GaragePunkNYC | New York's blog for garage punk news.

It’s felt like the last two weekends were a little slow in the excitement area, but that’s about to change this weekend where there’s so much to do, it’s going to be hard to see everything that’s awesome… as you can tell on GPNYC’s show calendar.

First up on Friday night is Smashed! Blocked!, Josh Styles’ popular mod/garage free dj night at Beauty Bar which is guaranteed to be as packed as ever.  Things start around 10 but really hop from midnight on at which point it’s hard to move through the crowd WITHOUT dancing.

Then on Saturday we’re faced with four good options.  Glasslands is hosting a show featuring Pissed Jeans, a Pennsylvania-born punk group that’s been picking up hype-steam recently.  Comparisons to Nirvana (are we still doing that?) not withstanding, there’s sure to be quite a crowd. You can check them out at their label Sub Pop or on their Myspace (which asserts that they’re from south carolina, nice try).

Your next option is a Don Pedro show starring Stalkers, Vilent Lovers Club and their 70’s new york punk-isms, Jock and the Tough Shits. Jock seems to be more on the postpunk/pop side of things while the Tough Shits are a garage/punk band from Philly. Free Sailor Jerry rum at this show as well apparently. Being Don Pedro, it’s unlikely the first band will hit the stage before 10… not sure on cover. 

Next up is Unsteady Freddie’s monthly Surf-Rock Shindig @ Otto’s… 4 bands plus surf music djing all night. I believe there’s a cover on this one.

Last but definitely not least, in what could be their last appearance ever, is a show by The Above at Bowery Ballroom. This is my recommendation for the night and where you’ll find me for sure on Saturday. The Above are my favorite Brooklyn band- real 60’s style mod/garage/r’n'b that’s danceable and has real instrumental bite.  What’s different about the Above is that the songs have the memorable hooks so many garage bands seem to lack… I could remember two songs after the first time I saw them, two more than almost every other band I’ve seen around. 

Word has it that the keyboard player is retiring after this show, which, after

the loss of their original drummer, reduces the group to a trio.  We desperately hope they’ll soldier on and find great replacements because it would be a shame to lose this great band.  The Above are on at 9; the other bands aren’t particularly recommendable, so despite the high cover charge ($12 via the internets), it’s recommended you come, dance, and skedaddle.

Whatta weekend!  Also for next week note the launch of a new free R’n'B/Soul/Funk DJ night in Manhattan on Monday nights– Soul Vaccination with host Uncle Heavy.  It’s going down every Monday around 10PM at Ding Dong Lounge on the Upper West and there is no cover.