The Ting Tings
Another great show on the 18th was The Ting Tings. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect since I really only knew their most popular song, Shut Up and Let Me Go, but I was pleasantly surprised they put on a really good show. This is impressive since there are only two of them in the band, but they both had tons of energy and worked the crowd well. The Fratellis still put on a better show (they also have more material), but both shows were packed with a good crowd, and I look forward to see how both bands develop.
They are another band catapulted from an iTunes commerical.
The Fratellis
A little late in reporting on this one, but went to see The Fratellis on the 13th, and as of this moment they hold the record for putting on the most lively show I have seen in NYC. These Scots really know how to jam. I’m also a fan of the “Rosie the Riveter” WWII type design on their Costello Music album, and you can now buy a t-shirt.
It has to be a pretty good show when you feel the floor bounce to the music. The Fretellis have a very upbeat and unique sound, and I especially like what I will describe as Skat since I can’t think of a better comparison at the moment.
There was also added flavor that a Certic rugby team was having a great time near us.
Band web site and Myspace. As always, more photos in my Live Music Set.
Their most popular song, Chelsea Dagger:
The Sons & Heirs
On May 22 (Morrissey’s birthday), I got to see The Sons & Heirs in Brooklyn’s Union Hall. It was totally random that MSV and I even saw they were going to be playing there. We had not heard of this Smiths & Morrissey tribute band, but since we both are huge fans we gave it a shot.
I was not expecting much for a Smiths cover band, but wow was I impressed with them. They really put on a great show and are an excellent Smiths band. The lead singer, Ronnissey (taking it all the way!), has a great Morrissey voice and has the mannerisms down. Totally a great show and worth the price of dealing with drunks and girls and guys jumping on the stage. Photos didn’t turn out great given the bands lack of standing still.
Thankfully no injuries occurred from the violent flower throwing!
The Long Blondes
The Long Blondes put on a fantastic show at the Bowery Ballroom last night. I will be listening to more from this band, since I had heard but a few songs before last night. Long live Brit Rock and thanks MSV!
My Live Music photo set.
1000 True Fans
Kevin Kelly has a very interesting post for artists; blockbuster hits are not necessary, you only need to engage 1000 True Fans.
A True Fan is defined as someone who will purchase anything and everything you produce. They will drive 200 miles to see you sing. They will buy the super deluxe re-issued hi-res box set of your stuff even though they have the low-res version. They have a Google Alert set for your name. They bookmark the eBay page where your out-of-print editions show up. They come to your openings. They have you sign their copies. They buy the t-shirt, and the mug, and the hat. They can’t wait till you issue your next work. They are true fans.
I feel this is great advice for any artist that wants to live by their art, and the internet makes this effective. A 1000 is a manageable number and is not too intimidating, easy to wrap your head around.
As for the artists that I am a True Fan (or could be), Big Head Todd does a pretty good job (but direct blogging by Todd would be great), NIN is already a superstar but still does a great job for what I’m looking for, and Pete Miser needs to get with the program (he even works in IT!). And yes, I have diverse music taste.
Thanks to Seth.
Big Head Todd Video
As as follow-up to yesterday’s post, here is a video from the Big Head Todd concert, I was standing right next to the filmer. I don’t think I made it into the background sounds, but I know who did.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Went to see Big Head Todd and the Monsters at the Bowery Ballroom last night. Incredible show and as good as when I saw them live over 10 years ago (gasp). But then again, one of the benefits of seeing a Colorado band in NYC is you can actually get close to the stage. As you can see from the photo, I got front row for their show which is always a great way to see a band.
Second show tonight and tickets are still available!
Sexy Lil Thug
I really like mixes of In Da Club by 50 Cent, and just came across a new one.
Here is Sexy Lil Thug by Beyoncé:
My all time mix is still Closer In Da Club (NIN mix):
Hit Me On My iPhone
Looks like I should check out Myspace more often. But Pete has a pretty good iPhone song up, can’t argue with that!
Crowd-Sourcing Music
Scott Adams was able to make a convincing case that nonsense lyrics that could be combined into a hit song. His blog readers contributed lines and a band in Germany, Rivo Drei, made a song out of it. Sounds pretty decent.
