Archives: music
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Is Is”
The new Yeah Yeah Yeahs EP Is Is is out, and it kind of reminds me why they were worth listening to in the first place. From Pitchfork: Each aspect of her (Karen O's) stage identity finds equal expression on these songs, which only makes them sound more immediate and affecting. In fact, Is Is may be their most instantly accessible release, which is not a critical dig but just a way of saying it finds a good balance between alienating and inviting, between song and performance. It was produced by Australian Nick Launay (who recorded Gang of Four, Killing... - Silent Shout: An Audio Visual Experience
I’ve been listening to a few CDs on repeat a lot, these past few months – my chief obsession being The Knife’s two LPs, the earlier Deep Cuts, and last year’s Silent Shout. I’m not a big techno fan, but I am a confessed svensk-phile. I’m excited to hear from Pitchfork that The Knife are getting ready to release a deluxe edition of Silent Shout, “featuring a live disc and a DVD in addition to the original synth-rattled masterpiece.” I’m totally looking forward to the DVD [Pre-order with Amazon] – my favorite track “Heartbeats” was re-worked awesomely. Here’s a preview:... - Sabres as Oasis?
We're heading home to Buffalo for the holiday, (and my 10-year High School reunion), which reminds me of how well the Sabres are playing. ESPN's John Buccigross compares the Sabres to the britpop Oasis of all things: At full strength, the Buffalo Sabres are unequivocally the best team in the NHL. Not only do they have the full complement of parts, but Buffalo has that confidence that Oasis had when they went head-to-head with Blur back in 1995 in a Britpop mano a mano, or more accurately called boyo-a-boyo. Noel Gallagher said he and Oasis' soul was more pure than... - Indie Rock and Pot
Sorry for not posting in a while, but Presley posted something too funny: Weed Makes You Listen to Indie Rock According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, smoking the wacky tabacky turns you into a poseur. Even worse: an indie rock poseur. Listen to this PSA. Just listen to it. And then just try to tell me it doesn’t make you want to put down the bong and start listening to rap music. [mp3]... - links for 2006-10-10
The Good, The Bad And The Queen - “Herculean” Stereogum has an MP3 of the first single from TGTB&TQ… it’s more Gorillaz than vintage Blur, but haunting none the less. More info on TGTB&TQ here... - Lad Lit in Song
I always knew there was something wrong with Nick Hornby… now I have proof.... - BU Central
Man, I’ve taken a long break from this site… a belated welcome back to all the college kids — I almost forgot about all of you. And since it’s the new school year, it’s also time for BU Central to start up. They host bands, comedians and other fun stuff that we never had during our years there. Rainer Maria It makes me laugh when they pop up on Sirius Left of Center, as “up-and-coming!!!”. Beirut I really don’t get what the buzz is about, but, I have to respect their live act. I’ve never seen a room of kids... - The Good, The Bad And The Queen
photo by NME The Official Blur mailing list announced today that Damon Albarn’s new project The Good, The Bad And The Queen, will perform their first gig at a BBC festival in October. TGTBTQ is a collaboration between Albarn (Blur & Gorillaz), bassist Paul Simonon of The Clash, and guitarist Simon Tong of The Verve. Damon is already setting expectations high, according to the BBC: It was “a story” rather than a band, said Albarn, adding he was “very, very proud” of the work, which will be performed on 26 October at the Roundhouse. “It’s a very English record.... - The Beatings
I went to see Reverse play at Bill’s Bar Friday night, and got to catch The Beatings for the first time. They’re a four-piece indie-rock act from Boston that’s been around for a couple of years, and they reminded me a lot of H�sker D� and the last Pixies album, Trompe le Monde. It’s a pretty raw sound, but always melodic and direct. And I liked that the two guitarists and bassist each took turns at the mic — (no doubt they also share in song writing). Myspace : take a listen to some tracks eMusic : download albums... - Pitchfork Music Festival
We didn't make it down to SXSW, but we are heading to Chicago for Pitchfork's festival. 96 degrees and humid... see you in hell, Chicago!... - Asobi Seksu @ Great Scott
We went to The Plan at Great Scott on Saturday night to see the Brooklyn band Asobi Seksu - I got some good shots of them and two of the opening bands. As I wrote earlier, the new record Citrus is an incredible step forward for them, and the live show succeeded in duplicating the wash of guitars and noise, without completely covering up Yuki’s voice. They’re nice people, too. The other great thing during the set were the lights and smoke effects… so cool. The Plan people are really showing up the old Cambridge clubs, because it was freaking... - Glass Candy
Nobuko and I went to see PDX’s Glass Candy play at Great Scott last night… wow, what a fun show. It’s a three piece band, made up of a drummer, guitarist, and a glammed up blonde singer named Ida No. They use a lot of loops and beats, which mix with some relentless drumming and No’s post-punk vocal stylings. She coos, she screams, and she meanders around the stage, barefoot. And most of all, she makes white boys like me dance. She’s Debbie Harry on meth. What’s not to like? My New York City friends can catch them tonight at... - Copyrights Pressure
The New York Times discovered everybody’s favorite cut-rate Russian MP3 site… allofmp3.com. And apparently, the Moscow-based business is holding up Russia’s application to the WTO, (nevermind that it’s a totally legal service inside Russia). In other news, I found this BBC headline humorous: Website back after Swedish raids - almost conjures up visions of Viking mauraders… anyway, The Pirate Bay is up, and the Swedes are starting to take to the streets. Stay tuned…... - New to You, New to Me
A couple of music things to post about today - something new, and something new to me… Asobi Seksu, Citrus The New York City band released their 2nd album this week, and it’s very good. They always reminded me of My Bloody Valentine meets Pizzicato Five, only better… and I absolutely love Sean McCabe’s artwork. Check them out on Myspace, or peep my shots of lead singer Yuki dancing with Jenna. Tilly and the Wall, Wild Like Children I am so not into Bright Eyes, but I love this band… The album reminds me of 60’s folk music, as sung... - No SXSW, but...
OK, so I’m jealous of all of you SXSW‘ers out there… my Flickr Contacts feed has been full of SXSW antics… next year, I must go, (yea I’ve been saying that for years). Metric Meanwhile, back here in Boston, I’ve seen a couple of good shows. First up was Metric, at the Roxy, on March 7th. If you have the chance to see them on this tour, do yourself a favor and get a ticket. I’m not the only one who is impressed. They’ve got the best frontwoman in Rock n’ Roll right now, (step aside Karen O), and are... - Music for a Cold Sunday Afternoon
Depeche Mode’s Precious: The perfect track - I want this played at my wedding, should that day ever come. The Sundays’ Wild Horses: I like this better than the Rolling Stones’ original… Harriet’s voice is haunting… As a kid growing up in Buffalo, I used to sit in my basement and teach myself to play guitar. I had a Beatles song book, some records to play along to, and printed-out tablature. Matisyahu’s King Without A Crown: The only hasidic reggae star I know of… incredible live performance. La Laque’s La Sir�ne dort: I’m still waiting for a properly-recorded LP,... - Courtney Love does the math
I don’t know how I missed this, but Courtney Love gave an incredible speech at a May 2000 conference, on the music business, copyright law, and the real music pirates - the Majors. Salon has the unedited transcript, but I recommend reading it on Dave Ray’s site. My favorite excerpt: Somewhere along the way, record companies figured out that it’s a lot more profitable to control the distribution system than it is to nurture artists. And since the companies didn’t have any real competition, artists had no other place to go. Record companies controlled the promotion and marketing; only they... - IP in China
Don’t tell the Governator, but you can download pirated music via Yahoo! China.... - Music
Maybe it’s been all this iPod talk these past few days, but I’ve added a bunch of new albums to my iTunes library recently… Metric, Live it Out Hands down, better than the first album. The Arcade Fire, Arcade Fire Not as good as the second album, but lovely just the same. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Howl All my female friends seem to love these guys, but I never could get past the stoner-rock facade. This is more a “rootsy” album, which normally should turn me off… but, I’m intrigued. Stellastarr*, Harmonies for the Haunted ehh, sigh. Ladytron, Witching Hour... - iTrip LCD
I’ve had the iTrip LCD for a couple of weeks now, and I am very frustrated with it. I’ve used the regular iTrip for a couple of years, and it perfomed about as well as can be expected from an FM transmitter. However, when I recently broke it, (the connector somehow bent and detached, causing some wires to disconnect), I decided to buy a new one. When I saw the LCD version, I ordered this instead. My setup in my car is exactly as it was with the original iTrip, (2000 Saab 9-3, 3rd-Gen iPod, with flat EQ and... - Stellastarr* tonight
I got a nice surprise from our friends at FNX: Congratulations! You and a guest have been added to the VIP list for the PRIVATE WFNX / Smirnoff Off the Radar concert with Stellastarr*. This private concert is Wednesday August 31st at the Middle East Downstairs (472 Mass Ave in Cambridge). The doors open at 9pm. HOWEVER, your entrance is based on club capacity. SO GET THERE EARLY - it’s a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE admission. Last time I saw Stellastarr, we were down in front, and all the college kiddies were making out with each other. How romantic…... - La Laque & Pas/Cal
When I was in New York, Jenna and I checked out the La Laque & Pas/Cal show at Tonic, in the Lower East Side. They were celebrating the joint release of a 12?single. The real suprise for me was how much I liked the Brooklyn-based La Laque. They’re three girls & three boys, playing French New Wave / Surf rock. Listening to the few MP3s out there won’t quite convey the energy and feeling they exert on stage. I may never listen to another Stereolab album again [sic]. And it was nice to see Yuki & James again… they’re coming... - Pixies @ The Paradise
Yesterday, we scored tickets to a last-minute Pixies show at the Paradise, a small club just over the river from our house. They were shooting footage for a DVD, so the room was full of boom & track cameras. This is my 4th Pixies show, but by far the most intimate — we were only 6-7 feet from Kim Deal! Presley posted our photos… here are some teasers: Kim Smiles, uploaded by Presley Frank and Joey, uploaded by Presley... - Most Influential Modern Rock Albums, Part 4
Ok, ok, I know I’m behind on this list. Number 5 will come later this week… U2, Achtung Baby : For me, Achtung turned the musical world upside-down… the first CD that I owned, which I received as a gift with my first CD player, was The Joshua Tree — with Rattle and Hum, this was the culmination of 80’s-era do-gooder U2. Intensely spiritual, earnest and direct, Joshua Tree cemented the band’s positive public image, while simultaneously launching them into the ranks of superstardom, causing even Time Magazine to dub them Rock’s hottest Ticket. But, the band was about the... - Most Influential Modern Rock Albums, Part 3
The Clash, London Calling : Whenever I hear the opening bars of this album, my pulse quickens and my hand reaches for the volume knob. The range of musical styles the group takes on is absolutely amazing— Rockabilly in Brand New Cadillac, reggae in Rudy Can’t Fail, disco in Lost in the Supermarket, and even the Phil Spector-ish Wall of Sound in The Card Cheat. On Calling, the band borrowed heavily from the past, but filtered and sharpened the music through their late-70s, malaise-clouded lens. Even the album cover design was an homage to Elvis’s first LP— however, the smiling... - Most Influential Modern Rock Albums, Part 2
Pixies, Surfer Rosa : Having been in Boston for 9 years now, I’ve listened to and seen a lot of local live music — and none of it seems as good as it must have been in the late 80s. Rosa was the Pixies’ first LP, and though the followup Doolittle was more polished, I prefer the rawer debut. Recorded in Boston, at Q-Division by Steve Albini, there is something special about this record — the way the drums thud, and the mismatched vocal harmonies of Frank/Charles & Kim, it just seems so intimate… like you can sense the space... - Most Influential Modern Rock Albums, Part 1
I haven’t had much time lately to think about posting much — in fact, I’m sure my Mac is feeling neglegted… But, one thing I can do while working and driving to work, is listen to music on my iPod. When I read Jason Kottke’s reaction to some recent Critics’ picks for the best albums from the last twenty years, I started thinking about my own list. First, it seems arbitrary to draw a line at 20 years — I prefer to put the seperation between classic rock, and modern rock, since most of the important music of the past... - Pixies Return
Well well well… the Pixies are going to play Boston, afterall. Last year, I saw them at the show in Amherst, and the first show in Lowell. Now, they’re playing just across the river. — Pixies related posts from last year: Web Surfer Rosa Gigantic UPDATE: Tbone got us font-and-center, 5th row!... - Hopeless Friend
"hopeless friend", posted by nedward Presley is in nyc for a "conference":http://www.flickr.com/photos/presley/tags/aacrao/, but that didn't stop me from leaving the house last night. I caught "Graham Coxon":http://grahamcoxon.co.uk, former guitarist for a little britpop outfit called "Blur":http://blur.co.uk. I love Graham's new album, "Happiness in Magazines":http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00070Q88G/002-0615116-7890441?v=glance, and was delighted to find out that he also puts on a hell of a show, for such a shy guy. His vocals especially were quite strong, though he freaked out and stopped in the middle of a song because the lighting guy put a spot on him... My first _Blur_ show was in March... - Hot Hot Heat
"Hot Hot Heat", posted by nedward Pet peeve for the day: How can "Axis":http://www.nextticketing.com/axis.html call itself a _night_ club when it begins shows at 6:45pm and ends them by 9:30pm? Isn't that just an _evening_ club? We went to see "Hot Hot Heat":http://hothotheat.com on monday night, but due to the early show-time, managed to miss "Louis XIV":http://www.louisxiv.net/, and their _lady-killer_ hit anthem, "Finding out True Love is Blind":http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=36400182&selectedItemId=36400188 (iTunes). As for HHH, they've "blossomed" into full blown rock stars since we last "saw":http://ned.suckahs.org/archives/000922.php them. When singer/keyboardist Steve Bays walked out with a teased up white-boy afro, I decided this... - Dear Leader @ The Paradise
"the room", posted by nedward "Dear Leader":http://dear-leader.com started as a side project for x-Sheila Divine singer Aaron Perrino, but now is a fleshed-out band that includes musicians from past Boston bands such as Tugboat Annie, Orbit, and Cheerleadr... Presley and I used to be Sheilas _junkies_, so I'm not sure any Dear Leader show could even come close, but it was a fun night. The opening band was "Taxpayer":http://taxpayermusic.com/. (Also, we ran into Jim Gilbert in the crowd, and he remembered _both_ our names... _quelle suprise!_)... - The Bravery @ TTs
"mic stand 2", posted by nedward On Tuesday, we checked out NYC's latest hyped offering, "The Bravery":http://www.thebravery.com/, at "TT's":http://ttthebears.com, and it only cost $8. Labeled by the BBC critics as the "Sound of 2005":http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4097433.stm, it looks as though they have a shot at living up to the hype. Usually a staid Cambridge crowd, TTs was absolutely electric... check out my "photos":http://www.flickr.com/photos/nedward/sets/97028/.... - The Great Train Robbery Reunion
While in Buffalo last weekend, we took a break from family holiday activities and caught the "Great Train Robbery":http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20041224/1016287.asp reunion show at "the Tralf":http://newtralf.com/. I'm much too young (27) to remember those guys from the 80s, but it was a fun show. Very 80s... And, since our good friend runs the Tralf, we got free admission and drinks all night. * "Presley's photos":http://flickr.com/photos/presley/sets/65931/ * "my photos":http://flickr.com/photos/nedward/2677358/... - On turning 27
Thanks to everyone who came to my little birthday party last night. Presley did an amazing job organizing, and taking care of everything. I hope everyone had fun. Here is an iMix of the playlist last night -- "Ned's 27th Birthday Playlist":http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPublishedPlaylist?id=180451. There are 167 tracks on my playlist, but iTunes only has the rights to sell 104 of them... The full songlist is below the fold.... - Gigantic
"Gigantic", posted by nedward The "Pixies":http://ned.suckahs.org/archives/002606.php were inspiring... really, I'm amazed. This is one of the bands that I listened to high school, and still listen to ten years later. "Surfer Rosa":http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000002HAF/suckahs-20/ was recorded at "Q-Division":http://www.qdivision.com/new_studio/, which once employed both my "girlfriend":http://presley.suckahs.org/, and my "best friend":http://suckahs.org/crew/jeff.php. So, naturally, it meant a great deal to me to finally see the band live. The crowd in Amherst was raucous, (but totally underage -- damn all-ages show). Presley, Nobuko, Lindsey and I had a good time fighting off the kids and their "dancing", despite the ban on beer sales inside the arena.... - Pixies
"Pixies", posted by nedward I'm excited -- in less than two weeks, I'll finally get to see live one of my favorite bands -- the "Pixies":http://www.ilovepixies.com. I've been "talking":http://ned.suckahs.org/archives/001699.php about it for more than a year now, and it _feels_ like we "ordered":http://ned.suckahs.org/archives/002456.php the tickets a year ago, on a morning where I woke up with gum stuck in my "hair":http://presley.suckahs.org/archives/002455.php. _Did you get tickets?_ We've got a couple of extra tickets for 2 of the Massachusetts Pixies shows: * "Tue, Nov 30, 2004 07:30 PM":http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01003923B2FC45D8?brand=&artistid=906179&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=60 Mullins Center, Amherst, MA * "Wed, Dec 1, 2004 08:00 PM":http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/010039229DA92CC6?brand=&artistid=906179&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=60 Tsongas Arena,... - Going to Interpol?
Is anyone going to the "Interpol":http://interpolnyc.com show on "October 11, 2004":http://event.ccetix.com/next/online/register.jsp?performance_id=127250&club_id=1&cobrand=ccclub&rcobrand=ccclubreg at Avalon (Boston)? Does anyone want to go? The new album "Antics":http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002PD3HU/suckahs-20/ is quite good. Email me: ned AT suckahs.org.... - Web Surfer Rosa
There are very few bands that I think are worth seeing in big venues. "Radiohead":http://www.radiohead.com is one. "U2":http://u2.com is another. And even with these big acts, what is so enjoyable about an arena show? It's usually 100-dollar tickets, you can't see much except for what's on the "Jumbotron":http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2002/04/15/media_churches/, and you end up with a row of dancing teenaged girls with scrunchies, blocking your view, and singing in your ear. It sucks. When I heard that the "Pixies":http://ilovepixies.com were "re-forming":http://ned.suckahs.org/archives/001699.php and touring this summer, I knew that I'd gladly plop down the 100 bucks, and put up with Arena-beer prices, for... - Old Times...
Presley and I were invited out last night with my old boss, who is visiting Boston on holiday from his teaching gig in Japan. It was the usual shitty service at the Enormous Room, and then across the street for a little rock n' roll Upstairs, courtesy A.M. Stereo and The Glow. A.M. Stereo was fun, Indie post-punk -- each member singing in turn, (except the drummer, who looked like something out of Spinal Tap). The Glow was a tighter, keyboard-driven, cross-over ska outfit, which I really enjoyed -- their guitarist reminded me of Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse... decide... - Dresden Dolls
get signedare Negotiating
*UPDATE* - It seems that we jumped the gun -- Amanda from the Dolls informs us that "it's actually not true and we're still in negotiations". So, rumors aside, here is a quote from their "band diary":http://www.dresdendolls.com/diary/: bq. ...the band has just agreed to enter into a massive distribution and promotion deal with a large label... SO, we'll just have to wait and see. Everyone's favorite "goth/punk/pop cabaret duo":http://www.dresdendolls.com/ just got signed to "Roadrunner Records(congrats!)":http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/, reported by "Jenna":http://jennarator.com/archives/000014.php This is the former all-metal label that eventually put out the first (and best) Sheila Divine LP(The New Parade) -- so they've... - The Rapture
Roberto and Tbone invited me along to see the new "it" New York _band-of-the-moment_ The Rapture thursday night, Downstairs at the Middle East. They did not disappoint. You can call it "dancey", disco, funk, post-punk, or Nouveau Garage -- but don't let those labels throw you -- these guys want to rock. They remind me a lot of LA's Moving Units, another great band that combines jangly guitars and disco drumming. But, with Cure-esque vocalisms, a fearsome cowbell solo, and enough energy to choke a horse, I couldn't help but feeling that I was witnessing something truly _inspired_. Earth to... - Concert for Howard Dean
Anyone in the Boston area who likes folk music, and would like to support Howard Dean, check out this fundraiser _tonight_: Concert for Dean at Club Passim *11/24/2003 7:00pm* _Tickets are $5, with a requested contribution of $10 for Dean... We'll start with a short opening set by Jenny Bruce, who will be singing backup w/Rachael Sage later. There will be Dean videos in between sets._... - The 80s
52 Pathetic. Any quiz that expects you to know Bon Jovi and the Buggles... well, it's just not a proper quiz.... - Here Comes The Pixies
It's been rumored for months, but indie music fans have something new to pine about-- perhaps Boston's best musical export since Cheap Trick, The Pixies, are reuniting for a world tour, and new record. Now that "garage" bands are all the rage, I can't wait to see what Frank, Kim and gang can come up with. There's always that risk that you'll mess with your legacy-- and tarnish your legendary band status with a sad, 40-something exercise in money-grabbing.... - Blur in a blur
Last week was Blur Week. We were given tickets to see the boys tape a few songs on Last Call w/ Carson Daly in New York on Wednesday, and were able to catch them live at Avalon in Boston on Friday night. And the best part was that there were no mishaps this time 'round. Carson Daly is really misunderstood by music fans-- especially those who fancy themselves hipper-than-thou. Maybe it's because they blame him for the dominance of boy bands and Brittney in the past few years... or, maybe it is just that they think he's a massive tool.... - Fear & Loathing at the Tweeter Center
Ok, so when you walk up to the gate at a giant music festival put on by the local "alternative" FM station, and the PA annoucer says that your favorite band, the one you spent $70 to see, is not going to appear, you might think twice about entering... I mean, I probably could have scalped the tickets and made off with the $200+, but no, I decided it was worth it to stay. Boy was I wrong. I enjoyed seeing The Donnas rock out on such a big stage, and Hot Hot Heat were cool. But, Interpol. oh Interpol....... - WBCN RIVER RAVE - 3 Tickets!!!
Ok, so save me, I have to work this Memorial Day weekend.... buy my tickets to the WBCN River Rave -- 3 tickets for section 4, row N, covered seating! Blur, Beck, Dropkick Murphys, Interpol, the Donnas, The Used, Evanescence, Good Charlotte, Jack Johnson, Saliva, Afi, Seether, Hed(pe), Finch, Hot Hot Heat, The Ataris and more!!!... - Delivery Nights
We have to deliver stuff to that certain $oftware company at 7am, and, here we are, still at work, at midnight -- trying our damnedest. This certain $oftware company is a stickler about scheduling. So, on this 18+ hour work day, I had BBQ for dinner, a few coffees, a diet coke, and 2 beers (gotta love it when the senior manager invites you to make use of his mini-fridge). And it's 93 degrees in this fucking place. I feel like There's More to Life Than This.... - The Libertines Under Smoking Ban
Review: A- I was so surprised to learn yesterday that The Libertines were playing at the Paradise for only $8... surely not! You know you're in for a good show when the lead singer comes out and is swaying-ly drunk before the first song-- leaning on his microphone, noodling on his guitar, "D'ya fancy me?" I bought their record on vinyl a couple of weeks ago, and I think I would describe them as an updated Clash. You could lump them in with the new crop of garage bands, (e.g., The Strokes, White Stripes, Hives, Vines, et al.), but I... - Planning
Planning for an event like Field Day is pretty daunting for someone who has camped less than 5 times in his entire life. A co-worker of mine suggests buying tents and equipment from Building 19, where you can basically find anything you never wanted, so long as it fell off the back of a truck. But that seems a bit stupid. Then there is REI... which has things to make even me drool. Presley is all into borrowing from friends, which is fine, except it might be nice to own some camping stuff... weekends on Cape Cod anyone? So maybe... - Rock'N'Roll MotherFucker
The D4 - Best fucking rock band in the world. Well, they're really really good.... - Liz Phair - Teenage Slut?
The state of pop music is generally good these days. Rap-Metal & their Sensitive Progressive-Rock Crooner buddies seem to have relaxed their grip on mainstream radio. MTV is playing Interpol and Zwan, along with Jarassic 5 and Eminem... that is, when they're actually playing videos. In addition to the new bands getting mainstream attention, it seems to me that several artists are making a come back of sorts. Look at Billy Corgan with Zwan... and look at Liz Phair-- who is trying to shed not only her "blow-job Queen" indie cred from the early-90s, but also the boring Lilith Fair... - Obstacle 1 & the River Rave
MTV is promoting the new Interpol video, which is a bit odd given their usual diet of the same 10 shitty clips. It's a terrifically stylized video, much like the band and its music. Come to think of it, MTV has done a lot of little coverage items on Interpol, so maybe somebody (Loder? Yago?) recognized their appeal. Speaking of Interpol, Presley, Albany Dan and I are heading to the WBCN River Rave, held this year at the Tweeter Center. We usually don't succumb to such over-hyped "mega-concerts", but what the hell, it's outdoors and features the likes of Interpol,... - Blur's Think Tank
*Review: A+* First off, I have to say that Blur was my favorite band when I was in High School in the mid-90s. I'll confess that, back then, I had a case of exaggerated anglophilia, only fed by the band's ironic lyrics, "la la las", and quirky compositions. But that was then. Since the days of _Parklife_ and _The Great Escape_, I've realized that England really does have an inflated impression of their cultural importance... uh, wait, that's France. I'm an American, so I needn't be walking around in Fred Perry shirts and keeping up on the latest & greatest... - 745
Turns out that our friend Romo bought the downtown Buffalo building once occupied by members of the indie/emo band Tugboat Annie. In fact, there is a song called "745" on their 1997 LP Wake Up and Disappear, that is supposedly about the famed Buffalo address: 745 Main Street. The lyrics are concerned with watching 4th of July fireworks on the roof, which has, I can tell you, a beautiful view.... - Internet Radio
I just wanted to share indienow.com with any of you who are interested in listening to good music online. They've got different feeds, depending on your internet connection. Also, I ordered the Shelby CD, after I learned from the Morning News that the new New Yorker fiction editor is married to a band member. Hey, if it's good, it's good. It's funny too, because in their about page, they describe themselves as The Who meets My Bloody Valentine... if there is anything that the classic rocker Tbone and the modern rocker myself could agree on, it would be that combination.... - New Phono & Vinyls
Presley brought back her turntable from Buffalo, and suddenly I find myself rediscovering the joy of records. I forgot to bring back all my Clash, U2 and other LPs I had when growing up, but she has plenty of aural goodness to stick a needle into. And today, I bought two of my favorite LPs from MoJo Records: · The Cure, Faith · The Smiths, Strangeways, Here We Come There seemed to be a real lack of used 90s indie things like stereolab, belle and sebastian, pavement and the pixies... but then again, maybe people are still too young to... - Sing-Sing at TT's
We went to TT's last night to see Sing-Sing, the new band of Emma Anderson from Lush. In all, I have to say it was just OK, due mostly to my own personal tastes. I was a fan of Lush, and most of the other guitar-based british bands of 10 years ago, so I guess the primary difference here was that it wasn't guitar-based at all. Sure, Emma was playing guitar, and they had a keyboardist who also played trumpet, however the bulk of the sonic stuff came from a little iBook sitting next to the singer Lisa. I'm not... - Sebastian, You're in a Mess...
Belle and Sebastian released a soundtrack to the Todd Solondz movie Storytelling. I need to buy it. Also, I've got 4 tickets to the Strokes and White Stripes show in august at Radio City. I am somewhat psyched, that is for sure.... - oy oy oy
GOD damn my head hurts... last night was really fucking rough. We went to see Loveless and the Realistics at the Paradise, but I had way too much to drink. I think we pre-partied at least 6 cans of Pabst BR, and then I must've had 4-5 buds at the show. Hooliganism abounded. The Realistics were fucking cool as shit though. They're so much better live than on their record. Anyway, Glenndo, evilmonkey, Ben, Presley and I were up front rocking out in this nearly empty place... I think toward the end of the Loveless set I was singing along... - Sheilas Video
The Sheila Divine have a new video that was produced by subversion media, a very small, but cool Boston production house. The song isn't the best thing they've done, but the video is terrific. Also, rumor has it that they've been shooting the band's live performances at the world-famous Paradise Rock Club (down the street from me) for use in a live concert DVD.... - An Album of One's Own
The New Yorker gave Sarah Shannon's solo debut album a favorable review: From the opening trumpet-and-saxophone volley of Sarah Shannon's self-titled d?but (Casa Recording Co.), it is clear that the singer is finished with the basic guitar-drum-and-bass setup of her indie-rock past, when she was the front woman for the introspective pop outfit Velocity Girl. Here, Shannon (who plays the Knitting Factory this week) has assembled a small orchestra of horns, strings, and woodwinds, and the result is a warm paean to the power of the imagination. The songs cover familiar subjects, mostly love sought and love lost, but the... - Leave it to the New Yorker...
Once again, someone writing in the New Yorker puts to pen the thoughts that I've been loosely throwing about on the state of Rock n' Roll... Jerry Lee Lewis was rock and roll. Gene Pitney wasn't. The Pretenders were rock and roll. The Bee Gees weren't. Elvis Costello was rock and roll for a while, and then he wasn't. By this standard, the moody crooning of Creed and friends doesn't qualify; nor does the self-effacing arena rock of the Dave Matthews Band. But there does seem to be a new crop of bands that favor short, spiky songs galvanized by... - subpop
I've got some music links i'd like to pass along: > Subpop released the new Shins video [real playr] > also, check out the Shins' first video, quite possibly the most beautiful song ever written [real playr] -- > and, subpop is also releasing a DVD [trailer - 9mb quicktime] of Damon and Naomi, the 2 other former members of the seminal 80's indie slowcore band Galaxie 500... (the other being Dean Wareham now of Luna).... - Gonna Tell Everyone to Lighten Up
Well, it's going to be 88 degrees here wednesday, so summer has arrived. and, yes, that is Liz Phair singing back-up vocals on Sheryl Crow's new single, soak up the sun. Seems silly, but true. Those of you familiar with her peculiar harmonizing might have picked that up, (I didn't). Rumor has it that everyone's favorite reformed-indie-low-fi-pioneer makes a cameo in the video, playing basketball, of all things. Sheryl's explanation of how they hooked up, makes me wonder about this liz + basketball thing. > background video on liz (hosted by j-lo??)... - Giving Back
Ani DiFranco recently donated $40,000 to her alma matter, Visual and Performing Arts High School in Buffalo, and to other Buffalo public school arts programs.... - Sloan
(I'm going to do something very very bad. I'm going to compare a band to the Strokes. I do this only to promote them, cos they rock.) Growing up in a ass-backwards place like Buffalo, we were privileged to get Toronto radio stations, especially cfny 102.1 the edge. We heard things like Blur, Morrissey, Nirvana and others before MTV or the corporate stateside stations picked them up. We were fortunate. Also, from time to time, someone would go and compare Toronto to New York, as if somehow there is a fucking comparison. But, in a way, I think the differences... - Tokyo Wilma
Getting ready for the show. Presley is crimping her hair, and wearing boots up to her yin. Can't wait. I have a Mini-Disc Recorder. Now where do I get a decent mic?... - Neu CDs
Albany Dan and I walked around a lot this weekend. Saturday we spent in Providence, taking an improvised architecture tour, and looking in bookshops and cafes. Today we spent in the Back Bay taking photos of his grandmother's dorm room from 1938, on Commonwealth Ave, and also managed to squeeze into newbury comics where I bought Summer Teeth by Wilco, and then I found a Stereolab bootleg at Smash City Records. I've bought bootlegs at this record store since '96... how come no one has called them on it? PLEEEASE don't. but I can't believe some elektra exec hasn't wandered... - I want iPod
Has anybody out there looked at mp3 players? I can't see spending $150-$200 for some 64 or 128mb compaq player (which Presley got as a gift)--- it's just not enough music for the money, ya know? I have seen the iPod, and it's just so perfect in every possible way. But i'm NOT a mac person. Who is? Alas, Mediafour is coming through -- developing windows software that will make iPod for Windows possible. I mean, I don't have a job, per se, that i have to commute to or anything... but if i did, iPod would be great company... - Shoot to Ill.
Ok, so contrary to what you may be thinking from my cam picture, we weren't actually drunk at that point. The pre-party was a bust because megger totally bailed and ben & jenna were both separately late coming over. Oh well. that's the last time I put up festive pre-party poster decorations. The Gorillaz show itself was incredibly good-- the band played behind a projector screen, on which they projected jamie hewett's animations. I think most people were expecting to see the inner-workings of the band from time to time, but they didn't get their wish. You could definitely see... - Be Here at 6pm.
Be here at 6pm. Meet Gorillaz After Virgin Recommends band Gorillaz perform at Avalon, Dan The Automator and Damon Albarn from the animated hip hop group will be stopping by the Virgin Megastore. Dan will treat fans to one of his keen DJ sets, while Damon will be interviewed by our store DJ. The first 300 people to get in line will get wristbands to guarantee a spot for the performance and interview. Space is limited and the event is subject to store capacity. Midnight for the only Gorillaz in-store in the world! Automator will be spinning and Damon... - The London Dub All-Stars
Tomorrow, Gorillaz rolls into the Avalon, and I have absolutely NO idea what to expect. From the Globe article: Thirty of the collaborators - tech people, lighting folks, musicians - will be on this tour, with, probably, five or six humans taking the stage at Avalon. (Even the publicist at the group's record company, Virgin, doesn't know exactly who will be there.)So vote in my Gorillaz poll--... - Belle & Sebastian... singing songs for children...
I've got 4 tickets for the Belle and Sebastian show at the Orpheum in May. It's so amazing that they are coming back to the States, cos they really hate touring. I saw them with Jason and Irene at the Morse Auditorium in October of 98, and it was one of the best concerts i've ever been to.... - Paul McCartney is the Angel of Death
(Ok, sorry. That was a bit much. He is my favorite Beatle) BUT, after the weird circumstances surrounding Linda's death, I was surprised to hear that George Harrison died at Paul's house in Los Angeles. kind of.... - Tugboat Annie making some scratch
Tugboat Annie was a staple Buffalo indie-power-pop outfit for years, but they never did break out. So, after a move to Boston a few years ago, they've put out a few really good records (and a kooky low-budget video) and now they're getting a profile boost from Boston-based monster.com, in a new series of television commercials. Watch the Olympic coverage (NBC, MSNBC) for the monster ads, which feature the song "More". >View Monster's new television ad... - Gorillaz.
i got them.... - Look
Hi, new gallery feature up. Not much there now, but maybe i will add some stuff in the future. Vanity is so disgusting. Speaking of vanity, i need a haircut. so Cay is going to hook me up tomorrow. And, Gorillaz Live in Boston go on sale tomorrow. They are playing Avalon.... - Newbury Comics
I finally bought the latest two EPs from Belle & Sebastian tonight from Newbury Comics. Romo and I were also looking at all of the kooky sunglasses and jewelry in there as well. At one point, he pointed at a very large rainbow ring, and said (point blank in front of an adorable lesbian couple), "Maybe I should get this-- I should start making it more obvious." To which I replied, "maybe you should first work on your walk." ba-dam-bum. ::crash:: I'm not much of a comedian. But I got something funny in my e-mail tonight from Patti, my girlfriend's... - Blur are Selling Cars Again
Blur are selling cars again-- one of the latest television advertisements for Chrysler, features one of my favorite blur songs, The Universal... - Mercury Rev | All is Dream
The Burly Bear Network is presenting the new Mercury Rev album 'all is dream' in Real Video. Mercury Rev has to be the best thing to come out of Buffalo since Wings... And Presley & I caught them at the Middle East Downstairs last year. Fuck, that was a good show. OH-- and what is scary is that when we were all like 15 years old, Avishai Hendel, the Israeli exchange-student with the big fucking brain, was mercury rev's #1 fan. fantastic.... - I <3 Bob Dylan
I ? Bob Dylan how enjoyable is the new bob dylan album! i haven't picked it up yet, so i found it through my usual combination of napster-esque searching... and waiting... i think the most suprising song on the album is the almost vaudeville/ragtime number Po' Boy. What fun.... - saw the flickerstick video on
saw the flickerstick video on VH1 (produced as part of their bands on the run prize).... - Ok. you like Radiohead? and
Ok. you like Radiohead? and you have AOL IM? enter 'GooglyMinotaur' as your newest buddy-- and start talking to it. no really.... - The Flickerstick show was
The Flickerstick show was incredible. They projected motion graphics type stuff from the back onto stage, and had cuts from movies like 'Willy Wonka' playing in between songs. Rex 'El Dangeroso', one of the guitarists, was in true form-- at one point he was soloing in the crowd.... - This has been quite the
This has been quite the weekend for live music-- Francine and the Fly Seville last night at T.T.'s, and Flickerstick (from VH1's Bands on the Run) tonight at the Middle East Downstairs. Oh and last night, we were on our way back from Portsmouth, when we got stuck in the traffic for the Monkees hatch shell concert. doh.... - This has been quite the
This has been quite the weekend for live music-- Francine and the Fly Seville last night at T.T.'s, and Flickerstick (from VH1's Bands on the Run) tonight at the Middle East Downstairs. Oh and last night, we were on our way back from Portsmouth, when we got stuck in the traffic for the Monkees hatch shell concert. doh.... - Interesting article on Blur frontman
Interesting article on Blur frontman Damon Albarn's side project Gorillaz-- a cartoon band drawn by tank girl creator Jamie Hewlett.... - New Bjork video - hidden
New Bjork video - hidden place. Also, Spin has an exclusive track- Verandi.... - The Sigur R�s
I watched some of the concert footage of The Sigur R�s, an icelandic band that has been making some noise in the US recently-- Gillian Anderson is a fan, aparently... but they're incredible.... - the new sheila divine disc
the new sheila divine disc is in-hand, amazingly... (due in stores 20 march) the title track came out beautiful. the record is a little bit different than the debut, but there is something for everybody. the vocals and guitars are more layered, and it's mixed really well... 'Antidote' gets a really cool treatment...... - VMA VMA VMA VMA. is
VMA VMA VMA VMA. is there a reason to watch? we were teased, but it turns out that 2 of the wayans are hosting.... - did someone say hip-hop? check
did someone say hip-hop? check out jurassic 5 and dilated peoples. then put down that puffy shit....
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