The English space-rock band Spiritualized has been making lush, atmospheric music since its debut, Lazer Guided Melodies, came out in 1992. Despite several personnel changes over the years, the group—guided by frontman Jason Pierce (J. Spaceman)—has continued to produce quality albums, including the much acclaimed Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space, which features a gospel choir plus Dr. John on one track. Why bring up a disc that came out in 1997? Great question: Because as part of SPIN25, Spiritualized (above, playing the dreamy “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space”) will perform the LP in its entirety with a choir and orchestra on Friday at Radio City Music Hall. And how can you top that?
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Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 M.I.A. Plays Governors Island on Saturday
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
M.I.A., born Maya Arulpragasam, is a talented and controversial, singer, songwriter, rapper, producer, fashion designer and visual artist. She was born in London, but moved around as a child. In the U.S., her career really took off with the smash hit “Paper Planes,” off her second album. The former Bed-Stuy resident now lives in Brentwood, Calif., outside L.A., with her husband and son. But despite residing in the suburbs, this music superstar is no less outspoken. And with the release of her third disc, Maya, M.I.A. (above, playing “Born Free” on Late Show with David Letterman) makes her only scheduled U.S. appearance this Saturday at the South Island Field at Governors Island. As part of the HardNYC event, Die Antwoord, Skream, Benga, Rye Rye, Sleigh Bells, Theophilus London, Borgore, Destructo, 12th Planet, Nguzunguzu and Ninjasonik will also be performing.
See Arcade Fire in Person or on Your Computer
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010Arcade Fire sent over this trailer for their upcoming YouTube live stream of their August 5th show at Madison Square Garden as part of the AmEx Unstaged series. It’s an extravagant production for such a short clip, featuring sparklers, Win and Regine puppets and most important, part of the song “Rococo,” from the band’s upcoming album, The Suburbs. Arcade Fire also plays the Garden on August 4th.
Nappy Roots Play the Late Show
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
In 1995 six guys from Western Kentucky University formed the Southern hip-hop group Nappy Roots. They got their start making music at a local record shop/recording studio and soon enough, their debut disc, Country Fried Cess, came out in 1998. Watermelon, Chicken and Gritz, most notable for the hit single “Po’ Folks,” followed in 2002. They’ve since released two more albums, and their most recent—and second as a quintet—The Pursuit of Nappyness, dropped in June. Check out their new tunes and get your weekend started right when Nappy Roots (above, in their TV show reel) play the late show on Friday night at Mercury Lounge.
Eyedea & Abilities Play the Late Show
Friday, July 16th, 2010
Eyedea & Abilities were just a couple of friends in Minneapolis before they decided to link up as an MC (Eyedea)/DJ (Abilities) pair while still in high school. They got some well-deserved recognition in the underground hip-hop world following the release of two abstract, introspective albums, First Born and E&A, in 2001 and 2004 respectively. After several years spent working on their own sounds, they reunited on 2009’s By the Throat, which delves into the world of rock. Check them out when Eyedea & Abilities (above, doing “Burn Fetish”) hit Mercury Lounge tomorrow night for the late show.
Caribou Plays The Beach at Governors Island for Free
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Canadian electronic musician Dan Snaith began his career under the name Manitoba, and his debut EP, People Eating Fruit, came out in 2000. But despite releasing more material under the same moniker, a lawsuit forced him to make a switch. So following a move to London, Snaith, like a, well, caribou rising from the ashes, emerged as Caribou. His most recent albums, Andorra and Swim, have earned him much praise. The talented multi-instrumentalist and composer—who also happens to hold a Ph.D. in mathematics—plays live with a full band, which you can see for yourself when as part of the Gone to Governors series, Caribou (above, performing “Odessa” for Channel 4’s Music on 4) plays for FREE tomorrow night at The Beach at Governors Island with electro-rock duo Phantogram and the psychedelic the Chain Gang of 1974 opening.
FERRY INFORMATION
We encourage everyone to come early and enjoy The Beach. Governors Island ferries will run from the Battery Maritime Building until 5:30 p.m. If you are on the island early, please make sure to get yourself to The Beach by 5:30 p.m., when concert wristbands will be available. After 5:30 p.m., ferries will depart regularly from the north end of the Battery Maritime Building, which is easily accessible from the 1, 2/3, J/Z, R/W and A/C subway lines.
See Small Black Tomorrow Night
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010Singer and multi-instrumentalist Josh Kolenik was living in Portland, Ore., when someone suggested using Small Black as a band name. He remembered that upon returning to Long Island. And once there, Kolenik and a musician friend, Ryan Heyner, headed to Kolenik’s uncle’s attic and began recording dreamy pop songs. Their self-titled EP came out last fall, and after rounding out their live sound with Jeff Curtin and Juan Pieczanski, the Brooklyn band began to play live shows. A debut LP is on the horizon, and Small Black (above, performing “Despicable Dogs” for the Tripwire)—with Beach Fossils— plays Mercury Lounge tomorrow night.
Lucero Hits The Beach at Governors Island (Plus a Free MP3)
Friday, July 9th, 2010
Lucero, out of Memphis, has been expertly combining country with punk and rock since 1998. They’re as much known for their red-hot live shows as for frontman Ben Nichols’ raspy, evocative growl. And the best news is, as part of the Gone to Governors series, Lucero (above, playing “I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight” for Fuel TV) is playing for FREE tomorrow night at The Beach at Governors Island.
And as an added bonus, Converse, the Gone to Governors sponsor, is offering you a free MP3 download of “All Summer,” featuring Kid Cudi, Rostam, of Vampire Weekend, and Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, here.
Governors Island Ferry Information Update
We encourage everyone to come early and enjoy The Beach. If you are on the island before the show tomorrow, get to The Beach venue by 5:30 p.m., as concert wristbands will be distributed earlier. Governors Island ferries will run from the Battery Maritime Building until 5:30 p.m. There will be no boats to the concert departing from the Battery Maritime Building after 5:30 p.m. Dedicated concert ferries will depart after 5:30 p.m. from Pier 11, located at the corner of South Street and Wall Street in lower Manhattan. Wristbands will be distributed at the ferry departure point on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Cass McCombs Hits The Bowery Ballroom Tomorrow
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Cass McCombs is a California kid who eventually made his way to the East Coast. Although he spent quite a bit of time traveling the country, at one point the talented singer-songwriter settled in Baltimore and recorded his debut EP, Not the Way, released in 2002. Since then, he’s headed back to his home state and has put out four LPs of funny, poppy and dark music—the most recent of which, Catacombs, came out last year. And now Cass McCombs (above, playing “That’s That” on KCRW), along with Lightspeed Champion and Melanie Moser & the Eleventh Hour Band, comes to The Bowery Ballroom tomorrow night.
Two Nights of the Latin Alternative Music Conference
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
The Latin Alternative Music Conference, which is geared toward the marketing of Spanish-language alternative music, is going on now through this Saturday. Sure, the LAMC provides plenty of networking opportunities, but even better, there’s lots of great music and all different types. Tonight, Mercury Lounge features Chico Mann (below, playing “Anima”), San Pascualito Rey, Furland, Los Punsetes and Maleco Collective. And tomorrow, The Bowery Ballroom hosts Mexican Institute of Sound, La Bien Querida, Isa GT, Los Rakas and Moderatto. Fight these hot nights with cool music.
Happy Fifth of July!
Monday, July 5th, 2010We’re still trying to get our fireworks back, and we will return tomorrow. Enjoy your three-day weekend. Happy birthday, America!
Free Music in the Sand This Weekend
Friday, July 2nd, 2010With sunny skies ahead all weekend long, you’ll want to spend some quality time outdoors beneath the sun and stars, which works out perfectly since we’ve got two great FREE shows for you—one during the day and one at night—at The Beach at Governors Island this weekend.
SATURDAY
Tomorrow, the very cool experimental-rock band Portugal. The Man (above, performing “People Say” for Fuel TV) and badass Brooklyn blues-rockers Alberta Cross hit the stage as the first part of the Gone to Governors one-two Fourth of July weekend punch.
Governors Island Ferry Information Update
We encourage everyone to come early and enjoy The Beach. If you are on the island before the show tomorrow, get to The Beach venue by 5:30 p.m., at which time concert wristbands will be distributed. Governors Island ferries will run from the Battery Maritime Building until 5:30 p.m. There will be no boats to the concert departing from the Battery Maritime Building after 5:30 p.m. Dedicated concert ferries will depart after 5:30 p.m. from Pier 11, located at the corner of South Street and Wall Street in lower Manhattan. Wristbands will be distributed at the ferry departure point on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 5:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
Before you head out to see the fireworks on Sunday night, start Fourth of July with your feet in the sand while checking out Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward’s She & Him (above, playing “In the Sun” on Late Show with David Letterman)—with Brooklyn’s Oakley Hall opening. This is a day show and The Beach opens at 10 a.m.—so come out and get your holiday started early. Please check here on Sunday for this show’s ferry information.
Northside Festival Starts Today
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Get ready for a flurry of indie rock in Brooklyn this weekend because The L Magazine’s second annual Northside Festival, today through Sunday, brings more than 100 bands to Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Of course you know The Bowery Presents is gonna get in on that, beginning tonight at Music Hall of Williamsburg with Thao and Mira with the Most of All and These United States. Tomorrow brings the Woodsist Records Showcase featuring Real Estate and Woods to Music Hall of Williamsburg while Brooklyn Bowl hosts the Fiery Furnaces (below, playing “Keep Me in the Dark” for Seattle’s KEXP), who will also be at Mercury Lounge the next night. On Saturday, Music Hall plays host to a Brooklyn Vegan showcase, with Memory Tapes, Twin Sister, Dom and ZAZA on hand. And, finally, close out this festival in style on Sunday when Islands hits Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Win Free Tickets to See Hole on 6/25
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010Don’t call it a comeback because Courtney Love has been here for years. But her band’s fourth album (and first in 12 years), Nobody’s Daughter, came out this past April, and now Hole (above, playing “Skinny Little Bitch” on Late Show with David Letterman) is hitting The Wellmont Theatre on Friday. Want to try to win tickets? Fill out the form below, listing your name, e-mail address, which show you’re trying to win tickets to (Hole, 6/25) and a brief message explaining why you deserve a free night out on The Bowery Presents. The winner will be notified by Friday.
Five Questions with…Chris “Critter” Eldridge
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
Punch Brothers Photo by C. Taylor Crothers
After the breakup of Nickel Creek, mandolin badass Chris Thile gathered some seriously talented musicians, Chris “Critter” Eldridge (guitar), Paul Kowert (bass), Noam Pikelny (banjo) and Gabe Witcher (violin), and formed the progressive-bluegrass outfit Punch Brothers. Their first album, Punch, came out two years ago while their second disc, Antifogmatic, is just a week old, and its accompanying tour brings Punch Brothers—below, playing “This Is the Song (Good Luck),”—to Music Hall of Williamsburg tomorrow night. Expect original material with some cool covers (think: Radiohead and the Strokes) in the mix. Ahead of this show, Brooklyn resident Critter (pictured, above far right) e-mailed The House List to answer Five Questions.
Which band have you seen play live the most often (excluding bands you’ve toured with)?
It’s hard to say, but when I lived in Nashville I used to always go to the Station Inn to see the Time Jumpers, an old-school Western swing/classic country group. I am convinced that they are one of the greatest bands in the world.
Which bands that you listened to growing up do you still listen to?
Since both of my parents are banjo players, bluegrass is the music that I was surrounded by during my childhood. Probably because of that, I wanted nothing to do with it for years. However, lately I feel that I can learn a lot by hearing how direct really good bluegrass, like Bill Monroe or the Stanley Brothers, can be.
What’s the toughest part of playing New York City?
This city has been one of the world’s epicenters of great art and music for a long time, which can be intimidating. But ultimately it is actually a good thing because it absolutely demands that you dig deep and pull the very best out of yourself. A disproportionate number of best shows that I’ve been a part of have taken place here.
Do you have any crutches when writing a song—are there certain words or styles you feel you lean on too much?
I do have a crutch in that I have four great musical minds that I get to develop musical ideas with. If ever I have an idea that seems worthwhile but I can’t figure out how to proceed, they always have a good solution.
Your after-party is at Hi-Fi, the Avenue A bar known for its endless jukebox, and The House List gives you a buck. Which three songs are you playing?
“Move It on Over” by Hank Williams Sr., “The Curse” by Josh Ritter and, finally, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” by the Band. —R. Zizmor
Double Down with Ryan Leslie
Monday, June 21st, 2010Don’t take this the wrong way, but Ryan Leslie is smarter than you are. He aced the SATs, getting a perfect score, when he was just 14 and then graduated from Harvard at 19. Leslie has gone on to become a successful, producer, rapper, singer and multi-instrumentalist (all documented on his YouTube channel). He’s written and produced for Beyoncé, Britney Spears and New Addition while still finding time to put out a few of his own singles and mixtapes. As if he weren’t busy enough with that, Leslie released two albums, Ryan Leslie and Transition, last year. Recently, he was in Europe touring in support of Ne-Yo, but now he’s back in the US, previewing music from his next album, Les Is More, at The Bowery Ballroom tomorrow and Wednesday.
One Last Chance to See Isis
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
The post-metal L.A.-based band Isis has deftly balanced ambience and aggression since originally forming in Boston in 1997. The quintet has released five studio albums, including last year’s Wavering Radiant. And last month they announced plans to retire at the end of this tour. Fittingly, the band’s final show—a week from today—will be played in the same city as their first gig, Montreal. Kind of a bummer, right? Well the good news is that Isis and the Melvins are playing two shows in NYC this weekend. Saturday’s show at Music Hall of Williamsburg is already sold out, but you can still see Isis (above, in the studio for the Wavering Radiant sessions) one last time on Friday at Webster Hall.
© 2010
