London Calling Part II: Things You Should Be Knowing

I swear it's taken me this long to get my life back to normal, and I'm still trying to situate myself. I'm hoping that in a week after I start back at work I'll have my whole routine down. Anyways. Chicago was a blast, I'm sad to see my sister move because I'd really like to get back there soon. I know she's going to miss it like crazy so we'll have to take a trip out there together. The interview with Jonny of The Changes went really well -- super cool guy, very articulate, and many awesome things are happening to that band (and deserved). They'll be in NYC for CMJ on September 15 with two shows: Pianos at 4 PM and CB's 313 Gallery that night at 11:30. (Thanks Nora)

I ran into a bunch of people today that were in London with me over the summer and I started to reminisce about the fabulous time and the even more fabulous music I was exposed to. So (a bit late), but here nonetheless is London Calling Part II. (Click here for the first part)

Hard-Fi (website)
Took me a while to warm up to this band. I was overly exposed with signs everywhere in London proclaiming me that this was Britain's newest and greatest act EVER. Naturally, I was skeptical. But I bought the album willing to give it an un-biased listen. At first I wasn't that impressed. Somewhat catchy, yes, but not instantly likeable. Although completely different bands, it was a similar experience with CYHSY. A lot of hype. But both albums aged well in my music collection. And both are truly works of art.

Middle Eastern Holiday (m4a)

Cash Machine(m4a)

Hard To Beat(m4a)

Move On Now(m4a)

The Stands (website)
<I'm always down for a free show and when I heard it was The Stands I was at Virgin Megastore quicker than you could say Noel Gallagher loves us. The similarities between this band and The Beatles are countless. No band will ever come close to changing the world musically as much as the Fab Four -- but this band is up there. They rocked the downstairs of the music store to a dedicated fan base. And when I talked to them afterwards, they chatted up a storm about how much they love New York. Too bad I couldn't understand a word they were saying.

Back To You (m4a)

When The Night Falls In (m4a)

Do It Like You Like (m4a)

Turn The World Around (m4a)

The Cribs (website)
I tend to dislike Pitchfork. I tend to disagree with them often. The Cribs is one perfect example. They gave the album a 3.0 and said that it is "less deserving of ire, and yet no more deserving of a listen." And what a surprise? They compared them to the Strokes. Come on! This lo-fi album is a gem of today's true brit rock. It's gritty but accessible. And musically it's incredibly impressive from a young band (and might I add superior to the Strokes). It may have flaws, yes --but this is just the beginning. I'm very eager to hear what this band does next.

Things You Should Be Knowing (m4a)

Baby Don't Sweat (m4a)

You Were Always The One (m4a)

That Can Be Arranged (m4a)

Tom Vek (website)
I technically wasn't listening to Tom Vek while I was in London because I only received this album two weeks ago. But I think it’s because of my summer in London that I appreciate it more. I've said it before, but I'll say it again -- I didn't ever used to dance at concerts, clubs, etc. I just don't have the moves. But there are certain bands and certain songs that you just can't help but boogie down to. London showed me that, and perhaps rid me of my apprehensions of looking like an idiot. And now I can proudly say I put on Mr. Vek and dance around my new apartment. Who needs a dance floor when you have no rug yet? It's an addicting album in all the right ways. And the coolest part is -- every instrument heard is recorded by this 24-year-old musical genius. Kinda cute too.

A Little Word In Your Ear (m4a)

C-C (You Set The Fire In Me) (m4a)

Direction (m4a)

Cover (m4a)

Bonus from Australia:
Youth Group (website)
I bought this album just prior to my departure and it was on heavy rotation during the summer. I fell in love with the song "Skeleton Jar" and then I fell in love with the entire album. Can't wait to see if they can pull it off live next week at CMJ. Although I've heard mixed reviews, I think it’s a beautiful record from start to finish. Something about it screams warm summer nights sitting on a beach with a bottle of wine. It's peaceful, intricate, and everything I love about music -- it brings me somewhere else.

See-Saw (m4a)

Lillian Lies (m4a)

Shadowland(m4a)

Why Don't The Buildings Cry? (m4a)

Help Out

Below are a list of Katrina Relief Charities where you can help out. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is going through this terrible ordeal. Even the littlest bit could mean a world to these people. Please do what you can to help.

Bread for the World
Christian
Children's Fund
Christian
Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC)
Church World Service
Episcopal
Relief and Development
Heifer International
International
Medical Corps
International
Orthodox Christian Charities
International Rescue Committee
Mercy Corps
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Operation Blessing
Oxfam America
Red Cross
Save the Children
United Way
World Concern
World Hope International
World Relief
World Vision

A big thanks to Bob for the list.

Second City...perhaps

Greetings from Chi-town. My sister and I have always had arguements as to which city is better - Chicago or New York. Granted this is the first time I've visited her. I must say that Chicago is a pretty sweet town. Went to see Second City the other night which was hilarious and had some yummy deep dish pizza yesterday. Mmm. But I've found that it's quite a small world. I met two of my sister's friends tonight and we were chatting about bands. They asked if I knew Aberdeen City and of course I did. Turns out they went to high school with them. Aberdeen City will be featured in the next issue of the magazine and is a fantastic band. Saw them when they had a residency at Piano's a couple months ago and will be seeing them at the Dovecote Records CMJ showcase on the 17th. Carter said I was "insane" if I didn't check out The Late Greats there too.

Aberdeen City - God Is Gonna Get

Aberdeen City - In Combat

Aberdeen City - Final Bout

Aberdeen City - Popular Music



Listen to the The Late Greats here.

CMJ here we come. The Dovecote Records CMJ showcase is on Saturday Sept 17th @ CBGB's 313 Gallery at 7pm. Come support, get free stuff... It will be fun. WE PROMISE

7:30 Tim Williams
8:15 The Late Greats (UK)
9:00 Aberdeen City

Hey Chicago ain't bad, but I can't wait to get back to New York. Back for good come Monday. Yeehaw.

Ready, Set....Crash

Just when I thought my luck was getting better. I found an amazing apartment, found two paintings at Bed Bath & Beyond on clearance, and was making great time driving into the city from New Jersey on a Tuesday night. I was just telling my two friends who came along for the move how much I hate the FDR. In fact, it's my least favorite highway in the US. Now, more than ever.

I was listening to my newest mix, just lit a cigarette when the car in front of me slammed on his breaks. I slammed on mine and luckily didn't hit. The idiot behind me must have not been paying much attention because a couple seconds later, Marcel the Mini was hit from behind.

Two hours later, New York's finest was cracking jokes and Marcel the Mini looked banged up, but drivable. The car behind me - not so lucky. So with a splitting headache and a couple aches and pains we continued our way to Brooklyn to move furniture. Joy.

At the time of the hit, this song was playing. So there you go:
Stellastarr* - Sweet Troubled Soul (right click, save as)

I'm sorry if this blog has been terribly boring and slacking lately. I'm trying to sort out the next issue of the magazine, while getting ready for school and moving into a new apartment. Soon, I swear, I'll be back to normal so don't say goodbye just yet.

This weekend I'm heading to Chicago to visit my sister. She's been living there for 3 years now and of course I finally get out to see her for her going away party. She's moving to Baltimore in a couple weeks.

While I'm there I'm meeting up with Jonny the drummer of The Changes for an interview.

The Changes - When I Wake (right click, save as)
The Changes - Her You and I (right click, save as)

Buy their CD here. According to Nora they'll be playing CMJ on September 15. Sweet-o.

Go Go Go

I waited 14 hours for the cable guy yesterday before throwing in the towel and heading back to New Jersey. In the process of writing a very worded email to Cablevision, as we speak.

But who needs cable when The GoStation is playing their last night of their summer residency tonight? You'd be a silly banana in your pajamas if you miss this one.

The GoStation Summer Residency
@ Arlene's Grocery
95 Stanton St., NYC
August 29 - Final Night!
8:30pm, FREE

See you there!

New York's Best Kept Secret

Officially moved in to my new apartment in Brooklyn. Officially obsessed. Spent most of the day unpacking and watching too many episodes of Futurama before realizing I needed to get out. Lana came by to check out the place and we traded summer in Europe stories before she had to leave for dinner plans. I called everyone in my phone to see what they were up to for the night. What's with everyone going away for the weekend? Guess it's almost the end of the summer, better get out while you still can.

Regardless, I wasn't going to sit inside all night so I hopped on the subway back into Manhattan to catch Underrated favorites A Brief Smile's first TISWAS show. I can't even count how many times I've seen these boys play now, but it had been a good couple months since they last played. There seemed to be a few nerves floating around pre-show, and understandably so. But personally, after listening to some new tracks over the summer, I knew they were up to something good.

The only disappointment last night was the fact that the open bar, well, wasn't so open. I am shocked, and relatively surprised that A Brief Smile haven't caught on in this city. They seem to be what everyone needs right now. Fresh, talented musicians that aren't trying to do what's "in" right now or attempt at some recycled 80's act. The new songs are incredibly meticulous and the old ones transformed to sound original. What A Brief Smile is now was executed perfectly in their last two songs: "And So It Begins" and "Perfect Mess." It was, hands down, the best I've seen them play in the year or so I've been watching them. A new EP is on its way with some of the reworked songs plus some new tunes. But for now check them out on their website or buy their EP on iTunes. Trust me, they won't be a secret for much longer.

A Brief Smile - And So It Begins (right click, save as)
A Brief Smile - We Could Get In Trouble (follow link)

Listen to more at myspace.

Tomorrow: A Brief Smile @ Don Hills

WHO: A BRIEF SMILE with MOJO FILTERS and APPOMATTOX
WHERE: TISWAS @ DON HILLS ||| 511 Greenwich St. @ Spring St.
WHEN: AUGUST 27th @ 11:30pm
and...
OPEN BAR TRIPLE 8 VODKA 11pm-12am
THE CORAL RECORD RELEASE PARTY WITH FREE SONY/BMG GIVEAWAYS!!!

Print out this flyer for reduced admission ($5):

WRITERS WANTED

Please repost if you can!

Underrated Magazine, a local NYC music magazine is looking for some new blood. You don't have to live in the NYC area (although preferred). You don't have to have (much) experience. But you do have to love music.

We aim to bridge the gap between musician and fan by highlighting underrated artists across the country, and even the world. The magazine is feature based, so if you are looking to write reviews, look somewhere else. Interviews are required. This could be your chance to meet your favorite band.

If interested, please email rdarmanin@underratedmagazine.com. No pay, but you will contribute to the well-being of mankind. What's better than that?

Visit www.underratedmagazine.com for more information and past issues. Serious inquires only.

Thanks!

CMJ 2005

Finally got confirmed, now it's time to go crazy. My plan, thus far (subject to change):

Wednesday:

5 PM: Elizabethtown screening with Cameron Crowe (my chance to finally shake this guy's hand could come true)

7:30: The Cribs, King of France at Bowery

10:00 Motion City Soundtrack at Tribeca, Jaymay at Living Room

10:15: Doves at Warsaw

11:30: Feist at Knitting Factory

12:00: The Comas at Scenic

Thursday:

7:00 PM: Soft at The Delancey (is this right?)

7:15: The New Pornographers at Bowery

8:55: Arcade Fire at Central Park

9:30: Nightmare of You at CBGB's

10:00: Five O'Clock Heroes at The Delancey

10:45: Army of Me at CBGB's

10:50: Regina Spektor at Irving Plaza

11:00: The Honorary Title at CBGB's

12:00: Cloud Cult at 169 Bar

1:00: Of Montreal at Knitting Factory, Wrens at Mercury

Friday:

6:00 PM: Brick Screening

7:00: Longwave at Warsaw

8:00: Kevin Devine at Living Room

8:45: Say Hi To Your Mom at Ace of Clubs

10:00: Imogen Heap at Living Room

10:50: Saints + Lovers at Rare

11:00: Robbers on High Street at Mercury

12:00: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at Mercury

Saturday:

7:30 PM:Tim Williams At CB's 313 Gallery

8:00: The Black Spoons at Pianos

9:00: Aberdeen City at CB's 313 Gallery, We Are Scientists at Scenic

9:30: The Spinto Band at Pianos

10:00: The GoStation at Crash Mansion

11:30: Dirty on Purpose at Mercury

12:30: Youth Group at Mercury

1:30: The Upwelling at Mercury

So many conflicts, so many bands. I'm tired already, but can't wait for the fun to begin. Maybe I'll ask Cameron if he wants to hop around with me for the weekend. I'm sure he's not busy...

London Calling Part I

It's taking me a little longer than anticipated to catch up/adjust back to life on this side of the ocean. The magazine is now going to press early October, opposed to September. I'm still reloading everything back on to my computer. Moving into a new apartment is a pain, yet exciting. And I have one week left before I officially enter my last year of school. Things are changing.

Monday was a fantastic return back into New York. It was nice to see the GoStation boys play a great set at Arlene's. If you haven't seen them yet, go check them out next Monday for the last night of their residency.

I miss London, more than I thought I would. The six weeks went far too quickly and it was just when I felt I got a hold on the city and it's life, I had to leave. I guess I'll just have to return sooner than later.

Today and tomorrow I'll finally give you a selection of my favorite acts I saw this summer, culminating in my latest mix early next week. If I forget to tell you tomorrow, go check out A Brief Smile on Saturday at TISWAS.

London Calling Part I:

The Boy Least Likely To (website)

Be Gentle With Me

I'm Glad I Hitched My Apple Wagon to Your Star

Editors (website)

Someone Says

Fingers In The Factories

The Subways (website)

No Goodbyes

Mary

FeverKing (website)

Genius Boy

White Bus

More tomorrow.