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Posted in MP3 | music | pictures on February 2, 2009

Motel Motel - Market Hotel pics, MP3s & some more shows

words & photos by Jonny Leather

DOWNLOAD: Motel Motel - Coffee (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Motel Motel - Harlem (MP3)

If I had a reputation to gamble, I'd put it all on Motel Motel. I've said it all before, but this is a gifted band which equals the sum of all its parts. Each of the 5 members is a technically efficient musician that brings in different tastes and ideas. That in itself is the foundation for a good band with a unique sound. You put 5 guys influenced by the Pixies together, and you're gonna get a band sounding remarkably inspired by the Pixies. Motel Motel, on the other hand has influences all over the map, most noticeably classic folk, indie rock and even a bit of punk rock.

I've seen them quite a few times now, and every time I'm just a bit more blown away at their compositions. With each performance they seem to get tighter, and seem to add something else to make their songs even grander. Their first album "New Denver" was a great record, pretty much overlooked by the music media, but the new songs they are introducing to their sets are even more dynamic and ambitious. The guitars are bigger, the lyrics smarter, and they've very intelligently brought vocal harmonies into the mix.

Saturday night (1/31) they played Market Hotel in Brooklyn and just as always they played with a refreshing enthusiasm, taking a break midway through the set to wish guitarist Mickey Theis a happy birthday with a lit birthday cake.

While they haven't yet gotten the praise they deserve, 2009 could definitely see that change. Their next NYC show is February 13th at Southpaw - part of the BAM Sounds Like Brooklyn festival happening at multiple venues in the borough. The Canon Logic and Holly Miranda are also on that bill. More Motel Motel Market Hotel pictures, and a couple more dates, below...

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• Audible Treats @ CMJ 2009 - pics (Souls of Mischief, Tanya Morgan, Trinity, Oddisee, Finale, Jern Eye, Truthlive)
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• Nada Surf backing Holly Miranda @ Bowery Ballroom tonight
• Delorean, Real Estate, Cold Cave, Cymbals Eat Guitars & others played the Pitchfork/Showpaper show @ Market Hotel - pics
• Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson & Holly Miranda do CMJ +++ Saddle Creek showcase @ Knitting Factory tonight
• Pitchfork Todd P Showpaper benefit @ Market Hotel Saturday
• free BrooklynVegan day show - Thursday @ Pianos -------------------- 14 bands, free drinks, good times

Posted on February 2, 2009 6:43 PM

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