Young The Giant at The Studio at Webster Hall

Young The Giant (Irvine, CA) @ The Studio at Webster Hall, NY, NY Oct.20th, 2010 for CMJ Music Marathon

    It's a rarity to see a live show where every single band member is brimming with enthusiasm to the point where it soaks through their shirts. When I saw Young The Giant perform, all of them were jumping on stage (including the drummer, who did so while continuing to play). Good times were had, on and off the stage. Here are the sweat-stains to prove it.

 

See Young The Giant perform in Honolulu tonight, and again on Dec.20th, 2014 at The Republik with local act, Human Lion opening.

Ty Segall @ Knitting Factory, Brooklyn

Ty Segall (San Francisco, CA) @ Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY, 23rd Oct. 2010 for AAM's CMJ 2010 showcase.

myspace.com/tysegall

Choice Notes

Alex Winston (Detroit, MI/New York, NY) @ Public Assembly, Brooklyn, NY for CMJ 2010.

Winston's brand of playful pop heard on her recordings are transformed to a more edgy soulful review when she takes to the stage with her band, with backup singers included. So while home listening may be conducive to prancing or pogo-ing; live, Winston and Co. are a groove intoxicating assault that demands the entire dance floor.

Although there is something to be said about an artist who can perform their recorded songs 'to a T' live, there's something refreshing about one who creates an entirely different experience for both, their recordings and their stage show. In this way, each has it's own charm and appeal. Some might argue that one may be better than the other, and that having been enthused by one only led to disappointment in the other, but I say, "Why argue when you can have both?"

Indeed, Alex Winston exemplifies the best of both worlds, in her charming recordings and stunning live performance. BASEMENT COVERS is a collection of covers, including songs originally performed by Mumford & Sons, Francis & The Lights, and the Rolling Stones. It is available as a free download. Alex's CHOICE NOTES 7", which includes two original songs, "Choice Notes" and "Medicine", is available for purchase. Both are brought to you via Heavy Roc Music.


Alex Winston - BASEMENT COVERS EP


Alex Winston - CHOICE NOTES 7"

myspace.com/alexwinston

heavyrocmusic.com

Small Island...Big Sounds

New Zealand showcase for CMJ 2010 @ Le Poisson Rouge, New York, NY, 19th Oct. 2010. Featuring Lawrence Arabia, Street Chant, Ruby Frost, Kids of 88, Zowie, and Electric Wire Hustle(not shown). Ten acts from New Zealand are featured at this years CMJ Music Marathon.

An eclectic blend of sounds echoed through the night at Le Poisson Rouge, as six of the ten acts performed, showing how New Zealand has added to its ever expanding cache of musical talent yet again. The evening started with the hauntingly good harmonizing of Lawrence Arabia, then moved into the ferocious wails of Street Chant, which was followed by a multitude of dance-inducing numbers supplied by the remaining four acts, each with its own personal groove and sway.

The only real consistency to be found was in the high quality of musicianship and showmanship, with each act giving a rousing performance to the delight of all in attendance.