DC Video Time

Last month, DC's Let's French released their debut video days before they disbanded. The clip for "Your Name Here" was directed by their very own Maxwell Sorensen. Well, they may be gone and he may live overseas now, but Max keeps making videos for his band and others. He released 2 this week. One for "Start A New Life" and a great clip for Greenland's "We Are Clipper Ships." A band that is very much alive and is still creating some great music. Here are all 3 videos and I'll leave you with some mp3s at the bottom. Enjoy!

Greenland - We Are Clipper Ships



Let's French - Start A New Life



Let's French - Your Name Here


Greenland - Shipwreck on the Watery Eye
Greenland - Greenland Pt. 2
Let's French - She Says She Loves Me
Let's French - Here She Comes (There She Goes)

Farewell Frenchies

It is becoming way too common around here lately, but it is time to say goodbye to another DC band. One week after their guest appearance at our Anniversary show, Let's French will be taking their final bow at Black Cat tonight. Greenland and Nunchucks will be providing the support. If you can, go out and pay your respects to this fixture of the DC scene. Best of luck to them and may their future endeavors be successful.

She Says She Loves Me
Here She Comes (There She Goes)

Let's French Video/Farewell

DC's Let's French is breaking up in less than 2 weeks. The official press release goes something like this...

Mes petites amies. Sacre Bleu! Mon Dieux! We your favorite Frenchies have finalement been tracked down by Etats Unis immigration! Determined to stay on and fight for liberté, égalité, fraternité but doomed to exile a l'etranger from our dearest loved Amerika, We woefully bid farewell au revoir to this star spangled nation of lore that we have called chez moi and splinter into the oblivion that is called abroad, a l'etranger, the rest of the god forsaken world. Whether we shall return rematerialize anew and reclaim our rightful place in the cannon of rock'n'roll revolution remains nebulous.

But fear not my dear brothers, one last performance remains, a final chance to make ends, close accounts, and celebrate Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité as never before! August 17th at the Black Cat we invite you cordially to the mainstage with Greenland and the Nunchucks to send us off across the Atlantic into the inexoberable unknown to our possible rebirth or certain demise!

Mes Amies, August 17th la Mort of Let's French!

While it is sad to see them go, they left us something to remember them by. Check out this interesting video, directed by their own Maxwell Sorensen and be sure to say goodbye at Black Cat on 8/17.

Let's French - Your Name Here

Friday Night Lights

It's Friday and like usual, there is a lot to do. Tonight, it seems like there is a party around every corner and you don't have to try very hard to find one.


Alright, so the big one in DC is at Black Cat. Local darlings The Dance Party are having their CD release party, but they wouldn't be who they are if they stopped there. Nope, the party is doubling as a prom. There will be tuxes, dresses, corsages, photographers and people getting busy in the bathroom. Let's French and De Novo Dahl will be providing support for what is sure to be a crazy night.

The Dance Party - Lipstick
Let's French - Here She Comes (There She Goes)
De Novo Dahl - The Funk


Speaking of theme parties, there is another one at Rock 'N Roll Hotel tonight. The Gaskets, New Rock Church of Fire and The Invisibles will be playing and this time, everyone will be decked out in their Halloween costumes. Insanity ensues.

The Gaskets - Left Hand


For those of you looking for a straight forward rock show, IOTA has one. DC locals Lejeune and The Glory and The Majesty will be sharing the stage for what is sure to be a solid night of music. No gimmicks.

Lejeune - The Latest Greatest


Finally, I have a treat for those of you that are up for a little trip. Lancaster, PA's Chameleon Club had a last second announcement for tonight... TV on the Radio! Imagine 9:30 Club, but with about 1/3 of the capacity and you get the idea. Anybody going?

TV On The Radio - Staring At The Sun

Friday Strikes Back

After a hazy, hot, humid and stormy week, the skies are set to clear up and the weekend forecast is gorgeous. Celebrate with a great Friday night out.


Baltimore has it going on tonight. Start out early with the continuation of the free Friday concert series at Walter's Art Museum. Tonight they have one of their best shows yet. Local favorites Two if by Sea will be taking the stage and apparently there is a visual accompaniment.

Two if by Sea - High Water Mark


Another Baltimore favorite is playing tonight, when The Payola Reserve take the stage at Ottobar. They will be joined by a solid lineup that includes DC's Let's French, who are making a rare Baltimore appearance in support of their new album Victory.

The Payola Reserve - Music Is Not Music
Let's French - Here She Comes (There She Goes)


Speaking of DC bands, These United States will also be making their way to Baltimore tonight. They will be playing Charm City Artspace and they'll be joined by Laura Gibson and Casey Dienel. You will also have two other opportunities to catch this great bill over the weekend. They will be playing The Sugar Tank in Lancaster, PA on Saturday night. For those of you with kids, you can catch this bill at the family themed Rock-n-Romp tomorrow afternoon.

Since they will be playing these shows as a 2-piece, here are a couple of fantastic videos of the Jesse and Tom version of These US.

These United States - "We Go Down To That Corner"


These United States - "So High So Low So Wide So Long"


These United States - So High So Low So Wide So Long
Laura Gibson - Hands In Pockets
Casey Dienel - Tundra


Finally, there is a solid show in DC. Casiotone For The Painfully Alone and The Donkeys will be at The Red and The Black.

Casiotone For The Painfully Alone - Young Shields
The Donkeys - In The Morning

A Big Thursday

It's Thursday in the region. The week is almost over and there are all sorts of shows happening. So look over your options, get out there and support.


Let's start with a band that you have never heard of, but will thank us later for introducing you to. Meowskers are from Brooklyn and I guarantee that you will be hearing a lot about them in a few months, so you might as well get acquainted now. They are playing Black Cat tonight as support for The Slip and Bobby Bare Jr. I'll include some mp3s to whet your appetite. If you like what you hear, the rest of the EP is available on myspace.

Meowskers - I'll Be By Your Side
Meowskers - Colors That Lie


The band that has been getting the most local press in the last couple of months, has a surprise show at Velvet Lounge tonight. Le Loup will be playing at 10pm sharp in support of their friends The Bang and Koshari.

Le Loup - We are Gods! We are Wolves!


The big name coming through the region tonight is Wilco. They bring their much publicized live show to Merriweather. Low will be providing the support.

Wilco - Box Full of Letters


Local favorite Paul Michel is celebrating his 30th Birthday with a show at The Red and The Black. He will be joined by Rebecca Pronsky and Luke Brindley.

Paul Michel - The Ways and Means


Tonight's Fort Reno show features a couple of the more popular local indie bands. The Hard Tomorrows and Let's French will be trading riffs. This is also the penultimate show for The Hard Tomorrows.

The Hard Tomorrows - Glossy-Eyed Sweetheart
Let's French - She Says She Loves Me

Stylish Sunday in DC

The weekend is winding down, but there are a couple of shows in DC that will end your weekend on a high note. Both are good choices, so pick wisely.


The Mary Timony Band and Welcome have a show at Black Cat. I remember seeing Helium in 1995. I have been a fan of Mary ever since. She has infectious tunes and puts on a great show, so this is definitely worth checking out.

The Mary Timony Band - Sharp Shooter
Welcome - All Set


Let's French, Kitty Hawk and Prabir and the Substitutes are playing a show at Velvet Lounge. This show will definitely close out your weekend in style.

Let's French - She Says She Loves Me
Kitty Hawk - Silence Won't Work On Me No More
Prabir and the Substitutes - Slow

Contest: Let's French

Yes, we are in the midst of CD release party bliss in DC. This week's contestant is Let's French. They are releasing their great new album Victory. Their CD release party will be held Saturday at Black Cat. These United States and Death by Sexy will be supporting them on the bill. To celebrate, they are sponsoring a contest.

There will be two winners and each one will receive a spot on the guest list and a copy of the new CD. To enter, send me an e-mail (instanalysis@aol.com). Include your first name, location and the name of a French president (or a humorous attempt at one). Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified on Friday. Good Luck!

She Says She Loves Me

This Weekend

It is the last weekend in January and it's freaking cold out, but that can't stop us. There are some great things going on in the region this weekend that you should definitely check out.

Friday

There are a couple of really good shows happening in the DC area tonight.

The night starts with Kristen Hersh playing Crooked Beat Records at 6pm to support this week's release of her new album. If you want in on the action, get there as early as you can. They can only fit 30 or so people in the store.

IA favorites Telograph are making their arena debut at The Patriot Center in Fairfax. They will be supporting Gomez and O.A.R.

Over at the Black Cat, Washington Social Club will be playing the main stage with Federal Reserve members, These United States and Let's French.

Telograph - We Won't Settle Down
Gomez - How We Operate
Washington Social Club - Backed To The Future
These United States - So High So Low So Wide So Long
Let's French - Unpack the Suitcase
Kristen Hersh - SnoCat

Saturday

In Baltimore, The Smiths tribute band Girlfriend in a Coma is playing The Ottobar. They will be supported by local favorites The Heavycoats in what will be a packed show.

Rock and Roll Hotel in DC has a huge show. Jette-Ives are having their CD release party. Jette knows how to work a crowd and she knows how to throw a party, so this should be a great one. DJ Buster and Soft Complex will be rounding out the strong bill.

Jette-Ives - Darker Than You
Soft Complex - Barcelona
The Smiths - Girlfriend in a Coma
The Heavycoats - Sea Song