(watering)holes - Thirsty Thursday at the Lamp Post

Thirsty Thursday has become a ritual amongst myself and many of my fellow Velvet Undergrounders. I enjoy hanging on a Thursday night far more than Friday mostly because you can avoid the "9-5" Friday crowd. Friday is overwhelmed by weekend warriors ready to let loose all the angst that a "real" job has left them to drink away. If you're out on a Thursday night there is usually something more liberating about your schedule. This distinct group of (night)crawlers are usually students, artists, insomniacs, musicians, bohemians, eccentrics, hipsters, addicts of some sort, and the unemployed. This past Thursday was no exception. As mentioned in my recent blog, FYI(nformation) - 2 of 4-day Catch Up, a lot went on. The night was able to begin after I finally admitted to both myself and friends that I would attend Inked magazine's party at Lucky 7s. Much to my horror it was more than full. I am not one for tight spaces, especially if I have yet to loosen up with some booze. Unable to move or escape constant brushes against my lower body, I quickly planned my escape. Best idea ever. My roommate and I headed to the Lamp Post for some much needed personal space and beer. The crowd was a cool mix of locals and random strangers; a welcome change from a scene often littered with familiar faces. Bands were set to play and all seemed hyped to give a listen.

The first band had no problem filling the space with sound, but struggled to make a connection. While their guitar riffs were certainly catchy, the lead vocals left something to be desired. His voice often fell flat and off key from what I believe was a mixture of nerves and an inability to hear himself. Set to follow were a group of young guys who call themselves "The Embracers." With a sound that brought together a dance-worthy combination of rock, country, blues, and funk, The Embracers performed with energy and maturity. Matt Condon, the lead singer, had a voice that demanded attention. The only analogy that comes to mind is if Bob Dylan and Conor Oberst had a lovechild. Condon even offered up some well-sung harmonies with Mike Neglia, the band's talented drummer.

Vocal Harmony; 2nd and Brunswick

(the)Skinny
The Lamp Post provided some much needed refuge in what was an overall chaotic evening. While 7s was surely a sight filled with tattooed beauty, the Lamp Post came with no attitude and some good tunes.  Though the Lamp Post overcharges for Yuengling ($5 a pint, get real!) they match 7s with cans of PBR for $2.50. If you need a break from the everyday hubbub, this might be your spot. Especially if you luck out with a live music act like The Embracers. A lot should be said for a young band that can stand out in a room that often drowns those playing in it. The Velvet Undergrounders and I were on our feet before they broke into a jamming cover of the Grateful Dead's Casey Jones. It's one thing to know your music, it's another to know your crowd.

FYI(nformation) - 2 of 4-Day Catch Up

As you may (or may not) have noticed, there has been a 4-day pause in posts. I've only been doing this for a little over 2 weeks now, but this lax in writing was my first break. I lacked the discipline to sit down in front of the computer and get my words onto the page. Besides content and readers, there's not much else to it. Perfecting this discipline is a work in progress. Not for the sake of excusing, but for understanding, my slip in focus was caused by a bit more work, partying, healthy human interaction, unhealthy human interaction, visits from mates I never see, highs, lows, alcohol, reading, watching, smoking, attempts at intimacy, laughter, good food, depression, high fives, low fives, facebook use, and madness. While I will break each occurrence down throughout the coming week, here are the first 2 of my 4-day catch up. For the proper literary effect, please read with speed.

(wednes)Day 

Work from 9 to 9 and should of been more tired than I felt. Got a text from a friend I see way too sparingly and invited him over. We laughed, smoked, and laughed some more. His bike tire popped. Bummer. We ate empanadas cooked by my roommate. Delicious. He got tired and suggested 1 beer at a local pub. Hit 7s, high-fived the bouncer, cracked open a PBR. Had to pee but the queue was less than tolerable. Laughter, loud music, great conversation, a sudden (in)flux of fake fur. 4 beers later and I knew we were out for the night. More laughter, more good music, apparent intoxication. 2am and it's time to go. Friend disappeared into a taxi before saying ciao. Look around and follow a line of people into a flat. Laughter, strange visual stimulation, I begin to poke an attractive friend annoyingly. Time to go home. Get a text while walking, so I make a pit stop. 40 minutes pass and I make my exit. Sleep. 

(thurs)Day 

Work until 8 with rumbles in my stomach, so I make a salad with grilled chicken. Promise myself I'm going to sit and write. Read a little, check facebook, and jump in the shower. Get asked about Inked magazine's gathering. Deny I'm going. Think about going. Say I'm going. Have a beer while I get dressed. Purposely attempt to look tops. Think about sex. Leave the house and head to the magazine's party. Walk in, sweat, and feel overwhelmed; way too many people. Quick face signal to my roommate and we bounce. Head to the Lamppost. Laugh, dance, listen to live music. I look at randoms with intrigue. Get impressed by one of the bands. Realize I’m paying too much for Yuengling, so switch. Other friends arrive. So does she. I stare for a moment and order a PBR. I flirt. I dance. I sing to an amazing Grateful Dead cover. Roommate gathers the troops and we head out. Couches get thrown. I witness this and walk back to the bar. Closing time. I read. Think. Sleep.

(spot)light - Vinyl for the Taking

Soul Searching; 1st and Brunswick

Thanks to a late night tweet from Dancing Tony and an afternoon reminder from one of my fellow Velvet Undergrounders, I was able to peep the vinyl giveaways that Iris Records had for the taking. 13 postal boxes were filled with discarded titles, assuring gems within the rubbish. One problem... it was close to 1pm and the street cleaner was lurking around the hood. I quickly double-parked and made a dash as the distinct roar of the useless machine passed Newark Avenue. This countdown of sorts made for a game show enthused search that ended way too quickly. Within 8 minutes of rummaging I scored some disco, bluegrass, spanish dance, Madonna, and the stories of Edgar Allan Poe. Quite the eclectic mix of freebies. So cheers to free vinyl and the friends who remind you about it. Jeers to the street cleaner and its hidden purpose.

I'll give (the)Skinny on Iris Records in a future post, but be sure to peep the shop (it's an amazing space)  at 114 Brunswick Street. Recently re-opening their doors, it's still loaded with great finds and cheap prices; only now with more organization and less cat hair. They can also be found at Creative Grove every Friday.

Up for Adoption; 1st and Brunswick

(spot)light - the Strokes came to Chilltown

Photo by Dean Luis

Critically-acclamied NYC locals and all around cool guys, the Strokes, stopped by Loew's JC Theatre for a music video shoot that lasted 17hrs on February 16th. The band, one of my favorites since their explosion onto the scene in 2001, will release the much anticipated album "Angels" on March 22nd. The music video is for the Strokes' single "Under Cover of Darkness." I read in a local paper that Colin Egan, the theater director, called the shoot "organized chaos." Chaos is my favorite type of organization.

To be honest, I'm not sure what I dig more, the song or how amazing Loew's Theatre looks on film. Either way, it's true listening and viewing gold. Grab your headphones, pump up the volume, sit back, and check it. For a behind the scene pic, additional ramblings and a link to the music video, click "read more." It can be found just below the facebook "like" button. While you're there, click that too. It'll be worth it... reading is (fun)damental.