Palomar (I wonder if they've rever read "Mr. Palomar"?)

Palomar

Downloads From Palomar II:
Knockout
Static

When Palomar went on last night at the Knitting Factory, I was worried. Here they were again, up there looking so….so... wooden. Ironically,(I hate that word, but it fits here), KF played Meadowlands right before they took the stage, and I kept thinking if the Wrens can rock out so much, why can’t Palomar? I closed mine eyes and picture how the band should be causing mayhem, but when I opened them, they looked too focused, too stiff. As much as I found myself wanting them to emote more, the crowd seemed to catch on. Palomar songs are just so damn good and plain old fun, that I couldn’t stand as still as they. When your songs rock, maybe that’s enough.

Mahjongg was also very good, but I’m kind of getting tired of semi-dancey music. I want one thing or the other. Similarly, Out Hud last week was good, but I imagined it being even better. When it wasn’t, I was a bit surprised. Mahjongg had it’s moments of greatness nestled in between periods of intriguing arrangements. I just kept wishing for something more that I couldn’t place. Maybe they needed matching outfits with cryptic script on them.

P.S. I do appreciate a band where every member seemingly plays every instrument.

Tonight: Parts and Labor @ Tonic
Tomorrow: Stars @ Bowery Ballroom

Bobby, Jr. and emusic...

PBR - BBJ

Download Mother*ucker by Bobby Bare Jr. Better yet, buy an album.

emusic has now added Bloodshot Records to their library, which means I’ve been listening to Bobby Bare Jr.’s EP from 2003 all morning. Now, while looking through the liner notes for the new Eels album, I noticed “Bobby, Jr.” and Tom Waits mentioned as appearing on the album. This morning I realized that it’s not the same Bobby, Jr. Click here to find out who’s the Bobby, Jr. of the Eels.

Why can’t I find the new Palomar 3.5 EP anywhere? Their website claims e-music has it, but for some reason they only have Palomar II, (not even III). What’s the deal folks? I wasn’t able to practice my dance moves beforehand for tonight’s show.

Bit Shifer

Bit Shifter

Downloads today:
Bit Shifter
March of the Nucleotides
Science City Zero


I found Bitshifter via 8bitpeoples, which I found via Paza, which I found via the Beck remixed EP “Gameboy Variations,” which I read about in the New York Times. The Times isn’t a great source for all things musical, but every once in a while they’ll print a review that I’m interested in. Since I hadn’t listened to any Gameboy Electronica, I thought I’d give it a try. In fact, through Saturday The Tank is hosting free sessions on how to make music from childhood toys. I guess it’s called Circuit Bending. Saturday there is a performance for around 7 bones.

Bitshifter is having a performance at The Tank on Thursday, May 5. If you can’t make it then, then at the Tap bar at Knitting Factory on June 8.

Tonight: free Harp @ The Cellar on East 14th, 7-9, courtesy of the Onion.

Danko, Comas, and Mando...

Mando Diao


So, how much did Monday night’s show at the Mercury Lounge rock? A ton. Instead of hitting up the Knitting Factory first, we decided to go straight to the LES and check out whomever was opening for The Comas. While waiting outside for Angela to return from Sal’s with her damn slice, Nadine and I overheard two guys try to find tickets to get in to see Danko Jones. A girl sold her ticket to him and he replied that they were “the best rock and roll band in the world.” I know it doesn’t sound like much, but that’s a tall order to live up to.

We finally went in, and while Ang was buying my drink (she lost a bet saying Death Cab would sell out in one day), Danko went on. Nadine and I looked at each other very disappointed. Surprisingly they did not sound like the best rock band in the world. Eventually we found our way into the middle of the room and enjoyed the rest of the set there. And I do mean enjoyed. I had a blast. Danko Jones, while maybe not “the best”, is a damn good rock band, but most of all, they were more entertaining to watch perform than 95% of the bands I see. Danko talks like he’s straight out of WWE Smackdown. He even slapped himself hard in the face, over and over. As he said himself, his music “makes lemonade out of lemons.” His album, out this week, is called Sweating Blood, or something like that. Ang quipped that it should be called Sweating Lemonade. When he took a swig of water, I yelled out “Lemonade”, to which he replied “I turn water into Lemonade.” “Like Jesus” I returned.

If I wasn’t already in the best mood of my life, then the very next thing did it: during the interlude before the Comas went on, Mercury Lounge played one of my favorite albuma: Fuckin A by the Thermals. And they got through the whole album (it’s under 30 minutes long).

The Comas lived up to the promise of their quality of the songs. The drummer was especially wound up. If I knew how to write about music, I’d write a glowing description here. As it is, I really can’t describe how good it was.

I was so happy after their set, I didn’t care how well Mando Diao played. Their album “Bring Em In” is good, but doesn’t really stand out for me. If you told me the songs were actually covers of classic rock tracks, I’d totally believe you. Even last night there was a point where I didn’t know if I recognized a song because it is on their album, or because it sounded so familiar it could be a cover. Maybe that’s their strength: they write music that is already engrained in us.

Their live show is stunningly on par with the energy of The Thermals themselves. Unlike the Thermals, however, the 21 and over crowd did not mosh. Moshing is very 90s. But everyone danced, including the girl from the Comas right in front of me.

If Mando played with more energy, they’d combust. We all would have combusted. I’m glad I saw them in the small Mercury Lounge. Somehow it makes the music denser, forces it through your skin and to your bones.

I hope Bobby Bare Jr. can do that again next week when he comes back to town. Why do so many bands have trouble rocking out live? Turn up the volume and pump out the sweat!

Downloadable Sufjan Stevens - (No, not porn)

Sufjan Stevens

Today for your downloading pleasure, we have a new track from heart-throb Sufjan Stevens off his forthcoming album “Illinois,” which I think is a tribute album to the 2nd place NCAA team.
Courtesy of TTIKTD:
Sufjan Stevens - Come On, Feel the Illinoise

Anyone remember the irony of Sufjan and Dillinger Escape Plan on the same bill? I do.

Later today, maybe I’ll get to writing about the awesome show last night with the Comas and Mando Diao.

P.S. Sufjan and I have very similar haircuts now. He must go to Supercuts too.

Maktub Downloads and more (The National, Ben Lee...)

Maktub Rocking Out


OK. Maktub rocks. It's not Indie Rock, but we need to widen our expansive knowledge of all that rocks once in a while. They are playing the Merc Lounge next Friday. Here is a sone for download, along with some others:
Maktub – “Say What You Mean” from Say What You Mean

The National– “All the Wine” from Alligator

Ben Lee “Close I’ve Come” from Awake is the New Sleep

and a free track from iTunes:
Kaiser Chiefs – “I Predict a Riot” from Employment

Also not that if you are going to the Cloud Room and Calla show tonight, and you are on the guest list, it's still "first come first serve."

Shins last night...

Shins


Thumbs up for the Shins last night at Webster Hall. Webster Hall, the black sheep of NYC venues, performed better than my previous experience (Ted Leo). Still it wasn’t without problems, the main being the young crowd. Central Village complained of the quantity, but up front it didn’t seem unreasonably dense (I mean, this is the Shins we are talking about. You know, from Garden State?). The kid right next to me sang exceptionally loud and out of tune, while to my left I was definitely near someone with a foul odor. Unfortunately since I am cursed with bad eyes and ears, it makes my sense of smell quite acute.

Before the show, I was entertained by eaves-dropping on conversations that entailed Garden State. I’m not kidding. Did anyone else hate that movie? Or not hate it, but threw a shoe at the screen during the last 5 minutes? The DVD should have come with an alternate ending, with whats-his-name leaving on a plane alla John Denver and Natalie Portman falling in love with…. me. C’mon, I want Jedi-mind powers too.

The Shins first couple of songs were off. In fact I was downright disappointed. Fortunately they recovered and appeared to have a lot of fun. Eventually I was satisfied especially given the circumstances of the venue and their newly found fame. New Slang and Young Pilgrims were the highlights but I was also impressed by the energy in So Says I. But that's not surprising...

Tickets still available for Mando Diao and The Comas; and Junior Senior coming to town.

Go to Ticketweb while you can. I was bummed because this was sold out, and also have a conflict with The Comas in May (Pinback takes priority). Well, I have a conflict Monday too... with the free Calla/Cloud/(And Human Television?)/Seedy Gonzales show. But I don't care for Calla, and I'm destined not to see HTV again.

Junior Senior coming to the Mercury Lounge on June 23. No ticket information available yet. This creates a conflict with the New Pornographers at Maxwell's.

TV on the Radio plays with Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra at SOB's
Febuary 2005 (Travis Rummel)

I took in Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra last night over at Tonic. We got there early and sauntered around the area to kill time, and to make sure Lindsay Lohan wasn’t still making her movie in the area. Passing on the $2 Party Punch, which I figured must be tastey, we went back to Tonic, for some gin... and tonic.

I knew there were 13 members in Antibalas, but to see them all cram on stage was a sight. I was expecting a more Afro-sound (I wonder why), but was delighted to hear a blend of many influences: jazz, african, junkanoo, big-band, etc.

And dancing! Oh how the crowd danced. After the first song they asked the many people with cameras to move out of the front so people could dance… which I didn’t think mattered until they did move (except for one), and the dancing became even more contagious. Antibalas ended their set with my least favorite of the night… but then added three more members from TV on the Radio to play two songs of their own. I can’t act completely surprised at this special guest... I heard it through the grape vine, honey honey. On the otherhand, I had also imagined that maybe TV on the Radio would just play along with Antibalas to support them. So to hear Antibalas as the 13-piece backing band for TV on the Radio was incredible. They closed the night (well the first set…Antibalas had a second set at midnight), with New Health Rock. Amazing. It made me realize that concerts like this that keep me going. Hopefully whomever was taping will put up the show for download.

Shows at Tonic

Rachel Trachtenberg

Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players will be playing at Tonic on Thursday May 26th. Admission $12.

Tonight I’m going to Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra at Tonic. Two shows – 10 and 12. $15.

An Albatross

Headed to Melt Banana and An Albatross tonight. I’ve been promised that it’ll be awesome. And it will. Knitting Factory’s website says they’ll be glitter and pirate swords. Sweeet.

In other news, I’ll be missing the Wrens when they swing by Bowery Ballroom on May 27th. I’ll be flying to Seattle at that very moment they go on.

If you didn’t know, Shins tickets went back on sale this morning, but they have since re-soldout. Bloc Party also just recently sold out their two dates at Webster Hall in June. I seriously didn’t think they do it. Not that they shouldn’t. It’s a sign they are on to bigger venues. Damn. Irving Plaza is just about the threshold.

Music Stats: RIP for my old music.

Of the 225 most often played songs on my iPod (8 plays or more), only 10 of those did I have previously to owning my iPod. Of those 10, only two songs did I own more than two months before buying my iPod back in October. And both of those tracks were on my favorite iPod playlist.

More statistics:
Old Music: 11% of songs have been listened to more than once. 16% have only been played once
New Music: 36% of songs have been listened to more than once. 8% have only been played once.

Human Television show... and download.

O, Human Television. How many times must I miss your shows. Let me count the ways:
1. Booted from the guestlist for the Bloc Party after-party
2. Already had tickets for Mason Jennings the same night
3. Confused the Buffalo Billiards in Philadelphia with the one in Austin, two time zones away.
And now…
4. Missing June 5 at Pianos, since I’ll be out of town.

Someday… HTV, someday…

Download a Human Television track here:

Tell me what you want.

Diamond in the Rough. And no, it's not Neil.

Last week was exhausting. First, on Tuesday was The National CD release party with free beer (well… two before they ran out.) Unfortunately I didn’t think their live show was all that great. They just didn’t sound like anything new. Not that any of the bands I listen to sound like anything new, but it sounded very bland. The album Alligator that I streamed online beforehand promised more than what I got.

Wednesday followed with M83 at the Bowery. Not bad, but truthfully I don’t remember anything really sticking in my mind about that show either, except that Ulrich Schnauss was a pleasant opener.

I’ve already mentioned the free Annie show, so I won’t repeat that here. And Saturday night’s of Montreal show at Northsix also failed to impress me past the point that they are just a decent band. The notable thing about that show was that the crowd was fantastic and the band looked like they were having a blast. My lack of familiarity with their music probably was the detrimental influence.

On the other hand, the night before on Friday, We Are Scientists didn’t care if I knew any of their songs. It was the show that saved a 5-day binge of average performances.

Angela and I arrived to 9:30 to see Bishop Allen. While their live show doesn’t have the polish of their album Charm School, the quality of their catchy songs still carry them strongly. This was the third time I had seen them, and so far the best…. Largely because they didn’t play it “safe”. Although I got access to a half-dozen unreleased mp3s a few months ago (People You Meet, Last Chance, Light from Orion), none of their new stuff they played reflected those tracks. Angela’s friend did not appreciate their lack of “technique”, but after seeing so many technically good bands with no passion, Technique is overrated. I don’t need a band that can play or sing… I need a band that can rock. And Bishop Allen did that better on Friday at CBGB than ever before.

We left after Bishop Allen to go to the Orchard Bar for free beer (Red Stripe of course). It was a good way to kill the two hours between the bands we wanted to see back at CBGB. Why they didn’t play back-to-back like before is curious. Last time I spotted the Trachtenberg Family (minus Rachel) there.

What do I say about We Are Scientists? That they rock? Yes. That they are the bomb? Yes. Should you go see them on May 21st at the Tank? Don’t even think twice about it. Unless you have your parents in town. Which I might. But they go to bed around 8 anyway.

Yeah, yeah, Jer, but do they have technique? C’mon. They follow the Scientific Method. They must, right?

W.A.S. Downloads:
Inaction
This Scene is Dead

Underwhelmed

At the entrace for the Tribeca Grand last night, the Guest-list Guy asked, "Who invited you." Baffled, I had him repeat the question. I finally answered questioningly "Sessions at Tribeca Grand?" I guess that worked because we mosied on in. I wonder what kinds of answers he was getting. Was there a password.... and was it 'Girls'?

I wasn’t blown away at the Annie show last night at the Tribeca Grand. Maybe it was the $9 Gin and Tonics that makes a free show moot. Maybe it was the guy who thought he was a super model right behind me. Maybe it was the two girls with him that thought so too. Maybe it was the photographer who thought the same. Was everyone under some hypnosis? He wasn’t hot at all. I’ll just say that he had a mane. Yes, a mane of hair.

Actually, all that had no bearing on last night at all. Annie performed fine. I’m just not into her music. I really dont care for Chewing Gum. And that last song… the new one? I do I do I do? Definitely not my favorite from the night. I wish her the best of luck in the States and hope she sells a lot of records.

I think she will. Just not to me.

On a Mountain Trip to Japan...

While the title of the post comes from the Trachtenburg Family, the real party people on the trip are United Stated of Electronica. The connection.... well... they both came from Seattle.

Read an article about their Japan trip here.

Watch a video by the Trachtenburg Family here. Not as good as their live show. Maybe it's because I'm sober.

Music to give you A.D.D.

I didn’t write a review of the By the End of Tonight show last Friday, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t review worthy. Au contraire. In fact, it was amazing. Ang and I arrived and went into the basement of Northsix (when I first went there a few weeks ago, I never realized that it was located on North Sixth St.) Anyway, downstairs was LOUD. And there was equipment everywhere. I imagined the space to be bigger despite having been down there to go to the bathroom on prior occasions; I imagined it went back farther. It doesn’t. There was more equipment for the three bands playing than room for people. The crowd for By the End of tonight was only about 18, and I figure half of those were playing in a band that night. Ang and I were the only two without ear plugs, but they weren’t as abrasive as the first band. In fact, the loudness by the time they went on wasn’t overbearing at all.

The intimacy of the place was astonishing. I imagined when listening earlier that these guys would play right on the floor, and they did, except for the toddler drum kit on the 3” stage. That might seem like a gimic, but it isn’t. I wonder why every band doesn’t play on one now. Maybe because of the bad posture it promotes. They rocked harder than any band in recent memory. I guess !!! in December would be comparable. I kept thinking, these guys are so good, how come they aren’t drawing a bigger crowd? I’m not asking for Webster Hall, but I could definitely see them pack Bowery Ballroom. If I was a music writer, I’d say “the fluctuations undulated across the mesmerizing anchors in my memory, as they drifted in and out of the tactile phenomenon and aurora of… of ….of … -pause- … of danger!” If you don’t know what I’m referring to, go here. It’s a nonsensical review of their latest album.

Download tracks here:

Setting Sail in April
Sleeping
Delirious

Another Addition: Dan Bern

Dan Bern is playing a pair of shows at Maxwell's on June 2. But I'll be out of town. Tickets available on Ticketweb. His songs crack me up.

Hot Hot Heat are back....

Hot Hot Heat are coming back on May 20th to Webster hall. Tickets on sale 4/13 at noon.
Also on sale at that time will be Bloc Party for their Webster Hall shows.

I'm glad I saw both of them at Bowery recently so I dont feel the necessity to go to either. Tickets can be bought here. I guess they are selling green tickets now. Actually, they always sold green.

Kaiser Chiefs at Spin.... Free Download

I heard from Nora that the Kaiser Chiefs performance for Spin two weeks ago wasn't the best... well that Ricky wasn't jumping around as usual. He was in top shape that same evening at Maxwell's, singing through the crowd, alla Tom Jones (w/o Tom Jones's music). Perhaps he was more hydrated by that point. I doubt he'll be able go through the crowd for the Webster Hall show in July, but who knows. The Dillinger Escape Plan managed somehow to play on top of the front row, using 6 inches of stage space.

Cellophane Girl reports that you can download tracks from the KC Spin show here.

Ben Gibbard Bootlegs Fiona Too:

As reported in Rolling Stone:
".... Gibbard, who lately has been listening incessantly to German electronica and the new (bootlegged) Fiona Apple record."


Everyone going to The National CD release party tonight? Free Drinks! Yay!

Annie in town this Week

Annie is in town this week. Look for her Saturday Night 4/14 on the decks at MisShapes.

Bloc Party. Again.

More Bloc Party

P.S. They are coming to Webstre Hall June 14 and 15. That's right, Webstre. Thanks to Jjjay for the info.

Pictures from Bloc Party

Bloc Party at Bowery Ballroom

Mmmm Ba.. La da da da da.

So, I thought Mason Jennings had only two albums. That’s because I only own two albums (He has five). So at his show last night, during the 1 hour and 40 minute set he played, when I only recognized four songs, I swore he must have at least 12 albums out. Wilco did the same damn thing to me in October- I listen to 4 of the 8 discs he’s had, and he played 3 songs I knew. Not that I mind too much… it just caught me off guard. At Bobby Bare Jr.’s shows I know every note he plays… and its comforting to some degree. For the upcoming Maktub, I know two songs, and I’m more than comfortable that’ll rock because when I first saw them I new zilch.

Mason opened with my favorite song, and closed my second-favorite song. Luckily I didn’t leave early like I (read as: Angela) was tempted. 100 minutes is a marathon after getting used to 45-60 minute sets by Indie-Rock standards. But this definitely wasn’t Indie Rock. I’m not sure of the genre… I guess Folk Rock?, or Laidback Rock? And the crowd was into it way more than usual, or what I felt the music called for. The Go! Team had to beg the crowd to dance two weeks ago… this crowd was bopping to even the slower songs.

He reminded me of Jack Johnson, when Jack played smaller venues (for what… about two months?). I am no longer a big fan of his, but Mason has a tone to his voice that is reminiscent of Old Timing. Makes me want to work on the railroad. All the live-long day.

Kaiser Chiefs to play Webster Hall?

I didn't know they were that big. They are good/fun, but I can't imagine they'll fill Webster Hall. Maybe it's just a rumour. Anyway..... As reported on Upcoming.org.

Bloc Party Downloads

BlocParty.net is a good resource for all the mp3s that are currently offered or were once offered on BlocParty.com. In fact, it has the remix that Pitchfork linked to...but didnt work and was only 70 seconds. The Dave P. remix here is the full song.

A Bird in Hand is worth Two...

Andrew Bird... whom many consider to have one of the best albums of the year so far, is scheduled to play South Paw on Sunday May 22. Buy tickets here.

Being a Sunday, I'm wondering if Mercury Lounge or another venue might have a better day reserved for the show. I personally don't have the album, so I can't verify what others have been saying. The one track off his website didn't impress me on the first listen.

Not like F'ing Mason Jennings. Did I mention he's playing tonight at South paw?

Human Television selected by Bloc Party

Human Television, who holds the #3 spot on my iTunes All-time play count with "Tell Me What You Want", will play at Pianos on Thursday after the Bloc Party show at Bowery Ballroom. Thanks to manic mess for this info.

Tomorrow: Mason Jennings at South Paw. Anticipation Level on a scale of 1-10: 9

His "Use Your Voice" album last year was fantastic, so... good, he holds the #2 spot on my iTunes All-time play count with the first track off of that.

Sasquatch Festival Schedule Announced

Schedule can be found Here.
This is going to take some tricky work trying to fit all this in. I am so very excited.

We Are Scientists.

We Are Scientists, who have the coolest website around, will be playing with Bishop Allen at CBGB on April 15th. They'll be freshly back from their stint in the UK as part of the exchange program Blair and Bush have set up. Thanks guys.

TMBG This summer at Prospect Park

Continuing their annual performance at the Celebrate Brooklyn Festival, TMBG will play in Prospect Park on July 30th. Donation $3. For Full Listing, Click Here.

Funny, The New Pornographers aren't listed? Maybe my date is wrong and they will be playing with Cat Power and Iron and Wine at the Neil Young Tribute show?

Trade The Thermals for Dido?

An alert reader wrote me this warning:

There was a time when I thought I was too cool for Travis, about 3 or 4 years ago, but I guess now I'm old enough to fully endorse dippy radio-friendly brit pop. It's just so... easy.. to listen to. It sounds so... ready to be used as the mood music for a major motion picture romantic comedy. so live it up while you can, because in a few short months you may be trading in your Thermals for Dido.

Thou shalt not blaspheme.

Actually there was a moment when I thought I liked that one Dido song. Then I put it on a mix and realized I liked about 10 seconds of it. Completely ruined the rest of the mix.