From our mail bag. Why do we keep hearing about this shit happening at Union Pool?

We were in the back room at Union Pool on Wednesday night for an event. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the back room of Union Pool, but there's a bar, a stage, and a balcony with stairs leading up to it.The place was really crowded with spectators that night and there were roughly seven people on the stairs, including my girlfriend, J., and 2 other friends of ours. I was on stage.

My buddy J. was the only black guy in the whole place.

Early in the event this white guy, likely in his 40's—beard, darker hair, medium build, short hair, pretty non-descript—goes plowing up the stairs through the people to get to the balcony, muttering about people being on the stairs, but really shoves J. hard. J. says something to the effect of 'Stop pushing people dude' and the guy gets in his face with 'just get out of my way' and goes on up.

Soon after he comes plowing back down, but this time puts his hand on J.'s face and shoves him, very much singling him out. J., quite naturally says again 'Yo dude, stop pushing people' and the guy gets in his face again.

Then, he goes back down, gets the two bouncers, who come to the stairs, not even knowing who they're supposed to be looking for. The guy points to J., they put their hands on him, he says 'get your fucking hands off me.' One of the bouncers says something about J.'s 'attitude' and tells him he's got to go, which he does, with my other two friends following him out.

I'm on stage for all of this so I missed the whole thing. I got this story from my girlfriend and all three of the other guys, plus some girl who was standing on the stairs too. They were all saying how weird it was.

Important note: after the show, I'm telling this story to a friend of mine's boyfriend, who says to me 'oh yeah I used to work here I'm not surprised. They're totally racist here, this shit happens all the time'

I didn't get to talk to him long enough to find out who 'they' are. But wtf.

Later i found this:

http://gothamist.com/2007/06/26/union_pools_unc.php

and

http://gridskipper.com/57893/union-pool-in-williamsburg#c1413170

Bottom line: J. was the only black guy there, and it was packed. Even if this isn't a race thing, the guy was a prick regardless, and they seem to have a record of this kind of shit. J. did nothing wrong, nothing I wouldn't have done myself.

I'm particularly pissed since my band has played there many many times and brought them plenty of drink-buying people, we even had a record-release show there a couple years ago which sold out. This particular night brought a huge crowd too, and while i'm doing my monkey act on stage, they're throwing out my friend, who didn't even want to raise a stink over this. All three of them are like 'hey man it is what it is, don't sweat it'

An added sting is that these guys don't hang out in 'hipsterland'. I.e. they're the kinds of guys who use that word. Know what i mean? So I talk them into coming to this event my other friends and I put on, and they get kicked out inside of 20 minutes. Just fanning the flames of the 'fuck williamsburg' thing.

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)

What are you dressing up as tonight, anyway? I’m going to be Edie Sedgwick – but Edie Sedgwick with a gash on her face, since I fell on the sidewalk Wednesday night.... best Halloween ever, people!

I know we’ve given you plenty of suggestions for this evening, but a few other things have blipped onto my radar - some Halloween-related, some not:

1. NITA NITA



I really love this place, and tonight they are doing a nice lil’ local Halloween bash. Stop by for lovely food, drinks, and hopefully some terrifying and/or ironic costumes.

2. ETM host Halloween @ Lit

c/o Going.com


I really HATE this place, but the party sounds like tons of fun tonight.

Per the folks at Lit:
"Electric Tickle Machine hosts Halloween 2008 @ Lit Lounge, NYC w/ Special Guests Dinowalrus, La Defens, & DJ Snacktown.
$6
OPEN BAR 9p-10p
Confetti, Costumes, Cartwheels and Commotion."

3. Danielson @ Knitting Factory

Now for the non-Halloweenish events. However I’m sure the Danielson show at The Knitting Factory will be festive in its own right. Afterall, who doesn't love oddball pop-gospel from NJ? And they wear fun costumes all the time too! Also playing are Cryptacize......

4. Jaguar Love @ Mercury Lounge



For those who want to sweat, spazz, and thrash about tonight, go see Jaguar Love at Mercury Lounge. The band is comprised of ex-members of Blood Brothers and Pretty Girls Make Graves, and the sound is on par with the previous projects. With special guests Polysics, Black Gold, DJ Oil!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

And there's lots of shit going on. Here are our picks:

• Todd P + Panache Big Halloween Bash feat. Matt & Kim [From Flavorpill]

In honor of the year's scariest day, Brooklyn scene-maker Todd P and booking dynamo Panache have brought together a lineup of both frightening (AIDS Wolf) and not-so-frightening (Ponytail) bands. But whoever's on stage, don't expect a laid-back evening of apple-bobbing; everyone on the bill deals in intense live experiences. New York stalwarts Matt & Kim and Child Abuse are joined by the Japanese blues-via-noise freaks DMBQ and improbably resuscitated UK punks the Homosexuals, giving the proceedings an international flair. While the music is the main attraction, the show also serves as a chance to check out new venue Danbro Studios, housed in the 19th-century-era building which was formerly Goldenrod Brewery. [more information here]

• Ghostly International + Throne of Blood 2008 [From Paper]

Ghostly International and Throne of Blood team up for the second year, throwing one of the best all-out dance parties in town tonight. They're bringing in New York based electro/indie artist, Audition, synth-rock duo, Zombi, from Pittsburgh, and DJ sets from The Rapture, Daniel Wang, James F*cking Friedman, Dances with White Girls and Worst Friends. And get creative with your outfit, the late night costume contest hands out cold hard cash to winners.

• Bryan Scary's Glitter Odyssey (in Gowanus) [From MyOpenBar]

A Halloween fete to benefit the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, with burlesque dancers, body-painters, a Human Floor (oooh -- fetish-y), graffiti artists and more. We won't dis, since it's for cancer. Performances by Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears, The Rosewood Thieves, Heloise & The Savoir Faire, Sam Champion, DJ Treetop Brann & Hotcoals. Your finest Halloween attire is mandated. Buy tickets here -- for these bands and the holiday, it's a steal. [more information and tickets here]

• Brahloween 4 feat. Oneida w/ Awesome Color at Secret Project Robot (210 Kent Ave)

• EVE meets ADAM on Halloween at Silent Barn

• And of course, the Halloween Parade begins at 7pm in Greenwich Village

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There is good news and bad news. First, the bad news…my camera was acting up, and I couldn't get a good angle to get any shots. Good news is that many of you Flickr obsessed took some great shots and now I have images to accompany my review. Yay for collective cloud computing!!!

So here we go.

I think the Social Registry is one of those labels that can truly lay claim to being a family --not just a business. Churning out some of the more interesting releases from bands like Blood on the Wall, Psychic Ills, Gang Gang Dance, Telepathe, and Growing, each band has a very individualized sound that seems to inform each other.

The showcase was by far one of my favorites in all my years of attending CMJ. Peppered between the bands were DJs Andrew Kou, Josh Wildman, Leo Fitzpatrick, and Dan Hougland, making for a jamming dance party between sets. Unfortunately, I didn't get to catch some of the newer signees Mike Bones or Sian Alice Group. However, having seen them before, I'm sure they gave great performances.

Psychic Ills keep getting better to me. What was once a combination of noise, psyche and chaotic elements has turned into a darker, more fully realized psyche band. They're one of the few bands of this kind that can hold my attention throughout the whole set. I hope you feel the same way next time you check them out.

Next up was Growing. I have been to more Growing shows than I can count since living in New York--and watched them mature into the band they are today. While previously they were more into a droney, nature aesthetic, now the music is slightly more abstract and beat driven while maintaining a loyalty to the affect guitar and samples; this makes for a more powerful, visceral sound experience that becomes more welcoming with every show. And, I was very psyched to see it with a sound system that could actually project the depth of their work.

The show culminated with arguably the crown jewel of the label Gang Gang Dance. Doubling as their record release show, Gang Gang Dance provided a very energetic set, including a very lively and charismatic version of their latest single House Jam.

My only complaint is that I wish there were less people at the show. It was very packed throughout most of the night and sometimes made it hard for short people like myself to see the set…and take pictures.

Growing

Image C/O ihateanarchists

Gang Gang Dance

Image C/O DLT XII

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Watch the states turn blue on a big screen, surrounded by booze, music and food at Brooklyn's 3rd Ward. From 3rd Ward:

You voted, Now celebrate the end of an era with us! Expect live election coverage projected 10ft. x 10 ft., DJs, drinks and eats. Plus, compete to show your patriotism and be awarded, 3rd Ward style.

Nag says they'll have "pork barrels" too! For more info, email events@3rdward.com.

Posted by Brian Ries at 09:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

img via racked

Gothamist caught wind of a promotion going on at Park Slope's Babeland next week. By bringing in your voter registration card Tuesday through Nov. 11th, you're entitled to a free sex toy! For the ladies, Babeland will hook you up with a Silver Bullet, while for the dudes, you can pick up a Maverick!

From Gothamist:

All you have to do is "bring your voter registration card, ballot stub or your word of honor that you cast a ballot on November 4th" and they'll hook you up with the goods, which will probably help keep stress levels down until the election results are in.

So there you have it. Go vote on Tuesday, and whether or not you get laid for doing so, Babeland will make sure you go to bed happy.

In related news, does anybody have an extra McCain t-shirt lying around? I need it for my Halloween costume, and am not about to pay the McCain campaign 60 bucks to ship me one overnight. C'mon Brooklyn, there's got to be some former GOP supporters out there....right? If so, email me plz!

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Empire from Empire on Vimeo.

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

From Kayrock's website

Espeis archetype invited Kayrock Screenprinting to create a mural outside their gallery. With Halloween and the presidential election just around the bend, we created a wheat paste mural that combines 35 looming issues with 20 leering monster heads. All prints are 3 colors on text weight 19"x25" paper.

Monsters were drawn by Wolfy Part II, Karl "Kayrock" LaRocca, Zach Lehrhoff, Anna Haifisch, Christeen Francis and Brady Dollarhide. Looming issues were provided by the times, the media, the presidential candidates and you.

Barack Obama has a plan that addresses 25 pressing issues. McCain's plan only deals with three.

We will have monster head prints for sale at:
Prints Gone Wild
Supreme Trading
213 North 8th, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Saturday Nov 1 (6pm-midnight) and Sunday Nov 2 (12-6pm)

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This people are so creepy, it's hard to watch. [Thanks Rumproast]

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

If you've got an iPhone, Apple just announced that you can now get free WiFi in like, every Starbucks and McDonald's in the city. What they forgot to mention, is the majority of our coffee houses offer free WiFi anyways, so, suck it AT&T!

More info at MacRumors

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I told you about this back in September: Rogue Taxidermist To Unveil E.V.E. on Halloween. Friday, Halloween night, 7pm sharp. It's free, and there will be beers littered throughout the animal parts!

Posted by Brian Ries at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Guggenheim is finally free of all the crappy scaffolding and now you can see the Frank Lloyd Wright building in all its glory. Better yet, admission is free tomorrow. :) So if you are in the mood to get your art on, head on up to Museum Mile. Current shows include theanyspacewhatever, Catherine Opie, Rauschenberg Memorial, and Jenny Holzer's light projections on the building--I think it's only viewable at night.

Image c/o BlurA14

Hat tip Jaunted

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

To the woman playing hard-core iPod porn on the L train this morning, thank you for such an entertaining journey under the East River. Seriously folks, from approximately Lorimer St. to 3rd Avenue, this woman was playing some serious, butt-humping porn and yelling at her iPod, giving some twisted commentary that could be heard from both sides of the train. "Oh, here we go, here we go, THERE YOU GO, GET IT, GET IT, OHhhhhhh Damn, let's get a close-up, zoom in, wake up New York check this shit out, close-up New York City!!!".

Passenger reactions varied. The woman closest to this iPod looked like she was about to throw up. Next to her, a 17-year old kid pretended to read his book, but he was really just staring over the pages, watching some 9-incher pound its way through the L-train walls. Behind me, some dude egged the whole thing on, and it made it all the more hilarious. "Thank you for playing that right now", he said with a laugh. She loved the encouragement, and at one point offered to act it out, even starting to straddle the dude next to her. And then, just like that, the scene ended. We hit 3rd avenue, and our friend announced, "That's it! Show's over New York!", packed her iPod away, and things returned to their normal, sleepy bubble a few yards under Manhattan.

I wish I had taken a picture to share with y'all. But then again, I'm glad I didn't. That poor, mid-level executive standing behind that glistening bare-ass would've seen herself later today in an e-mail from co-workers, and she would've cried. And now, now I can go get my coffee.

Posted by Brian Ries at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 05:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We haven't seen anything this terrible/hilarious since the One Bank ballad hit the internets. A tribute to David Ogilvy:

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 02:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At MTVMusic, you can watch like, literally every music video ever. Great job, MTV networks! I'm actually really proud of you for not holding on to this treasure trove of music history. At the site, you can watch and embed all the clips in really high quality, thereby guaranteeing an afternoon of wasted walks down memory lane. Check it:

Update: Lisa thinks i'm a sell-out. Thoughts?

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

img c/o joystiq

The video game company behind the hit franchise Street Fighter took over Bushwick's Bodega Friday night to let fans sample it's latest version. Gaming blog Joystiq was there, and posted a rundown of the event. Hilariously, the suits at Capcom were a bit uncomfortable with the location, saying the neighborhood wasn't "safe" nor "clean".

All they had to do was google "Is Bushwick Safe?", and they would've gotten a simple, straight up answer from our neighborly blog, BushwickBK. Regardless of their corporate fear, the event looked pretty cool, as Bodega brought in a few XBox 360's for people to play in the back. From Joystiq:

In spite of that ominous rule, we have no choice but to talk about Capcom's incredibly well-orchestrated community event last Friday night. It's rare to see a games company reach out to the fans with early access to its most anticipated games. It's even rarer to see a games company conduct a PR event in a location like this: a converted bodega in the middle of Brooklyn.

We were told that some of the higher-ups at Capcom were uncomfortable with the location, and for good reason too. The neighborhood wasn't "safe" nor "clean," being one of the few neighborhoods in NYC that hasn't been hit by rapidly spreading gentrification. Guys in suits would never come here. And that's exactly what this event was about: reaching out to real fans (who, as you know, don't wear suits).

Click on through for more pictures, or heck, I'll just post 'em here:

Posted by Brian Ries at 09:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jay Reatard

My ears are still ringing this afternoon (even though I was indeed wearing earplugs last night) because Jay Reatard, Vivian Girls, and Cola Freaks took FULL advantage of the hefty sound system at Santos Party House for their sets.

It was decidedly Mr. Reatard's night, as he drew a much denser crowd than his openers. Denmark's Cola Freaks had had a strong post-hardcore meets post-punk feel, with not a single audible word from their lead singer - who was full of hyperactivity and bulging neck veins. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for his more stoic bandmates.

The über-hyped Vivian Girls were also on the lackluster end of the spectrum, albeit sweet.

"I'm so tired from playing so many shows," admitted singer Cassie Ramone between songs. But as her redheaded bassist Frankie Rose quipped, "At least this show isn't CMJ!"

Jay, with his curly mop of hair, 2-minute long song catalogue, and his Flying V guitar upped the ante for sure. He drilled through tons of great material including "It's So Easy," "See/Saw," and "My Shadow," and rarely paused between songs as he whipped his head every 3-4 seconds. In his guitarwork, vocals, and stage presence he demonstrated the togetherness and tenacity that has accumulated lots of fans in the past year or two.

It was hard to get our asses off the couch after the lllooooonnnngggg week that was CMJ, but everyone that headed to Santos on Sunday night found it worth it - I just hope my eardrums stop pounding by Tuesday morning or so.



Jay Reatard



Vivian Girls



Cola Freaks

Photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

img via flavorwire

Orient Ave. is quickly becoming one of our favorite streets in the 'burg, as it features steak-knife stabbings, squatters, and Williamsburg's own Michel Gondry (who, it turns out, is no longer missing). The latter, Mr. Gondry, is apparently busy shooting some kind of top secret project outside his house today, which he kinda-sorta told a passerby is a music video. Flavorwire reports:

Last night I passed by two guarded, trash bag-covered cameras in front of his house that had been set up earlier that day. When I asked the guys watching the equipment if Gondry was involved, they smiled but would not confirm it. When I then asked if Michel Gondry was paying them well to stay up all night, they said yes.

She returned this morning to check back in and see what the deal is. "I returned at 7 a.m. this morning and spotted Gondry busy sweding with a group of lackeys. One of them joked that they were working on a student film; Gondry told me that he was shooting a music video but would not reveal the artist."

I'm betting its someone awesome, as Wikipedia lists Gondry as a director on videos for pretty much all of the world's biggest artists - from Beck to Kanye to the White Stripes, and everyone in between.

He'll be at Strand bookstore tonight promoting his latest book, You'll Like This Film Because You're In It, tonight, so hopefully someone will get the skinny and send it in.

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

c/o Clarissa Roudabush

I spent the final two nights of CMJ in Brooklyn, and I'm feeling Negative Nancy-ish about the entire thing. As with any massive marathon like this, you can expect to sift through lots of shit to find the gold, but this week that felt particularly true.

Obvi there were sweet acts like An Albatross, Designer Drugs, The Teenagers, Cheeseburger, TK Webb & the Visions, and Pattern is Movement that played locally in our fair neighborhood Friday/Saturday, but I feel like we already know and love them. Isn't CMJ supposed to be about seeing new talent, and growing a big ole' semi over unheard-of bands, and getting all riled up about the next year or so and who is going to blow up? Was CMJ even fun? Am I the only person who found this week to be a heinous adventure into the depths of bad music and annoying people sporting colorful badges?

Although I did collect a handful of new favorites from CMJ, which made my suffering worth it:
-Starfucker
-The Physics of Meaning
-Bell
-Wild Sweet Orange
-Stars Like Fleas

And bands that I've already fallen in love with - like Monotonix, Au, Hot Lava, and The Ruby Suns - worked their usual magic yet again in NYC. But dang, I'm so happy it's OVER!

(I'd really love to hear some suggestions from you guys if you got to see any great bands during the marathon that other people should know about - post 'em below!)

c/o Maniac World

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Christ, we hated those "Whasssssssssupppppppppppp!!!" ads. This spoof makes them all worthwhile:

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 04:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If you’ve got some spare time during the afternoon tomorrow, you should certainly stop on over at Pianos. The generous crew from Bowery Presents is putting on a free showcase:

After that, you can easily stumble a few doors down to Cake Shop, for the Oh My Rockness Showcase. They know their shit, and it’s gonna be sweet stuff:

Yowzah!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Physics of Meaning

Force Field PR took over Pianos last night, with superb acts playing in both main stage area and the upstairs lounge. Quite a few darlings of CMJ ’08 were on hand, including Tobacco, Bell, Stars Like Fleas, and PWRFL Power. More nostalgic and lesser-known groups like Donovan Quinn & the 13th Month added breadth to the sweetness of the lineup.

Fortunately the evening also gave us another chance to check out Au, with their rousing percussion, feline vocals, and experimental flair. We're still not over them after being blown away last month when they opened for The Dodos.

Particularly impressive was the set put on by The Physics of Meaning – it’s kind of a ridiculous name, but this foursome fronted by an intense violinist is destined for big things. They’ve got the same sort of integrity and gorgeousness that makes other North Carolina-bred bands (like Annuals) so loveable.

Good times!

The Physics of Meaning

Donovan Quinn & the 13th Month

Au

Photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night I was fortunate to make it out to the Carpark/Paw Tracks showcase. I think it goes without saying that bands like Ecstatic Sunshine and Beach House give pretty consistent stellar performances, so I would like to turn my attention to some of the lesser known acts.

I caught the tail end of Tickley Feather’s show, which was fairly melodic, lo-fi, and sometimes minimalist in all the good ways. I have seen her before and again she came through with a solid offering.

Next up was a personal favorite of mine. I will preface this and say that I understand that Excepter’s noisey/dancey/provoking aesthetic isn’t for everybody. However, they have provided me with some of the best dance shows I have ever seen/heard. Often, you can never predict what they will do. This time they leaned towards the noise, slightly performance art side of their performances—singer John Fell Ryan even wielded a knife throughout a good portion of the set. All I have to say is give Excepter a couple of chances before you make up your mind.

Adventure was an artist that I wasn’t familiar with until this show. His sound is in keeping with the Baltimore future shock sound. And, he was able to get a good portion of the crowd dancing by the end of his set.

Last but not least, the newest addition to Paw Tracks is native Mississippians Dent May and His Magnificent Ukelele. This was the most unusual band on the bill. The sound has elements of country and folk music (perhaps a nod to zydeco) straight from the backwoods of the Delta—sung by a younger indie rock kid. At first listen, it might be difficult to understand how this act fits with the Paw Tracks family. However, I kept thinking of how charming and familiar the music sounded and didn't really care if it fit with the overall Paw Tracks aesthetic. I will definitely catch him again when he comes around. Epic win.

Adventure

Dent May and His Magnificent Ukelele

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 01:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 07:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is so spot on, right? From Arts Beat:

“Who’s playing? Crystal something?”

“Crystal Antlers?”

“No. Crystal Castles?”

“No. I think it’s Crystal Stilts.”

“Yeah, Crystal Stilts. ‘Crystal’ is the new ‘wolf.’”

Check 'em.

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

via gothamist: foliage in Prospect Park via hbomb1947's flickr; Gothamist House flyer; The Bell House lounge by Sam Horine.

Gothamist would like to remind you that they're pouring Bloody Mary juice all over their pickles today, or something like that, down at their CMJ Gothamist House, aka The Bell House, in Dumbo. Tomorrow...free beer! Open till 8 every day at 149 7th Street. In their own words:

It's your daily reminder: Come on over to Gothamist House! We're open and we've got delicious Bloody Mary's (2 for 1!) being poured with McClure's Pickles. Coming up next are sets by Reggie Watts, Fatula, Marnie Stern, Bad Veins and Twit the Humble Feather. There are still gift bags left as well, so come and get 'em! Tip for tomorrow: we'll have free PBR all day long.

The only thing better than free beer is free music, and they've got that too! For More...

Posted by Brian Ries at 04:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Billy Hot Chocolate is running a fantastic weekly movies series which has a hilarious premise, of which I wholly and unconditionally support. For the next three Fridays, including tomorrow, swing over to Cafe Grumpy (193 Meserole) in Greenpoint to catch Hoodies, Wheelies and Movies. There, you'll be treated to movies where characters wear hoodies and ride bikes, straight up!

Last week we missed ET (f**k!), but tomorrow it's The Goonies! Then, on Friday the 31st its Donnie Darko followed by Nov. 7th with Rad. For more info hit up Billy Hot Chocolate at BHCfun@gmail.com, or simply visit the event's facebook page.

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Chairlift @ Fader Fort

Starfucker @ Crash Mansion

Yesterday marked Day Two of CMJ, and we did a lot of skipping around to different venues and showcases, starting off with Starfucker at Crash Mansion. The Oregon-based trio played for a small crowd at about 4 pm with infectious synth-pop that's bound to catch on in the next year, so keep your ears peeled. We also got to check out Look Mexico who shined a bit less brightly than our new obsession, Starfucker.

Next on the list was the Fader party, set up in a gallery space off The Bowery. Chairlift played a brief and mellow set, building up to the other bands on hand (The Muslims, Crystal Stilts.) All I have to say about that whole affair is Blagh. We were instructed to leave our waterpark/hospital patient-esque Fader/Levi’s wristbands on for the next 3 days to (A) ensure re-entry to each day's sets, which DO have amazing lineups, but will still be annoyingly crowded and with shitty sound (B) advertise for Fader/Levi's. So we took the wristbands off afterwards. No ‘effin way.

After that, it was time to hit The Annex for the Bring on The Brits showcase, where people were clearly wasted (even at 8 pm the scent of Soco-breath lingered in the air.) Virgin Passages started off with a tepid reception to their male/female fronted indie-shoegaze amalgamated sound. Nothing new to report there..... and nothing new to report on Radio Luxembourg, who played cutesy yet ultra-rudimentary Britpop. As for Dirty Fuzz (“Rock’n’Roll’s not deeeadddd!!! Woooooooh!!!”) RIYL Duffy, Macy Gray, or other mom-rock/soul.

Everyone knew the main draw of the evening was Friendly Fires, who pulled through and managed to put on a great performance. Considering the teenie stage at The Annex results in severe space constraints for an active, dancing, thrashing band like Friendly Fires, the group still spazzed around and suited the soused and packed crowd quite well.

Phew, see you at Day Three -
À demain, mes chéries!

Look Mexico @ Crash Mansion

Radio Luxembourg @ The Annex

Friendly Fires @ The Annex

Free SoCo = Madness

Dirty Fuzz @ The Annex

Photos c/o Mark Iantosca and Clarissa Roudabush

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Craft fairs were my mother's favorites and now they're definitely becoming mine. This Sunday marks the first ever Dead Herring craft fair. So, if you are in the market for something handmade, this might be your best bet.

If you want to RSVP, check it out here.

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight at Don Pedro's there will be free SoCo and a slew of awesome bands! RSVP HERE.

According to the Myopenbar people:

"Ceci n'est pas une CMJ party. That means you don't need a badge, Frenchie. In fact, please don't come if you're wearing that hokey shit around your neck, because this party's basically in the projects, and wearing that thing is like wearing a sign that says, "I'm a douchebag – mug me!"....

Consider yourselves warned!

The fun starts at 9 pm, $5 cover, Don Pedro's is located at 90 Manhattan Ave (near the Lorimer J stop/Montrose L stop)

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

FREEwilliamsburg not-contributor and not-real-life-friend-but-we-wish-he-was comedian Zach Galifianiakis and Jason Schwartzman were seen filming in Fort Greene today for a new HBO show, Bored to Death. From Filming in Brooklyn:

Mr. Schwartzman arrived on the set, and hung out while the final preparations were being made to start filming (in the first picture, he’s chatting with director Alan Taylor). In the picture, to Jason Schwartzman’s left is Zach Galifianakis, who has a long conversation with Jason in the scene about to be shot

Posted by Brian Ries at 07:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Clever Idolator came up with a rad little Bingo Card for CMJ, with boxes to mark like "Trip to Brooklyn", "Meeting A Blogger" and "iPhone Blocking View". If you actually do it, send it back to 'em for a can of Sparks! Yea! The rulez:

Print it out and bring it with you! The first person to send a Bingo to tipsATidolatorDOTcom wins a free can of Sparks. (It may or may not be empty.)

You're looking at it below, but head over to Idolator for the full-sized version.

Posted by Brian Ries at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

G'day folks!

Last night Crash Mansion hosted the DC Hardcore Records Showcase for CMJ, and the main draw was undeniably HR (he's in a lil' band called Bad Brains, for those of you who don't know his solo stuff.) The ever-smiley musician came out on stage clad in a golden helmet and played songs from his new album. We also got to check out The Arms, Goes Cube, and Team Robespierre before mister HR hit the stage, and before we scampered into the night...... here are some pictures:

HR



Team Robespierre



Goes Cube



The Arms


Photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We checked out the sold-out Brooklyn Vegan showcase at the Music Hall of Williamsburg last night, and it was a fantastic way to kick things off. I was a little late coming in, catching the last notes of Ponytail's set. Kate from Idolator has a whole review up of everything up to that point, when she left because "i was exhausted (it's midterms, people!), my lower back hurt, and the club was starting to get unbearably stuffy".

Kate, you freaking missed Passion Pit! I love 'em, they're a fun group with some hot beats and an awesome frontman in Michael Angelakos, who sings kinda like Wolfmother's Andrew Stockdale, in a weird happy hipster kinda way. They're based out Boston, with three keyboardists, one of whom doubles up with a guitar, then backed by a bassist and drummer.

I recommend you check them out this week if you get the chance, though go for a later show unless you expect dancing crowds at afternoon shows. Quiet Color lists their remaining shows at CMJ, and also notes "They’re pretty impressive so the show onslaught was inevitable. But this has all the makings of a Brooklyn blow up due to over hype. It’s still crazy that their music originally materialized as a musical Valentine’s day gift from Michael Angelakos to his girlfriend." I did not know that. How passionate! Also, the singing DJ was pretty cool, although the crowd wasn't really jamming out quite yet when I bailed outta there and retreated home. Maybe they warmed up? Check out these images of Passion Pit, and one of Ponytail by photographer georgia.kral on Flickr.

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Are you looking for an apartment in the heart of Williamsburg for New Jersey prices? Then look no further, because for $550 you can live one block from North 6th and Bedford! Just don't raise a fuss about living in someone's windowless kitchenless basement bathroom. But hey, look at the upside, utilities are included! Curbed notes, "It is a short trip to the toilet if you need to hurl after a long night at Supreme Trading, and if it's projectile and your aim is good, you might not even have to get out of bed." Looks like the original Craiglist post was removed.

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Either Sarah is as dumb as a pile of hockey pucks or she's sending us a message to vote for Obama. We're guessing the former. (Image c/o Stumper)

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If you're planning on staying up late tonight, it would be a great idea to check out the show at Pianos starting after the stroke of midnight. We'll be there dancing and drinking with superb DJs like Mudertronics and DJ Dirty Finger. Yea, yea, we know there's a Vice Party tonight, but puh-lease this will be better! Seri.

158 Ludlow
12 am-4 am

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

img via flickr

Todd P & Dan O are hosting their very own mini-fest during CMJ-week, and it's arguably the best line-up in all the city. And guess what makes it better? It's all free! Totally free of everything CMJ has come to stand for, like corporate sponsorships, VIP lists, and all those shenanigans. The shows begin everyday at 4 (starting tomorrow) at the Continental Army Plaza, right here in Williamsburg at S. 4th and Roebling. The announcement via Todd P:

so, for a variety of reasons I have been mum so far about my CMJ-week plans... well here goes:

ALL THIS WEEK! Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday afternoons in CONTINENTAL ARMY PLAZA - a 100% FREE & all ages miniature festival of great bands playing outside in the park, w/ no corporate sponsorships & no "vip" lists & no bullshit - just for the love of music!

The entire mini-fest was booked by Todd P & Dan O [ http://myspace.com/danoductions ] w/ muchas gracias to the NYC Parks Department!

Wednesday bands include (and these are just a few handpicked examples) Crystal Antlers, Ninjasonik, and Team Robespierre; Thursday hosts The Pharmacy, Die! Die! Die! and Aa; Friday he brings us That Ghost, The Muslims, Woods and other shows at Danbro and Market Hotel; Saturday during the day we're back at the Continental Army Plaza with Vivian Girls, Ponytail, Fiasco, Awesome Color, and Knyfe Hyts; then Saturday night is the official PANACHE / TODD P NOT-CMJ PARTY.

Go to TODDPNYC.COM for the entire line-up. It's incredible.

Posted by Brian Ries at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

These shows shall be epic --

<3 Elizabeth

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Aa always has some of the more intriguing flyers, and this one continues in the long line of slightly bizarre illustrations.

So on Saturday if you're not totally exhausted from this week's festivities, definitely check out the Aa show at Less Artists More Condos.

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 01:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

img c/o zune

Sponsors of big events like CMJ usually slap their logo on a few party tents, throw a happy hour, and slink back to watch their revenues spike. Thankfully, one of this year's title sponsors, Zune, is actually getting their hands dirty and putting some real effort behind their investments. For starters, they teamed up with a couple others to throw a kick-ass week long showcase at the Bowery Ballroom, featuring acts like Lykke Li, Jay Reatard and A Place to Bury Strangers. Then, behind the scenes, Zune is launching CMJ-themed pages on Zune.net to give fans access to all sorts of things like mix tapes and others CMJ features.

They brought some music blogs in on the fun too, as starting today, the Zune Marketplace will feature custom CMJ mix tapes from sites like Rock Insider, Rock Sellout, Culture Bully and The Music Slut. It's all going down at zune.net/cmj. Kudos to Zune, who seems to be stepping in when Apple's taking it's indie kids for granted. This is the most jaded demographic for retailers to be going after, so if you're gonna hit us where we're most passionate, i'm glad some of the brands are trying to do it right. Oh, and everybody loves free music (14 days worth, heads up).

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Are you giving your dog free reign to deposit dog tokens on South 4th Street? Well, if so, your neighbors are begging you to stop. Luna Park found this sign on South 4th, asking everyone, "Please Stop Bombing South 4th Street".

via Animal

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you don't go to this I will hit you in the knees with a metal pipe. Not really! But indeed you should check out Sunday's show at Glasslands and see some of the bestest from the West (Gangi, Hecuba, Rainbow Arabia). They've come all the way from Cali and they will feed you barbequed delights as well.

And lest we forget the neat-o NYC bands that are also on the lineup: Effi Briest, Dinowalrus, The Electric Tickle Machine, and John Fell Ryan from Excepter.

Chillin’ and grillin’. See you there!

289 Kent (between South 1st and South 2nd)
7 pm
$7

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 05:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night marked the final "Eyes Night" for the Baltimore Round Robin tour. I'll leave it to the organizers to explain the concept:

"The format of the show is as follows: All the bands set up at the same time along the perimeter of the room with the audience in the center. Each band does one song per round, no breaks, back to back to back etc., until the show is completed. There is no headliner or opener, no front row or back of the room.

"The tour is divided into two nights. The first night (Eyes Night) is a mixture of folk, noise, theatrics, improvisation, music that is spiritual, dreamy etc. The second night (Feet Night) is devoted to music that you dance, thrash or otherwise move around to and is a mixture of electronic, punk, hardcore, dance, and rock and roll musics."

Eyes Night gave us a wonderful cross-section of an art scene that deserves some more attention - it was sort of equal parts performance art, video, and live music. The show also demanded audience participation and engagement from all sides as the bands randomly alternated stage duties and kept up with each others' pace and enthusiasm. It was weird, and we liked it.

Here are some pics:

Beach House

Blue Leader

Santa Dads

Teeth Mountain

Creepers

All photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 05:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Some of our fave local bands are playing this evening at Public Assembly (in the old Galapagos space on North 6th). Lady Magma, The Nasties, Ribbons, and Kelli Rae Powell, will be there, along with some burlesque acts and raffle tickets to boot. It’s all to celebrate The Shiny Squirrel's1st b-day. Hit it, and don’t forget yer pasties!

Doors 6 pm
$7

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey, need some spooky DJs for your Halloween bash? Sure you do! Hire these guys, they know alllll the hits. Ten bucks they'll play monster mash!

"KILLER" HALLOWEEN DJ GHOULS AVAILABLE 2 "SLAY" YOUR HALLOWEEN PARTY (NEW YORK)

"SCARY" (HOW AWESOME) DJS PLOT TO "R.I.P" YOUR HALLOWEEN PARTAY FRIGHTENINGLY EXPERIENCED HALLOWEEN DJS BOOK US AT YOUR VENUE OR PARTY FOR AN ETERNALLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN FRIGHT FEST SERIOUSLY, EVERY KILLER HALLOWEEN JAM YOU EVER WANTED TO HEAR (AND THEN SOME) VINYL + MP3 ALL KILLER, NO FILLER ALL BANGERS, NO WANGERS 2 KOOL FOR GHOUL SCHOOL--WE RULE!! WE'RE INEXPENSIVE!! DON'T FEAR THE CHEAPER LET'S DOOOOOOOOOO THISSSSS

via Craiglist, natch.

Posted by Brian Ries at 03:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am often a fan of being totally obscure and random. However, I think this time being obscure and random is in my favor...The Scandinavia House is part of the American-Scandinavian Foundation, playing host to many cultural events. Two things of note to check out right now.

On September 26th, they launched the show Sublime Nature: Romantic Paintings of the 19th Century. Although I am mostly a fan of contemporary work, these pieces look to be quite interesting and admittance to the show is free. You can get a little taste with Joachim Frich's Landscape with Glacier, 1830.

On October 29th, they will be launching the Golden Age of Finnish Cinema series; the retrospective spans the 1930s to the 1970s. Features will be screened on Wednesdays.

Eight Deadly Shots (Kahdeksan Surmanluotta),1972

More info. here.

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From his friends and family:

A year ago we lost a true hero and friend, Craig Murphey. Some called him a son, many called him a friend and still others called him "that dude who's been staying on my couch, you know they guy with the biggest smile and the smelliest feet?"

This Friday, October 11th, we celebrate his life and achievements as we hold a raffle and take donations for the NYC Coalition Against Hunger (www.nyccah.org) – the Craig Murphey fellowship. Criag's fellowship helps fight hunger in west Harlem and other neighborhoods by providing access to nutritious foods to underprivileged families.

Please come out and support our love for our dear friend. Let's all raise a glass of vodka and Coke Zero and dance like its going out of style!

The fundraiser is at Hugs (106 North 6th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn) and starts at 9pm. Live music by Finger On The Pulse, Lauren Flax, Matty Royal, Eliz and DJ Wait Seriously. There's no "cover", per say, but if you have a heart bring some $ to donate to a great cause. Plus, you can win all kinds of awesome donated gifts from the community. That list is after the jump.

DONORS/PRIZES FOR CRAIG MURPHEY FELLOWSHIP RAFFLE
Tickets for the raffle will be on sale starting 9 pm for $5 bucks a pop, 5 for $20

- M Shanghai: $50 gift certificate
- Otte: $50 gift certificate
- Tailor NY: 7-course tasting menu for 2
- The Flaming Lips: signed limited edition tour poster
- Saved: Print by Bailey (usually priced at $150)
- Amy Techinor: handmade 2-finger rings, bottle cap necklace
- Andy Perez/Jersey City Tattoo: 1 hour of tattooing (to be confirmed)
- Colonel Records: 2 copies of each release
- The Goddamn Rattlesnake: banjo lesson with J
- Lauren Walkingcity: Handmade Craig Murphey For Pres posters (3)
- Ben Sherman: men's neckties (about $50 a piece)
- 92YTribeca: pair of tickets to any 2 music events ($50 value)
- Elizabeth Weinberg: 2 photo prints
- CSS: Zoo York skateboard with venture trucks and ricta wheels( $110)
- Lodge: $50 gift certificate
- Hair Metal – Hair cut
- Sweet ups/Royal Oak - $25 gc
- Tattoo Culture - $150 gift certificate
- Lolay Maria – gift certificate
- Weimar New York – 2 tickets for Joe's Pub show
- Essex – dinner for 2 w/ wine ($80?)
- Sally Hershberger Salon - 3 cuts ($200 each)
- Muddy Paws - $50 gift certificate
- Mishka - misc. clothing
- Southern Records – Prize Pack ($75 each)

Posted by Brian Ries at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Check 'em out, add your own!

Posted by Brian Ries at 04:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Obama's campaign responded today to McCain's assertion that he's not President Bush. They had this one signed, sealed, and nearly delivered for a long time. Oh, and this "Joe the Plumber" you're hearing about? He's not even a plumber! He doesn't even have a license to practice plumbing. Now the poor guy's been dragged out onto the national stage by Gramps McCain and will have to deal with all this shit reporting on his private life, like what I'm doing right now by typing this.

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

HBO's been executing a bum rush back into our hearts this fall, first with The Life and Times of Tim, and now, we've got wind of a new show coming November 9th called Summer Heights High. It's shot like a mockumentary, as it follows three different high school personalities navigating the trials and tribulations of social cliques, bullying, stereotyping, profanity, racism, and homophobia in modern day high school. Based on what I've seen, it's a really endearing and humorous account of life in high school in America (although it's based in Australia...so?).

There's Ja’mie King, a junior exchange student with a massive ego and sense of entitlement; Mr. G, a 30-something senior drama teacher with delusions of grandeur; and Jonah Takalua, a middle-school delinquent on the fast track to nowhere. And guess what! They're all played by the same person, writer/creator Chris Lilley. I've embedded a clip for each character below the jump, but first, watch Jonah describe his bathroom grafitti, Dicktation. I'm gonna guess you'll be seeing these in the bathrooms around town come December. Summer Heights High debuts Sunday, Nov. 9th at 10:30pm...meaning HBO's thrown this in their coveted Sunday night slot, so, expect big things.

Meet Ja'ami

Meet Jonah

Meet Mr. G

Posted by Brian Ries at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here are some pictures from last night's show at the absolutely awesome Danbro Studios Warehouse, out in East Williamsburg Industrial Park (EWIP for short, from now on, cause that sucks to write). This venue is by far the coolest spot in Brooklyn to catch a show. It's got vaulted ceilings, grimy floors, a huge outdoor spot to chill, and surprisingly in-place infrastructure (bathrooms, a bar, etc.)

Also, my shoes came back muddy but I could've sworn the place had a floor.

Pictures by me and angela cranford

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I managed to get my grubby hands on some leaked footage from tonight's debate, and surprisingly, it all goes down in a rather organized manner. Consider this your FREEwilliamsburg debate preview. Check it out:

via BF

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

As promised on Sunday, here is Part II of our CMJ preview. If you missed our picks for Tues, Weds, and Thurs of next week, you can click right here to see 'em. Friday and Saturday are going to be hot mess factories, so take a look-sie at what we think will be the best shows for the final two days of the music marathon.

Godspeed my children!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24th
1. Panache Showcase @ The Knitting Factory, 8 pm -- Monotonix, The Mae Shi, AIDS Wolf, DMBQ, The Apes, Akimbo, The Homosexuals, Shellshag, Catcall, Yip Yip, Sole, Aa, Fiasco, Screens

2. Sub Pop/Suicide Squeeze Showcase @ Pianos, 8:30 pm -- Wolff, Pretty Good Dance Moves, Nickel Eye, The Ruby Suns, Oxford Collapse, sBACH, The Duchess & The Duke, Death Vessel, Cotton Jones

3. 7 pm @ Mercury Lounge -- The Virgins, Eagle Seagull, Delta Spirit, Ambulance Ltd., Wild Light, Mother Mother, Other Lives

4. Social Registry Showcase @ Santos Party House, 8 pm -- Gang Gang Dance, Growing, Psychic Ills, Slan Alice Group

5. Chouette Showcase @ Cake Shop, 1 pm -- Phosphorescent, City Center, Castanets, King Darves, Endless Boogie, Julianna Barwick, Viking Moses, Virgin Forest, Donovan Quinn, Doug Paisley

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25th
1. Merge Records Showcase @ Mercury Lounge, 8 pm -- Oakley Hall, The Rosebuds, The Broken West, Portastatic, Wye Oak, The Music Tapes

2. IheartComix CMJ Party @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, 8 pm -- The Toxic Avenger, NinjaSonik, Heartsrevolution, Team Robespierre, Totally Michael, Shout Out Out Out Out, Designer Drugs, Juiceboxxx, Franki Chan, Lauren Flax

3. Crashin’ In/K9/Polyvinyl Party @ Public Assembly, 4 pm -- Sky Larkin, PRE, Radio 4, Holy Hail, The Muslims, Shock Cinema, The Mae Shi, Cut Off Your Hands, Johnny Foreigner, The Uglysuit, Drink Up Butter Cup, Jean on Jean, Anni Rossi, Cale Parks, Frances

4. Oh My Rockness/Oya Festival Show @ Cake Shop, 6:45 pm -- The XYZ Affair, Lukestar, Royal Bangs, Casiokids, The Uglysuit, Ingrid Olava

5. R5 Party @ Glasslands, 9 pm -- Jay Reatard, Crystal Antlers, Amazing Baby, Women

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our darling friends at Nita Nita will be showing the debate tonight on their projector screen at 9 pm sharp, and we recommend stopping by. Get there early for their terrific “Bailout Package” Happy Hour, and drown your concerns with cheap food and drinks. WARNING: “Bailout Package” prices are in effect 7 days a week for happy hour, and may become habit-forming.

Nita Nita is located on the corner of North 8th and Wythe…..

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

img via picturepostcard

Todd P's breaking in a new venue tonight out in the outskirts of Williamsburg and the inskirts of Bushwick, in my former village of East Williamsburg Industrial Park. The venue, the DANBRO STUDIOS WAREHOUSE is set in an old Brooklyn beer brewery, long defunct.

Todd explains, "Shows happen in an ancient, dramatic vaulted room that used to house stores of grain for the building's original incarnation: the Goldenrod Brewery, a once famous Brooklyn brewery that folded after the 1930s due to Prohibition." Tonight's show is for the Dillinger 4's record release party and the beloved Ergs last NYC show. There are still about 25 tickets or so at Academy Records, where you can grab them pre-show until 5:30. Then, they'll be selling $9 tix at the doors, which open at 7. Location is 268 Meserole St @ Bushwick Pl, off the Montrose L stop.

The line-up via ToddP:
:: DILLINGER FOUR ------------> RECORD RELEASE PARTY!
:::: the Measure
:::::: the Ergs ----------------> LAST NY SHOW EVER!
:::::::: Carnal Knowledge

Click through the jump for some shots of the new venue, or go here!

Posted by Brian Ries at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Paper Rad is arguably one of the most influential art collectives to come out of this decade. If you are not familiar with them, they have their hands in many different projects from music to animated videos. And whether you know it or not, designers seem to love to rip off their aesthetic. See MIA's website.

Recently, Rhizome posted an oldy but goody of theirs. It's essentially "get well soon" cards informed with the Paper Rad sense of humor.

Get the full effect at their site.

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 02:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I stopped in Phoebe's Cafe last for a beer and some WiFi and just-so-happened to catch an amazingly talented jazz trio rocking the back half of the store. As it turns out, the Ron Petrides trio was kicking off the first of many live music nights here at Phoebe's, which is set to go an incredible seven days a week as the fall and winter season starts creeping into Brooklyn.

When Phoebe's owner Christian Pala bought the place about five months ago, he had the vision of turning this gentle coffee shop with a sprawling backyard into a lunchtime vegetarian cafe, a coffee house, a bar, and a reliable low-scale music venue. Being a musician himself (Brazilian guitar's his specialty), he knew musicians needed consistent booking to stay sane and make money, so the majority of the acts he's brought in are essentially residencies. And which such a wide range, you can stop in a few different days during the next week or so and find your routine night-of-the-week band.

With the first night in the books, it certainly seems that he's already well on the path to envisioning his dream. He's already booked solid for the next two weeks, hosting a wide variety of musical acts - from the jazzy trio that played tonight to open mic blues jams, with a healthy mix of solo guitar players, rock bands, and genuine folk rock in between. As for the trio last night, they're awesome. I absolutely recommend them if you're looking for a dizzying mix of smooth jazz classics with the occasional regular-person (me) favorite, like Salt Peanuts! They're friendly guys too, so feel free to say hi or ask some questions in between sets.

For more info on who's playing and when, visit Phoebe's Cafe's website or myspace, orrrrr just be a real person and stop by any night of the week for live music. They're at 323 Graham Ave, just a block from the L.

Oh! Here's their current schedule for the next couple weeks:

Upcoming Shows
Oct 14 2008 8:00P - Uri Gurvich
Oct 15 2008 8:00P - Mike Clifford
Oct 16 2008 8:00P - Vito Chiavuzzo
Oct 17 2008 8:00P - The Tollywood Allstars
Oct 18 2008 9:00P - Thierno Camara / afro beat
Oct 19 2008 8:00P - Brother dave show and open blues jam
Oct 20 2008 8:00P - Ron Petrides
Oct 21 2008 8:00P - Uri Gurvich
Oct 22 2008 8:00P - Gabriel Miller-Phillips
Oct 23 2008 8:00P - Aaron McLendon Trio + Jam session
Oct 25 2008 9:00P - Abdoulaye Diabate / word music / afro beat
Oct 26 2008 8:00P - Brother dave show and open blues jam
Oct 29 2008 8:00P - Dan Fishback
Oct 30 2008 8:00P - HAPPY HALLOWEEN / Aaron McLendon Trio + Jam session

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Friday night there will be a party and silent auction to benefit Barack Obama, presented by Create Change NYC. It starts at 7 pm at The Bell House (149 7th Ave in Brooklyn), and the goal is to raise $20,000 for the campaign as Election Day closes in.

With DJ sets from the French Kicks and Cassettes Won’t Listen, and performances by Dirty on Purpose and others, it sounds like fun to us! There's a $25 minimum donation which should be submitted online at www.createchangenyc.org - once you pay up, you print your receipt for admission to the party, and you're also automatically entered in a grab bag raffle. But cash/credit will also be accepted at the door, so last-minute attendees never fear!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

According to CNN:

How much do we LOVE Kenny and Selma?!?!?

(ed: How much do we HATE CNN's embedded video player???)

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Oh snap! We've got gangs in the neighborhood. It turns out those machete-wielding kids may be part of the Pretty Boy Goonies, a "new offshoot of the notorious Bloods gang" that's been poking around the hood in the past few months. They're vicious too! From the Post:

"This is not fist-fighting we are talking about. They are using machetes to stab and slash, and screwdrivers. There are brawls in the streets, in broad daylight, stopping traffic.

So, that's what this was! Their playground is the park under the Williamsburg Bridge, where the NYPD has installed one of their tree forts. I guess it's working, last week cops arrested 14 gang members. More at the Post.

Posted by Brian Ries at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

img via AndIamNotLying

Our friends at And I Am Not Lying realized something the other day. The current "disgruntled Vietnam Vet with a foul mouth and a serious anger management problem" who's trying to get a grasp on the news cycle these days has a number of similarities with another "disgruntled Vietnam Vet with a foul mouth and a serious anger management problem". Of course, we're talking McCain. The other guy is Walter Sobchak from The Big Lebowski, and the following video helps you imagine just how similar these two really are. So shut the fuck up Donny, and check out The Big McCain:

Posted by Brian Ries at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hot Chip, c/o Mark Iantosca

5,000 people + 3 bars = a bad idea in my book, but the clusterfuck scene on Saturday night at Pier 3 proved to be a successful affair. Diesel threw themselves an over-the-top 30th birthday party, which spanned the globe starting in Tokyo, and rippled across time zones to culminate in Brooklyn. An inordinate concentration of chic, quasi-famous, and excitable people swamped the party and clamored for free booze as circus performers and musicians entertained all the night through.

It’s not every day that you get to see Chaka Khan mashing it up with Hot Chip, or acrobats segueing into a surprise performance by T.I., or Franz Ferdinand citing FDNY regulations and yelling at a massive crowd, or Juliette Lewis slurring her words -- er, wait, we've spotted that one before. But without a doubt, the queen of ceremonies was M.I.A., who sauntered onto stage at 1 am with a huge rock on her finger and a blatant bun in the oven. Mazel, mazel to her! And grazie to Diesel for a great evening.

For some video clips, click here.

M.I.A.

M.I.A.

Chaka Khan

T.I.

Flexible, daring women

Franz Ferdinand

All photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just when you thought autumn was here and you were gonna slow it down some, go to bed early, stop drinking and re-commence going for early morning jogs, I have to remind you that CMJ will be here next week. It’s always an overwhelming and absorbing experience for music fans and their livers alike. And since it's genuinely impossible to fit in every show/band that you might want to see, we hope that our CMJ Preview will alleviate any anxiety you may have.

Part I of our recommendations is here for you today, and I'll reveal Part II later this week. It should highlight some of the exciting artists that are heading to New Yawk Citay from October 21st-26th, and give you an idea of what to expect....

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21st
1. Brooklyn Vegan Showcase @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, 6 pm -- Passion Pit, Jens Lekman, Ponytail, The Sammies, Emmy the Great

2. DC Hardcore Records Showcase @ Crash Mansion, 8 pm -- These Arms, Goes Cube, Team Robespierre, HR (Bad Brains), Die!Die!Die!

3. 10 pm @ Spiegeltent -- Deerhoof, Nymph, Fat Worm of Error

4. Manimal Vinyl Showcase @ Cake Shop, 7 pm -- Hecuba, Gangi, Rio En Medio, We Are The World, Rainbow Arabia

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd
1. Car Park/Pawtracks Showcase @ Le Poisson Rouge, 7 pm -- Adventure, Beach House, Ecstatic Sunshine, Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez, WZT Hearts, Dent May and His Magnificent Ukelele, Excepter, Kria Brekkan, Rings, Tickley Feather

2. Bar/None Records Showcase @ The Delancey, 8 pm-- Starling Electric, Shannon McArdle, Hotel Lights, Greg Camp, Hot Lava

3. 12 pm – 2 am @ Crash Mansion-- Continental Divide, Battle Crisis, Naked Hearts, Look Mexico, Starfucker, Pretty Good Dance Moves, PWRFL Power, Feral Children, Terrordactyls, Photo Atlas, Bang Bang Eche, Pomegranates, Shackeltons, Oxford Collapse, Voyager One

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23rd
1. Force Field PR Showcase @ Pianos, 8 pm-- Crystal Stilts, Cause Co-Motion, Au, Duchess Says, Bell

2. Rhapsody Rocks NYC Showcase @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, 7:30 pm-- Mission of Burma, The King Khan & BBQ Show, Jay Reatard, The Dutchess & The Duke

3. 7 pm @ Webster Hall-- Crystal Castles, Fujiya & Miyagi, Who Made Who, Lymbyc System

4. NYC Taper Showcase @ Cake Shop, 3 pm -- Bearsuit, Bloodsugars, Bridges and Powerlines, Best Friends Forever, Sharon Van Etten, The Loom, Naked Hearts

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's gorgeous out today, so I highly recommend hitting The Habitat. It's one of the best bars in Greenpoint, and all day long they are celebrating Oktoberfest with German beers, food, and even polka music. Wunderbar!

The Habitat is located at 988 Greenpoint Ave.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Still looking for something to do tonight? Well heck, NY Mag's hosting a big throwdown with The National, Grizzly Bear, and Stella Comedy at the Hammerstein. Tickets might still be available here: http://nymag.com/nyxny/40th/.

Posted by Brian Ries at 07:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So one of my favorites Ian Svenonius will be interviewing one of my other favorites Kathleen Hanna tomorrow at Cooper-Union's Great Hall. You can watch in awe with me too. The details are below:

VBS.TV & Dewar's Humbly Present Soft Focus with Ian Svenonius A live taping of interviews with eminent musicians Ted Leo and Kathleen Hanna Saturday, October 11, 1pm - 4:30pm at Cooper Union, The Great Hall, 7 East 7th Street at 3rd Avenue

Followed by a Soft Focus Afterparty
At which Ian Svenonius will select and play records from his extensive collection of dusty 45s
at Lit, 93 2nd Avenue
5pm - 8pm

RSVP HERE

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 05:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a nasty little Sarah Palin breakbeat remix to get your weekend started. From dariencomp:

Sarah Palin explains her qualifications to be VP through the power of breakbeat.

via buzzfeed

Posted by Brian Ries at 04:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This should be really, really cool. Opening runs from 6-10pm tonight. Animal reports:

An array of relentless shutterbugs and explorers of "forgotten and under-appreciated places" are showcasing lots of photos tonight at Brooklyn gallery Factory Fresh. The group show, Quality of Life, features new work by ANIMAL ally and premiere devil's advocate Jake Dobkin, along with Luna Park, Sam Horine">Sam Horine & Street Stars.

Factory Fresh is located at 1053 Flushing Avenue between Morgan and Knickerbocker, off the L train Morgan Stop.

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey Williamsburg, say hi to your mother for me!

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you're a cat lover, watch this video and uncover what you already know....your cat is crazy! They're f'n hypocrites too. They sleep all day, but when you try and catch a wink, the little buggers just don't understand why you are just lying there, not playing with them, and forgetting about that oh-so-delicious bag of food sitting in the inaccesible-to-cats closet. Enjoy!

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Opening, that crazy little nook of a spot in the LES that's been home to a drive-in movie theater, a rentable ping-pong room, and a lower east side auction house, is pleased to present Duck, Duck, Goose, with work by Jordan Broadworth, Kevin Fey, and Rich Watts. Their work spans across a diverse web of artistic mediums, as "Fey pours and drips, Broadworth adds and subtracts, and Watts designs and constructs." All three live and work in Brooklyn, holla.

So, g'head and stop by Grand Opening on your way out of the city tonight, b/t 6 and 8pm. It's at 139 Norfolk Street in the LES, and will be Duck, Duck, Goosing today through October 25th. Coolest of all, the gallery is live streaming through Justin.TV as we type, so click play below to watch them set up the show! Then, click through the jump for some more samples of their work.

Watch live video from Grand Opening's Channel on Justin.tv

img c/o kevin fey

img c/o kevin fey

img c/o jordan broadworth

img c/o rich watts

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

img not a bit related to the story, but via flickr

There was a massive youth street battle yesterday right by the Williamsburg Bridge street entrance, that ended with some bloodied faces and frightened cops. A reader wrote in and said that while sitting at a traffic light just outside Ortis funeral home, they saw a bunch of kids (12-15) acting rowdy and yelling, while a funeral was going on! After expressing some disbelief between him and his girlfriend, things turned ugly.

The light turned green and we started to roll, when we heard yells and screams and kids starting running across the street into moving traffic while other kids where chasing them. Bottles were being thrown, innocent bystanders running away, we almost hit a kid with the car and almost got hit by a bottle. We got on the bridge and were home free, it was crazy, like being in the movie children of men. So I thought that was the last of it, but there is more to the story.

His brother, who was at St. Vincent's ER for a broken finger, actually ended up talking with one of the kids involved in the fight. He came in with a bloodied face from a "bottle getting broken over his head", and told his side of the story:

He said that he was an innocent bystander and was mistaken for one of the kids in the gang. He said that about 30 kids fought for like 10 minuets on the street, broken bottles flying everywhere. He said two cops showed up and all the kids starting throwing bottles at them and the cop RAN AWAY. He kept commenting on that, saying that it was crazy and he doesn't understand that the cops ran away, and that it makes him scared. This blew my mind, what a horrible example the cops are setting, now these kids know that they can bully the shit out of them. I searched all morning for more info on the fight and couldn't find anything, so I figured I should tell someone.

Great, NYPD, way to stick up for yourselves. You can tase a naked crazy person to death, but you can't disperse a bunch of rowdy kids with bottles? It's not like they were brandishing machetes or anything...

Posted by Brian Ries at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

img via gawker

When Gawker posted some paparazzi-style photos of a hooded man wearing glasses yesterday, they thought that maybe, just maybe, they finally nailed Banksy. In the post, they say, "David Steele Overholt took these pics of a hooded figure who seemed to be supervising a new rat mural on Houston St. yesterday. The guy denied being Banksy, but then walked away suspiciously. Possibly him?". However, Banksy's overseas, so the dude on film is just R. Nicholas Kuszyk, a Williamsburg artist! He wrote in to Gawker to clear things up.

the photo of the hooded person is not banksy. it's me, r nicholas kuszyk, a williamsburg brooklyn based artist informally affiliated w banksy and colossal media. i was consulting the paint crew on behalf of banksy who was too busy to oversee the entire process. this might sound like shameless self promoton (the name of the game) but at least i had the foresight, well banksy and i had the foresight, to plan on wearing something that covered my face yesterday in the case of people like david noseypants photog acting all paparazzi.

Self-promotion deserved. Check out his website, RROBOTS, and below the jump enjoy a few pictures of his non-Banksy art (hint: its still awesome).

via flickr

via flickr

via flickr

Again, his website.

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Image c/o Wooster Collective

If you find yourself meandering through Greenwich Village (89 Seventh Avenue South to be exact) and stop to look at a pet store filled with very animated animatronic pets and chicken nugget creatures, you're looking at the latest Banksy piece to hit the streets...you should see it before it closes on October 31st.

Hat Tip: NYT

UPDATE: We got a "Hot Dog Mallow" candy treat, compliments of the Banksy crew. Expiration date: 4/15/08. Picture, after the jump.

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Holy crap you have 20 minutes to enter to win tickets to "a very small capacity show. We're talking INTIMATE. Like, 250 - 300 people intimate" featuring mother-f*cking PRINCE! Go go go go go and bring me as your +1 if you win!

When? Friday, October 10th.
Location: Wish I could tell you, but as of yet I have no clue.

Link: Prince
via: BV

Posted by Brian Ries at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Good Magazine's new video series, The Wild Frontier of Sports, spotlights the McCarren Park Kickball games. Michael Phelps even makes a cameo! Check it out...

I'd embed it, but its just too big for our narrow blog aisles. (Good, give me customization options, damnit!)

UPDATE: Good is great! Here's the video, customized to fit FREEwilliamsburg (w/ description):

Anyone who remembers childhood as a time of innocence and joy was never on the wrong side of a dodgeball. If you ever packed a few extra pounds in grade school, chances are the specters of those stinging rubber balls haunt you to this day. But for the past three summers, young Brooklynites have been turning up at McCarren Park Pool to re-brand dodgeball as a sport where ex-bullies and fat kids can come together over a beer or six and have some good clean fun. We take you into the fray in our new video series: The Wild Frontier of Sports.

Posted by Brian Ries at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

img via jane

Hey Dr. Jay,

This is kind of an awkward question. Here's some backstory. I was with a girl at a party and she was giving me a handjob, and about halfway through I got this really bad headache in the back of my head. I let her finish because I didn't want to hurt her feelings, but it got worse as she continued. I took some Tylenol and let it go away. A couple days later, I was jerking off and the same thing happened. I haven't done it since and I'm wondering if this is a big deal and i need to go to a doctor. I don't live with my dad and obviously telling my mom about such events would be really awkward...and since id need her to go to the doctor(insurance), I'd rather not bring it up unless it could seriously be a problem. Hope you can answer this and not think its a joke or anything. Thanks!

I can definitely understand your concern. Only a small minority of people really enjoy severe pain and orgasms together as one. Most of us, however, like things to be all pleasant when stuff like orgasms happen. Horrible headaches when she's one-armed skiing on ya would definitely cause some concern. And thank you for asking me this kind of question. It's tough being out there all alone without easy access to someone who can help.

So...it sounds like you had the infamous sex headache. Contrary to what you may think, you're not alone - about 1% of all people experience a sex headache at some point in their life. It could have also been a simple neck muscle spasm that feels like a bad headache in the back of your head. Things tend to get tense in these situations and it's easy to pull some muscles. You should definitely see a doctor, especially since it sounds like it's affecting your sex life and it was your first time having such a headache. You could simply tell your mom that you've just been having a lot of headaches lately. You don't have to go into all the steamy details. If she needs to go with you, just ask her to step out of the room for a bit while you talk to your doctor privately. You're plenty old enough to ask your mom for a little privacy. If you'd like, come see us at Hello Health on Berry between N 7th and 8th. We're in the neighborhood and we'd be happy to help you sort this out.

To write your own question to Dr. Jay, send an email to askdrjay@freewilliamsburg.com!

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

[hat tip Rumproast]

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 08:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We’ll be dancing Friday night away at (where else!) The American Museum of Natural History. Why? Because it’s another night of One Step Beyond, the dance party in the Rose Center for Earth and Space that has hosted past DJ sets and performances from people like Simian Mobile Disco, Talib Kweli, Switch, and Kanye West.

Per the AMNH peeps:
“One Step Beyond returns on October 10 featuring Mattie Safer of The Rapture and DJ Mehdi, the French hip-hop and electro producer known for bridging the gap between dance music genres.”

Starts at 9 pm Friday, see you there!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

img c/o nymag

It seems the reader who wrote in yesterday about that vicious knife attack who really, really wanted to remain anonymous, is having a bit of trouble from CBS reporters. After she declined to be interviewed on camera, they went ahead and sent a news crew to her parents house anyways.

From her comment on our earlier post:

It's probably just the painkillers making my thoughts a little jumbled but I really just wrote to the blog so that people in the neighborhood would be more aware than I was last Thursday night. I didn't think ahead and realize that my statements would become fodder for the commenters. If I could do it again I wouldn't have bothered writing to Brian.

Lee Kushnir from CBS is a monster and sent a news truck and reporter to my mother's home on long island (I don't know how she got the address) in an attempt to get some sort of statement. She is disgusting.

Hey, CBS, that's so not cool. She wrote in to warn her fellow residents after a nasty mugging to be smart, which is great, but now she's wishing that never happened. I can't say I blame her.

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just in case you didn't know how old he is...let a jelly donut explain the state of things.

The line, "Obama be Facebook, McCain be Friendster" is freaking beautiful. I tried to find my old Friendster page (I had one!), but it's lost in the interwebs. Shame.

Posted by Brian Ries at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Department of Eagles' new album comes out today, and they played last night at The Bell House, so we figure it's a great time to post a video of them and share their goodness. Some of you may be familiar already, especially because singer Daniel Rossen also happens to be in a lil' band called Grizzly Bear. Listen, watch, enjoy:

video c/o 4AD Records

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

img via roboppy

A quick congrats to Fette Sau (best BBQ) and Dumont Burger (best burger) for bringing some Zagat medals home. From NYDailyNews:

Fette Sau in Williamsburg, which earned 24 out of 30, offers the city's best place "for pigging out" on barbecue, according to Zagat. "That's nice, very cool," said owner Joe Carroll, who opened the restaurant a year and half ago. The barbecue is so good, Carroll tells customers not to use a lot of sauce on his tasty meat - including such unusual offerings as pork belly, pig's tail, lamb shank and tongue. The city's best burger - served on a brioche bun with house-made pickles - was found nearby at DuMont, which also earned a 24 rating. "[That's] nice but not surprising," said James Garvey, manager of DuMont, which opened in Williamsburg seven years ago. "We've worked really hard."

We're proud of you :)

Posted by Brian Ries at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

.... even though we don't condone violence either. Okay, in this case maybe we do.

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Beloved Brooklyn blog, Gowanus Lounge, is back after a brief hiatus. Yay!

Posted by Brian Ries at 06:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

photo c/o brooklyn paper

Williamsburg's Edge dipped its toes into the Palin pool last week, putting up a sign for Sarah Palin (and yuppies).

“Sarah Palin/Live here/See Wall Street,” read the sign, which was posted just before the vice presidential debate last week on the side of the Edge, a high-rise project going up on the waterfront at North Fifth Street.

via Brooklyn Paper

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Fleet Foxes, c/o Mark Iantosca

In the case of Fleet Foxes, it’s easy to distinguish the dominance of their lead singer Robin Pecknold, and he possessed a profound ownership of Sunday's concert at Webster Hall.

The group’s signature is a modern take on a chamber choir blended with western/Native American influences, and it was implemented wonderfully by all five members. Nevertheless, Pecknold held the reins for the most moving portions of the night, as his vocals skyrocketed through “Your Protector” and “White Winter Hymnal.” Perhaps the most spellbinding moments were when the other band members took a respite, and left him to serenade solo and acoustic. It was then, as he performed “Oliver James,” and during the encore when he sang “Katie Cruel” without even using a microphone, that the audience was fully captivated and attentive.

That said, he wasn’t at all cocky, or undeserving of his role of hub to the rest of the band’s orbit. They’re a young band, and Pecknold a young singer – just fresh off the release of their self-titled album, and he freshly able to drink alcohol legally. This is what makes Fleet Foxes even more striking – their stage demeanor was so comfortable and gracious, you’d think they’ve been doing this for closer to a decade.

Amid songs, jokes were cracked – and I’m not talking your standard, awkward band banter – Pecknold and co. were hysterical. Discussing his first-ever foray to our fair Williamsburg (“it’s… an interesting place…..”) and talking about their erroneous preconceptions that Webster Hall might be a haughty place (but that in the end, “Webster Hall just sounds like a show on the CW.”) the band had the audience infatuated. And with good reason - because it’s clear that Fleet Foxes are on the path to do great, great things.

Click for more pictures!

All photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

img via flickr

A reader wrote in to warn us to keep our wits about things after she was attacked with a steak knife on Orient Avenue around 7:30pm on Thursday. It sounds scary as shit, so I'll let her do the talking:

I've lived on Olive St. for a little over a year and have loved just about everything my off the beaten path neck of the burg has to offer. My love changed slightly on Thursday evening. At 7:30 pm I was walking home along Orient Ave., listening to my ipod, checking out some of the furniture that had been put out for the trash, doing my usual stuff when I was approached by a guy with a steak knife in his hand. I initially did not see the knife and thought that he was approaching me for directions. He demanded my bag and as I dropped my groceries and tried to take off my messenger bag it became tangled with my headphone cord. The man (age 20-22, biracial, approx 6ft and 170lbs,wearing a Mets hat) yanked it from me, and started to leave. When he was a few steps away I panicked and began screaming at the top of lungs. He turned back around, ran the few steps back to me and proceeded to stab me once in the chest - perforating a lung - and once in the arm. Luckily for me the blade broke and was left hanging out of my arm. I think that he would have continued attacking me if this had not happened.

She'd like to warn everybody to keep a heads up, "so that my hip neighbors will know to keep their wits about them - no matter what time of day and no matter how safe the street seems. Converse, ipods and black jeans make you a target to some people." She'd also like to thank her neighbors on Orient for being so neighborly, "holding my hand, applying pressure to my wounds, keeping me awake until the ambulance arrived, calling my friend from down the street (my cell was in my pocket), basically just making me feel not so alone."

Keep an eye out for angry Mets fans with steak knives, everyone, and of course, be smart. Our neighborhood's as safe as any in the city, but we all have our crazies. We're just glad you're OK, anonymous reader.

*Side note - Orient Ave's been a hot spot in the news recently, as it hosts Michel Gondry's recently purchased condo, and is also the site of the back-and-forth squatter drama in the run down house from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. (See Gothamist, The Brooklyn Paper)

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

RemixSarahPalin.com aims to help Sarah makes sense, and they are enlisting your help! From the site:

Remix, rearrange, or mash up Sarah's ramblings into something coherent - maybe what you think she meant to say. Or should say. Or would have said, if only she could.

It uses the music remixing technology from MixMatchMusic, but they're just applying it to funny Palinisms. There're about ten or so of these on there now, and they're getting funnier...here's "Sexytime":

Remix Sarah Palin

Posted by Brian Ries at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

by Dave Thomas

Josh Brolin as W.

Is it strange that the movie I'm most psyched for this month has "porno" in the title? No. I don't think so.

OCTOBER 3

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Far inferior remake of Beverly Hills Chupacabra.

WILL IT SUCK?
The one good thing I can say about this movie is that the casting probably saved the life of its lead, a stray dog named Rusco. Early buzz is shockingly (albeit apologetically) good.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
City of Ember doesn't make things any easier the following week, but there are no other talking pet movies for miles. On the other hand, it's called Beverly Hills Chihuahua. $18mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
We all know about the Academy's bias against talking animals.

-------------------------------------------------

NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Kat Dennings and Michael Cera stumble into a first date in NYC.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. The long overdue follow-up effort from Raising Victor Vargas helmer Peter Sollet. More interestingly, a teen romcom based on a novel.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
The only other romcom in sight, last week's Nights in Rodanthe, skews much older, and isn't really a romcom. How to Lose Friends... isn't strictly a romcom either, but will pull on much more of the same audience. But I think it's safe to say Michael Cera is hotter than Simon Pegg right now. $48mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
No, but there should have been more love for Cera in Juno.

-------------------------------------------------

BLINDNESS

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
An epidemic of blindness leads to the victims being quarantined and going all Lord of the Flies on each other while Julianne Moore, who's faking blindness to stay with her stricken husband (Mark Ruffalo) er, looks on.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is mixed, which is disappointing since this is Fernando (Constant Gardener, City of God) Meirelles we're talking about here. The writer's no slouch, either, having penned the decent-but-unseen Childstar. Gael Garcia Bernal is up in here, too, but apparently that didn't help.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Maybe pick a less crowded weekend. Maybe go limited, too. $31mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
If it had got better reviews, maybe.

-------------------------------------------------

RELIGULOUS

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Bill Maher, not a big fan of the religion.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is generally positive. Larry Charles was the perfect choice to direct this doc given the scarcity of punches pulled in Borat. Curious to see how dimensional Maher's critique of religion turns out to be.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Let's just say the American Carol crowd won't dectract from Religulous' demo. Still, a limited release (and not just one that starts two days earlier) would have served this film better, especially in this crowded a market. $5mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
A doc nod isn't out of the question.

-------------------------------------------------

HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS AND ALIENATE PEOPLE

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Simon Pegg tries to make it in the crazy world of New York magazine publishing.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. Based on former Vanity Fair contributor Toby Young's memoir. Good cast: Gillian Anderson, Jeff Bridges, Danny Huston, Kirsten Dunst, are all on board with Pegg. Curb Your Enthusiam vet Robert V. Weide should be able to wring out plenty of awkward at the helm. Also, the only flick I know of to promote itself with its own facebook app.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Infinite Playlist won't help matters, and with Ghost Town returns proving that no one knows who the hell Ricky Gervais is, there's no way they know who Simon Pegg is, either. $17mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Devil Wears Prada it ain't.

-------------------------------------------------

FLASH OF GENIUS

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
True story of a guy (Greg Kinnear) who sued the automobile industry for stealing his idea.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is generally good, if not full-throated.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Will get lost in the shuffle. $10mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
It usually takes a stronger reaction to get that far.

-------------------------------------------------

AN AMERICAN CAROL

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
The Conservative Satirists Strike Back

WILL IT SUCK?
David Zucker used to be much, much funnier than this. Although it all started to come off the rails with Scary Movie 3 and 4, so don't necessarily blame it on the conservative slant. More here.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
A lot of the male audience for this flick will turn to Body of Lies next week, but with the right marketing, this could hit an underserved market. $39mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Even if this were the most sophisticated skewering of liberals, which it ain't, the conservatives in the Academy would get outvoted pretty handily.

-------------------------------------------------

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Rehab chick (Anne Hathaway) goes to her sister's wedding.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. By the look of the trailer, Jonathan Demme is going mumblecore. Cast supported by Debra Winger, Anna Deveare Smith and Rosemarie Dewitt (who kicked ass on Mad Men) as the eponymous Rachel.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Probably about as well as Margot at the Wedding, with which it's sure to get needlessly confused. $4mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
As the sole lead in Brokeback to not get a nod, Hathaway may see her fortunes change here. Dewitt getting some early notices, too.

-------------------------------------------------

BALLAST

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Three people react to a suicide in a small town.

WILL IT SUCK?
The darling of this year's Sundance. Won for cinematography and direction. Early buzz is good, but not quite as fawning as all that.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Sundance darlings tend not to do well unless they have big stars. $1mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Ditto.

-------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 10
-------------------------------------------------

QUARANTINE

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Cloverfield-style chiller about an outbreak in an apartment complex.

WILL IT SUCK?
As with most horror films nowadays, this is a remake. It's a remake of a Spanish film, though, instead of a Japanese or Korean or 70's/80's American one, so it's got that going for it. Still, the cameraperson-as-character bit might seem more original were it not for Cloverfield. Or Diary of the Dead. Or The Blair Witch Project.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Smart enough to stay away from Saw but not smart enough to stay away from similarly quarantine-themed Blindness. Doubt it will make much difference either way. $20mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
If they won't remember Cloverfield, they won't remember this.

-------------------------------------------------

BODY OF LIES

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Leo DiCaprio and Russel Crowe try to take down Al Qaeda.

WILL IT SUCK?
From director Ridley Scott, who more often than not brings the awesome. Adapted from the David Ignatius novel by William Monahan (The Departed) who's been tapped to write Jurassic Park IV (!?!).

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Nothing else this month has this kind of star power, but the Middle East is toxin at the box office. $48mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
You'd think Scott's American Gangster would have made more waves. In light of that, I'm thinking not so much.

-------------------------------------------------

CITY OF EMBER

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Two kids try to save their city, which happens to be the light source for the world.

WILL IT SUCK?
From Monster House director Gil Kenan and Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands and Nightmare Before Christmas scribe Caroline Thompson, who adapts the first in Jeanne Duprau's celebrated Ember series. Decent cast, too: Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Saoirse Ronan and Martin Landau.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Most attempts at starting a fantasy franchise that's not as iconic as Narnia, Potter or Rings have seen middling returns. $72mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
See previous answer.

-------------------------------------------------

THE EXPRESS

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
True story of Ernie Davis, the first black man to win the Heisman Trophy.

WILL IT SUCK?
Kind of an uninspiring pedigree. The director did Runaway Jury but hasn't done anything really interesting since that subway episode of Homicide. The writer did a great job with Blood Diamond but not so much with K-Pax. Dennis Quaid plays a coach again which is smart but uninteresting casting.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
The recent history of football films does not bode well. $12mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
They didn't Remember the Titans, and that had Denzel.

-------------------------------------------------

ROCKNROLLA

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Guy Ritchie returns to what he does best. We hope.

WILL IT SUCK?
Guy Ritchie's last movie was so bad that (a) it's hard to trust him with a script again and (b) it's hard for him to do a lot worse. So I try to be a little psyched. I like the casting of Tom Wilkinson and Jeremy Piven in supporting roles. Early buzz says it's better, at least, than Revolver, but not quite back to the level of Lock, Stock or Snatch.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Ritchie will see financial success once his next movie hits theaters. $9mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
No.

-------------------------------------------------

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
In Mike Leigh's latest, Sally Hawkins plays a woman who is the title.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. Hawkins took the Golden Bear at Berlin and the film won the wonderfully-named "Most Enjoyable Film" award at the Norwegian International Film Festival. Seriously, we should have an award like that here.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Will probably hit around the Mike Leigh average. $4mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
If Miramax can afford the Oscar push, Hawkins might stand a chance at a nod.

-------------------------------------------------

NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Couple tries to survive a long distance relationship.

WILL IT SUCK?
Mumblecore progenitors Greta Gerwig and Joe Swanberg's (who co-write, co-direct and co-star) best to date, according to early buzz. Of course, you have to like mumblecore.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
I don't think this will be the breakthrough mumblecore hit, but I think it will score on the higher end of the genre. $250,000.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
It took about ten years for mumblecore forerunner Cassavetes to show up on the Academy's radar.

-------------------------------------------------

ASHES OF TIME REDUX

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
If it hasn't been released in North America, it's new to you.

WILL IT SUCK?
Apparently, there are only a few differences between Wong Kar Wai's original 1994 Ashes and this reworking. Still, the old one is slightly more highly regarded (though both are considered the shiznit). In a way, though, it doesn't matter because the original was never released in the states, so if you wanna see this film in a theater, this is your only shot.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Wong Kar Wai does not usually bring in the big bucks. $1mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Is it even eligible?

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OCTOBER 17
-------------------------------------------------

SEX DRIVE

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Superbad Road Trip

WILL IT SUCK?
Looks like College with a better cast and only one or two better jokes. Don't know what a teen comedy has to do these days to get out of the shadow of Superbad, but this ain't it.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Now that Max Payne has a PG-13, it will pwn this film, which draws on the same demo with an R. $14mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Seth Green for Best Cameo as an Amish Person. It's one of the technical awards.

-------------------------------------------------

MAX PAYNE

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
FPS video game adaptation. So there'll be shooting.

WILL IT SUCK?
FPS video game adaptation. So yes. No idea about the writer, but the director did Behind Enemy Lines (and The Omen remake, but that wasn't an action film so let's just ignore it), so I guess the action sequences might not suck. Actually, I've already lost interest in this movie since the director's next one involves zombie vampires in Afghanistan (though, strangely, isn't actually called Zombie Vampires in Afghanistan, which would just be the Best. Title. Ever.)

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Not much in the way of action this month, and Marky Mark usually draws a crowd. $58mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
I think the first video game adaptation to even stand a slim chance at an Oscar nod will be Bioshock.

-------------------------------------------------

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Little white girl (Dakota Fanning, natch) goes to live with big black family in 60's South Carolina.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is bad. From the writer/director of Love and Basketball with a tricked-out cast including Queen Latifah, Sohpie Okonedo, Paul Bettany, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson (and no word on whether those last two sing a duet on the soundtrack but if I were some cheeseball producer I'd totally have them remaking "Peace Train" or some shit).

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Based on a bestselling novel. And there's nothing else like it for miles. $34mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
I'm sure that was the idea.

-------------------------------------------------

W.

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Step back in time with me to, um, I guess right now.

WILL IT SUCK?
Seriously, who else could direct this shit but Oliver Stone? And Josh Brolin as the Prez is fuck genius. Some inspired casting all around: Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush, Ellen Burstyn as Barbara Bush, Rob Corddry as Ari Fleischer, James Cromwell as Pa Bush, Richard Dreyfuss as Darth Cheney, Scott Glen as Rumsfeld, Ioan Gruffudd as Tony Blair, Toby Jones as Karl Rove, Bruce McGill as George Tenet, Thandie Newton as Condi Rice and Jeffrey Wright as Colin Powell.

Written by Stanley Wiser, who last teamed with Stone on Wall Street. Of course, he also wrote Project X. But, you know what? If Bush teams up with a superintelligent chimpanzee halfway through the movie, I'm gonna call that a win.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
With approval ratings in the toilet, it won't be hard to find a group of adults willing to plunk down some cash to watch Stone beat up on the old man for a couple of hours, though I doubt that's what he's actually going to do. $45mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
If it's a masterpiece, which isn't impossible, look at every major award to be in play.

-------------------------------------------------

MORNING LIGHT

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Doc following a group of newbie sailors who compete in an open ocean race.

WILL IT SUCK?
Apparently, Roy Disney is big into sailing, which is why he put this whole thing together. From the directors of the New York Cosmos doc.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
If What Just Happened? weren't enough to overshadow it this week, Eastwood and Kaufman have films opening next week. $500,000.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
If Deep Water couldn't get any love...

-------------------------------------------------

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Kind of like Entourage, except without Vincent Chase.

WILL IT SUCK?
Director Barry Levinson hasn't been knocking them out of the park lately, but this is currently his highest-rated film on IMDB. Adapted by Art Linson from his eponymous book. Supposedly the best work De Niro's done in a while.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Generally speaking, Hollywood insider movies tend not to do that well. This does have the advantage of opening before next week's Academy hopefuls, at least. $5mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Levinson's already wagged the dog.

-------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 23
-------------------------------------------------

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
I think the title's pretty self-explanatory.

WILL IT SUCK?
Director Kenny Ortega helmed Newsies back in '92 which, in my mind, makes him the perfect choice to have directed the first two High School Musicals. He directed this one, too, with the same writer on board so expect more of the same. That having been said, the trailer actually looks pretty good.

And yes, a High School Musical 4 has been announced.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
This is the first time a TV movie title has had a big screen sequel so, by definition, the audience is built-in (and large, or why make the leap). Let's say only the people who watched the premiere of HSM 2 buy tix. That's $172mil (assuming an average ticket price of $10).

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
The Academy, of late, likes their musicals dark.

-------------------------------------------------

SAW V

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
The Jigsaw mantle gets passed on.

WILL IT SUCK?
This series has been around so long that people are being promoted from production designer to director. Written by the guys who wrote the last Saw movie and, if you haven't noticed, those things have been getting diminishing critical returns, even from fans.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Why is this not being released on Halloween which is, you know, on a Friday? Do they think the demo will be trick-or-treating? No, instead let's open against one of the few surefire blockbusters of the fall. Especially since profits have been falling steadily since Saw II. $48mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Punctuality? These things really do come out every October like clockwork.

-------------------------------------------------

PRIDE AND GLORY

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Ed Norton ends up investigating his brother Colin Farrell's precinct as part of a murder investigation.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is kind of confirming what I suspected, that this is a by-the-numbers police corruption flick. Doesn't seem like co-screenwriter Joe Carnahan's contribution has added anything jucier or Miracle director Gavin O'Connor (who co-wrote the screenplay) has added anything more original.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
It's unclear just how much promotion Warners is going to put behind any of the films it got stuck with, er, had the opportunity to distribute once it absorbed New Line, but by the look of how long this has sat on the shelf, the answer is probably not much. $17mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
I look forward to the day when Norton does something Oscar-worthy again, but this probably ain't it.

-------------------------------------------------

CHANGELING

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Angelina Jolie gets locked up in a mental institution for claiming that the boy the police brought to her in a missing persons case was not actually her son.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. Not only have you got Clint (Eastwood, not Howard, though that would be cool, too) at the helm, but you've got John Malkovich in a leading role, with support from Colm Feore, Amy Ryan and that dude from Burn Notice (Jeffrey Donovan, not Bruce Campbell, though that would be hellacool). Strangely enough, the screenplay comes from Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Clint plus stars equals indie gold. Hell, they could have probably released this shit wide. $30mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
While critical response has been a touch more lukewarm than you usually get for Oscar fare, I can see the Academy's love for Eastwood (depending upon the strength of field) turning into multiple nods.

-------------------------------------------------

PASSENGERS

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
U2 records a really weird album with Brian Eno. Oh, you mean the movie. Patrick Wilson starts getting all these fucked up abilities after surviving a plane crash.

WILL IT SUCK?
From the guy who wrote that 10.5 earthquake TV movie...you know what? I'm just going to stop right there.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
You've got a paranormal thriller with Anne Hathaway, Patrick Wilson, Andre Brauer and David Morse and you're going to release it limited near the end of October? Yeah, that's a body dump. $4mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Nope.

-------------------------------------------------

SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Charlie Kaufman writes and, for the first time, directs this straightforward story in which nothing unusual happens. Nah, just kidding. It's pretty fucked up.

WILL IT SUCK?
If you "get" the title, this movie is probably for you. Early buzz is good, but terms like "surreal post-modern metanarrative" are thrown around freely in reviews, so consider yourself warned. If you need more reason to get psyched, look at this cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Michelle Williams, Catherine Keener, Emily Watson, Dianne Weist, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hope Davis and that dude who played the bad guy in Manhunter.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Unless Kaufman has a Jim Carrey or a Nic Cage in the lead, it's hard for his scripts to make bank. $17mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
A screenplay (or maybe even directing) nod isn't out of the question, and with all the makeup changes maybe Hoffman could get a nod, and there's no lack of Supporting Actress roles, but overall the reception hasn't been on the level of say, the love for Eternal Sunshine, so I wouldn't put any money down.

-------------------------------------------------

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Vampire flick for those who think the bloodsuckers in Twilight are too old.

WILL IT SUCK?
Ha ha! That never gets old! Been leaving an army of devoted fans in its film festival wake, racking up awards including a big win at Tribeca. In reviews, the term "classic" comes up a lot. It's a Swedish import so, of course, there's going to be an American remake (by Cloverfield helmer Matt Reeves) so probably best to check this one out first.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
These festival horror darlings almost never do well theatrically. $1mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Ditto, minus the "almost."

-------------------------------------------------

FEAR(S) OF THE DARK

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
A collection of animated horror shorts by leading graphic artists (none of whom I've ever heard of, but that's not saying much).

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is good. Cool concept. Even the less scary parts are supposed to have amazing animation.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the mainstream audience (or even a lot of the indie audience) hasn't heard of Blutch, Charles Burns, Marie Caillou, Lorenzo Mattoti, Pierre Di Sciullo or Richard McGuire, either. $500,000.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
It would be pretty cool to see a horror film sneak in by getting an animated nod. I think it's unlikely, though.

-------------------------------------------------

I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
French film in which two sisters are reunited after 15 years.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is great. Kristin Scott Thomas is supposed to be awesome. I didn't even know she spoke French.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
There are some high profile indies this week, but this is not one of them. $1mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
The way they're talking about Thomas, you'd think so, but the language thing is going to be a dealbreaker.

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OCTOBER 31
-------------------------------------------------

THE HAUNTING OF MOLLY HARTLEY

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Kind of like Reaper with a chick.

WILL IT SUCK?
Looks like it. Seriously, were it not for Gossip Girls' Chace Crawford having a supporting role, I'm thinking straight-to-DVD.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Even Chace can't save this one. $10mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Not so much.

-------------------------------------------------

ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Title leaves little to the imagination.

WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz has this as pretty much the best little Kevin Smith film ever. Looks like the perfect storm of Smith dialogue and Apatow players (though Apatow has no involvement). Check out the hilarious red band trailer.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
I think audiences are ready to love Smith again. $58mil.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Just once I'd like to see my homeboy get a screenplay nod. Just once.

-------------------------------------------------

SPLINTER

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Carjackers and kidnapees vs. deadly parasite.

WILL IT SUCK?
Been getting raves on the horror fest circuit.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
The much higher profile Repo! The Genetic Opera opens the following week, and even that ain't gonna do well. $500,000.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
It would be nice someday to see one of these claustrophobic horror flicks make a dent.

-------------------------------------------------

THE OTHER END OF THE LINE

WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Sleepless in Mumbai

WILL IT SUCK?
You don't expect the director of Behind Enemy Lines 2 to helm a romcom, yet here we are.

HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
It's not so much that there's a lot of genre competition as I don't think anyone is going to hear about this. $750,000.

WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Again with the no one will ever know.

Next Month: The generation gap is defined by those who are more psyched for Quantum of Solace or Twilight (or maybe that's just the gender gap).

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I hereby present the most important thing you can do this weekend. Zeps, of the Point Dot Period crew, is throwing a "No Hipsters Allowed" dance party, tomorrow night, with a lot of music by DJ Johnny Mambo. But here's the thing....they're hosting a Street Fighter 2 tournament on the big projector screen at Public Assembly (70 N. 6th Street between Kent and Wythe streets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn)!!!! WTF?! How can you ask for no hipsters, but then offer Street Fighter?! Silly DJ's...

The dress code? No tight pants, ironic t-shirts, or "Plad" (it's ok, hipsters can't spell either). No dirty sneakers, shoes, ungroomed beards, and the number one rule: YOU MUST HAVE GOTTEN A HAIRCUT IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. Well, shit. There goes the neighborhood.

So this is an invasion invitation to everybody out there with tight pants and a taste for the irony. Get lookin' good, and get out and show Mr. Zeps how to truly rock E. Honda! Or, anti-hipsters, defend your childhood on the big screen. I want video footage of this epic battle in my inbox no later than Sunday night. Send it to me.

The flyer:

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

One way to let it be known that you're new in town, is to welcome everyone else to your universe. It's kinda like Mr. Rogers taking his magical trolley into that crazy world on the other side of the wall, and saying, "Welcome to my neighborhood, puppets!". That's what Williamsburg's newest clothing shop Summer Friday chose to do, by papering telephone polls around the area with the above sign. They're offering "contemporary clothing for gentlemen & gentlewomen", and are located at 560 Lorimer St., just by the Metro Ave. stop. On behalf of the residents of Williamsburg, thanks Summer Friday, it's great to be here!

via Racked

Posted by Brian Ries at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Popular internet music sites like Pandora and Last.FM have been granted a stay of execution by our elders in Congress. Yesterday, Congress passed the Webcaster Settlement Act, which, according to Consumerist:

Gives Internet radio stations like Pandora until February 2009 to reach a new royalty agreement with copyright holders; if they meet the deadline, the government will not interfere, which is great news since it was the gov's Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) that set the current market-killing fees in the first place.

Now, President Bush has to sign it, and then the websites and the nightmarish RIAA have to play nice to eek out a deal. So for now, take a deep breath, kick back, and enjoy some free streaming music through your internet's tubes. If you're new to this, try these, for starters: Pandora, Last FM.

Story via Consumerist

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Black Kids, c/o Mark Iantosca

Plenty of pretty young things packed Webster Hall Wednesday night to dance their asses off and see The Virgins and Black Kids do much of the same. The two bands with semi-preposterous names were quite the intuitive match for each other – spawned from the best of 1980s-90s pop, and unabashedly trendy and tawdry. Shades of the B-52s, The Cure, and Some Girls-era Stones were detectable as the synth and bass popped through the speakers and neon lights flashed. Contextually however, both groups place themselves in the psyche of the under 25 demographic. Most of the bands' repertoires cover topics ranging from after-school philandering, bloggers, and juvenile heartache, but most vital of all, dancing and partying.

Certainly the two bands do have their distinctions. But with lyrics like: “The world is just a joke/It's such a mess/You know we got to take it while we're young /Bottles I just want to hear them smash/I ain't got no plans on growin' up” (The Virgins) vs. “Like many a male/ I get angst in my pants/And goddamn it to hell/ it don't help if I dance.” (Black Kids) it can be tough to discern the differences on wording alone.

No matter, however. The night’s theme was emphasized clearly by the bands and the attendees: be ridiculous, immature, sentimental, and shake your hipster/college student booty off. And thankfully, everybody did just that.

The Virgins

The Virgins

Black Kids

Black Kids

All photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Evangelicals, c/o Sarah Cass

Tonight my favorite band from Norman, OK will take the stage at Cake Shop. Evangelicals play a fantastic psych-pop blend, and if I wasn't home staying home sick tonight, I'd definitely be there to see 'em.

Also playing will be The Muggabears, Parenthetical Girls, and Miracles of Modern Science.

8 pm, $8

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From CNET:

The most notable feature "organizes and prioritizes your contacts by key battleground states, making it easy to reach out and make an impact quickly," according to the software....

The application anonymously reports back the number of calls made this way: "Your privacy is important: no personal data or contacts will be uploaded or stored. Only the total number of calls you make is uploaded anonymously."

via Politico

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Robert Lanham has a new essay on Sarah Palin over at Radar. Here's a sample:

"Sarah Palin has made the biggest step forward in feminism since Madonna," Camille Paglia wrote in a recent Salon column..... "Palin represent[s] an explosion of a brand new style of muscular American feminism."

In Palin's case "muscular feminism" is really quite literal. Our potential president-in-waiting is a chaste dominatrix who wants to bully her way into your private life and declare control of your uterus. She may not be able to talk the "first dude" into trimming his nasty pubic-hair goatee, but she knows how to skin a caribou. She played basketball in high school. And who cares if she's opposed to a woman's right to choose? She can tear the still-beating heart of a moose from its chest, all without breaking a nail.

As Palin demonstrates, muscular feminism isn't about progressiveness, equality, or integrity. It's about proving you can talk tough, just like the boys, even if what you're saying is totally retarded. If she were a man, we'd call her a meathead. A bully. She wouldn't be a hockey mom, she'd be a dumb jock. But who cares about the issues? Let's just watch her flex.

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was lucky enough to score a ticket to Ratatat at Terminal 5 last weekend, where we got to see "Shempi" performed live with all it's larger-than-life-sized Abba goodness. Now, thanks to Stereogum, here it is:

Posted by Brian Ries at 12:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Walter Foods — image c/o NY Mag

There are a couple of new restaurants opening up in the hood. Getting the most buzz is the raw bar Walter Foods on 253 Grand Street. Here's what NY Mag says:

Finally, the raw bar the kids in Williamsburg have long demanded! Balthazar bartender Danny Minch and Barrio Chino owner Dylan Dodd have opened Walter Foods at 253 Grand Street. Justin Ernsberger, formerly of Clinton Street Baking Company and Aqua Grill, brings his love of sea creatures to the menu -- lobster appears in five dishes. This is good news for anyone on the L train looking to score some clam chowder this fall; if you're not, there's a burger and fried chicken and some steaks for you. Given Minch's former life as a bartender, it's no surprise that the cocktail menu is more robust, if not a little old-timey: See Sling, Singapore for details.

Also, for those of you who miss the Brick Over Gallery (we sure do), its former owner just opened a new joint called Kenny's Trattoria. Here's what the owner has to say:

Kenny's Trattoria is an Italian restaurant with a menu offering homemade pasta dishes, including a homemade ravioli of the day, and several chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes. Patrons of Brick Oven Gallery will recognize some of the dishes such as the Brooklyn Caviar, Brick Oven Shrimp, Orichietti and the same over sized salads.

On another note, a new brick oven restaurant called Motorino opens on Friday. It's on the corner of Graham & Ainslie. And speaking of brick oven pizza, we've been addicted to Barosa. It's just a block away from Motorino on Graham and it's definitely worth a visit. Stick to the basics--eggplant parmesan, pastas, the sausage pizza is heavenly--and you'll be delighted.

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

c/o MonkeyTown

To say that visiting MonkeyTown is an experience is for me a little bit of an understatement. A personal haunt of mine for a couple of years, I have seen some of the best shows there, including three of Excepter’s best sets/installations.

Tonight MonkeyTown turns three. To celebrate it properly, there will be free food, free drinks, DJ sets, and more…. Festivities start at 7pm.

Posted by Lisa Baldini at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

From the ad, posted on Craigslist:

Looking for a Sarah Palin lookalike for an adult film to be shot in next 10 days.

Major adult studio.

Please send pix, stats etc. ASAP

Pay: $2000-3000

No anal required

Sounds just like the Vice Presidential job description, right? Right!

Thanks, jo!

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)