Fresh Bread

Better Late Than Never - Gothamist CMJ Day House (Friday) - Jukebox the Ghost - 10.19.07

I was only able to catch one of my two "blame you cmj" bands a few weeks ago.  D.C. based Jukebox The Ghost were as good as I hoped.  You can't help but like the voice of lead singer Ben Thornewill and his band's Ben Folds meets Flaming Lips-like sound.  As I said before, "Good Day" is a brilliant pop song (download it here) and was the highlight of a fun 30 min set.  I only wish the set was longer (and more on time) than it was. 

JBTG is back in NYC next week, playing Columbia university; they are also playing Union Hall December 1 with Ra Ra Riot.  That is a nice lineup.

I'll Blame You For No Sleep This Week CMJ...the Jukebox The Ghost Edition

  Another band I am looking forward to seeing for the first time this CMJ 2007 is Jukebox the Ghost. 

Jukebox the Ghost writes a fresh breed of melodic pop tunes driven by fiery rock momentum. With quirky lyrics and inventive songwriting, fans and critics have drawn parallels with the pop sensibility of Elvis Costello, the flamboyance of Queen, the wit of They Might Be Giants, and the creative rock of The Flaming Lips. (JBTG myspace)

Not really sure how this Washington DC-based band has not made my "seen-them-live" list yet.  I plan to rectify that immediately...well...not right this very second but at some point this week.  Good thing I'll have a couple chances as they are playing three times.  I'll probably end up seeing them next Saturday the 20th at Underrated Magazine / Indaba Music / This Side Up Showcase.  Until then, I'll listen to these mp3s over and over and over.....

Jukebox The Ghost - "Hold It In".mp3

Jukebox The Ghost - "Good Day".mp3

Playing the same showcase are Brooklyn based The Diggs.  If you've read Fresh Bread for a while now, you know I like them.  I saw them last year at the KEXP / Cracker United's Sin-e CMJ 2006 showcase; during  their set, my camera broke.  Hopefully the dreamy sounds won't break any of my cameras this year.