Don't Be Sore, Farmer John

I've diagnosed myself. After months of doctors, therapists, friends and a few too many glasses of wine I've figured it all out. I burned out: mentally, physically, emotionally. I needed a step back to look at what was most important to me, to acknowledge that I'm still young and have the rest of my life to be successful, and start reevaluating myself inside and out.

I stopped eating wheat.

It's funny how it took 24 years for a doctor to actually diagnose me with a food allergy, considering I've gone to doctors for my entire life and even more specialists than I care to count. The rashes, the exhaustion, swelling of my fingers and lips...it all came down to the fact that for an undetermined length of time, my body actually rejected what I unknowingly ate on a daily basis. It's been almost six months now living a gluten-free, dairy-free lifestyle. I can't say it's always easy (I am a New Yorker after all...pizza, bagels, etc) but the pros most definitely outweigh the cons. And because of this, I've started cooking more, finding new recipes and being very conscious of what I am consuming, food and other things alike. But please, I'm still a novice, so feel free to share any tips/recipes in the comments.

I've started to enjoy music.

It's hard to believe that it was over five years ago that I started Underrated at the young age of 19. A friend of mine who I've known since that very beginning told me that I started too young. I never really thought about it that way, but it has infact shed light on why I started to become so jaded towards the end. I burned out. For so long I had engrossed myself in this "music scene"—it was both my personal and my professional life and there was no start or end to the constant craziness it contains.

In short, I stopped having fun.

It's been four months since I quit CMJ and now I work in a completely unrelated field in a job I happen to quite enjoy. When the day is over, I don't think too much about my profession, instead I have the pleasure of unwinding, relaxing, and finding solace in the company I keep. But since most of the company I do keep happens to still be involved in the music industry, I now have an opportunity of being on the outside looking in.

And I quite like the view from here.

The past couple week's I've attended shows as a fan, that person inside of me that got into this whole mess at the very beginning. I've danced and sang along without worrying of who I am impressing, smiling from ear to ear in the mere revelation that this is what I actually enjoy. I questioned that too many times, I think, and now I'm more sure than ever. I love music. But I don't like the music industry, that's for sure.

Tuesday night I found myself at Pianos, a place where I've spent oh so many Tuesday nights before. But this week I felt as if I had a weight lifted off my shoulder. And I happened to catch a set but the wonderful Tereu Tereu who were exactly what I needed to experience—catchy melodies, bouncing rhythm, and a hell of a live show.

It feels good to be back.

tonight! underrated presents The Lisps and Square Wave Punch for Cross Pol!

I'm so sorry. I haven't crawled under a rock and forgotten about you, just been in between apartments and now that I'm finally settled, I want to return to writing here as much as I can. I was thinking about how much time I used to give to this blog and the magazine, as I was walking to work, and it was a funny feeling seeing how much life can change in only a matter of a few months. I now walk past the Chelsea Hotel every day, and I can't help feeling very nostalgic and yet hopeful about how the city, people, and even me will see things come and go, for better or for worse. I'm babbling again, perhaps because I've gotten more than enough sleep this weekend. I really missed my bed.

OK, time to celebrate tonight though. Seriously, come out to Pianos. I want to see all your faces!

My plea:

"Come all ye crazy animals to Pianos this Tuesday night for the weekly Cross Pollination. Underrated has been quiet lately, but we're back with a vengeance teaming up with our good buddies to present an awesome night of music....featuring THE LISPS and Sean from SQUARE WAVE PUNCH.

It will be awesome.

And free.

Tonight. 8 pm. Be there."

Sound good?

The Changes @ Pianos | Fujiya & Miyagi @ Mercury | Band Of The Week: Coconut Records

I never had much luck traveling. I've been home from Austin since Monday and yet my suitcase has yet to arrive. After many hours on the phone with Delta (the devil), the guaranteed times have been anything but guaranteed. It's almost laughable now, if it was not for my antibiotics that are in there that I so desperately need. My newly brunette (but always logical) roommate tells me you cannot become addicted to antibiotics, but I beg to differ. I have always defied science. And I need them. I don't want tonsillitis to come back for the ninth time. Sigh.

But I have not been sitting at home crying over spilt milk, or lost luggage. Instead, I've continued the craziness that was SXSW and hit up some more shows. On Tuesday, I caught the always loveable The Changes at Pianos. They actually were the last band I saw during SXSW, and the first one since I have been back. Imagine that! So for all you haters who think I only see three bands all the time, it's kinda true. I'm still okay with it.

The Changes premiered some brand spanking new songs which Nora and I immediately have fallen for. It's pretty incredible to see this band progress. They were pretty spectacular to begin with, but now their live shows are passionate, tight, and my favorite front man Darren Spitzer has officially broken out of his shell. Cannot wait to hear what these boys have in store for their second album.

After Pianos, Pat and I ran over to Mercury Lounge to check out one of my top 10 bands to see at SXSW, who I didn't actually manage to see. Good thing they stopped by NYC before heading home to the UK. I really didn't know what to expect from Fujiya & Miyagi. I liked what I had heard, and was intrigued enough to catch them live. The set they delivered was jam-packed of funky deliciousness, with no stopping from song to song. The entire room immediately got into this crazy groove, a feat I hadn't seen happen in Mercury Lounge for some time. Their songs, while all quite similar, were executed in fashion, precisely what I want when I see a band for the first time.

Speaking of seeing bands for the first time, I sure hope Mr. Jason Schwartzman and his new project Coconut Records goes on tour pretty damn soon. I got the album Nighttiming and I'm already a believer. It's one of those albums that is sad and sweet, with Schwartzman the ringleader in your mood. If he's happy, you'll be happy. But he can get a little dark sometimes, so watch yourself. All in all, not a perfect album by any means, but just as scatterbrained as I imagine Schwartzman is in real life. And that in itself is awfully charming.

You can listen to a couple songs on their myspace. Here are my two favorites.

Coconut Records - Summer Day

Coconut Records - West Coast

i heart kristoffer ragnstam, as well as every other band it seems

Ah, here you are. I knew there was some place I was supposed to rehash my silly shenanigans other than towards my friends. I knew there was a reason for the overabundance of eye rolling as of late. See! One plus of the internet. I can't see your reaction. Horray.

So where did we leave off? Ah yes! Jukebox The Ghost, to whom I declared my new favorite band (in their presence) while toasting a shot (I may have drank a bit too much on Saturday). But in all seriousness, this band made quite an impression. I had never seen them live, but for the past few weeks I have made a killing on their few songs I possess. I spent the better part of their set jumping around and singing out all the words. I really have no shame.

The trio hammered out an extremely enjoyable set to a packed crowd for the early hour on a Saturday night. I was sad to see it end, to be quite honest. Just when I was beginning to get over the initial shock (wow, they really are that good), they started to pack up their stuff. Perhaps that's the reason I drank so much that night -- I must have been in denial.

For better and more coherent ramblings on the awesome show, check out Pop Tarts Suck Toasted or The Music Slut's posts. And keep a lookout for this band. They are coming back at'cha this summer with a Piano's residency. Mmhmm, I knew that they'd make an impression.

Speaking of making an impression. This week I managed to have yet another awkward interview with Voxtrot's Ramesh, and yet another gush-worthy interview with Nic Harcourt. It's funny, both I have interviewed before in my past journalistic experiences. I'd like to think I now have a different outlook, nay approach to my interviews working for a legit publication. Nope, still the same ol' me. It's been a crazy last couple weeks here at CMJ, but my, I never knew how much I missed the actual act of reporting. And even  though I complain on a daily basis, and would rather stay in my nice warm bed and watch 24 all day, I'm pretty gosh darn thrilled that I ended up where I have. It's all been quite surreal.

But yes! Let's talk about music. Because I've actually been listening to some new music and hopefully I'll get back into writing succinct posts about each. But for now, I'll just let you in on my latest find, Mr. Kristoffer Ragnstam (don't ask me to pronounce that) who we did a news story on today, and now that I've listened to him he's one of my new favorite peeps to keep an eye on (there should be a list of those somewhere in my head). Not only is he a cutie mc cute (always a requirement, isn't it?) but his electro fueled pop is almost like a toned down Tom Vek with a little bit more pop. Plus, he's Swedish. He'll be at SXSW, so it is now my goal to make sure I catch at least one show. Wish me luck.

Kristoffer Ragnstam - Breakfast By The Mattress

Speaking of SXSW, I am indeed going for the second year in the row. I haven't had a second to comb through all the emails or schedules, so I'm hoping I can tag along with either Nora or Wes and they will have some sort of plan of action. But something tells me they are thinking exactly the same thing.

I'll also be mulling around with the Birdmonster boys (who just kicked off their ridiculous cross-country tour) and our Ra Ra Riot friends (whose EP you can finally now pre-order.) And yes, Tally Hall will be bringing their tie-wearing selves down south as well. I can't wait to follow those boys around.

Needless to say, I'm psyched. That's all for now.

Just kidding. Here is a brand spanking new track off of Ra Ra Riot's new EP. I've heard some more tracks and shista, they are good.

Enjoy this one for now.

Ra Ra Riot - Each Year In Our Graves

Underrated Presents: Jukebox The Ghost

It's been a while since I've latched onto a band. Okay, that's a total lie. It happens on a regular basis, but I'd like to pretend that it's much more special than that. Because, in truth, it actually is. At least for me. See now that I'm super busy all the time (trust me, I'd rather have the opposite) these posts will be less regular but when I do post, do know that they are worthwhile. And this is one to take note of.

Let me introduce you to this band named Jukebox The Ghost. They are from DC. They are a trio. And they will make you happy. Not just "whew this is fun," no sir. This is what I listen to every single morning on my way to work to ensure I have a good day. Because when you are listening to Jukebox The Ghost, every thing just seems so dandy.

I love pop music. This is no surprise to anyone who knows me. I like songs that are memorable, bands that put on a good show, and music that is different but accessible. Jukebox The Ghost fills that niche just perfectly. Their piano driven vaudeville act is creative and cool, like a hip Ben Folds, or a Rufus correlated into something concise, authentic, and sweet. For every sing along there's a surprising change of pace, and for every happy-go-lucky note there's an unexpected lyric. Each turn and twist you go through with this band is worthwhile. Because in the end? You absolutely adore them.

This is, after all, only hearing a handful of songs. But trust me, I think I've listened to them enough times to understand that I really like this band. And the more I hear, the more I will love them more.

So come out on Saturday, at 8 PM sharp at Pianos and let me introduce to you your new favorite band.

Here are hot off the presses exclusive MP3s for you to enjoy. Learn all the words. I want to see you sing.

Jukebox The Ghost - Hold It In
Jukebox The Ghost - Good Day

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)

Song Of The Week: Outrageous | Matt Singer

Last week, I found myself hanging out at Cross Pollination (my favorite weekly show in the city, by far), watching New York's own Matt Singer perform. I had met Matt a couple weeks prior, or maybe months (who knows these days) and he had given me a copy of his debut All Us Heathens. It found its way on to my iTunes soon after, and every time a song came on I realized how much I liked him, but for some reason or another, never got around to posting that thought.

So here we are. After he performed the comical and clever "Outrageous" at Pianos that Tuesday night, I promised myself I would get it up on the blog as soon as possible. Yes, I'm a little slow these days, but promises are always kept.

"Outrageous" was met to a roaring applause with just the opening guitar hook, and I knew I was in for something special. Performed live, you appreciate the personable execution of a very catchy and crafty tune. The lyrics alone are performed as if it is a therapy session of sorts, with Matt expressing his thoughts on everything from being the fat kid, to snorting lines with unrequited loves, to having a hairy back. I kid you not. Everyone will find their favorite part, but the jury is still out on me -- I can't pick just one moment. It's all so good.

Matt Singer will be opening for The Undisputed Heavyweights at Joe's Pub NEXT WEEK (January 25). You must be there. And Matt must sing this song. You can buy tickets here. Don't delay, it's sure to sell out.

Matt Singer - Outrageous

Cold War Kids Bi-Costal Residency

I admit I like the idea of residencies. If there's a band I love and they put together a residency, you can guarantee I'll be there for all shows. I'm just like that. I like routine, and god help me if I can ever get enough live shows under my belt. I wonder if there's a record for how many live shows one human being has seen. Hmm, I should look into that...

However I can't help but express my concern for Cold War Kids. They have taken it upon themselves to embark in a bi-costal residency, switching back and forth from dates in LA and NYC. Talk about jetlag. My only hope is that they have managed to fly first class and have a lot of Ambien. I know I couldn't deal with all that traveling. Good luck my friends.

I hopefully will be attending one of these shows. If my roommate finds out they are here and I couldn't get her a ticket, she's going to be pissed. I've created a monster.

All dates below..

01/10/07 New York, NY @ Pianos
01/12/07 Los Angeles, CA @ The Fold in Silverlake Lounge
01/17/07 New York, NY @ Union Hall
01/19/07 Los Angeles, CA @ The Fold in Silverlake Lounge
01/24/07 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
01/26/07 Los Angeles, CA @ Spaceland
02/20/07 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
02/22/07 West Hollywood, CA @ Troubadour
02/23/07 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
02/24/07 Santa Cruz @ The Attic
03/02/07 Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
03/03/07 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
03/04/07 Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck
03/06/07 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
03/07/07 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave at the Eagles Club
03/08/07 Madison, WI @ The Annex
03/09/07 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
03/10/07 Columbia, MI @ Mojo's
03/12/07 Little Rock, AR @ Juanita's
03/14/07 Dallas, TX @ Gypsy Tea Room & Ballroom
03/19/07 New Orleans, LA @ The Republic
03/20/07 Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder
03/21/07 Orlando, FL @ The Social
03/22/07 St. Augustine, FL @ Cafe 11
03/23/07 Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
03/24/07 Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
03/26/07 Mt. Pleasant, SC @ Village Tavern
03/27/07 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
03/28/07 Washington D.C. @ Nightclub 9:30
03/29/07 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
03/30/07 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
03/31/07 Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street Night Club
04/02/07 Montreal, Quebec @ La Sala Rossa
04/03/07 Ottawa, Ontario @ Zaphod Beeblebrox
04/04/07 Toronto, Ontario @ The Mod Club
04/06/07 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
04/07/07 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

Song Of The Week: ancient as the stars no. 2 | Beat Radio

I was just beginning to make a mix for a "welcome back" from turkey vacay, but I couldn't just let this song get lost in the...mix. Beat Radio, a NYC band who has always been at the top of my list, has just released their debut album The Great Big Sea for FREE on their website. Yes. Free.

The whole album is simply fantastic, but I have always had a soft spot for "Ancient As The Stars" ever since I first heard that demo. It was a year ago that I saw them play for the first time. And yes, I still adore the song.

The newer version is even better than the first, adding in some banjo, which is always an underrated instrument. But seriously, go check out the whole LP. Did I mention it's free?

Beat Radio - Ancient As The Stars no 2

Beat Radio is playing The Lucky Cat in Brooklyn this Saturday as well as the Product Shop NYC party on December 23 at Pianos.

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 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.