breaking the ice.

It all started when WMUC's own Andrew Quang asked me if I wanted free tickets to Jeremy Jay at the Velvet Lounge. I said "sure" and the rest is history. I ended up seeing the band and then another solo set at WMUC. Exactly opened, but they deserve their own entry for me to explain them, so I will begin with just Jeremy.


At first glance, Jeremy reminded me of Alex Kapranos with his sunglasses, striped shirt, and Euro vibe. Because he is an artist on K Records, I expected a pop show, but I got a bit more. The band was extremely energetic, jumping up and down and dancing while they played. Instruments were interchanged and twee pop gold was belted. Most of the songs on Slow Dance (2009) are catchy life, learning, and love stories set to the beat. I really enjoyed the set and "new-to-me" music.

It was also a treat to be able to see the solo set and hear stripped down versions of the songs. This performance had a more innocent and angelic vibe to it. I liked the raw simplicity that allowed the vocals to shine.


Last.fm describes Jeremy as "elusive...Like Buddy Holly, Peter Pan and John Hughes movies rolled into one. He’s pure Storybook." In my experience, he is one of the more pleasant performers I've had the pleasure of having a conversation with. But, it's true, he loves his Warhol Superstars, Pretty In Pink, Neverending Story, and The Goonies.

Beautiful Rebel

don't tell me to try to control myself.

Recently, I have reignited my interest in The Popguns, a British jangle pop group hailing from Brighton. Formed in 1986 and active for a decade, The Popguns were endlessly both catchy and emotional. Vocalist Wendy Morgan is a true star with her effortless ability to wail sentimental and sometimes snarky lyrics while rocking a rickenbacker. To quote another blogger, "She is able to give seemingly the most innocent phrase just the right amount of spite, hurt or tenderness it deserves." I've been listening to "Don't Smile" a lot for that very reason.




I highly recommend The Popguns best-of entitled Another Year, Another Address. Released in 1996 by Cherry Red Records, this album includes many rare and amazing songs from the band's time at Midnight Music.

cuz we had it, we was magic.

On a bit more of a top-40 tip, "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West, is a killer track that I discovered while randomly watching 106 & Park. This song is undeniably catchy. The harmonies on the chorus are perfectly arranged and addicting, Ne-Yo's verse sounds great, and Kanye has done something to restore my faith in him. The song tells an honest love story, with each person giving their point of view. This all-star line-up has delivered another hit and the video adds depth.

does she love you? you suppose.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre last night at 9:30 Club was hands down one of the best shows I have ever attended. In terms of technique, they cannot be matched. I was impressed at the synchronicity and ambiance that the eight-piece group brought to the stage. Those who have seen DiG! (2004) know that the BJM have a drug addled and violence infused reputation. None of this was apparent as they breezed through their two hour set. They all just seemed like a bunch of old friends coming together to make spectacular music.


I was incredibly excited to see a BJM near to the old line-up, with Matt Hollywood and Joel Gion on the stage. Matt was able to perform some of his original songs and Joel added his bizarre and fun style of tambourine to the mix. Anton was his usual eccentric and neurotic self, but he was all business about the music. His voice was flawless, which is hard to believe with all the smoking and drinking that was going on.

My favorite parts were "Who?," "When Jokers Attack," and "That Girl Suicide." The west coast rock/neo-psychedelic sound is something that they have perfected. They managed to end in an even more amazing fashion, with the long version of "Swallowtail." As each member left the stage, they propped their guitar against their amp and let it feed back. They each said a separate thank you and walked off. Then, the tech went around and turned each amp off individually, letting the sound peter out to nothing. The house lights came on, but no one was ready to leave.

Afterwards, I headed to the Velvet Lounge where we were later met by Frankie Teardrop and Collin Hegna. It was awesome to have a chance to chat with them about the show and their experience with the band. I was a bit disappointed that Anton and Matt never showed up, but apparently the rest of the BJM was back at the house either sleeping or arguing. Regardless, it was a great night for music.

Watch:
When Jokers Attack

welcome to miami.

Winter Music Conference 2009 was no exception to the fact that MIA really pops off like in the Will Smith joint. Over a decade after the song was released, I still heard it in nearly every cab I took. The trip was filled with sun, surf, spa, sippin', and sets by some of the world's most notable DJs. The party was pretty much non-stop so I'm just gonna talk about some of my favorite moments.

A lot of the action went down at the Gansevoort rooftop Plunge. This was an awesome spot because the ocean is in view, there is a rooftop pool, and, well, we saw Dennis Rodman. Ca$$idy and Fabiana DJed here on our last day in town.


The Scion parties were nice because they were in the sand. The high point of these two days was definitely the finale duo of A-track and DJ Mehdi.


My favorite parties were the Armani Exchange afternoon events and the Le Baron party at the Raleigh. Belvedere and Monster sponsored, to make things more amazing. Rye Rye stole the show with her performance at the AE party, reminding me why I love her so much. Le Baron featured Mattie Safer of The Rapture, DJ Medhi, and Erol Alkan. They killed it.


Before I knew it, it was our last night in Miami. Here we are sitting at Rokbar, anxiously awaiting heading to the Mad Decent party to see Diplo, etc. Lil' Jon ended up being the special guest. I especially enjoyed Trouble & Bass, though, because they had one of the most energetic performances I have ever seen. Rusko also delivered an impressive set, but I couldn't krump to it.


Mad Decent started to get a little bit out of control (i.e. man in a dress on a bicycle on some kind of psychedelic drug(s)) so we went back to crash at the hotel. The next night as my flight landed I was tuckered out and so happy just to see the Washington Monument blinking at me. But I won't forget my first trip to Miami: Party in the city where the heat is on.

LINKS:
Miami
Shake it to the Ground