A long long time ago, in the glimmery city of Chicagoland I had a radio show with my BFF Midge called NERDALERT!
It was on Wednesday mornings from 6 to 9 am (now that's dedication!) on a now-dead radio station called WLUW. It only lasted for a few months then the station manager axed it (she sort of sucked in my opinion) but then would occasionally let us team up for fund-raisers & special shows because we became really popular!
Oof. My head hurtz. I was trying to find a funny old tyme-y ad to illustrate my headache but stumbled across this fucked up thing.
<---- Please explain wtf they are talking about -- do her ladyparts stink or something??
Anyway, it has been awhile. I've been ramping up for what will be an INSANE summer for my little DJ company, popshop! djs. Apparently people continue to get hitched even in the midst of an economic meltdown -- even in New York City (thank GAWD) & we're all getting a ton of work. It's great!
Absolutely nothing to complain about -- except this headache. Poo.
Some major (not really) updates:
- I finally broke down & joined Twitter. I know, I know - it is mostly THE WORST. But I'm really using it only for music/DJ purposes, so like if you live in NYC & want to know where I'll be spinning next, you might want to sign up. Or if you want to know if I've updated this blog, then you might want to too. I don't get all philosophical or think-y on there or anything (unless you count my occasional outbursts like about ELO & how Jeff Lynne is a golden god, but those are pretty rare).
So my Twitter handle is: ladycrumbcake -- There. Go nutz!
- I know many of you are closet DJs so here's a fun way to be a "DJ" without getting yer phat ass off of the couch: blip.fm! And because I am a joiner now & join everything, I went & got myself a "station". It's not enough for me to have a radio show on East Village Radio (Sandy Acres Sound Lab) -- no, I must have a presence EVERYWHERE.
MUSIK DU JOUR: "Songs that won't make your headache worse"
Emily Haines & the Soft Skeleton -- Our Hell -- I love everything this woman touches & the lyrics to this song just break yer heart. Emily Haines & the Soft Skeleton MySpace HERE.
Mirah -- Words Cannot Describe
-- Ah the lightheartedness delirium of crushing hard on someone. Mirah's MySpace HERE.
Cass Elliott -- Dream a Little Dream of Me (Introduction) -- just heavenly! You can learn a little bit more about Cass HERE.
Does anyone out there have that Medicine song "Time Baby 3" -- I've been looking for an MP3 everywhere on the internets & can't find it. The slow, Cocteau Twins-ish version. Help a sister out.
Many of you already know of my love for Blossom Dearie so you can imagine how sad I am to hear about her death on Saturday. She was 82.
I was fortunate enough to get to see her perform live a few years ago at Danny's Skylight Room here in NYC when my parents came up for a visit. She was a teeny little lady, utterly adorable, with a shiny, short, white-blonde bob with bangs.
She played a charming set -- her voice still sweet & light, no signs of age seemed to mar it. Little witty comments were sprinkled between the songs -- it was a little on the short side but darn near perfect. Seeing that performance is still remembered as one of their favorite things we did in NYC.
After the show, she sat in the front of the bar, signed autographs & chatted with fans.
Side note: Before I move to NYC, I'd come here a lot for work & Blossom's light breezy voice always seemed to be in my head while I roamed the streets, specifically the Little Italy area.: "tell me what street compares with Mott street in July? Sweep pushcarts gliding by..." Here's that version -- it's sublime: Blossom Dearie -- Manhattan
When it was my turn to talk to her, I was a bit nervous. I told her that her version of "Manhattan" was the one that I love the most & gave me a rush of NYC pride whenever I heard it. I also told her that play her music on my radio show frequently. She asked me to write down the information about my radio show so she could listen to it -- so nice! (Then my Mom tried to take a picture of us but didn't know how to use her camera so she couldn't get the flash to work, which was disappointing -- she doesn't like to read directions. Damn you Mummy!)
I realize that's a completely boring non-story but I thought I'd share it anyway. I just loved her music & feel lucky to have caught a performance.
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NPR has re-posted a great interview with Blossom on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz show from 2001 -- click here to hear it.
And here's her interview on Fresh Air with Terry Gross (it aired in 1998) -- click here.
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Here are a few of my favorite Blossom Dearie songs -- hope you enjoy:
-- Bet you didn't know she sang a couple of the most memorable songs the SchoolHouse Rock series:
Blossom Dearie -- Figure Eight
Blossom Dearie -- Unpack Your Adjectives
-- Here's a small sampling of the songs in her repertoire -- just gorgeous:
Blossom Dearie -- You Fascinate Me So
Blossom Dearie -- Give Him The Ooh-La-La
Blossom Dearie -- Peel Me a Grape
R.I.P. Blossom -- thank you for giving us the gift of you.
Happy New Year!
Boy am I glad 2008 is over cause LOOK at how much things have changed. Okay, okay all bitchiness aside, I love the promise of a new year, don't you?
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HEY YOU -- CHECK OUT MY SISTER'S AWESOME ETSY SHOP:
Are you like me? Do you LOOVE cute shit??
Well, she's got some super cute stuff up there -- wouldn't a delightful handmade neckwarmer with a cute felted flowah be JUST THE THING to get for your friend - sister - girlfriend - wife - boss - lawyer - dog walker - etc??
& the flowers are removable & you can wear them on ANY scarf you own as well as this ::kathrynwinslow:: you purchase! She's also making them for dogs!
And she's making headbands & other stuff too...
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So I've got a couple of gigs coming up --
- Saturday, January 17th at FONTANA'S
I will rock & I will roll from 11 pm to 4 am! Won't you rock with me?
105 Eldridge St (between Grand & Broome Sts)
Near the F,6,J,M Trains
Lower East Side
NYC
- Tuesday, January 20th at HUCKLEBERRY BAR -- It's Inauguration Night!
Finally, Barack will be in the House -- should be one heck of a party!
I'll be spinning all sorts of stuff: new wave, indie, hip hop, electro , etc
from 10 to 2 am
588 Grand St (near Lorimer St)
Near the J,M,G,L Trains
Williamsburg
Brooklyn
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Each Song is a Scene in My Own Sexy Video
My life is just that glamorous that I am often pretending to be in a feature film or a music video of the sexy kind (not the ADULT kind, however) in my head. What can I say, it helps the day pass faster.
So now, onto some sexy musiks -- please to enjoy:
Jesus & Mary Chain featuring Hope Sandoval -- Perfume
Remember
when Hope & Jim Reid were hot 'n heavy? Not only were they both
easy on the eyes, but together they made some sexy music. Well this
one makes me want to go question a suspect in a goth club. A very sexy
goth club. (Hope Sandoval & the Warm Intention's MySpace & Jesus & Mary Chain's MySpace)
Portishead -- The_Rip
This one makes me want to take a long drive somewhere as I make sexy, distant, forlorn faces at an unseen camera...Where am I going? Why am I so interesting? yes, I know it's pretty ghey, but you know you totally do it too. (Portishead's MySpace)
Little Joy_-- Next Time Around
It's Fabrizio Moretti's new band & I'm lovin' it. Now this one makes me want to lie on a sunny beach with sand between my toes. I am most likely sipping a fruity drink provocatively. Just sublime. (Little Joy's MySpace)
** RING IN 2009 AT UNION HALL IN PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN! **
I'll be spinning upstairs & The Mugs will be spinning downstairs! I guarantee it will be awesome -- old skool hip hop, new wave, electro, disco, funk, hair metal -- whatever makes you dance like a fool!
& IT'S ONLY $15!
21+ / Doors open at 9
UNION HALL
702 Union Street @ 5th Ave.
Near the R, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5 & F Trains
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Whatever you end up doing, I hope you have a really fun & SAFE New Year's Eve! We have a lot to look forward to in 2009 -- the incoming administration being first & foremost -- & I hope we all get through these trying times without getting too banged up.
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OOH & you should go check out the most recent SANDY ACRES SOUND LAB SHOW! Not only is it FOUR HOURS LONG (Gawd help you all) but I also sprinkled all of my favorite hits from 2008 throughout the show. I doubt my picks will surprise you, but there sure was a LOT of great stuff released this year!
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Let me share with you the songs that are charming the socks off of me right now:
Friendly Fires feat. Au Revoir Simone -- Paris (Aeroplane Remix)
This one is pure gold. I know I have recently said that ARS are a bit dull. I could change my mind on that though. Or could it be that Friendly Fires brought out the best in them? Maybe, perhaps.
The Kills -- Sour_Cherry
Give this one a listen & do your own version of some sort of sexy ass shake. From first listen I wanted to pick a fight, smack my own ass & make out with the guy next to me. This one's off the chain...I'm not kidding!
& now for some excellent covers:
Florence & the Machine -- Postcards_from_Italy
I keep hearing that Florence & the Machine is the indie critic's darling right now. I'm not quite sure what I think this band yet. Her voice is powerful & almost too much to bear but it's really amazing. This is also my favorite Beirut song -- & it's a surprising & refreshing cover.
Lily Allen -- Womanizer
Ya know, I really like that Lily Allen. I like her voice, I think she turns a phrase quite well & she's just a silly, cute girl. I realize she might be sort of a dipshit but I just don't care. And this cover is, simply put, G-E-N-I-O-U-S.
I hope her record label doesn't get too mad at her for being a little thoughtless & impulsive. She is a kid after all.
Oh, to be a REAL girl & to take a bubble bath in a pink keg!
Perhaps you're like me with only a stand up shower & a toilet in yer bafroom -- my only sink is in the kitchen. Yes, you read that right, it's in the kitchen! I have to brush my teeth over my dirty cereal dishes. It's not a glamorous life but hey, it's all mine.
My last post, I focused on girlie pop jams. But I have so many more & want to share them all with you, my peaches.
** BUT FIRST, A COUPLE OF UPCOMING DJ GIGS: **
-- Fontana's on Sat Dec 20th --
A night of all RAWK all night! They ask me to fill in I say YES.
FONTANA'S
105 Eldridge St between Broome & Grand Sts
L.E.S.
Near the F, V, 6, J & M Trains
www.fontanasnyc.com
No cover, 21+
11 to 4 am
-- New Year's Eve at Union Hall --
-- DJs on both floors! --
The Mugs spinning downstairs & DJ Colleen Crumbcake will spin upstairs. It's gonna be a DANCE REVOLUTION!!
-- Drink specials! --
Free beer from 8-9pm & $3 Absolut & Jameson till midnight.
Free Champagne toast at midnight.
UNION HALL
702 Union St at 5th Ave
Park Slope
Near the R, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5 & F Trains
www.unionhallny.com
$15 cover / 21+
8 PM TO 4 AM
So...I give you some more beauties for you to crush on today:
** Wye Oak **
Wye Oak are just one
guy & one girl playing & singing. I
just downloaded their entire album from eMusic based entirely upon
this song, so that says something AND they were just signed to MERGE which says a lot more. I have no idea what she's saying but the melody has gotten stuck on repeat in my brain since the first listen: Wye Oak -- Warning
** School of Seven Bells aka SVIIB **
I just saw them perform at the Mercury Lounge on Monday night & ::WOW:: was it stellar. Pretty sophisticated stuff & they sounded pretty damn perfect. They played this the other night & it was just gorgeous: School of Seven Bells -- Chain
** Blonde Redhead **
I used to have a really hard time getting into Blonde Redhead. There. I said it. All of my friends have gushed & raved while they just sort of left me cold. But every now & then, I'll pick something up & give it listen again & it'll just knock me out. This is one of those songs: Blonde Redhead -- Silently
I can't remember if I've posted this one in years past, but darn it if it isn't an annual delight!:
Those kids in Pas/Cal sure do play the pop music real nice. They also have some super cute T-shirts!
Am I the only one who had a major crush on Andrew Ridgeley? Even with a ghey reindeer suit on, he's still...ok, you're right, he looks dumb as hell.
I know I don't post nearly as often as I should... I'm often shocked when I hear that anyone actually reads this thing other than me & maybe my friends -- so if you've been anxiously awaiting a new entry... well this one is worth the wait!
I'm now going to lay upon you some incredibly beautiful songs -- so lovely that I do believe they might make your day...possibly even your week!
You know how I love the pop & the girlie pop gems are my absolute favorites. (Blame it on Velocity Girl, Heavenly or Juliana Hatfield I guess)
Anyway this post is pretty much a beautiful girl gift to you my darlings so
ready....
set.....
GO!
** YOUNG MARBLE GIANTS **
I am a little bit obsessed with this song these days: Young Marble Giants - Eating_Noddemix -- I just love it.
** HOLY CRAP! Young Marble Giants will be reuniting & playing Colossal Youth in its entirety at the May 2009 All Tomorrow's Parties in Somerset, England! Somebody get me a ticket, please?? **
In case you are (like me) wondering just wtf noddemix is, I happened upon this explanation at a site called
Cardiffians: The Young Marble Giants Web Archive:
"According to Stuart Moxham, noddemix is a Swiss cereal bar. A friend of mine actually found one in Sweden; ... However, after finally figuring out to do a proper Google search for the term (the secret is in the letter "ø"), it now appears that "nøddemix" is actually a generic term for 'mixed nuts.'"
After Young Marble Giants, Alison Statton formed a wonderful band called Weekend -- here's a lovely song to sample by them:
Weekend - Summer_Days
I have my pal Ion to thank for turning me onto Weekend -- just gorge! Here's a video clip of them performing this song LIVE! Stuart Moxham from YMG went on to form
a band called The Gist, but I don't think I have anything by them to post here unfortunately.
** OS MUTANTES **
As you know I spin at a lot of NYC-area weddings & a great couple gave me this Os Mutantes
song to play during their cocktail hour. What a gem!:
Os Mutantes - Baby
Sometimes I get to meet & work with the coolest people & they were definitely an example of that.
Anywhoosie, click here for a trailer for the documentary about Os Mutantes that was released like two years ago.
** SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS **
Q: What's better than gorgeous music?
A: Why gorgeous music sung by beautiful people of course!
That brings me to a SHINY NEW BAND from right here in
Brooklyn -- School of Seven Bells! (This is what I would've hoped bands like Au Revoire Simone would sound like, but just do not. Sorry it had to be said.)
School of Seven Bells - Connjur
For those of us in NYC, they're playing at Mercury Lounge on Monday, Dec 15th & I (for one) will definitely be there!
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Oh & if you're looking for something fun to do on New Year's Eve, I'm spinning an awesome dance set at UNION HALL in Brooklyn!!
...MORE INFO TO COME!
Today, let's be thankful for good pop music with these lil' treasures...
Aluminum Group -- Sugar & Promises
-- Aluminum Group's MySpace
-- Ivy's MySpace
-- Air Miami via Wikipedia
Aislers set -- Friends_of_the_Heroes
-- Aisler's Set's MySpace
Ben Gibbard & Andrew Kenny -- Carolina
-- Ben Gibbard & Andrew Kenny's PopMatters review
Blossom Dearie -- Peel_Me_a_Grape
-- Blossom Dearie's Wikipedia entry
-- Le Mans feature on Idotalor
Lullaby Baxter Trio -- Knucklehead
-- Lullaby Baxter's MySpace
-- Air's MySpace
Anne Savoy & her Sleepless Knights -- Ces_Petites_Choses
-- Anne Savoy's MySpace
Much love from me to you on this day of eating til our distended bellies explode the buttons off of our skinny jeans! You might also want to check out my radio show this weekend -- it has a fun travel theme for the holiday!
I have emerged from a crazy weekend & am zombified but feeling good. I'm done with all of the
weddings I had booked for the year, which feels really lovely!
Of Course...
if you or someone you know needs someone to DJ an upcoming holiday party....go to www.popshopdjs.com to find out more about popshop! djs, my little DJ collective! Or send an email to: info@popshopdjs.com
I've got a team of awesome DJs that will make your party cool yet fun for all! It CAN be done.
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Now let's get Groovy...
Okay, enough of my self-serving BS & onto some music! Here are two total groovers that I've been meaning to share with you. Tell me you don't want to grab some go-go boots & go to town when you hear these. No? I do not believe you.
Roger & the Gypsies -- Pass_the_Hatchet
Shake it like a polaroid pick-cha! I cannot get enough of this song -- seriously, it just covers all the ass shaking bases. Try it, You'll like it!
James Brown -- Night Train
I'm not sure there's really ANYTHING I can possibly SAY about this song so why don'tcha watch the video HERE. You can learn more about the hardest working man in show business -- learn such interesting facts as he was a a semi-professional baseball pitcher before he became a musician. Who knew??
Yesterday was the first day we had to put the heat on in the apartment... the first day that really felt like fall! Exciting this weather & the approach of wintertime, the holidays, vacations & whatnot. It's my favorite time of year.
It's also the time of year when I feel really nostalgic. I was sifting through my old vinyl treasures & was feeling an intense saudade -- yearning for times that have passed that I'm not sure I ever really experienced anymore.
Edith Frost -- Cars & Parties
Ooh how I love me a sweet pop ditty! It looks like Edith has moved from Chicago to Albany, CA according to her MySpace page, which seems sort of too bad for Chi-town if you ask me.
Felt -- Under a Pale Light
This song has always left me with a sniffle & an acute sense of melancholy. It reminds me of college days, my best friend Adrienne & sunny fall days in Richmond, Virginia. According to Wikipedia, was Felt was "named after the way Tom Verlaine enunciated the word 'felt' in the Television song 'Venus'."
The Pastels - Ride
:: Sigh :: More college memories...I always had a major thing for Stephen Pastel. Have you heard Crystal Stilts by any chance? They're like the new Pastels -- I swear!
Herman Dune -- I Wish that I Could See You Soon
Now this one isn't so old & doesn't take me back in time, but wowzers is it adorbs. Here's Herman Dune's MySpace page.
Beat Happening -- Tales of Brave Aphrodite
Oh double sigh -- that Calvin Johnson pretty much owned my college girl's dreams. You've all heard me jabber about Calvin, Beat Happening, K Records, etc so I won't bore you by going into it again :)
Image from chick57's Flickr set: Vintage Little Girl Postcards.
TWO BIG THINGS HAPPENING ON SUNDAY SEPT 7th IN WILLIAMSBURG:
- THE POPSHOP DJS ROCK 'N ROLL BRUNCH MUSIC SHOWCASE at EAST RIVER BAR
96 S. 6th St between Bedford & Berry
from 3 to 9 pm -- only $7
**Bands performing -- we're probably adding one more to the bill:
Buke & Gass (formerly Proton Proton)
The Art of Shooting
Ravens & Chimes
Sponsored by popshop! djs & Block Magazine.
I'm spinning between bands - it should be a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon in Williamsburg.
More info HERE!
- CHARM SCHOOL AT THE HUCKLEBERRY BAR
Yes, Sunday night I'm spinning classic soul, bossa nova, indie pop, easy listening, electro, brit pop, 60s, etc at my lil monthly at Huckleberry Bar!
If you haven't been yet, it's a beauty of a bar on Grand St (near Lorimer), also in Williamsburg. They have a stellar food menu, drink selection & they let you sit in the back garden LATE.
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Three songs to keep the summertime madness alive this weekend. Hope to see you!
Estelle feat Kanye West vs Los Amigos Invisibles -- South_American_Boy (Mighty Atomic Remix)
My friend (aka The Mighty Atomic) mashed this baby up & it's muy caliente! Some impressive skillz, indeed. More about Estelle, Kanye & Los Amigos Invisibles if you care to learn more.
Marlena Shaw -- California_Soul_(Diplo/Mad_Decent_Remix)
This song was made for digging the scene with the gangster lean. It's tight! From Verve Remixed Vol 4. Read up on Marlena Shaw HERE.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince -- Summertime
Seriously, it could not be forgotten -- a golden summer jam classique. In case you didn't know: Will Smith is The Black Man Everyone at Work Can Agree on. A little info about the fellas before Will became that man over in Wikipedia.
Summer days...they'll soon be gone. Here are some to listen to as you bask in the sun:
Gael Garcia Bernal -- If_You_Rescue_Me
Oh how I loved "The Science of Sleep"! I know some people really didn't like this movie but I adored it. I like cuteness & whimsy - so sue me! Of course, I am one of the many that crush heavily on GGB & this is also a take on one of my favorite Velvet Underground songs too. What's not to love? Meow.
Eggstone -- April_& May
A delightful lil' pop number - though I s'pose it's more of a springtime jam. Who cares? It's sunny, it's bouncy & I cannot get enough of it. What is it about Scandinavians & their incredible ability to harness perfect pop music? Here's Eggstone's MySpace page.
Flight of the Conchords -- Foux_Du Fafa
I guess it's not big surprise that I would love this song. Even if it weren't sung by those two kiwis*, I think I would still dig it. I've posted it before, but here is the video clip from the show once again. I love that they make it like a scopitone. And, I eat at that cafe pretty regularly -- try the cobb salad!
Welcome to my world...
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
* I'm still not over Jemaine's recent nuptials. He should be MINE! sniffle.
Here's ONE thing:
Sunday, September 7, 2008
** Rock and Roll Brunch **
Hosted by Miss Kelly Irene DJ Colleen Crumbcake & sponsored by Popshop! DJs & Williamsburg's Block Magazine!
*** 3 - 8pm || only $6! ***
Here's the fantastic lineup:
4pm, TBD
5pm, BUKE AND GASS (ex-proton proton)
6pm, THE ART OF SHOOTING
7pm, RAVENS & CHIMES
We'll be BBQ'ing, there's a lovely, HUGE patio. DJ Colleen Crumbcake spins between bands, bake sale, & more....
EAST RIVER BAR
96 S. 6th Street
(btw Bedford & Berry)
Brooklyn, NY
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Now here's some awesomeness to download from each band:
BUKE & GASS - Rum for_You (Edit)
RAVENS & CHIMES - General Lafayette! You Are Not Alone
THE ART OF SHOOTING - Birdcage
& the beautiful poster was made by Aaron James of Cerca de la Tierra
Hi! I'm sitting in a coffee shop in Williamsburg & Juan (the owner) is seriously the nicest man in Brooklyn. I feel like I have to give his business a shout out: CREST CAFE IS AWESOME! It's also a nice place: great coffee, treats, wifi & an outside garden. & of course the owner is an absolute peach... Like you care. You heartless creeps!
Okay, so on with this post & the music...
You are going to be so jealous! Tonight I am one of the fortunate ones going to the Feelies reunion show at Maxwell's! My best boy Bryce scored tickets to the show & I'm his date. I'm excited!
The Feelies -- Fa Ce La
Their first single released in 1979. The influence they had on later indie rockers is pretty obvious, eh?
The Feelies -- Egyptian Reggae
This is a cover of a Jonathan Richman song. And Jonathan's version was based on Jamaican musician Earl Zero's reggae
song "None Shall Escape the Judgment." So stick that in your pipe & smoke it!
The Feelies -- Dancing Barefoot
& this is a cover of the Patti Smith song & is, in my opinion, much better. But that's because old Patti never did much for me. Several years ago I was watching something on TV at a bar & apparently they were talking to PS but since the sound wasn't on I thought they were talking to JOEY RAMONE! Hahahaha. I am an asshole.
And this is a weird fact I never knew -- according to Wikipedia:
"The band's name is taken from Aldous Huxley's novel Brave New World in which "the feelies" are a futuristic medium of entertainment in
theaters where all of one's senses are involved, not merely vision."
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Yeh so like there are tons of things going on for July 4th here in NYC (including the
Feelies/Sonic Youth free show at Castle Clinton) but I heard about
something that sounds really awesome:
4th Of July BBQ
Boogie down in Brooklyn with The Sweet Divines!
at Union Hall
6 to 11pm
Union Hall
702 Union Street @ 5th Ave
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Personally, the poster pretty much sells it for me.
Whatever you do - have a blast & stay safe out there.
