Tuesday, June 12, 2007

The Veils at Union Hall 6-8-07


Finn Andrews
Originally uploaded by erametta
I left for Union Hall armed with a water bottle filled with vodka, my girlfriend and about two hours sleep for the last three nights. I had to convince myself to go to this show. By the first Veils song, I was thankful that I chose music over sleep.

Due to complications at work we entered as the Phoenix Foundation was playing their last song. It was evident from that song that I should have arrived earlier. One of the initial things I noticed was all the people wearing Fin Andrews’ type hats. I was beyond excited.

About a half an hour later, the singer of the Phoenix Foundation announced the Veils. As the first notes echoed, I began bouncing about. I did not stop until the last song ended. From “Under the Folding Branches” to “Calliope!” and especially “Jesus for the Jugular” it was obvious that the band had come to New York City to make a name for themselves. Singer Fin Andrews’s distinct voice was rough and rugged and the physical (I mean, his style of singing must hurt!)and emotional pain that he shared with the audience was apparent.

Unfortunately, the second half of the show was not quite as powerful as the first. Either the band became disconnected, or I became tired. I forced myself to keep moving (even through their bad choice of a lone Fin with an acoustic guitar as an encore) but ultimately came away extremely happy. The songs are crafted so well that you have to ignore the negative, like a pole obstructing your view (Union Hall is great, but for some reason I always get stuck behind that pole!) or the bands musicianship.

As the album continues to be in heavy rotation on my ipod, I wonder how this band isn’t bigger.

Pipettes/Brooklyn Vegan

My Pipettes review at BV

Monday, June 4, 2007

The Teeth

They can't be that bad being as they are from Philly. Free downloads at Daytrotter. The vocals sort of remind me of Pete Doherty.

Spinner features Cinematic Orchestra, The Long Blondes, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and the Police


Ok, so I know it's AOL, but this link is great for sampling new music. Maybe you already know about it.

Each Monday they post 5 to 10 albums in full. Usually before they are released. NIN, Wilco, Arcade Fire. They all have been on here.

This week Cinematic Orchestra is featured. The new album, Ma Fleur is pretty chill. It features Patrick Watson, who's 2006 album, Closer to Paradise (Secret City Records) was one of my faves of the year.

CO will be playing the Bowery on the July 7th and Joe's Pub July 8th (tickets).

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Ra Ra Riot Drummer found dead

John Pike the drummer for Ra Ra Riot was found yesterday (Saturday June 2). He had been missing since Friday night after a successful gig. His body was found submerged in water near to where his cell phone was found. NME story here.

NJG

Miami. Music. Michael. And My First Post


I just got back from vacation. Miami. With nearly no music scene I missed NY a lot. I have only lived here for 1 year, but it's hard to remember a time when I didn't live in the Apple. Music is everywhere, and I feel like this was where I was supposed to be my entire life.

I remember a time when music was just supposed to move you. That was all. You didn't have to be the first to find an artist or song. I mean, Led Zeppelin was around for 5 years before I was even born, but I never felt un-hip listening to them.

Nowadays you gotta be first. Clap Your Hands Say Yea were the biggest band in the world for about 20 minutes and I can't believe Arcade Fire hasn't faded away yet. As soon as your favorite band shows up in Rolling Stone or Spin it's time to find a new fave.

I used to look forward to Pearl Jam being on the cover of those mags in 1991. I used to want to read about them.

I still love music because it moves me. Yet I suppose I do know about artists before others, but that is because I want to be hip but because I am desperately searching for the next album that changes my life. Like, Disintegration, Doolittle, Ten, and The Bends. These albums helped make me the person I am.

This post is dedicated to the first album that changed my life.

Thriller.



The first album that I owned, and the first album that made me understand that music would be all I need to get through this crazy world. At 8 years old I knew that music was in my heart.