Tim Fite, Pela @ Sin-e | The Lisps @ Mo Pitkins

It's almost as if I never left Austin. I swear I told myself on my flight back that I'd take it easy this week, have a little mini detox, and let the indie rock bands of today frolic around New York without my attendance. But no. Somehow I found this relentless stamina that has caused me to continue the party, with my hands up in the air.

Last night I celebrated the fact that it was Friday. In perhaps one of the longest weeks ever (thanks to my suitcase being lost and arriving four days late), as soon as I was done with work I decided it was officially weekend. I headed over to the Beev party at Sin-e early enough to catch a band called Fun. In short, they were not so fun. So we shall just move on.

What happened next was completely unexpected. I had heard from many reliable sources that Tim Fite was somewhat of a genius. Never had I heard one track. Never had I seen a picture. In fact, I don't even think I knew he was a rapper. But I trusted my sources. Fite happened to be outside while I was smoking a cigarette and I noticed him putting on a jump suit over his three piece suit. This was the first sign that what was to come would be very strange indeed.

I am the last person in the world to speak about hip-hop, so I will tell you what I found intriguing about last night's performance. First of all, Fite is a total kook, in the most endearing way. His facial expressions deserve to have their own spotlight, as he works with the crowd making them feel welcome and uncomfortable in the same smirk. He sings/raps to a video screen projection of himself, with his brother next to him handling the beats and backup. It had all the elements for me to hate this set, and yet I was completely blown away. The songs in itself are an incredible mix of thought provoking and down right ridiculous. Favorite moment? Singing along to his "Burn Burn Burn" song. I hadn't seen that many white hipster kids get down like that, ever.

Go download his album, for free over at his website. It'll give you a hint at what may be one of the most interesting performers in New York.

And then came Pela. For the last month or so, the minute I sit down at my desk at work, I play their debut album, and its stuck on repeat all day. I don't know what it is, but I've fallen completely head over heels for this band, and last night was my first time seeing them. I know, I know. Everyone else who lives in NY has seen them at least twice. Like I always say, sometimes I really miss out on a lot of things.

Pela is the perfect combination of commercial appeal and indie credibility. The fact that one of their songs was played on Veronica Mars is no surprise to me (and plus I love that show). Lead singer Billy McCarthy has one of those wailing voices a la Alec or Hamilton, and yet it's not quite screechy enough to be considered quirky. This is a good thing. The band as a whole looks so harmless and they have so much fun on stage that you really can't help but fall in love with them. I kept on saying "this is my favorite song!" for each one. That's always a good sign.

It was bittersweet at Sin-e last night, as it was probably the last time I'll be at that venue. Since moving on the same block, it's become a go-to place that always felt like home. The shows I've held there have always been an incredible experience; the staff and bookers were always supportive. I will miss you Sin-e. The number of quality music venues in the Lower East Side is sadly decreasing by the day.

After Pela, we opted not to stay for ShyChild (I love you guys, but had to run!). We hurried up to MoPitkins to see The Lisps who is yet another band that I've heard a lot about and never seen. (Something tells me I should get out more often, right?) I had never seen a band at MoPitkins before, and the space was a little awkwardly set up, but the sound was just right. The Lisps are definitely unlike any other band I've seen out today, with their seriously retro looks, and their male/female battling lyrics. It's almost as if I stepped into a vaudeville act, and yet their sweet and charming songs keep me coming back for more. What stood out to me were the lyrics themselves, and I always appreciate watching a band where you can actually hear and understand what they are trying to express. Couple and lead singers Sammy and Cesar play off each other flawlessly, creating a live show that is endearing and unique. Listening to their music will definitely be a different experience now that I've seen them live. They are a band that you need to put faces, and emotions to the name.

Three (okay four) bands in one night? Not too shabby. Don't forget The Music Slut's party tonight at Delancey, where I plan to camp out for the night. Another batch of bands to add to the week....this is getting fun.

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.

White Rabbits @ Sin-e | More shows, Debut Album News!

So it's been ages since our show that we presented, but I'm getting through them all. And since I found myself surrounded by those dear White Rabbits on Saturday night, celebrating the completion of their debut album. But we'll get that in a bit. Let's talk about the fact that even though I was near-death that fateful Saturday night, I stood front and center for what is officially declared as "my new favorite band" for one of the most enjoyable sets I've seen by the band (and in a short time, I've seen a good amount).



I was afraid that after all of my hype that people might be disappointed. Luckily enough, every single person that I had been telling how much they'll love this band, did in fact love them. And that had to be the greatest feeling ever. Because truth is, this band is pretty fantastic. And it wont be very long that they are being kept secret. Mark my words.

What's most enjoyable about watching this band play is two fold. Not only do they have incredibly addicting and entrancing songs, but they actually look like they are happy to be on stage. Most of my favorite bands put on rowdy live shows. It's part of what makes live music so special. And when you see White Rabbits play, they all have goofy grins on their faces and they feel the music. I know, sounds silly. But it's not that silly if you happen to be grinning and shaking your hips as well. It's a give and take, people. Get ready.

Exhibit A: Goofy grin, below.



I've had an unmastered version of their debut album for a little over a month now, and I can't stop listening to it. Seriously, it's an addiction, and for good measure. But as I said earlier, the record is finally finished and I can inform you now that it will be entitled Fort Nightly and will be out on Say Hey Records May 22.

I know, feels like forever. But totally worth the wait.

White Rabbits will be playing Gothamist's show this Thursday at the new Luna Lounge in Brooklyn. They will also be playing with French Kicks on February 23.

Consider me there for both, goofy grin and all.

(Photos above thanks to Abbey at Punk Photo)

Seth Kallen & The Reaction @ Sin-e | Sideproject: The Lloyds

My my, our show feels like ages ago (has it not even been a week?) but I promised that I'd get up posts on each artist, so here I am with number two. Up second last Saturday was none other than Seth Kallen + The Reaction who actually was the catalyst in the whole evening in the first place. It was Mr. Kallen who had booked the evening and looked to me for expertise (or maybe that was what I said) to fill out the lineup. So if you happened to have fun Saturday night, you have Mr. Kallen to thank.

No one ever believes me when I tell them how old Seth is, because he neither looks nor sounds like he is only 20. And while I feel bad always harboring in on his age, it's impossible to overlook. Saturday night might have been the strongest set from the band, where Seth's vocals filled the entire packed venue. Nora was partial to her new favorite tune "Shiver" but I always love "No Ace" which ended the set. It's got the perfect amount of twang that Seth isn't afraid to let loose. It was an impressive set, and I'm pretty sure all you close-minded hipsters were dancing along during "Who The Funk Are You."

Next time, I wanna hear a Tally Hall cover.

When he's not spending time with his band The Reaction, or thinking up ways to propose to Regina Spektor, Seth can be found working on two different side projects. The first, Algo, is guitarist Frankie Celenza's jazz infused group that is playing a sold out show tonight at Knitting Factory.

The second, which I am most excited about is a folk project entitled The Lloyds (no website just yet). Together with other guitarist Adam Samuels on the mandolin (Nora, contain yourself) and Liz Hanley (violin), they will be introducing new artists on a regular basis to perform and record. I'm very intrigued and curious on how this will all sound, but us New Yorkers might have to wait a little while for them to make their debut. They will kick off the project in Philadelphia on February 23, but no news of a NYC show just yet.

Sure Juror @ Sin-e | Smut For Sale

The first band that played at Sin-e last Saturday was none other than blog band du jour Sure Juror. They didn't show any signs of nerves, but if I were them I would have felt the pressure in the room. After just a four song set during CMJ and a hell of a lot of blog posts about them in the last year, they had a lot to live up to. Hearing "Harry Reems & The Bill Of Rights" during sound check, I knew I was in for something special.

As I expected, they did not disappoint.

I keep trying to put this band into different categories that just do not fit. I want to say they sound like this band or that band, but what makes Sure Juror so gosh darn special is that they really define the word unique. And it keeps getting better. The inclusion of a violin player may be the cool thing to do these days, but it actually gave the band a nice edge. And this band has fun on stage; they don't keep that hidden. Sure Juror looks and sounds like a 24 hour party, complete with drunken sing alongs and snarky sexual advances.

Watch out for this band. If a packed room as the first band on Saturday means anything, I see bright things in their future. Don't forget, the band is kicking off a two-week residency (is it a residency with only two weeks? who knows) at Pianos this Saturday. This week is hosted by Miss Nora and next week is hosted by Mr. Dany (I had to).

See! I told you they were the blog band du jour.

In other news, you can now purchase their second album Smut on iTunes or eMusic. Their first album is available for free on their website.

Music is the Best Medicine

Just in case you want to know, I'd risk my life (and this awful sickness i'm experiencing) to see Peter Bjorn & John either tonight or tomorrow. So if you have an extra ticket and you've been wondering what you'd like to do with it...I'm your girl.

Come on, help this sick child out. I could use a little cheering up.

Pictures are up from Saturday night right here. Thanks to Abbey for some awesome shots. I'm going to write separate posts on each band this coming week, so stayed tuned.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who came out last night to Sin-e. It was definitely our biggest turnout to date, with five bands that all had completely packed crowds rocking along. I must give a huge thank you to the bands, which all put on such amazing sets. And to Sin-e. We'll miss you :(

Sadly I couldn't enjoy last night as much as I would like, as I was battling a pretty nasty virus. I decided to stick it out for the whole show, as I couldn't and wouldn't miss any of the bands. So while I sipped on my water and spent most of the night coughing, I still was so impressed at how everything turned out.

However my personal after party was a bit different. I tried to be a rock star and head to 87 but by the time I got there, it wasn't working out so well. So I ended up at the emergency room at St. Vincents at about 4 AM, with a bunch of crazy drunkies, waiting to be treated. A couple hours and some medication later, I said goodbye to my own McDreamy and finally got to bed.

All in all, a pretty crazy night. They say it's not a good party unless someone ends up in the ER, so I was willing to step up to the plate. Once I feel a little bit better, I'll get up all the pictures and do a little recap.

Until then, just another huge thanks to everyone. You all rock.

Underrated Presents: Liam and Me

I was expressing my concern to Nora last night over the fact that I have booked Liam and Me last on Saturday night, taking the stage at midnight. You see, this band has a certain affect on me. I can't stand still. And I find the need to boogie in the most embarrassing fashion. And after about four hours of drinking PBR, this could get messy.

And I couldn't be more excited.

I specificially the first time I saw this band. I was stuck at the back of Fat Baby (blech) but I knew that I had just semi-witnessed something pretty extraordinary. I gave them another shot at The Annex (blech) and again, I was sold. If a band can play venues I hate and still leave me completely wowed, well then...they’ve got something going for sure.

Liam and Me is downright fun, and is sure to seriously pump you up after you belly is full of PBR from the four bands previous. I'm not kidding when I say I will be guaranteed to be dancing around like my converse are on fire. I've listened to their album so many times I think I've memorized everything right down to the bleeps and bloops. And I like to sing along. And loud.

If you haven't checked out the band live yet, you are in for a treat. With some of the most dedicated fans I've seen, they've got the hand motions and songs down to a T. It's a pretty remarkable thing to witness. Just don't get distracted by the crowd and miss some of the greatest pop songs I've heard in a long time.

Liam and Me - There's A Difference

Liam and Me - Say It Out Loud

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order. FREE PBR starting at 8 PM!!

This show will change your life.

One Last Call For Alcohol

Just in case you haven't realized it yet, but tomorrow night is our big bash over at Sin-e. Doors open at 8 PM, and we will be having a PBR open bar until 9:30 PM. First band takes the stage a little after 8, so don't be late!

Afterparty at 87 (Ludlow between Delancey & Broome).

It's going to be an awesome night full of great music. Come say hi!

Buy your tickets here.

Underrated Presents: The GoStation

The GoStation is no stranger to Underrated shows. In fact they played my 21st birthday celebration, way back when, at the now defunct Tribeca Rock Club. There's been a lot of changes since, and The GoStation has grown into a solid live act that is bound to go beyond a local scene. The band will take the stage fourth on Saturday, at 11 PM.

I've seen this band play so many times, but each time I remember why it was I loved them in the first place. It's a classic sound, harboring on the great Brit Pop of the early 90's combined with New York's garage rock of late. Each time their set is just a notch above the last, which is why I like going to see bands play so many times. If they keep getting better, I'd be silly not to catch them each time.

From donning the cover of Underrated, to landing a record deal, I've seen this band evolve and accomplish everything they've set out to do. With a new album out this year, it's going to be about time that you hear what they've been up to. Or you can come check them out Saturday night. It's sure to be amazing.

The GoStation - All Together Now

The GoStation - Wandering Away

While I've got your attention, I'd like to announce there will be free PBR starting at 8 PM. Thanks to our friends, we'll have a couple cases to give out free beer so you can be super hipster and write home to tell about it. Get there early because it's going to go fast!

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order.

This show will change your life.

Underrated Presents: White Rabbits

I'm not one to play favorites, especially at my own show, but I have to say that I am so frickin excited to see White Rabbits play on Saturday. I've been yapping this band up to so many people, and I have no doubt in my mind they will be impressed. White Rabbits take the stage third on Saturday, at 10 PM.

It's been a love affair with this band since the start. On a co-workers suggestion, I checked them out and it took only about 3 minutes, 1 song to fall completely head over the heels. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't just at the sight of six cute boys on stage. No no, it was the music. I swear. Ever since, I've caught every show I possibly could and begged and pleaded for a rough cut of their album (which I have now memorized every word in preparation).

I stated before that White Rabbits were to be my band of 2007. It's only January, I know, but I can tell already. With a bunch of very buzzed shows coming and an album that will become a playlist staple, I can't wait to see all the craziness take place. Let it be known that it all begins Saturday night at Sin-e. Just wait until you see how wonderful this band is. And if you have seen them live already, you totally know.

Since their two shows next week with Peter Bjorn and John are already sold out, Saturday will be your chance to catch them before the ridiculousness sets in. You can say you knew them when (just remember to buy me a drink to say thanks).

(Note: I apologize in advance if you see me dancing and singing around like an idiot during their set. They cast a spell, I swear.)

White Rabbits - The Plot

White Rabbits - Kid On My Shoulders

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order.

This show will change your life.

Underrated Presents: Seth Kallen + The Reaction

After Sure Juror on Saturday is New York/Philly's own Seth Kallen + The Reaction. They will be going on second, at 9 PM.

I've known Seth for some time now, and yet still so amazed at how talented he is. I can remember getting his first album in the mail even before he came to New York for school, and being blown away. Two years later, he just released his second album Exhibit A, touring all over the east coast, and he's not even legal to drink! (Don't tell Sin-e.) Incredible songwriting, and all in all charming performer, Seth will be sure to keep your head bopping around.

Every time I see Seth and his band perform I begin to notice that I know every word to all of the songs. I begin to feel embarrassed but then I realize there’s a reason I know these songs so well. As soon as you hear them, you instantly like them and can't help but want to sing along. And then I look around and notice his very dedicated fan base singing along just as loud as me. Then I have to sing louder. I've never been one to hide from competition.

Combined with a group of talented musicians, Seth Kallen + The Reaction is an ever-evolving project that is sure to see some serious success in the future. Check out the band at their myspace and tune into The Blog Show this Thursday, as Seth will be one of our special guests. Oh and make sure you see them on Saturday too. I'll be the one up front singing too loudly.

Seth Kallen + The Reaction - No Ace

Seth Kallen + The Reaction - Strange Man

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order.

This show will change your life.

Underrated Presents: Sure Juror

In case you aren't aware, I'm throwing a bit of a soiree this Saturday night at Sin-e. I could tell you that it will be the best night of your life, that there is a 99% chance you will be drunk off your socks by the time you leave, and will have had to endure my overly excited babble on more than one occasion throughout the night. Whilst all this is true, I feel the need to give you a bit of a sober rundown of these bands beforehand. Because let's face it, both you and I will experience excruciating amounts of awe come Saturday night that all we will be able to mutter is profanities. Just me? Okay, we'll see.

The first band up on Saturday night is Jersey's own Sure Juror. They go on at 8 PM.

So it's quite genius, really when you think about it. A band that has been hyped up on a good number of the blogs finally books a show in New York City, during CMJ. And yet we only get to hear four songs. Even if it was completely unintentional, I can assure you everyone in that room wanted to hear more. So what if it took them almost three months? Better late than never.

I'm completely thrilled to have this band open up the night, as I found them most intriguing over the past year or so. Their two albums have crept up the ranks on my iTunes, and each time I listen to them I find something else I like about them. And with how intricate their recordings are, you'd think they wouldn't be able to pull this off live. Well, four songs and I was convinced. Who knows what more will bring.

Rumor is they have added some new members to their band and it's bound to be quite the performance. If I were you I'd get there early to check it out. And if not? Well you have a couple more chances to check this band out live over the next month: February 3 and 10 at Pianos, and February 16 at Union Hall for Battering Room's next show.

But if I were you, I'd check out them all, starting with this one here. And in preparation, check out their myspace and purchase their music (where their first album is available for FREE - so no excuses, really).

My my, I'm quite demanding aren't I?

While I'm at it...download these too.

Sure Juror - The Once-Great Gender Debate (Live from West Chester, PA 3.24.06)

Sure Juror - Christmas Shopping

Sure Juror - The Drive Will Do You Good

Pssst.

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order.

This show will change your life.

A Million Miles | Beat Radio

I'm so tired. Like beyond tired. I think I fell asleep while walking to work this morning.

After some much needed R&R tonight, tomorrow I am heading out to Brooklyn (gasp!) for Chris and Pat's new showcase at Matchless. It's been far too long since I've seen Beat Radio, and I'm ready to sing along to all the songs on their debut album. Also on the bill is Mistakes, Life in Bed, and The Lisps.

Beat Radio - A Million Miles

Beat Radio - Ancient As The Stars No. 2

Also on Saturday night is the monthly Crackers United Friction showcase at Sin-e. Hopefully I'll make it there on the way home from Brooklyn (it's really far from my apartment). Check out their post on the show for all the details.

Underrated Presents: January 27 @ Sin-e

I keep saying I'm going to stop doing these shows, but I can't help myself. I want to see all these bands, and if I can do it all in one night with all my friends, well then let's go for it. This show has been my biggest accomplishment to date....with five (yes FIVE) bands. It's a Saturday night, so get on your dancing shoes and get ready for some fabulous music. I've decided to hand over all dj duties to Miss Nora K so I won't be running around like a chicken with its head cut off. But don't worry...there will be an afterparty.

A huge thanks to Carolyn for yet another fabulous flyer.

More details, mp3s, and info on each band to come in the next two weeks. Here's the lineup...

Sure Juror (8 PM)
Seth Kallen + The Reaction (9 PM)
White Rabbits (10 PM)
The GoStation (11 PM)
Liam & Me (12 AM)

Get ready!

Sure Juror - SMUT

I was told I wasn't allowed to post about this album for some time. Not cool. I've had this album for a couple months now, and have listened to it habitually. I would have even included it on my Top 25 Albums of 2006 but I wasn't sure whether it was to be released this year or not. Their loss.

Kidding.

SMUT is the second album from New Jersey's Sure Juror. If you remember, I quite liked their first album, and was excited about their new tracks. As cliché as it sounds, I really can't think of a band that sounds anything like them. Quirky always comes to mind, but it's a bit more than that. SMUT proves that they really take song structuring to a new level. No where in this album will you find a mundane verse/chorus/verse palate. With songs that run into each other, and interspersed clips from various movies and TV shows, it's honestly a work of art from beginning to end.

It's a lot to digest, and yet most of the songs will be immediately memorable. Quite the accomplishment, I'd say. Each time I listen I find a new moment in a new song that I have to listen to over and over again to figure it out. Don't worry though; this album doesn't take a lot of work to like. You'll be hooked.

When I first listened to their debut album, I was captivated by "Sleeping Pill (what to do the morning after)" for no reason other than I really didn't understand it. The same thing happened once again, but in a completely different fashion, with the closing track of SMUT "Barking Dogs (Pt 2)." Clocking in at just short of 8 minutes, I cannot describe it other than using the word epic. Perhaps that's what I like most about Sure Juror, the indescribable. "Barking Dogs (Pt 2)" takes you through basically a roller-coaster of recording techniques, putting everything you've just heard throughout the entire blender and letting it loose. Sped up vocals, obscure clips, a haunting melody, and something resembling a techno loop is just part of what makes this song stand out. By end you are left completely confused, but incredibly impressed.

Sure Juror - Barking Dogs (Pt 2)

SMUT is now available for purchase over at the band's website for a measly $8. There are a few more mp3s from SMUT as well as their first album in its entirety for free.

You will see the band back in NYC for their first full set at Underrated Presents on January 27 at Sin-e. More details soon, I promise.

Friction tonight!

A whole lot of awesome (as Nora would say) at Sin-e tonight for the monthly Friction party by our friends over at Crackers United. Probably one of the best lineups I've seen in a while. I'll be there, from beginning to the end...and I'll try and find a holiday sweatshirt that I wouldn't mind spilling Sparks on. Hmm...

Find out all the details for tonights show here. Tickets are still on sale.

Ra Ra Riot in NME | Friction @ Sin-e

One of the greatest parts of my parents coming to visit (besides their loving company) is the fact that they bring me a stack of music magazines from the UK. I have a certain addiction to NME that is usually fixed by routine visits to Virgin Megastore, but it's nice to actually have them to take home with me. It's the worst kind of music journalism out there, but it's so fantastic. I love every article and every band they undeservingly hype. (The Horrors as their latest example). But nonetheless, NME has it's place in pop culture and most definitely has its effect on the industry. So kudos to them for featuring our favorites Ra Ra Riot in their CMJ recap.

Click below to enlarge. Congrats to the band!!

Ra Ra Riot is back next month, December 13 playing the always amazing Friction show at Sin-e brought to you by Crackers United. This lineup may just be their best yet. I'm already prepping for a long night of awesome bands. Check out all the info here and make sure you buy your tickets in advance. This is sure to sell out.

CMJ: Day Five Recap

Oh boy. It's over. I survived.

Just barely.

Let's recall how I spent my last day. I know it began with making cookies, and ended with an almost fight outside some bar. Somewhere in the middle I saw some bands. I talked to a statue. No better way to end this five-day ridiculous festival.

I woke up at the ass crack of dawn, ran to the super market and bought enough cookie dough to feed a small army. I got the oven going, which was a pleasant surprise for my -3028209 degree apartment. There were lots of cookies. I checked out on my fire escape to see when the bands arrived and checked in with the folks across the street before heading to Dunkin Donuts and buying three boxes of coffee. Best idea ever. Not only were the bands so appreciative, but man...I needed that coffee too.

We hit off the party with local favorites The Head Set, whose new songs sound so so good live. I love their album, but they are totally a band I enjoy seeing live. Jordan's vocals are so incredible. I was so happy to have a NY band amidst the out of town lineup. It's nice to have some familiar sounds once in a while.

I managed to dj without headphones, as I forgot that mine were broken. I think I did okay. I couldn't really hear much of it anyways, but there's never any problem when you put on The Rapture. The place began to fill up, the cookies were being eaten and I was feeling like a million dollars. No alcohol yet.

Division Day, who I had been dying to see for months now played an awesome set regardless of how tired I'm sure they, and all the bands were. They kicked it off with "Lights Out" and ended with "Tap, Tap Click Click" and Peter from Birdmonster got up on stage and helped out with some beats. It was so great to see a band that you've listened to endlessly for the very first time. No one can take that back. Nope. Don't even try.

And then all of a sudden Sin-e was packed. It's no surprise. Ra Ra Riot is easily the buzz band du jour and had played so many CMJ shows this week, everyone is talking about them. Delightful people both on and off the stage. They need to put out an album asap, but it's funny that I know all of their songs already. Watch out for this band. They'll take over the world in a very short time.

Time for a beer.

I've yet to be completely sober for Birdmonster, so I figured if I had a beer, I wouldn't look completely crazy when I rocked out. I made my way front and center, because god dammit I love this band too much. They put on an even more rowdy show than Tuesday at Pianos and even played "Resurrection Song." Amazing. They ended the set with an encore, my favorite, "Janine". The boys let it all out. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

I was on a complete high after the show, so pleased how everything turned out and so appreciative of all the bands that came out and played. It was definitely one of my favorite lineups and I can only hope everyone else there had as much fun as I did. I said my goodbyes, cleaned up the cookies, and grabbed my coat. It was still so early.

Grabbed a drink with Katie who was in town from DC before heading to some Blogging for Beers party up at Hi-Fi. I don't know what exactly that entailed, but I did get free pints of Brooklyn Lager. Genius idea, if you ask me.

From there we went down to Gothamist House for the Charles Bissell from The Wrens. I must admit I was a bit intoxicated at this point, but the set was entirely enjoyable from what I remember. Then I ran over to Cake Shop and realized we were a bit earlier than anticipated. Probably should have gotten something to eat, but instead the $1 PBRs were calling my name. We caught the end of Maison Blanche who I think I liked. Then I pushed my way to the very front because White Rabbits were on stage. Let the record reflect that this band is one of my new favorites, so there's a good chance you'll hear a lot about them. While the sound was iffy in that venue, they put on an amazing show. Drumbeats were everywhere. Lots of people. Couldn't contain my excitement. Get your cd done already!

Thank god for Zozos. Grabbed a burger and then stumbled our way to Annex. Couldn't get in, of course. This was either before or after I started talking to the statue outside Zozos, convinced it was going to come alive. This is where I realized my exhaustion and alcohol level was at an all time high. Met up with Chris and Pat who I'm sure I insulted. On to Arlene's where of course I didn't see any bands, but did drink some more. Then another bar. Then there was some kid who I didn't like and I decided I wanted to fight him. He called me whitey. I knew it was time to go home.

Bye CMJ. I had fun. But please don't call me for at least a year.