Too Much Love MPLS with James Murphy and Will Eastman!

I was going to make this the event of the night on the strength of DJ Will Eastman of D.C.'s Bliss party coming through as the special guest. Then, I check in tonight and come to learn that the Soviet Panda's Too Much Love party is going to have LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy as guest DJ, that the band would be hanging out and that another band called Arcade Fire, from Canada I believe, will also be in the house partying. I mean, holy shit! Right? This should be a crazy, once in a lifetime kind of night, so get to First Avenue (701 First Avenue North) right now, as it is sure to be packed. $3, 18+, drink specials. For real, this party and these dudes deserve a lot more attention, congrats on a big night, it's gonna be a rave.

James Murphy! LCD Soundsystem! Arcade Fire! Soviet Panda! DJ Talk Radio! Will Eastman! Yeah!

Switch&Sinden BK, Magical Clubhouse NYC, Jordan Z BDay CHI, Check Yo LA and more

Okay, I've had a few shitty days in a row. I need to go out, so this edition of the party round-up is short and sweet, devoid of myt usual witty banter. Switch and Sinden are spinning in Greenpoint at Studio B. Just in case you didn't catch that, Switch and Sinden are spinning at Studio B, i.e. 2 of our favorite producers in the world. Meanred continues to do dope things, Dj Korrupt is headlining, along with Tastenyc, Goodpeoples, Bijules and XLR8R. $12, 21+.

-Stop by Macri Park (462 Union Ave) in Williamsburg early or late to hang with the Sweatshop Labor bols, who are making moves in the blog world, more to come on that. 21+, no cover, fun.



-That new jawn at Don Hill's (511 Greenwich St.) has a flier and a name! Yeah! Magical Clubhouse with Nicolas Kratochvil, Dances With White Girls, Circus 68, Modular NYC, Throne of Blood, BBlessing and others, doors at 10, 21+.



-Happy birthday Jordan Z! Go to his bday party at Debonair Social Club tonight, where the birthday boy, Million $ Mano, Miss Gab and Kampfire Killaz are spinning, vyle of flosstradamus and trouble&bass hosts. RSVP to talesofchicago@viceland.com for free admission and Colt 45 all night. It's a celebration of life.



-Life During Wartime start a new monthly residency at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). Bald Eagle has flown the coop tonight, which means you get DJ Mother Hubbard all night, all to yourself. You will fall in love with her! Yeah!



|-It's Saturday night in San Fran, so you're gonna want to be at the Frisco Disco. Tonight's the Muscles record release party with Modular, guest DJ is Holland's Robert Smithee, residents Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac will get you laid. The Transfer (198 Church St.@Market), every Saturday.



-Another massive Check Yo Ponytail by Franki Chan and IHeartComix, another great flier, another amazing night. Bonde Do Role live at 12, Juiceboxxx, The Toxic Avenger and LA Riots, DJ sets by Mr. Chan and Paparazzi. Get to The Echoplex (1154 Glendale Blvd), a part of the amazing Swerve Festival going on all weekend.

Ellen Allien - Just A Woman

Ellen Allien, "Just A Woman" (YSI link)

Ellen Allien, "Just A Woman (Audion version)" (YSI link)

After a night at the Dirtybird monthly, it seemed appropriate to put up some tech-house music that would have fit perfectly at this amazing party at APT. Plus, it ties in perfectly with our focus on female artists, making this a multi-layered post. Yeah!

Ellen Allien is one of the biggest and best names in techno music, an OG legend who has been DJing since the early 90s, holding down residencies in her native Berlin at legendary spots like Tresor, The Bunker and E-Werk. She started B Pitch Recordings, has released a few highly acclaimed albums of her own and did one of the most recent mixes for the Fabric series.

Just A Man/Just A Woman is a 12" release, bringing together two of the biggest names in the game, Allien and Audion, a.k.a. Matthew Dear. Released on Ghostly International's Spectral Sound imprint late last year, each artist came with an original track which the other would remix. 4 tracks, no muss, no fuss. I've put up the B side, "Just A Woman," Ellen Allien's original. I go back and forth on this one, sometimes I really enjoy the song, other times I feel like it's missing something, like it was just not quite ready for prime time. Part of the problem is that I'm used to more maximalist stuff, whereas this one comes in on the minimal end of things. It features a simple, repeating drum pattern that sorta lays down a bed for the synth that comes in later. The synth is the key, as it can either seem really catchy or too restrained, curious to hear what others think. The Audion remix is more to my liking, a percussive burner that has slow build until about the halfway point when it lets loose. The pace becomes intense and you are a long way from the minimal Allien original.

We'll definitely take a look at both of these artists more in the future. For now, I highly recommend copping the 12" or the iTunes mp3s, as "Just A Man" is excellent.

Bottle Service CHI, Fashion Week KC, Nicky Digital NYC and more

Lots of fun stuff going down tonight and fliers that make it clear that these are gonna sick parties. Best on both accounts is the Bottle Service party at Empire Liquors (1566 N. Milwaukee Ave.) in Chicago tonight, which features the first Chicago appearance of DJ Will Eastman. I've mentioned him a lot here, a dude doing amazing things in D.C. with his Bliss monthly, peep the flier for the full bio. I'm really psyched that he's going to be hitting up some cities in the US and Europe this Fall, as he's one of the names I think people should and need to know about. Chicago, here's your chance. He's joining DJ Nurotic (that is not my DJ name) and the resident DJ Hiroki for a great night of dancing, multi-genred music and cheap drinks, brought to you by the Dance Party Magic people I believe. RSVP here, no cover, $1 PBRs from 9-10, early bird gets the drunkest. BTW, awesome flier, just awesome.

-You're also gonna definitely wanna hit up the weekly Debonair Thursday party with the Dark Wave Disco bols, Trancid and Mark Gertz. Tonight's edition features a special appearance by NYC band The Glass, who seem to finally be re-emerging after a few years off. They'll be doing half live show, half DJ set upstairs with those guys; downstairs, there's a Kletik Records release party featuring DJs Jason Patrick, Sassmouth, Dave Powers and Frankie Vega. Head to Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.), you're never gonna have to leave the building tonight.




-A little more mid and west, Kansas City celebrates its Fashion Week with a great party at Recordbar (1020 Westport Rd.) Crystal Castles is in the building to kick out the jams with their indielectro sounds, joined by the local DJ crew Nomathematics. Things kick off at 10, go til 1, then the afterparty hosted by West Bottoms Collective starts at 1409 W. 11th St., 2nd floor. KC, it's gonna be a rave! Best of all, it's 18+, so the kids can get in on the fun too. Here's the other flier that really caught my attention, good stuff.



-Out West, Anthem magazine presents the Back To Cool party at Helio (430 5th Ave.) in San Diego. You're not gonna wanna miss Modular Records' band The Softlightes perform, another excellent group on the Australian label. There's also DJ C-Town spinning music, all from 7-9, rsvp at Anthem to get in.



-In the north and west, Seattle to precise, Club Pop goes off tonight. This one features resident DJs Colby B and Paco providing the best dance music there is. They're joined by guest DJ Marty Mar and bands Protokoll and The Hugs for this one. This monthly happens at Chop Suey (1325 E. Madison Ave.), $8 before 11, $10 after, 18+, get into this Seattle! Hopefully there will be a flier for the October one, as this looks like a really nice party.

-Ahh, finally, back East we are. Thursdays in NYC have a ton of the best weeklies, so that's what we're going to mention. First though, a special event. Nicky Digital is having a photo show at the Going.com Lounge, a.k.a. The Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave. btwn 15th and 16th Sts), tonight from 7-11. Anyone who has gone out in NYC has seen the man, possibly the hardest working dude in the city. Show some support, see great photos, hear some great music spun by Lauren Flax and TKOmri and get drunk on the open bar (free beer and booze from 7-8:30, free beer and $% mixed drinks after that). RSVP here, it's the only way to get in.

-Also, a new party in the mix, Coose at Plan B in the East Village. Not sure if this is a weekly or what, but it definitely looks good tonight. DJs Sunjinho, Marc-Alan Grey and others are going to be spinning all night, expect lots of good baile funk, dance music, cheap drinks, free pizza, no cover, that should be good enough to get you to stop by.




-The Teddybears return to Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St.@9th Ave.) and the Cheeky Bastard Thursday night jawn. I've heard that their performance a few months back was one of the best live sets that's gone down at this party. You'll get a Shiny Toy Guns afterparty late, where Jeremy Dawson from STG will spin along with Sean Fightcats of the Ruff Kids. This one will be packed, get there early and you also get to enjoy Bass Ale open bar from 10-11 plus 2 for 1 vodka drinks (also from 2-3 on the vodka). No cover on the GBH guestlist, 21+.



-Nearby at APT, Dirtybird monthly tonight with Claude VonStroke. That's all I'm gonna say.

-Finally, I love the LES most of all and these are two of my favorite parties in the city, which makes this radical to the fourth power shit. First, the Sweatshop Labor bols hold down Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St.), as they do every Thursday. If you're not up on this party and these dudes, I feel bad. They throw parties that are about dancing, drinking and debaucherous behavior that you may or may not regret in the morning. In other words, they do it right. 21+, no cover, no excuses.




-Also, Unstoppable Perfect goes down at Happy Ending (302 Broome St.) nearby. Yes, the flier date is wrong, two weeks off, but that's only because no one has yet recovered from the previous one. Don't hate them for giving 110%.

Marnie Stern - In Advance of the Broken Arm

Marnie Stern, "Vibrational Match" (YSI link)

Marnie Stern, "Absorb Those Numbers" (YSI link)

I've always been drawn to people who defy stereotypes or succeed in areas that are thought off-limits to various groups defined gender, race, religion, what have you. It explains my obsession with the lives of Jewish gangsters and fighters, for example. Marnie Stern fits right in the heart of this concept, a woman who plays prog-metal music with a technical skill unsurpassed. Others, more versed in the concept, might simply say that she shreds.

Her debut album, In Advance of the Broken Arm, was released early this year on the amazing Kill Rock Stars label and has gotten quite a bit of critical acclaim, most notably a great write-up in the New York Times. I definitely agree, as it made me, about as big a fan of guitar theatrics as I am of breast reductions, rawk out. Okay, I'm too old to rawk out, as I can hurt myself, but I have been loving the album since I first heard it a bit ago.

I figured the only way this review would be interesting is to figure out what makes this one get through and most other metal-ish records fall flat. To boil it down, I'd say that the album loses the aggression that I associate with this type of music, like screamed vocals or masturbatory looooooong guitar solos. Two songs break the 4 minute barrier, the rest are in the 2-3 minute range; when she does go in for the technical, million notes a minute kind of thing, it's usually as concise as these things can be, oftentimes linking up with the furious drums of Zach Hill of Hella to create the sound of a runaway rock train. Most of all though, like most indie/rock music, it's the vocals that take it over the top. Her voice has this great sound, unpolished, girlish at times, aggresive at other times.

Clearly, I recommend this one. Grab a copy here so that you too, when you are in the mood, can rawk the fuck out. Also, if anyone would like to send in some suggestions or recommendations on this kind of music, the metalesque stuff that I know has gotten a lot of attention the past few years, it would be much appreciated. I feel like I should check out this end of the spectrum, see what I've been missing.

Bob Dylan - Theme Time Radio Hour #39 (Tears)

Bob Dylan, Theme Time Radio Hour #39 (Tears) (YSI link) (Sendspace link)

Well, I can't let my Bob Dylan readers to get away with a happy time, now can I? Actually, I'm not sure there's any artist that I associate with tears more than Mr. Dylan, so I'm guessing his fans are probably not the happiest bunch to begin with. I dare anyone to listen to Blood On The Tracks, I mean, really listen to the lyrics, within a year of a break-up and try not to cry. Don't fight it, let'em come. There's nothing wrong with a man crying, despte what my bol Mr. Robert Smith says. Hell, I'm crying everytime I write a post, I just dig so deep for each one that all kinds of stuff comes up, like James Brown in front of Powerbook.

Here's the next installment of the Pound for Pound look at the first season of XM Radio's Theme Time Radio Hour, episode 29. It's dedicate to that great musical topic, tears. I'm not gonna lie, for a man as steeped in popular music, this topic seems like shooting fish in a barrell. There's almost too many choices, but whoo boy, Dylan starts this one off with a bang, ? and the Mysterions, "96 Tears." It's such a bang that it's gonna force me to do a post on it, so hold tight on that one. So much excellent stuff on this one, especially loving Bobby Charles' " and some rocksteady!

It got me to thinking about tears and music and how it seems to be missing from the current landscape. I can't think of many artists in any genre that seems willing and able to write sad songs, the way that they did back in the day. Am I wrong? Is there something about the current world or music scene that makes these songs rarer? Off the top of my head, it would seem that there are a few indie bands and some r&b artists working in this vein. However, there's no Bacharach-David, no Roy Orbinson or Motown or the 60s girl groups that consistently makes great sad songs. Sorry, this is rambling, I know, just trying to reiterate my point that great, emotional music seems to be out now

Awesometown LA, Databass SJ, Diplo & Switch PHILA and more

Tonight, LA is the center of the Pound for Pound universe, because of this awesomely awesome Awesometown. Anne Lee and Shadowscene are doing the official afterparty for the !!! show at the Avalon, and they are doing it up right. Justin from the band will spin, as will Desert Eagles, Damager from Rockognized and Ross Angeles from Shoot Out The Lights, should be a good night of rock and lots of Daft Punk for the rock kids. RSVP for free entry, which will also allow you to skip ahead in the line. Shadowscene stays on the steady grind with the photos, 21+, 10-2, $3 Dewar's drinks all night long. Yeah! Blow Up LA! !!!! FYI, that last one is actually me yelling out the band's name, just FYI.

-Hmm, I love the name of this party, Databass. I'm assuming it's an ode to the legendary Detroit ghettotech label of the same name. Since the good dudes behind the amazing Missing Toof blog are behind it, I feel confident in that assumption. Ahh, but who gives a shit about my music nerd trainspotting? This is a party with girls and alcohol! Yeah! Resident DJs Disaster and Basura, plus guest DJ Jeff Jagged, are spinning lots of indie and electronic music and stuff that falls in the middle. It happens at The Blank Club (44 S. Almaden Ave.) in downtown San Jose, starts at 9, 21+, $2 cover. San Jose, stand up!




-If you are in San Fran, I recommend getting to The Ambassador (673 Geary St.) tonight where DJs Vin Sol and Jefrodisiac are gonna be spinning lots of disco. Disco, great DJs, fuck a flier, just do it.

-205 Club (Chrystie & Stanton) keeps making moves, lots of great parties and DJs at this spot. Like I said, once you bring in Stretch Armstrong for a weekly, everyone needs to take note. Legend, blah blah blah, dude is sick DJ NOW! He has killed everytime I have had the good fortune to hear him spin, now we all get the privledge every week, as he joins Eli Escobar for the Soundsystem party. Tonight's the night to get on board, as they've invited DJ Ayres from The Rub and Tittsworth as the special guests. I mean, whoa! It's gonna be insane down there, no genre is safe. When it gets to hot and sweaty down there, head upstairs for the HeartMe! party in the airconditioned main room. DJs June D, Marc-Alan Grey and Coco Martinez will take care of you all night as well. Doors at 11 for both, 21+, no cover, awesome.



-I think that this is a new party at Happy Ending (302 Broome St.). It's new to me at least, and since I'm ragingly self-absorbed, that makes it new to the world. Somebody Gonna Get Pregnant features three of the best up and coming DJs in NYC - Rev McFly, Morsy and Teen Wolf. I've had a chance to hear the first two a handful of times recently and can say that I haven't seen many DJs kill it like they have. Lots of classic hip-hop, some new shit, this should be a really great night, one of the underrated spots in the city too. No cover, 21+ and 2 for 1 drinks from 11-12.



-I've been getting into TV a little lately, after a few months of not watching it at all. I think I may put up a post on that, but in the meantime, hit up the G Spa party tonight at the Gansevoort Hotel (18 Ninth Ave.@13th Street) for the premier of a new show on ABC called Dirty Sexy Money. I'm a little pissed, as that was going to be the title of my autobiography, but hopefully they will step it up and live up to that name. You also get DJ Ted the Dillinger, a chance to hang out in a gorgeous, fancy spot that you would never go to otherwise and a unpretentious party.



-Finally, the Diplo & Switch tour lands in Philly tonight. If you live in that city, the greatest of them all, you need to go to this party. Trust me. There are special surprises for those who show between 8 and 10 at the Starlight Ballroom. Do not stay in! Do not sleep! Wednesday is the new Friday!

Radio Slave - Screaming Hands

Radio Slave, "Screaming Hands" (YSI link)

Radio Slave, "Screaming Hands (Josh Wink Interpretation)" (YSI link)

Hmm, it's been kind of a dark day or two at Pound for Pound, lots of weird feelings and neuroses and memories, thanks gmail/chat! I guess I'm taking it out on you, as we're gonna turn to some darker, more mental stuff. Radio Slave fits the bill perfectly, as the dude just does dark and ominous well, y'know?

"Screaming Hands" is actually an older single from Matt Edwards, which has gotten new life from some remixes, but it's still a fucking doozy. To be accurate, the original has been out for at least 6 months or so, dropping on the No Sleep Parts 2 release late last year. The original is just sick, one of those tracks that comes out of the gate strong and doesn't let up until the final drum beats. It's a song like this that makes me wish that I knew more about music production and instruments, so that I could explain what I'm hearing. Basically, the song is built on this crazy siren-y sound that warps and twists throughout; add in some fidgety drums and full-on bass and you have yourself another classic from Radio Slave.

Recently, the song got the remix treatment from Cosmo Vitelli and Philly's own Josh Wink. I can't think of a more perfect combo than Wink and Radio Slave, two dudes who know how to make dark, edgy, when-the-drugs-have-gone-bad music. I can't help but think of Winx's "Don't Laugh," the maniacal acid track built out of the laughter of Wink himself. This one's nearly as good as the original, as Wink has extended things by a few minutes and interestingly taken out that very siren sound that makes the original so dope. This one is all about the percussion, both the hand claps, shakers and the more standard snares. This is a really brilliant remix, it takes its time but never loses your attention.

I recommend grabbing the remix 12" immediately (restocking at Turntable Lab, keep an eye out), as Cosmo Vitelli has a great cosmic disco remix on there. Also, check out Edwards' Rekids label to dig deeper into the man's catalogue and some of the best music coming out in dance music today. I can't recommend the Rekids compilation One more highly, buy it now, do not pass Go.

Outdanced CHI and Still Going DFA Record Release NYC

All's quiet on the western front, but not the midwestern one. I mean, here's another fucking massive rager in Chicago, the city that never sleeps or is windy, whatever, it's the city throwing the best shit right now. Outdanced! is the doing the afterparty for the Metric/Crystal Castles show and it might be more fun than the show. You get DJ sets from the guys in Metric, plus Zebo and Matt Roan, it's hosted by the Kampfire Killaz. Oooh, late update, Crystal Castles will also be in the house and more than likely in the DJ booth as well. That's a lot and I haven't mentioned the $1 drinks and shots special. I mean, who has $1 anything anymore? Get to the Funky Buddha (728 W. Grand Ave.) to join in the fun. Happy birthday to Kampfire Jay, one of Pound for Pound's favorites!

-NYC, there's one really amazing option tonight, as DFA Records hits the basement of 205 (205 Chrystie@Stanton) to celebrate the release of the Still Going 12". Still Going is the duo of Eric Duncan of Rub'n'Tug fame and Olivier Spencer of Manthrax, Spencer'll be in the house spinning along with the Tuesday night residents Justin Miller and Jacques Renault for a night of twisted disco, dirty house, punk funk, all the good stuff. One of my favorite spots, this will be a great time with people who want to dance and DJs who wanna make that happen.

Mr. Oizo - Transexual

Mr. Oizo, "Transexual" (YSI link)

Scissor Sisters, "Kiss You Off (Mr. Oizo remix)" (YSI link)

All Paris, all the time. I caught this one last night at the Klaxons after-party, very early in the night and was reminded how dope it was. Mr. Oizo, of course, has been around for quite a few years, this being is first release for the Ed Banger label. The Transexual EP might be one of the best things the label has released, 4 songs, 4 heaters (the intro lasts 50 seconds, not a heater) including the classic "Patrick 122." If you have been at an Ed Banger night or really been at a club, you have heard this song and loved it.

My personal favorite, though, is the darker, robotic "Transexual" song. Dedicated to Walter/Wendy Carlos, the synthesizer pioneer who underwent a sex change, the song features crisp, cold drums and sick synths that kick in around a minute in. What really make this one so great is the computer voice, repeating the line, "Transexual, Asexual, Trisexual, Bisexual" over and over. Reminiscent of Daft Punk, perhaps that's why I love it so much. Or maybe it's my profound love for computer voices, established the first time I saw War Games with a young Matthew Broderick ("Would you like to play a game?", shout out to JOSHUA) Or maybe I just love that cold, robotic sound

I also added one of Oizo's most recent remixes, his reworking of the Scissor Sisters "Kiss You Off." He doesn't let any of the Sister's glamdance sound influence him; he chops the original up, lets a dark, electro cloud hover over things and puts together an awesome song. It's one of the best things I've heard from him, love how he even fucks with the distinctive vocals of the Scissor Sisters. Go out and cop his full-length album and show some love to one of the best producers/remixers around today.

Klaxons Afterparty NYC, Paris, Texas PARIS and more

Listen you can make fun of the fact that this new-rave band is doing its afterparty at Rebel on W. 30th Street or you can lose the attitude and appreciate the epic line-up for this party and have a good time. Spank Rock and Santo Gold live, which is most assuredly a better show than the one happening at Madison Square Garden tonight. Even cooler, Mark Bell of LFO is spinning, lending some rave credentials to the mix. You also get DJ sets from Steve Aoki, the Mystery Jets, The Bangers, Alex English, TKOmri and RKid. Get in for free with RSVP at going.com, Absolut open bar from 11-12, 21+, giveaways from Skullcandy, it's a Monday rave, Dave!

-Another edition of Blogger's Delight at The Knitting Factory, this one is curated by Idolator, which is also celebrating its first anniversary as a web entity. Congrats to them, they're bringing in NYC's My Teenage Stride and Baltimore's Monarch to celebrate in style. Things kick off at 9 pm, no cover, definitely a nice new party on the scene.



-A really nice party tonight in Philly, it's called Simply Dillaful, a tribute to the legendary hip hop producer J Dilla, who was taken from us much too soon. It features local DJs Jay Ski of the Scratch Mekaniks and Statik of the Ill Vibe Collective, along with special guest House Shoes from Detroit. It's going down at Fluid (613 S. 4th St.), 21+, $5 before 11, $7 after, a wonderful night for a wonderful artist.




-Opposite coast, more indie rock afterparty goodness. The Editors afterparty goes down at the Get Famous party. The band will come through to hear resident DJ HIGHspeedDUB and guests Fembot and Daisy O. rock the dancefloor at the Boa Lounge (8462 Sunset Blvd). Check the going.com site for flicks from previous editions and realize that everyone in LA, including the fucking DJs, are way better looking than me. Ms. Shadowscene will take your picture, so you, you wear something special tonight.




-Of course, there's also Club Genre at Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd), the weekly party featuring DJs Luv Tek, S!n, Joaquin and Zendo. You know the deal already, great music, 18+, free before 10:30, $5 all night for ladies, should be a weekly stop for LA people.



-Oh Paris, you just won't let me be, will you? You keep calling me. Here's a sick party going down, presented by 33HZ and Dither Down Records, celebrating the release of the Paris, Texas single with Teki Latex of TTC and Devin the Dude. 33HZ play live, Teki Latex will DJ, along with Orgasmic, the Fluokids, In Flagranti (!!!), DJ Raze of Geneva and the Gentleman Drivers. This madness happens at Le Paris Paris (5 Avenue de L'Opera), will try to get the details about the single out this week.

Charlotte Gainsbourg - 5:55 remixes

Charlotte Gainsbourg, "5:55 (Black Ghosts remix)" (YSI link)

Charlotte Gainsbourg, "5:55 (Metronomy remix)" (YSI link)

Not surprisingly, I have Paris on the brain. I spent the weekend looking at a photo of my real father when he was about my age, getting confirmation from others that we look nearly identical now that I've lost weight. I also re-watched Breathless (A
Bout De Souffle for my fellow annoying snobs) for the billionth time, read about
Truffaut and got psyched to go see 400 Blows at the Flim Forum, listened to the best music of today (Ed Banger, Institubes, a band called Daft Punk), beginning to make the initial plans to visit. Oui oui oui!

It seems like the perfect time to take a look at the lead single from one of the better albums of 2007, Charlotte Gainsbourg's 5:55. I'll have more to say on the LP later this week, but for now I wanted to mention the 5:55 Remixes that feature some of the best on the indie dance scene. Y'all know I'm a sucker for tracks where some of my favorite producers/bands remix my favorite artists. This is no exception, as The Black Ghosts and Metronomy take a turn at the first song on the album, "5:55." The original is a dreamy, acoustic guitar/piano track featuring Gainsbourg's lovely, whispery vocals. Neither remixer really pushes the envelope, making this a pretty good introduction to the album for those of you looking to get into it. I like the Black Ghosts remix more, as the guys add in some new vocals, strip the music down to its bare bones and make the song even more haunting. Metronomy also go the minimal route, adding in some almost-fragile keys and effects, with the bass becoming the focal point. Really nice work by both groups, subtle yet effective remixes.

Once you've listened to these, you're gonna wanna immediately buy the album. I'm recommending it highly, will have more to say on it, but no sense in waiting. Oh, and as always, if you live and/or work in Paris, please get in touch and help me come to your city to live.

Bliss DC, Too Much Love MPLS, Check Yo Ponytail & Blow Up LA and more

The fast is ended, 25 hours of no food. Why 25 and not 24? Because I can, that's why. This has been a monumental 10 days, on some serious shit, like all awe all the time. I'm talking like Martin Buber stuff here, so focused right now, just wow. Tonight's the time to celebrate life and there's some amazing parties going down to help you do just that. First up, happy birthday to Will Eastman's Bliss party in D.C. Anyone who has ever thrown one party knows how hard that is, now try doing that every month for seven years. Respect. The party is happening at The Black Cat Backstage (1811 14th Street NW), with Eastman and DJ Stereo Faith on the decks, doing it just like it's been going down for all of these years. Again, love the youtube fliers, so nice to see creativity and thinking outside the box. Mazel tov Will, here's to 7 more years of Bliss!

-Yeah! More Pound for Pound favorite linking up for maximum raveage. This one's a Midwest conference of dance music dons, DJs Soviet Panda and Life During Wartime's Bald Eagle. It goes down on Panda's Minneapolis turf, a special edition of his Too Much Love Party at First Avenue. 18+, $3, Minnesota, do not sleep. This is one of the best parties anywhere, this one's gonna be extra dope.




-Back in Bald Eagle's city, Chicago, Blacklisted presents a night of live music and some of the best DJs anywhere. Go Motion! is the live band, Dark Wave Disco bols Trancid & Mark Gertz team up with Vyle of Flosstradamus and Trouble & Bass to rock the 1s and the 2s. It goes down at the Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave.), no cover before 11, $5 after 11, so get there early! 9-3, here's your entire Saturday night Chi-town.




-More Midwest goodness and more anniversary goodness.




-A little quiet in New York City tonight, but that just means that this new weekly (?) at Don Hill's (511 Greenwich@Spring) is your choice. Dances With White Girls of Throne Of Blood and Jess Jubilee of Modular will rock you until you forget that you're in the West Village. You also get Cede and Nicolas Kratochvil, not sure the details on cover and whatnot, I'm assuming that this is the replacement for Misshapes. Basically, I don't know much more than the flier says, so hit it up and tell me everything you know.



-All the way over on the opposite side of the country, Frisco Disco lies in wait for unsuspecting partygoers and young men and women who have yet to experience the dark side. Fortunately, my readers know all about this epic party and the dark side, so there should be no problems. Get to The Transfer (198 Church@Market), let Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac make this Saturday night the best one ever, until next Saturday.



-Finally, Modular did its pool party this afternoon, Franki Chan and IHeartComix picks the ball up and runs with it tonight at The Echoplex (1154 Glendale Blvd). A massive line-up with a Boys Noize and Simian Mobile Disco 1-2 punch. Add in a DJ sets by Dave P & JDH, Mr. Chan and Paparazzi and it's fucking knockout. Photos by Shadowscene, $20, 18+, things get started at 9 pm. Remember to pace yourself though, as you'll also...



-Keep the fun going until the wee hours with Blow Up LA. Ms. Anne Lee and Ms. Shadowscene present the latest edition of the party and it's massive. DJs are Simian Mobile Disco, Dave P & JDH, Star Eyes of Trouble&Bass, C-Town, Louisahhh and DJ S!n. Cash bar all night, including late night, 18+, $5 before midnight if you RSVP at the Urb Magazine site, $10 otherwise, 10-5am, just remember to pace yourself.

Justin Timberlake - LoveStoned/I Think She Knows

Justin Timberlake, "LoveStoned/ I Think She Knows (Justice remix)" (YSI link)

Justin Timberlake, "LoveStoned/ I Think She Knows (Tiesto remix)" (YSI link)

Justin Timberlake, "LoveStoned/ I Think She Knows (Mysto & Pizzi remix)"

Justin Timberlake, "LoveStoned/ I Think She Knows (Roc Mafia remix)" (YSI link)

Yom Kippur begins in a few hours, which means the final meal before the fast. One is supposed to choose a meal that one would want as a last meal, the last thing one wants to eat, since a person doesn't know if they have been inscribed in the Book of Life or not (our fate is sealed tonight). All of which is a long way to say that I won't be posting again until tomorrow night and that I think Justin Timberlake remixed by Justice is one of those last meal kinda of dealies, like pastrami on rye and a knish. Two of the best things in the world, together at once. While this may not be my favorite Justice remix, their "LoveStoned/ I Think She Knows" remix is probably their most accomplished. This is their biggest remix project yet, a huge star and all, lots of pressure and money; they don't back down and take the easy way out. Their chopped-up drums, synths and nasty bass are all there, but there's a funkiness to this one that I'm not sure they've hit before. Maybe it's the strings or the Timberlake vocals, but this one seems like great pop music to me.

All of these tracks come from the LoveStoned/ I Think She Knows 2 x 12" release from Jive, which was the third single to drop from the LP. It's a nice package, although I'm not really sure the remixes ever do anything that interesting. Tiesto is the other big name involved, much bigger outside of Pound for Pound and blogland. The trancemaster delivers a pretty straightforward remix, sounds ready for the huge clubs of the world with a big bass, whooshing sounds, massive synth breakdowns; I kinda feel like it's hard to listen to this one on my crappy iPod headphones, like it's meant to be heard at Crobar at 3AM.

My favorite of the lot is the Mysto & Pizzi remix, a NYC production team known for their hip-hop/r&b work (incl. a track on the new R. Kelly) Here they leave that behind and bang out a club stormer. Nasty bass, pounding drums, some trance-y synths, what's not to like? Love the emphasis on the freaky lyrics, gives it a little darker edge. Oooh boy, more listen, more likey. Finally, the Roc Mafia remix nicely takes things down a few notches, strip out the strings, give it a bouncier feel with a rubbery bass, some flute sounds and other effects.

Dark Wave Disco Debonair Thursday CHI, Common Folk NYC and more

There's nothing I love better than to see some of my favorite DJs from different parties come together. It's even better when it means different cities come together. As you can imagine, I'm ecstatic at tonight's Debonair Thursday as the Dark Wave Disco bols Trancid and Mark Gertz have brought in my bol Dimitry from High Voltage as a special guest. Add in the Kampfire Killaz and it's like the blog coming to life. While the headliner isn't a friend of the blog, I can't recommend LA's Them Jeans enough, as it's a great chance to check out two of the best DJs from opposite coasts. I can't recommend this party highly enough, get to Debonair asap, no cover, 10-2, dancing mandatory. The Pound for Pound army will destroy your city next.

-Chicago, you also need to check out the Fly By Night V: The Re Launch, as it promises to be a fcking blast too. Live music from Miss Fairchild, DJ sets by Willy Joy and Capcom of Fly By Night, plus Sammy Bananas from Certified Bananas, all at Empire Liquors (1566 N. Milwaukee). This one's free too, starts at 9, 21+, your Thursday night is pretty set I'd say.



-Back in New York City, the Common Folk are taking over. Well, not literally, as commoners aren't welcome Manhattan, ballers and douchebags only. Except at a few select spots, like Home Sweet Home for Common Folk with Sweatshop Labor NYC. Tonight, the boys are joined by Rage Mountain and special guest DJ Dan Frantic. I've been saying that this party needs to be on your radar, tonight's a good starting point. You will get drunk, you will have fun, you will hear good music, you may or may not get laid. Free Zygo vodka from 10:30-11:30, no cover, 21+.



-What else do I love? I love when parties have guest DJs from Philly! My boys at Even Further have invited Monica Sharp up from the greatest city on Earth for a night of techno in the basement of Happy Ending (302 Broome St.) Carmine P. Filthy and Rudy Mungi will be on top of their game too. The question is: will you?




-It's Thursday so you know that Hiro Ballroom will have some great party going down. Cheeky Bastard do it every week, tonight's no exception. Spank Rock's DJ XXXchange is the special guest, along with Throne Of Blood's Dances With White Girls. Weirdly, there had been mention of a live show from Plastic Little, which would have made this a serious contender. It might still be happening, just seems to have disappeared from the flier. I mean, no complaints, top DJs, Lucky Beer open bar from 10-11, 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 10-11 and 2-3, RSVP to get on the guest list for free entry.



-In my hood, the Chicken Coop returns to Savalas (285 Bedford Ave.) in Williamsburg. That means the Hot Hens and Cousin Cole & Pocketknife will hold it down with music from all sorts of genres until 4 am. No cover, 21+, I really like this flier.



-I wish that you could see the pictures for the Swerve party in LA that I'm seeing. Beautiful women, laughing, smiling, looking like they never look when I'm around in essence. Is it in the water at the club? Or is it DJ Daniel LeDisko of LA Riots, is he the key, as his amazing DJ skills, good looks and charm just make women flock to his gigs? You'll have to hit up Scorpion (6679 Hollywood Blvd) every Thursday night to find out, I'm confident that the experiment is well worth your time.



-Finally, our neighbor to the North is in for a serious battle. Catchdubs vs. Canada. For three nights (2 now), Nick will attempt to conquer our unruly neighbor with rap, dancehall, pop sweetness and whatever else it takes to teach the country that America will not be pushed around anymore. Tonight, he's in Montreal at Academy (4445 St-Laurent) with the Peer Pressure DJs.

Caribou - Andorra

Caribou, "Sandy" (YSI link)

Caribou, "She's The One" (YSI link)

I'm excited to finally post about Caribou and their new album, Andorra. I've had this one for a few weeks and it's gorgeous, 60s-inspired pop continues to grow on me with each listen. Caribou is really Dan Snaith, who has been behind all six albums releases as both Caribou and the previous band name, Manitoba. I first caught Manitoba in the upstairs of the Trocadero a few years ago, opening for Junior Boys (or was it the other way around?). I can't remember who I went with or much about Manitoba, but he has my attention now.

Andorra is the first release on the Merge label and it continues to see the band leave behind any remnants of the IDM/electronic sound that they started out with. Snaith seems to be most inspired by that 60s psychedelic pop sound, which was simultaneously catchy yet grandiose, rock'n'roll yet orchestral. Since I'm not knowledgeable about the bands of the era, I'll just mention the Brian Wilson-era Beach Boys, as that was who immediately sprung to mind. Made entirely at his home studio, Snaith also seems to have inherited that experimental nature in the studio that so many of the bands of that era had. Like for the Grateful Dead, say, the studio was this amazing playground where you could fuck around and try the impossible, make the machines work for you. Andorra features multitracked drums and vocals throughout, little sounds bubbling up in the mix, it's clear that dude held nothing back.

What I love most of all is probably the least consequential part, Snaith's falsetto vocals. I'm not sure why I love them so much, I guess because they are so unique and, in a way, gusty, as not a lot of guys are ready to make an album featuring them singing in an unnaturally high voice. It doesn't seem forced, really the opposite, as he sings with confidence. I actually loved the final paragraph (actually the whole review) of this review by Nate Door at PopMatters, as he's got interesting thoughts on Snaith's vocals. He's right, they really are crafted to fit the music; I actually would love to hear the vocals exert more attitude, see them become a more dominant force. "She's The One" is my favorite track on the album and I feel like it's the one where the vocals and lyrics take center stage. I love the melancholy and longing present in both, would love to see future releases go this direction. "Sandy" is a great example of the exuberant pop music on the album, this one featuring what seems like a whole chorus singing back-up.

This one's highly recommended, a great, focused album that sounds like little else out there today. Buy your copy here, it's a good bet that this will end up on some best of the year lists come December.

Bob Dylan - Theme Time Radio Hour #1 (Weather)

Bob Dylan, Theme Time Radio Hour #1 (Weather) (YSI link) (zSHARE link)

Okay, enough of that upbeat shit, let's spend some time with the man who has gotten me through a break-up (barely) and death and any awful period in my adult years, Bob Dylan. Actually, since I'm still talking about these things, I guess I'm not really over them. Nice job Bob!

While I get over my disappointment, I figured that we'd take it all the way back to the beginning with the Theme Time Radio Hour radio show. This first one looks at Weather, a good starting point for us as the season is changing here in Brooklyn and my favorite time of year, Fall, is upon us. This one finds Mr. Dylan at his best. He's animated (check the laugh when he discusses his wish to have had a wife who helped him write songs) or is hilarious talk about clouds and the actual windiest city (it's not Chicago). The tunes are a mix of blues, early rock, country and pop, Muddy Waters, Fats Domino, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra. But, as always, it's the ones I haven't heard before that really blow me away; in particular, check Irma Thomas' "It's Raining," especially if you want to feel that heartbroken sadness. "(Drip drop) It's raining so hard, look like it's gonna rain all night/ and this is the time I love to be holdin' you tight/ But I guess I'll have to accept the fact that you're not here/ I wish the night would hurry and end my dear." Magnificent.

Aww shit, now I'm all sad again. Damn it Bob!

Over the next few weeks or months, we'll put up the first season of Theme Time, so that everyone can have access to these amazing documents. The new season began last night, so we'll try to pick that up once it's got rolling. Yeah!

Soundsystem 205 NYC, Rezound+Workweek NYC and more

I wanted to get an early version of this one out, with later updates for non-East Coast jawns. As Ive been saying, Wednesday is the new Saturday, which I believe was the new Friday (or am I thinking of Shabbat). Anyway, I want to lead off with one new NYC party, one newish one here that I'm a big fan of and a few old-timers who always warrant a visit. The headliner is the new Wednesday night weekly at 205 (205 Chrystie@Stanton) called Soundsystem Wednesdays. The resident DJs are Stretch Armstrong and Eli Escobar. I haven't had a chance to hear much of Escobar, but I cannot tell you how psyched I am to see Stretch doing a weekly jawn. The dude is a fucking legend, wikipedia his ass if you don't know. This party looks like it's gonna kill too, with lots of big name special guests covering all sorts of musical ground. This week, the dudes from indie band The Glass are in the house, spinning not playing live. In the future, you get The Rub's DJ Ayres with Tittsworth, Baltimore legend Scottie B and many more. The basement of 205 is a great spot, dark, hot, good room for dancing, this one has to immediately become a regular stop. No cover, drinks are decently priced, 21+, Stretch!

-Not too far away, the Rezound+Workweek dudes do their Wednesday night thing Moonwalk at Happy Ending (302 Broome St.) Here's another party that is getting its legs, bigger turnouts each week, better special guests (Adam Kesher and David Bruno last week, por ejemplo). In other words, don't sleep! The guys have invited two really excellent guests tonight, Robot Blair of the People Don't Dance No More and Music For Robots blog and Jess Jubilee of Modular. This is gonna be a mini-rave tonight in the upstairs, dance music bangers all night. No cover, 21+, 2 for 1 drinks from 11-12, every first and third Wednesdays.




-What more can I say about High Voltage? Everyone loves it, famous people show up, young people dancing, Zygo open bar from 11-it's gone, no cover, one of the best weekly parties in New York City. Tonight, S. Valentine of the Ruff Club is the special guest DJ, along with Annette of Vice magazine. This one's so good, they're even having special host(esses) with Cameron and Romina! Next level, people! 200 Orchard, rsvp at the going.com site, you're only young once. Hell, I'm not even that anymore!

-For those of you sick of my Lower East Side fixation, here's something far uptown on 13th Street. G Spa goes down every Wednesday at the seriously swank Gansevoort Hotel (18 Ninth Ave@13th St). DJ Peter Paul and Sophie Fatale are the DJs tonight, lots of good people hosting like Project Matt and Cipha Sounds, doors at 10pm, take your partying up to the next level with this one.




-When I think of snowboarding, I think of two cities - Chicago and Los Angeles. Actually, that's a lie. But, nonetheless it does tonight, as the Burton Snowboards opens a flagship store in the Windy City and celebrates with a cool afterparty at Sound-bar (226 W. Ontario) featuring two of LA's best DJs - Steve Aoki and Them Jeans. You also get Pase Rock spinning, plus tons of famous snowboarders who probably will walk right by you all night. Say 'Dark Wave Disco' at the door to gurantee entry, 21+, 9-2am.



-Back in LA, Pound for Pound favorite and Finger On The Pulser DJ Never Forget has left the safe confines of Williamsburg to rock the shit out of La La Land at the Rooftop Hang party. He joins the most rad residents DJs Dirty Dave and Daisy O for a night of indie dance magick in the Purple Lounge at The Standard Hollywood (8300 Sunset Blvd), no cover. Awesome flier, fyi.



-There's also the Club Moscow jawn at Boardners (1652 Cherokee), the 18+ weekly for the more indie side. You get DJ sets from Keith 2.0, Daniel Le Disko, Mr. Sleep and Chris Holmes, live music from Pink Enemy, The Squares and X-Rayor. That's a lot of music and it's free before 10:30 with a flier.



-Finally, the Ruff Gemz party goes off in Seattle tonight at The Baltic Room. How great is this party? They don't need a flier because everyone already knows about it, ya feel me? Free before 11, $3 after, DJs Fucking In The Streets and Sam Rousso Sound System, special guests and it's Bettina's bday.

The Go! Team - Proof Of Youth

The Go! Team, "Fake ID" (YSI link)

The Go! Team feat. Chuck D, "Flashlight Fight" (YSI link)

Okay, some bad news - my computer is back in the shop again with a faulty adaptor port and battery. I have a replacement for the week, but it means that a lot of my music is unavailable. I'm not gonna let my melancholy effect me or you dear reader! Your bol is a whole different man now, for really real. We've got a few projects in the works, the GREs, becoming fashionable, meditation, learning Hebrew, Paris, i.e. the next level. No computer, no sweat, yamean? Although, if anyone from Apple reads this, I'd gladly accept an iPhone or a upgraded laptop as an apology to me and my dear readers. Holler at me at the email to the right, we can work something out, I'm sure.

I was gonna rock some sad music, but that would be so 2006 of me. Instead, let's play the most opposite shit to the sad stuff we love. The Go! Team fit that description. They're a little like Red Bull - hyper, get you wound up and feeling good, one is good, anymore and you may become nauseous or experience tremors. The band seems to know this, as this is the second album that they keep on the shorter side (only two songs last longer than 4 minutes and those just barely, 11 tracks total).

To be honest, I'd be hard pressed to say how the new album, Proof Of Youth, differs from their debut, Thunder, Lightning, Strike. Which is odd, consider the original was much more a studio creation, whereas this one features a touring band coming into the studio. It's that exact same mix of horns, cheerleaderesque chants, lo-fi, distorted sound, occasional raps, unrelenting upbeat mood, a few instrumentals, etc. Check out "Fake ID" for a textbook example of their sound. It's such a unique and rare sound that it still works, but I was left with a less-than-satisfied feeling this time. It works for me as an occasional listen and no more. I like the fact that they're so exuberant, but I guess I really am as dark and dead as I fear, as it's just not enough. Maybe it's me, maybe it's the times, but I just don't connect to an entire album of happy, hyper shit. One of my favorite songs on the album is "My World," a quiet instrumental track that features guitar strumming, shakers and synth, a wonderful interlude. Or how about "Flashlight Fight," which features Chuck D and sirens and a pop noise sound that is as dark as the band has ever sounded? There's not even variety or doubt or edge to the music to keep me coming back.

I'd recommend this album for fans, as they're clearly into The Go! Team sound. For beginners, I'd recommend buying their first album, which is much more fun and chaotic than the new one. I guess it's back to my Smiths albums today...

Rated X Panty Party CHI, Sick Sick Six NYC, Seven Sins LA & Hoodies and Heels SF

I've been telling you that Chicago is where it's at right now. Clearly, the coasts are starting to heed my warnings. One of NYC's biggest parties, the Rated X (Panty Party) juggernaut, are taking their debaucherousness to the Windy City tonight for a rager known as the Outdanced Rated X Chicago Panty Party featuring a DJ set by Simian Mobile Disco. That's just the beginning, as you also get sets by Rated X-ers Theo and Michael T, my Dark Wave Disco bols Trancid and Mark Gertz, DJ Pier Novikov, a live set by Peppermint Gummybears, photos by Bronques from Lastnightsparty.com. It's brought to you by Outdanced, who've outdone themselves with this one. It's also the kick-off dance party for this year's Estrojam, the Chicago festival dedicated to women and their artistic voices. It's free with an rsvp to the going.com site before midnight, giveaways, super cheap $1 beers, 9-2am. Tuesdays ain't supposed to be this amazing, are they? P.S. Note the flier. Kittens = top billing.

-I mentioned the Six Six Sick! party before, but sadly have not done a good job reminding people of this one. Tonight's a good time to start again, as DJ Dimitry! of High Voltage is one of the special guests joining the excellent resident Micprobes. The other guest is Peter Pazdrowski of Bloodshot Revival, the NYC indie band. It should be a great night of indie from the dance-y spectrum downstairs at Happy Ending (302 Broome St.) You also get the 66Sick Girls hosting, a vodka open bar from 10-its gone, no cover, 21+ and a pretty great Tuesday night. Yeah!

-Here's another party that I think we've mentioned before, but let's just pretend it's a new one. Seven Sins goes down every Tuesday at Seven (7292 Santa Monica Blvd) in West Hollywood. Resident DJ HIGHspeedDUB is spinning tonight with special guests Young Americans, who hold down Fix Up and Get Famous. Presented by Have Not and Shadowscene, photos by the everywhere-everynight Shadowscene, there's no cover, rsvp@havenotmusic.com, 21+.



-Okay, here's a new party with a special late addition guest. The party is Hoodies and Heels, brought to you by Vin Sol. He does this every Tuesday at The Double Dutch (3192 16th) St.@Guerrero), one of the best DJs out on the West Coast. Tonight, he's joined by the one and only, future Essential Mixer, Low Budget of Hollertronix, who's currently on tour with M.I.A. I think that Mr. Pharmacist, a.k.a. Gregg Foreman, is spinning, but not 100% positive. Don't be greedy! This is a fucking killer duo, San Fran, no cover, crazy drink specials ($2 Buds & $5 Don Julio tequila), 21+.

Diplo - Essential Mix 09.16.2007

Diplo, Essential Mix BBC Radio One September 16, 2007 (YSI link) tracklisting in comments

This is the one, the most essential mix of all for me and, therefore, Pound for Pound - Diplo's Essential Mix. One-half of Hollertronix, the man behind the Mad Decent label, I'm not sure there's been a DJ that has had a bigger influence on my taste, my nights out, my impression of a DJ (except the other half of Holletronix, Low Budget). It's kind of hard to explain without sounding like a fawning douche, and in turn losing my jaded, hipster cred that keeps this blog afloat. Seriously though, Diplo was one of the first DJs that showed me the potential the role held, what I expected from all future ones at a party or on their mixes, who seemed to have the exact same tastes and loves. I remember that first time I was at the Ukie Club, very early on, when I heard "Tainted Love" coming out of a Dirty South rap set, my life was never the same since.

I first saw the listing for an upcoming Diplo Essential Mix a month or two ago and have barely been able to wait to hear what he came up with for this biggest forum of all. He doesn't disappoint, putting together possibly the best mixed set the show's ever heard. Take a look at the sheer quantity of songs he gets to in comparison to the normal ones we've put up before, probably twice as many as Digitalism played. He gets to each one without forcing it or seeming like he is just cramming shit in, before you ask. You also get the first pre-mix warning from Pete Tong about explicit language and that some viewers should turn off their radios. With that, I knew right away that this one was gonna be good.

It covers an immense amount of ground, from dancehall to rap to classic dance to indie dance to just plain indie. It's a little less dancefloor-friendly than his club sets, it definitely has the feel of a mix for home-listening with quicker genre shifts and less straight bangers. For me, it's the best Essential Mix, adhering as close to my own listening habits as humanly possible. What makes it even more the impressive is how hard it is to be able to hold a person's attention through so many shifts, only the most talented can handle that. I'd go so far as to say that this mix represents what I try to do with this blog, covering the new and the old, any and all genres, based in the electro and bass scenes. I think that over the next few weeks we're gonna try to get back to this style, less structure, more genres, more fun. Yeah? Yeah!

It's really great to see Pete Tong and crew recognize one of the best non-dance DJs in the world, a nice change from the normal schedule. It's nice to hear rap and dancehall and Baltimore club getting its proper due. All of which is to say, Mr. Tong, it's time to get the Low Budget Essential Mix. Seriously, make this happen, so that I can forever live in the years 2003-2005.

The Fix Up LA, Club Genre LA and Blogger's Delight NYC

It's kind of a quiet night, which is nice since it is a Monday and all. All's not quiet on the Western front (shout out to my bol Erich Remarque!) however, as two good-looking parties happen in Los Angeles. First up, we have the Fix Up party presented UNITED Tradeshow at Beauty Bar (1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd), which is also the official afterparty for Peter Bjorn and John's concert. The three lads are the special guests, not sure if they will DJ or what. I do know that resident DJ HIGHspeedDUB is spinning, as is special guests Young Americans, and they're really all you need. You also get photos by the most excellent Shadowscene, plus video by Viral Vector Media. All for the low low cost of free, just RSVP at the going.com site and get there early to make sure you can get in and you're all set.

-Over at Cinespace (6156 Hollywood Blvd.), it's Club Genre night with DJs S!n, Luv Tek, Zendo and Billy Noorlag. We've mentioned this one many times, but I'll give you the details just as a reminder. Free until 10:30, $5 for girls all night, $5 for guys until 11, then $10 after that, popdancegood music all night, photos by Neil Sharum. Let me just say that the guys took down the size of their fliers and it looks really nice. While they did not do this for me, it is a part of my ongoing quest to place the concept that size does not matter virally into the minds of people. Bigger is not better. Fliers that is, we're talking about fliers.



-Finally, back in New York City, the second edition of the new party called Blogger's Delight happens at the Knitting Factory (74 Leonard St.). Down in the Tap Bar, a blog curates a party each week, this week's line-up was done by the Disco Nap party and features a live set by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart (one of the best band names ever!) and the first ever DJ set by the Disco Nap collective. No cover, starts at 8pm, a chance to hear new music anwd get out of your apartment and offline for a few hours. Hmm, there may be exciting news on this front, said the blogger writing this.



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Bat For Lashes - Fur And Gold

Ed. note: I mistakenly wrote Bats For Lashes with the original draft rather than the correct Bat For Lashes. My apologies. Thanks to the anonymous commenter who so eloquently wrote: "maybe you learn to spell the artists name next time."

Bat For Lashes, "The Wizard" (YSI link)

Bat For Lashes, "Prescilla" (YSI link)

We've spent a decent amount of time talking about Bjork recently, thought it would be fun to look at few artists who remind me of and have clearly been influenced by the Scandanavian queen . First up is Bat For Lashes, a half-British, half Pakistani 27 year old artist named Natasha Khan who has slowly but surely made a name for herself on the strength of her first album. Fur And Gold, her debut, was released around this time last year in the UK, but it is just got a US release towards the end of the summer on Caroline Records. She has enjoyed quite a bit of acclaim in the UK, where she was nominated for this year's Mercury Prize.

It's an impressive first album, showcasing an artist who has no trouble doing her own thing, experimenting while remaining committed to writing good songs. While one hears some influence from the freak-folk scene or whatever the hell they call it (CoCo Rosie gets named a lot), I'd say that she has as much in common with Bjork as anyone. At times, vocally they sound uncannily similar, both in sound and stylings, for better or worse. You get the extremes of that sort of childish whispering and the almost-shouting, that has become the hallmark of Bjork in the last few years. Khan has also taken from the Bjork song structure, where the early part of a song is quiet and restrained, the following minutes feature a build-up sonically to a peak and then we return to the early, quieter part. There's also the whole sort of weird, masks-and-costumes, girl in the forest thing, which definitely sets them apart.

There seems to be a lot of talk about Khan's music being experimental, but I'd disagree. It's true that this isn't mainstream pop music, but it sounds almost classical to me, with the violins, harpsichords and acoustic guitars. It's a far cry from the electronic sounds emanating from Bjork's studio and may even appeal to more people as a result. For me, the songs are at their best when the haunting lyrics and vocals match up with the music. On "The Wizard," the disturbing and dark lyrics are matched by unsettling drum beats and shakers (or maracas?) that may not be want you want to hear before bed. Of course, "Prescilla" is the most accessible song on the album, with amazing handclaps and the most memorable refrain on the album. I think when the music doesn't do it, the song won't work, as her lyrics are a little too fairy-taleish for my tastes. When the music neither haunts nor

I'm going to recommend this one, mainly because I feel like it seems like the type of album that a lot of people are going to get into. Buy your copy here, see whether you think that this is one of the best albums of the year as many are calling it. It's definitely the arrival of another talented artist that we need to keep an eye on down the road.

Hammertime NYC, Too Much Love MPLS, Check Yo Ponytail vs Hang The DJs vs Institubes and more

It's so chilly out (in NYC, keep it shut Californians and Floridians). What time is it? Well yeah, it's Fall, but it's also Hammertime! After a few week hiatus, Project Matt is taking over Revolver on Saturday night again to give you what you want and need, i.e. a drunken party with the best rap, reggae and miscellaneous jams. He's joined in the DJ booth by Rev McFly and DJ Morsy all night. No cover, 21+, this really should be one of the best parties in NYC. It should be a stop for anyone in Manhattan tonight (or any future Saturday).

-Do you dare cross 14th Street? Tonight is as good a night as any, as Cheeky Bastard and GBH present Robot Rock and the official afterparty for Simian Mobile Disco's concert at the Gramercy. My dudes Dave P and JDH, who killed it last night at Studio B, are the main draws, as they will destroy Highline Ballroom with dance music. Add in DJ Alex English, an early live show by The Mood, make it free with an RSVP, and leaving downtown doesn't seem so hard, does it?



-If a party has no no flier, does it make a sound in the forest when it's cut down? Yes, it does. DJ Dimitry is spinning at Beauty Bar all night, while Dances With White Girls of Throne of Blood and Jess Jubilee of Modular hold it down at Don Hill's.

-What is Hi-Tops and Hearts? While it may be the title of my first young adult fiction book, it definitely is the name of a great party going down at Royal Oak (594 Union Ave.) in Williamsburg tonight. This one is brought to you by the amazing clothing label Love Brigade and my dude DJ Tiny Pants every month. This month, Kelly Green is the special guest DJ, the music will cover all kinds of ground with a focus on the stuff that makes you dance. No cover, 21+, a ton of drink specials (see flier), 10-4.



-A little further north, the FUN party returns with its super-cool roller skating party at Studio B (259 Banker St.) Take it back to the 70s and 80s, break out your roller skates and tight clothes. I mean, seriously, how much fun does this sound? Best of all, residents DJs Eamon Harkin and The Bangers will spin disco all night for optimal skating. They'll be joined by special guests Negroclash for a great line-up. It's BYOSkates or pay a $3 rental fee, 18+, 21+ to drink, 10-4, $12 at the door, $7 with RSVP. Shout out to Radnor Rolls!



-Finally, one last stop in Williamsburg, as the Sweatshop Labor bols - Johnsville and Lucas Walters - do their thing at Macri Park (462 Union Ave@Metropolitan), as they do every first and third Saturday at the newish jawn near Union Pool. No cover, great tunes, good drinking environment, a perfect stop before or after Royal Oak, yeah!



-The Midwest heats up tonight in a big way. It doesn't get bigger than Diplo and Switch in the same room. I mean, seriously, Diplo and Switch. Game over. Possibly two of my favorite producer/DJs in the world, touring together. Not speechless, but only enough speech to tell you it's at Metro (3730 N. Clark St.), James Amato of Potty Mouth also spinning, 18+, $20 at the door, starts at 11.



-You're also gonna wanna make time for something a little darker, like Dark Wave Disco at Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago Ave.) Residents Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner have brought in two special guests from opposite coasts - LA's Keith Wilson of Club Moscow and Le Disko fame and NYC's Mark Verbos. Hosted by Paul In Chicago and CT Couture, 21+, 9-3, $7 before 11, $12 after, $3 Goose Island 312s (?), yes yes.



-Happy first birthday to the Too Much Love party in Minneapolis! For the special occasion, they're getting the band back together, as all the original DJs are in the house. Soviet Panda, DJ Bach and Jonathan Ackerman & Scott Butters will spin great dnace music all night long. Head to First Avenue (701 First Avenue North) to celebrate one of the best weekly dance parties anywhere, $3, 18+, mazel tov boys!



-It's a huge night in Lawrence, Kansas as Baltimore's own Tittsworth comes to town for Bump City. He joins the residents Tactic for a night of booty and breaks in the center of the country. It's happening at Fatso's (1016 Mass), 21+, open Bacardi bar early early, so you'll want to get there around 9 or so and take advantage.



-It's a special Frisco Disco tonight, a sort of American Idol for aspiring DJs if you will. Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac have invited two up and comers to compete head-to-head on the decks, Star Search style. Short Shortzz vs. Jesse Jamz, a winner must emerge. I don't want to influence the proceedings, but I'm gonna throw my support behind Short Shortzz solely on the fact that her flier has kittens on. That's the flier of a winner. Get to The Transfer (198 Church) and decide for yourself.





-Wow, a huge night in LA, as an epic clash is going down at The Echo + Echoplex (1154 Glendale Blvd). Check Yo Ponytail vs Hang The DJs vs Institubes Paris Terror Club. Main room downstairs features VHS Or Beta, Walter Meego, Protokoll, Dia Frankel, Edie&Maurice, De La Falaise and the birthday girl Scarlet Casanova (happy birthday). Room 2 upstairs features Para One, Surkin, Curses!, DJ Orgasmic and LA's own Franki Chan and Paparazzi. Like whoa. Photos by the amazing Shadowscene, 18+, doors at 9:00, $17 at the door, amazing.



-Finally, Greyscale in LA is another good choice, as Troublemaker, Sean Patrick, Dirty Dave and Miklala do it up big at Temporary Spaces (5100 Fountain Way@Normandie) Free vodka from 9:30-10:30 makes this a perfect start to the night, although you may not wanna leave once you get settled (the pics show lots of beautiful people have a great time, fyi). No clue on the cover, but if the past is any indicator, it shouldn't be too much.

Lolita BK, Good Foot BK, Crescendolls PHI, Contrapalooza MIA, Jesse Rose CHI , Robot Rock SF and much more

There's too many great things going on for me to pick a top choice, so let's just start from where I am and expand outward. Lots to do in Williamsburg, especially since Fixed is back at Studio B (259 Banker St.) and Dave P and JDH are starting the Fall off with a bang. They've got the first stop on the Boys Noize Oi Oi Oi tour in support of his new album, Oi Oi Oi. I can't wait for this album, so obviously this is a definite stop in Brooklyn tonight. $12 at the door, 10-4, one of the best parties in NYC.

-You also need to make a stop at Glasslands (289 Kent btwn S. 1st and 2nd) to check out the Lolita Party presented by Brooklyn By Hand. You get live music from Purple Crush, Zambri and Lismore, plus a dance party later by Pound for Pound favorites Sweatshop Labor (Johnsville and Lucas Walters), all for just $6. Great space (esp with the cooler weather), great music, great DJs, great. Oh, did I mention free Sparks until its gone? I just did.



-Finally, make a stop before or after those two at Macri Park (462 Union) for the Livin' It Up party. I believe that this is a weekly with Lauren Flax, although I'm not 100% sure. Tonight, you also get a DJ set by FitForUse, guaranteed sick, twisted dance music all night.



-Down south, south Brooklyn that is, Good Foot/Pumps returns to The Royale (506 5th Ave) in Park Slope tonight. The monthly has Pase Rock, DJ Morsy and the excellent Jess Jubilee on the decks upstairs, Carmine P. Filthy and Vida in the basement. Put away the baby carriages, Slopers! It's a rave tonight!



-Tonight's an Orchard Street night. There's no excuse not to be at The Skinny (174 Orchard St.) tonight where the Lewd ones are spinning. rekLES and Sean Mutthafukkin Roberts hold down that bar every 2nd and 4th Friday, tonight's their night. I've said it before and I'll say it again, these guys are gonna be huge, they should be synonymous with excellence and dancing and debauchery in your mind. No cover ever, 10-4, $3 well drinks from 11-12, late night specials, the music you want to hear, life. Sickest flier, more please.



-Hit up Ruff Club at The Annex (152 Orchard) before or after. You know the deal with this party, always a good time with a young crowd, but tonight DJ Lauren Flax is a special guest, which should be the extra incentive. She's joined by mark Murphy from Australia and Dani Deahl from the URB party in Chicago, plus residents Spencer Product, Denny Le Nimh, Micprobes & 24 Court. Yea Orchard! Do it for Gus' Pickles and Kid Twist.



-In my hometown and the home of my heart and soul for life, more killer parties. The biggest is the return of JHN RDN and Ian St. Laurent's Crescendolls. This one's in the much bigger space of Level Room (21st & Market), a crazy three floor club club. The boys are joined by the Club Lyfestyle dancers for a rager in Center City. Should I seal the deal? Open bar from 10-11, free PBR and VW Vodka drinks. 11 on, the PBR is $2 and the VW vodka $3. Drunk and dancing is a good way to go through life.




-Holy shit, just saw this one, a new party at Medusa called Robotique. The flier has Daft Punk on it, that means you have to attend. Mike T and Billy W are two of the city's best, Medusa is one of my favorite spaces anywhere for a dance party, it's free, it's a few blocks away from Crescendolls, life can't always be this simple and good, enjoy it when it is.

-Finally, for the late-nighters, head into South Philly after all of this for Frantic. I will simply say that this is at the American Legion Post 153 (24th and Passyunk btwn Oregon & Snyder), a party that only goes down in Philly. Love it! Free before 2, $7 after, lots of booty tunes from dev79 and Darrel Asbury, great night.



-Mang, Miami is like the heart of this blog, yet I never post up parties down there. I need to get on that, but in the meantime, here's a crazy one-night only jawn called Contrapalooza. To celebrate DJ Contra's birthday, everyone cool in the world is in Miami to perform. Seriously. Spank Rock and Amanda Blank and Juiceboxxx are live, DJ sets by Franki Chan, Turntable Lab's Blu Jemz, Egg Foo Young and Lloydski, plus DJ Induce and Matt Cash. There's mention of special guests, but I don't know who's left. There's gift bags from Virgin Mobile, drink specials all night, it's gonna seem like your birthday. It all takes place at PS14 (28 NE 14th St.), $10 to get in, 10pm on.



-Since it's a big night everywhere, you know it's a huge one in Chicago. It is. Smart Bar and Potty Mouth Music have brought Jesse Rose of Dubsided fame to town and you need to be there. Seriously. It's that simple, Smart Bar (3730 N. Clark St.), 21+, 10-late, $10 before midnight, $12 after.



-Also make sure to stop by the Threadless grand opening celebration at the Metro (3730 N. Clark St.) tonight. This is the newest t-shirt boutique in the Windy City and they've kicked it off with an all-day event. We're a late night blog, so we're picking things up at the evening event. Live music by Office, White Hot Knife and The Assembly, most importantly the Life During Wartime DJs - Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard - are in the house for the dance party. $18, starts at 10:30, whoa, it's at the same address as the previous one. Perhaps this is the nexus of the universe, where great parties are on top of each, time and space are smashed together by bass and synths. Or one's above the other in the same building. Either/or.



-We don't get a lot of events in San Diego, but here's a start. LA Riots are headlining the Danger danger party at Airport (2400 India St.) tonight. They're joined by residents (?) Corey Biggs, Adam Salter and Erick Diaz, plus the Shark Attack DJs. Don't know much about this one, but you know I love the LA Riots, so it should be a fun night. 21+, can't find cover charge info, sorry.



-Wow, a huge night in San Fran, headlined by the Robot Rock gala. Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac are starting this monthy jawn to bring in the best live acts around and they are not fucking around. Check this line-up out, as the VHS or Beta/Walter Meego tour combines with the Institubes Hooligan Disco Tour. Like whoa, right? It goes down at Mezzanine (, doors open at 9pm, $15, a not-to-missed superevent.



-Sleazemore and Rchrd Oh!? will take care of your dance party needs. Lights Down Low is back after a three week hiatus and they are clearly rested and ready for domination again. The guys are joined by the Gemini Disco Club - Le Dinosaur and Chris McVick - just wrapped up a Beauty Bar residency, legendary party crew in the Bay Area. There's also a guest set from Mikkee Lixxx from Chicago, to go with the heat the residents throw at you. As always, it goes down at the 222 Club (222 Hyde and Turk), phots by Parker Day, lots of birthday girls, get there and realize how good it is to have Lights Down Love back. Yeah!

Marissa Nadler - Songs III: Birds On A Water

Marissa Nadler, "Diamond Heart" (YSI link)

Marissa Nadler, "Silvia" (YSI link)

In these Days of Awe and just generally f'd up times, it seems like there's no better time to take a look at Marissa Nadler's recent album, Songs III: Birds On A Water. Nadler has been a rising star in the freefolk movement for a few years, on the stength of some home recordings and well-received debut, The Saga Of Mayflower May. This is my first time with her music, but I can't imagine she's dealing with potential label nymore. This is an amazing album, a gorgeous record in spite of the bleak song topics like death and break-ups and all that good stuff. It's about all I want to hear right now, as the future keeps coming and my past just won't go away (hello to the boy that got away, RV) and the the world seems so horrible and I just want to sit in the park and listen to this album and have a good cry.

I guess the first thing you'll notice is Ms. Nadler's voice, as commanding as any I've heard. She seems to effortlessly hit any note, but yet it still retains a uniqueness that isn't always there with the most talented. It's almost girlish at times,without descending into the annoying like Joanna Newsome, whom she is often compared to. She is also an excellent finger-picking guitarist, a la John Fahey (I'm sure there's a ton of other good comparison, he's the only I know), providing a gentle, lulling backdrop to her heartbreaking lyrics. It's a traditional sound, I imagine it would appeal greatly to old-time folk music fans or even blues fans.

I'm neither of those, of course, which means that there has to be more. That more is the band she invited to join her to bring a fuller sound, Espers. One of the great bands today, it shouldn't be surprising that since they are awesome they are of course from Philadelphia. It must have been difficult to fit into such precise and quiet music, without sounding like the porverbial bull in the china shop. Greg Weeks and company are magnificent, never taking away from Nadler or the lyrics, yet still they were able to create a swirling, psychedelic sound that takes this music to the next level. Whether's it's bells, a mandolin or a cello, the band is able to make maximum impact with minimal intrusion. For some reason, I want to use the word 'exquisite' here, so I'm going to: exquisite.

Obviously, this one is highly recommended. Grab your copy here, put it on when you're feeling a little blue, We may come back to her earlier music if there's interest. P.S. If you can guess which lyric in "Diamond Heart" guaranteed its choice, I'll fill any song request (if I can).

Common Folk NYC, Unstoppable Perfect NYC, Love/Hate BK and more

I've got the smell of lox on my hands, so you know it's been a good day. I can't tell you how amazing it is to come home and see this flier above. I really don't even know what to say about it, it's so good, it hurts. An Oregon fucking Trail flier?!? Are you serious? Next level. Common Folk is another of the parties that is ready to go to that higher plateau, as the Sweatshop Labor dudes - Johnsville and Lucas Walters - are putting on one of the great weeklies in the city, a necessary stop for a LES Thursday. It's at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St.), free Sparks from 10:30-11:30, no cover. Here's your first stop in the LES tonight.

-You also are gonna want to hip up Happy Ending (302 Broome St.) a few blocks away for the Unstoppable Perfect party. This one's the product of the Lewd DJs - rekLES and sean mf'n roberts, hosted by Julius O. and Antwan of ithinkyoureswell.com. I actually attend last month's edition and can honestly say it's one of the best parties I've been to a while. Phenomenal music, good space, people actually dancing!!!!! and a sizeable crowd. How serious was it? Two Hasidim were there and they stayed for a few hours, shout out to my South Williamsburgers. This is no joke, no cover, 2 for 1 drink specials from 11-12.




-Final stop would be Sweet Paradise (Orchard and Canal) for aMAYzing's birthday, where Project Matt, DJ Complex, Iron Lyon and like a gazillion other DJs will be bringing reggae/rap gifts all night.

-Don't want to go to the LES? How about a night in Chelsea/Meatpacking District? No, seriously. Cheeky Bastard keep bringing in the amazing guests for their Thursday night jawn at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St.@9th Ave) I think this maybe my favorite, as you get live sets by two amazing new bands, Paris' Yuksek and NYC's 33HZ, to go with DJ sets by Fluo Kids, Brodinski and Chicago's The Cool Kids. Plus, you get Bass Ale open bar from 10-11, plus 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 10-11 and 2-3, all for free if you RSVP at the going.com site. I know, pretty great, huh?



-Make sure to head over to APT (419 W. 13th St.) later (or before), where Justin Carter and Probus will be melting your face with a new monthly called Easy Lover. Expect lots of funky, dubby music down in the basement, trust me this will be a sick night and this place is completely rad!

-No worries if you want to stay in Brooklyn, as lorraine sangre presents Love/Hate tonight at Galapagos (70 N. 6th Street btwn Kent and Wythe). A great line-up of DJs with two from The Rapture's Throne of Blood label, Dances With White Girls and Andy Pry, plus the excellent Jess Jubilee from Modular and La Decadanse. I've never been to a dance party at Galapagos, but I know that there are a few rooms that would work well and it's close to my home. No cover, 10-4, 2 for 1 Vitamin Water drink specials. Williamsburg!



-The Dance Party Magic people in Chicago also do this party called Bottle Service at Empire Liqours (1566 N. Milwaukee Ave.) Resident DJ Hiroki is joined by Mister Joshua and Select Inverse for a night of upbeat, beautiful music like disco, Afrobeat and house. No cover, free Red Stripe from 9-10, this one goes down every Thursday.



-Of course, there's also Debonair Thursdays with Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner. This one's a little darker than the above party, a prelude to the Dark Wave Disco this weekend. Every Thursday, no cover, Debonair Social Club in the Flatiron Building (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.), make it happen.



-Finally, the Institubes Paris Terror Club continues to destroy America, tonight's victim is Seattle. You know the deal, Para One, Surkin, DJ Orgasmic, Curses! They're joined by two of the best local DJs Colby B of the Comeback party and Recess from Shameless. There's a second room too called the Space Virgins' Neon Lounge with DJ Swank, Glitterpants and Levi Clark. Get to Chop Suey (1325 E. Madison St.) immediately, $10, 18+, 21+ to drink, your life will never be the same.

Bob Dylan - Theme Time Radio Hour #19 (The Bible)

Bob Dylan, Theme Time Radio Hour #19 (The Bible) (YSI link) (Sendspace link)

He's baaaacccccckkkkk. We've taken a few month off from the Bob Dylan posts for a variety of reasons. Mainly, I just needed to take a break from his music, as I felt like I was starting to obsess about it and listening to it too much. The man writes a lot of songs about love and break-ups and pain and sadness, in case you didn't know. I needed a break from him and he needed one from me.

What better time to resume our look at Robert Zimmerman than at the start of the Days of Awe. It's a period of reflection and judgement, a time that I think would be especially interesting to Dylan, an artist who has shied away from neither in his long career. From his earliest folk recordings and activism to the painful look at a failed marriage in Blood On The Tracks to Time Out Of Mind's unblinking look at getting old, it's hard to think of anyone who has so consistently reflected and brought himself up for judgment.

Here's another edition of Mr. Dylan's radio show, Theme Time Radio Hour. This 19th episode deals with that most sacred of books, The Bible. It's been a while since I listened to one of these radio shows, I forgot how much fun they are and how great it is to listen to the man for an hour. Not surprisingly, there's lots of gospel and blues on this episode, including the amazing "Samson and Delilah" by Rev. Gary Davis and "John The Revelator" by Blind Willie Johnson. Some wonderful music, stuff I never would have heard otherwise, but it's Dylan and his voice and stories and trivia that makes this such a pleasure. I can't recommend this more highly for everyone who loves music, not just hardcore Dylan fans. This is a music lesson and an entertaining hour and a reminder just how funny and intereting the man is.

It's good to have you back Bob.

Bjork - Earth Intruders Remixes

Bjork, "Earth Intruders (Spank Rock Remix)" (YSI link)

Bjork, "Earth Intruders (Lexx remix)" (YSI link)

We are almost upon the Days of Awe, so it seemed like a good time to look at a track that elicited awe when people first heard about the collaboration (Bjork and Timbaland) and a woman who elicits it all the time. "Earth Intruders" was the first single to drop from the new album, Volta, one of three tracks that Timbaland produced. I actually liked the original album version. It seemed like the biggest complaint was that it didn't live up to expectations and what people heard in their head when they imagined a Bjork/Timbaland jawn. That's not fair, but it happens. I do agree that the original seems too heavy or plodding or something, particularly the drums. Timbaland's skittering sound is gone and it means that this is not gonna be blowing up any dancefloors.

Perhaps for that reason, we got a Club Remixes EP for this single, as three remixers had a go at it. The XXXchange Spank Rock remix is good, taking the original from a heavyweight to nimble, flexible welterweight. This is not what you'd expect from the Spank Rock music man, not a booty/Bmore track. It's got a huge fuzz bass, squiggling synths and handclaps, it turns the track from militaristic sounding to something warm and happy. I really feel like this is the sound that people were hoping for with this track (minus Timbo's futuristic sound) I can't say this one is gonna kill in the clubs, as the vocals are intact and I just feel there' not enough room on the song for things to take off. The last minute or so, when the vocals start getting chopped up and , leaves you wanting so much more. The Lexx remix is a mystery, as this seems to be the only remix ever done under this name, couldn't find who's behind it. Anyway, this one doesn't do it for me. Lexx slows the whole thing down, giving it a more ponderous feel. While it gives the vocals more space, I don't know who think the clubs were clamoring for that. That is, until about the four minute mark, when the beat picks up and a nice, swirling house track materializes. Overall, a decent release, I just don't think it really lives up to its billing as a club remix release. Buy the new album here, check out my review for thoughts on that one.

Wal-Mart of Blogs

I was fortunate to wake up this morning to a comment from a reader that read:

I like reading your posts and often you do cover some good parties from time to time. I am just wondering how you can give so much credit to clubs you have never been to? I live in LA and have been to these parties which I can tell you are mostly a yawn unless there are some headliners in the house.

I just can't tell which parties in other parts of the US are actually good events when you post them and which ones are just some regular bar with some newbie blog DJ who is cramming the same shitty Teenagers or Klaxons remixes down our throats.

You remind me of Wal-Mart of blogs, where everyone gets a chance and everything is cool. Where do you draw the line and start choosing quality over quantity?

Maybe some live content from these "clubs" you support or interviews with the promoters or DJs that are actually playing these parties would be nice and we can learn a thing or two about the nights.

My RSS reader is getting tired....

Ahh, the joys of the Internet, insults from the pseudonymous. I am glad to have a new headline for the myspace profile: the Walmart of blogs! I love it, I see a branding opportunity! Yeah!

Let me take the time to answer some of the questions here, in spite of the insults. How? How do I choose the parties to list? There's not really much of a formula, to be honest. I don't really consider this the definitive website for people looking to know what's going on in their city on a given night. I research, I hear from people through email and myspace, I check to see who is spinning as guests with people I know and respect. I have friends and connections in the cities I post about, they tell me what to look for and who are the people putting the time in to make the scene better. Lots of the DJs I mention send me their mixes or have them online and I'm able to tell when someone has similar tastes in music and/or put me up on new stuff and/or blows me away with their style.

Why? Why do I do this? My main goal, as I stated when I first started posting up fliers, was to help spread the word about friend's parties and parties that featured DJs I like or venues that I enjoyed going to. I'd much rather spread the word about a small party featuring up-and- coming DJs than hype up some "headliner." Those DJs are doing fine, they have PR firms and labels behind them, they make real money for their time and, to be honest, they come and go. It's the dudes and girls putting on the weeklies and the monthlies at the "regular bars" and clubs that make a city a city; they're the ones holding it down, giving people like me and you something to do every single night of the week, staying on the grind, trying to make something good out of nothing. It's fucking hard to put on a party and if I can help make it a little easier for someone, then that makes me happy and makes reading obnoxious comments tolerable.

What? What do I try to do with each party post? I try to give a good mix of small, medium and large events which reflect the music I love in big cities. I could have made this a Philly and NYC-only thing, but I didn't want to, I wanted to avoid the whole East Coast snob thing because it's not fun. I could have put up a single event, but I love to move around and check out as much as possible. I try to bridge as many scenes as possible, as I like it when people mix and music mixes and parties mutate.

Does it mean that every party listed is a rager? No, it doesn't. Sorry, that's just the way the world works. Some nights a DJ is off, some nights the crowd sucks, filled with people standing around, more concerned with making faces at hearing "the same shitty Teenagers or Klaxons remixes" and letting everyone know how shitty the party is, sometimes the whole thing's a mess. Sometimes good DJs throw a party at a shitty place; should I not mention that party? What if that venue just needed a cool party to make it a place to go? Is there a formula I should know about?

Vinylhustla, I suggest you check out this URL: blogger.com. Since I'm "Wal-Mart of blogs," sign up and show us how it's done. I ain't scared, my ISS reader will be fine. Or even better, name names. Tell us who you are and what parties suck and why and those people can respond.

For everyone else, I'm all ears if you have thoughts on a particular party or scene or city, if you think I'm wrong about something or missing out. I've enjoyed this aspect of the site and love to hear from new people, promoters, parties, cities, countries. I'm gonna continue to keep things as they are, a mixture of the regulars, some one-time only big events, covering as much ground as we can and giving as much exposure as possible to the people making things happen.

Blogger's Delight NYC and more

Here's a new event in New York City called Blogger's Delight. It's a really cool idea where one blogger every month gets to curate a night at the Knitting Factory Tap Bar. The organizers couldn't have chosen a better first curator than David Bruno of Slap You In Public. Bruno's one of the men behind the People Don't Dance No More, which had a successful first night at 200 Orchard, he does a dance music column for Brooklyn Vegan, he has quickly become one of my favorite DJs in the city, a dude who knows dance music's history and its future. He's chosen to have Adam Kesher perform live as the headliner, their first US show. That's right, "their," as this is a six-piece band, not some solo dude. The music is of the indie dance variety, fits in well with so much of the amazing stuff coming out of Paris. They've got a new release on Disques Primeur, the EP An Allegory of Chastity. There's also going to be DJ sets from Bruno and the Turntable Lab bols Snack & C'Mish. It starts at 9 pm, it's free, it's at the Knitting Factory (74 Leonard St.) This is a great kickoff event, really excited to see where this one goes.

-Here's another party in NYC devoted to Europeans with new releases and first-time appearances in the States. The weekly M at Dark Room (165 Ludlow St.) is hosting the Calvin Harris CD release party tonight with residents Sean Fightcats and Mike Nouveau and special guest Lauren Flax. Yeah! This is a really nice night to go out on the LES and this is a great spot to choose. The crowds are gone, the people are relaxed, the PBR is $1 from 10-11:30, the music will be amazing and the giveaways are free.



-Finally, it's the second leg of the weekly tour of LA area clubs by DJs S!n, Luv Tek and crew. Tonight, Club Genre hits Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd) with DJ Klever in tow, along for his 2nd Cali gig and the LA debut of Dan-O-Mite. There's also Zendo Joaquin, photos by Neil Sharum, things start at 9:30, free until 10:30, $5 for guys until 11:30

Yoko Ono - Yes, I'm A Witch

Yoko Ono feat. Peaches, "Kiss Kiss Kiss" (YSI link)

Yoko Ono with Le Tigre, "Sisters O Sisters" (YSI link)

Yoko Ono feat. The Flaming Lips, "Cambridge 1969/2007" (YSI link)

There's no better artist to celebrate as we look at the great music women have made this year than Yoko Ono. Possibly the most vilified human on the planet for years, she has remained resolute in the face of sexism and misogyny, doing her own thing and apologizing to no one. It's actually amazing to look at her biography and realize how prolific she has been as an artist, an early member of the Fluxus movement, collaborations with John Cage, Ornette Coleman and La Monte Young among others, her political activism. Her musical output has never gotten the appreciation it deserves, experimental music that has always stood a few steps ahead of the mainstream.

This album, Yes, I'm A Witch, isn't really a Yoko Ono album per se. Basically, she invited an assorted group of artists from the indie side of things to rework one of her songs, so she hasn't contributed anything new. It's definitely a gimmick, a chance to get Ono's music out to the public attached to popular names like The Flaming Lips and Cat Power. I've got no problem with that, as she's been criminally underrated over the past few decades and anything that might get more people to check out her earlier CDs is a good idea. It's a slightly uneven album, although there's way more highlights than I expected; these things usually are awful, making this a nice surprise. I've chosen some of my favorites. Peaches chose well with "Kiss Kiss Kiss," which features a restrained electro sound (for Ms. Peaches) and the unforgettable vocals of Ono, including the orgasmic screams toward the end. It's a great fit, imo. The Flaming Lips come up with one of the best things I've heard from them recently, turning "Cambridge 1969/2007" into something that straddles the line between rock and the avant garde. I especially love the clarinet (?) sounds that give this version just the right amount of weirdness. Right now, I'm feeling the Le Tigre track most of all. They've taken the feminist anthem, "Sisters O Sisters," and given it a dance-y electro sound without losing any of the militancy and feminist anthem status. So good to hear from Kathleen Hanna and co., again another great fit, nice to see

I'd recommend checking the album, as there's at least 5 tracks that really caught my ear. Grab a copy here, as it's a good way of getting into the music of Ono. Her earliest stuff is much more experimental than anything you hear here, we'll try to give you a taste of that.

Radio Slave - Essential Mix 04.02.2007

Radio Slave, BBC Radio One Essential Mix April 2, 2007 (YSI link) tracklisting in comments

Okay, it's time to start jumping back into the current dance music scene. I've been wanting to put this Essential Mix by Radio Slave up for a few months, really, this is the perfect time as we try to focus on all of the amazing stuff coming out of in the electronic dance scene.

Radio Slave is the main alias of Matt Edwards, one of the leading remixers in the world and the head of the Rekids record label out of the UK. He's reworked the songs of people as varied as Kylie Minogue and Nelly to Ricardo Villalobos and Tiefschwarz. He's also done work under quite a few aliases such as Matthew E, Rekid and Quiet Village. However, it's his edits and remixes that have brought him the most attention and those come under the Radio Slave banner. I've been trying to think of a way to describe his sound, a nice catchphrase that would help you know what to expect on this mix. The best I've come up with is that this is paranoiac or neurotic house. If the Switch/Dubsided/Sinden stuff is fidget, this just seems the darker, more ominous side of that. It's got bleeps and sandpaper sounds and shuffling drums and never quite seems able to let the beat go; there's also a few tunes

I'm up later here working on an article and this mix is soooo perfect for late-night listening. 2 hours of the darker side of dance music, another essential mix. Much more of Mr. Edwards in the next week or two.

Justice Over Vegas, Le Disko LA and a little more

It's interesting how different parts of the country make one of the non-Friday/Saturday nights theirs. Sunday is most definitely the night for the West Coasters, as some of the best parties anywhere go down on this night. The top event tonight, however, is a one-time only jawn, although I doubt any of us could handle this going down anymore than once. Justice Over Vegas is an afterparty for tonight's MTV Video Music Awards, brought to you by Vice and Rhapsody featuring a live performace by Justice. Will our boys win Video of the Year tonight? No, they will not, the Gym Class Heroes will win. But, who cares? We're slowly taking the world over. Head out to the Beauty Bar (517 Fremont Street) and celebrate the takeover. You also get Busy P & So Me from Ed Banger to complete the Parisian takeover, with LA's finest Franki Chan and LA Riots rounding out the DJ booth. RSVP to get in, this is required. Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas so go crazy when they annouce that Fall Out Boy win. We'll never know.

-Back in LA, Le Disko is the choice for those of you who aren't in Vegas. Hell, it's the choice for anyone in that city on a Sunday night, Keith Wilson's dance party at Spider Club (1735 Vine St.) DJs tonight are Keith 2.0, DJ (N) and Marshall Barnes, 18+, free before 11 with a flier. This is one of the ones that makes West Coast Sundays so dope.




-Another one is Club Era, Riverside CA's best party. DJs S!n and Luv Tek have brought in DJ Klever from Atlanta tonight as a special guest and the DMC Champion will not fuck around. Neither do I, as I consistently get reports that this party is off the charts week in and week out (as are all of the S!n/Luv Tek jawns) Trust me, I will not lead you astray. Head to Sevilla Nightclub (3252 Mission Inn Avenue), get there early as it will fill to capacity and it's only $5 before 11.



-Up north, San Fran's weekly Sunday night party Propaganda goes down at Laszlo (2536 Mission) You're gonna want to make this a weekly stop, nothing better than disco and dance music to prepare for another horrible week of work. Hosted by Meleksah, no cover, dancing until 2 AM.




-Are you doing a Sunday night party on the West Coast? Let us know, as this is your night. Or even better, do you want to challenge my awarding of this night to the Left Coasters? Holler.

Modular Frat Party PHI, Hip Replacement PHI, Disco Rocks CHI and more

Hmm, it's oddly quiet for a Saturday night, I'm guessing that this weekend blew its wad on Friday. There may not be a lot going on, but everything is top notch. Nothing I love more than making Philly the focal point. The only city still doing crazy, cool events on the regular, this one might be the craziest, coolest of them all. The Bang Gang Deejays are in town, they have joined up with the Broadzilla crew, who seem to be back and kicking again. They are throwing their party at a frat on UPenn's campus. This is no ordinary frat, though, it's PiLam (3914 Spruce St.), the gnarliest, most fuckedup anti-frat ever. This is gonna be a rave, Dave, I wish I could tell you some of my times spent at the PiLam house back in my Penn days. Alas, those will remain secret; here's your chance to make your own memories. I predict keg stands, one of the Broadzilla DJs smashing some annoying folkie's guitar to pieces on a stairwell, face-melting, dancing, peace, love and happiness. $5 donation, BYO, enter from Delancey, the street behind the house, one block south of Spruce.

-You're also gonna want to hit up the Khyber tonight for Hip Replacement, the monthly party that is like a Pound for Pound musical wet dream. As their bulletin says, "Think Chicago Detroit 1987 Sleaze Sweat Body Jackin'" Boys, I do every single minute of the day I'm not thinking about sex or boobs. Stepchild, Mike T and Billy W put this one together every month, tonight's the Back 2 Skool edition. 10-2, no cover. You need this in your life, Philadelphians.

-The good folks at Minneapolis' Too Much Love party have decided to do a Back To School edition for all of the returning students. Remember, everything you ever need to know you learned in kindergarten or on the dancefloor of a great party. Resident DJs Soviet Panda, Naughty Wood and Nyteowl will give an aural lecture on the joys of house, the brilliance of indie dance and the beauty of a 9 minute disco freakout. Class starts at 10, takes place at First Avenue (701 First Ave. N), 18+, $3. BTW, I absolutely love the use of exclamation points on the flier! We're big fans of that particular punctuation, love to see others are too! Yeah!



-Another sick Chicago party. A few points: 1) great flier 2) amazing DJs 3) disco does fucking rock. Disco Rocks is a 4 DJ tag team extravaganza at Lava Lounge (1270 N. Milwaukee Ave) featuring heavyweights Trancid, Mark Gertz, Ryan Paradise and Heather Doble. It's $5, it's 21+, it goes from 10-3. 5 hours of disco is exactly what we all need at least once a week.



-It's Saturday, San Francisco. You know what time it is? It's Frisco Disco time! Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac have been killing it lately, they seem to have their hand in everything cool going down in that city, the pics coming out of their parties are filthy, sweaty and not safe for your work computer. This is their main party, the weekly at The Transfer (198 Church) where things are extra intimate. The boys are joined by the birthday boy Johnatron in the booth



-Finally, ghettotech legend DJ Godfather is spinning tonight in Belgium. Krakrock presents The 'Ilicious Deluxe at the Sporthal College (Kasteelstraat 12) in Avelgem. There's three rooms, one for drum'n'bass, one for reggae and one for booty and house, which is where you'll want to be. 10-13 euros to get in, it goes til 5 am and there's an afterparty nearby. Europe, you know how to throw parties.

People Don't Dance No More NYC, White Ts & White Belts PHI, New Indie Party CHI and more

Updated with more LA and Chicago ish

Wow, there's lot of good stuff, but the top choice was an easy one. The legendary D.I.R.T.Y. party from Paris is in New York City, joining forces with the People Don't Dance No More to create one of those events that I truly am excited to attend. Just look at the names involved: the Dirty Soundsystem, My Cousin Roy of Wurst Edits, residents David Bruno and Robot Blair and special guest Lauren Flax! Yeah! That's a who's who of some of the best DJs in the world

-You're also gonna want to make sure to hit up the Fashion Indie Magazine launch party at Boucarou (64 E. 1st St.) It's Fashion Week in NYC, but leave that crap above 14th where it belongs. Head to the East Village to check out the amazing clothing that Williamsburg's Love Brigade have been making, as they do a runway show at midnight. You're gonna be talking about these designers in a few years and trying to get into their parties in the Meatpacking District, get in now at the ground floor and say you were there when. Even better, my bol DJ Tiny Pants (where ya been?!?) will spin for the dance party later. Oh, did I mention that there's a 3 hour open bar, as well. RSVP at the going.com site; a warning though: there's over 2000 people interested in this event, so get there early or you may want to roll through late. Just FYI.



-For the fashionable, it makes sense to hit up the weekly Trash party at Rififi (332 E. 11th St.), where everyone looks hotter and cooler than seems possible. DJ Jess and Alex Malfunction host the Editors afterparty, this one will be the typical packed house with go-go dancers and indie rock/new wave goodness, free before 11, $5 after, 21+. Shout out to my bol Jules Dassin.



-For those of us who get the shakes when we cross into Manhattan, there's two cool events going down in the hood (or my hood at least) that are highly recommended,. First, the FUN party returns from a week vacation with a serious night of dancerockelectro. Yuksek are playing live, along with Dandi Wind, Fluo Kids and Brodinski are guest DJs, Rok One of the Bangers and Emon Harkin are the excellent residents, June D and Finger On The Pulse and Studio B (259 Banker St.) are the gracious hosts. RSVP for free entry, otherwise it's $10 at the door, 10pm, 18+, it'll be fun.



-macri



-Ahh, White Ts and White Belts, it's good to have you back here. I believe I missed a post the last Friday this one went down and that is a devastating omission. This is without a doubt one of the best parties I've been to anywhere. EMYND & Bo Bliz and Dan the Swede have put together one of those perfect Philly parties - great crowd, no pretensions, less-than-official venue, BYOB, actual rap music, all scenes, people dancing, g-d I miss it. It's got a new home at The Arts Garage (1516 Parrish St.), $10, free Vodka and Sparks all night (!!!!), but it's also BYOB if those two don't work for you or they work too well for you. It starts at midnight, goes til 4 AM.




-Before that, hit up Fluid Nightclub as The Rub is in Philly tonight! That's right, the legendary Brooklyn party featuring Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven and DJ Ayres is doing its thing in the 6th borough, greater than the other 5 combined. RSVP here for the $5 reduced admission list. Don't believe me, perhaps you will take the word of this brilliant writer for the Philly Metro today.



-I'm running out of words to describe how impressive it is to look at what's going on in Chicago on any given night. Just look at the packed schedule tonight, from a crazy one-off to one of the best monthlies in the country to a great weekly, you've got it all. Okay, this isn't quite a one-off, it's the monthly New Indie First Fridays Party at Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago Ave.) However, tonight's special guest DJs are an up and coming band called Bloc Party. That's right, the Vice/Dim Mak band is stopping by as this is the Hideout Block Party Afterparty, where the boys are playing. You also get sets by the resident Jordan Z, Erica from Office and Hollywood Holt. It's hosted by Jillian Valentino of Avant Trill, photos by Everyone Is Famous, rsvp ASAP to THE_NEW_INDIE@gmail.com for reduced admission. $3 Svedka cocktails and $3 313 beers all night.



-You're also gonna have to hit up the monthly I referred to above, as the Life During Wartime party hits the Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave.) as it does the first Friday of every month. This is Bald Eagle and DJ Mother Hubbard's jawn and it's essential that you make it here. Great music, dancing, drinks, no cover before 11, so you can make this the early part of the night. You also get a guest DJ set by the Arcadias, i.e. Rob and Darren from The Changes.



-Finally, Avant Trill (two parties in one night!) and Blacklisted bring you 1st Fridays at Debonair, featuring the new residents Trancid and Mark Gertz along with the normal residents Heather Doble and Ryan Paradise. Hosted by Scott Cramer and Jenny Shah, it's just another great option for Chicagoans, who are quickly getting spoiled. 10-2, $2 Colt 45s and vodka drinks, no cover (I think), 21+.




-Here's a late addition to the Chicago line-up: the Kampfire Killaz take over the Burlington (Fullerton & Kimball) Misa and Jay have Das Beats as special guests, you will dance, you will have fun. Head out now, as it's gonna be a busy night.



-Ooh boy, it's gonna be a fun night in San Francisco, as Tittsworth make his debut in the city for the Slap party. Brought to you by Blasthaus, they've brought in the Baltimore club DJ to you how things get done on the East Coast, as he brings his patented rapid-fire mixing to create an unrelenting set of booty and Bmore club and hiphop. You also get sets by Sleazemore of Lights Down Low and Shane King of At Large, who need no lessons. For real, this is gonna be an amazing night of dancing, music and DJs, so rsvp at the going.com site for free entry, it'll cost you $10 if you don't. Once you've done that, you just need to show up at Rx Gallery (132 Eddy St.) and these guys will take care of the rest.



-Wow, this flier seemed almost too dirty, which means it's excellent. The B-Sides party in Costa Mesa celebrates the birthday of Lady Lush and apparently the S+M scene of Southern California. Hit up the Avalon Bar (820 W. 19th St.) for all of the dirty fun with DJs Lady Lush, Ryan Esca, Dirty-Lo and Rob TV. This is a weekly jawn, so here's a good chance to check it out and make it a regular stop.


-LA, it's like an MTV show tonight. OMG! OMG! It's Sarah's 1st Annual Sweet Sixteen Party and it's got a who's who of LA DJ superstars - Keith 2.0, Daniel Le Disko of LA Riots, Dirty Dave, Young Americans, Royal Rumble, Scarlett of Hang The DJ, Louisahhh, Gina Turner, Cheyne of Gang of Neon and Stuart of Cinespace. It goes down at Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd), it's $5, free if you bring a gift for Sarah, photos by cobrasnake, happy birthday Sarah!



-The Institubes Paris Terror Club heads out of the States tonight to commune with its French-speaking brethren in Montreal. You know the details and people, sickest flier ever! Siiiiiiccccccckkkkkkkkk!!!



-Finally, DJ Almost Tropical is back to rock your body and blow your mind. Berlin, get to KIM (Brunnen Strasse 10) immediately and begin to dance and get sweaty. She will knock that fucking wall down if it's still up!

Turntable Lab MP3 Store, IPhone and more

Since I just mentioned Turntable Lab, I had to remind everyone that the store has opened an online mp3 store where you get HQ versions of all of the stuff they carry. The Turntable Lab Digital Store had a soft opening, so I'm not sure how many people heard about it or how well it has worked in its first week. But, I'm super psyched for this, such a logical next step for the shop. The permanent page isn't ready yet, but you can order through the new releases section. Mang, just a a quick scan and I'm already overwhelmed with choices, The Presets, Modular, Ed Banger, Justice, Kid Sister.

-Mang, Apple is just killing it lately. Love that iPhone price drop and 140 gig (!) iPod and the touchscreen iPod. On a related note, can we not coddle the douchebags now complaining that they paid too much for their iPhones? They bought so they could be the first to have this new technology; they didn't seem to be complaining when I saw them in Union Square cheering coming out of the AT&T store, showing everyone what they didn't have. Also, can the Washington Post not find anything better to cover on the op-ed page than these pathetic gripes by early adopters? I guess anything to make us forget the blood on Fred Hiatt and co's hands from their support of this war and the lies that I got us there.

-Finally, since this one is a technology post, if any DJ out there can recommend a good, affordable mixer and cartridge for a newbie DJ who isn't looking to do much more than mix and do some parties, I'd be ever grateful. I think it's time for Pound for Pound to make a move to the DJ booth, as clearly the world needs another deejay.

-One more music post, then parties, then Friday night. Cheah.

Amy Winehouse - Tears Dry On Their Own

Amy Winehouse, "Tears Dry On Their Own (live at the Kalkscheune, Berlin, Germany)" (YSI link)

Amy Winehouse, "Tears Dry On Their Own (NYPC's Fucked mix)" (YSI link)

Amy Winehouse, "Tears Dry On Their Own (Alix Alvarez Sole Channel mix)" (YSI link)

Ahhh, my girl. There's no way we were doing a series of posts devoted to the amazing women making music today without a look at Amy Winehouse. I had a terrible run last night of running into kids I went to college with, including a close friend of the girl I dated there. I'm struggling desperately to not email someone, I'm trying to find a home for two abandoned kittens and I'm wondering if things are ever going to feel good and normal and settled. I was literally a running into my ex away from weeping on 7th Avenue. I can't think of a singer today who sings about these sorts of things, let alone with such honesty and talent.

Here's one of the best songs, "Tears Dry On Their Own," off the breathrough album, Back To Black. I'm not gonna lie, the title alone had me in love. So good, love the defiance in those 5 words. The song is excellent as well, I've thrown up a live version from a reissued edition that's been floating around. The real treat here is the NYPC's Fucked Mix, with the NYPC standing for New Young Pony Club, the Modular Records group. It doesn't overreach and try to turn this one rave-ready or anything; instead, it tones down the vintage soul and adds a more funked up, dancefloor-friendly vibe. They keep more vocals than I expected, put them on top of a really nice electro-house mix. The Alix Alvarez Sole Channel Mix is for the house fans, no doubt. This one turns the synths to 11, so warm and nice; the upbeat house beat doesn't hurt and while it takes away from the sadness of the original, who cares? Both are recommended, taking Winehouse out of the 60s and 70s and putting her in the 80s and 90s dancefloor world. Grab the 12" with the Alvarez mix and more and the 7" with the NYPC mix from Turntable Lab. If you don't have the LP, make sure to get a copy ASAP especially for the under $10 price.

Finally, I do hope that Ms. Winehouse can overcome her recent hardships and find solid ground. She's a talented artist and too often we naively respect watching those people self-destruct. Thank you for your music Amy, thank you for not changing your last name.

Graeme Park - Essential Mix 12.08.96

Graeme Park, BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix December 8, 1996 (YSI link)

We're a little late on the Essential Mix this week; the holiday threw me off. I was gonna skip it this week, but it seems like this is the perfect time to drop the second Essential Mix that Graeme Park did for the BBC Radio One program. I hope that we all remember Park, one of the DJs who made the Hacienda legendary, one of the residents at the Nude party with Mike Pickering, one of the men who brought house music to the UK, etc.

This Essential Mix started off slow for me, to be honest. I was working on something, trying to make plans to go out and the mix let me do all of those things, stayed in the background. Not a good sign. Then, about 15 or 2o minutes in, the bug hit me. For me, that means the head nod, the infamous white man response to musical stimuli, a little overbite too. Suddenly, a gorgeous, perfect house music set started to unfold and I found myself unable to get done what I had been doing. That's a good mix. I don't know if people are feeling this stuff or what, but I do hope that you've given these old Hacienda mixes a listen. I know classic house music isn't for everyone, but damn this is such happy, ecstatic music that I can't imagine that anyone couldn't find something here. "It's all about love."

Smash And Crunch CHI, Fuck Yesss ATL, Modular NYC and much more

Apologies for last night's post not going up, I thought it had posted but it seemed to have saved instead. I believe that blogger just could handle my focus, sabotage us. I may have missed a day but the city of Chicago just keeps on rolling. For real, the place is just nice right now. Here's a new crew/party to add to the mix, Smash and Crunch. They're combining with Avant Trill tonight to bring the first stop of another French invasion. This time, it's the dudes from the Fluokids blog, the best thing this side of Pound for Pound in the blogodome. They'll be spinning, the amazing band Yuksek will play a live set, Brodinski will spin and Pharrell

-Chicagoans will also want to head over to the Dance Party Magic jawn at Empire Liquors (1566 N. Milwaukee Ave.) This one features Chicago indiedance LMNOP live, along with DJ sets by E6 & Matt Roan and B$. RSVP right now to DPM@crossfaderking.com to get in for free and you're all set. Free Red Stripe from 9-10, photos by Everyone Is Famous. Ahh, but that's not the end Chi-town...



-There's also the ole' reliable weekly Debonair Thursdays, for those of you like to show your support for those doing it week in and week out. Trancid and Mark Gertz do that for sure every Thursday at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.) and tonight their fellow Dark Wave Discoer Greg Corner is back from touring with the Velvet Revolver and Alice In Chains to join in for a full-on Dark Wave experience. That's not all, as there's also special guest DJ Shaka 23 in from NYC to make this another jam-packed night in the Windy City. 21+, no cover, it's gonna be a fun night out there.




-Back here in New York City, there's lots going on. The monthly Modular Records party is getting top-billing because it has two of my favorite DJs in the world as special guests, Dave P and JDH of the Fixed party at Studio B. Combine them with the Bang Gang Deejays and you have yourself a rave, Dave. It all goes down at 200 Orchard (btwn Houston & Stanton), 10-4, no cover, great spot, good times.



-Nearby, you'll also want to hit up the Common Folk party at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St.), as the boys - Johnsville, Lucas Walters and Pizza & Piano - welcome all of the students back to the city to help teach them the ways of debauchery, good music and bad choices. They've got Rok One as guest DJ as well; yikes, I'm worried for these kids. Free, nice flier, great DJs, young girls. Win, win, win, win.



-Finally, make your weekly stop over at Happy Ending (302 Broome St.@Forsythe) for the Even Further party in the basement. This week Carmine P. Filthy and Rudy Mungi are joined by the lovely Vida, who will ironically play dirty, ugly beats. We're gonna have more on this crew next week, as they've got some fun stuff going down and a mix to put up. Prepare for that by hitting up the basement tonight. Yeah!



-For those who like to stay right by the L, you know where to be, the Cheeky Bastard Thursday night weekly at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St.). These guys put together an amazing line-up every single week with big names; tonight's no different as this one's the Peter, Bjorn & John afterparty and the boys will spin a DJ set later that night. The real reason you need to go though is to hear MR. Stretch Armstrong on the decks. Dude is a legend, dude is one of the best DJs I've heard, dude. You also get a live show by Bloody Social early in the night, while Johanna Fateman of Le Tigre will spin at some point as well. Head to the going.com site to RSVP for free admission. Free, people, for all of this, no charge. There's also a Svedka open bar from 10-11, plus vodka drink specials from 2-3, this is highway robbery people!



-The Wurst monthly at APT, that's all I need to say I think. I also don't have a flier for it, so I'm hiding that fact behind my hipster pretentiousness. You love me, don't you?!?

-Finally, I saved the best for last. In the ATL, the Fuck Yeahh party goes down at the Drunken Unicorn (736 Ponce de Leon Place) This is the monthly first Thursday party that Le Castle Vania and Treasure Fingers are putting on in their hometown. Dudes are spinning everywhere in the world at this point, but they still looking out for their people. Tonight's edition is sponsored by Vice and Colt 45, has free Colt from 12-2, indiedance bangers from 12-til whenever this thing ends. It's 18+, $5 for 18+, free for the 21+ people. All Atlanta people should be super psyched for this one, sure to be an essential part of your month.

John Cage On WNYC, New Releases and more

So, I'm gonna try to start trying to put together a few posts a week dedicated to links to other sites and cool things, trying to break out of my Pound for Pound-absorbed world. This one's gonna be a quick one, but please feel free to get at me and send me cool links or your blog or whatever. It'll give me a chance to hype some non-music related stuff, give heads on cool upcoming events that you'll need to RSVP or buy tickets for, etc. Sound good?

It's ironic that I referenced John Cage in the Bjork post, as unbeknownst to me, today would have been his 95th birthday. WNYC, the amazing public radio station here in New York City, is doing 24 Hours 33 Minutes: The Playful and Playable Cage, dedicated to the man and his music, some of the most challenging and beautiful music ever made. It started at noon today and runs until tommorow at 12:33 p.m. I've been tuning in for the past few hours and can vouch that this is a really amazing tribute, complete with rare interviews, lots of music and history. Click here for those of you not in NYC to stream it; it comes in clear and consistent. For those in NYC, you can head to The Kitchen (512 W. 19th St.) at 8 p.m. for a night simply called Cage at 95. It's $25, $15 for students and members. Yeah, get your avant garde on!

-I got the heads up about this from Justin Carter's amazing wesbite New Releases. He sends out an email every Wednesday featuring one amazing NYC event per night. I cannot recommend signing up more highly, as it's alerted me to a ton of cool stuff going on in the city and on the internets.

-The French bloggers are coming! The French bloggers are coming! Fluo Kids are hitting the states for a ton of DJ gigs and they're starting out in NYC at the FUN party at Studio B in Brooklyn. They're being joined by the most excellent band, Yuksek, along with a DJ set by Brodsinski. You can experience all of this for free, you just need to rsvp at the FUN going.com site for Friday. Simple, easy, fun.

The Dykeenies - New Ideas

The Dykeenies, "New Ideas (Riton Re-rub)" (YSI link)

The Dykeenies, "New Ideas (The Black Ghosts remix)" (YSI link)

Okay, we're going to slowly but surely work our way back to our normal fare here at Pound for Pound, the latest from the club and dancefloors of the world. I wasn't really expecting to dig so deep into either the current indie stuff or the Manchester years, but I'm having fun and hopefully you are too. If not, this Dykeenies track should do the trick.

The Dykeenies are a Scottish group comprised of three Henderson brothers, Steven Ramsay and John Kerr, continuing that grand tradition of rock bands with an eye and ear to the dancefloor. The group makes poppy, new wave music, nothing too breathtaking or original. However, they seem to be tapped into all of the amazing stuff going on between indie bands and dance remixers, as they invited three to have a go at their first single, "New Ideas." The original is the best thing I've heard from the band, a song that reminds me of everything I love about Bloc Party - cacthy song with an almost emo-vibe, nice buildups, that cleaned-up and mixed-up post-punk and new wave sound. There's an amazing Kissy Sell Out remix on the re-released single that you'll want to pick up ASAP, but I wanted to give you a taste of the other two.

I've mentioned Riton, a.k.a. Henry Smithson, before here, I believe, and he does not disappoint. This remix's a sick, Dubsided-y version, filled with chopped-up vocals, massive bass, relentless drums, synths, the whole nine yards. However, the Black Ghosts remix is my choice of the lot, as they actually let the original breathe a little bit.

Like it? Well, the band is about to drop their first LP, supposedly on September 16th and they're kicking things off with a nice package of singles in advance. I'm gonna check it out, as I really hope that the band lets the dance remixes influence the originals a little more.

Section 25 - Always Now

Section 25, "Dirty Disco" (YSI link)

Section 25, "Be Brave" (YSI link)

Section 25, "Haunted" (YSI link)

Section 25, "Girls Don't Count" (YSI link)

It's funny, as I wasn't really listening much to this Factory stuff when I decided to do some posts on it after Tony Wilson passed away. But, I've quickly remebered how great this music was, how it sits in the interstices of so many musics that we talk about her, like electro, acid house, indie rock, robot rock, etc. One of the bands I hadn't listened to in awhile was Section 25 and that was a big mistake.

Section 25 is another of those overshadowed bands that came out on Factory Records in the 80s, lost in the New Order/Joy Division din. This band is in a similar vein, one definitely hears the desiccated post-punk sounds of JD here. Hell, the band's first LP was produced by Ian Curtis and Joy Division producer Martin Hannett. But, you shouldn't forget that this band was making music as early as 1978, right about the same time that Ian Curtis and crew came together.

Here's some selections from their first LP, Always Now, and a few extras that are a part of the reissue by the label Les Temps Modernes. The first two of the from the original release, the second two are extras for the reissue. It's brilliant stuff, imo. Originally released in 1981, this album was produced by Martin Hannett and recorded at Pink Floyd's Brittania Row studio. This is some of the coldest, darkest, most haunting music ever made; it sounds like the voices and instruments are coming from the afterlife, here to haunt us with their frightening vision. The drums are heavy and mechanical, vocalist and bassist Larry Cassidy sings with a mixture of complete dispassion and buried anger. It's probably not a good sign that I find this music so moving and real and I'd kindly ask that my therapist and ex-girlfriends remain silent here; for me, the group has this cold, dead sound and lyrics that can't quite stay that way. The album ends on a song called "New Horizons," which sings of jkust that. The music is typically moody, slowly and deliberately paced, featuring active pounding drums, creepy guitar effects and bass. But, one can't help but feel a sense of trying, a desire to break out of this mindset and that, in the end, is the greatest part of the album. That bleakness, coupled with a searching, a slight hope, that would come to fruition with the next album. Another example is the amazing "Girls Don't Count" (and no I don't just like it for the title). Cassidy sings a list of things that don't count; underneath, however, a massive, almost-grooving song develops over the four minutes. As Cassidy sings, "None of it counts" over and over for the minute, you just aren't sold. Oh mang, people, this is so good! Yeah!

I highly, highly recommended picking up their reissued debut album. It includes the original 10-track LP along with 9 bonus tracks of hard-to-find early singles. I know that this music isn't for everyone, but I hope that people will give it a chance and see if there's something there for you. We're gonna have a little more on these guys this week, so stay tuned.

Fashion Club SJ, Seven Sins LA, Outdanced CHI, Hercules & Love Affair NYC and more

Little did I know when I recommended sleep last night was that we would have the busiest Tuesday I can ever remember. How is this helping the kids get to bed early and prepare for school? But, who gives a shit? We're gonna be at war with Iran soon and global warming will flood all the cool cities in a decade, so let's party! Here's a new party for our roster, Fashion Club in San Jose. This one advertises its musical repetoire plainly and concisely - electro, indie, booty, 80s. Short and sweet, I like it. An old name here at Pound for Pound, San Fran's Sleazemore, is tonight's special guest, joining resident DJ David Q on the decks. It's hosted by Schmee, Mike Jones (Who?) and Teej, it happens every Tuesday at the Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge & Restaurant (99 E. San Fernando St.), $3 beers, half-price Jagr, free before 11 on the guestlist, fashionclub@fultralounge.com. It's called Fashion Club, so dress nice.

-In LA, check out Seven Sins at Seven (7929 Santa Monica Blvd) in West Hollywood. IHeartComix's Franki Chan headlines with Josh(ua) of Bloodcat Love and Highspeed Dub of Fix Up and Get Famous for a pretty sick night of music and drinking on an off-night. It's presented by Have Not and Shadowscene, photos by Shadowscene, 21+ there's no cover, rsvp@havenotmusic.com.



-I had no doubts that Chicago would be first out of the gate with great parties and the city hasn't let me down. Tonight, Outdanced lays down its weekly challenge. Dark Wave Discoer Mark Gertz and Pete Augusta will provide the tunes, you need to show up to the Funky Buddha Lounge (728 W. Grand Ave.) to accept the dancing challenge. $1 drinks and $1 shots will help.



-Another member of the Dark Wave Disco crew, Trancid holds down the Industry Tuesdays party at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market St.) tonight. He'll be joined this night by Zebo, providing the tunes for all of you dear people who must put up with shitty, drunk, obnoxious customers. Snow Queen Vodka is there to help ease the pain, as bottles will be half price and there's specials on cocktails featuring said vodka.



-For those in Philly, I'm guessing you probably look and feel like the skeletons in this flier after that all-night rave Sunday night. Hit up Upstairs at Sal's (200 S. 12th St.) for Totally Tue$day with DJs Scotty Too Dope and JRL. It's an anything goes dance party, with only rule: there is no fight club. No cover, 9-2, drinks specials until 11, a great night to get back in the swing of things.



-Ridiculously huge night in NYC tonight, continues to make me think that people should stay in Friday and Saturday and make Tuesday and Wednesday your new weekend. I'm gonna make this DFA-centric night at 205 Club (Chrystie&Stanton) the top choice. I caught the No Comprendo Disco jawn in the basement there last weekend and really fell in love with the space. I figure there will be a similarly nice, dance-y, dirty vibe there for this night with Hercules and Love Affair, a.k.a. Andy Butler and Kim Ann. Those two are joined by Justin Miller and Jacques Renault for a serious night of dance music. Honestly, if I wasn't up late finishing an article and worrying about saving two kittens, I'd be at this right now.



-Oooh, you need to also hit up the DJs Are Not Rockstars jam tonight in the Annex (152 Orchard St.) basement, as Modular's Bang Gang Deejays continue their American takeover. They're joined in this fight by Alexander Technique, Ruff Club Denny Le Nimh and Van Scott. They're gonna be in NYC for another few nights, so if you miss out, there will be other chances. Not sure on the entry cost, but it shouldn't be too bad since it's a Tuesday night.



-Oh mang, can't forget about my man Dimitry, who is the guest DJ at tonight's Trainwreck Tuesdays at Angels & Kings (500 E. 11th St.) Unfortunately, I have no idea who is behind this party or who the resident DJs are. But, Dimitry's a good enough to show up, until I can get all of these facts sorted out. Oh, and the $5 PBR and a shot special from 10:30-11:30 & 2-3 doesn't hurt. Also, happy birthday to young

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Club Genre LA and Sleep, Perchance to Dream

Okay, I was gonna only recommend that everyone stay in tonight, chill out, watch some TV, read a book, make out, whatever. But, Club Genre is having a Labor Day Massive Monday and they ain't fucking around. There's like a gazillion great DJs and the dudes behind this party are good dudes and so I recommend those of you in the LA area hit this up and party the night away. Lordy, look at this line-up. Guns'n'Bombs of Kitsune headline the main room along with residents Luv Tek, S!n and Paparazzi. For those who like to move around rooms or those who fear the devastation that line-up can do over the course of a night, there's also a front room featuring Barry Weaver of San Diego, Dirty Dave from all of the cool shit going on in LA, Sleazy V of Loud Noises, plus fellow residents Zendo and Billy Noorlag. This one goes down every Monday at Cinespace in LA, tonight's a great chance to check it out and realize why it's one of the best new parties in that city. Free before 10:30, $5 from then until 11:00, hosted by Jo-Joon, smoking patio, 2 bars, 18+, 21 to drink.

-For the rest of us, get to bed early, as we've got school in the morning and school all week at Pound for Pound, as we continue to do Madchester and Factory Records, we've got a ton of recent female-centric albums and the return of our normal fare, current dance bangers. I actually have plotted out the week in advance for the first time since I started this thing; for real, your boy is soooooo focused. I mean, like real life focused too. Look for some myspace-only goodies in the form of bulletins. Lots of other big news coming this month on all sorts of fronts. We shall fall in love all over again, my friends.

Stockholm Monsters - All At Once (Singles 1981-1987)

Stockholm Monsters, "Happy Ever After" (YSI link)

Stockholm Monsters, "How Corrupt Is Rough Trade? (12")" (YSI link)

Stockholm Monsters, "Militia" (YSI link)

Stockholm Monsters, "Partyline" (YSI link)

I can't think of a more appropriate post for Labor Day than one dedicated to the music of Manchester, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, early home to the labor movement and site for Friedrich Engel's great work, The Condition of The Working Class In England In 1844. Of course, it's also a great example of the devastating effect of deindustrialization, conservative goverments and disinvestment. Factory Records came out of this latter period, forming in 1978, on the prescipice of the Thatcher years, at the end of Labour's dominance; it's a key context, imo, to understand the sounds that came forth from the label, especially in its earliest days.

Stockholm Monsters are a great example of how fertile the Manchester scene was; they are a great way to follow the progression of that city's sound from its post-punk beginnings to Madchester end. Often labeled a Joy Division and/or New Order clone, the band is far more interesting than that tag might lead you to believe. Les Temps Modernes collected all of their singles on one nice package a few years ago, Singles 1981-1987. It shows a band that developed their sound over the years, moving away from the stark, stripped down post-punk sound to a more dance-oriented one that prepared the way for Machester and the Happy Mondays. Most of all, this release gives you a chance to actually hear the band, move them out from under the comparisons. You will hear a band that eludes the Manchester tag with its horns, its electro-styled drum machines, its 80s keyboards, its huge, slinky basslines, its soul. Sure, there's anger and despair and coldness here too, but that's not all. You'll hear a band that can write a concise pop song and a long, experimental track that would kill a dancefloor. Most of all you'll hear a band that had the courage to follow its own path, regardless of the success or critical treatment.

I highly recommend picking up this singles compilation. It looks like it's still in print, although sometimes I can't tell with Amazon. It's a great choice for anyone looking to dig deeper into the music we've discussing recently, for fans of Joy Division, New Order, the Happy Mondays, for fans of the post-punk period or the pre-acid house days, for people who just love to discover those bands that came and went without much of a bang but made amazing music nonetheless.

Paris Terror Club! Philly! Warehouse Party! Click! Rizumu!

Holy shit, this might be the party of the century. It's like everything Pound for Pound stands for all wrapped up in one night. It combines Paris and Philly, it features some of the best new DJs in the world, it's in a warehouse spot, it's BYOB, it goes til it can't go no more. This is the latest and best stop on the Institubes Paris Terror Club tour, as Para One, Surkin, Curses! and DJ Orgasmic hit the City of Brotherly Love tonight. This one brings together the two amazing Philly DJ party/collectives, Dave P.'s [click.] and Rizumu. So, not only do you get the Parisians, you also get some of the best Philly DJs too. Dave P. and Pink Skull, Thomas La Obscure of Rizumu, Accidentally of Philly's Foundsound label and John Schenk of Pop Ambient and Tantrum Tonic party fame (on the deck outside) will all spin tonight. Things start at 11 at The Vacuum (1740 N. 2nd St., i.e. 2nd & Tilghman, i.e. half block from 2nd & Cecil B. Moore Ave.). $10, byob, so no paying the ridiculous bar prices, food provided by 2 Potatoes vegan catering service, outside deck for smoking and hanging out. Philly, get into this! It's a rave, Dave! I want you all to go extra hard for me, as I'm so sad I won't be in attendance.

I promise, a part of this night will never die.

DJ Funk in SF, Bang Gang in CHI, Le Disko in LA, Motherfucker in NYC and more

It's a massive night of big parties, so let's get down to business, west to east. Despite some great parties, the pick of the night was pretty easy. Funk You Burning Man IV sees the return of Chicago ghetto house legend DJ Funk to the Bay Area. I really can't think of a better way to spend the last night of summer than with a night of booty music, insane drunkenness and embarrassing debauchery. Funk is joined by the Frisco Disco bols (Richie Panic + Jefrodisiac), who never sleep, and the band Hot Tub on the decks. Oh my G-d, San Fran, are you ready for this? Are you ready to bounce dat ass? Pound for Pound will be there in spirit, you need to be there in person. Hopefully, you've RSVP'd like we said during week. However, there's over 1100 people interested on the going.com site, so you need to get their EARLY if you want to guarantee entry. Don't worry about your hair looking great, it's only going to get messed at some point tonight. Again, get to The Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell St.) early, then go crazy. Free, 18+, they've saved the best night of summer for the last possible moment.

-Speaking of returns, the most excellent Sunday night weekly in LA, Le Disko, returns to its original site, Safari Sam's (5214 Sunset Blvd). Daniel of LA Riots and Keith 2.0 have brought in guest DJ Treasure Fingers for this homecoming and it should be a great night. This is one-night only return, so get out there and celebrate the three day weekend the right way LA. 18+, free with flier til 10



-Mang, another huge party in Chicago, as this time Modular Records' Bang Gang DJs come to the Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.) to melt your face. These dudes have a new mix out of Modular, have their amazing podcasts and have been killing some of the best US parties for the past month. Tonight, they're joined by Jordan Z in the basement of Debonair, while upstairs the Dark Wave Disco dudes continue their domination. 9-2, not sure on the cost, but it shouldn't be too steep. This seems like a great one to close out an amazing summer, Chicago.



-It's always nice to hear something good coming out of D.C. Literally, Will Eastman seems to be one of the few people able to provide good news out of that city. He's doing his Drop Down party tonight with Brian Billian, a party dedicated to that Top 40 shit you know you love, the rap, r&b, pop, the radio hits that get you sing along and get the girls dancing and get everyone happy. Get to the Black Cat Backstage (1811 14th Street NW), $6, all ages, a really fun night out to those who go.



-Finally, we come to my current city, New York City, the town so nice they named it twice. First, there's a new weekly starting at Darkroom (165 Ludlow St.) tonight called Yeah Yeah! Now, I'm not complaining, but for anyone who has read this blog and/or received an email or text from me will wonder if that name is a shoutout to me or an homage. I don't know, but it's nice to see someone trying to make Sunday night a night to go out. Tonight, Dances With White Girls, TKOmri of the East Side Club and DJ Neon Music spin, not sure if they are gonna be there every week or what, but, as meditation has taught me, do not look to the future. Stay in the present. Can we do that NYC?



-Finally, let's end all of this on the craziest, most massive ending possible. Motherfucker in New York City! Michael T, Justine D, Johnny T and Georgie Seville are putting on a Labor Day edition that has a perfect line-up. First, you get a live show by Kudu at 11:30, maybe the best band in the city today. Then, in the Side Room, Moby is spinning an old-school rave set. I feel bad for the dude, as he's totally going to be overshadowed by Lauren Flax; go for the celebrity, stay for the real deal amazing DJ. Of course, Michael T, Justine D and DJ Jess will hold down the main room, all extremely talented DJs in their own right. In the basement, Josh Styles, Lil Davey and William M will spin some 60s soul, r&b and pop stuff. This one happens at Eugene (27 W. 24th Street btwn 5th and 6th Aves.) $15 with invite, $20 without, Red Bull and vodka open bar from 1o-11, lots of crazy kids and over-the-top personalities, but the amazing music more than offsets that. 18+, 21 to drink, that's the end of the post and of the summer.

Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight

Rilo Kiley, "Silver Lining" (YSI link)

Rilo Kiley, "Breakin' Up" (YSI link)

Here's one for all of you doing a little Interneting on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I kinda want to sneak this one through, as it kinda hurts to have to give a less than stellar review of a Rilo Kiley album. But, alas, their new one, Under The Blacklight, just doesn't really do it for me. Ever since my friend TA introduced to me to their music a few years ago, RK quickly became a favorite. They've gotten bigger and bigger with each subsequent step, culminating in the amazing soloish album by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins last year, Rabbit Fur Coat.

This new album sees the band moving up to the major label big leagues, their first for Warner Brothers. I'm sure a lot of people who dislike this album will look at that as the key fact; I don't buy it. I don't really feel like they needed to change their sound to appeal to a large audience. Their earlier stuff wasn't exactly some free noise act; they wrote catchy, country indie rock music. I feel like they just wanted to have some fun, try out some new sounds. Get over yourselves with this "sellout" shit, it's sad and pathetic and one of the reasons why indie rock bores the shit out people. Pop music and selling records doesn't equal boring and your desires to have your favorite bands make the same albums in perpetuity is disturbing. Indie cred + 1.50 won't get you a cup of coffee.

On first listen, the album was a total flop for me. Like, I had to look down at the iPod to make sure that this was really the new Rilo Kiley album. Repeated listens have enabled me to adjust a bit. Some of it isn't their fault, to be honest. Part of me really wanted to hear another Jenny Lewis and/or More Adventurous album and that's not fair. The most noticeable shift is to a more upbeat, shimmering sound, it sounds so clean and produced. Even when the song is more like their previous efforts, it still sounds different. The Fleetwood Mac references seem like a good starting point, that 70s classic rock sound that wasn't afraid to sound good and polished and danceable and sexy. I've chosen two of my favorites, one that hearkens back to past albums ("Silver Lining") and one that is a good example of where they are heading to today ("Breakin' Up") Both are excellent, the great lyrics taken b

So, I don't think I'd recommend this one. It's funny though, as Jenny Lewis' gorgeous voice can almost wipe out any bad thoughts about a song, even singing a repetitive single line of refrain. Almost. I do hope that the band continues to play around with the sound, it's nice to hear a band do different things and I feel like this poppier sound could really work for them. Grab a copy of the CD here, I'd love to hear what other people are feeling about this one. We're gonna spend this week ahead looking at the ladies and some great albums that have come out from women and women-fronted bands the past few months.

24 Hour Party People Chicago

This one deserves its own post. I've been hyping Chicago a lot lately, and it's events like this one that help me know that I'm on the right path. 24 Hour Party People is a tribute to the life of Tony Wilson and the music of Factory Records and the Hacienda. The party is going down tonight, Saturday, at Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago Ave.) and it features some great DJs spinning the amazing music of Manchester. Let's see, you get DJ sets from Brad Owen, my dudes Trancid and Mark Gertz of the Dark Wave Disco, Pogo and Arturo of Panic! and some special guests. It's hosted by Paulinchicago and CT Couture and presented by Blacklisted and Panic. Props to all of the people involved for doing something unique like this and huge props for giving half of the proceedds to a kidney cancer research foundation in Evanston. $10, 21+, 9-3, this is a great one Chicago.

Throne Of Blood NYC, No Comprendo Disco NYC, Misshapes NYC and more

Another big night for New York City, I would say. I'm gonna give Brooklyn the nod for the Throne of Blood party, mainly because we already hyped the midweek No Comprendo Disco at 205. Anyway, Studio B is going off again tonight, as The Rapture and their label, Throne of Blood, are throwing a massive party, Mustaches Wild!, to help Greenpoint forget about that toxic spill dealio. For real, this one's another dream Pound for Pound line-up, a good follow-up to last night's good times. Just check the labels involved - Throne Of Blood, Ed Banger and Get Physical. DJ T of the Get Physical label is headlining, a great and surprising choice. Busy P is back in NYC, he'll drop his usual dose of Banger bangers, Druzzi from The Rapture, James F!@#$% Friedman (who I recently heard kill it at 205), Andy Pry and Dances With White Girls. $12 for all of this ain't bad at all, should be a packed house, definite pick of the night.

-Make sure to stop by Macri Park (462 Union Ave.) in Williamsburg before or after, as the Sweatshop Labor bols - Johnsville and Lucas Walters - hold it down as they do every first and third Saturday at the new spot near Union Pool. These dudes are picking up steam, so check them out now before they're like spinning during Interpol concerts or something. No cover, goes til 4, 21+.



-Some really great stuff happening in Manhattan too, none more great than tonight's Misshapes. It's like a who's who of our favorite DJs, with Dimitry!!! of High Voltage and DJ Never Forget and Terry Diabolik of Finger On The Pulse in the house. You also get Neighborhood DJ and Jacksonnn at the legendary party. It's at Don Hill's (Spring&Greenwich), it's definitely a great time to check this party out if you haven't already. Yeah!



-Oooh, for those of you who missed out Wednesday night (and you did miss out), the No Comprendo Disco party is doing an upscale version tonight at the Tribeca Grand Hotel (2 Avenue of the Americas) called No Comprendo Discotel. That means you get to hear the cosmic disco of Todd Terje and the mutant disco of Prince Language in posh surroundings, a pretty sick deal. Making it even sicker, it's free. Honestly, this is not to be missed, the Wed night thing is one of the best parties I've been to in NYC. Stay classy, New York City.



-Okay, I know what you're thinking. 30th Street? Why would I go up there or down there for anything, especially some giant club night for an Om Recordings DJ? Simple: Lauren Flax. Ms Flax is one of my favorite DJs anywhere and she's holding it down in The Gallery tonight at Rebel (251 W. 30th St. btwn 7th and 8th Aves.) In the theater, Chuck Love is spinning, there's a ton of other DJs and rooms. This will definitely be something new and different, which is good for us. Say Lauren's name at the door for reduced admission.



-I caught this last night and I can't recommend more highly the next stop in the Institubes Paris Terror Club tour. It hit Orlando tonight, which is interesting. I've heard little about that city, but there clearly must be a good scene down there. Get at me if you can give me some leads. Para One, Surkin, Curses, Orgasmic all are at Club Firestone (578 N. Orange Ave.). It's $10, $7 if you are a member and you can become one at the Blackout Orlando site, 18+, you will have a great night if you go to this.



-WTF, Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac are at it again. They did it up for Blow Up SF last night, tonight's their weekly party Frisco Disco at The Transfer (198 Church St.). This one's a back to school edition, definitely hit this one to learn about all of the really important things in life they don't teach you in school like dancing, booze, sex and how all of those things go together so well. RSVP at the going.com site for free entry before 10:30, $5 after that. Go check out their site and all of the flicks and videos; if you don't want to go after that, you're either dead or a Republican. Oh, and guestlist closes for DJ Funk tomorrow night shortly, get on the list, then hit up Frisco Disco tonight for a voucher that will let you skip the line tomorrow night.



-Some nice stuff going on in and around LA tonight. First, the Super Sonic party goes down at the Good Hurt nightclub (12249 Venice Blvd) in West LA with IHeartComix's Treasure Fingers, LA Riots, Joey Turbo and Travi$. It's gonna be a great night of indielectro, I'm confident these dudes will do it right. $5 before 10, $10 after, beer and shot specials before 10:30, clearly the early bird gets the worm and drunk and has a little extra cash.



-Finally, Johnny Love of Kitsune's Guns n Bombs is guest spinning at the Discoteca party in Costa Mesa, California. He joins NOMSG, Tea Long, BB Guns and Sean K for this night at the Detroit Bar (843 W. 19th St.) $10 cover, rsvp to discotecaparty@gmail.com, 21+, make it happen.

The Wake - Harmony + Singles

The Wake, "Favour" (YSI link)

The Wake, "Patrol" (YSI link)

The Wake, "Something Outside" (YSI link)

I want to do a few more posts dedicated to Tony Wilson and his life. Here, we're digging a little deeper into the Factory Records catalogue, back to its early days.

The Wake are another band that Factory brought to the world for a brief, brilliant run, one of the second-level bands that help make the label legendary. The Wake were a Scottish band that formed in the early 80s when guitarist/vocalist Caesar left the Altered Images. Some considered them a New Order clone, which seems unfair to me. Sure, they share a similar electronic pop sound, the same label, toured together and New Order's manager Rob Gretton discovered them after their first single. But, The Wake's music stands on its own for quality, especially this first LP. Oh, one last cool fact. Their bassist is Bobby Gillespie, who would later go on to form Primal Scream, after a stint as the drummer for the Jesus & Mary Chain.

Harmony was the band's first LP, I guess it was more of a mini LP or big EP, 8 tracks released in 1982. Fortunately, it's been reissued by Les Temps Modernes and they've given this album the full treatment by compiling some extras like their first two singles for Scan 45 and Factory Benelux and their John Peel session, put together nice liner notes. I started listening to this one again this week and was blown away. I knew it was good, but I'd forgotten or my tastes have shifted, but I really feel like Harmony is a classic. It's def not for anyone looking for happy music; this is rather cold and dark music. But, when has that ever been a bad thing here at Pound for Pound? "Favour" is the opener, sets the tone and sound well. Forceful drums, amazing guitar work (I wanna say it's swirly sounding, but I don't know what that means), Caesar's echo-y vocals. It's "Patrol" that really hits me. Here, the keys turn this into a genuinely disturbing song. They're slow and organ-y and haunted; with the vocal shrieks it reminds me of Suicide on downers. Finally, the A-side to their first 12,"Something Outside." This is the extended version, it's much poppier than the LP stuff, would be great for the right dancefloor, I think.

Go grab a copy of the reissue, as this is well-worth the import price. This is amazing music, one of those albums that is so special because it comes from a lesser-known band that came and went and left us with a moment of brilliance. It's more proof of just how