Thank Yous to Vienna, Budapest and Switzerland!

Photos from all kinds of friends, old and new, flow in and remind me of the great days of late summer Morex Optimo and The Roman Games spent over there! I could sit and watch forever! Thank you all - more info, if you click on the photos!
By the way, I'll soon start writing about all of your bands soon again, but lemme take a minute here.

The Roman Games & Morex Optimo Collage

We're baaaack and better than eva

Yes, and it was great. Morex Optimo are about the nicest and most relax band you can tour with. Give em a lake or a river, they jump into the water and are happy. We drove from Zurich to Vienna to Budapest and back with an old Alfa Romeo (thanks Plimps!), borrowed amps and drums (thanks Painhead, Bit-Tuner, Mark E.), a fine Rickenbacker (thanx Paul) that true to its reputation never stayed in tune and a bass (thanx Sam, and thanx again) that Yuri almost fell as much in love with as with the bjutiful hungarian grrls. Here's Morex Optimo playing the K'Haus Passage in Vienna - quite a violent first night, but we all survived. And it got only more punk rock when we got to socialist youth club Veks and then to the punk squat EKH. By that point, both the Roman Games and Morex Optimo had stripped there set from the intellectual antics and opted for pure rock. Sweat and blood and tears, whatever, we'll wash it off tomorrow with a jump into a river. More pix and more detailed info to come, soon as i get them from the Kster. Anyway, we are planning at least one home coming show together, so you all can see what we learnt in Europe.

Caught in the Act! KK plays KKeyboard!

Not A Vampire - A Keyboard player!
Originally uploaded by romangame.

A successful debut as keyboardist and the proof that all the rumors are wrong: Kerry Kennedy switched from guitar to keys in the new outfit NV which is creating quite a buzz in the NYC underground already after their first gig. Here's what they write about themselves: Ghosts and goblins, sonic despair, angelic voices... From the ashes of Pumpernickel, The Moldy Peaches, and Blue Sparks...meet NV. The show was a lot of fun, we hear, and so are the rehearsals. The future looks bright for Mrs. Kennedy who has a strong bunch of songs and is currently recording her first solo album with Mike Fornatale and a little help from her friends. Don't worry - it wont be all keyboards, there's bound to be beautiful guitars, of course.

Morex Optimo Ready For Europe

Kristofer Krooning
Originally uploaded by romangame.

I missed it, again and could kick myself for it, because I only hear the highest praise: "Best Morex Optimo show", "XTC on Acid", "Tight cool punk rock" is what those who were there say. And this is coming from people like Mr. Bongers, the usually quiet, well-balanced, stoic German bass player for Botanica. There we go then: Morex Optimo are definitely ready for their Euro Summer Tour. Here are the dates and cities, but watch out for changes! Exact venue information to follow later!

Aug 26: Vienna
Aug 27: Budapest
Aug 28: Hungary show II
Aug 29: Hungary show III
Aug 30: Maccagno, ITA
Aug 31: Zürich, Club Helsinki
Sep 1: St. Gallen, Grabenhalle
Sep 2: Bern
Sep 3: Rorschach
Sep 4: Basel
Sep 5: Zürich, Kalkbreite

Life Shows No Mercy: Melomane Rock Again

The daze of lounge are gone, it seems. No more soothing cello and lamenting violin, no escapades on the trumpet, but a tight lyric driven set was presented at their show at the Knitting Factory main stage. The band always resented the idea of being chamber pop, as Time Out had labelled them for years. Time and Life have not been easy for the core quartet around singer Pierre, thus the release of their new record has been delayed - but Melomane have just the right sense of humor to take it easy: The Stranglers' "Life Shows No Mercy" was the absolut highlight of the show. The audience was very appreciative of the music and was well spiked with prominent people such as Christian Gibbs or Paul Wallfisch and Christian Bongers of Botanica. Great to meet Quentin's sister and his oldest son, too! The lanky 16 year old promises to be even better than Dad in just a few years... we'll all be hearing of the new Brit sensation. It's good to have the cool Melos back, especially for these days of heat wave. I'll say hello to Frank from you guys in just about a week!

More Waters Down the River

Marie Antoinette instead of Pink Floyd
Originally uploaded by romangame.

For some, Pink Floyd ceased to exist when Roger Waters left the band. For others, Pink Floyds "Division Bell", the record the three remaining members made after Waters left is the ultimate record. While the original Floyds dont seem to care about what the fans think, their amazing 5 track live set at Live 8 in London has spurred quite some hope of another possible full-fledged Floyd record in the near future. Waters, of course, wouldnt dream of talking about this stuff, but tried his best to sell us his opera: A pretty commercial piece telling the history of how the French got revolutionized. The title is in french, the rest, for, erm, commercial reasons, in english. Of Course, it sounds good, sometimes there are even those little choirs that remind us of The Wall. But there aint no Gilmour on guitar. No psychedelic drowning in notes. Nothing new, in fact. The message, Waters says, is to learn how to empathize more with others. Man, if you really wanna empathize with us, get off your high horse and go produce a new record with your mates, Roger!

Direct Link Between NYC and Zurich Discovered!

The Good, The Best and The Private
Originally uploaded by romangame.

Helsinki Club in Zurich shapes up to be the direct link between Europe and New York City. There must be some kind of secret tunnel between the two cities - since all the cool NYC acts seem to play there regularly! While Blues Explosion played the by now famous Rote Fabrik (in a grandiose routined manner, as we hear), Theremin star Dorit Chrysler delighted the audience at the packed Helsinki with lots of new material. Blues Explosion Guitarman Judah Bauer (left in the pic) even made it for Dorits third set. The live act was followed by three hours of fine music from Techno to Country and back, records spun by our beloved revolutionary author and rocker Mr. Privateman (right in the pic). Chrysler, Heer and Bauer, who all know each other from the Apple, noted some more NY celebrity: Ladybug Transistor drummer San Faydl was in the audience, too.
Oh, and yeah: Whoever doubted Helsinki (no, not the Finnish capital) was really cool: The Wall Street Journal recently called Helsinki THE place to go in Zurich (next to the Migros Museum the Restaurant Alpenrose). Now that's something to write home about! Thanx to Frank for the infos, we are looking forward to hear more!

The New Sounds of the Subways

Veronica and Kerry: International Pop Duo.

Despite all security concerns, the subway is the place to be in the coming weeks: French singer/songwriter Veronica Antico and Kerry Kennedy, formerly of the Blue Sparks have announced a new project, which will take them back to where the music happens: The underground. Literally: The two plan to play the subway of New York with two acoustic guitars and their angelic voices. The pre-listening party revealed a set of classics such as Oasis' "Wonderwall", Cindy Lauper's "Time After Time" or even "Knocking on Heaven's Door". We hope they play some of their own songs, too! More on when and where they gonna be in the tube later!

More Shows Wanted In Europe

Heather looking forward to Europe
Originally uploaded by romangame.

The wait is finally over...two nerve wrecking weeks of sluggish internet access, Time Warner finally believed me and exchanged my modem, which instantly solved the problem, after them telling me for days that its my computer. Its a mac, dont you get it? It doesnt just crap out. But enuff. There much to tell.

Let me start with the planned tour for Morex Optimo and The Roman Games this summer. We are touring from August 25th to September 6th and are going to Switzerland, Austria and Hungary. We want to play as many shows as possible and are therefore looking for more gigs. We have six so far, that leaves us five more open nights. Anybody with an idea or friends in Switzerland and Austria, please let us know - just comment below!

July Comes in Rocking

No more country: The Droves
Originally uploaded by romangame.

Yes, we are definitely over the warm and fuzzy melancholic winter campfire music and the fresh green spring pop - full grown straight forward adult rock is on! Witnessed this weekend: The Droves at Galapagos, with charismatic front man Christian Gibbs belting out some classics, backed by a very able band, including mixmaster Quentin Jennings, Melomane beat Kenny Savelson and Hightower Smith. The fraternity kids who stumbled into Galapagos that night left with ringing ears and their wish for quieter music unfullfilled. Rightly so.
At the same time, Morex Optimo gave the Knitting Factory a taste of what intellectual punk can do to you. Must admit I missed the show, but since ill be touring with Morex in August and September in Europe, I will get to know their set by heart and will soon be able to delight you with a word game from Kristofers songs here and there. Promise.
Fourth of July landed me on the roof of the Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg where 14 acts were performing, most notably the great "Favourite Sons", who not only sound like Echo and the Bunnymen during their heyday, but also have powerful songs with catchy hooklines. Keep your ears open for them!
Last, I want to apologize for being gone such a long time, I had problems with my wireless service and spent hours on the phone with Time Warner. The problems should be solved now, so herre we go again!

Oasis Dont Look Back in Anger

Oasis At Madison Square Garden NYC
Originally uploaded by romangame.

...they quite optimistically look into the future. Not in terms of using new sounds or melodies, but seeing their fans at Madison Square Garden. Man, you could have thought they were Britney Spears or something. Screaming fans, real good rock, a uebercool Liam, not afraid of making weird fun of himself and Noel in control of it all, with some of his best tunes. I must say, I was surprised at their power and left the place happy and giddy with music. Here are a couple of pictures:

Get Your Own Music Into the Underground!

Nacht Fa Lter e i Bass Tardi
Originally uploaded by romangame.

This is the famous man behind some of NYCs most vibrant new digital music. What others do for a million bucks, this man can do it for ten dollars, musically, I mean. And I'm not talking about Owen Wilson. Thats how Fa prefers it, so we wont reveal his name.

Pee Air And C.Gibbs Ride the Rodeo Again

Pee Air Ready to Move On
Originally uploaded by romangame.

Pierre is back from a successful US tour with C. Gibbsacross these big wide United States. Pee and C. toured as a two-man band, and Pee got to try his hand at playing drums and trumpet at the same time. Go to the Rodeo Bar on June 25th, to see C. Gibbs joined onstage with Pierre and Quentin from Melomane.

Or you can go see Melomane on June 28th at the Pussycat Lounge, one of New York's shadier venues for music and entertainment of a more burlesque variety. They are playing with the horribly scandalous girl band Full Tank, burlesque variety in itself.





Here, we see Christian here being prayed for. We recommend you do the same. Dont know if he needs it, but sure he deserves it. Christian has some advice for all fellow musicians about to tour this summer. Heres what he writes:

Tour Tips

1. When struck by the gnawing inspiration to write lyrics while driving 80 miles an hour on cruise control through windy rocky mountains it is best to use Sharpies on Big Manilla Envelopes and do not steer with your feet or knees for longer then a couplet.

2. When you get to Denver which is 1/3rd higher in altitude than most places drink alot of water and refrain from eating "Newcastle Beer Cheese Soup" provided by the local venue.

3. It is NOT necessary to buy something everytime you stop.

4. The $6.99 Atomic Alarm Clock sold at truckstops everywhere is a piece of crap. Dont buy that either.

5. When getting oil changed in Lawrence , KS tell them you play country music (even if you dont) and sell them a cd. This brings oil change from $28.00 down to $18.00 and it helps your soundscan rating!

6.When the coffee place in Omaha, Nebraska doesn't know who you are when you advance the show ask them if your tour poster is up. When they reply , "Yes, but there is no date indicated and we close at 8:00pm," ask them if they have a microphone. When their response is "No" promptly cancel show and get a tattoo of your wife's name on your left forearm

7. Before getting tattoo of your wife's name do not call her and ask her which name she prefers (nickname or realname)..if a call is made, after ruining surprise tell her you got cold feet and didn't get a tattoo after all so you can surprise her in Seattle you dufus..

8. Go to Elderly Guitars in Lansing, Michigan and buy a Porchboard..."What is a 'Porchboard'?" you say?...Come to the next C.Gibbs show at Rodeo Bar this saturday Night and find out!

The Years of BC Are Coming!

Martin Bisi and the End Credits
Originally uploaded by romangame.

It's time to introduce the peerless Martin Bisi. He of revered producer fame and millions of hours of music in his ears. This blog is too small to list all of the famous bands Martin has recorded - Sonic Youth to name just one. Sometimes Martin has to get all the music out of his system and go play live: A fiery spectacle of staccato rhythms and energy. You've got the chance to see this on Tuesday at Rothko at 8pm. Yes, they really go on this early. The Izzys play later on. It's Jasper's Vicious, and Martin guarantees it's "a good night".