Rising Artist EXCLUSIVE! La Strada INTV!

In an episode of HBO's Bored to Death, Ted Danson's character explains to Jason Schwartzman that "Brooklyn, it's the new Manhattan." That quote could not be more true from how that borough has gained so much attention this decade. In the 70's and 80's band's coming out of New York City were generally from the Lower East Side of Manhattan or West Village. Now they are across the East River and coming out in droves. One of those band's is the Balkan inspired La Strada. An act who coincidentally has had their music appear on Bored to Death, but is also an act gaining much attention with their unique style and sound. Think the gypsy sound of Gogol Bordello meets the folk aspects of Arcade Fire with La Strada's own blend of unique fusion. They are the perfect act to be listening to when in a cafe, bookstore or just unwinding with a glass of red. I had the opportunity to bring a small film crew and hang out with the band this past fall in their rehearsal space in Green Point. After watching the band do their magic, we sat down and discussed the band's beginnings, future and everything in between. Watch my interview with La Strada below..





Special Thanks to La Strada, Rosario Pellerito, Manny Valdivia, Greg Pace and Kismet Films.

Live Review - Rebecca Hart & The Sexy Children @ Joe's Pub

When you go to a concert you always expected to be wowed and lifted out of your seat, at least I do. Sometimes it is the production that does it, sometimes it is because your favorite song is being played by your favorite act, whatever it maybe, you as the fan, expect it to happen. Never do you go to a small show with a unknown artist and expect it to happen. However, the magic needs to start somewhere. Rebecca Hart and The Sexy Children took the stage Friday night at Joe's Pub in Astor Place only to have the jaws of each person in attendance hit the floor. Rebecca a performance artist, actress and musical powerhouse, has more fortitude than most male singers. Her voice is a combination between Tori Amos and Bruce Springsteen, her lyrics are about love and life with a spin of comedy that only Woody Allen could write. Yet, the gorgeous Rebecca is so talented and powerful, you will instantly fall in love with what she is doing and saying. Only playing for 45 minutes, in a set that featured mainly originals and a Ray Charles cover, looking in Rebecca and her Sexy Children may seem like an average bar band, after witnessing what she has to offer, she proves otherwise. Rebecca is one to keep an eye out for.

Quick News

NEW ARCADE FIRE ALBUM IN MAY!! I realize that is such an inappropriate way to start off a topic, but it is quick and to the point. The Canadian band is set to release their third album this May, no word on a title, but stay tuned as more information rolls in.

Ailing Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, is on his road to recovery after being diagnosed with Cancer this past summer. MCA tells movieline.com "I'm feeling fine now, after the surgery," he also mentioned that the band is prepping the delayed release of Hot Sauce Committee Pt 1, a tour and a possible appearance at Coachella.

Kanye West will release his VH1 Storytellers performance on CD/DVD. An edited version of the performance was aired, an uncut version in which West slams his idol, Radiohead singer Thom Yorke, will appear on the DVD. The album will be released next month.

Phoenix

Live Review - Phoenix @ PC Richards Theater

In was the hottest and hardest ticket in town for one of the hardest working and hottest bands of the year. France's Phoenix performed a very intimate set at the PC Richards Theater in TriBeCa last night. In front of industry people, models, radio contest winners and friends of the band, everyone crammed in a room no bigger than your living room to enjoy one of 2009's breakout band. Playing a brief 30 minute set, Phoenix killed it from the second they hit the stage. Opening with the bombastic "Lisztomania" the lead track from their acclaimed Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, the energy from this band would not let up. They sounded beyond perfect, drummer Thomas Hedlund is something to watch, standing up and playing his kit and dancing around without missing a beat. Singer Thomas Mars may not do much, but his band moves around so much that he does not have to. Mars constantly thanked the audience for coming out and seems to be very thrilled the band has broken so big in America, giving the idea that the French may not really hate us. The highlight of the brief set was their "cover," if you will, of Air's "Playground of Love," from Virgin Suicides, a song Phoenix wrote for their fellow Frenchmen. Yet, the band still got their biggest cheers, of course, from the set closing "1901." I did indeed get hooked up with a pass for the show, but Phoenix is a band that is worth every penny to catch over and over again.

Holiday Playlist Vol 3

The radio has been playing Christmas Music since October, but it is all the washed up Pop garbage that gets tired after the three listens and you remember why these songs are only good once a year. Well, here is a list, my third annual installment of Holiday tunes that will not make you tired and put you in the spirit of the season.

Julian Casablancas - "I Wish it Was Christmas Today"
The Killers - "Happy Birthday Guadalupe!"
My Brightest Diamond - "Nature Boy"
The Hives and Cindy Lauper - "Christmas Duel"
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - "Little Drummer Boy"
Glasvegas - "Please Come Home"
My Chemical Romance - "All I Want for Christmas"
Blitzen Tripper - "Christmas is Comming Soon"
Paul McCartney - "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time"
David Ford - "Have Yourself a Bitter Little Christmas"
Jimmy Eat World "12.23.95"
Jimmy Eat World - "Christmas Card"
The Raveonettes - "Come on Santa"
Robbers on High Street - "Season's Greetings"
Decemberists - "Please Daddy (Dont Get Drunk This Christmas)"
Sufjan Stevens - "Come on! Lets Boogy to the Elf Dance"
Glasvegas - "Silent Night"
Sufjan Stevens - "Good King Wencelas"
Weezer - "O Come O Ye Faithful"
The Pogues - "Fairytale of New York"
Your Vegas - "Christmas and Me are Through"
A Fine Frenzy - "Redribbon Foxes"
Bob Dylan - "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"

For Holiday Playlist 2.0 Click HERE
For Holiday Playlist Vol 1 Clock HERE

Movie of the Month - Persepolis

Most autobiographies are never this clever. Most bio-films are never this good. Persepolis is the 2007 animated bio picture based on the graphic novel and autobiography of Marjane Satrapi. Marjane's saga is told in such a way that will leave you in awe. The story of Satrapi is one of power and defiance. A controversial coming of age story set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution, about a girl finding herself wanting Western culture while questioning her strict religion. As a teenager Satrapi was a misfit, refusing to wear typical Muslim attire for women and embracing heavy metal, punk rock and Michael Jackson. Profoundly disillusioned, Satrapi rejects her religious aspirations before God and tries with her family to fit into the reality of the intolerant regime that has suppressed its people of many luxuries and what we take for granted. We see Satrapi leave Iran for school in Europe where she encounters boys, sexuality and drugs and finding her place in the world. The film is told in French, Persian and English and showcases the world around us. Nominated in 2008 for Best Animated Film at the Academy Awards and the winner of 2007 Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival, Persepolis is a film that will find the inner misfit and punk and all of us.

Underrated Classic - Oasis "The Masterplan"

You know you are a great band when your B-Sides record sells millions of copies worldwide and the album is brilliant from start to finish. For Oasis, The Masterplan proved this. Taking B-Side songs from their first three albums; Definitely Maybe, (What's The Story) Morning Glory and Be Here Now, the songs were originally released on expensive European imports. The band decided to capitalize and release the record in US and Japan, however, the record proved to be such a success in both markets they put it out worldwide. The Masterplan boasts songs that were staples of the band's live sets, tracks like "Acquiesce," "The Swamp Song," and their cover of The Beatles "I Am the Walrus." What the record really displays is Noel Gallagher's brilliant songwriting ability and way of putting words together. Songs like "Half the World Away," "Talk Tonight," "The Masterplan," and "Rockin' Chair," are the perfect pop tunes. The Masterplan is a record that was made for fans, but could easily be mistaken for some of the band's best work. This past August it was released, with the entire Oasis back catalogue on vinyl, I suggest you take a listen.

Blur Reunion Documentary

Last year Blur reunited and decided to capture all of the special moments from their summer on film. From the band gigging again from the first time in a six years to headlining Glastonbury and Hyde Park. Take a look at the trailer for the band's documentary No Distance Left to Run.

Quick News

Since Noel Gallagher left Oasis, his brother Liam and band mates Andy Bell, Gem Archer and Chris Sharrock are still going to go out an record as a band. However, they may still call themselves Oasis. Liam told England's Evening Standard "We're not using it at the moment, but if we don't come up with something else by the time we're ready to release the album it'll be Oasis. I'm not going to call myself something ridiculous just for the sake of it." Liam and mates are looking to get into the studio after Christmas and hit the road at some point in 2010.

Blur front man Damon Albarn is such a busy man. He has named the upcoming Gorrilaz album Plastic Beach and it will be due in 2010. As previously reported he is penning an opera with graphic novelist Alan Moore. He is also working on a record with Flea and The Good, The Bad and The Queen member Tony Allen and is also looking to prep another The Good, The Bad and The Queen album. Yet, still no word is Blur will tour again in 2010.

Smiths/Modest Mouse/Cribs guitarist (friend and fan of this site I might add) Johnny Marr is penning his first film score. He is scoring the upcoming Antonio Bandaras film The Big Bang, which also stars Snoop Dogg.

After the holidays La Roux will set off to France to record some material for the follow up to their debut follow up. In January La Roux is set to kick off the Gold World Tour.

As previously reported The Flaming Lips are set to cover Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon for a covers album. Now the band plans to bring that experience live at their annual New Year's Eve concert in their native Oklahoma.

Trent Reznor was not kidding when he said his "Wave Goodbye Tour" would be Nine Inch Nails' last live waltz. The legendary front man has put all of the band's touring gear up on ebay.