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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Hosted by JULIUS...

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

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




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



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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Bright Eyes - Cassadega

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

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

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

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

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

The Durutti Column - The Return of the Durutti Column

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-

The National - Boxer

The National, "Green Gloves" (YSI link)

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

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

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

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

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

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

IHeartComix vs. Modular, Redline 1 Year Anniversary and more

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

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



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




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

Graeme Prk and Mike Picking Live at the Hacienda August 1989

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

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

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

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

Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

Ryan Adams, "Goodnight Rose" (YSI link)

Ryan Adams, "These Girls" (YSI link)

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

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

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

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

Photo by Aidan O'Rourke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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



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


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



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



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



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