Maybe you've heard of a little band called The Beatles? Well, twenty-five years ago John Lennon was shot in front of the Dakota, (he played guitar). Loose Record just needed to represent before moving on to business.

First order of business; Noah just informed me that the NY Post ran a small sidebar article that claims the long time service, Cartoon, has been busted! Now for many of you this may not mean anything, but to me it means a little something. This service, though slow, was always reliable when you needed some decent grass. My friends and I used them throughout our years at NYU and well after. Younger friends talked of the passed down number. Let me explain to those of you who don't understand. In NYC you don't go to a friend's house to 'pick up a bag'. Instead you call a service and one of their runners brings the grass to you. It's a beautiful thing. Anyway, Cartoon was the seasoned veteran in the business, but it sounds like their run is over. Be careful with your numbers - protect your dealers!

Before I get to last night's recap, let me explain a couple awesome shows happening this evening. The first is in the great state of Brooklyn - more specifically Park Slope. Tonight Sam Champion and Apollo Sunshine are set to rock Southpaw. If you're planning on attending this show, may I suggest you buy your tickets online now because all purchasers will receive a free copy of tonight's show courtesy of Rockslide. Take a look at the boys sans Noah at last night's Elle Girl party.

Another worthwhile show is rocking the Bowery Ballroom this evening. Stop by to check out the super fuzzy, psych style of Dead Meadow. Make sure to bring ear plugs; these guys turn it all the way up. They are playing with another man who takes it to 11 - J Mascis - who is performing in one of his many projects called Witch.

VHS or Bet Your Ass I'll Be There.

Last night it was cold. Yes, it's only December 8th and I'm already bitching, but damn it was cold. The days of sacrificing comfort for fashion are coming to a rapid end. While home for Thanksgiving, Mom helped me score a winter coat, but after further review I've continued my run of bad decisions when it comes to coats. Anyway, the evening began on the corner of 3rd and 11th waiting for Christie. As she pulled up in the cab, Meredith came running down the street to help us slide into Webster Hall without having to wait in the cold. It was the first time in quite awhile that I was in the venue for pleasure rather than business so we ditched our coats and after saying hello to a number of folks, made our way to the coffee bar, (doesn't actually serve coffe).

We camped out there with a crew of kids, that included Rachel, Rory, Jack, Sean, Ryan, Dana, Christian, Phoebe, Jerry, Angela, Sarah, Chris and Hawkins, and pounded drinks until the band took the stage. At one point I ducked backstage to hang with the production crew for a few, but they had to take care of business. Once I was back on the floor we caught a few songs by VHS or Beta before bailing on the party in favor of Voxtrot. Good looks to Meredith for throwing the first of many solid holiday parties. The band was decent, but didn't sound loud enough. I couldn't really watch them because I was mesmerized by the bass player's coat.

Christie, Jerry, Angela and I hopped a quick cab to the Mercury to catch Voxtrot's set. By this time I felt pretty hammered, but it wouldn't stop me from seeing one of my favorite new bands. Their show is totally fey, but in that super snuggly kind of way. Ramesh pranced his skunk like hair around the stage like he just scored a date with a super model while the rest of the boys play the role of indie rock band to a T. They have such an inviting sound that it's nearly impossible not to dig them. Yes, it sounds like the Smiths and no, I'm not a huge fan, but there is something about their songs that make me want to shake my ass like a 50 year old dad. They played all my favorites from their Raised by Wolves EP and some new jams along with a couple songs off the 7inches I picked up some time ago. They plan to tour at the beginning of 2006 before hybernating while recording a new EP. A&R people should take note. Bring piles of money when you meet with these guys - they are worth every penny. Congratulations to James, Jared and the rest of Voxtrot for keeping the sell out crowd pleased with not one, but two encores.