Dr. Dog @ SXSW 2008 (foxyphoton)

Tickets go on sale at noon for a May 8th Dr. Dog show at Mercury Lounge in NYC. The LA show is May 13th at Hotel Cafe and tickets for that appear to be on sale now. (thx Keith)

the third in a series where we asked comedians to tell us what was good this year....

Max Silvestri is a young and stupidly talented Brooklyn-based comedian whom I adore. He hosts a show at Rififi the second Sunday of every month called I Like Attention. Each installment features a different co-host and a truly stupendous line-up of comedians (for example). You may also know Max as the co-star of Gabe & Max's Internet Thing, and as one of the hosts of Best Night Ever over at VH1's BestWeekEver.tv. Here's Max's list of the best music to come out of 2007. - klaus

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I was sort of lazy about listening to new albums this year, but here is a bunch of stuff I got all obsessed with. Know that if it seems weird that I left something off this list, it's not because I just didn't get a chance to listen to the record but because I think the band and all its fans are stupid and gay. (jk lol)

Dan Deacon, Spiderman of the Rings - Maybe the most fun live show I've ever been to? I was up against his table at Judson Church and danced my stupid head off. There were photos online from the show and I look like someone had just dumped a huge bucket ofsweat and dumb facial expressions all over me. I DANCE WEIRD but that is how good Dan Deacon is. Total spaz.

LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver - They stole the show at Randall's Island. I kinda look like James Murphy from far away so it was like dancing to myself. Also, my roommate was in the video for "Someone Great" and looked very pretty so give it up for her and that. But mostly the album is amazing.

Gogol Bordello, Super Taranta! - It's very rarely that I hear an album that *actually* makes me wish I'd gone into the rock star business, but this is one of them. It helps that I really like vodka and marinated herring.

Arcade Fire, Neon Bible - As a comedian, I am constantly wrapped in a blanket of irony and trying to avoid sincerity at all costs. Not really, but it is surprising to me how much My Body Is A Cage gives me chills every time I hear it. Their show at United Palace (the one where everybody got on the stage, Stooges-style) was really, really tremendous.

DOWNLOAD: Arcade Fire - My Body is a Cage (live @ Judson Church) (MP3) (via/more)

Dr. Dog, We All Belong - Speaking of sincerity, these guys just enjoy making music so much and with so little irony that it is impossible not to be infected by it when you see them live. They are like if The Band had liked playing soccer and grilling instead of doing drugs and being difficult.

Of Montreal, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer - Their songs have that weird thing where it seems like you've heard them before, but you haven't. And I have no problem with them endorsing Outback Steakhouse. I love Outback Steakhouse. I guess what I'm saying is I will take money from any restaurant. Thanks in advance.

Justice, Stupid Symbol - This is the kind of album that makes me wish like there was a lot more music exactly like it, but there isn't. And they almost managed to make Terminal 5 not the most irritating place ever.

The National, Boxer - This record is mostly perfect.

continued below.....

Continue reading "Best of 2007 by Max Silvestri"

DOWNLOAD: Delta Spirit - Streetwalker (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Delta Spirit - Gimme Some Motivation (MP3) (via)

Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog are playing some NYC-area shows this week - Thursday the 8th they're at Maxwell's in Hoboken, and one night later they headline Bowery Ballroom.

Delta Spirit are opening. They're a California band that remind me (and others) of Cold War Kids (another California band).

* KEXP:Song of the Day: Delta Spirit - Gimme Some Motivation
* Daytrotter: Free Songs: Delta Spirit
* Rock Insider: Delta Spirit - I Think I've Found It
* IGIF: Delta Spirit Return with Ode To Sunshine LP

Emily Lacy is also opening. Hopefully that means Emily is finally getting paid. Just two months ago she wrote,

I'll do anything for $ right now! play at your grandma's house! play while you make out with your brother in the bathroom! play in suit made of cucumbers while you film it! or theatrical work, (just did a lot of work for 365 july fest at the public theater in NYC, and in june wrote music for susan simpson's puppet play in LA ) --- I can do anything with my banjo for your money. I'll even busk in your living room right when you wake up in the morning! just like having your own personal slave!! i'll write you a wake up song!

Continue reading "Dr. Dog & Delta Spirit - 2007 Tour Dates + some videos"

I read a lot about this band (Grizzly Bear) but resisted based on the snide expression on a couple of their faces in a magazine. I can’t get past those first impressions easily. There’s so much music to listen to, so you narrow it down any way you can. I’ve missed out on a lot of stuff (probably based on arbitrary facial displeasure). They make really beautiful, evocative music that has a gauzy fuzziness to it; you can’t accurately pinpoint their place in time.....[Wilco's Jeff Tweedy for the NY Times]

Continue reading "JEFF TWEEDY is listening to Dr. Dog, Grizzly Bear, Battles, A Hawk and a Hacksaw & Panda Bear"