So I’ve come up with an apt metaphor for life in upstate New York, a.k.a. home. Time up here is like a pot of honey; it trickles slowly, maddeningly. And then all of the sudden, the latent momentum comes to life and pours all over the place. And you end up spoiling a perfectly good piece of toast. Yes. That is life up here.
So when I say I’m sorry for the lack of updates, I can’t really be faulted for it. To me, it’s still New Year’s Day. And of course, that time void affected my Events Calendar, so sadly I missed updating on such update-worthy events as Cause Co-Motion headlining with Constantines, Ambulance LTD. playing with The Giraffes, and Keren Ann once again gracing our lovely city with her loveliness. For now, my repentance is more links and mp3s. Forgive me.
Harlem Never Sounded So Good
Oh yes, it’s that wonderful time of year. One that is rare but cataclysmic, like an eclipse or Northern Lights sighting. Yes ladies and gentlemen, THE HARLEM SHAKES are back and are playing tonight at Rothko for Vicious, one of my favorite outlets for up-and-coming music. Back again are the songs that make your heart glow and your feet boogie, the ones that arc like a love-worn and time-tested relationship. Rothko won’t know what hit it when the glittering keyboards and deep, sonorous croons come out of the speakers. Yes. The Harlem Shakes are back.
Think that’s it? Think again. Vicious knows how to put together a true bill, and this one’s no different. A band that I have loved for a long time, THE CLOUD ROOM, is finally getting its due with a healthy spot at 9pm. Their songs, especially “Waterfall” and “Devoured In Peace”, create vibrant and deep aural atmospheres with plucked guitars and aching vocals. They’re songs that make you close your eyes and dream, which makes me believe their band name is no 7-beer mistake. See them tonight and realize that bands like The Harlem Shakes are made from the hard work and painstaking craft of the likes of The Cloud Room. And of course, say a little prayer of thanks to the holy triumvirate of Joey, Johnny and Dee Dee that we live in New Rock City.
[Never ones to hide their wit, The Harlem Shakes produce another winner for a show banner.]
The Harlem Shakes – Eighteen
The Harlem Shakes-Disco 5000
[Seriously, is it just me, or do all great bands have significantly great taste in graphic design?]
The Cloud Room-Waterfall
The Cloud Room-Hey Now Now
[Appearing with Aartkica and The Fine Lines, the latter of which you may remember from their fabulous pop song, “Nowthenwheneverok”.]
Aarktica – OJ Gude
The Fine Lines Music Page
In other news, OH MY ROCKNESS is giving away 2 tickets to The Arcade Fire show at Webster Hall. Click the link to enter, or else hock your mom’s jewelry and find a good scalper.
DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 f’ing rock. In fact, they rock so hardcore, I don’t think you can describe how much they rock without cursing. They’re worthy of expletives. Fucking amazing. Their video for “Romantic Rights” doesn’t fall short: DFA 1979
The slow-down of time has also produced a more mellow iTunes lately in the house of LARS. Instead of old Op. Ivy tapes and Sly & The Family Stone record binges, I’ve now become addicted to these amazings. Well, that and crack.
[And good readers of LARS, if you don’t own and/or pirated these artists/albums by now, I have serious doubts about you.]
Sufjan Stevens – All Good Naysayers, Speak Up! Or Forever Hold Your Peace
Sufjan Stevens – Holland
Sufjan Stevens – Romulus Video
The Arcade Fire – Wake Up
The Arcade Fire – Rebellion (Lies) [Arguably my favorite song, along with Inouk’s “Island”, of the entire year].
Iron & Wine – Jesus The Mexican Boy
The Shins – New Slang Video
März – The River
Also, several Dirty bands you need to become acquainted with:
Dirty On Purpose (old news).
Dirty Lenin. (very Go To Town).
Dirty Rainbow (new news).
And remember, true rock stars donate to charitable organizations:
Listing of charities for Tsunami Relief
Not only a rock photo this time, but also some modern art pieces from the brand spankin’ new MOMA. Because true rock stars also like modern art. Capiche?
“Untitled” by Christian Marclay (1999).
“Burning Wheel” by Damien Hirst.
“Hamburg, Loading Dock” by Emil Nolde (1910).
“Elisabeth II” by Gerhard Richter (1966).
Detail from “Untitled From Black And Red Series” by Joan Miró (1938).
“Weeping Woman” by Pablo Picasso.
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page perform in concert with Led Zeppelin.
Taken by Neal Preston circa 1975 for CORBIS.
“Equality,” I spoke the word/As if a wedding vow-S.
