I decided to stay in tonight, rather than head to Fat Baby to see Ari of The Upwelling perform solo. He's got a residency for the month of January so I have two more weeks to check him out. On my way home from work I was feeling tired and frustrated, so I looked to my dear iPod to make me feel better. Instead of clicking on a specific artist or playlist, I just pressed play and let Mr. iPod decide what I should listen to. "Don't Forget To Dance" by The Kinks came on and everything immediately felt okay.
I get so caught up with listening to all the wonderful new music I'm consistently exposed to that sometimes I forget the bands I grew up loving. The Kinks were one of my first discoveries and I've kept them close to my heart since. They were, hands down, the most underrated band of their generation, constantly in The Beatles’ shadow, but constantly creating great music that defined the times. There are so many great songs that this band wrote, each one it's own personality and discovery.
So let's put the latest buzz bands of the day on hold for a second. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and wander off to a place other than here for a little while.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Don't Forget To Dance | The Kinks
More Cowbell x 2 | Tapes 'n Tapes
Blah. If there's one word to explain my mood lately it's blah. Nothing seems to be going right and I have everyone and their mother telling me why not. Even an early evening Rufus Wainwright sighting with Wes and checking out three new bands didn't do it for me. I know we just had the holiday break, but I could use another vacation.
But if there's anything that's put a smile on my face these past days, it's the wonderful boys of Tapes 'n Tapes. Saturday at Delancey was just the beginning. Since then, I haven't been able to listen to anything else. And last night at Mercury Lounge sealed the deal. I'm officially obsessed.
I caught up with the boys before the show last night, and it was obvious that they were on a rush. They are as shocked as anyone with the surge of interest around the band. It was refreshing, talking to these Minnesotans. All the New York bands I've interviewed have been great, but have that egotism imbedded in their words. Not these guys. They couldn't have been more humble and nice.
I can tell you now that there are no plans for a new album (The Loon just came out in November, give them a chance), they love reading music blogs (to which they amount all their success to) and their van Bruno broke down and they spent much of their weekend in New York at Pep Boys (to which they loathe). Look for that interview in the next issue of Underrated, out in March.
The show was a definite one-up on Saturday at the Delancey. Again, I was front and center, and again, the bloggers were out in full force. But the crowd at Mercury was fantastic. They screamed the opening lines of "Beach Girls" throughout the set, and they danced (well moved and swayed) along. The band's energy was at a surprising all-time high, which is remarkable for the third night in a row. What makes the band effective is that they are a hodgepodge of eclectic music that matches their stage show. They can rock, they can dance around like idiots, they can slow it down and jam it out.
Setlist: Beach Girls (MP3)/Cowbell (MP3)/Illiad/Insistor (MP3)/Buckle/10 Gallon/Crazy 8's/Icebergs (MP3)/Manitoba/Just Drums/Jakov's Suite
I did my usual "I'm obsessed with you" routine after the show, which luckily didn't scare off the band (too much). But in all seriousness, this band is off to an incredible start that I think will only get better with time. I urge anyone who isn't initially taken by them to stick with it. Keep listening to the songs, go see them live (they play NYC again on Thursday), and it'll click. And when it does, you'll absolutely love it.
Friday, January 6, 2006
What's that? You want a lineup, you say?
We at Underrated like to go to shows. We like to go to shows of bands we like. We like to go to shows of bands we like and have a drink. We like to go to shows of bands we like and have a drink while dancing.
So we figured we'd throw a little thing called a party every month.
That's right. We're kicking it off, and kicking it off in style because someone informed me that Underrated is now two years old. I thought it was looking older. That's a reason to celebrate, n'est-ce pas?
SAVE THE DATE!
Friday, January 27
Underrated Magazine's Two Year Anniversary Bash
Crash Mansion
with:
A Brief Smile
The Head Set
The Five O'Clock Heroes
FREE ENTRANCE before 11.
OPEN BAR 9-10.
Yeah, that's right. Get ready.
Watch out Anton
There was something very familiar about the scene at Fat Baby last night. No, it wasn't the venue. This was actually the first time I could actually see my surroundings. And no, it wasn't the sound coming from the stage because I can honestly say there is no band out there that sounds like The Teenage Prayers. But there was something there that I couldn't put my finger on.
Lots of people up on stage, lead by an eclectic lead singer. Check. Tambourines, varied instruments, and a sound completely unique. Check. If lead singer Tim started yelling at the crowd or kicking audience members it would have been a new coming of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. And yet I'm always one to defend that BJM is far more than their stage antics, because they are. And there, in front of me was the answer. Teenage Prayers are a more adjusted, put together and equally as talented BJM.
They are the type of band that you'd like to invite to your house and play for you. It’s laid back, drunken swagger that puts you in a feel-good mood. They discuss what song to play next up on stage, and then are excited about it when they finally decide. No gimmicks, no stunts -- just pure, unadulterated music.
I told my comparisons to my fellow show attendees last night and I was shocked to find out none of them have seen DIG!. I gushed about this movie in April and still find it to be one of the most interesting and necessary rock documentaries. So if you haven't seen it yet (you know who you are) go go go. Now. Go. You are still sitting there.
Fine. Watch this first:
DIG! Movie Trailer (Quick Time)
I thought so.
Thursday, January 5, 2006
It's only the 5th day of 2006, but I feel like this year is off to quite the start. All the blogs are buzzing, bands are posting new tour dates, and I'm falling in love with new bands each day. Now that all those year end lists are over, everyone's back to the regular scheduled postings. Expect some love for some new favorite bands, as well as a whole bunch of updates on the future of Underrated and this blog. It's looking pretty good, I must say.
Random News & Notes:
And that's all the news thats fit to print..or that I can think of right now...
Run And Hide
I've been a little homebody since I've come back to the city -- a lot of cleaning the apartment, talking long walks, and seeing movies. It's been nice. Some people claim that New York can be the loneliest city, but I love my time alone. It's necessary sometimes. Liz was feeling lonely last night so she made the schlep out to Brooklyn to play catch up. That turned into me drinking far too many gin & tonics, Liz polishing off a bottle of red wine, and us playing "name that tune." Hours of old-fashioned fun. This morning I woke up late for work and the proceeded to slice my finger open while cutting an english muffin. Some homebody I am.
But for no longer, tonight I finally come out of my shell (er apartment) and head to Fat Baby to check out Teenage Prayers. Hometown favorites The Undisputed Heavyweights were originally scheduled to play afterwards, but had to cancel last minute due to personal conflicts. Make sure to catch them next time. But the Teenage Prayers played our show at Pianos last month, and I'm still impressed with them. They go on at 8, and I'll let you buy me a drink afterwards to thank me.
Speaking of Fat Baby, The Walkup posted a new video for their song "Run and Hide" and if I'm not mistaken, it takes place at there. Very cool video, very cool song. If you haven't heard of the band, you will soon enough. I caught them a while back and liked them, but their debut EP is far better than I ever remembered. I dig their videos too. I think these guys are going places.
Watch their vides here. They play Fat Baby January 26. Buy their EP here.
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
I Smell Something Fishy
Today Spin.com's Band of The Year is supposed to start, however I can't find anywhere where you are supposed to vote. It is January 4th, correct? Well when it does start up, be sure to vote for The Upwelling. They are my pick.
But that's not all.
I've been enjoying the Spin.com Band of the Day posts recently, with favorites like The Upwelling, Five O'Clock Heroes, Nightmare of You, Nellie McKay, and Voxtrot all getting nods. But this morning, after not finding the link to vote, I took a look at their top 5. I was a bit surprised to see what bands were given that honor. And then I put my little investigative journalism hat on.
According to Spin.com these are the rankings of their "All-Time Top 5":
1. Bleeding Through
2. The Morning After Girls
3. The Five O'Clock Heroes
4. Paulson
5. Goblin Cock
Bleeding Through is currently #1 after the band was featured on December 19, a matter of weeks ago. They currently have no comments, and when you give the band a rating the average grade they have received is a D+. Their #2 band, The Morning After Girls was featured late November, has 1 comment and also has a D+ rating. Five O'Clock Heroes also was posted about in December, has a decent amount of comments (mostly about lead singer Antony Ellis or random questions about The Strokes) and has an average rating of a C-. #4 and #5, Paulson and Goblin Cock (possibly the worst band name ever) also follow suit with C ratings.
I know C is average, but my parents were never happy with me getting C's. And for an "All-Time Top 5" to have an average grade of a C-? Hmmm.
A band like The Upwelling (not to play favorites here), has 20 comments, and an A+ rating. And yet, not in the top 5.
So someone please explain to me how this is plausible? Let's hope when the Band of The Year finally starts up, it is fair and square. Don't even get me started on their "Year in Music" show at Rothko a couple weeks ago that featured three fabulous bands, but ones that have never been featured in the magazine.
Something's fishy, that's all I'm saying.
[Update - I just got word that voting for "Band of the Year" has been delayed until 1.25.05. I'm still curious why.]
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
You Be The Judge
Thanks to Squatch, here's the video of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's television debut on the Conan O'Brian show. There's been a lot of conversation about the performance, and even though I love the band, I have to admit this was a poor showcase. I still blame the song choice, but Alec's usual i-don't-care-about-anything-but-myself swagger didn't help either. It lacked enthusiasm. It lacked a lot.
You tell me.
Watch the video here. [via prefixmag]
Her Own Conversation
I'm back at work today, which means my productivity is at an all time low. I have spent most of the day scouring the internet, reading the blogs and listening to new music. That's productive in my book, but I hear it's not according to others. Whatever.
There are a lot of better music blogs out there that actually know how to write about music and don't post about the same bands 100091284 times. All these songs I got from somewhere else, so do you and me a favor and check out the links I have on the right side of this page, ok? But do come back. I'd miss you forever.
Random songs I've found on the 'net and am digging on this rainy and cold day in NYC:
One of my favorite Nick Drake songs, I was quite nervous at the fact that Beck had chosen to cover it. I thought he'd try and make it into a dance song, or at the least put some sort of electronic beat. But no, he just sings along with an acoustic guitar, the way the song was meant to be played. Hardly an innovative cover, but still lovely to hear a new (and more melancholy) interpretation. This song is perfect for today's weather.
I keep hearing that the solo Jenny Lewis album is not good, and yet every song I hear off of it I love. What's wrong with everyone? It's impossible not to love Miss Lewis. Her voice is refreshingly sweet and it seems as though she's throwing in a little twang with these solo efforts. Hardly comparable to her work with Rilo Kiley, but I'd never pass up a chance to hear her sing any song.
Ryan Adams needs to chill, and stop releasing so many records so quickly because songs like this will be forgotten. Off his first (and probably not last) album in 2006, "Strawberry Wine" is the Ryan that I fell in love with. There's talent, and then there's raw talent, and if Ryan didn't have the raw talent, I don't know if we'd really know of him today. Songs like this, without any effort or production at all is where we get an insight of just how genius this prolific singer/songwriter is.
The first time I saw Morningwood, over a year ago now, they ended with this song. It was stuck in my head for weeks and I found myself never forgetting this band's name or how to spell it. Genius. Now that it's all over MTV2 with a super dooper video, I bet no one will be able to forget this band. And for good reason. They are going to take over this year, I feel it.
A New York band that I've never seen play live? Uh oh. I'm on it. Especially after hearing this song. "Her Own Conversation" may not be anything completely unique, but the execution of this chorus is worth a listen. With the repetition of the guitar in the background, the vocals and bass are front and center. I can only imagine this sounds a 100 times better live.
I still cant decide on song, after many repeated listens this morning. I love Nellie, and in spite of all the controversy with her record label on this new album, I have no doubt in my mind she's bound for a promising career. When I heard she was teaming up with Lauper on her new album, I was excited yet apprehensive. I find Nellie at her best when she is crooning clever lyrics with just her and a piano. With that said, this song is fun and creative, but it's not where I want Nellie to stay.
They seem to be the talk of all the blogs at the beginning of this new year, and will be playing a couple shows in NYC this month. Another UK to add to your buzz list, White Rose Movement is living on the edge of dance-indie-disco-pop with New Order lyrics. Sound familiar? Sure. Will it get you moving? Absolutely. Is it okay to like it? Yes. You can bet you'll hear this DJed for quite some time.
Dust In The Sunlight
If there was one way to sum up 2005, it was a slew of bad luck. It seemed like for most of the year, I battled the most ridiculous situations that just kept on happening to me. I'm never one to let anything get me down, but it seemed appropriate that on the last day of the year, I would walk to my mother's car that I had parked in Brooklyn over night to find the back window smashed in. The inside was a mess. They spilled my diet coke, rummaged through my mom's files and glove compartment. After I observed the situation and called the cops, I realized that nothing was missing. Strange. It wasn't until I was driving home that I realized my CD case had been taken. Of all things, these robbers wanted my mixes. At least they had good taste.
After that mess, I was ready for a very low-key New Years celebration. Just a couple friends, a couple bottles of wine and a pack of cards was heaven to me. I even had a friend read me bedtime stories, one about a giraffe that couldn't dance. Don't worry, he found his song in the end and wowed the jungle. See you later 2005.
So first post of the new year is a lot of pressure, especially when you haven't gone out or have anything to report. I was thinking last night, in-between my Lost Season 1 marathon, that there is an equal amount of bands that I like from the US and the UK. I love my hometown local New York bands, but there must be something in the water over the pond that is producing these killer acts. Last year I fell in love with Maximo Park, Tom Vek, and The Subways, to name a few.
This year, it's going to be all about Editors, Arctic Monkeys and Art Brut, to name a few.
Editors took forever and a day to make their first US trip, but this month they'll take on all the skeptics and blow them away. I had the pleasure of catching them this summer in Ireland and within seconds I was sold.
"Fingers in the Factories" is one of the most interesting tracks off their debut album, The Back Room. It pulsates with an eerie darkness that almost makes you shudder. But at the same time, it's completely beautiful. Take Your Medicine posted a live version of the track in his Top 20 Tracks of the Year. It's done completely acoustic, and I can't stop listening to it.
Editors play Mercury Lounge January 20 and Brooklyn Vegan reports that their second show will be at the debut of TISWAS +1 at new LES venue The Annex on January 21.
Jerry Yeti posted some Editors B-Sides before the end of the year. My favorite B-Side is "You Are Fading" which is off Cuttings. It duly showcases the vocal capacity of the lead singer, and puts to shame any Interpol comparisons (nothing against Interpol). Again, this song pulsates you from beginning to end, and is one of those tunes where you should have a thought bubble pop out of your head, because for some reason, it really makes you think. And there's nothing wrong with that.
And another B-Side that I love. That guitar riff. Shista.
And the song that will cause everyone's head to explode in Mercury Lounge (or just Nora's) and where you can be assured I'll be dancing like an idiot (or like that Giraffe). "Munich" was the first song I ever heard by Editors, and what a good one for a first impression. Try standing still.
Can we keep Editors here in NYC when they come? I've got rope somewhere.
