Petty Fest is returning to NYC this October, though unlike previous years, this year there will be "Two Nights To Get Drunk And Celebrate The Songs Of Tom Petty." The fest is taking place October 5 at Music Hall of Williamsburg and October 6 at Bowery Ballroom. The fest is (almost) the same lineup of musicians that usually get together for things like this, like Norah Jones, Nicole Atkins, Jesse Malin, Sammy James Jr. (The Mooney Suzuki), Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne), Tad Kubler of The Hold Steady, Josh Lattanzi of The Lemonheads, and others. Interesting additions inclue Har Mar Superstar and Jonny Corndawg. I hope they do a duet. And of course there will be "surprise guests". Tickets for both nights go on sale Thursday (9/1) at noon with an AmEx presale starting Wednesday (8/31) at noon. $2 from each ticket will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.

Jonny Corndawg meanwhile will also be in NYC TONIGHT (8/30) for his record release show at Union Pool.

Full Petty Fest lineup, flier, and a recent video of Neko Case and My Morning Jacket covering "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" together, below...

Continue reading "Petty Fest returns in 2011, 2 nights, 2 venues"

by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: Widowspeak - Harsh Realm (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Hoop Dreams - XCPR (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Crinkles - I'm a Dog (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: VHS or Beta - I Found a Reason (MP3)

Widowspeak

After last week's crazy abundance of sonic riches, this week is nicely slim on choices (at least for thing's that interest me.) But even a fallow week has plenty to do.

Tonight (8/2) at Glasslands is the record release party for Widowspeak's self-titled debut, which is out on Captured Tracks. This local trio gets compared to Mazzy Star a lot -- and I am as guilty as anybody -- which is to say singer Molly Hamilton has the same smoky vocal quality as Hope Sandoval. And the band make vaguely '60s-ish pop, dreamy and twangy with lots of vibrato.

I pulled out She Hangs Brightly last night and, really... Widowspeak doesn't really sound all that much like Mazzy Star. Hamilton's voice is more breathy and effervescent than Sandoval's (and an undeniably powerful weapon live, a subtle knife), and their music isn't nearly as drowsy or patchouli-soaked. Beyond that, the band are good songwriters and performers -- the album is quite good. Though I still say their cover of "Wicked Game" is a little too on-the-nose.

Hoop Dreams

The Glasslands show also is NYC live debut of new Captured Tracks signing Hoop Dreams. The six-piece are from Blacksburg, VA, same as fellow C/T band Wild Nothing. (The label has a stronghold on Southwest Virginia talent it seems.) The A-side to their Captured Tracks single, all two minutes of it, is hook-filled in a Spencer Krug kind of way, and you can download it at the top of this post. (The b-side is a little more dour.) It doesn't sound like six people made it, so I'm curious to see them play tonight.

You can also catch the shoegazy sounds of Burlington, VT's Crinkles (check out "I'm a Dog" at the top of this post) and Excops (new band from Hymns frontman Brian Harding).

Big Audio Dynamite @ Coachella 2011 (more by David Andrako)

The newly reformed Big Audio Dynamite, who last played a somewhat prohibitively expensive (but awesome) show at Roseland back in April, are back in town to play Brooklyn Bowl tomorrow night (8/3). Tickets, a more reasonable $35, are sold out but there will be "limited admission" at the door, which will open at 6PM. Here's some of what I wrote about the Roseland show:

Getting nearly every single the band released plus some choice album cuts, the NYC show was a pretty perfect showcase for what made B.A.D. so great: killer dance songs ("C'mon Every Beatbox," "E=MC²," "Just Play Music"), hip hop and reggae-influenced jams ("Sightsee MC," "BAD"), the band's love of film ("Medicine Show"), and genuinely affecting pop ("The Other 99," "V. Thirteen"). We also got "Beyond the Pale," one of the best songs Jones has ever written, dedicated last night to Joe Strummer (who cowrote much of No. 10 Upping St.).

Apart from the tip of the hat to Strummer, Jones didn't do a whole lot of "remember when" talk and kept things mostly free of drippy nostalgia. He was, however, jovial and chatty, joking with the audience between songs or when things went askew, like a false start to encore number "E=MC²."

Band co-founder Don Letts is just one of the coolest dudes on the planet, and B.A.D. really came alive on any song that featured him, of which there was a fair amount: foreign war critique "A Party," the hard-hitting London travelogue that is "Sightsee MC!" and the band's theme tune, "BAD." (Also the reggae hoedown "Battle of All Saints Road," though I would've prefered No. 10 Upping St.'s "Ticket.") Letts, who's inching towards 60, jumped around the stage, dreads hitting the ground, like it was 25 years ago.

And that's the big stuff for this week in the TWIIverse. (Told you it was a quiet week.) As usual, some more daily picks, starting at Wednesday, are below.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3

Though it's been a while since they've been in the spotlight, Fountains of Wayne continue to write winning powerpop about everday minutae. That includes their just-released Sky Full of Holes. Hear songs from that -- as well as probably "Stacy's Mom" and "Radiation Vibe" -- tonight at Bowery Ballroom with Nicole Atkins opening. It's sold out, as is their acoustic show on Friday (8/5) at City Winery.

This week's Summerscreen in McCarren Park is '90s classic Clueless, with the sultry and danceable Zambri opening the show.

Music streaming service Spotify is sponsoring a free show at Mercury Lounge with Suckers and Headless Horseman at Mercury Lounge. First come first served, no RSVP necessary.

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Continue reading "Widowspeak, Big Audio Dynamite, Hoop Dreams, Crinkles, VHS or Beta & more This Week in Indie"

photos by Tim Griffin

Nicole Atkins @ Stubb's

Nicole Atkins plays the free Hudson Square Music and Wine Festival on August 9th as part of an added leg to her previously announced tour. Nicole's new dates also include support slots for Fountains of Wayne on their headlining tour. Her City Winery show is the only recently added show without Fountains of Wayne, though they play a show together at the same venue four days earlier (which is now sold out).

Both Nicole and Fountains of Wayne have other separate tri-state area dates on their tours too. Nicole plays Music Hall of Williamsburg on July 8 with Workout & My Best Fiend, Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ on July 21, and The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ on July 28. Fountains of Wayne play Maxwell's on 7/21 with Mike Violia and Maxwell's on 7/22 with Oranjuly, The Stone Pony on July 23 with Marah (tickets), and Bowery Ballroom on August 3 (tickets). No opener has been announced for the Bowery show, and note that the Maxwell's dates have slightly changed since the original announcement.

Nicole Atkins recently made a video for "My Baby Don't Lie." Check that out along with updated tour dates and pictures from Nicole's Austin show at Stubb's in Austin on June 15 (where she was joined by Robert Harrison for a song), below...

Continue reading "Nicole Atkins played Stubb's Indoor (pics), touring with Fountains of Wayne and playing other dates"

DOWNLOAD: Fountains of Wayne "Song Of The Passaic" (MP3)

Fountains Of Wayne's new album, Sky Full Of Holes, will be released in the US on August 2 by Yep Roc Records, and by Warner Music in Japan (other international release dates coming soon).

Recorded in New York City, Sky Full Of Holes features 13 new songs written and produced by Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger. The album was mixed by John Holbrook, who also worked on Welcome Interstate Managers and Traffic And Weather.

July 23 @ The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ tickets)
July 24 @ Maxwell's, Hoboken, NJ (tickets)
July 25 @ Maxwell's, Hoboken, NJ (tickets)
Aug 3 @ Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY (tickets on sale Friday)
Aug 5 @ City Winery, New York, NY (tickets soon)

And speaking of the band named after a place in NJ who are playing NJ, download "Song Of The Passaic" above. The track off the new Fountains of Wayne album from a project they recorded for NPR last year is in fact a tribute New Jersey's Passaic River. Throw it on a mixtape with some Titus Andronicus, Yo La Tengo and the Wrens.

In the middle of those U.S. dates, Fountains of Wayne will also head to Fuji Rock. The 3-day festival takes place in Niigata, Japan at Naeba Ski Resort (nowhere close to Mt Fuji, its namesake). From July 29th to 31st the festival will host performances from Coldplay, Wilco, Faces (Wood, Jones, McLagan, Matlock, Hucknall- no Rod Stewart), Chemical Brothers, Beach House, Big Audio Dynamite, Best Coast, Wu Lyf, CSS, Four Tet, The Vaccines, Ra Ra Riot, The Kills, Buddy Guy, Cornershop, Atari Teenage Riot, British Sea Power, Battles, Mogwai, Fountains of Wayne and many more which have been announced in five separate groupings so far. The full list is at their site.

Those dates again and some videos below...

Continue reading "Fountains of Wayne releasing 5th LP, playing 5 NJ/NYC shows & Fuji Rock in Japan (initial lineup announced)"

photos courtesy of WireImage/Tommy

Julian Casablancas of The Strokes being stylish

Billed as "A Night To Get Drunk And Celebrate Tom Petty's 60th Birthday!!!", the annual Petty Fest takes place at Bowery Ballroom on 10/28, and it includes essentially the same big group of musicians that keep getting together for these tribute shows to Petty and Dylan. This next one promises appearances from numerous performers including Adam Green (who just showed up at the final Dufus show), Norah Jones (I wonder if she'll sing with Belle and Sebastian at Williamsburg Waterfront tonight), Will Forte & Jason Sudeikis of Saturday Night Live, Nicole Atkins, Nikolai Fraiture, Catherine Pierce, Jesse Malin, Tyson Ritter of the All American Rejects, Reeve & Zane Carney, Jody Porter of Fountains Of Wayne, Sammy James of the Mooney Suzuki, Steve Schiltz of Hurricane Bells & Longwave, Antony Ellis of Five O'Clock Heroes, Mikki James, and Hymns. They wanted to have this in the Varvatos Store but he was booked already that night. I kid. Tickets are on sale for the 18+ show.

Speaking of Nikolai Fraiture, his band The Strokes (whose singer is pictured above) still don't have a new album out and still haven't played a proper NYC show, though they did play one on 9/12 for Tommy Hilfiger during Fashion Week this year.

Scale appeared to be the theme of the entire party, which was equal parts industry corporate, swanky, and of course - this is Tommy we're talking about - preppy. Outside, nearly 40 khaki-clad male models lined the dramatic red carpet, backlit by the designer's bright initials in shifting hues of red, white, and blue set against green grass. Inside, we lost count of the number of rolled-up pants with loafers, kind of like our inability to count the number of celebrities sipping champagne and snacking on lobster rolls: Mark Ruffalo, Ed Westwick, Russel Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons, Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Hendricks, Kelly Osbourne, Jeremy Piven, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lopez.

...By the time The Strokes played their loud-as-hell set including hits "Last Night," "Someday," and "Reptilia," the crowd was ready to dance. Julian was in full form, sliding around in black stretch jeans and white shades, filling the atrium with powerhouse vocals.

A typically reserved crowd of A-list attendees broke out into a spontaneous dance party on the first-floor staircase, like a cross between The Stroke's best-looking fans and J.Crew's latest advertising campaign. After a supremely satisfying set of about eight songs, The Strokes walked off, thanking the crowd. -[Elle]

Continue reading "Petty Fest 2010 includes that same big group of artists, members of the Strokes (who played a fashion week show)"

Blondie is playing Nokia Theatre on August 31st. Tickets are on sale at noon.

Tickets are on sale for the Tom Tom Club show at Santos Party House.

Fountains of Wayne play Bowery Ballroom on October 7th. Tickets are on sale at noon.

Tickets are on sale at noon for the Gaslight Anthem show at Radio City Music Hall.

Tickets are on AmEx presale for The Avett Brothers show at Radio City Music Hall. They go on general sale Saturday at 11am.

Tickets are on sale at noon for the Frightened Rabbit show at Terminal 5.

Tickets are on sale at noon for High On Fire at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Interpol at Wellmont Theatre. Interpol's NYC show doesn't go on sale until next week.

Tickets are on sale at noon for the "All Hearts Tour feat Robyn & Kelis with Dan Black & Far East Movement" show that was added at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Tickets are still on AmEx presale for the recently added Arcade Fire & Spoon show at Madison Square Garden. They go on general sale Saturday at 9am.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Wild Nothing & Blank Dogs at Bowery Ballroom.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin & Telekinesis are playing Bowery Ballroom on September 8th. Tickets go on sale at noon.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Slash's show at Terminal 5.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Jamie Lidell at Webster Hall.

Tickets are on sale at noon for Stars at Terminal 5.

Tickets are on sale at noon for the Best Coast / Male Bonding shows at Bowery Ballroom and Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Dark Star Orchestra are playing Nokia Theatre on October 2nd. Tickets are on sale at noon.

Tickets are on sale at noon for for the Morning Benders show at Webster Hall.

Tickets go on sale at noon for AA Bondy's upcoming show at Bowery Ballroom.

Tickets are on sale for the two Mystery Jets shows at Mercury Lounge.

Shilpa Ray and Frankie Rose (and their bands) share a bill at Brooklyn Bowl on August 5th. Tickets are on sale.

Tickets are on sale for Holly Miranda at Littlefield.

Tickets are on sale for Sleep at Brooklyn Masonic Temple.

Alex Chilton @ Hoboken Arts & Music Fest 2009

This year's Hoboken Arts & Music Festival will happen on Sunday, May 2nd, 11am to 6pm, on Washington Street (b/w Observer Highway and 7th St). The musical offerings include pop-rock hit-makers Fountains of Wayne (who play a sold-out show at Maxwell's the night before), songwriter Freedy Johnston, NJ roadhouse blues The Doughboys and others plus "over 300 artists, sculptors, photographers and craftspeople."

Last year's fest featured members of The Feelies (who are playing July 4th weekend shows in Hoboken) and '60s group The Box Tops (Alex Chilton RIP).

More info with the current music lineup, and videos from last year, below...

Continue reading "Hoboken Arts & Music Fest 2010 lineup includes Fountains of Wayne & Freedy Johnston (the Box Tops played last year)"

Fountains of Wayne play the Bell House on Sept 15. Tickets are on sale.

by Ryan Barkan

Advertising agencies make lots of online commercials. You know, spots made not for television, but with the hope the brand's message will spread virally on the net in an organic way. Though lots of them never catch steam like a rickroll, the new Guitar Hero World Tour "Bike Hero" video has already been watched over one million times. The creative takes The Living End's "Prisoner of Society" and turns it into a live action, first person bike ride through the song's playable level in GHWT. It's a pretty cool idea with amazing execution and a slight bit of computer magic. Watch the video below.

Other Notable Licensing News:

Bishop Allen played two shows in NYC over the weekend. They are a band that has benefited from some key licensing placements in the last year. The band appeared and performed in the recent Michael Sera movie, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Watch the scene below. The song they performed, "Middle Management", was also on the soundtrack and used in the film's trailer. They were also used in a commercial for Sony digital cameras late last year - watch the spot here.

Crayola goes indie-cool this holiday season with Dan Deacon and Lightspeed Champion songs in the campaign for the new Glow Station (via Pitchfork). Watch the spots below.

The new holiday commercial from LL Bean features "Valley Winter Song" by Fountains Of Wayne.

Danish band The Blue Van rock the soundtrack to the new Samsung Behold commercial. Watch below.

While enjoying college football on Saturday, I heard Nick Drake's "Place To Be" used in a promo spot for Michigan State. That video is below too.

I have a bunch of friends that can not get enough of the show Top Chef. Some of those friends are also crazy for the Foo Fighters (editor's note: with friends like that who needs enemies? JUST KIDDING. Actually that doesn't even make sense...). Those friends will be in heaven when TC goes "Foo Fighters Thanksgiving" this upcoming November 26th. The episode taped during a tour stop in Rochester, NY; the band will guest judge the few remaining contestants. Apparently, TC is Dave Grohl's favorite show.

You may have heard A-Ha's classic jam "Take On Me" before. It is/was a popular song and video. So popular, A.C. Newman is going to cover it for an upcoming Valentine's Day compilation for Starbucks. Even more so, you can take it on karaoke-style in the new video game by Microsoft, LIPS. The pretty clever commercial for the game uses the song as well. Watch it below.

The game's soundtrack also includes songs by The Police, Coldplay, Duffy, The Cure, Peter, Bjorn, & John, Radiohead, and more.

Nintendo DS and Wii players can now get their skateboard on while on the go with the release of EA's Skate It. The soundtrack contains tracks by Cut Chemist, Fujiya & Miyagi, Judas Priest, The Clash, Sly & the Family Stone, and more.

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Continue reading "This week in Music Licensing "

Nada Surf @ Frank Bango benefit - Aug 26, 2008 (more by Chris La Putt)

The most caring band in the world, Nada Surf, will play another acoustic show with members of Fountains of Wayne and others in order to benefit the ailing NY singer-songwriter Kelly Buchanan at Knitting Factory in NYC on September 10th. Tickets are on sale. Flyer and more details below...

Continue reading "a benefit for Kelly Buchanan w/ Nada Surf, Fountains of Wayne & others @ Knitting Factory"

by Klaus Kinski

I just had a gander at the UCB NY schedule and got super-pumped by a recurring February show called Ben Karlin Presents: Things I’ve Learned From Women Who’ve Dumped Me...LIVE!. The show will happen once a week, has an ever-changing line-up of comedians and special guests, and will feature live music by FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE. From the site:

"Things I’ve Learned From Women Who’ve Dumped Me...LIVE!” is an hour-long comedy show on the subject of failed relationships and the shit we endure to make them work even when God himself tells us they won’t. Sprung from the book of the same name – an anthology of essays and short humor pieces by men, edited by Ben Karlin (The Daily Show w/Jon Stewart) – the live show will feature a blend of read and performed pieces from the book, stand-up comedy, live music, special guests and other material wrapped around the theme of relationships gone bad.

BUT FIRST: Check out the new UCBCOMEDY.COM....

Original comedy from the twisted minds of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre’s best improv, sketch and stand up comedians. Funny, F’d Up and Illegal videos, podcasts, jokes and other content from the largest humor community in the world.

Continue reading "Ben Karlin Presents, Fountains of Wayne, UCBcomedy.com"