« December 26, 2004 - January 1, 2005 | Main | January 9, 2005 - January 15, 2005 »
January 8, 2005
Wilco & Bright Eyes on PBS
Austin City Limits Tonight
Posted in music at 9:02 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Artists for Tsunami Relief | NYC Benefit Concert
at Marquee (289 10th Avenue @ 27th Street)
Thursday, January 20 7 - 11 p.m.
100% of all monies raised goes to the cause.
Presented by SYNDICATE in conjunction with Tanya Selvaratnam
Appearances by (list in formation):
Angela McCluskey
Metro Area (Morgan Geist + Darshan Jesrani)
Moby
Vernon Reid
DJ Rekha
Anna Deavere Smith
DJ Spooky
Colson Whitehead
More Information (via The Wicked)
Posted in music at 4:50 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Keren Ann @ Southpaw | Pics
Keren Ann played Southpaw in Brooklyn, NY on January 7th, 2004. It was the first, but it won't be the last time I see her in concert.
Previously
Keren Ann | Not Going Anywhere | Nolita
Posted in music | pictures at 3:23 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
January 7, 2005
Fiery Furnaces, Cat Power, more | Tribute to Junior Kimbrough
Fat Possum Records has released SUNDAY NIGHTS The Songs of Junior Kimbrough. The CD is a collection of Junior Kimbrough covers by artists like the Fiery Furnaces, Fat Possum's The Black Keys, Cat Power and Iggy Pop.
Specifically:
1. You Better Run (version #1) – Iggy and the Stooges (30 second clip)
2. Sad Days Lonely Nights – Spiritualized (30 second clip)
3. Meet Me In the City – Blues Explosion
4. Done Got Old – Heartless Bastards
5. My Mind is Rambling – The Black Keys
6. I’m Leaving – The Fiery Furnaces (30 second clip)
7. I Feel Good Again – Pete Yorn
8. Do the Romp – Cat Power & Entrance
9. All Night Long – Mark Lanegan
10. Release Me – Thee Shams
11. Done Got Old – Jim White
12. Lord Have Mercy On Me – Outrageous Cherry
13. Pull Your Clothes Off – Whitey Kirst
14. Burn In Hell – The Ponys
15. You Better Run (version #2) – Iggy and the Stooges
Stream an NPR review which includes the Black Keys track.
Posted in music at 6:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
A Bit of This and That
It looks like Voxtrot's site went down. Maybe all the Real Audio streaming was using too much bandwidth. Whatever it was, you can still download the MP3s in my last post, but the real audio stuff is down for now.
The $60 will-call-only benefit show tickets are on sale now for Norah Jones at Irving Plaza.
I didn't go to the TV on the Radio show at Trash last night, and neither did Stereogum, but he did post pictures from the show and a link to their new video.
He also posted a link to a pretty funny post that reacts to this one on Whatevs (as seen previously).
Like Stereogum, Central Village was watching the OC last night (obviously). He also posted a bunch of NYC show updates.
Posted in music at 5:15 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Voxtrot | Rothko Saturday
I have no idea who the "Secret Special Guest" is playing Rothko in NYC Saturday, January 8th, but this show is most likely worth checking out anyway for a band from Austin, Texas called Voxtrot.
Listen to Voxtrot
The Start of Something (Real Audio, just click it to stream)
Missing Pieces (MP3, right click, save as)
Raised by Wolves (MP3, right click, save as)
Whiskey and Water (Real Audio, just click it to stream)
to love is to rob (Real Audio, just click it to stream)
Voxtrot have been described as "Smiths, Belle & Sebastian, C86 and
a dash of New Order." I'd describe them as pretty freakin good.
Shenzou 5 & Aero Wave open the show that's presented by North Loop + Filter. More info on that here.
Visit Voxtrot's official site, and let's hope that the "secret special guest" is really that special.
Posted in music at 3:38 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Arcade Fire Update
I know. Now that it's 2005, "Arcade Fire" is a bad word or something.
Anyway, it seems the band was a little annoyed/confused at all the press they got about the "christmas ep."
They had this to say:
"I would have thought it would be obvious that the Arcade Fire never released a Christmas EP. Particularly since neither Regine or I are singing on the songs Pirchfork reviewed. But I guess the un-researched written word works Christmas miracles...I guess a tape recording of our friends making up funny songs at our Christmas party in 2002 is worthy of being reviewed, even though Tim, Richard, Howard, Jeremy, Sarah, and Will weren't even there. I still stand by Josh's rendition of O Holy Night as very funny, and Brendan singing Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire is genius.
Lucky no one ever busted us on these Christmas themed Arcade Fire press photos...
Have a very post-modern Christmas!"
Here's a link to a teeny tiny streaming Arcade Fire video from their July 28th, 2004 show at Local 506. You might have seen it already since Daily Refill posted it last year.
More Cowbell alerted me to a stream of their appearance on NPR yesterday.
Also from More Cowbell (who's been locked away in seclusion working hard on his forthcoming Arcade Fire fan site. Stay Tuned...) are details of the/an opener on the upcoming tour. It's Final Fantasy aka Owen Pallett playing violin. Name Ring a bell? He's the one who covered Joanna Newsom's Peach Plum Pear.
As everyone in NYC knows, the two upcoming shows here are sold out. Tale of Two Cities breaks down the scalping scene.
Those not in to scalping, can always try to win their tickets. Contests are popping up everywhere. Maybe even I'll throw one. Until then, you've got Youngna, Daily Refill, and Oh My Rockness all giving you a chance to win.
Finally, Chart Attack informs Canadians of all this success they're having down here.
Photos in this post also from More Cowbell. Gallery Here.
Posted in music at 1:20 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Dead Can Dance Reuniting!
Best News Ever.
"Dead Can Dance have reunited and have lot's in store for the next year. A worldwide 2005 tour is in the mix, plus new recordings"
deadcandance.com has the European tour dates, with North American ones coming soon.
For those new to Dead Can Dance, here's a bio, and watch two videos here.
Posted in music at 12:05 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
January 6, 2005
Secret TV on the Radio show Tonight
According to Melody Nelson, TV on the Radio is playing a secret $8.00 show at Trash Bar in Williamsburg tonight. I suppose it's practice for their much more expensive show at BAM tomorrow.
Melody also notes that she'll be spinning at the Keren Ann show at Southpaw tomorrow.
Posted in music at 6:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
No, I mean some, more 2004 Best Of Lists
Admittedly, I got bored of the 2004 'best of lists.' Minus a few here and there thrown into other posts, I stopped the series over a week ago. I don't have it in me to do my own, so I'll leave you with just my best shows. Uncle Grambo (Whatevs) will thank me for it. (actually he probably won't, but it sounded good)
Wait, two more (they're quality I tell you):
Glide Magazine presents: Best of 2004: From the Artists' Perspective.
Three Imaginary Girls presents: Top 50 Northwest Releases of 2004
Posted in music at 4:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Hip Hop Turns 30 | The Village Voice
Hip Hop Turns 30 - Whatcha Celebratin For?
Posted in music at 9:50 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Quick Show Update
The Bravery are playing Northsix in Brooklyn on Jan. 29th. Some people caught them at Motherfucker on New Years Eve. According to Ambitious Outsiders, they're the next big thing.
Norah Jones is playing a benefit show at Irving Plaza on January 25th. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon.
A third Slint date was added at Irving Plaza.
The Plug Independent Music Awards at Webster Hall on Feb. 10th will feature Ted Leo, Dillinger Escape Plan and more.
Posted in music at 9:38 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 5, 2005
Random Music Stuff
Shows, News, Whatever
Thanks to Claire from Oh My Rockness for the heads up that Keren Ann is also on the bill at Tonic in NYC Thursday night.
Mystery and Misery presents his soundtrack album for 2005. All available for download.
One Louder & Stereogum both pointed out an interesting article about Pitchfork.
Coolfer had some interesting commentary on Rolling Stone's end of year "best of lists."
Largehearted Boy points us to the download of Wilco's New Year Eve set at MSG in NYC. Sleater Kinney's set from the same show is also available. The Flaming Lips also played that show, and supposedly they had naked dancers. Reviews from that show can be found here, here, and here. Pictures here and here. Wilco played a surprise show at Tinkle one night earlier.
Gothamist presents Movable Hype 1.5. Local Bands The Moirai, Dear Leader, Morning Theft and Fort Ancient are all on the bill. The last Movable Hype show at Knitting Factory was a good one.
Thanks to Daily Refill for pointing out that the Castanets are playing Knitting Factory's tap bar Thursday night. The Castanets are signed to Sufjan Steven's Asthmatic Kitty label, and Sufjan will be making an appearance as band member at this show. The Castanets put out a good, but rarely talked about, CD in 2004. As previously mentioned, Jason Forrest is playing Knitting Factory the same night.
I was just reading about Spencer Tweedy's band in SPIN today. Spencer is the nine year old son of Jeff, frontman for Wilco. He plays drums in a band called The Blisters. They don't seem to have a website, but as you can read in articles like this, The Blisters have collabaorated with Wilco. I wasn't even going to bring them up, but for some reason The Blisters were the first thing that came to mind when I read about Blue Fire on Let the Good Times Roll.
Tale of Two Cities always keeps us updated on drama associated with the Craiglist ticket section. Keeping in that spirit, extrawack! points out how you can get a free Arcade Fire ticket on Craigslist.
Everyone's talking about U2's world tour postponement.
A member of Brian Wilson's band was lost in the Tsunami.
Scissor Sisters sold more albums than Keane. As previously reported, they also just came out with a new video.
Posted in music at 6:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Futureheads @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | Tix on Sale
Feb. 22nd, 2004. Tickets.
Previously
Posted in music at 6:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Donna Summer aka Jason Forrest | Stream
Donna Summer, aka Jason Forrest, is a DJ From WFMU who came out with a critically acclaimed album in 2004 called The Unrelenting Songs of the 1979 Post Disco Crash.
Awards include an 8.5 from Pitchfork, a spot on Res's list of 10 greatest videos of 2004, as well as Blender Magazine's top 50 albums & Spin's 10 best albums you didn't hear.
His radio show is called Advanced D&D, and you can stream and view the playlists back to 2002
Cock Rock Disco is his official site.
If you're in NYC, you can also catch him at Knitting Factory tomorrow night (6 January 2004).
Previously
Time for More Best of 2004 Lists (including Blender)
Another mention of Spin's 10 Best Albums You Never Heard
Knitting Factory Concert Update
Posted in music at 8:51 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Keren Ann | Not Going Anywhere | Nolita
Launch this Keren Ann player to listen to four tracks off her latest (U.S.) album, Not Going Anywhere. Listen while you read.
Keren Ann = French. Not Going Anywhere is in English. The album was released in the U.S. in August 2004.
'After recording two successful CDs in France and co-writing the bulk of legendary French singer Henri Salvador's 2000 hit album Room with a View, the singer-songwriter Keren Ann makes her auspicious U.S. premiere with Not Going Anywhere on Metro Blue Records (an imprint of Blue Note Records). The CD is a sumptuous acoustic pop album of 11 finely crafted, lyrical gems. It marks Keren Ann's debut singing a full package of songs in English.' (EMI)
With Not Going Anywhere barely out a month in the USA, Keren went ahead and released another album in France. Title = Nolita.
'Keren Ann is a multi-cultural phenomenon. The Dutch-born singer has adopted France as her homeland, but recently took a temporary break in New York to record her new album, Nolita.' (radiofrance)
'In November, EMI Music held a listening party in Paris to celebrate the French release of “Nolita,” the new album by the Israeli-Dutch singer and songwriter Keren Ann, who is thirty.' (the new yorker)
Music blog, The Mystical Beast, had tracks from Nolita. available for download just three weeks ago. (sorry they're gone now). 'Ann's vocals hit an exceedingly tasteful spot somewhere between Claudine Longet's whisper and Hope Sandoval's heroin hangover, arriving at a point where her voice lacks audibility and expression in equal parts. Add the French-ish accent, and you get distant, sexy, and foreign, and I can't imagine what could be more appealing to a certain kind of male reader, other than "inaccessible." ' (The Mystical Beast)
You can stream 30 second teaser clips of all Keren's songs on her website. Nolita Here. | Not Going Anywhere Here.
And as usual, we lucky New Yorkers not only have the only chance to see her in the U.S.A., but many chances to see her in the near future. (although she did recently play PA and VA).
Jan 7th, SouthPaw, Brooklyn, NY (tix) (La Laque opening)
Jan 9th, The Knitting Factory, NY (tix)
March 1, Joe's Pub, 9.30pm
March 23, Joe's Pub, 9.30pm
Canadians recently had the chance to check out Keren as well. For the 'records' was there. Read their review. (chosen over Feist, who was playing in Toronto the same night)
Watch some Videos at her official site.
Download "Right Now, Right Here" (mp3) from the album Not Going Anywhere. Courtesy of 'Princess Klara & Blarni.'
Not a bad review from Pitchfork, and appearing on more than a few year end 'best of' lists. More positive notes at PopMatters. Stylus Magazine too.
I'm sold.
Posted in music at 2:21 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
January 4, 2005
Colin Meloy (Decemberists) cover Morrissey
I want to say that you should rush over to Jim's Doomsday Robot and download the live cover of Morrissey's 'Sister I'm a Poet' by Colin Meloy of the Decemberists, BUT it's so-so, so just walk slowly.
As previously reported many places, like this Morrissey site, Colin will be selling a tour-only Morrissey cover CD called "Colin Meloy sings...Morrissey" on his upcoming solo tour. In NYC, he'll be playing Fez twice, both of which are now sold out.
Previously
2nd NYC Colin Meloy Solo Date Added
Colin Meloy on the Picaresque Leak
Colin Meloy Solo Tickets for Sale
Posted in music at 5:03 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
TV on the Radio & P-Funk in Brooklyn Friday
Winter Soul
George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars
TV on the Radio
Curated by Danny Kapilian
BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
Jan 7 at 7:30pm Tickets: $20, 30, 40, 45
Previously
Posted in music at 12:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Goliath's Feeling Deprived
He reminded me I haven't posted any pictures of him in a long, long time.
Posted in goliath at 2:14 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Disco Exhibition @ The New York Public Library
DISCO: A Decade of Saturday Nights
From February 1, 2005 through May 14, 2005
Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498 (directions)
Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 12 to 6; Thurs: 12 to 8
More information at And We Danced Daily.
Posted in music | music history at 2:04 AM | Comments (14) | TrackBack
Scissor Sisters "Filthy, Gorgeous" Video
Stream the new Scissor Sisters video.
[real]
[windowsMedia]
More on the video, including how to see the uncensored version, at Arjan Writes.
Previously
John Cameron Mitchell, Scissor Sisters video | X-Rated Download
Posted in music at 1:43 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Bands on Tour
Kings of Convenience are on tour, and playing Bowery Ballroom in NYC on Feb. 7th & 8th. Listen to their entire last album, and download two tracks, including the one they did with Leslie Feist, at The Big Ticket.
Central Village let me know that the Futureheads are playing a still unannounced show at Bowery Ballroom on Feb. 22nd with The Shout Out Louds (from Sweden). I missed the announcement on Let the Good Times Roll back on December 9th. Jasper's got photos of the Shout Out Louds from February. New York Doll too.
Mercury Lounge has the hot shows this month, with the Constantines and Oakley Hall on the 8th, the Dears, Saints & Lovers and Benzos on the 15th, The Hold Steady & White Hassle on the 19th, and Sea Ray's final show on the 21st.
Oakley Hall is a Brooklyn "country-rock" band featuring Crazee from Oneida. More on some of these shows at Central Village.
More Cowbell also posted the Secret Machines, Autolux tour dates today. In New York, it's Irving Plaza on March 5th.
I'm still post-holiday-hibernating, but if you need a show to see this week, Coolfer's got more info.
Previously
Posted in music at 12:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 3, 2005
2nd NYC Colin Meloy Solo Date Added
Monday, January 24 at 11:00 PM | Tickets
Previously
Colin Meloy on the Picaresque Leak
Posted in music at 3:10 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 2, 2005
Best Shows of 2004 | MP3s Included
this post contains never-before-released MP3s and pics, and a bunch of links. enjoy.
word count
amazing: 5
excellent: 3
show: 42
concert: 3
==================================================================
A list of the "best shows of 2004" is obviously a very personal, subjective, and somewhat random thing. I go to a lot of concerts, but still probably only saw less than .001% of all the live music events held in NYC in 2004.
Even among the shows I'm interested in, I probably only hit a small number. I attended three of Central Village's nine favorites, one on Melody Nelson's list of nine, none of the NY equivalents of the twelve Torr posted, and only four of One Louder's fifteen.
Everyone at a show leaves with a different experience. You could be at "the greatest show of the year," but if you're stuck in the back corner directly behind a basketball player, after not having slept the night before, you would probably be happier at home in bed. Mood plays such an important part of show enjoyment. blah blah blah.
Here's a list of the shows (that I remember I went to) that I most enjoyed in 2004.
Sufjan Stevens @ South Street Seaport
1) Any Sufjan Stevens show.
Most notable:
Sufjan & Baby, Knitting Factory, January 22nd - this CMJ sponsored show was the first time I saw Sufjan, and Craig Wedren from Shudder To Thinks's new band Baby
Sufjan, South Street Seaport, July 1st - this free outdoor show held on Canada day brought Canada banter into Sufjan's Michigan routine, and included a surreal experience where Sufjan debuted his own version of The Star Spangled Banner against the backdrop of the ships in the Sea Port while the crowd and band all held up flags handed out by Sufjan.
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Sufjan Stevens, and band, covered The Star Spangled Banner at their South Street Seaport show.
DOWNLOAD: The Star Spangled Banner live @ South Street Seaport (mp3, right click, save as)
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2) Any Decemberists show. Like Sufjan, I actually got Decemberists overload and started not going to the shows they played toward the end of the year. (pics)
Most notable:
Decemberists & Clearlake two nights in a row, March 25 & 26, Mercury Lounge & Bowery Ballroom - Clearlake is an amazing band that came out with one of my favorite albums of 2003. Decemberists never play a bad show.
Decemberists & The Long Winters, June 17, Echo Lounge, Atlanta, GA - I saw this same show in NYC (twice), and just so happened to be working in Atlanta when the tour made it there. Seeing one of my favorite bands in a foreign place makes this one special. This tour also made me a fan of the Long Winters, who put on an excellent live show.
Decemberists | Clearlake | Long Winters
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The Decemberists played The Sporting Life, from their upcoming album, at the show in Atlanta.
DOWNLOAD: The Sporting Life live @ The Echo Lounge (mp3, right click, save as)
(as seen previously on this site)
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3) TV on the Radio, April 8, Mercury Lounge - TVOTR shows often get mixed reviews. They proved why they deserve all the hype at this small venue show.
4) Scissor Sisters, Morningwood & Special Guests, May 23, Bowery Ballroom - I can't say enough good things about Scissor Sisters and Bowery Ballroom as a venue. The mix was magical at this LAMDA benefit show that included the always amazing live band, Morningwood. Special guests Fred Schneider from the B52s & half of Kiki & Herb made the show that much more exciting.
Scissor Sisters | Morningwood | The B52's | Kiki & Herb
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Fred Schneider sang Monster (in my pants) with the Scissor Sisters.
DOWNLOAD: Monster live @ Bowery Ballroom (mp3, right click, save as)
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5) They Might Be Giants, David Cross, Todd Barry, and Sarah Vowell, June 4th, Southpaw - A benefit for 826NY, it was great to see TMBG in a small venue in their home of Brooklyn, NY. David Cross and Todd Barry, the biggest comedians on the NY indie rock circuit, cracked me up as usual. Todd actually stole the show, and convinced those with blogs to include the term "jewforever" on their blogs the next day. It worked.
They Might Be Giants | David Cross | Todd Barry | Sarah Vowell
Joanna Newsom @ The Drag City Christmas Party
6) Every Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom show (Devendra pics)
Most Notable:
Devendra, Joanna, Antony, and Vetiver, June 21st, Bowery Ballroom - I'm not listing my shows in particular order, but this one would definitely be in the top three. Devendra puts on such an amazing live show, I leave every show not believing what I just witnessed. Add Joanna Newsom as an opener. It what was the first time I saw her live, and I had prepared all week by listening to the Milk Eyed Mender non-stop. Add Antony, another amazing artist, who I was seeing for the first time. Add Vetiver, a group of musicians who play with Devendra and have their own group. so, so, so, so, good.
Joanna Newsom, June 22nd, Mercury Lounge - an early show added at the last minute while Joanna was in town with Devendra. A chance to see her two nights in a row. With no advanced tickets, I was already standiong on line around 6:00 for the 7:00 show. (pic)
Drag City Christmas Party, December 18 & 19, Bowery Ballroom - Two more nights in a row of Joanna with Smog and Weird War. Joanna proves she's a ticket selling force, arguably being the reason this show sold out two nights in a row at the 550 capacity Bowery Ballroom. (pics, pic)
Devendra Banhart | Joanna Newsom | (smog) | Weird War | Antony | Vetiver | SOO
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Joanna Newsom sang This Side of the Blue with her friend Stacy at the Mercury Lounge show
DOWNLOAD: This Side of the Blue live @ Mercury Lounge (mp3, right click, save as)
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7) The Secret Machines & Calla (solo, acoustic), July 13, Sin-e - shortly after being signed to a major label, and blowing up to the point being noticed by David Bowie & landing the opening spot on Interpol's tour, The Secret Machines played this intense benefit show in a small Lower East Side venue.
8) Franz Ferdinand, The Delays, The Futureheads, September 9, Roseland - Best lineup of UK it-bands. Well worth the inflated Roseland large-venue-inflated-ticket-price. (pics, pics)
Franz Ferdinand | The Delays | The Futureheads
Bright Eyes @ North Six
9) Bright Eyes featuring Craig Wedren, Kevin Devine, September 23, Northsix - Yet another big band, small venue, benefit show. This one was for the legal defense fund of the protesters arrested at the RNC. Craig Wedren surprised me by a) being part of the Bright Eyes band, and b) performing two Shudder to Think songs. Kevin Devine, although I'm not a huge fan, was a great opener. (pics)
Bright Eyes | Craig Wedren | Kevin Devine
Fiery Furnaces @ Bowery Ballroom
10) Fiery Furnaces, September 25th, Bowery Ballroom - After catching their disappointing performance earlier in the year at The Siren Festival, it was extremely refreshing to see The Fiery Furnaces at their best. Tight, magical show. (pics, pics) (fluxblog review)
Bloc Party @ Knitting Factory
11) Both Bloc Party shows in NYC
Bloc Party, September 30th, Knitting Factory - hype-living-up-to amazing U.S. debut by one of the most exciting bands playing music today. (pics)
Bloc Party, October 2nd, Tribeca Grand - details of how Tribeca Grand (the promoters) treated their customers aside, an excellent NYC encore performance in a night club setting. (pics)
Gratitude @ Downtime
12) Gratitude, The Features, October 12, pre-CMJ party @ Downtime - the NYC debut of Jonah Matranga's new band, Gratitude was especially exciting for me. Jonah, previously of Far, New End Original, and Onelinedrawing, is one of my favorite musicians. Plus, this was free. (pic, pics)
13) CMJ Day 1, October 13 - possibly one of the most surreal days in my personal indie-rock-concert-going history. In one day, in four small venues including a radio studio and the "legendary" CBGB, I saw Ted Leo, Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, The Arcade Fire, Gratitude, Magneta Lane, and David Kilgour. (pics)
Ted Leo, Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, Museum of TV & Radio, KEXP studio - Three of my favorite artists in a row in a room the size of my bedroom, live on the radio. (pics)
Ted Leo | Sufjan Stevens | The Decemberists | KEXP
Magneta Lane, CBs Downstairs Lounge - These young Canadian girls caught my attention earlier in the year, so I made it a point to check out their U.S. debut during CMJ. (pics)
Gratitude, CBGB - after seeing Magneta Lane downstairs, I went to the main stage of CBGB upstairs to catch the second night in a row of Gratitude.
Arcade Fire, David Kilgour, Mercury Lounge - I actually saw David earlier in the night, and went back to Mercury Lounge after Gratitude to catch the most anticipated of all CMJ shows, The Arcade Fire. They lived up to Funeral, and then some (pics, pics)
The Arcade Fire | David Kilgour
The Arcade Fire @ KEXP
14) CMJ Day 2, October 14 - as if the previous day wasn't enough, I finished off my two day CMJ run with a second day of Arcade Fire, then Baby & Har Mar Superstar, and a final late-night Jonah Matranga (sans Gratitude) show. (pics)
Arcade Fire, Museum of TV & Radio, KEXP studio - KEXP let about 50 lucky fans watch the Arcade Fire perform in a room that barely fit all members of the band, let along a studio audience. (pic)
Har Mar Superstar & Baby, Coral Room - Craig Wedren (Baby) officially made appearances at four of my favorite concerts of the year. This was another one. Har Mar Superstar surprised me as one of the most fun performers I saw in 2004. (pics, pics)
Jonah Matranga solo, CB's Gallery - After two nights of Gratitude, I got to see Jonah perform an intimate Onelinedrawing style show.
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My guess is that most people don't know Jonah's music. Here's a studio version of one of his most popular songs.
DOWNLOAD: Letter by Onelinedrawing (mp3, right click, save as)
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15) Arcade Fire, Hidden Cameras, Dirty on Purpose, November 11, Bowery Ballroom - a month after their much buzzed CMJ performances, Arcade Fire came back for one of the most in-demand tickets of the year. The Hidden Cameras put on an exhilarating opening show, and local faves Dirty on Purpose were thrown in for good measure. (pics, pics)
The Arcade Fire | Hidden Cameras
16) Pixies, November 26, CEPSUM Stadium, Montreal - My first time ever seeing the Pixies. Lots of energy. Huge venue, but comfortable and great crowd, and...in Montreal. (recap)
17) Calexico, December 7th, Bowery Ballroom - excellent group, excellent venue. my reviews are getting shorter. (pics)
18) Broken Social Scene three nights in a row, once with the Pixies - a BSS rollercoaster with a sprinkling of Pixie dust. (pics, recap, pics, pics)
19) U2 under the Brooklyn Bridge, November 22nd - huge band, beautiful setting, crazy antics, a spectacle. (pics, pics)
Wilco @ Tinkle
20) Tinkle with Wilco, David Cross, Todd Barry & Eugene Mirman, December 30th, Pianos - a great way to end the year, with a special guest that left me star-struck.(pics, pics)
Wilco | David Cross | Todd Barry | Eugene Mirman
Honorable Mentions
Eagles of Death Metal & Minibosses @ Mercury Lounge
The Unicorns @ Knitting Factory
any Onelinedrawing show
The Wearkerthans @ Bowery Ballroom (pics)
Destroyer & Frog Eyes @ Mercury Lounge
The Zutons @ Mercury Lounge (pics)
Rilo Kiley @ Bowery Ballroom (pics, pics, pics)
Mountain Goats & John Vanderslice @ Knitting Factory (pics)
Chin Up Chin Up @ The Delancey (pics)
From Autumn To Ashes @ Knitting Factory
Morningwood, Dogs Die in Hot Cars & Baby @ Mercury Lounge
Murphy's Law @ Rocks Off Cruise (pics)
Sonic Youth @ Webster Hall (pics)
Movable Hype (recap)
Shows I Wish I Saw
Franz Ferdinand @ Bowery Ballroom (offsite pics)
Keane @ Knitting Factory (offsite pics)
The Delays @ Mercury Lounge (offsite review)
Courtney Love @ Bowery Ballroom & Plaid (offsite pics)
Rilo Kiley @ Knitting Factory (offsite pics)
AC Newman @ Bowery Ballroom
Libertines @ Bowery Ballroom
Vincent Gallo @ Rothko (I had to sell my tickets) (offsite review)
Futureheads @ Rothko (I got a refund when it was over capacity) (offsite review)
Secret Machines @ Rothko
All Kimya Dawson shows
Wilco & Fiery Furnaces @ Radio City (I ended up selling my tickets outside...long story)
Junior Boys @ Bowery Ballroom, Other Music, & Joes Pub
American Music Club @ KF (they went on too early!)
Arcade Fire @ Mercury Lounge (pre-Funeral) (offsite review)
etc...
Most Disappointing Cancellation Due to Rain
Joanna Newsom @ South Street seaport
Too Profitable to Pass Up Scalping Moments (so I didn't go)
Franz Ferdinand @ Webster Hall
Keane @ Irving Plaza
Concert Tragedy of 2004
The Damageplan Concert Shooting
Most Blogged About Concert Reunion Tour
More Shows I Posted Pictures Of
None More Black @ Knitting Factory
O.M.I. @ Ruby Falls
Cat Power @ East River Amphitheatre
Modest Mouse @ Webster Hall
Fiery Furnaces @ The Siren Festival 2004
Bob Log III @ Southpaw
Apostle of Hustle @ The Hook
Juliette & The Licks @ Tribeca Rock
Nancy Sinatra @ Joe's Pub
Posted in music | pictures at 2:30 PM | Comments (25) | TrackBack
Knitting Factory Lawsuit
This story is two weeks old now. I meant to post it before.
"NEW YORK - The management of the renowned avant-garde music club the Knitting Factory reached a settlement with artists on its record label after they alleged the label owed them royalties and disposed of unsold CDs.
Knitmedia Inc., which runs the Knitting Factory clubs in New York and Los Angeles and Knitting Factory Records, agreed to pay $1,250 in back royalties to each musician who signed on to the settlement, said David Lennon, president of Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians. The company also agreed to return to the approximately 80 artists all rights to their work and the master recordings, he said."
Knitting Factory Settles With Musicians
Posted in music at 11:43 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Colin Meloy on the Picaresque Leak
Okay folks.
While I know there's really nothing in our power (ethically, that is) to stop people from leaking promo copies of the new record on the internet, we can't rightly be supporting that sort of information exchange on our own message board.
Now: we have always been very open to P2P exchanges; I think's it been nothing but beneficial to us. Without the likes of you kind folks exchanging mp3's, I doubt we'd be where we are today. I get the feeling that your average person who comes to a Decemberist show is of a very special fabric, someone who often finds other ways to support the band if they did get the records from a P2P network.
That said, leaking a promo of a record that does not come out for another three and a half months is not so cool. We spend a lot of time prepping for the release of a record -- we have a lot of folks working very hard to make sure the record gets a proper release at the scheduled time. It'd be nice to think that we have enough control over our art to keep our records veiled until we see fit to unveil them.
And on top of that issue, there is the issue of record sales. If a record is leaked this early, I have no doubt that, unchecked, it could make a serious impact on the sales of the record once it is released. If someone really wants to hear the songs at this point, they'd have no recourse but download it; it won't be available in the stores for months. Keep in mind that ourselves and KRS are not a bunch of money-grubbing corporate CEOs. We are a bunch of folks who have worked very hard to get where we are, working independently of corporate largesse, and count ourselves very lucky to be making our art for a living.
I realize that it's a new day and age and I can't stop this sort of stuff from happening -- I think that all attempts in the past of stopping this stuff legally has smacked of corporate bullying -- but please (and this is the sentimental bit) reach into your heart of hearts and realize that if you really really loved us, you'd wait until the record comes out, on March 22nd, to get the record.
Hope that doesn't sound too stern or preachy. We've deleted that thread. I know that's kind of a silly action to take, but decemberists.com can't be a place for disseminating information that's decidedly contrary to the band's interests.
I will, though, give you the correct tracklisting for the record -- it was printed wrong in early press releases:
1. The Infanta
2. We Both Go Down Together
3. Eli, the Barrow Boy
4. The Sporting Life
5. The Bagman's Gambit
6. From My Own True Love (Lost at Sea)
7. Sixteen Military Wives
8. The Engine Driver
9. On the Bus Mall
10. The Mariner's Revenge Song
11. Of Angels and Angles
Best,
Colin Meloy
Previously
Colin Meloy Solo Tickets for Sale
Posted in music at 2:52 AM | Comments (14) | TrackBack
Tinkle @ Pianos | Fred Armisen | More Pics
Fred Armisen on the right
As I sat home recovering from New Years Eve tonight, I caught Saturday Night Live (a repeat from the week of the Tara Reid boob flash). Modest Mouse was the musical guest, and they played an impressive two songs, but that's besides the point. What most caught my attention was the appearance of Fred Armisen as a member of the cast. I'm not real up on the cast of SNL, so I didn't even realize while at Tinkle that Fred was a member.
PAUL F. TOMPKINS
Armisen recently landed on Rolling Stone’s “Hot List” as well as his first major feature film role in the upcoming Will Ferrell feature “Anchorman.”
Armisen began his career as a musician in the Chicago-based post-punk band Trenchmouth as well as playing with Blue Man Group. His transition to comedy came with the 1998 underground short film “Fred Armisen’s Guide to Music and SXSW” which followed him through the Austin, Texas “South By Southwest Music Festival” posing as a music journalist.
He has brought his characters to “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” the Chicago Comedy Festival and programs on British television. He has also appeared on HBO’s music show “Reverb” and in his own eponymous interstitial series on “HBO Zone” as well as in the Wilco documentary “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart.”
Read more about Tinkle @ Central Village & @ Lindsayism
Previously
Tinkle 2004 @ Pianos, NYC | Wilco | Pics
Posted in music at 1:19 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack