I've got a lot on my mind right now. In fact, part of the reason for this post being delayed is that I had trouble choosing a topic. Pie baking tips, summer block buster reviews, plans for my sister's imminent visit ... luckily The National have saved me from my quandary.
I caught the latest installment of The National's residency at the Bowery last night, and it blew me away. They didn't play that much of their new material, but the arrangements of their Alligator material more than made up for it. The band had transformed many of the Alligator tunes, experimenting with more up-beat percussion and even a few drum loops, if I'm not mistaken. The added pace and energy was perfect for energizing the crowd.
Strong vocals were another pleasant surprise. The last time I saw these guys, was at the tail end of their Alligator tour, and the lead singer's voice was shot. Seeing him fresh made a huge difference. With his deep, smooth vocals in top form it was like the lead singer was whispering secrets in you ear, exactly what you're looking for from The National.
All in all, the band just seemed to feel totally at home. The lead singer mumbled chit-chat with the audience all night, and he even entered the crowd for the finally of the main set (Able). In fact, it's almost scary how close these guys seems. They huddle together on stage like the best of friends, leaving a session musician comically lonely in the wings.
Oh, and the best thing about this post is that you still have a chance to see for yourself! The residency lasts through Sunday, so get off your asses and check The National out for yourself.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Great White North
In honor of the Memorial Day weekend I made a couple of treks to the great white north this weekend. My first trip was to the Bronx, an area largely unknown outside of Yankee Stadium to most Manhattanites.
The borough is full of surprises. Did you know that there are multiple enormous, beautiful parks in the Bronx? Niether did I, but I saw at least three on the walk from the subway to the Museum (Art in the Bronx!). I got off a few stops too early, but it was still an impressive array of greenery.
Next, I had a great lunch at a place called Dominick's on Arthur Ave. It was hands down the most authentic Italian restaurant I've been to in the city. Nothing I've seen in Little Italy compares (Debate welcomed). With a commute under 30 minutes on the express train and unbelievable cheap rents thrown in, The Bronx has become a serious contender for my next semi-annual relocation. I never thought I'd say that, but there it is.
My next trip North took me even further a field. Hopping the Fung Wah Bus I found myself in the WASPy -- yet, oddly, fiercely democratic -- strong hold of Boston in just under four hours. How this trip cost less than the cab to Chinatown is still a mystery to me, but I took full advantage none the less.
I spent my graduate school days just outside of Boston -- to preempt any mockery, yes, I went to Harvard -- and I must admit I didn't think much of the city. It was white. It was cold. The food was awful. Friends had told me the city proper was different, but I did not have high expectations.
I ended the weekend pleasantly surprised. I stayed with friends in Beacon Hill, and the area was spectacular. The only problem was that I was far from the only person enamored with it, and I shared the streets with mobs of Japanese tourists all weekend. Again, the north distinguished itself with green spaces. My friends apartment included a patio area that allowed for holiday grilling, and the city was kind enough to offer a outdoor concert on the river as well.
I guess the moral of the story is that, during the summer, the great white north turns green. I highly encourage you to check it out for yourself.
The borough is full of surprises. Did you know that there are multiple enormous, beautiful parks in the Bronx? Niether did I, but I saw at least three on the walk from the subway to the Museum (Art in the Bronx!). I got off a few stops too early, but it was still an impressive array of greenery.
Next, I had a great lunch at a place called Dominick's on Arthur Ave. It was hands down the most authentic Italian restaurant I've been to in the city. Nothing I've seen in Little Italy compares (Debate welcomed). With a commute under 30 minutes on the express train and unbelievable cheap rents thrown in, The Bronx has become a serious contender for my next semi-annual relocation. I never thought I'd say that, but there it is.
My next trip North took me even further a field. Hopping the Fung Wah Bus I found myself in the WASPy -- yet, oddly, fiercely democratic -- strong hold of Boston in just under four hours. How this trip cost less than the cab to Chinatown is still a mystery to me, but I took full advantage none the less.
I spent my graduate school days just outside of Boston -- to preempt any mockery, yes, I went to Harvard -- and I must admit I didn't think much of the city. It was white. It was cold. The food was awful. Friends had told me the city proper was different, but I did not have high expectations.
I ended the weekend pleasantly surprised. I stayed with friends in Beacon Hill, and the area was spectacular. The only problem was that I was far from the only person enamored with it, and I shared the streets with mobs of Japanese tourists all weekend. Again, the north distinguished itself with green spaces. My friends apartment included a patio area that allowed for holiday grilling, and the city was kind enough to offer a outdoor concert on the river as well.
I guess the moral of the story is that, during the summer, the great white north turns green. I highly encourage you to check it out for yourself.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Pong!
Attention all LESiders! It's time to kick your heroin habits (I assuming this is how everyone manages to be so damn skinny) and get addicted to Pong!
Run by a friendly Canadian named Ben, Pong! is the latest incarnation of GrandOpening. Shockingly, Grand Opening is not a subtle reference to female genitalia. It actually is the theme of the store: a new grand opening every three months. Quite possibly the most labor intensive business idea ever. Apparently, the store started as a barn (not sure what the "store" was), and Pong! is its second incarnation as a ping pong club.
Pong! is building up to a grand tournament against all the ping pong greats of the LES sometime in the next couple of months. While you may not expect great ping pong champions on the Lower East Side, think again. Apparently, one of the club member is nationally ranked and another has been know to beat people playing with his cell phone. I always suspected that many LESiders had spent far too much time in a basement growing up (Disclaimer: I live on the LES and spent far too much time in a basement growing up).
Anyway, despite my general rule to ban all Canadians from the country (I am in favor of all other immigration, I just think we should invade Canada instead), this place is pretty cool. You should definitely check it out if you get the chance.
GrandOpening
139 Norfolk St.
646-478-7689
www.139norfolk.com
Run by a friendly Canadian named Ben, Pong! is the latest incarnation of GrandOpening. Shockingly, Grand Opening is not a subtle reference to female genitalia. It actually is the theme of the store: a new grand opening every three months. Quite possibly the most labor intensive business idea ever. Apparently, the store started as a barn (not sure what the "store" was), and Pong! is its second incarnation as a ping pong club.
Pong! is building up to a grand tournament against all the ping pong greats of the LES sometime in the next couple of months. While you may not expect great ping pong champions on the Lower East Side, think again. Apparently, one of the club member is nationally ranked and another has been know to beat people playing with his cell phone. I always suspected that many LESiders had spent far too much time in a basement growing up (Disclaimer: I live on the LES and spent far too much time in a basement growing up).
Anyway, despite my general rule to ban all Canadians from the country (I am in favor of all other immigration, I just think we should invade Canada instead), this place is pretty cool. You should definitely check it out if you get the chance.
GrandOpening
139 Norfolk St.
646-478-7689
www.139norfolk.com
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Ground Rules
Hello there!
Welcome to my first ever blog post. Isn't it captivating already?
I thought I would take the opportunity to layout a little of what my blog will most likely cover. You could probably just check the interests section in my profile, but we all know that's too much work.
I'm not dedicating this blog to any single topic. I plan on covering technology, independent music, politics, pop culture, etc. as I see fit. Basically this will be a place of me to rant about whatever is on my mind and see if anyone cares.
That being said, the blog will probably have a few running themes. For one, I live in New York, specifically the Lower East Side, and I will probably extol the neighborhood's virtues from time to time. I am also unemployed at the moment, so some amount of angst over my joblessness may also be a common thread for the near term.
Enjoy!
Welcome to my first ever blog post. Isn't it captivating already?
I thought I would take the opportunity to layout a little of what my blog will most likely cover. You could probably just check the interests section in my profile, but we all know that's too much work.
I'm not dedicating this blog to any single topic. I plan on covering technology, independent music, politics, pop culture, etc. as I see fit. Basically this will be a place of me to rant about whatever is on my mind and see if anyone cares.
That being said, the blog will probably have a few running themes. For one, I live in New York, specifically the Lower East Side, and I will probably extol the neighborhood's virtues from time to time. I am also unemployed at the moment, so some amount of angst over my joblessness may also be a common thread for the near term.
Enjoy!
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