Twin Sister @ Monkeytown

Yesterday was quite the day for me music-wise. I interviewed Marc of Nouvelle Vague, went to their awesome show at Webster Hall (more on that later this week when I have time to get all the pictures uploaded and the video interview together) and then headed out to Williamsburg to check out Twin Sister at Monkeytown.

Apparently, they all met at a house party in the early 2000's. Many of them were in different bands at the time, that all played at this house party. A friend of mine also happened to be at that party, and that's how I ended up in Williamsburg last night to check them out. This same friend told me - nay, promised me - that they would blow me away. Unfortunately, when people set things up like that, they rarely end up living up to expectations (also part of the reason I don't like Harry Potter or Star Wars).

While I was definitely not blown away, I did enjoy the show. They're the Michael Cera of bands - they're hip (but not too hip) and lovable but a little awkward in an endearing/adorable way. Also like Michael Cera, though, I think they may find themselves having trouble breaking out from their hipster niche audience. Then again, there are a lot of hipsters in the world (as evidenced in looking at the cramped audience / staff of Monkeytown) and their music is actually good. It's catchy, laid-back rock (fairly perfect for the space at Monkeytown if only there were a better sound system). I really like lead-singer Andrea Estella's voice - it is effortless and pleasant. In fact, I think that's a good way to describe most of their music - simple and enjoyable (again, kinda like Michael Cera). Definitely a band to watch. Oh and you can download their whole EP for free on their website.

I Want A House [mp3]

Reminder! First GFP showcase Dec. 5th!

Here's a reminder that our first ever Guilt Free Pleasures showcase is THIS SATURDAY, Dec. 5th, here in Brooklyn:

Dec. 5th - 7:30pm doors, 8pm show - $5

An intimate night of folk/alt-country performances at a private art space in Brooklyn, NY, hosted by Guilt Free Pleasures (www.gfpmusic.com) and featuring:

MATT JONES (MI)
Matt Jones immediately sets himself apart from the other throngs of singer-songwriters with his rich, dark but whimsical orchestral folk; his nimble-fingered guitar plucking; his unique, delicate voice; and lyrics that are some of the most deeply expressive, complex metaphors of his generation. Mesmerizing from his very first notes, the initial attraction quickly turns into full blown addiction and people have been known to use the word "genius" to describe him.

Waltzing with Lady Dawn [mp3]

THE REVEREND JOHN DELORE
The Reverend John Delore is Americana at its best. His blues-tinged alt-country rumbles with wistful tales of yearning. His gritty vocals have been likened to those of Hayes Carll, Mason Jennings and Steve Earle. Don't be surprised if his music instantly transports you to a Southern dive bar in the 1970s.

Take A Ride [mp3]

DRUNKEN BARN DANCE
Drunken Barn Dance's raw ruckus folk rolls with unbridled honesty and without subterfuge, yet is catchy as hell. Sharing many attributes with the folk legends of old, it's impossible not to enjoy this incredibly relatable and often nostalgic music.

The secret location is revealed to those who RSVP via email.

**Specialty bar**

$3 Yuenglings

Homemade beer

Drinks that require fire extinguishers...

& food will be available for sale.

Stay for the after party and s'mores (it also happens to be my birthday and I would love to celebrate it with fellow music lovers!)

Chris Garneau is weird

Chris Garneau is bizarre. Quite bizarre indeed. But, coming from me, that's typically a compliment. In this case, it definitely is. In fact, I'm about to compare him to basically my two favorite artists of all time: it's like the orchestral and vocal whimsy of Matt Jones meets the dark, playful, genre-bending cabaret of Amanda Palmer. For example, in the third track from his sophomore LP, El Radio, which came out in July, entitled "Dirty Night Clown" (yes that is the real title of the song) despite its fanciful tone (it even has the word "cup-y-cakes" in it), it's also really dark and it continues to get darker and darker as the song goes on, with the lyrics like "let them be buried, buried alive... in their suits, in their ties." I would say that dark but whimsical - rascally maybe - is a good way to describe most of the album.

Granted, not all his songs are strange for you readers who don't have quite the "weird" taste in music that I've been told I have. Quite a few of Chris' songs are quite simple, elegant and pretty sounding, like "Hands on the Radio." Of course, these are the ones I typically like the least.

Here is a video for another of my favorites from the album, "Fireflies" (and the mp3 is below). I don't love the video all that much, but it certainly is weird and seems to fit the song well.

Fireflies [mp3] - (iTunes)

P.S. My apologies for having a YouSendIt download link instead of a streamable download link. Our usual uploading service seems to be on the fritz today.

A Fine Frenzy @ Gramercy Theatre

I have to admit, I kind of thought A Fine Frenzy was overrated. I liked her and all, but I felt like I know so many people who are head-over-heels in love with her and I just didn't get the obsession.

On Wednesday night though, all that changed. I went to see her perform at the Gramercy Theatre and consider me converted. A Fine Frenzy (aka Alison Sudol) is a spectacular performer. First off, I felt like her voice was so much more dynamic and powerful than it sounds on her albums (not that she sounds bad on her albums, but there I just thought she had more strength and richness to her voice live). She's also a very dynamic performer - full of expression (hence I took something like 58 pictures during her set). I never thought comparisons to Regina Spektor were all that apt before, but at least in terms of performing I can see it now. The red hair, her adorable smile, the fullness of her emotion (I seriously thought she was going to start crying during some of those heartfelt ballads), her humble air (she seemed to grateful to be there and so giddy from the sizeable audience's applause). She's the whole package - humble yet diva-esque, cute and sexy, and the girl is a pretty good dancer too. She shook it on several occasions.

I think my favorite part of the show was when she covered Blondie's "Heart of Glass." That was the first time we got to see a glimpse of her sexy side (though it came out many times during the rest of the show) and she just seemed like she was having so much fun, as did the audience. And of course there were all her crowd favorites like Almost Lover (there were some really adorable audience-singing-along moments during that one), The Minnow & The Trout (not a good song for Creationists but a favorite for heathens like me), You Picked Me, etc. It was definitely one of the best concerts I've been to all year and I definitely recommend you go see her if you have the opportunity. She's still has lots of tour dates left (see below). And here's some more pictures:

A Fine Frenzy @ The Gramercy Theatre

11/02/2009 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA
11/04/2009 - Park West - Chicago, IL
11/05/2009 - Fine Line Music Cafe - Minneapolis, MN
11/09/2009 - Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room - Seattle, WA
11/10/2009 - Wonder Ballroom - Portland, OR
11/12/2009 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA
11/13/2009 - The Boardwalk - Orangevale, CA
11/15/2009 - Martini Ranch - Scottsdale, AZ
11/17/2009 - El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
11/18/2009 - House of Blues Anaheim - Anaheim, CA

Oh, and I should probably mention that Landon Pigg was one of the openers, but I only caught the tale end of his set, so I don't feel I can really write much about it. I liked the number about Roller Derby (which I'm guessing was written because of his acting debut in Whip It). And I'd like to praise the Gramercy Theatre - it's a really nice venue and one of the few places I've been in the city who actually thinks lighting is an important part of the show (something we photographers very much appreciate).

The Minnow and The Trout [mp3] - (iTunes)

CMJ - These United States @ Pianos

On Wednesday during CMJ I caught These United States at Pianos. The DC-based five-piece played a rockin' set that had the whole audience moving and grooving to their velvety, slide-guitar-laden Americana. Everyone seemed in good spirits, particularly lead singer Jesse Elliot, who was much more talkative between songs than the last few times I've seen them. It was a rather short set, but the show was a lot of fun. Jesse got down and danced in the audience for a minute or two toward the end. All in all, it was a jolly good time. A few more pictures:

I Want You to Keep Everything [mp3] - (iTunes)

700th post! (and CMJ - Fanfarlo at the Syndicate Party)

Wow! 700 posts... My baby is all grown up! It feels like just yesterday we hit a meager 100 posts... Ok, I'll stop that now. Anyway, on to some long overdue CMJ coverage!

I kicked off CMJ at The Syndicate Conflict of Interest party on Monday night at Rebel. All three floors were pretty packed by about 9pm, and I would like to give Syndicate major props for throwing a great event. The first band up was The Union Line. Despite their uber-hip(ster) facial hair, I really liked them a lot. Their music is supremely catchy while still maintaining their rough edges - two parts rambling/rumbling Americana and one part peppy Pop. And this is a tad bit of a tangent, the whole show I was wondering if the lead singer and the keyboard player were related and it turns out they are, so go me! Now here's the bigger question: twins? or just brothers? One of them having long hair makes it quite hard to tell...

Headlining the event was Fanfarlo, who I've recently become obsessed with and their show did not disappoint. They were very down-to-earth and chill but had this amazingly contagious positive energy. Their music is so lovely, but still catchy as hell. Lead singer Simon Balthazar has one of the most unique vocal timbres I think I've ever heard, I absolutely adore his voice. The whole place, audience included, was just vibing quite well and it was really a great concert experience. I left the show grinning, feeling like I was a part of something really special and wanting to listen to nothing but Fanfarlo.

Or maybe it was just the free tequila drinks... No, no, no. Fanfarlo definitely rocked my world and I wished I could've seen more of them. In fact, that was my one problem with the show. Fanfarlo's set was so short! And the other two bands (who I'm not going to say much about because I didn't really like either of them) before them played what felt like endless sets. I don't know if it was just the show running late or if they had planned to play such a sort set, but that was my one disappointment of the night. A few more pictures (special thanks to Laura for lending me her camera for the night):

 

 

Mama Don't Care [mp3] - The Union Line (iTunes)

Luna [mp3] - Fanfarlo (iTunes)

LA Love: Frankel

LA-based Frankel (real name: Michael Orendy) released his sophomore album, Anonymity is the New Fame, on Autumn Tone Records this year, on September 1st. Not only is the album title great but the record company's name is quite apt for this particular release I think, as it's the perfect album to usher in the Fall. The album is beautiful, calm and enjoyable, in a really understated, quiet way - very much like the cooling winds of Autumn, the winding down of Summer's excitement and preparation for winter. It really makes me want to curl up in a blanket with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. Listen and enjoy.

Faux Science [mp3] - (iTunes)

Bryan Scary & the Shredding Tears

If you are like me and wish you had been old enough to appreciate Queen in their time (or if you were old enough to be a die-hard Queen fan at the time), you should check out Bryan Scary & the Shredding Tears. Their piano-powered rock has the playful, theatrical and at times even epic qualities that Queen had. But don't worry, they've got their own sounds too, and it sounds like their subject matter is a little more sci-fi/fairytale based. It also sounds like they put on a spectacularly interesting show, so check out their tour dates below (more to come). And here's the new single from their upcoming Mad Valentine EP.
Tour Dates:
Sep 3 - U of Illinois (Courtyard Cafe) - Urbana, Illinois
Sep 4 - Spin- Indianapolis, Indiana
Sep 5 - Schubas - Chicago, Illinois
Sep 6 - Private Event -Milwuakee, Wisconsin
Sep 8 - Skull Alley - Louisville, Kentucky
Sep 12 - 92Y Tribeca - New York, New York

Andromeda's Eyes [mp3]

Lost in the Trees

Lost in the Trees is an orchestral indie pop/rock group from N. Carolina led by smooth-voiced Ari Picker. As a firm believer that variety is the spice of life, I find myself really digging this 10-piece band. Their music ranges from soft, sweet acoustic singer-songwriter type stuff to grand, dramatic orchestral overtures. Then there's also a few catchy rock 'n' roll numbers, like my favorite track, "Fireplace," from last year's album, All Alone in an Empty House.

Fireplace [mp3] - (iTunes)

EXCLUSIVE KaiserCartel behind-the-scenes video!!!

Today it is my pleasure to announce a new facet to the Guilt Free Pleasures blog - video! Since I am a filmmaker by occupation, I thought it was about time to put my skills to use here and I'm hoping to create one behind-the-scenes video each month. Our first video features Brooklyn duo KaiserCartel. I spent a few hours with them while they went about their day and put the finishing touches on some new songs, so here is an exclusive sneak peak at some new material and their song-writing process:

Season Song [mp3] - (iTunes)

Also, KaiserCartel is coming out with a 5-song EP on September 1st, so be on the lookout for that! Those in Minneapolis should catch their show THIS Thursday at the Bryant Lake Bowl. Details on their myspace.

White Rabbits and The Antlers

Thursday night White Rabbits and The Antlers played a sold out show at Bowery Ballroom. Sadly, I was unable to attend, but I still wanted to write a little bit about both bands, as they are both semi-new discoveries for me and they have quickly risen to stand amongst my favorite bands.

I have to admit, for a music blogger, I'm a little less proactive in seeking out new stuff than I probably should be. I get so much stuff sent to me now, and I have enough trouble going through that, that I just haven't really had the time. So, even though I apparently had a few songs by them in my iTunes that I didn't realize, the first time I really discovered White Rabbits was when their awesome music video for "Percussion Gun" was emailed to me a few weeks ago. Ever since, I've become completely obsessed. For the hour between receiving their music video and receiving their album, It's Frightening (came out May 19th) via email, I played the music video on repeat in the background of my computer and listened to the song over and over. Their album has been at the top of my playlist since that day. "Percussion Gun" is aptly named, but all of their songs are very percussion-driven and dramatic, making this a great album to listen to when you want to get pumped up about something. I can't believe I didn't know about them before a few weeks ago and I feel like my life was not complete before I found them.

Percussion Gun [mp3] - (iTunes)

I first discovered The Antlers when I was going to go see them perform at Music Hall of Williamsburg with Here We Go Magic in early April. I really liked their album Hospice after the first few listens, but I didn't enjoy their performance all that much - largely due to the environment, which wasn't really their fault. However, I didn't let MHOW get in the way of my feelings for The Antlers. I kept listening and Hospice quickly climbed the ladder to land amongst my favorite albums of the year. There is more tragedy in that one album than I would hope anyone has experienced in an entire lifetime, much less a guy of Pete Silberman's tender age, but the album is also full of such astonishing, heartbreaking beauty that I literally get chills. I normally only truly enjoy sad music when I'm in a sad mood, but I Hospice is so breathtaking that I find myself craving it all the time, even when I couldn't be merrier. The song below, Sylvia, is my favorite song on the album. I love the dramatic choruses contrasted with the quiet, timid verses (which perfectly fits what the song is about if you're listening to the lyrics closely). The Antlers recently signed to Frenchkiss Records and they will be re-releasing a remastered version of Hospice on August 18th. Honestly, I think it's pretty perfect as it is... 

 Sylvia [mp3] - (iTunes)

St. Vincent @ Webster Hall

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of seeing the immensely talented St. Vincent play at Webster Hall. Opening for her was Pattern is Movement, whom I had never heard before. They were... bizarre... but I always mean that in a good way. When the two lumberjack-looking men came onstage, I definitely did not expect the floating experimental music or dancing falsetto that came from them. They are really something else, so much so that I can't even really think of bands to compare them to. The vocals are kind of operatic and the music is dramatic, heavy, light, poppy, dark, and avant-garde all at the same time. It's what I imagine the soundtrack would be if Stan Brakhage were still alive and directed a modern rock opera, but happier. Can you tell I'm really having trouble describing it? They seemed to have a pretty decent fan-base at the show and they were pretty much the perfect openers for St. Vincent - very talented, weird and unique. I'm very glad to have found them to add to my music collection. The only downside of being right in front of the stage was that I was literally being assaulted by the bass drum, which got distracting. Since I had so much trouble describing it, though, take a listen for yourself (plus I found this great Beyonce cover).

Bird [mp3] - (iTunes)
Crazy In Love (Beyonce cover) [mp3]

St. Vincent was, of course, amazing as usual. She really is a virtuoso, playing complicated guitar parts and singing complex vocal lines with ease. Plus she's simultaneously gorgeous, adorable and a little goofy. She played mostly new stuff, and I will say that I'm sad she didn't play my two favorites ("Jesus Saves" and "Paris is Burning"). She did do a couple of old classics though, particularly for the encore. And she played all my favorites off her new album. She may have played almost the entire album, actually. The highlights for me are the darker numbers where she rocked out a bit, such as "Actor out of Work" and "Marrow." For those of you who haven't heard her new album, Actor (which came out May 5th), definitely check it out. At first I didn't love it as much as her last album, but it's definitely growing on me more and more. Now that I think about it, that's probably how her first album was too. I guess I'm just not quite genius enough to appreciate the album to its full extent without multiple listens. This album is supposed to be inspired by Prince, but I only hear that in a few songs really. Most of the album seems more whimsical and less dark than her last one. I think another thing is that I always love St. Vincent's music even more once I've seen her perform it live, because seeing her talent in person is so thrilling, so I am sure I will be obsessed with Actor within the next few days.

Actor Out Of Work [mp3] - (iTunes)

And in case I don't sound obsessed enough, here's tons of pictures as more proof.

Deli Magazine Show @ Southpaw

Hello from Minneapolis, where I have just arrived to some beautiful weather (suck it New York!)! Last night I had the privilege of attending one of the Deli Magazine Best of NYC Festival shows at South Paw in Brooklyn. It was a pretty phenomenal line-up, I have to say. While I missed most of the first act, Mia Riddle, I liked the little bit that I heard. Gotta love girl-powered folk rock. I'm sad that I didn't get to see more of them, but I'm sure I'll be seeing them around.

City Song [mp3] - (iTunes)

Next up was KaiserCartel, who I am unwittingly seeing twice in 4 days in two different cities. They're the real thing. What I mean by that is that they sound just as beautiful live (if not more) than on their recordings. Those harmonies literally gave me chills. Plus they seem like really down-to-earth, cool people (for their last song they got off the stage and came into the audience to "look into our eyes"). Even completely unplugged and wandering the audience, they sounded spectacular.

Okay [mp3] - (iTunes)

After KaiserCartel was April Smith and the Great Picture Show. I was blown away by her powerful voice and I loved her playful music. It seemed to me like she really had a lot of fun writing and performing it, and her music combined all sorts of genre and time period influences - jazz, waltz, showtunes (seriously, this girl should be on Broadway, I can totally see her in Chicago or something), pop, doo-wop, and more. Plus I really like her style and she seems like a really sweet girl.

Wow and Flutter [mp3] - (iTunes)

The last act I managed to catch (I wanted to stick around for Lowry but it was just too late and I had to get up super early for my flight to Minneapolis) was Elizabeth & the Catapult, who have just come out with their first full-length, label-backed album, Taller Children. On a total tangent, if you google them, their extension on CD baby is "eatcatapult," which makes me giggle. But back to the show. Elizabeth is adorable. Her smile totally lights up the room and she her voice always sounds at ease. She seemed really grateful to be there. She even baked the audience cookies (though they were gone by the time she announced this so I missed out on that... sadness...). And I love Taller Children. It really resonates with me right now, as I am entering the adult world (and dreading it). I think most people can really relate to being in this stage of life that is really a duality. The music reflects this as it alternates between youthful/playful and serious/sober/nostalgic. Check back soon for an exclusive interview with the band!

Taller Children [mp3] - (iTunes)

More pictures HERE.

Beast

Yet another example of all the amazing things that come out of Canada: Beast is a duo from Montreal consisting of Betty Bonifassi and Jean-Phi Goncalves and I'm pretty sure that they made their self-titled debut album just for me. It has everything I could ever want in an album - dark but sexy electronic rock 'n' roll that's great to dance to with a taste of funk, a lot of drama, tantalizing vocals, and enough variety in their sound to keep me listening through the whole album. There's electronica, rock, rap, gospel, funk, r&b... They utilize many genres, and still manage to create a very cohesive sound. To sum it up: the album is bad ass. I can totally see it as the soundtrack for a sexy action movie.

Tracklisting:
1. Devil
2. Finger Prints
3. Microcyte
4. Interlude 1
5. Mr. Hurricane [mp3]
6. Out of Control
7. Ashtray
8. Dark Eyes
9. City
10. Arrow
11. Interlude 2
12. Satan

Purchase "Beast" on iTunes

new Metric album: Fantasies

The new Metric album, Fantasies, is out today. I've been listening to it on repeat for the last couple days and watching the videos (see below). Emily Haines is my new girl talent crush I think. She has this ability to write songs that are all at once dark rock 'n' roll, catchy pop and meaningful ballad. It's upbeat music with kind of nostalgic/melancholy undertones that tug at your heart strings. She is one of the rare people with the ability to really affect me emotionally while simultaneously causing the urge for me to dance, and I always feel as if she wrote her songs specifically for me because they are very relatable. The best part is that acoustic versions of the songs (see the videos in the widget below) sound just as good as the upbeat versions because the core of the songs are that well written. So far my favorite album of the year I think.

Tracklist:
1. Help I’m Alive
2. Sick Muse
3. Satellite Mind
4. Twilight Galaxy
5. Gold Guns Girls
6. Gimme Sympathy
7. Collect Call
8. Front Row
9. Blindness
10. Stadium Love

Stream the entire album (and watch cool videos) here:

Help I'm Alive (The Twelves Remix) [mp3] - (iTunes)

Ra Ra Riot @ Webster Hall

Saturday night I had the privilege to attend the closing show of Ra Ra Riot's headlining tour (now they go on tour with Death Cab). It was their biggest headlining show thus far - it took place at Webster Hall and it sold out. I was so excited for them, and it's been great watching them, and in turn their audience, grow since I first saw them play for a small audience at Studio B in August of 2007.

First up was Jon Moses, who I don't think was originally on the bill based on the fact that I never saw anything with his name on it besides the piece of paper on Webster Hall's front door. In fact, I can't seem to find anything about him anywhere so I'm kind of wondering if he even really exists. He seems like a sweet kid and he played some nice music, though it had a few too many hillbilly-yeehaw moments for my personal tastes, and I felt it distracted from the music because you couldn't help but laugh and most of the music was more somber than that.

Next up was the sexy New Zealand band, Cut Off Your Hands. I have to say, they rocked it. They had enough energy to power all of New York City, and their music had everyone dancing (or at least bopping along, as in some areas it was a bit too crowded to dance). These guys are exactly what all indie dance rock musicians should aspire to be: hot, hip and high-energy. They really nailed it and I know all the teen girls in the audience were drooling all over themselves (not that I wasn't, as well...). I also have to give props to Webster Hall and to Cut Off Your Hands because they took the stage exactly on time, which pretty much never happens.

Still Fond [mp3] (iTunes)

And then Ra Ra Riot came on, looking even more beautiful than usual. I mean, they're a pretty attractive bunch of people, but the girls were all glammed up and lead singer Wes Miles confessed to the audience that they'd all just gotten hair cuts. I can see why they'd want to dress to impress though, what with this being their biggest headlining show thus far. And it was a beautiful show, too. The lighting was beautiful, their music is always beautiful (they played all my favorites, plus a new song!). As I've said before when I've been to their shows, I love how they have fun together on stage. You really get a feel for them not just as band members, but as friends. They smile and laugh, they come nudge each other and play around. It makes you want to be on stage with them and sharing in the good times. It also makes you totally love them as much as they love each other. And this is totally random but I have to say Alexandra Lawn is the hottest cellist I've ever seen (and I'm a straight female). She's just gorgeous and she is the only person I've ever seen make playing the cello seem bad ass and glamorous at the same time - I love that she plays standing up and she can rock out or dance around accordingly.

Ghost Under Rocks [mp3] (iTunes)

More pictures HERE.

Meet Bridget Barkan

So last week I posted about an event that I was promoting, and at said event Bridget Barkan was one of the performers. I have to say, I was even more impressed than I expected to be. She has such a rich, powerful voice. Some of her songs are hauntingly beautiful and the ones that aren't are fun. Her voice shines in all of them, no matter what style of song. She is one of those performers who makes it look so easy. So many people would give just about anything to be able to sing like this girl (I know I would). Not to mention she's super sweet, gorgeous and engaging in between songs. By the end of her set, I promise you'll want to be BFFs with her. Definitely keep your eye out for her here in New York City. I wouldn't be surprised if she explodes onto the scene very suddenly, even though right now she seems to be flying kind of under the radar. You can keep up to date with her at her own newly started blog.

Bedside Lullaby [mp3]