chelsea burns

Someone reminded me recently that i never wrote about Keren Ann and her impromptu show at The Living Room... so here we go. Keren Ann is a very talented singer-songwriter, but i tell you what, she's even more amazing live when she's drunk! She came on stage at almost 1am that night, and after quite a few drinks she was happy, smiling, upbeat and very talkative on stage. She played lots and lots of songs... old, new, quiet, energetic, covers (including Burn the witch by QOTSA), and the best part is i didn't know them all but i thoroughly enjoyed myself just listening and watching her do her thing. She has such charisma and charm that it's hard not to be in awe of the girl. As well, her band is very solid and crucial in accompanying her gorgeous voice, especially her sax player, and that's saying a lot from someone who doesn't usually like saxophones. So what's the point of writing a late review? Just don't miss her next show/tour, she's a true gem.

Jeff came along for the late intimate night, and was kind enough to take photos that i could steal to post here. See that grin on her face? It was there the whole time. Jeff also wrote a stellar review of the show for Gothamist.

white girls

On monday night, SPIN held a "year in music" party at Rothko that showcased my two new favorite new york bands. The first band and the one who headlined the night, We Are Scientists, are just right up my alley. I think of them as the new york Bloc Party, though they're not quite the same. Bloc Party take themselves a little more seriously i'd say, WAS seem to be in it for the fun and the ridiculousness of it all - some of their lyrics are very silly, not to mention their website and videos. That said, their upcoming debut album, With love and squalor (out 1/10), is just so catchy and addictive, it hurts. If it had come out this year, it would have definitely made my top albums of the year, but it'll just have to wait until 2006 to have that honor. Take a listen to the new single:
We are scientists :: Inaction [mp3]

The other new favorite of mine is a little band called The 5 O'Clock Heroes, who i've seen play about three times. Strangely enough, i've also only seen them play at Rothko, but i do remember really liking them from the get go. Now with a couple more shows and listens, they've completely won me over with their british-english infectious pop. The obvious point of reference for The Heroes is The Clash, though for me is more for the fact that, on stage, singer Antony Ellis reminds me so much of a young Joe Strummer. Not a bad thing at all. I hear the kids love them in the UK, so you know what that means? It's only a matter of minutes before the kids in america follow. Sarah will be releasing their latest single on her label Stolen Transmission next month. Until you get it, watch the awesome video for the song:
The 5 O'Clock Heroes :: White Girls [QT Video]

The Heroes sing White Girls.

25 under 25

Here's an awesome little news item... Ben is one of new york magazine's 25 "next big things" under 25! Congratulations!!! Oof, so proud of you boy!

4. Ben Stapelman, 19, rock singer.
Ben Stapelman’s band, Surefire (imagine early Tom Petty crossed with Coldplay), has built a rabid following on MySpace and now plays sold-out gigs at the Bowery Ballroom.

the clown

It's going to be a quiet two weeks leading to the new year, but i'll hopefully have musical posts to share on a daily basis until then... today not so much. Perhaps some shameless self-promotion? If you're around this friday come to fat baby where i'll be deejaying with DJ Data from 11 to 3am or so. The night will be extremely fun, because it's the eve of a holiday eve, and i'm assuming that at the very least everyone has three days off work if not more like i do, and then people will go off eating and drinking or whatever they do during the holidays... so come out and start the festivities with me at fat baby the night before! Wow, that was some serious self-promotion right there.

Here's a new song from Elefant, the band's getting ready to release their new album in april of next year.
Elefant :: The Clown [mp3]