At the moment, I’m writing what seems to be a never-ending entry to update the site. However, seeing as how most of the shows I’m writing about will begin in less than three hours, I’ve decided to jump ship a bit and write you a short notice about four duly important shows:
Show Numero Uno:
HARLEM SHAKES, THE DEAD ‘60s PLAY MERCURY LOUNGE.
According to the never-hyperbolic NME, The Dead ‘60s “are absolutely unlike anything else the city [Scouse] has ever produced.” Sarasmile of LARS says that they sound like a cheap imitation of Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. Is “Riot Radio” catchy? Yeah, in a Kidz Bop kind of way. But are they talented, as either songwriters or musicians? No.
So why should you go to the Mercury Lounge tonight? People, that question doesn’t even deserve to be answered. So The Dead ‘60s prove once again that the 1960s are dead. But the HARLEM SHAKES will prove to you that dance-inducing pop/rock is alive and well in the City of New York.
I had the great chance to see the band perform amidst the hallowed halls of the Metropolitan a couple of weeks ago. And let me tell you, they were a work of art [terrible pun intended]. Despite the handicap of having cavernous acoustics, the Harlem Shakes rocked the college crowd heartily, tweaking their old favorites and blasting out some great new ones.
EPs are out on the market, so be sure to pick one up at tonight’s show. And trust me on this one: give the Harlem Shakes a studio and an opening gig on a tour (say Phantom Planet, for whom they opened at the Knit recently) and you will earn your investment back in about two months tops. This band is going to be huge. Period. Cut the hype and pass the mic, Lexy and the gang are hitting the Lounge tonight for your listening pleasure.
The Dead ‘60s: Riot Radio Video
Harlem Shakes website
Show Numero Dos:
COKE DICK, MORNING THEFT play Crash Mansion.
So Coke Dick may not be the best moniker for clash City rockers, MADISON STRAYS. But their show will more than make up for the fact you’re supporting a band who favors nose candy and the pole. The Strays’ sound is well-established in New York, and their “Last Train” has been all over the place since its release. The band’s blend of electro-pop and shoegazer mentality have edged them into some nice company, notably their bill-sharers, Morning Theft.
MORNING THEFT don’t necessarily explore unknown terrain. But their take on modern pop is nicely mellow and melodic. There’s never been a point where I haven’t enjoyed listening to such tunes as “Horses & Hand Grenades”. Let’s just hope that the Madison Strays don’t blow the wad on the sound system at Crash Mansion for MT’s soft-spoken croonings.
Coke Dick/Madison Strays-Last Train
Morning Theft-Living With Your Ghost
Show Numero Tres:
THE FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES play Rothko.
Man oh man, has “Run To Her” turned into a NYC anthem. The song is so damn catchy it’s like an audible version of LES herpes. The band itself has more charisma than a Frank Sinatra convention. And of course, the set list itself is chock full of easy-listening rock n’ roll. There’s nothing earth-shattering about the Heroes. But they’re extremely enjoyable to watch and listen to. Plus, as many have noted previously, the chances of you picking up a hot and drunken Urban Outfitter are very high at their shows. So run to the bastion of independent rock shows, Rothko, tonight to see THE FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES.
[This is also one of your last chances to see the band before they get annihilated in the independent press for playing with The Bravery next Monday at Irving Plaza. A shame really, I probably would have booked them with a band more like Louis XIV].
The Five O’Clock Heroes download page
Show Numero Quatro:
CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH play Maxwells.
Just in case you’re stuck in Jersey tonight (or conversely, in the off chance you actually want to go to the armpit state), make sure you go to Maxwells to catch another up-and-coming band, CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH. Along with the Harlem Shakes, CYHSY is my choice for prolonged greatness. Their take on My Blood Valentine-esque symphonic pop is fantastic and original. The lead singer’s vocals are appropriately nasal, conveying the band’s emotional outsider mentality. Songs like “Home On Ice” and “Details Of The War” concentrate on delicately echoing guitars, and each succeed in achieving that rare mix of listener-friendliness and fruitful art. Though I haven’t seen the band live yet, I can all but guarantee they’ll be as rocking as their song output. Songs of this emotional depth can’t possibly be written by square performers. Maxwells. Be there or be square.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah-Home On Ice
Quick note before Rock Photos: Just to keep you in the know, the LARS Fresh and Classic music pages have been and will continue to be updated with the latest releases. Personally, I find them a fun procrastination tool; who doesn't want to gaze blankly at cool cover art for a solid half hour instead of doing work?
Rock Photos:
The Harlem Shakes rock the Met. Courtesy of Sarasmile’s shutter. (F/t Lexy on vocals, Ian on guitar, Brent on skins and Kendrick on keys. Dear Jose isn't featured but still kicks ass on the bass).
And last but not least, a piece of art recently featured in boldtype, a subsidiary of Flavorpill Productions. It was designed by Chéri Samba, an African artist whose work is part of an exhibit titled “Africa Remix: Contemporary Art Of A Continent” at the Centre Georges Pompidou.
“Collège de la Sagesse” [College Of Wisdom] (2004) by Cheri Samba.
A cruel wind/That blows down to our lunacy/And leaves him/Standing cold here in this colony-S.
