Don’t fret about V-Day if you haven’t figured out what to do. Besides the Broken Hearts Ball, there’s plenty of other neighborhood action going on Friday/Saturday for lovers, singles, et al.

1. Celebrate Your Love at White Castle

Perhaps the most romantic option of all is doing dinner at the Graham Avenue White Castle. I did it last year, and let me tell you there is NOTHING classier than drinking Diet Coke out of a champagne flute and holding hands with your date among the fake flowers and helium balloons.

Make sure to call (718) 899-8404 ext. 311 and make your reservation, because this place does get busy.

2. Prix Fixe V-Day Dins at Nita Nita

If you aim higher than White Castle, this place is where it’s at. Forget burning a huge hole in your wallet and stressing about finding a good restaurant. Nita Nita on North 8th and Wythe is cozy, friendly, delicious, and the perfect choice.

3. Every 2nd Friday

The flyer above spells it out pretty clearly – and while this might not be on Valentine’s Day proper, it’ll still be a nice distraction and a good way to get hammered and take advantage of some gallery openings. And perhaps a good old Friday the 13th one night stand?

4. The Habitat’s Singles Night on Valentines

Greenpointers Blog gave us the heads up that one of our fave bars in the neighborhood will be hosting a special evening for singles to commiserate and get tipsy at a discounted price. Sounds like a good plan, readers!

5. And as mentioned below, The Broken Hearts Ball

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The day after tomorrow has a lot going on, so get your plans in order:

1. Dark Was The Night Listening Party @ Stanton Public

Dark Was The Night is a new compilation from 4AD records, which includes a slew of neat bands and songs. Everyone from Andrew Bird to Yeasayer to Iron and Wine contributed tracks to fundraise for the Red Hot Organization - an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS.

Its official release date is February 16th, but if you RSVP at Insound you can hit the listening party Friday night and swill some free Budweiser while you’re at it.

8 PM
17 Stanton Street

2. Cheeseburger and Andrew W.K. @ Santos Party House

Fans of Adult Swim, Cheeseburger, and/or Andrew W.K. rejoice – the three forces are combining for a $0 show on Friday.
Santos says:

“Hosted by Jon Glaser, New York based writer and star of Adult Swim's new show Delocated!, the event will feature a solo performance by Andrew W.K. and also a performance by New York's very own Cheeseburger. _Christy Karacas of Cheeseburger is also co-creator of Adult Swim's Superjail!.”

Get there early (music starts at 7:30 pm) because again, admission is on a first come, first serve basis.

6:30 PM
96 Lafayette Street

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 05:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a remix of Christian Bale's expletive-filled tirade, which has been circulating around for the past day or two. The video is hysterical, but alas my crush on this guy has officially been quelled. Forever.

AGHHH:

c/o RevoLucian

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

There have been a few excellent releases in the past months that deserve extra attention (from artists like A.C. Newman, Max Tundra and Low vs Diamond). But what’s even better is what we have to look forward to in February – new LPs like N.A.S.A.’s “The Spirit of Apollo” and “Tight Knit” from Vetiver. We’ve jumbled it together with a few randoms into a mix for this short, divine month.

1. A.C. Newman - “There Are Maybe Ten Or Twelve”

2. Harlem - “Caroline” - listen via MySpace.

3. Army Navy - “My Thin Sides”

4. Cut Off Your Hands - “Oh Girl” – check it out at last.fm.

5. Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - “Anchors Dropped” – listen to this and a few other songs from their forthcoming record over at The Hype Machine..

6. Hey Willpower - “Hundredaire”

7. Little Boots - “Stuck On Repeat”

8. N.A.S.A. (feat. Spank Rock, M.I.A., Santogold & Nick Zinner) - “Whachadoin?” – get this for free from RCRDLBL.com.

9. Max Tundra - “Which Song”

10. Low vs. Diamond - “Don’t Forget Sister”

11. Vetiver - “Everyday” - c/o i guess i'm floating.

12. The Boxer Rebellion - “Flashing Red Light Means Go”

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

You’ve got one week left to buy tickets to TheRumpus.net’s launch party at Crash Mansion next week, and oh what a night it shall be! In case you haven’t heard –

”TheRumpus.net is a new online magazine, focusing on Books, Music, Movies, Art, Sex, and Politics. TheRumpus.net provides original reviews of books, music, and film, interviews with culture mavens like Malcolm Gladwell, James Frey, Bucky Sinister, Al Franken, T Cooper, and Tristan Taormino, as well as original essays by Steve Almond, Robin Romm, Michelle Tea, and others, and blogs by Rick Moody, Bitchy Jones, and Jerry Stahl.”

Why can’t all parties be this glorious? Buy your tickets here.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

via freeyrradio.com

Today is the official release date for the Free Yr Radio 2008 compilation, available via Insound for $0.99 if you mosey on over. Sure, sure, the Free Yr Radio campaign concept is mildly ironic, as they seek to “generate awareness and funds for independent radio through a series of promotional activities,” the crux of which are sponsored by Urban Outfitters and Toyota (not exactly your run-of-the-mill DIY enterprises). But let’s smother any acrimony and embrace this one. After all, proceeds will benefit laudable indie programming from across the country, including KEXP in Seattle, KVRX Austin, Philly’s WPRB, and New York’s own WVKR. The track listing is as follows:


1. !!! – Must Be The Moon (Live at KEXP)
2. Chairlift – At My Side
3. Yeasayer – Final Path (Daytrotter Sessions)
4. White Williams – Blue Steel
5. Dan Deacon – Cave Birth
6. No Age – Padded Chair
7. Mudhoney – The Lucky Ones (Live)
8. King Khan & Saba Lou – Past and Gone
9. The Secret Machines – The Walls Are Starting To Crack (Live at KEXP)
10. The Walkmen – In The New Year (Live)
11. Tokyo Police Club – Your English Is Good (K-Os Remix)
12. Jamie Lidell – Rope of Sand (Live at Austin City Limits)

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We’ve definitely been preoccupied with Animal Collective this month, whipping up posts here and there. And while I hate to be redundant, it’s also true that the fervor is well deserved. The group just released their spectacular Merriweather Post Pavilion on Tuesday, and now Domino Records has bestowed upon us the LP's first music video, for “My Girls.” Animal Collective always shell out inventive - albeit freaky - videos (see "Peacebone" or "Water Curses" if you need reassurance on that). “My Girls” is no exception:

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's an unofficial video for Young Jeezy's "My President is Black." It's simultaneously hilarious and yet inspiring considering the magnitude of today's events:

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hot Lava, c/o Mark Iantosca

Saturday night’s show at Death By Audio was cozy and effervescent, and we’ve got the pictures to prove it. Hey Willpower, Math the Band, and Hologram, all graced the stage with hours of ridiculously catchy indie pop. But our undeniable faves were Hot Lava and Mixel Pixel.


While Brooklyn’s own Mixel Pixel injected the room with their signature brand of computer-disco dance music, they projected equally bizarre video footage and animation on stage. Meanwhile, Hot Lava (who trekked up from their hometown of Richmond, VA) were all handclaps and smiles. The band drew a dense crowd of onlookers who bopped around to their songs about computers, like “Apple+Option+Fire,” as well as other favorites such as “Blue Dragon,” and even a peppy cover of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky.”

Mixel Pixel

More pictures after the jump, if you please…..

Continue reading "Hot Lava + Mixel Pixel at Death By Audio" »

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 04:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We're back to the grind, and many of us have been drooling since Monday for the weekend to get here already. Dammit. My plan is to wallow in a soused state of TGIF-dom tomorrow, and then hit some live music on Saturday night. Here are three recommendations for shows on the 10th of January, 2009.

1.

via DanielMartinMoore.com

Daniel Martin Moore @ The Mercury Lounge

NPR describes him as “optimistic folk,” and Metromix garners him with language like “Austerity. Understatement. Obscurity. Honesty.” – so expect a fine, charming night on Saturday at the Mercury Lounge with Daniel Martin Moore. Other acts playing Saturday include Great Lake Swimmers and Haley Bonar who also have that same sort of gentle twang. Meanwhile A Hawk and A Hacksaw will throw a more nomadic gypsy effect into the mix.

8 pm
$13 advance/$15 day of show

***This lineup (minus A Hawk and a Hacksaw) will also be playing tomorrow night at the Bell House, if that fits your schedule better!

2.

Hot Lava @ Death By Audio

Hot Lava, Mixel Pixel, Hologram, Math the Band, and Hey Willpower will all be jammed into Death By Audio starting at 8 pm. It will be a sweet indie-popper fiesta, so sneak your best flask of whiskey into your girlfriend’s purse and come along.

8 pm

3.

Jacob Jiles @ The Delancey

Brooklyn-based Jacob Jiles plays “indie soul,” which a new genre to me, but it’s still nice and mellow and grownup-sounding music. Also playing are ENDI, The Royal Wylds, and The Ravages - who are definitely NOT indie soul.

7 pm
$10

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

via RadioCity.com

The Speaker Series will be back at Radio City this spring, and the lineup of panels looks pretty entertaining:


March 9:
Bill Maher and Ann Coulter – Humorous Perspectives, Serious Issues

March 31:
Anderson Cooper interviewing Arianna Huffington, D.L. Hughley, and Mike Huckabee – Free Speech and the Power of the Press

April 20:
Janet Reno, Alberto Gonzales, and John Ashcroft -- Domestic Law, International Policy

May 26:
Charlie Rose interviewing James Carville and Karl Rove -- Strategies, Alliances and Policy


Last year was the debut of the series, and the only option was to buy packages of tickets that included each night - and cost about $500 minimum. The good news is that single nights are on sale this time around, and you can pick and choose when to attend (obvi March 9th to watch Bill Maher destroy the bigoted ice bitch).

Even better news is that FREEwilliamsburg readers can get tickets today, before they go on sale to the general public on Sunday the 11th. Just got to http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/47seyc?camefrom=CFC_MSG_SPEAKERSERIES09, and enter the pre-sale code INFO when you are purchasing.

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

via TheCrane.tv

Hi creative ones. TheCrane.tv is a site that will launch in the next month or two, and once it’s up and running it will serve as a resource for fashion, lifestyle, art, and other aesthetic forays. They’re currently accepting submissions for their video competition, so if you want Karl Lagerfeld, Ora-Ito, or Flavio Albanese (among others) to judge your short film, then send it over their way.

Per TheCrane.tv:

“TheCrane.tv, Discovery Campus and Reelisor.com are hosting a film competition for creative talents from all over the world in the categories: Culture, Art&Design, Lifestyle, Fashion, Ideas, Travel and "Green". We reward creativity and encourage you to offer fresh, insider perspectives into your topic of choice. We would like to feel inspired and enriched by your contribution.

“There are no boundaries to your creativity. The short videos can be non-fiction, fiction, animated or could be in a journalistic or documentary style….. The winning films will be selected by our accomplished jury and announced at the international launch of TheCrane.tv in March 2009. The rewards for Laureates include cash, equipment and TV broadcast.”

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

c/o pbrnow.com

The rodeo is in town! Fans of PBR (Professional Bull Riders - although Pabst Blue Ribbon fans overlap in the sociological Venn diagram) know that this weekend, Madison Square Garden is hosting some severely brawny and carnivorous types:

“The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) 2009 Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) returns to The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, for the 2nd stop on the elite tour. The top 45 bull riders in the world buck into New York City for the Built Ford Tough Invitational on January 9-11. The action will get underway at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. For three-action packed performances, the Big Apple will see a world-class production unlike any other they will see in all of 2009!”

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Si senoritas et messieurs, this is a few days late…. normally a playlist is posted on the first of every month. Anyway, here are some recommended songs/bands, so perk those ears up!





1. Rafter - “Juicy”

2. Arcade Fire - “Burning Bridges” – from their new LP Miroir Noir – Neon Bible Archives… you can download the song for free by clicking here.

3. Wild Light - “California On My Mind”

4. Boy Crisis - “L’homme” - The Hype Machine has this track, along with a robust amount of other Boy Crisis songs and remixes.

5. Abe Vigoda - “Bear Face”

6. Cheap Time - “Glitter & Gold”

7. O Fracas - “Forfeit”

8. Kid Cudi - “Day ‘n’ Nite” – give it a listen or download the Crookers Remix of the track at RCRDLBL.com.

9. Soft Circle - “Drumbler” – and we give you yet another hookup from RCRDLBL.com!

10. Princeton - “Ms. Bentwich”

11. Small Sur - Sea Stones

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you haven’t heard of Kid Sister or listened to her forthcoming album Dream Date, then prep yourself ‘cause you’ll be inundated this season. She’s the younger sister of Flosstradamus' J2K (who also serves as her backing DJ), so talent runs in the family. Plus, you should’ve checked Kid Sister out weeks ago in our December Playlist. Right now we’re still obsessed, but the I’m-gonna-get-SO-sick-of-this factor ranks high on the Richter scale - mostly because her songs are so addictive that you'll exhaust yourself.

Kid Sister - Pro Nails ft. Kanye West



Her only available video is currently this one, for “Pro Nails.” It features Kanye West (blaghhggh) and isn’t the best song you’ll hear on Dream Date, which is why we need more ASAP. But whatevs, check it out and you will fall in love too.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Tomorrow night Oneida will be taking over The Knitting Factory, for their first-ever Oneida Fest (a.k.a. OaF One). It's a concert curated by the band, and there will be visuals supplied by Mighty Robot.

LINEUP:

Main Space

9 pm - Brava Spectre
10:30 pm - Oakley Hall
11:45 pm - Sightings
2 am - Oneida


Tap Bar
10 pm - Pterodactyl
11:30 pm - Parts and Labor
1 am - Neptune


Old Office
9:30 pm - Cave
11 pm - Knyfe Hyts
12:30 am - Dirty Faces

Tickets are a mere $10 for all this goodness! Check out The Knitting Factory's site if you want more details. But basically you’re a fool if you don’t attend.

Saturday, December 13th
Doors @ 8:30

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

YAY FRIDAY! I can't conceive of a single better way to spend time than to attend this show tonight at K + M Bar. Throw some money down for a great cause, see Lady Magma play, and get nourished and inebriated. Let’s hold hands and clink glasses!!!

The Shiny Squirrel Presents
HOLIDAY HELPING HANDS,
a benefit concert for the AIDS Resource center for Children
Co- Sponsored with One Stepper Production
Free Shots, Food!!
FRIDAY, December 12th ; 7:00 to 10:30 pm

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Matisyahu is wrapping up 2008 and celebrating Chanukah here in his hometown of NYC, with eight nights of live music. These shows are each being opened by different bands, and there’s a special chance for some VIP love from the Hasidic reggae impresario:

At each Festival of Light show, Matisyahu will select a winner from his mailing list to win a prize package. The prize package includes a Festival of Light poster signed by the whole band, a Matisyahu t-shirt and a live recording of the show where Matisyahu announces your name on stage. In addition, Matisyahu will personally call you to congratulate you and exchange holiday greetings.

The dates are as follows, and you can click here to purchase tickets:

12/21 – Webster Hall w/ The Crystal Method
12/22 – Webster Hall w/ The Levees
12/23 – Webster Hall w/ U Melt
12/25 – Webster Hall w/ Easy Star Allstars
12/27 – Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Asher Roth
12/28 – Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Assembly of Dust
12/29 – Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Little Jackie
12/30 – Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Brett Dennen

Fortunately, your beloved FREEwilliamsburgonians will be GIVING AWAY a pair of tickets to the December 22nd show AND a pair of tickets to the December 27th show to whoever emails me first at elizabeth@freewilliamsburg.com. Please specify which night you are submitting for....

I expect a deluge of responses, bonne chance!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo c/o urbanrusticnyc.com

Our friends at Urban Rustic over on North 12th Street have recently updated their grocery delivery list, as well as some other menu info (like their delectable selection of sandwiches, smoothies, and breakfast treats!). Check out the details here, or stop in and see for yourself. Or, if you are lazy/terrified of the cold weather, then at least be sure to phone them up and order fresh food ASAP!

Urban Rustic is located at 236 North 12th Street. Delivery area is as follows:

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Would you like to go to a marvelous loft party on Saturday the 13th, at a top secret Williamsburg location, with splendid live music and attractive people? If so, RSVP to inletsshow@gmail.com. Once you’re on the list, you’ll get a message on Friday with the address and other info.

The hosts let some of the secretive goodness out of the bag already:

“Fred Nicolaus of Department of Eagles will be doing a solo set, while Eliot Krimsky and Mike Johnson (who you'll likely recognize as one half of Flying) will be performing as their latest incarnation, Glass Ghost. Also, Angel Deradoorian of Dirty Projectors will be performing a set of her own. And, Inlets, the brainchild of Sebastian Krueger (of My Brightest Diamond), will preview new material from a forthcoming LP, and doll out the hand-crafted baroque folk of the (still free) Vestibule EP that introduced him to Brooklyn audiences back in 2007."

The party starts at 8 pm, and you’ll need to shell out $5 (but don’t fret, that covers your beer and wine as well!)

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

WE ADVOCATE THIS:

7 pm, $7

49 South 2nd Street

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tomorrow is December 4th, which means that:

-it is Jay Z’s birthday
-it has been 54 years since the first Burger King opened
-AND, there will be an awesome live music bonanza featuring excellent NYC-based bands at the Mercury Lounge.

My friends in A Million Years are playing alongside The King Left, and The Kiss Off. Atlanta’s Howlies will also grace the stage. This is gonna be sweet time, buy your tickets aqui!!!

$10 advance, $12 day of show
7:30 pm

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Howdy readers –

Are we human, or are we dancer? I have no idea, but l CANNOT get that damn song out of my head. So it’s a good thing that it’s the start of a new month, with a new mix. You can click on the iTunes link to sample the tracks or buy them, and for stuff that’s not released yet there are non-iTunes options.

Give it a whirl!

1. Bell - “Echinacea”

2. The Marches - “4AM is the New Midnight”

3. Tigercity - “Are You Sensation”

4. Of Montreal - “Gallery Piece”

5. Kid Sister - “Get Fresh” - listen to it here on last.fm!

6. Abigail Warchild - “Nixons Gun” – you may download this gem via RCRDLBL.com.

7. Honey Claws - “Shout Out”

8. AA Bondy - “There’s a Reason”

9. Stars Like Fleas - “You are My Memoir”

10. cortez! cortez!! - “Bad Lieutenant” - play it on their MySpace page, right here.

11. Late of the Pier - “The Enemy Are the Future”

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 07:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fresh Surface is a a digital marketplace for emerging artists to display and sell their work, and they’re hosting an awesome event Friday night at t.b.d. lounge in Greenpoint. There will be an exhibition of different artists’ pieces, free Wild Turkey American Honey (the chic-est type of Wild Turkey around!) as well as a silent auction and raffle sponsored by Williamsburg/Greenpoint-based businesses. Proceeds will benefit St. Nick's Neighborhood Preservation Corp, a non-profit that creates affordable housing in North Brooklyn.

All you need to do is RSVP to info@freshsurfaceart.com!

December 5th, 7-10 pm
t.b.d. Lounge, 224 Franklin Street @ Greene Street

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I’m smitten with two recent releases, both comprised of various artists covering some classics:

1. Perfect as Cats: A Tribute to The Cure

Cure covers are ever-abundant and often wack. But Manimal Vinyl has released a fantastic LP with contributions from tons of artists - including The Muslims, Indian Jewelry, Bat For Lashes, The Dandy Warhols, and my dear friends in Gangi. Only 2,000 copies of the double disc format will be released (with proceeds going to the Invisible Children charity) so pick yours up ASAP.

Also, you can sample some of the tracks here.

2. I’ll Stay ‘Til After Christmas

Force Field PR’s Daniel Gill worked out this lil’ number. Parenthetical Girls, Blitzen Trapper, Au, and My Brightest Diamond are featured on the holiday-themed release, which has a delicate and nostalgic flair. And much like the aforementioned Cure cover album, I’ll Stay ‘Til After Christmas will also be donating proceeds to a good cause – in this case, Amnesty International.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you haven’t packed up and left town yet for Thanksgiving festivities, there are two great shows happening in our fair hamlet of Williamsburg:

Sexy women will be in abundance at Glasslands tonight, since Afternoon, Sharon Van Etten, Glass Ghost (Eliot Krimsky of Flying), and Treasure are playing. These are all marvelous, Brooklyn-based acts, and you should expect to hear some gorgeous stuff.

@ Glasslands, 8 pm

Philly’s Cortez! Cortez!! will be leading the evening at Public Assembly. I really like this band, they’re kinda like a lo-fi, spazzy, dance punk. Also playing will be Monuments, The Rollo Treadway, and The FolkSong Revival. All of these groups are excellent, go and be merry!

@ Public Assembly, 8 pm

SWEET STUFF!!!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's completely worth the $0.99 cost for the "Be Like Lil' Wayne" iPhone application. The possibilities are endless and wonderfully asinine.....

Per EpicTilt, the application's designers:
"Lil' Wayne equips you with a vast array of his personal bling and outfits to pimp yourself out so you can share with your friends! You can even add Lil' Wayne himself into your pictures and share with the rest of the world by email or by showing it off in the Lil' Wayne user gallery!"

Here's my dog:

Here's the contestant from the new Top Chef who never blinks:

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

c/o cbgb.com

There's an article in today's New York Times that gives a depressing update on the status of now-defunct music mecca CBGB. The brand is being run out of Moishe's Storage here in Williamsburg, and whoring itself out on an incredibly cheesy yet lucrative scale:

"...CBGB Fashions Inc., [is] a clothing operation run from the storage unit that sells T-shirts, belt buckles, onesies for kids, even a CBGB dog vest for your poodle. That ghastliness is matched only by the news that the club’s former barman, Ger Burgman, son-in-law of the deceased owner, Hilly Kristal himself, is now the customer service representative for online accounts."

Burgman goes on to say that “It’s just a regular old boring office job.” Apparently, any pride or nostalgia the employees may have once felt has now been replaced with desk job tedium. Still, who can blame 'em? If you were selling these nifty guitar pick earrings, you'd probably detach yourself from the entire thing as well.

The Times is also running a virtual tour of the office space, if you're extra-curious.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 04:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you can set aside seven and a half minutes, then go on and watch this music video from The Hours. It's, um -- interesting.

The band isn't very well-known over here in the U.S. (yet), but the melodramatic song and expensive video counterpart have gathered severe buzz. It's directed by Tony Kaye (American History X), it stars a still-in-Factory Girl-character Sienna Miller, and features Damien Hirst's art direction throughout.

Ultimately "See the Light" mentally transports me back to 1998, when lavish music videos still got loads of attention, and I was merely a sensitive teenager who liked this sort of imported emo crapolla.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

These United States

These United States have jetted straight outta Kentucky, and they're poised to be the next troop of archetypical woodsmen-hipsters to find a nook in the indie scene. They played on Wednesday night at The Knitting Factory’s Tap Bar, alongside Scotland Yard Gospel Choir and openers Mean Creek. The latter group’s formulaic sound had some political inclinations, and the band looked the part, but they didn’t exactly seal the deal.

Rather, it was These United States who mastered the small crowd by bonding with them over the frigid temperatures in the Tap Bar (apparently the heating system was broken) and playing plenty of material from their debut album, Crimes. The group’s signature is a classic southern rock mixed with glam romp appeal – think Deer Tick’s ramshackle vibe meets Kings of Leon’s sleaze aesthetic meets Neva Dinova’s wild west fascination meets Ryan Adam’s intonation and ballads. Or you could just give the band a listen and see what we mean, because These United States deserve some of your attention.



These United States



Mean Creek

Photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 04:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If you're in the market for a great show tonight, we recommend AA Bondy's set at Union Hall. He used to be the frontman for Verbena, but now he's taken on a more folky-country twang, and has friends like The Felice Brothers (who appear on his American Hearts LP, released earlier this year.) Tonight he'll have peeps from Elvis Perkins in Dearland as his backing band, and Steve Burns and the Struggle will be opening.

Bring a friend, hold hands, drink whiskey or whisky. Whichever you prefer.

8 pm
$10

c/o Fat Possum Records

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hi Darlings!

Bishop Allen are playing 2x this weekend at Music Hall of Williamsburg, and we are giving away two free tickets to whoever demands them first! So go ahead and email elizabeth@freewilliamsburg.com, and I'll get back to you ASAP if you're the lucky winner.

***(UPDATE: AS OF 12:30 PM CONTEST = CLOSED! SORRY GUYS!)***

Here's their video for "Middle Management," from Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist:

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Beach House released their "Used to Be" single back in October, and the video for the track is pretty splendid. They're playing December 9th at The Music Hall of Williamsburg (with openers Tickley Feather - word!), so buy your tix immediately.



c/o Pitchfork.tv

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lissy Trullie


Lissy Trullie and her band of waifs have been mega-hyped this season, especially following up from their CMJ sets. Even without having yet released a debut (her Self-Taught Learner EP is due out in January), she generates enough buzz to play sets like last night’s – which also featured Adam Green, and a DJ set from Mark Ronson.

Before Lissie sauntered on stage (which was well after midnight), The Rumble Strips played an über-Britpop opening set. They’re clearly another vegetable from the Kooks garden***, complete with trumpet, sax, and bombast.

Just as the sight of flannel and fedoras was about to induce vomiting, Lissie Trullie and co. began their stripped down, Strokes-ish set. Miss Trullie looks like a cross between Mia Farrow and Tabitha from Bravo’s Tabitha’s Salon Takeover, and she has the exact sort of attitude you might expect from a hybrid of those two women. Rocking out in her heels and leather jacket, at one moment she’d succinctly direct the audience with a “don’t fuck with me.” Yet she’d offset that with her languid rocker aesthetic. The crowd was unbelievably psyched when “Self Taught Learner” and her cover of Hot Chip’s “Ready for the Floor” were played, and after seeing Lissy Trullie last night we know one thing: her upward orbit will keep going full-speed for quite some time.




***A phrase I toss around that must be credited to an old colleague at The Big Takeover magazine, who once used the term “another vegetable from the Coldplay garden” in reference to Keane. Sigh. Those were different times. Tangent complete.

Lissy Trullie



The Rumble Strips

Photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

OY VEY! Someone’s gonna have a hangover tomorrow!!!! Shoot an email right now to rsvpsantos@gmail.com, and you'll get the discounted rate ($5) for tonight’s hot mess at Santos Party House.

Bulldozier Presents:
The Official Girl Talk Afterparty - hosted by Andrew WK !

@ Santos Party House - 100 Lafayette St. NYC
10pm - 4am
2 floor blowout with:

Live:
Grand Buffet
CX Kidtronik
The Death Set (DJ set)
Hearts Of Darknesses
Passions
Bad Brilliance

Bulldozier DJ's:
Jerry Island
DJ Falconcrest
Digi Diana
DJ Urbindex
Doors @ 10 PM $5 w/RSVP, $10 dos
BOTH FLOORS

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wolf Parade

I don’t believe there is such a thing as a bad Wolf Parade show, since the band is one of those anomaly groups that just always sounds great. So we didn’t mind trekking onto NJ Transit to the newly reopened Wellmont Theatre in Montclair on Friday to see 'em. The venue wasn’t filled to capacity but it was still clogged with college students and other young peeps, giving it more the feel of a Wolf Parade show from 4-5 years ago (which made for a lovely night).

Canadian band Listening Party served as the openers, and their Animal Collective meets Rusted Root vibe was well received, if only by the very small crowd that had arrived to catch their 8 pm set. Their unique percussion section was especially intriguing, since it incorporated a trashcan, bucket, and maracas.

This isn’t the first time Wolf Parade has hit the NYC-area since the release of At Mount Zoomer in June. They’ve been touring consistently in 2008, and with members’ side projects (like Sunset Rubdown and Handsome Furs) factoring in extra live dates and obligations, it makes for a hefty schedule. But Friday’s was a stellar set regardless of any fatigue the band might have been experiencing. Even when some detritus from the ceiling fell directly onto keyboardist/singer Spencer Krug, the band took it in stride and burst right into “Grounds For Divorce.” They were gracious to be playing in NJ for the first time, and for fans it was a welcomed change from their summer sets at a jam-packed Terminal 5.

Time will tell if The Bowery Presents’ new venture will be able to extend more music junkies away from the urban hipster vortex, but Friday night was awesome and we’re glad we checked it out.

Wolf Parade

Wolf Parade



Listening Party



These kids are fuckin' rad!

Photos c/o Clarissa Roudabush

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

The Sea and Cake

Death Vessel

The Music Hall of Williamsburg hosted three ultra-mellow groups on Tuesday, with tons of tenderness and appreciation in the air. Twi the Humble Feather were the first openers. If someone had dropped a pin, you could've heard it as the band took the stage in a compact row of dueling acoustic guitars. Their sound is as idiosyncratic as their name – bizarre chirping, humming, and murmuring accompanied the trio of guitars as they sang about spaceships in the forest and other unintelligible topics.

Filling the next slot was Death Vessel a.k.a. singer-songwriter Joel Thibodeau, whose soprano vocals border on androgyny. He stood stoically in place for his entire set, and played a delicate set of lullaby-like songs, including “Jitterakadie” and “Obadiah in Oblivion.” Save for violin accompaniment on several songs, Thibodeau managed to delight the room all on his own.

They’ve been at it for quite a few years, but last night's headliners The Sea and Cake still managed to make their fans swoon with their placid charm and expansive repertoire. On the heels of their new record Car Alarm’s release last month, TS&C churned out a number of newer tunes, but plenty of fan favorites kept the audience cozy. The group’s comfort on stage and with their material proved a nice reminder: some indie bands can avoid the usual fizzle/burnout complex, and instead retain the elements that make them worthy in the first place – even after a decade or longer.

Twi the Humble Feather

Death Vessel

The Sea and Cake

Photos c/o Mark Iantosca

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

No Age

No Age ♥'s Bklyn, and the feeling is mutual. It was demonstrably clear at The Market Hotel on Monday night, as they rollicked through favorite material and held up their reputation as a fantastic live act. The duo seem to fit something much larger and abstract into the rubric of punk music, and their dissonance and feedback suited the venue and rowdy fans well. Exuberant people crowd surfed, moshed (haven’t used that term in a while!) and even snatched the band’s beers off the stage - ultimately ending their night quite sweaty and satisfied.

The opening bands included Soft Circle and Titus Andronicus, who contrasted each other a great deal. Soft Circle’s Hisham Bharooch (ex- Black Dice) is a one man psych/math rock/multi-instrumentist band. Utilizing looped beats, guttural vocals, and maniacal percussion skills, it's safe to say that he left the audience thoroughly impressed.

A bit less brilliant were Titus Andronicus, whose desultory appeal and constant crowd interaction (“Let’s have fun! We’re having fun! It’s a good time to be alive! Rock 'n' roll!”) didn’t have the proper effect on the crowd – and there was plenty of heckling to go around as a result. The group schizophrenically oscillated from influence to influence, with each song sounding fundamentally different from the next. One minute they recalled an indie garage outfit, then the band would alternate to a classic punk feel, and yet the next moment the group would churn out a penchant for roots rock 'n' roll. Not the most intuitive or captivating performance of the night, especially when they closed with a maladroit cover of "Where Eagles Dare."

Soft Circle

Titus Andronicus

Photos c/o Mark Iantosca

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 07:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Frida Hyvönen is playing twice this week in NYC – and both will be intimate sets, perfect for demonstrating her sound and talent. Hyvönen is a Scandinavian pianist-vocalist sensation, and she’s been getting more and more attention of late with her new album (which hit stores last Tuesday).

Go check her out before she explodes into a nebula of fame and fortune!!!

c/o fridahyvonen.com

The dates are:
11/11 - Googie's Lounge above the Living Room (154 Ludlow Street)


11/12 - Church of Sweden (5 East 48th Street between 5th and Madison Ave)

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

AHAHHAHAHHA!

Ninjasonik is awesome, but their new video is sort of not OK. I've found myself watching it on loop all day, wondering whether it's funny or awful. Is Jah Jah being ironic? Is he finding irony ironic? Does he really like art school girls and their unkemp hair and their canvas stretching? Or is he mocking?

Such an enigma.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Lately I've become a huge fan of North Carolina’s Bowerbirds. The group plays a finespun blend of rural folk, with hints of gypsy and earthchild influences - and they should be on your radar as well! Here’s the video for “In Our Talons,” which exemplifies their creepy yet gentle quality:

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 09:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jake Shimabukuro is known as the world’s best ukulele player, which is kind of the best niche distinction I’ve heard in while. He has built a following with his speedy and unique method of playing, that incorporates different styles and genres – from jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock. I especially <3 his cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

Anyway, Jake is playing tomorrow night at the Blender Theater at Gramercy, and his peeps are giving away a pair of free tickets to whoever replies first – just give a shout to elizabeth@freewilliamsburg.com, with your name and email address.

If you’re curious (and in honor of Election Day) here is some footage of Jake playing “The Star-Spangled Banner”:

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Felice Brothers

Spiegelworld’s 2008 season drew to a close on Sunday, with performances from country and bluegrass tinged The Felice Brothers and Deer Tick.

Rhode Island natives Deer Tick played first, and warmed up the crowd (who were shivering after waiting in a loooooong line until 10:30ish). The band's southern bluesy rock tunes and sense of humor were embraced, and they even ended their set with a cover of Santo & Johnny’s classic “Sleepwalkin’” which segued into “La Bamba.” The crowd cheered eagerly as they chugged pumpkin ale and sang along.

Next up were headliners The Felice Brothers, whose sound is more in line with rootsy bluegrass proper. The eclectic group worked well with the vaudeville feel of the venue, allowing themselves to be sloppy and ragged at times, but certainly more fixed when needed. And as The Felice Brothers' harmonicas and organs squealed, the audience danced and stomped - so much so that at times it felt like Spiegeltent might end up collapsing into the East River. The fans especially lit up for raucous songs like “Whiskey in My Whiskey” and “Helen Fry,” but these were also complimented by more tender tracks such as “Mercy.”

Sure, they get flack for sounding a hell of a lot like Bob Dylan and The Band, among other monoliths - but last night The Felice Brothers put on a lively show, and their fans devoured it whole. See you next year, Speigelworld!

The Felice Brothers



The Felice Brothers



Deer Tick



Deer Tick


All photos c/o Clarissa Roudabush

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy November 1st, readers!

We're only a few hours in, but it's already shaping up to be a glorious month, so here's a November Mix for your audio pleasure. It's a sampling of noteworthy and recent releases, as well as a few tracks from forthcoming records that will hit stores in the next few weeks.

Enjoy!

1. I'm From Barcelona - "Headphones"


2. Starfucker - "Florida"


3. Action Painters - "456"


4. Frida Hyvönen – "My Cousin" (from the album “Silence is Wild,” to be released Nov. 4th)


5. Wild Sweet Orange - "Tilt"


6. Ray LaMontagne - "Sarah"


7. Wilderness – “High Nero” (from the album “(k)no(w)here,” to be released Nov. 4th)


8. Lucky Dragons - "I Keep Waiting for Earthquakes"


9. Times New Viking - "Pagan Eyes"


10. The XYZ Affair - "All My Friends"


11. Au Revoir Simone – “Sad Song – Pacific mix” (from the album “Reverse Migration,” to be released Nov. 11th)


12. Uh Huh Her - "Not a Love Song"


13. The Hood Internet vs. Tobacco & Aesop Rock – “Coffee Hawker” (download via sendspace here)


14. Oxford Collapse - "I Hate Nobody"

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

These shows shall be epic --

<3 Elizabeth

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:25 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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!

Continue reading "Fleet Foxes at Webster Hall" »

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:09 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)

The Dodos, c/o Clarissa Roudabush

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

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

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

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

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS......

Continue reading "The Dodos at Spiegelworld" »

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 07:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pinback

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Pinback at Music Hall of Williamsburg" »

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 04:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pissed Jeans, c/o KEXP

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

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

8 pm, $8

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

The Yard, c/o Yelp

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

According to the NY Mag peeps:

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

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

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 04:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

1. Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

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

2. Death Vessel - Nothing is Precious Enough for Us

Death Vessel picks up where Will Oldham or early-Bright Eyes leaves off, with an unelaborate country twang and an eclectic rotation of band members. But if you think Conor Oberst is a bit femme, just wait until you hear DV’s lead singer Joel Thibodeau – he sounds like a damn purdy lady. Regardless, shimmering songs like “Circa” and “Jitterakadie” will especially win you over.

3. Calexico – Carried to Dust

You know when an album kicks off with a song about Chilean revolutionary musician Victor Jara, it’s going to be deep. Especially when it’s an album by Calexico, who time and time again weave together indie rock with Latin American instrumentation and lyrical sensibilities. Carried To Dust continues the group’s interdisciplinary approach, and is equally haunting, experiential, and exciting.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mugison, c/o Mark Iantosca

Allow me to operate on a cliché for a moment, and tell you that Mugison is the next big thing to come out of Iceland, a country with a reputation for extremes and unique musical acts. In accord, Mugison’s MO incorporates booming instrumentation and howling vocals contrasted with an equal proportion of minimalist and humble ballads – and seeing him pull it off live is fantastic.

The evening kicked off with openers Bellman Barker, a DC-based 5-piece who played a universally familiar indie rock/pop set. Meanwhile, Trophy Scars transitioned into a more dominant, esoteric realm. Your average Union Pool-goer’s palette is likely less accustomed to their sound, and the audience’s eardrums were left ringing after an intense and dynamic set of tracks off their new record Bad Luck.

He’s often referred to as a one-man band routine, but last night Mugison had help from his sidekick David Þór on the keyboard, and it was an inebriated ole' time for all. The duo swilled Presidente bottles and smilingly encouraged audience members to clap and stomp their feet to the more raucous numbers, including “Jesus is a Good Name to Moan” and “Sweetest Melody.” And yes, while he is indeed a rowdy motherfucker, Mugison has a soft side too. It was shining through when he played “Deep Breathing,” with its electronic symphony and bells (even if he did “forget the words” halfway through the track).

The set remained relatively short, regardless of how lively and entertaining it was. The elated audience in the small venue (which even included Mugi’s father-in-law) begged for a second encore, but alas, the requests weren’t fulfilled. This was rationalized succinctly by Þór, who announced (as he rambunctiously removed his shirt upon exiting the stage) that it would be "more fun to drink" than to play an additional song. Drunken Scandinavians: 2 points, Drunken Hipsters: 1.

(more photos after the jump!)

Continue reading "Mugison at Union Pool" »

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 07:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today, Tomorrow, and Wednesday there are some fantastique concerts that you should go check out. That is, if you have the tickets………

TONIGHT:

Cut Copy/The Presets @ Webster Hall
(Damn each one of you that have tix to this. Want to give me one?)

My Bloody Valentine @ Roseland
(They are also playing tomorrow! And it’s sold out as well. Again, I’d appreciate a free ticket. Kthnx.)

TOMORROW:

Kings of Leon @ Webster Hall
(Their shows always get mixed reviews, but they’ll surely be playing some new material from “Only By The Night,” which actually is released on Tuesday as well — special special! So yeah. if you like that “Sex on Fire” song, which I’m still debating, then here ya go.)

Shugo Tokumaru @ Mercury Lounge
(The Japanese instrumentalist is playing with a full cast of special guests from local bands like Beirut, The National, and So Percussion.)

NKOTB @ Izod Center
(Why not? They were BREATHTAKING on the View Last Week:

Where is the Izod Center, anyway? Oh — just checked, it’s in NJ, over by Giants’ Stadium. Def not worth it.)

WEDNESDAY:

French Kicks/Passion Pit/Salt + Samovar @ Bowery Ballroom
(Three awesomely talented, awesomely hyped, awesomely awesome groups all on one bill. Hit it!)

Calexico/Oakley Hall @ Webster Hall
(These two are like peas and carrots - Calexico and Oakley Hall compliment each other perfectly. Loving fans have likely seen them play together in the past, and the evening is guaranteed to please.)

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's one busy Friday, full of options for live music. Here are three of our faves:

c/o ATP

1. All Tomorrow's Parties NY

The British festival has finally made its way over to the East Coast for the first year ever, and takes place this weekend at Kutshers Country Club in Monticello, NY. It's a bit of a hike out of NYC, but it'll be worth the journey. Bands will be playing today, tomorrow, and Sunday—and include My Bloody Valentine, Fuck Buttons, Les Savy Fav, Mogwai, Yo La Tengo, Meat Puppets, Built to Spill, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Dinosaur Jr., amongst many many others! Get your booty upstate!

c/o Stereogum

2. INDIAN JEWELRY

Indian Jewelry are playing at the Knitting Factory tonight, with special guests White Magic and Talk Normal. Expect to hear intense pysch/drone, and perhaps even expect to see some people have seizures as Indian Jewelry's hallucinatory strobe-lit stage act can induce some serious reactions.

8 pm tonight at The Knitting Factory

c/o Mugison

3. MUGISON

Iceland's Mugison has been gaining notoriety for his besrerk one-man-band act – which incorporates a bluesy psych influence along with computers, screams, and pummeling percussion. He's playing two sets in our fair city this weekend:

8 pm Saturday at Mercury Lounge
8 pm Sunday at Union Pool

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dear YACHT,

Will you please try to tour in NYC sometime soon? You are insanely creative, your music is super unique (as are your videos), and not enough people out here know about your amazingness. It seems like you only tour in Europe now, and I can’t really blame you, but swing by here in the not-too-distant future because that would make my day.

Kthnx.

EB

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today’s post is saturated in doleful remorse for the fact that Mr. Sam Sparro was supposed to play tonight at Music Hall of Williamsburg, and it was supposed to be the happiest moment of my life, because my obsession has reach all new heights.

Alas, his tour was cancelled because of “visa issues.” While some of you may have gotten over the devastation, I certainly have not. So a moment of silence please. And enjoy “Black and Gold,” and Sam doing his outrageous lil’ number dressed like a dandy in a limousine, singing about evolution.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

c/o Brooklyn Vegan

Spencer Krug must be one of those self-loathing maniac workaholic types. Between his commitment to Wolf Parade (which has recently included releasing their sophomore LP At Mount Zoomer and touring earlier this summer) he still finds time to tour and record with Sunset Rubdown. SR puts on a superb live set -- they're always able to translate the ornate yet eerie vibe of their records onto the stage, and that leaves audiences fully gratified.

They're playing tonight @ 8 pm at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, and tomorrow night at Mercury Lounge....

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

c/o panicmanual.com

What better thing to do on a Sunday night then head to Santos Party House and hear a DJ set by the crazy German duo known as Digitalism? Summer isn’t technically over yet, so don’t be a baby. Who cares that you’ll be hung over as all hell tomorrow morning, and likely still smelling like sweat and stale beer? Fuck work! Dance…….

10 pm, 100 Lafayette Street

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you still haven’t registered to vote, then you best hurry up because time is definitely running out, and as you may have heard, there is a potential shitstorm ahead for the next four years if we don’t get the right people in office.

To help coerce the politically apathetic to get registered, there is going to be a glorious pizza + beer party tonight at Crest Warehouse near the Lorimer stop. Art, music, whiskey, pizza, and patriotism – what more could you ask for? !?

7-10 pm, 546 Metropolitan Ave.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This year’s Conflux Festival kicks off tomorrow in Greenwich Village and will run throughout the weekend. There will be a ton of exhibits, presentations, and activities, and nearly all of them are free. Many of you may remember last year’s Conflux, with its epicenter on Havemeyer and Metropolitan. Quite a few Williamsburg-based galleries participated in ’07 (and who could forget the infamous lock-picking tutorial booth!?!). Although they’ve switched neighborhoods this year, it still promises to be an exciting weekend.

From Conflux:

“Conflux is the annual New York festival for contemporary psychogeography, the investigation of everyday urban life through emerging artistic, technological and social practice. At Conflux, visual and sound artists, writers, urban adventurers and the public gather for four days to explore their urban environment……

“From architects to skateboarders, Conflux participants have an enthusiasm for the city that’s contagious. Over the course of the long weekend the sidewalks are literally transformed into a mobile laboratory for creative action. With tools ranging from traditional paper maps to high-tech mobile devices, artists present walking tours, public installations and interactive performance, as well as bike and subway expeditions, workshops, a lecture series, a film program and live music performances at night.”

The festival will take place at the Center for Architecture:

map c/o Conflux

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

Not nearly enough people listen to The Ruby Suns as of yet, so today we’ve posted a video for you. They’re a New Zealand-based band that plays a dazzling blend of psychedelic world music. This is the video for “Tane Mahuta,” from this year’s Sea Lion LP.

The Ruby Suns are slated for some upcoming CMJ dates in October, so make sure to keep them in mind - they put on a gorgeous live set.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Silver Jews, c/o Synthesis Blog

The bands on the last night's bill at MHOW don’t initially seem like a natural fit: Israeli punk/metal band Monotonix and Tennessee’s Silver Jews, known for their distinctive country twang and mellow stage presence.

Monotonix have built a reputation on their wild live performances, and energy brewed as the band set up their drum kit on the floor amongst the audience. Immediately as the percussion pounded and the guitar kicked in, lead singer Ami was grabbing beers from audience members and tossing them in every direction. Throughout the set he proceeded to run the gamut of outrageousness - dumping a trashcan onto his drummer, climbing into different sections of the venue like an insane Rasputin-meets-Ted Nugent persona, as well as faux-choking fans with his mic cord.

Meanwhile, his two bandmates continually moved equipment throughout the audience, and screamed about with rowdy, sweaty fans. The level of energy and interaction was amazing. Even though their sound fits much more into the garage-metal then the punk rubric, it was basically the most punk rock thing I’ve ever fucking seen. Monotonix left the floor covered in garbage and various fluids, with the venue staff none too happy.

Although it must have been difficult to transition after the decimation provided by their openers, Silver Jews entered to a sold-out crowd who maintained an electric enthusiasm. Lead singer David Berman strutted around stage like an awkward English teacher and conversed with the audience and bandmates alike with a hilarious dry humor. Plenty of new material from their just-released Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea was played, as well as favorites from Tanglewood Numbers and even older numbers like “Trains Across the Sea.”

The oddly matched bands ended up putting on quite a show last night, so anyone who has tickets for tonight at Bowery, then get super-mega excited. I'm excited for you! Silver Jews will then play Maxwell’s in Hoboken tomorrow, and Monotix will play here in Brooklyn at Death By Audio tomorrow as well.

c/o Monotonix

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Delta Spirit, c/o Clarissa Roudabush

Harmonicas abounded last night at the Mercury Lounge, where Delta Spirit (supported by a terrific opening line-up of tri-state area bands) took the stage and generated a soulful Americana and bluesy-rock atmosphere. The San Diego-based five-some have been gaining momentum in 2008, and just appeared on the Conan O’Brien show Wednesday night. The attention is well deserved. Their LP Ode to Sunshine was just released on August 26th, and the set was reflective of that material. Songs like “Streetwalker” or “Strange Vine” would make predecessors like The Walkmen or Dr. Dog proud, whereas the more melancholy performance of “House Built for Two” illustrated a perfect example of why this group will only continue to build a following and become a big ol’ deal in the months to come.

The openers each held their own and augmented the evening. Solo-acoustic singer Peasant opened to a quiet and small audience with his heart-aching songs. Brooklyn’s own Action Painters transitioned nicely with their unique blend of jovial synth-pop melded with southern sensibilities, playing tracks from their debut Chubby Dancer. Finally, Salt & Samovar (another NYC-based band) provided plenty of sound checks, as well as an amazing high energy and interaction with the audience throughout their country rock flavor.

The four bands complimented each other perfectly and composed a worthwhile evening for all who attended. Keep an eye on all of these groups…

Continue reading "Delta Spirit at Mercury Lounge" »

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 01:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

If you think you’ve got nothing to do Saturday, then you are sorely mistaken because it is promising to be epic. In addition to the Obama fundraiser at Soundfix and the Monster Island Block Party, here are a few different options:

1. 2008 ART PARADE

’07 Art Parade, c/o New York Times

Deitch Projects presents the 3rd annual Art Parade in SoHo, and this year is guaranteed to be more outrageous then ever. Head on over to Broadway and watch more then 900 participants exhibit their art, performance pieces, insane costumes, and more. (starts at 4 pm on West Broadway and Houston)

2. EAST VILLAGE RADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL

Poster c/o of East Village Radio

To celebrate their 5th birthday, East Village Radio will be hosting a super-mega indie-fest at South Street Seaport, which will last basically all day long (1-9 pm). Awesome Color, Vivian Girls, Boris, and Devin the Dude are just a few of the acts slated to perform. And for those of you lil’ lost puppies who don’t know how to venture down to the Seaport, EVR is even providing a free shuttle bus from their headquarters on 19 First Ave. Vamos!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hello hello! Goldfrapp and Martha Wainwright are playing on Sept. 12th at Radio City, which should be spectacular given the acoustics in there. Word is that if you click right here
and enter the discount code CARAVAN, you can buy tickets for next week’s show for 50% off! Go ahead and give it a whirl, that’s definitely a price reduction worth taking advantage of...

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

It’s Thursday morning, and if you managed not to cry/vomit during last night’s speech(es) from the RNC, then you deserve a treat. This video from The Dodos
should do the trick – it’s their song “Fools,” off this year’s Visiter album. Their sound is a radiant and experimental blend, in the same vein as Animal Collective or Port O’Brien.

The Dodos will be playing later this month at Spiegelworld with Au (on 9/29, to be exact). Tickets are $20 and highly recommended!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sonic Youth, c/o Clarissa Roudabush

Sigh! Last night it happened -- the concluding McCarren Pool concert. A venue that’s been short-lived and yet extraordinarily popular, providing the alt masses with live music, outdoor film screenings, theater, even dodgeball and slip and slide opportunities is dying a sad death this year.

Fortunately, this final show was far more invigorating than depressing. The 3-hour long opening lineup kicked off with the smiling and cheerful trio Vivian Girls -- who are playing at a variety of NYC venues soon, including Death By Audio on the 2nd. Ohio’s Times New Viking provided additional lively attitude as the beach ball tossing commenced, interacting talkatively with the audience and joking with each other. The final opening act, Wolf Eyes (from Detroit) added a degree of darkness and aggression to the evening, with their avante noise and lo-fi sound.

Sonic Youth finally took the stage at dark, and they played some of their best tracks from the past three decades, taking from EVOL to Daydream Nation to newer material. Favorites like “Disappearer,” “The Sprawl” and “Hey Joni” were crowd-pleasers, and more obscure songs like “Making the Nature Scene” and the closer “Expressway to Yr Skull” revealed the depth of this group’s catalogue and longstanding talent. Dancing, smiling, and resplendent throughout, the band (with Pavement’s Mark Ibold helping out on bass) seemed to be having as much fun as the audience.

The evening couldn’t have been more appropriate in terms of bridging together the past and future of NYC’s independent music legacy, and even if we might be bummed out that summer of 2009 won’t involve concrete sessions in the pool, at least, in the words of Thurston Moore, “next year we’ll all be swimming like fish.”

Continue reading "Sonic Youth at McCarren Pool" »

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

There's been a show on the MSG network this summer (I've never heard of the MSG network either, until now), and it's a reality show/contest for New York's subway musicians. It makes me feel as though perhaps I have been living in a different city, because I don't recognize any of the contestants. SIgh.

The series will culminate this week with a big 'ole concert at The Cutting Room on 24th Street for the remaining musicians on September 3rd. However, I'm still unclear on what the prize is. Hopefully something involving money and a record deal? And no, unfortunately, the Beatles cover songs guy is not one of the final four.

More info available HERE
and HERE TOO!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 07:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Tonight, Ms. Li will be performing at the (relatively) new Greenwich Village spot (le) poisson rouge. The show is already sold out, but if you happen to be one of the lucky few who will be attending, then consider yourself blessed since it's sure to be an amazing performance.

If you are without tickets, then don't fret my pets! Go on ahead now and buy your tickets for her October 20th set at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

And, if you are too lazy to do that, then just watch this amazing/creepy video for "I'm Good, I'm Gone."

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

photo via flickr

So over the last couple days, some fairly influential people in the music/internet universe have been either A. beaten up by security guards while cops watched, or B. arrested by the FBI after leaking some Guns N' Roses tracks.

In the first case of general misjustice, the founders of the F Yea Fest and Videothing.com were beaten up after a Radiohead show, and then beaten up even more when security forcefully pried the video tape evidence from their hands. As you may recall, they rocked Williamsburg a short while back when they played Club Exit. La Weekly has a nice play-by-play of that fiasco. Here's an outtake from that story:

Dawes alleges that one of the security guards threw Carlson into an electrical box. “He hurled him into it, then threw him onto the ground -- at this point there are two or three officers there. [The security guards] smashed his head into the pavement as they're trying to cuff him, the cops aren't doing anything. I'm yelling, 'Officer, this is your jurisdiction -- this isn't Hollywood Bowl property anymore. Don't let them do this.'” Dawes recalls that the officers replied that they “give event staff leeway.”

And then secondly, the guy who runs music blog Antiquiet was arrested by the FBI this morning for leaking nine unauthorized tracks from Guns N' Roses long-awaited album, Chinese Democracy. They could use some legal help. The La Times has that scoop.

While both of these mishaps took place across the dirt in LA, we Brooklynites should take notice, as we're probably the highest music blog per capita city, and also have craptons of unauthorized shows with big mean security guards.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The judges for the upcoming Mr and Miss Williamsburg Pageant have been announced, and they're made up of a couple professional hybrids, a musician, and Sam Brown from Whitest Kids U' Know.

The official line-up is:

DJ/Designer Kesh, journalist/model Sarah Morrison, Jason Poranski (of Beirut) and Sam Brown (from The Whitest Kids U'Know)

Feel free to revisit our earlier interview with pageant founder Misha Calvert, and don't forget, the pageant is next Friday, September 5th at Supreme Trading. RSVP on Facebook or Going.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jamie T is my new favorite hybrid rocker/singer/white-boy-rapper/22 year-old from the UK. This video for “Calm Down Dearest” helps illustrate his style and dental situation.

The video looks like it was perhaps filmed in a drunk guy’s dorm room with a handheld camcorder, but the song is undeniably loveable and so is he. I would pay TONS of money to get drunk with him and Lily Allen (who actually has an appearance on Jaime T’s new album “Panic Prevention”). TONS OF MONEY.

Enjoy!

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the rare scenario that you’ve not been exposed to the assault of Gossip Girl promos and build-up for the upcoming season throughout our fine city (see: “Every parent’s worst nightmare”), then we’re here to help.

With just one week left until their September 1st Season Two premiere, a bit of an homage to the ultra-cunt of the cast – Ed Westwick (a.k.a. “Chuck Bass”) is in order. Did you know that he has a band??? A mildy uncreative, brashly British, glam-boy actor’s wet dream of a band?

They are called The Filthy Youth, and they sound absurdly similar to The Libertines and have songs with titles like “Le Soliel” and “Boy Don’t Smoke.” Check out all the hits here: www.myspace.com/thefilthyyouth. Who would have guessed that Chuck Bass has such a ruff ‘n tuff (albeit unoriginal) rocker alter-ego? I expect all of the self-professed GG addicts to be playing his tunes on loop all week, and if by next Monday you can still embrace Westwick (sans accent), then you are a true fan.

XOXO.

Freewilliamsburg Girl.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Muslims

This evening's show at Union Pool will be a splendid one, headlined by The Muslims. The San Diego-based group plays likable, stripped down garage-punk, in the tradition of Iggy or Richard Hell, with even a touch of Jonathan Richman or Dinosaur Jr. here and there.

While they spent the past 2 nights opening for The Walkmen at the Bowery Ballroom, tonight The Muslims are playing with Howlies from Georgia, and Brooklyn's The Gang. The three acts compliment each other perfectly, and I'm predicting a rowdy, rock 'n roll Wednesday involving lots of and PBR and sweaty people.

8 pm, $8.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Needless to say, this is going to rule. More information here.

Posted by Elizabeth Brady at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)