Holla. 30 Seconds to Mars at Roseland last Friday- quite the spectacle. Keep an eye peeled for the review on ‘Sup!

So I totally played the system! In case the CMJ space/time continium doesn’t let me make it to Sin-E for the Vice showcase, I decided to trek out to Union Pool on Monday night to join in the deafening buzz surrounding 120 Days. We all felt like little kids being denied candy when the guys were denied entry last month: all of their NYC gigs- including a potentially life altering appearance at the Modular Monthly with Klaxons- were subsequently cancelled. There was a collective sigh south of 14th St that could be heard for miles. Anyway, check out what Robot Blair has to say about the gig *here*, and see Pitchfork’s review of 120 Day’s album*here* As far as seeing these guys before the CMJ frenzy begins, my plan of insurance totally backfired- I’m hooked and will be making a point to see them again. More photos after the jump [read more …]

Okay, so it’s over. Looks like we hit it outta the park: I landed the shot to accompany David Fricke’s eulogy on Rolling Stone, got quoted in Spin, and Punkphoto received even more loving from Stereogum and Entertainment Weekly. Hilly, thanks. Time to move on. Before we do though, I have to thank my mom for the pep talks that kept me going through the closing. You are amazing and gorgeous and rock and I am so lucky to have you. You totally did not need to buy me the t-shirt, but ya did. Mahalo nui loa.

Sorry this is late. I’m knackered. Just spent. I logged 13 hours out of the past 30 with camera in CBGB, bringing my total to 20.5 hours documenting the closing. My emotions have run the gammut, everything from: Why oh why have I sandwiched myself in this big old leaky dinosaur of a venue where I can’t drink water, because that would mean a trip to the bathroom, to What band or scene of relevance has come out of there in the past decade? They sell t-shirts, nay, shower curtains in Urban Outfitters, what the hell do they need my money for??! The answer is in the show itself. What could have been a retro tribute drawn out farewell ode to the past was quite possibly the best show I’ve ever been to in my life. No opening bands, and special guests worked seamlessly into the set list and the momentum never faltered.

So there you have it. Today’s the day that the venue will shutter it’s hallowed sticker and graffitti plastered doors. Last night had us on our feet for 6 hours; the show included sets by The Waldos, an acoustic set by Blondie, and closing out the night were The Dicators. Emotions were running high as far as getting in, but all I was thinking about was hustling to the stage. All’s well in love and concert going, so infinity thanks to Amy Wagner for giving up her prime spot when I got cock blocked out of mine. Lady you rock! Sorry if the post is unfogivably short, I still feel like I was run over by a steamroller by the whole situation. Hopefully the pictures will speak for themselves. (more photos after the jump…)

Ohmigosh, fun on trains with Badly Drawn Boy. Damon absolutely rocks, and we’re psyched to catch one of his infamously intimate and special live gigs tonight at Hiro Ballroom. He works closely with OXFAM, and speaking of which, keep an eye peeled this month for OXJAM events and get involved! Look for the feature in […]

Behold, The Horrors.

With a statement such as the one above there’s only one thing to do: go see ‘em for ourselves!!! Now thanks to Productshop’s showcase during CMJ, you can get yer tix *here*!