Wolf Parade on Sale for Webster Hall

On Sale Now:

Wolf Parade at Webster Hall, Sunday April 9th
Wolf Parade at Webster Hall, Monday April 10th
[thx jay]

and also if you didn't know:
Voxtrot at Mercury Lounge, Sunday April 9th (just added)
Voxtrot at Mercury Lounge, Monday April 10th (almost sold out)

Wolf Parade didn't do much for me at the much smaller Bowery Ballroom, despite loving their album. I'd rather do two nights of Voxtrot. We'll see.

-Also on sale tomorrow: Neko Case is playing Webster Hall two nights in April, and Boy Least Likely To will open for James Blunt (blehck) for two nights in March.

-The Boy Least Likely To is also scheduled to headline their own shows the first weekend in April, one at the Annex Hiro Ballroom the Annex Rothko... venue to be determined by a roll of dice.

Spooky Film

Spook is a short film by Canadian artist –and student?- Megan Majewski and later adopted by a band whom I won’t mention today –but if you’re resourceful, you already know. They adopted it as their music video for their song of the same length, and it works great. Since I can’t find the hybrid (I was sync’ing it on my own last night), the original is entertaining in itself:

Megan Majewski’s Spook (mov) 6.5 MB

It’s about a minute and forty seconds long, or in International System of Units: one hectosecond.


P.S. - I wouldn’t screen it for your kids despite the cute ghost girl and teddy bear. :)

The Mugs

Last summer, as many of us trekked over to Magneic Fields in Brooklyn to catch Voxtrot (months before their Van incident), we were treated to an opener who were actually quite good: the Mugs.
[Photo by Sam]

-Vegan said, "The Mugs were mostly good too".
-Heather said (in CV's comments), " I was very impressed with The Mugs too"
-Jay said something positive also, but I can't search his archives.

With so much positive reviews back in August, they haven't received much blog-love since. Maybe it's because all their shows have been with other unknown acts. That's too unfortunate, because they definitely have something excellent here:

The Mugs - Broken Signals (mp3) (recommended)

These are good too, versions off their EP, most which are recommended:
The Mugs - Poker Face (mp3)
The Mugs - Holiday (mp3)
The Mugs - Daisey Cutter (mp3)
The Mugs - Frank (mp3)
The Mugs - While it Lasts (mp3)

Their next show is Thursday at the Delancey.

Plague-erism

It's one thing to quote me... it's another this to take my whole post and repost it on your own blog...

... and without giving any credit.

I'm happy they are liking the music, but geez.

Maybe I'm just irked because on my walk to work today a total stranger whom I was passing shoved me a good five feet -almost into traffic. Luckily I stayed on my feet... but barely, and it gave my knee a good twist. The only thing I could say to him was "WHHHAAAAA?" to which he looked at me crazily, "STAY OUT OF MY WAY!"

J's Final Word: Best of

I must give mad props to Mr. Heartonastick for compiling the most exhaustive compilation of year-end lists I've seen yet. Indiefordummies had a great list, but J. gives you the read-only excel file to show you all the data of over 120 lists. Head here.

The biggest surprise to me is that I'm the only one who listed the Joggers, Youth Group, Voxtrot, and only one of two that listed Devin Davis. Yikes. At least I had five in the Top 40.

Weekend Wrap Up

I told Matt Friday night around 2 AM, that all I really wanted to blog about right now is Tunng. In fact, it’s consuming 90% of everything I listen to all week. Angela thought I was overreacting as usual, but when she went into work Saturday, she called me up and said, “Tunng is my new favorite.” Yep. I know.

So that’s my mention of Tunng, just in case it wasn’t clear by this post or this post… which I thought it was. And it won’t be my last.

Friday night I supplanted my three hour happy-hour with the open-bar hour at Crash Mansion. The Head Set sounded as good as always despite that wreck of a sound system. The vocals and drums of Enemies weren’t in sync, but that was probably a fault of the monitors.

After their short set, I took off for my other least favorite venue to catch Man Man at Cake Shop. After squeezing up to the fourth “row,” I realized that you really have to be in the first two to see anything. Or be in the band. Matt was there and we met up after Man Man’s great-but-10 minutes-too-long-for-stuffy-space set. I’ll enjoy them much more when I have room to breath. Mike of Mancino, Matt, Jesse, Ang, and I proceeded to Iggy’s to solidify that I would NOT be enjoying the fine weather we would have on Saturday.

Instead on Saturday, after waking up well past noon, I sat in bed watching TBS all day: Pleasantville (good), Back to the Future (great), Spiderman (awful), Truman Show (very good), before heading out to Mercury Lounge. Missed the Diggs, but saw The Big Sleep who were nearly as awesome as everyone raves about. There were a few things they could edit or eliminate and it would be even better, ie: the vocals. I love me some vocals, but really The Big Sleep aren’t about that, and they seem like a precariously tacked-on ornament . When I saw By the End of Tonight last year, their lack of vocals and ADD-style of hard rock was a perfect match, and I could see The Big Sleep following suit.

-Mancino and The Head Set both play Mercury Lounge on February 17th
-Both Tunng and Man Man’s albums come out on February 21st on Ace Fu
-If you like The Big Sleep, check this out:

By the End of Tonight - Setting Sail in April (mp3)
By the End of Tonight - Tigers

The Biggest Fan

Jay recently called me the Head Set's biggest fan... and who knows... maybe I am. If you miss their free show tonight at Crash Mansion at 10:00, after the open bar from 9-10, you're a dope. And definitely stay for A Brief Smile who I've raved about once before. You must RSVP to NY Underbelly by clicking here.

Jay, on the other hand, is The Big Sleep's biggest fan, stating,

Now I'd like to write something profound in regards to how utterly mind-blowing The Big Sleep's set was... on Friday I was transfixed by Gabe's work on the kit. He totally went for it as if his life and that of the people around him depended on it. At one point I thought to myself, it looks like he is fighting with his drums. The hammering coupled with intense emotion made for some enthralling eye candy.... The show knocked my socks off, and it became the focus of ever conversation I had for the rest of the weekend.

If that set eclipsed the Editors, then I better stop messing around. The Big Sleep open up for Field Music on Saturday night, which is where I'll be. Unfortunately I find Field Music rather boring, and I've seen the Diggs -who are also on that bill- a bazillion times.

Essential 2006: Tunng

When I realized that the four tracks I had of Tunng were quickly being over played, I figured I might as well go ahead and buy their album. Originally released on Static Caravan with the straight forward title This is Tunng: Mother's Daughter and Other Songs, it will be released on Ace Fu Records in the US on February 21st and re-released on Ace-Fu in the UK on the same date.

You can buy it now as DRM-free mp3 files from Bleep for $9.99 if you can't wait another month. Believe me... don't wait. This is the first great album that I've heard this 2006.

It's the perfect balance of minor and major keys, and of acoustic with a touch of scratch. And yet the electronic aspect rarely takes center stage, leaving that to the bareness of the guitar, to a thrilling result. Too often with mixes and remixes, restraint isn't used enough. Tunng has that self-control to not dance-beat it's way onto the dance floor.

Go here for a three mp3s and a link to a fourth (and only one of those is on their full length).

I love this album.

All Joggers Tourdates

Still only one NYC date however, and during that busy week.

Mar 10 2006 8:00P UC DAVIS Davis , CA
Mar 11 2006 8:00P Bottom of the hill San Francisco, CA
Mar 12 2006 8:00P the echo Los Angeles, CA
Mar 13 2006 8:00P CASBAH San Diego, CA
Mar 14 2006 8:00P Vaudeville cabaret Tuscon, AZ
Mar 16 2006 8:00P SXSW Austin, TX
Mar 19 2006 8:00P Walter's Houston, TX
Mar 21 2006 8:00P The Earl Atlanta, GA
Mar 23 2006 8:00P Black Cat backstage Warshington DC, DC
Mar 25 2006 8:00P ROTHKO NY, NY
Mar 26 2006 8:00P Bar Night club New Haven, CT
Mar 27 2006 8:00P Middle east (U) Boston, MA
Mar 31 2006 8:00P Schuba's Chicago, IL
Apr 3 2006 8:00P O'Leaver's Pub Omaha, NE
Apr 4 2006 8:00P Larimer Lounge Denver, CO
Apr 5 2006 8:00P Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT

Free Show: Finian Mckean Saturday

On Sunday night, at the end of a long series of excellent shows, I made it to Pete's Candy Store for one last performance. Finian Mckean played to a small intimate audience full of friends, family, and me. While his music can sound great in a tight room, it also can stand in for a rocking Saturday night... this Saturday when Finian will play again for free.

When I brought my friend Carrie to see him at the Mercury Lounge open for Tapes 'n Tapes, she thought is was good. "This is good," she told me. Go to this post for a couple mp3s. Kathryn prefers his former band, the Push Kings.

Mississippi John Hurt

Mississippi John Hurt - Louis Collins
Mississippi John Hurt – Since I Laid My Burden Down
Mississippi John Hurt – Good Morning, Carrie
Mississippi John Hurt – Goodnight, Irene

When I last wrote about Samamidon, which coincidentally rhymes with Mastodon, I said that they played a cover of Mississippi John Hurt, and co-in-ci-den-tal-ly that very night there was a tribute to the man elsewhere in this city. The song was Louis Collins, and I’ve included other songs that Hurt's played.

Sure he died in 1966, but you need to know this guy... if only because he has an awesome name.

A Contrary Opinion

It's one thing to have your own opinion, and I applaud you if it's not what others think, but Nick Sylvester's done it again. That's right, comes off as a total douche:

Nick's take the Editors:
At best they pack a beat that gets your date dancing, at worst you're watching Meatloaf front the Killers while a bunch of gameless early30s prigs grab boobs and grind their pelvises into girls' backs then explain off their cavemanning as "rocking out" and "being carefree."

I can't believe both Pitchfork and the Voice employ this guy. Bring Back Sincerity writes:

Unfortunately, it's writers like Sylvester that take the greatness out of music journalism and turn it into a "look at me"-contest. When we read a Sylvester piece, we are being entertained by a child that so desperately wants our attention. We hardly learn new things about the band or musician he is writing about. Generally, we learn things about Sylvester. Why does this bother me so? Nick Sylvester is perpetuating the most unattractive qualities of man: self-involvement, snarkiness, gross narcissism, ugly humor, silliness, sarcasm and plenty of fragment sentences.

Update 2: Predictions 2006

My first prediction was too generous (the show sold out in one day, not ten), my second is still pending, and my third was too optimistic. Pitchfork gave the Arctic Monkeys a 7.4, and what a negative 7.4 it is. If the album didn't sell 118,501 albums on Day One would they have had a lower numerical value? Probably not, but I guess the written portion of the review, -if that's your thing- is to deflate some of the over zealous praise they've received; (10 out of 10 at NME?). After hearing the entire thing, I'd probably say a 7.4 is a little low, but then again maybe we are the monkeys for putting numerical values on fun. And that's what it is: catchy and fun, if not particularly original. As J. recently wrote about WAS, "But something has to be popular, and it might as well be this."

They're live show was fantastic. Almost as much as Art Brut... which is still on sale. That needs to sell out in mid-February, or else I'll be 0 for 3.

Tunng

Tunng is another band I found via year-end lists, but all foreign, so I'm supposing they aren't well known or well-blogged over here. It was #2 album of the year at Piccadilly Records, just ahead of LCD, Common, and Jose Gonzalez. Piccadilly says: “their mix of folksy acoustics and virus-ridden sequencers won over all the more adventurous listeners who had the presence of mind to hear it.”

I say, from the tracks I've heard: “It’s pretty sweet.” Acoustic guitar and folk melodies lend it one aspect, with a beat that is nothing of the sort. It’s chill. They’ve also just released a cover of Bloc Party’s Pioneers yesterday. Give it about four listens to clense your memory of the original, and you'll love it.

Tunng – Tale From the Black (mp3)
Tunng – Pool Beneath the Pond (mp3)
Tunng – The Pioneers (Bloc Party cover)

Another version of the same song:
Mystery Jets – The Pioneers (Bloc Party cover)

Ashen Fluff has another Tunng cover song that I'd recommend from the Dream Brother: The Songs of Tim & Jeff Buckley album. "...Tunng, which is a band, and perhaps a dining room line from IKEA..."

They play SXSW with Man Man, Devothcka and others on March 16th, so maybe we’ll see a date in NYC.

Arrested Development to take on the Olympics

Fox will air the remaining four episodes of the 13-episode season three on Friday February 10th.

From TV Squad:
Like a spoiled child with a broken toy, though, FOX still refused (as of this morning, even) to let go and "officially" cancel the show, waiting instead to see if there was "potential for the show to still find it's audience on FOX" (-Peter Liguori, Development President), you know, with it's final four episodes. The ones that are airing back to back Friday February 10th. Against the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. Yea, that's going to be a ratings juggernaut.

And insofar as it going to ABC or Showtime, it isn't as long as Fox hasn't officially canceled the show.

National Eye

I finally got around to listening to some of these discs piling up in my room over the weekend, and the National Eye's Roomful of Lions was the only one I didn't advance any tracks forward. Usually I like to give a half dozen listens before making an official decision, but I see Matt got a head start on me, so I might as well chime in. Plus, it's really really good.

The song Matt posts "Ag1" has a melody that is much like something that might be on Daisies of the Galaxy by the Eels. "Waves of Love" could almost be an Andrew Bird song, while "Ag2" is... is... hmmm... good.

I try not to be an mp3 blog... so when I do spotlight new mp3s, they have my highest endorsement.
National Eye - Waves of Love
National Eye - Ag2

Again, Matt has "Ag1."

The album is released February 14th, and if you buy an $8-ticket to their release show in Philadelphia on February 17th, you get their album for free! Fellow-Phillies, the Spinto Band, performas well. Tix here.

Hey Joggers Fans....Spring Tour

If Wolf Parade and the Joggers had baby, that child would be Tapes 'n Tapes. Man Man would be the senile old Grandfather. TV on the Radio is somehow related, but no one is quite sure how or why.

Wolf Parade - I'll Believe in Anything
Joggers - Since You're Already Up
Tapes 'n Tapes - Cowbell (mp3)
Man Man - Spider Cider
TV on the Radio - New Health Rock

The main news here is that Joggers will be on their Spring Tour in March and so far their only NYC date is March 25th for Rothko (tix available). All tourdates will be released shortly.

The Jogger's With a Cape and Cane was my fifth favorite ablum of last year.

The Jogger's myspace site currently has been hijacked by a pornography site, so I do not recommend you checking it out just this moment.

UPDATE: It's fixed. The band wrote:
We are not responsible for this Blacksnake thing, as chuckle worthy as it may be @ first...we are trying to get to the bottom of it ASAP whoever the culprit is...u got us hahaha, now go do it to switchfoot or something.

Editors @ Mercury Lounge, Rothko

Natalie just sent me this foto of all of us rocking out in the front at the Mercury Lounge Friday night (taken by mediaeater). She's in there, Chris is right next to her, and me?... I think that's my elbow to the far right (not really... I have much thicker arms).

In short, the Mercury show was one of the best I've attended. As you might know, the openers are personal favorites of mine, and both the Picture and the Head Set blew my mind. Both of those bands deserve to have a huge year with the quality of tunes they can emit from stage. (The Head Set play this Friday for free at Crash mansion, with an open bar for an hour. Go see the Picture during their March residency at Pianos).

From the moment the Editors took the stage and all of us up front went nuts, I was in awe. I hadn't felt that way since last year's hottest band decimated the Roxy on President's day. The sound was studio-perfect, the setlist a dream, and the crowd one of the most excited and enthusiastic I've been a part of.

Now, in the days after -in the wake of all the blog-press- and as everyone who was there was blown away (even the doubters, mind you), out come the haters from the woodwork. They bring up the d-word (derivative), the I-word (Intersuck), which only makes them appear to be the p-word (pretentiously callous). Seriously, what's up with all the hate? Did Tom Smith wrong them personally? Editors are ace, and one of the few (maybe only four) from the UK that have proved it here.

How was Saturday night at Rothko? Well, I was still going crazy like it was still Friday night. The crowd was sorta into it, but not to the same unilateral degree. Sinceit was so packed, I can imagine that the people who usually find themselves up front pumping fists were scattered throughout. The sound, however...was no less stunning. In fact, the Editors were no less amazing than the night before, and might even dominate any venue they come to play in NYC. Webster Hall is the next venue being mouthed, and hopefully the crowd will be equally as enthralled.

The haters can stay home.

Whole Notes and Chaos

Too Many Whole Notes.
When we arrived as the opener for Stars like Fleas were starting, I was annoyed that the crowd wouldn't shut the hell up. When they finally got Shhhh’d, and we could actually hear them, I realized -like the talkers before me- that it wasn’t my thing. So we left.

When we returned to Tonic -after my first drop of alcohol in a week- from Iggy's (which has 16 U2 albums, 11 Eric Clapton, and nothing past 2001) the opener was still playing. I checked with T. to see if the Fleas were indeed next; he replied Yes, and that he’d been suffering through the boring set the entire hour. Phew... at first I thought it was just me… that maybe I’m not intellectual enough. There were just too many whole notes.

Just Enough Chaos
When Stars Like Fleas did take the stage, I was in the bathroom; the cacophony that emitted from outside however, penetrated all partitions and barriers. It was loud, tense, and annoying… and for some reason I didn’t mind. Maybe it was because I was in the loo, but it reminded me of the grating eerie soundtrack to 2001: A Space Odyssey. After that brief intro, the eight played an interesting set that I really cannot describe, so I won't. It was a little weird, yet plausible, in a contemporary classical music sort-of way.

I can’t put my finger on why I like some chaos and weirdness (SLF, Man Man), and not others (Animal Collective, Akron/Family). Maybe it’s random. Maybe the reasons for liking some randomness in itself doesn’t have a pattern. Or maybe it’s because Stars Like Fleas played a 35 minute set at 10:30PM, and Akron/Family played a 2 hour set at 2:00 AM.

The Light Footwork Wants You

One band I've never talked about is The Light Footwork. After being prasied by the Trifecta (ie: GvB, YANP, and MOKB), and even Stereogum, I didn't know if all the talk was worthy. I mean, I kinda sorta kinda liked the mp3s...

Then I got the album and finally understood what I didn't fully before. It's really an album, and not individual tracks. Each piece of the puzzle is solid on it's own, but the band has such an interesting ranging of pop, that I needed to hear it all straight through. If you like Bishop Allen or New Pornographers, then you'd like this.

Not only did the band release it all by themselves, but now they are having a listening party... that's right a listening party... on Tuesday at Scenic. And if you buy the CD, they'll buy you a beer... that's right, a beer (!).

It was Earfarm's #7 album of the year, #6 at YANP, and #24 at GvB. Here's some mp3s that you probably already have, but I'd still recommend hearing the rest:

The Light Footwork - Coastlines are Landmines (mp3)
The Light Footwork - Rapture Good Rupture Bad (mp3)

On Sale Tomorrow: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

On sale tomorrow, Friday January 20th, at 5 PM.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Friday April 14 Tix.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Saturday April 15 Tix.

Editors to Play James Murphy's House

This Saturday! First it was at the Annex, and then this morning it was moved to Hiro... and then back to the Annex. I just got word from the Onion, that the Editors are playing at James Murphy's house, his house. We've been waiting nearly 1 year and 15 days, but everybody'll be lined up at his house, his house. Every kid for miles will be there...

Seriously... wtf?

Live Review: Dave Depois and Samamidon

Occassionally I need a break from rock music, pop music, dance music, loud music. Yet whenever I think of soft music, quiet music, not-loud music, I’m afraid I’ll fall asleep. After seeing Dave Deporis and Samamidon last night at Sin-e bar, I did almost fall asleep, not because it was boring, but because it was so wonderful and relaxing.

I timed my arrival to catch the end of Deporis, to see a little –but not a lot- of what he had to offer. When arrived, Dave and Thomas had only just begun, and they went right into a cover of ‘We’ve Only Just Begun.’

I’m kidding of course. I’m not sure what they played, but it was great. Then Sam, who puts the “Sam” in “Samamidon”, joined them for another song that was stunning. When I say “stunning”, I mean I want an mp3 of it… or least know the song name. Back in September, I perceived Deporis to be “adorably sloppy and spontaneous.” If that indeed was the case, this time his voice was on the mark and his tone was impeccable. Whatever effect Doveman has had on him, if any at all, I applaud it.

After a brief pause, Samamidon “went on.” Falsehearted Chicken, 1842, Another Man Done Gone, Levi, and then a few others. Levi was great, and is easily my favorite. The second-to-last song was a cover of “Louis Collins” by Mississippi John Hurt. I thought that was quite fitting because elsewhere in the city was a tribute to the music of John Hurt (the $34 admission kept me away). Once EZarchive gets up and running again, I’m going to do a separate post for Mr. Hurt.

And in case you missed it:
Samamidon – Levi (mp3)

Jose Gonzalez Tix on Sale

For the Early show at Joe's Pub. (via BV) I [no longer] have two extras for the late show if anyone's interested... for face 'n fees. The late show will give us all more time to do shots of Jager prior to the performance.
Update: They're spoken for.

Prediction Update: Sold Out!

Wow. I guess my first prediction of 2006 was understated. Dave Prefix was "right on the money" saying that Arctic Monkeys would sell out on Day One. I though it would be 1 to 2 weeks.

Fear not... my second prediction will come to pass soon enough.

And for prediction #5, I don't want to form a band as so much as join a band that already is awesome. I'm thinking: CMJ badge 2006.

Man Man... Better Late Than

This afternoon I was struggling to get through some of these albums that have found their way to my mailbox. Some are really good, but the others...

Then I finally got around to downloading me some Man Man. Yes every blog has already posted about them, but as soon as I listened, it made me happy for Music again. I guess they have more than one song, and I'll get around to listening to them soon, but for now I can't stop this one:

Man Man - Engwish Bwudd

Man Man plays the Cake Shop on Friday January 27th, same night as the Underrated show at Crash Mansion. Do both!

Hard-Fi @ Bowery

I ran into Jeff at the show last night as I was trying to get something (gin) to wash down the odd-tasting rum and coke they gave me earlier. I find it interesting that he had the same conclusion as myself; I swear we didn't share answers after the gig.

Hard-Fi were good. They have a few good songs. The crowd was really into it. But the show just felt... off. When their second song started, I thought, "Does he think he's a Backstreet Boy?" Then moments later, "Was he on Pop Idol back in the UK?"

Jeff writes:
The problem here is not their sound, which for the most part works, but that their image has gotten stuck right between the aforementioned band stereotypes [Backstreet Boys and the Clash]. Whiteboy R&B meets dirt-grit punk? An interesting concept sonically...but really hard to swallow when seen on stage.

Halfway through the set, I saw that to our right, there was a group having an absolute blast and I wanted to join them. I thought that once Cash Machine or Hard to Beat is played, it. is. on.

That never quite happened. It never reached the point when everyone gets wrapped up in the maelstrom of rocking out. It stayed tame and well-mannered. Ho-hum.

Nora has an opposing opinion... she loved it.

Wynn, Lose, or Draw

On February 18th, Steve Wynn will play the Mercury Lounge. Yes, Steve Wynn. No, not that one. This one. And his Miracle 3. At first I thought it must be some secret show. If it was a secret show, I guess no one would have that be their pseudonym. The Killers maybe. They're from Vegas via England or something.

Ed. note: Now I realize, from Songs:Illinois in my comments, that I'm just too young and/or lazy to know that Steve Wynn was the frontman for the Dream Syndicate. During that time period I was really big into Raffi.

--------------------------------------------------------------
I got this email from Angela:

So it was about 8:00 last night when the CFO walks over to the design area and says, "If you guys ever want to leave early, I'll tell you what— just put this disc on and you'll want to leave immediately! Michael lent me this CD and it's just awful, the worst I've heard in a long time."

What was this dreadful tuneage? Wolf Parade.
If only I could listen to Wolf Parade AND leave early.

CFO's.... ha! I'd like to read what bands he blogs about.

NY Times on Morningwood & WAS

Even the NY Times got in on the big Mothra Morningwood Vs. We Are Scientists debate. The conclusion:
While Morningwood tries frantically to start a party, the members of We Are Scientists act as if they're already at one, and almost ready to leave.

Read the entire article.

[via Prefix]

Preview Album: Arctic Monkeys; Live mp3

Dear Domino, If you are going to let us to preview the album, and with the demos already freely available, why only stream the first minute of each song?
--------------------------------------------------------------

If you need it, you can preview Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (er... WPSIA TWIN?) here. Otherwise, just wait until next week for the import. Don't even THINK about waiting for the domestic release, because that'd be lame... right?

I must admit, they (who's is "they"?) did take the life out of "Mardy Bum." But even the demo version doesn't have the life of this live version. Now, I tend to HATE recorded live shows, and while the recording of this isn't perfect, I listen to it as much as the demo. Why? Just listen to the crowd:

Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum (live)

Remember, tickets on sale the NYC date tomorrow.
PS. This is my final mention of this band for a while, I promise.

Gone out, Backson. Bisy, Backson

I'll be out most of the day, first measuring an apartment uptown (180th street!), and then checking over how screwed up some shop drawings are later on.

-If you don't already read Heartonastick, you should add it to your bookmarks. Today, he reviews point-by-point, minute-by-minute, the Golden Globes, and highlights all the "Gayness" of the awards. Read it over there.

-In the music world, did anyone else get to hear the DFA's Brinney Spears song that Said the Gramophone posted? I'd repost it, but they've already asked it to be stricken. But why was it never released? The label said it was "Too hip", StG seconded that opinion, and I must say, yes... it is far too hip for Mrs. Federline. Maybe they'll keep it on reserve for a big comeback. Or is it called a resurrection at this point?

Appalachia: Samamidon; Free show; mp3s

Samamidon and Dave Deporis will be playing for free at the Sin-e Bar this Wednesday (note: that's near but not the Sin-e venue). As you may recall, Deporis played Brooklyn Vegan's pre-CMJ show with Doveman and Cloud Cult. Back then I said: "decent songs. amazing vocal range/complexity/arrangement. Intriguing live performance. Adorably sloppy and spontaneous."

Then who is Samamidon you ask? Thomas of Doveman wrote me, "The live version will be me, Sam (the banjo payer in Doveman) and Shahzad (the guitarist in Doveman). It's Sam singing old appalachian folk songs."

Check this out. I am loving these two songs:
Samamidon - We are the True Born Sons of Levi (mp3)
Samamidon - Falsehearted Chicken (mp3)

-Also, the other project some of the "dovemen", Stars like Fleas, play Tonic on Thursday.

Wrens Reviews from the Weekend

(Picture via Chris)

Word on the street is that that the “Wrens without Jerry Wren” last night at the Knitting Factory were great. I myself didn’t stay that late, chosing to turn in early. Truthfully. I almost fell asleep at Hopewell’s 10:00 set, but not that the band was bad, but rather I could hear my bed calling my name from clear across the East River.

Maybe I would have stayed, except I had seen the “Wrens without Jerry” before and whilst it was excellent, it was still a pale shadow of their full band. So this time it’d have to be without this Jerry as well. En plus, I had just seen Wrens in all the potency two nights earlier; and yes there is no doubt in my mind that they are still the best band I have ever seen. Period. Not necessarily that show, but really any show. (I’m still in awe over their 2AM CMJ set when they turned water into wine and cured the lepors.)

If every single band I know played on the exact same night at the exact same time, in some bizarre mega-festival, where would I be? I think I’d be at the Wrens.

Chris regarding Friday night:
When I said that this was my first time seeing this Jersey-based band, he [ed note: that’s me] gave me the "WTF?" look. Now I know why, they are intense. They started quiet while a small piano piece called "I Guess We're Done," where the lead singer did his vocals through a cell phone. His voice came through to another cell phone which held against a guitar. Then they kick over the mic stands and just fucking rock.

Jeff regarding Sunday night:
Every time I leave a Wrens show, The thought crosses my mind that maybe, just maybe I had witnessed the best show I had ever been to.

Rachael regarding Sunday night:
I thought it was fantastic. At times, it felt like the band had been invited into my living room and we were all just hanging about, listening to them play. They chose songs on the spot, joked with the audience, and sounded better than ever.

And from a couple livejournal users from Saturday night:
Bakesale says:
Last night, we all went to see The Wrens play at the Northstar. It was the absolute best show I've ever been to…. I hear about "trancendent" shows all the time (Dude! The Stones in '68!"). I thought I've been to a couple before last night. I was wrong. This was a truly amazing show from a band that loves what they do.

Kitblonde says:
I went to the Wrens at the North Star. Sweet suffering Christ, was it an awesome show. It may be the most fun I've ever had at a concert.

Jay and Kathryn were at the Friday show as well. Jim Stereogum was there, but left before the Wrens.

Predictions 2006

This is in relation to my previous post. Since I privately predicted to Julseas that the Silver Jews would add a second date at Webster Hall, I thought I'd play Nostradamus for a second.*

1. Arctic Monkeys will sell out Saturday March 25th by the end of January, if not sooner.

2. Arctic Monkeys will add a second date to Webster Hall for Friday March 24th (and this will also eventually sell out).

3. Pitchfork will give the Arctic Monkeys album the Best New Music designation -but barely, because they'll have to say the demos are far better. (I myself have not heard the new recordings).

4. Art Brut will sell out both nights of Bowery Ballroom, probably by mid-February.

5. I will finally form a band -with actual rehearsals- exactly one week prior to Art Brut's shows.

PS-- I did not predict that the Yeah Yeah Yeah tickets would last so long (2-3 hours!). Of course, now they are going for $139 on eBay. Each.

*Disclaimer: I do not take responsibility for what the future actually entails, and I advise everyone to buy tickets when they go on sale.

Art Brut-ic Monkey Tickets on Sale Wednesday; Atari stuff

I guess that Art Brut tickets for the Bowery Ballroom shows on April 4th and 5th will be on sale Wednesday. Nothing on Ticketweb just yet.

Arctic Monkeys at Webster Hall for March 25th will be on sale Wednesday also. It's listed on Ticketweb here.

I told my brother in Seattle to get tickets, but they sold out the Crocodile Cafe in an hour. Oops. Oddly enough, although it's listed, Ticketweb has no tix available for Seattle, but they are indeed on sale via their parent company, Ticketmaster, here.

Opening up for the Monkeys, will be the Spinto Band. Ever since I saw them in December, I've been listening to their album a lot more. It may be one of my favorites from 2005 that I missed. You can get it from eMusic here. Here's a track from the album called "Atari" -aka: the hidden track- because Ang and I almost went out and bought the Atari Flashback 2 this weekend (we held back for now):

The Spinto Band - Atari

Said the Gramophone has a comedy bit from Eugene Mirman up, called "Russia and Atari." Go there for the mp3.

Hecklers' New Target: Bands

Friday night started off a odd and strange serious of events that I've only just noticed. The trend? Heckling the band. Now, I can see how a liquored-up audience can get rowdy for a comedian, and Eugene Mirman at the Bowery Ballroom Friday handled it better than anyone I've ever seen, but the band? Yes, I am serious. First, however, this was the interaction during Mirman's routine:
Eugune: So, I was walking on the stree...
Random Dude: Scallops!
Eugene: Whaaaaa-t? Did you just say... "Scallops?" (laughin it off ) Is that how you heckle? By shouting out... nouns?

During the Wrens set, there were dumb shouting as well. The most classic moment was during "She Sends Kisses," whereby near the end of the song, some 40 year-old guy (comepletely trashed) yelled out during a dead silent pause in the middle, a big loud "FUCK. YOU."

The next night, during the Akron/Family, the heckling returned. The band got the entire room ka-Kawing like birds, and it was odd in the way that I hear a typical A/F show can be. But then during the next song -some quiet jam with another dead silent pause- random people started to ka-Kaw. Yes, I admit, it was pretty funny. The Akron/Family let them ka-Kaw for a few moments, and then coninued on.

Also during Akron/Family's set, someone yelled out "Do you hate pants?" Whaaaaa? The band was as puzzled as I.

Finally, yesterday at the Knitting Factory, the attempted interaction of the audience with bands continued for both Langhorne Slim's and Hopewell's sets. Hopewell had attracted another fan who -for some reason- felt compelled to shout out "Fuck. You."

Is this the new "I love you?"

For Sale on Craigslist

I found this treasure on craigslist this weekend, when browsing available TV sets. Looks like a good bargain, except for that whole 15 minutes thing:

19" RCA Color TV with rear AV jacks and original remote, always perfect picture when using rear AV jacks for watching, dvd or games, however, when using cable connection, upon turning tv on, sometimes you have to tap it a couple of times to clear up picture for first 15 miutes, then it's fine, been like this the last couple of years, still the same, just decided to get new tv.

W.A.S. at Bowery Ballroom

In a sold out Bowery Ballroom, the W.A.S. took the stage to a very eager crowd that, from their cheers, I could gauge they were pretty pumped. Where did all these fans come from? Oh, that’s right. Now that they’ve graduated to headlining Bowery, I was excited for them. They opened up with five or six of their best songs, and like in December played several back-to-back, which in its execution is thrilling. The problem arose, however, when they ran out of fuel -ie: good material- around halfway through the set.

Since they aren’t playing the Tank anymore, they had to play for 50-60 minutes, and they just ran out of the good stuff. I think they should resurrect some of the better tunes from their EPs to fill out the set. Ode to Star L23 anyone? Yes, I actually got bored for a few songs, and that cover they did was uninspiring. Feel free to do a cover, but add the touches that make your sound yours… even if “your sound” isn’t necessarily “your sound.” (I’ve never had a problem with derivative sounds, because, hell, W.A.S. do it quite well.)

So while the show was front-loaded (much like the album is, by the way), they closed with The Great Escape, and the crowd woke up so startled that the place literally exploded. Or figuratively exploded, whatever. There were explosions abound. It was dramatic and intense, so much so that the band didn’t plan an encore (that’s what Keith said and I believe him), yet they came out anyway and played one more. In my mind, I'm ignoring that encore, and having it end in my memory one song earlier.

J Heartonastick has an opinion that is well-stated, although he criticizes things I didn’t pick up on at all. He has probably some of the most intelligent things ever said about the band. His conclusion:

But something has to be popular, and it might as well be this. It’s disposable, but solidly constructed and unassuming. If you were so inclined, you could call We Are Scientists derivative, or useless, or insincere. They were probably called worse in high school. But having this stuff come so effectively, likeably packaged is a hell of a lot better than wading through an acre of shit.

True, J., true. Angela wrote to me today:
Oh man, I've never really listened to the Killers before until they came up in my shuffle today. They are not really very good, huh? Are they like a parody band or something? Their sound is so mediocre to my ears. If they can be big, then WAS deserves superstardom.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs on sale for Bowery

Tickets were available for Friday here.
And for Saturday here.

'Tis sold out.

A Retrospective: W.A.S.

There are few artists that I've documented my affection for as We Are Scientists. So am I biased? Wholly. Before I go into a brief recap of last night's show, I thought I'd recap my thoughts from throughout 2005. I think by June I knew not everyone would dig them.

April:
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… 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.

May:
As I watched We Are Scientists perform with 42nd street traffic in the background, I thought how very similar I imagine TRL on MTV might be. The crowd was not the sort for MTV however, but I did notice the ladies dressed up more, being a Saturday night. W.A.S. rocked out as usual, and put on an awesome show...I’m overwhelmed by how fucking awesome W.A.S. was, and continues to be.

June:
Someone at the LCD Soundsystem show last night asked me if all the hype was worth it. Hype? For W.A.S.? They play the Tank and CBGB and now Mercury Lounge in July. You can’t even buy advance tickets for that show. The hype hasn’t yet begun. I think it will, and then everyone will fall into camps of either liking it or disliking it. Go now and just drink and have fun. Listening to them won’t make you cooler. Drugs make you cooler. And cigarettes make you look more sophisticated and older.

July:
It wasn’t as remarkable of a show as their performance at the Tank last month -primarily because the crowd was crazy into it them there. I felt that Saturday night was filled with people who were not that familiar with their legacy… at least not yet. Overall though, We Are Scientists really cannot go wrong with the energy they put forth themselves on stage.

December:
The Scientists themselves eliminated all skepticism on stage as to whether or not they are still an amazing trio. The first song made me a little nostalgic for CBGB, but I was soon enveloped by a continual pummeling of my ears of catchy riff, verse, and refrain. They’ve mastered segueing from one song straight into the other, without pause or prompt.

Review: Sam Champion, Tapes 'n Tapes at Rothko

Last night Rothko went from being barren at 9:05 to full at 9:25, just about the time Sam Champion, aka Noah and the Army of Miscreants, took the stage. Now, Iike you, I’ve seen these lads hundreds, even thousands of times. I must say: they were tight with a capitol “G”. Even if you don’t think much of their music –probably because you are just lazy, you fool- there was no denying that every note was played to its utmost intensity. I really can’t think of another word other that “tight.” When they go into a jam, not a single note is lost in the noise. “Quality musicianship”, that’s what they call it out West. Maybe they’ve always had it, and I just missed it. Either way, they are probably the best perpetual opener in this great city. I hope that’s not a curse, because they deserve more.

Tapes ‘n Tapes took over from there, and while everyone compares their shows to each other, I must say I can’t really say I prefer one over the other. The Delancey show left me in awe, the Mercury Lounge got me bouncing around, and Rothko left me in shear enjoyment. Did anyone do all four? I have a medal for you.

TnT played my favorites, primarily and most importantly "Ten Gallon Ascots." They played "Omaha", which I think is one of their weakest tunes, but it's the only one audiences will call out for. It puzzles me a little. Ang, Rach, and I left after that, as they started into "Manitoba", and we hightailed it to the Bowery Ballroom for the second half of our doubleheader. We missed Group Sounds, but I'll just spam them to play again soon.

Mason Jennings Tourdates; Chad VanGaalen mp3s

I already reported Mason Jennings will play Bowery Ballroom, but here are the rest of the dates:

2/3 University of Wisconsin Steven's Point @ The Encore
2/7 Seattle, WA @ Triple Door *
2/8 Portland, OR Aladdin Theatre *
2/9 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall *
2/11 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour *
2/12 San Diego, CA @ Belly Up *
2/23 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom **
2/24 Shelburne Falls, MA @ Memorial Hall Theatre **
2/25 Philadelphia, PA @ World Café **
2/26 Washington, DC @ Black Cat **
*with Chad VanGaalen
** with Birdie

I wish Chad VanGaalen was opening for us in NYC. We're so spoiled as it is. A lot of people like Chad's song Clinically Dead, but I prefer Traffic. Here they are both, you decide:

Chad VanGaalen - Clinically Dead (mp3)
Chad VanGaalen - Traffic (mp3)

I'm told the whole album is great. I haven't seen Chad yet, but he'll play the Plug Awards at Webster Hall on February 2 (where I'll be), and Mercury Lounge February 3.

Set Times for Sunday's KF Benefit.

This Sunday is the ACT LOCAL BENEFIT CONCERT (3 Floor / All Day Event) for $15 at the Knitting Factory.

Mainspace Times:

2 pm Dead Betties
3 pm Naked Highway
4 pm Ar Duvall
5 pm Matt and Ira of Nada Surf
6 pm Stalkers
7 pm Violator
8 pm Langhorne Slim
9 pm Freshkills
10 pm Hopewell
11 pm Breakup Breakdown
12 pm Soft Explosions
1 am The Wrens

Other bands playing: Maplewood, Koester, Leaders, The Redcoats Are Coming!, Cordova, Goodnight Gunfight, Heads Up Display, Class, Parts and Labor, Antonius Block, The Choke, Julia Marvel, The Vibration, Estevez, Poorboy Johnson and the Goddamn Rattlesnakes, Suburban Missile, The Bronx is Burning, The Rats

I dare you to stay for it all. I'm not sure yet what I'll do.

Randoms Shows of Note

Slowlands, Metal Hearts and Burnside Project will be playing Moveable Hype at the Knitting Factory on February 8th. Central Village recently acclaimed the forth coming Metal Hearts album, while I think it's too low-key and sleepy for me. He says, "As far as first impressions go, this is about as strong as it gets." I'm wondering if this is another band this yeti just doesn't get.

Slowlands, on the other hand, I have seen and would recommend, based off of seeing them once, and this song that I love:
Slowlands - One More Fire (mp3)

Other shows would be the obvious one tomorrow at Rothko that I'll miss. I never reviewed Tapes 'n Tapes' Mercury show, but I absolutely loved it. What else can I really say. I can't wait until they return -that is return after tomorrow's gig. Group Sounds is on that bill, and they were undeniably fun. When I first heard "Things Fall Apart," I thought it was too stupidly catchy, in the way I cannot stand "Hey Now Now" by Cloud Room. But then when I heard these two demos, I loved them:
Group Sounds - Bellyup (mp3)
Group Sounds - Goodbye (mp3)

Oh, and Sam Champion (the whole band) will open for both those bands. Bonus! (thx dave for the update)

Next up: I'll be going to the Stars Like Fleas at Tonic on January 19th. They share connections/musicians/germs with Doveman, the Silent League, and have had TVoR members join them.

Speaking of Doveman, they play Joe's Pub on Febuary 3rd. Go for old stuff, fall in love with the new.

The Bee's Knees

If a band appears on Muzzle of Bees, then do they have buzz? What about blogs? The M.O.B., or just "the Mob", features my answers to burning questions about myself, like how the hell did I end up with such a whacked out blogname. Well... it involves Saturday morning cartoons and drinking a Budweiser at work.

Head here if you are an inquiring mind and need to know.

Beat Radio at the Top

I'm so happy that others have caught on to Brian Sendrowitz's band Beat Radio. Right now, the best way to experience them is definitely live. They play Sin-e tonight for a measely 6 bones at 9:00.

-The demo for Treetops (mp3) was on 3 of the 6 3hive contributers Year End lists: 1, 2, and 3.

-Call Me Mickey has the "EP version" of Treetops (mp3) as Song of the Year.

-Even this French blog has put it at #12.

-Two DJs at Break Thru Radio have put them in their Top 5.

-Year of Glad says, "One of the best things I found this year."

Treetops and/or Elegy (mp3) are currently around #14 spot of my most played songs of 2005. So head out to Sin-e tonight. Head here for more mp3s.

Finian McKean (TNT opener tonight)

When I first listened to Finian McKean's album, Shades are Drawn, I must say I was a little surprised. The two tracks he has on his website were fine and all, but they didn't strike me very much. So when I finally got around to listening to the whole thing (accidentally backwards to front), I liked it. A lot of blogs have mentioned him recently, and have posted the two tracks available on the site. To it justice, I am going to post two other tracks today, two that are definitely worth your time. I reminds me a little of Gomez and a little of Devendra Banhart.

Little Beggar (mp3)
Fortune Cookie (mp3)

I've clipped off the "hidden track" from that second one.

So, yeah. He opens for Tapes 'n Tapes tonight. Tell your friends, and get there early.

Tapes 'n Tapes at the Delancey

Since many of us online, including me, have been caught blind-sided by Tapes 'n Tapes this past month, I expected Delancey to be super packed. When I arrived an hour early, the band was still doing sound check, so Ang and I took off to Iggys for an hour of PBR and tequila.

As soon as the band took the stage back at the Delancey ($7 for a Rum and coke!), I was a bit underwhelmed; but then something happened a few minutes into that first song. Maybe my ears finally adjusted to the less-than-stellar sound system, or who knows what, but from then on it was fantastic. I kept thinking, "This is it. This is why I do what I do. It's for moments like these." I could go deeper into why it was so awesome, but they are still playing tonight, and it will be even more so.

My crew -well, not "my" crew- and I hit up another bar after Mancino's set, running into El Conquistador Señor Mike Nouveau on the way; and while he was dashing off to Rated X, we were not.

To close off the night, around 2:00 AM, we had enough of throwing our money away at the bars, and we accidentally ran into Mancino and Tapes 'n Tapes on the platform waiting for an F-Train to Brooklyn. As enchanting as their music is, they themselves may be even more so. For once, I was grateful for unpredictableness of the late night MTA.

Brooklyn Vegan says last night's show was even better than Saturday's. I would have gone, except I'll be there tonight, and seeing a band three nights in a row might be much. In hindsight, probably not.

In the Key of Grrrrr. :)

My new favoritest person, Filou Filou (or furry animal?) , just sent me an email of an mp3 of that commercial I posted earlier. I am listening to it endlessly on repeat right now (since it's only 1:30 long).

My first complete addiction of 2006:
Garrison Keillor - Hate Something, Change Something

Now, everyone, Sing it like you hate it!

As J points out, it's too band it's for a commercial, but I still love it.

Thanks again, Filou.
(I tried to translate "filou" to English, and I got "swindler.")

The Gaskets return to NYC!

Clear your calendars for Saturday, Febuary 11th at Arlene's Grocery! I mean it. Get excited for this. You do not want to pass on this. I was an instant fan. My coworker was an instant fan. Greg too:

Jerry Yeti: get the Gaskets!
Jerry Yeti: except no one knows who they are.
Greg: do you have anything by the gaskets
Jerry Yeti: Yeah. Crank this shit up LOUD.
Greg received H:\The Gaskets\EiffelTowe.mp3.
-pause-
Greg: woa
Greg: um more?
Greg received H:\The Gaskets\TheEasyLif.mp3.
-pause-
Greg: ill take whatever this is awesome

Dave in my comments when I first posted them wrote:
"HOLY SHIT!!!! The live show on their site is NASTY!"
crazy good time live...DFA needs to sign these guys"

Holmes said:
"Probably the most fun we've ever had at a show."

Nora told me:
"blah blah blah art brut blah blah blah arctic monkeys. write more about THE GASKETS!!!!!"

Ready to download?
The Gaskets - Eiffel Tower (mp3)
The Gaskets - The Easy Life (mp3)
The Gaskets - Earthquake (mp3)
The Gaskets - Flight Attendizzle (mp3)

Their album will be released on January 30th. Be their friend at myspace.

Arctic Monkeys U.S. Tour in March

Get ready! They were brilliant in November.....

Monday 13th Mar
Great American Music Hall
San Francisco, CA

Wednesday 15th Mar
Henry Fonda Theatre
Los Angeles, CA

Friday 17th Mar
La Zona Rosa
Austin, TX
DOMINO SXSW SHOWCASE! Featuring Arctic Monkeys, Test Icicles, The Beautiful New Born Children, Archie Bronson Outfit & special guests.

Saturday 18th Mar
Metro
Chicago, IL

Tuesday 21st Mar
Phoenix Concert Theatre
Toronto, ONT CANADA

Wednesday 22nd Mar
La Sala Rossa
Montreal, QC CANADA

Thursday 23rd Mar
Paradise Rock Club
Boston, MA

Saturday 25th Mar
Webster Hall
New York, NY

Sunday 26th Mar
First Unitarian Church
Philadelphia, PA

Monday 27th Mar
9:30 Club
Washington, DC

Wednesday 29th Mar
Crocodile Cafe
Seattle, WA

Via mardy bum
Thanks Natalie!

And it sounds like they are moving the release date forward from it's planned Jan 30th date in the UK (and maybe it's February date in the US?).

Can I borrow some cash?

Jerry Yeti: Oooohhhh. I wish I had $150,000 right now.
Jerry Yeti: I’d blow it all on that snake.
Nicole: I’d kicked your butt if you spent it all on a snake.
Jerry Yeti: I wonder if a bank would give me a loan.
Nicole: what would you write on the application?
Jerry Yeti: Two-headed Freaking Snake!
Jerry Yeti: plus, I think it’s immortal.
Jerry Yeti: it has to be, right?

As a child, my favorite toy was this guy.

So, I want to buy that little snake and then glue some legs on it.

¡Forward, Russia! earlier mp3s

Like many others, I first heard of ¡Forward, Russia! from the Tom Smith of Editors in that comment in the Guardian Unlimited (the same feature that has the infamous quote from Sam Endicott about Matisyahu).
Tom said:

¡Forward Russia! How a band can sound like the most beautiful maths equation is beyond me. Strange rhythms and strange guitar lines collide, making the most melodic of rackets. 2006 is theirs for the taking.

Go to Central Village for the two "better" tracks: 13 and 14 as well as the tour date of March 23. Songs 9, 10, and 11, the more I listen to them, the more I understand and like it. I'll have tp see them live before taking an official position. Here are a couple more from earlier on. Ezarchive is being a bitch still, so I had to use savefile:

¡Forward, Russia! - One (demo)(mp3)
¡Forward, Russia! - Three (demo)(mp3)

Very rough cuts. It's growing on me. Not a fan of the guy's voice, but I can get beyond it.

In other news: Jay informs us happily that the Subways will be back March 7th at Bowery. All U.S. tourdates over at Loose Record.

And Bobby Bare Jr. will play the Mercury lounge on Febuary 21. As you know, he's one of my top-all-time favorite musicians.

Letterman Vs. O'Reilly

This is big on the 'net, but if you've missed it, watch it here. David Letterman takes on Bill O'Reilly.

Someone in the comments said, "BTW: Fuck! yes! the men and women in Iraq are freedom fighters - no one likes to hear that but they are doing exactly what I would do if someone invaded my country."

I agree. And did anyone catch that (according to Time Magazine) the insurgents set up checkpoints on the day of the election to prevent Al Qaeda from bombing the polls? What does that tell us? That even the insurgents have a goal and it isn't against freedom... rather just the U.S. Also note the interview Time had with an insurgent a couple months ago saying that once the US does pull out, that then they'll have to fight for control against the Fundamentalists. I don't think the average American distinguishes Terrorist from Insurgent from Islamic Fundamentalist from Al Qaeda. That's because the White House had tried to make us beleive they are all the same.

On to something else...
----------------------------------------------------------
I have some ¡Onward Ukraine! mp3s I want to post, but freakin EZarchive is acting up tonight. Look for them tomorrow. In the meantime, your homework for tonight is to listen to 13 and 14 at Jeff's site, if you haven't heard them yet.

Editors tickets on sale for Annex show.

You better hurry search craigslist. No longer available here. (via BV)

Hate Something, Change Something (commercial)

I am in love with this commercial, and most especially the song, “Hate Something, Change Something” that Garrison Keillor wrote for it. UPDATE: Filou Filou just emailed me an mp3. Go to this post.

Watch it here.

It really is one of the best commercials I’ve seen. (The Sony Bravia commercial is still probably #1). Just look at the fun screen shots!

Official website here.

New Years Bluegrass in the Tunnels; mp3s

Here are a couple of my favorite Bluegrass tunes, played by Ricky Skaggs. I love these.

Ricky Skaggs- The Old Home Place (mp3)
Ricky Skaggs- How Mountain Girls Can Love (mp3)

Get more from this performance at eMusic.

While waiting to catch an L to Manhattan at 11:00 New Year's Eve, a few musicians came down the steps following a gig they just finished. "Let's play right here" one of them quipped, and a minute or two later the whole platform was treated to some good ole Old Timin' music. It was fantastic. It had a unique feel from just the usual fare we get in the subway ("fare" - get it?). They even hopped on the next train and played all the way into town. For a moment, we were all a bunch of hobos, making our way westward in a boxcar full of hay.

My friend Jeremy, an alumn of Oberlin, spotted that the guitarist was none other than the alumn of Oberlin, Ed Helms -now a correspondent on the Daily Show. Jer took the above pictures. From USNews: "I played and sang in a really good bluegrass band called Weedkiller (three of us still play together)."

That was like sooo last year.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to get back in the swing of blogging, but for now I'm reeling from the partying that's been destroying my liver and wallet all week. I resolve to drink less. Much less. Even at open bars. Maybe especially at open bars. Motherfucker was great, but never doubt that 25 minutes is too short to do too many redbull vodkas.

Before I went to the Juan Maclean show (with James Murphy lurking behind a speaker and singing backup ), I went to Tonic for Doveman. Yeah, talk about an eclectic night. Thomas and crew played quite a few new songs, and quite simply, I got goosebumps. They gave "Chasing Clouds" a faster tempo, with a strong Acoustic guitar, and were "rockiing out" by Doveman's standards. Still they are the best when the dynamics are low and the chaotic happenings between drum and banjo and horn are brought forth.

For New Year's, I went to They Might Be Giants at the stinky, stuffy Northsix. They played a long set (for an early-show) clocking in at over 100 minutes.

Finally, I saw Ed Helms after the show on the Bedford platform, but that's a story for another post.