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

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

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

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.

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.

Rock. Paper. Laser Beams - UPDATE - Tickets on sale now

So our friends over at Allied Sonus have decided that January is a great time to throw a party. And they're going to do just that. And they're pulling out all the stops to make sure its an absurdly radical time. They've lined up LA Riots, DJ Derek Walin and Saturn to make you move your bum.

On January 22nd, they 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.

There will be a full open bar from 11pm to 2am and tickets are $75 all in. Wow.

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

Rock. Paper. Lazer Beams.

PS. Not that you care, but we'll be there too.

Phoenix Played MSG (And So Did Daft Punk)

Three years. That’s how long it’s been since Daft Punk has performed live. Until last night, when they came out with Phoenix at MSG. Face Melt. I cannot even begin to type. So I’ll just leave it at that. God Bless America er, France.

Miike Snow Played Terminal 5 Last Night

As the trance played over the house speakers and the crowd waited for what seemed like an eternity for Miike Snow to take the stage I wondered what we were in store for. Never had I seen or heard such a build up for such a relatively new band, and I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about how long they delayed their emergence onto the stage. The people in the crowd were getting restless. They wanted Miike Snow on the stage right then, but they waited. And then, the blue lights hit the fog and the keys started. The overly dramatic drumming to start off the show set the tone for what was to be an epic evening, totally exceeded my expectations.

They took a page from Daft Punk’s book and came out in masks. Which, at first I thought was lame, but as they continued to melt my face, it became more and more clear that these guys were not going to let up. They never faltered, they delivered a total dance party with a heavy dose of drums and synths. At some points I swear I could feel them channeling the Talking Heads. I was just waiting from them to cover Burning Down The House. But, they never did. But, all that aside, I was completely taken aback by how on point they were.

They took liberties with each song, giving each one a new twist from their studio versions. Seamlessly linking together their tracks like a good DJ would. They played their remix of Vampire Weekend's "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance". The encore rendition of "Animal" is still giving me the chills. The LED vests they wore during the encore were a nice touch. Letting us know that in fact, there were 4 guys on stage the entire show. The lights were sick, a hue of blue with some Nantucket red thrown in with a lot of smoke and fog. The entire crowd moved in unison. I really can't say enough because I am still trying to process what actually happened. Just above and beyond the call of duty. Well played Mr. Snow, well played. Top shelf. Absolutely amazing show.

Pearl Jam - Madison Square Garden - 5/21/10

So I got a late call from my good friend Bryan DeSalsa on Friday with a ticket to Pearl Jam's Friday night show at the Garden. Never seen em live. Always wanted to. Tried to 2 years ago when they were in town and got burned for $300 fake tickets. I blame myself. My first and last time getting burned by New York.

Friday's show, while I have nothing to compare it to, was a borderline life changing event. The floor of the garden literally shook, Eddie Vedder shed a tear while the crowd sang "Better Man". They played "Hunger Strike". The crowd was electric. They closed with "Yellow Ledbetter" and a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that would give Jimmy Hendrix a run for his money. They played almost 3 hours straight through. I can't say enough about this show, other than i must have said "ARE THEY SERIOUSLY PLAYING THIS RIGHT NOW?!" at least 35 times. Say what you want about Pearl Jam, but they put on a show for their fans like nothing I have ever seen. And the energy they put out still gives me the chills. Check out the review and set list from Billboard:

Pearl Jam - MSG - 5/21 - Billboard Review
Set List:
Corduroy
Hail, Hail
Do The Evolution
World Wide Suicide
Got Some
Breath
Nothingman
I'm Open
Unthought Known
Grievance
Amongst The Waves
Present Tense
Not For You / Modern Girl
Push Me, Pull Me
Rats
Daughter / W.M.A.
The Fixer
Why Go

1st Encore

The End
Just Breathe
Lukin
Black Red Yellow
Sweet Lew
Given To Fly
Spin The Black Circle
Rearviewmirror

2nd Encore

Wasted Reprise
Better Man / Save it for Later
Black
The Real Me (The Who)
Hunger Strike (with Band Of Horses' Ben Bridwell)
Alive
Kick Out The Jams (MC5)
Yellow Ledbetter