Images and Thoughts on the Balloon Squad Reunion at Clifton's Clash Bar

When it comes to getting invited to show. I've gotten into the habit of asking 

"What time does the first band go on?" Since going to matinees at CBGB's in my teens. 

I've always had a habit of arriving way to early. Often feeling awkward, anxious and downright weird. So when I was told that The Harmonica Lewinskies would be going on at 9:00 sharp. I knew, that for once in my life. I was definitely going to be late. 

As I entered The Clash Bar I immediately felt the warmth of friends, familiar faces and smiling strangers. A voice called out my name and a friends recent quote about being overworked, tired and totally getting her ass to this show felt as clear as the bells of 

St. Mary's. 

I was talking to Cindi prior to their set and recall her saying "I can't wait to see Ghostpal." "They f#%king rock." Rock they did. The Brooklyn quartet really impressed with their blend of soulful and downright funky jams. Oliver Ignatius moves around the stage with James Brown precision and grace. Swinging his bass as if to swat away the posers and non believer. I was really impressed by this band. They more than made up for my missing the Harmonica Lewinskies, who were up front and present dancing throughout the set. Check out their Bandcamp Here and throw them a few bucks for their album "This was Ghostpal".

It's pretty safe to say that The Brixton Riot (and Jerry Lardieri to be specific) are personal favorites of mine. Being that they live on the south side of the Jersey tracks and aren't exactly a weekly fixture on Jersey's music landscape. I cherish the rare chance to see them live, let alone in my neck of the woods. With a name that instantly reminds me of my first love, The Clash and a sound that reminds me of everything I love about living in New Jersey. What kind of jerk would I be if I didn't take advantage of each and every chance I had to breathe the same air as them. As the band plugged in, Jerry leaned in to my deaf ear and asked "What song do you want us to play?" It was a moment, a special one that made me feel as if I'd been given the keys to Clifton and made Honorary Citizen for a day. Without the slightest hesitation I replied "Signals to Noise." And why not. It's only been my wake up song, my call to action, my sound the alarm inspiration since it's release in 2012. From that moment on, I found myself on the tip of my toes, cross stepping and singing along with wild abandonment. Simply said, The Brixton Riot serve as the perfect elixir for whatever ails you. They definitely put the spirit in me on this particular night. Go check out their Bandcamp Here  and give them a long listen.

Having first heard of Balloon Squads reunion show back in July. The anticipation and momentum had plenty of time to build and grow. Though I had never experienced or even heard of the band while active in the 80's and 90's. Numerous conversations with former bassist Cindi Merkle led me to seek out their music. Once acquired, I gained an admiration and appreciation for the Squad that help foster my interest in seeing them gather once again. Their reunion turned out just the way I would have imagined. The atmosphere was uplifting and positive. Friends, family and former members gathered as the Balloon Squad took the stage. There was plenty of laughs and stage banter. Members switching instruments and singing duties. A high point of their set, for me personally, was getting to see Cindi so incredibly happy. This was the first time I ever experienced her singing. Seeing this side of her really helped my appreciation for her as a musician grow. Nights like these really help me understand how much music still matters. How it all makes our lives and our ability to communicate, so much better. In closing, it can't go without saying what an incredible guy Bob Clash is. He's been supporting great music for as long as I can remember and as much as I miss seeing him behind the counter of Montclair's Let it Rock. It's just as good seeing him running The Clash Bar. JD

Dromedary Records Al Crisafulli Shares His Thoughts and Favorites from the Year 2013

That's Al with the Merge shirt and cup of mirth.

I'm Al Crisafulli.  For the past 20 years, much of my free time has been devoted to running Dromedary Records, a tiny micro-indie label that's been fortunate enough to release a bunch of fantastic literate, guitar-based pop records by a lot of like-minded DIY enthusiasts.  In the process, we've all been able to forge some spectacular friendships, help some needy people in New Jersey, and put on some fucking unreal shows.

Aside from getting married and having kids, curating this great music has been the highlight of my life, and being asked to compile year-end lists like this, in addition to being incredibly flattering, is a great opportunity for me to point at some fantastic records that people need to hear.

2013 was an incredible year for independent music.  The top of my "favorite records" list is, in my opinion, beyond doubt, but the next five or six are relatively interchangeable.  And I'd be remiss if I didn't recognize the fantastic local music produced this year by the likes of Wax Darts, The Everymen, Speed the Plough, Wreaths, and the Karyn Kuhl Band.  Despite the closing of the state's greatest music venue, there's lots to be optimistic about when it comes to New Jersey indie rock.

Tan Vampires - Ephemera (self-released): Home-spun, rhythmic, folksy indie rock from
New Hampshire, beautiful and captivating.

 Iceage - You’re Nothing (Matador): Equal parts noisy and melodic; this is on one hand a crushing punk record, and on the other a harmonic masterpiece.

Speedy Ortiz - Major Arcana (Carpark): Give me dissonant, riff-laden math rock, and I’ll love it every time.

Deafheaven - Sunbather (Deathwish Inc): Ever wonder what it would sound like to mix brutal speed metal with mellow post-rock?  It sounds like this, and it’s awesome.

d.smithsucks - The End Of Everything (self-released): Anthemic, Mould-esque guitar rock with an obvious Lemonheads influence from a guy who dislikes the Lemonheads.

Earthless - From the Ages (Tee Pee): Massive guitar solos, ten minutes long, like they’re supposed to be.

Jimi Hendrix - People, Hell & Angels (Legacy Recordings): unreleased studio recordings initially intended to be the followup to Electric Ladyland. A fresh batch of Hendrix just reminds me of how important his contributions were.

Widowspeak - Almanac (Captured Tracks): Mellow.

Jesu: Every Day I Get Closer to the Light from Which I Came (Avalanche Recordings) -
Not enough songs.  Not loud enough. Still brilliant.

Cheetahs - Extended Plays (Wichita Recordings Ltd.): Washes of distortion, powerful
pop hooks, like a 90s indie rock revival. I’m an old man, I love this shit.

Polvo - Siberia (Merge): If I didn’t love their last one so much, I’d say this one might be their best work.

Yo La Tengo - Fade (Matador): Just a brilliant record, from a band that makes very few missteps.  Musically, there’s very little I will miss more than YLT’s Hanukkah shows at Maxwell’s.  Hopefully, anyone who got to see one understands just what a special thing those shows were.

Bailter Space - Trinine (Fire): Bailter Space is one of the greatest (and loudest) bands ever; their new record does not disappoint.

The Night Marchers - Allez Allez (Swami): Loud, sweaty bar rock with enormous hooks and catchy choruses.  What’s not to love?

Kvelertak - Meir (Roadrunner): Norwegian metal.  I can’t understand a fucking word they’re saying, and the cookie monster vocals fly in the face of everything else I listen to, but this is an absolutely amazing record, a collection of monstrous riffs and enormously melodic guitar work, and I’m fairly certain that if Kvelertak had existed when I was in high school,
I would have run away to Scandinavia.

There Will Be Fireworks - The Dark, Dark Bright (self-released): A powerful, dramatic piece of art, more mature than their debut but equally expressive.

Kurt Vile - Wakin On A Pretty Daze (Matador): When it came to Kurt Vile, I was not an early adopter, but now I’m working hard to catch up.  I love the laid back quality of his vocals, the reverb on the instruments, and the way his songs have a tendency to break somewhere in the middle before meandering off in a different direction, like a stoner with ADHD.

Bardo Pond - Peace On Venus (Fire): I’ve been fascinated with Bardo Pond’s melodic jams for 20 years.  Waves of massive distortion with beautiful, melodic flute passages over endlessly repetitive riffs create a complex brand of psychedelia that the term “stoner rock” simply doesn’t do justice.  When their music gets more accessible, as it does on this record, the result is always brilliant.

Bottomless Pit - Shade Perennial (Comedy Minus One): One of the best bands in America.

Radioactivity - s/t (Dirtnap): Blindingly fast guitar pop with brilliant hooks, like late 60’s garage pop, late 70’s skinny tie new wave, and mid-80’s punk rolled into one fantastic band.

Joel R. L. Phelps & the Downer Trio - Gala (12xu): Out of nowhere comes a new
Joel R.L. Phelps record, and it’s the most brilliant thing I’ve heard in a while.  Not even a contest, easily the best record of the year.

Favorite Reissues:

Frank Zappa - Apostrophe (Zappa): Finally, all the Zappa titles are being released digitally.  Apostrophe is one of my favorites, if only because “Uncle Remus” is my favorite Zappa song and I’m finally able to own a clean digital copy of it AND properly compensate the estate.

Come - 11:11 (Matador): Fuzz-encrusted blues.  One of the most beautiful bands, probably their best record.

Speed the Plough - The Plough and The Stars (Bar/None): A lavishly-packaged collection of songs from their first four out-of-print albums, rare live recordings, and some new stuff as well, released by New Jersey’s greatest record label.

Songs: Ohia - Magnolia Electric Co (Secretly Canadian): Songwriting.

Lemonheads - Creator (Fire): One of the best records by a band that’s been a massive influence on me and my little record label, it’s so great to see these records back in print again (and to hear the Lemonheads with Evan Dando and Ben Deily together)

Favorite Live Performances:

The Feelies - Maxwell’s, July 3: Saying good bye to the world’s greatest venue, Brenda Sauter singing the Velvet Underground’s “After Hours” to close the set.  Not a dry eye in the house.

Yo La Tengo - Boulder Theater, May 21: Catching one of my favorite bands from back home while in the midst of a long, cross-country trip took away some of the homesickness.

Overlake - Asbury Lanes, September 19: Watching a great new band coming into their own is an exciting thing, and this performance was tremendous.

Stuyvesant - Maxwell’s, June 26: New Jersey’s best band play their final show at their home base.

Stuyvesant/The Brixton Riot/The Anderson Council - The Court Tavern, February 9:
Just a great bill.  Loads of power pop.

The Brixton Riot's Jerry Lardieri Shares his List of Favorites from the Year 2013

Jerry Lardieri - Guitarist / Singer The Brixton Riot
The Brixton Riot

My name is Jerry, and I play guitar in a band called 
The Brixton Riot.  We've been together for seven years, so we've lasted longer than a lot of marriages.  We're all pushing 40 and have full time jobs and families.  Our songs tend to be loud and uptempo, which finds us in the uncomfortable demographic of too loud for people our own age (they don't ever go out anyway) and too old and ugly for the young people who question why we're not at a Lowe's or watching UFC with the other dads.  We don't use copious amounts of reverb.  We don't sing falsetto.  We don't wear V neck t-shirts.  We don't have facial hair, at least not of pre-Civil War length.  We're about as uncool as you can get and we have a lot more fun then we probably should.  Our moms probably think we should have outgrown this phase.  Not happening anytime soon.

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the steady stream of best of lists by the music press.  They're always a good place to search for hidden gems that I missed over the last 12 months, or to be reminded of some of the earlier contenders that got lost somewhere between season changes.  But lately, there seems to be a lack of diversity in a lot of the more popular music blogs and websites, even the ones that claim to be "independent" (a term that has about as much meaning in 2013 as "alternative" did in 1995).  I knew when they were released that records by Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Daft Punk would be dotted across a lot of these lists.  And they were.  Of course they were. 

But not mine.  In fact, this isn't really a best of list at all.  It's a little silly ranking albums like basketball teams in a bracket.  Other than the actual notes and melodies, there's an emotional subtext that resonates with each individual listener, and trying to tell another person what they should feel is a fool's errand.  So this isn't a true "best of list" as much as it's a list of musical items that resonated with me in 2013.  I'm flattered that James asked me to write this, and since you made it this far, you might as well read the list now.

Favorite Album of 2013 
Superchunk's "I Hate Music"
Picking favorites may have been hard, but #1 was never in question. Superchunk's "Majesty Shredding" was my favorite record of 2010 and its follow-up tops my list this year.  Great songs, great production and great performances. Not a bad track on here.


Favorite Album That Avoided The Sophmore Slump
Veronica Falls' -  "Waiting For Something"
Loaded with jangling, chimey guitars and beautiful vocals, Veronica Falls' recalls some of the 90's New Zealand/Flying Nun sound perfected by bands like The Bats and The Chills.
Waiting For Something

Favorite Album By A Band From Brooklyn - "New Moon" by The Men
For the second straight year, The Men have produced an outstanding, completely unpretentious guitar rock record.  And coming from Brooklyn, that's quite an accomplishment.
New Moon

Favorite Live Album/Reunion of Sorts - The Chills' "Somewhere Beautiful"/"Molten Gold" single
"Somewhere Beautiful" serves two purposes - it's an excellent retrospective of The Chills' best songs in one package and it's also a "victory lap" of sorts for Martin Phillips'.  Not content to simply revisit the past, their new single "Molten Gold" was my favorite single this year.
Somewhere Beautiful

HONORABLE MENTION:
 Swervedriver - "Deep Wound" Deep Wound

Favorite Not-Quite-A-Reissue-But-Not-Quite-A-New-Album 
Eleventh Dream Day's "New Moodio"
This is the bizzaro world version of Eleventh Dream Day's classic "El Moodio", recorded and financed by the band back in 1991 and finally available to all thanks to NJ based Comedy Minus One.
New Moodio

Favorite Actual Reissue:
The Verlaines' "Juvenelia"
Having been very late to the party, I only discovered Juvenelia a few years ago, but it's become one of my favorite records.  Looking forward to getting an "honest" copy.
Juvenelia

Favorite Album That Made Me Want A Baritone Guitar:
Bottomless Pit's - "Shade Perennial"
Despite being a Bottomless Pit fan since "Hammer Of The Gods", this was the year I first listened to Silkworm, the previous outfit of BP's Andy Cohen and Tim Midyett.  And I listened to them A LOT. If the rules allowed me to pick albums from previous years, 50% of them would likely be Silkworm records.  I've loved everything Bottomless Pit has put out to date and this is no exception.
Shade Perennial

Favorite Album From A New Jersey Institution:
Yo La Tengo's "Fade"
It's definitely on the quieter side of their catalog, but I really enjoyed the sound of this one.
Fade

Favorite Album Discovered Too Late For Summer:
Upset's  -  "She's Gone"
This reminds me a lot of some of my favorite female fronted 90's bands - specifically Velocity Girl and Sleepyhead.  And that's definitely a good thing.
She's Gone

Favorite Live Show:
Screaming Females at Maxwell's
Nobody really wanted to say goodbye, but I'm glad my final memory of Maxwell's will be watching this New Brunswick trio blow the roof off the joint - and watching my wife get completely blown away by her first Screaming Females show.

From '93 to Infinity - A Dromedary Records Compilation

Local micro indie label Dromedary Records celebrate their twentieth anniversary with the release of
'From '93 to Infinity'. A clever and overall stellar collection featuring current and past Dromedary friends and family, putting the cover treatment on songs released in 1993.
The year Al Crisafulli followed his heart of hearts by starting his own independent record label.

'From '93 'til Infinity' features a hefty sixteen tracks delivered with quality and care. It's very rare when a compilation or tribute album resonates with the listener the way this does. Somewhat surprising, given the history of cover and tribute albums. Visit your local record store's dollar bin or Good Will store and you'll get a good idea. '93 'til Infinity' on the other hand, doesn't feature a wasted moment.

Picking the standouts from this album was like trying to decide what corner deli I want to pick up my winning Powerball ticket from. The quality and variety presented is astounding. Brixton Riot covering The Archers of Loaf's 'Might', Cinema Cinema's cover of PJ Harvey's '50 Ft. Queenie', Varsity Drag's take on Versus' 'Let's Electrify', Overlake's cover of
Yo La Tengo's 'From a Hotel 6' and D. Smith Sucks 'Fuck and Run' each shake the foundations. I'm also hearing a number of acts here for the very first time.
Riel, Dots Will Echo, Flash Flood, Picnic all deliver stellar covers. Other notable contributions come from the 65's, Stuyvesant, The Anderson Council,
Jean Homme & The Broken Telomeres, Guy Capacelatro and Tiger Saw. Add to that they eye popping cover illustration of Lauren Kelly and a few of my own photos thrown in for good measure and you've got a can't miss production that commemorates and celebrates the spirit and inspiration that was and is indie. James Damion

Dromedary Records  Get it Here

Dromedary Records Celebrates it's Twentieth Anniversary By Giving Back Part II

Below are some photos from the second night of Camelfest III. Be sure to check out the bands and take a look at what the Roots and Wings Foundation is doing in your community. Roots and Wings

James Damion

Overlake

Overlake

The Anderson Council

The Anderson Council

The Brixton Riot

Stuyvesant's Ralph Cusiglio joins The Brixton Riot

The Brixton Riot

Stuyvesant

Stuyvesant

Maxwell's Hosts The Second Annual Camelfest

About a year ago to the day I was asked by Al of Dromedary Records to document two days and three shows at Maxwell's benefitting 'Roots and Wings', a foundation benefiting those aging out of the Foster Care system. Though just out of the hospital with about twelve fresh staples in my belly, I agreed. During those two days I saw twelve bands from varying backgrounds and sounds. It was a great weekend that raised money and awareness for a very worthy cause.  This year I was asked once again to roll film but with slightly different circumstances. One night, one show and a more focused, edgy lineup. How could I refuse?
Review and images: James Damion 08/25/2012

Bern and the Brights opened and although I was   unfamiliar with their music and sound.
I had heard the name mentioned frequently through reliable circles. Personally, this really wasn't my thing.
Two parts, nerdy, three parts folky and little bit too laid back to start the night off for me. Though there were definitely some beautiful moments within their set. It wasn't enough to feed my hunger for something with a little more angst and grit.
Bern and the Brights

After going outside for  quick breath of Jersey Fresh air,
I returned for The Brixton Riot.
I was really looking forward to seeing these guys as I've been Facebook friends with their drummer Matt for years and had a particular fondness for their recent masterpiece "Palace Amusements".
See review Here. The band mixes a 70's, early 80's Power Pop sound with gritty influences such as The Clash to cook up a tasty sound. Their set included a cover of Husker Du's "Could You Be the One?" and were joined by Stuyvesant's Sean Adams for a Lemonheads cover. It was just the tonic needed to put my spirits back on track.
The Brixton Riot

Now, during the first two bands I noticed that the majority of the folks at the show were either hanging towards the back conversing with their friends or seated to the side focused on their Blackberry's and iPhones. At one point I headed towards the stage and told Ev
(Cinema Cinema frontman) and told him "Maybe it's just me, but I don't think this crowd came here to listen to music." He turned to me and with a wicked smile said,  "I'm not worried about the crowd."
"They need to worry about me."

That's when I knew, it was on. I've seen Cinema Cinema a number of times in the last year and I can say, with all honesty. That this is band like no other. An act that blends beauty and harmony with dark, dark elements of dissonance. mirroring that of a spiritual possession or exorcism of demons already within.
I've witnessed people surrender to what Ev calls "The Trip".
I've seen people look on with eyes raised and jaws dropped.I've even watched as people walked away in confusion with their hands clamped tightly over the years. The true beauty of it is, nobody walks away unscathed. The band played a set that was less song to song than it was chapter to chapter. When recently interviewing the band, Ev described their sound as "Black Flag and Queen, Fucking!" I don't think I could have described it better.
The music just moves you.
Cinema Cinema

Gold Streets followed and completely knocked me and my ears on their collective asses. The Brooklyn bands mix of shoegaze, melodic 90's indie pop and various other angles is impressive and leaves a lasting impression. Just the right elements needed to calm and replenish frayed nerves the prior set may have created. It's a rare case when a band I've neither seen nor heard before moves me to this degree.
This was one of those times. I can wait to dig deeper and hear more.
Gold Streets

During last years Camelfest. During those three shows I witnessed a number of acts, old and new, for the first time.
One of the newer ones was
The 65's. A band Dromedary Records Al Crisafulli spoke so glowingly about. I thought he was going to wet himself. Imagine how surprised I was when they completely blew my mind. Well, here it was a year later. Having seen them a handful of times, voting their record "Strike Hard" as one of my top releases of 2011 and even attempting to interview their drunken, belligerent frontman at Six Brothers diner in Montclair. Throughout the night I couldn't help but notice the absence of their bass player Cindi Merkle. As the band took the stage I was told that Cindi was now the bands former bass player.
"Where have you been for the last %$& months?"
To be honest, I was kinda shocked. Now the 65's are pretty...... But they ain't that pretty. Though a bit disappointed, for whatever reason I regrouped and soldiered on. The band played a tight set featuring their signature grit and bar band swagger. There is a dirty goodness about this band that can't be denied. Not the kind of guys you'd leave your kids or your whisky with. That said, it was good to see them again after so long.
The 65's

Closing out a very big night were NJ Power Pop kings Stuyvesant. Talk about putting the icing on the cake. Here is a band that never ceases to deliver the spirits in the highest form. If ever there was a band that deserved a Saturday morning cartoon featuring an updated Mystery Machine,
it would be Stuyvesant.
Fueled by tasty riffs, endless sing alongs and plenty of alcohol fueled mirth.
They are the epitome of a good time. During the set, guitarist/singer Sean Adams noted what a great representation of Rock music the night had offered.
There was something for everyone.  I could not have said it better.
Stuyvesant
A really special thanks to everyone at Maxwell's, Todd Abramson, Dromedary Records Al Crisafulli and all the bands for an amazing night. See you next year.
James Damion

To learn more about the Roots and Wings Foundation
Click Here

Maxwells to Host the Second Annual Camelfest

Come to Maxwell's this Saturday to celebrate and support Dromedary Records second annual Camelfest. The benefit will raise much needed money and awareness for the 'Roots and Wings' foundation. 'Roots and Wings' does a terrific job helping children that are aging out of Foster Care. This years fundraiser has been scaled down from last years three day fest, to  a more focused and tighter one night bill.  Come have a few beers, rock our to some of the areas most stellar acts and support a worthy cause at New Jersey's best music venue. See you there. James Damion


Roots and Wings Foundation

 

The Brixton Riot - Palace Amusements

Upon hearing the name                   The Brixton Riot one might immediately think of the Clash or a bunch of working class greaser punks with cuffed black jeans and a pack of cigarettes rolled up in the sleeve of their white than white Hanes tee shirt. Pretty cool image but don't start pulling your union card out of your chain wallet just yet. When my old Facebook buddy Matt Horutz sent me a link to his bands new album I took it like any other solicitation to the blog. As some of you reviewers know, being sent a link to someone's band camp doesn't illicit the same excitement as actual hard copy has throughout the years. The fact that he put the bands new disc in the mail for me the same day was a pretty cool gesture.

Here is a record that immediately had me hooked. Instead of getting the Clash sound alike the bands name might have hinted I got what can easily be considered a Power Pop standout. One that instantly resonated with this listener and pretty much set the mood and pace for the rest of my day. On Palace Amusements this Jersey band delivers an album highlighted by excellent song structure, hooks and harmony matched with a certain Punk brattiness thrown in for good measure. There's a distinct warmth to the songs that feels honest and unforced. Think  Late 70's Power Pop meets 90's Pop Punk. I keep thinking the Replacements meet Pavement on the way to a Bouncing Souls show in Asbury Park. Check out the song "Ocean Avenue" if you have any doubts. The band will be playing a record release show at Maxwells with Eastern  Anchors, Roadside Graves & Lieder on March 23rd. Come out and go nuts. James Damion


The Brixton Riot  Band Site
The Brixton Riot  Facebook