I’m just going to go ahead and say the NPR/WNYC Soundcheck showcase at Le Poisson Rouge was the hottest showcase of CMJ this year. Just about every media outlet was there, and it was broadcast live. Ali Shaheed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest DJ’d in between sets, remarking that we were a tough crowd.
CMJ Highlights: Corrupt Autopilot and Juicebox
After the first day of CMJ panels and wrapping my head around the overly ambitious music schedule I had created (as well as juuuusst missing last call for the open bar at the press mixer), I decided a pizza party at L’asso should be my first stop. That’s where I ran into the congenial guys
Festival Preview: CMJ 2012
Fall is here, and pumpkins are $0.49 per pound at Foodtown in Brooklyn. The weather is splendid, and there’s adrenaline in the air. Oh, oh, and CMJ – College Music Journal – festival is upon NYC. Wee! This is one of the biggest, most widespread, most happening, and most fun music festivals in the city,
Turbo Fruits Record Release Show at Mercury Lounge
You may want to consult your physician before attending a Turbo Fruits show. If you have a weak neck, weak lungs, or a bad liver, you may want to check out that solo acoustic show down the street instead. The band’s record release show at Mercury Lounge Thursday night actually wasn’t their wildest show, but
Karlie Bruce’s CD Release Party at La Sala
Karlie Bruce is a name you should start to hear more often, if any music gods exist. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she’s been based in Brooklyn for the past several years, and honing her vocal chops in the disco party band Escort. This past Thursday, she held a special performance to celebrate the release of
Preview: FYF Fest 2012
FYF Fest takes place this weekend (which is Labor Day weekend), September 1 and 2 at the L.A. State Historic Park in downtown Los Angeles. If you went to the adventures of Pete & Pete REUNION this past Tuesday, presented by FYF along with Cinefamily and featuring the reunited Polaris (!), we want photos and
Preview: Berlin Festival
Berlin Festival, taking place September 7-8 in Berlin, Germany is a great reason to visit the city. You can go early for the music and stay after the fest is over, because your festival wristband not only gets you into the festival grounds, but the entire city by entitling you to various discounts with vendors
Divine Fits – A Thing Called Divine Fits
I’m not even going to bother going into the “supergroup” thing (oops) and instead recognize that Divine Fits is a well-balanced band comprised of dudes that have their own successful projects, and who combined the best aspects into something of its very own entity. Comprised of Britt Daniel from Spoon, Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade
Natural Child Drops New 7-inch and Announce More Tour Dates
Nashville blues punkers Natural Child have already received many comparisons to Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Stones, and The Stooges, and today they release their new 7-inch as further evidence to warrant all of that. The 7-inch, as well as a pack of rolling papers, is out on Jeffrey Drag Records, a musician-run label
Charlie Mars on Keeping it Real, Getting Your Money’s Worth, and Reaching Out Into the Abyss
Charlie Mars is a singer/songwriter from Tupelo, MS who’s not just another white guy with a guitar whining about his girlfriend. He’s releasing his latest album, Blackberry Light today, independently, and about to go on an extensive tour in support. I recently had what turned out to be a really sobering conversation with him, as