As blue strobe lights flashed and the loud speakers played thrash music from an anonymous metal band, The Mountain Goats stepped onto the stage for their second of three sold out shows at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. For the uninitiated, this incongruous introduction might prove alarming, but veteran fans will know that the band have made a tradition of introducing themselves in this ostentatious way. This hyperliterate indie rock ... Read More

Before I went to the Wild Flag show at NYC's Radio City Musical Hall Wednesday night, I checked out the band's Facebook page. Because I "like" them. Not because I enjoy staring at pics of Carrie Brownstein every day or anything. A post from the band read: "Hope Radio City is ready for the rough and the raw." Rough. Raw. Just how I like it. My giddiness jacked up to the 10,000th power. Wild Flag's line-up is nothing short of astounding. ... Read More

Full disclosure: prior to watching British band Esben and the Witch play at Manhattan's Mercury Lounge last Saturday, I hadn't listened to their entire full-length album, Violet Cries. (It released on Matador in February.) This is shameful for 2 reasons: 1. Goth is in my blood; My black, brooding blood. When Esben first released the single "Marching Song" in late 2010 I listened to it for two days straight. This obsessive cycle was only ... Read More

I was running late for the Dum Dum Girls show at The Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan Friday night. Yes, I've lived in NYC for almost two years. No, I still haven't figured out the subway system—7 to the R to the F* this!?! I've literally sang the lyrics of Le Tigre's “My My Metrocard” to myself in hopes that it could solve my MTA issues. “‘Next Stop! Atlantic Avenue. Next Stop!...’ Wait, do they mention ... Read More

This past weekend the infamous Bust Craftacular joined forces with the Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science, bringing you the ultimate in smart kid fun. We were so delighted to see all walks of life loving up the handmade goodies that our vendors had to offer, while rocking out to the totally sweet tunes provided by our own Busty turntable divas.  Amongst the great shopping supplied by crafty entrepreneurs like Meow Meow Tweet ... Read More