Archive for the ‘Jersey City’ Category
Recapping 2011: A Year of Singles
Every year I do some kinda recap about how I spent my year musically. This year I entrenched myself quite deeply into the local music scene. I think its funny now when people ask me what I do the first thing that comes out of my mouth is that I’m a music blogger. Saying that used to inspire a great deal of poserism in me. I was a pretender, just trying to figure out if I could hold a readers attention. Almost three years later and hear I am watching Flash Gordon, and figuring out which tracks were the best I’d heard this year. People actually value my opinion and as laughable as that still seems to me, I’m humbled by your unwavering fealthy to local music and to you tolerance for my coverage. So here they are 10 songs I rocked out to this year, in no particular order.
Sun Tea in the House of Atreus by Hushmoney
Hailing from Detroit, Hushmoney isn’t exactly local. No matter they rock out(and it’s my blog so nah)! Sort of a mix of Epic Metal and Dance Rock. Think Everytime I Die meets Cobra Starship.. Catchy though, The Breakdown is fucking rad as shit! Listen to that lead guitar! And its free so how about you get on that!
Yea yea I know this Track has been out for a while. But 2011 was the year I really, started listening to Black Water. After a meeting with Adam Copeland that went sorta strange (My Bad) at the end of 2010. I booked BW with Ben Franklin at Lucky 7. Although I had apparently seen them in 2009 at Automata Chino. Anyhow, I really got into these guys in 2011 and this song “Arizona” is one of my favs. Back in April, I asked Copeland about the inspiration for the song… about what incident it referred to. “A fictional one. Its a reverse terrorism fantasy tale of an American whose homeland (AZ) is invaded and fights back” He told me. It’s an intense concept and the song is just as wild.
I saw these guys at a show in the middle of the year. And I can’t get this song out of my head. That guitar riff is stuck in there. Seeing them live I gotta say their mid song banter rivals that of The Press’s Mike Henry.
In 2009 this song was my first impression of Billy Gray as well as Ben Franklin. In early 2011 it was released through Killing Horse Records as a B-side on the Urgency EP. What a timely song, though it’s loosely rooted in a true story, the Newburgh Four, I think the chorus really should be the new recruiting jingle for the US military. “Serve your country. Do us some good, it’ll get you off the street. Keep the fear alive keep the threat alive keep the population undercontrol.” Just listen to the thing, otherwise I’ll have to write out the whole damn thing out.
What Would Lou Reed Do – I Am The Heat
2011 was the year I moved to Brooklyn. I moved for several reasons some good (To embed myself into the Brooklyn Indie Scene a bit more) some not so good (I’d worked at every bar in Jersey City). One of the Bands that really took me under their wing was I Am The Heat. No song embodies these guys better than What Would Lou Reed Do. This song reminds me of the end of Wayne’s World when Crucial Taunt is playing to get Mr. Big to give them a record contract. It’s chaotic raucous and fun. That’s how I think of I Am The Heat.
Truthfully I can’t pick one song off Porter In The Making that I like better than the others. It’s a faceblast furnace of rock! The whole album should be listened to over and over again while sharpening knifes. One thing I can say with impunity about this band in that their recordings hold up just as well as their live shows. Be sure to catch them at the Killing Horse Records 2nd Anniversary show at Maxwells this Friday Jan 6th at Maxwells. It’ll be the last time to catch them before they go on hiatus from Live shows (hopefully for just a bit).
Retrograding the Masses – Holy City Zoo
What the fuck can I say about Holy City Zoo that I haven’t already. I’ll keep it simple, they belt it out and they wail! I know this is a curveball for the band (they think that Mark your Path is my favorite). Part of the Tiny Giant Artist Collective HCZ is crazy supportive of the local scene as well. Traveling far and wide to help spread the good word of underground music. I haven’t seen this much positivity in a scene since I started doing this blog.
This song has heart. It’s a little dark and little depressing but damn I just can’t get enough of it. It’s like a catharsis to the rest of the Imposter EP. Perfectly placed. I hear tell KIlling Horse is looking to release this on Vinyl!
Talk about a wall of noise! First off the video is great! EV and Paul are animals! This song is like combining Motorhead and the Rocketeer! And Live? Fuck, I’ve seen these guys play their hearts out for like 3 hours. Thats fortitude! The whole Shoot the Freak EP is like a night in county jail, that is to say you should experience it with your eyes and ears at the ready. You’ll be surprised, but at least you’ll be ready.
I have slept of these guys for WAAAAY too long. The album has been on my ipod since just a little before Brick City Sound Riot and this song jumped out at me the other day. The intro is great the melodic backing vocals contrast the main vocals perfectly. Importantly you can dance to this! The chorus just makes me feel like this song should be used in a commercial or as the intro to a sitcom.
BONUS ROUND
The First Time I Killed Someone – Wyldlife
My favorite song off the much celebrated LP. These cats are in store for big things mark my words. The story behind this song is kind of great as well. Back in 2009 Dave Feldman, was looking for a lil extra money. He tried his hand working as a cook at Lucky 7 with me… it didn’t take. (Dave Feldman doesn’t cook burgers he sings rock n roll.) Well, the guy that got his job also got his room in his apartment. I’m not sure of the exact details, but this song is a lil murder fantasy about his old roommate. You’re a dark dude Dave, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
I had a terrible time narrowing this list down, but I firmly believe that ten is a good cut off and I couldn’t even stick to that. That said, here are some other excellent songs I loves this year. I listened to them on the train or while I was writing, friends passed them around, and they are all on my playlist at home.
Big Boss Little Boss – The Press
Tip Canary and The Micks at Lucky 7 Tavern
Some things just go well together. Peanut butter and Jelly, bacon and eggs, SPAM AND SPAM. 3/8/11 Tip Canary and The Micks played a set at Lucky 7 Tavern. It was a total power combo! Wesley Kirk & Robbie Hartnett of Tip Canary teamed up with Matt & Sam McMickle and Henry Prol of The Micks for a couple of songs. I have the Video and Pics to back up that statement.
Stephie Coplan & Deivito at Lucky 7 Tavern
Again, for the first time ever, Stephie Coplan and Deivito came together for a Marvel Team-Up of epic proportions at Lucky 7 Tavern. They were slated to play another show I booked recently but got snowed out. As fate would have it, they rallied and played at Lucky 7 on Tuesday the 22nd. 
There’s a lot to be said for old friends. Deivis Garcia, alias Deivito is about the oldest friend Rocker Tycoon has. A huge local music supporter both on and off the stage, no one hustles like Deivito. He played his Black Spaniard set. His brand of Indie-spanglish Country rock is singular. Imagine the Dead Milkmen’s sense of humor combined with the storytelling of the Decemberists but in Spanish and Willis Nelson sings lead. And he’s just one dude!
Jersey City newbie Stephie Coplan jumped in for Deivis’ final song. This was sort of a great moment for me. They both only corresponded online. Deivis or Stephie (I can’t recall which one) mentioned they should play a song together. this whole thing was orchestrated via FaceBook messages. I can’t say I was nervous… hell it wasn’t my ass on the line, and lord knows I’ve smiled through plenty of my own crashing and burning with the comedy stuff I did. I was excited to see it go down though… ok Fuck it, I was nervous. i don’t know why, because it sounded pretty great. You could actually see and hear them get more comfortable playing as the song progressed. That was pretty special.
Stephie then took over. She started with Right All Along which I scoped out on Youtube months prior. When she announced the title of the song another person in the bar recognized it too! She commented that she was thrilled people actually knew her stuff. That’s kind of great, word is getting around, hell that is why I do this. Stephie rocks the piano, not sure I mentioned that. Her sarcasm and wit come through every song and even inbetween songs as well. Charlie Sheen would say she’s an F-18, even during breaks. Sadly he was not available for comment. Anyhow, I could spend a minute comparing her to piano rockers of various genres but I think I’ll hold my tongue (fingers) on that. Why? Well let’s just say her final song (which I have a version of below that was not shot at Lucky 7) has a not so hidden message about all the comparisons she gotten in the past. It fully explains everything.
So it was a pretty excellent night. Old friends meeting new friends, drinks and laughs were shared. Deivis fixed a keyboard stand, I drowned myslf in cheap bourbon and Stephie made it home to go to work in the morning. All said I think it was a pretty solid night.
Vodpod videos no longer available.Lucky 7 Valentine’s Prom w/ I am the Heat and Wyldlife
DJ Leonard Smalls and I have the exact same problem. It’s the same reason we listen to the radio when the TV is on. Well, we like to party. And that means we party a lot, so if we are gonna throw a party then it better be a humdinger! He called me up and said, “Rocker Tycoon, I need another band for my Valentine’s day party, got any ideas?”
I said, “Well who the hell is the headliner? I’m not a damned psychic, you know!”
Smalls came back at me, “Wyldlife!”
I said, “Fucking Dave Feldman’s group of rioter’s? Do you plan on razing the whole block or what? I guess if you’re dead set on those knuckleheads I’ll step up to the plate and figure something out. It’s gonna be a Lucky 7 shitshow kinda night, I suppose.”
Smalls commented, “So what your saying is: what we (Lucky7Tavern) lack in substance, we make up for in intensity?”
I agreed.
After conferring with Ghost Train PR’s Jen Schwartz, we decided I am the HEAT would be a perfect match. Oh how utterly right we were!
Saturday Night 7:30 or so. I rolled out to Lucky 7. There were something like 6 people in the bar. It’s a Saturday afternoon in Jersey City, that’s sort of normal. I find a spot, check my equipment and saddle up to the bar. I am The Heat rolls in a starts to set up. Jen looks nervous. “There’s no one here.”
I chuckle. I’m not worried in the least. Lucky’s is like the Jersey City Field of Dreams. If you rock it, they will come. When their set began I am the Heat started to play for maybe ten people. But like roaches from the woodwork, everyone began to shuffle in once they heard music.
(There’s a want, I dare say NEED, for local music in this town. No official venues and dozens of great bands. I was talking a few days ago with someone about the Jersey City rock scene, she goes, “Oh, the rock scene here sucks.”
I freaked out! “You shut your blaspheming mouth right now!” I explained that the scene is burgeoning, it’s ready to bust, there are a few places to play but no real venues. Local government stifles local music with red tape, but much like the Spice, the rock must flow. Many bars have become a haven for this scene, in the wake of Automata Chino, Lucky 7’s, Lampost and even O’Hara’s and Beer Garden have made a spot in their spaces for Live Music. I’m not sure I got that point across to the girl, I was on a rant afterall and can’t be bothered to slowdown once I start pontificating, but hey, YOU get me at least.)
Soooo…. Ah People started packing in for I am The Heat. Jameson Edwards (Guitar/Vox), Julius Myren (Guitar/Keys/Vox), Kevin Fey(Bass/Vox), Mike Horaz (Drums) are not strangers to the blog. I caught them on Halloween two years ago, the first thing I noticed was how incredibly catchy their brand of Indie Powerpop was. Insanely danceable and totally lighthearted…just fun rock music! It’s been about a year and a half knowing these fellas in passing. In the last month I’ve spent a good amount of time hanging out with these guys. They’ve made a mistake… THE MISTAKE. You ever see Almost Famous? NEVER make friends with the rock journalist! I’ve committed the same reverse sin (Made friends with a rock band), so fuck it! They plowed through their set list and ended to a very high energy packed house. I actually had trouble getting through the crowd to get pictures of the band.
Wyldlife took over after. And what I thought was a pretty packed dive bar doubled in capacity. It was like when the Grinch’s heart grew! Except there was a dude with crazy hair screaming and the whole bar was a tempest of sweat and limbs! Dave Feldman (Vocals) Sam Allen (Guitar) Spencer Alexander (Bass) Rusty Russ Barrnett (Drums) are Jersey City’s very own GlamPunk quartet! Enthusiastic is an understatement… watching these guys perform is like Christmas when you’re five. You think you’re gonna get that Fakor or maybe TrapJaw figure, then you see a CASTLE GREYSKULL sized box and it’s little-kid-bug-out-panic-happy-time! That comes close. There was moshing, dancing and even a little crowd surfing. I’ve been to a lot of shows at Lucky 7 Tavern, but this was over 9000! I Am The Heat was in the crowd mixing it up, Hell, most of Jersey City was there. You were likely there, thats how good this show was… YOU ACTUALLY SHOWED UP!
After we cleaned Wyldlife up off the floor, DJ LEONARDSMALLS and Dangerous Dave (Feldman) kept it rocking all night. The memories start to shift from vivid to vague at this point in the night. Needless to say, the commotion continued til 3am. I didn’t even have a date to the prom or a valentine… But after that show I couldn’t be bothered to care.
Vodpod videos no longer available.Nikki Sue & The Bad News w/ Black Out Stereo @ Lucky 7s
February 8th Lucky 7 Tavern (@Lucky7Tavern on twitter) welcomed two previously unseen bands into her doors. Nikki Sue & the Bad News played Tuesday nights Local Rock Show with Black Out Stereo. Rock did ensue, forthwith!
Nikki Sue & the Bad News is Nikki Ilchert (Guitar, Vox) , Ben Hutcheon (Bass), Mark Pugliese (Drums), Mike Petzinger (Guitar). Think a punkier Patsy Cline. There’s a ton of potential for these newcomers… Alt Country rock is on a huge resurgence and my question is could Nikki Sue step up to filling the crater that was left in the wake of losing Anyday Parade? Only time will tell, but be on the look out they are currently recording and are due to debut material soon!
Jesse Wolf (vocals/guitar) Chris Manning (guitar) Matt Brewster (bass) Mark Pugliese (drums) are Black Out Stereo. Combine elements of Springsteen with Rancid and Social Distortion and you have a very East Coast Rock-a-Billy band. Songs you hear once and can’t help but sing along to, Lead guitar that begs you to follow along with your personal air system and a Rhythm section that keeps you stumping! All the pieces fit together seamlessly. Where the hell have these guys been hiding out at? Why is this the first time I’ve seen them live? Well, either way, it won’t be the last.
Vodpod videos no longer available.Wyldlife at 4th Street Fest
In the interest of full disclosure, two years ago, I didn’t think much of Dave Feldman. He was scrawny, he was young and he seemed quiet. I thought to myself, “Great! Another punker kid with a shitty haircut, is that what this town’s coming to.” Oh gimme a break, I was angrier in those days. I’m not sure what he did exactly but I’m one of those knee jerk snap judgment guys. I get a feeling or the wind changes and for like a whole week anyone I meet is an asshole. Dave must have met me during a tornado. Like I said, though, two years ago. During that time that weaselly little guy with the muskrat haircut and goofy smile burrowed his way into my social circle and since that happened I gotta tell you can just can’t see that fucker often enough.
He told me about his band and every now and then he’ll shoot me a text to let me know his band is playing. I’ve been a busy man lately, working, dodging ex’s (this town is getting smaller in that sense) and working on my fiction blog. Rockertycoon has taken a back seat to a lot of things. I got to 4th street fest a little late on Saturday. Dave’s band was starting to set up, a few people reminded me that he was playing I thought, Well, rad, I’ll get to see the little guy’s ska band afterall.” So they started up. AND FUCK IF I WASN’T BLOWN RIGHT OUT OF THE WATER! They actually sunk my battleship. I moved to the front of the crowd to get a closer look. I hadn’t planned on covering 4th street Fest, but now I felt it was my duty to record and spread the good word.
And the word is that Dave Feldman (Vox) Sam Allen (Guitar) Spencer Alexander (Bass) and Rusty Russ Barrett (Drums) alias WYLDLIFE kick serious ass. Sam and Spencer lay down some steady and catchy Rock n Roll they keep it simple but the impact is like dropping the C-word at your Granny’s funeral. Rusty’s drumwork is nothing short of spectacular, this dude is the bones for sure. If these guys were Transformers, Rusty would be the big one in the middle of the giant robot they form up together to make. And that means Dave is the head. Walking, no, strutting around like Mick fucking Jagger, you can tell he’s been waiting all week for this. The music is urgent and hard to hold still for. See these fucking guys! They rock, I mean it. And Dave Feldman is pretty ok on his own too, y’know, for a scrawny kid with a bad haircut.
Zac Clark, Rocker 
Tyccon
JCI: Live in JC: Any Day Parade, The Embracers and Black Wine at IM Automata Chino
New Post in the Jersey City Independent! Enjoy!
Live in JC: Kagero and The One & Nines at Iron Monkey
Another Article in the Jersey City Independent:
http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2009/09/22/live-in-jc-kagero-and-the-one-nines-at-iron-monkey/
Article For Jersey City Independent: Live in JC: JC Fridays at Groove on Grove and 58 Gallery
Just so you hard core blog checkers don’t think I’m slacking I’m just gonna link up my articles from The Jersey City Independent. It’s been a hell of a week!
http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2009/09/18/live-in-jc-jc-fridays-at-groove-on-grove-and-58-gallery/
Zac Clark, Rocker Tycoon 