Spirit Family Reunion Played Bowery Ballroom

On Saturday night Spirit Family Reunion played Bowery Ballroom. I know most of the band so I was super excited for them. If any band deserves to play the big stage it's Spirit Family. Not only did they play but they managed to sell the place out, which is incredible!

The first act up that night was Blind Boy Paxton, who is a 24 year old kid from Watts, Los Angeles. Somehow in that urban jungle he discovered blues, Americana, ragtime and bluegrass and he dedicated his life to it. The man is fantastic! He plays several instruments - banjo, guitar, fiddle and more - and plays them all very well. Seeing him play is like getting into a time machine and transporting yourself to the Mississippi Delta in the 1920's. Not only is he an awesome musician but he has a great stage presence, getting laughs throughout the set.

The next act was out of place on the bill. Something just didn't click so I headed downstairs and sucked down some brews to kill the time.

As I headed back up I ran into to Stephen from SFR. He came over, said hello and we caught up a bit. I asked him what it felt like to sell out Bowery Ballroom and he very sincerely answered, "I'm freaked out, man".

A few minutes later they took the stage to a packed house and started up. The set was made up of quite a few tunes that I haven't heard them play before. They sound absolutely amazing and the enthusiasm they showed was contagious. They absolutely owned that stage and I can honestly say it was one of the best shows I've ever seen at Bowery Ballroom.

They closed with "When My Name Is Spoken" which is one of my favorites and also a favorite of the crowd. Everyone was singing along and dancing around. Then went off stage for a few minutes and came back for an encore. They asked the sound man to kill all the mics except the main one and then the whole band gathered around for a stunning rendition of "I'll Find A Way". The whole band took turns on vocal duty and then Nick stepped forward in front of the stage and shouted a sing-along with the crowd. Every single person there joined in. It was so loud that you could barely hear the band.

Before the song started Stephen came over to the mic and told the crowd how he was at a show at Bowery Ballroom a few weeks earlier and texted his manager saying, "I don't think we can do this, man" - well, they did it and they did it better than anyone I've seen do it there before.

Soundgarden Set List

I wasn't at last night's Soundgarden show at Hammerstein Ballroom but a couple of friends were there. The set included some of my favorite tracks ("Flower", "Beyond The Wheel", "4th of July", etc.), which were absent from last week's show. Hopefully, tonight's set list will be just as good. Now I just need someone to hook me up with tickets (they start at $80 on StubHub).

*Photo by Zach Timm.

Soundgarden Played Terminal 5

On on Wednesday I went to Terminal 5 for the American Express concert featuring Soundgarden. Some people are acting weird because AMEX sponsored the show but if that means $15 tickets for Soundgarden then I don't give two flying fucks who sponsors it. Soundgarden is one of my all-time favorite bands and I've only seen them once before a couple summers ago in Philly. That was one of the best shows I've seen in years so I had high hopes for this one.

The show started a little after 8pm with the band jumping into "Been Away For Too Long" which is a decent track from their new album. From there they went to "My Wave," which is a track I love so things were looking up but the band never really picked up steam. The Philly show was chock full of harder and heavier songs from the early years but this set was mostly the singles. It's still great music but that's not what I want to see at a show. I'm sure AMEX had something to do with the lackluster set list. Check it out after the jump, you'll notice songs like, "Slaves and Bulldozers" "Beyond The Wheel" "Mailman" "4th of July" "Superunknown" and so forth are absent, all of which they played in Philly.

Shit To Do: Unstoppable Death Machines at Shea Stadium

Tonight: Eddy Segal Photo Opening @ Pushpin Gallery (I'm A Model); VICE Cinco De Mayo Party @ Hudson Hotel

Back in like 2004 or so I was offered a gig as a fitness model for Nike. Despite my hatred for Nike I was pretty excited about it. Hell, stand around modeling clothes and get a big fat paycheck after a few hours? Fuck yes! I filled out the proper forms and waited to find out location and time. And then I got an email informing me that the gig got cancelled and with it my modeling career was over before it ever started.

Well tonight I get to relive the dream. My friend Eddy is an awesome photographer and has a photo exhibit opening at the Pushpin Gallery tonight. She asked me to model for it so you can go see my ugly mug up on a wall, all zoomed in and porous. Don't worry, there's only one photo of me in the entire space so it'll be okay.

After you've had enough there's an after party at the Hudson Hotel, which also happens to be the location of the VICE Cinco De Mayo party which has bands, booze and Mexican wrestling! That's my night.

Tonight, 6:30-8:30

@ Pushpin Gallery

(Fordham University Lincoln Center, 60th & Columbus)

FREE

Gogol Bordello & Regina Spektor Added To Tibet House Concert

Check out the press release below. It's a killer show for a great cause and tickets start at only $35! Not bad considering it's Carnegie Hall.

(January 13, 2010 - New York, NY) Tibet House US has added Regina Spektor and Gogol Bordello to the bill of the 20th Annual Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall. Already confirmed in the line-up, which is brought together by the concert’s artistic director Philip Glass, is Patti Smith, Jesse Smith, Michael Campbell, Baaba Maal and Pierce Turner. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Carnegie Charge at 212.247.7800 or in person at the Carnegie Hall Box Office (57th Street and Seventh Avenue). Tickets to the concert and a fundraising reception with the event’s Honorary Chairpersons and artists (following the performance) are available through Tibet House US. Please note: Concert only tickets are not available through Tibet House US. For more information or to reserve tickets for the concert and reception call Tibet House US Monday- Friday, 10 A.M.- 5 P.M. at 212.807.0563 or visit http://www.tibethouse.org.

For twenty years, the annual concert has assembled some of the biggest names in music and offers audiences a mix of unprecedented musical collaborations and solo offerings. Past unforgettable concerts have featured such talents as David Bowie, Paul Simon, Sheryl Crow, Moby, Sigur Ros, Bright Eyes, R.E.M., The National, Natalie Merchant, Rufus Wainwright, Vampire Weekend, Emmylou Harris, Live, Ray Davies and Damien Rice, among many others.

The Tibet House US Benefit Concert commemorates the Monlam Prayer Festival traditionally held at the time of the Tibetan New Year. The festival drew vast numbers of monks, citizens and pilgrims from all over the country who gathered to pray for world peace and prosperity. Tibet House US is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 at the behest of His Holiness the Dalai Lama that serves as a center for the preservation and presentation of the endangered Tibetan culture.

Wavves, Woods, Real Estate, & Popo Played Bowery Ballroom 7/15

Battle of the Bands: Vocal Distortion Edition would be a great way to describe this show and honestly it's the only thing these four bands had in common.

I got there pretty early and for good reason, Popo was playing. These dudes have played a few shows out in deep Brooklyn and they're good. Wednesday night was no different. They play high energy punk and had the Ballroom packed, which is not easy to do when you're the first of four bands.

My only negative thing is that they have a song that has the exact same riff as "Nervous Breakdown" by Black Flag. When they started playing that I actually started singing along and then realized they weren't. So yeah, let's scrap the Black Flag knock off song, otherwise good shit - as always.

Next up was Real Estate, whom I've seen once before in a similar situation. Here's the thing about Real Estate - they're super fucking mellow. Like drink a jug of red wine, eat ten pot brownies, and take a toke off an opium pipe mellow. So why is it these dudes always play AFTER fast punk bands? Honestly I think I like them but I'm always so worked up from the opener and then they come on and bore the shit out of me. Again, it's weird because I dig their music it's just that it's a tough transition to go from pogoing to sitting on the floor vibing.

Woods was next up on the bill. I didn't know much about them before-hand, aside from seeing their names on Todd P bills at far off DIY venues. I had no expectations and that's probably good because they were pretty weird. The music was interesting and they had this circus gimp dude writhing on the floor screaming into a pair of rigged headphones. On the floor in front of him were a bunch of pedals he was using to manipulate the fuck out of his vocals. It was kinda cool really. But again, Popo set the mood for me and these kids were also kinda mellow so I couldn't get into it.

From what I've heard of Wavves I wasn't sure what to expect. I mean I thought they were kinda punk but then the fact they have Woods and Real Estate opening for them made me think I may have been misled. Well, they quickly affirmed their punkness when they opened with "Nervous Breakdown" by Black Flag. Sound familiar? After the first few chords I was like, "Oh shit, these dicks ripped off Black Flag too?", and then the vocals came in and it was actually the real "Nervous Breakdown". It was a killer cover (and likely a jab at Popo) and it was a great way to wake everyone the fuck up. A pit instantly formed and did not die down for the rest of the set.

That's pretty much all it took for me. I was sold after that. The originals that they followed with were all in the same spirit. People were jumping around going crazy. It was super fucking fun. My single complaint with Wavves is the vocal distortion is too much. I dig vocal distortion but when no one can understand what you're saying between songs it's too much. Otherwise Wavves play this very So-Cal sounding brand of garage punk. Lots of Agent Orange and Black Flag can be heard and then a little modern indie is thrown in to keep the youngsters interested. I'm just super bummed that I didn't go see them at Market Hotel.

Wednesday night could have been two awesome shows but instead it was one mediocre event. Popo and Wavves whould have played a show together and the same goes for Real Estate and Woods, both would have been cool shows. But sandwiching Real Estate and Woods between two upbeat punk bands is just dumb. It totally ruined it for me. I still left happy after seeing Wavves but it was just a weird night overall.

Wavves

Woods


Popo

The Low Anthem Played Bowery Ballroom

BSC contributor Kenya stopped by Bowery Ballroom the other day to check out The Low Anthem on Monday.
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After garnering much praise on their handmade independent release, The Low Anthem released their Nonesuch debut, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, with new track listing and remastering by Bob Ludwig. The Rhode Island trio met at Brown and play a multitude of unusual instruments. Among the 27 on the record (recorded on Block Island) are zither, pump organ, Tibetan singing bowl, and an oil drum. They've been on tour with Ray Lamontagne, Elvis Perkins, and Josh Ritter, performed at Bonnaroo and will be at the Austin City Limits festival, among others this summer.

They started the set out by playing "Cage the Songbird". Well, they started out by offering members of the audience some left over steamed dumplings after admitting a fear of seeing empty space in front of them when they took the stage. But they came on to raucous applause and the pleasant surprise of seeing the place nearly packed. The ballroom was full of people who were obviously very comfortable with standing still, as this particular brand of gospel tinged folk encouraged swaying in place.

Low Anthem just got back from Bonnaroo. They hardly seemed fussed. Instead, they were relaxed and unhurried. In fine form, they breezed through their set of old familiar tunes, collaborations and covers at shows end with ease. It was a fantastic way to kick off the re-release of their album. Its very possible that while singing, the soul crawling out of Ben Miller's vocal chords forced my eyeballs to pop out of my head. If they've heard it, they've heard it a few times. They must be tired of the comparison. Bob. Fucking. Dylan. I feel like Bob Dylan has an academy somewhere and these are his graduates.

On stage, they were surrounded by the many tools they used to invoke Darwin and bring it to life. Each band member playing musical chairs throughout the set. They rarely made use of the drums but didn't need to. Ben Miller and Jeff Prystowsky, both classical composers, shaped and molded each tune in such a way that allowed for immense diversity in the way they recorded and performed them. Which makes for an album that is distinctive and never boring.

The show made me feel like I was at home in Arkansas drinking lemonade in the back yard and listening to the crickets and watching the fireflies dance around. The Bowery was so quiet at times during the set (save for the band's harmonies), if you closed your eyes you'd literally be somewhere else. One could see why this band was the perfect fit for Tennessee-based Bonnaroo festival. Imagine being in a tent and letting "To Ohio" wash over you.

Timid, down-to-earth, talented and gracious, the members of Low Anthem deserve their critical acclaim. They showed the audience - mostly veteran fans who'd been with the band since the first imaginings of some of Darwin's tracks - their appreciation.

Tonight: Titus Andronicus, Dinowalrus, & Real Estate @ Market Hotel

Titus Andronicus is pretty awesome and my friend is having a party around the corner from Market Hotel so you'll probably find me here tonight.

Market Hotel
w/ Dinowalrus and Real Estate
1142 Myrtle Ave
8pm, all ages, $8-30 sliding scale

Wanna See U2 at Fordham? Get A Fake ID.

Remember when you used to have to get a fake ID to get into all the good shows? Well now you can relive those days with a fake Fordham ID. As you've probably heard U2 is supposed to play Fordham... but only for students. But now you can get yourself a fakey straight from the source.

Well, I work at the Fordham student ID office... and I'm transferring after this semester anyway... so I'm taking advantage of the opportunity and offering to sell (A FEW) Fordham IDs. I really need the money and nobody would ever notice. Obviously, I can't print very many, and I can't get caught doing it or else I will get fired (and probably expelled.) But I know how not to get caught.

I would like to charge $50 per Fordham ID. Considering that U2 concert tickets usually sell for more than $150, that is a really good bargain! If I get a TON of interested responses to this post, more than I can do, then maybe I will raise the price. But if I can do 20 of them at $50 apiece, that would be just fine with me.

See, it's easy. It's fool proof!

Link:
Fordham ID Craigslist

*** Hey stupids, I'm not the guy selling the ID. Notice how the part of the post with the info is in quotes? Yeah, that means it's from somewhere else, like maybe the Craigslist post I linked to below it. Stop fucking emailing me asking for an ID.

So So Glos Played Castle In Hell 2/13

Last Friday I headed over to Castle In Hell for the So So Glos show. This was my first time seeing them but I was already a fan and have been listening to their album a lot lately. When I got their some band just started playing that was really good. I tried figuring out who they were but no luck. They played semi-spastic punk with some cool Mike Watt-esque bass lines. If you know who they were then email me.

Anyway, So So Glos were fucking amazing. They're the real deal and are a must see. There's an obvious Clash type thing going on but they don't sound like copy cats, just admirers. You can tell they truly give a shit about their music and spend a lot of time getting it right. It was great to see them at Castle In Hell, which is basically the basement of an apartment in Bed-Stuy. I don't think they'll be playing random spots like that much longer.

Link:
More pics on Flickr

Apes & Androids @ Bowery Ballroom, Sigmund Droid @ Fontana's

Friday turned out to be one hell of a night. First of all Apes And Androids were headlining Bowery Ballroom. Considering I've probably written more posts about A&A then any other band I was pretty excited about that. Apes And Androids in front of a sold out Bowery - awesome!

I got to the show earlier then I expected. The first band hadn't even gone on yet. So I hung around in the basement. I snuck up a few times to check out the openers - both were pretty good. Free Blood was one of them but the name of the other is slipping my mind. Then Reggie Watts took the stage. I saw Reggie for the first time about a month ago at Rififi. He's a stand up comedian who specializes in creating hilarious songs on stage using nothing but a sampler and his voice. Friday night he did not disappoint. The crowd was loving it and even singing along - "Fuck Shit Stack!"

Then A&A came out and blew everyone's minds. I could go through and break it down song by song but by now I've reviewed so many A&A shows that it's hard to come up with clever phrases to describe how fucking awesome they are live. But I'll try summarize some of the highlights. The show started with a blast of confetti and streamers, which set the mood nicely. As always one of the best parts was about half way through when they busted out the drums and played "Golden Prize".

The finale, as expected, was insane. For one they closed with "Hot Kathy" by far my favorite song by A&A and in my opinion the perfect closer. Then the 8-foot tall unicorn monsters were led out from the back by two chicks in tight silver spandex. They lumbered around the dance floor trying not to tip over. Next up a chorus of people joined A&A on stage and followed "Hot Kathy" with the chorus to "Hey Jude". And that was that, minds were blown, lives were changed, and Apes & Androids made their point.

After the show everyone headed over to Fontana's for the official after party. Sigmund Droid played with David from A&A on guitar. Sigmund Droid shows are always fun but this one was extra insane. Not only was it the A&A after party but it was also Sol's birthday. The whole downstairs was packed full of people dancing and jumping off of shit - it was intense. After that I split but the party raged on. It was one hell of a night in outer space.

More Pics Here:
BSC FLickr

Tonight: Push Play w/ Young Lords

Type O Negative @ Irving Plaza 5/8

On Tuesday night I went to see one of my all-time favorite bands, Type O Negative. I've been fascinated with TON ever since I heard their masterpiece October Rust. I haven't seen these guys live in many, many years so I was extremely excited about tonight. Plus metal legends Celtic Frost were opening, the band that inspired all the bands I listened to growing up.

When we got to the show the opening band was on. I can't remember their name, Brand New Sin maybe, anyway they fucking sucked goat chode. They sounded like the bastard child of Nickelback and Godsmack - so yeah, very fucking bland jock rock shit. Luckily I got there towards the end of their set and I only had to listen to a few minutes of that shit.

After that Celtic Frost took the stage. They were wearing black and white face paint. It looked like the Orc make-up artist from Lord Of The Rings tried to reinterpret Kiss makeup. They looked fucking fierce, in that Viking destroyer kind of way - especially the fat guy.

They opened with "Procreation Of The Wicked" which is the Celtic Frost song I know best (Sepultura covered it on Blood Rooted). It was so fucking awesome and everyone started going nuts. Honestly I only know a few CF songs but the set was incredible. The slow churning metal with sudden ripper solos was just killer. Hearing them live really made it clear how important this band was on the development of metal - especially to bands like Sepultura, Crowbar, Fear Factory, Machine Head, etc.

Celtic Frost played until a little after 10PM and then I worked my way towards the front for Type O. For the next hour the sound guy had the Chicken Dance playing. It was funny the first 15 minutes and then it got old. They also kept cutting the lights and music, everyone would cheer for Type O and then the Chicken Dance would come back on. Again, it was funny the first few times and then it just got me pissed off. The crowd started chanting "You suck" over and over again.

Finally, after at least an hour of this bullshit TON took the stage. I was up front for the first few songs trying to take pictures and then security told me to stop. That was the second time, it happened during Celtic Frost too. I wonder if that's band policy or new Fillmore policy? Anyway, after that I headed towards the back because it was fucking nuts up front and I couldn't take pics.

I eventually ended up dead center on the balcony watching the show. And what a memorable show it was...in a bad way. I love Type O, I have to say that because I'm about to shit on them. This show was crap in every sense of the word. The mix was crap, whoever was on the board had no idea what he was doing. The set list was crap too - very obscure shit they played. And to top it off Peter Steele seemed like he didn't give a shit (which he doesn't but still).

For at least half of the set Peter was sitting down fingering notes and not even bothering to pick/pluck the string. That technique really takes away from the intensity of the sound. They did play some classics like "Black No. 1" and "Love You To Death" but the mix was so bad it was hard to enjoy.

They did end the show with the traditional Type O Negative toilet paper bombardment, which is always fun. But when throwing around TP is the best part of the show then something is very, very wrong.

Back in the day Type O were one of the best live bands I had seen. Tonight I was so fucking disappointed with the set. I will say this though, Kenny is fucking awesome. It's very clear he still gives a shit - killer guitar work and that voice just gets better and better.

The Night Of A Thousand Concerts

If you can't find something to do tonight then you really need to shape up. There are an unusual amount of quality shows tonight.

Bjork @ Apollo Theatre
Ben Gibbard @ Town Hall
Arcade Fire @ United Palace
Blonde Redhead @ Webster Hall
Type O Negative @ Irving Plaza
Bravery @ Arlene's Grocery
Beirut @ Bowery Ballroom
Amy Winehouse @ Highline Ballroom

Pretty fucking ridiculous, aye? Where will I be you ask? Well, I think that's an obvious one. Type O Negative! And I can't fucking wait either.

Tonight: FREE Yeah Yeah Yeahs Shows

There will be two FREE Yeah Yeah Yeahs shows today in Williamsburg. The shows will be at the Glasslands gallery and you will be recorded for some yet to be announced YYY video. You have to be there at 5PM and you have to be wearing all black. The first show starts at 7PM and then at 9PM there is a second show for females only.

WHERE: Glasslands Gallery (Brooklyn, NY)

DATE: Monday May 7th, 2007

TIME(s):
7:00 PM: 1st Performance
10:00PM: 2nd Performance (Girls Only)

NOTES:
^{-Wristbands will be distributed at the venue from 5PM on......
-This show will be FILMED - by entering the premises you agree to have your likeness used.
-We may be asking some audience members to wear eye masks (provided by us).
-Please wear black or dark colors. No Logo's, Prints or Band T-Shirts.
Q: Only have clothes with shit on them? Tip: turn the shirt inside out.}

The YYYs have posted the following update regarding the shows:

UPDATE:
Due to capacity restrictions there will be 100 wristbands available for the 7:00pm show.

There be 100 Girls-Only wristbands available for the 10:00pm show.

Wristbands can be picked up between 5:00PM and 5:30 PM only (day of show).

If you are not there between 5:00pm and 5:30pm please do not come down.

No line-ups at the club before 4:30pm.

MP3:
Maps (acoustic) - YYYs

Tonight: Radio America + Bamboozle Pre-Party

Lots of free booze tonight kids. Here's my plan - start the night at Crash Mansion for the 9PM open bar and check out my boys in Radio America and also The New York Howl. Then we head to Fontana's for the Bamboozle Pre-Party, also with free booze. You must RSVP for both of these:

Albert Hammond Jr. - FREE Show May 10th

I love you guys you know that? To show my love I helped put together a totally FREE show at Hiro Ballroom with Albert Hammond Jr. (Yeah, the dude from the Strokes). All you have to do is RSVP here, just make sure you get there early - 8ish should be fine.

I've heard some talk about how past events at Hiro that were promoted by GBH as free events ended up not being free. Well have no fear kids, this is totally free. The reason their was confusion at past events is because there were multiple lists (free list, reduced list, etc.) and you could also pay to get in. So if you just showed up at those without RSVPing then you had to pay.

The Albert show is different from your standard Thursday at Hiro because the ONLY way in is to RSVP. There is no option to pay a cover, so there is no confusion to be had. RSVP only! After 11PM or so there will be a cover but Albert will be done by then anyway.

Other things to note about this event:

• The High Class Elite are the opening act.
• After Albert plays the official AIR after party begins.
• The Junior Boys are DJing the AIR party

I'll see you all there...

Details & RSVP:
Albert Hammond Jr. Free Show

MP3:
Call An Ambulance - Albert Hammond Jr.

HORSE The Band @ Europa 3/29

On Thursday night I headed around the block to Europa to see HORSE The Band. If you read BSC on a semi-regular basis then you know I have a bit of a fascination with these crazy fuckers. I mean, what's not to love about a band that mixes metal and nintendo and perform in drunken viking stupors. I've been waiting a long time for HORSE to headline a show in New York and now it was happening... right down the street.

I got to Europa around 9PM or so. I had heard one of the bands wasn't performing tonight so I assumed that HORSE would be going on early. When I got there some band was playing and they weren't very good. So I headed over to the bar and had a few beers. After about 15 minutes they finished up. I wasn't sure if HORSE was next or not so I held m y post at the bar.

Then I saw a band setting up that was not HORSE. It was the opener The Number Twelve Looks Like You. It seemed like the people there were digging them but I wasn't feeling it - too sloppy. It was nothing I haven't heard before so I kept on drinking.

By the time they finished up I had a nice buzz going courtesy of the house Polish beer. I should have mentioned this earlier but I was super excited to see HORSE. To the point where I had that destructive energy I haven't felt since I was about 17. I was ready to go and the booze just made put me in more of a rage.

When HORSE The Band finished setting up and started playing everyone went crazy. They opened with one of my favorites "Birdo" and the god damn pit erupted. It looked like a fucking Braveheart battle scene. During the song the HORSE roadie hopped on stage dressed as an egg. For reference, Birdo is the character from Mario 2 who shot eggs from his/her mouth. It did calm down after "Birdo" a bit but not much.

From that point on it was just pure chaos. The crowd was surprisingly small but you could tell the people there were die hard fans - singing every word, flailing to the beat - it was awesome. During "Anti-Pizza" the same roadie guy came back up on stage dressed as a huge slice of pizza.

Before every song the singer would say "this is our last song," so no one knew when the last song was actually coming. Eventually they did play a last song and it was a classic, "Cutsman." As soon the first note was struck the floor erupted - more so then with "Birdo" or "A Million Exploding Suns." Just when I thought it couldn't be better the end of the song came..."cut, cut, cut, cut - CUT, CUT CUT, CUT." One simple word repeated over and over again brought Europa down.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you it was one of the best shows I've ever seen - it wasn't. But what I can say is that I haven't felt that way before or during a show in 10 years. I'm a jaded bastard now and even when I go to see a band I love I don't get very excited about it usually. I was damn excited to see HORSE and I showed it by spending the entire set int the pit. The next day I could barely fucking move but it was all worth it to feel like a punk ass teenager again.

Link:
More Photos on BSC Flickr Account