Bloc Party

Tonight I went to Canada or, as some call it, 175th street. It was by far the most poorly managed show in the history of the universe. Sure, it was the first rock concert at the United Palace Theatre, but it would really help me out if this venue would employ people who had a few more brain cells. Ticketbastard could do the same because, as I found out waiting in the will call line for over a half hour, I wasn't the only person who had their tickets lost in the mail. So much for all of those convenience charges. A bad night for scalpers as well as the streets were filled with people trying to sell their tickets. So much supply and so little demand, I ended up being handed two tickets for free. Crap seats though and I had front row at will call.

By the time we got in, Albert Hammond, Jr. was half done with his set. Eff! Sarah and I tried our best to bounce about in our seats, but sitting really doesn't make sense at a concert. Talking to some of the security guards made us alert to the fact that they were all working their first night. *evil Mr. Burns gesture* Fast forward to Bloc Party coming on and everyone politely standing in front of their assigned seats until Gordon, aka Bloc bass, told everyone to stand closer. As soon as we did, the security tried to get everyone back to their seats. "But sir, you just told me it was your first night working concert security. Isn't it my duty as a mischievous young brat to fuck with you?" And I did. I just didn't move despite being poked a few times. Eventually they got word from backstage to let everyone up to the stage...which was still ten feet away from the band...but an improvement. "This isn't a Snow Patrol concert," Gordon announced.



The actual show part of the show was fantastic switching between mad dancing and slow swaying. The new stuff is good, but really pales compared to Silent Alarm. Fittingly, plaster started to fall on the band during their set. Well done, United Palace Theatre. You are truly pioneering new frontiers of utter shittiness. With some big acts coming up (The Stooges, Bjork, The Arcade Fire) and their hardcore fans, this venue better get their shit together fast. As for me, I'm staying downtown...forever.

I ended up taking some good pictures and I'll upload them tomorrow, but here are a few favorites...









UPDATE: My full set of pictures are now up on Flickr

Random Person I Love Today

Saw this on Idolator and couldn't resist posting. Whoever posted this on Craigslist gets a heart fart from me.

"Silly me! I "accidentally" bought 4 Arcade fire tickets for the 5/8 show, forgetting that I hate humanity and all that is good about music. It really pisses me off when indie bands make a special effort to play at intimate venues, but I sure do love taking advantage of their fans' devotion. So, I am selling 4 seats, which may or may not be will call (I hope you like surprises). The price is the national debt for my two orchestra seats (price is per ticket), or the GNP of Burundi for my third mezzanine seats-- great view of the ceiling from there!"

I chose to sleep an extra 20 minutes this morning rather than engage any further in The Arcade Fire over-hype-brain-fuck. To quote a my 2am Myspace comment to Sarah, "i'm over arcade fire united palae 175th st ticketbastard convinience charge wake up at 10 am to fight for assigned seating did i mention arcade fire bullshit." I feel accomplished.

The Presets

The Presets killed at Hiro last night. I saw them open for The Rapture at Webster Hall but it was nice to see them on a tiny stage. I can't help but really get into their set. Things I'm not into include the crowd at Hiro. *shudders* And I would have bad things to say about the bouncers, but I was randomly pulled from the back of the will call line and allowed to enter. Why thank you, random luck. After The Presets, all of those Parisians got onstage and got everyone dancing.

Hediiiiiii

I'm sorry...WHAT??!?!


Photo by Hedi Slimane (genius extraordinaire)

Cute underweight English boys everywhere are crying.

Because of the Times

I believe this has been up for a few weeks, but if you missed it, you can listen to the new Kings of Leon on their Myspace. That's what I'm doing right now, because I've given up on trying to find it before it comes out next week. They're playing Roseland Ballroom on June 5th and there better be very good incentive to go like Bob Dylan is opening or the tickets are $5 (I like how I think those two things are equatable) because every time I go to that venue I swear I'll never go again. We shall see. On a completely unrelated side note...I just sneezed all over my computer. Attractive, I know.

FINALLY!

Photo Credit

Patrick Wolf is invading America...or NYC at least. For those of you who know me...or who have seen my last.fm...know that this is making me super happy. Please enjoy this oldie but goodie to ease the pains of anticipation...

It's okay to feel excited...

Though I'm dreading Hammerstein Ballroom, I've got my ticket to see these Arctic Monkeys. Pray for me.