Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Diesel xXx Party: Hot Chip & Chaka Khan

Hot Chip took the stage at about 10:45 and the crowd went wild. Although the weather was pleasant, Alexis came clad in a puffy winter coat and the boys officially got the party started. Chaka Khan later joined Hot Chip on stage and flawlessly pleased the crowd with such hits as I'm Every Woman, Ain't Nobody and I Feel For You. Needless to say we had no voice the following day.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Diesel xXx Party: Opening and O’Fracas

The Diesel xXx Rock and Roll circus kicked off at 9PM on Saturday October 11th on Pier 3 in Brooklyn. Going in the only real expectations I had were that it could either go really good or really bad. I feared the worst: disorganized, overly packed, expensive drinks, half assed circus theme, etc. I was wrong. Free drinks, free food, and very well put together...they went all out.

I had never heard of
O'Fracas but from what I can remember after double fisting gin and sodas...they were pretty decent! Luckily nobody else recognized them so I was able to set up shop for the night with both hands on the barricade.

«More Photos of The Diesel xXx Party Opening & O'Fracas»

Acrobats, Fire eaters

The ringleader
O'Fracas


Concertgoer Wall of Shame: Diesel xXx Party

I know it's petty to do and I debated posting this...but I'm a man of my word. This girl was so rude, aggressive and came out of nowhere trying to push the kind people and I who were there all night out of our spots on the barricades. As you can see the people around her were not happy and not having it, this fine lady was thrown out. Justice was served and I promised and threatened to blog about her, haha. So readers, let this be a lesson for you. Have good concert etiquette or karma will be served...or you'll just end up on TLC's Concert Wall of Shame.

Mark Ronson and Florence cover Kelly Clarkson

Mark Ronson with Florence and the Machine covered, which in my opinion is one of the best pop songs ever, Kelly Clarkson's Since U Been Gone backstage at Diesel's killer xXx party in London. Great job on vocals!



MP3: Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone or zShare

Up Next on TLC: Madonna, Diesel xXx, Beck, MGMT, The Teenagers

Obviously we take weekends off! TLC will be back with some major updates including: Madonna at Madison Square Garden, Beck/MGMT and the wicked Diesel xXx Party this past weekend! We're still dancing and on a high from the festivities!

Also, please email or leave a comment with some questions for The Teenagers. TLC will be conducting an interview with the band during their NYC takeover for CMJ. Here's some hot tracks to hold you over until then.

Friday, October 10, 2008

The Cure to Headline Coca Cola Live @ MTV

THEIR PERFORMANCE FEATURES A SPECIAL, EXCLUSIVE SET CONSISTING OF THEIR ENTIRE NEW ALBUM ‘4:13 DREAM’

The Cure headlines the 6th edition of Coca-Cola Live@MTV in Rome . The huge free live concert is held in Piazza San Giovanni on Saturday, October 11th at 6:30pm and AIRS LIVE on MTV Italia.

The historical and suggestive square will become a huge, kaleidoscopic stage full of colors, sounds, and special effects, ready to brighten The Cure’s and other artists live performances. Robert Smith’s band is headlining with a special exclusive set consisting of their entire new album ‘4:13 Dream’ and followed by an encore of their big hits. This unique performance will be broadcast worldwide on MTV.

Capping off a creative flurry that saw the release of four singles and a remix EP “Hypnagogic States,” this new album “4:13 Dream” marks the first new album of songs since 2005. Hotly anticipated by The Cure fans around the world, the album will be released October 27 internationally, and October 28 in the US via Suretone/ Geffen Records. As always, Smith was hands-on with all aspects of the release including the artwork and created very special double vinyl packaging for real die-hard fans.

In tribute to their loyalty to the Cure, fans flooded MTV Europe with enough votes to land The Cure with a nomination at the upcoming MTV EMAs in the prestigious “Headliner” category.

via Facebook Update

New MGMT Video: The Youth



MP3: MGMT - Kids (Afterschool Dance Megamix) or zShare

Britney Spears Setting the Record Straight for Documentary, Womanizer Video Premiere

I'm really glad she's speaking up...hopefully she gives us some real answers and no bullshit! Also, the Womanizer music video will premiere tonight on 20/20.



MP3: Britney Spears - Womanizer (The Teenagers Remix) or zShare

Banksy Opens Exclusive Exhibit in NYC













Amanda tipped me off to the exciting news that the enigmatic guerrilla artist from Bristol opened his first ever New York exhibit.

The Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill had an unceremonious opening this week in true Banksy fashion -- no publicity, no party, no frills. Since most New Yorkers aren't ones to stop and smell the roses as it were, most people are probably paying this new neighborhood storefront no mind. Word is getting out though.

Banksy's "store" is located at 89 7th Ave. between West 4th and Bleeker St. in the West Village. Through Halloween, it'll be open (not really for business, since nothing is actually for sale) daily until midnight.

Banksy let The Independent in on his reasoning behind the exhibit: "I wanted to make art that questioned our relationship with animals and the ethics and sustainability of factory farming but it ended up as chicken nuggets singing."

TLC hearts Banksy -- we'll be heading down this weekend so look out for our full coverage of the show.

See more photos of the exhibit from The BBC.
Read more about the exhibit on The Wooster Collective.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Happy Birthday John Lennon







John Lennon would have been 68 today.

MP3: The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever

It's Not Me It's You: Lily Allen Discusses New Album

Lily Allen has changed the name of her upcoming sophomore album from Stuck on the Naughty Step to It's Not Me It's You. Another bold statement from good ol' Lily Allen. The album has a tentative release date of February 2009.




MP3: Lily Allen - LDN (Switch Remix) or zShare

Be There: The Music Slut's CMJ Showcase

Check out this great line up and find out what all the buzz is about with most notably Chairlift. TLC attended Lissy Trullie's gig at Cake Shop recently, should be a great event!



Visit our friends at The Music Slut for more info

MP3: Avenue D - Do I Look Like a Slut? or zShare

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Franz Ferdinand added to xXx Bill

It's kinda starting to irk me how much free coverage Diesel is getting for this event in the blogosphere. But then again I've got my ticket so I don't really care. Franz Ferdinand has been added to the bill and Britney is rumored to be attending (ha) looking forward to more surprises! If you didn't get your tickets try your luck this Friday at 10am at select Diesel retail stores (be prepared to camp out) or just watch it online at VBS.tv & Diesel.com.

Confirmed: M.I.A, Franz Ferdinand, Hot Chip, Chaka Khan and N*E*R*D.
Rumored: Britney Spears. Britney in Brooklyn? Doubtful.

MP3: Franz Ferdinand - The Fallen (Justice Remix) or zShare
MP3: Franz Ferdinand - What You Waiting For? (Gwen Stefani Cover) or zShare

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Radiohead Carbon Calculator

Dear Radiohead ticket buyer,

Thank you for buying tickets to one of the Radiohead shows. The ticket seller has agreed to send this email to you on Radioheads behalf.

We would be extremely grateful if you could complete a short travel survey. We are trying to find out how people traveled to and from the Radiohead shows, and this information will help us plan shows in the future.
In return, and as a token of our thanks, we will send you a souvenir live track from Radioheads tour, to be chosen by the band.

Thanks for your help.
w.a.s.t.e
For and on behalf of Radiohead


MP3: Radiohead - The Gloaming (DJ Shadow Remix) or zShare
Oh yeah and Happy 40th to Thom Yorke!

Monday, October 6, 2008

The Rascals Reschedule London Dates


TLC's favorite Wirral laddies, The Rascals, have announced they'll be circling back to London in December. Give yourself an early Christmas present and check out the trio at:

Push at Astoria - Dec. 13
Scala - Dec. 16

Push Club
is one of TLC's absolute favorite nights out in London and this event with the Rascals is one not to be missed.

Tix for both shows are mad cheap and are still available HERE.

MP3: The Rascals - Freakbeat Phantom

Diesel xXx Party Tickets Are Available!

TLC got our paws on some tickets for Saturday's massive Rock and Roll Circus thanks to a heads up from our friends at Life's Bathroom! And we didn't have to spend $50 on jeans either. WOOOO we are extremely excited!

You still have a chance to snag tickets this Friday at the Diesel store in Union Square beginning at 10 AM.

Once again: M.I.A, Hot Chip, N*E*R*D, and Chaka Khan.

MP3: Hot Chip - Sexual Healing or zShare
MP3: M.I.A - 10 Dollar (Diplo China Girl Remix) or zShare
MP3: N*E*R*D - She Wants to Move (Justice Remix) or zShare

Voter Registration Deadlines Nearing!

This Friday October 10th is the last day to register to vote in the 2008 United States Presidential election for New York State Residents. Register NOW! For more information visit Rock The Vote.



MP3: The Smiths - How Soon is Now? (Mark Ronson Remix) or zShare

Teenagers NYC Gigs Revealed!

October 22nd, 8PM:
Ben Sherman Store. 99 Spring Street, NYC

October 25th, 8PM:
Filter Mag Party / Antics Warehouse 5ON /3rd Ward. Brooklyn, NY

MP3: The Teenagers - Tiger Demo or zShare
MP3: The Teenagers - Selflove (Demo) or zShare

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Alan McGee Thinks Dig Out Your Soul is Oasis' Revolver

Alan McGee is one of my all-time heroes; a true legend in the music world whose foresight and judgement cannot be matched. He occaisonally contributes to The Guardian music blog and I'm always delighted when a post of his pops up.

I haven't been as excited as I should be about the impending Oasis release, but leave it to McGee to get me all fired up. His post on Tuesday was a reminder of what drew me to Oasis to begin with, and why I've stayed a fan all these years. He reckons Dig Out Your Soul is the career defining seventh album for them the way Revolver, The Beatles' seventh, was seminal not only in the band's history but in music history. Ok, so I probably wouldn't go that far but it's nice to think Oasis are taking a step forward in their career. Album's out Tuesday and is currently streaming on MySpace.

This bit made me go a bit weepy and want to punch a triumphant fist high into the air:
"I understand that openly admitting to liking Oasis is inviting confrontation, but you know what? Being an Oasis fan is never having to say I'm sorry. And I'm not. Leave saying sorry to the Coldplay imitators as their era of bedwetter music is over...This is how rock'n'roll should be done in the United Kingdom today."

Elsewhere in The Guardian, the brilliant Alexis Petridis offers up a review of Dig Out Your Soul full of objective insight.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Rehearsal Space with Ratatat

In this episode of Rehearsal Space Mike and Evan talk about the serendipity of their success and how their music always sounds like “a really bad idea” on paper. They delve into their creative process, sharing a few tips for innovative sounds and stress the importance of never losing your original musical intent. Read More HERE.



MP3: Ratatat - Mirando or zShare

TLC's Weekend Playlist

Beside election debates and financial disasters it has been a slow news week in the blog world. Fridays in the office seem to drag on the longest. Here is a little afternoon mix to get us all in weekend mode. MP3J's, gym bunnies and party animals add these to your playlist. Don't fight the urge to get down to the guilty pleasures either. Also: If you have any suggestions for similar themed playlists please leave them in the comments. ENJOY!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Be There: Bring On The Brits @ The Annex

The Annex is hosting this CMJ showcase for British bands on Oct. 22-23. Sorry to say, but Scouting For Girls are absolutely insufferable but Friendly Fires are HOT (pun not really intended) and definitely worth checking out.

Experience Arctic Monkeys At The Apollo

Warp Films, Domino Records and Bang Bang films present a Warp Films Production 'Arctic Monkeys at The Apollo', which will be screened at a selection of UK and European cinemas for one night only on Tuesday the 14th of October. 'Arctic Monkeys at The Apollo' features a 76 minute film of the last gig in the band's acclaimed 2007 world tour, shot at their Manchester Apollo show. More info HERE.



MP3: Arctic Monkeys - If You Were There Beware or zShare

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Crystal Stilts Hit the Road

TLC saw Crystal Stilts this past September at eMusic Select's show case at Le Poisson Rouge along with headliners High Places. I really enjoyed the band's garage rock energy and eccentric stage presence! It seems Crystal Stilts has outgrown their opening slot now and are ready to hit the road on their own. Check out Crystal Stilts on tour this fall, venue highlights for me include Death by Audio and of course CMJ...shout out to Ithaca via Jess!

Tour Dates For Crystal Stilts
10/03 - Ithaca, NY - No Radio
10/04 - Brooklyn, NY - Death By Audio (w/Cause Co-Motion)
10/11 - New York, NY - 92Y Tribeca
10/23 - New York, NY - (Force Field PR CMJ Showcase) Piano's*
10/21-25 - New York, NY - Various other CMJ appearances TBA

The Teenagers Return to NYC?!?

Finally! I spied this on their Myspace page:

Oct 22
8:00P
TBA NEW YORK
Oct 25 8:00P
TBA NEW YORK

Yes, I am aware that I am a little overly excited about this. I snapped the pic to the right from their (favorite) gig at Studio B. Check out TLC friend Goldie's interview and pictures with the band earlier this year to learn more! (Yes I am jealous about that)

Also visit our friends, The Music Slut for a special Teenagers remix of Britney's horrid new single "Womanizer," they actually made the song 1,000 x's better!

MP3: The Teenagers - We Are The Teenagers (Demo) or zShare

New York Magazine Celebrates 40 with Grizzly Bear and The National


New York Magazine
celebrates 40 years of greatness with Grizzly Bear and The National next Friday October 10th at Hammerstein Ballroom.


Learn more about this event HERE, and purchase your tickets HERE.

Also Check out New York Magazine's 40th Anniversary Feature.


MP3: Grizzly Bear - Knife (Girl Talk Remix) or zShare

Continuing the Trend, More DIY Remixes

Show off your skills by remixing artists such as: Cut Copy, Holy Fuck, Rumblestrips, The Bravery, Ladyhawke, The Whip, Does it Offend You, Yeah?, Dragonette, Shitdisco, Tokyo Police Club, Yelle, Voxtrot, The Go! Team, Metronomy.

"This remix project was created by Buffetlibre Dj's and allows you to
download isolated audio from many songs, then splice and mix it!"
Click HERE for more info!

...and don't forget the Radiohead Reckoner Remix Project.

Cat Power 's Dark End of The Street

Information regarding Cat Power's new EP has been released via Myspace. The new EP titled Dark End of The Street will be released on December 9th and will also include a "limited edition double 10" EP in gatefold sleeve and a digital EP."

The title comes from a track that was left off of the Jukebox album released earlier this year. I took the pic to the left at the McCarren gig in 2007, great show!

MP3: Cat Power - Metal Heart or zShare
MP3: Cat Power - Peking Saint (Rollercoaster Project remix) or zShare

R.I.P. Dirty Pretty Things

"It is with some sadness we announce the farewell of the Dirty Pretty Things," the statement to NME.COM read.

"It's been a glorious three years which we all would gladly live out again, but it is time for us to try new things (not
The Libertines).

"We are reluctant to give up touring but will give the last waltz everything. We have and are determined to go out as we came in, after which we all have other ventures to be getting on with and splendid future plans. "Heartfelt thanks to all who made it what it was, much love and we'll see you on the road."

via NME

Dirty Pretty Things were: Carl Barat, Didz Hammond, Gary Powell and Anthony Rossomando.