April won't be as in my face like a can of mace as March was, but it's still front loaded with great gigs. I get a lot of questions about how and why I go to so many gigs. How can I afford it? I don't buy drinks at the venues. Two beers equals one show, I'd rather go to the show. Why go to so many gigs? I always seem happier when my life outside of work is filled with activities.
On to my itinerary...
April 1, Editors/stellastarr* @ The Trocadero, Phillytown: With this show, Editors join my four time club. Congrats to them. It's basically bands I've seen four times makes them into the pseudo-Hall of Fame in my mind. I haven't seen stellastarr* since CMJ 2003, I need to catch-up on their latest releases. Finally, I haven't been to the Troc since probably 2003ish when I saw N.E.R.D. I miss that damn place.
April 2,3, Gorillaz @ Apollo Theater: I'm taking off from work so I can devote all my energies to the shows and to eating at some good places in the area. If anyone wants to join me, drop me a line. Be sure to read my primer.
April 4, Art Brut/The Ponys/Bling Kong @ Bowery Ballroom: Taking a break with the Go! Rillaz to catch up with Art Brut and Bling Kong. Second time around (post on first time) with Art, first with Bling, although they have been nice enough to invite me to their shows, just hasn't work out in my schedule. Well, I'm coming this time, bro!
From the BK website: Bling Kong knows you chumps don't have a chance of getting with his bitches even if you wear his clothes...
Bling Kong knows that the ladies like to have something to dance to when they're looking so good in his styles.
Bling Kong is a nice guy so he created a show for you all to feel nice. He's bringing a rock band with three drummers, a cheerleading squad, and some video ninjas to keep you A.D.D. fuckers who don't dance entertained.
April 5,6, Gorillaz @ Apollo Theater: I'm hoping the last night they do something special, like invite me on stage. I'm most looking forward to hearing "Dirty Harry" live and in full effect. With the April 5th show, Gorillaz join the four time club.
April 7, Neko Case/The High Dials @ Webster Hall: Unfortunately, I have to use this space to rant about the Raconteurs at Irving Plaza. Ask yourself, if Jack White wasn't in this band, would you give a flying shit about the band or their music? That would be no. It would be rather silly and a shame for someone to buy scalped tickets for $300+ that are likely faked. Come on, they'll come around again. Rant done.
Okay, Madame Neko. The new album is her best yet. Her and the Jenny Lewis solo project make it a one two punch for alt-country songstresses everywhere. It's interesting to see how the success of New Pornographers has helped Neko and Dan and vice-verca.
April 8, Franz Ferdinand/Death Cab for Cutie/The Cribs @ Tweeter Center, Camden: My little plot to get backstage didn't work. No matter, I scored General Admission tickets to this gig. It's the same deal as with Beck, they take out the first few rows of seats for standing. With this show, Franz Ferdinand joins the four times club for me. Some die hard fans see Franz four times in a week.
April 11, Beth Orton @ Webster Hall: By now, I have gotten over the first time I saw Miss Orton, in a driving cold rain while standing on a cold, hard metal floor in Giants Stadium. Field Day Fest, let's not go there.
April 12, Gogol Bordello @ Warsaw: Check out this YouTube goodness with the band on Jimmy Kimmel Live:
April 14, Franz Ferdinand/Death Cab for Cutie/The Cribs @ Hammerstein Ballroom: With this show DCFC (as the kids like to call them) join the four timers club. Everyone is joining, why not you?
April 15, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Bowery Ballroom: Anybody know who the opening act is? Anyone, anyone, Bueller? UPDATE: It's The Teeth from Philadelphia and Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog.
April 18, The Brunettes @ Mercury Lounge: One of my favorites stays in NYC for a while after their Friday CYHSY opening slot. Since we last saw them, the New Zealand outfit signed with Sub Pop. Some chick named Nicole Atkins will be on the bill. Pfffft, whatever, man.
April 21, Wilco @ Starland Ballroom, SLAYERville, New Jersey: This should be interesting, seeing Tweety & Co. in a different mid-sized venue. Since they are promoting their live CD, I expect a setlist full of popular tracks.
Um...that remark about Nicole Atkins is a joke, right? If so, hee. If not...well, there can't be a "not."
Posted by: Laura in NJ | July 22, 2007 at 02:22 PM