White Rabbits Showcase New Album

                                                                                                                                                                                                         As I watched White Rabbits prepare for their set Thursday at the Mercury Lounge something didn’t settle well with me. It wasn’t the oblivious pastel-clad college kid who knocked over my beer or the underage girl who tried to swindle her way in front of me, nevertheless something about this White Rabbits show was off. And as I picked up what was left of my beer and “accidently” spilled it on the tween in an attempt to clear some space I realized what was amiss… the lone drum kit.

                                                                                 White Rabbits are synonymous with great percussion, so the single drum kit gave me a horrible premonition. With the same lineup: Stephen Patterson (vox/piano), Jamie Levinson (drums), Matthew Clark (drums, guitar), Alex Even (guitar), Gregory Roberts (guitar/vox) Adam Russell (bass) and Britt Daniel turning the knobs, how could the new album It’s Frightening not build on the solid foundation of Fort Nightly? So as I waited with the sold out crowd in anticipation of the new tracks I almost predicted a sophomore slump. Luckily I’m not an odds maker.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To sum up the White Rabbits show with one word: “INSTRUMENTATION.” White Rabbits seamlessly shift positions, leads and instruments. Every song had a different focal point albeit the guitar, drums, piano or even acoustic guitar, the entire set was outstanding. And despite the single drum kit, the drumming seemed clear, focused, deep and louder than ever. It seems Britt Daniel may have used heavier bass and lighter piano play to bring out the sound of band members banging the same kit. I don’t know, but I want another listen and can’t wait for the album.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The new songs demand  a reaction from the crowd and urge you to do more than stand in awe. The show was amazing, the new songs sound perfect and if you plan to attend the next White Rabbits show be prepared to move. 

The National Falceto Championships

Another night and another sold out show at Bowery Ballroom. I must say that I am biased when it comes to Passion Pit and Paper Route and I like to take credit for introducing the bands to each other. Nevertheless, it was apparent that this tour may be getting the better of these two immensely talented groups.

Some observations from the night:

The crowd was crazy young… which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “I keep getting older, they stay the same age.”

Ayad is going to be a star in his own right. Something about a kid who jumps up and down in excitement after receiving his green card is enough evidence for me to make such a statement.

Paper Route is an elite band with vocalists who never disappoint despite shitty cuban food.

Michael loves him some grilled peanut butter and banana sammies.

Overall, the show was excellent. Passion Pit played a couple new tunes and I was informed that this Bowery show is the last of the old set. I won’t name my source, but this is definitely incentive to go check them out when they tour in support of the new album.          

Two Thousand Eight

As 2008 approaches its inevitable fate, “best of” lists and video montages, nothing is certain and returning control to artists remains a distant possibility. We presume RethinkPopMusic is on track to reinvent the music industry and change the album sales profit model to one of integrated marketing and creative business opportunities, but let’s not kid ourselves.

As RethinkPopMusic pursues innovation, record labels further monopolize. Indie labels… are you fucking kidding me? That’s the biggest crock of shit of 2008. Is there one “indie” label that wouldn’t sell the rights to an artist to the highest bidder? How about after a success EP? The whole concept of indie labels makes me vomit in my mouth, which angers me, which turns me to Uncle Jack. Fuck it.    

2008 also blessed us with the proliferation of 360 record deals, the staple of greed and backward thinking.   As the monetary value of a song plummets with the dollar, our elders scramble like they would for a BOGO bingo night in Palm Beach. You sign a deal and the label juggernaut controls the rights to your music, your band and YOU. Yes, they own you. Your name, association with the band and any and all alias thereof. You, are no longer you, but were you ever?

It’s just like an arranged  congical visit in prison (from what I hear). You needed some and had no other option. At first, it appeared to be the only plausible satisfaction without “getting gay.” Unfortunately, once it arrived, you realized that it’s just a dude with a pretty wig. And guess what, you’re still in prison. You are there for life because you are OWNED. Analogy complete and now for Bob’s “Best Of”

Videos:

The BPA featuring David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal – “Toejam”

Wild Beasts – “Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants”

Gnarls Barkley – “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul”

Justice – “Stress”

Albums:

Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke

K’Naan – The Dusty Foot Philosopher

Lykki Li – Youth Novels

Girl Talk – Feed the Animals

Neon Neon –Stainless Steel

Black Mountain – In the Future

Kings of Leon – Only by the Night

Songs:

Radiohead – “In Rainbows”

Cold War Kids – “Golden Gate Jumpers”

Kings of Leon – “Cold Dessert” “Use Somebody”

Sigur Ros – “Gobbledigook”

Friendly Fires – “Jump in the Pool”

Fires of Rome – “Dawn Lament”

Bear Hands – “Vietnam”

EPs:

Passion Pit – “Chunk of Change”

Fires of Rome – “Set in Stone”

Bear Hands – “Golden”

EP’s  turned into Albums that needed no additional production:

Ra Ra Riot – “The Rhumb Line”

MGMT – “Time to Pretend”

Shows:

The Cazals and Fires of Rome @ Hiro

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson @ Cake Shop after Siren

Walter Meego @ CMJ

Kings of Leon and The Whigs @ Webster Hall

Paper Route @ Bowery Ballroom

Bear Hands, Deathset and Matt and Kim @ Hugs

Albums getting no love:

Cold War Kids – Loyalty to Loyalty

Bands of 2009:

Bear Hands

Paper Route

Eastkoast

Fires of Rome