Last Day, Part One (CMJ redux)

My Best Intentions
I wanted to do a full CMJ summary in the days after the event, but got waylaid with other work and life and such. Here, at least, is the music tally from notes taken back then:

On the very first day, a nice pair of young rockers came though the pressroom, handing out CDs and touting their Saturday showcase (which I was going to miss), They gave me:
1.The BOY BATHING – A Fire to Make Preparations
A bit of “Beautiful Dreamer” tossed in, a happier, more nasal Bright Eyes
And much more varied styles – and a big band sound on a few songs, too! - than the indie element would have you believe. And some songs feature a sweet female vocal like a not-obnoxious Jewel.
2.VARIOUS ARTISTS – World’s Fair Fall 2007 Music Sampler (World’s Fair)
Picked up at the World’s Fair Showcase, where British Sea Power where stunningly good.



3.VARIOUS ARTISTS – Live from SF X SXSW – San Francisco Comes to Austin 2007 (Talking House)
Given out at the Talking House showcase, at Ace of Clubs, where Scissors for Lefty were adorable.
4. BLAMMOS – How Do You Know? (Front Burner Music)
Also at the TH show. Didn’t hear the Blammos, but enjoyed chatting with the guys at the long line of merch tables that ran along the side wall of the club. They gave me this collection of songs, in a cleverly-folded (rock origami?!) sheet of standard-sized, hot pink, printed paper.plus
5.BLAMMOS – 4 Music Videos (Front Burner Music)
also from the same event:
6.MUD – Should’ve Known (Talking Head)
2-Track single
7. MICKEY ZETTS/MICKEY’S ICKIES – Life is a Dream (Superpickle Music Arts)

8. TEAM ROBESPIERRE – Summer 2007 (Impose Records)
Obtained at the Norwegian showcase at Knitting Factory, where Ida Maria won my heart.


Alas, Ida Maria had no music to share, but Team Robespierre had a few samplers on the freebie table. This looks like it’s a hand-painted disc – collectible, perhaps, but the band’s performance – all bratty energy, but little in the way of melody or charm – didn’t work for me.


Foraging at the Puck Building:
9.COLE GENTLE’S SYMPHONIC ROCK REVIVAL – S/T (self-released)
10. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Austin Texas AMP.FM
11. VARIOUS ARTISTS – CMJ New Music, Issue 151 (CMJ)

The French Music Export Office Booth:
12. VARIOUS ARTISTS - Generation Francaise 6 (Cavilam)
With Emilie Simon. Whom High School Girl caught on a video music channel and was charmed by.
13. VARIOUS ARTISTS – French Essentials III (Aureau Export)
“pop/rock & electronic music produced in France,” including Feist and Justice.
14. VARIOUS ARTISTS – French Essentials IV (Aureau Export)
“world music produced in France”

Various Others:
15.BAND B – Bent (self-released)
Can’t Judge a Book…dept. Simple black graphics and song titles imply something hard and metaled, but the songs are actually more mellow and melodic.
16. SAHARA HOTNIGHTS – Cheek to Cheek (Stand By Your Band)
From the Swedish Booth, a one track single, in cardboard sleeve.
17. VARIOUS ARTISTS – From Sweden with Love (Swedish Institute)
18. FRED – 3-Track Promo (RCM Records)
19. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Subtle Media Group sampler (Subtle Media Group)
On CMJ’s last day, the press room was closed, so I plunked myself into the empty exhibit across the way, where the Internet signal was still strong and a power outlet and writing surface were available. The proprietor of the booth, a lovely, talkative Irish man (is there any other kind?) returned and, instead of shooing me away, delighted me with an hour’s worth of fine conversation, industry gossip, and an introduction to his friend, Living Colour’s Vernon Reid, who dropped by with the Irishman’s wife. The CD includes orchestral, film and television music, my host himself in a singer/songwriter role, and the band Martelo, which was the prime motive for his attendance at the event.

One small label, from Alaska, had its own table (was it worth it?) and gave out what you might call Real Chill Rap:
20. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Arctic Flow Records Sampler (Arctic Flow)
Snippets and full versions.
21. PHONETIC – The Notebook (Ice Box Entertainment)
2006 copyright.
22. AKREAM feat. JOSH BOOTS – I Push You Push (Arctic Flow)
2004 copyright, and yet this 4-track (all same song) single is said to be from the upcoming album “Digital Penetration.”
23. JOSH BOOTS – Possesion with Intent (Arctic Flow)
Front cover spells the word “possession,” side title uses “possetion,” and the first track is “possession…” . copyright 2005.

YTD O/CD Tally: 964