I just sat through a whole Nickleback video – because I was too lazy to change the channel. I feel like slitting my wrists now…but I’m also too lazy for that. I’ll just settle for self-loathing, I guess.

In other Nickle-related news, Nickel Eye (side project of The Strokes’ Nikolai Fraiture) will be playing at the El Mocambo on January 20th, along with Low Vs Diamond; tickets are $12.50. Honestly, is it just me or do all Strokes side projects sound the same? I have yet to listen to Nickel Eye but from what I’ve already heard fromAlbert Hammond Jr. and Fabrizio Moretti’s latest project, Little Joy, they all sound like mediocre versions of The Strokes. Not that sounding like The Strokes is a bad thing; I love them – but come on guys, give me a new album!

If you were as big of a fan as I was of Bon Iver’s 2007/2008 release, For Emma, Forever Ago and you’re craving more, go to his MySpace right now to stream his upcoming EP, Blood Bank. Blood Bank will be officially released January 20th (Jagjaguwar).

The New Year has a new video out for “Seven Days and Seven Nights (Airport)”. Watch here.

SHOWS: Reminders, New Listings, Opening Acts
Land of Talk @ Horseshoe (Thursday January 15) $10
Bishop Allen, Hooded Fang, Electric Owls @ El Mocambo (Saturday January 17) $10
Magneta Lane, Ashley, Wilderness, The Stormalongs @ Horseshoe (Thursday January 22) $4
Passion Pit @ Horseshoe (Saturday January 24) $10
Beast @ Mod Club (Thursday January 29 – rescheduled from December 19) $10
*Secondhand Serenade, Everlea, Meg and Dia @ Mod Club (Tuesday February 3) $20
The Virgins @ El Mocambo (Thursday February 5) $12.50
Lykke Li, Wildbirds & Peacedrums @ Phoenix (Friday February 6) $22.50
Emm Gryner @ Glen Gould Studio (Saturday February 7) $29.50

Speaking of the Glen Gould Studio, how is it there? There’s been shows in the past that I’ve wanted to attend there (e.g. Apostle of Hustle), but it’s always been a little pricy for me. If someone could let me know how the venue is, that would be great! Just a curious thought.

I also thought I’d end of this new post with another curious question – with all the talk about the new Animal Collective album being oh-so-amazing (you and your 9.2′s, Pitchfork), is it really worth checking out? I’m not a frequent AC listener, although I’ll listen to the odd track from 2005′s Feels but I would like to hear your opinion on the record. Is it really the best album of 2009? Keep in mind, someone said that about Vampire Weekend early on last year and I am not crazy about them. But then again, they’re two totally different bands. Anyway, voice away your thoughts! I want to hear!

Happy listening!

Musically,
Melody