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OSAMA COUNTER



« August 2008 | Main | October 2008 »

September 30, 2008

The Dodos at Spiegelworld

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The Dodos, c/o Clarissa Roudabush


The Dodos absolutely killed it last night, putting on an enrapturing show at Spiegeltent. Fans are well acquainted with their sound and stage presence - what can start simply as a folky-country acoustic ballad can rapidly accelerate and capture more exotic elements, chattering percussion, and singer Meric Long’s lullaby-quality voice keeps up with the pace.

Spiegelworld (a colorful venue and a diamond in the rough of South Street Seaport's tourist vortex) pleasantly proved itself as an intimate and appropriate space for the group. The duo were aided with extra percussion and bells on multiple songs, and they played a vibrant selection from their two LPs, including “Men,” “The Ball,” and “Fools” – the latter with an extra-long intro. The Dodos were perfectly syncopated with each other throughout the set, which is crucial for their unique cadence and rhythms. Thus even as the set felt moderately short, nobody was left disappointed (especially when the band closed with a gorgeous new song, which was thoroughly embraced by the audience.)

And let’s not forget the opening set by innovative experimental group Au (pronounced like “A.U.,” as lead singer Luke Wyland clarified at the end of their set.) The Portland-based duo played a hefty serving of songs off their new album Verbs, and the presentation was simultaneously graceful and calamitous. Au's shimmering psychedelic semblance often interrupted itself via animalistic shrieks, brilliantly strong drum solos (courtesy of drummer Dana Vlatka - ex-Jackie-O_Motherfucker, Mustaphamond) and glass bells, a touch of xylophone, and even a melodica (!).

It was a bit of a stunner seeing two bands with only five guys total between them, exuding that level of sonorous vigor and making so much (good) noise. Au + The Dodos = well-earned total approval.

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS......

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Au

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The Dodos

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The Dodos

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The Dodos

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The Dodos

Yuppies in Eden

Jay McInerney has a great article in the current New York. It gives a quick shout-out to FREEwilliamsburg founder, Robert Lanham's The Hipster Handbook

Hipsters believed they were the ultimate anti-yuppies. Unlike their forebears, they wanted to be known not by their job or ambition but by their self-conscious disregard for either. If anything, the cult of connoisseurship was even more exaggerated in this subgroup. Their code, enshrined in Robert Lanham’s hyperironic 2003 Hipster Handbook, was inherently elitist, defining itself in opposition to the mainstream. Hipster consumerism championed the notions of alternative and independent, rejecting the yuppie embrace of certain consumer brands in favor of their own. So it was vintage T-shirts rather than Turnbull & Asser dress shirts with spread collars, Pabst Blue Ribbon over Chardonnay. But ultimately, whether you love Starbucks or loathe it, a world in which we are defined by our choice of blue jeans and coffee beans owes more to Alex Keaton than to Abbie Hoffman.
You can read it all here.

Enough Said...

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Dead Herring Show on October 3rd

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More info. here.

The L Train Is F'D

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image via animal

I just wasted a decent portion of my morning sitting on the L train, waiting for it to lurch forward. The conductor blamed fire/smoke in the tunnel, and looking ahead you could see another train stopped at the next station. The whole line is basically closed between 8th Ave. and Myrtle. Avoid until further notice! Use your bike, or give Metro-line a call (718-388-1800) if you're headed into the city.

The People Who Run The Internets Dig Obama

September 29, 2008

Awesome DVD: Lou Reed's Berlin

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image via flickr user gazclark

Lou Reed is so fucking cool. On Friday, I got the chance to check out a copy of the new rockumentary by the Weinstein Co., Lou Reed's Berlin, shot at a show last year at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn. It's the ultimate videographic culmination for one of our most influential children of New York City, and it focuses on an album largely ignored by Lou Reed's more mainstream fanbase.

If you're unaware of the cultural significance of the album, Wikipedia's got a great entry summing it all up, but to sum it up it was originally a dark yet critically acclaimed 1973 album by Lou Reed which chronicled the downward spiral of a junkie couple, set in the city of its name. The tragic and dark rock opera was essentially shelved in Lou Reed's mind for most of his career, until 2007 gave him the chance to tour for it with full support, backed by the Brooklyn Youth Orchestra and a hand-selected group of world class musicians.

In the film, Julian Schnabel injects images of Christine through dreamy sequences which expose the life of Reed's drug-addled protagonist, as shot by Schnabel's daughter Lola. It's not exactly party footage, but Reed doesn't always provide a walk on the wildside without giving a lesson in storytelling first. Julian Schnabel's Berlin comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray tomorrow, and from what I can tell, you can get it for less than $20 on Amazon.

From it's short theater run back in June, the NYPost has a review that you can check out for some more info. Below the jump, see one fan's really silly "interpretation" of Caroline Says II in Second Life.

Sarah Palin is Increasingly Adorable When Cornered

Tina Fey returned to SNL on Saturday night to give the world another incredible performance as Sarah Palin, as interviewed by Katie Couric. Incredibly, this skit isn't even originally written, they just reenact parts of the actual transcript! It's so well done, and even though Tina doesn't want to spend the next whatever of her career playing Sarah Palin, its clips like this that makes us wish she'd reconsider. We hate her too, Tina, but you're just so freaking perfect at the impersonation!

Or, watch it at NBC.

September 28, 2008

Pinback at Music Hall of Williamsburg

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Pinback

Pinback‘s music is a blend of chilled out, dusky melodies that echo and weave together gracefully with a minimalist feel. Last night was certainly mellow and sedate, as Rob Crow and Zach Smith exchanged their signature vocals and laid back stage presences.

Kylesa jumped the night off with a blistering set of death metal, complete with male/female screams, severe headbanging, finger tapping, and frequent guitar solos. The group’s dual lead singers, guitarists, and double drummers generated a booming and somewhat disorienting set.

Pinback’s execution of their material got off to a bumpy start, with some sound problems and even voices cracking. The issues were no doubt in part due to the recent departure of their keyboardist Terrin Durfey, who has unfortunately been fighting cancer (for more information or to help donate $, please click here!). In his stead was a new keyboard guy, Braden, who had only a week or so joined on.

After nearly a 1/2 hour of weaker playing, the group did tighten up and engaged some fan favorites for the audience, including “Tripoli,” “Loro,” and “Fortress” in a more potent manner. All throughout the set, a screen setup behind the musicians played a montage of video from the film “Dark Star” (from which Pinback took their name), trippy underwater scenes, and Pinback’s own music videos – and I’m convinced that the footage did a great deal to augment the set and make it somewhat less, well, boring.

All criticisms aside, Pinback played for the better part of 90 minutes, and they did an excellent job of throwing in fan favorites like “Penelope” and “Bloods on Fire.” It’s possible that the lineup problems circulating around them distracted them a bit, or maybe we’re just spoiled here in NYC and we’re used to seeing bands give 150% energy and enthusiasm for having the opportunity to play here. Whatever the case, the show was distinctively relaxed, yet also extensive in terms of Pinback’s musical catalogue and their unpretentious relationships with their fans and each other.

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Kylesa

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Kylesa

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Pinback

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Pinback

All photos c/o Elizabeth Brady

Tonight - Pissed Jeans

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Pissed Jeans, c/o KEXP

If campfires, acoustic guitar, and comedic storytelling aren’t going to suit you tonight (see our previous post about Campfire on the Canal), then we’re recommending tonight’s show at The Market Hotel. The lil’ venue under the J/M/Z train at Myrtle Avenue is hosting Pissed Jeans, a noisy punk from Allentown, PA. The boys are also playing next weekend (Oct. 4th, to be precise) at Glasslands.

With openers Crystal Stilts, we’re forecasting a brilliant night, with lots of sweat and potential tinnitus.

8 pm, $8

September 27, 2008

Tomorrow Night - Campfire on the Canal

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The Yard, c/o Yelp

New York Magazine's 40th b-day celebrations continue into the fall tomorrow night, with their Campfire on the Canal event. Jose Gonzalez and the Upright Citizens Brigade will be performing, with free booze as well!

According to the NY Mag peeps:

"No group push-ups, map making or log carving will be required for you to feel the love at this special campfire celebration. Renowned singer-songwriter José González will set the fireside mood playing a full set in what will be his last New York solo show this year, and members of the Upright Citizens Brigade will perform their favorite stories of sleepaway camp, spooky campfire tales and jokes so funny you’ll shoot bug juice out of your nose. FREE BEER will be served. A night in the wilderness (of Brooklyn) isn’t that scary after all."

Tickets (which included a 46-issue subscription to the mag) are sold out.....
Sunday, 5-9 pm
388-400 Carroll Street
www.theyard.ws

September 26, 2008

Seriously, go watch the debate!

As mentioned earlier...

KCDC is Keepin' It Real

Our world-famous Brooklyn skateshop, KCDC, is currently featured on the Mark Ecko owned Complex.com. It's spotlighted in the newest episode of "Keepin' It Real", and features KCDC owner Owner Amy Gunther as she talks about growing up in Long Island, opening KCDC around 9/11, and the ever-changing neighborhood of Williamsburg. Check it out, and here's the official description from Complex:

Amy Gunther takes us through the racks of Brooklyn-based skate shop KCDC and talks about the store's first collaborative shoe with NECKFACE.


Trumors: Apple Opening up Store in W'burg

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image via curbed

Is Steve Jobs eyeing the most picked over thrift store in the world for his new Apple store location? That's what tipsters to Gothamist think, which notes:

Our sources are telling us that Apple has purchased the building that currently houses the Salvation Army located at 176 Bedford Avenue (on the corner of Bedford and North 7th) in Williamsburg. Rumors have been floating around for a year as to where the company may set up shop in Brooklyn (with most guessing it would be Downtown), and more recently it's been rumored that it would be in the new Edge complex. In the past there have been mumblings that the Salvation Army building would become a McDonald's...so if this goes through, consider it a good thing, Williamsburg.

Discussion over at our local internet bathroom wall Williamsboard seems to think this is either A. no big deal, or B. doubtful. One user says, "Yeah, I don't buy this. I mean, apple stores aren't just ANY store, they make every opening seem like a big deal and there aren't enough people in n. brooklyn who would actually buy anything there to justify a new one." They then start to talk about how nobody cares, then one user wonders if they live in the same bedroom as another, then my head started to spin until jennytull posted, "theres some multi level shit goin on in this here thread.", reminding me that this is why I don't frequent Williamsboard in the first place.

So what's the deal, Steve? Are you bringing your iEverything into my neighborhood? I bet you are, you sneaky devil. Somebody, talk to me.

Now That Mighty Mouse Is Gonna Show Up....

Here's a list of places you can watch the debate in New York.

Rooftop Films Closing Night with Chairlift! Tonight!

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Leave work early tonight, head home, put on your prettiest dress, slacks, summer hats, and lipstick, and come on out to kiss summer goodbye at Rooftop Film's last show, taking place tonight on the roof of the Open Road Rooftop at 350 Grand Street @ Essex (Lower East Side).

To add to the building excitement, prior to the films, Sound Fix presents live music by Brooklyn based trio Chairlift! These guys are about to go on tour with Yeasayer and you might even recognize their sweet beats from the newest Apple commercial, which features "Bruises" off their debut album.

Tickets are $9 on Going, and this includes ALL-YOU-CAN-POSSIBLY-CONSUME beverages courtesy of Radeberger Pilsner.

Here's the official info:

Venue: on the roof of the Open Road Rooftop
Address: 350 Grand Street @ Essex (Lower East Side)
Directions: F/J/M/Z to Essex / Delancey
8:00: Doors Open
8:30PM: Sound Fix presents live music by Chairlift
9:00 PM: Films
11:30 PM: Open bar at Fontana's with complimentary beer courtesy of Radeberger Pilsner

The War on Drugs

Here’s the video for “A Needle in Your Eye #16.” It’s one of the best songs off The War on Drugs’ Wagonwheel Blues, which is shaping up to be one of the most robust debuts from 2008. The band draws constant comparisons to both classic rock monoliths (i.e. Springsteen) notable proto/post-punk (like Sonic Youth or Half Japanese) as well as contemporary indie monoliths (Wolf Parade, Arcade Fire, Animal Collective). So - basically if you like good music, you’ll like The War on Drugs.

September 25, 2008

Idiot

Untethered: A Sculpture Garden of Readymades Opens Tonight

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C/O Eyebeam

Eyebeam is New York’s premiere art and technology space. Tonight, Untethered: A Sculpture Garden Of Readymades will open from 6-8pm. To give a brief description:

Untethered is a sculpture garden of everyday objects deprogrammed of their original function, embedded with new intelligence, and transformed into surrealist and surprising readymades, including a photocopier that reads the night sky; a PDA turned guitar; and a piano that plays the Internet. The exhibition features pieces by 15 artists working at the intersection of art and technology, including current and former Eyebeam residents and fellows, as well as leading international artists.

If you can make it out to Chelsea, definitely check it out. Review to follow later.

Williamsburg is Under Attack!

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img c/o gothamist

Gothamist is reporting that a submarine is in our waters and is headed for Williamsburg. Everybody, RUN! Arm yourselves with PBR cans like you did when the Real World cast came, and get this metal tank of aquatic power off yer shores!

Perhaps submarines are always in the East River, just, you know, submerged--but we've never seen one. Until now! This one just floated through DUMBO headed in the direction of Williamsburg. So if you're a hipster wearing your "Defend Brooklyn" T-shirt, the day has come to back it up!

Send it to Queens!

Sarah Silverman: "Tell Your Racist Jewish Grandparents To Vote Obama"

"The Great Schlep aims to have Jewish grandchildren visit their grandparents in Florida, educate them about Obama, and therefore swing the crucial Florida vote in his favor."

[hat tip Radar]

One Word: Pretzel

We love that Stone included the pretzel choking incident in his second "W" trailer. This looks hilarious:

Pakistani President to Palin: "You're Hot!"

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image c/o AP

He was smitten...

On entering a room filled with several Pakistani officials this afternoon, Palin was immediately greeted by Sherry Rehman, the country's Information Minister.

"And how does one keep looking that good when one is that busy?," Rehman asked, drawing friendly laughter from the room when she complimented Palin.

"Oh, thank you," Palin said.

Pakistan's recently-elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, entered the room seconds later. Palin rose to shake his hand, saying she was “honored” to meet him.

Zardari then called her "gorgeous" and said: "Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you."
"You are so nice," Palin said, smiling. "Thank you."

A handler from Zardari's entourage then told the two politicians to keep shaking hands for the cameras.
"If he's insisting, I might hug," Zardari said. Palin smiled politely.

Sounds delightfully awkward. Can we start some internet rumors fueling speculation that Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari could become the Second Dude?

Thanks, CNN!

Matt Taibbi On Sarah Palin

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As always, Taibbi nails it:

Here’s what Sarah Palin represents: being a fat fucking pig who pins “Country First” buttons on his man titties and chants “U-S-A! U-S-A!” at the top of his lungs while his kids live off credit cards and Saudis buy up all the mortgages in Kansas.
Now, go read the whole damn thing.

Don Pedro Video Fiesta!

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Also going on tonight, at 8pm, is a weirdo Mexican video party out at Don Pedros (90 Manhattan). If you like video art & punk & tacos then this could be right up your pants leg. Here's what they're showing, in order:

KORLA PANDIT - KTLA TV (195?) CHUCK BERRY - Roll Over Beethoven (French TV 1964) TAKESHI TERAUCHI - No Eleki Wakadaisho (Japan 1966) MINTY NEWPORTS - Live TV Commercial ATLANTICS - Come On And Love Me (Australia 1967) BLACK DIAMONDS - I Want, Need, Love You (Australia 1966) ANTOINE - Les Elecubrations (France 1966) The MOVE - Wild Tiger Woman (Colour Me pop 1968) SHE-DEVILS ON WHEELS - Trailer (1968) WONDERLAND - Love’s A Murder (Germany 1969) GROOVIE GOOLIES - Where You Going Little Ghoul (1970) EL TOPO - Theatrical Trailer (1971) KRAFTWERK - Ruckzuck (Germany 1970) FAUST - Excerpt from German TV Show (1971) TON, STEINE & SCHERBEN - Solidaritat (Germany 1971) The HOLY MOUNTAIN - Theatrical Trailer (1974) JAQUES PERROT - Allegro Aus Der 40 Symphonie (1973) NINA HAGEN BAND - TV Glotzer (1979) The SAINTS - (I’m) Stranded • Know Your Product (1977 & 78) P-FUNK - Up For The Downstroke (promo commercial) RADIO BIRDMAN - Live & Interview (Rockturnal 1978) BABES IN TOYLAND - Theatrical Trailer (1934) DEVO & NEIL YOUNG - Hey Hey, My My (Human Highway 1983) HUNCHBACK - Heart Of Gold (Pyramid Club 2007) SAMMY DREAD - African Girl (Rock Star Bar 2007)

More event info on Going

Tonight: Himalaya @ Union Pool

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We’re recommending tonight’s show at Union Pool, starring Brooklyn’s own Himalaya. They’re known for their extraordinarily loud, dissonant live sets, in the same vein as Spaceman 3 or the Brian Jonestown Massacre. Bring yer earplugs!

8 pm, opening sets by Leopard FX and Fan-Tan.

Joy Apparel

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We've been meaning to give a shout-out to Joy Apparel who was nice enough to send us a complimentary shirt featuring the face of Roger Smith. Here's their story:

Every face on a Joy T- Shirt has been inspired by a real person. When you wear your shirt you are encouraged to think about that person and how your everyday actions can affect others and the world we live in. After you purchase a shirt you may then upload a photo of your own visage via the participate link to have your face drawn by hand and worn on the hearts of others. It is about taking an active stance against racism and discrimination while being an advocate for peace and equality... because in someway or another, we are all connected!
Our boy Roger, is from Trinidad, is 34 years-old, and enjoys Kung Fu Films, Hennessey XO, Hip Hop, Carib Lager, Caribbean Music, Movies, Video Games, Video Production, telling Jokes.

Cool concept. You can grab your own here.

Cassandra Cinemas To Open This Spring

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From Gothamist

Except for the avant-garde Ocularis screenings in the old Galapagos, North Brooklyn has been a dead zone for movie theaters for years. ... The Observer says a long-talked-about Williamsburg movie theater is inching toward reality.

And it may even open as soon as next spring! It was originally going to be called the Brooklyn Kinetiscope and open last spring, but now it's called Cassandra Cinemas (after executive director Cassandra Lozano). Located at 136 Metropolitan Avenue, the three screen theater will emphasize indie and art house titles, and also host a cabaret and cafe. ...

The good news is that program director Jamie Hook seems like a real film snob, telling the Observer he sees the venture as "a mom-and-pop theater for the 21st century. The Third Reich mentality of the hipsterdom of Williamsburg would chew alive and rip apart anything it didn't approve of.

September 24, 2008

"What are you going to do if you're elected and things get tough? Suspend being president?"

UPDATE: Craig Ferguson tore McCain a new asshole too.

CNN's Almost Lead Story

Forget McCain, let's lead with this:

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More at CNN.

McCain Suspends Debate

We thought McCain needed diapers because he's older than Mount Rushmore. Turns out he needs them because he's a big fucking baby. Surely, this has nothing to do with his failed economic policies or the fact that he's tanking in the polls.

Cafferty sums up or opinion:

Found Wall Street ATM Receipt for $97,084.23

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At least one banker on Wall Street has a rather large cushion of money to fall back on. A Consumerist reader found this receipt in an ATM at 45 Wall St. for $97,084.23, juuuust below the $100,000 FDIC insurable limit.

via Consumerist

Friendly Fires


If The Rapture, Cut Copy, and Klaxons had a weird test-tube baby, it would probably sound like Friendly Fires. They have the dancey rhythms, snappy bass, the dramatic soaring strings/synths, and the lyrical prowess of a heartbroken freshman in college (“One day we're gonna live in Paris/I promise/I'm on it………I'm gonna take you out to club showcase/We're gonna live it up/I promise……”). You’ll probably be hearing lots more about this British trio, especially when they tour with Lykke Li in the states this fall promoting their newly released self-titled LP.

Finally, Someone Says It Straight: "We shouldn't be rushed into this!"

Are you ready to send your blank check for five grand? That's what people are estimating the bailout is going to cost the average taxpayer. The only good news is this is killing McDouche's popularity, if polls are to be believed.

Pictures: Shugo Tokumaru, Mercury Lounge 9/23/08

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photos by aj cranford

Earlier tonight Shugo Tokumaru played his first NYC show, second in America, to a packed crowd at the Mercury Lounge. He was joined onstage by a multitude of talent with Jon Natchez and Perrin Cloutier of Beirut, Bryan Devendorf of The National, and Bang on a Can’s Lawson White of So Percussion. Drifting in and out of tracks from his stateside debut, Exit, Tokumaru and friends presented an orchestra of melodies from a variety of instruments and household objects (I counted two planting pots). It all somehow winds up sounding like some kind of dreamy circus parade circling around an animated world.

According to Pitchfork, he's got over 100 of the instruments scattered around his bedroom. But the thing is, he brings them in so softly and effortlessly, that you never really realize they're on stage. Shugo will be back in a month, playing the Bowery Ballroom during CMJ with Margot And The Nuclear So & So's, so make sure to get yer tickets early! Click through the jump for a few more pictures and a video for "Green Rain", off of Exit. Check your local record store for the album, or buy it from Amazon.

Click through for more photos!!!

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Thanks AJ!

September 23, 2008

I Shoot Hipsters T-Shirt

Get it while its hot, at Hoodman. If anyone can make me a "I throw PBR cans at the Real World cast members" T-shirt print pattern, I'll make you king/queen of FREEwilliamsburg for the week. Then, maybe we'll actually print it.

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Found via I Heart Cool Stuff

The Two-Headed Sarah Palin Interview

[thanks Rumproast]

David Duchovny Will Gentrify You

Why? Because he Wants To Believe in low-priced housing options and the ever-expanding "Williamsburg". This latest Poster Boy piece was spotted & shared by AndIAmNotLying!

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George Will Questions McCain's Readiness

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This is a big deal. I'm no George Will fan, but he does represent the reasonable, intellectual, fiscal conservative side of the GOP. You know, a Republican who doesn't hate gays, evaluate a VP's readiness on how many polar bears she's killed, and doesn't base his foreign policy on the book of Revelation. Here he is in today's Washington Post:

Under the pressure of the financial crisis, one presidential candidate is behaving like a flustered rookie playing in a league too high. It is not Barack Obama.

Channeling his inner Queen of Hearts, John McCain furiously, and apparently without even looking around at facts, said Chris Cox, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, should be decapitated.

[...] Conservatives who insist that electing McCain is crucial usually start, and increasingly end, by saying he would make excellent judicial selections. But the more one sees of his impulsive, intensely personal reactions to people and events, the less confidence one has that he would select judges by calm reflection and clear principles, having neither patience nor aptitude for either.

It is arguable that, because of his inexperience, Obama is not ready for the presidency. It is arguable that McCain, because of his boiling moralism and bottomless reservoir of certitudes, is not suited to the presidency. Unreadiness can be corrected, although perhaps at great cost, by experience. Can a dismaying temperament be fixed?

Say it with us out loud, all you rational conservatives out there: IT'S OK TO VOTE FOR OBAMA, GEORGE WILL SAID SO. Now, doesn't that feel better?

Shugo Tokumaru Tonight at Mercury Lounge

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image via flickr

Japanese multi-instrumentalist Shugo Tokumaru is making his NYC debut tonight (Tuesday, Sept. 23rd) at the Mercury Lounge, and will perform in a collaboration with Jon Natchez and Perrin Cloutier of Beirut, Bryan Devendorf of The National, and Bang on a Can’s Lawson White of So Percussion for a one-night-only performance. If you haven't heard Shugo quite yet, please do, he's beautiful and exciting and unique and creates music straight out of some kind of orchestrated Japanese circus wonderland.

Laugh Your Abs Off

P.S.1’s Autumn Harvest, September 30th 2008

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Public Farm 1 c/o P.S.1

Anyone who had a chance to make it out to P.S.1 this summer had to stop and be amazed at the monolithic future of urban farming aka Public Farm 1. Equal parts art/architecture installation and urban garden, Public Farm 1 was created by WORK Architecture Company as part of MoMA and P.S.1’s Young Architects Program. The project was unveiled in June and the unique structure was used to grow numerous plants, vegetables, and herbs.

Since autumn is now officially here, P.S.1 will celebrate the fruits of P.F.1’s labor with an Autumn Harvest on Sept. 30th. It’s open to the public with a limited number of tickets. Of course, there will be hors d’oeuvres served but even better will be the musical stylings of David Bruno. And if you can’t make it out, they’re streaming the show on their Art Radio broadcast here.

New Releases We Lurve

1. Passion Pit - Chunk of Change
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Chances are you’ve heard the hoopla surrounding this Massachusetts outfit, but we can’t say enough how ridiculously catchy this EP is, with its art school pop/synth/psych/ amalgamated sound. Everyone should be pumped that Frenchkiss Records has finally released it (a.k.a. you can find it on iTunes, yayyy for us lazy peeps!). Also, go see them tomorrow night at Bowery.


2. Death Vessel - Nothing is Precious Enough for Us
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Death Vessel picks up where Will Oldham or early-Bright Eyes leaves off, with an unelaborate country twang and an eclectic rotation of band members. But if you think Conor Oberst is a bit femme, just wait until you hear DV’s lead singer Joel Thibodeau – he sounds like a damn purdy lady. Regardless, shimmering songs like “Circa” and “Jitterakadie” will especially win you over.