Last month, you may have read on the ol' Brooklyn Vegan that a whole slew of new acts have been announced for CMJ, which takes place October 19th through the 23rd in NYC. It seems a little daunting, I know, what with everyone baring the promise of potential greatness, to pick which acts to watch out for. Regardless of whether you're heading New York way or not, however, we here at RFC have assembled a few choice cuts to check out at CMJ or just check out now and keep an ear out for.
To make things easier, I've decided to break some our favorite acts down into 6 categories.
RFC Approved: More than a few bands hitting CMJ this year have previously been given a bit of positive press here at RFC. Sure, Miniature Tigers have gone Pitchfork in recent months and their inclusion at CMJ isn't exactly a shocker, but we were pleasantly suprised to see the lovely Agent Ribbons, hometown darlings (and former RFC Exclusive video stars) Young Man, favorite-band-cover-act-with-a-twist Neutral Uke Hotel, the absolutely precious Kaiser Cartel, and the crushworthy-as-ever Jukebox the Ghost on the bill. Personally? We're really hoping San-Francisco-by-way-of-Austin noir-tinged outfit Agent Ribbons make themselves into this year's big break out act.
Agent Ribbons - The Boy with the Wooden Lips
Just Because I Haven't Written About Them Doesn't Mean They Aren't Lovely!: Every now and then I see a band playing an event like CMJ and I think "Shit yeah! I love them! I listen to them all the time!" and then I think "Wait... Have I EVER written about them...?" I realize I haven't and then I wonder why! Philly's awesome Drink Up Buttercup, Ohio's best rock band The Main Street Gospel, S. Carey (of Bon Iver fame), and the main project of Neutral Uke Hotel frontman Golden Bloom all fit in this category. However, Raven and Chimes own this one due to the fact that no song perfectly describes the nervewracking feeling of new lust like "January". You wanna know how you can always tell I have a crush? I'm listening to this song on repeat.
Cin City All Stars: Not only are both Pomegranates and The Seedy Seeds hitting CMJ, they're roadtripping from the same place! Both bands call Cincinnati home. So do non-CMJ players Bad Veins, You, You're Awesome, The Lions Rampant, and, formerly, The Heartless Bastards. What's in the water down there?! (Answer? Probably chili.)
The Seedy Seeds - We Are Missing
All These Names Sound The Same, Kinda!: David Vandervelde, Vandaveer, John Vanderslice. What is with V-related names and people possessing these V-related names being so awesome? Sure, my name's Amber Valentine but really, that has nothing to do with my attraction to V. Fact of the matter, so far as these fellas are concerned, V is the magic letter because they possess talent and charisma in spades. (Sidenote: What's better than a rhyming last name? Alliteration! How cute does Amber Valentine-Vandervelde sound? David, I'm eagerly awaiting your inevitable proposal of marriage.)
David Vandervelde - Nothin' No
The Guys Are Seriously Pretty Much The Entire Package: Seriously. Dreamy guys with dreamier voices and killer guitar skills? The following gentlemen make me swoon so much, it's terrifying. Chris Bathgate, Scott Lucas and the Married Men, Ferraby Lionheart.
Chris Bathgate - Smiles Like A Fist
Ferraby Lionheart - Drag Me 'Round
What are you doing here? I know you!: Everyone that's catching Plushgun at CMJ, do me a favor and heckle the lead singer, Dan, extra hard on my behalf.
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