Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Remembering Gil Scott-Heron
In another piece of sad news, Gil Scott-Heron passed away at age 62, over the weekend. At the tail end of the 60's and throughout the 70's, Scott-Heron, along with kindred spirits the Last Poets, began recording spoken word and poetry that expressed the rage felt by disaffected urban black youth across the country. The missing link between the Black Panthers and Public Enemy, Scott-Heron's polyrhythmic rhymes were sometimes delivered over raw drumming, basically creating rap music a decade before rap music was first invented.
Gil Scott-Heron
Perhaps best known to the general public as the artist behind "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," Scott-Heron's poetry was militant, a call to arms for black Americans and an unsettling warning to white folks, who still benefited from a deeply racist power structure, years after Dr. King and desegregation. Of course, his wrath did not end there; his rhymes attacked black hypocrisy, economic injustice, willful ignorance and rampant consumerism among many other subjects. As his recordings progressed, they grew more traditionally musical, but his words remained potent. Keeping a healthy perspective on his own work, Scott-Heron also infused his verses with a biting humor that prevented things from getting unbearably heavy.
Although he never quite became a household name, there is not a rapper or new R&B/soul artist who is not indebted to Scott-Heron. In the end, he succumbed to the very injustices he decried, struggling with drug addiction and HIV for many years. Despite this, he continued to perform, record and inspire until the end of his life.
A list of artists directly inspired by Scott-Heron would be too long to list, but would include artists like Public Enemy, Eminem, Mos Def, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Common, to name just a few. Scott-Heron changed the course not only of popular music but of political discourse in America, setting a model of self-expression for generations of disenfranchised men and women.
Gil Scott-Heron
Perhaps best known to the general public as the artist behind "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," Scott-Heron's poetry was militant, a call to arms for black Americans and an unsettling warning to white folks, who still benefit
Although he never quite became a household name, there is not a rapper or new R&B/soul artist who is not indebted to Scott-Heron. In the end, he succumbed to the very injustices he decried, struggling with drug addiction and HIV for many years. Despite this, he continued to perform, record and inspire until the end of his life.
A list of artists directly inspired by Scott-Heron would be too long to list, but would include artists like Public Enemy, Eminem, Mos Def, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Common, to name just a few. Scott-Heron changed the course not only of popular music but of political discourse in America, setting a model of self-expression for generations of disenfranchised men and women.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sad News: Poly Styrene Dies at 53
Poly Styrene (a.k.a. Marianne Joan Elliott-Said) died of breast cancer yesterday. One of the first, most important and coolest women on the U.K. punk scene, Poly Styrene formed the X-Ray Spex in 1976. Styrene and her contemporaries the Slits were the undisputed queens of UK punk, with a live resume that includes early gigs at the Roxy, the landmark Rock Against Racism concert of April 1978 and renowned shows with the Sex Pistols, the Clash, the Buzzcocks and Wire, among many others. On vinyl, the band is most famous for the single "Oh Bondage, Up Yours!" and the classic album Germ Free Adolescents, a touchstone of U.K. punk and one of the most influential punk albums of all time.
Poly Styrene
At age 18, in addition to forming X-Ray Spex, Styrene also opened a fashion boutique on Kings Road, a street that was also home of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood's famous shop (where the key characters in U.K. punk first crossed paths and began exchanging ideas of fashion, music and art that would give rise to the most potent counterculture in modern British history). Styrene was not just a vocalist, she was one of the punk movement's true visionaries, helping shape the scene's cultural landscape.
But even looking only at Styrene as the frontwoman of the Spex, it would be hard to overstate her importance. As a band, the Spex were more fun than their contemporaries. However, despite not taking themselves as seriously as most of their contemporaries, the band was highly political, radically feminist and pivotal in changing preconceived ideas about who could play music. In addition to being female, Styrene was also of mixed race. In the late 70's, skinheads, fascists and neo-nazis were gaining traction in the wake of a floundering economy and the conclusion of most of Britain's colonial activities. Against this backdrop, Styrene cut a controversial and fascinating figure, and on a personal level, Styrene was a hurricane, even managing to freak out king of the freaks John Lydon with her unpredictable antics.
In addition to her battle with cancer, Styrene faced a life-long battle with mental illness. After leaving the X-Ray Spex in 1979, she mostly retreated from the public eye, eventually becoming a Hare Krishna. Aside from a small handful of public appearances and solo releases, her music career took a backseat to her spiritual quests. Before her death, she recorded one last solo album. Today is the official U.S. street date for Generation Indigo.
Styrene is survived by her daughter and by an enduring legacy that will continue to shape rock music for generations.
Poly Styrene
At age 18, in addition to forming X-Ray Spex, Styrene also opened a fashion boutique on Kings Road, a street that was also home of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood's famous shop (where the key characters in U.K. punk first crossed paths and began exchanging ideas of fashion, music and art that would give rise to the most potent counterculture in modern British history). Styrene was not just a vocalist, she was one of the punk movement's true visionaries, helping shape the scene's cultural landscape.
But even looking only at Styrene as the frontwoman of the Spex, it would be hard to overstate her importance. As a band, the Spex were more fun than their contemporaries. However, despite not taking themselves as seriously as most of their contemporaries, the band was highly political, radically feminist and pivotal in changing preconceived ideas about who could play music. In addition to being female, Styrene was also of mixed race. In the late 70's, skinheads, fascists and neo-nazis were gaining traction in the wake of a floundering economy and the conclusion of most of Britain's colonial activities. Against this backdrop, Styrene cut a controversial and fascinating figure, and on a personal level, Styrene was a hurricane, even managing to freak out king of the freaks John Lydon with her unpredictable antics.
In addition to her battle with cancer, Styrene faced a life-long battle with mental illness. After leaving the X-Ray Spex in 1979, she mostly retreated from the public eye, eventually becoming a Hare Krishna. Aside from a small handful of public appearances and solo releases, her music career took a backseat to her spiritual quests. Before her death, she recorded one last solo album. Today is the official U.S. street date for Generation Indigo.
Styrene is survived by her daughter and by an enduring legacy that will continue to shape rock music for generations.
Monday, April 12, 2010
News: L Magainze Likes Mediocre Pop Bands
That L Magazine picked their "8 Bands You Need to Hear" for the year is kind of old news. But I just bothered to sit down and read it and then felt inspired to make some observations.
First of all, there are a handful of good picks. Miniboone, Asa Ransom and among runners up Led Er Est and Pet Ghost Project are all bands I told you to check out a long time ago, and L Magazine has finally realized that I am right.
But here's really what I want to get at. Combined, the eight bands selected by L Magazine have forty members. Of those forty, five are women, leaving a whooping 87% of slots for menfolk. And of those five women, one plays piano and sings, while the other four only sing. Proportions by race are similar to those by gender as well. I don't think this is entirely L Mag's fault, I think it's a sad reflection of what is actually happening in Brooklyn. In conjunction with indie music moving towards an ultraconservative folk/pop/baroque movement of non-confrontation and complacency, it seems to me that fewer women are playing indie/rock/pop than were a decade ago. Even if it's not worse than it was, it's certainly not better nor acceptable. Affluent white men are running the show like they always have. But indie used to be punk and that used to be about dissidence, progress and empowerment.
Am I the only person who's seeing this??
[l mag article]
First of all, there are a handful of good picks. Miniboone, Asa Ransom and among runners up Led Er Est and Pet Ghost Project are all bands I told you to check out a long time ago, and L Magazine has finally realized that I am right.
But here's really what I want to get at. Combined, the eight bands selected by L Magazine have forty members. Of those forty, five are women, leaving a whooping 87% of slots for menfolk. And of those five women, one plays piano and sings, while the other four only sing. Proportions by race are similar to those by gender as well. I don't think this is entirely L Mag's fault, I think it's a sad reflection of what is actually happening in Brooklyn. In conjunction with indie music moving towards an ultraconservative folk/pop/baroque movement of non-confrontation and complacency, it seems to me that fewer women are playing indie/rock/pop than were a decade ago. Even if it's not worse than it was, it's certainly not better nor acceptable. Affluent white men are running the show like they always have. But indie used to be punk and that used to be about dissidence, progress and empowerment.
Am I the only person who's seeing this??
[l mag article]
Thursday, April 8, 2010
News: Malcolm McLaren Died
Malcolm McLaren died today at age 64. According to the NY Times, he had cancer and was in Switzerland when he died.
McLaren was the manager of the Sex Pistols and in many ways, the architect of British punk. He has received harsh criticism - much of it rightly - for using people around him simply as a medium for his own ambitions. But his ambitions were artistic - he saw the activities of youth like the Sex Pistols as part of a populist movement to live one's life as art and to make that a vehicle for social protest and ultimately social change. He recognized the potential of Johnny Rotten and London's other disaffected youth and helped nurture their genuine desire to create and express. Through his background in visual and performing arts, he contextualized punk and help it create a cohesive and lasting effect on British culture.
Sadly, as the story goes, McLaren's obsessive commitment to his artistic vision caused him to lose all perspective and forget he was dealing with human beings - and often teenage kids at that. If it weren't for McLaren, Sid Vicious might still be alive - but the man didn't introduce Vicious to heroin either. And just as true, if it weren't for McLaren, our own understanding of popular music would be radically different. With a handful of others, from Warhol to Sonic Youth, McLaren explored the intersection of fine art, popular culture and radical social protest, a nexus that has proved the source of the greatest artistic movements of the last half century.
McLaren may have departed the universe of UK punk, and eventually the universe itself, with for more enemies than admirers, but he made a mark in our cultural history and I, for one, believe we're the better for it.
If you're interested in learning more, read England's Dreaming by Jon Savage. For a good story about reading England's Dreaming, click here.
McLaren was the manager of the Sex Pistols and in many ways, the architect of British punk. He has received harsh criticism - much of it rightly - for using people around him simply as a medium for his own ambitions. But his ambitions were artistic - he saw the activities of youth like the Sex Pistols as part of a populist movement to live one's life as art and to make that a vehicle for social protest and ultimately social change. He recognized the potential of Johnny Rotten and London's other disaffected youth and helped nurture their genuine desire to create and express. Through his background in visual and performing arts, he contextualized punk and help it create a cohesive and lasting effect on British culture.
Sadly, as the story goes, McLaren's obsessive commitment to his artistic vision caused him to lose all perspective and forget he was dealing with human beings - and often teenage kids at that. If it weren't for McLaren, Sid Vicious might still be alive - but the man didn't introduce Vicious to heroin either. And just as true, if it weren't for McLaren, our own understanding of popular music would be radically different. With a handful of others, from Warhol to Sonic Youth, McLaren explored the intersection of fine art, popular culture and radical social protest, a nexus that has proved the source of the greatest artistic movements of the last half century.
McLaren may have departed the universe of UK punk, and eventually the universe itself, with for more enemies than admirers, but he made a mark in our cultural history and I, for one, believe we're the better for it.
If you're interested in learning more, read England's Dreaming by Jon Savage. For a good story about reading England's Dreaming, click here.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Upcoming Event: Haiti Fundraiser
I got a coverage request that I figured I'd put up here, even though it's not anything I think most readers here are into. But it's for Haiti, so just in case you're interested...
* * *
(New York, NY - January 20, 2010) - On Wednesday, January 20, 2010, a diverse group of New York City’s young professionals of color will raise funds and supplies for Haiti. The HEARTS 4 HAITI coalition is comprised of professionals in the music, media and entertainment communities who want to provide immediate support to Haitians who have been affected by the massive earthquake that took place on January 12th. Hinging on the one-year anniversary of President Barack Obama’s inauguration and his challenge to American’s to “give back”, this event will raise funds and supplies for earthquake victims,, and will also celebrate the cultural contributions of Haiti through its music and art.
HEARTS 4 HAITI has partnered with two organizations: Doctors Without Borders and YELE Haiti. All monetary proceeds generated from the event will be donated to Doctors Without Borders with a designation to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort. All food, clothing and supply donations will be given to YELE Haiti.
HEARTS 4 HAITI will feature special performances showcasing the history and spirit of Haiti's culture. On the main level, renowned DJ's including DJ D-Nice, DJ Clue, and several others will incorporate the sounds of Haiti into their mainstream music sets. Downstairs in "The Carnivale Lounge" DJ Franky of the Untouchables will provide an exclusive musicquarium which includes the best of Haitian Konpa & Zouk.
“HEARTS 4 HAITI is for NYC professionals who understand the importance of giving back to the world community,” says Gardy V. Guerrier, one of the event HEART 4 HAITI organizers. “By attending this event they will become the truest embodiment of the motto inscribed on the Haitian flag: strength through unity.”
Guests will enjoy a complimentary open bar from 7:00pm until 8:30pm provided by Hennessy. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those impacted by this terrible tragedy,” says Noel Hankin, Hennessey’s Sr. VP of Multicultural Relations. “Hennessy is eager to do all we can to support the victims of the earthquake in Haiti and we have instituted a corporate double matching program for employee donations.”
WHAT: HEARTS 4 HAITI - Invites You To Make a Difference
WHEN: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 7:00pm - Midnight
Open bar 7pm-8:30pm compliments Hennessy
WHERE: ARENA
135 W. 41st Street between (Broadway/6th Ave)
* * *
But you could also save yourself the trouble and donate directly. As most people now know, Haitan musician Wyclef Jean is raising money through his organization Yele to help in the relief effort. However, there is some evidence that that organization has been guilty of misusing funds in the past, so do your own research before you give.
For a list of organizations helping that are taking donations to provide relief in Haiti, click here.
There are also some more rock-oriented benefits coming up. I've listed several here.
(New York, NY - January 20, 2010) - On Wednesday, January 20, 2010, a diverse group of New York City’s young professionals of color will raise funds and supplies for Haiti. The HEARTS 4 HAITI coalition is comprised of professionals in the music, media and entertainment communities who want to provide immediate support to Haitians who have been affected by the massive earthquake that took place on January 12th. Hinging on the one-year anniversary of President Barack Obama’s inauguration and his challenge to American’s to “give back”, this event will raise funds and supplies for earthquake victims,, and will also celebrate the cultural contributions of Haiti through its music and art.
HEARTS 4 HAITI has partnered with two organizations: Doctors Without Borders and YELE Haiti. All monetary proceeds generated from the event will be donated to Doctors Without Borders with a designation to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort. All food, clothing and supply donations will be given to YELE Haiti.
HEARTS 4 HAITI will feature special performances showcasing the history and spirit of Haiti's culture. On the main level, renowned DJ's including DJ D-Nice, DJ Clue, and several others will incorporate the sounds of Haiti into their mainstream music sets. Downstairs in "The Carnivale Lounge" DJ Franky of the Untouchables will provide an exclusive musicquarium which includes the best of Haitian Konpa & Zouk.
“HEARTS 4 HAITI is for NYC professionals who understand the importance of giving back to the world community,” says Gardy V. Guerrier, one of the event HEART 4 HAITI organizers. “By attending this event they will become the truest embodiment of the motto inscribed on the Haitian flag: strength through unity.”
Guests will enjoy a complimentary open bar from 7:00pm until 8:30pm provided by Hennessy. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those impacted by this terrible tragedy,” says Noel Hankin, Hennessey’s Sr. VP of Multicultural Relations. “Hennessy is eager to do all we can to support the victims of the earthquake in Haiti and we have instituted a corporate double matching program for employee donations.”
WHAT: HEARTS 4 HAITI - Invites You To Make a Difference
WHEN: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 7:00pm - Midnight
Open bar 7pm-8:30pm compliments Hennessy
WHERE: ARENA
135 W. 41st Street between (Broadway/6th Ave)
But you could also save yourself the trouble and donate directly. As most people now know, Haitan musician Wyclef Jean is raising money through his organization Yele to help in the relief effort. However, there is some evidence that that organization has been guilty of misusing funds in the past, so do your own research before you give.
For a list of organizations helping that are taking donations to provide relief in Haiti, click here.
There are also some more rock-oriented benefits coming up. I've listed several here.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
News: Jay Reatard Died Last Night
Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., better known as Jay Reatard, died in his sleep last night, at age 29. He was a brilliant songwriter and put on one hell of a live show. Above all, he was an inspiring figure both musically and personally to many in our scene. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Official statement by Matador Records...
Official statement by Matador Records...
Friday, October 30, 2009
Album: Because Because Because - self-titled
Album: Because Because Because
Sutton, 2009
Recording Date: 1991-1992
Rating: ******* (7/10)
Released under the radar this fall, this collection of six songs by oft-forgot indie band Because Because Because offers a rare taste of unheard songs from one American indie rock's best eras. The songs are cutting indie gems with sweet English pop melodies from frontman and principal songwriter Robert Randall, a British ex-pat. With sharp and aggressive yet lightfooted guitar hooks, Because Because Because displays a perfect balance of pop and punk-influenced rock.
Because Because Because paired Randall with to-be Nada Surf founders Matthew Caws and Daniel Lorca, along with drummer Blake Gomez. Unsurprisingly, the music does sound a lot like early Nada Surf, but with a richer sound and less quirk. "The Slow" builds with tense drumming and glistening guitar to an anthemic chorus. Later in the album, "Her Power" provides an excellent example of 90's indie songwriting - simple and catchy, it rocks hard and never looses focus.
According to a source close to the band*, Randall and Gomez published this album without informing Caws and Lorca, who apparently didn't particularly want this material in distribution. Caws only recently became aware of the release after seeing it for sale online. It remains to be seen whether he and Lorca will take any action against their former bandmates or Sutton Music Group, and there is no evidence that Randall and Gomez were beyond their rights in releasing the record.
This album is not a lost masterpiece, it is not revolutionary in any way. But for fans of this era of music, for those who prefer their pop-punk without all the gloss and certainly for Nada Surf fans curious about the band's roots, the album is well worth getting your hands on. And I recommend doing that as soon as possible, since there's a very real possibility that a potential lawsuit from Caws and Lorca could cause the album to be pulled from circulation, at least temporarily. You can get it on CD Baby, iTunes (I think) and probably some other places.
[MySpace]
*I know I don't delve into real journalism very often so it seems prudent to reassure you that this is not bullshit.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
News: Harlem Shakes Break Up
Somehow I missed this news this weekend. The Harlem Shakes broke up, or so it's rumored. Which really sucks since they're one of my favorite NYC bands and just seemed to be getting started. There's nothing on their myspace or their blog confirming or denying this, so let's hope it's not true.
Rawkblog clued me in.
Rawkblog clued me in.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
News: More DIY Crackdowns
Beluga just tipped me off that the new DIY venue "The Jungle" in Bushwick got raided and shut down by the cops last night. Last I heard, the venue's owners were planning to invest the money to make the space legal, so hopefully it will be up and running again in the future.
This is all rumor, of course, but given the recent crackdown on DIY spaces, it's sadly not a big surprise.
This is all rumor, of course, but given the recent crackdown on DIY spaces, it's sadly not a big surprise.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
News: Michael Jackson Just Died
After reports that Michael Jackson was rushed to an LA hospital earlier today, the Associated Press just released this news. It's not confirmed, but it seems that Jackson, 50, died of a heart attack.
I'm not sure what to even say about that news so I'll leave it at that.
I'm not sure what to even say about that news so I'll leave it at that.
News: Bowery Presents Loses What Little Dignity It Had Left
So Bowery Presents has partnered with Jet Blue and Superfly Marketing in sponsoring a contest where your band could win a chance to play at the airport. Cause, you know, that's where every band wants to play.
You can find the details here. And the kicker? "The top artist as determined by JetBlue and Superfly will also perform as the opening act for a headlining artist at Bowery Presents' Terminal 5, the popular concert venue in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, or another Bowery Presents show" (italics mine). So that means, if you win this contest, you could, you know, get to play at 7 PM at Mercury Lounge on a Tuesday. And the airport. Hot DOG!
Thanks for the tip, Jasper.
You can find the details here. And the kicker? "The top artist as determined by JetBlue and Superfly will also perform as the opening act for a headlining artist at Bowery Presents' Terminal 5, the popular concert venue in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, or another Bowery Presents show" (italics mine). So that means, if you win this contest, you could, you know, get to play at 7 PM at Mercury Lounge on a Tuesday. And the airport. Hot DOG!
Thanks for the tip, Jasper.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
News: Antlers release remastered Hospice online
After their self-released LP Hospice generated massive acclaim from a bunch of bloggers like me, the band got themselves signed to the excellent Frenchkiss Records. They are rereleasing the album in remastered form in August on CD and vinyl, but it's available digitally starting today.
Here's a few sentences from the review/dissertation I posted back in February (in case you don't have the patience to get through the whole thing):
Hospice is not only an outstanding album, it's one of the most exciting releases since the 90's. On the surface, it's a concept album that intertwines stories of terminal cancer, mental illness and dissolution of a relationship into dysfunction and cruelty. Where these tales intersect is the painful truth that love does not conquer all. Sonically, it's a creeping ambient lo-fi, as if Radiohead had recorded OK Computer in Thom Yorke's basement. It's an imperfect work, of course, but it's still a rare and exciting accomplishment. It's musicians like these who will lead us out of indie rock's dead ends and on a personal level, who will help us mend from life's damages and carry on.
Here's a few sentences from the review/dissertation I posted back in February (in case you don't have the patience to get through the whole thing):
Hospice is not only an outstanding album, it's one of the most exciting releases since the 90's. On the surface, it's a concept album that intertwines stories of terminal cancer, mental illness and dissolution of a relationship into dysfunction and cruelty. Where these tales intersect is the painful truth that love does not conquer all. Sonically, it's a creeping ambient lo-fi, as if Radiohead had recorded OK Computer in Thom Yorke's basement. It's an imperfect work, of course, but it's still a rare and exciting accomplishment. It's musicians like these who will lead us out of indie rock's dead ends and on a personal level, who will help us mend from life's damages and carry on.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
News: Annex or Fat Baby Closing?
The Gothamist reports that "an off-Ludlow music venue with high ceilings, a mezzanine, a basement, and a capacity of 300" is selling off their lease. As they point out, the only two places that fit this description are the Annex and Fat Baby. My guess is the Annex, because it seems a bit empty there lately and Fat Baby has a big line of generic post-collegiate kids outside every weekend. Either way, no big loss to New York - all the cool has been tapped out of these places ages ago, if it was ever there to begin with.
Here's the original story.
Here's the original story.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
News: Satellite Bar Opens in Williamsburg
OK, this isn't directly music news, but it's important and here's why: Satellite Bar is owned and run by Rob Sacher, who has been a mainstay in the New York indie scene for, well, a long-ass time.
He's owned several clubs in Manhattan and Brooklyn included the legendary 80's goth club The Mission and the recently shuttered venue Luna Lounge. Sacher is a step ahead of the curve when it comes to local bands - he was one of the very first club owners to book the Strokes in New York, and many of the bands he's touted early in their careers have gone on to be big names around the world.
Yeah, Satellite isn't a music venue, but it does feature DJing by Sacher's own iPod. Which means you'll never have to worry about the music sucking. Never.
Also, Sacher's clientele at his previous endeavours has included everyone from Lydia Lunch to Bjork to TV on the Radio. He has a knack for creating a hip vibe wherever he sets foot, and NYC's creative edge has a knack for finding him.
See for yourself at the Grand Opening this Friday and Saturday. The awesomeness starts at 9.
143 Havemeyer Street between S 1st and S 2nd.
He's owned several clubs in Manhattan and Brooklyn included the legendary 80's goth club The Mission and the recently shuttered venue Luna Lounge. Sacher is a step ahead of the curve when it comes to local bands - he was one of the very first club owners to book the Strokes in New York, and many of the bands he's touted early in their careers have gone on to be big names around the world.
Yeah, Satellite isn't a music venue, but it does feature DJing by Sacher's own iPod. Which means you'll never have to worry about the music sucking. Never.
Also, Sacher's clientele at his previous endeavours has included everyone from Lydia Lunch to Bjork to TV on the Radio. He has a knack for creating a hip vibe wherever he sets foot, and NYC's creative edge has a knack for finding him.
See for yourself at the Grand Opening this Friday and Saturday. The awesomeness starts at 9.
143 Havemeyer Street between S 1st and S 2nd.
Monday, March 30, 2009
News: All Points West Line-Up Announced (including MY BLOODY VALENTINE)
Usually, I try to distinguish between my personal tastes and actual quality and respectability in music. But for something like this, all the bands are well-regarded by many, so I decided to just indulge myself and classify them according to my whimsy.
Friday, July 31
Most Awesome: Fleet Foxes, Heartless Bastards, Telepathe
Overrated, terrible bands: Vampire Weekend, Shearwater
Overrated, mediocre bands: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ra Ra Riot
The rest: Beastie Boys, The National, MSTRKRFT, Q-Tip, The Pharcyde, Organized Konfusion, The Knux, Seasick Steve, Flying Lotus, College Humor Live, Arj Barker, Eugene Mirman and Bo Burnham
Saturday, August 1
Most awesome: MY BLOODY VALENTINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Kool Keith, Tokyo Police Club
Overrated, terrible bands: Crystal Castles, Ting Tings
Overrated, mediocre bands: Tool, Chairlift
The rest: Gogol Bordello, Arctic Monkeys, Neko Case, Yelle, St. Vincent, The Cool Kids, Cage the Elephant, White Rabbits, Electric Touch, The Postelles, Black Gold, College Humor Live, Tim & Eric, Judah Friedlander and Jim Jeffries
Sunday, August 2
Most awesome: Echo & the Bunnymen, MGMT, Silversun Pickups, Lykke Li
Overrated, terrible bands: Mogwai
Overrated, mediocre bands: Coldplay, We Are Scientists
The rest: The Black Keys, Elbow, Ghostland Observatory, The Gaslight Anthem, Etienne De Crecy, Akron/Family, Steel Train, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, College Humor Live, Janeane Garofalo, Michael Showalter and Todd Barry
Friday, July 31
Most Awesome: Fleet Foxes, Heartless Bastards, Telepathe
Overrated, terrible bands: Vampire Weekend, Shearwater
Overrated, mediocre bands: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ra Ra Riot
The rest: Beastie Boys, The National, MSTRKRFT, Q-Tip, The Pharcyde, Organized Konfusion, The Knux, Seasick Steve, Flying Lotus, College Humor Live, Arj Barker, Eugene Mirman and Bo Burnham
Saturday, August 1
Most awesome: MY BLOODY VALENTINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Kool Keith, Tokyo Police Club
Overrated, terrible bands: Crystal Castles, Ting Tings
Overrated, mediocre bands: Tool, Chairlift
The rest: Gogol Bordello, Arctic Monkeys, Neko Case, Yelle, St. Vincent, The Cool Kids, Cage the Elephant, White Rabbits, Electric Touch, The Postelles, Black Gold, College Humor Live, Tim & Eric, Judah Friedlander and Jim Jeffries
Sunday, August 2
Most awesome: Echo & the Bunnymen, MGMT, Silversun Pickups, Lykke Li
Overrated, terrible band
Overrated, mediocre bands: Coldplay, We Are Scientists
The rest: The Black Keys, Elbow, Ghostland Observatory, The Gaslight Anthem, Etienne De Crecy, Akron/Family, Steel Train, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, College Humor Live, Janeane Garofalo, Michael Showalter and Todd Barry
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
News: NYC Popfest Line-Up Announced
The line-up for NYC Popfest has been announced. It seems to be scaled down considerably this year, with most shows taking place at Cake Shop or similarly small venues. They have smaller-name bands as well, so it looks like a low-key year. Here's the schedule:
Thursday May 14th
Venue: Cake Shop
Knight School (NYC)
Soft City (NYC)
Dream Bitches (NYC)
The Metric Mile (NYC)
My Teenage Stride (NYC)
THE BALLET (NYC)
* * * * * * * * * *
Friday May 15th
Venue: Don Hills
Don Lennon (NYC)
The Tartans (CA)
( secret band )
Liechtenstein (SWEDEN)
CATS ON FIRE (FINLAND)
+ Mondo Indie Dance Party
* * * * * * * * * *
Saturday May 16th (FREE!!)
Venue: Cake Shop
Hidden Ghost Balloon Ship (MI)
The Hat Company (OH)
Strega (NYC)
* * * * * * * * * *
Saturday May 16th
Venue: Bell House
Computer Perfection (MI)
Eux Autres (CA)
The Secret History (NYC)
Pants Yell! (MA)
THE RADIO DEPT. (SWEDEN)
+ Indiepop Dance Party
* * * * * * * * * *
Sunday May 17th
Venue: Cake Shop
Boy Genius (NYC)
Afternoon Naps (OH)
Very Truly Yours (IL)
The Smittens (VT)
Rose Melberg (CANADA)
The Icicles (MI)
Casper and the Cookies (GA)
BURNING HEARTS (FINLAND)
The only day I recommend checking out is Saturday, featuring The Secret History, Pants Yell! and (most excitingly) Radio Dept. Thursday night, it might be worth going to see Knight School and My Teenage Stride, but they're both around the city, so it's not going to be your only chance.
Thursday May 14th
Venue: Cake Shop
Knight School (NYC)
Soft City (NYC)
Dream Bitches (NYC)
The Metric Mile (NYC)
My Teenage Stride (NYC)
THE BALLET (NYC)
* * * * * * * * * *
Friday May 15th
Venue: Don Hills
Don Lennon (NYC)
The Tartans (CA)
( secret band )
Liechtenstein (SWEDEN)
CATS ON FIRE (FINLAND)
+ Mondo Indie Dance Party
* * * * * * * * * *
Saturday May 16th (FREE!!)
Venue: Cake Shop
Hidden Ghost Balloon Ship (MI)
The Hat Company (OH)
Strega (NYC)
* * * * * * * * * *
Saturday May 16th
Venue: Bell House
Computer Perfection (MI)
Eux Autres (CA)
The Secret History (NYC)
Pants Yell! (MA)
THE RADIO DEPT. (SWEDEN)
+ Indiepop Dance Party
* * * * * * * * * *
Sunday May 17th
Venue: Cake Shop
Boy Genius (NYC)
Afternoon Naps (OH)
Very Truly Yours (IL)
The Smittens (VT)
Rose Melberg (CANADA)
The Icicles (MI)
Casper and the Cookies (GA)
BURNING HEARTS (FINLAND)
The only day I recommend checking out is Saturday, featuring The Secret History, Pants Yell! and (most excitingly) Radio Dept. Thursday night, it might be worth going to see Knight School and My Teenage Stride, but they're both around the city, so it's not going to be your only chance.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Upcoming Show: Beluga - TOMORROW!
When I said there weren't any good shows coming up this week, I missed one! Sorry guys! Beluga is playing at Cameo this Friday night (that's tomorrow!). A mostly-female punk band (though they probably don't call themselves "punk"), Beluga sounds like indie pop gone wrong, but in the best possible way. Loud and aggressive, yet still audibly melodic, it's some of the best music around NYC these days.
When: 3/20
Where: Cameo
Beluga on MySpace
When: 3/20
Where: Cameo
Beluga on MySpace
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
News: Werewolves, Fun Machine - Tour Dates!
The Werewolves are one of my very favorite NYC bands and finally, I have a chance to share them with some of you who aren't in New York! Their psychedelic music seamlessly merges underground 70's rock and early 90's shoegaze - refined melodies, loud-as-hell guitars, sick pitch shifts and a dose of good ol' fashion grit. ::MySpace
Also on tour are the Werewolves' labelmates Fun Machine, whose live performance is simply mindblowing. Their complex songs are highly experimental, but their sweet pop melodies and hooks will hold your attention over all sorts of craziness. And through complex rhythms, high speeds and out-of-the-blue start and stops, the band never seems to miss a note. ::MySpace
I'm going to list the dates by region, not chronologically.
New England
Werewolves
4/22 @ Cafe Nine - New Haven, CT
4/23 @ Cousin Larry’s - Danbury, CT
4/24 @ All Asia - Cambridge, MA
4/25 @ Ralph’s Diner - Worcester, MA
4/29 @ the Monkey House - Burlington, VT
Mid-Atlantic
Werewolves
4/17 @ Danger Danger Gallery - Philadelphia, PA
4/19 @ Asbury Lanes (with Fun Machine) - Asbury Park, NJ
Fun Machine
4/19 @ Asbury Lanes (with Werewolves) - Asbury Park, NJ
Southwest
Werewolves
3/20 @ Red House Lounge (SXSW) - Austin, TX
3/21 @ Sauced - Oklahoma City, OK
3/23 @ Atomic Cantina - Albuquerque, NM
3/24 @ Last Exit - Tempe, AZ
Fun Machine
3/21 @ The West End - Longview, TX
3/22 @ (SXSW) - Austin, TX
3/23 @ TBA
3/24 @ Ruby Room - Phoenix, AZ
3/25 @ Hangart - Tuscon, AZ
California
Werewolves
3/25 @ Boardners - Los Angeles, CA
3/26 @ Mai’s - Ventura, CA
3/27 @ CIA (with Fun Machine) - Los Angeles, CA
Fun Machine
3/26 @ The Beauty Bar - San Diego, CA
3/27 @ CIA (with Werewolves) - Los Angeles, CA
3/28 @ Echo Curio - Los Angeles, CA
If you live in these places, don't miss this!!! These bands probably won't be back for a while.
Also on tour are the Werewolves' labelmates Fun Machine, whose live performance is simply mindblowing. Their complex songs are highly experimental, but their sweet pop melodies and hooks will hold your attention over all sorts of craziness. And through complex rhythms, high speeds and out-of-the-blue start and stops, the band never seems to miss a note. ::MySpace
I'm going to list the dates by region, not chronologically.
New England
Werewolves
Mid-Atlantic
Werewolves
Fun Machine
Southwest
Werewolves
Fun Machine
California
Werewolves
Fun Machine
If you live in these places, don't miss this!!! These bands probably won't be back for a while.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
News: Jack White and Alison Mosshart Have A New Band
Jack White (White Stripes, Racounters) and Alison Mosshart (the Kills) have announced the formation of a new band called Dead Weather. The group also includes two touring members of the Racounters, Dean Fartita (Queens of the Stone Age) and Jack Lawrence.
Given how much I love the hip, gritty sound of the Kills, the raw, indie-rock-fuelled blues of the White Stripes and the catchy garage rock of the Racounters, this is very, very good news.
Source: NME
Given how much I love the hip, gritty sound of the Kills, the raw, indie-rock-fuelled blues of the White Stripes and the catchy garage rock of the Racounters, this is very, very good news.
Source: NME
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