manic mess

this fire is out of control.

for those unfortunate souls who couldn't get tickets to the arcade fire shows this week, it probably won't come as much consolation that they're appearing on conan tonight. but hey, you never know.

the ongoing death of the lower east side.

actually, i'm certain that many would say that it's been dead for quite some time, but let's not nit-pick. i received a sad email from the people at tonic, and it looks like they are in danger of suffering the same fate as luna lounge. they have been around for awhile and they have consistently taken chances on new bands and experimental acts, and i think it would be worth a couple of dollars to try and help them out. read on...

HELP SAVE TONIC!
Since 1998 Tonic has been a haven for creative music. We have helped nurture the vital community of musicians and audiences who keep this music alive. Now we are in danger of closing and ask you to help us keep Tonic alive.
Over the past few years we have suffered a series of blows: our rent has doubled since 1998, our insurance costs have tripled, we’ve been robbed, and we’ve been plagued by the expense of maintaining a building in ill repair, including the collapse of our main sewer line. Any of these things would be challenging on their own but together they’ve taken a more serious toll and we are now facing the threat of eviction.

A number of outstanding musicians have come forward to help save Tonic and throughout February we will be holding a series of fundraising concerts. If Tonic has been an important venue to you, we ask that you please attend as many of these concerts as possible. Those who cannot attend but would like to help, please consider making a contribution.For Tonic to survive we will need to raise a upwards of $100,000 in the next few weeks. Only with your support can Tonic continue playing its role in presenting
this important music to its fans.
Our deepest thanks.
For more info please go to www.tonicnyc.com.
*
and now i'll get off my soapbox. here's some stuff going on this week, if you can squeeze anything in between all the awesome shows that are going on.

From elkland:
We would like to invite all of you to join us in celebrating the official release of our single, "Apart", on February 1st, 2005!! "Apart" is the first single from our upcoming album, Golden. It contains two album tracks ("Apart" included), as well as a B-side track, a rare cover, and an "Apart" remix by Jacknife Lee. The single will be released on Columbia Records and available in stores everywhere this Tuesday (February 1st, 2005)!!
In honor of the release, we'll be having a party at Eleven Lounge (Orchard/Rivington) in NYC. And to help celebrate, ELKLAND will be performing a live set that evening. DOORS to the party open at 9PM.
There will be an OPEN BAR from 9-10PM.
ELKLAND will be on stage at 10:30PM.
NO COVER!!

and does anyone like queens of the stone age? there's a presale.