Wednesdays offer slim pickings during CMJ week. But Jeff and I caught plenty of memorable gigs on Day One. I'm living it up until Friday, 'cause that's when I leave for my bachelor party (Vegas, baby ... I've never been). Don't worry, though -- Jed and Jim will be taking over concert coverage over the weekend. Plenty more pics and quasireviews to come.
PELA @ Bowery Ballroom. I wasn't really paying attention, and was bummed I missed King Of France. I know Glenn likes 'em. Sorry, I can't recommend one way or the other until I listen further. Lousy blogging so far, I know -- stay with me kids...
FORGET CASSETTES @ CBGBs 313 Gallery. We tried to meet up with Jenny at regular CBGBs ... DENIED. We weren't too disappointed (heard the new LP is "outstandingly bad"). Forget Cassettes were sexy, but Jeff was itching for some Cribs...
THE CRIBS @ Bowery Ballroom. Ran into Cameron and Hartley, both of whom let me stand in front of them to snap a pic of the bloody Jarman bro. I enjoyed their sloppy rock. The new Libertines perhaps? But nothing you'll be fawning over in 2006.
BEANS W/ HOLY FUCK @ Bowery Ballroom. Holy shit is this dude talented. And Holy Fuck were bananas with the backup beats.
At this point we walked a few blocks to Crash Mansion to see Asobi Seksu. Shot the shit with Keith, who is moderating a panel you can attend on Saturday. Waited for the band to take the stage. Waited more. Fuck it, back to Bowery for Devendra.
DEVENDRA BANHART @ Bowery Ballroom. Never felt strongly about the wacky folkie. He seemed like someone I would like: I LOVE Joanna Newsom, Sufjan, pretty much everything on Paw-Tracks. But he's disappointed me in the past (76 recorded songs in 3 years ... they can't all be winners). Pareles sums up my preconceived notion here: "Devendra Banhart is amazing. No, he's annoying! Amazing! Annoying!" But get this ... the band actually rocked. Late in the set he invited two random audience members to take the stage and play a song THEY wrote (he's done this before). "Anyone here write songs? Come up ... you can use my guitar." Devendra closed with that tune that's not about pedophilia.
After the gig, we spotted Antony (& Not The Johnsons) across the street. Moving on...
JOHN VANDERSLICE at Mercury Lounge. Very cool, and he brought buzz band Viva Voce onstage for an encore of "Exodus Damage."
A first night. It's only gonna get better.
Who did you see/going to see?
