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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.

What a special end to my birthday week concert celebration by spending it with Patti Smith on the final day of CBGB’s. Already this month I’ve seen the Continental close and now a few blocks away, the birthplace of punk shuts its doors. I was not sure what to expect from this night. I was recovering from a week of heavy drinking and going to shows every night this week so I was already pretty numb. However, by the time I approached the Bowery, I was startled to see a line around the block and a media frenzy in front of the club. There was electricity in the air. It took almost an hour to get in the small club, and when the wristband went on me I realized that it would be the last time this would happen, the last time I’d glance at the beaten up TV and the last time I’d come through these doors.

Even though there was still a good number of people on line behind me, the club was already filled. I mean PACKED. Reports stated that there were over 500 people present for a club that holds about 300. Fans ranged from young to old and there was no room to move. I arrived in time to hear Patti’s first set which consisted mainly of her songs, old and new. She was very comfortable on the stage she helped make famous.

During the break between sets I muscled my way up to the front. The bathroom in the back was strategically closed off. I could have imagined people doing crazy things in there one last time. People could not move in or out and if you left, your spot was quickly filled by 2-3 people. It was overall very uncomfortable. Did I mention it was packed?

Patti took the stage again and changed into a beat-up ripped shirt. The second half consisted of covers from all the bands that helped shape the landscape of punk and rock n’ roll and ones that graced the tattered stage of CBGB’s. Patti would name the song after she performed it giving credit to the artist. My personal highlight was when she covered “Sonic Reducer” by the Dead Boys. There were special guests sprinkled throughout the night including Flea who played bass on several songs. We sang happy birthday to him, which will be an awesome memory, and he absolutely killed when he covered the Ramones songs. I was elated when Richard Lloyd took the stage and played a few tunes as well.

Midway through the set she apologized to the crowd that she had to use the bathroom. This became a perfect opportunity for Lenny Kaye and the band to go into a rocking medley of Ramones songs perfectly stitched together. The crowd jumped and sang along.
Although she didn’t share too many memories, she did tell a great story on how she got her apartment and dedicated “Space Monkey” to Michael Stipe. Later, 3 hours into the set, Patti stuttered on stage and mentioned that she needed to drink some coffee, which got a chuckle from the crowd. At points she seemed completely drained but then she became enraged and passionate onstage.

She concluded the evening by playing a passionate version of “Gloria” and went into “Elegie” and dedicated the song to all those that couldn’t make it. She read off many names of the musicians and pioneers that gave it their all for the music and the scene and garnered applause from the crowd. Patti started to cry, laugh and sing during the funeral march played behind her. She stated that the club was just a place, not a temple, and music will go on. I was very moved and tried to soak in these last moments of the club.

“You just got a place, just some crappy place, that nobody wants, and you got one guy who believes in you, and you just do your thing. And anybody can do that, anywhere in the world, any time.”

The club ends it’s 33 year run, and Patti pointed out that it was the same age as Jesus. Nearly 4 hours later, I left the graffiti laden and spit stained doors one last time. I lingered around for a few hours outside (as did many others) and lamented on all the good and bad times I had at the club. It was such a big part of my past and my outlook on life and music. It’s sad to see things disappear like this from your life and I say goodbye to something that shaped me to who I am today. What better way to do it than a monumental concert and with Punk’s most celebrated poet. Several hours later they take took down the tattered awning and it’s official. CBGB is no more. Goodbye old friend.

My pictures and videos from the show.

CBGB sounds its final note. – CNN
Legendary punk club CBGB closes. BBC
Fans of a Groundbreaking Club Mourn and Then Move On – NY Times