Category: Uncategorized

Ok, I have the song It’s Good To Give Back on repeat for the last few days and it’s an enchanting song sung by El Perro Del Mar (aka Sarah Assbring). Supported by 3 dashing lads in suits, she quietly stood with her acoustic guitar and sometimes tapped a tambourine located next to her feet, sometime being the only percussion in the song. She strummed away at her delicate sad songs, saying very little between songs. There was little emotion on stage but her songs were very captivating, and at times the crowd was slowly bopping to her lovely and simple melodies. Although she was booked with buzz-bands the Evangelicals and Annuals, it was clear who the people came to see as the place cleared out after her last song.

Pictures from the show.

http://www.elperrodelmar.com

For those that have experienced the awesomeness of New York’s Apes & Androids, you already know what this band is capable of. Within a few minutes you will be banging your head, dancing around and throwing up devil horns to the sky. Tonight the band did not disappoint. They were over an hour late (as expected for the Knitting Factory) but the place became crowded by the time they took the stage. The lights were cut and on the PA played a looping harmonized vocal track of the band that became hypnotic. Shortly an ark (yes, an ark) appeared into the crowd, haphazardly colored with fluorescent markers that came alive under the black lights. They were carried by the band members dressed up as evil cloaked monks. They did a few laps around the crowd and then took the stage.

They played all their hits plus a few new songs to an over zealous crowd. No dancing sleeping bags this time but a flurry of glow-in-the-dark balls emerged from the balcony. The special treat occurred at the end when they decided to play a special “super sexy” version of Hot Kathy. Out of nowhere an entire Korean drum troupe emerged on stage to play along with the band. It was incredible and they continued to play an encore after the song ended. It’s great to see a band experiment with new sounds and even new instruments and to have fun with music. Despite the bands outlandish stage presence, they have a very professional and serious craftmanship with their sounds and at the same time don’t take it too seriously. A great live band that always makes you wanting more.

Pictures and video from the show.

Califone is finally back promoting their new album Roots & Crowns. Their new songs appear more fresh and warm compared to the darkness found in Heron King Blues. They continue to create washes of sound balancing the array of instruments and singing. Tonight I felt the sound was just a little off for the band at Southpaw but after a few songs I got into their groove. Califone played for over an hour and half and overall a decent show.

Pictures from the show.

http://www.pastrysharp.com/

Kicked off this year’s CMJ with a small intimate show at Union Hall, a new addition for this marathan. Unfortunately when it comes to CMJ, venues located in Brooklyn will suffer from a lack of attendees as most shows are in Manhattan and allows for venue hopping. Nevertheless, being able to see a show where it doesn’t take an hour to get in and its not insanely packed is fine with me, but bad for the bands seeking buzz.

I was elated to find out that Frida Hyvonen was added to the list of openers for tonight’s show. I was surprised from her performance w/ Jens Lekman and eager to see her again. Although she played her set to only a handful of people, she played her songs with sultry emotion and a touch of humor.

Earlimart has been releasing some of their new songs on the web and they sound darn good. They continue down the road of crafting subtle beautiful songs with more structure and less distortion. They conjure up the sound of Elliot Smith especially with Aaron’s soulful voice and melancholy songs. Unfortunately the venue was empty for a band that should have sold out Mercury Lounge. They played a good set consisting of mainly new songs and a few oldies.

Pictures from the show.
Links:
http://www.fridahyvonen.com/
http://www.earlimartmusic.com/

Carl and I are at it again and we continue our quest for the best slice of Pizza pie. This time we focus on lower Manhattan and Carl drummed up a perfect itinerary. 13 places were on the list and 1 more was added along the route. The West Village is blessed with some top places and we enjoyed some incredible slices. With such a large list we started early at 10:45 and didn’t finish until the late evening. Thanks to everyone that showed up. The day and crowd was perfect. I managed to go to 12 places but had to leave to meet up with some friends that wound up cancelling on me. Grrrr. Carl marched onwards to the final 14. You rock.
FAQ: What do you judge on? I personally just focus on the taste of the slice. The quality and amount of cheese. The execution of the crust and the ever important cheese to dough ratio. I don’t care about the decor of the establishment.

Is it fair? To keep it fair, a “regular” slice is generally compared, but a sampling of other slices are tasted.

Do you really eat at every place? Yes. at least a half a slice but usually I eat a full one. Sometimes even 2-3 depending on the quality of the slice.

Why isn’t my favorite plce on your list? Because we don’t like you.

So much pizza in one day AND for breakfast? Are you crazy? Yea, maybe.

My Top 5 (in order): Una Pizza Napoletana, No.28, Lil’ Frankie’s, John’s, Lombardi’s

Carl’s Top 5 (in order) No. 28, Una Pizza Napoletana, Lombardi’s, Lil’ Frankie’s Pizza, John’s Pizzeria

The List:

1) Joe’s Pizza
7 Carmine Street

2) Goodfellas Kitchen
91 Christopher St

3) Bleecker Street Pizza

4) DeMarco’s
146 West Houston Street

5) No. 28
28 Carmine Street

6) John’s Pizzeria
278 Bleecker

7) Lombardi’s
32 Spring Street

8) Arturo’s
106 W Houston St.

9) Lil’ Frankie’s Pizza
19 1ST Ave

10) Una Pizza Napoletana
349 12th Street

11) Vinny Vincenz
231 1st Ave.

12) Muzzarella
221 Avenue A

13) Famous Ray’s Pizza
465 Ave Of The Americas

14) Adrienne’s Pizzabar
54 Stone Street

Kudos to the salty crust at Una Pizza Napoletana. The great sauce at Lombardi’s. The attention to ingredient detail at Lil’ Frankie’s, and the perfect balance of everything at No.28. A nice surprise was the last place I hit which was Muzzarella on 14th street. Their “lasagna” slice was killer and ate the whole thing in addition to the regular slice.

Pictures from the day are here.

The weather was much better this time around for the Taste of Chinatown. It’s worth fighting the crowds for the 1 and 2 dollar samplings of chinese edibles. Hit the usual favorite spots including Doyer’s and got some great food from new establishments. The best surprise was the tucked away “Coffee Shop” that wasn’t on the list, and they served up the most unique cup of joe and even served up yummy dumplings. I still don’t like fish balls and keep making the same mistake to try them. I paced myself better this year and luckily had just enough room for some Dragon Company Ice Cream. yum yum.