The MTA has confirmed what we’ve known for the past 16 months: robots cannot drive trains. Speaking to the New York Post, MTA spokesman Charles Seaton confirmed a certain component is to blame, with a “higher than expected failure rate.”

“There’s a fluke in the system. It’s constantly happening,” said one train operator. In the last three weeks, the L has suffered from “mechanical problems” at least 10 times, two of them on Friday alone, according to NYC Transit information. Those incidents also include a hot, sweaty wait during rush hour on July 8, where the crowding nearly caused a riot.

[h/t Gothamist, NY Post]

Until last night, I had somehow never managed to see Sonic Youth live. I rectified that huge oversight in my concert-going experience last night, enjoying their flawless set at Prospect Park. The set was chock full of hits and the requisite bursts of drone and noise never once slowed down the momentum. Apparently Benjamin Button was based on the life of Thurston Moore since he has begun to age in reverse. He looked like he was about 16. Kim looked beautiful as always. Overall, it was an amazing set and I look forward to seeing them again. A big thanks to Big Ass Lens, who has another video posted here.

The Naked Heroes - Performing At Roberta's Sunday 8-1

Well, the lovely folks over at Roberta’s are throwing a benefit party this Sunday (8-1, rain or shine) to raise money and awareness for the JMML Foundation with the sounds of our favorite New Wavers — The Cure. Hence, the pun intended. We’ve been promised “cheap beer, sangria, delicious BBQ, beer funnels, and a bunch of shirtless men and women” as well as renditions of “Pictures of Me” and “Boys Don’t Cry” by several awesome local bands — Haute Piss, The Tippy Tops, Alex Drewchin, The Naked Heroes, and Glazz.tv.

There’s a $5-10 suggested donation to raise money for Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML)– a serious chronic leukemia that affects children mostly aged 4 and under. JMML’s mission is to improve the quality of life of JMML patients and families through research, education, advocacy, and charity. Or, you can be a horrible person and donate nothing while enjoying all of the above, along with food from Pies ‘n Thighs, Heritage Foods, and the culinary masters of Roberta’s. Your call, buddy.

We’ll be there, since the whole Ted Leo at Brooklyn Bowl thing is likely to be a shit show.

(times may change based on weather)
• 3 pm- The Tippy Tops
• 4 pm- The Armstrongs
• 5 pm- Alex Drewchin
• 6 pm- The Naked Heroes
• 7 pm- Glazz.tv