Plus 1 TV launched today

Quick shout out to former pill DJ Jennifer Sullivan, who today helped launch Plus 1 TV, something I know very little about but am excited by nonetheless. Early reports look as enticing, so I'm gonna dive right into this now... (EDIT: Wait, is that a Nick Vershok sighting?!?)

New BM Linx album online

BM Linx, blah blah blah, you've heard me sing the high praises of these NYC cats before.

But today (and for maybe longer) you can listen to their dope as fuck new album, Black Entertainment, via the 'Space. It was produced my Alan Moulder, it drops I think in early February and yes, oh yes, that is yours truly introducing the band at the end of the opening track, "Valentine."

Download the new Wonderful Spells EP

One of my fav local bands, the Wonderful Spells, have put their new EP "The Haunted Garage" up for free download on their website. I'm checking it out as I type, but if it's anything like the "Smarmulous Rex" EP from last year, well then it seems Santa left us one last Christmas present under the indie tree.

New Year's Day goes pop

From today's Hotline: One Happy Island and friends go 'pop' on New Year's Day.

After you pop champagne corks on New Year’s Eve, pop music on New Year’s Day.

That’s what One Happy Island hopes. On Thursday night the local quartet will provide the soundtrack for the fourth annual Indie Pop New Year’s Day Night at the Middle East in Cambridge.

“The way I see it, New Year’s Eve is so 2008,” said One Happy Island guitarist Brad San Martin . “2009 is where it’s at.”

Joining the bittersweet boy-girl backbeat styling of One Happy Island is the hip-hop performance art of local bad girl Cathy Cathodic, Vermont-based twee-popsters the Smittens, and Cotton Candy featuring Teenbeat Records’ Mark Robinson and Evelyn Hurley of Blast Off Country Style.

“This bill is actually a pretty cool cross-section of indie pop as it is happening now,” said San Martin. “All the bands are very DIY, but they all take that aesthetic in different directions.”

Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and there is a $9 cover.

If Girl: On Moms & the Facebook

To quote the great Glenn Danzig: "Mother, do you wanna be Facebook friends with me? Do you wanna see everything? Ohhhhhh Mother!"

The If Girl, always a must-read, has a great entry today serving as a warning to those not already engulfed in the Facebook flames of annoying relatives: Moms are taking over your favorite social networking site.

Upon further review... and New Year's Eve news

I'm 30, and I'm still alive. On a related note, enough people asked me why I was killing off Vanyaland to make me reconsider and trudge on. The simple question of "why?", posed by a handful of friends, was all I needed to keep it alive.

Suddenly, there are a shit ton of cool things going on for New Year's Eve, from Passion Pit at Great Scott (only 75 tix left) to FTW's Fuck 2008 party at Privus, which features an early-night fashion show styled by my wonderful lady using designs from Rescue of Allston & Maya Made It).

As for me, I'll be at the House That Mod Night Built, the Commonground, spinning a fairly no-frills indie dance party, bouncing around between all three. I'm too old to get worked up for NYE, but I sleep well knowing Boston finally has options again.

Good tidings

Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday to me. I found this under the tree this morning. Santa's jungle juice.

20 songs that ruled 2008

I was going to rank these, but I figured what's the point -- All these songs rule, and I love them fairly equally. For me, it was a great year for music, mainly because I discovered a lot of 2005-2007 electro in the past 12 months. But here are my picks for best new songs of 2008. It's one fucker of a mixtape, and obviously the best list ever assembled.

Hercules & Love Affair “Blind” – The bassline is right out of Blur’s Girls & Boys, the vocals right out of a basement handjob at Jacques Cabaret. Of course I love it, and it's my clear-cut Number 1 song of 2008 (decided before Pitchfork posted it!!!)

Passion Pit “I’ve Got Your Number” – “Can you hear me cry, tears like diamonds?” Lyric of the year. Will be performed at my wedding.

BM Linx "Kids on Fire" - From the opening fistfuck bass to the anthemic chorus, this band only knows one speed. Killer.

Does It Offend You Yeah? “We Are Rockstars” – More a sentimental placement, but still fierce as fuck on a drunken dancefloor. Only on the rest of the album wasn't so half-assed.

Foxglove Hunt “The Life Highrise” – Arizona duo pay tribute to their idols (Mode, OMD, PSB) in a stunning 5-minute display straight outta 1986. Watching kids at the pill go nuts to this every Friday is very awesome, but I might need to retire it.

Black Kids, “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You” – Completely played out by now, but it's a Cure-revived modern indie classic that ruled when first heard.

Golden Filter “Solid Gold” – Synth lines as smooth as a roller rink floor, midnight vocals and sharp as knives synth loops.

Crystal Castles “Vanished” – No idea what the lyrics are, but the beats and keys show simplicity is best when sauced at the bar with your head on the bar. Bonus points for being taken from my top album of 2008.

MGMT “Kids” – Took over indie, took over everyone. But maybe the Soulwax remix is even better.

Toxic Avenger “Bad Girls Need Love Too” – Who needs vocals when the Toxic Avenger comes all sorts of electro-fucked correct. Playing this almost got me tossed from the pill DJ booth. Everything this guy does rules.

Cut Copy “Lights & Music” – ...are on my mind. All fucking year.

Hearts Revolution “Switchblade” – Epic is as epic does, and while the LA Riots mix trumps the album cut due to the lost final two minutes, the original is worthy of props.

Hot Chip “Ready For the Floor” – The first great song of 2009. And all we needed – and got – from the overrated Hot Chip.

MGMT “Time To Pretend” – Smug vocals only trumped by that synth line. Immediately distinguishable.

Grum “Go Back” (Le Castle Vania Remix) – Face-fucked electro spin by Atlanta’s DJ Dylan. Sound the feasting horn, and pound out the splatter beats.

Estelle “American Boy” – Every year one Top 40 pop song gets me. Here is it.

The Dossier “Another Night” – Saintface reinvented as a synthpop duo could finally give Peter Riley the fame and accolades he deserves.

The Presets “This Boy’s In Love” – On an album better swallowed as a whole than in parts, here’s the standout.

Crystal Castles, “Courtship Dating” – Alice will cut you. Alice will fucking cut you. Ahhhhhh, <3

The Ting Tings “Great DJ” – Fed up with your indie-gestion, it must be the drums.

Hooray For Earth gives us "Coal" for Christmas

From today's Christmas Eve Boston Herald Hotline: Hooray for Earth has given us a Christmas song, but you can skip my blah blah blahs and stream/download it straight from Hooray For Earth's MySpace blog.

Just when we thought we'd be stuck with the Yeah Yeah Yeah's eggnog-drunk Christmas song ``All I Want For Christmas'' as our indie rock holiday jam, local boys Hooray For Earth have come through with a dandy little number of their own.

The track is called ``I Hope You Get Coal,'' and it's available for free download through their MySpace blog. Written in just 80 minutes last Friday, ``I Hope You Get Coal'' has that traditional Hooray For Earth crunch-rock bounce, but with jingly holiday vibes mixed in like a warm glass of Bailey's Irish Cream. And the fact that it comes with no screeches, howls or purrs from Karen O makes it Hotline's favorite new Christmas song of the season.

You haven't really lived...

...until you get your article debated (with both attack and praise) over on Morrissey-solo.com.

De/Vision in Boston, Jan. 14

Now I’m too old and crotchety to be getting all excited about touring-band shows anymore, but I nearly shat out my limited edition “We Fly… Tonight” maxi-single when I saw that De/Vision are coming to North America next month.

Even more shocking than the German synthpop legends’ domestic jaunt is that they’re coming here to shitty-assed Boston. While I’m no fan of the club Machine or its D&D head-in-the-black-cloud fetish clientele, this is a suitable venue for this and I’ll easily deflect many a dirty stare from the goth leftovers in order to have fun.

I’ve been obsessed with De/Vision since the moment I heard 1992’s “World Without End” many moons ago, and while the piano-ballad era of recent years hasn’t painted them as well as the Antiquity-Fairlyland-Monosex era, this will be some epic shit. I won’t demand to hear “To Be With You,” a Top 5 Michael V song since college and still a mix-tape staple, but I will hope for some pre-1999 material. De/Vision was truly the soundtrack of my life in the late ‘90s, and along with Wolfsheim (who sucked live), were my two favorite acts during this period.

Outside of the quite amazing track “Hooked,” Seabound never really did much for me. I’m pretty detached these days from the grossly stagnant EBM-darkwave scene, but regardless, I’ll be reliving some golden days at this shit next month. Very exciting…

Morrissey snubs our very own Eli "Paperboy" Reed

From today's Hotline column: Eli Reed gets snubbed by the Mozzer!

When Morrissey hits Boston’s new House of Blues on March 29, he won’t have local soul man Eli “Paperboy” Reed opening the show for him. Too bad given how close the two came to pairing up for a lengthy 2009 tour.

Morrissey’s camp allegedly struck a deal to have Brookline soulman Reed and his band, the True Loves, open for five weeks of the Mozzer’s seven-week North America tour early next year. But two weeks ago, the former Smiths frontman took in a True Loves gig in London and suddenly nixed the deal.

Reed did not respond to several Hotline requests for comment on Moz-gate, but spilled the details last week on a local music message board, Lemmingtrail.

“It’s alright, now at least we can do all the other stuff we couldn’t do because of how long the tour was,” Reed wrote. “(We) just played for 1,300 people headlining in Madrid so at least I have that going for me. I really just wanted to play Carnegie Hall.”

Morrissey’s upcoming tour hits the New York landmark on March 26.

“At least he came to the show,” Reed wrote. “I just wish they hadn’t confirmed beforehand.”

The snub could be a blessing, as Morrissey’s opening acts have ranged from terrible to unlistenable. Anyone remember Elcka or the Planet Rockers?

Morrissey’s new album, “Years of Refusal,” drops Feb. 17 on his new label, Nashville-based Lost Highway records.

Michael on Allston eats

I just saw this, a few months after the fact, but I was quoted in the Phoenix in September about great food in the Allston area, and I hyped up Reef Cafe and S. Kiri. As is my life, Kiri is now closed. But I assure you, that dragon maki was indeed "off the chain." If I did this interview today, I'd still be all about Reef, but would also praise the shit out of Privus' sushi.

Marotta is wild about chicken shawarma from Reef Cafe (170 Brighton Avenue, Allston, 617.202.6366), served alongside its own creamy garlic sauce and pickle spears for the plate version ($9.95). Crisp cucumber, tomato and parsley salad counters the salty, marinated chicken.

"There's nothing like it in Allston, and that's saying a lot given the wealth of international food options,” he says.

Around the corner in the old Tokyo City spot is pan-Asian outlet Suvarnabhumi Kiri (90-92 Harvard Avenue, Allston, 617.562.8888), where Marotta calls spider maki ($10.50 for four pieces) “off the chain.” Satisfying pops of flying fish roe counter meaty hunks of fried soft-shell crab and creamy avocado, making this a wise stop.

ITP: Top 10 for 2008

This ran in today's Herald. Expect a more detailed list (Top songs/albums/reality shows) posted here next week.

1. Crystal Castles, “Crystal Castles.” This forceful debut pushes electronic music into the mainstream like Ladytron did earlier this decade.

2. Passion Pit, “Chuck of Change.” Inevitable stardom for our local synthpop boys became apparent 45 seconds into opener “I’ve Got Your Number.”

3. Hercules & Love Affair, “Blind.” The full album fails to live up to this six-minutes of nu-disco brilliance, but how could it?

4. MGMT, “Oracular Spectacular.” With two great, anthem-like singles in “Kids” and “Time to Pretend,” who cares if the rest is filler?

5. The Virgins, “The Virgins.” Overlooked party’s-over album for New York City’s about-to-end decade of decadence.

6. Hearts Revolution, “Switchblade.” LA-turned-NYC duo’s scratchy, glitch-filled electro holds up as album cuts and explodes when remixed correctly (as by LA Riots, Flosstradamus).

7. Black Kids, “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You.” It turned out Black Kids had only one good song - but what a song.

8. Does It Offend You Yeah? “We Are Rockstars.” Note to DIOYY: Stop the Killers-like wannabe cheese-pop and keep making pounding dance-floor bangers.

9. The Golden Filter, “Solid Gold.” Internet-only synth-disco track from anonymous NYC duo blew up the blogs and left us wanting more. Bring it on.

10. The Presets, “Apocalypso.” Corny lyrics aside, this Australian duo made one of the best electronic albums of 2008 - and that says a lot.

In case you were wondering...

... Yes, that was me on the jumbotron at the Bruins game last night getting the trivia question wrong. Serves the Garden folk right for putting a Devils fan up there to answer a question about the Leafs-Bruins. As far as I'm concerned, the NHL started in 1982...

Friday: 30 Rocked

While I debate the merits of every aspe4ct of my life outside my girlfriend and cat, I do know this much is true: Friday I eulogize my 20s in a hazy black sea of Jager and indie/electro. Barnicle helps with the honors.

Death of Vanya...land

Come Thursday, Dec. 25, this blog will die along with my 20s. Thanks for reading, all 6 of you. xo.

Cheap Seats: Why we watch reality TV

On today's Herald A&E front page: You know you watch Charm School, I Love Money and the rest of them...

The world is a crazy place. The economy is in a recession, the government is bailing out private industry and “high-pitched hottie” Simeon Moses won VH1’s “The Pick Up Artist 2.”

As optimism over the current global climate declines, ratings and interest for some of television’s guiltiest pleasures seem to be continuing to rise, with VH1, MTV and Bravo among the chief beneficiaries.

Cool to see that right after this story ran, we learned that Sharon Osbourne ripped out Megan's hair, sending her to the hospital, after she said Sharon was only famous for marrying some "braindead rock star." Oof.

God I love this shit...

Also ITP recently: Boston trio gets Ikki on Double Shot of Love

Fleetwood Mac Hate Mail

Now I get all sorts of fun hate mail, but I may have received the BEST piece of hate mail ever this mornig from one John Blake, who hopefully isn't related to Robert:

You're a stupid, snide, ignorant, musically retarded piece of SHIT for insulting Fleetwood Mac. Whose cock did you suck to get your gig? Idiot.

Talk about the landslide bringing me down... Anyway, it should be noted that this reaction came after I insulted this band, seen below.

Countdown to 30

I have exactly a fortnight left of my 20s. For anyone who has known me throughout this Decade of Destructive Decadence, this is a monumental feat of excellence only matched by the landing on the moon, the 2000 New Jersey Devils and Suede’s first album.

Blur: Modern Life is Reunion

All together now: Woohoo!. Clearly motivated by semi-positive reviews of the new Oasis album, Blur is reforming next year, according to the NME. Wake me when Menswear reconcile.

2,700-year-old izm found. Won't get you zooted

Nearly two pounds of still-green plant material found in a 2,700-year-old grave in the Gobi Desert has just been identified as the world's oldest marijuana stash, according to a paper in the latest issue of the Journal of Experimental Botany.

But here's where I harsh your buzz: We know from both the chemical analysis and genetics that it could produce THC (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase, the main psychoactive chemical in the plant)," explained Ethan Russo, adding that no one could feel its effects today, due to decomposition over the millennia.

Do you watch VH1 or Bravo reality TV?

Ok, I need help here. I'm writing a story about how the Bad Economy is inflating ratings of reality television, much the way the Great Depression fueled the initial Hollywood surge almost a century ago.

Are you broke as fuck, don't go out and instead watch crap* TV on Bravo, VH1, MTV, Oxygen, etc. to live vicariously through these drunken fools? If so, hit me up at mmarotta@bostonherald.com and share your woes. (* And by crap I mean the best shit ever, obvs).

Drop the Lime crashes Circus, head asplodez

Ahhhhh, this weekend was fucking INSANE. Holy shit!

Friday night at the pill was its usual dopeness, Sunday night at the BMAs was its usual dopiness. But sandwiched in between was one of the most epic parties I’ve ever been to, let alone be a part of.

So Saturday night was the On That Tip blog launch at Circus, and I held up my duty by dropping my usual indie-dance electro banger set early on, eagerly warming shit up for DJ Die Young. But around 1-ish, just when the pills started to kick in, the appletinis started to melt my insides and the strobe burned alien messages into my head, it happened.

Brooklyn breakbeat master Drop The Lime ditched his scheduled appearance at the lame-ass teen party across the street at Harper’s Ferry, was hijacked by a FTW promoter and came over to Circus to throw down the most epic bass-pound dance set ever, culminating with Jon from Hot Pink Delorean free styling in the middle of a packed dance floor that didn’t even flinch when the house lights screamed out at closing time.

So to recap the night: DJ Michael V., then Die Young, then Drop The Lime (one of these things is unlike the other…) all at a packed out free party at a chic sushi lounge in Allston celebrating the launch of my lady’s nightlife blog. Motherfuck yes.

Love is All, tonight at GS

From the category of Things That Didn't Find It's Way Into Herald Print This Morning:Back in February, MGMT and Yeasayer rolled up to Great Scott and melted every face in the 240-person capacity room. Even before it went down, it was one of those “last chance to see these guys in a room this small” kind of shows. A few months later, MGMT sold out two nights at the Paradise Rock Club, and Yeasayer followed suit with its own ‘Dise gig in October.

The next in the “catch them now before your mom knows who they are” line of double-headliner bills hits Allston’s Great Scott once again this evening. This one features Sweden’s Love Is All and Brooklyn’s Crystal Stilts, with local kids Reports opening things up.

How different is the modern world of indie in Sweden and Brooklyn? Where Love Is All channel the frantic energy of early post-punk with equal parts saxophone, guitar and keyboards, Crystal Stilts takes things down a notch with moody psych rock that’s become a blog favorite. Yet on the same stage, it should mesh perfectly.

Despite the difference in sound, both have one thing in common: Neither will be doing the club circuit next time in Boston. Doors at 9 p.m., it’s an 18-plus show and the cover is $10.

Weekend ahead! Lights Out, Circus, BMAs, Love Is All

TGImotherfuckingF. Big shit on tap this weekend, which is very much welcomed after my first week back at the compound. What goes on? Glad you asked...

Friday: I've wanted to get The Lights Out at the pill since spring, when I first heard the new EP and "Never Going Back" ruled my dome. The local rock dudes have this sweet mix of Muse/Franz with dirty American garage rock, perfect for coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Repeal Day and my return from Florida.

Saturday: Less than two months later, I'm back at Circus. And to make it even more ridiculous is I'm spinning alongside someone I truly admire, DJ Die Young. It's also the On That Tip blog launch party, even more reason to pound eight Appletinis at Privus and crash-in come Sunday.

Sunday: It's the Boston Music Awards, though who knows if they'll let me in. Full report to come...

Monday: Remember when MGMT and Yeasayer played Great Scott in February, only to move on separately to the Paradise months later? Well, Love Is All / Crystal Stilts tonight is the new MGMT/Yeasayer at Great Scott. Tell your kids-type show and shit. A more detailed description appears in Monday's Herald.

New Year's Eve

Yes, I sold out, and no, you don't have anything better to do.

More on the BMAs (Better Move Away?)

Today in le Herald I ask the age-old question, If a Boston Music Award falls in an empty room, does it make a sound? The "big event" is Sunday, and right now it doesn't appear likely I'll be let in...

Blender Mag name drops me -- kinda

If anyone's wondering, yeah, that was my Boston Herald article Blender cited on its Letters to the Editor page this month in the aftermath of their whole "2Pac Most Overrated blah blah" thing. Couldn't they have printed my name instead of saying "Boston Herald columnist." Is my name not golden?!?!?! Still way cool to suddenly read on the bike at Bally's

On That Tip launch party 12.06.08

This Saturday I'm back at Privus Lounge's dope electro dance party, Circus, for that On That Tip blog re-launch party. I'm spinning with Dopamine Records' DJ Die Young, who is one of the best DJs in the city right now. How did I pull this shit off? Yikes...

Life is good, ringtone lover

So I'm back. While traveling yesterday sucked harder than Sean Avery, things are pretty awesome. As in:

- Lola showed much affection upon coming home after 5 days away.
- Simeon won the Pick Up Artist 2, much to my relief.
- The planned Vanya consulting firm looks to have solid financial backing in 2k9.
- Only 24 days left of my tumultuous 20s.
- Scored some sweet music from my brother while in Florida, and ate at the world-famous Charlie's Steak House like whoa.
- Enjoyed Tampa's finest indie night, where a $10 cover means "open bar."
- Had a great time traveling with the lady, chilling on the lanai on the golf course.
- The countdown to the March Cuise to Mexico is on!
- And... I return to find the Herald finally ran my feel-good story on What Your Ringtone Says About You.

Stephanie Myers of Allston is the best around, and nothing’s going to ever keep her down. How does she know? The 26-year-old’s cell phone tells her so every time it rings.

Myers proudly sports Joe Esposito’s 1985 semi-hit “You’re the Best” - commonly known as the theme from the original “Karate Kid” movie - as her ringtone of choice.

Macys Parade gets RickRolled?

I don't know what to make of this, as I was too busy drunkenly arguing Obamanomics with my dipshit Floridian relatives all day yesterday, but did Rick Astley really make a fucking appearance at the parade in NYC?

Terrible lip sync, but still, holy shit, HE IS BACK!!! It was only a matter of time, and good on the Rick for cashing in on this shit. Knock out that National Grid bill my boy, go'head...



(PS -- Florida vacation fucking rules. Life is good.)

Dance to the FNX Radio

I interrupt my sterling vacation to bring Vanyaland this message: I'll be on FNX 101.7 FM tomorrow/Wednesday at 9am, discussing the new Killers album. Oh, I got some things to say.

From there I pack my suitcase and head to Tampa Rock City until Sunday. Happy Thanksagiving and all, as I might not be near a 'puter while basking in the sunshine. One love xo.

Meteor hits Canada

Edmonton hasn't seen something crash down to Earth like this since the end of the Oilers dynasty.

Matters & Dunaway tonight at the pill

Matters & Dunaway, another amazing electronic act (more electronica than electro) to emerge from Boston, hits the pill tonight. I was blown away by their sweeping electronic shoegaze sounds last month at TTs, so this shit should be off the chain.

More to come later, I hope. I'm on vaykay next week and am doing three days work in 5 hours today in the newsroom! Halp.

Boston Music Awards tune out fans

From today's column, the Boston Music Awards show is invite-only this year, at the Roxy Dec. 7. Celebrate Pearl Habor Day with shitty music!

Last year's event was a bore, so I agree with moving it to Roxy. But why will people give a shit if they can't attend - or even witness - the event? Boston doesn't need another inner-circle circle-jerk. Evs.

ITP: Marr roast, Herald hits back at Leary

First off, today's Hotline: Allston audio engineer Richard Marr gets roasted, Timberlake releases new song via MySpace.

And more importantly, it seems my lil' ol' review of the Denis Leary outburst Saturday night has led the Herald to go full-scale, front-page-splash attack on the lame-ass actor-comedian. Good bitchslap here and all, but still no smackdown over his comrades' use of the word "fag." Oh wellz.

Justice "Unplugged"

Follow-up -- URB has a response from Gaspar of Justice: "Yeah, shit happens! I remember the story, I couldn't remember the city but i think it was in Manchester. I didn't noticed at first, because as you can see I was looking at the computer to launch the next vocal hook and right after I realised that the blue screen went black, so there was no way possible it could work. So I plugged it back in, big deal! And the next thing you know is this picture."

Hey Justice, before you collect that five-figure show fee, ya might want to plug in all your gear, unless of course this is a new show from MTV's "Unplugged" series. And here I was offended at the Paradise when they walked onstage with pizza. OMG LOL Tech Funk Manifesto FTW.

Bored

I'm bored. Boston bores me. But unlike everyone else, I'm not leaving. I'm channeling my inner-Alig and dedicating 2k9 to making this puritanical fuckhole of a city fun again. Seriously...

No more days spent in offices, no more bored nights watching shit tv, no more giving tired-assed club nights the benefit of the doubt because there's nothing else to do. I need to feel alive again... /rant.

Guns N' Bombs in Allston Wednesday

from today's online edition of le Hotline:

Explosive Bombs
Another week, and another acclaimed electro DJ team rolls into Boston.

This time around it’s Los Angeles duo Guns N’ Bombs, which hits Great Scott in Allston Wednesday for the roving Throwed dance party.

Comprised of Chicago-born DJ Jonny Love and Ima Robot bassist Filip Turbotito, GnB already have remixes of songs by Chromeo and Klaxons under their white belts. But lately the duo has turned house parties and dance floors inside out with original crunch-looped electro tracks. Check out the duo’s MySpace [website] page for links to their mixtapes.

Leary: Autism off limits, but fags are OK!

From today's Herald, my review of Comics Come Home, which Denis Leary used to rip the Herald over coverage of his remarks on austistic children (read the review for the breakdown).

But what didn't make it into the Herald review today was my thoughts on Patrice Oneal and Jim Breuer constantly using the word "faggot" in their act:

Though while Leary was oversensitive to offending the autistic community, it was unfortunate two of his chosen comedians, Oneal and Breuer, constantly used a derogatory term for homosexuals as a means for cheap laughs. Breuer revealed his wife calls him a “faggot” when he forgets to take out the trash, and his young children copy the word but misspeak it as “ferret.”

How is this cool or funny? Leary gets all pissy when media portrays him as offening parents with austism, but his hired laughs saying "faggot" is comedic material? Then again, Breuer waited about four seconds before launching his tired-ass Goat Boy act, so maybe dude has no originality left. As for Oneal's "Men vs Woman" schtick, most of his shit was funny when Chris Rock said it first.

My lady rules

Weekend props to my gal B., who joined the team of That Tip as a fashion/style writer/bitch. The Fashist Dictator is on the prowl (lolz), so look the part. She'll be at Circus tonight giving you the stink-eye.

Meanwhile, I'm off to hang with Dennis Leary at the Cam Neely ha-ha fest. I'm wearing a t-shirt so he sees my NJ Devils tattoo.

Flosstradamus tonight @ Estate

If I wasn't at the pill tonight, this is where I'd be. Here's the unedited piece from today's Herald column:

Floss every day
Hearts Revolution’s epic electro banger single “C.Y.O.A.” was holding up on its own, then along came Flosstradamus’ power-house bass-thump remix and dance floors haven’t been the same since. The Chicago DJ duo, who hits the Estate tonight for the monthly Sweat dance party, has been molding punk and hip-hop vibes into the new wave of electronic dance music, collaborating with the likes of Kid Sister, the Cool Kids and A-Trak.

So it’ll be quite the quite the eclectic mix on the dance floor tonight, as Flosstradamus is the latest in the long line of major league electro acts (MSTRKRFT, Le Castle Vania) to spin the banging Sweat dance party for know-all hipsters and downtown snobs alike.

Also in today's Hotline: Cut Copy, Bang Camaro, Fatal Flaw, Scarce and Bruce Springsteen. Yeah, brah.

Chased down by the law

Every journalist has one of these. This morning I was shooting video of the House of Blues construction (yeah, I'm obsessed) and apparently once a Live Nation or Lyons Group employee spotted me, the detail cop came over to see what I was all about. Video of the incident (which ended up with me shooting the breeze with the badge for about 45 minutes. Good guy.)

ITP: HoB gets first listing

Per today's Hotline column, it looks like the House of Blues on Lansdowne should be opened by February, since Jimmy Eat World posted a Feb. 26 date (much to Live Nation's chagrin).

I drove past the site this morning, and there's no way this shit will be completed by February. Maybe in San Diego construction can go uninterupted through Dec.-Feb., but New England winters might have a say in this project. LN folks are hopeful, and as usual, tight-lipped about everything. Bet this JEW show gets moved to Orpheum or Wilbur or somewhere else just as shitty.

In more Very Important news, Bang Camaro releases its second album Friday at the Dise, and Eli Reed performed on the BBC's "Later with Jools Holland" this week.

DJ set @ Enormous Room Wednesday

Hellauxx! The Michael V electro rampage continues through Cambridge on Wednesday, as I'm guest spinning at Hellauxx, Justincredible and Zak's dope midweek party. Expect more of the same mechanical dance floor mayhem. Shit gets started around 11, and there is no cover... I think I'm closing the night, but not certain. My N.1, Brigid the Fierce, serves as the night's hostess.

This will also be my last non-pill DJ set in 2k8. What a year it's been, from Audiogasm in the winter to Privus, Middlesex and now Enormous Room to close it all out. Damn.

Astley is "Best Act Ever"

MTV Europe last week christened Rick Astley the "Best Act Ever" at its annual awards show, pretty much ignoring a spam-bot website that not only rigged the voting process, but secured Astley about 80 percent OF ALL VOTES CAST ACTOSS FIFTEEN CATEGORIES.

RickRolling was one thing, but this RickVote shit is just a menace. Happy Monday in the land of possums.

new pill flyer - headmusic

Here's the last of the 2008 pill flyer series, a tribue to Suede's 4th best album, "Headmusic." (Hey, suspending a matress for a "Coming Up" shot was unreasonable.) Rounding out our live sked for the year, it features Saffron and Brigid, shot here in the Bricheal Possum Kingdom in Allston. xo

Waitin in the rain for Fall Out Boy

As everyone knows by now, Fall Out Boy is playing in Allston tonight, and I used it as an excuse to get out of the newsroom and hang with some teenage kids along Brighton Ave. Yes, my voice is truly this sexy, and yes, I get paid to do this shit.

Good Time Emporium auction

From today's Herald column: Ummmmmmmmmm, holy shit.

If air-hockey tables, video arcade games and a 28-person Lazertron obstacle arena are on your loved ones’ Christmas lists, Brockton is the place to be this weekend.

All of the games and goods from the shuttered Good Time Emporium in Somerville will be auctioned on Saturday at 10 a.m. at 525 Campanelli Drive in Brockton, the address of what was supposed to be the location of Good Time owner Dan Hayes’ new arcade and gaming Mecca. Plans to open the new facility fell through last month.

Everything from battery-powered bumper cars to Skee-Ball lanes to nightclub lighting are among the thousand or so items available. A walk-through takes place Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday at 8 a.m.

Friday: Lifestyle

As we all bask in the glow of President Obama while smoking pot with greyhounds on paved roads, I'm equally elated to host Lifestyle this Friday at le pill:

Tears of a Clown: Brodeur to Abbey

I'm not even gonna address the news that Martin Brodeur is done until springtime (Think I don't blame the new mask?). Instead, here's another edition of In the Papers:

Nov. 4: The Abbey is closing around thanksgiving, the Garden remains the Garden and Fall Out Boy plays Harper's Ferry on Thursday. The end, just like the Devils' season.

I ain't no preacher

In addition to the Fatal Flaw releasing its debut album, today is all sorts of important. Now I ain't no preacher, but I'll tell you this: In Massachusetts, I like paved roads, freedom of Izm and healthy pups. Oh, and this stuff:

Best Weekend Ever

Holy shit, I think I just came to. It's finally November, I think. A recap of le weekend:

Friday -- Insanity. Possibly the largest pill crowd ever, and Elastica, the Kinks and the Strokes were all on fucking point. Bonus for it being a Friday and allowing 2 hours of dance party time after the live sets. This was bananas.

Saturday -- After realizing SAlem was still a clusterfuck, a day spent picking up snail shells on the rocky beaches of Marblehead was a perfect day-after. Sushi at Privus and a truncated Circus put me out early.

Sunday -- I have no iodea what I did yesterday. But I won my Fantasy Football game, so there's that.

I am spent. Halloween was my last big event of 2k8, and it went remarkably well. Other than the pill each Friday, a guest spot at Enormous Room Nov. 12 and the Vanya Xmas Birthday Bash next month, I'm on easy street until New Year's. xo.

River Phoenix death 15 years ago today

I just got this weird chest pain in the newsroom, thought about dying on Halloween, and suddenly remembered that 15 years ago this morning River Phoenix OD'd outside the Viper Room in LA. Even more depressing is this anniversary comes a day after his younger choad-smoking brother Joaquin tells the world he's done with Hollywood. Go figure.

RIP River, you were an inspiration to us devastatingly attractive people worldwide. xo.

MTVmusic.com is no joke

The best news this week hasn't gotten much attention, but apparently MTV archived its entire video collection, putting 16,000 videos online for free viewing, in addition to a few thousand other clips and concert footage. It's all at MTVmusic.com.

From today's column: At last it’s possible to watch Toto’s “Africa” and Aphex Twin’s “Windowlicker” with the click of a mouse. Throw in Vanya favorites from Suede to Crystal Castles, and this shit is no joke.

It also should be noted that Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" has crashed both the Top Rated and Top Viewed lists, proving that Rick Rolling is alive and well and more relevant today than "Thriller," "Vogue" or "November Rain."

Last minute Halloween

It's Oct. 31, finally, and in today's Herald I discuss some last-minute ideas on having a fun night out. But more importantly, my Top 5 Costumes for 2008 was cut entirely, and I wonder why... But since it didn't run, I'll post it here:

TOP 5 LAST MINUTE COSTUMES
Showing up as Sarah Palin is the Halloween equivalent to going to the prom and seeing everyone in the same dress. Here are five easy Halloween costume ideas that are sure to turn heads like Linda Blair in “The Exorcist.”
5. Pregnant Gloucester Teen – All you need is a pillow and some bad advice.
4. 8-year-old with an Uzi – No NRA membership card necessary.
3. Ashley Todd – Carve a backwards “B” and blame everyone at the party.
2. Joe the Plumber – More than it’s cracked up to be.
1. Suicidal Wall Street banker – How far has your stock fallen?

Anthrax scare at the Herald

We were evacuated for 90 minutes, and instead of getting on the buses "to keep us warm," we went drinking at Foley's. Aight.

Good.
Fucking.
Times.

Halloween

So tomorrow night is my last big-ish event of 2008, as November and December finds me cruising toward Dirty 30 at warped speed. It's been a fun year, but I need a break and this seems deserving as a final sending for the Oh-8.

Set times run something like this: Elastica 10pm, the Kinks 10:45pm, the Strokes 11:30pm. Best Costume wins free admission +1 to the pill for a year, and runner-up gets that prize until New Year's.

I want to dress up as Angelique from Rock of Love 2, but I have no idea how I'll pull this off. I might just go as a Tranny anyway... See you on the floor. "Ahhh'luuuuvee ehht."

Duff-peche Mode. Nay.

So Hilary Duff has "reworked" Depeche Mode's classic "Personal Jesus," and even altered the lyrics so instead of singing "touch faith" she squeals "touch me." Motherfuck of a musical abortion, right here. I miss the good old days when only half-assed industria-fagatrons like Orgy fucked around with dark 80's synthpop. Ugh City, Pop. Me.

More <3 from That Tip

Nightlife blog That Tip shows some love once again, this time from Sunday night's close-out set at Middlesex. Knight of 77 with the recap in "Michael V banged me":

"Boston electro Djs duck for cover. Micheal V is coming and he is not leaving survivors, organ donors, or widows for that matter."

Very rarely do I like to use the term " banger" in fact the term is an affront to my every sense, including smell.
However, Micheal V's collection of indie rock remixes including a fist pumping, ass fucking ,jaw dropping remix of MGMT's "Kids", had literally everyone left at middlesex dancing like there probably wasn't going to be a tommorow. My stance was this, as long as Micheal keeps this shit up, im looking forward to tommorow as long as he's djing.

So , to sum everything up: Welcome back Micheal V, and Congrats to Barnicle

The Dr. is in... the mail

So Dr. Pepper promised everyone in America a free Dr. Pepper if Guns N' Roses' shitshow of a new album, "Chinese Democracy," was released in 2008. That we know. But here's word that to get that free Dr. Pepper, you gotta register online for a coupon to arrive in the mail. What in the name of a sober Steven Adler is that shit?

Great publicity stunt, shitty execution.

Mad props

As I wipe the crust out me'eye after a killer night making electro love to the Middlesex Lounge sound system, I'm going to let someone else sing my praises (as opposed to me, as usual). From the amazingly awesome local fashion and nitelife blog That Tip:

Oct. 20: This week in particular, I found the Pill to display a larger diversity within its patrons, no longer are we besieged by the harem of black haired ex karen o's, but greeted by a youful swagger of contemporary and old school indie music lovers alike. Which leads us to our next point, that although carving out a niche as Boston's premier true "indie " nights, I'm really into DJ Michael V's willingness to explore some of the more electronic based sounds coming out of the indie underground these days.

Word to that.

Holy shit this rules: Army Navy

I needed to find a cool show to hype in Monday's Herald, and saw Dave Virr/Duncan is throwing a British Accents gig at the Mid-Easy that night. I checked out the headliner and -- holy shit, this is all kinds of amazing, and I HATE HATE HATE guitar-based indie in the ol' 2k8.

Army Navy

From the MySpace, it says they're from Los Angeles/Seattle/Portland, but jesus fuck this is right outta circa '90ish Manchester. All sorts of great shit in here, from baggy influences to my beloved Ride. There's even some early Sunny Day Real Estate vibes thrown in for good measure.

Check out "Saints" and the cover of Maxine Nightengale's lost classiq "Get Right Back" (a song impossible to screw up) then join me in Central Square on Monday. I am loving the holy motherfucking shit out of this. Wow, what a pleasant Friday afternoon surprise.

DJ set @ Middlesex / Barnicle CD release

As we all know, the lovely and talented Miss Lindsey Starr has joined Barnicle, and they are celebrating their CD release party this Sunday at the Middlesex Lounge in Cambridge. They asked me to spin the robo-disko jams, and I was happy to oblige. DJing at Middlesex should be shhhhweeeeeeeet! Doors at 9, $5 cover...

Bosstones' Throwdown goes paper-less

So the Mighty Mighty Bosstones are doing their "Hometown Throwdown" thing in December, but check it -- no tickets will be issuesd. It'll be all will call, in an effort to stop scalpers and online resellers from jacking up the price. Last year, tickets went as high as $1,000. Fucking madness.

From my award-winning news report: “The band wanted to make every effort to discourage the insanity that went down last year and keep the tickets out of the hands of scalpers and ticket services,” said Bosstones manager Darren Hill. “It’s the only way to guarantee that all of the tickets will be sold to actual fans, and at face value.”

I couldn't get all opinionated in the Herald today, but honestly I think this is the future of concerts. The Internet has taken the scalper off the street corner and into living rooms, and the Aces and StubHubs are making killings of ticket reselling. The Middle East will open doors earlier than usual to accomodate the Will Call crush, so I think this should be a smooth operation and ensure true fans can hit this up without selling their limited "Someday I Suppose" green-plaid 7-inch.

Also in today's paper: Another sterling Style Calendar, where I assure folks they can put lipstick on a pit bull. But only at Macy's.

Hockey game delayed by "dildo downpour"

All the news that's fit to strap-on. Only in Sweden...

Booze coming to the Wilbur! No way!

We are truly blessed, as the Wilbur Theatre won't be the Arlington of Boston music venues for long! That's right, a liquor license is on the way! The delay was caused by a joint-license tying the Wilbur in with Aria Nightclub -- so if some thug pulls a gun at Aria (like, again), that could bring the Tremont Street concert venue down with it. Go Boston!

Oct. 31

Halloween is less than a fortnight away, and I don't have any costume plans. Bring back Eddie Izzard? Zombie whatever? Sexy whatever? Maybe I should be Brett Anderson since Justine Frischmann is performing... Perhaps DJ Ken as Damon ALbarn, and we can battle it out off-stage?

Best commercial ever <3

I am a hateful, bitter and spiteful person, and yet this commercial brings me to tears. Who knew all it took to break me down was two wayward sock puppets and a great Old 97s lyric?

Tonight: the Dossier at the pill

Back in the day, it was Saintface. Today, it's the Dossier, a sharp lil NYC synthpop duo that has risen from the Smithian ashes of Le Visage de Saint. It has a Erasure-like vibe to it, but with a modernized synthetic sound and, of course, the usually brilliant lyrical play by vocalist Peter Riley.

How we love Mr. Peter Riley... Doors at 10, $5, all that jazz.

****

And I implore each and everyone to hit up Privus Lounge tomorrow night as I guest DJ at killer electro par-tay Circus. This is, like, a big deal.

Want a Cupcake t-shirt? Get in line

So Johnny Cupcakes is releasing four new Halloween-themed t-shirts tonight at his Newbury Street shop.

If you're finding out about this now, you're shit outta luck, as kids started waiting in line Tuesday at 5am. Yes, Tuesday at 5am, for a $75 t-shirt. Craziness. But Johnny "Cupcakes" Earle is one chill dude, and to think he's pulling in $3.75 million in sales this year after starting the company in 2001 out of his '89 Camry gives hope to everyone. He also now has a Melrose Blvd store in Los Angeles to match his two Boston-area shops.

Recently named Number 1 Young Entrepreneur in America by Business Week, Earle proves that one idea is all is takes, whether it be an Internet search engine or putting a cupcake atop a skull and crossbones and slapping it on a shirt.

NYTimes: dudes <3 cats

So the NYTimes goes "all the news that's fit to purr" today and tells the world it's OK for a bloke to love his kitty. Naturally, Slate is all over it.

Why wasn't I consulted for this? Or was Lola contacted for a comment and never told me? She's been kinda bitchy lately (and very mouthy) but we think it has to do with the suddenly neon pink bedroom walls and my refusal to let her play with her new friend, Mr Q-Tip.

Question

In a story on arts- and satire-tingled political websites about the candidates, how does the line "Barack and roll all night, and choose a party every day" get edited out of a blurb about musicians supporting Obama?

That shit was GOLD.

DJ set @ Circus :::: This Saturday!!!!

Holy shit. So this Saturday at Privus Lounge I'm guest spinning at CIRCUS, Boston's best weekly electro dance party. This was/is my Saturday night hang all summer/every week, so I'm psyched as shit to drop some mechanical beats on the Allston masses. Viva la Robo-disko

Charm School

"Her hair looks like my period."

This is the Greatest Show on Television. I'm so cracked out from painting my apt yesterday then killin it to MSTRKRFT at Estate, so more to come on this... but I will say this could be even more entertaining than I Love Money. Come on, watching LACEY try to rip off RAVEN's wig?!?!?!! WTF. And that drunk girl sent to rehab! This is priceless tv.

And there has never ever been a character who has redeemed herself more than Megan. Bitch is IN CONTROL OF LIFE.

Re-mien-dah: free show 2mrw

Betwen the pill tonight, the dance party tomorrow, Sox-Rays ALCS, the start of the Devils season and MSTRKRFT Monday night at Estate, this has the makings of an EPIC weekend...

So, as a reminder for manana: Run Run Run, the Lie Society and Moi as your electro-robo-disco DJ, all for FREE at O'Brien's Pub in Allston. Be there...

Letters to Cleo have bills to pay

"Here and Now, here and now, and the comfort of a knowledge of a blah blah ya ya sky, and acquisition gygh frfv fcy7hujvcy h..."

Oh shit, Letters to Cleo have reformed, says my column today. Tickets to the two Paradise shows on sale tomorrow at noon, which coincides with the weekly weekend broadcast of "10 Things I Hate About You" on TNT/TBS/VH1/BRAVO/FOX/Spice/Every channel ever...

Keep weapons away from Clint Malarchuk

So former NHL goalie Clint Malarchuk accidentally shot himself in the grillpiece. Aside from the obvious hilarity, it also allows us to revisit the most grusome injury ever to happen in a professional sporting event (after the jump!):

"OCT. 9, 2008 -- An ex-National Hockey League goalie — best known for surviving a skate slice across his jugular during a game — accidentally shot himself in the chin Tuesday with a .22-caliber rifle at his Fish Springs residence.

Clint Malarchuk, 47, was taken to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno by helicopter for treatment.Douglas County sheriff’s deputies were investigating the incident Wednesday to determine if the shooting was accidental.

According to reports, officers were dispatched to the Malarchuk’s home at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday after his wife reported her husband accidentally shot himself."

And a recap of the throat slash:
On March 22, 1989, one of the most gruesome looking sports injuries ever to happen occured. In an NHL game between the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres, two playerscolled at the front of the net, and one player's skate catches Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk on the neck, slicing open his jugular vein.

Blood started pouring from his neck onto the ice--yet amazingly, Malarchuk left the ice under his own power with the assistance of the team's trainer. Seven people in the stands fainted, two had heart attacks, and some of his own teammates threw up on the ice.