Ferrari Hat's Travels and Ruminations

2007-07-26T17:39:00.001-04:00

UPDATES NOT COMING SOON
There are way too many blogs out there regurgitating the same information as zillions of other unoriginal blogs and this sucker is no different. This blog has had no updates since July of 07 and I don't see myself bothering with any in the future. So this son of a bitch is on hiatus.

Anything I do end up writing will (hopefully) end up HERE. Search for "klaus kinski"

2007-07-11T11:48:00.000-04:00

A FRIENDLY REMINDER
South Towards Home Benefit, featuring Tinkle (David Cross, Todd Barry, Jon Benjamin), Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, AD Miles, and MANY MORE!
Thursday 7/12/07, SouthPaw, Park Slope

This is just a friendly reminder that there is a super South Towards Home benefit at Brooklyn venue Southpaw on Thursday 7/12/07. Tickets are $25.00 which is a bargain for a line-up like this.

2007-07-06T11:40:00.000-04:00

UNION HALL 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY - Sunday 7/15/07
Tearing The Veil of Maya Edition, featuring Michael Showalter, Eugene Mirman, David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, special musical guests

I am taking time from my vacation on the beach to write this, so you better appreciate it, fucker*. The comedy event of Union Hall's First Anniversary Week has been announced and it's a whopper. The comedy spectacle will take place on the main level, while a surprise band and DJs will dominate the basement live room. I don't get to Union Hall much these days, but a Union Hall-wide show of this caliber brings to mind the hot sweaty claustrophobia inducing Onion Christmas Party from last year... Anyhow, here's the details

Sunday July 15, 2007 ** $10 ** 6pm DOORS
TEARING THE VEIL OF MAYA
Comedy upstairs, surprise band and DJs downstairs
Featuring:
Michael Showalter & Eugene Mirman
David Cross
Janeane Garofalo
special musical guests

* or don't. It's cool, G.

2007-06-26T14:03:00.000-04:00

BAD ART AUCTION @ HIRO BALLROOM 7/10/07
Featuring BAND OF HORSES AND ZACH GALIFIANAKIS

As some of you may or may not know, New York Magazine has been gradually getting through a 6-event series called New York By New York.

The latest installment of the series is a Bad Art Auction that takes place on 7/10/07 at the Hiro Ballroom in NYC and will feature Zach Galifianakis and Band of Horses.

Here are the details

New York Magazine Presents
Bad Art Auction with Zach Galifianakis & Band of Horses
Jul 10, 2007, 8:00 PM, @ HIRO Ballroom -
363 W. 16th Street Below the Maritime Hotel
Buy Tickets

Limit: One ticket per person. Why? Because, each transaction includes a one-year (46-issue) subscription to New York magazine, a $9.97 value

2007-06-24T15:32:00.000-04:00

PANDA BEAR - BOWERY BALLROOM - 6/23/07

Panda Bear @ Bowery 6.18.07 (CRED)

Last night I went to Panda Bear's second of two sold out shows at Bowery Ballroom and have to say that the live experience really overshadowed the album experience. He did the tunes from Person Pitch (and then some), but the tunes were tweaked, either in small ways, or in huge ways, and it felt to me like every song was significantly better than the album. His singing was superb and the audio-visual additions worked so well with the music. The back-drop projections featured an array of imagry ranging from pornographic collage, a head-banger pounding some drums in the middle of a rocky wasteland, people freaking out at a stadium, and many other very abstract scenes. It was a lot of fun and exceeded any expectations I had going into the show. I feel fortunate to have seen this show as there are currently no other tour dates on the horizon and the dude lives in Lisbon. However, if he ever ends up in your neighborhood GO!

2007-06-18T20:01:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING - PATTON OSWALT LIVE IN-STORE - 7/12/07
At The New and Improved Sound Fix, Williamsburg Bklyn

If you're too cheap to go to the South Towards Home Benefit featuring David Cross, Jon Benjamin and Todd Barry, then perhaps you'd like to see comedy elsewhere in Brooklyn? Like, say, PATTON OSWALT? At the new and improved Sound Fix Records in Williamsburg? Good! Here are the details:

Sound Fix Records
110 Bedford Ave (corner of N. 11th St.)
7/12/07, 8:00pm
THE SHOW IS FREE

And they have $2 beers. Word!?

2007-06-15T12:42:00.000-04:00

SOMETHING THAT MADE ME LAUGH
Thanks Joe Mande!

2007-06-15T12:22:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING - SOUTH TOWARD HOME BENEFIT
SOUTHPAW, BROOKLYN * * * 7/12/07 * * *
Feat. TINKLE with DAVID CROSS, TODD BARRY, AND JON BENJAMIN

If you think New Orleans and its surrounding areas are even remotely back to normal since Hurricane Katrina, you're out of your fucking mind. Ignored by our own government and basically left to try to pick up the pieces on their own, the Gulf Coast region is still in shambles.

Luckily organizations like South Towards Home are busting their asses to keep the spirit of renewal alive and active.

Brooklyn's Southpaw will play host to a South Towards Home comedy benefit on 7/12/07. Guests include David Cross, Todd Barry, and Jon Benjamin. Tickets are $25.00. That line-up is worth the ticket price alone. The fact that it's going to such a good cause makes it even better. So go! Donate! Fucking do something!

2007-06-04T12:41:00.000-04:00

RIP JOHN PIKE
Ra Ra Riot Drummer Passes Away In Mass.

The drummer from Ra Ra Riot died this weekend in Fairhaven Massachusetts (which, incidentally, is down the road from where I grew up). It's weird because I was sort of getting into this band recently and was thinking of checking out the Tokyo Police Club / Ra Ra Riot show at the Bowery Ballroom on August 10th.

Leave condolences here. More news can be found:

HERE

HERE

HERE

HERE

HERE

HERE

Maybe it's because I was JUST starting to dig this band or maybe it's because a friend of mine died in almost the exact same circumstances at around the same age some years back; either way, this is a bummer.

2007-05-08T13:58:00.000-04:00

Patton Oswalt Signs To Sub Pop - New Record in July - Tour Dates (w/ Janeane Garofalo)

DOWNLOAD: Dukes of Hazzard (MP3)

Joining the ranks of David Cross and Eugene Mirman as awesome comedians who've signed to awesome indie rock label Sub Pop, it has been announced that Patton Oswalt's next record will be released by Sub Pop on 7/10/07. This will be Patton's third-ish full-length live record in a sea of Patton-related full-lengths and EPs. People will also be able to get this album on vinyl.

His previous releases are, for me, the gold standard of how awesome a comedy album can be. Unlike a lot of other comedy records out there, his library has an unusually high relistenability factor. So I have high hopes for this one.

Patton Oswalt / Janeane Garofalo Tour Dates
Jun 04 Punchline, San Francisco, CA (TIX)
Jun 05 Punchline, San Francisco, CA (TIX)
Jun 07 Avalon (Salt Lake City), Salt Lake City, UT
Jun 09 Verizon Wireless Theater, Houston, TX
Jun 10 Emos, Austin, TX
Jun 17 Berklee Auditorium, Boston, MA
Jun 19 Lakeshore Theater, Chicago, IL
Jun 20 (7:00pm) City Theater, Detroit, MI (TIX)
Jun 20 (9:00pm) City Theater, Detroit, MI (TIX)
Jun 21 Marquee (Tempe), Tempe, AZ
Jun 24 Troubadour, Hollywood, CA (TIX)

Read the most incredible Patton Oswalt interview, ever. Period.

Patton and the other Comedians of Comedy were at Coachella this year. There are tons of reviews out there, but why not read Patton's personal analysis of the show (you'll need to scroll down a bit). Pics from Coachell can be found HERE and HERE

2007-05-06T18:23:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING!! 5/8/07
POOP CULTURE RELEASE PARTY!
Galapagos Art Space, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Call it a butt mitzvah, or a debutt, or a coming out party. It's a night of intellectual bathroom humor to celebrate the release of Dave Praeger's new book "Poop Culture: How America is Shaped by its Grossest National Product." Featuring comedians, musicians, short films, readings, and more, it's a fun and fascinating evening dedicated to the one thing no one wants to talk about -- the one thing we all have in common. Learn more at poopthebook.com!

Guests confired to appear include:

Gabe and Jenny

Bobby Tisdale

Stuckey & Murray

Gregg Gethard

Dave Praeger (of course)

THE DETAILS
Tuesday 5/8/07, 6:30pm doors, 7:00pm - 11:00pm Show
FREE
Galapagos Artspace
70 North 6th Street
between Kent and Wythe
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211

2007-04-28T19:07:00.000-04:00

COMEDIANS OF COMEDY AT COACHELLA
The Reviews Are Coming In

The Comedians Of Comedy were part of Coachella this year and it sounds like it was a phenominal. Check out this thread at Aspecialthing as the reviews are slowly coming in; including two from Patton Oswalt himself. I am sure reviews will crop up all over the place in the coming days but, man, I am pretty eager to hear Henry Owings' take on things over at Chunklet.

2007-04-28T18:59:00.000-04:00

DAVE CHAPPELLE DOES 6 HOURS OF STAND-UP
Asses Later Reported Sore

Dave Chappelle is known for dropping into comedy clubs unannounced to try out new material. However, a recent drop-in turned into a record breaker. He stopped by the Laugh factory in LA (home of the unfortunate Michael Richards incident) on Sunday 4/16/07. He hit the stage at 10:36pm and didn't stop doing material until 4:43am THE NEXT MORNING! That's over 6 hours of stand-up!. More on that HERE.

2007-04-28T18:52:00.000-04:00

R.I.P. HERE'S THE THING
Show Over After Short Run at The Pit

Alas, it appears that for every great comedy show that pops up in NYC (See below), one must must die. And unfortunately the comedy show we must say good-bye to is Here's The Thing. Here's The Thing took their popular show from Rififi uptown to The Pit just this past February. Past guests have included Human Giant's Aziz Ansari, Jon Benjamin, Andrew WK, Michael Showalter, Christian Finnegan, Kristen Schaal, and tons of other top shelf comedians. What went wrong? I don't know. Whatever the cause, NYC is losing a great weekly comedy showcase

2007-04-28T18:37:00.000-04:00

IT IS IT!
Piano's New Mega-Awesome FREE Comedy Show
UCB Theater, NYC

One new Manhattan comedy showcase I keep forgetting to mention is It Is It, which takes place at Pianos. Billed as a new recurring comedy series hosted by ADAM LOWITT of The Daily Show, this show has so far presented its attendees with some incredible line-ups (see fliers hyperlinked below). And the amazing thing is that the show is absolutely FREE!!. According to Lowitt, the show is set to happen every other Monday, or at least two Monday's a month.

Next Show:
Monday, 4/30/07 - 8:00pm
Greg Johnson
Tom Mccaffery
Morgan Murphy
Ben Karlin
John Oliver
Bill Burr

Check out some fliers from some previous shows

2007-04-27T12:27:00.000-04:00

UCBT’s UN-SANCTIONED TRIBECA FILM FEST F@CK AROUND
5/2/07, Featuring David Cross, Rob Riggle, Mariel Hemmingway
UCB Theater, NYC

For people like me who think the Tribeca Film Festival is the most overrated ego fuckfest jerk-offathon to hit NYC every year, UCB Theater has an antedote. From the website

Join host Paul Bogdonavich (Seth Morris), noted film director, film historian and dog food entrepreneur as he celebrates the Tribeca Film Fest. Mr. Bogdonavich will welcome luminaries from the world of cinema as well as those who have nothing to do with film festival in any way.

Scheduled to appear:

David Cross of Mr. Show, Arrested Development, and The Grand ,official selection of the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival

With other surprise guests as well as a visit from Harvey Weinstein and Festival Founder Robert Dinero (aka Curtis Gwinn and John Gemberling)

Hosted by Seth Morris of Greetings From Earth official selection of the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, Short Film Competition.

David Wain was initially slated to appear, but now he isn't listed on the flier. They have however added Mariel Hemmingway (really!?) and The Daily Show's Rob Riggle. Insane. Oh, and it's $8, not $5 and reservations are sold out.

2007-04-24T16:25:00.000-04:00

RICKY GERVAIS ADDS TWO MORE NYC SHOWS
Good Tickets Also Released for His 5/19 Show

Ricky Gervais has added TWO NYC MORE dates. The dates are as follows:

Thu, 05/17/07: Tribeca Performing Arts Center - NYC
(On sale 4/27 at noon EST)

Fri, 05/18/07: Tribeca Performing Arts Center - NYC
(On sale 4/27 at noon EST)

Really good seats for the 5/19 show have just been released as well; most in the center 100's.

Ricky will also be talking to John Hodgeman on Sunday 5/20 at noon at CUNY as part of the New York Times' painfully sold out Sunday With The Times event.

2007-04-21T15:18:00.000-04:00

INTERVIEWS, INTERVIEWS, INTERVIEWS!
Interviews With Comedians You'll Dig

Hey kittens! I've put together a modest list of interesting interviews with comedians. It's a lot to read, but you could use the practice.

Todd Barry Interviews Merge Records Artists The Rosebuds From His Apartment

Eugene Mirman Interviews ROBYN HITCHCOCK For a Sundance Channel Documentary

Travis Vogt interviews Eugene Mirman for Unsound

Twenty Little Known Facts About Eugene Mirman

Brian Posehn Interviewed For Gothamist

New York Magazine Stephen Colbert Interview

New York Magazine John Oliver Interview

Inside Joke's Carl Arnheiter Inverview For Gothamist

Human Giant Gothamist Interview

2007-04-21T15:12:00.000-04:00

DAVID CROSS, EUGENE MIRMAN, TODD BARRY, KRISTEN SCHAAL & MORE HEAD TO LONDON...
They Better Take Seperate Flights

David Cross, Eugene Mirman, Todd Barry, Kristen Schaal and others will be doing a very long run of shows at the famous rock venue The 100 Club in quaint old London England. The shows are going to be at 8:30pm June 19 - 23 and June 26-30. That's 10 shows! Details are still in the works (they're not even on the 100 Club calendar), but you bet your ass more info will follow as these dates approach.

2007-04-21T15:02:00.000-04:00

PATTON OSWALT AND PAUL F. TOMPKINS
IN NEW PILOT

In other pilot news...Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Andy Daly, Greg Giraldo, and Lewis Black recently participated in a live taping of a pilot of a new Comedy Central TV show called The Root of All Evil. The basic idea of the show is that each comedian argues what is currently root of all evil in popular culture. It is done in a very courtroom drama sort of style, with Lewis Black serving as judge. TV Squad was there and wrote a phenominal recap.

2007-04-21T14:59:00.000-04:00

DAVID CROSS TO PLAY SATAN
Signs On To Potentially Disasterous Sitcom

Speaking of comedians I like signing onto upcoming sitcoms (See below), David Cross will co-star in a new CBS pilot called I'm In Hell. The show is about some Wall Street douche (Jason Biggs) who gets in a BlackBerry related car wreck. Hell is overbooked and said douche is sent to hell on earth where he tries to re-work his life and whatnot. David is to play the Devil, named Scott. You can read more here. A script of the pilot was also recently leaked.

2007-04-21T14:50:00.000-04:00

NICK KROLL TO PLAY CAVEMAN
Geico Character Based Sitcom a Go

You may know Nick Kroll from his appearances on Best Week Ever (click link, scroll down), the Oh Hello Show, or perhaps as the infamous Fabrice Fabrice. Nick recently signed on to co-star in a still-under-development ABC TV show based on the Geico Cavemen called, appropriately, CAVEMEN. Incidentally, none of the original cavemen from the Geico commercials has been cast in the show. If you want to see MORE of Nick, by all means, check out his highlight reel.

2007-04-21T14:46:00.000-04:00

TOM GOES TO THE MAYOR - DVD RELEASE
Awesome Show, Great DVDs

Tom Goes To The Mayor, one of my favorite shows ever, is out on DVD. The 3-disc set features the entire series, deluxe packaging, and special features that would make any fan weep with joy. Check out these sites for more Tom-related eye candy. And don't forget to watch the DVD promo

Speaking of Tim & Eric, Awesome Show, Great Job has been picked up for a whopping 30 MORE EPISODES by Adult Swim. YES!

2007-04-21T14:41:00.000-04:00

INSIDE JOKE DOES HOT FUZZ
A Sneak Preview I Missed

On Monday April 9th Inside Joke left the cozy confines of the UCB Theatre for a night and hosted an advance screening of the new Rogue Pictures film Hot Fuzz. The screening was followed by a conversation with the writers, director, and co-stars Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright - the same crew behind Shaun of the Dead and Spaced. Unfortunately, a last minute obligation forced me to miss this, but some folks from Aspecialthing were there

2007-04-21T14:36:00.000-04:00

BRAINYAXE - Mind Comedy
A New Awesome NYC Comedy Showcase

There's a new comedy showcase in NYC that looks quite promising indeed. Entitled BRAINYAXE, their premiere gig at the Bowery Poetry club on 4/12/07 featured a masterful line-up consisting of Andy Kaufman Award Winner Reggie Watts, Baron Vaughn, Craig Baldo, Tom McCaffrey, Jess Wood, and Sven Weschler. If this line-up is any indication of show to come, you can count on my ass spending Friday's at the Bowery Poetry Club.

2007-04-21T14:29:00.000-04:00

HOT TUB VARIETY SHOW FINDS A HOME
From The Pit, To Comix, To Pianos

Speaking of Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler (see post below)....I love Hot Tub Variety Show because I love Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler. They used to have a residence at The Pit, moved on to Comix, had their residence at Comix cancelled, were without a venue for a while, but have now confirmed that they will be moving into Pianos. They will host their lovely evening of fun every other Monday beginning on May 7th at 8 pm. You can also find Kurt & Kristen in their snug little corner of Superdeluxe! Their theme song is by Reggie Watts and their episodes feature tons of other wonderful comedians.

2007-04-21T14:26:00.000-04:00

INVITE THEM UP - 5 YEARS OLD
Party At Rififi Dawg

To celebrate the 5th year anniversary of Invite Them Up, Bobby, Eugene and Holly are having a special show to help raise money to finish renovating Rififi. The show will be followed by an auction of stuff from various comedians, including such treasures as the mustache Jon Benjamin wore in the classic “Forgettabuddies” sketch. The event takes place on Wendesday April 25th at 8:00pm and features performances by Eugene Mirman, Bobby Tisdale, Jon Benjamin, Jon Glaser, Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler, plus special guests. $10 admission to the show. If the main room fills up, there will be a $5 admission for the bar where the show will be simulcast on a screen. After-party and champagne toast to follow the show.

2007-04-21T14:22:00.000-04:00

AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE COLON MOVIE FILM FOR THEATERS
My Two Cents

On April 13th, 2007, Adult Swim took a huge gamble by unleashing into theaters nationwide an 86-minute episode of one of the most popular titles in their schedule; Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters has been met with a fairly mixed reception amongst die-hard fans and the newly initiated alike. Personally, I felt it was really really funny, though inconsistent. The highlight of the film for me is the soundtrack which features the likes of The Hold Steady, Mastodon, 9lb Hammer, MC Chris, Andrew W.K. and scads more.

2007-04-15T11:56:00.000-04:00

THE WORLD, EXPLAINED - A REVIEW
SYMPHONY SPACE, TUESDAY 4/10/2007
Featuring Eugene Mirman, John Oliver, John Aboud, Rodney Rothman, David Rakoff, and 'music' INTERNET

On April 11, 2007 I turned 30. In honor of myself I vowed to take time off of work and spend my time in the days leading up to April 11th partying with family and friends on Cape Cod and seeing some noteworthy comedy shows when I got back to NYC. On April 10th I was able to attend McSweeney's Presents: The World Explained, a benefit event for 826LA and 826NYC featuring 'precision comedy and fact-based entertainment', hosted by Eugene Mirman. The event featured monologues and stories told by the likes of the Daily Show's John Oliver, Modern Humorist's John Aboud, former head writer for The Late Show with David Letterman Rodney Rothman, and essayist, journalist, and actor David Rakoff. Musical interludes were provided by unimpressive supergroup Final Fantasy Online aka Internet.

Let me begin by getting Final Fantasy Online aka Internet out of the way. The band features Dan Boeckner & Hadji Bakara of Wolf Parade, Nick Diamonds of Islands, and Syd Butler of Les Savy Fav. They came across as boring, lazy, ironic-in-a-bad-way, blasé, unrehearsed. I am sure everyone there found reasons to dig them, but I despised their presence. I still don't understand the point of having them on the bill. Hipster cred? To sell more tickets? Individually, I dig the bands they're in. But piecing together this ad hoc supergroup seemed a superfluous and completely unnecessary addition to the show. I hate that I hated it, but I also hate when I get the feeling a band doesn't give a shit about their audience. I just felt like they didn't want to be there and didn't give a shit that they were there. Ah, you be the judge. ANYWAYS.......

I really like events at Symphony Space. It's just a great place to see a show. The last time I was there I was having my ear drums mangled by Keiji Haino and The Melvins, so it was a nice change of pace to see funny, intellectual discourse there. The show was sold out, and general admission, but as I was flying solo it was no problem getting a great seat in the 4th row. As with the Melvins show, I noticed David Byrne was in attendance. Sarah Vowell did a brief introduction describing the mission statement of 826 before showing a hilarious faux-documentary about one of the 826 volunteers (played by Sam Rockwell). Following the video, Eugene Mirman came out to get the event officially rolling.

For me, Eugene's intro had two significantly hilarious highlights. The first was his declaration that he spent many years as a child in special education classes and that he lip-synched a Bill Cosby stand-up routine as one of his book reports. The second item of note was his story about being pulled over, fighting a ticket, agreeing to a plea bargain compromise, and his subsequent letter to whatever county the ticket originiated in explaining the sheer insanity of trading the original crime for a completely made-up, lesser one. I have seen this bit before, but, man, it's funny.

* musical interlude *

John Aboud was up next and his performance was brilliant. You see, when he was in high school he was on a 4-person trivia team that competed, on television, with other trivia teams from other high schools. His monologue, aided with video footage from the actual trivia episodes, illustrated how the quest for knowledge might not always be a good thing. He illustrated the contempt, irrational cockiness, and utter dickheadedness one develops when knowledge is used as a competative tool. Very very very funny.

* musical interlude - cover version of Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd *

David Rakoff came to the stage next and, with the help of illustrations by artist Arthur Jones, discussed the 525,600 reasons to hate the play Rent. And he was dead on. Fucking dead on.

* musical interlude - cover version of Dumb Dog from Annie *

John Oliver came up and his appearance had more of a stand-up feel. Having seen him about 3 times in the past month, a lot of his material was nothing new. He did however tell a very funny story about his penis falling out of the slit on the front of his shorts during a 400 yard run when he was a kid. It happened in school, in front of students and parents, and he just let it hang out there. With great detail he described how it went from bouncing side-to-side like a metronome, to actually swinging in a completely circular motion.

* musical interlude - equipment knocked over, podium knocked over *

Former head writer for The Late Show with David Letterman Rodney Rothman was the next and final guest. The Internet left their gear on during the beginning of his set so for the first few minutes my brain was shifting its attention from Rodney to the buzzing of the amps. Rothman told us the story of how, for the Letterman Show, he created a boy band from the ground up; he held open auditions, chose the band members, wrote a song, hired a choreographer, came up with a routine, and had a performance on the Letterman Show as though they were a real, legitimate, new boy band. He discussed how far he took the farce which included an apperance on TRL, a website, and even the devlopement of an actual, loyal following.

* musical interlude - cover version of Hangin Tough by New Kids on the Block *

At this point, Eugene gave the closing remarks and the event ended.

A fella named Shawn Liu Took Some Pics

2007-03-25T20:44:00.000-04:00

MESS WITH TEXAS PARTY - SxSW
A Review of Day Two From My Buddy Matt

My buddy Matt was able to check out day two of the Mess With Texas Party. What you are about to read are his experiences in his own words. Although, I added in some hyperlinks to make your reading experience more jam-packed with info. Enjoy!

Not surprisingly, the party was a blast. Unfortunately, I missed the first day after arriving too late and waiting in line for an hour. Seems they did a really good job getting the word out. I've never had trouble getting into a SXSW day show before.

I'll do my best to remember what I can. The free scotch courtesy of Dewars made things a little hazy in retrospect. The club had two stages one in and one out. The stage inside alternated between a band and a block of comedy, while the outside stages featured bands only. There were some good bands that day, but my priority was comedy of course. Aziz did an awesome job filling in for Patton as host. The first block started with Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer doing a bit as SXSW safety coordinators stressing the importance of stretching, especially the oft-sprained taint. Some Human Giant clips may have also been thrown in here. Brian Posehn had a great set with some material that was new to me. After this everything kind of runs together. Leo Allen and Laura Krafft did an improv bit together. Michael Showalter appeared with ten types of people you see doing karaoke. Eugene Mirman did his thing. Scott Aukerman and BJ Porter acted out parts from their favorite romantic movies with ladies from the audience. David Cross had a strong set with some new stuff and no political material, considering protesters were marching a block away.

One of the highlights for me was Jon Benjamin and Jon Glaser performing as Soundtrackapella. The two proceeded to make some of the crowd squirm while discussing and complaining about the supposed time limit they had to perform. People were actually yelling at them to get on with it. Fucking brilliant. Once they got going, the squirming continued through their a capella renditions of the theme songs from Ghostbusters, Top Gun, and Footloose. Zach also went on towards the end of the party, and things were running late. I don't know if his time was cut short, or if he decided to finish early, but it ended rather abruptly like he was going into a joke and decided he was finished. The crowd was starting to get a little restless, and there was a lot of noise from people going to the stage outside. He still managed to do some good jokes, and took a shot at the crowd by announcing he would later be giving the "most disinterested hipster" award. Another great moment involved Aziz, Eugene, David and later Brian reading a script from a pilot called "Frangela." Neither Aziz nor Eugene would read part of the script, citing it as being extemely racist, at which point Brian came up to deliver the lines. I wish I could remember what it was. Too much scotch by this point. I think that about covers it comedy-wise. The Human Giant showcase that night was also great and featured Eugene and Jon Glaser while I was there plus a lot of clips from the show.

2007-03-21T11:02:00.000-04:00

FORMS INTERVIEW ON GOTHAMIST
Read It, Will Ya?

My buddies Matt and Alex are in a band called The Forms. Alex was recently interviewed by Gothamist. Check it.

As a brief side note, I wish they'd play out more.

2007-03-19T14:48:00.000-04:00

GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!
Actor's Playhouse, 3/16/07

Last week, The Apiary alerted readers that not only were there some free tickets to the 3/16, 8pm performance of Gutenberg! The Musical available, but that my generation's most famous Guttenberg would be in attendance. I coincidentally already had tickets for that evening's performance and was quite excited that I would experience the bonus of having Steve Guttenberg in the audience, in the flesh.

Even though everything I've heard about this show has been nothing but praise, the show still managed to exceed my expectations. Here's the basic storyline; these two guys have written a musical about Johanne Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. The two guys regard you, the audience, as potential producers of the musical and want to pitch it to you. They pitch it by performing the entire musical for you. They have an arsenal of hats with characters' names written on them and each time they change character they change hats. The hat changing seemed like such a daunting task that I kept getting nervous that one of them might grab the wrong one; but it was all so well choreographed that it was really stupid of me to worry. The songs were phenominally funny and even though they were legitimately good musical numbers, I got the sense that they were simultaneously giving the finger to the more pompous, corny musical numbers that plague Broadway.

What REALLY enhanced the experience for me was the fact that Steve Guttenberg was sitting two rows in front of me and was having the time of his life. He was clapping, cheering, whooping, leaning forward in his chair with a gape of a smile the whole time. To see him really truly enjoying himself with a veritable childlike wonderment was heartwarming to me.

The Actor's Playhouse is a small enough theater where there really isn't a bad sat in the place. So you have the option to spend $65 for good seats or $35 for seats towards the back. OR you can take advantage of the Saturday 10:00pm shows where ALL SEATS are $35. Get your tickets here. I'll also admit that the seats are a bit tight and that if you have any claustrophia whatsoever you might want to try to get an aisle seat.

2007-03-14T16:43:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS FROWNLAND!!!
Director Ronald Bronstein Takes Home Special Jury Prize from SxSW

Ever since we began working together nearly 3 years ago, Ronald Bronstein has been spending his spare time working on a personal film project entitled Frownland. Shooting, re-shooting, editing, digitizing, agonizing over a final cut, finally getting a perfect 35mm print; I didn't participate in any way in the production of this film, but I have been watching him bust his ass to get this thing done since the very first day I met him. I felt an incredible sense of relief when his efforts paid off and his film was accepted into SxSW 2007 where it would premiere and compete in the Narrative Feature category.

Relief turned into unprecedented joy today when I learned that his film took home the Special Jury Prize at SxSW. I can't say that I am surprised though; this film employs such prodigious agility with regards to writing, acting, cinematography and editing that I always knew that this film would stand out amongst it's competetors. Congrats to Ronald and his crew for getting the recognition they deserve.

For clips and info, visit Frownland's official site or Myspace page

2007-03-12T22:55:00.000-04:00

PATTON OSWALT CANCELS ALL SxSW APPEARANCES
Sites scheduling conflicts. Fans sad.

Photo taken from Ryan Russell

Patton broke the news on a recent post on Aspecialthing that he will have to bow out of SxSW this year because of scheduling conflicts. Oh well; you still get David Cross, Eugene Mirman, Leo Allen, Laura Krafft, Brian Posehn, Jon Glaser, Scott Auckerman, BJ Porter, Jon Benjamin, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Showalter, Aziz Ansari and more.

2007-03-09T10:14:00.000-05:00

JESU - VISAS APPROVED
US TOUR WILL COMMENCE!

Jesu will perform its first live show in the U.S this Sunday, March 11th in Washington DC at the 9.30 Club and will complete the rest of the tour with ISIS from there on in, performing at the Hydra Head Showcase at SXSW, Austin, Texas on the 15th March along the way.

A Jesu headline tour of the U.S over the next 9 - 12 months will hopefully compensate somewhat, especially since Jesu now have permits/visas for 12 months.

3/14 Irving Plaza New York NY - w/ Isis, Torche
3/15 Emo’s Annex Austin TX - SXSW
3/16 DAY OFF DAY OFF -
3/17 (d) The Middle East - Downstairs Cambridge MA - W/ Isis, Zozobra
3/18 Theatre National Montreal QC - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/19 Barrymore’s Ottawa ON - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/20 Opera House Toronto ON - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/21 St Andrews Hall Detroit MI - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/22 Metro Chicago IL - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/23 DAY OFF -
3/24 DAY OFF -
3/25 Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis MN - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/26 The Picador Iowa City IA - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/27 Granada Theatre Lawrence KS - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/28 Marquis Theater Denver CO - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/29 DAY OFF DAY OFF -
3/30 In The Venue Salt Lake City UT - w/ Isis, Zozobra
3/31 DAY OFF DAY OFF -
4/1 The Big Easy Boise ID - w/ Isis, Zozobra
4/2 The Big Easy Spokane WA - w/ Isis, Zozobra
4/3 Neumo’s Crystal Ball Reading Room Seattle WA - W/ Isis, Zozobra
4/4 Hawthorne Theatre Portland OR - w/ Isis, Zozobra
4/5 DAY OFF -
4/6 Bimbo’s 365 Club San Francisco CA - w/ Isis, Zozobra
4/7 Downtown Brew San Luis Obispo CA - w/ Isis, Zozobra
4/8 Henry Fonda Theatre Los Angeles CA - w/ Isis, Zozobra

2007-03-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

ZACH GALIFIANAKIS
Irving Plaza - 2/24/07

Photo stolen from CHUNKLET

I don't know what my problem is, but I find it so fucking impossible to adequately sum up shows that were so incredible and mind blowing. Zach Galifianakis' two shows at Irving Plaza on Saturday 2/24/07 are perfect examples of shows that leave my mind in tatters. I managed to see both the early and the late show, but my mind was slowly dissolved by alchohol and uncontrollable laughter that the second show seems to be a bit of a blur.

Variety Shac team member Heather Lawless opened up the first show and she was as good as ever. I seriously think she's brilliant. I can't get enough of her flawless, droning, stream of consciousness style of comedy and think she was an absolute brilliant choice as opener.

Heather was followed by Arj Barker. Being a fan of previous performances of his as well as his role in The Marijuana-logues I had high hopes for him as second opener. But for some reason I just wasn't feeling his set. His jokes just weren't as funny as I remember them being in the past and I actually felt a bit bored. Saying this really bums me out because I really like Arj! It just wasn't a good fit.

Finally it was Zach's turn and he couldn't have been better. He brought his signature riffing-whilst-playing-piano work to a completely new level with a ton of new material. And his crowd work was really phenominal as well. Some of the interviewees were real dead fish, but he managed to produce some incredibly hilarious moments regardless. His final bit, where he was dressed as Little Orphan Annnie, was something I'd heard about but had never seen. A large post-it tablet, a show tune, a bearded fat-body in a tight Annie costume and a mug-full of glitter... I defy anyone to end a show any better than that.

2007-03-05T12:59:00.000-05:00

AN ENDORSEMENT
Comedian Tom Shillue

Photo taken from Drink at Work

I have a pretty solid roster of absolute favorite comedians that never changes. Todd Barry, David Cross, Patton Oswalt, Eugene Mirman, and Zach Galifianakis are members of a top 5 that will probably never change. It is my personal Mount Rushmore (+1). Unless one of these guys becomes a mass murderer or rapist, this list will never change.

But lately a comedian is threatening to potentially jeopardize the solid foundation of my top 5 favorites; comedian Tom Shillue.

Over the years, I've seen Shillue perform so many times that I can't even count. Each time I've seen him, I don't think I've ever heard the same routine twice. But I've happened to see him 5 or 6 times in just over a month and he has managed to take a prominant place in my comedy consciousness. Besides Louis CK he is the only comedian out there that can discuss married life and fatherhood without making me want to suffocate myself with a plastic bag. Though much less blue than CK, his bits on adulthood are so goddamned funny and well articulated that I'm reminded of the monologuing skills of Spalding Gray, only MUCH funnier.

I do realize, though, that I might be slightly drawn to him beacuse of his Massachusetts upbringing which shines through in almost every performance. As a fellow Masshole, a performance from Shillue is sometimes like a performance from a friend's uncle.

He's absolutely hilarious, he's clean, he's engaging, and he's a master storyteller. He is one of the biggest threats to those sitting in my top 5. Rushmore shouldn't expect any refacing yet, but I cannot guarantee that after a few more Shillue experiences.

2007-03-01T14:31:00.000-05:00

HOT TUB VARIETY SHOW
Comix 2/22/07, with David Cross, Eugene Mirman, Rhys Darby, and Striking Viking Story Pirates

Photo by Lisa Whiteman

Man, it's been a week since I saw this show and I still can't stop thinking about it. From start to finish, it was so much fun that it had me in a good mood until the following day, which is extremely difficult to accomplish. Now that I think of it, so much happened at this show it might be difficult to have a cohesive review. OK, here goes.

I didn't realize it going in, but this installment of the Hot Tub Variety Show was to be it's last ever at Comix. Hosts Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler reassured the sold out crowd that they would indeed have a new locale in the near future (one without a hefty cover and two item minimum, no less).

The show kicked off with an absurd but extremely funny bit where Kurt was screaming "Kristen Schaal is a horse!!" over and over again while Kristen did a weird jig around the stage. It went on and on and on and just when you thought it would stop, they'd keep right on going. They did it for such an insanely long time that Kurt was absolutely dripping with sweat. LUCKILY, they did the same thing at Sketchfest NYC 2006 and it's LUCKILY on youtube, so watch it!

This manic moment lead right into the appearance of Miss Saturn, a burlesque hula-hoop performer with serious cameltoe and nip-slippage. Though I don't find myself ever enjoying burlesque whatsoever, I can't deny her prodigal skills with the hula-hoop.

Miss Saturn was followed by Eugene Mirman who was easily the highlight of the evening. From start to finish, he absolutely killed. And it wasn't an audience of the usual Eugene Mirman fans; these were people who no doubt never even heard of him. But they absolutely love him. I have seen a lot of Mirman the past few weeks and had heard a lot of this material already, but it was all still very vunny.

After Eugene, Kurt and Kristen came out and showed a video called Penelope Princess of Pets. The video featured music by Reggie Watts and starred Kurt and Kristen. Words will never do justice as to just how funny this video really was. The second it's on youtube or on their site I will post it. The video shall speak for itself.

Rhys Darby came out after the video and I guarantee not more than three people in the room knew who the hell he was; I was one of the three. He was funny, but his schtick is sound effects a la Michael Winslow. I think that one thing I learned at this show is that I don't like burlesque and funny man-made noises in my comedy shows. Though, it is a variety show, so I have no right to complain. Anyhow, he was funny and I can tell already that he is going to be so good in the Flight of the Conchords TV show.

I'm going to skip right over the Striking Viking Story Pirates. I went to the bathroom about 5 minutes into their set and when I came back they were about finished. Next time, dudes.

So this leaves us with the final act and probably the reason the show sold out; David Cross. I've actually seen a lot of David lately and though he has been funny as hell, something about his delivery has gotten really indirect and meandering. It's hard to describe, because he's funny, but his delivery has changed. The build ups are slower, the stories get sort of tangential, and the payoff isn't as big. He has admitted in a recent interview that he is rusty, his material isn't great yet, and that the next few months will be kind of sucky as he gets himself back in the saddle again. So I'm not worried. He was good, but not David Cross good.

But the entertainment didn't end with David Cross. As the house lights went up and people started gathering their coats and shuffling off, there was a commotion at a table a few feet away from me. I don't know what the hell happened, but the next thing I know a girl had another girl in a headlock, two dudes were grappling with each other, the table was knocked over, drinking glasses smashed, ice spilled, and my waitress was screaming "security! security!" at the top of her lungs. Security rushed in there pell mell and broke these drunken bridge-n-tunnel meatheads up and escorted them out. Real classy.

2007-03-01T12:58:00.000-05:00

BRO'IN OUT WITH LEO AND TONY
UCB Theater 2/19/07, with Martha Plimpton, Zach Galifianakis, Demetri Martin, and The Last Car

Photo by Marianne Ways

Thumbs up indeed, Demetri.

Bro'In Out With Leo and Tony is easily one of the best comedy programs New York City has to offer. The variety of talent they have each month is truly mind boggling; from comedians and writers, to musicians and legitimate theatrical actors, this show is enough to knock anyone's ass off. This week started off with Demetri Martin. By this point in my week, this was my third time seeing him and was afraid I'd hear some all too familiar material. However, Demetri did exactly what one is supposed to do at Bro'In Out; he simply Broed out. He was funny, relaxed, and totally fucking ON.

Next up was Martha Plimpton who, besides Zach, was one of the main reasons for really wanting to see this show. I'm a big fan of hers as she truly is a world class actress. From plays to movies, she does everything so incredibly well. She's part of a rare breed of actor who is versatility personified. And she was such an asset to Bro'In Out! Not only was she plain fucking hilarious, but she was so energetic and engaging that I wanted to hear her talk for much much longer. I really hope to see her in this type of setting again as I really can't afford to see her in The Coast Of Utopia. By the by, this wasn't the first time she did a show at UCB.

Zach Galifianakis followed Martha and was his usual, dead-pan self. When he spoke he was pretty funny, but I felt that Demetri, Martha, Jawnee, and Tony (not so much Leo) were talking over him a bit. I don't know if this was intentional, or if it bothered Zach, but I felt that his time slot on the show was a bit wasted. Although, the banter that was interrupting and talking over him was really goddamned entertaining.

The night ended with the sweet harmonies of The Last Car, who were really great.

All in all, it was probably the best Bro'In Out I've ever been to. Come to think of it, they've been getting progressively better each month. Which means that this month's show could be lethal.

2007-02-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

A COMEDY UPDATE
A Deleted Scene

I'm happy to report that I spent most of my spare time since the last Canon laughing my ass off. On Thursday 2/8 I swung by the UCB Theater and caught a legendary installment of A Muthaf*ckin' Evening with Fabrice Fabrice. Played by Nick Kroll with expert creepiness, agression, and take-no-shitedness, Fabrice Fabrice rammed through a near 80-minute set, UGG boots and spandex a-blazin. He was visited by John Mulaney, a drunken Britton dressed as a tree played by Jon Daly, as well as Fabrice's agent, played by Brett Gelman. As usual, Anya Garrett took some phenominal (and very representative) pictures at the show.

The following evening I went to a more traditional stand up show, John Oliver at Comix. It's sort of unfortunate that people only really know Oliver from the Daily Show because his stand-up is so much more impressive than his reporting. His prepared material is air-tight and his off-the-cuff crowd work riffing is flawless. I spied Children of the Unicorn member Dave Hill in the audience as well.

Then on Saturday I went to the Plug Awards hosted by David Cross. Though more of a rock show than a comedy show, the event wasn't without a comic presence. Invite Them Up's Bobby Tisdale did the voice of David Cross's 20-foot puppet, Tom Shillue was a member of the house barbershop quartet, and I even saw Variety Shac's Heather Lawless roaming the venue.

WHAT'S HAPPENING? OH, I DON'T KNOW, ONLY:

2/15/07, 8:00pm, UCB Theater: The Dave Hill Explosion: Featuring Randy "The Cowboy" Jones (from The Village People) & Lucy Wainwright Roche.

2/17/06, 9:00pm, Children's Aid Society Bldg: Moonwork Presents an Evening of Original Works. Featuring Demetri Martin, Mike Birch, Craig Baldo, Reggie Watts, and Tom Shillue. Get there early; this event will sell out

2/19/07, 8:00pm, UCB Theater: Bro'in Out with Leo & Tony. Featuring Zach Galifianakis, Demetri Martin, Martha Plimpton & The Last Car!!! Reserve now! Reservations are disappearing quickly!

2/19/07, 11:00pm, UCB Theater: Crash Test. Aziz is back, people!

2/20/07, 8:00pm The Pit: Here's The Thing. This may be sold out by the time you read this. Line-up includes Slovin & Allen, Christian Finnegan, Brett Gelman, and more.

2/21/07, 8:00pm UCB Theater: STAND-UP: Michael Showalter. Michael Showalter swings by UCB to test some new material before heading off to the HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen.

2/21/07, 8:30pm Rififi: Invite Them Up. Rififi is closing for repairs soon, so why not catch an installment of Invite Them Up before the closure?

2/22/07, 8:00pm Comix: Hot Tub Variety Show. This wonderful variety show is hosted by Kurt Braunohler & Kristen Schaal. This installment features special guest David Cross!

IN OTHER NEWS

The guys from Stella and The State have been so busy lately that they deserve their own bulleted news summary.

Former State cast member Kevin Allison, the "red head gay", has replaced Alex Zalben as artistic director of The Pit. See the newsflash on his personal site

David Wain's film The Ten is going to be at SxSW in March. The film features Paul Rudd, Joe Lotruglio, Adam Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Rob Corddry, Kerri Kenny, Gretchen Mol, Oliver Platt, Winona Ryder, Liev Scheiber, Mather Zickel, Justin Thereoux, Jessica Alba, Michael Showalter, Ken Marino, and Zak Orth. CC Insider has some really awesome clips

Reno 911: Miami is coming out on February 23rd. Most people are aware that the cast of Reno 911 is comprised of some ex-State members. However, this film will feature a cameo by THE ENTIRE CAST OF THE STATE. Yes, I wrote that in all caps because I am that cranked.

Michael Ian Black has a film coming out in April called The Next Girl I See. It features Jason Biggs, Rob Corddry, AD Miles, and scads more talent.

Ken Marino wrote and produced a film showing at SxSW called Diggers. The film is a coming-of-age comedy about four working class friends growing up in Long Island as clam diggers. I'm sold by the premise and the cast alone.

Michael Showalter is heading out to Aspen for the HBO Comedy Arts Festival. If you find yourself in Colorado and have the means to get into his shows, he'll be there from 2/28 - 3/3 with Mary Lynn Rajskub (Mr. Show, 24) and John Oliver (The Daily Show). Check out one of his UCB Theater practice gigs.

For a pretty long time, The Daily Show stopped taking reservations for upcoming shows. Yesterday, though, I happened to be on the Daily Show Comedy Central page and noticed that they have a new (how new, I do not know) reservation system set-up that allows you to choose the day you want to see the show. Before it was more of a lottery where you sent in your name and availability and waited for your number to come up. Unfortunately, a lot of these dates already seem booked up and it takes a lot of trial and error in finding dates with vacancies. Anyhow, here's the reservation system. Good luck, Commie!

The Colbert Report is not taking reservations.

Tom Scharpling and his program The Best Show on WFMU continue to play a crucial role in maintaining what I consider the essential and unavoidable relationship between rock and comedy. Why, just look at his programs from the past few weeks. On 1/2/07 he had Paul F. Tompkins on the show. Then on 2/6/07 he had comedy duo Time and Eric on the show. THEN just the other day on 2/13/07 he had Zach Galifianakis on the program.

The debate as to whether the Sarah Silverman Program is pure genius or pure juvenile nonsense is raging. Personally, I love the damned show. The casting all the way down to the minor bit parts is a who's who of my personal favorite comedians. Luckily it looks like Comedy Central agrees as they have picked up the show for 14 more episodes.

Rififi is closing it's doors from 2/15 - 3/1 for renovations. Details are sketchy as to what exactly they'll be doing, but I'm sure it'll be awesome. Sadly, this means that shows like Invite Them Up will have to take a break. More at The Apiary.

Speaking of The Apiary, one of my favorite recurring things published on there is a series called From Behind the Bar at UCB. I find it really interesting to read the ruminations of one of the bartenders at one of NYC's premier comedy venues. Anyhow, the piece is written by NYC based writer/performer Margot Leitman whom incidentally, can be seen on 2/15 at Mo Pitkins as she co-hosts Stripped Stories with Giulia Rozzi

I love Chelsea Peretti's blog

Finally, Carlos Mencia, a notorious non-Mexican* joke thief and all around hack, has his ass handed to him by Joe Rogan. Backstory HERE.

*Mencia is half German and half Honduran and makes millions of dollars at the expense of Mexicans. Unacceptable.

2007-02-19T23:55:00.000-05:00

CHILL! UPDATE COMING SOON
This Blog Will Be Back In Action Soon

This stupid blog has been falling to the wayside because of the time required to produce my weekly comedy articles for Brooklynvegan.com. Have no fear though. I am hoping that once March rolls around I will have the time for BV as well as this blog.

2007-01-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

MORE JESU NEWS
Justin K. Broadrick Confirms Details About Forthcoming Album Conqueror

Justin's website has published information about the release of the next Jesu album Conqueror:

USA - Feb 20th 2007
UK & EUROPE - Feb 19th 2007
Japan - Feb 2nd 2007 [bonus disc contains the 2 Aurora Borealis Ltd Ed 12" tracks]
REST OF THE WORLD - Feb 27th 2007

Initial dbl vinyl release on Conspiracy Records, Belgium, Europe.

And don't forget about Jesu's upcoming US tour with Isis!

2007-01-04T09:58:00.000-05:00

I'M NOW CONTRIBUTING ELSEWHERE

Hey gang! I am now a weekly contributor to one of the best music websites in NYC. My first post can be seen here. Look for a new post each week, jam-packed with all sorts of wonderful comedy related news bits.

2007-01-01T19:42:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! NOW LET'S GET CRACKING!
MOONWORK PRESENTS TODD BARRY, LANGHORNE SLIM,
TOM SHILLUE, and MORE 1/6/07

image c/o Modest Proposal

Moonwork Presents rings in the new year with another spectacular show at the old Children's Aid Society on Sullivan Street. The show is $20 and you get beer. Check it:

Todd Barry
Andres du Bouchet
Jane Borden
Eric Slovin
Langhorne Slim
and
Tom Shillue

The Phil Coltoff Center at Greenwich Village
(same place...new name)
Children's Aid Society
219 Sullivan Street
between Bleecker & West 3rd

2006-12-19T14:57:00.000-05:00

SF SKETCHFEST SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
Featuring Stella, Invite Them Up, MST3000 LIVE, ASSSSCAT, and MORE

The SF Sketchfest schedule, which runs from January 11th through the 28th, has been announced and the list of performers and events is sure to knock your balls off. The festival will feature performances from collectives such as Stella, Invite Them Up, A.S.S.S.S.Cat, Comedy Death Ray, The Red Wine Boys, Match Game and sooooo many more. There will also be tributes to Paul Reubens, including a live discussion, as well as a tribute to Mitch Hedberg. Comedians appearing throughout include David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Todd Barry, Jon Benjamin, Bruce McCulloch, Maria Bamford, Paul F. Tompkins, Doug Benson, Todd Glass, Morgan Murphy, and so many more that if I kept on going you'd be sitting in a pile of your own feces right now. Go to the website for more detailed information because this shitty blog entry simply cannot do this event any justice.

For tickets to shows at The Eureka Theatre, Cobb's Comedy Club, Mezzanine, The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, The Purple Onion, The Dark Room, 142 Throckmorton Theatre, or Mighty, please visit this ticketweb link

For shows at The Punch Line Comedy Club, click here

For the show at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, click here

2006-12-17T12:41:00.000-05:00

ONION HOLIDAY PARTY @ UNION HALL
Guys, Seriously, You Didn't Miss Much. A Long Post By Klaus

There was so much controversy surrounding the The Onion's Annual Obligatory Holiday Party that it seems necessary for me to address some of that controversy as well as the actual party itself, which I attended (for the most part). The main source of the city-wide sourpussiness regarding this shindig was the fact that news of this event went public on several reputable and often visited blogs (mine, which averages 7 hits a day, doesn't count) and that RSVPs were quickly swallowed up by people who apparently weren't supposed to know about this event in the first place. I personally feel partially responsible for the overexposure of this event. I saw it listed on the ProductShopNYC website on December 5th. I then posted the news on my blog and also passed along the news to Brooklynvegan. I am pretty sure this is the moment where the RSVP situation went completely shithouse. By December 6th the event was officially sold out. Then on December 13th, that fateful e-mail was sent out that essentially blamed Brooklynvegan for over publicizing the event resulting in hundreds (maybe thousands?) of people having their RSVPs revoked, causing a rash of bad feelings across the city towards the Onion, 826NYC, and God himself. At this point, I am not sure if I agree with the Onion's tact with handling this event. The party was already listed on the 826nyc website as well as ProductShopNYC. I feel it was only a matter of time before the bigger blogs out there caught wind of it and publicized it. I do feel like I accelerated the hype by passing word onto Brooklynvegan, but it was only a matter of time dudes. An event like this couldn't stay quiet for long and all of the uninviting bullshit was most likely inevitable.

And after attending the actual event, I am wondering if the folks at the Onion were even taking their own RSVP policy very seriously. When I got there I told the guy who I was and he didn't even look me up on the list. He sent me right over to the beer ticket/raffle/donation table where I gave them my name. They told me I had to give my name to the guy at the door. I told them I did and they sent me right in. This begs the question; were they even checking names!? It seemed to me that anyone could have waltzed in there, given them a name, and they would have been allowed in. And I am pretty sure that, based on how over-crowded the place was, that is exactly what happened. UPDATE According to a friend who stayed later than me, they did in fact let anyone who showed up into the venue.

Like I said, I didn't stay for the entire event. After having my 1 free beer (disappointing considering the flier made it seem like you'd get free Bass all night), I headed downstairs to the empty live entertainment room. It filled up very quickly and by the time Jessica Rose & The High Life went on, the room was packed. I'm not that into rockabilly, but they were actually really good. And having never seen a show at Union Hall I was surprised at how good the room sounded considering its diminutive size. Througout Jessica Rose's set, the room got more and more crowded. David Cross followed Jessica Rose & The High Life and by the time he hit the stage, the room was packed with people all the way back up to the stairwell leading to the upstairs area. Cross's set was pretty tight and covered subjects varying from tourettes syndrome to his new puppy inducing a wet dream. But the room was so crowded and there were so many people in there not the slighest bit interested in his set. All througout the room were groups of people talking amongst themselves and one of my friends actually had to tell several people around us to shut up.

After David's set, I was filled with this intense claustrophobia and felt I had to leave the live room for fear that I would die at any minute. Seeing all of these people crammed like sardines all the way up to the stairwell, all I could think of was the fire that killed 100 people in Warwick, Rhode Island at that Great White concert. I don't know when I turned into such a old pussy, but I had to get out of there. When I got upstairs, the main hall was just as packed as the live room. It all seemed insane to me. At this point, I decided to leave the party altogether and endured a 15 minute human slalom to leave. When I got to the door I ran into an old friend and we shot the breeze for a while. While we were talking, I saw Horatio Sanz haul ass out of the venue. I then saw Aziz Ansari leave the bar with a few drinks and brave the crowd as he made is way towards the back of the venue. Then, Andy Kaufman Award winner Reggie Watts showed up with a friend. I didn't realize my friend is pals with Reggie, so I was surprised when he came over to hang out with us for a few minutes. I was able to congratulate him on his recent awards, gush about his stellar set at the the ITU show at Bowery, and talk with him about his old band in Seattle. Once Reggie parted ways, so did I. I never saw the Whitest Kids set. I never saw Sloan. And I never saw the Found Footage Holiday Treasure Trove.

I found the whole event overwhelming and feel that anyone who had their heart broken by being uninvited should rest assured that they didn't miss anything special. It was sheer human gridlock that didn't live up to the hype. However, I was happy that the proceeds went to a worthwhile charity. Contributing to that was probably the highlight of the evening

2006-12-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

DAVID CROSS HOSTING THE PLUG AWARDS
Irving Plaza NYC, 2/10/2007

David Cross will be hosting the 2007 Plug Awards show at Irving Plaza. At this point, there are many details of the show to be determined, including the performers and ticket info. Once I hear something, I shall posteth.

David Cross will also be at The Onion's Annual Obligatory Party on Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 8:00pm at Union Hall (702 Union St. at 5th Ave.), Park Slope, Brooklyn.

2006-12-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

ISIS, JESU, TORCHE - US TOUR - 2007
The Tour I've Been Waiting Years For, Actually Happening

UPDATE!! TICKETS GO ON SALE 12/15 at noon!!!

I just happened to see this on the Torche Myspace page and almost fell out of my chair. The news isn't even on ~~the Isis page~~, the Jesu Myspace page, or even Justin K. Broadrick's Blog. Isis, Jesu, and Torche are embarking on a US tour that begins on February 26, 2007 in Oklahoma and ends on March 16, 2007 in Boston. I believe this is Broadrick's first tim back in the US since the old Godflesh days. Complete dates below. I'm busting.

Feb 26 2007 8:00P
Conservatory Oklahoma, Oklahoma

Feb 27 2007 8:00P
Ridglea Theater Fort Worth, Texas

Feb 28 2007 8:00P
Emo's Alternative Lounging Austin, Texas

Mar 1 2007 8:00P
Numbers Houston, Texas

Mar 2 2007 8:00P
Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Mar 3 2007 8:00P
Bottletree Lounge Birmingham, Alabama

Mar 5 2007 8:00P
The Social Orlando, Florida

Mar 8 2007 8:00P
40 Watt Club Athens, Georgia

Mar 9 2007 8:00P
Tremont Music Hall Charlotte, North Carolina

Mar 10 2007 9:00P
Alley Katz Richmond, Virginia

Mar 11 2007 8:00P
930 Club WASHINGTON, Washington DC

Mar 13 2007 8:00P
Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mar 14 2007 8:00P
Irving Plaza New York, New York

Mar 16 2007 8:00P
The Middle East Cambridge, Massachusetts

2006-12-05T16:03:00.002-05:00

ONION HOLIDAY PARTY - UNION HALL - 12/16/06
Featuring David Cross, Sloan, Whitest Kids, and so much more

UPDATE REVIEW OF PARTY CAN BE FOUND HERE

The Onion is hosting a benefit / holiday party at Union Hall in Brooklyn on 12/16/06. The Onion's Annual Obligatory Party is a holiday mega-party featuring performances by Sloan, David Cross, Whitest Kids 'U Know, Jessica Rose & The Hi-Life, and Found Footage Festival's Holiday Collection. There will also be DJs, raffles, food and drinks. All for a mere $15 requested donation. The proceeds will support 826NYC programs.

The Onion's Annual Obligatory Party
Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 8:00pm
@ Union Hall (702 Union St. at 5th Ave.), Park Slope, Brooklyn
$15 (Suggested donation)

2006-12-05T13:06:00.000-05:00

THINGS TO DO IN NYC ON NEW YEARS
Here Are Some Ideas

Looking for something to do on New Years besides go to some stupid party with a bunch of stupid assholes you don't even really like in a steaming hot New York apartment? Here are some ideas, care of ProductShopNYC:

THE BIG SLEEP + RA RA RIOT + FOREIGN ISLANDS + HOLY HAIL | Williamsburg White Room | $tba
RADIO 4 + OXFORD COLLAPSE | Mercury Lounge | $25 (tix)
BRAZILIAN GIRLS | Irving Plaza | $55 (tix)
PSYCHIC ILLS + VIETNAM | Monkey Town | $20 (tix)
ELECTRIC SIX + THE DANSETTES | Maxwells | $25
SEAN PAUL | Nokia Theatre | $99.50 (tix)
THE SLIP | North Six | $25 (tix)
JESSE MALIN (LIVE) + GREENDOOR NYC | Don Hills | $20 (tix)
MURRAY HILL NEW YEAR, BABY! | Mo Pitkins | $50 (tix)
FUNKFACE | Sin-e | $15 (tix)
DJ MONK OF RABIIT IN THE MOON + SKYLAB 2000 | The Hook | $25 (tix)
CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH | Hammerstein Ballroom | $42 (tix)
PATTI SMITH & HER BAND | Bowery Ballroom | $55 (tix)
MATES OF STATE + PLUS/MINUS | Knitting Factory | $20 (tix)
MURPHY'S LAW | Knitting Factory Tap Bar | $15 (tix)
JAMES BROWN | B.B. Kings | $95 (tix)
JOHN BROWN'S BODY | Southpaw | $22.50 (tix)
GOV'T MULE + TOOTS | Beacon Theatre | $69.50 - $79.50 (tix)
MOE. | Radio City Music Hall | $52.50 (tix)

2006-12-05T12:59:00.000-05:00

HORATIO SANZ CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR - 12/20 & 12/21
2 Nights of Comedy Cheer at UCBNY

Horatio Sanz is bringing Christmas cheer to the UCB Theater on 12/20 and 12/21 in what is being billed as the The Ho Ho Horatio Sanz Christmas Special. Shows are at 9:30pm both nights and cost $8.90. For more information and to purchase a ticket (or more, Mr. Popular) go HERE. Horatio is a super nice dude, by the way.

2006-12-03T12:11:00.000-05:00

ZACH GALIFIANAKIS IS TOURING
The Great Beard Hits The Road

Zach Galifianakis is going on the road! He will hit NYC's Irving Plaza on 2/24/07. Other dates and ticket information can be found at Zach's website

2006-12-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

DAVID GILMOUR TO RELEASE SYD BARRETT TRIBUTE EP
EP will feature David Bowie & Rick Wright

According to Floydian Slip, David Gilmour will be releasing a 3-track Syd Barret tribute EP that will feature the talents of David Bowie and Rick Wright. The EP will feature two versions of Arnold Layne, one of which was recorded live with David Bowie who appeared at one of Gilmour's Albert Hall shows this past year. The third song will be a solo acoustic version of Dark Globe from Barrett's album The Madcap Laughs. The EP will be available for download online on Christmas day. The CD release will happen the day after Christmas.

2006-11-21T11:52:00.000-05:00

RIP ROBERT ALTMAN
1925 - 2006

Robert Altman, one of my favorite directors, has died today. He was truly one of the last American master filmmakers.

2006-11-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

I GOT PUBLISHED

I wrote a review of Robert Smigel's appearance at the Museum of Television and Radio. You can read it at theapiary

2006-11-07T12:27:00.000-05:00

GUIDED BY VOICES BEE THOUSAND BOOK LAUNCH - 11/13/06
At Cake Shop, just before Bowery Pollard Show

On Monday November 13th at 7:00pm, Cake Shop will host a multimedia event featuring Mark Woodworth, author of the long anticipated book about the Guided By Voices album Bee Thousand.

This is the same night as the Bowery Ballroom show. The doors for the Bowery show are at 7:00pm and the show probably won't get underway until 8:00pm. Therefore fans should be able to go to the book launch before heading over to Bowery (which is a short walk from Cake Shop).

2006-10-30T12:54:00.000-05:00

SOUTH TOWARD HOME BENEFIT 11/9/06 - COMIX
Featuring David Cross, Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Mirman, and more

New York City's newest comedy mega-venue Comix will host a benefit show for South Toward Home. South Toward Home is a non-profit organization set-up in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to fill in the gaps left by the larger relief agencies. The organization relies heavily on donated money and materials in order to help the victims of Katrina rebuild. This show will feature Janeane Garofalo, David Cross, Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Mirman, and more. All proceeds from this event will go directly to South Toward Home.

Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 the day of the show. This is an incredible event for such a worthy cause.

2006-10-26T14:25:00.000-04:00

INVITE THEM UP - MINI EAST COAST TOUR
APPEARING AT BOWERY BALLROOM AND THE PARADISE

Photo Courtesy of Anya Garrett at www.anyagarrett.com

Eugene Mirman and Bobby Tisdale will be taking their comedy show Invite Them Up to venues larger than normal this coming December. On December 14th they will be at the Bowery Ballroom with special guests Paul F. Tompkins, Todd Barry, Kristen Schaal, Jon Glaser and more. Then on December 20th they bring the show a few hundred miles north to the Paradise in Boston, MA. Performers there will include David Cross, Jon Benjamin, A.D. Miles, Jen Kirkman and special guests.

Paradise Tickets
Bowery Ballroom Tickets

2006-10-25T12:32:00.000-04:00

YACHT ROCK COMING TO NYC DURING CMJ
APPEARING AT FONTANA'S 11/3 and 11/4

Iconic online show Yacht Rock will be coming to New York City for two nights during CMJ to screen all of their episodes with live commentary. JD Ryznar, Hunter Stair, and Hollywood Steve will be at each show to dish said commentary.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE

2006-10-20T13:57:00.000-04:00

EUGENE MIRMAN & THE DAILY SHOW'S JOHN OLIVER
UCB THEATER NY - 11/13/06

As part of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater's The Best Comedy in the Universe Festival, Eugene Mirman and the Daily Show's John Oliver will be performing on 11/13/06 at 9:30pm. It's $8.00

Info and reservations here.

2006-10-19T14:40:00.000-04:00

SEPULTURA - IRVING PLAZA - 12/4/06

To be honest, I really haven't been into Sepultura since their album Arise. As a matter of fact I think the last time I saw them was with Ministry in Worcester back in 1992 at a fairly large venue. Yet, when I saw they'd be playing at the semi-intimate Irving Plaza, one of my nostalgic heartstrings was tugged. I think I may go to this show... but I will not bother to catch up on their tunes since Arise. No friggin way.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE

2006-10-11T17:04:00.000-04:00

ROLLING STONES PLAYING BEACON THEATER
Scalpers Already at Ticketmaster, Hitting F5

In principle, this concert sounds great; the Rolling Stones playing two nights at the Beacon Theater in New York City with a ticket cost ranging form $35 - $50. Clearly the organizers are trying to put on a show for a fair price, but I am already preparing myself for the inevitble 2 second sell out and $1500 scalper charges. Like a good little soldier I will try to get myself a ticket, but I am not kidding myself... I know this is one show I probably won't get into.

If you DO get in, wear something nice. Martin Scorcese will be filming both concerts.

THERE IS A TICKET LOTTERY FOR THE 10/31 SHOW

More Info Here

2006-10-11T16:48:00.000-04:00

TENACIOUS D PLAYING MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Other US Dates Also Announced

At first, I was excited at the news of a Tenacious D tour. I was expecting maybe a smaller venue like Irving Plaza or a larger yet decent venue like the Beacon Theater. Yet, my exitement sooned turned into disbelief when I saw that they'd be playing at Madison Square Garden. The D? At the Garden? To see the D in such a cold, distant place doesn't seem like too much fun so I doubt I'll go. But if you want to, there's a presale on October 14th at noon. The password is BADESTINY

More dates HERE

2006-10-11T13:59:00.000-04:00

PUBLIC ON SALES STARTING FOR CMJ 2006 EVENTS
EVENTS OF NOTE BELOW. Word.

Tickets are slowly but surely becoming available to the general public for CMJ shows at the Knitting Factory, Mercury Lounge, the Bowery Ballroom, Pianos, and more. Here's a quick list of notable shows and links to tickets where available...

KNITTING FACTORY - October 31 (6:00 PM)
The Cardigans / The Format / Dan Keyes of Young Loves
$10.00

BOWERY BALLROOM - November 1 (6:00 PM doors)
Tapes 'N Tapes plus Cold War Kids / Dr. Dog / Elvis Perkins / Robbers On High Street / The Bird & Bee (Inara George) / What Made Milwaukee Famous
$16.00

MERCURY LOUNGE - November 1 (7:00 PM)
Girl Talk / Figurines / Canada / Daylight's For The Birds / Mobius Band / Hello Stranger / The Whigs

BOWERY BALLROOM - November 2 (6:00 PM doors)
The Shins plus The Album Leaf / The Thermals / CSS / The Elected / Oxford Collapse / Loney, Dear
$16.00

MERCURY LOUNGE - November 2 (7:00 PM)
Forward Russia! / Archie Bronson Outfit / Benjy Ferree / Malajube / Nicole Atkins / Sandi Thom

KNITTING FACTORY - November 2 (8:00 PM)
Main Space: Blue Cheer, An Albatross, Jacob's Ladder, Totimoshi, Ad Astra Per Aspera

Tap Bar: Kill The Vultures (ex-Oddjobs), Skeletons & The Girl Faced Boys, Miguel Mendez, Moon and Moon (feat. Devendra Banhart & An Albatross & Polyphonic Spree), Imaad Wasif, Flying

Old Office: Icebird, Lewis & Clarke, Saxon Shore, Odiorne
$13.00

BOWERY BALLROOM - November 3 (6:00 PM doors)
Mew / Fields plus The Grates / Annuals / Magnet / Kevin Devine
$16.00

MERCURY LOUNGE - November 3 (7:00 PM)
Longwave / Albert Hammond Jr. / Tokyo Police Club / Cloud Cult / Land of Talk / The Drones / Cadence Weapon

BOWERY BALLROOM - November 4 (6:00 PM doors)
Diamond Nights plus Priestess / Surefire / Pagoda / Films
$16.00

MERCURY LOUNGE - November 4 (7:00 PM)
French Kicks / The Tyde / Bobby Bare Jr. / The Mess Hall / Nethers / The Bon Savants

2006-10-06T12:10:00.000-04:00

JESU & ISIS - UPCOMING US TOUR CONFIRMED!!!
Tour Begins Late February, 2007

UPDATE! The tour is confirmed! Go HERE

Justin Broadrick's blog has confirmed that there will in fact be an Isis / Jesu tour hitting the United States beginning in February. From Justin's blog:

Jesu WILL be touring the U.S.A with ISIS beginning late Feb ending early April 2007 in support of the 'Conqueror' album release in mid Feb 2007. The routing and dates are currently being finalised, dates and details soon....

This is very, VERY exciting news

2006-10-05T13:43:00.000-04:00

DOUG BENSON INTERRUPTION, NYC
Featuring ~~DAVID CROSS~~ , MIKE BIRBIGLIA, & MORE 10/23/06

New York City's Upright Citizens Brigade Theater will host the Doug Benson Interruption on 10/23/06. Normally a staple of the UCB Theater LA, this show touts itself as a show where comedian Doug Benson (The Marijuana-logues, VH1's Best Week Ever) invites his fancy, big-name, professional stand-up pals to the stage, but then interrupts whenever he feels like it. He will be joined by the legendary ~~David Cross~~ , Mike Birbiglia, and more!

Tickets are a mere $5.00! MAKE RESERVATIONS HERE! NOW!

NOTE: DAVID CROSS HAS CANCELLED!!! However, Morgan Murphy and Aziz Ansari WILL appear in his stead.

2006-10-03T11:37:00.000-04:00

PATTON OSWALT & EUGENE MIRMAN
CAROLINE'S NYC - 11/15/09 thru 11/19/06

Normally, I wouldn't promote a comedy show at the cold and touristy Caroline's Comedy Club in New York City's Times Sqaure, but there's nothing I wouldn't do for Patton and Eugene. And though I am loathe to mention that the cost of the weekday shows are $24.50 with a two drink minium while the weekend shows are $28.50 with a two-drink minimum, I have to say that if you've got the money by all means spend it. I certainly don't, but what else is new.

I doubt these shows will be as packed with die-hard fans as the Comedians of Comedy shows. I also doubt the afterparty will be as exciting as the Comedians of Comedy Irving Plaza afterparty, if there even IS an afterparty. But the Caroline's shows might make a decent night out for you and someone you want to impress with your lack of spendthriftedness. I took a fine young lady to see Todd Barry at Caroline's once. It was funny AND romantic. Oh la la. As a matter of fact, the Todd Barry audience was made up entirely of tourists. When we were in the lobby waiting to get in all of these yokels were ooohhhing and ahhhhhhing the pictures of various comediens who had performed there. This one woman was looking at a picture of Greg Proops shouting at her husband "Oh! Honey! It's Mike Shoop from Who's Line!!!" I laughed so hard that to this day I consider her the greatest warm-up act of all time.

2006-09-28T10:36:00.002-04:00

RYAN RUSSELL
TODAY'S GREATEST ROCK PHOTOGRAPHER

I read a bulletin posted by Mastodon on myspace today regarding photographer and Birmingham Alabama native Ryan Russell's work and think I may have found my new favorite contemporary rock photographer. Shooting entirely in non-digital formats (thank god), his images capture a crucial split second of life with resulting images that clearly articulate action, movement, and life. Even his portraits have striking emotive qualities. I strongly recommend bookmarking Ryan Russell's website and seeking out his work wherever possible.

2006-09-24T19:50:00.000-04:00

THE KILLERS / THE RED ROMANCE
WEBSTER HALL - 9/22/2006

photo by thisismecl

For a person really low on funds, it was probably pretty stupid of me to spend 36 bucks to see The Killers at Webster Hall friday, 9/22. I rationalized the expenditure by telling myself that, hell, these guys are about to embark on an arena tour; might as well catch what will probably be the last 1400 person gig they'll play in the next few years. At least I went in open-minded.

But the show was a hot, steaming pile of annoying fans and generic, unthrilling pop. I haven't done the research, but I wonder how many other people are as annoyed as I am at how badly the singer blatanly copies Freddy Mercury. Emulation is one thing; rip-offs are another. Something tells me I'd be hard-pressed to find any evidence of the singer giving any credit to Mercury for the stage presence he'll be relying on for this upcoming tour.

I will say that the band DOES have chops though. The tunes themselves were hardly as impressive as the skills wielded by the musicians. Earl Hickey, it turns out, is a fucking incredible drummer. Further, the guitar player had an incredible style that was a total throwback to the old days of anthemic guitar rock. The bass didn't stand out so much, but at least he was cool lookin'.

The show was a clam and it alarms me that this band is about to embark on a large venue tour. Also, there were simply too many dudes with Growin-Up-Gotti-styled hair high-fiving each other between songs and too many girls complaining I'm too tall. I'm not kidding; girls were literally asking their boyfriends to ask me to move because I was too tall. I even heard one guy say "Geez, I don't know honey.... he doesn't seem like the type." This would literally happen no matter where I happened to be standing. Literally. I felt like the Webster Hall pariah. Don't worry people; I am having femur reduction surgery this week.

It was a terrible time all around and I am kicking myself for actually paying for it. I didn't even bother to take pics or grab a set-list. The final CBGB hardcore matinee can't get here quick enough.

More decent pics at flickr.

2006-09-18T15:42:00.000-04:00

MURPHY'S LAW / TWO MAN ADVANTAGE / TURBO ACs
CONTINENTAL'S SECOND TO LAST SHOW - 9/16/2006

The Continental's second to last show ever was as close to the early 90's hardcore shows I used to go as you can get. Having taken down all of the famous framed pictures and other decorations that used to be present and also having removed all of those clumsy booths, the Continental was transformed into a dingy hardocre venue of days long gone. What also authenticized the atmosphere was the complete lack of air conditioning and the fact that the guys at the door completely overfilled the place with chain smoking skinheads, punks, Hells Angels, and college kids. The heat, claustrophobia and second hand smoke made me wonder how I ever did this weekend after weekend when I was a wee bit younger.

I got there just in time to see the Turbo ACs who I didn't realize were on the bill. My buddy Tim is their new bass player and I've been wanting to see them for quite awhile. They were good, really good, but not so great that I felt I was listening to something worth writing home about. They are currently set to embark on an enormous world tour, so evidently they're doing something right.

The Turbo ACs were followed by one of my current punk favorites Two Man Advantage . They have by far the most appealing schtick of any band currently in existence; a total committment to hockey, beer, and punk rock. Outfitted with masks, helmets, jerseys, and hockey suspenders, Two Man Advantage tore through a completely beer soaked set of total chaos. It was a sight to behold.

Finally, sometime around 12:15am, Murphy's Law hit the stage to close down the place in true Murphy's Law / Continental fashion. At this point in the night I was absolutely pooped and ready for bed, but the energy they put into going out with a bang really gave me my second wind. Not only did the tunes sound a zillion times tighter than their show at BBs with the Gorilla Biscuits, but the energy was at a peak and the crowd totally ate it up. Whether he was making fun of NYU and straight edge kids or biting into cans of beer and hosing the at that point sweaty and exhausted crowd, Jimmy G and Co. tore the place up.

All in all, it was the perfect send off. It emptimozed and recreated a scene that is more and more becoming nothing but happy memories and nostalgia. Not only is the Continental no more, but Jummy G made many allusions to the band calling it quits after the next album. Without a veteran band like Murphy's Law to rely on for a guaranteed good time and without a place like the Continental or CBGBs to showcase bands like Murphy's Law, a major chapter in underground music is coming to a close and will never be replicated. Everything else will just be a forgery.

2006-09-17T18:24:00.000-04:00

COMEDIANS OF COMEDY - IRVING PLAZA
9/15/06 - HOLY SHIT

This year's Comedians of Comedy show at Irving Plaza pretty much blew last year's show away. The line-up this year included Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Eugene Mirman, and Morgan Murphy. But what put this show over the top was the insane roster of special guest which included David Cross, Nick Swardson, Jon Benjamin, and, one of my personal favorites, Jon Glaser (as Johnny Dingdong).

Here's a quick recap that will never do the show justice. The show ran flawlessly but to the dismay of the staff at Irving Plaza went more than 30 minutes over. This was my first time seeing Morgan Murphy and, in addition to thinking I've found my soul mate, may have found a new top 3 comic. I found her super-dry and monotone delivery too charming for words. Eugene as usual tore it up with a few great bits and what will no doubt be regarded as one of his greatest videos ever. Jon Glaser has got to be one of the greatest characters in comedy today. Every time I see him, he is doing a different character. On Friday he came out comedian Johnny Dingdong, a toe-headed stand-up comedian who essentially makes fun of the audience and eats a 12-inch sub. You had to be there, but it was absolutely hilarious. The show then segued into what for me was probably one of the strongest parts of the evening. David Cross came out and entertained us with about 15 minutes of stand-up before giving up the stage to Jon Benjamin who, as it turned, out was a no show. From there it turned into a very Mr. Show-esque video/live action bit where David and Jon Benjamin took turns being on stage or on the video alternately. Brian and Patton closed things off; Posehn lumbering around the stage with a shitload of great material followed by Patton with a ton of new bits.

After that I got invited to the afterparty at B-Sides, and that is really where the night began. B-Sides was jam packed with my favorite comedians. I basically spent my time in the back sitting with Patton, his wife, Brian Posehn, and Scott Ian from Anthrax. While we were back there drinking Rheingold and shots of Whisky, we were visited by the likes of David Cross, Eugene Mirman, Morgan Murphy, Chris Parnell, and Demitri Martin. I was in hog heaven. Luckily I was drunk as a skunk and felt no sense of shame or nervousness. Here are some pics from the evening:

Patton Oswalt
Morgan Murphy
Eugene Mirman
David Cross
David Cross and Jon Benjamin I
David Cross and Jon Benjamin II
Me, Eugene Mirman, Morgan Murphy, Patton Oswalt
Scott Ian, David Cross, Brian Posehn
Scott Ian, Brian Posehn, Me, Patton Oswalt

2006-09-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

ROGER WATERS - MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
9/13/06 - REVIEW & SETLIST INFO

Image c/o www.pinkfloydnut.com

Last night's Roger Waters performance at Madison Square Garden was probably one of the most personally fulfilling experiences in recent memory. Waters put on a show that not only wowed the audience with incredible visuals and a classic quadrophonic speaker set-up, but he also had us enthralled with a wonderfully ecclectic set-list spanning his solo career and his career with Pink Floyd. Roger traded in the pompous, Tron-like, laser-crazy stage glam that Floyd has beaten into the ground for a more modern, subtle look that uses wonderful lighting, the occasional pyrotechnics, and a HUGE LCD screen. Yes, we were treated to the floating pig and a floating astronaut (a la 2001), but this show FELT like a Waters show, not a Floyd show.

One thing that makes me respect Roger Waters, besides the enormous breadth and depth of his catalogue, is how he doesn't make these Roger Waters shows all about Roger. When Jon Carin, for example, takes the reigns as vocalist, the spotlight on Roger literally fades away and focuses its attention to Carin pushing Roger into the background and making him, simply, the bass player; not the prolific songwriter we're all there to see. It is this attention and appreciation he regards his band with that really reduces the ego factor that could really plague these shows.

As I said, and as you'll see below, the first half of the set was a great representation of his body of work. But the excitement really picked up after their 15-minute break when they were ready to perform Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety. In one of the greatest surprises I've ever experience, Roger Waters brough out Nick Mason to play the entire album with the band. Having seen Mason and Waters at this show and Gilmour and Wright at Gilmour's solo show at Radio City, I was in shock that within the span of a year I will have seen all original members of the band; except Syd, of course.

There were so many wonderful aspects of this show. His touring band was absolutely incredible and even included his son Harry Waters on keyboards. His tributes to Syd Barrett were surprisingly moving and really brought home to me how prolific he was and how much he will be missed; not that I didn't recognize it before, but seeing one of Syd's oldest friends lament the loss was pretty moving. His political overtures were rather scathing and professed a lot of sympathy towards the opression of Palsetenians and the senseless deaths of allied troops in Iraq. It was just a fantastic evening and I was sober for the whole thing for a change.

SETLIST

First Set

* In The Flesh
* Mother
* Set The Controls For the Heart of the Sun
* Shine on You Crazy Diamond
* Have A Cigar
* Wish You Were Here
* Southampton Dock
* Fletcher Memorial Home
* Perfect Sense Part I (w/ floating astronaut
* Perfect Sense Part II
* Leaving Beirut
* Sheep (w/ floating pig)

Second Set

*Dark Side of the Moon, in its entirety, with NICK MASON

Encore

* Another Brick in the Wall Part II (w/ Boys Club of NYC Singers)
* Vera Lynn
* Bring the Boys Back Home
* Comfortably Numb

2006-09-09T00:36:00.000-04:00

MASTODON / CONVERGE / THE BRONX
WEBSTER HALL - 9/8/2006

Holy shit. From start to finish, the Mastodon/Converge/Bronx show completely kicked my nuts into the roof of my mouth. I had never heard The Bronx and probably never would have had they not opened for Mastodon... for some reason the idea of a Southern California based band naming themselves after a burrough of New York City just seemed really lame. But of course my prejudices were unfounded. They do tend to overuse the styles and hooks of their influences and it does come off a bit obvious, but they still kick serious ass and definitely add their own signature to the genre.

Converge was definitely the band I was eager to see; even more so than Mastodon. The Converge family tree branches out to bands like Cave In, Old Man Gloom, Daltonic and Doomriders and I have always been fond of their style. The intensity of their music is really difficult to sufficiently describe. It is simply some of the most heartfelt agression you can imagine. Imagine having someone scream in one ear while a thunder cla explodes in the other.

And what can I say about Mastodon. The setlist they put together for the show was a really good representation of their overall body of work. From start to finish it was a complete onslaught of some of the finest metal since Master of Puppets or Reign in Blood. Everyone there was so into it that for the whole show it felt as though the entire place was on the brink of exploding into one huge mosh pit. But that never happened. There was some shoving, but no actual pit, thank god. There's nothing more pathetic than a half-assed mosh pit.

The Bronx
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Converge
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Mastodon
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2006-09-08T17:53:00.000-04:00

MELVINS LAUNCH MASSIVE US TOUR
* ZILLIONS OF DATES, MAN *

I was browsing around the Melvins Ipecac Page and noticed that they are kicking off an enormous US Tour tonight at WOW Hall in Eugene Oregon. Head over to the Calendar, scroll down to Melvins, and soak it up. They'll be at Maxwell's on 10/16/06 and Warsaw on 10/17/06. Yowza

2006-09-07T16:09:00.000-04:00

ROBERT POLLARD and the ASCENDED MASTERS
* NEW ALBUM AND TOUR *

Good news from the Robert Pollar front. First off, his new album Normal Happiness is coming out on 10/10/06 and folks who buy it will receive a FREE live CD. The album was recorded at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati Ohio on June 24 2006. The show was part of a two day opening stint for Pearl Jam.

In addition, Pollard will tour the US in November in support of this new record. See dates below

Thursday November 9
Bloomington, IN- Bluebird
w/ Nassau

Friday November 10
Chicago, IL- The Abbey Pub
w/ Nassau

Saturday November 11
Dayton, OH- The Foundry
w/ Mitch Mitchell's Terrifying Experience & Murder Your Darlings

Monday November 13
NYC- Bowery Ballroom
w/ Starling Electric

Tuesday November 14
Philadelphia, PA- World Café Live
w/ Starling Electric

Wednesday November 15
Baltimore, MD- Sonar
w/ Portastatic

Friday November 17
Boston, MA- Paradise
w/ Starling Electric

Saturday November 18
Northampton, MA- Pearl Street
w/ Richard Davies

2006-09-07T11:38:00.000-04:00

JAPANTHER / HIGH PLACES
* PUPPET SHOW, MULTI MEDIA EVENT *

Williamsburg's Arm Gallery will host what appears to be a pretty heavy duty event on Friday 9/8/06 featuring art, puppets, and loud loud music. From their myspace blog:

This event will feature Japanther, a mixed media performance by Puppet Kabob with marrionettes, shadow puppets, live music, and projections, and a set by High Places. Entry is $5 or free if you bring a plate of home baked anything because we are hungry and the kitchen isn't finished yet... See flyer below for details. Hope you can make it!

2006-09-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE / TED LEO
* FALL US TOUR *

Death Cab for Cutie and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are embarking on a tour of the US this fall. They land at the Theater and Madison Square Garden on 11/08/06. Tickets are a whopping $50, no including the usual fees. Might be worth it though....

2006-09-04T12:14:00.000-04:00

JESU ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, TOUR
Conqueror and US Tour in 2007

For those of us thirsty for more following the release of Jesu's EP Silver, some very good news has been published on Justin K. Broadrick's blog:

The new Jesu album, recently titled 'Conqueror', is currently at the end of the mixing stage and is about to be mastered. There are 8 songs on 'Conqueror', with a running time of just over 60 minutes. Planned for a February 2007 release on Hydra Head, a U.S tour will coincide with the release, shortly followed by tours of Japan and Europe. More details as they come through...

This would mark Justin's first tour of the US since he was with Godflesh and is incredibly welcome news for die-hard fans like myself. He recently toured Europe with his other project, Final, as the opener... let's hope we can expect the same in the US. Also, Justin has a presence on myspace with the Official Jesu Myspace and the Official Final Myspace.

In other Justin K. Broadrick news:

Aurora Borealis will be releasing a limited edition 12" vinyl only EP featuring 2 new experimental Jesu compositions

Currently being mixed is a limited edition split 12" vinyl EP with Eluvium, this release is a joint venture between Hydra Head and Temporary Residence

In other news there is a new Justin instigated band project - GREY MACHINE, the first album is currently in fruition. Expect something vicious, loose, heavy and psychedelic. More news very soon....

Justin has been invited to join Sunn0))) as a member of the group on their upcoming October 2006 U.K and Ireland tour

Justin recently mixed and produced the Pelican London live show at the Scala from December 2005 from what is to be both a DVD and a limited double vinyl set.

Justin will also be mixing and producing an ISIS one off performance of 'Oceanic' in its entirety, performed in London as part of the ATP festival in July 2006

2006-08-24T10:29:00.000-04:00

DEATH METAL COMES TO BROOKLYN
FEATURING ** DEICIDE ** 10/20/06

Williamsburg, prepare to be annihilated. North Six will be host to a 7 band death metal explosion on October 20th. Deicide will be headlining. Openers include Nachtmystium, Daath, Embalmer, Desolation, Godless Rising, and Dimentianon.

Tickets are $25.00. In the name of Satan, I reject this image of God; but I accept this image of Glen Benton

2006-08-20T20:15:00.000-04:00

CONTINENTAL'S LAST SHOW EVER
FEATURING * MURPHY'S LAW * 9/16/06

The Continental is a weird venue. For years they showcased some of the best punk and hardcore acts around. Then, they started booking everybody and their mother and it became a pretty tedious place to see or even play a show. I mean, even I've played there (three or four times) and wasn't ever really in a decent band. Alas, they are closing their doors and what better way to say good-bye than with a Murphy's Law show.

Tickets are on Ticketweb, but they're confusing to find.

If you do a search for "Murphy's Law" on Ticketweb, the show doesn't appear.

If you do a search for "Continental" on Ticketweb, the show doesn't appear.

However, if you do a search for "Continental" on Ticketweb, and then click on the word Continental under one of the other upcoming shows listed, you will get to a page that HAS the Murphy's Law show listed.

Don't forget that Murphy's Law is also on tour with the Gorilla Biscuits

2006-08-20T18:24:00.001-04:00

TODD BARRY & DOUG STANHOPE
9/8/06, PIANOS NYC

This is already sold out and I have no idea how I missed it, but Todd Barry and Doug Stanhope are doing a show at Pianos in NYC on Friday September 8th, 2006. I don't have a ticket but am doing my best to get one... hope to see you there.

2006-08-20T18:11:00.000-04:00

TED LEO
FREE SHOW AT SOUTH STREET SEAPORT, NYC

Don't forget!!!! Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are playing a free show at South Street Seaport on Friday August 25, 2006. DC Snipers and Tokyo Plice Club (who are fucking awesome) are also playing. My brother will be coming down from Providence for this show and to help build Omar form The Mars Volta's studio in Greenpoint. Good times.

2006-08-20T18:02:00.000-04:00

COMEDIANS OF COMEDY CANCEL WARSAW SHOW

Hey Gang! One of the two NYC Comedians of Comedy appearances have been cancelled; WARSAW. Tickets for the Warsaw show will be honored at the Irving Plaza show. From the myspace page:

Hey everybody. Well, I'm afraid we've got some bad news for all of you in Brooklyn, our Warsaw show has been cancelled. I know, I know, we're sad too, but that's what's happened. Anybody that's purchased tickets for this show, your tickets will be honored for the Irving Plaza show the next nite. We're sorry to announce such news, but that's sometimes the price of high quality laughter. Obviously, any street teamers that were sent posters, please don't post put any up as it'd just cause confusion for the Irving Plaza gig. We're really excited to see everybody on this upcoming tour! Buy tickets early and please, get us some more scotch!

-Love, COC

And from Patton Oswalt Himself

Sadly, we're working with a new booking agency, and they're used to rock bands and such. Thus, they panicked when they saw that Eugene does a lot of regular shows in New York, and that I'd be doing a show in November at Caroline's. They somehow think this will curb ticket sales. It was going to be too much hassle to convince them otherwise, so we figured we'd cancel the Warsaw to quell their fears, and fold everything into the Irving Plaza show. Rest assured, we're going to make the Irving Plaza show VERY special, so that when we come back, we'll get to do both shows. We were very much looking forward to the Warsaw, and we're sorry about any last-minute hassles. This does mean we'll have Thursday the 14th off in NY, which means we'll secretly be dropping into someone's shows somewhere.

2006-08-13T18:34:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING! FRANK BLACK
Playing Brooklyn & Manhattan

Frank Black is playing a zillion shows in NYC. Some are acoustic, some are with a full rockin' band. Some are with the Foo Fighters, some aren't. No matter what, if you can't make it to at least one of these shows, you're a dildo (*).

8/19/06 - Southpaw, Brooklyn, NY 2 shows SOLD OUT

8/21/06 - Beacon Theatre, New York, NY (opening up for Foo Fighters)

10/20/06 - Warsaw, Brooklyn, NY

10/23/06 - Irving Plaza, New York, NY

(*)you're not really a dildo

2006-08-13T18:29:00.000-04:00

VENOM RESCHEDULED THEIR NYC DATE!

Heads up metalheads!!! Venom rescheduled their NYC appearance! The show is now on September 5th at Irving Plaza.

2006-08-13T18:23:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING! TV ON THE RADIO
* IRIVING PLAZA 10/17/06
* IRVING PLAZA 10/18/06

TV on the Radio are embarking on a pretty massive US tour this fall, with two NYC apperances. TICKETS ARE FINALLY posted on ticketmaster as yet, but with their fees on the rise I suggest a visit to the Irving Plaza box office.

2006-08-11T18:06:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING! RED SPAROWES
* MERCURY LOUNGE 8/26/06
* NORTH SIX 8/27/06

I saw the Red Sparowes at NorthSix last year and was transfixed by their performance. Loud, beautiful, droning-yet-extremely-melodic music played in a dark club with some creepy, Godflesh-esque projections in the background... I have been obsessed with them since last year and am cranked to see what they'll bring this year. Oh, and since Clifford Meyer will be missing this tour because he is currently with Isis, who is touring with Tool, Trevor De Brauw from Pelican will be joining the band on this tour.

2006-08-08T10:22:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING! COMEDIANS OF COMEDY
WARSAW 9/14 & IRVING PLAZA 9/15

The last time the Comedians of Comedy came to town, they showed my friends and I the time of our lives. Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Zack Galifianakis, and Maria Bamford, with the help of the Fugeddabuddies, not only gave us some of the best comedy ever, but we got to hang out back stage with people like Yo La Tengo, Horatio Sanz, Brian, Jon Glaser, Bobby Tisdale and that dude from Chunklet, and so many other comedic idols. It was truly one of the greatest nights of my life. Now, according to their myspace page they are embarking on another tour, this time with Eugene Mirman. Their Warsaw gig is already on Ticketmaster, but their Irving show has yet to show up. Ticket master doesn't list Maria or Zack, but I pray to God they're there. Also, there will be a ton of surprise guests. I will be at both shows for sure.

2006-08-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

ARTHUR MAGAZINE vs. GODSMACK

This is great. The famously left indie magazine Arthur was inexplicably asked to interview the front man of the famously knuckleheaded, pro-war, Rah Rah America Rulz! band Godsmack. What ensues is exactly what you think would happen during such an interview. Check it out.

* Note to Godsmack's publicists: Do a little research next time

2006-08-03T16:03:00.000-04:00

SLEATER KINNEY @ WEBSTER HALL / TIM ROBBINS, A DOUCHE - 8/2/06

Sleater Kinney played their final NYC show ever to a sweaty, sold-out crowd at Webster Hall last night. I haven't seen them in years and couldn't have fathomed a more incredible NYC send off. They sounded so unbelievable and, despite the scorching temperatures, the crowd simply couldn't get enough. Luckily they were filming the show in hi-def for an upcoming DVD release so there's always that to look forward to. I was able to grab a show set list and an encore set list. More pics from the show below. And, incidentally, Tim Robbins was at the show and I tried to give him a quick 'Hello' but he put his hands up and gave me a disgusting 'Ick get the fuck away with me' look. I didn't accost him or anything and was barely afforded the opportunity to get the 'h' in 'hello' out. What a rude douche.

THE ROGERS SISTERS:
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SLEATER KINNEY:
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2006-07-31T15:41:00.000-04:00

JAPANTHER! - UPCOMING US / UK TOUR

Japanther is a fucking brilliant band and deserves mentioning. They are embarking on a large scale US / Europe tour. If they are in your neighborhood or nearby, fucking go. They're on the road with The Underground Railroad To Candyland, baby richard, Good Good, and This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb. Dates below.

* * * * US TOUR * * * *

AUG 4th, 2006 NY, NY @ C Squat btwn 9th and 10th on AVE C. TBIAPB!

AUG 5th Brooklyn, NY Outdoor Todd P show www.toddpnyc.com FESTIVAL

AUG 6th Ithaca, NY at Cast Aways www.castawaysithaca.com 413 Taughannock Blvd. Ithaca, NY

AUG 7th Buffalo, NY at Kitchen Distibution 20 Auburn Avenue Buffalo, NY 14213 with Rat Rasturd

AUG 8th Pittsburgh, PA @ ON 5005 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224

AUG 9th Cleveland, OH at the Church 2681 west 14th st. (Tremont)

AUG 10th Detriot, MI @ Trumbullplex 4210 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48208 (313) 832-1845

AUG 11th Bloomington, IN @ Rhino's 331 S. Walnut Street Bloomington, IN

AUG 12th Chicago, IL Mauled By Tigers fest @ Beat Kitchen 2100 W. Belmont (773) 281-444 w/ Bananas, This bikes a pipe bomb, Defiance Ohio Underground Railroad to Candyland

AUG 13th Milwaukee, WI THE SHOREWOOD LEGION HALL 4121 N. WILSON SHOREWOOD DOORS: 6PM

AUG 14th MPLS, MN at 629 Cedar Avenue Triple Rock (2 shows: all ages early and ID late)

AUG 15th Pierre, SD Oahe Room 125 W. Pleasant Drive, Pierre, SD 57501

AUG 16th Billings, MT Cafe Eleven11 2526 Montana Ave Billings, MT 59101

AUG 18th, Missoula, MT at Raven Cafe 130 E. Broadway, Missoula MT 59802

AUG 19th Seattle, WA Capitol Hill Art Center 500 Boren Ave N Seattle Wa 98109 www.conworks.org

AUG 20th, 2006 Olympia, Wa @ Manuim 421 4th Ave. East Olympia WA.

AUG 21st Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom 128 NE Russell, Portland, OR 97212 503.284.8686

AUG 22nd Davis, CA Cafe Roma, 231 E Street, (530) 756-1615.

AUG 23rd Oakland, CA benefit for books to prisoners at Lobot gallery 1800 Campbell St. Oakland 94607.

AUG 24th SF, CA Hemlock tavern 1131 Polk Street SF, CA

AUG 25th LA, CA The Smell www.thesmell.org 247 S. Main St. LA, CA with Bi Polar Bear and A++

AUG 26th LBC, CA Babe's Wherehouse

AUG 27th Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse Saloon 124 South 11th st. Downtownd Las Vegas, NV 89101

AUG 29th Flagstaff, AZ All Ages early (The Hive 319 S. San Fransisco St) ID late (Monte Vista Lounge 100 N. San Francisco St.)

AUG 31st Denton, TX Rubber Gloves 411 E. Sycamore St.

Sept 1st, 2006 Austin, TX @ Okay Mountain 1312 Cesar Chavvez, STe. B Austin, TX 78702

Sept 2nd, 2006 New Orleans, LA @ BIG TOP 1638 Clio St. NOLA 70130

Sept 3rd Birmingham, AL @ Cave 9

Sept 4th Pensacola, FL SLUGGO'S 130 N. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL 32501-4839 (850) 435-0543

Sept 7th Richmond, VA Gallery 5 200 West Marshall St. RVA.

Sept 9th Vassar College Upstate NY

Sept 15th Swarthmore College, @ the Castle outside Philly, PA>

* * * * EUROPE TOUR * * * *

Sept 20-24th Nicosia, Cypress!!!!!!!

Sept 24th, 2006 su. 24.09 NL - Tilburg, Zuid bij Zuidwest Festival

mo. 25.09 NL - Amsterdam, OCCI

tu. 26.09 GER - Hannover, Cafe Glocksee free sho

we. 27.09 GER - Berlin, West Germany

th. 28.09 PL - tba (Poland)

fr. 29.09 GER - Dresden, Art der Kultur

sa. 30.09 GER - Koeln, Kulturbunker Muelheim (P&I Festival)

su. 01.10 GER - Trier, Ex-Haus + Spacehorse

mo. 02.10 F - Paris venue tba

tu. 03.10 F - Lyon, venue tba

we. 04.10 I - Genova, venue tba

th. 05.10 I - tba

fr. 06.10 SUI - Geneve, L'Usine

sa. 07.10 GER - Esslingen, Komma

su. 08.10 GER - München, Kafe Kult

mo. 09.10 A - Wien, Chelsea

tu. 10.10 GER - Leipzig, Frühauf

we. 11.10 GER - Bielefeld, AJZ

th. 12.10 GER - Mainz, KUZ

fr. 13.10 F - Metz, Le Tunnel

2006-07-18T17:01:00.000-04:00

SPIRITUALIZED - UPCOMING UK TOUR - STUDIO NEWS

After a brief illness, a lengthy silence and not too much activity, J. Spaceman is embarking on a small Autumn UK tour and is commencing work on the next highly anticipated (by me at least) Spiritualized album

From the Spiritualized website:

Spaceman is set to embark on a rare acoustic 9-date tour of the UK this Autumn. The dates will showcase some of the songs from the forthcoming Spiritualized album as well as tracks from the Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized catalogues and songs from other artists. He will be accompanied on all dates by a string quartet, gospel singers and Doggen on Fender Rhodes. Spaceman has also resumed work mixing the follow-up to the hugely successful Top 5 album, 'Amazing Grace', which was halted last year due to serious illness. The new album, now due for release in early 2007, is described by Spaceman as being 'the work of the devil……with a little guidance from me.'

2006-07-18T14:59:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING! MASTODON HEADLINGING US TOUR

The last time I saw Mastodon was at the Bowery Ballroom on May 12th, 2005. Since then they have been playing these enormous arena shows with the likes of Slayer and other bigshots. Refusing to submit to a ridiculous trip to Camden to see these guys, I've been patiently awaiting a headlining tour of smaller venues. My, OUR, prayers have been answered as the band has recently announced a US tour. They will be supported by Converge and The Bronx. They hit Webster Hall on September 8th.

THERE IS A PRESALE GOING ON RIGHT NOW FOR MOST DATES

2006-06-27T18:30:00.000-04:00

MOISTBOYZ! LIVE JIHAD DVD RELEASE
(FILMED AT BOWERY BALLROOM 9/2005)

Back in September of 2005 I checked out the Moistboyz at Bowery Ballroom here in good ole NYC. Being drunk and oblivious at the time, I stood in the front row for most of the show and had no idea the performance was being filmed for an eventual DVD release. Cut to a few weeks ago when I happen to hear that their Bowery performance was coming out on DVD as Live Jihad. I just got it in the mail. The performance is great and, goddamnit, my ugly mug is all over that damned thing. As a matter of fact, there are several cutaway shots that show just me waving my fist. On the one hand, I am pretty cranked that Ferrari Hat is getting free exposure... on the other hand, I am pretty embarassed because I look like a dufus....

2006-06-27T18:23:00.000-04:00

RADIOHEAD - THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - 6/14/06

My faith in humanity has been restored. Weeks later, I am still in shock. After wading through hundreds of craigslist ads, eBay auctions, and StubHub listings, I felt as though the chances of seeing Radiohead at the Theater at Madison Square Garden was abso-fucking-lutely nil. Then one day I stumbled upon the website Ateaseweb, an unofficial Radiohead fan site. I kept checking their message board for tickets and one day there appeared an ad for 1 ticket at face value. Miraculously I was the first person to respond and thus got an amazing ticket for their 6/14/06 show for not a penny more than face. The show was incredible, my faith in humanity has been restored, and I am a happier man for it.

2006-06-04T13:16:00.000-04:00

REVIEW! WOLFMOTHER - WEBSTER HALL NYC - 6/3/06

Wolfmother tore up Webster Hall last night. Review, set-list information, and more will be published soon. Until then, 'enjoy' these pics I took at the show:

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2006-05-25T00:17:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING - DAVID CROSS, EUGENE MIRMAN, MIKE BIRBIGLIA & MORE - DOUG BENSON INTERRUPTION - UCB THEATER NYC - 6/2/06

UCB Theater strikes again with another superb show. On Friday 6/2/06, the Doug Benson Interruption comes to the UCB Theater New York. He will be joined by guests David Cross, Mike Birbiglia, Eugene Mirman and, according to the website, MORE. Reservations, as usual, are cheap as hell.

Fri Jun 2, 2006
w/David Cross, Mike Birbiglia, Eugene Mirman, & more!
Midnight $8
UCBT NYC

2006-05-25T00:04:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING - GORILLA BISCUITS TOUR 2006

Holy shit. It has been announced that the Gorilla Biscuits will tour in the summer of 2006. What's more, they will be in NYC at BB Kings on September 2nd. When they played CBs I baked in the sun for 4 hours and then got hosed in a torrential downpour for another hour and didn't even get in. Let's hope ticketmaster helps me out. This is worth the convenience charge. Oh, and at their BB Kings gig they will be joined by Murphys Law. Hot damn! Tour dates:

08/04/2006 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
08/05/2006 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium Downstairs
08/06/2006 - Philadelphia, PA @ Starlite Ballroom
08/07/2006 – Auburn, NY @ Auburn Public Theatre
08/08/2006 - Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques
08/09/2006 – Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
08/10/2006 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabodys Downunder
08/11/2006 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
08/12/2006 – West Dundee, IL @ Clearwater Theatre
08/13/2006 – Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
08/15/2006 – Denver, CO @ Cervantes
08/16/2006 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
08/17/2006 - San Francisco, CA @ Pound SF
08/18/2006 - San Francisco, CA @ Pound SF
08/19/2006 – Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse
08/20/2006 – Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
08/21/2006 - TBA
08/22/2006 - San Diego, CA @ Soma
08/23/2006 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Clubhouse
08/25/2006 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
08/26/2006 - TBA
08/27/2006 – Houston, TX @ Meridian
08/29/2006 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
08/30/2006 – Nashville, TN @ Rocket Town
08/31/2006 - Richmond, VA @ Alley Katz
09/01/2006 – Baltimore, MD @ Otto Bar
09/02/2006 – New York, NY @ BB King’s

2006-05-24T18:55:00.000-04:00

WANTED! ONE RADIOHEAD TICKET - THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

The Radiohead at Madison Square Garden ticket scalping climate is absolutely frustrating me to death. I cannot seem to find a single ticket at a price that is even remotely reasonable or sane. I just want one ticket, anywhere, for as close to face as possible. End of story. If anyone reads this, break the goddamned mold and help a fan out. Enough of this weasling bullshit.

2006-05-22T18:04:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING! DAVE HILL EXPLOSION w/ FRED ARMISEN, MALCOLM GLADWELL, & WALTER SCHREIFELS - 5/24/06

The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater's Dave Hill Explosion features some pretty sweet guests this week, including Walter Schreifels of Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, and Rival Schools. Tickets are 5 bucks, dork.

Dave Hill Explosion
UCB Theater, New York, NY
w/Fred Armisen, Malcolm Gladwell, & Walter Schreifels
9:30 pm $5