CMJ 2006 - Day 2

Woo hoo! My slight throat irritation seems to have developed into a full blown cold. Right in the middle of CMJ. And I can't remember the last time I was sick. Ugg.

Some thoughts on yesterday's action:

iV Theives @ Fader - These guys sounded like what Kings of Leon would sound like if I liked Kings of Leon. 3 vocalists! Tight, energetic set. Would like to catch these guys again some time.

What Made Milwaukee Famous @ Bowery - Indie rock done well with some interesting elements sprinkled in here and there. I love when bands say "You NYers are great" at CMJ shows, when I imagine that probably only a handful in attendence were actually from NY.

Talked with Ira of Nada Surf for a little. He was there MCing the event. Super nice guy. Informed him that NY misses Nada Surf and he said that they miss us too and that there will be shows soon, including the already annouced Nokia(?) event at Hiro Ballroom. We both agreed that the Northsix/Galapagos combined super venue sounds like a bad idea.

Then the night got messy and there were failed attempts to give Cassettes Won't Listen a second chance and finally catch The Undisputed Heavyweights. Things got better once we got to Knitting Factory.

The Octagon - First time seeing them. Fun punk rock! Zach is a good front man. Definitely going to catch these guys again real soon.

Genghis Tron - Eddie Van Halen on guitar (not really). Two guys with keyboards and other stuff, one of which yelled. Loudly. Live show was a bit harsh, but I got the feeling that their recorded material is probably quite good.

Saw bits 'n pieces of a bunch of other bands. Can't remember names.

The Plot To Blow Up The Eiffel Tower - Mixed feelings. Super happy to finally be seeing them, but sad knowing that it might also be my last time seeing them. Incredible, amazing, fantastic, yada yada yada set. Why on earth are these guys breaking up? I guarantee that there will be reincarnations, because these guys were meant to be playing great music. Gonna try to catch them again tomorrow while out in Brooklyn for the Productshop showcase.

Today is going to be a long one - starting at KEXP, then maybe some Puma and/or Fader, and ending at Sub Pop. Gonna try to fit in some Stars of Track and Field and Victory at Sea.

Can you say DayQuill? See you out there!