Simian Mobil Disco - 11/1 930 Club

Simian Mobile Disco is playing at the 9:30 Club this Sunday Nov. 1st. Doors open at 10pm and their openers are The Phenomenal Handclap Band, and JDH and Dave P. I know most people will be tired from all of your Monster Mashes and Werewolf Bar Mitzvahs from Halloween the night before but Simian Mobile Disco is worth it. I saw a good portion of their set at Perry's DJ Tent at Lollapalooza and raged/danced my face off. Their song remixes include such DC Disco favorites as Air, Klaxons, Peaches, CSS, Muse, Deerhunter, Armand Van Helden, and the Presets. Their original stuff is solid as well. Also in this post I will have to mention The Phenomenal Handclap Band. Their song 15 to 20 is on my current playlist and they are playing another show in DC at Rock and Roll Hotel in December. I'm sure there will be a more extensive write up about them later this year. Anway, check out more from Simian Mobile Disco and 15 to 20 by The Phenomenal Handclap Band below.


Simian Mobile Disco on Myspace

Coolest People in Music

So I haven't been writing in a while but I'm getting back on the wagon and going to try to write every day.  Today, I was surfing the interweb and came across NME's Cool List from last year.  I decided that I was going to make my own cool list for musicians this year and feature the people I have not already done yet.  So I thought long and hard about my list and tried to create a list that suited my personality, music tastes, and kept true to who I think is and has been pretty cool in the music world so far this year.  Here is my top 25 and you can SUCK IT if you don't like it but I would also love to hear if you think others should be added....

25. Michael Angelakos - Passion Pit

24. Ryan Gosling - Dead Man's Bones

23. Lauren English - Natalie Portmans Shaved Head

22. Caroline Polachek - Chairlift

21. Ida Maria

20. Emily Haines - Metric

19. Amanda Blank

18. Girltalk

17. Ladyhawke

16. Marina Diamandis - Marina and the Diamonds

15. DeadMau5

14. Kim Schifino - Matt and Kim

13. Shingai Shoniwa - The Noisettes

12. Julian Casablancas

11. Lykke Li

10. Kid Cudi

9. Natasha Khan - Bat for Lashes

8. Lily Allen

7. Jason Schwartzman - Coconut Records

6. Karen O.

5. Santigold

4. Alice Glass - Crystal Castles

3. Lady Gaga

2. Them Crooked Vultures

1. Jay Z

And there you have it, the 25 coolest people in music so far this year according to DC Disco.  More to come on these artist in the upcoming weeks. 

Matt and Kim/Amanda Blank @ Black Cat 9/16

Matt and Kim are back in town for a show at Black Cat. The show is next Wednesday, September 16th and it is already sold out. Luckily a friend of mine is a friend of Kim's (yes that Kim) and I scored some tickets after they were already sold out. I went to the free Matt and Kim show this summer sponsored by Bacardi and had a blast. This time around should prove to be just as good (and just as free...) Opening for Matt and Kim is Amanda Blank, who, in my opinion is on her way up. She spent a nice chunk of this past year opening up for Santigold (who KILLED it at Lollapalooza). Amanda Blank combines rapping and singing and her sound is funky and hard. She put out her first album this passed August and it has already garnered some critical praise, including an article in the New York Times featuring Blank, La Roux, and Jemina Pearl. I'll be at Black Cat early to catch her set before Matt and Kim. Check out Amanda Blank below:

Amanda Blank on Myspace

These United States: Black Cat 8/29

These United States are playing at the Black Cat this saturday night. They played awhile back and I wrote about them on DC Disco. Check out what I wrote about These United States back when they were here in May.

THESE UNITED STATES

A friend of mine from work who reads DC Disco read about them when I posted in May and said her and her friends really enjoyed the concert. Maybe I will check them out this weekend since I missed them last time.

Bat for Lashes: 930 Club 8/15

I thought I would begin my Lollapalooza review with Bat for Lashes since Natasha Khan and her mystic band are playing at the 930 Club tomorrow night, Saturday 8/15. The show begins at 8pm and tickets are only $15! If I had not just seen her I would go (and depending on my plans for tomorrow night, I still might). Anyway, Bat for Lashes played at my favorite stage at Lollapalooza, the vitaminwater stage (Crystal Castels, Dan Deacon, Animal Collective, Cold War Kids, Of Montreal, and Miike Snow also played at this stage).

Bat for Lashes is spearheaded by Natasha Khan. Her and her band play dark, mystic, and earthy tunes that are both intense and aetherial at the same time. During her amazing set at Lollapalooza, she used a multitude of instruments and wore a crazy sequened leotard too boot. I didn't really know much about Bat for Lashes before so it's hard to really comment on her performance but all in all it was a wonderful, trippy, and an intense experience. One thing I did really appreciated and respect was when she spoke so highly of the United States; the people, the landscape, and the vast, unique spance that is our country and how it truly has inspired her and shaped her sound (even though she's not even from the United States). Since that performance, I have downloaded a ton of her stuff and will undoubtedly become a big fan of hers. I would highly recommend going to her show at the 930 Club tomorrow night. Check out Bat for Lashes below:

Bat for Lashes on Myspace

LOLLAPALOOZA

Lollapalooza was AMAZING! I have to say it was one of the best weekends of my entire life. First and foremost, it was great seeing Will, Caroline, and Ben. They were great companions for the 3 day festival. They like much of the same music as I do so we almost saw all of the same bands with one or two exceptions. They even got me into some new stuff and opened my eyes to the wonder that is a live Crystal Castles show.

It was my first time to Chicago and boy was I impressed. Chicago is a great city. Beautiful skyline, friendly midwesterners, AND you can buy liquor in convenience stores. All clutch. The skyline provided the most amazing backdrop for all of the concerts. During the day you could see all the incredible buildings and architecture Chicago has to offer and at night the illumiated lights from the building reigned through the dark sky. All in all, Chicago was a great setting and I hope to get back again for Lollapalooza and maybe to even see and experience the city too.

I am going to write an individual post about all the bands I saw most of or in full but I figure I will let you know who I saw so you can anticipate whats to come. Lollapalooza also re-energized me and I am now ready to get back on the horse and continue writing in this blog every day. Thank you Lollapalooza. Thank you.

Here are the bands/djs/acts that I saw, in order:

peter bjorn and john
sts9
crystal castles
thievery corporation
of montreal
simian moblie disco
crookers
kid cudi
miike snow
atmosphere
chairlift
arctic monkeys
santigold
lykke li
animal collective
yeah yeah yeahs
ra ra riot
bat for lashes
the airborne toxic event
dan deacon
vampire weekend
cold war kids
snoop dogg
mstrkrft
the killers


More to come...so don't go too far.

Make Her Say - Kid Cudi Ft. Kanye West and Common

Check out the video for another fresh summer jam. Enjoy!

Whoooooa!

I have been super busy over the past week and a half and realized I haven't posted any new stuff in a looooong time.  Well I promise that starting today, I will be back on track and posting more frequently.  That is a promise.

MSTRKRFT feat John Legend - Heartbreaker

my new summer jam/obsession. thanks alaina!

RIP MJ

As everyone now knows, Michael Jackson died today due to a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles.  Not much can be said that hasn't already been said about this iconic music legend so instead I will let his music do the talking... 

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Michael Jackson - Black Or White

Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Till You Get Enough

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean

Michael Jackson - P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)

Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal

Michael Jackson - Ben

Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror

This group of songs doesn't even do his incredible career and talent justice.  Below is a great New York Times article about Michael.

Michael Jackson, Pop Icon, is Dead at 50

Matt and Kim

Matt and Kim played a fantastic set at the Rock and Roll Hotel on Saturday night. The concert was free, yes absolutely free, thanks to the Bacardi sponsor (and subsequentially Matt and Kim's song Daylight is currently featured in the new Bacardi commercial) . Rock and Roll Hotel provided the perfect size venue for Matt and Kim. It was crowded but not too crowded and everyone was having a nice, sweaty time on the dance floor. Matt and Kim make such fun music that it's impossible not to dance during their live performances. They are also very happy and smiley throughout their whole show, adding to the mood already set by their music. They played a good set including all of their most well known songs and a few of their newer material. I was front and center about 3 rows back from the stage, which provided a great place to experience the music. In between two songs, when it was relatively quiet, I yelled out, "you're the best, never change" to which they replied "thanks" in unison. After the show, Kim decided to jump down from stage and have an impromptu dance party with the patrons of the Rock and Roll Hotel and her fans. I appreciate artists who do not take themselves too seriously and just want to have a good time. Matt and Kim put on a stellar show and I will gladly go see them again the next time they roll through DC. Check out some material by Matt and Kim below:


Matt and Kim on Myspace

METRIC

The past few days have been insanely busy so I was unable to post before the Metric show but will gladly spill everything about their show last night at the 930 Club. After waiting through two sub-par opening acts, Metric took the stage and just blew me away. Lead singer, Emily Haines (formerly of Broken Social Scene), was a lively, enigmatic performer and was the center of attention with good reason. Her vocals were strong and she is the reason people love Metric so much. She engages the audience in a way very few performers do and enjoys dancing around the stage. They primarily played stuff from their new album, Fantasies, but also played some of their older hits. Standing on the second level right above stage, I was also able to watch the audience. Many in the audience knew every word to every song and their upbeat style was perfect to dance around to. If Metric is in your city, I would definitely check them out. You will not be disappointed. Check out some music by Metric below:


Metric on Myspace

Metric - Twilight Galaxy
Metric - Stadium Love
Metric - Help I'm Alive
Metric - Blindness
Metric - The Police And The Private
Metric - Dead Disco

Spotlight Lollapalooza: Lykke Li

While I'm still on my high from viewing the daily lineup for this years Lollapalooza, I decided it has been too long since my last Spotlight Lollapalooza post. Today's artist is Lykke Li. Hailing from Sweden, this young lady has a sound all her own; mixing pop, electronic, and unique vocals. I had the chance to go see her at the 6th and I Synagogue several months ago but blew it big time by not going. Like many from Sweden, her sound is quite unique but definitely Swedish (if that makes sense at all). Think of other Swedish female artists ala Robyn, Those Dancing Days, etc and Lykke Li fits right in there. Her beats are infectious and her vocals are soft yet strong. She is one of the artists who are playing at the same time as another artist I want to see (in this case TV on the Radio). She has collaborated with many top artists including Robyn, NASA ft Santigold and Kanye, Bon Iver, Kleerup, and any array of Swedish musicians. Check out Lykke Li below:


Lykke Li on Myspace

N.A.S.A. Feat. Kanye West, Santogold & Lykke Li - Gifted
Lykke Li vs Kings Of Leon - Knocked Up (DEATH TO THE THRONE REMIX)
Lykke Li - Tonight
Lykke Li - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (vampire weekend cover)

LOLLAPALOOZA DAILY SCHEDULE NOW OUT!

The Lollapalooza daily schedule is now available for all the kiddies to look at and obsess over until the festival starts August 7th. I have already looked it over and have a pretty good idea who I want to see...but its still a toss up on a lot of artists who are playing at the same time! What's a music junkie to do. With 8 tents (plus an autograph tent) there is a lot of music to be seen and a lot of music you're gonna have to miss. A few of the match up I'm a little worried about are Bon Iver and Rye Rye, Bloody Beetroots and Crystal Castles, Kings of Leon and Crookers/Kid Cudi, Santigold and Hercules v. Love Affair, TV on the Radio and Lykke Li, Vampire Weekend and Passion Pit, and last but not least, Janes Addiction v. Deadmau5 v. The Killers...decisions, decisions but I'll be happy either way with this lineup. Even though it is over a month and a half away, I keep getting more and more excited every day. Check out the entire lineup below:

Thursday Lineup

Friday Lineup

Saturday Lineup

PEACHES: 930 Club 6/17

Peaches is performing at the 930 Club on Wednesday June 17. Drums of Death are her opening act and if I wasn't already going to Telekinesis I would definitely go. Peaches is one of the most original artists' around. She's been on the scene for many years and many have started to emulate her sense of fashion and music. Her music is very explicit and hardcore, unlike any other mainstream artist out there. Her electronica sound compounded with lyric themes that include sexuality, gender identity, and political causes. Her newest album, I Feel Cream, has gotten great critical praise. On a completely non-musical note, she used to live with Feist before they both became famous. I wish I could check out her show on Wednesday night, but alas I am already booked. Someone out there needs to check it out and report back to me immediately afterwards. Oh yeah, she also has awesome music videos! Check out a whole bunch of crazy schwag by Peaches below:

Peaches on Myspace

Telekinesis: Black Cat 6/17

Telekinesis is playing a show at Black Cat Wednesday June 17.  Doors open at 9pm and their opening act is An Horse.  Tickets are only $10; well worth it.  I am going to this concert tomorrow with my friend Alaina who is finally back from Australia, even though its only for her semester break.  An Horse is actually from Brisbane, where Alaina lives now.  Should be a great show.  Telekinesis hails from Seattle and their latest album was produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie.  Their indie rock sound is upbeat, light, and refreshing.  This is the first of three shows I'm going to this week: Telekinesis, Metric, and Matt and Kim...a great week in shows for me.  Check out Telekinesis below: 

Telekinesis on Myspace

Better than Ezra is performing at the 930 Club Tuesday June 16th. The show costs $25 and doors open at 7pm. Better than Ezra has been around for quite awhile and has been able to maintain a steady base of fans and produce a number of hits many of them reaching the Billboard Hot 100 for an extended period while others climbed into the Top 10 of the Modern Rock category. Some of my favorites include 'Good', 'Desperately Wanting', and ' Circle of Friends' which was on the immensely popular and iconic soundtrack of Empire Records. While they were huge in the mid to late 1990s. They have continued to make good music and keep their fans. I have seen Better than Ezra twice before, including a free show on the steps of the US Capitol. Check out Better than Ezra below:


Better than Ezra on Myspace


Better Than Ezra - Circle Of Friends
Better Than Ezra - Good
Better Than Ezra - DesperatelyWanting
Better Than Ezra - King of New Orleans

Arlington: The Rap

This pretty much sums up Arlington. 100% hood. 100% truth.

OMGodzilla @ the Hirshhorn

Duck and cover during the Hirshhorn's annual SUMMER CAMP when the original beastie boy, Godzilla, returns! Experience this selective "career survey" of the large lizard with back story insights from film scholar David Wilt. Films are free and are screened in the Ring Auditorium.

To request accessibility services, please contact Kristy Maruca at Interpretive Programs with preferably 2 weeks notice: 202-633-2796 or marucak@si.edu

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, 1991
Thursday, June 11, 7 pm
The arrival of a UFO corresponds with an awakening of you-know-who from his oceanic lair. He's evolved from Godzillasaurus and revitalized by nuclear power that he sucked out of a 1970s Soviet sub. Don't ask how the winged, three-headed Elvis fits into the story. Skewed time travel, odd national politics, and plot hiccups may be a tad confusing, but the extreme monster-on-monster action is well worth it.

Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster, 1966
Thursday, June 18, 7 pm
Ryota;s search for his lost-at-sea brother lands him washed up on a dangerous island inhabited by a giant crustacean, Ebriah, and a suspicious organization, the Red Bamboo. He enlists the help of Godzilla, who is sleeping of the traumatic battles with King Ghidorah, by awakening him with a lightning rod. Can the sea monster be dashed into subordinate claws? Can 'Zilla lick the 'Boo and make the giant lobster roll?

Godzilla 2000, 1999
Thursday, June 25, 7 pm
The Gangsta Lizard takes on the Godzilla Prediction Network and the Crisis Control Intelligence agency, neither of which, despite over fifty years of attacks have noted that standard artillery is useless. A new adversary joins the action when, inadvertently CCI awakens a long-dormant UFO. You may be able to guess who wins out but you will never guess why, in this dubbed masterpiece.

Santigold: 930 Club 6/10

Santigold is playing a sold out show at the 930 Club tonight, June 10th. Doors open at 7pm and her openers are Amanda Blank and Trouble Andrew. Santigold was one of the breakout artists of 2008 and is keeping herself hot in 2009 with her tour and many appearance during the festival circuit. Santigold started as a music writer and producer before becoming a lead singer of a punk band then branching out on her own. She decided to change her name from Santogold to Santigold after a lawsuit was pending due to a gold jeweler named "Santo Gold" (how fucking lame). Her sound is unique and draws from many different influences. Each song has a different sound but are all uniquely Santigold. Rolling Stone awarded her song L.E.S. Artistes as their #2 best song of 2008 (#1 being Beyonce 'Single Ladies'). Her song, 'Lights Out' was and still is featured on the Bud Light Lime commercials. Upon seeing one of these commercials, an old roommate said, "oh yeah, all these people are sitting at a tailgate drinking Bud Light Lime and listening to Santigold." While I will be unable to attend her show tonight, which I'm sure is going to be awesome, she is playing Lollapalooza so there is always a chance that I may catch her there. Check out all that Santigold has to offer below:


Santigold on Myspace


Way more from Santigold:
Jay-Z & Santogold - Brooklyn Go Hard
Santogold - Lights Out
Santogold - Shove It
Santogold - Say Aha
Santogold - L.E.S Artistes
Santigold - Shawty Is Starstuck (Ft. The Dream)
N.A.S.A. Feat. Kanye West, Santogold & Lykke Li - Gifted

Passion Pit Concert on NPR

Below is a link to NPR's recording of the Passion Pit show last night. Check it out. I'm currently listening to it at work and I am royally pissed I missed it. I am definitely checking them out at Lollapalooza. Enjoy!

Passion Pit on NPR - Click Here!

Passion Pit: Black Cat 6/9

Passion Pit is playing a show at Black Cat on Tuesday May 6th. Doors open at 8pm but tickets sold out at the beginning of last week, and up looking at their myspace, so are many of their shows around the world. I went to go see if maybe I could find some on Craigslist but all I could find were ads from people looking to sell their soul or kidney for just one ticket. Luckily for me, they are playing at Lollapalooza and I will definitely try to catch their show there. Although I'm sure Black Cat would have been a much better venue for their performance. But back to Passion Pit. They are one of my favorite up and coming bands right now and their latest album "Manners" is getting rave reviews. Many music critics are calling them one of the bands to watch for 2009. I was originally turned on to Passion Pit by my friend Alaina who heard about them in Australia, even though they are native Bostonians. I've been listening to them ever since. Another FYI, their opening act, The Harlem Shakes, are another great band worth checking out so get there early to see their set. Check out Passion Pit below:

Passion Pit on Myspace

Check out more from Passion Pit:

Passion Pit - The Reeling (Miike Snow Remix)

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Neo Tokyo Remix)

Passion Pit - Moth's Wings

Passion Pit - The Reeling (Calvin Harris Remix)

Passion Pit - Little Secrets

Wale feat. Lady Gaga - Chillen

DC CHILLLLLLLLLEN!

The Hold Steady: 930 Club 6/7

The Hold Steady are performing a sold out show at the 930 Club this Sunday, June 7th. Doors open at 7pm and its bound to be a great show. The Hold Steady's front man, Craig Finn has a normal albeit unique voice for a new band in this day and age. I only came across this band recently and their lyrics seem almost literary in style. Their hit, 'Stay Positive', has an especially literary bend and was featured on many top song lists for 2008. The band also covered Bob Dylan's song, 'Can you Please Crawl Out Your Window', for the Dylan inspired movie, 'I'm Not There.' Check out The Hold Steady below:



The Hold Steady on Myspace

The Hold Steady - Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?

Spotlight Lollapalooza: Ra Ra Riot

My next Spotlight Lollapalooza band is the up and coming, critically acclaimed band from Syracuse New York, Ra Ra Riot. I just discovered them a few weeks ago on Pandora and subsequently by the suggestion of a friend attending Lollapalooza. Their indie rock vibe has taken them from playing gigs around Syracuse University's campus, to appearances at South by Southwest, Late Night with Dave Letterman, and now Lollapalooza. Back in 2007, their drummer died after a show in Rhode Island but they forged on and found a new drummer. Their newest album, 2008's The Rhumb Line is full of mellow melodies and intense, deep lyrics but the music produces a sound that is very unique. I hope I get to catch their performance at Lollapalooza because I'm pretty sure they've already passed through DC. Check out Ra Ra Riot below:


Ra Ra Riot on Myspace

NEW MGMT VIDEO!

Ch-Ch-Check out the just released video for one of my favorite songs, Kids by MGMT. It's delightfully creepy and surreal like their other videos but a little different; and by different I mean better.


MGMT - Kids (Music Video)


While I'm at it, I might as well put up a few other MGMT jamz...Enjoy

MGMT - Kids (Soulwax Nite Version Remix)
MGMT - The Youth
MGMT - Time To Pretend
MGMT - Of Moons, Birds & Monsters
MGMT - Weekend Wars
MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Remix)

Doves: 930 Club 6/6

The Doves are playing this Saturday at the 930 Club. Doors open at 9pm but unfortunately the tickets are sold out but I know you can find them on Craigslist since I looked for some for a friend who is returning from Australia this weekend. She is obsessed with the Doves (especially their newest CD) and got me back into their music. After hearing some of their new stuff, I can definitely understand where an obsession could come from. I first heard their song, 'Caught by the River' many years ago on a free CD I came across (after some research it was probably the OC Volume 1 Mix) but have recently gotten into their newer stuff from their recently released album Kingdom of Rust. Their music is a little more upbeat since I first listened but thats what I like about their newer material. Check out some tunes from Doves below:


Doves on Myspace

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Liberation Dance Party

Natalie Portman's Shaved head is playing not once, not twice, but THREE times in the month of June at Liberation Dance Party. Liberation is held friday nights at DC Nine and is a killer time. As artists in residence at Liberation for the month of June, NPSH will play Fridays June 5th, 12th, and 19th! Three shows in DC in the same month, wow! NPSH is one of my favorite up and coming artists right now. Their high energy, funky, electronic, sound showcases both their musical uniqueness and youth. Their songs are funky and most have really fun, light, almost silly lyrics. As you can tell NPSH got their name from Natalie Portman after she shaved her head for the movie V for Vendetta. Natalie Portman is on their guestlist for every show they perform but alas she has never showed up. Maybe she will make an appearance at DC Nine during June? Doubtful. I'm definitely going to check out NPSH so let me know if you plan on going to any of the shows. Hell, I'll go to all three if I have to. Check out some of the awesomeness that is Natalie Portman's Shaved Head:


Natalie Portman's Shaved Head on Myspace

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head's Blog

Spike'd Sundays: Sundays @ Capitol Skyline Hotel

SPIKED SUNDAYS - Calling all those who believe life doesn't get better than a burger, a beer and pooldeck of bikinis!

Hosted by Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn of Capitol Hill's Good Stuff Eatery.

Beach balls, rubber duckies, bad language, and BBQ throw-downs welcomed and encouraged! The classic Capitol Skyline Hotel, designed by Morris Lapidus (architect of the Fontainebleau in Miami) has turned a corner. A wet, glistening, chlorinated corner. It's called The Capitol Skyline Pool. Inspired by a city that's exploding with style, yet starving for some edge, we've transformed the grand, glorious Miami-Beach-like pool into an Oasis of "anything goes."

Cover: $10 at door (includes free burger) and all drinks, all summer, are $5 or less. Pool parties run until Labor Day

Capitol Skyline Hotel Pool...prrrrretty nice

The Govinda Gallery

David Burnett's photography collection entitled 'Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley' is on display at the National Harbor location of the Govinda Gallery.  There are two locations of the Govinda Gallery.  One is in Georgetown and the other is at the National Harbor across the water from Old Town Alexandria in Maryland.  I first came across the Govinda Gallery with my friend Ashley.  While she was living in Georgetown the two of us went to an exhibit by Henry Grossman called 'Kaleidoscope Eyes: A Day in the Life of Sgt. Pepper,' which showed an intimate depiction of the Beatles while they were recording Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.  The gallery is very small but the exhibits are primarily based around music.  Recent exhibits included Stanley Mouse' Grateful Life (Marsh drew many of the quintessential images we now associate with the Grateful Dead).  The next exhibit opens sometime after June 14th and I'm excited to see what the it will bring...hopefully something along the same lines as the killer past exhibits.  Check out the three aforementioned exhibits below: 

Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley by David Burnett

Kaleidoscope Eyes: A Day in the Life of Sgt. Pepper by Henry Grossman

Grateful Life by Stanley Mouse

And for good measure I'll add my favorite song from each of these artists (although it's hard to choose just one): 

Bob Marley, The Wailers - Three Little Birds

The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever

The Grateful Dead - Uncle John's Band

Au Revoir Simone: Rock and Roll Hotel 5/30

Au Revoir Simone is performing at the Rock and Roll Hotel this Saturday May 30th. They are the headliners and their two opening acts, The Antlers and Jeff Lewis, aren't to shabby themselves. Doors open at 8:30 and the show begins at 9:30. Tickets are $12 presale or $14 day of show. Au Revoir Simone is an electronic, indie pop band from Brooklyn with a light, fresh sound that is easy on the ears but still stays true to both the electronic and indie genres. An interesting factoid I found online: the name Au Revoir Simone comes from the movie Pee Wee's Big adventure when Pee-Wee is says "au revoir Simone" to a minor character. Check out Au Revoir Simone below:

Au Revoir Simone on Myspace

Spotlight Lollapalooza: Rye Rye

Rye Rye is an up and coming rapper straight out of Baltimore. She is young and has a fresh sound that is very hardcore and upbeat. I first came across her music while I was in line at American Apparel with my friend Kareem. Kareem was bopping his head to the beat and the guy behind the register asked if he liked Rye Rye.  Kareem (and myself included) had no idea who she was but I went and checked her out that night and it was love at first listen. Rye Rye was discovered by MIA, is one of the first artists on MIA's new record label N.E.E.T, and even collaborates with her on the track "Bang" (which was featured in the new movie Fast and Furious). Rye Rye will be performing at Perry's Tent and I hope that I will be able to catch her show. With so many unbelievable acts performing at Lollapalooza, I'm going to have to pick and choose carefully which artists to check out, which ones I can miss, and which might be performing in the DC area in the near future. Check out Rye Rye below:

Rye Rye on Myspace

Some more by Rye Rye

Rye Rye - Bang ft. M.I.A.

Rye Rye Feat. M.I.A. - Bang (Teen Wolf Remix)

Rye Rye - Reasons

Rye Rye - Wassup (Crookers Remix)

David Guetta: FUR 5/24

David Guetta is DJing at Fur Nightclub tonight.  The show costs $30 bucks and he goes on at midnight.  David Guetta is one of the top DJs in the world and has a few hits here in the United States.  Fur is always a ridiculously good time so I suggest you try it out tonight, since there is no work tomorrow.  Check out some of his song below: 

David Guetta on Myspace

Liberation Dance Party: DC 9 every Friday

Check out Liberation Dance party every Friday at DC 9. Liberation Dance Party features cool new music by both up and coming artists as well as some established favorites and includes music videos playing up on a screen. A very cool scene and always a good time. As an incentive to get there early, they offer an open bar from 9 - 10:30pm. Drink your free booze then dance your face off: not a bad Friday night after a long week! I have attached the website for Liberation Dance Party and a link to songs from last weeks playlist which include many artists I have already covered on DC Disco and many that I will be covering and/or seeing in the upcoming months. ps. Liberation Dance Party has an exciting artist in residence for the month of June...one of my favorite new bands, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head (but I will discuss them next week).

Liberation Dance Party's Website

Last Weeks Playlist

Here are my top 10 (in no particular order) from last weeks playlist...ENJOY!
MGMT - Kids
Yelle - ACDG (Tepr rmx)
Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Sophisticated Side Ponytail
Royskopp - Happy Up Here
Passion Pit - The Reeling
Kid Cudi - Day 'N' Nite (Crookers Remix)
Hercules and Love Affair - Blind
Junior Boys - In The Morning
Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand A Chance (Chromeo Remix)

The Hangover

Two of my friends and I went to the Washington, DC premier of "The Hangover." The film was directed and produced by the same people who did Old School and it is very evident with certain scenes and cameos. I won't say too much about the movie except that it is definitely worth the price of admission and insanely funny and crude. The move stars Bradley Cooper (Sack from Wedding Crashers), Ed Helms (Andy from The Office), Justin Bartha, and Zach Galifianakis. Other stars and cameos also include Heather Graham, Jeffery Tambor, Mike Tyson, Rachel Harris, and Rob Riggle.

Check out the trailer for "The Hangover" below:

Tally Hall: DC Nine 5/21

Tally Hall is playing at DC 9 tomorrow, Thursday May 21st. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are only $10. I have actually seen Tally Hall before. They played a show at Denison my senior year and they were very entertaining. I had never heard of them nor had any intention of going but my friend Pete convinced a bunch of us to go. Well worth it. The highlight of their show is the cover of Biz Markie's one hit wonder, "Just a Friend." When I saw them at Denison, the lead singer used a megaphone and went into the audience while singing. Overall they have a funky, upbeat sound with a nerdy vibe but their music is worth checking out. You'll get a little rock, a little rap, a little bit of everything.

Tally Hall on Myspace






More from Tally Hall:
Tally Hall - Just A Friend (Biz Markie)
Tally Hall - Smile Like You Mean It (Killers Cover)

At the Movies: Coming Attractions Trailer Night

This is my first post dealing with the another one of my favorite things to do in DC: going to the movies, especially at the E Street Cinemas.  The first movie I saw there was Slumdog Millionaire before it was out in most if any other movie theaters and I have been back several times.  Tomorrow night the E Street Cinema, along with the DC Film Society, is hosting a Coming Attractions Trailer Night for the upcoming hits of this summer.  Many of the trailers for the big name movies coming out will be featured: Terminator Salvation, Funny People, and Bruno just to name a few.  There will also be many others along with voting on which movies you have to see this summer and which ones you'd rather miss.  It's $8 and starts at 7pm.  The link for the E Street Cinemas is on the right but as you can guess it is on E Street very close to Metro Center.  I would highly recommend this to anyone that wants to get excited about summer movies or just flat out enjoys the previews as much or more than the features themselves.  Below are links to trailers of movies that I can't wait to see this summer, which will be reviewed after I've seen them: 

500 Days of Summer

Whatever Works

Rudo y Cursi

Summer Hours

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Bruno

Funny People

The Informers

Public Enemies

Humpday

The Brothers Bloom

Rock the Boat

Taking Woodstock

Paper Heart

The Boss

Bruce Springsteen is playing at the Verizon Center tonight at 7:30 and I am too broke to even consider going...(tear). If anyone is going please let me know how the show is. Thank you. That is all.

LOLLAPALOOZA!

I just bought my ticket to Lollapalooza and am so stoked! Lollapalooza is a 3 day music festival held in Chicago and the lineup is sick. Now I just need to buy my plane ticket to Chicago. There are 130+ bands, DJs, and other musical acts. I'm going with my friend Will and hopefully his brother and also know a few other people who have already got tickets. It's held in Grant Park in Chicago from August 7-9. Even though it's months away, I'm already excited for it. Over the past several years Lollapalooza has been a single festival in Chicago but when I was growing up it was a traveling show. Of the 130+ bands, the headliners include Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers, Jane's Addiction, The Beastie Boys, and Kings of Leon. I'm actually more excited about the acts that aren't headlining (with the exception of the Killers and Kings of Leon.) I have seen several of the bands already including Andrew Bird, Vampire Weekend, and Ben Folds and will see a few more this summer before August. I will be featuring some of the artists I am looking forward to seeing on DC Disco every week until August 7th when I board the plane to Chi-town. I'm anxiously awaiting the day to day and stage lineup that has yet to be announced. It's going to be an unbelievable show and an experience I hopefully won't ever forget.

Below is the full band list including the DJ acts:

Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers, Jane’s Addiction, Beastie Boys, Kings of Leon, Lou Reed, Ben Harper and Relentless 7, Thievery Corporation, Snoop Dogg, Rise Against, Andrew Bird, TV on the Radio, Vampire Weekend, The Decemberists, Neko Case, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), Animal Collective, Band of Horses, Of Montreal, Arctic Monkeys, Coheed and Cambria, Ben Folds, Fleet Foxes, Silversun Pickups, Kaiser Chiefs, Crystal Castles, Bon Iver, Santigold, Atmosphere, Dan Auberbach, Cold War Kids, Deerhunter, Lykke Li, Robert Earl Keen, Peter Bjorn and John, Heartless Bastards, Gomez, Glasvegas, Federico Aubele, Dan Deacon, Passion Pit, The Raveonettes, The Gaslight Anthem, The Airborne Toxic Event, White Lies, Ra Ra Riot, No Age, Asher Roth, Los Campesinos!, Bat For Lashes, Chairlift, Gang Gang Dance, The Virgins, Amazing Baby, Portugal. The Man, The Knux, Ida Maria, Delta Spirit, Friendly Fires, Manchester Orchestra, Constantines, Ezra Furman & The Harpoons, Hockey, Miike Snow, Alberta Cross, Hey Champ, Sam Roberts Band, The Henry Clay People, Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam, Cage the Elephant, Living Things, The Low Anthem, Blind Pilot, Langhorne Slim, Other Lives, The Builders and The Butchers, Eric Church, Joe Pug, Kevin Devine, The Green Cards, Carney, Thenewno2

Featured performers spinning at Perry’s:

Bassnectar, MSTRKRFT, Simian Mobile Disco, DeadMau5, Boys Noise, KiD CuDi, Crookers, A-Trak, Hercules and Love Affair (DJ Set), The Bloody Beetroots (DJ Set), LARiots, Kaskade, The Glitch Mob, Hollywood Holt, Rye Rye, He Say, She Say, Car Stereo (Wars), Dark Wave Disco, Moneypenny, Yello Fever, Animal Collective (DJ Set)

Lollapalooza's Website

Lollapalooza on Myspace

MTV: Killers, Tool, Beastie Boys To Headline Lollapalooza 2009

Atmosphere: 930 Club 5/16

Atmosphere is bringing their fresh beats and unique sound to the 930 Club this Saturday, May 16th. Doors open at 7pm and the show is unfortunately already sold out. I was first introduced to Atmosphere by my roommate and friend Will well before my music epiphany/awakening. At first I wasn't sure that I even liked them but as time progressed so did my musical tastes and now they consistently pop up on my iTunes (thanks Will). Atmosphere is very different from most rap you'll hear today. Check out Atmosphere below:

Atmosphere on Myspace

FATBACK! : LIV 5/16

Fatback is a an old school, funk and soul dance party that happens once a month on the third Saturday of each month. There is no cover and no dress code so come as you are. Over the years it has changed locations and now due to its growing popularity, it has taken over LIV Nightclub, which boasts the two floors right above Bohemian Caverns on U Street. Fatback, as my friend so perfectly described, is like hipster prom. The crowd is decidedly hipster but anyone and everyone fits in. The music is great and the dance floor is a hot, sweaty, and raucous scene. Everyone should check it out and if you can't make it this time, clear your schedule for the third Saturday of June where you can find me, my friends, and the hipster population of DC raging to the beats.

*Check out fatbacks website
*Pictures from a previous Fatback courtesy of BYT
*Listen to Fatback Mix Volume 10