New Year's Eve Parties & Shows

As is the case every year there are a shit ton of parties for NYE. That said most of what you see on the various NYE sites and local event sites are douchetastic. Here are a few parties that might be more up your alley if you're trying to avoid the cast of Jersey Shore.

The most interesting party might be at Shea Stadium but I'm not sure I can handle the entire history of the world.

This list is not ranked, order of listing is random so don't think higher means better.

Michael T & Theo bring back Rated-X for NYE. This will be fun for sure.

$6 before Midnight! Joanna Angel & the Burning Angel girls. I mean Joanna's naked ass is on the flyer so you kinda already know what you're in for with this one.
Famous Friends crew. Not cheap but the 2 hour open bar makes up for it.

FREE!!! That's rare for NYE.

The Cake Shop show looks particularly good but it all sounds fun (and cheap). NY Night Train parties never fail...and there's 3 on NYE!

Team Robespierre on NYE.
Brooklyn warehouse party by MeanRed (who know how to throw a banger).

Tonight: Gogol Bordello & Dillinger Escape Plan @ Webster Hall

Two of the best live bands you'll ever see playing together. This will be intense to put it mildly.

Gogol Bordello & Dillinger Escape Plan

8PM
@ Webster Hall
$35

Gogol Bordello Played Webster Hall 12/28

Last night me and my old lady went to Webster Hall for Gogol Bordello. Their set time was 9PM so we arrived fashionably late at 9:15. I mean, bands never start on time right? Well to our surprise they were already on stage playing when we walked through the door. Bummer.

We headed upstairs but couldn't see shit because of the crowds gathered along the railing on the balcony. So we went back down to the main ballroom but the place was so packed that we couldn't get anywhere near the stage.

Then I got a text message from one of the dudes who books at Webster Hall, "We on balc right". We went back upstairs and found him and a few other pals at a booth right above the stage. So we went from not being able to see to having the best seats in the house. My five foot tall girlfriend was pretty happy about her spot right on the rail.

Gogol Bordello was fucking fantastic as they always are. The entire floor was packed and everyone there was dancing. The floor was like a moon bounce from everyone jumping up and down. The set lasted well over an hour and it was full on the whole time.

They finished the set and walked off the stage. The crowd demanded an encore. Finally, Eugene Hutz (front man extraordinaire) took the stage, just him and his guitar. All alone he broke into "American Wedding" and it was amazing. He started singing and playing guitar but at various points he stopped altogether and let the crowd take over while he conducted. He also did some beat boxing while using his guitar solely for percussive purposes. It was extremely raw and wonderful.

Afterwards the band came back out and played a few tunes. They closed with a very long version of "Undestructable". The show was one of the best Gogol shows I've been to. They've really hit their stride as a band and are extremely impressive. Tonight is the last night of the series and fucking Dillinger Escape Plan is opening, which is a mind fuck indeed and should get the crowd in a frenzy.

Link:
More Pics on Flickr

Das Racist "Rainbow In The Dark" (Video) + Brooklyn Shows

About a week ago Das Racist released an official video for "Rainbow In The Dark". Take a gander...

January 19 at Highline Ballroom (431 W. 16^th Street, NYC) with Gordon Voidwell, Tanlines and Mickey Factz

January 23 at Glasslands (289 Kent Ave, Brooklyn) with Chicago's BBU (Bin Laden Blowin’ Up)

Tonight: Gogol Bordello @ Webster Hall; Tigersapien @ Santos

The always amazing Gogol Bordello are playing night 2 of 3 at Webster Hall tonight. My homey Leonard (who works at the sausage shack outside of Webster Hall) said last night was amazing. Brooklyn Vegan has more about last night as well. A little further downtown our boys Tigersapien from Philly are playing at Santos. While I've yet to see them live I've been telling people to keep an eye out for these dudes for almost a year now. So go check them out tonight.

Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal

I could put up a post about some parties or music or whatever but it's Christmas and I'm not going to bother. Merry Christmas. As far as pagan holidays masked as Christian go, well Christma is top notch.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tonight: I'm Hosting 2 Parties (200 Orchard + The Cove). Free/Cheap Booze.

I have to cut out of work soon so I can get rested for what's sure to be one hell of a night. It starts at 200 Orchard for "Who Stole Our Christmas?". It's a Michael T party and my homeboys Forest City are playing in addition to Kidd Dynamo (coming all the way from Ireland!). There's free PBR from 10-11 and $3 shots all night. It'll be good fun.

After that we put on our dancing shoes and head to Brooklyn for Disco Vibes. Our pals at Shaw Promotion and Kill Shop Dance are hosting too. Skinny Friedman is the guest DJ along with the regulars. There's going to be $1 beer for 2 hours.

I hope you can stop by one or both, or better yet party hop with us. I'll make sure your liver and ear drums hate you in the morning. As Andrew W.K. would say in this situation, "PARTY HARD!"

Invite: http://twurl.nl/gz6mcm
Invite: http://twurl.nl/8a3ijv

I'm Hosting At 200 Orchard On Friday. Forest City Is Playing. Free Booze, No Cover.

Michael T is having a little holiday party over at 200 Orchard on Friday. I'll be hosting the festivities. Which basically means I'll be getting drunk at a table in the corner - just like your redneck uncle on Christmas. My homies, Forest City, are playing and that's good news for you because they're awesome. There's an hour of free PBR and $3 tequila shots all night. And the bestest part is it's all free! Hooray Santa Christ! Just walk in and start drinking. Then challenge me to an arm wrestling duel and be defeated in front of all your friends.

Link:
Who Stole Our Christmas?

Tonight: Colt 45 Comedy Show @ The Woods

Colt 45 is having a party tonight at The Woods on South 4th. Comedy shows are one of those things that every time I go I have a good time and swear I'm going to more. But I don't. So tonight's a good chance to see a really funny dude, Reggie Watts. Two of the few comedy gigs I've attended were Watts events and he's funny as hell. Plus there's free malt liquor, which is the only way to serve it.

@ The Woods
58 South 4th St.
More Info

Freelance Whales Album Out March 16th

Freelance Whales, recently signed to Frenchkiss/Mom + Pop Records, are releasing their debut LP on March 16th. The album has been out for about a year but is just now getting an official release. I truly hope that they remix and remaster the album. The version out now sounds very little like the band you'll see live. Almost unrecognizable, which is a damn shame. Hopefully they change that before March 16th.

Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, & Anthrax Playing Together...In Europe

When I heard the news I was way fucking excited. Then I read a little closer and it turns out this will only be going down at a hand full of festivals in Europe. Bullshit! Total bullshit. I mean, they're the 4 biggest American thrash bands ever and people have been asking for this show since '84 and now it's only going down in Europe? Balderdash.

Link:
The Gauntlet

Tonight: Surprise Adam Green Show @ Lit

A note from Adam Green about tonight's show:

GOOD NEWz!!!

I am PLayingk a Surprise Full-BANd Showe at LiT LOUNGE (2nd Ave. and 5th st.)

ON MoNDAY The 14th

With THe SHinIng Twins

and Delilah

Its ONLY SIX DOLLARZ

THE SHINING TWINS Go on at 9:56pm

DELILAH Goez on at 10:49pm

and I (ADAM GREEN) Go on at 11:27pm

This Seems like a good idea!

KOme!

Tonight: Gunfight, Bottle Up & Go, Beach Fossils @ The Pyramids

Super killer show tonight at some new joint called The Pyramids. These are some of my favorite local bands and they will kick your ass tonight. Unfortunately I can't make it due to several birthday parties. But go have fun and let me know how it is.

Here's Gunfight playing the NY Underbelly / Brooklyn Ski Club show

O'Death Playing Free Show @ Brooklyn Bowl Tomorrow

My friend Jen over at The Music Slut is having her birthday party at Brooklyn Bowl tomorrow and O'Death is playing! Last night I was actually hanging with the O'Death dudes at the Kemado holiday party. They mentioned that they might play but even late last night seemed unsure if they'd have the whole band or not. Well I guess it all worked out because Jen just put the word out that O'Death would in fact be playing.

They go on pretty early, like 6PM, so get there early. With all the side projects the band has going on it might be awhile before they play again so don't miss it. And get Jen something nice for her birthday.

O'Death
@ Brooklyn Bowl
6PM
FREE

Langhorne Slim "Say Yes" (Video)

Got some Langhorne Slim shit to share with you.

MP3:
I Love You But Goodbye - Langhorne Slim

The Antlers Announce Tour Dates w/ Editors & Ra Ra Riot

The Antlers will be joining the Editors on tour this winter. Before that though they have a few headlining gigs including a sold out Bowery Ballroom show and a gig at Brooklyn Academy of Music with Ra Ra Riot.

12/15/09 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
1/29/10 - Legends of Notre Dame - Notre Dame, IN
1/30/10 - Music - Akron, OH
2/05/10 - Brooklyn Academy of Music Opera - Brooklyn, NY*
2/08/10 - Teh Warfield - San Francisco, CA#
2/09/10 - House of Blues - San Diego, CA#
2/11/10 - Wiltern Theatre - Los Angeles, CA#
2/13/10 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO#
2/15/10 - Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL#
2/16/10 - Phoenix Concert Theatre - Toronto, ON#
2/18/10 - House of Blues Boston - Boston, MA#
2/19/10 - Terminal 5 - New York, NY#
2/20/10 - Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA#
2/21/10 - 9:30 CLub - Washington, DC#

* w/ Ra Ra Riot
# w/ Editors

MP3s:
When You Sleep (MBV cover) - The Antlers
The Universe Is Going To Catch You - The Antlers
On The Roof - The Antlers
Stairs To The Attic - The Antlers

The Pool Parties Will Continue On The Waterfront

There's been a lot in the news lately about the possibilities of the Pool Parties not having a home next year. Well today Jelly sent around a newsletter assuring everyone that things have been worked out and that there will be Pool Parties next summer. They'll continue to be at the park on the river. Considering that the actual pool (McCarren that is) is just rotting, instead of being renovated, I think they should move back there. But that's not going to happen now is it?

If you've been following the gossip, you've heard that there's been a lot up in the air about next year's pool parties, but worry not: It's official folks, we're back on the waterfront for summer 2010! Thank you all so much for your support, we definitely couldn't have done it with out you!

Rumanian Buck & Radio America Played Don Pedro's 12/5 (Pics)

Rumanian Buck






Radio America






Link:
Full Set on Flickr

Tonight: PaperMag Nightlife Awards w/ The Ting Tings @ M2

Link:
RSVP

Matt & Kim Played The Woodie Awards (Video)

I just can't believe how big these kids are getting. Good for them.

Matt and Kim - New Music - More Music Videos

Ninjasonik & Cerebral Ballzy Played Public Assembly (12/3)

Last Thursday, after sucking down some free Jameson at The Charleston, we headed to Public Assembly for Ninjasonik and Cerebral Ballzy. It was also Telli's (Ninjasonik) birthday celebration and not surprisingly shit got kinda wild. The crowd was stoked for Ballzy but the enthusiasm died down because the sound was terrible. I mean it was really fucking bad and not at all the bands fault. The sound guy must not mix too many punk bands. Towards the end of their set though it finally got a little better and people started jumping off shit and going crazy. Ballzy is one of the better live bands in BK right now so even crap sound they still put on a show.

After Ballzy we decided to check out some party around the corner. After you took off your shoes in the hall you had to hand over a 6-pack to get in. We walked into a sweaty dark loft with cheesy music blasting. It was as hot and steamy as a sauna and I kept stepping in mysterious fluids. If we were 20, single, half naked and fucked up on ecstasy or acid it would have been the best party ever. But those days have long passed so after a beer or two we split and headed back to Public Assembly.

Ninjasonik was just starting when we walked in. A bunch of dudes rushed the stage and the show began. I've seen Ninjasonik a few times but I don't think I've ever seen them with that many people on stage. Telli had the whole crew up there for his birthday. As always the got the crowd all worked up and good times were had. I bailed about halfway through their set because I'm a tired old man. But I had fucking fun while I was there.

Full set:
BSC Flickr

SNL Parodies ICP's Gathering Of The Juggalos

This is one of the funniest skits SNL as produced in years.

Original:

Tonight: Bowie Ball @ LPR -- Jingle Balls Ball @ Glasslands -- Rumanian Buck + More @ Don Pedros

Bowie Ball is the place to be tonight for sure but if you aren't in the mood for disco dancing and silver jumpsuits then I'd suggest the New York Night Train party at Glasslands or the show at Don Pedros. Rumanian Buck, Work Out, The Volunteers, Humboldt Fog, and our bros Radio America are at Dons. We'll be there tonight shootin' pool and drinking stale beer in the basement.

Let Me See That Turd Cutter!

Dear Hip Hop:
"Just when I thought you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!" -Harry

Every once in awhile I start typing random words into YouTube search just to see what weird shit comes up. The other day I happened to type in "turd" and what may in fact be the greatest song and music video of all time popped up. It's called "Turd Cutter" and it's magical. This video has viral written all over (in more ways then one), so please allow me to introduce the world to it. Ladies & gentlemen, without further delay, "Turd Cutter"...

***Update: Let's make this famous. Send the video around to all who will enjoy. Dollar Bill$ and Kraven Kash deserve our support for their contributions to the art world.

J. Mascis Has A New Band: Sweet Apple

J. Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) and various old dudes from Cobra Verde and Witch have joined forces to form Sweet Apple. The results are Foo Fighters-esque rock n' roll. It's the kind of music that I'll never sit and listen to at home but would be lots of fun at a party or in a bar. Take a bite of Sweet Apple (see what I did there?) and let me know what you think.

Link:
Sweet Apple on Pitchfork

Freelance Whales Got Signed

Well it was bound to happen at some point and given the current freeze on signings I'm surprised it happened so soon. Nonetheless, barely a month after wooing the CMJ hoards Freelance Whales got a deal. Frenchkiss/Mom + Pop Records signed them up and their debut LP is expected to hit iTunes this Spring. Good news for the band and bad news for me. I guess I won't be booking them for a DIY Brooklyn show anytime soon (it's because I'm poor).

Also, they'll be opening for Fanfarlo at Webster Hall on December 18th. Will be interesting to see how they pull off that tiny delicate sound on a big monster stage.

Tonight: Ninjasonik & Cerebral Ballzy @ PA; Secret Dance Party; VICE Party w/ Free Energy

Start the night with free Jameson at The Charleston. That kicks off at 9PM. Once you're nice and stupid hit one of these jams.

10 Steps Through MySpace Music (1st Edition)

I thought up this concept over a year ago and have just totally slacked on writing something up. The idea is I start on familiar bands MySpace profile and click on a random band in their Top Friends. I then listen to a track or two and click on one of their Top Friends. This goes on until I've listened to ten bands. I review each band and let you kids know if they're worth a listen.

For the first edition I've decided to start with one of my favorites, Bear Vs. Shark. Sure they broke up years ago but they do have a MySpace page so let's give it a go.

1. Fire When Ready: This band is from Birmingham/Syracuse/Brooklyn, which must make practicing a bitch. My initial thoughts are that they actually remind me of BvS a bit but more of a hipster indie thing going on. Fire When Ready sounds like they would be fucking killer live. Overall, I'm surprised that the very first band I give a try is a home run. I have a feeling this is a band half of you already know but oh well. Awesome, awesome stuff. Don't want to stop listening but I must... Should You Listen? YES!
   
2. The Trip Wilsons: Another New York band, in this case Bainbridge, NY. The first song started out with some soul and then jumped into some guitar driven rock n' roll. These dudes aren't doing anything new but they are making it exciting. Another band that seems like they would kick your scrawny ass live. Should You Listen? Yes
   
3. Onemanriot And The Underground River: Binghampton, NY. Dreamy, and kinda spooky, mostly acoustic music. The name is too damn long, I would just go with The Underground River. Anyhow, the music is mellow but awesome. I rarely can stay interested with acoustic music but this shit is badass. Something about it reminds me of O'Death or older NY Howl but more stripped down and enchanting. Should You Listen? YES.
4. Joe Brown Was A Patient Man: More fucking NY shit. This is just some dude diddling his guitar. No vocals or variety of instruments. Honestly, some of it is cool but nothing I could listen to for more then a minute or two. Should You Listen? No
5. Terrible Sparrow: Damn dude...more Binghampton. The only recordings these dudes have up are live and they sound like horse shit. Maybe they're good but I can't tell from this crap. Should You Listen? NO.
6. Swath: Guess where these dudes are from? This sounds like the side project the two stoner metal dudes in the band play before the rest of their indie band shows up for practice. No vocals, very moody. It's cool I guess but it's been done a thousand times over. Should You Listen? Not unless you REALLY like Isis and hate vocals.
   
7. Pelican: We all know Pelican so I won't even bother with a review. I planned on only clicking on unknown bands but I had to get the fuck out of the Binghampton hole I fell into and Pelican was my out...I hope.
   
8. Wolves In The Throne Room: Get those fucking horns up you pussies! I was not expecting to end up on Olympia black metal but yet here we are. It's not bad for what it is but you hipsters will not dig this at all. Should You Listen? Only if you think Gorgoroth rules.
   
9. Note: Wolves have no Top Friends so had to go back to Pelican and pick again. Canadian Rifle: I'm not going to lie. I like this band for their name alone, it's awesome. The music itself is somewhere between Minute Men, Husker Du, and Pixies but with more of a local band feel (that's a good thing). I bet these dudes rule the local punk scene. Punk house punk. Should You Listen? Maybe, it's probably way better live.
10. Daylight Robbery: More of that punk house punk vibe. Makes me wish I was back in Motown drinking 40's and jamming at crusty house parties. This is pretty damn good and if I lived in Chicago I would be at their shows all the time. Should You Listen? Yeah sure, give it a go.
    

So there it is folks, your comprehensive guide to Binghampton, NY (I'm sure have those bands have the same members). Maybe I make up a new rule that no bands from the same town can be back-to-back. Whatever. I'm actually pretty happy with what I heard, especially the first three. Listen to all of the above and let me know what you think.

Tonight: 66Sick & Disco Down

You may have noticed that I haven't posted jack shit lately. That's because unlike most of you I have a family (you're all orphans and runaways right?) that I visit during the holidays. So I've been in Shitsville, NJ getting fat and nostalgic. Anyway, I'm back in Brooklyn and ready to get back to the action.

The last time I attended this shit was for the anniversary party and it was crazy. I ended up at a table in the corner with some chums. Eventually Andy from The Smiths and Junior Sanchez were at our table hanging out. Thanks to their celeb status a bottle of vodka was brought over compliments of the Happy Ending. So I drank for free and spent a total of $2 all fucking night. Pretty cool huh? While I don't expect that kind of thing happening tonight it should still be a good time.

10PM
@ Happy Ending
Open bar at 10