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Ooh La La | Goldfrapp

Ok, one more post, which subsequently will be the last post EVER on the underrated blog as you see it here. Let's all cry for a little while. But then rejoice cause you are going to kiss your computer screens when you see the new site. Keep your fingers crossed that everything works out this weekend. K? Cool.

So my iPod died. Sad. Also means that my bus ride tomorrow is going to suck without any music to dance along to. So what would I be listening to? Why, my two new favorite songs, of course!

Goldfrapp - Ooh La La
Perhaps my new favorite song to DJ, "Ooh La La" is like sex in a bottle. Yes, it's that song from that commercial, but dammit it's good. Rest of Goldfrapp's stuff I'm digging a lot lately too, but this song is on heavy repeat. So play it loud, and dance around. It wants you too...oh...so...badly.

Sia - Sunday
Sia's music evokes a mood. So brilliantly used in the very last scenes of my beloved Six Feet Under, "Breathe Me" immediately became a hit. This Australian songstress has followed it up with a fantastic album, and a new single. "Sunday" (which you have probably heard on HBO, those guys know how to pick them) is thankfully a bit more upbeat but still lets Sia throw her musical weight on top of us. There are a lot of things going on in her songs, but so beautifully held together by her haunting voice. "Sunday" showcases what "Breathe Me" hinted at - exceptional use of atmosphere that actually sounds good. Imagine that.

While I'm Gone

I'm leaving for the weekend tomorrow. My sister has taken my parent's role (above and beyond neccessary) while they live thei lives overseas. She even called me to ask if I wanted a bottle of vodka. Something tells me she sees me in a very particular light.

While I'm away there's some shows to note for Saturday Night.

The Hard Tomorrows play Arlene's Grocery. Go see them for me, please! These Washington DC boys don't come up nearly enough to pick a weekend that I'm not here.

The Diggs play Sin-E. I miss seeing these guys. It's been too long. And with a last minute addition of Kinetic, I'm beginning to wonder if my sister will miss me.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah play Bowery. Love them or hate them, they've got something going on thats worthy of the buzz. You have to admit that. I have to admit that I sold my tickets. I was excited to see them play Bowery. The sound will work for them.

Sigh. Oh well. Happy Holidays to all!

Transition Mode

We're unveiling the new website on Monday, so that means I can't really write a normal post. Why? Because my head is so congested it may explode all over my computer and I've forgotten what my apartment looks like underneath the piles of clothes, CDs, books, and magazines. But this is all you need to know:

Check back Monday. You are going to be redirected to a secret location (aka www.underratedmagazine.com) where you will be wowed, dazzled, and forced to send me nice emails where you say how much you love the new website. As of then, we'll have you under our control for the rest of your life.

Yesterday was over 70 degrees. I cut my hair short. It's officially spring.

Wine + Nyquil = throwing my alarm out the window and then realizing I should probably get up.

My soon to be alma matter consists of an administration of idiots. In the same day I get a notice saying I'm graduating with honors and another notice saying I'm not graduation because I haven't fulfilled my requirements. Gerat.

Someone needs to give me a job. I'm a catch.

I went to some shows this week that deserve some sort of writeup. They will get it soon. But for now, we have pictures:

The Upwelling @ Pianos:


Joe Whyte and Alexander Seier @ Cross Pollination:


A Brief Smile @ Fat Baby:

Found Myself A Brand New Poster

Week # 2. New Poster. A Brief Smile continues their residency at Fat Baby tonight.

If You Leave Me Now | Chicago

For reasons unbeknownst to me I can't stop listening to Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now" today. It immediately has risen to #6 on my iTunes top 25.

Sorry for the lack of interesting updates today. I'm feeling quite under the weather and have a general frustration with everything today. When I don't get a lot of sleep I tend to be very crabby. To ease that situation, apparently playing the same song over and over again helps. Especially this one.

Chicago - If You Leave Me Now

22 Grand Job | The Rakes

In exactly four weeks I will be a college graduate. For 3 years and 300 days, I was completely ready to graduate. Now, reality has set in and the job search is kicking my ass. There are some really ridiculous positions out there that I, sadly, am considering applying for.

This is one I found on craigs list. I am NOT applying for it. (I can't cook).

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

1. Make me a light breakfast (easy cooking)
2. Steam vegetables and possible some light cooking on foreman grill daily
2. Wash dishes or use dishwasher.
3. Get mail daily (mail stuff)
4. Run errands daily (buy stuff, deliver stuff, etc.)
5. Light cleaning of certain areas of office
6. Coordinate laundry and dry cleaning
7. Burn tivo down to DVDs
8. Filing and organizing of receipts and other items
9. Breaking down and removing recycling
10. Take out trash
11. Letting people in and out of office (cleaning people, contractors, etc.)
12. Order stuff online
13. Receive Fresh Direct deliveries
14. Manage calendar (easy updating online)
15. Stock up on necessities
16. Basic grocery shopping (besides fresh direct)
17. Basic online research
18. Assist current Personal Assistant if necessary

The Rakes - 22 Grand Job

KEXP Live in NYC

KEXP will be live in NYC May 15-19, featuring live in-studio performances from some of our favorite locals. Sign up for the free performances here.

We're looking forward to seeing Teenage Prayers, The Diggs, The GoStation, The French Kicks, and "Yeti-approved" Elvis Perkins in Dearland.

Take a listen:

Teenage Prayers - Center of the World

The Diggs - Stagg

The GoStation - Wandering Away

French Kicks - One More Time

Elvis Perkins in Dearland - Ash Wednesday

Some notes about your Tuesday evenings...

Frequently Asked Questions about "Get On Your Dancing Shoes"

1. Do I really have to wear special shoes to attend this event?
Although we do suggest wearing comfortable shoes, it is not a requirement. However, be prepared to be on your feet all night as the music will get you up and moving. Ever see Weekend at Bernie’s II? It's kind of like that. DJ Rachael wears comfortable shoes, in fact, tonight she's wearing some that resemble ballet shoes. So she really is wearing her dancing shoes.

2. Do I have to dance?
Yes, and the funky chicken is allowed, contrary to rumors.

3. Do you take requests?
Contrary to what we've heard about DJs in the lower east side, DJ Rachael is up to hear what you have on your mind. If she has it, chances are she'll play it, but keep in mind that she lives in Brooklyn and schleps around her CD case all day from school to class and then down to Pianos. So she doesn't have every CD possible. But if you ask nicely, and she doesn't have it, she'll make sure that next week it makes the rounds.

4. Does DJ Rachael only play pretentious indie dance rock that none of us have heard but she swears is the next big thing?
Maybe. But that's just because she's better than you because she's a blogger. Let's see what she has on file for tonight....hmmm I see some Ace of Base, some Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, and Fall Out Boy...mixed with all that indie rock that you haven't heard of that she swears is the next big thing. So come expecting a fun mixture of both old and new, both underrated and overrated. It's like a cornucopia of music.

5. Will I find my soul mate at "Get On Your Dancing Shoes"?
There's a very good possibility. In fact, I just called up my psychic and she said you will meet the (wo)man of your dreams tonight, but only if you dance. So it's up to you.

6. Will there be celebrities present?
Besides DJ Rachael? Besides a particular girl who is known for her robot moves? Well, fine you-US Weekly-obsessed freak. The first week we had three. Last week there were zero. So it's really up in the air whether those A-listers decide to make an appearance. But we can promise that every week is something special, like band's afterparties or special guest DJs. In fact, in a couple of weeks on of our favorite comedians will be joining DJ Rachael on decks. We can't tell you exactly who, but let's just say he's an A.

7. Can you lend me 50 bucks?
I wish! One day we will hopefully be bathing ourselves in dollar bills, so we'd be happy to lend you a couple green ones (before we bathe, we promise). But for now we can just rock your socks off each week with NO COVER. Of course, alcohol does help the whole dancing factor so you may need to shell out a couple bucks (and make sure you tip the bartenders). But trust us, it's one of the best deals in town (after Piano's happy hour bar menu of course).

8. Why start so late on a Tuesday night? Don't you have work the next day?
Well yes, we all do. But there's a very good reason for this. Right before us our brothers from another mother, aka those kids from Cross Pollination put on their weekly party featuring two of the best singer/songwriters in town. There's this crazy surprise at the end of each week right before DJ Rachael takes the stage, something that only the name signifies. Intrigued ? I thought so. Plus, it's free.

9. Where do babies come from?
Two people who meet at "Get On Your Dancing Shoes" and never look back.

10. It's Tuesday, and I know I'm supposed to be somewhere. Can you help?
That's what we are here for. Pianos is located at the corner of Ludlow & Stanton. "Get On Your Dancing Shoes" is at the upstairs lounge. Just follow the tunes.

Voxtrot @ Mercury Lounge

[photo via baonguyen's flickr]

So I've felt like an old lady lately, getting tired at 9 PM and not really feeling any crazy nights out. But as soon as Voxtrot started playing last night (opening with "Mother Sisters Daughters & Wives mp3), I immediately became a little girl. They make me giddy, in the best way possible, and I came to the conclusion last night that this band is my boyband in the indie rock realm.

Let me explain. They are perfectly crafted pop songs, and all that’s missing is choreographed dance moves. Ramesh's bouncing is half way there. Their songs scream sing alongs and judging from the two under-18 girls in front of me and the young drunkity drunk drunk gal that jumped on stage, they are well on their way to breaking young girls' hearts.

Despite some technical issues and my incessant yawning (not a fault of the band), it was an enjoyable show. Not the best out of the five that I've now got under my belt, but they really could do no wrong in my eyes. As long as they keep playing those god damn great songs, I'll go see them time and time again. Maybe I can be a Voxtrot-bopper, or a Teenie-Voxtrot. Eh, whatever. I'm a fan.