The Bus Is Leaving

The Bus Left...

2010-03-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

and has relocated to this new address: thebusisleaving.wordpress.com

Come check it out!

CRAZY GOOD

2010-02-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Most people have heard Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" off her 2003 album Dangerously in Love. We love that song - it's so fun, bouncy and flirty, perfect for getting tipsy and dancing with your best girl friends.

But now, the nearly mythical Antony and the Johnsons has made a version that is, simply put, haunting. (It dropped in August 2009 - I'm just embarrassingly late to this party.) Beyonce's once fiercely energetic dance tune has turned into a ghostly ballad of all-consuming, near-crazy love, indeed. And I can't. Stop. Listening to it.

So many pieces fit together so perfectly to create this slightly troubled tune. It begins with an eerie oboe line that hovers over a shy, tiptoeing piano line. Antony seems to be restraining himself a bit, and that all creates this great sense of someone trying to control himself with all his might. But the stress comes to a climax, complete with shimmering strings. The guy really knows how to pull at a heartstring, doesn't he? I mean, who doesn't remember "Hope There's Someone" off his 2005 album, I am a Bird Now? If that didn't make you cry, then I just don't know. Listen and love, people.

Group to Love: Chiddy Bang

2010-02-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Chiddy Bang? They are a hip hop duo, made up of Chidera Anamege & Xaphoon Jones (um, could their names be any cooler?) who've been making addicting rap tunes since 2008. What's their allure? Well, CB sample riffs from MGMT to Sufjan Stevens, Gorillaz and Passion Pit. Then Anamege raps over them with a unique, fast-paced, nearly perfect flow - you will be deadly hooked after listening to their free mixtape, The Swelly Express. Beware!

The Game's New Single Will Be in My Head for a Week

2010-02-19T14:27:00.000-08:00

Seriously. If you haven't heard "Shake" yet, then it's time you listen. Game samples the refrain from Sam Cooke's "Shake" to drive this proud/angry song forward. The beginning starts with him waiting impatiently for some Mickey D's: "Yo, give me some fries and an extra large SHAKE!" Produced by Dr. Dre, it's got tons of horns and trash talk. Get ready for some beef with 50!

Check it!

Preview Time!

2010-02-17T10:22:00.000-08:00

Holly Miranda's The Magician's Private Library is set to be released in the US on February 23. This album is simultaneously luminous, gritty and totally addicting. Read my preview on Ear Farm here. And buy the album when it comes out!

Bands to Love: White Denim and Safe

2010-02-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

White Denim (made up of James Petralli, Joshua Block and Steve Terebecki from Austin, TX) makes the best type of garage rock: gritty and peppy. Think Black Keys, but with more a bit more funk and optimism. "I Start to Run," off their self-produced 2009 album Fits (out under Downtown), is a rollicking joyride of a song that races in circles through your brain, massaging neurons into fitter states than they've ever been.

Safe is artist Chris Edley from East Bay, CA (not sure what's up with the chicken). According to RcrdLbl, he's been tied to MGMT and has also worked with Aaron Pfenning of Chairlift to produce his debut album, which is due out soon under Greedhead Entertainment. (I smell a Wesleyanian...Wesleyanonian...Wesleyaner?) His voice is like a mix between Tunde Adebimpe of TVOTR and Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields: sweet, subtle and haunting. His music has a gentle, bubbly electro vibe, with undercurrents of dissonance, every now and then. There are hints of video game beeps and blips which adds a delicate layer of innocence/mystery. Listen to his single "Twenty Years On" here.

Also Just in Time for Valentine's Day...

2010-02-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

A mix of the best break-up songs of the aughts (for the indie connoisseur)! Plenty of people soothe their way through a break-up in different ways: booze, crying, moving; but I think we can all agree that music is a common bond when it comes to grieving the end of a relationship. Listening to someone else's pain helps to put your own into perspective: "Hey, that girl also got her heart broken." We're all connected, aren't we?

Check out my article in Flavorpill here and pass it on to anyone who might need it this Valentine's Day.

Just in Time for Valentine's Day

2010-02-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Why is it so wonderful to listen to Stephen Merritt sing about love? Maybe it's because Valentine's Day is almost upon us, but I do love listening to his deep, sighing voice singing about the topic. Those familiar with The Magnetic Fields will remember his amazing 1999 album 69 Songs About Love. "The Book of Love" is a pretty song about being in love. Listen here. Also, check out the band's newest release, Realism (on Nonesuch Records), which dropped last month.

What are some of your favorite songs about love?

Zef - South Africa's White Rap

2010-02-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Zef yet? Translated, the term means "redneck" in Afrikaans. The Guardian calls Zef South Africa's version of the Brit's white, working-class rap; North Americans might recall Eminem. No matter, Die Antwoord (Afrikaans for "the answer") has got my attention. Their song "Zef Side" features front man Ninja rapping over a great beat with slightly filthy, unintelligible lyrics. Check out the video. It's all tongue in cheek, but definitely worth checking out.

I've Been Waiting for This Album...

2010-02-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hot Chip's fourth album "One Life Stand" dropped on February 1st, but, according to the band, it's officially available for purchase stateside on February 9th (unless you want to pay for it at the exchange rate). I can be patient, but just to sate your curiosity, check out their single, "Take it In".

Gordon Voidwell Remixes Das Racist's "Shorty Said"

2010-02-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

Gordon Voidwell knows how to make people dance. His song "White Friends" has gotten some buzz over the internets - and for good reason. His style is a very unique blend of the highly popular '80s, mixed in with some funky stuff, a la Rick James and early Prince. Very nice.

Now, in addition to his totally danceable tunes, he has taken Das Racist's "Shorty Said" and made it so funky that I can barely stand it (in the best way possible). Listen here.

I Totally Forgot! It's Groundhog Day!

2010-02-02T09:31:00.001-08:00

That little rat bastard told us that there's six more weeks of winter. Fine, Phil. More time for me to curl up inside and watch Bill Murray's 1993 hit, "Groundhog Day". What could be better, Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, a groundhog, and polka?!

RENT IT!

So Cold It's Hot

2010-02-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Beach House's video for Norway is out - and it is strange and awesome. I love the fake snow material, it looks like they are on the set of some muppet movie about Antarctica or something. Take a look here and enjoy.

Use Me Up

2010-02-01T11:22:00.001-08:00

Yes, folks. Bill Withers--of Lean on Me, Use Me Up and Grandma's Hands fame--is back! A documentary about the singer, how he got started and what he's up to these days is out. It dropped last Thursday and is currently playing at IFC. Check the trailer here.

I gotta say, ol' Bill looks great for his age - and what a voice! Plus, Cornell West makes an appearance! Very looking forward to seeing this film. Favorite quote so far:

"Thoraeu I think, said 'The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.' I would like to know how it feels for my desperation to get louder."

Lean on Me sing-a-long, anyone?

The Tindersticks?

2010-02-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

I was a child of the '90s. So today, I am reeling learning about The Tindersticks. How on earth did I miss this band during my adolescent music education, what with Nirvana, Morrissey and the like? The band, which released its first demo in 1992, is now back (I never even knew they'd gone) with their eighth album Falling Down a Mountain.

The Tindersticks' relationship is like a work in progress. After about 13 years together, of waxing, waning and breaking up to do solo projects, the band has found each other again, picked up the pieces, dusted them off to a brand new sheen, and produced what seems to be a really soulful album. Perhaps The Tindersticks have come to a more mature place of understanding of who they are as people and as an operation. I think that's really beautiful. Take a listen and check out this band here.

TWEET!

2010-01-30T15:08:00.000-08:00

I just joined twitter! Check me at: victorialebron.

Fashion Party

2010-01-30T14:46:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week is almost upon us here in NYC--officially Feb 11-18. I certainly don't feel fashionable right now, wearing 18 layers of clothes, but sometimes the right tunes can make you feel brand new. Take this joint right here.

Its a cheeky collabo between Chairlift and Das Racist and I love it! Now to shed some layers...

New Album Update: Dinowalrus

2010-01-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you all remember the Dinowalrus. Well last week they dropped their very first, shiny brand new album, %, on Kanine Records. Sweet! The album features some oldies, like BEAD and Cage Those Pythons, but there are some new surprises, too, like East German Western. Check it out for yourself on the Hype! Also, check out my Ear Farm interview with the band.

?uestlove Explains the Complicated Side of Playing Music

2010-01-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

I read different blogs. Sometimes I like to read New York Magazine, too. Today, the mag had a little blurb about all the hullabalooh between the late night shows. Too bad Conan's leaving; but you know he's gonna rock out someplace else while Jay puts all the oldies to sleep (my personal opinion).

Anyhoo, apparently, drummer ?uestlove of The Roots, and now band leader for Jimmy Fallon, was really inspired by the fact that Max Weinberg and the Max Weinberg Seven played "Lovely Rita"on Conan's final show. Why? Because of copyright and permission costs. It turns out that playing that one song cost NBC $500K. Wow! Now I realize why I had to study copyright law in music so much in college...

See ?uest's explanation here.

No, please stay

2010-01-14T20:14:00.000-08:00

That's the first thought that came to mind when listening to Keepaway's new single "Yellow Wings" off their EP "Baby Style". The tribal/militaristic percussion, which features a strict march tempo mingled with hoots and pitched percussive instruments, gives way to a reverby call and response between the bass and the guitar. Oh, yes! The parts alone are pretty simple, but throw them all together and you've got a delectable, inventive and exciting blend that's like Animal Collective and Yeasayer, among other influences, all rolled into one. Yay!

Listen here, courtesy Pitchfork.

The Natives are Restless

2009-11-18T05:31:00.000-08:00

Local Natives, a group based in LA played the Bowery last night. My first thought upon hearing this band of mustachioed and bearded young men was "It's like Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes had a baby!" While that might not immediately make sense, this band has a way of combining the highlights of their influences in novel ways. They do the harmony thing very well. They use interesting orchestration: two drum kits. They have facial hair: check.

Still unsigned, their first EP is due out early next year. At this point they have grown a healthy following in the UK, but I predict we will be hearing much more from these guys.

Sasha has Entered the Building

2009-10-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

You've got to hand it to Beyonce. She's a talented woman who has worked REALLY hard to get where she is. Respect. I kind of love her. So when she came up with Sasha Fierce I accepted it with a bit of an eyeroll, like when you're friend is really into something that you think is a little flakey, but you love them so you hold your tongue. Anyway, I haven't really listened much to her other persona...until today.

PrefixMag posted this MP3 of Alan Braxe's dub remix of Beyonce's "Broken Hearted Girl". It's really good. Granted, this isn't pure Sasha: she's been glossed over with Braxe's magic, but still...

Do you have your ticket yet?

2009-10-06T21:21:00.001-07:00

Kurt Vile plays Mercury Lounge tomorrow night, October 7th. This show should be pretty good. I saw him play at Automotive High in August where his music struck me as beautiful, melancholy and even a little bit bratty. It works...

Vile's album, Childish Prodigy, out on Matador, dropped yesterday. I've been waiting so patiently...

Lady and the Cyborg

2009-09-30T14:13:00.001-07:00

Florence Welch, of the UK's Florence and the Machine is a force. At 23, she put out a record that wrestled for the no.1 spot with none other than our beloved MJ in the UK. I've never seen her live, but from the sounds of the tracks on Lungs (out on Island Records since July 2009), this lady has a serious set of them. Lungs, that is. She can summon up the soul-inspired howling vocals of Janis Joplin or she can croon coyly, a la Fiona Apple. I see her music as a beautiful testament to all the strong women artists who have graced our ears throughout the decades.

On "Raise it Up" she harkens back to Pat Benatar's strong vocals and big, heavy backing band. The instrumentation is very different. Sure, you've got your typical fare (drums, guitar, piano, electronics) but also a harp (generously featured throughout the record) and occasionally, a chorus, like on "I'm Not Calling You a Liar." As with the music, her lyrics are daring. Take "Kiss with a Fist" a song about brawling lovers where she sings "a kiss with a fist is better than none at all." I think that's objective, but it makes the song, or the entire record, no less entertaining.

Either way, this is music you listen to with your girls. Or after a break-up. Or before an interview. Or just because you want to listen to something new, challenging and awesome. You know you want to.

Remember the theme from "That '70s Show"?

2009-09-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well, that's by a real band. For serious! They are called Big Star and are playing Brooklyn Masonic Temple (an awesome venue) on November 18th. These guys were one of the original power-pop masters! And they hail from one of my favorite states...

Source: http://www.spoiltvictorianchild.co.uk/images/BigStar.gif

Their new boxed-set, Keep an Eye on the Sky, from Rhino/Ardent Records, is being met with very favorable reviews. It includes three records (#1 Record, Radio City and Third/Sister Lover) and some demos and alternate takes for the BIG fans. Songs are full of energy and representative of the band's excitement. I always feel that the more a band is into their music, the more their listeners will be, too.

So get ready for some power pop, 'cause it's coming to your five boroughs this November!

Interview with Das Racist

2009-09-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

I've been lost in grant writing land for the past few weeks and have emerged, like a butterfly from a chrysalis of stress to find that my interview with Brooklyn's own Das Racist has been published on Ear Farm. Check it out here!

I had so much fun talking to these dudes who are really smart, cool and thoughtful. Hey Himanshu and Victor, if you read this, thanks again for being awesome!

Now onto the next project...knitting album covers from the '70s!*

*Note: Author is full of crap. (Unless you want to fund this project, in which case you may contact her.)

Tennessee...I miss you!

2009-09-04T14:11:00.001-07:00

Tennessee made me want to sing, dance (which I did) and eat - a lot! The roadtrip to Memphis (Sun Studio), Nashville (Robert's Western World) and Pigeon Forge (Dollywood) gave me a chance to have some super fun times with my buddies and to learn a lot more about rock 'n' roll. Along the way we sampled bbq, bourbon, fried green tomatoes, chicken, peach pie, pb&j sandwiches, oreos (yes, the fried applies to all the items), a county fair, roller coasters, candied apples, and lots of great music. A friend of mine will be chronicling the trip in a diary format for a super-cool magazine and I expect everyone to read the article when it comes out (I will point you in the right direction when the time comes)! Until then, here's Elvis to tide you over.

Are you there, Michael McDonald? It's me, V.

2009-09-04T13:38:00.001-07:00

So, maybe you have heard the buzz about Michael McDonald (of Doobie Brothers and, for a time, Steely Dan fame) teaming up with Grizzly Bear on "While You Wait for the Others." Have you heard the song yet? You should probably listen. At first listen, I was like "whatever! where's Ed??"

I could only envision enjoying Michael McDonald's husky vocals on say, "What a Fool Believes." When I hear the words "Grizzly Bear" I expect to hear Ed Droste's whispery, crystal-clear voice cutting through the deeply textured instrumentals and vocal harmonies of the group that I have grown to love so dearly through the years. But I kept listening and...well, I won't bore you with the details of my transformation, but I am now a huge fan of this collabo. Welcome to the indie fold, Michael McD! Who's next on the collabo calendar? Don't you tell me its Beyonce!

We're On Our Way, Dolly!

2009-08-26T22:38:00.001-07:00

Be-Dazzled!

Tomorrow marks a musical event in this lady's short lifetime: I'll be heading Tennessee way on a pilgrimage to Pigeon Forge. Why there? Well I, along with a few friends, am a pretty fierce fan of Dolly. That's right. We're heading to Dollywood. And the Great Smoky Mountains (I might just cry when I see them.) Along the way, though, we'll make a stop in Nashville to eat some serious fried chicken and bbq, drink some bourbon, probably attend a demolition derby and hopefully hear some good music. Even if we don't hear anything live, we've compiled over 10 CDs for our road trip from Memphis to Nashville to Pigeon Forge and back. The mixes range from Hank Williams to Mos Def. And while I don't have anything bedazzled to wear, I did do my nails with little pink stones on them, as an homage to the busty one. I might actually stuff my bra for the car ride down there. Big Tits Road Trip!

Album(s) I Can't Wait For... *

2009-08-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you take one oscar-nominated actor, his buddy, a bunch of chorus kids, and goth-inspired gospel-rock tunes? You get a little outfit called Dead Man's Bones, that's what!

Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson, The Notebook) and his buddy, Zach Shields, make up this duo, whose self-titled album (previously rumored to be titled Never Let a Lack of Talent Get You Down) is set to drop on October 6th on Anti-. If you haven't heard these dudes yet, take a listen here. I heart this band! They'll be touring this fall, with a stop in New York at Le Poisson Rouge October 15th. Who wants to buy me a ticket? In the meantime, listen to My Body is a Zombie for You (Kinda creepy...)

Next on my list is Kurt Vile whose album Childish Prodigy drops October 6th. That's coming up soon! If it's anything like his 2008 debut album, Constant Hitmaker, it's going to be great.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the amazingness:
Breathin Out - Kurt Vile

Drool-worthy: St. Vincent and Grizzly Bear to Tour Europe in November

2009-08-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Wowie! Oh, that I were capable of the jet-setting! I would set off to catch St. Vincent and Grizzly Bear together for their upcoming European tour in November. Berlin? Glasgow? Copenhagen? Either would suit me just fine. This is sure to be a festival of pretty.

In the meantime, a little something to tide you over:
St. Vincent's "Actor Out of Work"

Grizzly Bear's "Two Weeks"

Ducktails...wooo-oo!

2009-08-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

I know you remember this cartoon. It came on during that after-school Disney marathon that we all loved to watch while avoiding homework... Scrooge McDuck? With that great Scottish accent? And the top hat and tails??? I loved that show!

BUT! That's not what I'm talking about here today. I'm late to this party, but the blogosphere has been lightly and intermittently buzzing (since 2008) about a little outfit called Ducktails out of Jersey City under the LA label Not Not Fun.

Cover of Ducktails' S/T LP - out now!

This solo project by Matthew Mondanile presents pretty, shimmery, psych summer pop that makes me want to put on my bikini, run to the nearest beach and have a party.

Check Ducktails out for yourself at The Market Hotel (JMZ to Myrtle for my fellow MTA riders) tonight, with Andrew Cedermark, Julian Lynch, Real Estate (Matthew's other project), and Family Portait.

Philly - The 6th Borough

2009-08-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn has gained a significant amount of notoriety through the years as the borough of music, especially indie music. Nice title to have, I tell you what, but Philly is gaining attention. Take a look at Kurt Vile or Free Energy.

Vile channels Dylan or Cohen, but in a dreamy way, like each song was mixed by Animal Collective. (Listen to "Overnight Religion" here). Free Energy (Listen to their track "Dream City" here) are bringing back '70s power pop (think Thin Lizzie's "The Boys are Back in Town"). By the way, both these bands have earned Best New Music nods from Pitchfork. And lets not forget good ol' Dr. Dog. We like them a lot, too.

It gets you thinking: where will the indie scene move next?

What's in the Water at Wesleyan?

2009-08-20T21:13:00.001-07:00

MGMT +
Das Racist +
Boy Crisis +
Amazing Baby
=
The Wesleyan Mafia

Or so says Cristina Black over at the Village Voice.

True, these bands are great. But what about Francis and the Lights? (Playing Zebulon September 1st and 2nd, btw). We love him, too!

Is there something in the water over there in Connecticut?

P.S. September 1st is my birthday! 29 years young!

What Sucks and What Doesn't

2009-08-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Photo from http://www.thetripwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/holly3d.jpg

You know what sucks? When you are totally psyched to see a new band you love perform live - and your editor tries to get you on the list, too - and when you get to the show you hear that a) it's sold out and b) the only press on the list are from Fader. Sigh...

You see, I really wanted to see Holly Miranda at Monkeytown on Monday night, but it was not meant to be. So, instead I had to listen to her on MySpace all day yesterday. I think I like what the NY Times has said about her. Due to the events of Monday night, though, I can't say whether she is "ferocious" live. (I'm looking at you, Fader!) And when I wrote to her PR folks asking whether she had any more shows planned in the New York area the response was: "soon :)". I'll be waiting, I guess. In the meantime, can I say that she is transcendent? Or enigmatic? Like Feist, but maybe more gritty? Take a listen and hear for yourself. I for one, have got the Miranda bug.

A few more things that don't suck: Das Racist and Ear Farm.

From http://thenightbirdcalls.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/das-racist.jpg

Das Racist, if you haven't heard the buzz about them from here or here, are a Brooklyn-based hip hop duo. Yes, yes we love "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell", but what I also really like are the following: this video, and they seem totally smart and socially conscious. (I like that stuff...)

From http://earfarm.com/post/earftpreview.jpg

Ear Farm is a musiczine and I can't believe I've gone this long without talking about it. It's really very good. Please check it out, make comments and give those dudes props. Check out my work there, too!

Oh, also, Fader doesn't suck. Fader, if you are reading this, please know that I wasn't angry at you for being on the Monkeytown list Monday night. Rather, I was angry that you got on the list before me. Promise.

Nostalgia, The New Yorker and Why We Still Go to Concerts Today

2009-08-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a child I can remember wishing that I'd been born in the 1950's. No. I was not and still am not really a fan of DooWop. Rather, I realized then that if I'd been born in the '50s I would be a teenager in the '60s...when music really began (at least in my opinion). Live music began long before the '60s, but it was in that decade--ripe with drugs, radicalism, activism, youth-culture and free love--that it really took hold in a way never before seen or documented by our society.

If you read The New Yorker you may have noticed that the August 10-17, 2009 issue included a piece by John Seabrook called "The Price of the Ticket". I won't get into all the details, but the article gives some insight into the state of live concerts, Ticketmaster, LiveNation. The piece also delves into scalping and how, due to the internet, this formerly criminal act is basically legal and making millionaires out of lazy schlubs who don't want to leave the house.

Aside from its enlightening content, the basic message of the piece was this: there is nothing quite like live music. Even when tickets are posted for $400-$1,500, fans--eager for the thrill of a live concert with their favorite band--will pay.

I liked Seabrook's statement that cheap tickets mean concerts sell out and are "the price the industry pays to preserve the illusion that the '60s never ended." It's funny, because I am a child of the 1980s. I grew up during the era of Debbie Gibson, acid wash jeans and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". I was 20 years too late for the '60s; yet that era holds such enormous meaning for my friends and me. It's part of the reason why I go to concerts today: to get that unmatched thrill that ignited way back when.

TV Smith and Jay Reatard Play the Music Hall of Williamsburg

2009-07-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

After some problems obtaining a visa, TV Smith, from The Adverts, hopped on a plane in time to play The Music Hall of Williamsburg on Thursday July 2, kicking off his scheduled tour with Jay Reatard. TV Smith (aka Tim Smith) wasn't the headliner - Jay Reatard filled those shoes. But, in this lady's opinion, the former stole the show.

It's kind of amazing to me that after being in The Adverts, a band that really only enjoyed three full years of success (from 1976-1979), TV Smith has been able to retain so much of his talent and credibility. It also seems, from listening to him on Thursday night, that TV still holds on to much of his original punk outlook.

That was a great part about this show, because Thursday night felt like stepping back into history to witness the message of a now-defunct movement. It was a change of pace from the current wave of post-punk, whose iterations sometimes share messages, but ultimately do not encourage protest.

Sticking to his roots, TV Smith delivered a solo set that was stark and full of purpose. Only a man and his guitar, TV offered a big sound, with feeling that he maintained throughout, even for songs originally debuted over thirty years ago, like "Great British Mistake", a loud, rollicking piece of punk. I especially loved how TV layered his moments in between each song with a bit of thoughtful musing, like a philosophy sandwich.

In fact, it seems that TV has had some time to reflect on, and be at peace with, his purpose and he was happy to share with the crowd. For instance, in one anecdote, he spoke of a journalist questioning him and The Adverts about making fun of the Bible Belt in one tune. The journalist thought it might get some people riled up - especially fans in the United States. TV Smith replied: "Well, isn't that the point?"

Topping off the set, TV Smith played the title track off his new album "In the Arms of My Enemy", a tough, raw song with strong messages about wealth vs. poverty and the struggle for power. The crowd of mostly men stomped and roared along with the last dying chords of his set, sending their mentor off the stage with massive applause.

From inspired elder, the night moved on to post-adolescent frustration. Jay Reatard's set was all hair and noise, with lyrics reflecting angst and anger. I couldn't help dancing as Jay manipulated his voice from a high, almost bratty whine to a low, guttural roar through songs like Blood Visions or Missing You. Actually, it would have been impossible not to dance due to the fast-paced guitars, drums, and sheer frenetic energy that flowed, unstoppable, through each song.

JR's set was vastly different from TV's. The former mostly mumbled the name of each upcoming song, hair in front of his eyes and hands attached to his guitar, occasionally spitting on the stage or at the audience. It was an interesting contrast to what we had seen earlier, and I felt it represented perfectly the difference between punk and post-punk.

All in all, an enjoyable show. TV Smith and Jay Reatard gave a joint encore that made the crowd crazy. If you've never heard of him, please do yourself a favor and check out TV Smith's "In the Arms of My Enemy". Also, check out Jay Reatard's new album, "Watch Me Fall"(Matador Records) dropping August 18th. You won't be sorry.

Five Questions for Allison Busch of Awesome Color

2009-06-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

Allison Busch, drummer extraordinaire of Awesome Color, took a few minutes to talk to me while waiting to perform with her new band, Red Dawn II, at Sodafine as part of the third annual Make Music New York festival on June 21st. I learned--after some uncomfortable gushing (from me) about how much I love their band--that Allison does not take praise lightly. She is truly grateful when she hears that fans dig Awesome Color. Watch for them on tour this summer with none other than the venerable rockers from Sonic Youth. Yes, awesome indeed.

1. How did you guys meet and what are your influences?

We met skateboarding in Ann Arbor, MI. Michael [Troutman] (bass) came to my house to skateboard and we became friends. At the time he was in a band called the Violent Ramp. Then we met Derek [Stanton] (guitarist/vox] at one of their shows. Our influences are Wolf Eyes, USAisaMonster (they actually gave us our first show)...

2. How has the skateboarding scene influenced your music?

I learned a lot about music skating. I really liked the music I heard in skate videos or in Thrash [magazine]. I also got into Sonic Youth, Black Flag and Dinosaur Jr. through the skate scene.

3. What is your goal for Awesome Color going forward?

To play with Hair Police: the best band in Lexington, KY. We love playing with them. We had other goals, too, like to play the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti, MI, as a touring band. We did that.

4. Have you signed with a label?

Yeah, we signed with Ecstatic Peace a few years ago [2005]. They have put out all our albums [a self-titled debut and then "Electric Aborigines", most recently]. They are putting out our [third] album this fall, too.

5. Who are your favorite bands to play with, aside from Hair Police?

There are a lot of bands in New York right now that I like: Oneida, Tall Firs (Aaron [Mullan] recorded our first album), Knyfe Hyts. We like playing with Wolf Eyes [also from Detriot]. We just finished touring with the Black Dice; we like playing with them a lot. We also did a tour with Sonic Youth and will be going on another one with them. We toured with Radio Birdman when they reunited for a bit...

Bonus question: What is happening with your new band?

Red Dawn II? We are playing today (Sunday June 21st) in a few minutes. The band is me and Wolfie, on guitar. It is raw punk. We sing about horror movies.

Interview with Pete from Dinowalrus!

2009-05-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

(Cake Shop, May 15, 2009)
I stepped back a few inches to prevent Pete, the lead singer of Dinowalrus, from getting a view up my dress. I don't think he was trying to sneak a peek. He was merely rolling on the floor, riling up the crowd at Cake Shop on May 15. He and Dinowalrus did a good job shaking things up that night, along with Lame Drivers, Guilty Faces and So Cow, the evening's headliner.

Earlier in the week I just thought Pete was a reserved, lanky guy with a penchant for the arpeggiator. When we met at Enid's in Greenpoint the shaggy-haired Pete sported a gray argyle sweater and thick, plastic-framed glasses. We sat outside on a blustery spring afternoon and discussed the short but interesting history of Dinowalrus, the band's influences and what he hopes for the group going forward.

For starters, Dinowalrus aims to be exceptional in its sound. Along with that, the group also aspires to a "utilitarian" vibe and audience accessibility, with the occasional tease for the listener, like a flock of high-pitched continuous beeps and blips shrieking from their sampler. From Kyle's carefully-tempered wailing (vocal and clarinet, listen to BEAD), to Pete's experimental curiosity that manifested itself onstage (at one point he placed a mic so close to a vibrating tom that it created an intriguing, mechanical whirring noise), to Josh's tight, sometimes Caribbean-inspired rhythms, a listener can hear real intent in this band's songs. In fact, seeing them live helped me to really appreciate Pete's statement: "We are probably more influenced by our gear than any particular sound or genre."

(Cake Shop, May 15, 2009)
Along with talk of influences also comes comparisons, and Pete appreciates comparison to his favorite bands, ranging from Sonic Youth to The Stooges. He is the first to admit that they rely on their predecessors, stating that the best way to learn is by copying.

According to the lead singer, the band seeks to take and own musical ideas that are extraordinary, or anything that really strikes them as "indescribable", such as a beat that connotes perpetual motion. Experimentation is how they do their best work; its really how most interesting bands ever do their work. This stands alongside Pete's statement that "DIY indie punk is one of the only middle-class folk-art forms that still exist." Right on.

The lead singer also feels that categorization - a subject that may irk some bands - can be helpful for the listener. Paying homage to their influences, Dinowalrus experiments with and borrows a variety of styles. The band's MySpace page describes its music as ambient/thrash/reggaeton. This may sound confusing, but Dinowalrus hits these points in their two self-titled 7" singles and one CD-R album. Listen for an ambient drone in "I Hate Numbers", a track which made me feel like I had stepped out of a time machine and into 1985. Or "Electric Car Gas Guitar", which begins with a rhythm that Daddy Yankee would love. Just listen to the album - you'll get it.

(Cake Shop, May 15, 2009)
Personally, I'm grateful for the band's existence. Dinowalrus, originally Pete's "jokey bedroom project", officially formed when the lead singer met his fellow bandmember, Kyle, at a To Live and Shave in LA show at the Syrup Room in Bushwick in 2006. The story goes that both were there hoping to meet the famed Andrew W. K. I guess you could say that on that night, Dinowalrus, a beast unlike any other, was born.

With Dinowalrus's genuine work ethic and what seems to be sheer enjoyment of their craft, I believe we will be hearing more from these three gents. In the meantime, go out and find yourself a copy of one of their singles. And don't blame me if you can't stop listening...

Three great bands you may not know of...yet!

2009-05-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, readers! Isn't learning about a great band sometimes like falling in love? The obsession with seeing them as much as possible - or in this case, listening. Talking about them constantly to your friends. Daydreaming about them... All of it leaves you ecstatic and wanting more.

While these three bands are not necessarily new, they are certainly new to me. And they've got my full, undivided attention.

First, we've got Dinowalrus, based in Brooklyn, NY who describe themselves as Ambient/Thrash/Reggaeton. Sounds confusing? It's not. They are damn good - just listen... Go on!
You'll notice hints of ambient, droney bliss, occasional bursts of punk and, yes, some tribal reggaeton-ish rhythms. (I can tell - I'm Puerto Rican!) It's thinking music, but also a little tongue in cheek. Keep an eye out for my interview with Pete - from the band - coming soon!

Next, another band based in Brooklyn, by way of Michigan. Yes, Awesome Color came a long way to enchant our ears with their unique brand of old-school, crunchy psychedelic punk circa 2009. I love this band. And I'd never have learned about them if it weren't for Dinowalrus! Take a listen, and don't tell me you aren't hooked!

Finally, we've got So Cow. This one-man band, consisting of Brian Kelly, comes out of Tuam, Ireland (apparently it's in Galway). He plays good old fashioned pop. I hear hints of early Beatles and Weezer, but with the occasional song sung in Korean. (He lived in South Korea for a while teaching English.) Here's an interview with So Cow himself!

I'm still scouring for new bands. Until then, check out Dinowalrus and So Cow at Cake Shop on Friday May 15th!

Grown Up Music

2009-04-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Luciana Souza Trio, featuring Cyro Baptista, played Jazz at Lincoln Center last Thursday, April 23rd. The set was a collection of Luciana's originals (some from her popular "Brazilian Duos") and some traditional Brazilian folk tunes. Each rendition had Luciana's classy touch, unique composition and, obviously, her silky voice.

And let's not forget ol' Cyro, who added so much energy to the set that people were giggling in their seats with excitement. He hopped around (sometimes literally) between different percussion instruments, from the brazilian berimbau (a seriously crazy instrument!) to a squeaky toy (used to imitate birds in the jungle) and on to a very normal-looking tambourine, which he played with such exubrance and ease that it was almost an alien extension of himself.

Souza's guitarist, Romero Lubambo, was no slouch, either. He danced around in the harmonic range quite a bit (a difficult thing for even really talented guitarists) and played with a lot of feeling! And he worked in a variety of styles that night, busting out phrases that resonated independently with pop feeling and distinctly Brazilian harmonies.

This was a great show and I'm glad I had the opportunity to see three such wonderfully talented artists in action. Do yourself a favor and listen to some Luciana Souza. You will not be disappointed.

Men and Women

2009-04-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Webster Hall hosted the likes of Beach House and The Walkmen last night. To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd like the show. The Walkmen strike me as a "wave your dick around and celebrate your manhood!" kind of band and my first listen to Beach House left me feeling depressed. But, maybe I was having an off day, because these two bands played their butts off last night and I left wanting to buy all their records.

From: http://www.beachhousemusic.net/Beach_House/Shop.html

The duo that make up Beach House - Victoria Legrand (vocals, organ) and Alex Scally (guitar, keyboards), plus the occasional percussionist - create a wide-open, dreamy sound. Legrand's husky, haunting voice whispers, leaps and crawls, like a living thing. It is the stuff of sighing scenes in indie romance movies where the end must come and you know it will. You also know that someone will die and you will cry, but you will leave feeling hopeful. Meaning: it's not so much depressing as it is kind of sad but also life-affirming. It's just dreamy! Legrand's organ adds to the surreal, gossamer quality of the music, and Scally's guitar almost acts as another voice. I was entranced, trying to figure out how he made it sing. Whatever he is doing, it's beautiful.

From: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2009/02/the_walkmen_to.html

The Walkmen came on stage with a huge brass section - easily seven pieces. It was impressive. They started out with a bang, riling up the crowd of mostly men. I was pleasantly surprised by their energy. The drummer, Matt Barrick, was so much fun to watch. His energy was infectious and he worked so hard - with a big smile on his face - that it was like he had six arms. And Hamilton Leithauser put on a great show. He's a personable lead singer with a ton of character. He grabs the mic like it's alive, waiting to be tamed. And his throaty howl is arresting! I loved it! Finally, props to Paul Maroon, who rocked out on both a steel-stringed Gretsch and an upright piano and to Peter Bauer, who spent most of the concert concentrating over a tiny organ. This band - all men except Leithhauser's future wife, who plays trumpet - did not make me feel like I had to have a dick to appreciate it. As my dude said, "It's thinking mens' music." Or thinking people, as it were.

Overall, a terrific show at Webster Hall last night. The Antlers opened, but I unfortunately missed their set. Next time.

Neko and Nokia

2009-04-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

From http://www.bloodshotrecords.com/album/middle-cyclone

From http://www.gabrielmichael.com/uploaded_images/timessq19-782809.jpg

I wouldn't necessarily say that Neko Case sold out by playing the commercial-soaked Nokia Theater in Times Square on Monday night, because she has none of the attitude of a sell-out. That's good for her, because the space and the uber-marketing that envelopes you and oozes down the walls feels a little slimy. Instead, Case and her band put on an intimate yet vivacious show.

I'd never seen Case's brand of what I'd call bluegrass pop (or is it alt-country?) live, but I was really happy to listen to her tunes. Neko's voice is clear - as a bell, as the saying goes - with sweetness and serious power behind it. And her band, with the lilting guitar, banjo, easy but steady percussion, and other vocals transported me out of the hell that is Times Square. (I'm a native New Yorker. So sue me!) In fact, I'm kind of proud of her that she was able to convey such a friendly, sweet vibe despite the Disney-fied creepiness of the place.

What do I mean by that? Well, the rules were pretty annoying. First, the bouncers insisted on holding my camera until the end of the show. After I promised I would store it in my checked coat they insisted on sending some apathetic guard to escort me to the coat check. She waited a few seconds while I stood on line, tried to look mildly interested and then trotted back upstairs. So much for the rules. I took that as my cue and headed for the bar, coat AND camera in hand, to buy a $7 billion Bud and watch the show.

So, in summary: Neko Case was very, very good. I would like to see her again, but next time in a smaller venue. Nokia, you can keep your rules. Good day to you!

Long on Name, Long on Talent!

2009-03-31T23:56:00.000-07:00

album artwork, Dead Oceans, 2009

Browsing through Soundfix Records racks today, I spied the self-titled album by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band among the staff picks. I decided to buy the record after reading the store's review, which included such promises as "...bluesy guitar riffs, pumping rhythms and frenzied choruses... " and "...led by a husband and a wife team and features their 14-year-old son on drums...". Hmmm...tell me more!

This album does not disappoint. There seems to be a distinct nod towards 70's rock bands, such as Yes (there are a lot of complicated, unison guitar riffs) and even The Clash (a punky urgency in the vocals), except with a little less intensity, to their credit.

The quintet does a great job, with lead singer Benjamin Verdoes (whose voice sometimes reminds me of the late Jeff Buckley's) and his wife Traci Eggleston-Verdoes (on several instruments, mostly percussion) leading the charge. I'm so intrigued by the fact that their adopted 14 year old son plays drums on the album.

Who's Asking, the first song on the album, begins with a frantic energy that primarily made me think of The Clash. The percussion and guitar drive the movement of this piece, but the vocals, while soft at points, also help to keep us apace with the group's boisterous energy.

Later on, Going on a Hunt, sounds like true punk, with frenzied guitar and percussion licks, which play off of eachother in a teasing manner. Plus, BV's voice is more anxious in this work, stressing that we keep up. The interlude, with pretty little moments of chime and glockenspiel are truly playful and fun.

Albatross, Albatross, Albatross has a pressing, futuristic vibe. My immediate thought was Blade Runner, until the piece moved into some very bluesy, satisfying guitar licks. I kind of love the lyrics to this song, because we've probably all heard of Samuel Coleridge's Rime of The Ancient Mariner by now, right? The question, "What's in the silver locket?" made me think (and giggle at an inside joke), as I remembered how the albatross hung about the ancient mariner's neck.

All in all, this album is solid and great fun. I agree with Stereogum's assessment that they are a band to watch. It will be fun to hear more responses to their great work as the months go on.

Blitzed Out

2009-03-31T23:11:00.000-07:00

From http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s42/a5453771/KarenO.jpg

This is oldish news at this point, and probably more obvious than saying that Karen O. is hot in a very intimidating way, but It's Blitz is a fucking GREAT album.

album art (Interscope Records, 2009)

All bands grow up at some point. Or rather, they grow into themselves. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs new album, with its sophisticated rhythms and melodies, thought-making lyrics and moving harmonies are like the 16 year old boy who's voice has finally grown into his body.

For instance, Runaway introduces the melodic theme with a simple piano line, leading into O's sighing, craving voice crooning the lyrics:

"run, run, run away

lost, lost, lost my mind

I'd like you to stay

want you to be my prize"

This bit is then layered and layered with shimmery synths, blissed out guitar licks and a dark, swooning string section. All the while the keyboard continues to bang out its ostinato, becoming more and more echoey as we follow the band deeper into O's possibly twisted, cavernous psyche, as the lyrics portend.

Or what about Zero, with its driving rhythm, melody and O's frantic pace as a (sort of) 2009 meets 1987 take on a Chemin de Fer? If ever a song made me want to dance--and keep on dancing--this is it! I'd be a happy lady for a long time if Y3 could keep up this momentum, which I believe they will.

I'm so proud of these guys! I remember when I first noticed the band in 2003 (though they released their self-titled debut in 2001). I loved Fever to Tell (then and now, still) and looked forward to their future albums. Lucky for us, the group, with the genius front-woman KO leading the helm, now holds sway with serious others who have moved from experimenting their craft to perfecting it. God I love this band!

Need a Laugh? Race You to the Unemployment Office!

2009-03-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

I was nearly an hour late for the Unemployment Olympics and worried that I would have missed the days events, including Fax Toss (sort of like bacci but...with fax machines), Pin the Blame on the Boss (featuring a pinata filled with PayDays that was busted open by a man brandishing an office phone) and the You're Fired Race (in which participants had to race to a makeshift unemployment office crafted from cardboard boxes). However, it turns out I was right on time. As I walked into the entrance of Tompkins Square Park on E. 10th and Avenue A, I learned from a fellow unemployed person that Fax Toss had just begun.

I chatted for a few minutes about the event with this dude, first initial D, who used to be a "high-end residential interior decorator". He explained that his job was to either gut and renovate or redecorate people's homes, ranging from specifics such as plumbing, wall furnishings or even decorative applications like venetian plaster. D was there to check it out and get a laugh, just like me. Thanks to Nick Goddard's outlandish sense of humor and fun, the entire crowd was able to let loose and have a laugh.

After losing his job as an options trader in February 2009, Nick decided to create the Unemployment Olympics as a way to liven people's spirits. Thankfully, due to the terrific spring weather, the goofy games, Nick's cheery, youthful attitude, and the serious prizes (gift certificates to Lula's Sweet Apothecary, $40 Curly Bucks to Curly's Vegetarian Lunch or a $50 bar tab at the Cubby Hole, among others) folks left smiling and thanking Nick for brightening their day.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself and even forgot for a little while that I was unemployed. Being able to laugh and knowing that I wasn't alone while I did so made the entire situation a little bit sweeter. Thanks, Nick! Please do this again.

There's a Hotel in Bushwick?!

2009-03-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Well, probably somewhere. But I'm talking about The Market Hotel: the home of several young folks off the Myrtle stop of the M train that also serves as an informal concert space. The frenetic, all-ages show on March 28th featured Vampire Hands, These are Powers and headlined WaVVes.

The setting was kind of perfect for all the bands, each one defining the word "loud" in their own dialect. Vampire Hands, a group of seemingly nice boys from Minnesota, began their set with a frenzy of energy and limbs that one only finds among the most passionate musicians (or, perhaps, the most coked up). In their case, I like to think it was the former. For my part, I most enjoyed Colin Johnson's (vocals/percussion) performance. He really gave it his all, beating the crap out of a tom, shaking a tambourine with great vigor, dancing his butt off, and doing a bang-up job as lead singer for the band's cover of a Stooges tune, their final song. I couldn't stop shaking it (bootay, I mean) myself, leaving the floor sweaty and craving another ice-cold $3 Busch.

These Are Powers have a big sound. Much too big and energetic for the narrow space of The Market Hotel. I don't know what their sound - ghost punk - means, nor will I attempt to deconstruct their invented genre. It's just big and FULL of power. The lead singer's (Anna Barie's) voice both drowned out and was drowned out by the heavy treble of the guitarist (sharing a striking resemblance to Bonnie Prince Billy) and the various electronic instruments played by the third, baseball-cap-wearing member of the band. It was a pretty confusing set, all in all. I had a hard time getting a grasp of their tunes, because of the sheer noise of the set. Having listened to their synthy, tribal-infused music, though, I can understand all the hype - the album, Terrific Seasons (Hoss, 2007) is pretty solid! I'd love to see them in a bigger space.

Finally, WaVVes, a project headed by 22 year-old San Diegan (Diegoan... sp?), Nathan Williams, featured fuzzy, ecstatic, guitar-and-drum-laden pop that nearly caused a riot among the frenzied, moshing, all-ages crowd. My friend had to act as a human shield to me at one point, I was so in danger of either being trampled by rabid 15 year olds or thrown into a pile of Vampire Hands' drums laid hastily against the wall. It was so exciting!

After a day or two of being able to digest the events, I realize that WaVVes, These Are Powers and Vampire Hands all together was one of the more powerful shows I've ever seen. It felt like "real" rock 'n roll. The grime, the narrow space, the sweat, the raw energy of the entire crowd - it was pretty awe-inspiring. Especially for someone just beginning to sink her teeth into the grungy, blurry, frenetic feast of this new/old rock 'n roll that is emerging from the ironic (thanks for the idea about that, C) ashes of the mid-2000s indie scene.

I can't wait to go back to The Market Hotel! A note to the ladies: wear your crappiest shoes.