Music Snobbery

Crystal Stilts Headlining The MusicSnobbery.com 4th Anniversary Show!

With Special Guests Mahogany

@ Maxwell's

April 26th, doors @ 7:30pm, $10 (Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!)

1039 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ

Tickets on sale now at Ticketweb.com

Yeah, it's been a year already. Believe me, the time went by fast for me too. This time around, no last minute superstar Grammy-winners, desperate pleas on YouTube or me panicking for three months. Just the most rocking new act in New York City making their Maxwell's debut.

The timing is perfect for Crystal Stilts to headline. Just yesterday, I opened the new issue of Spin Magazine, and there's the band in a nice two page spread under the title The New New York Cool. No argument here. They also grace the cover of The Deli magazine with the headline, Crystal Stilts and The DIY Generation.

There's a clear reason I pursued them for the show -- they are the complete package. You may compare them to any number of well-known bands, but nobody else sounds this authentic at putting together driving guitar rhythms, haunting vocals and some psychedelic keyboards. I love the consistency on their debut album, Alight of Night.

Even better, their live show is energetic, without resorting to rock star posturing. It's going to be intense seeing them in Maxwell's. It's a perfect fit being that the place has a long history of being a launching pad for bands to notoriety.

When they agreed to be my headliner, it was a huge relief -- just for the fact that they won't break-up two weeks before the show. You folks are in for a treat. I'm looking forward to see you all there and having a great time.

When it was clear that Crystal Stilts were going to headline, I wanted to find a similar feeling band to compliment them, not a similar sounding band. In a eureka moment, Mahogany came into my mind. They create a specific mood, but they rely more on electronics and keyboards.

Furthermore, I wanted the line-up to have some dynamic elements, a little something for everyone. With Mahogany, you'll get a full spectral trip that will take you to some wonderful places. I saw them open up for Voxtrot, and they made a big impression of me. They also made an impression with Bloc Party, who took them on one of their U.K. tours. As Pitchfork called their 2006 album, Connectivity!, "a structural achievement as it is a simply gorgeous record, cultivating a graceful, time-collapsing sense of modernity."

I'm smiling widely as a write this, because I can't wait to see what they do ... and how the heck are they going to get all those keyboards on stage? This is not some laid-pack guys and girls twiddling on their instruments, these cats knock socks off.

That's the line-up as we stand now ... BUT ... I'll be adding one more opening act in a few weeks.

There you go, my friends. It's great that after last year's show, that pretty much changed my life, I'm able to do it again at Maxwell's. Many thanks to the venue for having me back. Even though my name is on the night, I do these because you deserve to have the best night of rock music possible that doesn't involve Live Nation or Ticketmaster. It's also a big thank you for keeping me busy for another year and having me be your destination for your music blogging needs.

I look forward to be your host to the night, and looking forward to you being your friends.

My Favorite People Returning With New Music and Live Dates: Doves, Phoenix and The Grates

It's almost a perfect storm of awesomeness as some favorite bands are returning with new albums and in the Grates case, coming back to New York.

One of the reasons I started this contraption was to tell people how Doves is one of the best bands on the planet. They've never made a bad song, their three albums are still genius after all these years and their live shows rank among the finest the British have to offer. I've seen them ten times since 2001 and I remember each one distinctively. As a side note, their opening acts always become big deals -- Webb Brothers, Elbow, Mercury Rev, Magic Numbers and a little band you might have heard of called My Morning Jacket.

Anyway, they took a break to become fathers, but 2009 will marks their return onto the scene, and I can't be more stoked. Kingdom of Rust hits shelves and internets on April 6. It also marks the return to the band on Astralwerks, the label that released their debut, Lost Souls. Producing the majority of the album is Dan Austin, who's worked witrh Cherry Ghost and Cooper Temple Clause. Legendary producer John Leckie (Stone Roses, My Morning Jacket's Z) had his hands on the tracks "Winter Hill" and "10.03". Here is that tracklisting...

• Jetstream
• Kingdom of Rust 
• The Outsiders 
• Winter Hill 
• 10.03
• The Greatest Denier 
• Birds Flew Backwards
• Spellbound
• Compulsion
• House of Mirrors
• Lifelines 

Here's the first video off that album for the title track:

My drinking buddies, Phoenix, also took an extended break to make beautiful babies. They announced the tracklisting and the may 26th release date of their fourth opus, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. this will be the band's first album not on Astralwerks, instead going with their own label, Loyaute, and Glassnote.

Even better, U.S. tour dates are in the works for the summer. Bar none, the best live act that you are not seeing. If you have't seen them live, I will pay for your ticket.

• Lisztomania
• 1901
• Fences
• Love Like A Sunset Pt. 1
• Love Like A Sunset Pt. 2
• Lasso
• Rome
• Countdown
• Girlfriend
• Armistice

Here's a track off that album, it's called "1901." It's damn good.

Finally, I'm counting the days until my dear friends, The Grates, come back to New York. They'll be passing through after their SXSW appearances. They've booked a date at Pianos with Micachu on March 25 and The Bell House on an all-Australian bill on March 26 which includes Youth Group, the Drones and The Fumes. They'll be playing tunes off their latest album, Teeth Lost, Hearts Broken.

This is their latest video for "Awwwwwwwwwwwww Yeah"

Best New Band Name of the Year: An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump

I'm not much of art enthusiast, so I've never heard of the painting that the up-and-coming UK goth rock band took their name from. Whatever their inspiration, it's craziest name I've heard this year -- . An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump. Although, grammar skills are going to be tested with how to capitalize the name. Let's just got with E.B.A.P. (eeeBAP)

First the band themselves are three females with jet black hair, black stockings and heavy dark eye make-up. Their not exactly the female, Asian version of The Horrors, but these dark rockers are giving zombie rock a new beat.

You hear all the elements of the genre, Ronettes girl group vocals, Cramps style guitar licks, heavy bass and drum parts and deathly attitude.

As NME put it last month: "An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump scare us. They're the authentic face of the gothic post-rock lot with an impressively arty name to match, and look like they could properly do us over if we met them in a dark alley."

Here's one of their kick ass tracks, it's called "Lights Out" and it lasts one minute, 14 seconds.

And if you want to know about the painting, wikipedia explains all.

Empire of the Sun In No Way Looks Like MGMT in Debut Video

Let's see, desert landscapes, day glo war paint, feather hairbands, two guys, vocals with a slight echo, a slight high-pitched chorus, hipster supermodel chick and costumes that look sew together from various Salvation Army left overs. Nahhhh, I don't see the resemblance to MGMT. Not all. Right?

There's a drinking game in the video somewhere. Take a shot every time the lead singer puts his arms over his head.

I joke, I like the song, Tt's like Fleetwood Mac going back on the mushrooms.

Mystery Jets/The Dig @ Bowery Ballroom: The Boys Who Ran Away

 

Sometimes, it's good to see a band again with a lengthy space of time between. Britain's Mystery Jets returned to the U.S. after a long absence. The last time I saw them was in March 2006 when they we're a,little under-the-radar. I'll always remember that gig with Noisettes because it was a small crowd, but half of them were well-known musicians (members of Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, TV on the Radio).

Tonight's show was a fantastic display of various facets of Mystery Jets. Their latest material -- and when I say material I mean music and clothing fabric -- is a little more trendy and synthy. Playing it side by side with their early songs showed me that the albums are no that far off the musical spectrum.

The setlist:

• Hideaway
• Half In Love With Elizabeth
• The Boy Who Ran Away
• Young Love
• Lady Grey
• Flakes
• Hand Me Down
• First to Know
• Alas Agnes
• Two Doors Down
• Behind the Bunhouse
• Encore: You Can't Fool Me Dennis
• Veiled In Grey

In the three years since their last appearance, they've released two albums, with their debut (Zootime/Making Dens) getting the only proper U.S. release. Last year's Twenty-One had one of my favorite tracks of the year, "Young Love," a cutesy ditty with Laura Marling providing vocal assistance. It's one of those songs that you put on a mixtape for your friends who not too much into music  and they'll love it.

As you tell by the glittery smocks, the band embraced a more electronic sound for a few track from their last album. A song like "Two Doors Down" is a good melding of what they're known for, harmonic, jangly pop music and a their new sound, a hint of day-glo 80s synth pop. They started the show off with the dance floor anthem, Hideaway, that begins with blaring sirens.

After seeing the new tracks live, I'm able to embraced the variations they've introduced in Twenty-One. The electronics are not that far off the deep-end. What's at their core are boyishly handsome harmonies with some rambunctious, kitchen-sink musicianship. Although they've stepped away from the "Zootime" eccentricities, I think it's safe to say they know what they are doing.

What's interesting to me their live show is that they play a structured show with no improvs or wacky interludes, but at the same time they look and play relaxed. It's because some of their songs have a breezy quality. Their first well-know song, The Boy Who Ran Away, has driving percussion, but the vocals have a happy whimsy.

The other aspect of Mystery Jets to point out is that they are ia group of acts from the U.K. who are THAT popular. Their not in the same league as your Franz Ferdinands, Kaiser Chiefs or Razorlights. They play rooms not much larger rooms than Bowery. Those who appreciate music know that the band won't disappoint. I consider The Rakes, Young Knives and The Guillemots in the same class, not too popular, but not on the fridge.

They might be back again this year, pending a release of a third album -- this time with Rough Trade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local act The Dig took the opening slot duties. For some reason, I have a knee-jerk reaction to new NYC rock bands. I think being inundated with 4-5 new bands a week claiming to be the next Strokes or MGMT makes me a little weary. In comes The Dig. They introduced themselves to me last year, and I liked one song that I played it on my old show. Fast forward to today, and I couldn't recall what they sounded like. I was thinking they were more of a garage rock sound.

Well, let me just tell you that I suck ... sometimes. These guys threw down. They have a more, mid-70s, Laurel Canyon rock sound. It's not too southern rock, and not too glam rock. More importantly, they don't come off as art rock, scenesters. No matter how categorize the music, these guys play hard. At one point, the bassists in the vintage Jaws shirt just stomps his feet on the stage to beat while his broken bass string just whips around. The whole group rocked hard together. Their songs are not straight forward but they like to change up tempos and throw you for a loop with bursts energy.

 

 

We Live In A World Where Danny Boyle Has An Oscar

Strange, exciting and weird -- isn't it? Who would have thunk that the man who made Underworld's "Born Slippy" one of the most iconic songs ever used in a movie would be a Best Director? He's made more misfires than triumphs, but when he gets it right, like in Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and Slumdog, it's a film for the ages.

It's kind of ironic that Boyle has turned to Underworld so frequently that when Boyle doesn't use the techno band in Slumdog Millionaire, the movie becomes a worldwide sensation. I would have thought that King of Snake from Beaucoup Fish could have been used in some fashion.

So I figured since Boyle never thanks Karl Hyde and Rick Smith for their years of inspiration, I would point out the times the new Oscar-winner used the group.

Trainspotting: The ending scene with unrelenting beat of "Born Slippy" and Renton leaving slowly is a stroke a genius. In Boyle first film, Shallow Grave, he relied on the now defunct techno band Leftfield.

A Life Less Ordinary: The follow-up to Trainspotting and Boyle's attempt at Hollywood film-making with an esoteric love story about a fired janitor kidnapping a spoiled rich girl was a mess. I remember thinking when I saw it on video, "Did anybody think this movie would be enjoyed by anybody?" Underworld composed the song "OH" for the film's soundtrack. 

The Beach: The hit and miss quality (mostly miss) of Leo DiCaprio's message film about tourism, terrorism and the environment was a head trip to say the least. You get the feeling at the end that the movie wanted to say everything, but you end feeling nothing. Underworld's trippy "8 Ball" is in the film.

Sunshine: After being absent in 28 Days Later and Millions, Boyle and Underworld teamed for their strongest collaboration with the band co-authoring the score for the sci-fi odyssey. Despite the film being impeccable well-made, the picture felt like a retread of Solaris. Underworld left all the big beats and pulse pounding stadium anthems behind for a more ambient, Brian Eno-type score.

Previously: One of my favorite show's I've photogrpahed, the Underworld show at Summer Stage.

Emanuel and the Fear @ Mercury Lounge: Here Comes the Fear Again

 

Before I headed over to Noah and his happy fun Whale, I caught a set from local up-and-comer Emanuel Ayvas and his band Emanuel and the Fear. The best way to describe the idea and sound is to think of your high school band days. Imagine the marching band horn section joining forces with the string section of the orchestra band. Then in the center is the school's resident poet. Although the 11-member outfit doesn't conform to a certain genre, if crazy exciting was a genre, they could be the leaders.

This is my first time seeing the band perform, and if I were the hint at their inspiration, I would gather Emanuel listens to the Arts & Crafts collection of Canada bands like Stars and Broken Social Scene -- that sort of romantically poppy sound with a electronic pulse punctuatedated with deeply felt lyrics. What Emanuel adds is the interplay between the string and horns. There's always something interesting going on during the performance.

As per usual, I took a liking to his more uptempo tracks where everything comes into play like "We're All Alright Tonight." Their final song, "Jimmie's Song" was so good that I though it was a cover, but in fact it was an original. The chorus is so simple and poetic that it felt familiar -- 'I don't want to do nothin' but be a in a rock band." He did throw in a cover of Deerhoof's rambunctious free-for-all "The Perfect Me."

So my eye will be on Emanuel and the crew to see what they have in store. In the meantime -- it has to be said -- look at that guy's hair! It comes from the Omar Rodriguez school of hair design. You can hide a hoagie in that thing.

 

 

Noah and the Whale @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

 

Speaking of Noah and the Whale, the band return to town Saturday night to road test new material off their forthcoming second album, The First Days of Spring. I, like many of their fanbase, welcome new material for the anti-folk, pop group. I wasn't expecting the majority of the show to be taken up with new tunes.

So when the lights came up, there was a sense in the crowd of "is that it?" Many of the fine tracks from their debut, Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down, didn't get played. Since their last appearance, they've received a lot of more admirers who have never seen the band live and they probably would have like to have heard something like "Shape Of My Heart", unless I missed it because I was a little late. When I got in, their where playing "Give A Little Love".

As Charlie explained, the new album tells a story. Being that we are all experiencing it for the first time, it's tough to determine what they are about and what I think of them. Some of the tunes started off softly and came to big climatic conclusion. I'm thinking the new album will be a little more serious, and less pop forefront from their debut, but I guess we'll see when it comes out.

I like the band's low key, earnest personality that they show on stage. Charlie admits his mistakes when he plays songs in wrong key. In time, he be appreciated for his sincere songwriting abilities. No doubt, the popularity of "Five Years Time" is due to its wondrous outlook on love and the simple pleasures.

Their live show as a whole is still a work in progress. I want to be surprised and thrilled when I see them, but I feel that they are half way there. Even when Charlie announces that the next song is a dance song, I didn't feel the need to boogie. In any event, I'm looking forward to the completed second album to see if they capture the same spirit from their debut.

Previously:

• Noah and the Whale interview
• The Mercury Lounge show from September 2008

 

 

 

Five Weird Minutes in TV Programing

This morning, I was catching up on some DVR shows, mainly Friday Night Lights. Within a five-minute span of the commercial break, I saw three ads featuring music from some indie bands.

First, Noah and the Whale's "Five Years Time" has already been used to sell Saturn cars and crappy Jim Carrey films. Now, it's snack food.

Then, when I think Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, I think cleaning products. Thao's "Bag of Hammers" is being used to hawk disinfecting wipes. I can't find the ad but here's the original song.

Finally, Pitchfork's favorite L.A. band, The Airbourne Toxic Event, did the NBC chime, following in the footsteps of the Flaming Lips, B-52s and B.B. King. What I found extremely weird was why them? I thought they weren't popular, but then I looked at their myspace page and they are selling out shows on a steady basis. Que? It's not like they are a household name on par with Richie Sambora.

Then, if you look at the snippet (the band in a limo), it's been done already by the band for one of those idiotic "band in a weird place playing live" segments. Here's the original:

Then the NBC segment, with the unfunny sudden stop gag. Wacka! Wacka!

Yee haw! I'm coming to the conclusion that these music placements are the only way indie bands are making money, but if you're going to be in one, try looking cool.

The Temper Trap Escape Oz to Play U.S.

The Franz Ferdinand-endorsed Australian outfit The Temper Trap will be making their way to the U.S. next month. If you also remember, they made the BBC's Artists to Watch in 2009. They'll be playing both coasts and that Austin place in-between

• March 16: Mercury Lounge -- New York
• March 18-22: SXSW -- Austin
• March 23: Spaceland -- Los Angeles

The crew prepared tunes for their live show from their as-yet-to-be-title debut album. Superstar producer Jim Abbiss (Editors' Back Room and Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not) lent his powers to the future opus. 

Brace yourself for some carefully worded biographical explanation for their myspace page: The band has conquered adventurous new territory, building on their rich foundations in a natural progression and embellishing the songs with washes of keys, strings and choirs. It is an album equally ambitious as bold – never content to settle into predictability, neither within the confines of a single track or across the spectrum of the album.

Well, shit man, they got all the keywords in there: foundations, spectrum, ambitious, washes, progression.

Just listen to the song, kids. Here's "Sweet Disposition". It's got a good steady pulse.