photos by Zach Stern

DOWNLOAD: Shilpa Ray & her Happy Hookers - Filthy & Free (MP3)

Shilpa Ray's voice is the MGM lion with the world's biggest thorn in its paw.

She calls her new group "Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers" (Ray's the only woman); if there's anything positive about the moniker, it's that it might inspire casual curiosity. Hey, made me look. But it's self-defeating, makes the effort sound like nothing more than a lame lark, a bad Wednesday night bar band. Other roadblocks to easy adoption: They do not have a website, but do have a myspace page. She's finally started selling her new eight-song CD at shows (there's currently no other way to purchase it), yet only plays one or two numbers from that recording in the band's live sets (We got "Filthy and Free" at Santos; the "Eyes" cover at [Mercury Lounge in January] and a goosed version of "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" at (I think) both [Merc and Santos Party House in December]; Ray might reserve quieter numbers for her occasional solo gigs). "My parents raised me to be incredibly humble and stupidly modest," she says. "I still hate them for that." [Heartonastick]

I would estimate she played at least four songs off that album at Southpaw on Saturday night, February 14th, 2009 (Valentine's Day AND Shilpa's birthday). I've been listening to the album on repeat since I got a copy a few weeks ago. Grab one MP3 from it above. Heartonastick has another.

Southpaw was packed, mostly I think, with fans of the Harlem Shakes who were headlining. It was late. I don't know exactly what time Shilpa went on, but I'd estimate midnight. That could have been a disaster - an opening band starting at midnight... a sold out venue full of people growing uneasy as they wait for the main act. But as far as I could tell, most in attendance - myself included - were more than happy to let Shilpa and band stay on stage for as long she wanted to. It's hard not to be captivated by her raging energy mixed with her Deborah Harry (Blondie) meets Janis Joplin singing style.

Spending at least half the time simultaneously attached to a microphone and an accordion-like instrument a harmonium that sits on a table in front of her, you can tell Shilpa is happy to be on stage. Though sometimes controversial ("I hope everyone [here on Valentine's Day and my birthday] goes home and gets herpes tonight... just kidding"), it's hard not to smile at all the words coming out of her mouth - whether in song or during stage banter. My favorite moments are when she leaves the multitasking necessary to operate the accordion harmonium behind (she has to pump it, hit the keys and sing all at the same time), and lets her voice and dancing be her only instruments.

Excited to be playing in front of such a large, appreciative crowd, Shilpa ended her opening set with a one-song encore that she self-deprecatingly pointed out was probably too bold of a move, but but she did it anyway. I was definitely happy for it.

Shilpa, who by the way you probably know best as the ex-frontwoman of Beat The Devil, is playing next in NYC TONIGHT (2/16) at Music Hall of Williamsburg. She is first of three on the Duke Spirit bill that Mobius Band are also playing. She also has shows coming up at the Sidewalk Cafe, Mercury Lounge, and at SXSW (stay tuned for exact details).

She played (Le) Poisson Rouge about a week before Southpaw. We were at that one taking pictures. More of them, the setlist, a video, and all upcoming dates, below...

Continue reading "Shilpa Ray shows, an MP3 (from her new album) & LPR pics "

Continue reading "'Seaport Music Producers Launch DIY Shows'"

DOWNLOAD: Beat the Devil - Plea Bargain (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Beat the Devil - Shine in Exile (MP3)

At this point many people are probably thinking that "Citysol" is merely a free Les Savy Fav show happening this Saturday at Stuyvesant Park in NYC. WRONG! Citysol is actually four days long, and also includes Friday night at South Street Seaport.

How will this week's Seaport concert be different from the ones in weeks past? Well, besides the fact that this is the only week that Beat the Devil & Menomena are playing, there really isn't any difference. BrooklynVegan & Solar One (Citysol) are just helping "present" the 'River to River' show - aka counteracting all evil associated with the 'Friday the 13th' date which in turn will guarantee harmony and 'good times' for all by the water. Oh, and there will also be a table where you can "switch to a green energy package with ConEdison Solutions", so bring your electric bill.

Also coming up at South Street Seaport....

July 13 - Menomena, Beat the Devil
July 20 - Bishop Allen, Rock Plaza Central
July 27 - SUICIDE

The ubiquitous electronic sounds emanating from many of today's most acclaimed indie music performers owe much of their art to the often troubled group known as Suicide, aka Alan Vega, on vocals, and Martin Rev on keyboard. The drummer-less, rhythm-machine-driven, guitar-free duo was effectively the world's first art-rock, synth-pop band, but it has taken nearly 30 years for the band to received its warranted props.

Last year they had the New York Dolls - this year SUICIDE

Aug 3 - A Night of Billie Holiday Remixed and Reimagined
Aug 10 - Au Revoir Simone, Metronomy
Aug 17 - The National, The Forms, Takka Takka
Aug 24 - Camera Obscura
Aug 31 - Battles & DEERHUNTER

Check out the Citysol flyer below....

Continue reading "Beat The Devil, Menomena & Suicide, the Seaport & Citysol"