Reviewed: PB&J, Kiss Kiss, PopRally

01-30 Peter, Bjorn & John @ Bowery Ballroom

Don't hate me, but I went to this show without being a huge fan. My presence and unfamiliarity wasn't the reason it wasn't a spectacular show; I've seen plenty of bands I know little about and they've left me in awe. Peter Bjorn & John just didn't do much for me that night. They left me feeling they were an average band with a handful of good songs. Writer's Block is fine and all, but my favorite songs are all in the beginning. "Young Folks" isn't even my favorite. Maybe it's overplayed, but I find myself more drawn to "Amsterdam" [which they mangled in concert] and this one:

Peter Bjorn & John - Objects of My Affection [mp3]

01-31 Kiss Kiss @ KF Old Office

The week I got the Kiss Kiss album Reality vs. the Optimist in the mail was the Friday that the Arcade Fire album leaked, and as much as I was tempted to preview the Fire, I couldn't tear myself away from this damn band. It draws from a variety of sounds, some mainstream [MCR Queen] some not so [Balkan?] that the album never got repetitive or derivative . I mean, it's not innovative either, but as Jeff said, "Can't exactly tell if they're actually a good band or just an extremely enjoyable one, but the distinction is more or less irrelevant." They have great energy on stage and a sound that was too big for that dinky room. They played again this past Saturday at Sin-e, but replaced their lead singer with a female vocalist. The result -I was told- was as disastrous as I can imagine. The guy's ranging vocals are the bones that make the glue stick. Here's another song off the album, this one sounding a little like the Stars or Dirty on Purpose [especially the end]:

Kiss Kiss - Stay the Day [mp3]

02-02 Cat Power @ MoMa [PopRally]

Open bar, large attendance: not the best circumstances to see Chan Marshall play on a minimally raised stage. It was so impossible to see or even hear her that the attempt was comical. Hell, in our inebriated state, riding the elevator was the pinnacle of hilarity. Even so, I can't complain about a Friday night boozing it up at the Museum. The MoMa would be my favorite bar if it was always serving, and always free.

I'm back | Seattlites Redeem Themselves at the Thermals

No, this blog isn't dead like a frozen tauntaun. I've been away in Canada this past week among the snow and mountains, aka my natural habitat, aka RWAAAAWR! to my 2 year old niece. After four days skiing in Whistler Blackcomb, and a couple in Seattle, I'm ready to get back to the NYC daily -errrr, nightly- grind. I skied over my blogging thumb on the first day, so bear with me.

The last two times I've been to Seattle, I've been there at the same time as my favorite band the Thermals. Coincidence, or Fate? You be the judge/psychic reader. Last year's show at the Crocodile Cafe was HORRIBLE. The crowd of 50? 60? people would not react enough to the intensity the Thermals required. I swore off crowds in Seattle as worse than NYC - reportedly the worse according to anonymous commentors on the internet [a reputable source].

This year, however, the audience was what I'd expect from seeing them here - singing along, dancing, and flailing like a fish out of water. Chop Suey was Sold Out, which alone nearly made all the difference. I kept away from the dance floor -regulating myself to the Adult Only area, but still as in ecstasy as Bernini's St. Teresa. Satisfied to sing along from the side, I prepared for the mayhem at Bowery Ballroom this Sunday [sold out] and Studio B Monday [Tickets, BUY! BUY! BUY!].

Tears swelled to mine eyes when they played this song, which they neglected at all three CMJ shows:

The Thermals - Everything Thermals [mp3]

They closed again with Top of the Earth and Only Trivia.

NPR: MP3s of Arcade Fire Live at Judson Memorial Church

This is great quality.

The Arcade Fire - Live from Judson Memorial Chuch, Febuary 17, 2007 [mp3]

See Kathryn's great photos too.

When you have the day off, you watch Tyra.

Tyra was on twice yesterday. Yes, two times. The second one was a tribute to herself, which I found nearly as appalling as the first about a black man who wanted to be white.

Anyway, when I was looking for the infamous clip where Tyra goes berserk, I found a parody of it. First of all, if you haven't seen the original segment, watch this first.

Then go ahead and watch this. [Click Image].

Polarkreis 18

It's been ages since I posted new music. Here's a new-ish band out of Germany. Actually they've been around since 1998 when they were 13 so they aren't all that new. I came across Polarkreis 18 [website/myspace] on a message board that was going crazy over this stuff. I didn't pay it much attention until this song "Look" came on and calmed me down from a whorish day here at work.

Polarkreis 18 - Look [mp3]
Polarkreis 18 - Ursa Major [mp3]

Breaking News at Pitchfork.

This is pretty clever: currently the top news story at Pitchfork is a dig at the Wrens. I've made fun of Pitchfork's "non-news" of the Wrens before - a year and a half ago when they last reported NO NEWS. This time, PFM makes fun of themselves.

The Wrens Don't Announce New Album Details

Today, February 16, 2007, the Wrens did not announce the release date for their new album, the long-awaited follow-up to 2003's The Meadowlands. The New Jersey band did not reveal the record's title or track list, did not say what the first single is going to be, when said single would impact radio, or who directed the video. They did not offer pithy quotes about in-studio antics or what the album sounds like. They did not share an mp3.

Oh well.

Songs To Woo a Wooman

Happy Valentine's Day.

Nullsleep - I Love U (...Both of U) [mp3]

Cassettes Won't Listen - Fuck and Run [Liz Phair Cover] [mp3]

Silver Jews - How Can I Love You (If You Won't Lie Down) [mp3]

Bobby Bare Jr. - Borrow Your Girl[mp3]

Okkervil River - Love to a Monster [mp3]

Richard Hawley - I Sleep Alone [mp3]

NYC Crowds Dance Too Much, Part 2

I can't recall how I celebrated Roe V. Wade in 2006 -or 2005 for that matter. Nearly a year to the day [give or take six] from this year's Planned Parenthood benefit with the Wrens, I caught them at Bowery Ballroom for the Onion Holiday Party. We're still not sure which holiday exactly, but Roe V. Wade seems about right. This year brought the band back for another gig from their remote hideout in New Jersey to play the newly outfitted Knitting Factory: new sound system, new lights, new go-go dancers. Unfortunately I wasn't awestruck by them as before, but even then when a band achieves such high standards as they do, even an off night is still an on night. Hopefully 2007 will be the year of new material for them. Pro create, my dear Wrens.

Precisely four days later Clap Your Hands Say Yeah released their own new creation to moderate approval, and precisely one day one hour and a few odd minutes later, the band played a special Benefit for Insomniacs show at the Mercury Lounge. Still groggy from nap time I fit in after work, I couldn't work up enough neurons or BAC to fully appreciate the event. No craziness from the sleep-craving crowd. No wild debauchery at the hands of Alec Ounsworth. Just simple mid-week 2AM clappery and yeahing. It was a gentler version of last year's electrifying Bowery shows.

Come that weekend, I dumped shows into my night like a big truck. First on my itinerary can Sure Juror at Sin-e and they surprised me by being a rather tight ensemble for a band with so little live experience [disclosure: I know the bassist]. They had multiplied themselves to seven (7) members and I dubbed them the "Seven Gallants" after remotely reminded me of the duo of Gallants, less tasers. I popped over to Mercury to see the record release of Mancino which was also pleasant and reminding me I need to listen to that album more [disclosure: I know the guitarist]. From there I went over to Rockwood to see the Mugs who were absolutely brilliant. The sound system in that room is crazy and really needs to be praised every day. Go see something there. Anything. Back to Sin-e for Go Station and finally off to Canal Room for Escort. The last two I didn't care for as much, [and I don't really know anyone in either bands], but I was getting tired and unsober. Escort had seemingly a few dozen members in their band. Is that Antibalas hidden in the marimba section?" I wondered. Hey Look! It's Schtoompah the funny Austrian on tuba! Maybe I do know someone in this band.

As January was drawing to a close, I visited the Knitting Facorty Old Office early one Tuesday evening to see Nullsleep. The room was rather full so we couldn't see him tweaking his gameboys, but like Girl Talk, there wouldn't be much to see. I loved it for the duration he played, but couldn't justify staying to see the next act. There's only so many midi notes one's ear can hear in a night. Nullsleep played this track bringing joy to the lost child in my soul:

Nullsleep - Galaxy Tonight [mp3]

It's melody is so happy and sweet but tinged with longing. Someday [far far away] I'd like it played at my funeral. From that show I headed over to Bowery for the fateful Peter Bjorn and John show, but we'll have to leave that for next time.

NYC Crowds Dance Too Much

Once upon a time there were live show reviews in this space, this blog, this sultry honey bucket of a website. If for nothing else other than acting as a record of my whereabouts [hi mom], the reviews allowed me to say, I was there, and the drinks were $8. Here, then, is a weak attempt to briefly summarize some of these experiences this past month. For my Valentine's Day resolution I promise to be more timely and tell you all how much I love you. I do. I love you all equidistantly.

You may not remember, but back in early January of 2007, the Sixth to be precise, a bunch of us music folk decided it would be romantic to go ice skating. The event was the brainchild of a person we all called "Kelly R" and she selected this day of days many weeks in advance when the weather was turning too sour to continue our weekly match of Boys Chase Girls. That day, on the Epiphany of our Lord as it were, was the same day it hit 72 degrees in New York. With the ice pooling like a faulty NASA diaper, we instead hit a series of bars, train stations and karaoke, before landing at Studio B for a sweaty, wonderful show by Matt & Kim. In the words of the man we all call "Darin Eff-oh Tee-pee":

I can't rememeber the last time I had so much fun at a show. It was so amazing to see so many jaded kids unabashedly sweating and dancing and hugging and just having a good time. Where are the picks of the crowd surfing, moshing and sweating?

2007 started with one of the best shows possible. I highly urge you to buy tickets for the Matt & Kim & Professor & Murder show & in March Ampersand for only $8.

About a week later, I finally recovered enough to head out again. O’death was playing the Friction gig and -WATCH OUT!- the guys up front were wound up. It was getting a tad dangerous, so we retreated to a safer position. Chairs went flying, bottles smashed and wielded, and plowshares were beaten into swords. Not literally, of course, but poetically. I watched the battle safely from the hillside, eating PB&J sandwiches.

When the Hold Steady overtook Northsix a few days later, I was more prepared for mayhem. With the perfect blend of Sparks and Ballantine in my belly, we crammed into the venue to see Craig Finn kick it off with Positive Jam. No, I didn't own the first album - a sorry fact I was reminded of not only by the set list, but also by the company I kept: one being a native of Minnesota I refer to simply as "The Ambassador."

And yet, as the density of the crowd prevented the free-for-all witnessed at the Warsaw this past fall, a special intimacy evolved by the end. People clamored on stage and Craig rose above atop an amplifier, presiding over all. If there was ever a man so ever grateful, I know of none more so than Mr. Finn.

Coming up: The Wrens, Late Night with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Peter, Bjork & Mary

FUN @ Studio B: Rapture, Diplo/Bonde Do Role

Friday February 16th - THRONE OF BLOOD Label Launch Party
FUN Presents The Rapture live ["mini-set"] at Studio B
Advance Tix $5, $8 @ Door.

Friday, March 30 - FUN Presents Diplo with Bonde De Role (live)
Advance Tix $12.

That makes the final week of march chock full of dance music: LCD, Diplo, Justice, and their support.

Also, buy tickets now for The Thermals @ Studio B, Monday March 5.

Songs I Like in 2007, Part I

I tried doing this last year but gave up after getting a C&D for a contraband file. C'est la vie du blogeur, I guess. I've been more careful about what I share, but even this list isn't the way I would want it. For one, LCD Soundsystem should really have something here and I'd rather post a different Andrew Bird track.

1. Kiss Kiss - Machines [mp3]
One of the newest bands I'm most excited about is Kiss Kiss thanks to their solid debut Reality Vs. The Optimist. "Machines" showcases a sliver of the variety this young band can accomplish. Even if none of the individual elements seem altogether original, the way they come together keeps me listening. We caught them at Knitting Factory last week and they blew our ear drums away. A big chaotic sound, they need to be playing bigger rooms with a large passionate crowd. Lots of strings and a Balkaneque time signature infiltrate much of their songs.

2. Hutch & Kathy - A Minutes Decision [mp3]
What if The Thermals sounded like a folk band? Imagine Hutch without the distortion and hand him a harmonica. Well, they were. Back in the day, [post-9/11], [2002 to be exact], Hutch and Kathy released Hutch & Kathy. If you're a fan of their later incarnation, I recommend tracking down this release. While simplistic at times, it's a catchy little collection and stands on it's own.

3. Menomena - Boyscout'n [mp3]
I wonder if the whistles in this song are canned. I like whistling. Andrew Bird is on this list somewhere too. Oh there he is. Number 6. No whistling in that song though. It's all here in this Menomena gem.

4. Ghost Stories - Secret Life of the Union Part I [mp3]
These ghost stories aren't very scary. They're the Casper of ghost stories. This is a sweet song composed of soft vocals, bouncy guitars, hand claps, and glockenspiel. BOO!

5. Cloud Cult - Pretty Voice [mp3]
Sure Cloud Cult's latest release lacks the killer opening six tracks that kicked Happy Hippo over nearly every other release in 2005, but this is still a great album. Craig Minowa has a pretty voice. I think he named it after hearing his own voice.

6. Andrew Bird - Heretics [mp3]
I really wanted to post a different song off this release, but here's the sanctioned track anyway. Labels do that because leaks really kill album sales, especially if you're playing MSG like Mr. Bird here. Anyway, this track is pretty good. It's better than at least 85% of the songs I listen to. Damn pestering publicists.

7. Future Clouds and Radar - Drugstore Bust [mp3]
This song came to me via a publicist. But for once it didn't suck. It's catchy as all hell, like that "That Thing You Do Song" song, but this one sounds a bit like Elvis Costello.

8. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Emily Jean Stock [mp3]
I don't understand what the title means. I never do with this band. Did they read some graffiti on the wall in the recording studio? Speaking of song titles and recording studios, I'm pissed off "Graceful Retreat" was renamed "Some Loud Thunder" and then Alec made it sound like I own $1 earphones. WTF Alec? "Emily Jean Stock" is the first song on the album that sounds like it was recorded on some actual equipment, even if I had to rename it in iTunes as "Non-Binding Resolution #1." Makes more sense.

9. Of Montreal - Requiem for O.M.M. 2 [United State of Electronica Remix] [mp3]
I love United State of Electronica and everything they touch. This song was a useful gateway into Of Montreal. U.S.E. still brings the hardier partier crowd.

10. Amon Tobin - Esther's [Yousendit]
This song kicks ass. It makes me want to heist a bank, but not your local credit union... one of those skyscraper banks in the movies with the vault on the 65th floor. This is what I'd hear as I repelled down the black glass surface.

Dude, Check out This Music Video.

My friend JT sent in this tip. I said, "WTF?!?!" Then I sent it to Julseas. She said "WHAT THE HELL!?"

Crank up your volume and get ready for a spoonful of awesome.



Why would anyone want to be in a Ted Leo video after seeing this? It's perfection. The group is from Canada, but they eventually relocated to Germany. Makes sense.

Yes Boss remix of FWD:CCCP's 18

Although our beloved ¡Forward, Russia! -who are as Russian as Of Montreal is Canadian- is no longer naming songs after their favorite integers, they've released their next single for "Eighteen" as well as a few remixes and two new/old/new songs, "Two" and "Six." Nothing like a remix to refresh a forgotten love of a song.

¡Forward, Russia! - Eighteen Yes Boss Remix: Stream 32WMP | 128WMP | 32RA | 128RA

Video of the original "Eighteen". Someone should set that shit to Sesame Street or something.

Some Random Numbers Links:

Did you know that 0.999... is equal to 1?

Savant Daniel Tammet spent over five hours reciting pi from memory to 22,514 decimal places. Here's a youtube clip of him multiplying and dividing.