mp3: Dent Sweat "I Don't Mind"

With An Ass Like That

While his latest 7-inch veers away from the Ukulele crooners of his debut LP, Dent May has a new alter ego, Dent Sweat, which finds the Mississippi based artist moving even further away from the instrument which defined Magnificent Ukulele. "I Don't Mind" is a jammer. Now that we got that out of the way, I'd like to note that it is a sexy jammer, more in line with Next's "Too Close" than indie, or the ever-burgeoning slo-R&B movement that's due for its backlash right…about…now. "I Don't Mind" finds Dent exploring seemingly infinite production styles, with nods to booty bass and flourishing synth house, while continuing to mine the ever fruitful, tongue in cheek poetics he's been perfecting for a few years. Like I said before, this is a jammer, and most certainly worthy of the Dent Sweat moniker. You will sweat.

"I Don't Mind" is featured on The Report V.II companion compilation. You can find Dent all over NYC this week, including a stop at the Bobka-curated This is Not a CMJ show Wednesday afternoon at Pianos.

Dent Sweat- I Don't Mind

video: Fluffy Lumbers, Alice Cohen at CMJ

"Back to the Wall"


Lost in some blackhole-time warp, these two recently unearthed videos of Fluffy Lumbers and Alice Cohen live at the UP/OESB/BOBKA really bring me back to that hazy night at the now defunct Monkeytown during CMJ. To view is to be transported back in time to a realm that existed for a few hours on some odd day in October.

video: Real Estate "Basement"

"Watching the Sea Birds"

One of my favorite new Real Estate songs, if not my favorite, "Basement" will appear on the forthcoming Mexican Summer 12-inch, due out sometime before the end of the year. As is usually the case with video shot by Mr. Ray Concepcion, I'll let the visuals speak for themselves, as words will do no justice.

video: Pill Wonder at the Delancy- CMJ

"And They Look You In The Eye"

One of the most enjoyable parts about CMJ is getting to hear some of your favorite acts from far away for the first time. While Pill Wonder were in town for the UP Late SUMMR Showcase in August, it was only Dana and Will who arrived, fleshing out the live band with former Olympia, WA resident Martin Courtenay and UP mainstay's Ari Stern and Mike Mimoun. That night, drunk as hell, I asked Dana and Will to come back for CMJ, despite not having a show lined up. A week or so later, I emailed Dana with a few specifics, some dates, a venue, etc. He later informed me that the entire Pill Wonder collective, all seven Pacific Northwest raggamuffins, would make the cross country flight to grace us with their shambolic, tribe of good kids from small town vibes. This c. axel capture from the Delancey show on Friday night finds Pill Wonder playing "Gone to Market," a tune not too out of step with the homespun, ragged jubilance often associated with the Elephant 6 collective. It's a feel good tune, with glockenspiel, a whole bunch of synchronized "oohs" and some surfy riffs that'll sure to brighten this dreadfully rainy day. Make sure to check the Chocolate Bobka Takes on CMJ channel on Vimeo for hot shots from Ray Concepcion, Pixelwhorse and le Bobka. (Elise has a pretty dope Frat Dad vid in their, also from the Delancey. Four words- Doritos: Late Night Taco.)

video: Real Estate "Black Lake" at CMJ

"Swimming Beneath the Power Lines"

Last week was hectic, hence no real posting. Either way, another great, chaotic week at CMJ, even though I did my best to keep it rather low key. Such is the vibe in this c. axel capture of Real Estate Friday night at the Chocolate Bobka/twosyllable/Underwater Peoples Showcase at the Delancey. A host of issues had bands running a late and Real Estate didn't go on 'til roughly 2:45 am, an hour after when they were supposed to finish. Every one was exhausted. Yet, by the time they took the stage, a sense of calm engulfed the room, as there was no fooling who everyone was there to see. Of course, after returning from a short tour with Japandroids and playing an additional two weeks worth of shows during CMJ, Real Estate were on fire, playing cuts from their soon to be released self titled debut on Woodsist (pick it up at a show), as well as more obscure cuts like "Atlantic City" and new bomb "Basement." Big ups to Ettienne, Bleeker, Marty and Matt for going on wicked late and still killing it. Quite the end to a pretty darn good, rainy night.

new: Alex Bleeker & the Freaks "Never Goin Back"

"Never Going Back To My Old School"
Looking back on school days can be a major bummer. Steely Dan summed it up pretty nicely in "My Old School," but nonetheless, memories of collegiate days spent getting wasted and mulling over "life" makes up a large part of the end of adolescence. There is a finite line drawn in the sand, as if, once one dons the ole cap and gown, nothing, no matter how hard you try, will ever be as easy as before. It's one small step for man, and one, er, a giant leap into reality. No more meal plans, no more waking up at 2pm, no more summer vacation, winter vacation, spring break, etc. It's a bummer, yet, at the same time, a total relief, as a new world, one with infinite possibility, waits just outside the campus bubble. Alex Bleeker knows this feeling well. He's nostalgic for his collegiate days, but knows they are numbered. One can't live in the past, and as much as one would like memorialize the days of yore, its more fitting to be a bit sad about their fleeting ways. "Never Goin Back" finds Bleeker reminiscing, wandering, wondering what life has next in store. It's a logical response from a still recent graduate, one Benjamin Braddock would likely jam out too.

"Never Goin Back" is the B-side to the soon-to-be-released 7-inch on Group Tightener. Bleeker will be playing the hella good Group Tightener CMJ Showcase Wednesday night at Monster Island. Best Coast, Fluffy Lumbers, Coasting, Ducktails, HIGHLIFE. I'll be there. Stop by. Say hi.

Alex Bleeker & the Freaks- Never Goin Back

CMJ: Underwater Peoples Afternoon Delight

"Skyrockets in Flight"

As CMJ nears I think its important to hint you to another choice showcase. Yes, yes, we're brosefs with the Underwater Peoples crew and love posting their "sick jams" as "mp3s" and all, but what really matters is "feeling" the music maan. Said music can be felt, and will feel you (it might get uncomfortable, beware!), next Saturday afternoon, October 24th 2009, at the Cameo Gallery in Williamsburg. Like the Late Summr Showcase, Afternoon Delight will highlight nearly every single Underwater Peoples affiliate, from Fluffy Lumbers to Air Waves to Liam the Younger to a full-on Pill Wonder 7-member experience. Best of all, its during the day, so be prepared to suck down at least your body weight in Bloody Mary's and bagels. All info above.

CMJ: Mountain Man filling in for Ducktails

"Starring at the Wild White Heron"
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Ducktails won't be able to play the Chocolate Bobka/Underwater Peoples/Olde English Spelling Bee show next week at Monkeytown. Sucks, but the sun shines brightest after a storm. In this case, the sun is Mountain Man. Yes, those lovely young ladies from Vermont that I've been gushing over for months. To be honest, this changes the dynamic of the show, but personally, I think its for the better, as there is no better preface to dreams than the enchanting songs of Mountain Man.

Make your reservation here, while you still can.

Mountain Man- Animal Tracks
Mountain Man- Dog Song

CMJ: Official Show at The Delancey

"Fall Straight Back"
We like having fun. We like having fun with our friends. We like to throw parties. When we throw parties, we have our friends band's play. Sometimes there are DJs. And even FREE booze. We will do this during CMJ. It will be fun. It's on a Friday night. TGIF. Partying/Playing with us will be the dudes from Underwater Peoples and twosyllable records. We got the bliss punk of Eternal Summers, the earthy ballads of Inlets, the Jungle/Surf styling of Washington states Pill Wonder, the woozy good times of Holiday Shores, the frenetic sugar high of Frat Dad, the rhythmic pounce of NewVillager, the what-the-fucking-fuck-are-these-dudes-really-in-plushy-bear-suits of Claymation Velociraptor, and Real Estate (you've probably heard about them). Show details below. Get there early, as we expect a line, especially for the FREE West Virginia Peach Moonshine we've been given by the West Virginia Coal Mining Collective. (Love Corporate Sponsors!)

Delancey Lounge 168 Delancey St at Clinton St) New York, NY

Doors 7:30pm

8:00-8:25 - Eternal Summers
8:40-9:10 - Inlets
9:25-9:55 - Pill Wonder
10:10-10:40 - Holiday Shores
10:55-11:25 - Frat Dad
11:40-12:10 - NewVillager
12:25-12:55 - Claymation Velociraptor
1:10-1:40 - Real Estate

DJS: BELL, Pumpkin Patch, Drew H

CMJ: 10/20 Bobka, OESB & UP are Straight Chillin'

"House of Mirrors"
(Big ups to Mimoun of Family Portrait/UP for Poster Art)
The first time I went to Monkeytown I knew I'd have to throw an event there. And now the time has come. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my extreme pleasure to unveil the first of a few Chocolate Bobka CMJ shows. If you've ever been to Monkeytown (peep rad pic here), you know one thing is up; straight chilling. Therefore, it felt pretty logical to call up my favorite super chillerz and see if they would come down to cool out, play some tunes and trip out to some tweaker visuals. And that's exactly what we'll do on Tuesday October 20th 2009. I'll be honest in noting that I basically curated this lineup for myself. Just bands that I want to see while 'laxing out on some of the most comfortable couches in New York, while visual masterminds Richard Law, Alice Cohen and Todd Ledford space my face on the four massive, wall sized projection screens. A little run down of the evening.

Chocolate Bobka, Olde English Spelling Bee & Underwater Peoples are Straight Chilling.
Fluffy Lumbers (rare solo set)
Family Portrait ("Western drone set")
Alice Cohen (solo)
Julian Lynch live via Satellite broadcast on 4 Walls
Ducktails
Africa Germany Germany ETC (Live NYC premiere)

Stoked? Me too! If you've ever been to Monkeytown, then you probably know the drill. Besides the inevitable straight chilling, the venue also offers some of the choicest food in NYC, just take a peep at their Fall Menu. (Different types of Sliders: Elk curry chimichurri, Ostrich bbq’d garlic relish, Venison juniper shallot jam & Wild Board Apple Chutney--are you freaking serious?!) The show will cost a measly $7, and as with all Monkeytown shows, there is a $10 minimum, which means you have to have at least 2 beers. If you don't plan on having at least two drinks, well, this probably isn't your type of show. In order to gain access to the show, which is unofficial CMJ (aka no badges), one will have to make reservations with Monkeytown. (Do so here.) This event will sell out fast, so I encourage you to get on this asap. Peep below for some choice media from participating artists.

PS. Bring medical edibles.

Fluffy Lumbers- Cruisers
Ducktails- Parasailing

Family Portrait w/ Julian Lynch "Super Cool"

Alice Cohen "Black Pepper"

Julian Lynch "Garden 2" (Directed by Richard Law)

we saw: School of Seven Bells

"Can't Not Seem To Remember My Dreams Lately"
(Photo by redhead canvas)
If you see a show and don't post about it, did you really see it? Well, that was the case with the phenomenal Ghostly showcase, which closed out CMJ at (le) Poisson Rouge roughly 2 months ago. It wasn't long after the Detroit powerhouse released School of Seven Bell's intoxicating Alpinisms, and pairing the synthetic dream-gazers with dapper, micro-popist Matthew Dear couldn't have been a better bill. In fact, it was the best show we saw at CMJ. By far.


School of Seven Bells returned to NYC for a small club show last night at the Mercury Lounge, which was dimly lit and smelled like a Nag Champa factory. The atmosphere was perfect for School of Seven Bells, who appropriately got together during a late-night bonding session on tour. Dreamy, narcotic bangers like "Half Asleep" were shrouded in dense layers of manipulated guitars and pre-programmed drums, while relentless strobe lights forced many to enjoy the show with eyes half open, or entirely shut. This was beneficial, as, for me, the only way to experience School of Seven Bells is to shut your eyes and shake your head, letting blasts of color hypnotize your psyche as waves of sound wash over your entranced body (and mind). The band ran through the majority of Alpinisms, including "My Cabal", "White Elephant Coat", "Chain" and "Iamundernodisguise" during their short, but mesmerizing set. One of our favorite debut's of 2008's, we only wish they'd join Matthew Dear and fellow Ghostly artist (and CMJ show alum) Michna late night for New Years at LPR (2am-8am). Too bad they'll be tearing up Tokyo.

School of Seven Bells "Chain" 11/11/08

cmj day 3: Cotton Jones

"If You See Him Floating Through The Atmosphere"

Thursday was quite the chill afternoon, even chiller considering it fell during the heart of CMJ. Gothamist had taken over the Bell House and collected quite an intriguing list of artists. Unfortunately, the Bell House's location in Gowanus isn't exactly easy to get to, nor close to any other CMJ venues. It was empty. So empty that I felt sort of awkward when I walked in, all eyes on me, as if the bands and few members of the Press (Gothamist & Stereogum) were shocked someone actually came to see the performance. I got to the end of the G-line just in time to catch 90% of the Chesapeake Bay's Cotton Jones Basket Ride, one of the bands I really wanted to catch this year. Cotton Jones, led by former Page France singer Michael Nau, sounded unbelievable on The Bell Houses's sound system (Eastern Acoustic Works, all venues should be equipped with these bad boys). Their down home blend of alt-country and folk, mixed with a considerable amount of atmospheric slide work, complimented the empty bar, as they sound like a country-tinged bar band from below the Mason Dixon line, only Cotton Jones's songs, and its players, are much more skilled at bringing whiskey soaked sadness to live than any jukebox in Anapolis is. They sounded so good I snagged a copy of their debut EP, out on Quite Scientific next week, which is one of the nicest CD's I've ever purchased. A miniature clothe bound book with a story inside, and 6 songs taboot. Easily one of my favorite shows of CMJ. Buy there EP here.

Cotton Jones Basket Ride- Midnight Monday and a Telescope


Cotton Jones Basket Ride "All Along The Year"

cmj day 2: Marnie Stern

This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That
Marnie Stern @ Cake Shop, 10/22 (photo by amandalynferri)
After missing Sam Champion next door at Pianos, I headed back to the basement of Cake Shop for my first taste of Marnie Stern. And what a taste it was. Hammer-ons and power chords had me salivating and headbanging as if I were back in my post-grunge youth. This is Rock and Roll music and Marnie, although she may not always think it, is most definitely a Rocker. This was clear from the sheer density of the packed basement, which was well over capacity, and hot as fuck. So hot I did not to return to Ludlow street for the rest of the week, in favor of more comfortable, albeit empty venues, like the Bell House, where I coincidentally saw Marnie Stern again on Thursday. And, as expected, she crushed it, even though there were only 4 people in the audience, excluding performers. The only person I can compare her consistently ass kicking show to is the Boss, who, regardless of venue size, always brings the heat, whether he's in Jersey or Fargo. Stern brings the heat. She's also one of the sweetest performers I've ever met.

Marnie Stern Rockin!

CMJ day 1: Ponytail/ Passion Pit/ Jens Lekman

"People Like Me Are Fond of People Like You"
Jens Lekman (and Hunter) @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, 10/21 (photo by pixelateit)
Our night ended with a DJ set by one of our all time favorites, a certain Mister Jens Lekman. Billed as "Singing DJ Jens Lekman", we weren't quite sure what to think, but were obviously intrigued, I mean, its Jens, right. So basically, Jens fooled around with a CD-DJ, played some choice European house and sang a few bars over a few songs. Didn't know much of what he spun but Lykke Li's "Dance, Dance, Dance", Mariah Carey's "Fantasy" (unfortunately not the ODB remix), The Hood Internet's remix of his "If I Could Cry (It Would Feel Like This)" were all fun and whatnot. Nothing spectacular, but it's Jens, so who cares.

Passion Pit @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, 10/21
(photo by Jalapeno)
(photo by pixelateit)
The last time we saw Passion Pit was their second NYC appearance at Pianos in August. Things have certainly changed since then. Besides the universal love they've received from every blog, webzine and independent radio station, not to mention releasing the kick ass Chunk of Change EP, it's safe to say that, like before, Passion Pit is blowing the fuck up. Not only that, but makes sense considering their live show is about 200x better than it was at the significantly smaller Pianos. Go see them before you have to catch them at the Garden.

Ponytail @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, 10/21
(photo by Jalapeno)
(photo by Georgia Kral)
Spastic, jubilant, ecstatic, Adderall. That's basically Ponytail in a nutshell. Personally, I dig their brand of euphoric spaz punk. Granted it's certainly not for everyone, but if the idea of Bjork yelping over two frenetic guitars, which rage with MC5 "Kick Out The Jams" intensity, then definitely give them a try. Their always playing and, presumably, their always fun.

CMJ day 1: Women/ Oxford Collapse

"Get Us Blacklisted"

Women@Cake Shop 10/21(Photo by The Roaring Twenties')
Our first show of CMJ this year was Canada's Women at the pretty rad Pop Tarts Suck Toasted day party at the Cake Shop. It was 4 in the afternoon and after a bike ride over the BillyBurg bridge to the LES, the basement of the Cake Shop really made it feel like it was 3am. Women played angular, shoegazey indie that felt appropriate in the warmly lit basement. It wasn't my favorite set of CMJ, and they were really F'ing loud, and since I've only heard them over the sorta lackluster Cake Shop PA system, I think they warrant a few listens on wax.


Oxford Collapse @ Cake Shop, 10/21(Photo by Bob Reich)
Brooklyn's beloved Oxford Collapse finished off the Pop Tarts showcase at Cake Shop Tuesday afternoon with a set combing heavily from their recently released Bits, which has found steady rotation at Bobka HQ. Their post-collegiate, askewed garage rock goes really well with Happy Hour and they were light years better than when we saw them play an acoustic set at Sound Fix a few months back. As most would note, Oxford Collapse pretty much rocks live. Go see them.

CMJ filler: Girls

"It Won't Last Forever"

I thought Girls were playing CMJ. Turns out they are, just not San Fran's Girls, but NYC's Girls. Bummer. Anyway, SF's Girls, on True Panther Sounds, is easily one of my favorite new bands of 2K8. The Morning Light/Lust For Life 7" is epic and they've got great videos taboot. For instance, "God Damned"(above), which takes on a a very-Full House opening credits type feel, even down to the blonde baby girl getting ice cream. And if you haven't seen it yet, the stellar "Morning Light" video is below.

"Morning Light"

CMJ filler: Belle and Sebastian

"If They Follow You"

It wouldn't be autumn without a visit into the Belle & Sebastian archives. So remember, even though the year's almost over, but "don't look back, like Dylan in the Movies."

"Like Dylan In The Movies"

CMJ filler: Bon Iver

"Who Will Fight"
(Photo by Ryan Muir)
Since were busy working day jobs, attending day parties and night time showcases, its pretty much impossible to post anything CMJ related. Yeah, it's been one day and I'm already thoroughly exhausted. So, in place of anything new and exciting, here is a video from the first show I attended at last year's CMJ, the Bon Iver set at the Brooklyn Vegan showcase at the Bowery Ballroom. If you didn't know, it single handedly assured the world that Justin Vernon is an undeniable talent. I was mesmerized, as were most, and walked away with one of the last handmade copies of For Emma, Forever Ago. A year later, For Emma... sounds just as fresh as the autumnal air.


Bon Iver "Skinny Love" @ CMJ 2007

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

"Kurt Cobain's Cardigan"
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart could easily be from Glasgow. Whether its the thick fog that engulfs their guitars or their sweet, coy broken hearts, its both Jesus & Mary Chain and the early, twee'd out Belle & Sebastian. It's good for loafing, general sadness and washing dishes. Oh yeah, and being pure at heart. TPOBPAH has a few shows during CMJ this coming week, including Wednesday night at the Knit and Friday at Cake Shop. I have a feeling they'll be popping up at a few more day parties, and secret after shows as well. Just a thought. Grab the 7" for Everything With You HERE.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- A Teenager In Love
The Paints of Being Pure at Heart- Everything With You

soon: Marissa Nadler

"When I Was Young & Happy"

News is scant but Marissa Nadler has said her forthcoming record is on its way. Way back in July, in a MySpace post titled "record finished", Marissa wrote "i can't believe it! now its time to recover from pouring out the most intense and personal songs i have ever written. i feel naked." This got me really excited. Her homepage reads "New Record out October 2008", however, a different MySpace post provides a little more insight:

"Marissa Nadler's new full length is all done and will be out in early 2009 on Kemado Records, this time teaming up with New York based Chris Coady (who has worked with Blonde Redhead, Grizzly Bear, Gang Gang Dance, T.V. on the Radio). The record features several guest musicians, such as Myles Baer (Black Hole Infinity, work on Ballads of Living and Dying), Simone Pace (Blonde Redhead), and Farmer Dave Scher (Beachwood Sparks, All Night Radio, Interpol, Elvis Costello, etc etc.). With the same intimacy as earlier records, this record has a lot of exciting new developments."

Rather than let her record leak in pieces, Marissa has decided to take the road less traveled.

5/1/08
so, I have fought off the urge to put any of my new material online so I can save it for the record.The ones I put up today are NOT new songs and NOT on the record- but I wanted to put something up anyway. There are just some demos I never did anything with.

The new record will not be heard till it is released, at all. Its hard because there is the desire to get feedback from other people and it is so easy and quick with the Internet these days. But, I am trying to make it a surprise. So, my apologies for keeping the same stuff up for a while and putting up not totally new songs.

Luckily, Marissa has a few scheduled dates for you to get your fix, that is, of course, if you live in Boston or New York. Oh, and for all you vinyl heads, Ballads of Living and Dying will be re-released "in a remastered form, with a track that was accidentally left off the album, in the coming months. The reissue will be out on Kemado records new vinyl imprint Mexican summer. (named after a Marissa song from Songs III: Bird on the Water)." So until CMJ, Brainwaves and 2009, here's your fix of the beautiful, enchanting Ms. Nadler.

Marissa Nadler- Honey Bear
Marissa Nadler- Cortez The Killer

Marissa Nadler "Mexican Summer"