Wakey!Wakey! | Apology Song

It has been a tough week (and it's only Wednesday) and I'm leaving New York tomorrow for a trip out to Chicago to deal with some family business. But it was nice to wake up this morning and feel that excitement again, this time in the form of a Decemberists cover by one of my favorites, Wakey!Wakey!. It's just superb—Mike totally nailed this one. Now I'm even more excited to see what covers we have yet to come...

This is all, of course, in preparation of their debut album release, which hopefully wont be too far from now. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to hear Silent As A Movie in all its glory.

Wakey!Wakey! - Apology Song (Decemberists Cover)

Californication 1.12 - "The Last Waltz"

Hank Moody is my hero.

Favorite new series of the season? I think so. Last episode perfectly wrapped up an incredible debut season from this Showtime series. I've become to adore and loathe David Duchovny's take on the washed-up obnoxious and charming character of Hank Moody and that's why he's my hero. No one is one dimensional. Why is it only network TV that realizes that?

Can't wait until this show comes back again.

Movies That Rock: Lars And The Real Girl

Last night I had one of those perfect New York nights. It was raining, the seasons were changing, and Pat and I walked down the block to catch some new quirky indie film—you really cant get more New York than that. We went to watch Lars And The Real Girl, a film that I had only heard the largest of raves for, for the story itself, its execution and the wonderful acting by who I think is one of the most talented actors of our generation. Ryan Gosling can choose the oddest of characters—in this case a lonely 20-something who deals with his deep issues in the form of a plastic doll named Bianca—and yet when watching him on screen, you forget that is acting. He succeeded beautifully in portraying what could be considered a sad character in an honest and heart-warming way. With every twitch and movement, you see deep within a character, opposed to seeing what is on the surface, which in a way, is what the entire film is about.

Not a whole lot of music in the film, except for one pivotal scene that so perfectly used the Talking Head's "This Must be The Place (Naive Melody)," which you can download below. But please see the movie as well. It's worth the 11 dollars, I promise. Still need some convincing? Watch the trailer here.

Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)

CMJ '07: A Quick Recap

Well, it's over. And I'm still exhausted, but satisfied. I had a great week working and hanging out at Indaba and meeting tons of people along the way. First of all, a HUGE thanks goes out to the wonderful folks at Indaba Music for letting Seth and I take over their work and home space for an amazing lineup of bands. Every person that climbed those stairs was happy they did in the end, and we couldn't have had such a great time without them. All of the bands that played were simply wonderful. I'll have all my pics and a couple videos up in a bit, but for now..let's look at what went on this week.

Best Show (Other Than Indaba): We Are Wolves @ Annex. Wasn't expecting these guys to do much for me live, but I was totally blown away. Talk about a nice way to rock out on a Thursday night. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Worst Show: Black Kids @ Annex. Perhaps due to the technical difficulties, but it was an uncomfortable show going experience. Took the band too long to get on stage, and when they finally did, after one song their guitar amp blew out. I still like the band, from the four songs I've heard, but would have passed on this had I known it would have ended this way.

Overrated Act: Cut Off Your Hands. One big "eh".

Underrated Act: Tim Williams. Saw him twice and was completely blown away both times. His album is quickly rising to the top of my favorites this year, and his live show has been brought to new levels with his band. Totally amazing. Followed, of course by Wakey!Wakey!, Mason Proper and...

Best crowd: Jukebox The Ghost @ Indaba. Holy Crap! Packed to capacity and all singing along. I found myself front and center of a sweaty sweaty room and the boys just nailed each number to their adoring fans. The "yeah's yeahs" during "Good Day" was classic. Close second? The intense fans at the Jesse Lacey and Vince Accardi show at Mercury. Pretty cool to see first hand.

Best meet up: Shiv from WOXY! I heard his voice across the way at San Loco and couldn't have mistaken it for anything. Was so nice to finally meet the guy, albeit short. Followed by West Coast favorites, Princeton and Let's Go Sailing.

Best panel: The Almighty Blog. Was horribly disappointed the day before sitting through "PR On A Shoestring" (where they blatantly bashed blogs and gave no help for bands trying to get their names out on a small budget) but was brought back to sanity by the amazing panel for "The Almighty Blog." It was nice to see a very diverse panel with a unique conversation about where we are going in this crazy world of musical journalism.

I didn't see a whole lot outside of Indaba, but must say I had a great week seeing some of my favorite people and bands. Can't say I'm not ready to get back into a regular schedule though. My TV is calling me...

I'm just about ready for this week to be over and to go back to a regular schedule, but not before we host one more day party, and our rockin party tomorrow night. Today marks the welcoming of Princeton, followed by what is sure to be an amazing set from Eagle*Seagull, anchored by our dear friend Wakey!Wakey! I'll be a little late getting to the loft today to finish up some work for the week, but you can bet I'll be in a celebrating mood after that.

PS - Illinois was just added to Saturday night, to replace Catfish Haven. They will go on at 11 PM, following Jukebox The Ghost. Horrah!

The Indaba Loft is located at 268 Bowery, just below Houston. All parties are free, all ages, and 21+ for free beer (until it lasts).

This flyer was not the most recent one, as Mook has been replaced by the Late Greats at 3.

MP3s:
The Sister Lovers - He's Not It
Princeton - Blackbeard
Eagle*Seagull - Your Beauty Is A Knife I Turn On My Throat
Wakey!Wakey - Fallin' Apart

Thursday @ Indaba Loft

I feel reenergized today. Yesterday was a bit rough—I was hungover and exhausted for most of the day, but managed to make it out til about 11 PM when I decided to call it quits. After a nice sleep and a lot of water, I'm ready to go back out there. Let's see if I can make it to Highline Ballroom for Islands tonight. Probably doubtful, but it's early, so let's be optimistic.

Today at the Indaba Loft are some of Underrated's all-time favorites, from A Brief Smile kicking things off to Tim Williams (who killed it last night at the Dovecote Showcaset), Mason Proper, The Jaguar Club...you name it, we probably booked them.

Indaba Loft is located at 268 Bowery. It is a free show for all ages, and free beer for those 21+. See you there!

A Brief Smile - Big Sky

Let's Go Sailing - Icicles

Tim Williams - Novel

Mason Proper - My My (Bad Fruit)

The Jaguar Club - The Sirens

Mancino - Five Blades

Wednesday@Indaba Loft! Day Two!

Holy crazy crap. It's only day two and I'm already in need of a very long nap. Yesterday was amazing—we had such a weird slew of bands that it worked for everyone. Best moment? Lead singer of Cut Off Your Hands climbing on the ceiling pipes. Mmhmm. Nuts.

Day two is here and I'm so excited for Division Day to be back in New York City and an early evening set from my loves, the Undisputed Heavyweights. With those bookends and incredible acts in between, no nap will be allowed.

Indaba Loft is located at 268 Bowery, just below Houston. All shows are free, for all ages, and free beer for 21+. See you there!

Tuesday @ Indaba Loft. CMJ Begins!!

Holy crap. Here we go. I'll be working this morning then at Indaba all day, followed by some Mercury and Pianos tonight. I'm tired already!

Indaba Loft is located at 268 Bowery, just below Houston. All shows are free, all ages, and will have FREE beer! Sets will be running on time, so make sure you stop by! Find the full lineup here.

Arizona - Some Kind Of Chill

Cut Off Your Hands! - You And I

Matt Singer - Outrageous

Indaba / Underrated / This Side Up Presents...CMJ

I've been working really hard with the wonderful people at Indaba Music and This Side Up to put together an amazing roster of day shows and a Saturday night party for this year's CMJ. Every day during the festival, you are invited to the Indaba Loft on Bowery and Houston to grab a free drink, learn about Indaba and listen to some of my favorite acts from across the country. I'm so incredibly excited to see everyone, so start planning your schedules and make sure the Indaba Loft is a stop on the way! (Did I mention free beer?!?)

[click to enlarge]

Indaba Music / Underrated Magazine / This Side Up Sounds PRESENTS...

TUESDAY Oct 16
2 - KRYSTLE WARREN
website
3 - QUINTIS
website
4 - ARIZONA
website| Some Kind Of Chill [mp3]
5 - CUT OFF YOUR HANDS!
website | You And I [mp3]
6 - SOME VELVET MORNING
website
7 - MATT SINGER
website | Outrageous [mp3]

WEDNESDAY Oct 17
2 – DIVISION DAY
website| Tigers [mp3]
3 – MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNER
website | The Sun & The Earth [mp3]
4 – SETH KALLEN AND THE REACTION
website | Shiver [mp3]
5 – NATALIE PRASS
website | Never Satisfied [mp3]
6 – BEAT RADIO
website | Mexico [mp3]
7 - THE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHTS
website | Roll Your Windows Down [mp3]

THURSDAY Oct 18
2 – A BRIEF SMILE
website | Big Sky [mp3]
3 – LET'S GO SAILING
website | Icicles [mp3]
4 – TIM WILLIAMS
website | Novel [mp3]
5 – MASON PROPER
website | My My (Bad Fruit) [mp3]
6 – THE JAGUAR CLUB
website | The Sirens [mp3]
7 - MANCINO
website | Five Blades [mp3]

FRIDAY Oct 19
2 - THE SISTER LOVERS
website
3 - THE LATE GREATS
website | He's Not It [mp3]
4 - PRINCETON
website | Blackbeard [mp3]
5 - PEASANT
website
6 - EAGLE*SEAGULL
website | Your Beauty Is A Knife I Turn On My Throat [mp3]
7 - WAKEY!WAKEY!
website | Fallin' Apart [mp3]

SATURDAY NIGHT Oct 20
7 – SURE JUROR
website | The Once-Great Gender Debate [mp3]
8 – THE DIGGS
website | Careen [mp3]
9 – NOUS NON PLUS
website | Allo Allo [mp3]
10 – JUKEBOX THE GHOST
website | Hold It In [mp3]
11 – TBA

See you there!

In Rainbows

"Today has been the most perfect day I've ever seen..."

What an amazing feeling it was to wake up this morning in anticipation of new music. That hasn't been felt since I was a kid where release dates actually meant something and music was a shared, universal experience. I woke up this morning and downloaded In Rainbows, Radiohead's revolutionary new album, and listened to it once. Then on my walk to work I was listening to it for a second time and I began to wonder how many millions of people are listening to this same album on this very day? It's quite an extraordinary though, when you really think about it.

Anyways, love the album. Need to listen to it about 100 more times to actually have a solid opinion. But figured this would be a good time to say that this blog will probably be quiet over the week week or so. CMJ Music Marathon is next week and I'll be running around like a crazy person, updating over at CMJ.com, so bear with me until my life gets back into some sort of order the week following. Don't forget about the Indaba/Underrated/This Side Up showcases next week. We should have a flyer that I will put here once it's ready!

Veronica Mars Contest - Win Season 3 DVD!

Since this blog has sort of become TV centric, I have been offered the chance to give away two copies of season three of one of my favorite shows Veronica Mars (R.I.P)! All you have to do is email me (underratedmagazine at gmail dot com) with the subject line : VERONICA MARS DVD. I will be picking two winners at random Monday, October 22.

Good luck and here's a preview of the third season!

Pushing Daisies 1.1 - "Pie-lette"

At the beginning of each TV season, I'm always reluctant to take on a new series. Most new series that I end up liking will be canceled, and my schedule is already too busy that I have to watch most of my TV on a Saturday morning or Sunday night. So far this season, I'm keeping up with Californication, Gossip Girl, and Chuck. But after hearing the critical acclaim and knowing that a new show was being brought to ABC by the fantastic creator of Dead Like Me (was on Showtime, go rent it ASAP), I couldn't help but add Pushing Daisies to the increasing roster.

It's so charming. But having charm, especially on network TV is never a bad idea. I applaud ABC for green-lighting a quirky drama that is full of stylized color and dialog, taking a chance of what is looking like a hit show. The feel-good nature of the fairy-style centered mystery could be too much for some to handle. But frankly, I'd take this show over some silly reality nonsense, or Housewives-esque knockoff. I think finally, our dear networks, are realizing that some of us are smarter than a 5th grader.

Check out the opening scene below. The first episode of the series is currently up for free viewing over at ABC.com.

Weeds 3.8 - "The Two Mrs. Scottsons"

I'm a little behind on my TV, but I didn't want to post about last week's Weeds after tonight's episode for one main issue: Man Man. The band was the featured musical act on last week's episode which meant they got to sing the series' theme song and have a couple songs featured throughout. Some great moments of Nancy chasing after the ex-wife, psuedo incognito and our dear Andy getting into a tricky situation. Thankfully, not too much MK and a lot more Shane. I think I'm ready for our friend Sullivan out there or it's going to be another major catfish between Nancy and Celia. Actually, that could be fun. Seems like there's only a couple more episodes to go in this season and I can tell its leading to something major. Until then enjoy the fantastic rendition of "Little Boxes."

Man Man - Little Boxes

The Office 4.2 - "Dunder Mifflin Infinity"

Am I the only one who isn't a fan of Pam and Jim actually being together? I, of course, was a huge fan of their will they or wont they story line, but frankly these googly eyes over from desk to desk are kind of making me sick. Let's be honest, the best comedy does not derive from happiness, so let's break them up as soon as possible. Team Toby all the way!

In other story lines, Dwight and Angela may be the best couple of the season, followed very closely behind Ryan and Kelly. That look on her face to the camera when she said she was pregnant was pure genius. But best moment overall of last night's episode? Creed's "hair." Thank goodness he is now a series regular.

margaritaville

Last night there was a guy making margaritas on stage at the Nightmare of You show at Bowery Ballroom. Coolest thing ever? Perhaps.

I forgot how much fun it is to go to a show and dance and sing like an idiot. I think it helped to have a crowd of mainly 16 year olds. Oh well.

I hope you and Marcel live happily ever after.

To be honest, I wasn't really rooting hard for anyone this season (long live the days of Ilan!) But it's still a great show, and Hung maybe deserved it, although Dale was definitely who I was pulling for at the end. CJ and Brian were show favorites, but obviously didn't make the cut.

Until next season...

Brothers And Sisters 2.1 - "Home Front"

I didn't watch Brothers and Sisters last season. Okay, that's a lie. I watched the first episode and then it was decided that I had too many shows on my plate to keep up with it. But over the summer I suffered from a lack of new TV, so I decided to return to some shows that didn't make the cut. I watched the full season in the matter of days and was hooked on the Walker family and their stories. It's a bit pretentious at times and a bit ridiculous, but at the heart of it are fantastic actors and good story lines.

The first episode of this season picks up with Kitty and McCallister on the campaign trail, Sarah trying to save her marriage, Kevin with the other MCallister, Tommy dealing with a new baby and a depressed wife, while Nora worries about Justin, who is back in Iraq. Kitty ends up coming home for her birthday and the whole clan gets together to argue, like usual, until McCallister (the Senator) comes back with news that Justin may not be okay, afterall. I found myself in tears by the episode's end, without even realizing it. I guess that's what I do quite like about Brothers And Sisters—it affects you without forcing it.

Remember last week when I mentioned how good the new Sia album is? Well, she's popped up in another series, this time on ABC with B&S. Her new song (and my favorite) "The Girl You Lost To Cocaine" played while Kitty and half sister Rebecca argued over shoes and closets. Worked well enough for me. I think I was just happy to hear it. Check it out below.

Sia - The Girl You Lost To Cocaine

Education Through Music's Battle Of The Bands

Looking for something to do tomorrow night? Education Through Music is hosting a Battle of the Bands at the Cutting Room where Indaba Music's own Dan Zaccagnino and our friend Seth Kallen will be taking the stage, as well as the ETM student band! Click Here to buy tickets. All proceeds from the event will go towards renovating the music classroom at PS 155 in East Harlem, as well as buying the kids new instruments.

House 4.1 - "Alone"

House is a show I'll never get tired of. Sure, it's sorta the same story line each week. Mysterious illness. Patient has a seizure. Team argues. House breaks the rules. Patient lives. Pretty simple, right?

Wrong. What makes House, played brilliantly by Hugh Laurie, one of the most interesting characters on television is that he's flawed. He's a flawed hero. He's a doctor, addicted to pain killers, who doesn't understand the notion of bedside manner. But he's good, so we root for him week after a week, and realize that not everyone's perfect. Especially not House.

This season opened to House alone with his guitar. His team has left him, and he's too stubborn to hire a new one. But when a girl comes in after a building collapses on her, House is forced to solve the puzzle on his own (or at least with the help of the janitor). Not the greatest episode, but it sure was nice seeing Hugh Laurie and that guitar (that is when Wilson didn't kidnap it).

I heard a bit about Band From TV, a band from, well TV, that consists of Hugh Laurie as well as Greg Grunberg (a favorite of mine), currently on Heroes, James Denton from Desperate Housewives, Bob Ginney, a host on E!, and Bonnie Somervile from Kitchen Confidential. It's all for charity, but I do know that Mr. Laurie is someone who itches to be in a band. Check out their MySpace to listen to some tunes and watch the video below. Hugh Laurie, swoon.

Dexter 2.1 - "It's Alive"

Best show on TV? It's up there. Showtime's Dexter has become my new obsession, after finally sitting down and watching the entire first season in two days, only a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't imagine what it felt like for those who had watched last season, having to wait all summer for the continuation in this dark saga. Michael C. Hall has the uncanny ability to make you love and hate him, to feel disgust and sorrow, in the matter of a single word or facial expression. Never have I been witness to a show so complex and deep that has evolved into a certain odyssey of contemporary times. In short, you should be watching. It's frickin fabulous.

This first episode of the second season was a definite edge-of-your seat roller coaster. Our dear friend Dexter is having problems following the killing of his brother at last season's end, and although he's itching to satisfy his urge, he can't—he's being watched, and he's lost his touch. Regardless we see him try and try and it's surreal to be rooting for someone to kill, but we know he needs to, and as dark and disturbing as he may be, he needs to survive. But my god, that ending. Seeing the number of bags being pulled out of the water, I felt sickened and scared. Maybe it was good he's taken some time off? All I know is that this is going to be...one hell of a season. Tune in if you know whats good for you. Showtime. Sundays. 10 PM.

Heroes 2.2 - "Lizards"

I want to refrain from giving too much of an opinion early on in the season. People seemed to be frustrated. I'm not one of them. I think we're delving deeper into a few characters, with more action and plot lines to follow. I'm particularly loving Mama Patrelli's whole deal, that scene with her and Pullman last night was pretty unreal. And the newbies are growing on me. Talk about some crazy powers. I'm curious what the whole twin thing is about. AND the Haitian! Holy crap. That was awesome.

Okay, I lied. I'm a bit frustrated. Frustrated with Peter putting on clothes. Jeez.

Grey's Anatomy 4.1 - "A Change is Gonna Come"

Yawn. Is it just me or is this show getting really boring? I think every time someone new from Meredith's life is introduced on the show, a little part of me wants to change the channel. Maybe it should become a drinking game, or something. Thankfully the music in this week's episode trumped the actual story lines. There are too many interns. I can't follow.

Anyways, the music. Some typical indie pop from I'm From Barcelona and Miss Lily Allen to keep the show from getting too depressing, added with some more daring choices including KCRW and Perez Hilton darling Meiko as well as the wonderful Cinematic Orchestra. I guess I'll keep watching this show for the tunes...for now.

I'm From Barcelona - Oversleeping

Lily Allen - Knock 'Em Out

Meiko - Reasons To Love You

Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home

Ra Ra Riot - Dying Is Fine | Video

This is beyond cool.

Division Day On Reaper

I haven't watched the CW's new show Reaper yet (too much on the DVR, never enough time), but I just got news from our dear friends Division Day that their song "Hurricane" will be be featured on the show tomorrow night. If ever I needed a reason to tune it, this is it. Check it out below and tune in tomorrow night to catch it when it airs. Here's the trailer for the show. I've heard pretty mixed reviews, anyone a fan?

Division Day - Hurricane