« January 16, 2005 - January 22, 2005 | Main | January 30, 2005 - February 5, 2005 »
January 29, 2005
Bright Eyes | When the President Talks to God
If I had to name the most memorable moment of the Bright Eyes show at Town Hall on Tuesday night, it was definitely his performance of "When the President Talks to God." The NYC crowd went nuts to the anti-Bush song, "boos" included.
are the conversations brief or long?
does he ask to rape our womens' rights
or to send poor farm kids off to die?
will the president reccomend an oil hike
when the president talks to god?
The song is not on an album, but as Donewaiting pointed out, you can get it as a free download on iTunes. So what are you waiting for?
Newsday backs my claim.
I took the above photo at the show. Add that to the four others I posted when I got home that night. Full set coming soon.
Posted in music | pictures at 11:09 PM | Comments (175) | TrackBack
Last Nights Party vs The Cobra Snake
Merlin Bronques from Last Night's Party interviewed Mark from the Cobra Snake (previously Polaroid Scene. It was an e-mail list only thing, so here it is for those that missed it.
-----
A million website hits and 300 thousand photos later, MarK from (the former) PolaroidScene.com and Bronques from LastNightsParty.com finally meet:
MarK: I noticed you have some censoring on your site. Did naked girls change their mind the next morning?
Bronxxx: Only one person has actually asked me to take a photo down because of nudity, most of the time people ask me to take stuff down because of some drama like two people I got on film kissing that shouldn’t be kissing, or sometimes that person in the picture just wasn’t supposed to be at that party in the first place...
MarK: Yeah, for me it varies from people who don’t like the way they look to compromising situations. I got these really good ones recently where the girl had bright pink lipstick on and... so did the guy, but it was rubbed all over his face. You could totally tell...
Bronxxx: I sometimes get people comparing our sites. How ‘bout you?
MarK: Yeah, for a while I was getting alot of emails from people telling me that you’ve been doing it. They just see the connection. In my opinion I think it’s great ‘cause it just adds to the whole thing. The more the merrier. There’s certainly plenty of space for everybody.
Bronxxx: How do you think our websites are different?
MarK: Content mostly. You have a little bit more racy content and a cleaner look, which is nice. I’m not really good at web design, so everything is pretty crude and basic.
Bronxxx: Come on...
MarK: You have navigation bars and... it’s nice ‘cause we’re not exactly the same.
Bronxxx: When you go out and shoot what are you trying to do?
MarK: I don’t ever really know. I just like to see what reactions I can get in front of a camera. As you probably know, you bring out the camera and people show their stuff and get into it. It’s fun to see what the human mind will do for photos.
Bronxxx: Yeah. What’s the editing process like for you? How do you decide what makes it in?
MarK: I’m trying to get a good variety of photos. I noticed that you do it too, where you have the same person in a row and I was doing that for a while and it got good response... the repetitive nature of it. Just trying to get quality photos for the most part.
Bronxxx: You know, on the scene there’s alot of drug use and you’ve chosen not to photograph it...
MarK: Oh, I have... But I just choose not to show it because it’s something that alot of people wouldn’t want to have to look at the next day.
Bronxxx: Not to mention it might get a few people in trouble...
MarK: Yeah. I try to stay on everybody’s good side for the most part, photowise. The drug use is definitely interesting. I’ll save those and in 10 years from now when nobody cares, it would be a good time to show that kinda stuff.
Bronxxx: Do you always ask permission to take your pictures?
MarK: No, I’ll try to take candids too, but it’s pretty hard when people know who you are and they see you coming. They see the flash in the distance and they’re prepared. Inadvertently I’ve made alot of good friends and met alot of great people through this, though.
Bronxxx: Are you into the celebrity aspect of it? Do you want your face to be recognized? I’ve noticed that you’re often in your photos...
MarK: Just in the respect that it would make it easier to do what I wanna do. It’s always sort of refreshing, and brings me back to square one, when I get hassled after taking someone’s photo. I don’t wanna be like “Don’t you know who I am? I’ve been doing this for so long...” Not everyone really cares. It’s such a niche that mainstream doesn’t always respect it. That’s the only reason I would want people to recognize me.
Bronxxx: Where can we go with this MarK? I think what we’re doing is pretty cool, but where can we go from here?
MarK: I saw that you got that article in TimeOut. That was pretty cool. Getting some press is pretty cool. It would be nice to be able to do it in more places all around the world and travel, or getting hooked up with a magazine could be interesting too. We’re being creative and we’re pushing each other to the next level. Sometimes I’ll see something that you do and I’ll be like “That’s good...” ‘Cause we’re doing the same thing, but it’s just the way that you see it versus the way I see it. Artists do that all the time. They’ll be like, I’ll sample this, in music, or they’ll paint a similar thing to get better. The more these kids get used to their photo being taken, the better. They get used to it and it looks better.
Bronxxx: We were talking about this earlier... What can we do as a collabo?
MarK: We should think of something. Maybe a coast to coast concept since we’re on different sides of the US. We should figure something out.
Bronxxx: Yeah, we gotta.
MarK: It’ll be interesting.
Posted in music | pictures at 8:10 PM | Comments (16) | TrackBack
Todd P's Nameless Space | Animal Collective
Todd P, of 'no-bullshit far-flung indie-rock show' fame, opened a new venue in Williamsburg (Brooklyn, NY).
Last night't show featured OCS (John Dwyer from Coachwhips), Black Lights (Kyp Malone from TV on the Radio), Lichens,and Kim & Matt.
Tonight's (Saturday) = Viet Nam (Vice Recs), Blood on the Wall, Psychic Ills, and Civil War.
Tomorrow's = BENEFIT FOR A FAMILY WHO LOST THEIR HOME IN A FIRE w/
X27, Langhorne Slim, GunsFireMayhem, Narchitect, and Tuncan (Irish Rock).
Here's the info you need to get there:
NE Corner of Metropolitan & River St - River St door | WLMSBRG, BKLYN
L - Bedford / G - Metropolitan / JM - Marcy | 8pm | all ages + booze, $7
The official opening party on February 24th features Animal Collective and Nix Noltes, who are playing Bowery Ballroom the next night.
More at Todd's official website and more user-friendly show listings at Oh My Rockness.
Posted in music at 6:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Colin Meloy Stuff
A lot of people have asked me where to get the recording of the Colin Meloy solo show that I posted ten days ago. Well, you can actually get it in two places now: MP3 or FLAC.
In other Colin news...
He was supposed to finish the solo tour in Boston, but there was too much snow.
The Morrissey cover CD was reviewed by Pitchfork, and it's selling for ridiculous amounts on E-Bay.
More in the Monitor give an excellent IM review of the Saturday night show at Fez in NYC. I hadn't realized that the burning smell was someone's hair on fire. I especially didn't realize that the burning hair, "Grace Cathedral Pier" girl, and "I didn't stop" girl, WERE ALL THE SAME PERSON.
Colin announced at the show that he'd be back in NYC for two shows in the spring. One at Irving Plaza. One at Warsaw. Their days in small venues are finished (for now).
Colin also spoke of a Decemberists' DVD featuring an exclusive video and tour bus footage, and the double vinyl version of Picaresque, which will include a bunch of songs that didn't make the CD.
Previously
Decemberists Shakeup | New Lineup
Posted in music at 4:06 PM | Comments (16) | TrackBack
Antony & The Johnsons | I am a Bird Now
The new Antony & The Johnsons album, I am a Bird Now, will be officially released Tuesday February 1st.
Insound printed this excellent synopsis...
'There is a myth that great artists operate in seclusion. Hogwash. One need look no further than to the ten songs of Antony and the Johnsons' new album, I Am A Bird Now, to realize this is an utter fallacy. To be sure, with his androgynous features, the singularly named Antony is an original. Have you ever heard a voice like this, imbued with the transcendental emotion of the blues, yet deployed with an unadorned simplicity reminiscent of medieval music practice, and graced with a top note of childlike wonder? Or songs that blur distinctions of gender and identity, yet which still summon up such powerful feelings: longing, love, lust, loss? No. Because Antony is one-of-a-kind. But he is certainly not alone. We are proud to present you with a record filled with one of the most gifted voices heard in a long time. Antony's vocals are almost inhuman, coming together to compile a creature that's as beautiful and enigmatic as the Peter Hujar photo, Candy Darling on Her Deathbed, that graces its cover. The lead-off single to I Am A Bird Now, "Fistful of Love" is perhaps Antony & the Johnsons' finest work to date. It features a scorching horn section and subcultural icon Lou Reed on vocals and searing lead guitar. In the tradition of subversive soul classics The Crystals' "He Hit me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)" and Millie Jackson's "Hurts So Good," Antony sings this ode to getting the shit kicked out of you and learning to love every minute of it. The complex emotional undertow of this track reaches a cathartic roar by the song's finale. Antony shifts from a tremble to a wail - a tempest of emotion. I Am A Bird Now also includes contributions from friends Boy George (duet with Antony on "You Are My Sister"), Devendra Banhart (vocals on "Spiralling"), and Rufus Wainright (lead vocals on "What Can I Do").'
Order now from Insound.
Stylus gives it an A- (nobody's perfect)
Buked & Scorned is a believer.
Watch animated videos for The Lake and Mysteries of Love (neither of which are on the new album)
Last Train To Cool, calls him Lou Reed's favorite transvestite.
Slate (MSN) links to two streaming songs and puts Antony in the "Class of 2005," along with M.I.A., Brazilian Girls, and Annie.
Previously
Stream Golden Apples of the Sun
The NY Times reviewed the Antony & The Johnsons show at Joe's Pub
Antony & The Johnsons @ Joe's Pub, NYC | Pics
Posted in music at 1:39 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Hot Hot Heat & Louis XIV
Hot Hot Heat were supposed to be the next Strokes. While their 2002 album was popular, they never really reached the next level. That could all change when they release their major label debut album this April. In the meantime, we still have the chance to catch them live during their upcoming, relatively small venue, tour across the U.S.A. In New York, it's March 9th at Bowery Ballroom. Pitchfork has the rest of the dates.
Stereogum's got an MP3.
Opening the shows is the San Diego band, Louis XIV. Readers of Ultragrrrl will remember them as the first release on her Stolen Transmission series of homemade CDs. Signed to Atlantic Records since August 2004, they released an EP this week. Now their name is popping up everywhere.
PopMatters has an interview.
Mystery and Misery highlights the band, with MP3s to download.
Posted in music at 12:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Adam Green | Gemstones
Note the position of "Bright Eyes" on the cover of the new German Rolling Stone. As The Modern Age pointed out, and is further illustrated in "The German Top 5," New York's Adam Green is huge in Germany.
Pitchfork doesn't think he deserves it. Whatever.
His new album, 'Gemstones,' was released in the UK last week. Check out this e-card to stream some songs and videos. It might not be ground-breaking, but Adam Green fans (me included) will not be disapointed. Even more so, you'll like the cover.
Previously
Stream Adam Green on MTV Germany
Posted in music at 12:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
NYC Shows
Here's a bunch of upcoming shows, with tix on sale, that I haven't previously mentioned....
Hot Hot Heat plus Louis XIV @ Bowery Ballroom. March 9th.
Doves @ Bowery Ballroom. March 15th.
Isn't it Romantic featuring Jason Molina (solo) @ Knitting Factory. Feb. 14th.
Movable Hype 2 @ Knitting Factory. Feb. 16th.
Castanets @ Knitting Factory. Feb. 27th
Bella Lea @ Knitting Factory. March 10th.
7Seconds @ Knitting Factory. March 14th.
The Thermals @ Knitting Factory. March 22nd.
Magnolia Electric Co./ Oneida @ Knitting Factory. April 16th.
Rogue Wave @ Mercury Lounge. Feb. 7th.
Kaiser Chiefs @ Mercury Lounge. Feb. 14th.
Walking Concert @ Northsix. Feb. 3rd.
Kaiser Chiefs @ Northsix. Feb. 12th.
Posted in music at 1:54 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 28, 2005
Top Acts Sign Brief Urging P2P Liability
The 54 recording artists who signed on to the Amicus brief are: Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh & Timothy B. Schmit (The Eagles), Jimmy Buffett, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, "Mya" Harrison, Gavin Rossdale, Sheryl Crow, Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn (Brooks & Dunn), Bonnie Raitt; Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire & Emily Robison (The Dixie Chicks), Stevie Nicks, Phil Vassar, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire; Mickey Hart & Bill Kreutzman (of The Grateful Dead), Avril Lavigne, Dido, Denyce Graves, Tom Jones; Jesse Colin Young, Sarah McLachlan, Martina McBride, Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave), Joe Terry & David White (of Danny and the Juniors), Billy Preston, Boz Scaggs, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, Brian Wilson, Kenny Rogers, Tom Waits; Tyler Stewart, Jim Creeggan, Steven Page, Ed Robertson & Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Deryck Whibley, Dave Baksh, Cone McCaslin & Steve Jocz (Sum 41), Brandon Hargest, Brittany Hargest, Chris Fedun & Lesley Moore (Jump 5), Bethany Dillon, Nichole Nordeman, and Michael W. Smith.
Top Acts Sign Brief Urging P2P Liability
Posted in music at 9:24 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
January 27, 2005
The Week in Review
So here it is. Here I am. Awake and at my personal computer for longer than 10 minutes. It's still past my new bed time, but oh well.
It all started last Wednesday when I got the call. The call signaled an end to years of working for myself. An end to my month long stint as a professional blogger (yes, I mean for this site). The start of 9-5, fancy clothes, and paid vacation. I was to start Monday and the timing couldn't of been better. Mother nature decided to unleash her powers on our fine city and a cold homeless man decided to turn the Chambers St. subway station into an inferno. This was all more than our photo-banning MTA could handle. For the first time in a while, I actually NEEDED to get places. The fun began.
On Thursday it was off to the uniform shop to drop my life savings on new clothes. These are not just ordinary clothes. These are the kind of clothes that need tailoring. Tailors don't work quick, but I was able to arrange for one outfit to be ready each day starting Sunday.
Long hours trying on outfits mixed with frigid temperatures and a child to take care of had me skipping the Tsunami benefit concert featuring Lou Reed, David Byrne, Moby and Angela McCluskey (who I saw the night before) Thursday night. Did anyone go? How was it?
Friday brought the end of Sea Ray. Saturday the snow came, but I still made it to both Colin Meloy and Jean Grae that night. Sunday I had no choice, but to head to the tailor, and then get lots of sleep. Melatonin helped me accomplish the last goal...I think.
Jean Grae, critically acknowledged as the best female emcee, and one of the best living emcees period, recently lamented the fact that she can't make a decent living in hip-hop.
Monday morning began the commutes from hell. I was late for my first day, which wasn't too bad because they were cool about it. The morning was spent watching videos and leaning about safety. By the afternoon, they had me dive right in. Monday night was more Colin, where I was joined by Jeff and Mike.
Tuesday saw more commuting fun, more work, and a night of Bright Eyes, Coco Rosie and Tilly & the Wall. Unfortunately I got to the show right as Tilly were playing their last song. When Town Hall says a show is going to start at 8:00, they mean it. Bright Eyes was good, but Coco Rosie was surprisingly the highlight of the show. I know you know who Bright Eyes is because he's everywhere you look, like on the cover of Time Out, and the front page of the New York Times.
The New York Times article was a review of the show I was at.
The show was the same day as the release of his two new albums, one of which Pitchfork liked a lot.
NPR broadcast the same concert in DC live today.
Wednesday I was officially feeling the long days and jet lag. Just last week I rarely made it to bed before 4am. I got home from work (after making my daily trip to the tailor) and slept till this morning.
Sleep is as important as food and air
It's Thursday. I actually feel human again, and the job is a-ok. Thanks to all who had kind words to say this week. Sorry to those who haven't received e-mail replies yet. I will catch up.
Sorry I missed the following bands tonight: Other Passengers, Hinkley, and Craig Wedren.
Sorry more that this happened.
More music news coming soon. stay tuned.
Posted in general | music at 10:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Some More Pictures of the Snow
On Sunday, I was forced to venture out to do some last minute shopping for the job I was starting the next day. I took some photos along the way. So beautiful to look at. Such a nightmare to deal with during my first week of a new 9-5 job. (the subway fire didn't help either)
Posted in NYC | pictures at 9:59 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Colin Meloy's 2nd Night @ Fez | Pics
Somehow I made it back to Fez for the 2nd night of Colin Meloy solo, Monday January 24th, 2005 @ 11 pm. Here are a few photos, with much more on this show at Stereogum and Gothamist.
You'll find another picture I took of Colin that night, right here.
And an interview with Colin at The Black Table
According to the Washington Post, 'Colin Meloy is a playful fellow, a wordsmith who seems just as enamored with the sound of syllables colliding as what it means when they do.'
'tricksterpyg' invited Colin to their prom. They point out they did the same to Ben Gibbard. That makes at least two people that have crushes on both of them.
Previously
Colin Meloy Solo @ Fez in a Blizzard | Pics
Posted in music | pictures at 9:40 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Keren Ann North American Tour Dates
Keren Ann has four scheduled NYC dates coming up, including shows at Tonic, Fez, and Joe's Pub (on sale at telecharge).
All Dates...
February/Fevrier
17- New York, NY- Tonic
24- Los Angeles, CA - Hotel Café
25- Los Angeles, CA - Tangier
26- San Francisco, CA - Swedish American Hall
28- Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
March/Mars
6- Toronto, ON - Horseshoe
8- Boston, MA - Middle East, Upstairs
9- New York, NY - Fez
10- New York, NY - Joe's Pub
11- Philadelphia, PA - World Café
12- Arlington, VA - Iota
23- New York, NY - Joe's Pub
Previously
Posted in music at 8:25 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
January 26, 2005
Normal Blogging to Resume Soon
I just got back from the Bright Eyes, CocoRosie and Tilly & The Wall show at Town Hall in NYC, and now I need to go to bed :(
Here are four pics.
btw, CocoRosie took my breath away.
Posted in music | pictures at 1:00 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
January 25, 2005
Quick Update
I started a new job yesterday, so things might be a little slow around here while I adjust.
In the meantime...
Check out Tim Burton's Corpse Bride trailer.
And browse the worst album covers ever.
Posted in music at 8:12 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
New Beck Video
I don't need to link you to the new Beck video, Stereogum already did.
Previously
Beck album is not the final version
Posted in music at 8:09 AM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Fischerspooner & Deitch Projects Present...
"EXCELLENT WORKSHOP"
Salon Series Re Opens
Every Thursday 7pm- 11pm
January 27th- March 31st, 2004
FS Studios, 110 North First Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY
Opening Night featuring NY premiere of new Fischerspooner art and music JANUARY 27TH
(New York, NY) -- Art/pop duo Fischerspooner and gallerists Deitch Projects are pleased to announce the re-opening of Â"Excellent Workshop,Â" a series of evening Salons held at the FS studio space at 110 North First Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn every Thursday.
The Salons began in July 2004, but have been on hiatus since October while the band put the finishing touches to their long awaited second album Â'OdysseyÂ'.
WARREN FISCHER and CASEY SPOONER will host a special OPENING NIGHT of the Salon series on January 27th. The final event on March 31st will be the official release party for their new album, Â'OdysseyÂ' being released by Capitol/EMI worldwide on April 5.
The first Salon will be the premier of selected new artwork, photography, film and music the band have been working on for the last two years.
This Salon project was created to encourage participation and experimentation in the creative process that surrounds Fischerspooner, and has been a breeding ground of ideas and references for their new bodies of work in music and art. This casual weekly gathering is inspired by the salons of 19th century Paris and are meant to be a place to meet, exchange ideas, enjoy spontaneous events and witness the evolution of ideas in a working studio space.
Each gathering has showcased the work of a range of artists involved in FischerspoonerÂ's creative world and has spanned dance, performance, music, photography, painting and installation. Much of this new work has remained in the space, accumulating as the season progresses and currently includes inspirations for music from their upcoming second album and the aesthetic informing the art direction of the new record
Fischerspooner began as a two-person, low-fi electro-pop performance at a Starbucks coffee shop in downtown NYC. In the years that have followed, Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner have expanded the project into an international pop culture phenomenon, incorporating the various talents of dancers, singers, filmmakers, and fashion, lighting and set-designers.
Previously
Fischerspooner are about to release a new album
Posted in music at 8:03 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 24, 2005
Jean Grae @ Rothko | Pics
I almost forgot that Jean Grae was playing Rothko in NYC Saturday night (January 22nd, 2005). My original plan was just to go home after the Colin Meloy show, but Jeff (who reminded me of the show) was going, and I already braved the snow by going out at all. So to Jean Grae it was, and I'm happy I did it.
Diverse opened the show.
Read an article by Jean Grae.
Vibe interviewed Jean.
Read a Diverse review by Stylus.
Posted in music | pictures at 8:39 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Bands Who Blog
Technically not all bands...
Know of more? Add 'em to the comments.
Posted in music at 7:44 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
January 23, 2005
Blizzard of 05
More pics of the snow here, here, here, here, and here.
Posted in goliath | pictures at 12:01 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Colin Meloy Solo @ Fez in a Blizzard | Pics
Over the River and Through the Hoods, To Colin's show we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.
The Blizzard of '05 didn't stop the first of two Colin Meloy shows from going on at Fez in NYC (January 22, 2005). It did stop a lot of people from actually making it to the show though. One's misfortune is another's luck. Anyone who was brave enough to show up to the sold out show without a ticket, got in without a problem.
Colin played a mix of old and new Decemberists' songs and Morrissey covers from his solo-show-only "Colin Meloy Sings Morrissey" CD. Amy Annelle opened the show with her band, The Places.
Related
a review of the show in Arlington VA
Previously
Decemberists Shakeup | New Lineup
33 1/3 Let it Be (The Replacements) by Colin Meloy
Posted in music | pictures at 3:21 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack