The White Rabbits release their newest album on May 19th, 2009. It’s Frightening is the band’s second album after touring for the past two years. The album was recorded over the course of 4 weeks with Britt Daniel (Spoon) as producer and engineer Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter) at Rare Book Room in Brooklyn, NY.
The drum filled first track, ”Percussion Gun” blasts open the album with heavy (big band)drums. It is apparent from the beginning that The White Rabbits “know which way to run.” Mysterious pianos, pounding bass, and low growling harmonies from the lead vocals of Greg Roberts and Steve Patterson fill It’s Frightening with a darker, and slightly more sophisticated sound. The White Rabbits are back in town on May 21st, 2009 at the Bowery Ballroom.
Hot Tracks: “Percussion Gun,” and “Midnight and I”
Since its opening in November, Webster Hall’s Studio has become a hot joint. Friday nights at the Studio are filled with indie dancing fiends and February 20th was no exception. Operahouse, an indie-alt band from London, opened up the night setting the tone for Brooklyn’s own Tigercity. Fans were plenty and the band’s guitar-driven, electro-pop tunes were met with liveliness. ”Powerstripe”, “Fake Gold”, and (finally!) “Are You Sensation” were and are a sure guarantee that your “body keeps on moving”, whether it’s a full out dance off or an uncontrollable eye brow twitch.
The Tigercity tour stretches across the U.S. of A. and will end mid April, for their first European show, in Poland. Bill Gillim, the lead singer and the wearer of one intense beard (one that grows longer and fuller at every appearance), was kind enough to answer a few questions before the band hit the road.
How did you guys come up with the name Tigercity?
“The name comes from a dream that Andrew had about being held as a sex slave in a city run by gay cat people. “
What were you guys doing before Tigercity?
“Joel and I were living in western Massachusetts. I was playing in a band called Bears, Joel was in a band called The Debras. Andrew was in Chile eating hotdogs covered with guacamole and mayonnaise and playing in a metal band. And I think Aynsley was touring around Europe with his dad’s band Wishbone Ash.”
Hailing from Brooklyn, do you have a favorite hot spot?
“My favorite place to eat a hamburger is Roebling Tea Room.”
Do You have a favorite Venue to play in?
“I love playing Bowery or Williamsburg Music Hall. They sound awesome, and the people who work there are always really good to us. We played The Studio on the first night it was open, and it was great.”
Any noteable band routines before a show?
“Pretty much the only constant before a show is drinking whiskey. Though, I’ve cut way down on that ever since a show in Austin where I was too drunk and couldn’t remember the words or tune to the first song, and then ended up hiding behind my keyboard in shame. The other guys are a little better at handling the whiskey routine.”
How is the new album coming? Last time we saw you at The Studio you were taking suggestions from the crowd for a name, have you nailed one down?
“The new record is finished. We’re really happy with it. We’re still working on a title, but I can guarantee that it won’t be called “Sexual Dad” (no matter what our producer says).”
Should we expect the same vibe from Pretend Not to Love to be on the new album and when will it be out for the public?
“The new record is pretty different from Pretend Not To Love. I would say it’s darker and louder. It’s still got a lot of the same feel as the ep, but we worked with a different producer (Chuck Brody), who helped us expand our sound. You can still dance to most of it though.”
“Not sure exactly when it will come out. We’re still deciding whether we’re going to work with a label or release it on our own.”
There must be something in the water because Sweden appears to be the mecca for stellar folk indie pop bands. Loney Dear started pumping out tunes in the early 2000s which caught buzz on the blogosphere and eventually led to Loney Dear’s primary member Emil Svanängen’s contract at Sub Pop. Released January 27th, Dear John is the second full length album on the new label, and is sure to beat the sophomore slump that plagues the music industry. The album’s sound is unique and intriguing, as well as playful. Its wistful tunes make me long for warm summer nights and car rides along the water.
The band stopped in New York on their tour with Andrew Bird and played a set at Union Hall last saturday. They are promoting the new album, so don’t get your hopes up to hear many of their old favorites, but if you have given Dear, John a listen you will not be disappointed. There are no future dates for Loney Dear’s return to NYC, but our fingers are crossed.
Crowds packed into the Cakeshop anxiously awaiting show time. A white projector screen was pulled in front of the stage and a music video for “Utopia” played while the girls were hyped and ready to perform for their doting fans. The party had begun.
Blame The Patient, an indie pop group of high school teens opened the show. Sophie Kapur’s voice is like butter and “cotton candy clouds” over the intelligently skilled instrumentalists. Their original songs are catchy and their cover of Gramercy Arms’ “Shining Bright”, which is a UK hit, was brilliant. Keep your eyes open for these young new yorkers. They are worth the attention.
Grade 13 is a group of 6 girls between the ages of 15 and 18. They were brought together through a performing arts organization, ViBe Theater, that empowers teenage girls in the New York City area by encouraging their creative originality. We had the privilege to speak with the immensely talented girls right before their CD release show at the Cakeshop, January 18th. ViBe Theater has clearly inspired and built confidence in these young women to go after their dreams. Shanae Esquilin wants to continue on in the music business while others like Alexandra Olivier and Sabrina Lopez want to head on to college for Journalism and English. Monae Priolenau, a ViBe Music Makers alumni from 2005 commented on the all girl organization, “being with all girls is unique because there is no competing and you feel like you can be completely yourself.”
In less than 6 months Grade 13 wrote and recorded, Sidewalk Chalk, an album of 11 tracks written solely and completely by the girls. Their favorite part of recording? ”Definitely the Tai food.” Each wrote an individual song with personal depth and meaning, speaking sincerely and uninhibitedly about poverty, war, self-awareness, and sexual identity. Mawia Khogali’s song “Soul Genocide” is a striking track and is the bands top pick for their best single. Our favorite track is “Concrete Maryanne,” written by Ricky Suarez, which has more of a rock vibe than the albums other tracks. The group emanates a camaraderie; they clearly have each others’ backs on stage and off. Union Pool will host the girls on January 22nd. Head on over and be prepared for an inspirational performance of wit, energy, and soul.
Gramercy Arms, taking their name from an old apartment building on New York City’s 22nd street, is all about the “New York state of mind.” We had the pleasure to meet with Dave Derby, singer/songwriter of the project, Sean Eden, and Rainy Orteca at a little cuban restaurant before they took the stage at Pianos, on the lower east side. Chatting over empanadas and coconut flan we covered everything from new years resolutions to youtube. Dave admitted his appreciation for the online phenomenon stating, in loo of their decadal music videos, “you take what you can grab.” The videos for “Automatic” and “Shining Bright” are made up of 70′s and 80′s flashbacks. ”The 80′s were moving forward”, Dave explains, while the 90′s took a step back trying “to recreate the 70′s.” Everything comes full circle and soon enough “we will be recreating and playing madrigals”, which is an idea that Rainy admits to be a fan of.
Pianos opened up the stage to Gramcery Arms shortly after 11pm on one of the coldest nights of the winter. The blistering weather appeared to have deterred the usual Wednesday night concert goers. Those who were brave enough to venture out witnessed hilarious sarcasm between band-mates, insane guitar playing, and a comical number of chats with the French sound guy. ”Automatic” is a sure hit.
Gramercy Arms just released their debut power pop album in 2008 with guest appearances such as comedian Sarah Silverman, Lloyd Cole, Chris Brokaw, and band member from Nada Surf. Keep your eyes open for their new single and perhaps EP, “Nothing I Can Do,” planned to hit shelves sometime next Spring. Gramercy Arms embodies the “gritty splendor” that is New York, or so they say.
The annual competition for the best holiday film is coming to a close, and so far this year I have been disappointed. Four Christmas‘ was funny, as expected to be, but drab and predictable. Nothing Like The Holidays was nothing like the hopes I had for latino Christmas. The script felt forced and cheesy despite the attractive cast.
One film that is sure to stand out in the mix is Un Conte de Noel (A Christmas Tale). As is almost every holiday film ever made, the plot revolves around family. The Vuillard clan is plagued with mental and physical illness, estrangement, and loss. This film will have you laughing while you cry, and remind you just how potentially fun the holidays can be. You can catch this film at the IFC Center.
Joey Evans has a dream, and he wants a sugar mama to help him get it. The story comes from John O’Hara’s 1939 novel and first hit the stage in 1940. Pal Joey is back on Broadway and is one hot ticket, Tony and Emmy Award winner Stockard Channing, Matthew Risch, and Tony and Emmy nominated Martha Plimpton make up the stories lead roles. The Show’s opening night is Tomorrow, December 16th.
Pushing the envelope is nothing new to Catherine Opie, her photography “leaves no man (or woman) behind.” She has collections that include surfers, members of the LGBT community, football players, landscapes, children, basically she captures life as it is being lived. Catherine Opie’s work pushes boundaries, captivates the on-looker with her documentary photography, and reminds us that true beauty is every where.
The Guggenheim is currently hosting a mid-career survey of Opie’s photography, which includes all of her work from 1988 on up to 2008. Check it out, the exhibit is open until Janurary 5th, 2009.
Michelle Williams plays the part of Wendy Carroll, a girl out on the road trying to start out fresh. As is life, Wendy’s journey turns out to be a struggle. Her car breaks down en route to Alaska, with no money to fix the vehicle, Wendy is faced with arduous decisions in order to ensure her survival and Lucy’s, her dog.
Wendy and Lucy is Kelly Reichardt’s 6th film in the director’s chair. The film has received nothing but good reviews and rightly so, Michelle Williams gives a performance that is guaranteed to give you the shivers. The movie hit New York’s Film Forum Theater last night, Wednesday December 10th.
If you were to ask who my favorite English actor was, I would tell you hands down Simon Pegg. He is one of those brilliant actors that some how escapes the hollywood buzz boards and gossip mags, while pumping out hilarious flick after hilarious flick. His goofy mannerisms, and adorable brit accent give him a lovable feel even while performing lewd, crude, and horribly funny acts on the big screen. His resume includes movies like How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, Run Fat Boy Run, Hot Fuzz, and what could be considered his breakthrough role, Shaun of The Dead.
Simon Pegg’s most recent work in How to Lose Friends and Alienate People is a snug fit into Mr. Pegg’s repertoire of films. This particular piece revolves around a quirky British journalist and his struggle to make a name for himself in the city. The film combines dumb comedy, the kind where people fall, burp, break things, etc, and witty banter to create a hilarious 110 minutes for its viewers.
His next film, Star Trek, is due in theaters this May. If you find yourself in the mood for a good laugh, check out Simon Pegg’s work.
Since its opening in November, 
One film that is sure to stand out in the mix is 
