The Head Set @ Pianos 10/28: The Game

The Saturday before Halloween, one of my favourite New York bands covered one of my favourite all time albums. It was outrageous.


For the past two Halloweens, The Head Set have performed a complete album by another group. Last year it was The Police and this year was Queen's The Game. Mike, the drummer, told me that they practiced for a month which really came through in their performance. As a certified Queen groupie, the songs were pretty spot on. Freddie would have been proud.


When I arrived to Pianos, the place was packed. I shoved my way through to somewhere in the middle and jumped around to 'A thing called love.'


The Head Set are one of those bands whom everyone loves, packs out a venue but inexplicably are not signed. Their talent is huge, their personalities wonderful and hey, they're not bad looking either.



As Matt said below, we also saw The Head Set at CMJ and during the show just kept turning to each other saying, 'Damn, these guys are good.' Come out to the record release party at the Annex on the 16th, you won't be sorry.

Posted on 7:01 PM / 0 comments / Read More

The Head Set @ Pianos 10/28: The Game

The Saturday before Halloween, one of my favourite New York bands covered one of my favourite all time albums. It was outrageous.


For the past two Halloweens, The Head Set have performed a complete album by another group. Last year it was The Police and this year was Queen's The Game. Mike, the drummer, told me that they practiced for a month which really came through in their performance. As a certified Queen groupie, the songs were pretty spot on. Freddie would have been proud.


When I arrived to Pianos, the place was packed. I shoved my way through to somewhere in the middle and jumped around to 'A thing called love.'


The Head Set are one of those bands whom everyone loves, packs out a venue but inexplicably are not signed. Their talent is huge, their personalities wonderful and hey, they're not bad looking either.



As Matt said below, we also saw The Head Set at CMJ and during the show just kept turning to each other saying, 'Damn, these guys are good.' Come out to the record release party at the Annex on the 16th, you won't be sorry.

Posted on 7:01 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Birdmonster & Ra Ra Riot & Division Day & The Head Set @ Sin-e (CMJ Day 5)

I would have to say that over the course of CMJ's 5 days, I saw some phenomenal acts. The Knife for starters, Pela rocked the hell outta B61 on Halloween, The Thermals really wowed me but it was Saturday afternoon's line-up at Sin-e that probably will go down as my favorite show of the festival. The show was put together by Rachel Underrated (kudos!) and was amazing.

The Head Set started the afternoon off around 1pm with a bevy of songs from their debut LP (to be released next week). We've seen them now a handful of times and each time we ask ourselves why they are not selling out shows at Bowery. I think that will change within the next 6 months, for sure. You can sample and download my personal favorite, "Hollywood" on their MySpace page.


The record release party is on 11/16 at The Annex (Stolen Transmission night). See ya there!

Next up was Division Day, straight outta Compton, or, err, LA.


Their set featured an appearance by Birdmonster frontman, Peter Arcuni, and was quite impressive. Their set may have been overshadowed by TMS staples Birdmonster and The Head Set, alongside our new crush, Ra Ra Riot, but we did truly love their set. We promise to give a better review their next visit!

Third band on the bill was Ra Ra Riot, a band we saw just 15 hours earlier at Studio B (see review a few posts down). Their set was just as exciting as the night before, despite it being almost identical in terms of setlist and energy. This is definitely a band to watch.


Already having had a session on much-loved WOXY, it's only a matter of time before Ra Ra Riot is the talk of the town. How awesome would it be if they co-headlined a tour with Ratatat? Just sayin...

Closing out the afternoon was one of my favorite new bands of the year, Birdmonster. I just can't get enough of them.


This show made the 3rd time I've seen the band over the last 5 months and they have never sounded more cohesive and intoxicating. I think what sets Birdmonster apart is their true love of the music they produce. It's obvious that they adore playing their songs live which in turn makes it feel so genuine.


Additionally, their songs are addicting as all hell.


The set featured much-requested but rarely-played 'Resurrection Song' and No Midnight heavyhitters 'Ice Age', 'Alabama', 'Spaceman' (for Pete's dad in attendance!) and 'The Bar In The Back Of The Basement' amongst others.


The band won't be back in NYC until late winter/early spring of '07 but here's a track to hold you over....

MP3: 'The Bar In The Back Of The Basement'

Posted on 6:28 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Birdmonster & Ra Ra Riot & Division Day & The Head Set @ Sin-e (CMJ Day 5)

I would have to say that over the course of CMJ's 5 days, I saw some phenomenal acts. The Knife for starters, Pela rocked the hell outta B61 on Halloween, The Thermals really wowed me but it was Saturday afternoon's line-up at Sin-e that probably will go down as my favorite show of the festival. The show was put together by Rachel Underrated (kudos!) and was amazing.

The Head Set started the afternoon off around 1pm with a bevy of songs from their debut LP (to be released next week). We've seen them now a handful of times and each time we ask ourselves why they are not selling out shows at Bowery. I think that will change within the next 6 months, for sure. You can sample and download my personal favorite, "Hollywood" on their MySpace page.


The record release party is on 11/16 at The Annex (Stolen Transmission night). See ya there!

Next up was Division Day, straight outta Compton, or, err, LA.


Their set featured an appearance by Birdmonster frontman, Peter Arcuni, and was quite impressive. Their set may have been overshadowed by TMS staples Birdmonster and The Head Set, alongside our new crush, Ra Ra Riot, but we did truly love their set. We promise to give a better review their next visit!

Third band on the bill was Ra Ra Riot, a band we saw just 15 hours earlier at Studio B (see review a few posts down). Their set was just as exciting as the night before, despite it being almost identical in terms of setlist and energy. This is definitely a band to watch.


Already having had a session on much-loved WOXY, it's only a matter of time before Ra Ra Riot is the talk of the town. How awesome would it be if they co-headlined a tour with Ratatat? Just sayin...

Closing out the afternoon was one of my favorite new bands of the year, Birdmonster. I just can't get enough of them.


This show made the 3rd time I've seen the band over the last 5 months and they have never sounded more cohesive and intoxicating. I think what sets Birdmonster apart is their true love of the music they produce. It's obvious that they adore playing their songs live which in turn makes it feel so genuine.


Additionally, their songs are addicting as all hell.


The set featured much-requested but rarely-played 'Resurrection Song' and No Midnight heavyhitters 'Ice Age', 'Alabama', 'Spaceman' (for Pete's dad in attendance!) and 'The Bar In The Back Of The Basement' amongst others.


The band won't be back in NYC until late winter/early spring of '07 but here's a track to hold you over....

MP3: 'The Bar In The Back Of The Basement'

Posted on 6:28 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Pre-Halloween Goodies!

Last year, The Head Set did a fine fine job at recreating a classic Police album, and here are their plans for this year's Halloween, straight from their e-mail blast!

Friends-

Halloween is still a week away, but it is COMING SOON and you're going
to have to PLAY THE GAME. Sure, it can be a scary holiday, but DON'T
TRY SUICIDE. There is a CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE that can SAVE ME
from a DRAGON ATTACK, but if you're in New York and don't make it to
Pianos this Saturday, then ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST. So October 28,
SAIL AWAY SWEET SISTER to The Head Set's special Halloween performance
as Queen. We'll NEED YOUR LOVING TONIGHT, and we promise to ROCK IT.

(phew)

Come for the music but stay for the mustache,

THS

--

Also, this week we have a crazy Thursday night, as O'Death & The Vibration are at Cakeshop for the African Food Benefit, We Are Americana play a special late show at Lit, while The Glass and The Fake Accents co-headline at Pianos.

Saturday, since The Kooks at N6 is sold out, try your luck at getting into the Soundfix in-store happening around 3pm.

Am I leaving anything else out?

Oh yes, fulfill all your guilty pleasures tonight as Ryan Star heads to Bowery and The Killers head to The Theater @ MSG. Both are very sold out.

MP3: Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Posted on 5:10 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Pre-Halloween Goodies!

Last year, The Head Set did a fine fine job at recreating a classic Police album, and here are their plans for this year's Halloween, straight from their e-mail blast!

Friends-

Halloween is still a week away, but it is COMING SOON and you're going
to have to PLAY THE GAME. Sure, it can be a scary holiday, but DON'T
TRY SUICIDE. There is a CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE that can SAVE ME
from a DRAGON ATTACK, but if you're in New York and don't make it to
Pianos this Saturday, then ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST. So October 28,
SAIL AWAY SWEET SISTER to The Head Set's special Halloween performance
as Queen. We'll NEED YOUR LOVING TONIGHT, and we promise to ROCK IT.

(phew)

Come for the music but stay for the mustache,

THS

--

Also, this week we have a crazy Thursday night, as O'Death & The Vibration are at Cakeshop for the African Food Benefit, We Are Americana play a special late show at Lit, while The Glass and The Fake Accents co-headline at Pianos.

Saturday, since The Kooks at N6 is sold out, try your luck at getting into the Soundfix in-store happening around 3pm.

Am I leaving anything else out?

Oh yes, fulfill all your guilty pleasures tonight as Ryan Star heads to Bowery and The Killers head to The Theater @ MSG. Both are very sold out.

MP3: Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Posted on 5:10 AM / 0 comments / Read More

The Head Set Need a (GOOD) Record Label

The Head Set may just be the nicest and greatest band in New York City right now without a record label. I've seen these guys a total of once and already they are my favourite new group. Not only did the sweet drummer Mike suggest an awesome new band to me (Adam Streicher and the Molotov Cocktails) for our October 14th show but they are playing one of my all time favourite albums at their Halloween party October 28th at Pianos, The Game by Queen.

If you haven't yet seen them, they'll be playing:
Oct 13 2006 11:00PM at Court Tavern in New Brunswick
and their amazing Halloween show
Oct 28 2006 9:30PM at Pianos in NYC
Go check them out and for god's sake, the powers that be, sign them!

This no label, or lack of a good one, seems to be a running trend in the bands I like now-a-days. In fact, the only person on our October 14th bill with a label is Ian Love (who will be supporting Texas is the Reason at their sold-out shows at Irving Plaza in November). David Aaron, Adam Streicher and the Molotov Cocktails and O'death are all so brilliant, talented, different and well polished, perfected artists, it's surprising to me that no one has snatched them up yet.

Ok, that's my rant for the day.

Posted on 1:11 PM / 0 comments / Read More

The Head Set Need a (GOOD) Record Label

The Head Set may just be the nicest and greatest band in New York City right now without a record label. I've seen these guys a total of once and already they are my favourite new group. Not only did the sweet drummer Mike suggest an awesome new band to me (Adam Streicher and the Molotov Cocktails) for our October 14th show but they are playing one of my all time favourite albums at their Halloween party October 28th at Pianos, The Game by Queen.

If you haven't yet seen them, they'll be playing:
Oct 13 2006 11:00PM at Court Tavern in New Brunswick
and their amazing Halloween show
Oct 28 2006 9:30PM at Pianos in NYC
Go check them out and for god's sake, the powers that be, sign them!

This no label, or lack of a good one, seems to be a running trend in the bands I like now-a-days. In fact, the only person on our October 14th bill with a label is Ian Love (who will be supporting Texas is the Reason at their sold-out shows at Irving Plaza in November). David Aaron, Adam Streicher and the Molotov Cocktails and O'death are all so brilliant, talented, different and well polished, perfected artists, it's surprising to me that no one has snatched them up yet.

Ok, that's my rant for the day.

Posted on 1:11 PM / 0 comments / Read More

The Head Set, EndeveraftR & Cobra Starship @ The Annex 8/10: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

It got very weird, very fast last night.


First off was this scene, encountered while walking to The Annex. Not quite sure what happened but it seemed to caused an suv to swerve and hit a lamp post. It must have just happened when I arrived because as I ran across Allen, a fire-truck came screaming up the street.

The rest of my walk was uneventful and I strode into The Annex half an hour before the band I came to see, The Head Set, were set to take the stage. I could hear music from within, so I asked the door guy who it was. "The Jealous Girlfriends" was the reply. "But they're the first band!" "Yup" casually replied the cute Kiwi (I think) working the door. Damn.

I waited for Matt outside and together we suffered through the second band. I watched as their friends hollered for them and it made me think "It's amazing what people can convince themselves to get into."


Before Matt Pinfield, yes Matt Pinfield more on that later, introduced Cobra Starship he said we were lucky to be there for the group's legendary first performance. Pinfield you are great but why really we were lucky was that we were there to see was the small setting performance of The Head Set. Like seeing the Arctic Monkeys at Mercury, one day we'll all brag to our friends that we saw them up close and personal. And these bad boys aren't even signed. I am beyond shocked. They are like The Strokes but without the pretentiousness and ennui. It must be a miracle, they don't sound like every other band out there, lead singer Jordan has a great voice and all their songs don't sound the same. They are fresh, fun and bring the rock. Go check out their MySpace for tour information and tunes.

Download: 'Enemies' (I beg you, it's great)
and
'Last Call Doll'


Next up was a band that everyone was suppose to get really excited about and I suppose what the Kiwi door guy meant when he said that it was a really big party, EnderafteR. I hate obnoxious bands, with members who obviously couldn't give a rat's ass about their fans. I'm not saying that EnderafteR really don't care but they sure as hell don't give the impression they do. So what these guys are, are a hair metal band complete with big teased quafs and bare chests. Their music was good for a novelty group but otherwise...eh.


They are pretty hot though.



Matt Pinfield returned to the stage to introduce the second secret act of the night which by the day of the show, really wasn't so secret.


This was the group Matt Pinfield said we were lucky to see, Cobra Starship. At first glance, I was sure that Borat (aka Sasha Baron Cohen) was fronting the band and I would have gone on believing it if I hadn't already seen Borat sing that Throw the Jew Down the Well song.

Again, what I have to say about this group was that they were obnoxious. It's hard for me to like your music if I don't like you. But I want to be objective so I'll admit that they are actually pretty good. Their songs are catchy, kitschy fun. If only they weren't touted as God's gift to music because, they certainly aren't.

Posted on 4:21 PM / 0 comments / Read More

The Head Set, EndeveraftR & Cobra Starship @ The Annex 8/10: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

It got very weird, very fast last night.


First off was this scene, encountered while walking to The Annex. Not quite sure what happened but it seemed to caused an suv to swerve and hit a lamp post. It must have just happened when I arrived because as I ran across Allen, a fire-truck came screaming up the street.

The rest of my walk was uneventful and I strode into The Annex half an hour before the band I came to see, The Head Set, were set to take the stage. I could hear music from within, so I asked the door guy who it was. "The Jealous Girlfriends" was the reply. "But they're the first band!" "Yup" casually replied the cute Kiwi (I think) working the door. Damn.

I waited for Matt outside and together we suffered through the second band. I watched as their friends hollered for them and it made me think "It's amazing what people can convince themselves to get into."


Before Matt Pinfield, yes Matt Pinfield more on that later, introduced Cobra Starship he said we were lucky to be there for the group's legendary first performance. Pinfield you are great but why really we were lucky was that we were there to see was the small setting performance of The Head Set. Like seeing the Arctic Monkeys at Mercury, one day we'll all brag to our friends that we saw them up close and personal. And these bad boys aren't even signed. I am beyond shocked. They are like The Strokes but without the pretentiousness and ennui. It must be a miracle, they don't sound like every other band out there, lead singer Jordan has a great voice and all their songs don't sound the same. They are fresh, fun and bring the rock. Go check out their MySpace for tour information and tunes.

Download: 'Enemies' (I beg you, it's great)
and
'Last Call Doll'


Next up was a band that everyone was suppose to get really excited about and I suppose what the Kiwi door guy meant when he said that it was a really big party, EnderafteR. I hate obnoxious bands, with members who obviously couldn't give a rat's ass about their fans. I'm not saying that EnderafteR really don't care but they sure as hell don't give the impression they do. So what these guys are, are a hair metal band complete with big teased quafs and bare chests. Their music was good for a novelty group but otherwise...eh.


They are pretty hot though.



Matt Pinfield returned to the stage to introduce the second secret act of the night which by the day of the show, really wasn't so secret.


This was the group Matt Pinfield said we were lucky to see, Cobra Starship. At first glance, I was sure that Borat (aka Sasha Baron Cohen) was fronting the band and I would have gone on believing it if I hadn't already seen Borat sing that Throw the Jew Down the Well song.

Again, what I have to say about this group was that they were obnoxious. It's hard for me to like your music if I don't like you. But I want to be objective so I'll admit that they are actually pretty good. Their songs are catchy, kitschy fun. If only they weren't touted as God's gift to music because, they certainly aren't.

Posted on 4:21 PM / 0 comments / Read More