How many hipsters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

When I was making my last post, I was googling for an image to match it (I am not sure what images I expected to find with "Hipster" and "lightbulb"). Instead I found a blog with 10 more answers to the same joke. Some are pretty good.

Q: How many hipsters does it take to screw in a light bulb?

1. It is a really obscure number and you have probably never heard of it. (or, some obscure number you've never heard of.)

2. Who cares? The light bulb was better before it changed.

3. At least 5 to scrape enough change together to buy the light bulb in the first place.

4. However many Pitchfork says it takes to change a light bulb

5. Who cares? it'll just be another tired rehashing of the way Lou Reed changes light bulbs.

6. Only 3 when they did it at the black cat, but this time through town it took 9 for some reason.

7. Nobody changes lightbulbs since they signed with that major label.

8. Two. One to change it in an ironic fashion and one to get it.

9. Who can tell through these fake hornrims and manicured scruff?

10. *sigh* I have this joke on vinyl.

and the original answer:

11. (Snotily) You mean you don't knooooow?

How do I hear about new music?

I'd say that most of the bands I end up getting into, I hear about by 3 different methods:

1. The internets. Duh. I mean, if I were to listen to every band that was mentioned on Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan, or Stereogum... it would have to be a full time job. But still, with just a little skimming, its easy to see what is getting a lot of hype, or at least above an 8 on a pitchfork review (dont lie, that number influences you too). Then I stream a couple songs, and within 10 minutes I decide to buy the album or not. I end up buying a few albums a month this way.

2. Opening bands. I am not good about going out specifically to hear opening bands, but I generally catch at least one every show. Its hard not to, considering most of the venues in the city start hours after the ticket time. This is the best way to see bands before they are really getting any buzz at all. Sure, plenty are not buzz worthy, but its super fun to see the occasional band really make their way up (seeing the Fiery Furnaces open for Broken Social Scene made me love them even more when they started getting action).

3. Word of mouth. This is the most fun. And brings my to my favorite hipster joke:
Q: How may hipsters does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Its this new number, you probably haven't heard of it.

Back in college, I was around alot more poeople that were constantly introducing me to new stuff (college radio helped too)... but now I have only a few sources. Alot of times the bands you hear about from friends, you might have seen their name around the internets, but nothing makes you want to actually go check something out like "YOU HAVE TO PROMISE ME you'll go see them". Well, these are the bands that have been hyped to me most recently.

Efterklang
An example of the most accessible style of indie rock. You know, like how 5 years ago you said you liked indie rock and people would say "oh, so you like Arcade Fire?". I love everything i have heard and was really bummed to miss their show last weekend (I hear it was great)

The Antlers
I like the description on insound, "a lullaby for the broken hearted". Its nice to find music every once and while that really gets to you. The self-released CD is currently being burnt and packaged by the band.

Passion Pit
I have only heard a few songs and CANT WAIT to buy the album coming out in May. I just love the combination of dancable electronic music and fun vocal melodies.

Papercuts
Has a soft, acoustic, almost 1960's folky feel. I have only heard a few songs, but they were very pleasant. Lets see if they hold my attention until the new album comes out later this month.

Matt and Kim
Super fun and upbeat. You'll want to dance. You'll want to sing along. I recently heard about a mash up: Matt and Little Kim, I am trying to get ahold of it.

Dan Deacon
Been hearing about him for ages, but nothing I read ever really entised me. Well, a recent recommendation got me to give it a chance and Im really digging it. New album just came out.

Update

Its been a month. I seriously considered deleting the blog... but decided to try one more time instead. So, what did you miss out on?

3/10/09 - Music Hall of Williamsburg
Gentleman Jesse and his men
Great show. Really fun music. I really need to check out the album. Plus, we talked to him afterwards (Ethan knows him a little from Atlanta) and he could not have been a nicer more down to earth guy. But, where is the mustache?

Black lips

Hands down best show I have seen in years. I cant wait to see them again. The energy was amazing. And they sounded awesome. They way they handled the chaos at the end (stage was full of fans and they still kept the music together), you can tell they are proper rock stars, like I have never seen before. I am in love. Seriously, so sexy. Awesome Atlanta bands make me so proud.

Talked to some young hipsters on the subway ride home. I was surprised that they had not heard of some of my favorite bands. I was later informed by friends that it is because the bands I was naming were "big, like 5 years ago". So... yeah, I am 25 and already stuck in the past. They probably told their friends about the cool older lady they talked to on the train.

photos from

3/13/09 - Brooklyn Masonic Temple
Francis and the Lights
We did alot of arguing over whether or not this guy was serious or joking. I was arguing that he was totally kidding, and totally awesome. Like... anyone dancing like that is being at least a little bit ironic, Right? Well, apparently (some post show research)... he is stone cold serious. Well, it doesnt change the fact that it is an awesome show to see. And knowing hipsters love for both ridiculousness and also anything throwback, Francis and the Lights ARE GOING TO BE HUGE.

Les Savy Fav
Great show, as expected. I mean, did we doubt that the music would be good or that the performance would be awesome? No. He did his usual crazy stuff: stripped down, went into the crowd etc. This one was a slumber party (it was friday the 13th) so some fans got mud masks and there were feather pillows bursting open.

But seriously, what the hell?! The email specifically told fans in advanced that this was supposed to be a SLUMBER PARTY. The band wanted people to come in their best pajamas!!! So, my and my 4 friend CAME IN OUR BEST PAJAMAS. But we were THE ONLY ONES. I guess new yorkers are too cool to come to a show in PJs. LAME.

photos from

Am I a Nerd?

I wear glasses. I play in an orchestra. I am a scientist. But no, after tonight, I don't think that I am a nerd. Not that I don't love them. Maybe I am a geek?
I just went to Nerd Night at Galapagos Art Space. I expected alot of hipsters pretending to be nerds. But no, it really was full of nerds. Some of which were attempting to dress like hipsters. Really, it was borderline awkward in there. The presentations were pretty interesting (I learned about neon signs, evil bearded types, and beatboxing).... but i think they could have scheduled longer breaks in between to encourage mingling. I was also dissapointed that all of the people split right after the last presenation. I was hoping people would hang out for a while. Overall, the evening was pretty enteratining for the couple hours it lasted... but pretty tame. Would have been more of a satisfying weekday evening activity.

On a geek related topic, I could not be more stoked about the Watchmen movie coming out on March 6th. Albo, of Geekanerd, was kind enough to get the limited edition vinyl Watchmen single.
Im not sure how often I will actually be listening to either of the songs... but I have always been a sucker for collecters items.

Rachel announces Most Anticipated Album of the Year

Yeah Yeah Yeahs It's Blitz! has a planned release date of April 14th. More details about the album.
So... why should you care? My 2008 pick for RMAAY was Radiohead's In Rainbows. And while any album from Radiohead is an obvious choice for an RMAAY, I would like to point out that this particular Radiohead album was their best in over 10 years (yes, since OK Computer). I wont argue against the fact that Kid A was more groundbreaking in 2000, than In Rainbows was in 2008, but I am going to say that I think In Rainbows will stand out as a better album 8 years from now, than Kid A does today. Get it?
I will also go so far as to say that being selected for an RMAAY pretty much garauntees that the album will also be selected for some sort of Grammy, which will just be the icing on the cake.

Hipster Boys - Two

Who doesn't like to make fun of Hipsters? Nobody. But Ill admit, hipster boys are hot. For a few months I half seriously was telling my friends " if he doesn't have facial hair or a tattoo, he shouldn't even bother." * But really, being attracted to that kind of guy is just a way of keeping your emotional guard up because who really wants to get into a serious relationship with that guy?

Now instead of saying I would like to date a musician, I am more inclined to simply add a +1 if the dude plays an instrument at all. I think this a sign of maturity on my part.



*I would like to add. I am/was discriminant. A bad tattoo, or bad facial hair is way worse that not having it at all.

running playlist

Its about an hour and a quarter of music. I have been working on it for a while. I am very picky about what I run to. I has to be upbeat, fun, and if there are any tempo changes, it has to be getting faster. I have been changing my shuffle for a while, but still, every time I would find myself skipping a good portion of the songs. Finally, I have come up with this list. Not to say I never skip, but in generally, I am excited each time the song changes.

In ABC order, but you are meant to shuffle:

Miracle Drug - A.C. Newman - 2:19
Call Me - Blondie - 3:32
Untrust Us - Crystal Castles - 3:07
Crimewave - Crystal Castles vs. Health - 4:18
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk - 3:44
Desperate Guys - The Faint - 3:07
Here Comes The Summer - The Fiery Furnaces - 3:30
Hounds Of Love - The Futureheads - 3:03 ***
Hands In The Air - Girl Talk - 4:20
Don't Stop - Girl Talk - 2:58
Hand Clap - Girl Talk - 1:54
Double Pump - Girl Talk - 1:46
What You Waiting For? - Gwen Stefani - 3:43 ***
C.Y.O.A. - Heartsrevolution - 3:58
Somebody Told Me - The Killers - 3:18
Paper Planes - M.I.A. - 3:24
Electric Feel - MGMT - 3:50
Here It Goes Again - Ok Go - 3:00 ***
Hey Ya! - OutKast - 3:55
Portions For Foxes - Rilo Kiley - 4:45
Back in Your Head - Tegan and Sara - 3:01
Dancer - Woodhands - 3:58
Gold Lion (Diplo Remix) - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 4:05


*** BEST RUNNING SONGS EVER. They all build up over the course of song. Perfect finishing songs if you want to kick it in for the end.

Sorry I have been a slacker

Things have been crazy. But I am back in the city for the next month, and have some exiting stuff to post about soon!

love,

rachel

market hotel - crytal stilts

So I finally went to a show at the Market Hotel. It was pretty cool. In brief, its this underground venue out in Bushwick, Brooklyn ... breaking all sorts of rules. It used to be a speakeasy. Dark... smoky... The picture below gives a pretty good representation of the feel.
Except for that the show last night was really packed. Apparently they stopped letting people in when it reached 600, and it was the first show to "sell out" in 6 months. Anyways, there were a couple of other rooms too... and the thing that I liked most about the venue is that it really has more of a party atmosphere than a "real" venue would. The bathroom line (which was always very long for the 2 co-ed stalls) and the line for the bar (which was just a chick standing at a folding table) were actually quite social.

The reason that we went to the show was to see the very hyped Brookln band Crystal Stilts. The hype is well deserved. Their lo-fi, dark, "we are not too excited" retro-pop sound reminds me a little of Times New Viking, or Vivian Girls, but honestly I think these guys are a little easier on the ears, sounding quite a bit more musical, both recorded and live, than the other two.

The two bands preceding Crystal Stilts, Tyvek and Box Elders were similar in their lo-fi, minimal, retro feel. But are less dreary, more upbeat, old-school punk feel. Just based on listening to the recordings on myspace a few times, I dont think these bands have the same at-home-listening-potential as Crystal Stilts, but there is certainly alot to be said for putting on a super fun live show.
Some bonus info for you. 1. The Chinese place accross from the Market Hotel is not as bad as you might expect it to be... at least for 4th meal. 2. If you are very drunk and it is late at night, crashing at a friends place in Brooklyn probably seems like the obviously choice (long wait times, possibility of falling asleep on train, safety, etc.). HOWEVER an hour commute is alot more fun drunk, even when sleepy, than hungover. Bring a barf bag just in case. You dont want to be the jerk that grosses up the train. Mine was from the Soho apple store and, as funny as it would have been, Im glad I didnt have to use it.

7 most listened to albums of 2008

I thought it would be better to come up with 8... but really if I added any other album I could think of would definitely not fall in the same range. These are albums I have listened to over, and over, and over. I am probably forgetting some from earlier in the year.

No particular order:

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
The Walkmen - You & Me
Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
Deerhunter - Microcastle

TL/RX karaoke heartbreak = dropped drink

It took a few days for me to get over my TL/RX karaoke heartbreak. To know that I would have had to do was get there an hour or so earlier and I would have had the once and a lifetime opportunity to sing with Ted Leo, and I HAD MISSED IT... it was almost too much too bear. And the worst part is that the majority of people that got to sing were karaoke amateurs. Some didnt even know the song that they were singing!!!!!!!!! The nerve to take a karaoke slot from somebody who has been dreaming of this all their life, to get up there and not even know the words to the song ?!?!? Lucky for them Ted saved them by chiming in. Some of them even got hugs. Where is my hug Ted?
I was so heartbroken over the full sign up sheet (and was daydreaming about singing with Ted) that I dropped my full drink. I suppose the open vodka bar could have contributed, but I would rather blame the heartbreak. I mean, one second I was watching the TL/RX set (which was awesome as always) and then the next second, my drink was splashing on my feet while my hand still held out in the shape of a cup. I wasnt even bumped or anything.

For my subsequent vodka drinks I adopted a much safer cup hold. You just put your pinky under the cup for support. That way, even if the cup is a little slippery, or your grip relaxes for a second, you still have something to catch the weight of the glass.
See, this is you classic cocktail hold and a disaster waiting to happen. It cost me a full vodka club soda. Some would say that if you cant hold on to your drink, your probably dont need it, but those people probably dont have much fun.
Here is my new improved vodka hold, with pinky under the cup. I edited this image from a blog discussing a similar hold that the writer uses to manage flimsy coffee cups. Great minds think alike.

TL/RX karaoke - what should I sing??!!

I cant imagine anything in the world that I would love more than to sing karaoke with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists backing me, and tomorrow night, I may be able to live that dream. I say may, because while I am definitely attending the event, I cant count on getting a chance to sing. I really have no idea how they are going to select audience members. I guess I can do is get there on time and hope. Gotta get there on time for the open vodka bar (from 8-9) anyways.

Anyways, of the song choices (rest of the list below), here are the ones I am considering.

KELLEY CLARKSON - "Since You Been Gone" - this is one of my regulars... problem is that it a pretty tough song and usually requires some warm up. I worry it may not be a good idea to try to sing it cold.

YEAH YEAH YEAHS - "Maps" - This is another one of my regulars... problem with this one is that I dont really want to since such a "I am taking myself very seriously" song, particually a Yeah Yeah Yeahs song to an indie crowd. I really dont need to be judged like that.

BLONDIE - "Dreaming" - This is probably my best option since it seems pretty easy and fun... But i have never sung it before... Ahhhh! Is that really a good idea? I wish so badly it was "Call me" its def my best ever karaoke song.

Whats a girl to do?

Other songs that other people will sing:
OUTFIELD - "Your Love"
PRINCE - "Kiss"
THE WHO - "My Generation"
STOOGES - "Search And Destroy"
RAMONES - "Blitzkrieg Bop"
MISFITS - "Where Eagles Dare"
IDOL - "Dancin' With Myself"
AC/DC - "Dirty Deeds"
CURE - "Just Like Heaven"
CLASH - "Rock The Casbah"
BOWIE AND QUEEN - "Under Pressure"
JOY DIVISION - "Transmission"
SAINTS - "Stranded"
ARETHA FRANKLIN - "Respect"
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - "Dancin' In The Dark"
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - "Born In The USA"
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - "Suspect Device"
MINOR THREAT - "Minor Threat"
CREDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL - "Fortunate Son"
AMERIE - "One Thing"
STEELY DAN - "Reelin' in the Years"
SANTOGOLD - "L.E.S. Artistes"
THE KINGSMEN - "Louie Louie"

Best turntable set-up for under $1000

While anything would be a step up from playing CDs out of my TV's speakers, I must say I am pretty pleased with my new set up.

Speakers: Paradigm Mini Monitors $385

Receiver: Denon Stereo DRA-397 $360

Turntable: Rega - P1 w/Ortofon OM5e Cartridge $395

Pre-Amp: Cambridge azur 640P $179

Yes, I know... this is over $1000, but really, who can stay on budget these days? Aren't price limits more of a suggestion and made to be broken? I was pretty close before the pre-amp, which I bought a little later, but it was a very necessary addition. Really the pre-amp is what set apart the vinyl/turntable from a good sounding CD. As soon as we hooked it up the Radiohead we were using as a test record really popped. It was cleaner and everything just stood out so much better.

I cant justify the cost right now, but all will be complete once I get one of these sexy color felt mats for my Rega.

Comments

Are now allowed.

Smart enough for Pitchfork

So I was killing a few minutes at work with some internetting, when I can across a column on Pitchfork, Silent Party #5. Having only... a few minutes... I attempted to make it a quick read/skim. I think whatever Eric Harvey had to say was pretty interesting... but I am not sure because I didn't really understand most of it. Seriously, I felt like I needed to print it out and go at it with a highlighter. Who has time for that kind of leisure reading on a music blog? Half the time I get to the end of an album review on that site, I am not sure whether or not the reviewer actually liked the album or not. But honestly, I rarely ever get to the end of one of their reviews. Is it bad writing? Is it not meant to easy reading (they want us to take time and really think about all of the points they are making)? Or am I just not smart enough?

Trust me I am smart:

1. I am a scientist
2. I am good at searching the internet
3. I recycle
4. I understand sarcasm (>75% of the time)
5. I dont accept candy from strangers unless it is individually wrapped
6. I took Latin in high school
7. I play classical music
8. I am in 2 book clubs
9. I know that I should back up my files (I will do it soon)
10. I wear glasses

Really though, the column was entertaining and some good points were made. I think I am just bad at reading.

11/14 M83 and School of Seven Bells drawings

I really like their one song... but maybe they should have played some of their other songs too. Really though, I like their sound... but (based just on the live show) this band seems a little like a one trick pony.
Good show. Played a good variety of songs, and they sounds great live. I really like how M83's style is evolving. They don't really engage the audience at all, but it is still entertaining to watch.

show wristbands

Me: What do you call this? A wristband?
J: (laughs and holds up her beer) What do you call this? A cup?

The conversation was sparked by some awfully sturdy wrist bands we had been given upon entering tonights M83 show.

J, who has very small wrists, noted how much she appreciated that the bouncer had taken the time to properly fit her wrist band. While I appreciated that he had taken then time to line up the sticky part with the rest of the wristband.

Me: I just hate it when the sticky part hangs over and keeps grabbing your wrist when they don't do it right.
J: Yeah! Its like they are just saying "I hate my job. And I hate your wrist."

We then went on to discuss wristbands as opposed to hand stamps. While we both agreed that we would rather avoid having our hand stamped, I played the devils advocate.

Me: But the hand stamps are a great way of letting all of your co-workers know how cool you are.
J: My co-workers already know how cool I am. Besides, its also a great way of letting your co-workers know how well you wash your hands.

Hipster Boys - One

This is going to be a series.

Overheard coming off the subway:

Hipster Boy 1: We only made like $10 from that last show. I can’t even afford to go out on dates anymore. You just go out and blow all your money on a girl in one night.

Hipster Boy 2: And there is no guarantee you’ll even get laid.

Hipster Boy 1: Yeah.

Hipster Boy 2: It sounds like its time for you to start recycling ex-girlfriends.

11/9 - Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band drawing

I'm not as into the new album as Conor's Bright Eyes stuff, but I still had a great time at the show. Conor and whoever he is playing with always put on a great show and this was no exception. The Mystic Valley Band was super and Conor's voice sounded especially good. Better than last time I saw him (as Bright Eyes). Honestly, he could sing the ABCs and I would swoon.

Names inspired by Teen Girl Squad.

Drawings...Cartoons...Doodles

Whatever you want to call them. They were pretty popular. So, I guess thats gonna be one of my new things. I will draw one for all the shows I go to. It doesnt really make sense to spend my time taking pictures at a show anyways. I mean... unless its some great photography, or there was something really cool that happened, who really wants to see picutes of a music show?