Congratuations to the Dirty On Purpose camp for their huge, sold out release party at the Mercury Lounge. Last night was a true celebration for the Brooklyn boys and they did it in style.

The end of my day was a bit of a wash. I couldn't focus and after the previous evening's ample amount of partying, digging deep didn't seem to be an option. Fortunately a crew that included Jackilynn, Jean, Rob and Chris was there to rally. After work we headed downtown to snag a quick bite at Boca Chica. It was my first time having their Cuban, and let me say this - because I rarely do - it was very sub-par. Boca Chica does a whole lot of things right (read: Coco Shrimp and Plantain Chips), but that sandwich is definition Weak Sauce. It did fill me up so in that respect it was successful. By the time our dinner finished the sky had opened up and the downpour prevented us from getting all the way back to 186. In fact, we only made it to One & One were we ran into Ghory who had the same idea. Eventually the sun returned and we made it back to 186 to pregame before the show. We were joined by Matty K, Builder, lil' Belin and Angela.

We rolled to the club with the hopes of catching some of the Little Ones set, but no dice. The room was getting full with familiar faces by the time Say Hi To Your Mom took the stage. Eric, Chris and Jeff (x-Sea Ray) played a set of new songs from their forthcoming release Impeccable Blahs (Eurphobia Records) which is Eric's fourth release under the Say Hi To Your Mom moniker, but the first that included the full band on the record. From what I heard the new album adheres to their inheirent indie sound, but they step it up and douse it with a bit more rock than we've grown accustomed to hearing from these guys. To be honest, I think the new songs sounded fucking fantastic and if it is any indication of what's to come from this maybe, possibly, solidified lineup, than the future is bright for this Brookly trio. You can pre-order Impeccable Blahs before the July 25th street date from Insound or if you find Eric and give him a back massage, he'll probably hand one over. Insound also has a new track available for download - "Your Fangs". Thanks to Eric for tossing me a record last night. I look forward to snuggling to it.

The main event quickly followed and by the time Dirty On Purpose took to the stage, the room was completely packed. The four gents played a set that consisted mostly of new material from their release Hallelujah Sirens. Again, on the honesty tip, the sound had really bad moments, but toward the second half of the set all the feedback seemed to calm down and the band stepped right into their groove. To replicate the album they had a unknown (foxy as hell) female vocalist, a horn section and a string section join them on selected tunes. The entire show felt like a great party. There were smiles, Builder's parents (shout out to Mrs. Builder!) and tons of pretty indie rock kids. The night had a resounding positive feel and I couldn't be more psyched for the band, management, label, agent and anyone else involved who I hold near and dear to my little black heart.

After the show Anna and I slipped over to Annex in an attempt to catch Gil Mantera's Party Dream who played in honor of Ms. Gitlin and Karen +1's Bday, but after nearly an hour of waiting we decided it was a lost cause and bounced. I stopped by the Mercury on the walk home to throw down one more round of congratulations - well done.

Make sure you check out DOP and SHTYM on a number of dates this summer:

Wed Jul 5 First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, PA
Fri Jul 7 The Century Lounge Providence, RI
Sat Jul 8 Great Scott Allston, MA
Sun Jul 9 BAR Nightclub New Haven, CT
Sat Jul 15 Siren Festival Coney Island, NY
Tue Jul 18 Andyman's Treehouse Columbus, OH *
Wed Jul 19 Southgate House Newport, KY *
Thu Jul 20 Firehouse North Manchester, IN *
Fri Jul 21 Beat Kitchen Chicago, IL *
Sat Jul 22 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, MN *
Sun Jul 23 The Aquarium (Dempsey's Upstairs) Fargo, ND *
Wed Jul 26 Paradox Seattle, WA *
Thu Jul 27 Towne Lounge Portland, OR *
Fri Jul 28 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, CA *
Sat Jul 29 Spaceland (w/ Papa M) Los Angeles, CA *
Mon Jul 31 Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT *
Tue Aug 1 Hi-Dive Denver, CO *
Sat Aug 5 Street Scene Festival San Diego, CA
Fri Aug 11 Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC

* Both bands are on these bills.