The World Of B-Sides & Rarities, #686

The Gaskets - Structure Fire

A brand new tune recorded live in Richmond, VA (2007).

Visit The Gaskets on MySpace.

MP3: The Gaskets - Structure Fire

The Gaskets Perform New Tune For PBS

Enjoy 'Trap Me In Doors' in the clip below. Download a classic Gaskets MP3 at bottom.


MP3: The Gaskets - Earthquake

The Gaskets Return To The Studio

The band gives the following update on their official site: *It's been almost two years since we released Loose Change and, despite the band being scattered across the East Coast (New York, Massachusetts, Richmond, DC), we've managed to write some new songs during that time. So this week we got together with engineer Al Weatherhead and producer (and drummer) Miguel Urbiztondo to begin tracking for a new album at Richmond's Sound of Music studios.*

Photo courtesy of Driven By Boredom.

MP3: The Gaskets - End Game

The Music Slut's 2nd Anniversary Band Profile: The Gaskets

Hails From: Richmond, VA & NYC

# Of MySpace Friends: 3210

Influences: Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, They Might Be Giants, Sparks, Michael Jackson

Random Fact: The duo headlined our first anniversary show (pics here) and by popular demand we're bringing them back!

MP3: The Gaskets - Left Hand

*RSVP for FREE admission to the show HERE!*

The Music Slut's 2nd Anniversary Party!

All the skanky details are below. Keep in mind that the party is completely *FREE with RSVP HERE* (also the only way into the show)! We're hoping to see your slutty ass there.

Teaser MP3s: The Gaskets - Eiffel Tower + The Lisps - Pepper Spray

The Gaskets Release Live DVD!

Oh yes, we've been waiting for this one.

One of our all-time faves here on the site, The Gaskets, have just released their first DVD. It features the spectacular sophomore LP, Loose Change, in all its glory, performed live from a Halloween '05 hometown show & the '06 release party (thanks, Igor!) in Richmond (yes, each and every track). Also, included on the DVD are the music videos for 'Left Hand', 'Eiffel Tower' and 'Pennies & Dimes'!

Want to be the first to see the DVD? You're in luck. There will be not one, but two DVD release parties in the near future, and they are:

March 9th - NYC - Midway, 9pm
March 10th - Richmond - Hyperlink Cafe, 10pm

Can't wait and want to buy the DVD right away and/or want to watch the trailer? Click here for all the info.

We couldn't be more excited for the guys.

What Are YOU Doing On March 9th?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, March 9th might just be the best day for shows this year.

Take a look at ALL THE bands playing that Friday in the NYC area:

-Antony w/ Brooklyn Philharmonic @ BAM
-Clinic @ The Gramercy
-Matt & Kim @ Bowery
-The Gaskets @ Midway
-Of Montreal & Mixel Pixel @ Irving Plaza
-Shout Out Out Out Out & 120 Days @ Southpaw
-Gomez & Ben Kweller @ Webster Hall

Ahhhh! Not too shabby!

MP3: Matt & Kim - Verbs Before Nouns

(photo: Of Montreal)

The Gaskets @ Midway 1/19: You Brought The Hammer Sugar

Friday night, Club Midway was packed for new party, The Pull Out Method and the headlining band of the night, The Gaskets. I've been called The Gasket's number one fan and a groupie this week (which I really am not, come on guys) so I am going to keep this short and sweet.

Once again, The Gaskets brought party. After the show I heard comments like, "these guys should play at my wedding. It would be the best wedding ever!" and "Jen, that was AWESOME, thank you." No thank yous necessary folks, the smile on your face and fist in the air is thank you enough.

The boys headed down to Richmond, VA after the show to work on recording some new material, of which they previewed last night and is really superb. Not as pop dancey, bit more dark dancey. I've been told that the next cd theme will be about architecture and building (right up your alley I should think Yeti).

Abbey from PunkPhoto was there as well and has some cute things to say about the show and some spectacular photographs over on her blog. Check it out. She also promises us a Youtube video by the end of the week. The adorable Abbey stood next to me while she filmed and I joke that the entire thing is probably just me singing. But no joke, I think it will be. Sorry.

You can also head to Living in Abstract for some more thoughts on Friday's dance off.

Brand New Gaskets Video!

Oh yes! We've been waiting for this one. Video was directed by Ross (the 'beatmixer' in the band) and it's pretty damn amazing if I don't say so myself. A little Incubus 'Drive', but in a good way. Enjoy!

The Gaskets - Left Hand

Locksley & The Gaskets @ Mercury 12/11: Hugs from Sweaty, Skinny Guys

Last Monday night, two of my favourite bands of the year played Mercury Lounge- Locksley and The Gaskets. I believe my jaw actually dropped when I read the line-up on The Bowery Presents' website. It was a great birthday surprise.

First up, was Locksley. I saw the group perform for the first time on Halloween at the Musebox party. That night, the band were dressed as superheroes (all except the drummer, I think he was James Dean), it was nice to see them in regular clothing this time. Hailing from Brooklyn, Locksley are all 60's Beatles pop. Their sound might be a bit of a one note, but they play that note so damn well. In their act as well as in their music, the band pays homage to their 60's predecessors by wearing mod style clothing and taking a collective bow after their set. It is completely endearing and really solidifies their purpose, making their music come to life onstage. Their new album, Don't Make Me Wait, is a great, happy, stroll down a musical memory lane and if you can't think of what to buy somebody this Christmas, might I suggest it. I have yet to play it for a person whom hasn't loved it.

Next up were my favourite find of 2006, The Gaskets. I still remember fondly the night I first saw them at Pianos in April. They came on after the singer I was there to see, Ryan Star. I had read on Jerry Yeti's blog how much he liked them, so I asked the people I was with if they wouldn't mind staying to check them out. I still get thank yous from those friends. The Gaskets' set that night, so many months ago, blew me away. It is a special thing when you instantly fall in love with music; that is the kind of music that stays with you always.

I was listening to a story on the news the other day about laughter being contagious. For me, The Gaskets are pure joy and you can't help but catch some of their laughter when they sing. Every show of theirs, I find myself acting like a fool, throwing my hands in the hair and obediently clapping in triple time when Ross demands it. The Gaskets are a party in a beat box.

I think you all have read enough about how much we love these guys. But since it is Christmas, I would like to thank Ross and Teddy for so many fun shows this past year, especially for playing our Anniversary party in July- sorry I was so drunk. I hope to see you guys just as often next year.

Anyway, it was a great night, two dancerific bands, two cute guys on my arm and two sweaty hugs from rock stars (that's right, I just called you guys rock stars).

MP3: Locksley, 'Why Not Me'
The Gaskets, 'Hold Steady, Hot Weather'

The Gaskets: Let The Whities Dance (Mercury Lounge & Union Hall Review)!

It was a Gaskets-filled weekend.


It started innocently enough at The Mercury Lounge for a 10pm slot on an otherwise tepid Friday evening. The band was both playful and energetic as ever. I think Friday's take on 'Hold Steady (Hot Weather)' was probably the best I've ever heard them perform it.


The boys rounded out the set with crowd-fave 'High Five Club' and setlist-staples 'Left Hand' and 'Earthquake'. Not a booty was left unshaken by the time the set was complete.

Saturday in Brooklyn, The Gaskets mixed it up a bit.


For starters, they opened with 'Eiffel Tower' which was absent from the previous night's set. And it sounded great! Union Hall's downstairs area sort of reminds me of Cake Shop in size and also height of stage (about 10 inches off the ground). But the sound is better, by far. Anyway, back to The Gaskets. I think they really won everybody over on Saturday.

All Bling Kong fans (incidentally, what are you people thinking?) were on their feet with a smile from ear to ear shouting along to Teddy and Ross.

MP3: 'The Easy Life'

The Gaskets Are BBBBBack!

Yes, after a near 2 month absence, the band is back in town.

I heard they rocked the DC show last week at Red & The Black.

Ready to 'run the red light'?

September 8th at Mercury Lounge &
September 9th at Union Hall

We don't know what else to say about them, if you haven't trusted us already, you never will.

SEE YOU THERE!

The Gaskets @ The Music Slut Anniversary Party

Birdmonster and The Gaskets @ Sin-e 6/30: Praise Ye Gods of Rock

Friday night I was staying with my sister in midtown. Completely broke and slightly perturbed because both my teams had lost in the day's earlier World Cup matches, I decided to walk to Sin-e both to save money and rid myself of some pent up frustration. I didn't have high hopes that the evening would do much to lift my spirits, but there is one thing you should never do- underestimate the rejuvenate qualities of really great live music.

As Matt said below, Birdmonster was great. I usually have a lot of trepidation when seeing a much blogged about group, but Birdmonster didn't disappoint.
Download: 'All the holes in the walls'
'Resurrection Song'
'Balcony'
and see for yourself.


The real highlight of the evening, however, was The Gaskets. I think we've said enough on here about how great they are. Yeah, the album is practically on constant spin on the old ipod, but their live show is where it's at. Friday kicked my ass but once The Gaskets hit the stage, all the day's drinking and walking melted away and I was right up front dancing like a fiend.


So a big thanks to the boys for that. I know their day had been particularly rough as well and yet they still brought the rock. I was actually so happy after the show, that I walked all the way back to midtown at 2:30am listening to your album.

(The above is Teddy leading the crowd in a singing "Bounce with me."- awesome.)

Download: 'Hold Steady (Hot weather)'
Heyton Indie Richmond Radio has an interview with Teddy from 1/25/05. It starts off with an old song you can't download anymore, previews 'The Easy Life' as the album single and talks about the making of the album, Loose Change.

The Gaskets & Birdmonster @ Sin-e: Taking Boy Love To New Heights

Birdmonster played a two-sided mouth piano (is this really the official name for this instrument?). The Gaskets dry-humped each other. It was the most homoerotic show I've been to since the Ben Folds/Rufus Wainwright Central Park show. And they even covered 'Careless Whisper' that night!

Much-blogged, San Francisco-based Birdmonster put on a thrilling set at the legendary, Sin-e on Friday night. They are the perfect amalgamation of Modest Mouse, The Rolling Stones and yes, a little Arcade Fire for good measure. Read what their 4300 MySpace friends think of them! Or you can listen to their entire set on WOXY right here. Their debut LP will be in stores shortly and available on their site now. Don't miss them if they come to your town. FINALLY a band worthy of the buzz it is generating!

Oh yes, The Gaskets. My god, The Gaskets! The Gaskets followed Birdmonster promptly at the stroke of midnight. What a show! Including the obligatory "Got My Mind Set On You" cover, the band earlier in their set delved into Rod Stewart territory. They went there (and sounded flawless might I add). Somebody send that MP3 our way and we'll love you forever. The 50-minute was so energetic and crazy and amazing and every other adjective that we wished it never ended! I've never seen a crowd get into it like that before, not in a long long time. Particularly not at Sin-e. Highlights included 'Hold Steady (Hot Weather)' and 'End Game'. Come see them at The Music Slut's 1st Anniversary Show July 30th at The Delancey! More info in the coming days!

High-Five Team

Hey kids, I'm back.

I flew in from Georgia early yesterday evening just so I could make it to The Gaskets' show at Mercury Lounge and I'm so glad I did. Seriously, those kids know how to party. Their music is the kind of uninhibited, happy, intelligent, exciting stuff that makes you ask: why doesn't all music make me feel this good?


Unfortunately late on a Tuesday night, the crowd was rather thin. After some coaxing from the band, the audience moved up towards the stage and started to dance. Let it be known though, I was dancing from the beginning AND singing all the words (the album, Loose Change, has been on heavy rotation on the ipod for a solid month now, I like to play it while I cook dinner and dance around the kitchen).


I am so in love with this band that they were the first group I picked to play The Music Slut's Anniversary party. I danced around my living room the day they confirmed the show. So now lucky for you all, they'll be back in NYC on July 30th to check out. And you better all be dancing.



Jerry's posted a couple of mp3's already, so I'll just add this remix of my favourite song off of the album: 'The Easy Life.'
Also, check out what Wes of Watercooler gossip has to say about the band.

The Gaskets New Tour Dates: F*ck Yeah!

According to The Gasket's new MySpace message, they've scheduled some new NYC tour dates:

"We are playing DC on May 27th (Iota in Arlington, 2832 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 Cost: $10 w/ Greenland)

We are playing NYC on the 6th of June at Mercury Lounge (10:30 - THE GASKETS - 9:30 - SCISSORS FOR LEFTY - 7:30 -THE COLOUR $10) and July 30th at the Delancy (For a little party thrown by yours truly! More information to come).

Our album is still very for sale at www.thegaskets.com/loosechange (it's awesome, everyone go buy it, it's a great summer album)
AND our website is mostly up at www.thegaskets.com and it has a ton of live videos (it's true, it does and they're great)."

R. Star and The Gaskets @ Pianos 4/7: It's Getting Hot in Here

I have the perfect diet plan for all you not already uber skinny hipsters. Wake up late, run out the door for the 10:30 show at Pianos (preferably without eating), wait around an hour for the 10:30 show to begin, wave in vain at the bartender, enter the venue/sauna, dance dance, repeat.

Last night, I met up with a couple of friends at Pianos to see R. Starand The Gaskets. My friend whom I was meeting suggested checking out R. (or Ryan) Star to me and Jerry, over on Yeti No Dance, had mentioned how much he liked The Gaskets. It was mere perfect coincidence that they were playing one right after the other.


Prior to this week, I had never heard of R. Star so I was surprised when I went to see the place packed and once he started singing, to see so many people mouthing the words.

What I was most blown away by was Ryan's passion. It was so evident during all of his songs. About half the tunes were mellow, played solo on the piano, while the other half were full out rock. From the latter half of songs, 'Psycho Suicidal' stood out while 'Your losing your memory' I thought was utterly beautiful.

Ryan is formally of the band Stage, whom was touted along side The Strokes as the new big thing. They were signed to Maverick records but after the label failed to market them, Ryan split and began a solo career. Despite offers of records deals, he has decided to start up his own label, Stone Crow Records. And apparently, it's working. In the past few months he has sold over 5,000 cds and has seen more publicity then he ever did with Maverick.

Tonight he's playing an MS benefit and for anyone who knows me, that's an issue very close to my heart.

New York, NY
R&R
Time: 8:00 PM
MS Benefit Concert w/ Gabby Caspi, Ellie Lawson, Wes Hutchinson & more

04.14.06
Princeton, NJ
Princeton University
Time: TBA
Keep a Child Alive Private Event

04.17.06
Boston, MA
Paradise Lounge Residency
Time: 9:00 PM
7:30 pm-Clare Burson
8:20 pm- Quincy Coleman
BUY TICKETS HERE

04.20.06
Philadelphia, PA
Tin Angel
Time: 9:15 PM
w/ Paul Lewis

04.24.06
Boston, MA
Paradise Lounge Residency
Time: 9:00 PM
7:30 pm-Kevin Herchen
8:20 pm-Rose Polenzani

04.29.06
Waltham, MA
Chum's Coffee House
Time: 10:00 PM
Brandeis University - Keep a Child Alive Benefit Show

05.01.06
Boston, MA
Paradise Lounge Residency
Time: 9:00 PM
7:30 pm-2FS
8:20 pm-Jon Frederick Band

05.02.06
New York, NY
Makor
Time: 9:30 PM
35 W. 67th St
BUY TICKETS HERE

05.08.06
Boston, MA
Paradise Lounge Residency
Time: 9:00 PM
7:30 pm-Churchills
8:20 pm-Harriet Street

You can download the song 'Your losing your memory' here.


Next up last night were The Gaskets. Once the stage had been cleared, the duo ran up and went right to it. The place wasn't too crowded when they began, but after a few songs, they drew in a crowd. My friends and I stared at each other in disbelieve once they had begun, this was great! They had the exuberance of the Boy Least Likely meshed together with 80's electronica, a funky beat and some great themes. They sung about money and love and threw in 'Got My Mind Set on You' by George Harrison, one of my favourite songs. The set was like a celebration and towards the end, they set the beat box up to play automatically and jumped into the crowd to dance. When it was all over I went and gave Jerry a huge kiss for writing about them, I was that happy.

According to Teddy, the lead singer, they play in NYC about every month so keep an eye on their MySpace for details. For now, those lucky enough to be from their town of Richmond, VA have a couple of shows lined up for them.

You can download 'The easy life' here