
Richmond shook like crazy yesterday during the 5.9 magnitude earthquake and what's the first thing I did after it was all over? Make an earthquake themed mixtape, naturally. The mixtape features tracks from local bands Marionette, Against Grace, Jonathan Vassar and the Speckled Bird, Dave Watkins, Louisiana Territory, Gills & Wings, Ferdinand Thomas, Prabir and the Substitutes, The Animal Beat and Nick Coward and the Last Battle. It's my post over at River City Rapids for this week. Go here to read and listen: http://www.rivercityrapids.com /?p=2098 .

Let's not forget the EPs of the year too. Some of these packed just as much punch as their full-length counterparts. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - THE OPEN DOOR There are some things in life that will always be contstant. One of those being the fact that I will love anything Death Cab For Cutie releases. This EP released earlier this year reminded me why I like them in the first place and I can forgive them for having a song on the New Moon soundtrack. "Little Bribes" was by far my [...]

photo from kitty meets goat Karen over at icouldgoonandon talks about Prabir Mehta (of Prabir and the Substitutes fame) and his plan for dealing with a broken heart. Quite humorous. There's drinking involved. Go here to read the whole thing
Check out this mp3 from Prabir & the Substitutes, a gritty folk-punk-rock band from Richmond, VA. If you want to catch one of their shows, they have some dates here on the East Coast:Jun 6 2009, 8:00P - Fontanas New York, NYJun 9 2009, 8:00P - The Canal Club, w. Ted Leo!! Richmond, VirginiaJun 25 2009, 8:00P- Rumba Cafe, w. The Orange Opera! Columbus, OhioJun 26 2009, 8:00P - Mid City

Prabir and the Substitutes from Richmond, Virginia just last month released their EP Hello , a follow up to last year's debut LP. The quintet play driving and energetic power-pop with psychedelic guitar riffs nodding to an old school classic rock era. We've got "Who's Going to Love You?", Hello 's lead off track for download now. "Who's Going to Love You?" starts of a bit mellow with a slick riff as front man Prabir sings " I fell asleep on my own, just [...]
Tomorrow night at Spike Hill in Brooklyn, Prabir & the Substitutes kick off a tour. The Virginia-based band have a sort of southern swagger to them that comes across in their music (download "Who's Going to Love You" below to see what I'm talking about). The song is taken from their recently released six song EP, Hello , which was released on April 10. Full list of tour dates below the jump. MP3: Prabir & the Substitutes - "Who's Going to Love You" Prabir [...]
It's Friday and it's spring...you know what that means: time for a spring-approved Friday Mixtape! Ok, so maybe there isn't anything really springy about the collection of singles, remixes, covers, along with the mp3s from some up-and-comers you just might want to check out, but it sure as hell is worth the listen, and should help make your spring Friday a bit more musically awesome. NEW Singles: "Fake IDs" by Deleted Scenes "Counterpoint" by Delphic "Future [...]

Pop rock all around fun band Prabir and the Substitutes played nothing less than a kick ass show at Gallery 5 last night. They boys released their latest CD entitled Hello to a packed audience and turned their awesome-ness factor to 11. Not only did they play new songs from their new album as well as favorites from Five Little Pieces , they also played a few covers including "These Boots Were Made For Walking." To cap off the evening, the boys destroyed their instruments Clash-style during the finale. Prabir and the Substitutes [...]
Being that it's the only rock club in Five Points, The 5 Spot is by default the Madison Square Garden of East Nashville. Despite this distinction, the lovable establishment is, shall we say, less th... Continue reading "Lambchop to Play The 5 Spot Saturday?" >

1. Mae - This Time Is the Last Time - In honor of the 5-year anniversary of Mae's first record (one of the albums that changed my life), they just put out a choose-your-own-adventure-styl e DVD packed full of song-by-song commentary. It occasionally edges on self-serving, but the majority is a fascinating look on how the songs were written and recorded and a few charming vignettes on how the band came to be. It's a must have if you're a fan. [from Destination:Beautiful | buy | buy DVD ] [...]

This summer I listened to a hand-labeled CD marked "Prabir And The Substitutes" in simple Sharpie script at least a dozen times through from front to back in a single week. If you could see the avalanche of submissions awaiting my feeble attention, then you would see what a feat this is -- for one little album to ensnare my attention so thoroughly on repeat and not let me up for air. It was the perfect soundtrack to a good chunk of my July, and rediscovering it at the first chill of October I realize that I never gave it [...]

Tonight in Baltimore the Hexagon ( Lo-Fi Social Club ) has Lucinda Black Bear and Aspiga. Also in Baltimore is James Jackson Toh, Small Sur, and Dutchess and the Duke who play The Talking Head . In DC the Red and the Black ahs Prabir and the Substitutes, Tereu Tereu, Red Racer, and Wakey Wakey. Another DC event is at the Black Cat with Bellman Barker, Andy Zipf, and Cobra Collective. Finall in Philly Violens, Relay, Ape School, and Pink Skull play Johnny Brenda's. Enjoy! mp3: Prabir & The Substitutes - Oh, [...]

It's the unofficial last weekend of summer. Those of you that are not heading towards the coast, have a few options available. There are mostly local acts playing local venues, with a couple big name shows thrown in for good measure. Austin is representing this weekend at Towson University, when What Made Milwaukee Famous takes the stage. They are on tour in support of their new album What Doesn't Kill Us and I definitely recommend it. Those of you in Philly can [...]

Another summer weekend with a boatload of shows to check out. Here's what's going on. Summer is the time for festivals and this Saturday the Download Festival rolls through the Philly area for the only east coast date of this three city festival. It is a huge line-up featuring The Killers, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, Ghostland Observatory, The Parlor Mob, The Duke Spirit, Colour Revolt, Louis XIV, Sia, The Whigs, The Airborne Toxic Event, Eli Reed, and Philly's own Man Man. It'll be a [...]

If you managed to make through the 13th unscathed then be sure to check out some fabulous DC and Philly shows tonight. In DC the Party Pit has our friends Bellman Barker, Prabir & The Substitutes, and The Private Sea. Also in DC, the 9:30 Club has Battles and Thank You while the Red and the Black has Squaaks, Gary B and The Notions, Sonic Cheetahs Of Death, and Secret Pop Band. Finally in Philly, the Barbary has Tullycraft, Scary Monster, and Surefire Broadcast. mp3: Tullycraft - Stowaway mp3: Prabir & The [...]

So it's that day again....why not slowly make your way over to some great events around town. The National Mall in DC has some sweet performers for the Green Apple Festival including Talib Kweli, The Roots, and Thievery Corporation. OR maybe you would like to be indoors fo Greenland and Pranir at the Black Cat in DC or Mystery Palace, Grandchildren and DJ Heavy Flow at the Millcreek Tavern in Philly. mp3: Greenland - We Are Clipper Ships --> website --> buy mp3: Prabir & The Substitutes - [...]

Many, many options this weekend in the area to catch your favorite music. Every night has something definitely worthwhile, all over the region. Friday Imperial China is having a CD release party and they want you there! They are with Double Dagger , Zulu Pearls , and the Black & White Jacksons . Catch them at the Rock and Roll Hotel in DC. One of my picks for Best of Philly '07 (and in serious contention for it this year [...]

If you're like me, you enjoy getting in the car to drive to or from work and putting the ipod on shuffle. Just letting the music take you where it's going to take you. Recently, when I do this, a band has me frequently picking my ipod up and saying, "Who is this?" It's Monogold. Then I press repeat. Monogold is a four piece band from New York that plays dramatic indie rock that is seldom heard. The band formed in 2002, when they all met at a NY college, first being called R.U.O.K.. [...]

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 [...]