Lykke Li at the First Unitarian Church

Um. Yeah. Completely amazing.

She has so much energy and stage presence. It's only January but I guarantee this will be one of my top 5 shows of the year when 2009 closes.

Not only did she throw a taste of A Milli in her set but closed with any amazing cover of A Tribe Called Quest's "Can I Kick It".

Of friend of mine was thinking of boycotting the show, saying he thinks she's become overrated and buys into her own hype. Having her seen her live now, I don't think reviews can capture just what a great show she puts on.

Now I just have to convince her we can be BEST FRIENDS FOREVER and have kazoo party.

Frightened Rabbit at Reward

Last night, I saw Frightened Rabbit for the third time in under six months and I'm starting to feel like a stalker. I keep going back for more because of their incredible energy when they play live.

But last night was a very intimate little set (there couldn't have been more than 100 people there) thanks to Shari Roulin hosting a mini show at her boutique Reward in Old City. It was interesting see how different their dynamic is in that setting and that the songs have a different element to them when the guys aren't roaring them out on a bigger platform. I really, really enjoyed it and Frightened Rabbit just keep growing in my estimation.

So thanks Shari. That was a treat

Now please stop bringing in beautiful clothes that make me have a showdown with my credit card.

you can see the rest of my photos here

Eagles of Death Metal - Wanna Be In LA

This song is keeping me going at the moment, so I'm extra happy that there are TWO awesome versions of the video.

Those pin things were somehow fascinating to me when I was little. I think I may have been a little slow.

The other version is a great characature of rock n' roll.

So, road trip anyone?!!!

Jumpin Jive - Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers

There need to be more dance parties like this one...

The 4 Stigs of the Apocalypse

Jody Barton recently had her design chosen to be the official mascot of the London Olympics.

But why I think she's awesome is her other illustrations, like "The 4 Stigs of the Apocalypse".

BECAUSE I LOVE TOP GEAR!

PS - The Stig's identity has been revealed...

la neige

I love how the snow makes everything clean and pretty.

You know, until the city naturally turns it all into muck...

the art of grammar

Neigh, neigh neigh!!
Neigh NEIGH neigh, neigh!

I wonder who translated...

war paint

My good friend Sarah made this for me for Christmas.  She's the best.

Colourmusic at Johnny Brenda's

Longwave at Johnny Brenda's

Full set here

Women at CMJ

This is another video I saw during my stint on the sofa this week and I was mustering all my energy to remember what the band was and how to google it and seriously that may have been what wiped me out for the rest of the day. My mind was in a very delicate state and I FRIED IT WITH THE THINKING.

I'm very very close to investing in a pass to the CMJ music marathon even though it's nine months out. But one of my (many) new years resolutions is just to do things and not hem and haw.

Plus, tickets right now are 40% off the regular price. Not reeeeaaallly going to argue with that.

the crowd goes wild

Or, they just kind of watch silently...

Longwave Tonight!!

So I was already excited to see Longwave tonight at Johnny Brenda's (yes, I should just set up camp there), even though I've only just got over a WICKED stomach flu from hell (and I mean just. My belly is still fighting with me. I've had one bagel in 24 hrs.)

(I like parentheses. And ellipses. I may still be in my coma...)

And then while I was in a flu coma on came a Lubriderm and in my fevered state I awoke because the song it sampled stirred me.

Sho nuff. It was a Longwave song.

http://www.lubriderm.com/generic.jhtml?id=/lubriderm/include/commercial.inc

Solipsism is REAL PEOPLE.

p.s. lots of photos up later

Bear Hands at Johnny Brenda's

So, in the last of the lineup of Sat Jan 17th, was Bear Hands. Or rather, they were the cheese in the Here We Go Magic/Department of Eagles sammich. This was the last night of their tour and I have to say they did seem a little beat and were vocal about being glad to head back home that night. Their music typically has a lot of energy, and while they weren't exactly lolling around the stage, I'd have rather seen them when they may have been a little less sick of their set.

My friend Katie made me laugh when she noted that she also doesn't think she's ever seen a band composed of guys who, from their physical appearance, look less likely to be friends. Like, how did the dude with dreads, the tattooed rocker, the indie guy and the drummer from a Vampire Weekend spinoff decide to hang out?

here we go magic at johnny brenda's

I was really excited that Here We Go Magic was a last minute addition to the line up at Johnny Brenda's last Saturday. This was their first live show together and, to me, they really had it together. Their sound is pretty dreamy and though it's not exactly breaking any boundaries the songs are catchy and quickly grew on me.

Plus, Luke Temple makes cute videos.

You can see all my photos here

Franklin Fountain

Hot apple pie milkshake anyone?

Please know for your reference the "hot" apple pie milkshake is not actually hot. Well the pie is. But this is technically a milkshake with a slice of pie thrown into it. Not a bad idea at all.

Franklin Fountain, I heart you and your winter treats. But I can't wait for summer when the fresh blueberry icecream is back and it tastes like nothing less than heaven.

Eugene McGuinness - Fonz

I'm thinking of putting up videos this week that use stop motion..

Because being able to pretend you can make disco balls hover over you is a pretty good effect.

This is Eugene McGuinness, whose album is being released on Domino. I love that his music is swingy and makes me do a little jig in my chair. I want to say he has a modish sound, but I think that's pigeonholing him inaccurately.

Just go have a listen.

Nat Baldwin

I started listening to Nat Baldwin a little while ago and I'm excited that he has a full length album released on Broken Sparrow Records this year. Unfortunately, there aren't any great videos of his performances kicking around yet but I get the impression his shows are pretty frenetic and is when his talent really shines. Hopefully he'll tour to support the album and then I can throw myself at him and his bass.

In the meantime, he had a song used in an ad for Orange in the UK. I can't imagine how much fun it was putting that ad together! I'd like to take a long walk through some people's thoughts...

Others, not so much.

Department of Eagles

Daniel Rossen and the Department of Eagles exceeded all my expectations. And that's seriously saying something. I can never get over how great it is to see musicians like this in the small venues here in Philadelphia.

See more of my photos here

Frightened Rabbit at Johnny Brenda's

Putting this good night down to good karma.

So there I was, all excited to see Frightened Rabbit again, looking forward to the start of what should be a really memorable weekend. Look up the opening bands. Discover that the effing show is effing SOLD THE EFF OUT. MOTHER EFFING URBAN OUTFITTERS AND THE GOOD REVIEW YOU GAVE THE BAND MADE PEOPLE SHOW UP!!!

I had a hissy fit. Then convinced myself that it was just a good plan to show up to Johnny Brenda's and see what might happen. Had a quick chat to the doorman and told him I would just really like to take some pictures.

And lookie here what happened:

RESULT.

I have MANY more photos here

I will tell the story of my newly forming band, "Theremin Fight", and the case of the Hitler moustache later.

It was all together an amazing night.

Today shouldn't pale in comparison. Come on Katie. GET HERE ALL READY!! IT'S PLAYTIME!

ratatat - flynn

Again, not exactly archival per se but when you use one of the most memorable music videos ever put together you're on to a winner.

voice powered guitar

Cause it's all make believe, innit.

From fawn&forest. I think this an instrument I might jive with.

tullycraft - how to stuff a wild bikini

Try not to love this, I dare you.

frightened rabbit tonight at johnny brendas

hands up if you're excited....

oh, you're keen too?

YEAH YOU ARE.