Crack The Whip

Happy Halloween! Right? Right.

I don't have a costume and I'm making it my fourth year in a row that I won't make it to the parade. It's sad, yes. And I would like to, of course. But it's one week people. One week until Issue Seven and while it's started to take shape (and look super cool), there's a lot of work to be done. So no, I will not be celebrating this holiday. But you go ahead.

Friday I ditched out of work early (shh) so I could head to my apartment and unwind a bit before heading back into the city. I called up Liz who was down to meet me at Pianos so I proceeded to hop on the subway. When I arrived at Pianos I spotted a large man outside with some crazy ID swiping machine. When did this happen? I called up Liz and told her she wouldn't be able to get in, and she was okay with that because her boyfriend was on the phone from Germany or Switzerland or wherever he is these days and she wasn't going to come anyways. Oh well.

So I made my way through the packed crowd for Pianos 3 year anniversary and found Jerry in the back. The Undisputed Heavyweights were already up on stage and about to start. Perfect timing. They opened with "Money" if I remember correctly, and for the next half hour I was taken through many different styles and genres of music, all coming out of some pretty talented guys. I was pleasantly surprised, and I can say that there is definitely no band like this in NYC. They have the perfect amount of crazy and an inane amount of musicality in each song.

When lead singer Casey Shea wasn't praising the lord (I went with it), he dedicated a song to yours truly. For my birthday show, The GoStation sang me happy birthday, but this was the first time I actually got a legit shout out from the stage. At first I figured it was some other Rachael. But then he mentioned that this Rachael had lost her job that week. Ah ha. Thanks Wes, that was very sweet. And yes, damn the man.



Unfortunately we didn't get to see the whole set because we were off to Fat Baby to see a very cool performance. Morning Theft was performing as Weezer and playing the Blue Album from start to finish. Georgia met me over there, and she was pretty excited. She's definitely the biggest Weezer fan I know.

Fat Baby was beyond packed, which is quite impressive for only opening this Wednesday. We got a drink upstairs and began chatting away like we usually do, until I looked down at my watch and realized we were missing the show. We quickly went downstairs and entered a hot colossal mass of people singing their hearts out. It was quite a sight. Morning Theft did an amazing job. I never really got into Weezer that much, for no real reason. But I enjoyed the set thoroughly. And Ms. Georgia gave them a very big thumbs up. She was standing up on chairs and dancing along, if that's any sign of approval.



For the rest of the night we relaxed in the very comfy couches and rocked out to Nora's spinning. I guess I should inform you now then, that I'm very excited that Nora will also be spinning Underrated Magazine's Issue Seven Release Party on November 18. And there may be some more crazy collaborations in the future. Get ready to dance.

We called it quits at about 3 in the morning and I was in no state to wait for the Q all night. I hopped into a cab, asked if it was okay to head back to Brooklyn and had hands down the coolest cab driver in my life. We chatted the entire way home, telling our own life stories and experiences in New York. It's funny, I wrote a play about a cab driver about two years ago and have been working on it ever since. He gave me a whole new character and scene to work with. I felt inspired. Plus, he wouldn't let me tip him because he said in five years I'd get back into his cab as a millionaire, and only then would he let me give him a tip. Too cool.

The rest of the weekend I went back to Jersey to come to terms with my parents moving. Don't get me wrong, I'm still really excited to visit them in London, but the reality of the situation kicked in. I came home to find out my car had already been sold (I didn't even get to say goodbye) and a for sale sign outside our house. But my dad did bring me back two issues of NME and the latest Q. That made me pretty happy. I met up with some old pals and collectively drank our whole town away. It's great to get a rum and coke in a huge class and only pay $4. You can't get that in New York.

I had planned to get a lot of work done yesterday but I was kicked out of my house so that realtors could prance through and take my house away from me. I ended up going to a local cafe with free internet and was more productive than I've been in weeks. Maybe it was Jersey. Maybe it was the new mix I made to drive in my mom's car to. Maybe it's because I'm running out of time. But it's finally kicked in and I'm in my groove.

Let's hope this lasts until next Monday.

DOWNLOAD:

Editors - Lights

The Knife - Heartbeats

Shout Out Louds- Please Please Please

Aberdeen City - Sixty Lives

The Strokes - Heartbeats

Wolf Parade - Grounds For Divorce

Nightmare of You - Dear Scene, I Wish I Were Deaf

The Long Winters - Blue Diamonds

The Spinto Band - Crack The Whip

The White Stripes - Walking With A Ghost

Bishop Allen - Things Are What You Make of Them

Out of This World

Last night was exactly what I needed. I managed to nap for an hour before jetting to Bowery Ballroom just in time to catch We Are Scientists. All the subways were waiting for me. I got there in no time. Perhaps something is right in this crazy world.

I don't know how to really explain how good this band is. They are almost too good, that they are making all of the other New York bands look bad. I don't understand how they can write songs so god damn catchy that I cant stop listening to the album, and to bring that album to a completely new level live. When I saw them at Scenic for CMJ it was a short-lived treat. That weekend was so crazy that I couldn't digest this band. Last night was a utopia.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure they played their entire album besides "Nobody Move, Nobody Hurt" and "Textbook" plus a new song. Three person bands no longer impress me. Apparently that's all you need to fill up Bowery Ballroom. And even with guitar strings breaking, it provided for a unique set with hysterical band banter. The guy in front of me was dancing his ass off and I felt his energy. I don't know how anyone in that place could have stood still, I wished it had been a crazy dance party cause that would have been cool.

Highlights for me were "Lousy Reputation" and the oooh and aahs of "Can't Lose." Okay and ending it with "Great Escape," you couldn't have asked for anything more. Keith decided he had enough of his broken guitar and enough of his microphone, and found himself on top of the drum set. It was anarchy, and I loved every second of it.

I met up with Jo, who I spent the summer with in London and we caught up in-between acts. I stayed for a bit of Ambulance LTD's set, but was exhausted.

Tonight head over to Pianos to check out The Undisputed Heavyweights or head over to Fat Baby for Morning Theft performing Weezer's Blue Album. I'm going to try and do both.

More pictures from last night on flickr.

DOWNLOAD:

We Are Scientists - Lousy Reputation

Ambulance Ltd - Stay Where You Are

The Undisputed Heavyweights - Money

Morning Theft - Living With Your Ghost

Rachael's Underground

Yesterday was a very bizarre day. I started much differently than I ended the night, I went from bad to terrible to drunk, and my plan to feel better about everything is now a massive headache. But let's rewind.

Getting fired from my job surprisingly wasn't the low part of my day. I was actually okay with the news, because it wasn't exactly my fault and I do have a bit of a buffer now to find something else. And now, with my boss's permission, I can work from home any day I want and do whatever I want (while still getting paid) until December. I wasn't the biggest fan of the job anyways, so now maybe this will give me the chance to find something better. Or something.

Quite tired from this whole week I still forced myself to go to class after work and sat through my usual crazy French class and then on to "Writing about Pop Music." I should love this class, but I dread going to it. We're now talking about race and politics in music. I just wanted to take a nap.

On the subway ride home I started listening to Ray Lamontagne and for some reason it made me all sorts of emotional. I hadn't listened to that album in awhile. I think it was Ari who recommended it to me way back when. Those songs just break my heart. And if you know me, outside of the blog, you know I'm not the most emotional person but perhaps its the stress or lack of sleep but needless to say, I was getting some strange looks on the subway.

Welcome to the low point of my day. I am a psychotic email checker, so the first thing I do, even before the coat comes off is check it. I had been waiting to announce the last band for the show on November 18 because the band that's on the cover still had yet to confirm. They are currently in the UK on the NME tour and are doing quite well over there. But we'd prefer them at home. Turns out their latest single comes out in the UK the same week as my show and now they wont be able to be back in time. Big bummer. Karen and I have decided we will just have to kidnap them, but in the meantime I feel like a complete failure.

Don't worry. I'll cook up something special in time for the show.

So needless to say it was 4 PM, I had a shit day, so I cracked open a bottle of wine. Halfway through I realized I should get my act together if I had planned on still going out that night. And any open bar that night was calling my name. Luckily, Nora is up to some crazy things at the new LES venue/bar Fat Baby so that's where the night began. The place is beautiful and still smelled like a new car. I ran into the boys from The Go Station there and Matt told me that he'd bullshit on stage if I needed him to play on the 18th. Something about a Storytellers if I remember correctly. I appreciated the gesture but I had exactly one hour to chug as many cranberry and vodkas as I could. I was on a mission.

My gals Becca and Liz were my partners in crime for the evening. We jetted out of Fat Baby at a little after 10, and being the compulsive one that I am, I made them hustle in case we were missing The Diggs at Scenic. We weren't. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by Tim and Charlie at the bar. It was nice to see the boys again, and they automatically were my favorite people ever-- they are still playing on the 18th. No need to worry.

A couple cigs and a PBR later we headed downstairs for the show. This was the point where I should have stopped drinking, but in my mind this was just the beginning. Liz and Becca had heard enough of my sob stories, I'm sure. Luckily the A Brief Smile boys came on my recommendation to check out the Diggs and I had the chance to tell my hell story again. And again. It's a good thing Scenic is loud. It forced me to finally shut up.

Sheesh, this post is getting quite lengthy, huh? Ok so The Diggs rocked my world like they always do. This band is musically yummy. (Yes I said it). After taking some pictures in the front I retreated to the back to belt out their tunes. It was far far too much fun. They ended the set with the beautiful "Trouble Everyday." I think I had a tear in my eye somewhere.



Jerry popped up, just like a Yeti would, and he appeared to be a couple drinks ahead of me. I again relayed my sob story (Liz was rolling her eyes by now) and Jerry felt my pain. Or at least he was nice enough to pretend to. The A Brief Smile boys took off, with a thumbs up on the The Diggs. I do what I can to spread the word.

So while I had been up front pretending to be a member of the paparazzi during The Diggs's set, Liz had been by the bar working her PR magic. She met Mike, who is not only in Autumn Thieves but also heads up Loveless Music Group. Of course she told me none of this, so when he started giving me suggestions on how to run the magazine, I basically gave him a big fuck you. Then his band went on stage. And then I felt like an idiot.

During their set, I ran into Robert, who is the owner of Scenic. He had worked the door on the first Underrated show. It was good to see him again and I congratulated him on the new place. He gave Liz and I a free round...always the way to my heart.

Luckily Liz and I ran into Mike later, and I apologized for my outburst. He seemed to take it in stride and we chatted about perhaps teaming a Loveless and Underrated concoction in the future. First good news of the night. When I finally knew it was time to say no to another beer, Liz was perhaps relieved. We both decided that a subway ride would not be good for me, and knowing my luck I'd probably get another ticket. So I paid for the cab ride back to Brooklyn, even though I am currently unemployed. The driver let me smoke in the car, which was like heaven served on a plate for me at that point. I needed to get to bed and have this day be over.

Waking up this morning didn't feel much better. Alas, enough of my whining. Tonight We Are Scientists shall be my great escape.

Download:

The Autumn Thieves - Rachel's Underground

See more photos on flickr.

Don't apologize

Sometimes the gnome in my closet says it's okay for me to go out. He'll be stuck at home writing all night.

Tonight: The Diggs at Scenic. Go.

That's all I have to say about that.

[Ed note: I basically was fired from my day job so now I have even more reason to go out, get drunk, and listen to good music. God I love Corporate America.]

Turn It Up

I won't be able to write much in these next two weeks, but be assured I'll continue to update. I need breaks anyways. Inspired by Wes's post yesterday, I took a look at my top 25. I regretfully do not have the array that he has, mine consists of about five artists. Oh well.

I'm pretty sure I've posted all of these at one point or another. I'll think of a newer mix later in the week.

My Demise

Four hours of sleep in forty-eight hours. My life has succumbed to a corner in my apartment.


Welcome.


The checklist. It's getting there.


I loathe transcribing interviews.


Addictions.


Inspiration.


The outside world. It's been awhile.


Blank page. Common occurrence.


Send reinforcements.

Two Weeks Notice

Chaos has set in on The Underrated's lifestyle. It's officially crunch time. Two weeks from today you will be able to view Issue Seven of Underrated Magazine online. Then a week later you can join us at Crash Mansion to pick up your free copy and enjoy some of the bands featured. For you, that means anticipation and excitement. For me, that's terrifying. But a good kind of terrifying.

When someone from Jersey calls, you answer. (Okay, maybe that's just me). I was all set to stay in all weekend and transcribe, write, edit, layout but then Mikey called me to tell me he was on his way in. He was heading to Arlene's Grocery to check out Jupiter One, a band he told me way back when was not to be missed. I had to believe him. So I took off the glasses, popped in the contacts and let my hair down. Just the show and a couple drinks and I'll would be home by midnight. That was the plan.

On my way into the city, I was sitting on the C train enjoying my latest book when I began to smell something funny. I turned to my right and found the gentlemen next to me lighting a joint. I get busted for smoking a cigarette outside on a platform and three weeks later this guy has no problem lighting up on a subway car. I had to laugh at the irony of it all, and because I think I was getting a little high.

The rain was back but I was glad to be out of my apartment. The walls had started to close in earlier that day. I ran into some familiar faces at Arlene's and the place was packed beyond capacity. I enjoyed some much needed pints before the band took the stage. It turned out to be the drummer's birthday, which explained what seemed to be a big reunion.

Jupiter One exceeded all my expectations. I had downloaded a couple tracks way back that I still listen to, but their live show is not to be missed. They are catchy and yet eclectic, mixing cultures, genres, and lyrical intentions. Mikey told me that the lineup had changed a bit with a new bass player and a missing violin player (she was actually sitting next to us, and was quite pregnant so that's understandable). And although I was told their earlier shows were beyond this world, I found myself quite content on Jupiter.

Download:

Jupiter One - Countdown

Jupiter One - Wrong Line

Jupiter One - Unglued

Jupiter One - Turn Up the Radio

We left Arlene's and headed over to Living Room where there was a little more room to breath. And apparently steal purses too. Unfortunately someone stole one of our friend's purses at the upstairs lounge (sounded all to familiar). After searching high and low there was no sign of it anywhere. Unfortunately I had to leave so I haven't heard the officially update. People suck sometimes.

So I'm leaving The Living Room and I get a call on my phone from an old old friend (we're talking grade school) who was in the city for the night. I decided that one drink couldn't make all that much of a difference so I headed up to Ave B to catch up. One drink turned into many, and 12:30 turned into 4 AM. I began to get really excited about this next issue of the magazine, now that I was actually away from my computer. I took Amy outside to smoke a cigarette and made her listen to the bands I was obsessed with at the moment. I had a guy do that to me once at Swift last year and I thought he was crazy. Now I was the crazy one. Luckily I convinced a cab driver to drive me back to Brooklyn for a flat rate and proceeded to tell him my entire life story. I'm sure he was glad to get rid of me by the time we pulled up in front of my apartment.

Four hours later, up again and back in the city. Met with Chrissy for breakfast to discuss magazine layouts and weekends. Starting this weekend, sleep is unfortunately off the priority list. Two weeks from today a huge weight will be lifted off my shoulders. Be sure to save me a seat at a bar.

It's Just Like You Say

I should be happy it's Friday, but I'm not. The weather looks crummy, it's going to rain here in NYC all weekend. Perhaps that will make it easier for me to stay in. I have to lock myself in my apartment starting tonight, and not allowing myself out until Sunday. I will not, and cannot watch episodes of Arrested Development all weekend. No. I will do work. I will be productive. Because deadlines are creeping through, and time is running out -- to release this next issue, that is.

So have you heard about this show on November 18? I hear it's pretty cool. Apparently Jaymay and A Brief Smile are slated to play already. I hear there's an open bar and a super cool DJ. It's just what I hear.

Why not leave you with some excitement for the weekend? Ok! So who doesn't love The Diggs? There isn't a person I've met that has seen them play or listened to a song I've sent them that doesn't think they are amazing. And they are. So people are getting it right this time. Good job!

So I couldn't put on a show without asking my favorite drinking buddies The Diggs to play. That's right. Catch them November 18 at Crash Mansion to celebrate the seventh issue of Underrated Magazine. If you want some reassurance take a listen to these tracks, and catch them next Wednesday at Scenic for a sneak preview.

The Diggs - Stagg

The Diggs - Trouble Everyday

The Diggs - It's Just Like You Say

The Diggs - Minimum Safe Distance

Underrated Magazine's Issue Seven Release Party
at Between (a Rock and Hard Place)
Crash Mansion
New York, NY
Friday, November 18
Open bar 9-10
Free entrance before 11
with:
Jaymay
A Brief Smile
The Diggs
and more to be announced...

And another thing...

So believe it or not, I have other interests besides seeing shows, drinking, and getting fined by the MTA. My movie buff pal Conor sent me this and it's too good not to share. See The Shining "like you have never seen it before."

You must watch this.

I think I'm more disturbed.

Back Where I Began

It dawned on me last night that it had been quite a while since I had seen a band that I knew absolutely nothing about. Maybe this city has gotten smaller, or that I just am a little more knowledgeable than I once was, but I remember when I first came to New York -- every night was a new discovery. So instead of me gushing about how good A Brief Smile was (you'll see them on the 18th and tell me yourself), let's talk about Cordalene, a band from Philly that played before them.

Last night's lineup was a hit and miss. Literally one after the other. Wasn't a fan of the first. Second was Cordalene (we'll get to that) and then the band after them was seriously painful. And I'm really not one to bash a band because I like to find the good in everyone, but I couldn't sit there and listen to it. Especially at 11 o'clock at night, having been up since 6:30 that morning. Nope. I wasn't feeling about it. The 90's are over, dudes. I'll leave you name out for your own sanity.

On to good things. So I admit I knew I was going to like Cordalene the second they walked on stage. I think I even told Susan that. Perhaps I have a little weak spot for good looking guys in bands, but that's besides the point, and not up for discussion. This Philly band was a complete breath of fresh air. I seriously dug it. I couldn't really put my finger on what their sound was, and that almost made it better. They'd be rocking out at one minute and then do this amazing breakdown in the middle of a song. I liked the variety, and I rocked out to all their songs. Look what happens when you venture into Williamsburg on a Wednesday night.

Cordalene has an album in the works and lead singer Mike Kiley was nice enough to give me some tunes. Now that I'm listening to the tracks, they oddly remind me of a cross between the pop of The Shins and the rock of Aberdeen City, maybe even with some Head Set voice crooning in there. But perhaps that’s just because I saw two of those bands this past weekend. Or perhaps it's just because I am never good at comparisons. Or perhaps that open bar last night just does that to you.

Anyways, take a listen. They are back in New York to play Don Hills on November 4 and Sin-E on December 2.

Cordalene - Imaginary

Cordalene - Back Where I Began

Cordalene - I'm Occupied, It Seems

Cordalene - Kissed Awake

Cordalene


A Brief Smile


More photos here.