Even when I don't go see a band play here, I am completely satisfied musically, and even at a silly dance club. If you know me, you know I don't dance. Well okay, get a few drinks in me and if I know the song, I may do a little twirl. Or two. It's mostly because I just can't dance to music I don't know or don't particularly like. London knows how to do it. Last night we waited in line (or queue as they say here) for a good two hours to get into this one club. Even though my bladder was about to explode, we met some nice guys who shared my musical taste. One of them had just seen Five O'Clock Heroes a couple weeks ago and really liked them. But once we got inside, we were infested by sweaty 16 year olds, £1 drinks, and quality tunes. From Michael Jackson to Maximo Park, it was the perfect combination of guilty pop and new indie pop. You should have seen me when they played Banquet. My god.
I suppose so you don't think I'm being a complete lush, I had my first week of classes and as much as I complain about NYU, they know how to get some fantastic speakers. Yesterday we met and talked with Ben Brown who is a senior correspondent at the BBC who had some crazy tales from all over the world. Today we had David Stone, who is probably worth a bajillion dollars, as he is the producer of Wicked, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Vagina Monologues, among others. Amazing guy.
I'm off to Malta tomorrow for the weekend for my uncle's wedding. I'm hoping the hotel will have internet so I can finally upload some pictures from this week. So far, so crazy, so good.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Wait...where am I again?
Last night, I swear I had crossed back over the Atlantic. After a day of classes (which apparently are going to be more work than anticipated, what's that about) my pals and I headed on the tube to god knows where to see Brooklyn's own Tim Williams play at this new venue called The Underbelly. Our first mistake was leaving the house without an umbrella. We exited the tube station to a downpour. It was 9:25 and we only had five minutes. We decided to make a run for it.
We were completely drenched. But a few drinks in and a couple trips to the bathroom to stand underneath the hair dryer, we were a-ok. Mr. Williams was quite the performer in this little spot. It was just him, an acoustic guitar, and his friend playing the keyboard, but my god...he gave me chills. He's only 25, looks like he could be 18, but his voice is powerful, and although it could be a cross between Ryan Adams and Damien Rice, he's got his own thing going on. My friend Katie said he's got the it factor, and by golly, he does.
I met Carter at the show who heads up Dovecote Records (who Tim Williams is on). We chatted a bit and he introduced me to this guy named Ross who works for ASCAP here in the UK. Sweetest guy ever. He's coming to CMJ this year and I'm going to show him a good time.
We caught a set by London's own Crash Convention. It was actually just an acoustic set by the two front members while their bass player and drummer are on holiday. It actually reminded me a lot of when I saw Mando Diao put on an acoustic set back in NYC. Very clever songwriting and great harmonies. Apparently these guys have some interesting stage antics when they have their whole band together. I chatted with their manager after the show, and we're going to set something up in the next couple weeks, hopefully.
On my way out I was introduced to Erica, who works at the door of the club. Turns out she was the manager for The GoStation a while back. Talk about a small world. We moved a couple doors down afterwards to catch a couple more drinks before catching the tube back. My only complaint about this city so far is that everything closes so early. But I really can't complain.
Tonight we're going to try and get Ryan Adams tickets. Everyone here was at Coldplay/Interpol last night which was £45 (basically $90). As much as I wanted to go, I could not shell out that much cash. I saw Coldplay 2 feet in front of me a couple weeks ago and will be seeing Interpol in a small tent next week. That's how I rationalized it. It helps me sleep at night.
Ok, so I have class in a minute, and probably should have done some reading..or something. Class, smash, I'm in London and it's summer. Right.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
I've got some Fever
So it took me a couple days, but I finally made my way to a music venue and saw my first British band. We looked up some spots in Time Out, saw one place called the Dublin House in Camdentown that wasn't too far, with four bands, £5, so we were there. Out of the four, there was one band that I was completely wowed by, and their name is FeverKing.
Think a British version of Kings of Leon, with less hair, and a sweet ass lead guitar player. They've got a good mix of acoustic and electric, with damn catchy songs that got me dancing. I chatted with Patrick, the acoustic guitar player afterwards and was a bit taken by him (what a surprise). He's going to call me next week and we're going to do a little interview for the mag. (swoon)
I just checked out their website, and you can listen to a few tracks. They are currently on a tour throughout England, and I was told they are going to hit up some spots in Canada later in the year. I'm going to get them to come to New York and maybe we'll have a slumber party...or something.
Tonight I'm off to check out a New York singer/songwriter that is touring here in London. Gotta show some support for my people, right?
I'll check back with you tomorrow.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Greetings from London
Well folks. I made it. It's only been 24 hours and I've already managed to slice open my arm from a juke box while intoxicated. I love London.
I don't have too much to talk about just yet, there's the Wireless Festival that is going on right now, that I don't have tickets to. But I met two guys last night who had just come from the Basement Jaxx set and I believe they said it was 'brilliant.' I picked up my Time Out London and it has brought back so many memories. The first week I came to New York I skimmed the lists to see if I knew of any bands. Things have changed a bit back home, but I feel so out of the loop here. Hopefully that will change as well. I did see Maximo Park is playing in July, so you know I'll be there.
For all of those in NYC, say hi for me. I will be back as soon as I can scam some free wireless. I've found some hardy show goers, so let the craziness begin.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Last minute happiness
I fell off a chair today. Just fell. For no reason. And it hurt. I was convinced the universe was telling me not to leave. Convinced. Then my wonderful friend Liz rang me up, for what I thought would be a bon voyage call and last minute plans to meet in Ireland, when....she told me....
MY IPOD WAS FOUND!
Talk about wonderful news to head off with. I'll be seeing her in two weeks when I go to Ireland for Oxegen festival, and me and my lover Mr. iPod will make our fabulous reconciliation. I'm. so. relieved.
All My Bags Are Packed...
I'm ready to go. I've managed to borrow an old iPod, piss off my parents, and create some nifty playlists all with hours left to go. How productive am I? Moving out of my apartment yesterday was painful. Literally. My legs are aching today from all those trips up and down the stairs. But who really cares, because this time tomorrow I will be in London. London, baby!
Keep checking back over the next two months, I will be sure to keep you all posted with my whereabouts, my musical discoveries, and my usual blabbering. I doubt I will be able to upload much music, as I don't even know if I will be able to use my own computer while over there, so just in case, here's some random ones for now.
(I say dear chap, right click and save as, if you please...wow I’m a tool)
And until then, let the fun begin. See you on the other side of the ocean.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Boo.
So my last night in New York was sort of a bust. I got in around 2 o'clock, ran some errands and headed up to Georgia's apartment to share some music and say goodbye. She was hungry, so we headed out (in the rain) to the bubble tea place around the corner. I had never had bubble tea. She was shocked. And the night went downhill from here.
I didn't even have that much, but the number it did on my stomach was absurd! What is this stuff? After praising Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and getting tips on places in London, I bid my adieu to Georgia and headed up to Liz's for some drinks and dinner. By the time I got there, I was feeling okay. We caught up for a bit (a whole two days, we always have news) and after dinner I felt sick to my stomach. First thought was that I was nervous, but I couldn't really figure out what for. Liz kept telling me to calm down, so I smoked cigarette after cigarette thinking that would do the trick. I rushed Liz like usual, and convinced her to put her books down and come to Mercury with me for The Upwelling.
We met Sof there, and we chatted outside when the full-blown nausea kicked in. I felt like I could keel over and die. I mentioned the fact I had bubble tea earlier in the day and Sof informed me that everyone gets sick the first time they have it. And they go back for more? What masochists!
It felt like a good idea to buy a beer, but after a few sips I couldn't have anymore. I poured my beverage into my friends' cups, and opted for a glass of water instead. The Upwelling played a tight set; I wish I could have enjoyed it more, had I not felt so sick. But they played "Worthy Enemy" and I'll convince myself that they played it just for me. They also unveiled some new jam/song after "Murdered" that was quite nifty. I'll have to find out what it was.
So instead of heading down to Pianos, I had to find some medicine and lay down. Liz's apartment is air conditioned so I planted myself there while we watched Ripley's Believe It Or Not. What a quality show. This guy snorted two pieces of pop corn cornels and managed to get them out from his eyes. Talk about an eventful night.
So I didn't really live it up and get the full New York night I had anticipated. I blame Bubble Tea. Never again. Now I've got a fun day of heave-ho down the stairs that are falling apart and say bye bye to Chrystie Place. I can't believe I'm leaving tomorrow. I'll try and post some tunes later.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
I'll Always Love You New York
While all my friends are either seeing Tom Petty or Oasis tonight, I will be venturing back to NYC to say my goodbye to the city and the city folk for the summer. First up? Some CD swapping with Georgia (without my iPod, I need something to tie me over) and then a final run through of my apartment. Then on to Mercury lounge for The Upwelling and then down to Piano's for Saints + Lovers. Who knows what after that. Let's just say I'll probably be hungover when I finally move out tomorrow morning.
My new favorite Upwelling song, both versions:
And some Saints + Lovers for you as well,
And bonus round, Death of Fashion. Any band that sends me some vinyl as well as a CD is a-ok with me. "Think Joy Division, The Velvet Underground, The Strokes, and Brian Eno mixed in a blender with a touch of Mary Chain feedback and crazy glue." Couldn't have said it better myself.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
I feel like hell. You feel like dancing.
Last night in a drunken stupor I kept saying I can't believe I'm going to London on Friday. I'll say it again, I can't believe I'm going to London on Friday. This summer is going to be exciting. I am terrified and yet excited to go completely blind and find some new bands to share with you. It'll be like my first year in New York. I'll pick up Time Out, grab a highlighter, scan some websites and just go. Before you know it I'll be drinking tea at 4 PM, saying Cheerio, and hanging with the lads.
I'm going to try and get out as much music this week as possible, because I don't know if I'll have time or the accessibility to upload music as often. So enjoy it while you can. Of course, I will be checking my email as obsessively as usual, while still planning out the next issue, so blogging will not cease to exist. I'll apologize in advance if I revert back to my childhood and start spelling color colour, or tell you I'm heading back to the flat.
Last night, while I enjoyed spending my time at the local Jersey bar to celebrate Blaire's 21st madness, part of me wished I had made it into the city for Gothamist's Moveable Hype. Not only did some of my favorite bands play, but apparently David Bowie was in tow. David fucking Bowie!! That doesn't happen every Monday night. Central Village and Brooklyn Vegan have recaps, while Daily Refill confirms the Bowie sighting. Damn.
Other news:
Track-Listing:
lost in time
damn this foolish heart
the diver
sweet troubled soul
precious games
born in a flea market
on my own
when I disappear
love and longing
island lost at sea
Now, time for the music. Only one band today, but it's a good one.
Midlake - Bamnan and Slivercor (buy here)
Speaking of Danny Masterson, one of the bands that their show featured a couple weeks ago is the Texas bred moody rocksters, Midlake. I had "Balloon Maker" on my computer for a little while now, I think since SXSW, and can't remember how it ended up there. Every time it came on, I felt like I was at a circus. It's crazy like Arcade Fire, with lyrics that border on The Decemeberists' capability, and equally as impressive. Their debut album (released on the same label as The Dears), has officially become one of my favorites. And their website, officially one of the strangest.
Monday, June 20, 2005
I'm always late
It's become sort of funny how ridiculous this moving process has become. I think someone is telling me not to leave NYC this summer. I was driving into the city today to grab as much stuff as my little mini could fit. I decided to call the van company to make sure that we are confirmed for tomorrow. (We had to move the date twice last week already) Turns out they have no trucks for tomorrow. So looks like I"ll be moving out on Thursday, with just enough time to get it all back and then repack for London on Friday. I'm trying to laugh.
Quick news, and then some more tunes.
Gothamistis having their Moveable Hype 3.0 show tonight, featuring Man In Gray, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Ghostland Observery, and The Fame. It's at The Knitting Factory main stage, and the craziness starts at 7PM. You can read Man In Gray's interview with Gothamist here.
Tonight at midnight, my most favorite person in the world, Blaire (inator rator) turns the big 21. Watch out for this girl, she's going to own all the hotels in Manhattan one day, and will cook you up a mean meal. Love you lots!
Tunes coming up.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Nostalgia + Music Overload Part I
Warning: Sentimental ramblings ahead
I've been in this funk ever since I lost my dear iPod, which probably sounds ridiculous but it's true. I began to regret leaving New York for the summer, leaving my friends, realizing I have no money to travel around Europe or even enjoy London, and then moving out of my apartment has been a huge pain. in. the. ass.
So last night I was driving back to my parent's house from a party a friend of mine was having that turned into a high school reunion. It brought me back to four years ago, where I would be that shy, awkward girl sitting in the corner smoking to avoid any superficial conversations I would end up having with people I didn't really like to begin with.
As I was driving home I thought how different things are now, four years later. Yes, I'm still awkward and smoke too much, and usually hang out in the back or corners, but I never in a million years thought that I'd be as crazed as I am, all for good reason. I was always that weird kid who thought up grand ideas, and actually did them. But this magazine was definitely the biggest one yet, and each day I am thinking of new ways to bring it to the next level. To have people actually read what I write, even now, would have seemed ridiculous to me four years ago. And as I inhaled and looked at the scene in front of me, in good old suburbia, all I wanted to do was get back into the city and be bobbing my head along to a band I love.
My boss asked me on Friday what it is about music that I love so much. Seemed like a silly question, because I've always loved music. To spare you from my musical history, my parents were huge Beatles and Pink Floyd fans and I always remember my dad blasting music in our car and I would sing along. Things haven't changed, as I always need my music at full volume and never cared about singing at the top of my lungs. There's something about music, that just fills your entire body up, surrounds you, and lets you live in that moment, of that song, for however long you please.
I don't know what has brought on this rambling. Looking back at this year in specific, it's been probably the best year of my life. But something inside of me tells me that things are just going to get better. One of these days I hope that I am not so terrified walking to interview a band. I told someone recently that I swear, one of these days, I'll be normal. But I don't think it was being normal that got me to where I am right now, and I wouldn't change it for the world.
My oh my, someone needs to kick me in the ass and tell me to stop being so cheesy.
On to the music!
So as I said, I made a splurge at In Sound recently, and I've also been sorting through the pile of CDs that have been collecting dust on my desk, waiting to be listened to. I found some fantabulous goodies, and only wish I had my iPod to share it with. So instead, I share with all of you. (all mp3s, right click, save as)
(Ed note -- sorry for the problems, all files should be working now, let me know if there are still problems!)
1. Kevin Devine - Split The Country, Split The Street (buy here)
After hearing "No Time Flat" I was ecstatic to receive this CD in the mail to my utmost surprise. This Brooklynite evokes that Oberst like drunken swagger in his voice, but doesn't let it keep him down. Instead he works on politics and life, mimicking Elliott Smith's romantic and brutal honesty, all through his catchy tunes, which keep me right there, in no time flat.
2. !!! - Take Ecstasy With Me/Get Up EP (buy here)
I really had no idea what or who or how even to say this band but kept hearing about them, so thought I would give it a shot. For a measly $5, I got this EP that although only features two songs, packs quite the punch. It's two covers, the first A Magnetic Fields, and the second a Nate Dogg, and it’s jam band for the drugged out crazies. But you know what? It's fucking sweet.
3. My Victoria
Liz knew My Victoria's lead gal Diana from blogging class, and kept telling me to check out her band. It took me until I met Diana at Oasis's listening party to actually remember. Now I can't get their songs out of my head (especially "Cheating", holy crap). With some damn-catchy bass lines, plus Diana's super sweet meets I am a rock goddess voice, they have executed New York's rock scene quite well. They play TISWAS July 9.
4. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (buy here)
Do I need to say anything more about this band? Everyone's talking about them, loves them, wants to have their babies (okay maybe not but NYC is obsessed). But it's all for good reason, their debut album has officially become one of my favorites, and their live show lives up to the hype. Go. Listen. Now.
5. Say Hi To Your Mom Ferocious Mopes (buy here)
Even though it's father's day, I thought we'd say hi to mom. Shh Rachael, stop trying to be clever, because the band already does it for everyone. I caught the tail end of these guy's set when I ran over to Bowery to see The Wrens a few weeks back, and made it my job to buy their album. Job well done. Their website makes me chuckle too, especially this:
We find it very amusing and cute that you have requested a free record from us, even after we have discouraged you from doing so in our Frequently Asked Questions section of this very website. We also find it very amusing and cute that, without fail, when you send said e-mail requesting a free record, you do so with both electronic and snail mail addresses that clearly do not reflect the record label whose A&R department you claim to be working for. We will admit, the first few of you fooled us (probably because we had just exhausted our bank account paying that month's rent) when you claimed to be from said record label's A&R department (as the prospect of a 50 million dollar signing advance did seem comforting). We even find it very amusing and cute how, without fail, you neglect the normal pleasantries even your superiors practice on a regular basis. You know, like feigning an actual appreciation for the music. And so you write, most likely in your Urban Outfitters getup, with your amusing and cute i-Book with stickers on it, from your new East Village apartment, on the walls of which you've tacked the same bunny-eared Bright Eyes and Interpol posters you had in your dorm room last year (you know, because you're INDIE ROCK!), as The Killers' screech and patter via i-Tunes through your bass-lacking computer speakers, all the while oblivious to the fact that you won't ever get promoted and that you won't even get credit for a signing in the unlikely chance your efforts pay off. We find it very cute and amusing. We really do.
Sincerely,
Us (02/03/05)
(note: we have nothing against the aforementioned bands or Apple products)
They play Bowery Ballroom 7/15/05. Buy tickets here.
More music tomorrow. Happy Birthday to Matt Go Station!
Friday, June 17, 2005
Hip Central
I'm so cool right now, I did that whole guest blog thing. Read it and weep. And keep bothering Liz because she doesn't understand that part of this whole blogging process is actually blogging. Who knew?
In other blogging news, Entertainment Weekly finally jumped on the bandwagon and started their own blog called Pop Watch. It's quite good.
Better than Liz's, at least.
I'll be back tomorrow, with a whole lot of fun, because blogging on the weekend is so hip right now.
Friday Fun
Quick post here -- last day at work, I've got lunch with the boss and then an "exit interview". What in gods name is that?
Anyways, in mourning the loss of my iPod I decided to splurge at In Sound and received a whole bunch of new music yesterday. I felt bad because it had been some time since I had actually purchased a new disc. I felt like a fraud. But no longer.
I'll post some of my favs and some reviews this weekend, since I still have yet to move out, and am leaving for London in EXACTLY ONE WEEK!
For your listening pleasure today, the boys of A Brief Smile have been busy this summer recording new material. They've booked a show at TISWAS in August, and Mercury in September. Watch out people, these youngins are on to something big. I'm totally digging the new material.
A Brief Smile - And So It Begins (right click, save as)
And you can buy their EP here.
photos by Syd Stanyar
Thursday, June 16, 2005
A Time To Be Small
Just call me the queen of good luck. My iPod is still nowhere to be found. I ended up walking around lost and confused after work, while others had their rightful places inside their ears all around me. I decided to pass on the Bloc Party show last night. I was really excited for the show too, I wanted to get drunk enough so that I could dance the night away. But yesterday I could hardly take a sip of alcohol, and definitely was not in the dancing mood. I'll catch them in Ireland in a couple weeks, and hopefully my mood will be a bit better.
Today was supposed to be moving day. One of my friends who was going to help me schlep everything down the five flights of stairs threw his back out last night. Good timing huh? So now I'm sort of just sitting here, surrounded by boxes, and not really sure what to do.
Jolly good time.
But enough of my self-pity, and on to music, because, well that's supposed to be the point of all this right? I remember when I decided to enter the blogging world, I promised myself it wouldn't be personal ramblings. It would be strictly about music, and my experiences through the magazine. So, enough of my silliness and on to the good stuff.
I received an EP from the LA based band, Colored Shadows, a couple months ago, and although it fell in the mix of all those CDs I need to listen to more, every time I came across one of their songs, I would stop and ask myself, "who is this?" They do not sound like anything I've heard as of late, mixing old school David Bowie or even Pink Floyd spiked with some Velvet Underground, but the twist is this new-age electronic sound. If you like The Secret Machines, you'll love these guys. It's quite beautiful, and haunting, and fantastic late at night, laying on your bed, trying to figure out what the hell you are doing with your life. Or at least I think so.
They'll be in the next issue, and my trusty writer Monica needs to have the songs while down in Florida for the summer, so I post them on her behalf, and now yours. The EP is now available and ready for your purchase here. I think I'll make it my personal goal to get these guys to New York. It'll give me something to do.
MP3's (i say: right click, you say: save as)
Bonus tracks, because I love you.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
HELP!!!!
Missing: Rachael's iPod
Location: Somewhere between lafayette and avenue C, not above seventh street, and not below rivington.
Details: 40 GB, no inscription, pink leather case with a metrocard inside, a random selection of music, and cheesy playlist names (such as dj underrated)
So I got a little drunk last night, and since the world likes to punish me for having fun on a Tuesday night, my best friend has been taken away from me. Yes, I know that's sad, but my life is seriously incomplete. I'm trying to stay optimistic that it will turn up, that I haven't lost my entire collection of music, and that it's sitting in Liz's apartment or somewhere underneath my bed. But I've looked. And it isn't.
But seriously, if you find yourself walking around and you see someone rocking out with no headphones (found those) and a girly case, hit them on the head, take the iPod, and run. And then, give me a call.
Besides that I had a fab time last night, trying to live up the few nights I have left in this wonderful city we call New York. We thought it would be a good idea to start early, and feed ourselves beer for dinner, so we got our first couple pints at the beer garden on Avenue C.
We then ran on down to see my favorite freshman Mr. Seth Kallen do his thing down at the very nice Rockwood Music Hall. More beer. It was only seven pm at this point and when we staggered a little on our way out, we realized it was still light outside. So a bench suited us just fine, as I chain smoked which seemed to be the theme of the night.
Have you found my iPod yet? Damn.
From there, it was more beer and more beer from 2A to a quick stop at Lit, and then over to my home away from home, Swift. We met up with Seth and his friends to put a couple more back and I vaguely remember taking too many pictures. Leave it to me to get camera happy when I'm drunk.
After I cab ride up to Liz's to enjoy her air conditioning, I thought it a good idea to sing to Dave. Liz made sure I had some water and put me to bed. I was quite content with life at that point, until I woke up this morning hungover, hungry, and mourning the loss of my friend iPod.
Seriously. My life may be over.
But thanks to the wonderful Dan over at Time Consumer for making me a snazzy new logo for the blog. He rocks.
I'll keep you updated on the search for my lover. If you have any details or tips, you know where to find me.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Easily Distracted
It's my last week at work, and you can tell I'm being as productive as ever.
But I can't help it. I just checked back to look at the latest lineup for Oxegen festival in Ireland that I will be going to in just 25 days. This will be the first festival pour moi and they keep adding more artists, so I'm literally jumping out of my skin. Who I'm most looking forward to, thus far:
-Kaiser Chiefs
-Keane
-The Killers
-Bloc Party
-Bravery (shhh)
-Jimmy Eat World
-The Ordinary Boys
-Maximo Park
-Interpol (!!!)
-Athlete (!!!)
-Futureheads (!!!)
-Bright Eyes (!!!)
-Josh Rouse
-Rilo Kiley
-The Go Team
-The Dears
-Brendan Benson (!!!)
-Editors (!!!)
Excuse my french, but holy fuck. If only they got Arcade Fire, I would probably fall over.
In other updates:
Ok, I should really get back to work.
Smell The Air
It's hot.
My friend Conor told me it's become so hot so quickly in New York that it's now the most prevalent topic of conversation. In fact, it has taken over that whole Yankees question.
After spending the weekend in nice cool air conditioned house, and a wonderful celebration full of blender drinks and mosquito bites for Tracy's 21st, I'm back in the city for my last week before moving out on Thursday (tear). Don't worry, I'm only moving out of my apartment before heading to jolly London next week, where my blogging will continue. I'm 100% percent addicted to this thing, so fear not.
Friday friday friday. Maximo maximo maximo. What a show. I brought my Brit band loving pal Georgia over to Tonic to check them out and knew she'd love them. Paul Smith is a top-notch front man, which brought our conversation on our walk home to something other than the weather.
If you are fronting a band and you are not playing an instrument, you better make yourself entertaining. Smith, from scissor kicks to head jerks, is hands-down the most lively lead singer I've seen. You can't take your eyes off of him, and you keep wondering what in gods name he'll do next (while singing along, of course). The show ended with Smith up on stage looking for his band members somewhere out in the crowd for an impromptu encore. It was a great moment.
When it comes to someone fronting a band with attitude, gals seem to get it (Man In Gray's Tina and Morningwood's Chantal come to mind, and of course Karen O). But I can't think of any guys that exude as much energy on stage as Mr. Smith did Friday night.
My pictures sucked (again) because I was towards the back and they mostly consisted of tops of heads. But Central Village has some good ones here, especially this classic one of Mr. Smith.
We now return to our band of the day, because I am staying in tonight to enjoy the air conditioning at Liz's apartment, two bottles of wine, and trying to save some cash.
Cartel is a band from Washington DC that have played with the likes of Snowden and are planning some shows with The Upwelling (two of my favs). Brian, the man behind the haunting vocals, sent me an email over the weekend asking to post some MP3's. The Washington Post said "With a slightly avant-garde sound and creative production, Cartel offers a refreshing new look at music." I've been digging the tunes the more and more I listen, and I bet you will too.
Cartel plays Southpaw on Friday and will be back August 15 at Pianos.
MP3's (right click click, save as)
Download more here.
Friday, June 10, 2005
The Coast Is Always Changing
What a day. Finally made it back to Liz's apartment this morning at around 3:00, après some Clap Your Hands Say Yeah fabulousness, some after show drinks at Arlene’s Grocery, and some Ray's yumminess. Ran into Robert of The Knitting Factory fame, who let me know that the new club Scenic will be opening its doors on June 29 with a show from the much hyped Annie. Too bad I won't be here, but we're gonna plan some Underrated madness there come September. Watch out.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah were all they are cracked up to be and more. The Delancey was packed, I was sipping my drinks, smoking my cigs and bobbing my head to their ultimately happy-go-lucky tunes. I'd present you with the few pictures I took last night, but they really aren't worth it. It's mostly other people's heads, and who wants to see that?
I chatted with Tyler of the band after the show and he was nice enough to give me their sweet-ass debut CD for free. I've been blasting it all day, and it is wonderful. I had to drag my hung-over self back to Jersey this morning at 8 am (!) for a doctor's appointment where I was asked how many drinks I have. I responded by asking, "last night?" and received a disappointed look from the Doc. The hardest part was the eye test. Those lines never looked so blurry.
And here I am back again, after a rare celebrity sighting of the one and only Corey Feldman at the H&M in Soho. Is it wrong that I was really excited? I mean come on, it's fricking Mouth!
Yeah, you don't care.
But you do care that I am going to see Maximo Park tonight, because, well, they could just be the best thing since iced lattes. (okay, I'm sipping on one right now, it was the first thing to come to mind) They play tonight at Tonic, and we caught up with them a few months ago for an interview with Paul Smith in the latest issue of Underrated.
Paul Smith of Maximo Park is lounging on a beanbag at his flat in Newcastle, naked. Naked?! “No, [actually] I’m wearing a pink t-shirt, red haberdasher trainers and some very tight Levi’s jeans.” Not only is Smith nonchalant and slightly goofy, but charming more than anything else. He seems the perfect foil for his very own music, which he describes as “both upbeat and sad and musically adventurous.”
Maximo Park’s debut album, A Certain Trigger is anything but safe. Neither is it musically cut and dry. It’s an amalgamation of sounds and styles ranging from the classic to the innovative. Smith’s first album was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which he requested because “it just seemed really magical.”
Although Maximo Park sounds slightly like a punked up classic rock band, Smith describes their music as pop. “It’s pop... made by people with guitars and keyboards and brains...it’s not the usual sort of pop...it’s more emotional [than the music of the bands we’re compared to]” Smith said.
Just like the Beatles opening up doors to the possibility of what pop music could be, Maximo Park are willing to keep that challenge going. In “The Coast Is Always Changing” Smith sings “I am young and I am lost, I react to your riposte.” Words like “riposte” aren’t generally considered part of the crude layman’s parlance of pop music. “[It’s] the lyricist’s job to enhance or increase the pop lexicon,” Smith said...
By Staff Writer, Emily Russell. Read the rest here
MP3's (right clickity and save as)
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Something's In The Air
Something very strange is going on in New York. I keep running into people from my high school. Last night was the absolute kicker, as I was on the subway back from Brooklyn, who comes onto my car from Canal Street? None other than my Junior Prom date. Talk about strange.
Between the random run-ins, the lack of air conditioning, and my ever-depleting bank account, something is telling me it's almost time to leave. Two weeks from tomorrow I'm off to London. In the meantime, I need to move out of my apartment, pack my belongings for two weeks, and figure out exactly what the hell I'm supposed to be doing. I'll get around to it one of these days.
Last night I headed allll the way to "dirty" Brooklyn (not my choice of words) to see The Upwelling play the most laxed set I've seen them play. After all the hoopla that has been swarming my brain when it comes to these guys, it was perfect to be able to see them play in a small venue, with a surprisingly lack of a crowd, to debut their new keyboard player. While Josh and Ari seemed overly comfortable on stage (quite the opposite from the last time I saw them at Bowery), Conor naturally seemed nervous. He didn't miss a beat, and it made me smile, to see him smile, at the end of their set.
No surprises from their set, and a lack of "Worthy Enemy" was unfortunate, but nonetheless it was great to see The Upwelling back on stage.
Tonight after I plan my future journalistic career with my favorite professor, I will head downtown to catch The Diggs at Sin-E and then on over to The Delancey for a highly anticipated CD release party from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. And since I've already given you all the MP3s of both artists, I'll give you a random samplings of some other tunes I have floating around on my hard drive.
MP3's (Right click, Save As)
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
Another Service Announcement
Jeez, I feel like a frickin bulletin board here. But no worries, I do the little I can to help out.
The boys at Malken Music are looking to book bands for their July show at The Knitting Factory. We did a story on these young entrepreneurs in Issue Five of the magazine, and I can only expect great things to come from them in the future. Here's what they said:
We are looking for a couple bands that are interested in playing at The Knitting Factory on either July 15th or 16th. Each band must be able to draw 25+ people so if you can't, don't bother replying to this. The last show we put on sold out twice and we are looking to do it again. If you are in a band or have friends in a band that may be interested please let me know as soon as possible. Thank you.
Respond via myspace here.
And while you are in Brooklyn checking out The Upwelling, you can slide on over to Northsix to catch Man In Gray.
And now a word from your local sponsors...
Save The Double Door
Although I've never been to Chicago, my sister lives there and she's obsessed. We have many a fights over New York vs. Chicago, which one is better, and although I think I win, since I haven't been there, I can't really say.
Regardless, with all the music venues closing these days (Luna closes it's doors June 11), I feel obliged to help out however I can. My sister emailed me the following info saying "I know you can't save everyone but I thought you might like this :-)" Well sis, you win this time.
Hey Chicago Folks -
Many of you have had the opportunity to see a show or two at The Double Door. For years, the DD has been a musical institution in Chicago, supporting the local music scene and introducing Chicago to bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, The Killers, The Streets, and tons more.
They're in a bit of a pickle with their landlords. It seems that the owners of the building would rather rent to Banana Republic or some other retail giant that would be unwelcome in the Wicker Park neighborhood. Have a heart and sign the petition. It takes less than a minute, and hopefully, we'll all get to see some really bitchin shows at the The Double Door in the future.
Save The Double Door
The Real Thing
Last night at dinner (where I randomly ran into two kids from high school, but that’s besides the point) Blaire told me there can be no more Upwelling talk. Hopefully she won't read this post today.
Tonight, our favorite Brooklynites return back to the live circuit with a show at Southpaw and a new keyboardist, Conor Heffernan. And although we bid adieu to our favorite magician recently, I am excited to hear what these boys have been brewing for the past few months.
I talk about this band too much to be considered healthy, listen to this band too much to be considered normal, and bother the band too much it teeters on stalking (okay, not really, I hope), but as I told them last week that it's all genuinely out of my love for The Upwelling. I become attached easily to everything from bands to rubber bands, so my passion is sometimes misconstrued. Regardless, these boys have something special going on, and its only a matter of time before the world takes notice. So for your sake and mine, check them out tonight at Southpaw (they go on at 10) before it's too late.
MP3's (right click, save as)
Listen to more fabulously fabulous tracks here or better yet, buy their "stellar," "Virgin Recommended", "Rachael endorsed" EP here.
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Hodgepodge
No need for my excessive babble today -- there's pictures to see and songs to listen to. No shows for me tonight, instead I will be living up one of my remaining nights in my favorite part of town, my beloved Lower East Side. I'm moving out of my apartment in a couple weeks to go to Europe and upon my return, it will be time to find a new place to live. I doubt I will have the luxury come September to be steps away from the best restaraunts, music venues, and bars. Damn.
I don't usually make claims, and I said I wouldn't babble, so I'm going to make this short: The Futureheads was hands down one of the best shows I've ever seen. It was my first time seeing them live and they were frickin fantastic. Talk about energy, and stage presence. These guys have it all, and can translate it on stage for any size crowd.
Today is my latest mix. When I was back in Jersey, I would do nothing but drive around with the windows down blasting this. Gave me an excuse to listen to music. And there was basically nothing else to do in suburbia.
Stay cool kids.
MP3's (right click, save as).
Monday, June 6, 2005
Did you see me on TV last night? Yeah, me neither. Actually there was a superb shot of the back of my head. My mom said you couldn't miss my red hair. That shot right there should land MTV in some sort of Hall of Fame. Right.
Yesterday kind of sucked. I went into Borders to escape the heat and promised myself I wouldn't spend any money. I found myself perusing the magazines and realized just how many music magazines there are out there. I felt defeated. And then I bought six of them. And then I was broke.
But not broke enough. I convinced myself that it was a great idea to spend the last of my money playing poker last night, convinced the downward spiral I've had this summer would bounce back. I lost $25 dollars, completely due to bad luck. I went all-in at least three times. Ace/King, pocket Queens and pocket 9's. Screwed every time. Now I have a massive credit card bill due tomorrow that I haven't yet figured out how to play, and it's less than 3 weeks til I head to Europe where we are being kicked in the ass by the pound and the euro. Fantastic. But...
Hey I finally got some pictures! Relive the craziness that was Thursday night...
The Man in White, Dave Lear opens the show, camera doesn't seem to work.
This Radiant Boy follows next, my mom asks me why people aren't dancing. I agreed.
Liz, my PR gal is my favorite. We like to find trouble.
The crowd begins to get bigger. I'm somewhere at the bar.
Patiently waiting. Quickly drinking.
Rockets and Cars take the stage to a packed audience. I take a quick picture and get back to bogeying.
The crowd likes.
The GoStation take the stage. Yay!:
My gals agree, it's party time.
They play their hearts out...
And I'm officially drunk! (With the awesome PJ who drove all the way from Westchester,PA to join the festivities.)
Good times. Good times.
Tonight I head to Webster to check out our "headstrong brits" The Futureheads. We interviewed them in Issue Six as well.
Enjoy the MP3's (right click, save as).
It's quite the warm day in NYC today. Thank god my office has A/C, but I don't know how I'll sleep the night in my apartment. Ta ta for now.
Sunday, June 5, 2005
Don't forget!
Tonight, tune into MTV at 8 PM (MTV2 at 12 AM) for Coldplay's Live Leak. Look for me (I was somewhere in the back, centered, right behind a big camera, so doubtful you'll see me) and I'll be sitting home, watching, hoping for my sake that I didn't look ridiculous.
If only that was me right there. That would have been cool.
Favorite tracks from X&Y (right click, save as, but shhh because I don't want to be arrested)
Tomorrow:
Back to work. Pictures from Thursday. Futureheads preview. Regular scheduled programming, or something like that.
Friday, June 3, 2005
Birthday Girl
I was told by my good friend Dan (Obi) that I tend to extend my birthday celebrations. I just love birthdays, whether they are mine, or yours, or a kid I meet at a bar. There's no reason not to celebrate. Last year I made it all of Memorial Day weekend into the Tuesday that my birthday actually was. This year, I decided to coincide it with the release of the magazine. What can I say, this year was no different.
What a night. I had this nervous pit in my stomach all day, so concerned that everything wasn't going to go okay. I had a dream the night before that Tribeca had no roof and it started raining and all the magazines were ruined. So I naturally had reason to be nervous.
In the end, I had enough alcohol in me and everything went great. Dave Lear and This Radiant Boy warmed up the slowly growing crowd. I heard great feedback on the magazine (including Matt mentioning the "f" in Knitting Factory was not capitalized, typical). It made me a tad bit uncomfortable to see people actually reading the magazine. Is that weird?
Rockets & Cars brought a huge following and got the crowd dancing (okay, mostly me). I swore to myself that I wouldn't dance like a fool this time, but I couldn't help it. Cranberry Vodkas + 21st Birthday + Great Music = Rachael dancing. And I really have no rhythm.
The GoStation hit the stage last, but certainly not least. Liz and I were at our prime, singing our hearts out. Thanks to the boys who gave me a very special rendition of Happy Birthday. It was pretty damn cool.
Thanks to Eddie at Tribeca for helping me plan the whole event and encouraging my alcohol intake.
Thanks to the awesome band The Shapes (who are also in Issue Six) for coming out to celebrate and bringing a bunch of their friends.
Thanks to Ari and Josh of The Upwelling for coming out and falling victim to my impromptu interrogation. Luckily I got my CD first. These guys should have wrote me off a looong time ago, but fortunately for me, they haven't yet.
And finally, thanks to all the bands, The U (Blaire, here is your shout-out), my city kids, my mom (!), my staff, and EVERYONE who came out last night. It was a ball.
I'll post pictures soon, once I find my camera.
In completely unrelated news, I'm super excited for this movie and this one as well.
Great shows coming up in my last three weeks before I head overseas. I can't wait to show those scary bouncers at Mercury and Bowery my real ID.
Coming Up:
Enjoy your weekend! I need a nap...
Thursday, June 2, 2005
Tonight's The Night
Well this has been a LONG time coming, and when the magazines finally arrived on my doorstep last night at exactly 7:13 PM (13 minutes after I had a nervous breakdown), all felt okay in the world. I know I said I probably would take one look at it and that's all, however, I found myself attached to this issue. Litterally. I brought it to dinner last night. I brought it to Blaire's house. I probably would have slept with it, if it were a bit more cuddly. I guess this is what it feels like to have a child huh? Weird.
So if you don't know by now (which if you read this blog, I'm sure you are sick of my self-promoting) BUT we are having a frickin awesome issue release party tonight. I'll be there, you'll be there, we'll sing, we'll dance, and we most definitely....will drink.
Thank you all for your birthday wishes! Life as a legal drinker has been pretty sweet so far, but I think it will only get sweeter. Why is it that when you finally turn 21 and you are all proud to show off your ID, that when you go into the liquor store, they don't card you? Typical.
SEE YOU TONIGHT!
P.S -Liz finally moved her blog and decided to update it. She got tired of hearing me complaining. I got tired of reading the same damn entry. We're like that.
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Na na na na na
They say it’s your birthday.
Na na na na na na.
It's my birthday too!
What's that? Rachael turned 21. Oh boy.
What's that? Issue Six of Underrated Magazine is available NOW for FREE online HERE (pdf).
What's that? It features The GoStation on the cover, who are also playing at our release party tomorrow?
UNDERRATED MAGAZINE ISSUE SIX - "LABELS, LABELS, LABELS"
Inside:
-The GoStation
-The Battle for Music
-Inside the World of the Singer/Songwriter
-Rockets & Cars
-The Shapes
-The District
-The Honorary Title
-Bishop Allen
-Dave Lear
-Great Day Coming
-Heath Brandon
-The FeverFew
-The Unsacred Hearts
-The English Department
-Billionaire Boys Club
-Pretty Flowers
-Adam Green
-Mars Black
-Snowden
-The Decemberists
-The Futureheads
-This Radiant Boy
-Seth Kallen
-Maximo Park
-Ondi Timoner (DIG! Director)
-Nic Haracourt (KCRW's Sound Eclectic)
-Noise From the Underground
-Hill Kourkoutis & Radio Free Roscoe
-New Club: Scenic
-Show reviews of Louis XIV, The Shins, & LCD Soundsystem
That's right. It's out. Get it now!
Catch the cover story, The GoStation when they take the stage TOMORROW at 10:30.
MP3's (right click, save as)
