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December 31, 2004
Tinkle 2004 @ Pianos, NYC | Wilco | Pics
If you weren't at Pianos in NYC tonight (30th December 2004) for the David Cross, Todd Barry, Eugene Mirman, Paul Tomkins, and Fred Armisen comedy show, otherwise known as Tinkle, then you missed special musical guest Wilco play three songs to a crowd of about 100.
The show was great. I would have preferred if Wilco played a few more songs, and perhaps even their own songs instead of covers, but it was still pretty cool. The comedy was overall hilarious.
Dear Todd Barry, I hope you like my blog entry. Dear Jon Benjamin, I'm sorry you couldn't make it to the show. I hope your stomach ailment passed quickly. Wilco is in town to headline Madison Square Garden on New Years Eve with Flaming Lips and Sleater-Kinney.
I hope to post the rest of the photos some day soon. For now, I need rest.
Read more @ Daily Refill and @ Dan Dickinson's blog
Posted in music at 3:09 AM | Comments (20) | TrackBack
December 30, 2004
There's More to Life Than Music | 2004
Curbed presents The 2004 Curbed Awards. Real Estate; Restaurants and Retail; and, tomorrow, Neighborhoods.
The Village Voice posted their 6th annual film critics's poll, aka what movies you should rent next year.
PETA presents the Proggy awards, which recognize animal-friendly achievement in 21st century culture and commerce.
The National Press Photographers Association has The Best of Still Photojournalism 2004
The Webby Awards lists the best websites of 2004. iTunes, KEXP, and carstuckgirls are among the winners.
Google posted the top searches in 2004.
Time Magazine names George Bush person of the year. Note: Hitler, Stalin, Arafat, and Nixon have all been past winners of the same title.
NPR allows you to stream the program where they discuss the best business books of 2004.
Amazon lists the best books of 2004.
The Las Vegas Review Journal lists the best quotes of 2004.
Ad Rants links to the best in advertising.
Fleshbot has the best of babelogs (NSFW)
Gawker has links to the year in fashion and books.
Had enough top ten lists yet? That's the question Gothamist is asking.
Posted in NYC | books | general | music | veggie at 1:42 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Jesse Malin @ LIT Tonight
Jesse Malin, who's playing Maxwells on New Years Eve, is playing a special benefit show tonight at LIT. Long time NYC Malin fans are used to seeing him play in small venues, but given that his last show here was at Irving Plaza, and Bowery Ballroom before that, this one will be pretty special. A.R.E. Weapons, Sex Slaves, Fresh Kills, and Satan Sleep open. $10
'This is a benefit show for a sweet lady named Erin who was in a severe car accident and can't walk for the next six months. The bands heard about her mounting hospital bills and decided to do something about it. For $2 more there is a raffle with prizes from Tripp Clothing, Agitha, a photo shoot by Robert Calderone and many more surprises.'
Tonight is also the sold out Tinkle Comedy show at Pianos, !!! @ Mercury Lounge, Patti Smith @ Bowery Ballroom, H20 @ Knitting Factory, and Maceo Parker @ Irving Plaza.
Previously
H2O 10th Anniversary Show @ Knitting Factory
Posted in music at 10:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 29, 2004
Billboard 2004 | The Year in Music
Billboard.com's annual Year In Music retrospective
Previously
Its almost 2005, More Best of 2004 Lists
Posted in music at 4:17 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Its almost 2005, More Best of 2004 Lists
Stereogum posted his top 14. What's with Dungen? I don't get it.
The Blank Generation has got 30 pics with serious write-ups. Give it up for Joanna.
ArtistDirect's editors pick their favorites for 2004. Have you checked out Canada's K-os yet? This is not the first list he/they appear on.
Arjan lists the seven best albums of 2004 and then the seven worst albums of 2004.
FFwd lists their top 10 Net only releases. (via largehearted boy)
ej flavors lists the essential cds of 2004 (via largehearted boy)
Jam lists their top 10 albums of 2004. (via largehearted boy)
rants, rock and reason lists their top nine albums.
Major Leaguer lists ten.
Previously
Music Critic Ken Tucker: Best Pop of 2004 | Stream
Best Albums of 2004. We Continue
Arcade Fire Takes the Crown From the Rapture
Posted in music at 1:24 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Leslie Feist Update
According to numerous disgruntled readers, Leslie Feist and Buck 65 are NOT engaged. Buck is engaged, but not to Leslie.
Listen to a Feist streetside studio performance at JustConcerts.com. (via largehearted boy)
Previously
Leslie Feist Rumor Mill | Massive Attack, Buck 65
Posted in music at 1:20 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The Hold Steady Playing Mercury Lounge
Recently hyped, the Hold Steady are playing Mercury Lounge on January 19th. Tickets.
Previously
Best Albums of 2004. We Continue
Other Passengers New EP & More Good Local Music
Posted in music at 1:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 28, 2004
Tsunami | How You Can Help
CNN International provided the following list of agencies raising funds for Tsunami victims.
Action Against Hunger (212-967-7800) -- www.actionagainsthunger.org -- The agency says it's raised $8,000 so far in the U.S. Anne-Sophie Fournier, AAH's New York Executive Director, told CNN that there are about 15 ex-pats working in Sri Lanka, and more volunteers are on the way to Thailand and Indonesia.
Air Serv International (540-428-2323) -- www.airserv.org -- The agency is working with U.S. and European government agencies to begin relief flights into Sri Lanka, southeast India and Maldives as early as Wednesday.
American Jewish World Service (212-736-2597) -- www.ajws.org -- The agency said it has raised nearly $200,000 through phone and Internet contributions and is working with its 24 project partners around the world on relief efforts. The relief agency told CNN it has found local shopkeepers whose shops weren't destroyed and asked them to make donations until more supplies arrive.
Direct Relief International (805-964-4767) -- www.directrelief.org -- The agency said shipping giant FedEx Corp. has offered free air freight services. It has also asked consumer products maker Johnson & Johnson to match donations.
Plan USA (800-556-7918) -- www.planusa.org -- The agency has been working to raise money for food, shelter and clean water with about 100 staffers in Sri Lanka working with people on the ground. Hugh Minor, spokesman for Plan USA, said the response has been positive, with one individual donating $50,000.
Project Hope (800-544-4673) -- www.projecthope.org -- The agency has sent medical supplies and medicines to Thailand and Indonesia. Project Hope said it's received offers of medical supplies and individual donations but did not specify a dollar figure.
World Emergency Relief (760-930-8001) -- www.worldemergencyrelief.org -- The agency has shipped 5,000 pounds of sheets, blankets and food to Columbo, Sri Lanka and sent 250 boxes from England with food, hygiene supplies and tents. The agency plans to ship 300,000 pounds more food within the next week, mostly to Thailand.
Posted in general at 3:51 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 26, 2004
Happy Kwanzaa
Check out this site to find out more about Kwanzaa which starts today.
Gothamist links to some Kwanzaa events in NYC.
Check out Oh My Rockness for show listings.
Holy redesign. Check out Largehearted Boy for music to download.
Explore NY with Forgotten NY.
Posted in NYC | music at 4:31 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 25, 2004
More Music to Celebrate Jesus's Birthday With
The above image of Rankin/Bass characters is from a T-Shirt available at E-bay
By now, you might be all Christmasted out. Maybe not. If not, here's a whole bunch more links for your holiday listening pleasure. Merry Christmas.
Jason Zada has an entire 'Very Rare Holiday Album' available for download. Includes songs by Beck, The Cocteau Twins, and Porky Pig. (via The Glenn Case Blog)
Webfroot posted a 20 minute Christmas special 'podcast' along with some Christmas MP3s. Hear the 12 days of Christmas pirate style.
The Bob Narley show has some MP3 Christmas Comedy & Parody Songs for download. (with more parody songs here) (via bob's blog post)
Get a Steve Martin and Paul Simon Christmas track from SNL, courtesy of lafave's livejournal.
The following two links are both from Chromewaves's Christmas post.
Download eight Christmas songs by Sufjan Stevens, courtesy of drop7.com
'For the Records' posted a Christmas mix for partial download.
'For the Records' then led me to the next six links
Sound clips from one of my favorite movies, A Christmas Story.
Christmas songs for download @ Music For Robots.
a Bright Eyes Christmas song from Optimus Crime.
Download the entire Snowden Christmas EP (originally via the post by Jen at Gothamist in which I had this to say)
Womenfolk has a bunch of Christmas MP3s by women.
Good Rockin' Tonight posted a Ramones christmas song for download.
Need a way to kill more time while sitting here and listening to all this music? Head over to Thighs Wide Shut for a multitude of linkage.
By the way, I'm not even Christian. go figure.
Previously
Holiday Music 2004 | Merry Chrismukkah
Sufjan, Joanna, Devendra, Vetiver
Posted in music at 5:43 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 24, 2004
Band Aid | Banned Aid
Merry Christmas
Buy the CD: Band Aid 20, Do they Know It's Christmas
Banned Aid trashes Band Aid 20 (NSFW)
The original, Band Aid
And an article from the BBC: Band Aid is 'top festive moment'
Posted in music at 9:23 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Holiday Music 2004 | Merry Chrismukkah
I'm a huge fan of holiday music. And by holiday music, I mean Christmas music. I love Christmas because the radio stations play nothing else. I've also amassed a pretty large mp3 collection over the years. I collect cover songs of all genres, especially classics done by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elvis. Christmas music is no exception. Everyone and their mother has their own version of White Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells, etc... I can't get enough.
Enjoy the following links...
Stream the 2004 No Love for Ned holiday show (and 2003 and 2002) (via largeheartedboy)
soma fm also offers a streaming holiday broadcast. (via largeheartedboy)
And another one over at cool 104.9
For an indie Christmas MP3 mix, check out more cowbell (if you haven't already)
Then of course there's the Arcade Fire Christmas mix.
The Walkmen posted two christmas songs for download.
Shugo tokumaru posted one.
Free Christmas MP3s here.
White Christmas MP3
And finally, Music From the O.C. Mix 3: Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah @ Amazon.
Posted in music at 5:06 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
NYC Concert Update
If you're not from NYC, read along anyway. It's educational!
Tickets are on sale for the Frames @ Bowery Ballroom on March 1st. Mark Geary opens. Read an article about the Frames.
Jens Lekman is playing Mercury Lounge on 2/12. Stereogum posted about Lekman yesterday.
I haven't mentioned it before. Slint is reuniting for two shows at Irving Plaza. 3/18 & 3/19
Erasure is playing five nights in a row at Irving. 4/14-4/19. We recently found out Andy Bell is HIV Positive.
The Jayhawks will be at Bowery Ballroom on March 2nd & 3rd.
Tickets are on sale for The Dears, Benzos, and Saints & Lovers on January 15th at Mercury Lounge. You may remember Saints & Lovers from this post.
Like Central Village said in the same post that he dissed Annie, Animal Collective is #2, so expect this show to sell out.
The late !!! show at Mercury Lounge on December 30th is sold out. So is Tinkle at Pianos the same night. Last chance to get tix to the early !!!.
Previously
Knitting Factory NYC Concert Update
Peaches @ Tribeca Grand New Years Eve
Posted in music at 4:33 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Third NYC Bright Eyes Show Added
All three dates with CocoRosie & Tilly & The Wall.
New Date = Thu, Jan 27
Previously
Posted in music at 4:02 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Shugo Tokumaru | Night Piece
If you're like me, you scour the end-of-year "best of" lists looking for recommendations. Thanks to cokemachineglow, I've found my first new gem. Its name is Night Piece. Its author, Shugo Tokumaru, is a Japan-based singer/songwriter.
The album and an mp3 sample are available at toneVendor, who has this to say:
'shugo tokumaru bends the most gentle and familiar pop sounds into a bittersweet backroad journey through a dreamy, imaginary countryside. the instruments are often conventional, but the sound never strays from surprise and bewilderment: acoustic guitars are almost never strummed, but pluck out exact rhythms and slide from note to note in amazing melodies.'
Cokemachineglow's review adds this information:
"With a run-time under a half-hour, you could fit three Night Pieces onto one CD-R. Go for it. When it’s over you’ll be so sunk into your seat that it will hurt to move, and it’ll save you the trips back to the play button."
Other Music, who also sells the CD, said:
"Night Piece is really indescribable. The nearest relative I can think of would be the Books Lemon of Pink, and that's not even that close. This is one of the best album debuts that I've heard in a long, long time, don't miss out. [GH]"
I agree with GH. It's not close to the Books. It's way better.
Although not on their best of 2004 list, Pitchfork also give this album a very high rating.
You can download a Shugo song at musicrelated.net.
Shugo posted a special 'Merry Christmas' song on his website for download. Get it before the holiday passes.
I love this album so much right now. It's my holiday recommendation present to you. I hope you love it too.
Posted in music at 1:42 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 23, 2004
Leslie Feist Rumor Mill | Massive Attack, Buck 65
(photo: Tabassum Siddiqui/The Varsity)
RUMOR 1
Leslie Feist, of Feist and Broken Social Scene, is engaged to Buck 65. Buck was a backup dancer in one of her videos (that should be proof enough). If you're in NYC, you may have caught one of Buck's shows this month during his residency at Sin-e. Buck recently told Chart Attack that he "proposed to his girlfriend" in 2004." hmmm.
Rumor Status: UNCONFIRMED FALSE
RUMOR 2
Leslie Feist, Tv on the Radio, and Mos Def will appear on the next Massive Attack album.
Rumor Status: CONFIRMED
Previously
Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom Night 2 | Pics
Tv on the Radio wins CMJ's album of the year
Posted in music at 5:30 PM | Comments (56) | TrackBack
Music Critic Ken Tucker: Best Pop of 2004 | Stream
Music critic Ken Tucker gives us his top picks in pop for 2004. He runs down his 10 best albums, and then talks about some trends of 2004, such as the return of punk, the year of the hip-hop producer, crunk music, and the potential end of an era as iPods and single song downloads replace album purchases.
Stream Fresh Air from WHYY, December 20, 2004
Previously
Best Albums of 2004. We Continue
Posted in music at 3:41 AM | Comments (17) | TrackBack
Best Albums of 2004. We Continue
I'm sensing a backlash against the 'best of 2004 list' list, but for the sake of completeness, documentation, history, obsessive compulsive tendencies, or just because, we continue.
We start with Mystery & Misery's list. Let me just say that this man has good taste ;)
Next comes Tale of Two Cities whose list is brought to you once again in haiku format.
Tiny Mix Tapes posted their top 25 albums and it looks like they agree 100% with Pitchfork that Animal Collective is #2 and Arcade Fire is #1. In fact, they agree on a lot, sort of...TMT thinks Xiu Xiu is way better than 50.
Cokemachineglow's list is called the "top 50 combined ratings." I really like Chad VanGaalen too.
The Hold Steady is coming up a lot lately. Heavy Black Frames says they're Number #1 (via chromewaves)
pop (all love) took a Canadian music blogger poll of the best Canadian albums of 2004. Here are the results. (via rock n roll report)
Drowned in Sound has their year end polls which ranks the Killers at #2 on staff picks and Arcade Fire no where in sight (until you get to the reader list).(via rock and roll report)
Playlouder lists their top 50 singles and albums. Auf Der Maur makes a list! (via largeheartedboy)
Mojo's top 40 albums of 2004. (via largeheartedboy)
Jake Coyle rates the top 10 rock albums of the year. (via largeheartedboy)
Kevin Macneil Brown of Dusted looks back at 2004.
Alexander Provan of Dusted offers highlights, lowlights - the year in Fear.
Verbose Coma comes in with five picks (note the backlash in this one)
the magic carpet came back to blogging for a second to declare the Killers overhyped.
And Friends and Enemies has got 22 picks for best album.
Previously
Arcade Fire Takes the Crown From the Rapture
Posted in music at 2:19 AM | Comments (33) | TrackBack
Knitting Factory NYC Concert Update
There's a lot of good stuff coming up at the Knitting Factory in NYC.
On February 25th OTEP plays. According to their official website, OTEP is an art project/band/brainfusion/movement/process; breaking ground, breaking rules, breaking sound barriers. Aggressive. Pummeling. Assault. Pure Adrenaline. Death Metal at its EmoCore of Heavy Mental Rock. Watch their videos. Tickets are not on sale yet.
Then on March 2nd, the much gentler singer-songwriter, M. Ward, plays in the same venue. Tickets are not on sale yet either.
This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday they're having a special Christmas event called "What I like About Jew." For those not familiar with the phenomenon, Christmas is actually one of the biggest party days of the year for Jews in NYC who have no where else to be. Other events include the Matzoh Ball @ Avalon and the Heeb Underground party.
From Autumn to Ashes is playing December 27th & 28th. I'll definitely be at one of those shows. FATA is one of my favorite bands that screams and plays really fast music. These guys from Long Island are playing much larger venues, so it'll be good to see them in the cozy KF.
On Thursday December 30th, they're holding a Dimebag Darrell Memorial Concert. Proceeds all go to charity and a Pantera tribute band is playing. Those with Pantera tattoos get $5.00 off admission. No, I'm not kidding about the last part.
Mike Patton of Faith No More, the recently broken up Mr. Bungle, and a million other projects plays two shows new years eve with John Zorn. early & late
Donna Summer (aka Jason Forrest) (aka highly rated on Pitchfork) plays on January 6th with more people.
Friday January 7th is an event not to be missed, or at least that's what I predict you'll be hearing on many a blog as this event approaches:
UrbanGroove presents BANDAGES A monthly showcase of emerging music, film, and art. In association with Miller High Life.[2 Floor Event!] Junior Sanchez, Stretch Armstrong (I think they mean the DJ and not the band), Elkland, Black Cat Revolver, Spencer Product, The Tarts of Pleasure, Synapse, Output
70's punk band Suicide plays January 15th.
I grew up loving the Toasters. I don't really listen to Ska anymore, and I doubt they even have the same members, but I still get excited every time I see they are playing. 3 floors of Ska on Jan. 22nd.
March 18th is Xiu Xiu
Posted in music at 2:09 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
December 22, 2004
Arcade Fire Takes the Crown From the Rapture
Régine thanks Pitchfork Academy, her parents and the Internet
The Rapture handed over their Miss Pitchfork award to The Arcade Fire this morning as Pitchfork announced that Funeral had won the best album of 2004 award.
Animal Collective upset The Fiery Furnaces, and surprised the crowd, by grabbing the silver medal.
Fiery Furnaces were then reduced to fourth place, after also being beat by The Streets for #3, who proclaimed, "Dry Your Eyes."
'Freak Folk' seems to have dominated the top ten with Joanna Newsom at #10, Devendra Banhart at #7, and Animal Collective at #2. It was practically a tie with Hip-Hop though, whose white UK representative The Streets came in at #3, indie counterpart Madvillian got #6, and mainstream playa' Ghostface grabbed #9.
Franz Ferdinand showed up at #26, while fellow UK music makers, The Go! Team took the coveted #8.
Brian Wilson is smiling because an album he wrote in 1967, but took 36 years to officially release, showed up at #5.
Annie danced in to #15. Grammy favorite Kanye West got #18. Scissor Sisters took #43. Loretta Lynn thanks Jack Black for #48, but then like me, realized it was Jack White, not Black that collaborated with her on her latest album. Xiu Xiu said, "phew BEEP! phew BEEP! phew BEEP!" in reaction to his just making the list at #50.
This and more @ Pitchfork's Top 50 Albums of 2004
Previously
Posted in music at 1:23 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Nine Fantastic Days of Shows in December
Seven days in a week. Eight days of Hanukkah. Nine days of shows in what was a hectic and magical week in the life of concert loving New Yorkers. From December 11th to 19th, the Pixies played 8 times, Broken Social Scene 3 times, Joanna Newsom twice, Ted Leo twice, and Scissor Sisters once. Throw in TV on the Radio, Smog, Rachel Yamagata, Bella Lea, Kimya Dawson, and more for good measure.
If you want to make this post even longer, you could mention that Yo La Tengo was playing their 5th of 8 shows in a row on December 11th, and that Calexico had just finished two shows, which came after the final three NYC Guided by Voices shows ever, BUT the post is about to be long enough, and anyway, the YLT shows were technically in Jersey.
By day (bold means I was there):
11th - Pixies/TV on the Radio & Ted Leo
12th - Pixies/Datsuns & Ted Leo & Ida/Kimya Dawson
13th - Pixies/Mission of Burma & Broken Social Scene & Junior Boys
14th - Pixies/Broken Social Scene
15th - Pixies/Le Tigre & Broken Social Scene
16th - Pixies/Reid Paley & Joseph Arthur & Kiki/Herb
17th - Rachel Yamagata & Kristin Hersh
18th - Joanna Newsom/Smog/Weird War & Pixies/Mike Watt & Pixies/Kristin Hersh & Bella Lea
19th - Joanna Newsom/Smog/Weird War & Scissor Sisters
New York City always has a ton of shows to choose from. That's nothing new. It's just rare that the combination turns out exactly like it did in the list above. Like CMJ, you can feel the musical excitement. It forces music addicts to set priorities, make decisions, compromises, and possibly forego sleep for a while.
I know. You're thinking, "What kind of problems are these? We're at war, people are starving, and Sony won't release Fiona Apple's album." I think about those things too, but forget about that for a second. This post is not about those.
In the end, I really messed it up. I had so many Pixies tickets, that selling extras became a second job. After thinking I would make at least 4 Pixies shows, I went to one. I didn't get Ted Leo, Kimya, or Kiki & Herb tickets because I thought I'd be at the Pixies. I ended up missing them all. And the worst of all - I completely forgot to go use my Rachel Yamagata tickets when Friday came around. That's ok. It was 100% for charity. I wish Bella Lea had chosen another week to play their first show in NYC, and although I hate missing the Scissor Sisters, Joanna Newsom in Bowery Ballroom beat Scissor Sisters in Hammerstein by a long shot. Junior Boys at Joe's Pub would have been cool, but also no contest with the option of Broken Social Scene.
The NY Post reviewed the Scissor Sisters show (via Coolfer)
Scissor Sisters Frontman Calls For Two A List Singers To Admit Your Gay
The Pixies played their hometown of Boston right before NYC.
Billboard reports that Pixies Wrap Reunion Tour, Prep DVDs
TIA went to the early Saturday Pixies show.
eatsdirt was also at that Pixies show, took pics, and went back the next night for Scissor Sisters.
Lizzy Vegas was at Scissor Sisters too
The Black Table was at Ted Leo
Domi was at Ted Leo and posted pics.
Out of Focus saw Ted Leo too.
Heaneyland saw the Pixies and Ted Leo
Previously
Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom Night 2 | Pics
More Reports From the Drag City Christmas Party
Joanna Newsom covers Melanie MP3 | Drag City Christmas Pics
Scissor Sisters About to Take Over Hammerstein
Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom | Pics | Part 2
David Byrne & Bowie do the Pixies
Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom | Pics
Pixies @ Hammerstein Ballroom | Day 2
Scissor Sisters Weekend Update
Pixies Discs: The Twelve Final Shows
3 Days Till the Pixies Hit NYC
One Week Till The Pixies hit NYC
Posted in music at 1:45 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Other Passengers New EP & More Good Local Music
'In October 2004, Other Passengers released their debut EP, Is It Nothing to You, All Those Who Pass By?. Spannning 22 minutes, the five members draw influence from a wide range of envelope pushing artists past and present like Can, Jawbox, Bauhaus, Sonic Youth, early Pink Floyd, Eno, RZA, Spacemen 3.'
I like it, and they're good live, so they were my recommendation yesterday on Gothamist's local band feature, New York Music Bloggers Help You Stuff Your Stocking. Check it out.
You can catch Other Passengers, along with the Melody Nelson suggested band, Asobi Seksu, at Merucry Lounge in NYC on New Years Eve.
The Catherine's Pita suggested band, the Hold Steady, topped Spin's list of of the ten best albums you never heard. (link via her site).
Karen Plus One suggested Saints & Lovers. Add her endorsement to the ones previously seen by Central Village and Ultragrrrl.
And lets not forget Sea Ray, chosen by the Real Janelle, who we recently found out is unfortunately breaking up.
More on these bands, and even more blogger recommendations at Gothamist.
Posted in music at 12:15 AM | Comments (16) | TrackBack
Peaches @ Tribeca Grand New Years Eve
Peaches is playing Tribeca Grand on New Years Eve, courtesy of Misshapes. It sounds like an expensive ($99) alternative to The Bravery at Motherfucker ($20). Will Thomas be bitching it up at two doors at once?
From Flavorpill:
"If decadence is what you're after, look no further. Tonight the MisShapes crew presents a live performance by Peaches, the oversexed Canadian who brought us "F*ck the Pain Away." Her Joan Jett-cum-dirty electro beats and wildly inebriated stage schtick promises the most immoderate and indulgent New Year's Eve in town. (AC)"
DJ's
The MisShapes (Greg.K + Loveleigh + GEO)
Spencer Product (We Bite! /Happy Endings)
Because We Love You
FannyPack (Fancy + Cat)
more info, and pictures of drunk people, at the Misshapes website.
Check out Flavorpill for more NYC new years eve ideas.
Posted in music at 12:03 AM | Comments (14) | TrackBack
December 21, 2004
Holiday Tinkle Tickets on Sale Now
Tickets are on sale for Holiday Tinkle @ Pianos in NYC on December 30th with David Cross, Todd Barry, Eugene Mirman, and more. SIX DOLLARS! UPDATE: SOLD OUT
Posted in music at 3:33 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
I love Annie | Anniemal
Pitchfork announced their top fifty singles of 2004 today. Norway's pop princess, Annie, dominated the list by landing postions 11 & 1. I thought I would probably surprise some people when Anniemal appeared on my forthcoming 'best of 2004' list, but figured this was a better time to come out of the Annie cloest.
When I first heard of Annie, I didn't really pay attention. The second time I started to take notice. Finally on November 8th I got a copy. I liked and recognized 'The Greatest Hit' from many a dance floor, but after listening to the album a few times, I put it aside for a while.
"In 1999 she released the single "The Greatest Hit", a dance pop song based on a loop from Madonna's "Everobody" that became an instant underground hit. Before that happened she played in an indie rock band called Suitcase, which she left because the other members wanted to make trip hop." (MTVe)
Then I started noticing new Annie tracks being played all over NYC, and I was dancing to them. Then I got my (free) iPod a few weeks ago. I threw Annie on there and suddenly I was dancing on subway platforms. It's currently one of my favorite albums.
'I'm So Sinsurr' rates Anniemal the 4th best album of the year
'Koons Really Does Think He's Michelangelo' also ranks Anniemal #4
It's a Trap reports that Anniemal has been nominated for Norway's Alarm Prize in the Pop category.
I can't read Spanish, but with a title like "Anniemal / Arcade Fire," I'm sure I like whatever this says.
I'm not the only one who agrees with Pitchfork.
Cokemachineglow reviews Anniemal
July, Fluxblog
Posted in music at 2:16 PM | Comments (32) | TrackBack
Free Williamsburg's Top 25 Albums
Free Williamsburg posted their list of top 25 albums. Weird War made it which makes their list weird. Joanna Newsom, although mentioned, didn't make the cut.
Previously
Joanna Newsom covers Melanie MP3 | Drag City Christmas Pics
Posted in music at 4:44 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
M83 coming back to NYC, Adult too
M83, one of last year's most popular electronic artists from France, are coming back to Bowery Ballroom for two shows on April 13th & 14th, 2005. Ulrich Schnauss, who I believe cancelled his last NYC gigs, opens both of em.
Pitchfork Makes M83 Famous (rates em #8) (and interviews em)
Their new album comes out soon. TTIKTD reviewed two leaked tracks.
April is shaping up to be a good month for NYC fans of electronic music. Adult is playing two shows too. April 28th & 29th, both at Mercury Lounge.
Posted in music at 4:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Jean Grae
"Mainly though it's because I sincerely believe that Jean Grae is one of the greatest things to happen to hip-hop, ever, and if I could contribute in some small way to finally bringing her some of the success she's fought so long to achieve then perhaps I'll have paid the art back minutely for the ways it's moved and changed me over the years."
so says Stefan Braidwood of Popmatters in his review of 'This Week'
Listen to Jean Grae @ her official site.
Catch her with Diverse @ Rothko on January 22nd.
All Tour Dates (below the fold)
January 12th @ Nanci Raygun in Richmond, VA
January 13th in Philadelphia, PA (venue TBA)
January 14th @ the Ottobar in Baltimore, MD
January 15th @ Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights,OH
January 16th @ St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, MI
January 18th in Indianapolis, IN (venue TBA)
January 19th @ the Abbey Pub in Chicago, IL
January 20th @ Little Brother's in Columbus, OH
January 21th @ the Black Cat in Washington, DC
January 22th in New York, NY Rothko
January 23th @ Club Metronome in Burlington, VT
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The CMJ Top 20 Albums of 2004
TV on the Radio beats Arcade Fire for album of the year, but Arcade Fire gets the cover photo.
1. TV On Radio - Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
2. Arcade Fire – Funeral
3. Mastodon - Leviathan
4. Mark Lanegan Band – Bubblegum
5. Joanna Newsom – The Milk-Eyed Mender
6. Nick Cave And Bad Seeds - Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus
7. Kanye West – The College Dropout
8. Liars - They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
9. Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News
10. cLOUDDEAD - Ten
11. Ted Leo/Pharmacists - Shake The Sheets
12. PJ Harvey - Uh Huh Her
13. Eyvind Kang - Virginal Co Ordinates
14. Madvillain - Madvillainy
15. Animal Collective – Sung Tongs
16. Interpol - Antics
17. Adem - Homesongs
18. Blonde Redhead - Misery Is A Butterfly
19. Prince Po - The Slickness
20. Secret Machines - Secret Machines
A PDF version of the magazine cover and top 20 article HERE
Pitchfork's review of Mastodon : Leviathan
Pitchfork also posted their top 50 reissues of 2004.
Animal Collective is playing Bowery Ballroom in February.
Previously
Posted in music at 3:17 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom Night 2 | Pics
After opening for the Pixies, Broken Social Scene ended their three night run in NYC with a 2.5 hour set at Bowery Ballroom on December 15th, 2004. These photos are from that amazing show.
As if their troupe wasn't large enough, they were joined on stage by two more horn players than previous nights, as well as members of the Stills. Gentleman Reg (pictured above) performed a song at both Bowery shows, as did various members of BSS in the form of their side projects. We heard an Apostle of Hustle song and Jason Collett solo.
Emily Haines of Metric (pictured above) was on female vocals. Leslie Feist was not at any of the NYC shows. I believe she's been busy on her own solo tour (note to Leslie: Come to NYC!).
You Forgot It in People @ Amazon
Previously
Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom | Pics | Part 2
Apostle Of Hustle @ The Hook, Brooklyn, NY | Pics
Unconfirmed 12/15/04 set list posted on a message board:
1. Late Nineties Bedroom Rock
2. Shampoo Suicide
3. K.C. Accidental
4. Stars & Sons
5. Cause = Time
6. 7/4 (Shorelines)
7. Anthems for a 17-Year Old Girl
8. Superconnected
9. Almost Crimes
10. Major Label Debut
11. Pacific Theme
12. Lover's Spit
13. Jimmy and the Photocall
14. Wronghouse
15. Where's your heart
16. Idols
17. Gentleman Reg's Song
18. It's All Gonna Break
Posted in music | pictures at 2:23 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
December 20, 2004
Broken Social Scene News
At their last of three NYC shows last week, Broken Social Scene said their tour was officially over, and that we wouldn't see them again until they had a new album. According to Billboard, we can expect that album in April or May.
Billboard also says...
- BSS's labelmate, Stars, will have a U.S. release of their album on March 8th. You can already get it in Canada.
- BSS, Stars, and Death from Above 1979 are touring Japan together in May.
Previously
Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom | Pics | Part 2
I'm not the only one who's never seen the OC
Largeheartedboy says Feist made one of the best albums in 2004
Posted in music at 6:20 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack