this is why i should not blog.

I used to tell funny stories about my tendencies to stalk (I mean, admire) pseudo rockstars, but when I started seeing these people more than once after exclaiming my love for them publicly on the Internet, it stopped. I have to be a professional a lot more these days, which yields the 13-year-old inside to hide more and more these days. But since I'm on this kick of not really caring what I write in here any more, I'll entertain you with a little anecdote of a usual Sunday afternoon.

So even after an exhausting day yesterday at Siren Fest, I couldn't miss this Sunday at McCarren pool because of its stellar lineup: Oxford Collapse, Annuals, and Band of Horses. But we'll get to them a little bit later. So I spent the morning nursing my sunburn and then made my way up to the L train. Now I was perfectly fine minding my own business, listening to the new Justice album on my iPod and reading this weeks Entertainment Weekly but I happened to walk in front of a certain lead singer who was sitting on the bench reading the newspapers. And it happened to be Keith Murray from We Are Scientists (I wont link to avoid any more embarrassment).

The "normal" thing in this situation would either be to totally ignore him completely, or get up the nerve to say hi, re-introduce yourself and laugh about that one time you interviewed them and it was totally awkward. But no, I never said I was normal. Instead, I decided to be covert and snap a picture of this guy on my sidekick, thinking I could get away with it.

But I didn't.

There's a flash.

Needless to say, any chance of me hiding in the background was completely shot to shit when the flash went off and he looked up. I immediately grabbed my magazine and pretended to be deep concentration reading about the new Simpsons movie. About 30 seconds later the train came, and Keith got up. Instead of walking straight ahead into the doors, and thus being in the same train as me, he sprinted down as far as he could.

And this, my friends, is why I should not blog.

But I'm never one to let a little embarrassment go to my head, so when Keith was at McCarren pool to perform with Oxford Collapse I pretending the whole situation never happened. I mean, it's not like I followed him there, of course. The rest of the day was nice and hot, with three bands I've written about here before many a times. It's very strange to say but I'm looking forward to getting back into the working week. These weekends have worn me out completely.

Oxford Collapse and friends:

Annuals:

Band Of Horses:

More pictures on flickr.

Annuals on Conan

You know I love Annuals, but I was a bit underwhelmed by their performance on Conan. I dvr'd it and watched it the next morning, and was like with a big "eh." Perhaps it is a direct result of being so blown away by Cold War Kids on Letterman last week, but regardless, making your television debut is always a hit-or-miss. It may have been the song choice. They should have sung "Complete Or Completing." And Adam should not have cut his hair. And he should have been wearing a poncho or choir robe of sorts.

Okay, enough with my advice. Just watch for yourself.

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

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 :)

Annuals - Be He Me | Shows

Stop the presses. I actually like a Pitchfork Review.

For a band that I have associated with religious experiences, and one praised by the bloggers, you'd expect Pitchfork to hate Annuals. Even if they did fawn over "Brother," time has passed, and everyone is a buzz. And with a 7.8 review, they don't exactly love them, but thank god it's actually an insightful review this time around. They actually talked about the music in a way that I actually understood. Imagine that!

Refreshingly unconcerned with perpetuating cool, Annuals' attack is fundamentally escapist: Baker seems to prefer living inside his ever-aburst music, and listeners will be lured by the world it creates, a place of freakishly sustainable energy fluctuations where surprises would be routine, naps would raise heart rates, and sighs would result from exhilaration rather than exhaustion. Diehard residents of actuality might even find the Annuals' abstract plane inaccessible, or preferable at a distance....

"Carry Around" invokes exactly-- exactly-- the futuristic tropicalia that Beck was supposed to be perfecting by now. The disco-waltz "Complete or Completing" submerges into a Steely Dan tide, then locks into a chant-groove that is triumphantly resumed on album closer "Sway", which dips the last few years of indie-rock's most-soiled dishes into a Ladysmith Black Mambazo rinse.

Read the whole thing here.

The band is playing yet another show in New York, and yet another chance for me to totally geek out. The rest of the tour dates are below.

11/15 Cambridge TT the Bear's w/ Evangelicals
11/16 NYC Mercury Lounge
11/18 Dublin Vicar St. w/ the Flaming Lips
11/19 Dublin Vicar St. w/ the Flaming Lips
11/21 London White Heat @ Madam Jo Jo's
11/23 Kings Cross, London Water Rats Theatre
11/24 London Stylish Riot @ The Barfly
11/25 London Frog @ The Mean Fiddler
12/2 Tucson Rialto Theater w/ Calexico
12/3 Albuquerque Launchpad w/ Calexico
12/4 Flagstaff Orpheum Theater w/ Calexico
12/5 Tempe The Clubhouse w/ Calexico
12/6 Los Angeles Spaceland w/ Tralala and Jim Noir
12/7 San Francisco Bottom of the Hill w/ Goblin Cock and Pleeseasaur
12/9 Seattle Neumo's w/ Juno and Junior Boys

Blog Show #5: CMJ Hangover Special

Okay, before you listen to the show, let me just preface this by saying I had NO voice last week and this was the tail end of that exhaustion. So please, don't make fun of how I sound.

Other than that, I LOVE this week's show. Nora and I picked four of our favorite bands that we saw live during the festival, and actually get serious for about two minutes about blogger backlash. Seriously. Then we went back to talk about cute boys.

Go listen over at www.breakthruradio.com (click on "the Blog Show").

PLAYLIST!
Complete Or Completing – Annuals
Dry Clothes – Annuals
River Run – Annuals
You're Forever An Hourglass – Benzos
Mechanical Comrades – Benzos
Teach Me The Way (Live) – Benzos
Can You Tell – Ra Ra Riot
The New Flesh – Ra Ra Riot
Dying Is Fine – Ra Ra Riot
Going Through Changes – Army Of Me
Rise – Army Of Me
Come Down To DC – Army Of Me

Can you guess which picks are mine? Ha! Also, congrats to Jeff Central Village for being blogger of the week! We loved the Gothamist House so much, we had to give him due props.

Speaking of blogs check out the awesome review A Brief Smile received over at The Music Slut. Let's all decide to write nice things from now on eh? Or at least let's not cross that ethical line....criticism is criticism. No need to be vulgar.

Okay, I'm done now.

Annuals, Voxtrot @ Bowery Ballroom

I needed one more horrah.

As if seeing over twenty bands during five days wasn't enough, I decided it would be stupid to pass up missing Annuals one more time, especially when they are teamed up with those indie pop darlings Voxtrot. After a yummy sushi dinner I found myself back in Bowery Ballroom, back amongst a crowded hipster crowd, and with beer in hand. Oy vey. Old habits die hard.

We got there just in time for Annuals to start, and like you know, I love this band. Their album is most definitely in my top 10 of the year, and seeing them live for the first time at Sin-e ended up being a religious experience. I saw them twice over CMJ, the first at Fader house, which was awful due to the sound, and the second at Bowery, where everything fell together perfectly. But I've come to conclude it's hit or miss with Annuals. And last night, I'm sad to say was a miss.

Now don't get me wrong. It was still a good show. Just not their best. I think the CMJ wear and tear took its toll, especially on Adam's voice. Every screech was far too forced for my liking, and the band as a whole just seemed tired. Can you blame them? I was tired as well. They played through their usual repertoire, and had a couple people in the crowd go bizerks. I'll never get sick of hearing "Complete or Completing" into the honky tonk loving "River Run." It's so good.

And then there was Voxtrot, a band I've seen more times than god, but can't help but feel happy every time I see Ramesh jump around like a little dork on stage. It's endearing. I'd never say that Voxtrot is a live band, by any means, but I have to say last night proved to be their best sounding show yet. Perhaps it was the acoustics of the lovely Bowery, or maybe it was some really spectacular new songs, but the band was in top notch. Then again, maybe it was just the fact that they hadn't spent the last week corrupting their liver. Oh, the possibilities.

Voxtrot is like those cheesy romantic comedies. A lot of people won't admit how good they really are, because they hit all the right spots. There's no real surprise when it comes to this band. It's straight forward and inviting. I became a bobble head for most of the show while singing along to the old favorites. They even did an encore! There was talk about a cover of "Dancing In The Dark" which would have, maybe, made my life. But sadly it didn't happen.

After the show I got drunk. It was like CMJ all over again.

(P.S. I forgot my camera. Sorry to all you Ramesh lovers, but there's no sweaty pics this time around.)

CMJ: The Recap | Pictures

I am ready to move on past CMJ related posts, but I must say as exhausting as this entire week was, I had a really great time. With the chance to see a lot of my favorite bands all within hours of eachother, catch up with some old friends, and find an excuse to start drinking at 11 AM...for free, I can't really complain about anything.

Except that I know I missed all of the amazing shows that everyone else will repremand me for, but I am only one gal. I am also partial to the bands I hold near and dear to my heart, and will never pass up the opportunity to sing and dance my heart out seeing them live. So no, I didn't go to even half the shows I expected/wanted to, but I did get to see some really incredible ones. I have a bunch of pictures up on flickr, but here are some of my favorites.

Birdmonster @ Pianos

Sure Juror @ Pianos

The Undisputed Heavyweights @ Rockwood

The Changes @ Fader Lounge

Tall Hands @ White Rabbit

Wrens @ Skirball

The Walkmen @ Skirball

Kevin Devine @ Bowery

Annuals @ Bowery

White Rabbits @ Cake Shop

But of course the real highlight of the whole entire week was the Underrated Party at Sin-e. Seriously couldn't have asked for a better bill, and I thank all the bands and everyone that came out. It was so much fun.

The Head Set

Division Day

Ra Ra Riot

Birdmonster

Find all pictures from CMJ here.

CMJ: Day Four Recap

I reached a new stage of delirium yesterday. I was up at 7 to finish work, and found myself back at Pianos by 11:30. It's official. I'm moving in.

We got there and stood on line for the Colin Meloy acoustic show. Honestly, I was in it for the free drinks and brunch, but Colin was a nice added bonus. Once we got in, it was a mad rush to the food so instead we made a mad rush to the bar upstairs. Colin was performing already. It sounded nice. I couldn't see. Mimosas are yummy.

There was no food once we went back downstairs. Go figure.

Hung out for a bit at Pianos thanks to our drink tickets, and then we made our way over to Fontanas for the BV showcase of the day. Got there just in time to see iForward, Russia! who I hated at SXSW, but really quite liked yesterday. Maybe it was just the mood I was in. Anyways, they rocked the house.

Ran into some more familiar faces and then caught up with the Changes boys. They are so nice. I love seeing this band and I thanked CMJ for chances to see them twice in two days. The Changes put on a super set, albeit short. Ended again with "Her You And I" and I did my little headshake dance. Awesome.

From Fontanas we were delayed by Sean's little 15 minutes of fame with the MTV crew, but headed over to Fader Lounge for Oh No! Oh My!. My poor little intern and Matt Picasso couldn't get in, so instead we decided to get some nutrition in the shape of a Tiny's sandwich. Mmmm, so delicious. And so needed. All this CMJ running around you sometimes forget to eat. Oh and PS. Matt Picasso, nicest blogger ever!!

Ok so then we headed over to White Rabbit where my two youngins passed out on the couch. Seriously. I sipped my beer and listened to the dude from Diamond Nights play acoustic, then Vietnam, and then Office. I seriously love Office and it sounded like an amazing acoustic set. Unfortunately I only got to hear two songs before I had to head out for work related things.

A couple hours later I made my way to Bowery where I thought I had missed my lovely Kevin Devine, but ended up getting there just in time for him to begin. I would see Kevin every day of my life if I could. I just really frickin adore him. And he ended the set with the amazing "You'll Only End Of Joining Them" which never ceases to give me chills.

Nora called me after Kevin Devine and I told her I was about to see Annuals. "Oh my god," she said. "Are you geeking out?" I thought to myself, no I actually was not. I was so utterly exhausted by that point I was literally hanging onto the stage to not fall asleep. I ran into Kathryn who asked me if I was okay. I figured that was a sign that I didn't look so together. But I blamed it on CMJ and once Annuals got started, I did, in fact, geek out.

Annuals set was night and day from the Fader Lounge before and I remembered why I'm so obsessed with this band. They are so good. But the thing I don't like about CMJ is that you'll have a pretty crowded show, but its full of people who have no idea who you are. There was no crowd singalong, no one else rocking out, so I felt a bit out of place. But only for a second. Annuals totally rocked it and probably provided my favorite show of the week.

I tried to go to Mercury afterwards for Cloud Cult but was sidetracked by my roommate who wanted a drink. Then I tried to get into Sin-e for Pela but they weren't letting in any more badges. I was right across the street from my apartment. It was time to go to sleep.

Still standing. Just barely.

CMJ: Day Four

Status: hungover, exhausted, no voice
Looking forward to: Oh No! Oh My!, Cloud Cult
Current state of mind: i think i can i think i can
In actuality: need. water.

Holy potatoes. Can't wait to sleep all day on Sunday.

12 PM – Colin Meloy @ Pianos
1:15 – Forward Russia! @ Fontanas
1:55 – The Changes @ Fontanas
3 PM – Oh No Oh My @ Fader
4:05 – Oxford Collapse @ Fontanas
4:50 – The Thermals @ Fontanas
5:15 – Office @ White Rabbit
7:00 – Kevin Devine @ Bowery
8:00 – Annuals @ Bowery
10 – Cloud Cult @ Mercury Lounge
11 – Tokyo Police Club @ Mercury Lounge
12 – Albert Hammond Jr @ Mercury Lounge
1 – Longwave @ Mercury Lounge

CMJ: Day 3 Recap

My head hurts. A lot.

I felt fantastic when I woke up yesterday. I was well rested, hydrated, and ready to take CMJ on. Today I feel exactly the opposite. 11 hours of straight drinking will do that to you.

Woke up early yesterday and got all of my work out of the way before I left my apartment. That was good. Going to head over to White Rabbit for Pela but found myself drawn to the wonder that is The Changes. I can't see that band enough times. The Fader Lounge is a pretty sweet place thanks to the free Red Stripe. The Changes are another band that makes me happy. I should open a musical therapy practice with bands like them. You can't help but smile.

From The Changes we headed over to Pianos on the word that there was free food and alcohol. This is what makes CMJ special. Apparently it was a Stereogum party. Said hey to Amrit, ignited my mouth with buffalo wings, and looked up meaning of words with Matt. This is why I shouldn't drink in the afternoon...I become this coherent idiot. I told Nora it is nice to be intoxicated when its light outside. I can see better.

From Pianos we walked over to White Rabbit where Gothamist is having their daytime shows. Really comfy place with great sound, if only there were free drinks. Oh well, can't please us all. Caught a set by Land of Talk whom I'm still ambivalent to, and caught up with some co-workers. More drinks. Saw Tall Hands who I really like and then sat up front for Bound Stems. I think I'll always be drunk when I see this band, but at least this time I was aware of that fact. Still really like that band. And yes, Nora, I'm still listening to the album. Stop making fun of me.

Snowden took the stage and we caught a couple slowed down acoustic tracks before heading back to Fader Lounge. Is that where I went after? Oh yes. I was rushing everyone because of Annuals. This was at 6 pm and already I was stumbling. My goodness. Back to the land of free Red Stripe. Ran into the Birdmonster boys and began to exclaim my love for Annuals. Too bad the sound in Fader Lounge destroyed their set. Saw Adam outside afterwards and he didn't seem too pleased. I told him not to worry and that I'd burn the album for everyone so they'd know how awesome they are. He said that was ok. He's cool.

Hopped in a cab with my intern and headed west to my alma matter. We picked up some 40's in the deli and snuck them into NYU. I felt like a badass. The venue at NYU made me realize where all my money went to for those four years. It's almost too nice. You can sit in very comfy chairs, which caused Jerry to leave early on. He didn't think people would rock out. Oh, but they did. I remember a bunch of kids up on the stage. One of them took his shirt off. I remember wanting to go up there too.

I heart The Wrens.

Yet another band that makes me happy in a completely different way. Their songs are just so damn good. It sounded amazing in that venue and I was so pleased I made it to see them. Maybe my highlight of the week. Seeing The Wrens is always such an awesome experience.

Up next were The Walkmen who I hadn't seen in quite some time. They started out their set strong and Sean and I finished my 40. My intern drank one on her own. She's awesome. After the band played "The Rat" and I rocked my little socks off, I got really sleepy. The Walkmen didn't do much for me after that and I think I took my CMJ nap for a couple minutes. Felt nice.

Said goodbye to silly NYU and made it back to home turf. Met up with Nora and The Changes at El Sobrero for some margaritas. Yummy. Followed Piper to Annex where there was some horrific band on stage. Popped downstairs for a smoke and then tried to finish my vodka tonic. At that point I was happy to still be standing. It was time to go to sleep.

CMJ is kicking my ass.