The Sadies at Brooklyn Bowl

Wow these guys are evil. They actually started on time (9pm). Fool me once... Anyway, it was well worth catching as much of their set as possible. The Sadies' style of rock-n-roll is infused with more than just country and folk "influences", but they didn't exactly absorb the mellow parts. They play with a fury, like they are planning to live out the lyrics of those murder ballads.

Posted: 7/22/2011 at 7:08pm     Tags: Brooklyn Bowl  The Sadies 

The Black Angels at South Street Seaport

Taking photos from the crowd at the South Street Seaport is no fun. I couldn't move at all and missed some important shots. Example: this band has a drummer. Now just being in the crowd and enjoying the music is kind of nice except for all the pushing and pummeling. Fortunately The Black Angels' heavy, slow and intense style focused the crowd on the music. Okay, there was a small mosh pit (which made no sense) but at least it stayed small.

Posted: 7/17/2011 at 2:41pm     Tags: 4Knots Music Festival  South Street Seaport  The Black Angels 

CJ Ramone at The Studio at Webster Hall

How much needs to be said here? CJ is, in his own words, "keeping the spirit of the band alive" by performing an all-Ramones set (okay, except for one new tribute song). Whatever you think about that they sure sound good and the audience loved 'em.

Posted: 7/10/2011 at 3:15pm     Tags: CJ Ramone  The Studio at Webster Hall 

TV Ghost at The Knitting Factory

All of my photosets probably include more shots of the lead singer than of the other band members combined. They tend to be the biggest showoffs. Likewise, among all lead singers, Tim Gick of TV Ghost is the biggest showoff. He dominates this photoset like he dominates the stage. However, kudos to the fellow on keyboards for picking up his instrument and trying to play it with his teeth. Just please face the camera next time!

Posted: 7/2/2011 at 6:20pm     Tags: The Knitting Factory  TV Ghost 

Nervous Assistant at Bar Matchless

As far as the sheer quality of his music goes, Nervous Assistant should be headlining. Unfortunately his intense yet still intimate style seems out of place next to most folk or punk (or rock) bands. Most folkies don't scream their way through entire songs, and there aren't too many punks out there who play acoustic. He and the Stumblebum Brass Band need to hook up at some point. They have the same basic idea: pub punk.

Posted: 6/26/2011 at 5:22pm     Tags: Bar Matchless  Nervous Assistant  Stumblebum Brass Band