Wednesday, November 30, 2005

People will come, Ray. People will come.


I tend to repeat myself, a lot. But sometimes it works. I posted for about three months about the November 18 show, with some mention of it every day that week. And although my heart told me to listen to James Earl Jones, "People will come," I figured this blog needs a purpose, so I might as well remind people. I like going to shows. I assume you do too. So let me tell you what is going on this Saturday.

You've got four acts and a DJ. A chance to pick up Issue Seven of Underrated and a night out on the town. It starts early with A Brief Smile at 7:30 so do not be late. If you had the chance to check these guys out at the last show, you'll want to see them again. Trust me, it gets better every time.

Then you've got Paula Valstein who I've never heard live before, but have heard good things from Wes (who was just interviewed by Brooklyn Vegan).

After Miss Valstein will be my new pick for the night, The Teenage Prayers whose album is on constant repeat and is sure to have quite the live show.

And then last (but clearly not least) will be The Undisputed Heavyweights who will headline the night, celebrate some birthdays, praise God, and do what they do best.

You may be tired by then, and probably drunk, but that is no reason to go home yet. DJ Nora K will provide us with her musical expertise at the afterparty where I am tempted to ask her not to play Kelly Clarkson for mine and everyone else's sake. Okay okay, fine. But just don't let me sing.

Got it?
Again:
Pianos
Saturday, December 3
7:30 PM
Presented by Liberated Matter & Underrated Magazine
featuring: A Brief Smile
Paula Valstein
The Teenage Prayers
& The Undisputed Heavyweights
Afterparty: DJ Nora K

Get ready:
  • A Brief Smile - We Could Get In Trouble
  • A Brief Smile - And So It Begins
  • Paula Valstein - La La Song (link)
  • Paula Valstein - Michaelangelo (link)
  • The Teenage Prayers - Brown Bottle
  • The Teenage Prayers - Center of the World
  • The Undispusted Heavyweights - Money
  • The Undispusted Heavyweights - Roll Your Windows Down

    Ta da.

    OH YES! Happy 21st Birthday to sometimes Underrated PR, sometimes showgoer, always drinker Liz. She's been sneaking into bars since she first landed on this island, but now she can do it without the fuss. Time to get sloshy!

  • Tuesday, November 29, 2005

    Mirror Kisses

    I always find my way to stand directly next to a speaker when I go to show, and because of that I think my hearing is seriously depleting. My doctor would not be happy. When I go home last night from Mercury Lounge my ears were ringing. They haven't stopped since. So I'd like to thank those British brothers for providing me with a loss of hearing and a kick-ass rock show last night.

    When I saw them at Bowery during CMJ I spent most of their set walking around trying to find a good spot to stand while constantly being harassed to where I was going next by complete strangers. Needless to say I didn't get to enjoy it very much. But last night I was spot on ready and did the whole head banging/singing along/tapping my feet thing. Georgia, a true lover of all things British, loved them from the get-go. How can you not? As fantasmic as their set was, I found myself hoping that it would finish quickly. Their drummer, Ross was in serious pain. He apparently hit his head or something hit his head earlier that night at their previous show. I thought he was going to pass out at any moment. He kept bringing a towel to his head to soak up what looked like blood. Poor guy. He held his own though. I was floored by how intense his drummer was, in spite of a head injury.

    I must say I give Mercury some flak usually because it's always too crowded but last night was quite enjoyable. I guess I'll have to stick to the weekdays. People need to chill back on taking pictures though, please. Not only was I going deaf, I was also going blind from the constant flashing. Patience is a virtue. Take one or two shots every song and it will be fine, I promise. Who knew it was so dangerous going to shows these days?

    The Cribs @ Mercury Lounge

    The Cribs @ Mercury Lounge

    The Cribs @ Mercury Lounge

    The Cribs @ Mercury Lounge

    More at flickr.

    Monday, November 28, 2005

    There's always money in the banana stand

    Totally un-music related, but I will go into serious depression if this show goes off the air.



    It's genius. It's hysterical. It's won every award, so why aren't you watching? Hm? Do you and me a favor and sign this petition and tune in next Monday (December 5) when it comes back on Fox. You won't be disappointed.

    In music related postings, Jerry has posted two early We Are Scientists tracks that are fantastic. Check them out here and go see them play January 12 when they headline Bowery.

    Wednesday, November 23, 2005

    Gobble Gobble

    I love this time of year. I am constantly shivering, it's dark at 5 PM and the months just fly by. But no, Thanksgiving is up there with one of my favorite holidays and I do look forward to coming home. There's nothing better than seeing those high school friends that you didn't even want to see every day of high school, and trying to figure out designated drivers so you can get drunk enough to pretend to be nice.

    I've fully intended to provide the musical accompaniment to our turkey dinner this year. My sister will tell me that it's not appropriate dinner music, my brother will tell me some of it is cool but please stop singing so I can actually hear it, my mother will tell me it's too loud, and my dad will say it sounds like [insert a classic rock band here]. I love my family.

    Here's my turkey day mix. Happy Thanksgiving!

  • Weezer - Beverly Hills
  • Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor
  • Surefire - Love's On The Inside
  • Shout Out Louds - The Comeback
  • Stellastarr* - Seet Troubled Soul (James Iha Remix)
  • Teenage Prayers - Center of the World
  • The Diggs - Everyone's Starting Over(link)
  • The Walkup - Apathy
  • Cordalene - I'm Occupied, It Seems
  • The Cribs - The Lights Went Out
  • Bravo Silva - I Can't Say Goodbye
  • Voxtrot - Whiskey
  • The Bleedin Bleedins - Don't Stop City
  • The Color - Tambourine
  • Nightmare of You - Why Am I Always Right
  • White Stripes - The Denial Twist
  • Wolf Parade - Shine a Light
  • The Mendoza Line - Mysterious in Black
  • The Cloud Room - We Sleep in the Ocean
  • The Futureheads - Area
  • The Darkness - One Way Ticket



    P.S. I'm thankful for Gawker Stalker who provide me with entertainment each week and a mention about Ralph Fiennes and Gina Gershon at Crash Mansion during the Underrated Issue Release Party. Too bad they forgot to mention the mag. Didn't they know they were apparently friends with me too?
    Crash Mansion on Friday: Ralph Fiennes and Gina Gershon came into see Maggie Kim and her band, who’s apparently friendly with them. They were very nice and though they seemed to have been drinking previously, declined offers of drinks and freebies and stuck with bottled water for the show. They went right up to the front during Maggie’s set and rocked out, then left shortly afterwards…

  • Tuesday, November 22, 2005

    Don't Stop City

    So after Friday night's show, my life has done a complete 180. I'm bored. Very bored. I don't have any stress, which I think I need to keep myself going. So luckily Underrated is planning some more shows in the very near future (perhaps even outside NYC look out!) which will undoubtedly keep me busy. We'll have Issue 8 out before you can say fiveoclockheroeswho. But I've had an ever-increasing pile of CDs collecting on my desk that have been untouched for weeks now. I sat down on Sunday, instead of doing any schoolwork (one more semester, I've given up), and gave most a listen. (Still trucking through.) There were some good, some bad, and some ugly. It felt nice to listen to some new tunes. It's been awhile. So I'll try and share some with you guys over the next week or two, before I start plugging our show at Pianos on December 3 every single day. Hey if I got Ralph Feinnes and Gina Gershon to the last one that way, I might as well keep doing what I do best.

    The Walkup
    I first saw these guys when they opened up for The GoStation earlier this year, and I liked what I heard. The past two times they have played I've always been at the venue, but easily distracted by the wonder that is alcohol. Their new EP had been sitting on my desk for far too long, so it was the first one I popped in. It’s much better than I ever anticipated, with some real stellar songs. I don't know if I just forgot what they sounded like, but it was a real curve ball for me. It's a lot more Brit dance rock then classic rock. I'm totally into it. They play Mercury Lounge tomorrow (November 23) and if I weren't already leaving for Turkey Day, you best bet I'd be there. Next time, I'll put down the drink and listen.

  • The Walkup - Run And Hide
  • The Walkup - Apathy

    The Bleedin Bleedins
    I hope you can understand my concerns from the name. I was expecting some Jersey boy screaming in my ear for exactly .2 seconds before I turned it off. Luckily, I was quite wrong. This is quite an unusual band. They are from Boston but are Irish, but don't sound like either of those two things. I am having a hard time classifying the music (don't I always) because the press release sites The Killers and Franz as well as The Who and U2. I don't know about any of those. I just like it. It's catchy but nostalgic. It's good. Listen. They play Rothko TONIGHT. Again, if it weren't for the early vacay back to Jersey I'd be there.
  • The Bleedin Bleedins - Don't Stop City
  • The Bleedin Bleedins - Darkest Day

    The Teenage Prayers
    My first though after I finished listening to this album from the NYC based band was: why have I not heard of them before? I'd like to think of myself as pretty NYC band savvy, but somehow these guys have fallen through, and I may not be the only one. But not for long. I've listened to this album at least 3 times now and it gets better every time. It's incredibly inviting, quirky, soulful and danceable, all at same time. These two songs are just a snippet of what this whole album does to you. If these guys started their own religion, it would get you to stand up and sing. Trust me. I did it.
  • The Teenage Prayers - Brown Bottle
  • The Teenage Prayers - Center of the World

    The Diggs
    Have I mentioned The Diggs before? Oh yeah, just a couple times. As aforementioned, they gave me an advance of their debut album Commute on Friday. I had to do a lot of schleping around on Saturday and luckily this CD was in my car. It's epic. The songs that I have been listening to for months now sound completely fresh in its context. From start to beginning, it's a complete work. New songs like "Massachusetts" and "Everyone's Starting Over" have become instant favorites. It's an incredibly sad album lyrically, but somewhat at the end you are hopeful -- because you get to listen to it again.
  • Go listen to three tracks from Commute here. Make sure you come to Sin-E on Dec 9 for their album release party. You'll want to pick yourself up a copy.

  • Saturday, November 19, 2005

    Everyone's Starting Over

    It's a tough thing, putting on a show. You have bands you want, bands you can get, bands that cancel, and bands that agree to play at 1 in the morning. You have friends that show, friends that tell you that morning they can't come, friends that can't get in, and friends that come for a drink and say "happy now?" But I had this magazine and I figured people should read it, so what better way to get it into their hands than by throwing a party.

    After waiting in New Jersey all day for a cell phone that never arrived and schlepping back and forth from Brooklyn to drop off things at the venue, I was ready to call it quits on Friday. But I believe it was at the point where I stepped outside for a cigarette at 9 PM and saw a line outside Crash Mansion where I began to get excited. The amount of people just standing outside was probably more than we had at our last two shows combined. I knew this was going to be a big night.

    God I love open bars. I said my hellos and thank yous while running around trying to make sure everyone was happy and ready, constantly with cranberry vodka in my hand. Aloud took the stage and even though they weren't part of our show, they did a good job getting everyone pumped for what was to come. I kept looking around Crash Mansion and asked myself two things: who are all these people and why are they reading the magazine? I know it sounds sad, but it makes me very nervous to actually see people physically read it. I'm just waiting for someone to point out typos (which they did). I'd much prefer they take it home and read it while I'm not hovering around them.

    JAYMAY @ Crash Mansion I made my way front and center for the wonderful and beautiful JAYMAY. I was thrilled when she played "Only One I Love" because I fall asleep to that song every night, but even more thrilled to hear people come up to me and tell me how good they think she is. She is that good. She is that talented. Watch out for this one.

    Nora was spinning in between the sets and we highly approved of her choices. You can't go wrong with Kelly Clarkson when I'm drunk. Oh I sing, and I dance, and basically make a fool out of myself. It's always fun to watch.

    A Brief Smile @ Crash MansionI couldn't believe that I had got the acts I was seeing to play all together, in one night, for my show. I'm not kidding when I say this is my dream lineup. I'd walk in the snow or hot coals to see any of these bands play any night of the week. So having an Underrated show without my favorites A Brief Smile just wouldn't be the same. I still will never get over how good this band is. Every time I expect it to be as good as the last, but no they get better. I had so many people tell me how great they thought they were and I'm thinking, well yes. And in three years from now, when they take over the world, you'll remember this. I appreciated the looks I got during the set -- yes, I know every word and I'm not afraid to admit it. So when they played my now top25 Most Played on iTunes's song "We Could Get In Trouble" my night was set. I was one happy gal.

    If this post is getting ridiculous, I understand your concerns. But you have to accept that I am an uber fan of all these bands, and I do have the capacity to say something negative about any of them, but I can't find anything wrong. So when Tim of The Diggs came up to me earlier in the night and handed me a product that resembled a CD that may or may not be released two weeks from now, I was pumped. I did however have to promise I wouldn't post anything up here yet (sorry!). The Diggs @ Crash MansionBut that's okay. Any recording done by this band is sure to be fantastic, but it's all about seeing these guys play live. "Everyone's Starting Over" is a perfect example of this. Great to hear while sitting in your apartment still in your pajamas hungover, but an out of this world experience to hear it played 5 feet in front of you. If there was an energizer bunny of bands, The Diggs would be it.

    So I finally had a second to breathe, and get another drink when Jeremy informed me that we had some celebrities up in the joint. I immediately thought of the guys from Levy or The Cloud Room that had said hi or Steve Schiltz from Longwave who played with JAYMAY, because that's a celeb to me. But no, apparently we had an Academy Award winner and a Show Girls alum in our midst. I peeked over to my left and sure enough, there was Ralph Fiennes and Gina Gershon were making out on the couch at Crash Mansion. I felt it okay to go over and say hello, because let's face it, I was drunk enough. Gina was very sweet and took a copy of the magazine home, while Ralph was clearly drunkity drunk drunk drunk. Georgia raved about Harry Potter, I told him I haven't seen any. It was an US Weekly moment.

    When I say it's hard to put on a show, it's because a lot of politics come into play. I think I'm too naive and not cut out for this industry because when I choose the bands I want to play it's because I like them and I want to see them play. I don't want to think about numbers, but it's part of the plan. We had an amazing amazing turnout, more than I ever anticipated, but sure, things didn't go exactly as planned. It happens. But until I can open up my own venue and have my own parties every night, there are certain things you have to deal with and understand. And when bands cancel on you, it sucks. I take it personally. But when bands come through at the last minute, I take that personally too. Because there are nice people in this industry, you have to remind yourself about that sometimes.

    The Upwelling @ Crash MansionI felt as though I should bow down to The Upwelling by the end of the night. These guys are real troopers. They didn't take the stage until what must have been 2:30 or 3 in the morning. I give the band a hard time a lot and it's because I put them on this high pedestal. There's a reason for this. They are incredible and incredibly nice. You don't find that too often. I know they probably didn't want to be playing so late, and the venue made the band sound probably the worst I've heard. I didn't care, I had The Upwelling closing out my show. And the entire night ended with my personal request for the band, "Worthy Enemy." I think I may have been dancing like a ballerina, I'm not sure.

    I was so nervous and anxious for this night to happen, and now it's over. I think I'll have to go into mourning just to get over it. And with all the stress and the craziness, I'd do it all over again. Magazine or no magazine, I'm such a huge fan. I listen to songs over and over again, I'll get really excited when someone tells me they like the same band that I do, and I go nuts at shows. Last night was everything I could ask for. I got to rock out to my favorite bands and have people tell me they think they rock. Nothing gets any better than that.

    Oh yes, and I wore my Upwelling t-shirt to sleep last night. I'm that much of a dork.

  • More pictures of the night can be found here.
  • Nora has some up too here like this great one of Matt from the GoStation:

  • If anyone has any photos from Friday, please let me know!

  • Friday, November 18, 2005

    Tooooonight....Tonight

    Free booze. Free admission. Free magazines.

    Who said nothing in life comes for free?



    Click here to rsvp for free admission before 11 or email rsvp@newyorkunderbelly.com.

    Crash Mansion is located 199 Bowery between Spring St. and Rivington. The closest subway stops are the 6 train at Spring Street, the J/M/Z at Bowery, or the F train to 2nd Ave stop.

    --
    www.underratedmagazine.com
    www.crashmansion.com
    www.newyorkunderbelly.com
    www.irockiroll.blogspot.com
    www.jaymaymusic.com
    www.abriefsmile.com
    www.thediggs.com
    www.theupwelling.com

    Wednesday, November 16, 2005

    I Know My Calculus

    I won't be posting til next week, running around like crazy picking up the magazines and getting ready for the big show on Friday. Come have a drink, pick up a free copy, and enjoy some fabulous music. It would be great to meet you all!

    I could post all week about this show, but I'll save you the repetition. But once more, for good measure.


    +

    +

    +

    +

    +

    +

    +

    +

    =


    Be there.

    Tuesday, November 15, 2005

    Better Late Than Never

    So we've only got a couple days until Friday night's craziness. With JAYMAY, A Brief Smile, The Diggs, an open bar AND free admission...you thought it couldn't get any crazier,right?

    Wrong.

    We have another act to add to the bill. A good one. An Underrated favorite. We first met this band en route to Brooklyn, terribly lost. We've seen them play countless gigs in New York, ran to Virgin Megastore to buy their Virgin Recommended EP (a first for an unsigned band), and knew they were onto something big from the very beginning. We've always wanted them to play one of our shows, and so when a last minute cancellation found them in New York for the weekend, we jumped on the chance.

    The Upwelling @ Mercury Lounge

    That's right.

    The Upwelling are playing on Friday. You don't want to miss this.

  • The Upwelling - Murdered By A Big Bomb
  • The Upwelling - In Her Arms/Sam
  • The Upwelling - Annie On The Rooftop
  • The Upwelling - Worthy Enemy

  • Monday, November 14, 2005

    Je ne sais quoi

    This should get me an A in French class this semester. Who cares if I don't know how to do l'imparfait?



    Merci beaucoup Green! Je pense que vous etes tres bien aussi, mais je ne comprends rien!

    The Best Things in Life Are Free....

    Hey lookity look! We have a flyer! And you are coming on Friday! Feel free to post this wherever you would like (blogs, myspace, or you can even make it into a costume and parade around NYC, right Jerry?)



    click here to rsvp for free admission before 11 or email rsvp@newyorkunderbelly.com.

    Crash Mansion is located 199 Bowery between Spring St. and Rivington. The closest subway stops are the 6 train at Spring Street, the J/M/Z at Bowery, or the F train to 2nd Ave stop.

    Come pick up your FREE copy of Underrated Magazine on Friday!

  • JAYMAY - Letter
  • JAYMAY - The Only One I Love
  • A Brief Smile - We Could Get In Trouble
  • A Brief Smile - And So It Begins
  • The Diggs - Trouble Everyday
  • The Diggs - It's Just Like You Say

  • Dear Scene

    hip·ster: n. Slang - One who is exceptionally aware of or interested in the latest trends and tastes

    I had to look this up, because I was going to write this entry on the existence of the quote unquote hipsters in New York City, but I didn't want to go ahead and do that before I got a definition. The definition doesn't really help, which is actually better because I don't know what a hipster is and I don't think anyone knows what one is. But I think I have to say, I don't think I am one.

    Friday night was to be my night of celebration for a couple of tough months, a night out on the town perhaps. First stop was Pianos to check out The Teeth and Spinto Band. Pianos was packed, as it usually is on a weekend. Chrissy and I grabbed our drinks and I showed her the proof of the magazine while we waited for Amanda. If there's anyone who deserves a first look, it’s Chrissy. She worked her ass of, and luckily she was pleased with how it looks on paper. When Amanda arrived and told the horrible tale of the L train, we made our way to the back just as The Teeth had taken the stage. We walked in about 1 foot. Yes, that's where we had to stop. If you've ever been to Pianos you know it's not the biggest space, but my god. I have never seen it that packed. The Teeth were fantastic and crazy. I couldn't see much, except a My Name Is Earl-esque mustache from one of the guitar players. That was pretty cool. I remember "I Love You" being a highlight. But the whole set was pretty solid and sounded great.

    We ventured out of the hallway to where were confined to get some more drinks before the Spinto Band took the stage. It was even more packed. Where do all these people come from? Before we had time to contemplate that, we heard some sweet musical tunes so we turned around and walked another 2 feet right inside of the door. For the entire set I had my back to the stage, because I couldn't see a thing. If only I were about 2 feet taller. I wasn't as impressed by Spinto Band than I was by The Teeth, but that's not to say they didn't sound good. It was just hard to enjoy the show from my standpoint. However, when they played "Dear Mandy," you can bet that I sang my little heart out.

    So we finished up our drinks and squeezed past the ever-increasing crowd and finally breathed some fresh air. With a little pit stop, we found ourselves at Orchard Bar for the after party where The Tarts of Pleasure were on decks. I had been meaning to hit up Orchard Bar for months (okay like a year) now, but either was too drunk at the time or somewhere else. I guess everyone else makes a better effort because Orchard was packed just like everything else in the Lower East Side on a Friday night. We squeezed past the masses to the end of the bar and while I was ordering my drink I felt a tug on my hair. I turned around to find Liz who was just about to leave because she couldn't find us. We grabbed our drinks and headed back to the "dance floor" where there was a little more room. Just a little.

    I never ventured out to "clubs" ever because I'm no dancer and I assumed I wouldn't be down with the tunes. It wasn't until my summer in London that I realized that some clubs were worth the drunken dance moves. But there's a huge difference between the crowds at these "clubs" in London than New York. In London you would get these kids out there that would just go nuts over the music the DJs were playing. They didn't even need alcohol, they'd be screaming along the words and dancing up a storm. I didn't feel that in New York. While I was getting excited by each new track played by the Tarts, everyone else seemed pretty unaffected from tune to tune. I don't think it was the music that was bringing all those people to Orchard Bar, it was more of a "scene to be seen."

    But this is nothing new. So as I got sick of my own singing, we squeezed back outside. Chrissy and Amanda called in a night, while Liz offered to buy me a drink at 2A. One drink later, I was in rare form so I hopped in a cab back to Brooklyn. I have no qualms with anyone that wants to call themselves a hipster, and if hipsters really do exist, then that's fine by me. I just hope that they go see these bands and go buy the music before they hit up all the after parties.

  • The Darkness - One Way Ticket
  • The Cribs - Hey Scenesters!
  • Brakes- Heard About Your Band
  • Nightmare of You - Dear Scene, I Wish I Were Deaf
  • We Are Scientists - This Scene is Dead

  • Friday, November 11, 2005

    All Things Considered

    So pumped right now. Not only is it Friday and my French class was canceled because of the NYU Graduate students striking, BUT I just received the proof of the magazine and wow. It looked good on screen but I can't believe what it looks like holding it in my hand. It's like a child. And a beautiful one at that.

    I saw Shopgirl last night and probably should have opted for something else. It has been months since I've seen a movie in the theaters, so it was good to sit in an extremely cold room and munch on popcorn. The movie was okay. It was a little strange, and not usually in the best way. Jason Schwarztman stole the show. I adore him. I remember seeing Phantom Planet play three years ago when he was still drummer of the band, pre-OC fame. He is one crazy cat.

    Tonight I'm heading over to Pianos for a much hyped show featuring PA-based band, The Teeth and NYC's own The Spinto Band. Both bands I've learned and listened to on the blogosphere and I'm interested to check them out live.

  • The Teeth - The Man Without A Motive
  • The Teeth - Peter Goes to 43rd St...
  • The Teeth - I Love You
  • The Teeth - Mercy, Mercy, Pudding Pie

  • The Spinto Band - Crack The Whip
  • The Spinto Band - Oh Mandy
  • The Spinto Band - Brown Boxes

    The award-winning dynamite duo The Tarts of Pleasure will host the afterparty at their weekly party, Stolen Transmission, at Orchard Bar. Congrats to both Karen and Sarah for winning three Nightlife Awards from Paper Magazine: Best Promoters (the tarts of pleasure), People's Choice Award for Best Party (stolen transmission) , and People's Choice Award for Best DJ (ultragrrrl).



    And don't forget, NEXT FRIDAY we'll be hosting the party at Crash Mansion where your grubby little hands can take the latest copy of Underrated Magazine. Be sure to rsvp by emailing rsvp@newyorkunderbelly.com or click here after tonight to get free admission before 11 and half price if you show up afterwards. Get there early to enjoy the OPEN BAR from 9-10 and stay late to check out all the bands we have to offer. We'll have a pretty flyer for you next week.

    Have a super weekend!

  • Thursday, November 10, 2005

    One Foot In Front of The Other

    There were times when things were simple. I had no idea what I was doing when I interviewed bands, I envisioned big things for each one that I met, and the bands were entertained by my enthusiasm. I don't think I've necessary become a skeptic, yet, but I know a lot more about this whole business than I did before. I'm not wide-eyed, but I am persistent, and let's face it...a little bit possessive.

    Everyone feels it, when they see a band they have loved and known make it to that mainstream level. You want the best for them, but you can't help but become selfish. So as I stood in a packed Rothko last night and watched The Upwelling play, I accepted the facts. You can see it in their eyes that they are ready for that next level. Ari especially, yearns to have girls right up to the edge of the stage screaming and holding out their hands for him. He's already got the whole rock-star thing down pretty good. The songs, old and new, are above and beyond what they started out with, especially considering they all resonated form a basement recording studio in Brooklyn. It was a treat last night to hear them play "In Your Arms/Sam," a song they haven't played in months. It was the first song I ever heard by The Upwelling and last night it sounded fantastic, yet quite different...which seems appropriate now.

    I caught up with Josh afterwards and we chatted for awhile, and I still laugh at remembering how many times I've talked to Josh, frustrated, and yet he finds a way to convince me otherwise. He always insists that they haven't yet "sold-out" according to my definitions, and that they are doing everything they can to make themselves a better band. I never accepted that answer before, mostly out of fear. And even though he said "off-the-record" about five times while talking (I wondered if I had a hidden tape recorder that only he knew of), he's right. I don't know why I don't want success for the bands I most love. I suppose I just want it to remain authentic, and with the way our industry is these days, it can be hard to keep that intact.

    I've had far too many analytic posts about this band. Just listen to me when I say: expect big things. New keyboard player (okay, not that new) got a cool solo while Ari was tuning his guitar during the set. He’s pretty damn good. They played some new tunes that I really liked and Ari was wearing those shoes again. Maybe instead of me debating in my head the future of this band, I should be formulating a plan to steal those shoes. Just a thought.

  • The Upwelling - The Steps

    After The Upwelling was a band called Murder Mystery that was a nice surprise. Another three-person band, with a girl drummer, and a lead singer with a voice kinda like The National. Oh and some of those bass lines were just incredible. Each member seemed to be quite the musician. It's dark and moody pop with catchy beats. I guess that in and of itself is a mystery to me.

  • Murder Mystery - Think of Me
  • Murder Mystery - Honey Come Home
  • Murder Mystery - Who Doesn't Wanna Give Me Love

  • Wednesday, November 9, 2005

    The Day After

    I needed a good 24 hours to unwind after releasing the issue. I must give up a huge HUGE thank you to Chrissy and Lana who came over on Sunday and kept telling me to breathe while working their asses off into the wee hours of Monday morning. I couldn't have done it without their help. And thank you to everyone who sent me messages about the new issue. I'm glad you like it. I'm having a hard time looking at it anymore. Give me a week.

    So let's recap back to last Friday when I should have been working but instead went to profess my love to Mr. Tom Vek. Wes kidded about my obsession, but it's no joke. I'm genuinely addicted. The show, however, could not and did not live up to my own hype. It wasn't bad, by any means, but it wasn't the epic performance that I had expected. Jerry is right -- it sounds exactly like it does on record, which is definitely a feat in and of itself, but doesn't make for a great show. I had fun though, and Knitting Factory was packed. Wes and I asked ourselves how do all these people know about Mr. Vek? Maybe they read my love letters...next time tell him to play "Cover." It was the one song he left out. Perhaps he's waiting to perform it in the comfort of my apartment.

    So you are pumped for the show on November 18 right? It's going to be fantastic. We at Underrated also have some other craziness coming up, including a show with Liberated Matter at Pianos on December 3 and a Issue Seven Release Party (Part Deux) December 17 at Fat Baby. I can tell you now that the boys of The Five O'Clock Heroes will finally return to New York and will headline the show. They look pretty good on the cover, don't they? Wait until you see them play.

    So tonight I'm debating between Lost and The Upwelling at Rothko. It's harder than it sounds. I will of course tape Lost either way but I have friends who are threatening to call me and tell me who dies. Not cool. Good thing my phone is broken! So yes, I'll be heading out to Rothko. Not only has it been at least a month since I last saw The Upwelling (which is like years in my terms), I am in dire need of a night out to have some fun. Feel free to buy me a drink.

    I'm still listening to music.

  • The Cloud Room - We Sleep In The Ocean
  • Surefire - Love's On The Inside
  • Picture - It's Alright
  • Army of Me - Going Through Changes
  • Tapes 'n Tapes - Cowbell
  • Calla - Pulverized
  • Aberdeen City - God Is Going To Get Sick Of Me
  • Death Cab For Cutie - Different Names For The Same Thing
  • The Dead 60's - New Town Disaster
  • The Hold Steady - Your Little Hoodrat Friend
  • Punish The Atom - I Can't Remember The Last Time My Brain Stopped Working
  • M.I.A. - Fire Fire

  • Monday, November 7, 2005

    It's Here! Issue Seven!

    (drum roll please)



    Download here. Now. It's FREE!


    And in case you forgot, inside:

  • The Five O'Clock Heroes
  • Aberdeen City
  • The Boy Least Likely To
  • The Changes
  • Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
  • The Cloud Room
  • Colored Shadows
  • Country Club
  • Kevin Devine
  • The Diggs
  • Feist
  • FeverKing
  • Matthew Good
  • Innaway
  • JAYMAY
  • Levy
  • Longwave
  • M-Lab
  • Nightmare of You
  • Oneida
  • Parts & Labor
  • The Raveonettes
  • Christopher Rees
  • Sam Champion
  • Say Hi To Your Mom
  • Secret Machines
  • Sickabod Sane
  • Stellastarr*
  • Tim Williams

  • Friday, November 4, 2005

    Issue Seven Mix

    It's been a long time coming, but come Monday, Issue Seven of Underrated Magazine will be available online. I may be a bit biased, but I must say, it's pretty damn good. We definitely kicked it up a notch. We are so proud to feature all the artists in the magazine, because they are, in fact...underrated. If we had buckets of cash lying around, we'd pull a CMJ on you and include a CD sampler in each issue. But alas, we are quite underrated ourselves and can't do that just yet. So instead, I will bring you to my level of excitement (if possible) by providing you with a song from each artist featured in this next issue. Take a listen, support the artists, and get ready to read all about them Monday.

    Oh yeah. And if you live in NYC you can come pick up your FREE (yes that’s right) issue at our party on November 18. And if you don't, clear your schedules for December 17 to party with us all over again.

    Be sure to subscribe (link to your right) to be the first to receive the magazine in your inbox Monday Morning.

    Without further adieu, I present you a musical guide to Issue Seven of Underrated Magazine...

    Cover Story: New York Meets London

  • The Five O'Clock Heroes - Head Games
  • FeverKing - Genius Boy
  • The Boy Least Likely To - Monsters
  • Christopher Rees - Haitian Cannonball

    The Locals
  • Longwave - I Know It's Coming Someday
  • Stellastarr* - Lost In Time
  • Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth
  • Oneida - August Morning Haze
  • The Cloud Room - Blackout!
  • Nightmare of You - My Name Is Trouble
  • The Diggs - Stagg
  • M-Lab - Better Company
  • Jaymay - Letter
  • Kevin Devine - No Time Flat
  • Sam Champion - Too Broke
  • The Secret Machines - Sad and Lonely
  • Say Hi To Your Mom - Poor Pete Is A Bit Self Conscious
  • Parts & Labor - A Great Divide
  • Chris Burns aka Sickabod Sane - Um (Somebody)
  • Country Club - Have It
  • Levy - In The Woods

    The Tourists
  • Aberdeen City - Mercy
  • Innaway - Rise
  • Feist - One Evening
  • The Changes - Not Too Serious
  • Colored Shadows - Life After Love
  • The Raveonettes - Love In A Trashcan

  • You Set The Fire In Me

    How do I love Tom Vek? Let me count the ways...

    1. His incredible debut, We Have Sound has been on constant rotation in chez Rachael. No joke, I listen to it at least three times a day. And it's still my pick for best album of the year. No question.
    2. He's British. I'm British. And you know British people are so much cooler.
    3. His album was recorded in a garage. He played all the instruments. He plays live with a full band, and it sounds just as good.
    4. I can dance, sing, and relax to his music....all at the same time.
    5. He's not a bad looking guy. And only 24 years old. Set me up.
    6. I wrote a play entitled "A Little Word In Your Ear" for a playwriting class. When I couldn't think of dialogue, I used his lyrics. My professor thought it was "fantastic."
    7. He may be called the "British Beck" but this guy has created a world of sound all his own.
    8. "Cover" is pure pure genius.
    9. It's a shock that he hasn't already blown up in the UK. Let's be first for once, then, shall we?
    10. He plays The Knitting Factory tonight and is DJing at Scenic afterwards. I haven't been this excited for a show in a long time.

    Need more proof? Ok.

  • Tom Vek - A Little Word In Your Ear
  • Tom Vek - Cover
  • Tom Vek - Nothing But Green Lights
  • Tom Vek - I Ain't Saying My Goodbyes

  • Thursday, November 3, 2005

    Playing the Victim Card

    Very very brief recap of Gothamist's Movable Hype 5.0. Here we go:

    Came late, left early. Saw the tail end of Bravo Silva who sounded pretty damn good. Knitting Factory was packed. No free beer when I got there, but I was fine with $3. First time finally seeing Snowden after many months of adoration. Mostly new songs, ended with "Black Eyes" into "Victim Card" which was frickin fantastic. They rocked, The Cloud Room rolled. Last time seeing them was when they opened up for Maximo Park. I was impressed then, I fell in love last night. They brought up their friends again for "Hey Now Now." Very funny guy break-dancing up on stage. My new friend Joe really liked them. I was yawning and tired so we ducked out before the last band. Kudos to the DJ who played Five O'Clock Heroes upon my entrance and Nightmare of You upon exit. They must have sensed my presence. Tonight Snowden plays again at Fat Baby. Totally worth going. Totally.

    Snowden @ Knitting Factory

    The Cloud Room @ Knitting Factory

    Jerry has a Tom Vek remix up. So pumped for this show on Friday.

    You Aint No Picasso has an mp3 by ToothFairy. It's a cheesy love song with catchy Postal Service-esque beats. Right up my alley.

    A demain.

    Wednesday, November 2, 2005

    Coming Up

    I can't write elaborate posts this week. But you'll forgive me when you check out issue seven on Monday. About a week ago I was ready to throw in the towel. But the genius that is my friend Chrissy has completely revamped the look of the magazine, and I'm a bit obsessed. Ok, really obsessed. I bring the pages to my bed to cuddle up with at night. Just kidding...or am I? Anyways, I can't wait for you all to see it.

    Tonight I'm heading over to Knitting Factory for Gothamist's Movable Hype 5.0. Great lineup: Snowden, The Cloud Room, The Capitol Years, and Bravo Silva. $3 buds too. Not too bad.

    Thursday Snowden plays again, this time at our new favorite venue, Fat Baby with The IOs, & an acoustic set by PS. The gnome in my closet is debating whether I should be allowed out on Thursday. He says I have a lot of work to do. I'll try and do some convincing.

    Friday is the day I've been waiting for, where my secret boyfriend Tom Vek returns to me. Okay, or he'll be playing a guaranteed amazing set at The Knitting Factory. Either one. After, I'll be heading over to Scenic for an open bar, where Mr. Vek himself will be DJing alongside Matt from The French Kicks. I'm guaranteed to get sloppy and make a fool out of myself. It's bound to be a good time.

    Save the date:

  • Issue Seven Release Party, November 18, at Crash Mansion. Have I mentioned this before?
  • Innaway on November 21, Sam Champion on November 22, The Cribs on November 28, and Nellie McKay on December 6 (early show). All at Mercury Lounge.
  • Issue Seven Cover Story The Five O'Clock Heroes will be opening for the ultra fab The Subways at Rothko on December 6.
  • The Diggs will release their long awaited full length debut on December 9 with a show at Sin-E. I'm pumped.
  • Issue Seven Release Show part deux coming up in December at Fat Baby. This issue is so good that it needed two release parties. Duh.

    Back to work!

  • blogger templates | Make Money Online