« November 6, 2005 - November 12, 2005 | Main | November 20, 2005 - November 26, 2005 »
November 19, 2005
Nada Surf & Supergrass Tour Dates
Nada Surf play Webster Hall on March 8th. All dates @ More Cowbell.
Supergrass is at Webster Hall on February 9th. All dates @ Billboard.
Posted in music at 2:08 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
New Animal Collective 2006 U.S. Tour Dates
Animal Collective play a soid out show at Webster Hall in NYC Sunday night. Bowery Presents just announced they'll be playing the same venue again on March 23rd. Tickets are on sale. The 2nd show isn't even listed on AC's website, but a whole bunch of other U.S. dates are...
November 20th - New York @ Webster Hall
November 21st - San Francisco @ Great American Music Hall
November 22nd - Los Angeles @ El Rey Theatre
February 21st - Boston @ Paradise
February 22nd - Montreal @ La Sala Rossa
February 23rd - Toronto @ Horseshoe Tavern
February 24th - Lansing, MI @ Temple Club
February 25th - Chicago @ Logan Square Auditorium
February 26th - Minneapolis @ First Avenue
March 1st - Seattle @ Neumos
March 2nd - Vancouver @ Richard's on Richards
March 3rd - Portland @ Wonder Ballroom
March 19th - Atlanta @ Variety Playhouse
March 20th - Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
March 23rd - New York @ Webster Hall
Previously
Animal Collective Tour Dates | Live Video
A Guide to Animal Collective | Feels
Posted in music at 2:02 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Mos Def left Kweli Tour | No more Black Star
Talib Kweli had this to say...
"As many of you know, Mos Def is taking some time off from the Breed Love Odyssey tour. I do not know what Mos is going through, but whatever it is, it is enough to make him not perform. As someone who loves the stage, he’s got to be having a tough time right now, and I pray that whatever he’s going through will end okay. Dante is my friend, and whatever he needs, we will always have his back.
With that said, I would like to make an apology to the fans who were looking forward to a Black Star show. Dante and I together on stage is a beautiful thing and I am just as disappointed as any fan that it is not happening." (thx Nick)
UPDATE @ PITCHFORK: Talib Kweli to Release New Album, Continue Tour
Posted in music at 1:55 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 18, 2005
Avalon & Clear Channel to Create "top rock club"
If you were around in the early 90's, you might remember Rock n' Roll Church at Limelight. Every Sunday night, rock fans (and Hell's Angels) took over the club that belonged to Michael Alig, club kids and ravers most other nights of the week. There was always a band, like Pearl Jam who played there on April 12, 1992. The goth Communion party on Tuesday nights had shows too.
Limelight closed amid scandal, reopened as another club, closed again, and reopened again as Avalon. Most people you talk to in the current club scene will tell you that Avalon is not doing too well as a nightclub. Crobar is king in that space, Pacha is opening in December, and of course there's Webster Hall. Avalon is not a venue you think of for live shows either. Occasionaly they have something. Like during CMJ.
Anyway, my point is sort-of-just that Avalon/Limelight does have a history of shows. (possibly going back even further than I know). That brings me to my next point. In the very near future you might find yourself traveling to 20th St & 6th Ave for shows once again. In what looks like an attempt by Clear Channel to compete with Bowery Presents & Webster Hall, "Ron Delsener Presents and Avalon of New York City Announce New Partnership"....
----
"Ron Delsener Presents and Avalon of New York City are proud to announce a partnership to present live concerts at this top location for entertainment in New York. The club, located in the existing church space on 20th Street & 6th Ave, a historic landmark building in NYC, will soon be host to more than just the most exciting DJs and electronic acts in the world.
Beginning in January, Ron Delsener Presents will begin to present top names in both contemporary and cutting edge music at the already famous NYC nightclub. This will be the first time in the nightclub's history that it will primarily host touring music acts, yet it will still hold the trend setting parties and club nights it has previously been known for. In preparation to become one of the top rock clubs in the country, the Avalon has undergone both aesthetic and structural changes. The venue will also feature state of the art sound and lighting systems. Chris White, formerly of the program director of CMJ, has joined the team at Ron Delsener Presents as the talent buyer for Avalon." (thx Joey)
----
Thoughts, Rock N Roll Church memories?
Previously
Nokia Theatre Times Square - Reviews | Good or Bad?
"Bowery Presents" In The Spotlight
Tribeca Rock Club Shutting Down | Condos Opening Up
Posted in music | music history at 5:26 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
TV on the Radio Cancel Shows (including Webster Hall)
"The Breeders made a surprise live appearance last night – standing in for TV On The Radio. As reported yesterday, TV on the Radio were forced to cancel their gig after frontman Tunde Adebimpe’s father suddenly passed away." [EntertainmentWise]
For the same reason, TV on the Radio have pulled out of the December 1st benefit show at Webster Hall. The show is not cancelled. Stay tuned for more details...
Posted in music at 4:27 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
A List of CD's Infected with Sony's BS
"EFF has released a list of CDs known to have Sony's deadly rootkit DRM technology. If you were unfortunate enough to buy one of these CDs and you've since put it in your PC, Sony may have corrupted your computer already."
Neil Diamond's new one, Life of Agony, and Trey Anastasio are among THE INFECTED CDs (thx Qbertplaya for asking)
Previously
Bloggers Break Sony
Posted in music at 4:04 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
CBGB Moving, Band Buzz, Bloggers vs Sony | Tect Icicles
** The NY Post reports that CBGB is looking for a new home, but we sort of knew that already.
** Information Week sums up the Sony CD disaster in an article called "Bloggers Break Sony"
** Drowned in Sound talks about bands getting buzz in NYC and London. "...While grafitti-born Talking Head historians Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Fat Cat folk freaks Animal Collective, for instance, both create much marketing hysteria and PR frumping in blightly, the same game is being played by Brits such as Art Brut, Test Icicles and The Cribs all over New York’s lower east side...."
BONUS:
* Test Icicles booed off stage at Artctic Monkeys show
* Test Icicles F**king Hate Arctic Monkeys Fans
Previously
Sony CD's are Bad
The Cribs playing (THE FINAL FIXED AT) Tribeca Grand
Arctic Monkeys @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | pics
Animal Collective Tour Dates | Live Video
Posted in music at 3:09 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Radio City Orchestra Returns After Strike
"...The orchestra returned for Friday's 2:30 p.m. 'Christmas Spectacular' show. With the help of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Radio City Entertainment and the union representing musicians reached a tentative contract agreement Thursday to allow the 35 musicians to play again...." [Newsday]
Previously
Radio City vs. Musicians
Posted in music at 2:50 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Win 2 Tickets to LCD Soundsystem | A BV CONTEST
************
This is my first contest. I can do more if you like them. Let me know in the comments.
************
Bowery Presents LCD Soundsystem and Juan Mclean at the Nokia Theatre in NYC on Wednesday November 23rd. I have two tickets to give away. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
STUFF
* I promise I won't share/sell your email address.
* Let me know if you don't want to be added to a BrooklynVegan mailing list that I might create in the future.
* You have to answer the question to be qualified. (No "open links in a new window" requests please)
* I'll pick one winner at random.
* Your name (+1) will be placed on guestlist.
* Contest closes Tuesday November 21st @ 8 PM.
Posted in To Do | music at 2:23 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Jeff Mangum Surfaces at Elf Power show
ELF POWER
Elephant Six Recording Company artist Elf Power headlined a show at Knitting Factory in NYC last night (November 17, 2005). Andrew emailed to tell me Elf Power played a good show, and this...
"so last night i went to see elf power at the knitting factory. during like the third song jeff mangum comes out to sing the final chorus in his distinctively divine jeff mangum voice. he then exited stage left and that was it. the band did not acknowledge his presence, nor the audience really."
Jeff was last seen at one of Olivia Tremor Control's shows at Bowery Ballroom.
RELATED: Pitchfork gave In the Aeroplane Over the Sea a 10.0
Posted in music at 1:18 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Morris Day & The Time & Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings playing BAM
"Once upon a time ... exactly in April 1981 Prince creates THE TIME as an outlet for some of his most funky and danceable R&B material...." [The History of Morris Day & The Time]
Saturday night Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings play Southpaw in Brooklyn. She'll be back on January 28th to support Morris Day & The Time at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. I don't think tickets are on sale yet. (thx Kyle)
Previously
Stream a Sharon Jones performance
Posted in music at 12:33 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
MPR Streams | Magic Numbers, Tom Vek, Sharon Jones, more.
Minnesota Public Radio is hosting in-studio streams from The Headlights, Ohmega Watts, Tom Vek, The Magic Numbers, The Rosebuds, Broadcast, The Hold Steady, Dios Malos, Nada Surf, Mike Doughty, Dungen, The Double, MIA, The National, Ted Leo, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, and many, many more.
as recently seen on for the records.
Previously
Magic Numbers Show @ Mercury Lounge
Tom Vek played Knitting Factory, NYC
Sharon Jones in Brooklyn this Weekend
Posted in music at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Stream Neko Case live @ WYNC
"WYNC's Soundcheck featured in-studio guest Neko Case. She was interviewed and also performed live some new songs which'll be on her upcoming new album, Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. With band members Jon Rauhouse and Paul Rigby in tow, Neko performed the title track of the new album as well as a song called At Last' [For the Records]
Posted in music at 11:53 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Neko Case @ Joe's Pub, NYC | pics
Download an MP3 at Filter
"Singer-songwriter, Neko Case has finished recording her first studio solo album since 2002. "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood" is scheduled to come out March 7 on Anti- Records. A variety of musicians will contribute on the new LP — Garth Hudson of The Band, Kelly Hogan, The Sadies, Howe Gelb of Giant Sand and Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico." [Chart Attack]
To celebrate the completion of the new album, Neko played two shows at Joe's Pub in NYC last night (Nov 17, 2005). I went to the early one. She played a lot of the new stuff. Accompanying her on vocals was a girl from a band whose name I can't remember (Visi-something). It was a beautiful show.
Previously
The New Pornographers played Webster Hall
New Pornographers on Neko & Brooklyn Show
Neko Case Playing Joe's Pub | New Album
New Pornographers @ Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY | Pics
Posted in music | pictures at 11:02 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
November 17, 2005
Stream Art Brut live @ WFMU
Art Brut performed live in-studio @ WFMU before their Tribeca Grand show on Saturday. Listen to six songs and the interview at WFMU. (via raritrw)
Previously
NYC Loves Art Brut
Posted in music at 6:14 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The Cribs playing (THE FINAL FIXED AT) Tribeca Grand
The Cribs are playing FIXED at Tribeca Grand Saturday November 26th, 2005. As always, free with RSVP: GETRAD@IGETRVNG.COM.
I don't know where FIXED is going, but this is being advertised as "The Final FIXED at Tribeca Grand" aka no more free shows at Tribeca Grand, but maybe somewhere else.
Previously
Art Brut played the 2nd to last FIXED
Posted in music at 1:44 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Love is All from Sweden | Tour Dates | Listen
The song by Love is All on What's Your Rupture MySpace page is great. According to Pitchfork, they have at least one more awesome song.
"The jangly post-punk of Sweden's Love Is All was a favorite of late UK radio personality John Peel and is set to make a serious splash on the US indie scene. The band's stateside debut will be released in December on the New York label What's Your Rupture." [Consulate General of Sweden]
"Long before Natalie Portman, there was the NME, that perseverant UK music weekly, introducing you to the bands that would Change Your Life. Bands by the bushel, each hyperbolically better than the ones before. So what better bastion of unabashed bombast than that classy rag to clue you in to Love Is All, the hottest Swedish export since the last thing everyone likened to Ikea?" [Pitchfork]
TOUR DATES
11-15 Brooklyn, NY - The Local / Rock Star Bar *
11-17 Washington, DC - DC9 *
11-18 New York, NY - Don Hill's (NIGHT TIME party w/ DJs Justine D & Dave P)
11-19 Philadelphia, PA - Transit
Posted in music at 1:35 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Echo & The Bunnymen U.S. Tour | Diesel Store show
"Echo and the Bunnymen, the brooding rock band that helped define the post punk sound of the 80's, are back with a new widely acclaimed new album, Siberia (Cooking Vinyl US) and poised to kick off a US tour on November 18th in Washington D.C."
The official NYC show is November 20 at Irving Plaza. The unofficial NYC show is tonight (Nov 17) at The Diesel Store (not sure which of the four stores, or how you get invited). Thx CV & MM for the tip. Tour Dates at Filter.
Siberia Reviews
Pitchfork - a 6.7
Stylus - a B
Previously
Echo & The Bunnymen releasing new album, touring
Posted in To Do | music at 12:20 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Annie playing Rothko & Washington DC
Has anyone seen Annie perform lately? Is her live show improving? Anyway, in addition to the opening slot at the TV on the Radio & Secret Machines show at Wester Hall on December 1st, she's also playing The Black Cat In Washington DC on Friday December 2nd and Rothko in NYC on the 3rd (tickets).
Posted in music at 12:07 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Ozzy Osbourne Moons Lifeless UK Hall of Fame Crowd (NSFW)
"Ozzy Osbourne stole the show at the UK Music Hall of Fame ceremony by baring his bottom at the audience. The star was performing on stage with his band, Black Sabbath, to mark their induction last night. After telling the star-studded crowd “I’ve seen more life at a f****** wake”, he dropped his jeans and bared all. The crowd – including wife Sharon and daughter Kelly and son Jack – gave him a standing ovation." [Ireland Online]
NSFW Closeup after the jump...
Posted in music at 11:26 AM | Comments (18) | TrackBack
Tribeca Rock Club Shutting Down | Condos Opening Up
"In an all-too-familiar tale, the ongoing development of Lower Manhattan is forcing the closing of another of New York City's most beloved venues. After only three short years of purveying live music to the masses, Tribeca Rock Club will be shutting its doors in mid-December. Not long thereafter, the building will be torn down and newly-constructed luxury condos will be erected in its place."
"The club's booking team, Rocks Off, will continue to focus on developing the wildly popular Rocks Off Concert Cruise series, as well as presenting events at the Knitting Factory, BB King's, and elsewhere. Needless to say, they're working on some special events for the club's final weeks, so keep an eye on www.tribecarockclub.com for some last-minute announcements."
Previously
Voxtrot, Chin Up Chin Up & Dios @ Tribeca Rock
Juliette (Lewis) and The Licks @ Tribeca Rock Club
Murphy's Law on a Rocks Off Cruise
CBGB Looking For New Home | Rent Dispute Update
Posted in NYC | music at 11:03 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Cat Power @ Tribeca Performing Arts Center | Reviews
Cat Power played a free show at Tribeca Performing Arts Center in NYC Monday night. (Nov 14, 2005)
"...I've heard stories of how she (Chan Marshall) occasionally has 'meltdowns' on stage, owing to her incurable stage-fright and insecurity. As it turned out, she played her entire set without anything of the sort, and it was very good. She was just performing solo, and played a lot of songs off the forthcoming album 'The Greatest', in addition to a lot of my favourites, such as 'Good Woman'. Miscellaneous covers rounded out the set, including a lovely medley of 'All I Need to Do Is Dream' and 'Blue Moon', and finishing off with a heart-wrenching version of 'House of the Rising Sun', whose lyrics had been adjusted, clearly in view of the recent tragedy in New Orleans. She segue'd between songs, deliberately, I assume, to prevent people from applauding, which indeed they only did when she switched from guitar to piano or vice versa." [fearful_syzgy]
CAT POWER (NOT IN TRIBECA) | 10/20/05
"I really like Cat Power's name, but, other than that, she proved not to be to my taste. Neilson described her as 'dirgelike' and that just about sums it up. So if you like dirges, seek her out. The Blind Boys of Alabama, however, were amazing..." [Red Peonies]
** photo of Chan performing at Randy Bacon Gallery courtesy of Saelly's Flickr
Previously
Cat Power | new Album & MP3 | The Greatest
Posted in music at 10:47 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Arctic Monkeys @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | pics
I missed three songs and the show was over about 30 minutes after I got there. Otherwise it was another great show by Arctic Monkeys at Bowery Ballroom in NYC last night (Nov 16, 2005). Awesome crowd. Lots of Brits including DJ DB who was there both nights. Members of Muse were there, and Jeff CV saw David Bowie walking towards the stage after the show.
Previously
Arctic Monkeys @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | pics
Posted in music | pictures at 12:52 AM | Comments (39) | TrackBack
November 16, 2005
The Germs & X Reunions, a movie & Juliana Hatfield
DARBY CRASH & THE GERMS
"In 1976 Darby Crash met Pat Smear (later of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters) and they formed Sophistifuck and the Revlon Spam Queens. They then changed it to The Germs. The Germs became a huge Los Angeles punk band, known for their chaotic live shows. Crash broke up the Germs (who once included future Go-Go's member Belinda Carlisle) and committed suicide with an intentional heroin overdose in 1980, the day John Lennon was killed. His legacy has carried on past the release of The Germs (MIA): The Complete Anthology, in 1993 thought to be the prototype for Hardcore Punk." [Wikipedia]
SHANE WEST AS DARBY CRASH (the movie)
"But interest in the Germs has never died -- after all, dying young is always good for an irreverent legend. Brendan Mullen's Crash biography, "Lexicon Devil" was published in 2002, and now a biopic entitled "What We Do Is Secret" is in post-production, set for the filmfest circuit next year.
And here's where the story gets even weirder. With all this interest, the surviving members are set to take the stage again. Filling the mohawk of the dearly departed Darby? Shane West. " [The Plain Dealer]
SHANE WEST AS DARBY CRASH (real life)
"For the first time in my punk rock life I really get star struck! Standing a few feet from me is 3/4 of my most favorite punk rock band on earth and I never thought I’d ever likely stand in the same room with them anywhere, let alone witness those people recreating the music that was so crucial to my growing up. They opened up with “Circle One” and musically they sounded pretty damn good. Then the actor dude comes out and he really does bear a resemblance to Darby, except he’s not all gimmicked up on drugs and booze, and he actually sings into the mic at all times but not as good as Darby...." [The Punk Vault]
-----
The show described above took place earlier this month in Chicago. The Shane West fronted Germs are coming to NYC for the first time ever in December for two shows at The Continental. TICKETS ARE ON SALE (Dec 10-11)
-----
THE GERMS / X CONNECTION
"...Later that year (1977) Donna was replaced by Cliff Hanger, but they probably never played any gigs with this line up. The fourth drummer was Don Bonebrake (later with X), who also played with The Eyes. He did some gigs as well as the recording of 'Forming 2' and 'Round And Round'...." [A history of the Germs]
XXXXXXXX
"X are a noted punk rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1977. They have achieved only limited mainstream success, but were one of the most accessible and tuneful of Los Angeles' many punk bands. Original members were Exene Cervenka (aka Christine Cervenka, vocals), John Doe (aka John Nommensen Duchac, bass/vocals), DJ Bonebrake (drums), and Billy Zoom (aka Tyson Kindell; guitar)." [Wikipedia]
X REUNION TOUR
"Old-school punk rockers can relive their mosh-pit days as seminal Los Angeles act X takes its show on the road in December....The tour will feature the band's original lineup—-vocalist Exene Cervenka, vocalist/bassist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom and drummer D.J. Bonebrake..." [Tour Dates @ Glide Magazine]
-----
The NYC X show is December 9th at Roseland (one day before the two Germs shows). Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster. Juliana Hatfield opens.
(note: DJ Bonebrake is playing with X, not with the Germs)
Posted in music at 6:52 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
"Secret" Magic Numbers Show @ Mercury Lounge
I've been working on (procrastinating) The Magic Numbers post I just posted for a few days now. Then I found out the band is playing Mercury Lounge, so I hurried up and finished.
THE MAGIC NUMBERS NYC DATES
Nov 25 - Loews Theatre (Jersey City) w/ Bright Eyes & Feist
Nov 26 - Loews Theatre (Jersey City) w/ Bright Eyes & Feist
Nov 27 - Mercury Lounge
Nov 28 - Bowery Ballroom (sold out)
"This show is not listed on their sites and tickets will only be available for purchase through The Magic Numbers newsletter. You can sign up for this newsletter at their site."
UPDATE This show is not secret at all. Buy tix on Ticketweb. (thx anonymous)
Posted in music at 4:36 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
The Magic Numbers
Only three shows currently scheduled at the Bowery Ballroom are sold out.
1) Arctic Monkeys
2) Explosions in the Sky (Night 1 of 2)
3) THE MAGIC NUMBERS
The Magic Numbers? The band opening for Bright Eyes in NJ two times the same week? Some research reveals that this British band is signed to a major and has NME on their side....
"If the summer of 2005 was your 'mellowest' to date, the Magic Numbers probably had something to do with it. Two parts Beach Boys, one part Mamas and Papas, a dash of McCartney and a pinch of Leonard Cohen - all slow-baked under the mellow Trinidad sun - the Magic Numbers are undeniably the happiest band in music, their self-titled debut album was nominated for the 2005 Mercury Music Prize."
The Onion says, "...The Magic Numbers, a much-fêted new British quartet that's been compared to the sunshine pop and cosmic Americana of The Mamas And The Papas and Crosby, Stills & Nash. The band's eponymous debut sounds earthy and real, in stark contrast to the neo-new-wave that's been dominating modern rock for the past two years. But The Magic Numbers may be ascending too quickly, given what they have to offer.
ALBUM REVIEWS
Cokemachine glow - an 8.3
PopMatters - an 8.0
Pitchfork - a 7.6
BM "jump the shark" Rant - Likes It
Listen to songs on their "Album sampler" and at their Myspace page
BUY The Magic Numbers @ Insound
GET MP3s
From their recent KEXP appearance
From their recent KCRW appearance
Posted in music at 4:23 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
NYC Loves Art Brut (Hates Mariah Carey)
"Four sold-out nights in the New York area later, two of which I attended, Art Brut might be my favorite new act in years, even more than the Game or Tony Yayo." [Riff Raff interviewed Art Brut]
The verdict is in. NYC Loves Art Brut.
MAXWELLS NOV 9, 2005
"Taking the stage around 11:30 PM last night, Art Brut launched into a note-perfect cover of AC/DC's Back in Black' [One Louder]
MERCURY LOUNGE NOV 10, 2005
"Argos, despite his vocal limitations, is a very engaging frontman. He has exactly three power moves:..." [HEARTONASTICK]
"And then there's Argos, a classic ham of a frontman, a doughy ball of goofy, waterlogged charisma behind a John Waters mustache..." [Status Ain't Hood]
"Their music is so fucking catchy that you can't deny the attraction from the start." [Loose Record]
"Lead singer Eddie Argos is cheeky and self agrandizing to the point of spoof and then ultimately self depricating and funny as hell, he had the audience cracking up, 'Ready Art Brute?' he asks before each song." [A blog Called Nowhere]
"A bearded dwarf sporting a mohawk and wife-beater ruled the mosh pit during most of the show, but his attempts to treat the band to shots were unsuccessful." [Jeddeth]
"What a great show. Seemingly everyone in attendence not only knew the words to all the songs, but also brought their cameras..." [Sound Bites]
* check out my pics
* Kathryn's pics at Flickr
NORTHSIX NOV 11, 2005
"In Brit-speak, this was a fookin' great show" [bolts of melody]
* photos @ SPIN
TRIBECA GRAND NOV 12, 2005
"...he said that they were looking for a deal for their record to come out in the U.S. (currently it's only available on the UK) and that's the reason they undertook this short U.S. tour." [Japanese God Jesus Robot]
"Let me say that new guitarist Jasper Future is the new indie-rock matinee idol I'll never be. guy is gorgeous (he's the blonde, obviously)." [dave should get out more]
"The Arctic Monkeys have chosen a terrible weak to debut in the U.S. Terrrrrible, I say." [Yeti Don't Dance]
* Check out my pics
Sort of Unrelated: WTC Art Bruts May Claim Another Scalp
Posted in music at 3:38 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Invite Them Up Record Release | Eugene Mirman
Back in May, Eugene Mirman, Demetri Martin, Bobby Tisdale, and other comedians got together at Pianos to record a CD. On Tuesday, December 6th, they're getting back together to celebrate its release.
Tuesday, December 6 (8:00 PM doors)
Invite Them Up Record Release featuring Eugene Mirman / Jon Benjamin & Jon Glaser / Michael Showalter / Demetri Martin / Leo Allen / Bobby Tisdale & More
at The Bowery Ballroom, New York City
U.S.$13.00
Previously
Eugene Mirman Blogs, Free Show & Stuff
Posted in comedy | music at 2:25 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Lifetime Reuniting Again | West Coast Shows
Lifetime is back again with three more reunion shows. This time on the West Coast:
January 27, 2006 Los Angeles, CA United States Troubadour
January 28, 2006 Anaheim, CA United States Chain Reaction
January 29, 2006 San Francisco, CA United States Slim's
via jersey city wolfpack
Posted in music at 2:18 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The Top 40 American Bands | 2005
Last year I talked a lot about Information Leafblower's list of the top 40 bands in America. This year I participated in the selection. A whole bunch of bloggers were asked to list "the top 10 bands in America today." 114 "bands" were nominated. Kyle Leafblower compiled the top 40 in a list, in order.
(REMEMBER: NO bands from the UK or Canada)
I tried to be objective with my list. I mixed my own worldview with the bigger picture. I define "top" to be more than a band who put out an album I like a lot (didn't nominate The Mountain Goats or The Hold Steady). (UPDATE: As Matt pointed out in the comments, I tended to weigh who's "hot" very highly) I nominated Mariah Carey even though I don't listen to her much. Other bloggers seemed to take the "favorite albums of 2005" approach. For instance the band "Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin" made the list. Mariah didn't.
HERE'S MY LIST:
1) Green Day *
2) The White Stripes
3) Bob Dylan
4) Kanye West *
5) Bright Eyes *
6) Devendra Banhart *
7) Kelly Clarkson *
8) Mariah Carey
9) Sufjan Stevens *
10) Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
* made the top 40
My Runner Ups: The Decemberists, Death Cab For Cutie, Wilco, Pearl Jam, Rilo Kiley, Sleater Kinney, The Strokes
** Six of my top 10 made the top 40.
** Three of my top 10 made the top 10.
** I have no idea how The White Stripes didn't make it at all.
** It has to be backlash & denial that kept CYHSY off the top 40.
** The National are the second best band in America right now?
Antony & The Johnsons would of been in my top 10, but I figured he wasn't qualified since he accepted the UK's Mercury Award. Others voted for him anyway so he made the list (barely). I'd like to revote and add him to my list. I might have to drop Mariah.
----
THE PANEL Gorilla Vs. Bear, Largehearted Boy, Music for Robots, 5500, My Old Kentucky Blog, Catbirdseat, Central Village, Bradley's Almanac, Chromewaves, Dceiver, Byron Crawford, Catherine's Pita, Tuning Fork, Jason and Rajeev from One Louder, Brooklyn Vegan, Soviet Panda, Melody Nelson, Seeking Irony, Coolfer and Information Leafblower.
Posted in music at 12:04 PM | Comments (35) | TrackBack
Arctic Monkeys @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | pics
Listen to Arctic Monkeys @ Myspace
I never even heard of Arctic Monkeys two months ago, but I was still really excited to see the albumless UK band play their first U.S. show. My anticipation grew as the lights at Mercury Lounge went down. Snoop Dogg started blasting through the speakers. The band was about to take the stage, and I knew they were going to rip things up. Then I saw them. Could these kids be them? They seemed so young. Then they started playing. They weren't moving around very much (then again, neither was the crowd). I imagined a crazy stage show. Didn't happen. Two songs in I wondered what all the hype was about. The third song was their hit. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor sounded good. Then either they or I warmed up. By the fourth song I no longer cared about their age or their stage show. The songs were tight. The songs were good. Their singer was personable and funny. Now I know why they're signed to Domino in the UK and Epic in the US. Arctic Monkeys are just getting started. Have an open mind, forget about who you think they sound like, and I don't think you'll be disappointed. (Nov 15, 2005)
Toronto liked them too.
Previously
Arctic Monkeys playing this week (@ Gothamist)
Kapow! playing w/ Arctic Monkeys | MP3
Arctic Monkeys show moved to Bowery Ballroom
Arctic Monkeys' debut tops charts | Video
Arctic Monkeys playing 5 North American Shows
Arctic Monkeys | Hype? | Stream Their Songs
Posted in music | pictures at 1:05 AM | Comments (30) | TrackBack
The 2005 Country Music Awards | Results & Pictures
I wasn't there, but I did share the train with people on their way home from the show at MSG. They were decked out in country gear and holding programs.
ELTON JOHN & DOLLY PARTON
"The Big Apple provided a big night for some of Country Music’s biggest stars. 'The 39th Annual CMA Awards' was broadcast on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for the first time outside of Nashville, live from Madison Square Garden in New York City on the CBS Television Network. Keith Urban won his second consecutive CMA Male Vocalist of the Year and his first Entertainer of the Year Award, making him the only Country artist in CMA Awards history to win the Horizon, Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year Awards. Urban won the Horizon Award in 2001...." [SEE ALL THE RESULTS]
JENNIFER NETTLES & BON JOVI
PAUL SIMON, WILLIE NELSON & NORAH JONES
More photos @ Yahoo
Posted in music at 12:47 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
November 15, 2005
This week's NYC shows posted at Gothamist
Arctic Monkeys, Konono No. 1, Jeff Tweedy, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson, American Analog Set, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Devin Davis, Bad Religion, World Leader Pretend, Jason Molina, Keren Ann, Aimee Mann, Giant Drag, and many, many other artists are playing in NYC this week.
Posted in To Do | music at 5:42 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
3rd NYC American Analog Set show Added
Tickets are on sale for a November 20th American Analog Set show at Mercury Lounge. November 18 & 19 are sold out. Remember, it's their last tour ever.
Chromewaves was at the recent Toronto show.
Posted in music at 4:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Kapow! playing w/ Arctic Monkeys | MP3
I just noticed that Kapow! are playing between Surefire and Arctic Monkeys @ Bowery Ballroom tomorrow night.
Did anyone see them opening for the Fiery Furnaces at Northsix? According to Fluxblog, that show was the "debut of former Furnace Toshi Yano's new band, Kapow! Yano has a knack for '60s style pop rock, and though that genre's been strip-mined by a few generations of indie rockers by now, he manages to keep his songs sounding fresh, vibrant, and lacking that icky retro aftertaste." [Go download an MP3 @ Fluxblog]
Posted in music at 4:23 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
John Cale @ St. Ann's Warehouse, Brooklyn, NY | pics
Super-producer and ex-Velvet-Undergrounder John Cale played St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn Saturday night (Nov 12, 2005). I'm not really familiar with his solo stuff, but here's my take anyway. John has mastered the art of music. He knows how to be Bob Dylan; then David Byrne. He jumps from genre to genre playing perfectly crafted, though not necessarily original sounding, songs. That said, I absolutely loved certain parts of the two-hour-two-encore packed show, especially the slow songs. He's got one of those beautifully dark voices.
"Dragging his viola bow over the strings with singularly lugubrious verve, John Cale opened his St. Ann's Warehouse show on Saturday with the Velvet Underground's menacing gothic classic 'Venus in Furs.' That was it for the Velvets, his early band, and the viola, his signature instrument. This show was stridently about rocking, not rumination.
It's a big year for this eclectic producer-musician, who is also planning to reunite this year with Patti Smith in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her seminal 1975 album, 'Horses,' which he produced. " [NY Times]
Previously
John Cale | Fun Facts & Video | Show Saturday
Patti Smith "Horses" Tickets on Sale | Flea
Posted in music | pictures at 2:59 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Amazon's Best of 2005 (Music)
The winners of this year's BEST OF 2005 awards go to....
#1 (of 100) Editors' Pick: Sufjan Stevens | Illinois
#1 (of 100) Customer Favorite: Coldplay | X&Y
#1 Editors' Pick in Alternative Rock: My Morning Jacket | Z
#1 Editors' Pick in Pop: Fiona Apple | Extraordinary Machine
Editors > Customers. ;)
Check out the all the winners (as see on Donewaiting & Prefix Blog)
Previously
Best @ Amazon - 2004
Posted in music at 2:00 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Bitter Sub Pop Employee | Postal Service Gold FS
SPONGE BOB & A POSTAL SERVICE GOLD RECORD
One disgruntled ex-employee is selling a Postal Service gold record on E-Bay...
"After my departure from Sub Pop Records in June of this year I took a spiritual journey to find my ancestral roots in the continent known as Eurasia. As I traveled I became more in touch with myself and began to realize that there are bigger things to life then money and so called 'Indie Cred.'....." [Postal Service Gold Record Give Up Death Cab Sub Pop] (thx Alec)
Posted in music at 1:37 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Low & new bassist Tour | Old Bassist Speaks
Low bassist Zak Sally recently left the band. They replaced him with Matt Livingston. Matt Livingston and band will be at Southpaw in Brooklyn on February 3rd and Bowery Ballroom on the 6th. More Cowbell has all the dates. EconoCulture has an interview with Zak.
Posted in music at 1:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Final Fantasy Covers Bloc Party | MP3
"Owen Pallett and his drummer played a violin & drums version of Bloc Party's This Modern Love a couple of weeks ago." [Get the MP3 & Video @ the Smudge of Ashen Fluff] (via More Cowbell)
Previously
Final Fantasy remixes Grizzly Bear
Final Fantasy's Dream of Win & Regine Video
Posted in music at 1:20 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
José González covers Kylie Minogue | MP3
One highlight of the October Jose Gonzalez show was Jose's cover of Kylie Minogue's Hand on My Heart. Download the studio version now at Gorilla Vs. Bear.
P.S. If you haven't checked out the Sony video/commercial yet, you're missing out.
Posted in music at 1:12 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Chad VanGaalen Preparing Animation DVD
"Chad VanGaalen, the latest bedroom singer/songwriter on the Sub Pop roster, will release a DVD of animations set to his music in the latter part of 2006." [CMJ]
Watch the animated video for Clinically Dead
Previously
Chad VanGaalen Touring | Mercury Lounge
Posted in music at 12:58 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Matisyahu/Saul Williams (duet) @ MTVu Awards, NYC | pics
The highlight of the MTVu Awards @ Roseland on November 2nd was a duet between Matisyahu and Saul Williams. Brought back memories of Ice T and Perry Farrell. Saul sang Black Stacey while Matisyahu mostly beatboxed.
Previously
The Go! Team @ Roseland, NYC | MTVu Awards | pics
The 2005 MTVu Awards | Results | pics
Matisyahu & Saul Williams to Duet + Death Cab playing MTVu Awards
Matisyahu @ Webster Hall, NYC | pics
Saul Williams @ The Siren Festival
Posted in music | pictures at 10:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 14, 2005
Monday Night's NYC Shows
No time for a full week of listings today, so I just posted Monday night's shows to Gothamist. You'll find info. on Cat Powers and the Wall Street Rising Concert Series and some Country Music Awards related events.
Posted in To Do | music at 1:52 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
David Cross & Lesbians | Strokes video & mp3
DAVID CROSS IN THE NEW "STROKE" VIDEO
Everyone's favorite Strokes casting call resulted in a video that, in true Strokes fashion, "leaked" on to the Internet.
You'll find the video for download at MarathonPacks, The Modern Age, and Stereogum.
The song is called Juicebox, and it's also now officially available as an MP3.
Previously
Strokes planning "Secret Shows"
Report from the Strokes Video Casting Call
David Cross in "Do They Know It's Halloween"
Bartender David Cross
Posted in music at 12:20 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Art Brut @ Tribeca Grand, NYC | pics
DOWNLOAD: Emily Kane (MP3)
I know a lot of people hate going to shows at Mother*ck*er and Tribeca Grand, but if you like your audiences rowdy, sweaty and not-afraid-to-dance, these are the places to catch hot bands before it's off to Bowery (big)-Webster(bigger)-Roseland(biggest). I got there at 11:00 (November 12, 2005). The line was only about five minutes long. When Art Brut went on at 12:30, the downstairs of Tribeca Grand was more packed than I've ever seen it. People were pouring out of every corner. I lost a bit of hearing, but luckily it came with the experience of a great show. They played a shorter set than the one at Mercury Lounge two nights earlier - partly because they talked less between songs. That's not a good or bad thing, just different. The songs flowed together more. The energy in the room was felt by the band who gave it right back. Are you ready Art Brut?
Previously
Art Brut @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | pics
Art Brut Tickets on Sale | Afterparties, Test Icicles
Art Brut @ Tribeca Grand Saturday | RSVP
Art Brut Live Reviews, Tour & Tix on Sale
Art Brut | Bang Bang Rock and Roll
Posted in music | pictures at 11:09 AM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
The Modern Age vs. Writers vs. English
Laura Modern Age pointed to this article in Guardian Unlimited that asks if anyone understands what the hell music bloggers and Pitchfork are talking about. Laura believes the answer is "no," and even accuses these hard-to-understand writers of "having the unfortunate disposition of being an asshole."
Sasha Frere-Jones, Tom Breihan, and Nick Sylvester are among those quoted by the Guardian.
Previously
Thank You Village Voice | Best of NYC 2005
Posted in music at 10:45 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
We Are Scientists @ FADER Lounge, NYC | CMJ | pics
We Are Scientists are getting a lot of attention. Jeff CV called them "buzz band du jour" in his recent Gothamist review of their show at Bowery Ballroom. It's especially true in the UK where their debut album was released in October. They're even lined up to play next year's NME tour with Arctic Monkeys. All the buzz overseas should help this NYC (via California) band sell their album when it's released in the U.S. on January 10th.
They have three videos you can watch at their site, and three songs streaming on their Mypace page. This photo set comes from their short appearance at the FADER Lounge on Orchard Street in NYC during CMJ 2005 (Sept 17, 2005)
Steve Aoki was DJing between bands.
Previously
De Novo Dahl @ Cake Shop, NYC | CMJ | pics
Walking Concert @ Sin-e, NYC | CMJ | pics
Wolf Parade @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | CMJ | pics
Posted in CMJ | music | pictures at 10:04 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack