Ssh! Don't Tell

Mark Ronson @ Hard Rock Times Square 6/19

2007-06-18T13:41:00.000-05:00

Mark Ronson - Stop Me ft Daniel Merriweather.mp3

This should be dope... Come thru

The Pigeon Detectives: My New Favorite Band... for the next 15 minutes

2007-06-18T11:59:00.001-05:00

So, I heard about this band thru the In the City showcase that they were having after the panels in NYC last week. The Pigeon Detectives were supposed to play the Nokia Theatre with The Happy Mondays but THM cancelled the week before the show. They ended up playing the Knitting Factory with The Rakes last Wednesday night- I missed it for Razorlight which is a completely different story that I will post about later.

Hailing from Leeds, this band formed in 2002 taking a path that very likely will lead them into rockstardom- well at least for a brief while. Getting on some great tours having supported Dirty Pretty Things whilst they toured in Spring 2006 and Kaiser Chiefs in early November 2006, this band is getting major "buzz" as summer festival season nears. Their debut album "Wait For Me" was just released last month in the UK produced by Will Jackson (Kaiser Chiefs/Embrace) and mixed in part by Cenzo Townshend (Snow Patrol/Kaiser Chiefs/Bloc Party) and Steve Harris (The Automatic/U2). From what I've heard so far (haven’t picked up the CD yet) is some solid catchy pop/rock. Their songs are all really similar (aka sound the same) but that doesn’t bother me since I find them to be infectious and full of energy. Last week, I couldn't get "I Found Out" out of my head playing it at work over and over again. Unfortunately, they are not slated to gig in the US any time in the future, as I hear their live show takes the recorded songs to new heights with charismatic lead singer, Matt Bowman’s stage antics, crowd surfing etc. I assume as they get bigger, The Pigeon Detectives will be making trips to NY to showcase for a US label deal (if they don't already have one in the works).

The Pigeon Detectives - Wait For Me.mp3
The Pigeon Detectives - I Found Out.mp3
The Pigeon Detectives - Im Not Sorry.mp3

In the New York area there are limited copies of the album available from the following stores:

Generation Records
210 Thompson St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 254-1100
www.generationrecords.com

Other Music
15 E 4th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 477-8150
www.othermusic.com

Summertime Music from my Youth mix

2007-06-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

1. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Summertime.mp3
2. Souls of Mischief - 93 til Infinity.mp3
3. SWV - Im So Into You.mp3
4. Soul For Real - Every Little Thing I Do.mp3
5. P.M. Dawn - Set Adrift On Memory Bliss.mp3
6. Tevin Campbell - Round And Round.mp3
7. Jade - Dont Walk Away.mp3
8. Leschea - Fulton Street.mp3
9. Positive K - I Got a Man.mp3
10. Snow - Informer.mp3
11. Color Me Badd - I Adore Mi Amor.mp3

Wax Fang @ Mercury Lounge 6/6

2007-06-10T16:49:00.000-05:00

Wax Fang played last week with The Features at Mercury Lounge and I was blown away by the sheer musicianship that this Louisville, KY 3-piece displayed. Their sound is so epic, crisp and tight. Originally a solo project for Scott Carney (vox, theremin, guitar) developed in his basement playing all the instruments himself until he eventually added Kevin Ratterman (drums) and Jake Heustis (bass, keys) to round out this retro/but updated indie rock outfit.

Carney sounds Michael Stipe-ish when he sings as some of the songs are instrumental or with lyrics with little regard for the traditional chorus, verse, bridge, chorus etc formula (below are two songs with lyrics). Their influences seem to range from southern 60s rock, to the obscure indie rock. They have recently toured with My Morning Jacket. Here's what Jim James of MMJ had to say about Wax Fang:

"...it’s got futuristic energy, a lot of elements I’ve never heard work before. A combo of all these things you remember from the past. You can sense some David Bowie in it. It’s so unique, it’s hard to place. The cool thing about it is he [Carney] made it by himself. Every single instrument is played by him and he paid attention to the details….The production is amazing, the songs are amazing. It takes you to a different place." - Jim James of My Morning Jacket from the New York Times

MP3:Wax Fang - Sweet Bloody Murder.mp3
MP3:Wax Fang - Bi-Polar Bear.mp3

He's So Fuckin Disco, Motherfucker He's Too Damn Fly

2007-06-10T15:49:00.000-05:00

The Pase Rock has a new track and remix for you.

+ =
The Pase Rock - So Fucking Disco.mp3
This track was played in his Live in Miami track and I've been listening to snippets of it for a while but the full length track is so hot and I couldn't be happier that I have it now for my iPod

Also, this is a remix of one of my favorite artists, Cody ChesnuTT, by Pasey Pase:

Cody ChesnuTT - Bitch Im broke (Pase Rock remix).mp3

Cody ChesnuTT - Look Good In Leather.mp3
Cody ChesnuTT - Can We Teach Each Other.mp3

Don't Sleep On These MP3s #2:

2007-05-30T13:20:00.000-05:00

*B.O.B. - haterz everywhere.mp3
This is a new Atlantic artist that my boy A&Rs, thru RebelRock (producer Jim Jonsin's production company). Produced by Ribah (i've never heard), this song is dope.
*rayl and b.o.b.-my girl got a girlfreind.mp3
Also features B.O.B. on there but I don't know who the singer is, but I really like the song and how it moves.
*Sway ft Chamillionaire - Up Your Speed Part 2.mp3
This is Sway, new grime/uk star, dope dope song
*Kanye West - Young Folks.mp3
This is just funny
*Jill Scott - Hate On Me.mp3
This is the new Jill Scott single from the new album THE REAL THING, everything you expect from Jill, amazing soul vocals, amazingly produced live horns section, silky smooth (but this song is a bit harder but I'm feelin in)

Upcoming Shows: Liam & Me, The Virgins, Airspace etc

2007-05-30T12:19:00.000-05:00

TONIGHT: 5/30 Airspace @ Arlene's Grocery 10pm ($8)
6/01 CSS, Yo Majesty @ Fillmore - Irving Plaza ($20)
6/05 Liam and Me w/ We Are The Fury @ The Knitting Factory 7:30ish ($10) 21+
6/09 The Long Blondes, The Virgins @ Bowery Ballroom 9pm ($15 day of)

Flyers:

YO YO Party

mp3s - virgins: here
mp3s - Liam and Me: here
mp3s - Airspace: and here

Show: Spankrock, Ghostface, Roxy, Lil Mama, Catchdubs tonight!

2007-05-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

Doors 7pm
Show 9pm
Ages 16+

Highline Ballroom is on 16st btw 9th-10th Avenues

Lil Mama - Lip Gloss.mp3
A great-in-its-simplicity mashup by catchdubs Pump It Shawty 2.mp3
DJ Kentaro ft Spankrock - Free (Armani Xxxchange Remix).mp3
Ghostface Killah - Kilo ft. Raekwon.mp3

thats all folks, tonight should be kinda bananas... if you dont wanna shell out 30 bills to see Spank and crew, come to the Annex for the afterparty... rsvp at www.going.com

Amy Wino Covers/Originals

2007-05-14T20:34:00.000-05:00

from Highline Ballroom last week, NYC

Amy Winehouse - Hey Little Rich Girl.mp3
The Specials - Hey, Little Rich Girl.mp3

Amy Winehouse - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.mp3
The Shirelles - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.mp3

Amy Winehouse - Valerie.mp3
Zutons - Valerie.mp3

Amy Winehouse - To Know Him is to Love Him.mp3
The Teddy Bears - To Know Him Is To Love Him.mp3

Don't Sleep on These MP3s #1:

2007-05-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Gainsbourg - The Operation (Cousin Cole Remix).mp3
This remix is so on point, I've been listening to this on repeat recently.
Lil Bit ft Jung Joc, Jim Jones - Sex With My Ex.mp3
Ok, I found this song and the title should speak for itself, right? But it's even better when it breaks into the chorus. I think this song speaks to a lot of people (or just me)
Smitty - Died In Your Arms.mp3
Who uses a Cutting Crew sample? Smitty of course... and I'm a little embarrassed to say I dig it?! sdt
Wale - Good Girls (Tactic Remix).mp3
"Good girls never give it up on the first night" This is just some dope new hip hop from a talented MC, so dance. (fyi Wale is pronounced waa-lay)
Beyonce ft Young Buck - Go (Cashville Remix).mp3
Club banger, don't not listen to this cause young Buck is on the track... it's not Beyonce's fault. Produced by D. Prosper from G-Unit affiliation.
Lady Saw - Not Prettiest-clean.mp3
Ok, I personally love Lady Saw but this song is so not her normal music. It's one of those "Beautiful" by Christina, or "Unpretty" by TLC... its pretty amusing from the Dancehall queen.
DancesWithWhiteGirls - Money in the Bank Remix.mp3

Rasheeda - Type Of Gurl (Dirty).mp3

Wiley - Gangsterz.mp3
grime shit

Albert Hammond Jr with High Class Elite tonight @ Hiro

2007-05-10T15:42:00.000-05:00

My girl Aishah is singing with Franco V and the High Class Elite tonight at 10pm. They just came off an openning slot on the Stooges most recent east coast tour!

but before that you should go to the Knitting Factory for this show!

Rando MP3s I'm feeling, so might you: M.I.A., Uffie, Amanda Blank, Yo Majesty and more

2007-05-07T18:38:00.000-05:00

RECOMMENDS:
Justice - The Party (featuring Uffie).mp3
M.I.A. - 09 Hit That.mp3
Leaked new track, in the hook of this song, I think everyone who grew up in the early 90s knows this chant from Rump Shaker by Wreckx-N-Effect
Amanda Blank - 03 Track 03.aif
This is one of her new songs, so new, I don't even know the name of it
Bjork - 01 Earth Intruders (Spank Rock Remix).mp3
The Pack/Ashanti - Retro Kids.mp3
Matt and Kim - Yeah Yeah (Flosstradamus Remix Tagged).mp3
Amerie - Gotta Work (Clean).mp3
digiwaxx.com hooks me up with mainstream fun!
Yo Majesty - club action.mp3
I know, I know, everyones already on this one, but whatevs

Shows this week and after, write that down!

2007-05-07T17:54:00.000-05:00

Kid Sister is performing with The Rub at the Canal Room on Sat May 26th:

Also, this Thursday at The Knitting Factory, ill be doing merch (i feel so honored...note to self: need to get a job) for DJ Vibe and Max. The line up includes The Guts, Machinedrum, and Jungletalk.

Mixtapes, mashups Justice x Jay Z, DJ Vibe and Max B

2007-05-07T16:44:00.000-05:00

DJ Vibe and Max Barbaria have put out a couple of mixtapes out together. This new one, The Adventures of DJ Vibe and Max Barbaria, is really thoughtful, listenable all the way through and most importantly eclectic. There is tons of remixed, twisted out and just plain weirdo shit- a ton of stuff I don't know (which I like)... This mixtape is classified as sort of world music/hip hop/electroclash-ish...

You know when someone is blogging about an artist/dj whoever and you can tell that its their friend - like they are only repping them because they have to AS A FRIEND say that their shit is dope. It is totally NOT the case here, even though these fine young musicians are my friends, this mixtape with the TinTin cover (thanks to Stat), is something you should buy, if only to expand your world music knowledge...

DJ Vibe & Max B - 12 Track 12.mp3
(Donatella Rettore - Il Cobra)
DJ Vibe & Max B - 21 Track 21.mp3
(Mapei - Date Rape / Lind and the Linders - Koi Ni Shiberete)
DJ Vibe & Max B - 23 Track 23.mp3
(Omarion - Ice Box / Phones - Alsatian Remix)
DJ Vibe & Max B - 24 Track 24.mp3
(Bun B - Get Throwed / Klaxons - Golden Skans)

Recently played on EVR on Mark Ronson's (our goldenproducer boy) Authentic Shit is a catchy, well matched mashup of Justice's "D.A.N.C.E" and Jay Z's "Show Me What You Got"...

DJ Vibe and Max B - Show Me How To D.A.N.C.E - (Justice vs Jay Z) DJ Vibe and Max.m4a

p.s. this is just funny shit:

The Cool Kids are (insert something faux cheesy and ironic here)

2007-05-07T16:18:00.000-05:00

The Cool Kids- the first signing (I believe) on Nic Catchdubs label with A-Track called Fools Gold... They are from Chi Town... I have Mickey Rocks stuck in my head...FOR DAYS

Apparently they're the new black version of the beastie boys...ha

mp3s:

Cool Kids - Mikey Rocks.mp3

Cool Kids - One Two.mp3

Catchdubs played this on eastvillageradio recently and its so dope... Lloyd x Technotronic... I love love love this

Nic Catchdubs - Pump It Shawty 2.mp3

The Penis Power

2007-05-02T11:34:00.000-05:00

If You Haven't Seen Ms. Alexyss Tylor on her public access show in Atlanta, u ARE MISSING OUT... They are giving this woman a real show in the near future I hear... can't wait

Them Jeans: Rich Girls v. I'm A Flirt

2007-04-18T12:57:00.000-05:00

R. Kells Likes Rich Girls Too!

So Them Jeans from LA often seen spinning with Steve Aoki just did a blend of The Virgins - Rich Girls and R. Kelly - I'm A Flirt. I've had a lot of Djs ask for the accapellas for the Virgins songs but I was told that they weren't being given out til the songs for the record had been cleaned up and perfected. Anyway, this is just the first wave of many remixes/mashups etc for the Virgins music. It's not very good but I'm told it was just a 5 minute improv thing that Palms OUt Sounds posted for shits and giggles.
Here you go, courtesty of Palms Out Sounds:

Them Jeans - Im A Flirt - R Kelly v Rich Girls - The Virgins.mp3

just an fyi

Liam & Me Tour Announced with Under The Influence of Giants, Young Love, and PlayRadioPlay

2007-04-17T16:10:00.000-05:00

Almost finished tracking and mixing their album, Liam and Me are hitting the road this spring!!! Dates below:

Larkin and O'Dowd of Liam and Me, SXSW 06

04/18 - LOS ANGELES, CA Viper Room w/ Whitey, Battle Alaska (21+)
04/28 - DETROIT, MI Shelter w/ Young Love and Under the Influence of Giants and Play Radio Play
04/29 - LANSING, MI Mac's Bar
04/30 - PITTSBURGH, PA Mr. Small's Theatre
05/01 - BUFFALO, NY The Buffalo Icon
05/03 - BOSTON, MA Middle East Upstairs
05/07 - PHILADELPHIA, PA Homecoming Show at North Star Bar
05/08 - BALTIMORE, MD Ottobar
05/09 - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA The Peppermint Beach Club
05/10 - CHARLOTTE, NC The Casbah at Tremont Music Hall
05/11 - ATLANTA, GA The Masquerade Downstairs
05/12 - TALLAHASEE, FL The Beta Bar
05/13 - JACKSONVILLE, FL Jack Rabbits
05/14 - NASHVILLE, TN Rocketown
05/15 - LITTLE ROCK, AR Vino's
05/16 - DALLAS, TX House of Blues Dallas Caimbridge
05/17 - AUSTIN, TX The Parish Room
05/18 - HOUSTON, TX Walters on Washington
05/20 - TEMPE, AZ The Sets
05/21 - LAS VEGAS, NV Art Bar
05/23 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA Bottom of the Hill
05/24 - LOS ANGELES, CA El Rey Theatre
-------------
And check out their nerdy blog about LA and recording and tour here with a photoblog here
and here's my favorite halloween pic of them just for shits and giggles:

Spankrock show and exclusive Santogold/SpankRo mp3

2007-04-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

Santogold - Shuv It ft Spankrock (Produced by Disco D.mp3
This and other I've previously posted will be on the forthcoming album by Santogold.
Finally there's a flyer for this show:

Found in other music blogs

2007-04-17T11:52:00.000-05:00

Lily Allen doesn't give a fuck about touring the US.
Mashups to the max can be found here.
Justin from CrackersUnited writes about Field-check it out.
Mark Ronson's Versions album is beginning to get reviews. I personally love the album. p.s. Santogold is featured on the Jam cover of "Pretty Green"... cop it
Maggie Gyllenhaal sings? who knew...not me.
Unreleased Timbo, JT and Hova song.

Pierces Album Release Party @ The Box, NYC pics

2007-04-17T11:47:00.000-05:00

Also, this Saturday 4/21 at the Gramercy Theatre, The Pierces open for Mason Jennings. Tix available here.

CYHSY and T.I. billed together @ Duke Univeristy

2007-04-10T15:12:00.000-05:00

+

Ok so I was told by a member of CYHSY that their show at Duke University this past Saturday night was (to my surprise) not a so good an experience.
I asked, shocked "why? what happened? did the equipment fuck up"
He said: "we were there opening for T.I.- do you know him?"
Me: laughing and smiling "so this was one of those college free shows for students spring concert thing and they tried to please indie and hip hop heads"
Him: "we got booed and when we were finishing our set and Alec said that this was our last song, they cheered! It was terrible-worst band experience of my life"

I decided I didn't want to say anything about it but then I went to Idolator and saw this about T.I.'s performance... Check this out, its really funny that Duke thinks they can do this (since this is a regular occurrence):
"T.I. may face legal action after he allegedly botched a Saturday-night concert at Duke University, partially because he had to attend an "unrelated dinner" at P.F. Chang's Lucky Bistro." -Idolator. Full article in Duke newspaper here.

Recap of Virgins and Jet show

2007-04-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

Donald after the show:
All my pictures are blurry and my camera broke mid show, but I'm waiting on Aron's Glob to post the one's he took from stage etc... I have some afterparty pictures too if you go my flickr page

It was the Virgins 6th show since starting the tour with Jet... they are getting the hang of the live show slowly but surely... But I gotta say, when they opened, the floor at Webster was packed with fans (not like friends of the band but real fans!). They really got a lot of love from the NY show. They have an EP out that they are selling on the road with them as an FYI if you happen to read this blog and are going to any of the shows.

Just Jack is not just from Will & Grace

2007-04-10T12:17:00.000-05:00

This LDN native started djing at 15 and got heavy into the Grime (UK's abrasive brand of hip hop) scene. His first album "The Outer Marker" released in 2002 was given the cold shoulder, barely making a dent in the UK. "Overtones" is Just Jack's sophomore release on Mercury Records, having reached number 2 on the UK charts with the single "Stars In Your Eyes." People have taken notice and he is not playing sold out shows in the UK and being compared to the likes of Mike Skinner aka The Streets. However, Mike Skinner is the farthest from Just Jack. The media sees two white guys rap/talking over grime-ish beats in London with a storyteller quality and assume they are the same. Anyways, my favorite song has to be "Disco Friends". Check em out, I guarantee you'll like em

Just Jack - Stars in Your Eyes.mp3
Just Jack - Disco Friends.mp3
Just Jack - Glory Days.mp3

2007-04-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

Wednesday:

TONIGHT:

Tigercity can't commit, so what else is new?!?

2007-04-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

In the lax culture of hooking up and non-dating and def non-boy/girlfriends, its getting harder and harder to commit to just one person even if you know they're the one you want (for the time being). Tigercity's new song is all about this. "I'm easy/ It's nothing that you do/ It's everything the other girls do" I love Bill's vocals in this... very "smooth" as they like to call their pop sound.

Tigercity - Other Girls.mp3

for more on this band, go to my previous post here

Triumphant Virgins return to NY before going on the next oleg of tour with Jet

2007-04-04T15:27:00.000-05:00

Tour is going swimmingly I hear and they are stopping at Webster Hall this Thursday April 5. So Come down, tix are not sold out!!!!
Here's an exclusive track:
The Virgins - Radio Christiane.mp3

Can't wait for tomorrow!

The Cloud Room is OFFICIAL

2007-04-03T12:17:00.000-05:00

They're back and being good people:
J from The Cloud Room says "we are playing our first headlining NYC show in a year and 26 days!!!! Blame the absence on Australia, Muse, The National, fire, time, Poland & chicken pox (poor Dave). Oh, and we’ve also been recording our next EP (Please Don’t Almost Kill Me) & LP. So come check out the new songs next week, our new horn section (the 100% Natural Good-Time Family Band Horn Ensemble), bathe in the free booze, and support a great cause. All $$$ goes to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society"
Also playing this benefit are DJ/Producers The Rub
The Rub - Track14.mp3

then stay for the Cheeky Bastard party

Amanda Blank new song with XXXchange

2007-04-03T02:08:00.000-05:00

Amanda Blank is a sultry sexy singer as well as a dope mc who can stand up to the boys.
Amanda Blank - Get It Now.mp3
Here's another new track I'm loving
Amanda Blank - DJ Play That Shit.mp3

and its been rumored that M.I.A. wants to take Amanda and Santogold on tour this summer which would be a show I would DEF be at! Will keep you posted on all that shit if it works out

And this song rings a little to close to home but I can dig it, can u dig it
it comes from The Pase Rock
The Pase Rock ft Amanda Blank - Sexy MF DJ Eli rmx.mp3

Ed Banger and Mad Decent: 2 Nights of crazy dance parties

2007-04-03T00:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, lets start off with Thursday night @ Hiro where I saw the Presets for the first of two shows in NY (the second in BK on Friday)... They were amazing, here are some pics:
the presets (the best pic I could get without being trampled by people in the crowd)

just look how packed it was
I'm not gonna lie, after the Presets and Busy P, the night got kind of blurry for me, but more party pics here.

Apparently, because there were some tickets to this sold out show still available at the door (which opened at 9pm) there was some beef outside. First of all, I got there at 9:07 or something and people were queing around the block like 3 people thick already. I somehow got myself in (thank you David!) and settled without TOO much of a hassle. Around, 10:30/11ish people were cutting the line and getting into fights where the police came out to stop them. I just am sort of shocked and proud that all these French hipsters could get that macho and aggressive. Vive la France!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
More Than Decent...
Ok, lets get into Friday night (the one I remember way more vividly for the music). I got there with my friend Meg at around 11pm definitely recognizing a lot of faces from the night before waiting in line again! We get in and Nic (catchdubs) was djing. There were strobe lights and sweaty dirty dance people writhing around the dance floor in every color fluorescent hoodies and ghetto gold-dope!
After getting settled in, Mad Decent's own Baltimore boy DJ Blaq Starr took the stage. I am embarrassed to say I never heard of him or his music, but when he starting freestyling over Rod Lee's "Dance My Pain Away" I knew he was up my alley.
Hes a dope producer and DJ who is apparently producing some tracks for the new M.I.A. record and has been described as "Something akin to the marriage of The Clipse, Carl Craig, and Peter Gabriel" and "violent, futuristic soul music" by Diplo. If you want to get at this amazing talent, u can grab an EP here.

Here's one of his productions with vocals from Rye Rye:
DJ_Blaq_Starr-Shake_It_To_The_Ground.mp3

Next up was bonde do role... I mean everyone knows they are dope, so I don't really need to say more about them. Here are some pics:

bondedorole - soltaofrango.mp3
bondedorole - gasolina.mp3

Then at some point in the wee hours of the morning, Diplo sprang into action, and was satisfying

Diplo vs The Beatles - Shhake It Up.mp3

2007-03-30T19:10:00.000-05:00

on my way to BK for Diplo at Studio B, but I'll review the Presets show last night and tonights with pics etc tomorrow. hold your breath.

Ed Banger goons @ Hiro This Thursday

2007-03-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

This Thursday, I just found out (I don't know how this got past me) that Justice along with DJ Medhi, Sebastian, Busy P...
Cheeky B*stard Presents
Ed Banger Records and Presets Live

The Presets are dope, check em out

The Presets - Are You The One.mp3
The Presets - Down Down Down.mp3 

Backpack Rap tours, Label News and this weeks shows

2007-03-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

So, I just recently found out thatRock The Bells festival/tour is firming up its performers and dates for the summer. Hosted by Supernatural, Rahzel, and Dj Hi Tek includes performances by Mos Def, EPMD, Cypress Hill, and Public Enemy. For the full story on Allhiphop.com go here

Also keep marked in your calendars:
Mar 30 Diplo, bonde do role, and the Mad Decent Crew @ Studio B (SOLD OUT) but ill take some pictures for you
April 5th The Virgins open for Jet @ Webster Hall
May 8th-9th Amy muthafuckin Winehouse @ Highline Ballroom 16th btw 9th and 10th
May 15th Spankrock @ Highline Ballroom
May 18th Talib Kweli @ Highline Ballroom
May 26th Mos Def @ Highline Ballroom

Also, in other news from Stereogum "Alexandra Patsavas, the influential TV and film music supervisor who has helped put Death Cab for Cutie, Snow Patrol and the Fray on the mainstream map, has inked a deal with Atlantic Records to form a new imprint, Chop Shop Records. The label shares the name of Patsavas' 10-year-old California-based firm, Chop Shop Music Supervision"... Read the rest of the post here

I also have pictures posted on my flickr acct (linked on this page) of the Team Facelift show on Friday night. Here are a few, check em out...

before the show, the place is packed

Producer reps the Mets

Upcoming Shows This Week: The Changes, Team Facelift

2007-03-19T17:34:00.000-05:00

The Changes (from Chicago) are a great bunch of boys whose music I made the acquaintance of thru my friend Nora. They have a quirky yet soothing music style that draws you into their live show. They are playing tomorrow night 3/20 @ Pianos 10PM and stay for the next band at 11, The Colour-the singer thinks he's Jim Morrison incarnate and its pretty funny to watch.

The Changes - When I Sleep.mp3
The Changes - In The Dark.mp3

Then on Friday 3/23 Team Facelift will be playing (i think) @ Club 205 Chrystie Street @ Stanton at 10:30

I blogged about them last yr, look here for more info
Fat Jew of Team Facelift (and yes that is a real mini horse)
These guys are hilarious, crazy weirdo hip hop music... here's a taste:

Team Facelift - Dippin Chicken.mp3
Team Facelift - No Love.mp3

sorry, ive been out of touch

2007-03-15T15:40:00.000-05:00

but I have a very close friend in the hospital... so i've been at the hospital since Monday

but on a lighter note, Orlando was great: here's the highlight—face-painting and booze

I saw Stab the Matador last night at the Annex, they were amazing... and even though the entire industry and indie music fans are in Austin, the band seemed to draw a sizeable crowd.

Tonight, I'm going to see my best friend Danny's band Jounce at guess where? The Annex, again... whoopie

Then, Monday The Pierces are supporting Jesse Malin @ Bowery Ballroom I believe.

2007-03-06T16:04:00.000-05:00

guess who discovered the Virgins! Stereogum!!!! read the post here

She's a Punk Rocker, Yes She Is

2007-03-06T14:49:00.000-05:00

Ok so Santogold performed two songs with the Teddybears at their show at Hiro last Thursday. She sang on "Punkrocker" and "Yours To Keep"- my two favorite songs off the album. Here are some pictures:

Santogold looking good

a teddybear

more Santi

some people who are not Mad Cobra singing "Cobrastyle"

My favorite song out there now:
Santogold - Creator (Produced by Switch and Freq Nasty).mp3

And one of the songs Santi covered:
Teddybears - 07 Punkrocker (Featuring Iggy Pop).m4a

I'm going to miss Airspace!!! aaarrghhh

2007-03-06T14:15:00.000-05:00

Airspace is a band a friend stumbled upon on myspace and told me to check out. I totally trust this person's music taste, so I listened to the music and was pretty impressed. Adding to my surprise, I saw that they were going to be playing in NYC the next week (this week). Sadly, I'll be out of town til Sunday and am missing a lot of great shows, including this band! I don't know the particulars but I know that some of the band is British and some are American which explains how thoughtful the music is. Anyway, I will get to the bottom of "their story" once I get back and have time to email/harass them. If any of my friends are interested in going to the show to review it for me and take pictures, let me know and I'll hook you up!

Airspace is playing 2 NYC dates:
3/7/07 Lion's Den @ 8:30
3/8/07 Pianos @ 8

Here are some great songs they sent me

Airspace - 06 Misspelled.mp3
Airspace - 05 Angel Unleashed.mp3
Airspace - 03 Candle.mp3

I don't esp agree with everything in this cause I'm a different person, but here's what Performer Magazine's Kat Amano had to say:
"With a sound that alternates between daring, grinding indie and shoot-for-the-stars mainstream, Airspace has yet to find label support, despite the help of hit-making engineer John Hampton (The Raconteurs, R.E.M., The Replacements) as co-producer. The album's transatlantic influences are immediately apparent: lead singer Alyn Mearns and guitarist Jimmy Brown grew up in Belfast, Ireland; bassist John Coogan and Alex Watson hail from the Southeastern U.S. The effect on this, their debut EP, is a smooth melding of Brit-rock edge and Southern sensibility, with a serious focus on thinking through the arrangements. This is perhaps the biggest appeal factor for Airspace. The overall sonic atmosphere sounds carefully, even meticulously, planned; dynamics are weighed and executed with excellent judgment, and yet never once does the band seem trapped in its own formulas. They maintain their spontaneity and liveliness, particularly as Mearns' vocals soar and sear through an impressive tonal range. He varies from expressive, balladic crooning to throaty rock 'n' roll sing-shouting as the music builds and pounds, at times sounding almost like The Strokes' Julian Casablancas, but with better lyrics. Mearns takes great care with his melodies and dynamic variations, understanding when to back off and let the other band members shine. On keys and guitar, Brown really drives the music with strong, weighty chords that serve the song without overpowering Coogan's quick-fingered bass lines and Watson's rock-your-face cymbals. The band keeps the quieter moments just as interesting, faltering only slightly on "Candle," which stumbles into emo territory with Mearns' breathy chorus and a "let's-outdo-U2" approach. Thankfully, they redeem themselves quickly with the punk-inspired "Hunky Dory" and then the catchy but rocking "Baby Don't Let Me Down." The key here is variety with unity, which nearly ensures an exciting and interesting live show."

Leaders of The Pack

2007-03-06T14:04:00.000-05:00

Coming from the subgenre of hip hop known as hyphy from the Bay area, The Pack (formerly known as the Wolfpack)- skaters turned rappers from Berkeley, CA are bringing this movement a lot of attention as of late. Hyphy is distinguished by gritty, pounding rhythms, and in this sense can be associated with the Bay Area as crunk music is in the South. Contrary to popular belief, the musical aspect of the movement has very few similarities to crunk music, as it is dictated by more uptempo beats.

Longtime Too $hort studio engineer/production collaborator Taj Mahal Tilghman, who is Up All Nite Music's general manager and project coordinator says of The Pack “They're totally unique and they embody the whole essence of the 'hyphy' sound and style with their energetic crazy party personalities and all that shines through in their delivery and their lyrics." "Organized madness" is how Taj sums up The Pack's instantly spellbinding 'hyphy' assault.
The Pack’s self-titled album is highly anticipated featuring the likes of Too $hort, Keak da Sneak, Mr. F.A.B., Jody Breeze of Boyz N Da Hood, and The Team. Complete with hits such as "Vans" (already creating a strong buzz on the Left Coast with stations in California, Portland, and Washington all following the Bay Area's KMEL lead and quickly expanding to Miami and Atlanta), "Ice Cream”, " Dum Diddy Dum " and "Booty Bounce Bopper".
No strangers to controversy, their video for “Vans” was banned by MTV for apparently being a commercial for the shoe. For more on this go here.
"It’s a punk rock shoe so they get real dirty/Sole kinda thick like a big booty chick"
Watch the video:

Discovered by Too Short and now signed to his label Up All Nite/Jive, The Pack (formerly The Wolfpack) is on the fast track to Berkeley, California rappers stars. When they signed to Up All Nite Music they also officially became a part of the Up All Nite crew along with Too $hort and Atlanta's up-and-coming Murda Mob (comprised of freestyle master Booski, female emcee Lil Red, and Young Bay who was formerly known as Baby DC).
Here are some songs:
The Pack - Vans.mp3
The Pack - Dum Didi Dum Dum ft. Mr.FAB & Too Short.mp3

News and shit

2007-03-01T14:41:00.000-05:00

*Ok so I'm obsessed with how weird this girl, Teyana from StarTrak who was on My Super Sweet Sixteen.... Fader wrote this funny blog entry about her here
*Madvilan has AN ACTION FIGURE OMG I WANT THIS
*Anything about Dick Manitoba is newsworthy to me... I love his bar, and have had many amazing nights getting fucked there and fighting about jewish/catholic raisings
*A touching tribute to the travel mixtape... I totally agree
*Callmemickey has a good post re: a new hip hop artist that played a Fader party earlier this week I think, named Tabi Bonney... for more info, go to catchdubs

This is my new favorite SONG for the WEEK... I love the line "i dont gotta rap i can sell a mill sayin nothin on a track"

MIMS - This Is Why Im Hot (Dirty).mp3

Oh,

P.S. I'm going here tonight

Popping the Virgins Cherry

2007-02-24T19:48:00.000-05:00

Ok so big news on the rise of the amazing Virgins as off Thursday I believe....
They will be opening for fellow Atlantic labelmates JET on the US tour in April-ish I think... Start and End dates unknown now, but I'll get back to you with all those details later!!!! YES!!! BE EXCITED!!!

+

=
madness

Jet - Cold Hard Bitch.mp3

British Neo-New Soul in JOSS STONE

2007-02-24T19:12:00.000-05:00

So I was sent this mp3 of Joss Stone's new single off her third record-"Introducing Joss Stone" coming out March 20, 2007 AND I must admit, its pretty dope. The reason why-other than her amazing voice-Raphael Saadiq, her producer and one of my favorite music creators from Tony! Toni! Toné!, to Lucy Pearl (with Dawn Robinson from En Vogue and Ali Shaheed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest) to his solo record "Instant Vintage". Check this out for all his other productions..his discography is pretty amazing.
Stone credits him as her main musical collaborator and producer, spending two months recording in the Bahamas together (not such a bad place to be), and then mixed it at Electric Lady across street from the Greya Papaya on 8th st.

Here's the track listing:
1. Change (Vinnie Jones Intro)
2. Girl They Won't Believe It
3. Headturner
4. Joss Stone - Tell Me Bout It.mp3
5. Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now feat. Common
6. Joss Stone - Put Your Hands On Me (Clean).mp3 [produced by Raphael Saadiq]
7. Music feat. Lauryn Hill
8. Arms Of My Baby
9. Bad Habit
10. Proper Nice
11. Bruised But Not Broken
12. Baby Baby Baby
13. What Were We Thinking
14. Music Outro

I've been seeing this trend to Doo-Wop and Motown which I LOVE being heralded in by British artists (mostly by American producers)...spitting it back at us nearly half a century later, adding to elements of modern funk, hip hop syncopating beats... Notables include The Pipettes, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, and most recently Joss Stone.
This is not to say that Joss Stone wasn't always thought of as the little white British girl with the big soulful pipes.. but up until this album, its been covers of other artists songs translated into her creamy, vanilla type pop aka "Fell In Love With A Boy" "Some Kind of Wonderful" etc with Ms Betty Wright at the helm shaping her vocal arrangements etc... Only difference is now I hear a little more of that NEW NEW old school R&B cropping up in the past 5 months (if that makes any sense to you).

Listen to her new tracks above to give you a feel for what I am talking about.

From Saadiq's solo record: Raphael Saadiq - Faithful.mp3

SICK

2007-02-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

Sick with the flu since thursday after the Mooney Suzuki show, be back to writing by the end of the week. sorry guys

2007-02-15T21:31:00.000-05:00

Disco D Tribute Party tomorrow night @ The Delancey

It's only appropriate

2007-02-14T18:26:00.000-05:00

I'm pretending as if V-Day doesnt exist... and since its snowing and everything, here's some snow for you:

Snow - Informer.mp3

2007-02-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

White Stripes make another album on WB... I wonder how much they paid to get that vanity band on the label
Arcade Fire announce North American tour dates.
Ok people in the village need to stop being sluts and wear condoms!

2007-02-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

2007-02-12T20:13:00.000-05:00

So, this is great news! The band formerly know as SnoWhite, now called Love Arcade that I worked with is going to be featured tonight on MTV's The Hills!!!! (my own personal gulity pleasure show)

Hailing from Detroit, Christian (lead singer, writer and co-producer) was signed to Atlantic Records last yr. His project soon got downstreamed to the more indie-run East West/ILG/WMG label... Anyway, the record was beautifully mixed by Mark Saunders at Beat 260 Studios in NYC and is a promising debut for LA.

They are also opening the SOLD OUT show with The Academy Is... on Feb 20 @ Irving Plaza in NYC!!!

Here is the track that will be on tonight's episode of the Hills:
Love Arcade - Keep It Coming.mp3

And here's another I like:
Love Arcade - Back It Up.mp3

2007-02-12T17:45:00.000-05:00

This Friday Feb 16 @ Studio B

celebrate the launch of their new label Thrown of Blood.
Based in New York, the label initially plans to release special vinyl versions of singles and remixes
from the latest album "Pieces of the People We Love".

The Rapture - The Devil.mp3

2007-02-12T15:50:00.000-05:00

Aaron LaCrate Goes on the MTV Discover and Download tour with Lily Allen

Aaron LaCrate from Bodymore, Murderland - BBC Breezeblock 2006.mp3 care of callmemickey
Set : Aaron Lacrate
Aaron Lacrate - 'Intro' (Milkcrate)
Debonair Samir and Aaron Lacrate - 'Gutter Bounce' (Milkcrate)
Lily Allen - 'Smile' (Gutter Mix) (white)
Aaron Lacrate - 'Oogachaka' (Milkcrate)
Aaron Lacrate - 'Don't F**k With Me' (Milkcrate)
Aaron Lacrate - 'Oxy's Anthem' (Milkcrate)
Debonair Samir and Aaron Lacrate - 'Crazy B'more' (Milkcrate)
Aaron Lacrate - 'Bodymore' (Milkcrate)
36 Mafia - 'Poppin' My Collars' (Milkcrate)
Rick Ross - 'Hustlin' (Milkcrate)
Debonair Samir and Aaron Lacrate - 'Universal' (Milkcrate)
Scottie B - 'What's Good' (White)
Debonair Samir - 'Throw It Up' (Milkcrate)
Mike Mumbles - 'Bring Walls Down' (White)
Grif and Booman - 'Pick 'em Up' (White)
DJ Class - 'Stop Snitchin'' (Gutter Music)
MJ - 'Makosa' (White)
2 Live Crew - 'C'Mon Babe' (Lil' Joe)
DJ Technics - 'Postman' (White)
Epitome of Hype - 'Ladies Wi Attitude' (Pure Bhoomie)
DJ EQ - 'Light This Mutha' (White)
Old Beat - 'Untitled' (White)
Hadance - 'Masters At Work' (Cutting)
Aaron Lacrate - 'Anthem Lacrate' (Milkcrate)

Tour dates with Lily Allen
February 12 - Philadelphia, PA
February 16 - Washington, DC
February 18 - Boston, MA

The Pierces are anything BUT boring

2007-02-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

Alabama-born-neo-New Yorkers The Pierces (sisters Catherine and Allison) launched their new album by supporting Albert Hammond, Jr., whose solo excursion from The Strokes is getting great reaction in the UK with their sold-out tour.

The Pierces new album “Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge” was produced by Roger Grenawalt (Ben Kweller, Adam Green) and will be released in February/March (I'm not sure of the official release date). The Pierces used their network of friends in New York to assemble a live band for the UK tour. Lending their talents for this short tour were Russell Simins of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Shannon Ferguson of Longwave, Sammy James Jr. of Mooney Suzuki and Ben Bromley of Fischerspooner.

“The Pierces are perfectly in keeping with the Bright Eyes-led folking up of New York...
Disturbingly attractive sisters, Catherine and Allison are genuinely talented.” - NME

These girls are at first glance, just pretty singers, but when you listen to their music you find out how intelligent, bold and witty these girls are...

I just recently had their song "Boring" featured in a runway show for fashion week! Everyone who hears it, loves it and I know you will too... esp with the music video they did for it!

The Pierces - Boring.mp3

The Pierces - Lights On.mp3

Some shows worth checking out

2007-02-09T13:23:00.000-05:00

Thur 2/15 Stab the Matador @ Lit Lounge [myspace]
Thur 2/15 White Rabbits @ Luna Lounge [myspace]
Thur 2/15 The Mooney Suzuki @ Rebel [myspace]
Sun 2/18 Stab the Matador @ Knitting Factory
Tues 2/20 Love Arcade, The Academy Is... @ Irving Plaza
Mon 2/26 The Bird and the Bee @ Joe's Pub [myspace]

Thats all for now... more next week

2007-02-09T13:20:00.000-05:00

Needless to say, I tend to report on The Virgins a lot and never post mp3s well, I think its kosher to post the on they have available for download on their myspace page? Right? It's only fair... AND it happens to be one of my favorite songs of theirs

The Virgins - Rich Girls.mp3

It's also streaming on Genre Now Radio

I totally agree with Notes from a Different Kitchen's post yesterday

So the mixing of the fashion and music scene always mashes up during fashion week, BV has the recap of this week

Also, in a press release for Amy Winehouse they sent a really in depth thoughtful article from the Washington Post that I thought all you fellow fans would enjoy:

AmyWashPost2-7Feature.pdf

Emily King show tomorrow @ Bitter End

2007-02-05T18:50:00.000-05:00

I posted about her last month, if you want to know about her here

These are the details:

Tuesday Feb. 6th 2007
Emily King @
The Bitter End 9:45 show
147 Bleeker st. bet. Thompson &
LaGuardia
$7

2007-02-05T18:07:00.000-05:00

here are some pictures from Saturday night's show:

P-L-A-S-T-I-C L-I-T-T-L-E

Naeem shows up

after the show

for more pictures of that night, go here

Despite how fucking cold it was, there was a huge turn out for Z-Trip and Plastic Little. Studio B is kind of out of the way of public transport in BK, so the fact that there was a line of 40 people outside the venue when I got there is testimony of the devotion the fans have for these boys. It's a great venue (besides its remote location) with tons of dj booths set up everywhere!
Around 12AM PL got on stage and rocked the crowd, with special guest MC Spankrock himself came on for song. It was kind of funny bc I've seen Spankrock perform more times than I can count and I've never seen someone ask him for an autograph, except Saturday night. Someone came over to us (before Spankrock had gone on stage, so the fan had to know what Naeem looks like) and asked him for an autograph. It was kind of bugged out! Anyway, PL held it down in BK.
After their set, I was offered a ride back to the LES, so instead of paying $25 to go alone after Z-Trip, I bounced and missed him. Woops, sorry. but it was cold. and brooklyn. and did i mention it was cold.

Tonight's the Virgins @ Pianos 10PM bundle up and come out.

BMI Showcase and Team Facelift

2007-02-03T17:02:00.000-05:00

Graham (drums), James (bass), Corey (vox, keys), and Luke (guitar)
So on Wednesday night, I headed down to Arlene's Grocery to catch this great band I stumbed on called Stab the Matador. They come from Mount Kisco, NY and are all taking a year off of college to pursuit the band thing. They have another show on Feb 15 @ Lit Lounge. They are this indie, dancey rock outfit with killer hooks and melodies that stay in your head for days. I can only post the two songs below for dowload but go to their myspace page and listen to the newer demos (which are apparently going to be ready in the next few months).

Cory from STM

James from STM
Stab the Matador - High Beam Dance Floor.mp3
Stab the Matador - Low Rider.m4a

So after I gushed over this band, and the BMI drink tickets ran out, I hauled ass over to Stereo for the Team Facelift secret show. IT was awesome, hype men galore, keg in the seated area... It was just like college, sort of.

Tonight is PL and Z Trip in BK... laters

Plus watch SNL tonight, Lily Allenis the musical guest!!!

last minute show

2007-01-30T20:21:00.000-05:00

Team Facelift just announced a show at Stereo 512 W. 29th St between 10th and 11th. They go on at 11:30PM

Also:

2007-01-30T17:23:00.000-05:00

Santi's getting hot

2007-01-29T19:39:00.000-05:00

ok no time for real long post now but

A. The Virgins are starting the 1st of 3 shows at Pianos tonight at 10 so I got that going for me, which is nice.

B. Plastic Little and Z Trip are performing at Studio B in BK on Saturday... I'm so excited I might piddle (that was for you Jayson) in my pants....

more on all this shit later, I have a show to go to....

Also, on Thursday I will be posting some amazing mp3s of a new band I LOVE... oh you just wait!

... and I went to the taping of James Lipton Inside the Actors Studio with CHRIS ROCK... I recap that later too... needless to say he was so dope and Lipton was.. just trying to keep up... funny one liners I will try to remember tomorrow

"I'm not saying I did it, but I can understand why"

and if you're stressing out on this fine, brisk Monday, this shit is better than a xanex:

09 Set Adrift On Memory Bliss.mp3

The Underrated Party @ Sin-E

2007-01-29T17:14:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning I woke up like it was Christmas day, cause I knew in less than 12 hrs I would be seeing the amazing White Rabbits and Liam and Me grace the stage of the soon to be defunct indie rock venue Sin-E. (sad face)
The White Rabbits were great with just an extremely tight live set. I had seen them play at Pianos during CMJ this year and was impressed but I was stuck in the bottleneck entrance bc it was completely packed, so I could only really hear them and not see them. I can't wait til they master this record and give it to me so I can post some amazing songs on here.

White Rabbits @ Sin-E (my camera was having tech difficulties so this was the only one that is sort of not THAT wack)

Liam and Me went on at around 12:45AM and rocked the house to a PACKED, I mean PACKED crowd

Now, I've seen this band perform in over 5 states, countless times, from small to big venues, and I have to say I have never seen them enjoy playing as much as they did that night. The sound was great (except for when the sound mixer would leave the booth all of a sudden Matt's vocals would go way down) and they debuted two new songs! Everything sounded right but Briks drumming was particularly on point. I never really appreciated how damn talented this guy is. I mean the band told me he is so good that other bands try to steal him away all the time, but I thought it was just his sparkling personality?! Plus he can do all those crazy stick tricks! The crowd was crazy, almost everyone in the front was singing along to every word!

Matt does the best hand movements, I wanna get him a madonna lace hand sock thingie for his birthday

There apparently is this tradition that they do in Jersey where Mikey (their merch person and confidant) bangs on the drums with Briks during "Don't Say A Word"

I just love hand claps in any song

More pictures from that night, including the after party can be found here

I heart these people...

MATT (vox/keys/guitar)

LARKIN (guitar/vox)

MCKENZIE (bass)

BRIKS (drums)

Liam and Me - Dont Say a Word.mp3

2007-01-26T17:09:00.000-05:00

ok im totally going to go blog crazy over the weekend... im just so excited for Liam and Me tomorrow and the Pianos residency of THE VIRGINS starting this monday at 10pm... but more on that later..

But, here's something funny, forget lil' wayne, what up cannon?!:

and this is funny too, its about two yrs old but its still funny to me:

Phokuss - Remix to Ignition.mp3

Oldie but goodie:

NIghtmares on Wax - 01 70s_80s (RJD2 Remix).mp3

im so add today, better. tomorrow.

2007-01-25T16:25:00.000-05:00

My friends, Rachel and Nora are putting on a show with some of my favorite bands this saturday

Set Times are as follows:

8PM - Sure juror
9PM - Seth Kallan
10PM - White Rabbits
11PM - The Go Station
12AM - Liam and Me
FREE PBR!!!!!
message from Rachel:
yep, that's right.
get there early for an open bar featuring our favorite hipster beer.
you'll feel that much cooler drinking the deliciousness.
thanks to PBR for hooking us up. it's gonna go fast so get there when the doors open at 8 and stay til the wee hours of the morning.
afterparty at 87. follow the crowd

2007-01-25T12:47:00.000-05:00

So last night Clap Your Hands Say Yeah played at Mercury Lounge. It was a super, secret show at 1am after the last leg of the Cold War Kids New York bi-coastal residency... which my favorite band (if you couldn't tell by now) The Virgins opened.

I gotta say, I wish I had brought my camera because I could have taken some good shots, but hey you can't win em all.
Ok, so back to the CYHSY show: I was great, they played a lot of new ones and a lot of old ones. I'm so prolific sometimes I wanna puke.

Here is my favorite song off of "Some Loud Thunder"

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Yankee Go Home.mp3

Plastic Little, Girl Talk @ Johnny Brendas in Philly

2007-01-23T17:51:00.000-05:00

So I went to see Plastic Little and Girl Talk in Philly on Friday. It was my second time seeing PL and my third time seeing Girl Talk, but my first time seeing both of them in their native Pennsylvania. I've got to say that both shows were amazing and blended seamlessly into each other. We walked into the venue at about 10:45, to what I thought would be a mellow crowd, little did I know that everyone but me got the memo to start pounding beers at like 5pm. This crowd was so drunk that they poured beer all over the place, were falling down staircases soaked in beer (hehe) and/or holding onto the walls for support. It was really a scene I hadn't expected from Philly but BRAVO for being booze bags. I attribute this to Philly's laws where bars must close at 2am bc I've never been around that many drunk horny mofos since freshman year at college (before I knew where the jocks didn't hang out). But despite these drunken fools, I had so much fun at this show. The energy was high for Plastic as they got on stage...

PL was fully on their balls-out shock-rap, with the intricate wordplay of truely original MCs, having improved their live show dramatically in the 5 months since I saw them open for Spankrock at Mercury Lounge.

In between songs, Jayson aka Pack of Rats, shouts out "This is for the girl who hates Hot Chip!" and went into a clash of "Over and Over" and some PL track intro... which was fucking hilarious and really amused me, I don't know why.

Their debut album "She's Mature" is full of great tracks (some of which I've posted below) with guest appearances by Spankrock, Amanda Blank, DJ Low Budget, and even Ghostface Killah!!!!

You can buy it here
Check out their review in Pitchfork here
Anyway, here are som pics from the show, some are mine some I found on Plastic Little's myspace pg:

Here are some of the songs I love off this album:

Plastic Little - Bomb in the Club Hoe (B.I.T.C.H.).mp3
Plastic Little - Hola Plastique.mp3

Here a pic I thought would give you a good idea of what kind of insane dance party the GT set was:

Girl Talk - Thats my DJ.mp3

Also, if you're in the Chicago area this weekend, check out Plastic Little with Kid Sis

January 26th - Kid Sister, Plastic Little in Chicago @ Empty Bottle
January 27th - Kid Sister, Plastic Little @ Grinnell College

Today was not a good day

2007-01-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

One of my good friends Disco D aka Dave Shayman died yesterday.

Here are all things Disco related if you wanna know more about this innovative, dynamic producer and human being:

DiscoD_presskit0506.pdf

Disco, You will be missed.

50 Cent - Ski Mask Way (produced by Disco D).mp3

2007-01-19T12:53:00.000-05:00

going to philly tonight to see Plastic Little, Girl Talk. Be back tomorrow with hopefully some funny stories, pictures etc...

Plastic Little - Crambodia feat Ghostface Killah, Spank Rock, Amanda Blank.mp3

2007-01-17T11:49:00.000-05:00

With all the recent music taking over pop music led by Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, etc basically every Fueled By Ramen band. I thought I would introduce you to the form it takes in the UK:

Drive-By Argument
Forming in early October 2004, Drive-By Argument are a Scottish based quintet fusing guitars, synthesizers, keyboards and both acoustic and electronic drums to form their dance-rock sound. Drive-By Argument is Stoke (lead vox, synth), Ryan (bass, bv), Lewis (drums), Stu (guitar, bv) and Colin (guitar, synth).
After releasing, and quickly selling out a limited edition 1000 run single 'Sex Lines Are Expensive Comedy' on Scottish label One Records, the song was adopted by The New York Rangers as an unofficial anthem playing at the team's home games in Madison Square Garden. Drive-By Argument are preparing to record their debut album with producer Howard Grey (Apollo 440, The Cure, Art Brut).
DBA has opened for P!ATD on certain dates in the UK recently.

Drive-By Argument - Lower Your Pieces (Mastered).mp3 opens with Stokes haunting vocals (reminiscent of Adam Duritz) but evolves into something else entirely by the end of the song.

The obvious single:Drive-By Argument - Sega Method (Radio Edit - Mastered).mp3

2007-01-16T11:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this chick, Emily King is a dynamo. She's been signed to J Records for a little while now and I first heard of her through my digiwaxx emails in May 2006. Her album "East Side Story" was slated for release in late 2006 but has yet to come out. This girl's smooth, sultry yet tough sound puts her in the same category at musiq soulchild, Bilal, Raphael Saadiq, Ms. Dynamite, Jill Scott etc etc.
She's a born and raised Manhattanite from the L.E.S. and you can get her full story here
It's no wonder why Biggie appears on this song since the guy who discovered Ms. King is none other than Chucky Thompson, of BadBoy Ent.'s famed Hitman studio team-recording B.I.G. and Mary J among others.

Emily King - Walk In My Shoes (Dirty)

2007-01-14T18:35:00.000-05:00

Spankrock was on Kimmel on Friday night and guess who did the show with him... yeah, thats right Ms. Santogold herself with the best shades ever... She sings the chorus

Intervention is the BEST show on TV TODAY

2007-01-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

Intervention is the one of the best unknown shows on tv. I've been watching it for some time now and is almost as shocking as True Life: I'm From Staten Island. These are the shocking stories of addicts (either drugs, alcohol, eating disorders etc etc) living life in their own personal hell. Here's the schedule for the next few episodes. By the end of each episode, you feel really good about yourself because you feel as though you helped in the intervention. I swear this show might be intense but the payoff at the end is worth it.

Other notable (guilty pleasure) shows to watch:
The Bad Girls Club

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Flossy D and the Spank Rock crew

2007-01-11T17:46:00.000-05:00

I’ve loved this DJ duo since I first heard them play backstage at lolla on closing night in August. My friend Cliff told me about them because he used to rep them at Biz 3 (which also reps Spankrock, and most of Vice Records cooler artists). They completely blew me away blending records from New Kids On The Block into Block Party. They also spin their own productions and mashups which are pretty brilliant. Josh’s OLDer sister (Kid Sister ) is also part of this Chicago scene Flossy has started:

THIS IS GOING TO BE AN INSANE SWEATY DANCE PARTY

Sunday, January 14th, 2007
XXXPlosive (Cosmo & Pase) VS Flosstradamus (Josh & Curt)
With the one and only
Cool Disco MC Spankrock
and a special performance by NYC's own Kudu
@ Studio B - 259 Banker Banker St. - Brooklyn, NY

MP3s

Kid Sister - Girlie Rock (produced by J2K of Flossy D)

Kid Sister - Let Me Bang (XXXChange Remix).mp3

Flosstradamus - Track 01.mp3

Pase Rock ft Santogold, Spankrock - Lindsay Lohan’s Revenge

an ode to last night

2007-01-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

So last night after the Virgins show at Pianos, I went to Happy Ending for Kill Hannah's afterparty thingie, then I got bored so I went to Marquee, then i mentioned to my friend at marquee that i was hungry and....

WE ALL WENT TO CAFETERIA for breakfast/dinner with none other than Mr. Welcome to the Jungle himself, Axl Rose....

random or what!?!

ya'know, I just hang out with Axl, shooting the shit over some mac and cheese and tomato soup. He's in town recording for the next few months. I'll keep you posted, since I know everyone is as weirded out as I was in that situation.

merch booth...bitch!

2007-01-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

I'll be at Pianos tonight doing the very important, integral job of selling merch for The Virgins who I love! So come by and say hello if you're around.

omg omg omg i need these kicks

2007-01-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

I was just alerted to this amazing creative development in nike dunk history

CHECK THIS OUT

I want ALL of this series of sneakers just cause im greedy, but the peewee herman ones are my favorite so far...

Santogold is coming, so watchout!

2007-01-08T21:10:00.000-05:00

SANTOGOLD is one of the most eclectic, versatile and talented musician/producer/writers and will be hitting the US in a major way in 2007. Here’s an article on her in the new issue of Fader Mag

I don’t know if I’m allowed to post my new favorite songs from her album bc they’re not on her myspace or mastered yet… but this is:
Santogold - L.E.S. Artists (final mix)

more on her to come!!

Nobody Knows Cuckoo Canoe Is a Sheep In Wolves Clothes

2007-01-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

Cuckoo Canoe may not have a fancy (or crappy) publicity photo of their band but that seems to kind of be their style. This band of Brooklynites, in addition to having some really good and catchy songs, have possibly the most random song and album names, that I happen to love!!
I have posted below just a few songs I like off the brand new (first) album “Basketball Freedom Overdrive”- I have to remember to ask them what the deal is with that title as well as their band name… all in good time.

Anywhoooooo, if the bass line doesn’t get you, the offhand, casual vocals bolstering the clever lyrics will! The groove isn’t overcomplicated and shows off the simplicity of their music—which is pure goodness. I love the singers voice (or drawl rather) in “Greatest Boyfriend,” and the swing of the chorus.

(I just realized I should disclaimer this: I try not to sound like a pretentious music snob (who uses big words bc she doesn’t get the music she is listening to) trying to sell everything I post as something super indie, not-meant-to-be-understood-but-generally-liked-by-the hipsters-ness by going on a musical explanation tirade that might (and quite possibly) be full of bullshit. I get it. So therefore when I do this, its ok-cause I know that. And that’s what’s important)

Anyway, I hope these boys from Brooklyn play a show soon… I need to see this band in action!

cuckoo canoe - alaska wolf slay
cuckoo canoe - you sunk my battleship
cuckoo canoe - greatest boyfriend

Upcoming shows I'm Going To

2007-01-05T15:31:00.000-05:00

This is what I'm hitting this month hopefully. If you have any shows you want me to see email me. Thanks

1/5 Plastic Little, Man Man @ Bowery Ballroom

1/5 Pierces, Five O'clock Heros, Baby Dayliner @ Mercury Lounge

1/6 Matt and Kim @ Studio B

1/10 Virgins, Cold Ware Kids @ Pianos

1/10 Kill Hannah, Love Arcade @ Bowery Ballroom

1/13 Sweatheart, Best Fwends @ Cake Shop

1/15 Emily King @ Pianos

1/16 Amy Winehouse @ Joe's Pub

1/19 The Gaskets, Tall Hands @ Midway

1/24 The Virgins, Illinois, Cold War Kids 8:30 @ Mercury Lounge

1/24 Clipse, Kidz in the Hall @ Webster Hall

1/27 Liam and Me, White Rabbits @ Sin-E

1/30 Peter Bjorn and John @ Bowery Ballroom

1/31 Paolo Nutini @ Bowery Ballroom

1/31 Albert Hammond Jr @ Hammerstein

2/28 Young Love, Moros Eros @ Bowery Ballroom

music industry A-B-C with the velvet rope

2007-01-03T00:17:00.000-05:00

The velvet rope, a online forum, used to be filled with scandalous juicy music industry gossip posted by anonymous "industry people" and got people fired for sharing insider information, but now its turned into a boring cold mess. People post about celebrity gossip or the best doors album or something boring and irrelevent. Except for this one thread I particularly liked on the state of all the major labels etc etc. Here it is.

This song sort of reminds me of this post:

Ludacris - Tell It Like It Is (Clean).mp3

p.s. Happy New Year everyone!!!

Tigercity is Ggggggggreat

2006-12-30T22:25:00.001-05:00

(left to right) Joel, Aynsley, Andrew and Bill
Tigercity holds a special place in my heart. These boys formed their band in Northampton, MA while students at Hampshire College (which is 5 minutes from where I went to school on 116). My friend Danny from Hampshire turned me on to them. I checked them out at the Annex over the summer, where they were having technical difficulties which sort of turned me off. However, when I got their new tracks a few months ago, I really enjoyed them!
So here are a few:
Tigercity - Are You Sensation.mp3
Tigercity - Solitary Man.mp3
Tigercity - Dark Water.mp3

If you’re in the Chicago area:
Jan 12 @ Darkroom (with Mannequin Men) in Chitown
Jan 13 @ Schubas (with The Office) in Chitown

For bookings, contact: tigercity.manager@gmail.com

My friend Nora played them on her and Rachel’s radio show on Break Thru Radio

The Virgins... the best band name ever

2006-12-30T19:11:00.000-05:00

The Virgins live on KEXP @ Gigantic Studios for CMJ 10/30/06

So last year, I was alerted to a Brooklyn based band-The Virgins that I was so excited about. They only had some demos and no shows or anything posted on their myspace. After listening to their music on myspace for 5 months, when I finally got to see them play a full show @ CMJ this year at the Cake Shop, I was floored!
Fronted by Donald their music is refreshing blend of nyc dirty rock, nonchalant sarcastic lyrics and melodies that stay in your head for days... They are on their way to being the best band from NYC in the past few yrs. Here's a video of them at 205, performing "Radio Christiane". . . (let me just say that the sound sucks obv but these are the boys: Donald, Nick, Wade, Erik)

They are playing on Dec 31st, 2006 at 12AM @ 205 Address: 205 Christie St. at Stanton St. (formerly 6s and 8s)

ok on "a break" until January 2nd

2006-12-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

be back with some good new music etc etc...
p.s. looking for a new job.

Liam & Me Signs to Indie after bidding wars

2006-12-21T16:38:00.000-05:00

My favorite band Liam and Me have signed to Thrive Records. I was actually going to sign them, but shit didn't work out... Anyway, we are SO SO SO very happy and proud of Briks, Matty, Larkin, and McKenzie. Now the whole world can be as obsessed with them as I am.

Liam and Me - Call The Cops

Liam and Me - Pretender

If you're in the NYC area on January 27th come check them out at Sin-E for the Underrated Party!!!!

this is for something for technorati

2006-12-21T16:18:00.000-05:00

Technorati Profile

ill delete this in a like a day or something

Who Needs A Facelift?

2006-12-21T13:32:00.000-05:00

On Monday night, after the Spin holiday party, I stumbled over to R@R and walked in on some of my favorite funny whiteboy music

I've known the boys of Team Facelift for a while and I gotta say, I'm laughing/loving the album

I can't get Sexual Perversions out of my head, so here it is

Team Facelift - Sexual Perversions.mp3

Amy Winehouse may be a drunk, BUT I LOVE HER

2006-12-21T13:04:00.000-05:00

This Girl is an amazing girl that I have been listening to non-stop since I heard her first single from her sophmore album "Back In Black" on Island Records UK "Rehab". I love the lyrics and the genre of 60s soul, doowop that producer Mark Ronson (Nikka Costa, Lily Allen) tapped into for this record. Apparently, this song was inspired by Amy's drinking problem. Take a look at this:

Her management team told her to go to Rehab or else... so, she sacked her management and wrote this amazing song!!!

Rehab - Amy Winehouse.mp3

testing

2006-12-21T13:03:00.000-05:00