Stereogum Does CMJ: Black Kids @ R Bar, NYC 10/19/07 (Brooklyn Vegan Party)
This year's CMJ merit badge for obligatory buzz-chasing wasn't earned without at least once seeing Jacksonville, Florida's Black Kids; every chatty writer/blogger/scenester seemed to have hit at least one of their four appearances this week. The first two were universally panned; their set at R Bar for BV's party was number three, and by the admission of any multi-set seer and the Kids themselves, it was their personal best-of-fest.
"So, I know there's been a lot of hype," started singer/guitarist Reggie Youngblood, "...about how good looking we are." Our expectations (about their music, not their good looks) had been sufficiently tempered by the stories of equipment blowouts, shoddy performances, etc. but the Kids made out alive and smiling. It's a dash of the Cure and a good bout of cheercore (at times a Floridian Los Campesinos!), and the black and white kids have presence. Yeah they'll need a little time to grow into the attention live, but you don't need any patience with the songs; the EP's straight great, instantly. So quickly enjoyable, in fact, you don't even need to wait for a mail order. Or to track down a leak. Download it at the band's MySpace.
Now, the bad news: this bit of live vid isn't the most flattering thing. So use your imagination to fill in better sound (and while you're at it, better drums), and press play...
Or, just take the EP MP3:
Black Kids - "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You" (MP3)
Posted at 5:40 PM in Concert, MP3, Video
Tags: Black Kids | CMJ
i knew their ep was just a demo so i didn't have too high expectations. they need a lot of practice, but they're fun and have good songs. def glad i caught 2 of their shows.
Posted by: Fuel at October 21, 2007 5:57 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Glad I caught this show as well. Considering how packed the room was, it was hard not to hear everybody else's reactions after the set. Seemed to me that the consensus was "good, fun, not quite great, but give them some time." It was nice to see that they didn't seem too overwhelmed about the hype surrounding them.
Posted by: feedbacker at October 21, 2007 8:06 PM | ReplyScore = 0
I see negros in this band. No wonder they be called the "Black Kids". Damn afros.
Posted by: thomas dhs at October 22, 2007 12:52 AM | ReplyScore = 0
I see negros in this band. No wonder they be called the "Black Kids". Damn afros.
Posted by: thomas dhs at October 22, 2007 12:56 AM | ReplyScore = 0
I see negros in this band. No wonder they be called the "Black Kids". Damn afros.
Posted by: thomas dhs at October 22, 2007 1:00 AM | ReplyScore = 0
So...this band "needs practice" and "wasn't that great" yet they still packed 4 CMJ shows based on blogger hype? What is the music world coming to?! This is truly sad...
Posted by: batten at October 22, 2007 7:53 AM | ReplyScore = 0
So...this band "needs practice" and "wasn't that great" yet they still packed 4 CMJ shows based on blogger hype? What is the music world coming to?! This is truly sad...
Posted by: batten at October 22, 2007 7:55 AM | ReplyScore = 0
saw them at CMJ. gave them two chances at two showcases with both showcases resulting the worse band or showcase i saw at all of CMJ. the singer's voice is the most annoying voice i have heard in a very long time and the drummer could not keep a beat to save his goofy ass and he was not goofy in a good/endearing way. the little girls were contrived at best. the songs were very elementary and again, not elemantary in a good way. the whole name of the band getting them press thing is already fading and although they have good management at this time i am praying for this management to come to their senses. my fiance is from jacksonville florida where the black kids hail from and has introduced me to a few bands from the area who have blown my mind. the black were NOT one of those bands.
Posted by: david at November 7, 2007 12:23 AM | ReplyScore = 0
saw them at CMJ. gave them two chances at two showcases with both showcases resulting the worse band or showcase i saw at all of CMJ. the singer's voice is the most annoying voice i have heard in a very long time and the drummer could not keep a beat to save his goofy ass and he was not goofy in a good/endearing way. the little girls were contrived at best. the songs were very elementary and again, not elemantary in a good way. the whole name of the band getting them press thing is already fading and although they have good management at this time i am praying for this management to come to their senses. my fiance is from jacksonville florida where the black kids hail from and has introduced me to a few bands from the area who have blown my mind. the black were NOT one of those bands.
Posted by: david at November 7, 2007 12:28 AM | ReplyScore = 0
It's really funny to log onto the inter webs one day and see that my friends from Jacksonville are doing so well.
Here's some photos I took when they were just another band around town.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee178/sthallowsphotos/e119d0f2.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee178/sthallowsphotos/d0f85ebe.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee178/sthallowsphotos/904c70a2.jpg
Posted by: Ian Witlen at November 22, 2007 1:12 AM | ReplyScore = 0