GaragePunkNYC

Week, Parts 1-3

2010-03-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

Sorry, that part of the week is over.
It's Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.
You have to pretend to be be normal now.

Sunday

Start the evening with Awesome Color at the Market Hotel BUT BE WARNED... they're playing one of those shows "with their friends" which means that nobody else on the bill sounds anything like them. Check out the openers' MySpace pages first (Tyvek, Talk Normal, CSC Funk Band) and see if you like 'em before you decide when to start your evening (personally I kind of like CSC's stripped-down funk-jazz sound, but could do without the other two). Cover unknown. Seriously, nobody has the slightest clue how much it'll cost, it's not on anyone's MySpace, or on Todd P's site, or anywhere at all.

So anyway, our good pals Dave The Spazz and Andy Maltz will be spinning some good music over at Union Pool starting at 10pm. While they might play just about anything (at least anything you can dance to) they seem to prefer the music of the 50s and 60s, soul, and old-fashioned garage.

Monday

Two shows for ya' tonight. Humboldt Fog engulfs K&M in Brooklyn in fuzzed out rock-n-roll. That show is free and starts at 8pm, and ends "by" 10pm, which means that you can also catch the later show featuring The Reverend Vince Anderson. He and his Love Choir bring the sounds of Gospel, Blues and Soul to the holiest place in Brooklyn, Union Pool (much like God, it is everywhere this week). Starts at 11pm and also free.

Tuesday

Sick of all these choices? Well have we got the day for you! It's called Tuesday and is best known around these parts for Hot Dog!, a night of DJs spinning Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and more at Bar Matchless. They've also got 2-for-1 drinks, which'll get you spinning by the end of the night. Starts at ~~9:44:23pm or some damn thing like that~~ 10pm and there is no cover.

Marcus

What Can You Say?

2010-03-05T11:39:00.004-05:00

What can we say? It's a slow weekend here in New Yak. There's only a few thingies to do, so read closely. That said, at least it's a bit nicer outside (yeah we just jinxed it).

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

We mighta missed something (we often do like SMDD last week-- sorry!), but there's NO live shows tonight of note. What? OK here's some dj action instead:

Killin' it uptown will be DJ Linda and her garage rock'n'roll party called "Faster Pussycat Spin Spin" at the infamous Ding Dong Lounge. It's the last outpost of rock'n'roll up there on Columbus, after that you might as well kick into high gear and head all the way up to Kingston. FREE

Over at Motor City, DJ Matt the Knife has got punk and rockabilly on his mind. He'd like to share it with you. Also free.

Jonathan Toubin is having a characteristially busy evening-- he starts off opening the SITE Festival launch party at Bushwick's Beauty Bar around 9. SITE is some sort of Bushwick arts thing. It's got events all weekend long but naturally the launch party will be the funnest part. Did I mention that I'm DJing, along with fellow GPNYCer Capt. Heartlock and friend-of-the-show Cowboy Mark? You've pretty much got your 50's/60's genres covered with this group of 4. And it's FREE (running theme tonight!)

But back to Toubin. He'll jump on the JMZ around 10 and head over to Home Sweet Home, where he'll meet up with his guest DJ Small Change for another edition of Shakin' All Over Sideways Down. Despite the title of this night, it's more of a soul night than a garage thing... Small Change has long been a fixture at WFMU and infamously caused EastVillageRadio to drop their podcasts when he illicitly played some prelease remix of some famous douche who cares about that sort of thing. He's more of a genre mixer than you'd find at most events listed here, but who knows? Maybe he can pull off the 60's thing. small cover $?

CANCELLED ~~Over at Beauty Bar Manhattan, Josh Styles should be holding down his usual first Friday night with Smashed!Blocked! Free~~

AND, back in Greenpoint, the Rebels will be at their ABC Night at Warsaw, telephone loudspeakers included for another rockabilly/r'n'b throwdown.

SATURDAY:

Start off the day right-- with alcohol. Yes, you can wake up around 11 and drag yerself over to Kill Devil Hill, Cowboy Mark's store on Franklin St in Greenpoint for an all day party. It's the launch of a clothing-makeup-hair product line (sorry, I read it all too quickly) for rockabilly types launched by Laura Rebel Angel (a Rocka-Psycho-billy promoter, performer & enthusiast). There'll be boss rockabilly DJs and some sort of supergroup of NYC rockabilly characters (around 8PM). Free entry.

Later on there's ONE live show: the Bamboo Kids and the Dirty Shames hit Lit Lounge in the big ol' city. Those Shames sure are busy! The venue is a weird one-- a basement with this sort of carved-out-cave vibe to it and a serious "pro sound crew" who groove to... punk/metal/rap (as in the genre which mixes all three). Also expect the party to come to a crashing halt around 12:30 or so, when the resident DJs kick the cool kids out. You'll know the DJs by their shiny bald heads, pumping muscles and Mac laptops set to shuffle ("Wow! a Blondie song right after a Strokes song-- genius!"). Sorry, but we've been there... this is reality folks. BUT! the vitriol aside, it's good bands with heart so give it a shot. $?

Back to the DJs. Jumpy & Girlsoul return to Huckleberry with Soul-A-Go-Go, always a no-miss night on Grand St in Brooklyn. FREE

Further out in Brooklyn, there's Quitty's Mod-Life Crisis Loft Party. Yes, it will be as fun as it sounds! There's going to be mad soul & ska DJs, it's free & byob. Where? Let's say it's on Johnson Ave by the Jefferson L... you know who to ask to get directions, so do it, chicken head!

Oh and if you're stuck in the city, you could do worse than Unsteady Freddie's long running Surf Nite at Otto's.

See ya 'round town!

SHIMMY

The Wooly Mammoth Emerges from the Wrong Side of his Icy Tomb

2010-03-03T09:25:00.010-05:00

Love means never having to say "you terrify me".

Can you feel it, the thaw? Can you hear it, winter's retreat? Oh yeah, March on, wayward sons and daughters. Captain Heartlock here with your midweek mashup of "things to do" and "places to be" for discriminating hep-cats on the retro-rocker scene.

WEDNESDAY 3/3

Two Williamsburg, Brooklyn based DJ happenings of note:

DJs Popwell and Bunny Punch present their monthly LIVING FOR KICKS party at Satellite Lounge (143 Havemeyer St and South 1st)a full-on smorgasbord of 60's garage, pop, psych and soul. Charlie Kong of Charlie and the Crybabies spins rockabilly, doo wop and other things that the greasers adore over at Rocky's outpost on the northside, Cyn Lounge on Bedford Ave and N.5th. Both these happenings are free at two affordable, dark (in a film noir kinda way) and low key spots that are perfect for taking the edge off your edge.

If it's live you desire, head on over to Don Pedro to catch the "Stoner Pop" stylings of HUMBOLDT FOG. Trippy bass lines and extravagant fuzz solos are waiting to steal your wallets. Should be on after 9pm and is yet another Lady Bree production...Do check out the lush psychedelia of THE HIDDEN RATIO, who kick off a night with fellow heads DEAD STARS and SUBMARINE BELLS at Union Pool, that old den of iniquity. I cannot confirm but I'd expect at least a $7 cover, being Union Pool and all. 30% less douche bag with your purchase on a Wednesday, to boot!

And of course, for the Manhattan side of life there's MR. FINE WINE and his rare delicious soul and r&b 45's at Houston Street's Botanica and JONATHAN TOUBIN and The New York Night Train at the one and only Motor City. Free, Free, Free - unlike your liver transplant...

THURSDAY 3/4

Big to-do over at the tripped out art-party space Secret Project Robot on Kent Avenue and River Street, on the Waterfront of Williamsburg: it's the 1 year anniversary party for Paul Dillon's PERFECT PRESCRIPTION party, promising an array of "Psych, ShoeGaze, Kraut and Space Rock" with psychedelic light show and live performances by fantastic psych-pop vagabonds THE RUNAWAY SUNS and other groups of the more shoegazey variety (FUXA, APOLLO HEIGHTS and SOREN WELL, amongst others). $5 bucks to blow your mind. DJ MOJO 2000 mans the decks into the night. Avast!

More Live: If someone invites you to "take a ride on a short bus", you take them up on it, mother: a louder and sleazier show is to be had at TRASH BAR on Grand St., Williamsburg - THE DEMANDS, GIRL TO GORILLA, THE VONDELLS, THE CRUSHER and THE RUBBER ROOM RATS, in that order from 8pm. Wowy Zowy! $6 cover with their infamous 8-9pm "open bar". The smell of tater-tots compels you!

Finally, if you find yourself in the East Village be sure to hit up Heathers (506 East 13th Street), one of the last cool places in the damn neighborhood, where Mr. Robinson, DosPlatos and BamaLama Mike will spin 50's and 60's pop, soul and doo-wop, fiercely yet lovingly.

Get out on the streets and make your choices known!

Stay Gold, Friends and Fiends...

Oweinama

I know where it'll be warm. Maybe even hot...

2010-02-28T13:00:00.006-05:00

The big event of the next few days
is a pretty easy call for once.

Sunday

The Brooklyn Record Riot is happening now at The Warsaw in Brooklyn until 8pm. $3 admission for all the records you can eat (as long as you're willing to pay for them first -- I recommend eating the kielbasa instead and just taking the records home). Noon - 8pm.

Later tonight is the big Brooklyn Psychfest (see flyer above) with Madam Robot, Philadelphia's Asteroid #4, Traveling Circle, La Otracina, Heavy Hands, and a bunch of bands we don't know personally. That'll be $8. Starts early-ish (7pm).

You can also catch Turbo Fruits at Mercury Lounge, but only if you already have tickets (it's sold out). A better bet to finish the evening is to head over to Union Pool and catch DJs Dave The Spazz and Andy Maltz spinning sounds of the 50s and 60s, soul, garage, oddities and rarities.

Monday

The Reverend Vince Anderson and his Love Choir bring their gospel and soul sounds to Union Pool once again. Starts at 11pm, no cover.

Tuesday

Over at Bruar Falls they're hosting a free garage rock show with The Hydes, The Anabolics, and Guitar Bomb. The show starts at 8pm (yeah, right). Of course, you can also check out DJs spinning Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and more. We call it Hot Dog!, and it's at Bar Matchless. Featuring a new later start time (10pm) and 2-for-1 drinks.

Marcus

Blind but Hungry

2010-02-26T12:03:00.002-05:00

Like the angry fella above, we're blind but hungry. Enough already! We get it-- "winter wonderland" etc bla blah.

Yet another weekend that makes me glad Hullabaloo isn't back for another month. That said, there's a LOT happening this weekend and it would be a royal shame if you let Blizzard #3 keep you from all the sloppy action out there. This is flask weather-- if you don't normally carry one, do it this weekend. Channel your inner Soviet borderguard and nip some vodka on your way to the venue or bar. It really does make you warmer (until it makes you colder, but I digress...).

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

The Nouvellas and Nashville's excellent Turbo Fruits are supposedly at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ... I bet it's real purdy down there too, the 2 feet of snow piled up on the beach. Hopefully a soul or two will stir themselves and hit the venue if it doesn't cancel.

A little closer to home, Real Gone returns to Otto's this month. The Above make their official debut with new four-man lineup-- guitar, bass, keyboards & drums. It's the latest variation on a winning theme and is sure to be a good show. Opening up is Brothers featuring Dylan "Otto" Bahn and brother Damon. As always the DJing of Captain Heartlock & Kitty Beat will accompany the live sounds. FREE.

Over in Park Slope, some out of towners will be raising a ruckus at Union Hall: the Hard Lessons and the Sights from Detroit. Being from the Motor City, they probably think it's Spring already. $10

AND there's two DJ gigs tonight:

"Another Scorcher" - Rocksteady, ska & soul @ Huckleberry on Grand St in Brooklyn, great free night from the frontman of the 45 Adapters
"Shakin' All Over Sideways Down" - Toubin welcomes guest DJ Fine Wine for a night of blacker-than-night soul.

SATURDAY:

Hopefully the snow will slow down or even stop by Saturday, 'cuz there's even MORE to do:

Tami Lynn returns to Dig Deeper backed by the Sweet Divines - a true soul classic, Tami's version of "Mojo Hannah" perhaps isn't as good as the Betty Harris version but it's still pretty damn cool. She's got a busload of other good material and apparently is still in fine form. $10 advance / $15 door

Over at Cake Shop, the Anabolics mark a return to live shows, opening for the Sights, the Hard Lessons (see Friday) and the Nouvellas, who will have sledded all the way from Asbury. $?

The Sadies are at Mercury Lounge and the Turbo Fruits are at Market Hotel....

DJ gigaroonies:

DJs Jumpy & Otto Bahn are back at Blackout Bar with their best-of-60's set-- this time less soul and more garage, bubblegum and pop to dance to. FREE
Le Cheetah - Jonathan Toubin & Josh Styles DJ a party at Secret Project Robot to benefit some musicians caught with too much coke in Arizona, now facing major jailtime and a lack of lawyerly resources. Too bad they didn't get pulled over in NYC-- nobody woulda noticed the extra snow! $5

Allrighty, that's all for me. String up your booties and head out into the great white!

SHIMMY

Walk Like a Duck, Drink Like a Fish, Dance Like a Monkey, Die like a (Wo)Man

2010-02-24T10:15:00.005-05:00

Their Leader was bold, wise, fierce as a cosmic nova. He accused us of stealing his "chords" and then punched our navigator in the nether regions with ringed fist. Most fascinating.

Captain Heartlock's Midweek Blog. Stardate: February 2010.

We've come across new alien lifeforms. They're vibrating and...wild. Their strange
customs intrigue, nay, TITILLATE. Must investigate...further...Uhura: Zip up your Boots and set phasers for FREAK!

WEDNESDAY, February 24

The bimonthly homage-rock party COPYCAT at OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD has yet another winner tonight with a tribute to the real fucking king of rock and roll, CHUCK BERRY. Doing honors are the scuzzy glammer punks THE DIRTY SHAMES, the slickers of CHARLIE and the CRYBABIES and an all-star band THE NADINES, which features members of MAD JUANA, LOVE PIRATES and THE BOWERY BOYS. Host and Impresario DJ XEROX is joined by none other than the Boogaloo Omnibus PHAST PHREDDIE. Duck walk over to 14th and Ave. B for zero dollars cover and cheap tasty strong drinks.

Still in the City? Check out Jungle Jim, currently of my new fave evil creep-garage band Twin Guns is Djing in the Lower East side at ST. JEROME on 155 Rivington. It's Jungle Jim's Dance Party! He promises "lots of Mersey Beat, Rhythm & Blues, 60's Garage,Psych, Glam and Soul!!" and I am inclined to believe him. No cover! Should kick off around 10 till close...

But wait, there's more for city folks, in the form of Wednesday institutions MR. FINE WINE at Botanica's and NEW YORK NIGHT TRAIN with Jonathan Toubin at Motor City, but of course!

But wait, there's more! Fuck the city, you say? Your call. But a BIG tip of the hat to a new party in Williamsburg: SAND - Obscure Garage Rock & Finer Grades of Nuggest and Pebbles at The Cove, 108 N. 6th btw. Berry and Whythe - Dave A. and Matt Robson (of shimmer psych band THE HIDDEN RATIO) provide the aforementioned styles of tunes, psychedelic light and video projections and the promise to reclaim the spot formerly known as HUGGS (BLECCCH!) from the douche race (I wish them Good Luck - the place went from cheesey hipster dive to unpopulated gay bar to closed for renovation in light speed)! This will be a bi-monthly party on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Godspeed, good sirs.
THURSDAY February 25th

If you don't know now you know - the real big to-do tonight is Detroit's finest, THE DIRTBOMBS, with the Loco Borricua GaragePunk sensations DAVILLA 666 at THE KNITTING FACTORY. The show's supposed to be free, but if you haven't already RSVPed for this who knows what your chances are. But! You can always hang out at the (very VERY cool) bar on the other side of the joint and peer through the glass window to the live room while eating tasty little samosas and throwing back Tecate...how I love that place and how Brooklyn needed it.

Over at DON PEDRO, where I left part of my brains last weekend, call if you find it, there'll be a whole lot of jingle jangle tremolo rolling through when THE GIRLS at DAWN, with their cute, charming girl-group harmonies and druggy guitars, and THE BEETS with their neo-doo-wop stomp and dirge. They're joined by THE PEACE KILLERS and it's rumored that Davilla 666 MAY just show up late night style for a secret performance - but don't take it from me. Take it from MySpace! HA HA HA HA, what's that?

Over in the City, smiling DAVE READY of SORCERESS is guest Djing for The NYC Rolling Stones Party, where they drop all kinds of known jams, obscurities, covers, inspirations and rip offs of the English band that, along with Captain America, Ronald Reagan, Ronald McDonald and Dr. Manhattan, helped defeat the Russians. This happens at Belmont Lounge, 117 E. 15th St.

Making a rare Thursday spinning appearance at the party he himself started at Enids in Greenpoint BK is Lord JONATHAN TOUBIN for the PUNK-Y THURSDAY THUMP. Danceable Garage and Punk (and if suckers can't dance to rock and roll that's THEIR problem!) is the order of the evening" what mystical wonders shall he extract from his magical case o' 45's? Oh the wonders of the world never cease to mystify, delight and terrify.

Be Good and Keep your Noses Clean, Babies!
Captain Heartlock OUT!

Rock around the clock, starting _now_!

2010-02-21T12:00:00.004-05:00

Personally I keep records in my car,
not the other way around.

Sunday

The Asbury Lanes Garage Sale and Vinyl Swap is happening... now? OH SHIT, GO NOW! It's from noon to 5pm, and it's free.

Conveniently scheduled immediately following the Vinyl Swap is a vinyl listening party at the Bell House. The Boogaloo Omnibus, Billy Miller of Norton Records, and more truly boss DJs will make your feet move (or at least strongly encourage them to do so -- some of you have too much willpower for your own good!) It's in the front room, goes from 5-9, and there is no cover.

For your evening enjoyment you might choose to catch the spacey garage sounds of the Dum Dum Girls at Mercury Lounge or head on over to Union Pool where DJs Dave The Spazz and Andy Maltz bring you the sounds of the 50s and 60s, soul, garage, and yet additional good dance music.

Monday

Repent for your weekend the GaragePunk way with The Reverend Vince Anderson. He and his Love Choir bring their gospel and soul sounds to Union Pool once again. Starts at 11pm, no cover.

Tuesday

Bobby Steele (of The Misfits, The Undead) is playing a solo gig at the Bowery Electric. It's probably not going to be solo punk rock, but it might just be worth checking out. Or hell, just go to Hot Dog! at Bar Matchless. Or both. Be a party animal for once.

Marcus

... For Real This Time

2010-02-19T11:02:00.005-05:00

Yeah, we said it was going to thaw a bit last weekend. And it did... until it snowed AGAIN.

I think we can safely say it's a bit warmer now, which is a good thing because there's a lot to do this weekend, even during the DAYLIGHT HOURS. I know most of you haven't seen the sun in a while, but it might be worth risking disfigurement to check out some of this action... if not, well, there's plenty of nightcrawler happenings too! Plus, we've got gigs all the way from Staten Island to 105th St & Columbus this weekend... take a trip!

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

Mostly DJ action tonight but here's two live shows:

The Bamboo Kids, MiniBoone, the Rats and Sorceress @ Trash Bar -- sounds like Dean Rispler's ... bar mitzvah? silver wedding anniversary? Anyway, something cool at a shitty venue.
Mod-ish GetSet are at the Delancey, around 11. Prime spottage!

DJ getdowns:

This month's Subway Soul features none other than guest DJ Miss Mary-Clancey besides the usual Phast Phreddie-lead crew. This months marks a return (hopefully) to the Loft above Public Assembly $6

Jonathan Toubin is at Home Sweet Home - FREE

Multiple DJs rock Bruar Falls (across from Trash Bar, natch) with a night called "Born to Raise Hell" intent on bringing back the "old Williamsburg" -- but don't expect any oil spills-- just punk, garage & new wave rekkids. FREE

Rebel Night returns to Otto's with the usual super fun Japanese crew of hopped up hepcats spinning rockabilly AND r'n'b (both kinds of music!) FREE

The Thing with Two Heads - Bazooka Joe and Christina - are at Motor City for the first time in a long time. FREE

And if you're feeling uptown-ey, head over to Ding Dong Lounge near the corner of Columbus Ave & 105th for Linda R's night of garage, punk, freakbeat, surf and more. She's been holding down the fort up there for a while-- the last outpost of taste in a world gone so wrong. FREE

SATURDAY:

Two, count 'em- TWO, daytime activities for those who need a nip or two to keep the shakes away before sundown.

First up it's the 20th anniversary party of Metropolis Vintage (which has employed many garagepunkers over the years), starting off around 2PM at 43 3rd Ave. Live entertainment includes Two Tears and WLWL; DJs include the Thing with Two Heads aka Bazooka Joe & partner... (see below for later continuation at Don Pedro)

Next it's a fundraiser for... a church! Yes, Jonathan Toubin, much like Dylan in '78, has found religion! Where is it you ask? A bowling alley on the West Side called Lucky Strike Lanes. Yes. Revolution NYC, run by the son of famous 80's televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker (no, really!) is hosting a fundraiser for its hope-ful activities. The Reverend Vince Anderson is naturally also involved so the music should be good and well, it's bowling. Pretty harmless folks! (Starts around 2, $20 suggested donation)

Later on, eat something (for godsakes) and then try these gigs on for size...

DJ thingies:

Captain Heartlock & Kitty Beat do their regular "Salvation!" thing at Hope Lounge in Williamsburg. FREE
DJs Mychedelic & Alisa Loog spin psych, soul & glam @ the Tip-Top Bar & Grill in Bed-Stuy/Fort Greene. FREE
Jonathan Toubin continues his (spiritual) journey with Soul Clap! Dance Off at Glasslands starting around midnight. $5 cover and the prize is only $100... will nevertheless still be packed. Afterwards, follow him over to 80 Ainslie for the return of the legit-i-fied Shank afterparty (starting around 4, also $5).

In terms of live action, you could ride the train from Metropolis Vintage over to Don Pedro and enjoy the talents of Foster Care, the Othermen and Liquor Store. There's some sort of 2 for 1 drink action early (8?) so why not?

OR, you could motor over to... STATEN ISLAND! Yes, another wonderful event at Martini Red on Van Duzer St with Whooping Crane and some DJs.

Whew! that's a heckuva lot for 2 days. Enjoy it while it lasts, SXSW and that "giant sucking noise" from down in Texas is about to begin...
SHIMMY

Freaks and Peaks

2010-02-17T15:40:00.005-05:00

Don't You Judge Me With Your Judgy Eyes. I Got Powers

Greetings, Cretins! Heartlock Headache here with your midweek roundup of all things groovy. Get out and do NOT let ice stop you from living your life or ruining your liver. Do as you may this Ash Wednesday, but I'm giving up NOTHING for Lent.

WEDNESDAY 2/17

Tonight THE ARKHAMS, they of evil psychobilly swing stylings, are playing an intersting gig at PUBLIC ASSEMBLY, the HELLZAPOPPIN A SIDESHOW REVUE, a travelling circus sideshow featuring fire eaters, sword swallowers, contortionists, deformed freaks, and hopefully a belligerent carny or two. Should be a tasty delight for your $10 cover - this show kicks off at 8.

DJ Action tonight is the reliable one two punch of fun in Manhattan - MR. FINE WINE and his 60's soul and r&b platters at Botanica's on Houston Street and JONATHAN TOUBIN and the NEW YORK NIGHT TRAIN at Motor City Bar (I'm taking he makes it back from New Orleans and Mardi Gras in one piece!) Both freaky free as always and kicking off around 10ish.

THURSDAY 2/18

A rare and welcome appearance at HUCKLEBERRY on Grand St. in Williamsburg BK by one of Philly's finest, DAMON LEVINE, for a party he calls STYLISTIC MUSIC. He's joined by special guests John "Johnny B" Burns and Al Maskeroni and all will be spinning 60's pop and soul groovers between 9pm and about 1am.

See you on the streets, brothers and sisters
-Oweinama

Hooray for President's Day!

2010-02-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

This is why we do not mix Valentine's Day and President's Day.

Sunday

Apparently someone here at GaragePunkNYC has something against Valentine's Day, 'cause the calendar is a complete mess. It appears that the Bowery Boys are playing a free show at Otto's Shrunken Head, a venue which sounds like it needs some Viagra. Okay, in all seriousness it is a free show at a cool if really-really-not-romantic venue, but we have no clue who the other (ahem) four bands on the bill are.

Also tonight is the St. Valentine's Day Massacre at Le Poisson Rouge. It's an evening of dancing to some great DJs including Cowboy Mark, Twig the Wonderkid, and possibly Jukebox Jodi. However, despite what our calendar says it does not appear that The Othermen will be performing. You might also head to Union Pool to catch DJs Dave The Spazz and Andy Maltz spinning their peculiar mix of garage rock and more. Not a bad place to be if you're single on V-Day (or any other day, really), and it's free, depending on what the meaning of the word "it" is. For this particular venue, there may be many valid meanings...

Monday

I am a fan of any holiday which gets me a day off from work, and President's Day is no exception. Unfortunately it appears that pretty much everyone else is also taking the day off... except for The Reverend Vince Anderson, whose gospel/soul residency continues at Union Pool. And even he isn't starting work until 11pm. No cover.

Tuesday

In case you haven't had enough, we've got more Hot Dog! for you at Bar Matchless. Don't know who's DJing this week, but it'll be a free night of Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and 2-for-1 drinks all night.

Marcus

... is feeling nostalgic today.

Hey man, Thaw out!

2010-02-12T11:25:00.003-05:00

We're still here. Well, most of us anyway. And before we get hit again (yes, they're saying Tuesday and next weekend will be MORE snow), you might as well get out there and thaw, 'cuz there's a fair amount to do.

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

Your post dinner show could be the Spines at the Delancey. They list a start time of 8... let's face it, the Delancey sucks, but at least the music won't. $?

Starting around 10, you've got quite a few options.

Live Shows

Beauty Bar : Daddy Long Legs, DJs Avi and more. Free?
Monster Island (S. Williamsburg) : Matador indie-garagers Harlem plus local yokels Siberians. $?
Don Pedro: Nick Gazin's second Midnite Till Death at DCHQ featuring Liquor Store, Cerebral Ballzy and X Ray Eyeballs among others. $6

DJ Nights

K&M - Dylan "Otto" Bahn and Miss January 1963 return with a new name for their monthly night-- the Fortress of Solidtunes. Guest DJ Lou Pine (get it? har har) from San Francisco livens things up a bit. Remember to tip your bartender-- sobriety is dance floor kryptonite!
Home Sweet Home - Jonathan Toubin is back again, this time with guest DJ Beyonda (from Portland) -- I guess it's battle of the west coast guest DJs tonight!

SATURDAY

Another early show, this time with Jay Banerjee & the Heartthrobs, who've gotten a pretty good razorcake review for their 60's pop meets powerpop sound... happening at Arlene's Grocery (don't groan, would you rather it was a condo?)

Later on, much more action:
Live

The 45 Adapters among others play a pet shelter benefit at Matchless in Greenpoint $10
Jemina Pearl (ex-BYOP) and Austin's Harlem at Union Pool $10
The Doughboys & Dennis Diken @ Maxwell's (Hoboken) $10

Jahna Rain is at the White Star Bar in NJ (Jersey City?) for a Valentine's DJ gig (FREE)

... but probably your best bet is going to be the Valentine's Massacre (OK guys, too many parties used this name this time. What happened to 'cupid' or whatever?) -- an all night throwdown at loft space THE CHURCH featuring the Othermen, great DJs and a modest $5 donation/cover. It's near Don Pedro, so figure out exactly where and we'll see ya there.

watch this space- Marcus's sexy Valentine's post to come (figuratively) Sunday.

SHIMMY

Eskimo Punk

2010-02-10T14:34:00.003-05:00

In Search Of: Dingleberries

Eskimo Punk - see that? I made that. New genre. Call Pitchfork. Brrrrrrrrrrrr!

Hey, I heard there's a snow storm. Did you hear about that? The lady on the news is terrified. Did you get enough milk and eggs and bread and crystal meth to outlast this...this...ARCTIC BLAST!?!?!

This is what's going on tonight and tomorrow - but I'd advise doing a double check before you head out in case people decide to cancel events due to the inclement weather. It's really not looking good.

***********UPDATE: Wednesday's Love tribute at Otto's Shrunken Head has been called off due to the weather. Ghost town out there!*******************

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday night means NEW YORK NIGHT TRAIN with JONATHAN TOUBIN and his array of wild ride '45s for the wild eyed MOTOR CITY Bar on olde Ludlow Street in the LES. Free, like a snowflake

Over at Botanica's on Houston Street by Lafayette is MR. FINE WINE with his faboo collection of 60's soul scorchers. Free, like the cold wind

Another edition of COPYCAT goes down tonight at OTTO'S SRHUNKEN HEAD, this time an homage to the essential grand dad's of the scene, LOVE and the songs of ARTHUR LEE and BRYAN MACLEAN, starring MADAM ROBOT and the LUST BRIGADE, WHOOPING CRANE, MICHAEL LYNCH (The Anything People) and RAZE REGAL (The Stalkers). Free, like Jack Frost nibbling on your nipple.

AGAIN, I urge you to make some calls or use your psychic friend abilities to find out if any of this ends up being cancelled!

THURSDAY

At Bar Matchless, settle in for tales from the literally High seas, m'boy -
Greatest Three-Minute Rock ‘n’ Roll Story Ever finds a diverse collection of hooligan writers (Vice, Impose Magazine, the Village Voice, ect) and rockers (members of THE GIRAFFES, THE HOLD STEADY, ect) regaling the audience with ribald tales of the seedy rock and roll life.

At Bowey Electric enter the DAMN KIDS party, with the man behind Nuggets and The Patty Smith band Lenny Kaye at 9:30pm, followed by Ivan Julian (Richard Hell and the Voidoids), and noisy fuzzy new kid punks Baby Fangs. Assume at least an $8 door charge as is par for course.

And finally at Williamsburg, Brooklyn's ZEBULON, psych psych PSYCH it out heavy style with SEAN DWYER GRIFFIN, HEAVY HANDS and TRAVELING CIRCLE, followed by Dj's Ambassador Hazy, Hardtop and Your Pal Josh (Traveling Circle/Sorceress drummer extraordinaire) spinning garage, psych and soul into the night.

Good luck out there, and may Sasquatch be with you. HUZZAH!

-Oweinama "Captain Heartlock" Izakuya Jackson

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: something to do (yay!)

2010-02-07T17:00:00.011-05:00

This is why we do not mix music and football.

Sunday

I'm sure that some of you know that tonight is Superbowl XLIV. I knew that without looking up the number, thank you*. But here at GaragePunkNYC we don't officially care. We would, however, like to point out a few things:

The Superbowl should be over by 11, meaning there's plenty of time to go out afterwards.
Several of your favorite bars are showing the Superbowl (Bar Matchless comes right to mind) so your friends can just join you afterwards.
The halftime show this year features The Who. Now, I'm not saying that they're exactly in their prime ("And now, a band which could have played Superbowl I..."), I'm just saying that if you have to hang out with your Superbowl-watching friends, you could do a lot worse (e.g. Justin Timberlake again).

After that nonsense has finished, consider heading on over to Union Pool where DJ Dave the Spazz spins in the front room from 10-midnight, followed by DJ Andy Maltz from midnight on spinning a mix of garage, rock-n-roll, oddities and rarities. Or catch DJs Cowboy Mark and Kyle M who are "bringing their funky love" to Coco66. No cover for either I do believe.

Monday

Big Thanks to the Glad All Over!!! Party for making Monday a night worth writing about. This week they're hosting a night of rock-n-roll with The Big Death Scene (formerly Scream and Scream Again), The Anabolics and The Dirty Shames over at ~~200 Orchard~~ Fontana's in Manhattan. No cover.

In Brooklyn, The Reverend Vince Anderson brings his Love Choir and their gospel/soul sound to Union Pool. Late start (11pm), also no cover.

Tuesday

More free music, starting with a night of insane garage-punk with The Outta Controllers (which includes members of Stalkers and Ex-Humans and members of Ex-Humans), The Back CCs and Foster Care at Union Pool (which is seriously on a roll lately). Fans of funkier sounds can check out The London Souls with Hymns at Mercury Lounge, though this show is not free ($10).

Also tonight it is time for a very special Hot Dog!... because for once I know who's DJing. It's DJ Shimmy, Bobby Boulders (and presumably DJ Jumpy, who is the unofficial emcee of the evening). Also features 2-for-1 drinks, really good bar food, and no cover. Starts at 9:45 (can we just say 10 from now on, please?) Starts at 10 because I say so, dammit.

Marcus

* And here's how to remember: the Giants won Superbowl XLII two years ago. It was awesome.

Mr Rhythm Returns!

2010-02-05T12:05:00.003-05:00

André gets ready to do NYC in grand style this weekend
"Legend" is a term that's bandied about all too often in our 21st century garage punk circles. How many time have you seen show ads for some totally unknown 60's garage band with one single under their belt being referred as "legendary" ? Or maybe it was a band like the Queers. Famous, yes; Long-running, yes; legendary, no.

The same cannot be said of André Williams, who returns to New York this weekend to promote his latest project, a BOOK of all things. Mr. Williams, responsible not only for "Bacon Fat" but a host of some of the best r'n'b & soul records from the 50's to the 70's, is a legend's legend. Even Ike Turner might look over his shoulder at André. This is the guy behind "Funky Judge"; "Twine Time" and so many other 45s spun by virtually every r'n'b and soul DJ in this town EVERY weekend.

That he is a legend then, is not in doubt, but can he perform? Well, we're going to find out this weekend at 3 separate Norton-backed events to push the book (which Nick Tosches also had something to do with)... In case it doesn't turn out so well, or "Mr Rhythm" gets to that bottle of Bacardi a little too early on, there's plenty of action to be had elsewhere, so don't despair. This first weekend of February bodes well for our next 6 weeks of Winter-- cold outside, but heating up around town!

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

The action is beginning at the same time all over town, so try (hard!) to be in multiple places at once.

Our suggestion would be to start off with Andre Williams & Nick Tosches reading at St Mark's Church on e 10th St. It's free and should be innarestin' enough.

Then hop the L train at 1rst ave and take it one stop to Bedford. Over at Williamsburg's Spike Hill venue, the live 60's style garage/ye-ye bands Electric Mess & Les Sans Culottes will be putting on quite a show on the narrowest stage in town. Cover is $5 (we believe?) and it's a hop and a skip (not even a jump) from subway.

After that, you've got a choice:
- stay in Brooklyn, heading North on Bedford until it becomes Nassau Ave, turning right at Eckford St and hitting rockabilly dj gig ABC Rebel Night at Greenpoint's Warsaw (FREE)

- get back on the L train, head BACK to Manhattan, and check out Smashed! Blocked! this month with guest DJ Peppermint Twist as well as a live pantomime performance of André Williams. Will this be any good? Will you be able to see André over the heads of the blackberry/trenchcoat mafia? Hard to say, but it's free and at Beauty Bar.

SATURDAY:

Even more to do than Friday!

Starting early, check out 60's soul revivalists the Sweet Divines at BAMCafe in middle Brooklyn. It's free (we think) and at BAM around 9 o'clock. While you're down there (heh heh) head over to Tip-Top Bar & Grill for another André-thon, this time with Dave the Spazz as head DJ. Our guess: a way funner event than the sure-to-be-packed S!B! the night before. No cover here either.

Afterwards, think about Williamsburg (HARD!) -- there's a lot going on up here. Over at Public Assembly, you've got Heavy Trash (Jon Spencer + Matt Verta-Ray) for $13 if rockabilly is what you're feeling. OR you could be a little different and check out an interesting-looking DJ party in Bushwick at the "Wreck Room" (haha) on Flushing Ave. It's called "Space is the Place" and promises 60's/70's psych/soul/garage/punk grooves and is no cover. We're all for NEW nights, so dig!

You can also get freaky at Union Pool on Saturday with Golden Triangle and the K-Holes, the latter of whom are headed south for Mardi Gras. So show your tits and stuff. $?

If on the other hand, you'd like to keep it simple, check out Jumpy's Soul-a-Go-Go night at Huckleberry on Grand St. It's also free, and you'll know how to dance to the usual great grooves.

Well, that's it for me as Marcus has promised to take over Sunday's doings. Expect his post earlier than usual tomorrow. See you out there chilluns!

SHIMMY

If You Slap Me on Wednesday I'll Cry on Thursday

2010-02-03T10:56:00.016-05:00

Yo, I heard they was givin' some free PBR's, Yo.

Hi. My name is Oweinama. You may know me as Captain Heartlock, DJ and multi-instrumentalist in some bands of some sorts. I like long walks on the beach, picking at my aching teeth, drag queen musicals, and being beaten about the head with rock-stale baguettes. But most of all I love 60’s flavored rock and soul, and going to events where such sounds thrive and fill me with feelings, feelings that make me want to dance and to live, as opposed to kill and destroy. I’ll be your man, your Wednesday man and your Thursday lover on this here GaragePunk NYC blog.

There’s something about going out in the middle of the week – often all the big heavies of event-hood save their mojo for the weekends, either because they’re day jobbers or damned traditionalists…but a lot of good stuff happens in the middle. It’s the cream filling in the Ding-Dong of nightlife. Not having to compete so much with the drooling troglodytes who crawl out from their rancid bogs at the Friday 5’o'clock whistle doesn’t hurt either.

WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday night, not a lot of options if it’s live music you’re after, but I’d recommend checking out The Bowery Boys at Public Assembly in Williamsburg. They play a literate yet pretty infectious style of melodic, jingle-jangle punk that reminds me of later period Kinks with a bit of The Raspberries/Big Star. They’re on at 10pm for an $8 cover. There’s TONS of DJ action tonight, though – Brooklyn babies can regale to Reverend Vince and his weekly spin at Savalas. His selections of soul and gospel tracks might be enough to wash the stain of sin off your pathetic backs. Then there’s Living For Kicks at The Satellite Lounge, where DJs Popwell and Bunny Punch spin a bunch of groovy garage, psych, soul & r&b in one of the newest and more understated joints in the hood. Both of these happenings are free and the drinks run cheap. Across the river is Mr. Fine Wine and his unbeatable collection of rare soul 45’s at Botanica on Houston Street, and "The Man Who Need Not Sleep", Mr. Jonathan Toubin for New York Night Train, playing crazy soul, garage and psych at the dangerous Motor City Bar down on old Ludlow Street.

THURSDAY

Thursday’s move for live music is THE RUNAWAY SUNS and their shimmery, pop-tastic psychedelia at CoCo 66 in Greenpoint. If you haven’t caught them yet, do it before everyone else starts telling you how they always thought they were the coolest. I’m pretty sure it’s a free Lady Bree production. Not too far away and also in Little Poland at relatively new joint The Blackout Bar you can check out the infamous Bushwick Ronnie Seward (Whooping Crane), Alex Moyer and Josh Styles (Smashed! Blocked! and The Stalkers) where they will be educating you kids on the finer points of the Jamaican soul and rocksteady scene of the mid-late 60’s. Or, get your soul saved again by Reverend Vince at Bushwick’s Beauty Bar. If you’re off the beaten path and in Manhattan check out one of the last of the real bars on the island (and you can tell it's alright if the neighbors are trying to shut it down), Heathers, where Mr. Robinson, Dos Platos and BamaLama Mike spin 50's and 60's era soul. All of these happenings are free to get in to.

Staying home, my agoraphobic / broke friends? I recommend prepping for this weekends reading and Smashed!Block! sessions by listening to Dave the Spazz’s show on WFMU tonight, as he’s joined by the legendary Andre Williams, who I hear is gonna be on for the full 3 hours.

BOFFO!

-Oweinama

Another scorching week.

2010-01-31T23:00:00.005-05:00

I'm referring to the
music of course.
I wish my space
heater worked this well.

Monday

I believe that this is the first benefit for Haiti we've mentioned on GaragePunkNYC: Fresh Kills, Cerebral Ballzy and more perform at The Woods in Williamsburg. There is a $10 minimum donation which goes to the BSVAC Haiti rescue effort (I dare you to look up what that stands for).

200 Orchard hosts the debut of Twin Guns, featuring Andrea Sicco and Jungle Jim from My Happy Gun. We're not sure exactly what they sound like since the only actual song on their MySpace page is a cover of Rumble, but it should be rock-n-roll. If you liked My Happy Gun but wished they sounded more like Link Wray, then you are a very imaginative individual. If you'd like to see Humboldt Fog and The Othermen on the same bill, then Monday is an auspicious day to take a journey... to 200 Orchard (yes, I am plagiarizing fortune cookies now). Should be a good show, try the Peking Duck.

The Reverend Vince Anderson will once again be at Union Pool. That show is free and starts at 11pm.

Tuesday

The London Souls bring their funk/punk sound to Mercury Lounge again this week (we're just not crazy about the bands they keep getting paired with). The show starts at 10pm and admission is $10.

Once again Tuesday is the night for Hot Dog! at Bar Matchless featuring DJs spinning Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and more. No cover, 2-for-1 drinks all night... but I hear it starts at 9:45 this week? Is that true? Who came up with that number?

Wednesday

Not my job anymore. Yes folks, check back in on Wednesday for a post by a new contributer to GaragePunkNYC...

Marcus

Go, Go, Go-Go!

2010-01-29T11:25:00.003-05:00

OK! it's on! No more slow weekends from here on out. Instead, incredibly over-booked weekends packed with too many options to count (just try it).

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

Maybe a mellow start to your night with an acoustic Georgiana Starlington at Williamsburg's Live with Animals gallery (and some other groops we don't know) $6
--OR--
A rude awakening to a night of "classic punk covers" by the Black Angels (no, not the Texas band) at Desmond's in the city.

Round about 10 o'clock, everything else kicks into gear. If it's live action you're after, there's Mission of Burma at Bowery for $20... or, considerably cheaper, there's Real Gone! which this month features Love-Struck and the Hydes (Otto's, FREE).

On the DJ-side of things, you've got:

Jonathan Toubin at Home Sweet Home
Phast Phreddie with special guest DJ Lenny Kaye (Nuggets!/Patti Smith) @ Trophy Bar (Williamsburg)
A night of rocksteady, soul & reggae @ Huckleberry in Williamsburg called "Another Scorcher"

SATURDAY:

Even MORE action. Let's start it off with the live side of things:

The Spines hit Passout Records with their "autoharp punk" -- wait, Passout's still there?! FREE
The Girls at Dawn are at Death By Audio $?
Blues/garage/rockers Chicken Snake, Two Tears (ex-Red Aunts) and the Othermen are at Don Pedro $?
The Stalkers, Nouvellas, Tough Shits & Foster Care are at Cameo (back of Lovin' Cup Cafe) $8
Soul/Funkers Ex Caminos are at CoCo 66 in Greenpoint
Mission of Burma AGAIN at Bowery $20
Andy Maltz's Piggies are at Bar Nine in Hell's Kitchen FREE

When it comes to dancin', saturday night is alright:

NYNT's Soul Clap! returns to Glasslands with its $100 dance prize, judged this week by Captain Heartlock, Tara F, and Cowboy Mark among others. Cover has risen to $5 but that won't keep the hordes out.
An all female soul DJ night hits Huckleberry with Connie T. Empress, Mary-Clancey and Girlsoul FREE
The return of "the shank" - Bury Me in Brooklyn's afterhours club returns, this time near Union Pool on Ainslie St ("Badlands") . It kicks off at 4am-ish, probably has a cover (?) and features Jonathan Toubin post-Clap. It rocks 'til 8AM. Enjoy the bathroom lines.

SUNDAY

DJs Baz & Tito at Motor City spin punk, Bo Diddley and god knows what else. FREE

Andy Maltz & WFMU's Dave the Spazz DJ the front room at Union Pool all night. FREE

That's it for me... bundle up youngins!

SHIMMY

One busy, busy week.

2010-01-24T23:00:00.007-05:00

This weekend is on fire
but try to stay focused,
'cause this week is real busy too.

Monday

A couple of free shows tonight. The Studio at Webster Hall hosts a show headlined by The Girls at Dawn. Can't vouch for the other bands, but it's free, so just show up late. Speaking of late... The Reverend Vince Anderson's residency is still going strong at Union Pool. Starts at 11pm.

Tuesday

This month's Underclass Revue at Bowery Electric is going a little nuts. The show features psycho-billy from The Arkhams and The Hydes, plus the old-school rock-n-roll of Charlie and the Crybabies. Looks like a $6 cover for this one. Also on the agenda for fans of funk: The London Souls bring their funk/punk sound to Mercury Lounge for a three-week residency starting today. $10 cover for that one (it's the Mercury Lounge, you see...)

Also on the calendar is a Brooklyn tradition, an institution, a standard of excellence, and many things, but definitely not a surprise... it's Hot Dog! at Bar Matchless! Featuring DJs spinning Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and more. No cover, 2-for-1 drinks all night, from 8 'till late.

Wednesday

For the second Copycat of this month The Sweet Ones and Guitar Bomb pay tribute to the music of Neil Young. DJ Xerox and DJ Shimmy (of GaragePunkNYC fame!) spin cover tunes all night. Aside from all the covers, no cover.

Also on the agenda: DJ Reverend Vince spins Soul, Gospel and R&B at Savalas; New York Night Train Wednesdays at Motor City Bar with weekly guest DJs spinning punk, rock, punk rock, and all things loud; and Mr. Fine Wine of WFMU spinning Soul music at Botanica. All three are free.

Thursday

A couple of shows tonight. The Demands play a free, early show at the Lakeside Lounge. The Othermen and The Electric Mess headline a bill over at The Bowery Electric. Let's call it The "The" Party. The 'The "The" Party' cover is $8.

The Marcus

Sleepy and Sleepier

2010-01-22T13:31:00.004-05:00

We have a word for a weekend like this: SLEEPY. As in, "I looked at the shows but I got sleepy". It's not that cold but hey, this just isn't a very exciting weekend. You'll be weighing the merits of fried chicken and DVDs vs. going out, trust us. BUT, if you gotta go, you gotta go. So here's what's what.

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

Kinda low key start to the weekend but there's fun to be had nonetheless: start off slow with some New Orleans/60's style RnB at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope with the Funky Fritters.

Then stroll on over to Don Pedro (or rather, take the G shuttle bus) for the Art show (postponed from December's blizzard) featuring folks like Avi Spivak as well as Gasface on the turntables. We expect it to start off real loose and lazy and then burn its way into some kind of a rager by late night. AND it's free!

Otherwise, your dancing option is to go Home Sweet Home for another Shakin' All Over Sideways Down with J. Toubin. Looks like no cover tonight due to the absence of any celebrity djs!

SATURDAY:

There's a bit more shakin' Saturday. Ex-Magnetic Fielder Lee Greenfeld celebrates his birthday at Hell Kitchen's Bar Nine with favorite bands the Brought Low and Les Sans Culottes (plus some DJs). We think there might even be some free grub if you're early.

Over in Brooklyn, more options:

Don Pedro's got a good night with the Dirty Shames, the Back CCs and Charlie & the Crybabies plus Jukebox Jodi DJing. $6
Over at Beauty Bar Brooklyn, DJ Brenda Brand among others will be making the crowd twist and frug all night. FREE
Down in the Slope, it's Dig Deeper time, this month with Darrow Fletcher, his first performance in NYC in 2,000 years. He's got a great voice although some of the material seems a bit lightweight for our tastes. Still, there's DJs and a great backing band and it's probably still worth the occasional elbow'ing by hipster douchebags. Southpaw $10adv/$15door

SUNDAY:

Another edition of the Punk Record Fair (we assume postponed from the December date?) at Public Assembly. It's $5, starts at noon and we think there are some DJs as well as dealers from the Tri-State. It's just a block down from Academy in case you're feeling like blowin' your wad.

Later on, if you've still got some cash, head over to Home Sweet Home for Kathy Tabor's "Sophisticated Boom Boom" night (FREE, drinks extra) with special guest Leah of the Nouvellas.

Or you could do the Union Pool thing with Andy Maltz. Face it, DJ nights at places like HSH and UP are best on Sundays when it's a more local crowd, so give it a shot if you're up to no good on a school night!

See ya 'round!
SHIMMY

It's still January, dammit.

2010-01-18T12:00:00.004-05:00

The Reverend Vince Anderson
on St. Patrick's Day?
Maybe, but he's definitely
on Monday at Union Pool.

Monday

The Rev. Vince Anderson and His Love Choir continue their Monday evening residency tonight at Union Pool. The show starts at 11pm and there is no cover.

Tuesday

Netflix or... Hot Dog! at Bar Matchless, featuring DJs spinning Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and more. No cover, 2-for-1 drinks all night, from 8 'till late.

Yeah, I know, a bunch of you are going to pick Netflix. All right then, how about this: Anna Copa Cabanna performs at the Knitting Factory as part of the .357 Lover (think Meatloaf) residency/variety show. We can't vouch for all of the other musicians and performers, but Zero Boy is definitely a lot of fun.

Wednesday

It's DJ Night night. Lots and lots of things to do (unlike that slacker, Tuesday):

DJ Reverend Vince spins Soul, Gospel and R&B at Savalas.
Juke Joint Howl at Otto's Shrunken Head, with DJs Mike Mortician and Mike Decay spinning Blues and 40s and 50s R&B.
New York Night Train Wednesdays at Motor City Bar, where weekly guest DJs spin punk, rock, punk rock, and all things loud.
And of course, Mr. Fine Wine spinning his speciality - Soul music - at Botanica.

The one thing you can't do on Wednesday: pay a cover charge. All four are free.

Thursday

Our calendar says the Bowery Boys and the Tarantinos are playing at Bowery Electric. The venue's calendar doesn't agree, but they're notoriously sloppy, so go anyway.

Also on tap for this week: DJs Avi Spivak and Alex Moyer are taking over Thursday Night Thump at Enid's. We hear it'll be a mix of punk, soul, and early reggae scorchers -- quite a mix! It's also Avi's birthday party, so while there is no cover, you might consider bringing him a little something...

Marcus

We TOLD You So...

2010-01-15T14:05:00.004-05:00

We're back! Yes, it's now officially the second half of January and things have begun to pick up (like we promised).

All kinds of action this weekend from great dj gigs to shows galore. Let's get to it:

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

Start off your night the right way by getting some early booze (free if you're lucky). Captain Heartlock will be DJing the good stuff at a swish art opening at the Gershwin Hotel (?!) on E. 27th st starting at 7. It's free entry and probably cheap or free drinks, so why the fuck not?

Keepin' on the early track, you'll find Jay Banerjee & his Heartthrobs with their 60's meets powerpop sound plus NJ powerpop/rockers Neutron Drivers at Parkside Lounge on Houston St.

At 9, the shit really starts to fly. The Nouvellas play a gig at Bowery Electric (unsure of stage time); the soul/funk Budos Band are at Maxwell's (for $14) and if you happen to be in NJ, there's a cool-sounding DJ night called 45 Sessions with DJs from Fleamarketfunk.com at Asbury Lanes ($5).

At 10, More DJ action: This month's Subway Soul Club takes off at "The Loft" above Public Assembly (entry from street) with head honcho Phast Phreddie and guests yours truly (SHIMMY) and Jennie Wasserman of Sweet Divines (and formerly Dansettes). It's got a minimal cover charge to keep out the questionably unhip and it's a dancin' good time. I'll be slingin' all kinds of new and old finds, many of which I've never DJed out in NYC before.

Over at Motor City, Josh Styles will be spinnin' with Anna Copa Cabanna dancing for "Flip! Flop! & Fly!" -- we can only hope that Big Joe Turner has made it into Josh's set. FREE

If you're more in a rockabilly mood (heck, a night where you might really hear Big Joe Turner), head over to Otto's for REBEL NIGHT, it's ancestral home since the 4th Century B.C.E. It's Free and hoppin'

SATURDAY:

More action!

The Budos Band and Nouvellas realize they don't have to have competing events and team up at Southpaw in Park Slope.
Heavy Hands, Sorceress & the Electric Mess rock "Death Cult HQ North America" (Don Pedro) along with great DJs Clanceypants, Ambassador Hazy & Captain Heartlock. $?
Over in old New Jersey, Jonathan Toubin infects Asbury Lanes with his Soul Clap dance contest & dj night -- $8.

Then there's more DJ action:

Night Owl & Todd Spinn do their "hard" garage night at Matchless in Greenpoint (FREE)
Jumpy & Otto Bahn bring their wigs to FLIP CITY at Greenpoint's new Blackout Bar. (ALSO FREE)
Captain Heartlock (no stranger to DJing?) is somehow in 2 places at once (wouldn't put it past him) and DJs with KittyBeat and guest Kevin Wyzzard for the Salvation night at Hope Lounge (around the corner from Roebling Tea Room in Williamsburg) (ALSO ALSO FREE)

SUNDAY:

Atlanta power-poppers? (can someone confirm this is the right description.. all i know is they have "great hair") The Weight hit Union Pool. $?

In the front room you'll find Dave the Spazz or perhaps Andy Maltz spinnin' the greatness.

That's it for this week, learn from me and take loads of vitamin C all the time. How else will you recover from hangovers of THESE proportions?!

SHIMMY

A week of fuzzy things.

2010-01-10T23:00:00.005-05:00

Have you RSVPed yet?
It is "strictly required"
and strictly enforced by
a one-eyed gorilla bouncer
with bad teeth.

Monday

At 200 Orchard (I think that's their website) in Manhattan it is time for a Glad All Over!!! party with The Rats, Des Roar, and DJ Charly Manson. And it's free!!!

Over in Brooklyn, the Rev. Vince Anderson and His Love Choir continue their Monday evening residency at Union Pool. Starts at 11pm, also no cover, and what it lacks in exclamation points it will surely make up for in fervor.

Tuesday

Tonight's special is... Hot Dog! (same special we had last week) at Bar Matchless. Featuring DJs spinning Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and pretty much whatever they want because they are unstoppable! No cover, 2-for-1 drinks all night, from 8 'till late.

Wednesday

Not its usual week or its usual music, CopyCat hosts a night of Sesame Street covers (!!!) with bands Whooping Crane, Anna Copa Cabanna and the MG5, and Madame Robot and the Lust Brigade. With DJ Xerox and his clone (unconfirmed) DJ Larry Red spinning cover songs until bedtime. Plus: furry costumes, special cupcakes (no, not that kind), and even more surprises in store (just not from eating the cupcakes). The cover is not one of them: it's free.

Wednesday night is DJ night in NYC. DJ Reverend Vince spins Soul, Gospel and R&B over at Savalas in Brooklyn. In Manhattan at Motor City Bar it is time for New York Night Train Wednesdays, where guest DJs play punk/rock/hard stuff all night. Then of course there's Botanica where Mr. Fine Wine will spin his favorite Soul grooves. Hell, they even got two of 'em at CopyCat. All of these DJ nights are free.

Thursday

One big show tonight: Jack Oblivian and The Tennessee Tearjerkers along with Mannequin Men at Bruar Falls. Free, but you must RSVP. Anyone else feel like they might just be going to this one? Yeah, me too.

Marcus

This episode of GPNYC is brought to you by the number zero, which is how much every single show and DJ night costs this week. Nice!

Friday Nite is Uptite but Saturday Nite is Just Alrite

2010-01-08T14:02:00.004-05:00

The title pretty much sums it up. Tons to do tonight, not so much tomorrow. Well, you can just hibernate. Bears do it, it's cool. Really. Don't worry, the post-New Years slowdown won't last forever. Soon we'll be waxing enthusiastic about more dumb, shitty garage bands that only want to get drunk and break your ears.

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

Kick it all off with an early show at Mercury Lounge... Oh wait, remember this place? it was cool in like 2001. But it's probably worth going to tonight due to a double bill of sizable proportions-- Duchess & the Duke and GPNYC favorites (and all-around connecticut contenders) Medication. Doors at 7:30. That's right, Mercury Lounge is so fucking gay that the good shit starts before you've had dinner. May we recommend Guinness? $10

Next up you've got more early action at Brooklyn's Bruar Falls (Born Loose, ex-Candy Snatchers) and Southpaw, the Ex Caminos (Soul/Funk/Boogaloo) -- both on stage around 9PM.

In prime time, you've got clear choices:

- Union Pool has a psych night with long-time droners La Otracina supported by Heavy Hands...

- Don Pedro hosts the first ever Brooklyn "Midnite Till Death" -- Gazin having moved from the Cake Shop, his previous home, for a new round of shows in 2010. This one looks pretty good, too with Ex-Humans, Natural Child (ex-Turbo Fruits), "Bosco Delfry" and Jack's K-Holes. Only $6 and could be a rager if the weather doesn't keep you at home.

- Greenpoint's Warsaw sees the return of brylcreemed Japanese rockabilly dj gig ABC Rebel Night, once again with guest DJ Phast Phreddie. It's free, down the street from some of our (and your houses) and what the hell, it's fun too.

- Home Sweet Home has a guest DJ tonight-- guessed it yet? That's right, it's Josh Styles... he takes this NYNT gig so often, you could forget it actually belongs to Toubin. It's free, and will have lots of folks though.

As to the other two nights on the calendar-- we've heard rumors that Barf-o-Rama is no more (for the time being) and we're not sure about Devils' Night in Greenpoint... buyer beware.

SATURDAY:

Only one gig ! What?! Obviously we've missed something (thank god we're almost out of Xanax!), but hell, it sounds purdy good:

The Vondells, instrumental coverists Moto-Gators, the Jay-Vons and Mister Action and his Boss Guitars (isn't this the dude from the Fleshtones?) make it a power pop vs. 60's rock night at Hank's Saloon in Brooklyn. And it's FREE, you can't beat that price boy-o.

SUNDAY:

Noone here but these crickets. Oh and a slurge of people at Union Pool, where Andy Maltz and/or Dave the Spazz (we're leaning towards the Spazz) are DJing in the front room. FREE

See ya next week-- don't let the frostbugs bite!
SHIMMY

We have finally recovered!

2010-01-03T23:00:00.011-05:00

I admit that going dancing this week may feel a little... odd.
Give it a shot. At least you're allowed to drink while you dance.

And yes, it is supposed to warm up a bit as the week goes on, so wear your best sloggin' shoes.

Monday

One-woman garage-rocker Two Tears is playing a show at "200 Orchard", which is either the laziest name for a bar ever, or it's a parking garage or something. The show is free! Also, German Measles and some (mostly punk) bands are on a bill at Death By Audio (not sure about the cover).

Tuesday

There is something happening on Tuesday! It's Hot Dog! at Bar Matchless. What an expected surprise! Featuring DJs spinning Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and more. No cover, 2-for-1 drinks all night, from 8 'till late. (What an expected write-up!)

Wednesday

As always, DJ work hard on Wednesdays. In Brooklyn: DJs Popwell and Bunny Punch host Living For Kicks at the Satellite Lounge, spinning everything good from the 60s, including Garage, Rocksteady, R&B and Soul. Also on the agenda, DJ Reverend Vince spins Soul, Gospel and R&B over at Savalas. Both free.

In Manhattan: At Motor City Bar it is time for New York Night Train Wednesdays, where guest DJs play punk/rock/hard stuff all night. Then of course there's Botanica where Mr. Fine Wine will spin his favorite Soul grooves. Once again, both free. It's almost as though they want you to come in and buy something from their establishment instead...

Thursday

DJ Reverend Vince spins Gospel, Soul, Funk and more at Beauty Bar Brooklyn, and DJs Mr. Robinson and Dos Platos have a Soul music night at Heathers in Manhattan. Again, both free. You may lose a lot of body heat this weekend, but you won't lose much money.

Marcus

Get ready for a long New Years weekend.

2009-12-27T23:00:00.018-05:00

The end of the "whatever it's called" decade.
The Naughts? I prefer "The Naught-ies".
But whatever it's called, it's over.

Note: this post is really, really likely to be updated as we hear about more New Year's Eve parties.

Monday

Snow again (supposedly). Warm 'yerself up at Art Land Bar where DJ Knifefight will be spinning all "pre-Beatles" rock-n-roll. No cover, free pool and drink specials all night starting at 10. And no competition, so go!

Tuesday

The Bowery Electric hosts a Gogol Bordello afterparty upstairs, but we strongly recommend heading downstairs to catch Whooping Crane, The Dirty Shames, Daddy Long Legs and The Bowery Boys. Show starts at 9pm and there's a free vodka bar from 9-10. $5 cover. And/or, head over to Lakeside Lounge to catch The Martinets for free at 9pm.

In Brooklyn, check out Trophy Bar for a "Birthday Blow-Out" with DJs Sophie Thunder, Boogaloo Omnibus and Billy Miller (of Norton Records/The A-Bones). It's a party for folks with birthdays between Dec. 24 and Jan. 1, but everyone is invited. Pretty sure there is no cover, but feel free to bring gifts (I do believe myrrh is traditional). Or you could just go to Hot Dog! at Bar Matchless where they'll have DJs spinning Rock-n-Roll, 50's and 60's R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Garage Rock, Punk, and more. No cover, 2-for-1 drinks all night, starts at 8.

Wednesday

DJs and more DJs. DJ Reverend Vince spins Soul, Gospel and R&B at Savalas. New York Night Train Wednesdays at Motor City Bar features guest DJs spinning punk/rock/hard stuff all night. Mr. Fine Wine spins fine Soul music at Botanica. And furthermore... DJs Gregg D and Dave Ready (of Sorceress) will spin glam, rock-n-roll and "teenage boogie" at St. Jerome's (the bar -- it's at 155 Rivington in Manhattan). There's supposed to be a special secret guest live performer at that last one. They're all free, so as long as you go, you can not go wrong.

Thursday

Yeah, there miiiight just be something happening this Thursday. But considering that you'll probably get charged a $5 cover just for stepping outside, you might want to plan ahead.

Our suggestions:

1. Don't plan on taking a cab anywhere.

a. Golden Triangle and Electric Tickle Machine at Glasslands Gallery. Also with DJ Thirwell, a "secret performance", and an open vodka bar from 9-10. $10 cover.

α (that's an "alpha" - all of our suggestions should be considered equal). Your 33 Black Angels,The Hoa Hoa's, Hollands, Hobsons Choice, Apollo Heights, akg's Humboldt Fog, and perhaps more at Don Pedro. $8 cover and free Colt 45 from 11-midnight. Served in champagne glasses. Okay, not really.

ℵ. The Detriot Cobras, The A-Bones and The Underthings at Mercury Lounge. Tickets are... $25 advance, $30 at the door. Oy vey!

$. The Subway Soul Club presents Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and Obits at The Bell House. DJs after the bands include the Boogaloo Omnibus (that guy again!) Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door, though after the bands the cover drops to $5.

Edit: and more... DJ Jahna Rain spins funk and soul all night at The Lamp Post Bar and Grill in Jersey City. New York Night Train is throwing all-night parties at Cake Shop, Motor City Bar and Home Sweet Home. Covers range from $0 to $15, check out their website for more info. The Trash Bar is doing a punk rock New Years with Murphy's Law, No Redeeming Social Value, World War IX, Blackout Shoppers and Skum City. $12 cover includes an open bar from 8-9.

Marcus

PS. Anyone know the story behind all these open vodka bars? There's one every week lately, two this week. Did some company hire a really good rep or what? And also, how did Don Pedro get stuck with those little bottles of Colt 45?