Miike Snow Played Music Hall of Williamsburg

And it was awesome. They brought it.

New Build - Mercury Lounge

What do you get when you form a band with former members of LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip? You get New Build. Who made their US debut this week at Mercury Lounge with two consecutive nights of sellout shows. Lead singer Al Doyle was as happy as could be thanking the crowd endlessly for coming out in support. He actually seemed shocked that they sold out the tiny 250 person venue. Or that anyone had heard of his little band. Anyone in the crowd would have thought otherwise. Just on paper alone, it's a band that intrigues. It seems like a no brainer. I love LCD Soundsystem, and I like Hot Chip, so, yeah. I'm in. It proved to be a good move. They rocked. The 50 minute set was brief but solid. Can't wait to hear more from them. Be sure to cop their album

I Will Always Love You - Chris Cornell

This is gorgeous. I know Chris Cornell has chops. But even still, this exceeded all expectations. A gorgeous and soulful rendition. Haunting.

Shut Up & Play The Hits - Trailer

LCD Soundsystem's final MSG show and the 24 hours leading up to it was made into a documentary. It will be good.

M83 Played Webster Hall

It was definitely the hottest ticket in town last night. Scalpers were selling them at over $200 a pop. Even the rain couldn't keep the people away. M83 has had a big year with the release of their newest and most critically acclaimed album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming and the accompanying tour.

 What's amazing though, is M83 has been around for 10 years and has 6 albums under their belt. But people are really just discovering them. And last night it showed. As Anthony Gonzalez looked out onto the crowd with the house lights on, you could see the look of bewilderment on his face. Even he was shocked his band sold out Webster Hall. I wasn't.

I wondered what they would sound like live. M83 has that very electronic and sometimes over produced sound that you wonder how it will carry over to a live show. Well, let me tell you. They nailed it. They were tight and on point. The crowd at Webster Hall wanted so badly to dance, but they were afraid everyone was looking at them. Finally, as the first notes of Steve McQueen started playing, nobody had a choice. It had reached a boiling point and people couldn't hold back anymore. To say it was an awesome show would be selling it short. I'm still amazed at how on it they were. My only complaint was that it was far too short. They certainly left everyone wanting more.

Chromeo - Don't Turn The Lights On

Chromeo played Terminal 5 Friday and Saturday night. I was lucky enough to go Friday night. And it was bonkers. One of the better shows I've been to in a long time. They certainly can put on a spectacle. True showman, they were tight and on point. It was a total dance party from start to finish. Apparently there was an unofficial dress code, and that code was plaid for men, sexy outfits for women. It was certainly a lively and attractive crowd. As they chanted "Chromeo, oh oh" I felt like I was walking down the stairs and out into the boxing ring. The energy was high as they went right into their set playing all of their classics with great reditions of "Momma's Boy" "Bonafied Lovin" and energized versions of "Hot Mess" and "Don't Turn the Lights On" complete with Robert Palmer-esque backup singers and Peter Frampton-esque talk box. They couldn't have put on a better show. It had been a while since I had listened to Chromeo. Now they are back in heavy rotation, and I wonder why they ever left.

Pearl Jam - Hunger Strike (Feat. Chris Cornell)

Pearl Jam played a festival in Wisconsin over the weekend to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of "Ten". Chris Cornell showed up. So did The Strokes! I wish I could have been there. Check out an in depth review from someone that was over at The Consequence of Sound

Quicksilver Pro Cancels Free Music (surf still on)

Irene is just the worst. Not only did she show up and fail to deliver on the epic scale she was predicted to. She leaves the party early after a sub par performance and she decides that she will mess things up JUST ENOUGH to ruin what's left of every one else's night. In this case, I mean to say that the music portion of the Quicksilver Pro New York has been cancelled according to this press release And that is a damn shame because they had put together a pretty ridiculous line-up. Just to further deepen the cut, below is a list of shows that were all to be put on for free:

Saturday, Sept. 3
1:15 pm - Rudy
2:15 pm - Mat Mchugh/The Beautiful Girls Solo & Acoustic
3:30 pm - Saves the Day
5:00pm - Matt & Kim
6:15 pm - Girl Talk

Sunday, Sept. 4
1:15 pm - Bigger
2:15 pm - The English Beat
3:30 pm - The Ettes
4:45 pm - Portugal, The Man
6:00 pm - Interpol

Monday, Sept. 5
1:15 pm - Wildlife
2:30 pm - The Wicked Tomorrow
3:30 pm - Blackbells
4:45 pm - Civil Twilight
6:00 pm - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Tuesday, Sept. 6
3:15 pm - Withersby
4:15 pm - Flight's Kool
5:30 pm - Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime

Wednesday, Sept. 7
3:15 pm - Mike Krum
4:15 pm - Temporary Grace
5:30 pm - The Benjamins

Thursday, Sept. 8
3:15 pm - Andy Suzuki & The Method
4:30 pm - River City Extension
5:45 pm - State Radio

Friday, Sept. 9
1:15 pm - Hugo
2:15 pm - Charlotte O'Connor
3:30 pm - Wavves
4:45 pm - Neon Indian
6:00 pm - The Flaming Lips

Saturday, Sept. 10
1:15 pm - Rye Rye
2:30 pm - The Sounds
4:00 pm - Taking Back Sunday
5:30 pm - Kelly and Friends + Max Weinberg Experience

Sufjan Stevens Played Prospect Park

By Joe Housel Sufjan Stevens brought his neon-circus, wonder tour to Prospect Park yesterday for two final nights in support of his most recent album. Given the booming, electronic-orchestration hybrid that was crafted from Age of Adz, it was only appropriate for him to open up solo with the simple, elegant grace of “Seven Swans”. Once the remainder of the band entered midway through the track, the black screen protecting the stage was raised and the neon-drenched musicians and dancers took full flight as angelic wings sprouted from Sufjan’s back. His main set was nothing short of spectacular as they marched through Age of Adz nearly in full. Highlights included “Too Much” featuring the bizarre, backing music video for the studio release (here) and the epic 25-minute closer, “Impossible Soul” accompanied by dozens of clear beach balls that burst into the energetic crowd. The backing band’s vibrant sounds and dancers’ rhythmic motions highlighted Sufjan’s majestic voice perfectly while guiding the 70-minute set to conclusion. The encore dialed back the grand scale theatrics but was nothing short of beautiful with three wonders from Illinois: “UFO”, “Casmir Pulaski Day” and the sing-along specialty, “Chicago”.

I was surprised at how heavy the show was focused on the new material but given the complex performances from the entire ensemble, it was a pleasant surprise to watch the scope of it all come to life on a beautiful Tuesday in Brooklyn. My Brightest Diamond, an Asthmatic Kitty label-mate, was the opener but I didn’t arrive in time to see her live act. Shara Worden (aka MBD) might as well be the female Sufjan as she is a multi-tenanted artist who focuses on overlapping classical and folk genres. Rumor has it; she was on-stage later with Sufjan as a backup singer. This would make perfect sense as she was one of the Illinoismakers during his 2005 tour. 

A neon and electronically enhanced Sufjan Stevens was on display last night and whether you were in the audience or picnicking in the park outside the fences, you couldn’t help but be dazzled by this cosmic space pageant.

Quicksilver Pro Coming To New York & BONUS

So we were already pretty excited when we found out last year that the Quicksilver Pro was going to be taking over Long Beach, NY for the first two weeks of September. So you can imagine how excited I am to tell you today that along with Kelly Slater and the gang comes tons of music. And what's the only thing that's better than music? FREE SHOWS! So, they are pretty stacked for free shows apparently and here's the list of performers and when you can expect to see them. This just keeps getting better.

Below is the press release:

QUIKSILVER IS BRINGING NEW YORKERS THE BIGGEST MUSIC AND ACTION SPORTS LINEUP FOR THE QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK WITH 40+ MUSICAL PERFORMANCES INCLUDING THE FLAMING LIPS, GIRL TALK, INTERPOL, TAKING BACK SUNDAY, Q-TIP, BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, PORTUGAL. THE MAN, NEON INDIAN, WAVVES & SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCES

Labor Day Weekend Appearances by Quiksilver, Roxy and DC Athletes, including Tony Hawk, Kelly Slater, Dane Reynolds, Omar Hassan, Christian Hosoi, Danny Way, Travis Pastrana, Andrè Villa, Nate Adams, Robbie Maddison, Rob Dyrdek, Stephanie Gilmore, Travis Rice, Torah Bright, Lisa Andersen and Sally Fitzgibbons

Special Benefit Concert Performance Saturday, September 10 hosted by Kelly Slater & Friends

Quiksilver announces the world's largest action sports and music festival ever assembled when The Quiksilver Pro New York supported by vitaminwater arrives in Long Beach, New York from September 1-15. The inaugural U.S. event in the Quiksilver Pro Global Series,which also includes pinnacle events in France and Australia, The Quiksilver Pro New York can already claim its spot as the largest assemblage of music talent and athletes for an action sports competitive event. The festivitieskick-off Labor Day Weekend with Quiksilver, DC and Roxy's top athletes on-hand to meet fans and perform a series of skate, BMX and moto demos; followed byeight nights of music with headlining acts that include The Flaming Lips, Girl Talk, Interpol, Taking Back Sunday and a special benefit concert hosted by Kelly Slater & Friends on Saturday, September 10.

"We're very excited to perform at the Quiksilver Pro--the first event of its kind on the east coast," said Interpol's Paul Banks. "As we hail from that part of the country, we are happy to contribute to a collective call of 'Surf's Up!'"

The Quiksilver Pro New York is the second stop in the Quiksilver Pro Global Series, the world's largest professional surfing competition series, which also includes the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast in Australia and the Quiksilver Pro France. Quiksilver is bringing the ASP World Tour's elite 34 global pro surfers to Long Beach, New York to compete for surfing's first-ever $1 million prize purse. Along with the surf competition there will be a massive festival area that includes a live concert stage, motocross, skateboarding & BMX demos, event merchandise and more. Admission is free to the public. The ASP surf competition will take place during the best four days of waves in the event window.

Saturday 9/3
Girl Talk
Saves The Day
Mat Mchugh/The Beautiful Girls Solo & Acoustic
Rudy
...and a special surprise performance!!

Sunday, 9/4
Interpol
Portugal. The Man
The Ettes
The English Beat
Bigger Thomas

Monday, 9/5 (Labor Day)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Civil Twilight
Blackbells
The Wicked Tomorrow
Wildlife

Tuesday, 9/6
Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime
Flight's Kool
Withersby

Wednesday, 9/7
The Benjamins
Temporary Grace
Mike Krum

Thursday, 9/8
State Radio
River City Extension
Andy Suzuki & the Method
Hugo

Friday, 9/9
The Flaming Lips
Q-Tip
Neon Indian
Wavves
Charlotte O'Connor

Saturday, 9/10
Benefit Concert Hosted By Kelly Slater & Friends + The Max Weinberg Experience
Taking Back Sunday
The Sounds
SLUNT

Teen Daze & Others Played Glasslands

By Joe Housel As the sun faded across Manhattan skyline, I knew something special was waiting in that magical land of Brooklyn where the jeans fit tight and the mustaches know no bounds. I came ready for a relaxed Sunday night show filled with melodic beats and uptight Brooklynites too cool to dance but something else was in the air. After a whirlwind of Rolling Rock tallboys and warm whiskey shots to boot, I stumbled home in the rain with a freshly broken phone and two questions. Where did this intense live performance from Teen Daze come from and what has he done to my understanding of chillwave?

Glasslands Gallery has to be one of my favorite venues in the city. Right off the Bedford L stop by the river, it combines the feel of an intimate, back alley warehouse with just enough modern amenities to not scare off your sheltered friends. We arrived in the middle of Monster Rally’s set as he was busy performing his modern take on elevator music. We were busy getting settled so I wasn't able to generate much of a feel for him as a musician or performer. After he thanked the crowd as prepared his “final song” on upwards of five separate occasions, it was time to move onto Brothertiger.

John Jagos, (aka Brothertiger) is another one-man show dishing out all the chillwave and synthpop you desire with that distinct Midwestern flair (what?). Hailing from The Ohio State University, he was quick to inform the crowd that once he wrapped up his set, he had to haul ass back west in order to make class tomorrow morning. If that isn’t dedication to your craft, I don’t know what is. His sounds ranged from sonic beats that recalled dolphins chattering on a ocean breeze to surprisingly Depeche Mode influenced tracks if only they had just polished off an ounce of the finest, blue, New Mexican amphetamines. I couldn’t help but come away impressed with Brothertiger and recommend checking out his Vision Tunnels EP available for only $2.50 on Bandcamp (here).

I don’t pretend to know anything about Teen Daze and his unique outlook on the chillwave genre. His 2010 gem, Four More Years, came out last May to critical acclaim. The album invokes a strong summertime vibe of watching the sun slowly fade over a mountainous skyline and was certainly worth all its hype. Teen Daze didn't stop there and continued to churn out two more similar collections during the year with Beach Dreams and My Bedroom Floor. You'd think he'd slow down but just this past July came the Tour EP, evolving his slow melodies from the previous offerings while cranking it up a few notches. I thought I was ready to take a ride on the Xanax highway (figuratively, of course) when he hit the stage but what came next was a multicolored explosion of speed fueled looping grooves and synthesizer boards pyrotechnics dialing up his songs to 11. The crowd was enthusiastic and Jamison, the single name mastermind behind Teen Daze, brought an energy to the stage that his predecessors couldn't match. If you are dying for more, don't worry, Teen Daze just won't quit. His next EP will be out September 13 and is available for pre-order now (here).

After 3 hours of furious Sunday night musical entertainment, my experience left me pondering many things including: (1) what did I just hear? (2) where can I acquire more of these delectable sounds? (3) how much is it gonna cost me to fix my phone [Note: $90] and (4) why do they serve such warm whiskey shots at Glasslands? While I continue to wrap my mind around these topics, I can tell you one thing. Teen Daze is creating a soundtrack to your summer daydreams and never-ending night adventures.

U2 Played The Meadowlands

By Joe Housel - U2 returned to the Meadowlands last night after a year-long postponement due to Bono’s back surgery before the original concert date in 2010. The band continued their now 3-year long “360 Tour” behind 2009’s No Line on the Horizon. The proposed set design allowed the band to give the allusion of intimacy while performing in stadiums across the globe. The stage was surrounded on all sides by the audience and featured a claw-like supporting rig enclosing the 3,800 square feet, 360 degree, wrap-around HD screen. Lord only knows the daily production costs and time it takes to construct this monstrosity but you couldn’t help but be impressed with the manifestation of it all.

Former NYC darlings, Interpol, provided an excellent opening to the show. The band looked fresh and ran through a tight 10-song set that focused heavily on their first two albums, 2002’s Turn on the Bright Lights and 2004’s Antics. Their customary all black attire might not have been suiting to the 90 degree weather but Paul Banks’ vocals were strong and the band planned with purpose regardless of the crowd’s obvious disinterest. I admittingly gave up on Interpol after being slightly disappointed with 2007’s Our Love to Admire but will never doubt them as a talented live act.

After a lengthy setup, David Bowie’s Space Oddity chimed over the PA system to announce the spectacle was underway. U2 came out strong ripping through four tracks off 1991’s surreal Achtung Baby. Given my bias towards that album, I couldn’t think of a more perfect opening with the highlight easily being The Fly. From then on, U2 breezed through their never changing set list with all the greatest hits you could expect while sprinkling in a few new tracks for good measure. Special highlights included U2 dusting off the title-track to the bizarre but underrated Zooropa album recorded while on tour in 1993 as well as their single to the Batman Forever Soundtrack, Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me.

Given the proximity to the legendary Asbury Park, Bono’s inter-song chatter was heavily focused on Bruce Springsteen and the recent passing of the E-Street band saxophonist Clarence Clemons which brought out the “best” in the pro-New Jersey crowd. Overall, the band certainly performed with high energy and genuinely seemed happy to be there even after 110 previous shows worldwide.

Having already seen U2 at the old Giants stadium in 2009, I can say without a doubt last night was the exact same show with an almost identical feel but in the end, who cares? Fans aren’t going to see U2 or The Rolling Stones world tours in order to see how the new material plays out live. You go for the greatest hits and hope to be dazzled by show-stopping stage theatrics. After close to 3 hours of nostalgic music, as long as you drowned out a few Amnesty International plugs and Bono’s preaching about the political unrest in Burma (Note: I’ll see you in hell), it turns out that New Jersey was the place to be last night.

Mumford & Sons Cover The National

Tags: Mumford and Sons Unplugged, Mumford and Sons, Music Videos, Live Performances

The Drums - Music Hall of Williamsburg

So Beach Fossils played the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Friday. Surprise special opener The Drums did too. They blew Beach Fossils out of the water. I haven't seen an opener upstage a "headliner" that badly in a long time. Not to take anything away from the Beach Fossils. They were great too. It was just the Drums were that much better. Their energy was amazing while they ripped through their short set and you could just tell that they are entertainers. The Drums' lead singer Jonathan Pierce is truly a showman. He is a hybrid of Mick Jagger and Anthony Michael Hall. He contorts and slithers around the stage in the same outfit that I wore in 1987 when i lived in Orlando and got my school picture taken with the laser background setting. Yep. I got that one.

I don't know if this was a review, a story or an observation. Either way, it just happened.

LCD Soundsystem - Final Show at MSG - Entire Show

So, I'm feeling rather sad today. It is the first day of the new world we must get used to. We must carry on and move forward, but we will be doing so without lcd soundsystem playing the soundtrack to our lives. It is a brave new world and I'm really nervous for how it's going to go. I am actually a little surprised at how much this has affected me. I mean I knew I would be sad, but I didn't think I would be this sad. I'm completely devastated. I can't help but read every piece of information related to the band today. I keep forgetting that's it's over and then it hits me. BOOM. They're done. It hurts. It's getting bad.

What I will say is that if James Murphy wanted to go out on top, he certainly achieved what he set out to do. They are at the absolute pinnacle of their career. And he crafted it beautifully. Putting a massive exclamation point on a completely stellar and impeccable career with lcd soundsystem.

He says he will continue to DJ, and I'm sure we will see some sort of new project come our way with him behind it. But there will never be another lcd soundsystem and that's really really sad. Thank you for creating the beautiful and awesome music that you did.

While you're wiping up the tears, check out this interesting piece on James Murphy from Esquire: How LCD Soundsystem Changed Music

LCD Soundsystem Played Terminal 5

LCD Soundsystem played night 4 of their 5 night farewell tour last night at Terminal 5. A fitting farewell for the band who grossly underestimated their own popularity. Thank you Mr. James Murphy and the rest of gang for putting on a simply wonderful show. They came out of the gates hot and just kept bringing it for what must have been 3 hours. As soon as the first keys for Dance Yrself Clean hit, the place went bananas and the crowd sort of moved as one for the rest of the night. There were so many moments of pure unadulterated joy, wonder, and holy sh*t moments I cannot even begin to go into detail. I just know that they put on a show, and if you weren't there, you'll never really know. And if you were there, well, you're one of the lucky ones.

Edit this setlist | More LCD Soundsystem setlists

Miike Snow - Terminal 5 - 3/5/11

Tennis Played The Bell House Last Night

So Tennis played the Bell House last night, which, in my humble opinion is the best music venue in New York. It's tiny, maybe holds 250 people and there is not a bad spot in the house. Their story is an interesting one. A married Colorado couple decides to sail the East Coast for 7 months together and strike out on an adventure. They come home, and decide they should write some songs about it. They produce an album and give it to some friends, the album blows up, and they are a band. Their sound is a mix of the Beach Boys meets the Cranberries meets I'm not quite sure what. But it works, and its good. Light, airy, whimsical, and fun, they put on a great show. And showed no signs of how new to this they really are. Check out the live taping from the Bowery Ballroom over at NYC Taper

I'm Not Prepared To Discuss Girl Talk

If anybody finds a face at Terminal 5, it could be mine. Cause mine definitely melted off. 

I could write a review here. But honestly, I can't figure out how to sum it up. Just coconuts. I mean, his energy is infectious and unstoppable. Within seconds of him going on stage it was flooded. I honestly can't even begin to process it. I just know it was awesome. Total dance party. Top shelf really. 

Rock. Paper. Laser Beams - UPDATE - General Admission Tickets Available

We are approaching the eve of the event and anticipation is building. If you haven't got your tickets yet, stop procrastinating and get on it. They're going quick.

On January 22nd, LA Riots and company will be taking over District 36 @ 29 West 36th Street (between 5th & 6th). District 36 is home to 3 levels a of robot grade sound system engineered by Gary Stewart Audio, the man behind the systems at the Ministry of Sound in London. Be sure to bring an extra face cause yours will most definitely melt off. See you out there.

General Admission tickets are now available for only $25 for those of you who don't want to do the open bar. There will still be a full open bar from 11pm to 2am and tickets are $75 all in for that option. Wow.

Check out the event page for more info and tickets (tickets are moving fast, get em while they're hot; this will sell out):

Rock. Paper. Lazer Beams.