Bow on the guitar for "Drops in the River."
Most recent Bowery show (07.09.08) post here.
When I see a band like Fleet Foxes perform, I am reminded of why I love music in the first place and why I started this blog. If you haven't heard of this band, you are really missing out. Last night, Fleet Foxes opened for Blitzen Trapper at Bowery Ballroom. But, I went there exclusively for Fleet Foxes and left before the headlining act. I blogged about Fleet Foxes earlier, so I had to check out the show. Thankfully, I bought tickets early before the show sold out.
I was surprised by how engaged I was by FF's entire performance. Granted, the music is fantastic, but I thought I might be bored at the show. Besides the music, which was even better live, Fleet Foxes is one of the friendliest, most personable bands I've ever seen. I feel like most bands mutter a "thank you" in between songs...or they say nothing at all. Although one guy in the audience yelled out, "Less talk, more rock," I really enjoyed the band's comments and stories (about the NY subway, parking tickets). It really kept me captivated and I felt like I was getting to know the band better, which only made me like them even more.
Lead singer Robin Pecknold started out the night by telling the audience that he was sick with the flu (it was his 22nd birthday, too) and requested us to be less judgmental (HAH, like NYers are capable of that). He may have had a cup of tea on hand, but there was no way that man had been puking all day; the 5-member band sounded perfect. Throughout the set, Fleet Foxes were completely shocked and confused by the warm response they were receiving from the crowd. They kept on telling us how "sweet" and "nice" we were. I think they were forgetting that the New York crowd is not sweet or nice; we're brutally honest. When Robin played the intro to "English House" and people cheered, he was like, "Really? You know this one?" Yea, man. I do know that one. It's only my favorite song of the moment.
Don't let the genre and tempo of the music fool you. Fleet Foxes put on an intense, exciting show. The band has an amazing coordination with each other, and I really loved the usage of rich 3-part and 4-part harmonies. In fact, for "Mykonos," there is a one-beat drum intro (8th note) before Robin comes in on the guitar. And, they do it without looking at each other. Crazy.
Old mandolin, to be smashed. Ultimately, the instrument was not smashed to pieces. The band gave it away to someone in the crowd.
The new mandolin played during "Blue Ridge Mountains." Check out the mandolin bit around 2:05.
Setlist (Thanks to the anonymous comment!)
SUN GIANT /
SUN IT RISES /
DROPS IN THE RIVER / (MEDLEY)
ENGLISH HOUSE
KATIE CRUEL (TRAD.)
WHITE WINTER HYMNAL
YOUR PROTECTOR
OLIVER JAMES
MYKONOS
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
See my past post for more songs. Fleet Foxes will be releasing a self-titled LP on June 3rd. For now, you can buy Sun Giant from Sub Pop or from Insound.com. Check out the mandolin bit in "Blue Ridge Mountains" around 2:05.
Ragged Wood - Fleet Foxes
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
Oliver James - Fleet Foxes
Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes
March 30, 2008
Fleet Foxes - Bowery Ballroom 03.29.08
March 29, 2008
Simian Mobile Disco - American Museum of Natural History 03.28.08
I am completely blown away by Simian Mobile Disco. Hands down, last night's show at the American Museum of Natural History was one of the best shows I had ever been to. SMD are a British duo of James Ford (who produced Arctic Monkeys' second album) and James Anthony Shaw. Simian Mobile Disco emerged from the band Simian (Justice did a remix of Simian's "Never Be Alone" in 2006 and won "Best Video" at the MTV Europe Music Awards, which upset Kanye).
I had never been to an electronic music show before, so I didn't really know what to expect. I didn't think that the guys would be creating music onstage; rather, I thought they would be just mixing or something. Well, I was completely wrong, because they were 100% live. SMD were very intense and serious onstage, which is not surprising since they're working with a ton of equipment. I was completely mesmerized by the physical complexity of their performance. The guys were constantly moving from one box to another, switching places, leaping from position to position. Trust me, it does not look easy.
Footage from the show (from RCRDLBL.com. Yours truly is blocking the camera most of the time).
There are some good pictures of the equipment here. But even better, watch the video below (Thanks, Alex!)
If you have a chance to see Simian Mobile Disco, GO. Life is seriously not complete without them. I broke the LCD screen on my camera that night and still no regrets!
I Got This Down - Simian Mobile Disco
I Believe - Simian Mobile Disco
Hustler - Simian Mobile Disco
Cherry Blossom Girl (Air) - Simian Mobile Disco
March 23, 2008
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down - Sound Fix Records 03.23.08
Blogged about Thao back in February. I was lucky enough to catch Thao with The Get Down Stay Down at Sound Fix Records in Williamsburg. And, it was free (donations welcome)! Thao filled this cozy venue on a sunny Easter afternoon, with most people sitting at small tables or large, pew-like booths. And, yes, Thao commented on the appropriateness of the pews on this particular day.
I was surprised by how much energy this hand-clapping, feet-stomping folk band had on a (holy) Sunday afternoon. Of course, the beer and wine probably helped. Also, surprisingly, Thao had some great commentary between songs. For one, the crowd and the venue reminded her of RENT; she expected us to break out in "La Vie Boheme" at any second. Before performing "Bag of Hammers" (I think), she told us that if we wanted to break out in choreographed dance, this song would be the one for it. The best story was about a recent show they played at a college. Apparently, the venue was a student-run, converted garage-stage. And by garage-stage, she meant that the cars were taking out of the garage. Anyway, while they were playing "Swimming Pools," some girls in the front took off their shirts and were dancing like they were in Cancun. The irony is that the song is about the exact opposite of that.
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down played the Music Hall of Williamsburg tonight. They are currently on tour with Xiu Xiu.
***At the request of Thao's record label, Kill Rock Stars, I've taken down the posted songs. Instead, I've put up some songs from Thao's Daytrotter session. Check out Thao's myspace and my past post for more music.
Fear and Convenience (Daytrotter) - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
Big Kid Table (Daytrotter) - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
March 18, 2008
Cut Copy
A part of my soul is crying right now. A bit dramatic? Yes, maybe just a little bit, but I just missed seeing Cut Copy at Mercury Lounge (also my favorite venue) tonight. A few weeks ago, I tried looking for tickets to the sold-out show. But, when eBay cruelly informed me that I did not win the tickets, I gave up; I bought tickets home to Chicago. At the very least, I wouldn't have to be in the same city while missing the show. Thankfully, when Cut Copy announced another New York show in May, I immediately bought tickets. I may have to wait another two months, but at least I will finally experience them.
So, who is this band that unknowingly broke my heart? Cut Copy is a 3-member band from Melbourne, Australia, and their music is reminiscent of 80s dance. You may think that other bands have already done what Cut Copy is doing now and have done it better, but who doesn't love retro music?
I was initially introduced to Cut Copy years ago when I downloaded "Saturdays" from Insound.com. Now, with the release date of their sophomore album approaching, I've been hearing "Lights & Music" over and over again from many different places. And, well, the song is kinda awesome. Cut Copy posted In Ghost Colours on their myspace a couple days ago. I haven't listened to the whole thing yet, but I like what I hear so far. "Far Away" is my current favorite.
Cut Copy stopped by Austin, TX for a couple shows, and it seems like In Ghost Colours is going to be well-received. I noticed them on a couple lists in the Guide to Pitchfork's SXSW 2008 Coverage.
Don't miss the next Cut Copy show and be heartbroken like I am right now. Cut Copy plays the Bowery Ballroom on May 14. I will be the girl in the front, dancing like crazy.
Far Away - Cut Copy
Lights & Music - Cut Copy
Hearts on Fire - Cut Copy
That Was Just a Dream - Cut Copy
Saturdays - Cut Copy
March 10, 2008
Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant EP
Another band from the West Coast, Fleet Foxes is also heading down to Austin, Texas to perform at this little festival called SXSW (You may have heard of it). I found this band not from SXSW, but from Pitchfork's section of best new music. Now, Pitchfork and I do not see eye to eye on most albums, but I have to admit that Fleet Foxes' Sun Giant EP is a great listen.
According to Sub Pop Records, Fleet Foxes is a "baroque harmonic pop combo" from Seattle, Washington. If you don't normally like folk music, Fleet Foxes will make you wonder how you were so wrong in the first place (because folk is awesome). "English House" is definitely my favorite track off Sun Giant, a beautiful showcase of the band's musical composition and performance abilities.
Sun Giant is just a sneak peek at what is to come. Fleet Foxes will be releasing a self-titled LP on June 3rd of this year. But, for now, you can buy Sun Giant from Sub Pop or from Insound.com.
Check out Fleet Foxes at the Bowery Ballroom with Blitzen Trapper on March 29. They are also one of the first confirmed acts for Pitchfork Music Festival 2008.
This is great studying music. Except, it's so good that it's distracting me from actually studying. Thus, I blog.
English House - Fleet Foxes
Mykonos - Fleet Foxes
Drops in the River - Fleet Foxes
March 9, 2008
The Dodos
It's my favorite time of the year, when SXSW releases their list of participating artists. I usually spend many hours pouring over the ridiculously long list of names instead of studying for midterms. However, my hard work is always rewarded. The Dodos, a duo from San Francisco (not Brooklyn!) are one of my favorite discoveries this year.
The Dodos are Meric Long (guitar, vocals, trombone) and Logan Kroeber (drums). Unlike most duos, the Dodos don't try to force a big sound out of themselves by playing and singing as loudly as they possibly can. Instead, they add color to their music by using more complex rhythmic patterns and having very little empty space. As someone pointed out to me, Logan doesn't use a kick drum. He has a bass drum that he plays as a regular stand drum. If you watch their MP3.com tunnel performance, you'll understand what I'm talking about.
Recently signed onto Frenchkiss Records (of Les Savy Fav and The Hold Steady), the Dodos will be releasing their sophomore record, Visiter, on March 18. The Dodos return to NYC on April 6th at Mercury Lounge.
Fools - The Dodos
Winter - The Dodos
Red and Purple - The Dodos
Apes & Androids - Hiro Ballroom
Almost forgot. Pictures from A&A @ Hiro Ballroom on February 28. Read my original post about Apes & Androids here.
March 2, 2008
Tokyo Police Club Grows Up?
Since I downloaded "Nature of the Experiment" off Insound.com two years ago, Tokyo Police Club (TPC) has been one of my favorite bands. While I'm not into all garage-indie bands, TPC has a playfulness that I love. It's no wonder that they were up for the "Best New Artist" PLUG award last year. After I saw them perform at Mercury Lounge last year, I was sold for life. That explains why I have 40 TPC tracks on my iTunes, although they have only released only two EPs.
Thankfully, Elephant Shell, their first LP, will be released on April 22. You can check out the tracklist here. Our first peek at the LP is "In a Cave," which is a little different from the TPC that I'm used to. With each single, TPC's music has matured with more meaningful lyrics and polished sound. Perhaps this is due to influences from their new label, Saddle Creek? Anyway, while I'm a huge fan of the A Lesson in Crime stuff, I'm loving the new track. My favorite line is, "Elephant shell, you're my cave and I've been hiding out, will you tell me a little bit about, a bit about yourself." So, maybe I appreciate this new, more emo side of TPC. "Graves" and "Your English is Good" are also included on the upcoming LP.
Can't wait to see them in April! Luckily, I got tickets before they sold out. They just added a second Manhattan show, but that will probably sell out soon.
Who says nothing good comes from Canada? Lies, all lies.
In a Cave - Tokyo Police Club
Your English is Good - Tokyo Police Club
Graves (Daytrotter Session) - Tokyo Police Club
February 20, 2008
The Return of the Kooks
Just a short update.
FINALLY, a new Kooks album. Konk will be released on April 14. Until the album is leaked, I will be googling it every day. A part of me really regrets not going to their show last week at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. But, then again, it was snowing hard and I was sick as hell. Also, I remember the last NYC Kooks show as being packed with underagers which, no offense, really turns off an aging gal like me. Check out brooklynvegan's review of the show and pics here.
Also watched their Conan performance today. Normally, I find bands to be really boring when they perform on TV. No, they are beyond boring. LIFELESS is more accurate. Anyway, I was surprised by the Kooks' performance. Luke Pritchard managed to pack a punch without looking like a tool.
Check out their latest single, "Always Where I Need To Be." God, this song is addicting. Also, enjoy some old tracks off Inside In/Inside Out.
Always Where I Need To Be - The Kooks
She Moves in Her Own Way - The Kooks
Eddie's Gun - The Kooks
February 11, 2008
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
For whatever reason, I am not really a fan of female artists/vocalists, with the exception of Cat Power. So, I was skeptical when
a friend (Thanks, David!) introduced me to We Brave Bee Stings and All, the latest Thao album. However, I trust my friend's tastes in music so I checked out their myspace. And now, I am completely hooked.
A singer/songwriter from Virginia, Thao Nguyen is backed by The Get Down Stay Down, a 3-piece band. Maybe it's because they're not from Brooklyn, but Thao with The Get Down Stay Down is surprisingly refreshing. The Midwestern girl in me cannot resist the charm of the banjo. Some of the songs off We Brave Bee Stings and All are a little too poppy for my tastes (i.e. "Bag of Hammers"), but "Swimming Pools" is definitely the highlight of the album. Can you ever have too much banjo? No, you can't, and that's why I love that song.
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down is currently on tour in the U.S. Check out the dates here. If I had known about them a week earlier, I could have seen them at the Knitting Factory. But, alas, I missed them. Thankfully, they're coming back on March 23 (Music Hall of Williamsburg).
So after saying I didn't really like female artists/vocalists and that Feist is completely overrated, I stumbled upon this pleasant surprise. Just enough to change my mind about female artists...but not about Feist.
***At the request of Thao's record label, Kill Rock Stars, I've taken down the posted songs. Instead, I've put up some songs from Thao's Daytrotter session. Check out Thao's myspace and my most recent post on Thao for more music.
Geography (Daytrotter) - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
Feet Asleep (Daytrotter) - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
February 10, 2008
Hot Chip - Made In the Dark
This is the best time to blog...4 AM after a Saturday night. Anyway, everyone is blogging about Hot Chip's new album so I might as well put in my 2 cents. I'll keep it short and sweet.
Hot Chip played a show here last week and I just didn't get the hype. I mean, I possibly still don't understand. All I know now is that I keep on listening to "Ready for the Floor," and I keep on watching the video. Catchy? Hell yes. Catchy enough to want to see them live in April when they return to NYC. Also, I am very intrigued by brooklynvegan's review of the Hot Chip show. Apparently, the show was "perfect." If that truly is the case, I will probably make it out to the infamously terrible venue that is Terminal 5.
I first heard Hot Chip when they were out with their ridiculously addicting single, "Over and Over." And, honestly, Made In the Dark doesn't have another "Over and Over" on its tracklist. However, the new album is definitely repeatable. Overall, I think that Made In the Dark is a better album in that I am able to put more than a few tracks on repeat. Therefore, the entire album leaves a more lasting impression on me. While The Warning had some great singles, I found myself not wanting to listen to the rest of the album.
So does it bother me that I listen to Hot Chip on my ipod, only to hear the same songs when I walk into Urban Outfitters? I'll excuse it this time.
Also, are we really surprised by Pitchfork's review? Oh, Pitchfork. How I still read you, even though you are quite absurd at times.
Check out Hot Chip when they come to Terminal 5 on April 12.
Sorry, the Hot Chip songs got taken down. Check out their myspace. Don't miss "Bendable Poseable."
January 31, 2008
Vampire Weekend Debut Album Release - Bowery Ballroom
I have three things to say...
1. On Vampire Weekend's 1/30/08 Bowery Ballroom Show...
To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for Vampire Weekend's Bowery Ballroom show. I've seen a lot of youtube videos of their live performances, and I wasn't very impressed. So, after last night's show, I'm eating my words. Yes, it is true. Vampire Weekend is good. While most of their music is very mellow and replayable, as Nitsuh Abebe of Pitchfork says, they put on a high-energy show. I had the most fun watching Chris Tomson, the drummer, who enjoys bobbing his head to the beat so much that you can't help but follow suit. Most importantly, Vampire Weekend's music is fun. I don't care what you haters say (and I will get to that later). How can you listen to "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" and not want to move to the music? You can't. If you claim that you can, then either you do not enjoy listening to music or you are lying.
Gotta love Ezra's boat shoes + socks combination.
New song, "White Sky." Because every record release show needs a new song that is NOT on the album. From the 1/29 Bowery Ballroom Show.
2. On VW Backlash...
When a band's rise to fame is very fast, it is inevitable that there will be backlash from all sorts of people. But, I think the comments I've been reading on brooklynvegan are out of control. For one, I can't believe people are going out of their way to share their hatred for a band. I don't even bother posting about bands that I find to be unimpressive. Secondly, these attacks on VW are absurd, ranging from criticisms on their look to their musical influences. I'm sure that if Vampire Weekend dressed in typical hipster garb, these people would have less of a problem with them. Because VW chooses to stick with preppy shirts and sweaters, these people are fired up. Also, why do some people get so pissed when a band from humble beginnings hits the big time? Suddenly, they need to explain why VW is completely overrated and unoriginal. I guess in their books, no band is allowed to be remotely influenced by other musical artists. Or have success.
Let's not forget that VW is still a very young and humble band. Around the time doors opened, I saw a fabulously dressed, older woman sitting by herself. I was thinking, "Is that woman in the right place? Is she lost??" Then, I saw Chris Baio (bassist) come up to her and give her a huge hug. I'm thinking she may be his grandmother? Either way, it's endearing that VW's families are coming to their shows. I also talked to Chris Tomson afterwards to congratulate him on a great show and on their successes thus far. He was incredibly gracious and, although he was incredibly busy, he gave me a few minutes of his time. I can't help but be happy for these guys.
This NYTimes piece may make them out to be pretentious Ivy League pricks, but I don't think that is the case. These guys are Columbia alums and the one thing I know about Columbia kids... they are dorky and awkward. As a CU engineer, I definitely know that.
So, Vampire Weekend's name may be all over GQ, Vogue, and MTV (Oh, how I loathe MTV), but my opinion of VW has not changed much since my earlier post. Are they overrated now? Possibly, but I like their music all the same. And, no, I don't think they're like every other indie band. If they were a typical indie band, I wouldn't care for them...I don't think anyone would care for them. Their sound is unique enough for me to be hooked.
3. On Ezra Koenig's Sweater...
Now, for a lighter subject. Last night, that sweater almost started a catfight between a guy and a girl. This guy somehow managed to obtain the sweater and planned on wearing it after throwing it into a washing machine. This girl, claiming to be with management, walks up to him and yanks it out of his hands. Seeing as she went to the back of the coat check line immediately afterwards, I think it's safe to say that she was not with management. The guy was pretty pissed and debated getting the sweater back.
Check out Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut album!
A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
M79 - Vampire Weekend
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
January 27, 2008
Jack Peñate
I normally don't like bubbly music, but I've been finding myself humming along with Jack Peñate. While Peñate's rockabilly songs reach my pop music limitation, his upbeat music is rather infectious. After seeing him play Mercury Lounge last week for the US release of his album Matinee, I think it's easy to see that his personality perfectly matches his music. He said it himself: "I'm like a 12-year-old." Well, he definitely has the excitability of a young boy, even at the age of 23. I've never seen anyone jump around so much while playing the guitar! I have to admit, his jumping was a little dangerous. I was in the front and Peñate almost hit me with his guitar, NO JOKE. But for a solo act (backed by a drummer and a bassist), Peñate does his best to entertain with a little bit of craziness.
Signed onto XL Recordings (Thom Yorke, MIA, Vampire Weekend), Peñate is already well-known in the UK indie scene. Wikipedia has informed me that Peñate has been topping the indie charts overseas. Unsurprisingly, the show was filled with music execs, bloggers, and many devoted British fans. Apparently, his shows in the UK are quite pricey, nothing compared to the $10 that I paid to see him. After the show, he spent a lot of time talking to everyone who approached him.
The accent is pretty charming, but will Jack Peñate be the next hot UK import?
Got My Favourite - Jack Peñate
Have I Been A Fool? - Jack Peñate
Learning Lines - Jack Peñate
January 21, 2008
Die Romantik - Mercury Lounge 01.19.08
***EDIT*** As of February 20, 2008, Die Romantik is no more. I truly feel heartbroken.
When I went to the Apes & Androids show at Mercury Lounge this past Saturday, I had no idea I would discover Die Romantik (literally pronounced "Die Romantic"), my new favorite discovery. During a time when experimental bands such as Battles and Animal Collective are reappearing on many "Top Albums of 2007" lists, I think that we under-appreciate music that is simply meant to be beautiful. Before Die Romantik's performance, I don't remember the last time I felt so involuntarily moved by music. Whenever I stumble upon a band like DR, I am reminded that music really can serve as a powerful art form. I was lucky enough to meet the band afterwards and personally tell them how much I enjoyed their set.
A three-piece band, Die Romantik is Eric (Columbia alum, Philosophy major!), Dominic, and Olivier. The three met in France while attending high school. Eric came to New York for school, and the other two eventually followed suit. They currently reside in Brooklyn (I feel like I find myself saying this a lot). Narcissist's Waltz, their debut album, was released last year and can be purchased on iTunes, Insound, and on their website. Songwriting credits are split evenly, and I also believe that each member's vocals are featured equally, which is pretty rare. I'm kicking myself for not picking this album up at the show.
The charm of DR's music is that it is pleasing to hear and still unlike anything else that I'm listening to. While I had read on Oh My Rockness that Die Romantik's sound is similar to that of Beirut, Eric pointed out that they actually don't have any indie rock influences. DR is primarily influenced by classical music and French artists such as Jacques Brel and Serge Gainsbourg (whose daughter is Charlotte Gainsbourg). This actually surprised me because I had no idea who these French artists were and what characterizes their music. Still, I think Die Romantik appeals to anyone who appreciates captivating music.
As the comment to my previous post points out, Die Romantik's sound and performance strikingly contrasts that of Apes & Androids. Although DR may not have A&A's theatrical presence, complete with costumes, they are not any less exciting to experience. Yes, the majority of Die Romantik's music is mid-tempo and the band members aren't jumping around all over the place. The stage was lightly decorated with a simple "dr" light and each member was illuminated with three very cool incandescent lamps (captured in the photos above). But, I feel that the seemingly sparse visuals are not an accident. Die Romantik's stage presence allows for the audience to truly indulge themselves in the music they are experiencing, free of any distractions.
On top of their incredible talents, Die Romantik is unbelievably humble. After one of the songs, my best friend enthusiastically said aloud, "That was really good." Yes, she may have said it a little too loudly for the comment to remain private, and there was some giggling from the crowd. My friend may have looked a little embarrassed until Dominic sweetly answered, "Thank you."
This band is amazing. Do yourself a favor and check out their myspace for more. Perhaps Pitchfork would not have given music a 6.8 if Die Romantik had been reviewed.
Narcissist's Waltz - Die Romantik
La Belle Musique de Chambre - Die Romantik
January 20, 2008
Apes & Androids - Blood Moon
I don't think that you know what girls from the Midwest are all about... - from "Golden Prize"
I'm not going to lie. I'm sorta obsessed with this band. Last night, New York saw the release of Blood Moon, Apes & Androids' long-awaited debut album. A&A are a 5-piece band that is led by David Tobias and Brian Jacobs (CU alum, Neuroscience major!), the duo that was formerly Call Florence Pow. By far, A&A are one of the most unique bands that I've come across in awhile. Glam rock is back, better than ever.
The true beauty of A&A is that while they definitely have glam rock influences, I don't find their music to be predictable. The first A&A song I had heard was "Golden Prize." Immediately, I was reminded of Queen and I assumed the rest of their music would follow suit with the same operatic, dramatic, very complex feel. So, I was completely taken back when I heard "Nights of the Week," one of my favorite tracks off of Blood Moon. While the sound is distinctively A&A, it's still a little hard to believe that this mid-tempo song belongs to the same band. This band is definitely not a one-trick pony.
If you have the opportunity to see A&A, don't hesitate on your decision to go. There is a reason why every review of their shows insists that they are not to be missed. A&A is definitely one of the best live shows that I've ever seen. They pack the punch of Of Montreal's Kevin Barnes X 5, for each member of the band. Before last night's record release show, I looked around on youtube for videos of their performances. By chance, I came across the video below. For a show at the Knitting Factory, A&A collab'd with NYURI, NYU's Korean drum troupe, for their performance of "Hot Kathy." I was watching the video when I realized that I recognized one of the drummers. On this small island of Manhattan, he is a bar manager at PDT. Apparently, a co-bartender (who is also former college suitemate) was the drummer for Call Florence Pow and was a part of a Korean drum troupe. So, the collaboration was not as random as I had believed it to be.
Check out A&A's myspace. There are some great songs on there that I will not be able to post. You can purchase their album on iTunes or here.
I think it's safe to say that last night's performances were epic. The opening acts, Die Romantik and Sigmund Droid were both impressive and not to be missed. I will be blogging about them in the next couple days so come back to check them out.
We Don't Understand You - Apes & Androids
Radio - Apes & Androids
Nights of the Week - Apes & Androids
Riverside - Apes & Androids
Golden Prize - Apes & Androids
January 12, 2008
MGMT
I have to confess. Radiohead and The Most Serene Republic are all I have been listening to lately. But, in the last few days, MGMT has been sneaking onto my daily playlist. From Brooklyn (surprise, surprise), MGMT is two guys, backed up by a few more people to make up a 5-piece band. I saw them open for Of Montreal back in October. They were the first opening act and, to be honest, I didn't really pay attention. It may have been that there were more underagers there than I could handle, but I just decided to chill out until Of Montreal came onstage. In retrospect, what a shame.
Randomly, I came across "Time to Pretend" last month on my iTunes. And then I came across their crazy interactive video for "Electric Feel," which is a great song. How can you not move your body to this song? I have yet to download the video game, but I'll probably do that after I finish this post
Recently, they performed on David Letterman and, man, the performance is not very exciting. Somehow, I can't blame them. I feel like a lot of bands come off as all serious and unfun on TV. Then again, when I see bands go all out on TV, I think they're tools. Lose, lose. That's exactly what I thought about the Arctic Monkeys when I saw them perform on SNL back in 2006. Don't get me wrong, I listen to the Arctic Monkeys and i have both of their albums.
MGMT is co-headlining a tour with Yeasayer, and they will be playing the Bowery Ballroom on 2/13 and the Music Hall of Williamsburg on 2/14. What a great Valentine's Day present that would be.
Time to Pretend - MGMT
Electric Feel - MGMT
