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The
time since Volume 8 of Moving In Stereo, as planned, has seen my
enrollment in a Masters program, a re-location to Suffolk County and yet
another financially-burdening (while relaxing) trip to Japan. With a lot
happening within the various fields of entertainment during that
"downtime," there's much to report yet - as per usual - a word limit to
adhere to.
...From The Shelf
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...Although an unauthorized biography, I had trouble putting down
the latest from John D. Luerssen. Titled Rivers' Edge,
Luerssen's book is an investigative look into the world of Rivers
Cuomo, the eccentric, unpredictable and undisputed leader of
Weezer. Featuring interviews with members - past and present - of
Weezer, rare photos and exclusive anecdotes are also utilized from
tour-mates and contemporaries. I assure that this book will teach
message board-reading die-hards more than a few things...Even In
Blackouts mouthpiece (and former Screeching Weasel sideman)
John "Jughead" Pierson is taking a unique approach by posting the
first three chapters of Weasels In A Box, an in-progress
semi-non-fiction work, online at http://weaselsinabox.blogspot.com. No
word yet on when the next installment of Weasels will be up.
...From The Stage
 As part of the annual CMJ Marathon in New
York City, I was able to catch a pair of shows during Night #2. After
experiencing a powerful set from Dutch quintet Oil -- whose
aggressive and confrontational brand of metallic punk rock positively
stood out from the poppy bands also part of the Amsterdam Calling
showcase -- it was time for The Figgs at Crash Mansion.
Hitting the stage promptly after King Of France, the Boston-based
power-pop trio played an entirely different set than this columnist had
witnessed two months earlier at The Knitting Factory. But as per
usual, lead vocals were contributed by all three Figgs and extended
versions of "Inside The Disco" and "One Hit Wonder" were show
highlights. Live bands don't get much tighter nor more exciting than The
Figgs (whose guitarist Mike Gent contributes part of his tour
diary to Rivers' Edge), so it's a wonder the group hasn't yet
showcased such with a proper live CD...Although not in attendance at the
reportedly unforgettable CMJ set from Surferosa at Don
Hill's, I was amongst those shoved and spit on by frontwoman
Mariann at Rothko. Switching off between new,
yet-to-be-recorded material and selections from the new wave-y
Shangai Moon, a performance from this Norweigan band is not one
that any act without pyro would want to follow. Whether in concert or in
recorded form, "Saturday Night" is an undeniable pop-metal anthem, while
Mariann's skin-tight wardrobe and antagonizing of the audience ought to
get her in some legal trouble soon; or, at the very least, get the band
a U.S. record deal in the near-future...In support of Live At The El
Rey, his Moving In Stereo-approved DVD, Stephen Lynch
co-headlined two sold-out gigs with Mitch Hedburg at Town
Hall in the midst of CMJ's madness. Rob Cantrell, the
self-proclaimed "comedy fluffer" (as best known for his appearances on
Last Comic Standing and Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn),
opened the evening to a rousing response without resorting to cheap
laughs or hack material. While Lynch's twisted yet melodic songs brought
on countless applause breaks - an early walk-on from Mark Teich
during the late show nearly warranted another one - Hedburg's hour of
one-liners, quick-paced anecdotes and improvised fire-backs stole the
show. But regardless of one's preference out of these comics, rarely do
comedy shows come along that are this well-rounded and entertaining, yet
also economical.
(and of course I have to give my home town of Long Island a look...)
...From The Island
 Recent winners of a Battle Of The Bands at The
Downtown, SGT recently wrapped up a new five-song EP, Two
Hearts, with Diffuser frontman, Never-Enders bassist
and Hollywood Records A&R rep Tomas Costanza at the
helm. First single, "Spinning," has already earned some spins on
WLIR...Featuring ex-members of Skycamefalling, The
Sleeping has been getting a lot of rave reviews for Believe What
We Tell You, as out through One Day Savior Recordings. Filled
with screams and undeniable hardcore energy yet hooks and thick guitars,
Believe also contains impressive conceptual artwork. I'd prefer
not to ruin the surprise of the latter...Sproutand Sunday
Luck fans might be surprised to see that it's Jordan Plosky
behind the kit for Ryan Cabrera. High-profile appearances have
already been made by the drummer on programs like The Tonight Show
With Jay Leno, Live With Regis & Kelly and TRL;
updates from the road can be regularly spotted at
www.jordanplosky.com...Under the name Transistor, the
Huntington-based American Laundromat Records has a new 16-song
compilation out. My favorite of the eight bands featured is The
Modifiers whose Replacements-esque "Favorite Waitress" is a
stand-out...Congratulations are extended to ASOB - The Arrogant Sons
Of Bitches - whose Discography has just earned distribution
through Fat Wreck Japan; a tour out in the Far East indeed may be
in store for the ska veterans.
If you have news to report
for the next edition of Moving In Stereo, press releases and all other
correspondence for Darren should be sent to ASellOut@aol.com.
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