In addition to making music, Quintron & Miss Pussycat are filmmakers as well, their most recent work is The Mystery in Old Bathbath, which is the latest adventure for puppet pals Trixie and the Treetrunks. Here's the synopsis:

Something is wrong with the Happy Tree! For some reason, he can't send out secret messages anymore. Trixie and Marsha set off to an ancient spa town to find a cure before all his branches fall off. But this town is kind of funny and the historic Art Museum of Bathbath seems to have some secrets of it's own. And so does the drummer JJ Suede... Adventure unfolds as Trixie and Marsha try to save the Happy Tree and look at art made by thirsty people.

Continue reading "Quintron & Miss Pussycat touring, showing their new puppet movie too (dates)"

photos by Luis Ruiz; words by Andrew Frisicano

The Magic Band / Thee Oh Sees / the facilities, ATP NY 9/232012

The books have closed on ATP NY 2012, the series's first excursion into the five boroughs, which replaced the getaway-style retreat of the previous four NYC-area events. Music festivals in the city are notoriously tricky propositions, and the way that this one played out has been less than smooth. The location was announced as Asbury Park, NJ, then changed to Manhattan, and anyone who looks back at the initial lineup will not only find that fest didn't really add many more significant bands, but that a number of acts dropped off completely (Louis C.K., Reigning Sound, Sharon Van Etten, Death Grips, Factory Floor, Chavez). Through it all, the tickets remained $199 for the weekend and $60/$75 per day. The whole situation seems closely related to the company's recently reported financial difficulties. For music fans enamored with ATP NY's past iterations, the whole set up required a different set of expectations.

Once it was up and running, the festival experience was exceedingly smooth and comfortable. The weather cooperated and the stages, minus a few brief technical hiccups, sounded great (the FDR over the outside stage didn't make a peep, aside from the occasional passing police siren).

Friday night brought the biggest names, with Frank Ocean and Philip Glass topping the bill. For me, that was the most unique match up of the fest, though hardly its only exclusive pairing. Other acts exclusive whose only area show this year was ATP, included the Dirty Three, who raged in their Saturday afternoon slot, and R&B-punk quartet the Make-Up, who tore up the indoor stage Sunday night. (Warren Ellis and Ian Svenonius vied for the title of best frontman, bringing wild yelps and James Brown-esque leg kicks, respectively.)

JEFF the Brotherhood turned out one of the best sets I've ever seen them play (often it seems the band is hampered by shoddy sound, despite only having two instruments). For them, the outdoor stage filled with billowing smoke and trippy laser lights. Afterwards, Jose Gonzalez took the same space, plucking his acoustic amid the impressive surroundings. He finished right before a downpour.

On Sunday, the psychedelic blues of Captain Beefheart's group, The Magic Band, wowed on the same stage, followed by the always sturdy Thee Oh Sees. who played to a raucous crowd at The Well the night before with Ty Segall.) By Sunday night, the festival did have a bit of a ghost town feel, with Hot Snakes closing out the outdoor stage and Godspeed You! Black Emperor playing a crushing set indoors.

Definiltey, the fest could have used a few more hip-hop acts (especially considering curator Greg Dulli's love of the genre). As it was, not counting Edan who DJ'd on Friday and perhaps Frank Ocean, the Roots were the closest thing on the lineup to representing the genre (Run DMC would have been a dream addition). Overall this year seemed less about dream lineups/reunions and more about getting its footing in Manhattan with a solid, more-modest three days.

More photos from Sunday are below, including pictures of Braids, Endless Boogie, The Psychic Paramount, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Tall Firs and The Album Leaf, with another set from Sunday still to come. Friday photos are here. As for Saturday... the dog ate them? We do have the Afghan Whigs ATP setlist below, however.

Continue reading "ATP NYC in review; Day 3 pics (part 1) ----- Thee Oh Sees, Album Leaf, Magic Band, Psychic Paramount + more"

The Greg Dulli-curated ATP NY is this weekend (9/21 - 9/23) and organizers just released the schedule which you can check out below. Music (and comedy on Friday) happens on two stages with films, talks and bingo taking place on the Queen of Hearts boat which is docked just nearby. If you're wondering, Frank Ocean is at 11:45 PM on Friday. Also, Chavez dropped and and have been replaced by JEFF the Brotherhood (Sat. 9/22 7 PM).

Tickets are still available to all three days which can be gotten online or at Other Music. Peruse the full schedule below, perhaps while listening to the ATP mixtape that Greg Dulli made for us.

Continue reading "ATP NY 2012: full schedule"

That didn't take long. Last night we posted it as a rumor. Today it is confirmed (removal of Louis CK included):

ATP Concerts today announce the relocation of this September's New Jersey based I'll Be Your Mirror festival event to Pier 36 in Manhattan, New York.

Pier 36 was the intended home for I'll Be Your Mirror beginning in 2013 - but due to unavoidable logistical concerns (along with a lack of available fan accommodations in Asbury Park), ATP has decided to move there for this year's event.

New additions to the festival today include: Philip Glass & Tyondai Braxton, Janeane Garofalo, Lightning Bolt, Lee Ranaldo, Chavez, Kurt Braunohler, Afterhours, Joseph Arthur, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Album Leaf, The Psychic Paramount, Braids, Tall Firs, Blanck Mass, Endless Boogie, Demdike Stare and DJ Jonathan Toubin with more to be added to all three days - see below for more info on the new additions...

Some artists who are unable to play the new location - the following statement comes from Louis CK's management:

"Louis CK who was originally scheduled for the Asbury Park event will not be performing at ATP in Manhattan due to scheduling conflicts. Check louisck.com for info about his tour schedule."

Sharon Van Etten, Reigning Sound and Factory Floor will also not be available to perform. All other previously announced artists will perform as originally scheduled.

"We hope that the new venue will make for an incredible event and open up many other accommodation options to fans who were unable to find rooms in Asbury Park," comments ATP's Barry Hogan. "We sincerely apologise to those inconvenienced by the move and hope that any problems caused may be minimised by the relatively small distance between the two locations. Anyone who is unable to attend due to the move or due to the cancellation of Louis CK can claim a full refund by contacting their ticket agent between now and July 31st."

Pier 36 is a new indoor venue sitting on the edge of the East River between the Manhattan & Williamsburg Bridges - it's outside area boasts glorious views of Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty.

The Saturday night of this year's festival will be headlined by The Afghan Whigs (who have reunited after a 13 year hiatus) and curated by their frontman Greg Dulli, with ATP curating the Friday and Sunday nights.

Tickets are on sale now via ATPfestival.com priced at $199 for the Weekend, with Day Passes also newly available priced at $60 for Friday & $75 for Saturday/Sunday.

Full information on the additions to all three days of the line-up...

Friday will feature both music and comedy - we can now announce a musical headliner for Friday, as esteemed composer PHILIP GLASS teams up with TYONDAI BRAXTON (former Battles frontman) for a completely unprecedented live collaboration. Other stellar additions to the day's musical line-up are LIGHTNING BOLT - one of the world's most unmissable live acts, and LEE RANALDO of Sonic Youth. Joining the Friday on the Comedy stage is none other than standup/actress JANEANE GAROFALO, newcomer KURT BRAUNOHLER, with more to be confirmed. Friday tickets cost $60.

Saturday, headlined by THE AFGHAN WHIGS and featuring a stellar list of artists chosen by the Whigs' frontman Greg Dulli, has three new artists. First up are alternative rock band CHAVEZ, who returned to the live arena in the last few years to much acclaim, and they're joined by Italy's AFTERHOURS (past collaborators with Greg Dulli) and Ohio based singer/songwriter JOSEPH ARTHUR. They join the previously announced Saturday line-up of The Afghan Whigs, The Roots, José González, Mark Lanegan Band, Dirty Three, The Antlers, The Dirtbombs, Scrawl, Emeralds, Vetiver, Charles Bradley And The Extraordinaires and DJ Questlove with more to be confirmed. Tickets for this day cost $75.

Sunday will be headlined by one of the incomparable live shows from legendary Canadian post-rock pioneers GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR. Also newly confirmed are Canada's fantastic BRAIDS, Britain's DEMDIKE STARE and BLANCK MASS (feat Benjamin Power of F**k Buttons), intense New York post-rock from THE PSYCHIC PARAMOUNT, a return ATP performance from THE ALBUM LEAF, cult rock quartet ENDLESS BOOGIE, alt folk duo TALL FIRS, and DJ JONATHAN TOUBIN. They join the previously announced Sunday line-up of The Make-Up, Hot Snakes, The Magic Band, Autolux, Thee Oh Sees, I Break Horses and Quintron And Miss Pussycat (moving to this day from Saturday) with more to be confirmed. Sunday tickets cost $75.

As well as the live music line-up and comedy on the Friday, our friends at The Criterion Collection will return to run the Cinema across the weekend. All three days feature DJs and other activities to be confirmed in the months ahead. Each day runs from noon-midnight.

Continue reading "confirmed: ATP moves from Asbury Park to NYC, adds artists"

As mentioned, Dent May, who was just in NYC over the weekend for a show at 285 Kent (how was that?), will be kicking off a tour next month in support of his new album, Do Things (out June 12 via Paw tracks). When we first announced that tour it didn't include any NYC dates, but after playing 285 Kent, he's added shows at Mercury Lounge on July 20 and Glasslands on July 21. Most dates on the tour are with Quintron & Miss Pussycat, though no other acts have been announced for the NYC shows at this point. Tickets to the Mercury Lounge show go on sale Friday (5/25) at noon with an AmEx presale starting Wednesday (5/23) at noon and tickets to the Glasslands show are on sale now.

Grab an MP3 of Do Things single, "Best Friend," HERE, and watch its video along with a list of all dates below...

Continue reading "Dent May adds 2 NYC shows to summer tour (updated dates)"

by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: Dent May - Best Friend (MP3)

Dent May

Dent May's new album, Do Things, is out June 12 via Paw Tracks, and those expecting more of his magnificent ukulele may be in for a surprise. Having traded his signature instrument for synthesizers, drum machines and electric guitar, Do Things sounds like May has spent the time between albums listening to that Orange Juice box set and his baritone croon works well with his new, funkier sound. You can download the very OJ-ish single "Best Friend" at the top of this post and watch the video for it below.

Dent plays 285 Kent tonight (5/18), the last date of a short East Coast tour, and shares the bill with Family Portrait, The Babies, William Tyler and Ducktails on DJ duties. He then takes a month off before launching an extensive North American tour with Quintron and Miss Pussycat that will not hit the East Coast unfortunately. All Dent May tour dates are listed below.

While we're on Kent Ave, right next door at Glasslands tonight (5/18) is Big Troubles who have taken most of 2012 off. They play with The Hairs and Punks on Mars. Tickets for tonight's show are still available.

Punks on Mars are signed to Zoo Music, the label run by Dee Dee of Dum Dum Girls and Brandon of Crocodiles. They just released their new 7" EP, Hey Tiffany, and it's got a compressed early-'80s new wave feel to it. Fans of Cleaner from Venus, Chris Stamey-era dB's or even Ariel Pink might want to take a listen -- you can stream the whole thing at the bottom of this post.

That stream, along with the Dent May video, and a list of all dates below...

Continue reading "Dent May releasing new LP (MP3) playing 285 Kent tonight; Punks on Mars have a new EP, playing Glasslands tonight"

The indirectly-yet-directly Grammy-nominated Quintron & Miss Pussycat, the musical husband-wife duo, will hit the road for an extensive set of tour dates. The band, who cancelled their last tour, and are still basking in the glory of their Sucre Du Sauvage LP, will kick off their three-month tour in Atlanta at The Earl, before heading North to play two NYC shows: at 285 Kent on 4/28 with Bosco Delrey, Cellular Chaos, DJ Musa and Glittering Prizes, and Mercury Lounge on 4/29 with The K-Holes, Josh Dust (of White Fence), DJ Tony Lo-Fi. Tickets are on sale for Mercury Lounge. They also play ATP I'll Be Your Mirror in Asbury Park, NJ. All tour dates and a video below.

Continue reading "Quintron & Miss Pussycat going on a 3-month tour (dates)"

They say:

ATP are very pleased to confirm our return to Asbury Park, New Jersey USA with a new I'll Be Your Mirror event, the Saturday night of which will be headlined by The Afghan Whigs (who have reunited after a 13 year hiatus) and curated by their frontman Greg Dulli. Formed in 1986, the bands career from then until 2001 saw them release six critically acclaimed albums during their career. Fusing classic rock with grunge-era distortion and a heavy soul influence, The Afghan Whigs were one of the most renowned live bands of their time and ATP is excited to be a part of this long awaited reformation.

We are also very excited to present Grammy Award winner LOUIS C.K. (handpicked by Greg Dulli) who will be making a rare festival appearance, the fantastic THE ROOTS, JOSE GONZALEZ, a show from the reformed THE MAKE-UP and many others, see below for full line-up confirmed so far.

After previous years in upstate New York, ATP moved to the iconic Asbury Park waterfront in 2011 for a hugely successful I'll Be Your Mirror event co-curated and headlined by Portishead, and we are very happy to return to this very special location in September. The Convention Hall has seen the likes of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Rolling Stones grace its stage and the Paramount Theatre has welcomed stars such as Tony Bennett who often insists on playing a song with all the electrics turned off to demonstrate the amazing acoustics of the room. Once again the ATP experience will be taking over the boardwalk, with the main shows taking place at the Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre, and other events happening at the Berkeley hotel (former home of Johnny Cash).

As well as the live music line-up of 35+ acts across the weekend, Friday will feature a Comedy stage, and we're very pleased to announce that our friends at The Criterion Collection will return to run the Cinema across the weekend. All three days feature DJs and other activities to be confirmed in the months ahead. Performances take place indoors with great soundsystems, so you have no need to worry about the weather, and Asbury Park is easily accessible via public transport from nearby cities.

Continue reading "ATP I'll Be Your Mirror NJ -- initial 2012 lineup (Louis CK, Make-Up, Mark Lanegan, Dirty Three, Hot Snakes, Antlers, Roots, more!)"

Quintron and Miss Pussycat @ DbA in 2010 (more by Leia Jospe)

"Due to situations beyond their control involving a family emergency at home, Quintron and Miss Pussycat have been forced to cancel their upcoming North American tour dates, beginning with their May 23rd show in Savannah, GA (the band will be performing the first two shows scheduled in Birmingham and Atlanta).

Quintron and Miss Pussycat would like to thank everyone who has supported their new album, "Sucre Du Sauvage," especially the individuals at Goner Records, and hope to be able to reschedule all dates as soon as possible.

We thank you for your patience and understanding, and hope to be able to provide more information shortly."

All cancelled dates are listed below...

Continue reading "Quintron and Miss Pussycat cancel giant tour"

Bruise Cruise (more photos by Gabi Porter)

The Soft Pack, who will in fact be the surprise guest at both of the upcoming free Vice shows (that the band curated) in Costa Mesa and San Diego, are among those just announced on the lineup of Bruise Cruise II. The drunken "3 day tropical rock n roll vacation" opportunity will return in 2012 and is even already on sale!

BRUISE CRUISE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ITS SECOND YEAR!
FEBRUARY 10-13, 2012
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
THREE DAY TROPICAL ROCK 'N' ROLL CRUISE VACATION
SAILING FROM MIAMI TO THE BAHAMAS AND BACK

FEATURING KING KHAN & THE SHRINES, THE SOFT PACK, THE DIRTBOMBS, THEE OH SEES, QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT, NEIL HAMBURGER AND DJ MR. JONATHAN TOUBIN WITH MORE ACTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

After a successful first year, Bruise Cruise Festival is back for round two. This year's lineup will feature an even crazier spectacle of today's best rock 'n' roll talent, including King Khan & The Shrines, The Soft Pack, The Dirtbombs, and America's funnyman Neil Hamburger. Coming back for another blast of sun-soaked fun will be Bruise Cruise favorites Thee Oh Sees, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, and New York's infamous soul DJ, Mr. Jonathan Toubin.

Continue reading "Bruise Cruise announces its return & lineup, The Soft Pack also playing free CA shows, Quintron & Miss Pussycat touring"

words & photos by Gabi Porter

If you're just joining us, start with PART ONE before continuing on....

Saturday morning we all woke up in the Bahamas, hit the buffet and the pool before the next show, fueling up for a day on the beach and a night at Senor Frogs. Situated on deck chairs with coconuts in hand, two pro-surfers were up-and-at-em bright and early. Alek Parker and Dylan Graves were there to judge Jonathan Toubin's late-night Soul Clap party, along with John Norris, Ben Blackwell from the Dirtbombs and others. Parker and Graves set the tone and brought the party - and their bathrobes - to the Lido Deck.

The Vivian Girls held court poolside and Kickball Katy (aka Katy Goodman aka La Sera who plays NYC shows with Tennis this week) won the hearts and lots of hugs from all the kids on board. In their set on Saturday at Senor Frogs they sounded more confident and melodious than I'd ever seen them before, finally growing into their echo chamber garage sound, or maybe it was the fruity "yard long" drinks their biggest fan (seriously, he had a different Vivian Girls t-shirt for every day of the cruise) bought for each of them before the show. Watch out for a cameo from them in the forthcoming Black Lips video.

New Orleans based Quintron and Miss Pussycat closed out the Bruise Cruise with their psychedelic organ fest. Miss Pussycat brought along her absolutely delightful puppet show for that morning's "Pancakes and Puppets" breakfast. I didn't see enough of The Strange Boys - if they'd played just one more set I suspect they might have been my faves, but at least that means I have something to look forward to the next time they play New York. They were on the bill at Senor Frogs and I loved their jangly guitars, open sound and the tight and twisted vocals from Ryan Sambol. And ditto for Miami youngsters The Jacuzzi Boys who were loved by many, including John Dwyer from Thee Oh Sees. After all the bands had finished playing at Senor Frogs on Saturday, Dwyer grabbed his beer and said he was off to tell The Jacuzzi Boys "they were the best thing [he'd] seen at this thing."

Ty Segall's one short set on Saturday before Thee Oh Sees wasn't enough - Ty Segall opened the festival on board the ship that day and played a restrained and somewhat shy set behind his curtain of hair. Someone commented that if they work on their stage presence one day they might grow up to be like Thee Oh Sees.

Everyone was curious how the Bruisers (aka the people there for the bands) would get along with the "normal' cruisers (who were also on the same ship) (Bruisers were given wristbands so the cruise staff knew they were allowed in the shows), and I'd like to think that we brought a little something-something to people's normal, regular vacation. Poolside at a photo shoot with Turbo Fruits (see above) one very nice lady asked me, completely unperturbed about the quadruple cannonball photo-op that splashed everyone, "Is that one of the bands on the Bruise Cruise?" I told her it was Turbo Fruits. "Oh, I've never heard of them," she said a little sadly, then she looked at the bright side, "But at least now I can tell people I saw them!"

You already saw one set of pictures. The rest of the pictures from the Bruise Cruise continue below...

Continue reading "the Bruise Cruise in pics & review (part 2)"

by BBG

DOWNLOAD: Quintron - "Elevator" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Quintron - "Face Down in The Gutter" (MP3)

Quintron & Miss Pussycat (more by Leia Jospe)

Studios are for suckers. From January 29th through May 2nd of last year, Quintron could be found at the New Orleans Museum of Art recording the new LP Sucre Du Sauvage. Quintron used the Museum to its full advantage, walking the grounds to make field recordings of wildlife, riffing in front of patrons and even roping some in for backing vocals, hand claps and other duties. When the time came to close up shop at NOMA, the record was finished and nothing was added/changed outisde of the original recordings. Check out two tracks from the record, "Elevator" and "Face Down in The Gutter", available for download above/streaming below and look for the album on April 12th via Goner Records.

So far Quintron & Miss Pussycat have no NYC dates scheduled for the near future, but the pair can be found on the now sold-out Bruise Cruise which departs from Miami on February 25th. Miss Pussycat recently made a promo video for the Bruise Cruise, and you can check that video out alongside all tour dates below. On and Quintron has promised, "Full Summer Tour with Wizzard Sleeve, Cave, and Jeff the Brotherhood Coming Soon!"

In related news, many of the participants of Bruise Cruise are touring and hitting NYC as well. Black Lips/Vivian Girls are going on the road together. Ty Segall is playing NYC twice. Surfer Blood is playing NYC and touring with Trail of Dead (though they aren't playing TOD's record release party at Littlefield).

Song streams, tour dates, and a video is below.

Continue reading "Quintron releasing 'Sucre Du Sauvage' (MP3s), playing w/ Miss Pussycat on Bruise Cruise (which is now sold out)"

DOWNLOAD: Surfer Blood - Take it Easy (Red Wax Session) (MP3)

Surfer Blood recording the above track (more by Diana Wong)

"On October 21st, 2010, Insound & Maker's Mark hosted an artist lounge & recording session at Stratosphere Sound in New York City, the likes of which has never been done before. Grammy winning engineer Geoff Sanoff (Nada Surf, Secret Machines, A Camp) took on the insane task of recording eight of indie music's most talked about new bands in eight hours, and the results are nothing but stellar." [Insound]

And speaking of Surfer Blood, they've been added to Bruise Cruise...

Bruise Cruise is a rock 'n' roll music festival aboard the Carnival Imagination, sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas and back February 25-28, 2011. Tickets are on sale now for this exclusive and all-inclusive Caribbean getaway.

Bruise Cruise is pleased to announce West Palm Beach's SURFER BLOOD on the festival line-up. Their "floating vibes" are a welcome addition to the Bruise Cruise party barge as it sails from Miami to the Bahamas over the course of 3 days filled with sun, rock'n'roll and relaxation. SURFER BLOOD recently completed a US tour with The Drums and are preparing for an upcoming European tour with Interpol.

Just a reminder that Bruise Cruise is also excited to announce the launch of Bruise Cruise Records. BCR will be releasing a series of limited edition vinyl. Each performing artist will be featured on one side of a 7" vinyl release over the next few months. The first record will be distributed in the first week of November featuring un-released songs from Ty Segall and Thee Oh Sees. The 7"s will feature artwork by Rob Corradetti [www.radrox.com].

Every Bruiser will receive at least one complimentary record. As the sailing date nears, Bruise Cruise will be gifting the entire box set through a variety of contests that will be announced on our site.
In the midst of attendees' three days at sea, Bruisers will have the pleasure of soaking up the sun experiencing 24 hours in the Bahamas. Bruise Cruise will be announcing a series of events that will occur in Nassau, including the big island party concert at Señor Frog's, which will feature select Bruise Cruise artists and conclude with New York Night Train's Soul Clap and Dance-Off.

Continue reading "Insound releasing free Red Wax Sessions (MP3) w/ Surfer Blood who are playing Bruise Cruise (lineup)"

photos by Leia Jospe

JEFF @ DBA

Miss Pussycat @ DBA

JEFF The Brotherood and Quintron & Miss Pussycat are on tour and made stops at Death By Audio (Friday), Asbury Lanes (Saturday) and Santos Party House (Sunday). NYC Taper was at the Sunday show and posted the JEFF audio...

"The show began with an extended solo by Jake and a dramatic entrance by Jamin to begin the the first number. Midway through the too-short set, Jake took a leap from the stage to the bar and worked his way briefly along the bar. Later, he would work through the crowd from front to back while performing the outstanding extended jam to end the set. These antics did not detract from the show, but rather enhanced the two-brothers-just-playing-rock-and-having-fun vibe that permeates JEFF's live performances."

Continue reading "JEFF the Brotherhood played DBA & Santos w/ Quintron & Miss Pussycat (pics, video, live recording), playing a Pool Party?"

by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: Miracles of Modern Science - I Found Space (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Jacuzzi Boys - Bricks or Coconuts (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: The Aerosols - China (AAC)

The Phenomenal Handclap Band

We'll start this week with a contest. The Phenomenal Handclap Band play Music Hall of Williamsburg this Saturday (6/12) and if you'd like to win a pair of tickets, just send an email to BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM with "Phenomenal" as the subject line (include your first and last name) and we'll pick a winner at random and notify them on Friday. The show is 18+. If you've never seen PHB before, it's '70s psychedelic disco overload, like if Michael Viner had formed a cult where the drink was Mai Tai's, not poison Kool Aid. The record is fun, but seeing them live is where it's at. And, like I said, where it's at is MHoW.

Miracles of Modern Science

If The Incredible String Band wasn't already taken as a band name, that might have been a good one for the next group I'm going to talk about, but since it was they opted for Miracles of Modern Science. Eschewing guitars, the go for cello, double bass, violin and mandolin (plus drums). Actually, I'm pretty sure the whole "science" aspect of their name comes into play too, what with song titles like "I Found Space" (downloadable above), "Bossa Supernova" and "Luminol." So their music is nerdy in two completely separate ways. But it's also clever and catchy and not really pretentious despite all that goddamn science and orchestral stuff they're throwing in our face.

Miracles of Modern Science have a residency at Cake Shop starting this Thursday, with The Albertans (ex-Bravo Silva),  The Royal Chains, and Quiet Loudly rounding out the bill. MoMS play the two following Thursdays as well.

Jacuzzi Boys

Friday night has two competing shows -- both in Williamsburg --  for your garage rock dollar, and if you're into this scene at all you're going to find it difficult to choose between them. Or at least pause for a second.

At Death by Audio, there's Quintron and Miss Pussycat, JEFF the Brotherhood and Golden Triangle. Actually, garage isn't the right term for Quintron's sleazy keyboard R&B which is augmented by some homemade equipment like the Drum Buddy, The Disco Light Machine and the Spit Machine. Quintron shows are a party. As are JEFF shows as you should know by now. As are Golden Triangle shows. Both of whom will be in their element at DBA and it will no doubt be packed to the gills and sweaty as hell. If you want to see JEFF and Quintron (who are on tour together) in more temperature-controlled environs, they also play Santos on Sunday (6/13). More dates HERE and below.

The other garagey option Friday (6/11) is at Knitting Factory with what is a pretty killer bill: Seattle protopunks The Spits, and the depraved lunacy that is Nobunny, plus Florida's Jacuzzi Boys and Liquor Store. I've written about The Spits and Nobunny before so I'm gonna focus on Jacuzzi Boys here if I may.

While definitely within the garage milieu, there's definitely more going on here with this Miami trio. Jacuzzi Boys sound is less blown-out sounding than most of their brethren, with a  strong post-VU New York vibe with them -- Television and The Feelies are pretty obvious influences here I think -- and their album from last year, No Seasons, is pretty damn great. A new single on Mexican Summer is worth checking out too, and you can download it's A-side at the top of this post.

If you can't make it Friday, Jacuzzi Boys also play Cake Shop on Sunday (6/13) with K-Holes (mems of Black Lips) and Xray Eyeballs (half of Golden Triangle).

The Aerosols

Visiting us from San Francisco are The Aerosols, playing four shows this weekend, hitting three boroughs. When you hear about Bay Area bands these days, you tend to think of reverb, scratchy guitars and in-the-red levels of distortion. The Aerosols are more a little more jingle jangle, blissed-out sunshine pop that might go better with a nice cup of tea instead of a PBR. You can check out their song "China" at the top of this post to hear what I mean but if you dig mid-90s Elephant Six you're gonna like The Aerosols. The band they really remind me of -- and I'm going obscure here -- is the late '90s UK band Salako who put out records on Jeepster (Belle & Sebastian's original label) who always sounded to me like a field of daisies.

The Aerosols play Thursday night (6/10) at Silent Barn with My Teenage Stride, Dream Diary (who were one of the Popfest highlights this year) and The Surpriserswhich I think is the don't-miss show of their NYC visit.

They'll also play the Rock Star bar on Friday (6/11) with Fly Ashtray, Nude Broom (members of Flaming Fire), Bucolic Night Light Fungus' Fungus The(e); Staten Island's Doorway (62 Van Duzer St.) on Saturday (6/12) with Artanker Convoy; and then finally the downstairs room at Santos on Monday (6/14) with Persephone's Bees, Lily and the Parlour Tricks, and Alana Amram & the Rough Gems.

A few more shows, night by night:

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9

School of Seven Bells debut material from their quite good second album, Disconnect from Desire, tonight and tomorrow at Mercury Lounge. Both shows are sold out but lurking outside hoping someone's got an extra ticket does pay off sometimes.

Breakthru Radio are throwing a fifth anniversary party at Glasslands with Glass Ghost, Werewolves, Phil & the Osophers and My Teenage Stride. It's a free show with free beer.

continued below...

Continue reading "Miracles of Modern Science, Quintron, Jacuzzi Boys, The Aerosols, TPHB, Starring & more in This Week in Indie "

JEFF the Brotherhood play Death By Audio a lot (more by Leia Jospe)

JEFF the Brotherhood will be making an appearance at this Friday's NYU Strawberry Fest with Screaming Females, Japanther, Hop Along, Little Lungs and Fiasco. The free show, which isn't technically public but probably okay to go to (unlike Fordham's on-campus MGMT show) (though you can go to the Fordham show with a student), runs from noon to 4pm on LaGuardia Place between W 3rd and 4th Sts.

JEFF have plenty of shows coming up, including a tour with Quintron and Miss Pussycat. Those include a gig at Death by Audio on June 11th and one at Santos Party House on June 13th (which tickets are on sale for). Between those two dates they play NJ's Asbury Lanes.

All dates are below...

Continue reading "JEFF the Brotherhood & Quintron & Miss Pussycast tour dates"

by BBG

Rorschach at The Charleston (more by Ryan Muir)

Last year's jaw-dropping lineup at Chaos In Tejas was sick, and 2010 is proving to be no different. For four days across four different Austin venues, May 27th to the 30th at Emo's, Mohawk, Red 7 and Beerland, the festival will offer some of the most impressive names in the independent/underground scene including the indestructible Rorschach, the first ever US appearance from Australian punk greats X, a one-time reunion of Japanese crust-core band Bastard, the quirky cutesy indie pop-punk of Grass Widow, Gehenna (who just played A389), Subhumans, Bastard Noise (who have a new record), Bone Awl, BV faves Jeff The Brotherhood, The Spits, Psychedelic Horseshit, Ty Segall, The Ponys, Iron Lung (who recently played Cake Shop), Poison Idea, Inquisition, and many many many others.

In addition to the obvious mayhem that will ensue over the four days, Chaos in Tejas will also showcase art from some of the scene's most interesting names including Tim Kerr (of Big Boys), Winston Smith (responsible for tons of collage work, including the Dead Kennedys best album art), and Bryan Ray Turcotte (best known for his book Fucked Up and Photocopied).

The full (and intimidating) list is below...

Continue reading "Chaos in Tejas 2010 (May 27-30) - intial lineup (Rorschach, Bastard reunion, Spits, Bone Awl, Ty Segall, much more)"

DOWNLOAD: Shonen Knife - Super Group (MP3)

Good Charamel Records is proud to announce the signing of legendary female Japanese Garage Rockers "SHONEN KNIFE"!

GCR will be releasing their latest recording "Super Group" in August, 2009, with an extensive North American Tour to follow in the Fall.

Please stay tuned for up to the minute details on the release, appearances and the 2009 N.American tour !

Shonen Knife will be playing a string of their West Coast dates with Ty Segall, and several weeks of shows with JEFF the Brotherhood. The Jeff and Shonen tour dates include a Tuesday, November 17th show planned at the new Brooklyn Bowl. No ticket info for that yet.

JEFF the Brotherhood will also be in NYC even sooner - this week to be exact. Shows are at Death by Audio on July 15th, Cake Shop on the 16th, and "TBA" on the 17th. All dates below.

A video from Shonen Knife announcing the promotion of their touring bassist to "official" member, a clip their new album, and tour dates for the three above-mentioned bands, below...

Continue reading "Shonen Knife - 2009 tour dates (Santos & Brooklyn Bowl, JEFF the Brotherhood & Ty Segall) ++ US album release"

a shot from Sled Island 2008 (more by Rae Holtsabum)

The Sled Island Music and Arts Festival -- taking place at various venues in Calgary, Alberta from June 24 to June 27 -- is pleased to announce the initial line-up and the inclusion of Olympic Plaza as the main venue on Friday, June 26. This year will include over 200 bands performing at 23 venues plus art shows, film screenings, and a comedy component at the Sled Island Music and Arts Festival.

Sled Island 2009 will feature performances by the influential indie rock darlings The Breeders (featuring Kim Deal of the Pixies) making their first Calgary performance, NYC post-punk revivalists Liars bringing the noise, the legendary Canadian metal band Anvil the recent subjects of the critically acclaimed documentary Anvil: The Story of Anvil and the garage rock assault of Tel Aviv's Monotonix known for their incredible live show. New Orleans-based musician and mad genius inventor of the 'drum buddy' Quintron & Ms. Pussycat will bring the party along with blood-soaked party rocker Andrew W.K. and Toronto-based electro tour-de-force Holy Fuck on the more 'offensive' front. Phil Elverum's (of The Microphones) latest moniker Mount Eerie will deliver a symbiotic balance of fuzz and folk matched by Owen Pallett's Final Fantasy surrealist violin stage performance. Calgary-based experimental icons Azeda Booth aim to mystify crowds along with their all-male psychedelic pop counterparts Women making their second festival appearance...The complete festival line-up and schedule will be revealed on June 1. [pr]

As previously reported, Colin Newman, vocalist and guitarist for Wire, will be guest curating this year's festival. Full lineup below...

Continue reading "Sled Island - 2009 fest lineup (Breeders, Liars, Anvil & more) "

by Andrew Frisicano

Psychedelic Horseshit @ Less Artists More Condos (more by Tim Griffin)

Psychedelic Horseshit, like Times New Viking, hail from Columbus, Ohio. Though also linked to the "lo-fi" sound, PH are a lot harder and more abrasive than most. The pop element is still there, just not as heavy. Psychedelic Horseshit sound like a band that is having fun. They don't care about being tied down to a specific genre and they like to play at a very high volume. Their live shows are always a good time and LOUD.[Nick Masi/ BrooklynVegan]

Then, as part of Todd P's SXSW events, the band will play the "free midnight unamplified acoustic BBQ" Thursday night and the Woodsist Records party on Saturday. The band also has a pair of official SXSW shows too.

After the fest, PH will spend April on tour with Quintron, playing NYC's Santos on April 22nd (tickets on sale here) and the Market Hotel April 24th (with Wizzard Sleeve too).

As reported previously, Psychedelic Horseshit is planning a bunch of 2009 releases, including a "'self released LP collecting our very first and oldest 4 track recordings' due in 'March or April' entitled Golden Oldies as well as a TON of new material including Shitgaze Anthems 12" EP on Woodsist (spring 09), Acid Test 12" EP on Troubleman Unltd. (late spring/early sum 09), Beached Wails 7" with a "surprise release date", and their second LP, Too Many Hits, on Slitbreeze (late summer 09)."

BV Wednesday day party flyer and more tour dates below...

Continue reading "Psychedelic Horseshit - 2009 Tour Dates (SXSW today, with Quintron in April, 2 NYC shows)"

Octopus Project @ Fun Fun Fun Fest 2008 (more by Kyle Dean Reinford)

today in NYC
* DANCE
* Les Paul @ Iridium
* Neil Halstead @ Maxwell's
* Team B @ Union Pool
* Jim White @ Joe's Pub
* Jonah Matranga @ Europa
* Jason Anderson @ Pete's Candy Store
* Quintron & Miss Pussycat @ Santos Party House
* The Sea and Cake & Death Vessel @ Bowery Ballroom
* No Age, Titus Andronicus, Soft Circle & Sisters @ Market Hotel *

For No Age: "NOTE: for the above show, tickets'll be sold at GOODBYE BLUE MONDAY
1087 Broadway, Bklyn, on sale starting 7pm, nite of show -only-
WE WILL NOT TAKE MONEY AT THE DOOR FOR THIS SHOW
you must walk to GOODBYE BLUE MONDAY & buy a ticket!!!! thanks!"

The Sea and Cake and Death Vessel are also playing MHOW on Tuesday. Twi the Humble Feather opens that show. Cloud Cult plays Bowery Ballroom tomorrow.

Quintron and Miss Pussycat Santos flyer below...

Spiritualized appeared on VICE's Practice Space. Video below...

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Monday?"

I was wandering around LES, when I stumbled upon this guy was defacing the following movie posters. I went back to scene of the crime the next day. To find that another poster was put on top. It was just a promotion for the Black Lips / Quintron & Miss Pussycat at the Bowery Ballroom on March 10th. [all photos by URBANBLITZ] (via Gothamist)

Continue reading "Black Lips are here, you may have seen the posters"