Out Dragging The River

Cause we're out dragging the river, trying to find something missing. But everyone we know is here and nothing that we have is gone...

There are five words I never thought I'd utter out of my mouth or on this blog: I live in Staten Island.

You see, before I met Pat, I never really thought anything of this borough. It never dawned on me to take the Staten Island Ferry, or that I'd one day be living there, in a house, with a car. Am I on my way to the white picket fence? Not exactly. But yet the only reactions I've received so far are either the obligatory: "so when are you guys getting married," or the more offensive, "Wow, you are so old." I cringe at the originality.

I am only 24. I don't think that I should be defined by my age, or that by moving out of the city and moving in with a guy that consistently makes me laugh should be anything of negative connotation. I'm sure one day I'll marry him, but I don't think that is going to be anytime soon. But it is to be noted that this is the only person that tells me I'm weird on a daily basis, and because of that, makes me smile.

I wish I could pinpoint the exact moment in which I decided I had to please everyone. It's funny, when I was a kid, I was so sure of myself that I was almost the class bitch -- the queen bee who would be friends with one person one day and then disregard them the next. It's amazing how that confidence and power can fade with time, as I now am constantly seeking everyone's approval, and frankly it's exhausting. Because I like going home after work, cooking dinner, and watching one of the million TV shows I'm currently addicted to. Sure, I like going out once in a while but gone are the days of 4 o'clock bar hops, random strangers, and wasted days. How I ever survived that lifestyle is beyond me, because looking back, I don't think I was happy.

Let's talk about something I do enjoy: driving. We took all of a savings and decided to lease a car, in spite of the crumbling economy and high gas prices. Sure, I no longer have the luxury of 24-hour bodegas at every corner, Whole Foods, or the millions of takeout options like I had living in the city, but now I can drive! I forgot how much fun it is to sing at the top of your lungs...I always get such strange looks on the subway when I do that.

Side note: the ultimate combination is, however, driving and smoking a cigarette (close second to a cup of coffee, of course). I do miss that.

In short, life changes, and it can change quickly but in this past year of all the mishaps and chaos that I've experienced, I always knew that it was me who was making those choices. Maybe the little queen bee is buzzing out of me again. Watch out.

Mason Proper's fantastic album Olly Oxen Free is now out on Dovecote Records. Buy it here, here, or here as soon as you possibly can. It's most definitely a contender for #1 album of the year.

Friendship

I froze my hands
Broke my fingers off
Gave them to my friends as a gift
Because a rift has formed between us.

I always loved that line from Mason Proper's song "Friendship." It's one of those very strange images that makes complete sense once you hear it, but for only a split second, of course. It's charming and disturbing—the kind of dichotomy I fall in love with.

Irony is a funny thing. I have spent the past two weeks basically cleaning up my life, feeling guilty about removing parts that I've held so dear, and taking on new occurrences, thoughts, dreams. It's actually my dreams that are throwing me for a loop, the subconscious ones and not, which can battle and befriend at the same time. But in a swift move of "a ha" my computer died yesterday, the hard drive completely failed, and all the things that I had always planned on holding on to, have been removed from my life. And somehow I'm left without a job, without a computer, and paralleling one of my favorite shows on television. Sure, I'm on no island, but I am trying to figure out what the hell is going on around me.

Luckily, I tend to be an eternal optimist. And frankly, I always think that things happen for a reason so I'm off to search exactly what one is. Who knows, maybe this time next week everything will have changed again.

Of course, it only really takes one thing to lift my spirits, and anything pop culture related pleases me to the core. Which is why I was thrilled to see my name forever imprinted on the wonderful USA Today Pop Culture blog. Click here to read about my silly obsessions with Ethan Hawke, Felicity, and a lot of other embarrassing moments. It was incredibly fun.

In related news, I came in fifth on my first ever Hollywood Draft. Thanks Heath for getting me the most points. (Too soon?)

--
"Friendship" by Mason Proper is found on their recently released Shorthand EP, which can be purchased on iTunes.

Mason Proper - "Fish Eyes"

I was lucky enough today to receive a personal email from the always delightful Jonathan Visger of Mason Proper fame, to shed light on his recent solo project. His first 4-song solo EP, North South Part I is currently available for only $3, in high quality mp3, with audio samples of all the songs available at secrettunnelgroup.com. I've listened to the EP at least 17 times today, and let me tell you—it's worth a lot more than a measly 3 dollars. I've always had a hard time pinpointing Mason Proper's sound, and Visger makes it even harder this time. But if I had to, I'd call it something of a lo-fi industrial pop. Whatever, just know that it's good.

Visit the site and sign up for the email list, and you'll immediately be sent a link where you can download the song "Fish Eyes" for free, and you'll also receive a free new song from Mason Proper song!

You can also check out "Fish Eyes" and "The Stupidest Thing" on his MySpace. "Fish Eyes" is officially my obsession of the day.

Upcoming WOXY Lounge Acts

I just squealed in glee.

This Thursday, January 10th - Jukebox The Ghost 2:00
This Friday, January 11th - The Muggabears 1:00
Wednesday January 16th - Mason Proper 3:00
Wednesday January 30th - Ra Ra Riot (special evening session) 7:30

www.woxy.com

CMJ '07: A Quick Recap

Well, it's over. And I'm still exhausted, but satisfied. I had a great week working and hanging out at Indaba and meeting tons of people along the way. First of all, a HUGE thanks goes out to the wonderful folks at Indaba Music for letting Seth and I take over their work and home space for an amazing lineup of bands. Every person that climbed those stairs was happy they did in the end, and we couldn't have had such a great time without them. All of the bands that played were simply wonderful. I'll have all my pics and a couple videos up in a bit, but for now..let's look at what went on this week.

Best Show (Other Than Indaba): We Are Wolves @ Annex. Wasn't expecting these guys to do much for me live, but I was totally blown away. Talk about a nice way to rock out on a Thursday night. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Worst Show: Black Kids @ Annex. Perhaps due to the technical difficulties, but it was an uncomfortable show going experience. Took the band too long to get on stage, and when they finally did, after one song their guitar amp blew out. I still like the band, from the four songs I've heard, but would have passed on this had I known it would have ended this way.

Overrated Act: Cut Off Your Hands. One big "eh".

Underrated Act: Tim Williams. Saw him twice and was completely blown away both times. His album is quickly rising to the top of my favorites this year, and his live show has been brought to new levels with his band. Totally amazing. Followed, of course by Wakey!Wakey!, Mason Proper and...

Best crowd: Jukebox The Ghost @ Indaba. Holy Crap! Packed to capacity and all singing along. I found myself front and center of a sweaty sweaty room and the boys just nailed each number to their adoring fans. The "yeah's yeahs" during "Good Day" was classic. Close second? The intense fans at the Jesse Lacey and Vince Accardi show at Mercury. Pretty cool to see first hand.

Best meet up: Shiv from WOXY! I heard his voice across the way at San Loco and couldn't have mistaken it for anything. Was so nice to finally meet the guy, albeit short. Followed by West Coast favorites, Princeton and Let's Go Sailing.

Best panel: The Almighty Blog. Was horribly disappointed the day before sitting through "PR On A Shoestring" (where they blatantly bashed blogs and gave no help for bands trying to get their names out on a small budget) but was brought back to sanity by the amazing panel for "The Almighty Blog." It was nice to see a very diverse panel with a unique conversation about where we are going in this crazy world of musical journalism.

I didn't see a whole lot outside of Indaba, but must say I had a great week seeing some of my favorite people and bands. Can't say I'm not ready to get back into a regular schedule though. My TV is calling me...

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!

don't be impressed

I began looking at old blog posts the other night and became a little sad that I no longer have time (or really, the energy) to keep this thing going. So I'm going to try and change that. My problem is that now that blogs have become such a big deal, I feel all this pressure to make every post worthwhile. That wasn't why I started this, and let's face it, I was never that impressive of a blogger. I gush about the same bands over and over again, write nonsensical reviews, and tell you how in love I am with (insert indie rock band here). And I was okay with that. And maybe some of you were too. So I'm back, to tell you, that I'm not here to impress.

What will impress you is the amount of shows I've been going to lately and the music I've been listening to (yay for new iPod!) I'll get to some new stuff soon (probably without MP3s, because I never remember to upload those), so you'll actually have to do some reading instead of stealing. Imagine that!

I'm not really sure where to begin. I've been at the Seaport every Friday. I saw 77 drummers play one Saturday afternoon. I saw the Decemberists for the first time and managed not to cringe during Grizzy Bear. Oh, and I brought my interns karaoking where I belted out Mandy Moore and Blind Melon. See! I told you I started to get out again.

But let's go recent with a show last weekend at Madison Square Garden. Yes, I went to MSG and yes, I saw Dispatch. Before you point your finger at me and laugh, I ask you to open up your mind a little bit and hear me out. For those of you who have read this blog for some time, you know about my musical history and Dispatch was a big part of it (although Guster, much bigger). So I wanted to go. I went on my own accord. And dammit, I had a blast.

See at these types of shows I feel free to have a good time. If I'm stuck in Mercury Lounge with a bunch of industry know it alls and hispters du jour, I will stand there planted and not move an inch. Because when I do start, my moves aren't of appropriate behavior by those peoples standards. But while at MSG with a bunch of high schoolers smoking pot around me, I danced my little behind, sang really loudly, and did the finger point. If you don't know what that is, you are better off.

I managed to actually use my trip to nostalgia for work, and interviewed Pete Francis of Dispatch for the CMJ Blog. You can read that, and see some pictures right here. If you want to be mean about it, don't, because it was all for Zimbabwe.

Last night I drank too many margaritas and headed over to Mercury Lounge (the place I'm not allowed to dance) to catch Underrated favorites Mason Proper. I've gushed about this band so much that you don't need to know anything more, except that I have decided that if I had enough confidence to front a band, I'd act exactly like lead singer Jonathan Visger. I love his spasms. It makes the show so incredible to watch. You can read my review here.

The band even managed to come to our office today for a super acoustic performance. It sure is fun having a job where you can see some of your favorite bands during your lunch break. With pizza in hand I hummed along to the four-song set, and was very excited to hear a cool b-side "Travelling Man (The Pond)." You can read that post here.

It's a busy weekend ahead, and I'm already tired just thinking about it. Tonight is Seaport and accompanying Pat to go grab a copy of Harry Potter (I'm not really a member of Pottermania, but I'll observe). Tomorrow Siren Fest and McCarren on Sunday. One of these days I'll take a night off to relax, but it doesn't look like any time soon.

I leave you with my grin of the day (new column perhaps? nah). White Rabbits performed on Letterman last night and they are the first band I know of that didn't look totally scared shitless when on national TV for the first time. In fact, they sound pretty spectacular. Check out the video below. Yay!

the world is smaller than you think

I never got to tell you about the Birdmonster/Mason Proper/Jena Malone show. It started out with a bit of a surreal moment when I was walking towards the Gramercy and saw Birdmonster's name on the marquee. I just realized now I never remembered to ask them if this was the first time they have had that, and if so, how it felt. I can say I got some chills, just seeing how far these boys have come. It's always nice when hard working bands start to get the recognition they deserve.

Gramercy Theater is not as bad as I expected it to be, although that doesn't necessarily mean that it's all that great. Half finished and expensive drinks will be what I will remember, however the sound wasn't terrible (save Birdmonster for some reason) and there is a slanted floor (helps for us short folks). We arrived in time to see Miss Jena Malone and Her Bloodstains, and she was every bit as awkward and weird as I imagined her to be. I'm not sure if this is just her stage persona or she was actually on that many drugs, but at points it was almost painful. She doesn't have a terrible voice, but she's so bizarre (in not a good way) on stage that you feel uncomfortable watching her. Direct quote from the star of Saved!: "These lights are so beautiful. It is so beautiful like a Saturday. But it feels like a Tuesday. But it is Saturday."

Riiight.

My Mason Proper boys were up next and I remembered just how much I have listened to their debut album, because I started singing along every frickin word to every wonderful song. Lead singer Jonathan Visgr is a delight to watch. His spastic moves are endearing and the rest of the band compliments him well. I mean, they have a suitcase on stage that is used as an instrument. How could you not love them? They also opened with "Friendship," which isn't on their album but has quickly become a favorite. Catch these guys when they are back in town, you will not be disappointed.

This is why I love Mason Proper.

And last, but certainly not least were the Birdmonsters. By this time I had had my fair share of gin, and when you mix me and alcohol with Birdmonster performing live, I will not cease to embarrass myself. Luckily I stuck to the back of the room this time around, and persisted to jump and scream and sing along without too many strange looks. I wish the crowd could have been more into the show, because the boys played their hearts out this time around. If you haven't heard their new songs, you must. They aren't too much of a departure from what you know and love, but definitely show a level of maturity in composition and song writing.

Since it was the last night of the tour with Mason Proper, the boys joined Birdmonster on stage for a rowdy rendition of "Spaceman". It's always nice to see bands you love get along so well, and even be able to collaborate musically. And then Birdmonster played my three all time favorite songs for a deserved encore (if I remember correctly): Resurrection Song, Janine, All The Holes. Oh and they played Ball Of Yarn before that too. Basically it was pretty spectacular and I will never, ever, not have fun seeing these guys play live. I assume they'll be back before we know it, hopefully with more new songs in hand.

I now think I hold the record for posts about Birdmonster. I'm not ashamed.

Birdmonster vs. Mason Proper

In case you didn't know, two of my favorite bands are currently on tour right now. They will both be in New York this Saturday at Gramercy Theater, so you are a fool if you don't buy your tickets asap. Oh, and did I mention Miss Jena Malone and her Bloodstains will be opening? Oh yes. This will be interesting.

Anyways, I came across this hilarious myspace bulletin that Mason Proper posted that gives you a little insight into their tour thus far. Here is an excerpt.

detroit
was the jam
it was a small crowd
because it was tuesday
and mew was playing a mile away
and it was pouring rain
and many other excuses that i make to sluff off responsibility
but the people that WERE there
were the greatest persons in the history of persons
and those that came to love on birdmonster
loved on mason proper
and those that came to love on mason proper
loved on birdmonster
and mason proper and birdmonster loved on each other
and i guess that means it was kind a big gross love orgy
but you should've been there
because there was an epic ping pong battle between
zac mason proper
and
justin birdmonster
and when the smoke cleared
justin stood,
paddle smoking,
over zac's ping pong ball-addled corpse
and so we had to have zach birdmonster be our zac for the night

Genius.

Mason Proper recently did a lounge session for WOXY. You can download that here.

Birdmonster debuted some brand spanking new songs on MPR which turned out to be an amazing acoustic set. I can't wait to here these new songs again, and until Saturday, you can stream the performance here.

The boys also stopped by Sirius' Blog Radio and Dodge has some mp3s. Sah-weet.

See you Saturday.

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.

Blog Show #20

From now on, every 10 shows Nora and I will recap the past bunch of artists. This way, you won't forget just how awesome they are. And our clever banter. And something else...that I can't remember right now. I'm so tired.

But seriously, this is a great mix so do head on over to www.breakthruradio.com and click on "The Blog Show." It's a nice collection for this rainy rainy day.

Playlist!
Let's Call It Off - Peter Bjorn & John
Elegy - Beat Radio
Why Not Me? - Locksley
Pile Of Gold - The Blow
Fille A Plumes - Malajube
Labyrinthian Pomp - Of Montreal
All The Days - Aeroplane Pageant
Our Lies + Your Smile - Via Audio
30 Helens Agree - Morning Theft
So Far We Are - French Kicks
Calendar - Bishop Allen
Trouble - Voxtrot
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Closer - Hourly Radio
Ex-Girl Collection - The Wrens
Like Cursing Kids - Kevin Devine
No Ace - Seth Kallen & The Reaction
The World Is Smaller Than You Think - Mason Proper
Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs

Wake me up when it's the weekend.

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.

Mason Proper - There Is A Moth On Your Chest | Tour w/ Birdmonster

People tend to ask me what I'm listening to. I don't know why but apparently I'm somewhat of a music addict, who feeds on new music and usually can't keep quiet about it. And while I keep thinking I'm about to go into some sort of musical rut, something keeps coming along that reminds me that there are far too many bands out there, and only one of me. The odds, my friends, are in my favor.

2007 has started off strong for me. When I am not listening to local favorites White Rabbits, or a few guilty pleasures (Mika, anyone?), I have been habitually picking apart Mason Proper's debut album There Is A Moth On My Chest. I first wrote about this band in December, and seeing them play for the first time really sealed the deal. And now that I've got a copy of their album, thanks to Dovecote Records, it's really all I can listen to anymore.

What I need to tell you is that it is good. No, this is not just the type of good that you'll listen to for a week, really like, and then move on. This is not the type of good that you are just waiting for the band to really find their sound for their next album, and that will be better. And this is not the type of good that is easily accessible, or too far-fetched to be considered ordinary.

No, my friends. This is a different type of good.

This is the type of good that reminds you of every band you loved. Equally early 90's rock, influenced by some of the greatest indie rock gods of our time, it's straightforward and the perfect amount of quirky. I'd hate to make comparisons because you'd easily laugh at me, so instead I'll tell you that this is likeable rock, with a little bit of fuzz, a little bit melody, and a whole lot of fun. You will dance. You will pick apart the lyrics. You'll wonder what pedals or what production tricks they'd use. But in the end, you'll say...this is frickin good.

And because I can never keep my mouth shut, I happened to mention to the Birdmonsters about my new obsession (they've experienced this first hand, after all) and now the two have decided to do a little tour together. And how happy is this girl? Well, I'm sure you get this by now.

Go pre-order Mason Proper's debut There Is A Moth On Your Chest over at Dovecote Records right now and get a free 7" Picture Disc of "My My (Bad Fruit)" with exclusive B-side "Traveling Man" AND a free poster signed by the band!

So download these below, order the album, and I'll see you at the shows.

Mason Proper - My My (Bad Fruit)

Mason Proper - Miss Marylou Carreau

Mason Proper - 100 Years

Mason Proper - Carousel! Carousel!

and in case you forgot...

Birdmonster - Cause You Can

Birdmonster & Mason Proper Tour:
Mar 24 - The Subterranean - Chicago, Illinois
Mar 25 - Mad Hatter Club - Covington, Kentucky
Mar 27 - Lager House - Detroit, Michigan
Mar 28 - The Horseshoe - Toronto, Ontario
Mar 30 - The Middle East Upstairs - Cambridge, Massachusetts
Mar 31 - The Gramercy Theatre - New York, New York (buy tickets here)

Blog Show #18: We're legal!

Okay, so I have to tell you that I'm totally obsessed with the Mason Proper album (pre-order here), so that is going to need a separate post altogether. But I can tell you that you should listen to this week's "Blog Show" because I play three songs off the album, plus we have three other super bands.

I also almost kill Nora by show's end, right before we play a new Arcade Fire song, so if that's not reason enough I don't know what is.

Click here to listen, and don't forget to be our friend on myspace.

Playlist!

Deaf Ears - The Hourly Radio
Crime Does Pay - The Hourly Radio
Please Forget - The Hourly Radio

My My (Bad Fruit) - Mason Proper
Mr. Charm - Mason Proper
100 Years - Mason Proper

The Fatalist - Robbers On High Street
Spanish Teeth - Robbers On High Street
Japanese Girls - Robbers On High Street

Tell Me - Catfish Haven
Too Hungover To Headbang - Catfish Haven
Crazy For Leaving - Catfish Haven

Intervention - Arcade Fire

Mason Proper @ Pianos

[pic via bethanythanks]

Despite battling a pretty nasty headcold, I have managed to have a pretty crazy week. While walking over to Pianos with Katie on Wednesday night, I told her that I had been in a bit of a musical rut lately. I go through phases when every show I go to I'm blown away, and other times when nothing catches my fancy. Lately I've been listening and seeing the same bands I have known and loved for ages. I needed something new to latch on to. I was hoping Mason Proper just might be one of them.

From the little I knew about this band, they held high on my list of bands to check out. I had been told I'd like them by multiple sources, and their plays on WOXY alone sealed the deal. A signee to Dovecote Records, they are in the right hands. But I expected the worst, and hoped for the best. You never really know these days.

Their show at Pianos was very much like the first time I saw Aberdeen City on the same stage. I was, for lack of a better word, wowed. It's nice to see bands these days who actually have a tight and concise set. Katie and I played the "this band meets that band meets another band" for who they sounded like, but I’ll spare you from the lame comparisons. I hate matching bands to others.

All you need to know is this band puts on a roaring live set with an array of instruments, fronted by a charming boy in glasses that likes to flail his arms about while singing. Their sound is universally approachable, while still refreshingly simple. Forget all those silly experimental indie bands that make songs sound like pure noise. Mason Proper has found a way to incorporate noise into catchy little tunes.

Their album There Is A Moth In Your Chest will be available nationwide on March 13. You can pre-order the album right now and receive a 7-inch picture disc with a B-side entitled 'Traveling Man." Head on over to Dovecote Records for more info or check out the band on myspace.

I'm assuming/hoping the band will be down in Austin for SXSW to play some shows and promote the new album. I need to see them at least five more times.

Mason Proper - My My (Bad Fruit)

100 Years | Mason Proper

I've been meaning to post about Mason Proper, but am still waiting for a copy of their album. Humph. Meanwhile, I've been rocking to the free songs on their website over and over again, and am quite confident in saying that this band will blow up in the new year. You heard it here first. (Or maybe, second or third. I never know)

But why, you ask? Oh well let's just think about it. They basically have everything going for them. Classic indie pop with a dark sensibility, pulling from (dare I say it?) the likes of Sonic Youth or The Pixies. Grand claims, I know. But I hear it. And I like where this is heading.

But please don't write them off as just another regurgitation of music past. This Michigan band teeters on experimental just to the point that I can handle it. To those you know, I don't really "get" a lot of those crazed experimental indie bands. Mason Proper goes a bit out of the comfort zone, while still keeping it listener friendly. Good job.

The band's debut There Is A Moth In Your Chest will be out on Dovecote Records in the new year. Check out the band on myspace and visit their visually painful music section of their website for a bunch of mp3s.

Here's an old version and a new tune to get you started. In case you care, "100 Years" is my favorite.

Mason Proper - 100 Years

Mason Proper - My My (Bad Fruit)

Post-Turkey Mix

I didn't listen to a lot of music this past weekend. Most of the time I was sitting in my apartment watching Top Chef marathons, What Not To Wear (my roommate has given me this wonderful addiction) or countless cheesy movies while sniffling and coughing away. I was on a good amount of medication. If I sat in my room and just listened to music, I probably would have passed out.

However, I am back and breathing fairly normally again, and it feels nice to be out in public. The only time I went out was to take the puppy to the dog run at Tompkins Square, which is maybe the most fun place on earth. You can oooh and awww over so many dogs, and play around with them all day. It helped put a smile on my face during a quite depressing break.

Back to music loving and appreciation, so here's a mix I came up with this morning to help pump me back up into reality. Enjoy.

La Rocca - This Life

Matt Pond Pa - Deer Season

The Biggest Lovers - Threadbare

Blow - Eat Your Heart Up

Tally Hall - Smile Like You Mean It (Killers cover)

Deerhoof - Believe E.S.P. (link removed per request)

Field Music - Give It Lose It Take It

Lo-Fi-FINK - Adore

Robbers On High Street - The Fatalist

Mason Proper - 100 Years

Asobi Seksu - Strawberries

Mazarin - December's Coming