Stereogum's Top 8 From CMJ '08
The crew here managed to fly through some 70+ sets of music last week, and boy is our abilty-to-wade-through-the-sadness-that's-passing-for-buzzed-up-indie-rock tired. There's a very scientific formula to attaining that coveted "Guess I should see this band 'cause everybody's saying I should" status: The first criteria is, of course, a widely circulated Hype Machine single. But in its absence, and even more effectively in its support, just book at least 10 shows. That is: create a story out of yourself before anyone even has time to think critically. (I realize this is the approach even on non-CMJ weeks, but roll with me, I drank a lot of vodka these past 6 days. Yes that means today also.)
Even through a relatively depressed industry fest like this one, though, story-hungry writers always need to find and frame a next big thing. Always with the finding and the framing, those guys. So who capitalized on this year's assemblage of the industry's finest cog pieces? MTV says it was Passion Pit, the NYT says School Of Seven Bells or Friendly Fires, and I say after that rant do you really think I have one? OK, I sorta do. But instead of trying to shoehorn a new band into a breakout mold where there isn't a clear one, I'll instead avoid feeding the undue praise machine and just offer a quick list of the acts -- young and old alike -- that made this year's CMJ a great and yes, memorable one (despite itself). Without further ado, my CMJ Top 8 of '08:
8. Ponytail
Yes they played our show, but like some others on that lineup (read: all of 'em), once wasn't enough for me. I caught Ponytail again at FADER, and again at another day party, and each time I found Brandon's thoughts to be on point: "Molly Siegel's Ono yowls and chants have found a way to rest better within the rest of the band's racket. Instead of feeling like she's layered atop her cohorts, it all meshes into some sugar-freak whole." Ponytail were this week's ecstatic soundtrack.
7. Wye Oak
We learned a while back that Wye Oak haven't yet quit their day jobs, but that could change soon. Jenn Wasner's mix of sultry, sometimes country-inflected crooning, flipping to booming and overdriven guitars alongside Andy Stack's multi-tasking on kit, keyboards, and harmonies, was a lesson in making the most of few members and command of basic songcraft. The duo's 2008 release If Children fed most of the group's 30 some odd minutes, but it was the new stuff -- with its bigger hooks, thicker dynamics -- that got the biggest response. Not sure when it'll be done, but add that forthcoming record to your shopping list.
6. Tobacco
This week Fucked Up Friends, the solo effort from Black Moth Super Rainbow's Tobacco is out on record. Last year, it came out in DVD form, and being at Merc in extreme darkness while the masked man had those screen projections tying Dom DeLuise to porn to '80s aerobics videos was one of the week's most spellbinding (and ass-shaking) 40 minutes. A passing familiarity with BMSR's head trip/psych-hop Pennsylvania jams sets the scene for Fucked Up, which also leans on analog instruments to create the woozy, hip hop-inflected, occasionally dark-edged Tobacco cuts. The lights needed to be low to let the projections look right (and to maintain that "mysterious vibe" the BMSR dudes love to cultivate), but as a friend noted, it's a shame that the crowd couldn't get a sense for just how much of the all analog and tape machines was being created live -- this wasn't simple iTunes DJing, and it was on point.
5. Crystal Stilts
Yeah, if you're detecting a trend (the trend where all the bands that played the Stereogum Late Night Show made this list), it's because it's true. But the Stilts have impressed me live for some time now, and increasingly each time I caught them this week. (Even if the first time was at 4-something AM and after a few too many -- for everybody in the room.) A great debut record, and great to look at live, even if they don't look at each other.
4. Crystal Antlers
From their self-released EP earlier this year to becoming Touch And Go's most interesting recent signing, Crystal Antlers entered the fest as a band a lot of people had heard about, but not seen: Judging from talk on the streets and their quick blistering FADER set, the Long Beach crew more than delivered. In fact, if one band left CMJ buzzier, it's likely these psychedelic punks. It's difficult describing their anthemic blend of later day post-hardcore piloted by shimmering but crunchy guitar riffs, a '60s boogie organ, the dynamic drums, and all that howling .. so just go to a show. If you do, you might see a band with shirts-optional, bongos being dry fucked, and nipples massaged to erection. I did.
3. The Music Tapes
The recently revitalized Music Tapes were transformative at Mercury Lounge this week. Main Music Tape Julian Koster was joined by two drummers, a bassist (with a flute at the ready), horn players, a guitarist armed with a violin bow, a 7' Metronome and Static the singing television set (introduced dramatically in a way to tease the recent rash of Mangum sightings). Koster kept a steady smile through tunes from both 1st Imaginary Symphony For Nomad and the new For Clouds And Tornadoes, songs that are nautical ("Song For Oceans Falling"), extra-terrestrial ("Aliens"), and existential (practically everything else) in theme. Koster was often on that elephant-painted banjo, but he'd trade it for a guitar or keys or to bow his ever-present singing saw. His vibe is humble and quirky, simple yet otherworldly, and it extended to all facets of the live show. Pretty special.
2. Marnie Stern
Marnie is, simply, on fire right now. I'd seen her during SXSW '06 when she was accompanied by an iPod Nano, and giving her In Advance Of The Broken Arm songs the Dan Deacon treatment seemed unfair to her tunes, as well as to her playing (when live tapping doesn't sync with prerecorded tapping, it's not pretty). Well, that's all gone. Throughout the three times total I'd see her last week (our party, once at the Gothamist House in Gowanus, and my favorite set at Cake Shop), she was straight fire, supported with a guitarist and not-Zach-Hill-but-still-great drummer. The guitar goddess in her flared, armed with one of my absolute favorite LPs of the year in This Is It..., and with each minute I see a kinetic, singularly impressive star ready to pull shit into her orbit.
1. Gang Gang Dance
Well, this was the single show of the Fest for me, and for a lot of those at Webster Tuesday night. It'd been a long time since I've felt that sort of palpable (and deserved) anticipation in a room. From the Times love and the paparazzi-friendly faces in the room that night, to the critics' continued tongue baths for their experimental output that's folded into the ambitious, accessible Saint Dymphna (and its beast of a lead single "House Jam"), this was that rare, pure moment where hype, buzz, anticipation and merit conflated. And the resulting one hour set straight killed. See them this tour.
Well that's it. That's what I loved! I'm hearing lots of bands being thrown about as this year's big buzz band, so if you have an opinion on the matter, tell us. Now, only five months to SXSW...
Posted at 6:15 PM by amrit in Concert
Tags: CMJ | Crystal Antlers | Crystal Stilts | Gang Gang Dance | Marnie Stern | Ponytail | The Music Tapes | Tobacco | Wye Oak
continuing in the spirit of self-congratulatory picks, I just have to say that two that played our show at Pianos were pretty f'ing awesome each time I caught them (meaning, not just at my own show). they are: Drink Up Buttercup and Sister Suvi. well worth it, both.
also, i'm with you on Crystal Antlers and Ponytail. good good. sad to have missed Marnie Stern again and again throughout my life. dear Marnie: please check my availability before scheduling any more shows.
Score = 2
Hopefully after sub-par and borderline terrible sets by supposed "next-in-liners", an emphasis will be placed back on writing the best songs rather than getting the most immediate attention.
Score = 6
Oh shit, was CMJ last week? Man...I totally missed that.
Score = 2
Honestly, Marnie Stern is over-rated. her guitar licks and technique are so easy, prediticable and circa 80s Van Halen. the problem is that you club kids so are clueless about playing instruments that anyone who is decent looks like a virtuoso.
Score = -4
crystal antlers are totally over-rated too. i mean, what's the use of that percussionist guy that dresses all 90's manchester/jesus jones?
ggd, however, are pretty righteous.....
Score = -1
Great description of Music Tapes. Koster's blend of humility and quirkiness really does make his music so enjoyable.
Score = 3
so a couple years back it was the wolf bands being annoyingly numerous, now it's the crystals?
Score = 4
don't forget the "fucks", rgr_moore.
the one new band I kind of got curious about, even if I sadly couldnt make it to any of their shows, was Crystal Stilts.
They are ok, nothing out of the extraordinary. I mean, is it just me or most bands these days are not even trying, just going back in time to copy a certain number of good acts to make up some decent commemorative record? Not adding anything new of their own? That's my slight problem with the Crystal Stilts, okay but a tribute band when all is said and done.
Score = 0
Little Boots was amazing at FADER Fort, I'd put her up there.
Score = 0
Saw High Places and Ponytail last month and Marnie Stern is touring with GGD next month. Good times!
Score = 0
At least you semi realized your hypocrisy before writing this post. What's more sad is its blogs like this, with your "bands to watch" and "early evaluations" that's half the reason there weren't any real standout this year, allow me to explain...
I like reading this blog alot, but you've already admitted that most of these bands garner attention now through hype and not through actual musical talent. And there is no greater hype or buzz machine than music blogs who tell us what we should be listening to, mentioning bands before anyone else so you can be the first blog to do so, and discussing the superfluous detail of any new indie band that percolates through your filter. Blogs and the Internet breed competition, and in doing so bands are no longer listened to for musical quality, they are consumed like product and spit out viciously in order to mention as many new bands as possible. This post is another prime example of this. So in essence by you making this blog post is only perpetuating and allowing bands that you say are "passing-for-buzzed-up-indie-rock" to thrive. Is the Internet killing indie rock? I hope not.
Sorry to rain on the CMJ parade but I am just really frustrated after seeing many bands at CMJ I wasn't impressed by any of them. I just want to hear good music again like the rest of you.
Score = 11
this is a big muhfucking CO-SIGN.
Score = 1
Firstly it should be clarified the hype machine is a website (http://www.hypem.com) that aggregates mp3 blogs. Secondly blogs post about what they want to post about, dude went to a lot of shows this week and these were his favorite ones, if you don't like them maybe you should read a blog by someone who has more of your taste. Lastly, its your responsibility to choose what you like, not the internets, I don't know what you would call musical quality but if you have a better sense of it than the record labels that signed the bands about (Merge, Kill Rock Stars etc) maybe you should start your own label.
Score = 0
I saw Crystal Antlers at SXSW last year. They are the real deal.
Score = 1
I checked out Physics of Meaning at Rehab Saturday night. They were incredible. Goosebumps.
Score = 0
TWO SYLLABLE RECORDS
Score = 0
Crystal Antlers. So overrated! New Gang Gang Dance record sounds them trying to be trendy, not even close to God's Money. Way to pick adventurous bands off the radar Stereogum.
Score = 0
that band on the street by pianos thursday night owned every shitty act that played cmj this year
Score = 1
JR- i really appreciate what you said. it saddens me that there was no mention of bands like jessica lea mayfield, starfucker, bang bang eche, takka takka, all saints, or phenomenal handclap band that were all unique and talented. any festival like CMJ is going to find most people flocking to the popular shows and whereas i do enjoy crystal stilts and passion pit i do not think that they have totally clicked enough to the point where they should be receiving the type of praise they are. this year was just a difficult year overall with a lot of repeats but i still think it was a good opportunity for the bands and everyone included.
Score = 0
Gang Gang and Marnie released two of the best albums this year...love them both...
Score = -1
Great to see Ponytail and Wye Oak getting recognition due. I wanted to come up on Saturday to catch Ponytail and DMBQ (back to back) at one of the CMJ shows. If anyone's interested, you can listen/download to Wye Oak's most recent show (Baltimore, Oct 26): http://auralstates.com/2008/10/wye-oak-hope-night-live-metro-gallery-20081026.html
Score = -1
this is probably the single best CMJ post i have seen of the hundreds that have been flooded onto the internet this week. I could have done without the seemingly obligatory complaining about how CMJ sucks and is a deluge of mediocre bands that have accompanied pretty much every single blog post about the festival but at least your picks were excellent.
Score = 0
@JRstone Well said my friend! I feel like there are a lot of blogs patting bands on the back just because they don't sound like Ipod commercials. In reality, I think it is much more laudable to create music that is unique and pleasing to the ears. Dissonance and screeching just doesn't do it for me. Wye Oak and The Music Tapes are the only two bands on this list I would pay to see (again). Revolutionary classical composers like Bartok and Stravinsky were able to turn classical music upside down with crazy beats and new sounds that still sounds pleasing and interesting. It can be done.
elephantwhale.blogspot.com
Score = 1
Pela owned Thursday night at the Mercury Lounge.
Score = 1
the problem is that young people dont have the luxury of having seen the artists that all these cookie cutters are apeing live, in order to realize that this has all been done far better a long time ago. and some old people like to jerk themselves off by thinking theyre onto the next really great thing WAY before anybody else. it reminds me of the 'punk' revival in the 90s, if you want to call it punk.. what a bunch of hilarious garbage. with the exception of gang gang dance of course.
Score = -1
If this post was meant to support these bands then an immediate streaming or mp3 link to show them off and give them an identity would have made sense, otherwise, this was just an exercise in "look how cool I am" with no benefit to anyone else involved, good for you.
Score = -1
Marnie really needs an orthodontist! That first picture is scaRy.
Score = -2
http://www.thetripwire.com/news/2008/10/30/the-best-of-cmj
of course I'm partial, but this list is good at reaching a few different audiences, both hyped and not. Crystal Stilts are great, but Women or Cause Co-Motion do it better, and check out Boo And Boo Too and Francis And The Lights for something a bit less obvious.
Score = 1