Last night I headed over to The Black Cat to check out Nunchucks and The Antlers. It's been a while since I've seen a band live without hearing any tracks first, so I just dove in. Ronald was gracious enough to comp me on the "food stamps list" so that us poor folk can stick together and see live music. His band, Nunchucks, are a high energy rock group hailing from the DC metro area. They are a solid group and put on a great show. The songs are catchy, they have coordinated moves, and had the backstage dancin' a bit. Check them out at www.myspace.com/nunchucksrock.
The Antlers, out of Brooklyn, have a more ambient sound. Their set had a very ethereal vibe to it. During "Bear" and "Two" my eyes were glued to the stage. The vocals were tender yet strong and the instrumentation suited the songs and set a mood. Look 'em up at www.myspace.com/theantlers or stream their full album here.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
she asked me if i would ever fall.
Skywave are an amazing group from the 90's and early 2000's. Hailing from Fredericksburg, VA, they helped the resurrection of shoegaze in the United States. Every time some type of "shoegaze" is mentioned there is talk of derivation from The Jesus & Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, but Skywave definitely carve out their own place.
In terms of albums, I am partial to Took the Sun (1998). Each song is mesmerizing with its perfectly placed feedback, dissonance, and accentuating percussion. The guitars are layered with complexities and add so much to each track while the vocals work well to set an emotional tone. Not one song sounds the same as the one before it, but there is an innate cohesiveness to the album. In addition to the below song, I highly recommend "Walking on Stars" and "Sanddune".
"Sixteen" -
The music is still alive, the bassist went on to form A Place To Bury Strangers. They come off as a bit more abrasive to me, but are still very very good. Ceremony, another solid effort, came from two other members. I just can't help but keep a little special place in my heart for Skywave.
In terms of albums, I am partial to Took the Sun (1998). Each song is mesmerizing with its perfectly placed feedback, dissonance, and accentuating percussion. The guitars are layered with complexities and add so much to each track while the vocals work well to set an emotional tone. Not one song sounds the same as the one before it, but there is an innate cohesiveness to the album. In addition to the below song, I highly recommend "Walking on Stars" and "Sanddune".
"Sixteen" -
The music is still alive, the bassist went on to form A Place To Bury Strangers. They come off as a bit more abrasive to me, but are still very very good. Ceremony, another solid effort, came from two other members. I just can't help but keep a little special place in my heart for Skywave.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
go somewhere private where we can discuss fashion.
On the heels of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week I've decided to sum it up with LISSY TRULLIE.
Trullie, hipster model turned musician, was present at the La Baron party at the Bowery. She also DJs at Paul Sevigny's hotspot Beatrice. Lissy is worth checking out just to see that not everyone in that scene is so vapid. Her songwriting skills are actually pretty decent and her voice is incredibly unique.
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In terms of New York party spots, I would also highly recommend Mr. West. One of the best hip-hop DJs I've ever heard and a pretty relaxing atmosphere make this a club frequented by Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Mary J. Blige when they are in town.
Most fun fashion show? I would say this is a tie between Jill Stuart and William Rast. The Jill Stuart show featured these amazing and sophisticated black lace pieces that I could see myself wearing. It also helped that The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Blonde Redhead accompanied the girls as they strutted down the runway. Justin Timberlake's line, William Rast, left something to be desired clothing-wise. The "New America" theme just didn't do it for me, but I was starstruck by the Hilton's, JC Chasez, Jessica Biel, Anna Wintour, and Carine Roitfeld.
Fashion Week was crazy, but it's good to be home.
Trullie, hipster model turned musician, was present at the La Baron party at the Bowery. She also DJs at Paul Sevigny's hotspot Beatrice. Lissy is worth checking out just to see that not everyone in that scene is so vapid. Her songwriting skills are actually pretty decent and her voice is incredibly unique.
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In terms of New York party spots, I would also highly recommend Mr. West. One of the best hip-hop DJs I've ever heard and a pretty relaxing atmosphere make this a club frequented by Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Mary J. Blige when they are in town.
Most fun fashion show? I would say this is a tie between Jill Stuart and William Rast. The Jill Stuart show featured these amazing and sophisticated black lace pieces that I could see myself wearing. It also helped that The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Blonde Redhead accompanied the girls as they strutted down the runway. Justin Timberlake's line, William Rast, left something to be desired clothing-wise. The "New America" theme just didn't do it for me, but I was starstruck by the Hilton's, JC Chasez, Jessica Biel, Anna Wintour, and Carine Roitfeld.
Fashion Week was crazy, but it's good to be home.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
please don't throw it all away.
My New Favorite Song:
When I was doing my radio show over the summer I came across a demo. A song called "You're Making This Hard" by Irish indie band Sweet Jane. The song was reminiscent of Darklands (1987) era The Jesus & Mary Chain and featured a duo of male and female vocals, steady bass drum beats, and driving guitars. Unfortunately, they changed it up a lot for the version in their EP, which can be previewed on their myspace.
"Blackboots Blackhearts" is the title track on the EP. It is really the style of stuff I'm into right now. In lieu of something lovey and valentiney, I'll go with something that reminds me of exactly how I feel. Just the right blend of melancholy and feedback.
When I was doing my radio show over the summer I came across a demo. A song called "You're Making This Hard" by Irish indie band Sweet Jane. The song was reminiscent of Darklands (1987) era The Jesus & Mary Chain and featured a duo of male and female vocals, steady bass drum beats, and driving guitars. Unfortunately, they changed it up a lot for the version in their EP, which can be previewed on their myspace.
"Blackboots Blackhearts" is the title track on the EP. It is really the style of stuff I'm into right now. In lieu of something lovey and valentiney, I'll go with something that reminds me of exactly how I feel. Just the right blend of melancholy and feedback.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
secret knowledge of backroads.
My Stomping Grounds In:
The H Street Corridor / The Atlas District
Since speaking about Rock & Roll Hotel in my summer "nightowl" post, I have decided to expand and talk about a section of DC that I've been frequenting quite a bit.
H street NE is an up-and-coming area of DC. Once a bustling part of the city, the H Street District suffered setbacks following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the ensuing race riots of 1968. Recently, the area has been revitalizing and focusing on the arts & entertainment sector. Named after the famous Atlas Theater, the Atlas District boasts a number of hotspots. The area is a lot easier to access using public transportation following the recent addition of a free H Street Shuttle. It travels a convenient route between the Chinatown and Minnesota Ave metro stations. There is also the option of the X2 metro bus, or as always a trusty (and more costly) cab ride.
Besides Rock & Roll, my most frequented H Street venue is Sticky Rice. In fact, it is a lot like a second home. Foremost, the staff are wonderful and accommodating. I now consider many of them friends. The food is delectable and fairly inexpensive. They boast sushi and tater tots and they now have delicious brunch! After dinner, Sticky turns into a boisterous nightspot with a great atmosphere and a gong. Tuesdays are karaoke night hosted by the talented Andrew Herndon, Wednesdays are BLINGO hosted by the elusive Russell, and the weekends bring DJs, dancing, and trivia. Sticky Rice is the total package for a restaurant/bar establishment. Check out all the deets at http://www.stickyricedc.com.
Another restaurant in the area that I thoroughly enjoy is Dr. Granville Moore's Brickyard. This gastropub is meant to be a bit grimy, but the food is totally worth it. I am not a beer drinker, but all my friends rave that the offering of over 50 beers is spectacular. The Belgian fare is delicious and the low-key environment is relaxing and welcoming. I would highly recommend mussles, frites, and a brownie for dessert! More info at http://www.granvillemoores.com.
The H Street Corridor / The Atlas District
Since speaking about Rock & Roll Hotel in my summer "nightowl" post, I have decided to expand and talk about a section of DC that I've been frequenting quite a bit.
H street NE is an up-and-coming area of DC. Once a bustling part of the city, the H Street District suffered setbacks following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the ensuing race riots of 1968. Recently, the area has been revitalizing and focusing on the arts & entertainment sector. Named after the famous Atlas Theater, the Atlas District boasts a number of hotspots. The area is a lot easier to access using public transportation following the recent addition of a free H Street Shuttle. It travels a convenient route between the Chinatown and Minnesota Ave metro stations. There is also the option of the X2 metro bus, or as always a trusty (and more costly) cab ride.
Besides Rock & Roll, my most frequented H Street venue is Sticky Rice. In fact, it is a lot like a second home. Foremost, the staff are wonderful and accommodating. I now consider many of them friends. The food is delectable and fairly inexpensive. They boast sushi and tater tots and they now have delicious brunch! After dinner, Sticky turns into a boisterous nightspot with a great atmosphere and a gong. Tuesdays are karaoke night hosted by the talented Andrew Herndon, Wednesdays are BLINGO hosted by the elusive Russell, and the weekends bring DJs, dancing, and trivia. Sticky Rice is the total package for a restaurant/bar establishment. Check out all the deets at http://www.stickyricedc.com.
Another restaurant in the area that I thoroughly enjoy is Dr. Granville Moore's Brickyard. This gastropub is meant to be a bit grimy, but the food is totally worth it. I am not a beer drinker, but all my friends rave that the offering of over 50 beers is spectacular. The Belgian fare is delicious and the low-key environment is relaxing and welcoming. I would highly recommend mussles, frites, and a brownie for dessert! More info at http://www.granvillemoores.com.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
listen to me! i'm on the stereo, stereo.
I have made mixes for quite a few people in between this and "The Mixed Tape" post, but I particularly want to share the one I put together for my bandmates. [We're indie/shoegazey, I'm the singer, we don't have a name yet, and I will definitely give more details when we do...] Anyway, this mix cd was meant to inspire songwriting, to help with band bonding, and to show some of the songs that I've been loving. Here it is:
1. starrsha- ringo deathstarr
2. sixteen- skywave
3. 23- blonde redhead
4. bled white- elliott smith
5. blue jeans*- blur
6. the drowners- suede
7. blasphemy- miracle fortress
8. all things ordinary- the anniversary
9. everything's alright when you're down-
the jesus & mary chain
10. stereo- pavement
11. angry mulch- voxtrot
12. summer babe- pavement
13. welcome to new jersey- the glands
14. center of the universe- built to spill
15. the only moment we were alone- explosions in the sky
* "Blue Jeans" shows up on basically every mix I make because it's just that meaningful. I also repeated "Summer Babe" because it's a pretty solid example of a song I'd like to emulate.
1. starrsha- ringo deathstarr
2. sixteen- skywave
3. 23- blonde redhead
4. bled white- elliott smith
5. blue jeans*- blur
6. the drowners- suede
7. blasphemy- miracle fortress
8. all things ordinary- the anniversary
9. everything's alright when you're down-
the jesus & mary chain
10. stereo- pavement
11. angry mulch- voxtrot
12. summer babe- pavement
13. welcome to new jersey- the glands
14. center of the universe- built to spill
15. the only moment we were alone- explosions in the sky
* "Blue Jeans" shows up on basically every mix I make because it's just that meaningful. I also repeated "Summer Babe" because it's a pretty solid example of a song I'd like to emulate.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
i had a name. i let it leave me.
[I haven't written extensively about Voxtrot because they have been in some sort of limbo since I started this blog. They are one of my favorite bands, but I have not heard the real deal on why things are on hold. I have my ideas, but I can't stop hoping that they'll get it together and start work on a new album. Regardless, they are worth talking about and I won't put it off any longer.]
For the past few years I have been into Voxtrot, an Austin-based indie band. I stumbled into them on Myspace, took in a few shows, and have been obsessed ever since. I don't want to get into a lot of background in this post, but I will say that each of their EPs is worth listening to for different reasons.
Often times it is telling to listen to a band's rare or unreleased tracks. Lately, I have been favoring "The Warmest Part of the Winter" because it highlights Ramesh Srivastava's tender vocals, a slide guitar line, and introspective lyrics. There is a melancholy tone in the melody giving a sobering view on love. When Voxtrot recorded their full length album, I think they lost touch with some of the simplicity found in this song.
I would also recommend "Angry Mulch" and "They Never Mean What They Say," though MP3s are hard to come by at this point.
For the past few years I have been into Voxtrot, an Austin-based indie band. I stumbled into them on Myspace, took in a few shows, and have been obsessed ever since. I don't want to get into a lot of background in this post, but I will say that each of their EPs is worth listening to for different reasons.
Often times it is telling to listen to a band's rare or unreleased tracks. Lately, I have been favoring "The Warmest Part of the Winter" because it highlights Ramesh Srivastava's tender vocals, a slide guitar line, and introspective lyrics. There is a melancholy tone in the melody giving a sobering view on love. When Voxtrot recorded their full length album, I think they lost touch with some of the simplicity found in this song.
I would also recommend "Angry Mulch" and "They Never Mean What They Say," though MP3s are hard to come by at this point.
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