Week, Parts 1-3

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

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Sunday Special Edition

Remember the McCarren Pool Parties? Those free shows which were swamped by hipster kids, but sometimes had some good bands? Well, they're back this year but at a new, pool-less location: North 8th at Kent in Williamsburg (of course). The full schedule is here.

Today the headliner is 70s post-punk rockers Mission of Burma. Feel free to enjoy the music of these politically-aware punks in the shadow of the biggest and emptiest condos in Brooklyn. Also, according to the New York Night Train MySpace page, Jonathan Toubin is DJing the show. He must've rushed the crew back from Chicago a la Home Alone, which may explain why Anna Copa Cabanna got left behind! Of course, her MySpace page says that he's going to be in Chicago at her show today at The Burlington. This suggests several possibilities: 1) The Internet is not to be trusted 2) Jonathan Toubin is The Flash 3) Kid Congo Powers is a master of disguise.

Also note that the Black Lips are playing the pool party on July 26th. Considering that their last show in New York cost $17, free sounds real good to me.

Afterparty? Dave the Spazz (of WMFU) and Andy Maltz (of the Little Killers and The Underthings) spin the sounds of the 50s and 60s, soul, garage, rarities and lots of good stuff to dance to. In the front room of Union Pool (though we hear it's mostly Andy these days). FREE!

Marcus

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Wet Tshirt Season Arrives in Subtropical New York

Happy Fourth of July! From now on, New York's Summers will be like South Texas' - sudden thundershowers in the middle of the day (every day) and the humidity will never go away!

Unlike South Texas however, we've got a fair amount to do at night (besides throwing molotov cocktails at oil refineries or putting the alligator clips on your neighbor's landline and calling other bored people in places like Moldova... anyone? no? ok...).

Kicking off the heavy weekend action, we've got the following juicy bits:

TONIGHT (Thursday):

Mr Robinson et al continue their monthly dj night at Heathers in Alphabet City. FREE.

Jonathan Toubin's got a rock'n'roll gig at Glasslands with excellent San Diegans Thee Oh Sees plus more, then an afterparty at Brooklyn's Beauty Bar (way out on Broadway). $? (Afterparty free)

Some pal of JT's named Ivan is DJing at Enid's in Greenpoint in case you live in the area and don't want to buy the necessary umbrella / take the car service to keep dry. FREE.

Mr. Jay Reatard is at Music Hall of Williamsburg (although we hear TV Smith of Adverts has cancelled) $15?

Psych Rockers Heavy Hands are at Union Pool... $?

and The Germs are at Mercury Lounge! $?

FRIDAY -- "Independence Day Eve"

Remarkably quiet on the Western Front-- Jonathan Toubin decided to capitalize and is putting on Soul Clap at Glasslands with Billy & Miriam of Norton Records plus a bevy of frankly too-indie-for-us judges. $3 cover includes part time open beer bar, plus you might win the dance contest (hint: practise to James Brown).

We assume Sr. Styles is at his usual Manhattan Beauty Bar perch for another Smashed Blocked as well. FREE

Also there are DJs at Legion including Ambassador Hazy (I'm guessing soul?) FREE.

SATURDAY -- "Fireworks Day" (on the Hudson river this year, so good luck seeing them from Brooklyn)

Sr. Toubin has his third day without sleep in a row, this time organizing the all day and night extravaganza at Union Pool featuring 24 bands supposedly playing 4 songs each (If I recall, Little steven tried this a few years ago and it didn't go so well!) Still, plenty of great Brooklyn garage-punkers including Stalkers, Jadewalkers, Love-Struck, Fresh Kills, K-Holes, and almost anyone who's played Glasslands in the past 6 months. $5 all day, Taco Truck a'cookin' outside. Bands outside (weather permitting) until 8 and then in the back room. Oh and tons of DJs of course.

DJs Jumpy & Mr Vacation try their hands at Bushwick Country Club's afternoon-night DJ gig on Grand St. FREE.

Unsteady Freddie braves douchey Manhattan crowds for his monthly Surf Nite gig with bands & DJs at Otto's. FREE.

Brooklyn's Beauty Bar hosts Professor Z & Captain Heartlock for Freedom Freakout! a night of 60's dance tunes. FREE.

SUNDAY -- "the day your head hurts because you drink wine AND whiskey the night before"

Cool off your hangover at Union Pool (where else?) with Andy Maltz & Dave the Spazz DJing the front room. FREE.

Stay dry (unless you've got two X chromosomes) -- see ya round!

SHIMMY

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The end of the week.

Yep, it's Nobunny's.

Did ya' miss him on Friday? Well get happy boys and girls, 'cause Nobunny is playing one more show tonight at Death By Audio in Brooklyn. Yes, the show finally appeared on their MySpace page, so it is happening. Also on the bill: Uzi Rash, Prism, Extreme Violence, White Wire.

If you missed Stupidity on Thursday and Friday and Saturday this week then you're probably too lazy to go to Otto's Shrunken Head tonight to catch their last performance in the New York area for a while. What's wrong with you? They were awesome at Don Pedro! Okay, okay, maybe you're not lazy but cheap. In that case catch an instore performance at The Record Collector in Bordertown, NJ. These Swedish garage-rockers will be joined by Philly garage-rockers Mondo Topless. The show starts at 7pm.

If 7pm is your idea of a "late start", Rock Star Bar is having a BBQ starting at 4. That's an hour ago! Local lampshade-wearing misc-rockers The Shaydes and Brooklyn punks The Totallys are on the bill. The music should start around 6.

As an after-party suggestion, may we recommend catching DJs Dave The Spazz and Andy Maltz spin garage rock, soul, rarities, and the music of the 50s and 60s in the front room of Union Pool. They start at 10pm and go late.

I'll be real honest: tonight rocks and the next few days look a little slow, so get off your seat and GO GO GO!

Marcus

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COLD HANDS... WARM FEET!

It may only be getting up to a high of 18 F today, but there are so many great things happening this weekend, it's no excuse to stay at home. Consider the 2008 hangover over. Bring on the 2009 Hangover!

Kicking it off with live shows, we've got longtime L.E.S. punks the Choke at Don Pedro; the Raveonettes are at Webster Hall in the city and last but not least (at least in my opinion), the return of Hullabaloo! at Union Pool.

This time we've got a killer all-garage bill featuring Brooklyn mods the Above (in a new, keyboard-less configuration), the Brimstones (in their first Pool show in 5 years!), the Siberians and primordial organ punkers Mondo Topless in from Philly (they were on WFMU live last night, check it out).

Also appearing is the lovely Ana Marcella, who'll be Go-Going to DJ sets between bands. Charles and I will be DJing from start to well into the morning so stick around for the dance party late late! Cover for the band action is $8 and the show kicks off at 9. Dancing after midnight is FREE!

If you're casting around for other dj parties to do tonight (if so... I disown you), there's Subway Soul Club at Fontana's in Chinatown, 50's pop & rockabilly at Otto's in the village with Rebel Night, and an afterparty for the release of the new Humanbeing Lawnmower zine with DJ Josh Styles and others at Legion in Williamsburg. All three are FREE!

SATURDAY, there's another set of pretty unusual gigs so sleep when you're dead!

SILENT BARN (QUEENS): Medication and some other far out garage/psych/punkers, $?

MCCAIG-WELLES GALLERY (WILLIAMSBURG): The Brian Wilson Shock Treatment return for their first gig in a long time, prefaced by a faux horror film performance by their frontman-- early show at 9pm and FREE.
DON PEDRO (WILLIAMSBURG): Humanbeing Lawnmower release party with 70's US punk the Victims, the Stalkers, the Butchers and the Ex-Humans ($8).

SOUTHPAW (PARK SLOPE): Former Magnetic Field-owner Lee Greenfeld's birthday with the Nouvellas and the Imaginary Icons plus DJs including Tom Dash & Todd-o-phonic Todd. FREE.

GLASSLANDS (WILLIAMSBURG): NYNT's Tropicalia night with Greg Caz and Jonathan Toubin. Brazilian sounds abound for $6!

So this is a two gatorade weekend... Ifyaknowhatimean... see you soon!

SHIMMY
PS) Check out Blair's new podcast with previews of shows this weekend and beyond:
It's All Happening Here #2

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THE HALLOWEEN GETDOWN

This weekend is party time all over NYC (and NJ too I presume), so let's take a look at what's on offer in Williamsburg:

Tonight is a special HALLOWEEN edition of the Fancy! Clip Party at Don Pedro, FREE, so come on down and dig the crazy 60's/70's horror/garage/punk/psych obscurities of Amy & co.

First up tomorrow night- the legendary Monster Mash 3 party has relocated to Don Pedro (from Rockstar Bar), a definite improvement in venue and this year features local bands covering (and dressing like) groups including:
Cramps, X, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Dead Boys, 5.6.7.8's, Everly Brothers, Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Roky Erickson, Nico, Ventures, Sonny & Cher, Sex Pistols, and apparently the Electric Shadows as the Yardbirds...Last year was awesome with Dead Moon (feat. members of LiveFastDie) and Steppenwolf (Heavy Creatures) being highlights for me. Cover's only $1 and expect this party to go LATE.

Next up we've got a great dj night called Chickaboom not too far away at Legion, featuring fabulous djs Phast Phreddie, Jumpy, Jun (of Rebel Night) and Melissa-Anne.
No cover on that one.Once again, pretty much in the same neighborhood, we've got the Underthings (ex-Little Killers) at Union Pool at a free show.

A little farther away, at weird restaurant/venue Monkeytown on N.3rd st, we've got Heavenly Horrors IV with Your 33 Black Angels, Heavy Creatures, Madam Robot & Lust Brigade plus DJs, lightshow and artwork. $7 cover on that one.

I'll be costumed and out there... see if you can find me out...

SHIMMY

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Fancy, Fun Weekend!

So, it's Thursday, which means it's time to start thinking about what you're gonna do this weekend.
I know, I know. It can be a bit overwhelming, sometimes, but I'm here to help ease the pain and direct your attention to several events I find worthy of your money being spent.
Friday, October 10, you might be interested in gathering 'round the ol' Pedro for a glimpse at seeing the D.C. Snipers, Spider Bags, Golden Boys, and Imaginary Icons. I haven't seen the Snipers since they played with the Sneaky Pinks and VCR, which was over two years ago. I'm assuming you haven't seen them for a very long time either, because they just recently reunited their forces! If you enjoy well written punk songs and Patton Oswald you'll become a fan of them instantly. Also on the bill we have The Spider Bags, who come from Chapel Hill and enjoy drinking alcohol. Here's a little story about my first time seeing them live. I was already very familiar with their music because a co-worker of mine constantly played their album in our shop. I was really getting into it, they have this great kind-of-country sound that brings images of homemade abortions and bathtub gin to the mind. When I actually got the chance to see them live I was really confused. I wasn't even sure it was the same band. It was a bunch of dudes who were trashed and could barely hold their instruments. Naturally I became an even bigger fan. The Golden Boys and Imaginary Icons are also very worth seeing, if you haven't seen them already. Show starts at 9:00.
Another option for Friday night is to head over to K&M to catch BARF-O-RAMA! with Dylan Otto Bahn and January 1963. These two people have got some great foot movin' music. If you're not in the mood for live music and would rather have a few drinks and shake a tail feather to all kinds of assorted Modness then you'll definitely have a good night at K&M.

Saturday, the 11th, there is a must do event! Not only because I'm DJing, but because there are FIVE amazing bands playing. It's HULLABALOO at Don Pedro! The headliners are Black Time, a very entertaining group from the United Kingdom. A mix of 60s garage, 50s rockabilly, and punk rock, À la the aught years, that all add up to be a modern band with non modern qualities. Confused? Good. That's more reason for you to go. Also playing are Liquor Store - the brain child of the magnificent Sarim, Jack Of Heart - from France, The Abducteens - Brooklyn trash rockers, and The Shaydes - something that just has to be witnessed. We've got a special treat this month, too! This Hullabaloo is featuring a Fancy clip party, which means tons of amazing rock'n'roll videos being projected over your head! As always, DJ Shimmy and I will be spinning the best soul, garage, r&b, and doo wop. Show starts around 9:00. Don't be late!
Alternatives to Hullabaloo are waiting for you over at Huckleberry and Union Pool. Soul Au Go Go features Jumpy and GirlSoul spinning dance music to an enthusiastic crowd of dancers, and a bar - can be pricey - which is stocked with great booze and incredible bartenders that actually know how to poor a drink. Over at Union Pool Lynne K and DJ Honky will be spinning the best soul and funk for the low, low price of FREE!


Now, I can't tell you where to go or what to do, but I, as sure as shit, can try to get you to support these events.

Don Pedro is located at 90 Manhattan Ave, between Boerum and McKibben, Brooklyn.
Huckleberry is located at 588 Grand St, between Lorimer and Leonard, Brooklyn.
Union Pool is located at 484 Union Ave, on the corner of Meeker, Brooklyn.
K&M is located at 225 N 8th St, on the corner of Roebling, Brooklyn.

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