worst song ever

Today was supposed to be my sleep-in day all day, but there's a block party outside, and someone's playing a mix of the Grease soundtrack and current top 40 songs, it's driving me fuckin' nuts. It's so loud that not even Queen's Sheer Heart Attack that i just put on is able to block the noise.
Speaking of which, why no Queen on the Pitchfork's top 100 albums of 1970s?? However, they get major respect points from this girl, Histoire de Melody Nelson is at #21!! Well deserved, even though i don't necessarily like the writer's description of it. Looking at this list makes me realize how many of these albums i actually own and love... The 70's rocked, i wish i could remember some of it!

On to the recap of the week, beware, this post's going to be long...

Tuesday i was invited to DJ at a pre-opening of a new restaurant/lounge in soho called ODEA. The place is not only beautifully designed, it also has the most delicious drinks i've had a in long time... strawberry and blackberry mojitos! I brought a few friends along for company, and we tasted a plate of the succulent food they serve, it was so good. If you're ever looking for a nice fancy restaurant/lounge for a group or date, i highly recommend this joint.
The night was a tasting for press, so the crowd was different than what i'm used to, but actually refreshing since i could play whatever i wanted, so i did my usual mix. I was on for over 2 hours, and didn't get the chance to write down my final set list...
Some of the set list (not in this order at all): The Rapture | !!! | Blonde Redhead | Queen | Duran Duran | ESG | Ratatat | Giorgio Moroder | Berlin | Le Tigre | The Smiths | The Clash | Billy Idol | Blondie | The Fever | Joe Jackson | New Order | The Postal Service | Blur | Gang of Four | Yeah Yeah Yeahs | Scissor Sisters | Michael Jackson | Daft Punk | Lizzy Mercier Descloux | OMD | Naked Eyes | Prince | Diana Ross | Franz Ferdinand | Nu Shooz and ended with Dusty Springfield's Son of a Preacher... there was more but i'm blanking.
JJJay, Jocelyn, Adam M., Shannon, Steve and Peter all danced in the DJ booth while i was playing the tunes, awesome time.

Here are some photos of ODEA's decor and food.


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Wednesday i headed to Rothko. I arrived at the end of The Affair, whose super catchy single Honey will probably be played a lot this summer. Asobi Seksu was absolutely electrifying! While they're getting greater and greater each time i see them, their fanbase is growing really fast and that's really nice to see. They really work so hard and are one of the most down to earth, deserving and sincere band i know. Mellowdrone came on next, and really took me by surprise. I believe they're already somewhat popular in the LA area where they're from, but it won't take long until they win over the rest of the country. They're an intelligent pop-rock band going from sweet melodies to nervous guitar riffs, all that enhanced by Jonathan Bates' beautiful vocals. I also highly recommend their EP Go get em tiger, not only for the music, but also for the stunning artwork by Sean McCabe.
Au Revoir Simone closed the show, and i thought it was the best ending to an already great night. The four girls in the band all play keyboards and share vocal duties, it's soft and playful. I really enjoyed it.

Thursday, i went back to Rothko for the fabulous Making Out With Ultragrrrl party. You know there's a reason why everyone loves Ultragrrrl, Sarah is not only a force to be reckoned with, she's also the sweetest, most genuine, most grounded and just plain greatest person. Guys want to make out with her, girls want to be her best friend. She has inspired and influenced more people that you would imagine, so it only seemed appropriate that Spin throws a party in her honor. And a party for Ultragrrrl wouldn't be complete without her favorite band The Killers on the bill. Now, i'm not the biggest Killers fan, but it was fun seeing them play. When Sarah introduced the band, she thanked Island Records for signing them... well i sure hope that Island Records is thanking Sarah for probably being responsible for a good part of their album sales. So to that i say: Ultragrrrl Forever.

Here are Sarah and Brandon Flowers in prom glory:

day after

This sunday afternoon, come to Pianos for the return of the DAY AFTER! We took a little break between mother and father's days and other happenings. Hang out, eat, drink, listen to great music and enjoy the beautiful photo exhibit.

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melodynelson.com & jenyk/dot/com present...
The Day After Sunday afternoon party
Sunday 27 june :: 4pm :: FREE!
Pianos Upstairs Lounge
Photo Show by Alyssa Scheinson and Jasper Coolidge
Opening Reception
DJ's J Go (The Morning After / ProductShopNYC.com) (4:00) & KariBomb (UP @ The Delancey) (5:00)

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Go to MISSHAPES tomorrow night! There's an OPEN BAR all night AND it's KarenPlusOne's birthday party!

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I have a bunch of fun stuff to report from my crazy busy week, but since i'm running out of time, i'll come back later in the day. Also, i still have not picked out The Streets giveway winners, it's on the schedule for tonight!

extraordinary machine

The title track to Fiona Apple's upcoming album Extraordinary Machine is being posted left and right... something from her finally!! Listen to it here.
If this song is a small indication of how amazing the new album is going to be, then my friends we're in for the best treat of the year. It's amazing how Fiona keeps evolving and surprising. No wonder Sony is shit scared to release the album, the girl is too brilliant for them.

Tonight, nyc has an abundance of shows to choose from. My choice goes to Rothko for:
The Affair / Asobi Seksu / Mellowdrone / Au Revoir Simone.

Poster by Sean McCabe.

Pitchfork has posted half of their top 100 albums of the 1970s. I'll comment when the entire list is posted. Interesting so far...

world outside

Check out Asobi Seksu interviewed by Lindsay... thanks for the shout out!

Weekend was awesome... Franz Ferdinand at Volume on friday gave us a stronger performance than the night before, and added another b-side to the setlist. Though I really liked Volume, why so damn hot inside??
I missed The Oranges band both nights, but got to hear a bit of Sons and Daughters, also from Scotland who i thought were great. They sound like an alt-country band on speed. A lot of people around me didn't enjoy them, but I found them very appealing. Check out Aeki Tuesday's lovely photos of the night.

Saturday night saw a very strong lineup at the Mercury. The Sons of Sound made their debut as a full band and played an impressive set. I was absolutely blown away, but instead of giving you my biased opinion, i will tell you what other people told me after the show when i walked around and polled them about what they thought of this new band – sure, lots were friends and acquaintances, but still i’d hope they be honest with me. So here's some of the things i heard:
"They were amazing", "It was incredible, Dennis has a hell of a stage presence", "I was taken by surprise by how loud the full band is compared to the demo songs, it was great”, "My new favorite band", "I hear some U2 and a bit of Radiohead", "The drummer is so fucking good", "For a first time performance, they were very tight", "I am so impressed, this band is heavy and passionate at the same time", "It’s actually a good sign that your parents don't like the new sound"...
This is about all I remember. The reception was so warm, i think the band was overwhelmed by it. The future is very promising. Next show is next month, don't miss it!

The SOS were followed by Dirty on Purpose and Benzos, two local bands i've been following and enjoying more each time. Saturday, they both played great sets and both included new songs. If you haven't heard or seen DoP or Benzos, you should really listen to their music. I'd never seen The Bravery, but knew some of the songs. The Bravery is a fun band influenced by the sound and look of 80s pop-new-wave. They will definitely make a lot of kids dance in the months to come.

The Sons of Sound's very first performance at the mercury lounge.