Warpaint, who just inked a deal with Rough Trade, were among my CMJ faves. Just to keep my streak of value-added postings alive, the Los Angeles psychedelic songstresses’ “Stars” video is above.
For anyone who didn’t find their way to my CMJ coverage at Paste’s site with my regular nudges, read my thoughts on day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4-5.
Video: Tegan and Sara - “Hell”
I can’t stop listening to the new Tegan and Sara album. Sainthood is a sophisticated collection of pop songs that can set the duo up a lifetime of co-writing with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry and Pink. Believe.
You can bet I’ll be looking for videographer savant Ray Concepcioñ during CMJ this week.
During an action-packed evening of chasing bats out of my RSS belfry, I stumbled across a video featuring recent footage of Micachu & the Shapes (thx, MBV) performing at Littlefield, a new venue near the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. I attended that show, and can attest to its wildly satisfactory and interpretive takes on Jewellry and newer(?) material. On or near the stage during the night was a frenzied man donning a pilot’s cap straight from the Red Baron’s wardrobe punishing his video camera more severely than even a member of the Heene family deserves.
Now I know I was watching none other than Ray Concepcioñ, and we all can see the results of his violent hand-strobing techniques above. Judging by past subjects such as the Walkmen, Kurt Vile, No Age and so many more, Mr. Concepcioñ’s got a pair of ears just as impressive as his set of eyes.
* As always, headphones are recommended for this video.
Blur joining LEGO Rock Band provides yet another painful reminder that I was on vacation the one time they visited Minneapolis during my concert-going adolescence there. Needless to say, they didn’t make it to Upstate New York or Mid-Missouri in the years to follow. Gorillaz and all of Damon’s other projects are nice, but Blur is one band that I would gladly compromise my financial well-being to see. If things get really bad, I can always buy LEGO Rock Band at 3 a.m. at my local Best Buy.
Lady GaGa couldn’t get a tour with Kanye West off the ground, so she’s settling for the guy who wrote most of 808s & Heartbreak (well, 33 percent, anyhow).
Opening Friday, November 13, 2009, the 48,000 square foot store will be located on the corner of 14th Street and 4th Avenue, in the heart of historic downtown Manhattan’s Union Square. The new location will be open each week from 8:00 a.m. on Monday through 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, re-opening for regular Sunday hours of 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The expanded hours will provide a much-needed resource for the downtown Manhattan community, including students from nearby universities and many New Yorkers who often have conflicting schedules with traditional store hours.
The store also announced plans to undercut local 24-hour bodegas with an expanded grocery section featuring loss-leader prices on six-packs of Brooklyn Lager, pints of Ben & Jerry’s, and Zig-Zags.
Lenny Kravitz & Justice are (finally?) together here. Even if neither artist causes the pleasure centers inside your brain to light up, the video employs some creative techniques involving end credits that are worth a shot.
Just a friendly reminder that it’s time to fall in love with the Raveonettes’ In and Out of Control, and very especially the single “Last Dance.” More gushing in this review for Alternative Press.
Bonus: The “Last Dance” video is totally a surfboard rubbed down with Strange Wax.
