I have my beef with the station, but once in a while they'll feature some pretty cool stuff. Like Tally Hall, who I'll be seeing tonight (swoon) and then a segment today about Ruined Music, that awesome website that we are kinda addicted to. We named it our website of the week a little while back, so clearly....we heard it first?
I kid, I kid.
Check out the spot here. Bono speaks!
It's election day. I'm not a US citizen so I don't get to partake in all the fun. But let me tell you what is fun...the fact that my intern is running for State Senate of Connecticut's district 32. Can we all just acknowledge how awesome that is? She was sick and tired of some old dude running unopposed that she decided to do something about it. A real go-getter. She's got blue hair and she likes Ghostface Killah. How can she not win?
I'm afraid Vanessa will win and leave my side, but god help me if I wont help her out. I'd be ecsatic if she wins. Check out this article that ran about the election. They really missed the mark with the real story. Poor journalism, I say. But still cool.
Anyways, here's a message from Vanessa about what she's doing and if you happen to live in those parts of Connecticut, go VOTE FOR VANESSA!
It's official! I'm running for State Senator of Connecticut's district 32. Just in case, that covers the towns of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Watertown and Woodbury.
Okay, so we can all probably guess that I'm not going to win this election (a single, pitiful tear is running down my face). I'm actually running against the Senate Republican leader, Lou DeLuca. He's been in the seat for 16 years now, but for many of those years he's been running unopposed. This year, I'm the only other person on the ballot. I'm being sponsored by the Working Families Party of Connecticut to basically make a statement that people should be offered a choice on the ballot. Plus, the Working Families Party of Connecticut stands for some really great things, like fair taxes, preventing the outsourcing of jobs and universal health care, which I'm all about.
Even if you're not all about the issues, it freaking rules that a 20 year-old with blue hair who snorts when she laughs made the ballot. Eh? Eh? So vote for me on November 7th! Or get your absentee ballots!
Oh, and...I love you all.
That picture is classic. Go Vanessa!
[Update: Vanessa received 11% of the votes as broadcasted through Connecticut news stations, around 3,000 votes! Vanessa also got to endorse the Democratic Congressman for her district, Chris Murphy. He congratulated her on her candidacy and said that being on the ballot was everything that the Working Families stood for. Vanessa would like to add, that because she got over 10% of the votes, the Working Families party of Connecticut is now eligible to get state financing for the position in two years. So great! She thanks you all for your support! Congrats Vanessa, a job well done for sure!!]
I needed one more horrah.
As if seeing over twenty bands during five days wasn't enough, I decided it would be stupid to pass up missing Annuals one more time, especially when they are teamed up with those indie pop darlings Voxtrot. After a yummy sushi dinner I found myself back in Bowery Ballroom, back amongst a crowded hipster crowd, and with beer in hand. Oy vey. Old habits die hard.
We got there just in time for Annuals to start, and like you know, I love this band. Their album is most definitely in my top 10 of the year, and seeing them live for the first time at Sin-e ended up being a religious experience. I saw them twice over CMJ, the first at Fader house, which was awful due to the sound, and the second at Bowery, where everything fell together perfectly. But I've come to conclude it's hit or miss with Annuals. And last night, I'm sad to say was a miss.
Now don't get me wrong. It was still a good show. Just not their best. I think the CMJ wear and tear took its toll, especially on Adam's voice. Every screech was far too forced for my liking, and the band as a whole just seemed tired. Can you blame them? I was tired as well. They played through their usual repertoire, and had a couple people in the crowd go bizerks. I'll never get sick of hearing "Complete or Completing" into the honky tonk loving "River Run." It's so good.
And then there was Voxtrot, a band I've seen more times than god, but can't help but feel happy every time I see Ramesh jump around like a little dork on stage. It's endearing. I'd never say that Voxtrot is a live band, by any means, but I have to say last night proved to be their best sounding show yet. Perhaps it was the acoustics of the lovely Bowery, or maybe it was some really spectacular new songs, but the band was in top notch. Then again, maybe it was just the fact that they hadn't spent the last week corrupting their liver. Oh, the possibilities.
Voxtrot is like those cheesy romantic comedies. A lot of people won't admit how good they really are, because they hit all the right spots. There's no real surprise when it comes to this band. It's straight forward and inviting. I became a bobble head for most of the show while singing along to the old favorites. They even did an encore! There was talk about a cover of "Dancing In The Dark" which would have, maybe, made my life. But sadly it didn't happen.
After the show I got drunk. It was like CMJ all over again.
(P.S. I forgot my camera. Sorry to all you Ramesh lovers, but there's no sweaty pics this time around.)
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.
I am ready to move on past CMJ related posts, but I must say as exhausting as this entire week was, I had a really great time. With the chance to see a lot of my favorite bands all within hours of eachother, catch up with some old friends, and find an excuse to start drinking at 11 AM...for free, I can't really complain about anything.
Except that I know I missed all of the amazing shows that everyone else will repremand me for, but I am only one gal. I am also partial to the bands I hold near and dear to my heart, and will never pass up the opportunity to sing and dance my heart out seeing them live. So no, I didn't go to even half the shows I expected/wanted to, but I did get to see some really incredible ones. I have a bunch of pictures up on flickr, but here are some of my favorites.
Birdmonster @ Pianos
Sure Juror @ Pianos
The Undisputed Heavyweights @ Rockwood
The Changes @ Fader Lounge
Tall Hands @ White Rabbit
Wrens @ Skirball
The Walkmen @ Skirball
Kevin Devine @ Bowery
Annuals @ Bowery
White Rabbits @ Cake Shop
But of course the real highlight of the whole entire week was the Underrated Party at Sin-e. Seriously couldn't have asked for a better bill, and I thank all the bands and everyone that came out. It was so much fun.
The Head Set
Division Day
Ra Ra Riot
Birdmonster
Find all pictures from CMJ here.
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.
Status: excited. tired.
Looking forward to: Head Set, Division Day, Ra Ra Riot, Birdmonster
Current state of mind: aw, one more day?!
In actuality: can't wait for this to be over
Okay, just a quick post before I start making the cookies for today's show. You best be there. It's the best lineup in town...if I say so myself.
SATURDAY
1:00 – The Head Set @ Sin-e
2:00 – Division Day @ Sin-e
3:00 - Ra Ra Riot @ Sin-e
4:00 – Birdmonster @ Sin-e
7:30 PM – Charles Bissell @ White Rabbit
10:00 PM – Army Of Me @ Annex
10:45 PM – Honorary Title @ Annex
11:00 – The Tyde @ Mercury
12:00 – French Kicks @ Mercury
Status: hungover, exhausted, no voice
Looking forward to: Oh No! Oh My!, Cloud Cult
Current state of mind: i think i can i think i can
In actuality: need. water.
Holy potatoes. Can't wait to sleep all day on Sunday.
12 PM – Colin Meloy @ Pianos
1:15 – Forward Russia! @ Fontanas
1:55 – The Changes @ Fontanas
3 PM – Oh No Oh My @ Fader
4:05 – Oxford Collapse @ Fontanas
4:50 – The Thermals @ Fontanas
5:15 – Office @ White Rabbit
7:00 – Kevin Devine @ Bowery
8:00 – Annuals @ Bowery
10 – Cloud Cult @ Mercury Lounge
11 – Tokyo Police Club @ Mercury Lounge
12 – Albert Hammond Jr @ Mercury Lounge
1 – Longwave @ Mercury Lounge
You'd think I would have run out of things to say about this band. If you have read this blog you know the absurd amount of times I've gushed about how good they are. Heck, I've seen them play more times that some NY bands and they live on the other side of the country. It's been less than a year since I saw Birdmonster for the very first time, but my goodness..my life has been changed.
I like to exaggerate, a lot, but when I talk about Birdmonster I'm not kidding. I know their songs like the back of my hand and they never, ever get old. Their live show is rowdy and fun, and honestly gets better every time. You'd think with all that craziness on stage they would be the same way off stage, but no. They are some of the nicest guys I've met and always a pleasure to have each time they are in town.
On June 30 I hosted their first NYC show and now they are back. They will close out an awesome afternoon tomorrow with four of my favorite bands. Come early, stay til the end and have some fun. There will be coffee. There will be cookies. I wish I had free beer, but alas, not this time around. Sin-e's prices are totally reasonable though, so feel free to get drunk during the day. It's encouraged.
So there we have it folks. TOMORROW. Sin-e. Starting at 1. It's the last day of CMJ and we'll all need a kick in the ass. This will be it.
See you there!
Previously:
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.
