« December 12, 2004 - December 18, 2004 | Main | December 26, 2004 - January 1, 2005 »

December 25, 2004

More Music to Celebrate Jesus's Birthday With

Rankin/Bass

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

Band Aid | Banned Aid

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

bono

Merry Christmas

Buy the CD: Band Aid 20, Do they Know It's Christmas

Bono Defends Band Aid 20

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

The Miser Brothers

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

Bright Eyes adds third date

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

NYC Concert Update

Posted in music at 4:02 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Shugo Tokumaru | Night Piece

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."

Shugo 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

Leslie Feist
(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 Arcade Fire @ Bowery Ballroom

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

The CMJ Top 20 Albums of 2004

Yes. More Best of 2004 Lists

Posted in music at 1:23 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack

Nine Fantastic Days of Shows in December

Pixies

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

Ted Leo 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.

Joanna Newsom 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

Back from the Pixies/BSS show

Off to 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

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists

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

Other Passengers '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

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)

Annie 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.

Watch the 'Chewing Gum' Video

'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

The CMJ Top 20 Albums of 2004

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.

Buy the album @ Amazon.

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

Posted in music at 3:54 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

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

Yes. More Best of 2004 Lists

Posted in music at 3:17 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom Night 2 | Pics

Broken Social Scene

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.

Broken Social Scene

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.

Broken Social Scene

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!).

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene

You Forgot It in People @ Amazon

Previously

Broken Social Scene News

Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom | Pics | Part 2

Back from the Pixies/BSS show

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.
In other news, BSS member Leslie Feist, whose solo career produced one of the best albums of 2004, was heard on the OC.

Previously

Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom | Pics | Part 2

Back from the Pixies/BSS show

I'm not the only one who's never seen the OC

DFA | Death from Above

Largeheartedboy says Feist made one of the best albums in 2004

Posted in music at 6:20 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Its a Sad Day in Music | RIP Sea Ray

Sea Ray

Information Leafblower says There is No Justice

More Cowbell says RIP Sea Ray :(

Download & Buy Sea Ray music

Previously

Final Sea Ray show

Posted in music at 5:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Final Sea Ray show

Sea Ray have announced that the show they're playing on January 21st at Mercury Lounge in NYC, will be their last show ever.

Opening the show will be The Mobius Band, Falcon, and one more special guest.

More information on the breakup at Sea Ray's website.

Posted in music at 2:58 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

James Murphy DJing Tonight for Charity

"Charity, like that other ch-word, chastity, doesn't always rank high in the minds of fashion folks. But 'tis the season for good causes, so do as we'll do and dust off those gowns, grab your checkbook and head to Downtown for DIFFA—sponsored by Hint and Blackbook magazine, in association with Seven New York—where a suggested ten dollar donation buys you open bar access, music by grammy-nominated A Touch of Class, James Murphy of DFA, Tim sweeney of Beats in Space, Ulysses of Scatalogics. T-shirts will be for sale by Imitation of Christ, Pleasure Principle, Obesity and Speed, Markus Huemer and Lauren Felton. All proceeds from the event, which is open to the public, will go to DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). Tribeca Grand, 2 Avenue of the Americas, Monday, December 20, 9:00 pm – 2:00 am. Additionally, for three days after, a 5% discount will be given to anyone who mentions DIFFA at Seven New York, United Ceremony, Atelier, Eva and I Heart."

This months issue of The Wire (the one that has Joanna Newsom in it), also features James Murphy on the cover. The interview is here.

New York magazine recently spoke with him too.

thanks to one louder for the tip

Previously

DFA | Death From Above

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Arcade Fire tix on sale.......AGAIN

HERE SOLD OUT

Ticketweb's site is all messed up. I think they can't handle the Arcade Fire mania.

UPDATE: Tickets keep going on and off sale. good luck.

Posted in music at 11:59 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

More Reports From the Drag City Christmas Party

Smog @ the Drag City Christmas Party
smog @ the drag city christmas party

'As cold hearted as we have been known to be ("Ow! You hurt our feeling!"), we were shocked to find ourselves sobbing like a child during the Drag City Christmas Party at the Bowery Ballroom on Saturday.'
Cry Me a River @ The Modern Age

'i am not nearly obsessed enough with this girl.'
in heaven everything is fine @ the real janelle

'Joanna Joanna Joanna. First of all...she sounds a lot less bizarre in person. I thought so at least.'
I'm a sensitive bore... @ central village

Previously

Joanna Newsom covers Melanie MP3 | Drag City Christmas Pics

Drag City Christmas Party | Weird War, Smog

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Joanna Newsom covers Melanie MP3 | Drag City Christmas Pics

Drag City Christmas Party

Last night was night two of the Drag City Christmas Party featuring Joanna Newsom, Smog and Weird War. The concert was performed 'round robin style." Each performer played three songs, three times: WW, Smog, Joanna, WW, Smog, Joanna, WW, Smog, Joanna. The encore on Saturday night consisted of one more song by each of them. The encore Sunday night was just one (not a Christmas) song performed by all of them together.

I played a friend Joanna Newsom for the first time Sunday morning. His reaction: "She sounds like Melanie." Go figure then that the song Joanna, Smog, and Weird War played together that very night was 'Ring the Living Bell' by none other than Melanie. Joanna and Bill Callahan (the only member of smog) sang, and Weird War played instruments.

Drag City Christmas Party

My Drag City holiday present to you is that song, as performed by Joanna, Smog, and Weird War at Bowery Ballroom, December 19th, 2004.

Ring the Living Bell (mp3, right click, save target as)

Yes, I did say that the mp3 you see above is a live (not necessarily great) recording of Joanna Newsom and Smog covering Melanie.

Drag City Christmas Party

(note to other websites that want to link to this mp3: please link to the post, and not directly to the mp3. thanks!)

Posted in music at 4:19 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

Raven Nicole Robinson | LA Benefit Concert

"Born August 26, 2004 during Metallica’s "Bleeding Me" song to rocker mom and dad, Misse and Bryan. She is the only girl, thought to be a boy and was to be named after Zakk Wylde has four older brothers, Casey Lars, Kyle, Jacob and Jaymz. The oldest and youngest boys named after Metallica members.
Raven’s short life has been tough; she was born with a very large hole in between the right and left pumping chambers of her heart.

Her condition is called Ventricular Septal Defect. Large ventricular septal defects cause problems, as the pressure in the right side of the heart decreases, blood will start to flow to the path of least resistance. This leads to congestive heart failure and must be treated. The most important sign of congestive heart failure is the baby's growth."

"Plans are underway for a benefit concert to raise funds to pay for Raven's surgery and medical treatment. The benefit is scheduled for Thursday, Jan 20th at the Hard Rock Cafe at Beverly Center." (California)

Concert Details:

"Appearing "LIVE"!!
A TRIBUTE TO THIN LIZZY !! (10:00pm)
Featuring JIMMY COUP of ANDREW W.K., JIMMY D'ANDA of BULLET BOYS & LYNCH MOB PLUS.....SPECIAL SURPRISE GUESTS !!

UNCLE DAD (9:30pm) Featuring Members Of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, QUIET RIOT, BANG TANGO.....PLUS SPECIAL SURPRISE GUESTS !!

A Special Acoustic Performance By OURS (9:00pm)

PLUS.....THE BIGGEST "ALL STAR" CELEBRITY JAM IN HOLLYWOOD !!
WITH SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY MEMBERS OF: IRON MAIDEN, ANDREW W.K., MURDERDOLLS, TYPE O NEGATIVE, DISTURBED, POISON, GUNS n ROSES, AC/DC, ORGY, DANZIG, FEAR FACTORY, DISGRACEFUL, W.A.S.P., BANG TANGO, QUIET RIOT, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, OURS, CINDERELLA, LYNCH MOB, THE FIRM, DANGER DANGER, MINISTRY, THE MISFITS, GREAT WHITE, FISHBONE

PLUS CAST MEMBERS OF PULP FICTION, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, HBO's DEADWOOD, SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

PLUS.MORE SPECIAL SURPRISE CELEBRITY GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED !! "

Help with a donation, or get more info...

Posted in music at 3:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Yes. More Best of 2004 Lists

Prefix lists their top 60 albums of 2004

Charlie Wilmoth of Dusted lists his top albums and end-of-year recap

Bill Meyer of Dusted lists 10 good things about music in 2004

Nathan Hogan of Dusted lists his top 10 albums.

Adam Strohn of Dusted lists his personal favorites.

Junkmedia has their year in music special, with a really cool picture. Their top 10 albums surprised me.

more cowbell's year end list starts here and ends here.

Other Music posted their year end recap.

And from Las Vegas, Mercury lists their best music of 2004 lists.

Previously

Time for More Best of 2004 Lists

Posted in music at 3:26 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

December 19, 2004

The Bravery play Motherfucker New Years Eve

Motherfucker

The New Years Eve NYC Motherfucker party doesn't even start till 1:30 am. The Bravery go on at 3:00. I don't know how late the party goes, but it gets cheaper if you come after 6 am.

@ Club Shelter. More Info

Above picture of Astro, Sofia, and friend from Motherfucker Thanksgiving by namlive.

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Harp of Darkness | Joanna Newsom in Wire

Joanna Newsom

How did the Neil Young thing come about?

Joanna: His manager came to a show that I played in LA, and saw me and liked the music, and asked me to play with Neil!

HARP OF DARKNESS

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