Kristen Sollee: May 13, 2007

Sights and Sounds

of the past month

1. Marilyn Manson – “Heart Shaped Glasses”

   His voice is (still) shot, but somehow works on this new Lolita-inspired single. Sure the lyrics are a bit cute, but there’s none of the usual (and played out) OTT machinegun guitars – just melodic lead lines punctuated by crisp marching beats and chiming bells. Do I hear some Franz Ferdinand influence in there? If you’re not too proud, have a Listen...

2. The Poughkeepsie Tapes (NR)

   Full disclosure – its my brother’s film. Nevertheless, the Tribeca Film Festival thought it worthy to include in their lineup last week. This faux-doc certainly gives Blair Witch a run for its money. Watch the trailer…

3. Bell Hollow – Live @ Southpaw April 12

   2007 additions to my favorite local band – Tod Karasik on drums and Hillary Johnson on keys – really gives Bell Hollow an extra bite. Don’t miss their June 2nd show @ Club Midway!

4. The Hunt – s/t 7”

   First official release from the best-dressed band in New York City – but give a listen and you’ll realize it ain’t all about the fashion. The boys have a bunch of summer dates planned. Don’t miss out! Listen.

5. The Pierces – “Boring” video

   Old, yet still makes me laugh. New York’s fabulousness can get boring if you’re hot, young, and famous – but I wouldn’t know. Watch.

6. We Are The Fury – “You’re My Halo (Prom Song)”

   Uber-sweet romantique glam number perfect for a slowdance with that special someone. Listen.

7. The Sugar Report – Live @ Bowery Ballroom April 14

   Opening for Calla at the Bowery Ballroom, I had the chance to check out these black-clad members of the ever-growing post-punk army. Their sound live is as tight as on record and impeccably rehearsed (if not a bit overly so), and their music invokes early Killers, The Bravery, and Interpol – but overflows with a bouncy bravado that keeps them on the bright end of the spectrum and away from goth-post-punk territory. “Via LAX” stood out most that evening- surely a radio ready single if I’ve ever heard one. The melody has stuck with me for weeks. Listen.

8. The Opposite Sex – “Knives” video

   Masks and general mayhem punctuate the intense perfomance of this DC band in their first video. Watch.

9. Grindhouse (R)

   Yeah, everyone knows how awesome this movie is. And if you’re thinking about dissing it… “DON’T”

10. Bunnydrums – Live @ Southpaw April 12

    Muscular, intense, forceful. Quite an introduction to this (by-some-considered) classic post-punk band. Listen.