, where Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu was spinning with James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins, John Cameron Mitchell of Hedwig, and melody nelson. I was excited to see John Cameron Mitchell play, but I missed him. I've been a huge Hedwig fan since the days of the Jane Street Theatre production.

Greg K was spinnign when I got there(?). He was followed by Jamie, who played an amazing set. I would say a bit more about what he played, but I'm having trouble remembering exactly... I know it was a mix of everything back to oldies from the 50's including slow songs thrown in for a perfect end to a late Saturday night.

Misshapes has pictures posted from the night.

Posted in music at 6:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 13, 2004

Pixies Tixies

The 6th Pixies Hammerstein Ballroom date is on sale right now. GO before it's too late!
8/14 Update: It's too late.

I managed to get tickets for the 15th and 16th. I have a few extras if anyone wants to trade for the 11th, 12th, 13th or 14th.
(I don't know how many I can handle, but I wouldn't mind having my options open when the dates get closer.)

Hammerstein dates:
DEC 11 TV On the Radio, reid paley opening
DEC 12 the datsuns, reid paley opening
DEC 13 mission of burma opening
DEC 14
DEC 15
DEC 16

Posted in music at 3:58 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Black I mean White Magic on Friday the 13th

New York's own "neo folk" band White Magic open for Sonic Youth at Webster Hall tonight. That's not surprising since White Magic vocalist, Mira Billotte, was previously a member of the band Quix*o*tic, who toured with Sonic Youth in the past.

White Magic rightfully share a label with Will Oldham, Faun Fables, and Joanna Newsom. On September 25th they'll share a stage with The Fiery Furnaces. They appear on Golden Apples of the Sun, "a compilation of current underground folk music, as selected by Devendra Banhart." And in a cosmic Friday the 13th coincidence, they got their very first (single song) Pitchfork review...today. (4 stars!). I'm impressed.

As if all that wasn't magical enough, Louisville, Kentucy band, Magik Markers, will be opening the sold out show tonight.

- 9:30 -
Sonic Youth
- 8:30 -
White Magic
- 7:30 -
Magik Markers

More White Magic Links:
Buy their album
Kitty Magik Interview
Dusted Review
Jenyk Pics

Posted in music at 9:50 AM | Comments (23) | TrackBack

August 12, 2004

Murphy's Law - A 3 Hour Tour

murphys law

Last night's Rocks Off Concert Cruise with New York City Hardcore legends, Murphy's Law, was one of the craziest and fun times I've had in a while. The 200 capacity 'Half Moon' is "2-level boat, with a full bar and bathrooms on the lower level. The band plays on the upper level, which has a roof, but is open on the sides. There is also a large open deck on the upper level, where smoking is permitted as you enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond."

The boat left at 8:00 from 23rd st and the FDR. We got there a half hour early. It was the height of a thunderstorm, and I wasn't sure if they could really bring a boat out on the east river while the sky was filled with lightning. It didn't seem to phase anyone though. The boat quickly filled with the largest group of New York hardcores I've seen in a while. Tattoos, muscles, piercings, and short skirts were in abundance. And so were pirates. The band and many in attendance turned out in full pirate attire....turning the Half Moon into the Black Pearl.

crowd surfing
The weather just ended up adding to the fun as Murphy's Law played for over an hour...sailing under the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Willamsburg bridges and around the Statue of Liberty. Being in a crowded boat in the middle of a storm didn't stop the moshing or crowdsurfing, and in true Murphy's Law fashion, the alcohol was flowing freely. Their set was filled with classics like Cavity Creeps, Wall of Death, and Quest for Herb.

New York Hardcore Cake
It was vocalist, Jimmy Gestapo's 39th birthday. Happy Birthday was played and sang again later at the bar. There was cake and candles.

Rocks Off Cruise View
After they stopped playing, the rain had stopped, and the outside deck quickly filled up as we made our way back to the dock. The views of the skyline and The Watchtower made for great scenery previously only experienced on The Circle Line.

If you get the chance, check out a Rocks Off Cruise. They have another boat too. It's bigger and runs on the West Side. They're definitely one of NYC's most unique concert experiences. Schedule here.

Posted in music | pictures at 6:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

No gay marriages or governors

In related news....

unfortunately:
Californian court annuls gay marriages

and

strangely:
N.J. governor, saying he?s gay, resigns office
reacharound

Posted in general at 5:21 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Goliath

goliath

Posted in goliath at 3:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Onelinedrawing is "breaking up"... new website

Jonah Matranga has announced that Onelinedrawing is "breaking up."

"Only I could break up a solo project. Really, though, it seems right. It feels more free to just play stuff from any ol' band. I never thought the names / labels mattered much anyway."

He's also launched a new website, jonahmatranga.com, to add to his long roster of URLs.

Those in Sacramento can catch him at a free park concert tomorrow.
According to CMJ's website, those of us in NYC will have the chance to see him in October (as Onelinedrawing).

His new website features a streaming music player with different songs from various parts of his career.

Link:
Audio Player

Posted in music at 12:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Quickies

The first two Pixies show sold out in negative ten seconds. I didn't get tickets. :(

I did get some tickets for the second Wilco show at Radio City though. I think tickets are still available.

Why does Bowery Ballroom list Rilo Kiley as playing on October 6th and 7th, but their official tour dates say October 7th and 8th? Third date going to be added? When are tickets going on sale?

Why are Bloc Party tickets still not on sale?

"The Band Formerly Known as Satanicide" ??? play The Delancey on August 21st with Slunt and Old Money. Has Devlin Mayhem left the band? What will Laura Bush think?

The Decemberists never stop touring. Here are their unannounced upcoming tour dates:

September 2004
22 - Champaign, IL @ High Dive
23 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Calvin Coolidge
24 - Cleveland, OH @ Beechland Ballroom
25 - Clinton, NY @ Hamilton College
26 - Baltimore, MD @ Recher Theater
27 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
28 - Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street
29 - Montreal, QUE @ La Sala Rossa (Pop Montreal
Festival)
October 2004
14 - Burlington, VT @ Club Metronome
15 - Portland, ME @ Big Easy
17 - Columbus, OH @ Little Brother's
18 - Galesburg, IL @ Knox College
19 - St Louis, MO @ Blueberry Hills Duck Room
20 - Columbia, MO @ Blue Note
21 - Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot
22 - Norman, OK @ Opolis

Posted in music at 11:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 11, 2004

Libertines Pre-sale

This Friday will be a very special pre-sale for The Libertines return to
NYC, October 12 at Webster Hall.
Friday August 13 Noon EST will be a special pre-sale, the TicketWeb password is "king" :

Link:
http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?region=nyc&query=detail&event=536540&interface=

Posted in music at 5:21 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Natural Pet Fair & Adoptable Pet Parade

In Defense of Animals (IDA) and Bodhi Tree Festivals Present the Natural Pet Fair and Adopt-a-thon

Saturday, September 18th
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Winston Salem School, 4 W. 76th Street off Central Park West
Free. Leashed dogs welcome.

The adoptable dog parade is at noon, and at 1:00 they'll be presenting awards to various celebrities and animal activists including Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Grant Alexander (a soap opera star), and Ed Boks.

Link:
Natural Pet Fair

Posted in animals at 2:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Quickies

The Fiery Furnaces are opening for Wilco at Radio City Music Hall on October 5th. (Anyone have an extra ticket?).

Tickets for The Fiery Furnaces show at Bowery Ballroom are still not sold out. I'm surprised considering all the hype they're generating

Tickets for The Scissor Sisters at Irving Plaza are sold out. It's fun to watch them rising.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for a 2nd Wilco gig at Radio City. Hopefully The Fiery Furnaces will open that show too. They don't have anything else booked that day.

Tickets also go on sale tommorow for the first two dates of the Pixies at Hammerstein Ballroom.
12/12 with The Datsuns
12/13 with Mission of Burma

TV on the Radio are opening for The Pixies at the yet unannounced 12/11 show. TVOTR also plays Irving Plaza on 10/15 and Webster Hall on 10/16 with The Faint during CMJ.

Tickets are already on sale for the second Franz Ferdinand date at Roseland.

Sonic Youth this Friday is sold out.

Posted in music at 1:40 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 10, 2004

The Zutons at Mercury Lounge

I got back from the early (7:45) Zutons show at Mercury Lounge a few hours ago. They played an excellent, but short, 35 minute set. They aren't the most original band around...their songs all seem like something you've heard before, but they are really good and put on a great show. I liked them live more than I like their album. Strangely, all five members can sing. They proved that during one of the best moments of the show when they all sang at the same time.

The Zutons are up for (but won't win) this year's Mercury Prize. One of the cool things about living in NYC is you get to see popular artists from other countries in small venues before (if ever) anyone ever hears of them here. Last week their recent tour mates, Dogs Die in Hot Cars, also played Mercury Lounge (opening for Morningwood and Baby). Dogs Die in Hot Cars were ok, but I couldn't get into a lot of their songs. Morningwood stole that show.

The Zutons are opening for the Thrills at Irving Plaza on Sept. 16th.
Dogs Die in Hot Cars will be performing somewhere in NYC during CMJ.

Posted in music | pictures at 11:52 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

CMJ Performers announced

Performers for the NYC CMJ Music Marathon have been announced.

Confirmed Performers:
AESOP ROCK, AVAIL, BATTLES, BOUNCING SOULS, BUMBLEBEEZ 81, CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN, CLINIC, CLOUDDEAD, CONCRETES, CONSTANTINES, CUT COPY, DECEMBERISTS, FAINT, HELIO SEQUENCE, HOPE OF THE STATES, MIKE WATT AND THE SECONDMEN, PEDRO THE LION, PINBACK, Q AND NOT U, RJD2, SONIC YOUTH, SPARTA, TED , LEO/PHARMACISTS, TRAIL OF DEAD, TV ON THE RADIO, VHS OR BETA, ALICE DONUT, AN ALBATROSS, ANTONY AND THE JOHNSONS, BAD WIZARD, BEEP BEEP, BROKEN SPINDLES, CATHETERS, COACHWHIPS, COMMUNIQUE, DECAHEDRON , DILLINGER FOUR, DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS, EARLIMART, EL GUAPO , ENGINE DOWN, EUGENE MIRMAN, FRAUSDOTS, FRENCH KICKS, GEM, GOLDEN REPUBLIC , GOOD LIFE, HELLA, HIDDEN CAMERAS, HOLLY, GOLIGHTLY, IMPOSSIBLE SHAPES, JENS LEKMAN, JUANA MOLINA, KINGSBURY MANX, LASHES, MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO., MARY TIMONY , MATES OF STATE, MEASLES MUMPS RUBELLA, MR AIRPLANE MAN, NICOLAI DUNGER, NONE MORE BLACK, OIL, ON!AIR!LIBRARY!, ONELINEDRAWING, ROGUE WAVE, SALLY TIMMS, SCOUT NIBLETT, SON, AMBULANCE, SONDRE LERCHE , SONS, AND DUAGHTERS, SOVIETTES , STRATFORD 4, STRIKE ANYWHERE, SUBTLE , SUFJAN STEVENS, SUNNO, SWEARING AT MOTORISTS, TARA JANE O'NEIL , THERMALS, THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES, TWINEMEN, VOICST, WE REGAZZI, WHIRLWIND HEAT, WITNESSES, WOLF MOTHER, WRENS, ZZZ

Link:
http://www.cmj.com/marathon/showcase.php

Posted in music at 10:39 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Preview three Gratitude songs

Jonah Matranga of Far, New End Original, and Onelinedrawing has started a new band called Gratitude. Well, actually it appears that Atlantic records started the band, since Gratitude came out of nowhere with a major label record contract. They've never played a show or released even a demo, but anyway...

In preparation for their first single, Atlantic is asking street team members to rate three songs. To listen to them, you can register for the street team and login here:
http://members.streetwise.com/index.php?destination=/gratitude/GratitudeFirstSingle.php

OR, you can listen to the songs without logging in by clicking on these links right here:
Drive Away
Feel Alright
All in a Row

Posted in music at 7:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Queens Animal Shelter Needs Your Help

The NY Post reports:

"Fifty cats and dogs could die next week if a Queens animal shelter can't scrounge up the cash to pay its phone company.

Unable to collect a $17,777.20 debt for several years worth of phone-book advertisements, Verizon officials said they were forced to obtain a court order demanding the money.

City marshals then informed the American Foundation for Animal Rescue ? which operates the Queens Community Animal Shelter on Eliot Avenue in Rego Park ? that unless the debt is paid in full by Aug. 18, they would bolt the doors and sell its assets ? including the animals ? at auction. "

Rest of the story here:
http://nypost.com/news/regionalnews/28831.htm

Why not help the shelter, yourself, and an animal in need all at the same time?
Petfinder.com lists some of the animals currently up for adoption at this shelter:
http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=1&pet.Shelterid=NY353&preview=1

Posted in animals at 6:24 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

August 9, 2004

Goliath

Posted in goliath | pictures at 9:24 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

RIP Goga

At the end of June, one of my favorite (and closest) vegetarian restaurants closed it's doors for good. I?m sorry to see you go goga. "Goga Caf頡nd Vegetarian Lounge" was located on Court St in Carrol Gardens, Brooklyn.

goga
goga

Posted in veggie at 3:20 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Decemberists cover Joanna Newsom

What more could I ask for? One favorite artist covers another favorite artist. Today's MP3 is a live recording of The Decemberists covering Joanna Newsom's Bridges and Balloons.

Download:
Bridges and Balloons

Posted in music at 2:32 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack

August 8, 2004

Other Passengers

Other Passengers
pic via camera phone

Friday night I checked out Other Passengers at Plaid (formerly Spa, and before that Life). Plaid became famous in March when Courtney Love bashed a fan in the head with her mic stand.

It was the first time I saw Other Passengers. I wanted to check them out after reading lots of good things, and I wasn't dissapointed. It was one of the loudest shows I've been to in a while (I took another year off my hearing life), but it was well worth it. It was so loud you couldn't even hear the hip hop that was blaring from the room next door. They played an amazing set to the crowd of about 50. The free demos they were giving out were a nice bonus to the free admission. Definitely check them out if you get a chance. They aren't signed YET.

Download:
Theendisthebeginningistheend...
In the belly
Invitation to the City

Posted in music at 9:18 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack