The Underrated Blog

Jukebox The Ghost Goes To The Zoo

I had one of the most amazing birthday weekends, most noteably due to Pat's wonderful show he put on for me on Saturday night. I really couldn't have asked for a better party. Tally Hall was a huge surprise, and did a short but sweet set of covers that left me with the biggest grin ever. I'm going to put up a bunch of pictures this week (with my new camera yay!) but for now, check out Pat's recap of the night and this...

In case you weren't aware that is members of four (!) different bands on stage singing me the Beatle's  Birthday: Jukebox The Ghost, Seth Kallen & The Reaction, Tally Hall, and Wes from the Undisputed Heavyweights. Frickin amazing!

Speaking of Jukebox The Ghost, I went to the zoo with the band yesterday for a blog post up on CMJ.com. It was a really fun experience, complete with amazing pictures. Check out the post here.

Wisdom teeth go bye bye tomorrow. More soon!

Happy Birthday Nora!

Today is my radio co-host and all around partner in crime, Miss Nora's birthday. She is old-er. And to celebrate, we must do what we do best...drink a lot, dance a lot, and act like all around crazy people. And where is this happening? Our home away from home – The Skinny.

I will be djing tonight in celebration. You are all welcome to come and wish her a happy happy birthday. Festivities start at 10. I can't guarantee anything after that.

Tally Hall - Be Born

Battering Room Presents: Knockout! Round 2

After today I get a little bit of a vacation before I start the new job on Monday. Well, it's not really a vacation. With a big dj gig tomorrow night (anti-valentines day, you will be there, yes?) plus a bazillion other shows, I may end up more tired than usual. We'll see.

Friday I will be djing Battering Room's Knockout! Round 2. I happened to dj Round 1 as well, but didn't get to see any of the bands. I'll be happy to only have to play tunes between sets this time around, so that I can check out the bands. It's a pretty sweet lineup.

Sure Juror is playing the last show of a month long residency in New York, and this is sure to be their best. If you haven't seen them yet, you should be there. The Muggabears will be a very special guest on The Blog Show this week, so I heart them already. Johan is Dutch and making a special trip over to the US for this show, and The Antlers have an awesome name.

Sold, right?

Right. Head on over to Pop Tarts for an mp3 from each band, and keep a lookout on Battering Room for a post about the show today.

And I'll see you on Friday.

One Last Call For Alcohol

Just in case you haven't realized it yet, but tomorrow night is our big bash over at Sin-e. Doors open at 8 PM, and we will be having a PBR open bar until 9:30 PM. First band takes the stage a little after 8, so don't be late!

Afterparty at 87 (Ludlow between Delancey & Broome).

It's going to be an awesome night full of great music. Come say hi!

Buy your tickets here.

Underrated Presents: Liam and Me

I was expressing my concern to Nora last night over the fact that I have booked Liam and Me last on Saturday night, taking the stage at midnight. You see, this band has a certain affect on me. I can't stand still. And I find the need to boogie in the most embarrassing fashion. And after about four hours of drinking PBR, this could get messy.

And I couldn't be more excited.

I specificially the first time I saw this band. I was stuck at the back of Fat Baby (blech) but I knew that I had just semi-witnessed something pretty extraordinary. I gave them another shot at The Annex (blech) and again, I was sold. If a band can play venues I hate and still leave me completely wowed, well then...they’ve got something going for sure.

Liam and Me is downright fun, and is sure to seriously pump you up after you belly is full of PBR from the four bands previous. I'm not kidding when I say I will be guaranteed to be dancing around like my converse are on fire. I've listened to their album so many times I think I've memorized everything right down to the bleeps and bloops. And I like to sing along. And loud.

If you haven't checked out the band live yet, you are in for a treat. With some of the most dedicated fans I've seen, they've got the hand motions and songs down to a T. It's a pretty remarkable thing to witness. Just don't get distracted by the crowd and miss some of the greatest pop songs I've heard in a long time.

Liam and Me - There's A Difference

Liam and Me - Say It Out Loud

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order. FREE PBR starting at 8 PM!!

This show will change your life.

Underrated Presents: The GoStation

The GoStation is no stranger to Underrated shows. In fact they played my 21st birthday celebration, way back when, at the now defunct Tribeca Rock Club. There's been a lot of changes since, and The GoStation has grown into a solid live act that is bound to go beyond a local scene. The band will take the stage fourth on Saturday, at 11 PM.

I've seen this band play so many times, but each time I remember why it was I loved them in the first place. It's a classic sound, harboring on the great Brit Pop of the early 90's combined with New York's garage rock of late. Each time their set is just a notch above the last, which is why I like going to see bands play so many times. If they keep getting better, I'd be silly not to catch them each time.

From donning the cover of Underrated, to landing a record deal, I've seen this band evolve and accomplish everything they've set out to do. With a new album out this year, it's going to be about time that you hear what they've been up to. Or you can come check them out Saturday night. It's sure to be amazing.

The GoStation - All Together Now

The GoStation - Wandering Away

While I've got your attention, I'd like to announce there will be free PBR starting at 8 PM. Thanks to our friends, we'll have a couple cases to give out free beer so you can be super hipster and write home to tell about it. Get there early because it's going to go fast!

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order.

This show will change your life.

Underrated Presents: White Rabbits

I'm not one to play favorites, especially at my own show, but I have to say that I am so frickin excited to see White Rabbits play on Saturday. I've been yapping this band up to so many people, and I have no doubt in my mind they will be impressed. White Rabbits take the stage third on Saturday, at 10 PM.

It's been a love affair with this band since the start. On a co-workers suggestion, I checked them out and it took only about 3 minutes, 1 song to fall completely head over the heels. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't just at the sight of six cute boys on stage. No no, it was the music. I swear. Ever since, I've caught every show I possibly could and begged and pleaded for a rough cut of their album (which I have now memorized every word in preparation).

I stated before that White Rabbits were to be my band of 2007. It's only January, I know, but I can tell already. With a bunch of very buzzed shows coming and an album that will become a playlist staple, I can't wait to see all the craziness take place. Let it be known that it all begins Saturday night at Sin-e. Just wait until you see how wonderful this band is. And if you have seen them live already, you totally know.

Since their two shows next week with Peter Bjorn and John are already sold out, Saturday will be your chance to catch them before the ridiculousness sets in. You can say you knew them when (just remember to buy me a drink to say thanks).

(Note: I apologize in advance if you see me dancing and singing around like an idiot during their set. They cast a spell, I swear.)

White Rabbits - The Plot

White Rabbits - Kid On My Shoulders

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order.

This show will change your life.

Underrated Presents: Seth Kallen + The Reaction

After Sure Juror on Saturday is New York/Philly's own Seth Kallen + The Reaction. They will be going on second, at 9 PM.

I've known Seth for some time now, and yet still so amazed at how talented he is. I can remember getting his first album in the mail even before he came to New York for school, and being blown away. Two years later, he just released his second album Exhibit A, touring all over the east coast, and he's not even legal to drink! (Don't tell Sin-e.) Incredible songwriting, and all in all charming performer, Seth will be sure to keep your head bopping around.

Every time I see Seth and his band perform I begin to notice that I know every word to all of the songs. I begin to feel embarrassed but then I realize there’s a reason I know these songs so well. As soon as you hear them, you instantly like them and can't help but want to sing along. And then I look around and notice his very dedicated fan base singing along just as loud as me. Then I have to sing louder. I've never been one to hide from competition.

Combined with a group of talented musicians, Seth Kallen + The Reaction is an ever-evolving project that is sure to see some serious success in the future. Check out the band at their myspace and tune into The Blog Show this Thursday, as Seth will be one of our special guests. Oh and make sure you see them on Saturday too. I'll be the one up front singing too loudly.

Seth Kallen + The Reaction - No Ace

Seth Kallen + The Reaction - Strange Man

Tickets are now available online for our January 27th show at Sin-e. Click here to order.

This show will change your life.

Underrated Presents: Sure Juror

In case you aren't aware, I'm throwing a bit of a soiree this Saturday night at Sin-e. I could tell you that it will be the best night of your life, that there is a 99% chance you will be drunk off your socks by the time you leave, and will have had to endure my overly excited babble on more than one occasion throughout the night. Whilst all this is true, I feel the need to give you a bit of a sober rundown of these bands beforehand. Because let's face it, both you and I will experience excruciating amounts of awe come Saturday night that all we will be able to mutter is profanities. Just me? Okay, we'll see.

The first band up on Saturday night is Jersey's own Sure Juror. They go on at 8 PM.

So it's quite genius, really when you think about it. A band that has been hyped up on a good number of the blogs finally books a show in New York City, during CMJ. And yet we only get to hear four songs. Even if it was completely unintentional, I can assure you everyone in that room wanted to hear more. So what if it took them almost three months? Better late than never.

I'm completely thrilled to have this band open up the night, as I found them most intriguing over the past year or so. Their two albums have crept up the ranks on my iTunes, and each time I listen to them I find something else I like about them. And with how intricate their recordings are, you'd think they wouldn't be able to pull this off live. Well, four songs and I was convinced. Who knows what more will bring.

Rumor is they have added some new members to their band and it's bound to be quite the performance. If I were you I'd get there early to check it out. And if not? Well you have a couple more chances to check this band out live over the next month: February 3 and 10 at Pianos, and February 16 at Union Hall for Battering Room's next show.

But if I were you, I'd check out them all, starting with this one here. And in preparation, check out their myspace and purchase their music (where their first album is available for FREE - so no excuses, really).

My my, I'm quite demanding aren't I?

While I'm at it...download these too.

Sure Juror - The Once-Great Gender Debate (Live from West Chester, PA 3.24.06)

Sure Juror - Christmas Shopping

Sure Juror - The Drive Will Do You Good

Dancing Shoes: Ruby | Kaiser Chiefs

We're back at the Skinny tonight, determined to make you stay up late on a Thursday night and dance with us until the wee hours of the morning. Nora just informed me that she is going to need a lot of Red Bull to make it through the night. Me? Just keep the tunes cranking and I wont get cranky.

Or actually, to keep both of us up, we just need one song. This one song has been the basis of all language and vocabulary this week. Instead of actually speaking in sentences Nora and I have resorted to one word. And that word? ROOOOOBAAAAAAYYYY.

The new Kaiser Chiefs song is the greatest thing I've heard in a very long time. Thanks to Matt for finding it for us. Because now, our lives have drastically changed.

Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby

We'll see you tonight. And make sure you yell ROOOOOOBAAAAAAAY.