Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band Kick-off CMJ

For the first time since I started really exploring the music scene in New York, I will be attending something for every day of CMJ this week. Tonight's entry was Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band at Music Hall of Williamsburg. And oh what a show it was. If you thought Kevin Devine was just some weird dude with a guitar, well then you have never seen him play a full band show before. Whether he's playing solo or with his band-mates though, you are guaranteed to get your money's worth. Dude is extremely talented, but also really humble at the same time. A perfect example of this happened tonight, when Devine started talking about what CMJ means to him. He mentioned how he feels honored to still be asked to play the festival since his first appearance here. It was actually one of the only things he bothered to stop playing long enough to say. There wasn't as much banter as there normally is with his shows, but that just meant the set was jam packed with lots more music for us to enjoy. The set list tonight was band's choice, which meant we got to hear a lot of songs they don't normally do live. There were still plenty of fan favorites though, including two of my favorite songs by them - "Just Stay" and "You'll Only End Up Joining Them". Overall I would say it was a great start to a week overflowing with too many musical choices to handle. I'm glad a made the decision to come out tonight to enjoy this amazing live act.

Set List:
Trouble
You're My Incentive
Carnival
Another Bag of Bones
You'll Only End Up Joining Them
Shift Change
Big Bad Men
Fever Moon
Murphy's Song
Noose Dressed Like a Necklace
Hand of God
Just Stay
Burning City
Yr Husband
I Could Be With Anyone
Cotton Crush
Ballgame
She Stayed As Steam

Encore:
You Are The Daybreak
Whistling Dixie
Brother's Blood

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (A Review)

Arcade Fire's new album, "The Suburbs" is an experience that is powerful both musically and lyrically. The songs are upbeat and energetic at times, mellow and thoughtful at others. "Half Life" has pounding music that feels ready to burst any minute. It resolves to "Half Life II", which starts slow and builds back up again.

Another word to describe the album is "eclectic". "Suburban War" has war-like drum beats followed by the next track "Month of May" which is more of a dance number. The whole album goes through waves with different levels and emotional tones to them. With such a variety of flavors to experience, I'm sure you will find a song for you.

Arcade Fire are currently on tour, and will be in NYC August 4th & 5th. The Aug 4th date is sold out, but tickets are still available for Aug 5th, according to Bowery's website.Full list of dates can be found on the Arcade Fire MySpace. If you can't make it to any of the shows, fear not! The Madison Square Garden show will be broadcast on the Internets (see Bowery site for details). The event will be an historic one, so you're not going to want to miss out.

Why I Love Technology - Starring Jukebox the Ghost

I have already mentioned how much I love Twitter and all the reason why. Let me add to that how much I love technology in general. First there was the post on Twitter this morning that said:

Good mornin' tweeters. We're playing 5 shows in NYC today (one in every borough) ! Come find us.

I then followed a link to this note on Facebook that gave locations and times for each spot they were going to hit. Then I used my cellphone to call a couple friends to make plans to meet up (and postpone plans with two others for tomorrow afternoon). So yeah, I love technology. Without it I would never have been able to have one of the most epic adventures ever. In case you missed it, I got plenty of pics and video footage of the event. I'll update this post as soon as I finish editing everything (which should be no later than this weekend). Until then, this is News on Shuffle signing off.

Jukebox the Ghost Album Announcement

If you haven't noticed it yet, this blog really likes the band Jukebox the Ghost. We mentioned in our live review that the album would be out come early September. Now there is a video announcement with an official date and title, as well as a preview of one of the songs. The album, titled Everything Under the Sun, will be released September 7th. You can be sure there will be a review up here the day after it is made available to listen.

Jukebox the Ghost - Everything Under the Sun from Eyestar Pictures on Vimeo.

Jukebox the Ghost is currently on tour with Free Energy. Their New York date was last week, but they will be back in NYC on July 13th for a show at 92Y. Stay tuned for more news on this awesome band, plus all the other upcoming summer shows that might be worth checking out.

Jukebox the Ghost Light Themselves On Fire At Bowery Ballroom

Last night Miniature Tigers, Jukebox the Ghost, and Free Energy played to an incredibly packed Bowery Ballroom. Miniature Tigers were the opener, and they succeeded in warming up the crowd for the main event with their unique beats. Next was Jukebox the Ghost, who played the best set I have ever seen from them since my first performance of theirs at Knitting Factory (back when it was still on Leonard St). They played a good mix of old and new tunes, with a cover thrown in the middle. They began with Static and ended with Good Day (which seems to be their classic final piece). The cover I mentioned was Donna Lewis "I Love You Always Forever", which they gave a fresh feeling to that made the song their own. They also played the classics "Hold It In" and "Victoria" (among others) and some new stuff as well. It was announced that the band has signed with Yep Rock Records and the new album will be released early September. For all the latest news be sure to follow the band on their Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. I also recently discovered their last.fm page, which elicited possibly a little too much excitement. For me, it showed how big these guys are getting and the bright future they have ahead. After the show, I told Ben about that possibly being the best set ever and how I wasn't just saying that because of a bias I have for the band. One of the other things I love about them (besides their music) is ever since that day we talked after the Union Square show I have been able to talk to some of the members (and those surrounding them) at every show I have been to. (Note: I have been to almost every show they have played in NYC since that first time I heard them). This isn't about being crowned #1 Fan though. This is to try to share something special I found out there in the music world. Don't want to take my word for it? Then find out for yourself. The next date in the area is July 13th at 92Y (which would make it a smaller show than the Bowery one). Although this date has not been posted on the website, it was announced at the show last night. (Anyone affiliated with the band can feel free to correct me if I heard this wrong).

Going back to last night's show, the final act for the night was Free Energy. This was the only band I had never heard before, but they definitely lived up to their name. There was plenty of energy from both the stage and the audience. It was a great end to what I would describe as a lively and energetic night. I've never walked away from a show feeling both energized and exhausted before, but that was what happened last night. I wonder if that's how the bands who perform feel as well? Anyone who wants to provide an answer to that one can either leave a comment or email me at munchkin275@hotmail.com.

Thursday, October 15 Shows

Tonight there are three great shows you could be going to.

1) Titus Andronicus and So So Glows at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. If it weren't for the weather wearing me down I would be going to this.

2) Gaslight Anthem at Terminal 5. Also playing are Murder By Death, Jesse Malin, and Broadway Calls. Anyone who had a ticket to see Gaslight play All Points West can use it to get a free drink tonight.

3) Airborne Toxic Event at Webster Hall. This show is sold out so if you don't already have tickets you're out of luck.

Hope the bad weather doesn't ruin your day and you are able to go out and enjoy one of these shows. They all look like they should be memorable events.