CMJ 2008, Day 3: Juliana Hatfield @ Housing Works Bookstore

If you ever wondered where singer/songwriter Juliana Hatfield honed the inspiration to write the lyrics that compose her introspective, expansive discography, her new memoir, When I Grow Up, provides more than few intimate clues. Recently released along with her latest album, How to Walk Way, the book poignantly depicts the 90s alt-rock pioneer's battles with personal insecurity as she grew into her musical career....  read more

CMJ 2008: PasteMD's guide to CMJitis

Did CMJ hit you as hard as it hit us? Did the constant barrage of free schwag, buzz bands and draft beer push you over the edge? Are you suffering from a case of the dreaded CMJitis? If you're unsure, check out our handy symptom guide....  read more

CMJ 2008, Day 3: Ebony Bones @ Hiro Ballroom

After being denied the sold-out Crystal Castles show at Webster Hall and arriving too late to check out The Dears at Hiro Ballroom, I was in desperate need of some live entertainment. Fortuitously, a group of British festival goers told me to stick around for Hiro's after party with London's Ebony Bones, and I'm certainly glad I did....  read more

CMJ 2008, Day 2: Re-Revolutionary War with the Rumble Strips and Takka Takka

[Above: The Rumble Strips]On the second night of CMJ, we went back to 1775 (in our minds, at least) to pit England's The Rumble Strips against Brooklyn's own Takka Takka in a Re-Revolutionary War of sorts. There weren't any red coats or harbors full of tea, and no one was trying to oppress us, but with a lone British act warming up the crowd at Paste's Artist's Lounge in preparation for a celebrated Brooklyn band, what's a music writer to do but simulate a little faux cross-continental rivalry?...  read more

CMJ 2008, Day 1: Gringo Star, Wild Light, Cheeseburger and Vivian Girls point/counterpoint

[Above: Cheeseburger]This year, Paste and friends are helping out CMJ's hardworking, college-beloved musicians with the inaugural Artist Lounge, featuring a bit of swag and lots of bands each and every night of the festival. If you missed last night's opening ceremonies, Paste:Local NYC's Courtney and Sean are here to catch you up on Monday night's performances by Gringo Star, Wild Light, Cheeseburger and Vivian Girls....  read more