First of all, thank you to everyone who came to the panels and asked questions, came up to talk to me afterwards, fans of our blog who just had nice things to say, and those in the industry who read our little family project. As I explained repeatedly to the folks at CMJ Marathon (who labeled me as the “founder” of Scenestars) and to so many of you, I am merely a contributor to this site. If it weren’t for Rachel Hurley, our fearless leader, and Patrik, our inimitable web guru whose clean and unique designs give the site its warm dynamics, you might not ever get the content that the writers on this site provide to you and our thousands of other readers. They deserve immense kudos for keeping us in line and keeping this co-operative in motion.

For two of the three panels, I felt a bit like the odd man out and, for those of you who came, you know what I mean: flanked by people from companies like AOL Music, Rolling Stone, Real Networks, and MP3.Com/CNET was rather unusual. It fascinates me no end how companies with tons of money, power, and clout can come up with great ideas that veer so far from street level. I learned both the warmth and the alienating power of these companies, and I want to thank all of my fellow panelists for sharing their time and knowledge.

Now, of course, I didn’t just roll up to CMJ to hang out at Lincoln Center all day. Wondering what I did? Well if you didn’t see me, here’s a short recap of what I loved the most.

Goldspot and She Wants Revenge, Pianos, Thursday September 15th. While many of you were out trying to mumble your way into The Arcade Fire in Central Park, I took off to the lower east side to dig on some recommendations. Goldspot is a band that I think people will not only grow to love, they are one of the most exciting new acts I laid ears on at the festival. I had no intention of going to their show, but on the recommendation of a friend I went — and was VERY pleased with what I saw. Great jangly pop hooks, disarmingly good vocals, and immense stage presence. Get your hands on Tally Of The Yes Men as fast as you can.

Following them was a band I have already championed on this site, She Wants Revenge. Despite a couple of technical problems, they took the stage and had fun. Justin, when his PA went south on him said, “That’s okay, I didn’t want to play guitar on this song. I wanted to dance.” And for the next thirty minutes, he sang and danced through their repertoire to the cheers of onlookers.

Little Brother, Darien Brockington, The Away Team, Joe Scudda, B.B. King’s, Thursday September 15th. “How many of my OkayPlayers are in the house tonight?” screamed Big Pooh to a sea of cheers and hands, followed by the question, “Now how many of you fuckin’ Bangbus members are in the house tonight?” bringing a sea of laughter that made people literally fall down laughing.

So what if hip-hop suddenly reinvented itself and made dope beats and rhymes laid over solid grooves and funky tracks? What if the rhymes weren’t about smacking ho’s and wearing bling? Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina’s Little Brother crew blew the fucking house down and more than proved it was possible to the fans in New York City. We’re talking about a fun stage show that didn’t involve anything negative AT ALL. Exciting from beginning to end, the show featured five MC’s and one DJ, a singer in Darien Brockington (who by himself tore the house down) and a number of comedy skits and special appearances (some of which I wasn’t hip to, help me Percy!) including an appearance by the man himself, “legendary soul singer” Percy Miracles. This was so much fun, the crowd walked away begging for more. Everyone I talked to walked out knowing this was hip hop for you, me, everybody. If you haven’t picked up The Minstrel Show, you need to own this album and then you’ll have to catch them when they play live. I cannot recommend Little Brother enough to you.

DANGERDOOM CD Release Party, Fader Magazine, Friday September 16th. I managed to hook up with indie kid Keith and roll downtown to this party where I was greeted with an “official” listening of the DANGERDOOM record. I was also hooked up with free pizza, an [adult swim] limited edition Poker set, and an [adult swim] watch which it took me two days to figure out what the writing on it meant (12 Oz. M = Master Shake). A great afternoon all in all, but nothing compared to the night that followed.

The Morning After Girls, Arlene Grocery, Friday September 16th. I was so overwhelmed by the hype of this band, I didn’t want to like them. But they play music right up my alley, so how could I hate on them? TMAG are solid psych pop filled with Dandy Warhols-esque melodies and, of course, they have a girl in the band to boot. Spotted in the crowd? A very interested James Iha who remained through the whole set.

Living Better Electrically, Alphabet Lounge, Friday September 16th.I watched as the assholes who run Alphabet Lounge did everything in their power to fuck up the band’s set. The sound booth was behind the band, causing the sound person to run back and forth from front of house, through the band as they played to the soundboard, and back again numerous times. The hooey who was working the bar, a woman whose name I didn’t bother to ask, was actually asking the band to TURN DOWN as they played. The sound person was adjusting the bands amps as the audience stared motionlessly, horrified at what was occuring just in front of them. There was no CMJ rep at the show covering the club, so who could anyone complain to?

In spite of being boobytrapped by the venue itself, and with no help or support from CMJ to straighten the club out for being such total asswipes, LBE played a spectacular show that had tongues wagging, people clamoring, and mouths agape. They never flinched, they never blinked, they never yelled or complained — they just kept playing right through the whole thing, consummate undaunted professionalism.

This band keeps proving continuously that they should be the next biggest band in the world, and to you label dickwipes who forewent seeing the show, you’ll be hearing about this band when you’re standing in line at the liquor store cashing your unemployment checks.

KT Tunstall, The Living Room, Friday September 16th. KT Tunstall is everything you want from a performer of her style and demeanor. She is disarming, knows how to work the crowd, has a powerful radiant voice and songwriting which will propel her to great success in the United States. Though I previewed her record, Eye To The Telescope some 8 months ago, I never expected her to be nominated for the sought-after Mercury Shortlist Prize this year. I can now report that KT’s live performance is as dynamic, listenable and memorable as her recordings. She is not to be missed, and I am told her record will be receiving a US release very shortly.

The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, CMJ Mainstage, Saturday September 17th. I walked into this as the band was beginning and expected to hear gospel music. When I looked at the stage and saw the band, I realized I should instead turn my thoughts away from that and expect absolutely nothing. As quickly as I had diiminished my expectations, the band’s soaring and sweeping range of lush keyboard arrangements, varying vocal styles, deeply personal lyrics, and lovely horn solos swept through the Avery Fisher Hall’s second floor stage. I actually put my sunglasses on mid-performance to hide my eyes, because I didn’t want anyone to catch the tears streaming down my face at this show. It was one of the great highlights of the festival, and a band I cannot recommend enough to fans of Lullaby For The Working Class, The Arcade Fire, Belle & Sebastian, and the like. Watch Scenestars for an album preview of i bet you say that to all the boys in the next few days.

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