Things I've Noticed While Listening To Trouble Will Find Me

How Many Songs Has Matt Sung:

About Death: A LOT More Than Alligator, Boxer, and High Violet Combined (4-5 Songs on TWFM)

About Love: Almost The Entire Album

Vines: 2

Teething Roses: 1

About Los Angeles: 2

About Dallas, TX: 1

Names of Females: Jenny, Jo, Jennifer

Sharon van Etten Backing Vocals On: Don't Swallow The Cap

Music References On The Album: The Beatles - Let It Be; Nirvana -  Nevermind; Elliot Smith - You're A Needle In The Hay; Morrissey - Bona Drag; The Violent Femmes - "Kiss Off"

How Many Times Matt Says Graceless In "Graceless": 6 (Seems Like More When You Don't Count)

How Many Times Matt Says Grace In "Graceless": 6

Songs That Made Me Cry: Pink Rabbits, Hard To Find, Slipped

Songs That Made Me Headbang: Graceless, Sea of Love

The Song That Had Me Hypnotized: Humiliation

Song I Wish Made The Cut: Rylan

The Song Japan Is Getting That The West Isn't: Learning

There Is A Harmonica On: Sea of Love

Is Bryan Still One Of The Best Drummers Today: Yes

The Band Has Sound The Closest To Joy Division On: Graceless

Trouble Will Find Me is due out next week.  After about a good 30+ hours of listening, I still love it from "I Should Live In Salt" to "Hard To Find" (maybe I'm a bit biased).  Easily a top 3 for 2013, which has already been a great year for music.

The xx @ Hammerstein Ballroom (1.24.2013)

The Big X

Back in October of last year, The xx had a sold-out 2 night residency at the newly renovated Paradise Theater in Bronx, New York. However, the band was only able to perform one of the two nights, with a stay in NYC cut short by the impending arrival super storm Sandy. The show is the first show of 2013 for the band, as well as the kick-off of a very long tour for the band, with stops including Coachella, and back in NYC for the Governor's Ball.

Austra

Austra was the sole opener for the night, as they will embark on the tour with The xx for the first leg of the tour.

The xx

The setlist for The xx heavily featured cuts from their sophomore release, Coexist, with the band sprinkling in tracks from their debut.  While they played their well known songs such as Crystalised and Chained, they played reworkings of the songs, with different tempos, and beats from Jaime.

The xx 

The xx

The xx

CMJ Music Marathon: Music Fans vs. The Age Barrier

During the month of October, music fans, young and old, flock to New York City for the annual College Music Journal Music Marathon.  The Marathon, now in its 32^nd year, is a six day music event that takes place in not just one stage, instead all of NYC is used as a stage to host the hundreds of participating bands.  The venues range from small NYC bars to music venues such as the Bowery Ballroom or Terminal 5.

However, the music festival proves to be problematic for many young college students who wish to see their favorite bands.  The majority of college students are not old enough to drink.  Many of the events of the CMJ Music Marathon take place at bars or sponsored by alcoholic beverage companies, thus requiring attendee to be at least 21 years of age.

"If the problem is the time and the rowdiness, or if the sponsors happen to be breweries, at least open up venues or locations that allow a slightly younger crowd," said Hunter College student Leah Marks.

Surely there must be some loophole?  Disappointed music fans have a few options.  The first work around is to find shows with out the 21+ age restriction.  While there are some shows that are only 18+, there are not a lot of choices.  Chances are, the bands you want to see the most are playing popular venues such as Arlene's Grocery or the Cake Shop, which are bars with age restrictions.  The other "loophole" is to talk to the bouncers.  There is a slim chance to .  From experience, some are nice, and some aren't so nice, but it never hurts to try.

“I’m really against the age restrictions. Bands are performing to play music to their fans, no matter their age, said Marks.  “"I personally don't know the reasons behind CMJ's age restrictions, but there can be a solution."