KNOCKOUT Round 3 - Now With Sponsor, DJs

Most excellent news - WOXY has signed on as a sponsor of the KNOCKOUT shows!

And let there be music - Cru Jonez (Steve of benzos) and DJ Lupe Loop will be spinning tunes all night long!

Next Saturday. April 7. Matchless. Once again, the lineup w/ set times:

8 - Square Wave Punch
9 - The Diggs
10 - benzos
11:15 - Bridges and Powerlines

benzos have posted a new track off of their new album, Branches, and a new b-side on their Myspace. Go listen now and see what you are in for.

Thanx again to Bunkre for the flyer. If you haven't been checking out his blog, you have been missing out on some cool shiz. Like this, and this, and especially this.

And with that, I leave for vacation. I'll be back some time next week. Probably won't have much computer access at all, but I will be able to check my email. See ya then.

The Antlers - In The Attic Of The Universe

I feel like I've been totally caught off guard. This album came out of nowhere. And it's instantly conquered many other albums that are fighting for spots at the top of my favorite albums of '07 list (it's already getting very crowded). This album is very different from Uprooted (which I can't get enough of), yet very similar at the same time. This one sounds so full and lush and all those sort of words, but still gentle and delicate. And I am still hearing Neutral Milk Hotel and Antony & The Johnsons all over the place, while he is also continuing to carve out his own unique sound. Hard to pick a favorite song. Have I ever explained that one of the qualities of an album that I value the most is the ability to listen straight though and not skip a song. This album has that quality. Download it for free and thank me later:

IN THE ATTIC OF THE UNIVERSE (whole album zip, 192 kbps)

Or you could go to his website and download individual tracks. And there's songs at his Myspace too.

Check out what Pat and Rachael's had to say about the album too.

I HIGHLY recommend going to Pianos on Tues May 15 for Cross Pollination w/ The Antlers. Don't think, just go.


Previously

Shout Out Out Out Out @ Mercury - 3/10/07

Via Baeble:



Hot.

Mussels - Little Voices Finished, Record Release

Got some awesome news this week from my Mussels friends:

The wait is over. Our first full length record, Little Voices, has rubbed it’s eyes and is ready to take it’s first steps into the world. We will be spending this week putting the finishing touches on the beautiful, hand silk-screened covers, manufactured with great care by yours truly (We even have a picture in our wallet, see attached). And Friday night we will pat Little Voices on the head and send it out the front door, beaming with pride and quite possibly a tear in our eyes.

-Mussels

Yes. You read that right. THIS FRIDAY. You can finally get your hands on the new Mussels album, Little Voices, one of my, if not thee, most anticipated releases of 2007. And everything I have heard so far at their shows and on their Myspace are only fueling the fire. My favorite album artwork of the year so far:



So fly.

Get yourself to this show tomorrow:

OFFICIAL UNOFFICIAL CD RELEASE SHOW!
Friday, 03/30/07 @ Union Hall $8
10:00 Cedars
9:00 Mussels
8:00 Airthieves


Previously

The Lisps Are Coming! The Lisps Are Coming!

To a town near you. That's right folks. The Lisps are going on tour. From the east coast to the west coast and back. Starting in Brooklyn and ending in Brooklyn. So excited for them. It's like sending a child off to college. Here are the dates:

Friday 4/6/07 @ Galapagos Artspace - Brooklyn, NY
Thursday 4/12/07 @ Six Points Music Festival (Red & Black Bar) - Washington DC*
Friday 4/13/07 @ The Werehouse - Winston-Salem, NC*
Saturday 4/14/07 @ The Space - Greensboro, NC*
Tuesday 4/17/07 @ The Spazzatorium Galleria - Greenville, NC*
Wednesday 4/18/07 @ Joli Rouge - Asheville, NC*
Thursday 4/19/07 @ Electric Ballroom - Knoxville, TN*
Friday 4/20/07 @ Club Detour - Athens, GA*
Saturday 4/21/07 @ Nophest at 11:11 Tea House - Atlanta, GA*
Sunday 4/22/07 @ Cafe Brasil - New Orleans, LA
Monday 4/23/07 @ Neutral Ground - New Orleans, LA
Tuesday 4/24/07 @ Emo's - Austin, TX
Tuesday 5/1/07 @ The Make Out Room - San Francisco, CA
Thursday 5/3/07 @ Silverlake Lounge - Los Angeles, CA
Saturday 5/5/07 @ Scene Bar , Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday 5/9/07 @ The Way Out Club - St. Louis, MO
Thursday 5/10/07 @ The Darkroom - Chicago, IL
Friday 5/11/07 @ The Dreamland Theatre - Ypsilanti, MI#
Saturday 5/12/07 @ TBA - Cleveland, Ohio#
Monday 5/14/07 @ Luna Lounge - Brooklyn, NY#

* - w/ Senryu
# - w/ Double Dutch Will Take You Higher

For previous Battering Room Lisps action, go here. As you can see, no Lisps post is complete without this video:



I just love it so much.

Annex - Tonight - Thurs March 29

Thursday, March 29th

@ The Annex

8pm - Western Civ
9pm - Rob Holzer
10pm - Gold Streets
11pm - Man In Gray

152 Orchard Street, New York, NY

Nakatomi Plaza - Stream Unsettled

CV Jeff and I may not see eye to eye on LCD and Panda Bear, but we do find common ground when it comes to the new Nakatomi Plaza album, Unsettled. If the three songs at their Myspace aren't enough for you, you can now stream the entire album here. The band is making their way back to Brooklyn this week and hopefully will have a NYC show or two for us soon. Stay tuned.

Ted Leo & Rx - Live On NPR Tonight

NPR will be broadcasting Ted Leo & The Pharmacists show tonight at the 9:30 Club in DC. Info on tonight's performance can be found here.

Thanx for the tip Paul.

WOXY News - Lounge Acts, Blog

As you may have noticed, I've been kinda busy this week. Because of said busyness, I was unable to listen to the Mason Proper lounge act live this past Monday. Finally got a chance yesterday afternoon to listen to the mp3. WOW. Even better than the first time. Especially loved the first half when they played My My (Bad Fruit) and Intimidation. WOXY says:

Mason Proper
Performed March 26, 2007

It's been almost a full year since Mason Proper first visited the Lounge. Since their last appearance, they've grown into an incredibly tight live band and they recently signed to Dovecote Records.

Their debut album "There Is A Moth In Your Chest" has been reworked a bit for its national release. In this interview, they talk about the process of re-recording and remixing the album

You'll hear 4 tracks off of "Moth" along with one brand new exclusive track called "Rest Up" that will likely turn up on a 2008 release.

Track Listing:
My My (Bad Fruit)
Intimidation
Chemical Dress Eliza
- interview -
Rest Up
Life's Cornucopia

Download MP3 (27:22)

I VIGOROUSLY recommend attending their show this Sat March 31 at new venue Gramercy Theater with Birdmonster and Jena Malone and Her Bloodstains. Can't go wrong with that lineup. Tix still available.

Also noticed that WOXY have finally posted Canada's funtastic lounge act from right before SXSW. Listened to that one live and it reminded me why I liked them so much at CMJ last year. Via WOXY:

Canada
Performed March 8, 2007

Track Listing:
Seasons Cease To Sing
Milk
- interview -
Look To The Trees
Homes & Jewels

Download MP3 (24:19)

Canada will be in NYC in July for four shows from July 20 through July 23 at undisclosed locations. Standby for more on that soon.

But wait! There's more! Aqueduct's performance from WOXY's SXSW day party has been posted! YES!!! As previously mentioned, their set made my day. So great. Listen for yourself:

Download MP3

Hope you got your tix for Aqueduct at Mercury Lounge on Tues April 10, cause it's sold out. I guarantee people will be dancing.

Here's what WOXY have coming up in the lounge:

3/30	Arizona	3:00pm
4/2	31Knots	1:30pm
4/2	Harlan	4:00pm
4/19	The Willowz	12:00pm
4/27	Dead Heart Bloom	3:00pm

In case you are not yet aware, WOXY launched a blog yesterday. I was just wishing they would bring back their daily link posts. This is above and beyond. Can you guess what my favorite post was so far? If you guessed this one, you're right.

I have some more very exciting WOXY news, but I'm going to wait until later today to announce it. Ahhhh...the cliffhanger...


Previously:

Mason Proper - Pianos - Wed Jan 24
Who Wanna Rock With The Aqueduct?
Listen To Ted Leo's WOXY Lounge Act

Union Hall - Tues April 3

Rock The Bells 07

Friction - Thurs April 5 - Mercury Lounge

GREAT lineup:



Details.

Reminder Flyers - This Weekend - 3/23 & 3/24

Tonight:





Tomorrow night:





You should also try to catch one of those David & The Citizens shows.

The Rosebuds - Listen To Night Of The Furies

It's streaming here.

I told you it was a dance album.

KNOCKOUT Round 3

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee deranged easter bunny.

Sat April 7

Matchless

Lineup w/ set times:

8 - Square Wave Punch
9 - The Diggs
10 - benzos
11:15 - Bridges and Powerlines

DJ(s) TBA

2 clams a band.

Another snazzy flyer by Bunkre. Watership Down. Nasty....

the lymbyc systym - Dos And Don'ts Of....

Touring with an Established Band. From this month's issue of DIW Magazine:



Click on image to enlarge so that it's readable.


Previously:

the lymbyc systym - New Album, Back To NYC
the lymbyc systym Touring With The Album Leaf
the lymbyc systym

David & The Citizens - Update

When I first posted about David & The Citizens, they only had one post-SXSW NYC show on their schedule. Since then three more shows have been added, one of which has already come and gone this past Tuesday. The other two that have been added are opening for The Fratellis tomorrow night (sold out) and (this just in!) opening for The Mugs at Union Hall Saturday night. The Mugs and D&TC = AWESOME. So here's what their weekend schedule looks like now:

Fri March 23 8:00PM Mercury Lounge - opening for The Fratellis
Fri March 23 11:00PM Galapagos - Crashin' In Party w/ Hail Social, Bear Hands, Carolbui $8
Sat March 24 8:00PM Union Hall - opening for The Mugs $7

BTW - While the Merc website says they are playing tomorrow night, D&TC's Myspace says they are playing there tonight. So who knows, maybe they are playing there both nights?!?!

The Hero Cycle

I want to spotlight another band that are playing at Trash this Sat March 24, The Hero Cycle. The band is from Burlington, VT and their Myspace says that they sound like "Broken Social Scene meets Built To Spill". I don't know about the Built To Spill comparison, but I DEFINITELY hear the BSS. Just got their debut EP, Lakes and Ponds and I've been listening to it nonstop all day today and yesterday. I definitely see this being one of my favorite EPs of 2007. You can listen to it in it's entirely at their website and then buy it there too.



In addition to the show at Trash this weekend, they will also be at my home away from home, Matchless, on Sat May 12 w/ Boy Genius, Kite Operations. They are also looking for a NYC date on Sun May 6. Hey bookers, get 'em quick before someone else does.

Impeach Beach

Love stuff like this. Guess it's a little old, but if you haven't seen it:



They are planning to do it again at 100 different sites on 4/28/07. Might look into getting in on that if they do one near NYC. Go here for info.

Thanx Jules.

Hot Rocks -> Mancino -> TSLOS -> Muggabears

I'm due for another one of these long meandering rambling posts. What better way to start our journey than with Hot Rocks. Their next show is Sat April 14th. Flyer:




































Mancino is playing at this party, and bring us to the next stop on our trip, their Myspace. Where we see that they are also doing a Mayan Empire show at Union Pool with another flyer:



But even more exciting is the show they are a part of at Pianos on Sat May 12 with The Muggabears, Can Joann, ......and.... THE SECRET LIFE OF SOFIA!



YES! The Secret Life Of Sofia are finally stepping out of the studio, adjusting their eyes to the sun, and playing a show. I first became interested in these guys when I saw them open for Maritime and Bound Stems at Mercury (another reason why that show kicked ass) and bought their fantastic 2005 self-titled EP. Buy it here. Cannot wait to see them live again and hear what they have been cooking up in the studio.

And the last stop on our voyage is The Muggabears' Myspace, where we see that they are having a release party for their Night Choreography EP, which so far is my favorite EP of 2007. The party is at Cake Shop on Sat April 21.

They are also opening for Land Of Talk at Union Hall on Tues April 3. That's going to be one hell of a great show. Highly recommened.

The End.

WOXY - Complete SXSW Lounge Act Archive

Last week I pointed out how the WOXY Lounge Acts from Mon - Wed had been posted. Well as of today, the complete SXSW Lounge Act archives have been posted. Which means that if like me, you were out getting obliterated all day this past Saturday and missed the CLOUD CULT lounge act, you can now go listen to/download it. Here's the mp3:

Cloud Cult WOXY Lounge Act 3/17/07

You can check out a ton of pictures of the lounge acts here or here, whichever you prefer.

What is not available yet, and who knows if it will ever be, is the archive of their terrific "I didn't go to SXSW, but at least I can listen to this and pretend I did" day party. I am very much hoping that they do make it available, because I would love to listen to Aqueduct's performance again, which was my fav and made my day.

Also, as previously mentioned, Cloud Cult are coming to NYC next month. Tix are still available, but probably not for much longer.

Update: Four sets from the day party are now available - The Broken West, The Little Ones, Snowden, and Dave Smallen. Still no Aqueduct, Alexi Murdoch, or Bob Mould. Hmmm.... it's looking like those may not be made available. Shucks.

WARNING - Daft Punk Presales Announced

Here's the latest:

Sun, 07/29/07
08:00 PM
Daft Punk
WaMu Theater
Seattle, WA
presale begins:
Thu, 03/22/07 10:00 AM
US $40.00

Tue, 07/31/07
08:00 PM
Daft Punk
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO
presale begins:
Fri, 03/23/07 09:50 AM
US $49.75

Get ready, because the NYC presale can't be too far off. Also, this is one of the few times when I'll say that this show is cheap at $40 or $50. I would pay a ton more than that for this show. I wonder how much the Keyspan tix are going to be.

Update: LA:

Sat, 07/21/07
09:00 PM
Daft Punk
Los Angeles Sports Arena Los Angeles, CA
presale begins:
Thu, 03/22/07 10:00 AM
US $50.00


Previously:

Daft Punk @ Keyspan Park - Thurs Aug 9
RUMOR - Daft Punk In NYC - RUMOR

Coconut Records

Rachael told me about Coconut Records a few weeks ago and I really had no idea what it was except that it involved Jason Schwartzman (a plus) and that the songs sounded kind of like The Unicorns/Islands (also a plus) and were pretty nifty. This Myspace bulletin sheds some light:

Nighttiming is out now on iTunes!

Coconut Records, the new band from Jason Schwartzman, full debut album Nighttiming is out now on iTunes. Click HERE to get it now!

All songs were written, performed and sung by Jason Schwartzman, produced by Michael Einziger, and mixed by Brendan O'Brien (Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam, Incubus). Coconut Records, Schwartzman's first musical endeavor since Phantom Planet, is out now on Young Baby Records and features the first single "West Coast," which was featured on the final episode of the O.C.

The Black & White Years - Good News

Much happier news this time around:

The Black and White Years are excited to announce that we will be recording with first class producer and Talking Head, Jerry Harrison! We are set to begin recording sometime in the middle of April, so you can expect a finished product sometime in the Fall.

Photographic proof:



Very cool.

Did anyone check out The Black & White Years down at SXSW? Hope they make their way to NYC soon.


Previously:

The Black & White Years - Bad News

Sound Of Silver

Like I said way back in December, Sound of Silver is way out in the lead for the best album of 2007 (unless Radiohead releases an album, in which case, we'll see). You can have your Neon Bible. I'm sticking with my LCD. You can sample tracks off the album here. There is not ONE weak track on the album, and apparently Pfork agrees. 9.2. Hot damn. Bragging posts are fun.

: P

Seriously though, I have listened to this album more than anything else so far this year. And thanx to a recent surge, it has even passed that awesome Cuckoo Canoe album. It's like if you took all the best songs from the first album and condensed them into one vicious album. I especially like walking amongst the skyscrapers of midtown while listening to this. Buy it.

Canal Room - Tonight - Tues March 20

Swedish Band David & the Citizens Make Rare NYC Appearance
Tonight, March 20th at The Canal Room w/Bang Gang
Doors 9pm, Acoustic Performance 9:30pm

Swedish band David & the Citizens aka David Fridlund will be making a rare US appearance TONIGHT March 20th at the Canal Room w/Icleand's own Bang Gang. Doors are at 9pm and cover is $10. David will be doing an acoustic performance at 9:30pm. The Canal Room is located at 285 W. Broadway.


Previously:

David & The Citizens

The Lisps @ Mo' Pitkins - This Fri March 23

Beat Radio @ Mercury Lounge - Mon March 26

The Bloodsugars - Three NYC Shows

The Bloodsugars are back from their trip to the west coast and ready to begin rocking NYC again. Here are the dates:

Wed Mar 28 8:30PM Mercury Lounge $10
Sat Apr 7 8:00PM Trash w/ Only Son
Thurs May 10 10:00PM Galapagos - Jezebel Music's Consignment w/ Breakup Breakdown

Lineup for the Merc show:

- 10:30 -
BAMBO SHOOTS
- 9:30 -
PABLO
- 8:30 -
THE BLOODSUGARS
- 7:30 -
THE CLIKS


Previously:

The Bloodsugars

(Pic via this guy)

Trash - Next Sat March 24 - DJ MOJO Presents

Just yesterday I noted how Lolita Bras seem to be getting by without Hugh, well apparently they are getting by as a three piece:

It would appear the currents of life have swept another guitarist from the Lolita Bras crew. Christian Doscher is now off to pursue other musical callings on the west coast, and those of us remaining have decided that, for the next round of shows at least, we'll perform as a three piece. This configuration will debut next weekend at Trash Bar, where we'll share the stage with several of our friends. Here are the details:

Saturday March 24
@Trash Bar - 256 Grand at Roebling
$8 • OPEN BAR 8-9

Midnight - Pawns
11pm - Hot Iron Swallows
10pm - Lolita Bras
9pm - The Hero Cycle (VT)
8 pm - Paul Michel (DC)

Join us as we venture into the Lolita Triangle.

Love,
LB

Two flyers for one show? Why not?!?!?!

Travis @ Irving Plaza - Thurs May 3 & Fri May 4

In case you didn't notice, tix went onsale today at noon for Travis at Irving Plaza on Thurs May 3 and Fri May 4. You can buy tix here and here. I would consider buying tix for the Friday show (because i have never seen them live and love their first two albums), if the tix weren't $35. And that's BEFORE ticketbastard rapes you with "convenience charges". I'm sure that m is going regardless.

Also coming soon to Irving Plaza - CSS on Fri June 1. Don't know when tix are going on sale. I hear they are fun live, but I'm not crazy about their tunes.

Update: Canceled. Bummer. But I guess on the positive side, it makes early May slightly less cluttered.

Hodiau Direkton - Fri March 16

Further proof that this will be the first single.

Previously

Update: All of the Hodiau Direkton material is being compiled here.

Tripnotica @ Rebel - Fri March 30

Constantines @ Luna Lounge - Thurs April 26

Was just reading OMR's terrific weekly newsletter, when something popped out at me. Constantines?! At Luna Lounge!? Nice. It's been a while since I've seen these guys live and their live show is always a great way to spend an evening. Thurs April 26. Tix are onsale. $12 Added bonus - Tim Fite is opening (Download his new album).

I wonder if Constantines will be playing anywhere else while they are in town.

Update: They will be. Irving Plaza. Tues April 24 and Wed April 25. Opening for The Tragically Hip. Tix onsale -> Tues Wed. $25.

I would rather see them headline at Luna.

Matt & Kim, Professor Murder

Just wanted to mention here officially how completely insane the Matt & Kim / Professor Murder show was at Bowery Ballroom last Friday. I had such such such a great time. Super happy fun times. It was one of the most raw shows that I have been to in a long, long time. Reminded me of some of the shows of my youth, getting kicked in the head by crowd surfers, watching people jump off of speaker stacks, and thrashing about like a mental patient. It was one of those shows that are so wild that you walk out with a ripped up hoodie and a destroyed pair of sneakers, drenched in sweat. But maybe the best thing about the show was seeing how much fun the bands were having. Matt & Kim both had huge smiles on their faces and were giggling with joy their entire set. And Professor Murder were total professionals, while enjoying themselves, and played a very impressive set. That band is on the verge of going big, which will probably happen around the time they take the stage at the Pitchfork Festival this summer. Reviews of this show can be found at Pop Tarts, The Music Slut, and Productshop (which is where I stole the above pic from).

Make seeing Professor Murder at Canal Room on Sat March 31 a priority. Trust me. $10 at the door. $8 if you RSVP to rsvp@jellynyc.com.

I also highly recommend attending both of these Todd P shows:

Saturday, May 12th @ UNCLE PAULIE'S

:: Professor Murder
:::: TUSSLE
:::::: Telepathe

[ UNCLE PAULIE'S ] ~~ air conditioned -&- heated! ~~
NE corner of Monitor St & Greenpoint Ave | Greenpoint, Brooklyn
G-Greenpoint or L-Graham | 8pm | all ages | $tba
-- MYSPACE / DIRECTIONS --> http://myspace.com/unclepauliesnyc

Friday, June 22th @ all ages venue tba

:: Matt and Kim

Lolita Bras - A Few NYC Shows Coming Up

The loss of Hugh isn't slowing down Lolita Bras at all. They have three NYC shows coming up before going to Philly and Boston. Here are the dates:

Sat March 24 9:30PM Trash Bar w/ Paul Michel, The Hero Cycle, Hot Iron Swallows, Pawns OPEN BAR 8-9 PM w/ $8 admission
Fri April 13 8:00PM Crash Mansion w/ Seems So Bright, The Pres, This Blue Holiday
Thurs April 26 8:00PM Matchless w/ Ten Minute Turns, The Information

Here's a pic of Lolita Bras at their Feb 24th Matchless show, via their Myspace:

WOXY - Listen To The SXSW Lounge Act Archives

All of the WOXY SXSW lounge acts from the past three days are now available for stream/download here. I have listened to most of them live, and the ones that I liked the most were The Lemurs, Via Audio (very, very good), The Little Ones (reminded me of a low-key Sure Juror), Sara Culler (she's also sort of a member of David & The Citizens), and Land Of Talk (my favorite so far).

Previously

Kevin Hume

Recently, I was chatting online with Scott about an old acquaintance named Kevin Hume. Apparently he is now living in Albuquerque, making music. I had no idea that he was a musician, but I did know that he had fantastic taste in music. Scott located his Myspace page and sent the link over to me. Simultaneously, Scott and I remarked to each other about how good the music was. I definitely recommend checking out his tunes, which remind me of Sean Lennon, Nick Drake, and Jose Gonzalez. Turns out his new album, The Truth About Ants and Aphids, was released yesterday via Premium Fantasy and can be purchased here.

For a sampler of the songs on the album, download this.

And here's some info on the album:

The Truth About Ants and Aphids is the latest CD by New Mexico based musician Kevin Hume (who formerly recorded under the name Black Spartacus). Written and recorded over several years, Ants and Aphids is a 12 song, 4 part song cycle rooted in the folk-pop tradition, but which also features arrangements for strings, woodwinds, and brass instruments. Carrying on in the same vein as his previous Black Spartacus releases, The Truth About Ants and Aphids was conceived as a unified work, subdivided into 4 suites, with songs which relate to one another both harmonically and thematically. The influences and styles of music on Ants and Aphids vary widely. There is the upbeat vocal pop of "Towns Where We Live" and "The Girl from Falling Water", the chamber-folk of "Glacier Bay" and the title track, and the classically influenced "Yeoman's Farewell" and "The Fauve". While performed and recorded mostly by himself, Kevin Hume's The Truth About Ants and Aphids is also graced with the presence of 12 very fine classical, folk, and jazz musicians, giving the album a lush, expansive sound. The added instrumentation also serves to give greater clarity to the sometimes complex arrangements, while never distracting from acoustic guitar and vocal which are most often at the heart of the songs.

Now I need to try and convince him to come to NYC for a show, perhaps during CMJ.

BTW, Scott went digging through an old box of pics and found this polaroid of Kevin, that he signed for some reason. In order to embarrass Kevin if he sees this post, here's the pic:

Reminder - The Lisps @ Union Hall - Tonight

Even AMNY knows what's up. Click on the pic to magnify.



Previously

The Cloud Room Are Back

After 8 months of writing and recording, The Cloud Room is ready to start doing shows again and will be kicking things off at Hiro Ballroom (they really need to do something about that piece of crap website) on Thurs April 5th. Tix not on sale yet, but probably will be soon here.

Also keep an eye on their Myspace. Hopefully they will begin posting new songs soon. Very interested in hearing the new material and finally catching the band live after numerous unsuccessful attempts.

The Whole Fantastic World - Promising News

It's been a while since these guys have posted some news/let their fans know that they are all still alive and kicking. Here's where they are at as of yesterday:

Tuesday, March 13th
It's been quite a while. We are currently working on LOTS of new material which we have started playing out around chicago and are recording with Gerard Barreto at the Ice Factory in Chicago. Look for new recordings in a few weeks. Once the recordings are completed we will begin serious booking. Check for new shows. Soon...

Does this mean that The Whole Fantastic World will finally make it to NYC soon? I sure hope so. And oh yeah, they have a Myspace again.


Previously...and this...and this...

Radiohead - New Website

Pretty much the same features, but a completely new look. I like it a lot. And I especially like how they have combined Dead Air Space with the main site. Brilliant! There is one new feature, Hodiau Direkton, but I have no idea what it is. Also, "autonomia" is still hanging around and is looking more and more like the title of the next album. Go take a look.

The Muggabears In Queens - This Fri March 16

Permanent Records - Moving To Greenpoint

Greenpoint is about to get even better. My favorite independent record shop, Permanent Records, is moving to Greenpoint. I've been told that the store should be leaving Northport sometime in April. Not sure when or where exactly they will be opening back up in Greenpoint, but when they are, make sure you stop by, say hello, and welcome them to the neighborhood. Oh, and buy some albums too.


Previously:

Permanent Records - Best of 2006
Permanent Records

Daft Punk @ Keyspan Park - Thurs Aug 9

Rumor no more. I can't believe it is really happening. AND WITH THE RAPTURE!!

Daft Punk
The Rapture
SebastiAn
KAVINSKY

I have been listening to this constantly:

Daft Punk (live @ Coachella) (full set) (via BV)

Do yourself a favor and download it immediately if you haven't got it already.

Also, BV just reported that !!! presale tix are ONSALE for Wed May 16 @ Bowery Ballroom. Just got two!!!!!!

And Matt & Kim and P. Murder tonight.

It's been a good day.

Update: Daft Punk presales have begun.

Update #2: Keyspan tix onsale THIS SAT MARCH 31 @11:00AM. $47.50. Look for a link to pop up here.

The Lisps @ Union Hall - Wed March 14

Future Of The Left

Thanx to WOXY for the heads up on this. I have been needing a good Mclusky fix and this will definitely do. If you aren't aware, Future Of The Left is made up of two former members of Mclusky, and they sound a hell of a lot like Mclusky, one of my favorite "broke up before I got to see them" bands. Definitely go to the Myspace if you have been needing a fix too.

Currently no NYC date(s). I'm not going to SXSW, but if I was, seeing them at their ONE SXSW gig would be a TOP PRIORITY.

Speaking of SXSW, my CMJ-compiling partner in crime, FWYB, has just posted a massive SXSW guide that you will probably find very useful if you are going.

Mussels - Shows, New Tunes

THIS JUST MADE MY DAY! Just noticed that Mussels have posted on their Myspace two more songs from Little Voices, their upcoming full length, "It's Coming Down" and "Cannon On A Clothes(line?)". And they are fanfuckingtastic. I NEED THIS ALBUM AND I NEED IT NOW!!!!

And have I mentioned how happy I am that Mussels are now doing shows on a regular basis again. I haven't? Well I am. Here's what they have coming up at the end of the month:

Wed March 28 Ace Of Clubs $6
Fri March 30 Union Hall w/ Cedars, Airthieves $8

Here's the lineup/set times for that Ace of Clubs show:

11 PM Pistola
10 PM Buteo
9 PM Mussels
8 PM King Dice

BTW - I've been meaning to point out how jammed Union Hall's calendar is with worthwhile shows, for instance:

Wed March 14 The Lisps + The Hope Trust + The Wild Deer $5
Wed March 21 The Real Ones (from Norway) + The Changes + The Manhattan Love Suicides + The Metric Mile $10 BUY TICKETS
Sat March 24 The Mugs $tba
Thurs March 29 +/- + Say Hi To Your Mom + Bishop Allen $12 BUY TICKETS
Mon April 2 The Long Winters + The Broken West $15 BUY TICKETS
Tues April 3 Land Of Talk $10
Thurs May 31 Memphis (Torquil Campbell from Stars) + special guests $15 BUY TICKETS

Robitinev via Bryan, natch...

Alamo Race Track

You may or may not remember that I sort of posted about Alamo Race Track once before. Well I am quite happy to report that they are making their way over to the states from the Netherlands for SXSW and a FREE(!!) NYC gig at Rebel on Mon March 18. The Rebel show is a Rocks Off Presents showcase of six bands from the Netherlands, including two "&" bands, Kraak & Smaak and C-Mon & Kypski, Voicst, About, and Excelsior labelmates zZz. If you enjoyed Johan at Knockout Round 2 and are looking for more of the same, this is it. I highly recommend going to this show and checking out Alamo Race Track. Go to their Myspace and listen to some tunes, many which I think sound very Beatleish, or go here and watch a ton of videos of the band, including this one:

Jim Ward Solo @ Matchless - This Sun March 11

WOW! Via Matchless:

"Sparta/mewithoutyou"

Afterparty Featuring
Sparta's own JIM WARD (acoustic)
in the Live Room
Sunday 3/11/07 Midnight

Matchless
Manhattan ave @ Driggs ave
Greenpoint Brooklyn

FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE


Previously:

Sparta, mewithoutYou, Aloha - Tour

Sin-e - Fri March 23 - BrooklynVegan Presents

More info here

Cornelius - Webster Hall Tix Onsale

Tix for The Cornelius Group: ''Sensuous Synchronized Show'' at Webster Hall on Thurs May 10 went onsale today at noon. $25

Very exciting.

If you have never experienced Cornelius live, you can get a little taste of what it's like by watching this video (skip ahead to about 4:24 for the live portion):



(thanx Scott)


Previously:

Another Cornelius Video - Fit Song
Cornelius - Australian Tour, Coming To The US!
Cornelius - Music

David & The Citizens

The Swedish Invasion continues! Of all the bands that are coming from overseas for SXSW and are also doing a show (or shows) in NYC, one of the bands that I am most excited about is David & The Citizens. Recommended for fans of Bright Eyes and Margot and The Nuclear So & Sos. Fun, jubilant, well crafted pop tunes that you can listen to here or at their Myspace. Crashin' In have asked them to play at Galapagos on Fri March 23. Here are the details:

Friday March 23, 2007
Galapagos, 70 N6th St., Williamsburg, NY
10pm-4am
Cover $8

Crashin'In Presents

Djs: Oil (KanineRecords), Toby Rascal (KanineRecords), and Gerald(OtherMusic)

(11:00pm) David and The Citizens (Friendsly Fire Recordings) live performance
(12:00am) Hail Social (Polyvinyl Records) record release party for their sophomore album "Modern Love & Death" with live performance
(1:00am) Bear Hands live performance
(2:00am) Carolbui live performance

The Kaiser Chiefs "Yours Truly, Angry Mob" new album listening party with giveaways from Filter.

*new and old school sk8 videos projected on a huge screen all night long!

Buy their album, Until The Sadness Is Gone, at Insound.

Portishead - "Wandering Star" Video

Thanx to Pfork for making me aware of this video. I love love love me some Portishead. In my opinion, they are one of the very, very few bands that can make music as atmospheric, moody, and awe-inspiring as Radiohead. Thom is my all time favorite male vocalist and Beth Gibbons is Thom's female counterpart. And this video is a reminder of why, as if a reminder was needed. Just like countless other music nerds such as myself, their upcoming album (it feels great to be able to say that and for it to actually be a reality) is at the top of my most anticipated next album list.

Here's the video:



Speaking of Radiohead, something fishy is going on over at Greenplastic:

We're going to have to keep this short and sweet for now: Radiohead should be touring the US sooner than you probably think. 'Nuff said!

Stay tuned.

Hmmmmmmm.... Not sure if I should be freaking out yet.

Reminder - Friction Tomorrow Thurs March 8

No Holy Fuck, but still a great night of music. Via CU:

Unfortunately, due to conflicts with their other New York City show, Holy Fuck had to cancel playing FRICTION tomorrow night. We thought about bringing in the debut of the CU Air Band, but I can’t sing and all Nghia does on stage is high kick, so we decided to stick with our existing lineup and throw one hell of a party!

We’re still gonna tear up The Delancey with Philly’s Plastic LittleVampire Weekend and Dreamburger, along with DJ sets by robot Blair from Music For Robots. Doors open at 8:00pm and Advance Tickets are available on Ticketweb. and NYC’s

Set times: 10:30pm Plastic Little / 9:30pm Vampire Weekend / 8:30pm Dreamburger / DJ Robot Blair between sets and afterwards

FREE Sparks! from 9pm-10pm

Aeroplane Pageant - Long Island Shows In March

First - About their record release party and new album. WOW! The completely packed crowd at Mercury Lounge was treated with the best sounding set that I have heard from the band to date. And everyone that I spoke with after the show agreed. Roaring success would be an understatement. Finally got my copy of Wave To The Moon, which has been a major part of the soundtrack to the last week and a half of my life. Get your copy at one of their two Long Island shows this month, including one this weekend! The dates:

Sat March 10 - Mr. Beery's 9PM w/ Gilgongo, Owen Pye
Thurs March 29 - The Crazy Donkey 8pm w/ Men, Women, & Children

BTW - is The Crazy Donkey the new Downtown? It's also in Farmingdale, seems to be about the same size, and books similar bands. I'm thinking "yes."


(Pic via CU)

WOXY - SXSW Update

The lineup:

WOXY.COM @ SXSW 2007 -- confirmed sessions (times listed EST)
Mon March 12 -- The Early Tapes @ Noon, She, Sir @ 6pm
Tues March 13 -- Peel @ Noon, Via Audio @ 4pm, The Little Ones @ 6pm
Wed March 14 -- Sara Culler @ Noon, Age Rings @ 2pm, 120 Days @ 4pm, Land Of Talk @ 6pm
Thurs March 15 -- Snowden @ Noon, Calla @ 4pm, The Rumble Strips @ 6pm
Fri March 16 -- WOXY.COM/lala/Noise Pop day party @ Emo's Annex, feat. Bob Mould, The Little Ones, The Broken West, Alexi Murdoch, Aqueduct, and Snowden, with host Zack Galifinakis. (streamed live from 1-7pm EST)
Sat March 17 -- Foals @ Noon, 65DaysOfStatic @ 2pm, Cloud Cult @ 4pm, The Manhattan Love Suicides @ 6pm

Cloud Cult! Land of Talk!

Just a note though, I'm not as immediately impressed with their showcase this year as I was with their showcase back in '05. The Frames, The National, Giant Drag, Feist, Earlimart, The Cribs, Nicolai Dunger....that was an incredible show. I remember racing from work to home to continue listening/wishing I was there. However, I have a feeling that I am going to end up eating my words on this one, and will end up loving every one of this year's sets too.

Sidenote - have you been enjoying the Noise Pop archives as much as I have??? Looking forward to hearing that Midlake performance.


Previously:

WOXY - SXSW, Noise Pop, David Vandervelde

Benzos Rave This Sat!!, Branches = Mastered

Via their Myspace:

...A MUST SEE!

This is a special announcement in the 13th hour...

We're playing this amazing underground warehouse, rave party this coming saturday.
Those who have seen Benzos before won't be getting the usual from us.
nope...this will be a special, one of a kind, live remix/ambient/dance set.

The info is as listed:

03/10/2007 10:00 PM - "The Rave" @ 3rd Ward
195 Morgan Ave
Brooklyn (East Williamsburg), New York
US
Cost: $9

Description: a warehouse rave featuring special guest DJ's from the UK and some secret bands and a special "live remixing/ambient/dance" set from your boys, Benzos.

venue site: www.3rdwardbrooklyn.org

AND

The Morning After...MASTERING! + album news

So we've reached that milestone called "mastered record". That means it's done!
Thank god. This album process nearly killed us at times and at others made us rejoice and cry out "gratzie Yahweh!". Well, not really, but it sounded good.

Anyways, so now we're wrapping up our amazing artwork and having our website rebuilt and meeting and planning the global attack that "branches" will wage on all living souls.

We'll keep you posted as it goes.

Here's some lil tidbits for the upcoming:

- our lil movie, "the making of branches" will be posted on youtube and linked here on our myspace page very soon. It was editted by our little bro, michael cinelli, who's an up and coming film maker. it features previews of 3 new songs, footage of us recording and footage of us fucking around during downtime.

- new songs posted here on our myspace player.

- contests, giveaways, free food and apple juice.

- live concert footage posted on the intranet.

- and much more...

here's the tracklisting to our new cd, if y'all care:

1. sell this thing
2. phase 2
3. branches
4. portland
5. hard to feel
6. teach me
7. on your own
8. life
9. hurt everybody
10. crooked hands
11. translucent
12. pere

And a pic from their recent show at Glasslands:



Previously:

Benzos - Album News, Glasslands Feb 22
Benzos - CMJ Update, Branches

empire! empire! (i was a lonely estate)

Someone book this band!

I got a Myspace request from empire! empire! (i was a lonely estate) a while back and was immediately hooked by their tunes, which sound like Explosions In The Sky and Jeniferever meets Saves The Day (a guilty pleasure of mine. come on, how can you not love this video?). Crazy band name and Emo leanings aside, try not to judge this book by it's cover and check out the songs at their Myspace. And if you are a booker, please consider hooking these guys up with a gig. The band is currently looking to book a tour from their home base in Michigan to the East Coast on the following dates in these states:

May 23 OHIO
May 24 PENNSYLVANIA
May 25 NEW JERSEY
May 26 RHODE ISLAND
May 28 MASSACHUSETTES
May 29 NEW YORK

Not only will you be doing the band a huge favor, you will also be doing be a favor, because I very much want to see these guys live.

Listen To Ted Leo's WOXY Lounge Act

HELL YES!!!

WOXY's March 3rd Noise Pop 2007 archives are finally streaming, which include, Clinic, Earlimart, and....

Ted Leo's Lounge Act!!! Via WOXY:



Ted Leo
Performed March 2, 2007

Just a few weeks before releasing the new album "Living With The Living", Ted sat down with Mike at Coast Recorders studio in San Francisco before his performance at Noise Pop 2007.

This terrific solo performance only features one track from the new album and then a slew of old favorites.

Track Listing:

Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone?
The "Nice People" Argument
A Bottle Of Buckie
- interview -
The Living Kind
Me And Mia

Download MP3 (35:53)

Oh my...it is so so so so good. And yes, I am an extremely biased Ted Leo fanatic, but this really will drop kick you in the face. mmmmmmmmm... Listening to this is making me one happy blogger. I'm quickly forgetting about the canceled Merc show.

I also listened to LoveLikeFire's lounge act today, and it was superb. I need to go to San Francisco and see these guys and Finest Dearest, because they are taking their sweet ass time getting to NYC.

Kidding...

Upcoming WOXY lounge acts:

3/8 Canada 3:00pm (They were great at CMJ last year)
3/30 Arizona 3:00pm

Spoon - April Shows

In addition to SXSW, Sasquatch, and Bonnaroo, Spoon have quietly posted a bunch of April dates at their website, which include a show in Asbury Park on Tues April 24, but no NYC date. Check it:

Apr 21 Baltimore, MD - Sonar - Main Room
Apr 22 Philadelphia, PA - Starlight Ballroom
Apr 24 Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony
Apr 26 New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
Apr 27 Northhampton, MA - Pearl Street

Tix info for these shows here. This is what's listed at Stone Pony's site:

Tuesday, April 24
SPOON
with special guests
Doors at 7 pm
Tickets: $16
On sale Wednesday
ALL AGES ADMITTED

Look for tix here on Wed. I wouldn't be surprised if more dates are added. And did I ever mention that I am in this video? I'm sure lots of you guys are in it too.

CMJ '07 - Dates, Mega Early Registration

Oh man. CMJ '07 news already???? Here ya go (Via Rachael's press release):

Clear your calendars! The 27th Annual CMJ Music Marathon will take place from Tuesday, October 16 to Saturday, October 20 in New York City. And for the first time in over a decade, the headquarters have moved downtown. Together with NYU, the world famous Puck building, and dozens of legendary venues, this year's Marathon will continue to feature performances from the best of the best new artists from around the world.

Join 12,000 music professionals and over 100,000 music fans in New York this October. CMJ Music Marathon has helped thousands of artists gain worldwide success including the Shins, Arcade Fire, Black Eyed Peas, Modest Mouse, the Killers, and Wilco, just to name a few. The five-day festival also features panels, keynote speeches, film premieres, mentoring sessions, and tutorials.

Registration is open now at www.ticketweb.com, with extreme early bird prices available. Band/Artist Showcase submissions are also being accepted right now at www.sonicbids.com/cmjmusicmarathon2007 with a 20% discount until April 15, 2007. Potential panelists and speakers should contact the panels department at panels07@cmj.com.

Aw shucks, no costumes this year. Bummer. I might go ahead and wear one anyway.

The Changes @ Pianos - Tues March 20

According to The Changes' Myspace, the band will be at Pianos on Tues March 20, even though they are not listed at Pianos' website yet. Hopefully I'll finally get to see them this time around, after missing them several times at CMJ last year. I HAVE to hear "Her You and I" live. It was one of my favorite songs of '06 and you can listen to it here.


Previously:

The Changes - Download WOXY Lounge Act

Hot Rocks @ The Delancey - This Fri March 9

More info here.

KEXP @ SXSW '07

Via KEXP:

KEXP is taking it on the road to Austin, TX for the 2007 South By Southwest Music Festival. The follwing bands will be performing live on the air with KEXP DJs John Richards, Cheryl Waters and Kevin Cole.

Wednesday 3/14/2007 1:00PM The Early Years 3:00PM Ghostland Observatory 5:00PM Earl Greyhound 7:00PM Mew

Thursday 3/15/2007 1:00PM The Ponys 1:45PM Peter Bjorn And John 3:00PM The Holloways 5:00PM Fujiya & Miyagi 7:00PM The Apples In Stereo

Friday 3/16/2007 1:00PM Announced Soon 3:00PM Okkervil River 5:00PM Under Byen 7:00PM Beirut

Ghostland Observatory, PB&J, Fujiya & Miyagi, Beirut, and OKKERVIL RIVER(!!!). Cowabunga dude! (TMNT fever!)

Jeez....exclamation point overload.

In The City - New York Music Festival / Convention

Just found out about this a few days ago. Sounds interesting. Here's what we know so far (via the UK site):

IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK - A two day event on June 13th - 14th 2007 bringing high level music industry debate and the most exciting new bands in the modern world to that narrow strip of land between the Hudson and the East River.

Curated by Yvette Livesey and Anthony Wilson, founders of IN THE CITY, the internationally respected music convention out of Manchester, England, and with several nods to the great traditions of the New Music Seminar, which ruled in the 80’s and early 90’s, IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK is two days of talking about music, thinking about music and just enjoying music.

During the day 500 esteemed industry leaders will gather in the W Hotel, Union Square for a series of panels, seminars and master classes on the state of the music industry today and, more importantly, tomorrow. There will be two streams of unique panels; the ever-evolving music business will be debated in the great 1920's ballroom, and deep tech discussions will take place in the intimate studio room.

Like IN THE CITY in England, the daytime side of the event will center on major industry figures/legends in conversation with skilled interviewers.

By night the scene will shift to the 2,100-capacity Nokia Theatre, Times Square for two nights of simply the Best of British emerging talent. Each night will feature a major British artist already breaking in the US, a newly signed British artist with their first album out and with high expectations from their company, be it major or indie and then each night one of the two best unsigned artists from the recent IN THE CITY UNSIGNED event in Manchester.

After-show events will feature the US Revenge, as Stateside talent will also showcase to the delegates and the public in various venues throughout downtown Manhattan.

There will be a press launch in April to reveal what excitement to expect in the early summer, to both the industry in the US and the music fans of New York

Pre-registration and hotel booking will soon be available via the secure website www.inthecityofnewyork.com. There will be a limited number of delegate passes, which will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stay tuned for more information at the event website here.

The Music Slut's Spring Fling - Sat March 24

Tix onsale.

RUMOR - Daft Punk In NYC - RUMOR

This could be HUGE. In case you haven't seen it yet, go here.

Keyspan Park - Thurs Aug 9

Also at Lollapalooza on Fri Aug 3.

If Daft Punk and Pearl Jam are in Chicago the first weekend of August, I might be there too.

Update: Rumor no more!


Previously:

So Jealous

Ace Of Clubs - Thurs March 15