The More I See The Less I Know...

Yesterday was one of those strange days where everything seemed a little off. I was late for work for the first time in years (I'm one of those rare breeds, a morning person) and from then on in I just didn't feel right. Life has been a bit busy lately, as I've started taking classes two days a week after work in web design. In retrospect, I probably should have picked a different semester other than the summer to try and tackle on all these things, as every other day it seems like someones having a baby, getting married, or making some other large life decision that warrants a celebration.

As soon as I made it home last night, all I wanted to do was throw on comfortable clothes, pour myself a huge glass of water (I was thirsty, ok?) and veg out on the couch. I finally watched this week's season finale of Weeds and by the episodes end I was off my feet dancing around like a chicken with its head cut off (luckily Pat was out so he didn't have to witness this moment). Why, you ask? Well the episode ended with this fabulous "dance" number with a song called "Say Hey (I Love You". Since then, I haven't been able to stop listening.

Check out the video of the scene here.

However, the point of this post (sometimes I find one) is that I am djing tomorrow night for the first time in what seems like forever and I'll probably play that awesome tune above (see the correlation?) The night is to celebrate the release of second EP Restaurant Airport. I caught the boys last month for the 1st EP party (there will be 3 in this series) and it was surreal to see how they've transitioned over the years. Their new work is really something to get excited about, and judging from the turnout last month, I think tomorrow is going to be a pretty crazy night.

More details on the event can be found here and make sure you download Restaurant Airport (FOR FREE) before coming out to the show.

DOWNLOAD: Restaurant Airport

See you tomorrow!

A Brief Smile Reveal 'Never Have The Time'

Download the video to your iPhone/iPod over here where you can also find studio videos off a whole bunch of other tunes from their fabulous Now We All Have Horns. Check out the band this Friday at the Delancey, or April 19 at the Annex.

ALSO! Please go vote for A Brief Smile in the Collegiate Nationals. All you have to do is click here. It takes two seconds, I swear.

Tonight: Jukebox The Ghost's CD Release Show

Horrah! Jukebox The Ghost's debut album has finally come out. And let me tell you—it's pretty darn fantastic. (Read my semi-obsessive review/gush session here.) The boys will be celebrating in New York tonight (with copies of Let Live And Let Ghost in their hands) and I found it worthy of coming out of DJ retirement. Because not only is Jukebox The Ghost playing, but my good pals A Brief Smile are as well. Like I said, horrah!

Here are the details:

JUKEBOX THE GHOST CD RELEASE SHOW
Union Hall, 702 Union Street Brooklyn
8 PM: DJ Underrated On Decks!
9 PM: Hymns
10 PM: A Brief Smile
11 PM: Jukebox The Ghost
A Brief Smile (10),(8)
Doors at 8 (there a couple tickets left at the door so get there early!)

Underrated's Top Twenty Albums Of 2007

It was an interesting year. I always am keen to the discovery of new music, which is why most of my top albums are debuts from unsigned or relatively new bands. There's nothing like that first try, and when succeeded, it will always be how they will be remembered. So without further adieu, my top 20 albums of the year, with a brief one-sentence recap, and a zip file of a selected track from each album below. See you in '08!

01. Port O’Brien – The Wind And The Swell
Never have I had such a visceral reaction to an album, where its lo-fi screams and yelps from start to finish prove this young band has so much more to give.

02. Radiohead – In Rainbows
A combination of its execution and actual sound, Radiohead's latest album marks revolution in the music and its most melodic effort to date.

03. White Rabbits – Fort Nightly
A late-night booze brawl, complete with a piano and dueling guitars, is what best defines White Rabbit’s debut Fort Nightly—the strong debut from this clean-cut six piece teeters between innocence and mystery with the slight tweak of a minor chord.

04. Ra Ra Riot – Ra Ra Riot EP
Ra Ra Riot's long awaited EP breathes new life into a sound that is attempted upon by so many bands, but never sounds as polished as each song this rowdy six-piece creates.

05. Tim Williams – When Work Is Done
Confidence shouldn't be a worry for this young troubadour, as his second effort is as thoughtful and honest as his previous one, but for the first time the songs are full of hopeful resolution.

06. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
An orchestra masterpiece from beginning to end, Arcade Fire prove once again why they have become one of the more important acts of our generation.

07. Kate Nash – Made Of Bricks
The quick witted Nash brings a dark side to pop music, seamlessly combining cocky lyrics with playful tunes.

08. Jens Lekman – Night Falls Over Kortedala
Thanks to Pat, this album demanded repeat listens, as Lekman delves deeper into story-telling arrangements with his classic vocals.

09. Tegan And Sara – The Con
Pure pop perfection from start to finish, the Canadian twins do it again with their more complex and rash fifth album

10. A Brief Smile – Now We All Have Horns
This band never ceases to amaze me, as they seem to have found their stride—and epic sound—on their self-produced and self-released LP

Best Of The Rest:
11. Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
12. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga
13. Georgie James – Places
14. Kanye West – Graduation
15. Wakey!Wakey – Silent As A Movie
16. Ryan Adams – Easy, Tiger
17. Los Campesinos! – Sticking Fingers Into Sockets
18. Coconut Records – Nighttiming
19. Interpol – Our Love To Admire
20. The Shins – Wincing The Night Away

DOWNLOAD: Underrated Top Twenty Albums Of 2007 [zip]

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

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!

i was never a normal girl

Friday was the perfect pick-me-up I needed, a night where three of my favorite bands played, catching up with friends, and all around having a fabulous time. I danced like a weirdo during Jukebox, shouted out requests during Wakey!Wakey! and spent most of A Brief Smile's set going wow with Seth. I left Pianos in a very big smile (all those gin & tonics didn't hurt), and relieved because life has been super busy lately.

As you can imagine, things are starting to get crazy leading up to this year's CMJ, and it's only going to get even more nuts as the time draws near. I'll be able to announce a couple things I've been working on, outside or work, for that week which I'm so excited about. It's going to be a great great week.

I'm finally settled and happy to call my new place home. The weather has changed drastically in the week, with fall creeping in as each day passes. The first cold day (which was yesterday), I always switch from curly hair to straight and it was very strange yesterday to see how long my hair has gotten. May sound weird and you probably don't care, but it's the longest I've ever had my hair in my entire life. Strange, I've missed having one of those "firsts." It's been a while.

As far as new music, I'm finally having a chance to check out a lot of albums I've kept meaning to. I'm loving (in no particular order): Tim Williams, Octopus Project, Kanye West, Le Loup, Kate Nash, Rilo Kiley, Beirut, and Nightmare of You. I'd like to go into more detail on all, but I must be honest -- I'm a bit wiped out. This weekend was far from relaxing, and to be frank -- when you spend all week writing about music its the last thing you want to do on your free time.

But that's not to mean I will continue to neglect you, so here I am spewing my nonsense all over the place. I've caught up on a lot of TV lately. Have you seen Californication yet? I'm loving David Duchovny all over again.

Until next time.

no more lies

Now that I'm moved in and finally settled, I feel as though I can breathe, and by breathe I mean write about something other than my daily music news daytime job. See, I've sort of half-heartedly decided that this blog is going to be of an output of daily (er, weekly) thoughts, and then have music play a part in there somehow. Frankly, I guess most of my thoughts have something to do with music anyways. It's a large part of my life, and even if it isn't the forefront of my mind, it's always a soundtrack in the back.

I heard from an acquaintance last week that I hadn't heard from in some time. When I first started this whole adventure, there was a handful of bands that I really latched on to, thinking most, if not all, would make it and I'd be able to be there with them along the way. I had all these hopes of Almost Famous like experience--a chick on the road with a crazy rock band, living the life and learning about life along the way. Anyways, this band and I saw differences about what "success" was, and as time went on, we both went our separate ways. There was no bad blood, of course. I can't keep those sorts of things on my conscious.

So turns out this band had some good news, and yet when I heard the news I wasn't surprised nor pleased. Partly, it came at a time where I was still juggling a million things at work, but also because so much time had gone and so many things had changed. I had changed. I've seen a number of bands I know go on to bigger and better things, and not to disservice those bands by any means, it's just sort of happened. And this band changed, and unfortunately not for the better in my opinion. There are still a number of bands left in New York that are still going after an image these days. I'm learning more and more each day how this industry works. There's a dark side. And I'm trying my best not to be part of it.

So I've sort of grown up, I guess you can say. I was 19 when I started this whole magazine/blogging adventure and now I'm making a living reporting about a scene that I hardly knew existed a few years before that. I learn a lot. I make a lot of mistakes. But somewhere in all of that there are these few surprises that help remind you that it's worth it, there's still something good out there.

The point of all this is that there is a band that I heard at the very beginning of it all, that I still believe in. And so it goes...

A Brief Smile has, I guess, grown up alongside me. Not much younger than I am, and still sticking with it, this band has been a constant for me, I can't even count how many times I've seen them live. Their latest effort, Now We All Have Horns in a way exemplifies every thing I've said above. This band has, for a lack of a better word, matured. They've found their sound. It's almost hard to put into words what that sounds like, but if you could put to music a certain "comfort" or "acknowledgment" Now We All Have Horns is it.

The band wrote, played, recorded, and produced every aspect of the album. Listening to it now is one of those a-ha moments, knowing all along they had this in them. Songs like "Vicious" and "Big Sky" had become live favorites for some time now, but hearing "Ladies And Gentlemen," "Tairs In The Cloth" or the instrumental noisiness of "red Giant 1406" and "Blue Star 2587" shows just how far both of us have come. I am a pop-music baby, a former teenybopper, who would not "get" this music, let alone listen to it on repeat. But I can find the talent and the heart in this. It's them. The long instrumental introductions, the wailing guitars, the cold-shoulder lyrics, and those grand ideas. And me? Well, after learning what "shoegaze" music actually meant, I've become quite fond of it.

And with that, the evolution of a band is heard through tiny speakers in a half-empty apartment. I listen to Now We All Have Horns with a certain sigh of relief. There's hope yet. And so much more time for even more discovery.

Check out their new website at www.abriefsmile.com. Upcoming shows include a slot during Jukebox The Ghost's residency at Pianos on September 14, followed by their record release party at Midway on October 4.

With that said, here's some exclusive premieres of tracks off A Brief Smile's new album Now We All Have Horns.

A Brief Smile - Never Have The Time

A Brief Smile - Ladies And Gentlemen

A Brief Smile - Vicious

So I'm Having A Birthday

Tomorrow I turn 23.

Oh, hey. Yes, still here. Still feeling guilty every day for not updating this thing, but then never having enough hours in the day. Next week I have to get my wisdom teeth out, so maybe that will be the time to let you in on some new bands I've been listening to. And to babble. Babbling on vicodin could be interesting.

But back to this turning 23 nonsense. I love birthdays, no matter if its my own or someone else's. I've never understood why someone doesn't want to celebrate, that whole notion of getting older scares some folks, and because of that they let a fun time suffer. And while I do admit that this birthday is making me a tad bit nervous about my actual state of living, I'm not going to let that deter me from having a grand ol' time. And it shouldn't stop you either.

So for the first time, I didn't plan my own party. For every year since I was old enough to remember, I had every say in the planning department for activities on or surrounding June 1. But not this year. My awfully patient, and very sweet boyfriend decided he was going to throw me a little part-ay. And I must say, he did an amazing job booking bands. In fact, I probably would have the exact same lineup, had I done it myself.

So the shindig is happening on Saturday. You should come by. It's going to be fun. I haven't seen a lot of you in some time and we should put an end to that. And plus, the bands are super frickin awesome. Pat has been interviewing them all week with funny questions, trying to embarrass me. Little does he know that I gave each band $2 and a candy bar to refrain from saying anything too incriminating. Check out the links below, more to come.

Get To Know Your Rachael's Birthday Bash Bands: A Brief Smile

Get To Know Your Rachael's Birthday Bash Bands: The Antlers

Get To Know Your Rachael's Birthday Bash Bands: Wakey!Wakey!

Get To Know Your Rachael's Birthday Bash Bands: Seth Kallen & The Reaction

The info is below. There are six(!) bands, so prepare to come early and stay late.

Saturday, June 2: Pop Tarts Suck Toasted Presents...
Rachael's 23rd Birthday Bash
at The Delancey (168 Delancey St, btween Attorney & Clinton)
Doors at 8 PM
$10, 21+

8:00pm - A Brief Smile (acoustic set)
8:45pm - Pelle Carlberg
9:30pm - The Antlers
10:15pm - Wakey!Wakey!
11:00pm - Seth Kallen and the Reaction
12:00am - Jukebox the Ghost

life : updated

My oh my, how things have changed. I'm up early, in bed early, haven't had a touch of alcohol (okay, maybe, a touch) in a while and there is never enough hours in the day. I'm hiring interns that are less than a year younger than I am, and interviewing people in a place where I just interviewed. Friends are asking me relationship advice and not the other way around, and I was told I could have scarlet fever yesterday.

Don't worry, I don't.

This week has been quite the roller coaster, sprouting from Sunday's shocked reaction over A Brief Smile's radio incident. I'm still in shock, to be honest, but I decided to put that outrage to good use. I spent the greater part of the week putting together a story for CMJ about what happened, and (surprise, surprise) got a lot of different angles, except the hosts themselves. I called them more than my mother calls me, and yet still no reply. Quite the bummer, I did want to hear what they had to say. However, the story came out pretty well, if I say so myself. You can read that story here: CMJ.com: Anti-Gay Slurs Put Radio Hosts In Dog House.

And in sad news, Nora and I have decided to end The Blog Show. The last episode went up today on BreakThru Radio.com. Life has just become too hectic for the both of us, so we wanted to end it on a high note. Check out our last show where we play all of our favorite bands, plus speak a lot of French. Good times, n'est-ce pas?

More soon.

And now for something..completely different.

Very rarely do I take this blog seriously. Most of the time I use this little page on the internet to recount the nights chasing after wannabe rockstars, promoting bands I hold so near and dear to my heart, or just old fashioned babbling. It's usually a combination of all three. I forget to spell check or read posts over once they are done. It's not that I don't enjoy this blog, I just don't use it as a forum for my intelligence or writing. I hope that's okay.

Now I could tell you about seeing LCD Soundsystem on Friday night (totally fun in spite of my sickness) or dancing around like an idiot to Birdmonster last night for the umpteenth time thanks to too many gin and tonics. I could tell how how Mason Proper is fantastic, or how Jena Malone and Her Bloodstains totally freaked me out. That would all be just fine, but I feel as though it's time for a little seriousness. It comes around once in a blue moon, so do listen intently.

I heard a little while ago that my buddies A Brief Smile were going to be on 92.3. Growing up in the New York City area, I had listened to 92.3 a good amount of time (ok, I listened to Z100 a lot more, don't mock). It was KROQ, now WFNY, the alternative rock station in our area, and at one point had decent music, or so I think. But as time has passed, less people listen to commercial radio and for good reason. Not only are their djs annoying, but the quality of music has reached an all-time low. Thankfully, we have internet radio, blogs, and podcasts to help fulfill our musical needs.

Regardless, the fact that one of my favorite bands were going to get some airtime on a station that a whole bunch of people still listen to was pretty cool. I couldn't tune in when they were going to be on because I was at work, and frankly forgot about it until I saw a myspace blog post by the band.

also, we were on 92.3 on the "jv and elvis show" on tuesday. they said they enjoyed the music but chose to shout anti-gay slurs at us as way to make themselves feel better about the reality that nobody with half of a brain listens to regular radio anymore...or something...we didn't quite get it. [queerty, wfmu and doghouse blog all had something to say]

I checked out the links and was a bit shocked at what I found. In the comments on queerty, someone had uploaded the show, so I checked it out and found myself feeling quite uneasy about the whole experience. I cut down the show to their interview. You can listen below.

Listen: A Brief Smile on The Doghouse

I don't know when it became okay, or frankly in fashion, to use the word "faggot." But the more I hear people using it so loosely, the more disgusted with our culture I have become. The djs can say they used the word in a different connotation, but that does not make it okay. Regardless of John's sexual orientation, you cannot and do not use that word under any circumstance. The fact that these are young kids who were on the radio for the first time just makes it worse. These idiots (and I mean that sincerely) bullied and preyed for entertainment sake, and I find it morally, ethically, and socially unacceptable. What kind of country do we live in where people of this manner are paid to be heard? And the fact that people enjoy listening to this kind of talk is even worse.

I applaud John for speaking up. It couldn't have been easy and although it didn't do much good at the time, it's a valiant effort. Sure, he didn't go into the show with the best comments, but from the very beginning KROQ's djs seemed to find homophobic banter amusing. I personally don't feel the need to tell you not to listen to these djs or this show in the future, because I think if you had any sense or respect for humankind, you wouldn't associate yourselves with them in the first place. I am sorry that this band has this experience attached to their name. They understood the nature of the show when they agreed to be on it, but sometimes things just get out of hand.

I used to think I was far too naive to be involved in the music industry, but I wish that more people would look at the bigger picture and remember that entertainment isn't everything. People are people, no matter what. Respect isn't something to be privileged, it should be required.

Music Slut's Spring Fling: Casettes Won't Listen, A Brief Smile, Silent Years, Locksley @ Delancey

I wish I had a camera that worked because this is going to be a very text-heavy post. But something tells me that if I did have a photographing device, I wouldn't have remembered (er, had the ability) to document. Luckily years of show going has aided in my memory despite outside influences, so here we go.

I arrived at Delancey for the blogger/band pizza party (thanks Sluts!) so I was at this show from the very beginning. Good idea in theory, until it's 2 in the morning and you realize you'd been drinking for almost seven hours and somehow found yourself djing Journey. Ah, all in a night's work.

So I'm going to refrain from talking about Midnight Hours, and start with Casettes Won't Listen, who I have seen twice before. Frankly it wasn't the best show I had seen of him, but perhaps it was because I was in the very back. What bothered me was the fact that instead of just bringing up his guest singers (who are extremely talented, I must say) he had to pretend it was some sort of reality contest and we were supposed to believe that they were just regular show goers. Well, if I had a voice like the girls he brought up, you'd bet I'd be in some sort of musical act. It was a bit of sham, and threw me off for the rest of the set. Plus, no special appearance by Tim of The Diggs for that fabulous remix (or Trent Reznor) so that was sad. However, even in spite of all this I'm still a fan. So that should count for something.

Ah, A Brief Smile. What can I say about this band that I haven't already said? Well, luckily for me they have premiered some brand spanking new songs in the past two shows I've attended, so there will always be material for me to go gaga over. And let me tell you, I'm really digging the new songs. Wes asked me if I prefer the new or old Brief Smile (which is noticeably different.) While I'll always hold their old songs near and dear to my heart (and frankly they are much easier to sing and dance around like an idiot to) I'm much more impressed by the new ones on a first listen basis. Immediately I'm blown away at how far this band has come, and I can see (and hear) that this is the direction they want to move in. It's much less poppy, much more epic and detailed. Did I mention there was moshing? Holy potatoes. In case you want to know, "2005" is my new favorite song. Get that EP out pronto, boys.

Next up was The Silent Years who I was itching to see ever since Nora picked them one week on The Blog Show. I was pleasantly surprised and although I was stuck in the back (which makes viewing quite difficult), I thoroughly enjoyed what I heard. It sounded to me as though they are a less popp, more moody Spinto Band. I'll have to see them, and literally see them again to garner a full opinion. But so far, so good.

And last, but certainly not least was the cutie pie boys of Locksley. The last and only time I saw this band before, Nora and I (thanks to a bit of alcohol) went totally nuts dancing up a storm and screaming like 13-year-old teeny boppers. These boys have that effect on you. Sadly no matching suits this time around (probably for the best since it was 1000 degrees downstairs) but they brought their same old happy go lucky pop songs to an enthusiastic crowd. The crowd had dwindled a bit for the super late start time, but everyone was still having a pretty damn good time. This band has commercial appeal written all over their boyish faces. It's only a matter of time.

Congrats to Matt and Jen for an awesome night. Can't wait until the next show.

tonsillitis is no fun. or is it? nope, not fun.

You know what's fun? Being sick. Again. And this time? It's tonsillitis! Something makes me want to pretend I'm on one of those commercials and do a little cheer and dance because I have this illness. Maybe it will help. But probably not.

I can't believe it myself, but I've managed to spend the greater part of the last six months on some sort of medication, complaining. Frankly, I wish this wasn't the case. And as much as I hate doctors offices, I forced myself there after work, fell asleep on the examining table, and tried to be optimistic over the fact that I don't have mono or strep. Nope, just tonsillitis. And if this horrific pain that I am currently experiencing doesn't go away in three days, those suckers are on their way out. Ice cream, anyone?

Let's find some good news, shall we?

The good news is that there's a fantastic show going on tonight with my newest obsessions Mason Proper and old-school Underrated loves A Brief Smile. It all starts at 8 PM tonight, and is guaranteed to be a seriously good night. Just don't tell my mom I am going out. And I swear I'm not contagious. So don't be afraid to say hey.

I really like that flyer.

There's a new episode of the blog show up today, but I will get to that later. Everything is finalized for this years SXSW and I couldn't be more excited (hoping that I'm 100% better by then, because I want my margaritas, now). It's amazing what a difference a year makes, as last time I was apprehensive about going down not knowing very many people, and this year basically every band and blogger I know will be there. It's going to be awesome.

What else can I tell you? Next week I've got a super exclusive for you that I'm so happy to share. But before that, you must come to see Jukebox The Ghost on Saturday at Pianos. I'm going to write up a full post about how lovely this band is on Friday, complete with exclusive mp3s for all y'alls. Your new favorite band? Perhaps. Mine? Definitely. Here's the flyer for the show, because it's oh so pretty.



I think that's all I have to say for now.

A Brief Smile | New Shows

For the spring premiere of Lost, I found myself in the company of five different local bands. Now, I could go into a long dissertation about the relationship between fans of both music and Lost, but I won't. I'll just say it was pretty cool. And I got to play Wii for the first time. So there.

And what I did get to hear while I was there was a brand spanking new demo from A Brief Smile. Seriously folks, you have no idea what you are in for. It has been a long time since I heard anything absolutely new from the band (probably because I see them play live every chance I can get), but holy sneakers. This young band is probably the most ambitious songwriters I know. And it's working out for them. Just wait til you hear what is in store. You'll be floored.

While I was very excited to hear that new demo, I was not happy to hear that there were no shows coming up at that point. Luckily enough, that has changed in the last two weeks as now A Brief Smile will be playing two local shows, both of which are pretty frickin cool.

You obviously know about my latest obsession with Mason Proper, and so the fact that they will be playing with A Brief Smile at my beloved Sin-e is pretty spectacular. And one more for our friends The Music Slut with Locksley? Oy vey.

Here's what you need to know. See you there.

March 1: Sin-E
with mason proper
doors: 7pm, mason proper: 8pm, a brief smile: 9pm

March 24: The Delancey
the music slut spring fling
with the midnight hours, the silent years, cassettes won't listen and locksley
doors @ 8pm

Check them out on myspace and purchase their debut album R.E.S.T.

Just Like Christmas | Aberdeen City

Well friends, I am off for very needed vacation where I plan to read two books and drink gin & tonics all day. Oh yes, and there's always shuffleboard. Let's not forget shuffleboard.

I hope you all have a very very happy holiday, and I will be back in a week completely refreshed. While I'm gone...

Don't forget to tune into BreakThru Radio on Tuesday, December 26 for a special live performance from New York's own A Brief Smile. You can find pictures from the recording session on my flickr.

Don't forget to tune into next week's "Blog Show" either. We were pleased to have Dany from Exitfare join us for the show.

Looking for music? Check out my Top 25 Albums of 2006, Top 5 EPs of 2006, or Top 25 Songs of 2006. That should keep you busy.

Happy holidays!

Aberdeen City - Just Like Christmas

When I Am Gone | Sparrow House

Hi.

I feel like I've been neglecting this blog lately, and I'm here to apologize. You are probably thinking to yourself..okay, this girl is crazy. She hasn't missed a day posting. I realize that. But to me the posts as of late have been quite lackluster. I never really know the right balance between personal and straight forward blog posting, and I still am a little bit lost. I've missed posting about shows I've gone to, CDs I've listened to. I've forgotten about my 52 albums a Week adventure, and I have no one to blame but myself. This time of the year always gets me a little bit crazed, but I should be able to stop once in a while and attempt at some musical pontificating.

Now, while I go away on Friday for a week (mmmm...vacation) I'm going to try and play catch up this week as much as I can. You still have my "Top 25 Songs of 2006" to look forward to, that I have been pinning over and over and over again, re-ordering, adding, subtracting etc. These list things are a big deal, aren't they?

Last week I went to The Friction Party which is always a super dooper time. I saw Tall Hands play as a full band for the first time and really dug them. It was an added bonus that the younger Pete from Nickelodeon’s most underrated show, Pete & Pete is their guitar player. The sparks were flowing, and then I realized I had to go.

BreakThru Radio recorded a live session with my favorites A Brief Smile that night, so I hopped out for a few hours to watch. I'll have pictures and maybe an exclusive MP3 up here before I leave hopefully. Their full session will be up next week for you to listen to, so please don't forget.

I ventured back to Friction and caught the tail end of Bound Stems who were without foliage, but still sounding as stupendous as ever. Sadly I missed my song (you'll find it in my top 25 songs of the year post), but they played to an enthusiastic crowd. Each time I see this band I like them a little bit more. It's that kind of sound that grows on you. Kind of like trees. Now I see the connection.

Thursday I hit up the Filter party and got to catch up with the Ra Ra Riot kids, since I missed them the night before. It's a very odd experience drinking and seeing a band in a clothing store. I think it's mostly due to the very bright lights. I spent most of the time there trying not to spill my free Bass on the gorgeous coat I was so close to buying. And then I saw Keith from We Are Scientists in the audience and I hid behind a clothes rack. One of these days, I'll stop being so silly.

Ra Ra Riot put on one of the best shows I've seen them play thus far, mostly because they were one with the audience. The six piece was literally running into each other amongst the clothes and the hundreds of people who showed up. It was rowdy, to say the least and ridiculously fun. I don't care what you say or think about this band, I think they are fantastic. I can't wait to see them truly blow up in 2007.

After Filter headed to the last Stolen Transmission party at Annex. Not going to lie, I'm looking forward to fewer nights at Annex. You know how I feel about this place. Didn't stay too long. Too much beer makes this blogger sleepy.

Friday I had planned to stay in and catch up on some z's, but D persuaded me that her new party Neon Lights at Delancey. Okay, I'd give it a shot. It was Friday night afterall. So I dragged Sean there early for the $3 PBRs (I can't pass up a good drink offer) and was there in time to see Bell, a female singer/songwriter donned with a keyboard and a very Regina Spektor-esque voice. I thought she was, in short, fabulous. Extremely likeable in her presence and with a voice that echoed throughout the small stage, I think everyone there was pretty captivated. It was catchy with a certain charm. As Borat would say: very nice.

I caught a bit of the second act, Lismore, but migraines and exhaustion ensued, and I had to call it a night. I went home and watched Cheaper By The Dozen 2 on HBO and passed out half way through. I'm not sure if I was just that tired, or if it was just that bad, but I was asleep by 11 on a Friday. I'm that cool.

Saturday was an early start and off to Prospect Park for what Nora and I have donned "Blogger Bowl," where some of your favorite bloggers played flag (er, towel?) football while we cheered along and drank a lot of red wine in the afternoon. This weather is crazy, considering its December, but I was all for it. It was a beautiful day in the park and a hilarious attempt at football. The rest of the day/night turned into a drinking fest, which the details will remain unsaid, and a bit blurred.

So that brings you up to date with a bit of the shows, and I promise I'll try and keep this thing with a more organized routine. I'll work my ass off to get everything squared away before I leave on Friday.

Oh, and here's a song that I've forgotten on my Top 25 in 2006 list, but deserves attention nonetheless. Jared just emailed me over the weekend and is sending me a copy of his EP Falls so I'm pumped to take a listen.

Sparrow House - When I Am Gone

Underrated's Top 25 Albums of 2006

I honestly despise "best of" end of the year posts. But I couldn't let my favorites be forgotten. And yes, if everyone else was jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, I probably would too. Who wants to be left alone?

Last year I compiled my favorite songs of the year, which I plan to do again, but I had to give props to the albums that were almost played to death for me this year. My list will be obvious to those who know me, and to those that aren't -- you will notice there is no Grizzly Bearesque, TV on the Radioesque like many other bloggers. Those aren't the albums I played on repeat. I'm much more of an accessible music listener. You'll be able to tell.

For the first time, I ranked the albums. I felt incredibly guilty while doing so but I thought it was time I owned up and made some decisions in my life. Without further adieu: my top 25 albums of the year along with my favorite songs from them. Keep a look out for the favorite EPs and best songs of the year that will be posted soon.

1. Annuals - Be He Me
There was no question that this would be in my top three, but when push comes to shove, this is exactly what I want in an album. Starting off with the explosive "Brother" and ending with the dreamlike "Sway," it's ordered, executed, and performed almost perfectly. When you have a sound that is musically "different," it's easy to lose people with its inaccessibility. But not Annuals. In his young age, Adam Baker has crafted a stand out debut that I'll never get sick of. It's quirky, addictive, and down right beautiful. I will always remember the first time I listened to. Expletives ensued.

Annuals - Complete or Completing

2. Birdmonster - No Midnight
Easily the most played album of the year, I even shocked myself by not having it as numero uno. But here's the thing. As much as I sincerely adore Birdmonster, both on and off the stage, and as much as I wore out No Midnight, the best is yet to come from this band. It's a fabulous debut, filled with numerous hits that you cannot help but scream along to. "Spaceman" could not have been a better closer, but it's the sometimes passed over gems of "Of Mice" and "Ball Of Yarn" that set this band apart from the others. They chose content over production, which I always admire and I thank the band for giving me an album that instantly makes me smile.

Birdmonster - Ball Of Yarn

3. The Changes - Today Is Tonight
I was, quite frankly, surprised at this album. It had been almost a year since I listened to their EP, and I feared that The Changes could become something of a novelty act. Their jazz infused lounge act sound was fun, but could it keep my attention through a whole album? The answer, of course, is yes. What The Changes have done on their full-length debut was combine the simplicity of a good pop song, and the creative juices needed to layer an old fashioned sound. It's instantly memorable, like you've always had these songs floating around your head. But The Changes are not recycled and hardly a novelty act. It's almost obnoxiously flawless, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Changes - On A String

4. Lily Allen - Alright, Still
Music is a very personal experience for both the artist and the listener, so I find myself constantly looking to artists to relate to. Growing up I listened to a lot of the Lilith artists, but hadn’t found a female artist recently that has fit in with my current taste. Until Miss Allen came along. Equal parts snarky and sweet, she plays with her lyrics in a way that is guiltless and fun. She has no shame, and I respect that. Plus, each song on this album is as the last, with "LDN" proving to be the summer anthem, while "Everything's Just Wonderful" has become part of my daily routine. I can't wait to see what's in store for this little lady. Hopefully her talent will override the hype.

Lily Allen - Everything's Just Wonderful

5. Oh No! Oh My! - Oh No! Oh My!
As soon as I finished listening to a burned copy of this album, I knew this band was on to something big. It's hard to classify exactly what their sound is, which I find fascinating. It's a true test of talented song writing, from the melancholy "I Have No Sister" to the dance anthem "I Love You All The Time." And of course, there's a catchy melody in every one of them. I keep my burned copy that I bought for $3 next to the official release. I can guarantee it'll be worth some money one day.

Oh No! Oh My! - I Have No Sister

6. A Brief Smile - R.E.S.T.
2006 marked a year where I lot of bands I have been following finally released their debut album. My musical experience with A Brief Smile is going on two years, with songs that have become almost as familiar as the back of my hand. Hearing those songs that I had sung along to live oh so many times on album was a wonderful gift. When I heard the final mastered versions, that same wow factor the first time I heard their EP came seeping back. It's undeniable the amount of talent and preciseness this band has. They strive for something grand, a new spin on a shoegaze pop that is fresh. Keep a look out. If this was their introduction to the world, I can't wait to see what is next.

A Brief Smile - This Machine

7. Band Of Horses - Everything All The Time
I will never forget listening to this album for the very first time. It was an impulse purchase on Insound and it sat on my desk for a couple days. I woke up in the middle of the night, restless and decided to listen. I sat in my Brooklyn apartment, chain-smoking, and listened to the album in full. I wasn't looking at anything in particular but it was as though the songs were being painted in front of me. This album is hands down one of the most beautifully sounding albums I've heard in a very long time. It's bittersweet and painful, with the songs sounding as though they are being performed in front of you. There's an echo in the vocals that make it almost ghost like. From the haunting "The Funeral" to the nostalgic "St. Augustine" this album is one that is worthy of every listen.

Band Of Horses - Monsters

8. Kevin Devine - Put Your Ghost To Rest
It's no secret that I have a bit of a musical crush on Kevin Devine. You may just want to write him off as another Brooklynite singer/songwriter but I urge you to seriously reconsider. I was very nervous to hear his major label debut on Capitol. I worried he was going to lose a bit of his edge. Luckily enough, Kevin kept his fundamentals intact and released a collection of work that is both heartbreaking and sincere. Never one to shy away from what's on his mind, Kevin has proved that a little hard work will take you somewhere. "Brooklyn Boy" is a perfect NYC anthem, while "You'll Only End Up Joining Them" gives me chills each time. But "Just Stay" is that lovey dovey song that really won me over. Okay, I'll stop gushing now.

Kevin Devine - Just Stay

9. Liam and Me - There's A Difference
This album is basically a non-stop party. From the beginning to the end, it's the kind of pop music that is filled with singsong hits. I'm shocked; yes shocked that this has not hit the mainstream music world. But perhaps I'm grateful it hasn't. I could listen to this album all day every day and never get sick of it. It's that good. Just try sitting still while listening to "Don't Say A Word" or "There's A Difference," or any of their songs frankly. It's impossible. Oh, and go see them live. So much fun.

Liam and Me - There's A Difference

10. Princeton - A Case Of The Emperor's Clothes
Quite possibly my favorite discovery of 2006, Princeton is a band that now has the (un)fortunate experience of me bothering them on a regular basis. One of my new years resolutions is to get this band to New York City, and goddammit, I'll do it. Their album was instantly a favorite, their happy-go-lucky tunes complete with handclaps and egg shakers are totally up my alley. I even appreciate the fact that it was recorded on their own and sounds raw. It gives it more character. Only downfall? There are just six songs, that I repeat an embarrassingly amount of times. Doesn't hurt that they are young little floppy haired indie rock boys too. This band is just way too likeable for its own good. I fear their safety.

Princeton - The Indifference Curve

A Brief Smile, The Stills @ Bowery Ballroom

Saturday night started out innocent enough. It was to be a full night at Bowery Ballroom and then a stop by at a birthday party and then home in one piece. And yet half way through the night I remembered why I try and stay in most weekends. No, it's not just that the lower east side is awfully packed and you can't find a bar to sit comfortably at. It's more so the fact that I realize I don't have to get up for anything the next day, and that, in itself, makes me a little bit crazy.

I'll spare you the details of the alcohol infused ridiculousness that ensued after Bowery Ballroom. Let's stick with the music, eh? And make this a family blog.

So it was the second time those A Brief Smile boys have played Bowery Ballroom, which in my book now makes them experts and superstars. I probably sound like a broken record every time I post about this band, but I couldn't be more proud of how they have progressed over the years. Their live show has really become something quite professional, and their songs are the real star. Donned with two Christmas trees up on stage, the young fivesome came out to a quickly filling crowd. While they may look young, and are indeed quite are, they play like they've been doing this their whole lives.

It's a rewarding experience to bring someone to see a band you love for the first time. Especially when it's a band like A Brief Smile, who I have seen more times than I should probably admit to. I'm always nervous that I've been biased after all this time, but when they share the same enthusiasm as you...it's nice reassurance.

The set in itself was what I've come to expect: layers upon layers of sound melding into each memorable tune, filling up Bowery Ballroom with its grand themes. The boys debuted a brand spanking new song in which I had to ask both Vanessa and Sean whether it was a cover or not. It was instantly familiar, and completely unpredictable at the same time. I hear a self-produced EP is in the very near future. I can't wait.

The Stills were, in a nutshell, a complete surprise. I, of course, was freakishly obsessed with Logic Will Break Your Heart. I initially liked Without Feathers, but hardly with the same intensity. Without ever seeing the band live before, I expected a good show, but something that could be a bit mundane. It was completely the opposite as The Stills brought a high-energy playful rock to a very enthusiastic crowd. I remember jumping up and down and singing at the top of my lungs. That was unexpected.

As soon as they lashed into "Lola Stars and Stripes" as their second (second!) song, I was convinced. The Canadians bounced back and forth between old and new, and there was never a dull moment. Although they left out my favorite "Animals + Insects," I let them off the hook.

Perhaps that total excitement from the show is a reason for the anarchy that followed. I'll never know for sure.

The Blog Show: Best Of

Well it's been seven weeks and we thought it was time for a recap. Plus, it's Thanksgiving so Nora and I thought it best to give thanks to all our favorite bands. Tune in today and all week to "The Blog Show" as we go back and pay respect where respect is due. And sorry if I sound a bit cracked out on this week's episode. I was on a lot of cold medicine.

Head on over to www.breakthruradio.com and click on "The Blog Show."

Here's the playlist:

Brother - Annuals
Modern Class - The Head Set
Tigers - Division Day

Modern Love - The Changes
Someday - The Silent Years
Saved Your Life - Army Of Me

Rented A Tent - A Tent, A Tent - Bound Stems
Lost (On An Island) - The Undisputed Heavyweights
Pretty Mess - A Brief Smile

Wound Up - Office
The Blue Around You - The Benzos
Fast As You Can - Liam & Me

The Once-Great Gender Debate - Sure Juror
Tokyo, Japan - Princeton
Tonight - Ennui

Welcome To Tally Hall - Tally Hall
Be Born - Tally Hall
Ruler Of Everything - Tally Hall

Feel free to gather round the whole fam for a listen. Or maybe not. But either way it'll be up all week for you to enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving :)

A Brief Smile to open for The Stills | Interview

It feels like just yesterday these boys were playing for my issue 4 (?) release party at the now extinct Tribeca Rock Club. My how time flies. Now they are opening up for The Stills (!) at Bowery Ballroom next week. Ah, they grow up so fast.

Buy your tickets here.

The Music Slut is now officially a huge fan of the band, and recently interviewed them in their 8 question series.

4. What's your favorite infomercial?

John (bass): The one with the flying and the guys jumping over walls with rope and stuff where they stand on mountains in awesome uniforms and put swords in front of their faces. It was really cool looking and the guys were all super hot.

Garrett (guitar): The one with Chef Tony ‐ I believe the company name is Miracle Blade. They put Cutco to shame ‐ Chef Tony can cut through pure marble and even steel without any effort. The knives never dull either...... you should see what they can do to the skin of a tomato......

Read the whole interview here.

A Brief Smile - This Machine