I urge you, readers, to please dig deeper into Chairlift. Don’t allow yourself to be satisfied solely by their iPod hit, “Bruises”. I was so taken by their live performance at Webster Hall on April 29th where they just may have out-shined the headlining and most sensationalized Peter Bjorn and John. Caroline Polachek’s voice is without a doubt quite stellar to an average good voice. The control she possesses is alluring to the ear. Quite simply, it’s like butter. Aaron Pfenning is a crooner as well, his deep voice is a perfectly erie compliment to Polechek’s. Patrick Wimberly kept it all together as drummer, bassist and keyboardist. These are versatile musicians, exchanging instruments and taking turns. It was something of beauty to watch.
Of course, the masses were there for some PB and J. The Swedish indie idols caused the 123 year old floor of Webster Hall to shake, literally. The crowd did not seem to mind as they bounced and rocked to favorites like “Amsterdam” and “Young Folks”, naturally, along with newbies like “Just The Past” and “Nothing to Worry About”. Their encore was especially moving, with an intimate slow song from their newest album Living Things, titled “Stay This Way”.
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.”
One of my friends recommended I check out this band called Minus the Bear, a rock band from Seatle with, apparently, 6 albums under their belt. Upon first listen you think “hmm ok maybe this is something I could be into.” Then the track called “Hey! Is That a Ninja up There?” starts to play. The sound quality of Minus the Bear resembles a CD one could record in their very own basement. Perhaps I’ll give them another listen, perhpas not. Maybe I’m just not that into rock? Nah. You can check them out for yourself as Minus The Bear is on tour this fall. October 25th, Webster Hall, 6pm.
The CMJ Network provides music fans, musicians, and professionals an up to date “discovery service” as they call it. CMJ hosts the longest running event of its kind, the Music Marathon is going on its 28th year in business. The Marathon brings over 1000+ artists to over 50 venues throughout the city drawing more than 100,000 listeners, other artists, and music pros to the shows. Magnet has come up with a hot 15 list for your viewing pleasure, but please check out the extensive list for more. CMJ has not posted a schedule so dates/venues are tentative.
Music Mararthon hits New York City March 21st-25th
Pop Up was released in 2007 as Yelle’s debut album on the scene. Yelle hails from France where she created a lot of buzz with her “Je Voux Te Voir.” I am listening to her album as we speak and she kinda sounds a lot like a French version of Gwen Stefani. Forgive me if I am wrong but I don’t see the need for another Gwen.
Yelle plays on October 14th, 7pm at Webster Hall in New York, NY. Get your ticket and check her out.
I urge you, readers, to please dig deeper into Chairlift. Don’t allow yourself to be satisfied solely by their iPod hit, “Bruises”. I was so taken by their live performance at Webster Hall on April 29th where they just may have out-shined the headlining and most sensationalized Peter Bjorn and John. Caroline Polachek’s voice is without a doubt quite stellar to an average good voice. The control she possesses is alluring to the ear. Quite simply, it’s like butter. Aaron Pfenning is a crooner as well, his deep voice is a perfectly erie compliment to Polechek’s. Patrick Wimberly kept it all together as drummer, bassist and keyboardist. These are versatile musicians, exchanging instruments and taking turns. It was something of beauty to watch. 
Of course, the masses were there for some PB and J. The Swedish indie idols caused the 123 year old floor of Webster Hall to shake, literally. The crowd did not seem to mind as they bounced and rocked to favorites like “Amsterdam” and “Young Folks”, naturally, along with newbies like “Just The Past” and “Nothing to Worry About”. Their encore was especially moving, with an intimate slow song from their newest album Living Things, titled “Stay This Way”.
Since its opening in November, 
