Photos/Review: Dirty Projectors @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Dirty Projectors @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - July 9, 2012
Photos: Nadia Chaudhury / Review: Josh Kurp

On the night before the official release date of their sixth album (and second that actually matters), Swing Lo Magellan, Dirty Projectors played a hometown show at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Beginning with the title track, Dave Longstreth and company, including fellow guitarist and vocalist Amber Coffman, as well as new member Olga Bell, played the entirety of Swing, with a few older tracks, like "Useful Chamber" and fan favorite "Stillness is the Move," scattered throughout, too.

Spreading the songs between the new release and 2009's Bitte Orca, one thing became instantly clear: Swing is much "friendlier" and less abstract than it's predecessor; it doesn't stray away from the group's signature staticity R&B/folk/funk/billion other genre's sound, but "Gun Has No Trigger" and "Impregnable Question" feel more human, like Longstreth began with the words then worked on the beat, not vice versa. It was an excellent show from an excellent band playing their excellent new album.

Dirty Projectors play again tonight at Prospect Park, for which tickets are still available. Check out a huge gallery of shots that Nadia took of last night's show, including photos of opener Dustin Wong (of Ponytail).

Photos/Review: Amanda Palmer @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

David Byrne on stage with Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - June 27, 2012
Photos/Review: James M. Graham

She had her bass player open. He had a horn section and David Byrne. Good.

She had her guitarist open. He had a Scissor Sisters vibe and no David Byrne. OK.

She came on and played most of her new album, ----. A handful of Dresden Dolls songs ("Missed Me") and "Leeds United" from the very underrated "Who Killed Amanda Palmer."

Then she closed the show with David Byrne doing a full-on horn section Talking Heads "Burning Down The House."

It's as close as you're gonna get to a Talking Heads reunion EVER, I think - I hope, so dig it hard.

Me: I saw you in 1982
David Byrne: Where?
Me: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland
DB: My parents live there. I mean they used to.
Me: With Adrian Belew and Steve Soles
DB: Right.

Amanda's fans are rabid. Doors at 8pm/show at 9pm - observation at 8pm: floor full and packed.

And she just raised a million dollars (1.2, actually) on Kickstarter. The first to do so.

Her fans are rabid.

Her show rocked my world. Her enthusiasm rocked my world. You could not help but smile. And for god's sake she did a Motels cover???!!!

And that voice...

I love Amanda Fucking Palmer.

---

Photos from last week's show are below...

Stream The New Dirty Projectors Album "Swing Lo Magellan"

Because you can! Right now! On the New York Times website!

As a listener for whom the Dirty Projectors' previous work has generally taken quite a bit of time to absorb and uh, enjoy, I was very surprised that this Swing Lo Magellan grabbed me so immediately during my first listen this morning. Very good that we'll get a week to chew on it before the band plays two hometown shows, one at Music Hall of Williamsburg on July 9 (no more tix, but you can stream it) and an even bigger show at the Prospect Park Bandshell the following night (tix).

They've got even more dates through Amurrica and the rest of the world, which you can check out here, and a new trailer for their upcoming short film "Hi Janitor" after the jump. Because hey, why stop at just making a new album?

Photos/Review: that dog. @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

that dog. @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - May 25, 2012
Photos: Chris / Review: Jennifer Harmon

It was a satisfying and joyful experience to witness ‘90s alt-rockers that dog. during the second night of two very special reunion shows at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Friday, May 25.

A devoted legion of fans turned out to the popular live music spot in Brooklyn. Although we missed Fred Armisen launch the sold-out show the night before, we were certainly entertained by the two comedian openers, Kurt Braunohler and Baron Vaugh. Laughter engulfed our bodies for almost an hour, producing the perfect segue for that dog. to grace the stage.

With beers (or vodka tonics) in hand, we watched the lovely ladies rock out alongside their impressive drummer, Tony Maxwell, who has not picked up the drum sticks in 15 years and is better than ever. That dog. immediately launched into some of our favorite punk and power-pop songs, including “Grunge Couple,” “Old Timer” and “Never Say Never.”

Olivia Tremor Control Playing Brooklyn's Northside Festival 6/16

Olivia Tremor Control @ Le Poisson Rouge last September

God, we love living in the NYC. Fresh off the heels of the Austin Psych Fest and heading across the pond for a few European festival dates, Olivia Tremor Control are coming to the Music Hall of Williamsburg next month as part of Brooklyn's Northside Festival. Tickets go on sale this Friday at noon, or you can take part in the Amex pre-sale that starts on Wednesday.

Photos: Yann Tiersen @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Yann Tiersen @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - April 28, 2012
Photos: Chloe Lee

As we mentioned on Friday, French avant-garde musician Yann Tiersen was in town to perform two shows in NYC – one at the 1,025 capacity Irving Plaza on Friday, and the next at the 550 capacity Music Hall of Williamsburg on Saturday. The two shows were part of a larger tour for Yann, which brings him and his band to Montreal tonight before heading down the west coast and southwest for the rest of May. His excellent new album Skyline is now available to purchase on iTunes and stream on Spotify. You can check out all of his tour dates and a beautiful set of photos shot by our photographer Chloe Lee from the MHOW show below…

Photos/Review: The Cribs @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

The Cribs @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – April 13, 2012
Photos: Chris / Review: Jennifer Harmon

The Cribs returned to Music Hall of Brooklyn on Friday the 13th, two years after their last NYC appearance at the same venue. Following stops in Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Canada, The Cribs felt right at home at the familiar concert hall.

I was ecstatic to discover the indie punk band is indeed going back to its old school roots. Following Johnny Marr’s exit from the group last year, twins Gary (on bass, vocals) and Ryan Jarman (guitar, vocals), along with their younger brother Ross on drums, are back to touring as a trio. While we all loved watching the former Smiths guitarist rock out with The Cribs, there is no denying that the brothers pack more punch as a trio.

My first encounter with The Cribs came in the summer of 2007 at Lollapalooza in Chicago. Under the sweltering sun in Grant Park, I quickly fell for their beguiling good looks, stinging guitars, and infectious vocals.

Photos: Shearwater/Sharon Van Etten @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Shearwater

Sharon Van Etten

Shearwater/Sharon Van Etten @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - February 24, 2012

Photos: Chris

The last time I caught Sharon Van Etten, at the much smaller Mercury Lounge, she was basically testing out her new band for the first time with her latest material--performing Tramp in full for an audience who had not yet heard it. Her and her band's performance was flawless, but she was clearly reserved and a little nervous, barely speaking a word in between songs. What a difference a few weeks on tour makes. 

On Friday night, Van Etten headlined a very sold out Music Hall of Williamsburg where she looked extremely comfortable on stage, joking frequently with the crowd and her band--her performance no less flawless than I would expect. With The National's Aaron Dessner (who also produced Tramp) on guitar from the middle of the set on, Van Etten and her band played through most of her latest excellent album, along with "Save Yourself" and "Don't Do it" off her last album Epic. Highlights of the set included her performance of "Serpents," which, let's just say it: that's pretty much the best song of 2012 so far. And her encore-ending performance of "Love More" brought the entire show full circle, reminding me of why I fell in love with her music in the first place.

Major credit has to go to openers Shearwater, who are doing one of the most original things in indie today. Their latest album Animal Joy, which is one fine record, takes new shape in a live setting--with frontman Jonathan Meiburg leading a band of four highly talented musicians through a set of layered, melodic and rhythmically complex songs. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what Shearwater are doing right now, but it's clearly not being done as passionately and unique by anyone else at the moment.

Below, take a look at a full set of photos of both bands including Van Etten's setlist...

Oh Snap! that dog. Heads to the NYC this May!

God, weren't the 90’s awesome? And radical? And, like, totally dope? As a reminder of these home truths comes another 90’s reunion, this time with that dog. Sometimes angsty, always catchy, and personally winning me over with Totally Crushed Out’s teen romance novel album cover, this is an event that you do not want to miss.

Playing their first east coast show in 15 years, that dog. will be alt-rocking the shit out of the Music Hall of Williamsburg on May 24^th. Our favorite protagonist of the 90’s in the present, Fred Armisen, will be joining them, adding the cherry on top to this power-punk-pop evening. Tickets will go on sale this Friday (3/9/12) at noon, and if their two sold out shows at the Troubadour last August are any indication, this is seriously gonna be da bomb.

Shearwater & Sharon Van Etten in New York City tonight and tomorrow (Stream Shearwater's Animal Joy)

Sharon Van Etten @ Mercury Lounge in March (more here)

If you've been paying any attention to the new music we've been drooling over in 2012 so far, then you're probably well aware of the excellence of Shearwater's Animal Joy and Sharon Van Etten's Tramp. Two records that beg to be given consideration to as album of the year despite the fact that it's not even March yet.

Which is why you'd be smart to find some way into the sold out shows both acts are playing together--tonight at Music Hall of Williamsburg and tomorrow at Bowery Ballroom. Sharon Van Etten plays an additional show on Sunday at Bowery with Carter Tanton and Glass Ghost (also sold out). Check StubHub though, because there actually are reasonably priced tickets available on there right now.

In the meantime, you can stream Shearwater's Animal Joy in its entirety below...

Archers of Loaf tickets still on sale, Titus Andronicus now opening

Tickets are still available for the upcoming Archers of Loaf show at Music Hall of Williamsburg on April 29, but you may want to grab one quickly since they just added Titus Andronicus as one of the openers. Godspeed. Thanks to Nadia for the tip!

Photos/Video: Aimee Mann @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Aimee Mann @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - January 27, 2012
Photos/Video: Chloe Lee / Words: Chris

For someone whose songs are known for being quite sorrowful and a bit on the depressing side, Aimee Mann exuded a playful sense of humor onstage at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Friday night. It makes sense after all, as she revealed halfway through the performance, since most of her friends are comedians.

Performing at first solo, and then gradually bringing out a trio of musicians including her most recent producer Paul Bryan on bass, Mann and her band played older songs such as "You Could Make A Killing" off her sophomore solo album I'm With Stupid before working through more recent songs such as
"She Really Wants You" and "Freeway." For the few fans in the venue who expressed their appreciation at the mention of cult-comedy heroes Tim & Eric, we were treated to a song co-written by Mann and Tim Heidecker. And it wasn't "Todd Barry Is An Idiot." It was actually quite beautiful.

The highlight of the set, of course, came when she announced she would play songs from the still-haunting-after-all-these-years Magnolia sountrack. Even though it's been years since I've seen Magnolia, watching Aimee Mann perform "Save Me," "Wise Up" and Harry Nillson's "One," was a somewhat surreal experience, considering how crucial her music is to that film.

Check out a full set of photos of both Aimee Mann and opener John Roderick (of The Long Winters), including a photo of Aimee's setlist, as well as a video Chloe shot below...

Aimee Mann Playing Music Hall Of Williamsburg This Friday (1/27)

by Geanna Barlaam

Did you know that the melodious, poetic and lovely Aimee Mann has a side gig cleaning houses? No? Well then perhaps you know that she's playing a show at Music Hall of Williamsburg this Friday, January 27th! [Ed. Note - And you should also start watching Portlandia and start being awesome.]

Tickets are already SOLD OUT, proving to us, Fred, and Carrie that the music industry is not in the toilet. Definitely keep an eye out on Craigslist to see if you can grab one there, but if you can't make it to this week's gig, maybe she'll play a private show at your Pacific Northwest residence someday!

Photos/Review: Mission of Burma @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Mission of Burma @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - January 19, 2012
Photos & Review: Chris

There really isn’t too much to say about a Mission of Burma show in 2012 that you couldn’t say to describe any of their live performances of the past decade since their reunion in 2002. But “reunion” may not be the best word to use, as with three incredible Burma 2.0 records to their credit, I think “reemergence” is much more fitting. Their posthumous 1985 live album The Horrible Truth About Burma was a tongue-in-cheek reference to their inconsistent live show during their original incarnation, but I’d have a hard time describing an instance where I walked out of Mission of Burma show disappointed in the 20+ times I’ve seen them since 2004. It’s just never happened.

Case in point: their excellent performance at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Thursday, which if the reception they received was any indication, held up as one of their finer Brooklyn performances of recent memory. Playing a large portion of their still-can’t-believe-how-amazing-it-holds-up 2006 record The Obliterati, opening with “Donna Sumeria,” and eventually playing “2wice,” “Spider’s Web,” “Let Yourself Go,” “1001 Pleasant Dreams,” the band also shuffled through classics like “This Is Not A Photograph,” “That’s How I Escaped My Certain Fate,” and “Mica,” --still as abrasive and punk as ever. And I think it may have been only the second time I’ve seen them whip out the incredible “Fun World.” Not to mention, unlike the last two MoB shows we’ve been to, Bob Weston was working his magic behind the board on the tape loops, providing that very unique sound that has become synonymous with Mission of Burma.

The kicker is always when they finish their encore, and the crowd refuses to leave. I’ve yet to see another band garner as much enthusiasm from a crowd for a 2nd encore as I have with Burma, but it happened once again on Thursday night—which the band jokingly begrudged the audience for not leaving. “We better get paid extra for this!” Roger Miller joked—before going into “Red” and finally, the great “Academy Fight Song.”

No, they didn’t play “Revolver,” and I must say that my favorite Burma shows are the ones when they skip it. It speaks volumes of a band’s repertoire when they can bypass their most well known song and still leave a crowd 100% satisfied. While we patiently await the forthcoming fifth Mission of Burma album (it’s happening, I swear), take a look at a full set of photos below from Thursday night, including openers The Static Jacks and EULA, as well as Burma’s setlist…

Photos: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - December 7, 2011
Photos: Josh Kesner

If you’ve been paying any attention to the funk and soul scene for the past decade, then you’ve probably comes across Daptone Records--a Brooklyn based record label that prides itself in recording strictly with analog tape at their own studio Daptone’s House of Soul. The studio is responsible for albums by Lee Fields, Charles Bradley, and perhaps most infamously Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black. At the forefront of the funk/soul revival is Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings (the label’s house band, featured on Back to Black), who have been hailed as a staple of live music in general.

This past week, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings played two shows in a row at Music Hall of Williamsburg on December 6 and 7. Next week you’ll be able to catch the band again at Bowery Ballroom on December 13th and 14th, for which tickets are still available. Photographer Josh Kesner was at Wednesday’s show, who described it as “fucking amazing.” Take a look at his photos below and be sure to check the band out next week…

Photos: Hank Williams III @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Hank Williams III @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - November 15, 2011 
Photos: Carrie Jordan 

Hank Williams III (a.k.a. grandson of Hank Williams Sr., a.k.a. son of Hank Williams Jr.) took to Music Hall of Williamsburg to give a lengthy and eclectic performance to a packed Brooklyn crowd. Known as a man of many hats, Hank3 played a traditional country set with a full six-piece band to begin with, followed by a droney set as Hellbilly, and finally transforming into his latest metal/doom project, Attention Deficit Domination (no Assjack this time around). Photographer Carrie Jordan, who shot these photos for us, tells us that her ears are still bleeding and she can't stop grinning.

In 2011 alone, Hank3 has released four full length albums and has been touring extensively in support of them. Take a look at a full set of photos from the Brooklyn show and also check out the remainder of his tour dates below...

Hank3 2011 Tour Dates
Nov 18 - Palladium - Worcester MA
Nov 19 - Chameleon Club - Lancaster PA
Nov 20 - Northern Lights - Clifton Park NY
Nov 21 - Higher Ground - Burlington VT
Nov 23 - Crocodile Rock - Allentown PA
Nov 25 - St Andrews Hall - Detroit MI
Nov 26 - The Machine Shop - Flint MI
Nov 27 - Ground Zero - Traverse City MI
Nov 29 - First Avenue - Minneapolis MN
Nov 30 - House Of Blues - Chicago IL
Dec 1 - Barrymore Theatre - Madison WI
Dec 2 - House Of Blues - Cleveland OH
Dec 3 - Bogart's - Cincinnati OH

Photos/Review: Sebadoh @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Sebadoh @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - November 12, 2011
Photos: Tommy Kearns / Review: Chris

After playing Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ the night before, Sebadoh took to Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg on Saturday to play a triumphant homecoming gig (both Jason Loewenstein and Bob D’Amico reside in Brooklyn), which also happened to be the final date on their tour. The show, much like the night before, was heavy on material from the Bakesale album, though they were sure to play favorites from Sebadoh III (“The Freed Pig”), Bubble and Scrape (“Soul and Fire” and “Sister”) and Harmacy (“On Fire” and “Ocean”).

Sebadoh Return To NYC/NJ This Weekend To Rock Our Faces Off + ATP In March

One of the very first shows we covered on this site was Sebadoh at Bowery Ballroom in April, which was subsequently the last time they were in New York City. And now that they’re coming back, we’re pretty thrilled. If you’re in the New York City area, you have two opportunities to catch the band this weekend. Tomorrow night Sebadoh will play Maxwell’s in Hoboken, NJ, and then on Saturday night they will melt faces in Brooklyn at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Tickets are sold out for Maxwell’s but you can still nab one for MHOW.

My pick of the two goes to Maxwell’s--mainly because I just love that venue, it’s incredibly small, and the sound is pretty phenomenal. Check Craigslist for people getting rid of extras. But if you’re too lazy to take the 10 minute bus ride out to Jersey, then you’re better off sticking to Brooklyn (you lazy, lazy person). Anyway – we’ll be covering both shows, so be sure to check back for photos and reviews. We have our fingers crossed for new material (at least that’s what Lou semi-promised when I spoke to him in May), so we’ll be sure to report back to you on that.

And don’t forget, Sebadoh is still confirmed to play the Jeff Mangum-curated ATP in Minehead as announced earlier today. Tickets--for those who didn’t already purchase them before the original December dates were cancelled-- are on sale now.

Photos: Death @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (Afro-Punk CMJ Showcase)

Death @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (Afro-Punk CMJ Showcase) - October 18, 2011

Late on Tuesday night, I made my way over to the Music Hall of Williamsburg to catch my first dose of CMJ craziness. As we mentioned a couple weeks prior, proto-punk legends Death headlined Afro-Punk’s official CMJ showcase, and it was the first time I’ve seen the band live. Playing immediately after hardcore punk band Cerebral Ballzy may have been too sharp of a contrast (kids were going absolutely crazy for that band), and at first—though definitely appreciated—Death came off as a bit stagnant. After about four songs however, particularly when they launched into “Freakin Out,” the kids once again went ape-sh*t.

It’s pretty great listening to Death’s music, knowing it predated so many bands that took a cue from them either intentionally or unknowingly, specifically The Minutemen and Bad Brains. The latter in particular--and no, not just because they all happen to be black. Bassist and lead vocalist Bobby Hackney shuffles between a rather soulful howl to a sprawling punk rock roar, all the while playing some of the most innovative bass playing I’ve heard in punk music altogether. If you haven’t checked out this band yet, I beg you to do so.

CMJ continues throughout the week, though unfortunately this was Death’s only appearance. Check out a full set of photos of the Brooklyn show below…

CMJ 2011 Preview: Death @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

The official CMJ Music Marathon 2011 schedule just went up over the weekend, so we'll be posting a lot more shows we're excited about as the week progresses. I write to you today on the subject of Death. Not the '80s metal band or the final stage of life. I'm talking about the early '70s Detroit punk band that often does not get the credit they deserve. Formed in 1971 by the Hackney brothers (Bobby, David and Dannis), Death were in a class of their own, predating many of the bands that are often credited with inventing the sound of punk rock.

In 1974, the band entered the studio with the intention of recording a twelve song LP to be released by Columbia Records. Clive Davis, president of Columbia at the time, insisted that the band change their name to something more commercially acceptable, which the band refused. Their decision would ultimately result in Davis withdrawing funding for the album, and only seven of the planned twelve songs being recorded. The recordings from those sessions sat in limbo for close to forty years, up until Drag City released them in 2009 as ...For The Whole World To See. The songs are an extremely important document of the very early beginnings of punk music, and an exciting collection of songs by any measure.

After the album's release, Death reformed to play three shows with new drummer Bobbie Duncan (David Hackney passed away in 2000 from lung cancer), and they've since intermittently performed to incredibly grateful crowds. Luckily, Death will be headlining Music Hall of Williamsburg as part of Afro-Punk's CMJ showcase on Tuesday, October 18. Tickets for the showcase are still on sale for only $12.90 after fees, an amazing deal to see a legendary act perform in an intimate setting. Get on that ASAP.

Below, check out some videos of Death performing at SXSW in 2010, as well as a panel discussion with the band...