Weston playing 4 shows, tonight in Philly & weekend in NY & NJ

Weston, the pop/punk band from Bethlehem, PA kick off the first of 4 shows tonight at the Khyber in Philly. The band is playing in support of This is my Voice and This is my Heart: Live at Maxwells'. The vinyl features 14 songs including "A Real Life Story of Teenage Rebellion" and "Got Beat Up", a new song called "Pucker Up Baby" and 4 additional digital download songs. The band also appropriately return to Maxwell's, Mercury Lounge, and The Record Collector.

They'll be in NYC for an early show with New Brunswick's The Measure (SA). Then they play two New Jersey shows. This Saturday is at Maxwell's with Morning and Sunday with Grant Hart of Husker Du. Come celebrate nearly 20 years with Weston this weekend. They'll bring a smile to your face and make you dance. The band wants you there: "we get to sing and dance our lovely little guts out together. Say you'll be there. It wouldn't be the same without you. Love, The Westons"

Weston Tour Dates:
12/17 @ The Khyber, Philly, PA (21+) w/ Pots & Pans (members of Zolof The Rock And Roll Destroyer and Metroplex), The Danger O's and The 2nd Ward
12/18 @ The Mercury Lounge NYC (21+) w/ special birthday guest DJ Tommy Rockstar and The Measure (SA). Tickets here.
12/19 @ Maxwells, Hoboken NJ (all ages) w/Morning and the Fiendz. Tickets here.
12/20 @ The Record Collector, Borderntown, NJ w/Grant Hart (of Husker Du)

Cheeky "What The Heck" artwork+pre-order info

Cheeky, the 4-piece NY in your face, fun punk band have posted the cover art for a new 12 inch EP entitled WHAT THE HECK out on Freedom School Records. According to the label it'll be available on Nov. 14th. The art and layout is by bassist Kate Wadkins. Cheeky also features Brian Schleyer on guitar, Kate Eldridge on guitars and vocals, and Angie Boylan on drums. The 8 song EP is available for pre-order. Simply paypal $10 plus $3 to cover shipping for up to 3 items to: thehunchback@hotmail.com

Cheeky play the Fest on Oct. 30 with Thousandaires, Failures' Union, Fellow Project and more. Let's hope they do some touring to support this record. It's been awhile. Who's with me?

Ben Franklin release OPTIMIST for FREE// NYC CD Release Show at Piano's Tonight

Tonight is Brooklyn rockers, Ben Franklin's cd release show at Piano's in New York City. The band will have copies of their first full-length "Optimist." The cd's are professionally mastered with screen printed covers and folded booklets. You also get free stickers. For those that can't make it to the show, you can download the album for free here. The 3-piece of Eduardo Garza, William Gray, and Sarah Tomek put the kick back in rock 'n roll with their brand of punk and gives you music to bop around to. Definitely worth the listen.

Thursday September 3rd, 9pm CD Release @ Pianos, $8 and free cd and stickers. 158 Ludlow Street, New York City. 21 and over.

Tracklisting below.


Been Franklin OPTIMIST tracklisting:

1. Tell Us How You Really Feel
2. Drink to Forget
3. Ghosts
4. Montclair
5. The Face of Proposition 8
6. Catalyst
7. Credit Default Swap Bop
8. Timmeh
9. Had it Comin'
10. You Is Me
11. Fren Banklin

Upcoming Ben Franklin Shows:
9/3 @ Pianos, NYC (cd release)
9/16 @ Public Assembly, Brooklyn, NY

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Recent Entries:

* Last Days of Empire, The Casting Out (ex-Boy Sets Fire), and Chambers @ Court Tavern on Friday

* In This Moment announce first headlining tour // NJ Concert on Nov.28

* This Saturday it's Star Child's Final Show on WSOU w/ acoustic sets by Kevin Devine, Joe Wilson, Exit She Calls, and ShiraGirl

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone: 2 Shows, 2 Release

White Corolla- Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, New Video


Chicago’s Casiotone for the Painfully Alone have announced two all ages shows, a free Manhattan show on Feb. 12 at the Kimmel Center and a hometown show at Subterranean on Feb. 27.CFTPA will also release two full length albums this spring. The first, Advance Base Battery Life, the singles and rarities compilation comes out early March. The second, Vs. Children, the new album with new songs comes out in early April. Spearheaded by Owen Ashworth, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone thrives on a minimalist lo-fi sound.

Ashworth says:

There will be a big Europe/UK tour in April & May in support of both of these releases. In the spirit of duality, I will be performing both a solo electronic set & a full band set at all shows. Concern will support all dates, along with some other extra special guests along the way. Hopefully I'll have those dates for you soon, so keep an eye on that fabulous, fabulous SHOWS page.

Feb. 12 @ NYU’S Kimmel Center, Manhattan, NY w/ Rings ("First Nation"), Festival
(60 Washington Sq. South, Rm. 802)
7:30pm. Free. All ages.
Must have valid, gov't-issued ID for entry. Entry is free but space is limited to first 150 entrants.

Feb. 27 @ Subterranean, Chicago, IL w/ Yoomd Jeremy Cox
(2011 North Ave)
7:30pm doors/8pm show / $10 / All ages

Check the “read more” for tracklisting and cover art.


Cover art for Vs. Children by Heidi Andersons's:


Tracklisting:
1. Casiotone for the Painfully Alone vs. Children
2. Tom Justice, The Choir Boy Robber, Apprehended at Ace Hardware in Libertyville, IL
3. Optimist vs. The Silent Alarm (When The Saints Go Marching In)
4. Natural Light
5. Traveling Salesman's Young Wife Home Alone on Christmas in Montpelier, VT
6. Man O' War
7. Northfield, MN
8. Killers
9. Harsh The Herald Angels Sing
10. You Were Alone
11. White Jetta

Cover Art for Advance Base Battery Life

Tracklisting:
1. Old Panda Days (w/ Nick Krgovich)
2. Lesley Gore on the T.A.M.I. Show (version)
3. White Corolla
4. White on White
5. Holly Hobby
6. Lonesome New Mexican Nights
7. The Only Way To Cry
8. It's A Crime
9. Missoula
10. Hot Boyz (w/ Dear Nora)
11. Born in the U.S.A. (w/ Concern)
12. Streets of Philadelphia (w/ Concern)
13. Graceland
14. Sunday St
15. Voice of the Hospital

ShiraGirl’s new album on iTunes, cd listening party, Shows

Savvy hip hop/punk outfit ShiraGirl has made their new album, Scream! Spit! Sing! is available for preview on iTunes. The band is also hosting a CD listening party on Feb. 10 at Angels and Kings, 500 E. 11th St between Ave A and Ave B, NYC. Check out a new song, “Roll with tha crew” on the band's MySpace.

ShiraGirl recently wrapped up an east coast tour with Minnesota's Screaming Mechanical Brain. They'll be playing some local dates in the next few months.

Shira Girl Tour Dates:
2/10 @ Angels and Kings- CD Listening Party, FREE 9pm
2/20 @ Dock Street, Staten Island w/Voilet Vier, Queen V, and more
2/21 @ Greenfield Youth Center, Greenfield, MA
2/22 @ Elevens, Northhampton, MA
3/4 @ The Annex, NYC w/ 1997, Go Faster Gast, and We are the New Year
3/6 @ Connie’s Ric Rac, Philadelphia, PA

Star Beat’s Anticipated 2009 CD Releases

1. MewithoutYou- tba: One of my favorite bands ever. I’ve heard a few new songs live and they sound great. Totally anticipating this release. (April release?)
2. Kevin Devine- My Brother’s Blood: The new songs are fabulous. The title track is probably the best. These songs have a gradual build up, where its light then explodes into this raw, rock greatness that you really feel. (April release?)
3. The Sleeping- What It Takes: Haven’t heard any new songs, but should be interesting and good with new members and a keyboardist.
4. Screaming Females- Power Move: The new songs are groovy and still rockin’. Really looking forward to getting moved. (April release)
5. Kiss Kiss- The Meek Shall Inherit What’s Left: Incredible circus-punk band. The new songs are great, especially VIRUS. Can’t wait to hear what the rest of the album sounds like. (February release?)
6. Thursday- Common Existence- Good single featuring Tim of Rise Against. Curious how the rest will sound. (Feb. 27 release)
7. Matt & Kim- Grand: Should be fun! I’m expecting electro-pop goodness. (Jan. 20 release)
8. K’Naan- Troubadour: Positive hip hop with awesome beats. (Feb. 24)
9. Madina Lake- Attics to Eden: Good first record. Will their second live up to it? (April 24 release)
10. Paulson- tba: Disappointed with the new songs I’ve been hearing live, but curious how it sounds recorded and what the other songs sound like. (Spring release)