Hotline: BRMC prep new album; Boston gig 4/3

BRMC is in the news, and not because I used to name my fantasy baseball teams "Black Rebel Baseball Club." Ahem. Let's dance in the land of Hotlinez:

California rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is back with a new album, new tour dates, a new drummer and a new label partnership. All that’s missing is a new sound, but they already banged that out for 2005’s Americana shuffle-bake album “Howl.” (Oh, we kid we kid – stripped-down stuff like “Sympathetic Noose” and “Still Suspicion Holds You Tight” hold up very well. It just caught us off-guard, s'all.)

Fresh off the guaranteed riches from inclusion in the “Twilight Saga: New Moon” soundtrack, this latest effort, dubbed “Beat The Devil’s Tattoo,” should extend the rock-meets-noise return-to-form shown in 2007’s “Baby 81,” which brought back the heavy psychedelic grit to their bluesy, sprawling alt-rock sound. The trio hits the House of Blues on April 3, and a pre-sale for all dates on their 27-date winter-spring North American tour go on sale Wednesday.

I’ll admit that “Baby 81” didn’t really grip me the way those first two fist-pump releases did, but it was fun dancing to “Berlin” at those local indie parties when the disc first dropped. Last year’s online-only instrumental album “The Effects of 333” didn’t really register anywhere outside fan clubs, apparently.

Let’s recall that sensation felt when “Love Burns” and “Spread Your Love” crashed our dirty garage rock-loving hearts back in 2001, and let’s get acquainted with the new BRMC, complete with news on their own label Abstract Dragon. Word from the good folks at Ink-Tank PR:

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club takes fifth studio album into own hands: “Beat The Devil's Tattoo” due March 9, via own Abstract Dragon/Vagrant Records

LOS ANGELES, CA – Nov. 30, 2009 - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is revving up to unleash their fifth studio album, “Beat The Devil's Tattoo,” on March 9, 2010, signifying the band's first full-length on their own Abstract Dragon, in partnership with Vagrant Records. This album welcomes exciting beginnings, including new drummer Leah Shapiro, as well as their new label, though the trio returned to the familiar setting of Philly to pen this record. They wrote and recorded it in the very studio that produced their widely acclaimed third LP, Howl, before returning to hometown L.A. to add the finishing touches.

The band's accustomed globetrotting will recommence with an initial headline tour, kicking off Feb. 26 in Sacramento and culminating at New York City's Webster Hall on April 8. http://brmctickets.musictoday.com/BlackRebelMotorcycleClub/calendar.aspx Pre-sale for all shows will start Wednesday, Dec. 2, available here.

Known for their impassioned live performances, the band recently offered a 2 DVD, 1 CD set aptly titled, “Live” (Abstract Dragon/Vagrant), earlier this month. The DVDs feature more than two hours of concert footage captured from three sold out shows in Berlin, Dublin and Glasgow, and chronicles the end of the band's 2007 tour in support of “Baby 81.” Additionally, it includes intimate, behind-the-scenes footage, glimpses into the making of 2005's “Howl” and is rounded out with a bonus live album featuring 14 songs.

BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB HEADLINE TOUR
February 26 - Sacramento, Calif. @ Harlow's
February 27 - Reno, Nev. @ Knitting Factory
February 28 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ Wasted Space/ Hard Rock Hotel
March 2 - Denver, Colo. @ Ogden Theatre
March 4 - Boise, Idaho @ Knitting Factory
March 5 - Seattle, Wash. @ Showbox Market
March 6 - Vancouver, B.C. @ Commodore
March 7 - Portland, Ore. @ Wonder Ballroom
March 9 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Slim's
March 13 - San Diego, Calif. @ House of Blues
March 14 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Echoplex
March 18 - Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues
March 20 - Houston, Texas @ House of Blues
March 21 - Tulsa, Okla. @ Cain's Ballroom
March 23 - St. Louis, Mo. @ Pageant
March 24 - Madison, Wisc. @ High Noon
March 25 - Chicago, Ill. @ Metro
March 26 - Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Turner Hall Ballroom
March 27 - Minneapolis, Minn. @ First Ave.
March 30 - Columbus, Ohio @ Newport Music Hall
March 31 - Cleveland, Ohio @ House Of Blues
April 1 - Toronto, ONT @ Phoenix
April 2 - Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
April 3 - Boston, Mass. @ House of Blues
April 5 - Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club
April 7 - Philadelphia, Pa. @ Theatre of Living Arts
April 8 - New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

Two days until Gaga

Yup, no real point to this post, except to say that the Lady Gaga show at the Wang Theatre is in two days (well, the one I have tickets for). Kinda weird that when I returned from Florida post-cruise in March, her show at the House of Blues was the following day (It ruled). Now here I am nine months later, back from holiday, and there's another Gaga show. And life is completely different, in a good way. Wikkid syykked.

And oh hai, still completely obsessed with this. Still the greatest video since My Chemical Romance's "Helena." Deal with it.

Youth In Revolt afterparty tonight @ Good Life

This looks dope, essspesh for a Monday and all, but I'm committed to hang with Lola and listen in to Kayley's AU radio show from 8 to 10 while I witness the Pats smack up the undefeated Saints. Once all that dies down and the Bailey's bottle empties, I'd imagine I'll be ready to pass the eff out after a full day back on the grind. But hey, need something to do, this is promising enough... Deets in the art.

Back in Boston : Passion Pit getting paid

Full disclosure, just posted a fairly less personal note about this over in Hotline: A few days spent down in Florida used to represent a complete disconnect from life here in Boston, until, you know, bands like Passion Pit started showing up in Palm Pixi commercials. Looks like "Sleepyhead" was tapped to push the new smartphone, and it was a trip hearing this shit after Thanksgiving dinner with the fam. Fucking hell, nice job, dudes.



Also, I definitely had a "moment" last night on the way back from Manchester Airport. Driving down I-93, listening to Dave Duncan's New England Product on FNX, Passion Pit's "Moth's Wings" started the show as I rolled through Medford, and as I approached-then-engaged the Zakim bridge and then the tunnel on the way towards the Mass Pike, hearing bands like Magic Magic and Televandals while staring at the Hub skyline really made me love this city even more. It was the best "welcome home" I've ever had. So good to be home. <3

ITP Gotta Love It: the Big Pink

Yeah, still all about the Big Pink, gave a few tickets away to Tuesday's gig via the pill mailer this morning, and gushed like whoa in today's paper:

LISTEN: THE BIG PINK: It’s been a slow go for UK indie rockers lately, but all that was needed was an electronic update on ’90s Britpop and shoegaze. Meet the Big Pink at the Paradise on Tuesday, a London duo with a forceful debut, “A Brief History of Love,” that features two ace singles: the buzzy, ready-for-advertising hit “Dominos” and the deliberately paced synth-pop of “Velvet.” We’re mad for them. - MICHAEL MAROTTA

ITP: Holiday roundup: gigs & parties

We at the Boston Herald A&E department launched our holiday coverage today, and I rounded up some of the better holiday gigs and dance parties going on around Boston. Dig in.

By Michael Marotta
Friday, November 27, 2009 - Added 1d 20h ago

Not all holiday parties are created equal. And not all parties let you rock out on the dance floor in an ugly sweater and a glass of eggnog. Here are eight of the finer holiday dance parties and shows making the rounds in December.

Thursday, Dec. 10: The Puma Store’s Holiday Party Remix
Stay on your feet in style at this party that includes “DJ Hero” kiosks, 20 percent off the entire store and local DJs playing holiday music your grandmother would hate. 333 Newbury St.; 6 p.m., all-ages, free with RSVP at shoppingevents@puma.com; 617-369-7091, facebook.com/puma.

Thursday, Dec. 10: The Sun Lee Sunbeam’s Winter Wonderland at Harpers Ferry
The guys and gals in alt-rock trio the Sun Lee Sunbeam know how to throw a holiday bash. Expect Harpers to turn into one giant, festive snow globe. With Jeddo Stars and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling. 158 Brighton Ave., Allston; 8:30 p.m., 18-plus, $8; 617-254-9743, harpersferryboston.com.

Friday, Dec. 11: Will Dailey’s Festival Holidad at the Paradise
It may be a holiday-themed party in catchy name only, but you know the ladies will be showing up with mistletoe when one of Boston’s best singer/songwriters performs. With the Luxury, Brendan Boogie and more. 967 Commonwealth Ave.; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $15; 617-562-8800, thedise.com.

Saturday, Dec. 12: Dub Station’s holiday reggae party at Church
There will be no dreaming of a white Christmas on this night - just visuals of Jamaica’s Sunsplash festival as longtime Bill’s Bar reggae crew Dub Station present Dion Knibb, son of Skatalites drummer Lloyd Knibb. 69 Kilmarnock St.; 8 p.m., 21-plus, $12; 617-236-7600, churchofboston.com.

Sunday, Dec. 20: The Scrooges at Great Scott
Grown men dressed as Santa playing covers of songs by garage rock legends the Stooges. Need we say more? This raw power comes drenched in eggnog. 1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $7; 617-566-9014, greatscottboston.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: A Holiday “Throwed” at the Middle East
The raunchiest 18-plus electro party in Boston breaks out the yule log on the dance floor, led by resident DJ E-Marce and some to-be-announced special guests. Park your sled outside. 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $10; 617-864-3278, mideastclub.com.

Thursday, Dec. 24: the 23rd annual Matzo Ball at the Roxy
One of the biggest parties of the year is billed as a night for young Jewish professionals to network, but all comers are welcome to party like New Year’s Eve on Christmas Eve. 279 Tremont St.; 8 p.m., 21-plus, $25; 617-338-7699, matzoball.org.

Saturday, Dec. 26: Holiday Videodrome at Common Ground
DJ/VJ Craig MacNeil plays Christmas episodes from lost ’80s TV shows and all the disco and rock holiday songs you wish the radio station still played. Ugly sweater optional. 83 Harvard Ave, Allston; 10 p.m., 21-plus, $3; 617-783-2071.

ITP: Cheap Thrills: Gaga pop-up, getting Lit & Rosebuds

A Thanksgiving weekend edition of my Cheap Thrills column in the Boston Herald, reposted while I dine high class at a Panera Bread in Trinity Rock City!

MONSTER SHOPPER
Lady Gaga pop-up shop at Club Cafe
Friday at 10 p.m., 209 Columbus Ave. 21-plus, FREE before 10:30 p.m., $5 after
The Gift of Gaga will be high on everybody’s wish lists this holiday season. But because her two Monster Ball shows next week at theCiti Wang Theatre are very, very sold out, no one without a ticket will be getting within a “Disco Stick” reach of her white-hot merch booth. However, tomorrow night’s Edge Friday party at Club Cafe unites two things that couldn’t be trendier: a pop-up store and the queen of pop herself, Lady Gaga. Score all the Gaga goods “The Fame” has to offer, from hoodies and T-shirts to accessories and lithographs, and then dance the night away at a party that’s heavy on the “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance.” When everyone else is battling the Black Friday masses at the big-box retailers, get doused in glittery Gaga at Club Cafe. Pants, we would imagine, are optional. Rahr-rar ah-ah-ah! Roma-roma-mamaa!
Info: clubcafe.com, 617-536-0996

THREE DAYS OF LIGHTINGS
Stone Zoo’s Zoolights, Macy’s Christmas Tree lighting and Harvard Square’s Sparklefest
Today at 5 p.m. at Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham, all-ages, $4; Friday at 5 p.m. at Macy’s Downtown Crossing, 450 Washington St., all-ages, FREE; Saturday at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, all-ages, FREE
With Thanksgiving finally here and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace holiday tree already aglow, it seems everything else is finally getting lighted this weekend. Start the holiday tour today in Stoneham, where the Stone Zoo unveils this year’s ZooLights. Featuring thousands of bulbs shining bright among the lynx, gray foxes, reindeer and other animals, it’s a winter wonderland walking tour for all ages. Save some energy for Friday, when the Mayor’s Holiday Special presents the Macy’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Downtown Crossing. Cap off a veritable hat trick of lights Saturday in Harvard Square, when its business association kicks off Sparklefest, boasting a sea of holiday lights illuminating the square and its own tree lighting at the Charles Hotel. Hit those three, and try not to get burned out by Sunday. All events start on their respective days at 5 p.m.
Info: zoonewengland.org, 781-438-5100, mayorsholidayspecial.com; harvardsquare.com, 617-491-3434

TURKEY SHAKE
Tryptophan Danceathon at the Rosebud Diner
Saturday at 9 p.m.; 381 Summer St., Davis Square,Somerville; 21-plus, $5
Sure, the last thing you want to see come Saturday is more food, and a diner is not exactly a necessary stop after the Godzilla-like rampage you plan to unleash on your kitchen this afternoon. But this weekend the Rosebud and its backroom will be jumping with the Tryptophan Danceathon, another sterling event led by Sunday Saints vocalist Jordan Valentine and her BrownBoot posse. Launched with local rock funnyman Brendan Boogie as a Halloween Show one-off performing retro hits from the Faces and Rod Stewart, BrownBoot gives live dance another whirl, adding tracks by Jeff Beck and Funkadelic to their cover-set party catalog. Also featuring members of Bang Camaro, Damn Personals, the Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra and Noble Rot, BrownBoot is a true Boston rock ’n’ roll stupor-group. Ms. Valentine spins garage, soul and rock ’n’ roll before, between sets and afterward.
Info: rosebuddiner.com, 617-666-6015, jordanvalentine.com

Dead turkeys everywhere : Give Thanks

Our true Thanksgiving arrived almost fortnight ago in "Friendsgiving," but I'm doing the family thing this weekend in glorious Trinity Florida, riding pops' sparkly new Lexus SC430 around the mean streets scaring all the retired senior fuckheads. This whole trip, once again presenting itself as a solo endeavor, is a complete mind fuck but I'm making the most of it and getting to know a new friend called Cointreau.

Give thanks everyday, but mostly today. And mine go out to those crunked souls who read this blog on the regs. I'd probably sleep with every one of you. Probably already have. xo.

In My Head: Amazing Baby "Supreme Being"

Well, this shit was a grower. When Green Label Sound first sent it out to me last month, I wasn't really feeling it, despite Amazing Baby's "Rewild" (on which this track does not appear) being one of my top albums of 2009. Maybe I was bummed their Dec. 11 show @ the pill fell through (Emergency Music have replaced them), I dunno, but in the past week or so this has replaced "Bad Romance" as all I've listened to. Love the build-up, love the electronics, love the shout-out to New England. Fucking adore this band.

Hotline 3: Weekend flyer roundup

Posted a fairly short weekend flyer roundup on Hotline, which included tonight and ignored tomorrow and Sunday. Here are my favs:

Hotline 2: Bodega Girls @ Middlesex tonight

Oh look, another Hotline re-post. I must have a plane to catch!: The Bodega Girls just don't care about your family commitments tomorrow. Nope, one of Boston's finest party bands brings the ruckus to the Middlesex Lounge tonight in the latest edition of their monthly Lo-Fi Hedonistic Dance Party series. The Girls perform live and DJ alongside guests Mac Machine of Big Digits and Justin from ZuZu's Soul-Le-Lu-Jah soul night, making this the place to dance and engage in some pre-holiday tomfoolery.

People are still talking about how Bodega Girls just killed it at Johnny D's over the weekend with El-P, so get on this party train while you can. You may have heard their funk jam "She's Into Black Guys" on HBO's Entourage over the summer, and maybe they'll dedicate it to you this evening. Dance it up!

Hotline: Bryan Scary, the Black Hollies @ TTs

Repost from today's Hotline blog entry: There’s no shortage of performance-rock coming out of Boston these days, but one of Brooklyn’s finer theatrical pop acts rolls into TT The Bear’s Place in Cambridge Friday night. They’re called Bryan Scary & the Shredding Tears, and they are fairly awesome if you dig Queen’s glam rock flair mixed with a bit of They Might Be Giants quirkiness. It’s an engaging story-telling rock opera based around a fictional place called Scaryville. Hey, it works.

Scary & his boys are paired up nicely Friday night alongside New Jersey’s the Black Hollies, who roll out the groove-fueled mod-revivalism like few others and just scream to be played on 45s. I always think of the song “Bus Stop” by the (original) Hollies when I hear the name, and this new Hollies sound isn’t too far off. Though just a few years into their tenure as a band, the Black Hollies already have psychedelic ‘60s rock harmonies down to a science. Chances are someone will arrive to this gig on a Vespa.

Here are some clips of both acts… Should be a cool show. Doors at 9 p.m., and there's a $10 cover.

Friday 11.27.09 ::: DJ Jen @ the pill

Off to Tampa Rock City in a few, but here's a heads-up on Friday, after all the Thanksgiving bullshit has died down -- Jen Sullivan, original pill DJ and founder who now moonlights with Plus 1 TV, fills in for me at our Black Friday/Turkey Hangover dance party. Here's the deets from thepillboston.com:

friday november 27:
black friday party
with original pill DJ Jen Sullivan (Plus 1 TV)

Last Friday night Cold Cave left our dance party in a smoldering post-punk rubble, but we’re quick to rebuild down at Abbot Square and aim provide the weekend escape via Thanksgiving’s day-after detox. This week at Great Scott, pill co-founder and original pill DJ Jen Sullivan (now of Plus 1 TV) fills in for an exiled-to-Florida Michael V, joining DJ Ken in a throwback old-school pill night cast from the glory of the Upstairs Lounge Era. Expect only the choicest of soul, sixties and dance classics from the vaults of DJ Jen, offering a sterling complement to DJ Ken’s modern indie flair.

The Turkey Hangover party at the pill began several moons ago with our old friends in the Chainletter, and has since become a Black Friday tradition that help work off the extra pounds feverishly added at Aunt Esther’s tryptophan-coma dinner table. From here we commence sprint towards 2010, rounding out the year with two special events highlighting our weekly toast: a live performance by a reunited Emergency Music on Dec. 11 and our annual “I Was Born On Christmas Day” dance party on Dec. 25, marking the first time Michael V will ever have a birthday party actually on his birthday.

‘Tis the motherfucking season. Look sharp.

The Heist: How they roll in Los Angeles

Stole this shit off my boy Jay K the DJ's Facebook, as it includes our homeboy B. Rich and a host of other DJs -- many that the So Dope crew have been bringing to Boston lately --all killing it at the Heist in Los Angeles, a party that looks pretty fucking cool. One day I'll have my decade-long faceoff with that city, but not now, not yet.

THE HEIST from CRAZYCHRISFILMS on Vimeo.

OMFG presents: I Can Haz Food?

Ahhh, fuck city -- I'll be down in Tampa Rock Nation for this, drowning my sorrows in the sink-or-swim indie night at Orpheum, but my roommate Casey and his OMFG crew are throwing a holiday dance party and grub drive, I Can Haz Food. Fucking love this flyer... Turkeys won't be the only thing going gobble gobble on this night.

FTW: Oh don't you know it

Spotted this en route to Sushi Date II at Fish Market on Brighton Avenue, which is lovely and delish and wikkid hospitable but until it rolls out Appletinis with some Snow Maki and BonChon, will likely prefer Privus Lounge across the street. But will definitely be going back to FM... and when I do, I'll wave fondly to this piece of artwork next to the Food Bazaar:

Lady Gaga @ the AMAs

EDIT: Boo hoo eat a dick Dick Clark Productions!

Queen Gaga killed it once more last night at something called the American Music Awards, performing SONG OF THE YEAR "Bad Romance" while wearing one of those face-grabbers from the "Aliens" movies. In case of Gaga, break glass...



QUEEN OF EVERYTHING.

Talking tech with Deadmau5 (11.24 @ the Roxy)

Last week I had a fun little e-chat with Canadian DJ/producer Deadmau5, and his gig tomorrow at the Roxy is featured in today's Boston Herald. His show at the Dise in April was all sorts of awesome, so tomw night should be a blast despite it, well, bring at the effing Roxy.


Dance music fans simply mad about Deadmau5
By Michael Marotta
Monday, November 23, 2009 - Updated 17h ago

You can call a 28-year-old man who performs to crowds of thousands while wearing a giant, illuminated mouse head many things.

Just don’t call Deadmau5 a DJ.

The brainchild of Canadian electronic music producer Joel Zimmerman, Deadmau5 (pronounced dead mouse) plays much of his original, progressive house and electro live, onstage.

He uses the computer program Ableton Live on a MacBook Pro along with an endless sea of gadgets and machines that allow him to loop and re-edit his music on the fly. Zimmerman, who takes over the Roxy on Tuesday night, is more than a guy spinning records or lazily queuing up tracks on his laptop.

“I think the best thing to happen (to dance music) is technology and how easy it is to make music,” Zimmerman said via e-mail. “It’s just progression of technology and the speed of computers.”

Whatever it is, it’s mighty high-tech stuff for a guy whose identity comes from an oversized mouse head. The costume is becoming iconic in the dance scene - a red Deadmau5 head was spotted in Allston over Halloween weekend. Zimmerman brings extras to pass around to the audience so they can take pictures in them.

“It gets very hot in there,” he said. “That’s why I have to take it off (during the show). But we now have four heads, and with each one it gets lighter so it’s easier to wear.”

He came up with the Deadmau5 moniker a few years ago when a mouse crawled into his computer and died.

Last year, Zimmerman found himself - thanks to the strength of his Ultra Records debut compilation, “Random Album Title” - the No. 1 artist on electronic dance music pay-site Beatport, with more than 30,000 downloads. This year he was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Remixed Recording category, and he’s taken home two Juno awards (Canada’s highest musical honor) for Dance Recording of the Year.

He’s currently on a 62-date world tour behind his recently released sophomore dance mix compilation, “For Lack of a Better Name.” Last month, DJ Magazine named him the No. 6 DJ in the world. It marked a five-spot climb from his rank of a year ago.

“I think last year’s was the highest new entry ever,” Zimmerman said, apparently not minding this instance of being labeled a DJ. “Moving up to No. 6 this year was a buzz.”

DeadMau5, at the Roxy, Tuesday. Tickets: $45; 617-678-4002.

TONIGHT: Twin Berlin & the Blakes @ TTs

Garage rock trio The Blakes are in town from Seattle, playing with Twin Berlin tonight at TT The Bear's... I'm all late in posting this, but I'm still coming-to after Friday night. Peep the dope new Blakes video here.

Dec. 25 @ the pill: I was born on Christmas Day

In honor of the St. Etienne classic, and because we'll all be in Boston and bored anyway, we're doing the pill on Christmas. It's also my birthday. It's like promo that promotes itself. More TK as the date draws near...

VIDEO: Cold Cave @ the pill "Life Magazine"

Still reeling from Friday's Cold Cave gig at le pill. While I couldn't get anywhere near the stage -- my own stage!! -- Mick Murray once again did the dirty work and scored some ace footage (when not complaining about Thierry Henry all effing night). Here's the magical Cold Cave performing "Life Magazine":

In My Head: The Big Pink "Velvet"

Oh hai, I'm pretty much obsessed with this song. It's like electronically updating "Nowhere"-era Ride and letting Mad Richard Ashcroft lick the vocals, except it's two dudes from London who PROBABLY FUCKING HATE this comparison and oh yeah they're at the Paradise on Dec. 1 which is essentially the busiest week ever with Lady Gaga (ahem) and the Boston Music Awards on Wednesday and then a DJ gig at the Liberty Hotel's Fashionably Late party on Thursday. Yikes, goodness me.

But anyway, the Big Pink. Get into it.

Hotline: Mean Creek in-store @ Newbs

Repost from the Hotz: Rocking the suburbs tonight? Then head over to Newbury Comics' Norwood location, where local indie rock boys and gal Mean Creek will be doing an exclusive in-store performance around 7 p.m. The band was recently nominated for three -- count 'em, three!! -- Boston Music Awards: "Best Song of the Year," "New Act of the Year" and "Americana Act of the Year." All are well-deserved.

They are also very nice people and will sign anything you have. Maybe.

TONIGHT: Cold Cave ::: live @ the pill

It's a dreary rainy Friday here in Boston, a perfect setting for Philadelphia's Cold Cave to make its Boston debut. Record deals with Matador, comparisons to New Order, song-placement in a Radio Shack ad -- it all adds up to one highly-anticipated pill show. This will be white-hot madness. From the pill boston dot com:

friday november 20:
Cold Cave
a noise-pop synth wave crashes in Philly

Just before a two-night stand performing with Sonic Youth in New York and Boston, Philadelphia’s Cold Cave swings by the pill this Friday to distort our modern indie stage and send a relentless synth-shock across the dance floor. Featuring Wes Eisold of recent hardcore luminaries American Nightmare and Some Girls, Cold Cave has rocketed to the forefront of modern electro movement, enlisting Prurient’s Dominick Fernow and Caralee McElroy formerly of Xiu Xiu to create an unsettling world of noise-pop that’s crafted so meticulously, one track (“Life Magazine”) has found its way to a Radio Shack commercial. Several other songs from Cold Cave’s sterling Matador Records debut, including title track “Love Comes Close” and “Youth And Lust,” have coated the pill’s dance soundtrack in a darkened neon glow. Said Pitchfork in August: “That mixture of postpunk unease and fluid bleep would've made Cold Cave fit right in on the early-80s Factory Records roster alongside Section 25 or the Durutti Column.” It’s a fascinating collection of sounds that has the potential to captivate and cast dance spells. This union of Cold Cave and the pill has been in the works since July, so we hope you’ll join us for one of our most anticipated live shows in quite some time. Don’t sleep on this.

Get acclimated with Cold Cave over at myspace.com/coldcave, with a heavy recommendation toward the glistening crypt-pop romp of “Love Comes Close.” and as always, before and after the band DJs Ken & Michael V spin the best in Britpop, Modern Indie & Beyond. Look sharp.

>

50 Cent is a NJ Devils fan?

Meh, probably not, but when you have Whoopi Goldberg doing the commentary on the Stanley Cup DVD (2003 edition), you'll take all the celebrity exposure you can get. Also, note Cindy Crosby's groin injury down in the ticker. This might be my favorite photo this month.

TONIGHT: NYC's Designer Drugs @ Ivy

The final third of this week's Cheap Thrills (and also re-posted from Hotline), deserving of its own attention space. NYC electro duo Designer Drugs hit Ivy tonight, and despite expecting some ghostly run-ins this shit should be off the chain. They killed at the Circus anniversary party way-back-when, and plan to hit this after the Ames Hotel premiere party across town... Here's the Facebook invite page.

A DESIGN FOR CLUB LIFE
Electro dance party with Designer Drugs
Tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Ivy Restaurant, 49 Temple Place; 21-plus, $10

Now that Boston is a city not overlooked by big-name touring electro-house DJs, most of the headlines beamed like a strobe light across the dance floor have been reserved for Deadmau5 and David Guetta’s back-to-back shows at the Roxy next week. But with those parties carrying $45 and $80 ticket prices, respectively, the thriftier and possibly hipper clubgoer gets the banger fix tonight when white-hot New York City DJ duo Designer Drugs blow the roof off Ivy in Downtown Crossing. One of the most explosive acts on the always-dynamite, Los Angeles-based IHEARTCOMIX label, Designer Drugs have been giving pulsating electro remix treatment to the likes of Annie, IAMX and Little Boots all while unleashing their own ferocious production work. Their latest jam, a remix of Femme’s “Vestige,” might carry too much firepower for Boston sound systems, but this Future Classic/Night Society party is certain to be a booze-fueled rager on the cheap. DJ Voltran and Texas Mike provide the opening beats, and visual art is blasted by Jellz.
Info: futureclassic.net, myspace.com/designerdrugsclubmusic

Cheaps: Hat Revolution & Fanueil Hall gets LIT

Two-thirds of my weekly Cheap Thrills column in the Boston Herald, with the third item getting its own post in a few... On tap this week: a Hat Revolution and Tree Lighting down at Faneuil Hall. Oh la laaaaaa!

WEEKEND HAT TRICK
Boston Hat Revolution get-together and headgear love-in
Saturday at 5 p.m. at 29 Newbury Street Restaurant and Art Gallery, then at 9 p.m. at Clink at the Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St.; 21-plus. FREE
A tip of the cap to the folks in the Boston Chapter of online networking site meetup.com, which decided to create a Boston hat revolution this Saturday on unsuspecting hair-boasters and style-coasters. In a city rife with lid-aphobia - where the only true hat-trickery can be found at TD Garden - chapeaux connoisseurs are invited to show off their fabulous headgear in a bonnet march that starts at 29 Newbury and concludes at Clink. Salute old England with a bowler cap, roll straight gangster with a classic fedora, or go all Lady Gaga and place a peacock on your noggin - any type of hat will do. Don’t have a proper lid for the occasion? Hit up Toppers on Tremont Street, Salmagundi in Jamaica Plain or Marchi Inc. at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and deck yourself out. It’s a Saturday night head trip of a different breed, indeed.
Info: meetup.com/Brunch-Lovers-Wanted, 29newbury.com, libertyhotel.com

TREE-LICIOUS
Faneuil Hall Marketplace Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (tree illumination at 5:30 p.m.), 1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace; all-ages, FREE
Sure, the Thanksgiving turkey is still strutting cluelessly around the farm, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get knee-deep in the season of holiday spirit, which kicks off officially this weekend when Faneuil Hall lights up the tallest holiday tree in all of New England. Join Santa Claus, members of Boston Ballet’s “Nutcracker” cast and Red Sox [team stats] mascot Wally the Green Monster for an afternoon of caroling, bell-ringing and various jolly happenings before performances by r & b group Jada and rockers Ernie & the Automatics celebrate the Big Tree That Glows. It’s a day not only for the kiddies, but all the ugly sweaters, reindeer earrings and flasks filled with Bailey’s the adults can possibly handle. And it sure beats hanging with the in-laws, which we’ll all be forced to do this time next week.
Info: faneuilhallmarketplace.com, 617-523-1300

It's raining Lady Gaga. And I'm forever wet.

Oh, that sneaky ass Videodrome fella. Posted this to my FB the other day, and well, I've had enough male precipitation to last me a while, so I scanned over it. But lookie look, it's a double feature, nightcapped by perhaps the GREATEST music video since My Chemical Romance's "Helena" (shut up Kayley). Skip ahead and behold the Glory of Gaga... 13 days until she arrives at the Wang. <3

Videodrome Discothèque Presents: A Taste of Episode 10 from craig macneil on Vimeo.

Here comes the Fear again: Pulp

Perfect for today, one of those days... But with a sushi date tonight and the Ames Hotel party (with Eli Paperboy Reed performing!) followed by Designer Drugs tomorrow night at Ivy, things are looking up up upz.

'New Slang is Totes Ridic,' says I in le Herald

It's clearly my finest moment as a journalist. In today's Herald I tackle the abbreviated slang trend, and no, you don't need to remind me that I too talk like this. Evs.

New slang is totes ridic
By Michael Marotta
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - Updated 4h ago

America is starting to sound like Paris Hilton. And it’s not hot.

From saying “evs” instead of “whatever” to “totes” instead of “totally,” hipster slang abbreviations have leapt from text messages into our daily vernacular. Is it annoying? Oh, def.

And you can thank the Twitter generation.

“People spend more time texting and IMing than having actual face-to-face conversations, so it’s a natural progression,” said Leigh Hallisey, local pop-culture expert and director of marketing for FableVision. “You can say a lot with a simple gesture.”

Not since “za” made a run as a nickname for pizza a few years ago has there been such a push for shorthand slang. And it’s getting kind of ridic.

“It would never replace (proper) English, but in the long run we are seeing society learn to use less words to get a point across,” said Mina Tsay, visiting assistant professor of communication at Boston University. “Because, as with Twitter, there are limited characters to use, the trend is almost affording people a more concise way to speak.”

Then of course, there’s youth culture just trying to look cool.

“We want everything immediately and everything is sped up,” Hallisey added. “It’s a really accelerated culture. It’s saying, you are so busy and have so little free time, you can’t even finish your sentence.”

Tsay believes the trend is just a playful way to decorate language and create new slang that helps foster communities, particularly among youth obsessed with pop culture.

“It’s like shared languages and codes,” she said.

For those not privy to spoken slang shorthand, here are 10 of the worst offenders, obvs:


SLANG/TRANSLATION/COMMON USE

“Totes” - Totally - “Want to grab some eats?” “Totes, I’m starving.”

“Evs” - Whatever - “He’s got a girlfriend.” “Evs - she’s busted.”

“Obvs” - Obviously - “Did you get Lady Gaga tickets?” “Obvs, I’m like her biggest fan.”

“Def” - “Definitely” - “Is that from American Apparel?” “Def.”

“Frealz” - For real - “Frealz, I can’t believe I didn’t get into Emerson.”

“Awks” - Awkward - “Here comes my ex, this is wicked awks.”

“Ridic” - ridiculous - “That shirt she’s wearing is so ridic.”

“Deets” - Details - “Gimme the deets on the party, yo!”

“Brillz” - Brilliant - “Rihanna’s new single is so brillz.”

“Jellz” -Jealous - “Clearly you’re mad jellz of my lingo, brah.”

“Delish” - Delicious - “Rachael Ray thinks her food is totes delish, which is def ridic so evs, obvs.”
- mmarotta@bostonherald.com

B.Rich @ Milky Way tonight ::: Bass Is King

Oh, our boy B. Rich. One of the main killer-gents that kept Circus banging last year has gone global since relocating from Boston to Pittsburgh, rolling deep with the Palms Out Sounds crew, blowing up Control in Los Angeles last week and having every dance blog clenched firmly on the nutz.

Tonight he's at the Milky Way in JP for BASS IS KING, another So Dope Production heavy on the no-pretense fun. Still waiting for him to top his EPIC opening set at the Bloody Beetroots party earlier this year, but that could happen anytime. Voltran, Yes & No and Chris Oppold round shit out in the DJ booth...

Bass bass bass, bass bass bass, PARTY LIKE USSSSS!!!!!!!!...

11.24: Deadmau5 @ the Roxy Boston

Canadian electro/house DJ Deadmau5 rolls into Boston a week from tonight, offering up some pre-Thanksgiving dance music stuffing down at the Rah Rah Roxy. His gig earlier this year at the Dise was pretty killer, and I was amazed at the diversity in the crowd, from hipsters to crunchy granolas to technoheads to random ass college student yah-dudes just raging like motherfuckers. The Roxy gig should elevate his force even more. (The production should be white hot, as well -- $45 ticket!!!)

Been banging this in the newsroom all morning as I prep an interview with Joel Zimmerman (Deadmau5 himself), so it's time to get psyched on the sweetness that was last year's "Random Album Title compilation mix... Dude wasn't named 6th best DJ in the world by DJ Mag for nothing.


deadmau5 ft Rob Swire - Ghosts 'n' Stuff Official Video

deadmau5 | MySpace Video

RIP 'Remote Control' host Ken Ober

Awwwww, SUCK CITY! Remote Control was the fucking best, and was so badass at the time. Another nugget lost from MTV's Golden Era, RIP Mr. Kenny Ober. From my Hotline post:

Sad news today as MTV has confirmed a report that Ken Ober, Boston native and host of '80s game show "Remote Control," was found dead over the weekend at age 52.

The often bizarre, kind of raunchy and very groundbreaking "Remote Control" ran from 1987 to 1990 on MTV, featuring early guest spots from announcer Colin Quinn to Adam Sandler to Denis Leary. The show was centered mainly around pop-culture-based useless-knowledge television watching and challenges like "Dead Or Canadian," "Private Dicks" and "Beat the Bishop," where contestants had to solve a math riddle before a fleet-footed Vatican bishop lapped the studio. This show ruled eight ways to Sunday and was a huge part of growing for for many children of the '80s.

Here's a look back at "Remote Control"... and let the nostalgia flow. RIP, Ken.

Boston Music Awards nominees announced

Reposted from the old Hotline bloggy blog, props to Passion Pit, Televandals, Yes Giantess, New Collisions, Vagiant, Eli "Paperboy" Reed and other fine fine folk affiliated with the pill on their nom. NOM NOM NOM NOM

Album of the Year
Manners - Passion Pit
The Everyday Visuals - The Everyday Visuals
Saving Seamus Ryan - Esoteric
Diving for Gold - Session Americana
Axe to Fall - Converge
Torrent - Will Dailey
Oh My God, Charlie Darwin - The Low Anthem

Act of the Year
Will Dailey
Doomriders
Dropkick Murphys
Drug Rug
Esoteric
Low Anthem
Amanda Palmer
Passion Pit

Song of the Year
“The Reeling” - Passion Pit
“She’s Into Black Guys” - Bodega Girls
“Leave Me Alone” - Lisa Bello
“The Horizon is a Beltway” -The Low Anthem
“We Have Arrived” - Taxpayer
“Good for Nothing” - Televandals
“Face of the Earth” - Mean Creek
“Sleepy Lion” - Magic Magic

New Act of the Year
New Collisions
Mean Creek
Jenny D & Delinquents
Bad Rabbits
Will C
Gozu
Mystery Roar

Female Vocalist of the Year
Lisa Bello
Sarah Borges
Ayla Brown
Eilen Jewell
Erin McKeown
Amanda Palmer
Sarah Cronin

Male Vocalist of the Year
Michael Angelakos (Passion Pit)
Al Barr (Dropkick Murphys)
Louie Bello
Chris Cote (Upper Crust)
Chris Pappas (Everyday Visuals)
John Powhida
Eli “Paperboy” Reed

R&B Act of the Year
Lisa Bello
Louie Bello
Jesse Dee
Dwight & Nicole
Masspike Miles
Eli “Paperboy” Reed
Lee Wilson

Jazz Act of the Year
Annie & the Beekeepers
Club D’Elf
Grace Kelly
Miss Tess
Esperanza Spaulding
Elan Trotman

Pop Act of the Year
Chester French
Everyday Visuals
Ad Frank & the Fast Easy Women
Me & Joan Collins
New Collisions
Passion Pit
Yes Giantess

Live Act of the Year
Louie Bello
Bang Camaro
State Radio
Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Pretty & Nice
Rubblebucket
Hooray For Earth
Upper Crust

Metal Act of the Year
Cave In
Converge
Doomriders
Gozu
Mother Boar
Panzer Bastard
Shadows Fall
Phantom Glue

Americana Act of the Year
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles
Dennis Brennan
Eilen Jewell
Girls Guns and Glory
Mean Creek
Jimmy Ryan & Hayride
Session Americana
Sea Monsters

Punk Act of the Year
Big D and the Kids Table
Dropkick Murphys
Have Nots
Mission of Burma
Vagiant

Hip Hop Act of the Year
Big Shug
Dramatik
Esoteric
Omega Red
Slaine
Termanology
Big Digits

International Act of the Year
Zili Misik
Debo
Alex Alvear
Bloco Afro Brazil
Egui Castrillo

DJ Electronic Act of the Year
Bodega Girls
DJ Die Young
DJ Knife
Frank White
Gucci Vuitton
Clinton Sparks

Rock Act of the Year
The Luxury
Dear Leader
Drug Rug
Upper Crust
Viva Viva
Wild Light

Singer/Songwriter of the Year
Steve Brodsky
Will Dailey
Antje Duvekot
Mike Fiore (Faces on Film)
Lori McKenna
Erin McKewen

Blues Act of the Year
David Maxwell/LA Red
Darrell Nulisch
Paul & Annie
Troy Gonyea & the Howl
Matt Stubbs
Racky Thomas
Luke Mulholland

Folk Act of the Year
Ellis Paul
Kris Delmhorst
Amy Fairchild
Audrey Ryan
Anne Heaton
Rose Polenzani
Deer Tick

Gospel/Choir of the Year
Berklee Reverence Gospel Choir
Ayana McDonald
Boston Pops Gospel Choir
Rashad McPherson & Divine Purpose
Thando 4 Thanda
Troy Durden & Judah

Producer of the Year -Rock
Paul Kolkerie/Adam Taylor
Andy Hong
Ed Valauskas
Mike Deneen
Matthew Ellard
Ducky Carlisle

R&B/Pop Producer of the Year
Dow Brain & Brad Young
Jared Hancock
John Johnson
Clinton Sparks
Malik Williams

Hip/Hop Producer of the Year
J. Cardin
D-Tension
Nelly Protoolz
Dickie Skinz
Matty Trump

Radio Shack digs itself a Cold Cave

Hearing Cold Cave's "Life Magazine" in a Radio Shack ad over the weekend has gotten me super fucking pumped about their show at the pill this Friday (The Shack is offering ringtone downloads for their song jingles here, btw).

Been playing the shit out of the noisy synthpop dance traxxx "Love Comes Close" and "Youth And Lust" each week leading up to the show, and after partying with us Cold Cave opens two dates for Sonic Youth. Do not miss this one, kiddies, it's going to be all sorts of vicious...

FRIENDSGIVING 2k9

Best day of year... My first FRIENDSGIVING as co-host...

Justine Frischmann & I: A Boston Love Story

Actually, not so much. But I found this old pic from the fall of 2000, when the Love of my Life Ms Justine Frischmann and her band called Elastica played at Karma Club in Boston. Had some drinks, was cock-blocked by the Dandy Warhols' Courtney Taylor and ended up getting a lovely peck-kiss goodbye from the Lady after I stalked her around the afterparty for a bit. I tried to grab some photobooth shots with her (she was down!) but the booth was broken, forever earning the upstairs room at Axis my neverending wrath. But there is this photo, frozen in time... Ahhh, Justine, how I loved thee... (still do...)

TONIGHT: the Bon Savants defend the pill :::

Tonight at le pill our old pals the Bon Savants help show off our fancy-ass "Best Friday Night" award in that Dig reader's poll, kicking off one MOTHERFUCKER of a weekend that includes the first holiday Bailey's Party tomorrow followed by FRIENDSGIVING at the LTD on Sunday. I am not ready. Here's the gospel from thepillboston.com after the photo jump:

friday november 13:
the Bon Savants
post-rock returns to defend the pill

Oh shit, it’s the Bon Savants. One of the original pill bands – dating back to the Upstairs Lounge circle of trust and inclusion on 2004’s “Tomorrow Never Happened” pill compilation – the Bon Savants return to our little dance party in a modern indie haze of shimmering post-rock smarts. Lead Savant Thom is back in town for a spell as he gets his learn on out in California, but even in his near-tragic absence, the other Savs have been prevalent in the local music circuit: Drummer Andrew Dole and keyboardist Tia Carioli have been moonlighting in the Next Great Dance Hope known as Mystery Roar and bassist Dave Wessel has been lending his love to Lindsey Starr & the Chemical Smiles. This Friday, however, the Bon Savants are a glistening indie rock unit set to tower once again, and we can expect some offerings from their upcoming sophomore album as well as the choicest cuts from their still-sterling debut, “Post Rock Defends the Nation.” And with Halloween still flickering in our rear-view, it should be noted this is the band that nailed Pulp at our 2nd annual tribute show in 2004. This should be quite a night, so do join us at our dance party playpen we call Great Scott.

Get reacquainted with the Bon Savants over at bonsavants.com and recall a wonderful moment when “Between The Moon And The Ocean” made you feel like a gentle gerbera daisy on a warm spring morning. Before and after the band, DJs Ken & Michael V spin the best in Britpop, Modern Indie and Beyond. Look sharp. Thom will.

ITP: Hotline's nightlife flyer roundup

Posted my weekly nightlife flyer roundup thingy on Hotline, offering up 31 of the best things to do this weekend -- outside the pill, which I'm prohibited from talking about. Here are my favs, visually:

ITP Cheaps: Mac & Cheese, NewCols & BLVD art

It's Thursday, Vanyaites, which brings us another edition of my glorious Cheap Thrills column. On tap this week: Mac & Cheese for all, the New Collisions blow up and Mikey Welsh shows off his work. Get down make love.

RETURN OF THE MAC
Boston Macaroni ’n’ Cheese Takedown
Sunday at 2:30 p.m., Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston; 18-plus, $10
In June, Allston rock club Great Scott hosted Boston’s first-ever Chili Takedown, and the response was so strong you can still catch a whiff of the festivities in the men’s room. This weekend things get even cheesier, as local culinary experts take their Kraft to a new level at the Mac ’n’ Cheese Takedown. Several dozen pro and amateur cooks are pitted against one another in a friendly match to crown the mac ’n’ cheese champ, as well as other titles. An offshoot of the Chili Takedown created by Fitchburg native Matt Timms, anyone with a mac ’n’cheese recipe can enter, and anyone with $10 and a bottomless stomach can sample all the goods. The Great Scott bar is there to serve something to wash it all down with, and any flier that looks like a cross between a Manowar album cover and a box of Velveeta is OK in our book. Death to false mac ’n’ cheese!
Info: chili-takedown.com, greatscottboston.com, 617-566-9014

CRASH THIS PARTY
The New Collisions EP release party
Friday at 8 p.m., the Middle East downstairs, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 18-plus, $10
It’s been quite a year for Cambridge-based new-wave darlings the New Collisions. Buzz built steadily over the spring with an EP-release party at T.T. the Bear’s Place, a now legendary gig that found the Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes joining the band onstage. Over the summer the band, led by platinum-blond pixie singer Sarah Guild and her guitar-wielding husband, Scott, opened several national dates for the B-52s and Blondie. Friday night, the New Collisions tie a nice synthesized bow on 2009 with a headlining gig at the Middle East downstairs to celebrate their new effort, “Invisible Embraces.” Produced by Anthony Resta (Duran Duran, Missing Persons), the new EP is another sleek rhythmic romp through a late-’70s throwback style that somehow sounds as fresh as ever, and the release party is a fitting salute before the New Collisions set out to conquer 2010 on a national scale. The Luxury, Thick as Thieves, Gene Dante and the Future Starlets and the Future Everybody provide local support in one fiery rock ’n’ roll spectacle, and for local music junkies, for just $5 more the Middle East is offering a package ticket that also allows access to the show upstairs featuring the Motion Sick, Static of the Gods and the Living Sea. That’s a lot of Boston rock.
Info: mideastclub.com, myspace.com/thenewcollisions

WELSH CULTURE
Mikey Welsh Art Show
Friday from 7 to 11 p.m. at BLVD, 251 Newbury St.; all ages, FREE
It’s easy to draw attention to the name Mikey Welsh by mentioning his stint as bassist for Weezer several years ago. But since unceremoniously leaving the indie rock superstars in 2001, Vermont-based Welsh has gained career traction as a painter, sculptor and artist. Friday, he shows off some of his best visual work at BLVD, Newbury Street’s hip skater and street wear fashion boutique that is providing the canvas for Welsh’s colorful expressions. Using his hands instead of brushes, Welsh’s abstracts and paintings have graced the walls of the Paradise Lounge, Cambridge’s former Zeitgeist Gallery and an exclusive line of Burton snowboards. Word is the after party goes down at the Otherside Cafe around 11 p.m., but don’t expect any Weezer on the stereo.
Info: mikeywelsh.com, blvdboston.com, 617-391-0233

ITP: Style Cal: Mode Merr at Horror Business

I almost never re-post my weekly Boston Herald Style Calendar, but I love Horror Business and the first item is pretty cool. Go to it...



DEPECHE MODE MERR: Bummed that “Mad Men” recently wrapped up its season and need a fix of sexy and stylish retro ladies fashions? Head to Allston alternative boutique Horror Business this weekend for an exclusive in-store shopping event featuring New Hampshire-based Mode Merr Clothing. From vamp dresses to Gal Friday jackets, it’s Betty Draper with a few dashes of Bettie Page. Horror Business, 77 Harvard Ave., Allston; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., call 617-562-0666 for store information or go to modemerr.com.

STYLE NOTES: Envi Echo Fashion Boutique at 134 Beach St. is hosting an open studio Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., featuring new arrivals from Stewart & Brown, Covet, Edun and more, with past season merchandise up to 80 percent off. Call 617-423-3684 for details. ... Tiffany & Co. is celebrating 25 years in Boston by bringing pieces from the Jean Schlumberger Collection to its Copley Place location until Sunday. ... With the help of One Warm Coat, Barbour at 134 Newbury St. is hosting a holiday coat drive beginning Sunday, offering 25 percent off each purchase with every coat donation. The drive benefits the Boston Health Care For the Homeless Program. Call 617-375-7829 for details.

Send listings at least one week in advance to Style Calendar, Michael Marotta, Boston Herald, 300 Harrison Ave., Boston MA 02118; call 617-619-6193 or e-mail mmarotta@bostonherald.com.

Best Friday Night -- the pill -- Dig This '09

Thanks to all who voted in the Weekly's Dig's Dig This '09 Reader's Poll. As Menswe@r once put it, "We love you." See you Friday with the Bon Savants, and props to the other nights who took home some well-deserved glory:

SUNDAY -- Rescue Nite @ the Model Cafe
MONDAY -- Beat Research @ the Enormous Room
TUESDAY -- Hearthrob @ Middlesex
WEDNESDAY -- Work @ the Milky Way
THURSDAY -- Make It New @ Middlesex
FRIDAY -- Awww, you like us, you really like us @ Great Scott
SATURDAY -- 1984 @ Oliver's