Maroon 5 @ Bryant Park, NYC 6/27, review

Waking up at 4a.m. for the purpose of going to a Good Morning America concert that didn’t instantly interest me when I heard of it, but was appealing for my friends, shows the love I have towards them and how influential we can all be on each other. I ventured with two friends and meet up with one at Bryant Park to see Maroon 5 perform a few songs, including rehearsal songs, which included “Harder to Breathe,” "Makes me Wonder," "She Will be Loved," "If I Never See Your Face Again" and "It Won't Be Soon Before Long." Thousands showed up for this free event. It was nothing spectacular, but it was a fun time, with my friends.

Some video is available here.

Other GMA Concerts include:
Friday, July 4 -- Chaka Khan
Friday, July 18 -- Miley Cyrus
Monday, July 25 -- Feist
Friday, Aug 1 -- Broadway cast of the hit musical "Rent"
Friday, Aug 8 -- The Jonas Brothers

Concerts are free and start at 8:30am in NYC’s Bryant Park. Fans are encouraged to arrive by 7am.

Bomb the Music Industry! @ Knitting Factory, 6/24 review

A sense of camaraderie and unity filled the sold out tap bar space at Knitting Factory for the Bomb the Music Industry! show. All the bands were friends of each others, helped each other by sharing equipment, and all provided some type of punk music that proved to be a fun time.

Cheeky, a 4-piece from NY played upbeat/ garage punk that really got me pumping my fist in the air and bobbing my head. They played songs off their Choke on a Cheeseburger ep, notably “Get Outta Here,” which closed the set.

Bridge and Tunnel featured an indie/ rock punk brand of dual female/male vocals. They put on a great set. It sounds like their influences are Cursive and Hot Water Music.

Lemuria was lighter than the other bands. The vocalists sounded okay at points, but I couldn’t here the vocals too well. Singer Sheena said how thankful she is to be on the show with some awesome bands. Her vocals reminded me of Crissie of Element 101. The show toned down at this point, but it was lovely.

The Ergs! From New Brunswick, New Jersey were up next. They were a band I remember reading about on Jersey Beat, and whom Jim Testa and my friend said I would enjoy. Boy, were they right. The band had the crowd all over the place, dancing and having a ton of fun. There was even crowd surfing and someone pretty much climbed the ceiling, ha. Fun, fun passionate punk.

Bomb the Music Industry! played an overall great punk set, despite some problems. They came on unprepared and with broken equipment. They started rather out of sorts. It picked up and the music was fun, but everything was random and I got turned off from them. There were a bunch of hardcore fans that danced through the entire set and sang along, which was nice. BMTI make all its music free. You can find the download link on their MySpace page.

Check out these bands, they're great.
7/2 Lemuria with The Loved Ones @ Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ. $8
7/5 Cheeky with Screaming Females @ Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ. $8
8/17 Bomb the Music Industry! with Rancid @ Irving Plaza in NY, NY- SOLD OUT.
8/23 The Ergs (headline) with For Science @ Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ. $8

Female Fronted Rock News

Walls of Jericho’s new song “The American Dream” is available for stream on its MySpace page. The song is the title track off its fourth full length due out July 29th. The band will be playing all summer long on the Mayhem Festival with Slipknot, Machine Head, Five Finger Death Punch and more.

Tegan and Sara will embark on a Fall U.S tour with City and Colour and Girl in a Coma. It will be band’s last tour in support of 2007’s “The Con.” The band will be at Terminal 5, the place they sold out in May, but this time for two dates, October 5 and 6. Tickets are available for $32.

For the grindcore fans, Fuck the Facts are touring the U.S. in August and September on the Grinding into Cataclysm tour with Psyopus, War from the Harlots and Left to Vanish. The tour kicks off in New York City at Knitting Factory, followed by dates in Poughkeepsie and Rochester.

The band said, "This will be our first U.S. tour in over a year and our first full U.S. tour in almost two years. We'll also be pushing our new album, 'Disgorge Mexico', which will see a U.S. release on July 22nd. So buy that shit, memorize it and make us feel bad if we fuck something up live."

The Champagne Charade have announced two shows, July 17th at Arlene’s Grocery in New York City and July 19th at The Clash Bar in Clifton, New Jersey with Burbis. The band are also doing a live interview at 89.5 FM WSOU on July 2 to debut its 3 song demo and discuss news and future plans.


Stay tuned for more news.

Where I'll Be This Week.

Tuesday June 24
Bomb the Music Industry!, Lemuria, The Ergs!, Bridge And Tunnel, Cheeky Knitting Factory in NYC. $8. 6pm.

Friday 27 June 2008
Maroon 5 @ Bryan Park in NYC. FREE. 8:30am.
AND
Cold War Kids, Sam Champion, Elvis Perkins In Dearland @ Prospect Park in Brooklyn. FREE. 7pm.

Saturday June 28
Titus Andronicus, Emperor X, Obits, Blood City @ East River Amphitheater in NYC. FREE. 2pm.
And
Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, Belaire, @ Vivian Girls @ Market Hotel in Brooklyn. 8pm. $?


Fun times.

Maria Taylor @ Knitting Factory, NYC 6/18- review

Maria Taylor performed at the Knitting Factory to a modestly sized, passionate, and excited crowd, for an evening of lovely, lush, acoustic/ indie folk rock. Opening was friends Johnathan Rice and Nik Freitas. The sound was excellent, especially when Maria started. Her voice was clear and beautiful. Most of the musicians collaborated with one another, including Freitas playing guitar for both Rice and Taylor, and Taylor playing drums for Rice. Good indie rock, new songs, and near swooning was in store at this show.

Nik Freitas performed some very nice songs lyrically and acoustically, but the vocals didn't seem right. Though, his presence wasn’t that captivating the lyrics really touched me. After a few songs he really shined. Songs included, “All the Way Down,” and “Sun Down.” He recently opened for Rilo Kiley and will be playing with Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band this summer. Good for him.

Next was Johnathan Rice who played a sincere, heartfelt set. Maria played drums for him. His lyrics seemed to be about dealing with loss and love. He clearly is one who has gone through a lot of struggle and it's heard in his songs. Although not my typical taste, I enjoyed Rice and it was nice to listen to something a little different. He's dating Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley. Good for him.

Maria Taylor was lovely and captivating, for her light rock/ acoustic performance. She started with a stripped down version of “A Good Start,” coming off her 7-song digital EP Savannah Drive. The EP is a collection of favorite songs from 11:11 and Lynn Teeter Flower and new songs, all performed acoustically. She played four new songs, including the self titled track to her new album "Lady Luck," a cover of Skeeter Davis’ “End of the World,” and “Song Beneath the Song,” “Clean Getaway,” and “The Ballad of Sean Folley." "Xanax," a near 6-minute power start of a song about fear "ended" the set. The band really jammed on this one.

She was comical at points, like when someone in the crowd shouted, "You look really pretty," and she replied, “Thanks, that’s weird considering I really haven’t slept or bathed in a very long time (laughs). Must be the red wine."

The encore was mostly by request and started with “Speak Easy.” Somewhere in this set Taylor invited her sister up to play percussion and sing. It was cute. Next was “Replay,” which someone shouted they wanted to hear. Maria was unsure about playing it. Though she reacquainted herself with the song, said it was her first time playing it on this tour, and that she might forget the lyrics so the crowd has to help her out. "Replay" is filled with great lines:

“So with dignity and grace/ Boy you'd have to erase/All the things in your mind/that replay and replay and replay and replay and replay/The things that made you cry/that you forgave, you let go by/or you will push the one that you love out of your life/out of your life.”

This verse speaks perfection for me and I love it when I am able to connect with an artists lyrics in this way. She had the crowd choose either "Two of those two," or "Leap Year." The crowd choose the tear jerker, about a long distance relationship. "I will wait for you/ But please come soon."

Maria Taylor @ Knitting Factory, 6/18- Setlist

Setlist:
A Good Start
Lady Luck (New)
Song beneath the song
Clean Getaway
? (New)
Birmingham 1982
Orchid (New)
The Ballad of Sean Foley
Time Lapse Lifeline (New)
End of the World (Skeeter Davis Cover)
Xanax
Encore:
Speak Easy
Replay (By request, first time she's played it on this tour)
Leap Year

Review to follow.

This Week in Female Fronted Band News

This week in female fronted band news, Light this City breaks up, Walls of Jericho release album sampler, Shiragirl debut a new song, The Champagne Charade set up an interview on WSOU, and more on Otep and Mankind is Obsolete.

Light This City have called it quits after canceling all its upcoming shows. An official statement from the band is available here.

Hardcore stalwarts Walls of Jericho’s new album “American Dream” is available for pre-order here. An album teaser of all 12 tracks is available here. Of the album, Candace says "We've put all that we have into this new record, and trust me; it is extremely heavy. Right now we're calling it a 'thrash metal delicacy'." "The American Dream" will be released on July 29th. The band are performing on this year’s Mayhem Festival alongside Slipknot, Machine Head, and Dragonforce.

Shiragirl have world premiered its new song “Days” on its MySpace page. Additionally, there are new studio versions of “Anthem,” “Reklys,” and “Tantrum” on the site. All four songs will on the band’s EP/CD “Coming Soon,” out this summer on Warped Tour and all Shiragirl shows. A full length album is expected this Fall.

The Champagne Charade will debut its new songs, discuss news, shows, and plans for the future in an interview at Seton Hall’s radio station, 89.5 FM WSOU on Wednesday, July 2nd during the show "No Man's Land". You can steam the station on-line here. Their new song, "Chasing Down the Sunset," is available on the band's MySpace page.

Otep are working on a live DVD to be filmed during their upcoming shows. The band hopes that “anyone that attends a designated filming site will bring all of your passion & creativity. Burning in the pits, serpent grrrlz, body painting, fire dance!!! Let’s show the world what real fans are all about.” More details are coming soon.

Mankind is Obsolete are in the running for a chance to play the Warped Tour. To vote for them visit http://warpedtour.battleofthebands.com Click on the link, register, then click on the search button and type in Mankind is Obsolete. You can rate the band, the songs, leave a comment, and vote. You can vote once a day everyday.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists @ Maxwell's, review and tour dates

Bloomfield, New Jersey's Ted Leo and the Pharmacists performed at Maxwell's in Hoboken with Variety Shac, to a sold out crowd. Variety Shac, a four piece variety show featuring music and comedy was entertaining. Each women had their own comical intrigue that had me chuckling for their half hour show.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists would grace the stage at 10:10 pm. where they played a solid hour and half set. Filled with new songs, cuts off all their releases, and a cover, the outfit simply rocked. Their brand of indie/ punk rock was pulled off amazingly, making me shake my head and dance around, right up front.

"Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone," and "The High Party" were some of my favorite selections from the bands "Hearts of Oak." They group played a ton of songs, that I don't recall at the moment. If feels nice to know that I saw Ted Leo and the Pharmacists at a 200-capacity venue before they play a 20, 000 capacity venue at NYC's Madison Square Garden opening for Pearl Jam next week. It really doesn't get much better than that and this four piece certainly deserve it.

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - 2008 Tour Dates:
Jun 19 - Susquehanna Bank Center Camden, New Jersey *
Jun 20 - Susquehanna Bank Center Camden, New Jersey *
Jun 21 - Gallery 5 Richmond, Virginia
Jun 22 - Verizon Center Washington, Washington DC *
Jun 24 - Madison Square Garden New York, New York *
Jun 25 - Madison Square Garden New York, New York *
Jun 26 - Cunneen Hackett Theatre Poughkeepsie, New York
Jun 27 - New England Dodge Music Center Hartford, Connecticut *
Jun 28 - Tweeter Center Mansfield Massachusetts *
Jun 30 - Tweeter Center Mansfield, Massachusetts *
Jul 17 - Castle Clinton, Battery Park New York
(Information on this free performance available here.)
*With Pearl Jam

Where I'll Be This Week.

This summer consists of plenty of shows, of all genres, mostly free either in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Woodbridge, and if I'm lucky some other places in New Jersey. I'll keep you updated on which shows I'm going to.

This week I'll be at the sold out Ted Leo show at Maxwell's, The Ting Tings free Apple Store performance in NYC, Maria Taylor at Knitting Factory, and an alternative night at Club Europa featuring HydroVibe.

Monday June 16, 2008- 9pm
Bloomfield Vegan Presents: Ted Leo and The Pharmacists with Variety Shack
Maxwell's
1013 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ
SOLD OUT. All Ages.
(Indie-Rock from Bloomfield, NJ. This is Leo and company's' show before they play with Pearl Jam)

Tuesday June 17, 2008- 6pm
The Ting Tings
Apple Store SoHo
103 Prince Street, New York, NY
FREE. All Ages.
(English Electro-Pop Duo. Fun, catchy, and dancey. New album "We Started Nothing" out now.)

Wednesday June 18, 2008- 7pm
Maria Taylor, Johnathan Rice, Nik Freitas
Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St, New York, NY
$12 advance, $15 door. All Ages.
(Singer songwriter, indie/ pop rock. Lush and sincere.)

Thursday June 19, 2008- 7pm
HydroVibe, Aphonia, Vaeda, A Life Like Story
Club Europa, 98 Meserole Ave, New York, NY
$10 advance, $12 doors. All Ages.
(Alternative rock show. 3 of the 4 bands are female fronted.)

TM Promotions Presents: Alternative Night in Brooklyn on June 19

TM Promotions Presents: Hydrovibe, Aphonia, Vaeda, and A Life Like Story at Club Europa in Brooklyn, NY on Thursday, June 19. All Ages. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 7pm.

Alternative rockers HydroVibe are headlining the night, along with Ambient rockers Aphonia, alt rockers Vaeda, and alternative-pop rockers A Life Like Story. So come on down and enjoy some great music at a nice club.

Isaac Hayes @ Prospect Park, Brooklyn 6/12

To kick off 30 years of free concerts at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Bandshell, soul, funk, and r & b singer, 2002 Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and all around entertainer Isaac Hayes performed with his 9-piece band on June 12 for Celebrate Brooklyn.

Thousands turned out for the event, filling the bandshell with a sea of people. To witness everyone in one area for the sole purpose of hearing a legend was a thrill to me. The sight at the park was beautiful, the set up was nice, and I was able to snag a sit up front on the right side of the stage with my close friend. It was exciting to be apart of such a special night and hear so many of his hit songs.


Hayes came out at 8:20 p.m. decked in his long black jacket and signature wraparound shades. 40 minutes into the groovy set, the members and Hayes made their way off the stage while the drummer and percussionist performed an amazing 5 minute duet. Then everyone came back to continue playing songs for another 50 minutes. The sound was great, and the band performed amazingly causing me to move around in my seat.

He played songs such as “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Walk on By,” “Joy,” “Do Your Thing,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and “Soul Man.” There was a bass solo, there was a guitar solo, a drum duet, and then there was the “Theme from Shaft,” to close the set. For the first time of the night Hayes wasn’t behind his keyboard playing. He stood up, conducting his band like an orchestra, oddly enough with no horns, for the opening, before turning around to sing Shaft. Some footage from the concert is here.

With each song the diverse crowd of thousands, young and old, seemed to respond and explode into a beautiful passion, singing and dancing in the perfect weather. The smiles I saw made me happy and even more excited. I would’ve never thought I’d have the opportunity to see Isaac Hayes for such a huge celebration, for free. I could hear the influence he brought today’s artists and witnessed the impact and beauty of his sexy, funk music. What an honor and a privilege.

Also, photos are available here.

Celebrate Brooklyn is a program of BRIC Arts providing a summer of music, dance, theater, and film at Prospect Park Bandshell. Its season consists of 25 free performances over 9 weeks.

Upcoming Events include:

Saturday June 14- Miriam Makeba, 7:30pm
Thursday, June 19- Medeski Martin & Wood, 7pm
Saturday June 22, Salif Keita, 6pm
Thursday, June 26- Carolina Chocolate Drops, 7:30pm
Friday June 27- Cold War Kids, 7pm
Saturday, June 28- Crooklyn Dodgers Reunion, 7pm

More information and the rest of the season's events available at Prospect Park’s website.

As Tall As Lions Play Shows in July, working on New Material

The lovely, ambient rockers from Long Island, As Tall As Lions will be performing two shows at Maxwell's in Hoboken and The Mercury Lounge in NYC to test out some of its new material.


The band performs an all age's show at Maxwell's, 1039 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ on July 8. $10 advance/$12 doors. 9pm. Tickets available here.

Two days later, they play a 21+ show at Mercury Lounge, 217 E Houston St, NYC. $12 advance/ $14 doors. Tickets available here.

The band is working on material for it's third full length. The band's latest, Into The Flood EP, was released on ITunes last winter as a digital only release.

Here's a snippet of the band working in the studio.

This Week in Female Fronted Rock & Metal News

As a devoted listener to the female fronted bands, I bring you what I hope will be a weekly news update on them. In This Moment is finishing up its new album, Walls of Jericho plan a summer release, Within Temptation release CDs in the U.S., Light this City cancels tour, and more.

Plus, Iwrestledabearonce get signed and The Champagne Charade release a new song!


UPDATED NEWS:
Louisiana's electronic/ grindcore band Iwrestledabearonce have been signed to Century Media records. The grouped formed in early-2007, self release a six song EP later that year. They are currently on a Canadian tour.

New Jersey's The Champagne Charade have made a new song, "Chasing Down the Sunset" available on its MySpace page. The band also made its 2007 "Takeover" EP available for download from the site.

FROM THE PAST WEEK:
California's In This Moment are in the studio working with producer Kevin Churko in Las Vegas. The outfit expect to release its second album late 2008 on Century Media.

Detroit's Walls of Jericho plan to release its new album "The American Dream" on July 29th through Trustkill. The band are currently on tour, with a ton of upcoming dates including a stint on this summer's Mayhem Festival in the U.S. with Slipknot and Disturbed.

Dutch symphonic metalers Within Temptation have announced it will release "Mother Earth" and "The Silent Force," for the first time in the U.S. on August 5 through Roadrunner Records. Additionally, the group will release a new DVD in September.

San Fransisco thrash metal outfit Light this City have canceled all its upcoming tour dates, including its current tour with Death Angel, God Forbid, and Soilent Green and Thrash and Burn featuring Darkest Hour. No official announcement has been made as to why.

Los Angeles art-metalers, OTEP have made its songs "Special Pets," and "Necessary Accessories" available on iTunes. It was previously only available in stores at Best Buy. Click the songs to buy them. Otep has also created a font, visit their MySpace blog for details.

Philadelphia's Tapping the Vein will now release its new album "Another Day Down," on September. It pushed back the release "so our label can promote this thing properly and give proper notice to their distributors," the band said on its MySpace page. Two songs, "Complicate It" and "Party Favours" off the release is available on the page.

What I'm Listening To

Blacklisted @ Knitting Factory, NYC 6/8

Being alone at a hardcore show isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, as I came to experience tonight after seeing Blacklisted, Ceremony, Life Long Tragedy, and Sabertooth Zombie in an early night performance at Knitting Factory in NYC. It went down at the club’s 200 capacity tap bar space. The audience was ready and pumped to witness the onslaught of these bands.

I missed the first band Condominium, but caught most of Sabertooth Zombie, whose brand of hardcore, surprisingly included a real rock n’ roll vibe with punk sounds to. Next was Life Long Tragedy where kids started jumping on each other, close to the foot high stage, hanging from the ceiling, two stepping, and shaking heads. It was with LLT where I saw the crowd really come alive. Ceremony came on motivating with its fast and short songs, causing me to move around and shake a bit at points during the intro and sweet bass parts. Blacklisted closed with a short, but energetic set, playing songs exclusively off their latest release, “Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God.”

I enjoyed watching the crowd get into it, screaming lyrics, and dancing around. I just wished the band would quickly flow from song to the next. I wanted to keep moving, but felt awkward when all of a sudden the music would stop and I had to get back into it again. But, it was great to finally experience a show at the tap bar for the first time. It was such a release. I needed this show.

Shiragirl: Breaking strings and being positively reckless?

Blend the delicious sounds of punk rock and hip hop, a “do your own thing” philosophy, and 5 girls who want to have fun and start a riot (girrrl), and you’ve got Brooklyn’s Shiragirl ready to provoke and allow you to let loose.
The band performed with its new line-up at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, NJ this past Friday with the infamous Donita Sparks (of L7) and SexPod.

Shiragirl’s set was filled with new songs, notably, “Reklys,” “Anthem,” and “Tantrum,” which you can stream on its MySpace page. The new songs were refreshing, the lyrics seemed much stronger and the music more focused and tighter than ever before with its new players. The group’s show is meant to make you dance and sing-along, while Shira moves around members, through the crowd and back, in her pink attire imposing her sexy antics.

After the performance, Shira sat down with me in the basement of the tiny restaurant club of Maxwell’s to discuss the groups new line-up, the new record, and upcoming shows.

Shiragirl is Shira (vocals and lyrics), Rainey P (drums and musical director), Sammy D. Evil (bass), Foxy Roxy (lead guitar), and Jas (rhythm guitar).

Through some serendipitous coincidence and friends, Shiragirl was able to find the right members to bring together a “real band” sound, Shira said.

The band worked with Joey-Z of Life of Agony for its forthcoming, currently untitled, second album at Method of Groove studios in Brooklyn.

Shira describes the music as a fusion of sounds called "punk-hop" with a catchy, melodic feel, screams and raps.

“The record is more rock than anything though,” she said.

The lyrical quality Shira presents is still positive and about expressing yourself.

“The new album is about being yourself, staying in the game, living in the present, getting the most out of everyday, and just learning from experiences,” she said.

Shira attributes a good deal of the record, in part, to drummer Raine, who served as the musical director for the album, helping write guitar and bass parts.

“Her musical innovation and direction shines through on the new record,” said Shira.

Shira also noted how the band makes her feel alive, especially when she performs. It allows her to spread messages she believes in, like feminism.

“It’s important to have a message without being too didactic,” she said. “I think another important aspect of what we do is empowering, especially girls, but everyone in general to be able to express themselves.”

The album is expected out this Fall, but don’t fret until then. In the meanwhile, you can catch the band at an upcoming show, where you can hear tons of new songs and check out the MySpace page for the summer ep album sampler, “COMING SOON.”

The band will be playing its fifth year on select dates on this summer's Warped Tour, bringing back the all-girl, Shiragirl stage. Off dates include a tour with Civet and BlameShift.

Before Warped Tour you can check out Shiragirl's two Brooklyn events. Tonight the band performs an all age’s show at Sputnik, 262 Taafee Place, Brooklyn, NY. $10. 6:30pm.

Next Saturday, June 14, Shiragirl perform a free show at Prospect Park for Brooklyn Pride, alongside a number of diverse acts. Brooklyn Pride is an annual event to commemorate, educate, and promote the Stonewall Riots.

“We look forward to playing Brooklyn Pride,” said Shira. “It’s going to be awesome and a few thousand people should be there, so it’ll be a good crowd. Come out to the shows, visit the website, and spread the word.”

Maxwell's, 6/6/08, Setlist:
Reklys
Drama
GoGoGo
Suburbia
Tantrum
Days
Roll with the CREW
Roxy's
Terror
Anthem

Lites out

Northern State @ Knitting Factory, NYC, 6/3- pics and review

Photos & Story by Star Child

To close their headlining tour, Northern State performed at New York City’s Knitting Factory with a tight line-up that while different fit.

Opening the night was Brooklyn’s Peculiar Gentlemen. This outfit featured seven members- three backing vocalists, a singer, bass player, keyboardist, and drummer. Talk about a band! PG had a fun, old school sound with a soul and rock vibe. The backing singers were beautiful and each got their chance to shine, singing and rapping their own song. It was refreshing to hear a band like this and definitely impressed me.

Next were The Gay Blades, a duo who played insanely well and whose lead singer was all over the place. For a mere two members the bands sound was loud and intense, with the frontman doing all he can to incite a reaction from the crowd. He was entertaining and knows how to put on a show.

Domino, the next band, was female fronted and much lighter than the previous acts. However so, they provided a lovely sound.

Long Island’s rap trio Northern State got the energy level back to the room when they got into “Mic Tester.” Most of the songs were off their latest release, “Can I Keep This Pen?” Other songs included “Ooooh Girl,” “Better Already,” “Iluvitwhenya,” and even a cover of Radiohead’s “No Surprises” and “Girl for all Seasons” off their previous effort. Each lady provided their own brand of lyrical prowess and rapped with style. The energy was in the air, but the constant breaks, chatting about irrelevant topics, and complaints about the bright lights took away from the vibe of the show. Nonetheless the girls were excited to be home and played for a good audience on a Tuesday night. They closed nicely with “Sucka MoFo.” NS brought a very danceable and catchy evening of fun that had people bobbing their head and dancing.

What impressed me was the genuineness from Sprout when she said, looking to the crowd with a smile, “I know this sounds lame, but I just want to go in the crowd and personally thank every mothafuckin’ one of you for being here.”

Northern State is Spero, Hesta Prynn, and Sprout. The group has three albums out, including their latest “Can I Keep This Pen?, released on Mike Patton’s Ipecac Recordings. They worked with Chuck Brody and Adrock from the Beastie Boys for the release.

Last year the band toured North America with Tegan and Sara. They’ve also performed with The Roots, Le Tigre, Talib Kweli, Gym Class Heroes and Cake.

Lisa Loeb at Barnes & Nobles, NYC, 6/3- pics and review

Longtime singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb captured the audience of toddlers, parents, and college students like myself at New York City’s Tribeca Barnes and Nobles for her cd release performance on June 3. The release “Camp Lisa" is her second children's album. It's a collection of camp songs, a fun one just in time for summer. A portion of the proceeds of the cd goes to support the Camp Lisa Foundation which helps send underprivileged kids to summer camp.

Lisa came out at 2:10pm, thankfully with the children still awake, because everyone knows 2 o'clock is right around nap time. She came out wearing a black dress, with red shoes, and her pointed glasses, still as chic and young looking as I remember when I first saw her in a music video 10 years ago.

She started with “Going Away,” about all the things you bring to summer camp. Next was “Peanut Butter and Jelly,” a song from when she was in summer camp. She said, “you might be allergic to peanut butter, but singing won’t give your allergies.” After was a song from her first children’s cd Catch the Moon called “Little Red Caboose.” Following was a Neal Young song called “Love Is a Rose” and “Grandma’s in the Cellar,” a song she learned in Texas. Closing, was the sincere, fun “Best Friend,” where she noted how she’s been friends with her best since 7th grade. During all the songs she really encouraged crowd participation and kids were coming on stage. It was a refreshing environment to be in and though I enjoyed the set. It reminded me of my youth.
Setlist:
Going Away
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Little Red Caboose
Love is a Rose (Neil Young cover)
Grandma’s In The Cellar
Best Friend








Afterwards, Lisa meet with fans and signed cds. It was a pleasure meeting her after listening to her for about half my life.

I encourage parents with youngsters or anyone that know youngsters to pick up “Camp Lisa,” 19 selections of sweet, catchy, fun songs. Some of you might even remember some of this songs from your youth. A blast from the past for your enjoyment.

Lisa performs tonight at Barnes and Nobles in Paramus, N.J. at 7 p.m. located on 765 Route 17 South. Upcoming dates, information on Camp Lisa, and a stream of "Best Friend" can be found at lisaloeb.com

Funeral for a Friend New Single

Funeral for a Friend have posted "Waterfront Danceclub" here, off their album "Join Us." The band will be releasing it this summer on their own label "Join Us."