It was apparent yesterday that CMJ is now in full swing. Even the daytime parties were packed, but I managed to catch a few songs from Rainbow Arabia, Starfucker, Shugo Tokumaro, Sister Suvi, Drink Up Buttercup, Project Jenny Project Jan and Chairlift. After recharging my batteries at home, I headed back out for another night on the town.

Crystal Antlers:

NYC promoter Todd P always does a few “anti” CMJ shows, but somehow many of them end up fitting perfectly into the mix. Probably most notable this year are the free shows that are going on all day at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge (on the Brooklyn side). I had heard rumors that Parts & Labor would be making an appearance. They turned out to be false and when I got there Crystal Antlers were playing instead. A full schedule of Todd’s shows can be found on his website.

(more…)

I really had no clue exactly what it meant to be a “man-on-the-scene” at CMJ for Uncensored Interview, but I think today I officially got the hang of it. Initially, I thought I’d spend the day seeing some bands at the numerous day parties in the city.

However, when I got to Terrorbird‘s day party at Cake Shop (which included a performance from Takka Takka, who’s video I’ve included below) I realized I might be able to hear these performances, but seeing them could prove to be a little difficult. With bands loading equipment to and from Cake Shop and neighboring Pianos (the location of Ear Farm‘s CMJ party) as well as a host of industry insiders spilling out onto Ludlow Street, the sidewalk became as much of a party as the venue itself. Man-on-the-scene quickly became man-on-the-street.

(more…)

I already posted about checking out the convention floor and artist lounge yesterday, but the best parts of CMJ are the performances. I had originally intended to go see Walter Meego at the Ben Sherman Store; however, they were running about an hour later than I expected, so I walked over to The Annex to see Chairlift. Hopefully, I can still make it to Walter Meego’s performance at Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St) tonight–check out a clip of the duo talking about playing CMJ below and a full rundown of my first night after the jump.

(more…)

Day festivities have just about wrapped up down at NYU for the first day of CMJ Music Marathon 2008. Long lines plagued registration (particularly for artists) all day, but it was sort of worth it as a artist badge got you into the coveted Red Bull Artist Lounge, which was a considerable distance down the street, but (again) well worth the walk.

(more…)

Just in case you haven’t been paying attention, CMJ starts today! We hope you’re ready for the bands, the films and (of course) the parties! Uncensored Interview’s party is on Friday at Santos Party House, but the first official party each year belongs to The Syndicate. It went down at Rebel last night. Margot and the Nuclear So-And-Sos, Rival Schools and …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead all took to the stage last night. However, the awkward architecture and packed crowd prevented a good view of the bands. A good snoop, however, doesn’t need a stage to spot a band…

(more…)

I woke up this morning to a half open window and an undeniable truth blowing on my freezing cold, uncovered legs–it’s friggin’ October, man. I guess I’m such a warm weather lover that I’ve consciously blocked out all of the tangible evidence that summer is no more. But this morning there was no denying it – it’s fall, and October has snuck up on me like OJ Simpson in a Las Vegas hotel room.

Despite the lack of beach days and post-7 p.m. sunsets, the fall ain’t all that bad. There are always tons of great album releases, like the new Ben Folds joint (which might be my favorite BF record since Whatever and Ever Amen), the return of Heroes, 30 Rock, South Park and of course, the CMJ Music Marathon, one of the staples of autumn in NYC. And this year’s band-stravaganza has me psyched for several reasons:

• A ridiculous line-up of obscenely great bands
• Great debate panel guests the likes of RZA, our old friend Juliana Hatfield, and the legendary George mother fucking Clinton!
• My all-access pass that Uncensored Interview so graciously presented to me to cover the event
• The Uncensored Interview CMJ Party–more on this to come
• Did I mention the ridiculous line-up, featuring A Place To Bury Strangers, Beach House, Lykke Li, and Sam Champion, CMJ veterans who are looking to keep their audience at attention, albeit in a different way this year:

(GET PYSCHED ABOUT CMJ HERE)