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.
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
Django Django just sounds musical, even if you didn’t know that was the name of an eclectic experimental psychedelic band from London. The term “psychedelic” is used broadly here, more in the way that Django Django creates unique musical paths that make take a few listens to wrap your mind around, instead of just wah
Minimalist pop rockers Love Ink’s visual aesthetic is about as Texan hipster as it gets, but their songs, though short and simple, are strong enough to give them the substance they need. Vocalist Sherry LeBlanc is a storyteller. Judging from her in-between song banter, she could probably tell a story on any topic one could
Ever heard of Ben Howard? I hadn’t, but apparently I’m in the minority on that one, since about half of his tour dates are completely sold out. What’s the big deal about him, he’s just another singer/songwriter dude from West London, yeah? That was my question. At his sold out show at Webster Hall Wednesday
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
“You won’t stand still, so why should the world?” New Beard certainly doesn’t stand still, and they don’t want anyone else to at their shows. On Saturday they played the last date of their tour run that we recently previewed at The Paper Box; a relatively new (and possibly the best new) venue in the
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
Singer/songwriter and The Mynabirds frontwoman Laura Burhenn had her snakeskin boots on, ready for stomping on the black and white chevron-painted stomp box under her feet. She and backup vocalist Rebecca Marie Miller stomped in unison rhythm for their whole set at Mercury Lounge this past weekend, making it as percussive as possible. Miller also
Thursday night, Union Pool hosted Vampire Blues’ Double Record Release Spectre Folk’s The Ancient Storm and Chris Lee’s Bury the Kings. Vampire Blues is Steve Shelley (of Sonic Youth)’s new record label, and he also has producing credits on Chris Lee’s album, as well as being the house drummer for this show. The last time