Hotline: BRMC prep new album; Boston gig 4/3

BRMC is in the news, and not because I used to name my fantasy baseball teams "Black Rebel Baseball Club." Ahem. Let's dance in the land of Hotlinez:

California rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is back with a new album, new tour dates, a new drummer and a new label partnership. All that’s missing is a new sound, but they already banged that out for 2005’s Americana shuffle-bake album “Howl.” (Oh, we kid we kid – stripped-down stuff like “Sympathetic Noose” and “Still Suspicion Holds You Tight” hold up very well. It just caught us off-guard, s'all.)

Fresh off the guaranteed riches from inclusion in the “Twilight Saga: New Moon” soundtrack, this latest effort, dubbed “Beat The Devil’s Tattoo,” should extend the rock-meets-noise return-to-form shown in 2007’s “Baby 81,” which brought back the heavy psychedelic grit to their bluesy, sprawling alt-rock sound. The trio hits the House of Blues on April 3, and a pre-sale for all dates on their 27-date winter-spring North American tour go on sale Wednesday.

I’ll admit that “Baby 81” didn’t really grip me the way those first two fist-pump releases did, but it was fun dancing to “Berlin” at those local indie parties when the disc first dropped. Last year’s online-only instrumental album “The Effects of 333” didn’t really register anywhere outside fan clubs, apparently.

Let’s recall that sensation felt when “Love Burns” and “Spread Your Love” crashed our dirty garage rock-loving hearts back in 2001, and let’s get acquainted with the new BRMC, complete with news on their own label Abstract Dragon. Word from the good folks at Ink-Tank PR:

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club takes fifth studio album into own hands: “Beat The Devil's Tattoo” due March 9, via own Abstract Dragon/Vagrant Records

LOS ANGELES, CA – Nov. 30, 2009 - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is revving up to unleash their fifth studio album, “Beat The Devil's Tattoo,” on March 9, 2010, signifying the band's first full-length on their own Abstract Dragon, in partnership with Vagrant Records. This album welcomes exciting beginnings, including new drummer Leah Shapiro, as well as their new label, though the trio returned to the familiar setting of Philly to pen this record. They wrote and recorded it in the very studio that produced their widely acclaimed third LP, Howl, before returning to hometown L.A. to add the finishing touches.

The band's accustomed globetrotting will recommence with an initial headline tour, kicking off Feb. 26 in Sacramento and culminating at New York City's Webster Hall on April 8. http://brmctickets.musictoday.com/BlackRebelMotorcycleClub/calendar.aspx Pre-sale for all shows will start Wednesday, Dec. 2, available here.

Known for their impassioned live performances, the band recently offered a 2 DVD, 1 CD set aptly titled, “Live” (Abstract Dragon/Vagrant), earlier this month. The DVDs feature more than two hours of concert footage captured from three sold out shows in Berlin, Dublin and Glasgow, and chronicles the end of the band's 2007 tour in support of “Baby 81.” Additionally, it includes intimate, behind-the-scenes footage, glimpses into the making of 2005's “Howl” and is rounded out with a bonus live album featuring 14 songs.

BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB HEADLINE TOUR
February 26 - Sacramento, Calif. @ Harlow's
February 27 - Reno, Nev. @ Knitting Factory
February 28 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ Wasted Space/ Hard Rock Hotel
March 2 - Denver, Colo. @ Ogden Theatre
March 4 - Boise, Idaho @ Knitting Factory
March 5 - Seattle, Wash. @ Showbox Market
March 6 - Vancouver, B.C. @ Commodore
March 7 - Portland, Ore. @ Wonder Ballroom
March 9 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Slim's
March 13 - San Diego, Calif. @ House of Blues
March 14 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Echoplex
March 18 - Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues
March 20 - Houston, Texas @ House of Blues
March 21 - Tulsa, Okla. @ Cain's Ballroom
March 23 - St. Louis, Mo. @ Pageant
March 24 - Madison, Wisc. @ High Noon
March 25 - Chicago, Ill. @ Metro
March 26 - Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Turner Hall Ballroom
March 27 - Minneapolis, Minn. @ First Ave.
March 30 - Columbus, Ohio @ Newport Music Hall
March 31 - Cleveland, Ohio @ House Of Blues
April 1 - Toronto, ONT @ Phoenix
April 2 - Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
April 3 - Boston, Mass. @ House of Blues
April 5 - Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club
April 7 - Philadelphia, Pa. @ Theatre of Living Arts
April 8 - New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

Two days until Gaga

Yup, no real point to this post, except to say that the Lady Gaga show at the Wang Theatre is in two days (well, the one I have tickets for). Kinda weird that when I returned from Florida post-cruise in March, her show at the House of Blues was the following day (It ruled). Now here I am nine months later, back from holiday, and there's another Gaga show. And life is completely different, in a good way. Wikkid syykked.

And oh hai, still completely obsessed with this. Still the greatest video since My Chemical Romance's "Helena." Deal with it.

Youth In Revolt afterparty tonight @ Good Life

This looks dope, essspesh for a Monday and all, but I'm committed to hang with Lola and listen in to Kayley's AU radio show from 8 to 10 while I witness the Pats smack up the undefeated Saints. Once all that dies down and the Bailey's bottle empties, I'd imagine I'll be ready to pass the eff out after a full day back on the grind. But hey, need something to do, this is promising enough... Deets in the art.

Back in Boston : Passion Pit getting paid

Full disclosure, just posted a fairly less personal note about this over in Hotline: A few days spent down in Florida used to represent a complete disconnect from life here in Boston, until, you know, bands like Passion Pit started showing up in Palm Pixi commercials. Looks like "Sleepyhead" was tapped to push the new smartphone, and it was a trip hearing this shit after Thanksgiving dinner with the fam. Fucking hell, nice job, dudes.



Also, I definitely had a "moment" last night on the way back from Manchester Airport. Driving down I-93, listening to Dave Duncan's New England Product on FNX, Passion Pit's "Moth's Wings" started the show as I rolled through Medford, and as I approached-then-engaged the Zakim bridge and then the tunnel on the way towards the Mass Pike, hearing bands like Magic Magic and Televandals while staring at the Hub skyline really made me love this city even more. It was the best "welcome home" I've ever had. So good to be home. <3

ITP Gotta Love It: the Big Pink

Yeah, still all about the Big Pink, gave a few tickets away to Tuesday's gig via the pill mailer this morning, and gushed like who in today's paper:

LISTEN: THE BIG PINK: It’s been a slow go for UK indie rockers lately, but all that was needed was an electronic update on ’90s Britpop and shoegaze. Meet the Big Pink at the Paradise on Tuesday, a London duo with a forceful debut, “A Brief History of Love,” that features two ace singles: the buzzy, ready-for-advertising hit “Dominos” and the deliberately paced synth-pop of “Velvet.” We’re mad for them. - MICHAEL MAROTTA

ITP: Holiday roundup: gigs & parties

We at the Boston Herald A&E department launched our holiday coverage today, and I rounded up some of the better holiday gigs and dance parties going on around Boston. Dig in.

By Michael Marotta
Friday, November 27, 2009 - Added 1d 20h ago

Not all holiday parties are created equal. And not all parties let you rock out on the dance floor in an ugly sweater and a glass of eggnog. Here are eight of the finer holiday dance parties and shows making the rounds in December.

Thursday, Dec. 10: The Puma Store’s Holiday Party Remix
Stay on your feet in style at this party that includes “DJ Hero” kiosks, 20 percent off the entire store and local DJs playing holiday music your grandmother would hate. 333 Newbury St.; 6 p.m., all-ages, free with RSVP at shoppingevents@puma.com; 617-369-7091, facebook.com/puma.

Thursday, Dec. 10: The Sun Lee Sunbeam’s Winter Wonderland at Harpers Ferry
The guys and gals in alt-rock trio the Sun Lee Sunbeam know how to throw a holiday bash. Expect Harpers to turn into one giant, festive snow globe. With Jeddo Stars and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling. 158 Brighton Ave., Allston; 8:30 p.m., 18-plus, $8; 617-254-9743, harpersferryboston.com.

Friday, Dec. 11: Will Dailey’s Festival Holidad at the Paradise
It may be a holiday-themed party in catchy name only, but you know the ladies will be showing up with mistletoe when one of Boston’s best singer/songwriters performs. With the Luxury, Brendan Boogie and more. 967 Commonwealth Ave.; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $15; 617-562-8800, thedise.com.

Saturday, Dec. 12: Dub Station’s holiday reggae party at Church
There will be no dreaming of a white Christmas on this night - just visuals of Jamaica’s Sunsplash festival as longtime Bill’s Bar reggae crew Dub Station present Dion Knibb, son of Skatalites drummer Lloyd Knibb. 69 Kilmarnock St.; 8 p.m., 21-plus, $12; 617-236-7600, churchofboston.com.

Sunday, Dec. 20: The Scrooges at Great Scott
Grown men dressed as Santa playing covers of songs by garage rock legends the Stooges. Need we say more? This raw power comes drenched in eggnog. 1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $7; 617-566-9014, greatscottboston.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: A Holiday “Throwed” at the Middle East
The raunchiest 18-plus electro party in Boston breaks out the yule log on the dance floor, led by resident DJ E-Marce and some to-be-announced special guests. Park your sled outside. 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $10; 617-864-3278, mideastclub.com.

Thursday, Dec. 24: the 23rd annual Matzo Ball at the Roxy
One of the biggest parties of the year is billed as a night for young Jewish professionals to network, but all comers are welcome to party like New Year’s Eve on Christmas Eve. 279 Tremont St.; 8 p.m., 21-plus, $25; 617-338-7699, matzoball.org.

Saturday, Dec. 26: Holiday Videodrome at Common Ground
DJ/VJ Craig MacNeil plays Christmas episodes from lost ’80s TV shows and all the disco and rock holiday songs you wish the radio station still played. Ugly sweater optional. 83 Harvard Ave, Allston; 10 p.m., 21-plus, $3; 617-783-2071.

ITP: Cheap Thrills: Gaga pop-up, getting Lit & Rosebuds

A Thanksgiving weekend edition of my Cheap Thrills column in the Boston Herald, reposted while I dine high class at a Panera Bread in Trinity Rock City!

MONSTER SHOPPER
Lady Gaga pop-up shop at Club Cafe
Friday at 10 p.m., 209 Columbus Ave. 21-plus, FREE before 10:30 p.m., $5 after
The Gift of Gaga will be high on everybody’s wish lists this holiday season. But because her two Monster Ball shows next week at theCiti Wang Theatre are very, very sold out, no one without a ticket will be getting within a “Disco Stick” reach of her white-hot merch booth. However, tomorrow night’s Edge Friday party at Club Cafe unites two things that couldn’t be trendier: a pop-up store and the queen of pop herself, Lady Gaga. Score all the Gaga goods “The Fame” has to offer, from hoodies and T-shirts to accessories and lithographs, and then dance the night away at a party that’s heavy on the “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance.” When everyone else is battling the Black Friday masses at the big-box retailers, get doused in glittery Gaga at Club Cafe. Pants, we would imagine, are optional. Rahr-rar ah-ah-ah! Roma-roma-mamaa!
Info: clubcafe.com, 617-536-0996

THREE DAYS OF LIGHTINGS
Stone Zoo’s Zoolights, Macy’s Christmas Tree lighting and Harvard Square’s Sparklefest
Today at 5 p.m. at Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham, all-ages, $4; Friday at 5 p.m. at Macy’s Downtown Crossing, 450 Washington St., all-ages, FREE; Saturday at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, all-ages, FREE
With Thanksgiving finally here and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace holiday tree already aglow, it seems everything else is finally getting lighted this weekend. Start the holiday tour today in Stoneham, where the Stone Zoo unveils this year’s ZooLights. Featuring thousands of bulbs shining bright among the lynx, gray foxes, reindeer and other animals, it’s a winter wonderland walking tour for all ages. Save some energy for Friday, when the Mayor’s Holiday Special presents the Macy’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Downtown Crossing. Cap off a veritable hat trick of lights Saturday in Harvard Square, when its business association kicks off Sparklefest, boasting a sea of holiday lights illuminating the square and its own tree lighting at the Charles Hotel. Hit those three, and try not to get burned out by Sunday. All events start on their respective days at 5 p.m.
Info: zoonewengland.org, 781-438-5100, mayorsholidayspecial.com; harvardsquare.com, 617-491-3434

TURKEY SHAKE
Tryptophan Danceathon at the Rosebud Diner
Saturday at 9 p.m.; 381 Summer St., Davis Square,Somerville; 21-plus, $5
Sure, the last thing you want to see come Saturday is more food, and a diner is not exactly a necessary stop after the Godzilla-like rampage you plan to unleash on your kitchen this afternoon. But this weekend the Rosebud and its backroom will be jumping with the Tryptophan Danceathon, another sterling event led by Sunday Saints vocalist Jordan Valentine and her BrownBoot posse. Launched with local rock funnyman Brendan Boogie as a Halloween Show one-off performing retro hits from the Faces and Rod Stewart, BrownBoot gives live dance another whirl, adding tracks by Jeff Beck and Funkadelic to their cover-set party catalog. Also featuring members of Bang Camaro, Damn Personals, the Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra and Noble Rot, BrownBoot is a true Boston rock ’n’ roll stupor-group. Ms. Valentine spins garage, soul and rock ’n’ roll before, between sets and afterward.
Info: rosebuddiner.com, 617-666-6015, jordanvalentine.com