MINIPIX
Went to the 555 Records Showcase at The Knitting Factory (part of the 2002 CMJ Music Marathon): AND WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT! The shows we've gone to in the past were great BUT this one was phenomenal. I feel like a genius just for knowing about this and witnessing the incredible performances that night!

The night began with what has to be my favorite new discovery of the year: The Love Letter Band! I had heard of them (something about car crashes, love, and pop...all the ingredients for finely crafted POP Perfection), but nothing prepared me for the quirky candor of their performance that burst forth like gunpowder tea when infused. The memories that play in my head are of the opening song they performed, with leading man, Chris Adolf, strumming his heart out and singing something like a cross between Jad Fair and Frank Black. The second imprint they left on my brain is their performance of "Tim Burton"! A song they wrote in homage to the director. Chris began the performance with a metal saw (that's right! the kind you cut wood with...), Marrisa Wood on glockenspiel and synths & Trevor Adams on drums, then kicked in, proceeding to create one of the most whimsical songs my ears have ever had the pleasure to experience!

Moving on, much like the frantic pace of the marathon that night (Yes! when they say marathon they really do mean it!) The Bright Lights went on and created some great noise pop! Apparently down a major member of the crew, Chuck shot from the hip and Chris Nakayama wailed along on the drums keeping the audience smiling and a float the whole time...

Next up were two bands from Animal World Records, The Bingo Trappers and Tangemeenie. The Bingo Trappers, were a good indie rock band from Amsterdam, that reminded me somewhat of early PJ Harvey without the PJ...if that makes any sense whatsoever... Tangemeenie was a new wave band from Tallahassee, Florida. Midway through their performance, donna and i were trying to figure out who it was their music reminded us of and then, as if they heard us...they broke into the Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams (are made of this)"...

Next up was Kanda, who packed out the AlterKnit Soundstage with much anticipation! Their set included songs from their 45, dormitory heartbreaks, and their eagerly anticipated full length, It's A Good Name For You. They did an amazing set, and the treat of the night for us was their cover of the Ghostbusters Theme Song!

Then before we knew it The Sisterhood of Convoluted Thinkers went on in strange masks, arms thrown up in the air (during and inbetween performances) like Japanese Taiko drummers at rest...They proceeded to en-trance both donna and i with sounds of music every good as great and charming as their records!

Finally...Last but not Least...the moment the crowded room and i were waiting for: BOYRACER! They performed, incredibly, and much like a firecracker, was over before i could get a "Wow" out. They did a handful of songs and then ended early due to some technical difficulties and the late night hour, as it was after one am by that point.

Overall i have to thank all the bands that night for what was buckets of fun and definitely one of the greatest events to ever happen on a Halloween!

¡Click Here! for minipix.