« February 6, 2005 - February 12, 2005 | Main | February 20, 2005 - February 26, 2005 »
February 19, 2005
Heavy Metal Update
Many Metal updates. One post.
IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH & ANTHRAX TO PLAY OZZFEST.
This makes me very happy, especially the Anthrax lineup.
Iron Maiden are the confirmed co-headliners with Black Sabbath on this year's installment of Ozzfest. The UK legends will be joined by Anthrax's Among The Living lineup (featuring vocalist Joey Belladonna, guitarist Dan Spitz and bassist Frank Bello), with many more main stage and second stage bands to be announced soon. - UltimateGuitar.com
DANZIG COMING TO TOWN.
I've been wanting to post about this for a while. I have such mixed feelings about the whole thing. Danzig and I have a special relationship, but Glenn, what have you done for me lately??? Why should I spend $30 (+ service charges) to see you at Club Spirit (of all places!).? Why? At least throw me a bone with an opener I actually heard of. hmmm.
Danzig plays Spirit in NYC on March 1st. All tour dates here.
Read a new interview with Glenn.
Download the video of Glenn getting punched by the singer of the North Side Kings
LIFE OF AGONY
After religiously attending every Keith Caputo solo show for a year, I was so excited when you reunited in 2003. I went to both shows at Irving Plaza (and yes, you can see me on the DVD). I was shocked when you added three more shows at Birch Hill in NJ, but yes I went to them all too. Add the initial excitement of new album rumors.
Then it started going down hill. Two more shows in Long Island? I passed. A show in Brooklyn for something like $30? I saved my money. Add all the merch and limited edition posters and everything else you could think of to get my money.
Now you've signed with Epic Records, your new album is recorded, and it's coming out in May. You're playing NYC on April 12th with Mudvayne (and you tell me this 1 day after I buy tickets to Nouvelle Vague), and I'm scared. I'm scared because what I hear so far from the stream at your official site sounds like over-produced nu-creed-linkin-park-metal, I no longer get to see Keith solo, and I actually liked what was coming out of Among Thieves.
My fingers are crossed that just maybe this album won't suck, and your legacy will live on untarnished in my mind.
TYPE O NEGATIVE
I was saddened when you annouced the postponement of your fall tour due to Pete's poor health. You say Pete is getting better (though you haven't mentioned what from). I hope it's true.
I can't wait to hear the new album, and in the meantime I just may catch Johnny Kelly filling in on drums for Danzig on his current tour (see Danzig tour news above).
MOTORHEAD
Though I haven't heard their new album yet, Motorhead seem as deserving as any to win a Grammy in the metal category.
Motorhead & Corrosion of Conformity will be at BB King in NYC on March 12th, and other places. The ticket is $35, which is a bit expensive, but unlike the even cheaper Danzig ticket (see above), that doesn't seem to bother me. Not sold out yet.
Posted in music at 7:20 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
Emiliana Torrini @ Housing Works, NYC | Pics
Friday night (Feb. 18th, 2005), Emiliana Torrini opened for Damon & Naomi, and Mike Doughty of Soul Coughing at Housing Works Used Book Cafe on Crosby St in NYC. All money raised from the event, and at Housing Works in general, goes to causes related to homeless people with aids.
I think Gigwise is right on to describe Emiliana's voice as "sounding distinctly like her fellow country woman Bjork’s younger sister." Overall a great show, in an interesting setting.
Previously
Emiliana Torrini | Fisherman's Woman
Posted in music | pictures at 3:42 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Massive Attack, Portishead webcast | Tsunami Benefit
The Tsunami benefit concert ("Crisis in Asia") featuring Portishead, Massive Attack, Robert Plant, & The Coral is available as a webcast. It's going to cost you some money to watch it, but proceeds all go to Oxfam (charity).
Previously
Portishead is coming out with a new album
Posted in music at 12:47 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Pancake Mountain | Scissor Sisters, Arcade Fire, Fiery Furnaces
About a month ago, I linked to a clip of the Fiery Furnaces performing "Mouse House, Moose Hoose" on a show called Pancake Mountain. I loved the clip, but didn't pay much attention to the context. Then this week we (the collective "we" - me, you, everyone) were pointed to two more genius clips of The Arcade Fire and Scissor Sisters. This time, I decided to find out more.
So what is this show that has also featured George Clinton, Henry Rollins, the Presidents, Thievery Corporation, Vic Chesnutt, Steel Pulse, and Anti-Flag? According to an informative CNN feature posted on their website, it's a local Washington D.C. internet-only children's show that serves no ads or violence. The only thing they sell is their own merchandise, DVDs included. Proceeds help pay for future shows.
I'm especially interested in the second DVD. It's shipping in Mid-March, costs $12.00, and if you preorder it now, they won't charge you shipping. The DVD will feature "Original song & video by Fiery Furnaces," "Special Performance by Arcade Fire," "apperancences by George Clinton, Scissor Sisters and local hero Henry Rollins," and more. I just ordered my copy.
Posted in music at 11:46 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
February 18, 2005
M. Ward | Transistor Radio
Leaked for some time now, I've already done some serious listening (sorry frank) to M. Ward's latest album, "Transistor Radio." I likey lots.
I often wonder how music critics come up with so much to say about an album. For instance, in Pitchfork's review of Transistor Radio today, (reviewer) Joe Tangari says:
For a study of Ward's songwriting ingenuity, just dive into "Paul's Song" and listen to the way he leads the verse through a countryish backing, steel guitar straddling the line between Nashville and Honolulu.
You see? That's well said. Or at least I'm tricked into thinking it's well said. It's enough to scare me away from trying my own serious record reviews. All that usually comes to my mind is, "This is good. Yum. Listen. I think."
But wait (irony approaching). Let's finish off the Pitchfork (Transistor Radio) review:
By now, I remember exactly why I'm writing about this stuff. Because it's fun to get shamelessly giddy and lose yourself in the attempt to articulate your love for a piece of music, if describing it adequately bears the whiff of futility. Seriously, words will often inadequately describe great music, so let's be direct: Listen to this. You will not regret it.
Ah ha. I couldn't of said it better (obviously). And thanks to Merge Records (and a tip by LHB), you can listen to it.
And while you're doing so, explore the album further at Delusions of Adequacy...
Fondly honouring a time when the public service ethos of radio ran deep – an age where the otherworldly fuzz of AM ushered in the first waves of the blues, gospel, jazz, country, and embryonic rock 'n roll - M(att) Ward has, for his fourth studio album, created this year’s most alluring concept album. Moreover, although he’s drafted in his biggest cache of Americana guest stars yet – including Howe Gelb, John Parish, Vic Chesnutt, Nick Luca, Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis, and Jim James of My Morning Jacket – this is a collection that encapsulates a singular vision exclusively on Ward’s own terms.
Then buy it.
And see M Ward live with Norfolk and Western.
Posted in music at 2:13 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Nouvelle Vague | Reviews, Shows, etc...
Nouvelle Vague are on tour, and they're hitting Joe's Pub in NYC on April 12th. Tickets are on sale.
You heard them first when I got back from Montreal. (mp3 still posted there)
Stereogum followed (no relation actually) with a post of his own which he found at Catchdubs.
Not to be confused with this post on Gothamist from two days ago.
And finally reviewed on Pitchfork just yesterday.
Posted in music at 1:41 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Watch, Listen, Read & Stuff
Stream a Go! Team Concert video.
The Arcade Fire on Pancake Mountain.
Stream an Interpol Concert.
Stream a Hidden Cameras performance.
Sleater-Kinney none too pleased with leaky Internets
Kaiser Chiefs reviews @ The NY Post, I Rock I Roll, and this LiveJournal. My pics here.
M.I.A. Album Delayed Indefinitely!
Fader magazine likes Antony and was at the Tibet House benefit. Here's a Rolling Stone review of I am a Bird Now. Pitchfork reviewed a single Wednesday.
Final Fantasy has a website. (Owen likes Antony too)
Central Village takes a look at the next 3 months of shows.
Chromewaves reviews Shivaree.
Stereogum has a Grandaddy video.
Soviet Panda has his top five songs this week.
Posted in music at 12:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Keren Ann @ Tonic, NYC | Pics
I love Keren Ann. There's nothing I can say I haven't said before. Here are photos from her performance last night (Feb. 17th, 2005) @ Tonic in NYC.
Previously
Keren Ann North American Tour Dates
Posted in music | pictures at 12:22 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Other Music Instores
In-Store events coming up at Other Music:
Airborn Audio: February 21 @ 8:00 p.m.
Bonnie 'Prince Billy' & Matt Sweeney: March 5 @ 9:00 p.m. (aka Superwolf)
Michael Gira's Angels of Light + Akron/Family: March 14 @ 8:00 p.m.
Brendan Benson: March 22 @ 8:00 p.m.
Posted in music at 12:15 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 17, 2005
Tonic, NYC Update
Tarantula is opening the Devendra Banhart show, which is now sold out.
Jim O'Rourke plays a benefit there on the 23rd.
Ezra Reich & La Laque on March 2nd.
Medeski, Martin and Wood are playing 4 shows on March 7th & 8th. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon HERE.
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra is also playing on April 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th and May 5th. Tickets also on sale HERE.
Tickets to the Sean Lennon/Yoko Ono show are $50, and I guess you can buy them at the door.
Previously
Six Organs of Admittance playing Tonic too
Posted in music at 7:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Arts & Crafts | BSS, Stars, Apostle of Hustle & Feist
As previously reported, Arts & Crafts' recording artists (aka Broken Social Scene side projects), Stars & Apostle of Hustle are playing Mercury Lounge in NYC on March 8th (which I think really is sold out this time) (all tour dates below).
Although hardly known in the U.S.A., Stars was just nominated for a Juno award in Canada. Unfortunately for them, they're competing against the Arcade Fire for "alternative album of the year." The Arcade Fire winning should make it less uncomfortable for fellow Broken Social Scene family member, Leslie Feist, who's also up for the same award. Then again, maybe she will win it. Who knows? Feist is also up for "new artist of the year" and "video of the year." Canadians can watch the Juno awards on April 3rd, 2005.
Stars' obscurity in the U.S. will potentially change after March 8th when their album is released here. It's been out in Canada for a while. Will releasing it in the U.S. make a difference? Now everyone who already downloaded it can replace their Mp3s with a real copy without paying import prices. Maybe they'll get a spot on Conan.
You can listen to the Stars album at arts-crafts.ca/stars, although every time I go there my browser just freezes.
All the dates & more links...
APOSTLE OF HUSTLE TOUR DATES
Tue, February 15, 2005 - Kingston, ON . Grad Club
Fri, February 18, 2005 - Toronto, ON . Drake Hotel, early show
Fri, February 18, 2005 - Toronto, ON . Drake Hotel, late show (sold out)
Sat, February 19, 2005 - Ottawa, ON . Zaphods
STARS & APOSTLE OF HUSTLE - TOUR DATES TOGETHER
Sun, March 6 - Burlington . Metronome
Tue, March 8 - NewYork . Mercury Lounge
Wed, March 9 - Hamilton, ON . Casbah (apostle only)
Thu, March 10 - London, ON . Call The Office
Fri, March 11 - Indianapolis . Birdy's
Sat, March 12 - Chicago . Empty Bottle
Sun, Mar 13 - Madison . Café Monmarte
Mon, Mar 14 - Minneapolis . 400 Bar
Tue, Mar 15 - Columbia . Mojo's
Thu, Mar 17 - SXSW. Austin
Fri, Mar 18 - SXSW. Austin
Sat, Mar 19 - SXSW. Austin
Mon, Mar 21 - Tucson . Plush Room
Tue, Mar 22 - San Diego . Casbah
Thu, Mar 24 - LA at Troubadour (also with Feist)
Fri, Mar 25 - LA at Troubadour (also with Feist)
Sat, Mar 26 - SF at Bimbo's (also with Feist)
Thu, March 31 - Vancouver, Commodore Ballroom (Exclaim tour, also with Feist)
Fri, April 1 - Portland . Doug Fir
Sat, April 2 - Seattle . Neumo's
EXCLAIM MAGAZINE TOUR (STARS/APOSTLE OF HUSTLE/MONTAG)
Thu, April 7 - Edmonton . Dinwoodie hall
Fri, April 8 - Calgary . MacEwan Hall
Sat, Aprii 9 - Saskatoon . Amigo's
Mon, April 11 - Winnipeg . the Pyramid
EXCLAIM MAGAZINE TOUR (STARS/THE ORGAN/MONTAG/WOODEN STARS)
Thu, April 14 - Toronto . Phoenix.
Fri, April 15 - Montreal . Cabaret
Sat, April 16 - Montreal . Cabaret
Mon, April 18 - Ottawa . Barrymores
Related
Pre-order Stars, Set Yourself on Fire from Amazon.
Broken Social Scene Rock Out And Raise Funds For Southeast Asia
Photos from the Jan. 26th, 2005 Broken Social Scene show
Toronto Star: Apostle of Hustle not Broken
Previously
Feist getting ready to take over the United States
Apostle of Hustle @ The Hook | Pics
Posted in music at 12:13 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Shows, Shows, Shows
Once again, I came home from work and passed out until this morning. Unfortunately that means I missed Movable Hype 2 @ Knitting Factory, featuring The Cloud Room, Other Passengers, The Information, Elkland, and DJs Coolfer and Stereogum. :/
Elkland plays the Delancey tonight.
Tonight is also Keren Ann @ Tonic. (pics from Southpaw)
Tomorrow is Emiliana Torrini, Damon & Naomi, and Mike Doughty @ Housing Works.
Sunday night is Bloc Party @ Roxy (Motherfucker) & Otep @ Knitting Factory.
New Shows Announced
March 9th: Cat Power solo @ Southpaw.
March 16: Brazilian Girls @ Bowery Ballroom
March 25: Kaiser Chiefs & Morningwood @ Bowery Ballroom
Posted in music at 7:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 15, 2005
Watch & Listen
Stream the entire new Doves album.
NPR discusses how the Grammys work (they work?)
KEXP has an in-studio performance by Aqualung.
Just Concerts streams an Animal Collective concert.
Stream archived concerts from Amsterdam (Keane included)
Download a Walking Concert MP3 here. Note their blog entry about David Byrne @ Arcade Fire.
Insound's MP3 page is a great way to sample new releases.
Make your own mash up
Posted in music at 11:10 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Six Organs Of Admittance @ Bowery Ballroom | Pics
Six Organs of Admittance aka Ben Chasny opened for Devendra Banhart at Bowery Ballroom in NYC on November 7th, 2004. Recently making a stir with his new album and a tour, I thought it was a good time to post a few photos from that moving performance.
Pitchfork rated his new album, School of the Flower, one of the best albums of the year.
Catch him at (the troubled) Tonic in NYC on March 4th. More tour dates here.
I previously posted a few pics of Devendra from the same show. Devendra is also playing Tonic (not sold out as of this posting).
Buy School of the Flower @ Insound. Dusted also reviewed the album. So did Splendid.
Largehearted Boy links to a live recording.
Six Organs is touring with Joanna Newsom in the UK.
Posted in music | pictures at 9:52 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Tearing Apart the Grammys
The Daily News says what everyone is thinking:
But Grammy voters Sunday night bestowed a treasure trove of trophies on "Genius Loves Company," the final album from Ray Charles, who died last year.
Not only is "Genius" not the Album of the Year, it could be the least necessary album of Charles' career.
The Grammy salute to Ray was just the cherry on top of a full evening's worth of moldy cake.
Posted in music at 9:18 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The Kaiser Chiefs @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | Pics
The Kaiser Chiefs put on an awesome live show. Here are some photos from last night at Mercury Lounge in NYC (Feb. 14th, 2005)
They played Northsix in Brooklyn the night before. Reviews here, here, and here.
Posted in music | pictures at 12:38 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Decemberists Tour Dates
The Decemberists have announced the rest of their 2005 tour dates.
May 4th Irving Plaza, NYC
May 26th Warsaw, Brooklyn
Previously
Posted in music at 12:33 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 14, 2005
The Stills | Love and Death | New Video
Watch The Stills new video for Love and Death:
Real: All Speeds
Quicktime: 56k | 100k | 300k | 450k
Directed by Chris Grismer (Arcade Fire, Death From Above 1979, Stars)
featuring a cameo by Emily Haines from Metric/Broken Social Scene.
The band is home in Montreal recording their new album.
Look for the first single this summer.
Related
Previously
Emily Haines & The Stills w/ Broken Social Scene @ Bowery Ballroom
Posted in music at 5:58 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
February 13, 2005
Emiliana Torrini | Fisherman's Woman
In the six years since Emiliana Torrini released her last album Love In The Time Of Science, she has kept herself busy by contributing to the soundtrack for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Gollum Song - and writing a number one hit for Kylie Minogue, Slow (which by the way was up for a grammy).
This enchanting new album does, however, find the half-Icelandic, half-Italian singer abandon any commercial pop considerations for a far more intimate and personal agenda. Fisherman's Woman is a delicately understated record that gently disarms the listener as she whispers her sweet serenades like a siren drawing sailors to the rocks -ic wales
You might also know Emiliana from her work with Thievery Corporation.
Emiliana Torrini has one of those highly individual, quirky voices that provoke strong reactions in the listener. Some might find her ever so affected and fey, but a closer listen unveils hidden depths in her lightly accented voice. The half Italian, half Icelandic singer specialises in simple melodic songs and lightly poetic lyrics. - Phonology
You can't get Emiliana's new CD in the states yet, but it is available as an import from Amazon, OR you can download it from iTunes.
Download one track here, and some clips and video here.
She is about to start a headlining tour of Europe in support of the album (I'm not familiar with all the venues, but in Berlin it's the same one Queens of the Stone Age and Adam Green are playing in...aka big). Before she does, New Yorkers have one chance to see her.... IN A BOOKSTORE, and FOR A GOOD CAUSE, and WITH Mike Doughty of Soul Coughing and WITH Damon and Naomi:
Friday, February 18 at 7:30PM, Housing Works Used Book Cafe. Get your tickets HERE (quick).
Posted in music at 11:38 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Chin Up Chin Up @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | Pics
Here are some photos from Chin Up Chin Up's Thursday night performance at Mercury Lounge, NYC (Feb. 10th, 2005)
reviews of this show here and here.
Previously
Pitchfork pretty much likes Chin Up Chin Up
Posted in music | pictures at 11:10 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Luna, Fez, Tonic, AND CBGB
If you read this site on a regular basis, you already know the fate of Luna Lounge, Fez, and Tonic. Add CBGB to the list, and thanks to the Village Voice, we've got some solid details.
Luna Lounge and Fez have both announced that they're shutting down, at least for the moment, and the future of Tonic and CBGB is in doubt.
they don't currently plan to reopen Fez. The club's final show will be March 17: the Mingus Big Band, the first group that ever performed there
"I know some people want me to put CBGB in New Jersey, and some people in L.A. want me to move out there."
Tonic's rent has doubled since we opened [in 1998], and our insurance has tripled since 9-11
The Villave Voice has the rest of the story.
Previously
Devendra Banhart, Vincent Gallo | Tonic Beneifts
Posted in NYC | music at 10:58 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
The Grammys | Jack White & Loretta Lynn
The best part of the Grammys so far has been Jack White accepting an award with Loretta Lynn. Check out Jack's moustache.
More pics on the Grammy website.
Posted in music at 10:23 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Grammys, Brits, Plugs, Junos, and more
Scissor Sisters @ the Brits
The Brit Awards happened and the Scissor Sisters won three out of four nominations.
They had this to say:
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
WELL, THE BRITS CAPPED OFF AN AMAZING YEAR IN THE U.K. FOR US. TO WIN 3 AWARDS - BEST INTERNATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH, BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST, AND BEST INTERNATIONAL ALBUM – IS THAT INSANE OR WHAT? AND ESPECIALLY WHEN THE COMPETITION INCLUDES SOME OF OUR IDOLS AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WE DEEPLY RESPECT. THERE’S NOT MUCH MORE TO SAY THAN THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR US, THE SCISSORHOOD AND THE BRITISH PEOPLE. IT WAS JUST A YEAR AGO THAT WE DROPPED OUR LITTLE HOMEMADE RECORD ON YOU ALL, AND THE LOVE YOU HAVE GIVEN US HAS BEEN NOTHING LESS THAN AWE-INSPIRING. YOU COULD NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO US (THOUGH HOPEFULLY SOME OF YOU WILL GET TO KNOW THAT FEELING IN THE FUTURE). ALL OUR LOVE AND LOYALTY – ANA, BABYDADDY, DEL, JAKE AND PADDY.
Full list of winners here.
Tonight is the Grammys. Good luck to the Scissor Sisters again. What to expect from the show.
The Canadian Juno award nominees were recently announced. The Arcade Fire were nominated for two.
Wednesday night was the Plug Awards at Webster Hall.
New York-based rock acts TV On The Radio and Interpol took top honors at last night’s (Feb. 9) Plug Awards in New York City. TV On The Radio won album of the year for its Touch & Go release "Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes," while Interpol was named artist of the year.
Other top winners included the Arcade Fire, new artist of the year, Jean Grae, female artist of the year, and Tom Waits, male artist of the year. With a total of 24 categories, the Plug Awards aimed to recognize the artists, labels, publications, retailers and bloggers that strengthen the independent community. - glide magazine
Full list of winners here.
Another review here, and a few photos here.
More
Usher tops nominees for Soul Train awards
Gospel Music Awards: the nominations
Boy Band Blue Tops U2 in French Music Awards
Zutons Fever Is On, Awards Or No Awards
The Village Voice Pazz & Jop Critics Poll
Previously
No, I mean some, more 2004 Best Of Lists
Its almost 2005, More Best of 2004 Lists
Posted in music at 2:13 PM | Comments (21) | TrackBack
Kimya Dawson @ Sidewalk Cafe, NYC | Pics
Kimya Dawson announced a last minute show at Sidewalk Cafe Saturday night (Feb. 12th, 2005). I didn't miss the opportunity to finally catch her before she leaves on an extended trip to Europe. Dressed as a skunk, she played a beautiful set of songs to a small room of fans.
Read an interview with Kimya.
Previously
Kimya Dawson | Internet Archive
Posted in music | pictures at 2:41 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack