"Too Fake" might sum it up

There's no doubt that the Capitol/Virgin-signed Portland, Oregon band Hockey have some catchy songs, but my current take on the self-described "New Wave / Soul" group is undecided, but leaning towards..."too fake"?.

"Too Fake" is actually the name of the first, LCD Soundsystem-biting, track streaming on their MySpace. It's also the name their 7-inch single being released on March 2nd. In September, they received the honor of the Guardian's Band of the Day...

Too Fake presents Hockey's funky verbosity in all its glory, all hi-hat and harangues, forming an arresting statement of intent that sees the frontman declare in no uncertain terms, "I've got too much soul for you and it's breaking my heart in two!", 3am Spanish is a tumble of narcotic imagery and nagging hooks, like Mink De Ville had they spent longer at Studio 54 than CBGBs. Curse This City isn't miles removed from Primal Scream when they do funky while Work, possibly the best track, recalls the Stones when they went disco circa Miss You, and Preacher, like much of Mind Chaos, is maddeningly infectious. Song Away, one of many potential singles on the album, is almost too memorable - you can imagine radio going mad for this song about songs, with its references to "Roxy Music" and "80s grooves", and driving you mad next summer.

What are they like live? I know they were here for CMJ. Did you catch them? Regardless, they are back to play, not one or two, but FOUR NYC shows in the next four days.

The first is tonight, Wednesay January 21st, at Union Hall in Brooklyn. They play on what is actually an interesting three-band bill that's rounded out by Oklahoma's Colourmusic and Oregon's David Karsten Daniels who just finished some dates with Frightened Rabbit.

NYC show #2 is Thursday at Santos Party House. They share that bill with Cale Parks of Aloha and now-solo-on-Polyvinly Records fame.

The third one is Friday at Mercury Lounge. Futurecop!, Hey Willpower, and Theophilus London are also on that bill.

Last but not least, number four is at Pianos on Saturday. At that one they go on right before (Olga) BELL

All dates below...

Continue reading "Hockey play 4 NYC shows starting today, 2009 Tour Dates "

Gowanus goes Green fest @ The Yard - June 1, 2008 (rsguskind)

South Street Seaport - Friday May 30, 2008 (more by Jason Bergman)

people playing David Byrne's building - June 1, 2008 (leesean)

tonight in NYC & NJ
* Jerry Seinfeld @ MSG
* Hey Willpower & others @ Glasslands
* The Black Lips & Gringo Star @ Maxwell's
* What Made Milwaukee Famous @ Mercury Lounge
* Rilo Kiley, Nik Freitas & Thao Nguyen @ Terminal 5

Did you know that the Jerry Seinfeld show at MSG tonight is for the same cause as the upcoming Brian Wilson show at Hammerstein Ballroom? Did you know Brian Wilson has a new album coming out?

Did you know that Will of Hey Willpower was/is in Imperial Teen? (Glasslands tonight)

Did you know that Nik Freitas has a new record out on Team Love? (he's on tour w/ Rilo Kiley) (Terminal 5 tonight)

Did you know it was Schlitz beer that made Milwaukee famous? (....to answer the question of the band playing Mercury Lounge tonight....or it a statement...or just a reference to a Glenn Sutton / Jerry Lee Lewis song?)

(Did you know that..) Die! Die! Die! opened the Wire show at South Street Seaport. unARTigNYC made a video. (below)

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Monday?"

JD Samson and Johanna Fateman, of Le Tigre, have joined forces for their new project MEN. Continuing their reputation as electronic provocateurs that never sacrifice the intelligence or the fun, the duo will take over dance floors coast to coast.....Along with their genre-defying dj sets, MEN are also working on some new tracks to release this year.

Men are playing with Hey Willpower at Union Pool in Brooklyn tonight (March 6, 2008). More tour dates including SXSW and an appearance at the BrooklynVegan day party at Emo's Annex on March 13th during SXSW, below.....

Continue reading "MEN (Le Tigre) & Hey Willpower - 2008 Tour Dates (tonight)"