03:06 PM - Renminbi - The Phoenix pre-release Saturday
This Saturday, StereoActiveNYC Presents the pre-release party for Renminbi's new album The Phoenix at The Delancey. Details on the bands, all timed out so you can plan yr night accordingly: 8pm - Big / 9pm - Luff / 10pm - Pink Noise / 11pm - RENMINBI / DJ SANYC all night! One of the first reviews I wrote for the Deli back in the day (like, years ago) was of a Renminbi ep that included a couple of the tracks found on this new full length. The stuff sounded cool then, but the band has definitely been working hard and made a solid album that you should pick up at the show. Highly recommended if you're into Helium (I think they're just my reference of the month, actually, deal with it!), Sleater-Kinney (who I'm convinced stole one of Renminbi's riffs for a song on The Woods), and just a little bit of mathiness to your rock music. You can RSVP if you're into letting people know where you'll be and such (oh and you can win stuff/get discounts by doing that too).
View original photo by Arno Tijnagel
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02:32 PM - Nada Surf - Lucky
I don't even want to get into how long ago I did this drawing and tried to review the new Nada Surf disc, Lucky. This is a record that I've been having trouble with since I first heard it. The lead track, "See These Bones," kicks off with and instantly memorable line, and then the music slides right into a distinctly familiar Nada Surf style. That's all great, and the whole album is a good listen, but there's something just a little "off" with it. Maybe what bothers me the most is that my favorite track, "The Film Did Not Go 'Round" was not actually penned by the band (but rather, but someone I happen to know, which I was unaware of until recently). Even without comparing the other tracks to this standout, the collection falls a bit short of what Nada Surf are capable of. While there's no reason to expect them to be as angsty or noisy as they were in the High/Low days, it feels like they're playing it a little too safe on Lucky. Songs like "From Now On," "Ice On The Wing," and "Weightless" definitely make attempts at capturing some of the magic of past hits, but unfortunately the're a little too close - so much so that they don't stand up on their own. However, Nada Surf remain one of my favorite current bands, and I'll be looking forward to the next record.
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02:11 PM - The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust
The great thing about the Raveonettes is that they're predictable. That's not something you want to say about every band, but sometimes it's exactly what's needed. You're going to get simple drum beats, shimmers of bells and such scattered throughout the songs, and sharp waves of fuzzy guitars and assorted sonic destruction, all on top of great surfy pop ditties. The band's latest, Lust Lust Lust (Vice), doesn't change much from their previous releases in terms of production value or style, though the catchiness of the songs seems to have taken a giant step forward (as if that was even thinkable!) Jams like "Aly, Walk With Me," "You Want The Candy" (video here), "Hallucination," and the single "Dead Sound" will make you shake it. They balance the album pretty well, with the darker side resting in tracks like "The Beat Dies" and "Expelled From Love," which give the duo's dark side a chance to... um, not "shine" exactly, but stand out. No matter which you prefer, they do happy and sad pretty well, and the gray area in between (in which they usually play ) is the real treat. To promote the record, they're running a contest where you could win an autographed heart-shaped guitar (awww) - get in on that before February 21st. Watch and listen: Read on for dates...
"Dead Sound" Video
"Dead Sound" MP3
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12:31 PM - The Lisps - Country Doctor Museum
The Lisps are not exactly a rock band (and trust me, this was cause for some funny looks when I booked them on MiG's release show in June of last year). "Quirky" is an unavoidable description of this quartet, as their tendency towards a (quite refreshing) sense of humor in their music and performance is something that music fans don't seem to get much of these days. Acoustic guitars and melodicas take the place of loud electric guitars, but don't think that makes this band subtle. They create quiet a racket and can get any room going. However, some of their more effective musical moments tend to be when they tone down the theatrics and let their incredible pop and folk songwriting skills come through. The first proof of this came in the form of songs like 2006's "Pepper Spray" and is true of new material as well. This weekend The Lisps celebrate the release of their first full-length album, Country Doctor Museum (officially out Tuesday, January 8th) with a show at Joe's Pub in New York City on Saturday, January 5th [click for flyer]. The album covers a huge range of styles, and has everything that Lisps fans have come to love about them over the past two years, here's a sampling that cover (in order, to over-generalize) the folk, the quirky fun pop, and the ambitious and downright cracked out epic sea shanty/hootenanny: The Lisps - "Brackish Water" My favorite track on the record is among the most sedate. "Heaven" tells a simple tale of missing someone and trying to find them (more or less.) The first time I remember hearing it was upstairs at Pianos, and I'm not sure why but it made me sad, though it was a really beautiful song. As I tend to do, I've been pestering Crazy César Dino Head (my current nickname for the member of The Lisps who sings the tune - he has a blog too!) about my fascination with it, enough so that he revealed a bit about the origins of the song: "I wrote that song on new years day 2007, shaking from my hangover, the only thing i could do was play something soothing on guitar, to not feel sick and i came up with that song." It definitely is soothing, and now just over a year later it's finally available on a record for the world to hear. Check it out: Buy tickets to The Lisps' record release show at Joe's Pub this Saturday. 
View original photo by Paul O'Reilly
The Lisps - "I'm Sorry"
The Lisps - "The Familiar Drunk"
Buy the album.
Befriend The Lisps on Myspace.
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08:54 AM - DJ Shufflelovers - playing Bloggers Delight 12.17.07
Shufflelovers is "the mp3/mixtape blog of Travis Harrison where he posts podcasts derived exclusively from honest to goodness, real life excerpts from his iPod's ShuffleSongs. The iPod has mystical and mysterious powers." It is also important to know that this Travis Harrison* character is the mastermind behind the Serious Business empire, as well as the drummer for The Unsacred Hearts and DraculaZombieUSA (among others). When he's not recording hit records, running a quickly growing record label, or hitting things, he can be found spending quality man-time sharing his wealth of musical knowledge with those around him. As DJ Shufflelovers, the song selection is deliberate (as opposed to, based on an iPod's shuffle setting) and inspired. Don't be afraid to ask about the jams. Download the latest MP3 mix from Shufflelovers, featuring a globe-trotting spectrum of fine selections. But make sure to read the commentary that goes with it! The links and stories are as much a part of it as the songs. myspace.com/shufflelovers | shufflelovers.com DJ Shufflelovers will keep ears happy and spirits up between the bands this MONDAY, DECEMBER 17th @ THE KNITTING FACTORY TAP ROOM as part of the FREE Subinev.com Bloggers Delight show. Band includeThe Shamblers, Hotpipes, Mancino, and Phantom Buffalo. * This is the THIRD time that Travis has been roboted here on Subinev.com. See also DZUSA (on left) and Unsacred Hearts (second from left). That's a record!
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09:18 AM - The Shamblers - playing Bloggers Delight 12.17.07
There's not much to say about the Shamblers other than they're from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, they're amazing, and they shamble. If that doesn't describe the music perfectly, then you're not paying attention. Download this hot jam (recorded at their November 3rd practice) and keep rockin' yr awesome shades of love. Exclusive download. You know it. The Shamblers - "Awesome Shades Of Love" This band will be your new best friends/worst enemies/heroes. You can hear more from the Shamblers on their Myspace page, and in person on MONDAY, DECEMBER 17th @ THE KNITTING FACTORY TAP ROOM as part of the FREE Subinev.com Bloggers Delight show. Also playing are Hotpipes, Mancino, and Phantom Buffalo.
From a photo the band sent me. Note that Peter is missing from it, probably because he had to take the picture.
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11:57 AM - Phantom Buffalo - playing Bloggers Delight 12.17.07
Once upon a time there was a band from Portland, Maine called The Ponys. They were invited to play at SXSW, as was a Chicago-based outfit by the same name. Being totally awesome and agreeable dudes, Portland's Ponys took the opportunity to pick a new, way more kickass animal-themed band name, becoming Phantom Buffalo (it's even in their Wiki. This being over 3 years ago now, they seem to have settled into their name, with Rough Trade UK rereleasing the stellar 2002 release, ShiShiMuMu, in 2005 under the current moniker. That release includes what may be the city of Portland's (Maine, remember, not the one that was named after it) unofficial theme song, "A Hilly Town." This band is one for fans of current indie superstars The Shins and New Pornographers, with phych pop and rock 'n' roll tendencies (think Buddy Holly, the Breeders, and the Kinks playing nice). Here is an exclusive download of a new track from Phantom Buffalo. The band says this is the latest song they've recorded and should give a good indication of what to expect on Monday. Enjoy! Phantom Buffalo - "Radio Signal" You can hear a whole bunch of their songs on Myspace (which also seems to be their only official web presence at the moment). PS. As a side note, which I thought of because I mention SPACE and have a growing interest in bands in Portland, Maine (apparently I'm not the only one) - Satellite Lot have a new record out and will be playing a release show tomorrow (December 14th) at SPACE. I couldn't put it any better than the decription on the SPACE website: "Reminiscent of Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, and The Go Team!, they feature pulsing digital beats, huge multi-layered percussion, kool synths and thrashy PIL-style guitars." If you're in New England, suck it up and ignore the snow and get over there! Get the disc at Bull Moose (my second favorite real-world record store, after Amoeba in SF - which will hold that distinction until the day that Somethin' Else finally comes back) and get a free ticket to the release show.
View original photo by Jon Donnell
Here's a video I found of the band performing at their hometown joint Space (a really awesome venue and art space) on New Year's Eve two years ago. That's about the size of a crowd I hope to see for their Midnight set on Monday at the Knitting Factory. Ok?
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02:08 AM - Hotpipes - playing Bloggers Delight 12.17.07
There's something distinct about Nashville indie rock. I've been trying to put my finger on it for a long time now, but still it just seems like that city has it's own special brand of cool (granted, most do, and it comes through in the music - think Chicago, Austin, Brooklyn...). I've seen it in bands like The Features, De Novo Dahl, and The Privates, and drawn connections to some of the more recent waves of music coming from right here in NYC (The Walkmen, Takka Takka, Harlem Shakes, etc.) who've helped to bring a different crop of vintage influences back to the forefront. They've made it ok for rock songs to sound a little country and folk songs to be dancey and everything to be wrapped up in a package by a charistmatic (if nervous or at least a little awkward, depending on which band you're talking about) crooning singer - and it's at once new and exciting and familiar enough to cozy up next to in a bar. But when things turn around and the whistling stops or a burst of noise from a synth interrupts the acoustic guitar, you'll always look up and keeps listening. This brings us to Hotpipes. Their self-titled full length from last year was a sleeper - though there was some support behind the record, it's too bad it didn't get in front of a much wider audience. The next one (Future Bolt?) will hopefully get this band coming up to NY to play on a much more regular basis. Until then, I've had to take matters into my own hands. That's why I asked them to play my Bloggers Delight show at the Knitting Factory this coming Monday. They'll be playing two warm-up gigs in the area this weekend (Saturday @ Trash Bar with The Bosch and Psychomodo and Sunday @ Pianos) and I highly recommend making it out to all three. Here is an exclusive download of a track from Hotpipes' upcoming album. This is the demo version of the track "A Brain Or A Vegetable." Hotpipes - "A Brain Or A Vegetable" (DEMO version) You can hear more from Hotpipes on their Myspace page, and in person on MONDAY, DECEMBER 17th @ THE KNITTING FACTORY TAP ROOM as part of the FREE Subinev.com Bloggers Delight show. Also playing are The Shamblers, Mancino, and Phantom Buffalo. Hotpipes' video for "Song For The Late Riser"
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01:12 AM - The XYZ Affair (tonight at Union Hall)
The XYZ Affair are a local band who've been picking up a considerable amount of steam in the past 6 months, playing to bigger and bigger local crowds, with tours and more of a national presence likely on the horizon. Last time I saw them (in August at Union Hall with Via Audio) the show was packed but their anthemic pop wonder found its way to the back of the room, where you could practically hear singer Alex Feder smiling, even if you couldn't always see him through the crowd. The XYZ Affair - "The Professional" The XYZ Affair's over-the-top dramatic super sweet pop would have fit nicely on a bill with the sorely missed Polyvinyl no-bass threesome, Volcano, I'm Still Excited! but obviously it's a few years too late for that to happen. Instead, catch XYZ tonight at Union Hall with Sport of Kings (their singer is named R. Kelly and they play indie yacht rock) and Solid Bunny (bunnies are cute and bouncy and sometimes vicious, apparently so is this band). You've already seen the awesome video for "All My Friends," right? p.s. Comments are dead and not coming back (thanks, spambots, again) so if you want to tell me something, use email or something.
View original photo by Meg Wachter
The XYZ Affair - "All My Friends"
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12:57 AM - Gorillaz
This is a Thanksgiving Day quickie for you. This week Gorillaz put out D-Sides - a two disc collection of B-sides, demos, remixes, and assorted rarities (in the expected hit-or-miss, but mostly hit, fashion) of songs from their last proper full length, Demon Days. The deluxe edition comes with all sorts of sweet artsy goodies, and you know I'm a fan of those - especially since Jamie Hewlett's work has become a big favorite of mine since Gorillaz started a few years back (I dug Tank Girl but couldn't get into the art style in a full comic book format for whatever reason - maybe my attention span is just too short for spastic and often absurdist illustrated narratives). Though Gorillaz is a group where I still tend to go back to the first release whenever possible, they haven't disappointed yet. We threw disc one on in the van on the way out to Jersey tonight and the looser vibe of those tracks was a perfect fit for crossing the Outerbridge on an increasingly foggy night.
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12:55 AM - She Keeps Bees
I've been meaning to write something about this band for a long time now, but somehow they just keep slipping through the cracks, and then, well, I just don't write anything about anything. I found out about She Keeps Bees when I saw them at NXNE in Toronto earlier this year. I liked their soul-blues indie rock so much that I invited them to play with Man in Gray and Gold Streets at Union Hall for the StereoActiveNYC Roadshow kickoff (photos still to come). Not long after that I went to see them at The Yard (those photos also on the way). Tonight, they'll be playing at Union Hall for the latest Neon Lights show. They're on first and the show is going to be a crowded one, so get there early. The band has a video for the track "Cagematch" that you can see here. Listen on Myspace or in Jeff's post. The Most Serene Republic - who I haven't mentioned in a long time but am excited about seeing again - are the headliners tonight. They were also on the Crackers United 2nd Birthday show last night - which I missed to go play skeeball and Family Guy pinball at a friend from high school's birthday party - but from what I'm hearing today the show (especially A Place To Bury Strangers' set) was a really good time. Also on tonight's bill are High Places - I'm not very familiar with them yet but it looks like they've been recommended by more than a few people this week. By the way, for anyone in the Park Slope area, Man In Gray are playing the Brooklynbretta Music Fest tomorrrow on Sackett St (near 4th ave and the Union St R train) with El Jezel, Breakup Breakdown, and more. It's free and outdoors. Stop by!
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12:01 AM - Liars - Liars
My introduction to Liars had nothing to do with the fact that I lived in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn in 2002 (that feels like lifetimes ago, by the way). While in Atlanta on a road trip, I read a review of They Threw Us All In A Trench And Stuck A Monument On Top that made me stop by the next record shop I found to buy it. Having been bit of a rock purist (and not exactly into any sort of dance music) the spazzy shake of those songs was something brand new to me. Even all these years later, I still get a rush any time a track like "Mr Your On Fire Mr" comes on that hardly any other band can cause. Through the splits and singles I paid attention and enjoyed what I heard, but it was all just a little like that record without breaking any more ground, so I kept going back to the perfectly long-titles album. By the time They Were Wrong, So We Drowned came around it was no secret that the band had been getting more and more experimental and changed the lineup significantly. Appropriately, it came at a particularly strange time for me, so the dark and spooky tone of the whole thing was a welcome one. I was ready for the change and it hit me just right - in fact I think that their release show (with TV on the Radio and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs) landing on my birthday was perfect, and if nothing else it provided a great distraction. Either way, once again they'd made a record that got me excited about music, while being nothing like what they'd done before. Moving along to Drum's Not Dead - Though it was enjoyable and obviously built on the themes uncovered with They Were Wrong..., I didn't give it the attention it deserved at the time. I blame working at a record shop and being exposed to an overload of new music - not much from that time period really stuck very well. Finally we're at today. Liars' fourth full length album is a self-titled one, and it makes perfect sense. After flirting with something dark and frightening and then possibly going entirely off the deep and and exploring primal rhythms, it's as if they were able to pick up their former selves from 2002 and teach them a few lessons - like how to simplify things and dance in new ways. Though there's much more rock (and, specifically, guitars) on Liars it's still the next logical step after stripping away all the guitars, somehow. The first track (and first single) - "Plaster Casts Of Everything" - gets my vote for jam of the year already. I love a relentless beat behind a two note riff with shrieking vocals - the turn at the end is so satisfying to the earholes, I smile every time I hear it. To make it even better, the video is amazing (and of course, incredibly spooky): watch the video. Track two has already proven itself to be perfect mix cd fodder (for those times when you want a Beck song but don't want to go for an obvious single), and the rest of the album (which has only a few down moments scattered throughout it) manages to keep rocking with that unique dark pop style. Liars is out today on Mute. There is also a review of the record along with a download (for today only) of "Plaster Casts Of Everything" at CMJ.com.
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01:10 AM - Goes Cube interview by the numbers
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" 3. 2? 4. 88? 5. 11231? 6. 11? 7. 3? 8. 50? 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:
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
D: I prefer the more formal II.
M: Never heard of it.
K: My up-to-date testicle count
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."
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
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?
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.
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!!!!
Disconap / Bling Kong
The Music Slut / Spectrum
Music Snobbery / Jukebox The Ghost
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08:35 AM - Finian McKean: playing tonight at Union Hall
Far from his roots in the 90's band The Push Kings, Finian McKean has established himself in Brooklyn as a unique and strong (primarily solo) songwriter and performer. Honing his craft by playing regularly at a local bar (in fact the best bar in Red Hook, if you can remember which days of the week they're open!), Finian has developed a style that moves from the almost spiritual folk to blues-inspired heavier rock (often dependent on the venue and musical accompaniment). I've seen him play in venues ranging in size from a large rock club to a small room (my kitchen, specifically), and each time the performance has fit perfectly. Tonight, Finian McKean plays at Union Hall, which falls somewhere in between in terms of size. Here are some tracks: Finian McKean - "Dropping Roses" And a classic track (well, to me at least)- the title track from his previous LP: Finian McKean - "Shades Are Drawn" I chose two tracks with dominant use of a tremolo effect because it's interesting to see how in the older track it really drives the pulse of the music, whereas in the newer one it's subtler but mimicked and strengthened by a similar piano figure and the vocals. There's more to listen to on FinianMcKean.com and myspace. One of the other bands on the bill tonight are Austin's The Lovely Sparrows. Their recent Daytrotter session is pleasant, and really gives their ambitious instrumentation a chance to come through strongly. The vocals are along the Neutral Milk Hotel nasal side of things, and though they come close sometimes they never get to be too much to bear. While the music never really gets to fully rock out, if it did I could imagine it sounding a lot like Wolf Parade. I'd expect to see a lot of acoustic stringed instruments onstage. They should be a good match tonight for Finian. The Lovely Sparrows - "Chemicals Change" Also on the bill is David Garland - I'm not familiar with his work though I imagine quite a few people know some of the contributors to his music, including Sufjan Stevens, Diane Cluck, Mira Romantschuk, and more. Will they all be there to perform tonight? If so, it could get a little crowded in that basement! In other band news: From their ever-growing page full of free and legal amazing mp3s, Beat Radio have a new mp3 for you, off the upcoming Miracle Flag ep (the release show is Saturday, August 11th @ Union Hall). Beat Radio - "What I Love The Most The XYZ Affair are Spin's Band of the Day! Congrats!
View original photo - taken by me
Finian Mckean - "Sumthin' Wrong"
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08:39 AM - Mason Proper
At last year's CMJ Music Marathon I was lucky enough to stop by the Dovecote Records showcase long enough to catch Tim Williams (and subsequently become a big enough fan to invite him to play my own show not long after) but all I heard later was how I missed out by not sticking around for Mason Proper's set at that same show. The name is misleading - I had wrongly assumed at first that this group was a solo act with a quirky name. When I finally got around to checking out their record There Is A Moth In Your Chest (and it's incredible packaging/artwork courtesy of the genuises at Little Jacket) what I found was refreshing. What I heard first was a lot of Blur and Flaming Lips (who they'll be playing with at Monolith) coming through all the spastic fuzz pop and synths - a potential catastrophic mix of vocal oddities for any band but the gentle touch (with piano and multi-part vocal harmonies!) is even reminiscent of Self at times - a sure bet to get my attention. Dig into this record for a bit and you'll eventually get past the immediately fetching first few tracks (amazing as they are) and by the time the last 4 come around you're likely to be pretty worn out, so it's appropriate that things start to cool off at that point (and a likely Radiohead influence becomes apparent). These boys from Michigan don't come through NYC often enough, so make sure to take advantage of it when they do. They'll be at Mercury Lounge this Thursday, July 19th. Can't make it? Luckily they'll be back in September (though at Pianos that time around.) Full tour dates after 'more.' Mason Proper - "My My (Bad Fruit)" / Video <--- it's amazing!
Mason Proper official site.
Dovecote Records.
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09:09 AM - De Novo Dahl
A bit of background knowledge is required before we get on with this: De Novo Dahl's first release was a double disc set (a full album and a remixed version) in 2005 on Theory 8 Records. Earlier this year they were signed to Roadrunner and have an EP and full length in the works. Though there are really only four people in the group, Nashville's De Novo Dahl have enough presence (and awesome outfits) to make a huge impression when they hit the stage that it feels like they could even rival a massive group like Bling Kong or maybe even the Spree when it comes to making a spectacle of a rock show. Musically, as I've said before, though they can be quirky they don't waste time trying to shock anyone with weirdness - where they succeed is in making glammy indie rock that doesn't deny their Nashville roots (singer Joel J. Dahl lets that background shine through strongly in his solo work). Incidentally, DND's song "Shout" reminds me of The Gang's "SeA So" every time I hear it - they share that sort of chanty jubilence that's rare in indie rock (or pop) and both songs make me want to sing along every time I hear them. NYC can catch De Novo Dahl TONIGHT at part one of the two night double-header Neon Lights extravaganza at Union Hall (happy one year anniversary next week!) in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Joining them will be my own friends and favorites, El Jezel and Mancino, as well as Baltimore's Thrushes. Fun fact! De Novo Dahl share a bassist with Nashville's own quirk-pop equivalent of NYC's own Harlem Shakes, The Privates. Visit De Novo Dahl on Myspace. Click 'more' for De Novo Dahl tour dates across the country.
View original photo by Jonathan Kingsbury
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12:35 PM - Poingly: birthday show tonight
It's Poingly's birthday today. Who the hell is Poingly? Wouldn't you like to know. What's important is that he wants to do really naughty things to you. Sound good? Come to Trash bar tonight. Also playing his party are Radio Shock, Corn Mo (legendary!), Project Jenny/Project Jan (so rad!), and DraculaZombieUSA (East Coast Annex). It's a night heavy on the electro-dancing-weird-ass-business and light on the dudes-with-guitars. Always nice for a change. Open bar in the back from 8-9. Don't forget about the free tots! Sweatervest is ready.
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09:11 AM - Great Northern
I first checked out L.A.'s Great Northern about a year ago (yes, I now realize there is no "The" in the name, thank you) but it wasn't until recently that their Eenie Meenie Records debut, Trading Twilight For Daylight, was officially released and found it's way onto good old Louie (that would be iPod number two - any guesses as to who exactly this one is named after?). This past weekend the record got some play and a pretty good response from the MiG crew as we were driving back from Canada in our van without any license plates (damn Toronto thieves!). If there is to be a 90's alt-rock revival (I'm thinking after grunge and before neo-grunge or whatever you call Nickelback and Creed - more like Smashing Pumpkins and the Flaming Lips) then Great Northern are at the forefront, along with fellow west-coasters like Silversun Pickups and Agent Sparks. Great Northern are in town tonight (Bowery Ballroom, 9pm, sold out) and tomorrow (Union Hall, 9pm, w/Eames Era + Exit Clov). More tour dates and songs can be found at their myspace page.
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08:56 AM - Ruined Music party tonight: The Shondes
This morning on the train it dawned on me that I might talk about The Shondes more if I had more than just three songs from their demo to listen to. I posted about them a while back, but don't let that make you think I haven't been keeping an eye on them. Their tour schedule has been full (and continues to be!) but luckily when I offered it, they had room on their crowded calendar to play a show tonight. Reminiscent of recently-disbanded favorites Sleater-Kinney, The Shondes play punky, upbeat songs with the added unique flavor of a hyperactive violin, bringing out some strong classical sounds that are pretty rare in this sort of rock music. The Shondes - "The Mother And The Colony" The Shondes join (other Robotinev alums) Beat Radio and the Unsacred Hearts at the Ruined Music One Year Anniversary Party at the Delancey tonight (details on Going.com)! They're on first, but so is the free PBR (7:30-8:30) and special combo rock show / rooftop BBQ ticket.
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08:53 AM - TME Presents: The Robot Ate Me
The Robot Ate Me is a man named Ryland. Apparently he wears a dog head everywhere. I'm down with that. Sure, why not? Check out the video for "Crispy Christian Tea Time." It's sort of awesome. The Robot Ate Me - "Djien" Catch The Robot Ate Me this Sunday (April 22nd) in Brooklyn at Union Pool with Mancino and Run Chico Run. The fish will keep crying unless you come.
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08:00 PM - TME presents: Run Chico Run
When last we saw our Canadians heroes in the band Run Chico Run, they were reading the morning paper and enjoying a cup of coffee in my old apartment and playing their first NYC show to a too-small crowd. This weekend they'll make their return and The Mayan Empire has decided that simply housing, feeding, bathing, and holding hands with the B.C.-based duo simply wasn't enough, so we set up a show for them. Don't miss Run Chico Run at Union Pool this Sunday. They're sandwiched quite deliciously in between openers Mancino and touring-mate The Robot Ate Me. Run Chico Run - "Clockwork Crows" Run Chico Run on Myspace.
Run Chico Run official site.
Boompa Records. [buy their records!]
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02:34 PM - TME Presents: Mancino
I've only seen Mancino play live a few times now, but they've gotten better every time. This most recent experience (@ Hot Rocks this past weekend) was by far the most interesting circumstance - read about in my post (with photos) on the CMJ blog. Though that show was good, I'm thinking of it as a warm up to this weekend. It was an easy choice to pick these three Gowanus-loving boys to open for Run Chico Run, since "circus," "fun," and "playful" tend to come up in descriptions of both groups. Listen to and make friends with Mancino on Myspace. See them this sunday (April 22nd) @ Union Pool in Brooklyn, NY with Run Chico Run and The Robot Ate Me. Show presented by TME. The bear chasing the fish wants you to come.
View original photo (also by me)
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09:04 AM - Palomar - "All Things, Forests"
I believe that my first impression of Palomar a few years ago involved describing them as The Corrs on speed. Since then, the band has been toughening their sound and even tightening things up, even when it's meant slowing down their hopped-up style (only sometimes though) - though the catchiness hasn't suffered at all. Their latest, All Things, Forests, is out now on Misra and while it's certainly not a huge departure from where they left off with 3.5, when you put it next to something earlier like II, the growth is apparent. Palomar celebrates the record release (officially out March 20th) with a show tomorrow (Thursday, April 12) at Mercury Lounge in NYC. Also on this bill are The Oranges Band, Illinois, and Kapow! Show starts at 8pm with a $10 cover - Palomar goes on at 10pm. I know I've posted this track again, but it's the only one they make available and I don't want to go and spread any unauthorized mp3s around... Order Palomar records. By the way, I don't know why the girl bots decided to shoot the Dale bot, that just wasn't very nice of them!
Palomar on Myspace.
Palomar official site (new!)
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08:13 AM - Land of Talk: Applause Cheer Boo Hiss
It looks like this week will see NYC becoming the land of Land of Talk, as the Montreal-based trio shows up to wreak havoc in the area for three nights, starting tomorrow. If you're not familiar with this band yet, then you probably don't read music blogs (that certainly isn't a fault). Though Brooklyn Vegan has been talking about this group for some time now, the release of their ep Applause Cheer Boo Hiss has gotten many more people talking about them. There must be something in that Canadian water that makes the girls sing in hushed, cracking soothing voices layered with delay - it's familiar territory for fans of Broken Social Scene or Metric, though the first track, "Speak to Me Bones" shimmies and swaggers like the Gossip. The danciness isn't too prevalent (or tiresome) and things tend to take a broader, poppier tone for most of the 7 tracks. I'm as wary as anyone of bands bands known primarily for the blogs that love them, but this is certainly an exception. The first of their shows is tomorrow, Tuesday night, at Union Hall. Bonus! Opening this show? The Muggabears [Robotinev here]. You couldn't ask for a more perfect combination of venue and fine bands and awesome people. If you're coming to this DO NOT SHOW UP LATE! Tuesday - Union Hall - Brooklyn, NY w/the Muggabears WOXY posted about Land of Talk's recent stop by their studio (at SXSW) on their new blog, The Futurist. Land of Talk on Myspace - you can purchase their album here.
View original photo (Hilary Leftick)
Wednesday - Maxwell's - Hoboken, NJ w/Lady Radiator + Butterfly Explosion
Thursday - Mercury Lounge - NYC, NY w/Mahogany, Vampire Weekend, Balun
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05:38 PM - EZ Machine | Not going to Austin (PART 5)
Two brothers. A Keytar. Killer covers. Vocoder song about Jersey. What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Huh? Well, even if it doesn't seem appropriate, it's my plan. EZ Machine are playing at Freddy's Backroom at 9pm tonight and it's free. No word on if there will be green beer or not, but I wouldn't rule it out. I last caught up with EZ Machine when they played Beg Yr. Pardon and they've sworn to me that this time they'll keep playing shows... we'll see about that. They're also schedule to play at Lit next weekend, on the 24th. EZ Machine official site. And now, the final installment of NOT GOING TO AUSTIN. We're ending on a pretty quiet note with shows in NYC on Sunday... again, let me know if there's something worth mentioning that I've missed. SUNDAY, MARCH 18th 9PM @ Lakeside Lounge (21+, free) 9PM @ Glasslands (21+) 7:30PM @ Mercury ($12, 21+, sold out)
EZ Machine on Myspace, complete with lots of trashy girls.
Arkadelphia
Suishou no Fune, Matallama
Fujiya & Miyagi, Prototypes
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09:26 AM - Who By Fire | Not going to Austin (PART 4)
From what I've seen of their short history as a band, Brooklyn-based Who By Fire haven't played that many shows, in fact they don't even have a website aside from their Myspace page (where you can find two tracks - all the recorded material the band has to show for itself). Typically this sort of behavior will keep me far away from a band, as if they don't seem "serious" enough, but here I make an exception. Recently the band was featured on The Deli Magazine's blog, where Paolo (the Deli's editor) fixated on the band's similarities to groups like Interpol. They do tend to douse their beat-heavy rock songs in reverb and delay and sing dramatically, but what wasn't mentioned there (likely their only press thus far) was that there's an apparent grunge influence when things get a little heavier, in the same way that other locals like Goes Cube and Morning Theft (who are by far the most akin to Who By Fire at least in terms of aesthetics - maybe the two should think about playing together...) have been showing that not everybody making music in NYC these days is fixated on the music of the 70's and early 80's. It wasn't looking promising a few years ago when a new breed of "grunge" bands came along, detuning guitars and growling through their Kurt-ish locks and 5 O'clock shadows that did little more than mimic their influences. What the bands I've just mentioned have done is taken that influence (which if you think about, was probably popular right when they were becoming interested in music, the formative years I suppose) so there's been a good amount of time to absorb it and even move on, such that the influence remained and informed what they're doing now, even if it's not intentional, and that's a good thing. Who By Fire play with Object at Lit tonight. Risk breaking your neck on the ice and go see them (show starts at 8:30, $6 cover). SATURDAY, MARCH 17th 8PM @ the Delancey ($10, 21+) 8:30PM @ Maxwell's ($15, 18+) 7PM @ Pianos ($10, 21+) 8PM @ Sin-e ($10, 21+) 8PM @ Union Hall ($7)
And now, the St. Patrick's Day installment of NOT GOING TO AUSTIN.
8PM @ Cake Shop ($8, 21+)
The Double, Crystal Stilts, Japanese Beetles
Junket, The Orphans, Future in Plastics, Tree of Mind, The Falsies, Savilian 
9PM @ Freddy's Backroom
EZ-Machine!
7PM @ Knitting Factory ($12, all)
The Appleseed Cast, The Life and Times, Le Rug
Blackfield feat. Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree
Lizzyhead, Howling Hex, Mighty Flashlight, Mike Deej, Carlin, Hello Eden
6:45PM @ Roseland ($54, all)
The Pogues, The Tossers
Chris Glover, The Brother Kite, Holler Wild Rose, Ben and Vesper, Clear Tigers
7PM @ Southpaw ($10, 18+)
Maria Taylor, Jennifer O'Connor, A.A. Bondy
8PM @ Tonic ($10)
Nymph, Alex Delivery, Viz (ex-Excepter)
vial, Knife Fight
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01:48 AM - Fulton Lights (Record release tonight) | Not going to Austin (PART 3)
At first appearing to be something of a solo project for Andrew Spencer Goldman, Fulton Lights is at the same time a massive collective, featuring the sort of contributors whose names might not make the press come running, but who certainly indicate the level on which this music is working. Among the credited players are members of more than a few highly respectable groups: Chrismas Decorations, Eggs, Dalek, Demander, Beauty Pill, Ida, among others. With so many names attached, you'd expect quite a racket - but the result is very controlled and subdued, though its airiness and slow pace feel like it can grow in the way that other local bands like Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective have mastered so well - though where they tend to head off into a claustrophobic world of indistinct sonic textures, the music of Fulton Lights is sweeter and keeps a steadier hand. Less drug music, more daydream music, I'd say. Fulton Music - "Fire in the palm of my hand" Tonight, Fulton Lights celebrate their record release with a show at Tonic. Joining them are Still (who also plays with the band) and Frances. Fulton Lights on Myspace And now, the third installment of NOT GOING TO AUSTIN. FRIDAY, MARCH 16th 9pm @ Glasslands (21+) 9pm @ Pete's Candy Store (free, 21+) 8pm @ Silent Barn (aka Raven's Den) ($6, all ages)
Fulton Lights official site
Buy the record
8pm @ Bowery ($18, 18+)
Blackfield feat. Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree
8pm @ Cake Shop ($8, 21+)
The Double, Mike Wexler
D Charles Speer, Mark Morgan (of Sightings), Apothecary Hymns, Pigeons
10pm @ Lit (21+)
Who By Fire, Object
8:30pm @ Luna Lounge ($12, 21+)
Ambulette (aka Bella Lea), The New Trust (members of Velvet Teen)
8pm @ Mercury ($10, 21+)
Maria Taylor, Louis, JAYMAY, Pete Francis
The Golden Revelry, Blanket of Snow, Alice Cohen
Balthrop, Alabama, K-Nowledge and Phenomenom, Createsound's High School Sadnes
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11:49 PM - Slim Cessna's Auto Club | Not going to Austin (PART 2)
Slim Cessna's Auto Club don't need to go to Austin. Sure, Texas might sound right, especially considering they've been called "the country band that plays the bar at the end of the world" (Jello Biafra - whose label, Alternative Tentacles, they record for), but I'm glad they're spending this week here in our part of the country instead. Imagine a group of men possessed. As in fall to the floor, throw your hands up, wild-eyed terror and joy posessed. Then give them instruments (including a banjo played like the most shredful guitar ever) and let them go at it. They'll keep the dancing going all night and by the end you won't be sure if you've just given your soul to the devil or perhaps been saved - but somehow I guess what it amounts to is a bit of an otherworldly experience. When I saw them play at the South Park Music Fest in Fairplay, Colorado (Sim Cessna's hometown - they were sort of the stars of the festival) I had never heard them before and didn't know what I was in for. By the end of their nearly 2 hour set I was fully converted and ready to hear whatever Slim and his cohorts (including the impossibly talented Denver scene mainstay Munly, who opened for MiG later that night) had to throw at me. If you're still in NYC, come out to the Mercury Lounge tonight to see Slim Cessna's Auto Club for yourself - with them will be Scourge of the Sea, My Summer, and Magic Cyclops. They'll also be at Europa in Brooklyn tomorrow, with Magic Cyclops again. Slim Cessna's Auto Club - "This is how we do things in the country" Continuing on, here's what's up in NYC for tomorrow... THURSDAY MARCH 15th 8pm @ Bowery (18+, $15) 8pm @ Cake Shop (21+) 6:45pm @ Roseland
Slim Cessna's Auto Club - "Cranston"
Remember, dancing robots () indicate highly recommended shows...
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Secret Chiefs 3
PG Six, Fern Knight, The Big Huge8pm @ Europa ($12, 18+)
Slim Cessna's Auto Club, Magic Cyclops
The Pogues, Langhorne Slim ($54, all)8pm @ Tonic ($8, 18+)
Fulton Lights (CD release show), DJ Still, Frances 8pm @ Union Pool (21+)
Awesome Color, The Woods
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09:06 AM - The Undisputed Heavyweights
A band whose website is betterthanelvis.com better be really really good. Luckily, The Undisputed Heavyweights have made quite the name for themselves as one of the best live acts around - in fact they've decided to put out a live album. Tonight the band plays at Mercury Lounge to celebrate the release of Live In New York, the first installment in The Bootleg Series, a limited edition box set by Family Records. The show tonight starts at 7:30 and also features Derek James, Val Emmich, and Wintersleep. Make friends with The Undisputed Heavyweights on Myspace.
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04:13 PM - A Sunny Day In Glasgow / release show / Neon Lights tonight
D has been talking about A Sunny Day In Glasgow for a while now, so it's pretty exciting that they decided to make their Neon Lights appearance tonight the release show for their new album, Scribble Mural Comic Journal. A lot of ground has been covered with this band on various music blogs and in *gasp* real magazines (Jeff has a rundown), but they're still pretty new to me. All I know is that for a band that is primarily a one-man operation (with help from a few people, obviously), A Sunny Day In Glasgow turns out some dense dense dense music stuffed with layers upon layers of guitars and what could very well be the sounds of psychotic pigeons mating in the dark. And yes, it all sounds quite... pretty. Bonus: awesome line drawing artwork! A Sunny Day In Glasgow - "Best Summer Ever" Come see for yourself tonight at The Delancey.
- A Sunny Day in Glasgow (11:30)
- Apache Beat (10:30) - I'm curious about this band too
- the Muggabears (9:30)
- Please Dept. (8:30)
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08:15 AM - Sure Juror
Though they're from NJ, Sure Juror sound like they'd be more at home in Oklahoma, free to run wild with the likes of the Flaming Lips, Colour Music, and whatever other wild-eyed crazed indie pop freaks are running around out there. I get the sense that the songs they're writing feel like tight little pop nuggets to them - they certainly contain elements of traditional pop songs, but then there's a breakdown with backwards guitars and weirdo mumbling. Quirky is an understatement. It's not for everyone, but at the very least it's got to be interesting to see exactly what they do live. Tonight, Sure Juror play at Union Hall (as previously mentioned) for Knockout Round 2, thanks to The Battering Room.
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12:46 PM - Beat Radio headline Union Hall tonight
Beat Radio has played at Union Hall a number of times, but tonight is special. Why? It's the first time that they will be headlining a show there! I was impressed the last time I saw them there, and I have a feeling tonight will be even better, with a little more excitement in the air. The album that you can download from their site, The Great Big Sea, is fantastic - one of the best of last year, and from the looks of things this could be a very good year for the band. No need to link to mp3s, just go download the whole album. The show tonight starts at 8pm. Tall Hands open.
View original photo (by Elizabeth Sendrowitz)
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09:14 PM - Grizzly Bear (on tour)
I feel like Grizzly Bear are due for a good year. Though last year's album, Yellow House (get it at insound), was fantastic and did find its way onto a number of year-end lists, the release seemed overshadowed by another big indie record that came out the same day. Then in November their gear was stolen and their European tour cancelled. I'd say that qualifies them for some good luck about now, right? Tonight they're starting their tour in Philly tonight(don't complain about me tell you too late - the show was already sold out anyway, as is tomorrow in Boston) and they'll be on the road in the States through February and into March - no mention of SXSW on the calendar but they end in New York just before it - plenty of time to head back to Austin. Joining them on the road are a number of interesting acts - all worth showing up early/sticking around for, including Dirty Projectors, the Papercuts, Peter & the Wolf, Deerhunter, and Beach House. Full tour dates after they clicky click. Visit Grizzly Bear on Myspace.
Get their records at insound.
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02:15 PM - SHLSHKD - last show ever
Quick history lesson - in the early days of MiG, I did a lot of searching around on the internet for bands in New York who I liked and would want to play shows with. One of the first bands that I found this way (keep in mind this was long before the proliferation of music blogs) was Colossus, who got extra points for having an X-Men-referencing name. That band eventually produced what would become Shellshocked, a seriously fierce DC-style (with some great NY-noise touches) punk band with consistently impressive artwork from guitarist Sam (who had been in Colossus). I knew of the singer, Don Cambria, as he'd previously been the drummer (and occasional singer, for a song or two) with X The Owl - a similarly punk-influenced but much more art-rock-oriented outfit. There was some question when original bassist Oraia decided to leave the group to focus on her organizatino, Right Rides, but thankfully SMalak stepped in and things kept right on going for some time... until now. Lead singer/2nd guitarist Don Cambria (drawn above with "HK" on him) has decided that it's time for him to move on, and he's picking up and heading for New Orleans, so the group (for some time now just calling themselves SHLSHKD) made the tough decision to put the band to rest with one final show, just before Don heads off. The last SHLSHKD performance is tonight at Cake Shop. If you love them and want to see them one last time, this is your chance. If you've missed them all this time and want a chance to catch up, this is it. If you have been wondering where good, interesting, aggressive music with meaning is in NYC, well it's about to leave. The venue is at 152 Ludlow Street in NYC. Doors at 8pm, 21+, $6. Joining SHLSHKD will be Kickstart and S-s-s-spectres. Goodbye, SHLSHKD, and thank you.
Original photo (by gatlinguns)
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02:05 AM - Lewis and Clarke
It's a double-header today! Do you get it? This means I really think you should check out the show tonight... I must have lucked into it (or Mary just picked the perfect random show from the local listings) but sitting on the floor in a strange record shop was the perfect setting for my first exposure to Lewis and Clarke. It's just one man and his guitar, though you'll hear other instruments and such coming through in recordings (and perhaps at some shows - I don't actually know for sure) - but the songs have a way of wrapping themselves around you, the circular movement of sounds resonating so strongly that you can feel it deep inside. Even if you're not into folk music, or if you think it's a little too weird or mystical, there's no way that you can escape Lou Rogai's voice - it's soft and gentle and confident. The songs of Lewis and Clarke tell the stories that hide inside your head - and beautifully. With several albums of assorted shapes and sizes (including a vinyl pressing of a live radio performance) there is a good amount of material to explore. A new album, Blasts of Holy Birth, is due in February. For now, I suggest you start with 2005's near perfect Bare Bones and Branches. The title track (which also appear on the Solid PR comp that came out a while back) is simply outstanding. Here's the (very hypnotic) live verion of it from the WPRB session. Lewis and Clarke - "Bare Bones and Branches (live WPRB)" Listen to more here and on Myspace. Lewis and Clarke plays tonight with The Black Swans at the Marquise Dance Hall in Williamsburg. He'll also be back in town next month, playing a Jezebel Music show on February 24th (my birthday!) at Union Pool (also in Williamsburg.) I know there are a lot of options for shows tonight - you've got Mission of Burma (robotinev) at Irving Plaza (but Turing Machine dropped off the show, Parts & Labor took their place - not a bad trade); Takka Takka (robotinev)@ the Knitting Factory, Jealous Girlfriends @ Trash (but you're coming to see them at Union Hall with MiG next week anyway, right?); the Luna Lounge opening with the Comas; and the Jezebel Music benefit show a Northsix (with a super tight lineup including the charming Via Audio). Whew. That's a lot for one night. All great options, but I strongly suggest you head over to Marquise Dance Hall (251 Grand St) at 8pm to see Lewis and Clarke and The Black Swans.
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12:49 AM - The Black Swans
If you're not into the sex talk, you might be interested in checking out their first record, Who Will Walk in the Darkenss With You, which shares the theme of relationships, longing, and trying to get by on your own (in certain ways, if you know what I mean). Here are the two tracks the band makes available from that record: The Black Swans - "Who will walk in the darkness with you" I feel bad for not getting around to posting this earlier as I had planned - the Black Swans performed last night at Tonic (I missed it too.) But don't worry, you haven't missed your shot at seeing them in this not-frequent-enough stop in NY! They'll be at the Marquise Dance Hall in Williamsburg tonight (Friday, January 19 - moved from the Syrup Room - which is closed for good now?) along with Lewis and Clarke, which is who I saw them with the first time in a tiny, way awesome record shop in Maine last year. By the way, according to Brooklynvegan, everybody gets signed! (including Palomar! - perhaps a congratulatory robot drawing is in order, it's long overdue for one of my longtime favorite local bands) and Sin-e and R+R are going bye-bye. So what's left for decent smallish shows on the Lower East Side? The Delancey, the Annex, and Fontana's? 
View original photo
The Black Swans are from Columbus, Ohio, and they always travel in a ’95 Ford Taurus. Their latest release is a 5-song ep entitled Sex Brain (my second favorite ep of 2006) that explores some pretty uncomfortable, if often funny and always universal subject matter, and in the sweetest of ways. This is folk-ish music, with soft melodies and acoustic instrumentation and hushed vocals that are sometimes just barely choked out by singer Jerry DeCicca.
The Black Swans - "Blue skies"
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12:35 AM - [Robotinev #50!] O'Death
As you can see, local band O'Death won the contest to pick the 50th robot drawing that I would do of a band. Matt from Earfarm was the first to suggest them (and in fact they were the only band that got multiple votes) so there will be a fancy full color print of the drawing headed his way. However I'd like to mention that some of the other recommendations - particularly Gwar and the Polyphonic Spree - would be a lot of fun to do, and I just might get around to them some day. I'm glad O'Death came out on top, as they're long overdue for some serious attention here on Subinev. Even though I was impressed by their first record and wrote a nice review of it for the Deli, and I thought they were cool guys back in the days of the Apocalypse Lounge (oh I miss that place!) I didn't make it out to see them live until even after their second record, Head Home, came out and they sent me a copy. Whereas they originally sounded like they might crawl out of the gutter or a back alley and git' ya (in 1800, mind you) before, they were starting to sound more likely to be crowded around a fire in the woods, perhaps only 100 years ago - though listen closely and you'll here modern music creeping in there a bit. Maybe a little bit of their intoxicating psychosis simply cleared up, or maybe they got better recording equipment (that's probably it) but what's certain is that the songs are undeniably strong (particularly "Only Daughter" - which slows things down a bit and oddly enough sounds like taking the band out of the imaginary place in the past which they occupy and dropping them in more or less modern times) and that yes, there's something very wrong with these people. No, not the nails-on-a-chalkboard vocals or the frenzied pace of the songs or the drum set made of - what is that stuff - pots and garbage and such I suppose, played with a chain sometimes - but that they seem seriously troubled - posessed, even. This definitely is not rock n' roll, but it feels just as good, if not better, and absolutely more exciting. O'Death plays tonight at Union Hall in Park Slope, wit
