On my walk home from The Bowery last night, I was wondering where all the disdain for the French Kicks came from. Last night people would come up to the merch table to ask me if I really liked them and my typical response would be, “I don’t dislike them.” They are one of the bands that helped suck me into the New York music scene back when they played shows at Brownies with bands like The Walkmen, Interpol and Radio 4. Why shouldn’t I like them? They make inoffensive pop songs that have very catchy melodies. Sometimes it feels like if it isn’t dance-punk and high school kids love it, then New York City must turn their backs on it. Well, the jokes on us. They soldout Bowery last night, and they sounded great, (at least from downstairs).My post work hangout was interrupted by the presence of roommate #1. The apartment had been empty for nearly a week, but yesterday I came home to Kyle snoring on the couch. We didn’t catch up. We didn’t hang out. He slept. I emailed. He snored. I ate. These days, 186 has been a lonely place, but I was just getting used to it. Around 7:30pm I set off to The Bowery to begin my shift. The French Kicks were nice enough to set most of their display up for me, and I settled in for a long night unfolding and folding t-shirts. Grizzley Bear had their merch set up right next to the Kicks, and a nice girl by the name of Gigi kept me company for most of the evening. There were some solid appearances by Christie, Julia, Megan, Lucy, Tumblehawk and Christine (once her shift was over). They chatted me up between sales.
Eventually the French Kicks took the stage and rocked out what sounded like a great set from the depths of the basement. Towards the end of their set, I heard the opening guitar riff to New Order’s Regrets and got Gigi to cover as I darted upstairs to check out the song. They did a spot on cover of one of my top New Order songs. As I hopped about, Sarah came up the steps to say hello and sing along. It was a great choice by the band. The after show rush was a bit hectic, but as it slowed down the Grizzly Bear kids and I dicked about as we closed up shop. They are really nice guys and I can’t wait to see them after they return from their tour. Dana was nice enough pop into the club after taking in the Kasabian set. She kept me company while I waited to settle up. Eventually Matt came over and we closed down the table. They were kind enough to toss me a vinyl copy of their Young Lawyers Ep which, in my humble pie opinion is their best recording.On my way home I decided to stop into Atomique to see how the night was going. Upon walking into the smoke filled basement, I found Julia and Megan in a booth with some new found British boys. I stashed my gear and ran into Jin on my way to the bar. We grabbed a drink and met her friend Chris who said, “I have a brother named Jay” to which I answered, “I have a sister named Chris.” Only problem was Chris was a dude, but we had a laugh. Cara was surprisingly still at the party so we talked for a quick minute before I ducked back to the booth to see how Audrey and Dennis were holding up. Audrey told me the party was a mad house early in the evening which means her party is getting the head of steam it deserves. Back by the bar I caught up with Christen who told Cara and me about the orgasmic reaction she had to Kasabian. A drink or so later, Cara and I decided it was time to talk to our old friend Jose who I now realize was the tequila shot that sent me reeling on Tuesday. We finished up and bailed out on the rest of the evening. I returned home only to forget that The O.C. had been taped for me. Please don’t spill the beans.
Tonight The Mercury Lounge has presented us with an inexpensive way to see a heap of local talent for only $10 of that newly cashed paycheck. The show kicks off early with a band I’ve never heard of, but bet your money on me being their by 8:30pm to see The Head Set. Last time I saw the band it was after a tough Jets loss, but they somehow managed to put me in good spirits. They are followed Robbers On High Street who are the new it band for fans of Spoon style twang. At 10:30 one of my favorite pop acts, Bishop Allen, will rock the club. Their debut full-length Charm School has been in heavy rotation for over a year now. Oh, and their bass player might be the cutest girl in indie rock. Bringing up the rear are the biscuit loving boys of The Upwelling who really impressed me the night of the blizzard. With tonight’s fairly more favorable weather, you should make a point to hole up at The Mercury and join us in supporting some top notch local artists.
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