Holiday Shores: June 19, 2011 NYCTaper Northside Showcase @ Public Assembly – FLAC and MP3 Downloads + Streaming Song

July 6, 2011
By

holidayshoresfacebook
[Photo from Holiday Shores’ facebook page]

We were thrilled when Holiday Shores agreed to play our first-ever Northside Festival showcase. Like Northside favorites Surfer Blood, Holiday Shores are part of a growing contingent of Florida bands making interesting music (they’re from Tallahassee). The band took the opportunity at our showcase to perform five new songs that will appear on their forthcoming LP, New Masses for Squaw Peak, which will be released on September 13 by twosyllable records. Judging by this show at Public Assembly, Holiday Shores’ latest material has evolved somewhat from their first record, Columbus’d the Whim, with longer, more languid compositions and a more distinct sound that relies heavily on 60s organ sounds while staying true to their beach-y aesthetic. This is summer music, sure, “of the beach and not for the beach”, as Pitchfork put it, but it has become something more, too. Like many of the bands featured at our showcase, Holiday Shores have some exciting next steps ahead of them.

I recorded this set from the same location as the Quilty recording, emphasizing the soundboard feed over the audience feed as it was excellently balanced. Other than some bursts of feedback in the monitors during a couple of points, the sound is excellent. Enjoy!

Stream “Threepeat Got Old”:
[audio:https://www.nyctaper.com/H1906HolidayShores0211/Holiday Shores-Threepeat Got Old.mp3]

Direct download of MP3 files [HERE]

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

Follow acidjack on Twitter

Holiday Shores
2011-06-19
NYCTaper Northside Showcase
Public Assembly
Brooklyn, NY USA

An acidjack master recording
Recorded and produced by acidjack for nyctaper.com

Equipment: AKG C414 B-XLS (cardiod)>Sound Devices USBpre2 + Soundboard >> Edirol R-44 [Oade Concert Mod] (24/48)
Position: Each mic clamped to pole, split 5ft
Mastering: 2x24bit/48kHz WAV>Audacity (mixdown, set fades, tracking, amplify and balance)>FLAC ( level 8 )

Tracks
01 Mystic Pharaohs (Masc Pharaohs)
02 We Couldn’t Be Together
03 [banter]
04 Spells
05 Threepeat Got Old
06 Airglow

If you download this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Holiday Shores, like them on facebook, and purchase their records directly from twosyllable records [HERE]

Sloan: June 29, 2011 Bowery Ballroom – FLAC/MP3/Streaming

July 5, 2011
By

sloan2011-06-29-edit1
[Photo by acidjack]

I first heard Sloan (probably like a lot of people) on one of those old DGC records CD compilations that the label would put out with one Nirvana song and one Sonic Youth song as a way to get fans to check out their lesser-known acts. Probably the most memorable band on the comp not named Nirvana or Sonic Youth was Sloan, whose debut single “Underwhelmed” from their album Smeared was alternarock perfection. All of the elements of today’s band are there – the sturdy riffs, the sweet vocal harmonies that ooze unadulterated fun, all of it catchy as hell. It makes me feel old as hell to think that this Halifax, Nova Scotia band is now celebrating their twentieth year together with this tour and the release of their latest record, The Double Cross (XX, get it?).

They’ve got a lot to show for those twenty years, too – a discography full of solid records (including the new one), numerous awards and nominations, and perhaps most tellingly, the camaraderie of sharing their entire musical career with this exact same lineup. It’s difficult to make any endeavor last as long as this one has; for a rock band, it’s almost unheard of.

Taking stock of the scene at Bowery Ballroom on Wednesday night, the fact that this band has held together became a bit less of a mystery. The band have what I like to think (positively) of as a very Canadian quality – they come off onstage as agreeable, pleasant people to be around, almost completely devoid of ‘attitude’ or posturing. So agreeable, in fact, that they play their instruments democratically, giving different members a turn at different instruments, sharing songwriting as well as vocal duties. They’re the kind of band that give you the proud sensation of watching your best friend’s band make it big – you feel good for them, and you feel their goodwill for you. It goes almost without saying that the band went above and beyond with their show, delivering a set that blended new songs from The Double Cross with classics from both decades, including what was a highlight for me (having never seen it live), “Gimme That,” the straight-ahead pop anthem from 2003’s Action Pact. This Wednesday night crowd was as laid back and cool as the band itself, paying attention, partying, and singing along, letting the artists in the room take center stage.

The set went out with a great four-song package of classics, with “People of the Sky” from 1994’s Twice Removed, “The Lines You Amend” and “G Turns to D” from 1996’s One Chord to Another, and an absolutely killer closer of “Money City Maniacs” from 1998’s Navy Blues. I have to admit, I would’ve loved the nostalgia trip of hearing “Underwhelmed” as interpreted twenty years later, if for no other reason to remind how much I owed that song, and that old DGC compilation, for such a great night.

I recorded this set from my usual location in the venue with the DPA microphones and an analog preamp to give it a warm, natural sound. Combined with the Bowery’s upgraded soundboard, the results are absolutely outstanding and one of my best pure audience recordings in that venue. Enjoy!

Stream the complete set:

Direct download of MP3 files [HERE]

Direct download of lossless FLAC files [HERE]
PLEASE DO NOT REPOST THE DIRECT LINKS

Follow acidjack on Twitter

Sloan
2011-06-29
Bowery Ballroom
New York, NY USA

Recorded and produced by acidjack for nyctaper.com

Equipment: DPA 4021>Oade M248>Sony PCM-M10 (24/44.1)
Position: Balcony, LOC, mics at height of engineers
Mastering: 24bit/44.1kHz WAV>Audacity (set fades, tracking, amplify and balance, downsample)>FLAC Level 8

Tracks [Total Time 1:31:52]
01 Follow the Leader>The Answer Was You
02 Unkind
03 The Marquee and the Moon
04 Snowsuit Sound
05 Worried Now
06 Shadow of Love
07 Everything You’ve Done Wrong>
08 Who Taught You To Live Like That?
09 Gimme That
10 [banter]
11 She’s Slowing Down Again
12 Something’s Wrong>
13 Traces
14 Sinking Ships
15 It’s Plain to See
16 Your Daddy Will Do
17 Don’t You Believe A Word
18 I’ve Gotta Know
19 The Other Man
20 Beverley Terrace
21 Losing California
22 [encore break]
23 People of the Sky
24 The Lines You Amend
25 G Turns to D
26 Money City Maniacs

If you download this recording from NYCTaper, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Sloan, visit their website, and purchase Sloan’s official releases, which are all available via digital download at the website in mp3, apple lossless and FLAC [HERE].

U Say USA: June 19, 2011 NYCTaper Northside Showcase @ Public Assembly – FLAC and MP3 Downloads + Streaming Song

July 4, 2011
By

usayusa2011-06-19
[Video still by Cannons]

I invited Bushwick’s U Say USA to play our first annual NYCTaper Northside Showcase without having actually seen their live show, but on the strength of some very positive word of mouth. Though the term “Bushwick band” might conjure the thought of an experimental keyboard project, U Say USA use their neighborhood (prominently featured on the cover of their record, The Greatest Recession (I’ve Ever Been To)) as the jumping off point for their songwriting, which deals with populist themes appropriate to the current moment, with a sense of humor to boot. As to their sound, the band combines some of punk’s jagged edges with a strong classic rock vibe. Particularly of note (and uncommon to an indie rock show) is lead guitarist Ian Gilliam’s guitar work – the man can seriously solo. The band have been upping their gig count of late, including a recently-completed residence at Williamsburg’s Trash Bar, and we expect to see more of them in the neighborhood.

I recorded this set in the same manner as the other sets from this show. This recording emphasizes the board feed a bit more heavily, but overall is quite good. Also, apologies for the minor tracking error on tracks 2 and 3. Enjoy!

Stream “If U Feel Like Ur Dreamin”:
[audio:https://www.nyctaper.com/U9610USayUSA2011/IfUrDreamin.mp3]

Direct download of MP3 files [HERE]

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

Follow acidjack on Twitter

U Say USA
2011-06-19
NYCTaper Northside Showcase
Public Assembly
Brooklyn, NY USA

An acidjack master recording
Recorded and produced by acidjack for nyctaper.com

Equipment: AKG C414 B-XLS (cardiod)>Sound Devices USBpre2 + Soundboard >> Edirol R-44 [Oade Concert Mod] (24/48)
Position: Each mic clamped to pole, split 5ft
Mastering: 2x24bit/48kHz WAV>Audacity (mixdown, set fades, tracking, amplify and balance)>FLAC ( level 8 )

01 Cutting Down Forests
02 Rome>
03 Rome (cont)>Holding Barrels
04 Amy & the Ghost
05 Under the Weather
06 Where’d It All Go?
07 C.E.O.
08 If U Feel Like Ur Dreamin’
09 Diesel

If you download this recording from NYCTaper, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT U Say USA, like them on Facebook, and purchase The Greatest Recession (I’ve Ever Been To) on their bandcamp page.

Givers: June 18, 2011 Backyard Brunch Sessions – FLAC and MP3 Downloads + Streaming Song

July 1, 2011
By

givers2011-06-18-1
[photo by acidjack]

Before heading over to McCarren Park a few Saturdays ago to catch Guided By Voices and others on the Northside Festival main stage, I had the privilege of catching the inaugural show of the 2011 Backyard Brunch Sessions, starring Lafayette, LA’s Givers.  With their good attitudes and laid back vibe, I liked this band before hearing a note of their music. Having recently signed to Glassnote Records for the release of their debut album, In Light, the band are enjoying a big push in the press lately, having been nominated as “buzzworthy” by MTV, a “band to watch” by Stereogum, and written about favorably by NPR.  It’s not hard to see why; not only is this five-piece eminently likable, but their music has that “something extra.”  In this case, that something is a touch of Afrobeat that gives their music a bouncy, percussive feel.  Male lead vocalist/guitarist Taylor Gaurisco’s sweet voice is nicely paired with female lead/percussionist Tiffany Lamson’s more smoky, soulful vocal approach.  For this backyard show, the band did not have their full arsenal of instruments, which pushed the emphasis to their songwriting.  I am pleased to report that the songwriting held up to the stripped-down scrutiny, particularly their much-talked-about leadoff single “Up Up Up.”  Though this set was short, it told us all we needed to know about the talent level of this young and exciting band.

hi and lo and I recorded this set with a variety of high end microphones (pictured) miking individual band members.  The results are outstanding, possibly the best Backyard Brunch recording we have offered to date!

Stream “Up Up Up”:
[audio:https://www.nyctaper.com/G1806Givers1102/03 Up Up Up.mp3]

This recording is now available for download in FLAC and MP3 format at Archive.org [HERE].

Follow acidjack on Twitter

Givers
2011-06-18
Backyard Brunch Sessions
Brooklyn, NY  USA

An acidjack master recording
Recorded by acidjack and hi and lo for nyctaper.com
Produced by acidjack

Equipment: Schoeps Mk5 (omni)>EAA PSP2 + AKG C414 B-XLS (hypercardiod and omni modes) + DPA 4021 >> Tascam DR-680 (24/48)
Mastering: 6x24bit/48kHz WAV>Audition (multitrack mixdown, normalize, set fades)>Audacity (tracking, amplify)>FLAC ( level 8 )

Tracks
01 Saw You First
02 [banter]
03 Up Up Up
04 Meantime

If you download this recording from NYCTaper, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Givers, like them on Facebook, and purchase In Light from iTunes or your favorite retailer.

Young Adults: June 19, 2011 Public Assembly (Northside) – Flac and MP3 Downloads + Streaming Song

June 30, 2011
By


[Video stills by Cannons]

Young Adults are a talented and energetic band with a sound that can best be described as traditional Boston punk. The band contains three 20-somethings who would sound just as comfortable on a 1984 bill with Volcano Suns. On Sunday night, Young Adults had the unenviable task of playing the final spot on the second stage of the NYCTaper Northside Festival showcase. Undeterred by the hour or the placement, they simply ripped up the room with a thirty-minute set of material from their debut album Black Hole with one new number. We certainly expect to hear more from Young Adults in the future, as this set and their set on Saturday at Northside drew raves.

I recorded this set with the DPA microphones mounted above the soundboard booth. Unfortunately, technical snafus marred the board feed, so that this is a straight audience recording. Nevertheless, the sound quality is excellent. Enjoy!

Stream “Bummer Summer”:
[audio:https://www.nyctaper.com/Y1906YoungAdults2211/06.%20Bummer%20Summer.mp3]

Direct download of complete show in MP3 files (HERE)

Download the Complete show in FLAC [HERE].

Young Adults
2011-06-19
Public Assembly
Brooklyn, NY USA

Digital Master Audience Recording

DPA 4021s > Edirol R-44 (Oade Concert Mod) > 24bit 48kHz wav file > Soundforge (level adjustments, mixdown, set fades) > CDWave 1.95 (tracking) > Flac Frontend (level 7, align sector boundaries) > flac

Recorded and Produced by nyctaper
2011-06-19

Setlist:
[Total Time 27:39]
01 Rip It Up
02 Let Us Out
03 Impression
04 Statis
05 Life Under Review
06 Bummer Summer
07 Wasting Time
08 Drifting

f you email nyctaper for access to this recording, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Young Adults, visit their bandcamp page, follow them on twitter, and purchase Black Hole from their bandcamp page [HERE].

Archers of Loaf: June 25, 2011 Music Hall of Williamsburg – FLAC and MP3 Downloads + Streaming Songs

June 28, 2011
By

archers of loaf
[Photo credit]

Archers of Loaf hold a special place in my heart, as they were among the leaders of the vanguard of Chapel Hill, NC bands that cultivated an incredible college-town scene that first encouraged me to move to the area back in the 1990s. By the time I arrived in the area, many of the scene’s anchor bands like Archers and Polvo were broken up or about to, but what they created left an indelible impression, making this town in the heart of the “Research Triangle” of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill a major music destination, especially in the southeast, and propelling the local Cat’s Cradle club to near-legendary status. Archers, in particular, were a band with a lot of integrity, and one that thrived on an outstanding live show and the creative songwriting of frontman Eric Bachmann, who continues to be a creative force in his own right with his project Crooked Fingers.

Now, after a 13-year hiatus, the Archers are back, at least for now, joining a number of high-profile 1990s indie acts (like this one) on the reunion circuit. Storming the stage at Music Hall of Williamsburg to a raucous show of support, the Archers proved that they haven’t lost a step since their first retirement. With a setlist that focused heavily on earlier material from the albums Icky Mettle, Vee Vee and various EPs (much of which material can be found on the compilation The Speed of Cattle) and ignored almost completely the later records All the Nation’s Airports and White Trash Heroes, the band offered plenty of red meat to their most hardcore fans. Even for a Saturday night crowd, this one was going absolutely insane for their hosts, leading chants of “Welcome back! Welcome back!” as they took the stage and singing, screaming and caterwauling through the entire set. The band were so impressed with the Brooklyn crowd that they came back for a second encore featuring the non-album track “Smokin’ Pot in the Hot City” and closing with “Bacteria,” which was interrupted twice by a hilarious fan dancing onstage. As the house lights went up, the members could still be found onstage, high-fiving and shaking hands with the fans down front, many of whom had sung every word by heart.

I recorded this set with the DPA microphones from the balcony. I was not totally happy with the house mix in the venue, but the largest single flaw of the recording is a particularly enthusiastic audience member who really gets over the top (mostly) between songs. Suffice it to say, what you can hear of this person’s performance in this recording – made from directional microphones faced away from the crowd – was ten times louder in person. I’ll let listeners decide for themselves how they feel about it. Overall, the recording is a great representation of the night, for better or worse. Enjoy!

Thanks to our friends at Merge Records for granting us permission to record and for their support!

Stream “Greatest of All Time”:
[audio:https://www.nyctaper.com/A6250Archers2011/18 Greatest of All Time.mp3]

Stream “Smokin’ Pot In the Hot City”:
[audio:https://www.nyctaper.com/A6250Archers2011/27 Smokin’ Pot In the Hot City.mp3]

Stream “Wrong”:
[audio:https://www.nyctaper.com/A6250Archers2011/23 Wrong.mp3]

Direct download of MP3 files [HERE]

Direct download of FLAC files [HERE]

Follow acidjack on Twitter

Archers of Loaf
2011-06-25
Music Hall of Williamsburg
Brooklyn, NY USA

An acidjack master recording
Recorded and produced by acidjack for nyctaper.com

Equipment: DPA 4021>Oade M248>Sony PCM-M10 (24/44.1)
Position: Balcony, LOC, micas on clamp aimed down, PAS
Mastering: 24it/44.1kHz WAV>Audition (EQ, balance)>Audacity (tracking, set fades, amplify and balance)>FLAC ( level 8 )

Tracks [Total Time 1:24:47]

01 [intro]
02 Audiowhore
03 Harnessed In Slums
04 [banter]
05 Revenge
06 [banter]
07 You and Me
08 Might
09 Lowest Part Is Free
10 Freezing Point
11 Scenic Pastures
12 Form and File
13 1985
14 Fabricoh
15 Dead Red Eyes
16 [banter]
17 Worst Defense
18 Greatest of All Time
19 Web in Front
20 What Did You Expect?
21 Nostalgia
22 [encore break 1]
23 Wrong
24 Plumb Line
25 Slow Worm
26 [encore break 2]
27 Smokin’ Pot In the Hot City
28 Bacteria

If you download this recording from NYCTaper, we expect that you will PLEASE SUPPORT Archers of Loaf, visit their website, and purchase their official releases directly from Merge Records (who just re-released their debut album, Icky Mettle) [HERE]

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