We Were Promised Jetpacks - “Quiet Little Voices”

Gotta' agree with Mojo. Brilliant band name, love the tune, Scotland rules...



mp3 here.

We Were Promised Jetpacks Website | MySpace | YouTube

New video: Madonna ft. Pharrell - "Give It 2 Me"

Not a huge fan of the new album, but really digging this tune and video (via):



mp3: Madonna - Dress You Up (YSI)

Madonna Website | MySpace | Hype Machine

Concert Round-up 10/19/07 - 11/20/07: Stars of Track and Field, Raveonettes, Nicole Atkins, Mobius Band, Sunset Rubdown, M.I.A., and more...

So yeah, it's been too long since I've updated. I've been pretty busy with work and other extra-curricular activities the past few months so we'll have to see what the future holds for this here blog. Don't worry, I still read your blog, listen to new music, and check out bands around town.

Anyway, here are some shows I checked out recently but never got around to posting on the site:

>> Stars of Track and Field live @ 7th Street Entry 10/19/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

One of the best light shows I've seen in the Entry. The band musically was pretty good. Kind of a mix between The Postal Service and Mobius Band.

mp3: Stars of Track and Field - Movies Of Antarctica

Stars of Track and Field Website | MySpace

>> Drive-By Truckers live @ First Avenue 10/19/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Caught the last 45 minutes of their set in the Mainroom after crossing over from the Entry. I'm not really into Southern Rock, but I was thoroughly entertained by these Georgia rockers. Wow, they really jammed out in true "Skynyrd" style. I haven't seen a Jack Daniels bottle being passed around on stage in quite a while. Poplife has more on the gig.

mp3: Drive-By Truckers - World of Hurt
mp3: Drive-By Truckers - Loaded Gun in the Closet

Drive-By Truckers Website | MySpace

>> The Raveonettes live @ 7th Street Entry 10/21/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

mp3: The Raveonettes - Dead Sound
mp3: The Raveonettes - Aly, Walk With Me
YouTube: The Raveonettes - Dead Sound

The Raveonettes have blown me away every time I've seen them. This night was no exception. I still can't believe I got to see them in the Entry. Wow, the new stuff from the forthcoming album "Lust, Lust, Lust" (out 2/19/08) sounded brilliant. More on BRIAT. Rave on.

The Raveonettes Website | MySpace

>> Nicole Atkins & the Sea live @ 7th Street Entry 10/21/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Nicole and her band opened for The Raveonettes. I was pleasantly surprised by her performance, as I really didn't know too much about her. What did she sound like? I think the description on her MySpace sums it up: "Roy Orbison as a chick fronting a band of elves."

mp3: Nicole Atkins & the Sea - Party's Over
YouTube: Nicole Atkins & the Sea - The Way It Is (live on Letterman 10/30/07)

Nicole Atkins & the Sea Website | MySpace

>> Mobius Band live @ Triple Rock 10/24/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Another very fine performance supporting label-mate Matthew Dear. The new album "Heaven" is great, and live the songs sounded even better. I still can't believe these guys aren't huge yet...

mp3: Mobius Band - Friends Like These
mp3: Mobius Band - Hallie
YouTube: Mobius Band - Friends Like These

Mobius Band Website | MySpace

>> Matthew Dear live @ Triple Rock 10/24/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Hmmmm, I don't know, I wasn't that impressed. I liked the DJ-ing and electronica aspect, but really didn't dig the singing and band. I guess the show was ok. To be perfectly honest I missed 1/2 of it as I was talking with the guys in Mobius Band...

mp3: Matthew Dear - Dog Days

Matthew Dear Website | MySpace

>> Stook! | Dan Israel | Martin Devaney live @ Varsity Theater 10/26/07

Martin Devaney & Stook!:


Dan Israel:

Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

What a pleasant surprise this dual CD-release (Stook!, Dan Israel) gig turned out to be. I had a great time and really enjoyed all 3 artists (and all the guest musicians who appeared). HWTS has more. And yeah, being on stage with a bunch of friends and singing backing vocals to final tune of the evening "Rockin' in the Free World" was pretty sweet...

mp3: Dan Israel - Hurt and Love

Stook! Website | MySpace
Dan Israel Website | MySpace
Martin Devaney Website | MySpace

>> Sunset Rubdown live @ Triple Rock 11/2/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Spencer Krug can do no wrong in my book. Yep, the show was awesome. Wolf Parade still reigns supreme in my book, though.

YouTube: Sunset Rubdown - Us Ones In Between (live in Chicago)

Sunset Rubdown Website

>> The Cool Kids live @ First Avenue 11/20/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

They opened for M.I.A. and their shit was dope. They sounded like a mix between The Beastie Boys and Run DMC... which got the crowd nicely warmed up for the main act.

YouTube: The Cool Kids - Black Mags

The Cool Kids MySpace

>> M.I.A. live @ First Avenue 11/20/07


Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Saved the best for last... M.I. mutherfuckin' A. simply destroyed sold-out First Avenue. One of my favorite shows of the year. Some highlights:

• The audience was totally into it. Kids were dancing their asses off.
• M.I.A. was all over the stage and really gave it her all. Singing, dancing, crowd-surfing, climbing into the balcony. That girl really has some energy.
  
• For "Bird Flu" (see photo above and video below) some of the crowd got to join M.I.A. on stage.
• The light, stage, and video screen show were really amazing. A complete multi-media experience.

The after-party at Foundation Nightclub was pretty cool as well. What a night...

Here are a couple of live videos from the show.

M.I.A. - "Bamboo Banga" live @ First Avenue 11/20/07:
(Opening tune - 4:57)



M.I.A. - "Bucky Done Gun" | "Bird Flu" live @ First Avenue 11/20/07:
(Features lots of people on stage during "Bird Flu" - 11:03)



And my favorite song of the year:

mp3: M.I.A. - Paper Planes

M.I.A. Website | MySpace

Related:
PopLife has more and the setlist.
Star Tribune review.
Reveille photos.

OK, so that about sums it up for now. I think I'm finally caught up. I'll probably try to put up a few more posts before year-end. Maybe I'll do a list of sorts. Actually, probably not. I'm really sick of year-end lists already and it's not even December. Plus you know my top song of the year already (and my top album in a sec)...

I'll conclude with the latest video from my top album of the year (no surprise). Peace, take care.

Arctic Monkeys - Teddy Picker:



Arctic Monkeys Website

Happy Halloween!

J-Girl and I carved pumpkins. Guess which one's mine:



We dressed up our dogs Ringo and Savannah (for ~ 5 minutes). Yes, we're that cruel:



And in the music world... The Pierces just released a brand-new Halloween themed video for "Sticks and Stones". It's pretty cool (thanks to reader Doug for the tip):



mp3: The Pierces - Sticks and Stones (YSI)

The Pierces Website | MySpace

Spoon | The Ponys | T.O.G.P.T.F.F.S.O.T.W.O.T.H.E.A.T.S.Y.O.A. live @ First Avenue 10/10/07

T.O.G.P.T.F.F.S.O.T.W.O.T.H.E.A.T.S.Y.O.A.:


The Ponys:


Spoon:





Spoon on Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Band-by-band breakdown:

> T.O.G.P.T.F.F.S.O.T.W.O.T.H.E.A.T.S.Y.O.A.: I know what you're thinking, WTF? OK, here's what the band name means: "Three Old Guys Play the First Five Songs Off the Wipers' Over the Edge Record and the Song "Youth of America"... They were NSFG, "not so fucking good."

> The Ponys: I loved these guys last time I saw them in the Entry. This time they were ok. They started out kinda' average, but once the set got going they really jammed out. Their last couple of tunes rocked.

> Spoon: Wow! Amazing, love these guys. The chronological setlist was brilliant.

I think that's all I need to say. Others have already covered it:

• British Rock Is Always Top
• HowWasTheShow
• PopLife
• East Lake

mp3: The Ponys - Double Vision
mp3: Spoon - The Underdog (YSI)

Related:

• Spoon did an in-studio appearance on The Current.
• 10/23/07: Check out Spoon live in concert on NPR.
  

And... the videos from the show, in chronological order (of course):

The Ponys - "Small Talk" live @ First Avenue:


Spoon - "Utilitarian" / "The Minor Tough" live @ First Avenue:


Spoon - "That's The Way We Get By" live @ First Avenue:


Spoon - "The Beast and Dragon, Adored" live @ First Avenue:


Spoon - "Don't Make Me A Target" live @ First Avenue:


Spoon - "The Underdog" live @ First Avenue:


Spoon Website | MySpace
The Ponys Website | MySpace

Oasis - Lord Don't Slow Me Down

New(ish) video by my boys. The concert double DVD under the same name is out November 6th.

Lord Don't Slow Me Down contents:

Disc One:

* Feature length documentary tour film 'Lord Don't Slow Me Down' in stereo and surround sound. · Bonus audio commentary - Noel, Liam, Andy and Gem guide you through the film with their recollections of the tour. · A Noel Gallagher Q&A session with fans runs alongside out-takes from the film.

Bonus Disc:

* Oasis live at City of Manchester Stadium on 2nd July 2005 - sixteen classic tracks shot in HD with stereo and surround sound. · Bonus Disc also features unique footage and pictures sent in by fans who attended the concert.

Sweet... Oasis is currently preparing a brand new album for release in 2008.

Teasers from the DVD:

• Oasis - Interview with Liam
• Oasis - Liam meets Girls Aloud
• Oasis - Tour Bus footage
• Oasis - Noel talking to Australian crowd
• Oasis - Noel in an Italian Radio Station
• Oasis - Liam's Birthday

mp3: Noel Gallagher - Whatever / Octopus's Garden (live acoustic) (YSI)
mp3: Oasis - Married With Children (live) (YSI)
mp3: Noel Gallagher - Slide Away (live acoustic) (YSI)
mp3: Oasis - Let There Be Love (YSI)

Oasis Website | MySpace | YouTube

Girl Talk | Tay Zonday live @ First Avenue 10/5/07

Girl Talk:




Tay Zonday:

Girl Talk | Tay Zonday on Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Show of the year!!! Ha ha, just kidding. It was pretty insane, though. YouTube Superstar Tay Zonday was pretty good... for a novelty act. I don't know... my Karaoke version of "Chocolate Rain" would be more entertaining, I think. One thing is for sure, the guy definitely can't dance.

Girl Talk (Greg Gillis) had the mostly intoxicated college crowd going absolutely nuts inside First Avenue. I danced my ass off. I had never seen crowd-surfing at a DJ club show before... All in all, Girl Talk really impressed me. "Smash Your Head" ruled. Boy knows how to mix up the tunes...

More reviews/pics/video/commentary:

• Culture Bully
  
• Stereogum
• Pitchfork
• Twin Cities Live (great videos of Tay)
• HowWasTheShow
• Pop Life
  

mp3: Girl Talk - Bounce That
mp3: Girl Talk - Smash Your Head (YSI)
mp3: Tay Zonday - Chocolate Rain

A couple of videos from the show:

Tay Zonday - "Do The Can't Dance" live @ First Avenue:


Tay Zonday - "Chocolate Rain" live @ First Avenue:


Girl Talk Website | MySpace
Tay Zonday Website | MySpace | YouTube

Rilo Kiley | Jonathan Rice | Grand Ole Party live @ First Avenue 9/14/07

Rilo Kiley on Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Yeah, I agree, Rilo's latest record "Under The Blacklight" may not be my (or your) favorite. However, wow, "indie rock darling" Jenny Lewis and company really know how to put on a live show. Sold out First Avenue was crazy-packed for the gig. I haven't seen that many 18-20 year old girls in one place in a long time...

Hmmm, what else can I tell you? The band really impressed me, as I had never seen them live before. Jenny's voice and stage presence were fantastic. The rest of the band and back-up singers were equally impressive. Even the new stuff sounded great. And what do you know... now I really kinda' dig the new album. That's why I go to shows.

Opening bands Jonathan Rice and Grand Ole Party were ok. Not really 100% my thing. I was a bit bored to be perfectly honest. Both seem pretty talented, though, so definitely check them out.

I'll leave in-depth analysis to others. You can read more about the gig over at HowWasTheShow and on Brody's blog. Also, check it, they stopped in for an in-studio session on the Current.


mp3: Rilo Kiley - Smoke Detector (YSI)

Some cool vids from the show:

Rilo Kiley - "Breakin' Up" live @ First Avenue 9/14/07:



Rilo Kiley - "Rise Up With Fists" (Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins cover) live @ First Avenue 9/14/07:



Rilo Kiley - "Does He Love You?" live @ First Avenue 9/14/07 (final encore of the night):



Rilo Kiley Website | MySpace
Jonathan Rice Website | MySpace
Grand Ole Party MySpace

Editors live @ Fine Line 9/12/07

Editors on Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Wow. Editors did not disappoint. They were absolutely brilliant at Fine Line Music Cafe last week. One of my favorite shows of the year. No comparisons to that "other" band necessary. They're the real deal folks. I think MFR agrees. So does Brody.

mp3: Editors - The Racing Rats (YSI)

Have you seen the "Absolutely NO Video" signs inside Fine Line? Ha ha, yeah...

Editors - "Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors" live @ Fine Line 9/12/07:



Editors Website | MySpace

Previously:
My favorite shows of 2006
Stellastarr* / The Editors live @ Fine Line 4/18/06

Ruckus on the Westbank 9/8/07 featuring: Dance Band, Big Quarters, Poison Control Center, North, The 757s

Ruckus on Flickr: Photos | Slideshow

Chris over at Poplife has a review for you.

Nomad World Pub did a fabulous job putting on this event. A couple of thoughts on the musical acts I witnessed: Dance Band was a blast to watch. They really want you to, ummmm, dance! Hip-hop duo Big Quarters were quite good. Unfortunately, they struck out finding somebody from the audience to beat-box for them on-stage for one of their tunes. Yeah, not one of my talents... Iowa's Poison Control Center definitely performed the high energy ADD set of the evening (see photos). Insane. North was my favorite music act. Think Radiohead meets Coldplay. The 757s closed out the night. Very nice guys and a great way to finish the festival.

Poison Control Center's brand new album "A Collage of Impressions" drops 9/25/07 via Minneapolis' Afternoon Records. Here's the first single:

mp3: Poison Control Center - Magic Circle Symphony

Also, check out a tune from their EP "Glory Us":

mp3: Poison Control Center - Glory Us

Poison Control Center Website | MySpace

Ruckus bands in the order the played (I missed the first 5):

02:00pm - Spiritual Mansions
03:00pm - Estate
04:00pm - City on the Make
05:00pm - Ice Palace
06:00pm - The Melismatics
07:00pm - Dance Band
08:00pm - Big Quarters
09:00pm - Poison Control Center
10:30pm - North
12:00am - The 757s

And yeah, no, Tay Zonday didn't play.

VHS or Beta live @ 7th Street Entry 9/5/07

VHS or Beta on Flickr: Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Due to the Federer vs Roddick US Open tennis match I wound up skipping the opening bands. I've seen locals Maps of Norway before (they're pretty good). Sorry Walter Meego, come back for a visit from Chicago soon...

Last time I saw VHS or Beta was in the First Avenue Main Room a couple of years ago when they opened up for Electric Six. They were quite good that night. So, even though I'm not a huge fan of their new album Bring on the Comets I was kind of excited to see the guys live again. VoB were ok in the 7th Street Entry. They still have lots of stage charisma and their set was solid. The older stuff rocked, the new stuff was so-so. I had a great time at the show and they're definitely still worth checking out live. Hopefully they'll return to form and wow us with the next record...

mp3: VHS or Beta - Can't Believe a Single Word (YSI)
mp3: Walter Meego - Romantic
mp3: Maps of Norway - Manners

Related:
VHS or Beta live on the Current

VHS or Beta Website | MySpace
Walter Meego Website | MySpace
Maps of Norway Website | MySpace

The Alarmists CD Release Party 7/20/07 @ First Avenue

(The Alarmists)

More CD Release Photos of The Alarmists | The Debut | White Light Riot | Jelloslave: Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Jelloslave was ok (not my style). White Light Riot shocked me by how great they were. The new album rocks and their set blew me away. These guys will be major rock stars soon. The Debut got the crowd moving and were vastly improved since the last time I've seen them at their CD release. As for The Alarmists... bloody brilliant as always. Love love love the new album "The Ghost and the Hired Gun." Go pick it up.

I'll leave it at that. Read Stacy's full review over on Kyle's blog. Check out her full Flickr photogallery -- wow, great stuff.

Here's some multi-media for you.

The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop (live @ First Avenue 7/20/07):


White Light Riot - Charlatan (live @ First Avenue 7/20/07):


mp3: The Alarmists - Hired Gun
mp3: The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop

Look for White Light Riot and The Alarmists to tour the US soon...

The Alarmists Website | MySpace
White Light Riot Website | MySpace
The Debut Website | MySpace
Jelloslave Website | MySpace

The Cribs live on Conan | White Rabbits live on Letterman | Both Play Turf Club 8/1/07

The Cribs - "Men's Needs" live on Conan O'Brien 7/18/07:


White Rabbits - "The Plot" live on Letterman 7/19/07:


Why am I posting these? Because:

a) I love The Cribs.
b) White Rabbits have been getting a LOT of hype.
c) Both will playing a gig here together next Wednesday @ Turf Club!

Wednesday 8/01/07
The Cribs | White Rabbits
Turf Club
8:00pm Doors | 18 + / 21 + ?| $10 Advance / $12 Door
Online Tickets $11.00

I'm pretty sure the bands will blow the roof off Turf Club. If nothing gets broken I'd be really surprised. I highly suggest you go.

mp3: The Cribs - Men's Needs (CSS Remix)
mp3: White Rabbits - The Plot

The Cribs Website | MySpace
White Rabbits Website | MySpace

P.S. Sorry, I can't figure out what the age-limit is on the show... On First Ave's website (the gig is sponsored by them) it says "21+". However, on the tickets I ordered it says "18+". I've never seen an 18+ show at Turf Club. Clarification anyone? Happy Birthday Brody (who's now 21)!

Upcoming: The Alarmists "The Ghost and the Hired Gun" CD Release Party @ First Avenue 7/20/07

Get there early, 'cause this show will sell out:

Friday 7/20/07
The Alarmists
First Avenue Main Room
w/special guests:
The Debut | Jelloslave | White Light Riot
8:00pm Doors | 18 + | $10

Here's a taste of the new CD (world blog premiere, as far as I know):

mp3: The Alarmists - Hired Gun

Yes, it rocks. The new CD/EP "The Ghost and the Hired Gun" is out now exclusively via the Electric Fetus. Elsewhere it's out 7/24/07. Details to follow. Pick it up at the show 7/20/07, that's my advice...

Here's an "oldie":

mp3: The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop

Elsewhere:

They stopped by The Current on 7/16/07 and talked with Mary Lucia for a while. Stream it here. They played:

• Nobody Knows You
• On the Way
• Try to be Kind

See you Friday. Buy me a Vodka-Red Bull at the show;) Have a great week!

The Alarmists - Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / End (live @ Triple Rock 5/11/07:



- Steve

The Alarmists Website | MySpace
White Light Riot Website | MySpace
The Debut Website | MySpace
Jelloslave Website | MySpace

Upcoming shows...

One of my 5 readers emailed me today, asking me what shows I'm going to, and what I'd recommend. Ok, here's the list at the moment:

• 07/20: The Alarmists CD Release @ First Avenue
  
• 07/22: Travis @ First Avenue
  
• 07/29: The Fratellis @ Varsity Theater
  
• 08/01: The Cribs @ Turf Club
  
• 08/02-03: Kings of Leon @ First Avenue
• 09/12: Editors @ Fine Line
• 09/14: Rilo Kiley @ First Avenue
• 09/26: Metric @ First Avenue
  
• 09/30: Arcade Fire | LCD Soundsystem @ Roy Wilkins
  
• 10/10 -11: Spoon @ First Avenue
• 10/12: Interpol @ State Theatre
  
• 10/21: The Raveonettes @ First Avenue

I probably forgot something. Then again, I don't plan more than 3 days ahead. Check Kyle's blog and CityPages for more, as they get announced...

I'm pretty excited about seeing this band:

The Cribs - Moving Pictures:



Uncensored version of "Men's Needs" video (awesome) here (NSFW).

mp3: The Cribs - Baby Don't Sweat
mp3: The Cribs - Another Number

The Cribs Website | MySpace

Robbers on High Street live @ Triple Rock 7/13/07

Robbers on High Street were bloody brilliant @ Triple Rock. At least for the 3 songs I saw, from what I remember. I still can't believe the opened for The Redwalls (who I read were great, and didn't see). I'll explain...

Is it a good idea to mix an after-work Happy Hour with a show where doors don't open until 10pm? The answer, in my case, is definitely "no", because:

a) You don't want to get kicked out of The Loon. Who gets kicked out of there? So wrong...
b) You don't want to lose your work-backpack with your 60 GB iPod in it.
c) You don't want to show up at a show totally wasted on Vodka-Red Bulls; then decide to take a nap on the floor of the venue during the band you got free tickets for...(I did look good on the dance floor, though ;))

Yes, this really happened. Yes, I'm crazy (once in a while). Yes, I'm being honest. Yes, it's "rock 'n' roll". And yes, who else will serve up a "review" like that? It's kinda' funny by now, actually! Anybody have pictures? Let me know, and I'll post 'em...

mp3: Robbers on High Street - Crown Victoria


That is all (I'm going to tell).

Robbers On High Street Website | MySpace
The Redwalls MySpace

New Video/Single: Arctic Monkeys - "Fluorescent Adolescent"

Here's the brand-new Arctic Monkeys video for "Fluorescent Adolescent", the 2nd single to be released from their brilliant sophomore album Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Arctic Monkyes - "Fluorescent Adolescent":


YouTube version here. Domino version here.

"The lyrical narration is supported by a striking video directed by Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd/Nathan Barley) , starring Stephen ‘Scummy Man’ Graham (Snatch/Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels) and a rather scary bunch of clowns."

Have I mentioned before I really don't like clowns? I do really love the tune, though.

Arctic Monkeys - "Fluorescent Adolescent" live @ First Avenue 5/7/07:



Audio:

mp3: Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent (YSI)



The official single drops July 9 via Domino.

CD & 10" Tracklisting
1. Fluorescent Adolescent
2. The Bakery
3. Plastic Tramp
4. Too Much To Ask

7” Vinyl Tracklisting
A. Fluorescent Adolescent
B. The Bakery

Bonus Audio:

Arctic Monkeys live acoustic on The Current 5/7/07:

mp3: Arctic Monkeys - The Bakery (YSI)



mp3: Arctic Monkeys - Only Ones Who Know (YSI)



mp3: Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent (YSI)



From the CD-Single Brianstorm:

mp3: Arctic Monkeys - If You Found This It's Probably Too Late (YSI)



From the Japanese Import Favourite Worst Nightmare:

mp3: Arctic Monkeys - Da Frame 2R (YSI)



mp3: Arctic Monkeys - Matador (YSI)



Arctic Monkeys Website | MySpace | The Riot Van | Domino

Previously:

• Arctic Monkeys / Be Your Own Pet live @ First Avenue 5/7/07
• Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor live @ First Avenue 5/7/07
• Arctic Monkeys - Live Acoustic on The Current 5/7/07
• Arctic Monkeys - The View From The Afternoon live @ First Avenue 5/7/07
• Arctic Monkeys @ First Avenue 5/7/07: City Pages A-List Pick
• Watch: Arctic Monkeys - live @ Coachella 4/27/07
• Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm / Old Yellow Bricks live on Jimmy Kimmel 4/26/07
• Everything is Brilliant in Sheffield: Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
• [ more ]

Now Streaming: The Cribs - Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever

The new album by my "other favorite band" from Leeds is now streaming on NME. "Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever" is officially out in the UK May 21, 2007. Alex Kopranos from Franz Ferdinand produced this one. What do we all think?

From what I watched live via the webcast from Coachella and via the new album stream, I think "I like"...

I wonder who suggested Alex should produce the new Cribs album?



Just kidding. Since they took down the uncensored version of "Men's Needs" let's watch this:

The Cribs - "The Wrong Way To Be" (totally insane live version):



... And I thought only I get that crazy at shows ;) Can't wait to see these guys live here soon.

YouTube: The Cribs - Men's Needs (regular version)
mp3: The Cribs - Men's Needs (YSI)


The Cribs Website / MySpace

The Ponys live @ First Avenue 7th Street Entry 5/4/07

A few more pics: Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

These guys were in the 7th Street Entry the same night Electric Six played the main room. I only saw The Ponys' final encore, but that was enough. Totally blew me away. I bought their latest CD "Turn The Lights Out" right there with my last $9.00. Yes, I even had to bargain... I've been listening to the album non-stop since then. I love it, do check it out.

mp3: The Ponys - Poser Psychotic
mp3: The Ponys - Double Vision
More mp3s here.

YouTube: The Ponys - Double Vision (live)
YouTube: The Ponys - Sad Eyes (live)

Chicago's The Ponys also played on The Current 5/4/07. Stream the in-studio performance here. Download the mp3s and more info here.

The Ponys Website / MySpace

Arctic Monkeys @ First Avenue 5/7/07: City Pages A-List Pick

Brianna did a great job writing this for City Pages:

The Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not was the fastest-selling debut album in British history, making them a wet dream for fans and haters alike. But despite the fact that they demanded the latter group, in song no less, to "bring on the backlash," the diss crowd has been surprisingly quiet. The Monkeys' follow-up album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, will no doubt prolong the silence: It's a tight, exhilarating powerhouse of fierce guitar riffs and savage, rapid-fire drums that climax into an unrelenting and highly danceable frenzy. Wordsmith Alex Turner's articulate hip-hop/Shakespeare influenced lyrical tumbles ("Now the shaggers perform/And the daggers are drawn") are carefully crafted narratives. Exploding with innocent sexuality (the lads are 21 and under) and darker imagery, the new songs expand beyond "The Weekend" of their debut. This will be the band's first visit to Minneapolis—Chicago is the closest they've been—and in June they will headline the legendary Glastonbury festival in front of more than 100,000 mud-caked fanatics. So come pogo while you can in the comfort of our cozy rock club. With Be Your Own Pet. 18+. $20/$25 at the door. 8:00 p.m.

More info/tickets: First Avenue

mp3: Arctic Monkeys - Take It Or Leave It (Strokes Cover - live) (YSI)



Arctic Monkeys Website / MySpace / The Riot Van
Be Your Own Pet Website / MySpace

I'll see you at the show Monday. Have a great weekend!