Spring 2021 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify, enjoy!

1. "Jazz (In the Supermarket)" – Goat Girl
2. "Knives" – Ya Tseen, Portugal. The Man.

3. "Half a Human" – Real Estate

4."Identical" – Phoenix

5. "Not Dad Yet" – Lord Huron

6. "The Last Man On Earth" – Wolf Alice

7. "Gutters of Love" – Quivers

8. "Solstice" – The Antlers

9. "Price of Blue" – Flock of Dimes

10. "Only One" – Yotto, Stephan Jolk

11. "Soft Spot" – Claud

12. "Heartlow" – Jane Weaver

13. "Rocky" – Still Woozy

14. "The Melting of the Sun" – St. Vincent

15. "Helpless" – Caveman

16. "Low" – Chet Faker

Late Spring 2016 New Music Playlist

Here is another listening session of new music released this spring, full of heavy-weight veterans such as Radiohead, Travis, The Dandy Warhols and Peter Bjorn and John plus new bands such as LNZDRF, Bayonne and Sofi Tukker. There’s also some country twang found in White Denim, Frightened Rabbit and Band of Horses along with some fuzzed-out indie songs from Autolux, Caveman and Cullen Omori. Listen on Spotify or as a YouTube Playlist.

1. “What You Talking About?” – Peter Bjorn and John

Swedish indie pop band Peter Bjorn and John is ready with a seventh album since 1999, Breakin Point, full of hook happy tunes like the lead single, “What You Talking About?”  With a blast of feel-good synths that sound like a cheery whistle, the song bounces along even while bemoaning issues of communication.

2. “Cinnamon” – Cullen Omori

Chicago’s Cullen Omori (formerly of Smith Westerns) continues on a similar course solo with psych pop leanings for his solo debut, New Misery. The melodic song “Cinnamon” cleverly skims the surface as he sings about the euphoria of finding love.

3. “Get Out” – Frightened Rabbit

Scottish quintet Frightened Rabbit recently released a fifth album, Painting of a Panic Attack, produced by Aaron Dessner of The National.  The band formed in 2003 and took a break after a long tour in support of the last album, 2013’s Pedestrian Verse, but returns to continue the journey with gritty, soulful indie rock.

4. “Casual Party” – Band of Horses

Southern indie rockers Band of Horses will soon release its fifth studio album since 2004, Why Are You OK. The single “Casual Party” is a full on musical love fest as the quintet takes the theme of meaningless social interactions.  

5. “Thank You” – White Denim

Austin rockers White Denim had to reinvent itself after two band members left, so singer James Petralli likens the new album Stiff to a debut release although it counts as number seven since 2006. The song “Thank You” finds the group’s roots rock intact, while the new kicky sound brings a new energy to the music.

6. “Burn the Witch” – Radiohead

English indie supergroup Radiohead lives up to the hype for its first song in five years, “Burn the Witch,” an epic swirl of strings, pulsating rock rhythms and singer Thom Yorke’s plaintive vocals. It serves as the single and title track for the group’s ninth album since 1985, the first in five years after 2011’s King of Limbs.

7. “Styggo” – The Dandy Warhols

The Dandy Warhols, Portland’s alt rock juggernauts, has released its ninth album called Distortland. The tune “Styggo” chugs along with the signature swagger of singer Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s vocals and confidence galore amid this quartet.

8. “Lates” ­– Bayonne

Bayonne is the music project of multi-instrumentalist Roger Sellers, who likes to call it electronic/minimalist material. “Lates” is a dreamy track off the debut full length album, Spectrolite.

9. “Magnificent Time” – Travis

Scottish indie stalwarts Travis is ready with its eighth studio album since 1990, Everything At Once.   This carefree single, “Magnificent Time,” is fueled by a enthusiasm that other bands might find hard to fathom otherwise.

10. “Ocean” – Rogue Wave

California’s indie rock quartet Rogue Wave has released its sixth studio album since 2007, Delusions of Grand Fur. The zippy tune “Ocean” features the laid back vocals of frontman Zach Schwartz (a.k.a. Zach Rogue).

11. “Selectallcopy” – Autolux

L.A. alt rock trio Autolux returns after six years with a third album called Pussy’s Dead. Eclectic songs like “Selectallcopy” draw from influences such as post-punk, Krautrock and experimental electronic music.

12. “Hey Lion” – Sofi Tukker

New York-based duo Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern has made an impact on the strength of singles such as “Hey Lion,” a funky dance tune with a sparse instrumentation and sexy vocals. A self-titled EP is planned for later this year.

13. “Solitude”­ – M83

M83 is a French-American electronic music band led by Anthony Gonzalez, now based in L.A. The cinematic tune “Solitude” is the second single off Junk, a seventh studio album for the group since 2001.

14. “Beneath the Black Sea” – LNZNDRF

LNZNDRF, a new band touting post-punk and Krautrock influences, was formed by Ben Lanz (member of Beruit and collaborator with The National) and brothers Bryan and Scott Devendorf (both of The National).  “Beneath the Black Sea” is one of eight songs on the self-titled debut improvised and edited down from the recording session’s 30 plus minute jams.

15. “Neighboring in Telescopes”  – Eluvium

Eluvium is the moniker of ambient recording artist Matthew Cooper, who is based in Portland after being raised in Louisville. The floating soundscape of “Neighboring in Telescopes” is found on his eighth studio album of unreleased material from 2009 – 2015 called Curious Things.

Spring 2016 New Music Playlist

Since I recently learned that March 1st is the meteorological start of spring, I won’t hesitate to share this playlist as the official one for the next season. Besides, there are plenty of new albums to check out – from faves like Santigold, Peter Yorn, Wild Nothing and Bibio to new bands such as James Supercave and Bob Moses. And check out teaser singles from upcoming releases by Andrew Bird, Bear Hands, Caveman, The Boxer Rebellion and Woods.  Listen via Spotify or as a YouTube playlist.

1. “Can’t Get Enough of Myself” – Santigold

Santigold is the stage name of Santi White, a Philly singer and producer whose artistry extends into costumes and choreography for her live shows. This bouncy pop single lambasting our self-absorbed culture is off her third studio album since 2003, 99¢.

2. “Burn” – James Supercave

L.A. trio James Supercave recorded its debut album Better Strange, with a solid psych-pop credo. According to singer Joaquin Pastor, this song “Burn” was “born from a bass line and wants to suck you in.” Done.

3. “Nobody Dies” – Thao & The Get Down Stay Down

San Francisco based Thao & The Get Down Stay Down is an alt folk group that just released a fourth album since 2003, A Man Alive. The new collection was produced by Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards with a focus on accentuating the playful percussive textures.

4. “Hour” – Porches

Porches is the musical project of Aaron Maine, who has released a second album called Pool after four years on the scene. “Hour” is a lush synth reverie with sweet backing vocals by his life partner, Frankie Cosmos.

5. “Never Ever” – STRFKR

Portland’s indie rock band STRFKR has released this stand-alone single, “Never Ever,” with a trademark danceable groove.  The group is gearing up for a fifth album since the band formed in 2007.

6. “Feeling” – Bibio

Bibio, a.k.a. Stephen Wilkinson, is an English music producer with a love for mixing new and retro sounds with gusto. He just released his eighth studio album since 2005, A Mineral Love.

7. “Tearing Me Up” – Bob Moses

Bob Moses is an electronic duo from Vancouver but now based in Brooklyn.  Singer/songwriter Tom Howie and Berlin-style techno geek Jimmy Vallance joined their skills for a post-club aesthetic, creating pop melodies over cool house music.

8. “Capsized” – Andrew Bird

Chicago’s prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird will soon release his thirteenth album since 1996, Are You Serious. The single “Capsized” serves as the opening track with a typical timeless musicality but more personal lyrics that open up about marriage and parenthood.

9. “To Know You” – Wild Nothing

Virginia based musician Jack Tatum steps out of the bedroom recordings vibe for his third studio album since 2009 as Wild Nothing, Life of Pause. Tatum admits “there’s a different kind of ‘self’ this time around,” by using a full band in production and it shows.

10. “Voices in My Head” – Bob Mould

San Francisco alt rocker Bob Mould (best known as the vocalist for Hüsker Dü and Sugar) is ready with his twelfth solo album since 1989, Patch the Sky. He confidently returns with a straightforward, storytelling style in “Voices in My Head.”

11. “2AM” – Bear Hands

Brooklyn’s raucous indie rock quartet Bear Hands will release its third album since 2006, You’ll Pay for This. The catchy tune “2AM” extols the world of late night partying with a tongue-in-cheek wit.

12. “Spirits” – The Strumbellas

Canadian indie rock/alt country six-piece The Strumbellas is releasing a third album since 2008, Hope. The collective mindset of the song’s sing-along style complements the band’s fake family moniker.

13. “Never Going Back” – Caveman

The sweeping composition “Never Going Back,” serves as the first single from the upcoming album by Brooklyn indie rock/pop quintet Caveman. It is the band’s third release since 2010, called Otero War.

14. “Cold Light” – Operators

The driving force behind “Cold Light” is the gritty vocals of Montreal’s Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs, and Divine Fits). His latest band will soon release a debut album, Blue Wave.

15. “Big Ideas” – The Boxer Rebellion

London indie rock quartet The Boxer Rebellion brings its lush, dreamy sound to the new song “Big Ideas.” It is the single for an upcoming fifth album since 2001, Ocean by Ocean.

16. “Exit 353” – Damien Jurado

Seattle’s indie rock singer/songwriter Damien Jurado will release the final album of a trilogy, Visions of Us on the Land. This is Jurado’s twelfth album since 1995, and the majestic song “Exit 353” revolves around the character being left behind on a vacant earth. 

17. I’m Not the One” – Pete Yorn

New Jersey raised now L.A. based singer/songwriter Pete Yorn is ready with his seventh solo album since 2010, Arranging Time. After The Olms side project, Yorn returns to his roots – an outpouring of personal emotions as evidenced in “I’m Not the One.”

18. “Can’t See at All” – Woods

Brooklyn folk rock band Woods will release its ninth studio album, City Sun Eater in the River of Light. The single “Can’t See at All” is imbedded with the group’s distinctive laidback musicality.

Rock On Foundation Alt Star Party 2015 w/The Hold Steady & DJ Windows 98 (Win Butler of Arcade Fire)

Bowery Ballroom served as this year's site for the second annual Alt Star Party, a fundraiser for the Rock On Foundation during the NBA's All Star Weekend in NYC.  New Hampshire native Matt Bonner of San Antonio Spurs fame is also a huge music fan and founding member of this nonprofit, that supports community arts and athletics via grant programs and community events.  Bonner hosts The Alt Rock Star Party with his brother Luke as a way to  together the alternative music scene and NBA.

Minneapolis' veteran rock band The Hold Steady headlined the event, banging out tune after tune for the packed crowd who passionately sang along, knowing far more words than the average fan and throwing their own glitter fetti. Brooklyn's power rock trio STRNGRS took to the stage in support, and there were guest DJs throughout the evening: Stefan Marolachakis of Caveman, Chris Tomson of Vampire Weekend, Dapwell (formerly of Das Rascist) and DJ Windows 98 a.k.a. Win Butler of Arcade Fire, who closed the night (or rather early morning) after a team win at the NBA Celebrity game.

With Paul & Rock On Board Member Will Sheff of Okkervil River

Hanging with Caveman's Jimmy Carbonetti (left) and Matt Iwanusa

DJ Windows 98 - NBA Celebrity All Star Win Butler

Top 20 Songs of 2013 with YouTube Playlist

Here's my picks for the best songs of 2013 -- tunes that thrilled at first listen and continued to be faves to revist throughout the year.  It's not a ranked listing but curated as a playlist, as always kicking off fast and fun then meandering through other musical approaches from there.  I chose official videos for this post, all except Okkervil River's "Down Down the Deep River," which is also the name of an upcoming film Will Sheff is creating about his childhood hometown through a kickstarter campaign. So I inserted the trailer for that since there's no official video for the song itself.  This movie is definitely on my list for in 2014...

Find a straight up listening session here or click on the videos and let 'er rip!

1. "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't On the Dance Floor)"– Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
2. "Dumb Disco Ideas"– Holy Ghost!
3. "Song for Zula" – Phosphorescent
4. "It All Feels Right" – Washed Out
5. "Right Action" – Franz Ferdinand
6. "Sharpteeth" – The Octopus Project
7. "Come Save Me" – Jagwar Ma
8. "High School Lover" – Cayucas
9. "Ohm" – Yo La Tengo
10. "The Perfect Life (featuring Wayne Coyne)" – Moby 
11. "Don't Swallow the Cap" – The National
12. "Shuggie" – Foxygen
13. "In the City" – Caveman
14. "Your Life Is a Lie" – MGMT
15. "Varsity" – Smith Westerns
16. "Reflektor" – Arcade Fire
17. "Down Down the Deep River" – Okkervil River
18. "The Truth" – Dr. Dog
19. "Rose Quartz" – Toro Y Moi
20. "Sun Blows Up Today" – The Flaming Lips

Caveman @ Webster Hall April 10

I'll admit to playing favorites with bands -- Caveman has been one since I heard their break through indie hit, "Thankful," from the fall of 2011.  Its a straightforward song with a wash of sound to capture the moment, carrying the listen along effortlessly as the music continues to caress the melody.  There are now multiple posts on this blog featuring Caveman, along with seven videos on the NMMatterscorp YouTube channel.  I first saw them play the majestic stage at the Brooklyn Academy of Music at last year's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, where I even ran into the band later that night.  What a nice group, local boys who enjoy their craft and each other.  They played the Brooklyn Museum a few weeks later, and it was nice evening in a rather unusual venue for music.

Now they are touring in support of a new self-titled album and I caught their stop in NYC at the venerable Webster Hall.  They are clearly still enjoying themselves as a band and it was great to hear the new songs live.  Full write up coming soon for PopMatters but here's some extra photos and videos.

Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2013

OK, round two for a Romantic Tunes Playlist in honor of Valentine's Day 2013. (If so inclined, revisit the original list for Valentine's Day 2012 here.)  Going back into my iTunes collection it was easy to come up with another dedicated listening session to fill the day with romance -- plus I had added a few over the year (The Walkmen for example) to keep things current.  Again, this is a purely personal list from my own musical history.

Beginning with the adorable sentiment of Hot Chip's "One Life Stand" to the soaring melody of Elbow's "One Day Like This," I have ordered things carefully for smooth segues and left the ending mellowed out as always.  Certain songs take right me back to the time and place of the year they came out, others have stuck with me through the decades and still sound new with each visit.  Some even break my heart with the music, words or both.  But whether uplifting or sinking of sentiment, these songs just show how the heart is made to be used for more than pumping blood.  Use this link to listen, indulge and enjoy!

1. "One Life Stand" -- Hot Chip
2. "NYC" -- Interpol
3. "Swinging Party" -- The Replacements (live version 1991)
4. "Heaven" -- The Psychedelic Furs
5. "Wordless Chorus" -- My Morning Jacket
6. "Love Is Luck" -- The Walkmen
7. "Yet Again" -- Grizzly Bear
8. "Out Go the Lights" -- Spoon
9. "You're the Best Thing" -- The Style Council
10. "Heroes" -- David Bowie
11. "No Distance Left to Run" -- Blur
12. "Eyes Be Closed" -- Washed Out
13. "Live Alone" -- LCD Soundsystem (Franz Ferdinand cover)
14. "Lights Out, Words Gone" -- Bombay Bicycle Club
15. "Can You Tell" -- Ra Ra Riot
16. "Decide" -- Caveman
17. "Love You Madly" -- CAKE
18. "Nothing But Our Love" -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
19. "One Day Like This" -- Elbow
20. "Outro" -- M83

Caveman Releases Single "In the City" from Upcoming Album

Caveman Photo via Fat Possum Records

Last week fave band Caveman revealed the single, "In the City" on NPR's "All Songs Considered" program. It's from their upcoming self-titled sophomore album due April 2 via Fat Possum Records.  With a blast of dense instrumentation, the song begins with a strong percussive vibe over synths and guitar.  As singer Matthew Iwanusa confidently introduces the urban theme, wandering guitar lines begin blurring lines with backup vocals.

I caught Caveman live during a strong but short set at last year's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry and then also a few weeks later playing an arty gig at the Brooklyn Museum.  If anyone has not checked out their debut album, 2011's CoCo Beware, I highly recommend it.  Take a listen to the new song on their Soundcloud page here or below, along with listing of tour dates.  Looking forward to seeing them again April 10 at Webster Hall and can't wait to have even more new tunes from the band!

Caveman track listing:

1. Strange to Suffer
2. In the City
3. Shut You Do
4. Where's the Time
5. Chances
6. Over My Head
7. Ankles
8. Pricey
9. I See You
10. I Never Want to Know
11. The Big Push



Caveman tour dates (more to follow):
Tue, Feb 26 – New Haven, CT @ Café Nine
Wed, Feb 27 – Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair

Thu, Feb 28 – Montreal, QC @ Casa Del Popolo
Fri, Mar 01 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace

Sat, Mar 02 – Detroit, MI @ Garden Bowl

Mon, Mar 04 – Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop
Tue, Mar 05 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
Wed, Mar 06 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry

Thu, Mar 07 – Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
Fri, Mar 08 – St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House

Sat, Mar 09 – Oxford, MS @ Lamar Lounge

Mon, Mar 11 – New Orleans, LA @ Hi Ho Lounge
Tue, Mar 12-17 – Austin, TX @ SXSW (details TBD)

Mon, Mar 18 – Albuquerque, NM @ Low Spirits

Tue, Mar 19 – Denver, Co @ Larimer Lounge

Wed, Mar 20 – Salt Lake City, UK @ Urban Lounge

Fri, Mar 22 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar

Sat, Mar 23 – Visalia, CA @ The Cellar Door

Sun, Mar 24 – Sacramento, CA @ Blue Lamp
Tue, Mar 26 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent

Thu, Mar 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour

Fri, Mar 29 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah

Sat, Mar 30 – Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress

Mon, Apr 01 – Austin, TX @ The Parish

Tue, Apr 02 – Denton, TX @ Dan’s Silverleaf
Thu, Apr 04 – Birmingham, AL @ The Bottletree

Fri, Apr 05 – Nashville, TN @ The High Watt

Sat, Apr 06 – Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn

Sun, Apr 07 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
Tue, Apr 09 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage
Wed, Apr 10 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall

Thu, Apr 11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s

Here's to 2013 - Music Events With Mini Playlist

Good riddance 2012, happy to see you go.  Although it was a great year for new music, the country was awash with bad news about violent shootings, destructive storms and political posturing (which continued right up to the last minute and beyond!)  As I let the holiday decor linger into the next weekend, I thought I'd put forth some new year wishes and reasons to look forward to 2013.

My musical wishes would revolve like a disco ball around more indie pop danceable tunes, with lots of hand claps and sing along choruses or endings.  Ra Ra Riot is leading the way with their new release Beta Love (out January 22 and the band will be at Webster Hall Janury 25). The group is now a tight quartet with electropop leanings and it should be more than interesting to see them play these new tunes live, after seeing the band in their original format two years ago.  Check out the title track single in this mini playlist below, created just for fun.  Unknown Mortal Orchestra also released two new songs (listen to "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)" with their distinctive fuzzy groove).  This band was one of my Top Concert Experiences of 2012 and I'm eager to see the trio when they take the stage at a larger venue, the lovely Bowery Ballroom February 28.  Another concert I'm looking forward to seeing is Django Django, one of my choices for PopMatter's "Best New Artist's of 2012", at the Music Hall of Williamsburg March 6 and 7.  The band's intriguing instrumental that leads off their self-titled debut album is included here with the songs plucked for my Fall 2012 New Music Playlist , "Default" and "Hail Bop."

I'm even game to think spring, by saving the date April 10 to see Cavemen at Webster Hall. (They are also playing Brooklyn Bowl January 27, with a full list of tour dates listed here.)  In the NMMatterscorp video at the end of this post, the band impressed the audience at last year's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry with their expansive sound and confident stage presence.  And speaking of that indie fest, it will return to the Brooklyn Academy of Music April 25 through 27... so mark those calendars!

Top 20 Songs of 2012 With Video Playlist

There were plenty of moments in 2012 when pure attention through the ears became a moment to behold. When I came across these songs this year, it didn't just make my day... it rocked my world and made my life.  My year flashes before me as I revisit favorite new tunes while still fresh in the mind.

Here again I give you my Top 20 Songs of 2012 in no particular order, but arranged into a pleasing listening session via Spotify here or a YouTube Video Playlist below. It begins with Santigold's self-produced treatment of one catchiest songs of the year and includes some awesome live versions (including a NMMatters one of The Walkmen during this year's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry!) Enjoy, JaneJS

1. "The Keepers" Santigold
2. "Take a Walk" Passion Pit
3. "Heaven" The Walkmen
4. "Simple Song" The Shins
5. "Let's Go" Matt & Kim
6. "Sad Vacation" The Dandy Warhols
7. "Thankful" Caveman
8. "Amanaemonesia" Chairlift 
9. "Good As New" Vacationer
10. "Happy Home" Onuinu
11. "Yet Again" Grizzly Bear
12. "Would That Not Be Nice" Divine Fits
13. "From Nowhere" Dan Croll
14. "Hail Bop" Django Django
15. "Unless You Speak from Your Heart" Porcelain Raft
16. "Summertime is Coming" Paul Banks
17. "Heart" Oberhofer
18. "The Reflection of You" Bear In Heaven
19. "Myth" Beach House 
20. "So Long You Pretty Thing" Spiritualized

Top Concert Experiences in 2012 With Video Highlights

Me & Paul flashing credentials at Moogfest 2012

My top five picks for 2012 are from just three events -- two at the excellent new Crossing Brooklyn Ferry festival, two at this year's Moogfest and one in a tiny club in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  The bands are both new and established, but the music somehow transcended space and time.  You just never know what you're in for when planning to attend a concert, as it's not about what the band will bring but the crowd and venue play into it as well.  Here is this year's list in no particular order, with links to the original write ups plus video highlights. Enjoy!

1. The Walkmen @ Crossing Brooklyn Ferry -- May 5, 2012

The Walkmen served as the headliner for the opening night of Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, the inaugural meeting of like minded musical minds as curated by Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National.  I had followed the band over the decade of their existence, since their plaintive "We've Been Had" was featured on a Saturn commercial.  The group confidently took to the stage in the grand opera house at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, with their beloved vintage instruments radiating a woody amber glow.  They began with the lush harmonies and acoustic accompaniment of "We Can't Be Beat," the lead off track of their new album, Heaven.  Hamilton Leithauser admitted how he's been trying to get the band to sing with him like that for years! Leithauser continued as the gracious host, with passionate vocals floated over the signature of layered guitars and pervasive percussion.  This indie rock quintet has spread out across the country from their early days in New York City with the additional responsibilities of fatherhood, but the band’s sound is as tight as ever.   An adult appreciation of each other and their fans serves them well, as even the music matures with each listen. 

2. Caveman @ Crossing Brooklyn Ferry -- May 5, 2012

Caveman took to the same stage for the closing night of the festival, with a leap in venue size that only added to the grandeur of the music.  This new band had made a splash during 2011's CMJ Music Marathon with their debut album, CoCo Beware, so I was eager to see them for myself.  I had experienced multiple plays of their songs and loved their indie sound.  Turns out they performed with such an attractive self-assurance, I ran down to the orchestra pit just to be nearer to their radiance.  

There are plans for a new album and tour in 2013 (dates here), can't wait!

3. Divine Fits @ Moogfest 2012 -- October 27, 2012

Divine Fits is another new band with a debut album this year, A Thing Called The Divine Fits, but it was put together by members of two fave bands (veteran road warriors Britt Daniels of Spoon and Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade and Handsome Furs).  So their opening slot on the closing night of Moogfest was a must see and they did not disappoint in any way.  It was a solid set of classic indie rock -- if there is such a thing!  Here is Paul's highlights from the entire evening and yes, that's me screaming in the beginning...

4. Orbital @ Moogfest 2012 -- October 27, 2012

Orbital was the headliner for the same night and lots of people at the festival were proudly there because of them. (The organizers for the past three years have split with Moog Music who are saying there will be another Moogfest -- but now there's also a Mountain Oasis Electric Music Summit planned. Stay tuned?!?!)  Even if you weren't a die hard fan of their electronica, it was hard to resist their showmanship when climbing on stage as captured in the video above, or their English charm during the panel that afternoon and even during our run in with the two brothers, Phil and Paul Hartnoll, at the Asheville Regional Airport. 

5. Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Glasslands, Brooklyn -- June 8, 2012

Unknown Mortal Orchestra had quite a year in 2012.  After Ruban Nielson's bandcamp hit "Ffunny Ffriends" provided enough buzz for a self-titled debut album in 2011, the group toured on their own and then snagged an opening slot for indie kings Grizzly Bear. This video captures the first song of the night, and you can hear people crowding into the small venue. But behind them is Nielsen's blistering guitar and the trio really kicking it up a few notches right away (strobe lights even!) I love how bass player Jake Portrait looked around wide eyed, in awe of the attention. The applause that followed only increased after every song, so by the end of the night they made the room their own.

"I Love NY" Commercials Continue Into Next Season Without Original Caveman Song

The new fall commercials for New York State Tourism are on heavy rotation these days, continuing the campaign that rejuvenated the iconic "I Love NY" logo over the summer.  Those spots featured the shimmering instrumental introduction of Brooklyn band Caveman's song "My Time" as the perfect underpinning for the montage of summer activities .  The New York State Division of Marketing, Advertising and Tourism worked with BBDO Advertising to create the footage utilizing submitted sketches depicting different destinations in the state.

Caveman gained notice during last year's CMJ Music Festival and I plucked "Thankful" off their album CoCo Beware for my Winter 2012 New Music Playlist.  The band became on of my favorites after seeing them conquer the majestic stage of the Opera House at BAM's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry festival in May. (Later that month they played the Brooklyn Museum, which only further endeared them to me as an Art History major.) However, the fall ads do not feature the Caveman song even though it sounds extremely similar.  Whether it was the band's decision or not, the new music is a bit too bright, leaden really for the upbeat nature of the campaign.  Plus the video versions are no longer allowed to be embedded.  Take a look at a fun summer version below and compare it to the fall commercials on the I Love NY YouTube channel here.

Caveman @ Brooklyn Museum May 17

Caveman at The Brooklyn Museum

I like to arrive early to concerts. Maybe it's because I used to perform as a dancer and in back high school musicals, arriving before things get going just feels right.  That way I can get a sense of the space, the crowd and even the band as it's setting up.  I had just seen Caveman at Crossing Brooklyn Ferry killing it on the big stage so it was going to be quite a comparison at a smaller venue.  The band was going through their sound check as I arrived at the Brooklyn Museum. I even got to chat a bit with the band before they headed for the green room and a tray of Brooklyn Lagers.  I had thought the Audiophile program would be in the auditorium where I saw Moby do an acoustic set and interview last May, but this year's music series was right in the entry pavilion.  So while the bands played (NewVillager was on the bill first), a constant wave of people and traffic pulsed behind the stage.  It was almost like footage on a scrim used by many a band on larger, more traditional venues.  

Frontman/singer Matt Iwanusa

Here's some photos and a video from the night -- PopMatters write up here! 

Reflection of the band on the ceiling

                                       Caveman "Decide" @ Brooklyn Museum 5/17/12

PopMatters Review for Crossing Brooklyn Ferry 2012 -- Closing Night May 5

My review for the last day of Crossing Brooklyn Ferry is posted on PopMatters today -- all I can say on behalf of all indie music fans is well done Dessners! Article at link here with photos and highlight video (also below).

Crossing Brooklyn Ferry Highlights @ BAM 5/5/12