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NYCTaper’s Favorite Concerts We Recorded in 2012 (w/ Streaming Songs)

December 27, 2012

[Photo by Geoffrey Dicker for According 2 G]

There is always more live music going on in New York than any one person (or four people) can see at one time, let alone record and share. Add to that the tradition of the summer road-trip (or flight to North Carolina) and we had a ton of shows to see, share and discuss. When you record this many shows, it’s pretty easy for your memory of individual ones to get hazy. Some you forget (or maybe want to forget) altogether. This list is not intended as a definitive “best of”, necessarily, but out of the hundreds of bands we saw take the stage, the moments represented here were the ones that not only stuck in our minds, but that we kept turning back to and listening to again and again. This was another tough year for New York and for this country in general, but that didn’t stop people from making great music, and we are thankful to have been there to witness it as often as we were. We hope that if you listened to any of our recordings this year that they brought you happiness, and wish you all the best for 2013.

In no particular order….

Bjork – February 25, 2012 Roseland and February 12, 2012 New York Hall of Science
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/B6591Bjork8793/18.%20Possibly%20Maybe.mp3]
We were lucky enough to catch two of the Biophilia: Live shows by Björk, an original and rare talent whose bizarre science-meets-music vision brought to life on a 360-degree stage was as electric as the giant Tesla coil onstage. The singer’s voice is without match, and the Icelandic choir that joined her made the material even better. These were some of the most popular recordings on the site this year, even if the sound alone could not quite do these staggeringly entertaining performances justice.

Hiss Golden Messenger – September 7, 2012 Hopscotch Festival, Raleigh, NC (day show and night show)

Other than that he isn’t in a major media market, is on a tiny, mostly reissue-based label, and has a challenging full-time day job, I can’t figure out why MC Taylor, who performs as Hiss Golden Messenger, isn’t more popular outside of North Carolina. I suppose those three are good reasons, but as this year’s Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, NC reminded us, North Carolina is very much a musical hotbed right now. Taylor’s music is an approachable blend of rock, country, gospel and folk, with a timeless appeal that can span generations and earn Grammy awards. At these two shows – first the Three Lobed Recordings/’WXDU Day Show in a stripped-down setup, and then at night in a larger auditorium with a full band, Taylor performed songs that were flat-out heartbreakingly beautiful and just as equally memorable. The man’s performances are instant classics. If he comes to your town, drop what you’re going and go see what he’s about.

Akron/Family – January 21, 2012 at 285 Kent
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/A3030Akron1020/13.%20Light%20Emerges.mp3]
Akron/Family almost always put on a memorable show, but the freewheeling atmosphere of 285 Kent combined with A/F almost guaranteed one for this night. This manic, lengthy celebratory, show featured full crowd participation (audience drummers!) and an intense performance.

Dinosaur Jr. – December 1, 2012 Terminal 5
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/D6540Dinosaur_Jr6738/Dinosaur_Jr_-_Dont.mp3]
Johnny Fried Chicken Boy and I had already nominated this show as one of the best of the year before we had even hit the post-show pavement. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the album You’re Living All Over Me, the original lineup played that record and a slew of other favorites with special guests including Frank Black, Lee Ranaldo, Kim Gordon, Don Fleming, Johnny Marr, Tommy Stinson and NYC’s current favorite journeyman artist Fred Armisen. For me, the rendition of “Don’t” with Gordon on vocals was the night’s absolute barnburner.

[Wilco at Brewery Ommegang]

Wilco – July 28, 2012 Brewery Ommegang
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/W2238Wilco2297/Wilco_-_Handshake_Drugs.mp3]
Thanks to the location and its signature product, I’m not sure how clearly most of us, er, actually remember this show. But the entire NYCTaper crew taking a roadtrip to one of New York’s best breweries to see one of our favorite bands had to mark a high point of the year for us. Wilco played an excellent set in at-times-torrential rain that included some rare numbers like “Laminated Cat” as well as a trio of Being There classics as part of the encore. At least, I think that’s what happened….

Ty Segall/Thee Oh Sees – September 24, 2012 Death By Audio

I didn’t have a better time at any other show this year. Two big acts (one of whom we were writing about back in 2009) in small clubs playing their butts off is always a good combination.

Patterson Hood – July 23, 2012 Bell House
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/D8030DriveByTruckers3838/21%20Heat%20Lightning%20Rumbles%20In%20the%20Distance.mp3]
It’s easy to be cynical about a lead singer of a still-thriving band doing a solo album (this one his second). But Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers showed himself to be a musical force in his own right. Laughing and telling stories to the crowd in between numbers, this show gave us a window into the man’s soul in a way that you can’t get at the Truckers’ more big-time performances.

[A reunited Luna at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, NY]

Dean & Britta – July 21, 2012 Mulcahy’s, Wantagh
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/D1310DeanWareham2001/08.%20Tiger%20Lily.mp3]
An amazing story of how the original members of Luna decided to reunite with Sean Eden for a charity and play songs we’re not likely to ever hear again live in this configuration. And our pals The War on Drugs were there to play a set (and dedicate a song to us) as well!

DIIV – June 8, 2012 285 Kent
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/D8600DIIV2012/11%20Bambi%20Slaughter.mp3]
As is so often the case, promoter ToddP got a crack at this band as a headliner before the hype machine had quite hit full steam. Sure, 285 Kent isn’t Music Hall of Williamsburg size-wise, but there were more than enough in-the-know people to slam-pack this venue to its sweatiest capacity, as DIIV showed themselves to be one of this year’s best new bands (as many other sites would later acknowledge). Oh, and they covered an unreleased Nirvana b-side, too.

[Oneida at 285 Kent, courtesy of Jill Harrison]

Oneida – May 12, 2012 285 Kent (NYCTaper 5th Anniversary Show)
[audio:http://nyctaper.com/O8020Oneida3329/03.%20Bad%20Habit.mp3]
Is it hard to overstate how fucking awesome it is to have one of our favorite bands playing one of our favorite sets of theirs ever at a show thrown to celebrate five years of this site’s existence? Why, yes it is.

Yo La Tengo – all of the 2012 Hanukkah shows at Maxwell’s, but particularly December 9, 2012, December 10, 2012 and December 14, 2012

At points this December it felt like the site should be called “YoLaTengoTaper” given the amount of time we were spending at Maxwell’s to see this year’s Yo La Tengo Hanukkah shows. Our obsession with these shows is well-justified; the storyline is irresistible. A legendary local band, playing eight shows in a row from their tiny homebase venue to benefit Hurricane Sandy recovery, with special guests like the Sun Ra Arkestra, The Feelies, Devendra Banhart, Andrew Bird, Kid Millions of Oneida, and more is kind of the ultimate holiday gift from a band to its fans, no?

[Sharon Van Etten at Bowery. Courtesy of Chris Gersbeck at Fucking Nostalgic]

Sharon Van Etten – February 26, 2012 Bowery Ballroom
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/S0606SharonVE8008/08.%20Give%20Out.mp3]
We have followed Sharon Van Etten for years and our respect for her is well-documented, but this homecoming show at Bowery Ballroom represented the full realization of Van Etten as a bona fide full band. The Tramp material in particular here was performed flawlessly, with the grace and intensity we’ve come to expect from her.

Lower Dens – May 2, 2012 Glasslands
[audio:http://www.nyctaper/nyctaper.com/L0052LowerDens0122/Brains.mp3]
I usually find it hard to narrow down the number of “favorite” shows I see at Glasslands, but this year, this Lower Dens show was a huge standout. With the Baltimore band touring behind their expansive new LP, Nootropics, they showed up in front of a maxed-out crowd and proved that their meditative, texture-heavy songs could also kill it live.

Kevin Devine – December 1, 2012 Webster Hall

December 1st must have been one of the best days for music all year. Two of our favorite shows – Dinosaur Jr. at Terminal 5 and this sprawling Kevin Devine show – happened on this date, and we missed at least two others that would have been must-sees on any other night. We’re not sure any contemporary artist has ever played three full albums on one date, but Kevin did it, and with exceptional grace. A night to remember.

[Alabama Shakes at Bowery Ballroom. Photo courtesy of Eric Groom Photography]

Alabama Shakes – April 11, 2012 Bowery Ballroom
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/A2210AlabamaShakes1410/Alabama_Shakes_-_Boys_and_Girls.mp3]
When you see a band on the night that they discover they’ve “made it” in New York, you usually see them at their best. After that moment, things will never be the same for them, internally or externally. From 2009 until this moment, Alabama Shakes was an at-best regionally known band from Athens, Alabama that had been gaining some post-CMJ buzz from 2011. After this Bowery Ballroom show, as I said to Johnny Fried Chicken Boy during the show, they were headed straight for a Grammy, which they now have a pretty good shot at earning. They were obviously humbled and amazed by what they saw in front of them – a slew of industry people and eager fans looking at the “next big thing”. And they played that way.

Hurray For the Riff Raff – June 15, 2012 Mercury Lounge
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/H1208Hurray0022/12.%20Time%20Is%20On%20My%20Side%20(Irma%20Thomas).mp3]
Among several shows of theirs we saw this year (including our own CMJ show), this was the perfect example of a band finding its voice in the live setting at the same time as they released a fantastic album – in this case, the largely unheralded but outstanding Look Out Mama.

Woods – November 3, 2012 Music Hall of Williamsburg

As many of us were just emerging from Hurricane Sandy hell (and many were still stuck in it), Woods gave Brooklynites a reason to leave the house for this outstanding show at Music Hall. Woods may be of the more recent vintage of Brooklyn bands, but their ability to stretch, bend and reshape a song is of another era. Their appropriately titled new record, Bend Beyond, is only a guidepost for what you get at one of their incredible live shows.

Olivia Tremor Control – June 16, 2012 Music Hall of Williamsburg
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/O6150OTC0212/03%20Can%20You%20Come%20Down%20With%20Us.mp3]
When I was at this show, I thought it heralded a comeback for the Athens, GA-based psychedelic wizards. Instead, this was the last time I would ever see Olivia Tremor Control. Founding member Bill Doss passed away scarcely a month later, and with him, this cherished cornerstone of the Elephant 6 collective. Rest in peace, Bill, and may your music live forever.

The Mountain Goats – October 13, 2012 Music Hall of Williamsburg

Those in the know called this Mountain Goats show the best of the latest tour. We’re here to give you the audio evidence that they’re right.

Gov’t Mule (w/ the Levon Helm Band) – June, 2012 Mountain Jam, Hunter, NY
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/M9999MountainJam9999/20%20Birth%20of%20the%20Mule.mp3]
Set against a backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, Gov’t Mule and the Levon Helm Band paid one hell of a tribute to one of music’s most dearly departed this year, Levon Helm. As if the idea that music has the power to transcend even death needed affirming, these guys did it with this performance.

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Frank Turner – September 30, 2012 Webster Hall
The Soft Moon – September 20, 2012 Glasslands
Lucero – April 20, 2012 Webster Hall

Special thanks to all of the artists, management, labels, photographers and other music sites that have supported NYCTaper this year and in the past five years. And of course, a huge thank you to our readers, who we hope to continue to provide with high-quality, artist-sanctioned recordings, reviews and photos throughout 2013 and beyond. Happy New Year!

[Soft Moon at Glasslands, courtesy of Eric Groom Photography]

NYCTaper Upcoming Schedule – Winter 2012-13

November 16, 2012

By nyctaper

We’ve entered a new era at NYCTaper. After living on the unprotected edge for five years, we suffered the wrath of the new web — multiple hackings, imbedded spam and the horrible results of a website without substantial security. In the last couple of months, we hired an expert to rectify those problems and the result is that we seem to be free of the roving bands of malicious bots that permeate the web these days. That being said, there was substantial damage to the site’s archives that I am meticulously repairing month by month going all the way back to the first post. I’m now up to the Summer of 2010, and if you go back to 2007, 2008 and 2009, you will notice that all of the flac links have now returned to the topics (no more email requirement), posts that disappeared have been restored, posts have been fixed by restoring missing media, photos, fixing links, and removing odd characters. I continue to drudge through the archives and hope to come current within the next few weeks. Its a painful arduous task, but knowing that we now have complete backups is comforting. Also, its been a hoot to relive the “old days” and listen to some recordings that I haven’t heard in years. Two obvious conclusions are that our current recordings are a lot better than in the old days, and that I’ve seen a f-load of shows in the last 5+ years. Thanks of course to acidjack, Johnny and hiandlo for their assistance in restoring their old posts, and of course especially to acidjack for carrying the current workload as I finish this task. We expect that in the future NYCTaper will be a reliable and consistent provider of live music. We love what we do and thank all of our readers for your continued support.

I also realize that we’re way overdo for a Calendar post, so here goes. Lots of fun stuff here, including the usual highlight of any year, the Yo La Tengo Hanukkah shows!

[Caveat: Below is the updated schedule. We expect to attend and record these events. However, circumstances will prevent some of these from being done, and others will be added in the meantime.]

If you want nyctaper to record your band, a band you represent, a show you’re promoting, or even your favorite band in the world, get us in the door and make sure everyone who needs to approve of the recording gives permission. Also, remember each person on the nyctaper crew does this all for free, the recordings, the post-production, the reviews, the links, etc., so treat us fairly.

Schedule:

Naomi Punk / Parquet Courts:
November 16, 2012 285 Kent Brooklyn [facebook invite]

Metz:
November 19, 2012 Mercury Lounge NYC

EyeHateGod:
November 27, 2012 St. Vitus Brooklyn

Dinosaur Jr:
December 1, 2012 Terminal 5 NYC

Kevin Devine:
December 1, 2012 Webster Hall NYC

Animal Collective:
December 4 and December 5, 2012 Terminal 5 NYC

Deer Tick:
December 5, 2012 Brooklyn Bowl

Pink Mountaintops / The Loom:
December 5, 2012 Union Pool Brooklyn

Yo La Tengo:
December 8 through December 15, 2012 Maxwells Hoboken NJ

Smashing Pumpkins:
December 10, 2012 Barclays Center Brooklyn

Of Montreal:
December 11, 2012 Webster Hall NYC

Deer Tick:
December 12, 2012 Brooklyn Bowl

She Keeps Bees (and special guests):
December 15, 2012 Cameo Gallery Brooklyn

Deer Tick:
December 19, 2012 Brooklyn Bowl

Fucked Up:
December 21, 2012 Warsaw Brooklyn

Los Lobos:
December 22, 2012 City Winery NYC

My Morning Jacket:
December 27, 2012 Capitol Theatre Portchester NY

Lucero:
December 28, 2012 Brooklyn Bowl

Math The Band:
January 4, 2013 Glasslands Gallery Brooklyn

Hospitality:
January 10, 2013 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Mission of Burma:
January 18, 2013 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven:
January 19, 2013 Stage 48 NYC

NYCTaper 5th Anniversary Show! Saturday May 12 at 285 Kent with Oneida and Special Guests

May 10, 2012

By nyctaper

Five years ago I established this site with a few goals in mind — that my recordings would be the centerpiece in posts that would profile the artists and would encourage people who read the site and download the music to support the artists. I did not however envision that the site would grow to the extent it has reached today. NYCTaper is now a group of four tapers with countless other contributors. The site continues to pursue the original goals, but with the help of our contributors, our readers and our many friends in the music community, we have become something more. With an enormous amount of help from artists, promoters, venues, booking agents, blogs, and others in the music world, taping has been removed from the shadows and the live recording of artists is now seen as a powerful tool to enhance the relationship between fans and artists. When bands now seek to “be on NYCTaper”, its understood that this is a good thing for an artist. And for us here at NYCTaper, its a humbling experience to realize that our hard work and good intentions have made this site work for a community of music performers and music lovers. We hope to keep doing this and to continue to grow well into the future.

We are celebrating this milestone with a concert curated by one of the artists that represents everything we love in music. Oneida is a band that is truly unique. The band is comprised of five incredibly talented musicians who are untethered by the bounds of conventional music genres and completely free of the traps of the music industry. They have been featured on NYCTaper eleven times (plus two solo projects) and last year we worked with them to offer recordings of their studio Ocropolis sessions to raise charitable contributions for Japanese earthquake relief.

Oneida will headline the show on Saturday, and will be joined onstage by special guests Greg Fox (Guardian Alien / GDFX) and James McNew (Yo La Tengo / Dump). The opening bands for the night are Sightings and Prince Rupert’s Drops.

Here are the details:
NYCTaper 5th Anniversary Concert
285 Kent (google map)
Brooklyn NY
Doors are at 8pm
Admission is $10
All ages are welcome

Advance Tickets are available at Ticketfly [HERE]

Tell us that you are coming by joining the Facebook Invite Page for this event [HERE]

NYCTaper Top 25 Concert Moments of 2011: MP3 Downloads and Streaming Songs

December 23, 2011

By acidjack

Live music in 2011 saw several newer bands consolidate their hold on greatness, while well-established acts from the 90s brought out crowds for reunion shows and, sadly, farewells. For those of us at the site, we were inspired by crowds of people who were, in a lot of cases, younger than we were checking out bands like Archers of Loaf live for the first time, or finally gaining appreciation for the work of artists like Cass McCombs and Bill Callahan. At the same time, favorite new or new-er bands like Widowspeak, The War on Drugs, White Fence and Mr. Dream, each of whom we saw multiple times, saw their fanbases grow quickly. If you heard their music for the first time on this site, and liked it enough to give them a look for yourself, well, we are all the more honored and grateful.

With four tapers contributing recordings to the site on a regular basis, picking the “best” 25 moments of an entire year is practically impossible. Looking back on another great year for the site, though, each of these particular moments from a show we recorded stands out in some particular way (though they are in particular order). A complete seamless mix is available for download below, plus streaming selections of each. We hope you enjoy our picks, and look forward to sharing more great artist-approved recordings in 2012.

Want the first word about recordings in 2012 (including in-show updates)? Follow nyctaper and acidjack on Twitter, and like NYCTaper on Facebook.

DOWNLOAD A FULL SET OF ALL 31 SONGS IN MP3 FORMAT [HERE]

1. Sonic Youth – “Inhuman” (Williamsburg Waterfront, August 12)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/24 Inhuman.mp3]

Well-publicized changes in the personal lives of Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon, the reigning king and queen of indie rock for the past two decades, may mean that Sonic Youth‘s performance at the Williamsburg Waterfront in August was their last NYC show. We hope that’s not the case. But if it is, wow, this band went out in as massive a style as possible, delivering a set full of rarities with the energy of 18-year-old punks instead of “elder” statesmen. The night closed with the apocalyptic noise squall of “Inhuman”, an at-times brutal piece of music that highlighted Sonic Youth’s roots as an art-punk noise band. While it is probably the worst quality recording of anything in this top 25, this blowout show closer, with its blasts of feedback, was easily one of the most memorable. Maybe there was something even more personal in those screams and feedback than we realized at the time.

Full post of this show [HERE]

2. The War on Drugs – “Arms Like Boulders” ( Bowery Ballroom, January 8 )

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/02 Arms like Boulders.mp3]

The War on Drugs were a band we unabashedly fell in love with this year. An act that we first saw as an opening band, and who we saw in a huge range of venues this year (from Cameo Gallery to Webster Hall), these guys have earned their acclaim the old-fashioned way. First, their 2011 album Slave Ambient was an instant classic, a Dylanesque masterpiece. Second, they played a flat-out great live show, and they just kept getting better as the year went on. We chose this recording from the Bowery Ballroom because, well, it’s Bowery, and that place always sounds amazing.

Full post of this show [HERE]

3. Deerhunter – “Flourescent Grey” (Webster Hall, August 23).

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/01 Fluorescent Grey.mp3]

Although Deerhunter and Atlas Sound had appeared on this site several times, I (not speaking for the others from the site) counted myself as a Bradford Cox skeptic. That is, until Bradford and the band led off this show at Webster Hall with this song. The band’s sound became a living alien beast, breathing and hissing as the stage was bathed in an eerie green glow. The effect was aurally and visually arresting, and the show didn’t slow down a bit from there. I count myself a believer now.

Full post of this show [HERE]

4. Cass McCombs – “County Line” (Bowery Ballroom, May 12)
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/03 County Line.mp3]

The American songwriter Cass McCombs is a critical darling, and has been since his first releases early last decade. Humor Risk, his new release on Domino Records, seems like the record that will make Cass a favorite with fans as well as critics. We know for sure that he sold out this show at Bowery quite handily, and Wit’s End has made an appearance on many a year-end list. This song, in particular, is a highlight, and this beautiful recording is a nearly flawless capture of Cass at his best.

Full post of this show [HERE]

5. The Psychic Paramount – “Ddb” (Union Pool, July 26)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/02 Ddb.mp3]

The Psychic Paramount provided me with one of those classic moments where an opening band completely overshadows the headliner, and wins a ton of new fans in the process. I caught the band this summer at Union Pool after reading some positive notice for their latest record, II. The album is an excellent work of psychedelic instrumental rock, but the live show – with the band shrouded in a stream of thick smoke, shredding on their guitars – took the experience to the next level.

Full post of this show [HERE]

6. The Smashing Pumpkins – “Muzzle” (Terminal 5, October 18)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/S1810SmashingPumpkins1102/tsp2011-10-07.mk41.Muzzle.mp3]

The latest addition to our team, hi and lo, is a longtime Smashing Pumpkins taper who has crisscrossed the country covering the band. This was another act that I admittedly had somewhat given up on after their late-90s release Machina failed to ignite. Once again I was more than happy to be proven wrong, and reminded of the original greatness of this band. hi and lo invited the entire crew to this show, and it was one of the best we saw this year – a powerfully delivered, rocking performance that rivaled this band at their stadium rock peak in the mid-90s. The Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness track “Muzzle” – slightly lesser known but one of that album’s best – was a highlight in a show that was filled with them.

Full post of this show [HERE]

7. Low – “Witches” (Bowery Ballroom, April 27)
[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/07 Witches.mp3]

Low are a longstanding band who recently proved that they may yet hit their critical peak. Their 2011 release, C’mon, was outstanding – an artistic triumph, and one of their best since their inception in 1993. This show, as I put it then, demonstrated the value of speaking softly, as the band delivered a set of understated grace and majesty. The song “Witches”, with its somber guitar riff, is one of my favorite on the new record, and was one of the highlights of the night.

Full post of this show [HERE]

8. DELETED

9. Lucero – “Across the River” (Mercury Lounge, July 23)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/07 Across the River.mp3]

Johnny Fried Chicken Boy went to see “Nobody’s Darlings” booked as the late show at Mercury Lounge knowing full well that who this mystery band would be. Taking a pause from their stint on the Warped Tour, Lucero rocked an appreciative and typically rowdy weekend Mercury crowd with a 100-minute, free-ranging set. This is the kind of band that defines live rock n’ roll – great players who sound natural, relaxed and like they’re having as good a time as you are. Since first seeing this band as an opener for The Black Keys back in 2009, we have watched their star continue to rise. With a headlining show coming up the day before New Year’s Eve at Brooklyn Bowl, you can be sure Lucero has plenty left in the tank for this year.

Full post of this show [HERE]

10. Godspeed You Black Emperor! – “World Police and Friendly Fire” (Brooklyn Masonic Temple, March 16)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/04 World Police and Friendly Fire.mp3]

I wrote what I thought was my best review that year on my iPhone during the first run-through of this song I heard the night before – so inspired by what I was seeing and hearing I had to capture my thoughts that instant. Of the show, I said in part: “GYBE are an unabashedly political band, and their music, as well as the intense visuals that their live performances soundtrack, are political in a mostly-abstract way. The visuals are mash-ups that evoke the world’s extremes; majesty and beauty in the midst of nascent dread. Here you see the fires of smoldering factories soundtracked by a plaintive surge of sound, where the sound of even the lowly triangle can take on menace. But there is beauty there, as there is in an unmolested glen; in a snippet of a nostalgic ramble that is both endearing and creepy. During the two and a half hour opus that was this phenomenal return to Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple … we were reminded that out of each paroxysm of suffering and bout of anxiety, there remains the zeal and fervor of hope.”

Full post of this show [HERE]

11. Yo La Tengo feat. David Byrne – “Thank You For Sending Me An Angel [Talking Heads]” (Maxwell’s, March 23)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/18 Thank You For Sending Me An Angel.mp3]

Our original goal for this post was not to repeat any bands that made the list last year, but Yo La Tengo deliver something so special at every show, it was impossible to ignore this once-in-a-lifetime happening. Musicians across New York and the United States were moved to help their brethren in Japan after the terrible damage wrought by the tsunami and subsequent nuclear reactor meltdowns. Yo La Tengo did their part by throwing this very special benefit show at their homebase venue of Maxwell’s, with all proceeds going to Peace Winds Japan. David Byrne appeared with the band and performed a special rendition of this Talking Heads classic. A direct donation to Peace Winds Japan was required to be able to download this set, and through those donations, we have raised over $5,000 for the organization to date.

Full post of this show [HERE] donation to Peace Winds Japan is required to download the show.

12. Destroyer “Kaputt” (Webster Hall, April 3)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/08 Kaputt.mp3]

Pitchfork may have ultimately handed the #1 spot on their year-end best-of to Bon Iver, but I called it back in April that Destroyer’s Kaputt would be close. A weird, wonderful album that resurrected the saxophone for new generation of rock fans, as I put it back then, “…Bejar’s music is almost radically foreign to what else is going on in American music today. Which is to say, Kaputtisn’t really dance music, nor can it be considered “rock” of most common varieties, and neither is it some fist-pumping, amped-up hybrid of the two. Bejar’s edges are soft, his choruses delivered on a silky train of trumpet and sax trills in a moderate, almost diffident tone. If the common mode for today’s bands is a marriage of post-punk and hard dance music, 2011’s Destroyer could be, well, “indie rock and smooth jazz…” This live show at Webster Hall was a hotly anticipated one this year, and Bejar nailed it.

Full post of this show [HERE]

13. The Antlers – “Putting the Dog To Sleep” ( Knitting Factory, May 8 )

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/11 Putting the Dog to Sleep.mp3]

The Antlers continued their rise in the ranks of local bands this year with the release of their new album, Burst Apart. We were fortunate enough to catch a very special secret show at The Knitting Factory sponsored by BrooklynVegan, at which the band played the entire new album for a group of hardcore fans. This was the first time we had heard a number of these songs live, and it was evident from the start that Burst Apart was a huge creative leap forward for the band.

Full post of this show [HERE]

14. Wye Oak – “The Alter” (Rock Shop, January 27)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/01 The Alter.mp3]

It was absolutely freezing out when I went to see Wye Oak, performing a special invite-only show after opening for The Decemberists the night before. The band was on the cusp of releasing Civilian, an album destined for many best-of lists, and they were surrounded by friends and family to debut many of its songs live. The intimate jewel box of Rock Shop was the perfect place to do it, feeling like our personal living room as we watched the duo play. After going through the experience of being an opening act at the Beacon Theatre the night before, I’m sure it felt like a sort of homecoming for the Baltimore natives.

Full post of this show [HERE]

15. White Fence – “Baxter Corner” (Bowery Ballroom, August 13)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/04 Baxter Corner.mp3]

Our first exposure to White Fence came as they opened for Woods at Bowery Ballroom, on a night when the NYCTaper crew decided to team up and use a combination of our finest equipment. Not only is our capture one of our best recordings of the year, but this new “band” (basically the solo artist Tim Presley, with members of Woods and drummer Nick Murray as his backing band) blew us away with its catchy garage-psych tunes.

Full post of this show [HERE]

16. Family Band – “Again” (Backyard Brunch Sessions, July 23)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/09 Again.mp3]

Our friends at the Backyard Brunch Sessions held another successful summer season of intimate outdoor shows. Not only did they give the NYCTaper team the chance to show off what we can do recording-wise, but they introduced us to some fantastic new talent. Of all the acts hosted at the BBS this summer, Family Band was probably my single favorite. Lead by the husband and wife team of Jonny Olsin and Kim Krans, the band played a mesmerizing set on this sweltering midsummer afternoon. They call their music “death prom,” and indeed, it is downbeat, but its pastoral quality is one of its greatest strengths, well earned in the band’s upstate Catskills recording location.

Full post of this show [HERE]

17. Blitzen Trapper – “Good Times Bad Times [Led Zeppein]” (Maxwell’s, December 9)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/29 Good Times Bad Times.mp3]

Blitzen Trapper were out east from Portland for a live appearance on Letterman, and decided to grace their big fans with a Maxwell’s show while they were at it. The tight, energetic and totally fired-up crowd lapped up the 25-song set, which culminated with a ripping cover of “Good Times Bad Times” by the mighty Led Zeppelin.

Full post of this show [HERE]

18. Bill Callahan – “Say Valley Maker” (Bowery Ballroom, July 12)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/11 Say Valley Maker.mp3]

Bill Callahan is an uncanny musician – with songwriting chops, unique phrasing and a distinctly American style that is both timeless and timely. His new record Apocalypse is but one of a long run of critical and fan favorites from the songwriter, who recorded during most of the 90s under the moniker Smog. This show found Callahan combining a set heavy on new material with some of his earlier favorites. Callahan and his band performed a rich set that found some numbers stretching into lengthy instrumental meditations, and none so much as this nearly 10-minute rendition of “Say Valley Maker” from his 2010 effort, Rough Travel for a Rare Thing.

Full post of this show [HERE]

19. The Hold Steady – “How A Resurrection Really Feels” (Beekman Beer Garden, September 17)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/24 How a Resurrection Really Feels.mp3]

Four years to the day that the site first covered The Hold Steady, we caught them again at an outdoor show that took full advantage of Craig Finn’s barroom-friendly tunes. We saw the Hold Steady twice this year, and both times the band continued to capture the magic they’ve had since their inception. Finn slows no sign of slowing down – or selling out.

Full post of this show [HERE]

20. Fucked Up – “Running On Nothing” (Warsaw, November 15)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/07 Running on Nothing.mp3]

In some ways, it’s appropriate that Fucked Up would follow The Hold Steady on this list – both are known for raucous, exceptionally fun live shows. Fucked Up is my one repeat choice from last year, and the reason I chose them again is simple: Once again, they have transcended the confines of their ostensibly “punk” roots to deliver an album of exceptional complexity and bravado. This show at Warsaw was a complete run-through of that album, David Comes to Life, and this song, with its dueling guitars, was one of the highlights.

Full post of this show [HERE]

21. Tristen – “Doomsday” (NYCTaper CMJ Day Party at Cake Shop, October 21)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/09 Doomsday.mp3]

For the last several years, NYCTaper has thrown an unofficial “day party” during the CMJ Music Festival – an opportunity for us to ~~get drunk~~ throw a concert for artists we appreciate and make some damn fine recordings, too. Tristen released a new record this year, earned lots of good reviews, but hadn’t really hit the NYC scene very hard, despite the immediate accessibility of her country-tinged indie-folk. Several people thanked us for urging them not to miss her set at our show at Cake Shop. But if you did, here’s a second chance – don’t miss Tristen.

Full post of this show [HERE]

22. Jessica Lea Mayfield – “Run Myself Into the Ground” (Glasslands, November 17)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/10 Run Myself Into the Ground.mp3]

Glasslands was my most common haunt this year for a couple of obvious reasons – the semi-DIY Williamsburg venue and its partnership with PopGun Booking continue to bring in some of the best up-and-coming talent in this city in an artful, relaxed environment – and it sounds great most nights, thanks to current house engineer Josh Thiel. As to Jessica Lea Mayfield, we’ve caught her in fancier environs like Bowery, but this intimate, packed and sold-out show was the best of hers that we’ve seen. It was hard to pick a single favorite of the many revelatory shows I saw at Glasslands, but this one is certainly in my top few.

Full post of this show [HERE]

23. Archers of Loaf – “Dead Red Eyes” (Music Hall of Williamsburg, June 25)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/15 Dead Red Eyes.mp3]

Archers of Loaf had been gone long enough at this point that some original fans had forgotten to even miss them. Well, that’s OK – there were plenty of new ones to take their place at this show at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Screaming out for songs they’d never heard live, singing along with lyrics, plenty of new fans showed up for this gig. Plenty of veterans did, too – after reliving this band’s greatness on records like Vee Vee and Icky Mettle. Frontman Eric Bachmann hasn’t stopped making music (he’s Crooked Fingers more often these days), and it showed in his instant poise once back together with his old bandmates. This slow burner was one of many memorable moments of a night that made us hope Archers of Loaf would stick around awhile.

Full post of this show [HERE]

24. Guided by Voices – “Don’t Stop Now” (McCarren Park, June 18)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/35 Don’t Stop Now.mp3]

The NYCTaper crew contributed this recording as an official release that is for sale on the Guided by Voices website. In case you were wondering, we weren’t paid for doing it – our goal was only to make the definitive recording of this legendary band. “Definitive” or not, I think this one is very good – and a perfect representation of the highlight show of this year’s Northside Festival.

This show for sale at gbvdigital.com [HERE]

25. Mountain Goats – “This Year [with Craig Finn]” (Bowery Ballroom, March 28)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/27 This Year.mp3]

Appropriately, our year-end compilation ends with John Darnielle and guest Craig Finn singing the perfect sendoff to 2011. “I am gonna make it through this year if it kills me” could mean a lot of things, but for us, we’re fortunate that we were able to continue to do what we love doing as a hobby, without financial support, and to – yeah – be able to continue to treat this thing that we do as a hobby rather than a job. Bands like the Mountain Goats, and their consistently surprising, fan-friendly performances are a big part of what makes this site worth doing. The other part is of course you, our readers. Happy New Year!

Full post of this show [HERE]

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Lemonheads – “My Drug Buddy” (Bowery Ballroom, October 10)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/06 My Drug Buddy.mp3]

Sebadoh – “Willing to Wait” (Maxwell’s, November 11)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/39 Willing to Wait.mp3]

Deer Tick – “Bastards of Young [The Replacements]” (Webster Hall, November 20)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/09 Bastards Of Young.mp3]

Hoop Dreams – “Home Alone” (Glasslands, August 2)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/08 Home Alone.mp3]

Sharon Van Etten – “Love More [w/ Peter Silberman]” ( Bowery Ballroom, January 8 )

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/16 Love More (with Peter Silberman).mp3]

Melvins – “Second Coming>The Ballad of Dwight Frye” (Music Hall of Williamsburg, June 6)

[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2011Best25/09 Second Coming_The Ballad of Dwight Frye.mp3]

Special thanks to all of the artists, management, labels, photographers and other music sites that have supported NYCTaper this year. And of course, a huge thank you to our readers, who we hope to continue to provide with high-quality, artist-sanctioned recordings, reviews and photos throughout 2012. Happy New Year!

NYCTaper Upcoming Schedule: Winter 2011-2012

October 31, 2011

By nyctaper

[image by Songbirdnest]

With CMJ in the rear view mirror, and the season’s first snow having fallen — its time to post our Winter schedule. Highlights include the Yo La Tengo Hanukkah run, the run of the National shows at Beacon Theatre, and a few neat reunions.

[Caveat: Below is the updated schedule. We expect to attend and record these events. However, circumstances will prevent some of these from being done, and others will be added in the meantime.]

If you want nyctaper to record your band, a band you represent, a show you’re promoting, or even your favorite band in the world, get us in the door and make sure everyone who needs to approve of the recording gives permission. Also, remember each person on the nyctaper crew does this all for free — the recordings, the post-production, the reviews, the links, etc. — so treat us fairly.

Schedule:

~~Howth:~~
~~November 1, 2011 Cameo Gallery Brooklyn~~

Condo F*cks:
November 4, 2011 Mercury Lounge NYC

Screaming Females:
November 5, 2011 285 Kent Brooklyn

Wooden Shjips:
November 10, 2011 Music Hall of Williamsburg

Sebadoh:
November 11, 2011 Maxwell’s Hoboken NJ

F*cked Up / Titus Andronicus:
November 14, 2011 Le Poisson Rouge NYC -and/or- November 15, 2011 Warsaw Brooklyn

William Tyler
November 16, 2011 Glasslands

Jessica Lea Mayfield:
November 17, 2011 Glasslands Gallery Brooklyn

Purling Hiss:
November 18, 2011 Cameo Gallery Brooklyn

Bardo Pond:
November 19, 2011 Death By Audio Brooklyn

Deer Tick:
November 20, 2011 Webster Hall NYC

Real Estate:
November 23, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Robert Randolph:
November 23, 2011 Brooklyn Bowl

moe.:
November 26, 2011 Terminal 5 NYC

Avey Tare:
December 2, 2011 Knitting Factory Brooklyn

Dawes:
December 6, 2011 Maxwell’s Hoboken NJ

Tristen:
December 6, 2011 Rock Shop Brooklyn NY

The Antlers:
December 10, 2011 Webster Hall NYC

Pontiak and White Hills [White Hills tentative]
December 10, 2011 Littlefield Brooklyn NY

The War on Drugs:
December 11, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

The National:
December 12-17 Beacon Theatre NYC (some dates, not all)

Devo:
December 13, 2011 Irving Plaza NYC

Wye Oak:
December 14, 2011 Rock Shop Brooklyn NY

Yo La Tengo:
December 20 through 27, 2011 Maxwell’s Hoboken NJ

Julian Lynch
December 29, 2011 Glasslands Brooklyn NY

Lucero
December 30, 2011 Brooklyn Bowl

Scud Mountain Boys:
January 13, 2012 Bowery Ballroom NYC (permission pending)

Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven:
January 14, 2012 Highline Ballroom NYC

Nada Surf:
January 24, 2012 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Parts & Labor / Oneida:
February 24, 2012 285 Kent Brooklyn

NYCTaper Upcoming Schedule: Spring Awakening

April 13, 2011

By nyctaper

[image by Songbirdnest]

We’ve had a few productive months since the last update, so its time to take us through the Spring and into Summer. We are still experimenting with alternative download locations and hopefully this coming season will see no more downtime.

[Below is the updated schedule. We expect to attend and record these events. However, circumstances will prevent some of these from being done, and others will be added in the meantime.]

If you want nyctaper to record your band, a band you represent, a show you’re promoting, or even your favorite band in the world, get us in the door and make sure everyone who needs to approve of the recording gives permission. Also, remember each person on the nyctaper crew does this all for free — the recordings, the post-production, the reviews, the links, etc. — so treat us fairly.

Schedule:

Wye Oak:
April 14, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Eternal Summers:
April 15, 2011 Glasslands Gallery Brooklyn

Sharon Van Etten:
April 16, 2011 Music Hall of Williamsburg

Maps & Atlases:
April 19, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Mogwai:
April 21 and 22, 2011 Webster Hall NYC (Tour Postponed)

(new)
British Sea Power:
April 21, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

(new)
Man Forever / Turn To Crime:
April 22, 2011 Union Pool Brooklyn

Jason Isbell:
April 22, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC (confirmed from new mgmt, no taping)

Wires Under Tension (and others):
April 26, 2011 Glasslands Gallery Brooklyn

Low:
April 27, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Buffalo Tom:
April 28, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Elvis Perkins / Martha Wainwright / Jesse Harris:
April 29, 2011 Noncerts, Cameo Gallery Brooklyn

Surfer Blood / And You Will Know Us By the Trail of the Dead:
April 29, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Of Montreal:
April 30, 2011 Webster Hall NYC

The Fiery Furnaces:
May 4 and May 5, 2011 Rockwood Music Hall NYC

Wakey Wakey:
May 4, 2011 The Rock Shop Brooklyn

Big Tree:
May 7, 2011 Union Hall Brooklyn

Dax Riggs:
May 7, 2011 The Rock Shop Brooklyn

Yo La Tengo:
May 10 and May 11, 2011 Bell House Brooklyn

Cass McCombs:
May 12, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC (permission pending)

The Feelies:
May 13, 2011 Bell House Brooklyn

John Vanderslice:
May 13, 2011 The Rock Shop Brooklyn

The Antlers:
May 19, 2011 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn
May 20, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Thurston Moore:
May 20, 2011 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn

Real Estate / Julian Lynch:
May 20, 2011 Bell House Brooklyn

Tune-Yards:
May 21, 2011 Music Hall of Williamsburg

Real Estate:
May 21, 2011 Maxwell’s Hoboken NJ

Our Band Could Be Your Life:
May 22, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC (permission pending – very tentative)

The Melvins:
June 6 and June 7, 2011 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn

Kurt Vile:
June 11, 2011 Bowery Ballroom NYC

Northside Festival:
June 16, 17, 18 and 19, 2011 Various Venues TBA

Dean Wareham:
June 17, 2011 Bell House Brooklyn

Jeremy Messersmith:
June 18, 2011 Mercury Lounge NYC

Deer Tick (“Deervana”):
June 19, 2011 Brooklyn Bowl

Dinosaur Jr.:
June 23, 2011 Terminal 5 NYC

Archers of Loaf:
June 25, 2011 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn
June 26, 2011 Webster Hall NYC (permission pending)

Our Top 25 Concert Moments of 2010 (with MP3 Download and Streaming Songs)

December 31, 2010

By acidjack

We were treated to a lot of amazing music this year, and the site has continued to grow. This year, we reached our 600th recording posted since 2007 – a pretty incredible number considering that this is only the fourth year of the site. As a final New Year’s treat to our readers, we thought we would share a “mixtape” with you of some of our favorite concert moments of 2010.

Out of the two hundred-plus shows that we saw, we selected 25 moments that we thought were particularly memorable (among the shows we recorded, at least). There is a wide range of music, styles and artists represented: folk, rock, Scandinavian pop, punk and much more. There are new bands who are just breaking into the mainstream, as well as mainstream acts continuing to perform at a high level. The only consistent theme is that these artists all touched us in some way, giving performances that stayed with us long after the last notes were played.

The following list is in no particular order. Links to download the entire compilation, as well as selected numbers streaming, are below.

Want to keep up with the latest concert updates and recordings on the site? Follow @nyctaper and @acidjacknyc on Twitter.

Download the entire mixtape [HERE]

1. Built to Spill – “Carry The Zero” – September 20, 2010 Rocks Off Concert Cruise. This show was nuts – on a boat, with a tiny main floor, with a crowd that was loud, drunken and rowdy, and a veteran band doing what they do best. We saw Built to Spill a ton of times over the past two years, but this show was the clear standout. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/BTS-CarryTheZero.mp3]

2. Oh Land – “Lean On Me” – November 8, 2010 Brooklyn Bowl. We first saw this young Danish artist play Brooklyn Bowl back in July. Although she was still getting comfortable with her new material, her talent and unique stage presence were already on display. After seeing her again at the Backyard Brunch Sessions, we caught her again a month later at Brooklyn Bowl. Her evolution blew us away – displaying newfound poise and confidence, designer clothing and a new percussionist, Nanna dominated the stage. Though many of her songs lend themselves to dancing, I have always been partial to this more precious number. She may now be the face of Missoni, but Oh Land is far, far more than a pretty face. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/OhLand-LeanOnMe.mp3]

3. John Vanderslice – “The Parade” – October 21, 2010 Mercury Lounge. On the night after our Unofficial CMJ Day Party at Cake Shop, we caught one of our favorite acts, the inimitable songwriter John Vanderslice at Mercury Lounge. John has always been a supporter and friend of the site, but we were especially gratified by his heartfelt intro to this song when he thanked nyctaper from the stage. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/JV-TheParade.mp3]

4. The Dirty Projectors – “As I Went Out One Morning [Bob Dylan]” – September 11, 2010 Terminal 5. After this band blew us away at the tail end of 2009, we were thrilled that Johnny Fried Chicken Boy was able to catch their show at the massive Terminal 5. This Dylan cover was among many special songs played during another show that wowed us with its musical skill. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/DirtyProjectors-AsIWentOutOneMorning.mp3]

5. Pavement – “Fight this Generation” – September 19, 2010 Williamsburg Waterfront. Pavement‘s return was probably my personal musical highlight of the year – nobody ever thought it would happen, and when it did, they were exactly as nonchalant about the whole thing as you would expect. Everything went right at their first NYC show in ten years, and the irony of Pavement – an iconic band for Generation X – playing “Fight This Generation” on the Williamsburg waterfront to an entirely new generation of fans was perfect. This loose, jammy rendition killed, too. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/Pavement-FightThisGeneration.mp3]

6. Superchunk – “Digging For Something” – September 19, 2010 Music Hall of Williamsburg. While I was checking out Pavement, nyctaper was down the street taking in an equally amazing performance from another 90s indie darling, Superchunk. Supporting their first new album in almost a decade, Superchunk gave us even more than we could have imagined when special guest John Darnielle joined them for this number. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/Superchunk-DiggingForSomething.mp3]

7. John Roderick w/ Nada Surf – “The Commander Thinks Aloud” – March 26, 2010 Bell House. Nada Surf‘s multi-night series of full album performances had many memorable moments, but my favorite of all came from John Roderick of The Long Winters, the opening act at the Bell House/The Weight Is A Gift show. With Nada Surf as his backing band, Roderick capped off his acoustic set by tearing through a fully electric version of this big number that showcases Roderick’s unique voice. You can stream and download this song, and the entire show, on the Live Music Archive [HERE].

8. Natureboy – “I’ll Keep It With Mine” – May 15, 2010 Piano’s. This show was a special day for us, as we celebrated the third anniversary of the site with some of our favorite bands. Natureboy drew a strong crowd as our first act of that evening, and they made our night by performing, our request, their cover of this Dylan-via-Nico classic.[audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/Natureboy-KeepItWithMine.mp3]

9. Fucked Up – “Son the Father” – February 18, 2010 Maxwell’s. I had the pleasure of seeing Fucked Up three times this year, and each show was awe-inspiring. Damian “Pink Eyes” Abraham is a punk rock showman without parallel: on the mic, he is extremely hardcore; in between songs, he chats up the crowd like each person is his best bud. “Son the Father” is one of the band’s best songs, and it was at about this point during the Maxwell’s show that (as has to be the case at every Fucked Up show) all hell broke loose. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/FuckedUp-SonTheFather.mp3]

10. The Black Keys – “Same Old Thing” – July 28, 2010 Terminal 5. There was a huge response to our post of The Black Keys‘ show at Terminal 5, and for good reason – it is an excellent recording of a band that is rapidly ingratiating itself with the mainstream. This song is a four-piece version of this song, with Leon Michaels on keyboards and Nick Movshon on bass. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/TBK-SameOldThing.mp3]

11. Panda Bear – “Song For Ariel (Guys Eyes)” – September 11, 2010 Governor’s Island. On the same day as the epic Dirty Projectors show back in Manhattan, Panda Bear was giving a magical performance on Governor’s Island that blew our minds both for the incredible quality of the sound (which did not always receive such good reviews for other shows) and the clarity and focus of the performance. This guitar-heavy and reworked version of this song was one of many highlights of an amazing show that also featured some new songs. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/PandaBear-SongForAriel.mp3]

12. Soft Black – “I’m Not Afraid of You” – August 7, 2010 A Backyard in Bushwick. This whole show was a testament to the power of the local music community and the DIY spirit of the moment. Soft Black were supposed to be playing on a rooftop elsewhere in the ‘hood as part of a benefit show for the people of the Gaza Strip. That show was shut down by the cops three acts in, while it was still light outside. But instead of giving up and calling it a night, the fans and bands rallied to move the show to one of the musicians’ backyard. Soft Black dedicated this haunting song, with its defiant refrain, to a kid who got arrested when the police shut down the rooftop show. The song itself is quite dark, but the moment was joyful, and powerful, in a way that I will never forget. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/SoftBlack-I’mNotAfraidOfYou.mp3]

13. Real Estate – “Reservoir” – June 25, 2010 Music Hall of Williamsburg. Real Estate is another band that has wowed us both with their consistent playing as well as their respect for their fans. We had seen them open for labelmates Woods a number of times, but this time, they found themselves as the headliner of the Woodsist showcase at the Northside Festival. This showcase was one of the best experiences of the entire Northside Festival, but Real Estate’s set in particular stood out, as the more mature band showed off some new songs, including the excellent “Reservoir.” Download the entire set [HERE].

14. Maps & Atlases – “Solid Ground” – August 12, 2010 Mercury Lounge. I caught Maps & Atlases back in 2009 touring behind their previous record, the EP You, Me and the Mountain. I liked what I saw – the unusual combination of freak folk and math rock, vocalist Dave Davison’s vocals, the dual percussionists – but they didn’t seem quite there yet. For one, while I liked their sound, I wasn’t completely blown away by the songs. That all changed with the release of this year’s Perch Patchwork, which was one of my favorite records of the year, and a massive leap forward artistically. For this show, the band was greeted by a spirited crowd literally screaming for more, and in particular, this song (you can hear a drunk dude yelling “Solid Ground!” in between every other song on the set before they finally play it). When the band finally played the song, the payoff was huge, and the jam at the end clinches it. After an outstanding set, Maps broke down their gear and put some chairs and drums in the center of the floor and played an acoustic set for those willing to wait. The performance was not only the most improved of any band that I saw this year, but also one of the flat-out best. It didn’t hurt any that the recording came out flawlessly, too. Download the entire set [HERE]. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/M&A-SolidGround.mp3]

15. Holly Miranda – “I’d Rather Go Blind [Etta James]” – May 26, 2010 Bowery Ballroom. A Bowery Ballroom headlining gig has become a barometer of a band’s success these days – for a New York band on their way up, there is your time on the scene before Bowery, and your time after, and after, things are never the same. This show represented Holly Miranda’s Bowery breakout, and she treated the event with the reverence due it as she ripped off a lengthy set representing her latest record The Magician’s Private Library, and played two covers, including this jaw-dropping rendition of an Etta James classic. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/HollyMiranda-RatherGoBlind.mp3]

16. Wilco – “Thank You, Friends” – April 2, 2010 Wellmont Theatre. The challenging acoustics of this venue did not deter Wilco from delivering one of the most epic sets we have seen of theirs (well over three hours long). This Big Star cover played tribute to their singular frontman, singer and songwriter Alex Chilton, who sadly passed away this March. Alex and his many contributions to rock music will be dearly missed. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/Wilco-ThankYouFriends.mp3]

17. Sharon Van Etten – “One Day” – October 8, 2010 Rock Shop. It is no secret that this site has been a huge booster for Sharon Van Etten, and we are thrilled to see her career taking off in a big way (you can hear one of her songs, “I Fold” in the closing sequence in a recent episode of the Showtime series The Big C). In the two shows she played at Rock Shop this year, Sharon’s maturity and outstanding songwriting made us fall in love with her music all over again. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/SVE-OneDay.mp3]

18. Woods – “Bend Beyond” – May 13, 2010 Abrons Arts Center. In a music scene that is strong but fragmented, Woods have emerged as bi-coastal scene godfathers of sorts, in the way that Sonic Youth have been for a generation. The Woodsist label, for which the band is the anchor, has produced a roster of like-minded acts from the East and West Coasts that share a common affinity for the psychedelic, folk-influenced sound the label is known for. While they have been building a formidable presence with the label, Woods themselves have evolved far beyond the “freak folk” tag into a full-blown indie rock jam band of sorts, turning four-minute album tracks into epics that showcase their virtuosity on their instruments. This show, featuring the band backed by the Joshua Light Show, was especially sprawling, and never moreso than on this nearly twenty minute “Bend Beyond.” This show proved that this was a very different band than the act I saw opening for Dungen in 2009 – that band was a great “freak folk” act, if you will. This band is legendary. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/Woods-BendBeyond.mp3]

19. Spoon – “Car Radio” – September 13, 2010 Cake Shop. After we caught their set opening for Arcade Fire at Madison Square Garden, we weren’t sure we would have another chance to record Spoon this year. But then along came this secret show at Cake Shop, a live video recording for “Nobody Gets Me But You,” that proved to be one of the most exciting and intimate performances we saw all year. These guys remember where they came from (Austin) and we trust that they will never stop being one of the most consistent, most fan-friendly acts in the country. Download the entire set [HERE].

20. The Loom – “The First Freeze” – October 10, 2010 Backyard Brunch Sessions. We enjoyed many of the Backyard Brunch Sessions sets we saw this summer and fall, but perhaps none more than this performance by our friends The Loom, who proved that great musicians do not need extra amplification or trickery to make powerful music. Set up in a humble backyard in Bushwick, rocking a homemade bass made out of a washtub, they wowed us with their modern, folk-influenced sound. This song was my favorite of all, not least of which because of the added humor of some rowdy neighbors making noise in the background (who cannot be heard on the recording) – making a bunch of noise right before this (the quietest song of the set) song began. Once it got going, it was the most mesmerizing vocal performance of the day. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/Loom-FirstFreeze.mp3]

21. Yo La Tengo – “Little Eyes” – December 7, 2010 Maxwell’s. If you have read this site once in December, you know that Yo La Tengo’s 2010 Hanukkah shows have been our main focus this month. These eight nights of unique setlists, special guests, and fan camaraderie at one of our favorite venues in the city, Maxwell’s, are some of the best nights of the year every time that YLT decides to do them. This song, from the Summer Sun album, is an expanded version augmented by the guitar wizardry of the legendary Nels Cline, who joined the band for most of this night’s set. Although we loved the December 5 show featuring Mission of Burma, this show on the 7th turned out to be our favorite of them all – a perfect balance of the band’s harder and softer dynamics that showcased them at the height of their powers. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/YLT-LittleEyes.mp3]

22. Bear In Heaven – “Lovesick Teenager” – November 19, 2010 Music Hall of Williamsburg. Bear In Heaven was another band that stepped up in a big way in 2010. A year’s worth of touring took what had been a great album act but somewhat uneven live band and turned them into the juggernaut that we witnessed at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Whereas previous shows had always faced technical limitations (primarily with respect to sound), everything was perfectly dialed in for this show, with the Music Hall sound system delivering crystal clear sound and a light show that dazzled the sold-out crowd. Not but twelve months ago this band was playing the cozy Zebulon down the street. This show was obviously this band’s “Bowery moment.” [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/BearInHeaven-LovesickTeenager.mp3]

23. The Joy Formidable – “Austere” – January 12, 2010 Pianos. Whereas a Bowery Ballroom show tends to cement a band’s status in the scene, Pianos is Manhattan’s best incubator. Shows there tend to capture the nervous energy of bands trying to make their break who know that this could be it. We are pleased to say that since this show, The Joy Formidable did make it in a big way (including their own Bowery moment), playing tons of NY-area shows (almost all of which we saw) and bringing their music to new fans each time. Their massively loud sound is probably better suited a bigger venue, but we loved this Pianos show best of them all (and our recording sounded great). [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/TFJ-Austere.mp3]

24. The National – “Terrible Love” – December 8, 2010 Maxwell’s. Though it borders on heresy (and is not an opinion shared by all who work on this site), I was not an instant convert to The National‘s critically acclaimed High Violet. I didn’t hate the album, but after a three year break from recording, I was not sure what I should expect from the band. High Violet didn’t grab me in the way that earlier records like Alligator did, and it didn’t help that I first saw the songs live in the sonically deficient Terminal 5, where the sound was so poor that even The National’s sound engineer commiserated with us about the venue’s challenges. Luckily, I was given a second chance at this rare set opening in the (relatively) tiny Maxwell’s for Yo La Tengo on the final night of their Hanukkah shows. This time, in this intimate setting, the subtle beauty of the High Violet songs shone through, especially on the set’s closer, this fantastic rendition of “Terrible Love.” [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/National-TerribleLove.mp3]

25. We Were Promised Jetpacks – “It’s Thunder and It’s Lightning” – February 15, 2010 Knitting Factory. I went to this show on a lark, having never heard this Scottish trio before. Apparently I had missed the memo, as the Knitting Factory was so packed I was literally crushed against the soundboard. In the best of ways, We Were Promised Jetpacks are what I like to call Scotland’s answer to U2 – their songs rely on anthemic riffs and vocalist Adam Thompson’s throaty choruses. The band worked this crowd into a froth, the energy seething through the room, as Thompson belted out song after song in a way that could have melted the ice outside. In a show full of them, this song was a particularly stirring anthem. [audio:http://www.nyctaper.com/2010Best20/WWPJ-Lightning.mp3]

NYCTaper Top 10 Concerts of 2010

December 28, 2010

By nyctaper

[photo courtesy of Camey Scott]

Here is our annual Top 10, a completely subjective ranking of our favorite shows of 2010. Acidjack will be along soon with our annual “highlights” post (with a downloadable song mix).

1. Holly Miranda August 8, 2010 Vivo in Vino
This night was without a doubt the best time I had at a show all year. The combination of great wine, great company and a relaxed solo performance by Holly led to a very memorable evening. It helped that Holly dedicated “I’d Rather Go Blind” to me personally. Her set consisted primarily of covers and her inimitable voice nailed each one of them. The guys at Vino are terrific people, and we partied with the rest of the wine on an East Village rooftop late into the night. An unforgettable time.

2. Yo La Tengo December 7, 2010 Maxwell’s
The best of the eight strong Hanukkah 2010 shows, this night featured the superb guitar work of Nels Cline. The extended jams of “Glitter” and “Hatchet” were song of the year contenders.

3. Built to Spill September 2, 2010 Rocks Off Concert Cruise
This show was the second best time we had all year — BTS playing literally inside of the packed crowd on the main deck of the Rocks Off cruise. The band seemed to thrive on the energy and the surroundings as their performance was lengthy and inspired — it was two hours of smiles all around.

4. Oneida March 19, 2010 Knitting Factory
Oneida live performances are always bigger than life. This one was perhaps the best we’ve ever seen this band. The show started with a crashing “Ghost in the Room” which gave way to an untitled new jam which endured for an unbelievable twenty-nine minutes. While the rest of the set could have been considered icing after that jam, it continued along in the same vein with tremendous versions of “Up With People”, “Sheets of Easter” and “I Will Haunt You” to close the show.

5. Holly Miranda May 26, 2010 Bowery Ballroom
I love these events where artists headline and sell out Bowery Ballroom for the first time. Its sort of like a signpost along their career path that reads “I Made It”. On this particular night, Holly not only “made it” but delivered a stunning performance — her Etta James cover is perhaps my favorite single song played this year.

6. Pavement September 19, 21, 22, 23, and 24 Williamsburg and Central Park
A reunion we truly never expected to see, this was a week-long celebration of the most enduring band of the 90s. The setlists varied, the band played two-hour shows, and they seemed to be having a great time. Pavement likely won’t be back again, so this was a perfect final send-off.

7. Woods June 25, 2010 Music Hall of Williamsburg
A band that just keeps getting better, Woods relaxed neo-psychedelia with folk roots can be at time twisted and other moments melodically simple. On this night it was the extended jams that made the show.

8. Tune-Yards August 2, 2010
The opening night of the Rock Shop was a winner. We came to see Sharon Van Etten, and stayed for the headliner. What we witnessed was an incredible live talent. Merrill Garbus creates intricate layered beats and strong vocals to propel her African-influenced songs. This night the packed venue rocked with every beat.

9. Owen Pallett April 24, 2010 Webster Hall
The most talented performer we saw all year. Its breathtaking that one person can create such huge symphony-like pieces, and the bonus is that the songs are well written with clever lyrics.

10. The Joy Formidable January 12, 2010 Pianos
We saw TJF three times this year, but this first show at the tiny Pianos really impressed. It was a ferocious performance, we predicted the obvious — that the band would soon be big — and were proved right when they headlined Bowery later in the year.

Honorable Mention:
Akron/Family March 3, 2010 Music Hall of Williamsburg
Ted Leo April 9, 2010 Irving Plaza
Panda Bear September 11, 2010 Governor’s Island
Pearl and The Beard September 25, 2010 Backyard Brunch Sessions
Sharon Van Etten October 8, 2010 The Rock Shop
Suzanne Vega November 14, 2010 Housing Works Bookstore
Jeff Tweedy December 4, 2010 Bowery Ballroom

Odds & Ends: Feelies T-Shirt Concert Winner, Upcoming Recordings, CMJ

September 24, 2009

By nyctaper

The NYCTaper/In Sound contest to win a Feelies shirt is over, and the winner of the t-shirt is nyctaper reader Jordan Jackson. In Sound will mail out the t-shirt this week.

We have many recordings to post this week, along with many to attend. The Decemberists show at Terminal 5 was recorded by two correspondents and I am in the process of editing the raw wav files to offer the best possible recording. I recorded The Baseball Project/Minus 5/Steve Wynn IV show last night at Bowery and will post it as soon as I can get time with the computer! It was about two and half hours of music. But I will be at Polvo tonight, Yo La Tengo tomorrow, and The Rest on Saturday, so the earliest to be able to expect some new recordings is Saturday afternoon (earliest) to Sunday night.

We are also in the process of adding a ton of new Fall show to the schedule, so expect a new “Upcoming Events” post very soon.

Finally, the NYCTaper CMJ show is completely confirmed. Eight bands are on the bill, and every single one of them is fantastic. We are incredibly excited about the quality of this bill and will formally announce it in the next few days!

NYCTaper Upcoming Events – Here Comes The Fall

September 2, 2009

By nyctaper

[image by Songbirdnest]

The Fall concert season is usually incredibly hectic, and this year is no exception. Obviously, we are going to be busy. The good news is that we expect to have three different people recording shows this season, so expect more recordings! Oh yeah, and of course the CMJ week — we’ll be in action everyday, all day.

If you want nyctaper to record your band, a band you represent, a show you’re promoting, or even your favorite band in the world, get me on the list and make sure everyone who needs to approve of the recording gives permission. Also, remember I’m doing this all for free — the recordings, the post-production, the reviews, the links, etc. — so treat me fairly.

Upcoming Shows:

Emmanuel and The Fear:
September 4, 2009 Joe’s Pub NYC

The Janks:
September 8, 2009 Sullivan Hall NYC

Les Savy Fav:
September 9, 2009 Knitting Factory Brooklyn

The Feelies:
September 13, 2009 Southpaw Brooklyn

and/or:

Naked Raygun:
September 13, 2009 Maxwellâ€™s, Hoboken NJ

Deerhoof:
September 15, 2009 Le Poisson Rouge NYC

Son Volt:
September 17, 2009 Irving Plaza NYC

Of Montreal:
September 18, 2009 Terminal 5 NYC

The Decemberists:
September 19, 2009 Terminal 5 NYC
(correspondent recording)

Steve Wynn IV with Minus 5 and The Baseball Project:
September 23, 2009 Bowery Ballroom NYC