12:55 PM - Morning Theft "break up"

Longstanding local champions of 90's style guitar rock, Morning Theft, announced that they're splitting up (amicably) and won't be playing any more shows. Definitely a bummer for those of us who have been fans of this band for years. Read what the band has to say in this myspace blog.

You can still get their WHOLE ALBUM, Between Walls, for FREE at the band's website. Don't pass this up, music this good is worth paying for.

Previously: Morning Theft Robotinev

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12:15 PM - NYC Attack On Music Continues... Luna Lounge Closed

It's gotten to the point where I'm not even surprised when I hear news like this anymore. Jezebel Music founder Gabriel Levitt posted the following online in regards to a benefit show scheduled for tonight at Luna Lounge being cancelled after the NYC Health Department (temporarily?) shut the venue down last night:

"We're very sorry to report that the Luna Lounge was temporarily closed down by the New York City Health Department last night and the Benefit show for Common Ground is canceled. Those of you who bought advance tickets can use them for the rescheduled show. Also, please note that the advance ticket sales will all go right to Common Ground.

Because we don't know all of the facts, I hesitate to disparage the responsible parties. But I feel completely free to write that it seems very unfair to shut down a rock venue/bar on a Friday night right before the music starts, and thus putting the business out for the whole weekend, unless the public's health is really at risk. I highly doubt this was the case..." Read the full post at Jezebel Music.

After a number of closings (both temporary and permanent) for venues (Sound Fix comes to mind, obviously) it's really starting to feel like there's a very specific push right now-more than ever before-to get music venues and bars shut down. Somehow it doesn't look like it'll be slowing down any time soon, so I wouldn't be surprised if your favorite local venue was the next target, unfortunately.

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08:54 AM - Jared Friedman (and Gabe) on tour NOW!

The fine gentleman pictured above (taken at the Holy Moly show at Sound Fix on February 8th) is none other than Jared Friedman. Let's get with the full disclosure before anything else: he's one of my best friends, and over the past 10 years he's been a bandmate, roommate, business partner, radio show co-host, and many other things that would keep this from being at all objective.

Joining Jared will be Gabriel Miller-Phillips, who I've talked about before (and sent on tour for a digital release with Alina Simone, who you know is playing at Joe's Pub tonight). I'm actually a little behind in posting this, and have already missed the first date that I'm about to tell you about, but I'll include it anyway just to maintain the full scope of their tour Southern tour.

Though they'll be on the road together, the real news here is that it's the debut outing for Jared Friedman, whose solo work is quite different from what you would expect from the shirtless stomping bassist of Man In Gray - even when he's playing songs that get the full-on rock treatment by that (our) band. The songs he's singing are brilliantly composed tales that just might even break your heart. No, I'm not kidding.

If you're in one of the areas they'll be stoping in, please try to check them out. You can even follow their adventures on the (hopefully soon to be updated) Folk 'N' Roll tour blog.

Read on for all the dates...

>>> More on "Jared Friedman (and Gabe) on tour NOW!"

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11:30 AM - Brooklyn Won't Listen

This is sort of weird and also really awesome.

Local "band" (err, solo project of multi-instrumentalist Jason Drake) Cassettes Won't Listen will be doing a tour of Brooklyn Industries stores this weekend. He played a great set at the After The Jump official SXSW show in Austin (see all my photos from SXSW 2008 at Prefix Magazine) and I'm looking forward to seeing more!

Saturday is pretty convenient for me, with 1pm at the Smith Street store and then 3pm at the (5th Ave) Park Slope store! Sunday he hits Williamsburg, SOHO, the West Village, and Chelsea.

CWL on Myspace.

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04:27 PM - Having fun in the real world

I've got a few things to mention!

First, new dude in town with the band that's playing every show happening, Spanish Prisoners are opening for and backing up Daniel Johnston at the Highline Ballroom! I made them a flyer for the show...

Spanish Prisoners' songwriter, Leo, is also a last-minute addition (replacing Scary Mansion) to the Naked Hearts show at Glasslands tonight (Forest Fire are also on the bill - they're one of those bands that have been popping up in my world a lot lately too).

The Gay Blades are out at Maxwells tonight.

I booked a nice little compact two-act lineup happening next Thursday (2/28) at Sound Fix in Williamsburg... and it's free! Caithlin De Marrais (from Rainer Maria) and Josh Mease are playing. Here's the flyer!

And of course this weekend is the Man In Gray TOTALLY AWESOME BIRTHDAY WEEKEND CELEBRATING ME TIMES 28! NYC (@ Mercury Lounge) on Friday and then down to DC (@ The Red And The Black) on Saturday! Yeah, it's gonna rule. GET TICKETS FOR MERCURY! (Yes, we're opening for Dax Riggs, that's the correct show).

Pals Morning Theft have released an awesome new record that you can download all for free! You can even enter a contest to win a Wii. For real!

Oh, and
Eli from The Hot IQs has started a "Dear Abby for bands" at Denver's Westword called Bandicoots. Should be interesting...

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08:08 AM - The Fire

Since Rainer Maria's breakup in 2006, the members of that band have apparently been hard at work. I'm not sure what William Kuehn has been up to musically (if someone out there does, let me know!), but I know that Kyle and Caithlin have both spent some time playing with the incredibly fun collective Balthrop, Alabama (they played my After The Jump CMJ Day Party at The Yard) in addition to working on their own projects. Kyle Fischer has been heavily involved in recording projects, one of them being the solo debut from his former bandmate, Caithlin De Marrais. The full album, My Magic City, will be released in a few months, but for now De Marrais has a Valentine's Day gift for you: a free mp3 of the single "The Fire." Listen and download it from End Up Records. You are also encouraged to check out The Evergreen Network, a Connecticut-based HIV/AIDS outreach organization that Caithlin's mom is involved with.

The song itself is a beautifully sparse piano-driven piece that doesn't stray too far from the melower later RM material, but feels a bit more mature and sad: it concludes with the haunting repetition of "Bells ring out in the distance, are they for us? No, they're not for us." If this is any indication of what "My Magic City" sounds like, Rainer Maria fans should be happy - especially others whose music taste may have "grown up" a bit in the past few years.

Caithlin De Marrais has a big show at Joe's Pub on April 18th, but you can get a preview (and hopefully a lot of new material from the upcoming record) in two weeks at Sound Fix in Williamsburg. She'll be playing a FREE show there on Thursday, February 28th. Opening band TBA soon (if you think it should be your band, get in touch with me quickly...)!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Update: CMJ has a news story up about this, with some insight from Kyle Fischer.

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03:42 PM - Hot new Goes Cube jams are Not What We Thought

Remember when I interviewed Goes Cube by sending them a bunch of questions in the form of numbers with question marks after them? Then the band actually responded (somewhat) seriously? They're good sports and funny guys, not to mention they make one hell of a racket. I'm lucky enough to witness the pummeling on a regular basis, walking past their rehearsal room at least once a week. Of course the (barely) soundproofed door dampens the blow a bit, but it'd be impossible for anything to totally contain their Pure Rock Fury.

Goes Cube live is a very different experience from just about any other three-dude-guitar-based-rock-band kicking around Brooklyn these days. They play so loud and hard that even when you can't make out the actual music (and you often can't, in some of the venues they play) you can FEEL it. By FEEL I mean it will shake you and quite possibly knock you on your ass. Imagine sticking your head under the hood of a race car and flooring it, then running a mile and doing it again, all with a big dumb smile on your face. That's what each song is like when they play live. It hurts, in a good way.

Now, try taking their massive racket and squishing it down, as is, into a cd. It's not going to work. Luckily, their numerically-titled songs also happen to be well-written, and sound even better when you can actually hear them. The grooves and bashing drums and screams are all there, but they sound so fresh and even, dare I say it, almost easily digestible. Don't worry, it's far from pop, and your parents will probably HATE it, but pick any of these songs (use a random number generator, hah!) and turn on repeat and you'll be happy for the rest of the day. Since your best friend probably stole your copy of their last release, you're in luck. The band is releasing a limited edition 6-song ep just in time for their March tour, entitled Not What We Thought. Let me tell you, there's some good stuff on here. If nothing else, pick this up for "Goes Cube Song 56," which is a beast of an anthem. I almost headbanged my monitor right off my desk the first time I listened to it at work. The other tracks lean a little more on the mathy/slow side of things, but they're no less heavy or awesome.

Listen to Goes Cube Song 57 (from Not What We Thought) and tracks from their album Beckon The Dagger God on Myspace. Check out all their upcoming tour dates here.

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12:01 PM - Bear Claw @ Sound Fix this week

Who are Bear Claw? Friends and good music-makers.

Can you listen to them somewhere? Perhaps.

See them live for FREE this Friday at Sound Fix in Williamsburg and find out more. 8pm. Word is they might be settling on a more permanent band name (like one that isn't already in use by a ton of acts) soon.

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11:07 AM - Go, Daytrotter, Go!

I shouldn't need to tell you this, but go over to Daytrotter and make your ears happier and (possibly) your life better. Two of the latest sessions up are from The Thermals (who are apparently "not punk" but rather "beardless indie") and Lewis & Clarke. I kind of get the feeling that they scheduled those basically to make my day.

By the way, since apparently I'm blogging about music again, I've gotta say that I'm really looking forward to seeing what Caithlin has in store post-Rainer Maria. Guess we'll find out on Valentines Day when her first single from the forthcoming My Magic City, "The Fire," is released. Awesome.

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07:49 AM - Vote for William Howard Taft

As musicians and celebrities continue to throw their weight behind their preferred presidential candidates, let's hear The Two Man Gentleman Band out as they tell us a thing or two about their favorite oversized head of state.

Let's not forget another TMGB Super Fat Tuesday-appropriate jam, "Stuff Your Ballot Box."

Befriend these fine men on the myspace.

Super.

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08:36 AM - NC Great 8

Alina Simone is featured on the North Carolina-based News Observer in a feature called "Great Eight 2008" along with 7 other musicians who they consider to be the best local acts (in NC, obviously.) Check out the feature and watch the performance / interview video to get a preview of Alina's upcoming all-Russian album of Yanka covers, Everyone is Crying Out to Me, Beware.

Previously: Alina robotinev, Subinev Holiday Party '06, Get Going digital ep, Placelessness release info

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01:05 PM - My other shirt is...

For some reason the fact that this shirt exists just makes me feel old.

But hey, while we're on the topic, my birthday is next month and I like silly tee shirts, even ones that make me feel old and totally uncool.

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10:05 AM - Been taking a lot of photos

Roger Miller and Peter Prescott of Mission Of Burma at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg last night.

I've been spending a lot of time lately taking photos and getting used to the camera I bought recently. Check my flickr if you're interested in keeping up. Mostly concert photos over there but there's a healthy mix of kitties and city scenes too.

Some more recent concert photos:

Screaming Females:

The XYZ Affair:

Gates Of Heaven:

Ted Leo And The Pharmacists:

Eagles Of Death Metal:

The Lisps:

Poingly:

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10:48 AM - Take Away o'death

On New Year's Eve, Greg from o'death was telling me about the Take Away Show that they'd filmed recently, and I was thinking it was a perfect idea for the group - their music would make more sense being performed on the porch of an old house or somewhere down by the swamp, though in reality they tend to play a lot of fairly traditional "rock" venues. Taking the band out of this unnatural (though comfortable for them, since they've done so much of it now) setting and putting them somewhere a little more rustic is fun to watch. Check out the two videos here. I recommend watching them in reverse order: start with "Only Daughter" because it's a great song and amazing performance of it - breakfast included, then check out "Allie Mae Reynolds" for a fun performance that brings to mind chickens running around with their heads cut off. Really.

Previously: o'death Robotinev.

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03:25 PM - The city's awake (but I'm not) so let's go

I wish it had snowed.

The Shondes had a successful release show the other night at Luna Lounge, and to keep the funtimes going, check them out over at Spin's Band Of The Day! Nice!

Openers The Art Of Shooting have changed drastically since the last time I saw them play. In fact, most of the band is different (not a new occurrence with them over the past few years, unfortunately) though as I've repeated more than a few times since this show, I think they've finally found the right combination. As the essence of TAOS, Kelly has always been great at doing abrasive post-punk and explosive noise, but with this lineup she seems to have more freedom to soften the blow a bit and take the band's sound in newer directions. While I'm always a fan of a full-on assault on the earholes, it's nice to see a band explore what they can do. It's been a long time coming, but it sure looks like The Art Of Shooting are finally in a position to teach us all a lesson. (I can hear you groaning at that one already.)

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01:41 PM - Favorite concert photos from 2007

I put together a Flickr set of some of my favorite concert photos that I took this year. Keep in mind it's just my favorites - might not mean the best shot or the best show (though some of these definitely qualify as both of those in my own opinion). Take a look and enjoy.

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11:28 AM - Serious Business Holiday Party tonight @ Pianos

A quick note: There's a Serious Business Records holiday party happening tonight at Pianos. Official business because I'm too tired from my job's holiday karaoke party last night to think of anything clever:

SERIOUS BUSINESS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Starring
ROCKETSHIP PARK
BENJI COSSA's Christmas Spectacular
THE UNSACRED HEARTS

Thursday, December 20th
8PM. 21+
PIANOS, NYC
158 Ludlow @ Stanton.

Special treats for all...including...an all Christmas set from Benji Cossa who'll joined by Travis Harrison from the Unsacred Hearts on drums. And also...speaking of the Hearts...founding member Andy Ross will join the Unsacred Hearts on stage for several numbers. Not to be missed.

Benji has a free Christmas album available now, called Merry Christmas to Friends and Family. Love, Benji Cossa. Go get it. I meant to do a robot drawing of him but looks like I'll have to find an excuse another time... his cover of Big Star's "Jesus Christ" is nice, check it out. The (Benji-penned) titled track is pretty sweet as well - I hope that when he performs it tonight it turns into a big sing along.

Benji Cossa - "Jesus Christ" (Big Star)
Benji Cossa - "Friends And Family"

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04:11 PM - Blogger's Delight recap

The show I curated at the Knitting Factory last night was a lot of fun. Thanks so much to all the bands: The Shamblers, Hotpipes, Mancino, and Phantom Buffalo; and of course DJ Shufflelovers for making it a night of great music all the way through. Here are a few highlights from the performances.

Check out the full photo gallery on flickr - I really like the fun "before playing" shots I took right before introducing each band in. The Tap Room has a nice little funky "backstage area" that the bands can change in or relax for a minute before they hit the stage. Hopefully I'll get to add to that collection at more shows!

Thanks again to everybody!

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03:33 PM - After the Jump presents New Year's Eve 2007, NYC

After The Jump is taking over two levels of the Knitting Factory in support of Education Through Music.

Dirty Projectors, Foreign Islands, Care Bears on Fire, Senryu, and Poingly
After-party hosted by Cex, with special guests Ecstatic Sunshine, Alan Astor, Wzt Hearts

Tickets on sale now via ticketweb or ShopText through the Knitting Factory site
Curated by the people behind:

themusicslut . batteringroom . disconap . earfarm . ryspace . irockiroll . musicsnobbery . merryswankster . softcommunication . theunderratedblog . sitdownstandup . watercoolergossip . bumpershine . themodernage . productshopnyc . yetidontdance . slapyouinpublic . subinev . punkphoto . poptartssucktoasted . stereoactivenyc . fingeronthepulse

For more information, please email:

booking: booking@afterthejumpfest.com
charity: charity@afterthejumpfest.com
sponsors: sponsors@afterthejumpfest.com
publicity: publicity@afterthejumpfest.com

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10:26 AM - SUBINEV.COM CURATES BLOGGER'S DELIGHT - TONIGHT!

The Shamblers + Hotpipes + Mancino + Phantom Buffalo
DJ Shufflelovers between and after the bands
Blogger's Delight, curated by Subinev.com

FREE! Tonight, 9pm @ The Knitting Factory Tap Room
74 Leonard St, NYC

Goodies!

9pm - The Shamblers (Bay Ridge, Brooklyn): robot drawing, mp3, myspace
10pm - Hotpipes (Nashville, TN): robot drawing, mp3, myspace, live photos
11pm - Mancino (Brooklyn): robot drawing, myspace, live photos
12am - Phantom Buffalo (Portland, ME): robot drawing, mp3, myspace
DJ Shufflelovers: robot drawing, mp3, myspace, podcast

Last night I was lucky enough to get a sort of preview for tonight, as The Hotpipes were playing at Pianos, the second of their three NY shows this week. You can see some photos here. See you tonight!

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12:19 AM - After The Jump CMJ funtimes: Saturday, Oct. 20 @ the Yard

By the time we got through the After The Jump Fest back in August, the future of the music blogger collective was uncertain, but in the past few weeks leading up to the CMJ Music Marathon (next week! ack!) the name has come back in full force with three shows during the (admittedly already) hectic week of (too much) music - even including an official showcase (Wednesday @ the Music Hall of Williamsburg).

I may be a little biased because I had far more to do with one of these shows than the others, but I'm really excited about it and would love to see a lot of people come out and enjoy the day we've put together for you.

Let's start with the venue: The first time I went to The Yard was August 26th, coincidentally the day after the big After The Jump Fest at Studio B. She Keeps Bees (pictured below) were scheduled to play at the venue that I'd only heard about briefly before when Landau drove all the way to Brooklyn only to find out their show with the Bjorkestra and Sex Mob there had been cancelled. What I knew was that it was outside and on the Gowanus Canal. Sure! That's enough to get me to check it out.

The venue itself is just what it claims to be: a yard. There are trees and some rocks to sit on, a path to walk along, a barbecue area, and of course a small stage with views of the cool blue Carroll Street Bridge right behind it.

We'll start the day with The Lisps and Balthrop, Alabama and then shift gears a bit for Eagle*Seagull (one of this year's CMJ not-to-be-missed bands) and Rock Plaza Central, then hootin' it up for Old Time Relijun and o'death (a pairing made in heaven or hell - either way it's sure to satisfy) and finally White Magic. The Two Man Gentlemen Band will entertain between acts. They'll be the ones in the nice hats.

Metromix and Blog Fresh Radio are helping to make it happen.

Official post and details for this show can be found here.

Listen!
The Lisps - "Pepper Spray"
The Two Man Gentlemen Band - "Shotgun Wedding"
Old Time Relijun - "Indestructible Life!"
o'death - "Adelita (Daytrotter Session)"

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10:25 AM - You've got to make a difficult decision

No, I'm not talking about what you might think I am. What are you thinking anyway?

Let's pretend that I post here all the time. Moving right along...

I'd sworn off concerts all week in preparation for the insanity of CMJ next week (by way of work, band stuff, and maybe even... fun?) but Friday has presented two options that I just can't ignore. What would you pick (or what will you pick, if you're going to one)? Nada Surf @ Union Hall (which was just announced yesterday) or Pela @ Trout (which used to be Gravy - a restaurant on Smith St). I suppose the real question is do I want to see this or this (though substitute the melodica player for a dreadlocked chainsmoking bassist and throw the slickest drummer in town in the back)?

More in a few days, including my CMJ recommendations.

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03:48 PM - Last Jukebox The Ghost residency show tonight

As you've probably heard, Washington, DC's Jukebox The Ghost have been doing a popular residency this month at Pianos in NYC. Tonight concludes this run, as they're joined by Subinev favorites Sure Juror (Robotinev)
Jukebox The Ghost at the After The Jump Fest, August 25, 2007

I don't have any MP3s for JTG, but you can hear their songs on Myspace. Check out the rest of their tour dates at the end of this post.

Sure Juror - "Making Friends Has Never Been This Easy"
(You can download both of Sure Juror's albums - SMUT and Sure Juror in their entirety for free from their site now.)

>>> More on "Last Jukebox The Ghost residency show tonight"

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03:49 PM - 77 Boadrum on Viva

If you missed the Boredoms' 77 Boadrum performance this summer, check out this extensive site with more media from the event than you'll know what to do with. The drummer interviews are pretty entertaining. Here's the one from Travis:

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11:41 AM - The Music Hall Of Williamsburg

I liked Northsix a lot, but I have to say this new venue (The Music Hall Of Williamsburg) is pretty cool. Seems they still have some work to finish up on it, but it's definitely Brooklyn's version of Bowery Ballroom.

Also, Against Me! are SO GOOD! Why didn't anyone tell me this before? (Actually they did, I just didn't pay attention. Oops.)

I did a little show writeup at CMJ. David Dondero was good too, even if he didn't make a lot of sense on the bill. Matt & Kim also played and smiled a lot.

I got a lot of fun shots of the crowd dancing at the show that I'll try and get together for later. Mosh pits look really funny from above.

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12:51 PM - Making big Mistakes!

Apparently local punky noiseboys Mistakes are calling it quits. They've announced that their show at the Annex next Thursday, September 13th (for Club NME, with the similarly riotous Dragons of Zynth) will be their "retirement show." No word on why exactly they're going to stop making Mistakes (of the best kind) but I'm guessing it's final, since they've put their entire new record online for free download (as well as last year's spectacular three-ep set, Crying, Tiger, Lady).

A few choice cuts:

Mistakes - "Libertine"
Mistakes - "The Voyeur"
Mistakes - "Econoline"
Mistakes - "Weekend Getaway"

And classics:

Mistakes - "Moving In Time"
Mistakes - "The Judge"

Previously: Mistakes robotinev + Live photos of Mistakes.

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12:46 PM - Ladybirds on Spin

In yet another installment of "Go Read About Ladybirds On Another Site" - today's edition includes their selection as the Spin Artist of the Day! Now go leave them some nice ratings and comments so Teeter doesn't have to cry.

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03:56 PM - When Dinosaurs walked the earth

I went to see Dinosaur Jr. last night. It was my first time at Webster Hall, and I thought the venue was pretty nice, if not what I'm used to. As great as the show was, much of it really just made me wish I'd seen the Sebadoh show the night before, with the songs with heavier Lou Barlow-contributions being my favorites of the set.

I remember being in high school and hanging out at friend's house. She had a cool older brother who was a little weird and mysterious, but had a room full of tapes and cd's. I recognized some of the bands as the same I was listening to, and others I'd heard of (I believe there may have been some Black Flag and Misfits and Fugazi in there along with the Nirvana and Sonic Youth) but not yet come to fully appreciate. Dinosaur weren't one that I knew about, but there were a few of their cds there and I listened to a random selection.

Obviously, this was the first time I heard The Greatest Song Ever Written.

Released that same year (yup, 1994), Without A Sound featured as the very first track the sound of a bottle being uncorked and then the iconic riff of "Feel The Pain." At 14, I couldn't ask for a better example of angsty lyrics and a perfect balance (or imbalance) or soft+slow/loud+fast music in a song. It just made perfect sense, and it still does. Last night when they played that song (the only one from that album that was on the set list at Webster Hall) I could tell from the crowd's reaction that they felt the same way. As the crowd sang along, I knew that everyone would agree, it's The Best Song Ever Written.

The funny thing is that even after hearing it, I didn't run out and buy the cd. I didn't even tape a copy of it. It was years before I got my hands on my own copy (digital copy, rather) and properly reacquainted myself with Dinosaur Jr and "Feel The Pain."

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11:44 AM - O'Death head (away from) home, new video

After headlining the Spiegeltent last night (how was the show?), local favorites and sole purveyors of the urban folk backwoods punk genre (though now that I think about it, there must be more, right?), o'death (those of Robotinev #50), have updated their heavy fall tour schedule (with Rock Plaza Central). They also just put out a video for their song "Down To Rest." I don't usually embed videos in here if I didn't make them, but o'death get the special treatment. You're gonna love this...

Tour dates, check it...

9/5 @ Black Cat - Washington, DC
9/6 @ Oberlin College - Oberlin, Ohio
9/7 @ Void Room - Champaign, Illinois
9/8 @ Hideout Block Party - Chicago, Illinois
9/8 @ Open End Gallery - Chicago, Illinois
9/9 @ 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, Minnesota
9/12 @ Neumos - Seattle, Washington
9/13 @ Dante's - Portland, Oregon
9/14 @ Pat's Pub - Vancouver, British Columbia
9/15 @ John Henry's - Eugene, Oregon
9/16 @ Jambalya - Arcata, California
9/18 @ Lobot Gallery - Oakland, California
9/19 @ Rickshaw Shop - San Francisco, California
9/20 @ The Echo - Los Angeles, California
9/22 @ Pomona College - Claremont, California
9/23 @ Rhythm Room - Phoenix, Arizona
9/24 @ Plush - Tucson, Arizona
9/26 @ The Mohawk - Austin, Texas
9/27 @ Cavern - Dallas, Texas
9/28 @ One Eyed Jacks - New Orleans, Louisiana
9/29 @ The Nick - Birmingham, Alabama
9/30 @ The Earl - Atlanta, Georgia
9/1 @ Tasty World - Athens, Georgia
9/2 @ Local 506 - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

More details and such can be found at their myspace page.

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03:46 PM - Alina Simone in NYC tonight

Alina Simone is on tour in support of her new debut full length, Placelessness, and tonight marks the NYC debut of the album (I actually played guitar on a track, so I can't say I'm the most objective listener at this point, though I'm definitely a huge fan of her songwriting - I wouldn't have played it if I weren't!). Joining Alina (and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Chris Barrey) tonight at Cake Shop are Afuche, who apparently are making the rounds quite well these days (from what little I've heard they sound a bit Man Man-y but more restrained). They're also playing a Deli Magazine party next month.

Previously: Alina Simone Robotinev.

You can still download Get Going, the digital ep I helped put out with two of her songs on it!

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01:49 PM - Pretty Girls Make Graves Divide and Conquer

It's about that time - Pretty Girls Make Graves (one of my absolute favorite bands from the past few years) broke up earlier this year - now, months later, they reveal the new projects that each member has been working on.

Here's your guide to where the former members of PGMG are now:

Jay Clark - Jaguar Love (he's playing drums, which he had been doing a little bit in the last days of PGMG live shows)

Derek Fudesco - The Cave Singers (already signed to Matador and making quite a name for themselves)

Andrea Zollo - Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death (hooking up with old bandmates and ex-The Murder City Devils for some pretty experimental and promising sounds)

Nick Dewitt - Night Canopy (a mellower pop band of sorts) and Dutch Dub (his solo electronica-tinged bedroom dub - which reveals some of the effects and sounds that were heard on PGMG recordings at times)

Somehow I'd missed it before, but I just saw that they put the robot drawing I did of PGMG on their Myspace page. That's awesome.

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02:45 PM - The XYZ Affair and Via Audio are at Union Hall tonight

Via Audio @ Union Hall w/ Jim Eno (Spoon)

Two recent local favorites of mine -- Nickelodean-nostalgics The XYZ Affair and Tripwire-darlings Via Audio -- are playing together with Dappled Cities at Union Hall tonight. It's sure to be one of those crazy packed nights spent enjoying quality music while bocce balls roll like thunder overhead.

The XYZ Affair @ Mercury Lounge

I don't think I mentioned it here, but when I saw The XYZ Affair at Mercury Lounge recently, I was very impressed. The only thing that was missing was slime in the bucket... let's hope they bring the green stuff tonight.

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01:10 AM - Goes Cube interview by the numbers

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The lineup for this Saturday's After The Jump Fest is a diverse one. Though some of the acts might not make a lot of sense together on your average show, getting to see all sorts of acts in one place is the beauty of a festival. If anything is certain, it's that Goes Cube will be the loudest band of the day.

I don't usually interview bands (though the Bling Kong BBQ&A was fun - they're also playing the After The Jump Fest Day Show) but I've made an exception here for the distinction of being the first (and hopefully, according to Dave, the last) to conduct an interview with Goes Cube in the most obvious manner possible: by asking them numbers. I figured that a band whose song titles are all numbers should be up to the challenge, and of course the trio came through with some hilarious (maybe a few too informative) responses...

Goes Cube - "Song 30"
Earfarm's video for "Goes Cube Song 34" - proof that they are great jumpers
* Stereogum just posted a new exclusive track: Goes Cube - "Song 46"

1. 24?
Dave: Hey, "Goes Cube Song 24" was the first song we wrote as a trio (Kenny
had just joined the band).
Matt: What is 3x8?
Kenny: Fucking horrible show on tv starring the guy from the Lost Boys.

2. 37?
D: According to Wikipedia, 37 A.D. was the year an earthquake destroyed
Antioch. But, also, according to Wikipedia, Stephen Hawking's nickname
is "Ol' Dick and Balls." So, you know...take it with a grain of salt.
M: Prime number.
K: The number of dicks Dante's girlfriend sucked in the movie Clerks

3. 2?
D: I prefer the more formal II.
M: Never heard of it.
K: My up-to-date testicle count

4. 88?
D: Show me a number that doesn't look better on the back of a football
jersey.
M: Fingers Louie
K: when Doc's Delorian hits that speed, "you're gonna see some serious
shit."

5. 11231?
D: BROOKLYN, WHAT?! CARROLL GARDENS, WHAT?!
M: Where I answer this from.
K: Roughest neighborhood in Brooklyn... and by roughest, I mean most
candy-assed

6. 11?
D: The thing is, Bryan, you're really coming at us with the hard-hitting questions. And I just don't know if I can answer something like this
right now.
M: I agree with Dave. This is too personal to answer.
K: My soccer number in high school... Also the age I lost my
virginity... just kidding... or am I?

7. 3?
D: Nothing compared to 23. Donnie Baseball, baby.
M: Leave it to Dave to admire a baseball player who is a goddmaned
hippy. Cut those sideburns Mattingly.
K: The number of guys in our band... also the number of "gays" in our
band.

8. 50?
D: Is that a request? OK, we'll play "Goes Cube Song 50" at ATJ.
M: What Dave said.
K: fifty dowwa bill... FIFTY DOWWA BILL!!!! FIFTY DOWWA BILL!!!!

You can see Goes Cube for free this Saturday at the After The Jump Fest at Studio B in Brooklyn. They're on EARLY. Hey, did somebody say something about Slagkicks?

myspace.com/goescube / goescube.com

Other bloggers are catching up with the bands playing After The Jump, here are a few recent interviews:
Disconap / Bling Kong
The Music Slut / Spectrum
Music Snobbery / Jukebox The Ghost

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11:53 AM - What a way to start a weekend

I know it's only Wednesday, but the weekend is sort of starting for me tonight. The StereoactiveNYC Roadshow feat. Man in Gray and Gold Streets kicks off tonight at Union Hall in Brooklyn. I'd like to call special attention to the opener on tonight's bill, fellow Brooklyn-based She Keeps Bees. I happened to catch their set at this year's NXNE festival in Toronto, as they were playing shortly before MiG's own set in the same multi-level venue and I'm so happy I was able to get them on this bill! If you're coming tonight please get there early and see their 8pm set! Also, the wonderful DJ Nora K will be on between and after the bands.

Man in Gray - "Last Night's Party"
Man in Gray - "That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate (Mission of Burma Cover)"

I swear I'm not favoring my own band here, the other two just don't have mp3s on their sites that I can link to! Go listen to Gold Streets and She Keeps Bees on Myspace.

It's hard to believe that next weekend is already August 25th... the After The Jump Fest is finally all coming together and looking like it will be an amazing show! Buy tickets for the night show so you can say you were there when all the cool kids are raving about Riot in Belgium in a few months. Proceeds go to the Bronx High School For the Visual Arts via DonorsChoose.org. Also, I realize I haven't even mentioned how awesome it is that Spectrum (aka the post-Spacemen 3 project of Sonic Boom) is headlining the (FREE!) day show. Even if we didn't have a lineup crammed full of some of the best bands NYC has to offer, that performance alone would be worth it.

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11:36 AM - Pitchfork forked?

Yikes, something is very wrong with Pitchfork at the moment. Looks like the CSS monsters got hungry.

Thanks to Rachael for pointing that one out.

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10:42 AM - It's that time again...

Just when you stopped getting daily emails reminding you to apply to play at CMJ '07 (I hope you did, because now it's too late!), it's time to start looking at next March. That's right, the 2008 SXSW site is up and taking band applications.

In other music festival news, Midpoint is coming up. It's a smaller one, but looks like fun, and I like Cincinnati, so I'm looking forward to going next month. Anyone else been there/planning to attend? Let me know!

There's also Monolith, which I really wish I was going to - just as much for getting another chance to spend some time in Colorado as for a lineup that is... well, about as good as you could hope for in one show, from the smallest bands playing to the headliners.

What are some more good (perhaps smaller/regional) music festivals coming up? (Don't be afraid of the comment-eating gremlins, try your post and it should get to me and eventually on the site.)

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10:08 AM - Boom boom blip bip crash bang

The pairing of The Octopus Project and Cinemechanica (who I reviewed last year, along with their alter-ego Contraband) isn't one I would have expected, but I can see it working. The two are heading out on the road together for a few dates next week: 08/17 @ the Bottle Tree in Huntsville, AL, 08/18 @ the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA, and 08/19 @ Local 506 in Chapel Hill, NC. I'll actually be in the (general) area (ok, the region) around that time, since Man in Gray will be touring with Gold Streets at the same time.

After that, the Octopus Project have dates lined up with Stereo Total and Aesop Rock, along with a headlining tour to follow in conjunction with the October 9th release of their new LP, Hello, Avalanche (the album cover is so cute you'll want to hug it). You can stream a couple tracks and get more tour dates here. Read more for full dates...

>>> More on "Boom boom blip bip crash bang"

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12:02 PM - ATER THE JUMP FESTIVAL - tickets onsale!

With just a few weeks left before the big show, tickets for the After The Jump Festival night show at Studio B featuring Soulico, Riot In Belgium and The Virgins with special guest DJs: Finger On The Pulse & Slap You In Public (with even more acts TBA) are on sale right now via Ticketweb! All proceeds from the festival will help fund grants written by New York music teachers for their classroom via the Bloggers Choose chapter of DonorsChoose.org! It's a great cause and a lot of hard work has gone into planning this festival on the part of a lot of people, I urge you to come out and show your support.

Buy Tickets Here!

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03:29 PM - Alina Simone gets cast

"Saw Edged Grass," a track from Alina Simone's upcoming full length Placelessness is available to stream and download at Pitchfork today. Get it while it's hot!

The album comes out on 54° 40 or Fight! on August 21st.

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11:57 AM - Live Great Northern video

When California's Great Northern came around last month I shot some video of their acoustic (duo) performance at Sound Fix in Williamsburg. Here's the song "Telling Lies" - ignore the odd freeze frame at the end, it got cut off in the YouTube compression somehow)


They're back in town again this week, with a show at Mercury Lounge tomorrow (Tuesday, July 24th) with The Comas. Opening are Falcon (feat. members of Longwave) and Bon Iver.

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02:30 PM - AFTER THE JUMP FESTIVAL | Bands announced

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04:17 PM - TSLOS announce last minute show

The Secret Life of Sofia have announced that they're playing a last minute show tomorrow night (Tues, July 17th) at The Annex. They'll be doing some of their older, more rockin' tunes at this show. Looking forward to hearing more of their newer, more ambient work? Put a big red X on August 8th on your calendar and make plans to find your way to Union Hall. Let's hope that they keep it up with the shows and don't disappear again!

The Secret Life of Sofia - "Hospital Inside Me"

TSLOS Robotinev.

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10:43 AM - Union Hall's big day

It's hard to believe that Union Hall has only been open for a year now (and I've sure talked about it enough). In that short time I've played shows a few times, threw a holiday party there, and watched lots of bands in the great basement performance space.

This week they've been having nightly festivities in honor of their first year (the first was Monday night with Matthew Caws and Raven Mayhem), and it all comes together tonight with a comedy extravaganza: a special installment of their regular Tearing The Veil Of Maya series. Regulars Eugene Mirman and Michael Showalter will be joined by Janeane Garogalo, David Cross, and Todd Barry. Plus a surprise band performing downstairs at 10pm that are guaranteed to be a LOT of fun. Doors are at 6, tickets $10.

In related news, the next Man in Gray show (also the first in NY since our release show there in early June) will be at Union Hall on Wednesday, August 15th!

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05:29 PM - A pair of touring Gents

I can't think of a finer, more dapper duo than our good friends the Two Man Gentlemen Band. They've been touring their summer trousers off and tonight marks the start of yet another 5 and a half weeks of hot pavement and empty whiskey glasses for the boys. See them off tonight when they play at 9pm in the Knitting Factory Tap Bar ($5 gets you admission and a kazoo!) in NYC.

Here are the rest of their tour dates:

July 12 @ Acappella Pub - Richmond, VA
July 13 @ The Acoustic Coffeehouse - Johnson City, TN w/ Christabel & The Jons
July 14 @ Charles & Myrtle's Coffeehouse - Chattanooga, TN
July 16 @ WDVX-FM Blue Plate Special (Day) - Knoxville, TN
July 16 @ Barley's Taproom (Night) - Knoxville, TN
July 17 @ French Broad Brewery - Asheville, NC
July 18 @ The Little Grill - Harrisonburg, VA
July 19 @ The Purple Fiddle - Thomas, WV
July 20 @ House Party - Altoona, PA
July 21 @ House Party - Hurricane, WV
July 23 @ The Brick - Kansas City, MO
July 26 @ Coffee Gallery Backstage - Altadena, CA
July 27 @ Sophia's Thai Kitchen - Davis, CA
July 28 @ Epic Arts Teahouse - Berkeley, CA
July 29 @ Amnesia - San Francisco, CA w/ The Earl Brothers
July 31 @ The Axe & Fiddle - Cottage Grove, OR
Aug 1 @ Johhny B's - Medford, OR
Aug 2 @ Sam Bond's Garage - Eugene, OR w/ Sassparilla Jug Band
Aug 3-5 @ Pickathon Festival - Pendarvis Farm, OR
Aug 7 @ Alberta St. Pub - Portland, OR w/ Sassparilla Jug Band
Aug 10 @ Avogadro's Number - Fort Collins, CO w/ Boulder Acoustic Society
Aug 11 @ Little Schoolhouse in the Pines - Salina, CO w/ Boulder Acoustic Society
Aug 12 @ The PS Collective - Omaha, NE
Aug 14 @ Mountain Music Shoppe - Shawnee, KS
Aug 15 @ Patrick Sullivan's - Knoxville, TN
Aug 16 @ French Broad Brewery - Asheville, NC
Aug 17 @ The Garage - Winston-Salem, NC w/ The New Familiars
Aug 18 @ Andy's - Chestertown, MD

Tour details and fine tunes for your listening pleasure can be found at the Gents' myspace page.

Bonus: Are you familiar with Proper Etiquette when Encountering a Unicyclist? Let Andy Bean hold your hand through a simple test.

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10:22 AM - I double dare you...

Check out the new video for The XYZ Affair's "All My Friends." It's kind of amazing for those of you who grew up watching Nickeloden.

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01:00 PM - Pela announce headlining Bowery show

It was only a matter of time - though they've graced the stage before, with a number of sold out local shows (including a few at Mercury) it's finally time for Pela to headline their own show at Bowery Ballroom. The date is August 25th. Openers and further details are still TBA.

August 25th is also the date of the After the Jump Fest in Brooklyn.

Previously: Pela Robotinev and many more.

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11:40 AM - Man in Gray album comes out today!

Today is the official release date for I Can't Sleep Unless I Hear You Breathing, the debut full-length record from Man in Gray.



Listen: Man in Gray - "Stranded"

MiG on Myspace

Buy: Serious Business, iTunes, eMusic


Here's a video from the record release show at Union Hall. It was fun.

ICSUIHYB isn't the only Serious Business Records release coming out today - new discs from Benji Cossa and Kickstart are also available!

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11:14 AM - Muggabears + Up the Empire @ Mercury tonight

I suppose it was inevitable that these two would play together - both the Muggabears and Up The Empire have been doing great lately, snagging opening gigs for great local and national acts around town. Tonight they do it again, BOTH opening for Apostle Of Hustle and Memphis (Feat. Torquil Campbell of Stars) at Mercury Lounge tonight. Show startst at 7pm with the 'Bears.

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08:43 AM - Great Lakes Myth Society contest reminder

Don't forget my contest for tickets to the amazing show happening in Long Island City tonight! The winner gets a pair of tickets and a copy of Great Lakes Myth Society's fantastic new record. Also on this bill are Beat Radio (they're headlining!), Chris Bathgate, and Tom Drake.

If you want in on the contest, hurry up and send your entry in! You've only got until noon today!

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08:28 AM - Head Home (again)

The hollerin' hootin' shoutin' stompin' fellas of O'Death (robot) are partying it up tonight at Luna Lounge, celebrating the re-release of their (aurally massaged a bit more this time around) stunning full length, Head Home. Brooklyn label Ernest Jenning does the honors of making it happen (they also recently picked up Takka Takka (robot) so you know they're in good hands. The show is happening at 8pm at Luna Lounge, with Super Monster (really fun live band!) and Rev. Peytons Big Damn Band.

Like LadyBirds, O'Death are also up for voting in that URB Next 1000 contest. Check it out and vote for them here. O'Death's Daytrotter session from SXSW this year is up now and worth a listen or 500. Finally, this week's Village Voice has a fancy article on the band. Wowzers.

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10:22 AM - Vote for Ladybirds at URB</