da funk

I dont go out much to go see shows anymore, but last night, i had to make the exception to see Daft Punk at Keyspan Park. First time seeing them, 10 years since Homework was released, long time coming to say the least. We got there just in time to see The Rapture, who were as fun as i remembered (last time i saw them was in 2004), although i would have much preferred to be in a smaller venue. I thought that the rather empty park didn't do them justice. While watching their performance, i was thinking how surreal it must be for them to open for Daft Punk, a band who has undoubtedly influenced all the disco-rock and new electro groups out there.
When Thomas and Guy-Manuel finally graced the stage, the park was full of hispters, nu-ravers, and old-school fans ready to let loose and dance. The show was as amazing as expected. The band mixed in old and new tracks seamlessly, keeping the pace up and exciting, while being accompanied by an elaborate light show. And when you least expected, a lyric or bass line from one of the hit songs came on, and the crowd cheered along. Did i mention how fantastic the robot suits are? Seriously, i have a newly found respect for robots, and for the french duo.

More photos here.

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Sometimes last year, my friend Nina told me about this band Office from Chicago, and gave me a copy of their self-released album. I immediately liked them, even put the album in my list of favorites from last year. Since then, the band got a record deal with Scratchie/New Line Records, and are releasing their proper debut album, with re-recorded tracks, this september. A night at the Ritz is an instant pleaser. It is full of pop gems and mood uplifting songs, all more polished than their first iterations. And yes, it's a great album to listen to at the office when you need to forget you're stuck at your desk for another few hours. Listen to this song:

Office :: The Ritz [MP3]

OFFICE will play Studio B on august 17th and the Mercury Lounge on august 18th.

a kiss is not a contract

New show La Décadanse is up in the archives and on podcast, take a listen!

Did anyone catch sunday's episode of the Flight of the Conchords? Two things that stood out, the hilarious french sequence including the first song. Very funny. And the other thing was the second song, half of the piece was a direct reference to the video (or rather TV recording) of La Ballade de Melody Nelson. They reproduced it almost exactly, the hearts in the background, Jermaine and Bret dressed in all black, shirt opened, cigarette in hand and the girl all in white, dressed in white and dancing awkwardly... how cool of them to make such an obscure reference?

You can watch both FOTC clips here, and the Gainsbourg inspiration here.

Jermaine vs Serge...