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September 30, 2006

CBGB Stuff - Patti Smith, Dictators, tickets, etc..

DOWNLOAD: Patti Smith - Memorial Tribute (MP3)

AGENT ORANGE @ CBGB | SEPT 23, 2006 (CRED)

Tickets go on sale Sunday for the final CBGB show featuring Patti Smith (33 years, 33 dollars). Lenny Kaye will be playing guitar. Lenny Kaye wrote a eulogy (is that the right word?) to CBGB in the Village Voice (the same issue that had the Continental article).

ALSO
* Tickets go on sale Sunday for the final CBGB hardcore matinee
* The Dictators show was moved to October 13th
* Tonight was almost the last show night at CBGB
* AOL is streaming the Bad Brains @ CBGB DVD

LEE PERRY "BACKSTAGE" @ CBGB | SEPT 25, 2006


JUST TO RECAP
Oct 8 - Sick of It All, Agnostic Front, Murphy's Law
Oct 9 - Bad Brains
Oct 10 - Bad Brains
Oct 11 - ??
Oct 12 - ??
Oct 13 - The Dictators
Oct 14 - ??
Oct 15 - Patti Smith

P.S. There was something on CBGB's website about them putting whatever they're not brining to Vegas on eBay, but they took down the note, so not sure now...

Previously
Gorilla Biscuits @ CBGB (Sept 06), NYC | pics
Riverboat Gamblers @ CBGB, NYC | pics
New York Dolls @ CBGB, NYC | pics
Man with Cat on head @ the CBGB Rally NYC | pics

Posted in To Do | music | music history | tour dates at 7:16 PM | Comments (25)

Sufjan Stevens @ Town Hall

SUFJAN STEVENS @ TOWN HALL, NYC | SEP 29, 2006 (CRED)

The picture above from night one of three in NYC.

btw, if you missed it: Sufjan to release 5-disc Christmas Set

Posted in music at 6:47 PM | Comments (29)

Stream The Hold Steady's Boys and Girls in America

Vagrant is streaming the album. Tour dates & stuff @ Pitchfork. Article @ The NY Times.

Posted in music at 6:13 PM | Comments (4)

September 29, 2006

Buju Banton on bashing gays

I have never bashed any gays before, and if I bashed gays, I bashed them 16 years ago," Banton tells Billboard.com. "There's no tolerance from [the gay community]. I'm not a gay-basher. I'm not a homophobe." [Billboard]

"So which is it? You never bashed gays, or you did it 16 years ago?" [jasmynecannick]

"Neumo's, a music club on Capitol Hill, books artists whose songs at times demean women, dis police or use offensive slurs.....From an artistic perspective, free speech took a big hit, courtesy of a self-appointed cultural mafia that bullied the club into a tight corner." [SeattlePI]

Previously
LA Buju Banton concert cancelled after complaints
Buju Banton protest @ Chicago House of Blues tonight

Posted in music at 8:09 PM | Comments (25)

Ani Difranco "Secret show"

"Fill out the form below to be entered to win a pair of tickets to see Ani DiFranco perform a secret show in New York City with 100 other lucky fans! The show takes place at a venue to be announced, on Tuesday, October 10 at 1pm. Please note: you must provide your own lodging and transportation to the show; the winner will be notified via phone and e-mail on Thursday, October 5."

Posted in music at 4:34 PM | Comments (8)

Mindless Self Indulgence tour dates & Studio B for CMJ

Tickets are on sale for five upcoming MSI shows including a small one for them at Studio B in Brooklyn during CMJ.

Posted in CMJ | music | tour dates at 4:17 PM | Comments (5)

Free music festival Saturday - Talib Kweli, A-Trak, etc..

"Fujisankei Communications International (FCI) and Sharp Electronics Corporation team up to bring you the New York–Tokyo Music Festival 2006 on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park – a free, all-day, open-air music festival that will showcase the most inspired artistic talent from the East and the West."

Posted in To Do | music at 4:14 PM | Comments (0)

The Futureheads cancel 2006 tour

"British rockers THE FUTUREHEADS have cancelled their upcoming US tour after frontman BARRY HYDE recently came down with tendonitis. The four-piece had been due to kick off their American tour in Seattle, Washington on Wednesday, but Hyde's inflamed left wrist has forced the band to abandon the trek. However, drummer ROSS MILLARD has promised fans The Futureheads will return 'at the next available opportunity'. He says, 'We are deeply sorry, but I guess we have to focus on Barry making progress toward recovery, and only rest will enable that.'" [Contact Music] (thx all)

Posted in music | tour dates at 4:10 PM | Comments (9)

the Xiu Xiu / Silversun Pickups -- Mercury / Bowery switch

DOWNLOAD: Xiu Xiu - Boy Soprano (MP3)

Silversun Pickups and Xiu Xiu each have two show in NYC in October. Silversun's were both at Mercury Lounge. Xiu Xiu's were both at Bowery Ballroom. Now they look like this:

Oct 11 - Silversun @ Mercury Lounge
Oct 12 - Silversun Pickups @ Bowery Ballroom (switched from Mercury)
Oct 12 - Xiu Xiu @ Mercury Lounge (switched from Bowery)
Oct 13 - Xiu Xiu @ Bowery Ballroom

The above art and MP3 are from Xiu Xiu's new album The Air Force.

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 3:53 PM | Comments (12)

the Basement Jaxx cancel one of two Webster Hall shows

DOWNLOAD: Basement Jaxx - Everybody (MP3)

"Due to scheduling conflicts the Basement Jaxx will only be playing the 11th at Webster Hall. All tickets purchased for the 10th will be honored for the 11th based on availability. The Double will support."

Posted in music at 3:34 PM | Comments (9)

Michael Stipe joined Joseph Arthur on stage @ Bowery Ballroom | Tour Dates

DOWNLOAD: Joseph Arthur - Black Lexus (MP3)

JOSEPH ARTHUR @ BOWERY BALLROOM | SEPT 27, 2006 (CRED)

"Joseph Arthur treated a hometown crowd at New York's Bowery Ballroom last night (Sept. 27) to a surprise appearance from R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, who shared vocals with the Akron, Ohio, native on 'In the Sun' during the encore." [Billboard]

All Joseph Arthur tour dates below....

JOSEPH ARTHUR | 2006 TOUR DATES
9/30 Toronto, ON Mod Club
10/2 Detroit, MI Magic Bag
10/3 Cincinnati, OH 20th Century
10/4 Chicago, IL Double Door
10/5 Indianapolis, IN Birdy’s
10/6 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line
10/7 Lawrence, KS Bottleneck
10/8 Denver, CO Bluebird
10/10 New York, NY Late Show W/David Letterman
10/11 Vancouver, BC Red Room
10/12 Seattle, WA Crocodile Café
10/13 Portland, OR Doug Fir
10/15 San Francisco, CA Du Nord
10/17 Los Angeles, CA Late Late Show W/Craig Ferguson
10/17 Los Angeles, CA El Rey
10/19 San Diego, CA House Of Blues
10/20 Phoenix, AZ Clubhouse
10/22 Norman, OK Oplolis
10/23 Dallas, TX Gypsy Tea Room
10/24 Houston, TX Meridien
10/25 Austin, TX Parish
10/28 New Orleans, LA Voodoo Music Festival
10/29 Nashville, TN 3rd & Lindsey
10/30 Atlanta, GA The Loft/Vinyl
11/1 Annapolis, MD Rams Head
11/3 Brooklyn, NY Southpaw
*Part of the 2006 CMJ Music Marathon

Previously
Telepopmusik + Angela McCluskey + Michael Stipe @ Don Hill's, NYC | pics
Ryan Adams & Friends @ Irving Plaza, NYC | pics

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 3:30 PM | Comments (5)

Joanna Newsom | 2006 Tour Dates (Webster Hall)

JOANNA NEWSOM @ MCCARREN POOL, BROOKLYN | AUG 24, 2006 (CRED - BAO)


It wasn't a good idea to throw little Joanna Newsom and her harp on a giant stage in the middle of a massive, empty, outdoor pool in Brooklyn this summer. She was swallowed up by the open sky, stage, and constant crowd noise. The majority of people were there to see headliner Neko Case, and the crowd was mostly uninterested - especially when Joanna decided to preview her new material: neverending songs that nobody had ever heard before. Don't get me wrong, there was at least a Mercury Lounge's capacity worth of people up front and cheering her every move, but we weren't at Mercury Lounge. Each plane that flew overhead effortlessly stole the show. The surroundings killed the show for me, and I left disappointed.

Then (thanks to Pitchfork?) I heard Joanna's new album Ys and fell in love with those neverending songs (which isn't a surprise since The Milk Eyed Mender was one of my top three albums of 2004). And now I can't wait to hear those longs songs live again - hopefully in a better setting - someplace with seats - or at the at the not-too-big Bowery Ballroom - hopefully not somewhere bigger.....

** 11-13-2006 - New York, NY - Webster Hall (early & late shows on sale)

The good news is that I think Joanna may be touring with an actual band this time. All tour dates below...

JOANNA NEWSOM | 2006 TOUR DATES
10-04 Toronto, Ontario - Mod Club
10-05 Montreal, Quebec - Ukranian Federation
10-06 Bennington, VT - Bennington College
10-07 Brooklyn, NY - Barge Music (New Yorker Festival)
10-08 Storrs, CT - Von Der Mehden Auditorium
11-08 Chicago, IL - Logan Square Auditorium
11-10 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
11-11 Logan Square Auditorium - Chicago, IL
11-13 New York, NY - Webster Hall (early & late shows)
11-14 Somerville, MA - Somerville Theatre
11-16 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
11-17 Washington DC - Black Cat
11-18 Greensboro, NC - Gail Brower Huggins Perf. Center
12-03 Portland, OR - Aladdin Theater

(more dates TBA)

Joanna performed "Rock Bottom Riser" with Smog in Texas on September 18th. There's a video on YouTube.

I'm a blogger - I like Ys - Funny ha ha

Previously
Joanna Newsom's 2nd album details
Joanna Newsom covers Melanie MP3 | Drag City Christmas Pics

Posted in music | tour dates at 12:59 PM | Comments (20)

The Album Leaf | Fall 2006 Tour Dates & MP3

DOWNLOAD: Always for You (new MP3)

"For those of you who may be turned off by The Album Leaf's presence on The O.C.: Mix 2, consider this -- the band has also opened for Sigur Rós." [The Cavalier Daily]

Tour dates below...

THE ALBUM LEAF | 2006 TOUR DATES
10.05.06 – San Diego, CA – Museum of Contemporary Art
10.08.06 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
10.18.06 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room
10.20.06 – Austin, TX – Parish
10.21.06 – Houston, TX – Proletariat
10.22.06 – Denton, TX – Hailey’s
10.23.06 – Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s
10.24.06 – Birmingham, AL – BottleTree
10.25.06 – Tallahassee, FL – Club Downunder (FSU)
10.26.06 – W. Palm Beach, FL – Respectable Street
10.27.06 – Orlando, FL – Social
10.28.06 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum
10.29.06 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl
10.30.06 – Charlotte, NC – The Neighborhood Theater
11.01.06 – Philadelphia, PA – Jonny Brenda’s
11.02.06 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (CMJ)
11.03.06 – Washington, DC – Rock and Roll Hotel
11.06.06 – Brooklyn, NY – North Six
11.07.06 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East Downstairs
11.08.06 – Montreal, PQ – Main Hall
11.09.06 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
11.10.06 – Buffalo, NY – Big Orbit’s Soundlab
11.11.06 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig
11.12.06 – Chicago, IL – Lakeshore Theater
11.13.06 – Minneapolis, MN – 400 Bar
11.16.06 – Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
11.17.06 – Vancouver, BC – Plaza Club
11.18.06 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
11.19.06 – Euguene, OR – W.O.W. Hall
11.21.06 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent

"With instrumental duties on the album turned over almost exclusively to the band's only real member, James Lavelle, the sounds found on their new slice of shellac are unlike anything we've come to expect. Gone are the soft keyboard tones and rock-solid drum loops found on the Sigur Ros-aided In a Safe Place. In come collaborations with Richard Ashcroft, Mike D, Badly Drawn Boy, and Thom Yorke, amongst others. The album flits from song-to-song, in a schizophrenic but increasingly measured way, culminating in the moody "Bunny in Your Flashers," featuring one of Yorke's most affecting vocals. It certainly puts The Eraser in its place." [Tiny Mix Tapes]

Posted in at 10:49 AM | Comments (3)

Bid on a date with Lily Allen

"To celebrate National Dating Day on the 24th September DatingDirect.com has linked up with various celebrities for a once in a lifetime Celebrity Dream Date Charity Auction." (vis thighswidshut)

Posted in music at 10:27 AM | Comments (9)

Wes' Weekly Hip Hop News Roundup | (Sep 28, 2006)

Check out the cover and tracklisting for the new Hi-Tek over at the TheRapUp. Features include Nas, Common, Busta Rhymes, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Ghostface, Raekwon, Papoose, Snoop, and more.

Ryan Adams just ventured it into rap for the very first time. Go stream his new Beastie Boys-esque and highly amusing Look Who Got A Website on his site, or get an MP3 at Stereogum.

Beanie Sigel speaks candidly on Dame Dash, Jay-Z, the past and the future. He doesn't hold back in this interview at Fader.

Watch Rhymefest Bullet with Citizen Cope and Mark Ronson on Aol's Music Sessions: WIN Hi or WIN Lo

Snoop Dogg's new album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment is coming soon and will reunite him with Dr. Dre's production on a handful of songs. Read more over at MTV and AboutRap.

Check out new Rawkus artist Naledge as part of the group Kidz In The Hall on MySpace, and check out a tune over at XXL. They're playing Northsix September 30th and opening for Clipse November 4th at the Knitting Factory.

Clipse's delayed Hell Hath No Fury gets the rare XXL rating over at XXL Mag. Read more here. Will we ever hear it though??

Three 6 Mafia fresh off their success at the Oscar's for their contribution to Hustle & Flow will be the subject of a new MTV Reality show entitled Adventures In Hollywood scheduled for early 2007. Read more over at BallerStatus.

Rap elder Kurtis Blow has launched Music Ministry Recordings, a Christian Hip Hop Label in partnership with Holy Hip-Hop and EMI Gospel.

For those who would like to get a special preview copy of an upcoming and eagerly anticipated album by a certain rapper that also co-owns the Nets, buy tickets now for the November 10th Nets vs Miami Heat game at 1-800-7NJ-Nets.

Check out this interesting mid-90's sounding song Do It Easy by Brooklyn Duo Junk Science. (MP3)

West Coast's highly original rapper, and cousin to Ice Cube, Del The Funky Homosapien starts a 44-date national tour in support of his new album The 11th Hour. Dates below (via BStat).

DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIAN | 2006 TOUR DATES
09/27 - San Luis Obispo, CA @ Downtown Brew
09/28 - Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
09/29 - West Hollywood, CA @ Knitting Factory
09/30 - Pomona, CA @ Glass House
10/01 - San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues
10/02 - Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theater
10/03 - Flagstaff, AZ @ Orpheum Theater
10/04 - Phoenix, AZ @ Clubhouse
10/05 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/06 - Austin, TX @ Emos
10/07 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
10/09 - Tallahassee, FL @ Beta Bar
10/10 - Orlando, FL @ The Social
10/11 - Charleston, SC @ The Village Tavern
10/12 - Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
10/13 - Carrboro, NC @ Cats Cradle
10/14 - Charlottesville, VA @ Starr Hill Music Hall
10/15 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
10/16 - Philadelphia, PA @ TLA
10/17 - New York, NY @ BB Kings
10/18 - New Haven, CT @ Toads Place
10/20 - Boston, MA @ The Paradise
10/22 - Burlinton, VT @ Higher Ground
10/23 - Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo Icon
10/24 - Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig
10/25 - Columbus, OH @ Little Brother
10/26 - Bloomington, IN @ Bluebird Theater
10/27 - Chicago, IL @ Abbey Pub
10/29 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/31 - Lawrence, KS @ Granada
11/01 - Boulder, CO @ Fox Theater
11/02 - Denver, CO @ Cervanti's
11/03 - Fort Collins, CO @ Aggie Theater
11/04 - Park City, UT @ Suede
11/06 - Bend, OR @ Domino Room
11/07 - Bellingham, WA @ Nightlight
11/08 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox
11/09 - Portland, OR @ Roseland
11/10 - Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall
11/11 - Chico, CA @ Theater
11/15 - Sparks, NV @ New Oasis
11/16 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
11/17 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
11/18 - Sacramento, CA @ The Library

----

this post brought to you by Undisputed Wes

Posted in MP3 | hiphop | music | tour dates at 2:05 AM | Comments (7)

September 28, 2006

O'Death @ Spiegel, NYC | pics + Tour Dates + mp3

DOWNLOAD: O'Death - Down to Rest (MP3) (more) (buy)

I finally saw next-big-thing O'Death AND went to the Spiegel Tent all in one shot last night! Jeff Heartonastick has been urging me to see O'Death since late May. That's like four years in blog time, especially when the local band plays often enough to keep you constantly reminded of how you're not seeing them. In fact:

O'DEATH | TOUR DATES
Sep 29 2006 - The New Party Club Brooklyn
Oct 3 2006 - Empty Vessel Project Brooklyn, NY
Oct 6 2006 - goodbye-blue-monday brooklyn
Oct 26 2006 - Cake-Shop New York, NY
Oct 27 2006 - The Lake View House Summit, NY

And I've been trying to go to the Spiegel Tent since it opened all the way back in August. It was great, but unfortunnately it's closing in a few days. The free outdoor bar space that's right on the river and open till 4am with music blaring and tons of cool seats is especially nice.

And yes, O'Death were as great as everyone says - like Man Man, but good - JUST KIDDING (about the Man Man part).

The front-man is bizarro world Alec Ounsworth, and hopefully he'll be just as successful (Alec headlines Summerstage with his band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah tonight actually).

The drummer eats babies for breakfast.

The bassist is more metal than Mastodon, well except that he plays Bluegrass.

This banjo player thinks Sufjan is dumb (JUST KIDDING AGAIN).

"A reviewer on CD Baby dubbed their music 'Appalachian apocalypse' and that’s as accurate a label as any." [heartonastick]

"These boys know how to throw a ho down." [ph not v]

DOWNLOAD: O'Death - adelita (MP3)

DOWNLOAD: O'Death - only daughter (MP3)

DOWNLOAD: O'Death - nathaniel

O'Death opened this Gothamist Movable Hype show on Wednesday night - September 27, 2006. The Big Sleep played after them and the Occasion. The Rogers Sisters closed the show. Stereogum was also there.

Previously
O'Death playing Spiegel

Posted in MP3 | music | pictures | tour dates at 3:39 PM | Comments (21)

Rodrigo y Gabriela @ SOB's, NYC | pics

DOWNLOAD: Rodrigo y Gabriela - Tamacum (MP3)

There's silly shows, beautiful shows, impressive shows, shows that make you groove, shows that make you move, and shows that are, well, enjoyable. And then there are shows that make you go yeah! yeah! yeah! yeah!

In addition to their own songs, Rodrigo y Gabriela covered some Metallica and Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here at SOB's in NYC Tuesday night (Sept 26, 2006). From this show I ran to Grizzly Bear.

Previously
Rodrigo y Gabriela | Live at Scala (video)
Rodrigo y Garbriela | Fall 2006 Tour Dates & MP3

Posted in MP3 | music | pictures at 12:15 PM | Comments (6)

Andrew Bird and A Hawk & A Hacksaw playing Lincoln Center

GLENN KOTCHE @ THE WORDLESS MUSIC SERIES | 09/18/06 (MORE)

Wednesday, November 15 (6:30 reception / 7:30 show)
* A Hawk & A Hacksaw
* Katya Mihailova (solo piano)
* Andrew Bird (first-ever instrumental/solo violin performance)

This is the next installment in the Lincoln Center Wordless Music series. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Oct. 5.

Previously
Wordless Music Series featuring Nels Cline and Glenn Kotche
Andrew Bird @ Bonnaroo 2006 | pics, news
Glenn Kotche (Wilco) & David Cossin @ World Financial Center, NYC | pics

Posted in To Do | music at 10:37 AM | Comments (7)

Grizzly Bear opening for TVOTR in NYC

Now that the Bowery show has past, Irving Plaza lists Grizzly Bear as opener for both of the upcoming sold-out NYC TV on the Radio shows. (thx Nick)

Posted in music | tour dates at 9:44 AM | Comments (15)

The Big Sleep @ Spiegel, NYC | pics

Ryspace has the audio.

The Big Sleep played Gothamist Movable Hype @ The Spiegel Tent in NYC on September 27, 2006.

Posted in music | pictures at 3:10 AM | Comments (1)

See free shows by volunteering to register voters

TV on the Radio, The Decemberists, The Dresden Dolls, and Minus the Bear are some of the bands giving away free tickets to their shows in exchange for volunteer work.

Posted in music at 2:53 AM | Comments (15)

Free 'live from Brooklyn' track with TVOTR download

"Be among the first to order Return To Cookie Mountain and you'll get a Tower Exclusive free digital download of the track "Dirtywhirl (Live from Celebrate Brooklyn)" from Tower Records Digital!" [TVOTR blog]

Posted in music at 2:50 AM | Comments (9)

September 27, 2006

2nd NYC Death Cab / Ted Leo date added

Tickets are now on sale for a November 9th show at the Theater at MSG. November 8th is sold out. See all dates.

Posted in music | tour dates at 6:08 PM | Comments (0)

The latest Guns N' Roses 2006 Tour Dates | MSG

Nov. 10 - New York City, NY @ Madison Square Garden

all dates below...

GUNS N ROSES | 2006 TOUR DATES
Oct. 05 - San Diego, CA @ iPayOne Center
Oct. 20 - Jacksonville, FL @ Veterans Memorial Arena
Oct. 24 - Sunrise, FL @ Bank Atlantic Center
Oct. 25 - Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
Oct. 27 - Estero, FL @ Germain Arena
Nov. 02 - Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum
Nov. 03 - Huntington, WV @ Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Nov. 05 - East Rutherford, NJ @ Continental Airlines Arena
Nov. 08 - Worcester, MA @ DCU Center
Nov. 10 - New York City, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Nov. 13 - Baltimore, MD @ 1st Mariner Arena
Nov. 15 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
Nov. 17 - Ottawa, ON @ Scotiaband Place
Nov. 20 - Halifax, NS @ Halifax Metro Center
Nov. 24 - Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
Dec. 04 - Winnipeg, MB @ Mts Center
Dec. 06 - Calgary, AB @ Pengrowth Saddledome
Dec. 07 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
Dec. 10 - Everett, WA @ Everett Events Center
Dec. 11 - Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena
Dec. 13 - Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
Jan. 10 - Sacramento, CA @ ARCO Arena
Jan. 11 - Bakersfield, CA @ Rabobank Arena
Jan. 13 - Reno, NV @ Reno Events Center

"GUNS N' ROSES last week postponed the U.S. dates that were to take place between September 27 and October 5. The dates have been moved to fit into the main body of the tour, which starts on October 20 in Jacksonville, FL at the Veterans Memorial Arena." [Blabbermouth]

Previously
more pictures of Guns N' Roses @ Hammerstein Ballroom
Guns N' Roses @ Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC | pics

Posted in music | tour dates at 6:04 PM | Comments (13)

Bowie's picks brought to you by Nokia

I thought it was weird that David Bowie showed up at the Nokia extravaganza last night. Then I read this on Idolator...

...Nokia's announcement yesterday that it would be expanding its mobile music services piqued our interest, mainly because its forthcoming Music Recommenders service will use suggestions from independent record stores, like the Chicago stalwart Reckless Records, and world-famous Arcade Fire aficionado David Bowie to make its picks...

Posted in music at 5:18 PM | Comments (3)

John Darnielle playing the Daily show show @ Irving

DOWNLOAD: Raid on Entebbe (MP3)

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS IN TORONTO | SEPT 19. 2006 (MORE)

"Goats, goats, The Mountain Goats, Lee's Palace, Tuesday night. We don't need no stinking preamble, save to say that Get Lonely is one of my favourite records of the year and the Goats are always an entertaining show so a good time was pretty much guaranteed." [Chromewaves]

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS IN NYC
Sep 29 @ Europa, Brooklyn (STILL TIX)
Sep 30 @ Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
Oct 01 @ Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
Nov 16 @ Irving Plaza w/ Superchunk (STILL TIX)

Previously
Daily show Superchunk show - tix on sale
John Darnielle (Mountain Goats) on hardcore & stuff
The Mountain Goats add Brooklyn show

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 4:10 PM | Comments (6)

Scritti Politti | First ever U.S. Tour Dates

DOWNLOAD: Scritti Politti - Throw (MP3)

"Scritti Politti are a Welsh musical band. Formed in 1978 in Leeds, England, Scritti Politti is primarily a musical vehicle for singer-songwriter Green Gartside (real name Paul Julian Strohmeyer)." [Wikipedia]

They "will embark on their first-ever North American tour this October, in support of their Nonesuch/Rough Trade release, White Bread Black Beer.....Gartside only recently began playing shows again—his first in 26 years—after conquering a debilitating fear of performing. White Bread Black Beer was released in May, and nominated for the Mercury Prize this year...." [CMJ]

Tickets are on sale for November 10th at Bowery Ballroom. All dates below...

SCRITTI POLITTI | 2006 TOUR DATES
10/29 Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
10/30 Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
11/01 Los Angeles, CA - Royce Hall*
11/02 San Francisco, CA - Slim’s
11/04 Chicago, IL - Double Door
11/06 Toronto, ONT - Phoenix Concert Theatre
11/08 Baltimore, MD - Sonar
11/09 Philadelphia, PA - North Star Bar
11/10 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
11/11 Boston, MA - The Paradise
* Opening For Brian Wilson

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 3:15 PM | Comments (11)

Grizzly Bear (& Owen) @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | pics

DOWNLOAD: On a Neck, On a Spit (MP3)

Grizzly Bear headlined Bowery Ballroom in NYC last night (September 26, 2006).

ED IS THE COOLEST

Tuesday nights suck because my radio show is on Sirius from 10-12. Luckily I can tape earlier in the evening though. So after taping my show from 7-9, and then seeing Rodrigo y Gabriela @ SOB's from 9-10:45 (review coming soon), I was able to get to Bowery Ballroom just in time for Grizzly Bear's 11:00 set. I was exhausted at that point, and the massive amounts of equipment the openers left on the Bowery Ballroom floor (not their fault, I know) left the room more crowded and harder to navigate than it needed to be . Eventually I settled in to a spot though, and the beautiful Beach Boys harmonies coming from the stage helped me relax and find my second wind.

OWEN APPEARS

The nerd that I am, I nearly jumped for joy when Ed said that "Owen" (Final Fantasy) was joining them on stage for a song. Polaris Music Prize winner Owen played his violin and looped - no singing - no Maria Carey - just one song and then he was gone as fast he appeared. Coincidentally (I said I was a nerd) I played the Final Fantasy remix of Grizzly Bear's "Don't Ask" on my radio show that was broadcasting simultaneously with the concert.

Partial Sirius Playlist - 09/26/2006
2) Metric - Police and the Private
3) Final Fantasy - This Lamb Sells Condos
4) Grizzly Bear - Don't Ask (Final Fantasy Remix)
5) Xiu Xiu - Clowne Towne

Grizzly Bear broke a bass string right before the last song. After quickly fixing the problem, they closed with On a Neck, On a Spit which the highlight of the show for me. I was hoping for an encore, but we got none. I wouldn't say there was a low point in the show, but someone I talked to wasn't particulary a fan of "Colorado". They played a rockin' new-new song too.

Go see Grizzly Bear, mostly with TV on the Radio.

And download the MP3s from their recent KEXP session.

Previously
An interview with Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear @ Knitting Factory, NYC | Halloween | pics

Posted in MP3 | music | pictures at 1:01 PM | Comments (22)

Rodrigo y Gabriela | Live at Scala (video)

I won't have my review of last night's Rodrigo y Gabriela show up until later. In the meantime here's a taste of what it was like...

They're on tour.

Posted in music at 12:52 PM | Comments (2)

Stream the Decemberists' The Crane Wife

MTV is streaming the new Decemberists. It comes out next week. Downloads live Decemberists @ the Archive.

Previously
The Decemberists @ NYU | Pics | Part 1
The Decemberists' Van and Gear Stolen
The Decemberists @ Warsaw, Brooklyn, NY | Pics

Posted in music at 10:08 AM | Comments (8)

New album streams (Scissor Sisters, Ludacris, etc.)

AOL Music is streaming the new Scissor Sisters, Lemonheads, Tori Amos, John Lennon, Ludacris and more.

Posted in music at 10:02 AM | Comments (1)

Sunset Rubdown played Bowery Ballroom + live MP3s

SUNSET RUBDOWN @ BOWERY BALLROOM, NYC | SEP 24, 2006 (CRED)

"The first half of the set was out of control amazing. I was waiting for an ebb in the flow but the energy kept building and the ebb never materialized. The band played pretty much everything off of Shut Up I Am Dreaming, as well as an 'old song, re-worked' according to Krug...." [Angry Citizen]

ALSO: free live Sunset Rubdown songs

Previously
Sunset Rubdown | 2006 Tour Dates
Sunset Rubdown playing 2 nights @ Bowery Ballroom
Sunset Rubdown @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | pics (night 2)

Posted in MP3 | music at 9:58 AM | Comments (10)

Microsoft to stream concerts & be like YouTube

"MSN, Microsoft Corp.'s Web portal, said on Tuesday it will make a big push to stream live concerts to its users after signing an exclusive global partnership with Control Room, the company behind the web broadcast of last year's Live 8 event." [Yahoo News]

"In launching Soapbox, Microsoft has its eye on the success of YouTube, which from January to June grew 297 percent to a monthly unique audience of 19.6 million, according to Nielsen/NetRatings. Key to YouTube's success has been the ability for registered users to upload video and share it with friends." [Information Week]

Posted in industry | music at 9:43 AM | Comments (2)

David Bowie introduced Gnarls Barkley @ Nokia Theatre

GNARLS BARKLEY @ NOKIA THEATRE, NYC | SEPT 26, 2006 (CRED - BAO)

ALSO: Cee-lo working on 'best of' and new GB album

PREVIOUSLY
David Bowie to perform at Keep a Child Alive Ball
see Nokia phones! (and Gnarls Barkley) - "secret show"

Posted in music at 9:33 AM | Comments (9)

Live Nation vs. Ticketmaster (on cutting prices)

"On one side is Live Nation Inc. Chief Executive Michael Rapino, who has vowed to drive down prices that last year soared to an average of $57 per ticket for the most popular shows. On the other side is Ticketmaster, which dominates music ticket sales through its thousands of outlets and Internet sites." [LA Times] (thx Sam)

Posted in music | music history at 9:16 AM | Comments (3)

September 26, 2006

Best album of the year-so-far - the results (2006)

This is completely unscientific. About 1/3 of the entries for "best album of the year-so-far" came from people entering to win tickets to Jamie Lidell at Irving Plaza tonight. Another third came from those seeking a copy of Jenny Lewis on DVD, and the final third were semi-random people asked directly, via email, by me last night.

And the people's choice award for best album goes to....

1st place: TV on the Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain

2nd place: M Ward - Post War

3rd place (a tie): Cat Power - The Greatest & The Rapture - Pieces of People We Love

Amazingly, 106 different albums were named. Destroyer, Liars, Sunset Rubdown, Beirut, and Girl Talk tied for fourth.

Posted in music at 1:42 PM | Comments (146)

Limewire sues RIAA!

"Lime Wire alleged that the RIAA's 'goal was simple: to destroy any online music distribution service they did not own or control, or force such services to do business with them on exclusive and/or other anticompetitive terms so as to limit and ultimately control the distribution and pricing of digital music, all to the detriment of consumers." [Slashdot]

Posted in industry | music at 12:14 PM | Comments (8)

Big Sleep playing Movable Hype in the Spiegeltent w/ Rogers Sisters who played Webster Hall | pics

DOWNLOAD: The Big Sleep - You Can't Touch the Untouchable (MP3)

THE BIG SLEEP @ ML, NYC | SEP 21, 2006 (CRED)

The Big Sleep completely rocked their record-release party at Mercury Lounge in NYC Thursday night (September 21, 2006). Thx to Jinners for the above pic because I didn't take any. The place was filled with fans, friends and family (Danny mentioned his sister came in from Boston just for the show), and the band continues to impress even the most cynical - like my companion who was heard saying after the show, "that was one of the best shows I ever saw at Mercury Lounge".

The Big Sleep's next show is also the next Gothamist Movable Hype and it's this Wednesday (Sept 27, 2006) and it's also one of the last shows at the strange Spiegeltent (that I never made it to once) and it's also with Heartonastick's favorite band O'Death and with the Occasion and with The Rogers Sisters. Last time I saw the Rogers Sisters they were opening for Sleater Kinney at Webster Hall and they were pretty good. Pics from that show below....

THE ROGERS SISTERS @ WH, NYC | AUG 02, 2006

danfun saw Man Man at the Spiegeltent

danfun saw O'Death in Brooklyn

indie-licious says see O'Death.

O'Death at MySpace

movable hype will also be hosted by The Burg

Previously
An interview with the Big Sleep by OP's Billy Jones
The Big Sleep @ Knitting Factory, NYC | pics
Sleater Kinney's last NYC show @ Webster Hall, NYC | pics
The Rogers Sisters played Siren | playing Annex, PS1 & w/ Sleater Kinney

Posted in MP3 | To Do | music | pictures at 5:38 AM | Comments (3)

Cibelle @ Joe's Pub, NYC | pics & mp3

DOWNLOAD: Cibelle - Phoenix 96 (MP3)

(I thought) Cibelle was so, so good - I guess you could call her an "amazing talent", I loved (almost) every minute of the early show at Joe's Pub on Friday (September 22, 2006) - it's no surprise that she was an actress - she handles the stage like a pro, and I would have been happy to stay for the late show and/or to have seen her again the next day at Mercury Lounge if I could have.

David Byrne must have been at the late show.

Stay tuned for a BV interview coming soon.

Previously
Cibelle tix on sale | Pitchfork talks to Devendra
Cibelle adds Mercury Lounge show | Updated Tour Dates
Cibelle & Devendra Banhart | 'London London' video
Cibelle | updated Tour Dates
Cibelle playing NYC | MP3, Devendra Banhart, Seu Jorge, Spleen & CocoRosie

Posted in MP3 | music | pictures at 3:52 AM | Comments (2)

Some free fun @ crash mansion Thursday

From the inbox:

Hey, don't know if you're a fan but Nightmare of You is having a free live performance at Crash Mansion this Thurs (Sept28th) at 5.30. It's an 18+ show and will be videotaped for a commercial, but i think it's gonna be a great show.. all you have to do is RSVP to NOY@schatzimarketing.com and show up for some free fun...

Posted in To Do | music at 3:06 AM | Comments (1)

Sirius playlist - Week 9 (w/ guest DJ Never Forget)

DOWNLOAD: DJ Never Forget - Going to Work mix (MP3)

For posterity's sake, here's my Sirius radio playlist from 8/1/2006. Blog whore ;) DJ Never Forget (his latest mix above) joined me in the studio and picked half the songs...

I opened with some classic techno...

1) Moby - Go
2) Marc Et Claude - I Need Your Sunshine (UFO Alarm Mix)
3) The Orb - Little Fluffy Clouds
4) The Prodigy - Out of Space

played some stuff you'd expect on blog radio...

5) Emily Haines - The Lottery
6) Page France - Jesus
7) Magneta Lane - Their Party Days
8) Silversun Pickups - Little Lover
9) Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds
10) Think About Life - Serious Chords
11) Thunderbirds are Now! - We Win (Ha Ha)

then handed it over to Greg who opened with what what you'd expect on blog radio...

12) Voxtrot - Soft & Warm
13) Portugal. The Man - How The Leopard Got Its Spots (Blake Miller Remix)
14) Hot Chip - A Glue Too Thick
15) Cansei De Ser Sexy - Superafim (eu cansei)
16) Lo-Fi-Fnk- Steppin' Out
17) Goat Explosion - Come On, Make Me Feel
18) The Long Blondes - Weekend Without Make Up
19) Klaxons - Gravitys
20) Gogol Bordello - 60 Revolutions
21) Amputee Smile - Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames
22) ¡Forward, Russia! - Eighteen (Yes Boss Remix)
23) The Knife - We Share Our Mother's Health (Ratatat Remix)
24) Professor Murder - Free Stress Test
25) Love Is All - Make out fall out make up
26) vitaminsforyou - no cars go (arcade fire cover)
27) Seelenluft - manila (ewan pearson remix)

then I closed it with one more classic....

28) Orbital - Halcyon

BrooklynVegan Blog Radio airs on Sirius Satellite's Left of Center on Tuesday nights @ 10 pm EST, and I think they re-run it on Friday at the same time.

Previously
Sirius Playlist - Week 13 (Touch & Go Records tribute) | 29 MP3s

Posted in MP3 | music | radio at 2:50 AM | Comments (4)

Dead Meadow | 2006 Tour Dates w/ Wolfmother & Silversun Pickups

Dead Meadow are opening for Wolfmother (who just postponed some U.S. dates) from November 21st to November 29th - including at Hammerstein Ballroom. So are Silversun Pickups. Exact dates below...

WOLFMOTHER + DEAD MEADOW + SILVERSUN PICKUPS
Nov 21, 2006 Philadelphia - Electric Factory
Nov 22, 2006 NYC - Hammerstein Ballroom
Nov 24, 2006 Detroit - Majestic Theatre
Nov 25, 2006 Chicago - Riviera Theatre
Nov 26, 2006 St Louis - Mississippi Nights
Nov 28, 2006 Houston - Meridian
Nov 29, 2006 Dallas - Gypsy Ballroom

Dead Meadow are also playing Rock n Roll Hotel in DC on October 9th. Silversun Pickups are on tour with Viva Voce. Wolfmother have other dates too.

Posted in music | tour dates at 2:25 AM | Comments (0)

Loney, Dear | Sub Pop, MP3s & Tour Dates (CMJ)

DOWNLOAD (MP3s)
Loney, Dear - The City, the Airport
Loney, Dear - I Fought the Battle of Trinidad & Tobego
(more @ MySpace)

"Loney, Dear is the one man band with nine members. Loney, Dear is multi-instrumentalist and audio homecooking expert Emil Svanängen. The Stockholm DIY scene is florishing, and Loney, Dear have sold several thousand CD-Rs by word of mouth, and shared stages with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Sonic Youth, Devendra Banhart etc." [SXSW]

"Hello friends, We are excited to announce that we have joined the Sub Pop family for releases in North America and Australia & New Zealand. look for the release of 'Loney Noir' Feb 07. [Loney, Dear]

LONEY, DEAR IN NYC
Nov 1, 2006 - TBA
Nov 2, 2006 - Bowery Ballroom (Sub Pop CMJ Showcase)
Nov 3, 2006 - TBA

All dates below...

LONEY DEAR | 2006 TOUR DATES
Sep 26 Bristol Louisiana Bristol
Sep 27 Brighton Sumo Brighton
Sep 28 Derby First Floor Club Derby
Sep 29 York Fibbers York
Sep 30 Glasgow ABC2 Glasgow
Oct 2 October 02 London
Oct 3 Club Fandango, Dublin Castle 9 PM London
Oct 28 Tavasti Helsinki
Nov 1 TBA New York
Nov 2 Bowery Ballroom New York
Nov 3 TBA New York

Get an "I'm From Barcelona" track featuring Loney, Dear @ Heartache With Hard Work.

Previously
CMJ announces that Sub Pop announces the Sub Pop CMJ showcase
Swedish shows in NYC, LA & SXSW | Ane Brun

Posted in CMJ | MP3 | music | tour dates at 1:26 AM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2006

King of Beats contest w/ Big Daddy Kane - FREE

Monday, 10/16/06 @ Canal Room, NYC
Malbon Brothers Farms and Scion present:
King of Beats producer contest hosted by Doug E. Fresh w/ special guest performance by Big Daddy Kane
RSVP | Free to enter | 9:00pm Door

Posted in To Do | music at 2:43 PM | Comments (4)

Nellie McKay's "Pretty Little Head" release details

After all the nonsense that went on with Nellie McKay and Sony, her new album "Pretty Little Head" will finally see the light of day - on October 31, 2006 via her own label Hungry Mouse. Plus now its 23 tracks on 2 CD's and comes with a 40-page booklet. SpinArt will provide marketing and distribution.

Posted in music at 2:23 PM | Comments (3)

Be Your Own Pet new 16-year old drummer | 2006 Tour Dates w/ Black Lips

"Be Your Own PET welcomes John Eatherly as their new drummer. The sixteen year old has been a long-time pal of the band and hales from Nashville, TN. As well as being in BYOP Eatherly is in Jonas Stein's side project, Turbo Fruits and in Nathan Vasquez's side project Deluxin."

"BYOP are currently on the road. Remaining tour dates as follows":

9/25 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe
9/26 – Montreal, QUE – Main Hall
9/28 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
9/29 – Brooklyn, NY – Southpaw

9/30 – Boston, MA – Middle East
10/1 – Northampton, MA – Pearl Street
10/3 – Philadelphia, PA – 1st Unitarian Church
10/4 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
10/5 – Washington, DC – Black Cat
10/6 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
10/7 – Atlanta, GA – Drunken Unicorn
above dates with The Black Lips

10/19 – San Diego, CA _ Epicentre
10/20 – Los Angeles, CA- Echo
10/21 – Pomona, CA – The Glass House
10/23 – Sacramento, CA – The Library
10/24 - San Francisco, CA – Bottom of The Hill
10/26 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
10/27 – Vancouver, BC - Richard’s On Richards
10/28 – Portland, OR – Hathorne Theater
above dates with Awesome Color and Tall Firs

11/3 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
11/4 – Orlando, FL – The Social
11/5 – Miami, FL – Studio A
11/7 – Tallahassee, FL – Club Downunder
11/8 – Birmingham, AL – Bottle Tree
11/9 – New Orleans, LA – Republic
11/10 – Houston, TX – The Mink
11/11 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
11/12 – Dallas, TX – Gypsy Tea Room
11/14 – Norman, OK – The Opolis
11/15 – Kansas City, MO – Grand Emporium
11/16 – St. Louis, MO – Creepy Crawl
11/17 – Memphis, TN – Young Ave Deli
11/18 – Nashville, TN – The End
above dates with Awesome Color

Previously
The Black Lips @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | pics
Nine Black Alps | Siren Fest | Be Your Own Pet

Posted in music | tour dates at 2:07 PM | Comments (8)

WIN TIX | WIRED presents Next Music - Peeping Tom, Jamie Lidell, Girl Talk, Diplo, Of Montreal

WIRED presents not one, but two awesome shows at Irving Plaza in NYC this week. One is curated by Beck. One is a benefit for Creative Commons. Both coincide with WIRED's NEXTFEST going on over at the Jacob Javits Center.

Tickets are still on sale for both - Tuesday & Friday. You can buy them, OR you can win a pair right here. BrooklynVegan has teamed up with WIRED to give away 5 PAIRS OF TICKETS FOR EACH SHOW. That's a total of 20 free tickets - 10 for each show.

TO WIN JAMIE LIDELL: e-mail BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM (subject: LIDELL) and tell me your favorite album of the year-so-far.

TO WIN PEEPING TOM: e-mail BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM (subject: PEEPING) and tell me your favorite song of the year-so-far.

or for those who can't be either place:

TO WIN A COPY OF THE WIZARD ON DVD: (the movie about playing Nintendo starring Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis) e-mail BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM (subject: WIZARD) and tell me your favorite album of the year-so-far.

WINNERS: will be picked at random and contacted via email. your email address will not be shared or sold. contest ends Monday September 25, 2006 @ 6 pm EST. hurry.

Previously
Peeping Tom (Mike Patton) | 2006 Tour Dates
Jamile Lidell played Bumbershoot & a boat | Irving Plaza tix
Electro-shows on sale - Peeping Tom / Girl Talk, Lidell, etc.
Jamie Lidell & Of Montreal playing NYC NextFest show | 2006 Tour Dates

Posted in Contests | To Do | movies | music at 12:32 PM | Comments (18)

Klaxons @ Club Midway, NYC | pics

Klaxons - dance-rock for the kids - definitely much better live than what's on record so far. Lots of energy, stage presence, etc.. Crackers United says "They whipped the jam-packed scenester crowd (but not like the annoying crowd you find hanging outside of Don Hill’s on a Saturday nite) into a dancing frenzing."

This show was at Club Midway in Manhattan - September 19, 2006. It's where I went after Flipper. Two nights later they played Studio B with Soulwax.

Previously
Klaxons are in NYC | MP3 & Tour Dates

Posted in music | pictures at 1:33 AM | Comments (10)

4AD announces "Plague Songs"

10 songs – 10 plagues - 10 artists - release date - November 7th, 2006 – 4AD
"Featuring contributions from Scott Walker, Rufus Wainwright, Brian Eno, Robert Wyatt, Stephin Merritt, Laurie Anderson, Imogen Heap and more."

"This fascinating, unsettling and unique project comes down to one simple idea: a collection of songs based on the ten Biblical plagues that take place in the book of Exodus.

A simple idea, but a complicated story - these songs were originally commissioned by a British arts organization called Artangel to form part of a large-scale public art event. Titled “The Margate Exodus” (http://www.margateexodus.org.uk/) the event took place in September 2006; it transformed a dilapidated seaside town on the North Kent Coast of England into the setting for a vibrant modern recreation of the Israelites' flight from Egypt. During the event, the 10 "Plague Songs" were performed by local singers and musicians; together, the festivities formed part of a feature film which is to be broadcast and screened in 2007.

The 4AD release gathers together the 10 original recordings, presented in Biblical plague order. It moves from the scattershot, street-level drama of Klashnekoff's "Blood" through to the tender lament for a real-life "Death Of The Firstborn" written by Rufus Wainwright. On the way, there's the sublime hover of Brian Eno & Robert Wyatt's "Flies", the cracked, surreal sparseness of The Tiger Lillies "Hailstones", and Laurie Anderson's grave, shadowy meditation on the Death Of Livestock. Imogen Heap's "Glittering Clouds" is a soaring pop song driven along by locust samples, while Scott Walker's "Darkness" (what else?) is simply astonishing - a driven and almost completely a capella call-and-response which will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.

All ten tracks are exclusive to this release; and despite their various soundworlds and approaches they form a surprisingly coherent and convincing whole. Plague Songs will be out in the US via 4AD on November 7th, 2006."

Tracklisting :
1. "Blood" Klashnekoff (The Plague Of Blood)
2. "Relate the Tale" King Creosote (The Plague Of Frogs)
3. "The Meaning of Lice" Stephin Merritt (The Plague Of Lice)
4. "Flies" Brian Eno & Robert Wyatt (The Plague Of Flies)
5. "The Fifth Plague" Laurie Anderson (The Death Of Livestock)
6. "Boils" Cody ChesnuTT (The Plague Of Boils)
7. "Hailstones" The Tiger Lillies (The Plague Of Hail)
8. "Glittering Cloud" Imogen Heap (The Plague Of Locusts)
9. "Darkness" Scott Walker (The Plague Of Darkness)
10. "Katonah" Rufus Wainwright (The Death Of The Firstborn)

Posted in music at 1:19 AM | Comments (5)

Calvin Johnson / Mt. Eerie | Fall 2006 Tour Dates

Monday October 11 - WBAR Barnard College Radio presents!
Mt. Eerie, *Calvin Johnson, **Karl Blau, ***D+, ****Woelv
@ LOWER LEVEL MACINTOSH - Barnard College- 3009 Broadway NY, NY
Doors at 6 pm, Show at 7 pm - Tickets: $5/ $3 Students

All Calvin Johnson tour dates below....

Sep 23, 2006 - Seattle, Washington
The Paradox, 1401 NW Leary - w/Kimya Dawson

Sep 30, 2006 - Bismarck, North Dakota
- w/Mt. Eerie

Oct 1, 2006 - Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth Art Institute, Lincoln Art Building, 2229 W. 2nd St. $6 - w/Mt. Eerie

Oct 2, 2006 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Triple Rock Social Club, 629 Cedar Ave. S - w/Mt. Eerie

Oct 3, 2006 - Madison, Wisconisn
Firecracker Studios, 1818 b S. Park St. #8 - w/Mt. Eerie

Oct 4, 2006 - Chicago, Illinois
South Union Arts 1352 S. Union - w/Mt. Eerie

Oct 5, 2006 - Chicago, Illinois
University of Chicago - w/Mt. Eerie

Oct 6, 2006 - Bloomington, Indiana
The Art Hospital, 1021 S. Walnut St. - w/Mt. Eerie

Oct 7, 2006 - Upland, Indiana
Taylor University - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 8, 2006 - Gambier, Ohio
Kenyon College - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 9, 2006 - Yellow Springs, Ohio
Antioch College - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 10, 2006 - Akron, Ohio
Musica, 21-23 Maiden Lane - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 11, 2006 - New York, New York
Barnard College - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau, Woelv

Oct 12, 2006 - Amherst, Massachussets
Hampshire College - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau, Woelv

Oct 13, 2006 - Marlboro, Vermont
Marlboro College - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau, Woelv

Oct 14, 2006 - Providence, Rhode Island
109 Matthewson St., 3rd Floor, corner of Washington and Matthewson - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau, Woelv

Oct 15, 2006 - Providence, Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 16, 2006 - Harford, Connecticut
Trinity College - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 17, 2006 - New York, New York
- w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 18, 2006 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 19, 2006 - Bronxville, New York
Sarah Lawrence College - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 20, 2006 - Charlottesville, Virginia
The Chapel, University Ave. and McCormick Rd. - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 21, 2006 - Baltimore, Maryland
CopyCATB201, 1511 Guilford Ave. Apt B201 - w/Mt. Eerie, D+, Karl Blau

Oct 22, 2006 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- w/Karl Blau

Oct 23, 2006 - Louisville, Kentucky
- w/Karl Blau

Oct 24, 2006 - Lawrence, Kansas
- w/Karl Blau

Oct 25, 2006 - Denver, Colorado
- w/Karl Blau

Nov 1, 2006 - Melbourne, Australia
Someday Gallery - w/Woelv

Nov 2, 2006 - Melbourne, Australia
Joint Hassles, 2A Mitchell St. - w/Woelv

Nov 4, 2006 - Sydney, Australia
- w/Woelv

Nov 7, 2006 - Brisbane, Australia
- w/Woelv

Previously
Calvin Johnson @ Sidewalk Cafe, NYC | review & pics

Posted in music | tour dates at 1:01 AM | Comments (7)

Courtney Love says 1 "Nevermind" song is about her

"Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's widow Courtney Love has claimed one of the songs on their classic 1991 album 'Nevermind' is about her - but she won't say which one." [NME]

Posted in music at 12:36 AM | Comments (35)

The Fever is breaking up | last show on Rocks Off Cruise

--- thefever@thefeveronline.com wrote:

dearest friends,

After 5 wonderful years of making music together we, the Fever, have decided to disband. We're playing one more show Thursday, Oct 5th, on the high seas of the Hudson River on the Rocks Off Boat Cruise . Come celebrate with us while we blow it out on this fitting final act.

plus!!! Special Appearance by our arch nemesis WOLFBATE!!

mark yr calendars and watch us drift off into the sunset

FOREVER YOURS,
Achilles, Geremy, Jay, & Keith
the fever

Posted in music at 12:07 AM | Comments (3)

Blonde Redhead's CMJ Webster Hall show - CANCELLED

The tickets you purchased for Blonde Redhead at Webster Hall on Friday, November 3 will be automatically refunded since the event has been cancelled.

The cancelled event was: Blonde Redhead

Thank you for choosing TicketWeb. (thx all)

Posted in CMJ | music at 12:03 AM | Comments (6)

September 24, 2006

Spanish-speaking nyc music blogs

* Nuyorker - "New York en Español"
* Texto Sonoro

More? Leave 'em in the comments.

Posted in NYC | music at 11:55 PM | Comments (6)

Reagan Youth in Tompkins Square today | Bad Brains on sale

The first night of Bad Brains is already sold out.

September, 24 2006 at TOMPKINS SQUARE PARK
7th Street & Avenue A, New York, NY - free
Reagan Youth ICU Iconicide Radicts Nihilistics The Stags Death Mold Disassociate

Posted in To Do | music at 12:42 PM | Comments (6)

September 22, 2006

new Tom Waits MP3 from three-disc set

"The first full-length MP3 from the new Tom Waits three-disc set Orphans launched Tuesday! It’s for the song “Bottom Of The World” and it is from Disc one, titled Brawlers."

Posted in MP3 | music at 1:36 PM | Comments (2)

Trans World won't sell the new Scissor Sisters CD

"Because of comments by Scissor Sisters about FYE pricing during a speech at this year's NARM convention, Trans World (fye, Sam Goody, Coconuts, etc) is refusing to carry the band's new album, Ta Dah! (out September 26th)." [Coolfer]

FYE hates gays! Just kidding. That's Buju Banton, and possibly Bad Brains. Ta Dah! trailer at YouTube.

Posted in music at 12:57 PM | Comments (22)

LA Buju Banton concert cancelled after complaints

"E-mail messages and phone calls from concerned customers prompted the cancellation of the Oct. 2 show, said Adam Manacker, general manager of the Highlands nightclub and restaurant." [Yahoo news]

There were protests at his recent Chicago show. He's scheduled to play BB King's in NYC on October 25th.

Posted in music at 9:18 AM | Comments (60)

Decemberists' Colin Meloy loves labelmate Lily Allen

"The thing that worries me about Lily Allen, even though I love that record, is that she’s just going to get too big." [Colin Meloy to Pitchfork]

Previously
Lily Allen IS playing NYC | North American Tour Dates
Capitol's Lily Allen playing LA | 2006 Tour Dates
Decemberists 2006 Tour Presale
Official: The Decemberists Sign to Capitol Records

Posted in music at 1:59 AM | Comments (12)

John Darnielle (Mountain Goats) on hardcore & stuff

"Who doesn't love Bad Brains?" [John Darnielle to Pitchfork]

Previously
Bad Brains reuniting - HR included | 2 shows @ CBGB
John Darnielle on hipster metal
The Mountain Goats add Brooklyn show

Posted in music at 1:52 AM | Comments (15)

September 21, 2006

2006 Isis tour dates + Rebel (ex-Downtime) tickets on sale

Tickets are now on sale for shows at Rebel including
"avantgarde metal" band Isis on on October 8th. Someone associated with the venue wrote in the comments:

The address of the venue is the same as the old Downtime but the show room is a brand new space created out of one of the recording studios that "dude" mentions in his post. Forget what you knew about Downtime. Rebel has a real stage, nice and high so every one can see, a great sound system and comfortable separate bar area outside of the show space.

All Isis tour dates below....

ISIS | TOUR DATES
Sep. 21, 2006 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena w/ TOOL
Sep. 22, 2006 Detroit, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills w/ TOOL
Sep. 23, 2006 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheater w/ TOOL
Sep. 24, 2006 Hamilton, ON The Underground w/ Mare
Sep. 25, 2006 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center at CSU w/ TOOL
Sep. 26, 2006 Pittsburgh, PA Peterson Events Center w/ TOOL
Sep. 27, 2006 Baltimore, MD Ottobar w/ TBA
Sep. 28, 2006 Camden, NJ Tweeter Center w/ TOOL
Sep. 29, 2006 Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center w/ TOOL
Oct. 1, 2006 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church w/ Versoma
Oct. 2, 2006 Wilkes Barre, PA Wachovia Arena w/ TOOL
Oct. 3, 2006 Manchester, NH Verizonwireless Arena w/ TOOL
Oct. 4, 2006 Providence, RI The Livingroom w/ Versoma
Oct. 5, 2006 Hartford, CT Hartford Civic Center w/ TOOL
Oct. 6, 2006 East Rutherford, NJ Continental Airlines Arena w/ TOOL
Oct. 7, 2006 Uniondale, NY Nassau Veterans Memorial w/ TOOL
Oct. 8, 2006 New York, NY Rebel NYC

Previously
Tool | more 2006 Tour Dates

Posted in NYC | music | tour dates at 8:52 PM | Comments (4)

Daily show Superchunk show - tix on sale

Tickets are on sale for the Daily Show 10th Anniversary show.

Posted in music at 8:50 PM | Comments (2)

Night of too many stars @ Beacon - tix on sale

Sun, Oct 15, 2006 08:00 PM
"Jon Stewart will be hosting the evening with scheduled appearances by Jack Black, Kristin Chenoweth, Stephen Colbert, Elvis Costello, Jimmy Fallon, Ricky Gervais, Mike Myers, Moby, Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Martin Short, Tony Sirico, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, and too many others to name!"

Posted in To Do | comedy | music at 8:46 PM | Comments (12)

Rodrigo y Garbriela | Fall 2006 Tour Dates & MP3

DOWNLOAD: Rodrigo y Gabriela - Orion (Metallica cover) (MP3)
(more & better @ mySpace)

Their press releases read: "Rodrigo (Sanchez) and Gabriela (Quintero) are two fast-fingered, Dublin-based, Mexicans with a unique sound created on acoustic guitars......Rod and Gab are two lifelong heavy metal fanatic Mexicans living in Dublin, Ireland, playing hispano and latin influenced acoustic guitars that come on with the rush of a full rock band, drum kit and all, -- beat both the Arctic Monkeys AND Johnny Cash to number one in the Irish charts."

They played Joe's Pub on August 7th. (I threw a small mention of it in a Sirius playlist). They're back in NYC for a show at SOB's on September 26th. I haven't seen them yet, but people say live is where they really shine. All tour dates below...

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA | 2006 TOUR DATES
September 19 Chicago @ Columbia College
September 20 Chicago, Hothouse - night show @ Old Town School
September 21 Madison, WI, Union Terrace
September 23 Somerville MA, Somerville Theater
September 26 NY, NY - Sounds of Brazil (SOB's)
September 28 Alexandra, VA, Birchmere
September 29 Durham, NC - Duke University
September 30 Charlottesville, VA w/ Los Lobos @ Charlottesville Pavillion
October 01 Charleston, WV - Mountain Stage
October 03 Seattle - KCRW
October 04 Los Angeles - Craig Ferguson & Hotel Cafe San Francisco
October 06 Bloomington, IN - Lotus Festival,
October 07 Bloomington, IN - Lotus Festival,
October 20 Seattle @ Chop Suey
October 21 Vancouver w/ Gomez @ Center for Performing Arts
October 22 Seattle w/ Gomez @ Moore Theater
October 24 San Francisco @ Independent
October 25 San Francisco w/ Gomez @ Warfield
October 27 Santa Cruz @ Kuumba Jazz Center
October 28 LA @ Temple Bar
October 31 Denver w/ Gomez @ Fillmore
November 2 Boulder @ Trilogy Lounge

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 4:48 PM | Comments (4)

Tonight @ The Annex - Endless Boogie, Sam Champion, etc.

One NYC alternative to The Big Sleep/OP/Comas @ Mercury Lounge tonight (September 21, 2006) is the double show down the street at The Annex. ASCAP & Deli Magazine are presenting an $8.00 party that starts at 7:30 with open bar followed by: 8:00 - Chin Chin; 9:00 - Ra Ra Riot; 10:00 - Sam Champion; and 11:00 - Endless Boogie. Paper Magazine called Endless Boogie "the best kept secret in New York's rock scene". Heartonastick says "there’s really no such thing as a secret, anymore". Then at midnight Ultragrrrrrrrl takes over with her free Stolen Transmission party that includes: 12:00 - Sugar Report; 12:45 - Blacklist; and 1:30 - Mohair (UK). Both flyers below....

Previously
Sam Champion & Apollo Sunshine playing CBGB Tonight

Posted in To Do | music at 3:09 PM | Comments (12)

An interview with the Big Sleep by OP's Billy Jones

DOWNLOAD: The Big Sleep - Murder (MP3)

Billy (the singer of Other Passengers) interviewed The Big Sleep (Sonya, Danny and Gabe) in Jay Belin's (Loose Record / Good Times Roll) NYC apartment before their August 5th show at Cake Shop.....

SONYA, DANNY & GABE

"This three-piece—Sonya Balchandani (bass/keys), Danny Barria (guitar/keys), and Gabe Rhodes (drums)—often sounds like five or more onstage, where over the last few years they've slowly gotten some word of mouth going via a show melding the most infectious elements of heavy, long-winded psych with an onstage chemistry that's almost too perfect." [Village Voice]

----

While I (Billy) waited outside of Jay’s apartment door, just a few blocks from Mercury Lounge, I could barely make out adolescent banter concerning up, down, left, right, left…Contra? I wasn’t quite sure until I was buzzed in to witness Danny and Mr. Good Times himself rapidly burning through their 100 extra lives. Blaring, the new Ratatat record made for a more than appropriate score to this Nintendo Classic. The Big Sleep would later play a blistering set amongst a crowd of head bobbing hipsters crammed into the clammy Cake Shop. But before they melted faces I pried Danny, Sonya and Gabe away from the console to discuss their beginning, Spanish proverbs and some good ole French Kissin'.

Billy How exactly did The Big Sleep all meet?

Danny Sonya and I met in Philadelphia where we both went to school (U Penn) and Gabe, well we met Gabe on Craigslist...

Gabe “Drummer will play in band for Sex”

Danny We basically posted drummers that we liked with a sort of pre requisite of being in a band before, ready to be in a serious band...

Billy So you posted influences like...Philly Joe Jones and Phil Collins or?

Danny Ha, well we....wait...did we even put John Bonham?

Sonya Yes. We definitely put John Bonham.

Gabe Didn’t you put Keith Moon?

Danny No, I wouldn’t put Keith Moon.

Billy Did you say you were looking for your John Ridgely (the properly menacing gambler Eddie Mars in the 1946 version of The Big Sleep)?

Danny No, we didn’t say anything like that...it was pretty simple. Gabe wrote back and it was quick, I think we posted on a Monday and he said he could be there to try it out on Wednesday and we were like, fuck it let’s try it out...So we did it and I remember thinking, “Whoa, if this guy, the first guy, is this good then the next guy must be amazing!” So we played it cool with Gabe, thought we would try a few more people out. Gabe was like “Who do they...

Gabe (without a pause finishing Danny’s sentence)...think they are, thinking they can find a better drummer than me?

Danny So we tried out 2 other drummers and realized Gabe was the drummer for The Big Sleep...

Billy When was your first show as The Big Sleep we’ll see tonight (August 5, 2006)?

Danny February 12th, 2004 at Pianos.

Gabe Danny doesn’t forget a date.

Billy Had you already started recording the record?

Sonya Yeah, Aaron (the previous drummer) actually played on the entire record. All the basic tracks were being recorded right at the time we were switching drummers...

Billy So your upcoming debut full length release on Frenchkiss is called Son of the Tiger, it’s something that has stuck with me for a long time ago when I first heard you mention it, where exactly does the title come from?

Danny It comes from a saying my father used to say. He would actually say it in Spanish but it translates literally to, “The son of the tiger must come out striped.” As in the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree or like father like son....basically if I was telling him something good about my life he would say, “The son of the tiger....”

Billy So you have been crafting the record for quite some time?

Danny Yeah, we started tracking in 2003.

Billy Many assume you are instrumental band but you have started singing in your songs after a long search for a vocalist. What was that process like?

Danny It was a ridiculous search, we just weren’t finding the right people so we decided, screw it, we know what we want to hear and we know what we like. I’m not exactly sure how it sounds coming out but we are definitely much more comfortable doing it ourselves.

Billy Sonya sings on “Murder,” which I recently read the review for on Pitchfork. It describes the song’s patient journey to it’s suddenly epic ending as a “plane taking off in a downpour, getting rocked every which way, then breaking through the cumulonimbi.” (Danny helped me sound out Cumulonimbi) What kind of effect does one of their track reviews have on a band?

Danny I don’t know, I guess a lot of downloads, more hits on stuff like Myspace, people adding us as friends...

Billy So you could say Pitchfork makes you more friends?

Danny Let’s just say Pitchfork is friendly...but just as important as that is support from local sites like Loose Record.

Billy How did you come across Frenchkiss?

Danny Well, we sent some rough tracks to everyone we were interested in at first but got a little help from our friend Daniel, who actually books us. Daniel kind of asked who we wanted to send it out to. Frenchkiss was at the top of our list and it happened that he was good friends with them. So he passed it along to them, they heard it and came out to a couple of shows.

Billy Recently you have been playing some larger venues, how has your enormous sound translated in larger venues like Webster and Irving?

Danny We can only answer this from the point of view of the band, which is on the stage. The sound on the stages is great, and everyone working at the venue is really helpful. It just becomes a situation where everyone is trying to make the show come across as well as possible. It might be obvious to anyone who’s heard us that we’re aiming for a big sound, and we’re super lucky to have been able to play those places and see what it’s like to fill a room that size with sound.

Billy When is your next show?

Danny about an hour and a half from now...

Sonya Har, well our next scheduled show is our release party at Mercury Lounge on September 21st.

Billy So The Big Sleep has just popped my interview cherry, how was it for you?

Danny Well, you know...it's been kind of rough...a little painful at first for everybody but I guess you could say everyone is now relieved...

----

The Big Sleep's record release party is TONIGHT (September 21, 2006) at Mercury Lounge in NYC. Billy's band the Other Passengers are opening. The Comas are too. More Big Sleep dates here.

Stream the album on AOL Music.

Previously
Stream The Big Sleep's Son of The Tiger | show Thursday
The Big Sleep sign to Frenchkiss Records | album this Fall
The Big Sleep @ Knitting Factory, NYC | pics

Posted in MP3 | interviews | music | tour dates at 12:44 PM | Comments (11)

MOBY | blogs about Flipper, 'best of' CD, Debbie Harry NYC tribute & benefit Roots show review

DOWNLOAD: Moby - Go (MP3)

MOBY @ CROBAR, NYC | AUG 24, 2006

MOBY'S BLOG
"so tonight i went to see 'american hardcore'.
a documentary about the hardcore scene in america in the early 80's.
it made me nostalgic.
the hardcore scene in the early 80's was amazing.
it was new and genuine and authentic.
it was remarkable.
and at the afterparty i played 'sex bomb' with flipper....." [Moby] (via)

THE BEST OF MOBY
Moby is releasing the two-disc Go: The Very Best of Moby on October 24th. He teamed up with Blondie's Debbie Harry for one of the tracks - a tribute to NYC.

SHOWS
As previously reported, Moby is playing the Ultra New York Festival on 9/22/06. On August 24th, Moby performed with the Roots and others at a Katrina-related event at Crobar in NYC. Nick Brassbonanza was there. His report below....

----

It Takes A Nation - 8/24/06
by Nick Brassbonanza

To celebrate the release of “It Takes A Nation: How Complete Strangers Became Family In The Wake of Hurricane Katrina,” a book documenting Hurricane Katrina and MoveOn.org’s Hurricane Housing program, a benefit concert was held at Crobar. Hosted by actress Rosie Perez, the night included dramatic readings from Perez, Julia Stiles and Black Thought of The Roots. Speakers flooded the stage throughout the night, including MoveOn.org founder Eli Pariser and new Democratic hopeful Ned Lamont. After the speeches and readings came the highlights of the night, the performances.

Moby was the first to perform. He took the stage with a small band and a female vocalist. Moby’s short set included hits such as “Honey,” and a dramatic version of “Natural Blues.” The songs took on an ominous tone and were far from the dancey, uplifting original versions.

The Roots were scheduled to hit the stage next. Beginning their show with a tribute to New Orleans, The Roots were joined by a seven piece brass band. Parading around the venue, banging on drums and cowbells, the horns echoed throughout the club as they made their way to the stage. The Roots played songs off of their new album, “Game Theory,” as well as their hit, “The Seed.” At the end of the set The Roots once again gave the stage to their friends. Known as Brass Heaven, the horn section played an original song and a cover of Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman.”

Moby blogged about that too:

hi,
i just got back from the moveon/acorn event at crobar.
it was good.
the roots and i performed. julia stiles and rosie perez read from 'it takes a nation'.
money was raised.
all in all it was good.
i know it sounds simple, but i really love being able to play music.
making music is my job, but it's also my favorite thing about being alive.
that's all.
i know it's simple, but it's true.
thanks to everyone who came out tonight.
hopefully you all enjoyed yourselves while supporting a good cause and organization.
thanks
moby

RELATED: Hollywood Marks Katrina Anniversary

Previously
The Roots, Moby, Rosie Perez & others performing @ Katrina-related MoveOn event @ Crobar
The Roots & Talib Kweli @ Webster Hall, NYC | pics
Flipper, Moby & Steve Buscemi @ Stereo, NYC | pics

Posted in MP3 | music at 11:40 AM | Comments (7)

Apples in Stereo Sign to Elijah Wood’s Label

The Apples in Stereo just announced that they’re going to release their new album, New Magnetic Wonder, February 7th on Elijah Wood’s Simian Records. The release will mark the first for Simian, and the first in five years for the Apples. [YANP]

Posted in music at 10:49 AM | Comments (9)

see Nokia phones! (and Gnarls Barkley) - "secret show"

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: news < news@waxploitation.com>
Date: Sep 21, 2006 12:03 AM
Subject: Gnarls Barkley NYC Secret Show
To: news@waxploitation.com

"Gnarls Barkley will be doing a semi-secret show in New York on September 26th. In the past, many Gnarls pals have said 'how come I didn't know about this show!' so this time, we are going to give you a big fat hint how to get a ticket."

---

(thx Eduardo)

Posted in music at 9:40 AM | Comments (34)

2nd Annual New York Gypsy Festival

"Building on the success of the first New York Gypsy Festival in 2005, the 2-week joyful and passionate Fiesta Romani is returning for its second installment between September 24 and October 8, 2006. Once again, the festival will offer a broad perspective on various styles of gypsy music and dance against the backdrop of New York City, which, being the crossroads of many cultures, is essentially gypsy at heart."

"The 2005 New York Gypsy Festival featured music from a wide geographical region including Bulgaria, Turkey, Russia and the Balkans with performers such as Gogol Bordello, Ivo Popasov & Yuri Yunakov, Husnu Senlendirici, Hungry March Band, Zlatne Uste, Leningrad and more than a dozen of local bands.

The 2006 Festival continues featuring high caliber local and international talent of Gypsy (Romani) music with artists like Costel Vasilescu (Romania), The New Generation Gipsy Kings (France), Honved Dance Company (Hungary), Husnu Senlendirici (Turkey), KAL (Serbia) and Frank London (NYC). Gogol Bordellos Eugene Hutz will curate and host an evening featuring music by Kultur Shock (Seattle), Kalpakov Trio (Russia), Acquaragia Drom (Italy) and a DJ set by no other than Hutz himself. Additionally, Gypsy New Yorkers and Balkan brass bands like Romashka, Slavic Soul Party, Hungary March Band, Zagnut Orkestar and Russian gypsy dancer Julia Kulakova will also take part in this years festival."

2nd NY Gypsy Festival Schedule:

Sunday, Sept. 24th @ Joe's Pub at 7.30pm Cafe Antarsia Ensemble / Greece

Sunday, Sept. 24th @ Joe's Pub at 9.30 & 11.30pm KAL / Serbia

Friday, Sept. 29th @ NYU Skirball Center at 8pm Costel Vasilesku / Romania Slavic Soul Party! "Gypsy Funk"/ Brooklyn

Saturday, Sept. 30th @ NYU Skirball Center at 8pm Honved Dance Company / Hungary

Monday, Oct. 2nd @ Joe's Pub at 7pm
Vlada Tomova "Balkan Tales" / Bulgaria

Tuesday, Oct. 3rd @ M 1-5 at 10pm
Hungry March Band / New York
Gypsy Dancer Dorit
DJ Joro-Boro

Wednesday, Oct. 4th @ Joe's Pub at 11.30pm THE CLARINET ALL- STARS Featuring Husnu Senlendirici / Turkey Yuri Yunakov / Bulgaria Ismail Lumanovski / Macedonia Panogiotis Andreou / Greece Seido Salifoski / Macedonia Jordan Pearlman / Philadelphia

Wed, Oct. 4th @ M 1-5 at 9pm
Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars / New York Balkan Fantasia / New York

Thursday, Oct.5th @ M 1-5 at 10pm
Zagnut Orkestar "Balkan Music" / New York Zlatne Uste "Balkan Brass Band"
DJ Joro-Boro

Friday, Oct. 6th @ Joe's Pub at 11.30
THE CLARINET ALL - STARS Featuring
Husnu Senlendirici / Turkey
Yuri Yunakov / Bulgaria
Ismail Lumanovski / Macedonia
Panogiotis Andreou / Greece
Seido Salifoski / Macedonia
Jordan Pearlman / Philadelphia

Saturday, Oct. 7th @ The ROXY at 8pm
New Generation Gipsy Kings / France
(Georges Reyes, Anthony Reyes, Michel Batrac) Romashka / Gypsy and folk music from Romania, the Balkans, Russia and beyond"
Guest vocals by Dorit
Gypsy Dancer Julia Kulakova / Russia

Sunday, Oct. 8th @ LQ at 9pm
Hosted by Eugene Hutz - DJ Set (Gogol Bordello) Kultur Shock "Gypsy Punk" / Seattle Kolpakov Trio / Russia - "Gypsy Music with 7 String Guitar virtouse"
Acquaragia Drom / Italy

Posted in To Do | music at 9:30 AM | Comments (1)

Hoboken A&M Festival - free New York Dolls show

The New York Dolls are playing another free show this weekend in NJ - at the Hoboken Art & Music Festival. (thx Roger)

Previously
An Interview with Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls

Posted in To Do | music at 9:27 AM | Comments (1)

Rogue Wave drummer needs a kidney | CA benefit

DOWNLOAD Rogue Wave - Publish My Love (MP3)

"Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf, Ryan Miller of Guster and John Vanderslice are among the guests slated to perform during the evening, with more still to be announced. Daniel Handler, otherwise known as popular author Lemony Snicket, will be the MC for the event." [Billboard]

Previously
Nada Surf joins Rogue Wave on stage @ Warsaw

Posted in MP3 | music at 9:12 AM | Comments (2)

September 20, 2006

pics of HR & Jesse Malin @ Continental & a Friday review

HR & JESSE MALIN @ CONTINENTAL, NYC | SEPT 14, 2006 (CRED & MORE)

The above photo is HR of Bad Brains playing with Jesse Malin at the Continental's 4th-to-last show ever (Thursday, September 14th, 2006). Jesse came back on Friday the 15th to play with Trigger too. Carla wrote in...

the show Friday was great. it was fucking packed! we were there till close to the end- we missed the last band. It was pretty cool because there's this whole crew of rock bands (Drag Citizen, Honor Among Thieves, Banana Fish Zero, Joker Five Speed, Slunt, the Sex Slaves) that used to play together all the time at the Continental, Rock Candy at Don Hills, Trash, etc. and it was really nice for a lot of them to get together at the Continental one last time. There's still really a cool community of hard rockers in this town-- pretty much under the radar, but it's still going on. Trigger played with a bunch of guys form the bar (Bingo the door guy on bass and this dude Joe) and Jesse Malin. They were great. Appropriately, they played I Wanna be sedated and Blitzkrieg Bop. I took some pictures that didn't come out because someone was throwing beer in the crowd. It was dirty, loud, and smelly-- the de rigueur Continental experience.

Murphy's Law played there on the 16th. Were you there on the 17th (the final night)? If so, I'd love to hear about it.

----

HR will be rejoining Bad Brains for two CBGB gigs in October. Jesse Malin is playing two shows at the Living Room during CMJ.

Posted in music | music history at 5:36 PM | Comments (5)

Agnostic Front & Sick of It All & Murphy's Law | Tour Dates & a CBGB show

The amazing lineup for (what I think is) the final hardcore matinee at CBGB on Sunday October 8, 2006, is: AGNOSTIC FRONT, SICK OF IT ALL, MURPHY'S LAW, and HARLEYS WAR (CRO-MAGS). All tour dates for all bands below...

AGNOSTIC FRONT
Oct 7 - Asbury Park - Club Deep
Oct 8 - New York City - CBGB's

MURPHY'S LAW
Sun, October 8th CBGB's New York, NY
Fri, October 20th Webster Theatre Underground Hartford, CT
Thu, October 26th Ding Batz Clifton, NJ 620 Van Houten Ave
Fri, October 27th Valentines (Downstairs) Albany, NY
Sat, October 28th Club Ritual Levittown, NY

Sick of it All have a ton of tour dates here.

Previously
Murphy's Law - The Continental's Second to Last Show (review)
Flipper, Moby & Steve Buscemi @ Stereo, NYC | pics

Posted in music | music history | tour dates at 5:14 PM | Comments (6)

Murphy's Law - The Continental's Second to Last Show (review)

Murphy's Law @ Continental - September 16, 2006
by Klaus Kinski

The Continental's second to last show ever was as close to the early 90's hardcore shows I used to go as you can get. Having taken down all of the famous framed pictures and other decorations that used to be present and also having removed all of those clumsy booths, the Continental was transformed into a dingy hardocre venue of days long gone. What also authenticized the atmosphere was the complete lack of air conditioning and the fact that the guys at the door completely overfilled the place with chain smoking skinheads, punks, Hells Angels, and college kids. The heat, claustrophobia and second hand smoke made me wonder how I ever did this weekend after weekend when I was a wee bit younger.

I got there just in time to see the Turbo ACs who I didn't realize were on the bill. My buddy Tim is their new bass player and I've been wanting to see them for quite awhile. They were good, really good, but not so great that I felt I was listening to something worth writing home about. They are currently set to embark on an enormous world tour, so evidently they're doing something right.

The Turbo ACs were followed by one of my current punk favorites Two Man Advantage. They have by far the most appealing schtick of any band currently in existence; a total committment to hockey, beer, and punk rock. Outfitted with masks, helmets, jerseys, and hockey suspenders, Two Man Advantage tore through a completely beer soaked set of total chaos. It was a sight to behold.

Finally, sometime around 12:15am, Murphy's Law hit the stage to close down the place in true Murphy's Law / Continental fashion. At this point in the night I was absolutely pooped and ready for bed, but the energy they put into going out with a bang really gave me my second wind. Not only did the tunes sound a zillion times tighter than their show at BBs with the Gorilla Biscuits, but the energy was at a peak and the crowd totally ate it up. Whether he was making fun of NYU and straight edge kids or biting into cans of beer and hosing the at that point sweaty and exhausted crowd, Jimmy G and Co. tore the place up.

All in all, it was the perfect send off. It emptimozed and recreated a scene that is more and more becoming nothing but happy memories and nostalgia. Not only is the Continental no more, but Jummy G made many allusions to the band calling it quits after the next album. Without a veteran band like Murphy's Law to rely on for a guaranteed good time and without a place like the Continental or CBGBs to showcase bands like Murphy's Law, a major chapter in underground music is coming to a close and will never be replicated. Everything else will just be a forgery.

----

Previously
(NYC music venue) Continental coming to a close | D Generation tonight? + final lineup & an A.P.P.L.E. reunion

Posted in music | music history at 5:06 PM | Comments (2)

Flipper, Moby & Steve Buscemi @ Stereo, NYC | pics

Last night (september 19, 2006) after the early Emily Haines show I ran over to Stereo (formerly Coral Room) to catch Flipper at the "American Hardcore" movie premiere party. I wasn't sure what type of crowd to expect, so was happy to see a line outside that looked a lot like the one outside Gorilla Biscuits' recent CBGB show. Flipper were amazing, and I'm so happy to have caught them after missing all the other shows they played over the last year. Their age, enthusiasm, and heart-pounding songs reminded me of seeing Gang of Four.

I didn't actually see the "American Hardcore" movie, but someone told me there's a scene where Flipper's Bruce Loose denies Moby's involvement with the band. That's humorously followed by a clip of Moby claiming to have played with Flipper. So after seeing Moby at the bar earlier, it was no surprise that he would be the special guest joining Flipper on stage during their approximately 30-minute set (what else is new).

Joly wrote in the comments:

At the afterparty, sponsored by Vans and Dos Equis, there was no free champers, but there was free beer. Flipper played and were joined by Moby (!) on bass for Sex Bomb. He wouldn't stop playing and had to be thrown off stage by the band so they could get on with the next song.

Steve Buscemi was there with his Brooklyn musician son Lucian and Lucian's two friends. Though standing pretty close to Steve in the mostly-non-existent pit, I wouldn't have left the show with an actual picture of him, so thanks Bruce Loose for jumping into the crowd and creating the perfect opportunity.

After the show Bruce went on a rant about our rights, and not being able to smoke inside. Someone yelled out something about hippies that Bruce mistook for someone calling HIM a hippie. Ends up the yeller was none-other than Brooklyn Ski Club Matt.

After this show I ran down to Club Midway to catch the Klaxons and now I'm very, very tired.

Previously
"American Hardcore" movie premiere | matinees are back

Posted in music | pictures at 3:25 PM | Comments (7)

Wes' Weekly Hip Hop News Roundup | (Sep 20, 2006)

Rock fans listen up -- this post includes Pete Doherty too....

NAS' 33rd B'DAY @ CANAL ROOM, NYC | SEP 13, 2006 (CRED)

Ludacris's new album Release Therapy drops next week, but go go go get that new mixtape Pre-Release Therapy over here. It's fantastic. Stream the album itself over at MTV. (via NahRight)

Speaking of mixtapes, Eminem's delayed and first official mixtape The Re-Up has been upgraded to a retail release. Read more over at Billboard.

In this weeks WTF installment, DMX explains a child with another woman to his wife as him being raped. Original! His wife believes him. Love is blind! Read more on AOL. (via Crunktastical)

Listen to The Streets featuring Pete Doherty on their collaboration Pranging Out over at StillListen.

RJD2 leaves Hip Hop and signs to XL Recordings joining Thom Yorke, Basement Jaxx, Tapes N Tapes, and others. Read more over at Pitchfork.

Kelis threw her husband Nas a birthday partty for his 33rd at the Canal Room in NYC. Somehow Jim Jones felt he was allowed to go. SmartenUpNas, SkiBrooklyn, and Last Night's Party have more coverage of the event.

Playa, tell me it isn't so. Clipse album Hell Hath No Fury againnnnnnn delayed. Now bumped from Halloween to December. Read more SOHH.

Ras Kass and The Game got into a fight where the latter broke the formers jaw. Sometimes I feel my hip hop posts could also be WWF updates. Read more here and watch a video of the Game speaking on the incident here.

More info on Jay-Z's new album Kingdom Come including guests, producers and titles at About Rap. Photos of a music video shoot over at SmartenUpNas.

Lupe Fiasco was forced to cancel his recent NYC appearances due to a case of strep throat which now must be better because Pitchfork reviewed his Tuesday night record-release show in Chicago.

Chuck D of Public Enemy says that "..the ubiquity of the mobile phone means artists no longer need to rely on major music labels to reach a global audience." Read more about it at the Independent.

A solar powered Hip Hop Festival in New York? Find out more about it here.

Sure, it's only for one song but Pete Rock and CL Smooth reunite! Read more here.

---

thx Undisputed Wes

Posted in hiphop | music at 2:18 PM | Comments (1)

Bad Brains reuniting - HR included | 2 shows @ CBGB

DOWNLOAD: Bad Brains - Right Brigade (MP3)

"The Bad Brains are those of an extremely influential American all-black hardcore punk and reggae band, originally formed in Washington, D.C. in 1977. They are widely considered the pioneers of hardcore punk." [Wikipedia]

HR's recent NYC Itinerary
Feb 24, 2006: sit home while John Joseph plays me @ CBGB
Feb 25, 2006: sit home while John Joseph plays me @ CBGB
Sep 02, 2006: play a few reggae songs @ CBGB
Sep 08, 2006: sing a bunch of reggae songs @ Delancey
Sep 14, 2006: play a few reggae songs @ Continental
Sep 19, 2006: appear on screen singing hardcore @ CBGB
Oct 09, 2006: play mthrfkn hardcore @ CBGB
Oct 10, 2006: play mthrfkn hardcore @ CBGB

Tickets go on sale Sunday @ Noon. Patti Smith is supposedly playing the last show at CBGB some time around October 15th. Hopefully that means Television is playing too since Tom and Patti are close and all)

Posted in music | music history | tour dates at 11:56 AM | Comments (23)

Andrew Sullivan recommends Dina Martina (coming to NYC)

"For the last two summers, performance-artist/drag-queen/comic genius Dina Martina has been playing in Provincetown. For what it's worth, I've seen a lot of shows in Ptown over the last couple of decades and I've never seen anything as brilliant or as funny as Dina...... I write this just to let you know that if you're in New York City from September 22 to October 7, and have tolerance for avant-garde comedy, her new show, 'Soft Palate, Fallen Arches' is playing at The Cutting Room, located at 19 West 24th Street." [Andrew Sullivan]

Posted in comedy at 9:31 AM | Comments (0)

September 19, 2006

Lifetime | news & Tour Dates

"On November 21st, the band will be making their debut for Decaydance in the form of a two song 7-inch. The songs were recorded at Atomic Studio in Brooklyn, engineered by Jesse Cannon and mixed by Steve Evetts. The a-side, 'Haircuts & T-shirts,' was debuted when the band played two sold out nights at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom this past July and the b-side 'All Night Long' says guitarist Dan Yemin, 'picks up exactly where we left off [with Jersey's Best Dancers] only 10 years older & wiser.'" [Punk News]

LIFETIME USA TOUR DATES
November 18, 2006 The Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ
November 19, 2006 First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, PA

UK tour dates below...

October 6, 2006 Josephs Well Leeds, UK
October 7, 2006 Mean Fiddler London, UK
October 8, 2006 TJs Newport, UK
October 29, 2006 The Fest V @ Abbey Road Gainesville, FL

Previously
An interview with Lifetime (Ari, Dan, Pete & Scott)

Posted in music | tour dates at 3:11 PM | Comments (18)

"American Hardcore" movie premiere | matinees are back

The NYC premire of American Hardcore is tonight at Chelsea West Cinema @ 7 pm. Flipper, who played CBGB last night, is playing the release party and Moby's a punk rocker.

Hardcore matinees are returing to Pyramid, courtesy of Eddie Leeway.

Posted in movies | music at 2:58 PM | Comments (19)

Sugarcubes Reuniting for one show | Ghostdigital & The Melvins | Tour Dates

DOWNLOAD: Birthday (in Icelandic) (MP3)

"Icelandic indie stars THE SUGARCUBES will reunite in November (06) to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of their seminal debut single BIRTHDAY.

Singer BJORK will rejoin former bandmates THOR ELDON, BRAGI OLAFESSON, EINAR BENEDIKTSSON, MAGGA ORNOLFSDOTTIR and SIGGI BALDURSSON on stage for the first time in 14 years when they play a one-off show in Reykjavik on 17 November (06).

A statement on Bjork's website reads, "All profit from the concert goes back into Smekkleysa SM, who continue to work on a non-profit basis for the future betterment of Icelandic music and artists"

I want to go. And in other Sugarcubes-related news, Einar's weird band Ghostdigital is going on tour with The Melvins. They'll be at Warsaw on October 17th. All dates below....

THE MELVINS | 2006 TOUR DATES
Sep. 19, 2006 Fort Collins, CO Aggie Theater w/ Big Business
Sep. 20, 2006 Denver, CO Gothic Theater w/ Big Business
Sep. 22, 2006 Lawrence, KS Granada Theater w/ Big Business
Sep. 23, 2006 Des Moines, IA House of Bricks w/ Big Business
Sep. 24, 2006 Cedar Falls, IA The Reverb w/ Big Business
Sep. 25, 2006 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Cafe w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Sep. 26, 2006 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Sep. 27, 2006 Milwaukee, WI Shank Hall w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Sep. 28, 2006 Chicago, IL Double Door w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Sep. 29, 2006 Detroit, MI Magic Stick w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Sep. 30, 2006 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 1, 2006 Toledo, OH Frankie's w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 2, 2006 Cincinnati, OH Top Cats w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 3, 2006 Columbus, OH Little Brothers w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 5, 2006 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 6, 2006 Buffalo, NY Showplace Theater w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 8, 2006 Boston, MA Axis w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 10, 2006 South Burlington, VT Higher Ground w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 11, 2006 Northhampton, MA Pearl Street (Downstairs) w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 12, 2006 New Haven, CT Toad's Place w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 13, 2006 Providence, RI The Living Room w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 14, 2006 Troy, NY Revolution Hall w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 16, 2006 Hoboken, NJ Maxwell's w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 17, 2006 Brooklyn, NY Warsaw w/ Big Business, Ghostigital
Oct. 18, 2006 Philadelphia, PA Theater of the Living Arts w/ Big Business
Oct. 19, 2006 Washington, DC Black Cat w/ Big Business
Oct. 20, 2006 Baltimore, MD Ottobar w/ Big Business
Oct. 21, 2006 Pittsburg, PA Mr. Smalls Theater w/ Big Business
Oct. 23, 2006 Charlottesville, VA Starr Hill Music Hall w/ Big Business
Oct. 24, 2006 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle w/ Big Business
Oct. 25, 2006 Charlotte, NC The Milestone w/ Big Business
Oct. 26, 2006 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel w/ Big Business
Oct. 27, 2006 Spartanburg, SC Ground Zero w/ Big Business
Oct. 28, 2006 Athens, GA 40 Watt Club w/ Big Business
Oct. 29, 2006 Rosewell, GA Whirly Ball w/ Big Business
Oct. 31, 2006 Jacksonville, FL Jack Rabbits w/ Big Business
Nov. 1, 2006 Tallahassee, FL Beta Bar w/ Big Business
Nov. 2, 2006 Saints Petersburg, FL State Theater w/ Big Business
Nov. 3, 2006 Orlando, FL The Social w/ Big Business
Nov. 4, 2006 Gainesville, FL Abbey Road w/ Big Business
Nov. 5, 2006 Fort Lauderdale, FL Culture Room w/ Big Business
Nov. 7, 2006 Birmingham, AL Bottle Tree w/ Big Business
Nov. 8, 2006 Chattanooga, TN Rhythm & Brews w/ Big Business
Nov. 9, 2006 Knoxville, TN Blue Cats w/ Big Business
Nov. 10, 2006 Nashville, TN Exit In w/ Big Business
Nov. 11, 2006 Memphis, TN New Daisy Theater w/ Big Business
Nov. 13, 2006 Little Rock, AR Juanita's Cantina w/ Big Business
Nov. 14, 2006 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jacks w/ Big Business
Nov. 16, 2006 San Antonio, TX White Rabbit w/ Big Business
Nov. 17, 2006 Austin, TX Emo's w/ Big Business

In May, the Melvins played Symphony Space.

Previously
Two new Sugarcubes (Bjork) DVDs | Win Them

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 1:41 PM | Comments (24)

An interview with Emily Haines | part 1 (no blindfold)

BrooklynVegan interviewer Christos Mountzouros had the chance to speak with Emily Haines over the phone the other day. Here's a preview of their conversation -- it's especially relevant to the short solo tour Emily kicks off at Joe's Pub in NYC tonight...

BrooklynVegan Christos: Another Joe’s Pub show had to be added and they're both sold out. How exciting is that?

Emily: That’s good! I’ve always wanted to play Joe’s Pub!

BrooklynVegan Christos: Are you really going to be playing blindfolded? Isn’t that hard?

Emily Haha, no I’m not. I did that once and I keep getting asked about it.

BrooklynVegan Christos: Yeah it’s like on their site that you’re going to be playing blindfolded.

Emily Are you serious?

BrooklynVegan Christos: I guess someone got their press screwed up somewhere at some point.

Emily That’s really funny. Yeah that would be hard, I did that a show in San Francisco. But I’m playing with a rhythm section as well.

---

Stay tuned for part two. Christos' last interview was with Think About Life.

Previously
Metric doesn't win Polaris Music Prize
Amy Millan, Emily Haines & Leslie Feist together

Posted in interviews | music at 11:40 AM | Comments (23)

Killers playing Webster Hall Friday

"The Killers will be performing a secret show at New York City's Webster Hall this Friday, September 22. Pre-Sale tickets will be available Tuesday, September 19th at 3PM EST and available to the public on September 20th at 12pm" (thx Sara)

Posted in music at 11:00 AM | Comments (84)

The Mugs | 2006 Tour Dates

DOWNLOAD: The Mugs - Frank (MP3) (more)

NYC band The Mugs are going on tour. Their last show before hitting the road will be at Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan on September 23rd. All tour dates below....

THE MUGS | 2006 TOUR DATES
September 28...The Abbey Lounge....Boston
September 29...Garfield Artworks...Pittsburgh
September 30...The Hideout.........Chicago
October 1......Vaudeville Mews.....Des Moines
October 2......OLeavers Pub........Omaha
October 5......Make-Out Room.......San Francisco
October 8......Hotel Utah..........San Francisco
October 10.....KHUM [Instudio].....Ferndale
October 11.....Luckey's Bar........Eugene
October 12.....KEXP [Instudio].....Seattle
October 12.....High Dive...........Seattle
October 13.....Sunset Tavern.......Seattle
October 17.....Station 4...........St. Paul
October 18.....The Klinic Bar......Madison
October 20.....Schubas.............Chicago

"Upon returning to New York City, The Mugs will be performing as part of the CMJ Music Marathon after which they will begin production on their next album, slated for a 2007 release."

Listen at MySpace

RELATED: Yeti Don't Dance: The Mugs

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 10:46 AM | Comments (6)

Jeff Tweedy will appear @ Golden Smog show tonight

Golden Smog end their tour at the Vic Theatre in Chicago tonight (Sept 19, 2006). A source close to the band tells me their special guest is in-fact Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. It will be (sometime-Golden-Smog-member) Tweedy's only appearance with Golden Smog since they started touring this year to support their new album.

The NY Times saw Golden Smog Sunday night at Webster Hall.

Posted in music at 10:37 AM | Comments (0)

Brian Wilson to perform "Pet Sounds"

"As part of the Pet Sounds 40th Anniversary celebration, Brian has agreed to perform the classic album live in November in both the US and the UK."

2006 TOUR DATES
Nov. 1: Los Angeles (Royce Hall)
Nov. 12: London (Adelphi Theatre)
Nov. 17: Boston (Orpheum Theatre) *
Nov. 18: Washington, D.C. (TBA)*
Nov. 19: Glenside, Pa. (Keswick Theatre) *
Nov. 21: New York (Beacon Theatre) (tix on sale Sept 29 @ noon) *

* w/ Beach Boy Al Jardine (thx Nick)

Posted in music | tour dates at 1:54 AM | Comments (1)

Jose Gonzalez & Death Vessel playing Brooklyn

Jose Gonzalez & Death Vessel are playing Brooklyn Lyceum on Oct. 10, 2006. (thx Jerry)

Posted in music at 1:52 AM | Comments (0)

September 18, 2006

Final Fantasy wins the 2006 Polaris Music Prize

Owen Pallett (aka Final Fantasy) took home $20,000 (Canadian I assume) as the winner of the first ever annual Canadian Polaris Music Prize for his album He Poos Clouds. He beat Broken Social Scene, Metric, Wolf Parade, The Deadly Snakes, Cadence Weapon and all the rest.

Eye Weekly asked everyone what they'd do with the money. Owen's response: "I'D PAY OFF MY BOYFRIEND'S STUDENT LOAN AND THEN GIVE THE REST TO BANDS I LIKE -- LIKE HANK COLLECTIVE AND OTHER BLOCKS [RECORDING CLUB] BANDS -- TO MAKE RECORDS."

Previously
with 3 hours to go, A Polaris judge reports
the 2006 Polaris Music Prize will be awarded today

Posted in music at 10:26 PM | Comments (18)

Melted Mailbox | Brooklyn-based record club

"MELTED MAILBOX is a collection of music that arrives in bi-monthly installments. The first series will consist of seven one-sided 12” records. The music-less side will be etched. Each record will be bright & thick - it is all vinyl & hand-made & limited edition & unreleased & psychedelic & experimental."

Posted in music at 9:56 PM | Comments (3)

with 3 hours to go, A Polaris judge reports

DOWNLOAD The Deadly Snakes - Gore Veil (MP3)

Polaris Music Prize judge Helen Spitzer and I recently became acquainted via email. Today we came up with the idea that it'd be cool if she guest-posted some behind-the-scenes insight before she headed off to the Polaris voting booth. With just three hours to spare, here's what she had to say....

----

I scribble this just as I head out the door to Toronto, where in just a few hours will convene the jury to decide the winner of the first annual Polaris Music Prize. (Full disclosure: I'm on the jury, so in the best interests of the award itself, which is a fantastic idea, I will neither talk about who I'm rooting for nor speculate on the winner). I will say this: I think this is a Big Deal.

We Canadians are frequently timorous about celebrating our own in too loud a voice until someone, somewhere else [read Pitchfork, Magnet, BrooklynVegan, etc] does it first. But we're plenty stoked about this Polaris Prize, a five-year long labour of love for founder Steve Jordan. Albums are to be judged on their artistic merit alone (with no consideration given to sales) and as an Album, not the popularity of the artist or excellence of any individual tracks. As Jordan pointed out recently, while there has been a lot of discussion about who should or shouldn't have made the shortlist (publicly announced July 4), there has been very little ill-will expressed towards the Polaris award itself. Which, given the Canadian predisposition to crabbuckit crankiness, is damn near unprecedented. Seemingly the only objections, and mild-mannered ones at that, were to the sponsorship of the award by Rogers, a major telecommunications company in Canada (I'll admit I was taken aback to hear Malajube on a cell-phone ad last night). But given that the award is a hefty chunk of change for the recipient, most seem happy that the sponsors kicked in the cash.

A number of interesting asides, which may not be evident to our American readers:

1. Malajube was acknowledged as a surprise contender by many (their album is both French-language and on a label better known for bilingual punk rockers) and was unknown to major media including the editor of an influential Canadian music magazine;

2. shortly after being nominated for the prestigious (and $20,000) award, Toronto band The Deadly Snakes announced that they were splitting up after 12 years together, and played their last show on August 25th;

3. this week the Toronto weekly Eye suggested that the fight is really between Final Fantasy and Cadence Weapon (whose CD hasn't seen a proper Stateside release yet), which I can't help but think this is a sweetly naïve and Toronto-centric perspective.

The winner is to be adjudicated tonight at by an independent panel of journalists and broadcasters. The puff of smoke will go up on or about 10pm EST tonight; check back here for results.
Check here to find out what all the nominees say they'll do with the money if they win.

Previously
An interview with Malajube
the 2006 Polaris Music Prize will be awarded today
Cadence Weapon | Canadian Hip Hop - MP3s

Posted in MP3 | industry | music at 7:13 PM | Comments (1)

An interview with Malajube

DOWNLOAD (MP3s)
montréal -40°C
Le Metronome

In just a few hours from the publication of this interview we'll know which Canadian band takes home the first annual Polaris Music Prize. Malajube is one of the ten finalists, and they're performing tonight at the ceremony. BrooklynVegan Mike caught up with keyboardist/vocalist Thomas Augustin backstage at the 2006 Osheaga Festival. They talked about the nomination and stuff...

BrooklynVegan Mike: I want to start off and apologize for some of these questions. I am sure you have been asked them a thousand times already but many of our readers aren't familiar with the band.

Thomas: Sure.

BrooklynVegan Mike: When did the band form?

Thomas: I guess it was like three years ago. It started at a few small shows in Montreal. At the beginning, it was three of the guys, now we have five. I joined just before our first album, , and it really started to pick up from there. Now we are making shows every week and then eventually many shows every week [laughs].

BrooklynVegan Mike: Now are you guys making enough in the band to quit your day jobs?

Thomas: Yeah. It took some time but now we are so busy with the music, and that's all we want to do. We make enough money. It's a good thing that we put our focus into making music. It's a great thing.

BrooklynVegan Mike: I just moved here a while back and I am amazed that standard of living, for a metropolitan city, is so small. It doesn't cost much to live here.

Thomas: No [laughs]. My rent is so low. I have had a chance to travel a bit with the band. Talking to people in London and Paris, and asking them how much they pay for their 1 ½ bedroom. It's way out there. We manage to pay our rent, which is not a lot. A very good thing.

BrooklynVegan Mike: As you know, there have been a lot of Montreal bands breaking out in the city. Do you guys feel singing in French has impeded that at all?

Thomas: I don't know because for us it has been so quick. It is going really fast. I couldn't imagine it going any faster. I am sure the language, even if we say "yeah., people from the states are interested in French music We are exportable," which is something I hear a lot, it would still be difficult to understand that. We have a chance with Malajube, because people get the music. Even if it is in French and people don't get the lyrics, the music does the work. It talks to people. For the states, I have big doubts it could work. But our album is coming out. We'll see how it works. It is publicly a different culture.

BrooklynVegan Mike: My next question is about that question itself. Does it bother you that people are going to ask you about the language thing for the next couple years?

Thomas: No. It's out language. We are comfortable singing in French. We have things to say and we want to say it in French. If people care about it and want to hear about it, they will do the work to find out about it. I think that right now for English speaking people French is a little exotic.

BrooklynVegan Mike: Now, in Canada, deciding to sing in French is a political act.

Thomas: Yeah.

BrooklynVegan Mike: Have you ever had any problems dealing with English speaking promoters across the country?

Thomas: Not at all. In Montreal, there is a clash between the English scene and the francophone scene but we have always been between the two. We have a really good relationship with English promoters. On the French side, too, we are really part of the French scene. We are really part of two scenes. That's a good thing for us.

BrooklynVegan Mike: Have you guys thought about why your band is the one to break out of the French speaking scene?

Thomas: I don't really know. I think it is because of the music. It can speak to anybody. Malajube doesn't have any center to the Quebec cultural folkloric. Most French singing bands here have that. English people can connect to it. It's quite strange because those bands could do that to if they wanted, but they don't.

BrooklynVegan Mike: Congratulations on the Polaris Music Prize nomination. There are a lot of big names on that list. Were you surprised to be nominated?

Thomas: Yeah. It was really strange to see our name on that list, with Broken Social Scene and Metric.

BrooklynVegan Mike: It was a little weird when I came here because BSS has a following in the states, no doubt, but they are huge here.

Thomas: They are a very good band. All of the bands on that list are good. It would be a big compliment if we are to win.

BrooklynVegan Mike: Future plans at the moment? Tour, tour, tour, I assume.

Thomas: Actually, yeah. We are touring until Christmas. And then we are gonna take a little break because…we have to write songs [laughs]. We are always doing shows now and touring is a bit of…a kind of…how do you say…there is a lot of warp zone for the brain. You are always waiting for something. It isn't very creative [laughs].

---

Mike also interviewed Wolf Parade and The Stills while at Osheaga.

Posted in interviews | music at 6:07 PM | Comments (3)

Willie Nelson caught with pot and mushrooms

"Trooper Willie Williams says troopers smelled a strong odor of marijuana when the driver opened the bus door. During a search of the bus, Williams says approximately 1 1/2 pounds of marijuana and approximately 2/10 of a pound of mushrooms were located." [Billboard]

Posted in music at 3:03 PM | Comments (21)

Klaxons are in NYC | MP3 & Tour Dates

As first pointed out by Jackson, the UK's Klaxons are coming to NYC this week. Though described by themselves as "Screamo / Happy Hardcre / Pop", NME has dubbed them "new rave trailblazers" - which is at least consistent with the thoughts of early-90s-Moby-rave that immediately popped into my head when I first heard "Atlantis to Interzone" playing on their MySpace page. Pitchfork reviewed the track "Gravitys Rainbow" today, compared them to Bloc Party, and said they're "not sure it needs its own genre just yet". I can't stand the third track on their MySpace called "The Bouncer Demo", but I still (possibly naively) have somewhat high hopes of fun-to-be-had at the following two shows...

THE KLAXONS - 2 NIGHTS IN NYC
Sep 19, 2006 - Club Midway w/ Holy Hail & 2MANDYDJS
Sep 21, 2006 - Studio B w/ Soulwax Nite Versions & 2MANYDJS (tix)

Here's a video of them performing to a much bigger crowd than Midway holds. The rest of their tour dates are on different continents.

Posted in music | tour dates at 1:54 PM | Comments (10)

Studio B in Brooklyn | new venue

Studio B
"The rockers behind the Delancey and Studio A in Miami have commandeered a onetime Polish nightclub on the outskirts of Greenpoint and are using its over-the-top lights and smoke machines, industrial flavor, and gigantic dance floor for live performances (promoter Todd P. brought the Black Dice to a pre-opening party) and D.J. nights curated by Justine D. (of Motherfucker). In addition to a raised VIP lounge with leather couches overlooking the stage, an intimate, bordello-esque side room hosts its own spinners." [New York Magazine]

259 Banker St., btwn Meserole & Calyer Sts., Greenpoint, Brooklyn; 718-389-1880

___

Who can name all the Polish nightclubs in Greenpoint that now host indie rock shows?

Posted in NYC | music at 1:18 PM | Comments (53)

Stream The Big Sleep's Son of The Tiger | show Thursday

Listen to The Big Sleep's new album on Frenchkiss Records. Help the band celebrate Tuesday's release of the album this Thursday at Mercury Lounge.

Posted in To Do | music at 12:35 PM | Comments (0)

YouTube strikes licensing deal with Warner Music

"Under the landmark deal, Warner Music has also agreed to provide music videos from its extensive catalogue of artists on the video-sharing website for the first time......Last week, Universal Music Group described YouTube and News Corporation's MySpace as copyright infringers." [Guardian]

Posted in industry | music at 12:01 PM | Comments (2)

the 2006 Polaris Music Prize will be awarded today

OWEN PALLETT vs ROLLIE PEMBERTON

"CBC personality and former Moxy Fruvous frontman Jian Ghomeshi will host the inaugural Polaris Music Prize ceremony to honour the best Canadian album of the past year on September 18 at Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre." [Chart Attack]

"Owen Pallett and Rollie Pemberton make quite the unlikely pair." [Eye Weekly]

The nominees are:

Broken Social Scene (Broken Social Scene)
Cadence Weapon (Breaking Kayfabe) (MP3s)
The Deadly Snakes (Porcella)
Final Fantasy (He Poos Clouds)
Sarah Harmer (I'm A Mountain)
K'NAAN (The Dusty Foot Philosopher)
Malajube (Trompe L'oeil)
Metric (Live It Out)
The New Pornographers (Twin Cinema)
Wolf Parade (Apologies To The Queen Mary)

And the judges are: Rupert Bottenberg (Montreal Mirror); Aaron Brophy (Chart);
Matt Galloway (CBC Radio); James Keast (Exclaim!); Grant Lawrence (CBC Radio 3); Sarah Liss (NOW); John Sakamoto (Toronto Star); Helen Spitzer (CFRU); Nicolas Tittley (MusiquePlus); Carl Wilson (The Globe & Mail); Jill Wilson (Winnipeg Free Press).

"The Polaris organization, btw, has mandated us to consider the albums solely on their merits qua albums, as recorded artifacts, not "overratedness" or "underratedness", the career positions or prospects of the artists, who "needs" the prize or doesn't, nor presumably any societal "extra-musical" concerns such as genre or race/class/gender etc. I assume this is a reaction to criticisms of erratic judging in the Mercury Prize in the UK, on which the Polaris is modelled. But it's a hallucination." [Zoilus]

Previously
Amy Millan, Emily Haines & Leslie Feist together
An interview with Wolf Parade / Handsome Furs @ Osheaga
new "'Polaris Prize' to go to 'best Canadian Album'
Cadence Weapon | Canadian Hip Hop - MP3s

Posted in music at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)

Hipster Metal + Mastodon @ Webster Hall

MASTODON @ WEBSTER HALL, NYC | SEPT 8, 2006 (FROM THE NY TIMES)

"Hipster metal is a closely related subgenre or revival of the original 1970s style of heavy metal music. It emerged in the early to mid 2000s and has been gathering speed ever since, with bands such as Wolfmother charting on the Billboard 200 and on the United Kingdom, singles and albums charts." [Wikipedia]

John Darnielle: I don’t think there is such a thing as a hipster. I’m not blaming you, because that is the subject; I’m not blaming anybody. I’m just saying that I think it’s a weird name. I feel like a person using the word “hipster” is using it mainly to announce, “I know what a hipster is.” I mean, it’s my own personal shtick, but I’m just getting that out. [Hipster Metal - True or False]

FURTHER READING
* Is Hipster-Metal the Enemy?
* REVOLVER: Hipster Metal
* The Financial and Farcical Return of Heavy Metal
* Is Metal the New Indie-Rock?
* Mastodon: Metal's Last Best Hope

Previously
Wolfmother to Hammerstein | 2006 Tour Dates
English Journalist busted for leaking Mastodon album
Mastodon | 2006 Tour Dates (Webster Hall)
Trivium & The Sword's 2006 Tour Dates
Priestess playing 7 shows with Gwar | played Siren
Mastodon & Thunderbirds are Now! | Thursday night Pics

Posted in music at 10:53 AM | Comments (11)

NYC venue Downtime reopening as Rebel

"The real estate boom and rising rents in recent years have forced owners of live-music venues around Manhattan to shut their doors. Steven Ballinger, an owner of dance club Webster Hall, is singing a different tune: He is opening one of the few new live-music clubs in Manhattan. The 11,000-square-foot SCB Entertainment, at 251 W. 30th St. between Seventh and Eighth avenues, is set to open Labor Day weekend. It will offer three dance floors, a state-of-the-art concert hall and enough room to accommodate 800 revelers." [Crain's Business]

"Steve Ballinger, who just opened the Village Pourhouse next to his club Webster Hall, will soon reopen the 11,000-square-foot midtown space formerly known as Downtime as an 800-seat concert venue called the Rebel" [NY Magazine]

"REBEL is centrally located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just one block from Madison Square Garden, Penn Station & six blocks from The Javits Center. Four distinct areas of over 11,000 square feet can accommodate parties of 50 to 800+ people." [SCB ENTERTAINMENT L.L.C.]

"The live entertainment venue, which will feature three dance floors, a concert hall and a capacity of 800, signed a 10-year lease at an asking rent of $24 per square foot. The venue is scheduled to open on Labor Day weekend." [The Real Deal]

(thx CJ)

Posted in NYC | music at 2:42 AM | Comments (12)

The White Stripes on the Simpsons (video)

thx Anthony

Posted in TV | music at 2:38 AM | Comments (8)

Ben Kweller's nosebleed @ Austin City Limits + Tour Dates

BEN KWELLER WITH A TAMPON IN HIS NOSE | ACL 2006 (CRED & MORE)

"I just watched Ben Kweller stick a tampon up his nose. It's the kind of experience that bonds people, you know? You feel infinitely closer to the man, the music, the blood...an alternately endearing and disgusting sort of thing to witness." [Project DU]

ultra8201 has a video

MORE ACL COVERAGE
* Stereogum
* Gorilla vs Bear
* Pandagon

Ben Kweller is playing two nights at Webster Hall in October. All dates below...

BEN KWELLER | 2006 TOUR DATES
9/19 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theater
9/22 - Los Angeles, CA - Avalon
9/24 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
9/25 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
9/28 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
9/29 - Bellingham, WA - Western Washington University
9/30 - Seattle, WA - Showbox
10/3 - Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre
10/4 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
10/6 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
10/7 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
10/8 - Milwaukee, WI - The Eagles Club
10/11 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
10/12 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
10/13 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's
10/14 - Nashville, TN - Rocketown
10/15 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
10/18 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
10/20 - NYC - Webster Hall
10/21 - NYC - Webster Hall
10/22 - Boston, MA - Avalon

Promotional videos for Ben's new album are on YouTube.

Posted in music | tour dates at 1:44 AM | Comments (16)

Stream Scissor Sisters' Ta Dah

You can listen to the new Scissor Sisters album at MySpace

Posted in music at 1:24 AM | Comments (0)

Amy Millan, Emily Haines & Leslie Feist together at the Toronto Virgin Festival

Amy Millan, Emily Haines, & Leslie Feist | Sept 10, 2006 (CRED)

"Though there was some great music and moments on the first day of the Virgin Festival, it certainly ended on a sour note and day two would have to be pretty much flawless to salvage the event's reputation." [Chromewaves - Day 1]

"As usual, the high point was "Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl1 featuring Emily Haines, Amy Millan and Feist together on vocals. Initially spread out across the stage, the three ladies of Broken Social came together as the song gradually built up and at it's peak, they were practically nose to nose and ended in a group hug. Come on, that's special." [Chromewaves - Day 2]

Previously
The Ladies of Broken Social Scene | Fashion Models
Bid: Feist will sing your song with you
Emily Haines adds 2nd NYC Show
Broken Social Scene, Do Make Say Think & all Arts & Crafts artists | 2006 Tour Dates & Half Nelson

Posted in music at 1:18 AM | Comments (1)

David Bowie to perform at Keep a Child Alive Ball in November

DAVID BOWIE will perform "a couple of songs" at the Keep A Child Alive (KCA) Annual Black Ball at Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on November 9, 2006. The event will be hosted by IMAN and ALICIA KEYS.

ALSO: Scarlett Johansson speechless when she met first crush, David Bowie

Previously
Bowie to curate new NYC festival, play outdoors

Posted in music at 1:07 AM | Comments (0)

September 17, 2006

Cadence Weapon | Canadian Hip Hop - MP3s

Cadence Weapon is the stage name of Rollie Pemberton, a Canadian rapper.

From the album Breaking Kayfabe:
Sharks
Black Hand

From the mixtape Cadence Weapon Is The Black Hand:
The Gorilla Is For Sand Racing

Remixes:
Rick Ross vs. Simian Mobile Disco - Hustlin' Hustler (CW Hi-Speed Edit)
Lady Sovereign - Blah Blah Blah (Cadence Weapon Remix)
Ciara - Oh (Cadence Weapon Smart Bomb Remix)
Ghostface - Save Me Dear (Cadence Weapon AceRock Remix)

--

His official site, blog, MySpace, Wikipedia, Pitchfork review about him and some by him, Stylus review about him and some by him.

He's up for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize

Posted in MP3 | hiphop | music at 8:37 PM | Comments (10)

September 16, 2006

Wolfmother to Hammerstein | 2006 Tour Dates

WOLFMOTHER @ MCCARREN POOL, BROOKLYN | SEPT 9, 2006 (CRED - DANFUN)

"The band is continuing to make waves in the US with its new single, 'Joker & The Thief,' which can be heard in trailers for the forthcoming movie 'Jackass Number 2.' "Jackass" star Johnny Knoxville and his crew are featured in the song's music video." [livedaily]

Tickets are on sale for Wolfmother @ Hammerstein Ballroom on 11/22. All dates below...

WOLFMOTHER | 2006 TOUR DATES
09/13 - Norfolk, VA - Norva Theatre
09/15 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues
09/16 - Saint Petersburg, FL - Jannus Landing
09/18 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage Atlanta (Earthlink Live)
09/19 - Memphis, TN - New Daisy Theatre
09/20 - Nashville, TN - Exit In
09/22 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Smalls Theatre
09/23 - Baltimore, MD - V Festival (Pimlico Racecourse)
09/28 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium
09/29 - Alpine, CA - Viejas Concerts in the Park
09/30 - Mountain View, CA - Download Festival (Shoreline Amphitheatre)
11/21 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
11/22 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom
11/24 - Detroit, MI - Majestic Theatre
11/25 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theater
11/26 - St. Louis, MO - Mississippi Nights
11/28 - Houston, TX - Meridian
11/29 - Dallas, TX - Gypsy Ballroom
12/02 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
12/03 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
12/04 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore Ballroom
12/07 - Las Vegas, NV - The Joint
12/08 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre

Wolfmother also played a private Fashion show and showed up at a private Raconteurs gig while they were in NYC to open for Govt Mule at McCarren pool recently. Two Gallants, the other opener, also played a second show.

Previously
Wolfmother to Webster Hall | more 2006 Tour Dates
Wolfmother @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | pics

Posted in music | tour dates at 7:41 PM | Comments (21)

Stream Austin City Limits

Watch the 2006 Austin City Limits festival from the comfort of your computer.

Posted in music at 7:36 PM | Comments (1)

Atlantic Antic Sunday w/ Les Sans Culottes, The Fleshtones, The Dansettes, & more

THE ATLANTIC ANTIC
32th Anniversary Celebration (rain or shine)
Sunday, September 17th 2006, 10am-6pm
Atlantic Avenue between Hicks Street and Fourth Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn

Posted in NYC | To Do | music at 7:32 PM | Comments (0)

Save Darfur rally in Central Park Sunday w/ Citizen Cope, Lupe Fiasco, Suzanne Vega & others

What: SAVE DARFUR NOW: Voices to Stop Genocide
When: September 17, 2006 (2:00 - 5:00 P.M.)
Where: New York City (Central Park, East Meadow)
Who: Click here for confirmed speakers and performers

Posted in To Do | music at 7:29 PM | Comments (3)

September 15, 2006

Jesse Malin & "a guy from bad brains" @ Continental + 'Live at CBGB 1982' Screenings

Its either the horrible weather, or just general exhaustion that keeps me missing so many shows I mean to go to lately. One such show was "Jesse Malin (who just announced a new album) + special guests" last night at Continental. Were you there? If so, wWhat happened? I just found this:

...jesse was awesome, his keyboard player / harmony vocalist rocks. we saw a bit of his d generation bandmate's set, and saw one song with a guy from bad brains, but we got tired and took off... i'm sure the show went till 3am with tons of special-er guests..." [Myspace Blog]

And speaking of extinct clubs and Bad Brains, this is coming to CD and DVD:

Bad Brains – Live CBGB 1982 displays why Bad Brains became one of the most important bands in the history of American Hardcore. On Christmas Eve 1982, Bad Brains began their three-day stint at a Hardcore Festival hosted by legendary CBGB. This DVD represents the very best of these shows, culled from over 4 hours of footage. Their live performances were legendary, their visual recordings were impossible to find. Now, for the first time on DVD, that powerful performance is revisited in extraordinary fashion.

There's a $3.00 screening at at Southpaw in Brooklyn on Tuesday, September 19th at 9pm. There's a preview clip on YouTube. All screenings everywhere, and more CD/DVD info, below....

NEW YORK, NY - In conjunction with Tower Records & CMJ
Southpaw - 125 Fifth Ave - Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tuesday, September 19tn - Doors @ 8 & Show @ 9
$3 ADMISSION

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - In conjunction with Amoeba & SF Bay Guardian
12 Galaxies - 2565 Mission Street @ 22nd - San Francisco, CA . 94110
Tuesday, September 19th @ 9pm
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

SAN DIEGO, CA – In conjunction with Lou's Records
Lou's Records - 434 North Highway 101 - Encinitas, CA 92024
Tuesday, September 19th @ 7pm
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

PORTLAND, OR - In conjunction with Jackpot Records
Bagdad Theater & Pub - 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd - Portland, OR 97214
Tuesday, September 19th @ 8pm
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

LONG BEACH, CA - In conjunction with Fingerprints
Murphy's Pub at the Belmont - 4918 E 2nd St - Long Beach, CA 90803
Tuesday, September 19th @ 6pm
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

LOS ANGELES, CA - In conjunction with Tower Records
Knitting Factory, Hollywood - 7021 Hollywood Blvd. Ste. 209 - Los Angeles, CA 90028
Thursday, September 21st – Doors @ 7:30 & Show @ 9
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

WASHINGTON, DC - In conjunction with Tower Records
Black Cat - The Backstage - 1811 14th St. NW - Washington, DC 20009
Thursday, September 21st – Doors @ 9 & Show Time @ 9:30
$3 ADMISSION

PHILADELPHIA, PA - In conjunction with Reelblack.com
Cinemagic 3 at Penn - 3925 Walnut Street - Philadelphia, PA 19104
Sunday, September 24th - Doors @ 2pm
FREE ADMISSION

PHILADELPHIA, PA
The Khyber - 56 South Second Street - Philadelphia, PA - 215-238-5888
Monday, September 25th - Doors @ 8 & Show @ 9
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

-----

Tracklist:
1. Big Take Over
2. Attitude
3. I
4. I and I Rasta
5. Supertouch/Shitfit
6. King of Glory w/ Dave Hahn
7. Right Brigade
8. F.V.K.
9. Supertouch
10. Banned in D.C.
11. How Low Can a Punk Get?
12. The Meek Shall Inherit
13. Riot Squad
14. F.V.K.
15. We Will Not
16. Big Take Over
17. Coptic Times
18. I
19. At The Movies
20. Right Brigade
21. Rally Round Jah Throne
22. Redbone in the City
23. Riot Squad
24. Pay to Cum

Bonus materials include: Interviews from 1982

Previously
D Generation tonight? + final lineup & an A.P.P.L.E. reunion
Agnostic Front "Live @ CBGB"
A guy from Bad Brains @ Gorilla Biscuits
DVDs | Gorilla Biscuits @ CBGB, H2O @ Knitting Factory
Jesse Malin vs. Irving Plaza, NYC | pics

Posted in movies | music | music history at 4:29 PM | Comments (5)

Nada Surf joins Rogue Wave on stage @ Warsaw

JASON COLLETT & LESLIE FEIST (CRED / MORE)

We were in indie-pop heaven last night at Warsaw in Williamsburg last night, when Rogue Wave was joined by Nada Surf frontman Matthew Caws and drummer Ira Elliot onstage for their take on the Who's 'Kids Are Alright.' [Billboard's Jaded Insider]

"I COMPLETELY forgot about those guys! I seriously have not thought about them since the nineties.)." [The Park Slope Gastronome & The China-Latina Chowhound] (via)

Though it would have been even better if Feist had joined Jason Collett on stage during his opening set, she didn't -- I just liked the above picture better than anything I could find from this show.

Posted in music at 1:20 PM | Comments (13)

Idolator and other new websites

Idolator is the Gawker music blog

Here are some other new websites
* Gerard vs. Bear (funny, even to those mocked)
* Hipsterotica (just what it sound likes)
* Spiralfrog (music in exchange for watching ads)
* The Annex (the NYC venue finally got a site)
* Fontana's Bar (no longer just a placeholder)
* Land of Talk (graduated from MySpace)
* Tokyo Police Club (graduated from MySpace)
* Sure Juror (graduated from MySpace)
* Love is All (graduated from MySpace)
* Merge Records blog (Merge blogs)

(I know, some of them are just new-ISH)

Posted in music at 11:04 AM | Comments (13)

Beck | Fall 2006 Tour Dates

"Beck will be performing in support of the new album, The Information." Tickets on sale shortly. All dates below...

09.27.06 - Chula Vista, CA (Coors Amphitheater w/ Tom Petty)
09.30.06 - Mountainview, CA (Shoreline Amphitheater - Download Festival)
10.12.06 - Nashville, TN (City Hall)
10.14.06 - Chicago, IL (UIC Pavilion)
10.16.06 - Totonto, ON (Ricoh Arema)
10.18.06 - New York, NY (Theater At The Gardens)
10.23.06 - Philadelphia, PA (Tower Theater)

(thx TM, PS, & TW)

Previously
Beck & Bonnaroo

Posted in music | tour dates at 3:27 AM | Comments (36)

Wes' Weekly Hip Hop News Roundup | (Sep 14, 2006)

TUPAC & KISS @ THE 1996 GRAMMYS

September 13th marked the 10 year anniversary of Tupac Shakur's death. Has it really been a decade? That means all the kids on the subways with their Tupac shirts were mere toddlers when he died. NahRight has a great post with rare interview videos and more.

The least secret of secrets, Jay-Z's upcoming un-retirement and new album, was finally officially confirmed - in Entertainment Weekly no less. In an upcoming cover story titled "Jay-Z Returns," the Brooklyn rapper-turned-exec tells us about his return to music after three years of retirement. "It was the worst retirement, maybe, in history," Jay tells EW. "I believed it for two years." Jay's new album Kingdom Come (in stores November 21) features production from Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Kanye West and Coldplay's Chris Martin.

Watch a video of young hope Saigon interview veteran Ice Cube over at XXL Magazine.

Flavor Flav, hip hop's court jester and member of Public Enemy, announced his first-ever solo album. Rap icon and reality TV star Flavor Flav (please cancel your show Flav. Dignity!) is set to release the still to be named record on 10/31.

The NY Post, the unpaper, reports that DMX is on a mission against....flip flops. He calls them 'sissy soles' and protests against Jay-Z wearing them. He states, without irony, "It's Beyoncé. He's a sucker for love. Thugs don't do flip-flops." He started a prayer circle right afterwards. Read more here.

Native Tongue legends Black Sheep are about to re-enter the market place with their upcoming digital only release 8WM/Novakane. The album won't be released until October, but they gave us a great preview last night at Mo Pitkins with an unannounced show with a 6 piece band and crazy amounts of energy. Keep an eye out for an interview with Black Sheep's Dres on BV soon.

Former The Source owners/publishers Dave Mays and Raymond "Benzino" Scott are attempting to re-enter the hip hop world by way of a new publication tentatively title The Truth. Ironic name seeing that they were ousted from the Source after numerous examples of a lack of journalistic integrity leading to several staff walkouts. Read more over at SOHH.

Talib Kweli is set to perform at the Nokia Theatre Times Square on October 15th with a great support cast of Pharoahe Monch, Lupe Fiasco, Nice & Smooth, DJ Scratch and DJ Eclipse. Tickets are on sale.

Method Man is going on tour later this month. All dates below....

METHOD MAN | 2006 TOUR DATES
Sat-Sep-23 ASBURY PARK, NJ STONE PONY
Sun-Sep-24 TOWSON, MD TOWSON UNIVERSITY
Mon-Sep-25 BOWLING GREEN, OH HOWARDS CLUB
Tue-Sep-26 CLEVELAND, OH HOUSE OF BLUES
Wed-Sep-27 ANN ARBOR, MI BLIND PIG
Thu-Sep-28 BLOOMINGTON, IN BLUEBIRD THEATER
Fri-Sep-29 MADISON, WI BARRYMOORE THEAT.
Sat-Sep-30 URBANA,IL CANOPY CLUB
Sun-Oct-01 OFF
Mon-Oct-02 ASPEN, CO BELLY UP TAVERN
Tue-Oct-03 BOULDER, CO FOX THEATER
Wed-Oct-04 PARK CITY, UT SUEDE
Thu-Oct-05 Fly to NY - VH1 Rehearsal
Fri-Oct-06 VH1 Rehearsal
Sat-Oct-07 VH1 Honors Taping
Sun-Oct-08 PORTLAND, OR ROSELAND
Mon-Oct-09 SEATTLE, WA SHOWBOX
Tue-Oct-10 BELLINGHAM, WA NIGHTLIGHT
Wed-Oct-11 OFF
Thu-Oct-12 SPARKS, NV NEW OASIS
Fri-Oct-13 SANTA CRUZ, CA THE CATALYST
Sat-Oct-14 SAN FRANCISCO,CA MEZZANINE
Sun-Oct-15 SANTA BARBARA, CA UC SANTA BARBARA
Mon-Oct-16 ANAHEIM, CA HOUSE OF BLUES
Tue-Oct-17 LOS ANGELES, CA HOUSE OF BLUES
Wed-Oct-18 SAN DIEGO, CA 4th & B
Thu-Oct-19 PHOENIX, AZ MARQUEE THEATER
Fri-Oct-20 ALBUQUERQUE, NM SUNSHINE THEATER
Sat-Oct-21 OFF
Sun-Oct-22 AUSTIN, TX EMOS
Mon-Oct-23 OFF
Tue-Oct-24 TALLAHASSEE, FL THE MOON
Wed-Oct-25 FT. LAUDERDALE, FL REVOLUTION
Thu-Oct-26 ORLANDO, FL HOUSE OF BLUES
Fri-Oct-27 MYRTLE BEACH, SC HOUSE OF BLUES
Sat-Oct-28 Charlotte, NC Amos
Sun-Oct-29 CARRBORO, NC CATS CRADLE
Mon-Oct-30 CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA STAR HILL MUSIC HALL
Tue-Oct-31 OFF
Wed-Nov-01 PIHLADELPHIA, PA TBA
Thu-Nov-02 WASHINGTON, DC 930 CLUB
Fri-Nov-03 HARTFORD, CT WEBSTER THEATER
Sat-Nov-04 TBA
Sun-Nov-05 TBA
Mon-Nov-06 BURLINGTON, VT HIGHER GROUND
Tue-Nov-07 BOSTON, MA AVALON
Wed-Nov-08 HARRISBURG, PA DRAGONFLY
Thu-Nov-09 BALTIMORE, MD SONAR
Fri-Nov-10 SYRACUSE, NY THE COUNTRY CLUB
Sat-Nov-11 NEW YORK, NY NOKIA THEATER

---

this post brought to you by Undisputed Wes

Posted in hiphop | music | tour dates at 3:20 AM | Comments (8)

NYPD busts CD/DVD pirating group

"In what music and movie industry leaders say is a significant blow to the nation's piracy market, police on Thursday raided an office and a garage, confiscating 208 CD and DVD burners and about 40,000 bootlegged discs.

Among the films being illegally reproduced were some not yet officially released on DVD, including 'Snakes on a Plane' and 'World Trade Center.' The music ranged from Latin to gospel." [Business Week]

Posted in NYC | music at 3:00 AM | Comments (1)

September 14, 2006

The Little Ones sign to Astralwerks

"L.A. indie band The Little Ones have signed a deal with Astralwerks, which will re-release the band's self-released EP. The band starts a brief tour with French Kicks this Friday." [Coolfer]

Posted in industry | music at 9:14 PM | Comments (6)

Universal Music pressuring YouTube, MySpace

"Universal Music Group, the world's biggest record company, is stepping up pressure against popular online sites YouTube and MySpace, accusing them of infringing the copyrights of its artists' music videos.

Universal chief executive Doug Morris described video site YouTube and News Corp.'s social networking site MySpace as "copyright infringers" during a Merrill Lynch investors' conference speech on Tuesday that was closed to the press." [Yahoo News]

Posted in industry | music at 6:16 PM | Comments (11)

My Morning Jacket | 2006 Tour Dates, presale & a live CD/DVD

My Morning Jacket is going on a headlining tour this Fall, and I'm happy and sad to report that they've reached the Roseland level (Nov 30, 2006). In fact, they have nothing scheduled for November 29th so maybe they've reached the two nights at Roseland level. "Pre-sales begin on Thursday, September 14th at 12:00 pm local venue time for select dates listed below."....

NOVEMBER 2006
09 Thu Charleston, SC Music Farm NOW!
10 Fri Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theater
12 Sun Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
13 Mon Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
15 Wed New Orleans, LA House Of Blues
16 Thu Dallas, TX Gypsy Theater
17 Fri Dallas, TX Gypsy Theater
18 Sat Austin, TX Stubb's
20 Mon St. Louis, MO The Pageant
21 Tue Milwaukee, WI The Riverside
22 Wed Louisville, KY Louisville Gardens
24 Fri Chicago, IL Riviera Theater
25 Sat Indianapolis, IN Clowes Hall
27 Mon Washington, DC 9:30 Club
28 Tue Washington, DC 9:30 Club
30 Thu New York, NY Roseland Ballroom

DECEMBER
01 Fri Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
02 Sat Boston, MA Avalon Ballroom

CD/DVD press release....

My Morning Jacket Okonokos: Double Live Album and Concert Film
(CD release Sept 26; DVD release Oct. 31 -- ATO/RCA Records)

"Following the release of their fourth critically acclaimed full-length, Z, My Morning Jacket is about to release what is surely to become their quintessential body of work: Okonokos, a 2-disc live recording and concert film capturing MMJ in all their glory.

Okonokos, conceived by Jim James, and it is as much a question as it is an answer. It is an enigma wrapped around a riddle. Okonokos is whatever you want it to be.

The live concert was created with the aid of the trailblazing lighting designer Marc Brickman (well-known for his work with Pink Floyd), and filmed by director Sam Erickson. Okonokos: Double Live Album was mixed by Michael Brauer (Bob Dylan, Coldplay) and mastered by pre-eminent engineer Bob Ludwig."

CD 1 Track Listing:

01. Wordless Chorus
02. It Beats 4 U
03. Gideon
04. One Big Holiday
05. I Will Sing You Songs
06. Lowdown
07. The Way That He Sings
08. What a Wonderful Man
09. Off The Record
10. Golden
11. Lay Low

CD 2 Track Listing:

01. Dondante
02. Run Thru
03. At Dawn
04. Xmas Curtain
05. O Is the One That Is Real
06. Hell
07. Steam
08. Dancefloors
09. Anytime
10. Mahgeeta

VIDEO STREAMS
REAL | WIN | QUICKTIME

Previously
new Pearl Jam MP3 & Tour Dates | My Morning Jacket
M Ward & My Morning Jacket's Jim James @ AO, NYC | pics

Posted in music | tour dates at 3:55 PM | Comments (29)

Yep Roc | an article, a podcast & Billy Bragg (CD/tour dates)

DOWNLOAD: Yep Roc's September '06 Podcast (MP3) (subscribe)

"Independent record labels in North Carolina are growing and so are their rosters. MoRisen Records in Charlotte features a handful of local artists gaining national attention. Chapel Hill's regarded indie, Merge Records, is known for breaking bands like Superchunk and the Arcade Fire.

But Yep Roc, near Chapel Hill, with a roster of legendary artists and bands with feverish cult followings, is clearly one of the state's most prolific outfits...." [Charlotte Observer]

-----

The Billy Bragg Vol 2 box set is out 10/17 on Yep Roc Records. Billy Bragg tour dates below...

BILLY BRAGG | 2006 TOUR DATES
09-20-06 Halifax NS Rebecca Cohn Auditorium @ Dalhousie Arts Centre
09-22-06 Montreal QC Club Soda
09-23-06 Ottawa ON New Capital Music Hall
09-24-06 Toronto ON Music Hall Theatre
09-26-06 Winnipeg MB The Venue - Ramada Marlborough
09-27-06 Calgary AB Knox United Church
09-29-06 Vancouver BC Commodore Ballroom
09-30-06 Seattle WA Kane Lecture Hall w/ Otis Gibbs
10-02-06 Portland OR Aladdin Theatre w/ Otis Gibbs
10-04-06 Los Angeles CA Henry Fonda Theatre w/ Otis Gibbs
10-05-06 San Francisco CA Great American Music Hall - 2 shows at 8:45 and 10:45
10-07-06 San Francisco CA Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

"You all know the legendary punk rocker, Billy Bragg. He is grouped in and has worked with the best of them, including Johnny Marr of The Smiths, protest folk singer Leon Rosselson, members of R.E.M., Less Than Jake, Kirsty MacColl, and Wilco. Bragg’s Volume 2 finds him adding to his band and expanding his lyrical reach. Though still a caustic rabble-rouser, Bragg revealed he was equally adept at discussing the struggles of love as he was at discussing the struggles of the working class. Volume 2 chronicles Bragg's gradual addition of a full band to his formerly sparse guitar and vocal arrangements. The four reissues are Workers Playtime, Don't Try This At Home, William Bloke, and England, Half English. A bonus DVD featuring an entire televised concert from 1991 and a 2006 live performance is only available as part of the 9-disc box set. Each original has been re-mastered as have the five discs of bonus material, much of it previously unavailable and handpicked by Billy and longtime Bragg cohorts Grant Showbiz and Wiggy."

* more info on the Podcast
* Billy Bragg prompts Myspace rethink

Previously
Billy Bragg | Tour Dates & Box Set

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 3:10 PM | Comments (9)

Primus | 2006 Tour Dates

Nov. 09 - New York, NY - Roseland

All dates below...

PRIMUS | 2006 TOUR DATES
Nov. 01 - Austin, TX - Music Hall
Nov. 03 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Nov. 04 - Dallas, TX - Will Rogers Auditorium
Nov. 06 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle
Nov. 08 - Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall
Nov. 09 - New York, NY - Roseland
Nov. 10 - Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theatre
Nov. 12 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
Nov. 14 - Detroit, MI - State Theatre
Nov. 15 - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus
Nov. 17 - Chicago, IL - Aragon Ballroom
Nov. 18 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom
Nov. 19 - Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre
Nov. 21 - Denver, CO - Fillmore
Nov. 28 - Eugene, OR - Hult Center
Nov. 29 - Vancouver, BC - Orpheum Theatre
Nov. 30 - Seattle, WA - Paramount Theatre
Dec. 02 - Berkeley, CA - Berkeley Community Theatre
Dec. 03 - Sacramento, CA - Memorial Auditorium
Dec. 05 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Civic Center
Dec. 06 - Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
Dec. 08 - San Diego, CA - Rimac
Dec. 09 - Phoenix, AZ - Mesa Amphitheatre

"The mighty PRIMUS — bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry Lalonde and drummer Tim Alexander — return this fall with a formidable one-two-three punch. October 17 will bring twin releases: their first-ever retrospective CD "They Can't All Be Zingers: The Best Of Primus" (Interscope/UMe) and a new DVD "Blame It On The Fish" (on their own Frizzle Fry Inc. imprint), subtitled "An Abstract Look at the 2003 Primus Tour De Fromage", their triumphant reunion trek." [Blabbermouth]

Posted in music | tour dates at 2:39 PM | Comments (22)

(NYC music venue) Continental coming to a close | D Generation tonight? + final lineup & an A.P.P.L.E. reunion

15 AMAZING YEARS!!! THANKS TO MY STAFF, THE BANDS, AND ALL OF
YOU FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE.
IT'S BEEN AN HONOR THAT I'LL NEVER FORGET.

COME TO OUR GRAND RE-OPENING ON WEDNESDAY,
OCTOBER 11TH @ 9pm.

YOU'RE ON THE LIST PLUS 1.
THANK YOU, TRIGGER

THIS WEEK'S VOICE

The last four nights of shows at Continental are upon us. Richard Bienstock, whose band Drag Citizen is playing there Friday night, wrote an article called "Downer at the Rock and Roll Club" for the Village Voice.

But the act whose history is perhaps most intertwined with that of the Continental's is the now defunct glam-punk outfit D Generation.

"We signed our record deal with EMI in the Continental's bathrooms," says the band's former singer, Jesse Malin, who was also a partner in the late Coney Island High on St. Marks Place and is currently co-owner of the Avenue A bar Niagara. "Television had CBGB, and the Velvet Underground had Max's, but for my little punk rock group it was this room on the corner of Third Avenue. It was our home, and it's where we made our name."

TONIGHT'S LINEUP - Thursday, September 14
Jesse Malin (w/ Special Guests)
Richard Bacchus (ex D-Generation
DJ Howie Pyro (ex D-Generation)
A.P.P.L.E. (reunion show)
+ REALLY SPECIAL GUESTS

Hmmm, that's three of the five original D-Generation members explicitly listed right on the bill. "Special guests" are listed twice. One of them is "Really". Strangely/sadly/obviously (depending on how you look at it) tickets are still available. Enquiring minds will also want to know:

** Jesse Malin also played bass for a time with the NYC punk band A.P.P.L.E., who as you can see above, are also on the evening's bill. It'll be their A.P.P.L.E.'s first gig in 18 years. Their second one will be opening for Agent Orange and Reagan Youth at CBGB later this month.

** Original D-Generation guitarist and New Yorker Georgie Seville (he was replaced by Danny Sage) is doing well as part-owner of the Motherf*cker franchine along with Johnny T, Justine D, and Michael T.

** Jesse's friend Ryan Adams is often his "special guest" (not a reason to go to this show though - just a possible bonus).

** Jesse is also playing Tuesday at the Union Square Barnes & Noble

The rest of the schedule.....

Friday, September 15
1:30 NEUF NEUF NINE
12:45 BANANA FISH ZERO (reunion)
12:15 TRIGGER’S ALL STARS
11:30 PRINCE HAL’S NEW BAND THE RABBITS
10:45 DEEK JENKINS
10 HONOR AMONG THIEVES
9:15 DRAG CITIZEN

Saturday, September 16
12 MURPHY’S LAW
11 TWO MAN ADVANTAGE
10:15 TURBO AC’S
9:30 SUICIDE KING
8:45 THREADS
8 THE BASICKS
7:15 GUNS ON THE RUN

Sunday, September 17 (THE LAST NIGHT)
11 CJ RAMONE AND DANIEL REY PLAYING A FULL RAMONES SET w/ WALTER LURE and more
10 HANDSOME DICK MANITOBA’S BAND (The almost-Dictators reunion)
9 LENNY KAYE AND FRIENDS
8 THE BULLYS
7:15 CHARM SCHOOL

Tickets are actually still on sale for all four shows.

So Trigger will now try to court a different crowd. In mid October, he will relaunch the Continental as a dive bar. He'll retain the name and most of the staff, but the stage will be ripped out and replaced by extra seating and a flat-screen television showing "the Yankees, Knicks, and old kung fu movies." Draft beer taps will be installed behind the bar, and the downstairs greenroom—his favorite spot in the club—will get a pool table. "But I'm not going to touch a sticker or piece of graffiti in there, because of all the memories and history and energy," he says. "So hopefully when the bands come back to drink they'll be happy to see the place where they spent so many hours tuning their instruments and passing out to be more or less intact." [also from the Voice]

Previously
almost-all-THE DICTATORS reunion @ CBGB & Continental
Continental adds their real last show PLUS Lenny Kaye @ CBGB
Trigger Presents: last 3 shows @ Continental - On Sale
The last 3 days @ Continental (schedule) | Help George Tabb
Jesse Malin playing third to last show @ Continental | Tix
Murphy's Law playing last show EVER at the Continental
Last Continental show now September 16th
Continental to close on August 26th?
The Continental will stop having live music

Posted in NYC | To Do | music | music history at 12:24 PM | Comments (40)

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings @ Rocks Off Cruise, NYC | pics

DOWNLOAD: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Give Me a Chance (MP3)

Sharon Jones is unbelievable - an amazing performer with endless amounts of energy, and backed by the smooth sounds of the funky Dap Kings. She played two one-hour sets on the Rocks Off Cruise show that sailed along Manhattan's West side on Friday night, September 8. 2006. Tripwire has a full review.

And I posted one more photo from the boat here.

Previously
Sharon Jones played Harlem
Sharon Jones playing Boat | 2006 Tour Dates

Posted in MP3 | music | pictures at 10:05 AM | Comments (2)

Dan Akroyd & Bill Murray rocked to Phoenix @ Webster Hall

PHOENIX @ WEBSTER HALL, NYC | SEPT 12, 2006 (CRED-MORE)

"Inexplicably, Aykroyd and fellow SNL alums Bill Murray and Molly Shannon were rocking out all night to the band’s songs." [Rolling Stone]

Previously
100 Tickets released for tonight's Phoenix show
Phoenix | More 2006 (smoke free) Tour Dates
Phoenix @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | pics

Posted in music at 9:51 AM | Comments (9)

Superchunk playing Daily Show 10th Annivesary show @ Irving Plaza

November 16, 2006 @ Irving Plaza, NYC
"The Daily Show presents 'Ten F#@king Years (The Concert)': a live event with appearances from Daily Show correspondents and personalities, live performances from Superchunk, Clem Snide and The Upper Crust, and lots of surprises. All proceeds benefit the New York-based tutoring center 826NYC."

"Bass player Laura Ballance says the Irving Plaza gig probably came about because drummer and comedian Jon Wurster has 'got the 'in' with the comedy people.'" [The News Observer]

* Superchunk just played North Carolina too
* Mac keeps a Portastatic blog
* Portastatic is touring
* The last 826NYC benefit featured Sufjan and Byrne

Posted in music at 2:43 AM | Comments (4)

Electro-shows on sale, reviews of Herbert, Ratatat & the Junior Boys & a new Teddybears/Annie MP3

DOWNLOAD: Teddybears - Yours To Keep (Annie Mix) (MP3)

Has there been an influx of well-rated music and associated-rock-like shows by somewhat-popular electronic (or electronic-like) artists all of a sudden? Take for example the 39 (wow, 39?) upcoming Webster Hall shows that are now on sale: One of them is Hot Chip (YES HOT CHIP IS ON SALE), two of them are The Knife, one is the Rapture & Presets, two are DJ Shadow, two are Ladytron, two are Thievery Corporation, two are Zero 7, and two are Basement Jaxx. Gorilla vs. Bear is blogging about Cassius, and Daft Punk is headlining the Bang! Festival. DFA DJs are touring. Jamie Lidell is headlining Irving Plaza, and Girl Talk and Diplo are opening for Peeping Tom. Nitzer Ebb is playing Irving too. Matmos, Goldfrapp, Teddybears, and the list goes on. Danceable artists who very-recently filled Irving Plaza and Bowery Ballroom include Matthew Herbert, Junior Boys, and Ratatat. I missed all three for one reason or another...

JUNIOR BOYS @ BOWERY BALLROOM | SEPT 7, 2006 (CRED)

"The set wasn’t a long one, but it was quality." [Axis of Live]

"The show was a total disappointment" [Universal Buzz]

I thought they were good last year.

RATATAT not @ BOWERY BALLROOM | SEPT 11, 2006 (CRED)

"last night i went to see ratatat. as they started playing, a threesome of those obnoxious people who shove their way forward at the last minute shoved their way in my way. a tall guy parked himself right in front of me. i tapped his shoulder, intending to ask him to move. before i could say anything, mre shoved him. it was really too funny. mre, i love you for doing that." [snarkylush]

HERBERT not @ IRVING PLAZA | AUG 27, 2006 (CRED)

"Herbert With Live Band is at best something of a paradox, at worst something confusing and special: live musicians playing sample-based music that's meant to sound live." [Nick S]

"But then at New York's Irving Plaza, Herbert was just a tiny guy wearing boxers and a lavender dressing gown (good eye, Jess) and acting like a complete doofus..." [Pitchfork]

"What Herbert is doing in the live setting is incredibly complex, and though these small strainings of time and genre bow beneath the completeness of the artist's vision for each song and the force of his beats, moments of doubt are perhaps unavoidable." [Pop Matters]

----

Were you there?

P.S. The Ultra.NY festival starring Moby, John Digweed, Soulwax, Junkie XL, Boris and Waxman goes down in Central Park on 9/22.

Posted in MP3 | To Do | music | tour dates at 12:27 AM | Comments (17)

September 13, 2006

A 25th Anniversary Thank You Note From Corey Rusk

Corey Rusk posted this letter on the Touch & Go website....

---

I would like to personally thank all the bands that played, the whole Hideout staff, all of the tireless volunteers, the City Of Chicago Department of Fleet Management, the Touch and Go staff, the sound and stage staff, the drivers, and all the fans that attended the block party this past weekend! It has taken me a couple days to write this because there are really no words that can express just how amazing and meaningful the whole event was. And there are no words that can express the love and gratitude I have for everyone involved in making it happen. It will forever be three of the very best days of my life. Thank you.

Much love and undying appreciation to all the bands that played. You took time out of your busy schedules. You came from hundreds and thousands of miles away. You agreed to make no money so that the profits could go to local charities that help people less fortunate than all of us. I know you did all this to show your support for Touch and Go and the family of bands that you are a part of. You indulged my desire to have you all in one place at the same time. You all played some of the best sets of your lives. You have overwhelmed me. You have made me cry. I can’t thank you enough.

Also, a special thank you to the bands who reformed just for the block party. On top of everything the other bands went through to be part of this, you re-learned songs you had long since forgotten. You had to reconnect with people you hadn’t been in touch with for many years, and you had to re-learn how to play music with them. You practiced long and hard to be able to show the thousands of people at the block party what your music and your energy were like during the years you were making records for Touch and Go. You pulled it off with heartfelt enthusiasm... you kicked ass. The intensity of your performances was as though you had never stopped playing together. You blew me away. I can’t thank you enough.

Sincere thanks and love to Tim, Katie, Jim, Mike, Jessica, and everyone at the Hideout. This event never would have happened if you had not agreed to do all the hard parts. You secured the space, interacted with the city, coordinated all the logistics of the PA rental, the food, the beer, the tickets, the security, the medics, the fences, the tents, the hundreds of volunteers, etc… I could go on and on. You are pros with endless energy and dedication, and I feel very fortunate that you were gracious enough to let Touch and Go be the theme for your 10th annual block party. Everyone who attended and everyone who played at the block party owe you a massive thank you. Personally…I can’t thank you enough.

Thank you to the hundreds of tireless volunteers. I only met a small fraction of you, but the block party was flawless from start to finish, and this never could have been without all of your efforts. You gave up your time to help Touch and Go, the bands, the Hideout, the fans, and the charities. All of the bands kept telling me how well taken care of they were and how nice everyone working the event was. You are very kind people. I can’t thank you enough.

Thank you to the City Of Chicago Department of Fleet management. I never met you in person, but the Hideout staff has told me multiple times how accommodating and gracious you were. You moved a lot of machinery, concrete, and steel to make this a safe and enjoyable event for all. This is not a part of your normal job. You didn’t have to do it…. but you did, and you did it with a smile. I can’t thank you enough.

Thank you to the whole Touch and Go staff.
• Ed, we all know this would have never happened, and certainly would have never been so smooth, without your continuous efforts over the past 9 months. You took a big load off my shoulders. I truly appreciate it.
• Jamie, thank you for all your work with the bands and the backline. I know it was all very complicated but in the end, the bands had what they needed. That was important to me, and crucial to them.
• Dave, you came through with all the last minute art needs (and there were lots of them), with lightning speed. Postcards, signs, passes, food tickets, etc…, thank you for making sure we had them when we needed them. They all looked great.
• Justin, Joe, and Jim, thank you for the T&G 25th mini-site. You were always ready to update it with the latest information. Without the mini-site, there would have been a lot of confusion. Your efforts made the event a more organized place for the fans.
• Miranda, Chad, and Sara, you got the word out. The volumes of press and radio pieces about the T&G 25th anniversary and the block party event are proof of all your hard work. Wait a minute… am I really thanking you for making me do all those interviews? Yeah… I am. We would have never had all those thousands of people there if you hadn’t pushed me into it and convinced all the publications and stations that it was an event worth covering. Krista, thanks to you too, for co-coordinating all the T&G 25th press in foreign countries. We had fans from all over the world in attendance and your efforts helped spread the word in all those far away places.
• Taylor, if you had not suggested I speak with Tim & Katie at the Hideout, I would not have thought to do so myself, and this event would not have happened.
• April, I know there are thousands of happy fans who bought records and CDs at the Reckless tent. You came to the warehouse Saturday morning and Sunday morning to pull inventory for the Reckless booth to replace all the items that had sold out each day. Speaking of which… thank you to Reckless Records for putting up a booth to exclusively sell Touch and Go and Quarterstick records to the thousands of music hungry fans. I know it was a lot of work.
• Everyone else at Touch and Go also did their part by picking up the slack for those who were busy doing what needed doing for the event. All your efforts are greatly appreciated.
You all kick ass! I can’t thank you enough.

Thank you to the sound engineers, stage managers and their crew.
• Bob Weston enlisted some of this country’s best sound engineers. He offered to do this as though it was no big deal. He then proceeded to coordinate all their schedules and take care of all the details. I could never have done this myself. Everyone should be lucky enough to have great friends like Bob. Scott Adamson, Che Arthur, Tim Iseler, Jeremy Lemos, Kris Poulin, Jason Ward, and Bob Weston… thank you for making our event sound great. You are the best.
• Howard Greynolds and Ryan Hembrey, the stages were run so smoothly that we were on time for every set all 3 days. That’s no small feat! You and your crews busted your asses all weekend with no breaks and no time to just enjoy what was going on around you. I can’t thank you enough. Howard, you have been a friend to Touch and Go and our bands for many years. Thank you for putting so much energy into all the little details leading up to and during the block party. You made a positive difference for everyone involved!

I also want to thank Carol, Nate, and Evelyn who were our shuttle drivers. They drove back and forth between the Hideout and the band’s hotels for over 12 hours every day…in Chicago traffic! A thankless job, and one done with cheer. I know you were well appreciated by all the bands, and by myself (special thanks for bringing me all those coffees between runs!). I can’t thank you enough.

And, a very big thank you to all the fans who attended the block party this weekend. You raised tens of thousands of dollars for important charities. You showed an unbelievable amount of love and enthusiasm for a group of bands and people who mean the world to me. And you showed support for my life’s work: Touch and Go. I hope you all had as much fun and treasured every moment of the festival as much as I did, because I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun for 3 days running! I can’t thank you enough.

As many of you saw, we had a video crew documenting the whole event. Over the next twelve months, we will be putting up short video segments from the block party on the Touch And Go Records web site (www.touchandgorecords.com) every couple of weeks. We will also be posting photos from the event over the next couple weeks too.

Thank you.
Corey Rusk

Previously
Touch & Go 25th Anniversary Block Party | Day Three
Touch & Go 25th Anniversary Block Party | Day Two
Touch & Go 25th Anniversary Block Party | Day One

Posted in music at 10:03 PM | Comments (2)

Touch & Go 25th Anniversary Block Party | Day Three

And with this post we wrap up our coverage of the 25th Anniversary Touch & Go Block Party/Festival....

SUNDAY @ THE TOUCH & GO FESTIVAL | SEPT 10, 2006

"Sunday - Bring on the rain. Holy shit it was cold and awful and rainy today." [Causing Accidents]

"Sunday was dismal in terms of weather" [Time Out Chicago]

2:00pm The Monorchid

3:00pm Enon

3:55pm Three Mile Pilot

"I only saw a couple bands on the rainy Sunday of the festival." [Kushi Tan]

Edwina Hay (who took all these pictures) only saw three (partly because of the weather, but partly because she had somewhere else to be). Conveniently though, Stereogum's pics take over exacly where she left off.

25 Essential Touch & Go albums @ Pitchfork.

The rest of the coverage: Day 1 | Day 2

Posted in music | pictures at 5:41 PM | Comments (1)

RANA & Ween-related show @ CBGB tonight

NYC/NJ band RANA helped try to save CBGB last year. Now they'll help close it down. They play there tonight (Sept 13, 2006) for the last time - with Sounds of Greg D (featuring Ween's bass player Dave Dreiwitz and members of Rana, Sam Champion and Rufus Wainwright's band), and Dave Drewitz's other project Crescent Moon.

Check out RANA's 2-disk live@CBGB CD for sale at CD Baby

Posted in To Do | music at 3:04 PM | Comments (1)

The Nemo Festival in Boston | Complete Schedule

NEMO MUSIC CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES COMPLETE SCHEDULE
"The tenth annual NEMO Festival is quickly approaching and will run from September 28th through September 30th, 2006. Performance highlights throughout the Boston area include Yo La Tengo, Ladytron, The Long Winters, Read Yellow, Dr. Octagon, Jake Brennan, The Dents, Diamond Nights, Kabir, The Black Lips, The Head Set, Be Your Own Pet, and Breaking Laces. The full schedule for showcases is here."

Posted in music at 1:59 PM | Comments (2)

An interview with The Stills @ Osheaga & The Great Belghazi

"The Stills are a Canadian indie rock band. The four band members, Tim Fletcher, Dave Hamelin, Liam O'Neil and Oliver Corbeil, have known each other since around the age of 12 and played in various bands prior to forming The Stills in 2000. The band members are art students from Montreal, Quebec. On a two-month trip to New York City, they recorded several songs with the help of a four-track recorder. After landing a record deal, they began working on an EP entitled Rememberese EP which was released on June 17, 2003. Their debut album Logic Will Break Your Heart was released later that year, and touring with Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs gained them a steady following. Their latest album, Without Feathers, was released May 9th, 2006 on Vice Records." [Wikipedia]

BrooklynVegan interviewer Mike caught up with Dave and Oliver of the Stills after their performance at the Osheaga Festival in Montreal on September 2nd, 2006. They discussed the new album, Land of Talk, Ratatat, and revealed the mystery behind the guy in the blue jacket at Siren....

THE STILLS @ THE 2006 SIREN FESTIVAL (MORE)

This wasn't the first time Mike interviewed the Stills....

BrooklynVegan Mike: I interviewed Tim around the eve of Logic and he spoke of how the second album will not sound like anything from the first album. And for the most part, that is true. So is the material that appears on Feathers in its genesis at that time?

Dave: Some of it, maybe. We knew we wanted to do something very different but we didn't know what. It was only later that we figured it out.

Oliver: It's hard to know exactly. Once you start fucking around with the songs and everything, it takes a sort of life of its own.

Dave: We never know what it's gonna be like until it's over. It could have turned out a million different ways, even with the same material.

BrooklynVegan Mike: I hadn't seen it, but I had read and heard first hand accounts of the band receiving a negative reaction when you premiered some of the new stuff. Is that true?

Dave: At shows?

Oliver: At shows, it wasn't so bad.

Dave: There were a couple of hecklers.

Oliver: But it was minimal. I think it was more the media and the blogs.

Dave: So we put out a record, Logic Will Break Your Heart. So some people buy it, some people love it. We put out another one. Blogs are now this big thing. So all of those people are like, "The Stills. I love The Sills. I'm gonna review that record." Then they hear its differences and they are like, "OH MY GOD! I hate this record, rah rah rah rah." [laughs]. Basically, all of those reviews are from fans of the old record. You can just tell.

Oliver: Most of them start with, "Logic Will Break Your Heart, this MASTERPIECE…" Like, take it easy, it was a good record but….

Dave: Masterpiece? We got a 5 in Pitchfork. I'm reading all of this "critically acclaimed 'Logic Will Break Your Heart," like…one review opened with "The most deafening blast of mediocrity you are gonna hear this year." All of a sudden now, people pick it as a classic.

Oliver: When we put out our third record, they will say "Without Feathers, the classic record…."

BrooklynVegan Mike: Do you guys feel adversarial towards the first record because of the attention it gets?

Oliver: I like playing both, actually

BrooklynVegan Mike: I've seen you live a few times, the first behind this record, and I have always enjoyed how you toy with the structure of the songs. I was curious how you would reconcile the two albums on stage and it was very good. Will this be a constant for the band, no matter the sonic changes?

Dave: We don't know what our record is gonna sound like. We have an idea…actually, no, I don't know what the next record is gonna sound like [laughs]

Oliver: The reason why we do that is it is really hard to play like a 150 shows a year and play the songs exactly as it is and actually look like you give a shit. You have to change it up, or else it's a lie. It's imposssible to play a song 570 times and still like "yeah," be really into it.

Dave: I think that's why you change your songs up live. That's why you hear people say, "I like them live better."

Oliver: And there are people who are like, "I'd go see them live, but I wouldn't buy their record." It doesn't make any sense.

Dave: I would actually rather hear a band on record then see them live. I think that most of them are shit, live.

BrooklynVegan Mike: I guess unless you are a band like The Strokes who refuse to change anything live. Whenever they play, it is by the note.

Dave: Yeah. I have seen them live but their records have a sound and an aesthetic to them. And like live sound is kind of like the same for everybody. There is very little subtlety going on there. I like the studio.

BrooklynVegan Mike: Do you guys feel it is an uphill challenge to convert people through your live show?
Dave: No. I actually think it is easier to convert someone live.

Oliver: In our case, I think so.

Dave: We are trying to get people into the new songs. Live, they kind of sound like they could have been on the last record. It doesn't sound that different, I don't think.

BrooklynVegan Mike: You guys just finished up a tour with Sam Roberts. Was it odd that he opened for you in States and you opened for him in Canada?

Oliver: [Sam Roberts] is really big. He's like platinum and half here in Canada. He's Captain Canada. The new Neil Young or the new Tragically Hip or something. He's a really big deal.

BrooklynVegan Mike: Was it strange to see him only get his half hour before you, but then jump the border and he's playing an hour plus after you?

Oliver: It was strange to see him open up for us on the East Coast. I thought it was funny.

Dave: I don't really pay attention anymore.

Oliver: We share a jam space with them.

Dave: We just think of it like, "hey, we're playing together."

BrooklynVegan Mike: And you picked Land of Talk to open for you on your West Coast tour. How was that?

Dave: Land of Talk is interesting. Liam, our keyboard player, plays in a jazz in this jazz sextet called the Snow Brothers. Actually, they are called Tempest Fusent, but I like the Snow Brothers better. The drummer from Land of Talk plays with Liam in that band. And the singer, Liz, actually sang a song on our record that didn't make it on the record....The guys in Land of Talk are really buddies of ours and they are a 3-piece. And it is really amazing that a 3-piece can make music like that with no hassles.

Oliver: No disrespect, but the best band that ever opened for us is Ratatat and they are just two guys.

BrooklynVegan Mike: Have you heard the new record?

Oliver: It's phenomenal. I love that band.

BrooklynVegan Mike: At the Siren Festival, you had some strange guy on stage with you playing tambourine if I recall. What was that about?

Oliver: The Great Belghazi. He lives in upstate New York and he makes weird films.

Dave: If you go on youtube and search Belghazi.

Oliver: He makes these strange, awesome movies.

Dave: He is part of an art collective called Surface to Air that does artwork for albums.

Oliver: He's really weird.

Dave: Actually, he is a weird guy. He's a friend but he's really weird.

----

Mike interviewed Wolf Parade at the festival too.

The Stills are on tour.

Check out more photos of The Great Belghazi at Siren.

Posted in interviews | music at 1:40 PM | Comments (6)

Buju Banton protest @ Chicago House of Blues tonight

"Dancehall musician Buju Banton, who graphically advocates killing gays in the lyrics of his songs, will be the subject of a protest at 7 PM, Wednesday, September 13 at the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn Street. In his song 'Boom, Bye Bye,' for example, Banton urges people to shoot gay men in the head, pour acid over them, and burn them alive." [outinchicago]

Posted in music at 1:31 PM | Comments (9)

The Mountain Goats add Brooklyn show

DOWNLOAD: The Mountain Goats - No Children (live) (MP3)

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS IN NYC
Sep 29 @ Europa, Brooklyn (NOW ON SALE)
Sep 30 @ Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
Oct 01 @ Bowery Ballroom (still tix)

The rest of the tour dates

Posted in music | tour dates at 12:55 PM | Comments (3)

September 12, 2006

Touch & Go 25th Anniversary Block Party | Day Two

FANS OF NEGATIVE APPROACH @ TOUCH & GO BLOCK PARTY | SEPT 9, 2006

BIG BLACK'S STEVE ALBINI @ TOUCH & GO BLOCK PARTY | SEPT 9, 2006

"...Seven thousand fans — ranging in age from 12 to 62, but largely sporting more-obscure-than-thou tees — packed two outdoors stages at the Hideout, located fittingly enough in one of the city's most industrial areas. Thirty-two acts threw down over the course of 25 hours, from the Shipping News' math-rockin' 5 p.m. set Friday up through Calexico's water-logged feast that wrapped up the once-in-a-lifetime gala by 10 p.m. Sunday...." [MTV]

"...The Hideout block party was several times its normal size, and all weekend Tim was running around doing everything from fixing toilets to snagging working amps when things went wrong. He was a one-man crew, and I reminded him that my VIP bracelet had both a "10" and a "25" on it. "25" for the Touch and Go anniversary, but "10" for the number of years the Hideout has held its block party. He seemed genuinely touched but also proud like a new papa..." [Basement Patter]

"...First, let us take a look at who was not at the festival: Blonde Redhead, TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs – three of the most powerful indie rock bands to come around in the past decade. Now let’s look at who was there: Arcwelder, Didjits, The Monorchid. Yeah, I don’t know who they are either...." [Apneic]

Continued below...

"Then came Pegboy who were hilarious and easily the most fun band of the weekend. The lead singer proclaimed his complete drunkenness, at 2PM, at the outset of their set, and flipped us all off." [Mr Webbington]

1:50pm Pegboy

2:35pm Tim & Andy (Silkworm)

2:55pm The Ex

3:50pm Killdozer

4:35pm Jon & Kat (Mekons/The Ex)

4:55pm Didjits

6:00pm Negative Approach

6:30pm Sally Timms

6:50pm Scratch Acid

"Scratch Acid was awesome." [Causing Accidents]

7:45pm Man…or Astroman?

8:40pm Big Black

"I know you’re probably wondering, what’s the big deal? Believe me, it was cooler in the ‘80s.” - Steve Albini

9:00pm Shellac

All photos by Edwina Hay for BrooklynVegan.com. You know her on Flickr as eatsdirt.

Download 29 Touch & Go MP3s and check out the full festival schedule.

Day one photos are here. Day three photos coming soon.

Videos on YouTube.

Posted in music | pictures at 1:56 PM | Comments (22)

Denmark's Under Byen | MP3s & Tour Dates (free NYC show)

DOWNLOAD (MP3s)
Hjertebarn
Plantage
Af samme stof som stof

Fans of Sigur Ros, Bjork & other stuff will want to check out Danish band Under Byen, signed to Paperbag Records (Canadian home of Tokyo Police Club & Magneta Lane) at the end of July, and dubbed "band to watch" by Stereogum soon after, this Danish eight-piece is about to visit North America. "Giant Sand are such enormous fans of Under Byen, that they have reunited just to play these shows..."

2006 TOUR DATES
4-Oct New York, NY - Mercury Lounge (FREE SHOW!)
5-Oct Montreal, QC - Ukrainian Federation (Pop Montreal) w/ Joanna Newsom
7-Oct Montreal, QC - The Cabaret (Pop Montreal) w/ Giant Sand
8-Oct Ottawa, ON - Zaphod's w/ Giant Sand
9-Oct Toronto, ON - The Horseshoe w/Giant Sand

Todd Burns at Stylus gave their latest record (Samme Stof Som Stof) an impressive A-. They're KEXP's "current obsession".

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 11:48 AM | Comments (39)

"Pink Floyd, revisited: Waters doesn’t disappoint"

"No gimmicky light show or practiced cover band can match the majesty of seeing Roger Waters recreate his visionary work with Pink Floyd. And even though he’s currently touring under the guise of performing the legendary 'Dark Side of The Moon,' that’s literally only the half of it. 'Dark Side' was originally performed as Act 2 of a Floyd show - exactly how Waters did it last night before a capacity crowd for the first of two gigs at Mansfield’s Tweeter Center.

For all the anticipation surrounding Act 2, the first set was a much more compelling display. That’s not to knock Floyd’s 1973 masterpiece, which the musically muscled 11-piece band did commendable justice to. But hearing him lead his troops through crisp renditions of 'Have a Cigar,' 'Sheep' - during which an inflatable pink pig circled the venue - 'Wish You Were Here,' the opener 'In the Flesh' and 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5),' complete with multiple images of the late Syd Barrett flashing across the video screen, was infinitely more satisfying." [Boston Herald]

IN NY THIS WEEK
12 Sept Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
13 Sept Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
15 Sept Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY

...and the rest of the tour dates.

Posted in music at 11:06 AM | Comments (9)

Psychic TV Residency in Brooklyn

"Tickets are now on sale for all five PTV3 performances at Galapagos in Brooklyn, NY....PSYCHIC TV playing in support of their new album! Five Nights of Film and Live Performance. Different musical sets and screenings each night."

4 LEFT
Sep 17 2006 10:00P Galapagos Brooklyn, New York City
Sep 24 2006 10:00P Galapagos Brooklyn, New York City
Sep 25 2006 10:00P Galapagos Brooklyn, New York City
Sep 26 2006 10:00P Galapagos Brooklyn, New York City

RELATED: Psychic TV Visits WFMU

Posted in music | tour dates at 4:12 AM | Comments (5)

Free show & movie (Gonzo Music Diaries) @ CB's Gallery

Wednesday September 13 @ 7:30 pm (FREE!)
CB's Gallery (part of CBGB) is showing Gonzo Music Diaries - a film by Roy Szuper about the 2004 Williamsburg Music + Arts festival. Bands featured in the film will play after the screening, starting @ 9:15 pm - Dana Fuchs, Hillel Arnold, Shakerleg, David Peel & TLES, Status Quo No Show, Sea Monster.

Vernon Reid appears in the movie, but is not playing this show. He is playing MoMA earlier in the evening though.

Posted in To Do | music at 3:53 AM | Comments (3)

Lily Allen's Kooks cover | Crazy

Yeti has the MP3 of Lily Allen covering the Kooks' She Moves In Her Own Way. Jeff CV doesn't blog anymore, sort of, so he sent me this story about how everyone is covering "Crazy" (including a horrible one by the Kooks).

Lily Allen sold out. The Kooks sold out.

Posted in music at 3:49 AM | Comments (5)

Peelander-Z | Super Happee Mania Tour

Peelander-Z tour dates below...

Sep 15 2006 Dibden Center for the Arts (Johnson State College) Johnson, VT
Sep 19 2006 The Ottobar Baltimore, MD
Sep 20 2006 The Milestone Charlotte, NC
Sep 21 2006 The Earl Atlanta, GA
Sep 22 2006 Midtown Music Hall Chatanooga, TN
Sep 23 2006 Anime Weekend Atlanta (@ Renaissance Waverly Hotel) Atlanta, GA
Sep 24 2006 1982 Bar Gainsville, FL
Sep 25 2006 Ground Zero Spartanburg, SC
Sep 28 2006 NEMO Music Festival (@ Great Scott) Allston, MA
Sep 30 2006 Maxwell's Hoboken, NJ
Oct 1 2006 Beachland Cleveland, OH
Oct 2 2006 Empty Bottle Chicago, IL
Oct 3 2006 Magic Stick Detroit, MI
Oct 4 2006 High Noon Saloon Madison, WI
Oct 5 2006 Turf Club St Paul, MN
Oct 6 2006 Knickerbockers Lincoln, NE
Oct 7 2006 The Larimer Lounge Denver, CO
Oct 8 2006 Burt's Tiki Lounge Salt Lake City, UT
Oct 10 2006 Fun House Seattle, WA
Oct 11 2006 Hell's Kitchen Tacoma, WA
Oct 12 2006 Sabala's Portland, OR
Oct 13 2006 John Henry's Eugene, OR
Oct 14 2006 924 Gilman Berkeley, CA
Oct 18 2006 Little Pedro's Los Angeles, CA
Oct 19 2006 Cooler Lounge Las Vegas, NV
Oct 21 2006 Modified Arts Phoenix, AZ
Oct 22 2006 The House of Rock and Roll El Paso, TX
Oct 24 2006 The Conservatory Oklahoma City, OK
Oct 25 2006 Rubber Gloves Denton, TX
Oct 26 2006 Sam's Burger Joint San Antonio, TX
Oct 27 2006 Beerland Austin, TX
Oct 28 2006 Fitzgerald's (Upstairs) Houston, TX
Oct 29 2006 One Eyed Jacks New Orleans, LA
Oct 30 2006 Cell Block Mobile, AL
Oct 31 2006 Ole Fort Pub Natchitoches, LA
Nov 1 2006 Downtown Records Little Rock, AR
Nov 2 2006 Hi-Tone Cafe Memphis, TN
Nov 3 2006 Flying Monkey Arts Huntsville, AL
Nov 4 2006 Creepy Crawl St. Louis, MO
Nov 5 2006 Exit In Nashville, TN
Nov 7 2006 The Ugly Monkey Indianapolis, IN
Nov 8 2006 The Lime Spider Akron, OH
Nov 9 2006 DC9 Washington, DC
Nov 11 2006 Rex's Bar West Chester, PA
Nov 18 2006 Knitting Factory (Tap Bar) New York, NY

Previously
Peelander-z @ the Riverboat Gamblers show
Peelander Z on the streets of Austin | SXSW 2006

Posted in music | tour dates at 3:18 AM | Comments (9)

An Interview with Pete Yorn

BrooklynVegan interviewer Paula Pou caught up with singer-songwriter Pete Yorn while he was in Chicago this weekend. He took a break to chat with her on the phone from his hotel room...

BrooklynVegan Paula: How’s Chicago treating you?

Pete: It’s nice. The nights have actually cooled down a bit so it’s nice out. A taste of that fall weather you can’t get in LA.

You’re from brooklynvegan, right? My cousin is super hipster. He just graduated from Wesleyan. He actually won best senior film there. I asked him what some of the cool blogs were these days and he said brooklynvegan was one of them. When I told him I was talking to you guys he was really excited.

BrooklynVegan Paula: Thanks for the props -- So what have you been up to for the past three years?

Pete: I can barely remember the past three days, let alone the past three years. But I can try—I’ll do my darndest. Let’s see—today’s September 9, 2006 so let’s back up to September 9, 2003. I was still supporting Day I Forgot, so was either on tour on getting ready to go on tour with R.E.M.

I toured until the beginning of 2004 when I came off the road and went home to Los Angeles and kind of settled back into some sort of normalcy. I’d been touring so much with the first record and I kind of rolled right into with the second one and I missed being around my family and friends and having a normal life, so I kind of just hung out for a while and readjusted, which was weird at first. When you get off the road—after being out there for so long—when 8 o’clock comes around at night something would kick in in your body. I would feel like I needed to be out playing a show; it was like some sort of energy would kick in and it would usually manifest itself with me having to go to the pub to have a drink. That happened a lot for a while, but then I started getting ideas for song and started writing a lot of songs and recording on and off up until I decided I was going to put out the record that eventually became Nightcrawler. I just spent a lot of time in different studios developing songs and enjoying being in one place for a while.

BrooklynVegan Paula: I heard you actually recorded a lot of songs. How did you decide what would ultimately make the cut on Nightcrawler?

Pete: I didn’t decide—the record label just said, “This is what we’re putting on.” [Awkward pause, followed by laughter]. Nah, I’m kidding—I’m completely kidding. It was hard because I went through a lot of phases. I went through a phase where I was really into this ‘acousticy’ kind of country-like stuff and I kind of got to sneak that out in a little EP called Western that is only available at my shows right now. But then I went through a different phase where I started rocking out more. Actually, most of Nightcrawler feels to me more like a rock record. But yeah, leading up to it, I think I recorded something like 50 songs. I always record too much and I guess it’s always good to have a bunch of stuff.

BrooklynVegan Paula: Are you going to pull a Ryan Adams and release like four CDs in the same year?

Pete: I don’t know if I need to do that right now. One thing about the record label, and I don’t know if it’s because of the way they like to sell records—I mean they really want to sell records right now because of the state of the business; which is fine, that’s the business they’re in. I get it. But the record label said, “Please, just 12 songs on the record. No more than 12.” And I settled for 14. At one point I was thinking 19 and I was going to go double, but now I’ve just been sneaking out all these extra tracks I did. There’s the Western EP, which has 5 songs that aren’t on Nightcrawler.

These days, in order to boost get good placement in stores, you usually throw in a bonus track exclusive, which at first I was hesitant to do because I thought it was just going to piss off my fans—you know, making them buy the record again to get a track. But we did the exclusives and then I just started encouraging the fans to download the extra tracks for free on my website. For people who’ve never heard of me before, then the better store placement means they’ll see my record and maybe get turned on to my stuff. So, between all the bonus tracks, I think there are about 24 new songs floating around. I guess I did eke out a double record, but not really.

BrooklynVegan Paula: You seem to get more experimental in Nightcrawler. A song like “Vampyre” comes off as darker than your earlier material, but you also delve into Americana (with help from the Dixie Chicks) on “The Man,” you play around with electronic beats, and Rolling Stone called “Georgie Boy” Kinks-like. Were you going for such a spread out sound or is it just something that emerged while you were in studio?

Pete: I feel that’s always been who I am. I’ve always thought my records are all over the place—that’s just what I do. I’ve never been really concerned with making a record that has the same aesthetic from song to song. There are artists that do that, and it works for them, but that’s not my intention and that’s not who I am. My moods are ever changing and the things I’m into are ever changing. Maybe one day I’ll make a record that has just one sound. For my first record (musicforthemorningafter), before I put it out, I knew it was all over the map. You have a song like “Just Another” which is a total 60s little ditty and then a song like “For Nancy". They don’t really fit together, but they do in a weird way. Also, for me as a live performer, I like having that kind of diversity because it really adds to the act—I kind of become all of these different characters as I do the songs that are so diverse sounding…at least in my own mind.

BrooklynVegan Paula: When you were doing press for musicforthemorningafter, you often said that every song on that album actually began as a drum beat. Is that the case in Nightcrawler?

Pete: Certain songs did. “Vampyre” was obsessed with Native American rhythms at the beginning of it. [Demonstrates by chanting “Pom, Pom, Pom, Pom…Pom, Pom, Pom, Pom”]. Actually there’s weird footage of me in the studio that somebody got. It’s actually quite funny. I was trying to explain, “It’s got to be like Native American drums. Just make it sound that way.” But then that song blows up into something else completely at the end. In the studio sometimes I would start with the drums, but the songs were already sort of written on guitar or piano. It really varies from song to song.

BrooklynVegan Paula: Some critics hailed musicforthemorningafter as an instant classic. Did the automatic pressure that comes attached to statements like that influence Day I Forgot and/or Nightcrawler?

Pete: Just pressure from myself really. I’m really hard on myself. Musicforthemorningafter is an interesting record because there’s an innocence to it sonically and it reflects who I was at the time. When I hear it, and I haven’t listened to it in a long time, but if I hear a song come on I think, “Wow, I sound so much younger” or “I sound like a kid.” It was a very organic affair. No one had any impressions of me and I didn’t have any thoughts in my mind about what people would expect from me. I just wanted to make music that I liked and that I enjoyed and that moved me, I guess. Once you put out your first record you’re out in the public eye and it’s hard to put blinders on and distance yourself from everything people say about you, whether it’s positive or negative. It’s always been important for me to not really pay that much attention to anything - even if someone says I’m the second coming of Elvis Presley, which I actually don’t think anyone’s ever said - it’s always been important to me to just stay focused on what moves me and that’s what I try to put into the records.

BrooklynVegan Paula: Having worked with producer Don Fleming before, how much do you think you’ve evolved together?

Pete: I worked with him on the Westerns EP and we have an entire record that we did together, which we recorded live with my backing band. I want to put it out as a piece for sure. We’ve worked the same way we’ve always worked. We have such a wonderful relationship from years ago. I made a record with him in 1997 that hasn’t been released. It was before I was signed to Sony. I actually took "Simonize" from it and put it on musicforthemorningafter. If you’re familiar with that song, that’s the sound of the unreleased record. We’re really great friends and always enjoyed working together. Recently, I spent a lot of time working with Michael Beinhorn, who’s a brilliant producer, but he can be very difficult to work with for a long period of time. His process is very slow and my process is very fast. I like do get things done quickly once I’m in the studio. I think as a reaction to working with Michael for such an intense time, I decided to do a bunch of songs with Don just to kind of balance things off. What was supposed to be like five songs, turned into a whole record, but we’ll see what comes of it. There’s a song called “Old Boy” from that session that I had put on my Myspace page and when I took it down everyone started asking, “Where the hell’s ‘Old Boy?’” So I put it back up by popular demand.

BrooklynVegan Paula: Who’s backing you up as a live band?

Pete: There’s four of us right now. I’m playing guitar and singing. An old bandmate of mine, Joe Kennedy, plays electric guitar and piano—he’s been with me since the beginning. The rhythm section is from a band called Minibar. They’re these British kids—Malcolm Cross on drums and Sid Jordan on bass and background vocals. They’re great. It’s a really loose band. We’ve gotten much tighter, but when I say “loose” I’m thinking about my old band—they’d learned the record exactly; every single part and I was really into that for a while. For the first three years it was a very robotic show in that sense, and now it’s more in real time. It’s an organic band and everyone’s a great player, and those guys have the ability and talent to stretch out wherever I want to go at any given time. Basically, we’ve been playing these 2+ hour-long marathon shows with no setlist. I just call out the songs. We all have this mental connection that I haven’t had since I used to play with my brother. My middle brother, Rick, was the drummer in my band when I was just starting out and we had that sort sibling connection, you know? All of us now in this band kind of seem to have the same connection and it’s really very nice. It makes the shows for me and I think for the audience, just over the top.

BrooklynVegan Paula: You’re known for playing live covers. What made you want to cover Warren Zevon’s “Splendid Isolation” on Nightcrawler?

Pete: That song was suggested to me by his son, Jordan Zevon. We have a mutual friend and when they were putting together the tribute record (Enjoy Every Sandwich) Jordan reached out to me and asked if I wanted to be part of it. To be honest, at the time, I was not familiar with a lot of Zevon stuff. But Jordan said he had this song called “Splendid Isolation” which would be good for me to do and I remember I went to the Tower Records on Sunset, which probably won’t be there for much longer, and I couldn’t find it on a regular CD, but I found a live recording of it. I listened to it and I thought it was great, but the lyrics especially I just thought were so hysterical. I love the lyrics, you know, it’s all about this guy who’s just like, “Leave me the fuck alone. I just want be by myself.” And I can relate to that character. Usually I like being around people and I have a lot of friends, but maybe one day a week I feel like that I just want to be by myself and that’s how I got turned on to the song. I went and recorded it in the mountains up in Lake Arrowhead in California at my friend’s house and it just came out really nice. It was on the tribute record, but then I realized not that many people heard it. I actually called someone to find out how many copies that record sold and I think it was like 50,000 and this was like eight months ago after it had already been out for a while. I thought, “Damn it! People need to hear this.” For me, it fit into Nightcrawler and I wanted to play it live, so I just threw it on there so more people could hear it. I would play it for friends and they’d ask what it was—they hadn’t even heard it. I just wanted that song to get more exposure.

BrooklynVegan Paula: How in the world did you hook up with the Dixie Chicks?

Pete: The Dixie Chicks reached out to me a couple of years ago to ask if I wanted to write songs for their new record, Taking the Long Way, which just came out in May. It’s a really angry record. I’d met them once before at a party in New York and they’d seemed pretty nice so I said yes and I went down to Austin—that’s another thing I was doing over the past three years; I went and visited them three times. We would hang out at either Natalie’s house or Martie’s house and just jam and come up with song ideas. I remember just being blown away the first time I went, because I never really wrote with anyone before—I was more of a solitary writer. And I said, “Alright girls, show me what you got.” I mean, I really wasn’t that familiar with their music—I’d heard their “Landslide” cover, as well as “Wide Open Spaces,” but that was it. Next thing I know, I found myself in this really surreal moment where I’m sitting on the couch and the three of them are sitting across from me—Martie had a fiddle and Emily had an acoustic guitar—and they just started singing and they have this three-part harmony where, whether you’re a fan of their music or not, is just angelic and it blew me away. But they’re super down to earth and we came up with a bunch of song ideas. They ended up coming to LA to make their record with Rick Rubin and I was happy to end up with a song on their record called “Baby Hold On.” They also happened to be in LA when I was working on my record. I had a couple of songs that I thought would be great to have Natalie sing on and when I called them up, they were totally up for it

BrooklynVegan Paula: So you’re going to be one of the last acts to play at CBGB’s before it shutters.

Pete: That’s what I hear. This will actually be my first time in CBGB’s. I’ve never been—I grew up in New Jersey, but I was too young for the whole Ramones thing and after that I never really went into New York that much. I hear they’re opening a CBGB’s in Vegas and I bet it’ll do well there. I mean if House of Blues can do well there, why can’t CBGB’s do well? If they do it right it could be good.

BrooklynVegan Paula: What’s your dream venue in New York?

Pete: Madison Square Garden, for sure. I’m on a quest to get to the Garden. I’ve played the other room at the Garden (the Theater), but I’d really like to play the Garden proper.

BrooklynVegan Paula: On this tour you’re playing some pretty intimate venues. Are there plans for a larger scale tour later in the year?

Pete: Yeah, definitely. I love playing really small sweaty clubs as well, it’s super fun, but this is kind of a promotional thing for the new record. I’m playing really intimate shows for the really hardcore fans first and then I’ll be in Australia for most of October. I’m doing two headline shows there, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne, and then we’re with the Dixie Chicks. I’ve never been to Australia before so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve wanted to go for a while. Then I’ll come back and do some more headlining shows.

BrooklynVegan Paula: What are you listening to these days?

Pete: I don’t have that many records on my iPod—just my song list. Let’s see…what comes on first? “19th Nervous Breakdown” by the Rolling Stones comes up. “A Million Miles Away” by the Plimsouls comes up next—all the songs with numbers come up first. You know what song’s really been hitting me great lately? “Allentown” by Billy Joel. I never even liked that song when I was growing up, but I just realized it’s a great song. I think I like the drums. I’ve been digging Flamin Groovies. I just discovered their "Teenage Head" record. I absolutely love it. It’s raunchy. I think Keith Richards said it was better than Sticky Fingers. In a later incarnation Flamin Groovies have "Shake Some Action" (1976) but this is actually earlier I’m talking about (1971), and it’s kind of got a little Stooges to it, but mostly it really does have that kind of awesome raunchiness to it. They cover “Louie, Louie” on it. It’s really good. If Kings of Leon haven’t heard it they should, because it totally sounds like what they aspire to be. What else have I been liking lately? Anything new. I sound like such an old fogy. People give me so much music that it’s become a blur of new material. When I’m in my car I listen to talk radio. I’m surrounded by music at all times that talk radio is kind of a nice break—I listen to the news or NPR.

--

STREAM Pete Yorn “For Us” feat. Dave Grohl on drums:
Win Media - Low | Win Media - High | Real Audio | Quicktime

SEE PETE YORN
Sep 12 2006 11:30P Joe's Pub - New York, NY
Sep 13 2006 10:00P Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
Sep 14 2006 6:00P In-Store @ Virgin New York, NY
Sep 14 2006 10:00P CBGB'S - New York, NY
Sep 16 2006 8:00P 9:30 Club - Washington, DC

More tour dates at his MySpace

Paula Pou previously interviewed David Bazan.

Posted in interviews | music at 2:52 AM | Comments (12)

September 11, 2006

Imogen Heap | 2006 Tour Dates

Imogen Heap is playing Webster Hall on November 12th. All tour dates below...

November 2006
7th Montreal, QC Metropolis
8th Toronto, ON Massey Hall
10th Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory Ballroom
11th Boston, MA Avalon Ballroom
12th New York, NY Webster Hall
13th Washington, DC 9:30 Club
15th Norfolk, VA The Norva
16th Asheville, NC The Orange Peel
18th New Orleans, LA House Of Blues
19th Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
20th Nashville, TN City Hall
22nd Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theatre
24th Dallas, TX McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
25th Austin, TX Stubb’s (outdoors)
27th Albuquerque, NM Launchpad
28th Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theatre
30th Los Angeles, CA Wiltern Theatre

December 2006
3rd San Francisco, CA Warfield
5th Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
6th Seattle, WA Showbox
8th Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
10th Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
12th Lawrence, KS Liberty Hall
13th St Louis, MO The Pageant
15th Minneapolis, MN The Quest
16th Milwaukee, WI The Eagles Club
18th Detroit, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre

(via More Cowbell)

there are UK dates too.

Previously
Imogen Heap - Audio & Video Streams
Imogen Heap caught stealing cookies

Posted in music | tour dates at 5:21 PM | Comments (12)

Ted Leo @ South Street Seaport (2006) | the MP3s

This is my third post about Ted today, and the fourth in a week. Clell Tickle made me do it. YANP has the MP3s from Ted's 2006 South Street Seaport show.

UPDATE: Get the MP3s @ The Archive (thx anon)

Posted in MP3 | music at 5:14 PM | Comments (14)

KEXP is in NYC - listen to live sessions

"KEXP's John in the Morning will be broadcasting live from the WNYE studios Sept 12-15, from 9AM-Noon, EST. If you live in New York you can listen to The Morning Show on 91.5FM. John will also feature a live performance and interview each day."

Live Performance Lineup
Citizen Cope - Tues, 9/12, 11AM EST
Pablo - Wed, 9/13, 11AM EST
Grizzly Bear - Thurs, 9/14, 10AM EST
Cassettes Won't Listen - Thurs, 9/14 11AM EST
Hopewell - Fri, 9/15 11AM EST

Posted in music | radio at 4:18 PM | Comments (4)

Texas is the Reason - Reuniting for NYC show (presale)

"NYC punk legends TEXAS IS THE REASON are pleased to announce their plans to reunite for one night, November 25th, at New York's famed Irving Plaza. The band, whom abruptly broke up in early 1997 while on tour in Bielefeld, Germany, decided it would be the best way to offer closure on the whole experience — on both a personal level and for their fans. 'Texas Is The Reason did everything in broad strokes,' explains guitarist Norman Brannon, 'so breaking up when we did, quickly and silently, felt like an extension of that. The one thing we all agreed on, even back then, was that our last show should have been in New York City. We've had reunion offers in other states, but we turned them down. This show has been in the back of our minds for a long time."

More below...

"Texas Is The Reason was founded in late 1994 by Brannon, a former Shelter guitarist, and 108 drummer Chris Daly; bassist Scott Winegard and frontman Garrett Klahn rounded out the quartet. After the release of a three-song EP, Texas Is The Reason became an underground smash. A split single with Samuel for the UK-based Simba label quickly followed before the band released their first and only full-length album, Do You Know Who You Are? — named after the last statement JohnLennon allegedly heard before he died. Produced by Jawbox's J. Robbins and released through Revelation Records, Do You Know Who You Are? brought major-label courtship and widespread visibility for Texas Is The Reason, who were being hailed as the 'next big thing' in the growing punk explosion on MTV. After issuing a final split single with The Promise Ring through Jade Tree Records, and on the eve of signing with one of the major labels in 1997, intra-band tensions
arising from these newfound pressures eventually caused the band to split.

Individual members moved towards various different musical projects over the years, with Garrett Klahn forming Solea and Daly co-founding the popular indie outfit Jets to Brazil. Winegard started his own record label imprint, GrapeOS, and played with a band called the Americans, while Brannon went silent until 2001, resurfacing with New End Original, a project featuring former Far frontman Jonah Matranga.

With their past clearly behind them, the original members are excited to play for the right reasons again. 'This is the first time in ten years that we've actually found ourselves living in the same city at the same time,' Brannon says. "But ultimately, we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't think we could do it right. It's that 'broad strokes' thing, really — we're thinking of this as less of a concert and more of a spectacle."

Presale tickets are available between September 22-29 online only via itishappeningagain.com or texasisthereason.org

Posted in music at 3:49 PM | Comments (24)

The 2006 Oy!Hoo Festival is underway

THE NEW YORK JEWISH MUSIC & HERITAGE FESTIVAL
"Between Sept. 10 and Sept. 17 over 60 groups will perform in 17 venues throughout New York in our 3rd annual festival."

Posted in To Do | music at 3:33 PM | Comments (2)

Rough Trade celebrates its 30th anniversary

"Thirty years ago, a young music junkie named Geoff Travis returned from a long trip hitchhiking across America. Spilling out of his luggage were 150 or so records by cult American artists including Tim Buckley, The Stooges and New York Dolls. Inspired by the City Lights bookshop in San Francisco, a former Beat haunt, and the music he had collected along the way, he took over a building on London's Kensington Park Road and set up the Rough Trade record shop.

Since then, Rough Trade has had many incarnations. After the shop opened in 1976, a distribution network followed and, two years later, a record label...." [The Independent]

Posted in music at 1:35 PM | Comments (1)

Remembering 9/11 - view from a Rocks Off Concert Cruise

Posted in music | pictures at 4:30 AM | Comments (4)

Beastie Boys & others playing ASPCA benefit @ Hiro Ballroom

Tickets are on sale. Details below...

----

Hey hey, NYC animal lovers! Please join the Big Apple’s most compassionate musicians and celebs for “Gimme Shelter: Rock & Rescue NYC” on Wednesday, October 4. Hosted by Rational Animal and the ASPCA, the charity event will benefit local rescue groups and New York City’s homeless animals, as we move towards our goal that all city shelters will be no-kill by the year 2010. Be there!

BEASTIE BOYS, JOE & ALBERT BOUCHARD of BLUE OYSTER CULT, THE CHOKE, THE DUELLING BANKHEADS, JOE HURLEY AND THE GENTS, MARSHALL CRENSHAW, MURRAY WEINSTOCK NELLIE MCKAY, SIC F*CKS, THE STAR SPANGLES, The group MORE AND MORE GUESTS T.B.A.

With special appearances by DEBBIE HARRY and MISS GUY
Master of ceremonies: Nightclub Empress CHI CHI VALENTI
$50 GENERAL ADMISSION
(SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SHELTER AND RESCUE WORKERS)

WHEN: October 4, 2006, 7:00 PM 12:00 AM
WHERE: HIRO BALLROOM at the Maritime Hotel, 363 West 16th St. (@ 9th Ave)

Purchase Tickets www.gimmeshelterrockandrescuenyc.org or www.aspca.org

Posted in music at 4:13 AM | Comments (10)

2 Quick MP3 Links

Fluxblog has Scala and Kolacny Brothers covering the Knife's "Heartbeats" - the same song that helped propel Jose Gonzalez to fame.

Palms Out Sounds has the Blockhead remix of Regina Spektor's "Fidelity", among other things.

Posted in MP3 | music at 3:00 AM | Comments (1)

Jamile Lidell played Bumbershoot & a boat | Irving Plaza tix

JAMIE LIDELL @ BUMBERSHOOT, SEATTLE | SEPT 2, 2006 (CRED - MORE)

Jamie Lidell performed at the 2006 Bumbershoot Festival in a trench coat. The speakers caught on fire. Sneakmove has a video.

And we're sure you'll hear plenty of other avenues saying he was "so hot" or "so electrifying" that he set the speakers on fire, so we'll refrain from doing so, but know that at the end of his set, some of the speakers did indeed have flames coming from them. He was singing soul, but flaming speakers is fucking punk rock. [Seattlest]

Drpaulproteus has pictures from Jamie's August 31st Rocks Off Boat Cruise performance. Tickets are on sale for the WIRED show at Irving Plaza.

Posted in music at 2:04 AM | Comments (5)

Doveman & Glen Hansard (the Frames) | 2006 Tour Dates

DOWNLOAD: Doveman - Honey (MP3)

DOVEMAN & DAVID THOMAS BROUGHTON @ TONIC | JUNE 27, 2006

Doveman is playing Tonic with Nico Muhly on September 19th, and with Glen Hansard of the Frames on October 14th. Glen and Doveman also play Southpaw the next day. All dates below....

DOVEMAN & GLEN HANSARD | 2006 TOUR DATES
oct 12: iota, arlington VA
oct 13: tin angel, philadelphia PA
oct 14: tonic, new york, NY
oct 15: southpaw, brooklyn NY
oct 17: triple door, seattle WA
oct 18: doug fir lounge, portland OR
oct 21: largo, los angeles, CA
oct 24: schubas, chicago IL

Previously
Doveman + David Thomas Broughton | Tour Dates
Nico Muhly | plays with Bjork, Antony, Doveman

Posted in MP3 | music | pictures | tour dates at 1:33 AM | Comments (1)

Updated 2006 Dead Kennedys Tour Dates

Still no Jello, but anyway Dead Kennedys added more shows. They're playing a $25 show at Northsix in Brooklyn in addition to the $35 one at CBGB the next day. All dates below...

DEAD KENNEDYS | 2006 TOUR DATES
Tuesday. September 19 Falls Church, VA The State Theatre
Wed. September 20 Brooklyn, NY Northsix
Thurs. September 21 New York, NY C.B.G.B.
Fri. September 22 Boston, MA Axis

presale here.

Previously
Dead Kennedys (sort of) playing CBGB & Boston | $35 tix

Posted in music | tour dates at 1:02 AM | Comments (15)

A benefit & a free show - Monday in NYC

MONDAY NIGHT BENEFIT @ THE CANAL ROOM (more info)
"Appearances include: Angelique Kidjo, Alfredo "Catfish" Alias, Butch Morris, Coati Mundi, DJ Eric Hilton (Thievery Corporation), DJ Funmi Ononaiye, Greg Osby, Harriet Tubman, James Hurt, DJ Joaquin "Joe" Claussell, Craig Street (Musical Director), Kenny Barron, Liberty Ellman, Marc Anthony Thompson, Marc Cary, Meshell NDegeocello, Morley, Nora York, Oren Bloedow, Randy Weston's African Rhythms, Stephanie McKay, Vernon Reid, + Special Surprise Guests!"

MONDAY AFTERNOON FREE SHOW IN BROOKLYN
Joan Osborne is playing a free 9/11 memorial show at Metrotech Center in Brooklyn from 12:30 - 2:15 pm. (9-11-2006)

Posted in To Do | music at 12:44 AM | Comments (1)

14 free Ted Leo & The Pharmacists MP3s

TED LEO IN CHICAGO | SEPT 8, 2006 (MORE)

DOWNLOAD (MP3s)
* Ted Leo - Biomusicology
* Ted Leo -BleedingPowers
* Ted Leo -CongressionalDubcision
* Ted Leo -CriminalPiece
* Ted Leo -Ghosts
* Ted Leo -LoyaltoMySorrowfulCountry
* Ted Leo -MeAndMia
* Ted Leo -SqueakyFingers
* Ted Leo -TellBalgearyBalguryisDead
* Ted Leo -TheAnointedOne
* Ted Leo -TheCraneTakesFlight
* Ted Leo -TheGoldFinchandtheRedOakTree
* Ted Leo -WalkingThrough
* Ted Leo -WhereHaveAllTheRudeBoysGone

The above 14 MP3s are courtesy of TedLeo.com

Posted in MP3 | music at 12:40 AM | Comments (2)

September 10, 2006

Michael Imperioli's "nyc punk inspired alt-rock band" La Dolce Vita

A few weeks ago I was at Don Hill's in Manhattan when I saw a seemingly expensive glossy poster on the wall for an August 30th show by a band called "La Dolce Vita". I thought it was weird - all the other local bands that play Don Hill's on a regular basis don't get posters like that. It was dark, I didn't look close, and then I forgot about it.

A few weeks later I just so happened to be looking at a copy of the Daily News someone left on the train. Inside was a picture of Christopher from the Sopranos holding a guitar. The caption read: "Michael Imperioli blew them off the stage at Don Hill's Wednesday night with his band, La Dolce Vita. The Sopranos star who plays guitar, sings in an arch punk style more like Richard Hell of the Voivods than his wiseguy character, Christopher Moltisanti." Then I knew.

There's a video from another show @ YouTube, and a picture I found of the poster-in-question is below....

The quote in the title came from here.

Posted in music at 10:28 PM | Comments (22)

Touch & Go 25th Anniversary Block Party | Day One

!!! @ TOUCH & GO BLOCK PARTY | SEPT 8, 2006

The rest below....

6:00pm Supersystem

7:00pm Girls Against Boys

8:00pm Ted Leo + Pharmacists

9:00pm !!!

All photos by Edwina Hay for BrooklynVegan.com. You know her on Flickr as eatsdirt.

Looks like she was probably rubbing elbows with Wes Frazer in the pit.

Check out !!! (Chk Chk Chk) on MySpace.

Download 29 Touch & Go MP3s and check out the full festival schedule.

Stay tuned for Day Two...

Posted in music | pictures at 4:55 PM | Comments (8)

Love is All | Fall 2006 Tour Dates

DOWNLOAD: Busy Doing Nothing (MP3)

Love is All are playing Knitting Factory in NYC again - twice on the same October 27th night. Tickets are on sale. All dates below...

LOVE IS ALL | 2006 TOUR DATES
Sep 10 2006 Bestival Isle of Wight
Sep 11 2006 Trash at The End London
Sep 12 2006 Kings College London
Sep 14 2006 Leadmill Sheffield
Sep 15 2006 ABC2 Glasgow
Sep 16 2006 The Roadhouse Manchester
Sep 17 2006 Academy Birmingham
Sep 18 2006 Zodiac Oxford
Sep 30 2006 Academy Glasgow
Oct 1 2006 Academy Manchester
Oct 2 2006 Town Hall Middlesborough
Oct 4 2006 Octagon Sheffield
Oct 5 2006 Academy Birmingham
Oct 6 2006 Brixton Academy London
Oct 14 2006 Barfly Cardiff
Oct 19 2006 Airwaves festival Reykjavik
Oct 24 2006 Starlight Ballroom Philadelpia
Oct 25 2006 Black Cat Washington DC, DC
Oct 27 2006 Knitting Factory NYC, NY (Early & Late)
Oct 30 2006 Neumo's Crystal Ball Reading Seattle, WA
Nov 2 2006 Popscene San Francisco, CA
Nov 3 2006 The Echo Los Angeles, CA
Nov 10 2006 Aeronef Lille
Nov 11 2006 Cigale Paris
Nov 12 2006 Olympic Nantes
Nov 14 2006 Theatre Barbey Bordeaux

AND: The Best of Gothenburg with Markus Gorsch of Love Is All

Previously
Love is All @ FADER tent, Austin, TX (SXSW) | pics

Posted in music | tour dates at 4:14 PM | Comments (1)

September 9, 2006

Carlos D's moustache & others @ Raconteurs fashion show

ELEANOR, CARLOS D, WOLFMOTHER, A RACONTEUR & ex-DFA1979 @ PRADA

One more recent picture of Interpol's Carlos D below...

first four photos from the Raconteurs show in the disgusting Prada store from WireImage (thx to Stacy's comment)

and here's a photo of the crowd watching the Raconteurs.

Wolfmother was in town to play McCarren Pool.

Previously
The Raconteurs playing the Prada store tonight?

Posted in music at 7:58 PM | Comments (35)

September 8, 2006

The Raconteurs playing the Prada store tonight?

"Jack White + absurdly expensive purses = what? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? The correct answer is: The Raconteurs are playing a (now-not-at-all) secret show tonight at schmancy Italian fashion-house Prada’s gorgeous Soho store as part of Fashion Week. We’re so effing going, and we promise to fill you in on all the sexy-hot deets. But any free purses thrown our way are ours to keep. Sorry, dudes." [Rolling Stone]

Previously
Raconteurs filmed in Brooklyn yesterday

Posted in music at 5:43 PM | Comments (16)

Big, awesome, outdoor Todd P show Saturday

====> SATURDAY 9/9 @ 339 SCHOLES ST, BROOKLYN, NY <====
"I (Todd P) am back in effect in the NYC and have a HUGE afternoon party to tell you about - it's my birthday party / back-2-school shindig / Summertime OUTDOOR AFTERNOON SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA"

11:00 : possible secret suprise guest
10:00 :: Dirty Projectors -- chill down set
9:15 :::: Growing
8:30 ::::: Comets on Fire
7:45 :::::: Ex Models
7:00 ::::::: Matt and Kim
6:15 :::::::: Excepter
5:30 ::::::::: BIG A little a -----> final show w/ Hank Shteamer
4:45 :::::::::: Talibam interlude
4:00 ::::::::::: Vaz
3:15 :::::::::::: Child Abuse
2:30 ::::::::::::: High Places
1:45 :::::::::::::: Stars Like Fleas
1:00 ::::::::::::::: Roxy Pain
12:30 ::::::::::::::: Artanker Convoy
12:00 :::::::::::::::: Talibam!

more info at Todd's site.

Posted in at 5:15 PM | Comments (65)

Robert Pollard | November 2006 Tour Dates, new CD

Robert Pollard is playing Bowery Ballroom in NYC on November 13th. All dates, and some new CD info, below...

ROBERT POLLARD | 2006 TOUR DATES
Thu Nov 9th 2006 Bloomington, IL @ Bluebird w/ Nassau
Fri Nov 10th 2006 Chicago, IL @ The Abbey Pub w/ Nassau (tix)
Sat Nov 11th 2006 Dayton, OH @ The Foundry w/ Mitch Mitchell's Terrifying Experience & Murder Your Darlings
Mon Nov 13th 2006 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom w/ Starling Electric
Tue Nov 14th 2006 Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live w/ Starling Electric
Wed Nov 15th 2006 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar w/ Portastatic
Fri Nov 17th 2006 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club w/ Starling Electric
Sat Nov 18th 2006 Northampton, MA @ Pearl St. w/ Richard Davies

It's called the "ROBERT POLLARD & THE ASCENDED MASTERS NORMAL HAPPINESS TOUR" and will feature: Robert Pollard, Tommy Keene, Jon Wurster, Jason Narducy, and Dave Philips

NEW + BONUS CD too (thx Klaus)
"As an add in bonus CD for Robert Pollard's upcoming Merge Records release, Normal Happiness (10/10/06), this 14 track disc features Robert Pollard and the Ascended Masters live at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati Ohio from June 24 2006. The show was part of a two day opening stint for Pearl Jam.

Fans who purchase their copy of Normal Happiness from independant record stores across North America will receieve the bonus disc for free.

Moon will be available as bonus CD from UK indie shops and from Must Destroy Mail order; shop@MUSTdestroymusic.com"

Previously
(Merge Records tribute) | 29 MP3s

Posted in music | tour dates at 5:10 PM | Comments (9)

Lady Sovereign | Fall 2006 Tour Dates

Lady Sovereign is touring the U.S. this Fall.

Oct 29th - Bowery Ballroom, New York City
Oct 30th - Bowery Ballroom, New York City

The 30th (CMJ-eve) is the same night as the Rapture at Webster Hall. All tour dates below...

October 2006
23rd - Club Soda, Montreal
24th - Opera House Concert Venue, Toronto
26th - Paradise Rock Club, Boston
28th - 9:30 Club, Washington, DC

November 2006
1st - Starlight Ballroom, Philadelphia
3rd - St. Andrews Hall, Detroit
4th - Metro, Chicago
5th - The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis
7th - Fox Theater & Cafe, Boulder, CO
10th - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
11th - Neumos, Seattle
12th - Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR
14th - Club Mezzanine, San Francisco
15th - El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
18th - Beauty Bar, Las Vegas
19th - House Of Blues, San Diego, CA
22nd - Gypsy Tea Room & Ballroom, Dallas, TX
23rd - The Parish, Austin, TX
24th - Meridian Red Room, Houston, TX
26th - The Parish, New Orleans
27th - The Beta Bar, Tallahassee, FL
28th - Studio A, Miami
30th - The State Theater, St. Petersburg, FL

December 2006
1st - The Loft, Atlanta

Previously
New Lady Sovereign MP3s & show added in NYC
UPDATE: Lady Sovereign playing w/ The Streets & Summerstage too
Tricia Rom & Lady Sov - BFF | Winter Music Conference
Lady Sovereign on the streets of Austin | SXSW 2006

Posted in music | tour dates at 5:00 PM | Comments (5)

Arab Strap breaking up

"After six studio albums, three live albums and countless gigs, Arab Strap are to split up. A book-end compilation album and a celebratory farewell tour will mark the end of Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton’s ten year relationship. The Last Romance, released in 2005, will remain their final studio offering."

The rest of the press release below...

There’s no animosity, no drama. We simply feel we’ve run our course,” explains Aidan. “The Last Romance seems the most obvious and logical final act of the Arab Strap studio adventure. Everybody likes a happy ending.”

Titled Ten Years Of Tears (a nod to the critics who frequently pegged Arab Strap as ‘Falkirk miserablists’), the compilation is by no means a traditional ‘Best Of’ collection. Comprising B-sides, demos, remixes, new recordings, live tracks and Peel sessions, it’s a handpicked selection designed to give a full picture of this unique band.

“The idea of the compilation is to capture the essence of the band over our ten year career,” says Malcolm. “Sometimes the albums were a bit stifled because we were worrying too much about making a good album. I think that live versions of songs and b-sides etc show a truer, more relaxed side to the band. Ten Years Of Tears can serve both as an introduction to Arab Strap and also a fitting finale to those people who have followed us along the way.”

Acquaintances on the Falkirk scene, Aidan and Malcolm became friends in 1995. They soon began making music together, telling twisted tales of messy sexual encounters, shit jobs, titanic drinking sessions and the twisted chemistries of human relationships. They called themselves Arab Strap after a sex toy Aidan spotted in a porn mag.

Signing to Chemikal Underground, they released their debut single, The First Big Weekend, a tale of Aidan and Malcolm’s adventures on the weekend Scotland were knocked out of Euro ’96, in September of that year. A cult classic, it’s included on this compilation along with a recording from their debut live performance. Over the years that followed, we were given countless glimpses into the intimately private lives of our two protagonists, whether they were pondering the risk of STDs (Packs Of Three) or wondering if they’d get to shag that friend of the cellist from Belle & Sebastian (I Saw You).

“No one really writes honest, hateful love songs,” Aidan once said. “The kids never hear it like they should hear it. They should know of the farting, the fighting and the fucking. The pain and the pleasure.”

Together, Aidan and Malcolm have created some of the most beautifully observed and brutally painful music of the last ten years. The album ends, appropriately enough, with the triumphal There Is No Ending. The story continues with Malcolm’s solo career (he’s currently recording his new album with Tony Dougan at The Castle Of Doom in Glasgow) and Aidan’s recordings as his alter ego L. Pierre (new album ‘Dip’ released early 2007) and a spoken-word album and tour in late 2007. And then there’s this album, which serves as a key to that astonishing back catalogue. Future generations who want to know about the farting, the fighting and the fucking will hopefully know where to look.

--

Previously
Arab Strap 2006 Tour Dates | Tickets

Posted in music at 1:31 PM | Comments (15)

Lily Allen Tickets on sale again

Tickets are now on sale (again) for Lily Allen's Hiro Ballroom show - at Ticketmaster and more at Giant Step.

Posted in music at 1:27 PM | Comments (6)

The Rapture & Presets | 2006 Tour dates & Apple Store

THE PRESETS IN UNION SQUARE, NYC | SEPT 5, 2006 (CRED / MORE)

As many have pointed out in the comments, tickets are on sale for the Rapture / Presets show at Webster Hall on October 30th (CMJ-eve). The Rapture are also doing a free-instore performance at the Apple Store in SOHO on Tuesday September 12th - @ 8pm, first come first served. All Rapture/Presets dates below....

THE RAPTURE & PRESETS | 2006 TOUR DATES
10/26/06 9:30 Club Washington DC
10/27/06 Guvernment Toronto, Canada
10/28/06 St. Andrews Hall Detroit, MI
10/30/06 Webster Hall New York, NY
11/01/06 Axis Boston, MA
11/02/06 Club Soda Montreal, QC
11/03/06 Pure Nightclub Philadelphia, PA
11/05/06 Metro Chicago, IL
11/07/06 Emo’s Austin, TX
11/09/06 The Old Brickhouse Theatre Phoenix, AZ
11/10/06 Glasshouse Pomona, CA
11/11/06 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium San Francisco, CA
11/13/06 El Corazon Seattle, WA
11/14/06 Richards On Richards Vancouver, BC
11/15/06 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
11/17/06 Celebrity Vegas Las Vegas, NV
11/20/06 Henry Fonda Theatre Los Angeles, CA

The Presets also have a bunch of U.S. shows without the Rapture.

The Rapture just played a VMAs after-party @ Gotham Hall

Posted in music | tour dates at 9:57 AM | Comments (7)

Pete Yorn @ CBGB on sale again

tickets are on sale for Pete Yorn's show at CBGB.

Posted in music | tour dates at 9:54 AM | Comments (7)

Fashion Rocks @ Radio City last night | on CBS tonight

SCISSOR SISTERS' JAKE SHEARS

"But R&B singer Beyoncé stole the show with a revealing mini-skirt which appeared to be made from bananas as she performed alongside her boyfriend, the rapper Jay-Z." [Daily Mail]

BEYONCE, JAY-Z, CHRISTINA, AND ELTON

The Fashion Rocks concert kicked off NYC Fashion Week last night at Radio City Music Hall. It airs tonight (Friday) @ 9 pm EST on CBS. Last year's show featured a collaboration between David Bowie and the Arcade Fire.

Posted in music at 9:30 AM | Comments (11)

An interview with Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear's fantastic new album Yellow House came out Tuesday (9/5/06) to near-universal acclaim (the coveted "Best New Music" award included). You can buy it at Insound and it's still streaming at AOL.

BrooklynVegan interviewer Lily Olive and Grizzly Bear frontman Ed Droste live off the same L stop in Brooklyn, so it wasn't hard for them to meet at a local coffee shop in early August before Ed left on a tour of Europe. Below you can read what Lily and Ed talked about (plus a little added e-mail follow here-and-there that I conducted with Ed the other day).

BrooklynVegan Lily: So I’ve noticed just from reading about the band and your background that your mother was a music teacher?

Ed: Yeah, since I was a little kid.

BrooklynVegan Lily: So you grew up in a musical household?

Ed: I did…my grandfather was a music professor. He was head of the music department at Harvard for almost 40 years, he just passed away this year actually. And my mom was a music teacher - totally on a different spectrum of music. He was more like the classical, choir kind of thing and she’s more into stuff like playing the autoharp (she gave me the autoharp) and little maraca’s and things for kids to play, and singing. She finds interesting songs from around the world that are usually for kids and still have a lot of musical bearing to them, but a lot of it is also connected to little kid stuff.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Do you think that either one of them had a particularly strong influence on you growing up?

Ed: I think they both did, more than just their professions. On their off time they were so obsessed with music-different music then I am of course- I grew up with them singing all the time together. My aunt’s a cellist, so it kind of was everywhere, it was around a lot.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Did you study any particular instruments growing up?

Ed: No, I’m totally uneducated in the world of music, isn’t that horrible? I’m the most ignorant in the band when it comes to that..

BrooklynVegan Lily: So you didn’t take piano or…?

Ed: I took guitar lessons in high school, but it was a mild study. I’m not a great guitarist, Dan is the real guitarist, I don’t even think of myself as a guitarist. I’m just a power chord rhythm guitarist…

BrooklynVegan Lily: Were you trained vocally at all?

Ed: No. I would be interested to take lessons to extend my voice because I find the more that we tour the easier it’s getting strained and weak, and I’m probably doing a lot of things I shouldn’t be doing like drinking coffee and drinking alcohol and, you know, bad things, but I mean aside from those health things I think there’s vocal exercises that I should learn and ways to strengthen my vocals. I’m also not operatic so it’s not that big of a deal, ya know.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Yeah. So, I read that you played guitar in high school, and then you went to Africa for a while?

Ed: Yeah, I did…after I finished school I took a year off, and did half a year in Italy studying art, and I did the other half of the year in Zimbabwe doing community service and teaching at this school in a rural area.

BrooklynVegan Lily: And you weren’t playing at that time?

Ed: Ohh, well, I played but I couldn’t really bring my guitar traveling, it was too heavy and cumbersome. That’s actually I think one of the big things that put a halt to my music, cause I didn’t pick it up again till the end of college.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Really?

Ed: Yeah, the first couple years of college it didn’t work, I was studying writing - doing creative writing and a lot of essays…so just totally not even thinking about music in that way, and um then I had a bad end to a relationship and turned to it as a cathartic tool..that’s why the first songs are more intimate. It was never meant to be heard kind of…like I never thought it would be.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Yeah, I’d heard you just kind of did it for yourself,

Ed: Yeah, really, honest to god..I recorded it in my apartment.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Now you went to NYU right?

Ed: Yeah, but first I went to this school called Hampshire College for a year in western Massachusetts, and then I transferred to NYU.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Did you study music at all there?

Ed: No, not at all.

BrooklynVegan Lily: So how did you pick it up again?

Ed: I think I went home for Christmas and my mum was like “ will you just take this guitar back to New York with you?” Cause it had just been sitting there and I said ok and brought it back..

BrooklynVegan Lily: That’s so crazy…

Ed: Why? (Laughs) Just how random it is?

BrooklynVegan Lily: Well, just to not really play for years and then, you know,
a few years later be on tour in Europe…

Ed: It is funny to think about, cause I wasn’t planning on it but I mean once things started and I realized I loved doing it and performing I did actively try to make the Europe thing happen so it wasn’t entirely thrown in my lap…but we were never a buzz band really…it wasn’t like the thing like three months later we were selling out the Irving Plaza, ya know?

BrooklynVegan Lily: Right, right…so you wrote on your own then you met Chris Bear?

Ed: Right, totally random, the name had already been chosen…It was just like doing a little home project and I thought oh this is fun, I’m just going toll this stuff Grizzly Bear…I didn’t even know who Animal Collective was… I was starting to perform and getting re-involved in music really brought me into a whole world I hadn’t maybe been paying as much attention as I used to in high school, and it was weird, I just suddenly became a lot more aware and was like “Woaahh! Where did all these animal bands come from? I guess I really wasn’t so original on this one here.” At least it wasn’t Wolves,

BrooklynVegan Lily: haha, oh man!

Ed: This guy I know started a band called Wolf Scrotum as a joke, you should listen to it, it’s on myspace, it’s really funny! Several people wrote about it because it was a mock of all the wolf bands but there’s some new bear bands coming out now.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Ohh yeah?

Ed: Yeah, I read about it somewhere, someone was doing an article on bear band names, and I was like “what? Ohh well, there it goes.” Whatever, it is what it is..our name was actually just a nickname for an old boyfriend of mine.

[this is where I interjected with some follow-up via email]

Me via email: Do you currently have a boyfriend?

Ed via email from Europe: I do indeed. Nearing the three year mark. Touring without him is hard, and we have a dog together, but they take care of each other and our dog can go to his office while I'm gone so there's no animal cruelty going on here. I will be home in a few days, and just answering this question makes me homesick.

Me via email: It sounds like like he's supportive. Does he ever come along?

Ed via email from Europe: He's very supportive the problem is that he can't get off from work all the time--He came to London for a long weekend in the spring, and he came out to LA once but there are only so many vacation/sick days one can take a year.

Me via email: So we've got your boyfriend and ex-boyfriend covered, and I think I read that "Marla" is your great aunt. Is "Little Brother" really your little brother?

Ed via email from Europe: Oh dear no. Little Brother was written by Dan so you'd have to ask him about that.

I've been reading some reviews lately that indicate I did all the song writing which is just false. This album is entirely collaborative and a total debut for us as a band. Dan wrote a large part of the new material and we all would bring various things to the table and try to work them out--we haven't exactly figured out a way in which we definitively write, each song comes from various places, people and at random times. Perhaps the next album we'll all just sit down together and write but I don't think that's how we work best.

We all need alone time and sometimes that's where the best beginnings come from.

[end of follow-up]

BrooklynVegan Lily: How did the songwriting process differ for you and Chris on the new album?

Ed: Well, we wrote the songs together on the first album and my recording technique was also very untrained so I was doing a lot of really crazy things with vocals which is kinda why they all sound so fucked up and low fi..and everyone was like “So, you must be a really big fan of –low fi bands A, B, C, etc”- but actually I really just didn’t know that much about microphones..and everyone thought it was this real deliberate thing and I was just totally an idiot..getting the levels all wrong, and just like lowering them in other zones and it would be really high pickup on one zone so it would be weird….I dunno. We went in there and tried to fix as much as we could because before it was even more screwed up sounding, it was crazy. It still has that but...

BrooklynVegan Lily: So you did that, put the release out on Kanine, then..

Ed: ...then we put together a live show- that’s when Chris Taylor and Dan came, then we did that first tour..

BrooklynVegan Lily: So before that you didn’t play a live show?

Ed: I did a live show with me, Chris (Bear), Chris (Taylor) and we did that four times then realized there was something missing. Then we got Dan.

BrooklynVegan Lily: How did you find the other band members?

Ed: Well, I met Chris through a friend, and Chris, Chris and Dan all know each other from college, they went to NYU as well and they had studied music and they had all played together kinda..

BrooklynVegan Lily: How did the Warp Records deal come about? By the way I don’t think it’s that weird you’re on there.

Ed: Well, it’s kind of a departure, but I love the direction the label is going in, how they’re really diverse. We had a period where there was one label interested in us, but it fell through which was kind of a bummer. We decided to record the new stuff anyway, and gave it to them, and they were totally into it..someone from Warp had contacted us earlier, and asked if we had new material, but they weren’t going to sign us based off the first album.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Cool. How did you come up with the new album name “Yellow House?”

Ed: My Mom’s house is yellow, we recorded there.

[more follow-up]

Me via email: Is that in Boston?

Ed via email from Europe: Yeah, a town called Watertown largely considered part of Boston, but it's still area code 617--that means something I think!

Me via email: When did you move to Brooklyn?

Ed via email from Europe: I moved here after living up near Columbia University for awhile which was strange because I went to NYU, so it was kind of a dumb place to live. But I had a big apartment and at the time I was so new to NYC I still had that "must live in manhattan" mentality. So then I believe in 2001 I moved to brooklyn. Been happily there ever since.

[end of follow-up]

BrooklynVegan Lily: How does the Brooklyn music scene treat you? Has it been supportive so far?

Ed: I like it, there’s friends, but it’s not like everyone gathers around and is like “hey, let’s have a jamboree.” My band mates are friends with several other Brooklyn bands, TV On The Radio. I don’t like that there are so many labels attached to the area, both good and bad. But I do like being around so much great music, it’s really exciting. It motivates me.

BrooklynVegan Lily: Who are you listening to lately?

Ed: I love Hot Chip, I really like Camera Obcsura, the new Ratatat, the new Of Montreal, which is amazing, Diane Cluck, Boards of Canada, The Futureheads, and then all this random stuff that I download from blogs…

BrooklynVegan Lily: Well thanks for taking the time to meet up and chat. Good luck on tour.

Ed: Thanks, hope to see you at The Bowery in September.

----

Grizzly Bear is headlining Bowery Ballroom in NYC on September 26th (with Dirty Projectors and Stars Like Fleas) before going out on tour with their friends TV on the Radio. All dates here.

AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE
* Fader - Warm and Fuzzy
* IGIF - GB - YH
* Rewritable Content - Grizzy Bear Haunts the Yellow House
* So Much Silence - GB - YH
* This Yellow Stereo - GB - YH
* Stereogum - Inside The Rockers Studio: Grizzly Bear
* the torture garden - check in
* PAPER - Grizzly Bear - The Cuddliest Band Of Them All
* Good Hodgkins - GB - YH

Lily Olive previously interviewed Lifetime.

Previously
Stream Grizzly Bear's Yellow House
Grizzly Bear | 2006 Tour Dates
Grizzly Bear @ Knitting Factory, NYC | Halloween | pics
Grizzly Bear | Tour Dates, Remix Album | Warriors
Grizzly Bear playing Bowery Ballroom | (video) cover of Mariah Carey w/ Final Fantasy
Grizzly Bear | MP3s & Homoerotic Streams

Posted in interviews | music at 12:11 AM | Comments (23)

September 7, 2006

Sure Juror | MP3s

DOWNLOAD: Sure Juror - GAWd (MP3)

One of my favorite albums of the year so far is one that I don't even think came out this year - actually I don't know if it technically ever "came out" at all. It's an album I just first listened to a few days ago on J Heartonastick's insistence. It's one I've barely stopped listening to since, and it's one that You Ain't No Picasso, Exit Fare, and The Underrated Blog have been raving about for months. It's a self-titled album by an unsigned NJ band called Sure Juror, and it's available (as MP3s) for 100%-FREE on their blog (you'll also find it on an indie-friendly torrent site near you). The track above comes from it, and so does the one below:

DOWNLOAD: Sure Juror - Ex Cuties (MP3)

More MP3s at Heartonastick. Their second album called Smut comes out soon too, and they have four demos from that one streaming on their MySpace (but listen to the first one first).

No scheduled shows at the moment. stay tuned.

Posted in MP3 | music at 6:49 PM | Comments (30)

9/11 Band of Horses show moved to Bowery Ballroom

The September 11th Band of Horses show is moving from Webster Hall to the smaller Bowery Ballroom.

Posted in music at 2:00 PM | Comments (26)

Joanna Newsom playing New Yorker Festival | Tix on sale

The New Yorker Festival schedule is up and tickets are on sale.

Posted in NYC | music at 12:30 PM | Comments (12)

Langhorne Slim signs to V2

New York City's own Langhorne Slim signed to V2, home of The Raconteurs, Josh Ritter, Blood Brothers, Ane Brun, Elbow, and others. Press release below...

----

We are proud to announce that blues-folkster Langhorne Slim has joined the V2 Records family! You can look for his new EP on September 19th. Produced and mixed by Brian Deck at Chicago's Engine Studios, the Engine EP features: Langhorne (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Paul DeFiglia (bass, background vocals); Malachi DeLorenzo (drums, background vocals); Sam Kassirer (Hammond, piano); and Jim Becker (violin).

Engine:

01 English Tea
02 Restless
03 Honey Pie
04 Sweet Olive Tree

Stream “Honey Pie”

Get ready for his full-length album with all new material early next year. He just wrapped up recording the as-of-yet untitled album in Maine with Sam Kassirer (pianist for Josh Ritter).

Langhorne just finished up a string of dates with the Violent Femmes, and will be supporting Two Gallants on a fall tour.

09-20 Portland, OR - Doug Fir +
09-21 Seattle, WA - Crocodile +
09-23 Olympia, WA - The Capitol Theater +
09-25 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court +
09-26 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive +
09-28 Fargo, ND - Aquarium +
09-29 Omaha, NE - Sokol Underground +
09-30 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle +
10-05 Boston, MA - Middle East Upstairs +
10-09 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian +
10-11 Nashville, TN - Basement +
10-14 Austin, TX - Emo's +
10-15 Lubbock, TX - Jake's Backroom +
10-17 Tuscon, AZ - Solar Culture +
10-19 San Diego, CA - Casbah +
10-20 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour +
10-21 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill +
10-22 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill +

+ with Two Gallants, Trainwreck Riders

----

Previously
Two Gallants & Langhorne Slim | Fall 2006 Tour Dates
Langohorne Slim & Rob Crow @ The Plug Awards | Pics

Posted in industry | music at 12:26 PM | Comments (5)

Jack White's hatred of Jack Black was a joke gone wrong | The Raconteurs filmed in Brooklyn yesterday

Anthony wrote in with this story of Brooklyn, the Raconteurs, and the VMAs...

---

Went to the Raconteurs video taping for "Level," yesterday in an abandoned warehouse in Greenpoint (on West St and Noble St). Got the call to attend because I entered their VMA ticket giveaway on their website, and since I live in the area I guess they needed audience members. There was a very small audience, maybe 45 people max,which seemed to be made up of mostly v2 workers, but some other fans as well. We were brought into this very much abandoned warehouse and were seated in a circle around the band, sitting on palettes, bundles of cardboard, all around the band.

Wasn't sure what to expect, since when I think music video tapings I think people pretending to play music, since they usually loop over the album cut, however this was not the case. It was a live performance video, they performed "Level" the most, obviously, slowly getting each take better and better. But they would also play other songs in between takes for the audience. When Jack broke his guitar string and we were waiting for it be fixed, they went into a impromptu version of "Big Wheels Keep on Turnin," also when waiting for the cameras they were playing around and ended up going into a Raconteurs version of "Misirlou" from Pulp Fiction. They also played 5x5, Blue Veins, Intimate Secretary, and they closed the afternoon with an amazing version of Broken Boy Soldiers.

It was an amazing afternoon, and the band was super cool to everyone there, talking to everyone in between takes. Jack showed us his customized guitar which is made of Copper, and was letting us hold it and comparing the weight to Brendan's wooden guitar. They also talked about the VMAs, and mentioned the bombed joke of Jack Black and Jack White forming a band, which I found interesting. Apparently they talked about it before hand and White's non-response to Black's suggestion of forming the band was supposed to be the punchline, but White commented that, but when he watched it on TV later on, he thought he just looked pissed off and was an asshole, and everyone started asking him why he hated Jack Black, his mom even asked him why he hated Black. He said he just cant shake the misconception that he doesn't have a sense of humor. White ended everything by walking around to everyone in the crowd and shaking every one's hand and thanked them for coming.

Previously
Raconteurs, Foo Fighters & Kings of Leon opening for Bob Dylan | new album stream
The Indie Guide to the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards

Posted in NYC | music at 11:44 AM | Comments (24)

Wes' Weekly Hip Hop News Roundup | (Sep 07, 2006)

The big guns of the fourth quarter: Jay-Z, Nas, and Ludacris @ the VMAs.

* photo via NahRight

As previously reported, Mos Def was arrested for illegally performing his new hurricane-themed song Katrina Clap on a TRUCK without a permit. Watch the provocative, controversial, and seemingly low budget music video for the song on YouTube.

Nas threw a little jab at 50 Cent at Ludacris' Aug 30th Hammerstein Ballroom show. While Nas was on stage singing Made You Look with Ludacris, he replaced the "5-0" (slang for law enforcement) with "50", rapping "This ain't Fifty, it's Nas yo." 50 has been throwing little jabs Nas' way for quite a while, and this is Nas' first response since his weak reply track Don't Body Yourself in 2005. Read more here.

And in other "My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad" news, Mr. Friendly 50 Cent called out Diddy on The Bomb (whatever happened to misspelling words to indicate street cred?). Diddy's alleged subliminal reply is one line on his new album's intro: "I'm richer bitch!" Read more on Ruckus.

[editor's note: speaking of dads and Diddy...]

Less skilled, but famous, rappers using ghostwriters is a known phenomenon. But oh my goodness - when using a ghostwriter, please don't be so apparent. Diddy paid the legendary Pharoah Monch to write a few verses, he's never rapped so recognizably fraudulent. Listen to his new song The Future from his aforementioned upcoming album over at UghhNiceWatch (who won "best Jay-Z lyric reference in a blog title" at the VMAs).

Political rap elder Ice Cube spoke out against today's hip hop landscape stating that most performers are only interested in the flashy lifestyle portrayed in most hip hop videos. The 37-year-old former best rapper in the world (1990-1993) expressed that he wishes more rappers would embrace political issues instead of material gain. Read more on RapGodfathers.

Wu Tang Clan member Method Man spoke on his preference for independent labels over major companies. After releasing albums on Def Jam and other majors for over a decade, Method Man has seen his profile change from priority artist to one struggling to get sufficient support. "The indie route is the best route right now, all you need is distribution. You don't necessarily need the record companies anymore," Mef said. "That's why I root for the underdog. I'd love to see more independents doing shit, for the simple fact that I'm tired of getting raped." Method Man's 4:21: The Day After, out on Major Label Def Jam/Universal is in stores now. Read more on RapGodfathers.

Lupe Fiasco is performing at the Canal Room in NYC on Saturday, September 16th with Jean Grae, and a DJ set by Mark Ronson. It's the record release party for the excellent early 'best debut album of 2006' contender Food and Liquor. Tickets here.

----

Undisputed Wes' undisputed band has the following NYC shows coming up:

Sep 15 Rockwood Music Hall 10pm (Residency)
Sep 30 Rockwood Music Hall 11pm (Residency)
Oct 26 Joe's Pub 9.30pm

Posted in hiphop | music at 2:37 AM | Comments (7)

September 6, 2006

Futureheads & Cold War Kids & The Little Ones & French Kicks & Joggers & Sound Team | 2006 Tour Dates

The Futureheads and Cold War Kids both recently toured with Tapes 'n Tapes. Now they're touring together with Street to Nowhere. Oh No! Oh My! is playing Bowery Ballroom tonight with the French Kicks (who recently toured with the Futureheads) and Sound Team (who recently toured with Cold War Kids). Then the French Kicks and Sound Team are touring together until Cleveland when the Little Ones replace Sound Team and keep on going with the French Kicks from Chicago all the way to Philadelphia on October 4th. All dates for everyone below...

THE FUTUREHEADS | 2006 TOUR DATES
10/04 Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s*
10/05 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom*
10/06 Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s Night Club*
10/07 San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine*
10/09 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues*
10/11 Los Angeles, CA @ Safari Sams
10/12 Phoenix, AZ @ Clubhouse*
10/13 Los Angeles, CA @ Beauty Bar
10/17 Tulsa, OK @ Bob’s*
10/18 Lawrence, KS @ Bottleneck*
10/19 St. Louis, MO @ Mississippi Nights*
10/21 Chicago, IL @ Metro*
10/22 Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century Theatre*
10/23 Indianapolis, IN @ Birdy’s*
10/26 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar*
10/27 Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw*
10/28 Boston, MA @ Paradise*

*Cold War Kids and Street To Nowhere Supporting

FRENCH KICKS | 2006 TOUR DATES
09/06 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom*
09/08 Boston, MA @ Middle East (Downstairs)*
09/09 Montreal, QC @ Main Hall *
09/10 Ottawa, ON @ Babylon*
09/11 Toronto, ON @ Lee's Place *
09/13 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick *
09/14 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop*
09/15 Chicago, IL @ Double Door **
09/16 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock **
09/17 Iowa City, IA @ The Picador **
09/19 Norman, OK @ Opolis **
09/20 Dallas, TX @ Gypsy Tea Room **
09/21 Austin, TX@ Emos **
09/22 Houston, TX @ Walter's On Washington**
09/23 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon **
09/24 Atlanta, GA @ Earl (Paste Festival) **
09/25 Nashville, TX @ Exit In **
09/27 Tallahassee, FL @ Beta Bar **
09/28 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum **
09/29 Miami, FL @ Club Revolver**
09/30 Orlando, FL @ The Social **
10/02 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 **
10/03 Washington DC @ Black Cat **
10/04 Philadelphia, PA @ North Star**

* Soundteam supporting
** The Little Ones supporting

The Futureheads and French Kicks both share a label (Frenchkiss) with the Joggers who, as posted earlier today, are playing some West Coast dates with Oxford Collapse.

THE JOGGERS W/ OXFORD COLLAPSE | 2006 TOUR DATES
10/18 Seattle, WA @ Crocodile Café*
10/19 Portland, OR @ Disjecta*
10/21 San Francisco, CA @ Hotel Utah*
10/22 Los Angeles, CA @ Knitting Factory LA*
10/23 San Diego, CA @ Casbah*

* Oxford Collapse supporting

Posted in music | tour dates at 5:28 PM | Comments (11)

NYU Mystery Concert tomorrow

Last year The Hold Steady and Iron & Wine played. This year's free NYU Mystery concert takes place Thursday September 7, 2006 @ Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Who's playing?

Posted in To Do | music at 5:02 PM | Comments (55)

almost-all-THE DICTATORS reunion @ CBGB & Continental

"Former MANOWAR guitarist Ross The Boss will help 'close down' two legendary New York City venues this fall. For two special shows fans will get to see an almost-all-THE DICTATORS reunion (and/or MANITOBA'S WILD KINGDOM) with living legends:

Handsome Dick Manitoba (THE DICTATORS, MANITOBA'S WILD KINGDOM)
Ross The Boss (THE DICTATORS, MANOWAR, MANITOBA'S WILD KINGDOM, THUNDERBOSS)
JP Thunderbolt Patterson (THE DICTATORS, MANITOBA'S WILD KINGDOM, THUNDERBOSS)
Dean Rispler (MURPHY'S LAW, THUNDERBOSS)

THE DATES
Sep. 17 - New York City, NY @ The Continental (the last show ever)
Oct. 06 - New York City, NY @ CBGB (the last show we know about @ CBGB as of this post)

(via Blabbermouth)

Posted in music | tour dates at 4:56 PM | Comments (16)

Oh No! Oh My! added to French Kicks / Sound Team show (TONIGHT)

The Flaming Lips show in Atlantic City tonight was cancelled last minute. Oh No! Oh My! were supposed to be opening. Left with nothing to do, they jumped on the bill at Bowery Ballroom in NYC tonight. They go on at 8pm.

Posted in To Do | music at 4:39 PM | Comments (1)

Curtis Vodka's first NYC appearance tonight (free)

Wednesday, September 6th, 2006
CURTIS VODKA's debut appearance in NYC
with NICK CATCHDUBS (The Fader)
and resident DJ empanadamn (haterzville)

10PM - 4AM | FREE! NO COVER
at THOR, inside the Hotel on Rivington
107 Rivington Street, between Essex & Ludlow 212-796-8040 | myspace.com/sleepernyc

Previously
More Bonde Do Role (& Curtis Vodka)

Posted in To Do | movies | music at 3:55 PM | Comments (0)

Silver Jews playing NYC again | Tix & Tour Dates

I WAS AT SXSW DURING THIS ONE (CRED)

Tickets are on sale for a Silver Jews show at Webster Hall on December 30, 2006. The only other announced dates so far are for a small tour of the West Coast that kicks off tomorrow (Sept 7) in Seattle. Those dates below...

SILVER JEWS | 2006 TOUR DATES
Thursday, September 7 SEATTLE, WA Showbox w/ Viva Voce
Friday, September 8 PORTLAND, OR Crystal Ballroom
Sunday, September 10 SAN FRANCISCO, CA Mezzanine
Tuesday, September 12 LOS ANGELES, CA Henry Fonda Theater

(thx Ondal and J and everyone)

Previously
Silver Jews add 2nd NYC Show (during SXSW)

Posted in music | tour dates at 3:41 PM | Comments (9)

Chin Up Chin Up & Oxford Collapse | 2006 Tour Dates

DOWNLOAD: Chin Up Chin Up - This Harness Can't Ride Everything (new MP3)

"Chin Up Chin Up's new album on Suicide Squeeze will drop October 10, 2006 and the band will hit the road with Cursive in October." Before and after the Cursive/Thermals dates, Chin Up will play a lot of shows with Sub Pop's Oxford Collapse who will play even more shows while Chin Up's busy with Cursive. All dates below...

CHIN UP CHIN UP | 2006 TOUR DATES
FRI OCT 6 Pittsburgh PA, Brillobox
SAT OCT 7 Brooklyn, NY Grasslands w/ Oxford Collapse
SUN OCT 8 New Haven CT, Bar Night Club w/ Oxford Collapse
MON OCT 9 New Britain CT, Semesters w/ Oxford Collapse
TUE OCT 10 Buffalo NY, Mohawk Place w/ Oxford Collapse
WED OCT 11 Cleveland OH, the Spot at Case Western w/ Oxford Collapse
FRI OCT 13 Chicago IL, Empty Bottle w/ Oxford Collapse, Make Believe
SUN OCT 15 Denver CO, Ogden Theatre w/ Cursive, the Thermals
TUE OCT 17 Salt Lake City UT, In the Venue w/ Cursive, the Thermals
WED OCT 18 Boise ID, The Venue w/ Cursive, the Thermals
THU OCT 19 Walla Walla WA, Whitman College
FRI OCT 20 Seattle WA, Neumos w/ Cursive, the Thermals
SAT OCT 21 Portland OR, Roseland Theatre w/ Cursive, the Thermals
MON OCT 23 San Francisco CA, The Fillmore w/ Cursive, the Thermals
TUE OCT 24 Los Angeles CA, Safari Sams
THU OCT 26 Denton TX, Rubbergloves w/ Oxford Collapse
FRI OCT 27 Austin TX, Emos Lounge w/ Oxford Collapse
SAT OCT 28 Baton Rouge LA, Spanish Moon w/ Oxford Collapse
MON OCT 30 Mt. Pleasant SC, the Village Tavern w/ Oxford Collapse
TUE OCT 31 Wilmington NC, the Soapbox Laundrolounge w/ Oxford Collapse
WED NOV 1 Washington DC, Black Cat w/ Oxford Collapse

OXFORD COLLAPSE TOUR DATES WHILE CUCU IS WITH CURSIVE
2006-10-14 7th St Entry Minneapolis MN w/ Cold War Kids
2006-10-15 Aquarium Fargo ND
2006-10-16 Carlin Nightclub Billings MT So Many Dynamos
2006-10-17 Empyrean Coffee House Spokane WA
2006-10-18 Crocodile Cafe Seattle WA w/ Joggers
2006-10-19 Disjecta Portland OR w/ Joggers
2006-10-21 Hotel Utah San Francisco CA w/ Joggers
2006-10-22 Knitting Factory Club Inc Los Angeles CA w/ Joggers
2006-10-23 Casbah, The San Diego CA w/ Joggers

Previously
Oxford Collapse @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | pics
Chin Up Chin Up @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | Pics
Chin Up Chin Up vs. Voxtrot (part 2) | Pic

Posted in MP3 | music | tour dates at 2:31 PM | Comments (2)

Beirut signs to 4AD (for overseas), releases EP

"Brooklyn's Beirut have signed to 4AD for an expanded re-release of The Gulag Orkestar (Ba Da Bing), their impressive debut record of Eastern-European-inspired waltzes and folk songs. Beirut, the solo project of Zach Condon, has grown to a full band, which includes strings, horns, ukeleles and even a hype man. The re-release will coincide with Beirut's first shows in the UK, opening for the equally-cinematic Calexico this fall. The European version will also include a new EP, titled Lon Gisland[sic]. Chouette will release the EP in limited vinyl." [CMJ]

4AD is part of the Beggars family of labels who, collectively, also recently signed Voxtrot, Serena Maneesh, Tapes 'n Tapes, The Ponys and another buzz band from NYC that I'm not allowed to announce yet. Beirut's deal with 4AD does NOT include North America where they will remain with Ba Da Bing.

Previously
Beirut @ McCarren Pool, Brooklyn, NYC | pics
An Interview with Zach Condon & Jason of Beirut

Posted in industry | music at 2:03 PM | Comments (10)

Death Cab For Cutie, Ted Leo, OK Go & Jenny Lewis | 2006 Tour Dates, presale & stuff

COLIN MELOY, BEN GIBBARD, & TheC0rkD0rk

Death Cab For Cutie are going on tour this Fall with Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, VMA favorites OK Go, and Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins (but not all at the same shows). There's a presale. Ted Leo is also playing DC this Thursday, The Touch & GO Festival this weekend, and Austin City Limits. Jenny is also playing a bunch of shows before Death Cab get to her. All dates by everyone, more links, and related news, below....

TED LEO | TOUR DATES
09-07-06 Washington, DC The Tavern at American University (tix)
09-08-06 Chicago, IL Hideout Block Party
09-12-06 Memphis, TN Hi Tone Cafe
09-13-06 New Orleans, LA House of Blues - The Parish
09-15-06 Austin, Tx Zilker Park AUSTIN CITY LIMITS FESTIVAL
09-16-06 Houston, TX Walters
10-24-06 Northhampton, MA Pearl Street Ballroom
11-22-06 Jack Rabbit's Jacksonville FL
11-23-06 Village Tavern Mt Pleasant SC
11-24-06 The Grey Eagle Asheville NC
11-25-06 Starr Hill Charlottesville VA

Ted is also DJing with Dave Lerner and Supersystem at Rodan in Chicago on Sat 9/9 after the T&G fest.

Ted played South Street Seaport on August 25th.

Pitchfork highlights albums from Touch & Go's 25 years.

DEATH CAB & TED LEO | TOUR DATES
10-26-06 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theater
10-27-06 Rochester, NY Auditorium Theater
10-28-06 Ottawa, ON Civic Center
10-30-06 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
11-01-06 Montreal, PQ Metropolis
11-02-06 Boston, MA The Opera House
11-04-06 Providence, RI Providence Performing Arts
11-06-06 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
11-08-06 New York, NY Theater at Madison Square
11-10-06 Norfolk, VA Norva
11-11-06 Ice Garden Arena Belle Vernon, PA
11-13-06 PromoWest Pavilion Columbus, OH
11-14-06 Murat Theatre Indianapolis, IN
11-15-06 Louisville Palace Theatre Louisville, KY
11-16-06 BJCC Concert Hall Birmingham, AL
11-17-06 Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA
11-18-06 Littlejohn Coliseum - Clemson, SC
11-19-06 U of Central Florida Orlando, FL
11-20-06 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL

Stereogum has lots of random Death Cab News.

DEATH CAB & OK GO | TOUR DATES
11-26-06 Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
11-27-06 The Pageant
11-28-06 Orpheum Theatre - Memphis, TN
11-29-06 Republic New Orleans , LA
11-30-06 Hobby Center - Sarofim Hall Houston, TX 77002

DEATH CAB & JENNY LEWIS | TOUR DATES
12-02-06 Mesa Amphitheatre Mesa, AZ 85201
12-03-06 The Joint Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas, NV (Opener TBA, maybe not Jenny)
12-05-06 Bren Events Center Irvine, CA 92697
12-06-06 Arlington Theatre Santa Barbara, CA 93101
12-09-06 Key Arena Seattle, CA 98109

JENNY LEWIS & THE WATSON TWINS | 2006 TOUR DATES
Fri 09.29.06 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
Sat 09.30.06 Denver, CO The Fillmore w/ North Mississippi Allstars
Sun 10.01.06 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium
Tue 10.03.06 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theatre
Wed 10.04.06 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
Thu 10.05.06 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
Fri 10.06.06 Detroit, MI St. Andrews Hall
Sat 10.07.06 Toronto, ONT Trinity St. Paul Church
Sun 10.08.06 Buffalo, NY Center for the Arts
Mon 10.09.06 Boston, MA Berklee Performance Center
Tue 10.10.06 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
Thu 10.12.06 New York, NY Town Hall
Fri 10.13.06 New York, NY Town Hall
Sat 10.14.06 Northampton, MA Academy of Music
Sun 10.15.06 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Tue 10.17.06 Nashville, TN Cannery Ballroom
Thu 10.19.06 Tampa, FL Tampa Theatre
Fri 10.20.06 Orlando, FL The Club @ Firestone
Sat 10.21.06 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Mon 10.23.06 Austin, TX Stubbs BBQ
Tue 10.24.06 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom
Wed 10.25.06 Fort Worth, TX Ridglea Theatre
Mon 10.30.06 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore

OK Go are also touring the UK with Motion City Soundtrack this month.

And here's the video of Ben Gibbard and Colin Meloy singing a Blur song together at the 826NYC benefit in Seattle...

(thx Jeff and Klaus and all)

Previously
Colin Meloy & Ben Gibbard @ Summerstage, NYC | Pics
Jenny Lewis & Jonathan Rice @ Angel Orensanz, NYC | pics
Ted Leo leaves Lookout! for Touch & Go

Posted in music | tour dates at 1:40 PM | Comments (18)

Forward Russia! | 2006 Tour Dates (CMJ & Bowery)

* photo by Simon Leak

The UK's Forward Russia! are coming back to NYC TWICE in November - first on the 2nd to play Mercury Lounge during CMJ, and then on the 28th to headline the bigger Bowery Ballroom. The Mercury Lounge show is part of a small U.S. tour that ends right before they go back to the UK to join Wolfmother on the "MTV2 Spanking New Music Tour". There probably won't be any advanced tickets for the CMJ show that also features The Fever and Archie Bronson Outfit, but tickets did just go on sale for the Bowery show. All dates below...

SEPTEMBER 2006
WED 20th - MUNICH, Atomic Cafe (GER)
THU 21st - BERLIN, Maria Am OstBahnhof (GER)
FRI 22nd - WARSAW, Punkt (POL)
SUN 24th - HELSINKI, Tavista (FIN)
MON 25th - STOCKHOLM, Debaser (SWE)
TUE 26th - GOTHENBERG, Pusterviksbaren (SWE)
WED 27th - OSLO, Garage (NOR)
FRI 29th - COPENHAGEN, Loppen (DEN)
SAT 30th - HAMBURG, Molotow (GER)

OCTOBER 2006
SUN 1st - DRESDEN, Star Club (GER)
MON 2nd - VIENNA, Chelsea (AUS)
WED 4th - MILAN, Rainbow (ITA)
THU 5th - ROME, Circolo (ITA)
FRI 6th - BOLOGNA, Covo (ITA)
SAT 7th - TURIN, Spazio 211 (ITA)
MON 9th - MADRID, Moby Dick (SPA)
TUE 10th - LISBON, Santiago Alquimita (POR)
WED 11th - BARCELONA, Razzmatazz 3 (SPA)
THU 12th - BORDEAUX, Salle Jonathan II (FRA)
FRI 13th - ANGOULEMES, La Nef (FRA)
SUN 15th - BRUSELLS, Rotunde @ Botanique (BEL)
MON 16th - COLOGNE, Prime Club (GER)
TUE 17th - RENNES, L’Ubu (FRA)
WED 18th - LILLE, Le Grand Mix (FRA)
THU 19th - PARIS, La Maroquinerie (FRA)
FRI 20th - STRASBOURG, La Laiterie (FRA)
WED 25th - SEATTLE, Crocodile Cafe (USA) w/ Scanners (tix)
THU 26th - PORTLAND, Dante's (USA) w/ Scanners
SAT 28th - LOS ANGELES, Spaceland (USA) w/ Scanners (tix)
MON 30th - SAN FRANSISCO, Cafe Du Nord (USA) w/ Scanners (tix)

NOVEMBER 2006
THU 2nd - NEW YORK, Mercury Lounge (USA) w/ Archie Bronson Outfit + The Fever
SUN 5th - GLASGOW, Academy (SOLD OUT)
MON 6th - DUBLIN, Olympia Theatre **
WED 8th - LEEDS, University **
THU 9th - MANCEHSTER, Academy **
FRI 10th - BIRMINGHAM, Academy **
SAT 11th - MANCHESTER, Academy 2 - Levi's One To Watch w/ Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.
SUN 12th - BRISTOL, Academy (SOLD OUT) **
WED 15th - LONDON, Brixton Academy **
TUE 28th - NEW YORK, Bowery Ballroom (tix)

** MTV2 Spanking New Music Tour w/ Wolfmother + Fields + The Maccabees

more November-December U.S. dates will probably be announced.

STREAM "THIRTEEN"
Real hi | WMV hi | Real lo | WMV lo

Previously
!Forward, Russia! @ Mercury Lounge, NYC | pics
¡Forward, Russia! @ FADER tent, Austin, TX (SXSW) | pics
¡Forward, Russia! @ Building C, Austin, TX (SXSW) | pics

Posted in CMJ | music | tour dates at 12:28 PM | Comments (11)

Gorilla Biscuits @ CBGB (Sept 06), NYC | pics

The best show I've been to in a long, long time...

ANTHONY CIVARELLI

TOBY MORSE (H2O)

WALTER SCHREIFELS

PORCELL (YOUTH OF TODAY, BOLD)

JASON KID DYNAMITE

This was the last show of Gorilla Biscuits' reunion tour - @ CBGB - Sunday September 2, 2006.

Andrew from the Daily News was there too.

HR from Bad Brains played a surprise set of three songs before GB took the stage. I was too far from the stage to snap a picture, so here's one from Flickr:

HR is playing the Delancey on Friday (Sept 8).

Bold played before HR.

John Porcelly (Bold, Projext X, Youth of Today) and Toby Morse (H20) each played one song with GB. Porcell did "Straight Edge Revenge" and Toby and Civ did Warzone's "As One." HR did "Leaving Babylon," the Beatles' "Day Tripper" and some other song. It was cool and unexpected. The crowd went crazy for him. [song titles from the comments in previous post]

GB played BB King's the night before with Leeway and Murphy's Law. AOL's indie blog has a nice review. Here's a video....

Two new GB songs at their MySpace.

Their reunion show from 2005 at CBGB is gonna be a DVD.

CBGB closes for good in mid-October, 2006.

Posted in music | pictures at 12:54 AM | Comments (37)

Starbucks Salon in NYC - Jose Gonzalez, Angela McCluskey, Jim Carroll, Buck 65, Eugene Mirman & more

"The Starbucks Salon is a nomadic interactive coffeehouse, gallery, and performance venue ro