So you have a badge to CMJ — aren’t you lucky! If you are anything like us, you are totally and completely overwhelmed by the extraordinary amount of great shows going on all over the city this week. In order Continue Reading

Australia’s The Jezabels were without a doubt one of the highlights of my CMJ experience.  Before I ever had a chance to see them plugged in and firing on all cylinders, I was

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Nothing But Our Love – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. Nothing But Our Love – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. (Free Download)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. is definitely a contender for biggest breakout act of CMJ, especially after having made at least seven appearances during the five day festival. They were nothing like I expected yet everything I’d want them to be, doling out utterly irresistible synth-pop complete with pounding drum beats and flawless falsetto harmonies Continue Reading

The Wednesday nightcap of CMJ at The Delancey featured 5 uniquely different bands. San Diego-based duo Tape Deck Mountain played a laid back set to compliment their post-fi sound. Their songs “Scantrons” and “80/20” got the most reaction from the packed Delancey basement. Continue Reading

The internet is quietly buzzing over the alleged squabble between Pitchfork and CMJ, but really, I don’t see the big deal.

Pitchfork recently announced that this week they will host #Offline, a 3-day music festival in NYC. The shows take place October 21-23, the last three days of CMJ. Popular opinion seems to be that, by scheduling their festival during CMJ, Pitchfork is attempting to steal some serious thunder from their rival. Another argument is that, because the acts are so similar, #Offline will draw fans and revenue away from the CMJ showcases.

The main thing to note, though, is that CMJ is not a centralized, main-stage style festival. It’s a city spanning, multi-venue event in the vein of SXSW. The shows take place over several days, and options for who to see and where to go bountiful. The way I see it, #Offline simply presents more opportunities for exposure to great music. Why should it matter who sponsors the show? New Yorkers and visitors alike are treated to a copious number of  performances in an effort to expose people to great new music. If CMJ really believes in what they supposedly stand for, they should be happy that people will have more chances to get out there and see some more amazing shows.

This seems more like an excuse to be mad at Pitchfork , which, much like Hansel, is so hot right now. Though I’m guilty of  being a contrarian myself, my biggest pet peeve about the indie music scene is all of the unnecessary drama it can cause. People certainly can’t be happy with Pitchfork’s decisions when it’s sexier to be mad at them. If everyone would stop worrying about their indie street-cred and enjoy the musical riches this week, I’d be a happy camper.

Thursday, October 21 (Buy)

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Surfer Blood
Dave Sitek/Maximum Balloon (DJ set)
Wild Nothing
Gold Panda
Small Black
Beach Fossils
Times New Viking
Dom
Lower Dens
Dent May
Dominique Young Unique
Keepaway

Friday, October 22 (Buy)

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Avey Tare (DJ set)
Zola Jesus
Deradoorian
Glasser
How to Dress Well
Tanlines
Baths
Marnie Stern
Cloud Nothings
Candy Claws
Sun Airway
Andrew Cedermark
Big Troubles

Saturday, October 23 (Buy)

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Titus Andronicus
Fool’s Gold Three Year Anniversary Presented by Scion (ft. A-Trak, Treasure Fingers, Donnis, CyHi Da Prynce, the Suzan, Kingdom, Araabmuzik)
Matthew Dear
Freddie Gibbs
Javelin
Cults
Active Child
Ty Segall
Diamond Rings
Highlife
Lord Huron

Tomorrow, October 19th, marked the start of New York’s CMJ music festival.  Over the past week, we’ve highlighted our must-see showcases of the festival, and now have consolidated those posts into one, easy to navigate guide.  Add your favorite showcases to your Foursquare to-do list, and Tweet them out to your friends.  This year’s festival is going to be absolutely amazing.  See you there! Continue Reading

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Official CMJ Showcase (12PM-5PM) — Savoir Adore (3:15PM/Rooftop), Philadelphia Grand Jury (4PM), Young The Giant (3:15PM), North Highlands (2:30PM/Rooftop), Red Wire Black Wire (2:30PM), Pretty & Nice (1:45PM), Ravens & Chimes (1:15PM/Rooftop), Marie Stella (1PM), Ruby Coast (12:30PM/Rooftop), New Normals (12:15PM) @ The Delancey

Farewell My Love – Savoir Adore Farewell My Love – Savoir Adore (Buy)

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KXCS, KVRK, CHUO + LA Records Showcase (12PM-11:30PM) —  Computer Magic, COOLRUNNINGS, Walking Lights, The Eastern Sea, Superhumanoids, No Joy, Magic Bullets, Free Moral Agents, Greg Jamie, Novellas, The Forms, La Strada, Takka Takka @ Bruar Falls

Sigh The Night Away – Magic Bullets Sigh The Night Away – Magic Bullets (Free Download)

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Day 1 / Day 2 / Day 3 / Day 4 / Day 5

Neon Gold + Chess Club Showcase (3PM-1:15AM) —  Savoir Adore, Santah, The Good Natured, Alex Winston, Body Language, Keepaway, Samuel, Ava Luna, Spark, Oberhofer, Emil & Friends, Devin Therriault, BRAHMS, 1,2,3, Fenech Soler, Grouplove, Sound of Arrows, The Postelles, Penguin Prison, The Knocks @ Public Assembly

Brought It Out – BRAHMS Brought It Out – BRAHMS (Free Download)

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Day 1 / Day 2 / Day 3 / Day 4 / Day 5

Terrorbird CMJ Day Party (12:45PM-7PM) — Marnie Stern (6PM), Royal Baths (5:10PM), Revolver (4:30PM), Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. (3:45PM), Kyle Andrews (3PM), Sister Crayon (2:15PM), Dark Dark Dark (1:30PM), Prince Rama (12:45PM) @ Cake Shop Continue Reading