Crimp Yr Hair - The Endless Summer

Crimp Yr Hair XM Radio mix at Discobelle

It's here, those final days of summer, the final days before school starts, before the weather starts to turn a little cooler and the concert season kicks in to full gear and that amazing romance comes to an end and the Phillies break your heart again and dudes can stop wearing jean cut-off shorts (enough already!)

I can't think of a better way to bring it all to a close than with the Crimp Yr Hair bols. Philly, this is your Friday and Saturday night (you're Sunday is covered too, more on that later) First up, it's a soundclash between the Crimp Yr Hairers and the Hot Cops - Stumble and Nick the V. First, let me say that this is the greatest DJ crew name ever, if it's an Arrested Development reference. Secondly, this is gonna be a great time, lots of different music being thrown at you, the perfect warm-up for the absolute rager tomorrow (Saturday) night. The boys are doing their monthly first Saturday jawn and they're being joined by JHN RDN. I mean, this might be the best party of September and it's only a day old. Dance music for rock kids, rock music for dance kids, a night spent with some of the best DJs anywhere. Upstairs at Sal's, both nights, no cover, lots of cheap drinks (including free Sparks)

More to come with these guys, this is just a taste. Huge weekend, party like it's the end of the summer 2007! Yeah!

Paris Terror + Fixed NYC, Ruff Club NYC, Frisco Disco and more

What can I say, I'm predictable. Paris Institubes DJs + Fixed + Cut = my Friday night. There's not a lot for me to add, one look at the line-up above should make you pee your pants with happiness. Live sets by Para One and Curses, DJ sets by Surkin and TTC's Orgasmic, not to mention the amazing residents Dave P and JDH. It's brought to you by the Cut bols, who were the ones responsible for the amazing Green Velvet night a month or so ago and are great DJs in their own right. $12, Studio B (259 Banker St.), let's make this happen.

-For my fellow Francophiles who live in Manhattan, Ruff Club at The Annex (152 Orchard St.) is the place to be, as Data and Wide Shut play live there tonight. This is a great chance to hear two new, great bands esp if you missed them last night at Hiro. But, of course, that's not all. You also get guest DJ sets by the amazing Shaun Slaughter of Sacramento's Lipstick party, along with Carmine Filthy, plus the regular people like Denny Le Nimh, Spencer Product and 24Court&Micprobes will do their thing. There's reason why people love this party, go find out tonight.



-Make sure to stop by the one-night only return of Lauren Flax's White Lightning to Home Sweet Home (151 Chrystie St.) I don't know a ton about this one, but there's def live sets by Nicky Click and Diamond Beats. Click is a electro pop artist, Diamond Beats is Courtney Trouble, feminist pornographer, artist and musician, touring as support for Click. I believe Lauren will spin, which should wipe away any of the confusion that I've caused with this intro.



-This one brings tear to my eye. On of the first spots that I made a regular place was Nublu (62 Ave. C) on Tuesday nights, when the band Kudu used to play a set every week. This was back in my LES days, so many fond memories come back that it almost brings a tear to my ironic, dead, hipster eye. Tonight, Syvia of Kudu is celebrating her birthday at that spot, and while I don't know her, I love her music immensely and want to wish her a happy birthday! I do know Lauren Flax and I do know that she will absolutely destroy your mind and naughty parts, one of the best DJs in the country. You also get a short set by Trouble of Trouble & Bass, all for $10. That's well worth it, excuse while I go cry now.



-One more party to hit downtown tonight, as The Musebox and Paper Magazine throw their monthly party at 200 Orchard tonight. I'm most excited to see that Philly's Mixel Pixel is playing live, along with Madison, The Start and Lions&Tigers. Mixel Pixel are a great band and this is a great chance to check them out for free before they are selling out Webster Hall or something. Dance music will be provided by DJs Mr Pharmacist, June D of White Doves and Julie Twinkle. 9-4, free PBR til it's gone, rsvp to rsvp@musebox.net.



-When I think of Chicago, I'm reminded of Ibiza. Okay, actually, I'm not, but tonight you can celebrate the capital of dance music in the Windy City and enjoy the last days of sunny summer before the mind-numbing cold winter comes through. Tonight is the final Fierce Angel party of the summer at the Victor Hotel (311 N. Sangamon) and they're going out with a bang with an Ibiza Summer Beach Bash. They've brought in DJ Eric Kupper straight from the island to make all of your balearic dreams come true. Our boy Trancid is also spinning, along with DJ Madrid and Tim Baker of Digital Punks. RSVP at the going.com site, then go ASAP to get in on the complimentary sushi and cocktails from 8-9:30, brought to you by Mt. Gay and Cointreau. There will be drink specials all night, raffles for cool prizes including tix to see Jeff Tweedy. $5 before 11 if you RSVP, this should be an amazing night.




-In Minneapolis, they are already getting for the debilitating cold by throwing parties referencing that time. Christmas Sex is a celebration of all the August births living and dead, hilarious party name. Not sure on a lot of the details, but I do know that Soviet Panda is spinning, which is good enough for me. It happens at The Kitty Cat Club (313 14th Ave. SE), starts at 9, 21+, go out and celebrate the month of my birth. Yeah!



-Oh mang, I'm almost afraid to put this one up, as I feel like tonight's Frisco Disco could get completely out of control. Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac have put together a special end of summer edition of their award-winning party and it's not to be missed. Sick line-up, headlined by P4P favs LA Riots, along with DJs Basura & Disaster of the amazing blog Missingtoof.com, live show by Wallpaper, hosted by Ronnie Buders & Kimi, photos by Lady Meleksah, Silke Labson (best name evah!) and Vaindeer. As always, it goes down at The Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell), but unlike always, the place is now air-conditioned!!!!! RSVP at going.com to get in free before 10:30, otherwise it's $12 for 18+, $10 for 21+. This is the start of a huge weekend, San Fran, do it up right.

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Spoon, "Don't Make Me A Target" (YSI link)

Spoon, "The Underdog" (YSI link)

Spoon, "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb [alternate take]" (YSI link)

Okay, here's the end of the road for now on the male-fronted, indie rock front. Spoon is the Austin-based band led by guitarist and vocalist Britt Daniel, who have slowly but surely built up quite a following. I jumped on the bandwagon with their last one, Gimme Fiction; well, I didn't jump on the bandwagon, that was just the first time I listened to them. For me, it was an uneven record that had nice highs, but not enough of them.

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga came out two months ago and that makes me lame and irrelevant, but by procrastinating, I was able to get the bonus edition extra disc. Tortoise and the hare, my friends, tortoise and the hare. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is a better album than the previous one, more consistent and a little more musically adventurous. It's high points, like "The Underdog" and "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb," are beautiful, infectious, pop songs. They make you tap your foot and singalong, augmented by horns and tamborines that give them a timeless feelk, like they would have fit perfectly in a 60s AM radio set. For the most part, they stick to this formula, despite all of the talk about experimentation and whatnot. You do get the dub-like vocals of "The Ghost Of You Lingers," which attempt to evoke a haunting atmosphere. It doesn't work for me, just seems gimmicky and dilutes whatever power could have been had for a song about love lost. That's one of the few missteps. While it's one of the shortest LPs I've heard, clocking in at 36 minutes, it doesn't feel like it's missing anything. Initially, it feels like a you got shortchanged, but repeated listens make you realize that this is just an extra focused album, like they wrote 10 great songs (in their opinion) and that's that.

I'm recommend this album, although I cannot recommend purchasing the deluxe edition. It's basically a disc of 1 minute instrumentals and throwaway, a pathetic attempt to get fans to buy the CD again. Don't. I included the alternate take of "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb," one of the best songs on the album. This version is sort of a lo-fi space-y rock song; they chose the right take. Grab your copy here, it's hard for me to believe that this one wouldn't appeal to almost everyone.

Common Folk NYC, Swerve LA, I Don't Get Down With Zombies, Yo SF and much more

It looks like New York City is first out of the gate for the huge holiday weekend, the last days of summer. Of course, it's not always who runs the fastest, but who perseveres. What does that mean? I have no idea, I'm exhausted. Anyway, make it a Lower East Side night tonight, as there are three really nice parties below Houston featuring some of my favorite DJs. First up, the Common Folk bols - Johnsville and Pizza and Piano - play host to the Walter Meego afterparty tonight at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St.) They have Jess Jubilee from Modular Records as the special guest DJ. There's a Zygo energy vodka open bar from 10:30-11:30, watch yourself with that one. This is another NYC party that deserves a much bigger audience, but all in due time, all in due time.

-A few blocks away, Even Further does its weekly basement party celebrating disco and dance and debauchery. Oh, tonight they are celebrating Marisa's 25th birthday. If she's a friend of Even Further, she's a friend of Pound for Pound. Happy birthday Marisa, you've chosen a great spot to celebrate, as Carmine P. Filthy and Rudy Mungi have brought in Crush Calculator to deliver the party rockers. Get to Happy Ending (302 Broome St.@Forsythe) and try to remember how amazing it was to be 25 years old again.



-There's no flier, but trust me it's happening. The Lewd bols - rekLES and Seanmuthafkkinroberts - are doing a one-night only set at Revolver (210 Rivington St.@Pitt) I caught these guys at Happy Ending the week before and can say that they are two of the best DJs around right now, imo. I'm also a big fan of Revolver and the Lower East Side, so this one comes highly recommended. No cover, drink specials all night long, what more do you need?

-For those of you who want to stay a little further uptown, you must hit the Cheeky Bastard Thursday night party at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St.@9th Ave.) This one features live sets by two of my favorite up and coming electrorockdiscopunk bands, Data and The Passions. If you get on the list, it's free and therefore an amazing deal. DJ sets by Sam Sam, Alex English and Peter Makebish, 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 10-11 and 2-3, 21+, get there early for free Lucky beer from 10-11 and an early show by Wide Shut.



-Oooh, here's a late addition. There's a party called Gully Action at The Knitting Factory in the basement, following the Meat Puppets show. There's a plethora of DJs, no cover, a chance to party and dance at the legendary concert venue, this looks like it's gonna have a semi-regular status too.



-Okay, what am I talking about? Chicago is quick out of the Memorial Day weekend gate as well, kicking off the massive Institubes Paris Terror Club tour tonight at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave.) It features Para One, Surkin, Curses! and Orgasmic along with special guests for tonight only, DJs Zebo and Josh Rodriguez. It's brought to you by Boombox Disco and Eudora plus lots of websites and magazines and good people, hosted by Vyle. Here's the final reminder to rsvp at going.com for free entry, things start at 9, enjoy.



-There's also the Thursdays at Debonair with your resident DJs Trancid and Mark Gertz, the weekly party at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.) 10-2, no cover, amazing DJs, a logical stop every Thursday if you ask me.



-I don't remember if I mentioned this one before, but there's a new Thursday weekly in LA. It's called Swerve and it features the resident DJ Daniel of LA Riots. For real, the dude doesn't sleep, as that's the only explanation for how he could spin like 900 times a week. Hardest working man in show biz, I do believe. Anyway, this one's brought to you by Tapatio de la Noche and Collin Thalken, it goes down at Scorpion (6679 Hollywood Blvd) There's some flicks from the last one and all I can say is that there are lots of beautiful people at this party having lots of fun.



-Finally, I could barely wait to mention this party. It's called I Don't Get Down With Zombies, Yo, it has one of the best fliers ever, it features Rev. Underpants, Academik and some special guests, it's $5, 10-2, it happens at the Rx Gallery (132 Eddy@Mason). Whew, I just had to get that out there in one fell swoop, that felt good. San Francisco, check this one out, I like this one, just a gut instinct.

Bald Eagle Edits!

Photo by Clayton Hauck of Everyoneisfamous.com

Sinden & Count Of Monte Cristal, "Everybody Rocking (Key of Bald Eagle edit)" (YSI link)

Basement Jaxx, "Take Me Back To Your House (Key of Bald Eagle edit/Speaker Junk remix)" (YSI link)

I think my favorite part about having this blog is getting to meet and hear about all of the amazing, talented people out there, grindin' away in the DJ booth, the studio or the party circuit. If I can help get these people a little more attention, I'll feel like it's all been worth it. (If Scarlett) When I think of people who deserve a much greater audience, Chris Baronner's name immediately springs to mind. We've mentioned Chris here often in his DJ guise, DJ Bald Eagle, he of Life During Wartime and Primetime Of Your Life fame, he's been one of the main reasons I've come to know and appreciate all of the amazing stuff going down in Chicago.

I'm super excited to finally put up some of the edits that Chris has been doing recently, as they're amazing and a brilliant idea. Basically, like Pound for Pound, Bald Eagle has been a big fan of all the amazing house music coming out from the likes of Sinden, Switch, Herve, Claude VonStroke, etc. but wanted to make it more dancefloor friendly for DJs not spinning for a roomful of househeads. So, he's taken the glitchier, bleepy stuff out, cut it down to just the raw bone. I'm not going to drone on about them. I'll just simply say: download them, I promise that you will love them, they are that good. It's simple, really.

For those of you in Chicago, you can catch the man himself spinning tonight at the Smartbar (3730 N. Clark St.) for the Ye 'Ol House of Fidget party. This one's brought to you by Potty Mouth Music and Prime Time of Your Life, it features DJs Bald Eagle, Santiago & Bushido, James Amato, Popstatic and Konsept. If that's not enough, if you get there before 11, you will get a ticket for a raffle that will give away free tickets to any upcoming Smartbar show. That list includes Diplo & Switch, Justice & Erol Alkan, Digitalism, Boys Noize, Matthew Dear & Superpitcher. Like whoa, right? I mean, like 5th place is a pretty damn good prize. Oh, and did I mention this night free? I should have, because it is. Chicago, this is your Thursday night.



For the rest of you, head over to the Bald Eagle myspace page and make friends. Non-Chicago party promoters, bloggers, music people, get up on this now. This dude's finna to blow up, don't make me say I told you so. Bring him to your party, post these edits, say hi, just don't sleep!

Simian Mobile Disco - I Believe Remixes

Simian Mobile Disco, "I Believe (Switch mix)" (YSI link) DJs

Simian Mobile Disco, "I Believe (Prins Thomas mix)" (YSI link) DJs

Okay, I just wanted to do a quick post on our normal fare, wonderful, glorious dance music. Just a reminder that I haven't given up the throne yet, we're just expanding our horizons here. Don't get it twisted, we're still pound for pound the best around.

I can't think of a better way to get back to our roots than a Simian Mobile Disco song remixed by Switch and Prins Thomas. One of the most exciting developments of the past few years for me has been the way that so many of the best names in dance music have been involved in each other's music. Whether it's Justice being redone by MSTRKRFT or Erol Alkan redoing Hot Chip, it seems like there's a nice crossover between the people who are responsible for some of the most exciting music today. Well, that one fits right into that lineage, bringing together two of the UK's most important dance producers.

I remember the first time I heard "I Believe," the brilliant opener to Kitsune Maison 3. It was a departure in some ways from the more raging, main room jawns that many of us knew them from, i.e. "Hustler." It was as if the boys were maturing, like they had found their lady and they were moving away from the club and trying to hang out and tell her how much they love her and they are so excited about the future. Dave Taylor, a.k.a. Switch, comes along as the single, fun guy, subtly trying to bring them back out for that Friday night of mayhem. He doesn't turn this one into a full-on banger, rather he hints throughout with full-on bass and synth madness. This is really nice, love the catcall whistles, the progression of the keys into the higher registers during those interludes, the nice use of the vocals. The Prins Thomas one is even better, a long, space-y disco track, one the best things I've head from the Norwegian. This remix hews much closer to the original, letting the vocals stand more, but it has a much more muscular, focused feel in spite of its 8+minute length.

Don't forget to pre-order a copy of SMD's new album Attack Decay Sustain Release. In this year of neoelectro, this will be another essential purchase.

High Voltage NYC! New Location! 200 Orchard!

High Voltage is all grown up, my friends. I can remember when I first heard about this one in its infancy, before the first one had even happened, before the first kid got completely wasted, before the first mistake hook-up went down, even before the cops came and took the mixer one night. It's entering its late teens phase, as it moves up and out, away from its original home at Sutra to its bigger, swankier, dancier digs at 200 Orchard (btwn Houston and Stanton). It's a great move imo, a nicer spot, one that has shown a lot of support to some of our favorites like Lauren Flax and Modular Records, with a great big dancefloor, old-school video games. Tonight's also the VHS Or Beta afterparty, you get a guest DJ set by Shaun Slaughter from San Fran, Alex English

Congrats to Dimitry

No Disco Comprehendo NYC, Ruff Gemz Seattle,

I mean, New York, do you see this flier? Do you see this party listed above? No Disco Comprehendo has brought life to my cold, dead, blogger scenester blackheart. I'm not even going to ramble and try to be funny. Just the facts, m'aam. Prince Language, Lee Douglas with special guest from Full Pupp and Norwary, Todd Terje. 205 (Chrystie&Stanton), in the basement, free, 11-4am, 21+, brought to you by I Heart boutique. Let disco set you free.

-If you don't feel like walking down a flight of stairs, there's a new party called Heartime at 205 upstairs starting tonight. Resident DJs are Marc-Alan Gray, June Deuell & Coco Martinez, they'll be spinning lots of dance tunes, many of the indie rock variety. 205 (Stanton & Chrystie), free, new weekly.



-Further uptown, G-Spa goes to the next level, bringing in one-third of The Rub, DJ Ayres. You know what the man can do, so you know that you'll want to be at the Gansevoort Hotel (18 Ninth Ave.@13th Street) tonight. Brought to you weekly by Project Matt, Jeremy Asgari, Yossi C, Cipha Sounds, Jamal, Jess, Daniel, Lara and Brian Bongard, this one's for those of you who want to do it up in style.



-Down in the motherland, the Seclusiasis stars Damn You All To Hell with their street bass, grime, dubstep, heavy choons. They're joined by Funkshun's Owen Howard for this party at Upstairs at Sal's (200 S. 12th St.) It's 21+, free, it's not a bad way to spend your final night before going to hell.



-Here's another new party at Pound for Pound, Ruff Gemz in Seattle. I learned about this one b/c of the special guests tonight, NYC's own Rezound and Workweek. But, a few other factors held my attention, namely a nice, lo-fi flier, a DJ named Jack and $1 High Lifes. What else do you need to know? Let's see...it happens at The Baltic Room, free before 11, $3 after that, residents are *F.I.T.S.* a.k.a. Fucking In The Streets and Sam Rousso Sound System. Seattle, this is your Wednesday from here on out, okay?



-Down the coast, Club Moscow does its thing, workmanlike, quiet, skilled. Keith Wilson just keeps on bringing dope parties, and tonight is no exception. Pound for Pound favorites LA Riots are in the house; the dancefloor has been warned. There are three bands playing as well - Black Palms, Buddy Akai and A For Attack. Plus, resident DJs Raulie and Keith 2.0 hold things down as always. Get to Boardners (1652 N. Cherokee Avenue@Hollywood Blvd), 18+, free with flier before 10:30, $5 after that.



-Finally, Club Redd continues to give me size anxiety with their massive fliers. But, with some of the best DJs around

Soiree LA, Outdanced Chicago and more

The East Coast seems to be in a bit of a quiet time, hopefully as we all get ready for lots of amazing events starting tomorrow night. LA picks up the coastal slack with a new party for Pound for Pound, the Soiree karaoke party. I've told my horror experiences with karaoke before, from losing my k-card in the presence of famous musicians to doing it with four people in a tiny room who were practicing for an actual karoake night at a bar. I say all of this to let you know that I don't have any obsession with this, this is a really cool looking party and could possibly even convert a self-professed karaoke. It happens every second and fourth Tuesday at Ola Cita (336 Hill Street) and it's a real party. With real DJs. Including one of the best LA has to offer, Daniel of LA Riots. He's joined on the decks by Bianca O'blivion, Maurice de la Falaise and Larry of Club Underground C.E.O., they'll all bring you the best in indielectronewnowave fun, the perfect soundtrack while you figure out what John Denver song you're gonna pick. It's hosted by the lovely Scarlet Casanova, Linda Love Lace is the MC for the night, go out and see beautiful people butcher good music. Yeah!

-Up north a bit, Hold Yr Horses goes down in San Fran. Bigstereo.net brings you this dance party every second and fourth Thursday, as resident DJ Rchrd Oh?! brings in a special guest to help drop some of the hottest electro, house, post-punk, Pound for Pound music. Tonight, he's got one of the best joining him as Lights Down Low's Sleazemore comes through to destroy you and this dancefloor. That's the dancefloor at Aunt Charlie's (133 Turk & Taylor), 10-2, $3 cover.



-Chicago, they don't seem to take any nights off and tonight's no exception as Outdanced does its weekly thang. Tonight, you get to hear live music from Laser Crystal and Clique Talk, plus DJ sets from Hunter Husar and Rotten Milk. It happens tonight and every Tuesday at the Funky Buddha Lounge (728 W. Grand Ave.), hosted by, $1 shots and $1 drinks. RSVP for the guestlist tonight at outdanced@yahoo.com, you know this party's gully as they're using yahoo accounts, none of that new-fangled gmail shit. Get on their level, one of another of the great Chicago parties that warrants your full attention. P.S. Is it true that one of the hosts got arrested at the party last week? Did I say this was gully or what?



-What's a way to catch my eye? Mention that you spin The Smiths, Morrissey and the Cure at your party. It's that simple. Case in point, the Petit Mort party going down at Club Midway (25 Avenue B), where Dylan Nirvana spins those aforementioned bands and other great ones from NYC to London. It's upstairs and downstairs, dance party up with Dylan Nirvana and Chlorine Jackpot and go-go girls Amelia Danger, Stormy Leather and Lil Miss Lix, bands down with headliners The Dollyrots. 21+, free to dance, $10 for the bands, goes til 4 am, free shots from 10-12.



-bloodbath

-A few more upcoming things that need your attention now, a free concerts edition. First, Chicago, rsvp for free admission to the Para One/Surkin/Institubes/Paris Terror Club party at Darkroom. Yes, you read that right, free. All you need to do is rsvp at the going.com site and you're all set. New Yorkers, you can get an amazing free concert too. Thanks to Bass Ale, Myopenbar and the Finger On The Pulse, all you need to do is rsvp for free entry to the VHS Or Beta/Walter Meego show at Studio B this Thursday night. No plus ones, so tell your pals to sign up as well.

Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha

Andrew Bird, "Fiery Crash" (YSI link)

Andrew Bird, "Scythian Empires" (YSI link)

I'm new to the music of Andrew Bird, which is kinda sad since this album, Armchair Apocrypha, is the dude's 10th release and he has a hardcore following. But, you gotta start somewhere and this is the place for me. To be honest, if it hadn't been for someone's recommendation, I would never have given this a chance. One listen and it just seemed a little too mellow and far out of my comfort zone, the stuff I read constantly highlighted his amazing lyrics and retro sound (swing, early jazz, etc.) and his time with the Squirrel Nut Zippers didn't help matters. But, I gave it a few more listens and it started to work more and more for me.

From some reviews I've read, it sounds like this album, his first on the Fat Possum label, is quite a departure from his original albums, so I'm not sure I can be of much help to people schooled in those. Not to mention the fact that songs here are reworkings of previous songs, all of which probably makes this more interesting for long-time fans. The sound's not easy to classify, straddling the line between indie, folk, classical, it really seems like the stuff that could make waves with the NPR set, indie kids, those into the singer-songwriter scene, jazz and classical fans, a wide range. This is not a bad thing; it's more an indication that this music could appeal to lots of people, none of it is abrasive or too experimental, the lyrics are witty and literary.

What made this a winner for me, however, was the way that Bird is able to make music that isn't pop, yet it can be incredibly catchy. "Fiery Crash" is a great example, with its subtle change of pace on the refrain and its wonderful guitar and organ work. The only references that come to mind are Belle and Sebastian, that mixture of beautiful sounds, great lyrics, catchy hooks. "Scythian Empires" has a much more political tone, with its references to exiting empires and Halliburton attache cases. What makes this one of the album's best for me is Bird's voice, so fragile and beautiful. There's no anger here, just a sadness at what has happened. It works perfectly, elevating the haunting lyrics.

I'd definitely recommend this one, it's an excellent album one that will keep bringing you back for one more listen. The only thing that keeps it from making that upper echelon for me is the lack of an edge both musically and lyrically. Especially on the longer songs, it just leaves me drifting. Buy your copy here, you won't be disappointed. If you really wanna dig into Bird and his music, I can't recommend the Official Unofficial Andrew Bird Fansite more highly, an amazing resource for new and old fans. Let me also take the time to shout out and thank my girl TB, who reminded me of this album and recommended it. She's got the wine game on lock, I think she may be looking to take over the music game too. Watch out.

Essential Mix - Celebrating Tony Wilson

Pete Tong & Mike Pickering, BBC Radio One Essential Mix: Celebrating Tony Wilson August 26, 2007 (YSI link) tracklisting in comments

Wow, it's clear now that Pete Tong and I are on the same wavelength. Perhaps he's a Pound for Pound fan and is doing what it takes to keep the weekly Essential Mix post going. Or maybe not. Whatever the case, he and the BBC Radio One Essential Mix program have outdone themselves with this most recent episode, Celebrating Tony Wilson. It's a two hour tribute to Tony Wilson and all of the music that he helped foster and promote with his Factory Records and Hacienda nightclub. The first hour of the mix is a journey through the Factory Records catalogue with Pete Tong, . The second hour features Mike Pickering, giving us an hour of Hacienda classics, the songs that set the club on fire back in its late 80s, early 90s heyday.

Not surprisingly, I recommend this highly; in fact, it really encapsulates what we've been doing here at this site for the past few weeks. You'll hear all sorts of familiar stuff, from Joy Division and New Order to the Happy Mondays and A Certain Ratio to the house classics that dominated parties like Nude at the Hacienda. G-d, it's so wonderful to have a nice two-hour trip back to such a magical place and time, Manchester in the 80s. It's interesting to hear how much of the music I love and put up here connects, how the kids in Manchester discovered Chicago and New York house music and would make it there own, the same way the U.S. kids heard Kraftwerk and made that their own with hip-house and early rap and house, or kids in Rio and Sao Paolo heard Miami Bass shit.

We're gonna keep going with the Tony Wilson tribute here, as there's still some goodies I'd like to get to and I'm enjoying it. We're gonna be simulataneously continuing our look at lots of new stuff, including the return of dance music to complement the indie. I feel like Tony would want it that way.

Club Genre LA with Dave P, M at Darkroom NYC and one more

Okay, I'm not really in the mood for parties and shit, as I've had to encounter firsthand the fuckedupness of people towards animals this weekend and night. But, I don't get paid to bitch and be serious, so let's try to focus on the good times. The good folks of Club Genre make that easy, as they continue to put together one of the best up-and-coming parties in LA. I've been mentioning these dudes a lot lately - DJs S!n and Luv Tek - and for good reason. They've quietly put together a roster of dope parties in the LA area. Tonight, one of my favorite DJs anywhere, Dave P, is the special guest, making this a special night. For real, do not let LAers, do not let Mr. Pianka get out of town without catching him once. This one goes down at Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd), 18+, free before 11. I can't recommend this party and this particular edition more highly. It's a rave, Dave, be there. Make sure to check out that flier above, btw, one of the best I've seen, love the image, the clear party info and DJ list, whoever did this knows what's up.

-On the opposite coast, things are just as focused. M At Darkroom (165 Ludlow St.) goes down in New York City every Monday night, as the two-thirds of the Ruff Kids, Sean Fightcats and Mike Nouveau, give you a place to get rid of that case of the Mondays. Tonight, the guys are joined by our hero DJ Dimitry and Louisahhh, which is a pretty fucking awesome line-up for a Friday, let alone Monday. Drink specials all night, you won't even remember what day of the week it is by the end.



-Up in the East Village, DJ Nick Hook of Men, Women and Children is DJing at Sake Bar Satsko (7th St. btwn Aves A & B). Crazy drink prices with $3 beer and $4 wine and sake, Nick will provide the soundtrack for this drunken ride, lots of jams, I promise and he does too. 11 pm until you can't take anymore.



-Since it's a quiet night and it's the beginning of another week, what better time to look ahead and give you a heads up on some superad events that you'll want to get on the list. DJ Funk is coming to San Fran for the Frisco Disco, get on the list and it's free free free. I mean, seriously DJ Funk is coming, you need to get on the list ASAP as it's filling up tout suite. I'm considering flying there for this one, it's that serious. High Voltage in NYC is moving to new, bigger digs at 200 Orchard and hosting the VHS Or Beta afterparty. We'll have more on this, but get on the guestlist now to make sure you get in. Finally, the Institubes Paris Terror Club Hooligan Disco Tour (Para One, Surkin, Curses! and Orgasmic) starts this Wednesday August 30th in Chicago, then hits Brooklyn the next night, with Philly, the West Coast and Canada getting in on the act in early September. Check out their myspace page for all the info and dates and tunes, really cannot wait to catch this one.

Happy Mondays - Pills n Thrills and Bellyaches

Happy Mondays, "Kinky Afro" (YSI link)

Happy Mondays, "Step On" (YSI link)

Ahh, here's one of Tony Wilson's most important and impressive discoveries, Happy Mondays. The Mondays are one of the pivotal bands that brigdged the gap between dance and indie music, a group that would define the Madchester sound and influence an entire generation of bands. The story goes that Wilson heard the group play in a battle of the bands in Manchester and signed them at the end of that contest. The fact that they had not placed was clearly not a concern to Wilson. Not sure if the story is true, but who cares? It's a cool story, never let the facts get in the way.

Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches is the band's third LP on Factory Records (FAC 230), and is often considered their finest work. My favorite fact about the album is that it was produced by DJ superstar Paul Oakenfold, along with Steve Osborne, at Eden Studios in London. I'm not actually why I think that's so cool, but I do. Despite the presence of tranceman Oakenfold and the pivotal role the Mondays played in rave culture, this is not what most of us would think of as dance music. It doesn't have the relentless beats, wicked basslines or frenetic pace that many of us associate with that label. However, I think after a few listens, you will start to hear why people liked to dance to the funky bass, jangly guitars and unrushed drums. It's a really nice corrective for this blog's tendency to only consider house, techno, electro and its variants as dance music proper. Anyway, here are two of the biggest singles from the album, great examples of this indie rock meets Northern Soul meets house. What really grabs me with repeated listens is the dark lyrics of lead singer Shaun Ryder, not what you'd expect from the smiley face ravers. But like the Grateful Dead during the acid era, the Mondays captured the inevitable flipside to drug culture, the dark, sometimes violent, ugly side that will always win out.

This one's highly recommended, a really great way to get into the whole Madchester of the late 80s, early 90s, to hear how varied the rave culture of that period was, to realize how diverse Factory Records were and to encounter one of Tony Wilson's great bands. Buy your copy here, we'll def return to these guys down the road and put some more stuff.

Blow Up LA, Too Much Love MPLS, Electro Is Dead CHI and more

LA, are you ready? Like, seriously. The City of Angels, La La Land, you know who you are, you have a huge night ahead. I'm gonna give headlining status to Blow Up LA because, well, it's got some of the best DJs around, it's free and it's gonna be a rager at a downtown loft (316 W. Pico@Olive). Let's see, you get surprise guests Bang Gang DJs doing a set, a set by my hero, Philadelphian, Making Time & Fixed bol Dave P and live shows by The Glamour of Milwaukee and SF's Hottub. Oh, did I also mention that a who's who of LA/SF DJs are also there to destroy the dancefloor? Luv Tek, Paparazzi, Royal Rumble, Virgin Tears, Cosmic Kids, Dirty-Lo, Ryan Poulsen and Travis T.K are on hand, whew. Before I continue, go now and RSVP so that you get in for FREE. Photos by Shadowscene, $3 vodka monsters until midnight (no idea what those are, but they sound scary good), 18+, goes til 4. Anne Lee, Shadowscene and Hotwire took two months off, it's clear they were in the conference room planning a serious party. Now you know why it's the top choice, right?

-Oh, but wait, there's more. Warehouse madness with The Return of The After Party Kings. This one's got more big name DJs than you can shake a Serato record at - Eli Escobar, Pase Rock, Franki Chan, Blu Jemz, Lloyd-ski, Dark Alley, Mike B and Pube$. $5 gets you in, cash bar will be at your disposable. Secret location, I'll post it up when I know for sure.



-If you can't make it into LA, there's a great option for the Orange County people in Santa Ana. LA Riots - Daniel and - have left LA for the night, as they've set too many dancefloors on fire there, they're wanted. Don't miss this chance to hear some of the best indie/dance DJs anywhere at the Trust party. It happens at Proof Bar (215 N. Broadway) and those guys are joined by DJs S!n, Buliamtron, Emu and Ricky Def. Yeah, the OC!



-Up north, the Frisco Disco bols just keep taking it up a notch. Tonight, they've invited Juan MacLean to join in on the fun, as he'll bring the house and disco jams to one of the best parties in the country. That's not all, as you also get a guest set by Gabe Vega and Saul Q of the Feel The Noise party in San Diego. Of course, have no fear, you'll also get your regular dose of the men behind the party, Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac. Get to The Transfer (198 Church Street), party like it's 1999.



-The Midwest isn't taking any backseat tonight, as there's lots going on in the middle party of the United States of America. First up, Electro Is Dead goes down in Chicago tonight at the Spikes Water Works (2135 S. Lombard Ave.) Electro, new wave and industrial provided by some top-notch DJs - Trancid, Sonik, Ciro, Eddie Riot, Therblig and Victor Lua.



-Another Midwest dude who deserves way more attention is Minneapolis' Soviet Panda. Dude has put together one of the best parties anywhere, Too Much Love, dropping some of the best dance music and bringing in some amazing guest DJs from all over. Tonight, NYC's own Star Eyes of the Trouble & Bass crew and XLR8R mag is coming through to drop the grimy bass music. You also get a set at the end of the night from Austin's Bird Peterson, this is definitely a special edition of TML. It goes down at First Avenue (701 First Avenue North, corner of First Ave and 7th St.), 18+, drink specials, goes til 3 am. Tonight, things don't end then...



-They continue at the Fancy Computer afterparty. Soviet Panda, Jonathan Ackerman,, DJ Talk Radio, Millions Billions and more will do the music, video stuff by Time Squid and Danger Havok. It starts at 2, goes til the infamous ????, $7 for the people who have their hand stamped from Too Much Love. Where is it at? You'll have to go to Too Much Love to find out the details, yea to secret locations!



-Kansas, stand the fuck up! Two really nice events going down in the state tonight, first up is the Crunkercise party with the Nomathematics crew. They've brought in guest DJ Iggy Baby and local band Coat Party, put together one of the trippiest, bizarro in a good way fliers and are gonna give you a serious workout Lawrence Kansas. The gym is going to be The Jackpot Saloon (943 Mass St.), 18+, I believe no cover. Wear your workout gear, as there will be a prize for most likely to be Olivia Newton-John.



-Down the street, the always excellent Tactic bols are doing Bump City at Fatso's (1016 Mass) Dudes will give you the booty, club, crunk shit that makes life worth living. 21+, $2 to get in, make sure you show support to both parties Kansasasassasasasasans, you hear me?



-East Coast was saved by some of our favorites, although they seemed to be flier-adverse tonight. DJ Will Eastman, actually, has decided to take his and his Bliss party's flier game to the next level, the Youtube level. That's right, he's put the info in video-form, I like it and I feel like this might be a challenge to the rest of the world. Get viral, people, get viral.



-In NYC, my bol Project Matt does his Saturday night Revolver (210 Rivington St. btwn Ridge and Pitt) party with special guest Louisahhh! from LA. Y'all know about it, get there, do not sleep on one of the best parties at one of the last refuges in the LES.

-For Philly people, what better way to follow-up the madness of [click.] than with Sorted at Johnny Brenda's (1201 Frankford Ave). The long-running indie/Britpop party has moved to amazing digs and keeps right on rolling. Mike Z and Dave Pak have been doing this for 8+ years, so you know that they know what to do. Tonight, there's a special live set by Brooklyn's Best Fiends, the DJs will be right in the middle of things tonight for the first time, not up in the booth, making this onea few notches more intense.

-Finally, let me wish K and D a happy birthday tonight, may they be forever young!

[click.] Tonight! Special Guest! Switch In Philly!

For those in Philly, tonight is a really special night. One of my favorite parties, [click.], is going down tonight at Fluid Nightclub (613 S. 4th Street) and there's a late addition super special guest. Who is it you ask? It's Switch, a.k.a. Dave Taylor, the man behind some of the sickest dance tracks and remixes of the past few years, one of the dudes who put together the new MIA album. Switch! He's gonna be doing a set later tonight, joining up with Dave P and Pink Skull. I mean, like whoa. This is sick, a chance to hear Switch in a tiny club, three of the best DJs in the world, free Colt 45 from 9-11, it's gonna be like Ibiza in there. As my bol Dave P says, "Can we please freak out people?" Philly, I know you can, make me proud tonight, get to Fluid ASAP. Switch! Dave P! Pink Skull! It's gonna be a rave, Dave.

Finger On The Pulse Turns 2! Royal Oak!

There are two special events tonight that I wanted to give special attention to. First up, one of our favorite parties and DJ crews, the Finger On The Pulse with DJs Never Forget and Terry Diabolik, celebrate their second birthday as a party. They're returning to the Royal Oak (594 Union Ave.) to celebrate in fashion, complete with a midnight champagne toast and guest spots by DJ Shit La Merde and PAMMM of Toronto. For real, I'm real proud of these guys, as they've worked hard to turn this into one of the best parties in NYC, they've repped Williamsburg harder than anyone, they've always been supportive of me and this site. It's gonna be a sweaty, dance-y, awesome night. Mazel tov guys, here's to many more years of making the kids dance.

Secrets! NYC, Lights Down Low SF, Heist DC, Club 82 LA and more

Well, it's hot again suddenly in NYC and elsewhere, it's a good night for some sweaty, debaucherous dance parties. Logically, we're gonna lead off with one of my favorite DJs in the world, Ms Lauren Flax, and her Passions party in the LES. If I wasn't such an idiot, I would've done a special post and put up some Flax tunes and remixes. Unfortunately, I accidentally lost those, so we'll have to wait a bit for that. In the meantime, hit up her bi-weekly party Secrets! tonight at 200 Orchard, as she'll be joined by Curtis Vodka, Flufftronix, Gina Turner and Louisahhh!!! for a night of dance bangers, mashedup bangers, club bangers, bangers people, just bangers. RSVP to whitelightningparties@gmail.com, show up, this is one of the best parties in NYC in one of the most underrated spaces.

-It's rare that I do non-flier events because I write for myself and I like pretty pictures. But, when the Crimp Yr Hair bols come to NYC with DJ Stereo Faith to take over the basement of Lit, the rules go out the window. NYC, you might not even be ready for the lovepsychedelicrainbowdanceelectrofreestyle night that lies ahead of you. Are you willing to take a chance? Do you have what it takes? 10-4, 21+, no cover, watchout.

-Early birders, head out to PoundforPoundville for the official After The Jump kick-off party on the roof of 89 N. 9th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City. Not sure about the music acts, but I do know that David Bruno is spinning and that's all you really need. It starts at 7, fashionably late means you'll just be late.



-D.C., you're a fascinating place. Little goes down and then boom! You drop a crazy, sick, free party that is as good as anything, no warnings, no regrets. Dance music kingpin Le Castle Vania is the special guest for the Heist party, bringing the electroindiedancemagik to a city that desperately needs these amazing sounds to transform the horrible city that has developed over the past 7 years. I have total faith that Le Castle Vania and DJ Will Eastman will destroy the dancefloor, put a spell on the city and turn the place into a bastion of progressive politics, free love, peace and gorgeousness. Or at the very least they'll put on one of the best parties the city's seen. It all happens upstairs at The Rock'n'Roll Hotel (1353 H Street NW), totally free. Oh and absolutely sick flier below, take a bow whoever put this one together.



-Damn, another amazing dance party goes off tonight, as Lights Down Low goes off tonight at the 222 Club (222 Hyde@Turk) This one's extra special as it's the first appearance by Franki Chan in the city to the north, as the I Heart Comix mogul will fit in perfectly at the LDL. It's also the going away party for DJ Seraphim; not sure where she's going, but I do know that she will be missed in SF with her bootyelectropunkdisco stylings. As always, residents Sleazemore and Rchrd Oh!? will rock your body, photos of said bodies rocking taken by Parker Day, hosted by Billy C. Oh, and there're gonna be New Young Pony Club CD giveaways, I really don't know what more you could ask for. Stop reading, go to the 222 Club, fall in love.



-Mr. Chan's home is being held down nicely by a ton of shit. First, Keith Wilson's Club 82 has DFA's Juan MacLean doing a guest DJ set along with Rico of Belle and Sebastian (?!?!?!?) Holy shit, that's some serious guests. But, it's the local talent that makes this one so necessary - Keith 2.0, Daniel from LA Riots, Young Americans from Hush Hush. Avalon (1735 Hollywood Blvd) is one stop tonight, 18+, $10 before midnight, $15 after.



-Also make sure to get to the i.d.e.a. and Hotwire My Heart jawn at Temporary Spaces (5100 Fountain@Normandie) Omar, Ryan Poulsen, Sean Patrick, Dirty Dave and Dirty-Lo, that's a fucking LA Dream Team. RSVP at ideaevents@sbcglobal.net so that you can get there, party, dance, drink and figure out which one is the Christian Laettner of the group. You must RSVP btw, MUST.



-Finally, Hush Hush vs. Rockognized, the battle of the century goes down at Vertigo's (801 W. Temple St) Young Americans, Royal Rumble, Damager, Gmo, Joey Radical and Joel are joining in the DJ fight, picture Anchorman when the news team went at it. Someone will get stabbed with a trident. 10-2:30, $10 for 18+, $5 for 21+, come out at the bell.



-Minneapolis, long time no hear from you. It looks like it's gonna be a good weekend, as things kick off with the Honeymoon party in its third Friday of every month position. The Moon Goon DJs are joined by Bird Peterson this month for a night



-Chicago, I'm saying uncle. I mean, if you're gonna start dropping warehouse parties that go til the next morning, I'm not sure anyone can keep up with you. I guess we'll stay strong and not give in yet, so you should get to the Hanger 16 party tonight with tons of DJs playing all sorts of electronic music. They just announced the venue's address today, it's at the Artesian Lumber building (2427 W. 25th) on 25th and Western. Women $5 before 11, $10 after, guys $10 all night. This thing will go late, pace yourselves. It's a rave, Dave.



-Stop by earlier at The Beta Theta party at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave). This one's got bands - The Its!, Telenovela and Big Buildings - early, then a dance party later. Resident DJs Brock and Misa of the Kampfire Killaz are joined by guest DJ Johnny Kesh. Free before 11, $5 after, 21+.

Unstoppable Perfect NYC, Your Place Or Mine? Atlanta and more

Hosted by JULIUS...

Wow, there's almost too much going in NYC tonight, which explains why this post is going up so early. Let's get down to business, apologies to any late parties, esp. on the West Coast that I miss, feel free to add the flier and info in comments or on the myspace page. Let's get to work, we're going to give you a Manhattan and a Brooklyn night, as there's too much going down, we all need to be focused and stay within ourselves. The easiest move tonight is to hit up Happy Ending (302 Broome St.@Forsythe), where two of my favorite parties will take over the upstairs and downstairs. Unstoppable Perfect is the new party put on by Pound for Pound favs Seanmutthafukkinroberts and rekLES, the dudes behind the Lewd party from The Annex. I think that this is their new jawn, but I don't know if it's a one-off or what. Anyway, the dudes will kill it tonight with electro jams, robot rock, synth sexpots and much more. 2 for 1 drink specials from 11-12, no cover, hosted by Antwan of ithinkyoureswell.com and Julius O. who refreshingly has no website. Also make sure to walk down the stairs because...

-As always, Even Further holds down the downstairs of Happy Ending every Thursday with discodancelovesex jams. Tonight's special guest is DJ Vinyl Ritchie of carmine




-Okay, the list closed a few days ago for the early part of this party, Blackbook's Cool-Off. However, it opens up to the public from 10 PM on and best of all, my girl DJ Catskillz makes her triumphant return to the decks tonight from 10-12. She'll be spinning rock and electro, crossing my fingers for a Smiths tune or four. Seriously though, she's one of the most knowledgeable music people I know and I am psyched to catch her spin finally. Maybe if we all come out and show some love, she'll make a full return to the booth. It all goes down at Revolver (210 Rivington btwn Pitt and Ridge), you know I love this spot, so get there. You may even meet a famous blogger.



-Hmm, I'm not sure if the Common Folk bols planned this in advance, assuming it would be hot as shit in NYC at the end of August or if they realize that we desperately need an escape from the cold weather hitting us now. Either way, good look fellas. Residents Johnsville, Lucas Walters and Piano&Pizza re joined by DJ Equal of the Taste crew and Maria Holland of Hang the DJ for a night of sun, sand and surf in the basement bar Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St.). Wear your beach attire and cool sunglasses, don't be the ass who doesn't play along. No cover, $2 tropical drink shots all night, let's not even pretend that you're not gonna be into those.



-Cheeky Bastard does it up big again for their Thursday night jawn at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th@9th Ave) in the Meatpacking District/Chelsea border right near the L. Live set by Foreign Islands is recommended, the DJ set by up and coming band The Virgins is as well, although ya never know with bands DJing. Then, let the Ruff Kids take you over the edge and make you feel as young as they are and the rest of the crowd is. No cover on the list, so head over to the going.com site right now. Lucky Beer open bar 10-11, 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 1o-11 and 2-3 will also help make you feel young and happy for the night.



-Brooklyn, make it a Williamsburg night, frolick in the land of Pound for Pound. My bol Project Matt is one of the guest DJs at Iron Lyon's weekly Soundclash party at Supreme Trading (213 N. 8th btwn Driggs & Roebling). DJ Kech will also get in the mix, this'll be a great night of serious reggae, dancehall, rap, Dirty South, i.e. a rare night out in New York City. No cover, open from 9-10 for the early bird drinkers




-Not too far away, the Death By Audio space is throwing a nice, live music/DJ bash called Videodisco (I think). This one features live sets by Todosantos and Eats Tapes, with DJ sets all night from Cousin Cole, Pocketknife, Chris Hires and Total Life and others. This place will benefit immensely from the cooler weather, as previous events have been too hot to handle, or stand or dance or be. Should be a good one, $6, all ages, starts at 11.



-I feel like I've never mentioned the weekly Thursday night party The Real Information at Bamboo Lounge (20th & Arch) in Philly. No better time than now, as DJ Scott Melker will be the special guest tonight, as this will be a G Love afterparty. Melker is touring with the Love man, expect an amazing night of hip-hop, pop, 80s, really just good music that makes people dance and smile from him. Resident DJs Brendan Bring'em and Dan the Swede have turned this into one of the best weeklies in the city, consistent, fun, packed. Get on the guest list tonight, as it's bound to get to capacity. Open bar from 10-11, $5 on the list, yeah.



-Two other good weeklies go down every Thursday. Steven Bloodbath does the 90s up right at Silk City (425 Spring Garden). Go and be nostalgic, dance, have fun, spend a night at one of my favorite places, no cover.



-For those looking for more of a dance music night, head to Upstairs at Sal's for the weekly Movement party with DJs Mike T, Kyle M and Solobuns. No cover, I believe PBR specials, cheap drinks all around, good stuff.



-The other party of the night goes down in the Dirty Dirty, Hotlanta, the ATL (are there any other names that I can use that no one from Atlanta or the South would actually? holler.) as Your Place Or Mine? goes down at the Bazzaar (654 Peachtree St. NW) This one looks like it won't just be one of the best-named parties; it's also going to be a fucking rager. The main reason is that the special guest DJ is Will Eastman from D.C.'s Bliss party and a dude who deserves way more attention. He's joined by Drew Van Atten and Brett Long for a night of bangers, go-go, rap, pop, dance, the works. To take it up that final notch, you get a Peroni beer open bar from 9-10:30.



-Dear Chicago, let us catch up. The good times keep rollin' as tonight, as here's another new party to Pound for Pound, Heather Doble's Elevated. This is a Thursday night weekly at Berlin Nightclub (954 W. Belmont Ave.) and tonight's a great time to check it out if you haven't already. The best couple in DJing (until Scarlett Johansson and I get together and form , Kampfire Killaz, are the special guests, they'll be bringing some booty and juke to the electro, tech-house and underground house that is the normal soundtrack.



-Finally, Debonair Thursday is your other plan for the night Chicago. Trancid and Mark Gertz of Dark Wave Disco have brought in DJ Crowd Killa and Million Dollar Mano for someone's going away party. Not a bad way to see yourself off, great music, great place, no cover. Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.), big things from the DWD this weekend, stay tuned.

Bright Eyes - Cassadega

Bright Eyes, "Make A Plan To Love Me" (YSI link)

Bright Eyes, "I Must Belong Somewhere" (YSI link)

"Either I'm too sensitive or else I'm getting soft." Bob Dylan sung those words a while back, but I think that they fit Pound for Pound now. I'm sure you might be getting worried that this site is gonna be all brooding white guy with guitar music. It won't, as we're already preparing a Return To The Bass that will blow your ear drums, make you drop your panties and offend your sensibilities. But, I can't lie to you, oh dear anonymous reader, I've been feeling a little melancholy lately as I say goodbye to someone and a whole time in my life that I never really thought would end. hat brooding music about lost love and drinking and failure and sadness is what I listen to. It may be a cliche, but so am I.

Bright Eyes, i.e. Conor Oberst, definitely fits the mould of angsty singer, discussing life, love lost and getting old. It's hard to review the albums, as his fans are so hardcore and his haters just as much, that it's hard to set up on the middle ground. I gotta be honest, I don't see how anyone can listen to his albums and not have both extreme feelings. His new one, Cassadega, is a perfect example; some songs really hit me and others leave me bored and uninspired. This one definitely sees Bright Eyes move further away from the lo-fi sound, bringing in much more instrumentation and orchestration to the mix, which doesn't bother me but may for some of his oldest fans. Like Ryan Adams, he seems to be heading more clearly into the country-roots direction. The twanging electric guitars on "I Must Belong Somewhere" sound great, providing a focused zone for Obert's great song about searching for home and belonging. It's my favorite track on the album, probably one of my favorite Bright Eyes tunes. "Make A Plan To Love Me" is another good one, a nice love song complete with female backup singers, strings and woodwinds. It's a beautiful song, sincere and earnest and heartfelt, a love song.

To bring it back to my original thoughts, I feel Oberst doesn't let himself go enough, doesn't show that heart or the pain the way that others do. He all seems too perfect and more detached than his previous efforts. As he's brought politics more into the mix, the more it seems like he's lost that pain and replaced it with anger or hokey spirituality or irony or something. Or perhaps as he's gotten better production, the mistakes and excess and humanity has gone. It's not a bad album, it's just not an album that I will turn to, especially not when I most want to listen to music. It's clearly stirred up strong opinions from me, so it seems like everyone should grab a copy and see what it does for you, good or bad. Love or hate him, Bright Eyes is someone you always have to engage.

The Durutti Column - The Return of the Durutti Column

The Durutti Column, "Sketch For Summer" (YSI link)

The Durutti Column, "Lips That Would Kiss" (YSI link)

Tony Wilson is rightly remembered for his support and discovery of Joy Division and New Order, two brilliant and original acts. But, I think the real tribute to the man is to look at the lesser known acts that he championed and see just how brilliant his ear was and how much he was willing to take a chance on something new and different.

I can't think of a better description of The Durutti Column, the English post-punk band. Named after a Situationist poster which was in honor of a group of fighters in the Spanish Civil War, Durutti Column was/is really guitarist Vini Reilly. What had been a sizeable band formed from another band, Fast Breeder, broke apart as a result of a fight with Tony Wilson (there's that name again!) and the choice of Martin Hannett as producer for the upcoming album. Reilly stayed on and made this his band for the past 25 years.

He worked with Hannett to put out The Return of the Durutti Column in 1980 on Factory Records, a truly original and ballsy record if I may say so. While Reilly had played in punk bands prior, this album is about as far from that sound as possible. It's basically a solo guitar album, capturing Reilly playing beautiful, ephemeral guitar music which touches on jazz, classical, some ambient, very little straight rock sounds. The real star of the show is Hannett, as he adds the electronic manipulations, found sounds and occasional beats to give the album both a freshness and ahead-of-its-time feel. This takes a few listens to get used to, but once you do, I think you will really get into the beauty and minimalism of the music; it has much more in common with the experimental music scene and jazz world than it does with punk or new wave. Go in with open ears and I think you'll hear a beautiful album. Oh, one cool note, the original record cover was made of sandpaper, a nod to the cover of Guy Debord's The Society of the Spectacle and the Situationist joke/desire to use the book to destroy all of the other ones around it.

It's amazing to think that this was coming out at the same time as Joy Division's dark post-punk on the same label. That is what should be the tribute to Tony Wilson and Factory Records, that they were able to hear the brilliance of different music. They supported artists they loved and respected, regardless of genre or popularity or profit. A pretty good philosophy, no? I highly recommend picking up your own copy of the reissue, which features 6 bonus tracks that are excellent.

When The Eagle Meets The Wolf, DJ Paul V at Awesometown and more

I mentioned that Chicago keeps on taking it, in last night's party post. Well, tonight they take even more, whatever the hell KRS One and I mean by that. First up, my bol Bald Eagle moves out of the DJ booth and onto the stage with his project, When The Eagle Met The Wolf. This is an actual production thing, not spinning records and hitting the Serato. Bald Eagle and Mister Wolf have come together to blow your mind and move your ass. Logically, they've brought in DJ Major Taylor, who's formerly of Philly so you know he's doper than you. You also get Analog Addicts, live art by Novem members, host DJ La*Jesus, all for no cover. Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave), a definite stop tonight Chicago.

-WTF, Chicago? WTF? Is there something in the water? Are you seeing this other US cities? We're getting outdone and outhustled. The Riot In Belgium tour continues tonight in the Windy City, as the Aussies join up with the Dark Wave Disco crew - Trancid and Mark Gertz- for a night of filthy dance music. I mean, whoa. It's all brought to you by Vice Magazine, Colt 45 and Smash and Crunch, thank them. Free Colt 45 from 1o til its gone, doors at 9, $5 on the guestlist, Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago Ave.) Same street as the When Eagle Meets the Wolf gig, like 8 blocks difference. This is a serious night, Chicago, do it up big.



-Also make sure to check out the Amplify New Music Series going down at Schuba's (3159 N Southport Ave.) This one features The Cool Kids, with Phono and Hollywood Holt & Mano. This one's $8, 21+, starts at 9pm, pretty one-two punch.



-One of my favorite parties and party names, Awesometown goes down in LA tonight at The Short Stop (1455 W. Sunset Blvd.) I'm especially psyched for this edition, as my bol DJ Paul V from Neon Noise radio show and all-around good is the headliner. He's joined by some of LA's best like Desert Eagles, Josh (Wa) and Anne Lee, the woman who brings you this party every month. You also get a set by Canada's Fembot, photos by Shadowscene and $3 Dewars and ginger ale (sounds good!) You need to RSVP at going.com, it's free once you do, 21+.



-Also, don't forget that Club Moscow goes down per usual at Boardners (1652 N. Cherokee Ave@Hollywood Blvd) My bol Daniel of LA Riots is spinning along with residents Keith 2.0 and Raulie. Keith Wilson does this jawn every week, show your respect and appreciation. Free with flier before 10:30, $5 bucks after for 18+.



-I'm not even sure I should keep hyping DJ S!n and Luv Tek's Cali jawns, as I understand that they are drawing hundreds of people and are crazy packed and debaucherous. Err, wait I should keep telling you, can't stop now, we're into deep. While I like to believe that size doesn't matter, this flier proves it does (and that girls say it does). Only crazy, big parties can drop massive fliers like this, so Club Redd should have one. Tonight's the MIA CD release party with special guest DJ Bip Jeffington of the Bang! and System parties. He joins Luv Tek, S!n and Paparazzi to destroy Long Beach. It happens at Club Sevilla, but the reverberations will be felt throughout the city. Do not miss out, 18+, free before 11, love it.



-Okay, NYC, here's your night. Start out in the LES with Mr. Nick Hook at his For Those About To Rock party at Koca Lounge. Nick's bringing you 4 hours of rock'n'roll and other goodies, this is the last one it sounds like for a few weeks at least, so get it in now. $1 sake shots, $5 sake carafes, $3 bottles all night, goes til midnight, good vegetarian menu if that's your thing.



-Then, head a few blocks north to the East Village border for High Voltage. Dimitry's party, great DJs, attractive people, awesome Zygo open bar from 11 until it's gone, people actually dancing and having fun, blah blah blah. Tonight's guest is Glue from Cardboard City, which would mean a lot if I wasn't such a dance snob. Guest host Igor from drivenbyboredom.com, wait people with websites actually have social skills? Only one way to find out.



-Finally, get up to the Meatpacking District for G Spa, the Project Matt, Jeremy Asgari, Yossi C., Cipha Sounds, Jamal, Osvaldo-Jess-Daniel Lara-Brian Bongard jawn. Okay, while I working on coming up with an acronym for all of those names or talk a few of the people into combining their names, you should get to the Gansevoort Hotel (18 Ninth Ave@13th Street) for that rare chacne to hang somewhere classy and nice without people giving you dirty looks. Tonight, you get DJ Wonder providing the music, expect lots of good rapreggaepop stuff that will help you forget how cold it is. It goes til 4 am, then you can hit the L and be in bed by 5, content in the knowledge that you did it up right and that you are young and alive.



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The National - Boxer

The National, "Green Gloves" (YSI link)

The National, "Start A War" (YSI link)

It's rare for me to write a review and completely scratch it. I usually find that the first 5 to 10 listens give me my general feel for the album, my like or dislike. From there, it's more about coming to terms with my original opinion. I'm not sure I've ever had an experience like the one with the new album from The National, Boxer. I've enjoyed their previous albums, although usually I find them missing a great song or two to put them in favorite album consideration. On first, second and third listens, I really felt underwhelmed, like it wasn't even at that level.

I took a day off, dialed it back up on the iPod and suddenly I heard one of the best albums of the year. I'm not a 100% sure what the change was, but I think that there were two major factors. First, I started to listen to the lyrics more, started to hear these songs about loneliness, the crumbling relationships, the self-medication, got beyond the monotone vocals and heard what was being said. In particular, "Start A War" struck a nerve, one of the best rock songs I've heard in a long time. Everything works for me on this one, from Matt Berninger's drowsy vocals to the restrained music to the simple refrain, "Walk away now and you're gonna start a war." The story of a crumbling relationship is captured perfectly, from the entreaties to stay and deal with things to the veiled, almost-powerless threat of war. The music is like a pot on boil that gets taken off before the bubbles start flying to the top, a nice simmering rock backdrop that builds the tension. "Green Gloves" has more of a folk feel, the picked chords more distinct, the background vocals are beautiful. The lyrics are even more bleak, a lament of detachment and an attempt to bridge that.

In general, this album eschews the louder, harder rock songs that were usually the stars of previous albums. That was the second key, as the numerous listens gave me a chance to adjust my ears further to rock music in general and more importantly to escape my own preconceived notions. Once I did, I heard a wonderful album that digs down into the darkness but never wallows. The music is also top-notch, like I said, less loud and rock-y, but that only makes it more powerful for me. I feel like there's more strings and keys and even horns, but I could just be wrong. It all sounds like a band that has become comfortable with its own identity, willing to take things at their own pace, tinker with their formula.

I did want to take a minute to compare this album to another recent favorite, Okkervil River's The Stage Names. For me, the Okkervil River one was decidedly better and so I wondered why it was so clear, as I really do love Boxer. I think that it comes down to the fact that Will Sheff of Okkervil shows complexity that doesn't come through in Berninger and The National. He gives me anger, love, sadness, joy and he lets you hear it. His vocals range, he doesn't seem to be hiding behind any sort of cool detachment. While I love that detachment and strive for it, deep down I am drawn most to those who can't control it all the time, who show all sides even if they don't want to. Hope this makes sense.

Obviously, this one is highly recommended. Go and grab a copy as soon as possible, as it's hard to imagine that this is going to be one of the best of the year. You can catch the band on tour, as they kick things off in the greatest city on Earth, Philadelphia, September 4th at the TLA.

IHeartComix vs. Modular, Redline 1 Year Anniversary and more

It's fitting that the coldest fucking August night ever would see me looking West for parties. I mean, seriously. It's fucking August. It's 57 degrees right now in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. That's not cool. What is cool, you ask? Besides nice segues. Well, this massive party in Los Angeles put on by many of Pound for Pound's favorites. Franki Chan's IHeartComix are combining with Modular Records for a sick night of electroaciddancemagik. You get the first US appearances of Riot In Belgium and the Bang Gang DJs, Australian stars to be (heck, I guess they already are), along with a DJ set by Mr. Chan. What takes this into epic territory is that it's all free. Just go RSVP at the going.com site and you're all set for an unbelievable night. A full night out for the cost of your drinks. Not bad. It goes down at The Roxy Theater (9009 W. Sunset Blvd.), 10 PM, 21+, essential.

-Also in Cali, San Francisco to be precise, the Redline SF party celebrates its first anniversary tonight with a special night. I've never mentioned this party/DJ crew before, which is a big oversight. This party is put on by female DJs and promoters exclusively; specifically Redline is Ultraviolet, Empress, Femme Fatale, Kozee, Dymphna, Scarlet and Sylvia aka La Loca. I can only imagine how hard it is to be a woman in this ridiculously phallocentric world of DJs and parties (even more amazing, they spin lots of dnb and dubstep!), so it's always good to see women taking things into their own hands and making moves. But before I start discussing The Feminine Mystique or some shit, lemme just say that all of these women are talented and can hold their own anywhere, putting on a great party that specializes in dubstep, drum'n'bass, electro and debauchery. Sounds good to me. Tonight, they've brought in Frisco Discoer Richie Panic to take things up a notch for the celebration. Get to Underground SF (424 Haight St.), listen to some of SF's best DJs, dance and remember that the Grateful fucking Dead used to live on that very street. Mazel Tov Redline ladies, here's to another year!



-Chicago keeps on takin' it. Tonight, another Outdanced!, this time featuring the East Coast Overdose Tour of Smalltown DJs and StinkMitt. This is a straight Canadian invasion, as Vancouver dancepunk band StinkMitt and Calgary crew Smalltown DJs are launching a full-out invasion. Look for the tour in Boston, Lincoln, Baltimore, D.C., Philly,and NYC in the next week or so. Outdanced! isn't done there, though, as Jillian Valentino and Scott Cramer have brought in Mark Gertz from Chicago's Dark Wave Disco to deliver the knockout punch. Funky Buddha Lounge (728 W. Grand Ave.), $1 shots and drinks, no cover.




-Finally, Rhode Island, stand up! That dude Knowlton Walsh is holding it down in the land of Brown, spinning tonight at a birthday party at Energy (69 Union St.) in Providence. He's joined by The Savant Brothers and Jack MacDevitt, for what looks like a fun and drunken time. Oh and I love this notebook steez flier, not sure if this would work all of the time, but it really looks good and fun here. Nice work!

Graeme Prk and Mike Picking Live at the Hacienda August 1989

Graeme Parke & Mike Pickering, Nude Party at the Hacienda August 1989 (YSI link) large file (200+MB)

In lieu of an Essential Mix this week, I figured I'd just give you an essential mix. See, see what I did there with the capitalization, so nice. Anyway, I feel like this is a good way to kick off some posts in honor of Tony Wilson, an amazing mix from a defining party at the club he built and made, The Hacienda. The place was the brainchild of Wilson, Rob Gretton and New Order, as the Factory Records people felt that the city of Manchester had no club that was to their liking, playing the music they wanted to hear. In the 16 years of its existence (May 1982-September 1998), it would become an epicenter for club culture, the place that gave birth to 'Madchester', UK acid house, influenced numerous DJs and parties and clubs and was the subject of a film, 24 Hour Party People.

It wasn't always so legendary. In fact, in the beginning, it was a bust, drawing few people, lacking any great party that people had to be at. That would all change when Mike Pickering finally decided to take matters into his own hands and do his own Friday night party. Nude would quickly become the night, bringing in thousands to hear the introduction of Chicago house music to Manchester. It would soon become the night, the one that put the club on the map and gave it the buzz that would lead to its peak years at the end of the eighties, when the rave scene took over the world. Pickering would eventually join with Graeme Parke, and those two would hold it down until the early 90s.

This mix isn't just of historical interest; it's an amazing mix that captures the sound of the Nude party, a little bit of the energy that existed during the night and a lesson on how to DJ. What struck me most about this mix is the prevalence of hip-hop music; there's an assumption that dance music and hip-hop are distinct worlds and never the twain shall meet. Well, Pickering and Parke clearly don't think so and they show you how seamless and connected the two musics are. Deep down, I feel like that is the mission of this blog, too. It's one of the best mixes I've put up here, I really do hope that everyone takes the time, downloads and listens. It's a chance to hear two DJs at the top of their game, at a legendary party, in front of a packed house of dancers and clubbers. What more could you ask for, besides being there yourself?

Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

Ryan Adams, "Goodnight Rose" (YSI link)

Ryan Adams, "These Girls" (YSI link)

I like Ryan Adams. I consider his album Heartbreaker a favorite, he's put out some songs that I consider mini-masterpieces like "Dear Chicago," "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)" and "Damn, Sam (I Love A Woman That Rains)." I'm a sucker for anyone sings about getting drunk and loving women and being heartbroken, as y'all know. He recently released a new album, his first since the insanely prodigous year 2005, when he dropped three different LPs.

Easy Tiger is the new one and it just doesn't do it for me. I've given it quite a few listens and there's nothing that I necessarily hate or dislike; it just has little that makes me wanna come back for more, that makes me love it. It continues to see Adams and his back-up band The Cardinals explore the country-folk roots of rock music, giving this album a more laidback feel than his earlier stuff. Why doesn't the album work for me? Honestly, the songs. They just don't catch me, they don't demand that I listen again. To be fair, I'm not a rock or indie guy, so it probably takes something extra special for me to get it. But, Adams just seems off his game on this one (or maybe this is his new game?), his lyrics are average, at times the music sounds so weak and throwaway (esp on "Two Hearts"), it doesn't have that heartandsadness-on-the-sleeve quality that I like. It's not that I'm questioning authenticity or something, it just doesn't have that same quality of openness

Obviously, this one is not getting a recommendation. If you are a longtime Ryan Adams fan, more than likely you already have this one. For newbies, it might not be a bad pickup, since he does cover all of the sounds from his previous album on these thirteen tracks. But, I'd say go back into his catalogue and find the sources instead. Buy a copy of Easy Tiger here, or at least click over to read the ridiculous liner notes provided by Stephen King.

Tony Wilson R.I.P. (1950-2007)

Photo by Aidan O'Rourke

Joy Division, "Love Will Tear Us Apart" (YSI link) 320 DJ

New Order, "Blue Monday (original 12" mix)" (YSI link) 320 DJ

I've been out most of the day, walking in the rain and listening to the new Okkervil River (like we agreed to do, remember!?!) I definitely feel in the right mood to finally put this post together. It's taken me a week to feel like I can come to terms with all of the brilliant people who have passed away recently. From Antonioni and Bergman to the Yankees great Phil Rizzuto, it feels like these dark times only get darker. For Pound for Pound, one of the names that has had a massive influence on what we listen to and love, Tony Wilson, passed away last Saturday at the age of 57 from cancer. Wilson was co-founder of Factory Records, the label that gave the world Joy Division and New Order and that we profiled two weeks ago, and the man behind the legendary Hacienda club. He was

It seems impossible to write a heartfelt obituary, especially for someone you never met. So, I'll simply say that Mr. Wilson was a name that any music fan should know and revere. He had an ear for some of the greatest music ever made, an ability to hear the next sound before anyone knew what that sound would be. But, more importantly to me, he loved his city, Manchester, every day he was on this Earth, he did whatever he could to make his city a better place, he spread the word far and wide about how amazing it was. He was known as Mr. Manchester, for that lifetime of support and love. I can think of no better way to be remembered at the end. This article in The Independent might be the best tribute of all - "He was a champion of Manchester right to the end. In his last interview he said: "In the North-west it rains and it rains. And yet we managed to produce the industrial revolution, trade union movement, the Communist Manifesto and even the goddam computer. Down south, where the sun never sets, you took all our money and what did you produce? Chas and fucking Dave.""

We're going to take this week coming up to continue our look at the music of Factory Records and the Hacienda, in honor of the life of Tony Wilson. I hope that everyone gives it a listen and takes a moment to remember the man behind so much of it. Above are two of the classics the man helped give us. Pitchfork has a nice rememberance of the man, complete with lots of great video clips. Jody Rosen has a tribute in Slate, while the BBC lays out the 5 most influential things about Wilson. They're all fine and nice, but I'm gonna try to let the music that man championed speak for itself and Mr. Wilson. He will be missed.

Resurrection and Save The Robots, Dimitry at Misshapes, Le Castle Vania and Dark Wave Disco and much more

I'm writing tonight's preview on some Cal Ripken shit, as I injured my back last night, things tightened up and so I am on the party DL. You, however, are not and will need to do it up extra big to make up for my lack of presence. There are more than enough choices, I'm going to just get the word out in as few words as possible. Last night we had two parties listed at the same venue mistakenly; tonight, we have two parties coming together with Project Matt's weekly Resurrection and the Save The Robots one that was moved with my dude Carmine Filthy and Lady Byrd at the decks. Robot music and Dirty South bangers, the Pound for Pound dream mix. Free, Revolver, 21+.

-Yeah, my bol DJ Dimitry is spinning at tonight's Misshapes! Lots of good people there, Micprobes, Spencer Product, live performance by Anamanaguchi, Six Six Sick girls guest hosting. Ferchrissakes, it's Misshapes! Don Hill's (511 Greenwich@Spring St.) $3 mixed drinks and $3 beer from 10-12, so get in early.




-We Thoro in the boroughs. Mr. Andersonic, Philly's Dev79, BD1982 and Skinny Friedman of the Philadelphyinz are going to bring the BASS to my hood, Williamsburg, at Capone's (221 N. 9th St.) No cover, 21+, 10-4, free pizza with your drink. Seriously.



-Nearby, Sweatshop Labor stays on the grind with their first and third Saturday party at Macri Park (462 Union Ave.) Johnsville and Lucas Walters, make it a Williamsburg night.


-Dark Wave Disco + Le Castle Vania = total Chicago disco freakout! Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago Ave.), 21+, 9-3, drink specials.



-These guys, Jefrodisiac and Richie Panic, don't stop. Another edition of the Frisco Disco tonight, looking at their myspace bullentin and going.com link, I really wish that I was at this one tonight. It truly looks like a fun party every single time, San Franciscans appreciate what you have! The Transfer (198 Church St.@Market St), rsvp here to get in free before 10:30, $5 after that, 21+. Late Update: a fashion street scene photo site Streetpeeper will be in the house, using the Disco to get a sense of SF fashion, so you, you wear something nice.



-Another massive Check Yo Ponytail - live sets by Dandi Wind, Passions and Bedtime For Toys, Djs Franki Chan & Paparazzi, photos by Shadowscene, ice cream truck and BBQ. The Echoplex (1154 Glendale Blvd), free if you RSVP here, $10, 18+



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Dave Bruno in Chicago, Le Castle Vania in SF, Unicorn Crossing and more

Above, you will see that Chicago is taking over NYC this weekend. Well, wouldn't you know but NYC has decided to send one of its own to destroy the Windy City? Funny how things work, y'know? Mr. David Bruno, he of People Don't Dance No More and Slap You In Public fame, is out in Chicago, joining forces with Popstatic for his Vice Versa party at Subterranean (2011 W. North Ave). Any one who reads Pound for Pound regularly knows the high regard I hold Bruno in as a DJ and music dude. This night should really be amazing, crazy disco, sick re-edits, jackin' house, booty bangers, the sky's the limit as one of Chicago's best meets one of NYC's best. It's free, 10-2, can't think of a better way to spend your night. Be a part of the Chicago-NYC exchange program!

-Here's an odd one, two fliers promoting parties at the same place on the same night. Trancid, Mark Gertz and Ryan Paradise are doing their Third Friday thing at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave) in the Flatiron Building, continuing in the dance music madness gripping the city tonight.



-Or is it Heather Doble and Willy Joy doing the damn thing at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave)? I can't lie, I have no clue which one is right, but I do know that you can't wrong with any of these DJs, a great early stop before hitting up Subterranean or a great way to finish the night, your choice. Let us know who the hell is spinning if you find out!



-Back in NYC, there's a few other events to hit up before or after Studio B. The best of the lot is also the one with a good cause behind it. Beyond Partydome features a huge cast of people, bands and DJs including Johnsville, Lucas Walters and OCDJ. They've all come together for a fundraiser for a fallen firefighter in NYC, Daniel Pujdak. I think this is a house party, the address is 146 Leonard btwn Scholes and Meserole here in Williamsburg. Take the L to Lorimer, donations are suggested at $4, which honestly is the least you should give for such a good cause, so much fun and cheap booze and good music. This is a real good cause, good work by the people putting this together, they have earned a permanent spot on this blog.



-Every week, GBH has been doing it up on Friday nights with The Rub DJs at Lotus (409 W. 14th St.) in the Meatpacking District. Tonight, it's DJ Ayres' turn, along with special guest from LA, Mike B. of Banana Split. If rock is more your thing, head downstairs to check out Michael T and Melody Nelson spinning rawk all night. Check out this for info on reduced list, make sure to do up the $7 PBR and shot special at the downstairs bar (only available there) and survive with some money left for late-night pizza. Yeah!



-Down 95, Curtis Vodka and Flufftronix continue their tour, hitting the best city of them all, Philadelphia. They're joining Steven Bloodbath at his weekly Friday night party at The Walnut Room (1709 Walnut St. 2nd floor) This should be a ridiculously out of control night, lots of booty shit, rap, mashups, you will need to come up for a breath at various points. Oh, and this is one of the greatest fliers I've seen, more like it please.



-I can't believe I've never mentioned this party here, as it's one of the ones that has held it down in Philly for what seems like forever. And Dim Sum presents their monthly Friday night jawn Spin The Bottle upstairs at The Khyber (56 S. Second St.). Resident DJs Rumcajs, Ranger Rad and Gordon Bombay will spin the tunes that you want to hear and that makes girls dance, at one of my favorite Philly spots. It's free, it's a guaranteed good time, it's your Friday night.



-On the opposite coast, San Fran just keeps on taking it. Tonight, it's Blow Up SF and it features one of the most deadly DJs in the game, Le Castle Vania. Dude will absolutely melt your fucking face with electrodiscopunkfunkedelic heat. He's joined by Jefrodisiac, Jelly Donut and Danny Ruxspin at The Richshaw Stop (155 Fell St.). Hurry up and rsvp, 18+, 9-2, $12 for the under 21s, $10 for 21 and olders (yea to making the young pay more for being young and idealistic and beautiful!), boom!



-Finally, my girl DJ Almost Tropical continues to put Germany on lock, she's got her Unicorn X-ing party tonight at Kim (Brunnenstrasse 10) where she will make you so happy with good music that you may throw up. That's not guaranteed of course, but the good times, good music and good people are. No cover, show love for my girl Germans!





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The Bald Eagle Has Landed in NYC! Life During Wartime! Look Out!

DJ Bald Eagle, Live From The Fuck Hut #1 (YSI link)

Oh mang, I'm so excited for this, as one of my favorite DJs, DJ Bald Eagle, is hitting up New York City this weekend. I cannot recommend checking out these parties above more highly, as he and his partner DJ Mother Hubbard are gonna kill it, I guarantee. First up, they're special guests at the weekly FUN party at Studio B (259 Banker St.), which features live sets by Office and Tigercity and a DJ set by resident Rok One and Pound for Pound favorite Lauren Flax. Then, tomorrow night, the scene shifts to the Lower East Side, as the duo spin with Ms. Flax at the Friction afterparty for the bands Office, The Teeth, Capitol Years and Bell (whoa, that's two Philly bands, love it) I mean, seriously Life During Wartime + Lauren Flax = game over. Do this, New York City!

For those who don't know, Bald Eagle is one of the dudes who are making Chicago the city to reckon with on the dance party front, the man behind the Life During Wartime party, the Prime Time Of Your Life monthly and various other guest appearances and one-off parties. His first mix is one of my favorite of 2007, Live In The Fuck Hut Volume 1, gives you a great sense of the dude's sound, so download it above if you haven't already and . I've really been psyched about all of the amazing shit coming out of the Windy City, love the community vibe, feel they have there and the loads of talent and good people and good parties. I'm excited that they are starting to get much-deserved attention from other places, hope that they can start getting gigs all over, as they deserve to take over the whole world.

Okkervil River - The Stage Names

Okkervil River, "Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe" (YSI link)

Okkervil River, "A Hand To Take Hold Of The Scene" (YSI link)

It's rare that I go out and buy a CD right away, when it's just dropped. I'm always like 3 weeks behind, swamped by all of the stuff sent to me and that I'm finding and my own tangents, a perpetual state of catch-up. So, you know it's a big deal when I go and cop an album immediately. A new Okkervil River album is a big deal; Will Sheff's music is so special to me, in that highest pantheon (okay, maybe right below the Dylan-Smiths level, for now), music that I simultaneously want to keep just for myself and want to scream about to the world. I've chosen the latter, as this man's music is too amazing and wonderful and unique to not be heard by everyone.

His new album, The Stage Names, is the long awaited follow-up to Black Sheep Boy, his 2005 masterpiece. My expectations were so high, I almost felt bad, no way dude could live up to them. I've been listening to the last album frequently for the past few months. First listen was a run-through, I needed to realize that I wasn't going to get Black Sheep Boy 2, that this was a totally different album which I needed to give its own space. Once I did, I realized that this is another amazing album, that rarest of creations in today's music world, the seamless album that you throw on and spend an hour with. It's just about perfect, dark, introspective lyrics, anger, sadness, pain, love, this is exactly what I want to be hearing right now, it so reflects my own mood it's eerie.

"Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe" is the opening track and my favorite right now, it literally brought tears to my eyes on second listen. It's all about Sheff's voice, which has this immediacy that only the greats have for me. It easily conveys sadness, anger, whatever. Here, it has the intensity of someone trying not to yell, desperately trying to not let things get out of hand. There's some amazing backup vocals, an almost 60s girls group thing going on, which leads me to the main difference for me with this album and the previous one. On The Stage Names, the backing music makes more of an impression on me; on Black Sheep Boy, Sheff, his voice and lyrics dominate, for me. There are more memorable songs on the last one, whereas this one is more of a group effort.

Here's the plan for your weekend. First, buy this album at your local store (or online if that's not an option) and take a few hours one day and listen to it as many times as possible. Second, go out and dance at one of the amazing parties going down in your city. Finally, pick a neighborhood and walk around your city and consider the mixture of past, present and future in the buildings, the people, the graffiti, etc. Deal?

Guns'n'Bombs in NYC, Justin Strauss and Even Further, Krames in Chicago and more

Big apologies for the screw-up last night, the night's party post didn't publish. It's up for anyone who retroactivetly wants to see what they could have been doing last night. But, we have to keep our eyes on the prize and let you know what's up tonight in the partyverse. New York takes it tonight, as two of my favorite parties continue to shine. First, Cheeky Bastard's Thursday night weekly at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St@9th Ave) has consistently brought some of the best bands and DJs in and tonight's no exception. Kitsune artists Guns'n'Bombs are in from LA to drop their electropunk bombs on the young and the restless. One of my fav of the up and coming indie dancers, they're DJing tonight and will kill it. Add in a bass-heavy DJ set by NYC's Drop the Lime and a live show by Inner Party System and you have yourself a good night. Lucky Beer open from 10-11, 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 10-11 and 2-3 (be careful on that 2-3 segment), RSVP for free entry.

-That other Thursday night staple is Even Further at Happy Ending (302 Broome St@Forsythe), brought to you every week by Carmine P. Filthy, Rudy Mungi and Vida, tonight's going to be extra special as Justin Strauss is the special guest DJ. Strauss is legend, dude was the Sire Records remixer, was in the band Milk'n'Cookies and one of the people behind WhateverWhatever Records. He will fit right into the mix here, dropping lots of dance classics, weirdo disco, mutant house, forgotten new wave stuff, whatever whatever. This party is for the heads, New Yorkers who know what's up.



-Late addition, I was gonna wait til next week to mention this one, but realized that's stupid. NC 17 party is an institution I feel like, but one that I haven't paid any respect to yet. DJ Jess and Bastard put on the kind of party I see in my head, dirty, nasty music, nudity, dark, dingy space, attractive people acting stupid. It happens in the basement of Lit (93 2nd Ave btw 5th and 6th Aves), Last Night's Party taking photos, Bud and vodka open bar from 12-12:30, go-go dancers, the works.



-Another big night in Chicago, two parties to hit up. First, DJ Krames of Richmond's Cobra Kai makes a stop in Chicago. He is linking up with Matt Roan to save the booties of Chicago and give them a chance to shake and be healthy. It all goes down at Empire Liquors (1566 N. Milwaukee Ave), no cover, free Red Stripe from 9-10, early bird gets the small beer bottle, as the old saying goes.



-Then, walk like 100 feet to check out Debonair Thursdays at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave) with the always excellent and on point, Trancid and Mark Gertz. Tonight they're joined by DJ Vyle for a night of great music. Hit up both Chicago, bask in the glory of well-planned low-effort night!




-I've been waiting to hear word about what's going down at Silk City (425 Spring Garden St.), back after a way-too long redo. I haven't seen many big events, but it looks like they have a great Thursday weekly in place, Mo Money No Problems. This is a Steve Bloodbath jawn, so you know it will be a good time, lots of great music, who doesn't want a party devoted to that classic 90s hip hop shit? No one, right? So get to Silk City and make it happen.




-More in the center of the city, Upstairs at Sal's has a new Thursday night weekly in place, Movement. This one features DJs Mike T, Kyle M and Solobuns covering all sort of musical ground, cheap drinks, fun crowds, you know how Sal's does it. No cover, every Thursday, fun times.



-Finally, we're always on the lookout for new parties and new cities, so here's a twofer. Radio On is a weekly Thursday nighter at Plush (617 Red River@E. 7th St.) in Austin, Texas, the city everyone wants to move to. Tonight, you get music spun by The Young Adorable, Supafly and Will B along with guest DJ Starsign. Expect lots of great music from all kinds of genres, as if you had turned on a radio tuned to an amazing radio station. Austin, I see ya now!




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Editors - An End Has A Start

Editors, "Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors" (YSI link)

Editors, "An End Has A Start" (YSI link)

I'm not even sure why I'm reviewing this new Editors CD, I guess out of habit having liked their debut one, The Back Room, in 2005. I don't even know what made me come across this band in the beginning, although it was more than likely the references to Joy Division that ridiculously are placed on this band. I honestly have no clue how any music writer could make that comparison, I can only assume that they have never heard the music of JD. The band's music is guitar-heavy, anthemic, hook driven, indie rock,

The new album, An End Has A Start, treads similar ground to their last one, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I can't front, I like their sound at times, it's a sorta emo-indie stuff. It reminds me a lot of Coldplay and you're lying if you say that you don't love to jam out to that song "Clocks" or "Yellow." I think fans of Interpol and Bloc Party might find something here as well, especially as all three bands have risen to the level of arena bands and are developing bigger sounds as a result. The tracks above are my favorites, highlights for me amongst a fair number of decent songs and a few fast-forwards. I really love "Smoking Outside The Hospital Room" right now, just sounds so good to me right now as I'm searching for sad, emo-ish stuff with a vengeance. Lead singer Tom Smith's voice is actually one of my favorite parts of the band, a baritone that has an almost-whinish quality that really works for me. It fits well with the massive guitar build-up at the end of the tune. "An End Has A Start" is similar, perhaps a little less dramatic.

I'd recommend the album for fans of the band, it's a solid follow-up to the debut. For everyone else, I'd listen to the songs and see if the sound works for you, as they don't vary much throughout the album. The biggest problem is that the music tends to the forgettable, even the songs I like just don't hold up to extended plays, never to a moment 6 months later where you just have to hear it. Grab a copy here and see what you think. I'd recommend their debut album more, I think that there are better individual songs on that one.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Is Is

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Rockers To Swallow" (YSI link)

Yeah Yeah Yeah, "Rockers To Swallow [live]" (YSI link)

Yeah Yeah Yeah, "10x10 [live]" (YSI link)

Let's keep going on the NYC band kick with another of those groups that came out of the fertile early period of this decade in the city, Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They released a new EP a few weeks ago, Is Is, reportedly done in a one day recording session in New York. These songs have all been road-tested, having been written and performed on the Fever To Tell tour for quite awhile. So, it makes sense that these ones were ready to go when they finally got into a studio. I' m here to tell you that it is a very good thing that they got into the studio, as this is a really dope EP, 5 songs, no filler, no letdowns. I've always been a big fan of the YYYs (how could one not pledge allegiance to the band that dropped "Maps"), but have always felt like their two LPs have been hit or miss, filled with some amazing stuff but also an equal amount of iPod right-click stuff. The band honestly seems made for the EP format, quick hitting, so focused, far more devastating.

"Rockers To Swallow" is the best track for me, a stripped down, raw, nasty rawk tune. Unlike most of my favorite YYY tunes, like "Maps" or "Cheated Hearts," this one doesn't have any catchy refrain or melody. It's much closer to the loud and rough live sound the band has; it features Ms. Karen O doing her thing, screamingl, breathlessly spitting out lyrics and guttural noises. What makes this one so good though is her supporting cast of Nick Zinner and Brian Chase, who rip shit up on this one. It's almost as if all three are competing for the spotlight, fighting it out with their instruments to see who is standing last. Chase's drums are the key for me, hi-hats galore, manic and unstoppable. Zinner is on his game, able to go crazy for short segments, then pull back and let the other two come back. I've also added two live versions of songs from the EP, taken from the DVD, Tell Me What Rockers To Swallow. That DVD and these songs were from the post-Fever To Tell, pre-Show Your Bones. The EP is where it's at, but it's nice to hear these songs in their infancy in a setting where the YYYs excel, on stage.

Okay, buy the EP now, as it's highly recommended for fans and beginners alike. Oh, and it's super cheap at less than $7, so add it to an order for the new MIA, Okkervil River and whatever else is dropping now. I'd also recommend fans pick up the DVD that the live tracks come from, which is a good look at one of the best live bands in the world. Oooh, we might throw up a little more YYYs this week, how does that sound?

The Rapture - BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix 10.26.2003

The Rapture, Essential Mix for BBC's Radio One October 26, 2003 (YSI link) tracklist in comments

This seemed like a natural one in our continuing series of BBC Radio 1 Essential Mixes, in honor of the Daft Punk afterparty where members of The Rapture DJed alongside Busy P and the Ed Banger crew. I'm still working on the Daft Punk night post, still trying to wrap my head around the madness and magic of that entire night in Coney Island and Greenpoint. I'll simply say that the world is different and better now, or as wrote those closest to me and not in attendance, "I've seen the future and it is good."

In the meantime, here's a pretty rare Essential Mix, where NYC band The Rapture were asked to do a 2-hour mix in the aftermath of their explosion onto the music scene with Echoes and "House Of Jealous Lovers." It's a rarity from what I can tell for this show to give the keys over to a band or any non-DJ entity, but on the strength of this mix, they really should give it more consideration. It's a great choice, especially a band like The Rapture who clearly have numerous influences, new and old.

I really think that this is the most accessible mix I've heard, one that I have no qualms recommending or giving to anyone, no matter what their tastes or listening habits. It doesn't stick to any one genre or exclusive remixes or the newest of the new; instead, it's more a trip through the past 25 years of music, hell it's like a trip through the world of Pound for Pound - early rap, disco, classic house, new wave, no wave, dance punk and more. The mixing isn't stellar all the time, but it's good enough. It's not really a DJ mix as much as a look at the music that helped influence one of our best bands today. Recommended highly, especially for anyone who likes the music put up at this site.

Outdanced, Paris Terror Club and more

Hmm, an oddly quiet night on the party front, perhaps everyone can sense my sadness and desire to run away and hide right now. Nicely, the two main events represent the two cities I will hopefully be living in soon, Chicago and Paris. First up, Outdanced! does its weekly thing. Jillian Valentino and Scott Cramer's party brings in Rand Sevilla and Michael Miles for DJ duties; expect all sorts of genres, running from dance to pop to rap, all dancefloor friendly. All the usual details: it goes down at The Funky Buddha, $1 shots and drinks, awesome flier, super funness. Will you be outdanced? Best bring your A game, as this is one of the best weeklies anywhere.

-The time for me to get Paris is drawing nearer and nearer and each party listing like this makes me speed things up. This one actually happens in the south of France in Aix en Provence at Studio 88 (RN7, Route de Avigon), but it features some of Paris' finest. Let's see, it's all put on by Paris label Institubes, you get a live set from Para One, DJ sets by Orgasmic and Surkin and a guest appearance by TTC's Teki Latex. Wow. It costs 16 bucks, but it's well worth that imo. Americans, get ready as this madness is coming to our shores in a few weeks. Frenchmen and women, do it up tonight and get at me and give me advice on what to do and where to go and who to talk to in Paris.




-Finally, my current home is relatively quiet, so it makes for a good opportunity to mention this new-to-me party, The Factory at Lotus (409 W. 14th Street). Normally, I shy away from these Meatpacking club nights, but to be honest, the crowds here are no different than the LES crowds on the weekend. Plus, I'm always meaning to mention the whole Motherfucker/Rated X/clubglamgaystraight craziness. Well, here's a good chance to check out that scene, as Michael T, Richie Rich and Michael Formika Jones do their weekly Tuesday night party with DJs, bands burlesque, photos, video art, this is going out as spectacle, a reminder of an older NYC. Anyway check it out, say Formika or Michael T for free entry.

!!! - Must Be The Moon

!!!, "Must Be The Moon (Emperor Machine mix)" (YSI link)

!!!, "Must Be The Moon (Hot Chip remix)" (YSI link)

Well it was some weekend, from Daft Punk in Coney Island to Ed Banger and The Rapture in Greenpoint, birthday in the Lower East Side, the Chelsea Hotel, 205, the Brooklyn Heights Promendade, Katz's, Kossar's, erasing all of my ex's old emails and texts, it feels like a weekend that marks the start of a new period. We're going to put some things and people behind us now and move ahead. Keeping with that spirit, I think that this week I'll focus on a lot of the new(ish) stuff that I've been trying to get to, indie, rap albums, non-dance-y singles, stuff like that. We're also going to do a tribute to someone who passed away over the weekend and who is a pivotal figure for Pound for Pound, Mr. Tony Wilson.

What better way to start this week off than with a band from my home borough who I have been meaning to get to for a few months, !!! (chk chk chk). Here's the first single, "Must Be The Moon," from their most recent album, Myth Takes. It's a good choice, kind of captures the band's sense of humor and willingness to stretch a song out and make people dance. However, while I like a lot of the parts of this song, esp. the lyrics about a night trying to pick up a girl, the whole just never quite does it. The Emperor Machine mix is the best of the lot, bringing dub effects and a much deeper bass (70s porno funk stuff) to the song. The Hot Chip remix pretty much takes a little bit of the vocals from the original and put it over their own instrumental. This one sounds darker yet simulataneously dancier, mainly because of a more incessant beat. I'm gonna give these songs a few more listens, they've grown on me each time and I feel like I may not be getting it. Who am I kidding? I've listened to these many times, it's a decent song that's just missing a hook or a buildup or something to bring me back for more. Let me know what you thinkl, go grab the CD this single comes from as we will hopefully get to it later this week or early next one. Yeah!

Resurrection! Pound For Pound Birthday Party! Saturday August 11

That's right people, the man behind the Pound for Pound blog is celebrating another year on this planet. I've decided to do it at one of my favorite NYC parties, the Resurrection party at Revolver (210 Rivington Street@Pitt). I couldn't think of a better place, away from the terrible weekend crowds, in my favorite neighborhood, the Lower East Side, with my dude Project Matt. I couldn't think of a better DJ line-up, as Mr. Andersonic, Matt and Rev McFly will give everyone their proper dose of booty, Southern rap, slumpers, party music, the music you want to hear when you go out. I couldn't ask for more than seeing a lot of people come through Saturday night, dancing, having fun and making me feel young in spite of the facts.

Life During Wartime, Making Time and more

Okay, this one covers everywhere except NYC, as look above for the event of the night, Project Matt, Mr. Andersonic, Rev McFly, Pound for Pound bday, indeed. We're gonna make this one short and sweet, as I need to fix up, look sharp, in case my birthday wish comes true and Scarlett Johansson decides to stop by Revolver tonight. I think it's so fitting that one of my favorite parties and my favorite city, Philly, go off tonight. Life During Wartime would be exactly where I would want to celebrate my birthday, bar mitzvah, anniversary, whatever. For those of you in Chicago, you have no excuse. Live sets by Hollywood Holt and Million Dollar Mono, guest DJ set by Hood Internet and dancefloor destruction as always by residents Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard. The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia Ave), 9pm, dance motherfuckers.

-Possibly my favorite Philly party, the granddaddy of them all, Making Time. Happy birthday to my bol Dave P, who celebrates tonight, making this the weekend that dance music giants were born (or at least one giant and one nerd who write about it). Transit (6th and Spring Garden), live sets by Los Campesinos and Metronomy, free PBR from 9-11, party til 3:30am.
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-Brooklyn meets Philly at the Philadelphyinz Medusa (27 S. 21st St.) monthly jawn, as Flagrant Fowl's Cousin Cole joins residents Apt One and Skinny Friedman. Bangers, mash-ups, weird disco, booty, free, 21+,



-G-d damn, so many of my favorites tonight, I'm gonna assume that they are all being done in my honor. Jefrodisiac and Richie Panic do another marathon Frisco Disco from 8pm-2am, can you handle it San Fran? If you can, head to The Transfer (198 Church St.), rsvp here for free entry before 10:30, 21+.




-Finally, my girl DJ Almost Tropical is on ein grind, as the Germans say. Catch her tonight at Unicorn X-ing at Dr. Pong's (Eberswalders Str. 21), where she will blow your mind. Oh, and amazing flier, is it so much to ask for more cat-based fliers? They make me sad and happy at the same time, cats are the new dogs people.

Good Foot & Pumps,

Okay, I am not really writing this party preview post, I am still wrapped in a Daft Punk haze. Forgive any misspellings, bad jokes or incorrect info, blame Thomas and Xavier. A lot going on in NYC tonight, in spite of the freezing temperatures which obviously foretell the end of the times or the coming of the Messiah (for the first time), so let's get to work. Top choice tonight has to be the Good Foot/Pumps party in Park Slope. Yes, you heard me, Park Slope. The land of baby strollers and milfs is stepping it up big time, bringing in Philly's own White Ts and White Belters, emynd and Bo Bliz. I'm not sure Brooklyn is ready for them, but only one way to find out. Those guys are joined by DJ Morsy and Curtis Vodka and Flufftronix, who seem to be at every party this week. To make this one even more amazing, the basement is taken over by Mr. Carmine P. Filthy and Vida of Even Further fame, bringing some that filthy disco dance shit. It all happens at The Royale (506 Fifth Avenue), no cover, $3 drinks, nice. Happy Birthday to Jess Jubilee, as Leos must stand together.

-In Manhattan, it's a special edition of one of my favorite new parties. Secrets, Lauren Flax's bi-weekly at 200 Orchard (200 Orchard) has Chicago's Kampfire Killaz as special guest DJs. They've been tearing it up all week in Manhattan, this is your last chance to get floored by how good DJ Misa and Kampfire Jay are. You also get Boston's Heartthrob with Red Foxxx, Morgan Louis, Baltimoroder and Sensitive Hand. Most importantly, NYC's best Ms. Flax is there, which is all you really need. She'll make your dreams come true and melt your face.



-Mang, I cannot imagine having to followup the madness that went down at Studio B (259 Banker St.) last night, but if anyone can do it it's the FUN crew. Tonight is heavy on the live music, as Glass Candy and Metronomy are playing sets, this is actually the Metronomy South Street Seaport afterparty. You also get a DJ set by Mike Simonetti of Troubleman Records, as he's joining residents Eamon Harkin and Rok One of The Bangers and bringing his Italo, synth noise stuff to kill it. $10 at the door, doors open at 10, you may even see some Daft Punk fans who are still dancing or are just standing in a daze outside the club.



-Upstairs at Sal's (200 S. 12th St.) in Philly has a big weekend ahead and they kick it off with a nice live music/DJ party 1-2. Things kick off first with Brown Recluse Sings and Scary Monster, who are about to embark on tour. Once the bands stop, the dance party gets underway with the Push It 2 Da Limit crew doing their thing. Suggested donation is 3 bucks and seriously, give them 3 bucks, don't skip out on paying just cos it's suggested. This can be your preparation for Making Time tomorrow.


-Chicago is a little more quiet than usual, but that just means the Compulsion party is where you need to be. I don't know a lot about this one, but I know Trancid and trust that he will kill it and is reason enough to attend. Luis Segura, Mode, Charlie Brown and Mr. Bobby will also spin, plus there's a live show by Ground Syndrome. It happens at Saltaus (1358 W. Randolph St.), drink specials, no cover, 21+, take a chance.



-Wow, this is a huge party and it's in Phoenix, the first time we've mentioned that city. William Reed's 30th birthday party is put on by the French Kiss label and they've brought in a who's who of indie dance DJs, headlined by electroclash god Larry Tee. Let's see, you also get Denny le Nimh of the Ruff Club and Hot Pink NYC parties, Dirty Dave of Blow Up LA, DJ Mykill, Sleazy Sean and others. It all happens at the Burn Nightclub (122 E. Washington St.), it's free before 11, admission goes up every hour after that. So, get there early!



-In Cali, San Francisco to be precise, one of the best parties anywhere goes down again. Sleazemore and Rchrd Oh!?'s Lights Down Low brings the heat every week, sickest guests, amazing residents, best fliers I've seen. Tonight's no different, as they welcome Brooklyn's Purple Crush for a live set and DJ Krames of Cobra Kai for a guest turn on the decks. I feel like this one's gonna have a nice hip-hop flavor to the proceedings, a nice look for the summer. Get to the 222 Club (222 Hyde and Turk), let the Lights Down Low bols take care of the rest.



-Down in Santa Ana, Mute and GrnAppleTree bring you Apples & Oranges in the Artist Village at the Proof Bar (215 N. Broadway) This one's got a really sick line-up, both inside and outside. In the outside area, Them Jeans, Royal Rumble, Kidz On FM and Louisahhh! hold it down in the fresh air, while inside Luv Tek, Legit & Ben N., The Bings and Dan Sena & GMO make you want to stay indoors for the rest of your life like Howard Hughes.



-Let's end things up with some international stuff, always psyched to hear what's going on outside of this fucked up country. Not surprisingly, another massive night at Fabric in London, this one's got all the big names in drum and bass and breaks and whatnot. But, I want to spotlight Room 3, where YoYo goes down. This room is all about the up and coming Americans, as Seb Chew and Leo Greenslade are joined by Baltimore club legends Scottie B and Samir, along with Chicago's superstars Flosstradamus and our bol in LA Franki Chan. Really psyched for Mr. Chan, congrats on this gig, so cool. Things go til 5 AM, no cover info, but pay it whatever it is.



-In my future home of Paris, hip-hop reigns tonight. Hit up Le Triptyque (142 Montmartre) for the official So Fresh Party with the So Fresh Squad, Orgasmic of TTC, DJ Raze, Craiz and special guests. It's free, I believe it's the last party at this spot, these are some of the hottest sounds coming out of Paris which is saying a lot.



-Finally, my girl DJ Almost Tropical is doing the damn thing in Berlin tonight. Expect Excellence! is a cool event dedicated to the photography of Katja Hentschel, which take in the street scenes of NYC, Berlin, Paris and London. Later (11PM), Almost Tropical and Julia Fox will drop some tunes to let you dance off all of the excitement of seeing great art and photos. It's at Eel Pie (21-22 Saarbrukker Str), free, make it happen Berlin.



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Extra Daft Punk Ticket!

Okay, last minute, I've got an extra ticket to tonight's sold-out Daft Punk show. I'm looking for $50, basically the face value. Email me at the address to the right (or at my personal one if you know it). We can meet in Williamsburg, at the show or possibly somewhere off the L train.

Get at me ASAP. Daft Punk!

Kanye West and Daft Punk - Stronger

Kanye West feat. Daft Punk, "Stronger" (YSI link)

Kanye West feat. Daft Punk, "Stronger (instrumental)" (YSI link)

The night is almost upon us, Daft Punk in Brooklyn. In honor of this occasion, here's more proof that my boys are taking over the world, the rap game ain't even safe no mo from the Parisian duo. Kanye West has decided to sample one of Daft Punk's most famous songs, "Harder Better Faster Stronger" for his new single, "Stronger," a totally different look for a dude who tends to the soul and r&b samples, the 70s and early 80s sounds. (Is this his subtle way of apologizing for being such a douchebag to fellow Parisians Justice at last year's MTV Europe awards?) First listen, I was underimpressed. To be honest, I haven't been listening to much rap this year and I've had mixed feelings about West, so I feel like this one started out in a hole. However, a few more listens and I got through those preconceived notions and it's getting better and better. I mean, the beat is sick, you know that; Kanye handles it well, sounds energized, drops his typically dense, witty lyrics. I was most impressed that it's a real song, not some mixtape with the dude rapping over a famous beat.

It sounds like Kanye's new album, Graduation, is going to be going with a more futuristic, electronic sound, which is really exciting. Get your pre-order on, or wait until it drops at the end of this month. Either way, this is gotta be one of the most anticipated albums of the second half of the year.

Daft Punk and Hip Hop

Daft Punk, "Harder Faster Better Stronger (Neptunes remix)" (YSI link)

Daft Punk, "Aerodynamics (Slum Village remix)" (YSI link)

Is there any other choice for a follow-up to the Daft Punk/Kanye post than this one on the Harder Faster Better Stronger Hip Hop Remixes EP? The answer is no. I think these are the only two officially sanctioned remixes by prominent hip-hop producers, definitely feel like the Neptunes were an excellent choice, despite their lack of remix projects, just on some masters coming together shit. I actually enjoy their remix of "Harder Faster Better Stronger," although it's a far cry from the original. They turn it into a much lighter, less robotic track, sounds like more of a Pharrell joint to me. It's got the "ahh" background singing samples, a rubbery bassline, a laid back beat, some forgettable Pharell rhymes, a fun "Daft Punk" shout out, good time.

The Slum Village remix isn't really happening for me. I need to give it some more listens to figure out why, right now I'm off to see Daft Punk. Daft Punk! See y'all in Coney Island and Studio B late night for the Ed Banger/Rapture afterparty. Night of a lifetime.

Next Level Philly, G-Spa, Happy B-day Alana! and more

I'm kinda sick of NYC right now, tornado storm what? So, I had to look to my favorite city in the world for a little fun and magic and as always Philadelphia gives it to me. Tonight it's in the form of a new bi-weekly party called Next Level. It's going down at Liquid Charm (1207 Race Street), a Chinatown club whose name I haven't heard in a minute. This one is going to be sick, like these dudes havbe been reading Pound for Pound and wanted to do a soundtrack for it, if the blog was a movie and not an mp3 site, alright, whatever. It's a party dedicated to acid, jax trax, techno, italo, electro and secret disco. I mean, seriously, what more do you need in your life? DJs are Mike T of Paradise, Shawn Ryan of Hurrah and Billy Werner of Hip Replacement, which is to say, some of the best DJs out there and dudes who know way more about this music than I ever will. No cover, air conditioning, $2 Rolling Rock bottles all night, $3 Soco + lime shots until midnight, 21+. Next level, indeed.

-Oh, New York, I can't stay madatcha. Another new party here, G Spa, put on by some of my favorite people. Project Matt, Jeremy Asgari, Yossi, Cipha Sounds, Jamal and Osvaldo are starting this new weekly at the Gansevoort (18 Ninth Ave.@13th Street). Check out the pics on the flier, this is some seriously classy shit, gorgeous spot, probably too pretty for my ugly ass. For my attractive readers, this first edition features DJ Nick Catchdubs on the decks, dude is pretty much a guaranteed good night, people will get on the dancefloor and stay there. It's also a birthday celebration for Project Matt, so wish the man a happy bday! How often are you going to be in the Meatpacking District? Live it up!



-Then, there's ole reliable, High Voltage. Dimitry has made us jaded, I fear. He's put together a consistent weekly where people actually dance and have fun, amazing open bar, the works. I guess he was worried that people were getting complacent, as he's put together a fucking amazing line-up tonight. First, you get a performance from Young Love. Then, Chicago's own Kampfire Killaz make their first appearance this week, bringing some of that booty and bangers that Manhattan so desperately needs. Yeah, Chicago in the house! Most importantly, it's a bday celebration for one of the nicest, sweetest people in this city, Miss Alana, further proof that Leos truly are the powers that run this world. You know the details: Zygo open bar from 11-it's gone, free, 21+, Sutra (16 1st Ave btw 1st and 2nd St.) Late Update: Curtis Vodka will be spinning a guest DJ set, craziness people.



-Let';s head out West for another new party (well, this second one), this one's called Deep Kiss and it goes down in San Francisco's Beauty Bar (2299 Mission). I really love the name of the party and the flier pic of the girls and the notions of love and kissing, so necessary as the summer winds down. Tonight's guests are DJs Ian Zazueta of the Lights Down Low party and DMAP of Every Move A Picture. Hosts Jox, LXNDR and Loverde[ad] are bringing this one every second and fourth Wednesday, dedicated to all sorts of different genres but with the intention of bringing love to the room and your life. And some kissing. No cover, 21+.



-Speaking of Pound for Pound regulars, Club Redd keeps doing it, as Luv Tek, DJ S!n and Paparazzi continue to make waves out in the LA area. This party goes down in Long Beach at Sevilla Nightclub (140 Pine Avenue). This one features a guest DJ set by Krames of Richmond's Cobra Kai crew. Dude is not to be messed with, is on a West Coast excursion right now and will bring all sorts of rap, bmore, mashups to the mix.




-Finally, my dude Soviet Panda is doing a last minute fill-in for Jake Rudh at his Transmission party. It goes down at Clubhouse Jager (923 Washington Ave and 10th St. North), no cover, drink specials, Panda killing the dancefloor. Minneapolis, it may be last minute, but it just made Wednesday night that much better.

James "Jack Rabbit" Martin - Rabbit Trax

James 'Jack Rabbit' Martin, "Rabbit Trax (original full length version)" (YSI link)

James 'Jack Rabbit' Martin, "Only Wanted To Be (unreleased acid version)" (YSI link)

Okay, this is gonna be the last one we put up on the Chicago acid house front for awhile. But, oh mang, what a way to end. This is one of those songs that everyone in the world needs to know, proof of how amazing and fertile this period was for Chicago and its house scene. James 'Jack Rabbit' Martin released four 12" singles ever, that's it. He's an almost-anonymous figure who comes up with a stone-cold classic like "Rabbit Trax," one of the sickest, darkest things I've heard, and then he slipped back into the ether by the 1990s. This one's all about the 303 and spooky vocals, he even went for the ghostly howls to take it up to 11. It reminds me a lot of that Winx track, "Don't Laugh", we put up before. So dark and disturbing, clearly the drugs and the machines had turned ugly at this point. "Only Wanted To Be" gets the acid treatment as well, it's a little more standard fare, but that ain't a bad thing. Just a sick, sick I really like this one, might actually be a little more dancefloor friendly today, really have no clue how something like "Rabbit Trax" would go over for the nu-ravers. FYI< this is the recent reissue, not the original release from 1988 on Yoton Records. That one goes for upwards of $500 on ebay, still searching.

We'll come back to this perod again in the future, I'm sure. Hopefully, I'll be able to come up with some more goodies, dig a little deeper next time. For now, we're gonna move onto, we might even put up our next focus for a vote, get up on some choose your own adventure shit. Shout out to Harlowe Thrombey!

Fashio Club in San Jose, Benzos Record Release with Lewd and more

Okay, I'm beginning to think that Tuesdays are the new Sundays, a night when not too much happens. There's like one event for each city, which is all you really need when they're good ones, right? Here's a new party for Pound for Pound, Fashion Club in San Jose. Have I told you that I have become a fashion writer in real life? Not joking, this is actually the majority of my writing, I got to remember to link to my stories. Anyway, this one caught my eye because it has one of my favorite DJs, San Fran's Sleazemore, as a special guest tonight, along with Rchrd Oh?! They join resident David Q for this party dedicated to the good things in life - electro, 80s, hip-hop, fashion and drinks. It happens every Tuesday at the Fahrenheit Lounge (99 E. San Fernando St.), check it out and let us know what you think of it.

-The good people of Totally Tuesdays have decided to own this night, not shy away from the black sheep of the weekdays. Joe Licht and Scotty Too Dope host DJ Flo from England for their anything goes dance party. That means all genres, all races, creeds, genders, come one come all. It's free, it's at Upstairs At Sal's (200 S. 12th Street) and it's your weekly Tuesday night Philadelphians.



-Finally, some good stuff in NYC before the madness begins (Daft Punk and my fucking birthday!) I'm a huge fan of DJs rekLES and SeanMFNroberts of the Lewd party, so I'm gonna recommend checking out this Benzos' Record Release show on their presence alone. The bols are spinning all night, the band goes on at 10:30. RSVP at benzosrsvp@sneakerattackmedia.com or at the going.com site, get in for free, get an open bar at 9, get drunk at 10, get rocked at 10:30, get home by 4. It goes down at 205 (205 Chrystie), there's a sneaker contest for 2 lucky winners, it's all brought to you by Mean Red Productions, it should be a good time.



-For Brooklyn, check out the new bimonthly party at Macri Park (462 Union Ave.) called Dirty Dancing featuring the Sweatshop Labor guys, Johnsville and Lucas Walters. I think that they also have started a bimonthly on Saturday nights at this exact same spot, so they must be doing a damn good job. This one, as the title suggests, is dedicated to that oldies music from the 80s (ugh), stuff to slowdance to and make out to and dry hump to. Every other Tuesday, no cover, feel young again.

Green Velvet - Shake and Pop

Green Velvet, "Shake and Pop (original mix)" (YSI link)

Green Velvet, "Shake and Pop (Gant Man remix)" (YSI link)

Green Velvet, "Shake and Pop (DJ Sneak remix)" (YSI link)

Okay, I've been dying to put this track up for so long, what better time than now after we looked at Green Velvet live in the club. Here's one of his recent songs, another popular track that the man seems to effortlessly throw off every year or so. "Shake and Pop" is just so much fun, it's not as acidic as the stuff he drops under his Cajmere alias. But, there's nothing wrong with some good old fashioned entertainment and fun in dance music, is there? My favorite thing here is the lyrics, simple but so good for the club. "I like electro. I like retro. I like ghetto, house and techno." A close second is that

The remixes are all quite excellent and well-worth your time. I'm partial to the Gantman remix, since booty music is in my DNA and all. It basically cuts the original in half, adds those Dancemania clapping drums, adds some new vocals and turns out something more immediate and just as good. The DJ Sneak remix is good, although it never gets to the level of the original. It does bring much more bass to the mix, which is never a bad thing. I think it's a little too hurried, it doesn't have that wonderful pacing of the original with that synth pop nor is it ghetto-banging. Make sure you grab the Remixes vinyl for the remix that coms closest to topping the original, the Mark Grant remix. So acid-y.

Green Velvet - Jack Friday Zentra Chicago 5.5.2006

Green Velvet, Live at Jack Friday at Zentra in Chicago May 5, 2006 (YSI link)

I've been wanting to discuss the live DJ set Green Velvet, a.k.a. Cajmere, threw down at Studio B two Saturdays ago. He headlined the most recent Cut night as part of their Throw Your Hands Up NY and it was one of the best parties I've been to in New York City in the past year (up there with the DFA and Dirty Bird stuff). My girl AS and I got there right at the beginning of Velvet's set around 1:30 and the room was packed and ready to explode. Over the next 2 hours, Mr. Curtis Alan Jones killed it with a set of house and techno, lots of his own productions, an amazing audience sing-along to "La La Land," dudes jumping up onto the front of the DJ booth just to speak or yell or high-five with Velvet. It was an epic night, one that I won't forget (hearing Cajmere play "Percolator"!), thanks to the Cut guys for putting it together, Green Velvet, my girl AS and my bike for getting me there.

This set above is a good approximation of that night, a 2 hour set of non-stop house and tech-house music mixed impeccably. This one seems extra-special, as it's a hometown set in Chicago at a party called Jack Fridays at Zentra. Can I just say that this can't be a coincidence that my name happens to be the name that the city and its acid housers chose to define their music? No, this was a call to me, the creation of a bond between Pound for Pound, Chicago, acid house, The Music Box, Trax Records, etc. Anyway, this is a real live mix, you get to hear the crowd at times, people getting on the mic and best of all a live set by long-time Cajmere collaborator Dajae for a few songs. I'm gonna try to come up with a setlist but if anyone out there has it, please post it up, it would be greatly appreciated. We're gonna be wrapping up this look at acid house in the next day or two, hope that you've enjoyed it!

Future Forward - Welcome 2 Chicago

Future Forward, "Welcome 2 Chicago (live mix)" (YSI link)

Future Forward, "Welcome 2 Chicago (Plastique de Reve mix)" (YSI link)

It's taken nearly 20 years, but the early Chicago jackin' sound is making a comeback, as contemporary producers realize how amazing this music is and how new and fresh it still sounds. Leave it to a member of DJ Hell's International Deejay Gigolo crew, which is very in tune with the history of house music to put this into action, as Matt Nee a.k.a. Future Forward has put out an EP that honors and updates the Chicago acid sound, Welcome 2 Chicago. This one was released on Nee's own Kompute Records, a Chicago-based label

Mang, this is some seriously good shit. "Welcome to Chicago, we'll take you back. Welcome to Chicago, now it's time to jack!" Nee has come up with a real tribute to the sound of the city, bringing that nasty 303 bass and drum machine magic. Hell, he even brings those talked out lyrics with the repetitive phrases about jacking and acid and chicago, awesome. Both mixes, the live one and the Plastique de Reve one, keep it old school.

I'm really impressed by this release, really great to see a new, independent label out of Chicago pursuing the acid sound. Head to the Kompute site for more info and a look at their upcoming stuff, or request them at myspace. I'll hopefully have more to come on them, definitely a label to keep an eye on and support. Cop this 12" right now at Turntable Lab and show some love and money to up-and-comers. Oh, and again, shout out to all the good Chicago people like Bald Eagle, Mother Hubbard, Life During Wartime, Trancid and the Dark Wave Disco crew, Kampfire Killaz. So much great shit going down there out there, Pound for Pound is a big fan, Please get in touch if you are a Chi-town person doing things, let's hope that there will be even more connections between the new and older generations of dance music people in the Windy City.

Le Disko Rolling Stone Afterparty

I mean, I think you knew I'd have to go with a big Chicago party tonight, in lieu of the music here of late. I mean, what a fucking weekend in the Windy City. I guess this Lollapalooza has gotten real focused, sticking to one city and letting everyone gather for one crazy weekend. Remind me to tell y'all one day about my Lollapalooza experience that involved throwing up on the train. Or actually, remind me to never tell you that one. Anyway, things end with a major bang at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee), as two of LA's finest - Steve Aoki and Blake Miller of Moving Units - come together as Weird Science to make all of your indie dance dreams come true. They're joined by the Dark Wave Disco crew - Trancid, Greg Corner and Mark Gertz - and Figo, who will rep the hometown scene. Oh shit, NYC is in the house too, as The Misshapes are a late DJ addition. They're joining Last Night's Party to turn this into an event. Not sure on price, but that's a lot of talent so I imagine it's worth the price. Keep doing it Chicago, I wanna see you jack tonight.

-Le Disko is holding LA down tonight, as usual on Sunday night. Tonight's edition is the official Rolling Stone magazine X-Games afterparty, which probably means lots of dudes doing deft-defying stunts and shit. Or just a lot of people dancing and having fun. As always, DJs Daniel, Paparazzi and Keith 2.0 will make dancing easy. You also get a live set by Trouble, which features a well-known snowboarder Trevor Andrew (theme!) and a guest DJ set by Dan-O of Dim Mak's Tuesday Cinespace jawn. You know the deal, Spider Club@Avalon (1735 Vine St.), free til 11 with flier, $5 after 11, gorgeous people acting like fools, good times.



-Same state, different city. San Francisco's got a new weekly, Propaganda at Laszlo (2536 Mission). Hosted by Meleksah, this one has Peter Noble and the one, the only Jefrodisiac on the decks. Did you survive the Frisco Disco? Then show how tough and crazy you are. Or if you are still drunk, keep the party going. It goes til 2 AM, it's free, it's a great end to the weekend.



-Finally, in my favorite city, a new night starts at Upstairs at Sal's (200 S. 12th St.), as Sara Sherr starts up Karaoke That Doesn't Suck. Okay, I'm gonna be honest, I hate karaoke. The first time I did it, I was in a room with Spank Rock and a member of !!!, the second time I did it I was in a tiny room with people who practice for future nights out. Why then am I recommending this? First., Ms. Sherr is one of the truly great people in Philly, who's been booking bands and writing and DJing and just doing the damn thing. Secondly, Sal's is a great spot, always love to get word out about what's going down there. Finally, it says in the title that this is karaoke that doesn't suck. Unlike the news, fliers don't lie! No cover, singing starts at 9, newly weekly.

Project Matt B-Day Resurrection, Dark Wave Disco with the Faint and much more

We're going from East to West tonight. Still don't believe that Leos run this shit? My bol Project Matt celebrates his 31st birthday tonight (yeah, someone older than me!) at his weekly Resurrection party at Revolver (210 Rivington St). I really believe that this party is going to be the best thing to happen to Saturday night in New York City in a long time. It's at great spot in a great location, far enough east to avoid the lawyers and bankers and Jerseyites, it's got great DJs playing music you love, decently priced drinks, places to sit, places to dance. It's up to you now, do you want to keep complaining about how shitty the LES has gotten or do you want to start bringing the good ole days back. Some seriuous DJ heat tonight, with DJ Elle, DJ Yamez, Reverend McFly and Queen Majesty. Free, 21+, you will not be disappointed. Happy birthday to Matt!

-The Sweatshop Labor dudes - Lucas Walters and Johnsville - look like they have a new party to speak of, every first and third Saturday of the month at Macri's (462 Union Ave@Metropolitan). Macri's seems to be making a push to bring in some good DJs and parties, they've chosen well with this one. I think it's free, 21+, a chance to do it up big on the Lorimer stop, yeah!



-Ahhh, one of my favorite Philly parties does its monthly thing, as Crimp Yr Hair takes over Upstairs at Sal's with their Re-Up party. This one's gonna be on some summertime, sweaty, halfnaked, freestyle and bass, melt your face steez. Unfortunately, Mr. JHN RDN will not be able to make this night, but no problem. The addition of RDN would have made for an epic night, but the Crimp Yr Hair bols will more than make up for it with a little extra nastiness. Free, as always, do it big Philly.



-Jeez, Chicago is on fire, one huge night after another. Tonight it's the Dark Wave Disco's turn, as they host this night's massive Lollapalooza afterparty. You get special guest DJ sets from The Faint and Blake Miller of Moving Units to go along with those by residents Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner, another night of amazing line-ups. It happens at Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago Ave), 21+, goes til 3 AM. RSVP at going.com for free admission, enjoy the $3 Svedkas and 312s (no clue what a 312 is, but how bad can anything be if you add vodka, right?), have fun.



-We can't forget about the geographical middle of the country, as DJ Candlewax does his weekly Fiddle With The Volume at Fatso's (1016 Mass St.) in Lawrence, KS. $2 cover, 21+, once you clear those hurdles, it's all bangers and good times.



-Finally, out West, two of my favorites go down. First, in San Francisco, Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac do their Frisco Disco thing. I go on and on about this one, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, check out some flicks by Meleksah Jurgenson from previous editions of this amazing party, look at the beautiful faces having the times of their lives, the debauchery, the near-nudity, the simulated fellatio, the disco ball, it's almost too much, it brings tears to my eyes to see such a great party. Get to The Transfer (198 Church St.), rsvp at going.com for free entry before 10:30, then fix up, look sharp.



-In LA, the new Check Yo Ponytail does its thing tonight with a doubleheader. First, there's an early concert featuring The Locust, The Bronx and Qui feat. David Yow, a fundraiser for Ferdie Cuilda of 400 Blows. Immediately following that, around 10ish, Check Yo Ponytail with Franki Chan, Paparazzi and special guest Andee Frost will bring that dance-y rock music out and make you dance your troubles away. All of this goes down at The Echoplex (1154 Glendale Blvd), the club is below The Echo, main entrance through the alley. $5 after 11 tonight,

Maurice - This Is Acid

Maurice, "This Is Acid" (YSI link) 320

Maurice, "This Is Acid (K&T mix)" (YSI link)

Maurice, "This Is Acid (S&T mix)" (YSI link)

More aciiieeeeeeeedddddd! Here's another fucking classic early acid house track out of Chicago, Maurice's "This Is Acid." The original mix really does live up to the title, giving you a nice 4+ minute journey into that definitive early acid sound with squelchy 303 bassline, the 808 drums (although this one has a much fuller, more percussive sound than most), the talking/rapping lyrics about acid, it's all there. Maurice, a.k.a. Maurice Joshua, is actually one of the rare names from that period to have stayed productive and well-known in the ensuing decades. He does remix work for major artists today, still DJs the mega-club stuff,

It's funny, but the far inferior remixes are universally famous, familiar to even someone who loathes house music. Hell, if you've ever heard an 80s club mix or been to the Jersey shore, you've had a pretty good shot at having heard this one played. Both are done by Lee Adams and both pretty much drain the acid out of the original and turn them into generic house tracks. They take any nastiness and replace it with a busier, more FX-y version. It wouldn't be that big of a deal, except the name of the track is THIS IS ACID! Hearing someone say repeatedly "This is acid," it's a little sad to think that people might have thought that was true. Whatever, I'm just being a bitch. The remixes are fun tracks, cheesy, unserious dance music. The original, however, is something special, hope everyone gives it a listen.

Ed Banger/The Rapture/DJ Funk, People Don't Dance No More, White Ts, Life During Wartime with Dave P and much more

Wow, it's Friday night and there's too much going on, jam packed night in three of my favorite cities (Philly, NYC and Chicago), so let's get to business. I've been posting about parties for a bit now, after awhile you get a little jaded and underwhelmed. Then, something comes along like this party tonight in Chicago at the Green Dolphin (2200 N. Ashland) that completely blows me away and leave me deathly jealous of all those lucky souls who will get to dance and freak out. Ed Banger Records and Throne of Blood Records come together tonight with their respective crews for a post-Lollapaloooza jawn. That means Busy P, SebastiAn, Kavinsky, the Rapture bols and James F*&#ing Friedman are all going to be spinning. However, they're bringing in a hometown legend to completely destroy your minds - DJ Funk! That's right, the king of booty house will spin a set amongst all of these youngbloods, making this one of the sickest line-ups of the year. You also get Gildas from Kitsune and Jordan Z. of New Indie Party. RSVP at going.com or pay $15 at the door, it's well worth it. This could truly be epic, don't miss out as it goes til 4 AM.

-You also need to hit up Life During Wartime at darkroom (2210 W. Chicago) as Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard have put together their sickest line-up yet. My bol Dave P from Making Time in Philly is the gest DJ, along with Trancid of Dark Wave Disco and Mister Wolf. Free before 11, 21+, giveaways, people actually dancing and having fun. Best of all, you get to celebrate Mother Hubbard's birthday and bring her a nice gift. Happy birthday from Pound for Pound!




-Chicago, that's not all. You also get Outdanced! at Debonair (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave) with DJs Chris Holmes, Ryan Paradise, Heather Doble, Rand Sevilla and Zebo. Hosts Jillian Perez, Scott Cramer and Jenny Shah have brought in Bronques of Lastnightsparty.com to snap your picture, which means that at least 5 of you will somehow end up in a tub or mini-pool around 4 AM half-naked, gorgeous and living without regrets. Chicago, mang, this city is killin' it lately.



-I've been doing a terrible job mentioning one of my favorite NYC parties, so I'm gonna try to correct that tonight. People Don't Dance No More is a serious dance music party put on by some of the best and most knowledgeable people in this city, David Bruno and Robot Blair. Every two weeks they bring in the best DJs in the world, covering all sorts of genres and labels and styles. Tonight, you get the master of the disco edit, Prince Language, as the special guest, as the basement of Element (225 E. Houston, corner of Essex, i.e. Ave A) is gonna seem like some sweaty 70s discotheque. RSVP to peopledontdancenomore@gmail.com for $5 cover, 21+. Absolutely sick flier for this one, for real this party is for the real heads, the people who want to hear great music, great DJs and dance dance dance without any of the bullshit.



-It's a pretty great night to be in downtown NYC, something that one says less and less these days. Right around the corner, Modular does its monthly thing at 200 Orchard (200 Orchard St., duh!) and this one might be their best night yet. Sleazy disco dudes In Flagranti are in the house to help you get laid, as they'll bring their new disco sound to the great dancefloor of 200 Orchard. Domie from A Touch of Class is also gonna spin, along with the Modular DJs and 2 Mandy DJs. I recommend hitting up this one and the Element jawn for a pretty much perfect night out.



-Down the street, check out the Ruff Club at the Annex (152 Orchard St.), which is still happening, for something a little darker. They may have their best guests yet tonight with Drop the Lime, masters of that grime-y, heavy bass sound, should be an interesting mix with the young and the restless who hit this party on the regular. Of course, you also get the regulars like Denny Le Nimh, Spencer Product and Micprobe, Janelle and Hunter & His Sex Dwarf in the basement, I don't need to tell you about this night.



-For those of you who don't feel like leaving Brooklyn, you definitely don't need to. FUN goes off tonight at Studio B (259 Banker St.) with a crazy line-up featuring CSS, Shout Out Out Out and Dirty On Purpose. Those are three bands that I would catch just by themselves, but you get all three tonight on one bill. But, the FUN people have decided to up the stakes even higher by making all of this free. Yes, you heard me, free! Eamon Harkin and Rok One of The Bangers will spin along with special guest DJ crew Nossa (Sujinho and Cassiano), giving you that baile funk that you just need on this hot ass day. I don't know what else to say, this is a pretty incredible night of music for no cost, not something that happens every day.



-Down I-95, Philly won't be outdone. Start your night with Spank Rock at Silk City along with XXXchange and Donnie Darko. I'm not totally sure if Naeem is performing or if this is more of a DJ thing but who cares? Silk City's back, Spank Rock's back, this will be a crazy night guaranteed. It starts at 9, $10, I don't know much more than that, but honestly this would be enough to get me there.



-Then head over to the Arts Garage (1516 Parrish St.) for the end of the night, as one of the city's best parties does its monthly thing. White Ts and White Belts gets going at midnight with emynd, Bo Bliz and Dan the Swede providing the music, free beer all night (until it's gone), BYO if you wanna be safe, $10, 21+. Another birthday, this time for emil, happy birthday to him, we Leos really do run things.



-Optimo Barn Dance

Project Matt & High Voltage, Situation and more

Okay, this is starting to get good. Like revolution good. I've been mentioning the fact that lots of my favorite DJs and parties have been mixing up and joining forces to create bigger and better dance parties and up the chances of people getting laid. Well, this one is like my dream team, like Jordan and Magic on the fast break, Feingold and Obama as a presidential ticket, Scarlett Johansson and me. My bol Project Matt of Revolver's Resurrection Saturday Night Party and longtime Pound for Pound favorite joins up my other NYC favorite DJ Dimitry for his High Voltage party at Sutra tonight. You know the details: open Zygo vodka bar from 11 until it's gone, free, 21+, one of the best weeklies in the city, people actually dancing, two of the best DJs in the city, I mean, if you don't hit this, your life is lesser.

-Here's a new party for us, Moonwalk at Happy Ending (302 Broome St.) I've been hearing excellent things about this one in the basement, getting bigger and better each week, it's definitely time to jump on the bandwagon. This one has the resident DJs of Rezound and Workweek, who also do the War and Peace party. They're joined by Ssurender and Count Drugula of the blog These Rocks Pop, which the kids go crazy for. It should be a great night of great music from every genre you can think of. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, free, 21+, more to come on this one.




-That dude Richie Panic just won't quit, as he's got a new party called Situation starting up the first Wednesday of every month. Tonight's edition (the first one?) features a guest DJ set by Gold Chains, who's going on at 10. That means no dawdling, get there early, don't make a fashionably late entrance as you'll just miss out and look stupid. It's at The Etiquette Lounge (1108 Market St.@7th), adjacent to Renoir Hotel. This sounds ultra swanky, but it's no cover, dress as you like, so don't let the names fool you. Act the fool!



-Speaking of can't stop, won't stop, DJs Luv Tek and S!n have another fucking party this week. Tonight, Club Redd happens at Sevilla Nightclub (140 Pine Avenue) in the heart of Long Beach. S!n, Luv Tek and fellow resident Paparazzi are joined by Sleazy V and Mexico's booty bassers Los Loboz. They've made your week so far, no sense in quitting on them now.



-Philly, JHN RDN is the special guest at The Driz Horse at the Khyber. There's no flier, but who needs one for this? You know it's gonna be sick,

Speaker Junk - Foxxy

Speaker Junk, "Close Your Eyes" (YSI link)

Speaker Junk, "Bounce" (YSI link)

Jeez, more heat. Speaker Junk is, as I'm sure you know, Trevor Loveys and Joshua Harvey, part of the massive Dubsided empire that is quickly taking over the dance music world. Or at the very least the Pound for Pound world. I thought this was a real nice compliment to the Chicago acid house stuff, as I see guys like this holding the torch for that sound and aesthetic. That jackin' spirit seems prominent here

These tracks above are the B-side to their well-known Foxxy 12", the flipside to the houseification of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady." I actually prefer these two tracks, both are great examples of the Dubsided sound that I've really taken to lately. Sick basslines, cool vocal samples, lots of chopped up drums and quick dropouts, solid drums. I really really like "Close Your Eyes" with its vocal refrain about closing your eyes, forget your name, forget the people, it's got an almost-eerie feel to it, the voice sounds haunted or something. Definitely a little darker and less bootylicious than say, "Bounce."