First of all, I’m sorry this took so long to post. The show actually happened Sept 12th, but it’s been a crazy month and I haven’t had a chance to really think straight let alone make updates on this thing here. Fear not, however, for you are getting two photo posts today from shows I had the pleasure of attending over the course of the month. The first is Nerd Night Out, a music/comedy tour with Molly Lewis, Joseph Scrimshaw, and The Doubleclicks! It was a great night full of laughs and shenanigans. I hung out after the show to chat with Molly Lewis (which I posted a picture on Twitter with her), bought some merch, and even got a CD signed by The Doubleclicks. It was a great night and if you ever get a chance to see even one of these performers, I say do it!
Some background before I begin this one: I work at a music venue and have a musician boyfriend. This means that my entire life is spent getting paid to go to shows (oh no, my life is so hard!). Seriously though, it’s a blessing and a curse because since the above fact is true it means I rarely go to shows that I’m not working or my boyfriend is playing. Which is why this past Sunday was such a treat for me.
This was the first big show I went to in forever where I got to go back to being just a person going to a show. I remember walking into the room with the feeling of excitement at seeing two big acts and having no responsibilities other than to have a good time. The band started playing almost immediately after I arrived. I slowly weaved through the crowd towards the front of the room, where I found a friend of mine who was also attending that evening’s performance. I stayed firmly planted in that same spot up front for the entire night, only moving when Murder by Death’s crowd started to get slightly rambunctious up front and to my right. I was so engrossed in the performance that I barely noticed it happen. All of a sudden I was getting pushed to the left. I didn’t care; it was all in fun. It was all part of the experience.
And what an experience it was! O’Death I have seen before several times and they have never disappointed me. The first time was opening for one of my favorite bands of all time, The World/Inferno Friendship Society. I remember not knowing what to expect that night, and being absolutely in awe of them by the time their set was over. This time I was there mostly to see them, and barely knew any of Murder by Death’s music. Obviously I’ve listened to them before, but I’ve never been to see them live and had no idea what to expect. Despite not knowing all the words to the songs like what seemed true for the rest of the kids in the front, I still had a fantastic time. The band held a captivating performance, to the point where I had forgotten how long I had been standing and had fun trying to get my legs to move again at the end of the night. It was a great show, and I highly encourage you to catch them either during this tour or in the future. Bonus points if you can get both bands to play on the same bill again. Individually they are both great, but the pairing makes it even better.
Both bands are at Union Transfer tonight, which is a fun coincidence since I will be in Philly seeing World/Inferno. (I love it when life comes full circle like that). The rest of the dates are as follows:
Hey all! I did really good with the writing stuff for a couple days in January and then dropped off the face of the Earth. Sorry about that, folks. I meant to give you a review of “The Interview” and the Murder by Death/O’Death show I went to on Sunday but somehow never did. I probably will go back to those over the next week since I seem to have a lot of free time ahead of me and there’s only so much Adventure Time you can watch before Netflix starts questioning your life and the choices you’ve made (or at least asks if you’re still awake). Right now there’s a thing I have to talk about IMMEDIATELY because it just happened and is BREAKING NEWS and something I’m super excited about.
The breaking news is that Out of System Transfer, a band I am friends with and think they are awesome and stuff, just released a NEW SONG on bandcamp that you can go download for FREE. As in ZERO DOLLARS. Or for as many dollars as you feel like, as it’s a pay-what-you-want type deal. So go judge what they’re worth and download a new song. Also, come see them AND Brook Pridemore AND Pat the Bunny play a show tonight at Palisades in Brooklyn. Prewar Yardsale open up the show at 8pm. It’s gonna be a fun night that your’s truly will be attending. I’ll probably be the girl with the camera, bouncing around and taking pictures.
First of all, this post should have gone up either Sunday night or yesterday but I am in the process of moving into my new apartment, so life is pretty chaotic right now. I couldn’t stay quiet about my experience going to see Jukebox the Ghost perform a free pre-release show at Rough Trade for their new self-titled album (which drops Oct 21) though. I jotted a bunch of thoughts down at the show, which I wanted to share with you now…
Sunday afternoon I was thrilled to attend the Rough Trade Jukebox the Ghost in store for two reasons: 1) It’s been ages since I’ve seen the band and was anxious to see them again, and 2) It was my first time at the venue and I was curious what it would be like. Consequently this review is just as much about Rough Trade as it is the show I saw there.
First let’s look at the venue. When you first walk in there’s a decently sized store with mostly records but also books and a small selection of cassette tapes. I loved the layout of the store and the general vibe. I even talked to one of the staff about any possible job opportunities and got a very helpful response.
Moving on to the actual venue (which can be found through a door in the back of the shop), the size of the place felt perfect to hold a good crowd without anyone having to feel removed from the stage too much. The sound was particularly impressive, not too loud to blow your eardrums but still being able to hear everything clearly. The only slight negative to the experience was it got a bit toasty at one point, but I believe that was because that particular day wasn’t sure what the temperature should be, which probably made it hard for the staff to affectively know how to heat or cool the space. (Side note: we’ve been having the same problem at the venue I work at, so I totally understand and don’t hold it against them at all. Fall needs to figure out what it wants to be already and stick with it).
Now onto the show itself… The band played quite a few selections from their new album, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Of course there was the usual stage banter in between songs, which is one thing I have always loved about this band: their stage presence. The guys have the ability to charm and joke their way through any set. Take an example from this show: the drum broke during one song, so the crowd was treated to fun stories to keep us occupied, including a bit of self-deprecation about Ben messing up a song he’s played “once or twice” while performing live on the radio. Instead of being annoyed the set had been interrupted by technical difficulties, we all got to have a good laugh before continuing on with the show. This kind of thing has happened before at their shows, and I love that they just make a joke about it or something else and roll with the punches. It’s almost like they enjoy the little bumps in the road, which is really the ideal for a musician’s life or just in general when you think about it. Being able to go with the tides is what makes life enjoyable (or at least bearable). Personally the music that Jukebox the Ghost has given us over the years has been very helpful with that in my journey through life, and I look forward to adding another batch of songs to the collection.
On Tuesday Brooklyn based duo High Highs released their new EP, Ocean To City, and I’m giving everyone a chance to listen to the title track before you go download the entire EP for FREE on Noisetrade.
Taken from the press release:
When asked to describe the ideal environment for listening to High Highs’ new EP, lead-singer and guitarist Jack Milas answered, “Just before dawn, when the party has ended.”
If you want to experience this for yourself then listen to the sample and go download some free music. Hey, what do you have to lose?
When I first heard Out of System Transfer live, I knew they were a different kind of band. For one thing, while a lot of bands can be described as “fun” and “high energy,” these guys take it to another level. This is something they demonstrate with their new EP “Same Rat, Different Hat”. Two songs in and you’ll already be exhausted from the dancing. Nothing gets me going more than hearing a blazing horn section, and these guys definitely have that. Oh, and if great music isn’t enough for you, the EP also comes with a fun zine which includes artwork and song lyrics.
For those of you who live in/near Brooklyn, you are lucky enough to experience this band for yourself live and in person TONIGHT. For those unfortunate enough to live too far away, FEAR NOT. You can still download the whole package from Bandcamp.
Quick post to let you know about two really cool shows happening this weekend in the NYC area.
1) Lyzfest, otherwise known as my good friend over at Candy Apple Red’s birthday show. She always puts together a great night of music, but she goes all out for her big day. This year the night doubles as the kickoff to Tail Light Rebellion’s tour. They go on 1st at 8pm, right after the open bar that takes place 7-8. All this is happening at, (where else?), Trash Bar in Brooklyn. It’s a great way to start a great night for a great lady. Come on out and celebrate with us, folks.
2) The 2nd show I want to throw at you is for the often ignored Long Island kids. The Pandemics are opening for The Toasters over at 89 North. They’re calling it “The Ultimate Ska Party” and I have to agree that it looks like it might be. I’ve never been to the venue myself, but my boyfriend tells great stories of hanging out backstage with The Slackers last time he was there. I’m looking forward to seeing the place. Also looking forward to seeing The Toasters again since last time I saw them I started feeling sick halfway through their set. It would be nice to actually get to dance this time…
There you have it, two great shows to get you through the weekend. I know LI feels super far away and not worth it for most people, but there are some great shows you’re missing out on with that attitude. Take a chance and come dance with us, won’t you?
Valentine’s Day – the time we’re all supposed to show that special someone how much we love them… or so says Hallmark. Just because tradition tells you when to show these signs of affection though doesn’t mean they can tell you how to do it. That is why today I’m dedicating this post to sharing some non-traditional ways to spend your day. These can be for singles or couples, and shared with friends or lovers. The point is to have fun without doing the whole “dinner and a movie” thing that is your typical romantic evening. So, in no particular order, let’s get started…
Girls/guys night – I polled some folks and a popular thing seems to be getting together with a group of friends. One lady said she gets together with her sisterwives and puts on her fancy dress for a night with the ladies. Another fella said he was planning on spending the night playing D&D (that’s Dungeons & Dragons for you non-nerdy types) with his buddies. I like this idea, and it’s kinda similar to what I used to do in college, which brings me to my next point…
Stay in and watch a movie – This used to be my go-to for today. Usually I go for Boondock Saints or something equally violent. My boyfriend used to do similar, but with the addition of he’d use the day to clean his guns. (Note: we live on Long Island where this is perfectly legal and normal to own and maintain firearms). Obviously the second part is optional, but having a movie night, either by yourself or with your friends, is a great way to spend any evening, so why should tonight be any different?
Spend a night on the town – There are plenty of things to do besides go out to a fancy restaurant you can’t even really afford. Try going to your local bar, where you might see some familiar faces. My favorite watering hole is Project Parlor in Brooklyn. Tonight they’re having an event called “Everybody Gets Lei’d“. There will be a night full of DJs, good music, and of course lots of leis. This is where I’d be tonight if I didn’t have work. Which, I was going to suggest everyone come to the awesome burlesque show I’ll be at tonight after my shift, but I just got word about an hour ago that it is sold out. While I’m pleasantly surprised, I’m going to have to suggest you save the burlesque for tomorrow when D20 gives you their Villain-tines Day celebration. If you want a fancy dinner at fast food prices, try McDonald’s, which is offering candlelit service in certain locations. Perfect for the couple who likes eating off a white tablecloth, but can barely afford said cloth, forget the food it is served on.
I’m sure there are plenty of other fun things you could be doing this day without giving in to the hype and madness that tends to go along with it. Personally I’m going to work tonight, but spending tomorrow watching Warm Bodies, the romantic zombie movie, while devouring some discount chocolate I will likely pick up at 2am tonight when I finally stumble home from my job. What is everyone else doing? Send me your ideas and maybe they’ll be included in next year’s V-Day special here. Whatever you do today, don’t let the pressure (or annoyingly cute couples) get to you. Have fun and enjoy, today and every day.
I consider myself lucky enough to call myself both a fan and a friend of Brook Pridemore. This musician from Brooklyn has had an interesting journey in his musical career, and now you can own a piece of that history with the live tape of one of his last solo shows he is releasing. The tape is very aptly called, “My Name is Brook Pridemore, and I live in Brooklyn New York.”
Of the record, Pridemore explains, “I made sure to include songs from all five albums, as well as a few B-sides. I don’t like greatest hits packages. Greatest hits packages are for people who’ve died. If one, however, were looking for an introduction to my songs, this would be a good starting point. The record was made at Sidewalk Cafe, in the East Village, because that’s where I learned everything I know about being a song and dance man.”
From what I’ve heard of his work so far, everything he knows is a lot. Pridemore has an honesty and passion in his music that is refreshing in a world full of fake, insincere people who may or may not be in this business for the wrong reasons. I’ve seen his live show before, and it takes the energy and cranks it up to 11. The release of the album, which will be available on cassette and as a digital download, is tomorrow, Wednesday, January 29th at Mercury Lounge. Don’t miss this chance to be blown away by some honestly good music.
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen the Brooklyn-based indie rock band Libel, and I have to say they’ve grown a lot. One thing hasn’t changed though – from the moment I first saw them they immediately impressed me. The music was loud and fun and made me want to rock with them. This was something I could get behind.
The music itself wasn’t the only thing that hooked me in that initial meeting, it was also how much the band seemed to enjoy doing what they do. Clearly they have taken that to the next level with their album “Music For Car Commercials“. It has the usual pop/rock sound you would expect from an indie band, but it’s like they’ve taken that sound and decided to have fun with it. I talked to lead singer Gavin Dunaway and asked him exactly what he was trying to do with this album.
“We’re just trying to make music with no ulterior motives,” was his response. He went on to say, “I wanted to write songs about refusing to feel powerless in a world where control seems to constantly elude us.”
Based on our conversation I would say he was talking about commercialism and how sometimes a great band doesn’t get recognized until their song ends up in a car commercial or something similar. Pretty deep stuff, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a light-hearted side to things. Mostly he wanted to “prove there’s still some life left in rock and roll”… and “wanted to make an album that defied subgenres”.
“I was hoping Libel could sound like something people couldn’t put their finger on.”
That’s the statement that hit me the hardest, because I can honestly say I spent half the record trying to decide who they reminded me of and coming up empty-handed. Maybe that’s because Libel has a unique sound, something familiar that is really it’s own thing. And that’s ok too. Not everyone needs to be a carbon copy of any one band or use some generic formula. If that’s you’re thing, fine. If not, there’s Libel.
Of all the songs in the album, I think my favorite was “Tomorrow’s Children,” which coincidentally is the song chosen for their music video.
Gavin’s wife Michela Buttignol was the creator of said video, and in my opinion she did a fantastic job.
As I said in the opening, I have always been impressed with what Libel has to offer. It may have been awhile since that first time, but I look forward to seeing if their live show has evolved as much as their music has. We’ll all have a chance to see for ourselves, as they have a show coming up this Friday, January 17th at Radio Bushwick.
