Tim Fite @ Sin-e 3/23: Thank You Brooklyn Vegan

Seriously, thank you for introducing me to Tim Fite. The guy is great. Part Demetri Martin, part avant garde, part hipster rap/country music revival makes me all completely bummed that I will have to wait another month to see him again (April 26th, Luna Lounge).


I believe my favourite part of his act is the keyboard/computer guy who just talks to the audience without a mic the entire time. Very funny.

MP3: Tim Fite- 'No Good Here'

Posted on 10:20 AM / 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

Band of York @ Sin-e 8/20: You're My Man

Last night, despite a mind numbing headache, a long day of walking and two pints at 1849 (the best happy hour in the city that I've seen), I headed over to Sin-e to see one of my favourite bands bopping around NYC right now- Band of York.


On a Sunday night, Sin-e wasn't that filled but after the group started to play their brand of infectious dance/rock/soul, more people began to curiously poke their heads around the door and trickle in.


Sin-e has a nice stage, decently priced drinks, a near perfect location and a good sound system and yet they can never really pack the place. I think this has to do with the high ticket prices. For a place like Sin-e, to see a band you don't really know anything about, 10 bucks is a bit too high- at least I wouldn't pay it. Their money policy with bands/parties I think also is a deterrent for big things to go on there. This isn't a swipe, if anyone from Sin-e is reading this, but rather a note of concern because I think this place could do a lot better than it currently does.


Anyway, as always I had a great time seeing B.O.Y. I think I fall in love a little more with front man Billy Jean every time I see him. It was fun to see people come out last night who haven't seen the band before and catch their excited reactions. It was also great to see people dancing! At every show I always want to full out dance but always end up doing that solo hip shaking thing I do instead. Next time, watch out fellas, I'm pulling one of you in there with me.

Posted on 7:58 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Band of York @ Sin-e 8/20: You're My Man

Last night, despite a mind numbing headache, a long day of walking and two pints at 1849 (the best happy hour in the city that I've seen), I headed over to Sin-e to see one of my favourite bands bopping around NYC right now- Band of York.


On a Sunday night, Sin-e wasn't that filled but after the group started to play their brand of infectious dance/rock/soul, more people began to curiously poke their heads around the door and trickle in.


Sin-e has a nice stage, decently priced drinks, a near perfect location and a good sound system and yet they can never really pack the place. I think this has to do with the high ticket prices. For a place like Sin-e, to see a band you don't really know anything about, 10 bucks is a bit too high- at least I wouldn't pay it. Their money policy with bands/parties I think also is a deterrent for big things to go on there. This isn't a swipe, if anyone from Sin-e is reading this, but rather a note of concern because I think this place could do a lot better than it currently does.


Anyway, as always I had a great time seeing B.O.Y. I think I fall in love a little more with front man Billy Jean every time I see him. It was fun to see people come out last night who haven't seen the band before and catch their excited reactions. It was also great to see people dancing! At every show I always want to full out dance but always end up doing that solo hip shaking thing I do instead. Next time, watch out fellas, I'm pulling one of you in there with me.

Posted on 7:58 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Birdmonster and The Gaskets @ Sin-e 6/30: Praise Ye Gods of Rock

Friday night I was staying with my sister in midtown. Completely broke and slightly perturbed because both my teams had lost in the day's earlier World Cup matches, I decided to walk to Sin-e both to save money and rid myself of some pent up frustration. I didn't have high hopes that the evening would do much to lift my spirits, but there is one thing you should never do- underestimate the rejuvenate qualities of really great live music.

As Matt said below, Birdmonster was great. I usually have a lot of trepidation when seeing a much blogged about group, but Birdmonster didn't disappoint.
Download: 'All the holes in the walls'
'Resurrection Song'
'Balcony'
and see for yourself.


The real highlight of the evening, however, was The Gaskets. I think we've said enough on here about how great they are. Yeah, the album is practically on constant spin on the old ipod, but their live show is where it's at. Friday kicked my ass but once The Gaskets hit the stage, all the day's drinking and walking melted away and I was right up front dancing like a fiend.


So a big thanks to the boys for that. I know their day had been particularly rough as well and yet they still brought the rock. I was actually so happy after the show, that I walked all the way back to midtown at 2:30am listening to your album.

(The above is Teddy leading the crowd in a singing "Bounce with me."- awesome.)

Download: 'Hold Steady (Hot weather)'
Heyton Indie Richmond Radio has an interview with Teddy from 1/25/05. It starts off with an old song you can't download anymore, previews 'The Easy Life' as the album single and talks about the making of the album, Loose Change.

Posted on 3:35 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Birdmonster and The Gaskets @ Sin-e 6/30: Praise Ye Gods of Rock

Friday night I was staying with my sister in midtown. Completely broke and slightly perturbed because both my teams had lost in the day's earlier World Cup matches, I decided to walk to Sin-e both to save money and rid myself of some pent up frustration. I didn't have high hopes that the evening would do much to lift my spirits, but there is one thing you should never do- underestimate the rejuvenate qualities of really great live music.

As Matt said below, Birdmonster was great. I usually have a lot of trepidation when seeing a much blogged about group, but Birdmonster didn't disappoint.
Download: 'All the holes in the walls'
'Resurrection Song'
'Balcony'
and see for yourself.


The real highlight of the evening, however, was The Gaskets. I think we've said enough on here about how great they are. Yeah, the album is practically on constant spin on the old ipod, but their live show is where it's at. Friday kicked my ass but once The Gaskets hit the stage, all the day's drinking and walking melted away and I was right up front dancing like a fiend.


So a big thanks to the boys for that. I know their day had been particularly rough as well and yet they still brought the rock. I was actually so happy after the show, that I walked all the way back to midtown at 2:30am listening to your album.

(The above is Teddy leading the crowd in a singing "Bounce with me."- awesome.)

Download: 'Hold Steady (Hot weather)'
Heyton Indie Richmond Radio has an interview with Teddy from 1/25/05. It starts off with an old song you can't download anymore, previews 'The Easy Life' as the album single and talks about the making of the album, Loose Change.

Posted on 3:35 PM / 0 comments / Read More

The Gaskets & Birdmonster @ Sin-e: Taking Boy Love To New Heights

Birdmonster played a two-sided mouth piano (is this really the official name for this instrument?). The Gaskets dry-humped each other. It was the most homoerotic show I've been to since the Ben Folds/Rufus Wainwright Central Park show. And they even covered 'Careless Whisper' that night!

Much-blogged, San Francisco-based Birdmonster put on a thrilling set at the legendary, Sin-e on Friday night. They are the perfect amalgamation of Modest Mouse, The Rolling Stones and yes, a little Arcade Fire for good measure. Read what their 4300 MySpace friends think of them! Or you can listen to their entire set on WOXY right here. Their debut LP will be in stores shortly and available on their site now. Don't miss them if they come to your town. FINALLY a band worthy of the buzz it is generating!

Oh yes, The Gaskets. My god, The Gaskets! The Gaskets followed Birdmonster promptly at the stroke of midnight. What a show! Including the obligatory "Got My Mind Set On You" cover, the band earlier in their set delved into Rod Stewart territory. They went there (and sounded flawless might I add). Somebody send that MP3 our way and we'll love you forever. The 50-minute was so energetic and crazy and amazing and every other adjective that we wished it never ended! I've never seen a crowd get into it like that before, not in a long long time. Particularly not at Sin-e. Highlights included 'Hold Steady (Hot Weather)' and 'End Game'. Come see them at The Music Slut's 1st Anniversary Show July 30th at The Delancey! More info in the coming days!

Posted on 2:20 PM / 0 comments / Read More

The Gaskets & Birdmonster @ Sin-e: Taking Boy Love To New Heights

Birdmonster played a two-sided mouth piano (is this really the official name for this instrument?). The Gaskets dry-humped each other. It was the most homoerotic show I've been to since the Ben Folds/Rufus Wainwright Central Park show. And they even covered 'Careless Whisper' that night!

Much-blogged, San Francisco-based Birdmonster put on a thrilling set at the legendary, Sin-e on Friday night. They are the perfect amalgamation of Modest Mouse, The Rolling Stones and yes, a little Arcade Fire for good measure. Read what their 4300 MySpace friends think of them! Or you can listen to their entire set on WOXY right here. Their debut LP will be in stores shortly and available on their site now. Don't miss them if they come to your town. FINALLY a band worthy of the buzz it is generating!

Oh yes, The Gaskets. My god, The Gaskets! The Gaskets followed Birdmonster promptly at the stroke of midnight. What a show! Including the obligatory "Got My Mind Set On You" cover, the band earlier in their set delved into Rod Stewart territory. They went there (and sounded flawless might I add). Somebody send that MP3 our way and we'll love you forever. The 50-minute was so energetic and crazy and amazing and every other adjective that we wished it never ended! I've never seen a crowd get into it like that before, not in a long long time. Particularly not at Sin-e. Highlights included 'Hold Steady (Hot Weather)' and 'End Game'. Come see them at The Music Slut's 1st Anniversary Show July 30th at The Delancey! More info in the coming days!

Posted on 2:20 PM / 0 comments / Read More