nyctaper Recordings

[photo courtesy of You Ain’t No Picasso – View all of Matt’s amazing photos HERE]

We are a few days behind the news cycle on this show. If you’re an Of Montreal fan, by now you have read about the concert at Roseland on Friday night, and its extraordinary and thoroughly original stage show. Suffice to say, we have never seen a concert where a song was performed on top of a white horse, or where the lead singer sang several numbers dressed as the Pope (in red), or where the lead singer was dropped realistically from an old style hangman’s noose.

Musically, this was by far the longest Of Montreal show we have seen, and outlasted last year’s Roseland show by more than forty minutes. While the setlist drew heavily from Skeletal Lamping, there were an equal number of selections from the previous three albums and one memorable cover — 24 songs in total.

After last year’s difficult time at Roseland, we made a persistent effort to arrange all the recording permissions in advance for this show. Thanks to Michael the Of Montreal road manager, The Late B.P. Helium, and the Roseland crew, this recording outing was perfect in all respects. We captured this concert from the front and center of the balcony railing. While the distance from the stage was greater than last year, we are extremely pleased with the soundstage and depth of this recording. Enjoy!

Direct download of MP3 files (HERE)

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

of Montreal
2008-10-10
Roseland Ballroom
New York, NY USA

Digital Master Audience Recording
Recorded from Balcony Rail
Dead Center

Neumann KM-150’s (AK-50 Hypercardiod Capsules) > Apogee Minime > digital coaxial > M-Audio Microtrack > 16bit 44.1kHz wav files > Soundforge (set fades, slight level adjustments, slight EQ) > CD Wave 1.95 (tracking) > Flac Frontend (level 7, align sector boundaries) > flac

Recorded and Produced
by nyctaper
2008-10-11

Setlist:
[Total Time 1:47:25]
01 Introduction
02 Id Engager
03 So Begins Our Alabee
04 Triphallus, To Punctuate!
05 She’s a Rejecter
06 For Our Elegant Caste
07 Touched Something’s Hollow
08 An Eluardian Instance
09 Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse
10 Gallery Piece
11 Wraith Pinned To The Mist (And Other Games)
12 Women’s Studies Victims
13 St. Exquisite Confessions
14 Eros’ Entropic Tundra
15 Nonpareil Of Favor
16 October is Eternal
17 Wicked Wisdom
18 Disconnect the Dots / Knight Rider
19 And I’ve Seen A Bloody Shadow
20 Plastis Wafers
21 Beware Our Nubile Miscreants
22 Mingusings
23 A Sentence Of Sorts In Kongsvinger
24 [encore break]
25 Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)*
26 Gronlandic Edit

*with Andrew VanWyngarden (MGMT)

If you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Of Montreal, visit their website, visit their MySpace page, and purchase their new CD Skeletal Lamping at the Polyvinyl website [HERE].

[photo courtesy of stereoactivenyc]

Of all the bands scheduled to appear at the NYCTaper CMJ Showcase, Naked Hearts are the artist with whom we are least familiar. Initially, the band contacted us about a gig at Death by Audio, and we also read a recent review at the Ear Farm blog. After we sampled the excellent tracks at their MySpace page (“Cat and Mouse” is a hit waiting to happen), the CMJ invitation was offered.

On Monday night at Mercury Lounge, we experienced Naked Hearts for the first time live and the end result is that NYCTaper is very lucky to have this band perform at our Showcase. Naked Hearts can’t miss. The combination of neat melodic hooks, sweet harmonies, and musical dexterity are on obvious display at the live show, and the trio presents a confident and relaxed presence on stage that belies the “newness” of the band.

We recorded this set from our standard location at Mercury Lounge. The sound mix was quite good and the crowd was very attentive — one of the least “chatty” crowds we have encountered recently. The recording is therefore quite excellent and captures this outstanding new band in a very positive light. Enjoy!

Direct download of MP3 files (HERE)

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

Naked Hearts
2008-10-06
Mercury Lounge
New York, NY USA

Digital Master Recording
Recorded from Front of Board

Neumann KM-150’s > Monster Cable > Apogee Mini-Me > digital coax > M-Audio Microtrack 24/96 > 24bit 48kHz wav > Soundforge 8.0 (level adjustments, downsample) > CD Wave 1.75 > Flac Frontend (level 7) > flac

Recorded and Produced by nyctaper
2008-10-08

Setlist:
[Total time 25:46]
01 Like I Do
02 Mass Hysteria
03 Only For You
04 Cat and Mouse
05 One False Move
06 Crashing Horses
07 Call Me

If you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Naked Hearts, visit their website, visit their MySpace page, and come to see them perform at the NYCTaper CMJ Showcase!

[photo credit]

The last time we saw Bradford Cox, it was less than a month ago under very different circumstances. At Le Poisson Rouge in September, Bradford fronted the powerful guitar-driven five-piece Deerhunter. On Thursday night at Irving, Bradford was accompanied only by his guitar, keyboards and effects — as his solo project Atlas Sound. The thoroughly different, yet equally compelling music that Atlas Sound produced is a testament to the multiple talents of this unique performer.

We recorded this set from the exact location as the Stereolab recording. However, the unabashed high volume crowd chatter during this set was disturbing. Fortunately, throughout much of this set the volume covered the chatter, although at quiet times during this set the talking is quite audible. Otherwise, its a fine capture. Enjoy!

Direct download of MP3 files (HERE)

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

Atlas Sound
2008-10-02
Irving Plaza
New York NY USA

Digital Master Recording
Recorded from Dead Center
Front of Board — 40 Feet from Stage

Neumann KM-150s (AK-50 Hypercardiod Capsules) > Monster XLR cables > Apogee Minime > digital coaxial > M-Audio Microtrack > 24bit 48kHz wav file > Soundforge 8.0 (set fades, slight level boost, resample 16/44) > CD Wave 1.95 > Flac Frontend (level 7, align sector boundaries) > flac

Recorded and Produced
by nyctaper
2008-10-06

Setlist
[Total time 34:36]
01 Cold as Ice
02 April 13
03 Cold and Golden
04 On Guard
05 The Abandoned Closet
06 Another Bedroom
07 Logos

If you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Atlas Sound, visit the MySpace page, visit Bradford’s blog, and purchase the official releases from the Kranky Records site [HERE].

[photo credit]

As we reported the day after this show, Kri­a Brekkan‘s set at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah on September 16 was primarily a beautiful performance with a few equipment-related bumps along the road. Similar to her 2007 performance in a church, the crowd was quiet and reverent and the performer responded with a set of intricacy and poignancy.

We recorded from up close to the stage, about 20 feet from the left PA speaker. While the PA system was a basic mobile unit, this is a fine capture. Although there are some ambient noises (shutterbug clicks, chair squeaks, door closings), the crowd was mostly quiet and the sound signal is clear. Enjoy!

Kria Brekkan performs again on Tuesday October 7, at Santos Party House.

Direct download of MP3 files (HERE)

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

Kri­a Brekkan
2008-09-16
Lutheran Church of the Messiah
Brooklyn NY USA

Digital Master Recording
Recorded from Upfront
Left Side — 20 Feet from Stage

Neumann KM-150s (AK-50 Hypercardiod Capsules) > Monster XLR cables > Apogee Minime > digital coaxial > M-Audio Microtrack > 24bit 48kHz wav file > Soundforge 8.0 (set fades, slight level boost, resample 16/44) > CD Wave 1.95 > Flac Frontend (level 7, align sector boundaries) > flac

Recorded and Produced
by nyctaper
2008-10-05

[Total time 35:02]
06 Tracks

If you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Kria Brekkan, visit her website, and purchase her Official Releases directly from her website [HERE].

[photo credit]

Stereolab is on tour to promote their August 2008 release Chemical Chords and the band is currently on a three-night run of shows at Irving Plaza. Last night’s performance was the opening night and showed no uncertainty or trepidation as early nights often do. These eighteen-year veterans worked through old and new material with grace and confidence — the setlist included only four songs from Chemical Chords. On a humorous note, the band performed “Ping Pong”, although they did not dedicate it to Meghan McCain.

We recorded this set with the gracious permission of Stereolab manager Martin Pike and we were able to set up in the perfect location in this venue and utilized our best equipment. We are extremely pleased with the quality of this recording. Enjoy!

Tickets are still available for the Saturday night (Oct 4) concert by Stereolab at Irving Plaza.

Atlas Sound was also recorded and will be posted in the next few days.

Direct download of MP3 files (HERE)

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

Stereolab
2008-10-02
Irving Plaza
New York NY USA

Digital Master Recording
Recorded from Dead Center
Front of Board — 40 Feet from Stage

Neumann KM-150s (AK-50 Hypercardiod Capsules) > Monster XLR cables > Apogee Minime > digital coaxial > M-Audio Microtrack > 24bit 48kHz wav file > Soundforge 8.0 (set fades, slight level boost, resample 16/44) > CD Wave 1.95 > Flac Frontend (level 7, align sector boundaries) > flac

Recorded and Produced
by nyctaper
2008-10-03

Setlist
[Total time 1:32:21]
01 Percolator
02 Neon Beanbag
03 Eye of the Volcano
04 Mountain
05 Chemical Chords
06 Self Portrait With Electric Brain
07 Ping Pong
08 Double Rocker
09 Ecstatic Static
10 Lo Boob Oscillator
11 Bump
12 Silver Sands
13 John Cage Bubblegum
14 French Disko
15 Cybele’s Reverie
16 [encore break]
17 Three Women
18 The Emergency Kisses
19 Jenny Ondioline

If you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Stereolab, visit their website, visit their MySpace page, and and purchase their Official Releases, including the new release Chemical Chords directly from the Duophonic Store [HERE].

[photo credit]

The Meat Puppets were simply one of the most unlikely but ultimately rewarding redemption stories of the entire year of 2007 in music. When we saw them perform at Knitting Factory in August of 2007, the band was tight, focused and performed a powerful set. The challenge for this band in 2008 has been to maintain that level of proficiency.

At Terminal 5 on Friday night, the Meat Puppets had the unenviable task of opening for two outstanding bands with strong fan bases and also had to begin their set at 7:30. Despite the restrictions, the band continued the momentum from last year and added something old and new — a reckless and devil-may-care energy to their music. The result was a set of standard Pups with some nice surprises and twists mixed in. While Johnny Cash’s “Tennessee Stud” was an inspired cover choice performed well, a cover of the Beatles “Tomorrow Never Knows” was a misstep that ended abruptly. “Up On the Sun” and its extended jam continues to be one of the set highlights, but the harder and faster version of “Lake of Fire” seemed somewhat unfocused. Overall though, the Meat Puppets remain one of the best resurrection stories in modern music, and if the band continues to perform energetic sets without allowing the recklessness to fuel discord, they may remain a vital unit for years.

We recorded the set from the same location as the two previous recordings. However, given that the venue was only half full for this performance, the recording has virtually no crowd noise and excellent clarity. Enjoy!

This recording is now available to Download in FLAC and MP3 at Archive.org [HERE].

Meat Puppets
2008-09-26
Terminal 5
New York, NY USA

Digital Master Audience Recording
Recorded from Floor – Dead Center 100 Feet from Stage

Neumann KM-150’s > Monster Cable > Apogee Mini-Me > digital coax > M-Audio Microtrack 24/96 > 24bit 48kHz wav > Soundforge 8.0 (level adjustments, downsample 16/44) > CD Wave 1.75 > Flac Frontend (level 7, align sector boundaries) > flac

Recorded and Produced by nyctaper
2008-09-30

Setlist:
[total time 56:48]
01 Buckaroo
02 Sam
03 Up On The Sun
04 Snow
05 Touchdown King
06 Lost
07 The Whistling Song
08 Bali Hai
09 Coming Down
10 Look At The Rain
11 Oh, Me
12 Tennessee Stud (Johnny Cash)
13 Tomorrow Never Knows (Beatles)*
14 Lake of Fire

If you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT The Meat Puppets, visit their website, and purchase their Official Releases directly from the Anodyne Records website [HERE].

[photo by nyctaper correspondent neild]

If the July Feelies concerts at Maxwell’s and Battery Park were celebratory affairs simply because the band was back and sounded great, last night’s concert at The Music Hall of Williamsburg was special for a whole different reason — the Feelies absolutely rocked. This was a band that did not sound as if they were playing their 5th gig after a decade and half of “down time”. Last night, the Feelies were tight as always, but added a significant amount of energy and animation to the stage show. Perhaps spurred on by the boisterous and vocal Saturday night crowd, each song seemed to reach a trademark Feelies crescendo with extra energy. “Deep Fascination” and “Slipping (Into Something)” in particular evolved into truly joyous cacophony.

When we glanced at the soundboard booth prior to the show and saw the longtime Feelies soundboard tech Andy behind the board, we knew the sound in the venue would be terrific and we were not disappointed. This show was mixed to perfection and featured a full and rich soundstage. Our recording was captured from a prime location and we are extremely indebted to the talents of Andy for the quality of this recording. Enjoy!

The Feelies perform again tonight at Bowery Ballroom!

Direct download of MP3 files (HERE)

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

The Feelies
2008-09-20
Music Hall of Williamsburg
Brooklyn, NY USA

Digital Master Recording
Recorded from FOB
Dead Center 20 Feet from PA

DPA 4021’s > Marantz PMD-660 (Oade BCM) > 16bit 44.1 wav > Soundforge (set fades, level boost, slight eq) > CDWave 1.95 (tracking) > Flac Frontend (level 7, align sector boundaries) > flac

Recorded and Produced by
nyctaper
2008-09-21

Setlist:
[Total Time 1:12:05]
01 On The Roof
02 The High Road
03 Nobody Knows
04 Let’s Go
05 Deep Fascination
06 Higher Ground
07 The Final Word
08 Time Is Right
09 Away
10 Slipping (Into Something)
11 Doin’ It Again
12 Too Far Gone
13 Raised Eyebrows
14 Crazy Rhythms
15 [encore break]
16 She Said She Said (Beatles)
17 Paint it Black (Rolling Stones)
18 [second encore break]
19 I Wanna Sleep In Your Arms (Modern Lovers)
20 Outdoor Miner (Wire)

If you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT The Feelies and visit their official MySpace page, and purchase their official releases at various commercial outlets. They are working on new songs. Purchase their new CD when it is released!

[photo courtesy of The Music Slut blog]

The second night of Sigur Ros 2-night run at United Palace was another amazing performance which was executed to perfection. Although Jonsi again apologized for high notes not reached during “Svefn-G-Englar”, the balance of the evening was flawless — the songs, the lighting, the stage backdrop, the props, and even the drumming accompaniment on “Gobbledigook”. We would have preferred some variety to the setlist, but the debut performance of “Illgresi” from the new CD Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust in the first encore slot was quite special.

We recorded this show from the second row of the “upper” loge, which given the layout of the balcony of this venue is actually geographically closer to the stage than our floor seat from the previous evening. We were fortunate to have a direct line to the PA stacks and as a result this recording has excellent clarity and balance. We believe this recording improves upon the quality of the first night. Enjoy!

Direct download of MP3 files (HERE)

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

Sigur Ros
2008-09-18
United Palace Theatre
New York, NY USA

Digital Audience Master Recording
Recorded from Upper Loge Row B Right Side

DPA 4021’s > Marantz PMD-660 (Oade BCM) > 16bit 44.1 wav > Soundforge (set fades, level boost, slight eq) > CDWave 1.95 (tracking) > Flac Frontend (level 7, align sector boundaries) > flac

Recorded and Produced by
nyctaper
2008-09-19

Setlist:
[Total Time 1:50:26]
01 Svefn-G-Englar
02 Glósóli
03 Ný Batteri
04 Fljótavík
05 Við Spilum Endalaust
06 Hoppípolla
07 Með Blóðnasir / Svo Hljótt
08 Heysátan
09 Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása
10 Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur
11 Sæglópur
12 Hafsól
13 Gobbledigook
14 [encore break]
15 Illgresi
16 Popplagið

If you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Sigur Ros, visit their website, visit their MySpace page, and purchase their new CD Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust directly from their website.