This year, I’ve seen The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart more times than any other act (that tally would be five for those counting at home). Last night’s performance was just as brilliant as all the rest. Heaven! Official TMS Rating: 9/10. All shots by our wonderful staff photographer, Alexis Maindrault.
More photos, the setlist & a TPOBPAH tune AFTER THE JUMP…
Another mind-blowing gig from the Norwegian performer. I’m in love!
View more photos & download an Ida Maria MP3 AFTER THE JUMP…
New tunes, old faves, a Snoop Dogg cover & a Pulp classic! TMS Rating: 9/10.
More photos, the full setlist & a Chairlift MP3 AFTER THE JUMP…
Last night’s intimate Brooklyn gig served as an official teaser for Camera Obscura’s brilliant forthcoming release, My Maudlin Career (out on 4/20). Interspersed between selections from the aforementioned LP, the Scottish troupe found time to highlight a variety of favorites from their positively remarkable 2006 album, Let’s Get Out Of This Country. Simply put: a beautiful and moving ninety minute set! Watch Camera Obscura’s new video for ‘French Navy’ here. The band just announced a full North American spring journey. Be sure to visit Camera Obscura at their MySpace page.
More photos, the full setlist & a Camera Obscura MP3 AFTER THE JUMP…
One of my favorite discoveries of the last few months (thanks in part to WOXY) is Cali based indie pop duo, The Bird & The Bee. Upon hearing their current single, ‘Love Letter To Japan’ (which they recently performed on Ellen & Kimmel), I was beyond eager to hear more of their bubbly tunes. Highlighting the vast majority of their fabulously hook laden sophomore LP, Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future, The Bird & The Bee’s set included ample sing-alongs, clap-alongs and even dance-alongs! Loudest cheers of the evening went to their brilliant ode to David Lee Roth (‘Diamond Dave’), the set-closing ‘Polite Dance Song’ and their delicious covers of ‘I Can’t Go For That’ & ‘How Deep Is Your Love?’ (which the duo saved for their lone encore). Irresistibly charming! Be sure to visit The Bird & The Bee at their official MySpace page.
More photos, the full setlist & a Rihanna cover AFTER THE JUMP…
Earlier this month, The Lisps unveiled Futurity: their fabulous Civil War era, sci-fi influenced musical. As with everything that The Lisps put their hands, eyes, voice & heart into, it was instantly addicting. In fact, for the last few weeks, I’ve had multiple selections from the show firmly glued to my mind’s playlist. It’s for this reason that I was particularly excited to hear a few of these gems intertwined within Thursday evening’s set (which also included tracks from Country Doctor Museum & myriad unreleased new tunes). Rumor has it that Futurity will return to an unnamed New York stage by summertime. I’m keeping my fingers double crossed for that assertion to become a reality! Read my recent interview with The Lisps here. Visit The Lisps at their official MySpace page. Photos & an MP3 of ‘Documents’ below.
I’m really unsure if there’s any other feasible way to express my adoration for Drink Up Buttercup. I’ve reviewed their live shows time after time, gushed about the quartet (at great lengths) during a recent appearance on Blog Fresh Radio and even invited the Philly based act to perform at TMS’s 3rd Anniversary gig. In summary, I’m positively hooked. Thursday night’s 40 minute set included nearly all of their brilliant demo EP alongside a handful of stellar new tracks. I think the simple reasons for my (near) obsession with DUB stem from their sincerity, unbridled passion, ability to write undeniable hooks & (perhaps most importantly) the band’s uncanny achievement of carving out a sound that is all their own within such a short period of time. Truly awe-inspiring. Watch their clip for ‘Mr. Pie Eyes here. DUB’s debut seven inch is out now! Visit Drink Up Buttercup on MySpace. Photos below.
Exactly a year ago, I was fortunate enough to catch Chris Garneau’s Christmas themed gig at Brooklyn’s Southpaw. Last night (alongside Tim Williams & Jennifer O’Connor amongst others), he performed another magical mini set. In addition to a handful of holiday staples, Chris tackled my favorite C-Sides track, ‘The Island Song’. Stunning! Chris recently released a series of Polaroids. Visit the Brooklyn based artist on MySpace. Photo & MP3 below.
Montreal based Plants and Animals are on a short tour through New York and New England before heading back Canada ways. We are headed out to the Bell House tonight to see them in Brooklyn (and hello, two for one happy hour until 8pm). Born Ruffians will be headlining and local favourites Mancino are opening. The happy 70s esque rockers received a 8.0 from Pitchfork for this year’s album Parc Avenue and are worth checking out if you can make it to one of their remaining gigs.
10/28/2008 Union Hall (Brooklyn)
10/29/2008 Paradise (Boston)
11/5/2008 Théâtre Petit (Champlain)
