This Week's Nostalgia (7/18-7/24)

That sure as hell was a busy week for us. In case you missed it, we posted photos & reviews of shows from Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Cibo Matto, Superchunk & OFF! and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Shit was crazy. As summer in New York City usually is. So now let's dive in and see what's in store for us this week...

Cibo Matto @ Bowery Ballroom
Monday, July 18th

More here.

As mentioned, we caught the recently reunited Cibo Matto at Brooklyn Bowl last week, and I can say without hesitation that they are really fucking great if you missed that show. Or, if you just can't get enough of Miho Hatori's cuteness, then go buy a ticket and see them again. Sean Lennon showed up to sing "Moonchild" with the band, and who knows, he just may do it again. But Lennon or not, the band plays a seriously good show, one that will have you dancing and laughing the entire time. Ghosts Of A Saber Tooth Tiger open. Know your chicken!

Levon Helm Band / Emmylou Harris @ Central Park SummerStage
Monday, July 18th

If you were ever a fan of the Band (and you should be), then you've probably seen The Last Waltz, and you probably know how awesome Levon Helm is. Well, he's still touring, still playing intimate shows in his basement in Woodstock, and still sounds amazing. I caught Emmylou Harris play with Elvis Costello at Central Park SummerStage around six years ago, and though I wasn't blown away or anything, it should still be fun seeing both her and Levon play on a summer evening in the park. Let's hope it doesn't rain. Tickets are still on sale.

They Might Be Giants @ Apple SoHo Store
Wednesday, July 20th

The Brooklyn-based duo must feel some sort of obligation to play free shows for their New York City fans. We were already super excited for their free show at the Williamsburg Waterfront on 7/29, but this past week They Might Be Giants announced they would be playing another free show at the Apple SoHo Store. The band is touring in support of their fifteenth studio album, Join Us, which drops on Tuesday, July 19th. Though the band will be playing on Wednesday, if you want to make it into this show you need to pick up an admission wristband on Tuesday, July 19th. Though no time is listed on the Apple SoHo website as to when exactly you need to pick up the wristband, I know that in the past it's been at 10am. Please let us know if you receive any other information on this. And enjoy!

Death From Above 1979 @ Williamsburg Waterfront
Friday, July 22nd

The Canadian dance-punk duo Death From Above 1979 caused quite a stir at SXSW this year after playing a surprise appearance at the festival, and subsequently causing a riot that involved cops on horses. Shit. Let's hope that doesn't happen again at the Williamsburg Waterfront on Friday because it's a big wide open space that's extremely susceptible to tear gas bombs. I kid (sort of). The band is on a triumphant reunion tour and is sure to make all the kids in Brooklyn go crazy at this outdoor show. Tickets are still available. Rock it.

The Feelies @ Prospect Park Bandshell
Saturday, July 23rd

The Feelies, as far as I remember, have played a good amount of NYC-area shows this year, and no one is complaining. But if you haven't been able to catch them live yet, well now's your chance to do so for FREE. The Prospect Park Bandshell is a great place to see live outdoor music, and with Real Estate and Times New Viking opening the show, it should make for a pretty chill evening of indie rock. Gates are at 6pm, so if you wanna make it in, I suggest you head straight there after work. Show starts at 7pm. Have fun my minions.

Black Francis (a.k.a. Frank Black) @ Le Poisson Rouge
Sunday, July 24th

I rag on the Pixies for not producing any new material despite having reunited seven(!) years ago, but I can't really fault Frank Black as the man has released countless solo albums since the early '90s. And most of them are really fucking great. Though I've seen the Pixies live at least four times, I've never caught Frank Black solo, and even though now I have the chance to do so, I still can't make it. What's my problem? I don't know. But this show should be really great, full band or not, so if you're in the area, definitely make it down to Le Poisson Rouge for this. Tickets are still available (for some reason), and you should grab one ASAP since it's a pretty small place. Give Frank my regards...

Notable mentions:
Thursday, 7/21 - An Evening w/ the Monkees @ Coney Island (FREE)
Sunday, 7/24 - The Swirlies @ Beekman Beer Garden (FREE)

That's all I got for you this week. If there are any shows you feel we missed out on, please let us know in the comments section below. Have a good week!

Photos/Review: Cibo Matto @ Brooklyn Bowl

Cibo Matto @ Brooklyn Bowl - July 12th, 2011
Photos: Chris; Review: Jessica Callender

On a balmy Tuesday in one of the swankiest areas of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Cibo Matto proceeded to blow the minds of 500 or so people at Brooklyn Bowl last night. Eclectic sound man Sxip (pronounced as “Skip”) Shirey served as opening act as he beguiled and tantalized audience members with his vast array of sounds that can only be described as juxtaposed harmonized chaos. Performing tracks from his most recent effort Sonic New York, one song that etched itself into my memory was a cover of Anita Ward’s “Ring My Bell.” Shirey renovates the classic giving it a darker, bluesy aspect as well as attaching a touch of longing utilizing the beautiful vocals of his cute female companion, Rachel Prince. Other songs I recognized were “I Live In New York City” and “Asleep on the Subway.” After a nearly hour long set, it was time for Shirey to pack up his gear in lieu of the main event.

At 10:21pm, with the air tense with excitement, the crowd began to liven exponentially as the members of Cibo Matto quietly assembled on stage. While Miho Hotari addressed the showgoers, it was apparent that these folks were already keyed in and ready to have a good time. The women began their set with “Beef Jerky” and “Le Pain Perdu” as the audience sang along with every word and truly began to groove out. Of course, patrons didn’t fully lose it until the opening notes to “Sugar Water” played. Miho’s voice was instantly hypnotic as the sway and bounce of the track dripped effortlessly throughout the performance. “Spoon” was played shortly after and with it came the appearance of their bassist and drummer. Another song worthy of note was the sweetly alluring performance of “Moonchild,” with Miho’s vocals backed by surprise guest Sean Lennon.

Miho and Yuka performed two new songs last night as well, “Tenth Floor Ghost Girl” and “Check-In.” Considering that both tracks are indicative of the future of Cibo Matto and their new sound, they were surprisingly quite modern without the loss of the duo’s edge, which made me fairly excited about their upcoming album. And apparently everyone else was equally hyped about the women. Shortly after 11pm, following almost an hour of play, Cibo Matto attempted to close out their set only to return for an encore after a most raucous and spirited bout of applause and cheers; finally ending the night with “Know Your Chicken”.

There was a certain grace to this performance that I haven’t seen a very long time. Cibo Matto played effortlessly and skillfully as well maintained the crowd’s energy levels on such a positive note. It’s the joy and hope of every music patron that their favorite artists exude that caliber of professionalism and considering the blast I had at Brooklyn Bowl; I for one, am ecstatic about the glorious return of Cibo Matto.

--

Below, check out a full set of photos of both Sxip Shirey and Cibo Matto, as well as Cibo Matto's setlist. Also, thanks to Panya Media, you can stream Cibo Matto's entire set last night. Tickets are still on sale for their Bowery Ballroom show on Monday, 7/18...

This Week's Nostalgia (7/11-7/17)

Well, this past week was “slow” in the sense that we only had two major things to suggest in last week’s Nostalgia report, but this week is pretty much the busiest we’ve seen so far this year. We caught Ted Leo & the Pharmacists tear through The Tyranny of Distance for free at the South Street Seaport yesterday, and we’ll have a full set of photos, a review and some videos up shortly. For now, let’s take a look at what’s in store for us New Yorkers this week…

Cibo Matto @ Brooklyn Bowl
Tuesday, July 12th

Cibo Matto have been on indefinite hiatus for the past ten years or so, but made a very brief performance at Le Poisson Rouge earlier this year, which was some sort of prophetic hint that they were up to a full fledged reunion. And that certainly turned out to be the case when they announced a series of dates much to our excitement. The food-obsessed duo will play the very awesome Brooklyn Bowl on Tuesday, and tickets are still on sale. If you miss this show, may God have mercy on your soul, but tickets are also still available for their Bowery Ballroom performance on July 18th, so you still have the chance to fully redeem yourself. Get at it. And may God have mercy on your soul.

Animal Collective @ Prospect Park Bandshell
Tuesday, July 12th

Goofy bastards...

The last time I caught psychedelic pop act Animal Collective, it was at the very same venue--Prospect Park Bandshell, two summers ago. And I still rave about it to anyone who will listen. Considering how heavy their 2009 release Merriweather Post Pavillion is on the samples and electronic beats, their live performance came off surprisingly uncscripted. With Avey Tare playing electric guitar most of the time, and Panda Bear banging on a set of drums while Geologist manipulates various samplers, the trio (now a quartet again upon Deacon’s return) are sure to stun you with their chaotic live show. If I wasn’t already seeing Cibo Matto, this would surely be the show to see, and though tickets are sold out you should have no problem scooping one up on craigslist. Bring glow sticks and enhancements.

Superchunk @ House of Vans (25 Franklin St, Brooklyn)

Thursday, July 14th

More here

If you haven’t seen Superchunk live, you haven’t seen one of the greatest live bands ever. Never mind the fact these guys have been rocking out since 1989, Mac McCaughan still jumps around on stage like an absolute maniac. Last time I saw them, Todd Barry (who recently made an hilarious appearance on FX’s Louie) opened the show with standup, only to return on drums for the band’s encore; a cover of the Misfits’ "Horror Business." Yep, it was awesome. This show, part of the House of Vans concert series, is free with RSVP. The great OFF!, who we recently caught opening for Dinosaur Jr., will also open the show. A line for this will start at 5pm, and doors are at 7pm. Doooo it.

Patti Smith and Her Band @ Castle Clinton

Thursday, July 14th

Patti Smith in 1978

I've never seen Patti Smith live, but I was at Lollapalooza in '07 where I could hear her playing while we waited in the rain for Interpol. In retrospect, that's pretty lame, and now that I have the opportunity to see her again, I can't make it because I'm going to Superchunk. So why am I suggesting this show? To make up for my stupidity I suppose. Smith will be performing at Castle Clinton in Battery Park as part of the annual River to River Festival. According to their website, free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis onsite at 5pm and doors open at 6pm. Patti plays at 7pm. So if you plan on going, get there early to ensure entry. And let me know how it is.

Joan Jett @ Coney Island (West 21st Street & Surf Avenue)

Thursday, July 14th

If you had to choose between Patti Smith and Joan Jett, who would you choose? Choose wisely, my friend, choose wisely. Both shows are free, and both will undoubtedly be packed. I personally would go with Patti Smith, but that's more due to the fact that the trek to Coney Island by subway is akin to traveling to Philadelphia or something. Joan will be performing as part of the Seaside Summer Concert Series, hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who I saw give an hilariously awkward introduction to Mission of Burma two years ago. I'm sure this show will be a great time, especially if you're a fan of the 52-year old rocker. Heads up: she's still pretty hot. Enjoy.

Paul McCartney @ Yankee Stadium

Friday, July 15th, Saturday, July 16th

As big of a Beatles fan as I am, I've yet to see Paul McCartney live. It probably has to do with the fact that getting tickets to his shows are either impossible to obtain, or ticket prices are extremely high, or that he's kinda sort of a douchebag now. My good friend Colin (also an obsessive Beatles fan) saw McCartney a few years back and said he played "Too Many People" off of his excellent solo album Ram, which is pretty awesome in of itself. But Paul's setlists are generally comprised of Beatles material, including many songs the Beatles never played live themselves. And as much as I wish Paul (a.k.a. one of the richest entertainers in the world) would just bite the bullet and play a few club dates like Paul Simon recently did, seeing him at the new Yankee Stadium should still be pretty great. Nosebleed tickets are available for both the Friday and Saturday show. Bring binoculars.

Notable mentions (a.k.a. I'm too tired to write up stuff on these shows, but they're still great):

7/12 - Slick Rick @ Crotona Park (Free)

7/13 - Urge Overkill @ Rocks Off Cruise (Tickets)

7/15 - Dwarves @ Knitting Factory (Tickets)

7/16 - Dwarves @ The Studio at Webster Hall (where Andy from L.E.S. Stiches and also the manager at Fontanas will open with his band the Threads) (Tickets)

Yeah, summer in New York City is amazing, especially if you're a gigantic music fan and have no money. Also be sure to check out Radiohead's recent performance of The King of Limbs: Live From The Basement if you haven't already. If there are any other shows we've missed, please let us know in the comments. Until next week...

Mixtape: Spring 2004

By Debbie Chou

I made a mix during my senior year at University of Hartford. This was before podcasts were around and iPods were still chunky. It was just my discman and me, roaming the campus everyday, with the CD of this mix on repeat and sometimes on shuffle. This was during my final semester so I had a lot on my mind—completing works for my composition recital, competing in the regional semi-finals with my a cappella group, asking myself if there is a future with this guy I was seeing, wondering what the fuck I was going to do after I graduate. Those were bittersweet times but it was my best semester.

I graduated, then I had to pack everything and take down the photos from my wall one last time. I had that room all to myself for the entire school year. Boy, if those walls could talk… Anyway, my family helped me pack. They knew I could be slow and inefficient sometimes so they were being a little pushy. The truth was I was dragging my feet because I was too sad. Our family friend drove up from Queens in his van and took my parents and myself to his house where my boxes and suitcases would be stored for the entire summer. I would then spend the next two months in Taipei before I returned to New York for my summer job. After that, Lori and I would go apartment hunting while we submitted our resumes to whoever was hiring. That was all I knew: the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Ah, the unknown.

As we drove away from my dorm, I put my headphones on and listened to my mix once again. The opening track that gave me confidence and energy every morning now made me feel anxious and…well…FUCKING NOSTALGIC. Wow, four years go by so fast. I had great times there. Senior year rocked. Where am I going to live in New York City? What jobs can I get? What funds do I have? When am I going to see my boyfriend again? What can I do with my music? And so on. If only I could go back in time and tell myself that everything will be OK, but I think deep down I knew that already.

This is the exact order of the mix with fewer gaps. None of these songs were popular hits in 2004, so this is nostalgia within nostalgia. Yes, there are two U2 tracks. Yes, there are three songs by The Cure. Welcome to my life in West Hartford, Connecticut. I hope you enjoy this mix as much as I enjoyed my spring of 2004.

Fucking Nostalgic show announcements today

I’m hesitant to post this, fearing yet another show that fits this blog’s content will be announced, but if I wait that long I’ll probably never get around to it. My friends at BrooklynVegan have announced some pretty major shows today, so here goes, in chronological order:

Cibbo Matto @ Brooklyn Bowl on 7/12 & Bowery Ballroom on 7/18

Holy moly. I saw this coming when they did that very short set at Le Poisson Rouge last year and then again in March, but Cibo Matto will head out on a reunion tour in June and July hitting NYC for the two aforementioned shows. Bowery Ballroom tickets will go on AmEx presale Wednesday at 12pm and regular sale this Friday, 5/20. Ticket information for Brooklyn Bowl will be coming shortly. BV also reports that the band is working on material for an album to be released in 2012. Awesome.

Death From Above 1979 @ Williamsburg Waterfront 7/22


I personally never really got into this band, but their reunion at Coachella seemed to be a pretty big deal. When I was at SXSW in March they played a few surprise spots that attracted police and caused pseudo-riots which I always find interesting. DFA1979 will play the Williamsburg Waterfront on 7/22, with tickets going on sale this Friday, May 20th at 12pm.

TV on the Radio @ Williamsburg Waterfront 9/8


I’m still on the fence of whether or not TV on the Radio fits Fucking Nostalgic, but since I do have nostalgic feelings towards their first few releases, I’m going to say they definitely do. And why ignore one of my favorite current bands who will be playing the Williamsburg Waterfront on September 8th? It would be downright silly. I caught them (and shot them) at Radio City last month and thought they were great. Tickets for this destined-to-be-awesome show will also go on sale Friday, May 20th at 12pm.

If you’re keeping track, that’s three shows that go on sale this Friday at 12pm (with the Cibbo Matto 7/12 date going on presale tomorrow at 12pm) so pick your favorite and good luck.