Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Release Party - Mall of America 7/20/07

My girlfriend J-Girl left me during The Alarmists CD Release Party... only for a little while, though. Yes, she's a Harry Potter fan. Here are her pics from the book-release party at Mall of America:

Outside Barnes & Noble at Mall of America ~ 10:30pm:


An all-ages-event ~ 12:00am:


The Happy Muggles ~ 12:45am:


Looks like a good time was had by all. You know how it ends? I'll tell you... ok, just kidding, I have no idea...

J.K. Rowling Website

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

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

White Light Riot CD Release | Friends & Family | Arctic Monkeys | Alarmists @ Bascilica Bloc Party

Ahhhh, where to start. So long since I've updated, so let's try to summarize some news...

> Looking at my last post about the White Light Riot CD Release show at Fine Line Music Cafe. That one turned out kinda' ugly... By the time I got there with friends and family (around 10pm) things were completely chaotic at Fine Line. Super-huge line and the guest-list wasn't being honored any more. Way to treat friends of the band, Fine Line! OK, I'm already over it (still, I'm not linking to fucking Fine Line)... Sounds like it was a great show, Chris has the review for you.

White Light Riot Website | Myspace
The Alarmists Website | MySpace
The Villains of Verona Website | Myspace

Chaos in front of the club actually looks like fun in this picture:



> As mentioned above, I had friends and family in town for a couple of weeks.

a) My friend Jan from Germany (via Texas):



b) My sister Victoria (via LA, CA):



Needless to say we had a great time, especially with 4th of July holiday. We went to Canterbury, did some camping in Northern Iowa, visited Duluth, ate & drank a lot, etc, great times... My girlfriend J-Girl and I miss them!

> My boys Arctic Monkeys:

a) Played live @ Glastonbury. Setlist (A+++) and audio here.

b) Played "Diamonds Are Forever" live @ Glastonbury. Mp3 here. Video here.

c) New single "Fluorescent Adolescent" dropped July 9th. Track-listing and them live (in clown outfits) on Jonathan Ross here.

d) Tom Jones "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" at the Princess Di thing... pretty horrible.

> I watched Friday's Bascilica Block Party from a roof overlooking the city. Pretty bloody briliant... The Alarmists were amazing as always:





Biggest news, though, I watched a certain Minneapolis icon 07.07.07. See next post.

White Light Riot | The Alarmists | The Villains of Verona 6/23/07 @ Fine Line

Saturday, you should go:



What: White Light Riot (CD Release Party) | The Alarmists | The Villiains of Verona (from Chicago)
Where: Fine Line Music Cafe
When: Sat 6/23/07 - Doors 8pm | Music 9pm
How Much:$9.50 in advance / $11.50 day of show 18+ | Ticketmaster

Atomism, White Light Riot's debut CD is available @ the Electric Fetus, CD Warehouse, Down in the Valley, Cheapo, and Treehouse records now. iTunes to follow soon...

More on the bands:

White Light Riot is all over the place. City Pages yesterday. Look for a Pioneer Press article today and a Strib piece Friday.



The Alarmists. Do I need to say more? Search my blog... I think I've talked about them enough.

The Villains of Verona. Great new band from Chicago. My buddy Brody is a huge fan and works with them. The were really good last time I caught them @ Varsity.

More info on BRIAT.

White Light Riot Website | MySpace | Blog
The Alarmists Website | MySpace
The Villains of Verona Website | MySpace

WLR @ ValleyFair:



Lots more on their blog, it's great, do check it out...

P.S. Let's hope I don't get kicked out of their gig for a change ;) FU Uptown Bar!

England Swings VI - The Alarmists - "Ever Fallen In Love?"

More pics from "England Swings VI":
Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

The Alarmists covering The Buzzcocks:
England Swings VI - The Alarmists - "Ever Fallen In Love?"


I talked about this before. Looking at the setlists from other bands I wish I would've seen some of these performances. I'll make up for it with links to the bands and YouTube:

• Mercurial Rage: Oasis – Acquiesce
• In Pictures: Radiohead – Paranoid Android
• The Screens: Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen
• Colonial Vipers Attack: Travis – Blue Flashing Light (watch Turn)
  
• Colonial Vipers Attack: The Verve – Come On (watch Bittersweet Symphony)
  
• The Wag: The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger
• Landing Gear: Libertines – Up The Bracket
• So It Goes: Pulp – Disco 2000
• So It Goes: Blur – Girls & Boys

My apologies to Colonial Vipers Attack. Couldn't find either tune on YouTube. You guys rock.

England Swings VI - The Alarmists - Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / End live @ Triple Rock 5/11/07

(The Alarmists)


(The Alarmists)

The good news: I went to "England Swings VI" @ Triple Rock Social Club last Friday 5/11/07, and had a great time . The bad news: except for The Alarmists I pretty much missed all of the bands. I had too much fun at a work happy hour before the event, and later I got side-tracked hanging out with friends at the show. Sorry peeps, that's the way it goes sometimes, me bad. Grrrr, I really wanted to see Colonial Vipers Attack, Landing Gear, and So It Goes. They played some amazing stuff (see linked setlist). Next time my friends!

I did manage to capture this video. Pretty sweet...

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



Even better video of the whole "Abbey Road Suite" here.

More coverage of the event: David/HWTS has some great photos, setlists and commentary, and the full review.

14 - 12 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live @ KCRW, 11/18/05) / Other news / Patrick Wolf

Even though the album has leaked (buy it when it comes out kids!), the countdown is still on. Wow, this KCRW performance seems ancient:

Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live @ KCRW, 11/18/05):


Related videos:

• Full KCRW video/audio of Arctic Monkeys on Morning Becomes Eclectic 11/18/05
• Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (Official Video)
• Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live on some French show)
• Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live Leeds 2006)
• Arctic Monkeys - A View From The Afternoon (live Astoria 2005)
  

Other info:

• "A View From The Afternoon" can be found on the album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.
• Arctic Monkeys play First Avenue Mon 5/7/07. Tickets.
• Arctic Monkeys new album Favourite Worst Nightmare drops April 23, 2007, in the UK. (April 24 in the US).
  

Arctic Monkeys Website / The Riot Van / MySpace

Previously:

• Happy Easter! 17-15 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys ft. Dizzee Rascal - Temptation Greets You Like A Naughty Friend / Favourite Worst Nightmare leaks

• 18 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - Riot Van (live San Francisco 5/31/06) / New track: "505"

• 19 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - From The Ritz To The Rubble (live on Jools Holland, 2005)

• 23 - 20 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys found in Cuba and India! Mashups & Covers...

• 24 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - When The Sun Goes Down (live @ Reading, 2006)

• 25 Days to go: Arctic Monkeys - Leave Before The Lights Come On (live @ Reading, 2006)

In Other Arctic Monkeys News:

• The band kicked off their UK tour a few nights ago (4/9/07) in Southampton. NME has the review and setlist. Check out the last 6 tunes alone. All I can say is, wow, I can't wait for the show here. YouTube vids from the gig here.

• Set your DVRs or check YouTube the following day: Arctic Monkeys on Jimmy Kimmel Thursday 4/26/07. More info and tickets here.

• Chris over @ CultureBully posted mp3s of Arctic Monkeys' legendary 2006 Reading festival performance. I think I'm converting him ;)
  

• Have I mentioned lately that the new album is unbelievable? I may soon call it "classic". To sample more audio/mp3s: the band is currently dominating the Hype Machine.

In Non Arctic Monkeys News (yes, there is such a thing here and there on my blog):

• I forgot to mention a few things about last week's Elvis Perkins & Let's Go Sailing show @ 400 Bar. City Pages had an interview with Mr. Perkins and Let's Go Sailing were on NPR. Also, Andrea is working on a review for HWTS and Stacy took some great photos.

• Peter Scholtes from CityPages has an amazing post on Brother Ali on his blog Complicated Fun. Music, links, photos, videos... it's all there. Check it out.

• Voltage: Fashion Amplified tonight @ First Avenue. Last gig for The Alarmists with Joe in the band. You should go... plus, fashion & rock 'n' roll on the same bill... you can't go wrong. Chuck over at MNStories has a cool video about the event.
  

• Jack & Meg, I've missed you. June is gonna' rock.

• NPR has Lilly Allen's 4/8/07 live performance from DC for you. They also have last night's Low's performance from the same venue.

• I've been meaning to post this for ages, but keep forgetting... Noel Gallagher (w/Gem) covers The Smiths' There Is A Light That Never Goes Out. Fookin' brilliant. (via Mr. Torr)
  

• Lastly, lots of press on Patrick Wolf this week... His new album The Magic Position just dropped Monday, 4/10/07 in the UK (out 5/1/07 in the US). While I haven't listened to the album yet (pathetic, I know... and I call myself a music blogger?), I love the latest single:

Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position:


Mp3 here. More videos here.

Patrick Wolf Website / MySpace

The work-week is almost over, right? Have a great Wednesday!

Silversun Pickups on Last Call with Carson Daly

(Silversun Pickups live @ 7th Street Entry 8/12/06)

Silversun Pickups have been on "Last Call with Carson Daly" all week long. The show itself is unwatchable in my book; luckily you can view the performances here.

Culture Bully has the ripped mp3s for you.

Silversun Pickups Website / MySpace

Related:
Silversun Pickups / The Alarmists / Fiasco & Wyatt live 8/12/06

This weekend - live music in Minneapolis/St. Paul

I had a big post planned for this. Unfortunately, the snowstorm really screwed things up. Therefore, just a few highlights for you:

• Friday 3/2/07: Robotboy / Nee Nee / Bec Smith @ Uptown Bar
• Friday 3/2/07: Little Man (CD Release) @ 7th Street Entry (City Pages Cover Story)
• Saturday 3/3/07: The Future (CD Release) w/ The Alarmists @ 7th Street Entry

And here's the HUGE one:

• Sunday 3/4/07: Razorlight / Mohair
  

A very special post on these UK rockers is going up in the next 48 hours, so stay tuned...

OK, I should cruise. I hope I have a "snow day" tomorrow at work. Has anybody else checked out the new Rakes album "Ten New Messages"? It's unbelievably good. Seriously. My favorite album of the year so far I think... If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out the video I posted, or last time I saw them live.

I'm exhausted. Have a great Friday!

My favorite shows of 2006

A couple of people have asked me lately what my favorite live gigs were this year. Well, tis' the season for lists, so here you go.

If I don't get to another post before the holidays, have a very Merry Christmas!

- Steve

20. Kasabian: Fine Line 10/5/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

While they may be better on record than in a live setting, hanging out with Tom and Sergio after the show in the basement of the Fine Line made this whole night so much fun.

Kasabian Website / MySpace

---

19. DJ Nick Warren / Michael Burian: Roxy 9/23/06, Prague, Czech Republic

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Being in Prague + great friends + great house music + Absinthe = a great time.

Nick Warren Website / MySpace
Michael Burian Website / MySpace

---

18. Husky Rescue: Turf Club 8/2/06, St. Paul, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

I've been addicted to their album "Country Falls" ever since...

Husky Rescue Website / MySpace

---

17. Muse: State Theater 7/26/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Spectacular. So very loud. So loud in fact, that my friend Ryan had to leave the show. His inner-organs are (thankfully) still intact ;)

Muse Website / MySpace

---

16. Phoenix: Fine Line 7/24/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

The French Strokes were awesome live. The crowd was dancing up a storm. My buddy Brody's favorite gig of the year.

Phoenix Website / MySpace

---

15. Beirut: Triple Rock 10/14/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Zach Condon, aka Beirut, is super-talented, as showcased by his performance at Triple Rock. I still can't believe the guy is only 19.

Beirut Website / MySpace

---

14. Sigur Ros: Orpheum Theatre 5/8/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Sigur Ros' final tune was the best closing tune/multimedia experience of the year. Wow.

Sigur Ros Website / MySpace

---

13. Silversun Pickups: 7th Street Entry 8/12/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Their album "Carnavas" is one of my favorite records of the year. They absolutely rocked live.

Silversun Pickups Website / MySpace

---

12. Metric: First Avenue 4/10/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

I love Emily Haines. What a show she delivered with her band Metric... looking forward to her solo-performance in 2007 at Varsity Theater already...

Metric Website / MySpace

---

11. Stellastarr* / The Editors: Fine Line 4/18/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow


Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

The 2nd best review on my blog this year. This show really made me love The Editors... and Amanda ;)

Stellastarr* Website / MySpace
The Editors Website / MySpace

---

10. Pet Shop Boys: Orpheum Theatre 10/28/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Their first show here in the Twin Cities in 15 years. Great gig, meeting Neil after the gig, classic...

Pet Shop Boys Website

---

09. Birdmonster / Los Abandoned / La Rocca: 400 Bar 10/24/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

One of my favorite tripe-bills of the year... Three different styles of music. Playing the crash-cymbal on-stage during Birdmonster's encore was pretty awesome too ;)

Birdmonster Website / MySpace
Los Abandoned Website / MySpace
La Rocca Website / MySpace

---

08. The Flaming Lips / Sonic Youth / The Magic Numbers: MN State Fair 8/24/06, St. Paul, MN

Original Post (Photo courtesy of s4xton)

Next time, more bubbles and streamers please...

Flaming Lips Website / MySpace
Sonic Youth Website / MySpace

---

07. Ice Cube: First Avenue 5/4/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

... straight out of Compton, a crazy motherfucker named "Ice Cube"... yes, he definitely proved it at the show.

---

06. The Alarmists / White Light Riot: Varsity Theater 6/9/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

My two favorite local bands on the same bill. Look for great things in the future from both of these artists.

The Alarmists MySpace
White Light Riot MySpace

---

05. Diplo / CSS: Varsity Theater 7/31/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Cansei de Ser Sexy were absolutely insane. Diplo is unbelievable live.

Diplo Website / MySpace
CSS Website / MySpace

---

04. Gogol Bordello: Fine Line 4/7/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Gypsy-punk rock at its best. Definitely the craziest (and sweatiest) show I saw all year.

Gogol Bordello Website / MySpace

---

03. Arctic Monkeys: Metro 3/18/06, Chicago, IL & Wiltern LG 6/3/06, Los Angeles, CA

Chicago: Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow
LA: Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

I was lucky enough to see these guys twice this year. They were absolutely brilliant both times. Band of the year in my book. But you knew that already...

Arctic Monkeys Website / MySpace

---

02. Art Brut: 7th Street Entry 3/28/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Fantastic live experience. My favorite review on the blog this year (thanks Ryan). Lead-singer Eddie Argos is one of the funniest guys I've ever seen on stage. And yeah, "Art Brut, Top of the Pops"!

Art Brut Website / MySpace

---

01. The Raconteurs: First Avenue 8/3/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

When they played their cover of "Crazy", I knew this gig would be #1 of the year for me. Jack White is a genius.

The Raconteurs Website / MySpace

RnR Star Summer Mix 2006

First of all I'd like to thank my band-mates DJ Adidas1 and EngineerFred for their excellent summer mixes. Great stuff! Tough acts to follow...

I've zipped both of their mixes for you to download:

DJ Adidas1: Summer 2K6: It’s All Worldbeat To Me.zip
More info on the mix here.

EngineerFred: Look! A Shiny Thing!.zip
More info on the mix here.

I had a huge write-up ala Pitchfork prepared for my mix, but then totally changed my mind and decided to go "minimalist" with it. You know what I like by now, right? Well, here are the tunes that were rockin' my summer in 2 CD form. A couple of notes on the mixtapes:

• All these artists I either saw live this year or they released (or will release) an album in the US in 2006. Trust me, some of these albums I've had for a long time (Cribs, Art Brut, etc).
• Obviously most of these tunes have been posted all over the blogosphere. A lot of them I've even posted before. Then again, so what? I really wanted to give you my "honest" mix.
• It was extremely difficult to narrow this mix down to 2 CDs.
• I'm sure you'll find at least 2 songs on the mix you'll really love, and at least 2 which you'll really hate.
• Every mix tape needs something funny on it. Again, I think you can see I've included a couple of these.
• My favorite 2 tunes I could listen to over-and-over: 1) The Arctic Monkeys, and 2) Silversun Pickups.
  
• By far the dirtiest song on the mix: "Bump" by Spank Rock.... It really takes off about 1 minute into the tune. It's definitely rated "NC17" kids! A+ song, though.
• [ Insert you favorite "Art Brut... Top of the Pops" comment here ]
• Birdmonster (a blogger favorite) rocks.
• What "rocked" your summer? Let me know... if you've got a mix online leave a comment. I'd love to check it out and I'll amend this post with a link to your mix. Seriously.
  
• I don't have pictures of Tom and Katie's baby, sorry.
• I've got 2 local bands on this mix. They're both pretty obvious. I wanted to include more... sorry. Yes, I'm talking to you, White Light Riot.
• As I'm typing this, I already want to change at least 2 tunes.
• I've been "Lost In Boston" before...
• Skateboarding is not a crime.
• My second choice for the name of this mix: "Fuck, I hate mowing my lawn mix 2006".
  
• Turn the songs up. The mix is best enjoyed at high volume.
  
• And yeah... Jack White is a genius.
  

RnR Star Summer Mix 2006 CD 1
download full CD 1 as .zip

01: Youth Group - Forever Young
02: Art Brut - Formed A Band
03: Hot Chip - Boy From School
04: Phoenix - Long Distance Call
05: Ghostface Killah - Shakey Dog
06: The Alarmists - She Will Love Again (Hey Kid)
07: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cheated Hearts
08: The Walkmen - Lost In Boston
09: Sia - Breathe Me (Ulrich Schnauss Remix)
10: Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye
11: Razorlight - America
12: Towers Of London - Fuck It Up
13: Regina Spektor - On The Radio
14: Birdmonster - 'Cause You Can
15: Husky Rescue - Summertime Cowboy
16: The Cribs - The Wrong Way To Be
17: Cansei De Ser Sexy - Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above
18: Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place (Josh Wink Remix)

RnR Star Summer Mix 2006 CD 2
download full CD 2 as .zip

01: Sound Team: Movie Monster
02: Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
03: Prototypes - Danse Sur La Merde
04: Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push
05: Lily Allen - Smile
06: The Knife - Heartbeats (Rex The Dog Remix)
07: The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes
08: Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch
09: Band Of Horses - The Funeral
10: The Strokes - Heart In A Cage
11: We Are Scientists - Can't Lose
12: Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
13: Primal Scream - Country Girl
14: Pet Shop Boys feat. Elton John - In Private (Stuart Crichton Club Mix)
15: The Rakes - 22 Grand Job
16: Spank Rock - Bump
17: Dirty Pretty Things - Deadwood
18: Tapes 'n Tapes - Jakov's Suite
19: Arctic Monkeys - A Certain Romance

As always, if you like the artists, please support them: Buy the CDs and go to the shows. I do. Thanks for reading my blog.

Note: I have one more very personal and emotional post coming up before I leave for Europe. I haven't done one of these in quite a while... Stay tuned.

- Steve

Danse, danse, danse

You know I love Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy". The following is quickly becoming my other favorite "danse" tune of the summer:

mp3: Prototypes - Danse Sur La Merde A+

Do check out more tunes from Prototypes (yes, they're French):

Protypes Website
Protoypes MySpace
Their US Label: Minty Fresh Website
Their US Label: Minty Fresh MySpace

Other stuff I found interesting:

> Mark these local shows down on your calendar:

Kasabian - 10/5/06 Fine Line Music Cafe
YouTube: Kasabian - "Empire"

Amy Millan (Stars, BSS) - 9/29/06 Turf Club
YouTube: Amy Millan - "Baby I"

> Borat's MySpace

"I want meet nice western girlies for chitchat and sexytime - preference lady with yellow hairs, with plough experience and little or no history of retardation in family. I would like to meet you and make romance inside you."

> I wish Razorlight would tour with Kasabian. Come on, Razorlight & Keane on tour... that's just plain wrong.

mp3: Razorlight - America
YouTube: Razorlight - "In The Morning"

> Create fake concert tickets.

> Perhaps the City Pages' new music editor can tell me what happened to my "Picked to Click" ballot?!

> MP3 bloggers and peeps involved in the music-biz should check out the Elbo.ws Music Blogger Community.

> Silversun Pickups played an amazing gig here with the Alarmists recently, and:

On The Current
On WOXY 8/9/06 (So Much Silence)
Live in Chicago
An Ode To Silversun Pickups

> Stop whispering, start crunking.

> Dirty Pretty Things were on David Letterman last night, and:

live in NYC
live in Chicago
YouTube: Dirty Pretty Things - I Get Along - Bowery Ballroom
YouTube: More Dirty Pretty Things live

> David Letterman on Monday: "Danger Mouse, always a pleasure!" made my roommate and I laugh out loud.

> "Summer 2K6: It’s All Worldbeat To Me (compiled by DJ Adidas1)" is still up. Do check it out...

> And coz' I totally agree with Jax:



Have a nice day, I'm done.

Je m'entends...
- Steve

Silversun Pickups / The Alarmists / Fiasco & Wyatt live 8/12/06

Hope everybody had a nice weekend. Mine was pretty nice and mellow. Saturday kinda' rocked:

I started out the night with dinner @ Champps downtown hanging out with some friends to celebrate my buddy Matt's birthday. We had a great time. Loads of bachelorette parties dropping by there... good scenery to say the least.


(The Alarmists) Flickr photos / slideshow

After Champps we all had seperate plans. I headed over to 7th Street Entry around 10:15pm and got there just in time to watch The Alarmists. I missed the opening band Shoveldance, but they were kind enough to give me their EP so I'll definitely check them out again soon. The Alarmists seemed a bit nervous before starting their set, but by the middle of their first song were back to regular excellent form.


(Silversun Pickups) Flickr photos / slideshow

7th Street Entry had a great crowd and was almost sold-out. Seems that Shoveldance and The Alarmists had brought in quite a few fans. Silversun Pickups started punctually right around 11:30pm and opened with "Melatonin". They continued to race through their excellent debut album. My personal favorites were "Little Lover's So Polite" and "Lazy Eye".

As predicted, the volume was extremely high. Didn't help I practially stood on the stage. The band and audience really fed off each other. Guitarist/singer Brian Aubert has a lot of charisma and kept the audience amused by dropping "Purple Rain" references in-between songs. The energy was definitely there. Talking with the band afterwards they even told me that they felt this was one of their best shows on tour. Great stuff, check them out a venue near you soon.


(Silversun Pickups)

After hanging with The Alarmists and friends for a little while I decided I better go check out the Johnny Fiasco and Marques Wyatt DJ gig @ Foundation. I got there pretty late, around 1am, but I still managed to catch Johnny Fiasco on the turntables. I was pretty amazed by how tight his set was. The crowd was dancing up a storm. He even mixed in Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy". I don't go to a whole lot of electronica events, so I think I stood out there a little bit. Who else wears earplugs in a club? Yeah, I'm a dork... then again, I do like my hearing.


(Marques Wyatt, Johnny Fiasco, and Myself)
Flickr photos / slideshow

I met a really nice guy at the DJ gig who snapped some pictures and emailed them to me. All the Fiasco / Wyatt shots come courtesy of him, www.myspace.com/zoogarocha. Thanks again, buddy! Also, for all things DJ, and coming events check out MNVibe.


(Johnny Fiasco)

That about sums it up. Bar-close at 2AM downtown Minneapolis is still fucking insane. Fights, alcohol overdoses, people exposing themselves, etc... Entertaining to say the least, in a Girls Gone Wild or The Real World kind of way.

Slow week ahead for live-shows, I don't think I have any on the calendar. Kind of nice for a change, actually.

2 more things:

1) I met a really nice fellow music lover, Kate, at 7th Street Entry. She also has some great pictures of the Alarmists and Silversun Pickups.

2) I snapped some photos with David's camera for HowWasTheShow.com. Hope they turned out ok. I'm not used to working with actual decent equipment. Look for them on the site at some point soon.

Have a nice Monday.

- Steve

Weekend Spotlight: Silversun Pickups / The Alarmists etc...

Lots of good live music events happening in the Twin Cities this weekend:

Saturday 8/12/06 - First Avenue 7th Street Entry
Silversun Pickups / The Alarmists
$7.00 21+
The Alarmists are on @ 10:30pm

Silversun Pickups



LA's finest shoegazers have been getting rave live reviews on their current tour. Their debut album "Carnavas" just came out a couple of weeks ago and I really like it. Musically the band has been compared to everything from My Bloody Valentine to The Pixies to Smashing Pumpkins.

They feature big amps and big distorted guitars, so make sure you bring ear plugs kids!

mp3: Silversun Pickups - Melatonin
mp3: Silversun Pickups - Little Lover's So Polite
mp3: Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye

Silversun Pickups Website
Silversun Pickups MySpace

The Alarmists



I've posted on my favorite local boys before. Numerous times. They're currently in the studio recording the follow-up to their excellent debut "A Detail Of Soldiers". Easily one of my favorite CDs of 2006. They really shine in their live performances, so come check them out.

If you have plans Saturday, they're also playing at The Hexagon Bar tonight with Ouija Radio, and The Debut. Even better, there's no cover.

mp3: The Alarmists - Some Things Never Stop
mp3: The Alarmists - She Will Love Again (Hey Kid)

The Alarmists Website
The Alarmists MySpace

Other cool stuff this weekend:

> Low Lustre is playing their final Minneapolis gig before moving to NYC:



Saturday 8/12/06 - 400 Bar
Low Lustre / White Elephant / Michael Morris
$7.00 - 21+
8:00pm

We'll miss them. Best of luck in the big apple boys!

mp3: Low Lustre - Dancing Blind

> For all you electronica/DJ fans out there:



Saturday 8/12/06 - Foundation
OM 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Marques Wyatt & Johnny Fiasco
Free before 11pm, $5.00 after 11pm 21+

Easily my roommate Brian's favorite DJ label. Speaking of my roommate, he gave me his "Summer 2K6" mixtape to post. Look for it later today or in the next couple of days. I've sampled it, and wow, it will blow your mind...

mp3: Uneaq - Only U (Johnny Fiasco Dub)

> And of course, can't forget about this:



Friday 8/11/06 - First Avenue
Wu-Tang Clan / I-Self Devine
$35.00 18+

mp3: Ghostface Killah Feat. Wu-Tang Clan - 069 Milli Bros.

Check the HowWasTheShow calendar for more great events.

I don't care what anybody says, but I like these girls.

I'm outta' here. Happy birthday Matt! Have a great weekend!

- Steve