Fucking Nostalgic

Photos/Review: The Breeders @ Webster Hall

2013-12-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

The Breeders @ Webster Hall – December 19, 2013
Photos/Review: Chris

Last night, The Breeders returned to New York City to play their last few shows in celebration of their 1993 album Last Splash, which turned 20 this year and was reissued by 4AD. That album’s lineup was fully intact, including both Kim and Kelley Deal on guitars/vocals, Josephine Wiggs on bass/vocals, Carrie Bradley on violin/vocals and Jim MacPherson on drums. Special to only select dates on their lengthy 2013 tour, the band returned to the stage after playing Last Splash in its entirety to also play the Breeders’ debut album, Pod.

The Deal sisters were in top form last night, as was the rest of the band, who seemed to be in excellent spirits. It’s kind of hard to imagine the Breeders playing a better setlist, with both Last Splash and Pod largely considered to be landmark albums of the nineties. I was only 10 years old when Last Splash was released, but you had to have been living under a rock to not hear “Cannonball” on the radio or on MTV for a solid year afterwards. Oddly enough, it was discovering Kim Deal’s other band the Pixies years later that actually led me to become enamored with how great the Breeders were. Compared to the Pixies in 2013, the Breeders come out on top.

Opening the show was Northampton, MA indie band Speedy Ortiz, who I had only recently heard due to their album Major Arcana popping up on numerous “best of 2013” lists. It’s hard to deny that the band knows a thing or two about writing catchy, complex songs. If it weren’t for the vocals, you could easily label Speedy Ortiz a post-hardcore band, but somehow frontwoman Sadie Dupuis’s singing turns them into a pretty unique noise/pop band. It was fitting that they were opening for the Breeders.

The band plays Webster Hall again tonight and tickets are still available. It was relatively empty right up until the Breeders took the stage last night (around 9pm), which was great considering Webster is generally packed to the brims. Check out some photos of the Breeders below…

Review: All Tomorrow's Parties End of an Era Part Two @ Pontins Holiday Camp, Camber Sands, UK

2013-12-16T20:14:00.000-05:00

Mike Watt w/ Il Sogno Del Marinaio

All Tomorrow's Parties End of an Era Part Two @ Pontins Holiday Camp, Camber Sands, UK
November 29 - December 1, 2013
Photos/Review: Rhona (Wiglet Bill) Aquilina

So this is it. The end of an end of an era.

I can wholeheartedly say that for me, this really is the end of an era. I have attended seventeen UK ATP festivals over the last thirteen years. I was here at Pontins in 2000 at the first ever ATP festival curated by Mogwai. Ever since then ATP's UK holiday camp festivals have been a fundamental akin to nourishment or warmth. And I genuinely mean that. Why else would I have repeatedly reached into my pocket, scraping together all my resources in order to purchase tickets for a just-announced event that had no announced line up? Needless to say when the End Of An Era events were announced it was a no-brainer. I was going to be there!

Friday.

Having been here just a week earlier, with Fucking Nostalgic's head honcho Chris and his fiancée Jen (at End Of An Era Part One), our already well honed ATP travel routine runs like a dream and we make it to Pontins 15 minutes before they open the gates. There are no bands on for 5 hours or so, but anyone who's been in one of those chalets in December will tell you it's worth getting there early to warm it up before the sun goes down. That and the fact that I'm really going to miss this place, this experience and the feeling of community at these events. So I'm here early and I'm going to luxuriate in this feeling one last time. As I approach the check-in desk the lovely ATP ladies inform me that we are the first chalet to book in and snap a quick photo of my grinning mug. I win!

A few hours later we are joined by our chalet mates and the three day cider, lager and apple schnapps binge begins. We catch up over a couple of card games and head out to see Fuck Buttons. Having seen them five or six times (all at ATP festivals) the set they play comes as no surprise. The performance is hypnotic as are the silhouetted psychedelic on screen visuals. I'm unsure whether it was just the effect of the previous weekend's ATP on my ears but the show was insanely loud. Standing there feeling the dull pain in my eardrums, I smile to myself and think, here we go again.

Fuck Buttons

After a short jaunt back to the chalet for a top up it's time for ATP House Band Shellac. Steve, Bob and Todd take the stage all dressed in matching tuxedo t-shirts, presumably as a nod to the anticipated black tie Sunday. Bob Weston in particular appears to have splashed out on a pair of shiny P.V.C. pants and tells us "I'm savouring every moment because I'll never see this again". Highpoints of the show included a Prayer To God sing along, Wingwalker complete with Albini's plane impression and vocal instruction "Look at me I'm a Plane" and the traditional dismantling of Todd's drum kit as he plays, until he is left with only the snare, bouncing stick after stick off the drum and into the crowd. Also note worthy is the Q&A session during which Steve told us which chalet to go to if we fancied losing our money to him over a game of poker and we learnt that Bob Weston's favourite pasta is salmon pesto linguini.

A couple of drinks and a bit of ATP TV later it's time for Slint. During the opening song, For Dinner from 1990 release Spiderland, the band are practically drowned out by incessant talking from the crowd. The set is a real treat, including almost all of Spiderland and a few tracks off both their debut album Tweez and their 1989 untitled EP. Brian McMahan is even moved to stage dive and is enthusiastically passed around by the crowd.

Before we know it it's 2am already and we head back to the chalet and have a quick night cap before bed.

Saturday.

Day two and I'm awoken by the alarm I set myself so I wouldn't miss the early morning ATP TV screening of Wizard People, Dear Reader. Brad Neely's hilarious alternative soundtrack which is played alongside Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone if you must) over the existing audio. Definitely worth getting up at 9am for even after a night like last night. You can watch it in its entirety (via a YouTube playlist below)...

After chuckling like idiots for well over an hour we decide to take an invigorating walk to the beach. We take a walk right out with the tide, three of the four of us hit some very wet loose sand and start sinking, that's enough of that then! We head back to the chalet with wet feet, covered in a thick layer of wet sand. We all take it in turns to shower whilst the others watch Trapped In The Closet on ATP TV. It was at this time that we figured out that the only way to stop the shower running was to flush the toilet. Just one of the many idiosyncrasies of Pontin's chalets, like it not being possible to shower whilst the oven is on, that I am already nostalgic for.

We head into the venues to catch British post punk band 23Skidoo, the room was packed and people were dancing. We stood at the edges of the crowd, getting bumped by people as they passed by. A little way into the set I became aware that our friends, who were standing behind us, where getting somewhat irritated by a man enthusiastically dancing behind them and inadvertently hitting them in their heads. Soon afterwards the man decides to move a few feet from us. "I'm glad that drunk guy moved, he kept hitting me in the head" says my friend. So I turn to get a look at this dude. It's only Mike Fucking Watt!!! After a bit of persuading from my wife (I never know what to say to people I admire THAT much), we went over and said hello. My wife asked him how he was enjoying the weekend, to which he responded, "It's intense!" He then proceeded to throw his arms open so we both went in for a three way cuddle and he kissed our cheeks and squeezed us with a vice-like hug. After that we couldn't wait to run back to the chalet and tell our chalet mates. As the cold hit my face I could feel that my cheek was slightly damp and I considered never washing it.

We then caught the start of The Pop Group's set before heading downstairs to see Comets On Fire. This was a popular idea as it wasn't long before they stopped letting people in and the temperature started rising to oppressive levels. But who cares when you're taking part in such an awesome psych freak-out. Each ATP I have attended has brought bands I knew nothing about to my attention. And this one is no different, Comets On Fire are the surprise highlight this time! At one point they are so raucous that the light covers start falling from the ceiling into the crowd.

Last up on Saturday were curators Loop who I must admit weren't really my cup of tea, or perhaps it was just hard to follow Comets On Fire. The band seemed pleased to be on stage again and enjoying the party. Robert Hampson tells us that he has "seen a lot of very messed up people today". This is another violently loud show and we decide to be kind to our ears and move the party back to the chalet.

Sunday.

Sunday morning. The very last day of any ATP UK holiday camp festival starts in style with a performance from Michael Rother who is performing the music of Neu! and Harmonia. We take up positions on the floor and lie back lost in his performance. My foot starts to fall asleep and I sit up just in time to see a man dressed as a coffin followed by 4 or so men in cassocks, soon ATP will be dead and buried and many have dressed for the occasion in black tie attire as suggested by ATP. It doesn't seem to have dampened many spirits though. And whilst I sit listening to Rother and watching a group of four or five audience members performing a perfectly synchronised square dance routine, I wonder if I'll ever be able to experience anything like this again.

Next are Il Sogno Del Marinaio featuring Mike Watt. A band made up of Watt and Italians Stephano Pilia (guitar) and Andrea Belfi (drums). They play a beautiful operatic set. Pilia and Belfi especially cooperating like one consciousness on two instruments. If you get the opportunity to catch these guys live then take it, you won't be sorry. Watt addresses the crowd several times throughout the performance to thank Barry and Debbie for putting ATP on all these years, and to thank and congratulate us the audience for being here. As they are leaving the stage Watt throws his fist into the air and shouts "Start your own band".

We take a little break from the shows and go for a few drinks before heading off to check out Girls Against Boys and do some more people watching. Closely followed by masked voodoo Afro beat act Goat. They are rhythmically and visually exciting. The stage a sea of movement. The band danced unrelentingly as though possessed. And cascades of crowd surfers tumble across the room.

Now all that is left is Mogwai. They play a set that neatly spans their entire career including several tracks from soon to be released Rave Tapes. Between the punishing crescendos, I found myself looking around at the faces of the other people in the audience and taking in the details of the room. Acutely aware that I'll never again see the inside of this room, or the faces of the people I recognise from seeing them here once or twice a year for the last thirteen years.

The set ends with a three track encore, the final live track of ATP is Mogwai Fear Satan and with that they are gone. No grand closing statements. Just gone. Numb apart from the persistent dull pain in my ears, I join my brethren who are politely filing out of the room, down the stairs and out into the cold.

Photos/Review: All Tomorrow's Parties End of an Era Part One @ Pontins Holiday Camp, Camber Sands, UK

2013-12-04T23:17:00.000-05:00

BEAK>

Lee Ranaldo & The Dust

Television

All Tomorrow's Parties End of an Era Part One @ Pontins Holiday Camp, Camber Sands, UK
November 22-24, 2013
Photos: Rhona (Wiglet Bill) Aquilina & Chris / Review: Chris

All things must pass. Even festivals that strive to provide an overwhelmingly enjoyable experience in addition to some of the best music lineups known to mankind. In the past thirteen years, UK promotors All Tomorrow's Parties have put on legendary festivals all over the world, but it's their original three-day series at Pontins Holiday Camp in Camber Sands that started it all, and set the template for what a music festival can and should be. And with good reason. Part one of their End of an Era series, curated by Primavera Sound and ATP, provided three of the most memorable days of my life.

Some background on our journey to our first UK ATP festival. My fiancee Jennifer and I decided to take the plunge and make a trip to London after finally meeting FN's London contributor Rhona and her wife Niki back in October, following a two year online correspondance with them. Of all the experiences I've had since creating this blog in 2011, getting to meet people as obsessed with music as I am has been the most rewarding. Rhona and Niki have been to numerous ATP Festivals, and considering the End of An Era series would be the last at Pontins, they were of course attending both weekends. Everything fell into place when Rhona informed me that there was room for the two of us in the 4-person chalet for Part One of End of An Era. Five weeks later we found ourselves on a red eye flight to London, the next morning driving to Camber Sands in a car packed with food, a couple cases of Sapporo cider and a big bottle of Apple Schnapps (more on that later).

View from Pontins Holiday Camp

Friday.

We were early to arrive at Pontins, finding ourselves among the first people to check into our chalets, with not much to do but watch festival-curated television and await for the heat to warm up our room. There were two channels on the TV curated for the festival, one by ATP and the other by Primavera Sound. I later learned that it's actually rare for both stations to actually come in properly, and our chalet's TV was no exception. We only got the ATP channel, which was really fine by us. We were able to watch at least two seasons of Eastbound and Down, and we also got to watch Fuck Buttons' music video for "The Red Wing" at least eight times (it played, presumably, whenever ATP was switching DVD's for the next program). Great band, great song, great video, but I'm not listening to that song for at least another five years.

"Woo!"

After a good four hours of downing cider, we finally walked over to the stages and caught the first band of the night, His Clancyness, a dreamy shoegaze band from Ottawa that had a sizable crowd on stage two. The band played a solid set, reminding me mostly of newer bands like The War on Drugs, but also clearly influenced by '80s lo-fi like the Vaselines and Beat Happening. It was a solid way to start the evening. Photos of His Clancyness below...

Following that, we went upstairs to the massive main stage where Scout Niblett had already begun her set with band that comprised of her, a drummer off to the side and a bassist. Her sound was in stark contrast to that of His Clancyness's set, as her band took a much more minimalist approach, however being no less intense at moments. Jen noted the similarity's between her voice and that of Bjork's, which probably wouldn't have occurred to me otherwise, but I couldn't un-hear that afterwards. Definitely check out Scout Niblett. Photos below...

We went back downstairs to catch some of Magik Markers' set on stage two, but only caught a couple of songs before heading back to our chalet to grab a few drinks. One of the best aspects of ATP at Pontins is the venue letting you provide your own alcohol for your rooms. You had to buy beer at the bar if you were at the venue, but since the weekend's schedule had numerous thirty-minute breaks, it allowed us to take a five minute stroll back to our rooms to pound another cider, and walk back to the stages to watch music. I couldn't have been happier with this situation.

Magik Markers

The highlight for me on Friday night was Lee Ranaldo and the Dust's excellent set on stage one. The Dust includes Ranaldo's former Sonic Youth bandmate Steve Shelley on drums, meaning it was the closest we'll get to seeing Sonic Youth for some time. Many of the Dust's songs would begin somewhat mellow, but would soon culminate in long hypnotic jams -- reminding me mostly of the Velvet Underground, so it came as no surprise when Lee dedicated one of their final songs to Lou Reed, and began singing "Sweet Jaaaaane!" over the end. Photos of the band's set below...

Closing out Friday night on stage one was legendary slow-core band Low, who are no strangers to ATP, and the insanely packed crowd certainly reflected that. The band's trademark harmonies and slow, slow (slow!) songs sounded great in the huge venue. It was a good way to end the first night; satisfying, but definitely leaving us wanting more. Photos of Low below...

Saturday.

Did I mention that ATP also has a cinema that plays movies all day? Well, ATP also has a cinema that plays movies all day. Jen and I took advantage of this by attending a 10am screening of brat pack classic The Breakfast Club, which was surprisingly well attended for such an early morning event. The theater itself was really just a big room with foldout chairs and a projector. But everyone in attendance was really into it, particularly the moment where Emilio Estevez has a cartwheel freakout while high on marijuana.

GAHHHH!!!!

After a couple hours of hanging around the chalet watching more Eastbound & Down, we walked over to the stages to catch post-rock staples Tortoise. Equipped with five multi-instrumentalists, including at least three percussionists, the band's set comprised of lengthy instrumentals that got the day off to a good start. Listen to more Tortoise.

The only real time-clash for me was deciding between Thurston Moore's latest thrashy punk band Chelsea Light Moving on stage one and Brooklyn's own Har Mar Superstar on stage two. Having already seen Chelsea Light Moving, I decided I would catch half of their set while the rest of our crew got a good spot for Har Mar Superstar. Thurston and co. sounded great, and he was in top form. I swear, the man doesn't age. Photos of Chelsea Light Moving below...

By the time I made it downstairs, the crowd for Har Mar was so packed they wouldn't even let me in the stage's main entrance. I had to walk around outside to the pub entrance to make it through, and even then I could only watch from the side and not see anything. But he and his band sounded great on the small stage. Apparently he started his set fully clad in a coat, but by the time I made it down there he was only wearing pants. Check out Har Mar Superstar in all his shirtless glory below...

Television, undoubtedly one of the biggest bands on the entire lineup, were placed relatively early on the schedule considering the headliner-like status for the festival. But the proto-punk legends still managed to plow through every song from their 1977 classic Marquee Moon (albeit in a completely different order), as if they were closing out the weekend. Richard Lloyd, the band's original lead guitarist, is no longer touring with the band, but Lloyd's replacement Billy Rip must have studied those guitar parts like some sort of obsessive savant, because it sounded identical to the recordings. The sound mix was a little off--the drums were mixed low and the overall volume seemed lower than every other band that played that day--but witnessing Marquee Moon live was really quite an experience. Check out photos of the band below...

Up next on stage one was Les Savy Fav, aka the Craziest Live Band on Earth, and frontman Tim Harrington, dressed in full Glenn Danzig regalia, wasted no time getting weird with the extremely full venue. I'm pretty sure Harrington spent more time in the crowd than he did on stage, at one point laying on the table of the venue's hot dog stand and squirting ketchup all over himself, and making out with random people. He even managed to bring Har Mar Superstar up on stage and get him to crowdsurf through the entire venue during "Let's Get Out of Here." It was pretty much the best part of the entire weekend.

Following five insane sets in a row, we decided to take it easy and rest up before Dinosaur Jr., even though that meant missing Godspeed You! Black Emperor. We've all seen them before, so the collective decision was made to watch more ATP-curated television (namely, some weird Studio Ghibli named Whisper of the Heart), get nice and toasted before Dinosaur's Saturday-closing set, forego the photo pit, and enjoy the show from a good spot in the crowd. And that's when we cracked open the bottle of Apple Schnapps.

Whisper of the Heart

Three rounds of shots later, we arrived at stage one in time to get a great spot for Dinosaur Jr., who played what was easily my favorite show of theirs I've seen yet. Playing a bunch of their newer, and still great, songs from I Bet On Sky, and classics like "Freak Scene," "Feel the Pain" and even their insanely weird cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven," the mosh pit and crowd surfing were in full effect. The highlight for me was when they played "Get Me" off of Where You Been, which up until that point I had assumed would never, ever happen.

Towards the end of "Freak Scene" I was jumping around a bit too much and managed to lose my glasses on the floor. I couldn't see anything in the darkness, so I managed to snap a flash photo of the floor, find the glasses underneath someone's shoe, and the glasses remained completely unharmed. See photo below for proof. Just one of the many magical things that can take place at ATP.

We called it a night and rested up for the final day of ATP.

Sunday.

Apparently that's not really Bowie's hand.

Sunday was largely dedicated to recovering from the previous night's activities, which resulted in not much more than playing a three hour pub trivia game, watching a ton of ATP-curated TV and catching only a couple of bands. Luckily the lineup was not as rapid-fire "must-sees" as the day before, so we didn't feel too guilty about this plan.

Pub trivia required heavy, heavy knowledge of the most obscure bands in order to walk away with any form of prize, the grand prize being tickets to End of an Era Part Two. Our team, Scrote Scent (don't ask), scored 60 points and the winner scored in the high 70's, so we didn't do too bad.

Sunday's TV lineup was pretty fantastic, beginning with Jim Henson classics The Dark Crystal and Labrynth, with the night's lineup ultimately ending with Sean Connery's most bizarre post-Bond film, Zardoz. Holy shit, have you ever seen Zardoz? I have no idea what the hell happened in that movie, but I was pretty much giggling to myself the entire time. Just look at these image of Connery, and tell me it's not the greatest thing ever.

Music-wise, we did manage to catch the whole of BEAK>'s set, which made Sunday worth sticking around for. More-so than any other band that played stage one, BEAK> sounded so ridiculously crystal clear, with each element of their sound being wonderfully represented. Geoff Barrow, of Portishead-fame, gets to show off his drumming talent more than he gets to with Portishead, and you can tell he's having fun doing it. Photos of BEAK> below...

Walking back to the chalet that Sunday night, you couldn't help but hear groups of people in their chalets being as rowdy as you could be on the closing night of an epic three day music festival. Without a doubt, it was the most fun I've ever had at a music festival, and I'm eagerly awaiting to see what ATP does next. That said, the All Tomorrow's Parties festival series at Pontins will be greatly missed.

ATP: End of an Era Part I stage times revealed

2013-11-15T10:23:00.001-05:00

As many are already aware, the much loved All Tomorrow’s Parties festivals are coming to a close this year, with the final two festivals taking place over two consecutive weekends at Pontins Holiday Camp in Camber Sands, UK. End of an Era Part 1 Curated by ATP & Primavera Sound goes down next weekend, November 22-24, while End of An Era Part 2 curated by ATP & Loop will take place November 29 – December 1. Both are now sold out.

For over a decade, the promoters at ATP have put together some of the finest and eclectic lineups in festival history, carefully selecting acts that cater to a very specific demographic, rejecting any form of corporate sponsorship, and maintaining a reputation for providing a highly enjoyable experience. I personally have only attended one ATP festival in 2011 for the Portishead-curated I’ll Be Your Mirror in Asbury Park, but it still stands as one of my favorite festivals ever.

We here at FN will be mourning the loss of ATP upon its conclusion, specifically our London contributor Wiglet Bill (who attends ATP festivals annually and its spinoff festivals throughout the year). The good news (at least for our readers) is the Wiglet and I are teaming up next weekend to cover End of an Era Part I, and will be photographing the event for FN, as well as tweeting the event on our Twitter account, @fuckingnostalgi. Be sure to follow us over there and on Facebook to see what kind of trouble we get into.

Today, ATP announced stage times for next weekend, which includes a meaty-looking Saturday lineup (Television, Les Savy Fav, GY!BE and Dinosaur Jr. in a row), with only a few time clashes throughout the three days. Take a look at the full lineup below, and we’ll be back with ATP coverage in a week!

“Below you can find the stage times, films and DJ schedules for the event. Please be advised stage 2 and the cinema cannot hold the entire festival capacity at once so please bear this in mind and arrive early if you don't want to possibly miss something...

FRIDAY

Stage 1:

Scout Niblett • 6.30pm - 7.30pm
múm • 8.00pm - 9.00pm
Lee Ranaldo And The Dust • 9.30pm - 10.30pm
Low • 11.00pm - 12.30am

Stage 2:

His Clancyness • 5.15pm - 6.00pm
Magik Markers • 6.30pm - 7.30pm
The Icarus Line • 8.00pm - 9.00pm
Blanck Mass • 9.30pm - 10.15pm
Dinos Chapman • 11.00pm - 12.00am
DJ Coco (Primavera Sound) • 12.30am - 2.00am

Cinema:

From ATP Vol 0. (Sketches) From A Nightmare • 10.00pm - 10.30pm
From ATP Vol 1. From Smoke • 10.35pm - 11.10pm
The Great Escape • 11.15pm - 2.10am

Queen Vic:

DJ Justin Spear • 9.00pm - 11.00pm
DJs Jamie & Manish • 11.00pm - 2.00am

SATURDAY

Stage 1:

Tortoise • 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Chelsea Light Moving • 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Television • 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Les Savy Fav • 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Godspeed You! Black Emperor • 8.30pm - 10.30pm
Dinosaur Jr • 11.00pm - 12.30am

Stage 2:

Eraas • 2.00pm - 2.45pm
Har Mar Superstar • 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Wolf Eyes • 5.30pm - 6.15pm
Porn • 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Demdike Stare • 8.30pm - 9.30pm
Oneohtrix Point Never • 10.15pm - 11.30pm
DJ Fra Soler (Primavera Sound) • 12.00am - 2.00am

Cinema:

The Breakfast Club • 10.00am - 11.40am
Low Movie: How To Quit Smoking • 12.00pm - 1.05pm
From ATP Vol 2. From Midden • 1.15pm - 1.55pm

Lawrence Of Belgravia • 10.00pm - 11.30pm
From ATP Vol 3. From Ghosts • 12.00am - 12.35am
Dazed And Confused • 12.35am - 2.20am

Queen Vic:

Mix Swap • 1.30pm
Book Bingo & Rock And Roll Bingo • 2.00pm
Book Club with Verso & Zer0 • 4.00pm
DJ Dr Kiko • 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Karaoke with Luke & Woody • 8.00pm - 10.00pm
DJ Andrew Hung (Fuck Buttons) • 10.00pm - 12.00am
DJ Declan Allen • 12.00am - 2.00am

SUNDAY

Stage 1:

Standstill • 2.45pm - 3.45pm
New War • 4.15pm - 5.00pm
Refree • 6.30pm - 7.15pm
Adam Gnade • 7.45pm - 8.30pm
Beak> • 9.30pm - 10.30pm
Los Planetas • 11.00pm - 12.15am

Stage 2:

Headbirds • 3.15pm - 4.15pm
Hebronix • 5.15pm - 6.00pm
Zyna Hel • 7.00pm - 7.45pm
Forest Swords • 8.15pm - 9.15pm
Pharmakon • 10.30pm - 11.00pm
The Haxan Cloak • 12.15am - 1.00am
DJ Declan Allen • 1.00am - 2.00am

Cinema:

From ATP Vol 0. (Sketches) From A Nightmare • 10.00am - 10.29am
From ATP Vol 1. From Smoke • 10.30am - 11.05am
From ATP Vol 2. From Midden • 11.05am - 11.41am
From ATP Vol 3. From Ghosts • 11.45am - 12.21pm
From ATP Vol 5. From Pain And Pleasure • 12.25pm - 1.00pm
From ATP Vol 6. From God • 1.00pm - 1.25pm

Better Than Something: Jay Reatard • 10.00pm - 11.30pm
Grandma Lo-Fi: The Basement Tapes Of Sigridur Níelsdóttir • 11.30pm - 12.45am
The Apartment: 12.45am - 2.50am

Queen Vic:

Pop Quiz • 1.30pm
Adam Gnade Book Reading • 4.00pm
Karaoke with Luke & Woody • 8.00pm - 10.00pm
ATP DJs • 10.00pm - 12.00am
DJ Justin Spear • 12.00am - 2.00am”

Review: My Bloody Valentine @ Hammerstein Ballroom

2013-11-12T11:38:00.001-05:00

My Bloody Valentine @ Hammerstein Ballroom – November 11, 2013

Review: Chris

A few days ago, in anticipation of my second time witnessing the spectacle that is a live My Bloody Valentine performance, I asked myself the question that any enthusiast of ear-shattering noise would ponder at some point. Who is the louder band: Swans or My Bloody Valentine? Both carry the reputation that seeing them live, and actually staying the entire performance, is something no sane doctor would ever recommend (even with earplugs). But they’re also very different bands, each with a different aesthetic and approach. Now that I’ve seen both bands twice, I can confirm that the winner of this battle make your ears bleed is Swans. But don’t let that fool you into thinking MBV have softened. It’s just that Swans’ music stings a bit more.

We entered the theater at Hammerstein Ballroom just as the opening band, Dumb Numbers, finished. I didn’t hear a note of their set aside from the two seconds between the time our tickets were scanned and the time I violently rushed down to the men’s room. Apparently Murph, drummer from Dinosaur Jr, is in the touring band, and Lou Barlow contributed to the band’s album. But that’s all I know about them at this point. And the audience, at least according to Twitter, did not seem too pleased. I wish I could shine some light on the subject.

My Bloody Valentine, who I last caught in Glasgow, at their second ever reunion show, took the stage at just about 9:10pm. Opening with what may be my favorite MBV song ever, and the song I credit with making me understand the band to begin with, “Sometimes,” was a pretty remarkable way to get things started. With each member, including drummer Colm Ó Cíosóig, strumming away on guitars along to that very simple drum track, the band created this long droning noise that, aside from breaks between songs, persisted throughout the entire show.

Other songs from the classic album Loveless, in particular, “When You Sleep” and “Come in Alone” were played much faster and heavier (somehow) than the studio recordings, sounding more similar to the band’s rawer aesthetic on their first album Isn’t Anything, which was interesting to hear live. The only songs that really stuck note for note to their studio recordings were songs like “I Only Said,” “To Here Knows When” and “Soon,” which of course all had the assistance of a drum machine. Songs from Isn’t Anything like “You Never Should” and “Feed Me With Your Kiss” were played at the speed and fury of an ‘80s hardcore punk band. It was incredible.

It’s also worth noting that keyboard duties are no longer handled solely by guitarist/vocalist Bilinda Butcher, who I don’t think touched a keyboard the entire performance. Adding an extra member to the band definitely seemed to fill things out a bit from the last time I saw them, which I assume gives Butcher and MBV mastermind Kevin Shields more room to focus on their extremely unique vocal harmonies. The new songs from this year’s m b v were particularly exciting to hear live from the first time, considering how stellar that album is. Songs like “New You,” Only Tomorrow” and “Who Sees You” stand right up there with the best of MBV’s catalogue, and hearing them live further proved that point. If there was any reunited band to set the blueprint for what bands should be doing once they reunite, it’s My Bloody Valentine. There is a purpose to the band now; a purpose that is missing from a lot of reunited bands.

The band, of course, closed with “You Made Me Realise,” the song that notoriously collapses into a wall of noise that can only be described as the most insane thing you will ever hear. It was loud, oh yes, it was loud, but it lasted nowhere near as long as the time I saw them in ’08 (which I believe hit the 20 minute mark). They cut it down to about seven minutes last night, and people were noticeably getting upset, even people with earplugs. I can’t exactly blame them, but I walked out of the show and my hearing did not feel particularly affected. Either way, it’s a scary thing to witness, but witness you must.

My Bloody Valentine plays Hammerstein Ballroom tonight with openers DIIV, the last night on their tour. Check out the setlist below.

MBV – Hammerstein Ballroom – November 11, 2013

Cigarette in Your Bed

Feed Me With Your Kiss

You Made Me Realise

Guided By Voices' drummer Kevin Fennell lists drum set on ebay for $55k, Robert Pollard fires him via email

2013-10-23T18:43:00.001-04:00

Kevin Fennell with Guided By Voices @ Terminal 5 11/8/2010

As reported by multiple sources last week, classic-era Guided By Voices drummer Kevin Fennell, who played drums on GBV essentials Bee Thousand, Alien Lanes, and countless others, listed his drum set on ebay with an asking price of $55,000.

Fifty-five thousand dollars.

According to the listing, "These drums have played three US and three European tours including the 2010 Reunion Tour. They have played Central Park Summer Stage and The Jon Stewart Show. On top of that...they are simply good looking." For delivery options, Fennell also adds, "Hand delivered and set-up by Kevin anywhere in the continental USA. And if you're nice he might just jam with you."

Well, sounds awesome. Except for the insane amount of money he's asking for. And that's where things go sour in this situation. Apparently, GBV mastermind Robert Pollard is not too happy with Fennell's asking price, in addition to touting the Guided By Voices brand in the listing (which Fennell explicitly has done).

A post written on Guided By Voices official Facebook page this evening stated:

Which prompted me to do a little research. What I found was a Facebook page, allegedly setup by Kevin Fennell, for the sole purpose of providing information on the ebay listing. Additionally I also found what ALLEGEDLY (must stress that) is an email exchange between Kevin Fennell and one Robert Pollard. You can read the cringe-worthy, and ultimately depressing, exchange below, posted under a comment from that page that reads:

"Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 1:22PM
From: Sarah Zade-Pollard
Subject: Re: From Bobby
Hi Kevin,
Bobby left you a voicemail message and needs to talk to you. Please call him when you can.
Thanks,
Sarah

Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:37:53 -0700
From: Kevin Fennell
Subject: Re: From Bobby
Bob, I thought that it would be best to respond to you voice-mail message via e-mail to avoid any argument or confrontation. I just don't feel comfortable being attacked or having to explain myself, it's bullshit. You obviously are pissed about my decision to sell my drums or maybe my asking price. If you recall I did mention that I would most likely be selling them but I wasn't sure how to go about it at the time.

After rejoining the band, I was hopeful that we would be more active regarding playing out and having the opportunity to earn money. As a result, I passed on two full-time job opportunities at OSU to make sure I was available for the band but we only played 2 shows this year, with no mention of anything in the future. That's just it, there has never really been much communication and I guess I'm tired of being "on call" at the drop of a hat.

It seems to me that we are not on the same page and maybe my expectations exceeded yours. I think it's unfortunate that you have any issue with me selling what belongs to me. I went out of my way to make sure that I did not use the band name for personal gain. I only stated the facts about my history with the band on E-Bay. You know that I have devoted a large part of my life to the band and have been loyal from the beginning. It's too bad that same loyalty was never reciprocated and I think you know what I mean.

Maybe it's best that I resign my position at this time. I don't feel that I need to ask your permission about personal decisions ie: the asking price for my drums. If that's the case, it's better that we part company now.

Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 8:24AM
From: Bob Pollard
Subject: Re: From Bobby
Hey Kevin,
Thanks for responding and there will be no argument or confrontation. There was no attack. There was simply a statement and observation by all, and you don't realize how many, that you have made a fool of yourself by your asking price. First of all, most people would like to know who the fuck you think you are and who you think Guided By Voices is that you can warrant that kind of asking price for your fucking drums. And yes, you did mention the band and use the band as a selling point. You said, "These were the drums that were played on Bee Thousand" and other albums. Should I ask for $50,000 for the metal trash can I banged on My Valuable Hunting Knife? Do you see the absurdity and where it can go from there? You don't have to ask for my permission to sell your shit but you do my friend, have to ask permission to use the name Guided By Voices as I own it.

You can call it resigning if you want but you were already fired. I've been wanting to do that for a long time. You're an amateur, you play too fast (which is the sign of an amateur). I've asked you to slow down and get behind the music but I can tell that you don't know what I'm even talking about. You know, I diligently sought you out for this reunion thing. I said I wouldn't do it if I couldn't find all four of the original members of the so-called fucking Classic line-up which is a laugh to begin with. I employed the assistance of others to find you. Now, I'm regretting that I ever did that. I could have gotten Jim MacPherson or Kevin March and no one would have given a shit, it would have all been the same.

I owe no sense of loyalty to you whatsoever. 100% of the gratitude should come from your end. Good luck in gouging someone for your fucking drums and don't ever fucking bother me again.
Bob
PS - Oh yeah, and calling it "being on call at the drop of a hat" for the exorbitant amount of money that you received for these calls is the epitome of biting the hand that feeds you. Do not delude yourself, Kevin, that people gave a shit who was behind that drum kit. And if you have a problem with me you can call me or meet me face to face if that's what you fucking want. Not just myself, but others, know you to be a rude, opinionated and insufferable individual. The little anecdote that you told about J Mascis in Denver (you know, the J Mascis "who gives a fuck" story) was the final straw anyway. And you know what most people can't believe about you asking $55k for your drums, minimum? Is that you're not even on drugs anymore."

I wonder how J Mascis got involved in all of this?

Anyhow, Guided By Voices has a new album coming out, their 500th this year, entitled Motivational Jumpsuit. The band has no dates listed on their tour page at the moment. Album art for Motivational Jumpsuit below...

Photos/Review: Nine Inch Nails @ Barclays Center

2013-10-16T18:35:00.000-04:00

Nine Inch Nails @ Barclays Center - October 14, 2013

Photos/Review: Chris

The last time I caught Nine Inch Nails was in early 2006, an experience I’ll never forget. The first attempt to make it to that show at UMass Amherst, seven of us crammed into an SUV (two in the front, four in the back, one in the trunk) and drove all the way from New York City to Amherst with not much of a plan as far as what we were going to do once we arrived the night before the concert. We successfully tricked a Holiday Inn to give us a room for two people, though obviously we snuck the other five through the back entrance. All was going well until we stopped at a diner the next morning only to be asked by a couple guys next to us, “Are you going to the Nine Inch Nails show tonight?” We nodded. “Well the show is cancelled. Trent Reznor is sick.” That was a long drive back to New York City that day.

The second attempt came six weeks later when the seven of us drove back up to Amherst for the make-up date. We successfully got to the university (though I remember missing the first few songs), and Trent Reznor put on one of the most elaborate and thought-provoking arena shows I had seen up until that point. The imagery displayed on the screen behind the band (one particular image of George W. Bush dancing with his wife is still burned into my brain), gave me chills, but also made me want to crawl underneath my seat and weep. It’s seeing Nine Inch Nails live that truly makes you understand Trent Reznor’s vision. That show was a real eye-opener for me, musically and personally.

We drove back to some other hotel after the concert and attempted to pull off the same scheme of two of us asking for a room in the lobby, then sneaking the other five through a back entrance. It didn’t work this time. Within seconds of ushering in the group, the creepy guy from the lobby angrily knocked at the door, and when we opened it, he started screaming at us in this high-pitched wail I’ll never forget. “YOU LIED TO ME! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WOULD DO THAT! YOU ALL HAVE TO LEAVE, I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WOULD PULL THIS ON ME!” I remember it being simultaneously horrifying and hilarious, and to this day, we still randomly yell “YOU LIED TO ME!” to anyone else who was there when that happened.

Flash forward to 2013, and Nine Inch Nails have been through several new albums, side projects, tours, and even a hiatus. But NIN is back, and with their new album Hesitation Marks, their first major label release since 2007’s Year Zero, Trent Reznor and company are on a lengthy arena tour to support it. The four year hiatus didn’t have much of an effect on Reznor’s ability to plow through a 26-song career spanning setlist, clocking in at just about two hours, with virtually no breaks aside from just before their four-song encore.

Older songs like “Terrible Lie,” “March of the Piggies” and “Piggy” were reminders of why people fell in love with the band to begin with, but the newer material from Hesitation Marks stood up surprisingly well amongst the classics. And the light show on this tour, though it may sound hyperbolic, is one of the most elaborate light shows I’ve ever seen on a stage. With two screens that stretched the width of the stage, one in front of the band that was apparently also transparent, and one in the back that would intermittently switch between band silhouettes, abstract liquid lights and video footage, not to mention these insane hydraulic lights above the band that were doing all sorts of wacky things throughout the show… it was a sight to be seen.

But it was the moment that the stage went dark and all you could hear were the synth sounds of The Downward Spiral’s “A Warm Place” and the wave of applause that slowly grew to a roar in the completely packed Barclays Center, that I remembered why I fell in love with Nine Inch Nails’ music so long ago. Underneath all that grinding, static noise is some of the most beautiful music written in the past twenty years. When the band closed out the show with “Hurt,” accompanied by imagery of war, executions and a GIGANTIC snake head, it was impossible to not be completely in awe of what Reznor has achieved since he decided to start noodling around a recording studio in the late ‘80s. Reznor himself took a brief moment before the encore to admit he couldn’t believe that he gets to do what he does, and the moment did not come off as contrived.

We unfortunately missed opener Godspeed You! Black Emperor because of my own stupidity, but also because there was some conflicting information on Ticketmaster and the Barclays Center website that printed different show times. Godspeed was a great choice for NIN to take on tour though, and I can only imagine how their sound comes off in a massive arena.

Check out some far away photos of Nine Inch Nails, the setlist and tour dates below…

Setlist:
Copy of A
1,000,000
Terrible Lie
March of the Pigs
Piggy
All Time Low
Disappointed
Came Back Haunted
Find My Way
The Frail
The Wretched
Satellite
In Two
Survivalism
Running
A Warm Place
Somewhat Damaged
Wish
Burn
The Hand That Feeds
Head Like a Hole

The Day the World Went Away
Even Deeper
While I'm Still Here
Black Noise
Hurt

Nine Inch Nails -- 2013 Tour Dates
10-19 University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center ^
10-21 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena ^
10-22 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena ^
10-24 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena ^
10-25-27 Asheville, NC Mountain Oasis Electronic Music Summit
10-30 Sunrise, FL BB&T Center
10-31 Orlando, FL Amway Center
11-01-03 New Orleans, LA Voodoo Music Experience
11-05 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center *
11-08 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center *
11-09 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center *
11-11 El Paso, TX Don Haskins Center *
11-13 Broomfield, CO 1st Bank Center *
11-15 Las Vegas, NV The Joint *
11-16 Las Vegas, NV The Joint *
11-18 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena *
11-19 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena *
11-21 Vancouver, British Columbia Rogers Arena *
11-22 Seattle, WA KeyArena *
11-24 Edmonton, Alberta Rexall Place 11-25 Calgary, Alberta Scotiabank Saddledome
* - w/ Explosions in the Sky
^ -w/ Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Photos/Review: Meat Puppets @ Brooklyn Bowl

2013-10-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

Meat Puppets @ Brooklyn Bowl - October 12, 2013
Photos/Review: Chris

First things first: it's been well over a year since a post has gone up on this here website. Here's a vague explanation of what happened: over the summer of 2012, life got a little complicated, all but forcing me to focus on things that were far more important than going to shows in New York City. I initially intended for the hiatus to be short term while I took care of shit, but I just never got it together enough to get full on back into managing Fucking Nostalgic. It was a full time job, and I already had one of those, plus a personal life that I needed to tend to. Keeping up a blog is not an easy thing to do, as many will tell you.

But then I started going through some of posts and photo galleries and, well, I got pretty fucking nostalgic about Fucking Nostalgic. We covered some amazing shows, interviewed some iconic musicians, and threw some awesome parties. The contributors to FN are some of my favorite people on Earth. It would be really hard to make Fucking Nostalgic as constant a thing as it once was, but if we have something to share with you, we're going to try and share it.

Which brings me to last night's Meat Puppets show, which incidentally was a part of the ongoing CBGB Festival taking place in New York City this weekend. I'll just get it out of the way: HOLY SHIT, the Meat Puppets are great. The first time I saw the incredibly influential band was only a couple years ago at Le Poisson Rouge. I was blown away by how incredibly tight a band they were, considering how archaic and raw albums like II and Up on the Sun sound. Not to mention the well-documented hardships bassist Cris Kirkwood faced towards the end of the Meat Puppets original run (though Cris has been sober since for over a decade). I wasn't sure what to expect, but that LPR show ended up being one of my favorite shows of the year.

Last night was no different. Curt Kirkwood (who was recently the subject of a great interview by Marc Maron on WTF), Cris Kirkwood, Elmo Kirkwood (Curt's son) and Shandon Sahm played a little over 90 minutes last night to a rather ecstatic crowd -- plowing through well-known favorites "Up on the Sun," "Backwater," and "I'm a Mindless Idiot" in addition to the later-made-famous-by-Nirvana trio of songs, "Plateau," "Oh, Me" and "Lake of Fire." Plus a cover of the Beach Boys' "Sloop John B" -- something I've seen them pull off each and every time I've seen them live. If it ain't broke, don't fix it I suppose. No encore, but Curt did return to the stage a cappella while his brother and son danced around and hugged each other. It was an adorable family moment we got to witness to close out the night.

If you haven't caught the Meat Puppets live yet, you're doing it wrong. They're easily one of my favorite bands to catch, and you owe it to yourself to witness a legendary band still somehow in their prime. Check out some more photos from last night's show below...

Review: Catalpa Festival @ Randall's Island (Day 2)

2012-08-02T16:58:00.002-04:00

Girl Talk @ Catalpa NYC

Catalpa Festival @ Randall’s Island - July 29, 2012
Photos: Geanna B. and James MacFie / Review: Geanna B.

La-di-da-di-dahh! It's time to talk about the D-O-double-G! What, what, what whaaaaaat! Fo' rizzle. If there was anyone at Catalpa who was more excited to see Snoop Dogg than me, I would like to shake that person's hand. And then possibly give them a high five. Possibly. My dad hates rap music, so I used to have to listen to Snoop in my room quietly with headphones on without moving, so as not to upset his classic rock sensibilities. But before I geek out on middle school nostalgia, let's dive right into the funstuffs.

Sunday. Round Two. No Mercy, Mr. LaRusso.

The crowd was thicker, the air was clearer. And our feets were drier! We kicked off the afternoon with Cold War Kids, just as it started drizzling. The rain came down, but the crowd didn't care - Nathan Willet's voice, as piercing and clear and wistful as ever, rose over the festival lawn and reached out to anyone with ears. They played the requisite "Hang Me Up to Dry," as well as the very bittersweet, "We Used to Vacation," in addition to giving us some newer tracks to sink our teeth into. As their set ended, the band thanked everyone for sticking it out with them through the weather - but honestly, I think the rain only added to the fun.

After wandering around in search of the Arcadia Stage once more, and instead finding a girl in a Tinkerbell outfit, it was time for Matt & Kim. I had never seen them live before, and I think it's safe to say that they are fucking nuts. In the best way possible. I challenge you to find two people with more enthusiasm, love and genuine joy that can keep a party going like they do. After a six month hiatus from playing live, it felt like the two of them had just been released from solitary confinement, ready to rock and play and shake their groove thangs in our faces. BONUS: we were the first audience ever to hear their most recent single, "Let's Go" live! Look at us, all special-like. They're playing Terminal 5 this fall, I suggest you get tickets immediately, if not sooner.

Keeping the party going was Girl Talk, mashing the shit out of some pop tunes and getting everyone crazed pre-Snoop. If you aren't dancing to Girl Talk, I'm pretty sure your heart is made of the lost souls of stuffed animals on the Island of Misfit Toys. It is literally impossible to not get down to those raucous beats. My favorite thing he did during this set was put the Beastie Boys' "Hey Ladies" alongside Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life". God damn, was that catchy. This, along with TP guns and inflatable zoo animals, made for quite the spectacle. And we liked it.

And now, for the main event. The creme de la creme. The final countdown. THE END OF DAYS! SNOOP DOGG. SNOOP DOGGY DOGG. SNOOP!! Holy balls, my head kind of exploded. Joined by members of the Dogg Pound, he started off the night with "Gin and Juice," playing most of Doggystyle (not in its entirety as we may have been lead to believe) and adding in some favorites like "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" and "The Next Episode." Although I prayed to every god imaginable - and Oprah Winfrey herself - for the miracle of Dr. Dre to appear before me, he was nowhere to be found. Another missing element was the inclusion of "Lodi Dodi" in the mix, but as the Mac rightfully noted, there may have been too many words to remember. Snoop closed out the set with "Drop It Like It's Hot," and "Young, Wild and Free." While those are not my personal faves, I was still riding high on the raps of yesteryear, 'cuz everything is fine when you listenin' to the D-O-G.

We hear it’s hard being the new festival on the block, what with the trillion other festivals held in NYC this summer, some taking place in the exact same location. For its first year, Catalpa was a success. Even with the rain and lack of brisket tacos, the weekend was a rockin' good time. The jury is still out on what happened to that huge fire sculpture thing, but I guess that's what we have to look forward to next year. RIGHT?! Right. Now for some photos!

Cold War Kids

Matt & Kim

Snoop Dogg

Review: Catalpa Festival @ Randall's Island (Day 1)

2012-08-01T10:32:00.001-04:00

Catalpa Festival @ Randall’s Island - July 28, 2012
Photos: Geanna B. and James MacFie / Review: Geanna B.

Renaissance Fairs are great, we know this much is true. Where else can you eat delicious turkey legs while donning your favorite crushed velvet garments and lamenting the devastation of the Bubonic Plague? Probably nowhere, actually. But even in the midst of all this Humanist fun, there is one major thang that the Renaissance inarguably lacks: the presence of Snoop D-O-G-G and his historic album, Doggystyle.

Lucky for us, Catalpa NYC was there last weekend to fill the void. But what is Catalpa, exactly? And how did it get its name? And how are we to pronounce said name? And why were there no cats involved? AND WHERE WERE THE BRISKET TACOS?! All of these questions remain unanswered, but we did give it a Google, just for good measure:

Catalpa is a genus of flowering plants in the trumpet vine family, native to warm temperate regions of North America, the Caribbean, and East Asia.

It’s also apparently a place in Iowa. Huh.

But we digress (again). Arriving on Saturday afternoon to overcast skies and a general sense of allovertheplace-ness, we quickly did a lap around the grounds to get our bearings. Confusion arose when the stage #3, the Arcadia Stage, was nowhere to be found. Where had all those DJs gone? We endeavored to get to the bottom of this added mystery, but were sidetracked by black currant lemonade and grilled cheese sandwiches. Cheese: The Great Sedater.

Given the varied lineup and even more varied audience, we knew we were in for something different. The first band we caught up with was The Demos. Upbeat and dance-y, this was exactly what I needed to pick me up by my flop straps and get me into the festival swing of things. Then, the rain came. In full-on downpour mode. From across the field came the echoes of Zola Jesus, who sound like some tripped out version of Lana Del Rey. I don't know if it was the hole in my umbrella or the mud in my toes, but it felt like their set went on for a looooong time. Once the clouds parted and this droning time-warp ended, we flitted like hummingbirds between sets by The Sheepdogs and Hercules and Love Affair. My dad (who most of you should be quite familiar with by now) would fucking love The Sheepdogs and their brand of classic, sounds-like-the-Allman-Brothers rock. Shit, most of those guys even look like my dad in his heyday. Yep, heyday.

Finally, FINALLY, it was time for TV on the Radio. As the band took the stage, it certainly seemed like this was the more anticipated event of the night (although I'm not sure how many people were over at the double-set-jam-funk-out that is Umphreys McGee). I have officially now seen TVotR in every possible type of venue - they never disappoint. Mixing a lil' bit of everything, they gave us "Repetition", "Golden Age", "Wolf Like Me", and "Staring at the Sun". Tunde's spastic, beat-driven dance was in full-effect throughout as the sun began to disappear. My only complaint was that the set was a tragically insufficient 40-minutes long. Definitely, definitely not enough.

Closing out the evening were The Black Keys. Playing basically every festival known to man this year, they took off with their uber-popular "Howlin' For You," before moving on to their other catchy-pop-blues tunes. The crowd loved the shit out of them, and you couldn't help but get swept up in the energy, even while trying to dance in a huge, slippery field of mud.

We trudged home, giddy as schoolgirls with excitement for Sunday's festivities. For now, check out some very rainy photos below. There's more to come people, so jus' chill, 'til the next episode...

The Demos

The Sheepdogs

Hercules and Love Affair

Ponchos, ponchos, everywhere!

TV on the Radio

Catalpa Festival Next Weekend! (7/28-29) Lineup, Set Times and Tickets!

2012-07-19T17:01:00.002-04:00

Veritable smorgasbord music festival Catalpa is coming to Randall's Island next Saturday and Sunday, featuring 3 stages and over 40 artists throughout the hip-hop, indie, reggae and electronic music scenes. The official lineup and full schedule have been announced and are available on the festival's website, with info about tickets, transportation and a pretty ridiculous flame throwing sculpture/structure/DJ booth.

No, really. Check it out for yourself.

Both weekend and single-day passes are still available, and I highly suggest you get on board this dazzling train to Funtown, USA. In recent conversations with my middle-school self, I realized that seeing Snoop Dogg perform Doggstyle in its entirety is on the ol' bucket list of Great Life Choices, so you really do not want to miss out. Added bonuses: TV on the Radio, Girl Talk, Matt and Kim, and Cold War Kids.

Yes, and yes please.

Photos/Video/Review: 4Knots Music Festival @ South Street Seaport (Hospitality, The Drums, Archers of Loaf)

2012-07-17T10:30:00.000-04:00

Archers of Loaf

New York City Firemen

4Knots Music Festival @ South Street Seaport - July 14, 2012

Photos/Video: Chloe Lee / Review: Geanna B.

The port! The port! The port was on fire! ... apparently. While I'm pretty sure I missed all of the action and excitement on that front, by the time I arrived downtown, the multi-alarm fire was the talk of 4Knots, causing Hospitality to cut its set short, with a bit of a delay later in getting the Crocodiles on stage.

After melting only slightly in the breezy heat, the Crocodiles got the show going again, kicking everyone into gear with their brand of noisy, distorted pop. The duo-turned-quintet from San Diego played an excellent set, chock full of fuzzy guitar riffs, droning vocals, and gritty, angsty lyrics.

Next on stage: The Drums. I started listening to this band at the urgent suggestion/demanding of Mr. James MacFie this past fall, and have pounced on every opportunity to see them live since. This kind of upbeat, surf pop still keeps a bouncy edge throughout every song, and it's always fun to watch lead singer Jonathan Pierce glide and twitch along the stage. It's true, there are heavy hints of The Smiths and New Order and even sometimes Joy Division, but the catchy sound and hum-worthy melodies cannot be argued against. Playing through "Best Friend," "Money," and "Days," the band closed with one of their earliest singles, "Let's Go Surfing," a kind of wistfully glee ode to summer, a perfect tune for a day by the water.

And finally, the main event. After The Drums skipped off the stage to eat ice cream sundaes, the majority of the crowd filed out, needing to replace their American Apparel tanks and tees that had been soiled by sweat and light beer. That gave us plenty of room to move up for Archers of Loaf, the quintessential 90's alt-rock band, complete with muscle tees and trucker hats to boot. It was an interesting change of pace to go from skinny-hipster-reverb to burly-man-guitar-anthems, but this is New York, and that's how we roll. Those who remained in the crowd were die hard fans, singing along with every note, and sometimes shouting out a very enthusiastic, "loooooaf!" The sound seemed to shake the entire Pier, giving us one driving, unforgiving song after another. Fuckin A.

Oh, NYC. Just when I think I can't love you any more, you give me an amazing free summertime show. I just want to hug the shit out of you. Forever.

---

Check out photos Chloe shot for us of Hospitality, The Drums and Archers of Loaf below, and also a video she got of Hospitality performing a brand spanking new song...

Hospitality @4Knots 7/14/12 from Fucking Nostalgic Films on Vimeo.

ATP I'll Be Your Mirror USA moves to NYC (9/21-23)

2012-07-13T10:56:00.000-04:00

In very "WHAT THE WHAT?!" and "HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13th, SUCKAAAS" news this morning, it was announced that All Tomorrow's Parties' (ATP) upcoming I'll Be Your Mirror USA 2012 festival has been moved from Asbury Park, NJ to Pier 36, NYC. In a press release this morning, ATP announced:

"Pier 36 was the intended home for I'll Be Your Mirror beginning in 2013 - but due to unavoidable logistical concerns (along with a lack of available fan accommodations in Asbury Park), ATP has decided to move there for this year's event.

We hope that the new venue will make for an incredible event and open up many other accommodation options to fans who were unable to find rooms in Asbury Park," comments ATP's Barry Hogan. "We sincerely apologise to those inconvenienced by the move and hope that any problems caused may be minimised by the relatively small distance between the two locations. Anyone who is unable to attend due to the move or due to the cancellation of Louis CK can claim a full refund by contacting their ticket agent between now and July 31st."

Perhaps trying to ease the blow (no Louis CK?!), several new additions to the lineup have been announced, including: Philip Glass & Tyondai Braxton, Janeane Garofalo, Lightning Bolt, Lee Ranaldo, Chavez, Kurt Braunohler, Afterhours, Joseph Arthur, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Album Leaf, The Psychic Paramount, Braids, Tall Firs, Blanck Mass, Endless Boogie, Demdike Stare and DJ Jonathan Toubin.

You can read the full press release with mixed emotions on ATP's website, and tickets are still available ova here. The full updated lineup is below, with still more to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

ATP IBYM USA 2012 Updated Lineup:

Friday 21st curated by ATP:
PHILIP GLASS & TYONDAI BRAXTON
JANEANE GAROFALO
LIGHTNING BOLT
LEE RANALDO
KURT BRAUNOHLER
+ more to be confirmed

Saturday 22nd curated by Greg Dulli:
THE AFGHAN WHIGS
THE ROOTS
JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ
MARK LANEGAN BAND
DIRTY THREE
THE ANTLERS
CHAVEZ
THE DIRTBOMBS
SCRAWL
EMERALDS
JOSEPH ARTHUR
VETIVER
CHARLES BRADLEY AND THE EXTRAORDINAIRES
AFTERHOURS
DJ QUESTLOVE
+ more to be confirmed

Sunday 23rd curated by ATP:
GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR
THE MAKE-UP
HOT SNAKES
THE MAGIC BAND
AUTOLUX
THEE OH SEES
THE ALBUM LEAF
BRAIDS
I BREAK HORSES
THE PSYCHIC PARAMOUNT
QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT
TALL FIRS
BLANCK MASS
ENDLESS BOOGIE
DEMDIKE STARE
DJ JONATHAN TOUBIN
+ more to be confirmed

Feature: Greetings From the Edge // Redux (David Thomas & Two Pale Boys, Vic Chessnutt)

2012-07-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

by James M. Graham

Greetings From The Edge // Redux digs through the archives of James M. Graham's once celebrated column "Greetings From The Edge" that he wrote for AOL from 1996-1997. What follows are selections from the column, reposted verbatim.

David Thomas and Two Pale Boys (03/9/97 - NYC)
David Thomas, Keith Moline and Andy Diagram took the stage at The Wetlands on a dark, cold Sunday night in New York in front of, oh, probably about 40 people, and magic ensued. A veteran of at least seven Ubu or Ubu-less David Thomas shows, I can absolutely testify that, other than the first (always a charm), this was the best. David stood, played his melodeon ( or is it an accordion?) while Andy strummed guitar in a rhythmic keep-the-beat kinda way. Keith played treated trumpet - a radio mic sending his breath through a rather inconspicuous, but sinister rack of electronic effects.

They cut through David’s new release, Erewhon, a meandering jazz/beat/free-form sort of record doing more jazzy, beaty and free-form versions of most of the tunes. David was in rare form, pulling on a flask, between monologues and working himself into a relaxed, but intense mood. The Pale Boys seemed to be mostly improvising, although a close eye would reveal that the songs were tightly structured loose and flowing things - kinda tough to pull off. Moline summoned electronic trumpet demons from hell as David launched into "Surfer Girl" by the Beach Boys. Beginning the story of the beautiful beach-bound muse, Thomas eyes began to tear (I don’t know what’s going on at home) and Moline began to sing into the end of the trumpet providing the mandatory Beach Boys backing track.

After David went to the bathroom while the Pale Boys improvised, he began "The Beach Boys" (from the last Ubu record) and told the long, drawn-out tale of a country in South America ruled by The Beatles and Rosanna Arquette (because "she's beautiful"), that had David and Brian Wilson at a local bar discussing "the things they’d seen." David Thomas is a vital artist. You wouldn’t think so, but he is. Its hard to explain, but I can offer help - David Thomas and all that is Pere Ubu is explained perfectly at http://ubuprojex.net/.

David Thomas and Two Pale Boys

Vic Chessnutt (03/16/97 - NYC)
Vic seemed almost as tired as I was. This, being the second show of two at The Knitting Factory, he pretty much asked for requests and obliged with incredibly heart-felt renditions of his back catalog, despite his fatigue. There's something really, really charming about Vic, I don’t know if its his deep Athens, Georgia accent or the simple subject matter of his songs - probably both - but he is an incredible example of transcending ones' physical self and making music that means something. At least to me.

Vic Chessnutt

Review: Patrick Watson @ South Street Seaport

2012-07-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Patrick Watson @ South Street Seaport - July 6, 2012
Photos/Review: John Dabrowski

There could not have been a more perfect venue for Patrick Watson to perform in New York City than South Street Seaport. The boats rocking effortlessly back and forth. The skyscrapers standing tall as the sun drowns into darkness. As part of The River to River Festival 2012, Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear captivated the audience with tremendous sets of wonder and lightness. What is particularly pleasing about this festival is its reach. Many in attendance had no idea of the genius that are Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear, yet happened to stumble upon the stage and were swayed by the sounds.

Sweden’s Loney, Dear uplifts, delights and startles listeners with its finely combed, delicate music. As the set emerged, I watched as a beautiful, blonde child danced with her father and then proceeded to perform karate moves in sync with the rising tone of singer, Emil Svanängen. It was truly special to watch. Loney, Dear was honored to be able to play for the crowd, who allowed the music to wash over and cleanse. The audience even provided a nice F note to accompany one of their songs.

When Patrick Watson came on the stage, I could sense something magical was about to ignite. I was right. Hailing from Montreal, Patrick Watson recently released Adventur es in Your Own Backyard and this performance was his only NYC date until the fall. Light bulbs draped his piano and among the stage, blinking and dimming and shining alongside the haunting and hulking sound. There is a playfulness to the band and I could immediately sense their closeness. What Patrick Watson unleashes allows for connection and closeness, and the crowd was enamored, wanting more until the 9PM curfew came.

Both Patrick Watson and Loney, Dear allowed for their sets to awake and rejuvenate. Below, check out check out both of their current releases and future tour dates...

Patrick Watson 2012 Tour Dates
Sun. July 15 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Frederik Meijer Gardens #
Mon. July 16 - Lewiston, NY @ Artpark #
Fri. July 20 - South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground #
Sat. July 21 - Pawtucket, RI @ Hope Artist Village Courtyard #
Wed. Sept. 5 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Thu. Sept. 6 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
Fri. Oct. 12 - Austin, TX @ Zilker Park (Austin City Limits Festival)
Thu. Dec. 6 - Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall &

# w/ Andrew Bird
& w/ The Barr Brothers

Loney, Dear 2012 Tour Dates
WED 25 JULY – SAT 28 JULY Storsjöyran Festival 2012 Östersund, Sweden
SUN 29 JULY Slussens Pensionat Orust, Sweden
FRI 3 AUGUST Urkultfestivalen 2012 Näsåker, Sweden
SAT 4 AUGUST Broöppning Härnösand, Sweden
FRI 17 AUGUST – SUN 19 AUGUST Summer Sundae Weekender 2012 Leicester, UK
FRI 17 AUGUST – SUN 19 AUGUST Green Man Festival 2012 Powys, UK Find tickets

Dennis Flemion (06/06/1955-07/07/2012)

2012-07-12T11:47:00.001-04:00

by Rhona (Wiglet Bill) Aquilina

Last weekend, July 7th, Dennis Flemion of The Frogs failed to resurface after going swimming on a boating trip with family and friends at Wind Lake, Racine, Wisconsin. He was finally recovered from the lake by authorities on July 10th after a lengthy search. He was 57 years old.

As something of a crazed Frogs fan I am devastated by this terrible news. The Frogs are unlike any other band I’ve ever known. Being a fan is genuinely and uniquely rewarding: not just because the band were comedically brilliant and musically phenomenal but because they treated their fans like personal friends. This is a particularly rich experience, for those of us who, through their records, feel a kinship with and deep respect for the band. I don’t think it’d be controversial to say that The Frogs never achieved the level of success their talent deserves and whilst this is a travesty it breeds a special kind of organic fandom, with a tendency towards militancy, as there was a period where no one could enter my flat without being forced to listen to a selection of Frogs songs in silence (I would allow laughter).

As a UK fan, opportunities to see The Frogs live were few and far between. Fortune smiled on me twice when, with the help of the incredible ATP Festival, I saw The Frogs play shows firstly at The Breeders curated ATP weekend in 2009 and then again in 2011 at the Animal Collective curated event.

At the Animal Collective ATP (the band was there to play their 1989 release It’s Only Right And Natural) I had the pleasure of spending some considerable time over the three day festival talking with the band, who were tirelessly manning their merchandise stand and demonstrating their notorious fan-friendliness. I was on crutches at the time and I remember that one of the first things Dennis said to me was that, despite it not being on the album, they were going to perform "Where’s Jerry Lewis?" from their 1996 record My Daughter the Broad in dedication, a song about a ‘lovely crippled boy’. Once I’d introduced my wife he decided that "Dykes Are We" was a better fit. He then took the time to sign a record for me and to carefully personalise a print I purchased from him, explaining that it was his artwork over a photograph he had taken of Jimmy. I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to chat with Dennis and the rest of the band that weekend and I’ll always treasure that experience.

Talking to Dennis, he made me feel like I was important to him, he was proud of The Frogs dedicated followers and he demonstrated this by making the fans he spoke to feel valued, he never rushed off when I approached him, and when I spoke he genuinely listened. The loss of such a sweet man is tragic. My sincerest sympathies are with Dennis’ family and friends.

---

This month the band released two new albums Count Yer Blessingsz and Squirrel Bunny Jupiter Deluxe both albums feature excellent artwork by Dennis Flemion. The albums are available from iTunes & CD Baby.

4Knots Music Festival This Saturday 7/14 (FREE!)

2012-07-12T11:08:00.002-04:00

Yummm, delicious summer is in full effect. Can you taste the happy? We told ya'll last month to get ready for the 4Knots Music Festival at South Street Seaport, and now the day is fastly approaching. Like lightening! This Saturday is the very awesome, very FREE all-day show, featuring sets by Nick Waterhouse, Bleached, Hospitality, Crocodiles, The Drums, and Archers of Loaf.

Hot damn.

It's gonna be a gorgeous, breezy, seaporty day, so take yo' booties downtown and get silly over those views of the water. They are truly a sight to behold. Check out the set times after the jump, as well as more info about the not-as-free after-party-hotel-lobby at Beekman Beer Garden.

Summer. YES.

4Knots Music Festival Set Times:

Main Stage
12:15 p.m.: The Smiling Lies
12:30 p.m.: The Fast Years
1:30 p.m.: Nick Waterhouse
2:30 p.m.: Bleached
3:30 p.m.: Hospitality
4:30 p.m.: Crocodiles
5:30 p.m.: The Drums
6:30 p.m.: Archers of Loaf

Skippers Stage
1:00 p.m.: Doldrums
2:00 p.m.: Devin
3:00 p.m.: Team Spirit
4:00 p.m.: Delicate Steve

After Party @ Beekman Beer Garden
Doors are at 7:00 PM, and you can still get tickets right ova here. This partay will feature sets by DJ Jonathan Toubin, Kid Congo Powers + The Pink Monkey Birds, and The Black Lips. Get on board.

Listen to METZ... start to get excited about METZ

2012-07-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Toronto-based trio METZ, who recently signed to Sub Pop Records to release their debut LP in October, are heading to New York City for a pair of shows at Pianos (8/31) and Death By Audio (9/1). My advice? Get really fucking excited and grab a pair of ear plugs. The band, who over the past three and a half years have opened for Mission of Burma, Archers of Loaf and Mudhoney, sound like an amalgamation of all those bands, that is if you were to push all their levels in the red and drench their vocals in a huge bowl of reverb. It's quite an exciting ride indeed.

Their self-titled release will be available on Sub Pop on October 9 in North America, and you can stream the lead single "Headache" via the embedded player below. Be sure to get tickets to the Pianos show, as Death By Audio hasn't yet made tickets available. You can also check out their tour dates below to find out where they'll be playing near you. Godspeed...

METZ
METZ
Track List:
1. Headache
2. Get Off
3. Sad Pricks
4. Rats
5. Knife in the Water
6. Nausea
7. Wet Blanket
8. Wasted
9. The Mule
10. Negative Space
11. -- )) --
METZ 2012 Tour Dates
Aug. 03 - Sackville, NB - Sappyfest
Aug. 24 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge**
Aug. 25 - Minneapolis, MN - 400 Bar**
Aug. 28 - Pittsburgh, PA - Garfield Artworks
Aug. 29 - Washington, D.C. - DC9
Aug. 30 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
Aug. 31 - New York, NY - Pianos
Sep. 01 - Brooklyn, NY - Death By Audio
* w/ The Men
** w/ Archers of Loaf
^ w/ Kinski

Photos/Review: Dirty Projectors @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

2012-07-10T07:20:00.000-04:00

Dirty Projectors @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - July 9, 2012
Photos: Nadia Chaudhury / Review: Josh Kurp

On the night before the official release date of their sixth album (and second that actually matters), Swing Lo Magellan, Dirty Projectors played a hometown show at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Beginning with the title track, Dave Longstreth and company, including fellow guitarist and vocalist Amber Coffman, as well as new member Olga Bell, played the entirety of Swing, with a few older tracks, like "Useful Chamber" and fan favorite "Stillness is the Move," scattered throughout, too.

Spreading the songs between the new release and 2009's Bitte Orca, one thing became instantly clear: Swing is much "friendlier" and less abstract than it's predecessor; it doesn't stray away from the group's signature staticity R&B/folk/funk/billion other genre's sound, but "Gun Has No Trigger" and "Impregnable Question" feel more human, like Longstreth began with the words then worked on the beat, not vice versa. It was an excellent show from an excellent band playing their excellent new album.

Dirty Projectors play again tonight at Prospect Park, for which tickets are still available. Check out a huge gallery of shots that Nadia took of last night's show, including photos of opener Dustin Wong (of Ponytail).

Photos/Review: Roger Waters performing The Wall @ Yankee Stadium

2012-07-09T00:43:00.004-04:00

Roger Waters @ Yankee Stadium - July 7, 2012

Photos: James M. Graham / Review: Debbie Chou & James M. Graham

The first chord of The Wall at Yankee Stadium will stay in my mind for as long as I live. Mind you, I only saw the film for the first time one week ago. "In The Flesh" has to be one of the best opening tracks of all time. Cue fireworks. Jaw drops and stays open for the remainder of the song.

I was probably five years old when I first saw the video for "Another Brick In The Wall." Mean teachers, students in a meat grinder, and rioting in the classroom meant nothing to me. And then I experienced public school in Taiwan. Let's just say I wish those teachers would leave us kids alone. The children in the choir was something I looked forward to seeing the most. It was a delight to see them in black t-shirts bouncing from side to side, clapping their hands, and air-punching the inflated "teacher" that was at least ten times bigger than they were.

The change of scenery involved the onsite construction of the Wall along with visuals protected onto it. Roger: "Mother, should I trust the government?" Screen: "NO. FUCKING. WAY." Add photos of lost ones from wars and 9-11 contributed by fans and you may feel a chill on this hot summer night. Live props included the flying airplane, puppets from the film, waving flags, and an inflatable capitalist pig. This tour must have the most hard-working stage crew in rock and roll history.

The band was pitch perfect. The four-man choir was tight and the surround sound was haunting. Roger Waters looked and sounded great. With a big grin on his face, he was sincerely grateful for his audience. As he closed the show with a reprise of "Outside The Wall," he declared that 30 years ago he would've refused to play in front of such a large crowd, "but that was 30 years ago!" This was a show that you know wouldn't happen again, yet still wish you could see over and over...

---

Nostalgia is an odd thing. I bought The Wall in 1979 the day it came out on vinyl, Columbia BL 36183 - paper insert with the band name and title under the shrink-wrap and a gate-fold sleeve with crazy illustrations by Gerald Scarfe. I played it millions of times (and at recent inspection, it shows) and read Rolling Stone's review of the shows in LA and NYC with a jealousy that was just out of my reach financially and age-wise. My buddies and I saw the film on opening night, probably at midnight, and dug the shit out of it - I've owned it on DVD since one could have. I bought the song book to The Wall from Sam Goody so I could pick it out on piano and my Dad's guitar.

Then I forgot about it. Except the parts that classic rock radio would not let me forget.

I saw Waters on his "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking" tour twice with the buddies once we were financially and age appropriate. He played a few songs from The Wall (as well as a smattering of everything form Floyd's discography). Awesome - a taste!

Then I forgot about it. Except the parts that classic rock radio would not let me forget.

Until he played Berlin in 1990. That seemed awesome, even though there was no way in hell that I could go, although a good friend of mine did.

Fast-forward 20 years. A very jaded man buys field seats for the Yankee Stadium show after his sister and one of his best friends tells him he will regret missing this show.

I would have regretted missing this show. Despite the parts that classic rock radio will not let me forget.

Everything you've read about it is true. The sound is amazing, the visuals are astounding and the performance is breathtaking. A smiling, appreciative Roger is not a bad thing (one of my fears) and his re-imagining/updating exactly what The Wall means to a 68 year old man 30 years later is profoundly poignant.

I guess, since I didn't get to see it in NYC when I was a teenager and living in North Carolina, I count myself lucky that I got to see it 30 years later with all of that 30 years of wisdom, life and technology that Roger has experienced too. Something also tells me that if I had been there 30 years ago at Nassau Coliseum, I'd have still been at Yankee Stadium this past Saturday night.

---

Check out more photos of Saturday night's show below...

Photos/Review: CBGB Festival Day Three (Cloud Nothings, The War on Drugs, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Guided By Voices)

2012-07-09T00:30:00.001-04:00

Guided By Voices

CBGB Festival (Day Three) - July 7, 2012
Photos: Nadia Chaudhury / Review: Chris

Day three of CBGB Festival had two pretty huge options, both seemingly aimed at the same audience. How does one choose between Superchunk in Times Square and Guided By Voices at SummerStage? Theoretically, one could have attended both, as Superchunk took the Times Square stage at 1:20pm, but I didn't want to take any chances getting shut out of Guided By Voices, who weren't on until 6pm. I'm not entirely sure if I made the right decision, but we'll get to that in a bit.

Cloud Nothings

The weather in Central Park was pretty unbearable on Saturday, with temperatures reaching the high '90s (possibly over 100) and at least one person fainting from the heat. But the show plowed on with only a few minor hiccups. First up was Cloud Nothings, who I caught back in March at Mercury Lounge shortly after they released their latest album Attack On Memory. Similar to that performance, the band put on an energetic, albeit brief show which set the bar pretty high for the rest of the day. If you haven't jumped on the Cloud Nothings train yet, it might be a good time to do so. Frontman Dylan Baldi has managed to merge so many various forms of indie music into a singular sound, without coming off as derivative or incoherent, making his band one of the most exciting things to pay attention to today.

The War On Drugs

Next up was Philadelphia quartet The War On Drugs, who were the only band on the lineup I hadn't seen live yet. Considering their 2011 album Slave Ambient was one of my favorite records of the year, I was pretty excited to finally see them live. Unfortunately, their performance was marred by a poor sound mix and some faulty equipment. The drums were practically inaudible, and as great as Adam Granduciel's voice is, his vocals were so loud over everything else, it didn't come off too well. And at some point towards the end of their set, his guitar amp apparently exploded from the extreme heat. 100 degree weather isn't a good environment for anyone to perform in, so in no way am I taking this particular set as an example of what TWOD (twod?) can achieve live. I am definitely looking forward to the next show.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

The last time I caught The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, it was at Coney Island for Siren Fest in 2010, another 100 degree day. I've never been the hugest fan of the band, but it's hard to deny that they do put on a great live show. I did however start to feel slightly dizzy during their set, and gulping bottles of water didn't seem to help much. It became one of those shows where you're really excited to stick around for the headliner, but you also want it to just end already. Don't let that fool you into thinking POBPAH (pobpah?) weren't any good. And I have no idea where Kip Berman got the energy to jump around as much as he did.

Guided By Voices

After a lengthy changeover, and an increasingly saturated crowd, the legendary Guided By Voices took the stage to overwhelming applause. I've seen the reunited lineup twice already, and both times contained over two hours of non-stop hits. But since the band has released two albums in 2012 alone (with a third on the way) it was inevitable that at least some of Saturday's set would contain new songs. Turns out Pollard thought it would be a good opportunity to play all new songs for the entire set, save for six or so familiar songs. I respect the decision, but quite honestly, the new stuff doesn't hold up to the four GBV albums this current lineup is known for. And when you're in sweltering heat for four hours, you generally want to be compensated with some familiar material.

Mitch Mitchell's cigarette roadie

You can't take away how good the band sounded though. And some of the new songs are actually quite good. When a fight broke out between a bouncer and a group of pogo-ing fans, it brought out the best Pollard stage banter I've heard yet. "Don't eat the brown acid!” Pollard said in response to the scuffle. "How come you can't eat the brown acid? I never understood that. It sounds pretty good to me." Also have to give props to lead guitarist Mitch Mitchell's cigarette roadie, whose sole purpose was to stand there, light one cigarette after another, and pass them to Mitch at the end of each song. Fucking brilliant.

But what it comes down to is that a free GBV during the day with a 7pm curfew just isn't a true GBV show. The band is known for performing ridiculously long sets, with Pollard becoming increasingly drunk as the night wears on--and his band playing hit after hit after hit. It's hard to complain about anything free, but I'm anxiously awaiting the next paid Guided By Voices performance, which hopefully won't take place at Terminal 5.

Check out a full set of photos of the show that Nadia shot for us, and give a listen to Guided By Voices' Class Clown Spots A UFO below...

Guided By Voices setlist (via):

"Laundry and Lasers"

"The Head"

"Roll of the Dice, Kick in the Head"

"Billy Wire"

"Doughnut for a Snowman"

"He Rises! Our Union Bellboy"

"Blue Babbleships Bay"

"Shocker in Gloomtown"

"Spiderfighter"

"The Unsinkable Fats Domino"

"Hangover Child"

"God Loves Us"

"Class Clown Spots a UFO"

"Hang Up and Try Again"

"Chocolate Boy"

"The Opposite Continues"

"Keep It in Motion"

"Game of Pricks"

"Waves"

"I Am A Scientist"

"Imperial Racehorsing"

"Goldheart Mountaintop Queen Directory"

"We Won't Apologize for the Human Race"

"No Transmission"

"14 Cheerleader Coldfront"
"Quality of Armor"

Encore:

"Matter Eater Lad"
"Echoes Myron"

Photos/Review: CBGB Festival Day Two (MxPx, Radio 4, Reggie Watts)

2012-07-09T00:05:00.000-04:00

Reggie Watts @ The Bell House

CBGB Festival (Day Two) - July 6, 2012

Photos/Review: Geanna B. & Chris

Day Two of CBGB Festival had a lot of great options, but unfortunately our day jobs and inability to be in two places at once greatly limited what we were able to cover. Luckily, Geanna was game to check out pop-punk purveyors MxPx at Best Buy Theater, while I took a trip to The Bell House to catch one of comedian Reggie Watts' viciously unique sets. I'm happy to report that neither of us were stabbed throughout our excursions. Here's Geanna's account of the MxPx show:

Well, my ears are still ringing from Friday's MxPx show at Best Buy Theater for two reasons: 1. They totally rocked out, and 2. Because I might be getting old. Celebrating their 20th Anniversary as part of the CBGB Festival, this was one of the fest's shows that I absolutely had to see. Oh, Memory Lane, how often I visit thee. Who needs a DeLorean when nostalgia is just a subway ride away?

MxPx. Photo by Geanna

The first band to hit the stage was Gasoline Heart, a straight-up rock band with a pretty solid sound. Had their lead singer not been so self-deprecating while dejectedly stomping around on stage, their set would have been a lot more enjoyable. Next was the very awesome (and possibly underage?) Such Gold, a supersonic blend of Thursday and At the Drive-In that was a welcome wake up call to everyone on the floor. You absolutely must listen to this band, lest the Hammer of Thor strike you in the ears for ignoring their raw, driving tracks. And closing out the openers was I Am the Avalanche, whose Brooklyn-based punk ballads brought everyone to the brink of unbearable anticipation for the main event. When, Lord WHEN?! When's gonna be their time?!

The last time I saw MxPx was at The Birch Hill in high school, so seeing them at this brand new, swanky venue was definitely a bit odd. Without the moldy carpeting and scary parking lot, I felt a bit out of place with all those sparkly chandeliers looming overhead. And the bathrooms made me feel like I was in a spaceship. But as soon as the boys took the stage I was transported right back to that sweaty day in 1990-something. And it felt goooood.

The band gave us all of my faves - "I'm OK, You're OK," "Chick Magnet," and then closed the night with "Punk Rawk Show"!! There was crowd surfing and mosh-pitting and a very enjoyable cover of The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" thrown into the mix. We jumped around and sang, and I will never, ever get tired of acting like a teenager with a bunch of other people doing the exact same thing. We poured into midtown at the end of the night, screaming to hear ourselves over the buzzing in our brains, and navigating through lost tourists and pedi-cabs and day dreaming gals like me. Okay, maybe a DeLorean would be nice after all.

MxPx posing for a photo. Photo by Mariel Marrelli

---

Reggie Watts, who like many of the artists playing CBGB, was sort of an oddball pick for the festival because, well, I doubt he ever performed at the venue and he's much more a comedian than a musician. That is not to knock Watts' talent -- the man can fucking sing. Half of me was laughing at how silly his songs were, and the other half was laughing at how ridiculously good his voice is.

Watts, sporting a Bob Marley t-shirt with an image of Jimi Hendrix‘s face, would take brief breaks in between songs to quickly rattle off jokes to the crowd, often referring to CBGB Festival as the "Sibbajib Fest." His dialog is short so as to not take away from his true talent, which is looping layers of his voice to form strange, melodic and ridiculously funny sounding songs. Listen to his 2012 comedy album A Live At Central Park below to get a better idea of his live show, because explaining it doesn't do it justice.

Radio 4. Photo by Chris

The surprising thing about the Bell House show was opener Radio 4, a New York City-based dance-punk act that reminded of Gang of Four, Talking Heads, and somehow They Might Be Giants. How I hadn't stumbled upon this group before was a bit of a surprise, as they've apparently been around since 1999 and their sound is right up my alley. Give their most recent recording (released in 2006??) a listen below, and certainly keep an eye on their tour dates (even though I can't find any at the moment).

Below, check out some more photos of The Bell House show, and stay tuned for coverage of day three of CBGB Festival...

Harley Flanagan, founding member of Cro-Mags, reportedly stabbed Cro-Mags bassist Mike Couls at Webster Hall last night

2012-07-07T08:04:00.001-04:00

Harley Flanagan (left) at Thursday's screening of American Hardcore

Sad, strange, and alarming news is being reported about last night's Sick Of It All / Cro-Mags show, which was part of CBGB Festival. The entire show was cancelled after Harley Flanagan, founding member of Cro-Mags reportedly stumbled into the VIP lounge of Webster Hall (inches from where I was photographing Thursday night's show) and stabbed Cro-Mags bassist Mike "The Gook" Couls.

According to Bowery Boogie:

"Security mobilized in a hot minute and beat the shit out of him. It took no less than six beefy dudes to control the madness. Blood was everywhere, and bone protruded from his shin. Cops quickly appeared and took [Flanagan] away in cuffs. Not before he had already stabbed some dude in the chest (said victim left the scene with a bandage over the wound). Because of the violence the rest of the show was canceled. The remaining bands promised to reschedule the show. To be fair, Webster Hall security contained the situation professionally. Lots of drunken, pissed off hardcore fans were on edge after the cops shut down the show, but the scene was cleared without further incident."

Particularly strange about the whole incident is that Flanagan showed up to American Hardcore's screening on Thursday with who appeared to be his two young sons (both were sporting mohawks). Flanagan seemed his usual slightly intimidating self, but I never would have expected him to stab someone the following night.

CBGB issued the following statement early this morning:

"We are saddened to learn about the events that occurred last night at Webster Hall. Our primary concern is always the safety and experience of New Yorkers, music fans and the general public. Naturally we will fully cooperate with law enforcement while hoping for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Live music can be incredibly uplifting, empowering and positive. We don’t feel the actions of one person should overshadow four amazing days and nights of events that include today’s historic and unprecedented free concerts in Times Square and Central Park."

CBGB Festival rolls on today, with the aforementioned two huge free shows: Superchunk / The Hold Steady / Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Times Square, and Cloud Nothings / The War on Drugs / The Pains of Being Pure At Heart / Guided By Voices at Central Park SummerStage. More coverage of CBGB Festival is on the way.

Photos/Review: CBGB Festival Day One (Krist Novoselic, American Hardcore, Agnostic Front)

2012-07-06T09:59:00.001-04:00

Agnostic Front @ Webster Hall

CBGB Festival (Day One) – July 5, 2012
Photos/Review: Chris

CBGB Festival is in full swing here in NYC, which means thirty venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn are hosting music showcases, and the entire Landmark Sunshine Theater is holding numerous panels and film screenings. To kick things off, legendary bassist Krist Novoselic gave a keynote speech at Sunshine yesterday at noon, which was hosted and moderated by walking music encyclopedia Matt Pinfield.

Novoselic’s speech focused mainly on his life as a musician and his tenure as bass player for Nirvana, but he also emphasized his involvement in social activism after the demise of the band. Novoselic was active in lobbying against laws such as the Erotic Music Law, which would have prevented minors from purchasing music deemed obscene, and the Teen Dance Ordinance, which stopped minors from attending many shows. After his speech, Matt Pinfield moderated a Q&A with the audience, which generated some oddball questions and responses. The most interesting exchange occurred when someone asked him what it was like working with Butch Vig again on the latest Foo Fighters record, which Novoselic made an appearance on. He took this as an opportunity to express his admiration for Dave Grohl, exclaiming that when people ask him if he’s jealous of everything Grohl has achieved he tells them, “How could I be jealous of that? Dave has worked so hard for everything he has, and he deserves every bit of it.” The response drew a lengthy applause.

Krist Novoselic @ Sunshine Theater

After the speech, I killed some time in the area before heading back to the Sunshine Theater to catch a screening of the documentary American Hardcore. I saw the film when it was first released in 2006, and figured an encore viewing wouldn’t hurt. The director of the film (Paul Rachman) and the writer of the book in which the film is based on (Steven Blush) appeared with Harley Flanagan of Cro-Mags fame to speak briefly of what the film was about, and how it relates to the CBGB Festival. The consensus being that CBGBs represented the beginnings of the DIY ethic, which has persevered throughout independent music ever since.

Harley Flanagan, Steven Blush and Paul Rachman

The film itself is an entertaining and thorough examination of the American hardcore punk scene from 1980-1986, featuring performances by Bad Brains, The Adolescents, Minor Threat, MDC, Black Flag, Gang Green, Flipper and interviews with punk icons such as Henry Rollins, Ian MacKaye, Mark Arm, HR and Keith Morris. Being a fan of many of those bands, it’s quite fun to witness how the scene came about and what it represented, but I do have a couple problems with the film. First, there are a lot of bands that are completely overlooked such as Husker Du, Dead Kennedys and The Misfits. It’s possible the rights to their music could not be obtained to use in the film, but not even the slightest mention is made of them. Second, the film tries to mark the moment of when Bad Brains began playing reggae as the “death of hardcore.” I understand that Bad Brains did make a radical shift towards metal, reggae and funk around 1986, but they use their song “I Luv I Jah” as an example of their change of style, which is a song on their debut record released in 1982. It just seems like the filmmakers were looking for a scapegoat as to why the scene sort of fizzled out in 1986.

Personally, I feel like the death of hardcore came from too many bands sounding exactly the same (something that becomes more and more apparent as the film goes on), and had they made some mention of Husker Du and their foray into expanding the hardcore genre, it could have left the film on a higher note. A sort of, “well, that type of hardcore may have died, but look at what great music rose from its ashes!” But again, it’s a great and informative film, and well worth watching.

Apparently hardcore was in my blood yesterday, so after the film I walked over to Webster Hall to catch the very hardcore lineup of Maximum Penalty, Murphy’s Law, Madball and Agnostic Front. Now, I’ve never been the hugest fan of NYHC (I much prefer the early hardcore sound of The Germs, X and all of the original SST bands), but I did spend some time as a teenager at matinee shows at Coney Island High, Wetlands Preserve and of course CBGBs in the late ‘90s. So I was well aware of what I was getting myself into by attending the show. Point being, I hung out in the balcony during most of the showcase so as to avoid getting slammed in the face with my own camera. It was a good decision.

Murphy's Law @ Webster Hall

All in all, the show was great and I’ll never get tired of watching kids mercifully beat each other in the mosh pit in the name of fun. One question though: is it customary at NYHC shows for there to be 50 people on stage? It seemed a bit obtrusive to the performers at times.

Check out some photos from my first day of CBGB Festival below, and stay tuned for more coverage of the festival in the coming days.

This Week's Nostalgia (7/3-7/9)

2012-07-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

by Trista Hou (Bingshu Hou)

The last time we heard from The Virgins was around 4 years ago when they released their self-titled album. Donald Cumming has an extremely similar voice to Julian Casablancas, and they've opened for Iggy Pop, The Stooges, Lou Reed, Sonic Youth, Patti Smith, etc... which strongly proves that their show is a must see for you to check it out net week. They will be playing in Bowery Electric on July 6.

I don't have to introduce our NYC-based jazz sweetheart Norah Jones. But this time she will come take us to a murkier and darker mood, since her newly released album contains scenes of jealousy and heartbreak. At Central Park SummerStage on July 3 she will use her melting voice but with new expression to satisfy your curiosity of how a jazz sweetheart could sound like if she sings sorrow songs.

CBGB Festival begins this Thursday. We've listed a bunch of those shows below, but stay tuned for an extensive preview of the festival in the next day or two. We're running a little slower than usual lately, but things are about to pick up. Without further ado...

Tuesday, July 3

Norah Jones @Central Park Rumsey Playfield
Bobby Womack @Music Hall of Williamsburg
Phish @Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

Wednesday, July 4

Dustin Wong @Socrates Sculpture Park

Thursday, July 5

Craig Finn w/ The Hold Steady @ Brooklyn Night Bazaar last year

Craig Finn (of Hold Steady) @ City Winery

Richard Lloyd (of Television) @ Bowery Electric

Agnostic Front and Madball @ Webster Hall
The Werks+Damn Right! @Brooklyn Bowl
Beat Connection+Whtie Arrows+Teen Daze+Rioux @Knitting Factory Brooklyn
Brothers NYC, The Orion Experience, My Pet Dragon @ Littlefield

Friday, July 6

Redd Kross+The Men+Labor Pool @Music Hall of Williamsburg

The Virgins @Bowery Electric
Scissor Sisters+Rye Rye @Terminal 5
Swear and Shake+These Animals+Tall Tall Trees @The Mercury Lounge
Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds+Empire Beats @Knitting Factory Brooklyn

MxPx @ Best Buy Theater

Yellow Dogs, The Everymen @ Pianos

Patrick Watson @ South Street Seaport

Sick of it All, Cro-Mags @ Webster Hall

Saturday, July 7

Superchunk @ House of Vans last summer

Superchunk @ Times Square (FREE SHOW)

Guided by Voices+Pains of Being Pure at Heart+War on Drugs+Cloud Nothings @Central Park Rumsey Playfield

D Generation @ Bowery Electric
Souad Massi+Simon Shaheen @Prospect Park Bandshell
Friends @Bowery Ballroom
Roger Waters @Yankee Stadium
Scissor Sisters+Rye Rye @Terminal 5
Gilmour's Breakfast (A Tribute to Pink Floyd) @B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
Moon Hooch @Brooklyn Bowl
Sheila Jordan @Blue Note
TAB the Band+Mail the Horse+Arc in Round @The Mercury Lounge
'100% Silk' w/ Octo Octa+Jonas Reinhardt @The Glasslands Gallery

Sunday, July 8

Fishbone @ Brooklyn Bowl in November

Fishbone @Brooklyn Bowl

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Beekman Beer Garden
Steve Lewis+Dave Beck @The Mercury Lounge
Bobaflex+Heldin+Child Abuse @Bowery Electric
Light Asylum+Trust @Music Hall of Williamsburg
Glassjaw @Irving Plaza