Field Music didn't make it, but there was a special reunion set by Pulsars, followed by the super duper Wye Oak who played before special guest Rumours last night at The Bell House in Brooklyn (12/3).

As advertised (at the last minute anyway), Rumours was a Fleetwood Mac cover band. Cover song experts Loser's Lounge made up the band and a rotating cast of singers came to the stage to play individual tunes. Those vocalists included Dave Hill dueting with Erika from Au Revoir Simone, Will Sheff dueting with Beth Wawerna, Matthew Caws, Britta, Sharon Van Etten, Wye Oak, and many more. The show was in honor of Bell House booker Skippy. Well, it was his birthday party, and he even came out to help perform "I Don't Wanna Know" with Mia Riddle. The full setlist (which did not include AC Newman or Eugene Mirman - both must be out of town) with a couple of videos below...

Continue reading "Rumours (indie all-star Fleetwood Mac band) played the Bell House w/ Wye Oak & Pulsars - video & setlist"

photos by Erez Avissar

The Shaky Hands

Tickets went on sale today for a January 16th Takka Takka / La Strada / Frances show at Mercury Lounge. Wednesday night (12/2), Takka shared a bill with tour-mates US Royalty and The Shaky Hands at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn show was actually kicked off by Josh Wise from French Kicks who played a solo set (Josh made another appearance this week as part of Rumours last night at The Bell House). Josh was followed by an energetic set by US Royalty who were followed by Takka Takka's new lineup which led up to the headliners of the evening. More pictures from the show below...

Continue reading "The Shaky Hands & US Royalty played Knitting Factory in Brooklyn w/ Takka Takka - pics & new show on sale"

DOWNLOAD: Shut Up, American Boy (Ting Tings vs Estelle/Kanye) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Hot Doesn't Run On Cold (Katy Perry vs the Thermals) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: So Blue (Slim of 112 vs Gang Gang Dance) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Lump Sum Of Paris (Bon Iver vs Friendly Fires & Aeroplane) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: A Song For Ice Cream Girls (Wale vs Parenthetical Girls) (MP3)

The Hood Internet, best known for their clever mashups (some of which you can download above), are in town... Get Him Eat Him and Kleenex Girl Wonder play Union Hall tonight (2/21). French Kicks are at the Bell House. Then, after both, The Hood Internet are DJing the combined afterparty, which is also at the Bell House.

BSS fans @ Lollapalooza 2008 (more by Bao Nguyen)

Although Broken Social Scene's next advertised NYC show isn't until October 24th, they will be playing one in the city for NYU students on September 4th with French Kicks and Pattern is Movement. You can also catch French Kicks at Bowery Ballroom with Passion Pit on September 24th. Pattern is Movement's next public NYC show is October 4th.

DOWNLOAD: Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (MP3)

Passion Pit

Passion Pit play their third of three Pianos residency shows tonight (aug 27). It looks like it is sold out, but maybe if you get there early enough you can get in at the door. Kristoffer Ragnstam goes on at 8:00. Gates of Heaven (Graham Smith and Zachary Mexico) are at 9:00. Last week was sold out and packed. Bill (much to many's dismay) pointed that out about the first week too. Also, Bring earplugs (if you're not afraid to wear them). It was very loud (but good).

Can't make it tonight? No worries. I don't think Passion Pit will be strangers to NYC for the next year. Tickets are now on sale for a Passion Pit / French Kicks double bill at Bowery Ballroom on September 24th. All dates below...

Continue reading "Passion Pit - 2008 Tour Dates (Bowery w/ French Kicks)"

DOWNLOAD: French Kicks - Also Ran (MP3)

Frightened Rabbit's new album "MIDNIGHT ORGAN FIGHT" is out digitally today (April 15). Taxes are due today. French Kicks play Mercury Lounge in NYC today (they also have a new album out). French Kicks and Frightened Rabbit are touring together in May and June. Plus both bands are playing a lot of shows without each other too.

All dates below....

Continue reading "French Kicks & Frightened Rabbit - Tour Dates, new albums"

French Kicks are playing a "sold out" free show at Fontana's in NYC tonight (Feb 18), and the following other shows...

Continue reading "French Kicks, tonight, free shows, tour dates"