CMJ

I look down at my Blackberry screen to find a BBM from my friend Michael.

“There are so many effing hipsters in Kimmel, your vag would explode.”

Lovely.

Mmm, it is that beautiful time of the year again. The College Music Journal’s annual Music Marathon and Film Festival is well underway. From October 19 to October 23, CMJ will set up base at NYU’s Kimmel Center and take over the rest of New York City. It is five days of film screenings, music showcases, panels and after-parties.

Last night, Lower East Side’s Rockwood Music Hall was graced by Lady Danville. There’s something about a really great cover song – the idea of reinventing an old favorite (or song you hate) and presenting it with a fresh perspective. The band does an excellent cover of MGMT’s “Kids.” The original song is reminiscent of those summer days when you’re in a car with the windows down – soaking in the sun and the catchy synthesizer samples. Lady Danville took MGMT’s upbeat disco-pop song and created a different indie gem altogether with pianos and acoustic guitars. It is soft and soothing. And they sing oh-so-intimately.Check out their live version:



Several Lower East Side venues are hosting CMJ concerts, including Arlene's Grocery, Living Room, Rockwood Music Hall Stage, The Delancey, Mercury Lounge, Local 269, Cake Shop and Fat Baby. The quagmire-esque schedule can seem daunting, so here are just a handful of recommendations of shows in the area. If I included artists and venues outside of the LES, I’d be writing a novel. So be sure to check out the full schedule at www.cmj.com.

Hsu-Nami
Thursday, October 21, 10:15 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.
Fat Baby | 112 Rivington St
They played at a set at my high school back in the day. They use an erhu, which is a Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument, and manage to combine it with elements of rock and metal music.

Jet Lag Gemini
Saturday October 21, 10 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Arlene's Grocery | 95 Stanton St
These boys are good friends. I discovered them about seven years ago when they were playing tiny venues in New Jersey. I used to be their merch girl, bake them cookies and take their photographs. Their music is nothing but perfect hooks and power chords and so much danceable energy that translate well from the CD to the live show.

Savoir Adore
Thursday, October 21, 7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Bowery Electric | 327 Bowery
Two-piece pop/folk duo with an addicting sound. Enough said.

Red Wire Black Wire
Saturday, October 23, 2:30 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.
The Delancey | 168 Delancey St
Last time at CMJ, I was waiting to see Yes Giantess at the Studio in Webster Hall with my good friend Good Goose of Menya. Red Wire Black Wire played before them. They produce music with a pop sensibility mixed with electronic confetti and guitar. And they have an ace cover of “Love is a Battlefield.”

Cheers.